Finding Yourselfby Enderdragonslayer1ChaptersChapter 1: How to ruin a good friendshipChapter 2: Finding YourselfChapter 3: Ambush And RetaliationChapter 4: SurvivalChapter 5: RecoveryPrologue: The EscapeChapter 1: How to ruin a good friendshipA few nights later I woke up in cold sweat. Where was I? How did I get here? "I see you're up" a voice said. At the sound of the voice, I jumped. A lavender mare came from the shadows. "Oh sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." said the mare. I was able to get a better look at the young mare. She was a young unicorn with a lavender coat with her cutie mark a large purple star with many smaller white stars around it. "Who are you?" I asked. "My name is Twilight," The mare said, "but the better question is, who are you?" "Ender," I replied, "nice to meet you, Twilight, But where am I?" I tried to get up, but pain flared up my leg. "Ender, Don't move. You still have not fully healed yet, though your bones appear to be mending faster than we thought originally." Slowly, I started to lay back down. "How about my Wing?" I asked, which seemed to take her by surprise. "Better than we were expecting. Your wing has mended together, but It'll still be a few days before you can use it." Slowly, I flexed my right wing. It didn't hurt, but i couldn't feel it either. I decided to trust Twilight, as I had no choice until I healed. "I guess i should get some rest then, I'm still pretty weak when I escaped from that place. How long was I out for?" I asked. "For about 3 days, But you mentioned escaping from somewhere, where was it." "I don't know the name, but I'm not ready to remember that place." My Eyes started to feel heavy. I stifled out a yawn. "You should get to sleep, The Doctor's coming tomorrow to check on you." Twilight Said. "Ok, good Yawn night, Twilight." I said "Good night , Ender" The Next Morning As I woke up, I knew something wasn't right. My leg, the pain was gone. Was this what Twilight was talking about my leg mending faster than they expected? Just as I was getting out of bed, Twilight came through the door with the Pony I saw her with A few nights ago. Looks like they were just in a conversation about me. "His leg's bone was still mend-..." Twilight was saying, then she noticed me. "Ender? You're up already?" she asked. Before I could Respond, she said "Nevermind, The more important question is why are you up? Your leg is still broken!" "That's the strange thing, It doesn't feel broken like it did last night." I said. Twilight felt my Leg. "You're right, " She muttered, " That's really odd, It shouldn't have healed as fast as it did...." As she muttered to herself, the other pony that was with her was starting to look uncomfortable. Then I suddenly had an idea. "Twilight, How about you introduce me to your friend here?" I asked. "Ender, this Applejack." she said. Applejack is an orange mare with a hat on her head. She has 3 Apples for a cutie mark. "Howdy partner, how ya feelin'?" asked Applejack. "Feeling better, thanks to both of y'all." I replied. Suddenly, I collapsed. "Ender!" Twilight yelled. She started to rush to me to help me up when she stopped dead in her tracks, with a look of bewilderment on her face. "What?" I asked, feeling strange. "Ender, It's your horn...." My Horn? I thought, What about my horn? I looked at my horn, which had started to glow with a dark purple hue. Just then, dark tendrils came out of my horn and wrapped themselves around Twilight and Applejack. "Argh!" I said as I strained to turn of my magic. Then, as quickly as it started, they disappeared. I collapsed and passed out. Chapter 2: Finding YourselfGreat, I Thought, just bucking great.... Everything is pitch black, and I'm worried that I hurt Twilight and Applejack. I saw a white light. I started to get closer, but then I heard somepony calling my name. "Ender!" I stopped. I recognize that voice, I realized, but from where? That is where it hit me, I was on the verge of death. I tried to back away from the light but some kind of force was pulling me forward. Meanwhile I really hope he is ok, Twilight thought. Ender looked like a young alicorn, with a black coat, and purple eyes. Just when she was thinking that he was dead, he moved! "Ender!" Twilight pleaded, "Wake Up!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There it was again! I could not afford to lose this battle! With great effort, I fired a dark beam of alicorn energy at the light, causing it to shatter. I opened up my eyes quickly. Twilight gasped and hugged me. "Missed me?" I said, shocked. "We all thought you were dead!" Twilight exclaimed. That's when I realized that wasn't a Dream. With great Difficulty, I sat up and got a good look at the new pony that was there. "I... I didn't hurt you, did I?" I managed to ask Twilight. "No, we're fine, but what was that?" she asked. What was it? I thought to myself. "I... I don't kn-" that was all i managed to say before collapsing. Twilight started to rush forward again. "Twilight, I'm ok. I'm just... weak still, I spent quite a lot of energy trying to stay alive." What I didn't tell her is that I nearly used all of my magic in the process. I didn't need to make her any more worried that she already is. "How long was i out for?" I asked. "Just over night," Said the new pony, who I assumed was the doctor, "However, you were on the brink of death." Before that, I didn't realize how much energy I used. I really hope that doesn't happen again. "Just lay still and rest, you'll need it." said the doctor. Then he casted some kind of spell on me and my eyes started to feel heavy. "wh- why am I really tired all of a sudden?" I asked between yawns. "Just a sleep spell to help you rest." I am really worried that I might hurt them again, but fighting to stay awake was futile. I drifted into unconsciousness. A Few Hours Later I wake up, thinking I was still in the same room. Well, it looked like it. I got up, feeling better, and looked out the window. Hmm, I thought, it's night. How long was i out for? I heard something coming, so I got prepared, thinking it was the doctor. But boy was I wrong. A Changeling came through the door and lunged at me, Pinning me down. Wait, where are these names coming from? I thought to myself. "You caused us a lot of trouble, Ender," Said the Changeling in the Changeling's language that I didn't understand before, "But you will get what you deserve soon." Then what I realized what was only a dream faded to black. Then I opened my eyes, only to find that I didn't leave the room. I saw the confused look on the doctor's face. I'm going to need to ask questions soon. I do feel rested, but shocked. "What?" I asked, quickly shaking off my state of shock. That's when he noticed that I was just in a state of shock. "What happened when you were asleep?" Wow, wasn't expecting that question. "I figured out where I escaped from" I admitted, "The Changeling Kingdom. I dreamt that I was in a very similar room to