The Wrong Hoof

Chapters

A winter morning
The hive
Just a dream
Catching up
A little kindness
House call
The elements
Enchanted bars
Nightfall
Solstice
Dark Spires
Tracking the beast
Karkinos
Dear Princess Celestia

A winter morning

It was a cold winter morning as Twilight was engaged in her studies, warm inside her large, wooden library. She was reading through a book she recently acquired. Analyzing each word carefully, the purple mare was still trying to make sense of the elusive age spell, founded by Star Swirl the Bearded long ago. Once again finishing the last few words in the book she read so many times, Twilight brought forth a potted rose as a test subject. She wanted the rose to help her see if she could finally get this spell to work for her as it had once worked for Star Swirl. Her horn began to glow with a bright and powerful magic as the alicorn concentrated. She was beginning to lose faith that she was talented enough to ever wield this magic. If it didn't work this time, she would be lost, defeated, and worst of all, a failure in her studies. Her horn glowed brighter as Twilight prepared to put everything she had into this final attempt when she was interrupted. A knock on the door broke her focus, and ended her spell. Filling with frustration, the alicorn went to answer the door to find out who could be disturbing her this early in the day.

The door swung open and revealed a white mare with a lustrous purple mane, hiding under a robe hastily put together with scraps of cloth.

"Rarity?" Twilight asked as she was trying to figure out why a mare so proud of her appearance would wear something so crude.

"May I come in?" The pony asked with a voice that was undeniably Rarity's. "I don't have much time, and I need your help. Please, may I come in?"

"Of course," Twilight said as she stepped out of the way, giving Rarity room to enter. After Rarity was inside, Twilight quickly closed the door behind her and pulled out a chair to let the robed mare know that she was welcome to make herself comfortable. "What do you need help with? And why are you wearing that cloak?" She had many more questions than this but those were the two at the top of the purple mare's head.

"I-I'm afraid I d-don't know where to begin," Rarity stammered as she pulled down the hood of her robe. Twilight almost instantly noticed that something was different about Rarity's face. She couldn't quite place her hoof on it. All she knew was that it was different. "We've traveled far and wide to find an answer to our grief, some place where we can live in peace without being shunned by all those around us. Ponies were our last option after being violently rejected by the zebra's, and then the griffons."

"What are you talking about?" Twilight asked as new questions arrived in her head every second. This can't really be Rarity can it? Who is this mare? Who is she talking about? She then realized what was different. This Rarity didn't have a horn.

"Please, you're our last hope. We can't face exile again. I know we've caused trouble but our hooves were forced."

"Who are you? Answer me, now!" The alicorn demanded as she began to worry about where the real Rarity might be. What if she were in trouble? What if this impostor had hurt her? At that moment, the stranger closed her eyes, and started to glow a sinister green as her coat turned a dark, cold, grey. A sharp, misshapen horn grew on her head as her mane disintegrated, eyes turning a light blue as holes bore into her legs. Tattered, insect-like wings spread from her back as the stranger's coat was now a deep black.

"P-Please... Y-You must understand," the changeling stuttered nervously as it saw the purple pony's expression turn from confusion to hatred. Twilight’s horn started to glow as she closed her eyes. “Chrysalis was trying to look out for her people!” the shapeshifter shouted trying to appeal to the alicorn before she took action. Her horn glowed brighter as the changeling started to sweat. “If you hurt me, you’ll never find Rarity!” He blurted out in a panic. The magic withdrew from the air as Twilight’s horn ceased to glow.

“What did you do to her?” Twilight asked, torn between anger and concern for her friend.

“C-Come with me a-and I’ll take you to her.”

“And why should I trust you?”

“Y-You don’t have much of a choice.” The changeling started to feel relief when he saw the pony take time to consider his offer.

“Fine. I’ll go.” Twilight leaned in close to ensure that her next few words would stick in the impostor’s mind. “But if I see the slightest sign of trouble, you’ll regret it.”

“O-Of course, princess,” the changeling mumbled as he made his way to the door, disguising himself as Golden Harvest, an Orange mare with a slightly darker orange mane. Twilight still hadn't gotten used to that title. She had gotten used to being called all sorts of things, egg-head, nerd, but princess? Some things never grow on you.

The changeling stepped outside into the cold, once again putting on her hood, hoping not to draw attention.

“So why are you doing this?” Twilight asked the shapeshifter curiously. “I don’t believe for a second that you’re innocent, so what do you really want me for?”

“I’m telling the truth, princess. If you don’t believe me, I can’t help you.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“Princess?”

“Yes, that. You take orders from Queen Chrysalis. Calling me a princess makes it sound like I’m one of you.” Twilight looked around with uncertainty as the changeling was leading her deep into AppleJack's orchard, on the border of the Everfree Forest.

“I’m very sorry twilight, but these were my orders, you must forgive me.” The Golden harvest lookalike said nervously while stopping dead in her tracks.

“It’s fine, just don’t do it again,” said the purple aliicorn, brushing past the changeling, trying to pick up the pace.

“N-Not for that.” The shapeshifter paused for a moment, still stationary. “For this.” Twilight turned to look back at the changeling curiously as the alicorn was trying to figure out what she meant. It quickly pieced together in her mind as the world went dark.

The hive

Cold. The word repeating itself over and over again through Twilight’s mind never felt more deserved. She opened her eyes and found herself sealed inside a cocoon full of a thick liquid, sapping the heat from her body. Only her face was left exposed so she could breathe and speak, but her magic was useless inside this prison. She looked around but found nothing except for this damp, dark room. How did she get here? Why did she ever trust that changeling? And how in Equestria was she supposed to get out? She couldn't stop thinking about the mistakes she had made until the door suddenly swung open, letting a small amount of light into the room. There were two changelings, both wearing a dark suit of armor which glowed red at the seams. Changeling guards perhaps? Why did none of the other changelings wear this gear during the assault on Canterlot? They stepped towards her as she tried frantically to escape. Twilight tried using her strongest magic, it was no use. She tried struggling to break the cocoon, it was hopeless. With every movement, the cage sapped at her energy leaving her helpless and exhausted. She was suddenly lifted into the air by the two changelings, who began carrying her cocoon outside the room.

“Where are you taking me?” The alicorn asked with a sense of worry, to which the changelings said nothing and continued their task. She gulped and looked around, studying the walls and structures around her. Maybe if she could find out where this is, she could tell Celestia where these kidnappers were gathering once she found a way out of here. What she saw confused her, barely any of her surroundings seemed structured, and it was mostly made of dirt and occasionally some stone. Were they living underground? Were they hiding from something? Then the idea came to Twilight. What if they’re mounting another attack? What if they’re hiding in the shadows, lying in wait for the perfect moment to strike? She had to do something, but how?

After walking for what felt like ten minutes, the two changelings used their magic to open a set of wooden doors at the end of the passage. The doors led into a large chamber with walls of dirt, coated with a mysterious black stone, baring several holes in resemblance to the form of the changelings themselves. At the end of the chamber was a particularly large changeling, sitting on a dark throne, wearing armor made of what looked like an alloy. A mixture of the Blackstone and Gold, crafted into protective gear, perhaps to show status? Maybe this one was some sort of a-

“Prince Vano,” one of the changelings barked. “You’re highness, we brought her as you requested.”

“You can dispense with the formalities,” He replied calmly. “We’re all friends here.” This upset Twilight.

“Friends?” She shouted. “You kidnapped my friend Rarity, Lured me into a trap, and locked me in this shell!” The prince looked at the trapped alicorn with a sense of remorse.

“I’m sorry, I’m afraid we don’t have your friend.” He paused and looked away in a sense of shame. “Your escort must have felt the need to lie in order to convince you. I take it you didn't come easily.”

“Not exactly.”

“Then I take it he also forgot to mention that we couldn't bring you in while you were awake?” The prince paused for an answer, to which Twilight simply shook her head. “I wish things could've been different but it seems pretty clear you despise us. We couldn’t risk you alerting Celestia to our whereabouts.”

”So why am I here? If you didn’t want to be found, why did you kidnap me?”

“Because we needed someone to understand. Someone on our side to help us find somewhere to live in peace.”

“Peace? You attacked Canterlot”

“We wanted to resolve things peacefully. I promise. Chrysalis had a council with Celestia and Luna long in advance. That is when they turned their backs on us.” He paused for a moment and shook his head. “I’m sorry, I can’t talk to you like this, if we let you out of that shell, could you promise me not to do anything stupid? You’d only make things worse for yourself if you did.” Twilight’s eyes widened at the idea of freedom. She couldn't risk upsetting the prince until at least after her shackles were broken so she kept her calm, took a deep breath and answered.

“I promise.” Vano nodded at the two changelings at Twilight’s side as they split the cocoon. They each pulled on a half of the cage in opposite directions as the slime that had once filled the now hollow shell, seeped into the ground, soon disappearing from sight. Twilight was still far too weak to mount an escape. Her only hope was to wait for the perfect moment, if she tried too early or too late, she might never get out.

“Now as I was saying, we were forced out of our home and we had nowhere to go. We turned to Celestia and Luna for help but they refused us. We begged and pleaded, but they were intent on letting us meet our end. A whole race of changelings gone extinct because they were too concerned for their own kind.”

“So you attacked Canterlot?”

“It was our only option. We had nowhere else to turn and Chrysalis couldn't stand watching her people fade. She told me in confidence to gather our refugees. She created a distraction in Canterlot, buying us time to hide where we hope they may not find us.”

“That was just a distraction?” The alicorn shouted. None of the changeling’s explanation made sense. Why were they forced out of their home? Why did they come to Celestia and Luna for help? For every question answered, two more arose.

“If she truly wanted to rule, she would have sent all of us in a full scale invasion. She never expected to be able to take over, she never expected to survive. All Chrysalis wanted was to protect her people, and so with remorse, she drew together a fleet of others who would serve her with their lives. A small force to engage your royalty in battle, just to keep them occupied for a few short minutes.” As much as Twilight hated to admit it, it didn't make any sense why they would still have highly equipped changelings who were never seen anywhere near Canterlot. Could it have just been a distraction after all?

“Why were you forced out of your home?” The alicorn decided to humor the changeling prince, to which he simply raised an eyebrow. “Let’s say I believed your story. Why did this all happen?”

“A legendary beast which we never thought could have existed rose from the depths of Atlantis. A beast that we know only as Karkinos.”

“Karkinos?” The name sounded familiar to her. Where had she heard of it before?

“You’re aware of the constellation for cancer, aren't you?” Suddenly Twilight remembered an astronomy book she once read.

“Cancer is one of the constellations of the zodiac. In mythology it is identified with a creature named Karkinos.” It was all coming back to her now. “Karkinos is a crab?” Vano nodded.

“We don’t know what its shell is made from but our magic is useless against it. None of us knew how to stop it, so we fled.”

“But in the mythology Karkinos was a regular sized crab. Couldn't you have just trapped it in a cage or something?”

“Only in the mythology, I’m afraid. In reality, the beast is unstoppable.”

“Surely if you told them about Karkinos, they couldn't have waved it off.”

“How could we tell them? Do you think they would believe a creature known only to a small few, derived from obscure mythology was bringing us to our end?” Twilight thought about that for a moment. It did seem pretty far-fetched.

“So how long has this been going on?” The alicorn asked, starting to feel dizzy. “The attack on Canterlot was over a year ago. Have you been hiding here this whole time?”

“We thought we would have to hide here forever, until we heard you became a princess. We knew Celestia, Luna, and Cadence wouldn't help us but if we could show you the truth, we might not have to live in exile. I know you have a pure heart, and I trust that you will make the right decision in the end.” Twilight stumbles slightly, trying not to pass out from exhaustion. “I think you need your rest. If you have more questions, we could accommodate you and we can continue this in the morning. But if you would rather be sent home, we can arrange that.”

“Home,” said the exhausted mare, barely able to focus. “Just send me home.” The changeling prince nodded.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry that the attack had to be during your brother’s wedding.” His horn started to glow a bright green as the world seemed to fade away.

