A Canterlot Rebellion

Chapters

Prologue: Victory
Chapter 1: Promises
Chapter 2: Gambit
Chapter 3: Escape
Chapter 4: Hurricane
Chapter 5: Hope
Chapter 6: Rescue
Chapter 7: Deceived
Chapter 8: Execution
Chapter 9: Respite
Chapter 10: The Final Cards
Epilogue: Love is in Bloom

Prologue: Victory

They had won. Screams of fear echoed in the distance, punctuated by the impact of her troops falling from the sky. The faint smell of smoke wafted through the air. The Almighty Celestia hung helplessly overhead. Canterlot was HERS. It was enough to make her want to sing. She banished the thought with a snort. There was no time for that now.

"You won't get away with this!"

Queen Chrysalis turned her attention to Princess Cadance. She was anchored to the floor, weak from exhaustion and hunger from her imprisonment in the caves, but the fire in her eyes was unmistakable. Chrysalis glanced over to Shining Armor. There was no indication Cadance's voice reached her fiancé. He was solidly under her control. Her eyes moved back to Cadance, who continued.

"Twilight and her friends will-"

She was interrupted by the sound of the giant doors opening. A squad of changeling guards entered, herding a group of five ponies. A sixth dangled in the air, held by two more guards. Chrysalis looked back to Cadance with a cruel smile. "You were saying?"

She turned back to the ponies. "You do realize the reception has been canceled? Where were you six off to in such a hurry?" She walked towards the purple unicorn at the head of the pack. Twilight Sparkle. The only one who saw through her deception. The one who almost ruined it all. Chrysalis used a hoof to raise her face, forcing Twilight to look in her eyes. "Don't you want to see the beautiful future I have planned for your home?"

Twilight angrily slapped the queen's hoof away. She opened her mouth to speak, but Chrysalis cut her off with a spell from her horn. The unicorn screamed in pain as her body was engulfed by green light and collapsed to the floor. The hall erupted with noise: gasps from the ponies, cries from Cadance and the dragon beside her, and an angry shout from the rainbow pegasus.

"You'll pay for that bug-breath!" She was wrestling with her guards in mid air, kicking wildly. In an instant she was free and charging the queen, dodging the changelings who took off after her. In another instant she came to a dead stop. Green energy surrounded her throat. Her hooves desperately pried at the magic like it were a physical object. With a flick of her horn Chrysalis slammed the pegasus to the ground next to Twilight Sparkle.

Chrysalis glared at the other four ponies, horn glowing with another attack. The orange one was ready to charge, but was restrained by the white unicorn. The yellow pegasus huddled on the floor. One of her soldiers was pulling the pink pony away from a large cannon.

The queen blinked. Where had that come from?

She looked down at the two mares at her feet. Twilight had regained her composure and fearfully looked up at her, unsure what to do. Three guards had jumped on the pegasus and held her to the ground. Chrysalis sneered. "Was that anyway for you to treat your new queen?" She glanced at the three guards. "Take her away. Be sure to teach her some respect." She looked at the other four ponies and said, "Do what you will with them. Just keep them separated."

The guards left to carry out her orders. The ponies were dragged out. Chrysalis loomed over Twilight Sparkle. Her horn glowed and she lifted the unicorn's body. She turned and threw her at Princess Cadance's feet. Cadance immediately crouched down and covered Twilight's head with her own, whispering faintly. Chrysalis sent a bolt of energy flying overhead, silencing her.

"I have plans for you two."

Chapter 1: Promises

Rainbow Dash focused her eyes on the moon with a feeling of surprise. Not because Princess Luna had raised the moon as usual in spite of the attack on Canterlot. She hadn't even thought of Luna until this moment. Was Luna captured too? Was the moon her sign to Equestria that she was still free? It didn't matter. Rainbow just couldn't believe that much time had already passed. The sun was up when the attack started. And she had been in this room since the "meeting" with the queen.

Teach her some respect.

The weight of a changeling on her back pinned her body to the floor. The feeling of his hot breath on her ear made her skin crawl. The pain from her wings nearly blinded her as two more changelings pulled and twisted them at obscene angles. She kept her eyes fixed on the moon outside the window. Nothing else existed in her world. She ground her teeth and braced herself for the inevitable break.

Teach her some respect.

And then the guards were gone. Rainbow groaned as she started to stand. She pulled herself to a wall for support. Daggers of pain pierced her chest with every breath. Her head throbbed. As Rainbow's vision cleared she looked around the room. Two changelings stood in the center blocking her path to the door. A third hovered in the air beside the window. The furniture had been pulled to a wall and out of the way. Why did they stop?

Teach her some respect.

They were toying with her. When they first dragged her in here all three of them attacked. She resisted, but she never had a chance. One of them always held onto her, pinning her in place, keeping her from making a real effort to fight back. She willed her legs to move, slowly making her way towards a corner. The changelings watched her progress. The only sound in the room was her shallow breathing. Finally, one of the two moved in on her.

No way out. The guard stayed by the window to block an aerial escape, and her walk to the corner told her she wouldn't have the speed to run around the others. She had to fight. Surprise them, she thought. It's your last chance. She turned as the changeling walked closer, facing the corner. She bent her knees and heard laughter from behind her. It looked like she was cowering. They thought she had given up. Good.

She planted her front hooves as the guard approached. Her back legs bent upwards and shot out quick as a whip driving into her enemy's chest. She felt resistance for an instant, and with a loud CRACK that instant was gone. She turned her head and saw the guard behind her doubled over on the floor. Applejack would have been proud. One down.

She charged the guard in the center of the room. Pain racked her body as she ran, but she ignored it. She had no choice. Rainbow turned her head at the last instant and drilled him with her shoulder. The changeling staggered back, but was able to wrap his front legs around hers. He held her in place, and then the third guard was there. His kick slammed into her body and drove the wind out of her. When she was released she sank uselessly back to the floor, gasping for air.

They left her there and went to help up their injured friend. He locked eyes with Rainbow as he rose, clutching his chest with one hoof, breathing as hard as she was. Rainbow smiled, admiring her work. That minor victory felt good after so much failure. "The Apples say 'hi' bird bait."

The changeling's blue eyes burned with anger. The other two rushed forward and dragged her to her feet. The injured one stood in front of her and lashed out with a hoof to strike her across the face. Rainbow's world spun for a moment, and then went black.

She came to with a start. Cold seeped through her body from the stone floor she found herself lying on. Two changelings stood outside a doorway. Behind them was a wall holding a pair of torches. The changelings slammed shut a door made of metal bars before she could stand and walked off to their left. Stone floors, metal bars, and a hallway of torches? Rainbow Dash pushed herself up and chuckled. Another day, another dungeon.

"R-Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow turned in surprise. In the corner of the cell lay a shape, hidden behind a long pink tail. A pair of bright blue eyes looked out at her. The figure stood to reveal a pale yellow coat. Fluttershy. Rainbow just couldn't believe it. Was it really her?

"Oh, Rainbow I was so worried. You were so limp when they brought you in. I thought you were...R-Rainbow? What are you doing?"

Rainbow Dash had taken a fighting crouch, back to the stone wall of the cell, her eyes burning a hole through the creature in front of her. She would make him pay for this. "I won't fall for this trick." She immediately saw a young Fluttershy lying on a cloud, taunted by bullies. She remembered the righteous anger and the need to stand up for the young filly, and pushed the memory out of her mind.

"I...I don't understand."

"It took three of you to beat me last time. I don't care how much they hurt me. I won't lose to you!" She saw Fluttershy running from tornado practice, crying in fear, and again forced herself to forget.

The changeling looked ready to cry. Just like Cadance at the wedding rehearsal. That meant nothing. It took a step forward. "Rainbow, it's me. Fluttershy. What's wrong?"

This sick joke had gone on long enough. She lunged forward, eye-to-eye with the thing in front of her. "Change back! This is pointless. Didn't your friends beat me enough for you? So just change back!"

The blue eyes went wide in surprise, and then she saw them tear up. The changeling reached forward. Rainbow Dash clenched her eyes shut. She couldn't do it. They picked the one pony she could never bring herself to hurt. She lowered her head and braced herself for the attack. The changeling wrapped its foreleg around her shoulders and pulled her in. The other front hoof grabbed the back of her head. Warmth spread through Rainbow's body as she was held against its chest.

And all was still.

She looked up at her friend. "You...you're real?"

With tears streaming from her eyes, Fluttershy answered with a heartbreaking smile.

Rainbow Dash collapsed. Fluttershy held on, guiding her down to the floor. Rainbow buried her burning eyes into Fluttershy's coat. The tears finally came. She failed Celestia when her princess couldn't protect Equestria by herself. She failed Twilight Sparkle when her friend was at the mercy of that evil witch. She held onto the tears while she endured those thoughts during her punishment from the guards. Now in Fluttershy's embrace, after trying to attack her, she couldn't hold them back anymore.

She tried to get a hold of herself. She tried to say something and become Rainbow Dash again, even just an apology, but her voice broke every time. Fluttershy cradled her head. A moment later a pair of wings wrapped around her body. Fluttershy rested her own head on top of Rainbow's mane. She bristled again at the feeling of breath on her ear, but instead of pain, there was only the sound of a whisper to go with it.

"Hush now, quiet now, it's time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now..."

Rainbow slowly began to smile as the lullaby continued. How many animals had Fluttershy comforted like this? But, she supposed, that's what I looked like to her. A wounded animal. She sighed as the warmth of Fluttershy's soft feathers eased her sore body. The gentle melody weighed down her head. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and slept.

A loud, vicious snarl woke Fluttershy. She was lying on her side and could feel Rainbow Dash still sleeping next to her. She quickly looked around and saw nothing. Did she dream it? A low, angry growl paralyzed her with fear. Something was in the dungeon with them.

And it was right behind her.

She turned and was blasted in the face with another snarl from Rainbow Dash's mouth. A still sleeping Rainbow Dash. Another quick glance around confirmed the lack of Timberwolves, dragons, griffons, cockatrices, manticores, hydras, or basilisks. She still waited to hear a few more of Rainbow's snores before allowing herself to breathe again.

She took it as a good sign that Rainbow was snoring, curled up on her wing like it was a cloud. Oh, her wing! It was completely numb. She considered pushing Rainbow off but decided against it. If her friend needed to sleep, then her friend needed to sleep. Especially this friend. She remembered how helpless Rainbow Dash looked between the two changelings as they dragged her to the cell. How Rainbow, always so strong and confident in the air, fell like a piece of trash when she was thrown in. The pain in her eyes when she confronted Fluttershy. The shame when Fluttershy hugged her.

Fluttershy squeezed her eyes shut to force the images out of her mind. She never wanted to see Rainbow Dash like that again. With Celestia as her witness, she never would. A sore wing was a small price to pay for that.

"Oh, sorry Fluttershy." Her eyes snapped open. Pins and needles filled her wing as Rainbow stood up. "Have you been awake long? You could have rolled me off."

"No, no, I'm OK." Fluttershy sat up and flapped her wing. "You needed your rest."

"Yeah, um...thank you. I...well, thanks." They traded smiles. Rainbow started stretching. "Where are the others?"

"They took Applejack away as soon as the queen sent us out. Rarity was taken away soon after. I...I don't think they liked her talking very much. And then Pinkie and I were separated when we got to the dungeons." She turned as she spoke to follow Rainbow jogging around their cell.

"What about Twilight?"

"I don't know. I think the big one kept her. You know, their leader."

"Has anything else happened?"

Fluttershy watched in disbelief. Now she was doing wing-ups? "Well, two guards came into the cell before they brought you. They didn't do anything. They just stood...and watched me."

"Huh. So have you found anything that can help us?"

"Help us? What do you mean?"

"Escape! You've been here longer. Any loose bars on the door? Secret tunnel? Some kind of puzzle contraption in the walls? Maybe-"

The sound of approaching footsteps made her silent. The two ponies took an involuntary step closer to each other. Rainbow looked at her with mild surprise. Three changelings stepped into view. One held a key in his mouth. After inserting it into the door, he raised a hoof and pointed at Fluttershy.

Time stood still. Rainbow stiffened beside her. Me?

The changeling pulled the door open. The two others stepped forwards. Rainbow shouted something and charged. The two stepped back and the door was pushed shut. Rainbow hit the hard metal and was thrown backwards by three beams of green light. She struck the back wall and sank to the ground. It all happened a thousand miles away.

Me?

Fluttershy came back to reality when she was shoved aside by one of the guards. All three were inside the cell. All three walked towards Rainbow Dash, who was struggling to stand. Trapped. They would hurt her. It was going to happen again right in front of her. Because of her.

"Stop! I-I'll go. Please, don't hurt her."

Rainbow froze with two of her legs straight and the other two bent at the knee. Fluttershy rose as one of the guards walked over to her. The other two never took their eyes off their target. He wrapped a leg around her neck and dragged her out as the other two began to back away. She looked back at Rainbow Dash, still frozen in place. "I'll be fine. We'll both be fine. It-"

The slam of the door and lock of the key snapped Rainbow out of her shock. "No! No, you won't be fine. They'll-” The guards hissed as Rainbow approached the door. They shoved Fluttershy down the hallway. She could hear Rainbow pounding against the metal bars, testing them for weakness. "Fluttershy!" The changeling tightened its grip around her throat to cut off any reply. Rainbow's cry repeated several times as she was herded out of the cell block.

scrape... scrape... scrape

Rainbow Dash dragged her hoof across the wall knocking off loose bits of stone and mortar. She ground the bits up on the floor as best she could and pushed them towards each other. Fluttershy had been gone too long. She guessed at least a day had passed.

scrape...scrape...scrape

She failed. Again. And what Fluttershy said, "don't hurt her," ate at her constantly. Fluttershy was protecting her. She knew that. But that made her feel worse. She was surprised by the magic attack. That wouldn't happen again.

scrape...scrape...scrape

She swore for the thousandth time that she wouldn't fail again. That she would find Fluttershy and rescue her. That she would protect her from then on. That when the changelings tried to hurt her friends again she would be ready for them.

Chapter 2: Gambit

Footsteps approached. Rainbow was lying on her side facing the back wall. She craned her neck over to look outside. Two changelings. One working the door, one ready to come inside. The doorman finished with the lock and looked in at her. His horn glowed green already. The second stepped towards her.

Show time.

She rolled onto her stomach and faced the guard, holding one front hoof to her body. The guard came closer. She rose to her knees. He stopped. Closer, you son of a sow. He studied her for a second. His eyes dropped to her hoof. Both changelings growled. The one inside her cell pointed wildly at her hoof. Rainbow didn't move. He fired a blast over her head and gestured again. She stretched her leg out to show him...nothing. He snorted and stepped closer.

Her tail whipped forward and threw a pile of gravel in his eyes. He raised his forelegs with a shout. In a flash she was up and pushing against him. A green bolt struck where she lay. One final shove sent the blinded guard falling backwards into the path of the shutting door, stopping it cold.

She leapt forward with everything she had, wings flapping for more acceleration. She collided with the blind one and drove him to the wall outside the cell. The metal bars were sent swinging back into the doorman's face. Rainbow jumped in the air to uppercut the changeling. She planted her hind legs on the wall and pushed off towards the dazed doorman. She angled to avoid a head on collision, but held out a leg to wrap around his neck. She dropped to the ground and drove his head into the floor. Both guards lay unconscious. She was free.

Rainbow looked around. She was in a long hallway of cells. There was an open doorway at one end. She called out once, heard no reply from other prisoners, and sprinted for the exit. She came into a small room with the same stone construction as her cell. All four walls held a door. Directly across from her sat another door of bars. Another hallway stretched out behind it. It was a mirror image of where she just came from. She remembered Fluttershy's words, "Pinkie and I were separated."

"Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow dashed to the door. It was locked. She pressed her muzzle between two bars and called out again. "Pinkie! Are you in there? Answer me!" The only answer was silence. Rather, silence after her echoes died down. Maybe shouting at the top of her lungs wasn't the best thing to do during a jailbreak...

She turned around and noticed a small stool sitting in a corner by the door she came from. A row of keys hung from the wall above it. A jailer's post. This part of the castle may not have seen this much activity for decades. Maybe centuries. Rainbow shook her head to clear her thoughts and focused on the remaining two doors in the room. One was a solid piece of cast iron, like something Big Macintosh would use to plow Sweet Apple Acres. The other was made of rotting wood. Rainbow didn't even bother with the keys. One good kick smashed through.

There was a stone ramp leading up a corridor. Rainbow galloped upwards. The air smelled fresher with every stride. An open doorway was waiting at the top and beyond that the white walls of the castle proper. And so much more. Rainbow gazed in disbelief at the treasure trove of weapons and armor lying before her. Spears and blades of all shapes and sizes lined the walls. Suits of armor stood in ranks throughout the room. From shining gold to dusky gray, both bulky and sleek, some with elaborate inscriptions and designs while others were simple and practical. She smiled at the thought of Twilight Sparkle and Spike dashing through this museum with quills and parchment, the dutiful dragon desperately trying to keep up with the unicorn's description of each item along with its place and purpose in Pony History.

Rainbow sighed as she realized there was no window to be found, no easy way out of the castle. Her only option was to risk sneaking through the halls. She looked up to the ceiling and saw enough room to fly over the sea of armor. She took flight and was halfway through the room when it caught her eye. There, on the wall to her left, was an upside down spear. She stopped in the air and looked around. There were no other spears like it. Curiosity got the better of her and she flew over to investigate.

The tip of the spear pointed to a brick that sat at eye level. Not only that, but two more spears, on the right and left, also had their tips pointed directly to that brick. Rainbow shook her head. It was too weird. No way was it coincidence. She raised a hoof and pushed it against the brick. A section of the wall fell away revealing a dark entrance that smelled staler than the dungeon. A tunnel?

Rainbow flew up to a torch mounted on the wall and took it in her mouth. She tossed it inside. The flame revealed a smooth stone wall. A path led to the right and to the left. It looked like the armory was a half-way point. Rainbow entered the tunnel and lifted the section of wall on the other side. There was a small handle on the back allowing easy access of the armory from the inside.

An angry buzz from the armory grabbed her attention. She recognized it immediately: changeling wings. The tunnel was her best chance to move unnoticed now. She replaced the wall, grabbed the torch, and headed left. She thought left would lead back down to the dungeon, and maybe to Fluttershy, but to her surprise the left path soon had a steep incline that snaked its way around itself like a stairwell. The tight quarters kept her grounded. The climb was frustratingly slow. Still, Rainbow Dash pressed on.

Twilight Sparkle yelped in pain. She threw down her chain in frustration. Her collar was becoming unbearable. She recognized it from her history books the instant Queen Chrysalis showed it to her, a collar enchanted to control unicorn criminals. Or, she realized, a unicorn slave. Her effort to squeeze chain links between the collar and her neck to create a degree of separation wasn't the first time she had felt its punishing shock. Nor, she resolved, would it be the last.

The length of chain anchored her collar to a wall in Princess Celestia's chambers. An luxurious bedroll with golden pillows lay in the center, a taunting comfort that was just beyond her reach. Chrysalis slept there though, oh yes she did. Chrysalis with her cheerful question of how Twilight slept, then pulling out the chain-with magic, another slap in the face-and leading her to the throne room. And there she stayed while Chrysalis played court with her soldiers. There she stayed while Celestia hung from the ceiling like a trophy. There she stayed lying at the foot of the throne like a pet, like a useless-

"Stop it," Twilight told herself. "The queen is gone. You don't know how long she'll be gone. You don't know when she'll leave you alone again. You can't waste time. Focus." There was a fire place next to her. Maybe she could heat the chain enough the break it. The chain pulled taught before she could put any part of it in the flame. She instinctively turned and started pulling in a different angle, trying to create just a few more inches of length. The enchanted collar sent another spark through her body. Her eyes moved to an elaborate tapestry of the night sky on the other side of her anchor point. If she could reach that and set it on fire...

It moved. Twilight blinked, not registering what she had just seen. It moved again like it was being pushed from the other side. A hoof stretched out underneath it and pulled up to reveal Rainbow Dash standing in front of a hole in the wall with a lit torch lying behind her. Their eyes met. "What are you doing here?!" sounded in unison. Rainbow started flying circles around Twilight as the unicorn reared back into the air.

"You're alive!"

"You're alive!"

"You're free!"

"You're not! Let me get that for you."

"No! Chrysalis will know you were here."

"Chrissy who?"

"Chrysalis. The changeling queen."

"You're coming with me! She won't know a thing."

“No! She hates me. She'll tear Canterlot apart until she finds me again."

"I'll get the Elements of Harmony! Then we find the others-"

"No! They moved the Elements. She rubbed them in my face and hid them in the castle."

"Did you see where? This tunnel might lead-"

"No! Rainbow, you need to leave me behind. Find Princess Luna. I think she's organizing a resistance in Equestria."

"I'm not lea-"

"No! She made Shining Armor erect his force field again. You'll never get out. OK, first you need to find my brother. No! The queen is with him. She's casting her spell to keep him strong. Well then, first you need to wait until he's alone. No! He'll be watched. They can't afford to let him collapse. In that case, first you need to take out his guards. No! You need to get out of the castle immediately. They'll be looking for you. Break the force field. A sonic rainboom should do it. No! That would-"

"Will you stop that?! You're driving me nuts!"

"What do you expect with zero prep time?!" Twilight jumped up to stare Rainbow eye-to-eye. "You should have told me you were going to escape!" She landed back on the ground and glared up, nostrils flaring with each breath. There was a pause. Rainbow's [i[snrk finally made her realize what she just said. She fell over with laughter, Rainbow landing on top of her, pounding the floor with her hoof. Twilight wiped a tear from her eye as they stood back up.

”Hey, what was that for?" Rainbow asked in surprise.

"For you! I thought we were finished. It's been two days since they took over. I've sat in the throne room with nothing to do but think about how I failed and listen about their free reign over Canterlot. Maybe now we can start fighting back."

Rainbow blinked. "These things talk?"

"To each other. And when they report to the queen, of course. That's how I know Luna escaped the trap set for her. She must have gone to Ponyville immediately. When the changeling scouts got there it was a ghost town. Oh, they also reported being attacked by streaks of blue and gold. It sounds like the Wonderbolts got out too."

Twilight smiled as Rainbow's face lit up. "And they'll warn Cloudsdale! The pegasi can turn the weather on these fly freaks! Equestria isn't finished yet!"

"They have an iron grip on Canterlot though. My brother is still under her control."

"And so are the others. Where are they?"

"The queen isn't concerned about them. I think she just wanted you separated from each other. She doesn't care what the soldiers do to you beyond that. I heard that Pinkie escaped though."

"What? How?"

"I don't know. They don't know. They left her alone in the dungeons and then found her dragging her party cannon through the castle halls later on. They're not letting her out of sight now."

"What about Fluttershy? They took her away a long time ago."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "You saw Fluttershy? That doesn't make any sense. The queen ordered you separated."

"They put us in the same cell down in the dungeon. Twilight, I have to find her."