this one and then something came out of nowhere and lunged at me." It's the truth, but not the whole truth. I didn't expect the reaction that I got, especially from Twilight. They didn't move for a count of 10. "Ender, please stay here, I... I have to send a letter." Twilight finally said. Hmm, something isn't right. Why are they acting like that? Do they know what that creature was? As much as I wanted to find out who she was sending the letter to, I couldn't do it. So instead, I started try and figure out how to control my own magic, as I don't want another incident like the one that happened a few days ago. My horn starts to glow and I engulf the apple that was sitting next to my bed and lifted it using my magic. Ok, I thought, it's a start. Suddenly, my magic shut itself off, much to my confusion. I never was very good with my magic. Then I Blacked out. "Wh- what? W-where am I-I?" I said to myself. It was pitch black in the room, but strangely inviting. When my Eyes Adjusted, I saw a dark blue alicorn with a star-filled mane. I know her, I thought to myself. Then it hit me, I knew her because I was on her royal guard. Her name was simply.... "Luna" I said as I bowed. "Ender, Where did you disappeared to?" She asked. "Me and my search party was captured by Changelings, Your Highness" I started to remember, The mysterious foalnapping, Luna sending us out to find them, us getting captured in the everfree. Me and my squad of 10 of her best guards were sent to follow a lead on the missing ponies. An anonymous tip told us that they were being held somewhere in the Everfree. What we didn't expect was a army of changelings waiting for us. Out numbered and overpowered, they easily captured and disarmed us. We were herded to the Changeling Kingdom and put into cells. A week, two weeks past without any sign of help. We'd eventually started planning to escape. but they were on to us. One at a time, they took us. until I was the last one left. I eventually finished the plan, but not a moment too soon. However, they used a spell of some kind to erase my memories. They also infused me with dark magic in hopes that I would turn. They didn't expect me to resist like I did. Any longer and they might have been able to turn me. "Changelings? In the Everfree? Explain." Luna Demanded. I told her everything that I could remember. "Dark magic? What do you mean." "I don't know. I only started to remember hours ago." The dream started to fade. "If they were after you, then be on guard. And watch your back." Luna said. The Dream Fully Faded. Chapter 3: Ambush And RetaliationAs I woke up, I felt much more powerful than when I passed out. I tried to lift the apple again with better success. Ah, it felt so good to have control of my magic again, I thought to myself. Well, it looks like I had that dream faster than Twilight could write a letter. Lucky nopony was in the room with me at the time when I collapsed. Next, I tried a simple spell, one that I studied for a while. I teleported from one side of the room to the other. Wow, I thought to myself, is my memory returning? I heard a tapping outside of the room where I resided. Was that a Changeling? I thought to myself as Twilight came back in the room. "Ender, who did you have a conversation with while I was gone?" Twilight asked suspiciously. Buck, She knows. Well... I guess I have no choice now. "I was talking to Princess Luna...." I said, hoping that she wouldn't ask for more information. "Princess Luna was here?" She asked, Surprised. "Yes... she was here helping me... remember my past...." I said reluctantly. Before she could reply, A Changeling bursted through the window and Lunged at me. I quickly dodged. It then when after Twilight, I quickly stopped it in its tracks using a simple freeze spell. Well, looks like my magic is coming back. "Who sent you?" I asked the Changeling. "..." the Changeling said in the unrecognized language that I really hated. I only managed to recognize two words. Queen Chrysalis. "What did it say?" Twilight asked. "I don't know for certain, but I made out two words, Queen Chrysalis." I replied. Again, Twilight had that same look of shock on her face when she found out that I escaped from the Changeling Kingdom. "You... Shall... Obey...!" the Changeling said. Suddenly, my horn started to glow green and I was slammed against the wall. So that is what the dark magic was for.... controlling me. I had to fight it, I could not lose...! Slowly, I got back up, using a more complex spell to protect myself. I shot a beam of alicorn magic at the changeling, freeing me from it's control. Suddenly, I had an Idea. What if I could control this "Dark Magic" that looms within me? Would it protect me from Queen Chrysalis? My horn started to glow with a darker purple hue than it usually does and my eyes turned green. "Yes... Success...!" Said the Changeling. "Think again...!" I Replied Back. I shot a bolt of energy at the Changeling with a look of surprise on it's face. The green in my eyes disappeared and my horn went back to it's normal black look. I collapsed. "Who know trying to control such power is so tiring?" I said as I panted. "What power?" I managed to hear Twilight say. "The dark magic Chrysalis infused me with to control me." When I said that, her eyes went as wide as apples. "I- I need to send a letter to Princess Luna about this, but you need to rest." she said. She was right. I depleted my magic faster that Pinkie could bake a cupcake. Carefully, I made my way to the bed. I got into the bed and laid down, trying to get some rest. The next morning, I got ready to go to the changeling kingdom. It was time to take the fight to them! I casted an emergency binding spell that one activated, well... why should I spoil it? I only knew that I had to stop her. I put on a helmet and chestplate. I also gotten a spear off the wall. I was just about to leave when Twilight spotted me. "Where do you think your going?" She asked. "Umm.... out?" I replied. She stared at me. Wow, she has a stare that was worse than fluttershy's. "Ok! I was going to head out to the changeling kingdom to retaliate for what they done." I admitted. "Then I'm going too." Ugh! I knew I shouldn't have told her. "Twilight, I am a member of the royal guard. I can handle myself." I said, making it final. She again gave me the same stare, but I resisted. "Twilight, No is No. I couldn't bear it if you..." I choked up. "if you got hurt" I said in a whisper. I tear started to form, I let it make it down to my chin. "Ender, it's ok, I just want you to be safe..." A few hours later, Somewhere outside The Changeling Kingdom. "Ok, this is where I escaped from. Be careful and don't get caught. They have the advantage in numbers here." Somewhere, Queen Chrysalis was sitting on her throne, waiting for her "minions" to capture me. Am I playing right into her hooves? No, not really. So me and Twilight snuck around, being careful not to attract attention, trying to find where