I Am NOT Twilight Sparkle!

Chapters

Chapter 1: End of A Weird Day [Edited]
Chapter 2: Set Expectations and Reality - Pt.1 [Edited]
Chapter 3: Set Expectations and Reality - Pt.2 [Edited]
Chapter 4: The State of Zack's Two Lives. [Edited]
Chapter 5: Shining Armor...You Got Lucky [Edited]
Chapter 6: All We Can Do Is, Wait
Chapter 7: Deep Wounds
Chapter 8: Things Seem To Be Getting Better.
Chapter 9: First Day Secluded in the Castle
Chapter 10: Curiosity – Clop (Skippable)
Chapter 11: A Favor Regrettable
Chapter 12: the Roasting of Royals
Chapter 13: Time to Chill & Relax - Clop (Skippable)
Chapter 14: So Close to Home.....
Chapter 15:....But Unable to Reach It.
Chapter 16 : Despair & Pain - End of Volume 1
Chapter 17: the State of Affairs - Pt. 1
Chapter 18: the State of Affairs - Pt. 2
Chapter 19: A Bittersweet Memory
Chapter 20: Zack vs. Chrysalis
Chapter 22: A Lead!
Chapter 24: The Torment, Begins - Clop (Skippable)
Chapter 25: Thorax's Determination!
Chapter 26: The Lead Grows.
Chapter 27: Plans Moving Forward
Chapter 28: Plans Botched and Rushed Pt. 1
Chapter 29: Plans Botched and Rushed Pt. 2
Chapter 30: the Siege of the Changeling Hive! - End of Volume 2
Chapter 31: the Journey of a Thousand Miles to Recovery Pt. 1
Chapter 32: the Journey of a Thousand Miles to Recovery Pt. 2
Chapter 33: the First Step to Recovery.....is Never Easy.
Chapter 34: Dreams on the Horizon
Chapter 35: Prospects of a Better Future.
Chapter 36: Twin Alicorns....Twin Sisters?
Chapter 37: Sunburst Is Coming to Town.
Chapter 38: Misfortune Looms & Befalls.
Chapter 39: Another Twist of Fate.
Chapter 40: Another Step Towards Recovery - End of Volume 3
Chapter 41: Just Get Away From It All.
Chapter 42: Changes on the Horizen
Chapter 43: A Camping We Will Go - Pt. 1
Chapter 44: A Camping We Will Go – Pt. 2
Chapter 45: A Camping We Will Go - Pt. 3
Chapter 46: the Fate of Thorax
Chapter 48: Injuries & Foreboding Dangers
Chapter 49: Failing, Awakening, and Vanishing
Chapter 50: What Will Your Choice Be, Twilight Sparkle?
Chapter 51: A Choice Must Be Made
Chapter 52: A Plan of Action
Chapter 53: the Final Rescue
Prologue: the Day a Human Became a Mare [Edited]
Chapter 21: Chrysalis Has Her Fun - Clop (Skippable)
Chapter 23: Heat Week Begins…As Well As Zack’s Torment!
Chapter 47: the Rise of a New Nightmare

Chapter 1: End of A Weird Day [Edited]

This morning was certainly a strange one for Zack, as she woke a few hours ago and found herself in the body of a small, and slightly plump and cartoonish, looking equine or pony unicorn with wings. And while the mare wasn’t fully able to remember on how, or even why she was a winged unicorn now, Zack hopped that the castle she finally found could lead to some answers. Luckily, the mare resembled a member of royalty, so Zack hoped that she’d be able to snoop around without raising to much suspicion from anyone. Touching down at the front gates of the castle the mare was surprised that there was only one guard at the gates, and despite the guard being a big bulky stallion wearing gold armor, the mare didn’t feel any sense of intimidation or anything like it from the stallion. As for the guard himself, he seemed surprised to see the mare in front of him, which he instantly went rigid as he stood to attention.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle!” the guard said in a shocked voice.

“I-I—I wasn’t expecting you here, today. I thought you’d be at the Crystal Empire with the other princesses, for the Crystaling.” Trying not to laugh at the guards stuttering the mare tried to keep a calm and collected, and thanks to the guard telling the mare some valuable intel of where the mare she’s supposedly looks like, along with the other princesses he mentioned, which could’ve been the mare she was impersonating’s sisters.

‘Time to put those high school acting classes to good use.’ The mare thought to herself before she started speaking, trying to act as regal as she could. Or at least she hoped.

“Do not worry guard, I will join with the others soon enough, but first I must visit the library.” the guard smiled at Zack’s words as he gives a short bow

“Ever the studious one as ever princess Twilight.” The guard said to the mare, who nearly lost her composure as she almost let out a snicker when she heard the princess’s name that she was posing as was called.

‘Really? That’s what the princess I’m posing as is named, wow! I wonder what her sisters, and parents are called’ the mare thought as she tried to keep a straight face as to not alert the guard.

“Thank you for the compliment guard. Would you care to escort me to the library, I think it will give you a change of scenery as you do so.”

“It would be my pleasure princess.” The guard gave another bow before ushering the mare to follow him.

Passing through the front gate and entering the castle, Zack then started to inspect her new surroundings and was finding the castle to have an almost Disney quality to it. Although, the very bright white coloring of the interior was almost, blinding, same could be said for a lot of this world. Everything was so techno-colored that it could pass for a cartoon. As the pair continue to trot through the castle, the mare noticed that a only a handful of guards were seen among the halls of the castle, as well as some ponies dressed up like maids and butlers, who all gave Zack courteous bows before going back to the duties. While they continued to trot through the castle, Zack really was giving the halls a critical examination, as the castles halls they passed through were all ludicrously wide and expansive. As if they were expecting giants to be roaming the halls. If this world has assassins or killers, they could easily anchor themselves up there and wait for an opportune moment to strike, especially in the dead of night. Thirty or so minutes of strolling through the halls of the castle, the guard eventually led the mare to the entrance of the library.

“Here we are princess, I hope you find what you need for the Crystaling.” The guard said as he gestured to the large double doors.

“Thank you guard, you may return to your former post.” Faring her a good day, the guard left the mare and trotted back to his position at the front gate. “I can’t believe how that guard was so, lenient. Guess I nailed this princess Twilight’s manners enough to fool him, and the other equines we passed by.” The mare silently said to herself before looking at the large double doors.

As she used her powers to open the door, by concentrating it into the form of a pair of glowing purple hands, the doors were push open to allow her access. Entering the library the mare was rather impressed of the size, and the columns of books that just littered the walls and shelves of the chamber. Making her way through the stacks of shelves in the library, the mare began scanning for anything that could relate to portals, or this world she found herself in just in case if she had to stay for long periods of time until she found a way to send her back home. Luckily for Zack all of the books covers, and titles were readable, but what was not lucky was that none of the books she’s been looking through had anything regarding cross-dimensional travel. Or anything of that nature, yet there were plenty of books about the world he was in.

According to the books that she read through concerning this new world, one of which she was currently holding in her magically created hands and reading through, the country she’s in is called Equestria, which got a good chuckle out of the mare. As she continues to read, the mare learns that this world sounds like a basic fantasy world, comprised of several intelligent animal races, aside from the main race that dominate most of Equestria which were called Ponies. And apparently there four types of ponies, there are unicorns, pegasi, and normal equines called earth ponies, not very creative or defining as the other two. Then at the top of pony hierarchy is the type the mare is, an alicorn, which seems to be a fusion of all three races combined into one.

