Outcast

Chapters

1-1: A Canterlot Wedding (part 1)
1-2: A Canterlot Wedding (Part 2)
1-3: Wedding Crashers
1-4: Revelations
1-5: Investigation and Interrogation
1-6: Escapee
1-7: Search Party
1-8: Conclusive Evidence
1-9: Hide and Seek
Intermission: Damselfly's Story

1-1: A Canterlot Wedding (part 1)

Act 1: The Reveal

It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. The late spring air made it not too hot and not too cold, a gentle breeze blowing through the trees as it lightly rustled the leaves, a bright blue sky with just enough clouds to avoid monotony. It was a perfect day for a picnic. A group of six friends agreed and took advantage of the opportunity.

Wearing a large sunhat, Rarity sighed in content at the perfect picnic spot on the perfect picnic day, “It is absolutely gorgeous out,” the fashionista praised, “Just gorgeous!”

“Ah hear ya there,” Applejack agreed as she lay on the picnic blanket and slurped some lemonade through a straw.

“Er belgomp,” Rainbow Dash garbled through a mouthful of sandwich.

“Thanks for adding to the mood,” Rarity deadpanned sarcastically, displeased with the rainbow-maned pegasus’ lack of tact.

Twilight levitated an apple out of the basket and was about to take a bite when footsteps were heard heading their way. Dropping the apple, she took notice of Spike, who was out of breath from running.

“Twi… light… I… have… hold on… lemme just…” the purple dragon said through gasps of breath. Then he plopped onto the ground before giving out a loud belch. A green flame emerged before forming into a letter.

Twilight took the letter and started reading, “Dear Twilight Sparkle, I am sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot… Wedding?” Twilight questioned before returning her attention to the letter, “I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music.”

Fluttershy perked up at this news, a smile on her face, “Oh my goodness! What an honor!” the pegasus said in an excited and quiet tone. Fluttershy was perhaps the only pony in Equestria that could manage a tone like that.

Twilight continued reading, “Pinkie Pie, I can think of no one more qualified than you to host the reception.”

“Hip… Hip… Hurray!” Pinkie cheered as she did a cartwheel across the picnic blanket, stopping to look Spike right in the eyes before giving out a gleeful laugh.

“Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception.”

“Well hoowee! Color me pleased as punch!” Applejack exclaimed as Rainbow Dash tried to interpret her countryism.

“Rainbow Dash,” Twilight continued as the blue pegasus covered her muzzle, yawning in boredom over Twilight’s dictation, “…I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a sonic rainboom as the bride and groom complete their “I do”’s.”

Rainbow Dash stuffed her hoof in her mouth to stop her yawn before jumping into the air and pumping a hoof, “Awe, yeah!”

“Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids.”

Rarity became quite flustered at the thought, “Princess Celestia wants me to-” the seamstress stuttered incoherently as her brain had a slight short circuit, “-wedding dress? For a Canterlot wedding… I-ah-ooh…” Rarity wobbled from side to side before…

THUMP

Rarity fainted on the ground with a huge grin on her face.

“Uh… Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, concern for her fallen friend.

“And as for you, Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all: Making sure everything goes as planned. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia.” Twilight finished reading the letter before double-checking in confusion, “But… I don’t understand. Who’s getting married?”

“Oh, wait,” Spike said before bashfully turning back towards Twilight, “I was probably supposed to give you this one first.”

Spike handed the librarian another letter, which she took in her magic and started reading, “Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and…” Twilight gasped in shock, “My brother?!”

The other ponies didn’t seem to take note of the shocked look on Twilight’s face. All except for Rarity, who could sense she wasn’t happy for some reason.

“Wait, since when did you have a brother?” Rainbow Dash questioned, but she was ignored.

Applejack walked up to the lavender unicorn, “Yer brother’s gettin’ married?” the farm pony said excitedly, shaking her hoof, “Congratulations, Twilight! That’s great news!”

Twilight walked away with a sour expression as she talked, “Yeah, great news. That I just got from a wedding invitation! Not from my brother, but from a piece of paper! Thanks a lot, Shining Armor. I mean, really, he couldn’t tell me personally?” Twilight paused her rant as she stopped next to a sandwich with two olives on toothpicks for eyes. She levitated the sandwich and pantomimed her brother in a deep voice, “Hey, Twilight, just thought you should know that I’m making a really big decision that changes everything. Oh, nevermind, you’ll hear about it when you get the invitation,” She then dropped the act and the sandwich in frustration before pantomiming the unknown Princess, “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza? Who in the hoof is that?!” Twilight finally finished with a snort.

Fluttershy walked up to Twilight in concern, “Um, Twilight, are you okay?”

Twilight let her anger ebb away, “Sorry, it’s just that until I moved to Ponyville, Shining Armor and I have always been so close. He’s my B.B.B.F.F!” The other five just stared in confusion, “Big Brother Best Friend Forever?”

“Ohhh!” the group said in unison.

“Before I came here and learned the importance of friendship, Shining Armor was the only pony I ever really accepted as a friend. He’s always been there for me. He taught me how to fly a kite. We did everything together.”

Applejack walked up to Twilight, putting a comforting hoof on her shoulder, “As one of yer P.F.Fs…” Applejack just received a blank stare from the others, “Pony Friends Forever…”

“Ohhh!”

“…Ah wanna tell ya that Ah think yer brother sounds like a really good guy,” Applejack finished.

“He is pretty special,” Twilight said as she sat down, her friends sitting down with her, “I mean, they don’t let just anypony be captain of the Royal Guard.”

Rarity dashed over to Twilight excitedly, making sure she heard correctly, “So let me get this straight. We’re helping out with the wedding of not only a Princess, but a captain of the Royal Guard?!”

“I guess so,” Twilight confirmed. Rarity became wobbly again. As she was about to faint again, Twilight levitated a pillow under her head.

THUMP

Meanwhile, three friends, a trio of fillies known throughout Ponyville for causing chaos, destruction of property, and tree sap, were on another one of their crusades. This was one of their more non-destructive crusades. But knowing them, they will probably find a way to make trouble from it.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Makeup Artists, YAY!” the three fillies cheered.

“So, tell us again, Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo asked, not quite as enthused at the idea, “Why do you think playing with makeup will get us our cutie marks?”

“Well, for starters, everything else we do, we always get in trouble for breaking something. And it’s not like we can break anything with makeup,” Sweetie Belle explained before she took out a box, “Besides, being a makeup artist isn’t just about putting on makeup. It’s about transforming how a pony looks into something different. Maybe we could turn you into a bug!”

“And Apple Bloom into a Zombie!” Scootaloo exclaimed, getting into the spirit.

“And turn Sweetie into a robot!” Apple Bloom finished. With a bout of laughter, the three fillies opened up the makeup kit.

After about an hour of putting makeup on each other, Sweetie Belle was just finishing her final touches on turning Scootaloo into a bug. It was difficult trying to get her vision to come to light, partly because she seemed to be having trouble understanding exactly what her vision was. For some reason, she wanted to envision holes, which was odd. But she felt she wasn’t going to get any closer. She then put away the makeup.

Scootaloo was covered in black makeup, with a segmented body and all. The wings were complicated, but she just went with white for the wings. Apple Bloom didn’t have the best makeup job done. But Scootaloo did a relatively good job at portraying open wounds. Sweetie Belle probably had the best makeup job, though it wasn’t a difficult job for her. Apple Bloom used makeup to draw neon lines along her body, giving the appearance of plates of metal. It was a simple project but well done nonetheless.

As Scootaloo looked at herself in the mirror, she admired the work, even if it wasn’t that great. It was a curious style. She didn’t seem to resemble any specific insect.

“What were you trying to do when you made me a bug?” Scootaloo asked curiously, “What was going through your head?”

“I’m not really sure,” Sweetie Belle said, unsure of herself. She then had a smile form before speaking in a robotic tone, “I must be malfunctioning.”

“Brains…” Apple Bloom groaned playfully. She then turned to Scootaloo and began to appear weak, “…No brains… starvin’…”

“Oh, ha ha,” Scootaloo said sarcastically at Apple Bloom’s playful insult, “I guess I’ll just have to sting you to prove my point!”

“Does not compute,” Sweetie Belle said mechanically, “Cockroaches don’t have stingers.”

“Cockroach?!” Scootaloo exclaimed, “Well, I think you have a few screws loose, Sweetie Bot.”

There was a silent pause before the three fillies fell to the floor in a fit of giggles. That’s when the bell indicating the door was heard. And they saw that Rarity came in with an excited look.

“Sweetie Belle! I ha- AHHH!!!” Rarity shrieked in terror.

Sweetie Belle ran over to her big sister, “It’s okay, Rarity!” the filly said, trying to calm down the fashionista, “We’re just wearing makeup! I didn’t realize we did such a good job at being makeup artists.”

With that comment, the other two fillies remembered why they did that and looked toward their flanks to see… nothing.

“Wait, how would we know that we got our cutie marks if our flanks are covered in makeup?” Scootaloo questioned.

“It’s not your makeup that made me scream!” Rarity exclaimed authoritatively, “It’s the fact that most of the makeup is splattered all around the boutique!”

The fillies looked around the room to see that it did, in fact, look like a makeup bomb had exploded. The fillies all bowed their heads shamefully, Sweetie Belle seeming especially hurt, “I’m sorry, Rarity. It’s just that we wanted to try to get our cutie marks as makeup artists,” Sweetie Belle said apologetically, “We didn’t think that makeup could cause that much destruction.”

Rarity’s expression softened as she looked down at the filly. Her expression for a moment even grew saddened.

“We’re sorry, Rarity,” Apple Bloom apologized, “But with all the ponies ‘round Ponyville complainin’ ‘bout property damage…”

“Sweetie Belle’s not in trouble, is she?” Scootaloo asked.

Rarity looked at the two, attempting their best puppy dog eyes. She then checked the room for damage control, “Well, seeing as there’s minimal damage to the dresses and materials, I suppose I can let it slide for now,” Rarity relented, “But we’re going to have this place, and yourselves, cleaned up before we go to Canterlot.”

“We’re going to Canterlot?!” Sweetie asked excitedly, “What are we going there for?!”

“It’s actually at Princess Celestia’s request,” Rarity explained, her mood brightening up, “We’ll be attending a royal wedding between Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor! I was asked to design the dresses, the others have their roles to fulfill, and you three are going to be the flower fillies!”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened in awe with a smile to match, “We’re going to be flower fillies at a wedding for a Princess?!” Sweetie Belle squeaked.

“Who’s Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?” Scootaloo questioned.

“Twilight’s got a brother?” Apple Bloom added.

“Before we get cleaned up, what do you think of our makeup?” Sweetie Belle asked hopefully, “Do you like it?”

Rarity looked curiously at the trio, “Did you do your own faces, or…”

“Nah, we did each other,” Apple Bloom said, “Ah did Sweetie, Sweetie did Scoots, and Scoots did me.”

Rarity looked back and forth between the girls, specifically between Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo with a worried expression, “So… what did you have in mind when doing Scootaloo’s makeup?” Rarity asked her sister nervously.

“I’m not exactly sure,” Sweetie Belle admitted, “I just had the image of a bug in my head. I’m not exactly sure why though.”

Rarity’s ears folded back nervously, “Well… I’m sure it was just your creative imagination that brought that idea on,” Rarity said awkwardly. She then drew her attention to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, “And what was it that you did with Apple Bloom?”

“I wanted to make Apple Bloom a zombie!” Scootaloo said excitedly, “So, did I do a good job?”

“Well, it certainly could use some work,” Rarity began before remembering the age of the artist, “But it’s recognizable. And what about you, Apple Bloom?”

“Ah made Sweetie a robot!” Apple Bloom said proudly.

Rarity looked over her sister’s makeup, “Impressive! You did well in conveying your intent while keeping it minimalistic!” Rarity praised. She then saw the Apple sibling’s confusion, “You did very well, and you didn’t use any more makeup than you needed to.”

Apple Bloom smiled at the praise. But then her high spirits were lowered again, “But if Ah did such a good job, then why don’t I got my cutie mark?”

“You may be good at makeup art. But that doesn’t mean that that’s your true calling in life,” Rarity said in an attempt to lift the Apple filly’s spirits again. It seemed to work if only just a little, “Now you three go get cleaned up! We have a wedding to get ready for!”

This got the three fillies’ attention. They all ran into the bathroom to take a bath together. As Rarity heard the bathroom door shut, her expression again saddened, “Oh, Sweetie Belle. I wish I could explain to you what your muse truly was,” Rarity said to herself, “I wish you didn’t have to live this lie I made for you. But if you knew the truth, you’d be put in danger.”

With her thoughts put aside, Rarity got to work on cleaning the damage of the makeup bomb known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

The next day, six mares, three fillies, and one baby dragon were on the train to Canterlot. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had their heads out the window as the latter talked about her part in the wedding.

“A sonic rainboom? At a wedding?!” Rainbow exclaimed, “Can you say ‘best wedding ever’?!”

Pinkie Pie then stuck her head out the window. She took in a gasp of air as they approached a tunnel, “BEST WEDDING EVER!!! Ever… ever…” The pink pony’s words echoed through the tunnel.

“So you all get to help with the big fancy wedding,” Spike said, who was sitting next to Rarity, “But I’m the one who gets to host the bachelor party! I have just one question… what’s a bachelor party?”

The group of five ponies laughed at that comment, Twilight sitting on her own, sulking about her brother not telling her in person.

As Applejack went to talk with Twilight, Fluttershy had to address a question that was on her mind, “Rarity, are you sure it was okay to invite the three girls to be flower fillies?” Fluttershy asked quietly, “I mean, not that I mind. They would make lovely flower fillies. But should you make that kind of decision on such an occasion?”

“I suppose I may have overstepped my authority on the matter,” Rarity admitted, “But I wasn’t trying to be intrusive. It’s just that I thought they would make such adorable flower fillies. And when I mentioned it to them, they just seemed so excited that I couldn’t bring myself to tell them that they weren’t promised the part of flower fillies.”

“Well, the Princesses are kind and understanding,” Fluttershy said, “I’m sure they’d be more than happy to let them take part.”

In another row of seats, the cutie mark crusaders were having their own conversation.

“Can you believe it?!” Sweetie Belle squeaked excitedly, “We’re going to be flower fillies! And for a royal wedding no less!”

“Yeah, I guess,” Scootaloo said uncommittedly, “I just don’t think being a flower filly is cool.”

“Well, Rainbow Dash is excited ‘bout bein’ in the weddin’,” Apple Bloom pointed out, “And she wouldn’t be excited ‘bout performin’ a sonic rainboom fer a weddin’ if she weren’t excited fer the weddin’ itself.”

“And it’s also a wedding for a Princess!” Sweetie Belle added, her eyes seeming to glow in excitement, “How many fillies have the chance to be the flower fillies for a wedding for a Princess?!”

“And we can brag about it to our friends, and make sure Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon hear us clearly,” Apple Bloom suggested conspiratorially, “They’d never let it go that we got ta be the flower fillies fer a royal weddin’ and they didn’t.”

Hearing this, the corners of Scootaloo’s mouth turned up. It would be worth it for that, if nothing else.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Flower Fillies, YAY!” the trio cheered before giggling gleefully.

As the train approached the city of Canterlot, it approached a barrier protected by guards. They uncovered the part of the barrier that the train would pass through, the barrier itself taking on a malleable state.

As the train passed through, the barrier passed through everyone on the train. For most, it wasn’t a big deal. But two individuals were more affected by it than the others had been.

As the barrier passed through Rarity, She shuttered. It was not a pleasant experience. And though the barrier let her pass, she knew precisely what that barrier was intended to do. Though she kept quiet, she was confused about why she was let through.

As the barrier passed through the cutie mark crusaders, Sweetie Belle shivered. She couldn’t explain why she didn’t like the experience. She just knew that she didn’t like it.

“Did any of you feel that?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I guess,” Scootaloo said, “I mean, it felt like we went through a waterfall, but it wasn’t that big of a deal.”

“Ah’d say it felt more like a waterfall of tree sap,” Apple Bloom said, “But it ain’t sticky like tree sap, so it ain’t so bad.”

“Are you sure?” Sweetie Belle asked, sounding small and frail, “It felt cold. Like all the heat was sucked out of my body.”

“Maybe it affects different ponies differently. Ah’m sure it’s nothin’ ta-” Apple Bloom paused when she put her hoof around Sweetie Belle’s shoulders, “Woah! You really are cold!”

Scootaloo grabbed Sweetie’s hoof, confirming that it felt ice-cold, “Yikes! Are you feeling okay, Sweetie?”

“I don’t know,” Sweetie Bell admitted.

Rarity, who was overhearing the conversation, bit her lip. Thankfully, the others were distracted with their own musings to have noticed. She was recovering from the cold sensation quickly enough. But if the others knew about Sweetie Belle’s reaction to the barrier, it may bring up suspicions.

Once the train stopped at the station, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity peeked their heads out of the door to see an entire squadron of Royal Guards.

“Woah!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, “What’s with all the guards?”

“I’m sure they’re just taking the necessary precautions,” Rarity explained, “Royal weddings do bring out the strangest ponies.”

“Ya sound like ya got experience with strange ponies and royal weddins’,” Applejack said as they exited the train fully.

Pinkie Pie then let out a trumpet-like sneeze as she exited the train, sneezing out confetti as she did so.

“Well, Pinkie Pie is here after all,” Rarity deadpanned, “Now let’s get going! We’ve got work to do!”

Applejack then trotted over to Twilight as she left the train, “And you’ve got a big brother to congratulate.”

“Yeah. Congratulate,” Twilight said in a sour tone as she headed forward, “And then give him a piece of my mind.”

After Twilight stormed off down the path, the others were taken to where they’d be working.

The three fillies were allowed a bit of freedom around the castle. They were still restricted, but because they didn’t have any jobs personally, save for being flower fillies that is, they were allowed the chance to explore.

As they were excitedly prancing through the halls, they came across Princess Luna, who was talking to somepony.

“We thank you for bringing this to our attention,” the lunar Princess finished in her partially olde Equestrian dialect, “But you are well aware that if they were let through the barrier shield, then their identities have been verified. Just remember that who someone is and what someone is are not the same.”

“I understand, Princess. I just don’t want to see her harm anyone else,” the timid blue stallion said nervously, “I’ve already lost a family once. She won’t-” The stallion paused for a moment when he saw the fillies trotting up. Princess Luna followed his gaze to see the ponies in question.

Luna turned back to the stallion, “We will do our best to prevent any casualties. But there is only so much we can do without suspicion,” Princess Luna continued, “As for suspicion, you should return to your… peers, lest you be placed under suspicion as well.”

The stallion nodded his head respectfully. He then glanced at the fillies again, specifically taking note of the little marshmallow filly. Sweetie Belle returned the glance before the stallion turned and headed down the corridor.

Luna then turned her attention to the trio, “Hello, young ones,” Luna said with a smile, “Are you enjoying your stay here so far?”

“Yes!” the three said in unison.

“So is it true that we get to be flower fillies at the wedding?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“We are still getting used to modern wedding rituals,” Luna admitted apprehensively, “Would you explain to us what the flower fillies’ role is?”

“We spread flowers along the runway for the bride to walk along,” Sweetie explained.

“Ah, yes. Purifying the runway is a tradition in wedding rituals,” Luna said, “Though the role would often go to archmages to ensure the purity of the path.”

“Well, Rarity says that it’s based on that tradition,” Sweetie Belle said, “But today, it’s just a tradition rather than a ritualistic practice.”

“I always thought that the flowers were just for show,” Scootaloo said.

“Ah’ve never seen a weddin’ before,” Apple Bloom added.

“So, who was that guy?” Scootaloo asked.

“Intel,” Luna said simply, “And that is all you will need to know. We have reason to believe that there was a threat to Canterlot. That is what the barrier around the city is for.”

The mention of the barrier made Sweetie Belle fidget, “What was that barrier supposed to do?” Sweetie Belle asked apprehensively, “Because when we went through, I felt like all the heat was pulled out of my body.”

“We can confirm that,” Scootaloo said, “To us, it just felt like going through a waterfall of tree sap. But not only did Sweetie Belle feel cold, she was cold.”

“She’s okay now. But will that shield have any bad effects?” Apple Bloom asked.

Luna glared at Sweetie Belle for a moment. But her gaze softened as she saw the confused look on the unicorn filly, “We are sure that there is nothing to be concerned about,” Luna said with a soft smile, “But if the three of you don’t mind, We would prefer to do a check on you, just to make sure there are no lasting effects.”

“I-I’ll be okay, r-right?” Sweetie Belle stuttered nervously.

“Do not worry, little one. We have no intent on letting harm come to you,” Luna said, “But We would still like to make sure everything is alright.”

With that, the fillies relented and let Sweetie Belle go with Princess Luna.

Author's Note

As you may have guessed, this was just a recreation of the first half of A Canterlot Wedding part 1. Granted, I’ve modified a few scenes here and there, as well as added a few and switched a few for the sake of perspective.

I'm separating this story into 3 Acts. This way, I don't have to worry about finishing the entire fic before posting the chapter. Basically, I'll write Act 1 (which by the time you read this, I already have), then go on a hiatus as I write Act 2. Once I write Act 2, I'll post that and go on another hiatus to write Act 3. I will also include intermission chapters between Acts to hold you over.

On a side note, can you spot the Easter Egg?

1-2: A Canterlot Wedding (Part 2)

Luna led Sweetie Belle into her private quarters. Sweetie Belle looked around in awe as the navy blues and silvers created the sensation of standing in the night sky itself. Luna looked down to see the expression in the filly’s eyes and smiled.

“So, who was that you were talking to earlier?” Sweetie Belle asked suddenly, “I know you told us that all we need to know is that he’s intel. But I feel like I’ve met him before.”

“That is extremely unlikely to be true,” Luna explained, her smile never faltering, “Simply put, the reason for the barrier is because of a threat being made against Canterlot. That stallion is the informant who warned Us. If We say any more about who he is, We could be putting him in potential danger. The less you know, the better.”

The smile returned to Luna’s face as she readied a spell. But Sweetie Belle didn’t feel comforted by the smile, “Am I in trouble?” the marshmallow filly asked nervously.

This received a bewildered look from Luna, “Why would you think that you are in trouble?”

“Because you don’t look happy,” the filly said.

At this point, Luna’s smile faltered. She may not have been as practiced with smiling as Celestia was, but she could keep a convincing smile for a short amount of time without faltering, “How is it that We do not look happy?”

“I… I’m not sure exactly,” Sweetie Belle said nervously as she looked to the side, “It’s just that… I see your smile… but I feel like you’re angry.”

“We suppose that We have been on edge recently with the threat on Canterlot,” Luna said, not necessarily lying, “But We promise that We will not be angry with you if you do not give Us reason to.”

This seemed to reassure the filly as Luna used a scanning spell on her. ‘Odd. Our lie detection spell detects no deception from the filly. But her biology…’

“You’re angry again,” Sweetie Belle whimpered, distracting Luna from her train of thought.

‘It does not matter. There is no deception in her heart. She is who she claims to be, and that’s what matters.’ Luna thought. She then shifted her mindset to be more comforting, “We promise that We are not angry with you.” ‘Confused perhaps. But not angry.’

Sweetie Belle let out a sigh, “I’m sorry for being so nervous all of a sudden,” the filly said apologetically, “It’s just that ever since we got here… I don’t know. It’s like there’s something going on. Not just the wedding or the threat. Ever since we went through that barrier… maybe I’m just being paranoid.”

“Do not discredit paranoia so easily,” Luna said, “Paranoia helps to keep you on your hooves. Would you rather be relaxed and get taken off guard during an attack, or stay on guard even if there is no attack?”

“So, it’s like the saying ‘better safe than sorry’?”

Luna took a moment to consider the saying, “We have not heard of that saying,” Luna admitted, “However, that does sound accurate enough. It is better to be on guard and be safe than to be off guard and be sorry.”

With a smile, Luna headed for the door, motioning for Sweetie Belle to follow her. Sweetie Belle quickly followed in step right behind Luna.

Rarity was dedicated to her work on the wedding dress for princess Mi Amore Cadenza. However, that didn’t mean she couldn’t multitask. Though she may have been focused on the wedding dress, she was also listening to Twilight, who was fuming behind her as she paced back and forth.

“Oh, you should have seen how she acted back there. I don’t know when she changed, but she changed!” Twilight ranted before shifting into an impression of the pink princess, “Please, call me princess Mi Amore Cadenza.”

“Did I hear someone say my name?”

The two mares looked towards the doorway to see the princess in question, escorted by a couple of royal guards and the bride’s maids, enter the room. Rarity impulsively zoomed right in front of the princess, “Your highness!” Rarity exclaimed overenthusiastically with a bow, “Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.” The fashionista finished with a nervous laugh.

“Uh-huh,” princess Mi Amore Cadenza said, eyeing the mare in front of her suspiciously, “Is my dress ready?”

