Author's Note

Releasing this now. I might add to it later as I feel there's still something 'missing' from it.

Chapter - 24 - Out Of The Frying Pan, Into The Fire

Twilight watched, still seething with rage, as Gordon was placed on the bed and covered in a blanket; noting rather quickly the lack of what she saw was vital to ensure the safety of her fellow ponies.

"The monster needs restraining to the bed!" Twilight yelled, "It's dangerous!"

"That ridiculous law was rescinded," the doctor said, "I will not approve it while he is my patient. Not only that but his condition is dire. He's no condition to move about, no thanks to what the town's ponies have put him through. So no, while he is MY patient, he will remain unrestrained and you and your friends will be barred from visiting."

"Fine," Twilight huffed, before suddenly looking smug "Maybe this will change your mind."

Twilight pulled out a scroll and handed it to the Doctor.

HM PRINCESS CELESTIA, SOL INVICTUS OF THE SUN
DIARCHY OF EQUESTRIA

To Doctor Kardia,

You are ordered to fully restrain the human around the clock. It is forbidden from having any freedom of movement, this includes visits to the bathroom for washing and waste excretions. Under no circumstances whatsoever is the human to be released, left unrestrained or left unguarded. Twilight Sparkle and the remaining Elements of Harmony are permitted to interrogate the human any time they desire in any manner they see fit. They are all to be assisted in any manner they request. Prince Shining Armour is also now in charge of the prisoner's incarceration. His orders are to be followed precisely. Failure to comply with these rules will result in your medical license being permanently revoked and a minimum of twenty five years in the Canterlot Castle dungeons with no possibility of parole or visits from family and friends.

Yours sincerely,

HM Princess Celestia.

The Doctor looked up in disgust at the smug look on Twilight's face, struggling to reign in his fury.

"Fine!" he spat, scrunching the letter up and throwing it at Twilight, hitting her on the snout, "But I will be filing a formal protest with the Royal Medical Board."

Twilight, picking the letter up and straightening it out, smiled sickeningly sweet in response, "That's your right, as meaningless as it is. I will return later though as I have many questions to ask the monster, and you will stay out of the way while I do so."

Twilight turned and began to leave the room, "I expect that thing to be restrained by the time I return in one hour."

"He's so entertaining, isn't he?" asked a Changeling guard, eyeing the shackled Fairfax with amusement, "Every Changeling zoo should have a pair."

"We don't have zoos though."

"Then he can be the first exhibit," the first guard replied, picking up some maggots and throwing them at Fairfax, "Eat up, animal!"

Fairfax went to launch himself at the Changeling, only to be held in place by the shackles and unable to speak due to the gag,

"He'll make a most amusing exhibit," the second Changeling said.

Fairfax could only let out a muffled scream of unbridled fury as the two Changelings laughed as they threw another handful of maggots.

When I break free of these chains, they will be the first I slaughter!

Not-Shining walked into the hospital, a fierce scowl on his face as he waltzed past the reception desk, ignoring the receptionist on duty despite her calls to him. He made his way for Gordon's room, walking straight in and found Doctor Kardia tending to Gordon, giving him another regular check-up. Not-Shining walked around to the other side of the bed and stood to attention, puffing his chest out and stomping a hoof on the cold, stone floor.

"Revive him," commanded Not-Shining, "Now."

"I will do no such thing," Doctor Kardia replied, looking aghast at such an order, "Forcibly reviving him now could kill him."

"I don't care. Revive him!"

"No. And I don't care if Princess Celestia herself comes down here to personally order me to revive him. I swore an oath to do no harm, and I will not," Dr Kardia replied calmly, standing firm.

"Then I shall find somepony to replace you," Not-Shining replied as equally calm, before walking away.

Dr Kardia could only watch on with deep worry as Not-Shining left, greatly fearful of what will happen to Gordon.

Spitfire massaged her aching forehead as she sifted through yet more paperwork, the mountains of the stuff seemingly never-ending. Schedules, budgets, expenses that all required her signature. No amount of whiskey could dull the pain from it.

I joined the Bolts to fly, not become a desk jockey.

"Damn it, Soarin," she said as she stared at one particular expense sheet, "You can't spend that much on pies and then bill the 'bolts for it."

But then again, I've done the same with banana milkshakes.

Signing off and approving the expensive expenses, there was a knock at the door.

"Enter."

The door opened and Soarin himself walked in.

"What's up, Clipper?"

"We have a problem," he said, closing the door.

"What kind of problem?"

"One of our contacts in Ponyville has informed us that Gordon is in hospital."

Spitfire rolled her eyes and sighed loudly, "What have the locals done now? Another bullshit accusation of theft and then decided on vigilante justice?"

"Nor I or our contact know the specifics, only that Gordon...attempted to kill himself."

Spitfire dropped the pen she was holding and her eyes reduced to pinpricks, "WHAT?!"

"Exactly as I said, the Elements found him and took him to hospital. Though from what I'm told they had a hand in him making the attempt."

"Rainbow too?"

Soarin nodded, "Apparently."

This was not what Spitfire had wanted to hear. Apart from hearing that another being attempted to kill themselves, an act virtually unheard of in Equestria, the fact that it came from Rainbow cast doubt on her potential future with the Wonderbolts. Ponies who act in such a manner that they cause harm to others cast a very negative light on the very high standards set by the Wonderbolts. Anything that could jeopardise those very high standards and the clean image of the 'Bolts will more than likely prevent any wannabe member from getting past the application stage. Existing members risk expulsion.

"Anything else?" she asked, needing to stay focussed on the job.

