Lunaverse: Galaxy Rangers - Secret Agent Dinky

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue

Chapter 1

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 1
by Rixizu

Dinky struggled against her bonds. Her captor played with some sort of high-tech machine. What the thing did, Dinky didn't have a clue. It connected to what looked like a giant death ray. It poked out of the old abandoned observatory’s roof and glinted in the sun. It was nothing but machinery and science gobbledygook to her. All she knew is that it did evil stuff and needed stopping. If she could escape from these ropes then the Galaxy Rangers would be free to kick this guy’s flank. The threat to her person was the only thing holding them back.

Why do these ropes have to be so tight?! Come on, Trixie would be out of these ropes in like five seconds. But try as she might, Dinky couldn’t get her hooves free at all.

A laugh interrupted her struggles. “Trying to escape, huh? Futile! Stay still while I activate my device. If the Galaxy Rangers even try to stop me, my newest creation will spell their doom!”

Her captor wore a green mask that covered most of her face, hiding her identity, and a red bodysuit with a black cape that hid her cutie mark. The most Dinky could make out about the mare was that she was an earth pony with a light orange mane and a pale greyish olive coat.

Sure, heard that one before, thought Dinky, rolling her eyes

“You don’t seem convinced. Do you know what my wonderful deadly device does? How little your Galaxy Rangers stand against it?”

"No, but I bet you will tell me even if I say no," Dinky replied with a weary sigh.

“My Atomic Striker destroys at a molecular level obliterating the very atoms of whatever it strikes! With my Atom Striker, I will destroy all of Canterlot, getting rid the Princess and the Night Court so I can become Empress of Equestria! Then no one can stop me and soon I will make all of the Universe mine! For I am Scuminator! Future ruler of all creation!”

Dinky stared blankly at her capturer. Why did she keep getting into these types of messes? There were so many things wrong with what she just said Dinky didn’t even know where to begin. She struggled for words for several minutes. She’d heard insane rants before, but this one was something else. A new level of insanity she didn’t even know was possible. At times like this, she really missed the time Corona foalnapped her. At least the fallen Princess at the time wasn’t this nuts.

“S-Scuminator, really?”

“Yes!” Scuminator extended her hooves into the air. “Isn’t it a name that inspires fear in all that hear it? From the tremble in your voice, I can already tell it’s doing its magic!”

“Just, er, but.” Dinky struggled for words again. “What would you even do with the universe if you took it over?”

Scuminator brightened. "I'm glad you asked!" She brought out a huge pile of notebooks and Dinky gapped at its size. There had to be at least 800 pages there. "This is my plan to bring intergalactic peace once I become Empress! It has my manifesto and everything! With this, I will bring the entire universe into a new age of enlightenment and prosperity. Everybeing will be free to pursue any fancy and will want for nothing! It will be glorious! I’ve been working on this for years now.”

Dinky sighed. At least the mare was well-meaning even if she was nutso crazy.

“Do you want me to read you some of it?” Scuminator asked holding one of the notebooks eager for an answer.

"No, that's okay," Dinky blurted, "I'm fine. Continue with whatever you were doing.”

Scuminator dropped the notebook back onto the pile looking down disappointed. “You’re right, I have Canterlot to destroy. Finally, Equestria will be free of the Night Court and its evil influence!”

“But, hold on!” Dinky said in protest. “The Princess doesn’t deserve getting her atoms destroyed! She didn’t do anything wrong!”

Scuminator shook her head sadly. “No, she has this coming too. Princess Luna’s incompetence is the reason the Night Court is so bad in the first place. She’s proven repeatedly she isn’t worthy of being our ruler. It’s best to put her out of misery before she makes things even worse.”

“That’s a little harsh, isn’t it?”

"It's sad, but it's for the best," Scuminator replied and patted Dinky’s head, "you'll understand when you're older."

Dinky grunted in annoyance. She hated whenever adults told her that.

Over the last couple of months, she had heard many adults complain about the Night Court and its corruption particularly Trixie. Dinky didn’t know much about politics, but it was clear to even her that ponies wanted change. Still, it seemed a little mean to blame it all on Princess Luna. She was only one pony and could only do so much! It was the nobles’ fault they were so evil and corrupt! They were the ones that did all that bad stuff. Ponies were so quick to assign blame even if it wasn’t that pony’s fault.

Scuminator rubbed her hooves together. “As nice as this little chat was, it’s time to finish the Night Court once and for all!” She worked on some buttons and levelers pushing and pulling them doing who knew what. Energy gathered at the tip of the death ray and it aligned its deadly aim right at Canterlot castle. Dinky sweated terrified at what might happen next.

“In thirty seconds, it will be the end for Canterlot.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it!” A figure crashed through a window and landed in front of them. It was the Red Ursa Ranger! It was Trixie!

"You're too late, fool!"

Much to Dinky's horror, more energy gathered at the Atom Striker's tip. Trixie ran to stop it, but there was no way she would make it in time. In a few more moments, it would be the end of Canterlot. Dinky closed her eyes unable to bear herself to watch the destruction. A moment passed and nothing happened. Dinky peeked an eye open and saw the death ray powering down. Not only that, but every other device in the room had no power anymore.

“What, you have got to be kidding me!” Scuminator kicked the Atom Smasher but to no effect. Dinky let out a sigh of relief. That was too close.

“Searing Blade!” Trixie swung her might sword and the atom destroying device exploded into a million pieces.

“Oh, come on!” Scuminator stomped her hoof. “I had to take out a loan to build that thing!”

Dinky yelped as a powerful aura pulled her into the air. The force was so fast that Dinky almost lost her lunch. She closed her eyes hoping it would stop anytime now. After what seemed like an eternity, her body stopped and she let out a sigh of relief. She peeked open her eyes and saw she was hanging mid-air in front of Twilight, the White Ranger. She stood on top of the roof and Dinky tried to not look down at the perilous and deadly fall underneath her if Twilight dropped her aura of levitation.

“Are you okay Dinky?” Twilight asked.

"Yes, please just put me down," Dinky said in a weak voice.

"Oh, sorry." Twilight levitated Dinky next to her and the filly was grateful to have something solid under her again. Twilight made quick work of the ropes holding Dinky. "I didn't mean to scare you. Sometimes I don't know my own strength." Twilight rubbed the back of her neck with an armored hoof.

“Dinky!” A pink blur appeared and pulled Dinky into a tight hug. Thankfully her mom wasn’t so rough and Dinky enjoyed the embrace despite the coldness of her mother’s armor.

"I'm okay mom," Dinky said nuzzling her mom, "she didn't hurt me or anything."

“That fiend! She won’t get away with this!” Ditzy said in a growl. She let go of her daughter and jumped down the hole into the final conflict with Scuminator.

“I hope they don’t hurt her too much.” Dinky looked down the hole to watch in the incoming fight. Scuminator might have been a crazy pony bent on universal domination, but she was nice enough host. She’d done nothing really threatening towards her.

“Where is everypony else?” Dinky asked.

“In Canterlot," Twilight replied, "they're hiding in wait in case Scuminator shoots her death beam. They planned to use their Zords to shield the city.”

"Clever," Dinky said. They really thought of everything, didn't they? Besides, it wouldn't take the entire team to take out a single mad mare.

“You destroyed my machine?” Scuminator pulled something from her cape. It was some sort of device and she attached to the top of her right hoof with a click. “No matter, I still have this to destroy you with!”

Scuminator pointed the hoof weapon at Trixie and before the Red Ranger could react shot her with it. Trixie hadn’t been ready for the speed of the blast and it hit her full on knocking her off her hooves and into a wall. Sparks flew from the point of impact.

Trixie groaned as she got back to her hooves. “Uh, that was not fun.”

Scuminator blinked in surprise. “Huh, I thought having your atoms torn to shreds would have done more than that.”

“You will have to do more than that!” Trixie raised a weak hoof into the air.

“You’ll pay for that!” Ditzy said in a snarl circling around Scuminator.

Dear Luna, foalnapping me must have really ticked mom off.

Panic filled Scuminator’s face as her opponent closed in on her at a frightening speed. Before she even had the ability to raise her weapon to fight back, the Pink Ranger was already on her using a speed Dinky had never seen before. In a blink of an eye, Dinky’s mom tripped Scuminator onto the floor with her staff, used a hoof to break the portable atom destroyer device, and pointed her bow staff to the supervillain’s throat.

"Okay, I guess you win," Scuminator said trying to talk past having a bow staff pressed against her trachea.

“Are you okay Trixie?” Ditzy asked as the Red Ranger approached.

"I'm fine," Trixie said her voice hoarse, "who would have guessed having your atoms torn to pieces would hurt so much. She unmorphed and didn't seem worse for wear, only a bit winded, thank Luna.

"Way to go, mom!" Dinky yelled down.

Dinky’s mom waved back and helped Trixie put Scuminator into hoof cuffs. It didn’t take long for the police to arrive to take the villain away. The Rangers and Dinky gathered together to watch to make sure the supervillain tried nothing funny.

“I don’t get it, she invented a beam that destroyed atoms, why didn’t she sell it?” Dinky asked. Couldn’t ponies use it as a mining tool or something? “This technology could be used for good.”

“Ha! Never!” Scuminator said as the police pulled her away. “I don’t want money, I want to save the world from the evil of the Night Court! The fact you defended them means you’re just as bad as them! You’re part of the problem!”

“Get into the cart.” A policepony said pushing the unmasked Scuminator in a cart with a cage in it. It had thick bars that Dinky doubted even a bodybuilding earth pony could bend.

“You hear me!” Scuminator fought against the police trying to push her inside. “You guys aren’t heroes!”

"Yeah, whatever," Trixie yelled back, "some ponies."

"Oh, muffin. I'm so glad you're safe." Ditzy pulled her into yet another hug.

“I’m fine mom, really!” Dinky turned red from embarrassment. She was far too old for this sort of treatment. The other Rangers laughed, and it made her feel even worse.

“The Night Court isn’t very popular nowadays.” Twilight said troubled.

"Oh, forget her," Trixie said with a dismissive hoof, "she was a nutcase. Not worth listening to at all. Besides, that's Princess Luna's job, not ours." Dinky guessed that was true. Not that she or anypony else heard anything about the Princess’s plan to fix the Night Court issue, but Dinky had no doubt Luna was working hard to make everything better.

"I guess," Twilight replied still not happy.

“Is it over already?” Bon-Bon asked as she ran towards them. “Shame.”

“Bon-Bon, what are you doing here?” Dinky asked.

“Nice going taking out that death ray thing," Trixie said, "that was way too close."

"It almost gave me a heart attack," Twilight added. “Who knows what it would have done to the Zords.”

"Yeah, it took me a while to find the power generator." Bon-Bon rubbed the back of her neck. "Scuminator hid it well."

“Oh, so it was you who saved our flanks!” Dinky shrunk at a glare from her mom. “I mean backends.”

“Just doing my part.” Bon-Bon turned red with embarrassment.

"Yes, for a candy maker, you're surprisingly useful," Trixie said.

Yeah, that is kinda of weird. It always surprised Dinky how good Bon-Bon could be. Somehow, she always had useful talents to get them out of jams. She’d seen Bon-Bon spar with Trixie and was more than able to hold her own with the Red Ranger. Were all candy makers this multi-talented? Lyra was lucky to have a marefriend like her.

“Come on, let’s go get some cupcakes," Trixie said changing the subject, "I'm starving!"

"Mom, this isn't necessary," Dinky said for the fifth time at least.

“Nonsense, it’s to keep you safe, muffin!” Ditzy once again pushed the bracelet towards her daughter.

"I don't need it!" Dinky fought back her temper. She didn't need a tracking device. The thought of her mom knowing her every movement horrified her. Worse, her mother was calling her muffin again. She hated that nickname. It made her feel like a filly.

“What if you get foalnapped again?” Ditzy asked.

Dinky winced. "I'll think of something." Even if this was the eighth time somepony had foalnapped her, she still refused to wear that stupid thing. Not even if she’d been foalnapped eighty times.

"It's for your own good." Twilight, the one who created that accursed thing, said. “Just think of it was a warning system if something goes wrong. It will only be temporary.”

“I don’t need it!” Dinky replied with a scowl.

"Just let her be," Trixie said coming to her defense, "if she doesn't want it, then she doesn’t want it.”

“Stay out of this.” Dinky’s mom said in a growl.

"She's growing up Ditzy," Bon-Bon said, "she just wants a little freedom."

Ditzy pulled Dinky into a hug. “She’s still my little muffin and still a foal!”

“Mom!” Dinky turned bright red.

“Oh, hey look!” Trixie said out of the blue and pointed a hoof towards Pinkie Pie. “Our order is here.” Trixie used her magic to pull the tracking device into her cape while everypony was distracted and gave the besieged filly a wink. Dinky gave her a nod of gratitude.

“One garlic and chocolate cupcake, one blueberry muffin, and two cupcakes with extra frosting.” Pinkie gave everypony their order.

“I swear where do these nutcases even come from?” Trixie asked as Pinkie left them for other customers.

“I know right?” Twilight replied. “That’s the fifth one this month! Wait, where did that bracelet go?” Twilight looked under the table for her missing tracking device.

“It makes you wonder what Equestria did before the Rangers came along.” Dinky shrugged when Twilight gave her an accusatory glare.

"No kidding," Bon-Bon said, "It's a good thing we have the Rangers around to take care of ponies like Scuminator."

"Oh! Maybe Princess Luna has super-secret black op agents that fight ponies like that!" Pinkie said as she passed their table with a platter full of orders in her hooves.

"Yeah, right," Trixie said with a scoff, "she's not the black ops type. If she did, I would have heard of it by now! I'm her student after all. Besides, Princess Luna is terrible at lying and keeping secrets! She can barely hide what my birthday presents are.”

“Awww.” Pinkie said in disappointment.

“Where the heck is that bracelet?” Twilight growled in frustration. She lit her horn for some spell. “It has to be here. I can detect it with my magic!”

"Well, if you put it that way than you probably have a point," Bon-Bon said.

Dinky nodded in agreement though she still found it kind of weird. What did Equestria do against supervillains without the Rangers around? Putting that thought out of her mind, she dug into her cupcake. She doubted anywhere in Equestria had cupcakes as wonderful as Sugarcube Corner. Trixie and Twilight argued about the bracelet again, and Bon-Bon and her mother talked about nothing in particular. Bored, Dinky decided to do something in the youth center part of Sugarcube Corner.

When the bakery got destroyed by one of Corona’s monsters, The Cakes and Pinkie Pie used the insurance money to renovate the building into a bakery/youth center. It was one of the most popular places in Ponyville and Dinky always enjoyed coming here. She thought about what she might want to do for the youth center had a multitude of options. The climbing wall sounded fun, but she didn’t feel it at the moment. Nor was she in the mode for Racquetball. She brightened when she noticed her friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo playing in the swimming pool.

"Mom, I'm going swimming," Dinky said, "is that okay?"

Ditzy looked over to the pool and brightened when she saw her daughter’s friends. “Sure thing, muffin. Stay as long as you like. Be sure to be home by 7, okay?”

Dinky nodded with enthusiasm.

“Pinkie?”

“Yeah?” Pinkie tilted her head in puzzlement.

"Make sure my little muffin gets home safely," Ditzy asked.

"Mom!" Dinky turned beet red. She was too old for this! Too old!

“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie replied and went back to her work.

“It’s for the best muffin.” Ditzy pulled her into yet another hug. “You might get foalnapped again.”

"Yes, mom," Dinky said through clenched teeth.

She decided it would be for the best if she put her mother’s overprotectiveness out of her mind for now and enjoy time with her friends. It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out a way to ditch Pinkie later. She could walk home by herself thank you very much. She greeted her friends by launching into a cannonball right next to them splashing them all and the fillies broke into roarous laughter.

Dinky poked her head out of a trash can ears flicking from side to side on high alert. So far, the coast was clear and there was no sign of her pink chauffeur.

Ha! She’ll never find me now! Brushing leaves off her head, she exited the can trying to make as little noise as possible. Still, Dinky had no intention of getting careless and stuck to the shadows as the sun set above her.

Nopony was about as Dinky traveled home. This time she wouldn’t get foalnapped. She planned to prove to everypony that she could take care of herself. By Luna almighty, there would be no more foalnappings! She drove into a bush when two voiced approached her.

“Later Bons!” called Lyra. Obviously, the bard had made the trip back from Canterlot. “See you back at home.”

"You too," Bon-Bon replied, "what's this meeting Trixie's called about?"

Lyra rolled her eyes. “I don’t know. Some stupid thing about evil clone or duplicate awareness. That mare is paranoid about one of us being replaced by some malevolent influence or whatever. Waste of freaking time if you ask me!”

Bon-Bon broke into a laugh. “That sounds like her.”

"She'll get over it eventually, until her next paranoid delusion." With that, she left her marefriend.

Dinky was about to leave to get back home, but something caught her eye, Bon-Bon wasn’t traveling towards her home going the opposite direction instead to the edge of town. Dinky told herself that if Lyra’s marefriend wanted to go off and do something it wasn’t her business, but she noticed something strange about the mare’s baring. Bon-Bon was being strangely careful about her surroundings like she was worried about being followed.

What are you up to Bon-Bon? Dinky followed behind her. It was probably nothing and there was a reasonable explanation why the mare was acting so odd, but Dinky thought what the heck and let her curiosity get the better of her.

Dinky watched the mare walking into what she knew was a dead-end alley. All that was in there were some trash cans and a door that lead into the bowling alley. For some reason, Bon-Bon tapped on a brick wall hitting bricks in a certain order. She finished with one in the center and, much to Dinky’s astonishment, the floor of the alley opened to reveal a staircase. What the hay was going one?

Unable to control herself, Dinky followed behind the mare keeping close to the ground making a little noise as possible. Bon-Bon didn’t notice, too caught up in her own thoughts. The stairs soon closed behind than and it hit Dinky just how reckless of an action this was. She knew nothing about this place or Bon-Bon’s intentions. She prayed to Luna that she didn’t just make the worst mistake of her life.

Before she was a long dark passageway and at the end of it was a door. Dinky hid in the shadows and waited for Bon-Bon to go inside before following. She made sure to only open the door a crack as she peeked in. Inside was an office full of filing cabinets and Dinky doubted even Luna's personal accountant had these many files. On one wall were weapons and gadgets many of which Dinky couldn't even begin to identify all hanging on a peg in a neat row. In the center of the room, Bon-Bon sat at a desk. Much like Bon-Bon's own candy-making kitchen, it was orderly with everything in its proper place and had a pile of papers to the side in a neat row.

“Junebug, also known as Scuminator, was apprehended by local police with aid by the Galaxy Rangers," Bon-Bon said as she wrote on a piece of paper with her mouth, "remains of atom destroying devices sent to the technology department. No casualties and Dinky Doo was rescued unharmed. Recommend Junebug be sent to Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital. Details of her mental condition will be described in a separate file.”

What is this? Dinky gapped. Was Bon-Bon a spy for one of the Night Court Nobles? It was clear Bon-Bon wasn't who she seemed. Dinky had an urge to confront the mare right then and here, but no. That would be a horrible idea and Dinky feared for her safety. Who knew what Bon-Bon might do to protect her secret? Trixie needed to know about this! In her haste to escape, she accidentally tripped over her own hooves and fell flat on her face.

“Ow.” Dinky found herself splayed all over the floor. So much for a graceful escape.

“Who’s there!” Bon-Bon spun around and threw her chair aside in a single motion then went into a fighting stance ready for a fight.

“Uh, hi,” Dinky said in a small voice.

“Dinky?!” Bon-Bon gapped at her in shock.

Chapter 2

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 2
by Rixizu

“Dinky, how did you get in here?” Bon-Bon took a step forward.

“No, stay away!” Dinky cried in a panic looking for some way, any way of escape. Darn it, the front door was too far away for her to reach. Bon-Bon, or whoever she was, would be on her in a moment. She’d seen how fast this mare moved.

Bon-Bon held her hooves up in a placating gesture. “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m a friend, you know that.”

“You’re a spy!” Dinky pointed to the room beyond Bon-Bon.

Bon-Bon sighed and nodded her head. “You’re right, I am, but I’m one of the good guys. I promise.”

A good guy spy? Was that even possible? Though still wary, Dinky heard the mare out. “Really?”

“Let me show you.” Without another word, Bon-Bon trotted back into her office and Dinky followed behind watchful of any traps or tricks.

“I work for the Royal Intelligence Service Corps, or R.I.S.C. for short.” Bon-Bon produced a badge from her desk. It had Bon-Bon’s picture on it with the letters for R.I.S.C. in bold silver letters.

“You work for the Princess?” Dinky hazard a guess.

Bon-Bon brightened. “Something like that. We’re a secret organization that protects Equestria from the shadows.”

“Like from monsters?”

“Yes, vamponies, demons, flutter ponies, Horswolf*, wendigos, aliens, horrors from beyond our reality," Bon-Bon said, "that sort of thing."

Flutter ponies? Aliens? Vamponies? Those exist? This was a lot to take in and Dinky’s mind whirled from the implications.

“Okay, ignoring the fact that those things exist for a moment, what are you doing here as a candy maker?” Dinky asked.

"Ponyville has always been a center point for the supernatural since its founding," Bon-Bon replied, "being next to the Everfree Forest has played a big part in that. Though, for some reason, Ponyville has always been a magnet for other strangeness. Like the alien invasion that happened years and years ago. I was only a little filly at the time.”

“Alien invasion?!”

“By a race called the Siltheen. It happened before you were born, few ponies know about it.” Bon-Bon replied.

“Right…”

"So, Dinky I would appreciate if you keep all this hush-hush," Bon-Bon said in a whisper, "It's vital that I keep my cover."

I guess. Dinky couldn’t fault Bon-Bon for wanting secrecy, but one little thing still bothered her. “Does Lyra know about this?”

“No!” Bon-Bon said in a panic before regaining her composure. “No, she doesn’t. Please don’t tell her about this!”

“Why not?” Dinky tilted her head in confusion.

“She can’t okay!” Bon-Bon replied. “It’s for the best.”

“I don’t see how. She’s your marefriend!”

Bon-Bon’s face contorted in pain. Deep sadness etched into it and Dinky had never seen the mare this upset before. “It’s complicated.”

Dinky sat on the floor and crossed her hooves. This was important, and she refused to let this go. It wasn't right at all that Bon-Bon was keeping this from one the loved. Like her mother had always told her, secrets between couples were bad and destructive.

“I’m not leaving until you tell me.”

Bon-Bon’s whole body sagged onto the floor. “Just like your mother,” she sighed. ”The thing is, I, well, it’s just that I’ve…” Just saying these words brought Bon-Bon a lot of pain. Dinky guessed the older mare had been keeping this in for a long time.

Bon-Bon sighed. “I can’t tell her, if she knew the truth, she’d hate me!”

Dinky shook her head. “Come on, that isn’t true. She loves you.”

"She loves a lie," Bon-Bon muttered, “Lyra doesn’t know the real me. What she loves is the falsehood I created to fit in with normal ponies. She knows nothing of the dark world I really live in.”

“It can’t be that bad.”

“I've never been normal," Bon-Bon said, "they scouted me young, a little before high school. They saw my talent and trained me in secret. To keep my cover, I always pretended to be a little stupid. Let my grades be not a good as they could be. And that was fine, I liked ponies not knowing my real ability. That was when Lyra showed interest in me. We were always foalhood friends, of course, but we didn’t really get close until high school.”

“It was hard lying to her day after day, but it got easier.” Bon-Bon let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Now I don’t even think twice when I look her in the eye and lie to her face. I grew to love her, but never once let her see the real me.”

“She can’t know!” Bon-Bon pleaded. “Lyra’s always been so honest and open to everypony. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She’d be so betrayed if she knew the truth. Please don’t tell her!”

Dinky nodded. All this complicated adult feeling stuff was far beyond her. Besides, it didn’t feel right to tell Lyra. It was Bon-Bon responsibility to tell her this secret.

"Thank you," Bon-Bon said a little calmer now, "it's for the best, you'll see."

Dinky wondered if the mare was saying this more to convince herself than Dinky. Poor thing. Dinky vowed she would help fix this somehow.

“Now, you will have to promise to tell nopony about this," Bon-Bon said as she led Dinky out the door, "I'm putting a lot of faith in you to keep this secret."

Dinky nodded with some enthusiasm. "Got it, I promise." Besides, keeping this type of secret was like the coolest thing ever. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle would be so jealous if Dinky could tell them about it. She supposed their hypothetical jealousy would be good enough.

“Have you ever fought an alien yourself?” Dinky asked as Bon-Bon escorted her home.

“Once," Bon-Bon replied smiling down at her, "it was a little after Lyra went to magic school. An evil race of giant spiders crash-landed on Earth near Canterlot and tried to take over Princess Luna's mind with their psychic powers so they could invade the planet.”

Dinky gasped and shuttered. Spiders were the worse and she couldn’t even fathom facing one larger than a pony. “What happened?”

“We stopped them with some help from a friend. He used some science gizmo to stop them and sent them into a pocket dimension where they couldn’t hurt anypony anymore, but one escaped," Bon-Bon said with a thoughtful expression on her face. "Never figured out what happened to it. Apparently, they were from the future and were once native to Earth. I never really got that part, but it was what he told me."

Time travel? Come on, things like that don’t exist.

"Sounds scary," Dinky said.

“It was, but it wasn’t as scary as the thought of those things ruling the world.” Bon-Bon made a small smile.

Being a secret agent sounded so cool. Fighting monsters, saving the day, and making the world a better safer place. Dinky’s mind flashed with imaginings of herself as a heroine on adventures fighting a nasty creature with sharp teeth and tentacles. She would be a hero just like her mom.

If only. Dinky almost slumped to the ground. She’d never get cool adventures like that. All she could hope for is getting kidnapped by the baddie of the week.

No, wait! She had it. It was possible she might change her fate and become a hero she'd always wanted to be. Never again would she ever be a victim.

“Bon-Bon.”

“Yes Dinky.” Bon-Bon looked back at her.

"I want you to train me to be a secret agent," Dinky said with more conviction than she ever felt in her life, "I want to join R.I.S.C.!"

“Excuse me?” Bon-Bon blinked down at her.

“Please!” Dinky said grabbing the older mare’s hoof. “I’ll do whatever you say, and learn anything you want.”

“Dinky, I can’t do that.” Bon-Bon let out a nervous chuckle. “Your mom would kill me for a start.”

“Please.” Dinky used her secret weapon. She gave Bon-Bon the hurt puppy dog eyes look. It always worked against its target, except for her mom of course. Her mom was about unmovable as a mountain.

“Dinky.” Bon-Bon looked conflicted. “It dangerous.”

"Yes, but I want this," Dinky replied, "please."

Bon-Bon’s face distorted in indecision. “I suppose I could ask the higher ups if I could take you on as an apprentice, but only for a trial period! Just to see if you really want to do this or not. If you still want to do this after a month, I wouldn’t stop you.”

“Yes!” Dinky jumped up into the air in triumph and did a little dance.

Bon-Bon put her face into her hooves. “Ditzy is going to kill me.”

"Put the basket on the cart over there." Applejack said pointing at the cart they used to transport their goods.

Apple Bloom did as she was told and wiped the sweat from her brow. It was hard work hauling apples and Apple Bloom marveled how easy her sister seemed to find it. How long would it take for her to be as strong as her sister? She felt so feeble in comparison.

It took a few minutes, but they got their goods loaded for the day. It had been a busy day today selling apples, and they’d had done well. Her sister even allowed her to help pitch their goods and even made a sell or two. She beamed with pride when she convinced Trixie to buy five bags full of apples. Applejack had been so proud. The Apple Trust was in good hooves and there was no doubt about that.

“Ah shoot.” Applejack looked up at the sky and pulled her hat over her eyes. “Ah forgot we were due for a storm today.

Apple Bloom looked up to see Pegasi pushing dark grey clouds into place mashing them into one large cloud. It looked like it wouldn’t take much for the droplets of rain to fall from them. “We have to hurry then!” she said, and they ran with everything they had for the safety of the farm. The cart behind she was hauling didn’t seem to slow Applejack down at all.

Apple Bloom winced when a cold droplet of rain hit her on the forehead and a few moments later it started pouring. It had been getting colder of late and it wouldn't be long until winter came. By the time they got to the barn both were drenched. Apple Bloom shook herself like a dog to get herself dry and her sister laughed as some droplets landed on her.

“Easy sis.” Applejack said. “Some of us want to get dry too.”

“Sorry.” Apple Bloom blushed.

“Let meh get these apples put away and ah’ll make us some hot cocoa." Applejack said pulling a basket from the cart onto the floor.

“Yes!” Apple Bloom nodded with enthusiasm. “Let me…”

Both ponies froze when they heard a rustling sound. Apple Bloom looked around, but the source of the sound wasn’t anywhere in sight. Her sister’s eyes narrowed, and she scowled.

“Is that you Caramel ya lazy bum.” Applejack walked up to a barrel of hay. “Ah better not catch you sleeping in the hay again.”

Apple Bloom gasped as a green liquid sprayed from the dark onto her sister. It hardened a moment later and it locked her sister in place.

“What the hay?” Struggle as she might, it was impossible for Applejack to get free.

Apple Bloom screamed as three black figures emerged from the darkness. She’d seen nothing like them. They were like ponies but twisted beyond recognition pure black with bent horns and holes in their legs. The one in the middle was huge almost the size of Princess Luna with stringy blue hair that hung from her head almost to the floor. They looked at her with a predatory smile.

“Get out of here!” Applejack screamed. “Now!”

It took no more prompting and Apple Bloom was out the door. She needed to find Big Mac. He’d know what to do. She shivered at the cold, but she didn’t let that stop her. Apple Bloom took a careful look back, but those black creatures were nowhere in sight. She needed to get to the house, and she’d be safe. Her brother would take care of these things.

“Big Mac! Granny!” Apple Bloom screamed as she entered the house and locked the door behind her. She used every lock and bolt on the door. She doubted even Big Mac could force himself through that door.

“Big Mac! Granny! Please!” Apple Bloom tried again. “Sis is in trouble!” Nopony answered her. Dread filled her bones. What if they weren’t here? What would protect her against those things?

Calm yourself, Bloom! Apple Bloom slapped her face. Check the house. If Big Mac ain’t here then the best I can do is run to town and find Trixie. She’d smash those things real good!

It never struck Apple Bloom before how creepy her house could be. Empty and silent it was like walking in a graveyard. A house should be fun of laughter and life, or at least Granny's snoring. Try as she might, she found no sign of her family at all. Her mind traveled to the worst possible scenario. She prayed desperately to Luna that her family wasn’t hurt or worse dead.

No, you need to be brave Bloom! Apple Bloom approached the front door and took a deep breath. Trixie would fix this. Everything would be fine.

Apple Bloom yelped as she bumped into a figure as she exited the door and gasped. “Sis?!”

“You!” Applejack said pulling her sister in a great big hug. “Ah’m glad yur safe youngin.”

“Sis!” Apple Bloom snuggled into her sister and tears poured from her eyes. “I was so scared. I thought those monsters got you!”

“Who me?’ Applejack said. “ Nah, ah’m too tough for some silly little bugs to get me.”

“Applejack!” Apple Bloom cried into her sister.

“There, there.” Applejack patted her on the back. “Ah’m here. There’s no way ah’ll let those things get to you.”

Apple Bloom sniffed and nodded and taking comfort in her sister's presence.

“Now let’s get ya to bed.” Applejack said pushing her sister towards the stair. “Y'all be nice and safe there.”

“Okay.” Apple Bloom wiped the tears from her eyes. It was a little early for bed, be she didn’t argue. “Did ya take out all the monster?”

Applejack smiled. “Darn tootin' ah did. Beat’m up real good.”

“Ya should be a Galaxy Ranger." Apple Bloom said imagining her sister as a superhero. "You'd be great at it!" The Red Apple Ranger maybe? No, that wasn't right. The Galaxy Rangers were named after constellations. Where there any apple-based constellations? She'd have to ask Cheerilee tomorrow.