“Oh, well, uh, yes, of course!” Rarity said with a stammer. ‘I know she’s a princess. But why am I suddenly getting all flustered around her? Perhaps my nerves are just getting to me. But still…’ Leaving the realm of her inner thoughts, she went and followed the princess to where Rarity was working on the dress prior, “Um, I was working on it ever since I was given the assignment, and I think you’ll be pleased with the results!” Rarity finished with a hum.

“I was hoping for something with more beading,” princess Cadenza said snobbishly, “And a longer train.”

“Oh, yes, of course,” Rarity said without thinking. princess Cadenza walked over to the bride’s maids’ dresses, followed by Rarity.

“And those should be a different color,” the pink princess said.

“I think they’re lovely.”
“Me too!”
“I love them.”

After graciously letting the bride’s maids speak, princess Cadenza ignored the opinions of the commoners, “Make them a different color.”

After the princess bride and her escorts left, Rarity got back to work, letting Twilight get back to fuming, “Gee, maybe her name should be ‘princess Demandy-pants’.”

Rarity’s attention, however, was no longer focused on her friend but rather on an inner conflict she was starting to have. Her impulsive desire to please the princess, the bride’s demanding attitude… It was all too familiar to her. But she couldn’t put a hoof on it.

As Twilight was about to head out, Rarity turned around to get her attention, “Twilight?”

Twilight stopped where she was and turned back towards her friend, “What is it, Rarity?”

Rarity paused for a moment before dropping the subject, “Never mind. It’s nothing, dear.”

After giving a confused look at her friend, Twilight headed out of the room, leaving Rarity alone with her thoughts. ‘I shouldn’t start making accusations. After all, I don’t know if I’m right or if it’s just my imagination. And if I talk, I’d have to explain my reasoning… and myself.’

“And that is why you shall not be dining with your elder sisters this night.”

It was dinner time, and Luna just finished explaining why the Cutie Mark Crusaders weren’t eating with their sisters. They were a little disappointed. But the trade-off was that they had access to the royal kitchen. And this included the royal kitchen’s staff.

“So, does that mean we’ll be eating dinner with you?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“We must decline that offer. We must relieve Princess Celestia of her watch duties,” Luna said apologetically, “But do not fret. You shall be joined by Our sister shortly. Good night to you.” With that said, Luna stood up and walked towards the dining room doors. She opened them but turned around before leaving, “Oh, and go easy on the chefs. They are used to Canterlot sophistication.”

With a knowing wink, Luna left the dining room to leave the Crusaders to their own devices.

“Whaddya think Princess Luna was talkin’ ‘bout?” Apple Bloom wondered.

“Rarity always tells me to be lady-like so that we can fit in with Canterlot nobility,” Sweetie Belle explained in thought, “Just as long as that nobility isn’t Prince Blueblood.”

“Lady-like? Bleh,” Scootaloo stuck her tongue out in disgust, “Being a flower filly is girly enough as it is. I’m not gonna start acting snooty if I don’t have to.”

“Well, Ah dunno ‘bout yall, but Ah’m gettin’ hungry,” Apple Bloom said as she looked around, “When’re we gonna eat?”

“Tia,” Luna said as she landed on the balcony where Celestia stood watch, “I have come to relieve you and begin the night watch.”

“Thank you, Luna,” Celestia said with an appreciative nod of her head. She opened up her wings to take off before she was stopped by Luna.

“Tia, I know that you don’t like it when I make decisions for you without your knowledge,” Luna said apprehensively.

“But…”

“But I promised the flower fillies that you would eat dinner with them,” Luna finished, “And I may have played a little prank on the chefs by subliminally encouraging the fillies to ‘take it easy’ on them.”

Celestia sighed in resignation, “I don’t mind that you decided for me to eat dinner with the fillies. It does give a nice change of pace after all,” Celestia said before her expression became serious, “But if I have to perform damage control because they didn’t take your suggestion literally, I’m going to be quite cross.”

Celestia opened up her wings and flapped, taking flight and leaving Luna to start her night watch.

As she glided down, she noticed Twilight and her friends at a table eating their dinner. If it weren’t for Luna’s ultimatum, she would’ve landed to spend some time with them to see how the progress was going.

She glided into the dining hall window, landing softly on the carpet. But she saw that something was missing, or to be specific, three someponies missing.

“How do you burn juice?!” the voice of the royal chef cried in frustration, the voice coming from the kitchen, “You weren’t even cooking it!”

Celestia sighed as she headed towards the kitchen. Passing through the door, she saw… everything under control?

“My sister once said the same thing,” Sweetie Belle said, who was holding a glass of what Celestia could only assume was the burnt juice, “To be honest, I wish I knew how I did it too.”

Celestia looked around to see several dishes of what she assumed were supposed to be food. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were making their own food while the chef was trying (and failing) to help Sweetie Belle with her food. There was the glass of viscous liquid, dishes of ash and char, and a bowl of what she could only assume was oatmeal.

“Perhaps I can be of some assistance?” Princess Celestia said as she walked towards the group. The fillies and chef saw the Princess and bowed, “At ease. I believe I am to dine with these three tonight.”

“My apologies, Princess,” the chef said as he got up from his bow, “They requested to make their own dinners. I agreed as long as I supervised. Those two were simple enough not to need assistance. But this unicorn filly… well… let’s just say that my expertise was insufficient.”

Celestia began examining the… food wasn’t quite the right word to use. Her attention was drawn towards the bowl of goo, “What was it you were attempting to make?” the solar diarch asked.

“A cucumber sandwich,” Sweetie Belle said matter-of-factly.

On the outside, Celestia maintained her composure and offered to make a cucumber sandwich for her, making one for herself as well. On the inside, however, Celestia was mortified that Sweetie Belle could somehow turn a cucumber sandwich into a bowl of goo.

Sweetie Belle’s ears flattened against her head, “You don’t like it, do you?”

“What makes you say that?” the solar Princess asked. However, this did catch her attention.

“You mean besides the fact that what was supposed to be a sandwich looks more like oatmeal?” Scootaloo sarcastically asked bluntly.

“You just seemed to shudder when you saw it,” Sweetie Belle answered. Celestia was not aware that she reacted in any way to the sight of what was in the bowl, “It’s not that you actually shuddered. I could just sense it.”

Celestia took pride in her ability to keep a convincing smile regardless of how she felt. It was practically required. She was a political figurehead, and she needed to show her best. She had over a thousand years to practice this perfect smile. The frustrating, snooty nobles could break nearly anyone. But not Celestia.

So it was truly surprising to the diarch of the sun that this little filly caused her mask to falter.

“You were able to… sense it?” Celestia questioned, “What exactly was it that you sensed?”

“I don’t know how to describe it. I just do,” Sweetie said nervously, knowing that she was addressing the ruler of Equestria, “I talked to Luna about it earlier, too. Not my sandwich, but my… sixth sense?” She clearly didn’t know exactly what to call her sense.

Celestia then walked to grab a few ingredients and put them together out of view of the group. She turned around with a genuine smile and two cucumber sandwiches in her magical aura, offering one of them to Sweetie Belle, who took it in her magic.

Celestia then turned her head towards the chef, “You may take the rest of the night off,” she said in her usual motherly tone, “I hope these three weren’t too much trouble.”

“No problem at all, Your Majesty,” the chef said with a smile, “The little unicorn filly is… in need of some training. But her passion for the culinary arts is truly inspiring.” He then said his goodbyes and left the kitchen.

Celestia walked with the fillies back to the dining hall and sat at the table, “So, you like cucumber sandwiches, too?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

“I do,” Celestia answered with a nod before taking a bite and swallowing, “I find that it’s fancy enough to please the snooty nobility but casual enough to please… well, me.”

“That’s how I please Rarity,” Sweetie said, “I’m not as fancy as she is, but she seems pleased that I like cucumber sandwiches, even though they’re just sandwiches.”

“Well, the cucumber sandwich originated here in Canterlot, which may explain why it’s considered fancy,” Celestia said, “But another reason may have to do with just how old it is. The cucumber sandwich was invented around 700 years ago. So its older age makes it considered ‘classical’.”

“I think that’s how old my grandpa is,” Scootaloo spoke up, “He’s always talking about how things were ‘back in his day’. What was so great about things back when he was a kid?”

“When old folks talk about when they were kids, they aren’t talkin’ ‘bout how good it was,” Apple Bloom said, “When Granny talks ‘bout ‘in her day’, she talks ‘bout walkin’ ten miles to and from school goin’ uphill both ways.”

“How do you go uphill both ways?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Meanwhile, Twilight and her friends were eating their dinner at a nearby restaurant.

“Bet I can guess what you’re all thinking,” Twilight said in a faux cheery voice as she came out with her food. Her expression shifts to a sour one, “Cadance is the absolute worst bride-to-be ever.”

The others all look towards Twilight in shock as Spike holds up a figurine of Cadance, “Who, me?” Spike said, trying to imitate the pink princess’s voice.

“Spike!” Applejack reprimanded, “That goes on the cake.” Spike then put down the figurine, laughing nervously.

“Twilight, whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked with a smile, “Princess Cadance is an absolute gem.”

“Rarity, she was so demanding!” Twilight said with a frown.

“Well, of course she is,” Rarity said, defending the bride-to-be, “Why shouldn’t she expect the very best on her wedding day?”

Twilight began rubbing her temple, “Applejack, did you know that after she told you how much she just love-love-loved your hors d’eouvres, she threw them in the trash?”

“Well, maybe she was jus’ tryin’ to spare my feelings.”

“She was just being fake and totally insincere!”

Fluttershy then brought up an issue, “She did raise her voice at one of my birds at rehearsal.”

“See?” Twilight pointed out, “Rude!”

“But he was singing really off-key,” Fluttershy continued, bringing out the bird in question who demonstrated his off-key singing, causing the others to cover their ears.

“Pinkie Pie, you had to have noticed how Cadance treated-” Twilight sees Pinkie and Spike holding the Shining Armor and Cadance figurines, playing and making kissing noises with each other, “-Never mind. Rainbow Dash, you’re with me, right?”

Rainbow Dash was busy flexing, “Sorry, Twi. Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride’s bad attitude.”

Twilight sighed, or rather, growled in defeat.

Rarity went over to calm Twilight down, “The princess is about to get married,” Rarity explained matter of factly, “I’m sure any negative behavior she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves.” ‘Trust me, Twilight, I hope you’re wrong. Because you don’t want to know what the alternative might be if you’re right. For both of our sakes.’

Twilight then pounds the table, “And I’m sure it’s the result of being an awful pony who doesn’t deserve to know Shining Armor, let alone marry him!”

“Think maybe you’re bein’ just a tiny bit possessive of yer brother?” Applejack suggested, the rest of the group agreeing with her.

“I am not being possessive, and I am not taking it out on Cadance!” Twilight insisted, “You're all just too caught up in your wedding planning to notice that maybe there shouldn't even be a wedding!” Twilight thumps the table with her hoof to emphasize her point. With a huff, she walked away.

Before she was gone, however, Rarity ran up to her, “Listen, Twilight, I’m not exactly sure what’s going on,” Rarity said, trying to choose her words carefully, “Just… be careful.”

Twilight continued on her way, though with a more thoughtful look.

As Rarity headed back to the table, she was stopped by none other than princess Mi Amore Cadenza, “Hello, Rarity,” the pink princess greeted, “May I have a few words with you and your friends?”

After hearing what princess Mi Amore Cadenza had to say, Rarity chose a few dresses for her and her friends to wear. However, Rarity was rather cautious after her recent encounter with the royal.

While they were trying on dresses, Twilight barged in in a panic, “Shining Armor’s in real danger!” Twilight said as she took a moment to catch her breath, “You need to help… Dresses? What are you-”

Twilight’s panic turned confusion was halted when Fluttershy went up to her, “Can you believe it?” Fluttershy said in a rare moment of assertiveness, “We’re gonna be princess Mi Amore Cadenza’s new bridesmaids!”

“New bridesmaids? What happened to her old bridesmaids?”

“She didn’t say,” Applejack answered with a big grin on her face, “But she did tell us that she would love-love-love it if we’d fill in for them.”

“Because we’ve been working super duper hard and stuff!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“And you had yer doubts ‘bout her,” Applejack said.

Twilight just stood there, her mouth agape at her friends’ remarks.

“You sure this is what I should wear?” Rainbow Dash complained, lightly kicking at the inside of her dress, “Doesn’t seem all that aerodynamic.”

“Hmm. I’ll see what I can do,” Rarity said, though her thoughts were on Twilight.

“Looks like I am on my own,” Twilight sighed as she walked out the door. She was then followed by Rarity, who had something to say.

“Remember what I said earlier,” Rarity said to Twilight, “Be careful.”

Twilight lifted her head in confusion, “You know something, don’t you?”

“The less you know, the better,” Rarity insisted, “I’m not sure of everything myself. But if my theory is right, then you are not on your own on this.”

After a moment of thinking it over, Twilight hugged Rarity, “Thank you, Rarity,” Twilight said quietly, “I don’t think you know how frustrating it can be to feel like you’re all alone.”

The two broke the hug, and Twilight headed on her way. Rarity, however, took another moment to sit there, “I understand how you feel more than you could ever know,” Rarity said once out of earshot. With that final thought, Rarity went back inside to Rainbow Dash and started fixing her dress.

The next morning was the rehearsal for the wedding. Organ music was playing as things were continuing. Celestia was standing at the head of the wedding hall with Shining Armor and Spike to the side, playing with the wedding figurines. The newly appointed bridesmaids were walking down the aisle with their heads held high.

“Perfect, girls. No need to rush,” Celestia said, walking them through the steps, “Then, of course, princess Mi Amore Cadenza will enter.”

The organ music stopped and began playing a quite recognizable song. The doors opened up, revealing the pink princess.

The bride walked down the aisle, meeting with her groom at the end, “I’ll say a few words,” Celestia continued, “And then we’ll begin with the vows. Shining Armor, you’ll get the ring from your best mare.”

They look towards where the best mare in question was supposed to be standing. But it was empty. Instead, Spike was sitting on the steps, playing with the figurines.

“Do you?” Spike asked in a deep voice, mimicking the groom before focusing on the bride figurine, “I do!”

Shining Armor looked around for his sister, “Hey, has anypony seen Twilight?”

As if on cue, the doors open, revealing the violet unicorn in question, “I’m here!” She shouted angrily as she started walking forward, “I’m not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!”

Shining Armor cringed nervously before turning to Cadenza, “I’m sorry,” Shining apologized, “I… I don’t know why she’s acting like this.”

“Maybe we should just ignore her,” the alicorn bride suggested.

As the argument continued, Rarity concluded that something wasn’t right. Something wasn’t right about Shining Armor’s emotional state. And the princess’s words weren’t coming from hurt but malice.

“I’ve got something to say! She’s evil!” Twilight asserted, pointing her hoof at the bride and causing most of the ponies in the room to whisper to each other, “She’s been horrible to my friends…” Twilight teleported behind the accused and began stalking her, “…she’s obviously done something to her bridesmaids, and if that wasn’t enough, I saw her last night put a spell on you!” Twilight finished by addressing her brother.

The mention of the spell caught Rarity’s attention.

Cadenza looked around the room as she was backed into a corner, “Why are you doing this to me?!” she cried as she started running out the door.

“Because you’re evil!” Twilight shouted before teleporting to the door after Cadenza ran out, “EVIL!!! And if I don’t stop you, you’re gonna ruin my brother’s life!”

Twilight turned back around and headed back into the room. But she ended up running straight into Shining Armor’s chest. She looked up at him, who glared down angrily at her.

“You wanna know why Cadance cast a spell on me?” Shining Armor said before feeling a twinge of pain, “Because ever since I started having to perform my protection spell, I’ve been getting terrible migraines. She’s been using her magic to heal me! And she makes sure not to cast the spell unless I give her permission!”

‘Malicious intent… Questionable emotional state… Permission for a spell… I was desperately hoping I was wrong, but it really is her!’ Rarity thought to herself nervously.

“And she decided to replace her bridesmaids because she found out the only reason they wanted to be in the wedding was so that they could meet Canterlot royalty!” Shining Armor continued, “And if she hasn’t been on her best behavior with your friends, it’s because with me being so busy, she’s had to make all the decisions about the wedding!”

“I was just trying to-” Twilight said before being cut off.

“She’s completely stressed out because it’s really important to her that our big day be perfect! Something that obviously wasn’t important to you!” Shining continued before getting another twinge of pain, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my bride. And you can forget about being my best mare. In fact, if I were you, I wouldn’t show up at the wedding at all.”

Shining Armor walked away, leaving Twilight to sit there in shame.

“C’mon, y’all,” Applejack said, “Let’s go check on the princess.”

The rest of the ponies walked past Twilight.

“I was-”

“You have a lot to think about,” Celestia said, cutting Twilight off before slamming the doors shut, leaving Twilight all alone.

Rarity opted not to follow the rest of the ponies to check on the princess. She looked back towards the double doors, worried about Twilight, she pushed one of the doors open but paused when she saw Twilight on the steps, the princess walking towards her from the other end of the room.

“What is she doing over there?” Rarity said to herself, noticing the significant lack of sadness in her eyes.

Cadenza patted Twilight on the head, smiling down warmly. But Rarity wasn’t fooled. That smile was far from genuine.

“I’m sorry!” Twilight whimpered.

It was a sweet image, for sure. But Rarity caught sight of a green flash in the princess’s purple eyes. This caused Rarity’s heart to skip a beat.

Cadance’s expression changed to a much more sinister one, “You will be,” the princess growled as she lit her horn in a green glow…

…A shade of green that Rarity recognized all too well.

A ring of green fire formed around Twilight. As she began being pulled into the circle, phasing through the floor itself, Cadance began walking towards the double doors. Rarity then ran for her life as she realized that she may get caught.

Once she was confident that she was out of sight and alone, a most disturbing thought came to mind, “It’s her! It’s really her!” Rarity said to herself, terror evident in her voice, “She’s here in Canterlot… the Queen!”

Author's Note

I included the CMCs in the Canterlot Wedding storyline to fill the plothole caused by the fact that the CMCs were there as the flower fillies despite not being there for the rest of the two-parter. This wouldn't be a big issue if it weren't for the fact that they weren't even there eating dinner with their sisters, which is why I made an excuse for them not to have been there. Although I didn't reveal what Luna told them, it doesn't matter because that was an excuse not to reveal the truth, which was for their own protection. If you may have noticed, I wrote Luna to be more informed about what's going on. If it seems like I’m focusing on Sweetie Belle, I’m not intentionally playing favorites or anything. The narrative just heads that way (the favoritism is just a coincidence).

As for the cucumber sandwich becoming goop, I have an explanation for that. But as Discord would say, what fun is there in knowing? As for burning juice… that’s Pinkie Pie levels of unexplainable.

Aside from adding new scenes or adding context to existing scenes based on Rarity's mindset, I've done as few modifications to existing scenes as possible in order to keep them in line with the episode. But I did make a few slight tweaks because they were unavoidable for the sake of the narrative. But I'm proud of how much I can change the events with how few tweaks I've needed to make to existing content.

And it took two chapters just to get through A Canterlot Wedding part 1.

On a side note, can you spot the Easter Egg?

1-3: Wedding Crashers

“She’s here! She’s really here!” Rarity said in a panic as she paced back and forth, “I have to get out of here! I have to get Sweetie Belle out of here! If she finds me, I’d only lead her to Sweetie.”

Rarity sat down and looked at the stained glass window in the hall she was in. It just happens to be the one of her and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon and receiving their Elements of Harmony.

“But what about my dear friends?” Rarity asked herself, an internal conflict emerging, “What about Sweetie and her friends? What about the Elements of Harmony? They require all six of us together to harmonize.”

Rarity’s eyes then were drawn to Twilight’s depiction in the mural, “Twilight! What about her?! I don’t even know where she was sent to!” Rarity restarted her pacing before taking notice of one more detail: Nightmare Moon. Or rather, the pony behind the Nightmare, “Princess Luna! I need to warn her!”

Rarity ran to find Princess Luna, who had just finished her night watch. She was flying in the air, making it difficult to get her attention. Rarity first thought to take flight and go after her. But then she remembered she didn’t have wings. So she did the next best thing.

“LUNA!!!”

Rarity’s shout caught the night princess’s attention. Knowing the unicorn as being more proper, her uncouth manner of getting the alicorn’s attention meant that something must be wrong.

Landing on the Canterlot street below, Luna was now face to face with Rarity.

Realizing what she just did, Rarity bowed to the lunar diarch, “I apologize for my most unladylike manner of getting your attention, Princess!” Rarity nearly begged for forgiveness, “But I must speak to you.”

“Rise,” Luna instructed, the fashionista doing as instructed, “If you have an emergency that requires our assistance, the formality of bowing may be bypassed. Now, what is it you wished to speak to Us about?”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” Rarity apologized. She then took a moment to take a look at the crowded Canterlot streets, “Is there someplace we can speak more privately?”

Luna lit her horn before the two of them vanished in a navy blue flash. They reappeared in Luna’s own bed-chamber. Rarity looked on in awe at the depiction of the night sky on the ceiling. But before she could become too entranced, Luna spoke up.

“Our bed-chamber has a silencing spell put upon it,” Luna explained, “Since We are primarily nocturnal, the noise of the day can sometimes make it difficult to sleep. Is this ‘private’ enough for your needs?”

“It certainly is as private as it can be,” Rarity said before getting her mind back on track, “Listen, Canterlot is in danger. And the threat is already inside the barrier.”

“And you are sure of this?” Luna asked insistently, “May We ask how you know of this?”

An uncomfortable look spread across Rarity’s face at that request, “Please don’t ask me how I know as much as I do,” Rarity practically begged, “But I know that princess Mi Amore Cadenza is an imposter and that she teleported Twilight someplace. I don’t know where, but she could be in danger!”

There was a moment where Luna was considering what was said. Rarity could sense a conflict stirring within the princess. But her final response was reassuring, “We will use a scrying spell to locate Twilight. It is possible that the real Princess Cadenza is being held at the same location,” Luna said authoritatively, “As for you, go along your day as you have. It is best not to draw suspicion to yourself. If the enemy is aware that you’ve caught onto her, you and your sister will be in danger.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Rarity bowed gratefully, “And be careful. You don’t know what you’re dealing with.”

Luna smiled warmly, “Thank you, Rarity. But you need not fret,” Luna said, “We are, in fact, more informed on the situation than even our sister is. So We do know what We are dealing with.” Luna took a moment to stare at Rarity seriously, “We really do know what We are dealing with.”

With a flash of her horn, Luna sent Rarity back to where they had met up. Luna then began the scrying spell before a ball of light left her horn, guiding her in the direction of the ancient gem mines.

The imposter Cadenza was preparing for the wedding, taking a rose from its vase and sticking it in her mane.

“This day is going to be perfect.
The kind of day of which I’ve dreamed since I was small.
Everypony will gather ‘round, say I look lovely in my gown.
What they don’t know is that I have fooled them all!”

Meanwhile, Rarity was busy also preparing for the wedding, putting on her bridesmaid dress.

“This day was going to be perfect.
The kind of day of which I’ve dreamed since I was small.
But the bride, she is a fake. And though my friends may celebrate,
Great danger may be lurking down that wedding hall…”

“I could care less about the dress.”

Cadenza kicks a table with a bucket of apples.

“I won’t partake in any cake.
Vows, well I’ll be lying when I say.”

The imposter princess begins caressing a mannequin with a green hat on it.

“That through any kind of weather,
I’ll want us to be together.
The truth is I don’t care for him at all!”

She then takes the hat and throws it into the air before zapping it with a green beam of magic, incinerating the hat into a pile of green ash. The pink imposter then stomps on the ashes.

“No, I do not love the groom.
In my heart, there is no room.
But I still want him to be all mine!”

Rarity looked into the other room where the Cutie Mark Crusaders were getting ready to play their roles as flower fillies.

“Can we escape before it’s too late?
Is there a way to save the day?”

Rarity sat down and lowered her head in defeat.

“Hope, I’ll be lying if I say.”

A fiery determination then grew in her eyes.

“Sweetie Belle, I will not lose her
To the one who will abuse her.
My little Sweetie will not have to fear this day!”

Rarity then walked down the hall towards the chapel.

“And Twilight I hope you are alright.
I’ll need your help to win this fight.
Queen Chrysalis’s plans will happen very soon!”

The disguised changeling queen began walking down the aisle, following the trio of flower fillies bouncing joyously down the aisle.

“Finally, the moment has arrived
For me to be one lucky bride!”

Rarity was with her friends where the bridesmaids stood. She watched nervously as the events were playing out.

“Celestia, she doesn’t know.
I want to know how things will go.
Canterlot, it will be…”

“…Mine, all mine,” the imposter said with an evil laugh.