Twilight looked hard at Rainbow. The pegasus started shifting uncomfortably under her scrutiny. "Rainbow...are you sure it was her?" She cut off the reply by raising a hoof. "Just hear me out. We're in this mess because every pony assumed Cadance was real." Rainbow grimaced at that. "This is a war. Even with Luna and the Wonderbolts Equestria will need help. The Royal Guard was defeated and Celestia was captured. We don't have another standing army anywhere. The only ace up our sleeve right now is you. If you get caught because they were just playing with your head-"

"And how do I know you're you? How do you know I'm me?" Rainbow was airborne again, inches away from Twilight's face, glaring down. "She was real. I need to help her. I'm going to find her if I have to tear down this whole castle!" Twilight was speechless. Where did [i[that come from? She knew Rainbow and Fluttershy were close, but there was nothing approaching that reaction about the rest of the others. Loyalty, she reminded herself.

"Well, I know you're you because you just flippantly walked through a wall in enemy territory. Like sneaking into a hospital to steal a book without covering your rainbow tail color." Rainbow laughed and landed as the tension broke. "I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, but I don't know where Fluttershy is. The only reason I knew about Pinkie is because the soldiers reported she escaped. Like I said, the queen doesn't care what they do with you. She took me for her own and the others...Rainbow, we're just playthings to them."

That put some fire in Rainbow's eyes. That was what she wanted to see. "Alright Twilight, you want to start fighting back? I'm game. What do you want me to do?"

"We have to buy Luna time to organize an attack. Plus, we need to warn her if they invade anywhere else. Finally, we need to coordinate with her when she's ready to make her move. If we can bring down the force field on our end, like with a sonic rainboom, her job will be easier. In short, we need to communicate. Find Spike. Maybe he can redirect his letters. He's somewhere in the city."

Rainbow Dash gawked at her, jaw open. "You came up with all that off the top of your head?"

"I haven't had anything to do but think for two days. I thought I mentioned that."

Rainbow rubbed her head. "OK, but wasn't Spike caught? I saw him standing next to Cadance."

"Yes, but he wasn't there after our scuffle with Chrysalis. He wouldn't stick around the castle with all the changelings either. He must have slipped out and gone into the city."

"Where would I find him?"

"He's a baby dragon. He'll need his food. Now you need to leave. I don't know when Chrysalis will be back. Oh! Loosen up this collar before you go."

Rainbow looked confused, but started to work with the collar. "What is this thing anyway?"

"Anti-magical containment equipment. It drains the magic energy from the wearer and can shock them if they try to remove it. Stop! That's perfect." The collar was still attached, but she felt stronger than she had for two days. "I'll be able to cast a spell or two now. Remember what I said about you being our only ace? Well, now we have another."

"What good would one or two spells do?"

"Nothing. But a little bit of nothing can change everything." Rainbow Dash face hoofed. "Daring Do and the Mummy's Mask. She says it right before the fight in-"

"Gah! Don't tell me! I haven't read that one yet." Twilight giggled, her body's movement rattling the chain. Rainbow sighed. "Look, that thing shocks you. It's still on too tight. You're chained. Come with me."

"I can't. Chrysalis will hunt me down. She hates me. My staying here will keep her complacent. Plus, I can hear their plans. We need that advantage." Rainbow started shifting uncomfortably again. "Go. I'll be fine." Twilight's brow furrowed in confusion as Rainbow froze in place. "It's not like you to hesitate. Are you OK?"

"I hate this Twilight."

"I hate it too. Just stay safe." Twilight Sparkle lay down by the wall to wait for the queen's return. "You're our only hope right now."

Rainbow Dash flew to the wall. With one last look over her shoulder she flipped up the tapestry and was gone.

Chapter 3: Escape

Rainbow Dash stood at the crossroads. To her right sat the way into the armory and Fluttershy somewhere beyond it. Ahead of her stretched out the remainder of the tunnel. One exit to a bedroom, another to a room full of supplies, she bet the third exit would lead out of the castle and into the task of finding one little dragon in an entire city. The meeting with Twilight Sparkle played in her mind again. I'll be fine. The exact same thing Fluttershy said. And it left her with the exact same helpless feeling.

Where was Fluttershy now? Twilight said they were all playthings for the changelings. Were they hurting her? Did they leave her tied up somewhere like Twilight? Could she wait long enough for Rainbow Dash to find Spike and come back? And how long would that take? A baby dragon would need his food. Some hint that was.

It's not like you to hesitate. She opened the way to the armory. Fluttershy and Twilight didn't know about her promise, but Rainbow Dash did. Fluttershy was strong for her when Rainbow was weak. She owed her. Equestria could wait a little longer. All she had to do was not get caught.

She was almost immediately caught. As she took to the air she saw two changelings do the same coming from the dungeon entrance. She dropped down behind a row of armor and waited for them to exit. It took a minute for her breathing to return to normal. The dungeon wasn't as empty as she left it. That would be the only reason for guards to keep coming down here. Rainbow flew through the door, down the ramp, and into the jailer's room.

It was empty. Was she wrong? If Pinkie escaped too, wouldn't they keep at least one guard here to keep an eye on any prisoners? She was cornered if this was a trap. There was plenty of room to spring an ambush from here to her tunnel. But, if this was a trap, she already came this far. And there was one thing that bothered her...

The heavy iron door stared her in the face. And sticking out of it was a key. She couldn't remember if it was there before or not. In her rush to escape she just took the easier path. She walked to the door and pushed against it. It cracked open by an inch. A sound came from behind it, nothing but a faint echo she couldn't identify. She set her hooves, planted her shoulder to the door, and pushed. It slowly swung open to reveal darkness.

All Rainbow Dash could see was her shadow stretching before her. Whatever this section of the dungeon was used for there was no light inside it. Five steps in and she couldn't see her own hoo- "WHOA!" She fell headfirst into the black before flapping her wings to reorient herself. Her cry echoed down as she hovered in place. She turned to face the light of the door expecting it to be covered by the bodies of approaching changelings, but the only reaction to the noise was a small voice that came from below.

"H-Hello?"

"Fluttershy!" Rainbow flipped and dove into the nothingness, holding her hooves in front of her to block her crash. "Hold on, I'll get you out of there!"

"Rainbow Dash? No! It's a trap!" Rainbow hit the bottom of the...pit? Well? Whatever it was, and frantically pawed in the dark to find Fluttershy. "Rainbow, they were expecting this. The queen came to me after you escaped. She told them to use me as bait. To-ah!" Rainbow wrapped her front legs around Fluttershy and took off. "Are you even listening to me?"

"Yeah, I just don't care. No way I'm leaving you here." Fluttershy fell silent. Rainbow carried her up and out into the jailer's room before putting her down. She saw a rope wrapped around Fluttershy's body, pinning her wings. She started pulling it loose with her teeth.

"It doesn't matter Rainbow. They're waiting for us up there. They knew you would follow me if they just made enough noise dragging me back here. 'Watch the door until you see her go into the armory. Then wait for her outside the dungeon.' That's what she said. There's no way out." She fell silent again at the sound of Rainbow Dash's muffled laughter.

Rainbow finished with the rope and let it drop to the ground. "Oh, yes there is. They didn't see me come in." She flashed Fluttershy a confident grin. "Trust me. We're getting out of here." Fluttershy followed her up to the armory and gasped when Rainbow took off, completely exposing herself to an attack. She motioned for Fluttershy to follow and led her to the tunnel entrance. Rainbow laughed again when she saw Fluttershy's look of shock. "I wonder how long it'll be before they realize you're gone?" The two ponies rearranged the three spears before entering the tunnel. Rainbow sealed the wall behind them and was immediately crushed by a hug from Fluttershy when she turned around.

"Thank you Rainbow Dash! I knew you would come back for me, but they knew it too, and I wished you wouldn't, and it was so dark, and I was so scared for you when I heard you, and..."

Rainbow chuckled as Fluttershy went on. "Calm down. You're embarrassing me." She gently pushed Fluttershy away and looked her over. "You know, you probably look better than I did after my date with those chumps."

Fluttershy shuddered at the thought. "N-Nothing really happened. They took me to a room like...like barracks. There was no way out but the door. They started pushing me around. I just...dropped to the floor. I was so scared. I didn't know what to do. They...they started shouting at me." She grabbed Rainbow in another hug. "It was horrible! Their fangs were so sharp, and they were right in my face! I didn't think they would ever stop. But...they did. They just left after a while."

Rainbow sighed in relief as she pushed Fluttershy away again. "Sounds like they were itching for a fight. But if you didn't give it to them, why'd they keep you there?"

"Well...they came back in every so often to push me again. First one and then more. I think they were laughing at me." She jumped as Rainbow Dash kicked the wall.

Rainbow sneered and muttered, "We're just playthings to them." She bent down to grab her torch and started down the right path. Fluttershy followed. The cramped space forced them to walk single file. Unlike the left path, the right kept a straight line with no noticeable incline or decline. They walked in silence for some time. Eventually, Rainbow Dash shifted the torch to one side of her mouth and looked back at Fluttershy. "Shoo shaw ze queen?"

"Hm? Oh! Yes, she stormed in shouting that you escaped. She was furious. I wasn't even able to understand her at first. Then she just kept screaming about how we did it, how we did it, how we did it." Rainbow hummed to let her know she was listening, Pinkie Pie's escape on her mind. "I didn't know what she meant. She didn't believe me. She said that pit was a trap for me as much as for you."

Rainbow Dash stopped in her tracks. Fluttershy bumped into her and apologized. Rainbow was too concerned with the wall in front of her to notice. There was an arrow etched into it, pointing up. She looked up and the flame of the torch revealed an image of Celestia's sun symbol carved in the ceiling. Rainbow reared up and placed both front hooves on the sun. Her push sent a square tile swinging up and over resulting in the sharp crack of stones colliding.

Moonlight flooded the tunnel. The purple color of Shining Armor's force field served as the sky. Rainbow Dash dropped the torch and climbed up into a Canterlot alley. She reached down to pull Fluttershy out to join her. Fluttershy's face fell when she saw the force field hanging overhead.

"We...we can't get out. Rainbow, what do we do?" Rainbow Dash was crouched over their exit point, and was examining the trap door from the outside. A distant noise caused Fluttershy to jump and back into her. She looked at Fluttershy in annoyance as she closed to tunnel again.

"Would you settle down?" Rainbow trotted to the end of the alley and looked around the street. There was no pony or changeling in sight. She looked up to make sure the skies were clear. She turned back to Fluttershy and was surprised to see how close the castle remained. "We need to find-"

She saw a green flash reflected in Fluttershy's eyes. She turned as a barrage of magic blasts flew by the alley entrance. Fluttershy pulled her against a wall. They both watched as an orange blur sprinted by chased by four changelings. Fluttershy gasped, "Was that-" before Rainbow Dash took off after them. Fluttershy trailed behind her.

The orange pony raced ahead of the pack, weaving through the street to avoid the attacks fired from her pursuers. Rainbow only knew one earth pony who could run this fast. She grinned as the telltale hat came into view. This was going to be fun.

Applejack jumped left to dodge a bolt and turned right to head down a side street. Rainbow angled her approach as the changelings followed Applejack's wide turn, and the distance between them closed rapidly. She slammed her body into the rear guard. He was sent flying into the side of a building and bounced off, stunned. Rainbow moved over him and kicked to spike him down to the pavement below.

The next two looked back at the noise. They turned and began firing, still moving after Applejack. The shots never even came close. Rainbow Dash was in her element. She rolled, dove, and dodged, all the while looking ahead to track Applejack and plan her next move. She flew between the two and matched their speed for an instant. They turned and she accelerated, avoiding their blasts. They weren't so lucky.

Rainbow zoomed through the air as they fell and wrapped up the final changeling. "Heads up, cowgirl!" Applejack looked back in surprise. She dug her front hooves into the street to stop and started lifting her hind legs. Rainbow Dash guided the changeling in before releasing him at the last moment. A sound like a cannon shot echoed through the streets of Canterlot.

"Aw, yeah!" Rainbow smirked as she looked to Applejack for a hoof bump. "Harmony at its finest!" Applejack eyed her warily. The smirk slowly dissolved. What was her problem?

"Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy was flying over the buildings to catch up. "There are more coming from the castle!" Rainbow looked up and saw dozens of black specks against the purple backdrop. They were too close to risk running for the tunnel. She looked around and saw a shattered store front window to her right. She dove inside and the others followed. They ran through the building and out the rear exit into another alley. Rainbow turned to run the only way out when she felt a sharp pain in her tail. Her body was thrown backwards and collided with one of the others. They both fell to the ground.

Dazed, she looked beside her and saw Fluttershy. What happened? A weight landed on top of her. Applejack had jumped on top of the pegasi and pinned them down. She looked down on them, green eyes hard as stone, and hissed, "This isn't the first time I've seen you two." Fluttershy whimpered. "They set me loose in that maze o' Discord's and took turns hunting me down. I've seen all their tricks! I finally get out and just happen to run into you? You two better be real, and you better prove it!"

Rainbow grunted as Applejack added pressure to emphasize her last words. She met her glare and gasped out, "how's your ear?" A heartbeat, and then a light turned on in the earth pony's eyes. Rainbow smiled and went on. "Your right ear. You said I nearly bit it off in that scrape at the Running of the Leaves."

The three were quiet for a moment. "Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy was looking at her incredulously. "You bit her?"

"Well, yeah, but she called my dad a-"

"And I'm still a mite sorry about that!" The three laughed softly together. Applejack stood and helped them to their feet. "I...I'm sorry y'all. I just-” She was cut off by a loud buzz passing overhead. Six changelings flew by and began to spread out over the city. The three ponies walked to the edge of the alley and Rainbow looked around. The street was still clear for now.

"Um, Rainbow?" Fluttershy looked at the sky as she spoke. "I know you said we need to find something, but I think we should hide."

Applejack spoke up next. "She's right. And I don't know about you, but I haven't eaten since the wedding day. Look." She raised a hoof and pointed at several buildings. "I remember this street. Isn't Donut Joe's around here?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes went wide. "Of course it is!"

Fluttershy's head was spinning. Everything seemed to have happened so fast. The queen's interrogation, Rainbow's rescue, a secret exit only they knew about, the chase through the streets.... She marveled at her two friends. They had to feel as hungry and exhausted as she did. How did they manage to run and fight like that? And then they found Spike sleeping behind the counter in Donut Joe's. The little dragon was moving around the kitchen preparing some breakfast to go with the stale donuts that remained.

Breakfast! Another source of confusion! The full moon was high, obviously, yet it wasn't even noon yet. The three ponies were seated by a table in the kitchen with Spike. They stuffed towels and rags under the doors to stop any light or smoke from tipping off a nearby changeling. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Spike traded details about the state of Canterlot, and what they said was enough to make her want to burst into tears.

Twilight Sparkle was chained like a slave. Princess Cadance was no better off. Applejack saw her saddled with food and drinks for the soldiers who chased her through the maze. She also had the same collar Rainbow described on Twilight. No pony had seen Rarity or Pinkie Pie. Spike said that Donut Joe himself was nowhere to be found, nor were any ponies outdoors at any time. The changelings would sometimes break into homes and round up the ponies inside. Spike had no idea what happened to them afterwards. For Applejack's sake, Fluttershy kept her biggest fear to herself. In fact, no pony brought up the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The thought of the three little fillies at the mercy of those beasts filled her with dread.

Equestria at war was no place she wanted to be.

"It isn't all bad news though." Rainbow Dash drained a cup of water before continuing. "Twilight said Ponyville was deserted when the changelings got there."

Fluttershy smiled at Applejack as the earth pony sighed in relief. They all knew how important her family was to her. She wondered about her animals though. Would any pony have thought to help them? She taught Angel what do in case of emergency when she wasn't there, but would the others listen to him?

"I still don't get why Twilight stayed!" Spike put down a towering plate of pancakes and jumped back as Rainbow Dash and Applejack lunged for them. Fluttershy marveled again at her two friends for another reason. She took some food for herself when it was safe.

Rainbow swallowed a few mouthfuls before answering. "She's gonna be our spy. This," she tapped the table with her hoof, "is the start of Equestria's counterattack! Twilight will hear the plan and we'll ruin the plan. If they do something in the city, AJ and I take care of it. If they try something out there, Spike sends a letter to Luna and she takes care of it. And once Luna's ready to attack Canterlot, we help her send these bozos packing!"

Applejack whooped her approval. Spike started waving his hands in protest. "No, it doesn't work like that! I can't send anything to Luna!"

"What? But you send Celestia stuff all the time!"

"Yeah, Celestia. I don't even know how it works. It's not like everything I burn drops on her head. She just told me one day that whenever I had a letter for her I could burn it and she would get it. And then she had to personally stop by the library to ask Twilight to stop sending so many. Twilight thought it was so great she could talk to her teacher whenever she wanted that neither of us really questioned it."

Fluttershy tried to think of something to say as Rainbow Dash dropped her head to the table, staring at nothing, sheer disbelief in her eyes. Applejack reached over to pat her shoulder before speaking. "We may not even need Luna. What about the Elements of Harmony? The last order Princess Celestia gave us was to find them. I think we should honor that."

Rainbow shook her head. "They hid them already." The table was silent. "They already scouted out Ponyville. We have to talk to Luna somehow. She needs to be warned if they try attacking anywhere else. So...one of us has to get out of the city."

Fluttershy was stunned. "But...we can't...Rainbow, the force field."

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, but looked like she thought twice before speaking. "They got in, so we can get out. Right now let's figure out who to send." The table was silent again.

"Well," Applejack began, "Big Mac and me made deliveries to Canterlot before, so I guess I'll go. I know some shortcuts through the trails that can keep me out of sight until I get to Ponyville. But we don't know where Luna is, right? We don't know where the rest of Ponyville went either. We'll need to send more than one runner."

Rainbow nodded. "Good point. The three of you can split up when it's safe."

Fluttershy's heart froze in fear. "What?"

"I'll stay behind with Twilight and try to find the others."

"What?"

"You gonna storm the castle on your own, partner?"

"What?"

"C'mon Applejack! You know if any pony could do it, Rainbow could."

"Stop!"

Fluttershy pounded the table and stood up, leaning on her hind legs. All three were stunned. Rainbow looked across the table at her as if she had gone crazy. She didn't care. She remembered those purple eyes filled with tears and the feeling of Rainbow's body shaking with sobs as she sang her to sleep all too clearly. Rainbow Dash didn't know a thing about her promise, but Fluttershy did. "I'm not leaving you here alone, Rainbow."

A brief look of...something flashed on Rainbow's face. Was that panic? "Fluttershy, you have to go. Uh...they can't get to Cloudsdale! Luna might be there with the Wonderbolts."

Fluttershy shook her head at the obvious stretch. "Luna wouldn't just abandon every pony. And I doubt all the pegasi we know would leave too. If Applejack and Spike can find where every pony went, they can give a message to them. If Luna's in Cloudsdale those pegasi can talk to her."

Applejack cut off Rainbow's reply. "Give it up Dash. I don't like the idea of leaving you here alone either. You'll need some help. And she's tougher than she looks."

Fluttershy sat back down. The discussion ended soon after. They would search Canterlot for a way out of the force field after getting some sleep. The ponies cleaned up the kitchen and pulled out bags of flour to use for mattresses. Fluttershy could feel Rainbow's eyes on her as they worked. Spike turned out the light and stood watch in the front of the shop to let them rest.

Chapter 4: Hurricane

Rainbow Dash paced in front of Donut Joe's counter. Spike and Applejack were late. The four of them split into two teams to investigate Canterlot, and the deadline to meet back at the diner was long passed. There was no way of knowing if the two of them were even still free. Rainbow didn't even know where to start looking to find out. The few hours of sleep she got earlier didn't do much to help her nerves either. She couldn't go back to Twilight like this! No plan, no message to Luna, no progress made whatsoever. Oh, and she may have gotten her friend's number one assistant captured. She dropped to the floor with a heavy sigh. So much for Equestria's only hope.

Fluttershy came out of the kitchen with a platter balanced on one outstretched wing. "For a donut shop, he has some healthy choices back there." The platter held several kinds of fruit, all sliced for a party to pick at. Fluttershy set it down next to Rainbow Dash and sat, waiting for her to take the first piece.

Rainbow looked up at her from the floor. What happened to this girl? First she volunteers to stay behind in a war zone. Then she gets food ready like normal while Rainbow Dash is the one freaking out about their friends. Even now she was looking Rainbow right in the eye. She had never done that any longer than necessary before. She's waiting for it, Rainbow realized. "Why?"

"I'm not leaving you." The answer came quickly. She was right. Let's get it over with.

"You don't belong here Fluttershy. This is too much for you."

"This is too much for any one pony. I have to help you."

"I-” Rainbow bit back I don't need you. She knew that wasn't true. And she knew Fluttershy could come through when it mattered. Cloudsdale's rainwater tornado was all she needed to know about that. "I want you to leave. I need you to leave."

"Your turn. Why?"

"Because...because Applejack was right. We gotta send more than one messenger. Sending you with Spike keeps Applejack here. She's stronger and faster than you are."

"Well, that's why she needs to go with Spike. There might still be scouts out there. She can protect him better than I can."

“And I can't protect you if you stay!" Rainbow sat up. She had to make Fluttershy understand this. "We can't avoid them forever. Whoever stays will need to fight."

"We'll switch then. We go find Luna and they stay here."

"Are you nuts? Applejack was running for her life! These things fly and shoot magic. They'll pick her apart without me to keep them honest. And Spike is just...Spike."

"I can fly too, and you're faster than we are put together. I'll stay with them and you go find Luna."

Rainbow felt the ground fall from under her. "No! Absolutely not!"

"There, you see? You won't leave me. Why do you want me to leave you?"

"I don't. I mean, yes I do. I mean, I want you...ugh!" She hung her head in defeat. "Look, just...stay close to me, alright?" Fluttershy smiled and leaned in to hug Rainbow Dash. She held out a hoof to stop her. "You know you started trembling when I shouted, right?"

Fluttershy looked away, blushing. "I know. I'm working on it."

A cough drew their attention. Spike was standing at the door. "Nice to see you two were so concerned about Applejack and me." He was holding a bundle of clothing in his arms. He dropped it at their feet and picked up the plate of fruit. "Applejack is waiting for us. Something big is going on. Put those on and follow me."

Rainbow poked the bundle with her hoof. "Cloaks? What are these for?"

"Camouflage. We found them in a shop earlier today. Now hurry!"

She realized Spike was right. The gray cloaks would blend in a lot easier than a bright yellow or blue coat, especially in this long night. The two ponies put them on and followed Spike out of the shop. The dragon led them through alleys and abandoned buildings, pausing only at street crossings to check for changelings. The warning buzz of wings overhead passed them by several times in their trek.

They were coming closer to the castle. As they stopped at another street Fluttershy brushed against Rainbow, a concerned look in her eyes. She realized it too. Why in Equestria was Spike leading them this way? Rainbow nodded to Fluttershy in reassurance as Spike waved them forward. He stopped in front of a three story home and knocked once, then twice, then once again.

Rainbow Dash could see the castle spires over the building's roof. She shook her head. How much would a huge house in downtown Canterlot this close to the castle cost? Whoever lived here could probably buy all of Ponyville. She held back a laugh as Applejack opened the door, cloaked, hood down, hat on her head. Applejack saw Rainbow's face and moved a hoof across her mouth to signal silence. The four moved through the ransacked house and up to the third floor.