Applejack led Apple Bloom up into her room and pulled the covers of her bed over her. She felt warm and safe and snuggled against an extra pillow she liked to sleep with.

“Now get some rest.” Applejack said laying a kiss on Apple Bloom’s head. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

Apple Bloom blushed. Her sister hadn’t put her to bed like this in a long time. It was nice even if she was a little too big for it. Just this once it would be okay.

“Night, sis.” Applejack said.

“Night.” Apple Bloom replied. “Are you sure there are no more monster and they’re gone for good?” She didn’t know why this point still bothered her. Some voice in the back of her mind told her she wasn’t safe and put her on guard. It made no sense, but the sense of dread didn’t dissipate

“Don’t worry, Ah’ve gotten rid of all the monster, little one.” Apple Bloom screamed when her sister’s eyes glowed green and a sadistic smile looked down at her. “You’re safe.”

Apple Bloom threw off her covers and ran. Whatever that thing was it wasn’t her sister. She screamed when three more of those black creatures appeared behind her room’s door cutting off any escape.

“We’ll make sure you’re real safe, little sis.”

Author's Note

*Werewolves

Chapter 3

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 3
by Rixizu

“So, what will be my first lesson?” Dinky asked her new mentor with eager anticipation. “Are we going to track down some ninjas? Learn to defuse a bomb? Run an obstacle course on top of a moving train?” She wanted to continue, but Bon-Bon held up a hoof to stop her.

“Heavens no," she replied much to Dinky's disappointment, "you read far too many spy novels. Today, we’re studying.”

Bon-Bon put down several textbooks in front of Dinky. They covered History, Math, Science, and Politics. There didn’t seem to be a single book with vamponies or aliens in it in the bunch. What the heck? she thought.

“Really?” cried Dinky, her face screwed up in disgust.

"Yes, as an agent, your greatest weapon is not your skill in battle or your physical fitness, but your mind," Bon-Bon said, "an agent should be prepared for any situation or problem. Knowledge is power and not knowing something or misinterpreting the situation might cost you in the field maybe even your life. Nopony ever said being a spy was all fun and games," Bons concluded.

"I see," Dinky replied glumly. Oh well, I guess the cool parts come later.

"We will get to physical training later, but first I want you to get in the habit of learning," Bon-Bon said, "I want you to read the first two chapters of each book. And yes, there will be a test of all you’ve learned at the end of the week.”

Dinky put her face into her hooves. Not more homework. She and school had never had a great relationship. Her ears still burned from the scolding she got from her mother for getting a C in History and Miss Cheerilee wasn’t too happy about it either. From the mischievous grin on Bon-Bon’s face, she knew the older mare’s game. Her teacher was pushing her hard with really boring stuff so she would give up her goal of becoming a spy. She suspected that the entire trial month would be just this. Well, she would not let all this boring studying stop her.

Full of determination and resolve, Dinky picked up the first book, ugh, Politics and opened it up to start reading.

“Yo Dinks!” Sweetie Belle called as Dinky exited school for today. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were with her. “Do you want to go to Sugarcube Corner? Scootaloo has come up with a great plan how we might end up getting our cutie marks!”

Dinky rubbed the back of her neck. “Sorry I can’t, Bon-Bon is tutoring me in fifteen minutes and she’ll get mad if I skip our lesson.”

Sweetie Belle pouted. “Really? Is your mom punishing you for getting that C?”

“Ugh, that sucks!” Scootaloo said.

“No, this is so I don’t get a scolding again.” Dinky was only partly lying about this. Nopony could scold like her mother. Over the years, she'd even had several nightmares about it. The soon she improved her grades, the better.

“Isn’t Bon-Bon a candy maker?” Scootaloo asked. “How’d she end up tutoring you?”

Dinky shrugged. “She’s a mare of multiple talents. She’s actually a pretty good teacher.”

“Well, okay.” Sweetie Belle sighed. “When I get my cutie mark today, I promise we’ll help get yours too!”

Dinky broke out into a grin and nodded. Wouldn’t that be nice? It was frustrating not having her mark yet. She’d been told many times that it would come in time, but it never did. At this rate, she may never get her mark. She wasn’t sure what to do with her life if that happened. Hey wait, she might get her cutie mark in spying! No, wait. That’s stupid. What kind of spy has a mark marking them as a spy? It would defeat the purpose of even being a spy in the first place. No, better to have a candy making cutie mark like her mentor. Still, she wished her cutie mark would come already.

“You too Bloom!” Sweetie Belle said to Apple Bloom the only other black flank in their class.

“What, uh sure!” Apple Bloom said. “That, er, sound great!”

“Are you okay?” Dinky asked. “You’ve been quiet all day. Not like you at all.”

Dinky didn't know Bloom all that well personally, but usually, the filly was full of energy and vigor. Today she’d been more interested in their lesson than socializing. Not like her at all and it wasn't like Cheerilee had given them an interesting lesson or anything.

Scootaloo gasped. “Did something happen to Granny Smith?!”

“No, nothing like that.” Apple Bloom replied. “Just been a long day, that’s ‘ll”

"Well okay," Dinky replied.

“Come with us. We’ll help you get your mark for sure!” Scootaloo said bouncing as she walked.

“Ah dunno.”

"You should go, it will sure to cheer you up!" Dinky said. The other fillies gave Bloom an encouraging smile.

“I guess I could.” Apple Bloom said with some hesitation.

“Yes!” Scootaloo exclaimed and Apple Bloom gave her a shy smile. Dinky had no idea Bloom was so shy around other ponies. It frustrated her she couldn’t go with them on this Cutie Mark searching quest, but she had her training and she would not skip out after only a few days.

"Later," Dinky said going towards Bon-Bon's house, “maybe I’ll get out early and hang out with you guys."

“Bye!” The other fillies said and trotted towards Sugarcube Corner. A sudden pang of loneliness hit her. Was this what it is like for Bon-Bon? Always being apart from everypony? This secret had more weight than Dinky had expected. She pushed that thought from her mind and entered Bon-Bon’s house.

As usual, it smelled of sweets and taffy. Dinky could hear Bon-Bon candy making machines working in the distance. The whole building doubled as both Bon-Bon’s home and workplace. Lyra and Bon-Bon lived on the second floor. It was a nice and easy arrangement for both of them.

"Dinky!" Lyra said pulled her into a big hug. “Bonny is such a dear to promise to help tutor you. With her help, those Cs will be A+s in no time!”

"Hi, Lyra," Dinky replied, "you seem happy today."

“Well, yes.” Lyra set Dinky down and beamed at her. “Hold on to your seat. Cause I’m about to blow you off your hooves! I have just been asked to play at the Grand Galloping Gala!” She let out a high-pitched squeal that hurt Dinky’s ears. She danced around in a circle lost in her joy.

“That’s great!” Dinky replied.

“Finally! After years of little concert jobs and playing on the street, I have gotten the recognition I deserve! Though, some of it is by luck. One of the performers got sick, and they asked me to fill in for him.” This time Dinky was prepared and covered her ears when Lyra let out another high-pitched squeal of excitement. It was surprising that the nearby window’s glass didn’t shatter from that one.

“Isn’t the Gala only a month away?” Dinky asked.

"Yeah, but I can handle it." Lyra waved a dismissive hoof. "I am going up to Canterlot today so I can practice with the other performers. Oh, I hope my old mentor Octavia is there. I haven't seen her in ages!"

“I will be gone for a bit, so look out for Bon-Bon for me okay?” Lyra used her magic to pull a suitcase from a counter and sat it next to her. “I know she’s a big girl, but I worry about her sometimes. She’s good at getting herself in trouble.”

“Uh, sure.” Dinky was glad for the other mare. Lyra’s dream had always been to be a famous musician, and this was her big chance. It amazed her how Lyra wasn’t even a bit nervous about taking on such a gigantic job like the Gala. In fact, Dinky suspected Lyra thrived on it.

“Are you leaving?” Bon-Bon asked walking out of the dining room. “Without even having dinner first?”

"Yeah, sorry," Lyra said, "my train is due in about 20 minutes. Practice is only a few hours away and I want to leave a good impression by coming early."

"Well, have fun," Bon-Bon said sad to see Lyra leaving, but glad to see her marefriend so happy.

"Don't worry, I will come back to visit on the weekends," Lyra said pulling her marefriend into a hug, "they don't need me every minute of every day. If you need to contact me, I'm staying at the Red Roof Inn."

“Good luck.” Bon-Bon gave Lyra a kiss on the lips.

“Ha! With skills like mine, I don’t need it!” She kissed her marefriend back. With that, she left them alone running out of the house with suitcase behind her.

Bon-Bon shook her head amused by her marefriend’s antics. “Are you ready to begin?”

“The Gala, huh?” Dinky gave the older mare a sly grin. “I suppose your marefriend got really lucky?”

“Are you implying I had something to do with it?” Bon-Bon put a hoof over her heart in mock hurt. “I would never use my connections in such a way.” The two shared a smile.

“So what are we covering today?” Dinky asked. “I hope it's something more physical.” Three days cramped in a small room doing nothing but studying was madding. Her head hurt from all the knowledge Bon-Bon had crammed into it. How Twilight did this on a daily basis, she didn’t know.

"Yes, actually," Bon-Bon said. Dinky brightened at this. She was a pony of action, not books. Some fresh air would do her good.

“Sweet!” Dinky beamed. “Are you going to teach me Kung-Fu?!”

Bons laughed and shook her head. “No, today we are doing simple running exercises. We need to build up your physical strength before anything like that. You’re still only on the very basics.”

“I see.” Dinky had a bad feeling about this.

"We will run 3 miles today," Bon-Bon said, "then back to studying. You need to get into the habit of both. Agents need to be strong in both mind and body."

“Great.” Dinky wondered if she could even walk home tonight.

"If you don't like it, you can always give up trying to be an agent," Bon-Bon said.

“Never!” Dinky wasn’t a quitter!

Bon-Bon got out a whistle and blew into it. “Let’s hop to it!”

Bon-Bon is a sadistic monster! Dinky concluded after an entire week of Bon-Bon’s lessons. Each day the mare pushed her harder and harder always giving her more difficult tasks or exercises to complete. Both her head and body ached after being pounded into submission. When she got to bed at night, she collapsed into it falling to sleep when her head hit the pillow. And still, Bon-Bon had yet to teach her anything cool. She hadn’t even learned to throw a punch yet! She wasn’t looking forward to getting out of bed this morning.

“Dinky!” Her mom yelled from outside her room. “School is in a half an hour. No dawdling. Your breakfast is already getting cold!”

"Yes, mom!" Dinky yelled in a grumble back. She got out of bed and took a quick bath. After getting herself presentable, she trotted into her dining room.

"Honestly, muffin," Ditzy said, "it's like I have to throw you out of bed these days.

Dinky rolled her eyes at the ridiculous nickname and grabbed a piece of toast from the kitchen table. It was cold but still edible. Her mom poured her a glass of milk and Dinky chugged it down in a single gulp.

“Slower!” Ditzy chided. “You’ll drown yourself.”

"Bye, mom!" Dinky grabbed her school bag and ran out her front door. She calculated that if she hurried, she'd have more than enough time until the bell rung. A scolding for being late from Miss Cheerilee was an experience she’d rather not experience.

“Ya stupid fool!” A voice shouted catching Dinky’s attention, and she slowed down to discover where the voice was coming from.

“Look what ya done idiot!” A scowling Applejack said. “Look at this mess ya made!”

“Sorry, uh, sis.” Apple Bloom folded her ears. Both stood in front of a cart of apples that had tilted over on its side spilling its contents everywhere on the ground.

“Now ah have ta pick it up by hoof!” Applejack glare intensified, and it looked her sister wanted to crawl out of her skin. “Whatever, get to school and ah better not see ya cause any more trouble.”

“Yes, sis.” Apple Bloom crawled away ashamed.

Dinky gapped at the scene. She’d never know Applejack to be so mean. The apple farmer always appeared a kind honest hardworking sort. Was this what the mare was really like behind closed doors? Well, one thing for sure she would help comfort Apple Bloom. Nopony should be treated like that.

“Are you okay?” Dinky asked making Apple Bloom jump.

“Oh hi, uh, uh, Dinky.” Apple Bloom replied.

Dinky stomped her hoof on the ground in irritation. “I saw what happened back there. What a jerk. I had no clue your sister could be so mean!”

“No, no!” Apple Bloom said in a stammer. “She’s just under a lot of stress. She’s unusually nicer.”

“Still, that wasn’t right.” Dinky wasn’t sure she could ever forgive Applejack for treating Apple Bloom like that. She felt certain it wasn’t something caused by just stress and swore to be nicer to Apple Bloom from now on.

“We, uh, better get da school!” Apple Bloom blurted pointing at a nearby clock.

“Righto!” Dinky said. “I’ll walk with you. Keep you company.”

“That’s nice of you.” Apple Bloom said touched, and she gave Dinky a shy smile. Dinky beamed back, and they ran towards school.

"Okay, class," Cheerilee said to the room at large, "I have a special announcement."

Once again, she was wearing one of her strange outfits. She wore what could be called in an aquarium suit. She wore a giant tube around her body and real fish swam around her. Dinky could only stare in bewilderment. How did their teacher even get this outfit? Ever since their field trip to the moon, Miss Cheerilee has had it in her head to wear ever more bizarre outfits in class always matching the theme of their study.

“We’re having another special field trip!” Cheerilee paused for effect. “This time we’re going to the bottom the sea!”

Everypony in the room chittered with excitement. That sound like the coolest, even better than the moon! Already Dinky dreamed of all the cool fish she might see. She might even see a shark or a whale! Or how about a giant octopus! All sorts of monsters lived in the sea.

“What?” Apple Bloom asked confused. “How the hay do ya plan to do that?"

“With her Zord obviously, blank flank.” Diamond Tiara said. “Pay attention! Did you forget we went the freaking moon a while ago?” The rest of the class, except Dinky, laughed and Apple Bloom blushed at her mistake.

Cheerilee glared at Tiara before addressing the class again. “I will hoof out a sign-up sheet at the end of the class. Make sure your parent or guardian has it signed by the end of the week. The trip is next weekend.” Dear Luna, having a superhero teacher was the best!

"Is Miss Trixie coming on this trip too?" Snails asked on the edge of his seat.

Miss Cheerilee made a face. "No, and I've made her promise not to follow us this time. No more party crashing." The class let out a groan of disappointment. Trixie was popular with the foals of Ponyville and this announcement curbed the class's enthusiasm a little.

“Alight class, calm down," Cheerilee said, "open your social studies book to page 190. Today we will discuss how laws are passed in Equestria."

“Under the sea though, it boggles the mind.” Apple Bloom said as they exited the school for the day.

"Yeah, Miss Cheerilee is pretty cool," Scootaloo replied.

“You would say that, teacher’s pet.” Diamond Tiara said walking up next to them with her crony Silver Spoon behind her.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" Scootaloo scowled. Ever since deciding to become an astronaut and improving her grades, Scoots had become Miss Cheerilee's favorite and often gotten the most praise out of the class. It turned out the little pegasus was smarter than everypony thought.

“And miss taunting you losers? Never?” Diamond Tiara said. “What’s up with you Apple Bloom? You barely seem to know what’s going on in school anymore?”

“Yeah, like did an apple fall on your head or something?” Silver Spoon added.

“It’s like she’d lose her head if it wasn’t attached.” Diamond Tiara smirked happy with her taunt.

Dinky scowled and jumped in front of Apple Bloom. “Leave her alone. She’s having a hard time at home.”

“Oh? Is that right?” Diamond Tiara said with a scoff. “Her big sis finally figure out what a dummy her sister is?”

"Leave her alone!" Dinky growled. She wanted to beat them up so bad right now. But no, her mom wouldn't like that, and Trixie always said fighting is only for beating bad guys. As bad as Diamond Tiara and her crony were, they weren’t monsters.

“Whatever.” Diamond Tiara waved a dismissive hoof. “Later blank flanks, and Scootaloo.”

“Later blank flanks.” Silver Spoon said with a laugh.

“I really don’t like them.” Sweetie Belle put a comforting hoof on Apple Bloom who was taking the taunting worse than they had expected. “Just ignore them.”

“Yeah…” Apple Bloom didn’t meet anypony’s eyes.

“Forget them!” Dinky said. “Let’s go to Sugarcube and get a cupcake!”

Apple Bloom brightened at that and nodded. Bon-Bon didn’t need Dinky for another two hours busy with a big order today, so she planned to make the most of it.

“How’s the cutie mark searching going?” Dinky asked.

“Not great.” Sweetie Belle replied embarrassed. “We’ve tried hard yet still no marks.” She pointed at the spot where her cutie mark should be.

“That sucks.” Dinky felt their pain and disappointment. Why did it have to be so hard to find your mark?

“Don’t worry!” Scootaloo puffed out her chest. “I have plenty of ideas to help get your marks! Have you ever tried deep sea diving?”

“That sounds fun!” Dinky said excited deciding to join in this time. She liked swimming. That would be a great mark to have. She couldn’t wait to get to Sugarcube Corner and try and get her mark! The pool would be a perfect substitute for the ocean.

“Get ya apples!" A voice yelled out as they entered the marketplace ringing a bell while doing so. "Apples are 75 percent off this week! Get ya apples here!”

As they approached Apple Trust's stand, they saw a huge line in front of it. Dinky had never seen such a huge crowd in front of the Apple's stand before. She could even see Snail’s big sister Raindrops in the line. It was like the whole town as here. Big Mac took orders as Applejack advertised their special deal.

"Seems like you're doing pretty good for yourself Bloom," Scootaloo said.

“75 percent off?!” Sweetie Belle beamed. “I need to tell my sister about this!”

“So what?” Carrot Top said a deep and angry scowl etched into her face. “How do they expect to make any money off of that?” Her stand had no customers at all, and from her expressing, had none for a long time.

"They do have deep pockets," Dinky said thinking out loud.

“Don’t remind me.” Carrot Top said, her scowl deepening even further.

“So, the Apples are finally trying to take over Ponyville’s market all for themselves?” Trixie said trotting up to them.

“Maybe.” Carrot Top replied fighting back an urge to break something.

“Trixie!” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo broke out into a wide excited grin.

"Hey, squirts!" Trixie said with a wave. "A bag of carrots please.”

“Thank Luna! Some business.” Carrot Top said.

“You’re not here for apples too?” Sweetie Belle asked.

"Heck no," Trixie replied, "apples are coming out of my ears at home! Thanks to that little tyke over there, I have more apples than I could ever eat!" She pointed toward Apple Bloom who waved back shyly.

"Well, if you don't want them, mom will take them," Dinky said.

“Sweet!” Trixie beamed. “I’ll bring over a bag later! I'm already sick of apples. Not even ranch and ketchup can save them at this point." Dinky turned green at the thought of that combination but decided it would be best not to comment. Trixie’s taste buds were truly an alien thing.

“Apples are 75 percent off this week! Get ya apples here!” More ponies crowded around eager to take advantage of this amazing deal.

Chapter 4

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 4
by Rixizu

“Alright class, calm down.” Miss Cheerilee called over the chatter of excited fillies and colts. They stood in front of the schoolhouse and their teacher’s giant robot loomed over it. Their teacher was the Libra Ranger so her Zord took on the appearance of a scale. Not as cool as Trixie’s bear Zord or her mom’s centaur Zord, but not bad, thought Dinky.

“I want everypony to form a line. We will take off soon,” Miss Cheerilee said in her Ranger Armor. “Yes, that means you too Rumble in the back, thank you.” She unmorphed and began to herd her students inside the Zord’s airlock.

"Woah." Apple Bloom stared up at the Zord in wide-eyed awe.

"Come on Bloom," Dinky whispered as Cheerilee listed off instructions, "it's only Miss Cheerilee's Zord. Nothing all that special."

“Right,” Apple Bloom replied, not taking her eyes off the robot.

Hadn’t Bloom seen it a million times? I wasn’t that interesting. Again, the filly had been acting strangely. What in Equestria was going on at her home? While walking to school yesterday, Dinky once again saw Applejack yelling at Bloom and being a grade-A jerk. She should tell Miss Cheerilee about it. If Bloom wasn’t being treated well at home, somepony needed to know about it. Could their teacher stop a bullying older sister? It was worth a try she supposed.

Like before, the inside of the Scale Zord awed her like something out of a sci-fi novel with metal corridors and panels with blinking lights. She enjoyed the comfort of the seats in the Zord’s lounge and bounced on them.

"Today class we will go to somewhere few ponies have ever seen," Cheerilee said, "though much of the world is still unexplored by pony eyes, the oceans are even more a mystery. It contains hundreds of thousands of creatures many of which have only been recently discovered. Scientists speculate we've only scratched the surface of the amount of life in it."

“Like seaponies?” Scootaloo asked.

"Well, I suppose it is possible," Cheerilee replied, "but nopony has ever made any official record of them. They only exist in legend as far as we know."

“Hey, maybe we’ll find some!” A filly in their class said.

The class broke out into a fight about the existence of seaponies with Silver Spoon being the most adamant about them not existing.

"Come on," Dinky said, "if vamponies exist, why can't seaponies?"

Everypony in the class gave her a blank look. Dinky mentally hit herself. Why did she say that? Some secret agent she was. She was meant to keep that one a secret. Diamond opened her mouth to reply, no doubt ready for an insult, but Dinky beat her to the punch.

"Just kidding of course," she said her voice a little too high, "but we do live in a world with superheroes and monsters, so why not?" She forced a grin.

“Right sure, whatever.” Diamond Tiara replied.

"Ahem, as I was saying," Cheerilee said, "today we will explore the bottom of the Western Luna Ocean.”

“Will we be going outside?” Scootaloo asked her eyes eager and excited. No filly enjoyed an adventure as much as she did.

"I've checked and yes our suits can withstand the pressure that far down, so I think it will be alright if we when out for a little while, but I am putting a rope on each of you. I don't want anypony getting lost. You will only be able to go out a few dozen hooves or so."

There was more excited chatter from the class and Cheerilee went over several safety procedures before they took off. They would arrive at the Western Luna Ocean in about an hour. In the meantime, they could play around in the Zord, but most stayed close to the windows enjoying the view as they flew through the sky.

Dinky jumped up and down with eager anticipation as they arrived at a place she had only ever read about and many of the other foals chattered in excitement. Below them was Applewood, Coltifornia, the place where stars were born and the birthplace of the best plays and music. It was just like the pictures with its architecture from all over Equestria blended together in a myriad of color and lights. The Applewood sign itself on Mount Lun standing tall and proud in bleached white. As they flew over, nopony seemed to pay them much mind probably assuming they were part of a show or something. The entire class crammed into the cockpit and bombarded their teacher with questions and comments.

“So cool!” Sweetie Belle said. “Miss Cheerilee, can we stop and look around?”

“Great idea, I haven’t been here in ages.” Diamond Tiara said. “I can introduce you to all the stars father introduced me to.”

“Yeah right.” Scootaloo scoffed.

“Shows what you know rocket brain, just last month daddy and I had dinner with Glittergold.”

“No way!”

“Oh my gosh really?”

“No way, the writer of ‘A Princess and I’?!”

“Yeah right!”

“It’s true.” Diamond Tiara looked at her hoof and polished it on her chest. “Having money has its advantages.”

“Now class.” Miss Cheerilee said stopping another argument “That isn’t why we are here. We’re here to see the wonders of the sea!”

"Yes, Miss Cheerilee." The class replied, disappointed.

“Well, I suppose we could have dinner there tonight.” Cheerilee relented, and the class exploded into cheers.

“Great!” Diamond Tiara said. “I see if I can get a hold of Glittergold and he can have dinner with us.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” Sweetie Belle whispered and Dinky laughed.

Ten minutes later and they were over open ocean. Dinky loved how blue it was and how it seemed to go on forever and ever. Seagulls soared past them and she waved at them. They flew on for another hour before Cheerilee stopped her Zord and floated it over the ocean its thrusters keeping it in place.

"Alright, class," Cheerilee said, "right now, we are over the Mareana Trench, the deepest part of the sea floor, as far as we know, it goes down 36,070 hooves. This crescent-shaped trough averages about 1,580 miles long and 43 miles wide. The only known successful expedition to the bottom was by a Lord Petard and Wash in 960.”

“What makes going down so challenging is it has water pressure equal to 15,750 psi which is 1000 times more than the standard air pressure of the sea level. This makes exploring it difficult for scientists, except we can cheat a bit.” Her eyes sparkled. “The Mareana Trench is so deep that even if you were to put the highest mountain in the world ,Mount Everhay, inside it there would still be more than a mile of water under it.”

“The deepest part of the trench is called the Challenger Deep which is almost 7 miles deep. Sadly, we won’t be exploring that part today, but we will go to the entrance to it at least. It’s a little too dangerous for us to go in now. As of now, we don’t know why the trench even exists, but this little jaunt might shed some light on the matter.”

“But first, I will introduce our special guest.” Everypony chattered in excitement at this revelation.

“Is it Miss Trixie?” Snails asked perking up.

Cheerilee’s eye twitched in irritation. “No, no. Not Trixie, remember I made her promise not to come. This time I asked a leading scientist in the field of marine biology to join us. Doctor Blacktip.”

Out of a corridor, a middle-aged mare walking into view. She was a portly mare whose stomach almost touched the floor. She had a rust-colored mane and a pale white coat and wore a light blue cardigan over a black and grey striped shirt with a white hoof bag over her shoulder. Her cheeks were red, and she greeted them warmly. Her cutie mark was a fossil of fish.

"Hello, class." Doctor Blacktip gave them a toothy grin. “I am so glad to join you on this little adventure.”

Dinky and the rest of the class sagged in disappointment. They had expected somepony cool to join them, not some boring scientist type. Their lack of excitement put Doctor Blacktip off somewhat, and she forced a cheerful smile.

"I thought this time I would bring along a scientist for our momentous trip," Cheerilee said, "it would be a little greedy to hog the glory all for ourselves. She will be teaching you facts about the wonders of the ocean while I steer us down the depths below.”

Dinky groaned. She wanted Miss Cheerilee the one to be telling them this but decided to humor the situation. Maybe Doctor Blacktip would have all sorts of interesting facts. She had studied the ocean her life after all. Still, the mare reminded Dinky too much of one of her great aunts. The one that smelled too much like cats and peppermint and told long boring stories about not that interesting misadventures in her life.

“Okay class gather around.” Doctor Blacktip said. “We are about to enter the exciting and unknown world of the sea!”

The Zord lurched and falling and with a crash so loud it made the whole cabin shake, plummeted into the depths below. Dinky put a hoof on the glass and stared in wide-eyed fascination.

If she thought the ocean was blue from the surface, well it didn’t even compare down here. She watched in fascination as fish swam around them together in schools, more than DInky could ever count. What struck her the most was how alive it was. This place thrived with life and was a stark contrast to the moon and its bleak pale beauty. She watched the fish in open fascination as Doctor Blacktip pointed out the various species and gave out a factoid nopony really cared about. It was easy to zone out the doctor and Dinky engrossed herself in the beauty around her. No sharks sadly, but still pretty cool.

The deeper they fell, the darker the world around them became. It didn’t take long for the whole world around them to become pitch black and it surrounded them like a cloak. Dinky had never seen anything like it and not even the lights of the Zord pierced the blackness. Yet, there was some light there. There were small fluorescent lights danced through the water in bright neon colors.

“Ah, you see them, do you?” Doctor Blacktip said. “Despite the darkness and coldness of below, life thrives. These animals use biofluorescence to absorb light and emit it in a different color. And not just fish and animals too. Scientists have discovered coral with it too. As we get deeper, we should be able to see some of it as well.”

Dinky could hardly hold back her enthusiasm. That sounded so pretty. It boggled the mind that anything could live down here at all considering the pressure at work not to mention such wonders as those in front of her. Dinky squinted in the darkness. If she strained her eyes enough, she thought she saw something like a ridge.

"Hey, guys I think we are about to get to the trench," Scootaloo said.

The class gathered around and they all were in awe of the giant cavern they were entering. On both sides were jagged rocks and it felt as if they were entering the mouth of a giant beast. The ridge expanded on as far as the light could touch and Dinky tried to imagine it as a scar on the face of the planet. Down they went, and they saw all sorts of bizarre creatures. The entire class screamed when a fish with a bulbous head passed them. It had a light attached to an antenna that floated over its head. What horrified Dinky was the number of teeth in its gaping jaw. Huge and long with a mouth almost big enough to swallow a filly or colt whole. Dinky had doubts about going outside if more creatures like that were out there.

“Lovely, aren’t they? And this is only the start of what we will find down here.” Doctor Blacktip watched the creature with a glee that made Dinky take a few steps away from her. Instead of fearing the thing with terrifying looking teeth, the marine biologist watched it like it was the only thing in the world. Dinky took another step away from her.

As they descended other odd creatures came into view some more odd than the last. They weren't even close to as numerous as the sealife above, but this place was still very much alive. What struck Dinky was how prehistoric they all were like something out of a textbook that had dinosaurs in it. Many of them vicious predators with sharp teeth or other sharp appendages. Other odder creatures appeared in front of them with wide mouths and bulbous eyes. It surprised her the stark difference between the life up above and the creatures living down here. Maybe looks didn’t matter as much down here. Despite her revulsion at some of them, Dinky had an odd fascination for them.

"Alright, class," Cheerilee said, "who's ready to explore outside?"

The class gave each other a look, nopony seemed too eager to go outside anymore especially when this bizarre shark-like creature with too many teeth passed by.

“Um, sorry Miss Cheerilee, I think we are pretty cool just looking out the window.” Dinky gave her teacher a weak smile.

“Yeah, could we just stay here, maybe?” Apple Bloom said.

"I suppose you're right," Cheerilee said dejectedly, "it doesn't appear to be all that safe out there. I'll admit, it wasn't exactly what I expected either. Still, they are interesting creatures. I'll be sure to get plenty of pictures of them." She thrust a small camera forward for emphasis.

“Uh, Miss Cheerilee.” Snail said. “Where is Doctor Blacktip?”

Dinky looked around in alarm and saw the marine biologist nowhere in sight. How did such a large mare sneak away without being seen? An alarm sounded throughout the room and Dinky recognized it as the warning system for the airlock. Somepony was trying to go outside. What the hey? Everypony ran towards the airlock and saw Doctor Blacktip inside wearing one of the spacesuits and the room already filled with water.

“What are you doing?” Cheerilee asked. “It might be dangerous out there. The class and I have agreed that it might be for the best if we stay inside.”

“Nonsense.” Doctor Blacktip waved a dismissive hoof. "This is my chance to see previously undiscovered aquatic life up-close. Won't be long." Was it Dinky's imagination, or did the older mare have a smug look on her face?

“You aren’t going to leave her out there alone, are you?” Sweetie Belle asked in concern.

“No, as soon as the airlock is clear, I’m going after her.” Cheerilee rubbed her temples. “Dinky, you are in charge while I’m gone. Nopony is to follow me. I’m trusting you with a big responsibility.”

This sudden thrust of leadership took Dinky aback, but she nodded in understanding. It was up to her to keep things straight.

“Ugh, this is what we get for not bringing Trixie along.” Snips complained and all the other foals nodded in agreement.

“No, it’s fine! I got this.” Cheerilee with a little too much enthusiasm. “I can handle this problem on my own. Trixie doesn’t always have to steal the show.”

They watched the door with worried anticipation and Dinky prayed Miss Cheerilee would be alright out there. She made sure nopony got close to the airlock controls just like their teacher had ordered. Minutes seemed like an eternity and Dinky’s gut told her something was wrong. She dismissed this as paranoia when Miss Cheerilee and Doctor Blacktip walked back in the airlock. She was hanging around Trixie for too long and tried to laugh away her growing dread.

“You wouldn’t believe what I found!” Doctor Blacktip said as she took off the helmet of her suit.

“Yes, we are all very happy for you.” Miss Cheerilee said dryly.

“Miss Cheerilee, you’re safe!” The class hurtled around their teacher glad to see she was ok.