Celestia stood at the head of the Chapple, prepared to start the wedding ceremony, “Mares and gentlecolts,” She began, “We are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor.”

As the princess continued, Rarity was at the side, visibly uncomfortable. She kept looking towards the doors for one thing. But her entire demeanor was nervous, including muttering to herself.

“Rarity, are you okay, Sugarcube?” Applejack whispered.

Rarity then had a sheepish look of worry on her face, “Is it that obvious?” she whispered back before talking more to herself, “I’m normally better at hiding my emotions than this.”

Applejack looked at Rarity with a deadpan stare, “Rarity, yer a drama queen. You tryin’ ta hide yer feelin’s is like a dragon tryin’ ta hide his scales,” Applejack’s expression became more concerned, “But even fer you, yer nerves are as jumpy as a jackrabbit on a trampoline. Ah know ya well enough to know this ain’t normal.”

“You don’t know me as well as you believe you do,” Rarity said absentmindedly, “But you’re correct. I just don’t know how much I can say without putting you in danger. But this wedding shouldn’t be happening.”

“Shining Armor, do you have the ring?” Celestia asked, continuing the ceremony.

“Who are ya, and what’ve ya done with Rarity?” Applejack asked sarcastically.

Rarity couldn’t help but consider the irony of Applejack’s words, “I’m serious, Applejack,” Rarity practically begged, “Twilight was right about the bride. And because we betrayed her trust, she’s now in danger.”

“I’m the Element o’ Honesty,” Applejack explained, “Are you sayin’ that I couldn’t tell if Twi was lyin’?”

“You were too focused on finding the bride to focus on whether Twilight was telling the truth or not,” Rarity said, “I know what I’m saying seems suspicious to you, probably thinking that I should’ve warned somepony if I believed Twilight was in danger.”

“Is it that obvious?” Applejack asked.

“Trust me, it’s not that obvious. I just have an eye for details like that,” Rarity said, “And I did warn Luna. She’s taking care of finding Twilight. She asked me to act like I didn’t know what was going on to avoid suspicion.”

“Princess Cadenza and Shining Armor,” Celestia said, concluding, “It is my great pleasure to pronounce you-”

“STOP!”

The ponies all began chattering when they heard the shout. Twilight stood at the doors to the chapel, who looked a bit worse for wear but okay. But the look of anger got many ponies’ attention.

Rarity put her hoof to her forehead in relief, ‘Thank Celestia, she’s safe!’

The bride growled in frustration, “Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?” She said with a stomp of her hoof. She then noticed how everypony was looking at her, so she pulled out some crocodile tears, “Why does she have to ruin my special day?”

“Because it’s not your special day!” the bride’s voice said. But everypony gasped when they realized it came from behind Twilight, who stepped aside to reveal another Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, this one even more worse for wear than Twilight, “It’s mine!”

“What?” The imposter demanded, “But how did you escape my bridesmaids?”

Princess Cadance and Twilight were near the exit of the caves. But they were stopped by three ponies. The former bridesmaids, their eyes glowing green with magic.

“You’re not going anywhere,” the three said in unison, obviously in a trance of some kind.

The trio was backing Twilight and Cadance into a corner before the pink princess noticed a conveniently placed bouquet of flowers. Cadance waved the bouquet in front of the ponies, their eyes drawn to it. Cadance threw the bouquet out of the way, the three bridesmaids jumping to catch it, “I want it!” they shout in unison.

“Huh, clever,” the imposter said, mildly impressed, “But you’re still too late.”

“I-I don’ understand,” Applejack said, her mind not wrapping around the situation, “How can there be two of ‘em?”

“She’s a changeling,” the real Cadance explained, pointing at the imposter, “She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them.”

The imposter, now indeed found out, burst into emerald flames. The fire spread across her body, changing it as it passed. Purple and pink feathers turned to translucent blue gossamer. Pink fur turned to black chitin. Pink legs turned to black, hole-filled legs. A spiraled horn turned to a jagged antennae-like horn. The crown of flowers turned to a gangly black crown. Purple eyes turned to green, slitted, double-ringed iris, pale green sclera eyes.

The ponies all gasped in surprise, though that was an expected reaction. The black insectoid figure stood proudly, “Right you are, princess,” the changeling said as she pointed to herself as she walked down the aisle towards Cadance, “And as queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!”

“They’ll never get the chance!” Cadance insisted, though the waver in her voice betrayed her confidence, “Shining Armor's protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!”

“Oh, I doubt that,” the changeling queen chuckled as she turned back to the groom, lighting up her horn, “Isn’t that right, dear?”

Shining Armor’s eyes began to glow with a green light as he mindlessly nodded his confirmation, “Mm-hmm.”

Cadance ran towards her mind-controlled lover. But her way was blocked by a black chitinous body, “Ah, ah, ah. Don't want to go back to the caves, now do you?” Queen Chrysalis said mockingly before walking back up to Shining Armor, “Ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armor's love for you. Every moment, he grows weaker, and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it.”

It was then that they all noticed a sound echoing through the city. It was the sound of several bodies ramming against the barrier.

The changeling queen laughed triumphantly as she caressed the mindless groom, “He may not be my husband, but he is under my total control now,” This caused Twilight and Cadance to gasp in fear, “And, I'm sorry to say, unable to perform his duties as captain of the Royal Guard.”

“Not my Shining Armor!” Cadance cried in fear.

“Soon, my changeling army will break through,” the changeling queen said as she continued her monologuing, “First, we take Canterlot. And then, all of Equestria!” Chrysalis jumped into the air at that last statement, hovering in the air for a moment.

“No. You won't,” Celestia came walking up behind Chrysalis, ready and willing to defend her little ponies, “You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!”

Celestia leaped into the air and shot a beam of magic at the interloper. Chrysalis retaliated with her own beam of magic. The two beams clashed in the middle. Celestia was winning the duel. But the Queen wasn’t finished quite yet. She put an extra bit of energy into her beam of magic, pushing it back and toward Celestia.

There was an explosion…
A crown clatters on the floor…
A collective gasp of shock…
Silence.

The solar diarch has fallen, lying on the floor, weakened… defeated.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight shouted as she ran to her mentor.

“Princess Celestia… lost?” Rarity said, her shock matching that of the entire room.

“Ah! Shining Armor's love for you is even stronger than I thought!” the victorious changeling queen said, herself even surprised at the outcome, “Consuming it has made me even more powerful than Celestia!”

Twilight was holding up Celestia’s head as she tried to get her back up.

“The Elements of Harmony,” Celestia said, her voice filled with determination, “You must get to them and use their power to defeat the queen.”

As the six ran out the chapel doors, they threw off their dresses. All but Rarity, who had opted to stay behind. Partly to make sure to catch the dresses so that they could be put away properly, and partly because she was torn between her friends and the changeling queen, “Rarity!” they call out to her, convincing her to drop what she was doing and run to her friends.

Chrysalis laughed as she called after the six, “You can run, but you can't hide!”

As they ran, the sound of pounding against the barrier was heard, though a bit louder this time. They could now see that the source was the changelings. With a final ram from the entire swarm, the orb of magic began shattering.

Once the barrier was no more, the changelings began attacking like meteors.

“Go, go!” Twilight called out as they avoided the kamikaze attacks.

But as more changelings landed, it was clear that there was no other option than to fight their way through. The six of them looked around at the changelings surrounding them, though Rarity had a look of recognition in her eyes.

Seeing as brute force was required, Rainbow Dash took the initiative, “Looks like we're gonna have to do this the hard way,” the rainbow mare jumped forward to be met with… herself? Rainbow Dash looked at the doppelganger in confusion, their movements nearly identical with each other. That is until the interloper punched the real Rainbow Dash, who was still more confused than hurt, “How did you…?”

“They're changelings, remember?” Twilight reminded her.

“They're changelings, remember?” echoed a chorus of Twilights.

“Don't let them distract you,” Rarity said, getting the attention of her friends.

“We have to get to the Elements of Harmony,” Twilight continued, “They're our only hope.”

The ponies were all part of their own battles. The six stood victorious once the changeling hoard was defeated and the dust settled. That is until another wave chased them for another attack. When they reached the vault in which the Elements were stored, Twilight pushed open the doors… only to see another wave of changelings inside. There was no way to get to the Elements, and they were now surrounded.

Queen Chrysalis was looking up as she watched a few of her drones tending to the pod that now encapsulated Princess Celestia. Around the room, there were similar pods with other ponies. One of them, in particular, contained the three flower fillies, the Cutie Mark Crusaders

“You won’t get away with this!” Cadance, her hooves sealed to the floor with the same substance that the Changeling pods were composed of, threatened, “Twilight and her friends will-”

Cadance was interrupted by the sound of the doors opening, the ponies in question being ushered in by a group of changelings.

Chrysalis has a smug look on her face, “You were saying?” her attention was returned to the six ponies, “You do realize the reception’s been canceled, don’t you?”

She then looked towards her drones, “Go! Feed!” Once the drones left the room, the doors were shut by a green aura as the changeling queen laughed, “It's funny, really. Twilight here was suspicious of my behavior all along. Too bad the rest of you were too caught up in your wedding planning to realize those suspicions were correct!” the tyrannical changeling resumed her triumphant laughter.

Applejack walked up to Twilight’s side, a look of regret on her face, “Sorry, Twi. We shoulda listened to you.”

“It's not your fault,” Twilight replied, “She fooled everypony.”

“That’s not entirely true, now is it?” Twilight and Applejack turned towards Rarity at Chrysalis’s words, “You had one friend who you didn’t listen to. And you had another friend who was too scared to confront the truth to defend her.”

“You knew all along?” Rainbow Dash said accusingly to Rarity, “You knew, and you didn’t tell us?! Has it never occurred to you that perhaps you should’ve warned somepony?!”

“I didn’t know all along! But I did have my suspicions,” Rarity countered defensively.

“And by the time she knew, she did warn Luna,” Applejack said, joining the defense, “And Princess Luna told her to play dumb to avoid suspicion.”

“And you know this how?” Rainbow Dash asked, her gaze shifting to the apple farmer.

“Because she told me!” the farm filly retorted, “And before you say she was told to play dumb, Ah dragged it outta her when it was obvious at the weddin’ just how nervous she was!”

“And if she hadn’t warned Princess Luna, Cadance and I may still be trapped in the underground gem mines!” Twilight added, “I probably wouldn’t have even had the courage to confront the imposter if it wasn’t for Rarity’s support.”

That got caught in Rarity’s mind. It was her fault that Twilight was put in danger.

“And as I was saying before,” Chrysalis said as she was walking towards Rarity. Twilight took advantage of the distraction to free Cadance, “You can run, but you can’t hide. It’s rather ironic that they are friends with you despite what you are.” Twilight continued to use the distraction to save the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

A primal fear welled up inside Rarity. Chrysalis knew all along who she really was. And now…

“Your spell! Perform your spell!” Twilight called out to Shining Armor, catching everypony’s attention.

Chrysalis began laughing at the idea, “What good would that do?” the queen asked hypothetically, “My changelings already roam free.”

Shining Armor tried to cast his barrier spell, but to no avail, “No! My power is useless now,” the captain of the guard said in defeat as his spell failed to ignite, “I don't have the strength to repel them.”

“My love will give you strength,” Cadance said as she offered her own magic to empower Shining’s barrier spell.

Chrysalis laughed at the idea, “What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment,” the changeling queen ridiculed, “But it will be amusing to see you try.”

“Aww!” Sweetie Belle’s voice spoke up adoringly, “That’s so sweet!”

Cadance sent a stream of magic into Shining Armor. This magic was, however, fueled by love. And Shining Armor’s own love was adding to that fuel, enhancing the magic even more. The magic swirled around the two like a whirlwind, lifting them into the air. The two of them began to glow white with pure love energy, creating a shockwave.

“Noooooo!” Chrysalis cried out in terror as the wave was about to hit her.

Rarity, with split-second thinking, realized what this shockwave was. She knew what was going to happen to her if the shockwave hit. But perhaps Sweetie Belle could be protected. Rarity leaped to Sweetie Belle and covered her protectively in that split second before the shockwave hit.

Chrysalis screamed in terror and pain as the shockwave acted as a physical wall, pushing her out and away from Canterlot along with the other changelings. All of the changeling pods were also vaporized as the wave hit, freeing the trapped ponies from their prisons.

As the magical energy died down and the couple descended back to the floor, Twilight heard a thud as Celestia fell from her pod from the ceiling.

“Don't worry about me. I'm fine,” Celestia said to Twilight, who was running up to check on her, “You have a real wedding to put together.”

“That may have ta wait,” Applejack said as she pointed to Cadance, who was lying on the floor, completely drained of energy, “The bride’ll need ta rest up b’fore any weddin’.”

Twilight went to check on Cadance to determine her condition, “It seems that she’s completely drained of magic!” Twilight exclaimed, “She’s gonna need a few days to rest and recover at least!”

“Well, if rest is all she needs, then we should get her to a bed,” Fluttershy said, “I mean if that’s okay with all of you, that is.”

“Uh, girls?” Rainbow Dash said cautiously, drawing their attention, “I think we have a situation.”

They all looked towards where Rainbow was motioning towards. There, by the wall, were a pair of changelings that had somehow escaped the shockwave. One of them was the size of a drone. But her markings were similar to that of Chrysalis.

This changeling was, however, protectively holding onto the second one. A smaller changeling with blue frills, just a child from the looks of it.

For some reason, the shockwave didn’t expel these changelings like all the others. But that wasn’t the only thing that was taken notice of.

Fluttershy looked around for a moment, “Uh… girls?” Fluttershy said nervously, “Has anypony seen where Rarity and Sweetie Belle went to?”

Author's Note

Originally, I wasn’t planning on using songs for this fic. But inspiration struck, and I just had to make a variation of This Day Aria. And because I didn't change any of Chrysalis's lines, it still allows the canon events to technically not be changed for Chrysalis or Cadance.

And if you’re gonna point out that Rarity and Chrysalis are singing within earshot of each other, I’m invoking the creative liberties of cartoon logic. Chrysalis would've been admitting to her sinister intentions to the entire chapel in the original scene. So it can be assumed that the song was internally monologued.

And in the original episode, you never see Rarity fighting other than the quick freeze-frame montage. Even Fluttershy had her moment to shine in that scene. But not Rarity. I didn’t take that into consideration when I originally thought of this story. But my explanation for that in this story is that she avoided fighting by hiding as one of the Changelings.

On a side note, can you spot the Easter Egg?

1-4: Revelations

Author's Note

WARNING

This chapter goes deeper into Changeling society, including Changeling mating habits. However, I will not add the "Sex" tag because it's intended for educational purposes rather than explicit content. And Rarity specifically avoids the topic directly. I feel this warning is necessary because of the implications of age, which is the result of the culture and biology of an entirely different species.

I did this as an explanation as to why Rarity and Sweetie Belle are so close in age. Being insectoid makes them very different in biology from Ponies. And some bees are born pregnant. So I'm using what I know from the real world.

On a side note, can you spot the Easter Egg? (I will tell you that this Easter Egg is harder to figure out because of the vagueness.)

1-4: Revelations

Everything happened so fast. It was too fast for Sweetie Belle’s mind to catch up with. After Twilight had rescued her and her friends from that gooey pod, Shining Armor and Cadance shot a shockwave of magic. As the wave came towards her, Rarity leaped over to her and quickly grabbed her protectively, putting herself between her and the wave. As the wave passed through them, it felt just like when they went through that barrier when first coming into Canterlot.

When Sweetie opened her eyes, she realized that she was no longer being held by soft white fur, but instead by a hard black exoskeleton. She turned her head to her right, to where her friends were. They were looking back at her. But the looks on their faces were not that of comfort or worry. They were terrified… of her. She could actually feel their fear as they stood frozen.

She was aware that the other ponies were talking. But her mind wasn’t registering the conversation. Everything was just happening too quickly. She reached out for her friends, who backed away at the motion. But that was when she realized why they were so terrified. She saw her outstretched hoof… except that it wasn’t her hoof. It was hard, black, and full of holes, just like the creature that took the place of her sister.

Her mind was slowly coming to a realization. It was a terrifying one, but one she was still in the process of comprehending. She was able to understand the conversations going on around them at this point.

“Guards! Take those two and lock them in the dungeon!” Sweetie Belle heard Shining Armor’s voice say authoritatively, “And make sure that they are held in separate cells!”

As the gears in her brain began grinding together as they restarted her thought processes, there was only one reaction that she could think of at this point.

“AHHHHHH!!!”

It was a dungeon cell, so it wasn’t built for comfort. But for a dungeon cell, Rarity was quite surprised at just how well-maintained it was. The cot was far from soft. But she was surprised that they set it up fresh and new when putting her in that cell. And then there was the cell itself. Like the cot, it was far from ideal. But it felt like proper living quarters carved out of stone, unlike what she expected, which was just a hole in a cave.

It was still small and drab. But she didn’t feel like she was just thrown in a stereotypical dungeon to get her away from the public. Perhaps there were different quality cells, each dependent on the kind of criminal intended to be held. After all, you wouldn’t expect someone held for petty theft to have to stay in the same conditions as someone held for murder.

And it especially brought Rarity comfort to know that Sweetie Belle was being held in a similar cell. At least, she hoped that was the case. If not, she’d gladly request that they change cells so that Sweetie Belle could have a more comfortable cell.

But that comfort did little to raise Rarity’s spirits. Her secret was found out. Sweetie Belle was found out. And now they were separated from each other, Rarity unable to comfort Sweetie Belle.

The door to her cell opened, and in came an irate Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, the latter pulling a lamp out of her mane. Pinkie then turned on the light and shined it in Rarity's face.

"Alright, buddy! We want answers, and we want them yesterday!" It was unclear if the pink living sugar rush was taking this seriously or if it was just Pinkie being Pinkie, "Who are you, what did you do with the real Rarity, and can you toast marshmallows when you transform?"

Rarity took a moment to process what Pinkie had just said. It was Pinkie, after all, "I've always been the real Rarity," Rarity answered, "I just haven't been honest about what I am."

Rainbow trotted up to the changeling so that they were face to face, close enough for Rarity to feel the hot air blowing out of her nostrils, "A likely story!" the rainbow pegasus said sarcastically, "Do you really expect us to believe that we were friends with an evil creature that tried to take over Equestria?"

"Don't group me in with those changelings!" Rarity shot back before her demeanor returned to its depressed state, "And 'expect' is a strong word. 'Hoped' would be more accurate."

As the interrogation continued, Fluttershy and Applejack were outside of the cell listening in. Fluttershy wasn’t quite sure what to think of everything. Was this the real Rarity, who was always a changeling, or was she an imposter? If she was the real Rarity, did that mean that a changeling was chosen by the Element of Generosity, or can changelings fool the Elements? Was she a friend, or did she have ill intent? If she was an imposter, where was the original Rarity?

While Fluttershy’s mind was a torrent of thoughts and questions, Applejack’s mind was calmer. True, the questions that were in Fluttershy’s mind were also in Applejack’s mind. But rather than dwell on those thoughts, Applejack kept her mind calm as she listened in on the interrogation. She listened to what was being said, trying to detect any lies in the changeling Rarity’s words. She couldn’t determine to the best of her abilities, seeing as she wasn’t close enough to make out any tells. But from what she could hear from outside, she detected no deceit.

Meanwhile, in another cell similar to Rarity’s, Sweetie Belle was also being held. Although Rarity knew about what was going on, Sweetie Belle did not. Her entire world… no. Her entire existence was flipped upside down and inside out. For all her life, she was a pony. Then suddenly, she’s a changeling?! How was this possible?

“Who am I? What am I?” Sweetie Belle said, wincing at the sound of the distortion in her own voice, “Am I the real Sweetie Belle? Have I been a changeling this whole time and never knew about it? Or was I changed into a changeling?”

As much as her own voice sounded alien to her, she was all alone in that cell at the moment. And if she didn’t vocalize her thoughts out loud, the lonely silence would be deafening to her. And since her voice sounded different, it almost felt as if someone else was in there with her.

“What if I’m not the original Sweetie Belle, and I’m just a changeling that was given Sweetie Belle’s memories?!” the youngling continued her downward spiral into an existential crisis, “And if I’m not the real Sweetie Belle, where’s the real Sweetie Belle?! Why did I replace her?!”

The youngling’s panicked thought process was disrupted when Apple Bloom and Scootaloo arrived. And to her dismay, her friends’ expressions were not that of comfort. Though their expressions were different and certainly conveyed different emotions, there was one word to describe the looks on both of their faces: betrayal.

Apple Bloom opted to stay outside of the cell, not quite sure of what to think about this whole situation. Scootaloo, on the other hand, had to speak her mind. And her mind was not filled with happy thoughts.

“How could you?!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she stomped up to Sweetie Belle, “How could you betray me like this?! I thought we were friends!”

“We are,” Sweetie Belle replied timidly, evidently not sure of herself anymore, “At least, I think we are.”

“If we’re such good friends, then how could you betray me like this?!”

“I didn’t… I mean, I don’t think…” Sweetie Belle didn’t know what to say, her self-doubt affecting her thought process, “I don’t even know if I’m the real Sweetie Belle or not.”

“But why? Why didn’t you tell me you were a changeling?” Scootaloo asked, her demeanor calming down slightly, “I understand why you’d want to keep it a secret from others. I even understand why you wouldn’t tell Apple Bloom yet since we’ve only been friends with her for less than a year. But we’ve been friends since we were in preschool. Why wouldn’t you share a secret like that with me after all that time? Didn’t you trust me enough to keep your secret?”

“I didn’t even know I was a changeling,” the youngling said meekly, not quite catching the secondary implication of Scootaloo’s line of questioning, “I don’t even know if I’m the real Sweetie Belle. For all I know, I could just have her memories and replaced her. I don’t even know where the real Sweetie Belle is or if she’s okay.”

“How can you not know you’re a changeling?” Scootaloo asked, “Isn’t that like me not knowing I’m a pegasus? Or Twilight not knowing she’s a unicorn? I suppose if my wings were removed as a baby, I wouldn’t know I was a pegasus. But my wings are clearly there. And I don’t know what you’d need to remove for you not to know you’re a changeling.”

“You know, maybe you’re an earth pony and don’t know it,” Apple Bloom said from outside the cell, “Considerin’ how you have problems flyin’, maybe you had yer wings attached as a baby, and you were actually born an earth pony.”

“And as for Twilight, her magic is powerful enough,” Sweetie Belle added, “Maybe she had her wings removed and was originally born an alicorn.”

The three of them got a small laugh at that idea, a sense of normalcy returning to them. But it was short-lived.

“I just don’t know what to think anymore,” Scootaloo admitted as she sat down and lowered her head.

Sweetie Belle’s demeanor matched the pegasus filly’s, “I don't know what to think anymore either,” the little ling admitted, “I don’t even know what to think about what I am or why I’m a changeling. Could you imagine how I feel? What if you suddenly learned that you might not be the original Scootaloo?”

“I… guess I’d feel confused,” Scootaloo said, “I’m already more confused than I’ve ever been in my life, and I’m not even the one going through an identity crisis. If I’m this confused, and if it’s true that you never knew that you were a changeling, I don’t think I can even imagine how confused you must be. I… I’m sorry for yelling at you.”

Tears began to form in the little changeling’s eyes. She was trembling. The build-up of emotions was becoming too much for her to bear, and the damn was about to break, “I’m scared,” Sweetie Belle said in a whisper that would be rivaled only by Fluttershy. Scootaloo pulled her into a hug to try to comfort her.

As they were distracted with each other, they were unaware of Apple Bloom taking that moment to leave.

They were also unaware of a wisp of blue mist that followed Apple Bloom out.

Twilight looked over her notes, disappointed at how little was written down at this point. Applejack was there to act as a makeshift lie detector. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were off to the side, their expressions unreadable, despite it being evident that they didn’t know what to think. Rainbow Dash was off to the other side, constantly glaring hateful daggers towards Rarity.

Despite Rarity’s willingness to comply, she was quite vague in her story, “So let me get this straight,” Twilight said with a sigh, “You and Sweetie Belle were taken in by Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumble. They know about your true forms. Sweetie Belle doesn’t know anything. And you’re outcasts from your original hive… Chrysalis’ hive.”

“That is correct,” Rarity said.

“That don’t sound like much of an explanation,” Applejack grumbled, “Yer still hidin’ somethin’.”

“Please understand, the less you know, the better,” Rarity pleaded.

“Yeah, you said that already,” Applejack explained, “But that don’t change the fact that yer still hidin’ what could be important details.”

“Applejack’s right,” Twilight agreed, “I understand that it’s in your nature to hide… well… your nature. But more information can help your case in this situation.”

Rarity was still apprehensive, “It’s not just about hiding my nature,” she explained, “It’s that more knowledge will be putting you in danger! And I can’t bear the thought of you being in harm’s way because of me.”