“Alicorn huh. That’s a new one for me.” the mare said as she continued to read.

The book seems to suggest that aside from herself and this princess Twilight she was posing as, there have only been two other alicorns in recorded history…who are supposedly either immortal or have extremely high longevity. The other alicorns according to the book are princess Celestia, and her younger sister Luna. The mare questioned why isn’t the older alicorn deemed a queen, or a higher position in court affairs. But then again, this is a different world, so its social and political structure must have their own methods. As she kept reading the mare found something rather, interesting. Aside from just handling political affairs, maintaining order over the populace, the princesses apparently also move the moon…and the sun…around the world.

Already the mare finds this to be impossible, otherworldly fantasy logic be damned! Moving the moon maybe a possible thing…but the sun? the mare was having a hard time that the oldest princess, is capable of moving a star hundreds of times bigger than a planet, which has other planets the circle it, and move it like a toy. This seemed highly unlikely and impossible, unless she’s an absolute goddess, but more likely it’s something similar to a movie he’s seen called Mune: Guardian of the Moon, where the sun is the same size as the moon and there is only one planet in this whole other universe, and the two celestial bodies orbit around it.

“That is the only way I can actually believe, otherwise, why have a sister to move the moon when this mare is supposedly capable of moving an entire star system around the sun.” Zack muttered to herself as she continues to read through the book.

Sometime later after brushing up on the history of the world, and customs, and even finding a book about how the social structure of Equestria works, the mare left those books behind and went back into searching for any means or ways of traveling home. It took some time of maneuvering through the large, towering shelves, and the mare eventually found the main section where magic books were, where she hopes to find something useful.

~~~~~

“You got to be kidding me!” the mare shouted as she throws the last book she just read behind her, joining the hundreds of other books that just littered the ground.

“Fifty books on how to perform shield spells, twenty-nine books about fucking color theory, sixty-one books that just refer to obscure magical topics…and hundreds of hundreds of fucking pointless—ARGH!” the mare cried out as she just, flops onto the ground. Five hours, the mare has spent five hours reading through all of those books, and not a single table flipping one had anything useful! Well that’s ninety percent true.

The mare did learn a few things she can do with her magic, and after applying some of her own creative thinking, was able to come up with a few other tricks. But STILL, nothing about portals, dimensional thresholds, a fucking rift in space, or even as something as stupid as a goddamn wishing star. Peeling herself off the floor, which isn’t covered in books, the mare shambles her way back through the library, not bothering to even clean up the mess of books she just made. Upon exiting the room the mare looked out the window directly in front of her, and saw that it was late-afternoon, which caused her stomach to grumble as she remembers that she hasn’t finished her breakfast.

“Maybe I should find where the dining hall, or whatever the food area of this damn castle is called, so I can get something to eat, and lay low in one of the guest rooms.” The mare grumbled as she uses one of the new spells that she read. Her horn illuminated for a bit, before a thing dome pulsed out and phased out through the whole castle, where it came back to the mare a second later, and mapped out every nook and cranny of the castle into the mare’s mind.

“The magic of this world is useful, and really easy to do once you get the hang of it.” The mare said as she walks towards down the hall, following the new map of the castle that was just installed into her mind. “All I have to do is just think of the magic, figure out how to use the spell the best way, and once I figure it out like a math problem I just let the spell do all the work.”

“Probably the easiest magic system I’ve seen in any fantasy…maybe. OOF!”

The mare came in contact with something rather sturdy, and caused her to sputter backwards. Creating a magical hand to rub her muzzle, and when she looked to see what she ran into, her eyes scanned up and saw the very surprised faces of two large ponies, who just so happened to be the other alicorns. The larger one of the two must’ve been Celestia, and the depiction from the book matched her pretty well, although she seemed far more skinnier that in her depictions which seemed rather unhealthy. The other alicorn, Luna he remembered what the history book called her, looked just as lovely as Celestia, and in honesty the mare liked her more midnight color scheme than her sisters.

“Twilight? Why are you here, I thought you departed for Ponyville after the Crystaling.” The tall white alicorn said to Zack, which the mare nearly snorted at as she heard the word Ponyville.

‘Damn these horse puns, I don’t think I can handle all of them with a straight face.’

the mare mentally chortled as she did try and keep a straight face. Now, she was about to try and lie and make something up so that she wouldn’t be caught as a fake, but if these two are as powerful as she thinks they are, and if they determine her as a threat, then things would get messy. Plus, she’s not confident in even trying to fight in this new body of hers.

‘Well, here goes nothing.’

“Twilight?” Celestia asked again, but the mare let out a sigh, before creating another magical hand to brush back her mane.

“Alright look first of all, my name is not Twilight Sparkle. Seriously who names their kid, or foal that?” Zack said to the two other alicorns, which seemed to greatly confuse and shocked the both of them.

“Any way, my real name is Zackery Johnson, or Zack for short. And before you even ask, no I’m not a clone of this Twilight Sparkle girl, I’m a human that, SOMEHOW, got cosmically transformed into, this.” The mare said as she used the magic hand to gesture to all of herself. neither of the princesses said anything for a second, but after a while they seemed to snap out of it and now both were looking suspiciously at Zack.

“I’ve never heard the word, human, before.” Celestia said as stumbled a bit in trying to say the word human.

“Not surprisingly, my kind is not native to your world.” the mare said in a calm tone, but deep down she was REALLY hoping these two don’t attack her, or call for a platoon of guards to come and arrest her.

“What do you mean by that?” Luna questioned as her eyes seemed to be carefully scanning over Zack, which made the mare feel slightly unnerved.

“Just as it sounded, I’m not from this world.” the mare said which was about to be questioned by the two princesses, but the magical hand was held up to stop them.

“Look I’m willing to answer your questions, so long as you’re willing to answer mine. But first…” Zack’s stomach began to grumble, rather loudly.

“Can we get something to eat, I didn’t get a chance to have breakfast, or lunch.”

Both of the sisters gave each other a cautious glance, before looking back down at Zack and nodding their heads, and started to guide the mare the rest of the way to the dining hall. along the way both sisters still held suspicion, and uncertainty as they trotted alongside Zack, who for her part was feeling really nervous even though she was trying to keep up a strong front. Eventually the trio made it to their destination, and once they’ve all taken their seats both Celestia and Luna sitting across from Zack, three butlers came out of a side door each one holding a menu where it passed to each mare. Unsurprisingly Zack saw that the items on the menu was all either a salad, an assorted vegetable dish, a soup or stew of some kind, or even a protein supplement meal or even fish. Zack decided to go with a grilled salmon with a royal salad, and a side of herb butter toast. After placing her order, as well as the other two mare’s, the butlers took their menus and head off to the kitchen, leaving the three alicorns alone in the dining hall.

“So Zackery—” Celestia said, sounding out the former human’s name.

“You can just call me, Zack.” The mare interrupted.

“Zack then. Can you explain what you truly are then?” Celestia asked and sounding not as suspicious as she was a moment ago.

“I’m what’s called a human.” Zack repeated.

“But what is a human?” Luna questioned who still held scrutiny over Zack.

Instead of trying to explain what a human is, and not really in the mood to go into a real in-depth tutorial of what humans were like, Zack used her magic to create a hard-light construct of her old human form, but instead leaving it as a shining purple doll Zack actually used one of the color theory spells from one of the books, to actually give the construct colors that matched hers original form. When the construct was fully created, it greatly surprised the two other alicorns as they just looked at the human doll before them, which looked back at them and gave a small wave.

“This is what a human is.” The mare said as she gestured to the construct with a hoof. The two princess just stared at the construct, examining the tall and somewhat lanky form of the human’s former body.

“Interesting.” Celestia said as she got out of her seat, and made her way over to the construct and examined it closely. In terms of height, Zack saw that her construct was about the same height as Celestia, maybe a foot or so shorter though.

A moment later and the butlers returned to the dining hall, where upon Celestia returned to her seat and Zack dispelled her construct as the stallion placed the dishes before the three alicorns. During their lunch, the two princess continued to ask Zack various question, some standard, and some were just bizarre, but all in all the lunch was pretty pleasant. And the salmon was pretty good, it was nicely seasoned and cooked to perfection, even the salad and toast were great. Now while the princess asked their questions, Zack occasionally asked his own questions, mostly about the pony race and what the social structure is.

Apparently the ponies run with a matriarchy system, to an extent. Instead of just having these two princesses rule over everything, which they still do, they also let large cities and towns still be run by government officials like mayors, instead of having court officials or knight lords govern over them. Another thing that Zack learned that aside from the other princess that she is impersonating, there is also a fourth princess in another kingdom just a few hours train ride away. Zack was wondering how could this worlds government, or diarchy, function with four princess—who aren’t mostly related by blood ties—actually work and function without one or a handful of them screwing something up. or be constantly bickering with one another.

“Well this was all very enlightening princesses, but I do have one last question.” Zack said as the majority of tedious Q & A segment has gone by.

“What is this last question of yours?” Luna asked as she eats her piece of lemon curd cake, no longer suspicious of Zack.

“Are you two able to send me home? I’ve searched through the library for literally hours, and I couldn’t find anything to help me out.” Zack then gave the two a pleading look. “So can you two help me?” the two princesses looked at each other, seemingly having a silent conversation to themselves for a moment, before looking back at Zack.

“We could look through the old archives, which is where most of the more valuable pieces of literature are.” Celestia said with a small smile. “Don’t worry Zack, I’m sure we can help you find your way back home.” Zack gave a small nod with an actual genuine smile of gratitude. Zack then stretched out her body while giving a small yawn.

“Why don’t you get some rest Zack, with the events you’ve described to us, today must’ve been a rather stressful one.”

“You can say that again.” Zack said with a half-hearted laugh. Celestia then magicked a small bell in front of her, and rang it once. A moment later and a yellow unicorn wearing a maids cap, and a frilly shawl on her back, came into the room. ‘Instant help bell, nice.’

“Could you please take Zack to one of the guest rooms.” Celestia said to the maid, who looked at Zack with a befuddled and confused look.

“Um, don’t you mean princess Twilight you’re majesty?” the maid questioned, not exactly sure if she heard Celestia right. Zack sighed and stepped out of her chair and made her way to the main doors.

“I can tell this is going to get old, REAL fast.” Zack jargoned. “Come on miss frilly, show me to my big fat bed.” The maid looked back at Celestia who nodded her head, causing the mare to rush to Zack’s side, and lead her out of the dining room. Once the mare was out, Luna looked to Celestia with a curious glance.

“Sister, what do you think about this whole situation?” Celestia finished chewing on her slice of devil’s food cake before speaking.

“Well for one thing, she certainly wasn’t lying to us.” she said as her horn glowed with magic, before the room area around the chair Zack was sitting in, lost some of its golden hue. “Although, as she is from another world, I can’t really predict what she will do.”

“So what should we do?” Luna queried before taking another bite of her cake.

“Firstly I will send Twilight a message, I think she might be interested in making a new friend that happens to look like her, and learn about this human race.” Celestia said, already visualizing her student bouncing around in filly joy while the prospect of learning a new race and culture was in her grasp. “While Zack and Twilight become friends, we will do as we promised, we will search for a way to send Zack home.”

“If there is a way sister.” Luna said somewhat grimly.

“Yes…if.” Celestia echoed before taking another fork full of cake.

