"St- Starlight Glimmer?" Twilight asked, her voice trembling.

"Is... is it really you?"

"Yes," Starlight answered. Twilight then quickly vanished her smile and raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

"Wait a minute. How do I know you're not another Changeling?"

Starlight reached into one of her saddlebags and pulled out a small container with what looked like some kind of green lotion inside. She popped the lid off, dipped her hoof in, and rubbed some of the material on her face. A second later, her body began to glow and become partially transparent. Twilight recognized the green material almost immediately. It was some kind of magic salve that Zecora made that would reveal a Changeling in disguise. Twilight gasped.

"It really is you!" Twilight ran over and wrapped her arms around Starlight. Smiling, she returned the hug. After a minute or two, they separated.

"It's nice to see you, Twilight," Starlight said, grinning.

"But how?!" Twilight asked. "I haven't seen you in months! How did you manage to not get caught?!"

Starlight chuckled.

"Sometimes, I wonder that myself. I'm just glad that I know invisibility and teleportation spells! Ever since Chrysalis seized control, I've been on the run, too. But I've never stayed very long at the other refugee camps that I've come across."

"Why not?" Twilight asked. "You'd have more ponies around to help if you had to fight, or at the very least, somepony else to talk to."

"Well, it's true that there's strength in numbers," Starlight began. "But I prefer to travel on my own. Mainly because when you're somepony like me who knows a lot about magic, you know which spell to use depending on the situation. As I said, I'm really glad I know invisibility and teleportation spells. I've also been training myself in physical combat, as you've already seen."

Twilight chuckled. "I guess that's true."

"But, any kind of magic usage is risky. I found out about a month ago that the Changelings have very powerful hearing aside from their strong sense of smell," Starlight continued. "I can't tell you how many times I came close to getting caught. I would've stayed and fought, but I would've been dead being one pony trying to take on 20 of them at once!"

"I'm just glad you happened to be nearby," Twilight said. "I would've been a goner if you hadn't thrown that first rock."

"I was actually trying to stay low because I had seen those same two Changelings this morning," Starlight said, glancing at the lifeless bodies of Twilight's would-be abductors. "I was trying to throw it to see if they would head in its direction so I could make a break for it. I've actually been hiding and maneuvering around this forest for a week."

Twilight's eyes widened. "Wow. That long?" she asked.

"Yep."

"But all things aside, it's just so good to see you, Starlight," Twilight said, pulling her student into another big hug.

"Same," Starlight replied. She glanced down at Twilight's wings. "By the way, your wings are still tied. Do you want me to help you get that rope off?"

"Yes, please," Twilight answered. "I can't undo the knot."

"Alright. Hold still," Starlight said. She took hold of the rope's knot with her magic and gave a mighty pull.

*SNAP!*

The rope tore like a piece of paper.

"Try unwinding it now," she said. Twilight sat down, took hold of the piece of rope Starlight had broken in half, and began unraveling the rest, eventually freeing her wings.

"Thanks, Starlight."

"No problem," she replied, smiling. She looked up at the sky. The sun had almost completely set.

"Can you show me the way back to the camp now? This place gives me the creeps."

"Sure," Twilight said. "The only problem is that I've never been to this part of the forest."

"I have a compass in my bag," Starlight said. "Would that help you?"

"Sure," Twilight said. "I'm pretty sure we have to go northeast, and we'll be there in no time."

"Okay."

"By the way, do you have a spare umbrella with you?" Twilight asked. "I lost mine."

"Hold on."

Starlight reached into her bag and pulled out a little travel umbrella. She quickly opened it and passed it to Twilight.

"Thanks," Twilight said, taking the umbrella in her magic. "Let's go."

It took some time before the two mares arrived back at the refugee camp. During the walk back, the rain had finally stopped. Starlight had put more of the magical salve on her face, knowing the ponies guarding the camp would immediately mistake her for a Changeling. She looked around the camp, taking in the surroundings. She smirked.

