Warped Mind

Chapters

Courage
Shelter
Arrival
Progress
A Promise
A Secret Uncovered
Injured
The Past
Reunion
Broken Bonds
Darkness
Changed
Memories
Missing
Captured
Severed
Endgame
Warped Mind
New Home
Breakthrough
Aftermath

Courage

Author's Note

Ello. Please, if you see anything wrong with this chapter, leave a comment of criticism so I will not make the same mistake again. It irks me when I see people dislike the story and don't leave a reason why they did and what I could do to not make that mistake again.

Courage

Twilight Sparkle's eyes opened. She rolled onto her side, her eyes were swollen from the long rest. The right side of her mane clung to her ear and cheek, and she had a small glob of droll rolling down her right cheek.

"Oh, you're awake." Spike said. He handed her a small towel. Twilight wiped the drool away, tracing over her mouth before she stood. She slid off the bed, trotting over to the table and picking up a cold cup of tea at the middle and gulped it down greedily.

"Hey, Spike." Twilight huffed, turning to him. She combed down her mane as best she could, making sure she was at least presentable. "What time is it?"

"I think it's like 4:30 in the afternoon."

"What?" She questioned. Spike nodded. "I need to get back to my research! I'll see you later, Spike!" Twilight galloped out of the room, rushing down the hallway and turning the corner, into-

"Oof!"

"Ah! I'm sorry!"

Twilight stumbled back, landing on her flank. She rubbed her head and looked up and and saw Fluttershy with her eyes clenched shut.

"Are you all right, Fluttershy?"

"Huh- oh, yes. Here, let me help." Fluttershy's face was red as a tomato. She trotted over to Twilight and helped her up.

"What were you doing over here?"

"I was g-going to come wake you up, if that's all right." Fluttershy tapped her hooves against the ground, trying to relieve some of her stress. "Sorry for bumping into you."

"It's all right, Fluttershy. I needed to wake up anyways." She giggled. "You can come with me, if you want to."

"Sure, if you don't mind." Fluttershy said. She and Twilight began to walk down the hallway.

"Has anything happened while I was asleep?"

"Rarity sent us a letter." Fluttershy said as they turned right, trotting passed the corner.

"Really? What did it say?"

"She said that she was sincerely sorry that it'd happen and that she'd try to get here as quickly as she could, with Pinkie and Rainbow Dash."

"All right. Good. I hope they get here soon."

"Me too." Fluttershy agreed.

"Applejack and I have been trying to find out where Queen Chrysalis has been hiding."

"What did you find?"

"I'm sorry, but we didn't find much. Applejack was out in the village asking ponies if they had seen them, and I was asking the nearby animals if they had seen anything. The ones I asked said th-that they had went for shelter during the snowstorm and didn't see anything. And from what Applejack told me, she didn't have much luck either... sorry."

"Oh, it's all right, Fluttershy. I can't expect us to find anything on the first day of searching."

"Okay" Fluttershy said. The pair approached the archives.

"Here we are. Thanks for trotting with me, Flutters'." Twilight stood at the front door of the archives.

"You're welcome, Twilight." Fluttershy took a step forwards. "Do you want me to help? I-I don't mind."

"No thanks, Fluttershy. I think I can handle the magical side of this myself."

"Oh, okay. Good luck, Twilight."

"Thanks." Twilight said as she let go of the door and trotted towards the bookshelves, determined to do the best she could to help Shining Armor.

"You're sure you didn't see anything up there?"

"Definitely. Why?"

"Because I see a small building or shed up there."

"What? Where?"

I pointed to the left, towards the building. It was far away so I couldn't make out any details about it.

"C'mon!" Lance took hold of my left fore-hoof, galloping towards it. I barely kept up with her swift pace. Ah- my hoof!

"Lance, stop!" I broke away from her a few feet away from the building. My hoof throbbed in unison with my beating heart. She turned back to me, confused and impatient.

"What are you waiting for?! That could be somepony!"

"It could be a changeling!"

"Only one way to find out." Lance turned, trotting towards the building. The outside was made up of old wood, painted red. Being closer to the building, I could tell it was very small, like a shed. The paint had faded and began to peel.

"Lance-!" I whispered to her. She continued. Oh- horseapples.

I glanced to her, then back to our prior position. Ugh, I can't let her go in alone.

I rushed up behind her, stopping as she did at the wall.

"Knew you'd see it my way."

"More like forced to..."

"Never said you had to come with me." Lance chucked. She turned to the right, trotting down the wall. "Now where is it-- ah, there's the door."

I followed her as she turned to the left. She trotted up to a small, wooden door at the middle.

"Hopefully it's not locked." Lance put her right fore-hoof, turning the knob. The door(thankfully) opened. She carefully stepped up, before backing out, coughing and covering her mouth.

"What?" I took a step forward, before I smelled something foul- like old blood- something rotten.

"Celestia-- that smell!"

I held my breath as I stepped forwards, looking inside the building. There was a spear at the top right corner, a helmet with a large crack running from the middle of the it to the back-right, and a small bag in front of me, at my hooves. The helmet had blood-splattered onto the blue and white bristles, and the spear-tip had been hastily cleaned, smears of blood across the tip. I quickly kicked the helmet out as I grabbed the spear and bag. Lance immediately shut the door as I stepped out of the way.

"Horsefeathers, I almost threw up from that smell. This better have been worth it." She said, kneeling down to the bag. I looked over the spear.

"Still sharp. We could use this."

"Food! Some water too!" Lance opened the bag, showing half a loaf of bread, a bottle 3/4ths of the way full with water, and some paper.

"Nice. Definitely worth the smell. I could probably use the helmet too." I sat the spear to the side, leaning down and picking up the helmet. The helmet was still intact, despite the crack, and felt stable still. I slipped it onto my head, fitting perfectly.

"You sure you should be wearing that while we're running away from those changelings?"

"Yeah..." I lifted it up off my head. "It'd just make me more noticeable. I'll keep it in case we have to fight them."

"All right. Let's get moving."

Shining Armor and Taltra trotted up the staircase. He made sure to keep his distance.

"Thank you."

Shining became confused.

"For what?"

"Hitting me. I cannot be incompetent without her- especially in running her kingdom. I've been here for years, I should've known what to do."

Shining stared at her, confused.

"How can you just let me do that? I mean, I don't want to disobey Queen Chrysalis, but I couldn't have sat there and took it like that."

"I just do, otherwise I get hurt. Always have..." Her voice trailed away as she took on an almost saddened, remorseful tone.

"Your new residence is just up here. Please hurry so I may get back to my duties." Taltra quickened her pace. Shining looked up, seeing they were nearing the top floor.

"Of course." Shining said. They stepped up off of the stairs and into a narrow hallway with one door at the end, one at the middle of the wall on the right, and one at the left right beside the door at the right.

"Your room is the one on the left." Taltra trotted towards the door on the left. She stopped once she reached the door and looked back.

"Come on. I have nothing to gain by hurting you." Taltra said. Shining cautiously trotted towards her. She magically opened the door and motioned for Shining to enter.

"Go inside."

Shining entered cautiously, awaiting for a changeling or something to jump out at him. Nothing came. There was a queen-sized bed at the middle of the room, with old sheets folded at the bottom of the bed, a wooden nightstand to the right of the bed, and a bookshelf at the wall to Shining's left.

"Now, before you get too comfortable, I need to explain a couple of things, all right?" Taltra said. Shining nodded.

"First, if you did not hear from Queen Chrysalis, my name is Taltra, and I am the royal queen's adviser. If you need to ask me a question, just come to me. Do you understand?" She questioned. Shining nodded. "Good. Now that it's out of the way, I need to inform you of a few rules set up by her royal highness, Queen Chrysalis."

"Okay."

"Rule one: do not disrespect her royal highness or her subjects. Rule two: you have a set curfew. If you are not inside of this room by 8:00 P.M, we will have our best guards find you and, if needed, forcefully take you back to the room and lock the door until 6:00 A.M. Rule three: two guards are going to be posted at your door twenty-four hours a day. Rule four: you are not to leave the palace without the supervision of a guard, her royal highness, or I. Breaking any of these rules will result in a harsh punishment. Follow these rules and your safety will not be a concern."

"What about Cadance?"

"I cannot speak of that."

"Why?"

"It is best that you should not ask so many questions. For your safety. Please." Taltra said. Shining remained silent.

"I have other duties to attend to." Taltra turned. "It was nice to meet you Shining Armor. If you have any questions, just ask." She said genuinely with a warm smile as she trotted away

"Oh, and Shining?" Taltra stopped, glancing back to him.

"Yes?"

"You'll get used to the screaming after a while. A few weeks'll do it." Taltra stepped out into the hall and shut the door. Shining trotted over to the bed and fell onto the bed, his thoughts jumbled and his eyelids heavy.

"Okay... come on, Twi'."

Twilight Sparkle sat the quill on the table in front of her.

Just remember the formula in the book. She repeated to herself, reading over the magical elements in her head. If this magical combination is correct... I could finally start my work on the counter-spell.

Twilight began to concentrate the magic to her horn. She pointed her horn at the feather and released the magic.

Bbrrip

Twilight looked up at the table, surprised by the noise. She looked up and saw that the feather had been burnt to ashes.

"Experiment one; failed." Twilight sighed.

Experiment one is an utter failure. The feather failed to transform and was burnt to a crisp.

Twilight sat the quill down. She looked at the window at the middle of the library and looked at Celestia's setting Sun.

"I'll figure this out and begin on the counter-spell, Shining. We'll get you and Cadance back to normal life. Just hold on a little longer."

Finally at the end of this forest. We've reached a clearing. Celestia's Sun shined brightly upon us, the small snow cry

"Well, at least we're farther away from the changelings now, even though I have no clue where the hay we are..." I muttered. Lance nodded.

"We'll find our way back to the Crystal Empire. I know we will."

"Yeah..." I wasn't as nearly as confident as Lance. "How's Blooming? Shouldn't we be waking her up by now?"

"Yeah, you get out the food and water and we'll go ahead and eat before we find someplace to sleep for the night." Lance tossed me the brown bag. I took out the pulled out the bread, sitting it atop the bag, before sitting the water beside it. Lance unfurled the blanket around Blooming. Her right fore-hoof laid atop her chest, and her red mane had fallen. She had dark bags under her eyes.

"Blooming-" Lance gently shook Blooming. "C'mon, we're about to eat. It's time to get up."

"Huh..." Blooming leaned up, yawning. She leaned up, wiping her eyes. "I'm up." Blooming sluggishly picked herself up from the ground on the blanket. She glanced up to me, then immediately back down.

"Good morning." I said with a smile. Blooming muttered a quiet "thank you" and hiding behind Lance.

"All right. Here, I'll sit this down so we can sit." Lance pulled out the blanket, laying it out beside the bag. Blooming sat down beside Lance. I stood, breaking off a few pieces, the biggest for Blooming and the smallest for myself. There was a fourth of the bread left. I sat down across from them.

"Here's yours-" I handed Blooming her piece, then Lance hers, and chewed on mine. "We have some water, but not much, so be cautious with how much you drink."

Crack

Wait- what was that?

I looked around, for any changelings or animals, but there was nothing.

"What?"

"Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Nothing. Never mind." I took a bite out of the bread.

Craaack

My left hind-hoof slid down, pulling the blanket with it. It was sticking down into the ground- oh horseapples! The ground's hollow!

"Blooming, I need you to carefully stand."

"What?" She questioned, standing quickly. Another crack escaped the snow and ice. I lifted her, putting her behind me.

"I need everypony to stay as still as they can. The ground is hollow."

"What the hay do you mean?"

"My hind-hoof is through it- I can feel it." I kept still, trying to control my breath as best I could. "Blooming, I need you to slowly back away from us. We'll be fine, all right?" I glanced back to her. Blooming nodded, carefully trotting back.

"Okay..." I huffed. "How the hay're we going to get out?"

"I could fly out."

"What about me?"

Lance sat, staring at me for a moment. "Horsefeathers..."

"I-I could try to pull my hoof out the way it came in, but it could crack it." I sighed. Guess there's only one way to find out...

"Go ahead and fly up Lance... I'll try this."

"You sure?"

I nodded. Lance flapped her wings, hovering over the ice. I gently pulled my hoof up, breaking away some pieces of ice. Oh horseapples...

More cracking broke through as I stood, both my hooves and the ice unsteady. My right fore-hoof broke through as the ice broke. Oh horse--

Lance grunted, grabbing me by my coat. She pulled me to the side, before she fell beside Blooming. I quickly grabbed onto the ledge, clinging onto whatever I could find. Two small pairs of hooves took hold of my left fore-hoof, pulling me up.

"Come on!"

Another hoof took hold of my right. Lance and Blooming pulled me up, onto my stomach.

"Thanks." I huffed. Lance helped me to my hooves. "Celestia, that was too close for comfort."

"Yeah, really. You could've broken your..." Lance's voice trailed away as she turned back to the pit.

"What?" I trotted to her side, looking down into the pit.

Three rows of spears that lined the pit, each placed in the middle.

"Celestia... to think that Blooming could've been down there..." Lance turned away. "Bucking changelings. No wonder they siphon love, they'd be cold-blooded otherwise." She trotted to Blooming, picking her up and pulling her into a hug.

"Come on, let's get out of here. The changelings are nearby if they had time to set this up." Lance nodded as she released Blooming, sitting her on the ground. She trailed behind us two.

"Oh, and Rocky?" Lance leaned in close. What's she doing?"

"Yes?"

She planted a quick peck on my cheek with grin. I grinned with her. I didn't even know she liked me that much!

"You're quick on your hooves, y'know that?" Lance playfully punched my shoulder as we stepped passed the pit. "Saved us Blooming and I. Thank you."

"It was nothing." I brushed it away. "Happens all the time in the mines after winter."

Okay, maybe I inflated that statistic a little.

"Not to me, it wasn't."

Shining trotted back and forward in front of the exit to his room, awaiting Queen Chrysalis.

I have to remain calm. He told himself, slowing to a stop as he took a breath. Queen Chrysalis needs Cadance. She can't just drain her love then get rid of her- she needs the leverage for Princess Celestia. Shining tried to convince himself.

Creeeeeak

Queen Chrysalis stepped into the room, closing the door.

"Good to see that my adviser has learned from her mistakes." She stood in front of Shining. "How are you feeling, my subject?"

"Fine here, my queen."

"Good. Now, if I have been told correctly, you had some questions, yes?"

"Yes, my queen." Shining cleared his throat. "I was just wondering, how is Cadance going to be treated here, my queen?"

"Like any other pony, only she'll be alone. She'll be fed once every two days, her love will be drained every week, and she'll be disposed of after she's fulfilled her use."

"But-" "Something you'd like to add? Perhaps I should only give her fresh food and water once a week?" She questioned, almost threatening Shining.

"No, of course not, my queen. Your judgement is best."

"Good. Wouldn't want to have to waste her to teach a certain unwieldy changeling is getting in my way."

"Apologies, my queen."

Queen Chrysalis sighed.

"Get some sleep. You'll need it for tomorrow. And don't try to sneak out; the door is locked after I exit." Queen Chrysalis turned away from him. She trotted out of the room, leaving him alone. Shining turned to the bed, immediately punching the foot board.

I-I can't- He groaned. Her love'll be drained?! I have to get to her!

He rushed towards the door, pushing against it. The door refused to budge.

"Horseapples!"

Shining sighed. Forgive me Cadance. Hang in there a little longer...

Shelter

Author's Note

I'd like to apologize for the lateness of this chapter. I hit a roadblock in the story, and was overwhelmed by personal events in my life so much that I was unable to focus on writing. But, I eventually conquered the roadblock and actually got enough peace to write. I hope you enjoy it.

Shelter

Shining Armor tossed and turned in his bed, unable to sleep, his head pounding with each heartbeat. The faint screams of crystal ponies were incessant, and his conscience refused to allow him to sleep.

They're going to hurt Cadance! I can't- I-I won't let it happen! Shining stood up. No! Queen Chrysalis'll become angry! I can't upset her, she'll hurt Cadance! He sighed, massaging his temples as he sat back down on his bed.

I can't do anything right now. I'll have a big day tomorrow. Should just go to sleep. Defeated, Shining turned onto his right shoulder, resting his head on the pillow. The throbbing in his head lessened.

This is what she wants. S-so be it. Shining sighed, shutting his eyes. "No..."

Shining sat up. "I have to keep her safe, even if it means disobeying Queen Chrysalis." He trotted towards the door, turning the knob. The door was locked from the other side. Shining rammed his shoulder into the door with force, trying to force it open.

"Calm it! You still have a whole night to get through!" A changeling called through the door. He released the knob with a growl as the throbbing in his head worsened, more than it was before.

"Get out of my mind..." Shining whispered. He held his head as he trotted towards the bed.

I won't let them hurt her without a fight.

No- I can't! It'd be treason!

They won't get a single hoof on her once I get down there! Shining tried to remain resilient as he stood over his bed. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.

This pain! I can't stand it! He groaned, climbing into his bed. I just have to hold on a little longer and do what Queen Chrysalis says. Cadance'll be safe. Shining tried to convince himself, although he had lingering doubts. The pain in his head lessened. Exhausted, he shut his eyes, awaiting sleep.

We came upon a large, white building. Like the other building, it's white paint had began to peel and fade after years of abuse by the harsh elements. This one was larger, and looked more like a cottage rather than a small shed.

"Who'd want to live out in the middle of nowhere like this?" Lance questioned as she and Blooming turned to the left, trotting towards the front of the house.

"I can see why. It's s-so busy back at the Crystal Empire."

"Or it could be changelings."

Blooming whimpered, her ears falling flat to her head.

"Don't worry." Lance rubbed Blooming's head with her right wing. "Rocky and I'll check through the house, just in case."

"Okay." Blooming slowed, letting me pass by her. We turned to the front of the house and trotted towards the door.

I unraveled the blanket from around the spear and held it close as we stopped at the door. Lance gently pushed the door open, the hinges screeching it opened. Water rushed out, covering our hooves.

"Should've expected that." She sighed, stepping out of the water. "Don't think we'll find anypony or changeling in there."

"Probably, but I'd rather be safe than sorry." I stepped in, using the little light from the door to guide me. There was a small, hole filled light blue couch against the wall to the left with a dirty blanket, a table in front of the couch that had been flipped and had one of the legs broken off of it, and two doors to the right of the room. I pushed open the one to the left, opening with ease. The foul smell drove me away, but there weren't anyponies inside. Only a broken bed. I shut the door, then turned back to the door to the right, but it didn't budge. I pushed against it, but nothing pushed through.

"Everything's good. Nopony's here."

Lance trotted inside over to the couch. She sat. Blooming trotted in, sitting down beside her.

Twilight's horn ached. The feather in front of her, like the many others, had become a pile of smoldering ash.

"I've used up too much of my magic..." Twilight rubbed her temples, trying to alleviate the dull pain and dizziness in her horn.

I need relax for a minute or two. Too much magic usage.

Twilight relaxed herself in her chair, sinking down.

"I think I may have over did it..." She sighed.

Knock
Knock
Knock

"It's open." Twilight called out.

"Howdy, Twilight." Applejack trotted in. "How's it comin'?" She trotted up to Twilight, sitting in the empty chair beside her.

"Not very well. I created a spell that, in theory, could transform Shining back into a pony."

"Have y'all tried it out yet?"

"Yes." Twilight pointed to the pile of ashes. "As you can see, it's gone fairly well." She said sarcastically. Applejack chuckled.

"Y'all're doin' just fine. Don't expect'cha to get it down on y'all's first day."

"I guess."

"You're sure y'all don't need help? I don't mind. Sure I could sort this out if you could teach me."

"No thank you. I can handle it, AJ." Twilight said. Applejack nodded.

"Just lemme know if you need anymore help."

"Thank you." Twilight nodded. Applejack stood.

"Well, I'll leave you to it. Good luck." She turned, trotting towards the exit.

"You too." Twilight turned back towards the table.

Back to the research.

"Okay, Shining Armor. You have two choices."

Shining looked at Queen Chrysalis with a mixture of fear and intrigue. He had been woken up in the middle of the night and brought to this strange, dark room. Too dark to see.

"Choice one: you stay with me, and become the captain of my best guards." Queen Chrysalis said as the room behind her light up. The silhouettes of Queen Chrysalis cast over Shining.

"Or choice two: I think this'll be more than enough to tell you what I mean."

A light enveloped Shining, the source of it coming from behind him. He turned around and saw his Cadance, bound at the hooves and gagged.

"Cadance!" Shining said as he tried to rush towards her, but was stopped by something.

"Wait a moment. I have to elaborate on some of the consequences of the choices." Queen Chrysalis said. Shining looked back at her.

"If you choose your wife, I and my subjects- your fellow subjects will be left to starve to death."

"I-I don't want that to happen, your highness."

"Good. But let me finish. Now, if you choose I, Mi Amore Cadenza's love for you, your sister, everything and everypony, will become my next meal. Even you will get a taste" Queen Chrysalis said. Shining's eyes widen as he realized that he was going to have to make a choice. An impossible choice.

"Please, your highness. Don't make me choose. It's your kingdom." Shining said, trying to avoid it.

"Oh, but Shining, you must choose. You and you only."

Shining looked at Queen Chrysalis, then at Cadance. She had a look of true fear. Tears welled in her eyes. Her muffled screams echoed in his ears.

"Choose, Shining."

"I am! Just- give me a minute."

I-I need Cadance.

But I need Queen Chrysalis too! I need them both!

"You love her a lot. I can sense it. She feels the same." Queen Chrysalis said. Shining groaned as he tried to block out her voice.

I... I choose...

With his hooves trembling, Shining trotted over Cadance.

"What a shame... I would've expected better."

Shining quickly pulled out the gag.

"Shining!"

"Cadance, are you alright?" Shining asked in a gentle voice.

"Yes... but you should've chose her."

"Why-?!"

Cadance's eyes changed from the familiar light purple to blue. The same shade of blue as Taltra.

"No..." Shining said as he began to back away. The rest of her body began to transform into one of a changeling.

Shining jerked up in his bed, covered in cold sweat. He frantically looked around the room, seeing that he was just in his room. No one was inside with him.

It... it was just a dream...

Shining wiped beads of sweat rolling down his forehead away and took a deep breath.

Calm down. She'll be all right, Shining. I don't need to worry about Cadance anymore. Shining thought as he rested his head back on the pillow.

I paced in front of them for a moment before trotting over to the couch and sat down to the left of Blooming, Blooming was asleep already. Poor mare- must be a lot of excitement for a filly her size.

Lance tossed the blanket over us, covering us in what little warmth we could get. She wheezed and released a chesty coughed, before opening the water and taking a sip.

"Everything all right? That didn't sound good." I questioned. Lance glanced away.

"Want some water?" Lance turned back to me with a grin. I shook my head.

"Suit yourself." She took another sip before screwing the cap back onto the top.

"There's been something worrying me."

"What?"

Lance cleared her throat. She glanced down to Blooming before looking back up to me.

"I-I think the stab wound in my shoulder is getting infected."

"What?" No! We can't have this! Not now! "Let me see it."

Lance pulled the cloth aside, revealing her scabbed wound. The skin around it had became reddened and there was some whiteness in the middle. My heart skipped a beat. Oh horseapples!

"What can we do? Have you tried anything?!"

"Maybe with some antibiotics, but we're in the middle of this forsaken place. " She pulled the cloth back up. "I'd use the water to wash it out, but that's all we have to drink."

What are we going to do?! I can't take care of Blooming and wave away the changelings at the same time! I-I need Lance!

"I..." Horseapples! "What do I need to look for to help? Anything?"

"There'd be nothing out here. We need to get back to the Crystal Empire, and soon."

I took a shaken breath, turning away from her. I'd be out here without Lance, only with a devastated filly against an army if changelings?

A gentle hoof touched my right shoulder.

"I'm not going anywhere yet Rocky" She said with a smile. "It'll take it awhile for it to get bad. It's not the end of me, not without a fight."

"You're... you're right. I'm sorry." I turned back to her. "Just imagining being out here alone, without you, only with Blooming d-devastated- it overwhelmed me."

"Aw-" She wrapped her right fore-hoof over my neck, pulling my head close. "Nice to see you care about me."

"I-I do." My face burnt. Lance turned to me with a strange, almost shocked look. She blushed.

"I-I think I'll go to bed now. 'N-Night." Lance released me, turning away. and resting her head on the head of the couch.

Arrival

Author's Note

NOTICE: I'm getting rid of the usual scheduel from Broken Armor. I don't want to have to rush myself to get it out on time and have it be terrible. So, from this point on, there's no scheduel of when I get it out. Once I've written it, proofread it, and feel that it's okay to publish, I'll do so. I'm sorry if that's not what you guys wanted to hear, but I'm sure that this'll make the story better written.

Arrival

Six Hours Later

Bang

Twilight Sparkle's eyes jerked open as the loud noise filled the room. Her heart raced as she immediately lifted her head and looked around the room.

What was that?! She scanned around the room, looking for who or whatever had caused the sound.

Horseapples... wait-Twilight leaned down, seeing the textbook laying atop of her notebook and quill. She sighed with relief, giggling. Silly. Just a book, Twi'. She picked up the book and textbook, sitting it down in front of her.

What time is it? Twilight yawned. She stood, stretching her hooves and wings. The ashes from the previous night's experiments laid at her side, on the table. They had been scattered from her stirring in her sleep.

Twilight trotted to the door, opening it and stepping out into the hallway. She trotted down the hallway sluggishly, looking around for any sigh of another pony or crystal pony. There were a few servants passing by, and there were two guards standing at the end of the hall with spears at the ready.

I should go check on Spike, then I'll get back to research.

Twilight trotted down the hallway and turned to left, towards the entrance to her room. She opened the door and trotted inside.

"Hey, Spike-?"

Spike was sitting on the bed. He had black bags under his half-closed eyes.

"Oh, hey-" Spike stopped in the middle of his sentence to yawn. "-how has the research been coming?" He finished, his speech slow and slurred.

"Have you been up all night?" Twilight questioned. Spike let out another tired yawn as he rubbed his eyes.

"Yeah..."

"Why?" Twilight asked. Spike winced, almost as if she was bracing for her to scold him

"I-I've been worried about you, It's been two days since Shining Armor and Cadance... left. You've been constantly researching for the last two days. You haven't even stopped to e-eat."

"You don't understand Spike- I can't stop researching. I've got to keep looking for them and the counterspell. Now, you get some sleep before you pass out." Twilight's horn emitted her magical aura, lifting the sheets up to Spike's chest. Spike, too tired to argue, rolled onto his right shoulder

Twilight trotted over Spike and lifted his head. She pushed a small pillow under his head and gently rested his head comfortably atop of the pillow.

"Twilight, before you go, please promise me something."

"What, Spike?"

"Please, before you go back to your research, get something to eat or something. Spend time with AJ or Fluttershy."

Twilight nodded with a smile.

"I will. Now sleep well. I'll see you later." Twilight quietly as she stepped out of the room, gently shutting the door behind her.

Shining Armor trotted beside Taltra, down the hallway. The early morning snow pelted against the ceiling droned as she lead him down the hall.

"To be honest with you, I'm surprised Queen Chrysalis is allowing you to join her in her briefing room so early. Took me years to get a peek in there." Taltra said with a smile. "You should be grateful."

"I'll thank her afterwords."

"As you should." She trotted passed him. "I feel that you should know that many of the changelings in that room will not like your presence in that meeting. Please, for your safety, and the safety of others, you shouldn't speak unless spoken to." Taltra whispered as she rested her left fore-hoof on the door and glanced to him.

"I'll make sure I'm careful." Shining whispered as voices leaked through the cracks in the door. Taltra nodded and pushed the door open.

Shining felt all eyes on him as he and Taltra entered. There was a large, rectangular table, with Queen Chrysalis sitting at the head atop a throne. There were three seats at each side of the table, and another empty one at the foot of the table. All at the side were filled except one, at the foot of the table.

"Ah, Taltra, Shining Armor. Please take your seats and we will begin." Queen Chrysalis motioned for him to come over. Taltra trotted to the foot and sat down in the unoccupied chair. Shining cautiously trotted over to the empty chair at the right and sat..

"Now, let's begin. What is the status report on the prisoners?"

"The disposal rooms are at maximum capacity, your highness."

The disposal rooms? Are those... no. They couldn't be.

"Ah, excellent. Any word from the search teams, commander?" Queen Chrysalis turned her head towards the changeling to the right of Shining.

"No, your majesty. I will keep you posted if I hear anything."

"Good. How many crystal ponies' love do we still have to feed on, Taltra?"

"Last count was taken yesterday. We have the equivalent of 200 crystal ponies that still have their love left, your highness."

They've sucked the love out of 200 hundred ponies? How many more do they have- oh no! The screams! Shining glanced away, recalling the screams from the previous night. So many crystal ponies in pain... no. It's for my queen. He turned back to her, inhaling a deep breath.

"Have prisoners transported to the disposal rooms so we may excess love. We'll need more if we're going to capture the Crystal Empire."

The disposal rooms again? And ponies being sent there to create love? What the hay...

"Commander, refresh my memory, if you would. How many drones are being trained this week?"

"3,000, your highness." The changeling to the right of Shining said. Shining's eyes widened.

"Good. How many of those have been reserved for the attack?"

The attack? Where? Are they going to attack the Crystal Empire? Or Canterlot?

"2,000, your highness."

2,000?! I need get out of here and warn Twilight, Princess Celestia, somepony! I... I need to... I...

Shining willed himself to speak; to shoot up out of his chair and pronounce his loyalty to the Crystal Empire and Princess Celestia, but his will was immediately quelled by Queen Chrysalis' spell.

"Good. I think that about finished it for this conference. A quite short one, but oh well. Any questions?"

No changeling or pony spoke.

"Good. You all are dismissed. Be on your way back to your post."

"Yes, your highness."

One by one, each changeling around him began to rise from their seats and trot behind him. As the last couple of changeling passed by, the tension around Shining slowly began to quell. Until suddenly he felt somepony grab his mane and tug up on it.

"Listen, you pony. I'm going to speak in your language so this is made perfectly clear." It put it's hoof around Shining's neck, tightening over his windpipe. "If you do one thing to harm this kingdom, I will personally end your life." The changeling whispered. Shining grabbed the hoof holding his mane and prepared to retaliate, but stopped once he heard a loud snap echo around the room.

"Commander Renla, you shall release Shining Armor."

"But, your highness--" "Now. That is an order." Queen Chrysalis' voice took on a stern tone. Renla, although reluctantly, followed her orders and released Shining. Shining let go of his hoof wiped down his mane.

"Shining Armor is no longer a threat. Now, return to your post immediately. We'll speak about this later." Queen Chrysalis said. Renla trotted away from Shining and out of the room, growling. Shining looked up, seeing Taltra. Her face was twisted into shock, almost feaar. She was taken aback; her eyes were slightly widen and her mouth was slightly ajar. Shining directed his attention to Queen Chrysalis. She appeared to be perfectly calm, as if it was a normal occurrence.

"I apologize for the behavior of Commander Renla. He and I shall speak of this later." Queen Chrysalis rose from the throne and trotted over to Taltra.

"Taltra, schedule a session between Renla and I tomorrow."

Taltra stood still, frozen- almost petrified if she weren't trembling. Queen Chrysalis cleared her throat.

"Taltra." She said lowered, and in a slightly stern tone.

"Huh- oh, of- of course, your highness." Her voice trembling.

"Now, I have more duties to attend to. Lead Shining Armor back to his residence and then return to your post." Queen Chrysalis said. She trotted out of the door and away from Taltra and Shining.

"I-I apologize. I knew that there'd be some tension, and that they'd be very unwelcoming, but I didn't think that Renla would actually attempt to attack you."

"It's fine." Shining said, unwilling to speak.

"I'll lead you back to your room. Just please, let's hurry..." Taltra trotted over to door and paused, waiting for Shining. Shining trotted up to her and out of the room.

"Humhmmhmm..."

My ears perked up as I slowly awoke. Is somepony humming?

I opened my right eye as the humming droned on. I lifted my hoof to wipe my eyes, and the humming stopped.

"Rocky?" Blooming whispered close to me. I wiped my eyes as I sat up, opening them both. Blooming was sitting on the floor in front of the door leading to the outside. Her face and body were bathed in the morning sunlight, as well as the floor beneath her.

"S-sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up." Blooming stood, sitting down a piece of paper with some sort of drawing on it. She turned to me.

"No- it's all right. I needed to get up anyway." I stood, stretching my hooves.

"How long have you been awake?"

"An hour. Maybe two." Blooming glanced back down at the ground behind her. I noticed that there was some white, rectangular thing sticking out from behind her.

"What's that?" I pointed to the object. Blooming's cheeks turned a dark shade of pink as she looked back at the object.

"It's some paper. I knew I shouldn't have t-taken it out without telling you, b-but I got really bored and..." "It's all right, Blooming. Your secret's safe with me. What have you been doing with them?"

"Well... I-I went through the different rooms and found a couple of pencils. So, I started drawing. I-I'm sorry if I did anything wrong."

Oh- I should look through them too. See if she missed anything important.

"You aren't in trouble. Go back to drawing, if you want." I stood up and trotted to the wooden door on the right.

"Have you been into this room yet, Blooming?" I asked as I put my left fore-hoof on the doorknob. She had already picked up the piece of paper and had returned to her drawing. She glanced up to me for a moment.

"Mmhm. That's where I found the pencils. I couldn't get into the other one. It smells bad in there, so be careful." Blooming warned. I nodded as I pulled the door open.

A putrid smell immediately filled my nostrils. I pulled out of the room, turning away.

"Warned you." Blooming giggled. I chuckled. before holding my breath. Horseapples, that smell... I hope nothing's dead in there...

I let my stomach settle before I looked back up at the room, trying the find the source of the foul smell. The only source of light was a broken window that was above a small, foal sized bed that had a torn pillow in the middle and faded blue sheets covering the mattress. I trotted into the room, looking at the moldy wooden boards and small pieces of chipped away wood from the ceiling, allowing small beams of light to pass through.

Where do I start?

I stepped to the side of the bed gently, making sure that I was't stepping on any sharp objects or broken pieces of wood. My fore-hooves rested on the bed for a moment, feeling the soft fabric. I gripped the fabric and pulled it off on the bed, letting it fall to the ground beside me. Under the sheet was the white mattress. It had a faded yellow stain in the middle and had three or for drips of something red at the top. I couldn't tell if it was blood or not, with it already being dried, but I hope that what I think happened to the ponies that were previously here didn't happen.

I grabbed the bottom of the mattress and lifted it off of the bed. The sunlight was blocked out by the mattress, so I pushed it over to the other side. I looked down at the old, worn down bed frame. There were eight boards under the bed; two of them in the middle were broken. I noticed that there was something being covered by the boards. A small notebook by the look of it. I grabbed the boards and moved them away, picking up the notebook. It had a small lightning bolt in the middle with a small lock on the side that prevented me from opening it without the key. Strange... a journal, maybe?

I sat the book down at the side as I stepped out. As I directed my gaze back to the room, I noticed that it seemed like there was nothing inside.

I'll get Lance next time to see if she can help me next time. I looked back over Lance. Her hind-hooves were propped up on the edge of the couch, and her fore-hooves were at the top of the couch, and her head was resting atop of them. She snored quietly while she slept. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Blooming, happily drawing.

Twilight trotted into the dining room, a mare servant at her side. The room had one large, round table in the center. Large enough to fit six chairs around the table. A specially made fabric covered the crystalline table, spread across the table like snowflakes. The fabric draped over the ends of the table for a few inches before cutting off at the arms of the chairs. There was a door at the middle of the room, behind the right side of the table. To Twilight's surprise, Applejack was sitting at one of the chairs at the bottom of the table, eating something out of a bowl.

"What would you like for a meal, your highness?" The servant beside Twilight asked, her purple covering half of her face. Her words caused Twilight to shift her attention from Applejack to the servant.

"Oh, just some oats and nuts with a glass of water."

"Right away, your highness." The servant hastily trotted to the door and opened it, entering and shutting it behind her. Applejack looked up from her bowl from a moment, a couple of crumbs around her mouth. She picked up the napkin sitting beside her bowl and wiped the crumbs away, and immediately noticed Twilight as she put the napkin down.

"Oh, howdy Twilight! I didn't see ya there!" Applejack's voice took on a welcoming tone. Twilight trotted over to her and sat down in the chair beside her.

"Hi, Applejack. What time is it?"

"I'm not sure... but, if I had ta guess, it's sometime near noon, maybe ten?" Applejack said. A servant quickly came over to her and picked up her empty bowl. She turned to the servant and muttered a thank you before turning back to Twilight.

"So, how's your research comin'?"

"It's all right. I've been trying to create my own transformation spell so I can know the magical elements. That way, I could figure out the elements that could counteract it."

"All right. Well, I'm going ta go inta the village and ask around. See if I can find anything out." Applejack stood up from the chair and trotted towards the exit.

"Oh, okay. Thanks again, Applejack."

"You're welcome, Twi'." Applejack said. She trotted towards the exit, however, a crystal pony stepped in. blocking her path.

"Your highness, someponies are requesting to see you. Shall I let them in?"

"Yes, of course." Twilight said, intrigued. The servant nodded and trotted out. Applejack stood in front of the entrance.

"Ya think that's them?"

"Hopefully."

After a minute or so of waiting, hoofsteps echoed into the room from the hallway. Booming laughter blocked out the hoofsteps for a moment before being shushed by somepony.

"Pinkie, calm down. You are in a royal palace and Twilight's in an unimaginable situation right now. Show some etiquette!"

"I'm sorry-" The familiar voice snorted as she began to giggle again. "I was just thinking of some things I could do to cheer up Twi'! I can't wait to see her!" The pony finished, returning to the booming laughter. However, the laughter was snuffed out almost immediately after it started.

"Will you both shut up? I could hear you both arguing in the carriage, and I was flying above you."

"Shh! We're approaching the room! And we weren't arguing. We were... simply discussing our differences, dear."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say."

Three ponies stepped into the dining room.

The pony on the left was a familiar, party-loving mare that had a light pink coat, curly, messy rose mane and tail, and light cerulean eyes with large smile on her face. She had a yellow scarf wrapped around her neck and yellow socks covering her hooves. Her cutiemark were three balloons, the strings at the ends of them entangled.