Just a dream

“Wake up!” Twilight could barely hear the words being shouted at her as she slowly came to. “Twilight, you slept in.” As the alicorn slowly opened her eyes she saw Spike at the side of her bed, trying to wake her.

“Spike, calm down,” she whispered, still half asleep. “What’s going on?”

“You slept in Twilight. It’s already noon.”

“What?” she bolted out of bed, heading straight for the clock to see for herself.

“You never sleep in Twilight, what happened?”

“Well I-” She paused, trying to recall what happened. It was all rather blurry and she was in a pretty deep sleep only moments ago. Could it all have just been a dream? There was no point getting anyone worried over something that may have never happened to begin with. “I lost track of the time and was up later than I should've been when I was catching up on my studies.” She went for her schedule, hoping she hadn't missed anything too important.

“I’m sorry. I would've helped you study but I was too exhausted from re-shelving books all day I must have dozed off.”

“The picnic!” Twilight shouted, ignoring Spike’s apology. “Sorry Spike, I have to go.” She quickly found her saddle bag, swinging it over her back as she opened the door and started running.

Twilight made it to the picnic, panting from exhaustion as the other five elements of harmony stared at her.

“Sorry I’m late,” the alicorn panted, pausing to catch her breath.

“I understand you not wanting to be late Twi,” said Applejack, offering her a place to sit. “But you really need to stop stressing over being on time.”

“Yes Twilight, we’re your friends. We won’t mind if you’re just a little late,” Said Rarity. Unmistakably her this time from her overdressed hat, down to the way she sits on a neatly prepared cushion.

“But I’m a whole hour late.”

“Don’t sweat it,” said Rainbow Dash, flexing her wings. “Even if you didn't show up at all, I’m sure you’d have your reasons.”

“Thanks girls. I just don’t know what happened, I don’t normally sleep in that late.”

“Or at all. Is something bothering you, sugar cube?” Said the orange mare before passing a piece of cake to Twilight.

“Just a crazy dream I had.” Twilight shook her head and took a bite of the cake, savoring it for a moment before swallowing. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Please, tell us,” said Rarity, sipping her tea. “It can’t be any worse than Rainbow Dash going on about her sonic rainboom for the hundredth time.”

“Hey!” The pegasus shouted. Applejack just looked back at her, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, sorry,” she said, kicking her hoof at the ground.

“Does anyone want to hear about my dream?” said Pinkie pie. “I dreamed about a huge cake!”

“Pinkie, you always dream about cake,” said Applejack.

“Yeah, well why wouldn't you? Especially if it’s chocolate cake.” The pink mare licked her lips and lost her train of thought.

“It was about the changelings,” said Twilight as she set down her plate. Everyone stared at her while she wiped leftover crumbs from the corner of her mouth. “How many were there at Canterlot? That can’t have been all of them could it?”

“I don’t know Twi,” Said Applejack. “There were a lot of them. But we got rid of all of them, it’s over now.”

“Yeah, Chrysalis is done, end of story,” Said the rainbow-maned pegasus, now leaning against a tree.

“But what if it wasn't? Those all looked like regular changelings. What if they had soldiers or royal guards or something that they never sent to Canterlot?”

“That doesn't make any sense,” Said Rainbow Dash, barely raising a hoof to wave away the idea. “If they had soldiers, then why didn't they send them?”

“Exactly! What if they weren't trying to win?”

“Then what do you think they were trying to do?” Said Rarity.

“What if they were trying to distract us?” Everyone stared at Twilight. Even Pinkie pie snapped out of her daydream. “They attacked the biggest city we have, on the day of a royal wedding, and they announced the attack beforehand? It doesn’t make any sense. Not unless they wanted attention.”

“I think you’re over thinking it a bit Twilight,” Said Applejack.

“Chrysalis trapped me in a cave to keep me out of the way. But she trapped me in the same cave as the real Cadence and didn't put much of an effort into keeping us there. She wanted to get caught.”

“Or maybe she’s just not as bright as you think she is. This was just a dream remember?” Said Rainbow Dash, starting to relax again and taking another piece of cake.

“Maybe.”

“Definitely,” said the pegasus as she started eating the delicious cake. Twilight calmed down a bit. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that this was real, but it was clear she wasn't convincing anyone.

“I just remembered, I have to get back to studying,” said Twilight, making an excuse to leave. “I think I’m almost at a breakthrough with this age spell.”

“That’s cool,” mumbled Dash with a mouth full of cake. “See you later then.” She waves her hoof, still lying against the tree.

“Bye.”

“Goodbye.”

“Have fun.”

“I should probably get going too,” said Fluttershy as the alicorn had turned around and started walking. “Angel bunny will get upset if I don’t get him any food. And I’d hate to upset him twice on the same day.” She waves and starts walking next to Twilight.

“That’s the first time I've heard your voice today. Did you have a bad dream too?” asked the purple alicorn.

“The attack on Canterlot is a sensitive topic,” the shy mare said quietly, almost in a whisper. “I’d rather not risk upsetting anypony by saying the wrong thing.”

“We’re your friends, you couldn't upset us.”

“I know, but still...” Fluttershy looks behind her to make sure they’re out of earshot of the rest of the group. “You don’t think they’re evil, do you Twilight?” The alicorn just looks back at her, slightly surprised by the question.

“I don’t know if they’re good or bad. I just don’t think we know the whole story yet.”

“But they could be good?”

“Maybe.” The pegasus smiled at hearing that.

“I think anyone can be good if we gave them a chance,” She said, looking up at Twilight. “We even thought Discord was evil once. Now he and I are best friends. I think we all just need to be shown a bit of kindness once in a while.” Twilight stopped in her tracks as Fluttershy continued walking off ahead back to her cottage. She could barely hear the pegasus say goodbye over the thoughts repeating themselves in her head. Maybe Fluttershy was right. Maybe the changelings could've been telling the truth. But that just leaves one hole in the problem. Celestia.

Catching up

Days later, a meeting was finally arranged. Being a princess, Celestia is always busy doing one thing or another. But sometimes being a princess yourself has its perks. As Twilight Sparkle approached the doors to Celestia’s private chambers, she noticed a familiar face standing at their side.

“Flash Sentry?” The blue-maned stallion bowed before her.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle.” He raised himself from the ground and smiled at her. “If you’ll pardon the informality, it’s good to see you again.” As much as she tried to focus, the purple mare felt herself blush a little.

“I thought you were stationed in the crystal empire. What are you doing in Canterlot?”

“Several guards reported sick. They had to transfer a few guards over from Canterlot, given the importance of the event. I regularly serve under your brother, Captain Shining Armor.”

“How many guards were sick?”

“I wasn’t given an exact number. I’d say at least ten.”

“Nothing too serious, I hope”

“They have all since recovered.”

“That’s good to hear.” Twilight smiled as she used her magic to open the chamber doors. “And it was good seeing you again, too.” The orange guard bowed again as Celestia rose from her seat to greet Twilight at the door.

“Can I get you a drink or anything?” Princess Celestia asked, to which Twilight simply shook her head.

“You’re sure I’m not taking you away from anything?” the purple mare asked, not wanting to be a bother.

“I did have a meeting with your brother scheduled to discuss the placements of royal guards but I pushed it back a little because I've been getting some letters from your friends. They seem quite worried about you. I’m sure your brother would understand.” Celestia nodded her head toward a couch, motioning for her student to take a seat.

“I told them I was fine, it was just a dream,” Twilight said as she walked over to the couch, moving a cushion out of the way so she could sit.

“It’s not just that. Rarity said she hasn't seen you since the picnic. Applejack said you've been holed up in your library. Whatever you dreamed about is clearly still on your mind,” said Celestia as she went to the kettle to pour herself a cup of tea. “I asked my sister, Luna, but she said she couldn't find your dream, it was as if you never slept.”

“Well, I was having trouble sleeping, so I induced sleep with my magic.”

“They did say you slept in.” Celestia took a moment to sip her tea as she walked over to sit on the couch opposite to Twilight. “I hope you’re not using your magic to induce these sleeps often. It can’t be good for you.”

“I’m not, I was just getting frustrated with getting the age spell to work. It was hard to sleep with that on my mind.”

“Have you made any progress?”

“Very little.”

“Any is still impressive. You may now be a princess, but you’re still fairly young to handle a spell of that level.” Celestia paused for a moment, using her magic to add some sugar to her tea before stirring it. “So what happened in this dream exactly? Nopony knows what happened. All they know is that it must have involved the changelings. If you told me, I might be able to help you figure it out.”

“I was with Chrysalis,” Twilight lied, not wanting to mention the new changeling leader. “She was gathering her people. Thousands, if not millions of changelings, were all waiting for her order. She looked right at me, but couldn't see me. I could see the pain in her eyes as she said she said one word, one word to be heard by all of her subjects, One word to be understood without question. Retreat.” The purple mare looked up at Celestia and she could see that her teacher was buying the story.

“She ordered a retreat? From what?”

“Karkinos. I looked off into the distance and I could see it destroying buildings and rampaging through what looked like it was once home to the changelings.” Twilight saw Celestia try to hide a shocked expression, she knew something that she wasn't saying.

“Karkinos? I’m afraid I don’t read as many books as you Twilight, you’ll have to remind me.”

“It’s a giant crab. I was reading up on old mythology a few days earlier, that’s probably why I dreamt about it.”

“I see. So what happened next?”

“I woke up. That was it.” Celestia sipped some more of her tea, thinking about the story for a moment.

“The attack on Canterlot may be in the past,” she said, setting her tea down. “But it still weighs heavily on all of our minds, and I can only imagine yours especially. What happened that day caused you a lot of grief.”

“And you were right there with them.”

“I know, and I’m sorry for how I acted at the time. But to me it sounds like in your dream, you were seeing your own pain reflected in Chrysalis’ eyes. That is not uncommon, especially for one with a kind heart such as yourself.” Twilight sighed, not believing Celestia for a second.

“I guess you’re right. It was a pretty crazy dream after all,” she said, lying through her teeth. Her teacher was hiding something, she didn't know what exactly, but it had something to do with Karkinos. The changeling prince said he never told Celestia or Luna about the creature so how could she know? There was still a lot that Twilight had to piece together but it seemed pretty clear that her teacher couldn't be trusted.

“Was there anything else you needed to see me about?”

“No, that was pretty much all. Thank you.” The purple mare rose from her seat, making her way toward the door.

“Twilight?” Said Celestia as Twilight turned back to face her. “Could you please send in Shining armor on your way out?” She nodded and opened the doors to be greeted by her big brother on the other side.

“Twily!” He said, wrapping his hooves around Twilight. “How’s my little sis holding up?”

“I’m fine, thank you.” She paused for a moment, looking behind her to make sure her teacher couldn't hear them. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course I do. Why? Is there something wrong?”

“Then can I ask you for a favor?”

“Anything.” Her big brother said, smiling. He had a near perfect poker face. If she hadn't grown up with him for her whole life, Twilight never would've been able to tell that he was actually quite worried about whatever was going on. He wasn't an idiot, he knew something was wrong.

“I need you to spy on Luna.”

A little kindness

Twilight knocked on the door to Fluttershy’s cottage, it was the day after she had gotten home from Canterlot and she wasn't keen on wasting any time. The door opened just slightly as Fluttershy peered through the small gap.

“Y-yes?” the timid pegasus stuttered as quietly as ever.

“I need your help with something.”

“Can it wait?” Twilight paused for a moment, wondering what she was doing. It was clear the pegasus was hiding something but Twilight was far too sick of secrets and being kept in the dark to care about her privacy.

“No, it can’t.” She teleported past the door with her magic, immediately looking around and noticing there was nothing out of the ordinary except Cloudchaser, sitting over on the couch. Even Discord was nowhere to be seen.

“I’m sorry,” said Fluttershy, closing the door and turning back to face Twilight. “I was just catching up with Cloudchaser.”

“Rainbow Dash wants us to create another cyclone,” Said Cloudchaser, still sitting on the couch. “Cloudsdale needs more water and Fluttershy began to doubt herself again. As a fellow pegasus I wanted to make sure she was alright so she could try her best just like last time.”

