“So if day can turn to night
And the darkness turn to light
Then why can't we imagine
Just why can't we imagine
Then why can't we imagine a changeling can change?”

Spike closed his eyes as silence reigned over the Crystal Palace's sparkling throne room. Part of him was thankful for the break. He liked to think of it as a dramatic pause, after bearing his soul in the form of a song he somehow managed to come up with on the fly. He hoped, as the seconds wore on, the noiselessness meant the mob was either thinking it over or letting the message soak into their hearts.

All the while, just as silently, Thorax remained rooted to the floor behind him.

Soon, the lull was broken as Shining Armor wordlessly retreated to the back of the crowd. Spike strained his hearing, as the wall of guards before him and his friend obstructed his view. There was a whispered conversation, which dragged on for a minute or two, then Twilight's cautious steps. Her expression betrayed a subtle anxiousness as she made her way past the guards to get to him—exchanging glances with her brother all the while.

The dragon shrank from her gaze. She exceeded his height by several inches, yet she seemed to completely tower over him at that moment. Needless to say, Spike was pleasantly surprised when she lowered her head to nuzzle him. “I'm proud of you, Spike,” she said, her voice soft.

He grinned, wrapping his arms around her neck. “Thanks, Twilight.”

“And you... you know I love you, right?”

His brow furrowed. “Well, yeah, I love you, too.”

Twilight's forelegs encased him in a hug. It was warm, familiar, but it was of little comfort. He felt the air vacate his lungs as it tightened around his body like a vice without warning. Warning bells reverberated against his skull—adding to the growing sense of distress he nearly ignored. Yet, when he felt the static of her magic a sudden realization caused his heart to plummet straight down into his gut.

It wasn't a hug. It was a trap.

“Thorax, run!” he yelled, but it was too late. He twisted in the alicorn's grasp in time to witness the materialization of shackles that latched onto the changeling's neck and limbs. In the blink of an eye, he was surrounded by the guards, their spears more threatening than ever.

Shining Armor's voice cut through the air like a blade. “C'mon, let's get this bug into a cell before he messes with somepony else's mind!”

“No!” Spike thrashed in an attempt to free himself, but Twilight's forelegs didn't budge. “Leave him alone!”

It was no good, he was trapped. He watched helplessly as Thorax was cruelly tugged and poked out of the throne room. His friend out of his sight, Spike began struggling once more. Even when Twilight's hug was replaced by her unbreakable levitation spell, his mind was too clouded by hurt and determination for him to surrender.

Through the haze, however, he made out the distinct buzz and pop of teleportation. The brief disorientation he felt afterwards told him he was a part of it, and he squeezed his eyes shut with a groan. When he opened them again, he and Twilight were no longer in the throne room. Instead, they now stood in a sizable suite. He was quick to notice it was the same room in which they stayed during the Equestria games.

Of course, the familiarity wasn't consolatory in the least, even as he was slowly lowered onto the soft bed. He immediately rolled over so his back was turned to Twilight. “You tricked me,” he grumbled, his eyes watering.

Seconds ticked by, during which he heard the shuffling of her hooves, before she dared to speak. “Please understand,” she said. To him, her voice was too soft for the situation. “It was for your own good. Once his influence wears off on you, you'll see reason. I promise.”

Then, in a whisper he barely managed to hear, “Everything will be okay.”

The tears threatened to spill. He had no idea what she was talking about, and he almost demanded an answer. “Just go away,” he said with a huff. “Leave me alone.”

He heard her draw in a shaky breath. “Is that what you really want...?”

“Yes.”

“... Okay.”

Spike expected her to leave in the same manner as their arrival, yet she simply walked towards the front door. A sudden thought hit him. “Twilight, wait,” he called, sitting up.

She immediately spun around. Her eyes were wide, twinkling. “Yes?”

“Promise me something.”

She took a few steps forward. “Anything, Spike.”

“Promise me Thorax won't be harmed. Promise me he'll be safe wherever he's been taken.”

The light in her eyes dulled a bit, yet a small smile appeared on her face. “Nothing will happen to him, I promise.” She then made her way out of the room—quietly closing the door behind her.

He was alone now, and free to not only compose himself, but to formulate a plan. Rolling onto his back, he wiped the moisture from his eyes. Deep breaths, Spike, deep breaths...

He filled his lungs with air. Thorax was taken into the palace dungeons; there was no other explanation.

He exhaled. Thorax was heavily guarded. Depending on what Twilight told them (if she told anypony anything at all), no amount of notoriety and persuasion would convince the Crystal Guards to allow him visitation.

He inhaled. He needed help. Twilight and Shining Armor already made their stance on the matter painfully clear. It was natural for the dragon to assume Princess Cadance sided with her husband on the matter. He didn't know Sunburst all too well, but he guessed it would be far too difficult to convince the Royal Crystaller either of them were in the wrong.

He exhaled, and he watched as thin trails of smoke danced above his head. There was a glimmer of hope with Starlight, but it was one he quickly stifled. She was still in the early stages of her friendship lessons. She was still timid about standing her ground and confiding in Twilight on certain matters. No, he had to cross her off his list as well.

He groaned. With the entirety of the Crystal Empire in a state of paranoia, there was no one else to help him. If the others were here, they would've tried to talk some sense into everypony. Unfortunately, going home was easier said than done, and a letter would take days to reach Ponyville.

Wait, a letter... Princess Celestia!

Spike's heart hammered wildly in his chest as he leaped off the bed. Why didn't he think of it sooner? Princess Celestia was kind and understanding, and she was certain to help Thorax!

He ransacked the desk, smiling all the while, for parchment and a quill. Then, he climbed onto the chair and began to scribble away. “Dear Princess Celestia, I need your help. While visiting Shining Armor and Cadance, Twilight, Starlight, and I stumbled upon a changeling sighting that had the entire Crystal Empire turned upside down. Long story short, I was able to find and befriend this changeling after he saved my life. His name is Thorax, and all he wants are friends. Unfortunately, convincing everypony he's not evil backfired on me. He was captured and locked in the dungeons! Please, I don't know what else to do! You're his last hope for freedom! Your Loyal Servant, Spike the Dragon.”

Carefully, he rolled it up and, with a silent prayer, he sent it on its way. All he could do then was wait. As fate would have it, he didn't have to wait long. Once his feet touched the cool floor, a fire rose into his throat and he belched a neatly-wrapped scroll. “Wow, that was fast!” he exclaimed as he snatched it out of the air.

In his eagerness to read the Princess's reply, he almost didn't notice the tingle spreading across his body upon breaking the letter's seal. He knew magic when he felt it, however. So, frowning, he opened the letter with caution.

“Dear Spike, forgive this short response. Due to recent events, my uptight beloved sister is preoccupied elsewhere and I had to intercept your letter. Sorry, but I placed a precautionary spell on this parchment to set you free, just in case you did unknowingly have your brains scrambled. Don't take it personally. If that was never the case (and I certainly hope so), then hurry in writing back to me. I will help you. With much sincerity, Moonbu Princess Luna.”

The dragon blinked as a distinct nagging feeling poked at him. His only thought was, “What?” as he reread the letter and turned it over and over again in his claws. Princess Luna? It threw him for a loop, but it was a step in the right direction. He returned to the desk and set a clean sheet of paper in front of him. “Dear Princess Luna, don't worry, I'm not angry. But, nothing's changed. I still want to help my friend and I can't do it alone. Everypony is paranoid there are other changelings out there, like Queen Chrysalis is planning an invasion or something. I find myself in a situation where my words and reputation are meaningless. Please, help me! Truthfully and distressfully, Spike.”

He sent it, and he remained at the table until Princess Luna replied. Curiously enough, the missive came with a cloth satchel. Inside, he found two packages. He felt them both. One was soft, as though filled with sand. The other contained... bits? Raising a brow, he opened the letter.

“Noble Spike, I'm positively beside myself with grief by your tale. I cannot, as a Princess of Equestria, allow such an injustice to flourish. I will help you, but time isn't in our favor. Twilight Sparkle messaged Celly my sister for aid in an opposite cause to yours. Additional guards will be in the Crystal Empire by early morning. You and your little changeling friend will be hay out of luck if you wait until then to make a move.

I sent you one of my favorite things, called 'Slumber Powder.' Throw it at the guards to put them to sleep. There's enough for multiple uses, so have at it! You'll be more than able to retrieve the dungeon keys to free your friend. If Thorax has a favorable pegasus disguise, make him use it. He can then fly you to the train station without raising too much of a ruckus.

My next suggestion may seem odd, but it's necessary. Trust me. Get on a train. Purchase a ticket to either Tall Tail or Las Pegasus. Go to White Tail Woods, which is located along the way. That's where I'll meet you two. It's one of the reasons I sent you that bag of bits. Thorax will need your friendship, guidance, and all that sap good energy if he's to thrive. Keep him fed and vibrant, and don't hesitate to spend your funds on food for yourself.”

Spike's breath hitched in his throat. He glanced at the satchel. He retrieved another piece of paper. “Do we really have to leave?”

The next letter came almost immediately. “Yes. If you do not go with him, Thorax will starve. He needs you, and there's no telling what will happen to you if you remain in the Crystal Empire. Now, go. I'll see you in White Tail Woods.”

His hands trembled as he shredded the letters and tossed them into the wastebasket. Then, he draped the satchel's strap over his shoulder as he ran to the door. The knob didn't give. Twilight had locked him in the room. He let his head fall against the door's crystalline surface.

Of course she locked it, but it was just a door. He inhaled as much air as physically possible, and he bathed the obstacle in his dragonfire. Before long, there was a hole large enough for him to climb through. He traversed the halls down a few floors, concealing himself from the patrolling guards along the way. The time for absolute caution came when he neared the throne room. He heard the voices of Princess Cadance and Sunburst, but he paid them no mind as he crept passed the closed doorway.

Even if he stopped to eavesdrop, Flurry Heart's high-pitched wails drowned them out.

He found himself thankful for his small size as he continued to bob and weave past the small patrols that littered the lower floors. Just as he expected, the ground level was the most secured, for below set his destination. At one point, he had to hide behind a pillar as Shining Armor and two other guards stormed their way through the corridor. He slipped a hand into the satchel as he descended into the dark, damp dungeons. Hold on, Thorax, he thought. I'm almost there, my friend.

And when he stumbled upon not four, not five, but six large, intimidating guards, he knew he was in the right place. One of them stepped forward as he approached. “Halt! Who goes there?” he demanded.

Spike stuck out his chest. “It's me.” Behind the towering stallions, he noticed movement in the cell, but the light was too dim to see anything else.

The stallion before him was startled. “Oh, beg your pardon, Brave and Glorious One! Why have you decided to grace us with your presence? Princess Twilight said you were recovering from the bug's curse on you!”

Grinding his teeth together, the baby dragon forced a smile. So, that was Twilight's story. He'd been “cursed,” which he assumed was another word for “brainwashed.” Was that what she meant when she accused Thorax of having an influence over him?

The accusation hurt, needless to say, and he took a deep breath as he pulled a handful of Slumber Powder out of his satchel. He gave it a simple toss at the guards before anypony had time to react. Just as Princess Luna promised, they fell asleep and slumped to the floor. Spike snatched up the keys without hesitation.

On the other side of the bars, Thorax stirred. “S-Spike?” he called. His voice was hoarse. “Is that you?”

“Yeah.” He unlocked the door and stepped inside. A mass on the floor caught his eye. Looking down, the glowing puddle of... something he almost stepped in caused him to wrinkle his nose. “Uh, Thorax, what's—” He glanced at his friend, and froze.

The changeling looked terrible. He was curled up on the floor, his eyes tired and less lustrous than Spike remembered. What alarmed him the most were Thorax's wings, which were crumpled and torn in some places. “Thorax!” he yelled, running to the changeling's side. “What happened to you?”

“I'm fine.” Yet, he struggled to stand, and he eventually came to lean against Spike for support. “But, I must admit, I'm not feeling quite like myself...”

Concern gnawed at the dragon's gut as he kept his friend on his hooves. “Don't worry, I'm going to get you out of here!”

“H-how are you going to manage that?”

“The same way I managed to put the guards down for a nap. Are you able to transform? I need you to change into Crystal Hoof for me, if you can, okay?”

Thorax nodded weakly. He straightened himself the best he could, before he bathed himself in emerald flames to produce his favored pony-persona. “T-there,” he breathed, letting himself lean against Spike once more. “Now what...?”

Spike carefully took one of the changeling's forelegs and pulled it around his neck. “Just start walking. Don't be afraid to keep leaning against me, okay?”

“Okay.”

The sound of his heart thundering in his head kept Spike on edge as he and Thorax left the dungeons behind. It took a yard or two for them to develop a balanced rhythm of speed and care. Spike dared to hope they would make it to the palace doors without hindrance.

He felt foolish for hoping upon rounding the corner, and bumping right into an armor-clad stallion. He and Thorax stumbled backwards as Shining Armor gawked at them. “Spike? What are you doing down—”

Spike opened his mouth to interrupt him with an excuse, but he was thrown off balance when Thorax suddenly ducked behind him—hissing loud and shrill. A chill ran up the dragon's spine. He'd heard Thorax make the noise before, but not like this. Panic took over. Without a word, he threw a handful of Slumber Powder at Shining.

As the stallion fell over, Spike grabbed the changeling's hoof and took off running. Not good! Not good!

They needed out, and now. It was one thing to magically disable a few guards, but as soon as somepony found Shining, the entire Crystal Empire was bound to go on lockdown. Fortunately, Thorax didn't complain once about the speed, and did a decent job keeping up with him. Once they were out in the open air, however, he pulled the changeling's foreleg back around his neck to support him. “Spike, w-where are we going?”

Spike bit down on his bottom lip. Thorax looked worse in the light. “The train station. It won't take long.”

He lead Thorax through various alleyways. Though the main roads were the quickest way to the station, he thought it best to minimize the number of witnesses. The crystal ponies absolutely adored him and Crystal Hoof. He feared being mobbed by fans; he didn't have the heart to deny them autographs and stories in his desperation to reach their destination.

To his relief, there were no further obstructions, and the station was just as abandoned as when he and the others first arrived.

He escorted Thorax to a nearby bench. “Wait right here, Crystal, I'll get us tickets.” He rushed to the window, standing on his toes to knock on the glass.

A bespectacled stallion peeked at him. “Yes? Who's there?”

The young dragon pulled himself up higher. “Spike, the Brave and Glorious.”

“Oh! Hello! How may I help you today, Sir Spike?”

“I need two tickets to Las Pegasus, please. Official hero business.”

“That so? One second, if you please.”

Spike beamed as the tickets were handed to him. “Thanks a bunch! How much?”

The stallion dismissed the question with a wave of his hoof. “Oh, no charge for the Brave and Glorious One! Enjoy your trip, the train leaves shortly. Come again soon!”

The window drew shut, and Spike pushed his dread aside as he returned to his companion. “You feelin' any better, buddy?” he questioned.

It curbed his anxiety somewhat to see Thorax nod. “A little,” he replied. He was careful as he stood. There was hesitation in his every step, but he made it onto the train without Spike's help. Of course, he all but collapsed next to the dragon once they took their seat. “I can't believe you actually rescued me,” he mumbled.

The comment took Spike by surprise. “What? Of course I did!” He rested a hand on Thorax's shoulder. “You're my friend. I wasn't going to let you rot in some cell!”

A corner of the changeling's mouth twitched. “Thank you, Spike.” His eyes narrowed tiredly. “I don't think I'll ever be able to repay your kindness...” He sighed, leading Spike to suspect there was something else he wanted to say. Instead, he inquired, “So, where are we heading now?”

“White Tail Woods.” The baby dragon flinched ever so slightly as the train's boisterous whistle sounded off—signaling their departure. “We're going to meet Princess Luna there.”

His friend blinked. “The... Moon Princess? Huh?”

“Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction, too, but who do you think gave me this Slumber Powder?” Smiling, he patted his satchel. “I never would have been able to save you if Princess Luna hadn't intercepted the letter I meant for her sister.”

Thorax made a small sound. “Wow, what luck... Spike?”

“Yeah?”

“Is White Tail Woods very far?”

Spike hummed as he tapped a claw against his chin. “Uh, well, we'll have to go to Las Pegasus first, so that will take a few hours. Then, we'll have to hike the rest of the way. Will you be all right for that kind of trip?”

“Can I sleep along the way?”

“Of course.” He scooted closer to the window as the changeling curled up beside him. Guilt made his insides uneasy—a feeling made worse when their transportation jerked into motion. As awful as Thorax appeared, he should've known he wanted to rest. With nopony else on the train, the silence was perfect for sleep. Leaning his head against the glass, Spike silently wished he could drift into a slumber of his own—if only to escape reality for a short period of time.

Author's Note

So, yeah, I binge-watched seasons five and six, and this is the result. I've always loved this episode in particular. It's ripe for AUs.

This story in particular was inspired by stories such as "Grief is the Price We Pay" by Scyphi, and PoisonClaw's "Why Can't a Changeling Want to Change?" So, if you like alternate endings to this episode, check out those stories if you haven't done so already.

Feel free to point out spelling mistakes, as my spell-check doesn't always catch everything!