~~~~~

“This will be your room for the time being miss. Zack.” The maid said as she uses her pink magic to open the door, allowing Zack to enter the room.

“Thanks cutie, and just call me Zack kay.” The maid blushed at being called cutie, and bid Zack a goodnight before leaving, face still slightly pink.

As the door closed behind her, Zack scanned her guest room and found it to be very posh and luxurious. A big bed laid on the far end of the room, with a small fire place with a coffee table, a couch and two sitting cushions on the right side, flanked by two large book shelves. The left side of the room had a desk over by a big window, showing that it was just starting to turn into the late afternoon, with the sun making its descent.

After looking around the room for a bit the call of nature came a knocking, causing the mare to look for a rest room, which was behind a door on the left side of the bed. As Zack did her business in her private oval office, she was shocked to see a purple version of her old member slide out of a sheath, where she started to relieve herself.

“So I’m a hermaphrodite? That’s going to take some time getting used to.”

Once her business was over with Zack made her way over to the large bed, jumping onto it and feeling its soft mattress and blankets. Laying there on her back Zack just stared up at the ceiling, trying to fully comprehend everything that has happened, from early into the morning in the crater, to trying recall everything before that, and finally up to this exact moment. Even then she was still having a hard time fully accepting that this is indeed real. Though this was probably more out of instinct, rather than conscious thought, but as she spawned two magic hands and seeing them float about for a bit, and then rubbing the mare’s face Zack couldn’t help but grumbles to herself.

“This will undoubtedly be the single most strangest, bizarre, and unbelievable experience I will ever have in my whole life. Ever!” Zack proclaimed before using her magic hands to move the covers of the bed, and slipping under them before getting comfortable.

“I really hope those two princess can help me get home, cause I would very much like to live out my life as a human. Not as a pony.” Zack said before yawning and trying to go to sleep, ending the first day in this weird outlandish situation that he was part of.

~~Earth~~

It was around 1pm in the afternoon, and four friends were on their way to their friends house to hang out. Kyle, Jessica, Richard, and Amber were the four closest friends that Zack has had since their freshmen year of high school, in fact once the group had come together over shared classes with one another, it didn’t take them long to become close friends. And after a series of mis-adventures that only teenagers can get into, some of which were great while the other half wasn’t, the five of them became the best of friends. They were so close that they treated each other more like siblings.

“Man this is bullshit.” Kyle, the tallest of the four, standing 7’2 ft. grumbled as he trailed behind his friends. “Can’t believe my boss cut’s my hours, and gives it to that pot head James.”

“Look at it this way Kyle, if this guy’s screws up—which from what we’ve seen when we visit you at work—that’s going to give your boss a wakeup call.” Amber said, as she adjust the burgundy glasses she was wearing, as she looks over her shoulder.

“Doubt it.” Kyle groaned and retorted. “My boss is a fucking dumbass. Guy can’t even place in order forums by himself, he always needs me, or another person to check to see if he’s got everything right.”

“You know Kyle you could always come work at the market.” Richard, a dark tanned skin man just a foot shorter than Kyle, said as he takes a skittle and starts chewing on it. “Folks there are always looking for good help, plus, it pays a lot more than what you make now.”