“Well that’s awfully sweet of you,” said the alicorn, turning to face Fluttershy. “But we need to talk.”

“About what?” said Fluttershy, clearly still concerned about something. Twilight took a couple of steps towards her and brought her voice down to a whisper.

“I need your help finding the changelings.”

“Why? We don’t even know if there are anymore.”

“I lied at the picnic. I wasn't up late studying. The changelings brought me to their hideout. I couldn't risk the others telling princess Celestia in case the changelings were telling the truth, but I know I can trust you because you’re the only one who stood up for them.” Twilight paused for a moment, looking at Fluttertshy. She was frozen with a wide-eyed expression, not moving or saying a word. “I know this must be a lot to take in, but they’re not evil. And we’re the only ones who can help them.”

“W-what do you want me to do?” the pegasus stuttered, still in shock.

“All I could really tell from when I was there is that they were underground, and they must be in Ponyville or at least near it. You’re friends with all sorts of animals that burrow their homes underground. I need you to get them to help me find the changelings, that’s all.” The timid yellow mare regained her composure and took a moment to think about what she had just heard before sighing gently.

“That won’t be necessary Twilight,” Fluttershy nodded towards Cloudchaser to which the pegasus on the couch simply shook her head. The yellow pegasus took a couple of steps toward her pegasi friend. “She wants to help.”

“No.” Cloudchaser said quietly not wanting to be heard by the alicorn. Fluttershy started glaring at her, giving her a stare that Twilight had seen scare animals into submission countless times. In mere seconds Cloudchaser was visibly sweating. A few seconds later and she looked away, shutting her eyes. “Fine!” she shouted, hoping Fluttershy would stop.

“Show her,” said Fluttershy, returning her gaze to her normal, nurturing look. Cloudchaser slowly got up off of the couch and looked away shyly as she was enveloped in a green light, quickly transforming into a changeling.

“P-Please don’t hurt me,” the changeling stuttered.

“Twilight, this is Dolus.”

“We've met,” said the alicorn with a hint of anger. “I’d recognize that voice anywhere. This is the one that tricked me. He lied to me.”

“I didn't have a choice, you were going to hurt me,” said Dolus as he edged closer to Fluttershy, trying to hide behind her.”

“Well I can give you this much, you’re nothing if not an avid liar,” said Twilight, glaring at him.

“T-Thank you?” said the nervous changeling, poking his head out slightly from behind Fluttershy before realizing that it wasn't supposed to be a compliment.

“Please stop,” said Flutterhsy, trying to break up a fight before it started. “He’s a nice person if you get to know him, Twilight. It looks pretty clear to me, he’s willing to let things go if you’ll forgive him.” She turned around and nuzzled the changeling's forehead gently, treating him like one of her many animal friends.

“How long have you been hiding this?” said the alicorn, turning to face Fluttershy.

“A few months,” she said sheepishly. “I found him unconscious. I was frightened at first, but what was I supposed to do? I couldn't just leave him there.”

“We don’t have a source of food in our hive,” the changeling waded in. “I was selected to gather food. I fell out of a tree while picking apples. We can’t maintain a disguise if we’re not awake.” Twilight slowly rested her face into her hoof, not sure where to begin.

“You climbed a tree to pick apples?”

“Are you not supposed to?”

“You don’t pick apples, you buck them.”

“You buck them? I’m sorry I don’t know much about apple trees, we didn't have any back home.”

“I thought you fed on love anyway, why are you eating apples?”

“It’s not always that simple. A lot of love and care went into growing those apples. Sometimes that’s all we need.”

“You can feed on a secondary source?” The alicorn could just barely contain a smile. Current circumstances aside, no one knew much about the changelings and she couldn't help but think she could be the first to study them.

“So why did you want to find the hive again?” said Dolus, trying to change the topic. Twilight noticed him looking away, trying to hide his face, as if ashamed or embarrassed.

“I talked to princess Celestia. Now I know Vano was telling the truth, I need to know what the next step is.” The changeling stared at Twilight with a shocked expression.

“You told Celestia?”

“I didn't tell her anything about your hideout, or about Vano. I told her it was just a hazy dream, nothing more.”

“And she believed you?”

“Yes.” She pulled out a scroll and glanced over it quickly. “Or at least she used to.”

“And now?”

“And now I need to see your prince.” She rolled up the scroll again and put it away. “There’s more to this than any of you realize.”

House call

It was getting late. As dangerous as it seemed, being led into the Everfree forest by a changeling on a cold winter night, Fluttershy seemed remarkably calm.

“You really trust him don’t you?” Twilight whispered, hoping their escort wouldn’t hear.

“Of course,” she whispered back. “He took a great risk in trusting me and he’s been nothing but kind, to me and all of my animal friends.”

“He didn’t have much of a choice if you found him unconscious. We’re just lucky you found him and not somepony else who might have told princess Celestia.”

“That’s not what I meant by taking a risk.” The alicorn just raised an eyebrow towards her pegasi friend. “Celestia isn’t the only one we had to hide from.”

“Then who do you-“

“We’re here,” Dolus interrupted as he walked to a small entrance to a cave surrounded by bushes and trees, just like any other part of the forest. It was hidden in plain sight. The changeling stepped through the entrance and begun walking deeper into a dark and quiet tunnel as Fluttershy followed him closely. Twilight stayed a little bit behind, still hesitant after the last time Dolus had tricked her.

“Stop right there.” The voice didn’t sound like their escort but it was unmistakably the sound of a changeling. The alicorn cast a quick spell, letting her horn glow bright enough to see the changeling guard that stood before them.

“It’s me.” Dolus walked up to the guard and looked straight at him. “You can let us in.”

“You? Perhaps. But not them,” said the guard looking straight at Fluttershy. The timid mare whimpered quietly and took a couple of steps back, afraid of what might happen if she confronted the armored changeling. Twilight quickly stepped around the pegasus and looked straight into where the guards eyes would’ve been if they weren’t concealed in darkness.

“Then you’ll have to explain to Prince Vano why you turned away Princess Twilight Sparkle.” The guard paused for a moment before lowering himself to bow before the alicorn.

“My apologies. I did not recognize you, princess.”

“And Fluttershy is with me.”

“I’m sorry but even if you are a princess, I can’t allow you to bring a guest.”

“Then you’ll have to make an exception unless you want me to turn around and leave right now.” There was a minute of silence before the guard reluctantly turned to move a rock aside, revealing a lever which he then pulled, opening a secret passageway in the wall to their right. As Twilight entered through the newly opened tunnel, followed by Fluttershy, the guard looked straight at Dolus.

“You’re going to have a lot of explaining to do after this little house call is over,” he said before the escort nodded and quickly walked up in front of the alicorn, once again leading the way for them. The purple mare continued following by Fluttershy’s side.

“You didn’t have to come along,” she whispered to her friend.

“I wanted to make sure he was alright. He still doesn’t feel safe around you.” Dolus turned a corner and stopped at the doors to the throne room.

“That was quick,” said Twilight, still thinking about the last time she was here.

“The throne room is kept close to the exit, in case of an emergency where we might need to be evacuated. You were probably brought up from the prison, on the other side of the complex. Prisoners are generally the least important so we keep them the furthest away.” He paused for a moment, realizing what he just said as Twilight stared at him. “But not in your case. I meant no offence, princess.”

“It’s fine, I understand.” Twilight used her magic to open the doors to the throne room, quickly noticing that there wasn’t a changeling in sight.

“He must be in the meeting room. I’m sorry. He spends half his time in there. It’s not too far from here,” said Dolus, turning around to lead the two mares down another corridor.

“Who is he meeting with?”

“I’m afraid I don’t know. It could be nearly anyone.” He stopped next to a door and turned around. “It’s just in here. He normally doesn’t take kindly to interruptions but I think he’d make an exception for you. Are you ready?”

“No,” Fluttershy said quietly, backing away from the door slowly.

“I wasn’t ready for any of this,” said Twilight, looking straight at the door. “But since when did that matter?” She didn’t bother knocking but instead just let herself in. The alicorn found a large table with the changeling prince seated at the furthest end from the door and three other changelings facing towards him, too wrapped up in the meeting to notice the visitor at the door.

“Twilight?” said Vano as the other changelings almost immediately turned their heads. “How did you find us?” The prince paused for a moment, noticing the changeling once again trying to discretely hide behind Fluttershy. “Never mind.”

“I have something that you need to see,” said the princess, not keen on wasting any time.

“General, you’ll have to excuse us for a moment,” Vano said to the changeling in the middle on the opposite end of the table. The prince stood up from his chair as Twilight walked over to him, using her wing to pass a scroll to him. He unfurled the scroll, and skimmed over it as Twilight could see his expression turn grim.

Dear Twilight.
Would you mind telling me what exactly is going on? I eavesdropped on Princess Luna just like you had asked and at first nothing seemed strange until she met with Celestia. I didn’t understand the context of the discussion but Celestia seemed upset with her sister. She told her to keep someone named Karkinos under control. From the way they talked about him I figure Karkinos might be a pet? But I didn’t realize Luna had an animal companion. Celestia went on about letting somepony’s dream get out of hoof. I think they must have been talking about you because Luna said that “there is no way Twilight was dreaming, I would have seen it.” I don’t know what’s going on but they seem pretty upset with you. Twilight, I’m worried about you. Please just tell me what’s happening so I can at least try to help you.
Sincerely, Shining Armor~

In a few short seconds, the scroll lit up in a bright green flame.

“You mean to tell me that not only do they already know of our troubles…” Vano paused, watching the last scrap of paper turn to ash before he stomped his hoof on the ground. “But they were responsible?” Although it was clear the changeling was in anger, he somehow kept his calm, talking clearly in a level tone.

“I’m afraid it seems that way.” As Fluttershy took a couple of steps back with Dolus backing off even further, Twilight stood by the prince’s side, ready to bear the brunt of his frustration.

“A whole year, we have suffered. A whole year, we have been exiled. A whole year, we have been forgotten as your kind enjoys the safety of their homes. We trusted them, Chrysalis trusted them, and now she was forced to pay the price for that trust.”

“I’m sorry for your troubles, but I can help you now. We can help you now. You already have two of the six elements of harmony on your side,” she said, looking back at Fluttershy who forced a weak smile. “And we even have the captain of the royal guard on our side. Shining Armor has never let me down and I know he won’t choose today to start.”

“I need you to rally the other elements, and your brother.”

“Of course. What do you need us to do?”

“Keep them out of Canterlot.”

“Excuse me?”

“I can give you until the day after tomorrow. Keep them out of our way.” Twilight started to get the idea of what he was suggesting.

“We can’t risk making things worse. I think we need to calm down and think about this for-”

“No!” The prince shouted, finally letting his frustration be heard as the changeling general stood from his seat.

“Your orders sir?” he asked as Twilight stepped back, shaking her head. She wanted to speak out against him. She wanted to stop him from answering. But it was clear to everyone in the room that he had already made up his mind. The changeling prince turned toward the general and spoke

“It’s time to fight back.”

The elements

Shining Armor’s private estate. It now served as Princess Cadence’s home as well but Twilight was only here for her brother. She let herself in when she reached the door. Now wasn't the time to waste with knocking and hoping that maybe someone might be home.

“Twilight?” Shining Armor rose from his seat on the couch as Cadence turned her head to look at the door.

“Shining, I have to talk to you but we don’t have much time.”

“You realize they’re looking for you,” Cadence said with a worried look on her face.

“Yes, but that’s not important right now. What’s important is-”

“it’s not important?” Shining Armor interrupted. “Princess Celestia told me to order my guards to bring you in if they find you. I have no idea what you did to upset her, but she seems incredibly reluctant to let you wander free. How is that not important?”

“Please, we don’t have much time before they get here!”

“Twilight, no one’s going to look for you here,” Cadence said, taking a step closer to her sister-in-law. “Princess Celestia wouldn't expect you to come here.”

“I’m not talking about her,” Twilight said, bringing her voice down to a more somber tone.