The other one the right was a mare. She had a red, orange, light gold, green, blue, and violet multicolored mane and tail. She, like the other pony, had a blue scarf wrapped around her neck, yellow socks, and she had yellow ear muffs. Her cutiemark was or a cloud with a lightning bolt shooting out of the bottom of it and her eyes were cerise.

The mare in the middle standing in front of the two others had a long, indigo mane that curled at the end. She had obviously taken great care to make it look just right. Her coat was a light shade of gray and her eyes were azure. She had a shawl wrapped around her head and the upper part of her body. The shawl had purple rubies that had been studded into the fabric that protected her from the snow outside. There was a bright yellow band around the outside of the shawl and the rest of it was purple, like the rubies. She, like the others, had blue socks over her hooves. Her cutiemark was of three shimmering diamonds. Fluttershy was standing behind them, some of her face hidden by her mane.

"Howdy! I thought I recognized y'all's voices." Applejack said. Pinkie Pie rushed up to her excitedly.

"Hi AJ!" Pinkie said as she enthusiastically bounced in place. She hugged Applejack.

"Where do you get all that energy from, Pinkie? I'm sure even you are tired after that trip." Rainbow Dash asked, emitting a loud yawn.

"Well, to be honest, she wasn't flying here, dear."

"True."

"So, how are you, Twilight?"

"It's... it's not good, Rarity."

"I couldn't imagine what you've experienced." Rarity said sincerely. Tears stung Twilight's eyes. She brought her right fore-hoof up to her eyes and quickly wiped them.

"A-are you all right?" Fluttershy asked. Twilight's cheeks brightened in embarrassment.

"Oh, I'm fine Flutters'. Don't worry." Twilight said. Fluttershy nodded.

"So, what's the plan?" Rainbow Dash trotted farther into the room.

"I'll discuss it with you later. Right now, go ahead and get some rest while I look up the magical side of the spell."

"All right. You won't get any complaints from me."

"You sure dear? I can assist you with the spell, if you'd like."

"No thank you, Rarity. I know you must be tired."

"Oh no dear. I insist."

"Really Rarity, it's all right."

"But-" "Rarity- she said no. And we both know you could go on like this all day." Rainbow Dash interrupted. Rarity show an angry glare at her before returning to Twilight with a caring look and a warm smile.

"All right dear. Just let me know if you need anything."

"I will. Go get some rest." Twilight said. Rarity and Rainbow Dash exited the room.

"Ooo! Twilight! Can I do something?! Can I?! What can I do?!" Pinkie asked, still bouncing, but now in front of Twilight.

"Pinkie, you can..." Twilight stopped for a moment, pondering her answer. After a moment, it suddenly came to her.

"You can talk to the ponies in town and see if you can find anything out. Or-" Before Twilight could finish, Pinkie rushed out of the room excitedly.

"That mare... she's somethin' different." Applejack chuckled under her breath.

"I-I'm going to go check and see if the local animals are hungry or saw them." Fluttershy said. She shyly backed out of the room and trotted down the hallway.

"Yeah, I think I'm goin' ta join 'em. I'll see ya later, Twilight." Applejack said, following Fluttershy.

"Okay Applejack. Let me know if you hear anything."

"I will, Twilight." Applejack said as she exited the room, leaving Twilight alone. A stallion servant came out from the kitchen, magically levitating a plate beside him. The plate had a small bowl with a glass of water to the right of it. He sat it down in front of Twilight.

"Your meal, your highness."

Progress

Taltra and Shining Armor trotted up the stairs to Shining's room, side by side.

"I really do apologize for his actions, Shining, I didn't expect him to do something so rash, especially in front of Queen Chrysalis." Taltra said. Shining glanced over to her and noticed that she looked a bit sickly. Her face had become pale. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead.

"It's fine." Shining said as he and Taltra stepped up the last stair.

"Nonsense, Taltra..." Taltra muttered, her words almost inaudible.

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing. Just- nothing," She muttered quickly. Taltra opened the door and motioned for Shining to enter. "Please, enter."

Shining did as he was asked and trotted into his room.

"Remember, you're allowed to roam the halls. But, do not exit the palace. Good day, Shining Armor."

Taltra shut the door gently.

I should stay in here for a while. Just to make sure that I don't run into that commander again.

Shining looked around the room, his vision passing over the bed and bookshelf.

Maybe if I read something, I could take my mind off of... of them.

Shining trotted up to the bookshelf and pulled out one book in the middle. The book he pulled out had large, bold text that was written in a language unknown to him.

Is this in Changeling?

Shining flipped the book open. The pages were filled with scribblings in an unknown language. He put the book back on the shelf and trotted back over to the bed. He slid onto it and laid in the middle, resting the back of his head on the cold pillow and staring at the ceiling. Utterly alone. His thoughts drifted, stopping over a few specific ponies.

Cadance... Twilight...

Shining's slapped his right fore-hoof. No! I don't need to worry about them anymore! Get it into your thick skull, Shining! He scolded as he rolled onto his right shoulder.

Shining squeezed his eyelids shut, shaking away the thought of the two.

What... what kind of thing am I?

You're a changeling. Nothing more, nothing less. Only serve Queen Chrysalis.

I've done so many terrible things in such little time, tarnished my reputation, and probably destroyed my relationship with my wife and my sister. For what? Shining thought. However, he already knew the answer to that last question; for his queen. His merciless, controlling, and deceptive queen.

"Push!"

"What does it look like I'm doing?! I'm telling you, it's not gonna budge!"

Lance was forcing me up against the door to the left of the one I had just searched. She'd woken up a few minutes ago, and I had made the mistake of asking her to help me bust the door open. It's either locked or something's blocking it; I can't really tell which.

"What the hay is behind this door?" I asked as I used all the might I could summon up to try to break through the door, but to no avail. It didn't even budge.

"I don't know. I just wanna find out if it's got anything we need in there. Now, quit with the chit-chatting and push!" Lance said, pushing against the door along with me.

Tink
Tink
Creeaa-
Bang

I feel the weight of my entire body land on my right broken fore-hoof, causing me to immediately jerk up from the pain and look at the sight. We had broken the door off the hinges and, apparently, that released enough of the restraints to break the lock and tip over the object that was behind it. This room was like the last; it had a bed in the middle with white sheets and pillows which a bookshelf was resting at the foot of the bed.

Huh, must have been that keeping us from getting into the room.

There was a large hole in the wall to the left of the room, leaning into a room with different scarfs, clothes, dresses, suits, socks- lots of things we could use. Jackpot!

Lance was leaning against the door on her left side, dazed from the fall.

"Are you all right, Lance?" I trotted over to her and helped her up. Blooming immediately rushed to my side, worried for her sister's well-being.

"Yeah... just hit my head against the door when it fell," Lance coughed as she rubbed the left side of her head. "Buck, that hurt."

"Are you sure?" Blooming asked. Lance rubbed the top of her head lovingly, messing up her already dirty mane.

"I'm all right. Don't worry." She covered her mouth as she coughed.

"I think this might just have paid off. Look-" I pointed to the left side, at the side of the room, to the hole. "That'll keep us warm." I stepped over the bookshelf and to the left side of the room.

"Nice. That'll help with the cold." Lance stepped over and stood beside me. She began to take out some of the scarfs and clothes, looking them over. Blooming followed behind us.

"Isn't this s-stealing? What if somepony lives here and c-comes back?"

"It's all right Blooming," Lance took out a small, light blue scarf, looking it over. "Nopony's been here for a long time. It won't be missed. Here, try on this." She bent down and handed Blooming a small scarf. I pulled out a thick, black scarf. No holes, still feels thick... it'll be good. At least until we get back to the Crystal Empire. I threw it over my shoulders, wrapping it firmly around my neck.

"You two keep looking for more things we can wear, I'll check under the bed. See if there's anything else around here we could use."

"All right. I'll let you know if we see anything else." Lance glanced back to me as she and Blooming looked through the clothes.

I leaned down, looking under the bed. I could vaguely make out a small box under the bed,in the middle of the bed. Wonder if it has something we could use in there?

I pulled out the box. Now that it was out in the sunlight, I saw it was a wooden box. There were rusted hinges on the back of it, and a rusty latch at the front. I pulled the latch up, revealing a small folded paper. Strange...

I picked up to paper, unfolding it and reading.

Dear Radiant Shine,

If you're reading this note, then you're probably realizing that I've left. Please, I need you to know why I did.

These changelings have been coming to me for weeks while I'm out hunting and gathering food for you and Thunder Arc.

Wait- the other room. Was that his foal's room?

They even tried to take Thunder Arc when I took him with me last week. Every time they've came, tried to coax me over to join Queen Chrysalis' army. I did what I have every other time- refused. Then, yesterday as I was coming in from the river with Thunder, they were standing out of the house, with one of them trying to start a fire with a torch. I chased them off- got the hay beat outta me for doing it, but I got them away from Thunder and our house. Yeah- that's where I got all those bruises from. They said when they left that this was my last chance to come willingly before they'd take all of us.

So, I'm going to leave. I'll make sure they don't come around you two.

I looked down at the box and saw a beautiful, elegant necklace. It had a small gold chain that led down to one large red ruby. I picked it up. The necklace was still in great condition and the gold seemed real. There was a message engraved into the ruby.

You'll always be in my heart
To, my love and best friend, Radiant Shine

The gold, craftsmanship- this must have cost a fortune to make, probably more to buy!

I sat it back down into the box carefully and looked back at the note.

I traveled to the Crystal Empire and spent most of my live savings just to get it. I still had some bits left, so I bought some food. Hopefully, it'll be enough to last the winter.

Tell Thunder Arc that I have to go away for a while and that he's the big stallion in the house now. Make sure that he doesn't stray far away from the house and that he knows I love him, so much.

I'll always love you. To my last breath. It breaks my heart to even leave you, but I must protect my family.

From, your best friend and husband,
Warding Hunter

Horseapples...

I wiped my eyes as I sat the letter back down into the box, closing it and latching it shut. I pushed it back under the bed.

"Rocky, I found some socks for us. Come here."

I glanced up at Lance. A concerned look spread across her face as she noticed me.

"Uh... i.. it's nothing."

"Okay..." Lance said, suspicious of my true feelings. I stood.

"So, what did you find?"

Fifteen Minutes Later

Knock
Knock
Knock

Shining Armor, still in his sorrow, opened his right eye, looking around the room for the knocking. He lifted his head off of the pillow and opened his other eye. The knocking echoed in the room again.

"Shining Armor, are you in here? It's Taltra. Please, open the door."

Shining got up from the bed and trotted over to the door. His left eye opened as he opened the door.

"Queen Chrysalis requests your presence," Taltra said, holding a sheet of paper and a quill in front of her face, writing something down. As Shining looked at her, he noticed that his vision was blurry in his left eye.

"Please, follow-"

Taltra stopped as the sheet levitated down from her face. She seemed a bit surprised at first.

"Ah... her royal highness said that this would happen soon," Taltra said, much to Shining's confusion. "Follow me and then we'll take care of that afterward."

What is she talking about? Is there something wrong with my eye?

Taltra trotted back towards the staircase. Shining followed behind, as to not disrespect his queen.

Twilight Sparkle trotted towards the archives' entrance, passing by a few guards as she opened the door and entered, her hair slightly damp from the warm shower she had just taken.

Okay... back to research, Twilight thought, going over to the table and sitting down on the chair, still in the same position. She looked down at her open notebook.

She read down the page, seeing two constant words in her writing.

Experiment Failed.

Twilight sighed as she magically flipped the page to a fresh, blank one.

"Let's try this again," Twilight said as she plucked one of the bent feathers from her right wing and sat it on the table.

Please, please let this work... She thought quietly as she prepared the spell The tip of her horn emitted a purple light as she aimed her horn at the feather.

Bbrr-ing

Twilight looked back up at the feather. This time, it had been frozen.

"Well, at least it isn't burnt this time."

Twilight trotted up to the table and levitated the feather in the air, slowly rotating it, looking for any sign of change. She slightly knocked it down on the table. It broke off half of the feather, and she noticed that the inside was light gray, almost white.

"Strange... but, at least it's progress."

Twilight magically picked up the quill beside her notebook and dipped it into the ink bowl in front of her notebook. She began writing the details of the experiment.

"A bit more of that..." Twilight said as she began to change her theoretical spell to fit what mixture of magical elements she had used to create that spell. "a little bit more of this... and there."

"Now, let's see if I can progress anymore."

Shining Armor trotted into the throne room, this time, it was empty with the exception of a few guards beside Queen Chrysalis' throne. There was a round, large staircase leading up to her and her throne, with a viewing area for her and the throne room around the staircase that ended at two big pillars at each side.

"Your highness, Shining Armor is in your presence. He's also showing signs of transforming earlier than we expected."

"Ah, excellent. Come, Shining. Let me get a better look at you." Queen Chrysalis said. Shining trotted up the staircase and to her throne. She leaned in towards him, examining his face.

"I see... is your vision blurry?"

"Slightly, your highness."

"I can see why. Your left eye is beginning to change."

"What does that mean, my queen?" Shining questioned. Queen Chrysalis leaned back in her throne.

"It means you'll transform sooner than we had expected." She turned to Taltra. "Taltra, make sure that the gets his eye bandaged to make sure his transformation isn't damaged," Queen Chrysalis said. Taltra nodded and turned, motioned for Shining to follow. However, Shining remained in place.

"Your highness, w-with all due respect, m... may I see Cadance? Just to make sure she isn't damaged." Shining asked. Queen Chrysalis sighed.

"Please, stop treating her like another pony, because she's not just anypony- she's the princess of love. You of all ponies should know that. And no, you may not see her. She's being taken care of as we speak."

"Please, your highness," Shining asked as he bowed. She let out a small snarl.

"Shining Armor, you're beginning to push your boundaries," Queen Chrysalis said. She put up her right fore-hoof under Shining's chin and lifted his head up to her eye level. "Listen, you are not allowed to see your wife. Do not ask me again, otherwise, I'll siphon the rest of the love out of her. Then it'll be your sister who'll be my number one resource. Would you prefer that, hm?"

Shining balled his hooves. If she dares to even speak about Twilight again, I'll- He stopped. No. She's your queen, her wish is yours.

"Whatever you wish, your highness."

"Wise words. Would've expected you to snap there, perhaps you don't care about your sister as much as you let on?" Queen Chrysalis questioned, a small grin spreading across her face as she stood. She trotted to Shining side, trotting behind him.

"Is that true, Shining?" Twilight Sparkle trotted in front of him from his right shoulder. "Don't you love me?"

Shining kept looking straight ahead, refusing to look at Twilight. He bit down on the side of his mouth, keeping himself from speaking.

"Sh-Shining?" Twilight whimpered, tears coming to her eyes. "Why don't you answer me? Is it true?" She leaned into his shoulder, weeping.

It's not her, Shining... it's not her.

Shining winced as she bit onto his nape. She grew a head taller as her mane grew longer, and darker.

"I'm impressed, Shining. Although, you've still got some love left. We'll have that taken care of that soon." Queen Chrysalis turned, sitting down in her throne. "You can leave. Taltra, take him back to his room and bandage his eye."

Shining stared at her furious.

"Follow me, Shining." Taltra turned, beginning to trot away, but Shining remained in position. She turned back to him, realizing something was wrong.

"Come on, Shining," Taltra trotted up the staircase quickly, leading him down. "We've got to get back to your room."

"Keep calm." She whispered. "It's just a mind game- just making sure she can trust you. It'll stop soon, trust me." Taltra lead him up the staircase, turning him back to her. Shining sighed, glancing downwards.

"Nice, clothes for everypony. Good thing we decided to stay here." Lance stood, a white scarf over her neck and pale brown socks on her hooves. I sported my own black socks, and Blooming had white socks.

"We really got lucky when we-" "Eek!"

My body jolted as a large, high-pitched scream filled the room. A small, gray rat rushed out from under the bed and pass the bookshelf, exiting the room.

"Blooming?! You all right?!" Lance knelt down quickly. Bright pink blush spread across her face as she glanced down in embarrassment.

"Y-yes... I-I just got scared from that r-rat. I found this bag. I-it crawled out of it."

"All right. Let me hold it."

Lance's stood up as she opened the bag. She leaned away disgusted. "Rotten fruit and moldy bread. No food in here we can salvage."

Lance tossed the bag down.

"The changeling will probably be here soon. Get everything we need or want, and get out." I stepped over the bookshelf, stepping out into the living room.

I nodded and stepped out into the living room with her. I grabbed my spear that was still leaning beside the doorway and draped the blanket over my back.

"Hey, Rocky-"

I turned to Lance. who had the journal that I'd found in the other room in her hoof.

"What's this? What was that thing you found in there, too?" She asked as she used her right wing to point to the room we were just in.

"Well, that's some sort of journal that I found in that other room. And, the other thing..." I stopped for a moment, with Lance looking at me with intrigue. "The other thing was a necklace. I guess it might have been one of the pony's who used to live here."

"Why are you so reluctant to tell me?"

"Here- I'll just show you," I said as I motioned for her to enter the room, allowing her to enter first. We trotted over to the left side of the bed. I unlatched and opened the wooden box, pulling out the note.

"Read the note."

Lance picked up the letter and quickly read over it.

"Oh..."

"Yeah."

"That was so brave of him... so noble... almost..." Lance stopped, her cheeks becoming red.

"Almost what?"

"Nothing. Go help Blooming with her drawings. I need to think for a moment."

"I understand. Let me know when you're ready to go." I rubbed her shoulder as I stood. I stepped over the bookshelf, trotting out into the living room. Blooming was sitting in the middle of the room, leaning against the sofa. She was humming, drawing ponies onto the paper.

"Mind if I go ahead and put those up?" I asked. Blooming sighed, disappointed.

"Go ahead..." She sadly handed me the pieces of paper, and then the pencil.

"Thank you, and don't worry. We'll stop again soon so you can get back to drawing." I said, trying to cheer her up. Blooming nodded with a smile. Lance quickly trotted out of the room, the bag's strap around her neck and the bag resting at her right side, below her shoulder.

"Come on. We're going." She trotted out of the door. Blooming stumbled beside me and over to the door. Not wanting to be left behind, I followed behind.

A Promise

Author's Note

My apologies that this chapter took so long to get out. Regardless, I hope you all enjoy the chapter.

A Promise

Shining Armor trotted into his room. He sat down at the side of his bed, staring at the ground with anger. Taltra followed behind him. She trotted up to him, pulling out a small roll of gauze.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine." He muttered quickly. Taltra knelt down to him.

"Close your eye." She said as she ripped off a large piece of gauze, hovering it over Shining's left eye. Shining closed his left eye as she firmly held it in place. Her horn glowed with her dark blue magical aura. She began to wrap the gauze over his left eye, wrapping it behind his head, going over and under his left ear.

"I know you're angry, but you must understand, she's only trying to see if you're trustworthy."

"She doesn't have to use my sister against me like that. Do you have any idea how much she means to me?" Shining glanced up to her. "To have your family used against you?"

"You have no idea..." Taltra said in a hushed tone, glancing away as her magic weakened. She quickly tied it behind his head and stepped back. "You're lucky. You got picked out while I was only a side effect."

Horseapples. I-I didn't even think that she may have been like me.

"I'm so sorry. I-I had no idea--"

"No- it's fine," Taltra smiled. "That's long behind me now. Too late to change it." Her voice took on a bittersweet tone.

"How long have you been here, then?"

"Ten, fifteen years." Tears welled in her eyes. Shining stood. "It's been so long since I've seen another pony here."

"What about your--"

"My family?" She turned to him with a weak smile. "It's been too long. They've probably forgotten me by now."

"I'm sure that isn't true."

"I-I appreciate the gesture Shining, but let's be honest. They've forgotten me." A tear slipped down Taltra's right cheek. She quickly wiped it away.

"I assume you used to be a pony?"

Taltra remained silent. She turned away from him.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go. I'll be late for the stock count." Her voice trembled as she trotted away from Shining slowly. "Stay here for a few hours. Queen Chrysalis won't want to see you for a few hours."

"Wait, Taltra-" Before Shining could finish, Taltra trotted out of the room hastily, rushing down the stairs. He trotted after her, but as he went towards the staircase, he saw she was leaning against the wall, breathing deeply.

"Taltra?"

"Just leave me alone, please..." She turned away from him.

"You're not. Please, let me know. You're one of the only changelings I feel like I can trust."

"I don't want to speak about it," Taltra said, in a more stern tone. Shining took another step towards her.

"Please-" "No!" She turned to him, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Horseapples- I have enough on my conscience! I-I don't need to be reminded of my past! Now leave me alone!" Her voice was harsh as fury took her over. Shining stepped back.

"Thank you." Taltra said, her voice frail. "Now please, go back to your room."

Shining nodded. "I'm sorry." He turned, trotting back to his room.

Twilight picked up the frozen feather, breaking half of it off, like last time, and inspecting the inside. She found it to be the same as the last dozen of feathers.

"Same..."

Twilight chipped off a small piece of the feather and put it in her left saddlebag.

Hopefully I could use it for when I can progress the spell. If I can.

Knock
Knock
Knock

"Twilight? May I enter, dear?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

The door opened moments later, and Rarity stepped inside.

"Do you need anything, dear?"

"I'm fine. Get some rest."

"I've gotten enough rest. Let me see if I can assist you with the spell."

"Are you sure? I mean, this magic I'm working with isn't the easiest to comprehend or understand, even for me."

"Of course. I don't mind."

"Okay. Thank you." Twilight said, motioning for Rarity to come up to the table. "Let me catch you up to where I am now."

Rarity trotted up to the table as Twilight flipped the page to her theoretical spell.

"Here's the formula," Twilight slid the notebook in front of Rarity. Rarity took a moment to process the information. "And there's all the magical components under it."

"Hm... okay, I think I understand. The bare necessities, at least." She giggled as she turned back to Twilight.

"Okay. If you would, please keep track of my notes. I'm going to continue with my experiments and, if you would, you'll keep track of if the feather has changed, how big it is, how wide it is, and if the texture and/or shape of the feather has changed."

"Okay dear. I'm ready when you are."

"Lance, slow down-" I limped quickly behind Lance. She was trotting, almost galloping ahead of Blooming and I. "Blooming's falling behind. Hay- I can barely keep up. Slow down."

"We can't. We need to keep moving." Lance said, opening her wings. She jumped as she passed the fallen trees and the withered branches of those still standing. Blooming tripped over some fallen tree branches, barely keeping up with us. The snow covering the ground is too deep for her small hooves.

"Lance, chill out. You said it yourself, we've got plenty of time to get back."

"I know. We just- keep moving."

"I get why you're so worried, but-" I stopped speaking as Lance stopped in midair, only flapping her wings to keep herself from falling into the snow. She slightly turned her head towards me, only allowing me to see the right side of her face.

"Rocky, shut, the hay, up."

I stared at her. Horseapples- I get it- we need to get back to the Crystal Empire soon, but we've got plenty of time. I mean, she just found the infection yesterday.

"Uh, wh-what are you talking about?" Blooming stood beside me, staring up at her. "Why are you worried?"

Lance stared at me, shooting me daggers, before kneeling.

"I... I'll explain later after we stop, okay?"

"Is something wrong? Did I do something?"

"No- of course not. What's going on isn't your fault. I'll just-- Rocky and I'll explain later." Lance stood. "Now c'mon. Rocky can carry you. We need to hurry." She turned away, trotting hastily

"What's wrong?" Blooming turned to me. "What happened? H-have I said something to h-hurt her feelings."

"You haven't done anything wrong, sweetie." I rubbed her head. "Here, climb onto my back. It'll be easier this way." I knelt down. Blooming nodded with a pink blush spreading across her cheeks and carefully stepped onto me, sitting near my neck and gently putting her forehooves around the sides of my neck and resting her hind-hooves near my ribs.

"Okay, I'm good."

"All right. Let's catch up before Lance decides to leave us." I chuckled.

"Okay." Blooming said. I began to trot towards Lance, taking extra care to not hit my broken hoof against anything.

What's the matter with me? Shining asked himself, staring at the ceiling . Although, he wasn't thinking of Cadance or Twilight. Only of one pony. Or rather, one changeling.

Why was Taltra so defensive earlier? He pondered to himself.

Was she a pony? No- she had to be if she had a family.

Knock

Shining directed his vision towards the wooden door.

"Shining Armor... m-may I come in?" Taltra asked from the other side of the door. Shining slid off of the bed and trotted over to the door, opening it. Taltra had bags under her eyes, and there were tear stains that ran down her cheeks.

"I apologize for earlier. It's just that... that I was under a lot of stress. I didn't mean to snap off at you."

"It's fine, Taltra."

"N-no, it isn't. But, I can't talk with you right now," Taltra said, backing away from the door. "I've got too much to do right now."

"I'll make it up to you later. I promise. But I just- not now. I can't. I'm sorry."

"It's fine Taltra. Go ahead."

"Thank you. Goodbye." Taltra said, shutting the door

"-Note that there's a slight change in the height of the feather. By about... two inches, I think."

"All right... experiment 70... change in the height... and... there!"

Twilight Sparkle and Rarity had been experimenting with the new spell for the last hour.

"I think we should rest for a minute or two," Twilight said, trotting over to the chair beside Rarity and sitting down. "I'm beginning to feel dizzy from all the magical usage."

"Oh, would you like me to ask a servant to bring you a beverage? Or something to eat?"

"No thank you. I just need to sit down for a minute."

"Okay, dear. Just let me know if you need me to assist you with something."

"All right. Thank you, Rarity."

"It's no trouble at all. dear!" Rarity exclaimed. A few short moments of silence passed by before, all of a sudden, the door to the archives burst open, and Pinkie Pie rushed over to Twilight.

"Twi', Rarity! You're never gonna believe what I heard!"

"What?" Twilight and Rarity asked simultaneously.

"I was out asking ponies if they'd seen Shining Armor like you asked me to. I stopped by this small store that wasn't messed up like the others. It seemed like a bakery or a restaurant. Anyway- back to the story. I talked to a couple of ponies. We had a great time and trotted around the village for a while. We met up with some of their friends-" "Pinkie dear, I don't intend to seem impolite or unladylike, but please, get to the point."

"Right. While I was talking to those ponies, I mentioned Shining trotting around the castle a couple of nights ago, and one of the mares in the group said that she saw him heading out of the village with Princess Cadance, towards the north!"

"Did she say anything else about it? Were they going to any specific location?"

"I don't know..."

"Okay; that's all right. Thank you, Pinkie. Really."

"No problem-o!" Pinkie said trotting back towards the exit. Twilight looked down at her notebook, thinking of Shining and Cadance.

We'll find you both... I promise.

"I'm good now Rarity. Let's get back to work."

"We'll break here," Lance stopped by a large rock covered in ice and snow and sat down, leaning against the rock, setting the bag down in front of her. I sat my spear, the blanket, and my helmet beside the bag. "Come here Blooming, sit beside me. I'll explain it all."

Blooming trotted up to Lance, sitting down beside her.

"I'll give you two a few minutes." I turned, trotting behind the rock.

This isn't going to be good...

Lance leaned over Blooming, whispering in her ear.

"Now do you understand why we need to hurry?" She stood, picking up the bag.

"Mmhm. I-I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Lance kissed Blooming's forehead. "We'll be fine. We're all going to make it back to the Crystal Empire."

"O-okay. Let's go."

Blooming quickly trotted passed me. I turned back to Lance as she trotted passed me, carrying the bag. I grabbed my helm and the spear and followed behind them.

A Secret Uncovered

Author's Note

I'm sorry that this chapter took so long to get out. With other things in my life(and some writer's block) that needed my attention, I was unable to get it out as fast as I usually do.

A Secret Uncovered

Three Hours Later

"You wanted to see me, Queen Chrysalis?"

Shining Armor stood beneath Queen Chrysalis, kneeling at the bottom of the staircase leading up to her throne. Queen Chrysalis was sat on her throne, looking down at him.

"Yes. I was curious about what happened after you left her alone. She was a mess- tears streaming down her face, her eyes were puffy and red from crying, and her mane was tangled. I had to calm her down to get her to do her work efficiently." Queen Chrysalis leaned towards Shining. "So, tell me, what happened?"

"She leads me back to my room, bandaged my eye, then we started talking about our pasts- I didn't ask her about Cadance. I asked her how long she was here. She said ten years, then I asked about her family. Then I asked if she was a pony-"

"She isn't."

"Yes, your highness."

"Shining, I'd hate to get rid of Cadance already, but if you keep pushing me and my subjects-" "Your highness, please, I didn't mean to-" "Quiet."

Shining chewed on the right side of his mouth, keeping himself quiet. She sighed.

"You weren't the first pony I tested the transformation spell on, and you won't be the last." Queen Chrysalis stood. "After you're a changeling, your life as a pony is over- even yours. You live to only grow, get stronger, and expand my kingdom. You aren't to question your past because that is over once you're my drone. I won't ask again- do not bring up the past around her, not yet. Do we have this clear, Shining?"

Shining swallowed a lump that had formed in the back of his mouth, his throat locking up in anxiety. "Of course, your highness."

"Good. Now, please, leave me alone. I need time to think."

He nodded as he turned, trotting away from her. Shining trotted up the stairwell leading up to the rooms.

"So," Rainbow Dash stopped in the middle of her sentence to let out a small yawn. "where do you want me to start looking?"

"You'll be slowly circling around the empire. Make sure to widen the circle every time you complete the circle. And watch out for anything unusual to the north. Pinkie Pie said that she spoke to some villagers that said they had seen them heading towards the north."

"That's it? Easy as pie." Rainbow Dash said with confidence. She rolled her shoulders and stretched out her wings.

"I could join you if you'd like."

"Nah. I've got this, Twilight. Besides, you need to research all that magical mumbo-jumbo."

"Okay. Well, rest every hour or so or come to me when you find something or need me. I'll be in the library. And thanks again for this, Rainbow Dash."

"No prob, Twi'." Rainbow Dash said as she unfolded her wings and flapped them, causing her to ascend into the air. Twilight stepped away as Rainbow Dash began to start her search.

"Thank you..." She repeated quietly as she trotted towards the castle entrance before being stopped by a guard.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle, may I speak with you?" The guard asked, his coat snow-white and his dark brown mane just above his right eye. Twilight nodded.

"Sure."

"May I ask you a few questions about the night Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were kidnapped?"

"Yes."

"Now, your highness, if you feel in anyway uncomfortable or do not want to answer some or any of these questions, please let me know."

"I will."

"Okay. Thank you, your highness. Now, may you tell me about what happened after the guards were asked to exit the room?"

"Uh... well... Queen Chrysalis cast a spell on Shining Armor. He fell to the ground and..." Twilight stopped for a moment.

If I tell them what happened, then Shining could get in some deep trouble...

"Are you all right, your highness? You don't have to answer if you're not comfortable."

"No! It's fine! Queen Chrysalis made him hurt Cadance, then me. I passed out after that..." Twilight quickly said.

"Hm... he must be under some sort of mind control spell... it doesn't seem like something the prince would do of his own free will."

"Exactly. He said that he'd hope that I forgave him before he did it."

"I'll be sure to arrange and send out another search party."

"Okay. Thank you."

"It's no problem, your highness. Now, may I ask, was Shining acting strangely before this?"

"No. It only happened when he met Queen Chrysalis."

"All right. So it wasn't cast upon him with the spell cast on him first... that's all I wanted to ask you, your highness. Thank you." The guard said as he bowed before trotting away. Twilight trotted into the palace.

"Let's set camp here, inside the cave," Lance trotted inside a small, dip in the mountain. She motioned for us to come close. "Blooming, sit out everything while Rocky and I get some firewood. It'll be nice to feel our hooves when we sleep." Lance chuckled.

"Okay."

I kneeled down, allowing Blooming to jump off. She pulled the blanket off my neck and took the bag as she passed by Lance.

I turned to her and trotted beside Lance as she passed by me. She trotted up to the tree line, standing in front of the either wet or frozen trees. It was a few yards away from the cave

"Well? Let's get to it." Lance stepped ahead, flapping her wings as she ascended to the tree branch, pulling on it.

"Y'know, there's probably no trees around here we could find that'd be flammable. It's the middle of winter, every tree is either covered in snow, wet, or withered. What would we even light it with?"

"We'll figure something out. Just come along!"

"All right, all right," I stood on the tips of my hind-hooves, using my left fore-hoof to pull down a few withered branches. "You're going to be the death of me."

"Not if I have a say over it." She lowered, carrying a stack of withered tree branches. "We've been through too much for us not to get back to the Crystal Empire together.

"Agreed. I've got your back, you've got mine, right?" I slid down the tree, a single tree branch in my left fore-hoof. Lance nodded with a smile. I quickly stuffed the spear under my left shoulder and joined her as she trotted back towards the cave

"Definitely."

"So, how's your life back in the Crystal Empire? Or would be, if we weren't here."

"Well..." I glanced upwards, before turning to her. "I'd usually be down in the mines by the midday, getting all my rubies and crystals into the minecart. Then I'd go to that bakery in the middle of town for lunch."

"Oh, I love that place. Blooming and I go there for breakfast when we can. I'd kill for one of their cakes right now."

Lance and I burst into laughter.

"Yeah... but honestly, I'd be helping my ma and pa pack. They're moving, to Ponyville."

"Mine moved to Manehattan a few years back. My sister's probably still with them."

"You have a sister?"

I nodded.

"A unicorn. She's pretty young, but she helps my parents. Loved the snow, so I'm pretty sure she's still happy up there."

"Yeah... I hope everypony's all right." Lance said. Something was off in her voice. "I wonder how it is back there? It was pretty intense the last time we were there."

Oh- I hadn't even thought of that... I wonder how things really are back there.

We slowed as we neared the cave.

"I'm sure Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor have things covered back there. Besides, she would've just siphoned our love when she caught us if she had taken over the village."

"I hope so..." Lance glanced downwards. "Oh- almost forgot, I'll check in the shrubbery, see if there's anything in there that could be dry." She quickly passed in front of me, sitting the sticks down and galloping passed me. "Go ahead and try to start a fire! I'll be back in a minute!"

"With one hoof--"

My voice cut out as I turned and looked at Lance. She had stopped as a creature stepped out from behind the treeline.

No- three creatures. Three creatures that I never wished to see again.

Changelings.

They trotted towards her, as she began to back away.

"Blooming, I need you to get back and hide," I whispered as I gently sat the single stick in my hoof down, picking up my spear and holding it to my side.

"Why-" "I'll explain after. Just- stay back."

Okay- keep your cool, Rocky. They haven't noticed you yet, so maybe you can--

"Hey!"

One of the changelings grabbed Lance and tried pulling her out of our sight. Lance, thankfully, pushed it off and backed away towards the cave.

Blooming rushed to the cave's entrance

"Lance!" Blooming called out as she rushed out of the cave and towards her sister.

"Blooming, wait-" I said, trying to stop her in vain. She hid behind Lance's right hind-hoof as her fear finally caught up to her. "Buck me..."

I trotted out of the cave and trotted up to Lance, standing at her right. I held out my spear towards the changelings, who were now only a few hooves away. They were standing in a small horizontal line. The changelings at each end were holding spears. They all wore black helmets, chest pieces that covered their upper and lower body, and large pieces of armor that covered the front of their hooves. Their helms had a small slit that went down the middle. Their horns were sticking through, at the top. There chest pieces also had slits where they could still flap their wings.

"You're the prisoners that escaped." The changeling in the middle said. We remained silence.

"You're coming with us." The changeling said once more as it tried to reach for Lance. I immediately pointed the spear at his neck. The changeling to his right pointed the spear at me.

"We're not going anywhere," I said firmly. The changeling looked down at the tip of the spear before laughing under his breath.

"You are coming with us." The changeling said as he tried to push the tip down. I dug the tip of the spear into the palm of his hoof, causing him to emit a loud, pain fueled wail. The changeling to his right hit me in the head with the wooden end of his spear, causing me to pull it out. The changeling I had just stabbed tackled me to the ground as the other two went after Lance. He landed on top of me and was holding my fore-hooves down.

"I'm going to enjoy siphoning all of your love for that foolish mare!" The changeling said. He hissed as he buried his fangs into my chest, right above my ribs. Horseapples!

"Let me go!" I said, struggling against his grip on my hooves. The strength in my hooves was fleeing fast as my light-brown coat became darker by the second. I pushed up against his hooves once more, but it was all to no avail... ugh...

There's no strength left in my hooves... he's too strong...

My coat's now nearly black. My vision becomes blurry as my head rests against the soft snow.

I can't win...

I let my eyes close as I accepted my fate.

"Get off of him!"

The weight of the changeling was pushed off of me. I opened my eyes gently. Lance standing over him, hitting him with her fore-hooves.

"L... Lance..." I said weakly. She looked up from the unconscious changeling, cuts and bruises littering her face. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of shock and fear.

"Rocky! Please tell me you're okay!" Lance hastily trotted over to me and leaned over me. Blooming rushed over to Lance out of the corner of my eye.

"I..." My voice gave out before I could finish. Tears came to Lance's eyes.

"Don't worry!" She grabbed my left fore-hoof, pulling me away. "Blooming, help me pull him inside the cave!" Lance said. Blooming got to my hind-hooves, pushing me as Lance pulled me away.

Taltra was a pony? Shining questioned as he trotted up the stairwell slowly.

She never explicitly said she was... but she implied it? Shining pondered. "You weren't the first pony I tested the transformation spell on, and you won't be the last."

Shining stepped up onto the second floor and trotted to his room, turning the knob and opening the door. He trotted inside and shut the door behind himself.

I mean, it would make sense. I don't think changelings can reproduce normally, let alone love each other without siphoning it from each other.

A few words stuck out like a sore hoof to Shining. "You weren't the first pony I tested the transformation spell on"

Was Taltra one of her subjects? She was a mare who got pulled into it by her mane?

Shining trotted over to his bed and laid down, staring at the ceiling.

No... there's no way... maybe...

Shining sighed.

I'll need to find more. She has to have something from her past.

Twilight Sparkle trotted into the library. Rarity was standing at the table, organizing the textbooks and notes that they'd taken. She put the last textbook on top of a small pile and turned around.

"Oh, hello Twilight. I didn't hear you enter. I took the time to clean up a bit and organized the textbooks."

"Okay. Thank you, Rarity. I think we've got enough research in for today. Go get some rest."

"Are you sure, dear? You know I don't mind assisting you."