An entire section of the wall and roof had collapsed. Outside was another building with a broken window. Spike climbed on top of Applejack and the earth pony jumped across. Rainbow looked for changelings in the sky and motioned for Fluttershy to go next. When both pegasi were across they found Applejack and Spike waiting for them next to another window.

They looked down to see Canterlot's Mane Street. It connected the central train hub of Equestria to the castle gates. The fanciest and priciest restaurants and stores in the city could be found there. Rainbow Dash remembered how Rarity simply couldn't shut up about them after her visit over Twilight's birthday. To the right Rainbow could see the caste gates themselves. She saw the black forms of changelings flying high above.

Applejack ate a piece of fruit before explaining. "This is the fewest changelings we've seen here all day. They've been moving up and down this street nonstop, just walking and looking around. They would go to the train station and then come back. As soon as I sent Spike to bring you most of 'em went back into the castle."

Rainbow perked up. "The train station! Did you check it out?"

"Sure did. We followed one group down there. There were some more inside, but we couldn't count how many."

Fluttershy was confused. "What were they doing?"

"They were getting a train ready." They all turned to Rainbow Dash in surprise. She pointed to the castle gates. A mass of figures was forming at them. The gates opened, and the mob issued forth into the street. A column of ponies marched in lockstep with six changelings flanking them on each side. "Spike! Tell me what you see." The dragon climbed on her back to look over the windowsill.

He gasped in shock. "That's Joe! And those two, I saw them get taken yesterday. And that family there. What's going on?"

"Oh no," Fluttershy whispered, "look at their eyes." There were nearly two dozen ponies in all. And as they marched under the window the green glow in their eyes was clear. Rainbow Dash knew she was right. They were going to the trains. The next invasion was starting.

"Eat fast! Tonight's just getting started."

Rainbow leaned around the corner of a building to scope out the train station. Spike directed them on a roundabout route that, at a gallop, managed to get them to the station at the same time as the changelings. Their position gave her a cross view of the platform. Ten changelings remained beside the ponies they escorted. The other two entered the train that was waiting for them. There was one final detail that she couldn't ignore.

"Ponies," she announced to the others. "Canterlot's come out of hiding." Stallions and mares crowded together between her and the train, nearly all of them unicorns. Some fillies and colts stayed behind them. She couldn't count how many there were in all. They had the undivided attention of the changelings that remained on the platform.

Applejack joined her at the corner and looked around as well. "We can't fight them, Rainbow. We can't get those folks hurt."

"Luna needs to know about this. Those ponies up there look just like Shining Armor. You have to get on that train AJ."

"What?"

"We spent the day looking for a way out of Canterlot. Well, we've found one." She looked around. "OK, you two start moving around the back of the station. I'll catch up with you." Spike climbed back on top of Applejack as she started backtracking the way they came. "Fluttershy, see that window there? I want you to stay here. I'll make some noise to distract them. Break that window when you hear it, and get out of here."

"I-"

"I know you're not leaving me, I get it, just do this for me!"

Fluttershy blinked several times and smiled. "I'll meet you at that house Spike took us to, OK?"

Rainbow Dash looked blankly at her. She snorted in frustration after a few seconds and ran after Spike and Applejack. The hum of noise from the Canterlot mob grew louder as she approached. She looked up as she moved to check the skies and could make out three changelings. They looked no bigger than black stars against the purple sky. How could they see anything that far up? She forgot about them when she reached Applejack. And only Applejack.

Applejack spoke before she could ask. "He's eavesdropping. Look Rainbow, the more I think about this the less I like it. Even if we do find Luna what good does that do? You'll still be trapped here. How will you even know we made it?"

Applejack was selling her short. "The weather. Have Luna change the weather around Canterlot and we'll know you made it to her."

"Uh huh. And what exactly are we supposed to tell her?"

"Keep an eye on those ponies. They might be under control. And keep watching the trains. Maybe we can sneak some more messengers out."

Applejack's eyes shifted to look behind Rainbow. She turned to see Spike running toward them. "Ponyville! That big group thinks the train is headed for Ponyville. Or at least it will go through Ponyville on its way south."

"That settles it. Fluttershy was right. Find the rest of Ponyville and you can find Luna. Head around the corner and watch the changelings. Fluttershy and I will make a distraction. Get on board when they're not looking." Applejack took off her cloak as Spike ran ahead of her. She looked at Rainbow and opened her mouth several times as she did so, but no words came out. "Don't worry. I'll save some for you to KO too." She spit on her hoof and held it out. Applejack finished the hoof bump with a solemn look and followed Spike.

Rainbow Dash flew up to the slanted roof of the train station. She peered over the top and looked down on the platform. The guards were beginning to move their ponies onto the train. Some of the Canterlot ponies started walking towards the steps leading up to the platform. The rest of the changelings snarled and turned to them, horns glowing green. Voices from the ponies were raised. It was now or never.

There was a windowed dome on Rainbow's right. She flew over to it and kicked out a pane of glass. Silence fell over the entire station. The sound of another window breaking came from behind the Canterlot mob followed by galloping hooves. She heard nervous chatter coming from the platform. Rainbow moved back to look over the roof and saw a familiar tail disappear into a train car. Eight changelings formed a line between the two groups of ponies as the other two herded their remaining charges on board. The train began to pull out of the station. Rainbow Dash pulled on her hood and prepared to drop to the ground.

A shot rang out in the night.

Did they find Applejack already?! Rainbow kept her eyes on the train, but the sound of the next shot came from below her. The changelings were firing at the crowd. All eight of them launched bolt after bolt down from the platform. Ponies that weren't hit jumped back into the mob and brought down the next few rows. They were sitting ducks! Rainbow spread her wings and took aim at the nearest changeling.

BOOM.

Ponies flew through the air. Shouts of pain and fear filled the night. One changeling stood up from a crater in the middle of the mob. Rainbow was stunned. From the sky fell two more streaks of green light. BOOM. BOOM. Two more changelings crashed down on the helpless ponies, sending more of them flying through the air. The ponies that were still standing scattered. Others limped away, aided by those that could walk. The eight changelings on the platform fired and pinned down a group of stragglers. The three started moving in on them.

And Rainbow Dash was livid.

She couldn't even remember taking off. She just found one of her knees driving into the head of one of the eight. The other seven looked over, but she was already gone. She put all her speed into her charge for the first changeling that landed. He found himself yanked into the air. Rainbow carried him high in the air and started diving back down. She moved him in front of her and placed her shoulder against his midsection. They hit the ground and she drove into him, cracking the street. The changeling writhed at her feet as she rose.

Rainbow Dash stood alone between the remaining changelings and their targets. They all regrouped on the street below the platform. And she had one more trick to show them. She spread her wings and took off again, charging straight ahead. Her aggressiveness caught them off guard. A few fired at her, but she turned to avoid them and doubled back towards the ponies. "Go!" she shouted while turning again and speeding up to complete her circle. Faster and faster she went, and the winds she created went higher and higher. She tracked the fleeing ponies out of the corner of her eye as she built up speed.

The guards fired after them, but the whirlwind picked up the dust and debris created by the three crashed changelings to cover their escape. It also lifted the body of her hapless victim. His screams focused all their attention on her. Green bolts flew through the roaring winds as the changelings started to spread out. They were trying to surround her. One shot went through the tail of her cloak. It was time to go.

She took off towards the building she left Fluttershy. The dust cloud hung in the air to hide her escape route. She landed and took off at a gallop, keeping the buildings between her and the changelings. They would take flight soon. She had to get out of sight. Suddenly, a unicorn mare appeared in front of her, waving Rainbow into an alley. She dove in without a second thought. The shadows there also hid a stallion and colt. Rainbow looked up as a pair of changelings flew overhead. Gloomy as it was, the perpetual night was quite helpful.

The mare sat down next to the stallion. His leg was twisted oddly. "I can't thank you enough for saving us. What you did...that was incredible."

Rainbow Dash swelled with pride. "Yeah, I get that a lot. Happy to help." The colt stared up at her, eyes wide and mouth open. How many times had she seen that look on Scootaloo? She grinned and ruffled his mane. "Those creeps didn't hurt you, did they kid?"

His expression didn't change at her touch. A small voice finally emerged. "Are... you... Commander Hurricane?"

Rainbow was floored. The colt's parents laughed. "No," the stallion said in a strained voice, "I don't think she's Commander Hurricane. But she did save our lives." He looked at Rainbow Dash. "Our home is close by. You're welcome to stay with us. We owe you that much."

"Thanks, but I have a friend waiting for me." Two of them, actually. She had to talk with Twilight now. She checked the streets to make sure they were clear. The mare stood beside her to do the same. "Can you make it home OK with that leg of his?"

"We can manage. It's just another street over." Rainbow nodded and stepped out on the street. "Wait! Please, tell us your name."

She looked back at the colt, and back to the mare with a smirk. "Call me Hurricane."

Rainbow Dash raced down the secret tunnel. She briefly regretted leaving her cloak at the entrance when the stone walls scraped her flanks. The flashlight in her mouth bounced from ceiling to floor as she ran, but this first half was a straight line anyway. She wondered if Fluttershy even understood a word she said at the house. The poor pony went through all that trouble to search the house for anything useful and then she barged in like a lunatic, babbled something about Twilight, grabbed the flashlight straight out of Fluttershy's mouth, and took off again.

Hurricane.

She hated to admit it, but "Rainbow Dash" wasn't very famous in Canterlot. But Hurricane! One of the founders of Equestria! A legend comes back to life! The possibility of escape brought so many ponies to the train station. What could a hero of strength and loyalty inspire them to do? Maybe, just maybe, Canterlot had an army after all.

Rainbow was forced to slow her pace during the climb to the bedchamber. What plans could Twilight Sparkle have overheard? A family of unicorns knew her new name, but she needed something bigger. The long climb was driving her crazy. She was ready to burst with excitement. At long last she reached the door.

"Hey!" she cried as she jumped through the tapestry. The bedchamber was empty. That...was unexpected. There was a heavy thud in the room next door. The door opened before Rainbow could jump back into the tunnel. Twilight Sparkle was on the other side. Her collar was still on, but there was no chain.

"What are you doing here?!"

"I'm going to be Commander Hurricane!"

"What? You just walk through a wall and start spouting nonsense?"

"No, I got Applejack and Spike out of the city!" Twilight looked shocked. "They're on their way to meet up with Princess Luna. The thing is; changelings attacked a bunch of ponies by the train station. I held them off, and a kid called me Commander Hurricane."

"You held off the changelings? How many were there?"

"A lot. Maybe ten?"

Twilight was shocked again. "Ten? Ten soldiers and you got away?"

Rainbow laughed. "You make it sound like it was hard. Look, you know all about Hurricane right? You're an egghead. You know the stories about her battles. Think what it would mean to every pony if she was on our side again!"

Twilight understood now. "Like the Mysterious Mare Do Well."

"Exactly! What do you know about the changelings? I need a stage to perform!"

The unicorn closed her eyes in thought for a moment. "More patrols will be going out into the city tomorrow. You want to be a hero for Canterlot? Take them out. No pony could ignore that. Now please, you have to leave."

Rainbow Dash was taken aback. "Why are you in such a rush? And what about these patrols? How many are there? Where will they be?"

"Queen Chrysalis wants me to clean these rooms before she gets back. I need to stay on her good side. Didn't you hear me drop something over there?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"One last thing. You can't just barge in here like that again. We were lucky this time. Come back tomorrow night. Chrysalis will be busy casting spells on Shining Armor again. We'll have more time to talk." Rainbow tried to reply, but there was a noise in the next room. Panic flashed across Twilight's face. "It's her. Go!"

Rainbow ran back into the tunnel as Twilight went back through the door. She heard low voices before she replaced the wall behind the tapestry. That was too close. She got what she came for though. Twilight had an idea for her, and a promise of a more detailed meeting tomorrow. Now she had to explain herself to Fluttershy.

Like last time, the talk with Twilight played through her head on her way through the tunnel. She wished she had time to ask about Pinkie and Rarity, about Twilight herself, about the ponies the changelings sent away on the train. With the queen's timing it was a good thing Twilight remembered Mare Do Well so quickly. Rainbow Dash stopped dead. She looked back to where she just passed the door to the armory. There was more than one Mare Do Well.

"Would you stop moving already?" Rainbow Dash finished pulling the last metal shoe on Fluttershy's hoof. Her shaking turned the entire dressing into a chore. Rainbow looked at the tall mirror that shared the master bedroom with them. Their golden armor shone against the tight black bodysuits that covered their necks, legs, tails, and wings. Fluttershy was missing one last piece.

Rainbow bundled Fluttershy's long pink mane and started pushing a metal cap over her head. She could have picked bigger helmets, but she didn't want too much weight on her head. Plus, they limited her vision. The short purple mane decorating the caps also fell down over the neck, making it easier to hide under her cloak. Fluttershy was still shaking. "I-I don't know. I can't keep up with you in the first place. I don't even know if I can move in all this."

"Stop worrying. I've told you already, I'm the one who'll fight. You distract them if I get in trouble. Like when I chased Mare Do Well, remember?" She finished with Fluttershy's headgear and looked at the mirror again. Rainbow raised a hoof and turned, posing in a stance Fluttershy eventually copied. The colors worked for her, purple and gold for Equestria, along with the black and gold of Hurricane's costume in the Hearth's Warming Eve pageant. Not bad for a half hour's work mixing and matching in the armory.

"Um, they could still see our faces. They'll know we're two different ponies."

"We can fix that. We'll just need to find something for masks tomorrow. Then, if any of them get close enough to notice a difference, we just have to knock him silly." She started pulling off her suit of armor. "Right now, I need some shut-eye."

"Right now? We're not going back to Pony Joe's?"

"Are you kidding? Have you seen that bed? You really want to go back to flour sacks?"

"But...there's a hole. In-in the wall. We can't really cover that up."

"We won't need to. The house was like this when we got here. The changelings already tore it apart. As long as we're not stupid they won't come back."

"Um, ok then, good night. I'll find another room."

"What? No! C'mon, stay with me. The bed's big enough. When's the next time we'll get to relax in luxury like this?" Fluttershy hesitated. "What, you don't snore do you?"

She turned to undo the covers and missed Fluttershy's eye roll. "I don't snore at all..."

Chapter 5: Hope

Eyes!

"Whoa!" Rainbow Dash tried to jump back, but only succeeded in rolling over in bed. She struggled with the sheets before managing to push them off. She glared back into Fluttershy's eyes, just inches from her face moments ago.

"Oh, I'm sorry Rainbow Dash. I didn't mean to startle you. I was just trying to figure out how to wake you up."

"Giving some pony a heart attack isn't the best way! What's so important?"

"I just think you should see this."

"See what? Turn the light on. Or open the curtains at least."

"Rainbow...they are open."

Now that she mentioned it, there was a slight orange glow illuminating Fluttershy's face, probably from the street lights below. But that wasn't enough. The full moon should be bright enough to let her make out all of Fluttershy that close to the window. The dots connected in her head. She jumped off the bed to look outside. The moon was gone!

The two ponies locked eyes. Fluttershy looked confused as Rainbow smiled wide. "Rainbow, what...what's going on?" Rainbow zipped past her and out of the bedroom. She stumbled through the dark hallways of the unfamiliar house, banging into walls and furniture in her rush to the hole. Flying up to the roof, Rainbow scanned the skyline.

Changelings were high in the air, still on the lookout for green bolts of magic. A few stubborn stars still burned above them. There were no clouds. Rainbow wheeled around. Fluttershy was standing there, and behind her was a distant glow in the horizon. Fluttershy turned to follow Rainbow's stare. She fell down and buried her face in her hooves. Rainbow went to her side and lied down as well, wrapping a wing around Fluttershy's shoulders.

Fluttershy looked at her with a tear in her eye and a small smile on her face. "Did Applejack tell her to do this? Can she do this?"

Rainbow shook her head. "Do I look like a unicorn?" Her voice was soft. She didn't expect this.

The glow slowly brightened. At times it seemed to dim, as if it was unsure of itself. Rainbow lost track of how long the two of them stayed there watching, waiting, hoping. At last, the golden face of the sun showed itself and started moving on its long path across the sky. A new day began. Fluttershy cried. Rainbow Dash laughed. All of Canterlot came alive.

They could hear doors opening. Hooves pounded the streets. Voices were raised in laughter and joy. Rainbow stood and pulled Fluttershy up with her. "C'mon. It's time we got to work."

Fluttershy couldn't believe her ears. "Now?"

Rainbow walked to the edge of the roof and waved for Fluttershy to follow. They saw colts and fillies running in the streets, finally stretching their legs after days of staying inside. Stallions and mares celebrated with any pony they saw. "You see that Fluttershy? Spitfire always says that you can plan a routine, train for a race, prepare yourself anyway you want. But whatever show you're trying to put on, there comes a time when you just have to give the ponies what they want. These ponies were waiting for a reason to cheer. Let's keep giving it to them."

Changelings flooded into the city from the castle. An uneasy peace went with them. Ponies watched them move through the streets from a respectful distance. Two ponies followed them through the day on the rooftops. Gray cloaks covered their golden armor from the rays of the sun. One kept her eyes on the sky; the other tracked the changeling horde. Rainbow Dash noted a group of five separating from the pack. She tapped Fluttershy's shoulder and the two ponies changed direction to follow them.

"Fluttershy, I have a good feeling about this." Her voice was muffled by the black cloth wrapped around her face, tied around the back of her head. "I haven't seen a single pony run away from them. I think they're sick of hiding." Rainbow ran ahead before Fluttershy could respond. She saw an intersection ahead of the changelings and wanted to check it out. There were ponies crowding all four corners, sharing food at a cafe, passing out supplies from general stores. Plenty of witnesses, the fewest soldiers she'd seen today, and there were several escape routes. She couldn’t ask for more.

"I think you're looking forward to this." Fluttershy finally caught up to her, panting from the exertion.

"I'm in the mood for a flank kicking, yeah. This can work. The more we keep them focused here, the faster Luna can get ready. Now you remember the signals, right?"

Fluttershy nodded. "One long whistle from me means more of them are coming. Three circles with your tail means I get ready. Making an X with your front hooves means we get away."

"That's right." Rainbow looked down the street. The five changelings were just entering the city square. She looked at Fluttershy as she started removing her cloak. "I'm ready. Get down."

Fluttershy lied down to stay out of sight. She pulled her own mask up and over her face. "Good luck."

Rainbow Dash snorted and let her cloak fall off of her. She spread her wings and stood tall on the edge of the roof. The scene in the square was becoming chaotic. The changelings were forcing their way through a crowd of ponies. The ponies backed off, but Rainbow could hear voices crying out insults. Black horns glowed green and the voices grew louder. It was time.

She let herself drop, holding her wings steady to glide down. Every pony stopped talking when she landed behind the changelings. They backed away as the changelings turned to face their new challenger. Rainbow smiled as they formed a line against her. Predictable. She took off to her right the moment she saw their horns glow again. Their blasts flew by harmlessly as she circled around them.

They were single file now. She charged ahead in a reckless blitz. The first ducked. The next dove out of the way. She grabbed the third, pushing him and barreling over the last two. Rainbow stopped and pulled him back. She drove her left hind knee into his midsection, then raised and slammed down her right front hoof on his temple. He fell as she took off to avoid blasts from the first two. They followed her into the air.

Rainbow dodged and rolled while making her way to a light post, the changelings close behind. She grabbed it as she passed and pulled herself into a ball, swinging around like a slingshot and kicking her first follower. The ponies went wild at her acrobatics. The changeling dropped like a rock as his partner froze in mid air. Rainbow Dash soaked in the adulation and her opponent's panic as she slowly flew towards him.

"Look out!"

She completely forgot the other two. They grabbed her from below and pulled her down. Rainbow twisted and kicked, but they held firm. The third landed in front of her with a snarl. She had been here before.

A glint of gold caught her eye. Fluttershy was standing at the edge of the roof and was ready to fly down. Rainbow shook her head. She wouldn't give up their secret this easily. Besides, she had one more idea.

Rainbow Dash threw her head to the side. She was rewarded with the sound of metal striking bone. The changeling crumpled to the ground and clutched his skull. The one in front of her jumped backwards and lit his horn. Rainbow twisted around to dodge the shot, but instead of aiming for her he fired up towards the sky.

She turned to the changeling still holding her and struck at him with a free hoof. His grip loosened. She grabbed onto him and pivoted, throwing him into the one standing. Rainbow flew up as they fell down. She dove to spike them in the ground. They both rolled out of her way and took off. They were running away!

The crowd of ponies laughed as they fled. Rainbow Dash flew after them before hearing a long whistle. She remembered the one shot to the sky. A signal! Laughter turned to cheers as the ponies copied Fluttershy's whistle. Rainbow quickly looked around and to the sky. How long did she have? She raised her hooves for silence and moved them into an X for an instant.

When she had all their attention she dropped to the ground. "I need all of you to scatter!" Rainbow flew backwards as she spoke, dragging an armored hoof on the street. She moved to the side and moved flew forwards, dragging another hoof. "Tell every pony what you saw here! Their days in Canterlot are numbered!" Rainbow turned and flew away at an angle to scratch one final line in her H. She looked back once and saw looks of amazement on every face. Some watched her fly while others read her letter in the street. If that didn't get those ponies talking she didn't know what would.

Fluttershy was not on the roof, but Rainbow's cloak was. Its hood pointed to one side. Rainbow grabbed it and jumped off that side, putting the building between her and the ponies. Fluttershy was waiting at the bottom and helped Rainbow pull the cloak back over her armor. They ran down the alley as shouts and hoof steps thundered from the square. More changelings had arrived.

The two pegasi pulled down their masks before they exited the alley and mingled with a crowd of ponies, walking farther and farther away from the scene. They did not stand out amid all the clothing of Canterlot. Rainbow Dash was shaking with excitement. "Did you see that, Fluttershy? Did you see that?! That was perfect! And did you see their faces when I drew the H? Message received!"

"H? What H?"

That's right, she told Fluttershy to leave before her speech. "Remember that book you gave me? The one about the good fox that guarded the hen house from the Timberwolves? He carved a symbol to warn off his enemies. I thought I might do the same."

"So we're done? We can go home now?" Fluttershy sounded hopeful.

Rainbow shook her head. "No way. There are still a lot of them out here. We don't even know why they're out here. Besides, three knocked out guards won't scare them very much."

Fluttershy was quiet for a moment. "But I'm scared..."

Of course she was. But what was she scared of? "I told you we'd have to fight them when you decided to stay. Besides, I didn't even need you against that gang."

Fluttershy paused again. Her voice dropped to a frightened whisper. "They caught you."

"Yeah, but they couldn't hold me, could they?" The two walked on. The scene on the street was similar to the corner they just left. Ponies socialized, asking about friends and relatives elsewhere in the city, while shops opened up to the public. One conversation caught Rainbow's attention.

"One of the Royal Guards I think! The pegasus wore that gold armor of theirs." Rainbow fell in step behind the pair of earth stallions to hear more. "It might have even been a mare. The voice was muffled a little bit."

"One mare? One mare fought off five of these things?"

"It MIGHT have been a mare. Anyway, whoever it was scratched an H in the street before they took off."