"It was a little touch and go for a minute there," Cheerilee said and the whole class gasped when they saw a crack in the glass of her helmet, "some of the wildlife out there wasn't all that friendly and I miscalculated about the pressure. My suit barely withstood it."

Dinky was super glad they all decided not to leave the Zord. She shuddered at the thought of what might have happened.

“And what was so great that you had to risk everypony’s life?” Diamond Tiara put a hoof on her hip not amused in the slightest.

Tears gathered around Doctor Blacktip’s eyes. “I thought he’d had been lost forever, our King!”

“Doctor Blacktip?” Dinky asked confused by this sudden outburst of emotion, then she saw what was in the doctor’s hooves. It was the skull of a pony and Dinky cried out in fright.

“That Moon Princess thought if she hid him down here, nopony would ever find him. I almost didn’t believe we’d ever find him.” Doctor Blacktip broke out into manic laughter. "And now her own knight has doomed her and all of Equestria!"

“Um, Doctor Blacktip, what are you talking about?” Cheerilee said with trepidation. She screamed when a bolt of energy struck her from Blacktip’s hoof and threw her painfully into a wall. Though a little bruised up, she stood up without much difficulty.

“You survived that one?” Doctor Blacktip tilted her head and then broke out into a grin. “I never imagined you Rangers were that strong. Once I kill you, you’ll serve us well, immortal and unstoppable.”

In a flash, Doctor Blacktip changed. Her body became sleeker and more muscled. Bonelike armor formed over her body jagged and tough looking and the skull of a prehistoric shark formed over her head like a helmet and a sharp horn protruded over her forehead. A sword made of bone formed in her hooves.

"Call me Kragolark." The mare said and gave them all a wide toothy grin.

“Well, I didn’t this one coming,” said Cheerilee and pulled out her morpher.

“Not so fast.” Kragolark disappeared and grabbed Dinky by the throat and pointed her sword at her chest. “Transform, and this little one dies.”

Chapter 5

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 5
by Rixizu

I don’t believe this. Dinky fumed.

Of all the ponies to get foalnapped why her? She wasn’t even standing by herself when it happened either. Sweetie Belle and Rumble were right next to her and there was no good reason why she of all ponies got singled out. Okay sure, she was glad nopony else got kidnapped, but still, it wasn't fair. Was there a sign on her back that says, "Foalnap Me, Easy Target.”?! So much for swearing never to get captured again. It surprised her how much the situation didn’t terrify her. Sure, she was scared, but her anger at the unfairness of it all overrode everything else. That couldn’t be normal. She hoped she wasn’t getting used to this.

“Stand down.” Kragolark pointed her bone sword so close it scratched Dinky’s fur. “Drop your morpher.”

“Dinky!” The class cried out and back away in alarm unsure what to do.

“If I put my morpher down, will you let her go?” Cheerilee asked, her voice firm. “I have your word that you will do with me as you wish, but leave my class alone?”

“Don’t do it Miss Cheerilee! You can’t trust her!” cried Dinky. Kragolark twisted her neck painfully causing her to gasp.

“Dinky!” Apple Bloom’s eyes widened in horror.

“Quiet you.” Kragolark tightened her grip on Dinky’s neck. “Adults are talking.”

"You hurt her one more time and you will regret it," Cheerilee growled and pawed at the ground.

"Enough," Kragolark said, "end this and drop your morpher. You have no choice in the matter.”

Cheerilee’s face twisted in indecision, and she slowly lowered her morpher to the ground watching Kragolark’s every movement like a hawk. Their teacher placed it on the ground and kicked it away.

“No miss Cheerilee please don’t!” Dinky couldn’t allow this. She was a secret agent and refused to stand by and let this monster get her way. She bit into Kragolark’s arm and the mare cried out in pain. In response, the monster mare threw Dinky to the ground and her back screamed in pain from the impact.

“Little wretch!” screamed Kragolark as she thrust her sword towards Dinky's heart.

“Dinky! Look out!” Apple Bloom threw herself on Kragolark’s arm diverting the attack just enough so that it dug into the floor next to Dinky.

“Get off!” Kragolark struggled with Apple Bloom as she held on for dear life.

“Apple Bloom!” Dinky watched helpless as Kragolark tried to batter her friend to the floor, but the little filly refused to let go and held on for dear life.

“Go please!” Apple Bloom pleaded and Dinky scrambled away, tears in her eyes. Apple Bloom screamed in pain as Kragolark threw her off her leg and into a window.

“No!” Dinky ran to her friend’s side. The little filly was still breathing, thank Luna, though it looked painful.

“Finally.” Kragolark twirled her blade. "No matter. Not like I would let you live anyway. Can't have any witnesses." In a blur, she dove right towards them with her sword.

“It’s morphing time, Libra!” Miss Cheerilee was in front of her students with astonishing speed and grabbed the blade point first with a hoof stopping it in its track. “Get away from my students.” In a single motion, Cheerilee threw the blade aside and punched Kragolark square in the face.

Much to Dinky’s horror, the hit didn’t have much effect. Kragolark seemed more amused than hurt. “If I knew you were this weak, I wouldn’t have bothered taking hostages.”

“Run, I’ll handle this.” Miss Cheerilee motioned with her head to a nearby corridor and Dinky threw Apple Bloom over her back and ran to safety with the rest of her classmates. Thankfully, Kragolark didn’t intervene.

Kragolark pointed her sword at Miss Cheerilee and fireballs flew from its tip. They roared right at her with frightening speed and it was all the Libra Ranger could do to not get hit by them. Miss Cheerilee summoned her whip, and it used to destroy the next volley.

Miss Cheerilee turned to the offensive, trying to hit Kragolark with her weapon. Despite her size, she proved to be too agile and weaved through the strikes with graceful ease. She counteracted with her sword and sparks flew as it connected with their teacher’s chest causing her to writhe on the ground in pain before struggling to her hooves. Miss Cheerilee tried to dodge the next swords strike, but Kragolark proved to be too fast for her.

“Shame.” Kragolark carved a deep gash into the metal floor with her sword. “I thought you would be more fun than this. The Masked Rider is at least able to get a few good hits in.”

“Miss Cheerilee!” Dinky screamed as their teacher unmorphed after Kragolark blew a fireball into her face.

“Not bad.” Cheerilee struggled to her hooves grabbing at her left leg. “I don’t know who you are, but leave my students out of this.”

“Can’t sorry.” Kragolark showed teeth. “It would be inconvenient if Masked Rider Baldr or Princess Luna learned about our King’s return.”

Masked Rider Baldr? What the hey does that mean? Dinky wondered if this meant there were other superheroes out there in the world.

“I see.” Miss Cheerilee took up a fighting stance despite being barely able to stand up on her hooves.

Kragolark watched the teacher with amusement dragging her sword across the ground for a moment causing a painful screech of metal before she moved in for the kill like a cat playing with a helpless mouse. Cheerilee’s students watched in helpless fear unable to help their teacher. Dinky closed her eyes and prayed from somepony, anypony to save them. Kragolark blurred and swung at Miss Cheerilee’s head and gasped in surprise as their teacher ducked under it.

“It’s morphing time, Libra!” Miss Cheerilee’s armor returned, and she summoned her whip. She pressed a button on her morpher and her whip glowed with a powerful light that stung Krogolark’s eyes.

“Solar Sting!” Krogolark screamed in pain as the attack hit her dead on the solar plexus. She retreated against the outer window.

“I should have known you wouldn’t be beaten so easily.” Krogolark let out a pained laugh.

“Rangers never give up.” Miss Cheerilee replied and readied her whip. “Especially when we have something we want to protect.”

“Noted,” replied the monster.

Dinky cried out in surprise as Krogolark stabbed her sword into the window behind her creating a huge crack. She spun around and threw her sword into another window creating an even bigger crack. “I would love to play more, but I can’t risk losing my treasure that I went to so much effort to obtain. I would love to play again if you survive this.” She dived for the skull on the floor and turned around in a circle, her entire body disappeared in smoke.

“Ponyfea… darn it to heck!” Cheerilee said correcting herself mid-sentence. “We need to get to the cockpit, now. We need to get out of here before that window breaks. I’m flying us out of here. I hope the internal doors will hold the water until we get to safety.”

She didn’t have to speak twice as the crack in both windows grew at an alarming rate and the foals scrambled to get to one of the staircases. The entire class screamed as water shot from the cracks. Cheerilee pushed her class forward as ice cold water filled the floor and refused to leave until the entire class as safe. When everypony was safely running up the stair, she closed the door behind her and locked it. It seemed to hold for the moment, but it creaked from the force of the water.

“Are you okay?” Dinky asked Apple Bloom who walked up the almost endless stairs behind her. She appeared okay if a bit bruised.

“Fine.” Apple Bloom replied. “It will take more than that to keep me down.”

“Thank you.” Dinky gave Apple Bloom a hug which surprised the other filly. “I might have been a goner if it wasn’t for you.”

“Yes, that was very brave of you Apple Bloom.” Miss Cheerilee said. “Please don’t do it again. I don’t want any of my students getting hurt on my account.”

“Your welcome.” Apple Bloom blushed as the entire class threw praises at her. Astonishingly, even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon joined in. Dinky never believed she would ever see the day that would happen.

“Ah just wanted to help a friend.” Apple Bloom said a little sheepish. “We are friends, right?”

"Of course!" Dinky gave the other filly another hug. “Why wouldn’t we be?” In Dinky’s mind they were friends for life. No, that silly. Friends for eternity! No even beyond that!

“No reason!” Apple Bloom said a little too quickly, and she looked away deep in thought. Something troubled her, but what Dinky couldn’t imagine.

"Um, Miss Cheerilee," Rumble said terror in his voice.

“Yes, Rumble?”

Rumble pointed down and everypony looked to discover water filling stairway. Somehow the door to the stairway had failed. Worse, it was coming up very fast.

“Run!” Miss Cheerilee didn’t have to speak twice and the entire class booked it up the stairs.

Dinky’s legs burned from the effort. Since she was the shortest in the class, she had the most difficulty going up them. Why did she have to be so short? She envied her classmates with wings. The stairs just kept going on and on and she wasn’t sure she could go on for much longer. The water was gaining on them at a terrible pace.

“Through here!” Miss Cheerilee slammed on a door control and it opened with a whoosh and the whole class dived in. “I’m afraid we aren’t anywhere near the cockpit yet, but it’s a start.”

Dinky looked around to find that they were in a storeroom and there were boxes tied to the floor in large piles.

“So, how back to the cockpit?” Diamond Tiara asked.

Miss Cheerilee rubbed the back of her neck. “Well, I’m not sure. I’ve never been here before. I haven’t explored the entire insides of my Zord yet. But, no worries! I’m sure a lift can’t be too far from here! Come on, class! Let's go and find that lift!” At least she hadn’t suggested they find another staircase.

“Yes, let’s go.” Diamond Tiara said. “I’ll feel safer once we get at least five more doors between us and the water.” The entire class agreed with her for once.

This proved to be more difficult than expected. The storeroom seemed like an endless maze of boxes and Miss Cheerilee got them lost repeatedly. Everything around them looked the same. Worse a layer of water was building up under them. It hit Dinky that the Zord wasn't all that waterproof which was strange. Wasn’t it build for space? The water was freezing too, and it seemed to sap their strength. They climbed on top the crates to stay out of the water and they had to jump from crate to crate to get anywhere slowing them down even further. Real panic hit Dinky when the water got up to the top of the crates and the lift or even a staircase their teacher promised them was nowhere in sight. The class yelled at Miss Cheerilee to do something and she could only respond with empty hopeful words.

“Don’t worry class!” Miss Cheerilee said with a forced smile. “I’m sure we’ll find something soon!”

“Hey, I found something!” Rumble yelled, and they looked up to see him crawling into what appeared to be an air duct or a service tunnel in the wall. He poked his head out and gave them a wave.

“Good thinking Rumble!” Miss Cheerilee said. “It seems big enough to fit an adult pony. Alright, class, we might have to go a little climbing through some air ducts, but this looked like the best way for us to get out of here. Gather around. I’ll help you in one at a time.”

It took several minutes, but with a little help with Rumble and the other pegasi in the class, they were all climbing through the tunnel. It was a service tunnel of some kind, large enough for an adult pony to crawl through it with little difficulty. They also seemed to go on forever, but at least in the distance, she saw a ladder they could use to go up. Despair hit Dinky when she realized just how long it went up and she had to squint to see the top.

“Good news class.” Miss Cheerilee said. “The top of this tunnel should get me to or at least close to the cockpit! Then we will be out of here in no time!”

“How the hay are we supposed to climb all of that?” Diamond Tiara demanded.

“Well, let me think.” Miss Cheerilee replied hesitantly. “How about we go up to the next floor first and see what we find? Who knows, it might have a lift we can use! We can at least find a safe place to store all of you, then I can just morph and use my powers to climb up no problem.”

Rumble and the other pegasi in the class flew up ahead and found another deck 30 hooves up and it led to the living quarters! It was a ridiculous height to climb, but if it meant safety Dinky would take it! The pegasi helped fly some other foals up, but it took two of them to lift one foal at a time and it was slow going. The rest of the class climbed while the pegasi worked. Miss Cheerilee stayed at the bottom to make sure nopony stayed behind.

“Uh, is it just me, or is the water climbing even faster?” Apple Bloom asked. The water climbed with them at a terrifying speed and was almost at their hooves.

“Hurry class, we haven’t much time.” Miss Cheerilee took Sweetie Belle who was strangling on her shoulder and the entire class put everything they had into climbing.

The entire class sighed in relief when they exited the service shaft and were in some place they recognized. Cheerilee shut the shaft’s door and locked it. Everypony panted in exhaustion.

“Quite the adventure, right?” Miss Cheerilee said forcing cheer nopony else felt. “Just a little further. There’s a lift only a few hooves away from here.” It turned out Miss Cheerilee changed her mind staying with her students after all.

Good. I don’t think I can walk much further. Seriously, this was worse than one of Bon-Bon’s training sessions.

They waited for the lift to arrive on this floor and Dinky had a distinct feeling that it wasn't over. They weren't safe just yet. Dinky turned around to look back at the service shaft's entrance to make sure it wasn’t leaking water as well and shrieked as a sword came flying at them. They jumped out of the way and in time and stared in shock as it stabbed into the lift’s controls destroying it and sparks flew in random directions.

“You?!” Miss Cheerilee pointed a hoof at the culprit and everypony stared in shock at Kragolark in utter disbelief. The mare was dripping wet and water could be seen filling the service shaft behind her.

“Yep! Miss me?” Kragolark gave them a toothy grin. "I thought I'd pop back after saving the King's skull. Why risk letting you escape? I don’t like letting go of my prey.”

Miss Cheerilee bared teeth herself. “So you’re the reason none of the safety doors have worked.”

“Made things fun, right? I never thought you'd get this far."

“It’s morphing time! Libra!” Miss Cheerilee summoned her whip and Kragolark scrambled to get out of its path in time. "Nopony harms my students! You will regret coming back here!” Water filled the floor as the two exchanged blows.

“Come then.” Kragolark thrust her sword into Miss Cheerilee’s chest and their teacher flew into a wall leaving a huge dent in the metal wall. “Let’s see if you can beat me in time before your students drown.”

Chapter 6

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 6
by Rixizu

Dinky and the other foals looked around for any path to safety as Miss Cheerilee and Kragolark fought each other while the room filled with water. Sparks flew, and the two exchanged blows but the Libra Ranger was at a clear disadvantage. Kragolark shrugged her attacks off with ease. Looking for a place to flee, the foals followed Apple Bloom when she spotted an emergency staircase.

“Ugh, not more stairs!” Dinky despaired. Stupid shortness!

“Don’t fret Dinky.” Apple Bloom put a comforting hoof on Dinky’s back. “We can make it!”

Dinky returned the filly’s reassurance with a smile and a nod. The entire class entered the stairway and climbed with everything they had. Miss Cheerilee and Kragolark followed them and fighting as they went. Obviously, their teacher wanted to avoid fighting in water which would slow her down.

I hate stairs so much! Dinky thought every curse word in her somewhat limited dictionary. Sweat formed on her brow and her legs felt like they were on fire. She missed a step and slipped twisting her right leg at an uncomfortable angle.

“Are you okay?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I’ll be fine.” Dinky figured it wasn’t a serious sprain, but it still hurt pretty bad.

Below their climbing, Miss Cheerilee screamed as a barrage of fireballs hit her dead on in the chest and she tumbled down several flights of stairs. A kick from Kragolark sent Cheerilee into the ever-climbing water and their teacher disappeared sinking like a stone.

”Miss Cheerilee!” Dinky and the rest of the class screamed in horror.

“Well, that was fun!” Kragolark said cheerfully. “I’ll have to remember to recover her body later. Can't have such a strong body go to waste. Still, I can’t let the foals escape even if there’s nowhere for them to run.”

No! No! No! We’re all finished! We are going to die! No! It was over. Tears flowed down Dinky’s face as the hopelessness of their predicament hit her.

“Through here!” Diamond Tiara held a nearby door open and rushed the other foals inside.

“But!” Dinky wanted to say more, but her new best friend Apple Bloom stopped her.

“We ain’t finished yet.” Apple Bloom said. “Ah won’t let this be the end!” It sounded crazy, but Dinky followed inside and Apple Bloom broke the door controls with a hoof.

“Hopefully, that will slow her down.” Sweetie Belle observed the dower looks on her classmates' faces. “Cheer up! Miss Cheerilee still not beaten. I didn’t see her unmorph, so she’s still out there!”

Dawning realization hit Scootaloo’s face. “You’re right! She’ll come back and save the day at the last minute, all hero like!”

“In the meantime, we need to get to the cockpit.” Diamond Tiara said. “Maybe we can work out the controls and get us out of here. Starting right now, I’m in charge. Follow me.”

“I thought I was supposed to be in charge!” Dinky said in protested. “Miss Cheerilee said so!”

“Change of plans. I am far more suited to the job.” Diamond Tiara replied her head raised up high. “Sides, we don’t really have time to argue about this.”

She pointed towards the bone sword that cut through the metal door like it was melted butter. Before Dinky could reply Diamond Tiara was already running off as fast as her legs could carry her. The other foals didn’t really like the idea of Diamond Tiara being in change, but they followed the spoiled little filly for now. Dinky limped with them grumbling to herself.

“So, do you know where we are going?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Of course, I do.” Diamond Tiara replied. “I have an excellent sense of direction. I know exactly where we are. I did a little exploring on our last trip.”

“You better!” Scootaloo said.

“Though here.” Diamond Tiara pushed a button next to a door and revealed a staircase.

“Ugh, not more stairs!” Dinky said in despair. They, of course, also seemed to go up for forever.

“Shut up and get inside.” Diamond pointed to the door that Kragolark had almost cut a hole through already. She didn’t have to repeat herself and the whole class ran inside it. Diamond locked the door by breaking the controls.

They climbed, and it was Dinky’s turn to lag. The class cheered her on, but it was no use. Her short legs and injury made the hike too difficult. It forced her to rest for a few minutes.

"Sorry guys, but you might have to leave me behind," Dinky said. So far Kragolark hadn’t found the staircase they were hiding in, but she couldn’t be far behind.

“No.” Diamond Tiara gave no room in her voice to argue and Dinky stared at her in shock. “We aren’t leaving anypony behind. Dinky doesn’t weight too much. Is there anypony that thinks they could carry her?” The entire class looked exhausted and many of the foals shook their head.

Apple Bloom’s face filled with determination. “I can." Dinky allowed the apple farmer to carry her on her back. To her surprise, Apple Bloom seemed to be barely slowed by the extra weight.

“Why are you doing this?” Dinky asked in wonder. “I thought you didn’t like me.”

“I don’t, but I’m the leader and you’re my responsibility.” Diamond Tiara replied. “Daddy always tells me it's a leader’s duty to protect everypony under you.”

“Huh.” Dinky wondered if she misjudged the bully a little. Mom always said most ponies had good in them even if it was hidden deep deep down and it would always appear when you least expected it. This, however, did not mean they would ever be friends. Diamond burnt that bridge with a firebomb long ago.

“Where are we now?” Snails asked as they entered one of the doors in the stairway.

“Kitchen.” Diamond Tiara replied. “Just a little further and we will be the main meeting room.”

Scootaloo beamed. “Which has a lift.”

"Can you let me down?" Dinky asked. "I think I can manage on my own now." Her leg felt better and walking on it wasn't as difficult anymore.

Apple Bloom let her down and blushed. “Sure thing.”

“Come on.” The entire class ran after Diamond Tiara and exploded into cheers as the familiar main meeting room with its couches and tables came into view.

“The lift should be right here.” Scootaloo’s voice trailed off when she saw a familiar bone sword poking out of the console ruining it beyond any use.

“Yo!” Kragolark waved a hoof in greeting.

“Come on!” Sweetie Belle shouted.

“Argh, will you ever leave us alone?!” Scootaloo stomped a hoof on the ground.

“Not good!” Diamond Tiara wailed.

“We’re doomed!” Snails hugged Snips in utter despair. The entire class broke into hysterical cries for help.

Is this the end? Dinky thought of her mother and how she’d never see her again. I’m sorry mom! I’ll never do a bad thing again!

“No!” To everypony’s astonishment, Apple Bloom jumped in front of them and paws at the ground ready for a fight. “You’re not hurting my friends!”

“You got a lot of guts filly.” Kragolark tilted her head. “I like that. Real initiative. How about you join us?”

Apple Bloom blinked. “Excuse me?”

“The Previlxiya Empire could use ponies like you. You’ve seen what I can do. Anything you can imagine, we can give you. Nothing is beyond our hooves.”

Apple Bloom paws at the ground. “Never! Ah won’t abandon my friends!”

Kragolark rolled her eyes. “Nevermind. Friendship and all that junk. Really, I’m offering you power and wealth beyond imagination, and you want to stick with a bunch of foals that will forget you even exist in a few years. Trust me, when you grow up. These so-called best years of your life barely matter. I doubt these so-called friendships of yours will even last half a decade if that.”

“No!” Apple Bloom said at the top of her lungs. “Dinky’s different. She’s kind beyond words. She won’t abandon me.” Her voice broke up at those last few words.

“Apple Bloom.” Dinky didn’t know how to respond to that.

"Whatever," Kragolark replied, "no skin off my hooves."

Apple Bloom’s face filled with determination. “I will never join you. I’m sick of creatures like you telling me what I should think and feel. I-I want to be free to love and cherish what I want. I want to stand by the ones who actually like and care about me!”

Apple Bloom dove at Kragolark with surprising speed and it caught the older mare off guard and threw both of them to the ground. Apple Bloom didn’t stop and grabbed Kragolark by the head in a tight headlock.

“Go!” Apple Bloom did her best to contain the older mare, but it was clear it wouldn’t be for long. “Get to the cockpit. I’ll hold her off.”

Dinky stared at her friend in shock. “No, I can’t leave you!”

“Please!” Apple Bloom replied. “It’s the only way.”

“Get off!” Kragolark pulled Apple Bloom off her with a hoof and threw her into a wall. Much to Dinky’s bafflement, Apple Bloom stood up with little difficulty and transformed into Big Mac with a wave of green energy.

“Go! Now!” Big Mac (?) gestured with his head towards a corridor. After the initial shock of Apple Bloom’s transformation, everypony reluctantly rushing into the indicated location.

"Interesting," Kragolark said, "it seems I'm not the only one who isn't what they seem."

Big Mac charged at the villain at full force and slammed into her like a freight train, but it only knocked Kragolark off balance for a moment and Big Mac let out a cry of surprise when his opponent lifted him off the ground and threw him to the floor. Big Mac struggled to his hooves and charged again, but this time Kragolark dodged past him and kicked him in the gut. The big guy grunted but didn’t let up using his head as a battering ram, but it only annoyed his opponent.

The entire class screamed as Big Mac crashed in front of their escape route and stared in shock as the filly turned stallion transformed into something else. The creature was a pony-like colt only a little bigger than Dinky herself and pure black with teal insect-like wings. He had holes in his legs and horn. Dinky had seen nothing like him. He bled green blood and raised his head with a pleading look.

“Please run.” The creature said in a weak voice.

Whatever this bug-like pony was, he had risked his life to protect her. More than anything she didn’t want to abandon her friend. Dinky didn’t know what she should do.

“We need to get out of here!” Diamond Tiara pulled at Dinky’s leg.

“I can’t just leave him!” Dinky said tears in her eyes.

“We have to!” Diamond Tiara’s face was filled with pure terror.

In a flash, Kragolark was in front of them. "Too late. Nice try though."

The villain summoned a sword from thin air and pointed it at Dinky’s head. “I take no pleasure in this, but it needs to be done.”

“No!”

“We’re doomed!”

“Trixie save us!”

Dinky closed her eyes ready for the end and hugged her strange new friend. It got her coat bloody, but she didn’t care and bug-like colt took comfort in the gesture. That was all Dinky could hope for in the end.

There was a clash of steel and a moment later, Dinky realized she wasn't dead. She peeked open her eyes and saw Miss Cheerilee in her ranger armor blocking the sword with a hoof. She threw the sword aside with a single motion.

“Who needs Trixie, when I’m here?” She punched Kragolark in the face and this time it actually seemed to cause some damage.

Kragolark groaned. “I will never be rid of you, am I?”

“Never. I protect my students, whatever the cost.” Miss Cheerilee summoned her whip.

Kragolark summoned back her sword. “That’s it, this time I’m cutting off your head. Maybe then you will stay down.”

“Try it.” Cheerilee gestured at Dinky and the black figure on the ground. “Get him to safety. Just be careful. He’s seriously hurt. Move him slowly.”

Dinky sniffed. “Yes, mam.” And pulled her new friend away as carefully as she could and her teacher faced off against her opponent.

Kragolark swung her sword at Miss Cheerilee’s chest, but their teacher dodged past it and jabbed several times into Kragolark’s face and finished with a headbutt.

“Irritant!” Kragolark shot a burst of fire from her hoof and Miss Cheerilee flew back into a nearby wall.

Cheerilee got back to her hooves and jumped past another incoming fireball and summoned her whip again. She slashed Kragolark several times in the chest though it still did little damage, more of an annoyance than anything else. Kragolark caught Miss Cheerilee’s whip, and it wrapped around her hoof harmlessly.

“Bad move.” Miss Cheerilee pushed a button on her morpher and Kragolark screamed when the whip glowed with bright energy burning her hoof.

“Solar Sting!” Miss Cheerilee pulled her whip free and hit Kragolark right in the chest.

“Curse you!” Kragolark clutched at her injured hoof black and burned from the power of the Libra Ranger’s whip. “Fine, whatever. You win in this round. Savor this victory. Once our King is reborn, Princess Luna and your little world falls!” She disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Miss Cheerilee unmorphed. She was a little unsteady on her hooves but otherwise fine. "Is everypony all right?”

The class nodded and Miss Cheerilee came up to Dinky and the one who used to be Apple Bloom. “Not good. We need to get him to a doctor. Watch him while I get us out of here. We can’t have Kragolark returning a second time, can we?” She darted up the path and disappeared behind a turn in the corridor.

“Are you okay?” Dinky asked. “Um…”

“Thorax.” The bug pony replied.

“Thorax.” Dinky smiled. She liked his name. It fit him.

"I'm sorry Dinky, I've been lying to you this entire time." Thorax said, "if you hate me, I understand."

Dinky shook her head. “I can’t hate you, you save my life.”

“Yeah, we are happy about that and everything, but what are you?” Diamond Tiara crossed her hooves.

“So does this mean Apple Bloom was a bug pony this entire time? Who would have thought?!” Sweetie Belle said.

No kidding. What a revelation!

"I always thought something different about her, him, whatever," Scootaloo added.

“What is it like being a bug?” Snails asked. “Is it cool?”

The entire Zord lurched indicated that they were finally moving and Dinky let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

"I'm a changeling actually," Thorax said, "and it's cool I suppose."

“You’re not the real Apple Bloom, are you?” Dinky asked. It all came to together. It explained so much like the Apples’ strange change in behavior.

Oh no, the day Trixie feared has finally come to past. Impostors are taking over Ponyville!

“Yeah, but not that I wanted to, of course!” Thorax looked at everypony fearfully. “They ordered me to! I didn’t want to hurt anyone!”

"Okay, okay," Dinky said trying to calm him. Freaking out would be bad considering his wounds. "I kinda figured that. Once Miss Cheerilee gets back, you can explain everything.”

“Oh no, is this an alien invasion?” Rumble grumbled.

Thorax blinked. “Alien invasion?”

“So, what planet are you from?” Scootaloo asked. “Is it Mars?”

“How about Neptune?”

“Alpha Centauri?”

"What is it like where you come from?" Dinky asked. “Do you have purple skies where you live?” She beamed with excitement beyond words. She never thought she’d ever meet an alien even as a secret agent in training.

"I don't really know what you are talking about," Thorax replied reluctantly.

“You’re not from space then?" Dinky asked and the entire sighed in disappointment.

"No," Thorax said confident in his answer, "I'm a changeling like I said."

“Ah, a changeling.” Miss Cheerilee said walking back into the room. “Ditzy told me about your kind.”

“Mom?”

“Intelligent shapeshifting insect creature that fed off of love. They tried to invade Canterlot a few months ago.” Cheerilee continued. “They might have succeeded if it wasn’t for your mom and Lt. Sleuth.”

"Oh yeah, I guess mom mentioned something about that," Dinky recalled something about a skateboard being mentioned and that was about it. Her mother’s crazy stories bled into one other after a while.

"Yeah, that's us," Thorax said looking down, "what happens now? Are you going to turn me into the royal guard?"

"Miss Cheerilee, don't hurt him," Dinky said, "even if he's a changeling, he's still a good pony...er bug."

Cheerilee smiled and put a hoof on Thorax’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, nothing will happen to your friend. But, you have to tell me what happened to the real Apple Bloom and what your queen is up to.”

“If I do that, the queen’ll kill me!” Panic filled Thorax’s face. “You don’t know what’s she’s like!”

"Okay, okay." Cheerilee held up a placating hoof. "But ponies are in danger and I need you to be brave. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. You don’t have to tell me everything right now, but can you at least confirm that Apple Bloom is alright?”

"Yes, none of the ponies we took were hurt," Thorax replied.

Cheerilee let out a breath. “That’s a relief. We will deal with that when the times comes.”

After seeing how horrible and broken up Thorax looked, Dinky gave him a comforting hug. “Don’t worry, we’ll protect you! We won’t let that mean old queen get you.” The rest of the fillies and colts gave their agreement. Was it Dinky's imagination, or where Thorax's wounds getting better before her eyes?

“Yes, whatever she’s planning, I will put a stop to it.” Cheerilee gave him a wink. “I’m good at that sort of thing.”

"I hope so," Thorax replied though there still was no enthusiasm in his voice.

“Ah’m glad to do business with ya, Iron Will.” Applejack said as she showed her guest to the door.

“Yes, this new advertisement will light the world on fire!” Iron Will flexed his enormous muscles and did a pose.

“Pulverize your taste buds with Apple Trust Apples! They won’t know what hit them!” Iron Will beamed.

“Excellent.”

“This will spread your apple far and wide across Equestria and even beyond that!” Iron Will tipped his fedora to her. “Leave everything to me!”

Applejack rubbed her hooves together as she watched the fool leave her house. Perfect, soon these gullible ponies will all be enjoying our apples. She chuckled to herself.

"I would like to have a word with you." A mare said stopping Applejack before she got back into her house.

“Oh, it’s you again.” Applejack sighed. “Peppo was it?”

"Caramel Apple." The mare replied through clenched teeth.

Applejack examined her hoof and picked away a pebble that had gotten caught on it. “Sure, whatever. What do ya want this time?”

“Cousin, I don’t know what you are playing at, but the price you selling our apples at is ridiculous and unfeasible for any long-term profits. They don’t even remotely cover the costs it takes to pick and ship them. At this rate, you will ruin everything the Apple Trust has built for the last hundred years!”