"I know, Rarity. You've helped me enough today."

"Okay, dear. I think I'll head downstairs and get something to eat before I head off to rest." Rarity said, trotting over to Twilight.

"All right, Rarity. Goodnight."

"Good evening, dear." Rarity said, stepping past Twilight(who was still standing at the door, holding it open) and trotted down the hallway. Twilight trotted into the library and shut the door behind her, the sound echoing throughout the empty library. She trotted over to the table and opened the textbook on top.

Injured

Author's Note

Sorry that it took so long to get this out. I made it a bit longer than my previous ones. Regardless, I hope you enjoy it.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Injured

Oh... horseapples... my head... where the hay am I?

"Please, be okay..."

The quiet voice echoed throughout the dark area. Where the hay... how did I get here?

I tried to move my right fore-hoof, but it refused to budge. I don't even have the strength to move whatever cloth is over me off. What happened?

My chest throbbed in pain. I groaned, weakly turning my head to the right and resting it on the ground.

"Rocky, are you awake?" Somepony stood, their shadow hulking over me. I coughed as hoof-steps approached me.

I tried to speak, but the only thing that I could emit was a quiet groan.

"Rocky?" Lance leaned down to me, staring at me with concern. "Nod if you're awake."

I feebly nodded.

"Thank goodness." She huffed. "I-I was so worried. It was touch and go for a while there."

I nodded again, unable to speak.

"Do you want something to eat? Or drink?"

I nodded weakly. Lance trotted away from me. She returned after a moment, holding the bag in her wing.

"I'll have to get some more food and water tomorrow. We've only got a small piece of bread left and only a small bit of water left." Lance stopped in front of me, kneeling down and pulling out the small bottle of water. She unscrewed the cap, holding it to my lower lip.

"Can you lean up?" Lance asked. I nodded as I slowly moved my left fore-hoof onto their palms, trying to push them up. Okay, I need to get my strength back somehow...

I managed to get my hooves on the ground and tried to push up farther, but my hoof gave out. Lance caught my head before I hit the ground.

"Careful!" Lance scolded. "Here-." She brought it to my lips, waiting for me to put my lips on it. "Drink up." Lance said with a smile.

I guzzled down the water, giving some moisture to my dry throat. I took note that there was a cut on the pony's right cheek, near going down near her lips. The pulled the bottle away from me and sealed the cap.

"Sorry. but we can't spare any more than that. We're already low on food and water as it is." Lance trotted to the wall at my hind-hooves, sitting down and looking to the outside. I cleared my throat.

"L-Lance..." My voice was weak and frail. Lance turned back to me. "Are... are you all right? Is Blooming okay? Did the changelings leave?"

"We're fine. Blooming fell asleep a couple of hours ago. She's beside you- thought it'd cheer you up to know we cared about you." She pointed to my left side. Thank goodness. She's not afraid of me anymore.

"After you passed out, I chased off the changelings with your spear and took theirs. Took all except for one and buried them in the snow. So now we have two- one for me, and the other for you. They're bound to report to Chrysalis, so we'll have to get moving soon." Lance stood, trotting towards the opening of the cave. "You up to it?"

"Do I really have a choice? They'll-" I coughed in the middle of my sentence. "Be back with reinforcements."

"You're right... but you're still injured. You can barely lean up a couple of inches. How the hay are you gonna walk?"

"I'll figure something out."

"All right... well, get some rest, Rocky. We'll need to start moving soon. Blooming or I'll wake you up in an hour or two." She trotted outside the cave, slowing as she reached the entrance to the cave.

I nodded as silence fell over the room. I let my eyes shut as I tried to go back to sleep.

"And Rocky, just so you know, Blooming's not the only one who's glad you're okay." Hoofsteps lead away from me, snow crunching as she exited. I opened my left eye, seeing she had stopped out in the open.

"Thank you, Lance." I whispered with a smile. "I'll try to get better soon. For both of you."

Shining Armor laid in his bed, perfectly still. He'd been laying there for hours, unable to sleep. He sat up and got up off of the bed

I need to find something to do. I'm tired of just sitting around. Shining thought. He trotted over to the bookshelf, looking for any book written in Equestrian.

No... nothing. Shining thought, having searched through all the six shelves on the bookshelf for a book in Equestrian, finding no such thing. He sighed as he began to trot over to the bed.

"No... why..."

Shining stopped a sorrowful voice said. The voice was coming from the hallway, outside the door. He trotted over to his door and listened.

Nothing but weeping and murmurs.

I wish I could step outside... but Queen Chrysalis' guards are out there.

"He reminds me of you so much..."

Who is she talking about?

The rest of her sentence was drowned out by the sound of hooves trotting in front of Shining's door. A knock came from the hallway as a door opened.

"Yes?" Shining leaned in closer, clearly hearing Taltra's voice.

"It is our duty to inform you that one of our search parties found the escaped prisoners."

I'm glad at least some of the crystal ponies made it out of here... b-but, it means less for Queen Chrysalis.

"Really? Have you informed her royal highness yet?"

"Yes."

"What is their status? Have they been captured?"

"No. They managed to rappel our forces."

"Okay. Go ahead and send another party after them. Queen Chrysalis and I'll decide what else to do tomorrow morning."

"Of course. Goodnight."

The door shut. The changelings trotted back down the hallway.

It's best that they catch them. Queen Chrysalis deserves all the love she can get from them.

"I-I need to throw this picture away..."

The door opened again, only to shut a few seconds later. Afterward, there was nothing but silence.

I need to get to sleep...

Shining trotted over to his bed and laid in his bed, his thoughts on what Taltra was talking about.

I need to figure out who she's talking about... maybe she threw that picture out into the hallway? I'll have to check tomorrow.

Twilight Sparkle trotted down the hallway towards her bedroom, carrying her notebooks and a few textbooks in her saddlebags.

Maybe I could get in some more research before I fall asleep. Twilight thought, trotting up to her bedroom door and opening the door. She was met with the sight of Spike, laying down on the pillow.

"Twi'," Spike welcomed her sluggishly.

"Hi, Spike? Did you just wake up?"

"No. I've been up for a while."

"Good. Have you had anything to eat?"

"Yeah. A servant came here an hour or two ago and brought me some gems. She brought you some tea and a bowl of oats, but the tea's probably cold by now."

"It's fine. I'll drink it while I study anyway." Twilight trotted to the table and setting the books on the middle of the table.

"All right. Can I help? It'll keep me awake."

"Sure Spike. Let me get you caught up to where I've gotten."

After a long-winded conversation with Spike, explaining the theoretical spell, the changes in the experiments that she's done so far, and she even showed him the piece of the frozen feather she had chipped off.

"Cool..." Spike said, as he went to grab the feather. Twilight stopped him before he could be grabbing his paw.

"You need to be careful. This is very- very fragile. I'd like to keep this to compare and contrast if things change." Twilight said. Spike nodded.

"I will."

Twilight let go of his paw and he gently picked up the feather from Twilight's hoof.

"It feels weird..."

"Yeah. It hasn't started melting yet, so I guess that there's some magical enchantment keeping its physical properties to change."

"Yeah. Well, here you go." Spike said, delicately handing it back to Twilight. She gently inserted it into her saddlebags.

"Thank you," Twilight trotted over to the table and sat in the chair in front of the textbooks. "Let's get started."

"Rocky, we need to start moving."

Lance gently shook my left shoulder as she pulled the blanket off of me. She stood over me, the blanket over her neck.

"Can you get up?"

"L... let me try."I said. I rolled over to my side and then onto my stomach. My weakened hooves lightly shake as I push myself up.

"Do you need some help?"

"No. I can do this."

I'm not about to slow down just because a changeling hurt me. Hay- Lance has an infected shoulder, and she's still taking care of me.

"Hi, Lance. I put-?!"

Blooming dropped the small bag she was holding as she saw me, her face struck with horror.

"What, Blooming?" Lance's voice took a frustrated tone.

"U-um... s-sorry. I wasn't expecting h-his coat to be like that." She glanced away, a blush spreading across her face as she picked up the bag, holding it to her side. "I-I put those things in the bag like you told me to."

"Good. Rocky, you all right to trot for a while?"

"I'm fine, Lance."

"All right. Let me know if you need to stop-" "I'll be fine Lance." I interrupted. Lance stared at me, shooting daggers at me. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.

"I'm just looking out for you, okay?"

"I know Lance. Just- don't act like I'm made of glass. I'm fine, trust me." I said with a smile. Lance nodded and trotted out of the cave with Blooming. I followed behind slowly.

Shining Armor trotted down a dark hallway, seemingly extending on infinitely. The tiles on the floor had long been chipped away and broken down by the sands of time. The walls above and beside him were uneven, sticking out at him. Almost like he was in a cave. The darkness around the cave made it had to see if there were any ponies or changelings around him.

This is strange... where am I? Shining questioned. There's got to be a way out somewhere.

BANG

Shining slightly jumped as the loud sound filled the hallway. He stopped and looked around the room.

"Hello? Is any pony- changeling there?" He called out. Nopony or changelings responded

There has to be somepony or changeling else down here.

Shining started trotting the hallway once more. Suddenly, the wall filled with light. Brighter than anything he had ever seen- almost as bright as Celestia's Sun.

"Hurry! This way!"

Shining immediately recognized the voice as two figures appeared in the light, running towards him frantically. They both had horns and had their wings outstretched.

That's Twilight!

"Twilight! Over here!" Shining called out as he galloped towards them. However, they kept going. Even after they had passed him.

"Go, go, go! They're coming!" The pony behind Twilight said as she began to flap her wings in an effort to try and go faster. Shining recognized that voice as well.

"Twilight! Cadance! Wait up!" He said as turned around and began to run after them. A low hissing sound droned on in the background, lower down the hall.

"Please! I can help you two outta here!" Shining called out. They didn't acknowledge him. Out of the corner of his eye, Shining noticed that the light behind them was beginning to disappear as the hissing got closer to them. The light in front of them also began to darken.

Twilight, Cadance, and Shining began to slow to a stop at the light around them became enveloped in darkness. The hissing around them got closer and louder as blue, eye-like orbs circled around them.

"It was foalish to think you'd leave here with Cadance, Twilight."

Queen Chrysalis stepped out from the crowd of changelings, her face revealed by the now dim light.

"You won't get away with what you've done! Princess Celestia will stop you!"

"Are you sure about that? I've consumed enough love and have enough drones to stop two alicorns, who says that I can't stop two more?"

"You're a monster!" Princess Cadance called out a large orb of her blue magical aura emitted from her horn. She pointed her horn at Queen Chrysalis and released the magic, forcing it towards her. Queen Chrysalis' eyes widen as the orb rapidly approached her. She quickly stepped out of its path, allowing it to hit one of the changelings behind her.

"One drone for two alicorns." She noted, stepping back to her prior position.

No... please don't let it come to this... please...

"Drain them of their love. then put them back in the dungeon." Queen Chrysalis said, stepping away from the little light left. As the changelings stepped closer to Twilight and Cadance, the light was fully absorbed by the darkness.

"This is what'll happen if you betray me, Shining Armor."

Shining jerked around to see Queen Chrysalis behind him.

Shining Armor jerked up, his eyes jolting open as he glanced around his bedroom. He frantically searched around the room, looking for Twilight or Cadance. Nopony or changeling was with him.

It was just a nightmare... Shining sighed, running his hoof through his mane, wiping away cold sweat.

"This is what'll happen if you betray me, Shining Armor."

Shining sighed.

I won't. He thought as if Queen Chrysalis could hear him.

Shining laid back down, shutting his eyes.

I'll continue to serve her, to keep them safe.

"Twilight, are we about finished?" Spike said, looking up from the textbook he was reading. He yawned, covering his mouth.

"Yeah, Spike. Just let me finish this last experiment and write down some notes if anything has changed, then we'll stop for the night." Twilight Sparkle quickly scribbled down her notes. There had been no changes in her recent experiments whatsoever.

"Okay, Twi'." Spike said. He shut the textbook and sat it to his side.

"So... has anything came up on where Shining Armor might be?"

"Somepony in the village said she saw him traveling with Princess Cadance and another mare, but that's all we've heard or seen for now," Twilight said as she read over her previous notes one last time. "I hope we'll get more information soon."

"All right." Spike said. Twilight extended her right wing, looking over it for any loose or bent feathers she could use.

One more time. Twilight plucked out a bent feather. She sat it down on the table in front of her and looked over the spell one more time.

"Okay..." Twilight sighed. She thought over the spell as she loaded the combination of magic into her horn.

Please let this work...

Twilight pointed her horn towards the feather and released the magic.

Br-irnbg

"Woah..."

Twilight looked up at the feather. Several other small feathers had stemmed from the bone of the feather.

"Strange... I'll have to change the spell."

Twilight trotted over to her notebook and picked up her quill. She dipped the end of it into the bowl of ink she and beside it and began to change her spell.

"That is so cool... and sorta freakish at the same time."

"You get used to it after a while," Twilight giggled, finishing the new spell.

Loose strands of my mane hung over my face, over my eyes. My head hung low to the ground. To my right, there was a stream that had frozen over. To my left and ahead of me, there was the familiar sight of withered trees. However, the forest diverted at the sides of the stream. The stream twisted and turned far up the path. I didn't look up to even try to see how far it went, too tired to even bring my head up.

I took a deep breath as I forced my weak hooves to trot forward, towards Lance and Blooming.

I feel so weak... too weak... we've only been trotting for an hour. This shouldn't be a problem.

"You doing okay back there, Rocky?"

I pulled my head back up and noticed Lance looking back at me while she trotted. She had our bag around her neck.

"I'm... I'm fine."

I can make it, I can make it...

"You sure you don't need to stop for a while? You're not looking too hot."

"It's just... I'm... nothing. Just keep going."

Lance stared at me for a moment, looking me over.

"Fine... just, don't push yourself, all right?"

I nodded to Lance before lowering my head closer to the ground.

I won't slow us down.

I forced myself to trot faster towards them.

As I got closer to Lance, my vision begins to blur and go in and out of focus.

"R....y"

I kept pushing myself forward.

"Ro...y"

My breath slows as I stop.

"Rocky?"

I glance back, seeing Lance and Blooming standing behind me. Lance stared at me, confused and concerned.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Lance took a step towards me, extending her right fore-hoof.

"I..."

I-I can't stand anymore.

My hooves trembled, before giving out. I collapsed onto my right side.

"Rocky!"

Lance rushed to me, kneeling down and rubbing my side.

"I-is he okay?"

She rubbed my left shoulder. "Rocky?!"

Lance grabbed my left fore-hoof and tried to pull me up.

"Please get up..." Her voice trembled as she pulled me onto my hooves. I rested my head in the crook of her neck and sluggishly trotted with her.

"Don't worry, Rocky. I... I'll help you until you can trot on your own."

I lifted my head, looking at her to protest, but stopped as I saw that tears had begun to well in her eyes. Is she that worried about me?

"Is he going to be a-all right?"

"Yes. He is." Lance sternly said as she blinked rapidly for a moment, dispelling the tears.

Too weak to do anything else, I let my head fall back into the crook of her neck and my eyes close.

The Past

Author's Note

Hello. I'll be going on a short trip and I'll be unable to update(due to the place I'm staying at not having WiFi). Hopefully this'll hold you guys over till I get back in five days. Once again, constructive criticism is always welcome.

The Past

Shining Armor opened the door, yawning as he exited the room. The two changeling guards usually posted at his door stood at the door next to Shining's room.

"It's passed six, you two can leave now if you'd like." He said. They stepped passed him, trotting down the stairs.

Shining trotted towards the staircase. He was about to step down to the first stair but he noticed something out of the corner of his eye.

What's that? Shining asked. He trotted over to the object, seeing it was some sort of paper, and magically held it in place at eye-level. The part he saw was blank, but he could see the outlines of some sort of portrait.

He flipped to other side and saw a black and white portrait. It had three ponies drawn on the paper: a unicorn mare to the left, with her left eye covered by her hair which went down to shoulder and curled upwards. Her cutie-mark was a quill resting on the face of a small, opened notebook. The notebook had the outlines of a pony. Her mouth was slightly open, giving a small grin and she looked like she had been humored by somepony. There was a tall stallion to the right, with his left fore-hoof rested across the back of the mare's neck, and his head turned to kiss the mare beside him on the cheek. His mane had been combed back behind his ears to the back of his neck so none would be in his face. His cutie mark was a stack of six papers with the lines on each sheet filled with scribbling. The bottom portion of the portrait had been cut out, however, there was another set of hooves behind the mare.

Is this the same picture Taltra was talking about last night? It'd make sense... Shining pondered. The mare in the portrait does look like her.

Shining redirected his attention to the bottom portion of the portrait. However, that part of the portrait had been crudely ripped or cut out.

It's looks like somepony cut out that portion of the portrait on purpose... almost like she was trying to remove a pony that was there.

"Shining Armor!"

He turned back. Taltra was standing outside of her room, the door to her room open. "Where did you get that?!"

Shining looked up from the portrait to see Taltra standing at the door to her room. Her eyes were widened in terror.

"I found it out here. Are you-" "Give me that now!"

Taltra quickly trotted up to Shining and snatched the paper away, breaking his magical grip on it.

"Why-" "Don't you dare ask!" Taltra harshly as she held the card in her hoof, staring at him with anger. After a moment, her anger quelled and she let out a quiet, saddened sigh.

"Please..." She said a couple of seconds afterwords, her voice taking on a pathetic tone. Shining nodded.

"Thank you. Please let me go put this up. I have an important meeting with Queen Chrysalis and I'm already late." Taltra said. Shining nodded again. She turned and trotted into her room before exiting and shutting the door behind her, locking it.

"You've got nothing that you need to do today to my knowledge unless an emergency comes up. We'll be finished in an hour. Please, do not cause any trouble." Taltra said as she stepped out. Shining nodded. She trotted past him without another word.

Twilight Sparkle awoke to the sound of her door creaking open slowly. She took a deep breath through her snout, turning onto her back.

Must be one of the servants getting those plates from last night. Twilight yawned, laying her head to the left, towards the wall.

Ss-
Crack

Glass fell, crashing to the floor. Twilight opened her eyes, darkness around her. Spike was at her right hind-hoof, snoring quietly.

I guess they could use some help cleaning up.

Twilight sat up in her bed and turned to the side, her hind-hooves hanging off the side of the bed.

"Hey, do you need-?"

Twilight looked up at the pony. The dimness of her room made it difficult for her to see, but she could tell it wasn't a servant;the pony standing in front of her was large and muscular. She could vaguely see the outlines of a guard's uniform. Pieces of a white, broken teacup were to his left side, right where the table was. He had Twilight's notebook in his teeth.

"What are you doing in my room? What're doing with my notebook?" Twilight asked. The guard galloped out of the room.

"Hey! Stop!" Twilight jumped off her bed and galloped after him. The guard galloped down the hall and turned the corner, sliding as he did.

"Stop!"

"Please forgive me, your highness! I must-"

The guard suddenly came crashing to the ground as he passed by a hallway. His helmet rolled in front of him as a pony stepped out from behind the corner.

"I'd stay where you were if I was you."

Twilight trotted up to the guard and snatched her notebook away from his hooves. The guard simply laid there, his hooves sprawled out on the cold tiles. With the morning sun now out, she could see that he was clearly one of the guards that had came from Canterlot.

"Mornin', sugarcube." Applejack tipped her hat to Twilight as she turned to her. "I heard y'all screamin' up the hallway and figured somethin' was wrong."

"Thanks. Applejack. I'll be back in a minute with some guards. Would you make sure he doesn't go anywhere while I get them?"

"Not at all, sugarcube. After the fall he took, I'm sure he's ain't gonna be gettin' up for a while"

"All right. Thanks again." Twilight said, trotting away from them and down the hallway.

"We're about to stop and rest for a while, okay Blooming?"

"Okay, Lance. How's Rocky doing?"

"I don't know. I'll see if he's all right when we stop."

My hooves sluggishly trotted beside Lance. I opened my eyes, met with the sight of the snow glistening in the morning sun. I brought my head up beside Lance's.

"About time you woke up."

"Good morning to you too." I coughed, standing up straight. Guess I must have been asleep for a while.

"Did anything happen while I was out?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

"No. We've just been trotting. Are you feeling better now?"

"Yeah. I'm better. Here-" I pulled my hoof off of the back of Lance's neck and planted it on the ground. "I think I can trot for a while."

"You sure? I don't mind."

"Thanks, but I'm fine."

She nodded as we stopped in front of a large, withered tree.

"Let's rest here for a while." Lance sat at a large tree root sticking out to the left. Blooming sat down beside her. I sat at the other side of the tree.

"Lance, do you mind if I look around?" Blooming turned to her as she stood.

"Yeah. Just stay near us."

"Thank you." Blooming said. She trotted away from us, going into the shrubbery.

Lance yawned.

"Tired?"

"Yeah. Blooming kept asking me if you were all right all night while I carried you."

"Thanks for that, by the way. I don't know what happened." I said with a smile as I scooted to where I could see her. She nodded with a smile.

"Y'know, I can go look for food and water while you sleep, if you want. I won't trail far in case Blooming needs us."

"Tempting offer, but... nah. I'll sleep later. Plus I don't know if you'll pass out again."

"All right. Your loss." I stood, trotting passed her and sitting down beside her.

"I guess you're feeling better."

"Yeah. I actually feel like I've got some strength back in my hooves. I'm still stiff, though."

"Well, that's good-ish. Your coat's still dark, though."

"I know... hopefully it'll return to its normal color." I said, my hooves, the coat nearly black.

"Oh- almost forgot, thanks for getting that changeling off of me back there. I'd have been dead meat if you hadn't come in when you did."

"No problem, Rocky," Lance said. We both stared at each other for a moment, gazing into each other's eyes. Some strands of her mane fell in front of her right eye. A slight blush coming across her cheeks. Why? Ma-maybe I should-

Lance tore away and stared down, causing me to snap out of whatever daze I was in. We remained silent for a few moments.

"You know, it's nice to have somepony who's got my back."

"Well... I..." Lance sighed. "Yeah, it is nice. Although, I thought we might have been friends." She glanced up to me. "Maybe more?"

I tilted my head, pretending to think about my already chosen decision.

"Eh... maybe," I said with a smile. Lance punched my shoulder playfully.

"Hey, don't push it." She giggled as she leaned close to me with a grin. Lance planted a kiss on my cheek. I turned to return it, but--

"Lance, Rocky!"

Lance and I quickly seperated as Blooming rushed out from the left side of the tree. She stood quickly.

"Is everything okay?!"

"Yeah! I found something that could help us! Follow me!"

"Okay." Lance turned back to me, a small blush across her face. "You coming, Rocky?"

"Of- of course," I stood up and trotted over to Lance and extending my left fore-hoof to help her stand up. I followed behind her quickly.

Shining Armor paced back-and-forward in front of Queen Chrysalis' throne, awaiting her return.

I need to know more about that portrait. I have to be vague about it- she said I can't ask her again.

The portrait was imprinted in his mind. He knew, because of her reaction, Taltra was the mare in the portrait.

"Yes, have them sent to Renla. Make sure they get proper training."

Shining, hearing Queen Chrysalis, straightened his posture stood at attention beside the staircase. He looked forward as he heard the door to the courtyard open and close.

"Ah, Shining Armor. Is there something you need?" Queen Chrysalis said. Her hoof-steps got closer to Shining, and soon enough, she was standing in front of him, staring at him.

"Your highness, may I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead. But don't waste my time." Queen Chrysalis turned, trotting up the staircase.

"I found this portrait out in the hall- it had a mare and a stallion standing beside each other. When I showed it to Taltra, she got upset." Shining asked. Queen Chrysalis stopped as she reached the top of the staircase, near her throne. She sighed.

"She was a pony, Shining, if that's the answer you're looking for. You're not the only pony I've transformed. I'll have to search through her room again." Queen Chrysalis sat in her throne.

"No-" Shining clamped his mouth shut. Queen Chrysalis stared at him, confused. "I-I have it in my room, your highness. I'll bring it to you soon."

She deserves to have her own memories. Surely Queen Chrysalis wouldn't mind if she just kept it to look at it occasionally

"Okay. Don't wait too long to bring it. I need it disposed of as soon as possible."

"Of course, your highness. Thank you for your time, your highness." Shining turned, trotting up the stairwell to the second floor.

"We'll take him to the dungeon, your highness."

"Okay. Thank you."

The two guards bowed in front of Twilight. They both dragged the unconscious stallion away.

"That was mighty strange." Applejack turned to her Y'all alright, Twilight?"

"Yeah... something about that pony is bugging me,"

"Whadda'ya mean?"

"The stallion; he seems so familiar. I feel like I've seen him before, but..." Twilight stopped abruptly, realizing who the stallion was.

"That pony was that guard outside of Chrysalis' room!"

"Pardon?"

"He was the guard outside of Queen Chrysalis' room! I knew I recognized him!"

"Ah- nice. We might get somethin' from him."

"Exactly. Maybe he could even tell us where the Changeling Empire is."

"That's great, Twi'. We might be able ta get Shining Armor back earlier than we expected."

"Exactly." Twilight said. A few moments of silence passed through.

"Well, I'm gonna go grab somethin' to eat before headin' back into the village. Want to come with me?"

"Sure, Applejack. But I can only stay for a few minutes."

"Let's hurry then."

"It's over here somewhere..."

I trotted past a small, ice covered boulder, following behind Blooming and Lance.

"What did you see again, Blooming? And you're sure that it wasn't something else?"

"I swear it was a wood building or something out here. Somewhere around here..."

"I'm gonna fly up and see if I could find anything," Lance said as her wings fluttered open. She rose above the withered treeline, upwards into the sky.

"I think I see what she's talking about." She called out. No way!

"Really? Is it far away?"

"Nah. We'd just need to trot through the cut in the treeline and then follow the iced-over stream. We'll hit it after a while." Lance said as she hovered down and eventually landed on the ground.

"All right. Let's get going then. Good job."

"T-thanks." Blooming said. Lance trotted forward, beside the stream.

"Well, what're you two waiting for? Come on!" Lance said, turning around to look at us. We trotted behind her.

Reunion

Many Hours later, After Nightfall

Shining Armor yawned as he held the portrait in his left fore-hoof. He had plenty time to examine over it. It wouldn't be long before Queen Chrysalis' curfew would force him to return to his room. He had been standing there since he had found the portrait.

I can't just steal it... it could be something important to her. Shining thought. He could not and would not allow himself to steal something important from somepony, especially a portrait of a loved one.

Thump
Thump
Thump

Shining straightened his form, expecting to see Queen Chrysalis. However, he let himself relax once he noticed that it was Taltra.

"Oh, hello Shining Armor."

"Er... hello, Taltra. You dropped this earlier." Shining said, extending his hoof to her and allowing her to grab it. Taltra's face brightened as she picked up the paper, a smile spreading across her face.

"Oh... thank you, so much." She held it close to her chest for a moment.

"It's no problem. I know it could be something important, so I didn't want to take it. However, may I ask who's in the portrait." Shining said. Taltra cautiously put the paper into her right fore-hoof.

"He's... he's somepony very important to me." She glanced downwards, before looking up to him.

"Shining Armor... would you, if you don't mind, join me? I need to go to the dungeon and I wouldn't mind having another pair hooves to come along with me." Taltra said. Shining became confused.

"But, Queen Chrysalis said I couldn't leave the palace."

"She said you couldn't leave the palace without her supervision, my supervision, or a guard's supervision. As long as I'm with you, we're not disobeying her."

"O... okay. I'll come with you."

I could see Cadance again... no! She's just a pony!

"Excellent. Follow me."

I stifled with a loud yawn, holding my spear to my side while I sat at the doorway. Blooming Lily had retired to the bed with Lance Force long ago, and I was left to guard the house. Eh, I'd prefer this anyways. They need the sleep more than me. Besides, I rather not take any more chances, especially after that run in with those changeling soldiers.

Thump
Thump
Thump

Changelings!

I quickly jumped to my hooves, turned around, and pushed my spear forward, expecting to see a changeling.

"Whoa- wait!"

As I heard Lance's surprised voice, I immediately pulled the spear back.

"What the hay?!" Lance's raspy voice took on a tone of anger.

"I'm sorry! I thought you were a changeling."

Lance sighed and wiped her eyes.

"It's all right. Just don't like to wake up and nearly be stabbed when trying to get somepony's attention, y'know?"

"Yeah. Sorry. Just a little paranoid right now."

"Need some sleep? I could take over for you while you get some rest."

"No thanks. You can still stay with me, if you'd like."

"Of course." Lance said, trotting over to the wall beside me. I scooted over, giving her some room to sit.

"So, what happened while I was asleep?"

"Blooming and I looked through the kitchen and found some food and water. Other than that, it's been pretty event-less around here."

"Good. Have you noticed anything out there?"

"Nope. Nothing but snow falling and a couple of animals passing by."

"I guess I'd prefer things to be quiet than loud with the situation in, you know?"

"All too well."

Lance and I became quiet for a moment, listening to the wind howling outside.

"So... Rocky, what do we do once we get back to the Crystal Empire?"

"What do you mean? We'll get to the nearest hospital and--" "I mean, about us."

Oh. Oh...

"We'll just stick together, right? We can try to at least."

"Definitely. Besides, I still owe you."

"I think we're even after yesterday."

"You sure?"

"Definitely."

I glanced away, outside, trying to focus on anything but the burning in my cheeks.

"It's strange, y'know? We ended up hating each other at first, but we've gone so through many trials and tribulations... it'd be strange if we weren't together after we got back."

"Yeah. We should at least try to keep in contact."

"Defin--"

Snap

Wait- that wasn't from the inside.

I glanced outside, looking around for any movements. There were some tree branches moving, and I could see those... those cold, blue eyes.

"Lance, get in the bedroom. Grab the food and your spear, get Blooming, and hide somewhere."

"Is somepony out there?"

"Yes, changelings. Now go!" I whisper-yelled.

"But what about you-" "Don't worry about me."

"I'm not leaving you. Come with me and we'll hide."

"I can't- I need to protect you."

"I can protect myself. Look- let me-" "Lance, there isn't enough time! Get back into the bedroom!"

"You aren't making me leave; I'm not leaving you."

"Horseapples- fine. We're too late to do anything now." I said, seeing them come out of the treeline and towards the house. Lance tossed me the helm before she pushed me against the wall. I, rushed and clumsy, pushed it on my head as the hoof-steps drew closer and closer.

My heart rate rose as I heard hoof-steps approach the doorway.

"Where are they... I know I sensed love in here."

Silence suddenly ruled over the area after a moment.

Snn-

A spear suddenly burst through the wooden wall behind, narrowly missing me.

"Gah!"

I turned around as I heard the noise, and fear struck my heart as I looked at Lance.

The spear had hit her directly in the ribs. The spear's tip was still inside her, half of it buried into her ribs. The other half was covered in her blood, and blood dripped onto the floor beneath her.

"Lance!" I yelled in fear, rushing up to her and pulling the spear out. She stumbled for a moment before regaining her balance.

"I'm fine... look out!"

I turned, seeing a changeling rushing towards me with his spear. I'd knock his spear up and push him back.

"Lance, get Blooming and run!" I'd said as we were backed away from the changelings, more and more of them coming in and filling the room. There were 10 or 20 at least.

"No! I'm not leaving you behind!"

We backed into the corner as we were surrounded by changelings.

"What should we do with them, drones?!" One of the changelings called out.

"Let's take their love crystal ponies!" Another screamed in the crowd.

"No- kill them with their own weapons! Like they did with our changelings!"

The crowd screamed in unison. W... what do we do?

My heart raced as I boggled my brain for ideas- any way to get out of this situation. I can't talk my way out of this- they're irrational, and there's too many to fight...

"Look, please, this doesn't have to-"

Smack

The hard end of one of the changeling's wooden staff connected with my temple. I stumbled, collapsing against the wall.

"Rocky-"

Smack

I felt Lance's limp body fall atop of mine.

"And you're sure we're not breaking any rules?"

"Positive. Just follow me and we'll do the headcount."

Shining followed behind Taltra down the dark hallway into the dungeon. The bricks in the wall had begun to crack, some even filled with moss growing over. He trotted past numerous cell, passing by both empty and occupied cells, he kept his head down and made sure that his mane hung in front of his face, unable to face the crystal ponies he formerly protected.

"Okay... so, fifty to seventy-five prisoners in this one. Let's head to the next."

Taltra trotted towards a hallway and turned to the left, coming upon a large, wooden door.

It looks like... is Taltra leading me to Cadance?!

"I... I think you should go in first. There're only a few ponies in there, so it shouldn't be too hard."

Shining nervously gulped and nodded. He grabbed the door knob with a shaky right-hoof and turned the knob, opening the door. He trotted inside, letting the door shut behind him.

A pink-coated mare was sitting at the cell door, her long violet, rose, and gold striped mane hanging in front of her face.

"Oh, what do you want now... haven't you done enough?" She held up her right fore-hoof, revealing her darkened coat. Bitemarks littered the area.

Shining could only manage a choked whimper. He fell to his knees, refusing to allow himself to give into his pony instincts. He wanted to rush up to her, comfort her, hug her, free her, love her, and most importantly, make sure she was still the same pony he had brought in.

I-I shouldn't- she's... she's just a-a pony.

"What? You don't have anything to say now? After everything you told me and threatened me with since I got here?" Her voice took on a tone of anger and fury. Shining throat locked up.

Just say something! A single word!

"You hurt my husband, my kingdom, my crystal ponies, imprison me in this forsaken kingdom, separate my husband from me, and you have nothing to say?!"

"C... Cadance..." Shining managed to choke out. Cadance froze almost immediately. After a moment, she turned her head to the right, letting that side of her face rest against the bars.

"Shining..."

"Huh..."

Blooming Lily's eyes opened, awoken by the sound of crackling. She tried to bring her hoof up, only to be pushed down by another pony.

"Let him go! Don't hurt him!"

"What... Lance?"

Blooming brought her head up, seeing Lance with chains around her fore-hooves and wings. She panicked and quickly scanned over the area, seeing that a changeling was holding her hooves and fore-hooves down. Blooming noticed out of the corner of her eye that Rocky Diamond was being carried into the house she had found during the day.

"Lance?!" Blooming called out. A changeling come over to Lance and picked her up, hoisting her onto it's back.

"Don't worry! I love you, Blooming Lily!"

"No, please! Don't let them take you!" Blooming called out as Lance was carried into the house behind Rocky. After a moment or two, the changelings carrying them exited.

"What are you gonna do?! Don't hurt them!" Blooming said. The changeling holding her scoffed at her request.

"You'll get a good seat to this show, crystal pony."

"W-what are you..." Blooming trailed off, seeing the two changelings that had carried them in using their magic to carry lit torches. They trotted up to the house and shut the door. Blooming realized what they were about to do.

"N-no! Please!"

The changelings put the torches up above the door. She watched in horror was the boards caught on fire and the fire began to spread.

"No! Don't! Let me go!" Blooming said, trying to wiggle out of the changeling's grip. The changeling squeezed her closer to its chest, making sure she was unable to get out. The fire was beginning to spread more rapidly, to the roof and door below.

"Please! Stop!"

Snn-Crassh

Some of the roofing began caved in. Blooming, desperate to be released, tried pushing against the changeling's hooves.

"You're just going to have to sit and watch."

"Let me go!" Blooming screamed, fury filling her voice.

"No!" The guard hissed, his anger-filled voice becoming distorted.

"I said, let me go!"

Blooming opened her mouth and bit down on the changeling's hoof. The changeling pulled his hooves away, releasing her. Blooming rushed towards the house, desperate to save her sister.

Cadance and Shining Armor remained still, only taking moments to breathe and blink

"Come- come here." Cadance stuck her hooves through the space between the bars, offering her hoof to him.

Shining turned downwards, squeezing his eyes shut.

I can't... Queen Chrysalis'll be angry if I give in...

"Shining, please," Cadance's voice was almost a whisper, gentle. "I've been so worried."

"Y... you aren't angry?" He glanced up at her.

"Of course not. I've missed you, now get over here."

Shining took a single step forward, before turning his head back away. "No... I-I shouldn't..."

"Please." A blush spread across her face, as Shining felt something strange... something off.

Love? Shining questioned. He turned back towards her. I mean, I can't let the love go to waste. Only for the love.

Shining, slowly yet surely, trotted to the cell bars, sitting down in front of her. She grabbed him, pulling him close as she snuck her other fore-hoof through the bars, pulling him close for a hug.

"I've been so worried about you." Cadance held his head up, looking directly into his eye. "Did they do anything to you? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just trying to follow her orders."

Cadance glanced away, seeming uncomfortable, before turning back up and looking at his bandaged eye.

"What happened to your eye?"

"Queen Chrysalis said it was starting to change. I needed to keep it protected, so she bandaged it up."

"Could I see it?"

"You won't want to... and I can't take it off; Queen Chrysalis ordered me to-" "Queen Chrysalis isn't here, right?" Cadance asked. Shining nodded.

"Well, she won't know. Now, come over here." Cadance said. Shining trotted up the bars, allowing Cadance to slip her hooves through his mane and undo the bandage. It rested atop of his mane as she looked at it and quietly gasped.

"What?"

"The outside of iris is... it's almost a blue. And your iris is green."

Shining looked down to Cadance. In his right eye, he saw Cadance's outside appearance, but in his left, he saw a large, pink, translucent mass that was enveloping her. It's outside shot up and down like a wildfire.

Is that her love? It looks so... so alluring. Shining said, his mouth began to water. He shook his head and pulled the bandage over his eye again. No- I can't hurt her--

"Why'd you-"

Knock
Knock
Knock

Shining looked to the door.

"I'll be back in a moment," Shining said, beginning to trot away. However, before he could, Cadance grabbed his left fore-hoof.

"No, wait-"

He turned back to her.

"I love you. I don't care what happened in the next few days, or if we'll even see each other again, but I love you, changeling or pony, okay?" She released his hoof, a large smile spreading across her face.

She's not angry? At all?

Shining smiled. "I love you too. I can't stay, but I'll try to come back soon."

Only for the love. Shining told himself, although he knew his words had more meaning than a simple ploy to gain love for Queen Chrysalis.

"Okay. Please be safe."

Shining nodded as he turned back towards the cracked door. He looked through the crack, Taltra leaning against the door as her hooves bounced with anxiety.

"Can I see the other pony in there? It's been a long time since I've seen him."