The other was quiet for a second. "H? And you said they wore black and gold?"

"Hurricane! Some pony is fighting back as Hurricane!"

Rainbow stopped and looked back at Fluttershy, grinning with smug satisfaction. "Did you hear all that? Don't you remember what I said this morning? This is how we can help every pony. This will buy time for-” Shadows flew by on the pavement. Voices on the street fell as the changelings passed overhead. Round 2.

"Rainbow, please wait-” Too late. Rainbow shook off her cloak and launched herself after the group. Fluttershy ducked to gather the cloak and to get out of sight. She raced into an alley so she could fly to a rooftop unnoticed. The sound of a crash followed her. The battle was on the street by the time Fluttershy could see it again. A small group stood against Rainbow now, one of their members already unconscious on the street. A larger one was circling around behind them.

Fluttershy watched in awe as Rainbow Dash fought with the changelings. Of all her friends, Rainbow Dash always seemed more alive when she was in motion, when she was taking on a challenge, and this was no exception. She made it look easy.

One guard tried to fight her toe-to-toe. Rainbow twisted to let one of his blows strike her armored chest. He cried out in pain and was finished with a punch.

Rainbow jumped in the air to avoid a bolt of magic. She somersaulted towards her attacker and brought both front hooves crashing down on his head.

A third charged forward to grab her. Rainbow rolled back with the impact, raised her hind legs between them, and threw him into a wall.

Fluttershy forced herself to look away and check for the skies and streets for more changelings. The large pack making a landing were the only ones she saw. Rainbow Dash stood alone, a silent challenge. The sudden battle had scattered the other ponies.

Rainbow Dash was outnumbered. Her element of surprise was gone. Fluttershy waited for her signal for a distraction. And waited. And waited. She watched in disbelief as Rainbow charged forward to attack. What was she thinking?! More importantly, what was Fluttershy supposed to do? Her knees started shaking as Rainbow Dash was enveloped by the black of the changeling bodies. An instant later Rainbow took off and swooped down on the mob like a bird of prey, knocking out the only one that tried to follow her up.

Fluttershy jumped across rooftops as cheers issued from the buildings below. No pony else could do what Rainbow Dash was doing. Even outnumbered and with no magic ability her speed and agility were enough to keep all the changelings off balance. She lashed out and took down another one with every pass. But it had to be taking a toll. Rainbow would need to catch her breath. Fluttershy had to be ready whenever Rainbow needed her.

A loud crack sounded from the street. Rainbow Dash was frozen in mid-air. One changeling was hovering next to her. Another blow sent her down in a heap. Fluttershy winced as Rainbow stood up, took flight, and collapsed to the street again. She was hurt.

A bolt of magic from the remaining mob knocked a recovering Rainbow down a third time. The changeling in the air wasted no more time pressing his advantage. Rainbow tried to fight him off and was able to get back on her feet.

Panic was rising in Fluttershy's heart. Now was the time to help. But the last time Rainbow was in trouble she shook her off. What should she do?! What could she do? Her fear grew with every heartbeat, every strike between the fighters. Rainbow Dash was right. She didn't belong here. Applejack wouldn't hesitate like this. And there was still no signal from Rainbow Dash!

Two more changelings flew towards the fight with some substance stretching between them. It was the same green material she saw in the throne room on the wedding day. The two of them tackled Rainbow Dash and held her to the street as the slime covered her. Fluttershy held her breath as Rainbow fought back. She struggled and twisted and turned and was finally able to free herself before the slime hardened. Her enemies gave her no time to rest. The three of them grabbed her and threw her through a glass window. They followed that by firing random blasts after her.

That was it. Rainbow Dash needed her help. Fluttershy had a promise to keep. She took off, her wings beating the air as she flew over the heads of the changelings below. Her armor hindered her movement. Fear took hold of her again as the reality of the situation sapped her courage. She could barely fly. How could she possibly win against them if Rainbow Dash couldn't? This armor was so heavy and...that was it! Her wings snapped back to her sides and she began to fall. Her fear was replaced by the instinct that years of crashing practice taught her. Fluttershy curled up, closed her eyes, and braced for impact.

She landed with a dull thud and, as she hoped, she didn't feel a thing. Fluttershy opened her eyes to see that a now unconscious changeling broke her fall. The two standing on either side of her jumped back with a scream. Wild cheers again broke out again from the surrounding buildings. What now? Every pony was watching her. The other two guards would collect themselves soon. What did she do now? She couldn't be Fluttershy. She couldn't afford to be scared and intimidated. If she let them past her a wounded Rainbow Dash would be all theirs.

The answer came to her. She had to be Hurricane. Fluttershy mustered all the attitude and pizzazz she could and flew back up into the air to strike a pose. She made sure to spread her wings wide for the changeling to see. It didn't matter that they saw her fall earlier. It didn't matter that they had her on the ropes. Hurricane took their best shot and was ready for more.

It worked! The remaining changelings took off in a rush. Fluttershy watched them flee and saw ponies enter the street to take their place. Several shouts of "Hurricane!" filled the air. Fluttershy trembled as the rest picked up the chant. She needed Rainbow Dash for this part of the act. Rainbow Dash!

The crowd slowly stopped the chant as Fluttershy dove into the broken window. The interior was devastated by the barrage of magic from the changelings. Shards of glass, broken furniture, and pieces of the walls were scattered on the floor. Rainbow Dash's head poked out from around a hallway corner. "Did you remember the H?"

"Ah!" Rainbow Dash gasped as Fluttershy's hooves sunk into her wing. The pain evaporated as Fluttershy slowly pushed and pulled back and forth. Rainbow let out a long sigh while her wing relaxed under Fluttershy's touch. She was lucky not to have broken it in her fall. A pony's full weight behind a solid metal chest plate landing on top of it could have done that. Even without a break the pain was bad enough that she needed Fluttershy's help to remove all her gear. And so here she was, lying on the bed, Fluttershy massaging away her injury.

"Does it feel better yet?"

"Oh yeah. Where in Equestria did you learn this?"

"At the spa. You really should join us there someday."

Rainbow Dash might consider it. This felt amazing. Fluttershy finished and Rainbow stood, stretching and flapping her wing to test it. "Good as new. That's two I owe you today. Thanks."

"You don't owe me anything. Why don't you rest for now? I'll get something to eat for dinner." Fluttershy walked out of the bedroom and turned back with a start. "Oh! Why don't we eat on the roof? We can watch the sunset together."

Rainbow could see the shadows growing longer out of the window. When would Chrysalis leave for Shining Armor? "I'll have to pass. Twilight is expecting me soon."

"What?" Rainbow could see the shock in Fluttershy's eyes without looking at her. "You're going out there again?"

"Yeah. I'll have time to talk to her now. I can find out more about Rarity and Pinkie Pie." Rainbow Dash started making her way down to the first floor. Fluttershy followed her. "She might have a new target for us too. We did great today, but we're not done yet. And maybe she can give me an idea how to talk to AJ and Luna again? I haven't figured that one out yet."

"Should I come with you? I mean, I know I'm not Applejack, but I don't want you out there alone."

"I won't be fighting. I won't even wear the cloak. They might be looking for a pony dressed up now instead of Rainbow Dash. I'll just sneak in and sneak out like last time."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Pinkie Pie swear?"

Ugh, she almost dodged it. Her hoof was right on the door knob. Only for her..."Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I won't pick any fights without you to back me up."

Fluttershy smiled and turned back. "Thank you Rainbow Dash. I think I'll look around the house again while you're gone. Maybe I can find something helpful."

She helped enough already. Fluttershy took care of their food, helped pull off the Hurricane deception, saved her flank from the bad guys, and fixed up her wing. Could any of the others have done all that? Could Rainbow do all that alone? "Hey Fluttershy?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. I'm glad you stayed here with me."

Chapter 6: Rescue

Rainbow Dash lowered the section of wall leading into Celestia's bedroom. She held her ear to the tapestry and listened for any sounds on the other side. There were none. Rainbow lifted the cloth and stepped through. Twilight Sparkle was sitting next to the fireplace, collared, chained, and watching Rainbow's entrance with a smile.

"I owe you an apology Rainbow Dash. I thought I sent you straight back to the dungeons when I panicked like that. I underestimated you."

"Ha! You should know better than that." Rainbow Dash joined her by the fire. "You're chained this time?"

"Yes, Chrysalis wasn't too happy with my cleaning skills."

Rainbow lowered her head, remembering the loud thud last night. "I'm sorry about that. She didn't hurt you did she?"

"Not at all. She enjoys showing me off to her troops too much to hurt me. Don't lose any sleep on my account. Besides," she said with a smile, "you'll need it after today. You should have seen the rage the queen was in when she heard about what you did. The ones who came to report to her actually called you 'The Hero.'"

"The changelings called me a hero?"

"That's just how they name ponies. That costume you were wearing is The Hero, Pinkie Pie is The Unnatural One, and Fluttershy was The Coward. And why didn't you tell me you freed her? I only found out after Chrysalis ordered the dungeon checked today."

"It happened right after I left." Rainbow was enjoying her new nickname to give more detail. And they called Fluttershy a coward? If they only knew what she did today. "But what about Pinkie and Rarity? Where are they?"

"Don't even think about it. Chrysalis already lost you, Applejack, and Fluttershy. She's not taking any chances with the rest of us. There are guards posted right outside the next room. Not to mention the dozen that keep an eye on Pinkie all day. And they've assigned Rarity to scrubbing the castle top to bottom. She could be anywhere. Please, don't do anything stupid. You don't need to prove your loyalty to me. You'll never reach them."

Loyalty. Why did Twilight have to rub the salt in like that? How loyal was it to leave friends in chains? But she was right, and there was another friend waiting for her to come back safe. "Alright. I have another problem to talk about."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "'Alright?' I thought I would need to hold you down to keep you from charging through the castle."

"I want to, but there's a better way to free them."

"Princess Luna. Where is she?"

"That's the problem. I don't know how to talk to her."

"You what? You don't know where she is?" Rainbow shook her head. "You don't know how many ponies she has with her?" She shook her head again. "You don't know when she'll be ready to attack Canterlot?" A third shake of the head. Twilight started pacing to the end of her chain and back again. "I don't believe it," she snapped. "You sent Spike after her without a back-up plan? Why did you do that?!"

"I sent Spike because he couldn't send letters back and forth like he can with Celestia." Rainbow Dash was ruffled up now, staring down Twilight with narrowed eyes. "I got him out of harm's way. I thought you would appreciate that."

Twilight stopped pacing and breathed deep, collecting herself. "I do. I was just hoping you would have some more information for me. It was just frustrating waiting for you all day. Trying to think of our next move was like...solving an equation with two values for every single variable."

Rainbow Dash smirked at Twilight's explanation. Nerdiness aside, Rainbow understood frustration. "I don't suppose there's another train leaving soon that we could use?"

"As a matter of fact, there is. The morning after tomorrow. Chrysalis ordered more security after what happened last time though. More importantly, they're still preparing the passengers."

"Passengers? You mean the brainwashed ponies?"

"Well, yes. After the changelings feed on enough love from one source that pony becomes...malleable. The first ponies you saw were meant to be messengers spreading a warning to the rest of Equestria."

"Meant to be?"

"It was an intimidation tactic, but the guards that followed them reported that they were all rounded up by pegasi soon after the sunrise. They didn't get very far. Anyway, that's why the patrols were sent out today, to gather more ponies."

Rainbow Dash remembered her injured wing. The changeling that did that to her seemed different from the rest. "The soldiers that fed from those first ones, did they become stronger like the queen did from Shining Armor?"

"A little. There were several changelings per pony. They didn't become strong enough to stop you though, right?" Rainbow smiled and nodded, keeping the story to herself. More like him would mean trouble. She should have risked another fight before calling it a day. Well, too late.

"I need to free the ponies they caught today. We can't let these things get too strong."

"You're right. And the good news is that not all of them reached the castle. One group of guards was so nervous about you they holed up at a warehouse near the center of the city and asked for reinforcements. Chrysalis was...upset about their decision. She's making them sweat it out for awhile."

Rainbow Dash tried to keep her composure, but she was forced to the ground with laughter. Twilight nervously looked to the door during her outburst. "They what? Because of me? And the queen...the queen put them in time-out? This is what we're up against?"

There was a sudden harshness in Twilight's eyes. "Don't underestimate them! Remember, she beat Celestia. We don't stand a chance against her without an army behind us or without the Elements of Harmony."

"I know! I know!" Rainbow was still laughing. "But they have what she wants and she's making them wait before she gets it? It's just funny."

"I guess," Twilight sighed. "But I've been watching her. Chrysalis always has a reason. Anyway, she ordered the troops to take their time getting there tomorrow, so you have a chance to rest before you fight. There's still a group of soldiers on high alert waiting for you. I'm throwing you right back into the fire. Are you sure you can handle it?"

"No doubt."

Fluttershy turned to her with a worried look. "Rainbow, please tell me that wasn't you."

"Of course not. I promised you I was just sneaking in and out." In spite of her words, Rainbow wished she was lying. Right there, on each side of the castle gates, was an H carved into the wall. That was truly AWESOME! Rainbow would give anything for a camera right now. And the sun just rose a few hours ago! Did the queen even know about them yet?

Ponies in the streets still kept a distance from the gates as Rainbow and Fluttershy walked behind them. A filly dashed forward to touch one H and then galloped back to the other side of the street. Rainbow heard a chorus of voices daring each other to do the same. Fillies and colts rushed forward as the adults laughed at the sudden game. A pair of changelings took off in the distance and started flying over the palace grounds to check out the commotion.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash continued on their way. Fluttershy looked over at her, smiling under her hood. "Did you see who did that while you were out last night?"

Rainbow shook her head with a grin. "I wish. A unicorn probably did it with magic. Who would have thought Canterlot would be happy with vandalism?"

The two of them shared a laugh. Still, Rainbow Dash was struck by the difference of the city in night and day. In spite of their efforts yesterday, the changelings unquestionably ruled the night. She was glad to see that all the ponies didn't lose heart so soon. Rainbow looked up to watch a patrol of guards fly overhead, staying away from the street. Maybe she and Fluttershy should pick off a squad tonight? Just to keep them guessing.

They walked through the posh avenues of boutiques and cafés. The streets and buildings all grew simpler the further they walked away from the castle. Simpler, but still packed together and full of ponies. She couldn't see their target. Worse, the crowd might work to the changelings' advantage this time. They could have scouts hiding in plain sight to watch for any threats. Rainbow led Fluttershy into an alley and flew to a rooftop for a better look.

From her vantage point Rainbow Dash could see several warehouses, marked by the doorways built on their roofs for aerial delivery and departure. Rainbow spotted one that matched Twilight's description. She looked to the skies and saw they were mostly clear. A few patrols, but none over their destination.

"Alright, here's the plan. I'm going to fly straight there. You head back to the street and go in on hoof."

"Are-are you sure that's a good idea? They might see you coming."

"I'm counting on it. If they don't see me, I'll come up with a distraction and get as many of them away from the warehouse as I can. By the time you get there all you'll need to do is sneak in the back and get the ponies out. Then I lose the ones on my tail and meet back up with you."

Fluttershy nodded and flew back down. Rainbow took off and made a beeline for the warehouse. She watched for the slightest hint of green. Ponies in the street looked up in surprise as she passed by, but there were no changelings in sight. Rainbow Dash eventually landed on the roof unchallenged and surprised. This might turn out easier than she thought.

She shrugged off her cloak and trotted over to the door on the roof. She probably couldn't get through it, but a few kicks would at least bring some guards to investigate. As she turned to set her feet and buck the door, movement from the corner of her eye caught her attention. Five pegasi landed on the roof and started walking towards her. Where in Equestria did they come from? The street? The sky was clear on her way in. She hardly saw any other pegasus in Canterlot. So why...

Rainbow Dash threw herself to the side, rolling out of harm's way. Five bolts of green light struck the door behind her. Rainbow got to her feet and charged forward. The five newly revealed changelings in front of her scattered, and more flew up from the street to fire a volley of their own. How many were down there?! Rainbow spread her wings and took flight.

A bolt slammed into her shoulders from behind, throwing her back down to the roof. More guards filled the sky from the door. Rainbow Dash swallowed her initial panic at the sight. This was what she wanted. There were more of them than she thought, but they were all focused on her. She turned and jumped off the roof's edge, narrowly escaping a hail of fire.

Rainbow tore through the air, the army hot on her tail, leading them away from the warehouse. The changelings tried to swarm over her, but Rainbow kicked up the speed and left them in her dust. She was in constant motion, spinning, diving, climbing, and dodging any and all bolts from behind. Rainbow quickly looked over her shoulder and saw the swarm spread out again.

They were trying to corral her. Changelings flew up and began firing in front of her. The shots forced her to slow down, giving her pursuers time to catch up. There were enemies above, behind, to the left, and to the right. Rainbow Dash had one more option, and it suited her just fine.

She dropped, buzzing the heads of the ponies below. Rainbow turned left down an alley, then right, then right again. She climbed over a building with one strong push of her wings and froze. A changeling saw her and pointed her out. Rainbow Dash gave him a mocking salute as she fell out of his sight and took off again.

The twists and turns of Canterlot's streets and alleys were her playground. The changelings tried in vain to keep track of her. They were just too slow. Every time she was spotted, their formation spread thinner and thinner to surround her. Twice, changelings got too close to ground level. Twice, Rainbow Dash knocked them senseless. It was fun, but she knew she had to cut the party short.

Rainbow Dash took her leave right under the noses of a pair of soldiers. She flew backwards for a bit to bask in her success; not one changeling followed her. Too easy. Rainbow righted herself and headed for the warehouse, beaming under her mask. If she was fast enough, she would probably get back in time to see Fluttershy in action. Fluttershy was a quiet pony, and she could probably slip in behind whatever distracted guards remained, but it wouldn't hurt to check up on her.

Rainbow chuckled to herself. Of course she was fast enough. She stayed in the alleys as much as possible to stay out of sight. There was only supposed to be one Hurricane, after all. The warehouse came into view, with no pony in sight. Not surprising, what with a fleet of changelings swarming out of it. What did surprise Rainbow Dash was the open entrance in front.

Were the ponies gone already? No, she flew up to a window and could see ponies still inside. In fact, an entire herd of ponies was inside. An older stallion stood at the head of a group of younger, fellow unicorns. There was something...familiar about him. She couldn't put her hoof on it, but his dusky coat struck her. It looked like he was arguing with a smaller group of ponies. Rainbow Dash moved closer to the door to eavesdrop.

"-why you're here."

"I've told you why we're here!" The unicorn stallion sounded like he was losing his patience. "Hurricane is distracting your guards, so now is our chance to get you out. Come with us and we can get you home."

"We don't understand. Are you working with Hurricane?"

The stallion groaned loudly. This made no sense to her. It sounded like the captives didn't want to leave. And why would ponies argue with each other in changeling central in the first place? Rainbow's stomach tied in a knot. There were no more guards in sight. No pony in their right mind would stay inside that long.

They weren't ponies.

Fluttershy!

In a flash, Rainbow flew around the corner of the building, too late. Fluttershy had already pulled open the back door. She turned to look at Rainbow in confusion. Rainbow Dash poured on the speed, just as a swarm of green darts lifted and crushed Fluttershy against the building behind her. In a flash, Rainbow pushed her out of the line of fire and leaned her against the warehouse.

Fluttershy immediately fell over, and pulled her legs to her chest. Rainbow looked down at her eyes, looking up at her wide in shock. Small, pitiful, gasps for air escaped her mouth. Rainbow Dash crouched down, and reached out and pulled back a hoof. She panicked. Should she touch her? Should she move her? Could she even breathe? Should she take off the chest piece? Would it hurt too much to carry her?

Fluttershy finally grabbed her hoof when she reached out again. She was stronger than Rainbow expected. Fluttershy forced a smile, and whispered, "I'm OK." Panic dissolved into anger. How could she say that?! She was lying in a broken heap, and it was Rainbow's fault! She was the one who led her into this! Fluttershy's eyes filled with concern as she watched Rainbow's.

Fluttershy was worried about her? After Rainbow's mistake? Because Rainbow didn't know how to help her now? That was it. She had to do something. Rainbow Dash broke Fluttershy's grip and charged for the entrance. A changeling backed out of the door and turned to face her in surprise. He never had a chance; Rainbow Dash's punch obliterated him. With him out the way, Rainbow could see what was going on.

A firefight was tearing the warehouse apart. The changelings circled overhead, firing down on the scattered unicorns. The gray stallion was trying to organize the younger ones, but they weren’t listening. Their resistance only added to the confusion of the battle. Magically lifted bricks, glass, and other debris cut through the space between Rainbow and her targets.

An idea dawned on her. Rainbow Dash grabbed the body of the unconscious changeling and used it to shield herself as she charged through. Rainbow threw the body over to another changeling. He stopped cold to catch it, shocked. His face was left wide open for her flying kick. A quick somersault closed the distance to the next one. Rainbow Dash just crashed into him, not even bothering with an attack.

She could have done more. She could have hurt these monsters, but Rainbow held back after her assault. Instead, she flew up and blocked the roof exit from the changelings. She wanted to watch the unicorns. The gray stallion noticed her position. In a commanding voice, he ordered his friends to cover the doors.

The changelings were ready for that. Rapid fire from above stopped the nearest unicorns cold. Two soldiers knocked down the front doors and covered the others' escape. They carried away their injured allies. Rainbow Dash let them go. She was more concerned with the ponies below her. Their leader was waiting for her to come down.

The fight was too fast, even for her. The stallion waved to her. "Brother! Come down. We could use your help." Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. This whole thing was a set-up. If there were two traps, why not three? She had to get them away from Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash burst for the door.

"No! Please, brother, wait!"

There was something desperate in his voice. The sound of it tore at her. Rainbow pulled up outside the exit and held her face in her hooves. She had to make a choice. If he really was a pony...Rainbow Dash dropped to the ground, causing the herd of galloping unicorns to jump back in surprise. "You're not my brother. Just who the hay do you think you are?"

The sound of her voice stunned the leader. "You...you're not one of the...? Oh, I'm sorry; I just saw the armor and thought you were one of us."

"What?" Rainbow looked again at his gray coat and orange eyes. Her jaw dropped. That's why she recognized him! She saw plenty like him around Canterlot before the wedding. "You're one of the Royal Guard!"

He nodded. "My name is Nocto. I was stationed at Celestia's school when the attack came. I helped these students escape and we've been...well, we've survived. Now who are you? I didn't think there was any pony alive that could take a hit like you did and keep fighting like that."

But she didn't take the hit. Fluttershy did, and she needed help. If he was a soldier, he might know a few tricks. Could she trust him? Rainbow started hovering overhead and moved back into the warehouse. "This isn't a good time to talk. More could be on the way. You might want to spread out."

The stallion studied her with a raised eyebrow. "OK, you all heard her. Head back to camp. Now." He watched the students leave and turned to follow Rainbow Dash inside. "Well, we're alone now. What's this about?"

"Do you know healing magic?"

"What? No! There's no such thing as healing magic. You've never been to a doctor before? Magic can't do everything. What gave you that idea?"