Applejack yawned. “And?”

This only enraged Caramel Apple further. “You are literally, and I mean this in the correct way of using the word as in what I am saying is a literal truth, going to drive us to bankruptcy soon. Why can’t any of you higher ups in the Trust see reason?”

Applejack turned her back to the mare to go back into her house. “Are ya done now? Ah’m a busy mare.”

“That’s it.” Caramel Apple pointed an accusatory hoof at her. “My farm is breaking away from the Trust. I don’t care how many contracts are broken, or how many times I get sued for it. I won’t support this madness!”

“Ah see.” A dark look went over Applejack’s face.

“Um, I’ll be going now.” Carmel Apple said uneasily and took a step back. She screamed when she bumped into good old Big Mac.

"Take hur inside," Applejack ordered.

“Yes, ma’am.” Big Mac grabbed the mare in a not so polite way and she screamed in pain as he pushed her inside the house.

“Please, don’t do this Mac.” Caramel Apple said in terror. “We’re friends, right? We used to hang out all the time when we were foals!”

Applejack took delight then Big Mac turned into his real form and the mare screamed her head off. She stopped when Big Mac bit her and paralyzing venom filled her veins and she went slump.

Wonderful, now they had to replace another pony. Every replacement risked exposure if the Changeling wasn’t careful. She found it was best only to replace a few. Despite their skill at infiltration, fooling family members and friends wasn’t easy even with extensive research. No matter. They only needed to keep up this illusion for a little time longer, a week or two more at most, then Equestria and all these pathetic ponies and their delicious love would soon be theirs forever.

Chapter 7

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 7
by Rixizu

“Now Dinky, I want you to stay here as the Rangers and I clean up this mess.” Dinky’s mom said for the thousandth time.

"Yes, mom," Dinky said with little enthusiasm.

"Sorry for keeping you down here, kiddo, but your mother insisted," Trixie said.

Dinky watched the Galaxy Rangers, minus Lyra who was in Canterlot, get ready for battle. Somehow during the last few months, Trixie had set up multiple safe houses throughout Ponyville. This one, for whatever reason, lay deep inside the ground under Quills and Sofas and only accessible through a secret elevator. This safe house was enormous with multiple rooms and a kitchen. Boxes of Trixie's random magic stuff sat all over the floor with posters of Quartermoon the Magnificent pasted all over the walls. Dinky wondered if Trixie used this place more like a storage area than a safe house.

"Don't worry Ditzy, I'll make sure she's safe," Bon-Bon said. She offered to watch over Dinky during the operation much to the filly's dismay.

“Cheer up Dinky!” Trixie beamed. “We’ll have this changeling situation sorted out by dinnertime!”

Yeah, while I sit here while all the cool stuff happens outside. She was a secret agent in training darn it! It infuriated her that she was the only foal in her class put into a safe room. Miss Cheerilee allowed the rest to go back home to their families. At least Thorax was trapped in here too so she had some company. Sadly, when pressed he couldn’t reveal much of the queen’s plans. He was just a grunt after all and they didn’t tell him much. All they knew was that the changelings were taking over the Apple Trust for some evil scheme.

" Don't forget the code word if we get separated," Twilight said, "I still can't believe that’s coming in handy."

"Hey, when your good you're good," Trixie replied, proud of the secret codes she made up for just such an occasion.

“Let’s go!” Carrot Top said with a serious expression on her face. She’d taken the takeover of the Apple Trust personally. To her, it was an attack on all farmers everywhere. Dinky felt sorry for any changelings that got in her way. The Galaxy Ranger got onto the elevator and disappeared as it traveled up the shaft.

"I'll hope they'll be okay," Thorax said with a worried look on the face he’d borrowed from Apple Bloom since he was uncomfortable in his original form. Which was a shame considering how cool his bug form looked.

“Oh, they will be fine.” Dinky waved a dismissive hoof. “They deal with this sort of thing all the time.”

“In the meantime, how about we play some board games!” Bon-Bon held up a copy of Hungry Hungry Hydras.

“That sounds fun!” Thorax’s face lit up.

Dinky, on the other hoof, was less than thrilled. “Wonderful.”

Thorax tilted his head in confusion. “What’s wrong? Is this not all that fun?”

“We could always play Monopony if you’d like?" Bon-Bon suggested.

“No, it just I don’t want to be here!” Dinky replied. “Everypony’s off on an adventure while I’m stuck here in a hole!”

"But Dinky, we're safe down here," Thorax said, "isn't that a good thing?"

“Yes, no, not really.” She hated being babied all the time and how they expected her to hide whenever anything went bad.

Bon-Bon put a hoof over Dinky’s shoulder. “I think I understand. Your mom is too overprotective, and that stifles you.”

“Yeah!” Dinky replied. “Don’t it make you angry being stuck down here considering you’re a you know what?”

Bon-Bon laughed. “A little a suppose, but protecting you is more important.”

“We should be out there battling bad guys and stuff!” Dinky went into a fighting pose.

“Not today.” Bon-Bon gave a stern no argument look. Darn it, Dinky had hoped she’d be able to convince the older mare that they should go out there and fight evil.

"I think you're lucky," Thorax said through the silence, "your mom thought of you first at the first sign of danger."

“Yeah, she does that.” Dinky sighed.

"No, I think it's wonderful," Thorax replied, "It must be nice having someone that always cares about you."

“What?” Dinky asked confused. “Is there nopony, er bug like that in your hive?”

Thorax deflated. “No.”

“Is your queen really that bad?” Dinky asked. “Aren’t you her children?”

Thorax let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, like that one cares about anyone but herself.”

Dinky felt sorry for the entire changeling race. They fed off love, yet never received some from the one who should love them the most. No wonder they were almost all evil.

Dinky gave her new friend a hug. “Well, you don’t have to worry about that mean old queen anymore. You have a new family now!”

"Everything will be fine," Bon-Bon said, "we will find you a nice home. You deserve to live in a place where you are loved." Thorax smiled in response.

“So, how about a game of Monopony!” Bon-Bon thrust the game in front of them.

“Okay, fine.” Dinky sighed

“I’ve never played this game before.” Thorax jumped up in excitement.

An hour passed as they played. Dinky wasn’t doing too badly and already had two monopolies. “Sorry Thorax you landed on my Manehattan Ave. You now owe me 1000 bits.”

“I don’t think I like this game anymore.” To pay for the rent, he had to mortgage most of his properties. Sad for him that Dinky’s property had a hotel on it.

"The world of business is a cut-throat world," Dinky replied as Thorax hoofed over the money tokens. She felt sorry for him, but this game meant no mercy.

“My turn!” Dinky rolled the dice and landed on the Go To Jail space. “Oh, come on!”

"Right where you deserve," Thorax mumbled to himself and Dinky stuck her tongue out at him.

“Now now foals, play nice.” Bon-Bon rolled a six and a four. “Nice! Eight, nine, ten. Chance. Advance token to the nearest Railroad. Nice, nopony owns Short Line yet.” She put the necessary bits in the bank.

“My turn again.” Thorax let out a cry of surprise when Bon-Bon collapsed on the board splattering pieces and money everywhere.

“Bon-Bon!” Dinky cried out in alarm and no matter how much she shook the older mare, she didn’t wake up.

“Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!” Thorax ran back and forth in pure panic.

Suddenly Bon Bon sprung back up and smiled at them. It was an odd smile plastered on her face.

“Uh, Bon-Bon?”

“I’m hungry for some apples!’ Bon-Bon said her smile widening. “How about we go and get some apples?!”

“What?” Dinky and Thorax said in confusion.

“Apples!” Bon Bon replied. “Aren’t they great? We should go out and buy some apples from the Apple Trust’s stand!”

“But, aren’t we supposed to stay in the safe house?” Dinky asked more confused than ever.

“Not when apples are on the line!” Bon Bon beamed down at them. Before Dinky could protest any further, she pushed Dinky and Thorax into the elevator and pushed the button to go back up to the surface.

“So, what is going on?” Dinky whispered to Thorax. “She isn’t acting herself.” Bon-Bon didn’t smile like an empty-headed idiot.

"Beats me," Thorax said and his face changed when he came to a conclusion, and it didn't appear to be a nice one. "Did Bon-Bon eat any apples lately?"

“I guess, but who hasn’t?” Dinky replied. She had one this morning, and she wasn’t acting all loopy. Could this be related to why the Changelings took over the Apple Trust? Maybe she just got lucky and didn’t eat one of the bad apples?

Dinky starred in surprise as ponies all over Ponyville pushed their friends and loved ones towards the marketplace. They pressed against Dinky and she couldn't push herself out of the rush of ponies.

“Aren’t apples great?!”

“Uh, okay?”

“I’m in the mood for apples? Aren’t you?”

“Okay! An apple sounds great right about now.”

“Apples apples apples!”

“I don’t even like apples. Hey, let go of my leg!”

“What the?” Had all of Ponyville become apple zomponies? “Ow ow ow. Stop pushing me!”

Dinky soon found herself in front of the Apple Trust’s apple stands. They had set three of them up for the rush of customers.

“Yes, apples are now only a bit a piece!” The mare at the counter said a relative of the Apples Dinky didn’t recognize. “Don’t push. There are plenty for everypony!”

Fear filled Dinky as she watched the customers eat their newly bought apples. A change went over them and their eyes turned glossy. They seemed empty only concerned about getting more apples which they seemed to love more than anything now. She tried to run to safety, but Bon Bon caught her before she even got a hoofs length away. She struggled, but it was no use.

“Thorax, do something!” Dinky cried out in alarm. She didn’t want to end up an apple zompony too.

"Uh, well, okay." Thorax closed his eyes for a moment and in a flash in green light turned himself into a white big hulking pegasus pony stallion with huge rippling muscles like a bodybuilder and he towered over everypony.

“Yeah! Out of the way!” Thorax knocked stunned ponies out of his way and Bon-Bon crashed into a nearby crate making Dinky wince. It worked though and the area around Thorax cleared. "On my back!"

Dinky held on for dear life as Thorax ran for safety. Several ponies gave chase with very peeved expressions.

“What are you doing?” One mare at the Apple Trust stand cried. “Come back here, traitor!”

"Faster!" Dinky said in a panic as three ponies came after them and soon gained on them. Despite his hulking size, Thorax wasn’t all that fast.

"On it!" Thorax turned his body into Rainbow Dash's and they soon outpaced their pursuers.

Dinky cursed when the changelings chasing them threw away any subterfuge and they too transformed into Rainbow Dash much to the shock of the other nonzomponified ponies in the crowd. These bugs were older and stronger than Thorax and soon were on their tail.

"Oh, ponyfeathers!" Dinky cried out in alarm and fear. "What are we going to do now?!"

“I don’t know!” Thorax said just as terrified.

“Don’t worry darling, I got this!” Out of nowhere, Rarity appeared wielding a broom in her hooves and the Rainbow Dashes backed away in alarm. “Get to safety! I’ll handle these ruffians.”

“Oh really, what are you going to do to us pony?” One Rainbow Dash said giving the fashionista a mocking smile.

“Yeah, ain’t you afraid you will mess up your mane?” Another Rainbow Dash added and the collection of RDs broke into laughter.

“Get out of our way, pony.” The third Rainbow Dash said. “We will not ask again.”

“Oh, that does it!” Rarity went into a fighting stance and spun her broom like it was a bo staff. She pointed it at the first Rainbow Dash and gave her a gesture of challenge with a hoof. “Bring it on.”

“Sure, whatever you say…” This Rainbow Dash didn’t get to finish as the bloom whiskers impacted into her face.

The two other Rainbow Dashes tried to jump Rarity, but with a speed that stunned Dinky, Rarity batted them away like they were nothing. They tried to kick and punch at her, but she dodged and blocked with such grace it seemed more like a dance. Rarity stomped her broom on a Rainbow Dash’s hoof and tripped the Rainbow Dash onto her back painfully. Another got whacked in the face and crashed into some nearby crates. Another lost her breath as the end of the bloom smashed in her stomach and received a blow to her chin with the end of the broom. The Rainbow Dash on the ground winced and looked up in fear seeing her two buddies on the ground groaning in pain. She transformed into her changeling form and spit green gunk at Rarity, only for the mare to spin her broom like a fan and it blew away harmlessly.

“No way!” This was the last thing the changeling said before Rarity knocked her unconscious.

Dinky stared in shock her mouth gaping wide open. "How did you do that?"

Rarity did a few more spins of her broom before putting on the ground. “Haven’t you ever wondered why I insisted they install a dojo in the Sugarcube Corner Youth Center? I happen to consider myself quite the connoisseur of martial arts.”

"I see," Dinky said, lost for words. To her Rarity seemed like the type of mare more likely to be a hoity-toity party than all sweaty in a gym. She couldn't believe the level skill the other mare had. Of course, Rarity lived in Ponyville, the weirdness center of the world. Learning to fight seemed like a good idea.

"Thanks for saving us," Thorax said turning back into Apple Bloom which for some reason didn't surprise Rarity in the least.

"My pleasure, my dear." Rarity sighed as more angry ponies ran towards them. "You better run along. I'll keep these ones at bay."

"Thanks, Rarity!" Dinky felt guilty for running away, but at least ten ponies who were no doubt changelings running towards them. "Good luck!"

Rarity waved as they ran away. “Say hi to your mother for me. I’ve been dying to invite her to a spa date.” She said this as if she wasn’t about to enter a fight for her life.

“What now?” Thorax panted for breath. They hid in an alley once Dinky was sure they’d finally gotten away. “Back to the safe house?”

"No," Dinky replied after a moment of thought, "they’ve got Bon Bon so they know about it; besides we need to do something!"

“What?” Thorax cried out in horror.

“It’s up to us to make this right!” Dinky was a secret agent in training and the situation was dire. She couldn’t just hide in a hole somewhere. “For all we know, all the Galaxy Rangers are apple zomponies now! We need to find a cure!”

"How?” Thorax asked perplexed.

“I know somezebra that can help us," Dinky replied, "she'll be able to help up get a cure no problem."

Let’s just hope she doesn’t like apples.

Thorax brightened. “That sounds easy enough!”

“She lives the middle of the Everfree Forest," Dinky said trying to make it not sound as bad as it sounded.

“What?!” Thorax face turned to one of horror. “They say no one comes out of that place alive!”

Dinky waved a dismissive hoof. “It will be fine. Those are just silly stories. Carrot Top goes back and forth to Zecora’s all the time!" She left out the part that Carrot Top was a superhero and they were just foals. “There isn’t anything all that dangerous there.” Dinky lied. She was all too aware of all the horrible monsters that lived there. Didn’t Trixie mention actual flesh-eating zomponies attacking her once? However, telling Thorax this didn’t seem all that helpful. Dinky figured they would be fine.

“Oh, okay!” Thorax said with painful naivety and Dinky felt bad for lying to him, but the situation was too dire.

“First, we need to get one of the poisoned apples," Dinky said, "Lyra and Bon-Bon's place isn’t far from here.”

They kept to the shadows as they headed to their destination. Much to Dinky’s horror, most of Ponyville was under control now all giving blank vacant stares. Angry looking ponies patrolled the streets and Dinky feared the worse. For once Dinky thanked her small size, and she managed to sneak into one of Lyra’s windows unnoticed, leaving Thorax hiding behind some trash cans. She rummaged through the refrigerator and picked the evillest looking apple she could find. She put it in a small pouch and snuck back out the window. Dinky crept on the ground and froze when a voice cried out.

“Hey, you!” A stallion said wearing an apple related cutie mark. “Come here a moment.”

"Uh, hi," Dinky said trying to play it cool.

“What are you doing here?” The stallion said. “Haven’t you heard they’re having a party down in the marketplace? All the apples you can eat.”

“I’m cool, thanks.” Dinky tried to walk away but a powerful grip took her in the leg.

“A filly like you shouldn’t be alone.” Dinky didn’t like the predatory look the stallion was giving her. “Let me escort you there.”

Dinky struggled to free herself, but it was no use. He was just too big and powerful.

“Yo!” A stallion Dinky recognized as Caramel walked up to them. “Let me escort her, that way you don’t have to interrupt your patrol.”

Caramel’s eyes shifted green for a moment and the other stallion nodded. “Thanks. These little ponies are hiding everywhere.”

Caramel grabbed her with a tight grip. “Follow me, I’ll get us to safety.” He whispered to her and Dinky realized the stallion’s identity and smiled.

“What was that?” The Apple pony asked.

Dinky turned her look to one of utmost terror and pretended to struggle in Thorax's grasp. "Nothing!" Thorax replied a little too quickly, but the stallion nodded and left them.

“That was too close.” Thorax sighed in relief.

“Let’s go before some other bug finds us!” Dinky said.

"Uh, I wasn't going to say this, but I think using the term bug to describe us Changelings is a little offensive," Thorax said with a rare look of stern disapproval.

“Oh, sorry.” Dinky flushed in embarrassment mortified at her behavior.

"It's fine," Thorax replied, "you didn't know."

Dinky stayed quiet as they snuck towards the outskirts of town towards Fluttershy's house. She thanked Luna that nopony or changeling noticed them and soon the terrifying Everfree forest loomed in front of them. The trees were giants and the forest seemed to suck in the surrounding light.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Thorax, back as Apple Bloom, said walking into the forest oblivious to the danger inside.

“Nothing.” Dinky followed wondering if this was such a good idea after all. She sternly told herself that she was a secret agent in training and being afraid was silly. She hoped that this was true as the darkness of the Everfree engulfed them both.

Chapter 8

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 8
by Rixizu

Dinky looked around expecting danger at every turn. At any minute, she expected some horrible beast to jump out and rip them to shreds. More than once she had to remind herself of the urgency of their mission. She knew the path, more or less, but that didn’t make it any less dangerous. Thorax followed behind oblivous to the dangers. Never once in her life had she’d done something this dangerous. All the foalhood stories of this place flooded into her head.

“So, what’s this Zecora like?” Thorax asked making Dinky jump up into a tree, she hung from the branch certain for a moment that pain was about to follow. After realizing it was just her friend, she dropped down more than a little embarrassed.

“Are you okay?” Thorax asked with concern.

"I'm fine," Dinky replied and forced a smile, "you just scared me, that’s all!”

"If you're sure," Thorax said and they continued on their way.

“Zecora is a bit of an odd one. For some reason, she always speaks in rhyme.” Dinky said after a moment’s thought. “She a little scary at first, not unlike you, but she’s really nice and smart. She also has the coolest manecut!” Dinky loved her mane and wished her mother would let her style it like that.

Her heart panged at the thought of her mother. Who knew what was going on right now? Dinky was certain she’d also hadn’t eaten any of the poisoned apples, but that meant she was probably fighting the evil changelings and their queen all by herself. Dinky needed to hurry! Time wasn’t on their side.

"Sounds nifty," Thorax replied, "I've never seen a zebra before. Usually, we changelings only deal with pon…” He stopped and fell on his face as the ground shook under them.

Dinky also lost her balance and scrapped a leg against a branch. Wincing she stood up only to be knocked down again from another earthquake. Dinky desperately grabbed a nearby tree to stabilize herself.

“Um, is the shaking getting stronger?” Thorax asked worry on his face. He held on a tree to keep himself stable.

Dinky was about to reply and froze when she saw the source of the rumbling. She'd never seen anything like it. It was bipedal and easily overshadowed the trees. It was massive with a huge potbelly, but it had muscular limbs and moved with power and ease and carried a huge wooden club carved from a massive tree. It wore nothing but a loincloth. What freaked Dinky the most about it was its face. It had the face of a pony but only had one eye.

"A cyclops," Dinky whispered. She’d only ever heard about them from stories never thinking them to be real until now. Just her luck.

"What the heck is that?!" Thorax said in a blind panic.

"Shh!" Dinky tried to quiet him, but it was too late. The cyclops saw them and grinned thinking them to be an easy meal. "Oh, ponyfeathers! Run!"

Dinky screamed in fear as the monstrosity approached them and ran with everything she had, but it outpaced her at a terrifying rate. It was like for every twenty steps she took, the creature only needed one.

“Thorax, do something!” Dinky cried out ducking under a tree root that the giant smashed with a single step. “Turn yourself into an Ursa Major or something!”

“I can’t turn into something that big!” Thorax replied terror evident in his eyes. “Get on my back!” He turned back into Rainbow Dash and Dinky did as she was told. Thorax took to the air and Dinky was sure that they would get away, but then the Cyclops threw its club at them and clipped one of Thorax’s wings and they both screamed as they plummeted to the ground.

Dinky whined in pain she felt like she was covered with bruises, but otherwise landing in a bush that softened her fall. She was quick to find Thorax who wasn’t in such good shape. He was back in his changeling form and little beaten but the worst part was his wing. It was a mess and there was no way he’d be able to fly with it. She doubted shape changing would fix this.

“Are you okay?” Dinky asked.

"I think so," Thorax replied with a noticeable groan, "I thought you said this place was safe?!"

“Uh, I may have exaggerated a bit about that.” Dinky shrunk at his glare and her ears drooped.

“What, you lied to me?!” Thorax said with outrage. “How could you? I thought you were my friend!”

"I am, I just…" Whatever she was about to say was interrupted by the slamming of the cyclops’s feet and it stomped around looking for them. “We’ll talk about this later.”

"We will," Thorax replied steel in his voice.

“You can not hide, little pony.” A deep voice rumbled. “Me smell you. You will be dinner. Me will grind you into my soup.”

Oh, ponyfeathers. Dinky really had been hoping the tales about cyclopes being cannibalistic pony eaters weren’t true. Just her luck.

“What are we going to do?!” Thorax whispered in a panic as the cyclops stomped their way.

"I'll think of something," Dinky whispered back. Come on, she was a secret agent in training darn it. This sort of thing should be her forte. Bon-Bon would probably karate chop this thing into oblivion.

She looked around something, anything to get them out of this. Nothing but scary looking thick trees was all the eye could see and she doubted they would prove too much an obstacle for the monster. They both screamed as the tree they were hiding under was torn from the ground roots and all.

“There you are, dinner.” The cyclops grinned down at them.

“Hey.” Dinky managed a weak smile. “Say, could you not eat us? We happen to be on an important mission.”

“Care not for pony business.” The cyclops replied. “You dinner.”

Great, and it's single-minded too. Before Dinky could even cry out in surprise, the cyclops used its meaty appendages to scoop up both Dinky and Thorax and held them in an impossible to escape grip. They cried out for help, but nopony came as the cyclops stomped back to its lair. Any attempt to wiggle herself free failed.

The cyclops arrived at a massive cave and dropped them into a large cage made of steel. The cyclops closed the top and locked the hatch making escape impossible. Dinky looked around the cave. It wasn’t much. A bed made of leaves on the side, a giant black pot over a fire, and, much to Dinky’s horror, many bones littered the floor. Most of them were from animals, but she was certain she’d seen pony bones among them.

Not good. Not good. She smelled something cooking in the pot but wasn't sure what exactly she was smelling. It wasn’t cabbage soup, that she was certain. Dinky and Thorax tried to push themselves past the bars, but they were so thin that even a filly like Dinky couldn’t fit.

“Can you turn into a mouse by any chance?” Dinky asked hopefully.

"No," Thorax replied dejectedly, “I can’t do anything like that. I can’t turn into anything smaller than I am.”

“Oh…” Dinky trailed off. She tried again to push herself through the bars, but it was no use. They were just too small. She could fit her body through no problem, but her head was too big to fit through. She kicked them in frustration. How were they to get out this mess? Thorax turned into Big Mac again, but it was no use and his injuries slowed him down. He turned back into Apple Bloom completely dejected.

Dinky got an idea. It was worth a try at least. “Say Mr. Cyclops. Why do you want to eat us? We’re just tiny fillies!”

The cyclops dropped a giant lizard into his pot and began stirring it. Dinky fought back her revulsion and smiled. He turned towards them and smiled back. Dinky really wish he didn't. It contained no warmth and happiness, just cruelty.

“Part of mother’s recipe.” The cyclopes said. “Pony rare. Good even if small.”

“Well, what if I said I knew something so much tastier than us," Dinky replied, "I know where you can get a super tasty animal! I’ll take you to it if you let us go."

“You think me stupid? You will guide me to the middle of nowhere and escape when me distracted.” The cyclops let out an indignant snort. “Ponies always think cyclops easy to trick. Offensive stereotype. Just because me don't speak poetry, you think me dumb and slow-witted!"

"Sorry," Dinky said in a quiet voice. The cyclops harrumphed and went back to his stirring.

“Well, that didn’t work.” Dinky sighed. So much for that plan. What would Bon-Bon do in this situation? She'd probably use her laser watch to cut through the bars and escape. Dinky didn't have a laser watch or any other cool gadgets, so they were sunk. She’d have to use her brain to get out this mess. But, what could she do? She had nothing but… Dinky had it.

“Say Mr. Cyclops!” Dinky shouted and waved her hoof through the bars.

“What, now?” The cyclops said annoyed.

“Since we are going to anyway, I thought why not make us taste good as well?” Dinky said. “Do you like, apples?”

“Apples good.” The cyclops nodded. “Farmers always scare me off when I try to steal them.”`

“I just happen to have one!” Dinky pulled out the apple out of her pack and presenting through the bars. "Here it's yours!"

The cyclops moved to take it but stopped in thought. Dinky remained emotionless, but her heart raced so fast it hurt. If the cyclops thought this was a trick, they were done for. The cyclops shook his head thinking it was very unlikely Dinky was up to something. It was only an apple after all. He took it from Dinky's hooves and sniffed it. Liking what he smelled, he smiled and dropped it in the cauldron. Dinky prayed to Luna this would work.

The cyclops dumped very more ingredients in the pot and stirred it until he was satisfied. He took an experimental sip of the concoction and his entire body froze and his eye when blank and dull.

“Apples.” The cyclops muttered. “Need more apples.” He slowly stomped out of his lair and Dinky cried out in triumph. Sure, they lost their poisoned apple sample for Zecora, but they still lived and that was all that mattered.

“That was way too close!” Thorax let out a breath of relief. “Uh, so how are we getting out of here exactly?”

Dinky ran at full speed at the bars, only to recoil in pain as they didn’t even give in an inch. “Uh, not sure. We’ll think of something.” She pushed herself through the bars again. Darn it, if only her head was a few inches smaller.

“Here, let me help.” Thorax turned back into Big Mac and pushed one of the bars away as Dinky tried to push herself through.

It took about an hour, but the bar eventually gave way to Big Mac’s strength and the Dinky finally got her head through. Thorax turned into Dinky and they were exhausted by the time they got out of the cave.

“Finally, that nonsense is done!” Dinky proclaimed.

“What do we do now?” Thorax asked back in Apple Bloom’s form again. “We don’t have the poisoned apple!”

"Ah, but we do have the stew that has it in it," Dinky said pointing towards the massive pot, "that will have to do. Help me find something to put it in.”

After some searching, they found a jar that suited their needs. Unfortunately, it was huge like everything else and Thorax was forced to turn back into Big Mac to carry the load.

"This wasn't what I was expecting when I woke up this morning," Thorax said as he struggled to jar on his back. Even though he had the muscles and size of the stallion, he didn't quite have Big Mac's tremendous strength. Maybe because he wasn't an earth pony? The injury to his wings also added another burden he didn’t need.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be at Zecora’s soon enough," Dinky said looking into the terrifying forest in front of them, "as soon as I find where it is…" How the hey were they to find Zecora’s hut? She didn’t have a clue where they were. Worse, it was only a few more hours until dark. They didn’t have time for this! Her mom was in danger!

“It’s hopeless.” Thorax looked down defeated.

"There's always hope," Dinky said with determination and steel. Trixie wouldn't give up and neither would she. Trixie would throw herself into this dangerous forest headfirst and laugh. Sometimes, Dinky wondered if the Ranger was right in the head. Suicidal tendencies aside, Trixie had the right idea to always keep going.

They wandered randomly through the forest trying to find something, anything that was recognizable. They jumped at every sound and creek terrified that another horrible monster would jump out and try to eat them. If they could find a way out of the forest, they could walk around back to Fluttershy’s house and get back to the right path to Zecora’s. The forest seemed endless though impenetrable and wrong. No matter how far they went, there was just more forest going on for an eternity. She knew this was impossible, but that was little comfort. Dinky just wanted to go back home to her mom where she was safe and the world made sense. Even with Thorax, she felt helpless and alone.

“I can’t go on anymore.” Thorax put the jar on the ground exhausted panting for breath.

"Well rest then," Dinky said sitting on the ground just as tired, her little legs aching.

“Just, give me five minutes and I'll be ready to go," Thorax said and Dinky nodded.

“Hello?” A voice said from deeper in the forest causing them both to jump. “Is somepony there?” It was feminine with a rich silky voice. Dinky and Thorax looked at each other with concern.

“Should we call out?” Thorax asked. “It might be Zecora!”

"No, that isn't her," Dinky replied. The mare didn't rhyme for one. “But, it might be our only shot of getting out of this mess."

“But, what if it’s a trap?!” Thorax said concern and fear in his voice.

Dinky sighed. "We will just have to risk it. Get ready to run at any time. Leave the jar if you have to."

“Over here!” Dinky yelled towards the voice.

There was a rattling of branches and leaves and a mare appeared from the trees. She was an earth pony with a brownish yellow coat and a white mane striped with black, her eyes were bright yellow. She looked at them with genuine concern on her face. Her cutie mark was spider’s web.

“A filly? What are you doing here?” The mare said with shock and she glared at Thorax who was still wearing Big Mac’s face. “How could you let a little filly wander into the Everfree? What kind of stallion are you?"

"Well, uh," Thorax muttered chastised by the mare's scathing words.

“Nevermind.” The mare said. “We need to get out of here, right now. You almost walked into cockatrice territory. We’ll all be statues if we don’t get out here.”

"C-cockatrice?" Dinky shuttered. When she squinted into the forest she saw a pony-shaped statue between the trees. Dear Luna that was close.

“What’s that?” Thorax asked confused. He shrunk when the mare glared at him again.

"Danger." She walked in the opposite direction and they joined her glad they nearly avoided certain doom.

"I'm Dinky," Dinky said when they were a long way away from the Cockatrice's lair, "thanks for saving us."

“I’m, uh, Big Mac!” Thorax said.

“It was my pleasure Dinky. I’m Banana Peel.” The mare replied giving Dinky a genuine smile. She could tell this mare loved foals. “What are you doing here in the forest? I hope it’s for a good reason.”

“Oh, we’re here to see Zecora," Dinky replied, "It's a bit of a long story, but it's for a good reason. I promise!"

Banana Peel eyed the jar on Thorax’s back with some curiosity. “I see. Well, that’s not an issue. We happen to be friends. No many people live in the Everfree after all. We’re basically neighbors.”

“That’s great!” Finally, something was going her way.

"Please tell me it's not far," Thorax whined. His legs were shaking and it was clear he won't be able to go on much longer.

"Not far, not far." Banana Peel replied. "Follow me. Stay close, okay. This place has more dangers than a pony can count." She made sure to stay close to Dinky. It made Dinky feel a little embarrassed, but it was nice after all the mortal peril.

There was something about the way Banana Peel looked at her friend that bothered her. There was irritation there, but also a hunger maybe? Well, Big Mac was a handsome stallion. He was big, strong, full of rippling muscles, and was the kindest pony you'd ever meet. He'd make any mare go crazy. Dinky wondered what would be the best way to break to the poor love stuck mare that this wasn't the real Big Mac.

“Are you sure this is the right way?” Thorax asked. They were going deeper into the forest and the setting sun cloaked everything in shadow. It made every little sound even more terrifying.

"Trust me!" Banana Peel said. "I know the Everfree like the back of my hoof!”

“Phew, that’s a relief.” Thorax wiped his sweating brow with a hoof. Still, he eyed the trees nervously. It seemed for every step, the forest became darker until blackness surrounded them. Dinky could barely see anything.

“Follow my voice.” Banana Peel yelled out in front of them. “Everything will be fine!”