“That sounds like a good idea!” the last member of the group, Jessica says excitedly. “Not only do you get better pay, but you get to be right in the middle of major foot traffic, and a nice change of scenery would undoubtedly help to improve the sour mood you’ve been in for the past few weeks.” Kyle drummed a finger against his chin as he thought.

“…know anybody looking for work?”

“I think one of the seafood or meat stalls is looking for workers. I also think this one gal, works at a gyro stall is looking for a helper.” Richard listed a few more places that might be hiring as the group rounded a street corner, reaching the intended destination…but when they reached it, they all stopped in their tracks.

The apartment building that the groups friend Zack lives in, was surrounded by police cars, and a few ambulances, and people standing outside, but they weren’t focused on any of that. The four friends were focused on the big hole in the side of the building…where Zack’s room was. The group rushed over to one of the police cars, were an officer was talking to the landlord of the building.

“Miss. Cassidy what happened here!” Amber asked as she and the others were stopped by the cop.

“I don’t know dear. It just happened so fast that, I just don’t know!” The older woman said in a clearly panicked voice.

“Where’s Zack!?” Richard asked the officer. “Is he in one of the—”

“No son, he isn’t.”

“WHAT!” all four of the friends said in unison. “That’s his room up there, how isn’t he—”

“We don’t know what happened son.” The officer said as he tried to calm down the group. “We searched the interior of the room, and the surrounding area, but there is no trace of Zack anywhere.”

The group of friends could only just stand there, watching as the police did their thing, and a news cast eventually show up and began interviewing people about what happened. After a few minutes of just standing around, the group decided to leave the scene as they couldn’t do anything, and decided to go and see Zack’s family, and inform them what’s going on.

Chapter 2: Set Expectations and Reality - Pt.1 [Edited]

The sun began to rise into the air from the far off horizon, and even without an alarm clock blaring in his ear, Zack started to awake from her sleep, and any disbelief of everything that happened yesterday was a lucid dream, just up and vanished as the mare looked off to the side of the bed. Seeing the desk and window of the room, before using her magic to pull the blankets off herself, and looked down at her violet coated body. After looking herself over for a minute the mare slumped back onto the bed, and just stared up at the ceiling.

“So it’s not just a dream, or an acid trip. This is all really, REAL.” Zack said as she continued to just stare up at the ceiling, face remaining in a blank expression.

As she laid there on the bed Zack started to wonder how things back home were going, thoughts becoming slightly frantic as she began thinking how her friends and family are doing. Probably right now, Zack’s friends are either freaking out and looking for her, or at her parents’ house and telling them she was gone, and have the police go and search for her. After staring at the ceiling for about ten or so minutes, Zack got out of her bed and then made her way over to the bathroom and began her morning routine. Once that was done the mare made a glance at the ridiculously large bath tub, which looked like it was big enough to fit an adult male hippo.

Staring at the tub for a few moments, she made her way over to it and started to fill it with hot water, and once it was filled Zack then slowly dipped her body in which felt amazing on the mare’s still groggy body, making her release a satisfied ‘ah’. As she submerges herself fully into the water practically laying on the bottom like a dog, with half her neck and head sticking out of the water, Zack then slowly dunked her head into the hot water. Then a moment later she quickly pulled it out as she then shook it, causing her mane to spread water all over the room, but it was worth it to fully wake her. The mare’s horn then lit up with magic for a split second, where upon a naked version of her old body appeared beside the tub. The construct then reached over to an assortment of shampoo bottles, grabbing one of the taller ones and began depositing a healthy dollop on the mare’s back—after she stood up of course—before the constructs hands began to scrub the mare’s body, slathering it with the shampoo which turned into pink bubbles. As the hands scrubbed the mare all over, turning her into a giant ball of pink bubbles, the construct started to wash the mares head, fingers running through the mane and digging gently into her scalp.

“This whole magic thing really is useful.” The mare said as the construct began using its hands to gather water, and then pouring it over the mare to wash the bubbles away and any excess shampoo. “If I manage to get back home, I really hope I have even a sliver of this stuff. Certainly will make things in life a whole lot easier.”

The mare continued to just lay in the warm water, enjoying the warming sensation as the construct occasionally poured water over her body and scratching any itchy spot that popped up. Several minutes later and the mare emerges from the tub where upon the construct grabbed a nearby towel, and began to dry the mare head to toe, or now hoof in this case. Now that she was dry the mare made her way out the bathroom, but before she did, she saw her reflection in the mirror and noticed that her mane and tail were rather shaggy instead of neatly combed. Shrugging her shoulders the mare created two hands, and just brushed the mane and tail enough so it looked more tamed, but still had a bit of shagginess to it, which was her usual hair style back when she was human. Before leaving her room the mare made her bed, with a quick snap of her magic that had various hands floating around, and fixing it up in no time at all.

Leaving the room behind her, Zack made her way to the dining hall for breakfast, wondering how she should spend the day. She would probably head back to the library and continue her search for a way home, after all the library was huge, and there were still more rows of books to check through, but then she remembered that the princesses would search through their private archive in hopes of finding a way home for Zack. That is, if the princesses could tear themselves away from their royal duties, or whatever kind of obligations and events that they have to attend to even search for a solution. Several minutes of walking to the dining hall, while being saluted and greeted by every guard, maid and butler she passes by, Zack eventually made it to the dining hall where upon entering the room the mare saw princess Celestia at the table. With a plate of pancakes, a hard-boiled egg and a cup of what she assumed was coffee, in front of the white alicorn. But Zack also noticed a small piece of paper floating in front of her. When the alabaster alicorn noticed that Zack had entered the chamber, she made a quick glance over to her before looking at the piece of paper, rolling it up and making it vanish in a small flash of light.

“Good morning Zack. I hope you’ve slept well.” Celestia asked the mare as she sits down in a chair across from where the princess sat.

“Well enough.” Zack simply said as a butler came out of the kitchen door, and asked what would Zack like to eat.

“Do you have any plans for the day?” Celestia questioned as she took a bite of her egg, while the butler left after Zack placed an order.

“I figured I comb the rest of the library, maybe I’ve overlooked something, or have yet to find the proper row of books I was looking for.” Zack explained as she gave a rather big yawn, before conjuring a magical hand to rub her eyes.

“I’m afraid that the library doesn’t retain any books of the ones you’ll in search of.” Celestia informed as she took a smaller bite of her egg.

“Well drat.” Zack said as she sunk into the chair. Celestia finished off her egg before glancing over at the violet alicorn, a small smile forming on her muzzle as she holds up her cup.

“If you have nothing else planned for the day, may I suggest that you visit my pupil in Ponyville.”

“Ponyville?” Zack questioned, more out of astonishment that some place was actually called, Ponyville.

“Yes. It’s a town down in the valley below the mountain.” Celestia said as the butler came back, a plate of scrambled eggs, waffles and roasted potatoes, and a nice cold glass of milk held in his red magical aura.

“In fact, my pupil is the very mare that you are the spitting image of, and she is rather clever, and holds a vast collection of books. Some of even very obscure, or great magical tomes.” Zack looked at the mare as the butler placed the plate in front of her, before bidding the alicorns farewell.

“She might even be able to help you in finding a way home, before me or my sister could comb through the archive.”

“If that’s so, I’ll stop by her castle and see if she can help me.” Zack said before taking a big forkful of eggs, and shoveling it into her mouth.

“How do you know she lives in a castle?” Celestia questioned as she took a sip from her cup of steaming beverage.