"Our contact also received information that Changelings have infiltrated the town and have taken the form of Prince Shining...and the Princesses in Canterlot. They haven't been able to get this information to us until now."

Spitfire sunk her head into her hands, the gravity of the situation overwhelming her.

"Are the two incidents related?"

"Our contact believes so. So what do we do now?"

"Assemble the senior flight team, immediately. But don't say why, only that they're to come to my office now. Dismissed."

"Aye, captain," Soarin replied, saluting.

Soarin quickly left to carry out his orders and shut the door. Once it shut, Spitfire got up from her desk and walked over to a cabinet on the side of the room and took out a bottle of whiskey and tumbler, poured herself a shot and necked it neat, relishing the strong overwhelming taste.

"It's going to be a loooong day."

Where......where am I? I remember being in the room and trying to hang myself. Clearly didn't work. Fucking hell, I can't do get anything right right now.

Groggily, and his head pounding, he slowly attempted to sit up but not for the first time found himself unable to do so. Trying again with the same result, he soon found his answer to his problem.

Straps. Shit.

Slowly waking up more, his vision coming into focus, he soon saw he was not alone.

"So you finally decided to wake up?"

Gordon looked around to see Not-Shining on one side, and Twilight on the other. He once again attempted to move but felt himself held firmly in place.

"Don't bother trying to escape," Twilight said, her smugness oozing out of her, "Those are magically reinforced straps, done so by myself. Only the Princesses and I have the skill to unlock them without a key."

"And you are going to answer our questions," Not-Shining firmly stated behind a sinister smirk.

"What questions?" Gordon groaned, "I told you that Changelings attacked those fillies."

*SMACK*

"Don't lie!" Not-Shining yelled, striking Gordon's cheek with considerable force, leaving a red mark.

Gordon, hissing in pain from the slap stared back at Not-Shining, his gut feeling telling him something was off with only one possible reason.

"Twilight," Gordon said, "This isn't Shining! It's a Changeling!"

"Stop blaming Changelings for your own evil deeds!" Twilight screamed, stomping over and getting close to Gordon, her snout almost touching his, "Why can't humans take responsibility for their own actions?"

"Why can't ponies listen?"

*SMACK*

Twilight slapped him, hard. Not that it surprised him given that she also tried to hit him the other day. As is often the case that Gordon has observed, Twilight is one of those people who is guilty of the very thing they accuse you of.

"Don't talk to my sister like that," Not-Shining replied, smirking in delight at the display.

"She's not your sister."

*SMACK*

"I can see this is going to be a long night," Not-Shining replied, giving him a back hand across the other cheek.

But an enjoyable one.

*DEEP INSIDE THE EVERFREE FOREST*

"If we don't do something soon, Gordon will die and any chance of defeating Chrysalis dies with him," a female voice said as she walked alongside her companion through a makeshift camp.

"I know that," replied a male voice, "But if we rush in now, we will undo years of planning and hard work."

"Still, even with all the planning getting inside Canterlot whilst it's swarming with Changelings will be very difficult, even more so now that Chrysalis has discovered a way to differentiate between those loyal to her and those who rebelled."

"We may have acquired some extra help with that," the male voice replied as they approached one tent larger than the others. Pulling a cover back he and his accomplice walked in, prompting her to shriek momentarily in shock, "Louise, meet Princess Cadence. Cadence, meet Louise; my mate."

Cadence stood up and walked over to the pair and extended her hand to Louise, "Pleased to meet you Louise, Thorax has told me all about you. "

*MEANWHILE*

Spitfire was standing behind at her desk at Wonderbolt HQ, the sun shining off her blue and yellow flightsuit as her senior officers were sitting patiently waiting for her to speak. After pouring herself another whiskey and sitting in the chair behind her desk, she finally did so.

"In the past few weeks, myself and Soarin have been in contact with an individual in Ponyville. This contact approached us and offered to be an agent of ours, to be our eyes and ears on the ground in Ponyville. Other cities and towns across Equestria had different agents working for us and their boss, who in turn is a key ally in what is about to unfold."

"What do you mean, Captain?" asked Fleetfoot.

"Changelings have once again infiltrated Equestria."

Sans Soarin, the rest of the senior officers sat with their mouths open.

"Furthermore," Spitfire continued, "Princesses Celestia and Luna have been imprisoned in their own dungeon and replaced accordingly. Prince Shining, Prince Blueblood and Ambassador Fairfax too have been replaced, the real individuals are currently being held in the Changeling Dominion's hive in the Badlands."

"Shit," Misty Fly replied, "What do we do?"

"For now, sit tight. Our contact has also told us that Gordon is currently being held in Ponyville General Hospital after an attempted suicide."

"An attempted what?" Misty asked, "He tried to kill himself?"

Spitfire nodded, "Our contact was unable to get all the details, but it seems that after everything he's been through decided to try and end it all."

"Do we bust him out?"

"There's plans being made. We'll be working in partnership with our new allies."

"And just who are our 'new allies'?"

Spitfire looked around the room until she laid eyes on one particular officer and nodded. The officer stood up, and with all eyes now on him, became engulfed in all to recognisable green flames. Sans Soarin, the rest of the Bolts stood up and began to move on the Changeling.

"AS YOU WERE, BOLTS!" Spitfire bellowed.

The officers obeyed, reluctantly, as Spitfire made her way over to them, her team moving out of the way. Though remaining vigilant.

"Who is he?" asked Misty, still glaring harshly at the individual, "He doesn't look like a Changeling."

"Bolts, meet Pharynx. Co-founder of the Maquis, alongside his brother Thorax. Despite his colourful appearance, he IS a Changeling but that will be explained another time."