“S-sure.” Did Dinky just see cobwebs in the trees? Yes, she did and larger than a pony too. Dinky didn't want to imagine what kind of spider could spin those things. She didn’t like the sight of them one bit.

“Uh, maybe we should go back!” Dinky said freaked out. It was so dark that she feared every step would cause her to lose her step.

“Just a little further!” Banana Peel said and Dinky had no clue where it was going from.

“This isn’t funny!” Dinky said desperate to find anypony.

“Help me!” Thorax cried out in the darkness. “What are you doing?!”

“Thorax!” Dinky ran around in a blind panic.

“This way, little one.” Banana Peel said. “Don’t worry, no harm will come for you.”

“No!” Dinky cried out. “You’re a monster, aren’t you?! You plan on eating me! Thorax, don’t worry, I’ll save you! Call out and I’ll find you!”

“Dinky help!” Thorax said panic in his voice. “I can’t move! I’m stuck on something!”

“Thorax!” Dinky looked up and squinted through the gloom and gasped. Her friend was caught up in the web, wrapped up in spider silk and stuck on a giant web. The creature crouched over him made her blood turn cold. It was Banana Peel only she was different. Her body was still pony-like but she had eight hooves with a bulging fat body under her torso and her face had more eyes than she could count with sharp dripping fangs protruding from her mouth.

"Hello, welcome to my parlor, etc.etc.” Banana Peel said grinning down at her.

Chapter 9

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 9
by Rixizu

“Help me!” Thorax trashed around in his bonds. “I don’t want to die!” Despite his efforts, it did little to free him.

Banana Peel shook her head in disappointment. “Face your death like a stallion. Disgraceful. Don’t you agree little one?”

Well, I suppose she might have a point on that one. Dinky shook her head. What was she thinking?! The monster would eat Thorax if she didn’t do anything.

“Please don’t hurt him!” Dinky pleaded. “He’s my friend!”

“Yes, I don’t think I’ll taste all that good!” Thorax added. His voice became inaudible when his captor wrapped web around his face.

“Hush you.” Banana Peel turned towards Dinky with an affable smile on her face. “I’m sorry little one, but it’s the way of things. Do not worry, I promise no harm will come to you. I will help you find your way to Zecora’s as I said.”

Dinky opened her mouth to argue for her friend further, only to stop when the spider pony’s words fully hit her. She blinked. “You will? But I thought you wanted to eat me too?”

She isn’t just scaring me for fun?

“Of course not!” Banana Peel smiled down at her. “Why would I want to hurt a cute little thing like you?”

“Uh, thanks,” Dinky replied lost for words.

For a pony eating spiderpony thing, she sure is nice! No, focus! You need to save Thorax!

“You can’t eat Thorax!” Dinky stomped her hoof. “He’s not even a pony! Show her!”

Thorax caught on to her meaning and transformed into several other ponies before transforming into his changeling form. Instead of being horrified or even confused, Banana Peel looked delighted.

“A changeling!” The spiderpony brightened. “How wonderful!”

“What do you mean?” Dinky asked.

“I haven’t had one in years!” Banana Peel clapped her hooves together in delight. “Their blood is even tastier than a pony’s!” Thorax’s eyes widened in growing horror.

Oh, that’s not good! What was she to do now? She’d thought that because they were both bug ponies, that they might be instant friends. Wait, were spiders bugs? Whatever, it didn’t matter at the moment.

“Do you like apples?” Dinky gave her best-winning smile. “We have some delicious apple stew!” She pointed at the jam jar on the ground a few hooves away from her.

Banana Peel gave her a blank stare to it point it made Dinky uncomfortable. “Why would I eat that? It looks gross. Besides, I don’t even eat apples. And weren’t you taking it Zecora’s for some mission? I doubt it was for a social call.”The spiderpony made an amused smile. “What is it, poisoned?”

Dinky’s spirits dropped. So much for that idea. What was she thinking? Of course, that wouldn’t work. She slumped against a tree and her vision blurred from unshed tears. Thorax, her new best friend, was about to die and she was helpless to stop it. Worse, her stupid lies got him in this mess. No doubt he would die hating her. She felt like such a monster. All because she wanted to play a hero. What a joke.

“Hey now, don’t cry.” Banana Peel lowered herself towards Dinky a sympathetic look on her face. She extended a comforting hoof, but Dinky only batted it away from her.

“Leave me alone, you monster!” Dinky cried out in fury. She needed to do something to save Thorax, but how? Banana Peel was so much stronger than her. It was impossible for her to defeat this creature on her own. If only she wasn’t so small and knew more about magic, then she would send the spiderpony packing just like Twilight! She needed help! A light shined in her mind as an idea formed. She knew how to save her friend. She needed Zecora’s help.

Dinky turned towards the woods and ran. Banana Peel let out a cry of warning, but Dinky ignored her running as fast as her little legs could carry her. She screamed in surprise after tripping over a branch and rolled on the ground before crashing into a tree. She winced in pain and got back to her hooves.

Dinky looked around in fear realizing she had no idea where she was or where she was going, but ignored it and pushed on. She needed to find Zecora’s hut and together they might rescue Thorax and defeat that monstrous spiderpony before she got the chance to eat him. This was her best bet.

She peered into the darkness and walked cautiously watching for danger. The stars lit the sky, but they provided so little illumination she might as well be traversing through pure blackness. No matter, she’d get through this somehow.

A blinding pain hit her nose as she bumped into something and knocked her off her hooves. Whatever she hit let out a cry of surprise.

“I’m sorry,” Dinky said, but a wave of apprehension hit her. This was the Everfree. Whatever it was, she doubted it was good. “I need to get going.” Terror hit her as thing clucked angrily at her. She knew what she’d bumped into and the sight of a white figure with a lizard’s tail confirmed her suspicions. Dinky closed her eyes as hard as possible and ran with everything she had. Sounds of pursuit followed her. The cockatrice wouldn’t give up on her easily and it clucked at her in anger and hatred.

Her nose exploded in pain as she ran right into a tree, but Dinky ignored it and kept running. It was no use and forcing Dinky to open her eyes for even in the forest’s darkness; it was still better than running blind. She didn’t dare look back, though it sounded like the angry chicken lizard thing was gaining on her. Dinky was tired from all the day‘s excitement.

Oh, ponyfeathers! The cockatrice jumped into the air and landed right in front of her almost causing another collision. Dinky turned around to run again, but tripped over a branch and landed on her face causing a nasty cut on her forehead that dripped blood.

The cockatrice approached looming over her and Dinky closed her ears praying the thing would just leave her alone. The clucked at her demanding she open her eyes. It gave her peck so hard that Dinky accidentally opened her eyes and she looked the cockatrice right in the eyes.

“No!” Dinky cried out in horror as her body stiffened. She looked down in horror as her hooves solidified into stone. She only had moments until she was a statue forever.

Mom, Thorax, Trixie, Bon-Bon. I’m sorry. Those were her last thoughts before everything went black.

“Don’t worry Dinky! I’m here!” Somepony said, but Dinky was already solid stone by the time it hit her ears.

“What the hay?” Dinky groaned. Her head spun and the whole world was a blur. She had no idea where she was or what happened. Her mind was fuzzy, and it was hard to focus.

“You’re okay!” Thorax said and hugged her so fast that Dinky almost threw up from the unexpected motion. To her surprise, he was in his normal form and his injured wing was in a sling. “I thought you were a goner!”

“The quickness of which you were brought here was a wise manner.” A deep melodic voice said. “Petrifaction is no laughing matter.”

“Zecora!” Dinky said recognizing the voice.

“Wait, Thorax!” Dinky said realizing just who was hugging her and hugged him back with everything she had and tears gathered around her eyes from happiness. “I thought you were spider food!”

“Um, well.” Thorax dragged his hoof on the floor of Zecora’s hut. He pointed at a familiar earth pony and Dinky screamed in fright.

“You!” Dinky pointed at Banana Peel, who was in her pony form. “Watch out, she’s a monster! She’s a spiderpony is disguise!”

Banana Peel snorted in offense. “That’s some way to treat the pony that saved you.”

“What?” Dinky blinked confused.

“When you ran off, she raced after you,” Thorax explained, “she fought off the cockatrice with her webs and rescued you. She brought both of us here to Zecora’s to unpetrify you.”

“Her rapid pounding on my door at this hour gave me such a fright,” Zecora said nodding, “but I knew it important for no one visits me at this time of night.”

“And I brought the jar full of mind control apple soup too.” Banana Peel added. From Zecora’s apprehension, he could tell that the zebra didn’t enjoy having the Banana Peel in her house.

“Really?” Dinky asked surprised.

“Well, I couldn’t just leave you alone out in the Everfree and I just had to help you after Thorax explained what was going on.” Banana Peel said.

“Thank you.” Her words filled Dinky with emotion. Both happiness and shame filled her. She’d judged Banana Peel too harshly.

“It was my pleasure. You’re a sweet foal. Very brave.” Banana Peel grinned down at her. “Besides, Thorax is a runt. If the town is overrun with changelings, then there’s no doubt bigger, more juicer changelings out there for me to eat. My mouth waters just thinking about it.”

“I see.” Dinky and Thorax shifted uncomfortably.

“Getting back to the task at hoof,” Zecora said giving Banana Peel a scathing glare, “in the matter of saving Ponyville we mustn’t stay aloof.”

“Right!” Dinky said. “Have you made a cure? Is there a cure? Can we stop the changelings?”

Zecora chuckled. “I have not been idle while you were made of stone.” She scooped a strange green liquid from her cauldron with a ladle and poured it into a glass bottle. It smelled strangely of carrots. “Already, I have found an antidote for the changeling plight, little one”

“Perfect!” Dinky said then scrunched up her nose. “How will we get the entire town of Ponyville to drink this?”

“Drinking is not the only way to be cured,” Zecora said, “a mere touch will also do the job and of that, you can be assured.”

“What, like making it rain on them?” Dinky asked.

“Great idea!” Thorax brightened.

“How will we do that exactly?” Why couldn’t she be born a pegasus like her mother? It would make her life so much easier especially with her stupid short legs. Cloudsdale was like a million miles away and almost everypony was applewashed.

“Cure a pegasi, and our job is almost done,” Zecora said, "do that and the day is sure to be won.”

“Hey, that could work,” Dinky replied breaking out into a grin. With Thorax and Banana Peel, this plan might just work. They needed to find a lone pegasus and capture them. Cure them with the potion and they can make it rain the antidote!

“It won’t be easy,” Dinky said, “I doubt the changeling will let a pegasi push storm clouds around unopposed.”

“Oh shoot, you’re right.” Thorax’s body dropped.

Banana Peel made an evil grin. “We’ll just create a distraction. I have a few ideas.”

Dinky despaired as she peeked through a bush at Ponyville. Banana Peel and Thorax crowded behind her. Zecora opted to stay behind to make more antidote and was their backup plan if something went wrong and report to Canterlot. They all agreed it would be too dangerous if they all traveled together. Everypony in town had the apple possessed vacant stare on their face while other ponies, clearly changelings in disguise, watched over them. The town was completely under the changeling’s control. Her heart ached and she wondered what happened to Rarity. Did she escape or was she brought under hoof as well?

Pull yourself together Dinky. Secret agent in training, remember? All we need is a weather pony, and we‘re all saved.

“Find anypony that can help us?” Thorax whispered nervously. This time we wore the face of a generic Pegasus colt with a wing in a sling. He looked better that way. It was always a little disconcerting how much he used Apple Bloom’s face.

“Lot a ponies.” Banana Peel said. “What do you think Dinky?”

Dinky scanned the crowd and found a few pegasi, but none that would suit their needs. She’d rather use a weather pony they’d have a better idea of how to execute their plan.

“Found one!” Dinky pointed at Flitter who was walking through the town in an aimless apple-induced haze. She wasn’t the most reliable of the weather crew, but she would do. The troubling part was getting past all the changelings unchallenged. Dinky had a great plan for this and snuck into another bush next to the mare’s position.

“Hey!” Dinky whispered. It got Flitter’s attention, but she only stared vacantly at her. It turned to one of excitement when she pulled out an apple.

“Apple!” Much to Dinky’s horror Flitter cried this out loud and everypony stared at her, including some changelings.

Dinky cursed. What the hay?! She’d only meant for the apple to draw Flitter into the alley! She ran for it as the whole crowd of ponies ran after her.

“Apple!” The crowd of ponies cried out so loudly that it hurt Dinky’s ears.

“That filly hasn’t been changed yet, get her!” One of the changelings disguised as a pony said and she too gave chase.

Terror traveled down Dinky’s spine as the changelings brought out apple pies! One hit and she’d be doomed for certain! She screamed in fright as one almost smacked her in the back of the head. In retaliation, she tossed the apple she was holding at a changeling’s head as a distraction to get away, but her throw was bad and crashed through a nearby window instead making Dinky wince. Wasn’t that Miss Trixie’s house? The crowd of ponies dove after it. Nothing stood between her and the changelings.

More changelings appeared on roofs and they too had apple based pastries and lobbed them down at her. Dinky cried out as an apple meringue pie almost got her in the face. She jumped over some apple tarts and dodge rolled around some apple crisp. Changelings disguised as pegasi flew above her dive-bombed her with bottles of apple juice. She recoiled as one almost splashed her hooves. She ran into a nearby door and locked it behind her. The changeling slammed into the door and the door’s hinges cracked. She ran out of the back way.

“Over there!” A pegasus said pointing at her and Dinky ran for the safety of an alleyway. She stopped when three more changelings flew down and dropped in front of her and wielded their apple pies menacingly.

“It’s over, little filly.” The changeling said and several more changelings surrounded her. They had her trapped.

“Aim!” The changelings all readied their apple-based weapons and Dinky closed her eyes ready for the worst.

“Fire!”

“Not if I can help it darling!” A voice said. Dinky opened her eyes and stared in shock as Rarity stood over her taking the brunt of the attacks. Anything else she used her magic to stop not even a drop getting on Dinky.

“Rarity!” Dinky cried out in terror horrified that the mare had sacrificed herself for her.

Rarity winked at her. “Get out of here, darling!” The fashionista’s eyes glazed over. She refused to give and threw the pastries back into the changeling‘s faces.

“Run.” Rarity said in a slurred voice. “Apples must have apples.” She licked at the pie on her legs with her tongue.

Rarity, I won’t forget this!

Chapter 10

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 10
by Rixizu

“Leave me alone already!” Dinky cried out as she ducked under an apple pie.

“You aren’t escaping us!” A changeling yelled behind her. Dinky ran under a bench, but it did little to slow her pursuer down.

Banana Peel, Thorax, please do something! I can’t keep this up forever. Dinky brightened as she spotted a doggie door in somepony’s back door and dove into it. She looked around for something to block the door and pushed a dining table chair in front of it. She knew that this wouldn’t stop her pursuers long and bolted through the house.

A black and chestnut colored fox terrier looked at her in surprise as she ran into the living room. His tag named him as Philip. The dog barked at her and ran around in a circle in front of a unicorn named Sea Swirl. He gave her sad eyes begging her to do something about his hypnotized owner. He licked Sea Swirl’s face to no avail and whimpered.

Dinky trotted over the poor thing and gave Philip a nice pat on the head. She felt bad for him. No one should see somepony they love like this. Dinky was grateful she hadn’t run into her mother yet. It would break her heart. She laughed when the terrier licked her on the snout. Philip froze and growled as three changelings entered the living room.

“Enough running!” The front changeling said panting. “You’ve caused us enough problems.” The terrier barked at the intruders and stood protectively in front on Dinky. The changeling gave him no notice at all.

Oh, no. What should I do? I’m cornered and I can’t let this poor little guy get hurt protecting me. She looked around and the front door was several feet away from her. She let out some words her mother didn’t know she knew, she’d never make it in time. The window was an option, but only a crazy pony would try that. Why did I let myself get distracted? How could our plan go so wrong?

Philip barked louder as they approached and Dinky took an involuntary step back. She thanked Celestia they had no apple related weapons in their hooves, but it was a small comfort. They outnumbered her and it would be a simple thing for them to overpower a small filly. One changeling extended a hoof to grab her but screamed in pain when the tiny yet brave terrier bit at her.

“Ow!” The changeling winced in pain. “Stupid dog!” The other changeling looked amused at her plight as the terrier bit at her again.

“Having trouble?” One changeling said.

“Shut up!” The lead changeling replied growling back. “Out of my way mutt!”

The lead changeling tried to grab the little dog by the collar, but he was ready for it and ducked under it with little difficulty. The changeling yelped when the terrier bit her in the back leg and she crashed into an end table knocking it over and landed painfully on it. She groaned and dove to grab the dog with both hooves only to crash into another changeling by mistake.

“Hey, watch it!” The changeling that got hit growled. The other two changelings broke out into laughter.

“Really? You can’t even take out a small dog.” A changeling wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Shut up!” The lead changeling said standing up. “I’m a scary changeling! An elite commando!”

“Sure.” The other changeling broke into laughter.

Dinky watched this amused. It reminded her that all changelings weren’t monster and were not unlike ponies, just like Thorax. It was the wicked queen that made them this way. A bark caught Dinky’s attention over the arguing, laughter, and jeering. Philip stood in front of the front door and ran in a little circle before pawing at the door.

Oh, right. I should escape while they are distracted. She dashed before the door.

“Hey, she’s trying to escape!” A changeling said pointing at her, but it was too late and Dinky tore open the door, gave the terrier a smile, and ran outside closing the door behind her.

“Get back here!” A changeling yelled. “Ow, stupid dog, get out of the way. Ow!” There was the sound of fighting and crashing.

“Get back here mutt!” More sounds of crashing. Dinky worried for Philip’s safety, but it sounded like the little guy would be okay. It didn’t look like the changelings were actually trying to hurt him and wanted to only lock him into a closet or something.

After ten more minutes of running around, she finally found a safe place to hide and nopony knew where she was. She had in the damp alley in between two apartment buildings. Dinky sat against a trash can to get her breath back glad she was out of danger of applezombification for the moment.

Now, what am I going to do? Dinky had long lost her friends and finding them would be difficult. She couldn’t continue on with their mission and a find a pegasi because Thorax had the cure. What a mess.

“Don’t worry Dinky; I’m coming to save you!” A voice said and Dinky peered out of the alley. Her mouth dropped as Banana Peel walking into town in her true form followed by an army of spiders. Most were the common variety, but some were almost as big as a colt.

“What the heck?!” A changeling cried out in fear and horror. “A spiderpony?!” The sight of Banana Peel brought absolute terror to the changeling’s hearts.

“Get them!” Banana Peel pointed at the changelings and the spiders charged.

The spiders ignored the apple possessed ponies and went for the changelings. The changelings tried to fight back with apple based products, but they had no power over the little guys and they jumped on the changelings biting them or wrapping them in webbing. It was horrifying to see somepony engulfed by spiders. Nopony paid her much notice, they were all too occupied fighting off the arachnids.

First bested by a small dog and now spiders. The changelings are not having a good day.

“Banana Peel!” Dinky walked up next to the mare.

“Dinky!” Banana Peel engulfed her in a multi-legged hug. “I’m glad you’re safe!”

“What is this?” Dinky gestured to the army of spiders. She winced when a changeling screamed when he was dragged into an alley by thousands of webs.

“I meant it to be my distraction, but after the changelings attacked you, I decided to use them right now.” Banana Peel replied. “My friends are going to fest nicely tonight, but I fear they might overeat. I really need to figure out a good workout plan for them. I can’t have them grow fat and lazy after all.”

“No, that’s horrible,” Dinky said cringing at what the spiderpony was planning, “we can’t do that!”

“Come on, it would only be five or six changelings.” Banana Peel pleaded. “Nopony would miss them.”

“No, no, no.” Dinky stomped her hoof. They might be bad guys, but this was too much. She hated the look of fear in the captured changelings’ eyes. They didn’t deserve this. Nothing did.

“They’re hungry and so am I!” Banana Peel said not giving up the point.

Dinky continued to glare at Banana Peel and gave the older mare the look her mom gave her with she was angry and disappointed with her daughter.

The spiderpony caved in and sighed with regret. “Fine. We’ll do this your way. It would spoil them anyway.”

I can’t believe that actually worked!

“Sorry, but the changelings are off limits.” Banana Peel yelled to her army. “Store them somewhere and come with me.”

The spiders all sagged disappointed and put away the forks and knives they’d been holding in their little legs. They dragged the captured changelings towards a nearby wall and stuck them there. Dinky sighed in relief. That was too close.

“Let’s find that pegasi before any reinforcements arrive.” Banana Peel said.

“Will this help?” Thorax said dragging somepony with him. “I don’t know if they’re a weather pony, but she should work just fine, right?”

“Raindrops!” Despite Raindrops being applewashed, Dinky gave the Hercules Ranger a hug. “She’ll work just fine.” Now they can learn what happened to the other Rangers.

“Ugh, what happened?” Raindrop said groaning after they splashed the antidote in her face. She shook her head confused.

“You’re all right Raindrop!” Dinky said.

“Dinky?” Raindrops looked around taking the chaotic scene around them in. “What the heck is going on?” She pulled out her morpher at the sign of Banana Peel and her army of spiders.

“Woah!” Dinky grabbed at Raindrops’s hoof before she could use her morpher. “They’re friends and good guys. Kinda. They helped me rescue you.”

“Did they?” Raindrops didn’t take her eyes away from the spiderpony. “What is going on?”

“I was hoping you would tell us,” Dinky replied, “the last time I saw you, you and the other Rangers went off to fight the changeling queen. Then everypony got possessed by evil apples and the changelings took over the town.”

Raindrops said nothing for a long moment gathering her thoughts. “I’m not sure. One minute we were confronting the fake Applejack, and then she pulled out a strange whistle than everything went black.”

“Ah, that must be what the queen used to activate the curse.” Banana Peel said. “You pushed her plans earlier than she wanted to. That allowed the little squirt here to avoid eating any of the poisoned apples and save the day.”

“You saved the day?” Raindrops replied in astonishment.

“Well, I had help.” Dinky blushed. “I rather not talk about it. Now we need to use Zecora’s antidote to save everypony else.”

Raindrops nodded when she heard the zebra’s name understanding lighting her eyes. “What do we need to do?”

It turned out that their plan required a little more help than they thought. Raindrops alone won’t be enough to cover the whole of Ponyville with enough clouds. This also didn’t count the other towns affected by the poisoned apples, but they would worry about them later. Freeing Ponyville and the other Galaxy Rangers was their priority. They decided that Raindrops should go to Cloudsdale and recruit the entire weather bureau. She took a bottle of antidote to cure any applewashed ponies. They didn’t know how far the changelings had spread their poisoned apples. They doubted there would be any changelings in Cloudsdale to stop her since Thorax confirmed that changelings can’t cloudwalk. It was interesting how they had the power to copy ponies, but not any of their magic.

All they needed to do now and wait for Raindrops to get to Cloudsdale. Unfortunately, Raindrops wasn’t a quick flier so it would take her a few hours. They wanted to use Rainbow Dash, but the weather captain was missing, as usual. This left Dinky and Thorax nothing to do. They hid in Fluttershy’s house on the outskirts of Ponyville while Banana Peel used hit-and-run attacks with her army of spiders to distract the changelings. The last thing they wanted was for them to catch on to their plan. It would also chip away at the changeling's numbers. Fluttershy served them ice cream while they waited.

“Oh dear, that was mighty brave of you,” Fluttershy said putting a scope of chocolate ice cream in a small bowl for Dinky. They’d freed her from the changeling's control before Raindrops left for her mission.

“Thanks,” Dinky replied enjoying the nice cool sweet snack on her tongue. Dear Luna, she needed this. She enjoyed the look on Thorax’s face when he tried ice cream for the first time. She never seen anyp-one so delighted in her life. They didn’t have ice cream in the changeling hive. It showed how much a monster the queen was.

“I’m just worried how my mom will react.”

Now she had time to think and relax. It hit how badly her mom will react to Dinky’s adventures in the last few days. Dear Luna, her mom would have a heart attack. Would she even be able to leave the house again? Her life might be ruined despite the fact she saved the day. She kicked at the next chair frustrated. Her mom wouldn’t understand. All she cared about was caging her daughter from the world. She would only be a foal that needed protection forever.

“I bet my mom will force me to wear a leash so I don’t accidentally stub a hoof,” Dinky said scowling.

The mood in the house turned awkward from Dinky’s sour mood. Even the ice cream lost its luster. Nopony said anything not sure what to say.

“Look, um, Dinky.” Fluttershy put a comforting hoof over Dinky’s shoulder. “I know your mom can be a little protective, but she only wants what’s best for you.”

“Yeah!” Thorax added. “You have the best mom ever!”

“I know what it is like to have parents that are protective,” Fluttershy said, “my dad was also so stern with me, but deep down he loved me more than anything. I think you need to be honest with your mom and tell her how much she’s smothering you. I don’t think she’s doing it on purpose.”

“I guess.” Dinky sighed. The doorbell rang surprising everypony. Dinky and Thorax exchanged glances.

“Oh, who’s that at the door?” She left them to answer the door. What a minute, who could possibly be the door? Everypony in town was under changeling control. It had to be a trap! Dinky cried out for Fluttershy to stop, but she was already at the door.

“Uh, hi Applejack. Nice seeing you here, did you get cured too?” That name turned Dinky’s blood ice cold.

“Yes, it sure has been a trying day.” Applejack said, and she stared right at Thorax.

Oh, ponyfeathers! It’s her!

“Found you, little traitor.” She spat green gunk at Fluttershy and it trapped her again the wall.

“Oh, dear!” Fluttershy said struggling against her bonds.

“You have something planned, don’t you?” Applejack said and Dinky and Thorax backed away in fear. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be waiting around like this.”

“How did you find us?” Dinky stuttered as she said this.

Applejack smirked. “You were the only house in Ponyville that turned their lights on.”

Dinky and Thorax glared daggers at Fluttershy.

“Sorry,” Fluttershy said her voice squeaking.

“You will tell me what you are up to, or I’ll make your deaths agony.” Applejack’s smile was cruel. “You will still die, but you get to decide how painful it will be.”

Chapter 11

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 11
by Rixizu

“Queen Chrysalis!” Thorax backed away in terror.

“Little traitor, I gave you one simple job, pretend to be a filly for a few weeks. What do you do? You reveal our presence to the ponies and almost ruin our plans!” spit flew from the creature pretending to be Applejack’s mouth. “I knew not eviscerating you the moment after you hatched was a mistake! You’ve always been nothing a disappointment!”

“Hey now!” Dinky said horrified. Dear Luna, how could anyone say such things to her child?

“Please, do anything you want to me!” Thorax bent on his knees. “Just don’t hurt Dinky!”

“You care about this one, do you?” Chrysalis gave Dinky an appraising look. “All the more reason to make her suffer!”

Dinky turned white. What the hay was she to do now? They couldn’t stop Chrysalis by themselves. Dinky’s eyes darted for something that might help her. The only thing near her was the ice cream they were eating.

“Please, um, can’t we talk about this?” Fluttershy said, still stuck to a wall. “If we all sit down and chat, maybe we can work out our differences!”

“Shut up!” Applejack spat green goo into Fluttershy’s face to prevent her from talking.

Dinky realized this was her chance. She grabbed her bowl of ice cream and hurled into Applejack’s face as she turned back to them. The queen whinnied in surprise.

“Quick, run!” Dinky grabbed Thorax by the hoof.

“What, but!” Thorax replied in protest. The thought of going against his queen terrified him to the core.

“Little brat!” Chrysalis rubbed the ice cream from her eye. “You’ll pay for this!”

“Run, now!” Dinky said tugging at her friend’s hoof harder. He got the message, and they darted out the front door that Applejack had left open.

“You’re not getting away!” In a flash,Chrysalis changed revealing her true form. She looked like a twisted version of an alicorn, all black with green stringy hair and a bent horn. Unlike Celestia or Luna, she had no kindness in her eyes, only cruelty and arrogant superiority. Her horn lit up and Dinky found herself stuck unable to move. She tried to twist and turn out of it pushing with everything she had but it was no use, like trying to get out of solid concrete.

“Get away!” She pleaded to Thorax. She was unable to do anything, but she could at least stop Chrysalis from hurting her friend.

“Dinky!” Thorax looked at her, terrified beyond words.

“Stay right there,” Chrysalis demanded, “I’ll deal with you in due time, little traitor. Don’t bother trying to escape. You are powerless to defy me!”

“No, don’t listen to her,” Dinky’s voice was oddly calm, “you’re free. You don’t have to do what she says any longer.”

Thorax looked conflicted not sure if he should fight or run. He didn’t want to abandon her.

Dinky winced in pain as the queen tightened her telekinetic grab. “No more out of you. If you try to escape, I’ll hurt your little friend. I can be very imaginative.” She used the word “friend” in a mocking tone.

“O-okay.” Thorax shrank defeated. Tears gathered at Dinky’s eyes. No, this wasn’t meant to happen! They were meant to save the day and everypony would be happy.

“Good.” Chrysalis chuckled pleased with herself. “Tell me, what were you up to?”

“Raindrops flew off to Cloudsdale so the pegasi could rain a cure down on everypony,” Thorax said, each word causing him visible pain.

“Ha! And I bet there’s no way you can stop her before it’s too late!” Dinky said gaining some bravado back.

Chrysalis cursed and paced. “This is worse than I thought. How did you get a cure?! It should have been impossible with your pathetic pony magic!”

“We know a very smart zebra!” Dinky said, a little smug.

“Insolent brat!” The queen threw her against a wall, Dinky reeled from the pain. Making a hacking sound she vomited a stream of green gunk over Dinky trapping her in the same way as Fluttershy. Any attempt to wiggle out of it proved impossible. Thorax rushed to her aid, but Chrysalis stuck him to the wall as well.

“I must get to Cloudsdale right away,” Chrysalis said, “if any of those pathetic ponies get free, my glorious plan is ruined. Even the pegasi ponies banding together would be disastrous! Cornicle! Amygdala!”

Two undisguised changelings walked into Fluttershy’s house. One spoke in a growling scary voice. “Yes, my queen?”

“Cornicle, watch these two.” Chrysalis gave her captives a cruel smile that made Dinky’s blood turn cold. “I don’t have time to deal with you but don’t worry; the cruel and unusual torment will come soon enough!”

“Yes, my queen!” Cornicle replied with a salute.

“Amygdala, I want you to call my elite guard,” Chrysalis said, “we’re going to Cloudsdale after a rogue Ranger and one of those damn ponies is hard enough to deal with as it is.”

“Yes, my queen!” Amygdala replied.

“But what about the spiderpony?” Cornicle asked anxiously.

“What about her?” Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “She doesn’t matter! She’s only a distraction! If that Ranger gets to Cloudsdale, we lose everything! I can deal with the spiderpony later. Keep her busy and guard over the ponies. Oh and watch out for any zebras.”

“Yes, my queen!” Amygdala glared at Cornicle for daring to question his queen and he shrunk, cowed by the rebuke. Chrysalis departed, leaving the three of them with the lone changeling guard.

Dinky struggled against her bonds. She knew that she couldn’t do anything to help Raindrops, but at least she could help Zecora. Besides, this was the perfect opportunity to locate the other Rangers. She imagined Chrysalis’s face when she returned, only to find five other Rangers to greet her. Struggle as she might, it was impossible to get out of the icky green substance. It didn’t smell much better either.

“Thorax, uh, any hints on getting free from this stuff?” Dinky asked.

“You can’t. It can only be broken up with changeling magic, and I doubt this guy let me do that on his watch.” Thorax replied downcast.

“Quiet you!” Cornicle said. “No more of your traitorous words, traitor! You’ve betrayed us enough, traitor! You’re lucky that our glorious queen has let you live your traitorous life live this bit longer. I would enjoy it while you can, traitor.”

Okay, we get it, he’s a traitor jeez. A thought struck her. “Our glorious leader?” Dinky asked incredulously. “She’s a total jerk!”

Cornicle stiffed. “You ponies wouldn’t understand the loving nature of our queen. She takes care of us.”