"There's nopony in here besides Princess Cadance."

"What?" Taltra said, opening the door and peeking in. Her eyes widened and filled with tears as she saw there was nopony else in the cell.

"I-I must speak with Queen Chrysalis. Come with me." Taltra said, grabbing Shining's left fore-hoof and pulling him outside of the dungeon.

"C'mon, c'mon... unlock!"

I coughed as I began to slowly regain consciousness. A smell filled my nostrils, choking me as I breathed it in... smoke?

Something was rattling at my hind-hooves. The air around me was heavy and dense, stealing my breath. I coughed as I opened my eyes.

There were pillars of smoke coming from the burning floor around me and out of the open ceiling. A large piece of the roof had fallen in front of the door. A beam had fallen beside, blocking the door and the entryway to the kitchen had been covered by the upper floor that had caved in.

"What... Lance?! Blooming?!" I looked around, frantic to find him both. Lance was laying beside me, with Blooming at her fore-hooves. Blooming Lily was trying to pull the chains off of Lance.

"What the hay happened?! Are you all right?!" I asked as I leaned up. Lance let out a dry cough before looking up.

"The changelings knocked us out and set the house on fire! We need to get out!" Blooming Lily said, desperately trying to pull the chains binding Lance's fore-hooves off.

"Where's the spears?! We could break them off that way!" I'd tell her. Blooming nodded and rushed around the room, looking for my spear. After a moment, she trotted back up to Lance with her head hanging low.

"I-I can't find it... it's gone... I-I can't help..." Blooming said, bringing her head up, revealing her tear filled eyes.

"No no no- Blooming. Don't panic... keep calm. Look around for something like it. A broom, a piece of wood- something. Just stay away from the fire."

"O... okay."

Blooming once again began to circle around the room. I could feel the intense heat from the fire behind me getting hotter. I looked back and saw the flames were getting closer. C'mon!

"Blooming, you need to hurry!"

"I'm trying!" Blooming called out. After a moment, she returned with a large, circular piece of wood.

"I-is this good?"

"Yes, perfect. I need you to push one end under the chain and then start pulling the chain up with the wood. Lance, you begin to lightly push down on the chains when your hooves are lifted above."

Blooming and Lance nodded. She began to pull up on the wood, the chains hung in the middle. Lance began to pull down on the chains, causing Blooming to fall forward atop of her hoof.

"What happened?"

"I-" Blooming dryly coughed in the middle of her sentence. "Couldn't hold it up."

"Blooming, I need you to try your best to keep pulling it up, okay?" Lance said, coughing at the end of her sentence. The black smoke filled the room, quickly stealing the oxygen.

Blooming picked up the board again. It still had the chain resting against it. They repeated the process again, causing the chain to crack a bit before Blooming fell.

"Good job. Let me see if I can... can break it." Lance said. She pulled her hooves apart.

"C'mon... c'mon..."

Lance grunted as she managed to snap off the chain-link in the middle.

"There we go! Now, let's get Rocky out."

After a moment or two, Lance had managed to break off the chains binding my hooves. I stood and trotted up to her.

"Good. Now, let's get out-"

Snn-crack

Whoa--

"Rocky! Watch out!"

Before I could have the chance to respond, Lance pushed me away, knocking me into the wall and causing me to fall through. Thankfully, there were no changelings at the side of the house. I coughed as I looked up.

"What the hay-?"

Lance was holding up the beam with her wings and back. Her hooves quivered as she desperately tried to hold it up. Oh horseapples!

"Go Blooming!"

"B-but Lance-" "Just go!" Her voice strained under the weight of the beam. Blooming quickly scurried off into the snow. I quickly hopped up to my hooves and up to her, putting my back under the beam

Blooming rushed under the beam and up to me. I quickly hopped up to my hooves and used my back to hold up the beam.

"Go Lance!" I said, my voice straining from the weight of the beam. Lance quickly moved out from under the beam.

Okay... she's safe.

I quickly pulled out from under the beam, scraping some skin off my back. Lance and I panted exhaustedly.

"Let's get out of here, before the changelings find us" I turned to trot past the tree line. However, I stopped as I heard a pain-filled grunt.

"Buck me..."

I turned to Lance, seeing her left wing bent at a few broken feather bending against her back. Blood had stained her usually white coat around her stomach and ribs. She leaned against the wall, panting heavily.

"Are you okay, Lance?"

"Yeah-" She said while letting out a breath. "I'm just... just a little light-headed..." Her hooves quivered. I quickly rushed up to her, holding her up.

"Here-" I pulled her right fore-hoof over my neck, helping her trot down. "All right, let's get going." I finished. Lance clung to my neck as we stepped down into the snow. She put most of her weight against me.

"Ooooh..." Lance groaned, holding her bleeding side. "I've been through crashes, but nothing like this..." Her head bobbed.

"Lance, stay with me. We're going to be fine."

"I'm not going anywhere yet." Her speech was slightly slurred. Oh no... no...

"Blooming, grab my scarf and press it against her cut. Make sure there's no ash or soot on it."

Blooming quickly trotted to my left side, yanking the scarf off my neck and quickly trotting to my right side, wiping the scarf over before pressing it to Lance's cut. She groaned, with a quiet scream.

"Just... just keep it there, Blooming."

"L-Lance..." Blooming's voice quivered, tears filling her eyes as she saw her own sister's head bobbing as she struggled to stay conscious.

She used her left fore-hoof to weakly ruffle her younger sister's mane.

"I'm gonna be just fine," Lance said with a reassured smile. "Don't you worry about me. Just keep yourself safe." Her head bobbed a final time before she released a deep breath, resting her head against my shoulder.

No... no!

I stopped where I was, resting her to the ground as I put my ear to her mouth.

"I-is she-" "Don't t-think that way." My voice trembled. I'm not about to lose her- not with Blooming still here.

Shallow breaths, thank goodness... I put my ear to my chest. She's still got a heartbeat.

"She just passed out. Come on." I huffed as I lifted her onto my back, my right fore-hoof struggling to support the extra weight. I'm not about to give up, though. Not with Lance in her condition.

Twilight Sparkle sat in the Archives, her hind-hooves bouncing in anxiety. She quickly scribbled notes and formulas into her notebook.

"And what are we doing again?"

"I'm going to finish and perfect the spell, then head out for the Changeling Kingdom tomorrow morning with the others. You'll be staying here."

"Aw... why do I have to stay here?"

"Because, it's too dangerous out there."

"Not for me! I'm no baby anymore!" Spike said defensively. Twilight sighed as she looked down at the piece of paper. However, after a moment, an idea popped into her head. A way to keep Spike from continually asking to come.

"No, you're not. Which is why I'm giving you an important job."

"I'm not- wait, what?"

"I mean, being in charge of protecting a kingdom is a very important job. Only the noblest of knights gets to do this."

"L-like Shining Armor?" Spike said. Twilight knew that Spike, in a way, looked up to Shining.

"Yes, like Shining."

"I was going to give you this job to do, but if you don't want to..." "No! I-I want to!"

"Good. If you see or hear anypony or changeling doing something that could hurt somepony, send me a letter and I'll get here as soon as I can." Twilight said, handing Spike a roll of paper.

"Okay. I won't let you down!" Spike said, saluting Twilight. Twilight giggled and rubbed the top of his head, causing him to relax a bit.

"I don't doubt it. Now, let's get back to work, shall we?"

Broken Bonds

Shining Armor stumbled as he tried to keep with Taltra's pace. She hadn't slowed since they had left Cadance's cell.

"Taltra- what's the matter? Why do we need to see Queen Chrysalis."

Taltra remained silent as she continued to trot passed the doorway outside of the dungeon in silence. She trotted up to the paace and rushed inside. Queen Chrysalis was still at her throne.

"Queen Chrysalis,"

"Yes?" Queen Chrysalis yawned.

"Where is my husband?"

Queen Chrysalis stopped and stared at her.

"Pardon?"

"My husband! Warding! You said he'd be in the room exiting the first cell block. Where is he?!"

"Calm down, Taltra. You'll see your husband in due time."

"No! You tell me this every time! I want to know where he is right now!" Taltra yelled. Queen Chrysalis looked down at her with a condescending gaze.

"Hmph, fine. Perhaps you need to be reminded of where disobedience gets you in this kingdom." Queen Chrysalis asked. Her horn glowed, emitting a green light. Shining horn began to burn painfully. He grunted as he grabbed his head. Taltra stood firmly in her spot, seemingly unaffected by Queen Chrysalis spell.

"I'm not moving from this spot until you tell me where Warding Hunter is," Taltra said. Queen Chrysalis stood up from her throne and began to slowly trot down to Taltra.

"Really?" Queen Chrysalis said, taking a step. "You aren't going to move, despite the burning in your horn? I mean, you know what happens when I get closer to you."

The burning became more intense as Queen Chrysalis took another step. Taltra tightly shut her right eye, but still stood strongly.

"That pain- one of the worst pains imaginable, in the most sensitive area on your body, and you aren't going to move?"

Another step. The burning spread from his horn to the entire top of his scalp. Taltra shook her head for a moment before standing still.

"Another hoof closer. Has the pain begun spreading to your head yet? Maybe even to your neck by now. It'd be so much easier if you were obedient."

Another step. Now Shining's entire head and neck were affected by the painful sensation. Taltra head fell for a moment before she forced herself to bring it up.

"Think about it; if you were obedient, none of this would be happening, now would it, my subject?"

"I don't care. Just tell me where my husband is."

"Would you really like to know where your husband is? Truthfully?"

"Yes!"

Queen Chrysalis stopped as the pain numbed and suddenly became nullified.

"You-" Queen Chrysalis turned to a guard and motioned for the changeling to come to her. The changeling trotted up to her. She whispered some unintelligible into its ear. The changeling nodded and turned away, trotting pass Shining and Taltra.

"He'll be here in a moment."

"Wait- I-I'm seeing him now?"

"Of course. Unless you'd like for me to wait-" "No! Er... I mean, of course not your highness."

"Good. I'm a very busy changeling, you should know that, so don't waste too much time."

"Of course your highness. I'll make sure it is brief." Taltra said, bowing. She had a small smile on her face as she bowed.

After a minute or two, Shining heard the door behind him open. Taltra rushed away from him, towards the door.

"Warding-?!"

Shining heard her gasp sharply. He became confused for a moment and turned around

"No... no!"

As Shining turned, he saw why she seemed so surprised.

Standing beside the door was Renla.

Oh, horseapples! I gotta work fast!

I sat Lance down against the nearest tree, making sure to be careful around her wings. Okay, cuts first, then I'll see what I can do about the wings.

"Give me the scarf, Blooming."

Blooming's shaking hooves passed me the scarf as I began to put it over the cut on her ribs, tying it around her back. Okay... what next...

I surveyed over her body, looking at the numerous cuts on her hooves, back, and wings.

"Why are you just standing there?! Help her!" Blooming pushed me towards Lance gently.

"I'm trying, dang it! Just- gimme a minute!"

Maybe- maybe I could try and pluck some of the broken feathers? That's what pegasi do after a bad crash happens, right?

"I'll try to get the broken feathers out of her wings. At least she'll be a little comfortable."

Blooming nodded. She helped me get Lance onto her stomach. I quickly leaned down, using my teeth to pluck out the first broken feather that I saw. I spat it out and continued to the next, taking care to make sure she wasn't in any pain.

"I-I think that's all of them."

Lance let out a congested cough as we turned her back onto her side. She groaned.

"Lance?" Blooming questioned, gently rocking her right fore-hoof. Lance opened her right eye.

"Blooming-" She lifted her right fore-hoof, gently taking hold of her hoof. "You're both safe. Thank Celestia." Her voice was frail.

"Are you okay?"

"I'll be-" A rough cough interrupted her. "fine. Rocky-" She glanced up at me.

"I need you to- to take my scarf. Tie my left wing in place then get us out of here."

I nodded, gently unraveling her scarf. I gently wrapped the scarf around her wing.

"Where should I-I tie it to?"

"The right one." She coughed. I nodded, tying them together. Her left wing twitched as she rolled onto her stomach, pushing up.

"Oh, no-" I grabbed her by her right fore-hoof, pulling her up. "Let me help. You're too hurt."

"I'm fine," Lance said, trying to push me away on quivering hooves.

"This is one thing I'm not letting you be stubborn on, Lance. You can barely stand, now let me help you."

She turned to me, glancing downwards.

"Fine." Lance turned away from me, towards Blooming.

"Thank you. Let's get moving."

Twilight trotted to her door and pushed it open. Spike snored on her back as she carried him inside and sat him on her bed.

Guess that he must be tuckered out from all the studying. Either that or he was bored.

She sat beside Spike and looked over her notes once more.

My spell looks all right... now, we just need to find the Changeling Empire. It's to the north... at least that's what that guard said.

Twilight closed her notebook and sat it down on the table beside her bed. She pulled her hind-hooves on top of the bed and sat her head on a pillow at the head of her bed.

I need to get some rest. We'll need to be up early tomorrow if we want to find the Changeling Empire in time.

Twilight sighed and closed her eyes.

Tomorrow...

Lance limped beside me, holding her stab wound as she tried to keep pace with me.

"You need me to stop for a minute?"

"Keep going..." Lance choked out, grinding her teeth. I can't stop, there're too many changelings behind us.

Blooming Lily whimpered, worried about her sister.

"Don't worry. I'll be fine." She said with a smile, although her voice was filled with pain.

"O-okay..." Blooming said with a ting of uncertainty. Poor filly... probably worried half to death.

Horseapples... I feel so bad... they're so ruthless- so aggressive. I can't keep up. Why do they hate us so much?

Wait... what- what if it's because of me? Because I killed that changeling? Lance is on her last hooves because of me.

No- I-I can't blame myself for that. Changelings are ruthless from nature... right?

They weren't even this ruthless before. They were cruel sure, but they weren't actively trying to kill us. I mean, Lance has been stabbed twice, her wings are dislocated, and her shoulder's infected. She can't take much more.

Maybe- just maybe if I let them have me, they'll leave them alone.

"Rocky. you all right up there?"

I turned back to Lance. She had turned up to me, her eyebrows furrowed in concern. I slowed to a stop.

"Yeah... yeah, everything's fine."

"You don't sound so certain."

I smiled, wiping her mane away from her eyes. A small blush spread across her face.

"Don't worry. Everything'll be fine."

I gently, yet swiftly, pressed my lips to hers, kissing her. Lance's eyes widened.

As quickly as it started, I pulled away.

"Er..." Lance chuckled. "Where the hay did that come from?"

"Just wanted to do it before I didn't have the chance."

"Not going anywhere yet. Let's pick up the pace."

"Not going anywhere yet."

But I might...

"R-Renla?"

"Yes, Taltra?"

"T-there's no way... she said-" Taltra quickly turned to Queen Chrysalis. "You-you said you'd not hurt him if I joined him."

"I did. He wanted to serve me of his own free will-" "Liar!" She screamed with fury. "You have him controlled! Y-you have to be!"

"Taltra is any way to talk to me-" "No! I'm sick of telling the same lie over and over again! You're not noble! You've destroyed and tore apart families of ponies- innocent ponies, including me and Shining Armor! You had me controlled and made me think this- this insanity was right! It's not!"

"I think it's fine. They took our only source of food."

Taltra turned away from Queen Chrysalis and to Renla.

"Warding- Warding Hunter, if you're anywhere in there, I need you to fight! Break her spell! Come back to the real world!" Taltra said, grabbing Renla by the shoulders and shaking him. Renla jerked away from her, seemingly scared of her. Suddenly, the burning pain came back, causing Taltra to flinch and jerk back from Renla. She yelped sharply, turning away.

"Enough, Taltra! Shining Armor, take her to the dungeon!" Queen Chrysalis beared her teeth with anger. Shining Armor glanced to her, then scanned over Taltra.

"Shining, please! You know I'm right!"

"She's not, now do as you're told!"

Shining glanced downwards. "Just- hold on."

"Now, Shining!"

"Think about Cadance! What would you do if she were in my hooves?"

"Shut up!"

"Make me! I'll never forgive you for what you've done!"

"Fine!"

A green cloud surrounded Queen Chrysalis' horn, slithering towards Taltra. It wrapped around her horn, seeping into it. Taltra's horn sparked, as she shrieked.

"You're nothing! I'll have another changeling replace you!" Queen Chrysalis barked as she trotted to Taltra, pushing her into the wall as she held her down. She wrapped her hooves around her neck, pressing her into the wall as she tried to strangle Taltra. Taltra's hooves flung wildly, kicking at her hind-hooves, the wall, Queen Chrysalis' stomach- trying to free herself.

Move... Shining told himself, but his hooves remained in place.

"Shining-" Taltra choked out. "Please!"

Move Shining. He took a single step forward.

The magical cloud intensified, becoming translucent as Taltra's hooves began to slow.

Move!

Shining broke into a full sprint, rushing over to Queen Chrysalis and tackling her. Taltra collapsed, as the cloud disappeared. She gulped down deep breaths, regaining her ability to breathe.

"Shining Armor- get off of me!" She hissed. Renla pulled Shining off of her, punching him in the snout. Shining backed away, back in front of Taltra. "What are you doing?! Let us get to her!"

"No. You're going to have to go through me."

Queen Chrysalis sighed, rubbing the bridge her snout.

"My Queen, should I-" "No. Get your soldiers and detain them. I'll keep them here."

"Of course, your highness." Renla quickly exited. A green cloud surrounded the door, Shining, and Taltra, lifting them into the air

"You two aren't going anywhere."

Darkness

Shining Armor pulled against the magic inhibiting his movement. He grunted, even with his strength, he couldn't break the magic.

"Please, keep trying. It's a premonition of what your life is going to be like from now on- in bindings."

"As if." Shining breathed out, rapidly taking a few breaths before turning back to her. "Twilight and Princess Celestia will come for us."

"They'd be here already if they had a clue where you were. Keep dreaming, it produces such excellent love."

Taltra lowly hissed.

"In fact-"

The cloud broke away, releasing the pair. They both landed on their hooves. Shining shook his head.

"Let's see how much I can sap from the part of you that's still pony." Queen Chrysalis took a step towards him. He began to back away. However, before he could go far, a green aura shined in his eyes. It was situated beside him

Taltra hissed as she released a magical bolt towards Queen Chrysalis, striking her directly in the chest. Queen Chrysalis took a step back, hissing.

"You're not taking another pony's love!" Taltra had her head low to the ground, her fore-hooves stretched out as she prepared to strike Queen Chrysalis

"You have no idea what you're doing to yourself! You're getting yourself killed!"

"Do you think I care anymore? I'm tired of taking orders from you!"

Queen Chrysalis growled before taking a deep breath and putting her hoof back down.

"Renla will return in a moment changeling soldiers. Enough to kill two traitorous changelings."

"I don't care anymore... I'd rather die than spend another minute here."

"Then so be it." She growled. Taltra nodded and sat in front of the door, seemingly waiting for her fate.

"All right... c'mon, one more big step and then we can rest."

I helped Lance over a large, fallen tree, and trotted her into a large brush. She released a congested cough as I sat her down against the fallen tree. Blooming climbed over, rushing up to Lance near immediately.

"Are you feeling all right?"

"Yeah-" Lance covered her mouth, another choked cough escaping her locked throat. "Don't worry. Are you feeling better?"

"A-a little bit. Still worried."

"I'm going to be just--"

Lance broke into a coughing fit, covering her mouth. Oh, horseapples- maybe I could use the last bit of our water? It's not wasting it, certainly.

I felt to my shoulder, reaching for the bag. My eyes widened as I realized there was nothing there.

"We left everything back at that house!"

"What?!" Blooming turned up to me.

"What the hay are we supposed to do now? We've got no food, no water, and nothing to keep us warm!" My heart rate heightened as my panic began to set in. Lance is hurt, Blooming's so nervous, and I can't take care of them both at once!

"What're we going to do?"

"Why're you asking me?! I-I don't know! How are we going to survive out here?!" There's nothing for us to use here! Nothing! "We have nothing!"

"Rocky-"

Lance took hold of my right fore-hoof.

"Calm down. We're going to be fine. Just- just don't worry about it. We'll get to it when we get to it."

Her touch calmed me slightly, but I was still in near-full panic mode.

"We-we can't just put it off like that!"

"We'll find more food and water, I'm sure of it."

Blooming stepped up to Lance's side. "I-I mean... it can't be that small of a chance for us to find something to eat or drink here, right?"

I ran my fore-hooves through my mane. "I've gotta calm down... sorry..." My hooves slipped out from beneath me, sitting down in front of Lance.

Queen Chrysalis paced back and forwards in front of her throne.

She actually seems panicked... she should be.

Shining looked at her, strands of her mane fell in front her face, her teeth were bared, and each step she took stomped with conviction. Her mane swayed as she turned back and trotted again.

"This isn't happening quick enough... no. Okay..."

Queen Chrysalis stopped and turned to Taltra. Taltra had turned towards the ground, staring calmly as she awaited her fate.

Queen Chrysalis' body began to shift and morph, as she began to transform into something, clearing her throat as she grew smaller into something.

No- somepony.

"M... mommy?"

Taltra's eyes immediately opened, tears quickly forming in her eyes as she turned up to the colt previously standing in Queen Chrysalis' position. His mane had been brushed upwards and had a white streak in the middle of his dark black mane. His small wings sat at his sides, folded in. His coat was a cloudy-white and he had three small, black blemishes to the right of his snout. The cutie mark at his right flank was of a opening in a dark gray cloud, with a yellow, almost white bolt shooting through.

"T-Thunder..." Taltra tears quickly rolled down her cheek. "No!" She forced herself to tear her gaze away.

"Are you okay?" Thunder stepped towards her.

Taltra bit down on her lip, refusing a single word to slip through her lips.

"Mommy, are you okay?"

"Yes, my foal." She could no longer refuse the colt. "P-perfectly fine." Taltra opened her shaking hooves as she opened up her hooves and motioned him to come closer.

"Don't listen to her Taltra! It's Queen Chrysalis!"

"Mommy, I-I'm scared..."

"Oh-" Taltra quickly stood and began to trot to the colt. "Don't worry. Mommy's here."

"Taltra!" Shining exclaimed in a desperate attempt to keep her out of Queen Chrysalis' hooves. " Snap out of it!"

Taltra stopped, heeding his warning. She held her hooves in place, no matter how desperately she wanted to reach her son. She tore her gaze away from the colt.

"P-please... stop..."

"Mommy," The panicked colt said. "Did I do something?! Please tell me!"

"Stop it! Get out of my head!" Taltra covered her ears as she squeezed her eyes shut tightly.

The colt rushed up to Taltra and hugged her fore-hooves together. She gently opened her eyes, looking down to him.

"Are you mad at me? D-did I do something to make you mad?"

That was the straw that broke the yak's back.

"No... no." She said, unable to resist any longer. "Thunder, I'm so sorry... I-I left you alone out there. I'm just glad you're with me now." Taltra swiftly swiped up the colt and enveloped him in a hug.

"No, Taltra!" Shining rushed forwards, only for a wall of the green magic to block his path. Thunder looked up to him through her hooves, his eyes flashing from brilliant blue to green.

Taltra sat as she slowly began to rock back and forward, seemingly trying to sooth the colt to sleep.

"Stop Taltra! It's Queen-" "Gah!"

Taltra pulled colt off of her and tossed him onto the ground. She held her chest as she swayed and almost, losing her balance. Shining slammed against the wall, but it refused to budge.

"No!"

"Wha... Thunder?"

The small, warm laughing of the colt turned into a distorted, dark chuckling.

"Thank you for being so loyal."

The small colt morphed and shaped back into Queen Chrysalis. Taltra looked up at her with a cold stare.

"This is the price of disloyalty."

Taltra groaned as her head bobbed, struggling to stay awake.

"What... what's happening..."

"You'll find out soon enough. But now since you're incapacitated, I can deal with him."

"No- gah!"

Taltra reached forward, trying to stop her, but stumbled and fell forward.

Queen Chrysalis trotted towards Shining. Shining prepared to fire a magical bolt to blow her back, but his horn burned as he tried to prepare the spell.

"Not this time."

Shining stood in his place, in a defensive stance. Her horn began to emit a green aura as she bent her head down and aimed for Shining's chest.

The deep, blue night sky comforted me. Kept me calm and collected, despite wanting to panic. Cold wind rolled over the bushes, traveling over as snow began to slowly descend from the heavens.

I felt Blooming rub her head against my hoof and shiver.

"Here-" I pulled her scarf up, covering her upper body with it. "It's not much, but it'll keep you a little warm."

Blooming nodded. She closed her eyes.

I turned to Lance as she covered her mouth, suppressing a cough.

"Feeling any better?" I whispered. She halfheartedly shook her head, clutching her bleeding wound. I glanced down to my scarf, tied around my splint. She could use it for her wound...

"I'm fine." Lance turned away.

"You're sure you don't need my scarf? If you're too cold I could-" "I said I'm fine Rocky." Her voice had an angry edge to it.

"You're sure?"

"Mmhm. Besides, that thing's soaked in blood." Lance inhaled, then choked out a sudden sharp gasp. I glanced down to her stab wound.

"Has it stopped bleeding yet?"

"No-" She said, frustrated. "How'd they even know we were behind that wall anyway?"

"Here," I looked down at my splint and untied the cloth under my scarf. "Use this."

"Oh no. Rocky, I can't-" "My hoof'll be fine. Use it."

"You're sure?"

I nodded. Lance grabbed the cloth, wiped off the soot and ash.

"Can you tie it around me? I can't really get it by myself."

"Mm-hm."

Lance handed me the cloth and turned. I reached under her, grabbed the cloth from the other side, and tied it around her stomach.

"Thanks." Lance said, quickly turning back to lean against the tree. I did the same and looked back up to the sky.

Shining Armor braced for whatever spell Queen Chrysalis had in store for him.

Sss-

A beam of blue magic hit Queen Chrysalis the ribs, knocking her off balance and causing the magic to die. Shining looked at the source. Taltra was standing on shaking hooves, her mane had become darker and fallen into her eyes. She huffed in air greedily, as if she were out of breath from a single spell.

"Your magic is getting weaker." Queen Chrysalis said calmly. She didn't seem angry- almost joyful.

"I... I'm not letting you hurt him..."

Queen Chrysalis turned and trotted to her. Shining carefully followed behind. He noticed the area around the bite mark on Taltra's chest had become lighter, from a dark gray to light brown.

Queen Chrysalis slapped Taltra, knocking her to the ground. Shining caught her head before it hit the ground and gently sat her down. She had been knocked unconscious.

"Soon enough she'll barely be able to use her magic, let alone try and hurt me with such a weak attempt."

"What did you do to her?!"

"That's for me to know. Now, time to finish this."

Queen Chrysalis' horn emitted the same green light. She trotted up to Shining and tried to bite him, but Shining side-stepped her bite.

"Ah! Let's make sure that doesn't happen again."

The green aura began to snake out and spread to Shining's hooves. He tried to move out of their grasp, but it was too late.

His hooves were caught.

"Now... let's speed up this transformation, shall we?"

Lance's head rested upon my shoulder. She seems to have finally fallen asleep. Finally...

Why does she love to embarrass me... ugh... and why do I let her?

I already knew the answer, but was unable to say it aloud. Lance's hoof fell from my right hind-hoof and down to my fore-hoof, which was resting at my side. She squeezed my hoof before relaxing inside of my grasp. Her hooves were cold(unsurprisingly).

Why wouldn't she just go back with Blooming? Now she's stabbed, and all our food, water, and the sheet are probably ashes by now.

I looked down at her, but couldn't remain angry at the peaceful look on her face.

I don't know how we're gonna survive... if we don't find the Crystal Empire soon...

My hoof tightened around hers, trying to calm my rising panic.

Keep calm... we'll all make it back to the Crystal Empire safely if we just keep moving... then we'll be safe.

I released her hoof and kissed on her forehead.

We'll all be fine... we'll all be safe...

"Stop!" Shining said. He tried to pull his hooves up, but the grip on them was too tight.

Queen Chrysalis touched the tip of Shining's horn with her horn and leaned down and bit down on the nape of his neck.

Shining's vision became blurry and his hooves became weak. The magical grasp around his hooves released and his horn became numbed.

"Yes..." She said. "Goodbye, Shining Armor."

Queen Chrysalis pushed Shining, causing him to fall.

"Wait... Cadance."

"She's not to be involved in the moment."

"And Taltra?"

"I'm not sure. Perhaps if you were to swear to serve me, perhaps I could say something for sure..."

"..."

"Hurry. You only have a few moments before you become unconscious."

"Fine." He huffed, before his head fell.

"Good... she'll not be executed. Thrown in the dungeon, perhaps, but not executed."

Shining's head fell, as his mind became blank and he delved into darkness.

Changed

Much Time Later

Rainbow Dash yawned. Her eyes stung from the morning sun.

"Why'd we have to get up and get ready so early again Twilight?"

"Because, I don't know how long we still have. We need to cover as much ground as possible before sunset, so I figured we'd need to get an early start." Twilight . The end of her white scarf blew in the wind. Her green earmuffs were sitting atop her scarf.

"Right..." Rainbow Dash said as she stretched her wings, causing some satisfying pops from the joints in her wings

"Where's everypony else at?"

"Well, Rarity wanted to buy us some blankets and sleeping-bags so we won't go cold, Pinkie's baking us some sweets for the trip, Applejack's went to the Market to buy us some apples and other foods for the trip, and Fluttershy's making sure all the animals are okay before we leave."

"All right... well, what the hay are we supposed to do?"

"I'm checking over things before we leave to make sure everything will be in order until we get back, rechecking my notes, and making sure my spell is correct. You can fly around the Crystal Empire and make sure the sky's clear."

"Okay. I'll be back in a minute." Rainbow Dash said, turning away from Twilight Sparkle.

"No... no!" A mare's voice called out, her harsh, concerned voice assaulting Taltra's eardrums. She quietly groaned. "Wake up!"

Taltra head, horn, and back throbbed with the beat of her heart. Her throat and lips were dry, free of any moisture.

Taltra opened her eyes. Princess Cadance was leaning an unconscious Shining Armor. They were inside a small cell.

"He can't feel you."

Taltra recognized the cold, callous voice. A terrible taste slid down the back of her mouth, the vile changeling's presence disgusting her.

"You! What have you done to him?!"

"He's not transforming at a suitable rate if I want to feed my kingdom. So, I sped up his transformation."

"No!"

"Oh yes, my dear. He should be fully a changeling in two days."

"N-no..." Taltra said, her voice weak and raspy.

"You'll never get away with this! I'll stop you before he transforms!"

"How're you going to do that without your magic? Must I remind you of what happens when you use it?"

Taltra's horn slightly burned, causing her to groan. Cadance growled and reached through the bars, trying to grab Queen Chrysalis. She just out of reach by an inch or two.

"Ah- seems like our guest of honor has joined us." Queen Chrysalis turned back, kneeling down to Taltra. She lifted her chin. "You must feel terrible. All that love I absorbed must have you tired." Her voice took on a singsong, almost mocking tone. Taltra clamped down on Queen Chrysalis' horseshoe, trying to bite through to her hoof.

"Still putting up a fight, eh? Very well then."

A translucent cloud surrounded Queen Chrysalis' horn, snaking its way to Taltra's mane. She grunted as she was lifted up by her mane, baring her teeth.

"Hey- leave her alone! She's done nothing!"

"She has. More than you'd ever imagine."

Queen Chrysalis slugged Taltra in the chin. She dug the edge of her horseshoe into her before pulling back. Blood dripped down from Taltra's lip and chin. "Open the cell."

The changeling guards didn't waste a moment, opening the cell near immediately. Queen Chrysalis flung her inside. Taltra slammed into the back wall, falling to her hind hooves, then back to her chest, beside a bucket of water.

"There was no need for that! Monster!"

"If only you knew..." Queen Chrysalis breathed.

"Twilight will stop this- this madness! She won't let you get away with this!"

Queen Chrysalis scoffed.

"How'll she find me? The only ponies who enter this kingdom, don't exit and the few that do are too scared to tell anypony else."

"She just will! I know she will!"

"You're delusional. Now, I'll leave you to your husband and that traitor."

"She will..." She repeated as she sat beside Shining, looking down at him.

"I'm so sorry." Cadance breathed as she cradled his head is her hooves, gently rocking his head.

"Please..."

Cadance looked up at Taltra. Taltra feebly pointed to a bucket at the corner. She hoped that it had even at least bit of water inside.

"Oh," Cadance trotted over to the corner and lifted the bucket with her teeth. She trotted back over to Taltra, sitting it in front of her. "here. Sorry."

Taltra pulled her head up high enough so she could see inside of the bucket, seeing it was half full. She dipped her mouth in and gulped up the water. After a moment, she pulled her head back up and laid on the ground.

"How long... has it been?" She asked, breathing deeply as she caught her breath.

"Since..."

"Since she brought Shining in here."

"A day or two, I think."

Taltra wiped her eyes, some strength returning to her. She combed down her mane and sat up.

"Is Shining okay?"

"He won't wake up. I've been trying for hours now..."

"All right... just- just don't move him too much and try to keep him comfortable."

"What'll happen to him? Is the spell reversible?"

Taltra felt a sharp stab in her chest, at her bite-mark. She grabbed her chest.

"Er... are you okay?"

Taltra looked back up at Cadance.

"Yes. Just s-something Queen Chrysalis did to us. Nothing to worry about."

"Is the spell reversible?"

"No-" Taltra gasped as the pain in her chest became more apparent. "Only Queen Chrysalis knows the spell. She's the only one who-" Taltra stopped and growled, trying to keep her composure in front of Cadance. "-who can reverse it."

"Are you okay? What is your name?"

"Taltra. I'm fine. Just a little pain in my chest. N-nothing to be worried about." Taltra said. She didn't want Cadance to worry about her too much; hay, she's partially to blame for Shining's current state.

"Okay," Cadance said. She looked down at Shining, an unpleasant look across his face.

"Don't worry, dear... whatever's going on will be done in a day or so. I know you're much stronger than that beast. You can do this." She said. Taltra felt guilty about keeping them apart for so long.

Reminds me of Warding and me...

Taltra's stared at the ground.

I can't believe I was so foolish to actually believe her...

The pain in Taltra's chest dulled for the moment as she laid her head back down on the ground.

"Er, Taltra, could I ask some questions?"

Taltra turned to see Cadance and nodded.

"Was Shining okay up there? What happened? Why is he like this?!"

"Calm down. I was with Shining almost everyday while he was inside of the kingdom. I made sure that nopony would hurt him for Queen Chrysalis'."

"What happened up there after you two left?"

"I... I-I brought Shining down here so he could see you. I thought my husband would be down here as well, but h-he wasn't."

"Oh... I'm sorry."

"I rushed back up to Queen Chrysalis' chamber and demanded to see him. And she did... b-but he w-was..." Taltra's eyes filled with tears, recalling the memory.

"Stop. You don't have to continue."

Taltra nodded and turned away from Cadance, wiping her eyes. She stared at the cell ceiling.

"Afterwards, I broke away from Queen Chrysalis' control, along with Shining. I-I kept her from trying to hurt or regain control of Shining, but... but she transformed into somepony who was- is very close to me that I lost when she forced me to join her. She exploited that and must've cast some spell on me."

"And what happened to Shining?"

"I-I don't know. I passed out after. I tried to stop her, but she had me incapacitated."

Cadance turned away from Taltra, staring at Shining.

"Do you still want to please her?"

"Erm... pardon?"

"Taltra, do you still want to help her?"

"No. I wished I'd have never found her in the first place."

"Good. I forgive you."

Taltra nodded and laid back on the ground, staring at the ceiling.

I grunted as I lifted Lance over the large log. We trotted out of the brush.

"Where to?" I asked, glancing down to Lance. She lifted her hoof, pointing to the frozen stream.

"Might lead to a house, a village- somewhere..."

"All right. Just- make sure you stick with me until we get there. Wouldn't want to try to carry you with one fore-hoof, while I have to do a balancing act on my hind hooves."

Lance chuckled. "You're evil... don't make me laugh. It hurts."

"Oh- sorry." I turned away. Horseapples- why didn't I think of that?

"You're sure you'll be okay Lance?"

"Of course. Can't leave you by yourself, now can I?" She said with a smile as she looked down to Blooming. We continued down the path, ever hopeful we'd find civilization.

Taltra's chest and horn dully burned. The pain had just begun to slightly get worse.

It's beginning to get worse. She noted. Don't panic... it'll all be fine. Princess Cadance is here, she'll help me if anything happens... hopefully.

Taltra groaned as the pain intensified.

"Is everything all right?"

"The pain... it's getting worse." Taltra said, sitting up and grabbing her chest. The pain spread to her scalp, then her ears, soon to her entire head, then to her hooves. Soon, it had coursed its way through her entire body. She stood up and feebly trotted to the bars before her hooves gave out. She held herself up as she tried not to move.

"S-something's happening..." Taltra said, squeezing the bars.

Taltra felt her horn began to straighten from its previously curved state.

"Gah!" She called out, her hooves trembling from squeezing the bars so tightly.

"W-what's happening?!"

Her fangs receded back into her gums, giving her an almost normal, pony-like appearance. She punched the bars and she howled in pain.

The pain retracted from her hooves, slowly falling back to her chest and horn. Her breaths were long, yet rapid.

She fell back, exhausted, only to be caught by somepony.

"What's wrong?! What happened?!"

Taltra head fell and her eyes began to shut. But before she could pass out, Cadance grabbed her shoulders and shook her awake.

"What happened?"

"M... my body is changing..." Taltra feebly choked out.

Cadance stared at her for a moment before noticing the changes in her horn and fangs.

"How..."

"If Q-ah- Queen Chrysalis' spell is changing me, then it must... m-must mean..."

Taltra pointed to Shining. She noticed his horn had curved at the top and his fangs poked out from the inside of his mouth.

"Oh... oh no."

"J-just keep him comfortable and don't let him stand up."

Cadance nodded, nervously staring at Shining.

"S-should I grab anything or..."

"I've never done this until now... I-I don't really know what to get or what to do besides to keep him comfortable. I'm sorry."

"Okay..." Cadance said, now realizing how bad it really was. Panic became visible on her face as she trotted over to Shining and sat beside him.

I'm sorry Shining... I... I-I failed you.

Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy stood outside of the Crystal Empire, standing in a circle.