“I think we’ve passed that threshold when Chrysalis attacked,” Twilight said blatantly.

“I understand that you want more information. But I just cannot bring myself to give it,” Rarity said, “I understand that more information could help get me out of here.”

“Fat chance of that happening!” Rainbow Dash shot.

“Did you just call me fat?!” Rarity complained before regaining her composure, “I know I probably can’t be forgiven for what I am. But I’m begging you to at least let Sweetie Belle go! She’s just an innocent youngling with mistaken identity! I’ll accept a life sentence if it means Sweetie can go free!”

“You’re not fooling anypony, changeling!” Rainbow shot, “We’ve learned enough to know that your kind are nothing but liars! So why should we believe you that that little ‘ling you call Sweetie Belle is as innocent as you claim?!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight scolded.

“She ain’t lyin’, Rainbow!” Applejack shot back

Rainbow calmed back down, though her glare never left the changeling, “Yeah, whatever.”

Applejack was getting frustrated. In part, it was because of Rainbow Dash’s attitude. But she was also frustrated at the fact that Rarity hadn't told a lie, yet the vagueness was… well… vague. And it was getting under her skin. She wasn’t gonna take it anymore, and she knew that she was gonna hate herself for what she was about to say, “Yer fate’s still up in the air, Rarity. So I can’t say what’ll happen to ya,” the farmer explained, a pit forming in her stomach, “But if ya don’t start talkin’, yer sister ain’t gonna see the light of day again!”

Everycreature’s eyes turned towards Applejack at that comment. Rainbow Dash was mildly impressed at the comment, though primarily for the wrong reason. Tears were welling up in Fluttershy’s eyes, as well as Rarity. The others just shared various levels of shock. Applejack had just blackmailed Rarity, using Sweetie Belle as leverage.

The threat did seem to have the intended result, though, as Rarity was wrestling between keeping their secret and Sweetie Belle’s potential freedom. Rarity didn’t believe that the apple farmer had the authority to make that decision. However, she wasn’t sure if she should take that risk, especially if she were to talk to someone who does have that authority.

Meanwhile, as Rarity was debating with herself and everyone else was focused on Applejack, Fluttershy took the opportunity to leave.

‘Consarn it, Applejack! Why’d ya have to go an’ say somethin’ like that?!’ Applejack thought to herself.

‘Cause we need answers! An’ Sweetie Belle is the only way we can get what we want from Rarity!’ Applejack countered… to herself.

‘But Sweetie Belle is just an innocent filly! She don’t deserve to spend her life in a prison!’

‘We don’t know how guilty Sweetie actually is! And as Ah said before, we need answers!’

‘And what if yer plan don’t work? Do ya really plan on makin’ sure that filly gets a life sentence even if she’s innocent?’

‘Are you implyin’ that I’m a liar?’

‘If Ah am, then yer implyin’ it to yerself.’

“Alright, I’ll tell you everything!” Rarity said desperately, cutting off Applejack’s inner debate, “It’s a somewhat long and complicated story, though. But if you must know, and if it means Sweetie can have the chance to be free, then… then I’ll tell you.

“As you already know, I was hatched into Queen Chrysalis’s hive. Back then, I didn’t have a name. Chrysalis never named her children. She didn’t think there was any need since they were mostly just there to serve her anyway. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t have names. Some of us would give ourselves names, and I was one of them. However, my name wasn’t Rarity back then. I used to go by the name Damselfly. I soon learned that that was my first mistake.

“If a changeling chooses a name, that’s often a sign of independence. It makes that changeling stand out. And… well… you know me and how I stand out. But that didn’t change the fact that I was still devoted to my Queen. Naming myself was just what made Chrysalis keep an eye on me.

“Of course, I just had to show off and stand out, whereas most other changelings would just become obedient, loyal servants. I was still loyal and obedient most of the time. After all, a changeling’s desire to serve the Queen is a biological fact amongst changelings. Even now, I still have a desire to please my Quee- I mean, Queen Chrysalis.

“I started standing out more when it was apparent that I wasn’t nearly as interested in training and being as aggressive as the others. Changelings have different ranks, which they are born into. And I wasn’t born a drone. At the time, I thought I was born an Infiltrator since they have more independence. It wasn’t until later that I would find out the truth, and why Queen Chrysalis really had her eye on me.

“I eventually came across a young Infiltrator. Like me, he was different. He wasn’t aggressive or anything like that. I even thought it was cute how he liked to play with his toys. And he was so gentle. I chose to introduce myself by asking if he wanted to share his toys. He was apprehensive at first, perhaps because of how other changelings would treat him. But when he saw that I was honest, he began to open up to me.

“As time went on, one thing led to another, and… well… a lady doesn’t talk about such things in civil conversations.”

“Don’t give me that crap!” Rainbow Dash cut in, stomping up to the changeling, “What are you trying to hide from us?!”

Rarity apprehensively whispered something into Rainbow Dash’s ear. Rainbow’s face went beet red.

“Oh! Uh… no need to go into detail about… that,” Rainbow Dash stammered, walking away bashfully, “You can continue… you know… from after… that.”

Applejack just raised an eyebrow at that interaction. Pinkie was… Pinkie. But Twilight was unphased and just nodded to confirm Rainbow’s affirmation of continuation.

“Now hold on a minute,” Applejack said before Rarity could continue, “Mind tellin’ the rest of us what ya told Rainbow?”

Twilight sighed before including her part, “If you don’t tell us exactly what you said now, will we be able to evaluate what you said later in your story?”

“I suppose.”

“Then please continue.”

Rarity took the instruction, thankful that she didn’t have to talk directly about personal matters, “So afterward, I soon learned that I was gravid.”

“Is that why you didn’t want to talk about details?” Twilight asked.

“Correct.”

“Consarn it!” Applejack exclaimed, “Mind fillin’ the rest of us in on what ‘gravid’ means?”

“Gravid is similar to pregnancy. But unlike pregnancy, gravid applies to egg-laying creatures. Since changelings are insectoid, it makes sense that they would lay eggs instead of live birth. So Rarity is functionally saying that she was… pregnant…” Twilight explained, pausing as she realized the implication before turning back to Rarity, “You’re a mother?!”

Rarity sighed at that, taking it as her cue to continue, “I promise I’ll get to that detail. Yes, I’m a mother. And that’s what terrified me, as well as what made me realize what exactly made me different. All changelings are capable of reproduction. But you see, there’s only one kind of changeling that will be a threat to a queen…”

“Another queen,” Twilight finished.

“Precisely,” Rarity confirmed, “I suppose the proper term would be a proto-queen. A proto-queen doesn’t become a queen until she’s started a hive, which only happens by having children of her own. That’s also why my Queen kept an eye on me. If another hive rose to power, that would be a threat to her authority. She kept an eye on me to make sure that I was obedient. If I knew what I was, I wouldn’t have… been intimate. But because I didn’t know, I betrayed my Queen’s trust without even knowing it.

“I spent a week in seclusion until I could lay my eggs. And I had to make sure that they were kept in a secluded area so that Chrysalis wouldn’t find them. However, I knew it was only a matter of time. I was just delaying the inevitable. But I believed at the time that I could hide them.”

“Forgive my interruption,” Twilight said, “But where is Sweetie Belle in all of this?”

“She hasn’t been born yet,” Rarity answered matter of factly, “But it wasn’t long at this point. It was a significantly small clutch, even for a first laying. But the fact that it was more than one was what made me realize I was a Proto-Queen. Other Changelings can only have one egg at a time. But It wasn’t long before Queen Chrysalis found out. Before a proto-queen becomes a queen, we look no different than any other Changeling. Even a proto-queen won’t know that they’re a proto-queen. It’s not until after their first clutch when changes begin to occur. The mane color alters to differentiate between queens. That part is biological. The style, on the other hoof, is affected by the queen’s personality. I suppose I’ve taken the form of a pony for so long that my mane and tail just naturally adopted that identity. Or perhaps it’s the other way around.

“The first change that started was my mane color. I was able to get by for about a week before it caught Chrysalis' attention. When she addressed me, I panicked and teleported to my eggs. I was able to grab one before she followed me on a chase. That’s when I ran. Chrysalis pursued me, but I was able to escape her wrath. I don’t know what happened with the hive after that. But it’s safe to say that she… would’ve…”

Twilight took note of the discomfort in Rarity’s voice, “She eliminated a rival queen’s eggs, didn’t she?”

Rarity whimpered and nodded her head, “A week later, the egg hatched,” Rarity continued, Twilight taking note of the three-week period between a changeling egg’s conception and the egg hatching, “I didn’t begin to develop my carapace until after that.

“It was hard enough to collect enough love to survive at that point. But then I had a nymph to feed. So, most of the love I collected went to feeding the nymph. That also meant that I was starving myself in the process. It was about three months later when the nymph went through the metamorphosis.”

“Metamorphosis?” Twilight questioned, “Can I assume that because changelings are insectoid, they are born as a larval form?”

“Yes,” Rarity confirmed, Twilight noting that detail down as well, “We spend about three months in our larval form before we go through the metamorphosis. Normally, nymphs never leave the hive because they are so vulnerable and can’t even transform yet. The metamorphosis takes three days to complete. During this time, they require extra love energy to sustain them, I made sure we were hidden in Whitetail Woods so that we wouldn’t be spotted. I disguised myself as a timberwolf to chase away any potential intruders. But holding that disguise while providing enough love energy to sustain the nymph was too much. I was able to feed my child, but I had run out of energy myself before the metamorphosis finished. It was only a few hours away, though.

“The metamorphosis finished, and the child was in the next stage of life. But I could no longer help. I was starving to death at that point, unable even to disguise myself. As much as I hoped my surviving child would make it, I was as good as dead.

“But it seemed that fate saw fit to give me a second chance. I was only half aware of everything at this point, so my memory is fuzzy. But a couple happened to take that opportunity to go hiking right by where we were. We were off the path. But from what I heard, it was my child who went to find help despite being too young even to talk. She just had enough sense to recognize that her queen needed help.

“The next thing I clearly remember was waking up in a house with my daughter sleeping next to me. I was confused since I should’ve been dead. But despite what we looked like, that couple had come to help us. They took us in. The first thing I did when I saw them was to… try to chase them away by being aggressive. But I was still too weak to be effective. They told me that we had nothing to be afraid of. And as much as I wanted to run, I could sense that they cared for us. They were accepting of us despite our appearance.

“It’s thanks to them that I adopted my name. I didn’t know how to answer when they asked for a name. If I had used the name that I chose for myself, Damselfly, Queen Chrysalis would’ve been able to find us easier. But when they called me a rarity, I was inspired and adopted what they called me as my new name. Rarity. Then they referred to my youngling as my little sister, calling her a sweetie. When they asked what her name was, I again used the name they did. That’s when my youngling got the name Sweetie Belle, making her one of the only Changelings to be named by their mother.”

“Are you sayin’ that yer little sis is actually yer daughter?!” Applejack exclaimed in surprise. The rest of the room had shocked faces, including one of the guards fainting at that revelation.

“I later learned that Cookie Crumble was barren. They had learned a week before going on that hike. When they met us, and I finally agreed, they adopted us as their children. They saw us as a gift. They were curious about what we were and where we came from. But I told them what I told you. The less they knew, the better. After all, at the time, even though I had escaped, I was still on Queen Chrysalis’ hit list. That’s why I was apprehensive about accepting their help at first. I didn’t want them to get hurt because of me.

“I was inspired by Cookie to create my more fashion-forward disguise but took my white coat from Hondo. But I chose to keep my mane color the same as my natural form. They were indeed surprised when they saw me catch fire and change forms but thankful that I was taking a form that would make me look like their daughter.

“As for Sweetie Belle, she was too young to learn how to transform. That normally doesn’t come until age five. So I cast a disguising spell on her as she slept, transforming her into the form you’re most familiar with. The spell draws off of Sweetie’s natural magic. The benefit is that the disguise would stay for as long as Sweetie had magic. And her magic refueled itself faster than the spell could drain it. The downfall is that her spellcasting ability is weak because of the spell drawing off her magic.

“So… our parents kept our secret. I hid the truth for all this time, and Sweetie Belle never even knew. When I cast the disguise spell on Sweetie, I also cast a memory spell. She would remember nothing from before she was disguised. After that, we lived our lives as ponies. And that brings us to recent events.

“When I first met Cadance, I had an immense desire to please her. At first, I thought it was because I was chosen to make the wedding dress for a princess, so I had the desire to do my best for a princess. But I later realized that it was my instinctive desire to please my Queen. Even now, I have the desire to please her. But I know better.”

“When you were supporting me, that was you trying to warn me, wasn’t it?” Twilight realized, “If I had heeded your warning, I may not have found the real Cadance. In a way, it was the better option.”

“Chrysalis is extremely dangerous!” Rarity insisted, “I wanted you to get away! She could’ve killed you if you found out! Or worse!”

“Is she really that psychotic?”

“Let’s just say that there’s a reason why nopony knew about us until now,” Rarity said, “We are masters of disguise. But on the rare chance that we are found out… we make sure that the knowledge never leaves. And in the case of a public reveal, the entire civilization is eliminated. Hondo and Cookie are the first known cases of survivors, and now Canterlot is the first case of a surviving civilization.”

“I appreciate yer cooperation,” Applejack said as she got up and headed out, “I’ll go see what I can do fer Sweetie Belle.”

1-5: Investigation and Interrogation

After hearing Applejack’s threat, Fluttershy had left Rarity’s cell. She chose to check on Sweetie Belle. If Rarity was to be believed, Sweetie Belle was just an innocent filly with a mistaken identity. She knew that Rarity loved her sister enough that she’d give into Applejack’s demands. At least, that’s what she believed based on the Rarity she knew.

That is, if she really was the same Rarity that she knew.

But despite that thought, Fluttershy wanted to see if Sweetie Belle was okay. If the three crusaders are still supporting each other, it doesn’t change the fact that Sweetie Belle may want an adult to comfort her. Her friends can only do so much. An adult can make a child feel protected.

As she was heading down the hall, she noticed Apple Bloom heading away from Sweetie Belle’s cell.

“Oh, hello, Apple Bloom,” Fluttershy said shyly, “I would’ve thought that you would’ve wanted to be with Sweetie Belle.”

“I do wanna. I jus’…” Apple Bloom paused, “I’m jus’ confused ‘bout everythin’ that’s goin’ on. I jus’ need ta clear my head.”

“I think we all are a little confused,” Fluttershy agreed, wrapping Apple Bloom in a wing, “But from what I understand, I think Sweetie Belle is even more confused than anypony else. And scared.”

Apple Bloom looked up into the shy mare’s eyes, “Will she be okay?” she asked, “I mean, do ya think she’ll have ta stay in the dungeon ferever?”

“I hope not,” the Pegasus replied, “I was actually on my way to check on her.” Fluttershy was careful not to tell the Apple filly what her sister had threatened Rarity with. The two parted ways, and Fluttershy headed towards Sweetie Belle’s cell.

“Are you sure you don’t know anything?” Scootaloo asked suspiciously.

“How many times do I have to tell you that I don’t?” Sweetie Belle replied, “How do you expect me to know something like that?”

“Because you’re a Changeling. And Changelings are bugs, right?” Scootaloo asked, “Aren’t you connected to some hivemind or something like that? Can’t other Changelings tell you telepathically?”

“That’s actually a common misconception about insects,” Fluttershy said as she entered the cell, having overheard the conversation, “The hivemind that ponies think insects have is really just pheromones that the queen sends out. Those insects react to those pheromones instinctively, with different pheromones giving different instructions. But there’s no telepathic link. And not all insects have that ‘hivemind’.”

The Pegasus and Changeling looked at Fluttershy, surprised at such an encyclopedic explanation, “I think you’ve been hanging around Twilight too much,” Scootaloo said.

Fluttershy didn’t mind the filly’s comment. After all, perhaps it was true, and Twilight was rubbing off on her. But it’s not like that’s a bad thing. Regardless, Fluttershy did have knowledge about animals, including insects.

That brought her mind back to the present. Fluttershy looked down at the Changeling filly. It was strange. On the outside, she was unrecognizable as the filly she had come to know. She was an insectoid with holes in her limbs and hard chitin. But on the inside, Fluttershy could see that little Unicorn filly that she’d come to know and love. The look in her eyes… despite them being gradient blue orbs, the way she held herself, a slight gentle nervousness, scared, and confused. There was no question in her mind that this was the Sweetie Belle she knew all along.

“Are you okay, Sweetie Belle?” Fluttershy asked.

The little Changeling shifted uncomfortably, “I don’t know,” Sweetie Belle whimpered, “I don’t know who I am anymore. I don’t know what I am anymore. I just don’t know.”

Seeing how distraught the little faux filly was, Fluttershy’s heart went out to her and embraced her in a hug. The smooth, cold exoskeleton felt odd to Fluttershy, but she ignored it in order to comfort the little ling. Fluttershy even used her wings to add extra protection from the outside world.

Their interaction would be short-lived however as the royal guards approached the cell.

“Let me just clarify something,” Twilight said, following up on a detail in Rarity’s testimony, “Sweetie Belle is eleven, correct?”

“Correct,” Rarity confirmed.

“And you are eighteen, correct?”

“Correct.”

“Then that would mean that you were seven when Sweetie Belle was… hatched, correct?”

“Correct.”

“Is this the result of something… inappropriate, or does a Changeling’s biology work differently than a Pony’s in the case of reproductive development?” Twilight asked, her inquisitive nature taking over, “I mean, you did say a proper lady doesn’t talk about such things. But you don’t have to talk about your experience specifically if you don’t want to. Because ponies aren’t capable of reproducing until their mid-teens.”

“It’s our insectoid nature. Changelings become… ‘active’ at what ponies would consider a young age,” Rarity explained, “Our metamorphosis is the equivalent to puberty in ponies. We become capable of becoming gravid just like ponies are capable of bearing foals after puberty. It just happens to be that the metamorphosis happens when we are only three months old. Our mental and sexual development is faster than ponies, as you may have already deducted. Perhaps that’s why Sweetie Belle is so smart for her age. Hypothetically, I’m old enough to be a grandmother. And we don’t share the same social taboos that ponies do when it comes to how old it’s appropriate to bear a child.”

“CAN WE PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT THAT?!!” Twilight and Rarity turned their heads to see Rainbow Dash blushing furiously, wings flared at the awkward conversation.

Twilight turned back to Rarity, doing her best to stay calm and collected, and awkwardly cleared her throat, “I believe I’ve learned what I need about… that detail.”

“I agree. I don’t believe there’s any more information that I can provide on the subject,” Rarity agreed, also trying to sound professional, overcompensating in the process.

“From a more… not so intimate view of the topic, what exactly is the metamorphosis?” Twilight asked, “You mentioned the… coming of age detail. But is it similar to other insectoids?”

“Precisely,” Rarity confirmed, “When we first hatch, we are in a larval form, similar to a grub or a caterpillar. Then we form a chrysalis, which we spend in for about three days. It was an odd sensation during that time, at least from what I remember from my metamorphosis. I was in a state someplace between consciousness and unconsciousness. Perhaps that’s the mind’s way of keeping the mind calm while the changes occur. If my semiconscious state weren’t keeping me calm, the sensation of feeling my body slowly changing its natural shape would’ve made my skin crawl… if I still had skin to crawl. Those first three days are just the first part, however. After that, we don’t actually emerge from our chrysalis, but rather, that chrysalis conforms to our more equinoid nymph form. You see, despite finishing the transformation, we still need to grow our first chitin, which takes about a week. So as protection, our chrysalis acts as our proto-chitin. After a week, we shed our proto-chitin and reveal fresh new chitin.”

Twilight had made sure to write the entire process down. She found it too fascinating not to document the process, “On another topic, how were you able to recognize that Cadenza was an imposter?” Twilight asked.

“It had to do with Changeling pheromones,” Rarity said, “Changeling pheromones are used for Changelings to identify each other, whether it be in disguise or in our natural state, seeing as most Changelings look identical. Queens, however, produce a different kind of pheromone. It’s still used to identify, but queens produce an extra chemical acting on our instincts. Simply put, that instinctive desire is to please our queen. However, a Queen’s pheromones don’t affect Changelings from another Queen’s hive, which is why Chrysalis can’t hold dominion over Sweetie Belle. As for me, because I’m a Queen myself, her influence doesn’t affect me as much. Though I thought the influence wouldn’t have any effect anymore. Perhaps the fact that I haven’t chosen to build my hive further is slowing my transition from Proto-Queen to full Queen.”

“So you recognized Chrysalis because you recognized her pheromones?” Twilight asked.

“Partly. At first, I didn’t recognize it because it’s been so long since I’ve seen her last,” Rarity continued, “But when I first saw her, I impulsively had the desire to please her, no matter what her desires were. The instinct wasn’t as strong as it used to be, though. But it is still there. Even now, a part of me wants to return to her and beg for her forgiveness.”

A thought came to Twilight’s mind, “If Changelings are prone to the influence of their Queen’s pheromones, and you are Sweetie Belle’s Queen…” Twilight’s expression fell slightly, “She’s not dedicated to you because of her love for her sister, is she?”

“If I could, I would control the pheromone production so that she could love me for me,” Rarity continued, her tone dropping, “But instead of obsessing over the sister she loves, she’s just unconditionally devoted to her queen. Sometimes, I wish that I could ask her to do something for me and have her say no. But she simply can’t resist that instinctive desire to serve her queen.”

“That’s why you don’t live with your step-parents, but Sweetie Belle does, isn’t it?” Twilight asked, despite being confident in the answer, “You want to create that separation so that Sweetie can be her own pony.”

Rarity nodded in confirmation, “Perhaps being in separate cells can help her with that,” she then sighed in resignation, “And it’s why I both love and despise her being in the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

“Love and despise?” Twilight asked skeptically.

“When she’s with her friends, it allows her to be her own mare. Even though she acts as the voice of reason, it’s the result of me telling her not to get into trouble or get hurt. But when I hear about the day she’s had, I can hear in her voice just how much fun she had, even if she did something that I told her not to,” Rarity explained why she loved the CMCs as Twilight chose to take note of this, despite the topic not being part of the primary investigation, “It’s almost as if she’s her own filly when she’s with them. When she comes home after crusading and covered in tree sap, even after I’ve told her to avoid messes, be careful, or not get in trouble, even though she knows I’d be displeased with the mess, how much fun she had always brought joy to my heart.”

“That explains why you would love her for being in the Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Twilight confirmed, “But what about the ‘despise’ part?”

“Do I really need to point out the kind of trouble they get into?” Rarity deadpanned. A mirthful chuckle was heard coming from Rainbow Dash before she got herself back under control.

Twilight then lifted her list of notes in her magic, “Do you have anything more to add?”

“I don’t know if it’s necessary for the investigation,” Rarity admitted, “But I do have some more I have to mention about Sweetie Belle.”

Twilight paused for a second, “Do you believe this information can help the investigation, or do you just want to talk?”

Rarity seemed unsure of herself, “To be honest, I don’t know,” Rarity admitted, “Perhaps it’s a little bit of both. Personally, I like to think it’s my generous nature trying to help you with the investigation.”

“You don’t mind if we continue tomorrow, do you?” Twilight asked, “Although more information can help, I believe what we have now is sufficient enough. And it’s getting late.”

“Alright,” Rarity said simply. Twilight took her notes and left the cell.

Rainbow Dash gave one last glare to Rarity before following Twilight out.

As Fluttershy was comforting the young ling, Applejack arrived to check in on the other inmate. The apple farmer was surprised to be met with a harsh glare from Fluttershy.

“How DARE you!” Fluttershy shouted in a rare show of fury, “You have some nerve coming here after what you said to Rarity! Sweetie Belle is just a child! But you threatened the rest of her life simply to get Rarity to talk?!”

“I-It aint what ya think,” Applejack studdered, taken aback by Fluttershy’s assertiveness, “I wouldn’t say-”

“Visiting hours are over,” a royal guard informed, “All visitors are to vacate the cell.”

The ponies visiting Sweetie Belle started heading out. But then Applejack paused, “Hold up. Visitin’ hours don’t end ‘til 8’o clock,” the apple farmer pointed out, “We still got about a half hour ‘til visitin’ hours are over. And last I checked, only one guard needs to be on duty guardin’ a prisoner at a time. What’s with the lot of you goin’ towards the cell?”

It didn’t occur to her until then, but Fluttershy also noticed what Applejack pointed out.

“We’re here on orders from Captain Armor,” one of the guards said as they all noticed Shining Armor arriving on the scene, “We’re taking this time to question the prisoner.”

“That ain’t no excuse to end visitin’ hours without warnin’!”

“This is a matter of national security,” Shining Armor replied, “These are unique circumstances that require special consideration.”

“But Sweetie Belle has rights too!” Fluttershy exclaimed, glaring at the guards, “And we have the right to visit her for another half hour!”