Bitterness filled Thorax’s voice. “And a lot of good that does. Because of her, we’re starving almost all the time.”

“Well, that’s about to change, traitor,” Cornicle said with a smug look, “soon, all of Equestria will be ours and we’ll never starve again.”

“Yeah, only scraps,” Thorax replied.

Cornicle gave Thorax a quizzical look. “What do you mean?”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Thorax looked away.

Cornicle truly looked at Thorax for the first time and what he saw startled him. Dinky too could see the difference. Her friend took so much healthier and fuller despite his injuries and the stresses of the last few days. There was something thin and skeletal about their changeling guard like he hadn’t eaten for days. Dinky felt sorry for Cornicle.

“How did you get so full?” Cornicle asked.

“I gave it to him,” Dinky said catching on to her friend’s point, “he’s been feeding on my friendship. I can give it to you too.”

Despite technically being her enemy, she couldn’t hate their guard. No, she disliked none of the other changelings. They were only trying to survive. Dinky could see that now. The only one she despised was their queen who was a nasty piece of work. She didn’t know if this would work, but she sent vague feelings of caring and warmth towards Cornicle. Much to her surprise, it had a visible effect.

Cornicle stood there with her eyes closed as if he was basking in the sun. Already he looked healthier and more alive. Their guard stared at her in wide-eyed amazement. “That was the tastiest love I’ve ever had,” Cornicle said, almost breathless.

“Love freely given is so much better than love stolen.” Dinky had no clue if this was true and it was only a blind guess on her part. Much to her relief, Cornicle was nodding.

“I see what you mean,” Cornicle said, “who knew ponies had this much love in them and you’ve only known me for a few minutes!”

Okay, now to risk everything.

“You don’t have to steal love, or invade Equestria,” Dinky said. “You could become friends with us and there would be no need for this prey and predator nonsense.”

Cornicle looked like he wanted to argue, but Dinky gave him more friendship. She had plenty to go around.

“We don’t have to serve Queen Chrysalis,” Thorax said, “she’s been nothing but mean and cruel to us our entire lives! Left us almost starving!”

“Shut up, traitor!” Cornicle shouted, but Dinky could tell that Cornicle’s heart wasn’t in it and he was considering her words.

She didn’t know if this would work in reality. Ponies might not want to give them their love at all, but it was worth a try. Her mother had always said that you didn’t know who might become a friend if you didn’t at least talk to them. Besides, it was better to at least attempt to a forge a peace between the two than cynically say it was impossible and not even try.

Cornicle’s face twisted in indecision and Dinky didn’t try to push the issue. She waited for him to come up with his own answer. If he wanted to forge this alliance, then he had to decide by himself.

“Wait here.” Cornicle walked out the door leaving them alone.

“Uh, now what?” Thorax asked.

Had they failed and Cornicle was reporting them to the other changelings? A few minutes passed and Cornicle returned with a confused changeling.

“Feed her too,” Cornicle said to Dinky. “I want to see if you can do it to other changelings.”

“What’s going on?” The other changeling said only to freeze as Dinky sent her friendship and she too basked in Dinky’s warm emotions.

Cornicle smirked. “I think this might work.”

“We can’t go against the queen!” One changeling said.

“But if we do, free love!” Another replied.

“The queen’s a jerk.” Yet another said breaking out into tears. “She’s never really been there for me. How can a grub grow up without the emotion support they need?”

“Come on, we’ve been living in the wilderness for like forever!” A changeling crossed her legs. “What if Princess Luna can give us a better life?”

“These are stupid and treasonous words! It will not work!” snarled one changeling before shrinking back as the rest of the room turned towards him.

They snuck glances at Dinky who waved at them as she sipped at her malt. After getting down from Fluttershy’s wall, she suggested they hold a pizza party at Sugarcube Corner while they discussed the issue. It worked better than expected and every changeling in Ponyville came. Pinkie, of course, hosted the event. She had a secret cache at the ready in case she needed an impromptu pizza party. It only took half an hour to get the festivities ready. It took a little prompting for the changeling to attend the party. They assumed it was a trap. It was one, a trap of friendship! It turned out that changelings really like pizza. Thorax, Zecora, and Fluttershy, and Banana Peel sat next to her enjoying their own slices of pizza. Thankfully, Banana Peel was in her pony disguise and the changelings assumed she was only another pony.

“This was a great idea Dinky!” Thorax said after diving into another piece of dandelion pizza. “You ponies sure have great food.” Dinky winced. It reminded her how little the changelings had. They usual fed off of mushrooms and moss when they weren’t eating love. What a way to live.

She watched as some other changelings enjoyed the youth center part of Sugarcube Corner. She laughed as a changeling messed up a dive and belly flopped into the pool. She preferred this to fighting and running for her life. She petted Philip as he jumped up next her and laughed as he gave her a few doggie kisses.

“Truly, a marvelous sight,” Zecora said, “when enemies can sit down and talk instead of fight.”

“Oh yes.” Fluttershy nodded. “They’re rather cute once you get to know them.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Banana Peel picked at her pizza bummed about not getting to eat any changelings. Sadly, they didn't have any toppings that suited her fancy.

After an hour, the party died down, and they were ready to discuss serious matters. Cornicle acted as the spokeschangeling for the group that wanted to join Dinky. It was bigger than Dinky had expected. Unfortunately, not every changeling agreed and another sizable group of changelings wanted to stay with their queen led by a changeling called Scapula.

“You can’t be serious.” Scapula said in a hissing voice. “Our first duty is to Queen Chrysalis. She is our mother and protector. She gives us hardships to keep us strong! These ponies will only make us weak with their friendship and ice cream.” The changelings with him nodded their agreement and glared daggers at the dissenters.

“We have nothing!” Cornicle replied. “We’ve lived in squalor for too long! Look around you. Can any of us go back to living in caves after this?

“Yeah!” A changeling said. “They have pizza!”

“And they have carpets!” Another changeling added. This statement made some Scapula’s side falter. One even moved to Cornicle’s side right away.

“Those are traitorous words.” Scapula spat out. “Turn against our wondrous queen and you doom the changeling race.”

The two groups bickered for another ten minutes. Dinky spent that time trying to figure out the best way to resolve this. She couldn’t fault the changelings that wanted to stay loyal to their mother and queen despite how wicked her might be.

“Oh my.” Fluttershy’s ears dropped. “At this rate, they might fight forever!”

Dinky had to agree. Neither side wanted to budge from their position. Moving them from there would be insurmountable. She didn’t want to cause a fracture in the changeling race. She needed to find common ground between the two groups. That was the only way to solve this.

“So, um. Do you have to live in a cave and be half-starved to be strong?” Dinky asked.

Scapula straightened proud and confident. “Hard life makes a strong changeling. It is our way, pony.”

“Yeah, says you!” One of Cornicle’s group said and Scapula glared daggers at her.

“Well, I suppose we could help with that.” Dinky pointed to the exercise equipment. “The Equestrian army has a great training plan!”

Much to Dinky’s surprise, Scapula considered her words, examining the weights with much interest. He lifted one and nodded in satisfaction. He smirked.

“These are nice, so we will take them for ourselves.” Scapula said. “It is the Changeling way. You ponies build, we take. All the more reason to make you ponies our slaves!You misunderstand, little pony.” Scapula continued. “I’m not like those weak fools over there. You won’t tempt me so easily. You’re right that our kind has been living in squalor for too long. I say we shouldn’t stay in the shadows taking and eating like pathetic parasites anymore. No, we changelings should be conquerors which is our right. Don’t be tempted so by these ponies with their pretty little gifts. If we want something, I say we take it!”

Many of the changelings cheered and Dinky realized to her horror that Scapula’s words touched many of the changelings in the room. Scapula was a leader and had to power to sway others to his will. She had to do something.

“If you do that, ponies will fight back!” Dinky replied. “It will create a bloody conflict that will cause countless deaths!”

Scapula stood taller and prouder. “All the better! It makes the prize even more worth it. War brings strength!”

“War brings only death!” Dinky glared at the larger changeling. She wouldn’t let his size or muscles make her back down. She’d read about Equestrian wars and even gone to the war museums. It left a strong impression on her young mind. To her, war only created pain and suffering and to celebrate it was pure foalishness.

“How many changeling and ponies have to die for his great conquest of yours!” Dinky glared at Scapula right in the eyes.

“For glory, no cost is too great!” Scapula replied. “Besides, we’ve almost won, anyway.”

“Gah!” Dinky couldn’t believe this. This muscle head would ruin everything! “You have won nothing yet! We ponies will never give up. We will fight you to our last breath!”

Scapula gave her a skeptical look. “Really?”

“Yeah, really!” Dinky replied annoyed. “Ponies never give up!”

“Ponies are small and weak.” Scapula let out a derisive snort. “You can’t win.”

“Yeah, we can!” Dinky said.

“No, you can’t.”

“Yes, we can!”

“No, you can’t.”

“Yes, we can!” Dinky had enough of this stupid changeling’s posturing. “I bet even I could totally beat you in a fight if I wanted to! So there!”

Scapula considered this and brightened. “Ah, perfect! That will solve everything.”

“Er, what now?” Dinky asked.

“I accept your challenge.” Scapula slammed a hoof against his chest. “Beat me in a fight to the death and my side will happily join yours.”

“What?! What?!” Dinky cried out in alarm.

Chapter 12

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 12
by Rixizu

“What? What?” Dinky’s eyes widen horrified.

“We’ll duel in fifteen minutes.” Scapula pointed towards the ring in the dojo.

“What, no!” Dinky replied. “I’m not fighting to the death! No way!”

“Uh, but doesn’t this solve everything?” One changeling said.

“Yeah, you talk big, but how about putting your money where your mouth is!” Another changeling added.

“But, no. I can’t do this!” Dinky stared at the changelings not believing they were pushing her into this. “I am not fighting someone to death! Never ever!”

“You said that already. Fine.” Scapula rolled his eyes. “We’ll fight till grievous harm then. Happy?”

“No!”

“Good, see you in ten!” Scapula trotted away and did various stretches preparing for the fight.

“Oh, dear.” Fluttershy looked stricken.

Banana Peel put a comforting hoof on Dinky’s shoulder. “I’ll be rooting for you.”

“Quite a pickle,” Zecora said. “With your words, you should be more fickle.”

“Yeah, you kinda walked into that one,” Pinkie added.

“Poor Dinky.” Thorax shook his head. “You can’t back down now, or everyling won’t support you.”

“I can’t do this!” Dinky searched among the changelings’ faces for anyling to back her and to discover Thorax was right. She’d look weak if she backed down now. Changeling respected strength and words alone won’t solve this.

“I am so screwed!” Dinky put her face in her hooves.

Maybe she might pull this off? She was a secret agent in training after all. Oh, who was she kidding? The most training Bon-Bon gave her were running exercises. It was impossible for her to beat someone much older and literally five times her size. What would Trixie do in this situation? No, that wouldn’t work. The Red Ranger would jump into this fight with a huge grin on her face.

My only chance is to beat him with smarts! Then Dinky remembered her middling grades and her pathetic magical skills.

“Why me?”

Ten minutes passed in agony Dinky already fearing the worst. Her opponent, on the other hoof, showed nothing but the utmost confidence. Dinky sat in the ring glum and despondent. After her humiliating defeat, everything would fall apart and their only hope was Raindrops. Who knew if she’d even make it to Cloudsdale with Queen Chrysalis and her elite on her hooves?

At least she helped save Raindrops. That was something. Dinky thought as Scapula entered the ring and towered over her. One of his legs was bigger than Dinky’s whole body.

“You can do it Dinky!” Pinkie waved a flag with Dinky’s face on it. Her allies yelled with her which lifted her spirits somewhat.

What the heck? She would fight him, even if it meant getting her face smashed into the ground.

Other changelings also cheered for her and also somehow had flags wearing Dinky’s face. It warmed her heart and steeled her resolve. Changelings rooted on Scapula as well, and one changeling had a sign that said “Scapula 3:16” on it. Whatever the heck that meant.

“I want a good clean fight. The fight ends when one combatant either gives up or loses consciousness.” The referee changeling said standing in between them. “No hitting below the belt. No going for the eyes. Now, let’s get it on!”

“Let’s go.” Scapula charged ready to deliver a devastating blow to her head. Dinky ducked and ran behind her opponent. She kicked using everything she had at one of his legs. It slightly knocked him off balance, but otherwise did no harm. She cried out in surprise as Scapula kicked back, but Dinky got lucky and it missed. She backed away terrified to get anywhere near him. If he grabbed her, the fight was over.

“Go Dinky!” Pinkie cried out. “You’re doing great and have him right where you want him!”

“You got this!” Thorax shouted and waved his flag.

The cheering is great but now what? What the heck do I do now?

Scapula grinned and shifted to a ferocious tiger. He roared sending Dinky’s mane flapping under its tremendous power and filled Dinky’s heart with fear and dread. He dug his claws into the dojo’s mat as Dinky rolled away tearing a nasty gash into it. Dinky scrambled to her hooves and backed away as Scapula stalked her.

“Hey!” Pinkie hit the changeling turned tiger on the snout with a rolled up newspaper. “Bad kitty! Don’t tear holes in Sugercube property!” She hit Scapula again for good measure.

“Sorry.” Scapula turned back to his original form his ears drooping with shame. Pinkie trotted away satisfied but got a dirty look from the ref for her interference. She only stuck her tongue out at him.

Thankfully Scapula didn’t change shape again and threw a barrage of attacks in his natural form which Dinky ducked under. Dinky was quicker for being a small filly and ducked under his legs as he attempted to grab her. Dinky kicked back whenever she dared, but this only annoyed her opponent a little. She tried headbutting him, but it only hurt her head and made her dizzy. Her horn didn’t leave even a scratch on Scapula’s hard shell.

“Not bad.” Scapula nodded his head in respect. “But how about this?” His body changed shape becoming an anaconda towering over her big enough to swallow her whole.

Scapula dove and grabbed her in his scaley grip. Dinky struggled and writhed, but found his grip inescapable. He tightened his grip around her neck attempting to throttle her into unconsciousness. Dinky struggled harder, but nothing gave and the edge of her vision turned black. In moments, she’d be out cold.

Dinky pushed with desperate strength only for her opponent to tighten even further and the strength drained from her limbs. Scapula’s tail waved in Dinky’s face taunting and mocking her. In frustration and anger, she grabbed it and bite in like a crazed, desperate animal. Scapula yelped in pain and dropped her blowing on his injured tail.

Color and life returned to Dinky, and she breathed in grateful gulps of air. She gritted her teeth and swung a two hoofed blow at Scapula’s snakey head. His new form’s skin wasn’t as tough as his changeling form and he screamed out in pain as the blow impacted.

“Why you!” Scapula shifted back to a changeling and his wings fluttered as he took to the air.

“Oh, come on!” Scapula hovered keeping well out of Dinky’s range and flew above her circling like a buzzard. He made an unexpected turn and divebombed at her. The unexpected attack threw Dinky off guard and she dropped to the ground and Dinky felt the wind on her back as he narrowly avoided her. Her opponent didn’t let up and kicked at her sending blow down at her. Dinky avoided them and back away out of the range ducked when he took another sudden dive at her. Her legs burned, and she knew it was impossible to keep this up forever. Only luck had kept her safe this long. She needed a plan of attack. In a flash of insight, she had an idea. It was a plan Trixie would try, and those usually worked, right?

Scapula dove at her again, but this time she jumped and landed right on his face. He cried out in surprise and flew in an erratic pattern unable to see where he was going. Dinky blocked his sight holding on for dear life terrified to let go.

This was a horrible idea! Dinky felt ill and fought back losing her lunch. She opened her eyes to see where Scapula was flying. “Look out! Wall!”

“What?” Scapula asked in confusion. Both Dinky and Scapula cried out in pain when he collided with a wall face first and they crashed to the ground. Scapula broke her fall, and she laid on top of him groaning in pain. They landed next to the edge of the pool and Scapula’s leg hung over the side.

“Are you okay?” Thorax shouted.

“Yeah, I think so.” Her body hurt all over, but she was otherwise fine. Note to self, Trixie’s plans are stupid and hurt.

“Why you!” Scapula stood up ready to deal some payback. Dinky backed away and ran as her opponent chased after her.

“Hey, no running in the pool area!” Pinkie cried out in protest and pointed at the “No Running” sign, but they ignored her too caught up in their chase.

Oh crap, oh crap! Dinky ran was hard as her little legs could carry her and the bigger changeling struggled to keep up as they ran around the pool.

“Uh, weren’t they supposed to be fighting?” A changeling asked.

“That little filly can run.”

“Do you think Scapula will remember he can fly?”

Scapula slapped his head when he heard this. She panicked when Scapula’s wings fluttered ready to take off and attack her from the air, but Scapula wasn’t watching his hooves and ran right into a wet spot on the floor and slipped. He cried out in fear as fell right into the pool.

“Help me!”Scapula struggled to stay afloat.

“Someling help him!” Cornicle cried out. “Scapula can’t swim!”

“No running! The sign isn’t there for decoration!” Pinkie huffed in irritation. She tried to warn them.

“Help!” Scapula fell beneath the pool’s deadly waters.

“We need to help him!” Dinky looking for anything that might help save Scapula.

“Hold on.” Banana Peel asked confused. “If you let him drown, you win. It might be your only chance to victory!”

“I don’t care!” Dinky replied annoyed. “We need to get him to safety!”

“As always compassion burns deep in your heart,” Zecora nodded and smiled down at her, “we must retrieve our changeling friend from the water right away before his soul departs.”

Dinky spotted a life preserver and floated it to Zecora with her magic. Dinky doubted a filly of her size would do much and he’d only drag her under too. No point in getting them both killed. The zebra dove in after Scapula and retrieved his unconscious form. With Zecora’s CPR and some strong thrusts to his stomach Scapula was breathing again.

“Uh, what happened?” Scapula said after regaining consciousness.

“Are you okay?” Dinky said. “I feared the worse!”

“You will make a swift recovery,” Zecora said after examining Scapula’s condition, “if Dinky hadn’t thought so quickly it would have turned ugly.”

“You saved me?” Scapula asked wide-eyed.

“I wouldn’t let you drown, fight or not,” Dinky replied

Scapula absorbed Dinky’s kind words and then beamed. “I owe you my life! I am forever in your debt!”

“Well, this wouldn't have happened if you paid attention to the sign!” Pinkie said and Scapula blushed red.

“It’s what any pony would have done,” Dinky didn’t think she’d done anything that special. It was what any decent pony would have done in the circumstances.

“So, uh, are we going to continue our fight or what?” Dinky asked already trying devising what she might try next to defeat Scapula. Maybe she could trick him into running into a wall by accident? Or maybe changelings had some secret pressure point she might exploit?

Scapula’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about? You already won!”

“I have?” Dinky blinked.

“I owe you a changeling life debt!” Scapula said. “My life is forever yours!”

Dinky looked at Thorax in confusion. Since when was that a thing? Weren’t they fighting for their lives? Her friend shrugged just as baffled.

“Besides, you knocked me unconscious when you tricked me towards the pool and I fell into the water. Talk about a great plan!”

“I don’t think going into unconsciousness because of drowning counts,” Dinky replied, and what was this nonsense about it being a plan? He had only slipped because of bad luck.

“A victory’s a victory!” Pinkie said.

“Come on Dinky, he’s giving you the win,” Thorax added, “why are you complaining?”

“But!” Dinky said in protest. It didn’t sit well with her winning like this. It broke the rules, sorta. She also didn’t want his life debt.

“You beat me fair and square.” Scapula said with a confidence she didn’t share.

“Well, okay.” Dinky gave up arguing.

“This shouldn’t count!” A changeling said in protest. “She only won through luck!”

“It doesn’t matter!” Scapula countered. “I fell unconscious, so I lost. End of story!”

Honestly, it is a miracle I didn’t slip and fall into the pool too. Though unlike her former opponent, Dinky was an excellent swimmer.

Some of Scapula’s changelings agreed and nodded along. Some, however, snorted in disgust, not satisfied with this turn of events.

“Fools, all of you.” One changeling said and left Sugarcube Corner with two more of his kind following behind him. To Dinky’s relief, the defectors were in a minority though.

“Now Mistress Dinky, we must get to your friends.” Scapula said.

“Wait, Mistress Dinky?”

“According to the changeling life debt, I am your servant for life!” Scapula stood up strong and proud.

“Changeling life debt, is that a thing?” Dinky whispered towards Thorax.

“No,” Thorax replied with the utmost confidence.

Great. Now I have I’ll have this guy hanging around me for the rest of my life. Whatever, we’ll rescue mom and the other Rangers first, and then I’ll dissuade him of this nonsense.

“Where are you holding everypony?” Dinky asked.

She couldn’t believe it. Some kinks aside, she was about to rescue her mother and save the day! It seemed like five eternities since she’d left the safe house and began this adventure. No way could Queen Chrysalis beat five Rangers and all the other changelings. It was smooth sailing from here. Nothing could possibly go wrong!

“Sweet Apple Acres, Mistress Dinky!” Scapula turned his back towards her. “Get on my back, I’ll take you there.” Dinky scowled at her new title, but did as instructed and enjoyed the thrill of flying as they flew towards Sweet Apple Acres. Thorax and several other changelings followed behind while most stayed in Sugarcube Corner to continue the pizza party. Pinkie had just set out another batch of fresh pizzas.

Unbeknownst to Dinky and her allies, changelings watched them fly towards Sweet Apple Acre full of hate for these traitors and their pony allies.

“We have to do something!” Meninges bit at her hoof in nervousness. “They’ll ruin our Queen’s wondrous plan.”

“What can we do?” Cervical said. “There are only three of us. We can’t fight them!”

A changeling held up a hoof stopping his comrades’ panicking. Sarcomere was smaller than the others but stood with confidence. He would not sway from his purpose.

“We only have one option then.” He said. “They must never awake our enemies.”

Meninges scoffed. “How?”

“Never you mind.” Sarcomere replied. “Distract them. It will give me the time I need.”

“Okay.” Meninges didn’t agree with her ally’s confidence, but it was the only way to salvage their queen’s plan. She flew off towards the filly and her allies.

“You. Go into the Everfree and find a suitable beast to attack the traitors. They aren’t the only ones who can ally with the horrors of the forest.”

Cervical gulped in fright, but nodded and flew towards the forest as fast as his wings could carry him.

Perfect. This would be in the Ranger’s final hour.

Dinky watched her surroundings, wary that Queen Chrysalis might pop out at any moment. She kept a careful eye out for anything suspicious. Dinky didn’t know much about apple trees, but they looked wrong. They seemed discolored and ill and nopony had taken good care of them. She noticed signs of a huge fight with many trees smashed into splinters and guessed it must have been from the Queen’s fight with the Rangers that hadn’t eaten the poisoned apples. Dinky watched for danger as Scapula led the way. They’d almost reached the barn when a familiar voice called out to them.

“Hey!” Lyra said waving a hoof.

“Lyra!” Dinky cried out in delight.

“There you are,” Lyra said when she reached them, “I’ve been looking everywhere for a familiar face. What the heck is going on? Why is everypony like g=zombponies?”

“It’s a long story!” Dinky gave the older mare a hug which she returned awkwardly. “I’m so glad to see you. So much has happened!” She could write a book on it.

“Who the heck is that?!” Lyra pointed at Dinky’s changeling friends.

“This is Scapula,” Dinky replied, “The changelings are good now.”

Lyra peered at them with suspicion. “Really?”

“Again, it’s a long story,” Dinky said, “just let me get the other Rangers and I can explain the whole story.”

She planned to edit out most of the dangerous parts. Her mother didn’t need to learn about the time an evil cyclops almost ate her. She still wasn’t sure how she’d smooth over the “almost fight to the death” part of the story yet.

“Hold on!” Thorax walked in front of Dinky his stance and gate guarded. “How you’re the real Lyra?”

Dinky hit herself mentally. She’d been so relieved to see Lyra, she’d forgotten the possibility of a changeling imposter. There were still changelings who opposed their plan.

“What is the secret code?” Dinky had it memorized. Trixie liked having secret passcodes for just such an occasion.

“6B4-Alpha-8IQ.” Lyra did several break dancing moves that ended with the splits.

“It’s her.” Dinky sighed in relief. Trixie had drilled them on this stupid code at least fifty times making them repeat it at least once a day. This proved Lyra wasn’t an imposter, though it still confused her why Trixie didn't use a simpler code or why it needed dancing. It seemed silly and unnecessary. All her changeling allies sighed in relief.

“But what makes you so sure we can trust them?” Lyra pointed an accusatory hoof.

“Trust me! They’re friends! I’ll explain everything, later!” Dinky pointed at the barn. “This is it?”

“Yes, there is a secret door under the hay.” Scapula threw open the barn door.

“Dinky this could be a trap!” Lyra threw herself in the way blocking their path.

“No, it’s not!” Dinky grunted in annoyance. Why was Lyra so cynical?

Lyra crossed her hooves. “Explain to me why then.”

“Later, once we free everypony.” Dinky loathed repeating herself.

“What’s with her?” Thorax whispered.

“I don’t know,” Dinky replied whispering back, “Lyra can…”

Her eyes widened in horror as a changeling darted from an apple tree and threw a fiery touch into one of the barn’s open windows. The entire barn burst into flames moments later.

Chapter 13

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 13
by Rixizu

Dinky stared eyes widened in shock and horror. The Apple’s barn burst into flames, the hay inside igniting as the fire touched it. The changelings screamed in fear and panic behind her. Only Lyra wasn’t perturbed. She gave Dinky a smug smile, satisfied with herself.

“Nice going Antrum!” Lyra beamed.

“You’re not Lyra!” Dinky pointed an accusatory hoof. The real Lyra would never stand by while her friends were in trouble.

Lyra burst into uproarious laughter and her body shifted with green energy. A changeling stood in her place.

“Fools!” The changeling said. “Your only chance of victory is finished”

“Meninges!” Thorax’s jaw dropped in surprise.

“How did you learn the passcode?!” Dinky said. It didn’t seem possible. Hadn’t they been super secretive with it?

Meninges snorted. “It wasn’t hard to overhear. You went over it enough times. Changelings are experts in stealth and espionage!”

Darn it, Trixie! What were you thinking?! Now you’ve gotten yourself killed!

“Get out of our way.” Scapula stood protectively in front of Dinky and his three other buddies joined him. Dinky was glad she’d brought back up. If they hurried, it might be possible to save her mother and the others.

“Make me.” Meninges put up her hooves ready for a fight. “Our queen’s glorious plan won’t be denied, traitor”

“Please, my mother is in there!” Dinky pleaded, not fighting back the tears that stained her face. Her heart beat so hard and fast it hurt her chest. The fire was quickly spreading through the barn and it wouldn’t be long until the entire structure was aflame.

“Maybe you should have thought of that before you opposed us!” Meninges sneered, not moved even a little by her plight.

“That’s it!” Scapula jumped at Meninges and the two wrestled each other on the ground. The other changelings moved towards the barn, but Antrum blocked their path, ready for a fight.

“Dinky, I have a plan,” Thorax whispered to Dinky as the bigger changelings fought each other, “I’ll wake the Rangers. They have superpowers. They’ll get everypony to safety no problem. I’ve been in that barn a million times. I know exactly where the secret entrance is.”

Dinky looked at her friend in alarm. “What are you planning?”

“Distract them for me.” Thorax moved towards the barn giving Dinky no time to argue.

Please Luna, protect my friend. Dinky hated standing by while her friends risked everything. Her mother and the other Rangers were goners if Thorax faltered for even a moment. She couldn’t fail them!

“Hey, leave my new friend alone!” Dinky used her magic to grab a rock and threw it at Meninges’s face. It impacted right into her temple and the evil changeling glared at her while Thorax flew past her.

“Little brat!” Meninges spat and threw Scapula into her. Dinky’s body erupted in pain as the bigger changeling crushed her under his weight.

“Fool! He’s getting inside!” Antrum pointed towards Thorax, but it was too late and her friend flew into a window.

“Got it!” Meninges flew after him, but Dinky grabbed a branch with her magic and hurled it will every bit of her magical strength at Meninges’s back. She let out a cry of surprise as it disturbed her flight path, giving Scapula enough time to recover and plow right into her chest. A tree burst in two as they crashed through it. The three other changelings on Dinky’s side fought with Antrum preventing him from entering after Thorax.

“Thanks, Mistress Dinky!” Scapula’s hoof impacted into Meninges’s face.

I only hope it’s enough. Her heart throbbed with worry. Thorax was on his own and the fire grew every second.

Thorax sweated as the fire’s intense heat baked him alive. The fire had reached the hay bales, and they lit instantly. It would be mere moments before it reached the nearby support beam. He had to act fast, or they were all dead. He found the secret entrance in moments. It was hidden under some crates. He whinnied in fright as the fire crept towards them. He kicked the crate with all his strength as one caught on fire, they crashed into pieces against a plow.

There is it! Thorax grabbed the handle and pulled. It was heavier than it looked and he struggled to get it open. He doubled his efforts when something fiery crashed behind him increasing the temperature of the barn tenfold. He cried out in triumph when the hatch flew open and green light flooded from the entrance. Green luminescent sacks hung from the ceiling and inside each one was a pony.

He rushed towards the sack holding Trixie. She was the leader and best able to handle this crisis. He used his magic to tear the pod down and it burst open when it crashed to the ground. Thorax cursed when he realized he forgot to bring some antidote not knowing if she’d eaten the poisoned apples.

“What the hay?” Trixie groaned and looked around confused and rubbed her eyes like she’d awaken from a long sleep.

“Trixie, thank goodness!”

Trixie looked around and spotted the fire almost immediately. “Uh Thorax, why am I in a burning building? And what are these pods? Are they creepy changeling stuff?”

Why is she so calm?! She’s in a burning building! Thorax fought down his frustration and focused on the task at hoof.

“No time to explain. Everypony is in terrible danger!”

“Got it!” Trixie pulled out her morpher and thrust it forward. “It’s morphing time, Ursa!”

Thorax had heard about Trixie and her Ranger powers, but this was the first time he’d seen them in person. In a red flash, a figure in red armor stood in Trixie’s place. He’s never sensed such magical power from anyone before, not even his ex-Queen. Fire and determination erupted from Trixie’s aura which overwhelmed his changeling senses temporarily. No wonder Queen Chrysalis feared the Rangers. The Red Ursa Ranger was a creature of pure power.

Trixie hit the left button on her morpher and a red sword appeared in her hooves. In a single stroke, she cut each pod open and a pony dropped out of it.

“What the hay?” Applejack shook her head and looked up. “Why is the hay is my mah barn on fire?!”

Apple Bloom screamed and pointed at Thorax. “It’s one of those monsters!”

Applejack stood protectively in front of their sister and Thorax flinched and back away. “You ain’t getting away with this!”

“Yep.” Big Mac glared. The big stallion didn’t look so gentle where Thorax stood.

“Hold on!” Carrot Top pushed Thorax behind her to safety. “He isn’t a bad guy.”

“Yeah, he’s the reason we found out about the changeling plot.” Dinky’s mother chimed in.

“What are you talking about?” Apple Bloom said. “Look at em, he’s a monster if I’d ever seen one!”

“Yeah, it’s kind attacked me and mah family!” Applejack glared hatefully.

Was this the changelings’ future? Was Dinky wrong? He saw the hate and anger in the eyes of Applejack and her family. They’d never forgive his kind for what happened. Would other ponies do the same?

“Now hold yer horses!” Granny Smith whacked Applejack with her cane. “If Carrot Top says he’s fine, then he’s fine. He seems like a fine lad to me. Ya telling me all his kind is bad because of some bad eggs? Sides, do you think we should be discussing this in a burning building?!”

Applejack blushed rubbing her sore head and blanched at her foolishness. Why were they arguing in a burning barn?

“Is that everypony?” Ditzy looked around expecting more ponies. “Where’s Cheerilee, Twilight, and Raindrops?”