"Okay... is everything ready? Let's go over everything we have before we head out."

Pinkie raised her hoof, bouncing, trying to get Twilight's attention.

"Er... Pinkie?"

"Yes! I got some Apple Pies, some cupcakes, and some soda!" Pinkie said as Twilight noticed there was a wooden basket to her side.

"All right. Applejack?"

"Ah got some apples and carrots and such. Ah bought some apple cider as well. Might not be good as my family's, but ah reckon it'll be alright."

"Good. Rarity?"

"Oh, I picked up some cots and some pillows so we'd be comfortable out there. Pinkie let me sit them in the basket."

"My stuff's in there too."

"All right. Good. Now, does anyone need to do anything before we go?"

Fluttershy timidly raised her hoof.

"Yes, Fluttershy?"

"Er... s-should we be worried about the... t-the cha-changelings?"

"'Course not, sugarcube. We'll be fine as long as we stick together."

"That reminds me; Applejack, Fluttershy, have you told them the passcode yet?"

"Er... what passcode are you guys talking about?"

"C-can we?"

"Yes, of course."

Twilight stood back as Fluttershy and Applejack trotted over to Pinkie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash, whispering the passcode into their ears. She pulled her earmuffs up to her ears as she trotted away.

"Okay. We're all good now. Let's head out." Rainbow Dash said, trotting past Twilight. The group followed behind as they began to head north.

Memories

Shining Armor's quiet screams and groans in pain were almost unbearable- Taltra could barely control herself from punching herself in the face. How could she have let Queen Chrysalis change him so? The guilt almost pushed herself over the edge along with the constant pains in her chest and horn.

"I-I know it hurts dear. It'll be over soon." Cadance tried to comfort her pained husband, gently rubbing his chest.

Creaaak

Taltra glanced back up to the door. A black stepped through, littered with holes both small and large.

"Ah... I assume the transformation has begun since you're both awake. Or, at least, semi-conscious."

Taltra growled at the sound of Queen Chrysalis' voice. She was disgusted to even be in the same room with her now.

"So, how's my former adviser today?"

Taltra ignored her voice.

"Haven't you done enough?"

"Oh-" Queen Chrysalis giggled. "Not nearly, Cadenza."

"Leave us alone, Chrysalis. You've done enough..." Taltra said. She wanted to get her attention away from Cadance and Shining before she tried something.

Queen Chrysalis scoffed, turning to her.

"Remember that you're in my kingdom. I will be treated with respect."

"You've done nothing respectable..."

"As if you're any better. You helped me kidnap ponies and plan to take over Equestria for years."

"That's when you had me thinking what you were doing was right."

"Even before then, you were a disappointment. You left your own foal outside of the Crystal Empire with no food, barely any water to last him a day, and nothing but a small blanket to keep him warm."

Taltra's eyes stung with tears, a sharp gasp slipping through her lips. Her son was a sensitive nerve, and Queen Chrysalis was prepared to rub it raw.

"Is that true?" Cadance quietly asked. Taltra turned away from her.

"Why yes, it is." Queen Chrysalis said, stepping closer to Taltra. "Imagine how scared he must've been, wondering why his mother had forsaken him in such a way."

"S-stop..." Taltra feebly choked out, barely keeping tears from cascading down her face. She turned away from them both. She put her back to the bars, turning her head towards the wall to her right

Queen Chrysalis came closer to her until she was standing directly behind her.

"How afraid he was when he realized he was stuck outside without any food or water." Queen Chrysalis whispered, leaning down to where sh could whisper into Taltra's ear. "Crying out, 'Mommy, daddy' with no pony responding to his pitiful whimpering. Even I don't do that to my young changelings. I doubt King Sombra himself would abandon his kind like that."

Taltra covered her ears, trying to block out her voice, tears freely flowing down her cheeks.

"Huddled in a small ball, waiting for his mother come and rescue him with her warmth. That never came for him, did it?"

"Stop it! I-I didn't abandon him!"

"I know what happened, Taltra. There's nothing you can hide from me."

"I-- I left him outside of the village leading to the Crystal Empire. I told him that he'd be safe there and that Warding'd be there soon!"

"You left him and you know it." Queen Chrysalis scornfully said. After a few moments, she trotted out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Taltra laid on the ground, letting her tears freely cascade down onto the cell floor.

"Pinkie, please stop that nonsense! You're going to go all through our beverages!"

"C'mon, Rarity. It can't hurt to have a few."

"But this needs to persist with is for possibly days, darling. You must be wary of how much you drink."

"I will. And we've got plenty!"

"Rarity, Pinkie, stop. Pinkie, finish off that one and then don't drink any for awhile. Rarity, we still have lots, so we won't have to worry just yet."

"Right... apologies."

"Okay!" Pinkie said, drinking the last of the small can of soda and putting the empty can into the basket.

Twilight looked up, seeing Rainbow Dash flying above them.

"You see anything up there?"

"No outposts yet... wait... whoa!" Rainbow Dash widened her wings. She slowed to a stop, hovering overhead. "There's a huge cloud of smoke up there, to the north. Should I go check it out?"

"Yes, but take Flutters'," Twilight turned to Fluttershy. "Do you mind going with her? I don't want anypony out here alone when there could be changelings around."

"U-um... are you sure I-I'd be the pony to go with her?" Fluttershy asked, hesitant on going with Rainbow Dash.

"You'll be fine, sugarcube. Y'all'll do just fine." Applejack said, trying to ease any doubts she had.

"Yeah. You know we're stronger than any of those changelings. Now c'mon Flutters'. Let's get going." Rainbow Dash said, lowering closer to the ground and allowing Fluttershy to fly beside her. She hesitantly joined her.

"We'll stay around here. Just be careful."

"Always." Rainbow Dash said as she and Fluttershy flew toward the black column of smoke.

Taltra laid on the ground, staring at Shining. He had thankfully passed out, sparing both Taltra and himself from any more pain. She had kept in place since Queen Chrysalis had left.

"Taltra?"

"Yes?" Taltra remained in position, refusing to look up at Cadance, almost afraid of what she'd see. Disgust, anger- fear? Things Taltra certainly didn't want ponies to feel about her anymore.

"Was that story about your son true?"

"I... no."

"Then what did happen?"

"I-I left him at the entrance to the Crystal Empire's village. Told him that he'd be safe if he went towards the big building-- the palace, they'd let him stay there until Warding- his father got there. But he never came..." Anger bellowed up from Taltra's chest. "How could I have been such a fool... I deserve this."

"Nopony deserves this. You were misled, there's no way you could've known that she wouldn't keep her end of the deal."

Taltra peeked over her shoulder, looking up to Cadance. She wore a gentle smile.

"I appreciate trying to comfort me, but you don't have to pretend. I know I'm a horrible parent..."

"Horrible parent?" Cadance snorted. "You gave up your own son to save him. That doesn't sound like a bad mother or a bad pony."

"Thank you." Taltra said, returning her sight back to the ceiling. After a moment, she looked back over at Cadance.

"Princess Cadance?"

"Yes?"

"Please promise me you won't end up like me."

"What?"

"Don't give Queen Chrysalis a chance to tear you, Twilight, or Shining apart. You'll regret it for the rest of your days if you do."

"I promise."

"Thank you."

"Yeah... just be careful and stay around here, okay?" Lance wheezed. Rocky helped her sit down in the middle of the brush, grunting as he sat beside her.

"Okay Lance. Goodnight."

"Goodnight..." Lance yawned, turning back to Rocky Diamond and resting her head on his chest. He had already fallen asleep a few moments ago.

Blooming Lily trotted away from the brushes and bushes, trotting towards the stream. She trotted along the side of the stream, looking for something to play with.

Maybe there's some animals I could play with... I-I hope they don't bite. Blooming trotted away from the stream and towards the tree-line.

Or maybe I could draw in the snow... yeah. That sounds better.

Blooming trotted further into the forest, looking for a clear place where she could sit. After a few minutes of searching, she found a fairly open place, free of any bushes or trees. She picked up a small, dead tree-limb and began to draw lines and curves into the snow. Maybe I could draw something about Mom and Dad. A grin curved it's way across Blooming face. Yeah, I could show Lance. I hope it'll make her feel better.

Twilight trotted back and forwards in front of Pinkie and Rarity. She had become increasingly nervous about the Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's condition.

They should've been back by now... Twilight thought. What if they got captured by the changelings... what if they're being hurt right now--

Twilight stopped, realizing she was letting her fears get to her.

Don't over-react... Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy know how to handle themselves.

"-And I still don't see why you had to bounce around the carriage when we were arriving at the Crystal Empire."

"Because I was excited to see Twilight! I knew she was having a bad time, so I just wanted to try and make her happy."

"And I'm glad to see that. But darling-"

"Y'all hush!" Applejack whispered as she covered Rarity's mouth

Twilight glanced back at them for a second, a bit concerned.

"What?" She asked. Applejack glanced in front of Twilight. Twilight turned back, seeing two changelings in the distance, trotting North, away from them. All of them remained silent as the changelings left their sight. Applejack pulled her hoof off of Rarity's mouth.

"So... whadda we do?"

"I'm not sure... maybe we should wait for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy..."

"Why don't we just go after them?"

"I'm not sure..." Twilight said. Applejack glanced over her shoulder, checking for more changelings.

"Well, we can't just stand around, playin' with our hooves and wait for them ta catch us."

Twilight paced back and forwards for a moment. She turned back to them.

"Applejack, you come with me and we'll see if they lead us anywhere. Pinkie, Rarity, you two stay here and, if they get back before we do, tell Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy where we went."

"All right darling. You two please be precautious around them."

"We will. Y'all do the same."

Rarity nodded as Twilight and Applejack trotted in the direct that the changelings went.

Blooming hummed as she spat the tree-limb out of her mouth and look at the snow below her. There were two crudely drawn ponies on her right, and another at her left.

I didn't have any pencils or colors... it doesn't look good...

Blooming sighed as she slumped down, in her craft. She rested her head upon her fore-hooves and closed her eyes, imagining something better. Herself painting a masterpiece- filly's dreams.

Thump

Blooming's eyes bolted open, seeing that a large mound of snow had covered her drawing.

"Wha..." Blooming looked up, seeing a large bird hovering about her. She hesitantly backed away from it.

"U-Um..." Blooming said the bird cawing as it landed in front of her, picking up her drawing stick and flying in the opposite direction.

"Hey!" Blooming called. She galloped over the mound of snow and followed the bird intently.

She passed by dozens of different trees and bushes, keeping up with it(although she bumped into some of the trees and tripped over many fallen branches).

"Dang it! I hate those bucking things!"

Blooming slowed to a stop, allowing the bird escape.

"Please calm down. We need to fix this. And we'll get back to the rest and tell them what we saw. But we need to fix this first."

"Grr... you're right. I just- how are we gonna explain it to them?"

"We'll figure it out. Let's just focus on the task at hoof.

"H-hello?" Blooming hesitantly called out, her voice echoing through the woods.

A hush hissed through the bushes in front of her.

O-oh no...

She heard somepony's hoof-steps echo around her, and her heart began to pound. As the hoof-steps came closer, her hooves began to quiver.

"P-please..."

The bushes in front of her began to shake. She slowly backed away as a hoof stepped out.

"Who's here?"

A pegasus stepped out, her coat was sky blue and her multicolored mane was violet, orange, red, light gold, blue, and green. She had on a blue scarf.

"Please d-don't hurt me... I-I'll just leave-" "Are you a changeling?" She asked. Another hoof reached out from behind her, resting on her shoulder. The hoof's coat was buttercup.

"Don't..."

"I wasn't." She whispered, turning back to Blooming. The hoof quickly withdrew back behind the bushes

"So? Are you a changeling?"

"U-um..." Blooming mumbled, backing away.

"Look-- I'm not gonna hurt you. I just wanna know if you're a changeling or not so I can trust you, okay?"

"I'm not a changeling." Blooming quickly and quietly said, staring at the ground. She pulled her upperlip up, showing her gums. "No fangs, see?"

"Okay. Is anypony--" The pony stopped, suddenly gasping and shutting her eyes. Blooming jumped and back further away.

"Could you be a little easier when you're putting that one there? I'm cut pretty bad, and you prodding around with that bandage isn't helping the pain."

"Sorry."

The pony turned her attention back to Blooming.

"So, like I was saying, are you with anypony else?"

"My sister and a m-miner."

"All right..." The pony said, stepping out of the bush fully, revealing a piece of bloody, green cloth. She was followed by the same buttercup pony that she was talking to. She had on a green sweater that covered most of her upper body and fore-hooves, and a green scarf. Her mane was pink and covered the right side of her face.

"Do you wanna show us where they are?" The blue pony asked. Blooming stared at the ground again.

"Um... I-I don't know..."

"We don't want to hurt your sister or your friend. We'll just help them, I promise. Is that okay?" The buttercup said, kneeling down to where Blooming and she were at eye-level.

"O-okay." Blooming said hesitantly. The pony nodded and turned back to the blue pony.

"You sure you wanna do this, Flutters'? I don't mind."

"I-I'll be fine RD. You get back to Twilight and let them know what happened. I'll catch up with you guys as soon as I'm done here."

"All right. Just... be careful." RD said, slowly trotting backward, away from them.

"You too." The buttercup pony said as RD began to fly away. She turned back to Blooming.

"We should probably get going, okay?"

Blooming nodded, trotting past the pony and towards(where she thought) Lance and Rocky were.

"You should get some sleep." Taltra said. Cadance was still laying beside Shining, but she hadn't fallen asleep.

"I'm not leaving Shining's side until he's awake."

"I know, and I'm not trying to get you to do that, but I could watch after Shining while you get a few hours of rest."

"As weak as you feel right now? And who knows when the next part of the transformation will begin. I need to be awake. For your sake, and his."

"All right. Just-"

Taltra gasped, her chest feeling the same stabbing pain of before.

"What?"

"It's-- i-it's starting again!" Taltra said, wrapping her fore-hooves around her chest. She slid down to the ground from the cell wall, her breathing slow and labored. Her vision became blurry.

"Taltra?" Cadance said, trotting to her and carefully helping her sit back up. Taltra's head bobbed before she forced herself up. Cadance's pink coat had been swapped with white, and her long mane had become short.

"Mom?"

Taltra looked up, Cadance replaced with her son. His mane had been brushed upwards, and he had a slight frown. A weak smile spread across her face.

"It's... it's so good to see you again..."

"Are you okay? You don't look too good" He cupped her hoof.

"Don't... don't worry, Thunder... I'm..."

Taltra released a deep breath as her head fell.

"Taltra?" Cadance returned in Thunder's place. She put her ear against her chest.

Ba-dump

Her heartbeat... it's so slow... but, it's there. Cadance thought, relieved.

Cadance nearly jumped as somepony gasped from across the cell. The pony coughed roughly as a figure began to rise.

"C... Cadance?"

Missing

Shining Armor took a few deep breaths, trying to catch his breath. His sharpened teeth poked at his gums, and he now had fangs that visibly stuck out under his upper lip. His chest was tight. Sweat rolled down his fore-head as he leaned up to look at Cadance. She was leaning over Taltra, with her head laying on her chest. After a moment, she stood straight up.

"C'mon..." She quietly said, gently shaking Taltra. "Please be okay..."

"C... Cadance?"

Cadance immediately turned to him. Her eyes widen and a large smile spread across her face.

"Shining... thank Celestia you're okay."

Shining smiled at her, before losing the strength in his hooves and collapsing, landing back on the ground with a thump. He coughed as Cadance quickly trotted over to the corner. After a moment, she returned with a bucket of water.

"Here--" Cadance put her hoof on the back of Shining's head and lifted him to where he could reach inside of the bucket. "Drink."

Shining dipped his mouth into the bucket and drank the musty water. He didn't mind the taste, anything would help.

After a moment Shining pulled up from the bucket and laid on the ground.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Are you okay?"

"My chest is so tight..." Shining said, wheezing.

"Oh... don't worry dear. J-just lay down and relax." Cadance said. Shining nodded and laid his head back on the ground, setting the right side of his face on the ground. He saw Taltra, leaning against the wall and unconscious.

"What about Taltra?"

"She passed out right before you woke up."

"No doubt Queen Chrysalis had something to do with that."

"Mhmm..."

Shining sighed as he looked at the ceiling. However, he now noticed that his horn wasn't straight like it previously was. Now it was curved upwards.

"C-Cadance?" Shining asked, his throat suddenly dry.

"Yes, darling?"

"What the hay happened?" He asked, turning to Cadance.

Blooming Lily trotted beside the buttercup pony, staring at the ground as to not make eye-contact. The wind had begun to pick up and snow began slowly fall, the sun near-setting. Shadows cast over them as they passed under the withered trees.

She trotted pass a large tree and to the east, where Lance and Rocky were.

"My name is Fluttershy."

Blooming looked back up at Fluttershy. She wore a welcoming smile.

"I-I'm Blooming Lily."

"Hi, Blooming Lily." Fluttershy said kindly. Her face became flushed as she immediately directed her gaze back down to the ground.

"So, how'd you and your friends get all the way out here?"

"Um..." Blooming trailed off. She didn't like to talk about what happened at the Changeling Empire.

"I promise I won't make fun of you if it's anything like that. Or if you don't want to talk, that's fine too."

"N-no... I-I'll talk." Blooming said, turning her head away from Fluttershy.

"We w-were prisoners in the Changeling's Kingdom."

"Oh..." Fluttershy said. "I-I'm sorry. I-I didn't k-know. Y-you don't have to g-go on. I-I mean if you f-feel uncomfortable..."

Blooming looked back up at Fluttershy, seeing her face quickly redden.

"It's okay." Blooming said, taking a deep breath.

"They held us in there f-for days... it was so dark and cold..." Blooming said, keeping her face turned away from Fluttershy. "I-I even watched... he did something bad to get us out..." She finished quietly, her ears falling to her head.

"Oh... I'm so sorry."

"We got out after and we've just been out here since. Lance and Rocky have been trying to find the Crystal Empire, but we have n-no idea where it is."

Fluttershy remained quiet for a moment. She pursed her lips, before turning her head back down towards Blooming.

"I could lead you all back there."

Blooming's ears perked up, as she turned to Fluttershy.

"Really?"

"Mhm." Fluttershy nodded. "I could take you all back and get back to my friends in a day."

"Well... my sister has a dislocated wing, and she's really sick right now. Rocky's fore-hoof is broken."

"Even more reason to get all of you there."

"Thank you." Blooming said, allowing a small smile to spread across her face.

Twilight Sparkle sat behind a large tree, with Applejack sitting behind the one to the right of her. They had followed the changelings to a small building and hadn't come out.

"Twilight, y'all see any more of them changelings?" Applejack whispered, leaning pass the edge of the tree, staring at Twilight. She shook her head.

"They'll have ta come out sometime... then we'll find that base of theirs."

"Maybe we should--"

Twilight stopped as a large, black figure trotted towards the building.

"Is that..."

"It's too big to be a changeling. But what the hay would a crystal pony be doing out here?"

The black figure trotted up to the building and put it's hoof on the door knob. It looked over to the tree line. Applejack ducked behind the tree, but Twilight continued to look at it.

"Hey!" The figure called out, waving to Twilight and trying to get her attention. Twilight leaned further out.

"Twi', get back behind the darn tree!" Applejack whispered. Twilight didn't notice her words, intently staring at the figure.

The door of the building behind him opened.

"Look--"

Applejack grabbed Twilight and pulled her behind the tree, covering her mouth. Her hat got knocked off, but she managed to grab it before it went out in the open.

After a moment, Applejack released Twilight, who proceeded to look back out from behind the tree.

The figure was now gone. Snow and dirt had been kicked around as if there was a struggle.

"What the hay, AJ?!" Twilight quietly said, angry.

"Sorry sugarcube. But y'all gotta be more careful."

"We could've helped that pony!"

"There was nothin' we could've done. It'da just have gotten their attention to us."

"There was something we could've done! We- we could've warned him!"

"Sugarcube, please calm down. We need ta stay quiet if y'all wanna find Shining Armor and Princess Cadance." Applejack said, wiping snow off of her hat and putting it back on. Twilight sighed, calming herself.

"You're right... sorry. I just--"

"I know. Y'all don't have to explain nothin' ta me." Applejack said. Twilight turned away from her.

Shining... Cadance...

"Let's... let's get going. I think we found their outpost."

"All right. We'll head back here later with the rest of 'em."

Twilight and Applejack trotted away discreetly, making sure they wouldn't be seen.

I promise I'm gonna find you. Just hold out a little bit longer.

"Oh, sorry--" Fluttershy took off her scarf and sat it across Blooming Lily's ribs. "Here. You must be cold."

"T-thank you..." Blooming said, blushing. "I think they're over here." Blooming finished, recognizing the opening in the bushes. She trotted to the bushes, only to be pulled back behind the brushes as Lance rushed out.

"Who are you?! What were you doing with my sister?!" Lance said, extending her fore-hoof and placing it over her chest, preparing to strike in case Fluttershy tried something.

"Lance, she's wasn't trying the hurt me." Blooming quietly said, gently pulled Lance's left hind-hoof.

"P-please, calm down. I'm-" "Are you a changeling?! What the hay do you want?!" Lance interrupted, seemingly not hearing Blooming.

"Give me a m-moment to explain, please. M-my name's Fluttershy. My friend and I found Blooming Lily. I-I thought I'd get her back to you and your f-friend."

"How do I know you're not a changeling?"

"Well, i-in all honesty, y-you don't. And if I were, I-I would've just taken Blooming instead of going through the trouble of finding you."

Lance stood back up, lowering her guard for the moment. She sighed, before breaking into a coughing fit. She placed her hoof against the tree, using it as a support.

"No... no, you wouldn't have."

Blooming relaxed, knowing that her sister wouldn't proceed to beat the hay out of her new friend.

"Sorry... just don't like my sister hanging out with ponies I don't know out here. Never know who's a changeling, you know?" Lance said. Fluttershy nodded.

"I was walking Blooming back here and s-she told me that you and your friend-- I think his name was Rocky, were trying to find your way back to the Crystal Empire."

"Go on..."

"I-I could bring you back to the Crystal Empire." Fluttershy said. Lance's eyes widened.

"You're kidding." Lance said in disbelief. Fluttershy shook her head. Lance chuckled.

"I-I can't believe this. Let me go get Rocky and then we'll be on our way with you." Lance said, turning around. She scooped up Blooming from the ground and hugged her.

"Good job." Lance whispered as she sat Blooming back down and trotted pass her.

"Taltra said that everything'd be all right, and then said her son's name. But after that... she just passed out. She's still alive, but her heartbeat's weak." Cadance finished. Shining looked over to Taltra.

"I'm sorry." He quietly said before turning back to Cadance.

"Did she say anything-"

Shining's chest suddenly pulsated, sending a wave of pain throughout his body. He grabbed his chest as he coughed hoarsely.

"What's wrong?"

"My chest!" He said, leaning up.

"I know it hurts, but please try not to move." Cadance said. His chest pulsated again, and the pain spread to his hooves and neck. Shining tightly shut his eyes.

"Oh... oh no..." Cadance said. She sunk down beside him, holding his hoof. "O... okay dear. Do you feel anything?"

"Pain!" Shining exclaimed. Cadance held his left fore-hoof tight.

"Don't worry dear. This'll be over soon... I'll be here with you every step of the way."

Shining banged his right fore-hoof against the ground and squeezed Cadance's hoof with his other. He released a final choked howl as his pain hit a boiling point. His heart pounded nearly out of his chest as his pain slowly leaked away from his chest, back up to his head and horn.

"Is it over?"

"I... I think so." Shining asked, opening his right eye. His coat had now changed from light grey to dark grey and his mane had from light blue and blue to dark cerulean and black.

"Is... is this what happened with Taltra?" Shining asked, his heart racing. He looked over to her, seeing her coat was now almost a golden color, and her mane was red.

"Yes, but not this."

"Oh; okay. Just... just give me a moment." Shining said, sitting his head against the ground and shutting his eyes.

Blooming Lily sat beside Fluttershy, waiting for Lance to return. She had been gone for a good few minutes, maybe more.

She's been out there awhile... maybe I should go check and make sure everything's okay.

Blooming bounced her hoof against the ground for a moment more before standing.

"I'll go check and see what's wrong."

"Okay. Just let me know if something is up."

Blooming nodded as she trotted pass the bushes.

"Lance?" Blooming called out. She looked around the area, checking for her or Rocky. Taking a step out into the open, she saw Lance, collapsed onto her hind hooves, standing on her fore-hooves. Blooming rushed up to her side, taking hold of her right fore-hoof.

"Lance! Are you all right?!"

"I'm fine-" A scratchy cough interrupted her. "Rocky's gone..." Her voice was somber before she punched the snow. "Why?!" She was furious, livid even.

"Don't- don't worry, Lance. We can get Fluttershy, she can help us."

"I don't know where he went..."

"Is everything all right?" Fluttershy stepped in from behind the bushes.

Twilight and Applejack trotted back towards the south, towards Pinkie Pie and Rarity. The sun had began to set, and Pinkie and Rarity had already sat out their sleeping bags and had even made a small fire. Rainbow Dash had gotten back, sitting in front of the fire as Rarity sat out their food on a large cloth and Pinkie was taking out the drinks.

"We'll wait out the rest of the night and then we'll head out tomorrow morning for that building."

"All right sugarcube."

"Darling, you are aware that Twilight isn't going to be very... er... content, with that. Right?"

"Yeah. She gonna be one angry mare when they gets back!"

"What else were we supposed to do? Leave the filly out there to freeze to death?"

"I know. But she specifically said she didn't want anypony by themselves. Not to mention that you were--"

Rarity suddenly stopped as she noticed Twilight and Applejack approaching.

"Hello, Twilight, Applejack. How did it go out there?"

"We think we found their outpost. We'll head back out there tomorrow and check the place out." Twilight said. Everypony was quiet; even Pinkie.

"So, Rainbow Dash, how'd it go out there?"

"Er... you see, when Fluttershy and I got there, there was just this burnt down house. The place was in smolders by the time we got there. There were no changelings that we could see, so we landed. We looked around the place, trying to find anypony that could've been hurt, but before we could finish, a changeling just jumped out of the bush and just stabbed me."

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah. I and Fluttershy got outta there as fast as we could. She bandaged me up with a piece of her scarf after we were safe."

"Good... where's Fluttershy?"

"Uh oh..." Pinkie quietly said. Twilight glanced at her for a moment before returning her vision back to Rainbow Dash.

"That's where it gets complicated. While Fluttershy was bandaging me, a filly trotted up to us. She was covered in ash and soot."

"Was she a changeling?"

"No. We made sure before we got too close to her. Afterward, we talked to her for a moment when she mentioned she had a group. Fluttershy wanted to help so..."

Twilight looked around the area, now noticing Fluttershy's absence.

"RD, you didn't..."

"I promise that she'll be all right. She was just gonna take her back to her ground, maybe help them out a bit, then be on her way back."

Twilight sighed.

"All right... I'll go see if I can find her. You guys just stay here and I'll be back." Twilight said, trotting towards the north. However, before she could go too far, she noticed three figures in the distance. One of which was flying above, and the other two were trotting below.

Captured

"I'd reckon that'd be Fluttershy and whoever y'all met out there. "

"She did say she had a sister and somepony else they had met... huh. Thought the filly said they had more than that in her group."

Twilight released a relieved sigh, glad to see Fluttershy safe and sound. Fluttershy waved to them as she landed in front of Twilight, standing in front of the mare and a smaller filly.

"What's a noble's duty to its citizens?" Twilight whispered as they met.

"To protect and lead them, to give them guidance, and to nurture them, regardless of the situation." Fluttershy whispered. Twilight nodded and cleared her throat.

"I guess these are the ponies Rainbow Dash told me about?"

"Mhm. I was going to bring them back to the Crystal Empire, but there's a bit of a... er... a s-situation going on in their group."

"What happened?"

"My dumb friend decided that it'd be a good idea to go back to the changelings so they'd leave us alone." The mare said, stepping to Fluttershy's side with the filly. She broke into a coughing fit.

"Are you feeling well, Ms..."

"Lance Force. My sister's Blooming Lily." Lance forced a cough down. "I've got an infection on my shoulder. A changeling stabbed me when we tried to get out."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Pinkie, would you be a dear and look in the basket? I'm certain we have a first aid kit inside."

"Lemme check." Pinkie pulled the basket up onto her lap, biting her tongue as she looked through it. "Yep!" She pulled the first aid kit out, a victorious smile on her face.

"'Scuse me, but why'd your friend do something like that?"

"He blames it all on himself. Thought we'd be better off without him."

"Why'd he think that? Did somethin' happen y'all don't know about?" Applejack asked. Blooming looked up at Lance, and Lance stared back down at her before looking back up to Applejack.

"Is everything fine, darling...?"

Lance sighed.

"He... he had to kill a changeling so we could get out of the Changeling Empire. Blooming even saw him... him bash its..." Lance paused, glancing downwards.

Rarity gasped, bringing her fore-hoof to her mouth.

"Stop, sugarcube. Y'all don't have to say no more."

"I-- I'm sorry. Please, you don't have to continue. I had no idea. I-I can't even imagine what you've been through to get where you did."

Lance nodded. Blooming stared at the ground, uncomfortable and saddened by what had happened.

"Here--" Twilight stepped to the side "Sit down. You can stay here for the night. We can have Fluttershy make sure everything's fine."

"Thank you."

"No! Get away from her!"

Shining Armor's eyes shot open, hearing Cadance's panicked voice. Two changeling soldiers were dragging out Taltra's limp, unconscious body, only for Cadance to hold her inside. She held Taltra by her chest and fore-hooves, desperately trying to keep her in the cell.

"Move her aside. If she won't do it willingly, then push her out of the way." Queen Chrysalis ordered. The guards took a step closer, pointing their spears towards her. Shining began to pull himself up, using the wall as a support.

"You're not taking her!" Cadance pushed them back. The guard in front slapped her as the one on the left pushed her down. They began stomping on her chest and stomach. She flinched and covered her head as she tried to block their strikes.

"Cadance!" Shining rushed forwards, only to stumble and fall in front of her. He crawled over her, covering her with his body, forcedly blocking their strikes.

"Forget about Cadenza, grab her."

The guards grabbed Taltra, lifting Taltra and dragging her by her fore-hooves.

"C'mon, c'mon, c'mon..." Shining muttered, gently shaking her right shoulder. "Wake up..."

"Shining..." Cadance said, slightly opening her eyes. "Taltra--"

The guard stomped on Cadance's stomach, causing her to cough. She was already unconscious. Shining looked up to them, watching them drag her away.

"Let her go!" Shining yelled, reaching forward to grab Taltra, only to be knocked in the snout by the end of one of the guard's spear. He fell back, his vision misty. He crawled forward, trying to get to the cell door. It slammed shut before he reached it, the lock clicking as it latched shut.

"Tsk-- I'd have expected more of a fight from you Shining, see how she broke your spell in the first place." Queen Chrysalis said. The door slammed shut as Shining rushed back to the bars. His snout was bleeding, his vision was misty, and he was feeling dizzy.

"I won't let you get away with this! I'll get out and you'll regret ever doing anything to us!"

"Oooh, what a temper!" Queen Chrysalis mocked him, bending her neck down to look at him at eye-level. "Are you angry, Shining?" She finished. Shining growled. He turned his attention back to Cadance, shaking her by her side as he tried to cool his currently boiling blood.

"How much weaker can you possibly get? You couldn't even protect Cadance. Although she's pretty weak herself... all the love I've been siphoning from her takes a toll on her body."

"Shut up!" Shining said, getting up and trotting to the other side of the cell. She was not about to toy with him.

"You couldn't even protect your own incompetent sister."

That made Shining snap.

He rushed over to the bars, sticking his left fore-hoof in between the bars. She was just out of reach. Queen Chrysalis smiled, chuckling under her breath.

"Oh, oh no." She said in an overly-dramatic tone. "Looks like you're just short of me. Seems like you've been sub-par most of the time lately."

Shining pushed forwards even further, however, she was just barely out of his grasp.

"I doubt Twilight even cares about you anymore. They probably abandoned the search for you two long ago."

Shining squeezed his shoulder through the bars, giving him enough length to grab Queen Chrysalis.

He grabbed her by the throat and pulled her down to eye-level. Queen Chrysalis kept her ground, returning Shining's scowl.

"If you ever, ever insult Twilight or Cadance again, I promise you that I'll drag you to the Crystal Empire and leave you in the streets tied up."

Queen Chrysalis stared at him, a mixture of hatred and fear.

"What's the matter?" Shining asked. "Has the great queen finally found a pony that she's afraid of?"

"You..." Queen Chrysalis hissed, exposing her fangs and sharp teeth. She turned away, calming herself after a moment.

"You're lucky I need you. Otherwise, you'd in the disposal rooms beneath this kingdom long before now."

"You don't scare me."

Queen Chrysalis giggled.

"You will come to fear me. Or respect me. Whether you approve of it, or not..." Queen Chrysalis said, turning and trotting away, about to step outside of the room. However, before she could leave, Renla stepped inside.

"Queen Chrysalis, my group has found one of the escaped prisoners."

Oh no...

"Good. Describe him."

"Stallion. Tall, muscular, dark gray coat and a brown mane, and his cutiemark is of three crystals."

"Ah, yes. I had an audience with the three of them when they entered. Bring him to the Throne Room. I'll meet you there."

"Yes, my queen." Renla bowed before he turned back to the door. He opened the door for Queen Chrysalis, allowing her to exit first. He looked around the room, noticing Taltra's absence before stepping out.

Twilight quietly bit off a piece of the apple held in front of her by her magical aura, surrounding it. Their camp was quiet. Somber, even. The sky was pitch black, with the exception of a few constellations. Rarity huffed as she sat out the last sleeping bag. They all surrounded a large campfire at the middle of the camp.

"Good thing we found some dry wood. We'da been freezin'."

"Certainly." Rarity sighed as she sat down atop of the sleeping bag she had just sat down. She pulled out a small handkerchief from her saddlebag as her horn glowed with her light blue magic aura, lifting up an apple from the basket and taking a small bite from it, before patting down her mouth.

Lance Force and Blooming Lily were sitting beside each other in front of the large campfire. Blooming was nibbling on an apple while Lance scooted closer to the fire.

"How're you feeling, darling?" Rarity swallowed the rest of her apple before she spoke. Lance glanced back to her with a nod. She covered her mouth as she coughed.

"Better. Thank you for patching me up." Lance turned back towards the fire.

"It wasn't an issue, darling. You deserve to relax after everything you were forced into."

"No..." Lance trailed away. "No, I don't."

"Why not?" Blooming asked. Lance stared into the fire as she became silent. "Lance?"

"Don't worry about it, sweetheart." She smiled, before ruffling Blooming's mane. "And thanks for letting us stay here."

"It's no problem. We packed two extra sleeping bags for Shining and Cadance anyway."

"Wait, Cadance? Like, Princess Cadance?"

"Mhm. We're trying to get Twi's big bro and sis-in-law back from the changelings." Rainbow Dash said. Lance shook her head, still confused.

"Brother? So that means you're... Princess Twilight Sparkle?" Lance asked. Twilight nodded.

"Sorry, princess. I would've addressed you as such if I'd have known."

"It's okay. Relax. Just call me Twilight." Twilight said with a smile. Lance nodded.

"So Prince Shining and Princess Cadance are there? Were they taken in the raid too?"

"No. They were... er... captured by Queen Chrysalis a few days after they started the cleanup and recovery. She posed as Princess Celestia and infiltrated the kingdom." Rarity said. She wiped her mouth and began to set out the sleeping bags.

"Oh..."

"She took control of Shining. One minute he's normal, next he blasts Cadance into the wall and then me."

"That's just messed up... she's controlling ponies against their will now?!" Lance exclaimed, disgusted. Fluttershy somberly nodded.

"What if that's what happened to Rocky?" Blooming asked fearfully. The group fell into a somber silence. Lance especially.

"Er... hey! Blooming, right? Let's go play Hide and Seek, before it's too late. Do you want to?" Pinkie asked, energetically jumping up and trotting to Blooming.

"I-I don't know..." Blooming said, looking to Lance. Lance nodded, approving.

"C'mon. It'll be fun!"

"I guess." Blooming timidly said.

"All right! Let's go!" Pinkie said, galloping towards the sleeping bags. Blooming followed behind.

"I guess it hasn't been easy on her?"

"She couldn't sleep for the first couple of nights after we escaped. She's had trouble sleeping at night, knowing they're looking for us. And the fact that she saw him... 'do it' didn't help."

"Are y'all sure this stallion's trustworthy? I ain't meanin' to bad mouth him, but we have to know."

"Yes. He's a good stallion. But he was just..." Lance paused for a moment.

"Is everything all right?"

"His friend was captured too. He was in the Crystal Guards with Rocky. He was almost fully a changeling and we hadn't even been there a week."

Twilight's throat suddenly became dry.

I-is that what's happening to Shining?

"He was screaming at Rocky in pain. He was literally begging him to kill him."

Twilight's heart dropped. Her worst nightmare may have just been confirmed.

Shining... I-I'm sorry... I don't know if I'll be able to save you...

A kind hoof touched her shoulder. She turned, seeing Fluttershy standing behind her.

"Don't worry, Twilight. Shining had been in the Crystal Empire for days. He'd have at least started to show some sign of... er... changing."

"Yeah... yeah. Thanks." Twilight said, slightly calmed.

"-He... he had to do it. There was no other choice."

"I get it sugarcube. Don't say no more."

"Thanks... do you mind if I go ahead and go to sleep?"

"No. Just go ahead and pick a sleeping bag."

Lance nodded, getting up and trotting towards the eight sleeping bags Rarity had just finished setting out.

"You. Wake him up."

A swift, cold hoof slapped me in the face, jolting me awake. I opened my eyes, scanning the room drowsily, but it was too dark to make out any shapes. The only thing I could see were those... those cold eyes. Oh no...

"I see you've finally joined us."

Queen Chrysalis' voice echoed around the room. I remained quiet... they aren't going to find out a bucking thing about Lance or Blooming, no matter what the hay they do.

"So, tell me, why'd you allow yourself to get captured?"

I kept my head pointed towards the ground.

"Ahem... I don't think he heard me. Make him aware of my presence."

Somepony twisted my broken hoof, sending a wave of pain through my hoof, causing me to grind my teeth and raise my head.