"What's the Maquis?" asked Fleetfoot.

"The Changeling resistance against the Chrysalis and..."

"And...?" queried Misty.

Spitfire looked over to Pharynx and nodded, "It's not only Changelings who have been resisting Chrysalis."

Everyone watched as Soarin walked over to the door and opened it, where another Wonderbolt walked in. Soarin closed the door and followed the latest arrival. A blue coloured mare with white mane and tail dressed in a full Wonderbolt flight suit.

"Flight Lieutenant Fire Flash reporting as ordered Group Captain."

"At ease, Flash. Are you ready?"

Fire Flash nodded.

Spitfire, not taking her eyes off of Flash, spoke, "When you're ready, Pharynx."

Pharynx walked over to Fire Flash and lit up his horn, engulfing the mare in green flames. After a few seconds, the flames dissipated, revealing a surprising figure. The appearance of which resulted in the dropped jaws of the assembled officers. Not even close to being able to comprehend what they were seeing.

"Bolts, meet Natasha," Spitfire said, "An Equestrian-born human and partner of Pharynx. And still my personal assistant with her rank still in place. She was and still is a Wonderbolt, and will still be treated as such."

Apart from Soarin, Natasha, Pharynx and Spitfire, the rest of the Bolts looked at one another and the aforementioned members.

"Captain?"

"Yes, Fleetfoot?"

"Would you mind explaining what the FUCK is going on?"

"I knew 'Shining' wasn't my Shining the other night," Cadence said, sipping some tea, "Unfortunately I only realised after I was...tied to the bed."

"Awkward," Louise replied, grimacing, "How did you know?"

"I won't say how exactly, if only to respect Shining's privacy in the matter. Only that glaring clues were given away if you knew Shining as well as I do."

"What did you do after that?"

"Carried on as I would have done. I don't like having to do what I did, but it was necessary if I was to get away. Fortunately for me, 'Shining' couldn't match me for stamina and fell asleep, so I used that as an opportunity to escape."

"How did you know to come here?"

"I came to Ponyville in disguise to find Gordon."

"Why Gordon?"

"Because he's the only one who would have believed me and done something to help. I witnessed what happened at the market and the aftermath, and then I was discovered by one of Thorax's supporters who, disguised as an Earth Pony, saw through my disguise and brought me here. Once he explained who he was and knowledge of Shining's whereabouts."

"Good thing he saw you and not one of Chrysalis's agents," Thorax said.

"Agreed," Cadence replied, "I can only imagine what my Shining is going through right now, Bluey too."

Thorax stayed silent, deciding against going into further detail how depraved and evil Chrysalis truly is. What Cadence thinks she knows pales in comparison to what Thorax knows about how Chrysalis truly is.

"I just have another question?" Louise asked, "How come I've not known about you until now? You're not exactly easy to miss."

Cadence laughed, "I've been disguised most of the time, but events have changed things quickly, so an equally quick response is required."

THE FOLLOWING MORNING

"Did Celestia say what the urgency was?" Rainbow asked as they entered the main entrance of the castle, "I don't like leaving Ponyville while that bastard is still there."

"Celestia didn't say," Twilight replied, "Only that the six of us were to go to Canterlot immediately and take our Elements with us."

"Must be something serious."

"You think she plans to turn Gordon to stone?" asked Applejack, "'Cause I'm all down fer that."

"Me too," added Rainbow, "I hope his statue is placed somewhere where the birds can shit on him all day."

"Bird shit deserves better," Applejack replied, laughing.

"Please don't talk about Gordon like that," Fluttershy said, "He's not like what you think."

"Are you serious, 'Shy?" asked Rainbow incredulously, "He tried to kill our sisters and he killed one of your animals!"

"He might have killed one of my animals," Fluttershy replied, holding back tears from the painful memory, "But I don't believe he hurt your sisters."

"You were there when Scootaloo came to the table. She clearly said HIS name."

"She did," Fluttershy replied.

"Then why-"

"But she also passed out before she could say any more. And as I heard through others, Gordon tried to explain but you and certain others wouldn't let him."

"There was nothing to explain, Fluttershy," Twilight stressed, "That monster hurt the Crusaders and if it wasn't for those stallions stopping IT then we would have three dead fillies."

"Why would Gordon do that though?" Fluttershy asked, frustration creeping into her voice, "It isn't like him. He lost his own children, why would he want others to feel the pain of that?"

"'Cause he's human," Applejack replied, " He revels in the suffering of others."

"I know it's hard to believe, Fluttershy," Rarity added, "But Gordon fooled us all."

Fluttershy simply looked down in sadness. Despite killing one of her animals, she knew Gordon wouldn't have hurt the Crusaders. Whenever she met them they would always talk of how 'awesome' he is and how 'cool' human things are. She just hoped that everything would work out and her friends would see that Gordon was telling the truth.

As they approached the throne room doors, the guards on duty began to move aside.

"The Princess is inside, she's expecting you," one of them said.

"Thank you, guard," Twilight replied.

The six entered the throne room and the doors closed behind them.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight exclaimed happily as she ran towards her mentor.

"Twilight, so wonderful to see you again," 'Celestia' replied, embracing Twilight in a hug.

"It's great to see you to Princess, though...I wish the circumstances were different."

"As do I. Though you needn't worry for much longer. Even as we speak, my top mages are creating a cage that will keep Gordon imprisoned forever. He will never see the light of my beautiful day ever again."

"Good," Twilight said sternly, "He deserves to be locked up for what he's done."

"I still say we petrify him."