“If what I read in the library is true, and alicorns are the designated rulers of this country of yours, and that I look like your pupil…its only logical that said pony would be living in a castle.” Zack replied as she took a bite of her waffles, and swallowing before speaking up again.

“If she lived in anything else, then she’s not a real princess, and is just a pony with a token title with no actual political power.”

“I see.” Celestia said, not exactly sure how to take Zack’s words. After their little conversation, Celestia finished the last of her breakfast and bid Zack a good day, before leaving to begin her duties. ‘I wonder just how Twilight and this human will actually get along if she actually does visit Twilight.’ Celestia thought to herself, before waving over a patrolling guard.

“Is there something you need princess?”

“I assume you’re aware that the Twilight Sparkle in the dining hall really isn’t Twilight, correct.”

“Yes princess…word spreads fast.” The guard said, sounding a little annoyed.

“Well once the mare, whose actual name is Zack, is done with her breakfast, I want you to show her where Ponyville is located.” Celestia ordered the guard, who nodded in compliance.

~~~~~

Sometime later Zack has finished her breakfast and was about to leave the dining hall, and was originally just planning to wonder the castle grounds and figure out what to do. But as she left the dining hall, a royal guard stopped her, the very same one that she met at the front gate, and asked Zack to follow him. With nothing better to do, Zack followed the guard outside the castle and was led to the far west wall, but as they trotted to the wall the guard seemed both confused, and a little upset. But Zack didn’t put too much thought to it. Reaching the wall the guard pointed down into the valley, showing Zack where Ponyville was.

“So that’s where the mare I look like lives huh?” Zack said mostly to herself as she looks down at where the town was supposed to be, just barely able to see some kind of tall structure amongst the town.

“That’s right.” the guard said with a slightly disdained tone of voice, which Zack paid little attention to. The guard simply watched Zack just stare at the town below for a few seconds, but then one of her wings started unfurling and used to rub the back of her head.

“Well since the library has nothing of what I’m looking for, and the archive being for official princess only, I guess visiting this mare wouldn’t be a waste of time.” Zack mumbled under her breath. “Who knows. If this mare is as smart as Celestia says—”

“I assure that you won’t find a smarter pony than Twilight Sparkle.” The guard said in a defensive manor, causing Zack to look his way, before looking back down at Ponyville.

“In that case, let’s see if she can actually help me out.” With that Zack flapped her wings to get airborne, and began flying off towards the direction of Ponyville, leaving the guard on the wall.

Making her way down into the valley at a relatively lax pace, wings occasionally flapping while she soared over the landscape for the majority of the flight, Zack’s thoughts started to wander back to how things back home were possibly going. After being missing for a whole day with, who knows what happened to her apartment, things could be a big mess for all she knew. Not to mention what her family must be doing, Zack could only guess that their pestering the police with questions about what could’ve happened to her, and the police trying to comfort them while not trying to lose their tempers.

Thirty or so minutes of flying goes by, and Zack has finally reached the town of Ponyville, but before the alicorn actually headed into the town she just hovered above the town and gave it a look over. And from what she could see, it looked like a rural frontier town with some modern buildings, with a few unusual looking buildings mixed in, while also seeing a good number of ponies trotting about. After looking over the town itself as a whole for a few minutes, Zack turned her attention to the one building that pretty much stuck out like a sore bandaged up thumb. The structure looked like a castle, but it appeared to be made out of nothing but crystals, which just seemed ridiculous and impractical, not only that but the way the castle looked compared to the surrounding town buildings, made it look like a big jagged pointy mess. Flying down towards the castle Zack couldn’t see any guards, not a single one on patrol anywhere on or around the castle. There wasn’t even a guard at the front door to the damn castle. When she landed in front of the crystalline structure, the mare took one last look around and saw that it was indeed completely vacant.

“This princess Twilight must think she’s a fucking untouchable queen, if she has no guards posted outside.” Zack said as she walked up to the door, before feeling something landing on her nose.

“What the?” Looking down at her muzzle the mare saw that what has landed on her was a single piece of popcorn?

Creating a magical hand, the mare picked the piece of popcorn up and just stared at it for a second, before looking around herself, even up at the sky to see if a pegasus was passing by. But there was not a single pony anywhere around the castle. Shrugging her shoulders Zack made her way up the castle steps, flicking the popcorn to the side, before reaching the top of the steps and used her magic to open the doors, and walked right inside. Sticking her head through the door, the mare looked around the interior of the main entrance hall and found that, it too was also completely and utterly vacant.

“Seriously!” Zack said as she closed the doors behind her, a baffled expression on her face.

“There are no guards inside the damn castle either, what the fuck is this princess Twilight thinking not having guards around. She’s supposed to be a freaking royal, and yet she doesn’t have any guards to protect her, the castle, or even the bloody town?!” Zack was about to walk about the castle and have a look around it to see if there was even some kind of castle staff, but before she even took a few steps Zack heard something walking from the upstairs loft.

Looking up to the upper loft, Zack saw what looked like a small purple lizard waddling into view, and appeared to be talking to someone. A moment later and Zack watched as a violet alicorn, which looked like a mirror image of herself, walk into view as well. When the pair approached the stairs, they eventually looked in Zack’s direction, where they looked shocked to see someone in the castle. All three of them looked at each other with varying degree of emotions on their faces, Zack simply looked at the pair with an examining gaze, while both the lizard and the pony that stood beside it just stared down at him with astonishment. The lizard and the other alicorn then walked down the steps, slowly making their way towards Zack, who just watched them cautiously, continuing to study them carefully.

“Are you, Zack?” the mare asked Zack as she and the lizard stood a foot from her.

“E’yup.” Zack simply said. The mare’s shocked expression slowly, and rather creepily, developed into a wide-eyed smile.

“This. Is. INCRIDABLE!” The mare said, or rather shouted, in a very hyper voice, causing Zack to slightly wince at the direct audio assault to her ears.

“You look exactly like me, I mean you’re mane, and tail are styled differently. But you look just like me! Same height, same coat, mane, and tail coloring. We could pass as identical twins!” Twilight continued to talk excitedly as she began to circle around Zack, examining her body.

“Yeah, it’s almost creepy how she looks like you Twilight.” The lizard commented, sounding like a kid who hasn’t quite yet reached puberty.

‘What’s really creepy is that this mare is examining me like a slab of beef.’ Zack mentally retorted to the lizard’s comment.

“If your done looking me over like a science project, care to introduce yourselves?” the mare stopped her examination of Zack’s wings, a perked up as she realized she hasn’t done a formal greeting.

“I’m so sorry, I completely glossed over the introductions!” the mare then quickly ran in front of Zack, before formally introducing herself.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle, the princess of Friendship.” Zack nearly lost her composure as she almost burst out laughing when he heard Twilight’s royal title. “And this is my number one assistant, Spike the dragon.”

“Well princess, it’s nice to meet you and your assistant. Names Zackery Johnson, but just call me Zack.” The human turned pony said to the pair with no real sense of formality. “Now that introductions, and inspection, is over with, can we get started. I assume princess Celestia has informed you of me?”

“Oh. Right, come with me.” Twilight then guided Zack to the front door?

Slightly confused as to why the princess is heading to the door of the castle, Zack decided to follow her and the lizard, who has hopped onto the alicorns back as the group headed out of the castle, and made their way towards town. The trek to the town was actually rather short, just a five minute trotting and the trio were already in the town, and Zack has to admit that the town definitely looked far better up close, rather than from a birds eye view. It had a very nice, picturesque, appeal about it. But as a few minutes of what Zack presumed to be a tour had gone on she noticed that something was a bit, odd. And what Zack found odd about the town was that there was no other ponies anywhere in sight. There were none in the streets, the stalls or shops that lined the side of the roads, or down a different road that looked like a flea market. There didn’t even seem to be any ponies in any of the buildings they were passing by, which was all strange as she remembered seeing a good number of ponies trotting about, before she touched down in front of the castle.