"Now, please explain to me why'd you allow yourself to be captured."

"So you'd leave them alone..." I breathed.

"Who-- oh... the mare and that filly. I guess you think I'd call off my soldiers if you gave yourself up?"

"..."

"Again."

Somepony punched me in my stomach, knocking the air from my lungs and causing me to bend over.

"Yes..." I wheezed out.

"There. That wasn't so hard, now was it?"

"W-will you leave them?"

"Oh, I don't know..."

"Please! Do what you want with me! Just leave them out of this!"

"I don't know... if I bring back that mare, I could get some excess love..."

"No!" I bared my teeth in anger. "Don't you dare lay a hoof on her!"

Queen Chrysalis laughed.

"Fine, fine. I guess you'll have to do. On one condition."

"Whatever you want!"

"You'll agree to be executed tomorrow, at noon, after your love is siphoned."

"What?!"

"You heard me. Give me that, and I'll leave her out of this. I'll give you ten seconds to decide."

I felt my heart drop as the words weaved their way through her lips. Ten seconds?! That's it?!

"Eight seconds left." Queen Chrysalis chimed in as she began to circle around me. I-I can't- what would Lance think of me if I-- I just gave up?!

"Give me a moment!"

I can't let them get captured! No matter what!

"Five." Queen Chrysalis continued. There's not enough time! My heart is pounding!

"Two..."

I have to make a decision now!

"Okay! I agree!"

Silence. Queen Chrysalis completed her circle, the tapping of her horseshoes pausing as she stood in front of me. "You've sealed your own fate."

I... I'm going to die, aren't I?

My hooves shook, my vision became blurry as tears came to my eyes as I realized what I had just done. Queen Chrysalis patted my head.

"Good... very good colt. Don't worry, your mare will be safe." She bent down to my eyes, wiping my tears before standing. "Take him to his holding cell. Leave him there until the morning." Queen Chrysalis ordered. My head hung low as the changelings dragged me away, tears streaming down my face.

Twilight Sparkle sat in front of the fire. The wood inside had been burnt away, and the fire was smoldering. Everypony else was in their sleeping bags beside Twilight and Applejack. Applejack sat on the opposite side of Twilight.

Shining... please be safe. Twilight thought. If you or Cadance is hurt... if you're a changeling... Twilight paused, unable to bear the thought of Shining being a changeling. Nothing scared her more than losing her brother.

"Don't worry, sugarcube."

Twilight looked up at Applejack.

"Shining's gonna be just fine."

"H-how can you be so sure?"

"Y'all'd have noticed if he started changin'. Plus he's tough as nails. Ain't a darn thing that Chrysalis would do that'd scare Shining." Applejack said with certainty. She stood up and trotted towards the sleeping bags. Twilight still didn't feel good about Shining's fate.

"Applejack?"

"Yeah?" Applejack asked, turning to Twilight.

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"Not'a problem, sugarcube." Applejack said, turning back to the sleeping bags and laying on the far right(the second place with an unoccupied sleeping bag).

I'd better go on and get to bed. I need to get up early and prepare if we're about to go into the hornet's nest...

Twilight stood up, trotting over to the far left part of the row of sleeping bags, laying between Lance, Blooming, and Fluttershy. She took one more good look around, looking at her friends before laying down.

Please be safe tomorrow, guys. I can't lose you too...

Severed

Twilight Sparkle quietly trotted towards the treeline, her friends in a small group behind her. Lance and Applejack followed closely behind her. The group stopped as they reached the tree line.

"Okay everypony, pay attention." Twilight turned to her group. All eyes were on her.

"Once we're inside there, no pony splits up, no matter what. We can't risk it in there. If we get split away from each other somehow, find somepony else and try to regroup, okay?" Twilight said. Everypony nodded.

"Stay beside me, Blooming." Lance quietly whispered to her younger sister, pushing Blooming to her side.

"Okay, I'll go make sure everything's good with the entrance, no changelings or anything, then we'll go."

"Do you want one'a us to come with you?"

"No. It'll only take a minute. Just keep watch."

Applejack nodded. Twilight turned and trotted into the treeline, scanning the area for any changelings. She reached the outpost, seeing the area was clear.

Okay... time to go--?

Twilight noticed out of the corner of her eye that there was a red trail in the snow, leading to the treeline. It was dark red, already dried.

Is that blood? Twilight questioned. What the hay... this wasn't here before, was it?

Twilight nearly jumped as the snow cracked to her right. She took a step back and prepared to run back to her friends, but before she could, somepony coughed. A bloody hoof reached around the three, using a low hanging branch to pull its self up. A unicorn mare limped out from behind the tree in front of her. Her golden coat was covered in marks, bruises, and cuts. There was a large gash down her stomach that was leaking and dripping blood, her red mane had been splashed with dry blood, and her right eye was swollen shut. A slash went over her cutie mark, slicing over a notebook, slicing the outlines of a pony in half.

"Please... Twili..." The pony wheezed, her voice weak. Before she could finish, her hooves gave out on her and she fell to the snow with a loud thump.

"Oh, Celestia..." Twilight said. The mare stifled a groan as she dragged her to the tree next to her and leaned her against it.

"If you can hear me, I'm going to go get help, okay?"

The mare held Twilight's hoof. "No... you have to... to get to him..."

"Who?" Twilight asked as she unraveled her scarf. The mare looked up to her before a cough ripped through her, blood splashing onto Twilight. Twilight quickly took off her scarf and wrapped it around her neck.

"I'll be back in a minute. Just- just try to stay warm and I'll be back in a second. " Twilight said, backing away from her. After she had gotten a few feet away from her, she turned and galloped at a full sprint.

That pony sounded like she was going to say my name... Twilight noted. As she passed the tree line, she saw Fluttershy and Applejack were trotting towards the tree line. They rushed up to her as they saw her galloping.

"Is everything all right, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked, rushing to Twilight's side. Applejack stood in front of Twilight.

"What's the matter, sugarcube?"

Twilight stopped in front of them, deeply breathing for whatever air she could get.

"There's a pony out there... she's..." Twilight took another deep breath, this time trying not to vomit from the gruesomeness of her injuries. "I-I don't even want to think about what they did to her..."

"Is there a stallion with her?" Lance questioned. She and the rest of the group quickly trotted to her. Blooming was standing beside her, tears quickly filling her eyes.

"No, thankfully." Twilight said. Lance took a breath, however, she still seemed uneasy.

"She's hurt really badly. The outpost's clear, so I thought we maybe take care of her before we go."

"Of course we can." Rarity said, stepping out from the group and standing beside Applejack.

"Okay. I'll lead the way." Twilight said, turning and trotting towards the treeline. After a moment or two, they reached the treeline outside of the outpost, seeing the mare still leaning against the same tree.

"Sweet Celestia..." Applejack muttered, sympathetic. "What're we s'pposed to do?"

"Fluttershy bandaged me up when I got stabbed by the changelings." Rainbow Dash suggested. Twilight and Applejack turned to Fluttershy. Her face flushed as she immediately turned her gaze to the ground.

"Um... I-I bandage cuts and bruises on animals and small cuts on ponies... but that-- I-I don't know if I could help."

"Can't'cha do somethin'? It don't have to be much as it's somethin'."

Fluttershy remained quiet for a moment, staring at the ground.

"I guess I-I could try bandaging her gash and cleaning her up a bit."

"Thank ya kindly." Applejack said, stepping out of Fluttershy's way.

Shining Armor sat in the corner of the cell, staring at the door to the outside. He'd been guarding the cell for well over a couple of hours now, all while Cadance was still unconscious.

Nothing but silence... Shining noted, sighing and wiping down his face.

"Taltra!"

Cadance sprung up, looking around the cell in a panic.

"Cadance? Are you all right?"

Cadance turned to Shining.

"Thank Celestia..." Cadance said. She got up and trotted over to Shining, sitting down beside him. She winced as leaned down to sit.

"That's gonna hurt for awhile. You did take a pretty bad beating before I got over there."

"Where's Taltra?" Cadance asked. Shining looked away from her, guilty,

"I... I'm sorry. I tried to stop them, honestly, but they still took her." Shining said. Cadance looked away from him and let out a few swears.

"I hope she'll be okay."

"Me too, Cadance." Shining said. Although he knew the possibility of that was slim to no chance.

"Are you all right?"

"Oh-- of course. I'm fine. Just a few bruises and a bloody snout." Shining said, chuckling a bit.

"Okay. Good. Glad that you weren't hurt that badly."

"You too."

Cadance leaned into Shining's shoulder, resting her head on the crease of his neck.

"I know Twilight will get us out. I just know it." Shining smiled. Cadance glanced up a smile of her own.

Fluttershy and Twilight leaned over the mare. Twilight held a small cloth over the mare's gash as Fluttershy wrapped the rest of her remaining scarf around it and tied it. She dunked her hooves in the snow, rubbing the blood free from her hooves

"Okay... that's all I can do."

Twilight looked over the mare. The blood and dirt on her face had been cleaned along with her mane and the gash on her stomach had been bandaged. Her cutie mark was more visible, showing an open notebook, with the outline of a pony in the middle. A cut had been slashed across the pony, slicing it in half down the middle.

"Thank you. Go ahead and get cleaned up. I'll see if I can learn anything about her."

Fluttershy nodded, trotting away from Twilight.

"Twi..."

The mare groaned before she could finish.

"Try not to speak. You're really hurt."

"No... I have to tell you-" The mare stifled another groan, every word she said painfully. "Your brother is changing soon." She finished. Twilight stared at her, confused.

"How do you know that?" Twilight asked. "What do you mean? How do you know I'm out here for Shining?"

The mare released a loud cough. She wheezed, struggling to breathe.

"Calm down. Catch your breath." Twilight said. The mare took a few moments to breathe before she spoke.

"I was with Shining Armor." She said. "I-I was his guide."

"His guide? What do you..." Twilight trailed off, lost in her thoughts for a moment. Then she came to a sudden realization.

She's a changeling!

She quickly stumbled back.

"No-" The mare reached up for her, only to wince. "I-I couldn't hurt you if I wanted. Everything hurts." She put her hoof back down.

"Are you a changeling?"

"I-I was..." The mare said, looking at her hooves. "Then Queen Chrysalis cast some spell on me and Shining. I became less of a changeling as he became more of one." She finished. Twilight didn't know whether to be fearful or to be in disbelief.

"But I swear I don't serve her anymore."

"Are you telling the truth?" Twilight asked. The mare nodded.

"Okay. I trust you." Twilight said. The mare smiled as she nodded.

"How'd you get so injured?"

"Queen Chrysalis had me dragged out of my cell and thrown into the courtyard. S-she just-- just let her guards beat me and cut me until she was satisfied. Every one of them beat me... except one..." The mare said, pausing for a moment. She seemed to become lost in her thoughts for a moment.

"Is everything all right?" Twilight asked. The mare stared at the ground for a moment more before gazing back at Twilight

"That's when she did this." The mare said, pointing to her right eye. "She just... just shot a magic bolt into my eye like it was nothing and then... then she just started hitting me in my eye. And she wouldn't stop until he jumped in and pulled her off of me."

"Can you see out of it?"

"It's too swollen. Maybe a little."

"Okay. Who pulled Queen Chrysalis off of you? Shining?"

"No... I'd rather not say who exactly."

"Okay. That's fine. What's your name?"

"Queen Chrysalis always referred to me as Taltra."

"What'd you like for us to call you then?"

"Radiant..." She said, looking up at Twilight. "Radiant Shine."

An Hour Later

Twilight Sparkle trotted over to the treeline, looking at the building and seeing that the area was still clear.

We can't stay here out in the open for much longer. Twilight thought. She looked to Radiant, seeing her still leaning against the tree, unconscious.

And we can't leave Radiant Shine to die... Twilight thought. She sighed, staring at the clearing with the building, thinking of what she could do.

Maybe I could have a couple of my friends stay behind with her... make sure she'll be all right while we're gone.

But we'll need all the ponies we can get if we're going into the Changeling's Kingdom... there were hundreds of them last time, and we barely managed to expel them last time.

Twilight fought with herself for a moment before turning and trotting to the group.

I can't let Radiant die.

"Everypony, listen." Twilight said, gaining everypony's in the group's attention.

"We're gonna be heading into the outpost soon. But I need to ask two of you to stay behind to make sure Radiant will be all right."

"Shouldn't we have all hooves on board if we're going in their home?"

"I thought that too, but we can't allow somepony to die if we're able to do something about it."

"All right. Can't say that's not gonna make things easier for us, though..."

"So, who's willing to stay behind?" Twilight asked. Slowly, but surely, Fluttershy stepped out.

"I-I will, if no pony minds. Since I'm the one who patched her up." Fluttershy said, trotting over to Radiant.

"Okay. Anypony else?"

Rarity stepped out. She trotted over to Radiant and stood beside Twilight.

"I'd be of more use here anyway."

Lance stepped outside of the group with Blooming

"Maybe you should stay here too, Blooming. Mom and dad'd kill me if they knew I let you get into the Changeling Kingdom twice." Lance said jokingly. Blooming looked up at her, smiling, but still worried.

"Are you sure? You're still sick, you should stay too."

"'Course. I'll be fine."

"Okay... just please be careful." Blooming said. Lance hugged her and kissed her forehead.

"I love you, okay?"

"Love you, too." Blooming said. Lance trotted back over to the group.

"Okay, we should head out if we want to reach the Changeling Kingdom by noon."

"Okay, darling. Everypony be cautious out there."

"You guys stay safe too. We'll be back."

Twilight and everypony else in her group said their goodbyes as they trotted towards the small building.

Rainbow Dash trotted up to the door, putting her right fore-hoof on the knob. She looked to Applejack and Pinkie, making sure they were ready.

"Well, no reason to dilly-daddle, let's go on with it." Applejack said. Rainbow Dash nodded in a agreement, opening the door and stepping through.

Shining Armor and Cadance sat in the corner of the cell, leaning against each other.

Creaak

Four changeling guards stepped in, standing in front of Queen Chrysalis.

"Grab them. Keep them separated." Queen Chrysalis ordered. The changelings stepped in quickly, taking action. They opened the door, rushing in. Shining stood in front of Cadance, blocking them.

"Foolish of you to want to be captured first, but if that's what you'd like, then so be it."

Two of the guards tried to grab Shining. He pushed them away before he had the chance to drag him away.

"Stay away from him!" Cadance exclaimed, standing up beside Shining.

"Cadance, don't-"

One of the two changeling guards grabbed his right fore-hoof as the other punched him in the snout. They quickly bound his fore-hooves with chains and dragged him away as the other two guards grabbed Cadance.

"Don't you dare!" Shining yelled as he was dragged out of the cell. He struggled against the changelings' grasp, but he was still weak.

"Take him to my throne room. We'll continue it there." Queen Chrysalis said. The guards nodded as they dragged him out of the room.

"Huh?"

"What is it?"

"There's no changelings in here or anything." Rainbow Dash said, trotting down the staircase into the hall below. Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Lance Force, and Pinkie Pie followed behind.

"What the hay're we s'pposed to do now? Doesn't look like this is the big post we thought it'd be."

"I guess we follow the hallway."

"That's it?" Lance said under a cough.

"That's all I've got. Don't see any rooms or diverging hallways so far."

"All right... but keep on your guard. And if you see Rocky, let me handle him." Lance said, trotting in front of them and down the hallway. They followed behind.

Endgame

Twilight Sparkle, Lance Force, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie trotted down the hallway. The cold chill air filled the room, giving Twilight goosebumps. Snow was scattered across the floor.

"Gotta be gettin' close now. The snow just ain't gonna appear outta nowhere."

"How long? It's so boring down here..." Pinkie sighed loudly, scraping her hooves against the white, muted wall. Rainbow Dash scoffed.

"Relax Pinkie. We'll get there soon, I'm sure."

Pinkie sighed, bored. Twilight trotted forwards, in front of them, as she saw sunlight coming from a right turn in the hall

"I think we found it--"

Lance suddenly galloped passed Twilight, kicking some snow on her hooves. She turned the corner and galloped towards the sunlight.

"Hey, wait up!" Pinkie called out, her and Rainbow Dash galloping after her. Applejack and Twilight trailed behind.

As Twilight turned the corner, she saw Lance rushing up a case of stairs.

"Lance, wait--"

Lance burst through the door, nearly breaking the old, rotting door off the hinges. Two black figures immediately leaped on her. Rainbow Dash skidded to a stop, turning immediately and pushing the group back behind the wall.

"No- gah. Get off me!"

"Get Queen Chrysalis! Now!"

Hooves rushed down the staircase. A loud bang echoed throughout the hall, with another, quieter one followed behind it. Horseapples! Twilight scooted closer to the corner of the wall.

"Uhnn- what's the matter?! Too scared to fight a mare alone?! Gotta hold me down?!"

"What do we do?" Rainbow Dash whispered.

"What can we do? We'll be captured or hurt by the time we even lay a darn hoof on the mare."

"Horseapples..." Twilight cursed, her brain rushing with thoughts and ideas of how to get Lance out.

"Oh, this is just too precious..."

She released a silent gasp upon hearing Queen Chrysalis' voice.

"W-what are we gonna do?" Pinkie questioned. Her mane had already deflated from the stress. Twilight remained silent, beads of sweat rolling down her temple.

"You! Where is he?!"

"Well, I was siphoning the last part of his love until I was so rudely interrupted..."

A loud growl rushed through the hall. "You-- you overgrown bug! Just wait until I get up! You'll be so sorry!"

"We'll see about that..." Queen Chrysalis' horseshoes tapped as she stepped down. "I know she wasn't alone. Go on, come out."

Twilight's heart stopped. Oh- oh no!

"Come on, she wouldn't have come alone. I don't care if I have to send every changeling I have down here to find you, I will find you."

"What do we do?"

"I dunno!"

"Do I really need to count?" Queen Chrysalis took a step closer. "All right, fine. Three..."

A wave of hoofsteps stepped down into the hall.

What the hay am I going to do?!

"Two..."

I have no choice.

"One-" "Wait!"

Twilight stepped out. Queen Chrysalis stood at the front of a small group of changelings. At least five or six of them were armed with spears and armor, one at the forefront wearing a helmet, its' curved horn sticking out at an opening in the middle, and wearing freshly cleaned armor. It held a jagged spear at its side. Its dark blue and black mane stuck out from under the helm.

"I-I found her and her little sister on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire. Said she had lost somepony along the way, needed my help. We found this place."

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie leaned against the wall, staring at her in shock. Pinkie's mouth even hung ajar. She turned to them, giving them a subtle smile and a nod of her head.

"Foalish, would've expected a battalion of the crystal soldiers, but a single alicorn is good enough. Grab her."

The soldier with the helm grabbed her, dragging her back up the stairs. Each other changeling cleared the way as Queen Chrysalis followed behind him. "Don't think I forgot you," She grabbed Lance by her left fore-hoof, dragging her out.

"Gah- lemme go!"

"Not yet. You fought back here to see your stallion, yes? You'll see him, all right." Queen Chrysalis pushed her forward, releasing her and allowing her to slide across the courtyard. She quickly rose to her hooves.

"Now it's just you and me!" Lance rushed towards Queen Chrysalis. A wicked smile spread across her face as her magical aura surrounded her horn.

"Lance, no--"

Lance yelped as a dark red mark snaked up her right fore-hoof. Another went up the opposite hoof, then to her head and wings. The magic forced her down onto her chin.

"Now, let's see how much you love that stallion..." Queen Chrysalis leaned down, towards Lance's chest. Lance struggled against the magic. Twilight watched in horror, unable to move towards Lance thanks to the guard standing at her side, holding her in place.

"Chrysalis!"

Rocky had forced the door of the main palace open, leaning against the door with his left fore-hoof. His face had been cut and bruised, his right fore-hoof was trembling, and his coat had become much darker. He had a cut across his snout, and his hooves had been splashed with his own blood.

"Remember our deal!" Rocky used his last bit of strength in his voice before he fell to the ground. Queen Chrysalis growled, before turning back to Twilight and the guard.

"You, get him and bring him over here. Let's see how far we can push this mare."

The guard bowed, before rushing up to Rocky. He dragged him up to Queen Chrysalis, with Rocky barely putting up any fight. Lance stared at him, concerned.

"So, now that you two have been reunited, why don't you tell her what you agreed to do for her?" Queen Chrysalis looked down to Rocky, pushing him forward toward Lance.

"I... I-I-"

Queen Chrysalis stamped down on Rocky's right hind hoof. He howled in pain, biting down on his tongue, drawing blood. "Speak clearly, we wouldn't want her to misunderstand anything, would we?"

"You lay another hoof on him-!" "No. Lance," Rocky sighed, holding her right fore-hoof. She struggled against the magical grasp, trying to grab him. "I... I gave my love to her."

"What?" Lance and Twilight questioned simultaneously.

"Why?" She questioned, confused, almost saddened. "Did I-I do something? Why would you?"

"To make sure you and Blooming would get back to the Crystal Empire safely."

Lance gasped breathlessly.

"I guess that's not going to happen anymore. But go on, you know that's not all of it."

Rocky glanced downwards, away from Lance. "I... I'm gonna be executed soon."

"No!" Lance struggled even rougher against Queen Chrysalis' magic. "You can't! Not after everything we've done! You're not leaving me behind like this!"

"Lance--" "Actually, I think it might be nearing noon. You know what that means, don't you Rocky Diamond?"

"Of course." Rocky said reluctantly. He quickly leaned down, giving Lance a peak on the cheek.

"Rocky, please don't do this." Lance whispered. He moved up to her ear.

"I love you." Rocky whispered breathlessly into her ear. Tears came to Lance's eyes, realizing this was going to be the last time they would meet. She was frozen, she couldn't move, and could barely breathe.

"Rocky!" Lance called out, her voice breaking as she struggled, desperately trying to wiggle her way towards Rocky. She had been thrust into action on pure adrenaline. "Please don't hurt him!"

"Queen Chrysalis, this doesn't need to happen, okay? Just let us take him and we'll--" "He's not leaving this kingdom until he pays for the changelings he killed."

The changeling nodded, unsheathing his spear and cut his hind hooves, forcing his already weak hooves to give out. He fell to the ground, sitting on the ground. The changeling rested the tip against the back of his neck.

"No! Please! I-I'm sorry! Please!" Lance pleaded, tears cascading down her face. Her voice was fast, nervous, and panicked. "Please don't! Don't h-hurt him!"

"Oh, so now you want to show respect, to beg? Don't you remember when you spat in my face? I don't think so."

"This doesn't need to end in any more bloodshed! Please!"

"But, it must. To get the respect I deserve from you ponies, I must take it."

Rocky looked up at Lance, having a small, yet somber, smile on his face, before bowing his head.

"Rocky please!"

The changeling lifted the spear

"No!" Lance called out.

"Where's Shining?!" Twilight asked, desperate to save Rocky. The guard stopped right above Rocky's neck, then turned to Queen Chrysalis. Queen Chrysalis nodding, as a wicked smile spread across her face. The guard stepped away from Rocky and sheathed it's spear, before kicking him to the ground. The magic around Lance's hooves retracted. Her hooves trembled as she collapsed into a pile on the floor. She crawled up to Rocky, covering his body with her own.

"P... please don't hurt him..." Lance's voice was frail and broken.

"Don't worry, the stallion's safe. For the moment." Queen Chrysalis said before turning to Twilight.

"You're too late, Twilight. He's mine now, and there's not a thing you can do."

"You're lying!" Twilight said. She refused to believe that Shining would ever take an order from her.

"Don't believe me? Fine. Meet your former brother, Shining Armor."

The changeling pulled the helm off of his head, showing Shining Armor. His fangs stuck out from the top of his mouth, his mane was brushed to the side, and his face was scuffed with dirt. Twilight's hooves momentarily shook, nearly giving out as the shock and sadness hit her fully.

"Shining... no..."

"He's gone, Twilight."

Twilight's hooves quivered, struggling to hold herself up. Was she too late?

"And now-" Queen Chrysalis turned back to Rocky and Lance. "let's finish the crystal pony, shall we?"

Lance turned up to Queen Chrysalis. She pushed Rocky back, covering him as she tried to get them both away.

"P-please don't..." Lance backed towards the entrance towards the underground hall. Queen Chrysalis took a step towards them.

"My queen," Shining stopped her. "Allow Renla's soldiers to handle them. We have to take care of Twilight."

"Oh well, I suppose you're right. He'll be here soon enough." Queen Chrysalis turned back to Twilight. "Follow me, dear Twilight. We wouldn't want to be late for our appointment, would we?"

Twilight turned to Lance and Rocky.

"Go hide." She mouthed before Shining forcefully took her by the hoof, pulling her with Queen Chrysalis towards the palace.

Lance trembled in front of me, unable to stay still for a moment. Why the hay couldn't she just stay back... why... oh horseapples. I hope she didn't bring Blooming, I don't want her to see me. Not like this.

The cuts on my hind hooves burned, especially the fresh ones that Shining Armor had just inflicted on me. I could still move my left fore-hoof, but barely. Everything hurts... horseapples, how the hay did I live?

"Psst! Hey!"

What? Who's that?

"Hey, Lance! Get over here!"

I looked up towards the entrance. Two ponies ducked at the staircase, one pink earth-pony with a large, fluffy mane, and one blue pegasus with a multicolored mane, matching up with some colors of a rainbow. An orange earth pony rushed out from behind them, a brown stetson hat atop her mane. She rushed up the staircase, and up to us.

"C'mon, y'all gotta get up." She grabbed my left fore-hoof, pulling me towards the entrance. "RD, get over here and help carry him down!"

The pegasus galloped up behind her, followed by the pink pony. They grabbed my fore-hooves and hind hooves, carrying me towards the staircase. Lance isn't following us...

"Wait-" I groaned. The group stopped. I pointed my head towards Lance. "Get her..."

"She hurt or somethin'?"

I shook my head. The mare sighed. "Y'all mind takin' him by y'all's selves, Pinkie, RD?"

"Not like we have another choice AJ." Pinkie giggled as she took hold of my right fore-hoof.

"Thank y'all. I won't be long." She galloped passed us, and to Lance. The mare knelt down to her side before we passed into the underground hall.

"Jeez, you're gonna need a lot more than a bandage once we get back." Pinkie giggled as they turned the corner.

"Not now, Pinkie! What the hay did they do to you, Rocky?"

"How do you--" I suppressed a groan."you know my name?"

"Lance told us- oh, careful, careful..." RD warned as she and Pinkie slowly sat me down carefully. There were a group of changelings, piled atop each other. "Y'know, you've gotta be some kinda crazy to go back to the Changeling Kingdom after you escaped."

"You have no idea." I chuckled. "Did you guys take care of those changelings?"

"Mhm. Easy as pie." RD puffed her chest up, bolstering her pride.

"Good job."

"Thanks. We'll probably-" "Stop it! Stay away!"

Lance galloped passed the corner, slamming to a stop in front of me.

"Rocky..."

Lance... I'm so sorry.

Just as she saw me, AJ trotted out from the corner, readjusting her hat as she wiped some blood from her lips.

"You all right?"

"Scared Lance when I was tryin'ta get her to come. Darn mare's gotta heck of a left hook. I'll be fine." AJ said. "Y'all had better come with me. We need to get Twi' outta there."

"I second that." RD stood.

"Third!"

"Will y'all two be okay down here?"

"Yeah. Lance?"

Lance remained quiet. She sat down in front of me, keeping her gaze locked on me.

"We'll be fine. Go ahead, save your friend."

"Thank ya kindly. Y'all get on outta here if we don't come back." AJ turned, rushing up to stairs. RD and Pinkie followed behind her.

Twilight barely kept with Shining's pace. They trotted to the palace with Queen Chrysalis. Shining opened the doors for them to step through, trotting in behind the two before slamming the door shut.

There was a chair that had been sat out in front of a small, circular stairway that led to a throne. At the right of the room, there was a stairwell, and to the left, there was a staircase that led downwards.

"Sit, Twilight. We've much to discuss." Queen Chrysalis said, passing by the chair and trotting up the staircase to her throne. Twilight did as she was told and sat. Shining stood at Queen Chrysalis' side.

"So, tell me, why would you do such a foalish thing?"

"Excuse me?"

"Why would you come into my kingdom unannounced, without the protection of what's left of the Crystal Guard? You've left yourself in a lot of danger."

"I know. And I know you wouldn't hurt me."

"Why not? I could have Shining Armor kill you at this very moment."

"Because then Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would wage war against you. They wouldn't stand by idly if the Elements of Harmony were in jeopardy." Twilight said. Queen Chrysalis nodded.

"Clever mare. But I've not brought you into my palace to kill you. Just yet."

"Then why?"

Queen Chrysalis shook her head.

"Tell me, how have things been back at the Crystal Empire? Any of my subjects come to see you again?"

"Why should I tell you?"

Queen Chrysalis scoffed.

"Why shouldn't you tell me? I have an army of changelings just starving for love, Shining Armor under my control, and Mi Amore Cadenza locked away. I could have them summonded at a stomp of my hoof."

Twilight sighed, seeing she had been beaten.

"No changelings came. And it's fine, not like you'd care."

"Oh, but I do, considering Shining Armor has two of my spies locked away and had one of them beaten within and inch of its life."

"How did you-"

Twilight stopped. She realized Queen Chrysalis probably had changelings all around the Crystal Empire. Including inside the palace.

Oh no... Spike!

"Well, enough about that. Shining-" Queen Chrysalis turned to him. "You know what to do. Bring out our precaution."

Shining nodded, trotting down the staircase and to the left side of the room. He trotted down the staircase, leaving them. He returned after a few moments, holding Cadance by the mane and throwing her to the ground. She was gagged and bound at the hooves, her mane was tangled and dirty, she had a cut on her right cheek, and her chest was bruised and was riddled with bite marks. Her coat was noticeably darker

"Cadance!" Twilight reached forwards for Cadance, only for Shining to pull out his spear and held it against her chest.

"I'd not do that. Otherwise..."

Shining turned away from Twilight, cutting Cadance shoulder. She jumped, leaning away from the blade.

"Shining, please, you don't have to do this."

Shining Armor remained silent.

"I'd suggest you take a seat and finish our conversation. For Cadenza's sake."

Twilight slowly leaned back into her chair.

"Now that that's out the way, I can get to the real reason I chose you to come." Queen Chrysalis said. She looked to Shining and stomped her hoof on the ground. Shining rested the blade of his spear against the nape of Cadance's neck.

"I know you've made some progress towards a counter-spell. That sort of information may threaten what I have planned. Tell me, where might you keep the spell?"

"I can't tell you that."

"Even at the price of your head?" Queen Chrysalis asked. Shining extended his spear, the tip poking against her throat. Cadance let out a muffled scream in disapproval, her words unintelligible from the gag. She struggled against her bindings.

"If there's any chance it'd help Shining, then I have to do it."

Shining ripped off her saddlebags and dumped out the contents. There was her bag of bits, a quill, and a few rolls of lint, but no notebook.

"How foalish..." Queen Chrysalis said in disapproval. "You could've saved yourself with a few words. Pitiful."

Shining swung at the legs of the chairs, knocking both the chair and Twilight to the floor. He stabbed downwards towards Twilight's chest.

Twilight rolled out of the spear's way and jumped to her hooves, backing away from Shining. He pulled the spear out of the head of the wooden chair and extended it towards Twilight.

"Since you won't tell me where the spell's contained, I guess I'll just have to take the next best thing: the only pony who can cast it."

Twilight glanced at Queen Chrysalis, then back to Shining.

He has to be in there somewhere. I have to try!

"Shining, please. I know you don't want to do this." Twilight said. She calmly backed away from him, as Shining began to trot closer to her

"I have to. For my queen."

"No, you don't. I can help you. You just have to let me help, okay?" Twilight said. Shining galloped in and cut Twilight right fore and hind-hoof, causing her to jump and gallop away. She shut her eyes as she blasted a magical bolt at Shining, trying to force him away from her.

He has to be in there somewhere. He just has to be...

"I know you don't want to do this," Twilight calmly extending her right fore-hoof towards him. "You'd never do this willingly for her, Shining. Snap out of it!"

"I do want this," Shining said. "I... I do..." He had a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

He's still in there somewhere. I've almost got him!

"You can continue on trying to reason with him, however, it's useless. He's mine now."

Twilight blocked her out. He had to still be there.

As Shining began to approach, Twilight backed farther and farther away, firing a few magical bolts to try in vain to get him to back away. Each of them hit near him but wouldn't hit him. He continued to trot after her, despite her efforts. Cadance screamed in disapproval.

"Look at Cadance, Shining. She knows that you're not like this." Twilight said. Shining stopped, lowering his spear. He glanced back at Cadance for a moment before turning away and shutting his eyes tightly. His hooves shook as the tip of his spear tapped against the ground.

"Cadance..." Shining muttered, remorseful and saddened. Cadance stopped fighting against the chain bindings, looking at him. She looked confused, and almost hopeful. He shook his head and raised his spear back to her, his hooves still shaking. "She doesn't matter anymore. I'm not her's anymore."

"We both know that isn't true, Shining."

Shining shook his head and wiped down his face, trying to refocus himself. He was washed over by a wave of doubt and uncertainty, and his head pounded. His thoughts were clouded and hazy.

As Twilight began backing farther and farther away, she felt the wall press against her back. The staircase to the throne was to her right and the southern wall was to her left.

She was cornered. Shining had a small smile on his face as he noticed this and began to trot closer to her.

"Shining, please." Twilight pleaded with him, firing another magical bolt in an effort to stop in. However, he continued to trot closer and closer to her, seemingly ignoring her efforts.

Twilight felt the spear poke against her neck, as Shining stood in front of her. Tears formed in her eyes as she looked away from him.

"Don't!" Cadance called out, managing to get the gag out of her mouth.

"Quiet!" Queen Chrysalis scolded, forcing Cadance's head down. "This is between her and Shining."

Is he really gone? She questioned. She had tried everything she could think of to make him come back to his senses. Nothing she had done could fully make him come out of Queen Chrysalis' spell. She took a shaky breath before looking back at Shining.

"Just... do it."

Shining's ears fell flat to his head, confused. He backed away for a moment, but still kept the spear against her neck.

"W... what?"

"I won't hurt my brother. I can't get you out of whatever spell you're in, and you have me cornered. So just do what you have to."

Shining jabbed her neck, but didn't puncture the skin. He couldn't bring himself to do it.

"I'm so sorry, Shining. I-I couldn't save you. I... I failed..." Twilight said, shutting her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks in silence. Shining's looked at her in sympathy, wanting to comfort her. To be the kind, older brother he had always been.

His head pounded and his fore-hooves shook, barely keeping the spear pressed to her neck.

"Do it!" Queen Chrysalis ordered. Shining glanced back at Queen Chrysalis, seeing her leaning in towards them. His hooves shook as he tried to force himself to stab her-- to will himself to do what he had been ordered and fulfill his duty to Queen Chrysalis.

But he just... couldn't.

Klank

"I-I can't."

Twilight hesitantly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurred from her tears, but she could clearly see Shining's spear at his hooves. He was turned towards Queen Chrysalis

"What? Do hat I told you to"

"I won't- I can't. Not to her. I... I'm sorry, your highness." Shining said. Queen Chrysalis growled as she trotted closer to Shining.

"I thought I absorbed your love!"

"You... you did." Shining said, confused on why he had resisted her.

Twilight looked to her right, seeing the door to the outside slightly cracked. She gently trotted towards the door, trying not to gain Queen Chrysalis' attention

"You!"

A green magical bolt shot in front of Twilight, searing her coat on her chest and sending her stumbling back away from the door and behind Shining.

"We're not finished here!" Queen Chrysalis said before turning back to Shining. "Do as you're commanded!"

Shining's head tipped towards the ground for a moment, towards the spear. After a moment, he looked back up at Queen Chrysalis, kicking the spear to Queen Chrysalis.

"I won't." He said firmly, standing without fear.

Queen Chrysalis hissed at Shining. Her horn emitted a green light as she pointed towards Shining.

"You need to get out of here before she recasts the spell. I don't know if I can break it again." Shining whispered, glancing back at Twilight.

"Wait-- I need to cast the counter-spell on you-" "There's no time. I'll meet up with you after I'm finished here. Just get Cadance and your friends and be ready to go."

Twilight nodded as she began to trot towards Cadance. Shining followed her, body-blocking her from Queen Chrysalis. She levitated Cadance onto Shining's back and trotted with Shining. They trotted towards the door, Twilight slightly speeding up as they got closer. Twilight stepped out from behind Shining and levitate Cadance off of Shining, back.

"I'll see you and Cadance when I'm finished here, okay?" Shining whispered. Twilight nodded. She opened her mouth to speak, but she saw Queen Chrysalis pointing her horn towards her.

"You aren't getting out!" Queen Chrysalis said, blasting a magical bolt at them. Shining jumped in front of Twilight as it hit.

"No!" She called out, fearing the worst. However, she saw that Shining was still standing. Cadance was laying at her hooves, beginning to stir.

There was a barrier of magic between them and Queen Chrysalis.

"Go! Now!"

"Thank you, Shining. For everything." Twilight said, opening the door and pulling herself and Cadance out.

Just please hurry, Shining. And be careful... Twilight said, helping Cadance to her hooves and galloping away from the palace with her.

"Twi'! Over here!"

Lance stared at me, her face blank of any expression. She's been like this since they brought us down here. What the hay is wrong with her? I- oh horseapples... what the hay is wrong with me?

I almost had my head bucking chopped off in front of her, and here I am asking what's wrong with her?

"A... are you all right?"

Lance gently shook her head. "Why..." She clenched her eyes shut before she slammed her fore-hooves against the floor. Tears rolled down her cheeks before she looked up to me. "Why would you do that?! Get yourself killed?!

"I-I'm so sorry Lance. I wanted to save you--" "Save me?! Do you realize h-how sc-scared I was?!" A tremor shook throughout Lance's hooves as she stood.

"I loved you-"

Lance cocked her right fore-hoof back, before punching the wall to my right. I felt the vibrations bounce off the wall.

"Didn't you even think about what Blooming would think?! What about your parents or your sister?!" She drew her fist back and hit it again. "I'll never forgive you! I hate you!"

Lance punched the wall with fury, each getting quicker and stronger with each motion.

"I hate you! I hate you! I hate you so much!"