“Those rights only apply to Ponies,” Shining Armor asserted, “And last I checked, Changelings aren’t Ponies!”

“And last I checked, the rest of us are Ponies!” Fluttershy said in another rare case of assertiveness as she stood in the way of the guards, “And that means that we still have the right to visit her!”

“Stand down, Fluttershy!” Shining demanded, unphased by Fluttershy’s stare.

“I’m not one of your guards!” Fluttershy pointed out, “So you don’t have the authority to make demands of me!”

“I repeat, stand down now!” Shining Armor demanded, the glare in his eyes rivaling Fluttershy’s own stare, “Don’t make me put the rest of you in a dungeon for obstruction! As Royal Guards, we also have a duty, which includes questioning terrorists! And terrorists’ rights are forfeited!”

“How DARE you call Sweetie Belle a terrorist!!!” Fluttershy’s assertiveness was beginning to worry Applejack.

“Fine! Guards, take them to a dungeon cell!” Shining instructed, “Terrorist sympathizers should be treated as terrorists themselves!”

“Hold up a sec’!” Applejack said, running over to Fluttershy, “Come on, Fluttershy. It ain’t worth it. We ain’t gonna be no help to nopony if we’re stuck in a cell too.”

This seemed to get through to Fluttershy as she let Applejack pull her aside to let the guards through. Though Applejack herself gave the guards the stink-eye as they passed by.

Applejack could feel Fluttershy trembling. She then looked to the two fillies, “You two should go back to your room for now,” Applejack instructed, her voice sounding emotionally drained, “We’ll come check on ya later.”

The fillies nodded and headed back to their room. Once they were gone, the last remnants of adrenaline left Fluttershy’s system, and she broke down in tears. Applejack held her to be a shoulder to cry on. Despite her act of defiance, Fluttershy was terrified. And now that she was no longer in mamma bear mode, that fear came crashing down on her. That and her worry for Sweetie Belle made the normally shy Pegasus an emotional mess.

None of them were aware of a shadow in the corner following the fillies.

“What ya did there was mighty brave of ya, Fluttershy,” Applejack said as she tried to soothe her feathered friend, “Maybe a might bit stupid. But brave nonetheless.”

“No, it wasn’t,” Fluttershy whimpered, “I was terrified the whole time.”

“Exactly. You were terrified, but ya still stood up to them there guards,” Applejack argued as she rubbed Fluttershy’s back to help calm her down, “Ya stood up to the Captain, somethin’ that only a Princess has the guts ta do. And it was to protect Sweetie Belle.”

Fluttershy looked back down the hall where the guards had gone down, “It’s not fair,” she whimpered again, “It doesn’t matter what species she is or what alleged crime she’s guilty of. Sweetie Belle still has rights.”

“Ah know, Sugarcube,” Applejack said, “But there ain’t nothin’ we can do ‘bout it right now. And…sorry, ‘bout earlier.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“Durin’ the interrogation of Rarity,” Applejack elaborated, “Ah’m sorry fer threatenin’ her by usin’ her sis…well, daughter, Ah s’ppose. Ah was outta line. Ah was relyin’ on not havin’ any authority over what happens ta Sweetie.”

The two of them entered Fluttershy’s temporary quarters, “You did what believed you had to do,” Fluttershy tried to comfort Applejack, “It was…wrong of you. But it got the information we needed.”

“It ain’t no excuse!” Applejack snapped, “Sorry, Ah didn’t mean to snap. But Ah lost any honor Ah had in doin’ that. Ah’m already in too deep.”

“Don’t say that, Applejack,” Fluttershy said.

“But it’s true,” Applejack continued, “Since Ah’ve sunken to being underhanded, Ah’ll take advantage of that and be underhanded again. You don’t need to get involved in this. But I plan on breakin’ Sweetie outta here.”

Fluttershy squeaked in surprise at the implication, “B-But…they may still find her innocent!” Fluttershy exclaimed, “She may still be sent free!”

“She could be found innocent,” Applejack said, but unconvinced, “But what’re the chances of that? After the Changeling attack and after what Twilight’s brother went through, the chances of her gettin’ out’s low. Ah’m jus’ sayin’ that she’s gettin’ outta there one way er ‘nother.

Two-thirds of the Cutie Mark Crusaders returned to their room. Despite knowing that their Unicorn friend was, in fact, not a Unicorn but a Changeling, they also knew their friend well enough to know that the Youngling being kept in that cell was not an imposter or a deceiver. She was the friend that they knew from the start. Granted, they were friends for less than a year. But the Apple family prides themselves in honesty. So, Apple Bloom had a nose for lies.

“What are we gonna do, Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked as she sat down on the bed, “I mean, she is the Sweetie Belle that we know, right? If that’s so, then she’s innocent and doesn’t deserve to be in that cage.”

“Ah wouldn’t exactly call that a ‘cage’,” Apple Bloom said, “Fer a dungeon cell, it’s pretty nice. A large room, private bathroom, comfy bed…”

“Apple Bloom! This is not the time to be thinking about the decor!” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Sorry,” Apple Bloom apologized, “Ah guess Ah jus’ don’t wanna think about everythin’ that’s goin’ on. It’s all so sudden.”

“Well, I say we help investigate!” Scootaloo said, “Sweetie Belle is innocent! So we should take part in helping to prove her innocence! That way, when she goes free, we can say we did it! And we could even get out cutie marks in investigating!”

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS Investi-gators…” The two realized that it just wasn’t the same with just the two of them.

“You two wish to help the Youngling known as Sweetie Belle?” a voice asked, startling the fillies. They turned to see a mysterious cloaked figure standing there. It was unclear what Tribe this pony was from, or even what gender. Their true form was magically hidden, just like their voice that was magically distorted. Whoever this Pony was, they didn’t want to be identified, “Your sister also has the same intent in mind.”

Author's Note

When re-reading the last chapter, I noticed what is perhaps the most awesome misspelling of all time. The reason I call it that is… well, I misspelled ‘metamorphosis’. The reason why it’s awesome… I misspelled it as ‘megamorphosis’. That sounds like something from Pokemon or Digimon or perhaps something else.

This chapter took a long time to finish. Most of that time was procrastination, but I was also having trouble getting the word count to one that I preferred more.

1-6: Escapee

It was going on midnight. The castle's corridors were dimly lit by candles on the walls. This allowed for peaceful sleep while ensuring that anypony still up, perhaps for a midnight cake snack, could make their way without trouble.

One such pony was Applejack.

“Ah can’t believe Ah’m doin’ this,” Applejack mumbled to herself, keeping her voice low to not disturb anypony else. Her attention was drawn to a piece of paper she was carrying, “Ah don’t even know who sent this letter.”

Applejack was getting ready for bed. As she lifted the sheets of her bed, she found a simple folded piece of paper with her name on waiting for her.

“What in Taaa…arnation is that?” Applejack questioned, her words being cut off by a yawn. She unfolded the paper and read the letter.

We have become aware that you wish to help the Youngling, known as Sweetie Belle. And as you may know, if you attempt to break her out without the proper authorization, you, like anypony else, would get into great trouble if found out.

For this reason, we intend to assist you. It has come to my attention that Rarity and Sweetie Belle will not be released from their prisons, even if they are found innocent. Though the case with Rarity is still pending, Sweetie Belle is too young to be guilty of the alleged crimes.

As the Bearer of the Element of Honesty, you should be aware of how dishonest it is to keep anypo anycreature in prison if they are not found guilty of the crime they are accused of.

If you choose to help Sweetie Belle, meet at Sweetie Belle’s cell at midnight. You will receive further instructions when you arrive.

Whoever wrote this letter knew how to trigger the part of Applejack’s mind that valued honesty. Applejack knew that the Elements of Harmony didn’t give the bearers any superpowers related to their Element. But she did have to wonder if they did enhance those traits to some extent, considering how an outsider may consider them on the level of superpowers. Honesty was perhaps the second most useful trait connected to the Elements of Harmony, considering that she could detect certain tells when someone was lying.

This was one of those cases where you’d be forgiven for assuming that they were superpowers. The way this triggered Applejack caused a part of her mind to shout out in fury.

Applejack stifled a yawn as she headed towards the dungeons. And despite the relatively comfortable accommodations that the dungeon cells had, Applejack learned that the cells, in fact, did not share the same luxury as the rest of the castle when it came to lighting. And it now truly felt like what Applejack would’ve expected.

As her hoofsteps echoed down the corridor, Applejack heard an ‘eep’ nearby. She turned a corner to see a trembling mass of yellow and pink doing its best to hide in a shadow.

“Fluttershy, is that you?” Applejack asked before another question came to mind, “Are ya the one who sent me this here letter?”

Hearing Applejack’s voice, Fluttershy peeked out from behind her hooves. Seeing a friendly face, she got up and hugged Applejack, thankful to no longer be alone in the dark. Applejack, feeling her friend trembling, hugged back.

“You got a letter too?” Fluttershy asked. She then revealed her own letter. Applejack saw that it was nearly identical to Applejack’s, with the exception of being addressed to Fluttershy, mentioning ‘Kindness’ rather than ‘Honesty’, and mentioning cruelty instead of dishonesty, “Why would the Princesses hold Sweetie Belle here if they know she’s innocent?”

“Ah don’t know, but I doubt that the Princesses are to blame,” Applejack said, “But after Rares and Sweetie being revealed to be Changelings themselves, Ah don’t know what ta think anymore.”

They noticed a cloaked figure as they approached Sweetie Belle’s cell. Their identity was hidden with magic, and as they spoke, their voice was also magically distorted to disguise their identity, “You’ve chosen to come and help Sweetie Bell.”

The figure said this as a statement rather than asking for confirmation.

“And who might you be?” Applejack asked skeptically.

“A friend,” the figure said, “And that is all you need to know. The less you know, the better.”

“Better fer you, maybe,” Applejack accused.

“No,” the figure countered, “If you were to see under the disguise, there is a chance that others would find out. If that were to happen, questions would be asked. That would lead to questions being answered. Answering questions would put innocent lives at risk. One of those lives being the one who informed us about the Changeling attack to allow us to prepare the barrier shield. Other innocent lives include the informant’s child.”

Despite the magical distortion, Applejack could hear the concern in their voice, “Ah suppose ya got a point there,” Applejack said, “Ah’ll trust ya fer now.”

“Thank you,” the figure said. She then levitated Sweetie Belle, who was already freed from her cell, onto Applejack’s back, “She’s under a sleep spell so that she won’t wake up until tomorrow.”

“Hold up a sec!” Applejack said, “You already broke the filly out? And now ya wanna drag us into this little break-out plan o’ yers?”

“It is not breaking out if she legally has the right to go free,” the figure said.

“Ah may not be an expert in law,” Applejack said, “But Ah’m pretty sure it don’t work like that.”

“Sweetie Belle has already gotten a royal pardon,” the figure said, “Besides, were you not the one to say that she’s getting out of here one way or another?”

Applejack groaned at having her words used against her like that. She can’t argue against that without being a hypocrite.

“What about our friends and the Cutie Mark Crusaders?” Fluttershy asked, speaking up.

“They have all been accounted for,” the figure said, “It is still up to you. But if you choose to help, you should go now under the cover of night. There is a train to Ponyville leaving in one hour.”

“The train still runs this late at night?” Applejack asked.

“Because of the royal wedding, overnight trains have been coming to and from Canterlot,” Fluttershy answered.

“Why are ya helpin’ us?” Applejack asked, “Ain’t ya putin’ yerself at risk fer helpin’ to break Sweetie Belle out?”

“Do you not wish to receive the aide of somepony willing to take that responsibility to help you?” the figure asked, “The guards know that you cannot do this without a magic user to disable the locks. And with this disguise spell, they will be less likely to find out who the magic user is. And if they cannot identify the existence of the magic user, they cannot prove that you had any involvement to begin with.”

Applejack thought it over for a moment. With no more arguments against the idea and too tired to think of how to continue to be stubborn, Applejack agreed. The figure cast an illusion spell on Sweetie Belle to make her look like Apple Bloom. Fluttershy and Applejack then headed to the train station with the newly disguised Sweetie Belle in tow.

By the time the train arrived in Ponyville, it was still dark. But to the east, the sky was more navy blue than black. Applejack and Fluttershy had to be woken up by the Bat Pony working on the train at the time.

After leaving the station, the two began planning how to handle the situation, “Since that Unicorn that helped us disguised Sweetie Belle as Apple Bloom and gave her to you to carry, will you also take her to your farm to look after her?” Fluttershy asked, “There is more room for her on the farm, and it is more homey than my cottage.”

“The farm may be bigger. But the farmhouse ain’t much bigger than yer cottage,” Applejack replied, “And Ah got my family to consider, too. They might not take kindly to me breakin’ a Changeling outta the custody of the Royal Guard. And if Ah’m found out, the rest o’ my family might get in trouble for harborin' a fugitive. Besides, Ah’m sure that Pony asked both of us to help fer a reason.”

“That makes sense, I guess,” Fluttershy admitted, “But I don’t know how to take care of a Changeling.”

“Ah ain’t got no more know-how than you do,” Applejack replied before giving an apologetic look, “Ah know it’s askin’ a lot. But outta the two of us, yer less likely ta be suspected. And if yer found out, you don’t got a family that you’d be puttin’ in danger.”

That did make sense to Fluttershy. And her kind-hearted nature wouldn’t allow her to let Applejack put her entire family at risk.

Rather than transferring Sweetie Belle to Fluttershy and parting ways, Applejack agreed to carry Sweetie Belle all the way to Fluttershy’s cottage.

The next morning, Twilight was walking down the hall to meet with her friends when she was tackled by her cyan Pegasus friend, followed shortly behind by a panicking orange Pegasus filly. The two older Ponies got up from the floor, Rainbow Dash looking sheepish, “Sorry about that, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash apologized, “We were just on our way to see if Apple Bloom was with Applejack.”

“When I woke up this morning, Apple Bloom was missing!” the filly exclaimed as Shining Armor came running down the hall to follow them, clearly being left behind by the speed of the two Pegasi.

“Scootaloo came to get me when she couldn’t find Apple Bloom,” Shining Armor said, “We found Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, who had just come from Fluttershy’s room.”

“I would’ve taken Scootaloo myself, but Shiny Hiney here insisted on coming along to make sure everything was okay,” Rainbow Dash said, earning a blush from the Guard Captain at the nickname.

“Actually, I was just on my way to see you girls,” Twilight replied, revealing a note, “Applejack left a note on her bed saying that Apple Bloom wasn’t feeling well and took her home last night with Princess Luna’s permission.”

The panic on Scootaloo’s face seemed to have been relieved at this news.

“Actually, Fluttershy left a note about being worried for her animals,” Rainbow Dash said, “She said she left this morning, not wanting to wake the rest of us up so early to bother us with her worries.”

“That certainly sounds like Fluttershy,” Twilight said matter-of-factly.

“If everything is in order, I have duties that I need to get back to,” Shining Armor said before heading back down the hall.

“We should probably head back and let Pinkie know,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Let Pinkie know what?”

Pinkie Pie’s sudden appearance did NOT cause Rainbow Dash to scream like a little filly. She did NOT jump into Twilight’s hooves out of shock. The scream must’ve come from Scootaloo. Yeah, that’s right, because Rainbow Dash was too awesome to scream like a little filly. And the surprise just caused Rainbow Dash to stumble. Yeah, that’s right, stumble and trip in a way that could be mistaken as a leap into Twilight’s hooves. But it was just stumbling in the general direction of Twilight’s hooves by coincidence. And Rainbow Dash would totally deny anypony who claimed otherwise. Because she totally didn’t do anything embarrassing enough to need to be denied in the first place.

Twilight put Rainbow Dash down after her mild surprise.

“Apple Bloom wasn’t feeling well,” Twilight explained, “So Applejack took her home last night.”

“Oh. I hope Apple Bloom gets well soon,” Pinkie Pie said, “Fluttershy also left this morning to take care of her animals.”

“So I’ve heard,” Twilight replied.

Suddenly, a rumbling was heard, “Um… can we get some breakfast?” Scootaloo asked with a blush.

“Heh! It sounds like you didn’t have breakfast yet, did you, Squirt?” Rainbow Dash said, ruffling Scootaloo’s mane. Then her own stomach growled, causing the blue Pegasus to blush.

“I think we could all do with some breakfast,” Twilight said.

“Are you sure that you trust Our judgment, sister?” Princess Luna asked, “We know what We intend to do. We also know that laws are not the same as they were a thousand years ago, so Our actions may not be lawful.”

“Every law has nuances,” Princess Celestia said, “Those very nuances are why I trust your judgment. I promise that I’ll let you know if you overstep your authority. And at the moment, you are within-”

Celestia was interrupted as Twilight and her friends entered to get breakfast.

“You’ve seriously not heard of oatmeal pancakes?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I’ll admit that they sound good,” Twilight replied, “But no, I haven’t heard of oatmeal pancakes.”

“Perhaps the reason for that is that oatmeal pancakes are not common here in Canterlot,” Princess Celestia added, “If you’d like, I can have the chef make you them.”

“Oh, Princesses!” Twilight exclaimed as she went into a bow.

“Rise, Twilight. There is no need to bow,” Celestia said. She instructed a chef to make oatmeal pancakes before returning her attention to the group, “There is no need for such formalities at this point.”

“Of course, Princess,” Twilight said, getting up from her bow. “It seems that three of your friends are missing.”

“Last night, Applejack took Apple Bloom home because she was feeling sick,” Twilight said, “And this morning, Fluttershy went home to check on her animals.”

“Is that so?” Princess Luna asked, glancing at Twilight, “We suppose that they do have their own lives to return to.”

“Since the wedding will have to be rescheduled, I suppose keeping you here is unnecessary,” Princess Celestia said, “Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, after breakfast, you may return to Ponyville if you wish.”

“I can’t wait to get back home to see the twins again!” Pinkie exclaimed as the chef brought out the pancakes.

“Hold on, Princess,” Rainbow Dash said skeptically, “Why did you offer that me and Pinkie can go home, but not Twilight?”

“The investigation is still ongoing,” Twilight explained, “I’ve been put in charge of the investigation, so I still have business here. You do not. That’s why I insisted on learning as much from Rarity as possible. It was my job.” Twilight opted not to include that her own desire to learn played a part.

“What if I wanted to stay and help with the investigation?” Rainbow Dash asked, taking a bite of the pancakes.

“If you want to stay and assist, then I suppose you can,” Twilight said, “However, remember that you are not an official member of the investigation team. Your role will basically be my assistant.”

“I’ll take that deal,” Rainbow Dash said. The Ponies then finished their breakfast.

Later, Twilight was on her way to talk with Damselfly. Rainbow Dash was by her side, insisting on helping as much as possible. Pinkie Pie has already left to return home to Ponyville.

The holding cell looked as it always had, with the Changeling inside simply waiting. She would’ve been bored, having little to do, but she was too worried for Sweetie Belle to let her mind dwell on her lack of anything to pass the time.

“How was your night?” Twilight asked, getting the Changeling’s attention.

“Considering the condition of cells, better than I would have expected before I had learned about what these cells were like,” Damselfly replied, “Admittedly, I did have trouble getting to sleep. I can’t help but worry about Sweetie Belle.”

“You Changelings don’t care about the feelings of Ponies. Unless that feeling is Love, that is,” Rainbow Dash said, “So why should we believe you’d be worried about other Changelings?”

“Not now, Rainbow,” Twilight said, giving the Pegasus a cold glare, “It’s that behavior that’s why you’re not allowed to be an official member of the investigation team. Your bias gets in the way too easily.”

“Aren’t you being biased by assuming that Changeling is innocent?” Rainbow countered, pointing an accusatory hoof towards Damselfly.

“You’re assuming that I assume she’s innocent,” Twilight replied, “My lack of bias is why I’m able to avoid jumping to conclusions without evidence. That’s why I was put in charge of the investigation team.”

“Even if you were right, and I didn’t care about Ponies,” Damselfly began, “Why do you assume that Changelings do not care for our own children?! Sweetie Belle is my daughter, after all!”

“And you’re Chrysalis’s daughter,” Rainbow Dash said, “And if you are to be believed, then your own mother has a bounty on your head.”

Damselfly’s expression drooped, “Then maybe my Que- Chrysalis is an exception to the rule,” Damselfly said, more trying to convince herself than Rainbow Dash, “Or maybe… I’m the exception.”

Rainbow Dash turned away from the Changeling. She was too prideful to admit that she was wrong but too honest with herself to deny that if she was mistaken, she had just reminded her alleged friend that her mother intended to kill her and accused her of having similar intent to her own daughter.

Damselfly, however, could detect that, as small as it was, Rainbow Dash's emotions contained a hint of regret. She opted not to call the Pegasus out, though.

Before the discussion could continue, a guard came running down the corridor to find the leader of the investigation, “Twilight, the young Changeling had gone missing!”

Author's Note

If any Pinkie Pie fans are disappointed at Pinkie just leaving, especially as an off-screen event, I apologize. But I didn't know how to include that as a scene, nor could I include her in the rest of this or the next arc. So this is a heads up that Pinkie Pie appearances will be few if any from hear on out. It's just that with all of the roles, I can't fit Pinkie in. Don't worry, she's not gone for good though. Despite the lack of her presence, I still know how to make it work with her character. But you'll have to wait until the end of the 2nd arc.

And now for the obligatory mention of the Easter Egg hunt.

1-7: Search Party

Fluttershy was waiting for Sweetie Belle to wake up. She didn’t get much sleep last night, and not only because she had spent the night breaking the youngling out of the dungeon (though that didn’t help her nervousness). There was also the fact that Rarity and Sweetie Belle were Changelings.

Despite being nervous about everything (well, more nervous than usual, that is), her heart still led her to Sweetie Belle’s well-being. That was why she was waiting for the Changeling to wake up. She wanted to protect the child and be there when she woke up to avoid too much confusion.

Sweetie Belle began to stir awake. The first thing she noticed was the softness of her bed. She was aware that it wasn’t as soft as her usual bed, but it was far softer than the cot she was sleeping on. She then had to turn away from the sunlight to try to get more sleep. That was when she realized she was no longer in her holding cell. Though her cell was accommodating, there were no windows, so no source of natural light from the sun.

As her senses returned, Sweetie realized that things were off. She sat up and looked around. It took her a moment to realize that this was Fluttershy’s room. She’d only been here once when Fluttershy offered to let her and her friends stay for a sleepover.

Now that she could answer the question of where she was, she needed to answer the questions of ‘how’ and ‘why’.

Could that have all been a dream? No, because she would’ve woken up in her own bed or the bed she was sleeping in at Canterlot Castle. Could this be the dream? Though possible, she noticed that her hooves were black and chitinous and full of holes.

“Why am I-” Sweetie Belle put her hoof to her mouth when she heard the distortion in her voice. She took a moment to remember that her voice was no longer what she was used to.

“Oh, you’re awake!” Fluttershy’s gentle and welcoming voice said, “You’re probably confused about why you’re here. Simply put, I had help from Applejack and some mystery pony to help free you.”

“But… won’t you get in trouble for breaking me out?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Fluttershy sighed, knowing the risk she was in, “If I’m found out, I’m sure that I will be in trouble,” Fluttershy replied, “But as far as anypony knows, I went home because I was concerned about the animals.”

“So, you lied just to get me out?” Sweetie Belle continued her line of questioning.

“I didn’t come up with that story, nor am I the one who told it,” Fluttershy pointed out, “But if it means you’re safe, it’s a lie that I’m willing to tell if I have to.”

“I just wish I knew if I was the original Sweetie Belle or an imposter with her memories,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Rarity had explained everything,” Fluttershy said. She then explained to Sweetie Belle that Rarity’s actual name was Damselfly, that they were always Changelings, that Damselfly was actually her mother, and how Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumble adopted the two of them. She left out a few details, like how young Damselfly was when she became a mother, Queen Chrysalis’s attempt at their lives, and the loss of what would’ve been Sweetie Belle’s sibling.

Fluttershy did her best to keep the explanation simple for Sweetie Belle to understand. It was a lot to take in, after all. But Sweetie Belle had a right to know, including knowing that she was the original Sweetie Belle and not a replacement.

“I don’t know all the details about who helped us free you,” Fluttershy explained, “But your sis-... mother is still in the Canterlot dungeons the last I knew.” Fluttershy saw the downtrodden look on the Youngling’s face, “Would you like some breakfast and help me take care of the animals?”

Sweetie Belle silently nodded, getting up and following Fluttershy to the kitchen.

Applejack was trying to figure out how to explain everything to Apple Bloom. She would wake up and realize she was no longer in Canterlot. She would want answers. Though Applejack had no intent to lie, she was questioning whether she should reveal to her sister that she was now technically a criminal.

“Mornin’, sis,” Apple Bloom said, coming down the stairs.