“Raindrops is getting help in Cloudsdale, as for the others.” Thorax furrowed his brow. “I’m not sure. I guess Queen Chrysalis didn’t put them in pods for whatever reason.”

“I got it!” Trixie said. “Remember, we were the only ones that didn’t get hypnotized. Something about apples? I guess the queen didn’t bother with them and focused on capturing us.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Ditzy replied, “she was even tougher than the last time I faced her. It also didn’t help 80 changelings attacked us at once.”

“We won’t underestimate her again.” Carrot Top slammed her hooves together.

“Yah coming or what?” Applejack and her family had already climbed the stairs. “Ya remember we’re in a burning barn right?”

“We’ll figure this out later.” Trixie grabbed Thorax and threw him on her back. “Grab on, I’ve got this!”

They rushed outside when Trixie blew a hole in one of the barn’s sides with her sword. Thorax sighed in relief as the cool air hit his face. The barn collapsed to pieces than exploded moments later much to Thorax’s confusion. No one besides him noticed or care about it.

“Mom!” Dinky held her mother tears in her eyes.

Tears were in Thorax’s eyes too. He’d never felt love like this before and it burned in his heart filling him with powerful emotions. Their love was infectious. Much to his relief, Scapula and the other changeling had restrained Meninges and Antrum and they lay against a tree tied up with rope.

“So you rescued them, good work!” Scapula rubbed Thorax painfully. “You got guts, grub!”

“Thanks,” Thorax replied blushing.

“These are my new friends!” Dinky gestured to Scapula and the other changeling with him. “Most of the changelings changed sides and turn against the Queen!”

“Yes, we serve Mistress Dinky now!” Scapula bowed.

Ditzy opened her mouth to ask what the hay he was talking about, but Dinky beat her to the punch. “It’s a long story! Don’t worry about it! Scapula just feels indebted to me! It’s fine. Don’t worry about it!” She visibly sweated and waved her hooves.

“Right,” Ditzy replied. She had a million questions but planned to ask them later.

Trixie laughed and slapped Dinky on the back. “Looks like the squirt had been through quite the adventure. Nice job.”

“What the hay happened to my farm?!” The real Applejack said as she got a good look at the state of her farm.

“This is a disaster!” Apple Bloom’s eyes widened in horror.

“Eep.” Big Mac said.

On closer inspection, the farm was even worse condition than Thorax had thought. Weeds were everywhere, and the place was total disrepair. Applejack looked heartbroken at the state of her precious apple trees. Thorax felt shame over what happened and feared the trees were ruined forever. Even if he wasn’t directly responsible, it was his kind that caused this mess.

“Uh, yeah sorry about that.” Thorax sagged to the ground. The other changeling shifted uncomfortably on their hooves.

“It ain’t yer fault sugarcube.” Applejack put a comforting hoof on his shoulder. “This is all that dang Queen’s doing. Pure evil this is!”

“Look, uh, we’ll help make up for this if we can.” Scapula said his ears drooping in shame and the other changelings nodded in agreement.

“That’s plum decent of you.” Applejack smiled accepting their apology. “This ain’t nothin’ a little elbow grease can’t fix.”

Thorax felt a pinch better, glad that Applejack and her family weren’t holding a grudge. Dinky beamed at him.

“What a mess.” Trixie picked up a fallen apple and examined it and sniffed it. “A lot of ponies will starve over this.” Thorax knew the changelings had taken over other Apple Trust farms. This was bad news for ponykind. The Trust had too much influence in the Equestrian Market. He couldn’t imagine how many bits the Trust would lose over this.

“Us Apples will weather this storm. It’ll take more than a few rotten apples to stop the Trust. Though something tells me the Trust got too big for its britches.” Applejack scowled. “We thought the Trust was too big to fail.”

“This ain’t as bad as it looks.” Granny Smith said. “Compared to da winter of 886, this is worms in a few apples! We’ll get through this!”

886? That was over a hundred years ago. I must’ve misheard. Ponies can’t live that long.

Carrot Top rubbed the back of her neck. “I’ll talk to the other farmers. We’ll make up the lost product somehow. Trixie’s right. This will damage the entire market.”

Applejack gave Carrot Top an appreciative smile. It wasn’t quite a friendship, but Thorax could taste grudging respect between them.

Granny Smith whooped and hollered. “Now you younglings get why we started the Trust. It ain’t to control the market, but a community to aid in time of trial.”

Community. The thought overwhelmed Thorax with emotion. If these vastly different ponies could join together, maybe changeling might become a part of it too.

“Alright, let’s find Twilight and Cheerilee then let’s kick that Queen’s butt!” Trixie smashed her hooves together ready for some payback.

“This is perfect!” Dinky whispered to Thorax. “The changelings are on our side, the Rangers are freed, and Raindrops is creating an army of pesagi to help us. I don’t see what could possibly go wrong!”

Seconds later the entire ground shook making everypony and changeling lose their hoofing. The ground shook even harder the next time. This was a thousand times worse than when they faced the cyclops.

“Ha! Looks like Humor pulled through!” Meninges broke into laughter.

“What do you mean?” Thorax asked. A deafening roar answered this question, and they looked up to see a giant monster trampling through town. Thorax had seen nothing like it. It was a monstrous bear, somehow blue and transparent with stars glittering inside it and a tiny changeling rode its head. It threw a paw into the clock tower at the town hall and it smashed into splinters.

“What the hay is that?!” Thorax pointed at the monster.

“Oh, come on!” Trixie said. “We just fixed the town! It better not smash my house.”

“Is that an Ursa Major, for real?” Ditzy added. “I thought they were a myth.”

“In our line of work, nothing is a myth,” Trixie replied, “we’ll be facing vamponies next I bet.”

“Face that, losers!” Meninges said.

“Please don’t hurt it!” Dinky pleaded and hugged her mother tightly. “A changeling is controlling it and making it do bad stuff!”

Ditzy smiled down at her daughter. “Don’t worry. We won’t, we’ll calm it down.”

Trixie beamed. “Yeah, no big deal. We won’t need our Zords for this.”

“But how?” Thorax asked. “It’s stomping around in a blind rage.”

“We’ll think of something.” Trixie ran forward towards town. It amazed Thorax how fast Trixie could run while transformed. She covered over a hundred hooves in seconds. Her allies transformed into their armor chasing behind.

“Let’s go!” Dinky said. “I have an idea! Scapula, stay here and watch over these bad guys!”

Scapula saluted. “Yes, Mistress Dinky!”

Dinky sighed and Thorax felt bad for her. Dealing with Scapula was bad at the best of times. He couldn’t imagine dealing with him every day for the rest of his life. Dinky jumped on his back and they flew into town at top speed and Thorax hoped her plan was a good one.

It was eerie as Dinky entered Ponyville proper. Usually when a giant monster attack, the citizens of Ponyville were rushing to safety or screaming about disaster. Instead, the whole town was silent as night except the sounds of the Rangers fighting off the Ursa Major trying to lure it away from town. Hypnotized ponies watch the rampage with a disinterest haze. Their lives didn’t matter to them at all.

Thorax cried out as the ground shook again and Dinky almost lost her hoofing. “Where are we going?”

“It isn’t far!” Dinky said trying to run despite the shaking. They stopped when a familiar figure jumped in their path.

“Apples!” Bon-Bon said thrusting an apple in Dinky’s face.

“Bon-Bon, there you are!” Dinky said relieved. She’d worried about the mare getting smashed like a bug by the Ursa. “Come with us!”

“Apples!” Bon-Bon didn’t listen and tried force-feeding Dinky an apple.

Dinky sighed and pushed the apple away with her magic. Her mind raced thinking of the best way to get her teacher to safety. “Thanks, but I know where we can even more apple! Millions more! Isn’t that right, Thorax?”

“Huh? Oh right! Yes, millions!” Thorax said realizing her meaning.

“Apples!” Bon-Bon tried feeding Dinky the apple again.

“Ugh, come on!” Dinky pushed Bon-Bon in the right direction with her head. It wasn’t easy, but the mare moved with them.

It took them what felt like a million years, but they eventually arrived at Sugarcube Corner. “Thank Luna, finally!”

“Apples!” Bon-Bon pushed the apple into Dinky’s cheek.

“Why here?” Thorax asked confused.

Dinky didn’t answer and ran inside. Changelings huddled under tables terrified by the racket outside. The floor was a mess with leftover pizza and paper plates littering the floor.

“Pinkie?” Dinky cried out into the room.

“Yes?” Pinkie appeared behind Dinky startling Thorax.

“Where’s Fluttershy?” Dinky asked.

“Fluttershy?” Thorax blinked confused.

“Apples!” Bon-Bon pushed the apple into Dinky’s eye.

“Over there!” Pinkie pointed to pink, yellow form hiding underneath a table shivering with fear. Poor Fluttershy hated monsters and scary sounds.

“Thanks, and can you please get Bon-Bon the cure!” Dinky replied. Bon-Bon pushed the apple in her face for the thousandth time.

“No problem!” Pinkie led Bon-Bon away much to Dinky’s relief.

“Fluttershy?” Dinky whispered and gasped when a strong hoof pulled her and Thorax under a table.

“Thank goodness,” Fluttershy said, “I was so worried something bad happened to you!”

“Me too,” Dinky replied, “Fluttershy, we need your help!”

“Me?! I can’t! There’s a horrible monster out there!” She shivered when the building shook. She peered around expecting monsters to jump out at her at any minute.

“How is she supposed to help us?” Thorax whispered.

“Trust me,” Dinky replied and turned her attention to Fluttershy. “Listen, an Ursa Major is trampling through town.”

“An Ursa Major!” Fluttershy squealed with delight. “I’ve only seen them in pictures and thought they were only a legend! They’re so cute!”

“Cute?” Thorax replied bewildered. Dinky had to agree with her changeling friend on this one.

“Yes, and a changeling is making it rampage through town!” Dinky said.

Fluttershy gasped horrified. “Then we have to do something!” She got out from beneath the table and stomped outside ignoring the tremors and ear bleeding roaring outside. She was a mare on a mission.

“Wasn’t she terrified out of her mind seconds ago?” Thorax watched this scene bewildered and speechless.

“She loves animals,” Dinky said in way of explanation.

Thorax muttered something about pony weirdness and followed Dinky as she chased after Fluttershy.

Chapter 14

Secret Agent Dinky
Chapter 14
by Rixizu

Dinky had trouble keeping up as Fluttershy flew to the Ursa Major’s aid. She screamed as part of a roof crashed in her path only inches away from her.

“Are okay?” Thorax asked.

“Fine.” Dinky shook the close call almost giving her a heart attack.

Her face twisted in fear when she looked up. The Ursa Major was gigantic, standing taller than even the Ranger’s Zords. She clamped her hooves over her ears when it roared and it clawed at her mother as she whacked the creature’s nose. The Rangers tried annoying it so it would chase them out of Ponyville, but it continued rampaging through the town instead. Was this the changeling’s doing? Raindrops and Carrot Top pulled hypnotized ponies to safety while the other Rangers distracted the Ursa. Dinky screamed in terror as a wild swipe knocked her mom out of the sky, crashing her through Rarity’s Boutique.

“Mom!” Dinky ran towards the ruins.

Much to Dinky’s relief, her mom exited the ruined building closing the door behind her relatively unharmed. She stared at Dinky in alarm.

“What are you doing here?” Ditzy stomped towards them.

“Uh, hi Miss Ditzy!” Thorax gave a weak wave.

“You’re leaving town for safety right now!” Ditzy said.

“But mom, I want to help!” Ditzy put on a brave face. She faltered when the Ursa Major roared again, but she stood straight and proud.

“You can help by staying safe!” Her mom replied.

“Ugh, you’re always like this!” Dinky’s blood boiled. “I’m not a filly anymore! I can do more to help! You’d lock me in a closet all day!”

“Dinky, we are not having this discussion! We can talk about this later.”

“Uh, hello. Can, uh, somepony help. I’m stuck.” A quiet voice said unheard.

“No, whenever I bring this up, you find some excuse!” Dinky replied. “You don’t want to face the fact I’m a big girl now!”

Ugh, why’s she always like this? Why can’t she understand?!

“I’m doing this for your safety!”

“I get that, but I want help!”

“You can’t! You’re a little filly!”

“No, I’m not!”

“Um, hello? Help, please? I’ll wait here I guess.”

“Fluttershy needs help! She trapped under this beam!” Thorax said. Dinky and Ditzy didn’t reply, too distracted by their argument to notice. “Uh, nevermind. I’ll do it myself.”

“Yes, you are. I’m just trying to protect you!”

“By what, putting a tracking device on me?”

“Yes, so nopony can foalnap you again!”

“I can take care of myself mom!”

Thorax struggled to push the wooden beam off of Fluttershy’s back. A piece of a roof had fallen on top of her. He transformed into Big Mac and still couldn’t move it an inch.

“Please, I just want to keep you safe!”

“Look mom, I’m not asking to help you fight monsters. I just don’t want to stay on the sidelines. I can help evacuate ponies.”

“But that also means you’re still in danger! I can’t allow that!”

“Need help?” Bon-Bon walked up to Thorax and examined the heavy beam. Bons used a steel beam to make a lever and together they lifted the beam up and Fluttershy pulled herself free. She was a little dusty, but otherwise unharmed.

“Oh, thank Luna,” Fluttershy said. “I thought I was a goner!”

Bon-Bon shrugged. “It’s what I do.”

“I’m not a filly! You don’t understand at all!” Dinky stomped her hoof and glared.

“Are those two still fighting?” Thorax sighed exasperated.

“Oh, my!” Fluttershy put a hoof over her mouth.

“Break it up.” Bon-Bon pushed them apart. “Now is not the time, we need cool heads.” The mother and daughter duo blushed at their foolishness.

“I’m sorry mom, I just want to help ponies. I don’t like it when you treat me like I can’t do anything.”

“I’m sorry too Dinky.” Ditzy let out a breath. “I’m just scared. Ponyville is a dangerous place. After I became a Ranger, I’ve had nightmares about you getting hurt because I’m a superhero. I worry all the time about you. I can’t help it. Every time I see a monster, I’m terrified they might get you. You are everything to me!”

Dinky gave her mother a hug. “I know mom. I love you too. I don’t know. I just wish you would take me more seriously.”

Ditzy gave her daughter a brittle smile. “I know you’re growing up. It’s just hard for me. Being a hero and a mom.”

“Okay mom, I will help evacuate ponies while Flutters and you calm down this Ursa,” Dinky said.

Ditzy let out a pained sigh. “Okay, only if Bon-Bon and Thorax come with you. I’m trusting you to stay safe. If it looks bad, get out immediately!”

“Got it.” Ditzy saluted and ran off with Thorax, grabbing the nearest pony who walked around in a daze and pushing them to safety.

“They grow up so fast,” Bon-Bon said, beaming.

Ditzy sighed. “They do. I’m not ready for my little muffin to be a teenager.”

Bon-Bon patted Ditzy’s back. “It’s fine. It’ll work out. Dinky is a special girl.”

“Thanks, ready Fluttershy?”

“Yeah! We must save that poor innocent Ursa Major!” They flew towards the chaos.

“She’ll be fine, um, I’m sure of it,” Fluttershy said as Ditzy looked back at her daughter. Dinky got her new changeling friends to help hypnotized ponies to safety. It amazed her how quickly her daughter made friends.

Ditzy sighed and reminded herself of Bon-Bon’s words. She was smothering her daughter and feared driving a wedge between them. The tracking device was going too far. She looked back at Dinky and Thorax as they helped an old mare out of her house and smiled. Her daughter had this in hoof. With her many friends, Dinky could accomplish anything.

“She will,” Ditzy replied and Fluttershy yelped as an Ursa claw almost hit them. The poor creature was flailing wildly as Trixie created illusions of fireworks to scare it. The Ursa stomped furiously after Trixie but stopped as a green glow appeared around its head and it returned to attacking the town. Whoever was controlling it had a tighter grip than they thought.

They flew higher but didn’t see the changeling in question. Fluttershy hid behind Ditzy fearful of what the changeling might try. Where was it? Did it disguise itself as something?

“Do your thing,” Ditzy said gesturing at the rampaging beast.

“Um, are you sure?” Fluttershy replied so quietly Ditzy almost didn’t hear it. It was bizarre that Flutters was more afraid of a single changeling than the giant rampaging Ursa Major. Ditzy remembered this was the same mare that had a pool of crocodiles in her backyard. Ponies usually gave her house a wide berth after learning that tidbit.

“You got this!” Ditzy said.

“Well, okay if you’re sure.” Fluttershy flew towards the Ursa Major terrified the changeling might leap out at her at any moment. She steeled her resolve her face turned fierce and ready for action.

“Stop this now!” Fluttershy commanded.

Much to Ditzy’s relief, the beast stopped and looked at Fluttershy intently. It roared, almost throwing Flutters out of the air. The timid Pegasus recovered and flew back to her original position with a worried look on her face.

“Oh my, is that so?” Fluttershy nodded as the Usra growled at her. It ended with a roar and Fluttershy gasped in concern.

“That’s horrible, what type of monster would do that?!” Fluttershy flew towards the Ursa and stroked its snout with a hoof. “There, there, it will be alright. I’m here to help you. No harm will come to your cub.”

Ditzy’s eyes widened when she realized the bear was a mother. If anything happened to the Ursa cub, there would be heck to pay. Right on cue, a green beam flew towards the Ursa Major’s head and Ditzy used her bow staff to block it and the changeling gasped. She spotted the little devil disguised as a part of the Ursa’s fur. The changeling dodged as Ditzy’s weapon came towards him.

“That’s your only warning.” Ditzy put steel into her words. This jerk was endangering her daughter. One warning was all he would get. “Your plan failed. Surrender now.”

The changeling tried firing another magic beam at the Ursa, but Ditzy blocked it with ease.

“Like I will give up now.” The changeling said. “‘Sides, don’t you have more things to worry about than me. You still have a rampaging bear monster.”

Much to the changeling’s astonishment, the Usra turned around and headed back towards the Everfree Forest. She was careful not to cause any more damage to Ponyville. Fluttershy sat happily on her head.

“What, but how?” The changeling gapped dumbfounded. “That Ursa was in a frenzy a second ago! What did that yellow pony do? Why isn’t she afraid? That Ursa could gobble her up in a single bite!”

Ditzy shrugged. “She’s good with animals. Now, surrender.”

“Never!” The changeling got into a fighting position. “Queen Chrysalis will never fail!” He transformed into a bizarre winged monster with sharp-looking talons and snake-like limbs.

“Prepare yourself Rangers, and meet your doom!” The changeling roared and charged, then passed out when Ditzy punched him in the gut. She grabbed him before he fell to his death.

“He really thought that would work?” Trixie unmorphed and grinned up at her.

“Spirited, I’ll give them that,” Ditzy said.

“Is it over now?” Dinky said poking her head around a building.

“Yep, Flutters is helping the Usra and the changelings are defeated,” Ditzy confirmed.

“And I found Twilight and Cheerilee!” Dinky pointed to the Rangers, escorted by several changelings. Her friends were in an apple induced stupor.

“Nice work Muffin!” Ditzy unmorphed. Her daughter had been a hero. Maybe she deserved a raise in her allowance?

“I have the cure right here.” Thorax frowned holding a flask with a strange carrot scented liquid. “It’s the last of it and Zecora said it would take time to make more.”

“It’s fine, Raindrops will make it rain the cure,” Dinky replied, “I don’t see what could possibly go wrong at this point.”

“Is that so?” A voice said and a green aura formed around Dinky’s throat choking her. “I don’t think we’re even close to being done yet.”

“Dinky!” Ditzy cried out in alarm.

Dinky’s winced in pain as something roughly grabbed her. It was a unicorn mare with malicious, hate-filled eyes. Ditzy’s eyes widened in fear when a green fire erupted over the strange mare revealing Queen Chrysalis.

Several minutes earlier.

“Surrender. This is your only warning,” cried a yellow pony with a mane like fire wearing a Wonderbolt uniform with officer badges on. Behind her were several more Wonderbolts and an army of angry Pegasi. Standing next to her was the accursed Raindrops. Somehow the dimwit had outrun them to Cloudsdale. It must have been her Ranger armor. They weren’t even halfway to Cloudsdale and the Ranger had not only beaten them to their destination but brought an army back with her.

“What are we going to do?” One of her so-called elite changelings whimpered in fear. The ponies had them outnumbered five to one.

So much for my elite soldiers. Must I do everything myself!

“Get out there and destroy them all.” Queen Chrysalis snarled showing teeth. Gratifyingly, her changelings showed the proper level of fear and nodded.

“Yes, my queen!” The changeling commander said. “Alright changelings, charge!”

Her army flew towards the approaching ponies ready for battle. Queen Chrysalis knew they stood no chance, but they would serve their purpose as a distraction. She had one final trump card for just such an occasion. She transformed into a pony with a green coat and brown mane and flew away back towards Ponyville.

“She’s getting away!” The Wonderbolt commander said, but Queen Chrysalis disappeared into the forest before anypony could act.

“Fools.” Queen Chrysalis smirked pleased with herself. “Now to get to business.”

Chrysalis pulled out a bottle full of a viscous liquid and stared at it for a moment. The fallen sun princess had given it to her for emergencies such as this. It would give her the power she needed to overcome any obstacle, yet she hesitated drinking it. She didn’t trust the mad princess an inch nor understood her motives. She had an inkling that Corona was using her for a greater scheme but couldn’t imagine what it was. It made no sense for her to turn her precious little ponies over to Chrysalis’s kind. Queen Chrysalis knew this vial had to contain a trap. No, she wouldn’t use it yet. She needed to muster her forces back in Ponyville and take on that ridiculous pony army. Even if the changelings she led there were incompetent fools.

Ponyville was too quiet when she arrived. She’d expected to find her changelings patrolling the streets, or at least lounging about. Instead, she saw nolings. Hypnotized ponies milled about and Chrysalis ignored them. She screamed in fright as a deafening roar reverberated through town and jumped into a nearby tree. She poked her head out of the tree’s branches to find a monstrous bear stomping through town.

A giant monster attack? Now? You have got to be kidding me! For some bizarre reason, random monster attacks happened in this pony town all the time. It showed her just how stupid ponies were that they would still live this backwater town after the thousandth monster attack. Ponies lacked any common sense.

“Wait.” She squinted and spotted a changeling drone riding the monster. Moments later, the Rangers appeared and fought the creature. What the heck?! Chrysalis’s blood boiled. What were they doing free? Someling’s head would roll for this. Still, it was good working bringing that creature against the Ranger. At least someling was using their head.

“Quickly, this way.” A familiar voice said and Chrysalis turned to find a gray filly with the traitor Thorax helping ponies out of a house. Worse, other changelings helped her and put ponies on their backs and flying them to safety.

Am I surrounded by complete imbecile?! Somehow, somehow the wretched filly had convinced more of her changelings to turn against her. She should have cut out the filly’s silver tongue when she had the chance. She seethed in quiet fury and forced herself to calm down. A changeling, Fibula, passed her and she decided to use him to get some well-deserved answers.

“Hello!” Chrysalis said with her best friendly smile.

“Hi!” Fibula said unaware of her true identity. “Finally, an unapplewashed pony. You need to leave town. It’s dangerous!”

“You’re so right, that thing is a real monster!” Chrysalis pointed at the bear monster. “Wait, is that one of your kind controlling it. I’m confused. Why are you helping ponies if you’re behind that thing?”

Fibula snorted. “We aren’t with him! We’re on the good side now!”

“Really? You turned against your queen?” Chrysalis raised a speculative eyebrow.

“Yes! Fibula stood up proud. "She was a real jerk. We don’t need her anymore.”

“Really?” Chrysalis ground her teeth but controlled her tongue and temper.

“Yeah, why did we even follow her, to begin with?” He lowered his head towards her ear. “Can you believe she never threw a pizza party?”

“A pizza party,” Chrysalis said flatly.

“Horrible right?” Fibula said unaware of her growing fury. “You’d think after hundreds of years, she’d throw us a pizza party at least once. We have birthdays like all the time and not once did she throw even a normal party. Not even a birthday present. Ponies are so lucky! They have this thing called carpet and it’s like the best thing ever. You ponies are so lucky.” He beamed at her.

Chrysalis facehoofed. Her changelings betrayed her over that? Really?!

“Say.” Fibula put a hoof over Chrysalis’s shoulder. “I'm from out of town. Can you please give me directions to your place? Maybe share a pizza?” Fibula waggled his eyebrows at her. He cried out in pain as Chrysalis grabbed him by the throat ready to throttle the life out of him.

“I take it that’s a no.” Fibula croaked. He struggled, but she was too strong for him.

“It’s not even half of what I plan to do to your traitors.” She kept her pony disguise but changed her voice to normal and her eyes glowed green.

“Oh, hi Queen Chrysalis!” Fibula said. “Fancy meeting you here! How’s it going?” He gave her a weak smile.

“Pathetic.” Chrysalis threw him painfully against a wall knocking him unconscious. It made her feel so much better. As much as she wanted to vent her frustrations out on the traitorous fool, it could wait. As expected, a yellow pony had somehow calmed the bear monster down and ruined the only loyal changeling’s plan. Ponies were good at being pests. She spotted the grey filly talking to her new friends and gave a sickening smile. If she couldn’t win, the ponies sure as heck won’t think of it as a victory.

“If you hurt a single hair on her, you’ll regret it!” Dinky’s mom snarled. Dinky struggled, but the evil queen’s grip was iron tight. Her eyes widened when Chrysalis levitated a sharp stick at her throat.

“Unmorph and throw you morphers away, and nothing will happen to this lovely little filly.” Chrysalis’s voice was sickeningly sweet.

The others watched the scene in abject horror unsure what to do. Ditzy’s expression was cold and hard which seemed alien on her loving mother’s face. Trixie’s face was more neutral tingled with a hint of held back fury.

“Threatening little foals?” Trixie shook her head. “Getting desperate, aren’t we?”

“Nothing will threaten my glorious plan!” Chrysalis replied. “I’m not beaten yet!”

“Glorious plan?” Trixie smirked. “Your plan sucked. It was easily beaten by little filly!”

“Shut up!” Chrysalis spat and Dinky gasped as Chrysalis’s grip became almost painful. “Minor setbacks.”

Trixie, please don’t antagonize her.

Trixie continued ignoring Dinky’s silent plea. “It took, what, a day and a single conversation for Dinky to turn your entire changeling army against you? Some queen you are. It must be a world record for the fastest uprising ever! Congratulations!” Trixie hooted and clapped her hooves together.

Her grip is becoming painful now. Dinky squirmed trying to escape. Chrysalis’s eye twitched and glared at Trixie who returned it with a smug smile.

“I’ll make sure you suffer for this!” Chrysalis said. “All of you!”

Really painful. Dinky feared one of her ribs might crack. Stop it please!

Trixie yawned and scratched at her belly bored. “Whatever. Like I haven’t heard that before. You have some creative to say or are you barrage me with more clichés and empty threats?”

“Throw down your weapon, or this one dies!” Chrysalis pressed the stick harder against Dinky’s throat. “Three seconds!” Fire spat from her mouth. She wasn’t kidding.

Trixie yawned. “If I must.” She threw her morpher aside. Ditzy and the other Rangers glared at Trixie.

“Trixie, if we ever get out of this, we are having words.” Ditzy whispered her tone harsh.

“Good.” Chrysalis relaxed her grip much to Dinky’s relief.

“What’s your plan?” Trixie said. “Are you going to threaten every pony and changeling in the world until they surrender?”

Pain. Pain. Chrysalis’s grip doubled after Trixie’s jib.

“I have a plan.” Chrysalis calmed herself and gave Trixie her own smug smile. She dropped the stick and pulled out a small bottle with a sun crest with her magic. “Right…”

Before Chrysalis could finish, she recoiled in pain as an invisible hoof impacted with her face and she flew several hooves away. Dinky fell out of her grasp and something caught her. Dinky looked up started to find a red armored pony holding her.

“Trixie?” Dinky said.

“What?” Chrysalis stared at the two Trixie in sudden bafflement. The unmorphed Trixie gave the queen a smug smile and waved before disappearing into smoke. “An illusion?!”

“Yep, and you fell for it,” Trixie replied and did a bow, “Great and Powerful Trixie, remember?”

Rage and fire spat from Chrysalis’s mouth. She was furious beyond reason. “I‘ll crush you all and level this entire pathetic pony town to dust!”

“Yeah, whatever.” Trixie waved a dismissive hoof. While she was looking away, Chrysalis uncorked the vial. Dinky cried out in warning and pulled it out of the changeling queen’s hooves with her magic.

“Little brat!” Chrysalis hissed and used her magic to fight back and they entered a tug-of-war battle with their magic. Chrysalis’s magic was immeasurable and overwhelming, but Dinky fought on.

“Thanks, Dinks!” Trixie punched Chrysalis in the face. The changeling queen’s magic unexpectedly released the bottle and it flew into Dinky’s face.

“Argh.” Dinky winced as the bottle landed in her mouth and poured a liquid that tasted like sour milk down her throat emptying a third of the bottle.

“Dinky!” Ditzy cried out in worry.

“Give me that!” Chrysalis dodged other punch and used her magic to grab the bottle and downed the rest of its contents. “Much better!”

Their eyes widened in surprise as Chrysalis grew in size. She grew even bigger than the Ursa Major and towered over them.

Chrysalis looked at her hooves than the tiny ponies under her. “I can’t believe the sun princess’s potion worked! Now nothing can stop me!”

“Sun Princess?” Trixie asked.

Dinky’s eyes widened when she too grew. The world shrunk and she cried out in fear and alarm.

“You have got to be kidding me!” Chrysalis backed away to give Dinky room to grow.

“This is new,” Dinky said. Much to her amazement, she was the exact size as the changeling queen. It was an odd sight for a pony of filly proportion. It seemed the potion grew something to an exact size regardless of their body type.

Ditzy moved her limbs experimentally and winced as she kicked off the roof of Barry Punch’s bar. “Sorry!”

Chrysalis watched her amused. “The Rangers can’t call all their Zords. You’re my only obstacle to my total conquest of Equestria! This will be delicious! I’ll enjoy tearing you limb from limb!”

Dinky cried out in pain as she received a hoof to the face and stumbled crushing some trees and leaving a large hole in the park. “Sorry again!”

Dinky winced as something pinched her face and looked down to find Trixie on her snout. How did she get there? The little figure waved and pointed towards a nearby quarry. She nodded in understanding.

I need to get her out of Ponyville before somepony gets hurt! I need to distract her while the Rangers summon their Zord.

“Let go you little…” Dinky grabbed Chrysalis by her front legs and swung the changeling queen around in a circle. She let go and Chrysalis crashed into the quarry creating a loud crash spilling dust everywhere. Careful to watch her step, Dinky stomped towards her opponent ready to fight.

Chrysalis recovered quickly. “You’ll regret that!”

Dinky winced as Chrysalis sent magic bolts her way. She scrambled out of the way and grabbed a nearby boulder and hurled it into Chrysalis’s snout. Chrysalis hissed and jumped on Dinky trying to wrestle her. Dinky’s fought back, but Chrysalis was too powerful and pinned Dinky down. Chrysalis hissed as laser bolts flew towards her.

“Don’t worry, momma’s coming!” Ditzy said. Her Zord, shaped like a mythical centaur, ran towards them shooting arrows towards the changeling queen.

“We got your back!” Trixie’s Ursa Zord said.

“I think it’s about time for some payback!” Cheerilee said in her scale-shaped Zord. Chrysalis flew off Dinky when Cheerilee’s Zord crashed into her.

“Miss Cheerilee!” Dinky’s heart filled with joy to see her teacher back to normal.

Chrysalis cried out in pain as Carrot’s Top scorpion Zord stung her with its tail. “Think this potion has a time limit? Or must we kick her flank?”

“I hope so,” Trixie replied, “I’ve been itching for a fight all day!”

“Pests, all of you!” Chrysalis kicked Trixie’s Zord and it crashed into Ditzy’s. Despite their numerical advantage, the Zords were only half Chrysalis’s size. They couldn’t do much without forming into their Megazord form. They needed Lyra and Raindrops! Dinky needed to even the odds and came in close ready to deck Chrysalis.