Sweat and tears rolled down her cheeks as she put her bloodied fore-hoof back to the ground. She whimpered before her hooves gave out.

"I... I was so scared that I'd never see you again..." She sobbed. "Th-that I'd never get to tell you I loved you too..."

Oh, oh Lance...

I brought a gentle fore-hoof up to her. She held me close, scooting up to me and resting her head on my shoulder.

"Rocky... p-please don't make me h-hate you again... I-I don't want to..."

"I promise I won't Lance. I promise."

Shining Armor's hooves quivered his spell died, the magic returning to his horn. He collapsed onto his left fore-hoof. His right fore-hoof was singed from the magical blast.

I couldn't cast it quick enough... Shining thought. His hoof burned. Brave through the pain... you've been through worse. He told himself as he forced himself up onto his hooves.

"How are you even able to stand?!" Queen Chrysalis asked, angry. She trotted up to him, slapping him, but he still stood.

"I've drained you of your love, had you beaten within an inch of your life by my guards, separated you from your lover, and you still won't follow my orders?!"

"I... I cannot let you hurt them." Shining said, trying to stand, but Queen Chrysalis slapped him.

"Stay down!"

Despite Queen Chrysalis' order, Shining stood. Queen Chrysalis growled as her horn emitted green light.

"So long as there's still breath in my body, you will not hurt another innocent pony." Shining said, determined to uphold that promise. Queen Chrysalis laughed.

"I think you've forgotten who you're dealing with..." Queen Chrysalis said, aiming her horn at Shining and releasing a magical blast at him. Shining ducked out of its path, narrowly missing the bolt. Debris shattered to the ground as the doors to the palace broke off the hinges, landing outside and showing that neither Twilight nor Cadance was in sight. Queen Chrysalis trotted to the doorway, gaining the attention of the changelings. She stomped her hoof.

"Come, my subjects!" Queen Chrysalis ordered. The swarm of changeling entered out into the courtyard. "Find Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance! Drain them of their love!"

"No!"

"Oh yes, Shining Armor. You'll sit and witness it. The end of the alicorn's rule..." Queen Chrysalis said. "And the start of the changelings' rule." She finished. Shining galloped to the doorway, only to have a magical bolt shot at his hooves, causing him to back away.

"You're not going anywhere."

Shining glanced at the mass of swarming changelings. He looked back at Queen Chrysalis, a large smile spread on her face as she stared into the swarm, circling around the courtyard as they searched each crevise for the pair of alicorns.

I have to get to them!

Shining, in desperation, aimed his horn at Queen Chrysalis' ribs. He fired, causing her to yelp and stumble away from the door. He picked up the spear as he galloped past her and outside of the palace, towards the swarm. Queen Chrysalis hissed, her ribs burnt from the magical blast. She followed behind him quickly.

Twilight Sparkle peaked out at the courtyard from the dark corridor, seeing the changelings swarming around her. Her heart was racing in fear. She hadn't seen Shining Armor exit before the changeling swarm came.

Come on... one of you, just come out and show me you're okay.

"Don't worry Twi'."

Pinkie caught her attention. Cadance, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack were also there, standing behind Pinkie.

"I'm sure Shining will be fine."

Twilight sighed. "You're right... let's focus on getting these prisoners out."

Cadance galloped down the hall. The group followed behind her.

"Remember everypony, don't stop for anything. We need to get everypony out as quickly as possible." Cadance turned and trotted down the hall. Twilight nodded and followed behind her with her friends.

"The cells are this way. We may even be able to find someponies who'll be willing to help." Cadance said, turning the corner. Twilight nodded.

"I hope you don't mind me askin', but are you alright princess? You haven't stopped movin' since we woke ya."

"I'm fine. Just ready to get out of this kingdom with you and Shining and never return." Cadance said. "This way. It's around here."

They followed Cadance as she passed by another corner.

"What happened to Shining?"

"He's being controlled, Twilight. Queen Chrysalis' has some spell on him. He had one like that before he and Taltra broke away from her. But nothing I did to try and break it would work." Cadance slowed down for a moment. "Nothing... but, when he was fighting you, he kept hesitating when he could've just killed you..." Cadance, her voice lowering for a moment. She returned to her normal pace, but didn't say anything else.

I shouldn't talk about Shining right now. Not to her.

"Hey, you mentioned somepony else-- Taltra, right?"

"She was Queen Chrysalis' adviser until she realized what they were doing was wrong. She was a pony, but Queen Chrysalis transformed her into a changeling."

"What?"

"It's true. I guess Shining sympathized with her and decided to help her."

"That monster..." Rainbow Dash growled.

"I met somepony outside of the kingdom that said Queen Chrysalis' referred to her as Taltra." Twilight interjected.

"Really? Was she all right?" Cadance turned to Twilight.

"She was really hurt, but Fluttershy and I patched her up. Rarity and Fluttershy are looking after her."

"Thank Celestia..." Cadance said, turning one more corner before they came upon a large hall of cells filled with crystal ponies of different sizes, colors, and races. "We're here. Hurry, the changelings'll be here any minute."

Shining Armor pushed through the waves of changelings clawing and scratching at him. Dust was sprawled up around him, making the air dense and his clouded.

"Twi'? Cadance?" He called out, galloping into a cloud of dust and stopping for a moment to look around.

"Enough, Shining Armor."

Shining looked around the area, looking for the origin of the voice. The dust suddenly settled, and Queen Chrysalis was standing a few feet in front of him. Every changeling in sight was bowing in her presence, their wings folded at their sides.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Queen Chrysalis questioned. She looked to her changelings, before lifting her hoof and pointing the Shining. One by one, they all began to shift into ponies. Twilight, Princess Celestia, Cadance, his mother and father... too many of his lovedones and family to count. "Now, go ahead and save him from himself."

The changelings begin to rush him all at once. Shining took his spear out, holding it in front of him as he prepared for them to make contact.

They're not them, remember that... He told himself before they reached him.

Shining smacked the first changeling with the butt of his spear, before another scratched his hoof. He jabbed it with the tip of his spear and kicked it down. Another bit him before he had the chance to knock it away. He smacked it to the ground before he lost a grip on his spear. The changelings rushed him at once, clawing and scratching at him mercilessly. He used the last bit of magic in a barrier around him, forcing the changelings away. His barrier weakened with every passing second.

I can't hold it up for much longer!

Queen Chrysalis horn emitted a green light. She aimed at Shining. He cast a barrier spell and braced himself.

"Get them!"

"Shining!"

The banging against the barrier suddenly ceased as the changelings turned away from Shining, rushing towards the east end of the courtyard.

"Go on and get him! We'll hold 'em off!"

Twilight Sparkle galloped across the courtyard. She rushed to Shining's side as his barrier dampened, dissipating.

"Hurry! We don't have much time!" Twilight helped Shining to his hooves as she rushed him out of the changelings' way. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack were singlehandedly battling the hoard of changelings. Meanwhilst, Cadance were leading a large group of Crystal Ponies out of the dungeons.

"No!" Queen Chrysalis galloped towards Cadance. "Stop the crystal ponies!"

"What's going on?!"

"Stay still. I need to cast the counterspell." Twilight spoke in a calm, quiet voice. Shining nodded.

"Be quick. Cadance needs our help."

"I'll try." Twilight nodded as she closed her eyes, concentrating on creating the spell.

Okay... come on... I can do this... She told herself.

Twilight's horn emitted a raspberry light from her horn. Shining looked as Queen Chrysalis came ever closer to Cadance. The changelings had began to overwhelm the trio; Rainbow Dash had been held down by her wings, Pinkie was still on her hooves, but she was clearly becoming tired with each passing minute. Applejack kept bucking them back as best she could, but even she was having trouble.

"Twi'..."

"Hold on." She said, continuing to form the magic. Queen Chrysalis fired a magical bolt at Cadance, only for her to deflect it into the wall. The changelings had held down Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash hadn't fought her way up yet.

"They're having trouble."

"I know. It's almost finished. Just a few more seconds..." Twilight said. The light from her horn intensified, as her eyes filled with the light.

Queen Chrysalis' horn glowed brighter with her dark magic. She aimed it at Cadance. He knew she wouldn't be able to block that intense of a blast.

"Twilight-" "It's done." Twilight leaned in towards Shining and touched the tip of his horn with hers. They both were engulfed in a raspberry light. Queen Chrysalis turned to them, the magic dying suddenly as she realized what she had missed. Almost every pony or changeling's eyes were on the pair

After a minute of the near blinding light, it began to dim into nothing. Twilight stumbled back, drained of all of her magic and energy. She stumbled to the wall and slid down, sitting before she fell. Smoke slipped out from the tip of her horn as she looked up at Shining, her exhaustion replaced with shock and excitement from his appearance.

Shining groaned as he stood. He stared at his hooves. They were now white like his usual coat. He could no longer feel his fangs poking against his lip, nor see anypony's love. His horn was straight as well. He grinned.

Shining Armor was now, fully, a pony.

"You did it, Twilight. Thank you."

"It worked..." Twilight muttered. A large smile spread across her face.

"It worked!" She exclaimed, and began to laugh out of pure joy

"No!" Queen Chrysalis yelled, furious. "You!" She pointed her horn towards Twilight. "Get her! She ruined the future of this kingdom!"

The changelings began to rush after her, dodging past AJ, RD, and Pinkie. They held back as many as two or three, but the swarm was too large to protect them from all. Shining quickly pulled Twilight onto his back and galloped past them.

Where, where- there!

He dove past the changelings and galloped towards Cadance.

"RD, AJ, Pinkie! Keep the off us!"

"Got'cha!"

The trio rushed behind Shining, holding off as many as they could, with RD even keeping the flying ones grounded.

"Shining!" Cadance called as she rushed up to him. "What happened?!"

"She's exhausted her magic! We need to use the expulsion spell! It's the only way!"

"You'll pay for this!" Queen Chrysalis, firing at them. Shining cast a barrier spell and covered Twilight's body, bracing for the blast. A loud bang echoed through the wall above as debris came down atop them. Shining pulled Cadance under his barrier and slid Twilight under his body as they braced for impact.

Dust rushed up as the debris landed. Thankfully, the three were still safe, along with the members of the Mane 6. Many changelings had been caught in the debris, but still too many were left.

"There you are!" Queen Chrysalis' head poked out from the dust.

Queen Chrysalis aimed for them. Shining pushed Cadance behind him and prepared for the worst, but a blue blur rushed in front of her face, punching her in the cheek. Queen Chrysalis became disoriented as the blue blur landed in front of her and held her neck in place.

"If you're going to do something, hurry up!" Rainbow Dash yelled. Pinkie Pie and Applejack galloped in. Applejack grappled right fore-hoof as Pinkie held her left in place. Shining dragged Twilight out of the debris-filled hall and leaned her against the wall to the right of the hall. She gently reached up and held his right fore-hoof for a moment.

"I'm going to be fine, Twilight. We'll get you out of here in a moment, all right?" Shining said. Twilight nodded as she released him. He galloped to Cadance.

"Let me go, you vile ponies!"

"We need to use the expulsion spell and banish her and her changelings. We have to keep the Crystal Empire, Equestria, and everypony safe." Shining said. Cadance nodded. Shining and Cadance crossed their horns, meeting at the tip as they began to cast the spell.

"You'll regret ever knowing of the Changeling Empire if you don't stop this nonsense!" Queen Chrysalis said, trying to break free of them. She stared at Shining and Cadance, realizing what they were doing. Her eyes widened as she frantically jerked against them.

"You won't stop me! I'll come back stronger than ever if you cast that!" Queen Chrysalis threatened, pulling against Rainbow Dash, at least trying to free her neck so she could aim. The dust around them began to rise up into the air as they concentrated.

"I can't hold her much longer!"

Shining and Cadance kept their eyes closed, focusing on finishing the spell.

"You're going to regret this, Cadenza!" Queen Chrysalis said, pulling back against Rainbow Dash.

Shining and Cadance's bodies glowed with a white aura. Queen Chrysalis pulled against Rainbow Dash frantically, desperate to stop them.

"Hurry!"

Shining and Cadance became engulfed in a white light. Queen Chrysalis tugged against Rainbow Dash's grip a final time before breaking free. She pointed her horn at Shining and Cadance.

"Let go of her!" Shining yelled to the remaining elements holding her. Applejack and Pinkie Pie released her as Shining and Cadance cast the spell, separating their horns. Queen Chrysalis was sent into the air, and careened to the upper floor of the palace, hitting back-first. Her face was expressionless as she fell to the ground and landed with a thud, her hooves bouncing as she landed. Shining stared at her for a moment, her mane draped over her face, and her body motionless. He assured she was unconscious before he turned to the group.

"Let's get Twilight and go before she wakes up." Cadance said, trotting to the hall and helping her to her hooves.

"My head..." Twilight muttered, rubbing her fore-head to try and relieve the pain. "Is everypony all right?"

Everypony nodded.

"Nothin' a little time won't heal."

"All right. Everypony, let's get out of here." Cadance said, trotting towards the stairwell.

"D... don't you dare leave..."

Shining glanced back, seeing Queen Chrysalis standing, looking at them. Her right hind-hoof and left fore-hoof were trembling, bent in an odd angle. A line of dark-red blood was running down her lip and dripping off of her chin. Shining turned back to her.

"You're beaten, Chrysalis. Your changelings were banished from this area and you can barely stand."

"I'll never admit defeat to a pony!" She screamed, before she coughed up some blood and spat it out onto the ground. Shining was about to retort, but Twilight stepped in front of him.

"You won't have to. If you let us leave, then we'll leave as mutual ponies. Not as allies, nor as enemies. And so long as you or your subjects don't harm anypony or try to conquer any Equestrian settlement, we won't interfere."

"And what if I say no?"

"Then we'll come back with the Crystal Guard and arrest you. You'll most likely end up in the Canterlot dungeon."

Queen Chrysalis stared at her for a moment, her eyes filled with disgust and rage.

"Fine." She said, disgusted. "Now get out my sight."

The group quickly began to trot down the stairs, Shining and Twilight trailing behind them.

"I won't give up until my kingdom prospers. I will take this land as a feeding ground for my subjects eventually."

Shining stopped, and turned around, allowing Twilight to go ahead.

"We'll stop you every time. You'll never take the Crystal Empire or Equestria"

Queen Chrysalis growled. Shining turned back and trotted down the staircase. He trotted away from the kingdom, glad to be free from her.

Warped Mind

Shining Armor galloped behind Queen Chrysalis. Two changelings trotted beside each of them, each disguised as a pegasus in a Crystal Guard armor. The environment around them was desolate of any structure or building. They had left the Crystal Empire long ago, and snow was the only thing they could see for a few feet.

Princess Cadance hadn't moved a muscle since she'd been knocked unconscious. He shook his head. I mustn't worry myself with her. She's nothing but a p... pony. Only good for her love.

"I see your horn has returned to it's normal color." Queen Chrysalis slowed. She glanced back to Shining.

"Yes, Queen Chrysalis."

"Good. Your fangs will begin to show soon. They're too small to be seen right now, but they'll grow with time."

"Of course, Queen Chrysalis."

"Oh, and Shining Armor?"

"Yes, my queen?"

"You shouldn't try to break my spell. There'll be consequences if you dare even think about defying me or hurting my changelings." Queen Chrysalis warned in a low voice.

"I wouldn't dare, your highness."

"Good. Now, let's keep moving." She said normally, quickening her pace. "If everything goes according to plan, we should make it to the kingdom by daybreak." She and the changelings trotted towards a small building. The small shed was barely noticeable in the whirlwind of snow and freezing rain. The changelings began to shift into their original form as they opened the door, letting Queen Chrysalis and Shining enter. The only thing inside the shed was a large staircase leading downwards.

"We'll take this for the rest of the trip. Move." Queen Chrysalis pushed Shining towards the staircase, forcing him to step down.

"S'va! Lock the door!" Queen Chrysalis ordered to the two changelings. One changeling stepped inside, throwing a wooden board sat at the side into the hold.

"Move!"

The changeling rushed down the staircase. Queen Chrysalis calmly stepped down behind Shining.

"There's a rest area up ahead. We'll stop there for a few moments then continue."

"Of course, your highness."

Twilight Sparkle paced at the village's entrance, awaiting her friends' arrival. She pulled the small scarf tight over her shoulders, the snowstorm still as strong as ever.

Come on. Where are they? Rarity said she'd gather them and they'd take the nearest carriage ride here. Did they run into trouble?

A small carriage slowly rolled down the road to the village, pelted by the snow and rain. A burly stallion was trotting towards the village, pulling the carriage.

Is that them?

"If you can, stop here, please."

Twilight hastily trotted up to the carriage as it slowed to a stop. The door on the right side of the carriage opened, and two familiar ponies, one having a buttercup coat and a pink mane, and the other having a bright orange coat and a pale blonde mane.

"Thank ya kindly. How much do we owe ya?"

"I'll take care of the cost." Twilight trotted up behind them.

"Oh, howdy Twilight. Didn't see ya there. How're y'all doin'?" Applejack turned to Twilight. She had a green, knitted scarf wrapped around her neck and her usual hat atop her head. Fluttershy stood behind her. She had a green sweater covering the chest, neck, and most of her fore-hooves.

"Did Rarity tell you all that happened?"

"'Fraid so. I'm sorry ta hear all that's happened, Twi'. I'm sure y'all'll find somethin' to help Shining soon."

"Wait, she didn't tell you- never mind. We 'll talk later, inside the palace. Now, just let me pay you..." Twilight opened up one of her saddlebag and pulled out a small pouch of bits.

"I-I can pay for it, if you don't mind."

"It's all right, Fluttershy. Here-" She handed the stallion four bits. "That should cover it." He looked over the bits, making sure they were authentic.

"Thank you. I'll be on my way now." The stallion turned and began to trot away.

"Thank you, s-sir." Fluttershy said. The stallion nodded, turning and trotting away.

"So, I guess we should be heading to the palace."

"I reckon so. Lead the way." Applejack said. Twilight began to walk back towards the village, relieved that they had a safe trip. Applejack and Fluttershy followed behind.

"Where's everypony else at?"

"The snowstorm made the roads near here icy. No pony would take us here because they said it was dangerous. Then we found that stallion, but the carriage could only carry two of us at the time."

"Yeah... I tried to get Rarity ta go first with Flutters', but she insisted that we go first. Rainbow Dash was gonna fly here, but Fluttershy wouldn't let 'er." Applejack said. Fluttershy blushed, glancing away.

"I knew that the snowstorms got really bad here during the winter, s-so, I-I didn't w-want her to get hurt." She burrowed deeper into her mane.

"It's all right, Fluttershy. I'd rather have everypony get safe and sound." The group passed by a small house, entering the village.

"If you don't mind me asking, how is Princess Cadance taking this?"

Twilight lowered her head. but kept trotting.

"I'll explain everything once we get to the palace, Fluttershy."

"Oh, o-okay. Sorry..."

"It's all right. I'm just... so overwhelmed right now. There's so much to do and too little time to do it."

"That's why we're here, sugarcube." Applejack rested her left fore-hoof over Twilight neck. "Just say the word and we'll be on it." Twilight smiled at Applejack's generosity

"Thank you. I really appreciate you coming here on such short notice."

"Not'a problem." Applejack released Twilight.

"Uh, Twilight, if you don't mind me asking, how are you t-taking it?"

"I..." She sighed, steadying herself. "At first, I was devastated. I mean, I couldn't do anything to help him. I probably felt more helpless as him. The pony who's been there for me my whole life was in p-pain, changing slowly into-" Twilight stopped herself, her voice trembling. She took another deep breath. Fluttershy laid a gentle hoof on her, with a warm smile.

"You don't have to continue."

Twilight nodded.

"After I saw his black horn, I couldn't just sit around and cry anymore. Ever since I got here, I've been trying to find a counter-spell. Anything to help him."

"That's mighty brave of ya, Twilight."

"It's nothing. You'd do the same if something happened to Big Macintosh or Sweetie Belle."

"I guess you're right 'bout that." Applejack said as she lightly chuckled.

"The palace is up ahead." Twilight said as she slightly sped up her pace. After a moment or two, they entered the palace. The place was filled with guards.

"Let's go somewhere a bit more private. Follow me." Twilight said as she trotted down a hallway to the left and entered her bedroom. Spike was laying down on the bed, snoring.

"Have a seat, please." Twilight's horn emitted her magical aura, pushing two chairs back for Applejack and Fluttershy. They sat down, staring at her.

"Okay... where do I start..."

"Lance... Lance, wake up..."

Blooming? She's still up? At this time in the morning?

Dim light assaulted my vision as I rose slowly, yawning. I rubbed my fatigued eyes, opening them to see Blooming Lily, standing over her Lance Force, trying to shaking her left shoulder. Lance snored. She was out of it- exhausted after that day.

The morning sun shined through the small cave, light bouncing off each ice crevice and snow. We had settled here the previous night, just so we could try to wait out the snowstorm of course. Guess we must have fallen asleep. It's gone now, so I guess it's safe to leave.

"Lance, I need to ask you something."

"What's the matter, Blooming?" I yawned quietly. She turned to me, surprised.

"Huh- oh, sorry, Rocky. I didn't mean to wake you up." Blooming said quietly. She turned away from Lance and trotted to the corner of the cell.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Blooming turned away from me, looking outside.

"Blooming, you shouldn't lie to ponies. You can trust me."

She sighed, turning back to me.

"I'm worried about something..."

"What?"

"D... did you two really kill those changelings in there?"

Oh horseapples... at least the snowstorm washed all the blood off me, even though I can't get that image of that changeling's body out of my head...

"Lance didn't kill any of them, so you don't have to worry about her." I was the one to kill him, and I'll take full responsibility. "I did what I had to to get us out of there." I finished. Blooming looked scared, almost shocked.

"Why?"

I stopped for a moment, becoming silent.

"They were going to hurt us. Look- I am not proud that I-I did that. I have no idea what came over me, a-and I take it back if I could- trust me Blooming."

"Why do they want to hurt us? Aren't changelings just ponies too?" Blooming questioned, standing and trotting towards me. I glanced away.

"They need us for our love- what keeps them going, gives them strength. Everypony needs love, even changelings. Instead of creating it and sharing it for their selves, they take it from ponies."

"This is so confusing..." Blooming trotted back to the corner. She yawned. "Why would they?"

"I... don't know Blooming. I honestly have no idea." I sighed. She trotted to Lance, sitting down beside her. "Get some sleep. You'll feel better once you're rested." I trotted over to her, covering her with the blanket.

"Goodnight." She yawned, turning onto her right shoulder, away from the sun. I trotted to the entrance of the cave, kneeling down. Might as well be on lookout for any changelings, because it'll be a while until Lance gets up.

"You'll rest in here for an hour or so. The guard is right outside, and the door will be locked, so it'd be in your best interest to comply." Queen Chrysalis stepped out of the doorway. She closed it, and the click of the lock closing was audible. The room's walls and floor were made up of cracked stone bricks. There was a small bed on the floor, with a thin, stained blanket laying atop it.

Shining turned and trotted over to the bed. His horn glowed with dark magic, green like Queen Chrysalis'. He lifted her off of his back and sat her onto the bed looked her over. Her coat had been singed by the magical blast, her ribs had purple marks littering her side, and her mane had become tangled.

She... she shouldn't have gotten in Queen Chrysalis' way. He reached to her. lifting her fore-hoof.

Cadance groaned in pain as her eyelids clenched. She turned her head upwards, clenching her teeth. Shining quickly sat her fore-hoof down. After a moment, she relaxed, and her right cheek fell back to the pillow.

Maybe I could try and help her. Shining pondered. I-I mean, I can't give damaged goods to Queen Chrysalis, especially when it's the princess of love.

Shining's dark magic wormed out of his horn, crawling towards her ribs. Hopefully dark magic can still work with this.

The dark magic traced across her right side, before it suddenly stopped, seeping into her coat. Cadance screamed, grasping the mattress.

"Stop! Stop it!" She rose, her eyes still closed. Shining killed the magic immediately. She opened her eyes momentarily.

"Shining..." Her voice waned as she almost fell. Shining caught her head, holding her up.

What the hay?!

"Don't talk- we can't. Not with her around." He whispered. Cadance looked up to him, confused.

"Who?"

Oh horseapples. This isn't good.

"Cadance, you mustn't speak. Queen Chrysalis could be in here any moment with that scream."

"Yes, best you remain quiet."

The door creaked open, with Queen Chrysalis standing on the outside. Her face was expressionless.

"Your highness-" Shining bowed. "I-I was trying to--" "I know what you were trying to do, which is why I let it happen." Queen Chrysalis sighed. "Dark magic cannot be used for protection nor healing. Only pain and destruction. I prefer the latter, as you may have noticed." She chuckled, trotting passed Shining and towards Cadance. She had sat up, leaning against the wall. Her blue magical aura flickered, but she was too weak to cast any spell.

"As for you, we mustn't have you waking up too early." Queen Chrysalis leaned down.

"Your highness, please, this was my fault. Hurt me, we must have her love."

"I'm not going to hurt her. Simply sampling her love." She opened her mouth, biting into her collar bone. Cadance winced, trying to jerk away. The color of her coat darkened as Queen Chrysalis pulled away.

"Seems the princess of love lives up to her name. Certainly not a disappointment." Cadance swayed, before falling back to the mattress. Queen Chrysalis turned to Shining. "As to you, I may have to start restricting use of your magic if you continue with this." Her horn emitted her green dark-magical aura. Shining's horn burned. He winced, immediately grabbing his head.

"This'll happen any and every time you disobey me or my subordinates or when you use your magic without my permission. Step out of line one too many times and I'll feast on Cadance's love. Is this clear?"

"Yes, your highness!"

Queen Chrysalis' horn dimmed. The burning in Shining's horn stopped, he took a deep breath.

"Good. We're leaving soon, so don't be too long." Queen Chrysalis turned, closing the door behind her.

"When I came to, Shining, Cadance, and Queen Chrysalis were gone, there was glass all over the floor, books littered in front of me, and a pile of snow in front of the window. The Crystal Guard tried tracking them down, but the snowstorm covered their tracks."

"Shining really did that? If Queen Chrysalis' has somethin' so strong that it woulda made him do that..."

"What could she do t-to us?" Fluttershy's ears fell flat to her head. She lowered.

"Keep calm. I promise I won't let that happen, even if it means taking on those changelings alone."

"Eh... nah, we couldn't let'cha do that." Applejack nodded. Fluttershy rose, inspired by Applejack's courage.

"Thank you, really." Twilight said. She smiled. Thank Celestia for them. Don't know what I'd have done without them.

"There's one thing I don't understand." Fluttershy said. "How're we supposed to help? I-I mean, we're not alicorns or unicorns. What can we do?"

"I figured could use a couple more pairs of hooves to help me pinpoint where Queen Chrysalis has Shining and Cadance, and even more important, get her back."

"W-wait, we're going there?! To a nest of changelings?!"

"Not all of us. Just whoever wants to. Plus a few of us should stay back, just in case."

"Okay."

"I'm sure that you both are tired. Let me see if I can find any empty guest room." Twilight stood. She trotted passed them, exiting the room.

"All right. Thank you, Twilight." Fluttershy stood, following behind Twilight. Applejack followed behind.

"Oh wait, I almost forgot. There's another thing I need to tell you." Twilight stopped abruptly, turning back to them.

"What is it?"

"Before I tell you this, you cannot tell anypony else this unless it's to the other mares. If it get's to the changelings some how, then they'll be able to deceive us into thinking their ponies." Twilight said in a flat tone. Applejack and Fluttershy nodded.

"After Queen Chrysalis invaded the first time, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and I made two secret phrases so we could make sure that we were the real us."

"Alright..."

"The phrases are, 'What is a noble's duty to it's citizens?' or, 'What is a noble's duty to a fellow noble?'. The answers will be either, 'A noble's duty is to it's citizens is to protect them and lead them, to give them guidance, and to nurture them regardless of the situation' or, 'A noble's duty to another noble is to represent what their kingdom is, to be wary of deceit and betrayal, and to be generous in times of need'."

"Good ta know. Thank ya."

"It's no problem. Now, follow me and I'll show you to your rooms."

Ah... peace. Nothing but birds chirping, squirrels rushing across the treeline. The morning dew glistened in the morning sunlight, a light breeze going across the plain... almost feels like the calm after the storm. I'd be at peace if it we hadn't just escaped from one of the ruthless kingdoms known to ponies.

A yawn escaped from behind me, drawing me back to reality. Lance sat up. She gently sat the rest of the blanket over Blooming,

"Good morning." Lance's speech was slurred, groggy. She sat down beside me, yawning.

"Morning." I turned back towards the plain. "Heck of a sight to wake up to."

"Boring." She yawned. "Only sight I like to wake up to is to a warm cup of coffee. Either that or a clear sky."

"You like that black gunk?"

"You don't? Thought you said you were a miner. How the hay do you stay up all night?"

"The rocks interest me. What my cutie-marks for-" I pointed to my cutie-mark; three blue crystals. "Love finding different crystals."

"You're one weird stallion." Lance scoffed, wiping her eyes over

"Perhaps. You love me for it, though." I said. Lance blushed, turning away for a moment.

"Pssh-- you wish." She remained quiet for a moment. "We'll need to get moving soon. I'll wake up Blooming."

"Wouldn't bet on waking her up. She was still awake when I woke up." I glanced away, the conversation from earlier in the morning brought up. Is she really afraid of me?

"Oh, horsefeathers. I'll just carry her then." Lance picked her up, holding her in her wings and placing her onto her back.

Lance'd know better than anypony!

"Er... Lance, I have something I need to ask you." I turned back to her as she trotted out, following behind her.

"Shoot it at me."

"Well... do you look at me differently after I k-killed that changeling yesterday?" Lance glanced back to me, shooting a worried look to me.

"I wouldn't want to get on your bad side now, but I wouldn't say that I look at you differently now. They would've sucked out our love then killed us if we hadn't done something. And after what you had to do to your friend Frigid, I understand why'd you be angry." Lance turned back to me, trotting backwards. "Why do you ask?"

"I woke up this morning and saw Blooming trying to wake you up. When I asked her why and what was wrong, she asked me if I really killed that changeling. I answered her honestly and said that I did what I had to. Then, she asked my why I did that. I told her that they were going to hurt us and that I wasn't proud of what I did. She seemed scared of me..." I trailed away for a moment, glancing downwards. "She asked about why the changelings were after us and I told her it was for our love. She fell asleep at that point."

"Blooming is the type of pony that when she gets scared, she stays like that for a while. I mean, she's just a filly, it must not have been easy to see that. Of course, that would effect anypony badly, but for her, it takes it a step further."

"I guess so... thanks, Lance."

"No problem, Rocky. Now, let's get moving. We've got to keep on our hooves. They'll be looking for us."

"Yeah. Let's go."

New Home

Author's Note

I apologize for the delay on this chapter. I usually get writer's block from time to time. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

New Home

"We're about to enter the Changeling Kingdom." Queen Chrysalis glanced back to Shining as they trotted towards a staircase heading upwards.

"Yes, Queen Chrysalis." Shining acknowledged. The group trotted up the stairs.

"Do not be surprised if you get a murderous look from my changelings. You and Cadenza aren't liked around here for fairly obvious reason." Queen Chrysalis said as she stepped up one of the stairs.

"Of course, your highness."

Queen Chrysalis stopped, standing at an old, rotting door at the top of the staircase, and knocked. The door cracked, and blue eye could be scene peaking through at them.

"Queen Chrysalis. Give me a moment, your highness."

The door opened after a moment. Queen Chrysalis stepped through, and Shining followed behind. Two sets of blue eyes stared at him from the right side of the room as he stood beside Queen Chrysalis.

"Do not worry about Shining Armor. He is no longer a concern." She turned to the pair of changelings. "Take Mi Amore Cadenza and lock her in the dungeon." Queen Chrysalis ordered. The changelings trotted close to him, causing Shining to back away.

"Wait!"

"What's the matter?"

"Let me do it. I-I can't let her get any more damaged, we need her, remember?"

"Not about to happen."

"But-"

"Don't you want to serve your queen?" Queen Chrysalis questioned. Shining opened his mouth to speak, but no words escaped him.

"Good. Now, let's get moving. We've got a lot to do." Queen Chrysalis said as she made a snapping noise with her wings. The changelings trotted to both his sides, taking a hold of Cadance's hooves.

I can't- there's no telling what they'll do with her by their selves!

"Please, my queen. You may do whatever you want with me after, but I cannot allow them to jeopardize her safety." Shining bowed his head.

"Oh, how the mighty have fallen... fine. Guards, bring him back here when he's finished. And make it quick; he and I have a lot to do."

"Yes, my queen." The changeling pushed him forwards.

"Keep a close eye on him. Make sure he isn't doing anything too unusual." Queen Chrysalis warned as she trotted to the right of the door, sitting down. The guards nodded.

"Forward." One of the changeling's said. Shining trotted ahead.

"Here you go, Applejack." Twilight Sparkle and Applejack stepped into her room. There was a queen-sized bed in the middle of the room, a window at the middle of the wall, a small bookshelf at the side of the room, and had a wooden nightstand beside the bed that had a candle. "I'm sorry. I know it isn't a lot..."

"You kiddin', Twilight? This is plenty for me!"

"All right. There's servants and guards at the end of the hall, the guards' barracks are down the stairs to the left if you can't find any guards in the hall, and if you want to grab a bite to eat, the servants will lead you to the dining room. I'm going to go ahead and go back to my research."

"You sure y'all don't need some rest, Twilight? Y'all're lookin' a little run down." Applejack questioned, turning back to her.

"No thanks. I need to keep researching." Twilight ignored the heaviness in her eyelids, beginning turn.

"Sugarcube, you need to get some sleep. Y'all aren't goin' ta read over a book when yer 'bout ta pass out."

"I can't rest. If we don't hurry, Shining'll transform before I can cast the counter-spell."

"How long did y'all say the spell'da take to be finished?"

"From a few days to a couple of weeks."

"And ya can't take a couple of hours to rest?"

Twilight remained silent. She sighed in defeat.

"You go get'cha some rest. Fluttershy and I'll start tryin' ta find where they are after we all get some sleep."

"Okay... thank you, Applejack. I'll see you two in a couple of hours." Twilight stepped out of the doorway.

"It's no problem, sugarcube. You get'cha some good sleep now!"

She nodded, trotting sluggishly down the hallway and into her bedroom, her body severely fatigued. She collapsed onto the bed, asleep before she even hit the mattress.

Lance Force and I trotted passed a withered treeline, worn from days long past. She had the blanket wrapped over her neck, bobbing as we stepped over a small ditch.

"Do you see anything? A building, a bridge- anything to tell us where ever the hay we might be?"

"Nope." I huffed. "Nothing but trees and snow."

"Horseapples-" Lance lifted the blanket, putting it over my neck. "Hold her. I'll fly up and see if I see anything." She ascending high into the air, above the trees. She hovered in place for a moment, spinning, looking for any building.

"Horsefeathers!"

Lance hovered back to my side, taking hold of Blooming. "Nothing."

Horseapples. How the hay are we going to get back to the Crystal Empire?

"Let's take a minute to rest. Need to cool off." Lance stopped by a large, withered tree and sat down. I sat down at her right side as she sat Blooming down to her left.

"How's your hoof?"

"As good as to be expected; throbbing and swollen. How's your shoulder?"

"Fine." Lance glanced away for a moment. What's she hiding? "Here. Let me put it back in a splint. I bet we could use some of these branches" She stood, ascending up to the tree branches, breaking off a branch. Then another. She floated down and trotted over to Blooming, ripping off a piece of the cloth covering her.

"All right, hold out your hoof." Lance said. I held out my broken hoof.

"I guess I should brace myself-" Lance pulled my hoof back into place. A sickening pop echoed throughout my hoof. "Agh- ah!" I groaned in pain.

"What the hay?!"

"You were distracted." Lance reasoned. "The anticipation is worse than the pain."

"Ugh-- you're right. Horseapples, that hurt." I held my right fore-hoof, trying to sooth the pain. Lance held the two branches in her right wing, with the cloth in her teeth.

"Hold these at the sides of your hoof. I'll wrap this around them." Her voice was muffled from the cloth. I nodded and took the two branches in my left fore-hoof. How'll I do this... oh!

I held the branch at the left side of my hoof with my left fore-hoof and used my teeth to hold the branch in place. Lance began to tie the cloth around it, making a bow at my knee.

"Okay. I'm finished." Lance said. She stood, pulling me to my hooves.

"Let's see if it helps." I trotted pass the tree, circling around it. The weakness in my hoof was still there, but I could trot without limping.

"That should help things. Thanks, Lance." I said as I trotted over to them and sat down beside Blooming.

"No problem."

Shining Armor and two of the changeling guards trotted down hallway and opened a moldy wooden door. On the other side of the door, there was one small, dirty cell.

This must be a cell for special prisoners... like for Cadance or other royals.

"Put her in that cell." The changeling to the right said as it pushed Shining forward with the spear.

"All right... just give me a few minutes." Shining stepped towards the cell.

"You have two."

"Fine." Shining opened the cell and stepped in. His horn emitted his dark-green magic aura. He lifted Cadance off of his back and sat her down gently on cold cell floor. Her eyes clenched tight again, and then opened. She scattered to her feet.

"What- mmph!" Shining covered her mouth with his right fore-hoof

"Calm down. There's guards right outside." Shining whispered. Cadance relaxed, and Shining released her.

"What's happening?"

"You're in the changeling kingdom. That's all you need to know right now. Just- don't provoke the soldiers. I need you" Shining backed away from her.

"Shining, what are you..." Cadance slowed to a stop as she watched Shining step out of the cell and shut the door. The changelings came up to the door and locked it. Shining watched on as she looked at him in horror, tears forming in her eyes, leaving his wife behind to dwell in her sorrow.

She's just a pony... she's just a pony... we need her for her love.

Shining told himself that, almost trying to justify his actions. They passed the corner, and trotted into the corner that the walkway had led to.

"Ah, there you are. Are you ready, Shining Armor?"

Shining took a shaken breath. "Yes, my queen."

"Good. Follow me." Queen Chrysalis trotted out of the rotted door, leading Shining out into the open, Changeling Kingdom. He stepped out into courtyard like space. There were two lines of changelings soldiers at each side, leading to a large building at the middle of the courtyard. Each one of them wore black, cracked armor and had a spear at their side. The stone tiles beneath him were cracked, with mold growing in the cracks.

