"Okay, I've got an idea," whispered Rainbow Dash, "I dive in and sweep Fluttershy away from there. They'll be so confused that Twilight and Cadence will have plenty of time to set up a force field around them. Rarity can run back for Starlight for more backup. Then Applejack and I will keep any stragglers from getting away."

"Ah don't know, Rainbow," countered the orange farm mare, "Recon we got eleven of them there, while there's still just the five of us. Still don't even know if there's more of 'em."

"I concur," Rarity added, "We still haven't seen what has become of Pinkie Pie either."

"Rainbow Dash," Twilight evenly muttered, "You fly back to Our Town, and bring back Starlight and Captain Sentry."

"Wait," realization struck the wide-eyed Pegasus, "You mean that Captain? The guy you kept bumping into in the Crystal Palace, and Ponyville? I knew I saw him somewhere before. I just thought-"

"You need to hurry, Rainbow Dash," the pink Princess sharply said, "while there's still time. The rest of us will keep an eye on the Changelings from a distance and wait."

"We'll only engage them if they spot us, or we feel Fluttershy's being threatened."

"Or both," the white Unicorn added under her lavender friend's statement.

They all then heard the rushing clops and pounding quakes of hooves on the ground. At first, they believed it was already too late, and more rogue Changelings were heading their way. But to their surprise, they looked back to see Starlight Glimmer and the Pegasus Captain already making their arrival. Rushing beside them were Double Diamond, Night Glider, Party Favor and Sugar Belle.

"There you are," panted the light violet Unicorn. After receiving a sudden shush from her mentor and friends, Starlight toned down to a low whisper in saying, "We were starting to get worried. You'd been gone longer than we liked. So I took Sentry and the others with me to where AJ and I found the shell, and saw a trail that led us here."

"Good thing you did so, Starlight," Twilight nodded in kind, "We weren't sure how well we could manage this without jumping into a trap."

"I'll keep a perimeter around the mound with the others," said the orange Pegasus, "Watch out for any more surprises."

After receiving a nod of understanding from the others, they joined Flash in the task of surrounding the pit. However, before departing, Party Favor offered, "You know, I can go to the other side, and create a diversion for you to get your friends out of there."

"Perfect," Rainbow whispered vigorously, "Just make sure it's enough for me to grab Fluttershy."

"But also keep an eye out for Pinkie," the lavender Alicorn added, "We still haven't seen her."

"And keep a wary guard for the Changelings in there," Cadence said, "If they are alone, those eleven might be desperate enough to try anything spontaneous."

They all moved into position, readying themselves for whatever might happen. Once Captain Sentry transferred the signal initiated by Twilight, the blue Earth Pony commenced with his distraction of balloons. Water in some, and air in others. The latter were released to fly sporadically around the Changelings, while the former popped and splashed in each and every direction.

Upon seeing their baffled and dumbstruck reactions, the chromatic Pegasus rushed with a blinding blur through their ranks, taking her yellow friend in tow. At her exclamation for the all clear, Twlight, Cadence and Starlight Glimmer sent out stun blasts onto the now-panicking horde hunkered within the mound. Spontaneously, with each pew, clunk and pop, they were rendered immobile. But before they could move in and fully take advantage of the situation, they were prevented by something that caught them equally by surprise. Or someone.

"Twilight! Rainbow Dash! Wait!"

"Fluttershy?" She could not resist facing her rescued friend with a perplexed look, as she firmly, though gently, left her grasp. "What gives?"

"Look," she answered pointedly. In response, the others turned to see along with Rainbow, and noticed that a twelfth Changeling was, in fact, transformed, as they all began to recover from their sudden knock-out. At that, Twilight, Starlight and Cadence deactivated their horns, stopping themselves from setting up a barrier. At the sudden change in dispositions, Flash Sentry and the local ponies took to the top of the slope, and remained on higher ground for whatever may transpire next.

"What's going on," evenly asked the orange Pegasus, keeping vigilant.

"They're not dangerous," Fluttershy stated, again with firm gentleness.