Queen Chrysalis was hiding at. I really wanted to avenge the fallen, to avenge all of the ponies they captured (and quite possibly, Tortured). Whoa there , I scolded myself, one thing at a time When we finally found the throne room (if you could call it that...), She was waiting for us. "Well Well.... what took you so long? I was beginning to think that you would stay away and I would have to have my minions find you..." Queen Chrysalis said. She was expecting me...? then that must mean.... "It's a trap!" I said as I bolted one way. Twilight bolted the other. I really didn't make it far, as she just used her magic to stop me in place. So close, Yet so far. "Twilight! RUN!" I said as I struggled to break free of her control. This was how I was going to die. Then I remembered the Emergency Binding Spell, which this one I learned by accident. I spoke the code word to activate the spell, using the dark magic within me to amplify the spell. Dark tendrils came out of my horn, wrapping themselves around Chrysalis. Suddenly, they exploded. Killing the Queen and all of the changelings within a one mile radius. I really hope that Twilight got out safely... Twilight... Chapter 4: SurvivalWhen Ender yelled run I didn't hesitate. I ran faster than I ever did. Just making it out of the blast radius, barely. That was when I heard an explosion. One that was probably heard all over Equestria. I saw another shape coming in for a landing. Princess Luna...? "Holy Celestia.... What did Ender do...?" I heard Luna say. Quickly, I ran, making my way back to the throne room, only to find Ender laying on the ground, motionless. "NO!" I screamed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile I know I'm dead. They why does it hurt so much? Then I opened my eyes, Trying to Catch my breath. "Ender! You're alive!" I managed to hear Twilight say. " Twilight.... I'm dying...." I managed to say. I could feel my very life force fading. "No, no no NO!" I heard her say. I could feel my heartbeat fading. I know I'm dying. "Luna, is there anything you can do?" Twilight asked Luna "I'm afraid there is not." I heard her say sadly. A tear slid down Twilights cheek. "Ender... what... did you do?" Twilight said as she continued to cry. "A Emergency spell.... has... to be set up.... in advance...." I croaked, "and when casted...." "... you die.... " she said through her tears. My vision started to dim. My fellow comrades.... I'm coming.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And that was it, he just dropped dead. He got his vengeance, but he paid too high of a price for it. I wonder how I'm gonna explain this to my friends, to Princess Celestia. "Don't cry, he made his decision." "I know, It's just that...." I tried to express my feelings into words, but I failed. Then, in the corner of my eye, I thought I saw ender breathing. I turned to look but I only saw the same old, dead Ender. Had I imagined him breathing? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As I fell into what I realized was unconsciousness, I began to wonder how I was still alive. I should be dead. I had no idea how I was cheating death, but I knew my luck was running out. I saved Twilight I thought to myself, Isn't that enough? Something was still weighing me down with a sense of dread, as if Queen Chrysalis didn't die in that explosion that nearly took my life. That was when I woke up... again. It was late at night, and I was still laying on the floor in the now destroyed throne room. I did not see Twilight or Princess Luna anywhere in sight. How long was I out for? I tried to get up, only to get a burst of pain flared up my leg. Great, two broken legs in less than a week. I checked my wings to see if it's still useable, only to find that my right wing was, once again, broken. OH COME ON! I survived the dungeons of the Changeling Kingdom, escaped from it, survived a huge drop over the Everfree, survived a deadly spell, only to get stopped by a BUCKING BROKEN LEG! Can't I ever get a bucking break? I sighed Looks like I going to have to drag myself back to Ponyville. No, that wasn't an option, I was going to starve to death before I made it back to get help. I was going to have to deal with the pain and walk. Slowly, I got up. It may have taken a few minutes, but I finally got up. ok, that's a start. Slowly, I started to make my way back to ponyville. A few hours later As I got closer to the everfree, I had to find a way to keep my leg from healing wrong. I've never made a splint for myself before, but I had enough experience making them that I could possibly make one for myself. Using my magic, I broke off some branches of the trees and started to put them together, along with some cloth that I had packed in case I had to make one. It took a few minutes of painful tying and weaving, but I finally got it made and onto my leg. It isn't perfect, but it will get the job done. I thought to myself. I once again started making way towards Ponyville. Another Few Hours Later I think im lost, I saw the exact same tree 5 times already. after another few times seeing the exact same tree, I collapsed from exhaustion. Then I had an Idea. What if I could somehow signal that I was here? Like a magical flare. But that was only if I could work up enough energy to cast the spell, and I may have to cast it a number of times. However, I was running out of options. In fact, it was my only option left if I want to get out of here alive. Painfully, I casted the spell. Almost instantly, I saw a blue blur going across the night sky, As quickly as I could, I casted the spell again. That over did it, but I caught the attention of something. As I fell into unconsciousness, I saw a blue pegasus came in for a landing. "hold on, I'm going to get help. Stay here!" Chapter 5: RecoveryAs I bolted up in my bed.... Wait, didn't I pass out in the everfree? Anyhoof, as I bolted up in my bed, I noticed somepony waiting for me. It didn't seem to notice that I was awake. I sat there for about 5 minutes waiting to see if it would notice me awake. If it had notice me, it gave no sign. I ended up giving up and going back to sleep. The Next Morning The next morning, I was awoken to the sound of glass breaking on the ground, as well as cursing. As I opened my eyes, I saw a familiar lavender mare. "Twilight?" I called out. Twilight turned to face me. "Ender? You're awake?" Still tired, I nodded. "Ok, just try to get some rest. When Rainbow found you, you were in a really bad condition." "Though, how did you break you leg and wing, again?" "I really don't know, when I was talking to you.... Um, how long has it been?" "About a week." After hearing that, I slowly flexed my leg. No pain, no pain at all. Unfortunately, my wing wasn't so lucky. The moment that I moved my right wing, a burst of pain flared through my body. You would think with how fast I healed last time that it would be the same now. Great, just bucking great. "What happened to Queen Chrysalis?" I