"What's wrong, Starlight?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, nothing," she answered. "It's just that this camp looks a lot more secure than some of the previous ones I stayed at during my travels. And this is the first camp I've seen that has cabins instead of tents."

Twilight giggled. "I wouldn't know. But, no matter. We're back and that's what's important."

Starlight nodded. But she quickly raised an eyebrow in concern. Twilight was acting a little abnormal. She sounded like she was trying to ignore something.

"Hey. Are you okay?" Starlight asked. "You seem a little... um... down."

"No. No, I'm alright. Just tired," Twilight said quickly. The two came up to one cabin in particular.

"Here's my cabin," Twilight said. "Make yourself comfortable. I'm gonna go see if Nurse Redheart can patch this cut on my head. I'll be back in a bit."

"Take your time. I'm not going anywhere," Starlight said as Twilight started for the nurse's station. She opened the door to the cabin and looked around. There were two beds with a single nightstand between them. On the far right was an open door leading to the bathroom. She sighed with relief.

Thank Celestia. I really need a shower.

Trotting inside, she closed the door behind her. She set her saddlebags down next to the second bed, hung her cloak and mask on a hook on the back of the door, and headed to the shower. Turning the water on, she adjusted the temperature to where she was most comfortable and smiled.

Almost forgot what this feels like, she thought, feeling the warm water cascading over her body. Since she had been constantly moving around to avoid being caught, she hadn't been able to find a good place to take one. After thoroughly cleaning herself for about seven minutes, she turned off the water. Quickly shaking herself dry, she grabbed a towel out of the closet and wrapped it around her mane to dry it. Trotting over to the second bed, she noticed a couple of books in Twilight's saddlebags.

"I hope Twilight won't mind me borrowing one of her books for a little while," she said to herself.

Picking one at random, she plopped down on the bed and began reading. About 10 minutes later, Twilight returned, a gauze bandage wrapped around her head. Starlight looked up from her book.

"Hey, Twilight."

"Hey, Starlight," Twilight said.

"How's your head?" Starlight asked.

"Sore. But thankfully, Nurse Redheart said I didn't need stitches," Twilight answered.

"That's good. But, are you sure you're feeling okay? You still look low."

"I'm perfectly fine," Twilight said quickly, walking over to her bed.

"I see you've already managed to raid my books," she said, smirking. Starlight's cheeks went red.

"Sorry. Do you want me to put it back?"

"No. You can keep it," Twilight said. She jumped up onto the bed and laid down. "I'm gonna get some rest. You can leave the light on if you want to."

"I think I'm gonna turn in as well," Starlight said, setting the book on the nightstand. "Moving all through Equestria avoiding Changelings really takes its toll, you know?"

She got up, removed the towel from her head, and hung it on the bathroom doorknob. Jumping back in bed, she pulled the covers over herself. "Good night, Twilight."

"Good night," Twilight said, turning out the light. Pulling the covers over herself, she turned to face the window. The moon was hanging over the camp, radiating its warm glow throughout the night sky. Twilight smiled, letting her eyes close slowly as she drifted to sleep.

Twilight stirred. Yawning loudly, she started to open her eyes. She was met by darkness. Looking around, there were no sources of light nearby. Channeling her magic, her horn began glowing softly. She looked down and noticed there was nothing below her. Looking around again, there was nothing but black for miles.

"Hello?" she said, her voice echoing through the darkness. No answer.

"Where am I? Starlight? Anypony?" Still no response. "Okay. Just stay calm, Twily. It's alright. Just focus on finding a way out of here."

As she began walking, she could hear her hoofsteps echoing in the nothingness, as if she were walking through a train tunnel. Suddenly, she heard something that made her freeze. She leaned in the direction of the noise.

Those aren't my hoofsteps. Somepony else is here. she thought. Trembling, she looked to her left. What met her gaze was a silhouetted figure standing in the darkness. Not making a sound, except for a few hoof taps on the ground. As Twilight studied the shape of the figure, it only took her a second to figure out what she was looking at.

"Pinkie Pie?!"