"I did consider that, Rainbow Dash," Not-Celestia replied, "But I didn't want to desecrate my beautiful garden with such an ugly gargoyle."

Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow shared a laugh. The others looked at each other uneasily; Fluttershy as she believed Gordon innocent. Rarity, while sceptical of Gordon's innocence despite being emotionally influenced by what happened to Sweetie Belle, believed Fluttershy. And Pinkie, her Pinkie Sense told her something was off, but not exactly what.

"Now, my student; did you bring the Elements as I asked?"

"I did, Princess," Twilight replied, removing them from the chest and showing them in full view.

"Thank you, my dear student," Not-Celestia replied, taking them in her own magic, "I will take care of them for now. In the meantime, why don't you rest. Your quarters have been prepared."

"Thank you, Princess," Twilight replied.

The girls turned to leave and walked to the throne room doors. The doors opened and the girls were stopped in their tracks by a full platoon of Changelings armed to the teeth with swords and rifle-like weapons Rainbow had seen the Griffons use on her recent trip.

"Oh no!" Twilight screamed, turning back towards the throne, "Princess! We have a-"

"Yes?" Not-Celestia replied, becoming engulfed in green flames and revealing her true form, "My student?"

"Chrysalis!"

"Very observant of you," Chrysalis mocked, "Celestia must be proud you are able to make such astute observations with all those years studying."

Twilight, standing defiantly, clenched her fists, "Stand down, Chrysalis! Surrender!"

"No and no. You are now my prisoners and I have the Elements in my possession."

"Where are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?!"

"They're...in quarters of their own. And you will now be taken to yours."

"You'll never win!" Rainbow yelled, taking a fighting stance. "We'll fight you!"

Chrysalis cackled like a hyena, "Oh you ponies are so amusing."

Before the girls could react, green flashes of energy were fired at them from behind, instantly knocking them out. Falling to the floor in a heap, Chrysalis walked over and looked down at the girls with a feral grin.

"Excellent," Chrysalis said, admiring the unconscious forms of the girls, "With the Princesses and Elements under my control and with these new energy weapons, Equestria will finally be mine!"

"So helpless. I do like it when stallions are all tied up."

"Piss off, Redheart" Gordon venomously replied, "You dirty sick fucking bitch!"

"Such a dirty mouth," she laughed, "Luckily, I can fix that."

Not-Redheart quickly magicked a ball gag in front of Gordon and fastened it tightly in place, Gordon's attempts to resists proving pointless. Removing the duvet, she lustily eyed the bound state of Gordon and his lack of attire.

Hang on, Gordon thought, Redheart's an Earth pony, she can't...

...oh fuck.

"That's a nice birthday suit you have."

An infuriated Gordon clenched fists and his red face gave Not-Redheart further opportunity to mock him. Seldom had he ever had the urge to kill anyone so much. Not-Redheart then closed and locked the door, further worrying Gordon; all too fully aware of the sharp medical instruments in the cabinet opposite his bed.

"Awww, is my newest toy panicking?" Not-Redheart asked, noting the increased beeping from the heart monitor, "Well, I would be remiss in my duty if I didn't help relieve you of you stress and discomfort."

Using her magic she brought a riding crop into full view, climbed on top of him and straddled him. Unable to move, Gordon resigned himself to his fate.

"You and I are going to have so much fun!" Not-Redheart said, as her eyes flashed green, "Over and over and over again."

...shit.

"Natasha!" Pharynx squealed as she kissed his cheeks, "Not in front of the Bolts."

"So let me get this straight," Fleetfoot said, "Three years ago, you and Soarin were lured to a discreet location, approached by Pharynx and Natasha and made this proposition?"

"Yes. Initially we were sceptical, but evidence convinced us they were truthful. Revealing their true identities and other physical proof made us realise it was in our mutual interest to go through with it. I needed them close by for our plans to succeed."

"That's why you fast tracked their progression through the ranks," Misty added, "But how did Gordon come into it?"

"His arrival sped things up," Pharynx replied, "We knew he would appear, but not exactly where or when. The incident with Seafire was unrelated, but a meeting between the Wonderbolts and Gordon would have been orchestrated as it would have helped us achieve our aims."

"You say that like you knew he would appear."

"We did."

"H-How?"

"Once," Pharynx began to reply, "Many years ago, during a hive 'bonding' session where drones share the love they accumulated, for a very brief moment I and others saw into Chrysalis's memories; though we don't know how. We each saw different fragments but by joining together in our own sub-hive, we were able to piece those fragments together to create a clearer picture of what has been going on...and what has happened."

"Which is?" asked Fleetfoot.

"Over the centuries, Chrysalis has been able to manipulate the emotions and, by extension, actions of ponies. Celestia included. Celestia's hatred of humans was greatly amplified by Chrysalis herself, taking feelings that were already there and causing great harm and lasting damage."

"So, all that stuff Celestia did to humans was, in a way, caused by Chrysalis?"

"Yes," Pharynx replied, "If you thought that Celestia hated humans, her hatred is a candle compared to Chrysalis's raging inferno."

"She didn't take the defeat at the Battle of Everfree too well," Natasha said, "Unbeknownst to everyone, she managed to find and capture humans and brutally enslaved them. She forced them to reproduce solely to breed an entire slave race which continues eight centuries later. I too have felt the stinging pain of a whip, the chafing of shackles around my wrists and ankles, the-"

"Tasha," Pharynx said, quickly consoling her, "Don't do this to yourself."

Natasha returned the embrace, "Just promise me that that bitch will pay for what she's done."

"She will."