‘Okay…this is starting to feel a little creepy.’ Zack thought to herself as she started to fall behind the pair slightly, a sense of unease settling in. ‘Where the fuck is everyone?’

Another few minutes of trotting later and the group came upon a, well, the only way that Zack could describe the building they were heading to was, a gingerbread house. As in, the entire building literally looked like a gingerbread house, made out of cookies and everything sweet treat related. The trio eventually reached the building and like the others they’ve passed by Zack couldn’t see any ponies around, or inside. Granted the building was currently pitch black inside, so she couldn’t even see what the damn thing looked on the inside. Speaking of the inside, Zack followed Twilight and Spike into the shop, albeit hesitantly, but eventually Zack entered the building. But after taking a few steps into the building the light’s suddenly turned on, where a barrage of party poppers erupted, and confetti and other little party festivities covering the now greatly confused Zack.

“SURPRISE!”

a cacophony of voices cried out, allowing Zack to see a myriad of ponies staring in his direction with wide happy expressions, which turned to confusion, then amazement as their eyes bounced between her and Twilight.

“Land sakes!” an orange earth pony with a southern accent said as she kept looking between the two. “There really is a second Twilight!”

“Oh this is perfect! I get to throw a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party to Twilight again, like the first time she came to Ponyville!” a very loud, squeaky, and excited voice came from a very energetic pink mare, before zooming over to the still frozen Zack, as she tries to process the situation before her.

“Hi there Twilight number two, my name’s Pinkie Pie, your new best friend and I like to welcome you to our town with a welcoming party!”

Zack just remained silent as she looked around the room, seeing a gaggle of ponies of various colors and breeds, with tables littered with an endless supply of cupcakes, cakes, pies, and other types of pastries. The mare eventually spotted Twilight among the crowd of ponies, smiling back at her with a few other ponies by her side, the orange mare, and a pair of pegasi and a white and purple unicorn. After scouring the interior of the building, and looking over the crowd of ponies for a few more seconds, Zack looked squarely at her look alike.

“…I think there’s been a misunderstanding here Sparkles.” Zack said with a neutral tone of voice.

“What do you mean Zack?” Twilight said as she conjured up a letter. “The princess sent me this letter, and said to make you feel welcomed here—”

“And what better way to make a pony feel welcomed than throwing them a surprise party!” Pinkie said as she shoved a platter of cupcakes into Zack’s face. “Here try these, they’re fresh from the oven~!” the pink mare sang as her hoof grabbed a brightly pink frosted cupcake and slowly inched it towards Zack’s muzzle. But the hoof was stopped by Zack’s magically constructed hand.

“Okay, first of all don’t just try to shove food in someone’s face, and DON’T just intrude on their personal space. That’s just rude and very inconsiderate.” Zack said harshly, which seemed to get a very shocked reaction from the ponies.

“Also who throws a party for a complete and total stranger? For all you know, I could’ve been a spy from an enemy nation or an escaped convict. Not only that, but we’ve literally just met one minute ago, we’re not going to be best friends like that, we’d be acquaintances at best. And for your princess’s letter—” Zack said as she pointed at the letter in Twilight’s magical aura with the hand, that seemed to have grabbed a mint green colored ponies attention.

“I appreciate that you were trying to make me feel welcome. But I’m here for one thing, and one thing only, to find a way home.” Zack then took a few steps back from Pinkie Pie, who seemed to have lost some of her boundless energy.

“I’m not here to make friends, or have random parties, with people that I don’t even know.” Zack then turned to leave the building, but before she left, she looked over her shoulder at Twilight. “Once you feel ready to help me get back home I’ll be waiting at your castle.”

Zack then turned to leave the building, leaving Twilight and virtually every one of the ponies speechless, some even looked sad or even hurt at what Zack just said. And the one that seemed to be the most hurt was Pinkie, as her curly mane and tail had deflated like a balloon. As she was walking down the road, and heading back to Twilight’s guardless castle, Zack shook her head as an exasperated sigh escaped her mouth.

“Just what the hell was the princess thinking?” Zack muttered under her breath. “I thought she would’ve made it clear to her, pupil, that I was looking for a way home and would immediately set out to help me.”

“But no!” Zack scoffed.

“I wasted time following a mare to what looked like a little kids birthday party, to party with total strangers.” The mare’s tail flicked out in annoyance as she reached the castle, her horn pulsating with magic before it released a big pulse of lavender light that covered the castle, which then returned back to the mare as she reached the doors.

“If these ponies aren’t going to take my situation seriously, then I don’t need them.” Zack all but shoved through the doors with a pair of glowing purple constructed arms, where she then followed the map of the castle she just scanned to the location of the castles library.

~~Sugarcube Corner~~

The atmosphere at Sugarcube Corner was still rather, upsetting. Ponies were murmuring to each other about how the new alicorn, who looks like a twin of Twilight Sparkle, had just completely blown off a party meant to welcome her to the town. And then she had the gall to criticize Pinkie for even throwing her the party, needless to say, some ponies were already not liking this newcomer. As for Twilight and her friends, they were just as shocked by what the pony that they read about in princess Celestia’s letter had just ranted about, before she just walked off like she was a snobby noble.

“What the hay was her problem!” Rainbow Dash half-shouted, feeling very aggravated after hearing the Twilight look alike just outright disrespected her friend.

“I must say she was certainly uncouth, really, there was no need for such harsh words.” Rarity said in a huff.

“Yeah I mean, was all that really called for.” Starlight added as she stood amongst her new circle of friends.

“And why was she harping so much in getting back home? she’s an alicorn, she can just teleport back to her home whenever she wants to.”

Twilight tried to figure out why her double was so, rude, while her friends continued to banter back and forth about how rude the mare was. Except for Pinkie, who was just sitting on the floor, a defeated look on her face as she fiddles with the cupcake she offered to Zack. After trying to come up with a valid reason on why her double was so unpleasant at the party, nothing was coming to Twilight on why her double acted this way. Noting in Celestia’s letter said anything about the mare being so, harsh.

“Let’s head to the castle and see what’s wrong with her.” Twilight said getting her friends attention. Pinkie especially, as her mane and tail re-inflated themselves as she hopped back to her hooves.

“Yeah! Maybe if we find out what’s bugging her, maybe then she’ll enjoy her welcoming party!” With that the group of six ponies watched Pinkie charged outside the door, leaving them to gallop after the hyperactive pony, as they all made their way to Twilight’s castle to confront the other violet alicorn.

Chapter 3: Set Expectations and Reality - Pt.2 [Edited]

Twilight and her circle of friends continued to make their way to Twilight’s castle, determined looks on their faces, well except Pinkie as she had a more happier look of determination on her face. It would seem like the pink pony was not going to give up on being best friends with Twilight’s twin, after all if she wasn’t going to give up on Cranky Doodle Donkey in being friends, then she wasn’t going to give up on Zack. And that was a promise! The group of mares plus Spike, eventually made it to Twilight’s castle and began looking for the alicorn, which wasn’t too hard as they all headed to the castle library. When they all made it to the library they indeed found Zack, lying next to the large central table, a book held in a lavender colored claw, or hand, while a few other books were scattered about the table.

“She even reads like our Twilight.” Rainbow whispered to Applejack who just nodded.

“Zack can we talk?” Twilight asked as she took a step towards the mare, who didn’t look away from the book she was reading.

“Only if you’re ready to help me find a way home.” Zack simply said as she flipped a page of the book.

“Why are you so eager to go home?” Starlight asked, causing the mare’s right ear to flick. “If you’re an exact copy of Twilight, you should be able to just teleport back home.” Pinkie then made her way over to Zack, causing the alicorn to flinch slightly as the pink mare, once again, invades her personal space.

“Besides, we haven’t become best friends yet, and as you said: ‘You don’t become best friends just after knowing them for a minute’. But guess what~.” Pinkie said while trying to sound like Zack, which is just her impression of Twilight, while her mane somehow shifted to look like Zack’s shaggy mane style.

“It’s been more than a minute, so we are now officially best friends plus, you still haven’t had any of the treats I made yet. You can’t leave without trying one of my famous cupcakes!”