The figure turned towards Twilight. There was no mistaking it. The light pink coat, the cotton candy mane, the big blue eyes, and the three balloons on her flank. But something wasn't right. Normally, Pinkie was always seen with a huge smile on her face, no matter what the occasion. Instead, she looked depressed, like someone who had just been bullied.

"What's wrong?" Twilight, taking a few steps closer. Pinkie took one look at her, then bolted off into the darkness.

"Wait! Where are you going?" Twilight said, running after her. "Pinkie! Stop! It's Twilight Sparkle, your friend!"

After what felt like hours, Twilight started to see a few more blobs of color appear in the distance. As she neared closer, she began to recognize just what she was looking at. Finally deciding to slow down, she found herself face to face with her friends.

"Girls! Spike!" Twilight exclaimed, smiling as big as she could. But, they did NOT smile back. Instead, they were acting like she wasn't even there.

"Hey, guys. It's me, Twilight," she said, deep concern in her voice. "Why the sour faces?"

"You know why," Rainbow Dash said, sticking her nose in the air.

"You know full well what you did," Rarity snapped, flicking her mane.

Twilight stopped smiling. "What do you mean?"

"You're supposed to be the princess of friendship," Applejack said.

"But I am," Twilight said.

"Y-you didn't even bother t-to save us, Twilight!" Fluttershy said, her eyes tearing up.

"Do you call that friendship?!?!" Pinkie said, pressing her nose against Twilight's.

"But I tried to save you! She overpowered me!" Twilight cried, starting to tear up.

"No, Twilight! You ran away from us! You left us to be imprisoned by that monster. Some friend you are," Spike said, ripping his gaze off Twilight.

Twilight took a few steps back. Hearing her little dragon assistant say something so harsh felt like a dagger going through her heart.

"I... I'm sorry! I didn't-!" Twilight stuttered, now openly crying.

"Didn't what?!" Rainbow Dash shouted, cutting Twilight off. "You didn't want to save us?! You're not our friend! A real friend stays loyal at all times! If you were that, you would've come back for us! But you didn't! And why?! Because you're a coward! You always have been!!"

"So, just leave us alone!" Rarity shot forward.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't want this to happen!" Twilight cried, sinking down.

"LEAVE US ALONE, YOU COWARD!!!" Pinkie screamed.

Twilight jumped backward at Pinkie's outburst, and all of a sudden, found herself falling inside the blackness.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

Twilight snapped awake, her chest heaving up and down heavily. She was back in the cabin. Checking the clock, it was almost 1 AM. She felt her eyes tearing up.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

Twilight looked up. Starlight was sitting up on her bed, a concerned look on her face.

"Nothing," Twilight answered. "It's nothing."

"You sure?" Starlight asked. "I heard you yelling for Pinkie Pie in your sleep."

Twilight just stared emotionless at her student for a moment. Then, ears drooping, she hung her head and sighed.

"I'm sorry, Starlight. I should've told you earlier," Twilight said.

"Told me what?" Starlight asked.

"Ever since Chrysalis took my friends and the other princesses hostage, I've always felt low," Twilight answered. "I should've stayed to try and free them all, but instead, I slipped out of her magical grasp and went on the run. And I didn't even consider going back to help them. Why?"

"'Why' what?" Starlight asked, as she slipped off her bed and hopped up next to Twilight.

"Why didn't I do more to help them?!" Twilight shouted, tears starting to run down her face. "Now, thanks to me, they've been taken! And I was too scared to help them! I ran away like a coward without looking back! It's all my fault!"

Starlight was dumbfounded. She was able to see her teacher wasn't acting normal, but she was not expecting Twilight to be holding so many feelings of regret inside. Moving closer, she wrapped her forelegs around Twilight.

"It's okay," she said. "It's not your fault."

"Yes, it is!" Twilight cried. "If I wasn't such a coward, I would still have my friends with me!"

"There was nothing you could do," Starlight continued. "If you had gone back, you wouldn't have stood a chance taking on Chrysalis by yourself."

"I... I know," Twilight said, calming down a bit. "I just wish there was something I could do to help them."

"Me too," Starlight said. "Me too."