said, completely changing topic. "Gone, as far as we know, but you didn't answer my question." "Like I said, I don't know. It didn't feel broken when I was talking to you and Luna a week ago." That reminds me... where is Luna? "Ah, Ender, you're awake" I heard a Voice say. Luna walked into the room. Wow, perfect timing. "I just heard," she said before I could ask,"it's good to know you're still alive." "I also didn't know you were that resourceful. Making splint using tree branches and cloth? By yourself?" Luna raised an eyebrow. "You keep on surprising me, Ender." I surprised her? With how old she is, you would expect she would get used to surprises by now.... I sat up with surprising ease. "Me? Surprise you? Before Luna could reply, Twilight cleared her throat. "Luna, I appreciate you being here, but Ender needs to get some rest." I wanted to argue, but Twilight gave me a look, one that said that she wasn't taking no as an answer. "Fine" I said finally. I started to lay back down, trying to get some rest. If only somepony could cast a spell and put me to sleep. A few hours later... I still can't get to sleep. I've tried for the past 3 hours, and still no luck. I just feel way too full of energy. What to do....? What to do...? Flying is off the list, as my right wing is still broken. And I doubt that I could walk out. Then I started to look at the window. hmm...... could I...? My thought was interrupted by the sounds of walking. I heard the door open. "Ender?" a familiar voice said. To my relief, it was only Luna. "We didn't get a chance to talk earlier. How are you feeling?" The question caught me off guard. "I feel full of energy. So full I can't sleep." "Then how about we go for a walk, then?" Hmm, something's up.... "Shouldn't we wait for Twilight...? " I said reluctantly "No" Alarm bells started to go off in my head. "Umm, wait here, I need to use the little colt's room.... I walked out. As soon as I turned the corner, I started to run. I needed to get help. "Umm... excuse me?" I said as I came to the front desk. "Yes?" "Can I have some paper and a pencil to send a letter?" "Sure, one moment." When she came back, I started to write to Twilight. Twilight, you need to get here now. There is something wrong with Luna. Ender "How fast do you think this letter can be delivered?" "I don't know, depends on how important the letter is." "Somepony need to get over here now. There is something wrong with the Princess of the Night." "Ok..." "This letter needs to be sent to Twilight Sparkle." "We'll try to get it to her as fast as possible." Hmm.... she agreed too easily..... A few minutes later, Twilight came through the door. "Thank Celestia you're here!" "Ender? What's wro-" "You need to see for yourself." I started to run without waiting for her to answer, giving her no choice but to follow. When we got back to the room, it was as if a tornado had hit it. I took one step into the room and nearly stepped on a glass shard. "What the buck happened in here...?" I muttered. I took one look at the room and knew there was a struggle. As if somepony came in here looking for something, or somepony. I realized what had happened. They was looking for me. But for what reason? "There you are." Somepony said, making me jump. I turned, only to find Luna looking at me with her green eyes. Wait... green eyes?! I realized too late, she hit me across the room. Twilight ran to help, but she was knocked unconscious by whom I assumed was Luna. "Who are you? What did you do with Luna?" Using it's magic, it lifted me up. "You caused us quite a lot of trouble with that spell, but ineffective." Wait, does that mean.... SHE SURVIVED?! The what I now know is a changeling laughed. "Looks like you had finally put it together. She injured, but not dead. She'll live. And you, will be her next meal." I started to struggle. Until an idea popped into my head. hmm, could I... I shot a lightning bolt not at the changeling, but at Twilight in hopes it would wake her up. A long shot, but it was my best hope. She bolted straight up. "OK! I'm awake!" She Yelled. She seemed to realize what was happening. "Twilight, don't just sit there, do something!" She lit up her horn and shot a bolt of energy at the changeling, who dropped me in surprise. With my good hoof, I knocked the changeling out. "Twilight, inform the princesses about this." As she took the changeling, I promptly passed out. Prologue: The EscapePresent, Ponyville As I laid in the ditch, I kept thinking about how this happened. A broken wing? A broken leg? How did I even get this far? 6 Hours Ago, Changeling Kingdom I've been here for a few weeks now, and It hadn't gotten any easier. I don't remember anything, all I can remember is my name, Ender. The rest of the ponies that were In the cell with me started disappearing one at a time about one or two weeks ago. I know that I'm next as I'm the last one here, but I have a plan to escape. Present, Ponyville I still can't believe that I escaped! But If I don't get help soon.... no, I don't want to think about it. 6 Hours Ago: Changeling Kingdom I've got everything I need to escape now, but I don't know when they are coming for me. I must put my plan in motion now. 4 hours later I got the final touches in place as I heard the guards coming. I'm out of time! I threw the home made rope up through the hole in the ceiling and I got it hooked the first try! I started to climb, getting prepared for phase 2 of my plan along the way. Then I heard yelling In a language that I didn't understand. Buck! They're on to me! I began to climb faster, but before I got up, something heavy hit my leg and broke it in the process. "AH!" I yelped. I climbed up the rest of the rope and pulled myself through the hole. I have a broken leg, but I'm finally free! I extended my wings to fly, when I heard them yelling. They were climbing after me! I used my makeshift knife to cut the rope. It took a few slashes, but I cut it. I left the knife on the ground and flew away. Present, Ponyville Just when I was starting to think this is how I was going to die, I heard somepony talking. With as much power I could muster, I yelled "Help!" in hope of somepony hearing me. The talking stopped abruptly. 4 Hours Ago, Somewhere near the Everfree I didn't even make it to the Everfree Forest when they caught up to me. A little farther, I thought to myself, just a little farther. I didn't know where I was going, but I had a feeling that there was a of town close to here. I ended up being right. Ponyville, I thought Wait, how did I know the name of the town? Just as I was about there, they shot something at my right wing. I fell into the Everfree. A few hours later "I think I lost them." I said to myself. I continued to drag myself along. I would be flying if not for those things. However, my Wing broke in the fall. Present, Ponyville "Did you hear that?" I heard somepony say. "Yea, I did," another one said, "I think it came from over there.". Just before I passed out, I saw a lavender unicorn and an orange earth pony look into the ditch I was in. I blacked out