“Then who are you-” Shining Armor was interrupted by a knock at the door. They all stood still for a moment. None of them had any idea who was at the door but Twilight knew it couldn't be good. She took a step back from the door as Shining walked past her to answer it. When the door swung open, he was met with the face of a familiar blue-maned guard.

“I’m sorry to bother you Captain.” Flash Sentry took a moment to bow out of respect. “But I’ve been ordered to escort you and Princess Cadence to safety.”

“Safety?” asked Shining, almost immediately regretting the question. “What’s going on? Why do we need an escort?”

“Oh no,” Twilight quietly muttered to herself, already aware of the inevitable answer.

“Changelings, sir… There are changelings attacking Canterlot.” As Shining Armor’s eyes widened, Twilight hung her head in shame.

“They’re here.”

“Wait.” Shining paused for a moment as he turned to face his little sister. “You knew about this?”

“Why do you think I was in such a hurry?” Twilight said as she took a step outside, standing next to the pegasus guard. “Look, both of you have to follow him. I have to go find the elements of harmony. They’re the only way to end this.” She turned to the side and got ready to move before she was stopped by her big brother’s hoof on her shoulder.

“I’m coming with you.” Twilight slowly turned around to face him.

“You can’t, it’s too dangerous.”

“Not if we have our own guard.” Shining Armor shared a quick glance with Flash Sentry as the guard nodded in understanding.

“We really don’t have time to argue,” Twilight said as she looked past her brother to the princess behind him. “Cadence, are you coming?” Cadence walked up next to her husband and nodded.

“I don’t have much of a choice anyway.”

“Then let’s go,” Twilight said, turning again to lead the way. “We haven’t got a moment to lose.

At the other end of the changeling-sieged town, they finally reached the chamber of the elements. Flash Sentry opened the doors as the others rushed inside, closing the doors behind them once all of them were in. Twilight quickly looked around checking for anything out of the ordinary as she slowly paced towards the other end of the chamber.

“I don’t understand. He should be here,” she said as she reached the door on the other side of the chamber. The others stopped in the middle of the room, her big brother being the first one to speak.

“Who should be here?” Twilight slowly turned around to face him and opened her mouth to speak. But before she could say anything, her brother continued. “Somehow, you knew about the attack before anyone else. Princess Celestia is trying to find you. Even on the way over here, countless changelings must have seen us running past, yet not a single one raised a hoof to stop us. Now you’re trying to tell us that you were expecting somepony to be here. Not Princess Celestia, not Princess Luna, not any of your friends from Ponyville, you said he.” His little sister didn't respond but instead just turned her head away to hide her shame. “Look, I know you. I know you’re not a criminal. I know that you wouldn't do anything without the right reasons. But the way it seems right now, it almost looks like you’re helping the changelings. You know I’ll stay by your side, but I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s going on.” Twilight turned back to the door, opening it to reveal the elements of harmony. Normally only a combination of magic, from both Princess Celestia and her little sister Luna, would open the door but the magic of the elements recognized Twilight’s presence and aided her attempts from the other side.

“I am.” She levitated the chest containing the elements of harmony, the most powerful weapon known in Equestria, to her side as Princess Cadence whispered something to Flash, still trying to understand what was going on.

“Excuse me?” Shining asked, hoping that he simply misunderstood his little sister’s choice of words.

“I’m helping the changelings,” The purple mare repeated as she walked back toward the middle of the room, next to the others. All three of them stood silently for almost a full minute before Cadence brought her thoughts together.

“Why would you help the changelings? After everything they did to us.”

“They lost on purpose,” Twilight answered as she gently set the elements down between her brother and Flash. “The entire attack on Canterlot was a distraction to give the rest of them a chance to hide. They had no other choice.”

“And I suppose all of this is what? Another distraction?”

“It’s not that simple.” Twilight turned to face her brother as she continued. “Do you remember that letter you sent me? The one about Luna’s mysterious pet named Karkinos?”

“Vaguely.”

“Karkinos is a legendary creature thought to not even exist as anything beyond a myth. Karkinos was destroying the changelings’ home and was facing them with extinction. Celestia and Luna both thought the changeling attack was a final, desperate attempt at survival. They made it look to everyone else like an invasion. But it was nothing more than a distraction to allow the rest of them to find a new home where they might be free of impending extinction.” She paused for a moment to give each of them a chance to interject but no one of them knew how to respond. “Princess Celestia is trying to find me because she believes I can help her find the last remaining changelings, and my refusal to do so tells her that I’m taking the changelings’ side over hers. She’s not exactly excited by that idea either. I’m planning to use the elements of harmony to stop Karkinos so that the changelings can return home peacefully and put an end to all of this before a war breaks out.” She took a moment to look out the window at the chaos unraveling around them while they stood in the one chamber that seemed to be untouched by it all. “I fear I may already be too late.”

“So what happens now then?” Cadence asked, stepping closer to her sister-in-law, just past the elements of harmony. “You plan to sneak these out of Canterlot, save the changelings, and you expect Chrysalis to not launch yet another attack? What makes you think you can trust them?”

“Because they trusted me!” Twilight raised her voice, frustrated with the other princess’s tone. “They risked everything by coming to find me and if I fail them, an entire race will be wiped out and it’ll be on my hooves.” Cadence slowly shook her head

“I’m sorry Twilight… But I can’t let you help them.” The two princesses turned straight for the elements of harmony but, of all ponies in the room, Flash Sentry was the first to take them.

“The changelings don’t serve Chrysalis anymore,” Twilight said, still trying to talk Cadence down. “Whatever personal grudges you have against her don’t matter anymore.”

“They’re attacking Canterlot.”

“They’re confused and hurt so they’re lashing out. It wouldn't be this way if Celestia didn't kick the hornet’s nest.”

“So that makes it ok?”

“None of this is ok. But the changelings aren't the enemy here.”

“She’s right,” Shining said as both of the princesses turned to stare at him, neither of them sure which one he was talking about. “The changeling’s aren't the enemy here.” He slowly stepped over to stand by his sister as Cadence just watched, not knowing whether to be infuriated or heartbroken. Either way, Twilight could see the pain in her eyes and even felt bad for her.

“You’re taking her side?” she said as a tear visibly fell down her cheek.

“You didn't see the way Princess Celestia argued with Luna. It was the same type of argument that two little colts have when they break a vase and are trying to cover it up before their mother gets home. Now lives have been put at risk to cover up their mistake.”

“She’s just wasting our time,” Twilight said, looking up at her big brother. “I don’t see any way that we can convince her and at this rate, we’re just waiting for someone to find us. We have the elements anyway, we just need to take them and leave.”

“Do you?” Cadence asked, wiping her tear away leaving behind nothing but a subtle smirk on her face.

“Yes, we do,” Twilight replied, looking over at Flash who was still holding the elements. The orange guard looked away in shame as he slowly trotted over to Cadence’s side. “Flash?” she asked, not wanting to believe what was clearly happening. The guard bowed before Cadence as she used her magic to take the elements for herself.

“I’m sorry Twilight.” Flash still refused to look at her as he stood up again.

“Don’t worry about her,” Cadence said, turning to face him. “Go and get the other guards. Place Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor under arrest.” He complied and slowly walked out of the chamber as Twilight looked left and right, scanning for another way out that didn't involve trying to get through the princess standing between them and the main door.

“Come on, Shining. We have to get out of here.”

“No.” The stallion looked down at Twilight and slowly shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s over.” Twilight looked out the window and noticed that there were very few changelings left and the ones that remained in Canterlot were all retreating as more and more royal guards began to surround the building. “She’s won.”

Enchanted bars

Twilight paced back and forth in the small space she had been given, every so often looking through the enchanted bars that blocked her magic from aiding her only to see another brick wall sitting a few meters away and the two royal guards ordered to watch her every move, a unicorn and a pegasus. She couldn't stop thinking about what might have been happening while she was helpless inside her cell. The other three princesses now saw her as an enemy, the changelings had been revealed and it was only a matter of time before their hiding place was found, it seemed like the only one Twilight could trust was trapped behind enchanted bars just as she was.

“Calm down Twilight,” Shining Armor said as he put a hoof on his little sister’s shoulder, forcing her to stop pacing. “I’m sure the changelings can handle themselves.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Neither do you.” Twilight looked up at her big brother. As much as she felt that she did more damage than she fixed, she couldn't argue with him. He brought his voice down to a softer tone and moved away from the cell door. “When we were in the chamber of the elements of harmony, you said someone was supposed to be there. I’m guessing a changeling but why? I take it there was more planning to this invasion than you let on.” Twilight sighed and walked away from the door as well, joining her big brother and sitting down on the cold, stone floor.

“Prince Vano.”

“Prince?”

“No one knows what happened to Queen Chrysalis after the first attack. Prince Vano was next in line to lead the changelings. It was his idea to ask for my help and it was his idea to lead a second invasion. I couldn't talk him out of attacking, but I at least managed to-” The sound of a metal door creaking open could be heard from the end of the corridor, interrupting Twilight. In the near silence that followed, all she could hear were the hoof steps approaching, slowly getting louder and louder against the stone until the unicorn guard spoke.

“You have a visitor.” A pink alicorn walked into view, barely acknowledging the prisoners’ existence before turning her head to speak to the guards.

“You two can go home for the day, I’ll send in the next guards on my way out.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea Princess Cadence?” The pegasus guard asked nervously, hesitant to question her decision. “What if they attempt an escape? We must ensure your safety.”

“I appreciate your dedication, but I can handle myself. Leave us.” She turned to face her husband, Shining Armor, looking at him through the bars as both of the royal guards nodded in compliance and turned to leave through the solid metal door that Cadence stepped through. After the sound of the heavy metal door closing echoed through the corridor, it was followed by another silence. Twilight didn't bother getting up from her seat on the ground, refusing to look at Cadence while she continued her staring competition with Shining.

“Why are you here?” Shining Armor asked, choosing to be the first one to break the uncomfortable silence.

“Because I don’t understand,” Cadence answered as her facial expression fell to that of a lost dog. “How could you take the changelings’ side over me?”

“I didn't.” He slowly turned his head to his little sister who was still just focusing on the wall. “I took her side.” He turned back to see a hurt look in his wife’s eyes. It was clear that she was having a hard time accepting the situation and choosing to come down here wasn't making things any easier on her. “My own sister… your sister, needed our help and you chose to lock us in a cage.”

“You’re safe in here, not with them. The changelings are dangerous but somehow, despite the second attack taking place in our own home of Canterlot, you fail to see that.”

“During that entire event, not a single one of them came after us. If they’re only after Celestia, why should I believe that they’d hurt us?”

“So it’s ok if they attack Princess Celestia, so long as they keep away from you and your sister?”

“That’s not what I meant! The only peaceful way to resolve this is to follow Twilight’s plan and allow the changelings to return home. Then they’ll leave all of us alone, including Princess Celestia.”

“It’s a bit late for that.” Cadence mentioned somberly as Twilight finally looked up at the two arguing. Unsure of what she had just heard. “The changelings already attacked Celestia. It’s worse than last time. The best doctors from the Canterlot hospital are trying to heal her but it may be a few weeks.” Shining Armor turned away from the bars and looked down at his sister.

“Did you know about this?” Twilight hesitated. She had no idea how to answer. Prince Vano seemed so noble, he held himself with such honor and pride. Was that what he was doing when he stood her up in the chamber of the elements? Even if he was leading an invasion of Canterlot, Twilight found it hard to believe that he would've gone after Celestia like that. “Twilight, did you know about this?” The repeated question went right over her head as she was still lost in thought. Was that why they retreated so easily? Did Vano lie to her just to get a shot at the Princess without her in the way? It was too hard to tell anymore, to separate the good from the bad, the honest from the deceitful, the loyal from the corrupt.

“That’s not all,” Cadence continued, ignoring Twilight’s despondence. “Do you remember when the crystal empire needed you to lend guards from Canterlot?”

“You mean when Sunset Shimmer stole the element of magic?” Cadence nodded.