About five minutes had passed before Twilight was able to calm herself down.

"I'm sorry, Starlight," she said, wiping her eyes and muzzle. "I didn't mean to wake you up. I just want to shake these feelings off."

"No need to be," Starlight said. "If you hadn't woken me up, I wouldn't have known how you were really feeling. After all, even though your other friends were taken, I'm still here. And I'm your friend, right?"

Twilight looked her student in the eyes and smiled warmly.

"I taught you well, didn't I?"

"Yes. You did," Starlight replied, smiling. The two mares embraced once more. After what seems like hours, Twilight caught another glimpse of the clock.

"Wow, it's really getting late."

"Yeah. You're right," Starlight said, releasing the hug. "We need to get some sleep. We can talk more about this in the morning if you want to."

"Maybe at breakfast," Twilight answered. "The cooks in the food cabin are really good."

"I'm sure they are," Starlight said, hopping back onto her own bed.

"I'm serious," Twilight said. "The food they make is to die for."

Starlight giggled. "I believe you. Well, good night."

"Good night," Twilight said. Looking out the cabin's window, she gazed at the moon again.

"Luna," she whispered. "I know you can't hear me, but one day, I hope to find a way to set you and the others free."

As she spoke, a shooting star sailed across the pitch-black sky as if to say, "Don't worry, Twilight. You'll find a way. You always do."

Smiling, she quickly drifted off to sleep.

Starlight rubbed her eyes and yawned. The morning sun was shining through the window. Stretching, she looked over to Twilight's bed. She wasn't there. Starlight quickly threw the covers off and noticed there was a piece of paper laying on the pillow of Twilight's bed.

It read: Starlight, gone to the food cabin for breakfast. If you wish to join me, it's the building with the white door. -Twilight Sparkle

Checking the clock, she noticed that it was almost 9 AM.

Might as well go there. I am a little hungry. Starlight thought. Stretching once more, she opened the cabin door, and after closing it behind her, set off for the food cabin. A couple of minutes of wandering the camp later, she was getting a little frustrated.

"Where is it?" she wondered. Glancing to her right, she noticed a building much larger than the other cabins. The door was painted white.

"Oh. There it is," she said. Hearing her stomach rumbling, she quickened her pace slightly. Eventually reaching the door, she pushed it open. The room was quite larger than she expected. There were about 15 tables with chairs around them spread out around the room. There were also extra chairs stacked neatly against one wall. A buffet counter stood in the middle of the room with ponies gathered around it claiming their food portions. A pleasant smell wafted throughout the room. She noticed Twilight sitting at one of the tables close to the kitchen. Walking over, she could see that Twilight was writing something down in a piece of paper, a few pieces stacked next to her.

"Morning, Twilight." Twilight looked up from her writing and smiled.

"Hey, Starlight. Did you sleep well last night?"

"Before you woke me up, I was sleeping just fine," Starlight said, smirking. Twilight giggled.

"Sorry."

"It's alright," Starlight said. "What's on the breakfast menu?"

"There's eggs, pancakes, toast, I think there's hash-browns as well, milk, coffee, and a few different flavors of juice," Twilight answered.

"Thanks," Starlight said, trotting over to grab a plate. Twilight looked down at her paper again.

"Where was I? Oh. Right here," she said, levitating her quill pen. A few moments later, Starlight returned with her food and took a seat across from Twilight.

"What's that?" she asked.

"Just some notes," Twilight said without looking up.

"What kind of notes?" Starlight asked.

"Nothing important," Twilight answered. "Yet, at least."

"Okay," Starlight said, picking up her fork. Tasting a pancake she'd gotten at the buffet, her eyes lit up.

"Wow! You were right! The cooks here ARE really good!" she beamed, sipping her coffee slowly.

"Told you," Twilight said. The two sat in silence, eating their breakfast, looking up at each other every so often. About 10 minutes later, Starlight broke the silence.

"I was just thinking," she said. "I'm surprised you've gone three months without this camp being discovered."