Chapter 1: How to ruin a good friendshipA few nights later I woke up in cold sweat. Where was I? How did I get here? "I see you're up" a voice said. At the sound of the voice, I jumped. A lavender mare came from the shadows. "Oh sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." said the mare. I was able to get a better look at the young mare. She was a young unicorn with a lavender coat with her cutie mark a large purple star with many smaller white stars around it. "Who are you?" I asked. "My name is Twilight," The mare said, "but the better question is, who are you?" "Ender," I replied, "nice to meet you, Twilight, But where am I?" I tried to get up, but pain flared up my leg. "Ender, Don't move. You still have not fully healed yet, though your bones appear to be mending faster than we thought originally." Slowly, I started to lay back down. "How about my Wing?" I asked, which seemed to take her by surprise. "Better than we were expecting. Your wing has mended together, but It'll still be a few days before you can use it." Slowly, I flexed my right wing. It didn't hurt, but i couldn't feel it either. I decided to trust Twilight, as I had no choice until I healed. "I guess i should get some rest then, I'm still pretty weak when I escaped from that place. How long was I out for?" I asked. "For about 3 days, But you mentioned escaping from somewhere, where was it." "I don't know the name, but I'm not ready to remember that place." My Eyes started to feel heavy. I stifled out a yawn. "You should get to sleep, The Doctor's coming tomorrow to check on you." Twilight Said. "Ok, good Yawn night, Twilight." I said "Good night , Ender" The Next Morning As I woke up, I knew something wasn't right. My leg, the pain was gone. Was this what Twilight was talking about my leg mending faster than they expected? Just as I was getting out of bed, Twilight came through the door with the Pony I saw her with A few nights ago. Looks like they were just in a conversation about me. "His leg's bone was still mend-..." Twilight was saying, then she noticed me. "Ender? You're up already?" she asked. Before I could Respond, she said "Nevermind, The more important question is why are you up? Your leg is still broken!" "That's the strange thing, It doesn't feel broken like it did last night." I said. Twilight felt my Leg. "You're right, " She muttered, " That's really odd, It shouldn't have healed as fast as it did...." As she muttered to herself, the other pony that was with her was starting to look uncomfortable. Then I suddenly had an idea. "Twilight, How about you introduce me to your friend here?" I asked. "Ender, this Applejack." she said. Applejack is an orange mare with a hat on her head. She has 3 Apples for a cutie mark. "Howdy partner, how ya feelin'?" asked Applejack. "Feeling better, thanks to both of y'all." I replied. Suddenly, I collapsed. "Ender!" Twilight yelled. She started to rush to me to help me up when she stopped dead in her tracks, with a look of bewilderment on her face. "What?" I asked, feeling strange. "Ender, It's your horn...." My Horn? I thought, What about my horn? I looked at my horn, which had started to glow with a dark purple hue. Just then, dark tendrils came out of my horn and wrapped themselves around Twilight and Applejack. "Argh!" I said as I strained to turn of my magic. Then, as quickly as it started, they disappeared. I collapsed and passed out.
Chapter 2: Finding YourselfGreat, I Thought, just bucking great.... Everything is pitch black, and I'm worried that I hurt Twilight and Applejack. I saw a white light. I started to get closer, but then I heard somepony calling my name. "Ender!" I stopped. I recognize that voice, I realized, but from where? That is where it hit me, I was on the verge of death. I tried to back away from the light but some kind of force was pulling me forward. Meanwhile I really hope he is ok, Twilight thought. Ender looked like a young alicorn, with a black coat, and purple eyes. Just when she was thinking that he was dead, he moved! "Ender!" Twilight pleaded, "Wake Up!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There it was again! I could not afford to lose this battle! With great effort, I fired a dark beam of alicorn energy at the light, causing it to shatter. I opened up my eyes quickly. Twilight gasped and hugged me. "Missed me?" I said, shocked. "We all thought you were dead!" Twilight exclaimed. That's when I realized that wasn't a Dream. With great Difficulty, I sat up and got a good look at the new pony that was there. "I... I didn't hurt you, did I?" I managed to ask Twilight. "No, we're fine, but what was that?" she asked. What was it? I thought to myself. "I... I don't kn-" that was all i managed to say before collapsing. Twilight started to rush forward again. "Twilight, I'm ok. I'm just... weak still, I spent quite a lot of energy trying to stay alive." What I didn't tell her is that I nearly used all of my magic in the process. I didn't need to make her any more worried that she already is. "How long was i out for?" I asked. "Just over night," Said the new pony, who I assumed was the doctor, "However, you were on the brink of death." Before that, I didn't realize how much energy I used. I really hope that doesn't happen again. "Just lay still and rest, you'll need it." said the doctor. Then he casted some kind of spell on me and my eyes started to feel heavy. "wh- why am I really tired all of a sudden?" I asked between yawns. "Just a sleep spell to help you rest." I am really worried that I might hurt them again, but fighting to stay awake was futile. I drifted into unconsciousness. A Few Hours Later I wake up, thinking I was still in the same room. Well, it looked like it. I got up, feeling better, and looked out the window. Hmm, I thought, it's night. How long was i out for? I heard something coming, so I got prepared, thinking it was the doctor. But boy was I wrong. A Changeling came through the door and lunged at me, Pinning me down. Wait, where are these names coming from? I thought to myself. "You caused us a lot of trouble, Ender," Said the Changeling in the Changeling's language that I didn't understand before, "But you will get what you deserve soon." Then what I realized what was only a dream faded to black. Then I opened my eyes, only to find that I didn't leave the room. I saw the confused look on the doctor's face. I'm going to need to ask questions soon. I do feel rested, but shocked. "What?" I asked, quickly shaking off my state of shock. That's when he noticed that I was just in a state of shock. "What happened when you were asleep?" Wow, wasn't expecting that question. "I figured out where I escaped from" I admitted, "The Changeling Kingdom. I dreamt that I was in a very similar room to this one and then something came out of nowhere and lunged at me." It's the truth, but not the whole truth. I didn't expect the reaction that I got, especially from Twilight. They didn't move for a count of 10. "Ender, please stay here, I... I have to send a letter." Twilight finally said. Hmm, something isn't right. Why are they acting like that? Do they know what that creature was? As much as I wanted to find out who she was sending the letter to, I couldn't do it. So instead, I started try and figure out how to control my own magic, as I don't want another incident like the one that happened a few days ago. My horn starts to glow and I engulf the apple that was sitting next to my bed and lifted it using my magic. Ok, I thought, it's a start. Suddenly, my magic shut itself off, much to my confusion. I never was very good with my magic. Then I Blacked out. "Wh- what? W-where am I-I?" I said to myself. It was pitch black in the room, but strangely inviting. When my Eyes Adjusted, I saw a dark blue alicorn with a star-filled mane. I know her, I thought to myself. Then it hit me, I knew her because I was on her royal guard. Her name was simply.... "Luna" I said as I bowed. "Ender, Where did you disappeared to?" She asked. "Me and my search party was captured by Changelings, Your Highness" I started to remember, The mysterious foalnapping, Luna sending us out to find them, us getting captured in the everfree. Me and my squad of 10 of her best guards were sent to follow a lead on the missing ponies. An anonymous tip told us that they were being held somewhere in the Everfree. What we didn't expect was a army of changelings waiting for us. Out numbered and overpowered, they easily captured and disarmed us. We were herded to the Changeling Kingdom and put into cells. A week, two weeks past without any sign of help. We'd eventually started planning to escape. but they were on to us. One at a time, they took us. until I was the last one left. I eventually finished the plan, but not a moment too soon. However, they used a spell of some kind to erase my memories. They also infused me with dark magic in hopes that I would turn. They didn't expect me to resist like I did. Any longer and they might have been able to turn me. "Changelings? In the Everfree? Explain." Luna Demanded. I told her everything that I could remember. "Dark magic? What do you mean." "I don't know. I only started to remember hours ago." The dream started to fade. "If they were after you, then be on guard. And watch your back." Luna said. The Dream Fully Faded.
Chapter 3: Ambush And RetaliationAs I woke up, I felt much more powerful than when I passed out. I tried to lift the apple again with better success. Ah, it felt so good to have control of my magic again, I thought to myself. Well, it looks like I had that dream faster than Twilight could write a letter. Lucky nopony was in the room with me at the time when I collapsed. Next, I tried a simple spell, one that I studied for a while. I teleported from one side of the room to the other. Wow, I thought to myself, is my memory returning? I heard a tapping outside of the room where I resided. Was that a Changeling? I thought to myself as Twilight came back in the room. "Ender, who did you have a conversation with while I was gone?" Twilight asked suspiciously. Buck, She knows. Well... I guess I have no choice now. "I was talking to Princess Luna...." I said, hoping that she wouldn't ask for more information. "Princess Luna was here?" She asked, Surprised. "Yes... she was here helping me... remember my past...." I said reluctantly. Before she could reply, A Changeling bursted through the window and Lunged at me. I quickly dodged. It then when after Twilight, I quickly stopped it in its tracks using a simple freeze spell. Well, looks like my magic is coming back. "Who sent you?" I asked the Changeling. "..." the Changeling said in the unrecognized language that I really hated. I only managed to recognize two words. Queen Chrysalis. "What did it say?" Twilight asked. "I don't know for certain, but I made out two words, Queen Chrysalis." I replied. Again, Twilight had that same look of shock on her face when she found out that I escaped from the Changeling Kingdom. "You... Shall... Obey...!" the Changeling said. Suddenly, my horn started to glow green and I was slammed against the wall. So that is what the dark magic was for.... controlling me. I had to fight it, I could not lose...! Slowly, I got back up, using a more complex spell to protect myself. I shot a beam of alicorn magic at the changeling, freeing me from it's control. Suddenly, I had an Idea. What if I could control this "Dark Magic" that looms within me? Would it protect me from Queen Chrysalis? My horn started to glow with a darker purple hue than it usually does and my eyes turned green. "Yes... Success...!" Said the Changeling. "Think again...!" I Replied Back. I shot a bolt of energy at the Changeling with a look of surprise on it's face. The green in my eyes disappeared and my horn went back to it's normal black look. I collapsed. "Who know trying to control such power is so tiring?" I said as I panted. "What power?" I managed to hear Twilight say. "The dark magic Chrysalis infused me with to control me." When I said that, her eyes went as wide as apples. "I- I need to send a letter to Princess Luna about this, but you need to rest." she said. She was right. I depleted my magic faster that Pinkie could bake a cupcake. Carefully, I made my way to the bed. I got into the bed and laid down, trying to get some rest. The next morning, I got ready to go to the changeling kingdom. It was time to take the fight to them! I casted an emergency binding spell that one activated, well... why should I spoil it? I only knew that I had to stop her. I put on a helmet and chestplate. I also gotten a spear off the wall. I was just about to leave when Twilight spotted me. "Where do you think your going?" She asked. "Umm.... out?" I replied. She stared at me. Wow, she has a stare that was worse than fluttershy's. "Ok! I was going to head out to the changeling kingdom to retaliate for what they done." I admitted. "Then I'm going too." Ugh! I knew I shouldn't have told her. "Twilight, I am a member of the royal guard. I can handle myself." I said, making it final. She again gave me the same stare, but I resisted. "Twilight, No is No. I couldn't bear it if you..." I choked up. "if you got hurt" I said in a whisper. I tear started to form, I let it make it down to my chin. "Ender, it's ok, I just want you to be safe..." A few hours later, Somewhere outside The Changeling Kingdom. "Ok, this is where I escaped from. Be careful and don't get caught. They have the advantage in numbers here." Somewhere, Queen Chrysalis was sitting on her throne, waiting for her "minions" to capture me. Am I playing right into her hooves? No, not really. So me and Twilight snuck around, being careful not to attract attention, trying to find where Queen Chrysalis was hiding at. I really wanted to avenge the fallen, to avenge all of the ponies they captured (and quite possibly, Tortured). Whoa there , I scolded myself, one thing at a time When we finally found the throne room (if you could call it that...), She was waiting for us. "Well Well.... what took you so long? I was beginning to think that you would stay away and I would have to have my minions find you..." Queen Chrysalis said. She was expecting me...? then that must mean.... "It's a trap!" I said as I bolted one way. Twilight bolted the other. I really didn't make it far, as she just used her magic to stop me in place. So close, Yet so far. "Twilight! RUN!" I said as I struggled to break free of her control. This was how I was going to die. Then I remembered the Emergency Binding Spell, which this one I learned by accident. I spoke the code word to activate the spell, using the dark magic within me to amplify the spell. Dark tendrils came out of my horn, wrapping themselves around Chrysalis. Suddenly, they exploded. Killing the Queen and all of the changelings within a one mile radius. I really hope that Twilight got out safely... Twilight...
Chapter 4: SurvivalWhen Ender yelled run I didn't hesitate. I ran faster than I ever did. Just making it out of the blast radius, barely. That was when I heard an explosion. One that was probably heard all over Equestria. I saw another shape coming in for a landing. Princess Luna...? "Holy Celestia.... What did Ender do...?" I heard Luna say. Quickly, I ran, making my way back to the throne room, only to find Ender laying on the ground, motionless. "NO!" I screamed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile I know I'm dead. They why does it hurt so much? Then I opened my eyes, Trying to Catch my breath. "Ender! You're alive!" I managed to hear Twilight say. " Twilight.... I'm dying...." I managed to say. I could feel my very life force fading. "No, no no NO!" I heard her say. I could feel my heartbeat fading. I know I'm dying. "Luna, is there anything you can do?" Twilight asked Luna "I'm afraid there is not." I heard her say sadly. A tear slid down Twilights cheek. "Ender... what... did you do?" Twilight said as she continued to cry. "A Emergency spell.... has... to be set up.... in advance...." I croaked, "and when casted...." "... you die.... " she said through her tears. My vision started to dim. My fellow comrades.... I'm coming.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And that was it, he just dropped dead. He got his vengeance, but he paid too high of a price for it. I wonder how I'm gonna explain this to my friends, to Princess Celestia. "Don't cry, he made his decision." "I know, It's just that...." I tried to express my feelings into words, but I failed. Then, in the corner of my eye, I thought I saw ender breathing. I turned to look but I only saw the same old, dead Ender. Had I imagined him breathing? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As I fell into what I realized was unconsciousness, I began to wonder how I was still alive. I should be dead. I had no idea how I was cheating death, but I knew my luck was running out. I saved Twilight I thought to myself, Isn't that enough? Something was still weighing me down with a sense of dread, as if Queen Chrysalis didn't die in that explosion that nearly took my life. That was when I woke up... again. It was late at night, and I was still laying on the floor in the now destroyed throne room. I did not see Twilight or Princess Luna anywhere in sight. How long was I out for? I tried to get up, only to get a burst of pain flared up my leg. Great, two broken legs in less than a week. I checked my wings to see if it's still useable, only to find that my right wing was, once again, broken. OH COME ON! I survived the dungeons of the Changeling Kingdom, escaped from it, survived a huge drop over the Everfree, survived a deadly spell, only to get stopped by a BUCKING BROKEN LEG! Can't I ever get a bucking break? I sighed Looks like I going to have to drag myself back to Ponyville. No, that wasn't an option, I was going to starve to death before I made it back to get help. I was going to have to deal with the pain and walk. Slowly, I got up. It may have taken a few minutes, but I finally got up. ok, that's a start. Slowly, I started to make my way back to ponyville. A few hours later As I got closer to the everfree, I had to find a way to keep my leg from healing wrong. I've never made a splint for myself before, but I had enough experience making them that I could possibly make one for myself. Using my magic, I broke off some branches of the trees and started to put them together, along with some cloth that I had packed in case I had to make one. It took a few minutes of painful tying and weaving, but I finally got it made and onto my leg. It isn't perfect, but it will get the job done. I thought to myself. I once again started making way towards Ponyville. Another Few Hours Later I think im lost, I saw the exact same tree 5 times already. after another few times seeing the exact same tree, I collapsed from exhaustion. Then I had an Idea. What if I could somehow signal that I was here? Like a magical flare. But that was only if I could work up enough energy to cast the spell, and I may have to cast it a number of times. However, I was running out of options. In fact, it was my only option left if I want to get out of here alive. Painfully, I casted the spell. Almost instantly, I saw a blue blur going across the night sky, As quickly as I could, I casted the spell again. That over did it, but I caught the attention of something. As I fell into unconsciousness, I saw a blue pegasus came in for a landing. "hold on, I'm going to get help. Stay here!"
Chapter 5: RecoveryAs I bolted up in my bed.... Wait, didn't I pass out in the everfree? Anyhoof, as I bolted up in my bed, I noticed somepony waiting for me. It didn't seem to notice that I was awake. I sat there for about 5 minutes waiting to see if it would notice me awake. If it had notice me, it gave no sign. I ended up giving up and going back to sleep. The Next Morning The next morning, I was awoken to the sound of glass breaking on the ground, as well as cursing. As I opened my eyes, I saw a familiar lavender mare. "Twilight?" I called out. Twilight turned to face me. "Ender? You're awake?" Still tired, I nodded. "Ok, just try to get some rest. When Rainbow found you, you were in a really bad condition." "Though, how did you break you leg and wing, again?" "I really don't know, when I was talking to you.... Um, how long has it been?" "About a week." After hearing that, I slowly flexed my leg. No pain, no pain at all. Unfortunately, my wing wasn't so lucky. The moment that I moved my right wing, a burst of pain flared through my body. You would think with how fast I healed last time that it would be the same now. Great, just bucking great. "What happened to Queen Chrysalis?" I said, completely changing topic. "Gone, as far as we know, but you didn't answer my question." "Like I said, I