“We later found out what had been causing the guards sickness. Fifteen guards were each drained of their emotions, just like you were on our wedding day. At first we didn't believe that they were changeling attacks, but all the signs were the same. We thought maybe they were a few independent drifters, still trying to survive after Chrysalis’s defeat. But it was too coincidental, fifteen guards all at once? And while the portal to another realm was open? We can’t say for sure what they were planning but it can’t have been good. We think Celestia was just the start, they could very well be headed to attack the Crystal Empire next.”

“They wouldn't do that.” Twilight said, raising her voice.

“What makes you so sure?”

“Because I trust them.” Cadence just shook her head and turned her attention back to Shining Armor.

“Could you please try to talk some sense into her? I’m sure this is hard for her to accept, it might be easier coming from you.” Shining just nodded in response and sat down on their creaky jail cell bed. “I imagine you two need some time to talk. I’ll come back tomorrow. Goodbye Shining.”

“Goodbye Cadence,” He replied, not taking his attention away from Twilight sitting in the corner.

“Goodbye Twilight.” She sat still, not even looking up at her sister-in-law. She took the hint and started walking away, down the corridor as the other two sat in silence. Once the door had fully closed, Shining Armor was the first to speak.

“I’m sorry about that. She gets like that’ sometimes” Twilight just looked up at her big brother, slightly confused. “This isn't the first argument we've had. I've learnt it’s much easier to pretend to take her side than to get her to take yours.”

“That doesn't sound healthy.”

“Marriage comes with a very steep learning curve. It doesn't help with me being a captain of the royal guard. I’m always too busy at work to help her. Don’t worry, we’ll get around it, trust me.” He smiled warmly at his little sister as Twilight felt herself smile for the first time since being thrown in the dungeon. It didn't last long though before she began to think about the changelings again.

“But how are we going to get out of here?” Her brother stood up and walked over to wrap a hoof around her shoulder, sitting down again next to her.

“No need to worry about that, I've got it covered.” The metal door at the end of the corridor once again creaked open as two sets of hoof steps could be heard echoing through the dungeon. The door swung close as they got closer and closer. The next rotation of two guards stepped in front of the enchanted bars that held them captive. This time they were both pegasi guards, one of them with the normal pure white coat that most of the pegasi guards had but the other one was orange.

“Flash,” Twilight mumbled under her breath, still upset with the guard who gave Cadence the elements of harmony.

"I thought you liked Flash Sentry." Shining whispered with a subtle smirk emerging on his face.

"He betrayed us." The orange guards expression grew concerned as he watched the two whisper back and forth, he could tell they were talking about him and Twilight's disgust could be read from a mile away.

"Let me tell you something about Flash Sentry. He's a lot like me. When he see's an argument can't be won, he pretends to side with them instead. You wouldn't think that would work so often but here we are."

"You mean..." Twilight didn't bother finishing her thought as she watched her brother walk up to the bars with a confident smile.

"Flash Sentry."

"Yes Sir," Flash replied, saluting his captain even from opposite sides of the cage.

"I trust he's with us too?" Shining asked, looking at the white pegasus.

"Yes sir," The pegasus guard answered, choosing to speak for himself. Twilight rose from the ground and walked up to the bars, looking straight at Flash even while talking to her brother.

"You mean all of that was-"

"While you were busy arguing with your sister-in-law," Shining interrupted. "I watched Flash swap out the elements of harmony for fakes. He knew I would follow you, and I knew he would follow me, ever the loyalist."

"Thank you sir," Flash said as he pulled out a set of keys, pushing one of them into the lock that held the enchanted bars together. Twilight could feel magic withdraw from the air as the door slid open.

"Wouldn't it have been easier to just side with us in the first place? while we still had the elements?" Her brother opened his mouth to answer but Flash spoke first.

"We couldn't risk leaving with the elements with Cadence right on our tail. This way we can get a head start and by the time she notices we're gone, it'll be too late to follow us. She may know what you're planning, but it's incredibly unlikely she has any idea where the changeling capital is. Celestia knows but from what I've heard, it may be a while before she wakes up."

"Then I suppose we better start going," Shining chimed in,

"I know a backdoor passage out of the dungeons." Flash started leading the way in the other direction to the metal door, Twilight following right behind him, then Shining Armor, with the other pegasus guard covering the back.

"There's still one thing I don't understand," Twilight mentioned as The orange pegasus raised an eyebrow. "Where did you get the fake elements of harmony?" This caught the attention of Shining Armor as well as they both looked at Flash. The pegasus looked back at them for a split second before continuing ahead, swallowing his pride.

"I'm afraid I may have some explaining to do."

Nightfall

Walking out of the city, Twilight took one look back at the Canterlot castle. The building stood tall over the city, shrouded in darkness. On any other given day you’d be able to see the sun rising behind it by now, bringing forth the morning but without a princess to raise it, tonight was going to last.

“We shouldn’t have a problem with getting caught this far out,” Shining Armor said, taking a moment to relax as Flash Sentry found a spot under a large tree to try to shelter from the cold night air, everyone else following suit. “So how are we going to find the changeling city if not even Cadence knows where it is?”

“Well Twilight knows where the changelings are doesn’t she? She can find us a guide,” Flash Sentry said as everyone turned their attention to the princess.

“The changelings follow Vano, their prince. As long as Vano is on our side, yes we could find a guide. But…”

“But what?” Flash asked, taking a seat on a fallen log. “We did all this to help the changelings, why wouldn’t they help us in return?”

“They weren’t supposed to attack Princess Celestia,” Twilight answered, using her magic to create a cloak to keep her warm, even if just slightly. “The attack was originally supposed to be an act of defiance and that alone. Changelings trap their enemies. They don’t hurt them, not unless they have to. Prince Vano was supposed to meet up with us but he didn’t. How do I know he wasn’t the one who attacked Celestia? I honestly can’t say for sure if he’s on my side or if I’ve just been some pawn in a grudge match between the two.” Twilight studied the pebbles and stones on the ground and collapsed into one of the curves of a larger rock. There was a near silence for a few moments as a winter breeze whistled through the leaves above them.

“Actually,” The white guard said, looking back and forth between the three of them. Twilight raised her head to look him in the eyes as he immediately lost his composure. “well I-I mean it’s, n-never mind,” he stuttered, immediately backing out of the topic. Twilight ignored him and turned her gaze back to Flash Sentry as her brother sat down on the rock next to her.

“And don’t think I’ve forgotten about you,” she said as even the orange guard lost the confidence to look her in the eyes. “You had to have known about what was going to happen beforehoof if you came pre-prepared with fake elements to swap the real ones out with. Not to mention that you two are the only guards who are still on our side. And now that I think about it, you’re the only royal guard in Canterlot I’ve ever seen who’s any color other than white or grey.”

“No,” Shining said, rejecting the idea. “There’s plenty of… I mean maybe not that shade of orange but there’s…There has to be at least… I think.” Shining paused and actually began to think about that statement.

“Look, as much as you try to hide it, I know how you feel about me Twilight,” Flash answered, finally looking back at her. “If I told you, it may change how you see me.”

“I don’t care, tell me.”

“Do you promise not to hate me?”

“I promise nothing, tell me,” Twilight repeated, starting to get frustrated. Flash stood up and open a hatch on the side of the log he was sitting on, withdrawing a makeshift rucksack from its hollow chamber. He pulled it over and rested it in front of Twilight before walking back over next to the log.

“The elements of harmony. You may not want to talk to me so it’s probably best that I give you those now.” He turned to the white guard and nodded before looking back at Twilight. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry about all of this.” His eyes shimmered green as he spoke the words, green embers rising from beneath his hooves. He looked away from the other three and closed his eyes as the embers started to burn brighter, soon turning into flames that crawled up his legs. As the green fires climbed higher, enveloping Flash’s body, all they left behind was the black, ashen composure of burnt out coal riddled with holes and tunnels burrowing through what were once the legs of a royal guard. Even his armor changed shape into a suit of black and gold, a combination Twilight had only seen one place before. As the last colored ember burning at the end of his tail flickered out, Flash Sentry opened his eyes again, awaiting the princess’s reaction. Even the wind calmed down as a dead silence followed, lasting for what felt like an hour before Twilight finally rose from her seat.

“How long?” She asked, narrowing her eyes. He raised an eyebrow in response.

“I’m afraid I don’t-“

“How long have you been impersonating Flash Sentry, Vano?” His heart sank as he finally understood the question, it was painful to him to watch the most studious of ponies struggle to piece together the clues laid out clearly before her.

“I’m not sure if you don’t understand… or if you just don’t want to. But either way, I understand that you must hate me.”

“Twilight,” Shining Armor said, turning to face his sister. “I think he means there never was a Flash Sentry.”

“So you’ve been lying to me this whole time?” Twilight asked, eyes still fixed on the changeling. “So who’s this then?” She looked toward the white pegasus who took a couple steps back

“D-Dolus, again. Sorry,” He said as he followed Vano’s example and shifted back into his changeling form.

“So this whole time, I’ve had a changeling in my ranks?” Shining asked, standing up as well, next to Twilight. “A changeling has been serving under me for over a year.” He slowly walked towards the changeling prince. “A changeling has moved up the ranks and become my personal favorite guard. A changeling has upheld order countless times in the name of Princess Celestia. A changeling has had everyone fooled simply because he looked a bit different?” He stood next to the prince and looked back at Twilight, gesturing a hoof toward Vano. “So this is the changeling prince you keep talking about?” Vano turned to face him.

“Yes sir. Prince Vano of the changelings. I understand that you both must have mixed feelings about this, but I can assure you that I had nothing to do with what happened to Celestia. As much as I would like to see her reap what she has sown first hoof, I couldn’t go behind your backs like that.”

“Twilight, Maybe you haven’t known him as long as I have, but not even a changeling could fake the things he has done. This means he did meet us back there in the chamber, he’s been on our side this whole time.” The disheartened alicorn didn’t respond but instead just shook her head slowly as her brother walked back over to her. “Look, I understand you may be confused or even hurt, but we can’t stop now. After all the work we’ve done, all of the trouble we’ve been through, we can’t let it be for nothing. Now that we have a guide, we just need to finish this, and then you can start questioning the legitimacy of Flash Sentry’s personality. But for now we have to stick together, could you do that for me?” Twilight looked up at her brother and nodded.

“We’ll need the others. All six of us have to be there for the elements of harmony to work.”

“That can be arranged,” Vano said confidently, sights already set on the dark horizon leading to the changeling city where it all began. “It’s time to finish this.”

Solstice

Rainbow Dash took off into the sky, looking around in every direction, mountain to mountain, horizon to horizon.

“Twilight are you sure it was tonight?” The alicorn didn’t bother looking up at her friend, too busy calibrating her telescope.

“Yes, the winter solstice is tonight, stop asking.” Rainbow Dash gently fluttered back down to earth, between AppleJack and Fluttershy, and started pouring herself another glass of punch.

“Then why is nothing happening? We’ve been waiting for hours.”

“Rainbow, do you even know what a winter solstice is?” AppleJack asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Of course I do, it’s… do you know what it is?” Dash asked back, accusingly. Twilight answered first, pulling herself away from her instruments to take a seat on the edge of the picnic blanket.

“The winter solstice is the longest night of the year. It’s already happening.” Pinkie Pie gasped, immediately sparking an idea.

“The longest night of the year!? We should be throwing a party!”

“Pinkie, dear,” Rarity said, setting down her cup of tea with her magic as the blue glow of her horn faded away. “We’re already enjoying a delightful picnic, we don’t need a party. What matters is that all of us are having fun together.”

“But we could be having even more fun if we had a cake! Don’t worry, you guys, I can save this. It’s never too late to bake a cake.” As the energetic mare turned around and got ready to start bouncing away, AppleJack bit on her tail, holding her back.

“Pinkie, we already have a cake.”

“Yeah, but I mean a big cake.” Twilight stared at the behemoth of a desert sitting in the middle of the picnic blanket, nearly two times as tall as her.

“I think we’ll be fine.” Pinkie stopped bouncing and sat back down, taking a cupcake.