"I just have another question," asked Fleetfoot, "How can humans disguise themselves?"

"Over the centuries of being around Changelings," Pharynx answered, "Our magic has evolved them in such a way that while they can't disguise themselves...yet, Changelings can put disguises on them, including wings, even if they're non-functional."

"None functional? They look real to me," Fleetfoot relied, eyeing the feathered wings still appearing on Natasha, despite being in her natural human form.

"Pharynx is really good at disguises," Natasha replied, "But with regards to the wings, while they look and feel real and I can move them like you can, I can't fly with them."

"Hence the non-flying position and the 'illness' preventing her from flying," Spitfire added, "Pharynx was here mostly so he could receive messages from Thorax, Natasha was here mostly because Pharynx didn't want to leave her on her own."

"Mind if I ask a question?" Firefly asked.

"Go ahead," Spitfire replied.

"How come Maquis Changelings haven't tried freeing Gordon?"

"It's not that simple," Pharynx replied, "Loyalist Changelings can more easily detect our disguises now and we're no longer entirely certain who has and who hasn't been replaced, and a rescue mission could reveal our hideaway and jeopardise years of hard work. Even our agent approaching a disguised Cadence took great risk doing so."

"Well what about Twilight Sparkle?" asked Misty, "She's being more of a bitch lately."

"That's just Twilight being Twilight," Pharynx replied, "Celestia didn't want a student to think for themselves, she wanted a student who was essentially a mini-Celestia. That's why Sunset Shimmer ran away to fuck knows where, but that's a story for another time."

"How about a story for now?" asked Fleetfoot, "Why are you brightly coloured?"

"Well," Pharynx began to reply, "My brother Thorax was the first. A long story short, he developed feelings for one human in particular and long had reservations about the enslavement and brutal treatment of humans. One day, he couldn't put up with it any longer. So he took this human along with sympathisers, and escaped the hive, taking a good number of humans with him."

"When did he do that?"

"Plans were made years ago, but the Canterlot Wedding invasion allowed us to move up our plans. With that bitch distracted punching above her weight, we were able to escape and establish a base of operations in the Everfree Forest."

"And since then, you've done what? Plan to depose her?" asked Misty.

Pharynx nodded, "Yes. And Gordon's arrival allowed us to once more move forward our plans. Chrysalis used his arrival to also plan another takeover of Equestria, and kill Gordon in particular."

"Why?"

"I'm sworn by secrecy not to say," Pharynx replied, looking uneasy, "My brother too and the others who shared those memory fragments. It is not our place to say what. Chrysalis, as I said earlier, also knows too. And we've reason to believe the Griffon King has been able to piece together the clues."

"I'm becoming more and more interested," Fleetfoot replied, "Must be something big."

"It's...possible," Pharynx replied, trying to keep a neutral tone, "It has the potential to alter the political landscape of not just Equestria, but elsewhere too. But I've already said too much. Can we move on?"

"Sure. Why are you no longer a regular looking Changeling?"

"Like Thorax, I too met a mate," he replied, looking at Natasha, "Sharing my love instead of taking it; not only felt much more fulfilling, it also lessened my link to the Hivemind. Not having that bitch echoing in your head felt like a great weight being lifted. Sharing my love is what changed my appearance, the others too."

"It's how we can now tell the difference between the Maquis, and Changeling loyalists."

"What about the 'Maquis' who were un-able to escape the Hive?" asked Surprise.

"If they don't naturally change, they can assume the appearance of one. I can't see Loyalists doing so though, as it risks them being killed by their own side."

"So, what do we do now?"

"Now," Spitfire replied, "We plan on how to not only rescue Gordon, but also liberate Canterlot and defeat Chrysalis once and for all."

Fairfax glared furiously as a Changeling grunt threw bread crumbs at his face, eliciting laughs from the assembled audience, eager for a quick laugh.

"Eat up, pigeon shit," the grunt laughed, "Birds like you like bread, don't they?"

Fairfax grunted through the gag, his anger matching his humiliation.

"Make the flying rat grovel on the floor," said a watching grunt, "Get it used to being on its knees, servings its Changeling masters."

The grunt taunting Fairfax began to undo the restraints holding him in place. His left arm fell free from its suspension and the grunt went to release his other arm.

One second was all Fairfax needed.

"How are my guests doing?"

"Go fuck yourself, Chrysalis!" Celestia seethed, her anger intensified at the sight of her tiara on Chrysalis's head, "You vile, wretched whore!"

"My my, Celestia, such language. So un-Princess like. By the way, your tiara feels nice to wear."

"Drop dead, bitch!"

"You seem to have picked up language lessons from that filthy, disgusting ape. Next you'll be telling me you've fucked each other like the depraved animals you are."

"Silence your loose tongue, abomination of Tartarus!" Luna yelled.

"'Abomination of Tartarus'," Chrysalis repeated, turning to Luna, "That's a bit rich coming from you, Nightmare Moon."

Luna growled angrily and went to attack Chrysalis, only to be held in place by her shackles.

"So violent," Chrysalis teased, "Maybe an appointment in your sister's torture chamber will teach you some manners. What would you like? The rack? The Iron Maiden? The Iron Chair? The Bull?"

"You are sick in the head," Celestia spat, "An evil witch who only uses others for her own needs."

"Pot, kettle, black, Celestia. Besides, I'm keeping the Brazen Bull for that filthy, hairless ape. I will watch with great enjoyment that disgusting creature be roasted alive after I personally skin it!"

"Do not speak of Gordon in such a disgusting way!"

"Why do you care how I speak of that creature? You've never cared for it. Which is ironic, considering what it is to you."