"Me too," Twilight replied. "But, I'm sure they're gonna find it eventually. I just hope it isn't for a while."

"That's a safe bet," Starlight said. Later, the two gathered up their dishes, gave them to the dishwasher on duty, and headed back to Twilight's cabin.

"So," Starlight said. "I don't mean to bring up a painful memory, but what even happened the day Chrysalis captured the princesses and the others?"

Twilight sighed. "I was afraid you were gonna ask that."

"If you don't wanna talk about it, that's fine," Starlight said.

"No, it's okay. I guess I should tell you the story," Twilight said, opening the door to the cabin.

"About a week before the incident, Princess Celestia had approached me to host the Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot. I was in charge of getting everything prepared and making sure everything went according to plan. At first, it was going pretty smooth. You know, everypony was laughing, talking with one another, and so on. But, as the day went on, I started seeing a few ponies acting out of the ordinary. I stepped in to confront the issue, not knowing why they were acting strange. Immediately, Chrysalis shed her disguise and along with many other Changelings, started attacking everyone. The girls, Spike, and I fought as hard as we could in an attempt to inform Celestia. But as soon as we got to the throne room, it was too late. She had seized all of them. Then, she captured us with her magic, then started pondering what to do with us. And somehow without anypony but my friends noticing, I was able to break free from her grasp. And the rest is history."

Starlight's eyes widened. "Wow. How were you guys not able to stop her?"

"Everything just happened so fast," Twilight said. "We weren't ready for it. Besides, nopony ever suspects something is gonna go wrong during a major celebration."

"That's true," Starlight replied.

"Well, I think I'm gonna talk a walk around the camp," Twilight said. "I need to think a little bit more."

"Go ahead," Starlight said, picking her book up off the nightstand. "I'll hang right here. By the way, how's your head feeling today?"

"It's okay," Twilight said. "I might check in with Nurse Redheart again before I come back."

"See you later," Starlight said.

"Bye."

Twilight closed the door behind her. Looking back down at her book, Starlight frowned.

"Shoot," she grumbled. "I lost my place."

The cabin door swung open. It slammed against the wall with a loud bang. Starlight, who had fallen asleep in her book, snapped awake and almost fell off the bed.

"What the? Are you okay, Twilight? What happened?" she asked. Twilight gasped.

"Oh, my goodness! I'm so sorry, Starlight! I didn't know you were napping!" Twilight exclaimed.

"It's okay."

Blinking a few times to refocus her vision, she noticed Twilight was standing next to her bed.

"Hey. You got your bandage off," Starlight said.

"Yep. The bleeding stopped, but it still hurts a little. As long as I leave it alone, it'll be gone in no time."

"That's good," Starlight said.

Twilight quickly levitated her saddlebags on top of her bed and opened them up.

"Okay," she said to herself. "Let's see. Books, check. Apples, check. Water bottles, check. Looks like that's everything I need."

"What's everything?" Starlight asked, stretching.

"I was just taking inventory of my stuff," Twilight said.

"Why?"

"I'm making sure I have everything I need for tonight," Twilight replied.

"What happens tonight?" Starlight asked.

"I'm heading out," Twilight said, turning to face Starlight.

"What do you mean you're 'heading out?'" Starlight asked.

"I'm leaving the camp."

Starlight's eyes widened in horror. "What?! You can't leave! It's not safe out there!"

"I'll take my chances," Twilight said, walking towards the door.

"Wait," Starlight said. Twilight stopped.

"Why are you leaving?"

Twilight took a deep breath and turned again to face her student.

"Last night, before I fell asleep, I looked at the moon and said to myself, 'Luna, I know you can't hear me, but one day, I hope to find a way to set you and the others free.' I'm going to Canterlot to confront Chrysalis."

Starlight slid off her bed. "Twilight, you don't have to-"

"Yes, I do!" Twilight snapped. "That monster has my friends, and I'm not gonna take it anymore! I'm going to Canterlot!"

She started to open the door but was stopped by Starlight's hoof.

"If you're going to Canterlot, I'm coming with you," she said.