"Hang on a sec." Sharply the blue, winged mare examined her startled friend with great apprehension. "How do we know you're even Fluttershy? If that's you Chrysalis, I swear if you did anything to our friends-"

"Rainbow, please calm down," Rarity said evenly, before Dash could finish her statement towards a frightened Fluttershy. "I believe I know a way to settle this. Darling, if you are truly our friend, Fluttershy, then tell me this. How did you fill in for Big Macintosh, after he dropped out of rehearsal for our quartet, all those moons ago?"

"Um, he didn't drop out," muttered Fluttershy in answer. "He just lost his voice. So, um, I just touched some poison joke to change my voice, and sang backstage while he was up front still."

"Well, that settles that issue," nodded Twilight, "But what did they want with you, if you weren't in any danger."

"We knew how Thorax stopped Chrysalis." They all turned to face the transformed insect pony that responded. "The Hive Mind, the one we used to know how to get into the Crystal Empire, was our way of finding out what happened."

"But how," Cadence inquired, "Thorax told us about the Hive Mind, and that he removed himself from it."

"For the most part," the Changeling nodded, "That is, except Chrysalis had a way of regaining his mind from her side of it. The reconnection was pretty fuzzy and unclear for a lot of times, but she got enough to know the key phrases of certain guards, and sent three of us there, and wait in the barracks for the change of shifts. When Captain Sentry wasn't around."

"Then it's a good thing Chrysalis didn't know about Thorax's own passwords for us also," muttered the Pegasus mentioned.

"No kidding," huffed Rainbow Dash.

"But how did you manage to get past Celestia and Luna's guards," asked Twilight.

"Well," spoke a fellow Changeling, slightly ashamed, "Unlike you and your friends, Princess, when we fooled ourselves in as one of you, then catpured you one by one - that Spider Bite pony just stepped in, when we nearly finished - we just had two of us in Canerlot as small objects that can be moved by the breeze, like a balloon or paper airplane. Then we just casually took to the air, and floated straight into Luna and Celestia's own chambers, without any suspicion. And after we found out what happened to Chrysalis, we flew off, not sure what to do next. But after we met up, we were able to sense where all that Love and Magic in the Hive suddenly moved to, and followed that here. Just...did it out of instinct, we guess."

"So," Starlight finally spoke up, "what now? I mean, what's stopping you from helping Chrysalis now, after you got away?"

"That's just it," answered Fluttershy on their behalf. "They've been as much afraid of her, as they were of what we'd do, if they ever tried to show themselves."

"Hold on there. Let me get this straight," the farm mare said, "They used that-there Hive noggin thingy-ma-jig to know how we were rescued, and how Thorax and Starlight beat Chrysalis, and how tah find us, and how their fella Changelings were changed, but they're still the exact same as the others were? And they were too 'fraid tah come talk to us also?"

"That's why they had me with them. It was after I talked with Discord that they pulled me into an alleyway to talk."

"Not like we wanted to capture her again, or anything," stammered a third Changeling.

"Then they asked for my help in bringing them to you."

"Also," the colorful insect pony added, "We were asking for tips in how to share Love, so that we could...well, you know, make ourselves more...friendly-looking for all of you."

"So I just went with them to where they were hiding. I'm sorry for not going back to let you all know where I was going. I might've lost track of how much time passed. But I was never in any kind of trouble."

"It's okay, Fluttershy," the lavender Alicorn politely nodded, "You were just focused on helping those who asked for it. And it's nice of you all to think about solving your dilemma, before meeting us. I'm glad I got to do that recently, myself. But you could've just gone back to the Hive and see Thorax about it."

"Uh-huh," they each chuckled bashfully, in reply, "Yeah. I guess we could've done that."

"How about should've," said Dash with a slight growl, "I mean, hear we were thinking that we had to save both our friends from...from..."

Upon seeing the silent realization shared by all ponies present, Twilight Sparkle gasped, and asked the question everypony had, "Where's Pinkie Pie!?"

POP! Pew! Wheeeze! After she dropped the party favor from her muzzle, said Earth Pony rapidly spoke up, "Hey, everypony! Hope I didn't get you all so worried about me, but was I was planning a very special, super-duper surprise for all of you at the Sunset Celebration, with all my sneaking and hiding all over the place. I mean, whoever heard of a super-duper surprise that wasn't all made so secretly and sneakingly? I don't know if sneakingly's a word or not, but I decided to hide and wait until you were all wondering where I was, at the exact, same time, and if I couldn't get everypony to wonder where I was at the exact, same time, then it wouldn't be totally a surprise, now would it? But then I realized my surprise wasn't going to work because you were all gone, and if you were all gone, I thought something important came up that needed all of you, and if that important thing needed all of you, then I needed to be with you too. So I just followed the tracks that went off the road and to these rocky hills, where I found all of you, and all these Changelings here too. Gee, and it looks this is all the Changelings that took over as us, Celestia, Luna, Shining Armor, Cadence and Flurry Heart! Wow! What a crazy coincidence!"

Picking up her part favor again, with another pffffv, she stated gleefully, "Welcome to the Sunset Celebration of Our Town, Changelings!"

"Well," Cadence huffed with amused relief, "I guess that settles everything here."

"But what made you want to welcome the Changelings right away, Pinkie," Twilight asked.

"Well, duh! One of the twelve Changelings is already colorful and pretty-looking."

"Heh," Rainbow Dash remarked, "Guess you got us there too, Pinks. And it does look like this is the rest of the stragglers. Guess you better not forget to tell Spidey about that either, huh Twilight?"

As everypony made their way back to the village, Twilight Sparkle was finishing a conversation that she held with Starlight during their stroll.

"So, you're sure about this?"

"Please, Twilight. After everything that's happened, I'm absolutely sure. I'll tell the others later, but they already said their offer back to Our Town will always be open. And I can always write to them, and also visit every now and then."

"Well, I'm glad to hear you want to stay in Ponyville to finish your studies," warmly stated the lavender Princess. "It definitely wouldn't be the same without you around, anymore."

"I feel the same way about it too. And besides, I've now got a fellow student to work with. I know I can sure learn as much from him, as all of you. And I'm sure I can help keep an eye on him also."

"Still," Twilight chuckled, "With how you, Discord, Thorax and Trixie helped to save Equestria and the Crystal Empire, there's got to be a way to commemorate that."

"Ooh," beamed Pinkie, who slid in between them, "Like another celebration like the one for Spidey, his friends and you, Twilight."

"Just be sure not tah overdo them surprises this time 'round, alright Sugarcube?"

"Agreed," added Rarity, as both she and AJ joined in, "I think I can do with much fewer unexpected situations at this point, also."

"Okie-dokie."

"Twilight." The moment she heard her name, she turned towards her fellow regent, and seeing Captian Sentry beside her.

"It has come to my attention that Captain Flash Sentry requires a leave of absence, requesting a couple weeks off duty to visit family in Ponyville. I'm sure you can help accommodate him, as well as take this chance to firmly establish a good basis with him."

"Oh," spoke Twilight in response, both baffled by, and glad for this sudden opportunity, "Thanks, Cadence. That'll be just perfect. That is, if you don't mind helping me walk through it, when needed."

"Of course."

"So, what was it you needed to talk to me about?"

"Well," she replied to the Pegasus stallion, "First of all, I just want you to know how much of a dependable friend you have been for all of us, and that I'm grateful to know such a good friend. Which is why I think it's important to fully establish a well-made basis of trust and total honesty towards each other. And I'd, well, like to take the initiative on that front with you, as soon as possible. Right away, in fact."

As she rambled on in her discussion, Twilight departed with Cadence and Sentry from the rest of the ponies, who began to assemble with the locals at the center of town.

"Man," muttered Rainbow Dash, "You're not going to believe who he's related to. Oh, and we got to talking about sending letters to each other. And I asked him if it was okay to share his address with my pals. And he said yes. So any of you interested, just let me know."

"Oh, well," stammered Starlight Glimmer, both pleased yet oddly disappointed, despite his clearly-good intentions, "I might be. It's good to know he's willing to make efforts in becoming good friends with all of us. Thanks, Dash."

"No problem."

The sunset that occurred was a sight to behold, in and of itself. Yet the entire day spent getting there was quite the adventure worth saving and cherish. And the festivities that followed directly dwarfed those before by comparison. Even Discord and Trixie somehow managed to create a storm of wonderment with their sporadically entertaining act. It built off of, and also launched away from Rarity's original idea, all at once. Their improvisational techniques clashing into one another had the most comedic, and dazzling effect. The Changelings themselves made their way back to the Hive on their own, after enjoying the Celebration alongside their newfound allies and friends. And the following day, Twilight, Spike, Starlight Glimmer and the rest took the first train back to Ponyville, saying all their goodbyes as they boarded.

The journey back was simply, and totally tranquil. Some had conversations that made them relive those fond memories they shared, as well as those of days past. Others, such as Twilight and Starlight, simply decided to rest the entire way back. After having nothing at all go as planned, as though Discord had deliberately made this day a reality, and despite how everything smoothly ended, Twilight most especially felt in need of a good sleep.

"Ah sure can't wait tah see Applebloom now. Poor filly must'ah got worried 'bout us fur a bit. Sure hope she and Babs are doin' okay."

"I for one am certainly looking forward to being back with Sweetie Belle. It's always good to know she has her friends and our parents with her often, while we're away. But we both miss each other greatly, no matter the distance or length of time."

"I just can't wait to tell Scootaloo everything that happened. The way we were taken, the way Chrysalis got beaten, then the whole craziness that happened at the Sunset Celebration..."

However, Rainbow Dash faded out of her own awesome ramblings, as they all shared a look of shock and confusion at the sight before them.

"Oh, dear," Fluttershy whimpered, "That can't be a good sign."

"Everypony, keep your eyes open, and be careful," Twilight Sparkle said, as they valiantly approached the Tree Castle that was completely covered in webs. "Chrysalis might still be inside."

But the moment they opened the door with extreme caution, they all heard the mirth and glee of small voices down the corridor, past the foyer. Seeing the interior engulfed in cobwebs also confused the ponies and adolescent Dragon even further.

"What the hay is going on he- Hey! What the..." As the blue Pegasus found herself entangled in the mess that caught her wing, the noise of merriment grew even louder, until they saw the Crusaders laughing uncontrollably. They wildly ran into the sticky walls all around them, bouncing off the stretched substance, only to return back onto the wall. Boing.Bop. Bump.Boom! As they watched, Sweetie lit her teal magic unto the webs that caught them, cutting them with a slight struggle, as the other three kept pulling as hard as they could, which caused them all to roll erratically onto the floor.

"Uh, Twilight," began Spike, but was then cut off at the sight of a Griffon gliding towards the fillies. She stopped in midflight, however, prompting someone from behind her to collide. Bam!

"Oof!" "Ah!" Smash. Both Spidey and Gabby found themselves on the floor next to the four foals they were playing with. And upon seeing the return of Twilight and her friends, realizing the mess that they have been caught in, Applebloom, Babs Seed, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Gabriella shifted hooves and talon at the web-head's general direction.

"Ratted out by the little punks and birdie," he huffed in defeat, "Harsh."

"I take it this is both your idea of watching the place, while we're gone to the Sunset Celebration," said the lavender Alicorn with bemused irritation at the sight before, and all around her. "We're gone for only a couple of days, and this is what happens!?"

"Okay, first off," the arachnid Unicorn began, "I'm not going to follow through on that last statement. Too easy. Secondly, we were. We've been doing a great job holding down the fort, until an hour ago. Guess it got...a little out of control. That's all. And three, what's a Sunset Celebration? Is that where you all went off to, after Starlight saved you? Where was that, exactly? And how come I'm the last to know?"

Having her muzzle agape at the final question, Twilight was rendered speechless at what she had forgotten to do, much to everypony's smirking amusement, and especially those of Pinkie and Rainbow.

"I said it before, and I'll say it again. It's biodegradable. Don't have to worry about wasting time and energy cleaning up something that'll just fade out in a couple hours."

"And as I said before, it's the principle of the matter. We need to set an example for these fillies and colt of cleaning up after ourselves."

"Um, Spike's not a colt."

"I wasn't referring to him."

"Hey! Still, an even better zinger. So kudos to you."

Sniggering at the squabbling ponies in front of her, the grounded Pegasus made her way to the next section of bookshelves that needed cleaning. With the Velcro-like material Twilight conjured up, she was able to remove a great amount of white adhesives from the volumes most easily. Though the fully-fledged Wonderbolt wished she could try it out on herself. Rainbow Dash then made her way to another sector that was still unchecked, when her maroon irises made note of a few book covers she had never seen before.

"Uh, hey Twilight. Didn't you say you couldn't find anything spider-related in your library?"

"I did," passively answered the Alicorn, as the beige stallion moved on to a spot on the ceiling, where he was clearly deep in thought, "Nothing in this world has been recorded about a pony with arachnid-like capabilities."

"Then, how come these are here," pointed Dash, as she picked up one from the shelf.

Pling.

Finally turning to face her Pegasus friend, Twilight asked, "What are?"

Looking back to where her hoof pointed, she noticed the same book covers that had a costumed figure matching Spidey's appearance had vanished. "But I- it- I mean, they were right-"

"Twah," shouted AJ from outside the Library, "Recon we could do with some help out here!"

"I'll be right back, you two," the pony in question told her companions, as she departed. Her focus had not reached its full, undivided awareness toward Rainbow Dash. So she was still oblivious to the strange volume that still rested in her hoof.

"But..." She took another look at the book she held, to ensure she had not lost her mind. And yet, she looked back at the cover, seeing a figure dressed like Spider Bite when he arrived, having digits that reminded her of Ahuizotl, and only two legs, like the one Chrysalis showed everypony, back in Canterlot. Glancing at the now-vacant shelf from where she grabbed it, she was still not sure of her own sanity. Upon a third viewing, she noted a grinning figure also illustrated on the front. It was donned in sickly, dark green and purple, with yellow eyeballs resembling Discord's.

"The Goblin Strikes," she read the title aloud, then turned to the first page. "The dictionary defines...defenestration...as the act of throwing a person or thing out a window."

It was the next statement that truly piqued her interest. "Really not my favorite word."

"What's up, Dash?"

"Nothing, Web-head," she shouted back in stutter, looking up while placing the book under her free wing, "Just, uh, a book of Twilight's I'm curious about, is all."

"Well, be sure to let me know what it's about, and what you think," he stated with a shrug, "Maybe I'd like it. But we still got this principle matter to deal with, first."

"Right, yeah," she muttered back, "If only I had both my wings, so I can get this done a lot faster."

"Can't you just use that Velcro stuff on it?"

"And risk pulling my feathers off too?"

"Good point."

As she watched the wall-crawling stallion continue with his own task, the sky blue Pegasus decided to place her mind on other things, and keep the current issue to herself for now. Before seeing Scootaloo head back home, Rainbow Dash intended to pass down a message to her from her big brother. Hopefully she will not be as forgetful as Twilight had been recently. Smiling at the prospect of what the little squirt's reaction would be like, she carried on with an excited beat in her step.

Author's Note

My apologies, but I seem to have hit a slump in motivation to continue with this series, by myself. So, even though I am currently putting this on hold at least, I encourage anyone interested to carry on with this, should they choose to do so. Again, I'm sorry. But I'm afraid this has dragged on, for too long. Maybe, someday I'll be prompted to continue with this different take on the crossover, but I have other, fresh ideas I'd like to try out that I haven't found as much use of by others. Thank you all, and God Bless.