"I don't know what you are talking about," Celestia replied, avoiding eye contact.

Chrysalis grinned and let out a laugh, "Oh yes you do. You know exactly who that filthy ape is. Not that I know how, considering I took steps to prevent you from knowing."

Celestia said nothing as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Chrysalis turned around and began to walk away, "I've won, Celestia. And this time, not even those brats with their stupid necklaces will stop me!"

"The Elements of Harmony will defeat you!"

"You mean these Elements of Harmony?" Chrysalis asked, teleporting them into view, much to the shock and horror of Celestia.

"How-"

"Your dutiful student brought them to me. She is far too trusting of you. She never questions anything when it comes to you. A flaw I exploited. The human, however vile that creature is, at least called you out on your bullshit."

"You still won't win."

"I've learnt from my past mistakes, Celestia. Unlike you."

Chrysalis turned to leave and began to walk out of the cell, turning to her General as she did so, "Bring Nightmare Moon to the torture room. I need to relieve some tension."

"No!" Celestia cried, "Take me instead!"

"No," Chrysalis replied, "Seeing you seeing your bitch of a sister hurt will bring me far more joy and amusement."

Chrysalis turned to the general again and nodded.

With the aid of two equally large Changelings, the General grabbed hold of Luna and began to force her out of the cell.

"Sister!" she cried, trying to resist to no avail.

"Luna!"

The Changelings and Chrysalis left, shutting and locking the cell door, leaving Celestia alone in the pitch black cell.

"LUNA!"

The last Changeling grunt fell limply as Fairfax released his grip. The holding cell, once keeping him caged like an animal at the amusement of his captors, was now covered in the blood and guts of a dozen very dead Changelings. Caked in blood himself, he grabbed the keys off of the more-than-dead grunt who mocked him with bread, and walked over to the door. Unlocking it and opening the door, he immediately came upon another Changeling guard.

"Prisoner escape! Prisoner-"

His neck snapped with ease and fell to the floor with a dull thud.

Now to find Shining and Blueblood.

Fairfax made his way through the corridors, easily slaughtering any Changeling he encountered; grunts half his size no match for his 7ft frame of muscle and well-known Griffon physical strength.

As he approached another holding cell, he could hear the faint whimpers of a pony.

Slowly entering the room, he could see a unicorn stallion, dishevelled and sickeningly thin, being urinated on by a Changeling.

"Drink up, pony," the Changeling mocked, "It's the only drink you're-"

The slink of his sword going through the Changeling seldom felt so good to Fairfax. Tossing the now dead Changeling aside, he looked down in pity at the pony. The pony himself looked up in fear. A response he's long come to expect from ponies.

"Who...who are you?"

"Ambassador Fairfax. Who are you?"

"Lieutenant...Second Lieutenant Short Fuse," he wheezed out.

"How long have you been here?"

"I...I don't know."

"Did you arrive here before or after your incident with the human?"

Short Fuse looked at Fairfax in confusion, "What human? What are you talking about?"

Fairfax looked at Short Fuse, feeling no sense of deception.

So the one who committed those acts was an imposter.

"Come on," Fairfax said, finding the keys to release Short Fuse from his shackles, "We're getting out of here."

"I'm not in much condition to fight."

"Then try to avoid being hit," Fairfax replied, "But stay close. We need to find Prince Shining and Prince Blueblood. They too are here."

"It's that bad?"

Fairfax nodded, "Yes."

"Just what in Tartarus has been going on the past several weeks?"

"A shitstorm of fuck-ups. But catching up can wait. We have a duty to do."

Short Fuse picked up a nearby sword and gave it a couple of test swings, "Then in that case, my condition be damned. If I'm going to die, I'd rather die fighting on my hooves."

Fairfax grinned, "I share the same feeling."

In the dungeons below the castle, the girls, all occupying different cells, could do little but to worry over what was happening above.

"As if it isn't bad enough that Gordon tried to kill our sisters," Rainbow said angrily, "Now Chrysalis decides to invade and try to take over Equestria again."

"We'll think of something Rainbow," Twilight replied, "We'll defeat Chrysalis and then deal with Gordon."

"Ah honestly thought Gordon was a good person, but now ah know better. Ah feel like a fool."

"We all do, Applejack," Twilight replied, "I only hope that Gordon will be the one occupying one of these cells when all of this is over."

The sounds of a door opening caught the girl's attention. They looked in the direction of the doorway that lead to the castle above, and breathed a sigh of relief when they saw who walked through.

"Oh thank Celestia," Rarity said, breathing a sigh of relief, "Yet again you three boys have come to our aid."

The three 'boys' looked to one another with a smirk and walked past Rarity's cell and on towards Rainbow's, ignoring Rarity.

"Are you going to let us out?" Rarity asked, only to get no answer.

"Well?" Rainbow snapped, "Answer Rarity! Are you going to let us out or are you going to just stand there?"

The three boys just looked to one another and laughed.

"Why would we ever let you out?" asked the leader, "You're right where we need you."

"What do you mean? Right where you need us?! Get us out of here!"

"No. And when we find your coltfriend, he'll be joining you down here."

"He's no coltfriend of mine! He tried to kill my sister!"

The trio burst into laughter again, much to the confusion and anger of the girls.

"Oh you stupid girl," the leader said, "Are you all truly that dense?"

Several seconds passed as Rainbow, and the girls, slowly connected the dots and came to a horrifying realisation.

"You mean...?" Rainbow began, desperately hoping she was wrong.

"It wasn't your coltfriend who tried to kill your sisters," the leader said, stepping closer to Rainbow's cell, followed by his goons.