“If you change your mind just say the word.” She started devouring the cupcake as Twilight took a seat next to Fluttershy who was quietly sipping her own cup of tea.

“Say, where is Spike?” Rarity asked, turning her attention towards Twilight. “I brought a nice basket of leftover gems for him to fetch.”

“He’s not a dog, Rarity,” AppleJack said bluntly.

“I never said he was.”

“No, you just treat him like one.”

“Well excuse me for wanting to give Spike a treat for all of his hard work.”

“He’ll be along shortly,” Twilight answered, smiling to try to keep them from arguing. “He just had to finish a few chores around the library.”

“So if this is a winter solstice, does that mean there’s a summer solstice? And a spring solstice too?” Rainbow Dash asked, having just finished her glass of punch.

“Since when are you interested in learning?” AppleJack asked, raising another eyebrow.

“Since always,” she retorted, getting tired of AppleJack insinuating that she was less than intelligent.

“There’s only a winter solstice and a summer solstice,” Twilight answered, smiling at Fluttershy for a moment before turning her attention back to Rainbow Dash. “The winter solstice is the longest night of the year, while the summer solstice is the longest day of the year. Alternatively, there are the two equinoxes throughout the year. They’re sort of like the opposite to a solstice, when both day and night are the closest to being of equal length.” Rainbow Dash nodded her head, pretending she understood a single word of it. As Fluttershy smiled back at Twilight, she saw past her and noticed a particular green-spined dragon running up the hill toward them.

“Uhmm, Twilight?”

“Yes?” Twilight replied, looking back at Fluttershy before following her gaze to find what she was looking at. “Oh, hey Spike.” The dragon finally reached Twilight, panting heavily as he held out a scroll in front of her. She took the scroll and started reading through it quickly while Pinkie slyly pushed a cupcake toward the dragon. “Thank you Spike. You deserve a rest. Rarity brought a few gems for you for your hard work if you’d like to ask her for one,” She said while staring at the scroll, hesitant to lose her focus. Rarity revealed a basket full of colorful gems and took a purple stone in her hoof, holding it high into the air, ready to throw it before she caught the stern look in AppleJack’s eye and instantly remembered what they had just talked about. She smiled warmly at Spike and brought the gem down, holding it out in front of him. Spike took the amethyst gladly but was too fixated on Rarity’s smile to eat it.

“What does it say?” Fluttershy asked quietly as Twilight put the scroll away.

“The others are ready,” Twilight whispered back. “From the look of things they’ve put quite a bit of effort into planning for all sorts of possible mistakes. We should probably get going.”

“What are you two talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked, flying over the picnic blanket to hover behind them, uninterested in watching Spike obsess over rarity yet again.

“Me and Fluttershy need to get going,” Twilight answered as she stood up, waiting for her yellow pegasi friend. “My brother needs my help finding a few royal guards who haven’t reported in. He’s too busy managing the guards who did show up to look for them himself and I guess the others around Cantlerlot are too busy with their duties. I thought it would be easier if I asked Fluttershy to help me look for them.”

“Wouldn’t it be even easier if we all helped?” The blue pegasus asked as she gently set herself down onto the grass.

“I just didn’t want to bother you all. I mean it’s probably going to be a long night. I wouldn’t want you to lose sleep over it.”

“Twilight, we’re your friends, we’ve always got your back.”

“Dash is right,” AppleJack said, standing up from the picnic blanket as well. “If your brother is worried enough to send that letter, I see no good reason we shouldn’t all help out.”

“Same here,” Rarity added, standing up as well. “It probably wouldn’t be such long night after all if we all played our part.”

“The party continues!” Pinkie shouted as she immediately got up and started bouncing off, leaving the picnic behind.

“Wrong way Pinkie,” Twilight called out to her as Fluttershy stood up beside them as well.

“I knew that.” Pinkie instantaneously turned around, bouncing back toward them as Twilight led the way.

“You can go home Spike, you’ve earned a good night’s rest.” Fluttershy said as she passed the baby dragon, following Twilight and the others.

“It’s quite late already,” Rarity pointed out. “Are the trains to Canterlot even going to be running?”

“Probably not,” Twilight answered. “We may need to take a detour. I hope you don’t mind a bit of extra walking.”

“Of course not,” AppleJack replied as Rarity tried to put on a fake smile. She clearly wasn’t thrilled by the idea.

“Walking’s never been a problem for me,” Rainbow Dash said as she hovered in the air above them. Pinkie Pie just continued bouncing along happily, oblivious to the discussion going on around her. As Fluttershy caught up to Twilight, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but look down at the two, seeing Fluttershy nuzzle Twilight’s forehead tenderly. The blue pegasus quietly floated down next to them as a gentle blush appeared across Twilight’s face.

“Is it just me or do you two seem a little more affectionate than normal?” Dash asked in a soft tone, trying to keep it between the three of them for the sake of their privacy. Neither of them knew how to respond and the rainbow-maned mare took that as a clearer answer than any yes or no. “Don’t get me wrong, I mean I guess you two do kinda look cute together. And I personally don’t think there’s nothing wrong with two mares being… close. I’d just keep it down a little in public. I don’t know how the others might react to it.” As the yellow pegasus looked away in embarrassment, Twilight finally answered Rainbow Dash.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Fluttershy’s just being nice. She’s like this around her critter friends all the time.”

“You don’t have to lie to me, Twilight. I’ve seen ponies in love before and you two have been acting like a couple all night. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it a secret. Like I said, you look kinda cute together.” Hearing that, the purple mare looked back at Fluttershy. As much as Twilight was sure it would disappoint Vano, she couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Maybe they did look cute together.

Dark Spires

“So you knew about Sunset Shimmer?” Shining armor asked, passing the time on the side of the green hill, next to his blue-maned guard. “That’s why you did the whole thing with the guards at the crystal empire? I must admit, I’m impressed.”

“That means a lot to me, coming from you,” Flash answered. “We found our own portal into the other world some time ago and I was the first of our kind to explore it. Sunset Shimmer helped me learn how to fit in and in return, she sought to use me for her own gain. When I found out about her plans to overrun Canterlot, I left her. Then I overheard that Twilight was going after her. I knew first-hoof how manipulative Sunset can be so I thought Twilight might need someone with more experience on her side.”

“If you had your own portal, why not use that one instead?”

“They open at different times. If I had waited for our portal to open up I would have been far too late.” Shining turned his head and noticed the six mares approaching the hill.

“Time’s up. Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” Flash replied quietly as he started walking toward the others, meeting them halfway at the bottom of the hill.

“Everyone’s here and accounted for,” Twilight said as the guard just nodded briefly in response.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking back and forth between the two and then at the captain. “I thought Shining Armor was supposed to be in Canterlot.”

“Change of plans,” the white unicorn said as he trotted down the hill, stopping next to his fellow guard. “Princess Cadence has taken charge of the royal guard for the time being while we attend to more serious matters.”

“How serious?” Shining armor paused and looked toward flash for confirmation. As the guard nodded his head, his captain looked back at Rainbow-maned mare and spoke.

“The changelings have returned. Princess Celestia has been injured. We’re all on the verge of war and the only way to stop it is to defeat an immense creature with untold power… So I’d rate it about a nine.” The mares all stopped and stared at Shining except for Twilight and Fluttershy who exchanged looks.

“The last time we defeated Chrysalis, it was because of you and Cadence,” Applejack said, breaking the silence. “How in the hay are we supposed to do that again if she’s all the way in Canterlot?”

“We’re not fighting against the changelings,” Flash answered. “We’re fighting with them.” The orange mare slowly raised an eyebrow as she processed the statement.

“Why would we ever do that? The changelings are a horde of power hungry, creepy crawly, black coated, hollow legged, love sucking parasites.” The guard’s eyes widened, slightly shocked at how strongly AppleJack felt about his kin. Twilight looked at the ground, starting to feel ashamed as the yellow pegasus beside her wrapped a wing around her back to comfort her.

“I’d appreciate you to watch your tone,” Flash responded, narrowing his eyes. “The changelings are not power hungry, they’re starving. They are not parasites, they think and feel just like you do. They feed on love because that is their predetermined biological nature which is not their fault by any means.” The orange guard stomped his hoof into the grass as he raised his voice slightly. “And we can’t help our appearance any more than you can, but that’s no reason to hate us.” AppleJack scrunched up her face in disapproval but remained silent, as much as she didn’t like his bold approach, she knew he had a point. Rainbow Dash stepped closer, ready to stick up for her friend before she was immediately cut off by Rarity.

“Did he just say… We?” The pegasus froze in her place, suddenly rethinking her decision to approach the guard and instead started backing away slowly. AppleJack did the same as she saw Flash roll his eyes.

“Not the best time for a Freudian slip, but I guess it’s out of the bag now.” As Vano retook his form as the changeling prince, Shining Armor noticed the mixed expressions from each of the mares, including Pinkie Pie who, oddly enough, was sitting down with a smile on her face, unalarmed by the situation.

“This is Prince Vano,” Shining started before anyone could object. “He had nothing to do with the attack on Canterlot, he had nothing to do with Princess Celestia being hurt, and all he wants is to look out for his people. That little comment from AppleJack wasn’t helping.”

“Excuse me?” AppleJack asked. Rarity stepped closer cautiously, studying the golden scale-like links on the prince’s armor.

“You’re a changeling?” She asked as she continued walking around him slowly.

“Yes, I am. I don’t…” He didn’t bother finishing his sentence but instead looked toward Twilight questioningly.

“Rarity’s really into fashion, she-”

“Is this real gold?” the unicorn interrupted, unable to take her eyes from the changeling’s armor.

“Yes it is. It was hoof crafted by-”

“I don’t get it,” AppleJack continued, ignoring Rarity completely. “Why would the changelings ever need our help? They even defeated Princess Celestia in a unicorn battle. What could they possibly use us for?”

“No one’s seen anything of Chrysalis since the attack on Canterlot. We’ve tried searching but no one’s found anything. We don’t know if she’s ok or if she’s… Look, that doesn’t matter right now, even Celestia’s magic pales in comparison to the combined elements of harmony, so we’re going to need all six of you to defeat Karkinos.”

“Oh, so now you need our help. But before when you were all-“ Before Applejack could finish, Vano interrupted the mare, raising his voice

“We already tried to-“

“Enough!” Shining Armor shouted as they both fell silent. “Look, I think you two just got off on the wrong hoof. Vano, here, has served as a royal guard under me for over a year. I know him. He’s not the enemy here.”

“How do we know we can trust them?” Shining Armor and Vano exchanged looks, neither of them sure which one should tell the others before someone else did it for them.

“Because you’ve been talking to one all night.” As the two stallions stepped aside, the mares looked past them, up the hill to see a familiar looking, star-headed tiara appear over the horizon, soon followed by a purple alicorn walking towards them.

“Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking back and forth between the one on the hill and the one standing next to Fluttershy. As she approached the others, walking up between Shining and Vano, she faced towards her copy and nodded.

“It’s ok Dolus, you can change back now.” As the other Twilight Sparkle lit up in a green flash, changing back into his changeling self, Rainbow Dash quietly edged toward the other pegasus who didn’t look the least bit surprised, whispering to her.

“Did you know the whole time?” Fluttershy slowly nodded in response with a small smile appearing across her face while Rainbow Dash’s turned to an expression of death, growing slightly pale. “So all of that stuff I was saying before about…”

“Don’t worry,” Fluttershy whispered back. “I’ll keep it a secret.” As the rest of her face turned a lighter shade of blue, Fluttershy could almost make out a small blush on Dash’s face after hearing her own words quoted back to her.

“How do we know that this Twilight isn’t just another changeling?” AppleJack asked, pointing a hoof at the princess who answered for herself.

“Because this Twilight is wearing the element of magic, the elements of harmony don’t work for changelings. It took a lot of trouble to get the elements here and I’d appreciate it if you guys could help me out here. You’ve been hanging out with a changeling all night and he didn’t try anything suspicious or do anything evil, all he’s done is get to know you and you let him just because he looked like me.”