"Just follow me." He sounded like a pony so far. Why couldn't she come up with a better test? She led Fluttershy into one trap already, and that was enough for one day. Rainbow took him out the back exit. Fluttershy had pulled off her chest piece and squeaked in surprise at the newcomer's presence. "She's the one who got hit. Please, help her."

Rainbow saw his orange eyes flick back and forth between herself and Fluttershy. "That's a clever tactic. How many Hurricanes are there?"

"Does it matter? Will you help her or not?"

Flutteshy scooted closer to her. "I...I don't need help. I'm fine. Really."

Nocto shook his head. "You sound like you have one or two cracked ribs at the least."

"No, she always sounds like that. She's...shy."

The unicorn cocked his head as he examined the discarded chest piece. "It does look like her armor held up. Do you have any pain? Any shortness of breath or...?" Rainbow helped to encourage Fluttershy to answer as best she could. At last, "She's OK. Sounds like she just got the wind knocked out of her."

Rainbow Dash nodded and sighed in relief. "Thanks."

"This was a good idea you two had though. Listen, what you did yesterday has changed everything. Ponies everywhere are talking about you. Rumors about prisoners around here spread like wild fire so Hurricane could hear about it."

Her anger flared up again. "It was a trick. It was all a trick. Where did those rumors start?"

Nocto shook his head. "It was a rumor. Who can tell? Those kids believed it just like you did. I've been trying to keep them safe, but after yesterday that isn't an option. All they want to do is help you fight back."

Rainbow was shocked at this windfall. She didn't know much about magic except what Twilight and Rarity briefly explained to her, but if those unicorns all came from the same school Twilight did...there were possibilities. "We'll think about it."

"I'd better get back to them. There's a boathouse near the docks we've been using to keep up their training. The changelings never go down there. We dig in at a rundown hotel near there to sleep. I can gather every pony there tonight if you want to meet them?" Rainbow nodded, and Nocto galloped away.

Rainbow watched him leave with mixed feelings. Chrysalis always has a reason. Fluttershy's cleared her throat. "Um, Rainbow Dash? Why did you bring him here?"

She helped Fluttershy stand before answering. "Because you got leveled! Why wouldn't I bring some pony to help?"

"Because I fix broken bones all the time with my animals. And I know how muscles work. And I know what it's like when something is wrong with either of them."

"Oh. That's...that's right." Rainbow Dash turned away in embarrassment and flew up to the roof to retrieve her cloak. What was she thinking?! Nothing, obviously. She landed back on the street and headed for home. Fluttershy ran to catch up to her.

"Rainbow Dash? Is everything alright?"

"No. I'll have to mention this dude to Twilight when I see her tonight. Maybe she knows who he is."

"Tonight? But when will you meet with his friends?" Rainbow Dash didn't answer. "Um...you are going to meet with them, aren't you?"

"Not yet."

"But why? They're unicorns. Maybe they know a way to lower the force field. Or maybe they can find a way out and talk to Applejack for us. I mean, I thought of something, but I'm sure they can do better."

"Fluttershy, we just got ambushed. I've had enough of that for the day."

"You don't trust him?"

"No. I don't." Silence hung over the pair on their long walk back through Canterlot. Rainbow ignored the chatter of Hurricane's newest battle. There was a more important issue on her mind. Fluttershy looked over to her several times during the trip. Rainbow Dash knew she wanted to talk more about her decision, but Fluttershy kept quiet.

There was a fresh coat of mortar on either side of the castle gates when they walked past them this time. Fluttershy began to laugh softly. "I'm sorry," she said as she saw the look on Rainbow's face. "I just realized something. It's about that night, or that morning really, when we escaped from the castle. I still remember how you rescued me from the pit. I warned you it was a trap, but you said you didn't care."

"Yeah, but you're my friend. It isn't-"

"There's more than that. Afterwards you told us about your meeting with Twilight, and how she asked you to find Spike. You came for me even after she asked you to do that. I've always wondered why. I've always wondered why you were so insistent on my leaving with Spike and Applejack. Why you never gave me the signal to help you yesterday. Why you brought a stranger to help me even though you don't trust him. You're protecting me. Even though, back at Donut Joe's, you said you couldn't if I stayed. You made me a promise didn't you?"

"Uh...yeah. Yes. Of course I did. After the changelings took you away in the dungeon." Rainbow Dash was blown away. Fluttershy was keeping track of all that? Even with everything that was going on? How did she even think that was what Rainbow did? How could she...Rainbow Dash smiled. "You made me a promise too, right?"

"I did, after you fell asleep in my wings. I promised that I would do anything I could to never see you hurt so much again. That night...it looked like you put the weight of the world on yourself." So that's what she was driving at. "We need help to bear this burden. Our friends aren't here, but these ponies are. They can help you in ways I just can't."

Rainbow shook her head with a smile. "Are you sure you're Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy blushed and looked away. "Was...was that too much? I just think trust can make us stronger. I'm sure Twilight would say the same."

Rainbow Dash's head felt lighter. Fluttershy made more sense the more she thought about it. The ambush surprised her. Twilight warned her that Chrysalis might have a plan and Rainbow ignored her. The changelings sprung their trap, and the unicorns stalled them from chasing after Fluttershy. They fought the changelings even when Rainbow Dash didn't. If the unicorns weren't on their side then they wouldn't have helped.

And why did she become Hurricane in the first place? She wanted to inspire the ponies in Canterlot to fight with her. Now they wanted to do just that. Since her first meeting with Twilight their goal was to challenge the changelings army-to-army. A group of expert magic users was a good start. Was Rainbow Dash going to lose her nerve at the first hurdle?

She looked over at Fluttershy as the two ponies reached the house. "I still need to let Twilight know what happened, but I'll head to the hotel right afterwards."

Fluttershy smiled in gratitude. "Promise?"

Chapter 7: Deceived

"-and then I flipped over and bam!" Rainbow Dash somersaulted through the air and pounded her front hooves together for emphasis. "He dropped like a rock!" She grinned as Twilight Sparkle laughed. Rainbow was surprised Twilight asked for the whole story of the rescue, but she was always happy to brag about her skills. Her earlier uncertainty was long gone. The plan Twilight gave her was taking a giant step forward tonight, and Rainbow Dash couldn't wait.

It was an enthusiasm Twilight shared after she finished her story. "It's so hard to believe that one pony can do what you've done. Still, I'm glad you're accepting their help. I was afraid I was putting too much on you. Fighting them all alone could have overwhelmed you, like that incident with Applejack."

Rainbow laughed at the memory of Applejack launching her across Ponyville. "I was never really alone, though. And now with these unicorns backing me up we can really do some damage."

"Don't get too far ahead of yourself," Twilight admonished. "You don't even know how many are joining you yet."

"I know, I know. We still need to get Luna inside the city somehow. Do you think they might be able to drop your brother's force field?"

Twilight shook her head, rattling her chain. "I doubt it. They don't just let any pony become Captain of the Royal Guard. If a few students were stronger than he was he wouldn't have gotten the job."

"What about this Nocto guy? If he's in the Royal Guard too-"

"I don't know who he is. Besides, Shining Armor also has the queen backing him up. She's keeping him strong with her spell right now, remember? Now these students, they're not still at the school are they?"

Rainbow shook her head. "They're camping out in an old hotel."

"Will Fluttershy be there with you?"

"No, you know crowds really aren't her thing. Especially with strangers."

"Speaking of which, you shouldn't keep them waiting. Go on."

Rainbow Dash was disappointed. "That's it? You don't have another plan of theirs I can screw up? Something to get the newbies' hooves wet?"

An odd look spread across Twilight's face. Did she say something stupid? "Rainbow, you are their plan now. Hurricane is a thorn that Chrysalis wants removed. She was planning an attack on Cloudsdale this morning until she heard her trap failed. One of her lieutenants reported on the train departure tomorrow and she blasted him across the room. You are all she cares about."

Rainbow left with Twilight's warning fresh in mind. Her long walk through the tunnel gave her time to think about their conversation, as usual. She would have to convince one of the unicorns to leave on the train tomorrow. If Chrysalis was focused on Hurricane, Luna was free to move unseen. If Luna had a plan to retake Ponyville, or defend Cloudsdale, or even if she knew how to bring down the force field, now was the time.

She reached the end of the tunnel and began to lift the trap door. It flung open as some pony else pulled it on the other side. Rainbow jumped back with a shout as a dark shape quickly reached down for her. The hoof withdrew with a cry of its own.

"Oh! It's me! It's me! I'm sorry, Rainbow. I should have waited for you down there." Fluttershy reached back down and helped pull Rainbow Dash up to the street. Rainbow stared at her, trying to get her heartbeat back under control. "Um, I brought these for you," Fluttershy said as she reached under her cloak and pulled out Rainbow's armor and bodysuit bundled together.

"Uh, thanks." What was it with Fluttershy giving her heart attacks lately? Rainbow started pulling her gear on. The moon, somehow still full almost a week after the attack, cast a shadow on the alley that hid the golden shine until the armor was covered by the gray of Rainbow's cloak. She set out for her meeting with the unicorns, and Fluttershy followed. "Well, thanks for saving me the trip back. If you wanted to come you could have just said so."

Fluttershy looked down as she answered. "I didn't want to intrude on you and Twilight. How is she?"

"She's holding up. She gave me a warning before I left. The queen wants us taken out pretty quick. Twilight said we're all she cares about. Things are only going to get harder from here." She watched the color drain from Fluttershy's face. Rainbow hated to see it, but she couldn't sugarcoat the truth from her. "It sounds like this could be Luna's chance to step up her game in Equestria. We need to get some pony on the train tomorrow."

"No we don't."

"I still want it to be you, but I have a feeling that won't happen."

"Rainbow, I don't think we need any pony."

"Things are going to-wait, what?"

"I thought of a way to talk to Luna. I mentioned it on the way home this morning." Did she? Rainbow Dash didn't remember that at all. Fluttershy mercifully ended her confusion. "You were distracted by what happened earlier. That's OK. Well, there's a sewing room on the second floor of the house. I forgot about it until last night. If I can make a flag big enough for no pegasus to miss, we could sew a letter to it. Then we just have to attach it to the train somehow."

Rainbow was quiet while the plan sank in. Fluttershy waited for her opinion. It was, "AWESOME, Fluttershy!" Fluttershy smiled at the ground while Rainbow thought ahead to tomorrow morning. An attack on the train would be a spectacular debut for her new fighters. Some pony could attach the message in the confusion. Then they would "run away" and let the changelings deliver their message for them. Things were starting to look good for Equestria.

The hotel came into view. Two stories high and in disrepair, it looked completely abandoned. The two pegasi stood frozen in the shadows of Canterlot. Finally, Rainbow Dash noticed a faint flicker of light inside a first floor window. This was the place. Rainbow waved for Fluttershy to follow her and flew up to the second floor fire escape. "Dramatic effect," she answered her friend's quizzical look. Fluttershy smiled and followed her up.

The interior hallway was lit only by a faint glow from around a corner. Furniture covered in sheets lined the walls in between the doors. Rainbow could make out hushed voices, but couldn't tell what they were saying. The two ponies rounded the corner and made their way down the hall towards the light. "Stop that!" barked a voice. "If she's not out there, she's not out there." Nocto.

The hallway opened with a railing overlooking a lobby. Unicorns were clustered together in the center of the room with two more standing next to a window each. Rainbow Dash backed out of sight and removed her cloak. She smiled at Fluttershy as she pulled her mask up. "Here we go."

"ATTACK!" Rainbow Dash spun around to see green bolts streak through the windows like sideways rain. One loud CRASH echoed as four changelings rammed through the ceiling and down into the ponies below. A second crash signaled the destruction of the door at the end of the hall. The brilliance of the light, the volume of the noise, the ferocity of the attack all added to the chaos. Rainbow Dash acted on instinct.

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak, but Rainbow's hoof cut her off. She crumpled to the floor. Rainbow Dash grabbed her body and shoved her under a table. "Rain...why...?" Rainbow held back too much. She was still conscious.

Rainbow hissed, "Don't move, and don't make a sound!" She pulled the sheet back over Fluttershy not a moment too soon. The changelings charged around the corner just as Rainbow stood back up. "Come and get me, slime balls!"

Rainbow Dash dove over the railing and into the melee below. More changelings had stormed through the door and attacked Nocto and his students. Rainbow fell on them in a blur of motion. She lashed out with full force, holding nothing back. The changelings backed away in the initial shock of her attack. This was their only chance. "Get out!"

"Now!" Nocto turned and fired on a wall, his students following his lead. They knocked out a hole and ran through it in a wild retreat. Rainbow Dash stood between the hole and the army inside to cover their escape. More soldiers landed outside, letting the runners go. Unicorns were scattered on the floor, but they were paid no attention. The changelings were here for her.

She charged. They fired. They missed. Rainbow Dash was on top of them with the fury of a storm. She fought with no self-preservation. There were too many of them. Her one goal was to bring down as many as possible. All Rainbow Dash could do was make every strike count.

And then it happened. Her limbs were suddenly pinned to her side as her body was thrown backwards with savage force. She slammed into the wall and bounced off, stunned, and was immediately thrust up into the ceiling. The changelings grinned up at her. Finally, the force that held her vanished, causing her to fall back to the floor. Rainbow planted her front hooves and tried to push herself up. Her hooves were pulled away, and her face struck the floor again.

"You lost. Just give up."

The voice cut Rainbow Dash to the core. She trembled, trying in vain to stop the tears welling up in her eyes. "T-Twilight? Why? How could you-"

Her body was violently thrown to the side. She looked up at the black figure towering over her, green eyes burning with hatred, fangs bared in a cruel sneer. Queen Chrysalis. Her crooked horn glowed. Rainbow's mask forced itself into her mouth as a gag. "You really need to learn some subtlety, Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow Dash went limp. She spoke with Twilight's voice. Chrysalis ordered two changelings forward to pick her up. Rainbow didn't resist them. Chrysalis was right. She lost. It was over. Chrysalis knew everything. She knew all their plans. She was the one who gave their plans. Everything Rainbow and Fluttershy did was meaningless. She failed.

Only one thought kept her calm as the changelings dragged her out and into the sky. All the soldiers went with her and Chrysalis back to the castle or followed after the unicorns. Fluttershy was safe.

"My subjects! I present to you our esteemed guest, Commander Hurricane!" Rainbow Dash's cheeks burned as laughter echoed in the throne room. Chrysalis led the procession through the hall as Rainbow was dragged behind her. Waiting at the end was Celestia's golden throne, now covered in the green slime of the changelings. Twilight Sparkle lay at the foot of the throne, collared, chained, gagged, and with eyes full of concern.

Queen Chrysalis took the throne and looked down on Rainbow with a smirk. "Oh," she said with fake surprise, "forgive me Commander. It seems I've forgotten to teach my soldiers proper manners. Gentlemen! You are supposed to take a lady's coat when she enters."

One of the guards at her side took Rainbow's throat in his jaws and forced her to the floor. The horde of changelings rushed forward and tore at her costume. Her armor was stripped off. She felt sharp fangs bite into her skin to rip the black cloth away. Chrysalis laughed through it all. Twilight never looked away.

The last piece removed was her gag. A chain was brought out and Rainbow was forced up. She took her chance to speak as the guards wrapped the chain around her wings. "You were Twilight. You were Twilight. You knew things. How did you-” Chrysalis summoned a simple wooden chest from behind the throne. She let it drop to the floor. The lid popped open, and numerous scrolls spilled out.

Scrolls.

Chrysalis lifted one. "Dear Princess Celestia," she began in a slow, mocking tone. "I used to think that the most important traits to look for in a pet, or any best friend, were all physical competitive abilities..." More laughter. Rainbow Dash clenched her teeth at the queen continued her ridicule of how she met Tank. "I still can't believe this is the tripe you cared about. No wonder I defeated you so easily!" The queen was looking above her as she spoke. Rainbow followed her gaze to see Celestia hanging from the ceiling, trapped in a green cocoon. Her eyes were open, calmly watching the proceedings.

Rainbow still didn't understand. "But you helped me! You told me-"

"I told you I thought I sent you straight back to the dungeon. I was hoping a few more hours of freedom would let you gather more information for me about Luna. Not only did you manage to turn those few hours into an entire day, you failed to learn anything new at all. So I sent you into a trap this morning. It was meant to be a public defeat to remind Canterlot who's really in control here. And you escaped."

Her emphasis on the last word killed the humor in the atmosphere. Something was wrong. Rainbow saw the mob of changelings shrink as Chrysalis stepped off her throne. Her eyes burned with green fire again, but this time they weren't directed at Rainbow Dash.

"You escaped. Even though my soldiers knew you were coming. Even though they knew not to underestimate you." The air crackled with energy. "You beat them twice before. You tricked them and escaped from them at the train station. One pony managed to best and humiliate every...single...ONE! OF! YOU!" The roar of magic unleashed punctuated her words. Her troops scattered for cover from her waves of energy.

The walls cracked, spreading debris across the hall. Rainbow dropped to the floor and covered her head. Chrysalis walked past her, still screaming her frustration. Rainbow looked up in shock to make sure Twilight was OK. She was, and she was frantically waving for Rainbow's attention. Their eyes met, and Twilight began tapping a hoof against her collar. Why was she doing that?

The unicorn's purple eyes became more and more pleading as the seconds dragged on. She finally looked away and went still. Chrysalis stepped back in front of Rainbow Dash to continue her tirade. "And now there is a band of unicorns loose in my city with the intent of fighting against me. Because of you and that ridiculous idea of yours!

"Oh, I blame myself." The queen turned back to her throne as the rage left her voice. "It would have been so easy to snuff out this flame when it was just a candle. I should have taken you the first time you came through that wall. I thought you were just bragging when you said you escaped from ten of my soldiers."

Rainbow was puzzled for a moment. That wasn't right. Bragging about ten soldiers came after Applejack and Spike escaped on the train. The first time she went through the wall...she loosened Twilight's collar! One or two spells, she thought as she looked back at Twilight. Chrysalis noticed her change in focus.

"Yes," she said with a smile, "dear Twilight was just as surprised to hear you as I was. I'm afraid that was her body hitting the floor that you heard. I couldn't afford to let her warn you. But you woke up sooner than I expected, didn't you pet?" Twilight recoiled as the queen stroked her mane. Chrysalis turned her attention back to Rainbow Dash with a tone of sympathy. "You fought so hard. You struggled and survived for days, and what do you have to show for it?"

Rainbow Dash answered Chrysalis' smirk with one of her own. "Nothing. But a little bit of nothing can change everything."

The hall erupted with more laughter from all the changelings. This time, Twilight joined in with them. The two ponies were on the same page now. As Chrysalis recovered from her hysterics, Twilight twisted her body, tapping her side and looking over at the windows. Rainbow understood. One or two spells. She could break the chain that held Rainbow's wings, and maybe one of the windows. Rainbow could escape while the changelings were in surprise. But what about Twilight?

Rainbow Dash always hated leaving Twilight here. After seeing the queen treating her friend like that, she hated it even more. She wasn't leaving without Twilight, but she couldn't get Twilight out now. Chrysalis plucked her out of midair tonight and on the invasion day. Rainbow doubted the third time would be the charm. To Twilight's surprise, she stood still and kept the chain out of sight.

Chrysalis came back to her senses, ignorant of the ponies. "Oh Rainbow Dash, you entertain me. But the fact remains that you are a problem. I've had to postpone my plans for the rest of Equestria because of you. Now I need to spend even more time tracking down this new threat. My little pony, you have become more trouble than you're worth." An evil glint flashed in the queen's green eyes. "I am going to make an example of you. I am going to show Canterlot something they have never seen before: an execution."

Fear. Pure fear was written on Twilight Sparkle's face. She was begging with her eyes for Rainbow to turn, but Rainbow Dash stood her ground. If she escaped, Twilight would be left alone with an enraged queen. She wouldn't let that happen. Twilight gave a muffled scream and slumped down to bury her face.

"You can't do it yet," Rainbow started, speaking as much to Twilight as she was to Chrysalis. "All of Canterlot knows about Hurricane now. You need to make this public." Twilight's ears pricked up. She was listening intently. "That's what you wanted this morning, right? For every pony to see Hurricane lose. They'll all turn out to see if you even really have me." And add to the confusion when I escape. Twilight looked up with a forgotten tear on her cheek. She was following Rainbow's logic.

Queen Chrysalis looked down at her with amusement. "That is exactly what I plan to do. We're going to begin spreading the word tomorrow. How refreshing it is to have a prisoner agree with her punishment." She signaled for the guards to take Rainbow away. Rainbow Dash gave Twilight a reassuring smile as they grabbed her. There was one last piece to the puzzle the two of them put together. One more wild card that no one else in the room knew about but her.

Fluttershy.

The whistle sounded and the train slowly began to pull away from the station. Their duty completed, changeling guards turned and started flying back to the castle. Fluttershy quietly prayed for just a fraction of Rainbow Dash's speed as she flew off the roof and tried to catch up to the caboose.

Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy obeyed her last order. She cried silent tears during the awful sounds of fighting. She knew who would win as much as Rainbow did. The hotel was deserted by the time she gathered enough courage to crawl out from under the table. One ray of hope kept her strong. Rainbow Dash approved of her idea to send a letter to Luna.

She worked through the night on the banner she carried now. It was a simple white background with a black X in the center. She hoped it was big enough to spot from the air. Her letter was sewn on the underside. A letter she hastily rewrote after already leaving the house once this morning.

Hurricane would be unmasked at sunset in front of the castle gates. The news came from a pony she met with the green glow of the changelings in his eyes. She didn't know what to make of it. The changelings were behind it, of course, but what were they planning? Fluttershy realized it didn't really matter. Rainbow Dash sacrificed herself to protect her. She had to try and get her back. And so she came up with this one desperate plan.

The front of the train was passing through Shining Armor's barrier when she caught up. Fluttershy quickly wrapped some twine around the railing at the back of the last car and through some holes she punched in the cloth. She tightened the knots to secure her banner with time to spare.

Don't let go, she thought. Applejack got out this way. If you hold the train it might pull you through. You'll be free . The purple field loomed closer. It was halfway across the last car now. Fluttershy let go of the railing. Her body struck the field and bounced off. The banner unfurled as the train picked up more speed.

She watched the train chug along, hoping that she would actually see a pegasus swoop down and take her message before it disappeared in the mountain tunnels. There was no such luck. She sighed and turned back to Canterlot. There was one last thing she needed to do this morning. She was already trembling at the thought of it. Fluttershy took a deep breath and started flying towards the docks.

Chapter 8: Execution

Show time.

Two guards opened the door to Rainbow's cell. She briefly wondered if they were same two she knocked out during her escape. She could never tell these things apart. Rainbow Dash stood up and went quietly.

Rainbow Dash noticed changes in the armory. The loose section of wall was removed completely. Rubble protruded through the doorway it hid. She expected that, but it was still disappointing. Were there any other hidden passages in the castle? Rainbow kept her eyes peeled for any signs during her march.

The guards pushed her onto a balcony. She squinted her eyes to shield them from the setting sun. Queen Chrysalis was waiting for her with Twilight Sparkle. The queen turned to her with a smile. "Come, Rainbow Dash. Come see the turnout for your grand finale."