With a flash of green flames, they dropped their other pony disguises.

"It was us."

"Please," Luna whimpered as she tried to free herself from her restraints, tears falling down her cheek, "Don't do this."

"My my," Chrysalis teased, "And here I thought that the mighty Nightmare Moon was tough. Instead she's about to piss herself simply because I'm going to torture her."

"Please!"

Chrysalis turned the wheel on the rack, eliciting a small scream from Luna.

"To think I once feared you," Chrysalis said, "Now, I pity such a pathetic display."

Chrysalis turned the wheel again, bringing out more screams from Luna.

"Excellent," she said, looking ahead of her, prompting Luna to look in the same direction. Luna's eyes reduced to pinpricks and she tried once more to free herself from the restraints.

"Why are you trying to leave so soon?" Chrysalis asked, taking the red hot iron tip from her subordinate, "The fun is only just beginning."

Without a second thought, Chrysalis pressed the rod hard into Luna's cheek; completely unfazed at the blood curdling screams.

"Goodness Bluey," Not-Cadence cooed as Blueblood moaned through his gag, "You just can't stop 'coming' for more!"

What? Fairfax wondered as he approached another holding cell, What is Princess-

oh.

Entering the room quietly, with Short Fuse following, he saw Blueblood. Tied naked to a St Andrews Cross. His dishevelled mane and tail, the bruises and patches of blood gave tell tale signs of the treatment he had been receiving. As did the dripping semen from his member.

'Cadence' however, was oblivious to his and Short Fuse's presence.

Blueblood, despite his condition, wasn't.

Diverting his attention back to Not-Cadence so as to not arouse suspicion, he also tried to thrust himself from the waist into Not-Cadence. Not-Cadence, so deep into his role as the Princess of Love, failed to take note of the 7ft of impending doom silently approaching from behind.

"You really like this, don't you?" Not-Cadence teased, "Fucking your sister. I bet you wish you could do it for real. Knowing how sexually depraved your sister is, she'd probably accommodate you. Would you like that, Bluey? Would you like to fuck your sister like a-"

Not-Cadence fell limply to the floor and in a flash of green flames reverted to its normal Changeling form. Its neck snapped in one clean move.

Fairfax quickly removed Blueblood's gag and began unlocking the cuffs holding him in place.

"Much appreciated, Ambassador," he spoke softly, "That thing... that THING!"

"We still need to find Prince Shining, your Royal Highness," Fairfax replied.

"He's here?" Blueblood asked, putting on what was left of his clothes that had been dumped to the side of the room, "Do you...do you know where he is?"

"No. But I'll find out."

"How do you plan to do that?" asked Short Fuse.

"I'll ask somebody," Fairfax replied, picking up a sword and leaving the room.

Celestia was brought out of her half-asleep state by the opening of her cell door. As she came to and light trickled into the room, she saw the sight of Equestria's most hated enemy once more.

"How is my guest?"

"Piss off, vile witch!"

Chrysalis laughed and shook her head, "So ungrateful. Like your sister."

Chrysalis stood aside and she saw with horror the sight of her sister as she was dragged in and shackled to the wall.

"What have you done to her?" Celestia asked, her voice breaking.

"We only had a little fun," Chrysalis replied, turning to Luna, "Isn't that right."

Luna nodded, though Celestia could see that her sister was too out of it to know what she nodded her head to.

"We started off with some stretching exercises on the rack and decided to heat things up with hot iron rods. Then we moved onto a pressing engagement with an Iron Maiden before deciding she needed to be whipped into shape and used a mould for some waxworks."

Celestia looked in horror at the state of her sister before looking back at Chrysalis with unbridled fury, her fists clench so tight her palms bled.

"When I get out of here, I will not simply kill you. But utterly and absolutely destroy you!"

"'When you get out of here', which will be never. So I'm not exactly worrying. Besides, now those stupid girls are also my guests, I will let them have a taste of the castle's amenities while they are here. Starting with your gullible student."

"You leave Twilight and those girls alone!"

Chrysalis grinned and got nose to nose with Celestia, her rank fetid smell repulsing the latter, "I think I'll start by de-horning her. She can't be trusted with it. That and it would make a pretty addition to my necklace."

Chrysalis teleported into view, varying in colours and sizes, a collection of unicorn horns. From the larger horns of expert spell casters to the noticeably small horns of foals.

"I'LL DESTROY YOU, CHRYSALIS!" Celestia bellowed, held back only by her restraints, "I WILL ABSOLUTELY ANNIHILATE YOU AND REMOVE ALL TRACES THAT YOU EVER EXISTED! YOU WON'T LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO BE SORRY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE!"

Chrysalis didn't hear the rest of Celestia's furious tirade as she walked away cackling like a hyena. Once the door was closed and locked, Celestia, through the pitch black could only hear the faint whimpering of Luna.

I'm so sorry, Luna.

Gordon's mind remained blank as Not-Redheart finished off yet another 'round', having given up his futile attempts at fighting back after the fourth round.

"Come on, I even took your gag off so you could scream my name!" Not-Redheart whined, "It's like you're not even trying! At least look like you're enjoying it!"

Gordon remained silent.

Not-Redheart groaned, "Is it because you miss your Rainbow whore?"

Gordon scowled, maintaining his silence.

"That's it, isn't it?" Not-Redheart mocked, "You're cwanky because you've not been able to taste the Rainbow again."

Gordon clenched his jaw and fists, pulling hard at the straps trying to free himself again.

"My my, aren't you sensitive," Not-Redheart teased, "No worries, I can help you there."