“Dinky, stay back!” Ditzy cried alarmed.

“Don’t worry, I got this!” Dinky replied and punched Chrysalis right in the jaw.

Chrysalis winced and her horn lit with power. “Take this!” She shot a beam of energy at Dinky and the Zords surrounding her. They flew back as the ray exploded everything it touched. Dinky winced as a rock dug into her side. It hurt, but she was otherwise fine. Carrot Top and Ditzy shot more lasers at Chrysalis, but they only annoyed her. Miss Cheerilee swung one of her scales and its chain extended to wrap around the changeling queen. Chrysalis struggled to get free, but the chains held keeping her trapped. Dinky ran towards Chrysalis and dive kicked her into a nearby hill of rock.

“Enough!” Chrysalis grunted with effort and broke the chains with her tremendous strength.

“We aren’t hurting her at all,” Ditzy said.

“Don’t worry, I sent Twi to locate the others.” Trixie sent a punch into Chrysalis’s gut. “Hold her off until they get back.”

Dinky’s eyes widened in understanding. Twilight was a skilled teleporter. If anypony could find Raindrops and Lyra, it was Twi. Too bad she didn’t have a Zord too, then they could combine into one unstoppable Super Megazord!

“You won’t last that long!” Chrysalis shot another death ray and Dinky collapsed onto Trixie. “No more playing around!”

Green fire surrounded Chrysalis and she changed shape. Dinky’s eyes widened when Chrysalis’s wings expanded and she rose to her full height twice Dinky’s size. Chrysalis had transformed into a multi-headed dragon with glistening black scales and razor-sharp claws. Each head was a different color with their respective colors being red, blue, black, white, and green.

Okay, a hydra dragon. How wonderful. She cried out in surprise as a head struck at her with serpent-like speed and Trixie threw her to safety.

“Dinky, get out of here!” Ditzy shot more arrows, but they did little damage.

Chrysalis retaliated by gathering green fire in her mouths and shot it at Dinky’s mother. Sparks flew from Ditzy’s Zord as flames consumed it. Trixie barreled into Chrysalis, but she didn’t even budge and the hydra dragon swatted the Ursa Ranger aside like a fly. Chrysalis slithered over to Trixie and crushed the Usra Zord under its massive weight. Sparks flew and the terrible sound of metal rending filled the quarry.

Oh no, what can we do? The other Zords came to Trixie’s aid, but Chrysalis fought them off with her multiple heads with ease. Dinky tried to help, but the snap of Chrysalis’s fang drove her away.

“Grab me!” Miss Cheerilee’s Zord rolled next to her.

“What?”

“I got a plan!” Cheerilee replied

Ditzy grunted as she lifted the Scale Zord into the air. It weighed more than it looked. “Now what?”

“Hold on and pull when I give a shout.”

Cheerilee’s chains extended and she threw them around all of Chrysalis’s heads. Distracted by the other Zords, she didn’t notice this until it was too late and Cheerilee’s chains grabbed hold of her many heads holding them tight. Chrysalis flailed around trying to get free.

“Now!”

Dinky pulled with all her might to force the massive hydra dragon off Trixie. It didn’t budge and Dinky thought it hopeless until the other Zords joined to help. Chrysalis cried out in surprise as she flew off Trixie and crashed into a nearby rock shattering it to pieces.

“Thanks, guys!” Trixie appeared beat up but otherwise fine.

Chrysalis roared as she rose and green flame gathered in her mouths aimed at Dinky and the Zords. Ditzy and the other Rangers created a protective stance around Dinky and readied themselves. Chrysalis fired, but the flames blew away as a mighty gust drove them off course.

“Hey guys, am I late for the show?” Lyra’s swan Zord flew from above.

“What?” Chrysalis cried out in surprise and her face impacted the ground as a giant beetle emerged from the ground under her and used its powerful horn to throw her off her hooves

“Sorry, it took so long.” Raindrops said. “Twilight almost killed herself teleporting from Cloudsdale to Canterlot.”

“Is she okay?” Trixie asked. The Zords gathered together facing the evil hydra dragon.

“She’s fine and resting,” Lyra said, “The poor girl teleported miles just to find us.”

Poor Twilight, I hope she’s okay.

“Uh, why is Dinky giant?” Lyra asked.

Ditzy sighed. “It’s a long story.”

“Come on guys, let’s finish this loser!” Trixie said. “Combine!”

The six Zords flew into the air. Raindrop’s Zord folding in and turned into a right front leg. Its head becoming the bottom of the hoof. Cheerilee’s Zord became the left front hoof. The scales combined with the side of the hoof on both sides. Ditzy and Carrot Top’s Zords became the back legs. Their heads also appeared on the bottom of the hoof. Lyra’s Zord’s wings folded and the legs and head folded into the body. It floated in the middle of the front and back legs. Trixie’s Zord floated in front of Lyra’s. It spread its arms and legs and the newly created limbs flew over them combining into new limbs. Lyra’s Zord flew behind Trixie’s and joined with its back. The new Zord fell from the sky to the ground on all fours. The bear head finally opened up and split in half to reveal a pony head. It had silver horns that curled back behind its head. The Galaxy Megazord was complete.

“You still can’t win!” Chrysalis gather fire and shot it towards the Megazord. Dinky shrieked and hid behind the Megazord. Sparks flew and the impact made the Megazord stumble.

Trixie grunted annoyed. “Is that all you got?”

The Megazord reached behind and grabbed both its wings with a hoof. They morphed into swords which is drew and slashed into Chrysalis’s belly causing her to cry out in pain. The Megazord didn’t relent and hack and slashed into its foe. Roaring in outrage, Chrysalis’s many heads bit into the Megazord’s head and sparks flew as her fangs dug into it. The Megazord struggled to free itself, but the fangs held it firm.

I got to do something! Dinky roared and charged into Chrysalis throwing her off balance.

“Thanks, muffin!” Ditzy said.

Dinky’s attack distracted Chrysalis long enough for the Megazord to pry Chrysalis’s heads off of itself. A barrel appeared under the Megazord’s right hoof and it shot several missiles point-blank into Chrysalis’s chest. The hydra dragon screamed. As she flew back Chrysalis transformed back to her true form as she impacted the ground she struggled to rise back to her hooves.

“Let’s finish this!” Trixie said.

“Yeah!” The other Rangers cried out in agreement.

“No, it can’t be!” Chrysalis said. The fight and transformation had exhausted her and she stood up only to fall back down again.

“Let me join in too!” Dinky smashed her hooves together ready to deliver some payback to the changeling who had tormented her for the last few days.

She ran towards Chrysalis and clotheslined her in the neck. Chrysalis’s head impacted the ground. The Megazord’s swords gathering energy around them and they turned dark red. It charged blades extended. Dinky grabbed Chrysalis by the legs and threw the queen right at the Galaxy Megazord.

“Big Bang Strike!” The Ranger cried together. The Megazord fused its swords together into one mighty double-bladed sword and slashed it towards the incoming changeling queen. The blades roared with furious dark red energy and created a shockwave as it slashed Chrysalis’s body. The mighty Zord turned it back on its opponent.

“No!” Energy erupted from Chrysalis’s body and exploded when she impacted the ground.

Epilogue

Secret Agent Dinky
Epilogue
by Rixizu

“I’ll get you for this!” Queen Chrysalis said baring her teeth. Dinky took an instinctive step back. “Mark my words Dinky, Ponyville’s streets will run with your blood one day!”

“Get in the cart.” A policepony said pushing the ex-queen into the police cart.

“Please tell me you‘re putting her in an inescapable dungeon far, far, far away,” Dinky said, mortified. She had never seen anypony that angry before and really hoped she’d seen the last of that monster.

“Peace, little one.” Princess Luna stretched a wing around Dinky’s tiny frame like her mother did. It warmed Dinky’s heart and helped her calm down. “I will personally ensure she’s placed in the deepest cell in Tartarus.”

“That’s a relief,” Dinky replied. Tartarus was the greatest prison in all of Equestria, guarded by the ferocious Cerberus, its famed three-headed guardian.

“Nothing has ever escaped that prison.” Princess Luna said with the utmost confidence.

“As far as you know,” Trixie added.

“Yes, as far as I know.” Luna scowled. “I will ensure she stays there.”

Luna’s confident words gave Dinky some comfort, but she feared she’d spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder. The fact the evil ex-queen could turn herself into anypony filled her with dread.

“Don’t worry Mistress Dinky!” Scapula stood proud. “I will train hard so our evil ex-queen never threatens you again. Not a single day will pass by where you don’t have my protection!”

“I rather you not do that, actually,” Dinky replied. Several other changelings made the same declaration of fealty. Banana Peel and her spider friends also pleaded to protect Dinky from the shadows. It didn’t exactly fill Dinky with comfort, but she appreciated the gesture.

Thorax shook his head. “It looks like you’re stuck with us now.”

“Yeah yeah.” Dinky sighed. “Anyway, who will rule you now? You don’t have a queen anymore.”

Cornicle brightened. “Princess Luna gave us a few pointers on that one. She suggested we have an election!”

“An election.” Dinky blinked. “You mean like a mayor’s election but for like a whole country?”

Cornicle nodded. “We’ve had enough of the monarchy and want a system that benefits everyling.”

Princess Luna brightened. “It’s a process called democracy! Equestria will do whatever it can to help your election process.”

“What a wonderful idea!” Miss Cheerilee said. “It means every changeling will have a voice in how their government is run. Important issues can be addressed without selfish nobles getting in the way. If changelings don’t like a leader, they can be voted out!”

“A system without a court of nobles?” The concept sounded alien to Trixie. “But won’t this new system devolve into mob rule or something? The public is often fickle and doesn’t realize what they want!”

“The system isn’t perfect, but it gives the people more power.” Miss Cheerilee replied. “Besides, aren’t you the one who always rails against the nobles and says they’re selfish and too powerful and needs to be thrown out.”

“Well, yes,” Trixie admitted, “but this new system is crazy. I can think of like a million problems with it. One leader or party might gain too much power and seize control of the country. If not in name, then in spirit.”

Miss Cheerilee considered this. “I suppose it will need a system that balances power and punished changelings that abuse it. Are you getting this down Cornicle? These are some great ideas.”

“Sure am!” Cornicle wrote into a notebook Ditzy had provided.

“Well said Miss Cheerilee.” Princess Luna said. “This new system has issues, but time and effort can correct them. My student, don’t give up on an idea because it sounds strange and alien to your ears.”

Trixie waved a hoof. “I guess.”

“It’s a wonderful idea Cornicle.” Princess Luna gave beamed. “I will be happy to meet with your new leader after your first election. We will have much to discuss. I wish for our people to have a powerful and beneficial alliance.”

Cornicle bowed. “Thank you, princess.”

“I’m glad that’s working out,” Dinky said. She didn’t really understand this political talk, but she figured it would work itself out. Things usually did.

“What concerns me is this!” Princess Luna pulled out the bottle Chrysalis used to become a giant. Dinky still could taste its horrible flavor in the back of her mouth.

“That’s Celestia’s seal!” Miss Cheerilee cried out in surprise.

“Chrysalis mentioned something about Corona helping her,” Trixie said.

“No way!” Dinky said. “Celestia’s good now. She wouldn’t help the changelings!”

“Actually, I saw her approach our ex-queen.” Scapula said. “She’s the one who gave us the apple zombification potion.”

Dinky’s heart sunk. How could Celestia lie like that? She was so nice and kind. Tears gathered as the betrayal struck her hard. Miss Cheerilee shook her head in disbelief disappointed by the revelation. Lyra, Carrot Top, and her mom were furious. Raindrops wore a hard frown on her face. Trixie, on the other hoof, tapped her chin thoughtfully.

Everypony jumped back in surprise as Princess Luna cackled in delight. “I knew it! Her so-called reformation was a total lie! My sister is evil through and through!”

“I suppose so,” Dinky said lost for words at the princess’s odd unbecoming behavior. Everypony shifted on their hooves off-put by the princess’s manic glee. Shouldn’t she be heartbroken at her sister’s second betrayal?

“I’m not so sure,” Trixie said interrupting the awkward silence.

“What do you mean?” Dinky asked.

“Well, I don’t see what she gains from this invasion plot,” Trixie replied.

“Trixie, Corona aims to take over Equestria.” Princess Luna replied patiently.

“Yes, but she couldn’t control Chrysalis or her changelings.” Trixie paced to help gather her racing thoughts. “Chrysalis was ambitious, too ambitious. Once she took over Equestria, what’s stopping the queen from taking down Corona next? Chrysalis wasn’t stupid and was powerful enough.”

“My sister was just overconfident.” Prince Luna replied. “You know her. “I am the Sun” and all that.”

“I doubt it.” Trixie shook her head. “If I were Corona, the last thing I would do is empower a dangerous rival like Chrysalis. Besides, this whole thing doesn’t seem like her style. Normally she enjoys creating monsters totally under her control.”

Princess Luna, for some reason, became impatient with her student. “Changelings saw her deal with Chrysalis and we have this bottle!”

Trixie snorted. “Which a pony can fake.”

“Well, I never saw Corona up close and she didn’t enter the anti-magic field surrounding our lands.” Scapula said. “I was on guard when she first approached us.”

Dinky blinked. “The changeling lands have an anti-magic field?”

“Yeah, the queen’s throne is made from an ancient stone of dark magic that soaks up all non-changeling magic.” Scapula said. “It protects our land from invasion.”

Trixie grinned in triumph. “Ha! There’s no real proof!”

Hey, Celestia might be innocent after all! Dinky brightened at this possibility.

Princess Luna growled in annoyance. “Why are you even defending Corona?! You’ve told many many times you didn’t believe her resignation!”

Trixie shrugged. “I call it when I see it. Besides, all this so-called proof is a little too convenient for my liking. I bet a Night Court noble is trying to sabotage Corona’s reintegration into Court life.”

“It never ceases to amaze me how paranoid you are Trixie,” Lyra said. Trixie blamed the Night Court for everything.

“Trust me,” Trixie replied with a grave expression, “with the Night Court, you can never be too cautious.”

“You are correct, my student.” Princess Luna seemed calmer though she still looked a little annoyed. “This matter will need further investigation.”

“My kind will offer any aid they can,” Cornicle said.

“I must be leaving.” Princess Luna levitated the evidence into a small plastic bag and gave it to a nearby guard. “This matter requires my full attention. If Corona is up to something, I will uncover it.”

“Didn’t I just say it was a Night Court noble?” Trixie said annoyed.

Princess Luna got into her chariot driven by two of her elite Night Guard batpony guards and Cornicle joined her. They chatted as they flew back to Canterlot.

“Speaking of paranoia, your password system failed really bad!” Dinky said. “The changelings found out your secret code and fooled me into thinking one of them was Lyra!”

“What?” Lyra glared at Trixie. “This is your fault for making us repeat that stupid thing a million times.”

Trixie waved a dismissive hoof. “That was never real. It was all a trick.”

Everything blinked in bafflement. “What.”

“Codes can be overheard or forced out of somepony,” Trixie replied, “they’re hardly reliable.”

“Why did you make us learn it then?!” Lyra fumed. “Why dancing?!”

“It was all a distraction.” Trixie beamed with pride. “When they’re distracted reciting the code and break dancing, I secretly cast a spell that can penetrate through disguise spells. Twilight helped me learn it. And I thought the break dancing thing was funny.”

“What!” Dinky’s head throbbed at this revelation. Trixie’s stupid trick almost got them all killed! Dinky wasn’t the only one who looked like they wanted to strangle the Red Ranger.

“What about everypony else, Trixie?” Lyra said barely holding back her anger.

“I trust you guys,” Trixie replied, “I’m not so good with ponies, but I bet the rest of you could easily see through any imposter. Especially Ditzy.”

“I’m glad you have such confidence in me, but your plan wasn’t a good one,” Ditzy said showing the patience of a saint.

Yes! What about me, Trixie?

“I suppose you’re right,” Trixie replied, “I must think of something else clever.”

Dinky facehoofed and rubbed her temples. Dear Luna protect us all!

Dinky yawned as she walked home with her mom ready to get to bed after her long day. Everypony waved their goodbyes and Banana Peel went back to her home in the Everfree. Zecora stayed with the weather team to help distribute the cure. Scapula followed behind them ready to attack anything that threatened his new mistress. He wasn’t kidding about following her for life and no amount of persuasion convinced him otherwise. Dinky only sighed and accepted it. The sky darkened as pegasi set up a huge storm to spread the cure. According to Raindrops, Canterlot and several other pony towns also got the treatment. All apple zombies stood outside at the town square herded by Applejack and her family to receive the cure. Dinky waved as they passed them.

“Hey Dinky! Ditzy!” Bon-Bon said trotting up to them.

“Is everything going to plan?” Ditzy asked.

“Yep, Raindrops says the storm begins in a few minutes,” Bon-Bon replied, “the town will smell like carrots for a few days, but it’s a small price to pay.”

“We better get home quickly,” Dinky said, “I really don’t want to get rained on.”

“Yes, I’d rather not wash carrot stench out of my coat,” Ditzy said laughing.

“Wait, could I talk to you for a second Dinky?” Bon-Bon asked. “Do you mind if I walk her home? This might take some time.”

Ditzy tilted her head. “What’s this about? Is it about the tutoring lessons?”

“Yes, I have a few new subjects I want to teach Dinky about and I want to train her in martial arts.”

“As long as her grades improve, I don’t mind.” Ditzy waved goodbye and left. “Martial arts sound fun. It’ll be good for her.”

“You too, Scapula!” Bon-Bon glared at the changeling who shrank at her stare. “I can watch over her just fine.”

“Fine.” Scapula pouted. “I’ll be outside if you need me.”

“Goodbye Scapula!” Bon-Bon said with some force and Scapula complied slipping away somewhere.

“What is this about?” Dinky eyed the older mare with curiosity. “Is this secret agent stuff?”

“We’ll talk about it at my house,” Bon-Bon said and they walked in silence. They made it to Lyra and Bons’ house seconds before it started raining. The drops fell hard against the window. It was a heavier storm than Dinky expected.

“Hey, Bons!” Lyra walked up and kissed her marefriend. “And you too Dinky? Another late-night study session or something?”

“Something like that,” Bon-Bon replied.

“How was Canterlot?” Dinky asked burning with curiosity. “How did the Gala training go?”

Lyra shifted on her hooves. “It went okay.”

“Did something happen?” Bon-Bon asked.

“Well, I saw my old teacher Octavia, and it was great and everything, but well…”

“Well, what?” Bon-Bon pushed.

“She did something I didn’t expect,” Lyra replied, “she wants to play the Symphony for Moon and Sun at the Gala. It’s commemorating Celestia’s return to the light.”

Ditzy gasped in surprise. “Isn’t that song cursed? Trixie says anypony that tries to play that song meets a terrible fate!”

Lyra snorted. “That isn’t true! You listen to Trixie too much.”

“What are you talking about?” Bon-Bon asked. “What’s the Symphony for Moon and Sun?”

“It’s an infamous unfinished song,” Lyra said, “nopony knows who wrote it. It was written mourning Celestia’s fall and the loss of celestial balance. It recounts how the sun and moon should dance through the star guided by their respective princess. It’s a beautiful piece and only the most experienced and skilled musician can play it. So far, nopony been able to create the perfect ending for it.”

“According to Trixie, not only does Princess Luna hate it, it ruins the ponies who try to play it,” Dinky added, “it destroys their careers or something. Nopony really knows why. The last pony who tried playing it four years ago committed suicide after losing his career!”

“He didn’t die!” Lyra replied. “Lucky for him, the building he tried leaping off was right next to the weather control office. He’s gotten therapy and is doing much better now! Trixie’s overdramatizing it.”

“Lyra if you don’t think it’s cursed, why are you against her playing it at the Grand Galloping Gala?” Bons asked.

“Well, infamous song aside, it isn’t like Octavia to make grand gestures like this.” Lyra sighed. “I don’t know. She didn’t seem quite herself.”

“That is worrying.” Bon-Bon gave her marefriend a hug. “I’m sure she’s just under a lot of stress playing for the Gala and Equestria’s returned Princess.”

“You probably right.” Lyra returned the hug. “I’ll leave you two alone to talk. I’ve got a tub of daisy ice cream with my name on it.” She left moments later after grabbing her favorite ice cream treat.

“Dinky.” Bon-Bon let out a breath. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” Dinky tilted her head.

“When you asked to become an agent, I didn’t take you seriously,” Bon-Bon said full of anguish, “I barely taught you anything. I thought you would give up after I pushed you too hard. The fact I didn’t give you proper training almost got you killed! I didn’t prepare you for what Queen Chrysalis threw at you.”

“It’s okay.” Dinky gave the older mare a hug. “I’m not sure I took it seriously enough either.” And really, how were they supposed to know about Queen Chrysalis attacking Equestria or Dinky playing a large part in stopping her?

“Well, I’ve been talking to my superior and she agrees with me that…”

“That you should become an official agent in training and become a full member of the Royal Intelligence Service Corps!” A new voice said making Dinky and Bon-Bon jump in surprise. Dinky turned to find a plump burnt orange and light yellow maned pegasus mare standing behind them.

“Boss!” Bon-Bon said startled. “Where did you come from?”

The mare laughed and gave her subordinate a mischievous smile. “Nice to see that ten years behind a desk hasn’t diminished my skills as an agent.”

“This is your boss?” Dinky asked bewildered. Of all the ponies she expected to become head of R.I.S.C, this was not it. She looked like somepony’s aunt.

“Hello Dinky, my name is Apple Crème.” The mare said. “I’m happy to finally meet you.”

“Hi,” Dinky replied, “you really want to make me a full-time agent?”

Apple Crème nodded enthusiastically. “Of all my years in the agency, I’ve never seen a young pony as talented and resourceful as you. You have a great future ahead of you!”

Dinky didn’t feel great. She’d won mostly through dumb luck and her friends.

“We’ll start your real training early tomorrow!” Bon-Bon said. “Get a good night’s sleep. It will be intense and tough and push to your very limit!”

“That’s great.” Dinky wanted to be happy. She’d finally gotten everything she’d ever wanted and yet she wasn’t. All she felt was coldness.

Is this what I really want? Do I want to be a secret agent, truly? No, I don’t, do I?

“Actually, um, I must refuse your offer,” Dinky said.

“What?” Bon-Bon asked confused. “I thought you wanted to fight bad guys and save the day.”

“Yes, you are super talented.” Apple Crème added. “You’re perfect for the job!”

Am I though? During her adventures, she’d only felt miserable. She hated the fear, the fighting, the never-ending danger, the running for her life, and the consistent distress. Is that what she wanted in life? If she became an agent, her life would be nothing but danger and fighting.

“Sorry, but I’m not suited for this life,” Dinky said. “I don’t know. I thought I wanted to be a super cool secret agent, but I didn’t realize how dangerous it was. I thought it was only a game not realizing how scary it really was. I just want a peaceful life. If that’s okay with you?”

Bon-Bon gave Dinky a hug. “I’m sorry too. I didn’t realize how scary it was for you. You’re like your mother. You’re too nice for this line of work. You’re better suited to making friends than fighting enemies.”

Apple Crème looked disappointed but accepted her answer. “Shame, but if this is what you truly want, I won’t stop you.”

“Thanks.”

“If you change your mind, I’m always here.” Apple Crème said.

“I doubt that will happen.” Dinky saw the time. “It’s late, I better get going.” She waved Bon-Bon, Apple Crème goodbye and left the house. Not before borrowing an umbrella and used her magic to levitate it. She expected Scapula to join her on her walk home but found him nowhere in sight. Dinky shrugged guessing he was protecting her from the shadows or something. Not that she wanted a guardian, anyway. Dinky trotted along the street with a sense of melancholy.

And I was so sure I’d get my cutie mark in Secret Agenting too. Oh well. Back to the drawing board. At this rate, Dinky was sure she’d never get her cutie mark. She wasn’t really great at anything. Maybe she should create a Blank Flank club with Apple Bloom and the other blank flanks. They could pool their resources to research cutie marks. It was worth a try.

The storm died by the time she’d reached her house and folded her umbrella. She reached for the door when a powerful force pulled her away from her doorstop into an alley.

“Thought it was over, eh?” A voice said and Dinky recognized it. It was the changeling that brought the Ursa Major to Ponyville.

“How did you get free?” Dinky winced in pain as the magical levitated gripped around her throat.

“I couldn’t rest until the one who ruined everything paid.” The changeling said. “And don’t think Scapula will come to save you. He’s out cold from a blow to the head.”

Dinky struggled in his magic grip but it was too strong. She couldn’t even cry out for help for his magic grip held her throat that she could only manage weak croaks.

“Please don’t do this.” Even talking hurt.

“It’s your fault our glorious queen is trapped forever in Tartarus!” The changeling growled. “I have nothing! You’ve taken everything I’ve ever cared out away from me. I can’t go home my brothers’ shun me, I’m on the run from pony and changeling law! Making you pay will even the scales.”

Dinky cried out as he tried to twist her neck into an unnatural angle. This changeling wanted to kill her. For the first time in her life, she’d knew real fear and worse nopony would run to her aid this time. This was it.

“Please don’t do this!” Dinky pleaded and tears flowed with hesitation. It sounded pathetic in her ears, but she had nothing to lose. “Please.”

Something about her tone made the changeling release his grip somewhat. Was there hesitation in his eyes? She didn’t see the pure hatred what Chrysalis had.

“No, I must do this!” The changeling strengthening his resolve. “For the glory of Queen Chrysalis!”

“But if you do this, you’ll be all alone,” Dinky said, “and running forever!”

“What now?!” The changeling spat. “I’m a traitor now. Everyling hates me. I will spend the rest of my life in a cell!”

Dinky paused considering the situation. She realized how terrified he was. He’d had everything taken from him and now he didn’t know what he wanted to do. He saw revenge as the only way to ease his troubled mind.

“I don’t hate you,” Dinky said in a whisper.

Her words made the changeling recoil. He had not expected them.

“So what?” The changeling said with false bravado. “It wouldn’t make you any less dead!”

“Why am I not then?” Dinky challenged her voice becoming firm. “You have me where you want.”

“Shut up!” The changeling replied. “I’m getting to it!”

Sympathy filled Dinky’s eyes. She couldn’t hate this poor lost changeling despite his threats and wanted to help him despite what little sense that made.

“You don’t want to hurt me.” Dinky put a comforting hoof on her captor. “I don’t think you want to hurt anypony, not really.”

“Yes, I do!” The changeling replied, but Dinky could tell his words were false and even he knew it. “Someling has to avenge our fallen queen!”

“A queen that only hurt you,” Dinky replied, “I’ve heard about how she was constantly mean to everyling. She only cared about herself and never once showed you any kindness.”

“It’s the changeling way!” The changeling stood tall and proud. “We need to be strong.”

“Then why did everyling abandon it?”

“Because they’re stupid!” The changeling unexpectedly dropped her and paced in the alley. “Don’t they realize it’s for our own good! The ponies can’t become our friends. Changelings should stand alone!”

Dinky realized she was free and could flee at any time but instead, she felt compelled to sit and listen. This changeling wanted someone to listen to him and Dinky would oblige. When he stopped ranting, he paused in shock realizing his mistake and stared at his captive confused.

“Why didn’t you run?” The changeling asked.

“Because you needed a friend,” Dinky replied simply.

“What?” The changeling recoiled not believing his ears. He shook his head several times, not sure if Dinky was crazy or not.

“Go on.” Dinky waved a hoof. “I want to hear more.”

The changeling collapsed and put his hooves in his face. “She wants to be my friend? Are all ponies crazy?” He looked into her face expecting some trick but only found true honesty.

“What’s your name?” Dinky asked with a smile. “I’m Dinky Doo.”

The changeling hesitated giving his name like would bring a curse upon him. “Cervical.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Cervical!”

“You’re really want to be my friend, despite this?” Cervical waved to the alley at large.

“You’re just scared and not thinking straight,” Dinky replied, “it must be tough fighting on the losing side. And I don’t think you’re wrong in some ways.”

“You don’t?”

Dinky nodded. “You want changeling independence, that’s not bad, right? Besides, pony politics are a pain.” She didn’t even want to imagine what the evil Night Court might attempt with the changelings. Somepony needed to warn them about that. Cervical stood up and trotted towards the alley’s exit.

“Where are you going?” Dinky asked.

“No clue.” Cervical replied. “Some pit somewhere. Sorry for trying to hurt you Dinky. You’re a good person. I can see why my brother Cornicle likes you.”

“Don’t go!” Dinky grabbed his hoof before he could leave.

“I’m a traitor, they’ll never accept me,” Cervical said, “I brought an Ursa to Ponyville!”

Dinky shook her head so hard it hurt. “No, I can help you. I’ll tell them you only yelled at me a bit, besides you only did that bad stuff because the queen wanted you to. Don’t lose your entire family because of one bad mistake!”

Cervical’s lip quivered. “Do you think they’ll take me back?”

“They’re family, of course, they will.” Dinky held out her hoof. “We’ll talk to them together and don’t worry about the monster thing. They happen, like, everyday here.”

Cervical hesitated for a moment and grabbed her hoof. “Let’s find Scapula first. You owe him an apology!”

Cervical gave a weak smile. “I suppose I do.”

Friendship saves the day again. The changelings aren’t so scary once you get to know them. I’m not so bad at this, am I? I wonder if I can get my cutie mark in hostage negotiation? I’ll talk to Apple Bloom and the other blank flanks about this later.

Scapula was pretty mad but accepted the apology after Dinky’s pleaded Cervical’s case. They walked towards Sugarcube Corner for a late-night cupcake. Dinky and Cervical needed one.

“What’ll you have?” Pinkie Pie asked with a notepad in her hooves. Sugarcube Corner was surprisingly full of ponies and changelings considering the Ursa attack. They intermingled well and Dinky smiled in approval.

“Strawberry cupcake please.” Her mom wouldn’t like her eating soon before bedtime, but she earned this darn it.

“A cupcake with chocolate frosting please.” Scapula said.

“Uh, what Dinky is having?” Cervical wasn’t sure what he wanted to order. His indecision was cute.

“Sure thing!” Pinkie wrote their order done and trotted away. She stopped and turned back to Dinky. “Oh, would you want extra sprinkles? It’s on the house. You saved the day.”

“That would be great.”

Pinkie was about to move away, but stopped and squinted in Dinky’s direction. She screamed in delight making Dinky jump. “What is it?”

“Oh, it’s so great!” Pinkie hopped up and down with manic energy. “Congratulations! Forget the sprinkles; we’re having a huge party! Give me about twenty minutes, and I’ll have it ready.”

“For what?” Dinky blinked completely lost.

Pinkie pointed at Dinky’s flank. “For your cutie mark, silly.”

What?! Dinky looked at her flank. There it was, a real cutie mark. She couldn’t believe her eyes and thought she had to be dreaming. After blinking and rubbing her eyes several times, she saw that she had her cutie mark. It was a collection of five yellow stars.

“I’ve got my cutie mark!” Dinky hopped around overcome with joy. This was the best day of her life!

“Congratulations?” Cervical wasn’t sure why this was such a big deal. Scapula looked just as confused.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh.” Dinky leaped around unable to control her excitement. “I need to tell my mom!” She ran for the door. A confused Scapula followed her.

“Party in twenty minutes!” Pinkie called out as Dinky ran outside.

“Got it!”

Still, what caused it? Dinky pondered this question as she ran home. She remembered the warmth she felt when she helped Cervical turn his life around and gave him a lifeline he hadn’t expected.

Friendship. It was because she made friends with Thorax, Cervical, Banana Peel, and the other changelings that they saved the day. She saved Equestria, not through violence or force, but bringing others together for the common good. That had to be her special gift! Friendship!

A bright smile came to Dinky’s face. She might not be a secret agent anymore, but she still felt like a pretty special pony.

Author's Note

Dinky as an adult complete with her cutie mark: