The Reign of a Queen

Applejack grew wearier and wearier as time went by. Often, Queen Chrysalis would enter the dungeon where she was, and begin torturing her for information. Had the orange pony been able to move, then Queen Chrysalis would most likely be dead. However, a tight band over each leg kept her bound to a large plank of wood. A chain was tightly fastened around her neck with the other end hungon the ceiling, in case she was able to escape. Several cuts covered Applejack's body, all of which were a direct cause of Queen Chrysalis.

There was no strength left in Applejack. Instead, she spent her time thinking to herself. Thought of whether Apple Bloom was ok. Thoughs of a better Equestria. Thoughts of being with her friends one more. The first thought, she hoped was true. As for the other two...

"Thing will work out soon," Applejack sighed, lying to herself about being able to see her friends again. Or anypony for that matter. What felt like months being tortured was actually weeks, but Applejack didn't care. All that mattered to her now was not telling Chrysalis anything that would give her an advantage.

At that point, three changling guards had entered the room.

"We have orders from the Queen to bring you to prisoner one!" Barked the middle one. His helmet was diferent to the others, making him look like the leader.

"Y...you mean Rainbow Dash?" Applejack was releaved she was heading to another pony.

"No, she isn't prisoner one. Which reminds me," the left changling didn't sound as strict, but was demanding nonetheless, "if you try to esape, we have orders to kill you. Understand?"

Applejack gave a small nod.While the changlings undid the ties, the leader grabbed the chain that was around Applejack's neck. Without another word, Applejack followed the guards. The walk was slow and painful, mainly due to the cuts all over her body. But other ponies were able to see her duing the walk. Other captured ponies. Applejack looked in each one, and found none of them had Rainbow Dash in. There was a scream. A scream that could only belong to one pony.

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Apple Bloom awoke slowly. Through dreary eyes, the filly saw the face of Queen Chrysalis. Panicking, Apple Bloom screamed as loudly as she could.

While there wasn't a scratch on Apple Bloom, all four legs were bound together with chains, the cuffs having spikes that penetrated her flesh. Blood trickled down the legs, and a puddle of blood was forming around her.

"I'm so glad we have you here, pony." Chrysalis was strolling towards the filly, the use of the word 'pony' to make Apple Bloom feel left out. While Chrysalis waited for a responce, but none came. Chrysalis took this as a que to keep talking.

"Had you been Zecora, I would've had her executed. She is too...dangerous for my good. In fact, I'm ot sure if she is still alive. None of my minions have reported her death, so I don't know.

"As for you, pony. You were Zecora's student. You know the potions she does, with the innocence of a filly. I know you ponies are hiding somewhere close to that town, so I want  you to tell me where it is."

"Why would I want to betrey my friends?" Apple Bloom's voice was strong. Giving up the location of the base would mean allowing the changlings to take over, and she wasn't about to let that happen.

"Because," Chrysalis was ready for that responce. She had some guards fetch Applejack moments ago, "if you don't want your sister dead, you'll co-operate." With that, the guards entered. Applejack followed, a chain still around her neck.

"Applejack?" Apple Bloom was surprised to see her sister again, as the last time they had seen eah other was in the battle for Ponyville.

"Apple Bloom?" came Applejack's responce. The orange pony found the strength to run over to her sister, and gave what looked like a sort of hug. Chrysalis gave a signal, and Applejack was pulled off her sister. One of the guards had his spear pointed at Applejack's heart, ready and waiting to strike.

"Now you understand?" Chrysalis anticipated a no off of the filly, but was shocked to hear the faint yes comming from her.

"Good..." cackled the changling. While the guard with the spear hesitated, he put down his weapon.

"Ok..." Apple Bloom began, her voice trembling, "I guess I have no choice. We are hidden -"

"My queen!" In that moment, a changling disguised as Scootaloo had rushed in. Out of breath, she gave her message. "Terrible news...Crystal Empire...returned...King Sombra...out to take over your kingdom" Scootaloo was now her changling self, still exhausted from the flight back.

"Very well. You have done well." Chrysalis had turned her attention to the changling spy. She then turned back to Apple Bloom. "I guess we will have to wait until later, pony. I have some business to take care of." As Chrysalis left, she whispered toone of the guards.

"Leave them in here. And watch the door."

Applejack's chain was hooked onto the wall, and all changlings proceded to meet the threat that was King Sombra. There was nothing either of them could do but wait. Wait and form a plan of escape, unless a cyan pegasus has anything to say...