“Mornin’, Apple Bloom,” Applejack replied before returning to thinking about what she’d tell… “Apple Bloom?! Why ain’t ya wonderin’ why yer here and not Canterlot?!”

“It’s ‘cause that mystery pony told me the plan,” Apple Bloom explained, “It woulda been dumb if Ah had been part of the plan without being told ‘bout it, right?”

“Ah guess that makes sense,” Applejack said.

“So where is Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked, “Ah was hopin’ to see her when Ah got up this mornin’.”

“She ain’t here,” Applejack explained, “Fer Sweetie’s protection, the less ya know, the better. But Ah promise that she’s in safe hooves.”

“As long as she’s safe,” Apple Bloom said with a sigh, “Ah jus’ wish Ah could be there to comfort her.”

“Ah understand,” Applejack said, “So, how do ya feel about one o’ yer friends bein’ a Changeling?”

“Confused,” the Apple filly admitted, “Ah know that Sweetie is tellin’ the truth. Well, she believes what she’s sayin’ anyway. But what if she’s an imposter with Sweetie’s memories? Doesn’t that make her just as much Sweetie as the real Sweetie?”

Applejack saw that her little sister truly had a big heart. Her greatest fear was that this Sweetie Belle was an imposter. And not because of the imposter part, but because of the idea that the imposter had the real Sweetie Belle’s memories and what that meant for the imposter if those memories were to be taken away. She was worried about the Changeling infiltrator.

“Ah promise that she’s the real Sweetie Belle and always has been,” Applejack said, comforting her little sister, “But Ah know how ya feel. Ah learned that one o’ my friends was a Changeling the entire time too. At least she knew all along that she were a Changeling.”

“My Sweetie Belle has been foalnapped?!” Damselfly exclaimed at hearing the news.

“We never said anything about a foalnapping,” the guard said, “Why are you so sure that this was an abduction rather than an escape?”

“She’s too young to be able to escape on her own,” Damselfly said, “And even if that wasn’t the case, she still couldn’t escape on her own, considering that there’s always a guard posted.”

“That’s just evidence that you have spies helping you,” the group turned to the source of the voice. Captain Shining Armor was coming towards them with a stern look, “One of your fellow Changelings took the form of a guard and helped your accomplice escape.”

“That theory doesn’t hold any weight,” Twilight countered, “First of all, all of the Changelings were expelled thanks to the shield you and Cadance created. The only way that a Changeling can escape that magic wave is if their identities have been verified. Secondly, even if Damselfly and Sweetie Belle weren’t the only ones to escape being expelled, the effects of that magic wave would’ve stripped all Changelings of their disguises as well as their ability to use their disguise magic for a few days. So any alleged spies wouldn’t be capable of disguising themselves as guards.”

“This seems rather coincidental,” Rainbow Dash began accusatorily, “This morning, we learned that three Ponies had gone back to Ponyville while we were still asleep. Then we learned that Sweetie Belle went missing. How do we know you didn’t use your mind control to make Applejack and Fluttershy break Sweetie Belle out?”

“Whenever Applejack was here, I was here too. I would’ve noticed if any mind control magic was happening,” Twilight explained, “And Fluttershy didn’t spend nearly as much time here as Applejack or myself. And I would’ve noticed if she was mind controlled too. And that would only explain two of the four to be accounted for.”

“Well then, maybe Sweetie Belle mind controlled Apple Bloom,” Rainbow Dash added.

“Just like how Rarity doesn’t explain why I have not been mind controlled, Sweetie doesn’t explain why Scootaloo wasn’t mind controlled,” Twilight countered, “And that still would only account for three of the four. And I assure you that if you were to check the logs at the train station, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Apple Bloom will all be accounted for. And the notes suggest that Princess Luna gave consent for the three of them to leave. And that’s not taking into account how Changeling mind control actually works.”

“That’s right!” Damselfly exclaimed, glad to be able to defend herself, “Changeling mind control requires consent.”

“I never gave consent to let Chrysalis control me!” Shining Armor asserted defensively.

“But you did consent to let her cast a spell on you,” Damselfly countered, “Changelings are able to use a loophole. You only need to consent to having a spell cast on you. What that spell is doesn’t matter. When the imposter Cadance offered to take your headaches away, can I assume that she always asked for permission?”

“I…well…” Shining Armor said, turning away, too proud to admit it vocally.

“The way it works is that a Changeling absorbs a little love energy from the victim,” Damselfly continued, “This alone is not enough to mind control. It just lowers your mental resistance. The consent is how to implant a subliminal message into your subconscious. The more love is drained from you, the more your mind becomes, for lack of a better term, zombified. This makes your subconscious become dominant, as well as the subliminal messaging. But allowing you to keep some sense of self allows everyone, including yourself, not to suspect anything is off. The mind control can be brute forced, but it still requires consent. It just hastens the process, turning the victim into little more than a programmable machine.”

“A likely story!” Rainbow Dash said, “You’re just trying to-”

“Rainbow Dash! Let me remind you that you are not an official member of the investigation!” Twilight exclaimed, “And if you continue to pester the prisoner, you will be removed entirely. And if I must, that includes being removed by the guards.”

“And what makes you think you have the authority to command my Royal Guards?” Shining Armor questioned, “You seem to think you have more authority than you actually do.”

“I’m the one in charge of the investigation,” Twilight explained, “So, regarding the investigation, I have a higher authority than even you, brother. And that includes, to a small extent, command of the Royal Guard. I know exactly what my authority is because it comes with the position.”

“Just make sure you don’t overstep your bounds,” Shining Armor warned.

“I could say the same to you,” Twilight countered.

“I’d like to help find Sweetie Belle.”

The ponies in the room all turned towards Rarity with different levels of shock and suspicion. Rainbow Dash’s jaw dropped, unsure how to take the information. Shining Armor was more suspicious than anything. The guard was suspicious but also curious. And Twilight was unaffected.

“And how can we trust you not to just run off at the first chance you get?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“If it means my daughter’s safety, I’ll obey anything you tell me to do,” Damselfly said, mildly hopeful.

“Not good enough,” Shining Armor said.

“You can help,” Twilight said. Before Shining or Rainbow could protest, Twilight continued, “But on two conditions. The first is that you agree to wear a magic suppressor. The second is to agree to wear a proximity shock collar to ensure that you can’t leave us.”

Rainbow Dash was impressed, “Shock collars are a thing?”

“They’re not commonly used,” the guard explained, “We primarily use them for house arrest.”

“How will you be able to help us find the escapee?” Shining Armor asked.

“I can follow the trail of her pheromones,” Damselfly explained, “Like a bloodhound, I can follow the ‘scent’ of her pheromone trail.”

“And how do we know you won’t just take us on a wild goose chase?” Rainbow questioned.

“The proximity shock collar,” Damselfly said, “If you choose to turn back, I’d have no other choice but to come with you.”

“Fine,” Shining Armor relented. He then turned to one of the guards, “Go get a magic suppressor and a proximity collar from storage locker C ready.”

The guard saluted before doing as instructed.

Damselfly was fitted with a magic inhibitor and a shock collar. She was fully compliant with any instructions she was given. But that did nothing to lessen the suspicion that the Captain of the Guard had about her.

Two guards have been assigned to go with Damselfly to find Sweetie Belle, along with Twilight and Rainbow Dash. One of the guards was a Pegasus in order to pull the chariot they were to use. Both guards would’ve been Pegasi, since the chariot is to be pulled by two. But Rainbow Dash being a Pegasus herself suggested that she help to pull the chariot. So the second guard was a Unicorn.

As they were heading out to the chariot they would take, Rainbow Dash was stopped by Shining Armor, “Dash,” the Captain of the Royal Guard said, making sure to be out of earshot of his sister, “Take this.”

“What is is?” Rainbow Dash questioned.

“It’s a manual control for that shock collar,” Shining explained, “If that Changeling becomes non-compliant, use that to show her who’s in charge.”

“Why didn’t you give this to Twilight?” Rainbow asked.

“I’m not certain I can trust her reasoning at the moment,” Shining said.

“Last time you didn’t trust her reasoning, Queen Chrysalis almost enslaved Equestria,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Last time I didn’t trust her reasoning, she hadn’t been spending time with a Changeling who could’ve been manipulating her mind,” Shining countered, “I’m not saying she is under that Changeling’s control. But just in case I can’t trust my sister to do the right thing, I’m putting that responsibility in your hooves.”

Rainbow Dash glanced at Twilight, thinking about how she seemed too trusting of the Changeling who called herself Rarity. She didn’t want to think Twilight couldn’t be trusted. But why else would Twilight trust a Changeling?

“Rainbow!” Twilight called, “Are you coming?!”

“Coming, Twi!” Rainbow called back. She then turned back to offer Shining Armor a nod of approval before heading to the chariot to pull.

As Rainbow was getting harnessed to the chariot, the second guard attached the proximity detector to the front of the chariot before getting in.

The Pegasus guard made sure to tell Rainbow Dash to follow his lead before heading off.

“That proximity detector that the guard put on the front of the chariot has a range of fifteen feet,” Twilight explained to Damselfly, “Stay within fifteen feet, and you don’t have to worry about getting shocked.”

Damselfly nodded, acknowledging that she understood what Twilight said. It wasn’t long after they started when she already got Sweetie Belle’s ‘scent’, “About forty-five degrees to the left.”

Twilight took notice of two things. The first was that they were heading in the direction of the Everfree Forest. The second was the town that stood in between the Everfree Forest and Canterlot.

As the chariot flew closer to the source of the pheromone trail, Damselfly felt it grow stronger. Her maternal instincts grew stronger as well, overriding her common sense. Wanting to see her daughter again, she jumped out of the chariot, flying towards the pheromone source and ahead of the Pegasi pulling the chariot.

She had flown too far, and everypony knew it when they saw the Changeling get electrified. The two unicorns managed to catch her before she fell, and she was then carried back into the chariot.

“Did you forget about the fifteen-foot range?” Twilight asked.

“I have a whole new sympathetic respect for whenever a bug zapper lights up,” Damselfly said in a daze.

“It’s a good thing we were able to catch you,” Twilight explained, “That shock collar is designed to incapacitate. If we hadn’t caught you, you could’ve fallen to your death.”

“The pheromone trail is growing stronger,” Damselfly said sheepishly, shaking off the daze, “I had grown a little too excited to see my daughter.”

After a few minutes and as they flew closer, Damselfly was able to hone in on the source and saw that it was Fluttershy’s cottage. The good news was that if Sweetie Belle was with Fluttershy, then she was safe. The bad news was that if the guards learned that Sweetie Belle was with Fluttershy, then not only would her daughter be taken back to the dungeon, but Fluttershy would also likely be put in the dungeon.

Damselfly had to think quickly because they were approaching their destination. She then focused on the Everfree Forest just past the cottage. That’s when she remembered that the others couldn’t detect the pheromone trail.

To protect Sweetie Belle and Fluttershy, Damselfly guided them past the cottage and into the Everfree Forest. They had traveled well past the Everfree's borders before Damselfly spoke up.

“I think I’ve lost the trail,” Damselfly said. Technically, it was true. They had overshot the target by a good distance, after all. It was impossible to follow the trail when it led in the opposite direction from where they were heading.

“Take us down here,” Twilight called to the Pegasi, “If the trail ends here, it must mean that Sweetie Belle is around here somewhere. Assuming she came here on her own, that is.”

They had landed in a nearby clearing. Twilight had sent the Unicorn guard to send Rainbow Dash back to her. This way, there could be a team of the two guards and a team of Twilight and Rainbow. Rainbow was, more or less, Twilight’s assistant in the investigation, after all.

“I saw where you were originally leading,” Twilight said while out of earshot of the guard and Rainbow Dash.

“Well, I…uh…don’t know what you could be referring to,” Damselfly said nervously, “I’ve been following Sweetie Belle’s trail the whole time.”

“You’ve spent too much time living as a pony,” Twilight said, “You’re a bad liar.”

Twilight took the proximity detector from the chariot and walked up to meet Rainbow, instructing Damselfly to follow. She then told Rainbow how to go about a search, opting not to inform the Pegasus about Damselfly’s deceit.

It had taken a couple of hours, but the group had canceled the search on Twilight’s command, so they were now heading back toward Canterlot. Damselfly had chosen to fly back, staying directly under the Pegasi so that she could be easily seen by them while keeping within ten feet of the proximity detector. It’s been a long time since she last had the chance to stretch her wings like this.

Her chance to stretch her wings came to an end when she was once again electrified. Rainbow Dash quickly hid the remote she used away before going down to quickly catch the Changeling and place her back in the chariot.

Although Twilight didn’t see the remote Rainbow Dash used, she did see most of what happened, including how fast Rainbow Dash reacted. Damselfly was only ten feet away from the proximity detector and kept at a regular distance.

Once the chariot landed in Canterlot, Twilight confronted Rainbow Dash, “What happened back there?” Twilight demanded.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked, playing dumb.

“I think you know full well what I mean,” Twilight said authoritatively, “I’m talking about when Damselfly got shocked on the way back.”

“Well, obviously, she must’ve flown too far away from the sensor,” Rainbow lied.

“The proximity detector has a range of fifteen feet,” Twilight explained, “Damselfly was keeping at a regular distance of ten feet.”

“Then the shock collar must’ve malfunctioned or something!” Rainbow Dash continued to lie, now becoming defensive.

“Assuming that was the case, that’s not the only thing I noticed!” Twilight said, her frustration at the cyan liar growing, “I also noticed how quickly you responded! And don’t give me an excuse that you’re just that fast! Your flight speed doesn’t explain your reaction time! You reacted so quickly to Damselfly falling that I’d assume you knew it would happen!”

A stern look overcame Rainbow Dash’s face, “Fine! You want the truth?” Rainbow Dash pulled out the remote, “Your brother gave me this in order to make sure that Changeling knows who’s boss!”

To prove her point, Rainbow Dash was about to push the button. There was a purple flash, and the only thing Rainbow pushed against was her other hoof. The remote was now held in Twilight’s magic, having been teleported out of Rainbow’s hoof.

“Perhaps you’ve forgotten why you’re even allowed to be on the case in the first place!” Twilight exclaimed, “You’re only on the case because I’m allowing it! Not only did you overstep your authority, you also went behind my back! You are now off the case! Guard, please escort Rainbow Dash off of the premises! If she resists, then she can spend some time in a dungeon cell herself! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a former BBBFF that I need to speak to.”

As Twilight went to find Shining Armor, Rainbow Dash left with a Pegasus Guard escort. Meanwhile, Damselfly could only watch. Sure, it hurt her to no longer be trusted by her friends. But it broke her heart to know that her friends were being torn apart because of her. But all she could do was watch and think about things as she was led back to her holding cell.

Author's Note

This chapter took a while to finish, thanks to a combination of procrastination and other projects to work on (not that it makes a difference to you, since you only had to wait a week). But I’m proud of how I managed to make the conflict not feel forced. Some may disagree that perhaps it does feel forced, but I’m thinking in terms of what I have planned for the future.

And if you believe that Rainbow Dash’s behavior violates the Element of Loyalty, consider this: Rainbow Dash could’ve let Damselfly fall. But she caught her and made sure she was safe in the chariot.

1-8: Conclusive Evidence

“SHINING ARMOR!!!” Twilight shouted, magically amplifying her voice.

“You bellowed?” Shining Armor questioned as he walked over to Twilight. Twilight simply levitated the remote, “So you found out about that, huh?”

“I’m not mad that you gave somepony a manual remote to Damselfly’s shock collar,” Twilight said before she gave a stare that would melt an iceberg, “I am, however, angry that you went behind my back to do it!”

“I know you well enough to know that you wouldn’t have approved of its use,” Shining Armor explained.

“First of all, don’t make assumptions about whether or not I would’ve approved!” Twilight exclaimed, “Secondly, whether or not I would’ve approved is irrelevant! Because I’m in charge of the investigation, the use of this remote requires my approval! Thirdly, there were two oth-”

“Don’t overstep your authority, Twilight!” Shining Armor exclaimed, interrupting Twilight. Shining Armor was about to take the remote. But Twilight crumpled it into a ball of plastic and metal, “Twilight Sparkle! That remote is government property! Destroying government property is a federal offense!”

“That brings me to my fourth issue! As I was looking for you, I was studying this remote! And do you know what I learned?!” Twilight growled. Shining Armor realized what Twilight was talking about, “I realized that this remote is out of date and discontinued! That means that the government wouldn’t be using this model! And since the remote correlates to the collar, that means that the collar you used was NOT government-sanctioned! This model was banned because of the lack of power control, always being set on max power! You knowingly used an illegal device!”

“It’s not my fault that we were unaware of those models being in our storage!” Shining Armor said.

“Even if I grant that, I need to return to my third point that you rudely interrupted!” Twilight continued, “There were two other guards on that search. But rather than give the remote to one of them or me, you gave it to Rainbow Dash, who is NOT a guard and is NOT an official member of the investigation team! She was unauthorized to be in charge of that remote!”

“It’s disappointing that you don’t trust your friends enough to be in charge of a device like that,” Shining Armor said, dropping into a calmer demeanor, “And it’s clear to me that you’re not thinking straight. That monster clearly has been manipulating your mind. Perhaps you should consider that fact and realize you are unfit to continue this investigation.”

“You may be the Captain of the Royal Guard,” Twilight said, “But on this investigation, I outrank you, and I will have you reprimanded.”

“This is a matter of national security!” Shining Armor asserted, “That makes me the ultimate authority of this investigation!”

“You are the captain of the guard! I am the commander of the investigation team!” Twilight explained, “The reason I outrank you is because Princess Luna concluded that you would be too emotionally compromised! The reason I outrank you is because unlike you, I actually think with logic and reason rather than emotion! And since I outrank you, I’ve concluded that your emotional fortitude on this case makes you unfit! So as you’re superior on this case, you’re off the case!”

“You don’t have that authority!”

“Bring it up with Princess Luna!” Twilight said, “But until you’re willing to put your emotions aside, I don’t even want to SEE you!”

After her rant, Twilight headed to the holding cells. Shining Armor watched her walk away with concern. But he had his own business to take care of.

Twilight had arrived at Damselfly’s cell carrying a saddlebag. She entered the cell and put the saddlebag to the side. She then asked the guard if they could have some privacy. Once the guard gave them some distance, Twilight began.

Twilight looked towards the Changeling, “As I’ve already pointed out earlier. I saw where you were actually leading us,” Twilight explained, “What you’re not aware of is that I knew where you would lead us even before you did.”

This caught Damselfly’s attention, “How could you have known?”

“You said it yourself,” Twilight said, “Sweetie Belle couldn’t have escaped on her own. To be more accurate, I knew you would head in one of two directions. And to be honest, I thought you were going to lead us to Sweet Apple Acres. In any case, I can assure you that Sweetie Belle is in safe hooves.”

“But why would she have been at Sweet Apple Acres?” Damselfly asked.

“Both Fluttershy and Applejack had been asked to protect Sweetie Belle,” Twilight said, “Sweetie Belle had already been found innocent. However, Shining Armor clearly isn’t thinking clearly and is too emotionally invested. It doesn’t matter if she was found innocent or not. There was no way he was going to let either of you go. That’s why she had to be broken out.”

“That’s why you didn’t reveal that I was lying about losing the trail, wasn’t it?” Damselfly asked, “You helped Sweetie Belle escape, didn’t you?”

“I can neither confirm nor deny any involvement I may have had in assisting in Sweetie Belle’s escape,” Twilight said, “I’m surprised you didn’t question why I know so much about changeling transformation magic and your temporary inability to use it. After all, you never told me about it.”

“How much do you know?” Damselfly asked, “And how do you know it?”

“I know all I need to know. And that’s the only thing you need to know,” Twilight answered cryptically, “I’ve gained enough information to make a decision about your situation. However, there’s just one more thing that I need to be convinced without a shadow of a doubt.”

Twilight grabbed the saddlebag she had put to the side. She removed its contents, revealing it to be the Element of Generosity. She then placed the Element of Generosity onto Damselfly’s neck. The purple gem let out a soft glow, revealing that the Element recognized Damselfly as its wielder.

“That’s the last piece of evidence I needed,” Twilight said before taking out a scroll. She wrote something down on it before rolling it up and teleporting it away, “All that’s left is to get you out of here.”

“But… won’t you get in trouble if you release me before the Captain of the Guard clears it?” Damselfly asked.

“Considering that I’m the leader of this investigation, I have the authority to make the decision that you are free to go,” Twilight explained, “And because the current Guard Captain is too emotionally invested, there’s no chance that he’ll let you go. So, I’ve been granted the authority to release you myself. And it’s evident that not everypony can be trusted to be unbiased.” Twilight then asked for the guard.

“What about Rainbow Dash?” Damselfly asked, “Do you not trust her?”

“Do you really think Rainbow Dash is the type to put aside her emotions and be unbiased?” Twilight asked as she led Rarity out of the cell, “You may not be aware of this, but Captain Armor gave Rainbow Dash a manual controller for your shock collar. That shock you were given on the way back was her doing. And though Rainbow Dash couldn’t have known this, that specific model was banned for always being set on its maximum output. I trust Rainbow Dash’s loyal nature. But I can’t trust her to be unbiased.”

Meanwhile, Shining Armor went to speak with Rainbow Dash. He’s been keeping an eye on her and liked how she handled herself during this case. Her loyalty to the safety of Equestria was admirable.

“Miss Dash, may I have a word with you?” Shining Armor asked.

“What do you want?” Rainbow Dash asked, clearly grumpy for being removed from the case and escorted out.

“I wanted to speak to you about Twilight,” Shining Armor said, “Have you noticed that she doesn’t seem to be thinking rationally?”

Hearing this caused Rainbow Dash to start laughing, “BAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Wait, you’re serious?” Rainbow questioned after regaining her composure, “Do you really expect me to believe that out of all ponies, Twilight isn’t thinking rationally?”

“I don’t like the idea any more than you do. But haven’t you noticed how willing she is to defend that monster?” Shining asked, “It’s almost like blind faith. She doesn’t even have a reason for defending that imposter. And if there’s anything my little sister is known for…”

“…It’s doing things with a good reason,” Rainbow Dash finished.

“I’m not suggesting that it’s Twilight’s fault, though,” Shining continued, “That Changeling must be controlling her mind like Chrysalis did with me.”

“But that doesn’t make sense,” Rainbow Dash said, “Twilight said that since she was never alone with her, she couldn’t have had her mind controlled because somepony would’ve noticed.”

“Perhaps not. But who’s to say Twilight is the only one being controlled?” Shining asked, “Applejack was also with her. And she just happened to wake up before everypony else to take her sister home because she wasn’t feeling well. And the younger Changeling just happened to go missing.”

“Where are you going with this?” Rainbow asked, hoping that she was misinterpreting what Shining Armor was saying.

“What I’m saying is that she claimed Applejack couldn’t have been mind-controlled,” Shining said, “But what if they were both mind-controlled? That Changeling probably just had Twilight say what she wanted you to hear. And that includes telling you Applejack couldn’t have been mind-controlled when, in reality, she could’ve.”

Rainbow Dash didn’t know what she hated. The fact that Shining Armor had the gall to say these things about Twilight and Applejack, or the fact that it made some amount of sense. Enough sense that it made her think. But her loyalty to her friends kept her from believing Shining Armor’s words.

At least, she didn’t believe them yet.

Sweetie Belle was surprisingly good at helping Fluttershy. Specifically, she was good at feeding. It’s ironic that she was horrible at preparing food, yet she was doing such a good job of making the animals happy.

This was no coincidence, however. Sweetie Belle had become more attuned to her Changeling senses. She’s always been able to sense what others were feeling. But now that she understood why that was the case, she could focus on that sense. In doing so, she knew exactly how much food would make the animals happy.

However, this didn’t make Sweetie Belle feel any better. Although her ability to sense emotions was helpful, it also reminded her just how alien she was to herself. Once again, it was ironic how an action that was calming Sweetie Belle’s mind was also worsening her existential crisis. And she was insistent on proving to Fluttershy that she was not like those other mean Changelings.

“You’ve done a very good job feeding the animals,” Fluttershy said as she walked up to the Youngling, “And it seems that all of the animals are pleased with the food. Perhaps taking care of animals is your special talent.”

Sweetie’s ears folded back as the thought disappointed her, “Do monsters even get cutie marks?” Sweetie Belle asked dejectedly, “Do monsters even deserve to get cutie marks?”

“Listen to me, Sweetie Belle,” Fluttershy asserted, “You are NOT a monster!”

“Bu-But…look at me!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, motioning to her body, “How can I not be a monster?”

“Do you know what I see when I look at you?” Fluttershy said gently, “I see a creature that’s far too young and caring to be a monster. And that creature just happens to be a Changeling.”

Sweetie Belle often could sense if somepony were lying. In hindsight, she realized that she was sensing that the pony’s emotions didn’t match their words or expressions. But as she used this newfound ability now, she could detect no deceit from Fluttershy. What she said and what she felt matched almost perfectly. Almost was the operative word, since there was a feeling of unease in Fluttershy. But that seemed unrelated to what was being said, and was shrinking every moment.