“I-I’ve honestly enjoyed g-getting to know you… Y-You seem like nice people,” Dolus stuttered nervously, not wanting to overstep his bounds after AppleJack voiced her opinion on his kind.

“And exactly how long have you known?” The orange mare asked, turning to face Fluttershy.

“A few months. He’s been very helpful, taking care of the animals whenever I’m away or busy.”

“Come again?” Vano said as Dolus carefully edged further away from him, beside Fluttershy. “Dolus, when this is over, I want to have a word with you.” The changeling nodded solemnly in response as Rainbow Dash changed the topic.

“So how did Celestia get injured if the changelings had nothing to do with it?”

“I never said the changelings had nothing to do with it,” The prince answered. “But whoever attacked her, did so without my permission or direction and I assure you, when this is over, I will find out who was responsible and they will be prosecuted in turn.”

“So what’s the consensus?” Shining asked before catching a confused expression from the blue pegasus. “Who’s in and who’s out? We have Twilight and Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash?”

“Twilight, you probably know more about what’s at stake here than I do, so if you really think we can trust the changelings… I’m in.” Rainbow Dash nodded as the captain turned his head to look at Rarity. She hesitated briefly but nodded her head as well.

“Parasites don’t care about appearances. Clearly there’s more to you changelings than I realised.”

“AppleJack?” The captain asked to which the orange mare responded with a gentle sigh.

“I don’t like this. But if even Fluttershy trusts them… I’m in too.”

“So that’s everyone,” Vano said as Twilight shook her head gently.

“Not quite. Pinkie?” She asked, looking at the pink mare who nodded once on cue and continued to sit completely still with a smile fixed upon her face aside from the gentle wagging of her tail.

“Is she alright?” The prince whispered to Twilight. “As in, mentally?”

“We find it easier to not ask questions, just be glad she’s on our side.”

“Hold on. If you guys don’t eat food.” Pinkie paused mid-sentence as her eyes lit up with opportunity. “Does that mean you’ve never had cake before?”

“I see.” Vano nodded and started walking back up the hill. “This way.” As the others followed him, they soon noticed large spires coming into view over the horizon, the only structures in sight that where darker than the star-lit sky itself. As the group walked closer, more smaller buildings reaches over the horizon and the picture became clearer with each step. As the changeling prince stopped at the top of the hill, he looked down at the ruined city below. Buildings decayed, homes destroyed, supplies rotted and withered, all surrounded by large hills, covering every side of what had once been a city except for the far end which was barely visible through the dense forest of dark towers and spires. All along the edges of the demolished city, the hilltops were lined with several pairs of gleaming blue eyes, each one adorning a full suit of armor and standing vigilant, waiting patiently for any word to do otherwise from their esteemed leader. As the other elements of harmony each placed their respective gems around their necks, Twilight turned her head back to see the others prepare and she began to wonder about all of her decisions she had made up until this point. Whatever she did now, it was too late to turn back, but she couldn’t help but wonder if Dolus had never showed up at her door on that winter morning. Friendships made and friendships broken, so many things that could have gone differently leading up to this event, but now they were all here.

“It’s time.”

Tracking the beast

As they trotted through the ruined city, AppleJack tripped on a rock, landing flat on her side at the corner of a modest house as a couple of disturbed rocks fell from the slanted roof. The orange mare shut her eyes and cringed as they headed straight for her but couldn't feel anything. When she opened her eyes, she saw the curious black stones suspended above her, rotating slowly but otherwise frozen. She looked over to at the changeling prince and noticed his horn was glowing a faint green as the rocks were tossed aside, not even bothering to look back at her.

“Are you alright?” Dolus asked as he went back for the mare, holding out a hoof to help her up. AppleJack hesitated, looking up at the changeling but eventually took his hoof and stood up, grumbling quietly to herself.

“I’m fine.”

“So what are those rocks, exactly?” Twilight asked, looking back and watching the stones roll across the ground as AppleJack caught up to them. “You seem to incorporate that material into nearly all of your buildings, but I've never seen anything like it anywhere else.”

“Outsiders often don’t know how to make it,” Vano answered as he scooped up a fractured brick from the ground in his wing, offering it to the princess. She used her magic to hold it in front of her, studying it as he continued explaining. “It’s been used by changelings for generations for its stability and because the materials needed to craft it are abundant here so it’s much more affordable than luxuries like quartz. It’s one of the many reasons we’re all keen to head back home.”

“I don’t see this monster you were so worried about,” Rarity said, looking around, trying to keep a sharp eye. “Does it usually hide like this?”

“The beast has never hidden before when we've tried to return in the past, but I wouldn't count myself so lucky as to say it’s gone.”

“Wait, I found something,” Rainbow Dash called out from above as she flew down to the ground a few buildings ahead of them, studying the ground. As Twilight and the others got closer, they began to notice a set of holes dug into the ground, almost big enough for a pony to hide in. The more Twilight observed them, the more she noticed a pattern as they continued out of the city, each hole nearly identical to the last.

“They’re Karkinos’ tracks. Whenever he takes a step, he leaves these holes in his wake,” Vano said as he looked off into the distance.

“So is that where he went?” Twilight asked, walking up next to the prince trying to find an end to the tracks.

“That’s where he came from.”

“But there’s only one set of tracks.” The princess studied the ground, observing the pattern that should have entered the city. “And they end here.”

“Then where is he?” Fluttershy asked, keeping close to Dolus.

“I don’t know.”

“Did it walk back in its own hoof-prints?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Well what should we do?” AppleJack asked.

“I don’t-“

“Wait,” Twilight interrupted, still analyzing the pattern as she noticed a thin disturbed line drawn in the ground running across where the tracks should have continued. “I think someone might have covered the tracks.”

“But why? They did a poor job with the rest of them, why cover the ones inside the city?”

“Whoever did it, I think they went this way,” Twilight said, keeping her eyes close to the ground as she followed the line. Vano stood still and watched the mare as she found her way back to where she started, looking confused.

“we’re going around in circles… how telling.”

“I don’t get it. Where did they go?”

“Well you’re right about one thing, the ground looks disturbed as if someone dug it up and put it back down. Perhaps it was-“ The prince didn't finish his sentence, his eyes trailing off past Twilight as she turned around to see what was so distracting.

“Looking for something?” The mare’s mane was almost invisible against the starry night sky, her coat just barely reflecting the moonlight enough for them to see a tall figure at the other side of the circle.

“What are you doing here Luna?” Twilight asked, still upset at the other princesses for betraying the virtues they sought to teach her.

“And how did you find us?” The Prince asked, standing beside Twilight. “Only changelings know how to find these grounds, the only pony to ever find this place was Princess Celestia when she tried adding us to her council almost a hundred years ago, and she only found us on accident.”

“But she did find you. And she remembers. My sister may be unconscious but even still, I can see inside her dream. Cadence told me that you had escaped and where you would be headed next, Celestia told me how to find it. But I have to admit, it was still hard to find.”

“Luna, this has to stop.”

“Oh, I agree. So all you have to do is turn in the changeling, and he can lead us to the others, and no one else has to get hurt.”

“You know that’s not going to happen. The changelings are innocent in all of this, why did you try to hurt them?”

“Innocent?” The night princess almost laughed but caught sight of her fellow princess’ stare and retained herself. “You saw what they did to Canterlot. Twice.”

“That was just-“

“A distraction? Yes Twilight, I’m well aware, but it doesn't prove our point any less. Ever since I returned from my imprisonment on the moon, I saw no sight of the changelings, only my sister’s stories. They withdrew from our council, stopped talking to us, not even an explanation as to why?”

“Our people were starving!” Vano shouted, struggling to control his temper. “The needs of our own people come before the needs of yours, so I’m sorry we were too busy to attend your political tea parties.”

“I agree completely, the needs of our own people come before the needs of yours. We had no idea what they were plotting, but you have to understand Twilight. We were trying to protect our subjects. We knew that the changelings could grow powerful enough to rule, fueled by our love and their withdraw only made us more nervous of an impending attack. So we struck first. Of course then they pleaded our help but by then it was too late. It had already begun so we showed them the same kindness they showed us when we reached out to them.”

“But you heard Vano. They were starving, not plotting. You put an entire race in danger.”

“I’m not saying it was right. Perhaps we did make a mistake. But what’s done is done, do you really think they’re just going to let this go and continue with their lives? If we stop now, they will surely exact revenge on us and our kind. Thousands of innocent ponies all in constant danger because we couldn't finish what we started.”

“So you thought you could just cover it all up and bury your dark little secret?”

“I didn't need to cover anything. I think he buried himself quite well.” Twilight looked at the changeling prince before looking back at Luna.

“What are you talking about?”

“Not Vano… Karkinos.” As she spoke the name, the ground beneath their hooves began to tremble. The Princess of the night flew up into the air to get away from the ground as Twilight, Vano, and Rainbow dash did the same, the others having no choice but to back away on hoof except for Fluttershy and Dolus who decided to stay by each other’s side on the ground. Twilight looked down on the land, trying to find what was causing the tremors as she saw just how big the circle really was. Cracks began to form in the disturbed earth as parts of the circle began to rise and shift. Suddenly Twilight could feel the air become polluted not by ordinary magic, but by what felt eerily similar to the disabling enchantment she was under earlier that night in the prison. The earth stopped shifting as the tremors stopped, everything holding still just long enough for Luna to speak.

“It’s awake.” The disturbed ground suddenly erupted. Dirt and stone alike both thrown into the air as Twilight and the others moved frantically to avoid getting hit. When the earth had settled back onto the ground, everyone looked toward where the circle had once been, replaced by a cloud of dust and smoke. As it began to clear, Twilight could start to make out a shape nearly as tall as her library. The image came more and more into focus as she could make out it’s huge claws and it’s enormous legs. Suddenly the creatures back began to glow with various different runes and sigils etched into its shell. The smoke finally cleared as Twilight landed back onto the ground, friends by her side as she was face to face with the dreaded crustacean beast. Karkinos.

Karkinos

The silence was almost deafening aside from the remaining chunks of dirt and stone still crash landing on the ground while Twilight’s mind raced to think of what to do now. Despite the stories she had been told, somehow the creature that stood before her was still taller than she had ever imagined. Luna raised her hoof into the air as the beast’s claw followed suit, lifting high into the air, ready to strike.

“If you’re going to do something, do it now,” The changeling prince urged as he watched the creature prepare to attack. Luna pointed her hoof toward the changeling leader as Karkinos’ claw started to swing back down to the earth at an intimidating speed. Just as they were about to be crushed under the claw’s weight, Twilight and the prince standing beside her were both teleported onto a nearby rooftop before feeling the tremors run through the earth. Even though she had gotten them out of harm’s way just in time, the strike still threatened Twilight as cracks started to run up the walls of the building they stood on. “Go. Use the elements, I’ll be fine.” Vano begun beating his wings as the building crumbled under him. Twilight rode the rooftop into the ground, jumping off just before it landed while the beast turned its gaze to face her.

“Stop them.” As the princess looked toward her friends, her view was obstructed by the beast’s unyielding claw as it thrusted into the building in front of her, not even trying to hit her as the ruined debris fell in her path, obstructing her from uniting with the other elements. As the debris continued to fall, she ducked into the nearest house for shelter as the broken pieces fell in front of the doorway, trapping her inside. She looked for a way out but without even the moonlight, it was too dark to see. Her horn glowed to illuminate the empty room as the sound of more wings beating against each other could be heard from above. She heard at least three sets of hooves land on the roof above her as the claw of the beast swung into the building, just low enough to smash into the roof above her, letting the moonlight in. As more bricks fell, Twilight flew into the air, catching sight of a small group of changeling guards flying away, back to the hills. Turning around, she saw her friends were no longer there, either running or hiding from the creature.

“This way.” The changeling prince came up behind the airborne princess as he took her hoof and lead her through the air, deeper into the city, trying to lose sight of the beast. They turned a corner and slid through the window of a tall office building, taking shelter inside as the prince whispered. “You may be the elements of harmony, but you’re not much in the way of coordination are you?”