The guards forced her to the queen's side opposite Twilight. The walls and gates separating the castle from the city were on her left. She could see an elevated platform adorned with two posts, and a beam connecting the top of them. Rainbow Dash had a feeling that stage was meant for her. Ponies were gathering around the platform. Some of them were peering through the gate.

The front doors to the castle itself swung open on Rainbow's right. Two changelings exited, each one pulling a rein on the bridle of Princess Cadance. She staggered through the doors, struggling to keep pace with her handlers. The two changelings laughed as she finally tripped and fell to the ground. They kept pulling the reins, goading her to get up. Two ponies rushed out of the doors to help her.

Rainbow Dash instantly recognized Rarity and Pinkie Pie. She gasped as they were followed by a dozen more changelings. Her two friends managed to pick up Cadance, but were wrestled away from her immediately. Rainbow angrily turned on the queen. "What are trying to pull?! You said-"

Chrysalis snarled and stamped a hoof to cut her off. The force of the stomp shook the balcony and Rainbow was cowed. She had to wait for her moment. The queen still had all the power. "Your friends are here to remind Canterlot what they are up against. Their leaders, their heroes, their army are all mine. Their will to resist me ends tonight."

The scene on the balcony drew the attention of the crowd below. The guards waited for the queen's signal to resume the procession. Cadance was pulled away. Rarity met Rainbow's eyes and looked away in sorrow. Rainbow wondered if she knew what the changelings were planning. Pinkie Pie saw Rarity's reaction and began hopping up and down, pointing to her neck. She, like Rarity and Cadance, was wearing one of the anti-magic collars.

Rainbow started laughing. Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. The changelings just didn't get it. She heard Twilight's muffled voice joining her. Rarity looked back, noticed the collar, and smiled as well. Satisfied at her work, Pinkie Pie hopped on behind Princess Cadance. The soldiers kept a wary eye on her.

Next through the doors were dozens of the Royal Guard. Rainbow Dash couldn't tell exactly how many. They were divided in several sections congealed together with the changeling slime. Flanking and following them were the queen's own troops. "You're really going all out with this, huh?"

Chrysalis ignored her. Rainbow looked up as a shadow fell over the balcony to see Celestia's sky chariot descend next to them. She noted, with some satisfaction, that two changelings were pulling it instead of ponies. Chrysalis climbed on first, followed by Twilight. Something brushed Rainbow's flank. She watched in shock as Shining Armor walked past her to join them. She didn't even know he was there. He moved as quietly as a ghost; the one green eye she saw was smooth as glass. The queen had a deep hold on him.

Rainbow's guards pushed her onto the chariot as well. It pulled away from the balcony and began a long loop over the walls and around the plaza. Chrysalis was making an entrance. Rainbow Dash kept her eyes on the crowd. The changeling army split in two. One half formed a ring to keep the Canterlot ponies away from the platform, the others surrounded the prisoners.

Time was running out. She had to come up with a plan, but she couldn't give Twilight any signal with the queen so close. How long would the unicorn wait before breaking the chain around her wings? And where was Fluttershy? She wasn't on the rooftops, thankfully, but Rainbow couldn't pick out Hurricane's grey cloak in the crowd.

The chariot landed behind the prisoners. Rainbow Dash was lifted up with a green aura around her body. She felt all eyes on her. Chrysalis's voice bellowed out. "Canterlot! I give you Hurricane! This pony was found conspiring..." Rainbow Dash tuned her out. She decided to use this opportunity to take one last look for Fluttershy, and was surprised by what she found. There were nearly a dozen identical cloaks scattered in the crowd, pushing their way to the front.

Something flew by Rainbow's head. She had enough time to recognize her helmet before it disappeared into the crowd. "There is my proof! As Queen of Equestria I find her guilty. You will all witness her sentence carried out." At that, two changelings flew up to the overhanging beam. They worked for a moment and then let a rope fall from it. A rope that ended with a noose.

A horrified silence hung in the air. Chrysalis dropped Rainbow and ordered her to walk forward. Her soldiers cleared a path through the ponies that led to a flight of stairs up to the gallows. For a brief moment, the performer inside of Rainbow Dash appreciated the queen's theatrics. She particularly enjoyed the irony that waited for her at the end of that rope. Of course, she never intended to feel it.

Rainbow Dash was tracking a group of three cloaks heading for her at the edge of the crowd, so she didn't see the changeling stick out his leg. The silence erupted into chaos as she tripped. The crowd pushed against the changelings with angry shouts. The entire ring of soldiers gave up ground against the sudden onslaught. Rainbow found herself nearly trampled under them. One of the three cloaks crouched down to speak with her. As she hoped, Fluttershy's face smiled out from underneath it.

"I was waiting for you," Rainbow said.

"And Luna is waiting for you. Nocto can free you. You need to-"

"ENOUGH!" The queen's roar, combined with a deafening explosion of power, subdued the mob. Fluttershy was pushed away. The two guards on the platform swooped down to pick up a stunned Rainbow Dash. What did Fluttershy say?!

Rainbow Dash looked up. Storm clouds had gathered at the edge of the force field. Where there were storm clouds, there were pegasi. If there were pegasi, they were there for a reason. She quickly filled in the holes of Fluttershy's message. Luna was waiting. Fluttershy said Nocto could free her, so the other cloaks belonged to unicorn students. She needed to...bring down the force field.

A sonic rainboom. There wouldn't be time for anything else. But would it work? Twilight interrupted herself when she first suggested it. And what about Fluttershy and the unicorns? If she was pulling a rainboom, they would be left alone against the army. Rainbow's head started spinning. She was expecting a distraction to help her escape, but this...

Sweet Celestia, this was going to be close.

The guards pulled her up to the gallows and turned her to face Queen Chrysalis. Rainbow immediately looked to Twilight Sparkle. The unicorn had trusted her for this long, but Rainbow could see the impatience in her face. Rainbow Dash was gambling with her life in Twilight's eyes. She wouldn't wait much longer.

"Any last words?" Chrysalis was smiling in eager anticipation. Rainbow Dash thought of one more idea, one more way to swing the odds in their favor. She hoped Twilight would listen to her.

"Free Cadance."

"That's it?!" Chrysalis howled in laughter over the murmurs of the crowd. "No final farewell to your friends? No goading wisecrack? I'm disappointed." The queen shook her head with a smile. "No, I won't be freeing Princess Cadance. I like her right where she is."

Twilight Sparkle only nodded.

One of the guards grabbed her, holding her head still, while the other took the rope and pulled the noose wider. Rainbow Dash concentrated on her breathing, and focused her eyes on the rope, not wanting to tip off the changelings by looking around. The second guard finished, and began pulling the noose over her snout.

WHAM!

Hurricane charged from behind Rainbow Dash and laid him out. Both guard and rope went flying. Rainbow Dash seized the moment of confusion and spun away from the one holding her. She bucked her hind legs, catching him under the under the chin, and knocked him out cold. Gasps of shock emanated from the mob. Chrysalis only gave a mute glare.

Hurricane stood tall after delivering her shoulder charge, wings spread wide to shield Rainbow from view. Rainbow Dash felt the chain around her wings snap loose. At the same time, beams of light erupted out of the crowd from all directions. Every color of the rainbow streaked toward Celestia's sky chariot. Queen Chrysalis threw up a green wall at the last moment. Her troops rushed to shield her from further attack.

"Scatter!" Rainbow leapt to her right, Hurricane to her left. The gallows were peppered with shots behind them. She flapped her wings and flew higher, and higher, and higher. The queen's screams echoed below. Green bolts flew by her. Rainbow Dash ignored it all.

Time. She just needed more time.

"Bring her down! Bring her down!"

Twilight Sparkle recognized the mistake instantly. Half the changelings fired one way, half fired another. She threw herself down and took cover as another hidden volley was launched from the crowd.

The distracted soldiers made easy targets. But to Twilight's surprise, only a few of them were knocked from the air. The attacks were numerous, but the magic behind them was weak. Chrysalis turned back to the crowd, trying to peer through them and see who fired at her. This was not going to end well for the ponies.

"Take them down," Chrysalis seethed. "Leave none standing!"

The effect of her words was instantaneous. Canterlot was already furious at the treatment of Rainbow Dash. At the sound of her order, the streets roared in anger. Twilight watched in awe as the queen's moment of triumph turned to a full-scale riot before her eyes. Shouts, bolts of magic, and a rain of stones and debris filled the sky as the ponies rushed towards the prisoners.

Chrysalis stepped in front of her and began shouting orders. Twilight took the opportunity to climb the throne on the chariot. The ponies had no chance on their own. The changelings were an army fighting against the average citizens of Canterlot. Twilight surveyed the chaos, looking for her target.

There.

Cadance was swept up by two guards before the front row of ponies could reach her. One of them was able to launch a bolt, but her attack was shrugged off. It did, however, keep the guards still for a moment. That was all Twilight needed. Her purple lance of energy sheared off Cadance's collar, and a brilliant blue wave knocked her guards away a moment later.

"You..." Hate dripped from the single syllable. Twilight Sparkle turned and was paralyzed by the inferno raging in Chrysalis's eyes. A slap from her hoof sent Twilight crashing down to the street below. Dazed, Twilight Sparkle was unable to resist the grip of magic surrounding her throat.

Not for the first time in her life, Rainbow Dash cursed the very existence of gravity. All it did was slow her down. Anyway, her climb was finished. She turned to angle herself downwards. As she did so, her eyes spotted a head stick out of a storm cloud outside the barrier. She recognized Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts. From the look of her gaping mouth, Spitfire recognized her, too.

Rainbow Dash let herself fall. She forced herself not to look over to the castle gates. Anything she saw there would only distract her. The only things that mattered now were Canterlot's waterfalls, lying just outside the force field. If the sonic rainboom didn't trigger, she would just try to smash through the barrier herself. It was do or die.

Her adrenaline picked up as the sound of the wind changed.

The familiar cone of air formed ahead of her.

She pushed herself faster.

Faster.

FASTER!

The cone narrowed.

Electricity sparked around her.

The force field grew closer.

BOOM

The instant speed boost nearly crushed Rainbow against the force field. She managed to pull up with just inches to spare. But she instantly knew something was wrong. The air pressure around her didn’t feel right. A ring of rainbow light pulling ahead of her confirmed her fear. The shockwave bounced off the force field, and her maneuver cost her time to get away from it.

Rainbow Dash's body was rocked, and she blacked out.

Fluttershy huddled over the body of a screaming mare as chunks of rubble flew inches over her head. The mare's horn had been broken by a changeling and she collapsed in the middle of the street from the pain. A stallion joined Fluttershy's effort to pull the injured pony out of harm's way before he jumped back into the fray.

"Thank you," the mare moaned.

Fluttershy looked away in shame. She should never have taken off her armor. She was afraid it would make her a target, but now she realized it would have meant so much more. The ponies were giving ground. They needed something to bolster their courage.

She tried to find hers. She tried to reach Rarity and Pinkie Pie when the ponies attacked, but the changelings were just too strong for them. Even when they all saw Cadance escape her guards the mob was pushed away from her. Cries for help filled Fluttershy's ears now. Every time she looked more and more ponies fell under the changelings. It was all she could do to get as many of them to safety as possible.

They needed a hero, but she just wasn't it.

BOOM

The night sky filled with the light of a second sun. The explosion told Fluttershy all she needed to know. All fighting stopped in surprise. She took flight, soaring high to watch Rainbow Dash's return to the battle. But she didn't come.

Instead, an indistinct shape was launched through the air. It spun wildly, totally out of control, until it was close enough for Fluttershy to make out a pair of pegasus wings attached to it. Rainbow Dash. It could only be Rainbow Dash. Something went horribly wrong.

Fluttershy launched herself forward. All her focus rested on her falling friend. Every ounce of strength in her body pumped into her wings. She watched Rainbow fall, adjusting her approach along the way. She had to time this right.

Fluttershy twisted her body and caught Rainbow Dash a few feet from the ground. The force of Rainbow's impact drove her back first into the concrete. Fluttershy held tight as she bounced along the street. She immediately sat up when she stopped, cradling Rainbow Dash in her lap. She was quiet, and lifeless in Fluttershy's embrace.

No!

A terrifying crash of thunder echoed through Canterlot. No. No, this couldn't have happened. She clenched her eyes shut to stop the tears. Fluttershy frantically pressed a hoof against Rainbow's chest and lowered an ear to her snout, listening and feeling for what she couldn't see. A moment later Fluttershy buried her face in Rainbow's shoulder and cried. She was still alive.

And as Fluttershy looked back at the castle gates, she knew their part in this was over.

Twilight Sparkle gasped for air. The ever tightening grip on her throat made it impossible to concentrate her last shreds of power. Her vision dimmed. All she could make out was the wicked grin hovering over her. Suddenly, a blue veil spread around her. Twilight coughed as sweet air filled her lungs again.

Princess Cadance stepped over her to face Chrysalis. "Look around you! No good can come from this; we're going to destroy each other. You can end this now!"

"Yes, I can." Cadance raised a shield to block the queen's attack, but it was useless. Twilight watched as a wave of green swept up Cadance's body and slammed her down. Chrysalis laughed like a foal playing with a doll. "Pathetic. I must confess that I've wanted to do that for so long. It was sickening, really, posing as you." Her horn glowed as she prepared the coup de grace.

Twilight focused the energy she had built up. All she could manage was one simple flash of light, but she placed it for maximum impact. Chrysalis howled as her eyes were blinded by the spell. Twilight rushed to Cadance's side as the princess regained her feet.

BOOM

The explosion of the sonic rainboom was drowned out by the shrieks coming from her brother. Shining Armor fell down to the ground from the chariot, clutching his head. The two ponies raced to his side. Cadance held onto him as Twilight pried open his eyelid with a hoof. He moaned softly at her effort. His eye looked out at her, unfocused, but Twilight saw that it was blue again.

A flash, and then the roar of thunder deafened her for a moment. Cadance threw herself over Shining Armor. Looking back at the battle, Twilight saw the changelings scatter. Several more bolts of lightning traced their path from the sky to a changeling below. She turned and pushed her brother away. "Now! Get him out of here now!" Cadance pulled him away with her magic.

And then the heavens opened. One silver ray of the moon illuminated the scene like a spotlight. A lone figure flew down in the light, enveloped in a glow of midnight blue. Princess Luna picked up speed on her way down to Canterlot. Twilight watched her descent in horror. She saw Nightmare Moon destroy rocks with a stomp. Luna herself cracked the ground in Ponyville with a single hoof. If she hit the ground like this..."Every pony, GET DOWN!"

Ponies and changelings all looked to her and back to Luna in confusion before diving for cover. Luna smashed down the gallows. To Twilight's surprise, there was no earthquake that followed. Instead, the wooden debris was launched through the air as a sphere of energy collapsed around Princess Luna.

The shockwave. Luna somehow channeled all the energy of her impact to her horn. Luna's eyes were pure white, but they were set on the only thing standing in front of her: Chrysalis. Luna released her power in a beam that threw back the Queen of the Changelings with such force she tore the castle gates from their hinges when she struck them.

Three changelings tackled Luna from behind. Then-1! 2! 3!-they were pulled off by streaks of blue and gold. The three Wonderbolts spun and threw their new cargo together in midair. The changelings fell down, knocked out. Luna turned her attention to the renewed battle behind her. The changelings fled in all directions as more pegasi swooped down from the storm clouds.

Luna made a mistake. Twilight knew the soldiers didn't matter. She sprinted toward the gap in the wall where the gates used to stand, shouting for any pony to follow her. They had to capture Chrysalis. She was more vulnerable now than she would ever be. Twilight rounded the corner to the castle grounds and saw Chrysalis pulling herself up.

Her attempt at a spell failed, so Twilight sprang forward. She crashed into the queen, still calling for help. Chrysalis thrashed and twisted and easily rolled over, pinning Twilight under her. Twilight squirmed in her grip as Chrysalis looked out on the state of the battle. "How did you do this? HOW DID YOU DO THIS?!"

Twilight didn't answer her. She just smiled. Chrysalis took flight, dragging her back to castle. A powerful jolt threw them violently from the air. Princess Luna noticed her escape, but it was too late. The queen pulled Twilight back into the castle as her troops slammed the doors shut. She shouted orders before throwing Twilight over to some of her guards. "Oh, this isn't over yet. You ponies won this round, but I still have you. That's the only advantage I need."

"BE STILL!!!"

Rainbow Dash woke with a shout at the sound of the booming voice. Fluttershy jumped in surprise. Rainbow saw her eyes were red with tears. She landed on top of her before Rainbow Dash could say anything and wrapped her in a tight hug. Rainbow gasped and tried to pry Fluttershy off. She hurt.

"Hark, enemies of Equestria! Thy queen has fled! Surrender and you shall know mercy."

The last echoes of Luna's voice died down, and were replaced by the cheers of victory. The queen...fled? The changelings...surrendered? Rainbow watched changeling soldiers kneel before Luna in the city square from her back. One thought finally cleared in her mind.

"We won!" She sprang to her feet to run, but her body betrayed her. Rainbow lurched forward with a cry as her muscles cramped.

"R-Rainbow Dash! What's wrong?!"

Aches and pains crisscrossed her entire body. She grinned and willed herself onward. "I feel like I just got shot out of a cannon. But we won! Fluttershy, we won!" She stumbled again and fell to a knee.

"O-Okay! Okay! Just...lean on me. Let me help you." Rainbow Dash accepted her offer. The two made their way to the square. They didn't go far before a familiar earth pony sprinted up to them. Applejack smiled as she approached.

Rainbow Dash stared in disbelief. "How did you get here?"

Applejack cocked an eyebrow. "Well howdy to you, too. A few of those pegasus fellers were kind enough to give me ride. Princess Luna's looking for you two. She wants to talk to all of us lickety split."

Applejack led them to the ruined gallows. Princess Luna was waiting there with Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash braced herself as Pinkie sharply inhaled. "Ohmigosh, Rainbow Dash, that was so cool! Chrysalis was all like, 'bwa ha ha ha!' And then Fluttershy was like 'boom.' And Twilight was like 'boom!' And you were like 'BOOM!' And Luna was like 'BaBOOOOOM!!!' Best rescue planning ever! Oh, and you should have seen Rarity's face when you told Chrysalis to free Cadance instead of us! She was like-"

"Whatever you are about to say, I most certainly was not." Rarity walked past Pinkie with her nose in the air, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance following her. She sat down and looked at Rainbow with a small smile. "You did give me quite the fright, however. That rope was almost...cutting it a little close, weren't we?"

Rainbow chuckled once, and then clutched her side. "We improvised. It all worked out in the end."

Luna shook her head. "No, I'm afraid it didn't. That is why I needed to speak with you all. Queen Chrysalis escaped. She took Twilight Sparkle back into the castle. We must devise a plan of action." Fluttershy gasped. Rainbow looked to her for a moment before giving Luna the only possible answer.

"Surround the castle," Shining Armor said. "The pegasi can control the sky with their storm clouds. Don't let anything get out. We attack at daybreak."

Rainbow Dash couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Chrysalis is running scared! You want to wait?!"

"This wasn't their whole army. Not by a long shot. If we attack now we'll be crushed."

"We have an army now, too! Every pony here just stood up to the changelings and-"

"And they're finished. Look at them." Rainbow looked. One glance was enough to tell her that the injured outnumbered the able. The changeling prisoners she saw were just a fraction of the number that she remembered earlier. Even the unconscious ones were dwarfed by the amount of ponies being cared for on the street. Rainbow even saw pegasi grounded with burned wings. "It was a good bluff on Luna's part," Shining Armor continued, "but a bluff is all it was. If they didn't panic, if they were able to hold out for reinforcements from the castle, we would have lost."

"We managed to rescue the Royal Guard," Cadance added. "But that...stuff they use to trap us is impervious to magic. We have to break it by hoof. And they need time for food and rest. I know for a fact they haven't had much of either."

Luna had her eyes closed in thought. "The captain is not the only one of us with a sister trapped inside. And I agree with his assessment." With that, she took wing and hovered over the crowd. "Hear me, citizens of Canterlot. Your bravery has led us all to this moment. Your courage and sacrifice have earned us this one chance right the wrongs inflicted on us. This chance will not be wasted! Battle will begin anew, and you must flee the city for your own safety should it turn ill. The citizens of Ponyville wait for you with food and shelter."

Shining Armor gave orders to surround the castle and turned back to the group. "We'll meet again in two hours to discuss strategy. In the meantime, we all need to pitch in with the preparations."

Applejack went with Shining Armor to help free the Royal Guard. Rarity and Pinkie Pie left to gather food. Luna left to oversee the evacuation, while Cadance went to help treat the injured. Rainbow nudged Fluttershy as Cadance was leaving, prodding her to follow.

"Are you sure? What about you?"

"I'll be fine. Besides, you have a knack for helping out. Some pony out there probably needs it more than I do." Rainbow Dash turned to the castle as Fluttershy left. A ring of black haze obscured it from view. So close. They were so close! Twilight was there! Celestia was there! She growled in frustration and limped away. Her hoof struck something on her way. She looked down in surprise at her helmet. Hurricane's helmet.

Rainbow Dash's kick sent it clattering down the street.

Chapter 9: Respite

Applejack laughed as Rainbow Dash trudged into the room. "Good to see you again. I was getting worried that you went half-cocked through that secret tunnel of yours."

Rainbow smiled back. "I tried. They blocked it good." She sat at the table across from Shining Armor. Luna, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Nocto filled out the remaining places. "There you are! Nice to see you got through that scrape."

He snorted. "Surviving. Surprising how simple and hard it is at the same time."

"But you did survive," Shining Armor said. "Both of you survived and managed to keep others safe with you. That's why I need you right now. My memory of the last week is...nonexistent. No pony in Canterlot knows more about how our enemy fights than you."

Rainbow Dash was surprised. "What about Luna? Hasn't she fought them?"

"They were wary of our lighting," Luna explained. "They rarely showed themselves openly."

"They're strong," Nocto started, "But they have no real skill with their magic. I've never seen one even do a simple levitation."

"They overpower you," Rainbow added. "But they're slow and predictable. Keep 'em off balance and they fall apart."

"And they have no eye for decor." Rarity hmphed. "Can you believe I saw one place a bust of Lord Brownmane next to a still life? It was like they hadn't heard of his fabled patronage of romanticism at all."

The room was quiet for a moment. "Anyway," Shining Armor said slowly, "I'm thinking a frontal assault with our unicorns and one squad of pegasi. The rest of the pegasi troops will take over for the Cloudsdale group and maintain the blockade. I'll lead our main force to the throne room and attempt to capture the queen."

Rainbow Dash saw a problem. "What about Twilight? And Celestia? We can find them faster if we bring in everyone."

"Their safety is paramount," Luna agreed, "but they could be smuggled out in the confusion of an all-out attack. I will command the pegasi in the skies. I swear that nothing will get past us."

Applejack raised a hoof. "Begging your pardon, highness, but shouldn't you lead the attack? Uh, no offense Cap, but we all saw Chrysalis take down Celestia. What kinda shot do you have?"

"Chrysalis will be weaker now that she doesn't have me with her. I'm open to suggestions, though."

"The Elements of Harmony." Rainbow Dash smiled. "Twilight said they were hidden in the castle. If we can free her and get our hooves on those this thing is over. The hard part would be finding them."

"RARITY!" The unicorn jumped as Applejack shouted her name. "Your spell! Can't you find the gems in the Elements?!"

"I-I suppose. But...Applejack, it is a castle. Gems will be all over the place."

"And the power of the Elements is legendary," Luna told her. "Chrysalis isn't foolish enough to leave them lying about. Not with an army at her doorstep."

"I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE!" Pinkie Pie jumped around the table is ecstasy. "I know where they are! I know where they are! I knew this was coming!"

Applejack ducked to avoid Pinkie's hooves. "What in tarnation are you talking about?"

"I already FOUND them, silly! Right after we were caught I got out of my cell, used the tunnel you talked about, snuck back into the castle, and found the Elements. And then I went," she paused to take an exaggerated gasp, “because the changelings made such a big entrance that I just had to top them somehow! So I put the Elements in my PARTY CANNON!"

Rainbow Dash felt hollow inside. "You...what?"

"I put them in my party cannon! Then I could shoot them out! Twilight could catch them in midair and throw them on us at the same time! I mean, it's not like pose-as-a-rival-for-her-super-duper-special-day-and-use-it-as-a-way-to-launch-an-invasion-that-destroys-your-enemies'-home-and-possibly-lead-to-world-domination awesome, but it's still pretty awesome, right?"

Rainbow could only watch Pinkie bounce in place. "You...left Fluttershy alone. In a dungeon."

"Yep!"

"You...left her alone as you followed a way out."

"Yep yep!"

"You...found the most awesome things in Equestria. The things that could have stopped all of this days ago."

"Yep yep yep!"

"You...decided to use a cannon to get these things to us. A cannon. Instead of, oh I don't know, using your Element to try and get to the rest of us?"

"C'mon, Dashie, what was I gonna do? Laugh them all to death?"

Rainbow Dash felt a hoof on her shoulder. Applejack whispered in her ear. "Simmer down. We need her alive for the Elements to work." Louder, she asked, "do you know where the cannon is?"

"I always do! I can lead you right to it!"

"Well OK! Isn't that good?" She shook Rainbow's shoulder. Rainbow Dash let out a sigh through gritted teeth. "The five of us will go find our Elements, then meet up with the Royal Guard. We'll figure out where Twilight is and end this shindig."

"Actually," Shining Armor spoke up, "I already had a plan for Rainbow Dash. Do you think you have one more of those sonic rainbooms left in you?"

Rainbow's jaw dropped for a moment before she recovered herself. "Naturally. But what are you thinking? A blast like that could bring down the castle."

"I know. Believe me, I know. I'm still feeling that last one. But the changelings know we're coming. Like you said, we need to keep them off balance. So, I want you flying down their throats full speed from the word 'go.'"

"Are...are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"Applejack helped fill me in a little on what's happened. Twily put a lot of faith in you. I'd say you lived up to it. I can't think of any pony better to lead the charge."

Luna agreed. Every pony agreed. Nocto was chosen to go with the others in Rainbow's place with a few hoof picked soldiers. Applejack followed Rainbow Dash out as the meeting ended. "Look, I didn't want to question you in front of them all, but are sure about this? Fluttershy told me you were knocked out by that last trick you pulled. We saw you leaning on her earlier. You're still walking funny. I-"

"I got this, cowgirl. I'm feeling better. Where is Fluttershy, anyway? We need to fill her in about this."

"She is attending to Princess Cadance." Rarity fell in step, Pinkie Pie hopping beside her. "Now listen to me, Rainbow Dash. There is a matter of great importance we need to discuss. I saw that...effort you made at an outfit on Fluttershy earlier. It was a fair attempt, but it simply isn't good enough for this stage. Come with me to make a few alterations, and we can give you something to wear tomorrow that will be truly worthy of Hurricane's legend!"

She had to be joking. She knew Rainbow Dash hated dressing for her. "Not gonna happen."

"Oh come now. You heard the captain. You are the tip of our spear! You simply must look sharp when you go in."

She spotted Shining Armor heading down a side street. If Fluttershy was with Cadance, he could lead Rainbow to her. She parted from her friends with a final answer. "I've got my own legend to work on, remember? Hurricane was fun, but I'm fighting as Rainbow Dash tomorrow."

"-table."

Fluttershy started suddenly. "Huh? What?"

"I said you're falling asleep at the table." Princess Cadance set down a tea cup in front of her with a smile. Fluttershy sipped the hot liquid, watching ponies walk by the shattered windows of the cafe. She followed Cadance through the night as the princess helped many of them. The two of them applied bandages, attached slings, organized caravans to help those who couldn't walk, did whatever they could to help those ponies get to safety.

"It's...it's been a long day."

"Tell me about it. Really, please tell me about it. The changelings didn't keep capturing Hurricane a secret. And Aunt Luna told me you were the one who sent her the letter to prepare an attack at nightfall. So you managed to organize a coordinated rescue attempt across a force field in less than a day. You did all that." Cadance began to laugh. "Where did you even find the time to sleep?"

She didn't. "I wasn't really thinking about it. I just...had to help Rainbow Dash."

"I know what you mean. Half of my family is trapped with those monsters, and the other half will be fighting to save them. I can't just sit by."

"Is your leg feeling better?"

"Yes, this recipe of yours is perfect!" Fluttershy smiled as Cadance drained the rest of her cup. "I make it through imprisonment, an invasion, slavery, and a street fight, and then I trip over a pot hole. I guess we both needed some caffeine. Well, there's no more pain now. I'm fighting tomorrow."

"My hoof you are." Fluttershy jumped at the gruff voice behind her. Shining Armor walked into the cafe as Fluttershy looked nervously back and forth.

Cadance narrowed her eyes with a small smile. "Eavesdropping, dear? I thought you were better than that. Don't two ladies deserve their privacy?"

"Broken windows mean broken privacy. And don't try to dodge this."

"Um, sir?" Fluttershy kept her voice down. "Maybe you should listen to what-"

"Captain, I outrank you. You don't have much say in the matter."

Fluttershy quivered. "O-Oh, my. That isn't going to help any-"

"Cadance, we're risking enough as it is! If they capture you-"

"Don't even try playing that card! Do you know how many times I had to see you with her?"

Fluttershy began to back away. "I'll...I'll just see myself out." She slinked past the stares of the last few ponies walking by until the argument faded away. Now what to do? If Shining Armor was there, that meant the meeting was over. So where would her friends have gone?

"Get her!"

Fluttershy froze in the middle of the deserted street. Where did that voice-bam! She was knocked to the ground. Fluttershy threw her hooves in front of her face to shield herself from the thing sitting on her chest.

"Fluttershy, who's cooler? Rainbow Dash or Hurricane?"

Something about that voice struck her the second time she heard it. Slowly lowering her hooves, Fluttershy peaked at the source. "S-Scootaloo?"

The young pegasus answered her with a nod. "Yeah, Scootaloo. Now answer the question! Sweetie Belle says Hurricane is cooler, but you're with me, right?"

"You didn't have to tackle her!" The twang of her accent gave away Apple Bloom. She and Sweetie Belle ran out of an alley to push off Scootaloo.

The pegasus dusted herself off. "Well, we were following her anyway. You didn't break the tie, so why shouldn't she? And she still hasn't answered!"

Fluttershy pounced on them, ignorant of their kicks and gasps as she held them close. "Girls! Oh, girls! You're OK. You're all OK! Where have you been?!"

Sweetie Belle pushed herself far enough away to gasp an answer. "We stayed in a donut shop. Rarity told me about after the Gala."

"No!" Fluttershy squeezed them tighter in spite of their protests. "Don't tell me that! Rainbow Dash and I stayed there one day and didn't go back! We could have found you! I'm so, so sorry!"

"F-Fluttershy...can't...breathe..."

"Hey! What are you three doing here?!" Rainbow Dash rounded a corner and walked up to the group. Scootaloo let out a squeak, pried herself from Fluttershy's grasp, and threw herself around Rainbow's neck. Rainbow winced. "Not so tight! Not so tight, kid!"

Scootaloo ignored her. "I knew you'd make it out of there! I knew they couldn't hold back the Awesome of Rainbow Dash! Even though they tried to...to..."

Fluttershy smiled as Rainbow patted the filly's back and lowered herself to the ground. "Tried and failed, kid. I had some pony looking out for me."

"Yeah, Hurricane!" Sweetie Belle hopped in the air as she said the name. "Hurricane, who single hoofedly sent the bug boys crying back to the castle! Hurricane, whose mere presence inspired the ponies of Canterlot to aid an escape from an ambush! Hurricane, whose impeccable, inimitable fashion sense-” Apple Bloom cut her off by stuffing a hoof in her mouth.

Scootaloo turned on her friend with a passion. "Rainbow Dash was the one who brought down the force field! Rainbow Dash was the one who let Luna and the pegasi in! Hurricane was nowhere to be found!" The filly's hero looked at Fluttershy, smiling, shaking her head.

"And where was Rainbow Dash yesterday? And the day before that? And the day before that? And she still needed some pony brave and strong like Hurricane to save her tonight!" Fluttershy could only smile and blush at Sweetie Belle's defense of Hurricane.

Scootaloo turned back to Rainbow Dash. "That's...a good point. You know, until tonight I thought you were Hurricane. Whoever it is flies like you do."

Rainbow stood up with a smile. "Well, I-” Fluttershy frantically shook her head NO. "-ahhh, you could say that I taught Hurricane a trick or two."

"WHAT?!" The three fillies surrounded Rainbow Dash. Even Apple Bloom looked excited now. They bombarded Rainbow with questions. Who was Hurricane? A stallion? A mare? Was it a Wonderbolt?

Rainbow Dash looked pleadingly at Fluttershy. She shook her head no again. Rainbow sighed. "I don't know who Hurricane is. If she wanted every pony to know, she would tell you."

The crusaders all slouched, disappointed. Fluttershy changed the subject before the fillies picked up on Rainbow's use of "she." "Girls, why are you still here? You need to leave!"

The three shouted as one. "We are the CUTIE MARK CRUSADER CHANGELING OCCUPATION ELIMINATORS! We will not leave until the job is done!"

She should have expected that. "Is that why you were following me?"

Apple Bloom nodded. "The princess would've just made us leave. We thought you could tell us how to help."

Fluttershy smiled sweetly. "Thank you, girls, but there's nothing else to do now. All we can do is rest for tomorrow. Rainbow Dash and I won't mind if you sleep over with us tonight."

"What?" Sweetie Belled looked near tears. "But...but nothing like this has ever happened in Equestria! And we've never gotten out cutie marks! We thought for sure this was it!"

Scootaloo started walking away. "Come on, crusaders! There must be something we can find to help out."

Rainbow Dash put her hoof down. "You either come with us now, or you spend the night with Applejack and Rarity. Your choice." The fear on Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's faces was answer enough. "Follow us then."

Twilight Sparkle twitched her nose. The itch was aggravating. All four of her hooves were lashed down and spread to all four corners of the table she was lying on. It seemed excessive to her. Some rational level of her mind told her she should feel scared, being left exposed and helpless like this for what felt like hours. Truthfully, she didn't care. It wasn't so bad compared to the constant taunts and threats she endured from Chrysalis over the occupation.

What mattered to her was that she was still here. Even though she couldn't see or hear them, that meant the changelings were still here. And why would an army that could fly stay in one place that was clearly under threat of an attack? They were trapped. And her brother would be leading their enemy. He wouldn't take any needless chances.

The ponies would win. It was as good as done.

The door to her room opened. Queen Chrysalis stalked in. Unsurprisingly, her first act was to check the collar around Twilight's neck. Twilight still refused to tell her how she was able to launch any spells. Instead, the unicorn simply smiled up at her captor. "You know you're going to lose, right? You've lost my brother, so you've lost a lot of power."

Chrysalis didn't answer her. The crooked horn began to glow faintly.

"What, are you going to feed off my love? I've been turned against my friends before. I'll fight you every step of the way if you try that, with or without magic."

Again, the queen didn't answer her directly. When she spoke, it was in a language Twilight didn't recognize. The words were short, and they were repeated in the cadence of an incantation. A chill went down Twilight's spine as something...changed inside of her. She felt something push into her mind. The hopelessness of her situation suddenly sank in.

"There's...there's nothing you can do to help yourself. Equestria won't let you get away with what you've done."

"Is that fear in your voice, pet?"

"Don't call me that..." The words came out in a frightened whisper as the incantation resumed. She was afraid. Something was happening to her. This spell...it felt wrong. Her heart felt like ice, spreading cold through her veins. Every heartbeat spread it further. Twilight writhed in place. It was impossible to find any comfort. "What...what is this?"

"I told you that you were the only advantage I needed. You didn't really think I would pass up using you?" Chrysalis turned to leave. "Pleasant dreams."

Twilight Sparkle tried to stop herself from laughing. She could never find rest like this.

Chapter 10: The Final Cards

Finally, she was free.

Rainbow Dash thought she tasted freedom when she escaped her cell, but now she realized how wrong she was. Only now, soaring through her cool, blue sky, did she finally feel home. The horizon called to her. The aching in her heart to just go where her wings took her was matched only by the last, lingering aches of her rainboom mishap. They reminded her that she wasn't finished quite yet.

One more time. One more dive. One more fight. Just once more to the breach Shining Armor would make for her. Rainbow Dash realized she was smiling. Here, at the end, there were no nerves. There was no panic. Instead, she felt excitement. She felt focus. She was ready.

A purple spark traced its way through the storm clouds of the pegasi. Rainbow Dash angled her wings and dropped. She closed her eyes, reveling in the rush of wind. She flapped her wings when she stopped accelerating to push out the final burst. She passed through an abandoned section of clouds, evacuated in anticipation of what was coming.

BOOM

This time, it felt right. Rainbow Dash blazed through the sky. The giant doors of the castle drew nearer. A full spectrum of color swirled around them. The combined power of the unicorns ripped them down as Rainbow approached. The changelings inside looked up at her in shock as she came down on them.

They all moved in slow motion. Rainbow Dash focused with a precision she never really could with her brawls on the streets. Punching, spinning, kicking, every strike was devastating. She was halfway down the entrance corridor to the main hall when she felt her speed boost wear off. The ponies had their foothold. Rainbow smirked at the changelings still standing and crouched down, preparing for the next phase.

"SHIELD!" Shining Armor leaped ahead of her and raised a wall of energy to block an incoming wave of attacks. Princess Cadance joined him on his right. A thunder of hoofsteps echoed as more unicorns charged forward to join their power to their captain's. They all fed a constant flow of magic to the wall to absorb any incoming shots. The next command would be-

"OVER!" Rainbow Dash jumped, followed by five pegasi. They flew over the wall of magic and swooped down on the changelings. The maneuver completely exposed the six of them to a counterattack. It was a gamble, especially with the lack of armor the entire army shared, but they caught the changelings flat-footed. The pegasi pushed the advantage, lashing out until-

"DOWN!" They dropped to their stomachs as an explosion of lights flew overhead. The six got back to their hooves and took out the remaining changelings. Rainbow Dash looked ahead and realized the unicorn attacks knocked down the door to the main hall. She jumped to the side, the other pegasi following her lead just in time to avoid a barrage of bolts fired through the doorway.

"SHIELD!" Shining Armor repeated his first command. He and Cadance erected a new wall in front of the pegasi. Rainbow Dash grudgingly followed them as they led the unicorns on a slow push towards the door. There was too much space between the armies to launch another aerial assault.

Shining Armor held up to hoof to signal a halt and looked back on his numbers. The racket of magic bolts crashing into the shield forced him to wave his hoof to pass a message Rainbow Dash didn't recognize. Unicorn troops lined up and began to form two more walls of magic. Rainbow finally understood as they connected the three walls together. At another signal, the phalanx pushed into the main hall.

They took fire from all directions and almost all angles. The deafening noise of battle filled Rainbow's ears even before she entered the hall. Maybe it was that distraction, but something just felt wrong to her. The shield was holding. So what was it? Suddenly, she remembered the scene at the Grand Galloping Gala. The main hall was enormous. The hair on the back of her neck stood up. She just knew.

Rainbow Dash took off straight up as soon as she cleared the door. Three changelings were waiting for her. One was already on his way down. Rainbow's front hooves made sure he wouldn't have the opportunity to build up his magic before he crashed to the ground. She twisted and turned to slam herself into a second one, driving him into the wall above the door. Rainbow jerked as a ring of sky blue pulled her back to the ground. A flurry of green struck where she was a moment ago. "Thanks."

Princess Cadance probably didn't hear her. She turned her attention to the third changeling and drove him away before he could attack. Shining Armor crouched next to Rainbow Dash, shouting to be heard. "They'll try that again. Take the pegasi and attack from below on my signal."

He left to relay his orders. The changelings quickly proved him right. Their ambush failed, but the ponies were only vulnerable in one place. All the changelings on the second floor of the hall took off and began flying overhead. "NOW!"

The phalanx dissolved as the unicorns split into teams of twos and threes. Rainbow Dash led her team on a curved uppercut of a climb. Chunks of rubble flew in front of them. The spread of debris hit the changelings, surprising them for a moment, and allowed the pegasi to close the remaining distance unchallenged.

Rainbow Dash bashed the first with a front knee and held him in front of her until she was clear of the mob. She let him drop and circled around for another pass. Princess Cadance hovered on the other side of the changelings, manipulating the rubble to constantly fly through them and break their focus. The few green bolts that escaped the confusion were wild and unorganized. When the pegasi's second attack smashed through them, they scattered.

Rainbow waved her troops forward. "Get ‘em!" The pegasi flew by to chase down the runners. Rainbow Dash turned back to help Cadance mop up the remaining changelings. Cadance's makeshift missiles were wearing thin. Rainbow intercepted one soldier on his charge for the princess and stomped him with all four hooves, sending him crashing into the railing below. A piece snapped off, and was snatched up by Cadance. She sent it flying upwards and caught a soldier in the gut with it, doubling him over, and sending him down to the floor.

"Whatever you told Shining seems to have worked." Cadance pointed down. "I think we have this under control." The changelings below were in disarray. The unicorns attack was unpredictable, striking and moving in small teams to confuse their opponents. The changelings were too slow to react. Those that remained split up and retreated down the numerous hallways before they were cornered.

Shining Armor called for the ponies to regroup. Rainbow Dash and Princess Cadance landed as the rest of the army, nearly 50 in all, filled the hall. Rainbow headed for her friends while Shining Armor issued new orders. She couldn't help but notice that Applejack looked upset.

"Rainbow! I let it slide the first time, but you promised to save some for me to knock-out. What gives?"

Rarity gasped at her statement. "Applejack, darling, we have a vital task! You don't seriously mean to waste time with these ruffians?"

Pinkie Pie cut off any reply by dashing between the two of them, sniffing the air at each exit. She finally bounced up and down in front of one hallway. "Here! Here! Here it is! My Party Sense is tingling!" Applejack let out a sigh as she and Rarity went to join her.

Fluttershy stayed behind. "Are you...?"

"Yeah. Will you be...?"

"Yes. I'll have our friends with me."

"And I'll have a princess and the Captain of the Royal Guard with me." She flashed Fluttershy a smile. "We'll make it through this. I've got a good feeling."

Fluttershy was not reassured. "The last time you said that you were thrown through a window."

No easy answer to that. Applejack saved her. "Waitin' on you, sugar cube."

Nocto and his three unicorn soldiers had joined the others. Fluttershy finally returned Rainbow's smile and trotted to them. Rainbow flew up to the second floor to join Shining Armor and Cadance. The captain pulled her aside for a moment.

"I sent half the troops to sweep the first floor for the running changelings, so they'll have some more protection than we planned. Listen, how exactly does Pinkie-"

Rainbow interrupted him with a laugh. "We stopped asking those questions a long time ago. They'll find the Elements. Just focus on our end of the deal, and we can trust them to take care of theirs."

"Alright, that's good enough for me." He and Cadance led the remaining ponies through the second floor. Rainbow stayed back with the pegasi in anticipation of an attack. An attack that never came. The rooms and halls were all deserted. Rainbow Dash didn't like it. This was it. What were they waiting for?

The echo of a thunderclap answered her question. Shining Armor picked up the pace. The castle was meaningless if the changelings broke through the blockade with Celestia and Twilight Sparkle. They quickly found a staircase leading further up the castle. Another army of changelings was waiting for them.

"SHIELD!"

"She's leading us in circles!"

Fluttershy took cover behind a statue as an exchange of magic crisscrossed through the air. She had to agree with the soldier's accusation. Pinkie Pie charged full speed through the halls, never caring what was right in front of her, always saying they were getting closer and closer to her cannon. But this was the third skirmish they ran into.

Fluttershy huddled as dust and debris fell down around her in a cloud. The changelings were targeting her. "The door! The door!" Pinkie soared overhead and broke down a door behind her. Fluttershy quickly scrambled after her as the statue collapsed.

"Oh, thank you Pinkie!" Fluttershy dusted herself off and smiled in gratitude.

The pink pony didn't notice. "This was it. I was sure this was it!" Pinkie was a whirlwind, sprinting around the room looking high and low. She opened cabinets and drawers, but there was no cannon to be found. It was only a kitchen.

"You two OK in there?" Applejack took cover with Rarity across the hall. Fluttershy opened her mouth to answer, but stopped. There was a look in Rarity's eyes that Fluttershy had never seen before. It was...startling.

A knife flew by her head and out into the hall. It stopped in front of Rarity as the unicorn cast her gaze over to the squad of changelings. "I cleaned this hall so many times over. I dusted, and scrubbed, and...and...you destroy a one-of-a-kind...? You vandals ruin everything!"

Fluttershy ducked as a storm of blades erupted around her. A blue river of metal ran out of the kitchen and down the hall as Rarity flung them away one at a time. When it was over, Fluttershy slowly crawled to the door and looked out. Knives were embedded in the ceiling, in the floor, in the walls, but the changelings were gone. She really couldn't blame them for running.

Rarity ran a hoof through her mane. "What's next?"

"We keep looking!" Pinkie tried to gallop away, but Applejack tackled her.

"WHOA, Nelly! We've tried that. It's not working. How 'bout you boys? Any ideas?"

Nocto looked away from Rarity in surprise when she asked. "Huh? Oh, uh, the captain told us we're here to help you. So, uh, we'll follow you." The three unicorns behind him nodded emphatically.

"OR," Pinkie stressed, "we could just ask them!" Fluttershy turned in surprise to see three more unicorn stallions slowly step out into the hallway. They were smaller than the soldiers, and all three wore saddlebags.

"I don't believe it," the first one said. "You chased them off."

Applejack stood up. "We had no idea any pony was left here! Are you-?"

Pinkie Pie cut her off. "We're looking for a cannon! It's big, metal, and cannon shaped! Have you seen it?" The stallions jumped back as Pinkie Pie zipped into their faces to ask her question.

"We, uh, dismantled it. It was melted down for scrap."

"WHAT?!" Pinkie Pie totally deflated. "But...I can still sense...my poor cannon..."

Applejack was incensed. "Your cannon? The Elements! What in tarnation do we do now?!"

The second stallion raised a hoof. "Can we go home now?"

"Calm down, darling. We'll think of-"

"What? We'll think of what?"

"My poor cannon..."

"If you don't mind we'll just be going-"

"WAAAAAIIIIIIIT!" Fluttershy shrunk as every pony wheeled around to stare at her. "Oh, um, I'm sorry. I just...why aren't you three wearing collars?"

The newcomers looked at each other for a moment. "They kept a close eye on us. Our magic helped us work a little faster."

Fluttershy ignored Rarity's indignant snort. "Oh, I'm sure. You look like...carpenters, right? You have the exact same hammer for a cutie mark."

"That's right. Family business, you know?" That made Applejack narrow her eyes.

"Yes, I know. You must be skilled with...um...carving magic."

"Sure. Look, miss, we really just want to get home. Can we just go now?"

Nocto moved his troops to block their way. "There's no such thing as carving magic."

The three stallions were surrounded. Nocto and the unicorns to one side, Applejack and Rarity to the other, and the narrow walls completed the trap. Rarity's horn lit with a flash, and the saddlebags illuminated from within. In a moment of transparency, the Elements of Harmony were revealed, necklaces and crown included. The next thing Fluttershy saw was a set of fangs coming for her face.

Quick as the changeling was, Applejack was faster. She wrestled him down at Fluttershy's feet. "Stop! They're not fighting back!" Applejack looked up at her in surprise, but it was true. Fluttershy pointed back at the other two. They had changed back and knelt to the ground. Even the one that charged for her was now cowering under Applejack.

Rarity dealt out the necklaces. "Applejack, we have what we need. We can't keep every pony waiting."

"Go on," Nocto agreed. "We'll watch these three. They won't cause trouble."

The four mares raced back the way they came. Applejack looked over to Fluttershy as they ran. "You mind telling me what that was about back there?"

"Oh! Well, Rainbow Dash didn't trust Nocto the first time we met him. She asked him-"

"Not about that! The changeling! I coulda clobbered him for what he tried to do to you!"

Fluttershy was quiet for a moment. "I...felt sorry for him." They were climbing the stairs in the main hall when Applejack grabbed her leg.

"You felt sorry for him?! After what they've done and after what you and RD went through?"

Rarity stopped next to them. "Kindness, darling. Kindness."

Fluttershy met Applejack's eyes. "I believed them. I believed what they said. They just wanted to go home. So do I." She hoped Rainbow Dash was dealing with like-minded changelings.

The doors to the throne room towered over one final crowd of guards. The ponies outnumbered them two to one. Still, they fought with a fanatical ferocity. The familiar rhythm of battle that brought the Royal Guard this far was thrown out the window in the face of their wild charge.

Rainbow Dash rolled on the ground, twisting her neck to escape the fangs and magic of the one that tackled her. She wrapped her forelegs around his neck and pulled his head against the wall. Another changeling tried to jump on her as she rolled his friend off of her. Rainbow caught him with her hind legs, and pushed him back into the air. He was knocked away by a purple bolt.

Shining Armor waved to her from the giant doors. "Come on! We're going for the queen!" Rainbow flew over to him, dodging both magic and attempts to grab her as Princess Cadance opened the doors. The captain gave one final order to hold the line before he shut them behind him.

Rainbow Dash was unsettled by how quiet it was inside. A faint rumble of thunder was the only hint of a battle at all. The three ponies walked through the hall, making their way to the green throne and the black figure that sat on it. Twilight Sparkle lay at her feet.

Even now, Chrysalis was grinning. "What, no army handsome? Have you come to talk instead of fight?"

Shining Armor grit his teeth. "Let my sister go."

"Of course." The response came so quickly and easily that Rainbow Dash didn't even realize that Twilight's body was airborne. Cadance was quicker, and she eased Twilight down. Rainbow bit Twilight's collar and ripped it off as Cadance held her sister-to-be close. Shining Armor watched it all with his mouth open.

"Don't listen to her," Twilight whispered. "She did something to me."

Rainbow knew it was too good to be true. "What are you planning?"

Chrysalis looked at her coolly. "Equestria's downfall, naturally. Segments of my army should have escaped by now, and I will go to join them shortly. Sooner or later, I will return for my revenge. Let that thought chill you to the bone."

The Captain of the Royal Guard roared in anger. "You'll go nowhere!" Chrysalis fell face-first to the ground as Shining Armor lifted the throne from under her. Twilight Sparkle yelped, surprising both Cadance and Rainbow Dash. Shining Armor didn't notice. "After everything you've done, you're still threatening us? You want this throne that badly? Fine. Take it!"

The heavy chair threw itself into the queen, crushing her between it and the floor. Twilight screamed. Cadance held her tighter, whispering "What's wrong? Twilight, what's wrong with you?" Her only answer was a laugh. A laugh Chrysalis shared. Both laughs ended as Shining Armor brought the throne crashing down again. Twilight buried her face in Cadance's chest to muffle another scream.

The queen tossed the throne away and got back to her feet. "Is that all you've got, captain? What happened to all that power I stole?"

Shining Armor shouted and charged up another attack. Rainbow tackled him before he could launch it. "Let me go! Let me go!"

"NO! You're hurting Twilight!" Rainbow pointed over to the other two ponies. "Look at her! Something's wrong. She did something to her!" Both Cadance and Twilight looked near tears. The unicorn trembled as a delirious smile spread across her face.

The queen's laughter rang out. "I'm surprised you were the first one to figure it out. Yes, that is my doing. It's an old spell passed down among the changelings. It lets us think what a target thinks and feel what they feel. It was quite simple to reverse the order of the spell." She sneered at the fearful unicorn before her. "It seems the mind of a changeling is too harsh a place for you pathetic ponies."

Rainbow Dash heard Shining Armor growl in her ear. "You...take it off her! Cadance, take the spell off now!"

"I told you I would be joining my army again. This is why. Only I know the spell, and only I know the counter-spell."

Rainbow snorted and leapt to her feet. "Then we'll force you to let her go!"

"Right behind you," Shining Armor added.

"No!" Cadance shouted. "Don't. It won't work."

"Yes, your blushing bride has the right idea. Let me go, and I will break the spell. Just know that anything else you try won't work. Distance and time will have no effect. So go ahead, handsome. Lock me in a dungeon to starve. Throw me into Tartauros. Tear me limb from limb. Your sweet sister will feel every drop of my pain."

"Move!" Rainbow barely recognized the strained voice as Twilight's. She drove a shoulder into Shining Armor to knock him back and dove the opposite way. The green bolt fired from the queen's horn singed the tip of her tail. That was close. Don't listen to her, Twilight said. Escape wasn't the only thing on the queen's mind. Chrysalis turned on Shining Armor. The captain danced and dashed to dodge her attacks. Rainbow Dash could see he was restraining himself from fighting back.

What could she do?! Chrysalis laughed as Shining Armor fended her off. He couldn't keep that up forever. Cadance's horn glowed continuously and bathed Twilight in spell after spell with no effect. Rainbow Dash had to do something.

Her eyes fell on the discarded collar. Rainbow sprinted for it. She opened her mouth and bent to pick it up in stride. Instantly, her body was frozen in a purple aura. The collar was vaporized in green fire right before her eyes. Chrysalis gave her a cold smile before turning back to Shining Armor.

Her next thought was to just join the fight. She quickly dismissed it. Any damage done to Chrysalis would just hurt Twilight. Rainbow Dash was out of her element. Elements! Would the Elements of Harmony even work with Twilight in this condition?! Rainbow watched Cadance continue her efforts to break the spell. Magic was just out of her league.

But it wasn't for some pony else...

Rainbow Dash took off, charging for the green cocoon hanging overhead. She crashed into it at full speed. There wasn't even a crack. Princess Celestia's eyes snapped open. Rainbow noticed them focus behind her, and ducked to avoid a blast of green power.

Shining Armor took advantage of the queen's distraction. Rainbow Dash saw her black horn glow purple as the captain focused all of his strength on it. Chrysalis screamed in frustration while Shining Armor tried to pull her down with an invisible rope. Chrysalis was too strong. The magic, and the stained glass windows, exploded with an eruption of green light.

Shining Armor was hurled against a wall, spent. There was no reason to think Cadance would fare any better. Celestia's prison was too sturdy. The Elements simply weren't there yet. Rainbow Dash only saw one option.

Chrysalis was gloating over Shining Armor. She didn't notice Rainbow's approach until it was too late. Both pony and changeling tumbled through a newly broken window and fell. Rainbow Dash pressed her luck, staying close by until she saw an opening to slap the queen across the face with the back of her hoof. Rainbow disentangled herself and took off towards Discord's hedge maze before Chrysalis could collect herself.

She landed safely behind a hedge, with slight surprise. Rainbow Dash took a breath and raised her voice to the sky above. "You owe me an execution, remember?!"

"I remember," came the reply, followed by a streak of fire that burned through rows of the maze. Rainbow Dash smiled. So far, so good. Chrysalis was focused on her now. Fluttershy and the others would find the Elements. Cadance and Shining Armor might be able break the spell together. If not, they could all figure something out together. She trusted her friends. They just needed time.

All the world's fastest pony had to do was slow things down.

Hate. Seething hate was all Twilight Sparkle could feel. And Cadance and Shining Armor weren't helping. A never-ending cascade of purple or blue covered her. Finally, she snapped. "You already tried that one! You already tried everything!"

"I know!" Shining Armor tried to cast a protective ward over her. For the fifth time. Twilight bit back a scream. The spell was already inside her. What was he thinking?! She squirmed, trying to slip out of Cadance's death grip. That only made her squeeze tighter.

"Get out of here! You need to help Rainbow Dash!" Why couldn't they understand that?! "I can feel her thoughts. Rainbow doesn't stand a chance."

"I know!" The fire in her brother's eyes matched her own. "She knew it, too. She's giving us this one chance. Chrysalis wins if we can't free you. I won't sacrifice you, Twily."

She knew he wouldn't. Twilight Sparkle clenched her eyes shut. She tried to find herself in the arrogance and rage that filled her mind. It was nearly impossible to concentrate. For a brief instant she felt her horn glow. "Together."

Rainbow Dash halted and looked around a corner. Chrysalis flew overhead, throwing her head back and forth to locate her prey. She stopped. Earth met sky in a deafening eruption from beneath her. Chrysalis turned and flew back towards Rainbow, tearing the ground apart as she went. One eruption destroyed the section of the path behind her. Rainbow Dash took cover inside the hedge itself.

And she was flying. Queen Chrysalis ripped the hedge she was hiding in from the ground and sent it soaring through the air. Rainbow braced herself for impact. She was forced to hold back a cry as the sticks jammed into her body from the landing. Gasping for air, she crawled out from under the broken plant and deeper into the maze. There was a flash of green and the roar of fire in the distance.

"Where are you?!"

The spell failed. Twilight fell on her face, the queen's rage again dominating her concentration. "Again," Cadance insisted. "We have to try again."

The unicorns outside swung the doors open. Applejack led the charge through them. "We got 'em! We got 'em!" The jewel around her neck stunned Twilight. The Elements...maybe they had a chance! Rarity followed close behind with Twilight's crown at the ready.

Fluttershy flew past them, frantically looking around. "Rainbow Dash. Where's Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash was blasted through several rows of hedges. A pot shot finally paid off for Chrysalis. She had to move. Crawl, run, skulk, anything. She had to get out of sight. Too late. Her body was being pulled up. Rainbow clawed at the ground to no avail. In one last desperate attempt she bit into the soil itself. Mocking laughter filled her ears as Rainbow was lifted face-to-face with Chrysalis.

Sorry, Twilight. Rainbow spit out the dirt in her mouth. It flew into the queen's eyes; however, there was no reaction from Chrysalis at all. Instead, she only wiped her face with a hoof. Her eyes were red and bored into Rainbow Dash. "Twilight used that trick yesterday."

Rainbow's stomach lurched at her instant acceleration. Queen Chrysalis shrank as the momentum of her throw carried Rainbow off. All she could do was close her eyes and wait. Her body exploded in pain as she cracked against the castle wall. Rainbow slipped down to the ground, fighting to stay conscious. Her vision cleared and focused on black hooves landing in front of her.

Fluttershy watched in horror as Twilight Sparkle began to weep. The Element of Magic didn't react to her at all. Worse, she looked directly at Fluttershy before she started crying. Something horrible was happening. She just knew it. Fluttershy turned to fly out of the window.

"Stop!" Cadance ordered. "You can't go out there."

"But Rainbow-!"

"I need you, Fluttershy. I have an idea, and I need your help to move every pony."

Rainbow Dash lunged for the queen's legs. Chrysalis jumped, easily avoiding her sluggish attempt. She landed on top of Rainbow. The queen's front hooves pinned her wings. Her black horn glowed as she stood to full height, a triumphant smile spreading on her face. Rainbow kicked and knocked the changeling's hind legs out from underneath her. Chrysalis dropped and her shot missed.

Rainbow tried to seize the advantage and fly out of the queen's grasp. Chrysalis pulled her back to the ground with a snarl. Rainbow Dash kicked and thrashed until a shadow fell over her. She turned to her back and looked up. It was a statue, surrounded with green, and it hovered in the air long enough for Rainbow to recognize the face of Discord. She struggled with everything she had left, but Chrysalis held her in place long enough for the statue to drop on her legs.

She sat up to try and push the statue off of her. She failed. She was finished. Discord had to love this. Even imprisoned he was trapping one of his enemies, keeping her in place to face her fate. Chrysalis leered over her, in no mood for any more games. Rainbow desperately swung her hooves and flapped her wings in the queen's face. She counted every second she delayed the attack as a win.

"Get away from her!" Fluttershy smashed into Chrysalis, knocking her away. She protectively crouched over Rainbow Dash with tears in her eyes. Rainbow Dash watched in awe as Chrysalis backed down from the sight.

"I believe this is yours, darling." Something clasped around her neck. She looked down at the familiar lightning bolt on her chest. Applejack and Pinkie Pie pushed Discord off of her legs. Rarity and Fluttershy helped her stand up. Twilight Sparkle brought up the rear, escorted by Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.

Rainbow was concerned. She still looked unstable. "Did it work?"

Cadance shook her head. "I have a plan. Just spread out and surround the queen." Fluttershy pulled her away with a nod. Rainbow stepped gingerly to take her place in the circle. Chrysalis watched them all with disdain.

"So you found your little trinkets. What are you trying to do? They're useless without all six of them, and Twilight isn't exactly herself, is she?"

Twilight Sparkle let out a slow laugh. "Ever since you sent me to the crystal caves you've done nothing but underestimate us. No more." With that, Twilight ignited her horn, joined by Cadance and Shining Armor. Her crown levitated and flared to life. Twilight fell down, exhausted, as white bonds shot out to connect the six Elements. Chrysalis spun around in a panic. Rainbow Dash felt her hurt melt away in the warmth of her unity with her friends.

And Twilight Sparkle was with them.

They knew her as a foal, growing in the loving care of her family. They knew her as a filly, learning the joy of friendship with another. They knew the role she played in bringing two ponies together in the strongest bond of all. They knew that bond connected her to all of them, and them to each other. The power of that bond ignited something in all of them.

The Magic of Love burst forth into the sky.

Twilight Sparkle could only watch as the six Elements elevated the seven ponies off the ground. She was so thankful Cadance's plan worked that she was nearly distracted from observing every detail she could. After all, she might never get this chance to watch the Elements work from the outside again. Her study was obstructed by the feeling of terror coming from her mind.

"No!" Queen Chrysalis rocketed off, trying to escape the oncoming power. "No, no, no!" Her fear helped ignite Twilight's adrenaline. There was a purple flash, and she was falling through the air. She landed on top of one of the queen's wings and wrapped all four legs around it. The two of them plummeted to the ground, followed by the rainbow of light. "No! No! No!"

Twilight held tight as she felt the magic surround them. In spite of Chrysalis and her howls of horror, Twilight Sparkle could only smile.

More

It was an unspoken command. One obeyed with no hesitation. Rainbow Dash instantly opened herself fully to the Elements. Every bit of strength she possessed poured out to join the others. They all felt their power stretch out to fill all of Canterlot.

And it was over.

They hit Twilight. That was all Rainbow Dash could think of while she stood up. She tried to push her headache aside as the others joined her on her way to Twilight's side. The unicorn gave her friends a small smile and a wave.

Queen Chrysalis looked up at them with tears in her eyes. Cadance gasped at the sight. Rainbow just met her stare as she choked out her words. "What...what have you done to me?!"

Epilogue: Love is in Bloom

"But Princess, what did we do to her?" Twilight Sparkle walked beside Princess Celestia through the ruined maze. The events of the previous day were still fresh in her mind. The rebuilding of Canterlot would be a long and arduous process, and would certainly demand Celestia's full attention for some time, but there were questions she just couldn't wait to have answered.

Celestia indulged her. "The Elements of Harmony dispel chaos and disorder. You saw them return my sister from her corrupted state of Nightmare Moon. That is how you came back to yourself."

"Yes, but this-"

"They also turned Discord into stone. For what is the Spirit of Chaos without chaos? If you didn't rediscover the Magic of Friendship I can only assume you and your friends would have turned to stone as well."

Twilight never considered that. "But that doesn't mean anything here! The Elements removed her horn. They changed her. Maybe forever. I...didn't know they could do that."

Celestia nodded. "They changed her and her army. I've heard several reports of the Royal Guards seeing their fellows turn to changelings before their eyes. That transformation was a type of magic. By removing their horns, the Elements removed a very powerful tool of chaos. Chrysalis and her soldiers will now have to live with themselves as they are. There is a lesson in that, I think."

A lesson..."Should I write you a letter about this, Princess?"

Celestia bowed her head with a smile. "My dear student, where would you even begin?"

Twilight giggled. That was a silly idea. She still hadn't heard the entire story from Rainbow Dash, much less Cadance, Applejack, Luna, or any of the other players. "Where is Chrysalis now?"

"I ordered her into the crystal caves. I understand that is where she sent both yourself and Princess Cadance, along with the Royal Guard after the invasion. It seemed a fitting prison."

"What will happen to the changelings?"

"They will rebuild Canterlot." The answer came quickly, and with a surprising note of finality. Twilight didn't know what to make of it. Celestia noticed her hesitation. "That offer came from the changelings themselves. I...think they are confused. Their lives revolved around a queen for so long they may not know how to function without one. I accepted their offer for now, and will decide on a long-term answer when the time comes."

Twilight shook her head. "That will be hard. Them, helping to rebuild. Every pony won't just forget what's happened."

"It doesn't matter. I will not allow my subjects' hearts to be ruled by anger and fear. If working with the changelings can fix that, then that is what I will do."

That gave Twilight hope. If any pony could make this work, it was Princess Celestia. "I guess that's everything. I think I'll go check with Rarity, see if she needs a-"

"Hold!" Twilight froze in her tracks. It was a long time since she heard Celestia use that tone. "That is not everything. I requested your presence here, remember?"

Twilight smiled sheepishly. She remembered now. "W-What can I do for you, Princess?"

"Well," Celestia sighed, picking a flower off the ground with her magic and plucking the petals. "It's about that brother of yours."

"M-My brother? What about him?" Celestia began to absentmindedly peel the petals in half. Oh, Shining Armor, what did you do?!

"He is insisting on an immediate leave of absence."

"He...what...why...where...how...WHAT?!" Twilight paced furiously. "He WHAT?! A...a leave of absence?! After all of this?! What is he thinking?!"

"'Las Pegasus,' he says. Or maybe Manehattan. Or maybe San Franciscolt. Or maybe that would be the first week."

"The first...the FIRST WEEK?! I...I don't understand. I thought I learned my studiousness from him. How could he leave like this?"

"I was hoping you could talk to him for me."

"Oh, I'll do more than talk. Don't worry, Princess, I'll get this straightened out." Twilight turned to leave.

"There's one more thing you should know," Celestia called out.

"What's that?"

"Princess Cadance will be accompanying him. They're waiting for you in the throne room."

Twilight looked back in shock. "Cadance, too?! What in Equestria are they trying to do? How could they both leave...together...?” Twilight buried her face. She fell for it. She fell for it hook, line, and sinker. All she could do now was not give Celestia the satisfaction of seeing her face. "I'll get started immediately, your highness."

The sound of Fluttershy's voice led Rainbow Dash right to her. She was flying around a clearing in the gardens, singing with the birds in the trees. Fluttershy noticed Rainbow's approach and waved her forward. Rainbow still walked nervously. "I...uh...won't start a stampede, will I?"

Fluttershy groaned. "Please, please, don't mention that ever again."

"Sorry," Rainbow said with a smile. "I guess the second time's the charm."

"No, these are my birds." Fluttershy landed and sat next to Rainbow Dash. "They stayed safe here with the other animals this whole time."

"That's good." Rainbow listened to them sing for a while. She had no idea how Fluttershy could tell them all apart from the other birds, but they obviously meant a lot to her. "Listen, I asked Applejack about the animals at your cottage. She said most of them cleared out by the time she and Spike got to Ponyville."

"I thought so," Fluttershy sighed. "At least they got away from the changelings."

Rainbow gave her a pat on the back with her wing. "Ah, don't worry. I'll help you find them."

Fluttershy blinked. "Really? Oh, you don't have to-"

"I want to, though. You helped me fight a war. The least I can do is help you round up some critters."

Fluttershy looked away, smiling to herself. "I'd like that. Thank you, Rainbow."

Rainbow Dash leaned back on the grass, resting her head on her hooves. "We should be home soon. There's not much else for us to do. I mean, I heard there are ponies coming in from all over Equestria to help rebuild. I'm sure they won't miss the six of us. So long as there isn't another-"

"SURPRISE!!!" Pinkie Pie jumped out of a bush and screamed in Rainbow's face. She bounced around the clearing, oblivious to the fleeing birds and Fluttershy's panic stricken paralysis. Rainbow Dash watched her move with hooves dug into the ground, ready to launch an attack. "Twilight sent me to find you two! She needs to see us all now, now, now, right now!"

Finally, a proper wedding, Fluttershy thought. Her bird choir had performed perfectly, even with their lack of practice. Princess Cadance walked down the aisle wearing Rarity's latest masterpiece, and took her place next to Shining Armor. Her friends flanked the pair. Now they were all just spectators.

"Mares and gentlecolts," Celestia began, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza-"

"'Princess Cadance' is fine."

"-the union of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. Much has happened since I last spoke those words. As I think back, I recall the words of the Queen of Changelings, that Equestria has more love than any place she had encountered. I tell you," Celestia stopped and smiled before continuing, "nothing has made me prouder of my home.

“It is our love that gives all of us our strength. It is our love that gives us the courage to stand with each other; the courage to sacrifice for each other. It is our love that allows us to brave any challenge. Together. Such is the bond between Cadance and Shining Armor. May their union remind us all of the power of love."

The ceremony concluded with the exchange of rings and Celestia's pronouncement of the new mare and colt. Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor exited to the balcony to a thunderous ovation from below. Fluttershy watched their kiss, and looked up to the sky.

BOOM

The sight of Rainbow Dash flying across the sky filled her with pride. Princess Celestia's words of courage rang true to her. She loved Rainbow Dash. She loved all her friends, but they didn't share what she and Rainbow Dash did. She knew Rainbow Dash would be there for her when she needed it most. And she would be there for her.

Fluttershy had a promise to keep, after all.