“Do you know who I see when I look at you?” Fluttershy said, continuing her speech, “I see Sweetie Belle, who’s scared and confused about learning that she’s a Changeling and distraught about being put into a dungeon cell by the Royal Guard. I see the same little filly that I knew for so long who was willing to help me with my chores as a way to apologize for the crimes of the Changeling race, even though she is not guilty of those crimes herself. I see a Sweetie Belle, who needs to know that I don’t blame her. A Sweetie Belle with such a large, caring heart.”

Needing comfort, Sweetie Belle pushed herself against Fluttershy’s fur as the Pegasus hugged her. “You…You’re the bearer of the Element of Kindness,” Sweetie Belle said, still unsure of herself, “It’s your job to be kind and loving.”

“If you can sense emotions, then I’m sure that you can sense that my emotions are genuine and not from some magic rocks,” Fluttershy said, “I also saw how much fun you were having feeding the animals. Do you think a monster would have fun like that? And do you think my animals would play with a monster?”

There was an unease in Sweetie Belle’s mind that wouldn’t go away that easily. However, Fluttershy’s words were exactly what she needed to hear.

“Now, how about you go get washed up while I get dinner ready,” Fluttershy said. A rumbling came from Sweetie’s belly, agreeing with the idea of food. With a bashful blush, Sweetie Belle went to the bathroom to get washed up while Fluttershy went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Twilight had just finished writing a report, which she had Spike send to the Princess to inform them of her decision about Damselfly. It was late, already well after Celestia had lowered the sun.

“If I’m free to go, why did you insist on waiting until nightfall to leave?” Damselfly asked.

“Your ability to transform has been incapacitated,” Twilight explained, “For this reason, it’s best if we leave under the cover of night so as not to alarm the public. Just because you’ve been legally found innocent, it doesn’t mean the court of public opinion will judge you the same.”

“But it’s late,” Damselfly said, “Aren’t you tired?”

“I’m used to all-nighters,” Twilight explained, “But I suppose it’s safe to leave now if you wish.”

Damselfly nodded. The sooner she could leave, the sooner she could go home and see her little Sweetie Belle. As they headed out of the guest room and headed down the hallway, they bumped into a rainbow-maned Royal Guard…

…Wait, what?!

“You were removed from the premises, Rainbow!” Twilight exclaimed, “Did you really think dressing up like a Royal Guard was enough to sneak in?”

“I’m not just dressing up! I’ve been recruited as a temporary guard!” Rainbow Dash explained, “You know, I didn’t want to believe your brother! But it looks like he was right all along! You were planning to help the prisoner escape!”

“I don’t know what my brother told you,” Twilight said, “But he no longer has any authority on this case. For that reason, he doesn’t have the authority to recruit new guards.”

“Shining Armor’s authority is with the safety of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash explained, “And this case stopped being an investigation when it was revealed that Rarity had been manipulating your mind! And it may be temporary, but Shining gave me authority that outranks yours.”

“Wait, you think I’ve been manipulating Twilight?” Damselfly questioned.

“Shining doesn’t have the authority to give somepony the authority that outranks me,” Twilight explained, “And Shining is clearly too emotionally invested to think clearly. That’s why he had to be removed from the case.”

“This case isn’t finished until a conclusion is made, and that thing fesses up about what she’s really been planning this whole time!” Rainbow Dash commented.

“Did you really just call me a ‘thing’?!” Damselfly asked offendedly.

“The investigation has already reached a conclusion,” Twilight explained, “This Changeling and her daughter have no ill intent. Furthermore, the Element of Generosity recognizes her as its bearer. And you can’t lie to the Elements of Harmony. Now if you’re done playing Guards Pony, I’d appreciate it if you’d get out of our way!”

“No can do, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said, blocking Twilight and Damselfly’s path, “Captain Armor instructed me to keep you from aiding in the escape of a wanted criminal. And he recruited me because he know that you can’t outrun me. And you know it too.”

“Both you and my brother must be pretty slow if you think I’d have to rely on my speed alone to outmatch you,” Twilight said. Twilight then closed her eyes and lit her horn, creating a blinding flash of light to blind Rainbow Dash temporarily. She then grabbed Dasmelfly and lit her horn again, teleporting the two of them away.

A moment later, several Royal Guards, as well as Shining Armor, came running into the hallway to see Rainbow Dash furiously rubbing the spots out of her eyes.

“Rainbow Dash, what happened?” Shining Armor asked.

“Twilight used her magic to blind me to get away!” Rainbow Dash said, her vision returning to her, “I’m sorry I let them escape.”

“Don’t be. It’s my fault for not taking her magic into account,” Shining said before turning to the other Guards, “We’ve got a dangerous criminal on the loose who has brainwashed my little sister! Avoid harming Twilight when taking her in. As for the Changeling criminal, use any force necessary to bring her in! Lethal force should be a last-case scenario, but if necessary, use it!”

“Yes, Sir!” the Guards saluted before heading out to search.

“What about me, Captain?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“If I know my sister, she’ll likely be either here in Canterlot Castle, at Canterlot Library, at our parents' house, Ponyville, and anywhere in between,” Shining Armor explained, “We’ve got Canterlot covered. So, I’m entrusting you to be my eyes and ears in Ponyville. What I told my Guards applies to you as well. Avoid hurting Twilight. But bring in that Changeling by any means necessary.”

“Aye, aye, Captain!” Rainbow saluted before dashing off to head to Ponyville as instructed.

Everycreature was completely unaware of a tuft of purple just down the hall and around the corner.

Author's Note

This chapter was annoying to me, primarily because I was having trouble getting it to my preferred word count. Personally, I would've preferred to have the part with Sweetie Belle and Fluttershy at the start of the next chapter. But I did manage to get it to the point I wanted.

Although friendships were hanging by a thread before, this chapter is where the shiitake hits the fan.

And, of course, the obligatory "Did you find the Easter Egg?" challenge.

1-9: Hide and Seek

Just outside Canterlot, a flash of magic lit up the night, accompanied by a magical pop that disrupted the silence. The result was Twilight and Damselfly appearing. Twilight, however, collapsed in exhaustion.

“I was able to get us out of Canterlot,” Twilight said with a groan, “But if we stay out here, it’s only a matter of time before the Royal Guards find us. There’s no way we can get back to Ponyville at this point. The trains out of Canterlot will all be monitored. And even if we could get on a train, there’s no doubt that Rainbow Dash would be there waiting for us. And I used too much magic on those spells to be able to teleport again. So it’s only a matter of time before the Guards find us.”

Twilight may be the bearer of the Element of Magic, but that title, unfortunately, did not come with a larger supply of magic at her disposal. She may have a deep well of raw magical power, but having raw power wasn’t enough to compensate for spellcraft.

“Not necessarily,” Damselfly said, “We Changelings have our own teleport spell that’s not limited by distance. I may be a little rusty with the spell. But I can get us home.”

Damselfly lit up her horn in a blue aura. Then, a ring of blue fire appeared on the ground next to her, opening up into a hole. Twilight recognized this spell. But before she could protest, Damselfly grabbed her and pulled her into the portal with her. The portal then closed behind them.

A ring of blue fire opening up into a portal appeared on the ceiling of Carrousel Boutique. A moment later, Twilight and Damselfly tumbled through, landing in a heap on the floor. The portal then closed behind them, leaving them in the safety of the familiar boutique.

Twilight groaned in displeasure. That was all she could do at the moment to express herself.

“Sorry about that, dear,” Damselfly said as she got to her hooves, “I did say that I was a bit rusty. It’s been so long since I’ve cast that spell that my aim was off. And I never received decent practice with that spell either. But it did get us where we needed to be.”

Twilight got herself into a sitting position as Rarity lit her own horn for light, “Are you sure your boutique was the best place to come to?” Twilight asked, “This would likely be the first place anypony would think to look.”

“It may seem obvious. And to be fair, it is,” Damselfly explained, “But it is that very obviousness that I have prepared for. I am a Changeling, after all, so I have prepared for the possibility of one day being discovered. Though I do wish that day had never come.”

Damselfly lit her horn more, levitating the pedestal in front of the dressing mirror to the side. Another flash of magic caused lines to appear on the floor in the shape of a rectangle. The hinges on one side revealed its nature.

“Is that a trap door?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Changelings are taught to be prepared for discovery,” Damselfly said, “One such way is to dig a secret bunker to hide in. This door is made from the same material that those pods are made of. This means that with the help of Changeling magic, it too can change forms. This allows us to create a trap door that can be manipulated to perfectly blend in with the rest of the floor. And it’s undetectable by any magic detection spells because it doesn’t give off any of its own magic.”

Damselfly opened up the hatch to reveal a crudely dug cave. Twilight was astonished at how antithetical it was to what she knew of Rarity. It was dark, dank, and dirty. It was also small and minimalistic. It was clear that this was more of a reflection of Damselfly rather than Rarity. It was clearly intended for no more than two occupants, likely Damselfly herself and Sweetie Belle.

Damselfly used her magic on a crystal in the ceiling that lit up the room in a blue glow. Once the cave was lit, she shut the hatch and disguised it.

“I do apologize for the uncouth nature of this cave, including the lack of a bed,” Damselfly apologized, “But if it were too big, the structural integrity of the ground might not be enough to support the building up above. And believe it or not, Changelings don’t normally sleep on beds.”

“Is it safe for me to assume that most Changelings don’t even have the luxury of a bed?” Twilight asked.

“I do suppose that is the case. I’ve never really thought about it, to be honest,” Damselfly said before lighting her horn again and summoning a blanket directly from one of her closets, “It may not be much, but you could use this to sleep on and cover yourself with.”

Twilight analyzed the blanket, which was of very good quality, “Are you sure?” Twilight asked, “This looks like a nice blanket, and I’d hate to see it get ruined.”

“Nonsense!” Damselfly insisted, “What’s more important? A material item, or making sure a friend is as comfortable as possible considering the circumstances? Besides, if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be caught up in this whole mess in the first place. The least I could do is make it easier for you…like how you made it easier for me in the Canterlot dungeon.”

Whether she was a pony or a Changeling didn’t matter, Whether she was Rarity or Damselfly didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was that she was the bearer of the Element of Generosity, and she had earned that title. And their current predicament wasn’t going to stop her from continuing to earn the right to bear that Element.

“This whole situation is more unfair to you and Sweetie Belle than it is for me,” Twilight said, “But I suppose it’s mutually unfair nonetheless.”

Twilight had positioned the blanket so that it would hopefully avoid damage. It was large enough for her to sleep on one half and wrap the other around her to use as a proper blanket. As much as she’s used to all-nighters, Twilight wasn’t used to doing them with her magic drained, so she fell asleep relatively quickly.

Damselfly opted to stay awake a little while longer, protectively watching over her friend.

Although Rainbow Dash was flying fast enough to beat the train to Ponyville, she was not flying at her top speed. Her mind was racing faster than she was.

‘I was hoping that Shining Armor was wrong about you, Twilight. But that Changeling was manipulating you this whole time!’ Rainbow Dash thought to herself. ‘At least… I think… Why did the Element of Generosity react to that Changeling? Maybe the Elements can have more than one bearer at a time. Yeah! That must be… No, it still doesn’t make sense! Changelings are greedy monsters! There’s no reason why a Changeling would be the bearer of the Element of Generosity! Not unless Twilight is right… No! I can’t think like that! Either Shining Armor is right, and that impostor has to be taken in, and Twilight brought in to recover from brainwashing, or Twilight’s right, and she and that Changeling need to be brought back in for questioning for leaving without informing the proper authorities! Either way, they are coming back to Canterlot!’

Rainbow Dash resolved her inner conflict with what she considered a compromise. As much as she wanted to believe she was protecting Equestria, her heart couldn’t deny the possibility that Twilight was right. And if she was right, then that also meant that the Changeling is, and has always been Rarity. And she couldn’t turn her back on her friends. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be the bearer of the Element of Loyalty.

With her inner conflict resolved, Rainbow Dash continued on her way. But a nagging feeling at the back of her mind made her think that she was forgetting something.

Sweetie Belle was being protected by Rarity. Her mind wasn’t quite sure of what was happening, but she knew things were not going to be good. Suddenly, she watched as Rarity’s white fur seemed to be torn away by green fire, revealing the black chitin underneath.

“CHANGELINGS!!!” the Royal Guards shouted.

Sweetie looked down at her hooves to see that they, too, were black chitin.

“Take them to the dungeons!” a voice said. That’s when the guards grabbed the two newly revealed Changelings, pulling them apart.

“RARITY!!!” Sweetie Belle cried as she had a feeling that she would never see Rarity again.

Fluttershy was sitting in a chair next to Sweetie Belle. She had been worrying about Sweetie Belle for the past couple of nights, and it showed in the bags forming under her eyes. She hadn’t been getting much sleep, as she had been watching over the youngling each night.

Fluttershy had dozed off in her chair, the exhaustion getting the better of her when a small voice eliminated the chance of getting a little rest.

“…Rarity…”

Sweetie Belle was having a nightmare.

Fluttershy’s heart went out to the youngling, pushing aside her own exhaustion. However, if she kept this up, her own lack of sleep would harm her. She wasn’t the bearer of the Element of Kindness for nothing. But then she thought of a compromise.

Fluttershy chose to climb into bed with Sweetie Belle. That way, she could give the suffering Sweetie a comforting hug while also getting some shut-eye herself.

In her sleep, Sweetie Belle desperately latched onto Fluttershy. She did seem to calm down, but it still broke Fluttershy’s heart to know what Sweetie Belle was likely dreaming of. As her own eyes slid shut, she hoped that Rarity, or rather, Damselfly, was alright.

It was quiet on Sweet Apple Acres. It was the middle of the night, after all.

CREAK

A filly came out of a door, ran outside to the shed, grabbed an oil can, ran back upstairs, and oiled the hinges on the door to her room. She then opened and closed it again, with no creak to be heard.

CREAK

That creak came from a floorboard behind the filly, who looked behind her to see an orange mare.

“Mind tellin’ me why yer sneakin’ around, Apple Bloom?” Applejack said in a quiet but stern tone.

“Well, when Ah came outta my room, my door creaked. So Ah ran down to the shed, grabbed an oil can, ran back up here, and oiled the hinges of the door,” Apple Bloom explained innocently. She then tested the door again, “See? No more creak!”

“But why were ya outta yer room in the first place?” Applejack asked authoritatively.

Apple Bloom’s innocent demeanor dropped into a somber one as her ears folded back and her head drooped, “Ah was havin’ trouble sleepin’, and Ah was hopin’ Ah could sleep with you.”

Applejack’s stern gaze softened to one of understanding, “Yer still worried about Sweetie Belle, ain't ya?” Applejack asked, receiving a small nod from Apple Bloom, “Ah know Ah said Ah can’t tell ya where she is. But you believe me when Ah say she’s safe with somepony Ah can trust, don’t ya?”

Apple Bloom nodded, “It ain’t just Sweetie Belle, though,” Apple Bloom explained, “Ah’m worried about Rarity too.”

Realization dawned on Applejack. She didn’t just need comforting because she was having trouble sleeping. She specifically needed to know that Applejack, her big sister, was there. Her worry about Sweetie Belle and knowing that she’s separated from the one she considered her older sister all her life was bleeding into Apple Bloom’s own emotional state, resulting in a need for her own sister.

As much as she wanted to comfort Apple Bloom, and as much as she trusted Twilight’s ability to find Damselfly innocent, the fact of the matter is that it would be a lie. The bearer of the Element of Honesty had to be honest with herself just as much as others.

“Ah wish Ah could tell ya that Rarity is alright,” Applejack said, “But all Ah can do is tell ya ta hope fer the best. Ah don’t rightly know what’s goin’ on at this point.”

Apple Bloom had a longing look in her eyes as she looked up to her elder sister, “Would you still love me if you were a Changeling?”

“If Ah were a Changeling, Ah’d still be the mare Ah am today,” Applejack said with a warm smile, “And the mare Ah am today loves ya very much.”

“Would ya still love me if Ah were a Changeling?”

This question caught Applejack slightly off guard, “Well, if you were like me in the scenario where Ah’m a Changeling, or perhaps a situation like Sweetie Belle’s in, Ah’d have ta question ya first,” Applejack explained, “But you would be the same filly that you are today. And Ah love the filly you are today very much.”

Hearing this, Apple Bloom hugged her big sister, who returned the hug. It seems that what Applejack said did, in fact, help comfort Apple Bloom, at least a little.

“C’mon. You can sleep with me tonight,” Applejack said. The two sisters then went into Applejack’s room to sleep.

Shining Armor headed down the corridor of Canterlot Castle. His destination was the medical wing. As he entered, he saw his final destination. A pink Alicorn lay asleep in the bed. Her injuries were healing well. But she hasn’t woken up this entire time.

“Hi, Cadance. I’ve been seeking out the Changelings that did this to you,” Shining Armor said, “I’m sorry to say that Twilight has been brainwashed by one of them.”

Shining Armor sat down next to the sleeping Alicorn. He caressed her cheek with his hoof.

“We have yet to find the original Rarity and Sweetie Belle. They’re the ponies that have been replaced by those monsters that hurt you. As much as I’d like to hope for the best, the longer we go without finding a sign of their whereabouts, the more likely we’ll have to consider them KIA.”

The door to the Infirmary opened up as a medic entered the room, “Captain Armor, will you be staying the rest of the night here?” the medic asked. This wasn’t the first time either. Shining Armor has been coming in to visit Cadance every night. And each time, he stayed no longer than half an hour.

“I can’t. I’ve got my duties as the Captain of the Royal Guard to fulfill. And things have become more severe with a couple of Changelings on the loose,” Shining Armor said as he got up to leave, “I trust that you will take good care of Cadance.”

“I always do,” the medic said as Shining left. The medic then performed a magical medical scan on Cadance, “Hmm, that’s interesting.”

Neither the medic nor Shining were aware of a tuft of pink disappearing behind the door to the Infirmary.

A figure was hiding in the shadows, “It was a wise decision to choose a couple of operatives to act as a couple more pairs of eyes and ears to keep track of what’s going on,” the figure said, their voice being magically altered to hide their identity. They were going over the report that they just received, “With both the rogue Changelings now in Ponyville, that is where they will be sent next.”

The figure pulled out two navy blue feathers from under her cloak, as well as two vials of magic ink.

“Sending them to Ponyville will, unfortunately, have to wait until morning. They are still just ponies who are used to sleeping during the night, after all,” the figure said, “A Pegasus filly and the bearer of the Element of Laughter. Two ponies that nobody would suspect are secret operatives to a greater purpose.”

End of Act 1

Author's Note

The original Author’s Note was a bit long. This is because it ends Act 1 and begins a hiatus as I work on Act 2. So, I’ll place what I originally wrote as a Blog Post instead. I intended to make Blog Posts for each Act anyway with the intent to include the list of Easter Eggs in each Act. There’s no Easter Egg for this Chapter.

Intermission: Damselfly's Story

Year 982 of Celestia’s Reign

In the Badlands, there was a large, jagged rock formation. To an outsider, as odd as it looked, it just looked like a rock formation weathered by time and erosion. Thanks to its black coloration, it stood out in the vast desert. But it was still nothing more than a rock formation.

Anycreature that got too close, however, would be in for a surprise.

Despite its lifeless external appearance, the inside was bustling with life. Anycreature that got too close would fall victim to the trap that is the nature of the stone. You see, this stone was specially constructed to cancel out any and all magic within a three-mile radius. Unicorns become unable to craft spells. Pegasi become unable to manipulate the weather and are rendered flightless. Earth Ponies become unable to connect with the ground and lose their strength and durability. Even Alicorns, with their vast power and potential, will fall victim to the magic negation.

And the effects don’t stop at ponies. To Breezies, it would be a death sentence. Windigoes would simply vanish. A cockatrice’s stare is nothing more than a staring contest. A Timberwolf would collapse into scrap wood. Poison Joke would be nothing more than an eye-catching blue plant. Kirin would be cut off from their magic just like a Unicorn, and Nirik would be nonexistent…which isn’t that bad. Even the Elements of Harmony would be nothing more than inert rocks.

There is, however, one and only one type of magic that is exempt from the magic negation. The inherent magic of the race that constructed the material in the first place. It is a race that the world doesn’t even know exists. That is because anycreature that learns of their existence is eliminated. There was, however, one exception. The one and only pony to live to tell the tale was Princess Celestia herself. But that battle was so long ago that Celestia assumed the race to be long extinct.

This mysterious race that the world is unaware of, whose magic is exempt from the magic negation, is an insectoid-like race called Changelings. Many creatures have interacted with Changelings before and lived to tell the tale. The only reason they don’t is that they were completely unaware of the fact that they were Changelings. You see, Changelings have the ability to transform into any creature or even inanimate object that they want.

These Changelings, invisible to the rest of the world, call this rock formation home. After all, it is no ordinary rock formation.

On the inside, there were thousands of Changelings. Just as the Changelings can change shape, so does the interior of this hive. Only a Changeling can successfully traverse the constantly changing interior. Any other creature, if they’re lucky enough to avoid the Changelings, would almost certainly die in the ever-changing labyrinth. If not by starvation or dehydration, then simply old age.

Today, however, was a special day. A clutch of eggs was ready to hatch. Among that clutch was a special egg that Queen Chrysalis, the ruler of the Changelings, took special care in creating. Most Changeling eggs are the result of asexual reproduction. They make up the mass majority of the hive’s Changelings. However, a Queen will choose to have a successor. In this case, the Queen will procreate with another Changeling. And this one egg is such an egg. This Changeling would be no drone, or soldier, or infiltrator.

This Changeling would be a Proto-Queen.

Queen Chrysalis watched as the other eggs began to hatch. The Proto-Queen was not part of this clutch of eggs. But Chrysalis felt that the best way to ensure that her successor was loyal to her was to have her live as any other Changeling would. After the other eggs had hatched, the Proto-Queen was finally about to hatch. After a few minutes, the only indication that she was different from the others where her eyes. But it seemed that even that allowed her to fit in better.

The Proto-Queen had baby blue eyes. Certainly not the cobalt blue of most Changelings. But it’s not unheard of for some Changelings’s eye color to change with their personality. But other than the color, the eyes looked like any other Changeling’s eyes, with a minor variance that was unnoticeable. The center of the gradient in her eyes was a slit shape, like a Queen’s, rather than the circle shape of non-Queens.

“My child,” Queen Chrysalis said as she levitated the larva in her magic, “You will make the perfect successor.”

Year 985 of Celestia’s Reign

As infiltrators, it was their duty to go out into the world for multiple reasons: to gather love, scout the area, act as a spy, etcetera. Although three-year-old Changeling Nymphs were too young to disguise themselves, it was common for infiltrators to introduce the young to the outside world early.

This was true even for the Proto-Queen Nymph.

For this practice, a group of Nymphs would be led into the wild. And then they would be left to their own devices to get back. Of course, they wouldn’t be taken far. This was a simple test to practice following pheromone trails.

The group of Nymphs was excited about this new training as they were being led to their drop-off point. All except one, that is. The little Proto-Queen was more excited by her distraction. She got to see the outside world for the first time!

“What’s that?!” she asked as she motioned to a gangly object rolling by.

“That’s a tumbleweed,” the teacher said. He was clearly getting frustrated by this one little Nymph who kept asking these questions.

“Oh! And what’s this?!” she asked again, running over to a large, thick, green…thing…with tiny pointy…things on it.

“That’s a cactus,” the teacher said, “Don’t touch it. Those needles are sharp.”

Something else caught her eye. An insect. She was familiar with insects, but this one was new to her, “What’s this insect?”

The teacher looked again. His frustrated expression morphed into one of confusion, “That’s called a damselfly,” the teacher said in fascination, “They aren’t normally seen in the desert, though.”

“Do you think the Queen will let me keep it as a pet?!” she asked excitedly.

“STOP ASKING THESE POINTLESS QUESTIONS!!!” the teacher snapped, scaring away the damselfly, “I guess there’s no need to wonder now.”

The Proto-Queen’s ears folded back as she looked down to the ground, “You didn’t have to be so mean about it,” she said meekly.

“With an attitude like that, you’re likely going to be part of the thirty percent that won’t make it back,” the teacher said, “Now, come on. We’re almost to the drop-off point.”

To a pony, the fact that thirty percent of a group of three-year-olds won’t make it back during this training would be considered exceptionally cruel. Especially when you consider that twenty-five out of that thirty percent are expected to die since they are not sought out.

But this was simply how Changelings did things. To a Changeling, this was as normal as a pony foal going to school.

In order to ensure that the Nymphs didn’t just simply follow the teacher back, they were put to sleep and then separated so that each Nymph was on their own.