Pinkie then pulled a cupcake from her mane, and unceremoniously shoved it into Zack’s mouth. Which was immediately spat out by the mare, who then shoved Pinkie away from her, which caused the pink mare and her friends to look surprise. All the while the violet alicorn just glared down at Pinkie, as her wings flared and the feathers bristle. And the outline of her eyes began to glow with a purple aura.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Zack practically screamed at the pink pony, who shrunk away from the pissed off mare. “Who the fuck just shoves food into someone's face, especially after pulling it from their hair, just—WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!”

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa now sugarcube!” Applejack said as she made her way over to Zack. “There’s no need to—” Zack just spun on her hooves to look squarely at Applejack, and given her slightly taller frame, Applejack recoiled under the gaze.

“Don’t you try to defend her for what she just did! Not only did she intrude on my personal space, AGAIN! But she just pulled food from her hair, which is unhygienic in every sense of the word, and just force fed that fucking cupcake to me! And I don’t like cupcakes or any kind of sweets!”

“Girl seriously just chill! We’re just trying to be friends—” Rainbow tried to interject but the violet mare just snapped back at her.

“I told you I don’t need friends!” Zack said as she stopped screaming, and began using the glowing hand to rub at her throat. “All I want to do is go back to my own world, where I’m not this…this…purple unicorn with wings, and being in this other world.”

“Wait?” Spike said as Fluttershy, and Rarity comfort a slightly sobbing Pinkie in the background.

“You mean to say, you’re from another world?” everypony looked at Zack with either a confused, bewildered, or a shocked look. Zack however, just looked at them all like they just said the most stupidest thing.

“Didn’t princess Celestia explain that, in her letter?”

Twilight pulled the letter out from under one of her wings, which was snatched by one of Zack’s magical hands. Un-rolling the letter, the mare began to read the letter, and in nowhere that she could see or read between the lines, did the piece of paper say anything about who and what Zack really is, or the state of her current situation. Teeth now grinding against each other, which the ponies could now see that the mare has incisors and canines, before the mare’s body shook with both anger and irritations. Anger because of what just transpired in the room, and a little bit of anger and a whole lot of irritation that the ponies with-held information, which could’ve spared her this situation she was in. Twilight was about to say something, but shrieked when the mare snapped to look at her, eyes slightly glowing with magical power.

“How can I contact Celestia.” Zack asked, her voice while on the surface was leveled, everypony in the room could just, feel, the intensity of her anger.

“Well, you write her a letter, and Spike here—” Twilight said as she gestured to her assistant, who was cowering behind one of her forelegs. “Will send the letter.”

“Then get me a piece of paper, a pen—or whatever the hell you ponies write with, and send the damn thing once I finish writing it.

Twilight then produced a single piece of paper, an inkwell, and a quill, and levitated them over to Zack, who took the items in one of her magical constructed hands, and began writing which wasn’t that long before she stopped, and levitated it to Spike. The little dragon held the letter and looked up to Twilight, more out of assurance if he should send the letter. But the little dragon felt a strange presence closing in on him, like something bad was encroaching towards him, the small dragon looked up and saw Zack standing before him and Twilight. A very annoyed frown on her face, which just made the little dragon shrink in size a little.

“Send. It. Now!”

Spike then quickly blew fire on the letter, turning it to ash and smoke, before everypony watched it fly out of the room. Zack then sat down on the floor, heavily so as her flanks made a very audible thud. As for Twilight and her friends, they all gathered around the other side of the library, Pinkie still slightly blubbering at what Zack just, vocalized at her, while her friends try to calm her down. Although, Twilight seemed a bit interested in her look alike, who she was looking at as she was sitting across from the other violet alicorn.

“So, you’re from another world?” Twilight meekly asked, her mind already beginning to bubble with questions.

“Yes.” Zack said flatly as she waited for Celestia’s response to her letter.

“What is your world like.” Twilight asked as she used her magic to conjure up a large piece of paper, while grabbing the inkwell and the quill.

“That is none of your business.” Zack said simply, causing the mare to look at her with a raised brow.

“What do you mean by that?” Twilight questioned.

“I mean it’s none of your damn business, because you don’t need to know anything about my world, the people that live there or anything else about it. That’s why.” Zack said with a great deal of annoyance in her voice.

Just then everypony in the library saw a golden flash of light on the other end of the room, where princess Celestia appeared. Zack immediately got up from her seat, and made her way over to the larger alicorn, who after looking around and spotting the still enraged mare, seemed to recoil slightly. When the mare was standing in front of the princess, she generated a single magical hand that held the letter Celestia sent to her pupil, while giving the solar princess a very unamused look.

“Care to explain why you left out some crucial info to your pupil about me, and my current predicament, princess?” Zack asked as her right front hoof began rhythmically tapping against the floor.

“I don’t think I left out any crucial information Zack—”

“Oh no!” Zack snapped at the princess, shocking the ponies and Spike, thinking that she just get in big trouble with Celestia, despite being an alicorn from another world.

“Well then why don’t we read what you have written then, shall we!” Zack then held the letter in front of her before reading it.

To my dear student Twilight Sparkle.

Yesterday, after our ordeal in the Crystal Empire, I’ve come across a rather unusual and interesting pony…who is a one for one spitting image of you. during her visit and over an early dinner, the mare told us that she’s not from Equestria originally, and that she wishes to return home.

Currently she is asleep, but once she awakes and if she has nothing to do today, I’ll try to convince her to visit you in Ponyville. I’m certain that you and she might have an interesting time, so if she does come to Ponyville, make sure to make her feel welcome. Though I probably don’t need to explain that, as I’m certain Pinkie Pie will already have a party in plan once you tell her this.

Hope to hear from you soon, you’re mentor and friend:
Princess Celestia.

Once Zack had finish reading the letter, the hand that was holding the letter then flew to the table, and just dumped it on the table before it disappeared.

“So let’s review what was in the letter.” The mare said, her tone leveled, yet still containing some measure of irritation. “You said that you didn’t let out any crucial information…and yet!” the mare’s expression turned into a glare, a glare that was so intense, that even Celestia recoiled from it.

“You failed to inform your student that I’m from another world, or how I want to go home as soon as possible because I don’t belong in your world, or in this body! So yes, princess, you failed to inform your student of some important things!” Celestia seemed a little disappointed, while everypony else looked shocked to hear that Celestia, did in fact withheld information about Zack to them.

“So after you lied to your student of who I am, and why I want to go home, and even to me about not ‘leaving out any vital information’ in your letter, I’m not sure if I can trust you’re word that you will actually look for a way home for me.”

“No Zack, please, don’t think that.” Celestia said quickly. “I admit, not informing Twilight or her friends of your situation was a mistake on my part. But I assure you, we will find a way to send you home. It’s just…”

“Just what!” Zack said, her voice not so filled with mild irritation, but now a steadily growing level of anger.

“I thought that while you wait for my sister and I to discover a way home for you, that you might enjoy having some friends to pass the time.” Zack seem to understand Celestia’s reasoning, but she still didn’t look happy. “Can you forgive me for my poor error in judgment?”

Zack’s rubbed her eyes with the wrist of one of her wings, while she gives off an annoyed and tired sigh. The alicorn gave Celestia a half-forgiven compliance, but it was still clear that she was still upset with the princess. After Celestia had apologized to the violet pony, the two came to an understanding of sorts, in that Celestia won’t try to pull this kind of stunt again, and Zack promises to take things easier on Twilight and her friends. She even apologized for losing her temper earlier, which all of them forgave the mare rather quickly, which seemed to have threw the mare off, Even Pinkie was happy to hear that Zack was sorry and was about to give her a hug. But the mare was stopped by two hands that caught the mare in midair, before plopping her down on the ground.

Celestia then bid everypony farewell, and hopefully that everypony would get along. But once the princess teleported back to Canterlot, Zack left the library, saying that she needed sometime to really calm herself down. The ponies looked at each other and decided to give the alicorn her space.