"No, Starlight. I have to do this alone," Twilight said.

"You're not going anywhere without me!"

"Yes, I am!" Twilight shouted, slapping Starlight's hoof off the doorknob. "Don't try to stop me!"

"Listen!" Starlight demanded. "I know you're mad at Chrysalis, but if you're not rational about this whole situation, you could get yourself killed."

"And that's a risk I'm willing to take," Twilight said.

"I know," Starlight said. "But, just hear me out. Do you remember when I tried to take revenge on you for wrecking my society of equality?"

"How could I not?" Twilight answered.

"That's the point. You almost failed to stop me but you pulled it off. Again. But instead of severely punishing me, you showed me the error of my ways and took me in as your student to study friendship. I owe you everything, Twilight. You taught me the ways of friendship and you've done so much for me. I can't ever thank you for it all."

Twilight started to say something but stopped.

"Please, Twilight," Starlight said, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "You need all the help you can get. Let me go with you."

Twilight just stood, staring at Starlight, taking in everything she had said. It was true, she could've been severely punished for her actions. But instead, she gave Starlight the chance to redeem herself. Finally, she smiled.

"I guess I could use a friend to go with me," she said. "After all, that's what friends are for."

Smiling, the two mares threw their arms around each other.

"You're right, Starlight. I'm really sorry I yelled at you." Twilight said. "And I'm sure I'll need your help along the way. We can do this together."

"Thanks, Twilight," Starlight replied, releasing her teacher.

"Well then," Twilight said. "It's settled. Grab your stuff and we'll get going."

Starlight nodded, then quickly grabbed her own saddlebags and checked to make sure she had everything she needed. Afterward, she removed her cloak and mask from the hook on the door. Tossing the cloak on, she looked at Twilight and smiled.

"We've both saved Equestria from Chrysalis before," she said.

"That's right," Twilight answered, opening the cabin door. "And if we stick together, we can do it again. Let's go!"

"Is it ready, General?" one Changeling asked.

"Yes, it is," said the burly Changeling as he finished placing four egg-shaped magic transmitters in a square formation. A cloud of green smoke began to emerge from them. Eventually, the face of Queen Chrysalis began to appear inside the cloud.

"What is it, General?" she asked as the transmission spell completed.

"Reporting in, Your Majesty," he replied, removing his helmet and bowing. The other Changelings with him followed suit.

"Where are the two scouts you sent on patrol yesterday?" Chrysalis asked, raising her eyebrow.

"They're dead, Your Highness. Both of them," the General answered.

"How do you know?" she hissed.

"I saw it with my own eyes," he said. "The princess killed them both." Chrysalis hardened her gaze.

"I will not accept these little setbacks, General," she growled. "If I don't have that princess soon, I'll have your head! IS!!! THAT!!! CLEAR?!?!?!"

"Yes. I understand, Your Majesty," the General said. "But all hope is not lost."

Chrysalis raised her eyebrow again in disbelief. "Explain."

The General cleared his throat. "One of my other scouts reported that the princess has taken shelter at a refugee camp a little ways from here. Shall we move in and attack?"

"No," Chrysalis said. "Let them be for now. Once I get what I want, you may pillage that camp to your heart's delight."

"Understood. I also noticed another pony had jumped in to help the princess just before she killed my scouts," the General added.

"I see," Chrysalis said. "No matter. You are to capture them both alive and bring them to me. Then, I will determine their fates."

"We will not fail you, my Queen," the General replied, bowing again.

"You've also sent scouts to look for the Elements as well?"

"Yes," the General replied. "They've still found nothing, but I promise you we will find them."

"Good. Soon, I will have the power I've been craving for years. And once I do, nopony will be able to stop us!" Chrysalis cackled as the smoke faded away.

The General turned to face the other Changelings who were with him.

"Come," he said, putting his helmet back on. "We have a lot of work ahead of us."

Author's Note

Looks like Starlight and Twilight are ready to hit the trail. And so are the Changelings! Will the princess of friendship and her student evade capture and save Equestria? The adventure continues in chapter 4.