When the Proto-Queen woke up, she was in the middle of the desert. This was done at night to avoid detection from diurnal creatures like ponies, who may notice that the rock formation that was always there was being magically obscured. Sure, they were out during the day. But they were put to sleep long enough for it to be nighttime now.

It was easy for her to detect the pheromone trail back to the hive. Her natural ability to notice minuscule details allowed her to easily determine which direction to go in. But those same minuscule details also allowed her to detect several other pheromone sources.

There was strength in numbers. So, if she could gather the entire group, her Queen would undoubtedly be proud of her. So rather than head directly towards the hive, she instead followed the first of the smaller pheromone sources.

After a little bit of searching, she found another Nymph. And unlike the other Nymph, this one seemed more scared. Rather than even trying to find his way back, he was just curled up in a ball.

“Hi!” she said, causing the Nymph to jump several feet in the air and hover as he buzzed his wings, “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

The Nymph slowly descended to the ground, “Um…hi,” he nervously said, “W-Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be going back to the hive?”

“Yeah. But I thought the Queen would be impressed if we all got back for once,” she said, “And I can sense the pheromones of the other Nymphs. So we can all go home together!”

This caused the scared Nymph to smile. Then, they headed off in another direction.

The teacher didn’t like the idea of having to sit outside and wait for the Nymphs to return. It would likely even take a full day or two for all of the expected successes to return. But there was no determining when they would come back, and there were always a few exceptional Nymphs that came back soon.

It had only been a few hours since the Nymphs would’ve woken up, though. So, for any of the group to be coming back this soon truly would be exceptional.

That’s when he picked up on a mass of pheromones. He turned in that direction and was shocked at what he saw. The entire group of Nymphs were heading back already. And they were led by one of the Nymphs he expected to be part of the thirty percent. That female Nymph had led the rest to a 100% success.

There has never been a 100% success rate. The highest was an 85% success rate. This truly was noteworthy.

The teacher drone had headed to inform Queen Chrysalis of the success. But the Queen wasn’t pleased.

“My Queen, I’ve come to report on the Nymph infiltrator training,” the teacher said.

“What are you doing here?!” Queen Chrysalis snapped, “You’re supposed to be out there waiting for the Nymphs to return!”

“B-B-But that’s why I’m here!” the teacher stuttered, “They’ve all already returned!”

This caught Chrysalis’s attention, “No stragglers?”

“No stragglers. All twenty of them have returned,” the teacher confirmed, “It was a 100% success rate. And they were led by one specific Nymph.”

“Was this Nymph a female with baby blue eyes?” Queen Chrysalis asked, her interest piqued.

“Yes, my Queen,” the teacher confirmed, “She was also asking a lot of questions on the way to the drop-off point. You know of her?”

“It is of no concern to you,” Chrysalis dismissed, “Her training is to continue as normal.”

“Yes, my Queen.”

With that, the teacher scurried off. When he was gone, Chrysalis began thinking to herself, “It seems that you’re making a name for yourself, little one. You truly will become a formidable successor.”

The next day, the little Proto-Queen headed to one of the chambers. It was a room that a specific Changeling preferred to go to, and she wanted to introduce herself to him properly after the training.

There, she saw a nymph playing with dragon figurines. This Changeling was different than most. He didn’t have any interest in being aggressive like the others. He was a proverbial black sheep in how gentle he was. In fact, the Proto-Queen had ultimately saved his life.

“Hi,” she said, causing him to jump just like the night before. This caused her to giggle at the reaction. It was hard to believe that she was even the same species as the other Changelings.

He recognized her baby blue eyes, “Oh, uh, hi,” he said nervously.

“Can I play too?” the Proto-Queen asked.

This caught the Nymph off guard, he was so used to other Changelings making fun of him just wanting to play with toys. He’s never been asked if someone else could play before.

“Yes?” the Nymph said more as a question than confirmation, “You don’t think I’m strange for wanting to play with toys instead of battling?”

“I think it’s cute,” she said with a cute smile. He blushed at the compliment, “Have you ever thought of giving yourself a name?”

“I’d rather not,” he said, “I would just stick out even more. And I’d rather not attract attention.”

“But it also would show you as being bold,” she countered, “By asserting yourself with a name, you could convince the others that you’re stronger, and they wouldn’t make as much fun of you.”

He took a moment to think that over. There was logic in what she said, “Well, I always thought that if I ever did give myself a name, there was a name I had in mind.”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I just never thought of a name,” the Proto-Queen said, “But then, when we were on our way to the drop-off point, teacher told me the name of that insect. So I’m naming myself Damselfly!”

“I like it,” the Nymph said, her confidence becoming infectious, “Hi, Damselfly. You can call me…Thorax.”

The two Changelings, with their newfound names of Damselfly and Thorax, started playing with the toys together.

Year 987 of Celestia’s Reign

The Proto-Queen had been going by Damselfly for two years now. Thorax was less enthusiastic about sharing his newfound identity. But as long as Damselfly was with him, she managed to bring out a confidence that he never knew he had.

They had just recently turned five years old. This was the age when all Changelings discovered their ability to transform.

Infiltrators are taken to a forest to the north to practice their transformation training. They were to practice transforming into other forest creatures and fitting in. Thorax chose a squirrel, while Damselfly chose a lynx. They had to stay in that form for a week while collecting love. They were graded based on how much love was collected.

What the young Changelings didn’t know was that the teachers were also taking part. They specifically acted as predators to thwart the students’ progress. After the week was over, the Changelings reacted to the attacks in different ways, including plenty of injuries and even one death.

Thorax had succeeded in protecting the other squirrels to safety during the attack. This resulted in a reward of love from the other squirrels. They were grateful to him for that. Because of this, he scored second place.

First place went to Damselfly. During the attack, she protected a family of lynxes with kittens. Not only did she actively fight the alleged predator, but she also took the initiative to fake an injury. Like with Thorax’s squirrels, the lynxes were grateful, as well as concerned for the one who had protected them. That fake injury earned her extra love through sympathy.

Queen Chrysalis had just been informed of the most recent training endeavor. And her thoughts were…mixed.

“Damselfly is becoming too independent,” Chrysalis said, referring to her daughter’s chosen name as if it were venom, “She’s guided Changelings who would’ve originally failed tests to success. She’s made the runt of a clutch of eggs find confidence that wasn’t there before. But most of all, she had taken a name for herself.”

Chrysalis, however, begrudgingly had to admit that she was also impressed and even somewhat proud.

“And yet, she recognizes that there is strength in numbers. She brings out strength from even the weakest of Changelings. She was able to not only rank top of her class in the most recent training, but also managed to go above and beyond by fighting off a teacher disguised as a predator, but also used her transformation to fake an injury to gain sympathy from the other animals,” Queen Chrysalis continued, unable to hide the pride in her voice, “She’s been breaking records left and right. Even records that I myself held. She is becoming the perfect new body for me to take. I just need to start keeping a closer eye on her.”

The next day, Damselfly was walking down one of the corridors to meet up with Thorax again. However, she was stopped by another Changeling, “What is it with you?” the Soldier questioned, his purple eyes piercing into Damselfly’s very being.

“Oh, Pharynx!” Damselfly exclaimed, surprised, “I was just on my way to see your brother, Thorax. You don’t mind, do you?”

Pharynx was a rare case in the hive. Changelings would only refer to other Changelings as siblings if they came from the same clutch of eggs. An entire clutch of eggs is designated as either a Drone, an Infiltrator, or a Soldier. The clutch that Thorax and Pharynx were hatched from were designated as Infiltrators. However, Pharynx had a more aggressive nature than the others. So he had managed to change his role in the hive to being a Soldier, despite being designated an Infiltrator at hatching. His level of independence that allowed him to change roles is reflected in how this change also altered his eye color, causing him to stand out.

Damselfly respected Pharynx for his ability to change roles and even become dominant in that role. And though Pharynx doesn’t show it, the respect is mutual. Pharynx cared about Thorax ever since they were Nymphs. He was aggressive towards Thorax only because he wanted him to become stronger. But if Thorax was bullied by other Changelings, Pharynx would defend him. Pharynx respected Damselfly ever since she led him back from a mission that he was expected to fail. And she had managed to bring out confidence and strength in Thorax. And though he’s never admitted it to any other Changeling, Pharynx chose to give himself a name after Thorax had taken a name. He was actually jealous of Thorax for naming himself first.

“I’ve been watching how close you two have gotten lately,” Pharynx said in an accusatory tone, “I’d better not learn that you will end up hurting him.”

Another reason why Pharynx respected Damselfly was the fact that she refused to be intimidated by him.

“I would never!” Damselfly said in an offended tone, although in reality, this was just how she and Pharynx had a casual conversation, “You know what they say about a chain being only as strong as its weakest link. Well, I take it upon myself to make sure that those weak links are reinforced.”

“I don’t appreciate you implying that my brother is a weak link,” Pharynx said.

“If you don’t consider him a weak link, then I consider that a job well done on my part,” Damselfly countered.

With that said, Pharynx walked away. But before he left the corridor, he paused, “Thanks.”

It was almost inaudible, but Damselfly heard it before Pharynx walked away. A smile formed on her face. The way he cared about Thorax was heartwarming, even if it’s rarely shown.

Year 989 of Celestia’s Reign

For the past couple of years, Queen Chrysalis had been keeping an eye on Damselfly. And she wasn’t secretive about it either. She simply claimed that Damselfly’s skills had gained her attention. Though Chrysalis taught Damselfly what she made sure the rest of her Changelings were taught, many of them were lies to keep them under control, and many details were left unsaid.

That is how she controlled her Changelings: She told them only what they needed to know and misinformed them when necessary. It kept them subordinate and kept her powerful.

But ruling a hive meant that she couldn’t watch Damselfly all day, every day.

Damselfly had grown close to Thorax, close enough that one day, they had chosen to show how close they were. But that’s something that is only intended to be behind closed doors. Simply put, Damselfly and Thorax planned on starting their own family.

But what was supposed to be a happy moment for them would become the start of a downward spiral for both of them.

Damselfly always knew that her eyes looked a little different from those of other Changelings. Though it wasn’t a big deal, the different color was a sign of her independence, similar to Pherinx’s purple eyes. But the shape of her pupils was what made her eyes different. It was hardly noticeable, though. That’s why it was no big deal.

But after Rarity had become gravid, the first thing she noticed was that her pupils had gone from white to black. And soon after that, she noticed a clear distinction between her irises and sclerae.

They were like the Queen’s.

The change in her eyes wasn’t the first thing to change. Her mane had grown slightly and was changing from the Changeling green to a navy blue. But her mane was a gradual change while her eyes were sudden.

About a week later, halfway into her gravid cycle, Damselfly went into hiding. She needed to keep her nature secluded from the Queen and, by extension, her eggs. Damselfly would gladly continue following her Queen’s wishes and have her own children follow her wishes as well. But she needed to disguise herself as her previous form. And she realized that she couldn’t do that while gravid.

After laying her eggs, she was surprised. Two eggs were not a lot for a queen, even for the first time. But this was good. It wasn’t uncommon for non-Queens to only have two. Only one would’ve been preferable. But all it takes is one egg for a Proto-Queen to become a full Queen. If Queen Chrysalis felt threatened in any way, Damselfly would have no eggs.

One day, as Damselfly was going to get food, she heard a voice behind her.

“Hello, Damselfly,” It was Queen Chrysalis. And the one in her voice was not pleased. Damselfly didn’t even dare turn around, “Or should I call you ‘Queen Damselfly’ now?”

‘She knows?’ Damselfly thought to herself. ‘Who am I kidding? Of course, she knows! She’s the Queen. And… I’m a Queen. A rival Queen!’

Damselfly’s heart lodged itself in her throat in fear. Without even moving, she immediately immediately cast a tunnel spell to get away. There was only one place she could go to, though. Her growing maternal instincts wouldn’t allow any other location.

A ring of fire appeared in the den where she hid her eggs. Damselfly came out of the ring before the portal quickly dissipated. In her haste, Damselfly could only grab one egg before another portal appeared in pursuit of her. Damselfly opened another portal and went through before Queen Chrysalis could catch her.

But Damselfly could only get so far before Queen Chrysalis was once again hot on her trail. Chrysalis continued to chase down the rival Queen into the forest. Her larger body allowed her to move faster than her daughter, though. And carrying an egg was slowing her down.

Before Chrysalis could catch her, she had managed one more portal. Chrysalis tried to detect the trail. But seeing how far into the forest she had gone, Chrysalis considered her as good as dead.

Chrysalis, however, was not as malicious as Damslelfy had thought. She didn’t want to kill a rival Queen. She just wanted to take her body as her own. She couldn’t transfer her mind to another body until that body was a proper Queen and not just a Proto-Queen. But if she was correct about Damselfly’s relationship with Thorax, then that body was now unviable.

Becoming a Queen requires a Proto-Queen to lay her first clutch of eggs. However, mating with another Changeling alters the physiology, preventing the chance of a mind transfer.

As Chrysalis returned to the den where one last egg was hidden, she first intended to destroy the rival Queen’s egg. However, when a Queen mates with another Changeling, the offspring will ultimately be a Proto-Queen. Normally, that would result in a single egg rather than the two Damselfly laid. But that meant that this second egg was also a Proto-Queen.

Rather than destroy the egg, Queen Chrysalis had something else in mind, seeing as this Proto-Queen was viable. Not only would she gain a new body again, but it would be the body of Damselfly’s daughter. What better way to get revenge than to take in Damselfly’s daughter as her own to become her new body?

Later, Queen Chrysalis will claim that she had killed Damselfly and crushed her eggs for betraying her, using her as an example that betrayal will lead only to death.

She can’t let her Changelings think that they can leave at any time they wish, after all.

1 Week Later

It had been a week since Damselfly had fled the hive to protect one of her eggs. During that time, she had formed a baby blue carapace around her torso, a change that could only be made by molting her exoskeleton. If there was any doubt left in her mind, the carapace squished that doubt like a bug. She was, without a doubt, a Queen.

Not only that, but the egg she saved was now hatching.

Now, Damselfly was on her own in a location that she didn’t know. And with a new Nymph to feed, collecting love to feed both of them would be harder than ever.

Damselfly had dug a burrow into the ground to hide in. But she needed access to love, and the forest animals wouldn’t be enough. So her burrow was in the forest but nearby to a walking path, She couldn’t stay in the previous forest she had been in. It was too dangerous, and the ambient magic would’ve been distracting. Thankfully, there was another forest nearby that was far more peaceful.

3 Months Later

Damselfly had been dedicated to making sure her Nymph was well fed. Unfortunately, that meant that she was malnourished. But that changed once the Nymph went into her metamorphosis stage. Because of how vulnerable a Nymph is in their metamorphosis stage, Damselfly went from trying to find love to chasing away anything that came near the burrow.

Damselfly had taken the form of a Timberwolf, not changing back to avoid energy usage. But keeping up a disguise took energy. That, combined with chasing away any potential sources of love, plus the extra love energy her Nymph required during the metamorphosis, made Damselfly starve herself.

It was now the third day of the metamorphosis. Damselfly gave her Nymph everything she had to ensure she could survive. Unfortunately, that meant that she had nothing left for herself. She collapsed to the ground, unable to sustain her transformation anymore.

Everything had been taken from her. Her home, her constant source of love energy, her own security…all because she was a Proto-Queen turned Queen by having a clutch of eggs. And now, it seems that even her own life was being taken from her.

But even though this was because she had a clutch, she couldn’t blame the Nymph for her own mistakes. That’s why she fed the Nymph rather than try to keep herself alive.

As Damselfly lay on the ground, her vision becoming hazy, she just had one hope. And it wasn’t for herself, not directly at least. It was for the last thing left of her to continue.

“Please, survive.”

Her last thoughts of her Nymph, hoping that she had given enough love energy to get her Nymph through the metamorphosis. Then her senses faded, and everything went black.

A couple was walking through Whitetail woods. Hondo Flanks, an off-white unicorn with a scruffy brown mane and tail, and a trio of footballs as a cutiemark. He was comforting Cookie Crumble, a pink unicorn mare with a stylized purple mane and tail, and a trio of cookies as a cutiemark.

Cookie had just come back from the doctor and learned that she was barren. She had wanted to be a mother with all of her heart, and now she learned that she cannot have children. Hondo was taking her on a walk through the woods to take her mind off of the bad news…hopefully.

“Are you feeling any better, Cookie?” Hondo asked.

The pink mare took in a deep breath through her nose, taking in the scents of the forest, “A little, I guess.”

“Adoption is always an option, you know,” Hondo recommended.

“From where, though?” Cookie asked, “There isn’t an adoption agency in Ponyville. Canterlot tends only to allow other Canterlotians to adopt them. Cloudsdale is…in the clouds. The closest option is Fillydelphia.”

“I didn’t say it’d be easy,” Hondo said, “But if you’re willing to put in the effort, then so am I! We could go to Griffonstone and adopt a Griffon if you want to!”

“You’re such a geek sometimes,” Cookie said with a smile forming, “Though it would be fun to raise a non-Pony. Could you imagine?”

Suddenly, the couple heard a rustling in the bushes. The animals in Whitetail Woods tended to be harmless, but the couple was still on guard just in case it was a dangerous animal, like a venomous snake. What they weren’t expecting was…an insect shaped like a foal.

“Well, hello there, little one,” Cookie said in a gentle tone, keeping at a safe distance, “What in Equestria are you?”

The small creature looked like it was trying to communicate. It kept looking at them with a worried expression and back in the direction it came from. It then turned back in the direction it came from and repeated looking back and forth.

“I think it wants us to follow,” Hondo guessed.

“Alright, little one! Lead the way!” Cookie said, walking in the direction it was pointing.

The creature jumped in excitement before taking the lead. Hondo and Cookie follow. After about a minute, they came to a burrow. It was little more than a hole in the ground with how small and crude it was. So it wasn’t hard to find that there was another one of those creatures in it. A larger one.

“You’d better be careful, honey,” Hondo warned, “It could be dangerous.”

But that didn’t stop Cookie. This creature wanted help, and this larger one seemed to be the desired target for help.

Cookie pulled the creature out of the burrow to see it lifeless. Though she was able to still detect faint breathing. The smaller creature was then starting to nuzzle the larger one. Could they be a mother and child? No, the little one was trying to show Cookie what the larger one needed. Was this some sort of magical creature that needs affection to survive?

In any case, the little one came to them for help. And even if the older one may die…the younger one was showing a level of intelligence that may indicate Pony-like levels of intelligence. And if that’s the case, this young creature may be an orphan. Her heart went out to the child. Then a thought came to mind…

‘Though it would be fun to raise a non-Pony. Could you imagine?’

The words she said earlier…could this be? She could raise some unknown non-Pony creature. And if it’s not Pony level of intelligence, then perhaps it could qualify as an exotic pet?

“Let’s bring them back home!” Cookie said with conviction.

“Wait, what?!” Hondo questioned, “We don’t even know what they are?!”

“You’re the one who brought up the idea of possibly raising non-Ponies,” Cookie said, “And I think they may be near Pony intelligence. Perhaps even capable of talking. And they need us.”

Cookie gave Hondo a hopeful look. One that said, ‘I can’t have children of my own, but we can adopt.’ It was a look that tore through any arguments Hondo could’ve made. A look of somepony whose motherly instincts were kicking in, and if he said no, their upcoming wedding would be canceled.

With a sigh, Hondo submitted, “I suppose it can’t hurt to at least nurse them back to health.”

The look on the mare’s face looked content, like a new mother about to hold her newborn foal for the first time. And that look alone melted away any apprehension the stallion had.

2 Days Later

Damselfly woke up, feeling a bit stiff. The first thing she noticed was that the ground she was on was now soft. Her mind was still rebooting, so she didn’t have the cognitive faculties to question it at the moment. The second thing that she noticed was that it was warm. Specifically, there was something warm wrapped over her. The third thing that came to mind was that she was aware of a Nymph next to her also asleep. No, not just any Nymph. It was her daughter.

That’s when the realization struck her. Damselfly was still alive! Her mind finished rebooting, and her last memories came to mind. She was in a forest before she die…fell unconscious. She realized she was no longer in the forest. She was on some sort of cushion with a blanket on her. She lifted her head to see that she was in a dwelling of some kind.

Through the doorway, she could see a pink creature. Attempting to sneak out, Damselfly attempted to get up. That’s when she realized how little energy she had, and she collapsed onto the ground with a thump.

This thump alerted the pink creature’s attention, and she came in.

“You’re awake!” the creature exclaimed.

Damselfly then realized that she had been spotted undisguised. It was too late to disguise herself. And she was clearly too weak to fight. So she relied on her more feral instincts and began hissing to scare the creature away.

The creature flinched for a moment. But Damselfly was taken aback by the sudden sensation of love. And not just ambient love or love for another. This creature was directing love to Damselfly herself.

“It’s okay, you’re safe!” The creature said.

“Wh-Where am I?” Damselfly dared to ask, fear evident in her voice.

“You’re in my home,” the pink creature said in a soothing voice as she kneeled down to lay on her stomach, and attempted to make herself look smaller and less intimidating, “You’re…uh…little sister? She came to find us to help you. So we brought you back here to nurse you back to health.

Damselfly looked back to her daughter…wait, why did that creature call her daughter her little sister? Nevermind, that could be her cover story and could wait for later. Her daughter had saved her life. The thought of that warmed her heart.

But what was disarming to her was the love being directed towards her. Even after trying to scare her away, Damselfly still felt the love flowing to her. It was unlike anything she’s sensed before. It was warm and inviting and comforting. She’s felt similar sensations while disguised as animals. But this was being directed to her undisguised. This meant that this was being directed towards her genuine self.

“Little…sister?” Damselfly said, looking back at the Nymph.

“So she is your little sister?” the pink creature said, “I’m glad I got that right. She’s been worried about you this whole time and wouldn’t leave your side.”

The door opened, and another creature, a male, walked in. Out of a fearful need to hide, Damselfly, as quickly as she could, attempted to hide behind the pink one. Damselfly then realized that she hid behind that creature for protection. She felt like she would be safe with her.

The protector let out an amused laugh, “It’s alright. He’s a…friend.” What Damselfly sensed indicated that they were far more than just friends. This allowed her to trust this newcomer.

But rather than coming out from hiding, Damselfly just laid on the ground. She was still recovering her energy after all.

“Ah! So the rarity is awake?” The newcomer said, “My name’s Hondo Flanks. And this is my fiancée, Cookie Crumble. Do you have a name?”

Why would he assume what her name is then ask what her name is? Or did he mean something else when he called her… “Rarity?” Damselfly thought out loud.

“So your name is Rarity,” Cookie Crumble questioned, “That does seem like a fitting name. What about your sister? She is such a sweetie.”

“Sweetie?” Damselfly repeated.

“Her name is Sweetie?” Cookie questioned. She then looked at the nymph again, “Is it alright if I call her Sweetie Belle? My grandmother’s name was Belle after all. And I alway wanted to name a daughter after her.”

Damselfly began putting everything together. By accident, these creatures were able to give her and her daughter a backstory to hide with, “Sweetie Belle…yes, I like it,” Damselfly…no, Rarity said, “And my name is Rarity. And Sweetie Belle is my little sister.”

“You looked like you were all alone out there,” Cookie said, “Somepony…somecreature has to take care of you, right? How would you like it if we adopted you?”

“Adopt?” Rarity asked, her eyes beginning to droop, “What is adopt?”

“It means that I would become your new mother, and you would have a home where you can be safe and warm,” Cookie said, “But you can think about it later. You look tired.”

Cookie Crumble the lifted Rarity up back onto the cushioned thing she fell off of. Rarity got the chance to see that it was far fancier than necessary for the room, but it was visually appealing nonetheless. And the plush cushions were a deep red.

“I’m sorry that we don’t have a spare bed for you,” Cookie said, “But this couch is comfy to lay in, so we thought it would be a good alternative.”

“I like it,” Rarity said simply with a yawn. She let herself drift into sleep again. This was the first time in a long time for her that she felt like she could go to sleep and feel safe. As she drifted off to sleep, she thought about starting her new life and what that would be like. She’d have to use a disguise spell on her daughter…no, little sister and perhaps erase her memories of anything before this. She was too young to remember these things, but giving Sweetie Belle a new start will help her to bond better with Cookie as her mother…their mother. It did hurt to think that her daughter would no longer be her daughter. But it protected her that much more. And that’s what matters.

Author's Note

And that's Damselfly's story. I initially did have a little more. But once I wrote that last scene, I realized that I had to end it there because it just felt perfect.

All that was left out was the disguise spell and memory spell on Sweetie Belle, Damselfly choosing a disguise for herself as Rarity, Cookie and Hondo teaching Rarity about Ponies, and Rarity being skittish in public, not being used to so many other creatures to interact with other than her own kind. I could even be tempted to write a Prequel, considering how many ideas come to mind.