"Do not let your eyes wonder, Shining Armor. You're likely to be killed after what you did to me and my subjects, regardless of my presence."

"Yes, my queen." Shining immediately turned back towards the ground.

"It's important you don't speak unless we ask you a question, Shining Armor." Queen Chrysalis trotted through two large, wooden doors.

"Yes, your highness." Shining said. Queen Chrysalis magically pushed the doors open and stepped through.

"Ah, my queen. Good to see that you have returned safe." A feminine yet distorted voice said. It sounded very similar to Queen Chrysalis'. Shining glanced up again, to see another Queen Chrysalis stepping down from a throne. It began to shift into a different changeling, but Shining, not wanting to be seen disobeying his queen's orders, looked back down at the ground.

"Yes, yes. I have returned. Did anything out of the usual happen while I was gone?"

"Well, my queen..." The changeling's voice lowered, becoming a mere whisper. "I regrettably i-inform you that three prisoners e-escaped out of their cells..." She said, her voice trembling.

"What?!" Queen Chrysalis hissed. "Did they escape?!"

"Y-yes, my queen."

"I leave you to take care of my kingdom for two days- two days, Taltra!" She stomped towards the changeling "You couldn't even stop a couple of weakened crystal ponies?!" Queen Chrysalis yelled angrily.

"I-I sent guards after them, my queen. Somehow, they overpowered them. I've sent search parties out to find them already, my queen."

"Do not try to put the blame on someone else! I left you solely in charge while I was gone! Anything that happened in this kingdom in that time period is your responsibility!"

"Please forgive me, my queen..." The changeling bowed.

"You're lucky I don't throw you in the dungeon..." Queen Chrysalis said in a low voice, anger taking her over. "You won't get away with this without a punishment. Shining Armor," She turned back to Shining. He looked up to her, on a large staircase leading up to her throne.

"Yes, my queen?"

"You would do anything for your queen, yes?"

"Yes, my queen."

"Prove it." Queen Chrysalis stepped away, revealing a trembling changeling in the same spot where the other Queen Chrysalis was. Her dark blue, almost black mane covered her left eye and hung down to her left shoulder. Her blue eyes weren't like a normal changeling's, similar to Queen Chrysalis'. "Attack my adviser mercilessly. Kill her, if you must."

"Excuse me, my queen?"

"Attack my adviser. She mustn't go without a punishment for her incompetence."

"O-of course, my Queen." Shining agreed halfheartedly as he trotted pass Queen Chrysalis and towards the changeling that was formerly disguised as her.

"Please hit me... I deserve it for displeasing my queen..." The changeling looked downwards, closing her eyes tightly.

"Go ahead, Shining. Do as you're ordered. Prove your loyalty to me." Queen Chrysalis said. Shining lifted up his hoof and struck her, causing her to step back. He made sure not to put too much force into the punch, but enough to make it look like it hurt.

"Oh, come on-" Queen Chrysalis stepped forwards, backhanding the changeling on her left cheek. It made an audible sound, echoing throughout the room. Her mane slid atop her snout. She had a purple mark on her cheek. "You can do much better than that."

"Just- do it. I deserve it."

"Do it, Shining Armor." Queen Chrysalis ordered. Shining glanced down to his hooves.

"I-I can't. I'm sorry, my queen."

She huffed. "You're both pathetic. Fine." Her horn emitted her green dark-magical aura. "Since you don't want to follow my order, I guess I'll have to use this again."

Shining's horn began to painfully burn. He clenched his eyes shut and held his head with his right fore-hoof.

"No... ah! Please, my queen!" The changeling said as she shook her head violently and sporadically.

"The pain'll stop once Shining Armor decides to obey me."

"Just do it! Please!"

Shining opened his eyes and hit her on the jaw, causing her to stumble and fall onto the cold floor. The burning in his horn stopped.

"Thank... thank you..." She muttered as she stumbled up to her hooves and spit out some blood.

"Now, I think that is enough for now. We'll finish later. Now, Taltra, show Shining Armor to his residence. Make to have guards posted at his door. And do make sure that your ignorance doesn't get in the way of my plans again."

"Of course, my queen. Follow me, Shining Armor." Taltra wiped blood away from her lips as she began to trot towards a staircase. Shining followed behind.

Breakthrough

Shining Armor trotted up the staircase, staring down at the ground. He trotted up the staircase in silence.

Did I... really just lie for Taltra? To Queen Chrysalis, of all changelings? Shining shook his head. Stupid- I should turn around and--

Shining collided snouts with another pony. He stumbled back, catching himself on the stair's rail, thankfully.

"Oof..."

Shining rubbed his snout before he looked up. Taltra was sat on the top stair, rubbing the top of her head. Papers and books were littered across the stairwell. Luckily, they were relatively still close.

"Sorry. I didn't see you there." Shining stood, picking up one of the blank books. "Let me help you pick this stuff up."

"No. I can get it." Taltra hastily stood. Her horn lightened, as the papers magically resorted themselves with a dark-green telekinetic cloud. She quickly took the book from Shining, grabbing the other two blank books and stacking the papers atop of them. The cloud enveloped the whole stack, floating beside her.

"Um... all right," Shining said, confused. "Taltra, about this morning..."

"Shining Armor, please don't bring up my past."

"No- I was just going to apologize. I shouldn't have let my curiousity get the best of me."

"Oh..." Taltra stopped, biting down on her quivering lower lip. "Well, thank you. I have to go."

Taltra trotted passed Shining slowly. He saw a single tear roll down her right cheek.

"Taltra?"

She stopped, glancing back to Shining.

"I-I have to go." Taltra said, her voice cracking mid-sentence. She swung her head, her mane covering her face and trotted towards the staircase. Shining gently grabbed her left fore-hoof, causing her to stop.

"What is the matter?"

"I can't speak of it... it-it's far behind me."

Shining looked down the stairwell, reminding himself that Queen Chrysalis was just a few feet away and would certainly hear them.

"Look; we could go into my or your room and shut the door. There'd be no way she could hear us." Shining offered. Taltra reminded silent for a moment.

"I... no. I need to go." Taltra said, pushing Shining's hoof away and hastily trotted down the stairway. Shining tried to stop her again, but failed. He sighed.

I wish she'd tell me why she's like this already.

Shining was about to trot back to his room, however, his hoof laid on an unfamiliar surface. He looked down, seeing a small piece of paper laying beneath his right fore-hoof. He held the paper up to eye level(using his magic). There was a small colt, standing in the middle of two sets of hooves. He leaning against the set of hooves to the left, nuzzling it affectionately. His mane curled upwards, with a white streak up the middle of his black mane. The picture was cut off at his waist, near his cutie-mark.

Is this the bottom portion of that portrait? Shining pondered. I think it is. Did Taltra drop this when she and I bumped into each other?

"I'll see you later, Applejack. I have to get back to my research."

"Alrighty, Twi'. Good luck."

Twilight Sparkle stepped outside of the dining room, the conversation of what had happened over the past few days with Applejack still fresh on her mind. She held her notebook under her shoulder as she trotted down the hallway. However, she was stopped by a guard before she could get too far.

"Your highness, the pony you found inside your room this morning requests that you speak to him. He says that he'd like to explain himself to you in person."

"Okay. I'll speak to him in a while after I finish my research."

"Of course, your highness. Thank you." The guard said as he bowed. Twilight nodded as the guard rose and trotted away.

I'll research for a bit, then get around to visiting him somewhere around noon. Twilight told herself as she trotted down the hallway, towards the staircase. She trotted up the staircase and turned to the right, passing by her room and towards The Archives.

I'm glad I woke up when I did. Otherwise...

Twilight didn't finish. She already knew very well of what'd happen if she lost her notes; there'd be little chance of her scrounging up a counter-spell before Shining Armor would fully transform.

Don't worry about that, Twilight. Your notes are safe; you still have some time left. She reminded herself as she trotted up to The Archives' entrance and pushed the door open.

"I can help, you know. I know you've been awake for probably... over 24 hours."

Lance, stubborn as ever, refused to move. She pushed up on the doorknob as Blooming and I stood closely behind.

"Nah-" Lance grunted as she pushed up against the door knob, trying the force it open. "I'm all good to get this door open. You're the one who needs to take it easy."

"I'm not useless, you know. Even though I'm still a bit weak from it, I can still handle myself. Now move over, let me give it try."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Now, let's get this door open and get inside." I said. Lance trotted out of the way of the door. I trotted up to the door, pushing up on the knob with my right left fore-hoof and using the rest of my body to push against the door.

Crack

The door forcefully opened, noticing a small, round, yet triangular piece of metal falling out from the side of the doorway as I trotted in. Four large, wooden support beams holding up the sealing had collapsed in, filling every corner of the room with sunlight. Broken wooden boards littered the area, formerly apart of the upper floor of the large house.

"Okay... a bit broke down, but inhabitable. Hopefully."

"I'm sure we'll be fine. I mean, what could one night in this place hurt?"

"True... but we'll need to be careful."

"All right, all right..." Lance said, stepping in beside me and trotting towards the middle of the room. I stuck closely behind- never know what could pop out at you in these abandoned houses.

Lance stumbled back, nearly falling back. She would've if I hadn't grabbed her.

"Whoa- thanks." Lance yawned.

"You really need to get some sleep."

"Why? I'm fine."

"Lance, you almost fell walking over a board... you're about to pass out." I noticed an open door at the end of the room, the exterior of a bed frame sticking out. "Look, there's a bed right there. Go get some sleep while we look for food and water."

"You're sure you won't need me?"

"Positive."

Lance yawned, stretching out her wings momentarily before her yawn dissolved into a chesty cough. "All right. Be careful and stay around Rocky, Blooming." She stepped under a fallen support beam as she trotted towards the room.

"All right Lance. Goodnight." Blooming waved to Lance as she trotted up to me.

"Goodnight..." Her speech was slurred, clearly tired. She collapsed onto the bed.

I turned and looked around the room. There was a stairwell at the right of the door, the first two stairs smashed in, and the rest of them slightly burnt.

I'd better stay down stairs... at least until Lance gets some rest so she can fly up.

Next was an open door. However, one of the wooden beams were covering it.

I think I can get into that room.

I trotted up to the beam and ducked under it, trotting into the room from beneath it. The room was mostly empty; there were wooden counters to the left and right of the room, a row of cabinets a hoof above the counter, and a row built into the counter. Even with no windows or openings inside the room, the entire room was enveloped in the warm glow of sunlight, making most of the room completely visible.

"Rocky?"

"Yeah?"

"Could I help?"

"Sure. Just watch your head." I said back to Blooming Lily. She trotted under the beam and stood beside me.

"What should I look for?"

"Some cloths, some rubbing alcohol, but especially food and water. That's what we're low on."

"Okay." Blooming said. She trotted past me and opened up one of the lower cabinets and looked inside. After a moment or two, she shut it and trotted over to the other side.

"Nothing in that one?"

"Yeah."

I nodded. I trotted over beside her and opened the first, upper cabinet. There were pieces of smashed glass and an apple.

It seems edible.

I picked up the apple by the stem using my teeth and dropped it into the bag.

Okay... so far so good.

Twilight sighed as she stared at her notebook paper. She hadn't made any breakthroughs, noticed any difference, or even noticed any different in the sound when casting the spell. The constant tapping of the quill hitting the paper echoed throughout the empty room.

There's got to be something I can do... I need to finish this soon. We don't even know where they have Shining. It could take days for all we know.

Twilight bent the quill for a moment before releasing her magical grip on it, causing it to fall atop of the notebook and roll off the table. As she bent down to pick it up, she glanced up at the clock above the exit to the Archives. Noon was steadfastly approaching.

Might as well go see that pony now. Not like I'm making any progress here.

Twilight grabbed the quill and sat it beside her notebook. She stood up from her chair and trotted outside the Archives. She trotted down the hallway before turning the corner and trotting down the staircase.

Now I think the dungeons right... here. Twilight said, turning and entering the dimly light room. The two changelings that had injured her days ago simply sat in their cell, giving her a cold stare when she entered. She ignored their presence and trotted to the cell beside them, seeing the pony who had been in her room this morning. He simply sat in the cell, his helmet to the side and his mane combed back behind his horn.

"Hello, your highness. Please, allow me to explain." The guard said, staring at Twilight. Twilight nodded to him.

"Thank you. You see, the reason I did what I did was to keep this kingdom safe."

"How so? You almost stole my notes; Shining Armor would be a changeling before I would be able to gather that information again."

"I-I know, but I had no choice. Queen Chrysalis would've-" The guard abruptly stopped speaking and stared at the ground.

"She would've done what? Are you working with her?" Twilight asked. The guard shamefully stared at the ground, unable to face Twilight.

"If you do not answer me, then I'm going to leave."

"No, please. I'll tell you..." The guard said. "I've been working with Queen Chrysalis. I-I felt... sympathy towards the changelings because they had been expelled from their abundant source of food. I sought them out and she accepted my help. I allowed her to absorb some of my love. But once I knew of her attack, I left her immediately. I swear!"

"You knew of the attack and you didn't tell anypony?!" Twilight clenched her hooves, angry. This whole thing could've been avoided if he would've spoken!

"I couldn't! She knew my whereabouts! I would've been killed if I had!" The guard yelled. Twilight let out a frustrated sigh.

"Fine. I understand. I'm going." Twilight said, turning to trot out of the dungeon.

"Wait! I can help you!" The guard said. Twilight trotted towards the exit, tired of the guard already.

"I know the counter-spell!"

Twilight stopped at those words. She turned to the guard.

"You do?"

"Yes... but you must promise me that I'll have the protection of the Crystal Guard."

"Yes; you will. I promise."

"Okay... the counter-spell is the spell itself." The guard said. Twilight looked at him, a bit confused.

"How?"

"All you need is a proper transformation spell and he can be transformed back into a pony. But you must cast it on him before he transforms; it'll put too much strain on his body."

"How do you know of this?"

"I overheard Queen Chrysalis talking about it with one of her guards. She had transformed a mare some years ago. From what she sad, she had been experimenting with her for years, seeing how to perfect her spell."

"Thank you. Is there anything else you may know of? Perhaps the location of their kingdom?"

"I know it's somewhere north. They had an outpost somewhere near the Crystal Empire, but I don't now it's location. That's all I know."

"Okay. Thank you again."

I looked down at the brown bag, feeling the weight of the food they had collected over the past hour. We had found bread, more fruits, and even bottled water!

We had cleared out the cabinets over the past hour. Blooming Lily sat beside me, nibbling on a piece of bread.

"Don't eat too much, we're still not doing great with all of it, remember?"

"Okay." Blooming took another small bite before she pulled it away from her lips.

I wonder if Lance would mind me checking in her? I mean, she could use a progress update.

"I'll be back in a moment, Blooming."

"Okay." Blooming said quietly. I trotted out of the room, ducking under the beam covering some of the doorway, and trotting past the beams collapsed in the middle of the room. There was an open door to a large bed. Lance was laying on the right side, her face and upper body illuminated by a window above the bed. The white sheet was at her side, along with her socks and scarf. Poor mare was so exhausted she didn't even pull the covers over herself. That can't be comfortable... I mean, it's cold and I'm wearing my scarf and socks. Surely she wouldn't mind if I pulled the covers over her, right?

I trotted over to the side of the bed and picked up the sheet, unraveling the sheet and lay it gently on top of her, resting my hoof on the pillow that her head had come to rest on. She moved her head towards my hoof and nuzzled it affectionately. I kept my hoof still for a moment, afraid that I'd wake her. After a moment, she stopped, before taking another breath. I gently wiped some free strands of her mane out of her eyes as I turned, about to trot away.

"Goodnight, Lance.,," I spoke in a mere whisper as I bent down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. My face flushed with warmth as I quietly chuckled, a bit surprised at what I had done.

I-I can't believe I just did that...

Aftermath

Two Weeks Later, After Queen Chrysalis' Defeat

Shining Armor stepped out of the carriage, taking Cadance's fore-hoof and helping her out as the two guards inside shut the door behind him. Storm clouds loomed overhead as they Crystal Empire's palace.

"Twilight will be here soon. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna needed to look over her notes of the transformation spell."

"Hopefully."

She has to return to Ponyville tomorrow. Hopefully, she'll get back soon enough so we all can visit Radiant Shine.

"I was worried Princess Celestia would've been angry with me. She had been staring at me since we got into the court."

"I don't blame you. She does that when she's being disciplinary, not to mention she's been investigating for weeks now. Just glad she found out you were innocent."

"Me too. But I don't think she's too happy with me either..." Shining quietly said, staring down at his red formal uniform with different metals and awards from his service to Equestria on the chest. Hopefully his reputation hadn't been fully tarnished.

"I told you she wouldn't be after we explained everything to her. And she's not angry with you. She's just trying to remain unbiased."

"You're right. Sorry."

"Told you so." Cadance said, playfully nudging Shining shoulder. Shining glanced up at her with a grin before returning his vision to the path in front of them.

"Radiant's supposed to get out of the hospital today."

Cadance's upbeat demeanor dissipated.

"Is she still...?"

"She can stand, she can trot, she can use her magic, but she just... won't speak. She hasn't since we brought her to the hospital. And her eye's still-" "Please, I don't want to think about it. Imagine what she feels about it..."

Shining nodded. "Right, sorry." They continued towards the palace.

"Radiant's been like this since we ran into that changeling, right?"

"Yes. It was her husband. I told you to go because I thought he'd want to take us back but..."

Shining stopped at the front entrance.

"But what?"

"Lets get inside. I'll tell you in there."

Two Weeks Earlier

Shining Armor, Cadance, and Radiant Shine trotted towards the Crystal Empire. The Crystal Empire's tower was visible, shimmering in the setting sun. Radiant lagged behind, the pain of her injuries not allowing her to keep pace with Shining and Cadance. The wind howled as the group trotted onward, snow blowing upwards from the ground and slowing slipping behind them.

"How far off do you think we are from the empire?"

"A half a mile, maybe a quarter. It's not too far away."

"All right." Cadance turned back to Radiant. "How're you doing, Radiant?" Cadance asked. Radiant had stopped a few feet away from them, staring at the treeline to the right of them.

"Radiant?" Cadance asked once more. Radiant still looked towards the treeline, scanning for any form of movement. She turned and trotted to the edge, looking for something or somepony. Nothing could be seen other than a few branches blowing in the wind and leaves crumbling up.

"Radiant, we need to get you to-" "Warding? Warding Hunter?" Radiant called out. Shining's ears perked as he turned back to them, hearing who she was speaking to. He turned and stepped towards them.

"Stay back Cadance. This'll be bad if this is who I think it is." Shining said. Cadance nodded, but only stepped back a couple of paces back so she could get to Shining quickly enough if needed.

After a moment, a stallion stepped out, his black mane brushed upwards. Sticks and pines were tangled in his ivory coat. He trotted up to her.

"It's you!" She nearly pounced on him. Warding chuckled, before clearing his throat.

"You did it, my love. You're a pony."

"I-I did. But how're you-" "Don't worry about me. You're pretty beaten up."

"I'll be fine." Radiant ignored the pained parts of her body for a moment. She wrapped her hooves around him, pulling him tight to her chest.

How... did Queen Chrysalis...?

Renla glanced to Shining for a moment, his brown eyes flickering to the usual green color for a moment, full of hatred and anger. He shot daggers at Shining, showing him to stay back, before returned his gaze to Radiant, the anger and hatred seemingly replaced with compassion.

He's disguised. But why?

"I... I must tell you something, my love."

"What is it?"

"I have to go back to Queen Chrysalis."

"No! You can't!" Radiant said. She grabbed his fore-hoof, holding it tightly "I-I don't want to lose you. Not again."

"Nor do I to you, my love. But I'll not risk having her come back after you and Thunder Arc. Even if it means I have to leave you."

"You can't... e-everything can go back to t-the way it used to be. W-we could just go to someplace else. Get away from the Crystal Empire and her. Somewhere safe, where we'll never have to worry about her again."

"She'll follow me, no matter what. She wouldn't forget my promises to loyalty so easily. I-I wish there were some other way-- I honestly do, but there isn't."

"But... b-but..." Radiant stumbled over her words, tears swelling in her eyes.

Renla pressed his lips against hers. Before she even had time to react, Renla had turned away and trotted to the north, down the treeline. Radiant hastily trotted towards him.

"No, wait-"

Radiant winced. She suddenly stopped and grabbed her chest. Renla kept going, shifting back to his changeling form as he trotted out of sight. She glanced upwards for a moment, trying to find one more look at Renla, before she fell to the ground. Shining and Cadance rushed over to her. Blood had pooled under her chest.

"Her wound has opened up. We need to hurry." Shining said, lifting her to her hooves and trotting with her. He didn't care about what happened to Renla, he just wanted to get Radiant to safety.

"Everything else we both know about."

Cadance and Shining Armor trotted towards the throne room.

"Renla was her husband?"

Shining nodded. Cadance stared at the ground.

"How many ponies has she done this to..." Cadance muttered. "Isn't her changelings sapping away ponies' love enough?"

"She'll do anything she can to make sure she gets what she wants."

"Have you found Radiant's son yet?"

Shining shook his head.

"No luck. Twilight's looked through the Crystal Empire's adoptions and orphanage records numerous times over the past week with nothing coming up. And I'm not allowed near them, so I can't look behind her."

"He has to be somewhere here. Where else could he have gone?"

"We'll find him." Shining said. Cadance stepped inside the throne room.

"I have lots of paperwork to fill out this afternoon. Even weeks later, there's still a whole mess to sort out..." Cadance said, dreadfully sighing. "I'll catch up with you later at the hospital if I can."

"Goodbye." Shining said. Cadance nodded with a smile and shut the door.

There's no guards to train, and Princess Celestia said I'm not to touch any of the Crystal Empire's records until the investigation's over. Shining thought, turning back towards the exit to the Crystal Palace. I guess I could head to the hospital early. He finished. Shining nodded to himself as he trotted towards the exit.

"But sir, you just can't-"

"No buts. You're to go home now and stay there until you heal if you still want a job when you're hoof's healed."

Bucking...

"Yes, sir." I reluctantly muttered, trotting out of my boss' office, nearly slamming the door. My red scarf slung in front of my face. The rain had begun to fall since I had gone into work. Or rather, at least see if I could.

So tired of sitting at home. Been sitting there for two weeks, and I can't do anything with this on my hoof!

The cast around my right fore-hoof makes movement in it difficult, to say the least. Been bed-ridden for almost two weeks now.

I let out a sigh, trying to calm myself, and slid my hard hat onto my back. Oh well, the mines will flood around this year anyway... guess I should just head home.

Disappointed, I trotted away from the site. I went through the village, passing by repaired houses and some unfinished building sites that were empty. Probably from the rain. The streets were nearly empty, everypony either inside or on the way in.

I passed over the bridge and stopped at the middle. I rested my fore-hooves against the rail and looked over the river. Horseapples, this day needs to get better.

"R-Rocky?" A quiet voice asked. I looked around for the pony.

Standing to my right, was Blooming Lily. Where the hay-- I haven't seen her since we got back. Her dampened mane had fallen in her face. She only had on a pair of red winter-shoes.

"What the hay're you doing out here in the rain? Here-" I pulled off my scarf and wrapped it around her neck gently. The scarf was too big for her, and hung to her hooves. "You're gonna freeze out here."

"I was with Lance out to get some food, b-but we got separated."

"Follow me, let's try to find her." We began to trot down the street, heading towards the market. I took a moment to pull the hardhat back on top of my head, to try and stop the rain pelting against my mane. "Where did you see her last?"

"We were just in the middle of a big crowd and I just lost her... she's gonna be mad."

"Why? She'll understand."

"She doesn't like me being by myself ever since..." Blooming's voice lowered. She hated to bring up the subject of what had happened to us in the Changeling Kingdom. "Plus her shoulder's been hurting lately."

"I can imagine. It's so good to see you again. Didn't get the chance to after you two got out."

"Th-thanks. You too." Blooming blushed.

"How's things been for you two since you got out?"

"Lance had to have sling-thingy on her wing and had to take some pills. We've been okay, besides that."

"Good. I had to get this-" I held up my right fore-hoof for a moment, showing the cast. "put on my hoof. None of my ribs were broken, thankfully."

"Cool... can I touch it?" Blooming asked, staring at the cast for a moment in curiosity.

"Once we stop. And it's not as cool as it sounds. Have to keep this thing on for a couple weeks, so that means I can't do anything that'd hurt it or break the cast. "

"Oh..."

"Yeah. It'll help it heal correctly, though. I've been-"

"Blooming, where the hay'd you go? It's-"

Lance stopped as we came into sight, holding a small, white scarf. She looked as if she had seen a ghost. Her blue sling was around her left wing, held up by her neck, was holding two brown bags.

"Um..." Blooming stepped forward. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lose you. B-but we were in the big crowd and I-I just found Rocky."

She rushed over to us and hugged me, nearly knocking me over. After a moment, she let go and turned away from me.

"Jerk. You didn't even tell you had gotten out of the hospital."

"You got out after you got the sling and some antibiotics. I was there for a week. How was I supposed to know where you lived?"

"You should've just-" "I'm sorry, Lance. Now, are we going to catch up or not?"

Lance's eyes shot daggers at me, but I noticed her grin. She turned to Blooming and gently wrapped the scarf around her neck, below mine. Blooming took off my scarf and handed it to me, muttering a small, "Thanks" as she followed Lance, who was already trotting away. I hastily put my scarf on and followed them.

Shining Armor trotted into the hospital, rain drizzling overhead. Radiant Shine sat at the first bed at the left side of the room, at the first row of the beds, the room nearly empty since Queen Chrysalis' attack. A mug was levitating in front of her, a yellow aura weakly enveloping it. She suddenly winced, and the aura weakened and faded. The mug fell, but Shining caught it with his magical grasp before it hit the ground. He trotted up to Radiant and sat the mug beside her. Her stomach had a large, scarred cut down the middle, her mane and coat had been cleaned, and she had bandages wrapped around her ribs and horn.

"Hello Radiant. How're you?" Shining asked, sitting down beside her. Radiant turned away from him, staring at the ground.

"Do you want to leave now? Cadance and I have someplace inside the village for you to stay."

Radiant sat there, just staring at the floor.

"I guess I should come back later." Shining said, standing and beginning to trot towards the exit.

"I miss him..." She quietly said. Shining turned back to her.

"What?"

Radiant slowly shook her head, looking up at him. One of her eyes were green, and the other was white. There was a slash across her eyesocket, going over her eyelid. The brutal attack on her had given her the scar.

"Have you found Thunder Arc?"

"I... I'm sorry. We've looked through every record that'd have something to do with him- through adoption records, orphanages- everything, but I haven't found him."

Radiant looked down for a moment more, before standing.

"Let's go. I can't stay here anymore."

Shining nodded. They exited the hospital and made their way towards the village.

"We've got a house in the village set up for you." Shining said. Radiant nodded, remaining silent. "How's your eye?"

"I can see, but it still hurts."

"Good." Shining nodded with a smile. "The house has some scarfs and socks there in case you'd like to go someplace else."

Radiant nodded again. Her mane was dampened from the rain. They stepped over the bridge, and Shining continued to trot towards a small house at the end of the village made of blue crystal with wooden support beams.

"Shining... I appreciate this- honestly, but..."

"What's the matter?"

Radiant turned to him.

"Thank you." Radiant said, bowing her head for a moment. However, when she looked back up at him, Shining noticed that she was upset. A frown had spread across her face, and she kept glancing to the ground. "I-I'm sorry to rush, but I'm ready to rest."

"Okay. Is everything all right?"

"I'm fine. Just-- I need rest." Radiant said, hastily trotting towards the house.

"You sure you don't need me to stay?"

"Yes. Thank you, but I'd rather be alone." Radiant said. Shining nodded and began to trot away as she entered.

Lance rushed inside the crystallized house, her bags of food nearly slipping out of her sling. Blooming and I followed behind her, drenched with rain. She shut the door behind us.

"Didn't know it'd rain that hard." Lance said. She wiped her wet mane out of her face. "Would've came straight home."

"Eh, I don't mind it. Nice change from all the snow."

"Yeah. Spring'll be coming soon. Which means clear skies for practice once I get rid of this sling."

I nodded, sliding my wet hard hat onto my back. Lance trotted to the other side of the room, flipping on the overhead lights. The inside of her house was... a bit surprising for her.

There were three wooden chairs at the corner of the room, two large, elegant sofas at the middle of the right side of the room with a small table in the middle with a blanket laying in the middle, a hallway to the right that lead to a door with small, black and white pictures of different ponies on the wall, a closed door a few feet in front of us, and a large, burgundy rug in the middle of the room.

"I'm going to go to our room." Blooming Lily said, turning and trotting into the hallway.

"Okay." Lance said, removing her wet scarf and laying it on the table.

"I'll be back in a minute, Rocky. Just gotta put this stuff up. Make yourself at home." Lance said. She trotted towards the closed door, pushing it open.

I assume that's the kitchen.

I trotted over to the two sofas and sat in the right one.

She returned after a moment, her sling empty.

"Hate wearing this thing. Can't fly or anything" Lance said, her wing stretching out against it. "The doctors said I had to wear this for a month, but it's already healed!"

"Yeah. I can't do anything strenuous with my hoof cast the way it is, so no work for me."

"Cabin fever?" Lance said, sitting down beside me. I nodded.

We became quiet, as awkward tension became apparent in the room. This isn't how she usually is...

"How's it been?"

"Okay, I guess. I mean, Blooming's been pretty messed up since then, and I have to keep this sling on, but it's better than being out in the wilderness, I guess."

"Mhm. But I still can't get a full night's sleep."

I haven't slept more than six hours a night in two weeks...

"Wimp." Lance said, pushing my shoulder, but I could see she was uncomfortable with what had happened too.

"Well, I need something to drink. Want something?"

I shook my head.

"Suit yourself then." She said, trotting inside the kitchen. After a moment, she returned with a small, black cup filled with dark coffee.

"What have you done since we got back?"

"Nothing, really. The doctor won't let me leave my house until my hoof is healed. No broken ribs, thankfully."

"Hm. I've helped my parent's move into their new house, but I don't see why they bought it. They're entrepreneurs, and they travel a lot. That's why I keep Blooming with me."

"How's she been?"

Lance sighed, frustrated by the topic.

"She's been having trouble sleeping. Just... don't." She said, sipping from her cup awkwardly.

"Sorry. I won't push you." I said. Thunder boomed outside, shaking the ground below. Lance sighed as the storm calmed for a moment.

"I've stayed up for days now, trying to help her. But how the hay am I supposed to help her when I can't get any sleep myself..." Lance said, gulping down the rest of the cup. She sat it on the table beside her.

"Look, lets just get the elephant out of the room. We both were... a bit..."

"I can't do anything anymore, Rocky. I haven't slept in days, I barely eat-- I-I can't go a day without thinking about what happened in that courtyard." Lance said. She rested her head on her fore-hooves, staring at the ground.

"I-I keep having nightmares about what could've happened with you in the courtyard. It never ends like i-it did, where Twilight Sparkle stepped in. And it's driving me crazy!" Lance said, grasping her braided mane tightly.

"I... Lance..." I gently rested my right fore-hoof on her left shoulder. Her shoulder had relaxed from the gentle touch. She glanced over to me.

"I'm here to stay. I promised that I'd never scare you like that again, and I don't plan on breaking that promise. There's nopony or changeling that'll hurt us here."

"Just-" Lance jerked away from me. "Gimme a minute. I need to calm down." She finished, turning away.

Twilight Sparkle held the safety rail beside her, the carriage lightly shaking. Rain pelted against the ceiling. She groaned.

I knew I should've stayed until the storm passed.

She stared out of the window, seeing the sun peek out from under the storm clouds to the east. In the distance ahead of her was the Crystal Empire, also caught in the storm.

Good thing the rest of the Elements went back to Ponyville before this came through. Might have been stuck here for a few more days if not. I just hope Shining and Cadance got back before this rolled in.

The storm calmed as the carriage approached the Crystal Empire. They landed in front of the Crystal Palace, the rain dissipated into drizzling. The village and Crystal Palace was bathed in an orange glow from the evening sun.

Guess I missed the worst of it.

The door beside her opened by her stallion driver in white armor, lined with yellow cloth, with Celestia's sun on the middle of his helmet. His coat was dampened from the rain.

"We've arrived, princess." He said, bowing. Twilight stepped out onto the muddy ground.

"Thank you." She quickly said as she trotted away from him, heading towards the palace. However, before she could reach the entrance, the doors opened, and Princess Cadance stepped out.

"Oh, hello Twilight. You're right on time. Was about to go see how Radiant was settling in. Would you like to come?" Cadance asked, two crystal guards shutting the doors behind her.

"Sure." Twilight said. Cadance smiled and began to trot towards the village.

"How was the ride?"

"Shaky. Probably should've waited the storm out, but good thing it cleared when it did."

"Good. What did Princess Celestia and Princess Luna need you for?"

"They wanted to get a copy of the transformation spell in my book and Princess Celestia said I wasn't to show anypony the spell."

"I understand. Wouldn't want that to get into the wrong hooves, right?"

Twilight nodded as they passed over the bridge. The river, now flowing fluently with the change of the seasons, had slightly elevated higher than usual from the rain.

"Is Radiant still feeling well?"

"Yes. Shining showed her to her house an hour or so ago. Just wanted to check in with her and see how she was holding up. Her stay in the hospital wasn't easy..." Cadance said, slowing as they came up to Radiant Shine's house in the village

"Wish we could've found something about her colt."

"Me too. Can't be easy on her." Cadance said. She and Twilight trotted up to the front door and knocked. They waited for a moment, waiting for Radiant for come. But nopony could be heard on the other side of the door.

"Radiant?" Cadance called out, knocking a little harder. The door pushed open, unlocked. Twilight hesitantly stepped inside, with Cadance following close behind her. The overhead lights were cut off.

A small rug lead into the inside. There was a door to the right, a large sofa made from red crystal with velvet pillows, a tall lamp behind the sofa, and a door to the right, beside the sofa. Everything looked untouched, in perfect condition.

"Radiant? Are you here?" Twilight called out. Nopony answered.

"I'll look inside the kitchen. You look in the bedroom. It's the room to the right." Cadance said. Twilight nodded, and trotted to the door to the right. She pushed it open, and stepped inside.

The room was a mess. The red bed-sheet had been flung from the mattress, the end of it still sitting on top of the bed. All the drawers in the dresser had been pulled open, the end of a scarf hanging out the top drawer. Bloody bandages were sitting at the corner of the room.

What the hay?

Twilight trotted up to the drawer, closing the drawers containing different articles of clothing. She noted there were two scarfs and a pair of winter-shoes missing from the top and bottom drawers.

Weird...

She continued onto the bed, magically grasping the blanket and making the bed properly. However, she noticed there was something sticking out from under the bed. Twilight leaned down, pulling out a rolled up piece of paper from under the bed. She unraveled it, reading it's contents.

Dear Prince Shining Armor, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and Princess Cadance

Thank you for everything you've done for me in the past weeks. I'd not be able to write this if it weren't for the three of you helping me get away from Queen Chrysalis and break her control over. You all got me my life back, and I'll never forget that. But, it also pains me to tell you that I cannot stay here any longer with my son still missing. It's gnawing at my conscience like a pack of wild timberwolves.

I can't stay here and sit around, hoping for somepony to find him for me. I need to find him, for both his sake and mine. If not for him to only acknowledge that he knows I exist and that I didn't willingly abandon him. I'll return to the village when I've found that he's safe and happy where he is.

Please, do not try to find me or send anypony after me. I'm fine, and I'll return soon enough with my son. Goodbye.

From, your friend
Radiant Shine

Oh... she's gone. Twilight was saddened, but she understood why Radiant had left. We have to show this to Shining.

Lance was just... sitting there. Ever since she had told me about her nightmares, she had just sat there. Like she was alone, hiding from a group of changelings.

"Lance?"

"I-I can't do it..."

Is she...

I stood, and trotting in front of her.

"Lance?" I asked again. She kept muttering incoherently. She's gotta come out of this...

"Lance, everything's going to be all right." I grabbed her fore-hooves, gently pulling them away from her mane. She looked up at me.

"Rocky..."

"We're gonna be fine, all right?"

"We're not." Lance said, her voice trembling. "I-I can't-- I've lost it. We're not gonna be okay."

"I promise we are. You can trust me." I gently put my fore-hoof to her right shoulder. She pushed me away, and scooted away.

"No--" Tears rolled down her cheeks. "There no-no way! I-I can't le-let my g-guard down for a second!"

I pulled her into a hug. She gently tried to push away from me.

"S-stop! I-I" She took a raspy breath, as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I don't want your s-sympathy! I h-have to pull myself together-- to be there f-for Blooming and you! I'm n-not supposed to be like this!"

"It's all right to be scared, Lance. We'll get through this. Together."

Lance gently wrapped her hooves around me, returning the hug. We sat there for a few moment, Lance's rapid breath calming and her tears drying up.

"R-Rocky?" Lance said. Her voice was normal now.

"Yes, Lance?"

"Never mention this to anypony. Ever."

"You know me better than that, Lance. Wouldn't do that to you."

"I know." Lance leaned up to me and peaked me on the cheek. "Just making sure. And thanks."

I stood and sat beside her, still holding her. The sun shined through the window, bathing us in warmth. Things were finally beginning to look well. Might even call it bright.

Maybe we'll be make it through this.

Shining Armor read over the note left by Radiant.

"She's gone Shining. I'm sorry."

He glanced down at the note, reading over it one more time before sitting it to the side of his desk in the throne room. At the side of his desk were week-old reports of imports and exports, new guards needing training, and many other different papers.

"I can't say I wouldn't have expected this from her. She missed her son deeply."

"I know... just hope she finds what she was looking for."

"Me too, Twilight." Shining said, taking a deep breath. "Me too..." He exhaled as he stood.

"Thanks for bringing this to me, Twi'. I'm relieved to know why she was acting so strangely."

"I am too. I'd love to stay and talk some more, but I need to pack for my trip back to Ponyville."

"Need some help?"

"Sure, if you're not busy."

"Don't have much else to do. Lead the way." Shining said. Twilight nodded, trotting towards the exit. Shining looked towards the ground, thinking of the note Radiant had left.

Good luck, Radiant. He turned back up to Twilight. And I hope you'll return with your son one day.

===