don't know. It didn't feel broken when I was talking to you and Luna a week ago." That reminds me... where is Luna? "Ah, Ender, you're awake" I heard a Voice say. Luna walked into the room. Wow, perfect timing. "I just heard," she said before I could ask,"it's good to know you're still alive." "I also didn't know you were that resourceful. Making splint using tree branches and cloth? By yourself?" Luna raised an eyebrow. "You keep on surprising me, Ender." I surprised her? With how old she is, you would expect she would get used to surprises by now.... I sat up with surprising ease. "Me? Surprise you? Before Luna could reply, Twilight cleared her throat. "Luna, I appreciate you being here, but Ender needs to get some rest." I wanted to argue, but Twilight gave me a look, one that said that she wasn't taking no as an answer. "Fine" I said finally. I started to lay back down, trying to get some rest. If only somepony could cast a spell and put me to sleep. A few hours later... I still can't get to sleep. I've tried for the past 3 hours, and still no luck. I just feel way too full of energy. What to do....? What to do...? Flying is off the list, as my right wing is still broken. And I doubt that I could walk out. Then I started to look at the window. hmm...... could I...? My thought was interrupted by the sounds of walking. I heard the door open. "Ender?" a familiar voice said. To my relief, it was only Luna. "We didn't get a chance to talk earlier. How are you feeling?" The question caught me off guard. "I feel full of energy. So full I can't sleep." "Then how about we go for a walk, then?" Hmm, something's up.... "Shouldn't we wait for Twilight...? " I said reluctantly "No" Alarm bells started to go off in my head. "Umm, wait here, I need to use the little colt's room.... I walked out. As soon as I turned the corner, I started to run. I needed to get help. "Umm... excuse me?" I said as I came to the front desk. "Yes?" "Can I have some paper and a pencil to send a letter?" "Sure, one moment." When she came back, I started to write to Twilight. Twilight, you need to get here now. There is something wrong with Luna. Ender "How fast do you think this letter can be delivered?" "I don't know, depends on how important the letter is." "Somepony need to get over here now. There is something wrong with the Princess of the Night." "Ok..." "This letter needs to be sent to Twilight Sparkle." "We'll try to get it to her as fast as possible." Hmm.... she agreed too easily..... A few minutes later, Twilight came through the door. "Thank Celestia you're here!" "Ender? What's wro-" "You need to see for yourself." I started to run without waiting for her to answer, giving her no choice but to follow. When we got back to the room, it was as if a tornado had hit it. I took one step into the room and nearly stepped on a glass shard. "What the buck happened in here...?" I muttered. I took one look at the room and knew there was a struggle. As if somepony came in here looking for something, or somepony. I realized what had happened. They was looking for me. But for what reason? "There you are." Somepony said, making me jump. I turned, only to find Luna looking at me with her green eyes. Wait... green eyes?! I realized too late, she hit me across the room. Twilight ran to help, but she was knocked unconscious by whom I assumed was Luna. "Who are you? What did you do with Luna?" Using it's magic, it lifted me up. "You caused us quite a lot of trouble with that spell, but ineffective." Wait, does that mean.... SHE SURVIVED?! The what I now know is a changeling laughed. "Looks like you had finally put it together. She injured, but not dead. She'll live. And you, will be her next meal." I started to struggle. Until an idea popped into my head. hmm, could I... I shot a lightning bolt not at the changeling, but at Twilight in hopes it would wake her up. A long shot, but it was my best hope. She bolted straight up. "OK! I'm awake!" She Yelled. She seemed to realize what was happening. "Twilight, don't just sit there, do something!" She lit up her horn and shot a bolt of energy at the changeling, who dropped me in surprise. With my good hoof, I knocked the changeling out. "Twilight, inform the princesses about this." As she took the changeling, I promptly passed out.
Prologue: The EscapePresent, Ponyville As I laid in the ditch, I kept thinking about how this happened. A broken wing? A broken leg? How did I even get this far? 6 Hours Ago, Changeling Kingdom I've been here for a few weeks now, and It hadn't gotten any easier. I don't remember anything, all I can remember is my name, Ender. The rest of the ponies that were In the cell with me started disappearing one at a time about one or two weeks ago. I know that I'm next as I'm the last one here, but I have a plan to escape. Present, Ponyville I still can't believe that I escaped! But If I don't get help soon.... no, I don't want to think about it. 6 Hours Ago: Changeling Kingdom I've got everything I need to escape now, but I don't know when they are coming for me. I must put my plan in motion now. 4 hours later I got the final touches in place as I heard the guards coming. I'm out of time! I threw the home made rope up through the hole in the ceiling and I got it hooked the first try! I started to climb, getting prepared for phase 2 of my plan along the way. Then I heard yelling In a language that I didn't understand. Buck! They're on to me! I began to climb faster, but before I got up, something heavy hit my leg and broke it in the process. "AH!" I yelped. I climbed up the rest of the rope and pulled myself through the hole. I have a broken leg, but I'm finally free! I extended my wings to fly, when I heard them yelling. They were climbing after me! I used my makeshift knife to cut the rope. It took a few slashes, but I cut it. I left the knife on the ground and flew away. Present, Ponyville Just when I was starting to think this is how I was going to die, I heard somepony talking. With as much power I could muster, I yelled "Help!" in hope of somepony hearing me. The talking stopped abruptly. 4 Hours Ago, Somewhere near the Everfree I didn't even make it to the Everfree Forest when they caught up to me. A little farther, I thought to myself, just a little farther. I didn't know where I was going, but I had a feeling that there was a of town close to here. I ended up being right. Ponyville, I thought Wait, how did I know the name of the town? Just as I was about there, they shot something at my right wing. I fell into the Everfree. A few hours later "I think I lost them." I said to myself. I continued to drag myself along. I would be flying if not for those things. However, my Wing broke in the fall. Present, Ponyville "Did you hear that?" I heard somepony say. "Yea, I did," another one said, "I think it came from over there.". Just before I passed out, I saw a lavender unicorn and an orange earth pony look into the ditch I was in. I blacked out