Gordon's heart rate sky rocketed as, in a flash of green flames, Not-Redheart became Not-Rainbow.

"Feeling hungry?" Not-Rainbow asked, "Don't worry. I have plenty of servings for you to try."

As Not-Rainbow and her seemingly inexhaustible libido got to work on another round, Gordon's mind drifted off to events of earlier.

Why didn't I just shoot myself instead? Dad's service weapons still had their ammo. I could have just done it and be over with it. But no, I just had to use Applejack's rope to make it poetic.

Damn me and my idiocy.

Fairfax re-entered the room, his sword and face covered in blood, looking slightly more pleased than earlier in the day.

"An ever so nice chap informed me that Prince Shining is currently being held in Chrysalis's private quarters. Inside a cage which apparently can only be opened by the bitch herself."

"Then we shall find a way to open it ourselves," Blueblood replied, "Did this 'nice chap' tell us where her room is?"

"On the other side of the hive. Between here and there, however, is swarming with Changelings."

"Then we shall fight our way there," Blueblood replied, a furious scowl appearing on his face as he picked up a sword and held the edge to his face, "They will pay dearly for what they have done."

"Agreed, but we should wait until nightfall, when the hive goes into stasis."

Blueblood nodded, "In the meantime we should rest, I'll go on first watch."

*LATER THAT NIGHT*

Whilst Ponyville slept, one particular unicorn was on a late night sojourn to the local hospital; using a mix of invisibility and sound proofing spells, light dampening spells and balls of steel to conduct a vital mission. Having made his way to Gordon's room without incident, Apotek entered his room. Though to his surprise, there were no guards posted outside. Despite being sceptical, he wasn't going to waste time thanking his enemies for giving him an easy victory. As he entered the room, however, he was in for a surprise.

"What in Tartarus?" Apotek whispered as he looked at the sight.

Not-Rainbow was sprawled mostly naked on top of Gordon who was still strapped tightly to the bed, in a deep sleep. Wasting no more time, he carefully removed Not-Rainbow and placed her on the floor and began to shake Gordon.

"Gordon." Apotek whisper shouted.

No response.

"Gordon!"

Still no response.

"Gordon! Wake up you bastard!"

After a few moments of shaking him, his eyes began to blearily open.

"Good, you're awake," Apotek said as he began to work on the straps.

"Apotek?"

"I bet you weren't expecting me."

"That's putting it mildly. What are you doing here?"

"Playing the violin," Apotek deadpanned, "What does it look like I'm doing, freeing you."

"Good luck. Twilight says they're enchanted, that they-"

"Twilight was bluffing," Apotek replied, "See, I've already unlocked them."

Gordon looked to where the strap's cuffs were and sure enough they were now loose.

"I might need help," Gordon replied groggily, "They've pumped me pull of sedatives. I can barely raise my arms."

"I'll carry you out."

"You?"

"I'm stronger than I look. By the way, what's up with Rainbow?"

"That's not Rainbow. It's a Changeling."

"They've got the Elements now, too?"

"They? You mean the Changelings?"

"I'll explain later. We have to leave, now."

Carefully picking Gordon up and placing him over his shoulder, Apotek quickly left the room, leaving Not-Rainbow sleeping on the floor. Moving silently with Gordon slung over his shoulder, he left the room and silently made his way down the dark corridor. Approaching the lifts, he pressed the button and waited for the doors to open.

"Come on, come on!"

Unable to risk waiting, he decided to go down the stairs instead. As he approached the stairwell however, he heard hoot steps on the hard floor behind him.

"Going somewhere?"

Apotek turned around, Gordon still slung over his shoulder, and came face to face with Not-Shining.

"Prince Shining," Apotek replied, "Thank Luna it's you. Can you-"

"Silence!"

Apotek blinked. Before he could do anything, he felt Gordon being lifted off of him.

"What are you-"

He was cut off when he felt himself being held by orderlies who had arrived by the very lift he was waiting for, "What are you doing? Unhand me at once!"

"They shall do no such thing," Not-Shining replied, "Take the human back to its bed and re-secure it."

The orderly with a barely conscious Gordon slumped over his shoulder dutifully did so, leaving Apotek with Not-Shining and more orderlies and Solar Guards, the latter of whom had now just come into view.

"Apotek here has an appointment with Doctor Kardia," Not-Shining said, "See to it he attends his very important appointment."

"What are you talking about? I have no appointment."

"The...doctor here, says you do," Not Shining replied, motioning to the new arrival.

He turned to the orderlies and guards, "Escort him to the operating room. Make certain he undergoes his operation."

Beads of sweat began to form on Apotek's forehead, "What are you talking about? What operation? What are you doing?!"

Before he could do more, Apotek felt the clamping of a horn suppressor being locked in place and his arms pinned behind his back as a sedative was administered.

"LET ME GO YOU BASTARDS!"

"Silence him."

"LET ME-"

A now gagged and limp Apotek was being carried away.

"What is his operation?" asked Doctor Kardia, "I forgot."

Apotek was turned to face Not-Shining as the latter put on a malicious grin, "Horn removal."

Apotek watched as Not-Shining got smaller and smaller, until he was cut off altogether by closing doors. Within a minute he felt himself be slammed onto an operating table and secured in place by tight leather straps.

"Now you just wait there while I get ready," Doctor Kardia replied, his eyes flashing green, "I won't be long."

Apotek watched the doors close, failing to notice the puddle of urine he was now sitting in.

Not-Rainbow climbed on top of Gordon and looked down at him with a terrifying lustful grin, "Didn't want to leave, huh? I knew you couldn't resist me."