“What do you mean?” Twilight responded, trying to keep her voice down as well as they could both hear the impending sounds of destruction slowly drawing closer.

“I mean, the second you got separated, the others just scattered, each one bolting in their own direction.”

“What do you expect them to do? Stand there?”

“Stay together. That’s the only chance we've got right now. The royal guard is still standing by so we can buy you some time, but not a lot. The only way we can stop this is together. Are you with me?” Twilight nodded as they retreated into a stairwell, climbing up higher into the office complex. “My guards are tracking your friends but once you regroup, you’ll have one shot, are you ready?” The princess just looked at him as they reached a window on the top floor.

“I wasn't ready for any of this… But that hasn't stopped me yet.” She dived out of the window, followed by Vano as the tremors of the beast’s steps made the structure begin to shake. The prince once again took Twilight’s hoof as he lead her through the city, weaving in between the buildings to put more distance between them and Karkinos. Finally, they reached the edge of the city as the changeling prince took Twilight into the sky, flying up the side of an especially tall spire. They flew up to a luxurious balcony overlooking the rest of the city as Twilight’s friends were airlifted onto it as well by more changelings except for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy who flew up on their own. As the changeling’s cleared a couple of deck chairs out of the way to make room for the mares, Twilight looked inside the room that the platform was connected to. A king-sized bed with golden linings on the sheets and pillows and expertly crafted wood making up the headboards sat in the middle of the room. A slightly ajar walk in wardrobe sat next to the wide open door of a private bathroom with a decorative shower and an elegant bathtub as well as a huge mirror sitting above the sink, reflecting the pristine white walls of the room. With a nightstand on either side of the bed, expensive-looking artworks lined the walls of the room with a vase of flowers sitting in the corner. The bedroom seemed fit for a king or queen, or perhaps a prince. Twilight turned to look at the changeling leader. “Vano, is this-”

“I’ll explain later, you have to hurry.” Twilight snapped out of it as the prince flew back into the city toward the beast, accompanied by a squad of changeling guards.

“Girls, are you ready?” As each of the mares nodded, a magical band began to stretch from Twilight’s element of harmony, extending to unite with the other elements while Twilight watched the oncoming beast reach closer and closer, slowed only slightly by its attempts to swat the changelings away. The magic of the elements took its time as Karkinos dug its legs into the side of an adjacent building, beginning to climb. The mares rose into the air, hovering above the ground through the power of the elements as the creature ascended higher and higher. They were getting close but Twilight knew they wouldn't have enough time, but even still, against all logical reason, she had hope. The princess focused as the other mares closed their eyes, allowing the power of each element to resonate with each other, all focusing back to Twilight’s tiara. Karkinos was at eye level, ready to take a hit by the element’s magic like a perfect bull’s-eye. Now was their best chance. As Twilight watched the claw of the beast thrust forward towards them, the light of the elements’ magic began to fill her vision. The last thing she saw as the unrelenting claw drove towards them was a shadowy figure moving in between them, sparing the mares as the light fully overtook Twilight’s vision before she could make out who it was. The princess lost all feeling as if she had become pure energy, firing toward the Atlantean beast with everything they had, determined to put an end to the chaos. It felt like hours before Twilight opened her eyes again, scanning from one building to the next to re-familiarize herself with the surroundings. As the elements’ power began to rest, the mares were gently set on the ground again. The princess’ gaze fell upon the beast that stood still before them, silent and unwavering, the runes on its back continued to glow although now they were pulsing.

“Something’s happening.”

“But what?” Rainbow Dash asked as they all continued to watch the runes and sigils blow brighter and pulse faster.

“Did it work?” Fluttershy asked Twilight nervously.

“I don’t know.”

“No… it didn't,” The princess of the night called out from above as she set herself down on Karkinos’ back. “You must have felt its energy the moment it was unearthed. The power these runes hold. I wish I could say they were my design but the most I could do was copy their enchantment to help forge Celestia’s dungeon. They repel magic. All magic. I’m sorry to say your scheme didn't-” Luna was interrupted by a searing pain as the runes on the beast’s back stopped pulsing and glowed a continuous bright light, reflecting all of the power from the elements of harmony directly at Luna’s horn, almost like she was casting a spell done in reverse. It continued for almost a minute as the runes were slowly drained of their glow. When it finally stopped, the princess of the night looked exhausted, barely able to stand as she fell from the back of the creature, hurtling toward the ground. Twilight flew to the ground, trying to fly faster than Luna could fall, there had been enough damage done already and she didn't want to let a fellow princess fall too. When she reached the ground, she realized she didn't need to as what little energy the princess had left went to her wings, fluttering hard enough to slow her descent, landing her hooves softly on the ground before collapsing.

“It’s over Luna.”

“No, it’s not. Karkinos still stands strong. You failed.” Twilight looked up at the beast as it begun to climb down from the rooftops, slowly descending toward the ground next to them.

“You’re right, Karkinos is unharmed.” Luna grinned slightly as she looked up at the creature.

“Karkinos, finish the changelings.” There was a silence following her command as the beast turned and stared at her. The night princess’ grin slowly faded as the beast stood it’s ground.

“Karkinos is unharmed, but he doesn't answer to you anymore.”

“I don’t understand.” Twilight smiled gently at the beast and nodded at it.

“You may return home now, I will take care of Luna.” Twilight turned to face the fallen princess as the beast began to scuttle away from the city, eventually disappearing over the horizon. “when Karkinos caught the power of the elements of harmony, I realized you were right, we couldn't defeat him… but we never had to. When the power was reflected back at you I realized what was happening. We weren't harming him, we were restoring his freedom, severing your leash on him and letting him return home. He is no longer your puppet.” As Twilight looked up from Luna, she noticed a feint smoke pushed by the wind around the corner of a small home and she remembered the figure that saved them. “Vano!” She started to head toward the corner to help him but stopped when she heard someone land behind her.

“Yes Twilight?” She looked around to see the armor-clad prince standing beside her, standing tall over Luna.

“If it wasn't you, then who was…” She finally turned the corner to find a smoky crater dug into the ground, as she drew closer she noticed a small, weak changeling, lying still in the middle of the crater. “Dolus?” She ran to the changeling’s side as Fluttershy landed down next to them as well, nervous from the sound of her friend’s name being uttered at the side of a smoking crater. “He’s not moving. Vano, what do-” Twilight turned around to look at the changeling prince but he wasn't there. “Fluttershy, look after him." As the yellow pegasus tended to the injured changeling, Twilight returned to Princess Luna to find Vano standing beside her, hoof raised and ready to end it all. "Wait!" The prince stopped when he heard Twilight, looking up at her with his hoof still raised in the air.

"They're not going to stop. They will keep trying until they end us."

"But this isn't the way to do things. We can work this out."

"Then what would you have me do?"

"Let her go."

"I can't do that. She couldn't trust us, why should I trust her?"

"You don't have to. But you can trust me."

"Why should I risk the entirety of my people a second time just because you think it's the right thing to do?" Twilight hesitated as her heart started racing.

"Because, I-" She found it difficult to finish her sentence. Twilight walked closer to the hurt prince as he lowered his hoof, still waiting for an answer. "I still love you."

Dear Princess Celestia

Dear Princess Celestia
The battle is over. I wish I could say that the changelings won but to be honest, it’s not about winning or losing. After a long discussion I managed to convince Prince Vano to agree to a peace treaty as well as Princess Luna. You have been out for some time so there are a few changes you’ll need to catch up on and we all agree that the sooner you get used to the new agreement, the better. I found that the best way to establish piece was to negotiate a trade so I convinced Vano to agree to supply us with the Blackstone that they manufacture, giving us a valuable resource that can be used for construction as well as improve my studies as I may well be the first pony to conduct research on it. In return Princess Cadence agreed to supply the changelings with food since they feed on love. Cadence is less than happy about the arrangement but we’ve all had to make sacrifices. This way, if either of us were to turn back on the agreement we would be losing a valuable resource. In order to uphold this agreement, Prince Vano shall become a changeling ambassador among the ponies while I am to become a pony ambassador for the changelings. The two of us shall handle disagreements between our kinds directly as Vano no longer trusts you or Luna to settle them for understandable reasons. Due to recent events, we have agreed to keep the changelings separate from the ponies to avoid creating a panic, however after some time has passed, we wish to introduce them as allies to help ensure the peace, letting ponies and changelings to become friends on a casual level as well.

On a more personal note, Vano has agreed to remain as Flash Sentry around me until I fully get used to him being a changeling. Our relationship has been a bit rocky but we’ve managed so far and I’m sure we’ll find a way to pull through. As it turns out, the estate that I and my friends stood on when we defeated Karkinos didn’t belong to Vano. In fact he had already planned on letting me become a welcome guest among the changelings and that room was to become mine. Vano has eased up on his subjects and become a much more kind ruler now that it’s all over, I suppose the stress of keeping his people safe was just a little too much for him to handle back when he was being hunted. Dolus is to earn a medal when he wakes up due to his bravery in protecting us from Karkinos when we most needed him. He was badly injured but he is slowly recovering. Vano said he’d allow Dolus to remain friends with Fluttershy and he would be the only changeling aside from himself allowed to walk among ponies. All the same, Fluttershy has been accepted as a welcome guest to the changelings whenever she wants to visit Dolus in the changeling’s hospital. My other friends have been welcomed back to the changeling city as well but they aren’t very keen to return so soon. We have also tracked down the ones responsible for your condition. Changeling General Honeyrock and his loyalists have been arrested and your help in identifying them for the trial will be appreciated greatly as you were the only eye witness. With the loss of a general and a few experienced guards, the changeling’s defenses are slightly hindered so Shining Armor has agreed to lend a few guards where necessary. These guards will have to be selected specially as some might question the order to help protect changelings, but I trust my big brother can manage that. No one has seen any sight of Karkinos after he was freed from Luna’s control. A changeling tried following his tracks but they lead miles across the land until the finally reached a beach, trailing into the water. I suppose he must have really come from Atlantis after all. They are slowly rebuilding the city after the damage caused by Karkinos but for the time being, many of the changelings will continue to be housed underground in Ponyville until their orignial homes are fully rebuilt. Princess Luna has also taken on the role of raising the sun as well as the moon as you once did for her while she was away. As you can see, everyone is pulling their weight and so when you read this, your help in calming the residents of Canterlot will be much appreciated as well as assuring them that there will be no more changeling attacks. I look forward to continuing my studies and I hope you get well soon. I’d like to talk to you in person once you’re awake, especially as to the whereabouts of changeling Queen Chrysalis. A team of changelings has scanned a wide range of possible places that she could be and not so much as a clue to her whereabouts has turned up. I was hoping you might know something that could help us.
Yours sincerely
~Twilight Sparkle

“I guess you were right. The changelings did fine without you.”

“Karkinos is gone?”

“He has returned home.”

“And what of the prince?”

“Prince Vano is to become an ambassador among ponies.”

“Perhaps I will see him again one day after all.”

“Perhaps. They are still looking for you.”

“How is Twilight Sparkle faring?”

“She’s pursuing a relationship with vano, as well as becoming an ambassador among the changelings.”

“Then they do not need me.”

“But they still miss you. How come you do not return to them?”

“All things must come to an end. It is my responsibility to make sure they can survive without me when I am gone.”

“Well they’ve passed your test. What’s stopping you from returning now?”

“All in good time. There is still something I must attend to.”

“And what is that?”

“That is for me to know, dear Celestia. As for you, I believe your people need you.”

“Yes, but may I ask, when will I see you again?”

“Time will tell, sister… Time will tell.”

Author's Note

So somehow it took me a month to write chapter 12 but finished it on a Tuesday, then finished chapter 13 on Wednesday and now chapter 14 on Thursday. Either way, the story is finally finished! I hope you all enjoyed the story and I especially hope that twist at the end there wasn't too much. The people have voted and there will be a sequel but not immediately. It could take months, maybe even a year to complete, so if you're waiting on a sequel, try to avoid holding your breath as much as possible.