~~~~~

Walking through the halls of the castle Zack made her way to the roof, walking over to the ledge and just plopping down on the floor, chin resting on the railing. As Zack sat there on the roof she was running the events of the day that just happened not just a few minutes ago, which basically was a plan that Celestia concocted up to try and make her and Twilight to be friends so that Zack would be distracted from her worries. Now admittedly, if the princess didn’t try to play match-maker in a sense, by having the ponies especially Pinkie Pie tried to become friends with her at the drop of a hat, and basically make light of her situation then Zack wouldn’t have been as upset. In fact the only pony that Zack has a problem with, aside from Celestia, was just Pinkie Pie. That mare was so aggressively intrusive, and seemed to be so absent minded about basic social interaction, like constantly feeling the need to shove herself up against her, plus the whole shoving a piece of food into her mouth, which came from her mane just didn’t compute with Zack.

“Seriously, who just does that.” Zack grumbled as she continues to look out towards the town, wings limp at her sides. She then used a magical hand to prop her mouth, feeling around for any strands of hair, luckily their didn’t feel like any.

“Still disgusting that she keeps food in her hair like that, and willingly feeds it to others.” Putting the thought of the weird mare to the side of her thoughts, Zack started to think about what to do now.

So far the few books that she has managed to read through, before the events that just occurred, it was just more obscure or just more magical theory books, as well as books that just had various subjects, from biology, archology, and some other stuff that a college student would read for classes.

“Zack?” the voice of Twilight called out.

“What.” She simply replied, not moving, or even turning her head.

“Mind if we talk?”

Zack sighed and just used a wing to gesture the mare to come over. She then heard Twilight making her way over, and it sounded like she was alone, as the alicorn couldn’t hear other hooves trotting over. She then saw Twilight sit down beside her out of the corner of her right eye.

“Are you feeling better?”

“It’s only been like a few minutes Twilight. You can’t expect someone to just feel better, after learning that a ruler of a nation tried to withheld information from someone that could delay their chances of going home, while also try to play you as a pawn in a social interaction game.”

“The princess didn’t mean to do that.” Twilight countered.

“But the fact that she even THOUGHT about it, and actually EXACUTED her little idea, says otherwise to me.” Zack heavily emphasized as she turned her head to look at Twilight, who seemed to try and come up with a counter-argument.

“And the fact that you’re trying to say something to deny, or even defend, what I just said against your ruler, tells me that you are either very ignorant and just don’t see what’s clearly in front of your face, or you approve of her methods and just go along with everything she says or plans.”

“It’s not like that.” Twilight mumbled under her breath, not sure how to actually respond to Zack’s statement.

“Whatever your stance on this matter is, it’s done and over with.” Zack said before turning back to look at the town just a little ways off. The two alicorns sat there in silence for a minute, just staring blankly out into the world, which is until Twilight decided to speak up.

“Can I ask you another question Zack?”

“What?” she simply said.

“How come you didn’t want to tell me about your world, or the ponies that live there.” Twilight asked as she looked at her double, who just had a blank expression. The other alicorn didn’t say anything initially, but after a brief moment, Zack responded.

“Because I see no point in telling you about the world I come from, or its PEOPLE! Not ponies.” Zack stated as she sat up straight, before turning to fully look at Twilight.

“The reason why I’m not telling you anything about where I come from, or what my people are like, is because what use would that information be? It’s not like others of my race would come here, and I doubt any of your people would want to go to my world. And as for me, I was brought here by…something, against my will so I’m not jumping for joy that I’m on another world.”

“But if you tell me of your people, maybe we ponies could learn something from them.”

“The answer is no!” Zack said with a stomp of her left hoof, causing the floor to crack, and making Twilight flinch back. “You DON’T need that information, and beside, anything I would tell you would never work for you ponies, as our ways of life is drastically different from one another.” Zack then turned back to look at the town, chin resting on railing.

“Now could you please leave me alone until I’m ready to socialize.”

Twilight just sat there for a second, before giving a slow nod as she gets to her hooves, and leaves Zack alone. Giving out an exasperated sigh, the alicorn flopped to her side before rolling onto her back, and just looking out into the wide blue yonder sky above. As the mare continues to lay on her back, pondering about a few things, like what shall she do, should she head back to the castle to live until Celestia and Luna find a way home, or stick around somewhere in Ponyville. The last bit probably wasn’t an important issue, but until the matter of going home is resolved, she would need a place to stay. Rolling back over, Zack quickly got to her hooves and proceeded to make her way back into the castle, and as she opens the door the mare felt something land on her butt. Turning to look at her hindquarters, the mare saw something that looked like a slight brown stain, and after bending her body enough that she could look at the stain more closely. She then gave the strange stain a curious sniff, and when she did the stain smelled like…

“Is that root beer?” Zack questioned as she looked up at the sky.

“First a piece of popcorn and now a drop of soda.” The mare scanned the sky for a while, looking for anything, or anyone that could’ve let a droplet of pop onto her butt. After seeing nothing but empty blue sky, Zack stepped through the doors of the roof and began walking down the steps, while mumbling something to herself.

“This world is just getting stranger and stranger by the minute.”

Chapter 4: The State of Zack's Two Lives. [Edited]

Author's Note

the picture you'll see is my attempt to draw Twilight, with the shaggy hair style that Zack often leaves his hair in, and the blue jacket.

Chapter 4: The State of Zack's Two Lives. [Edited]

Today marks the third day of Zack’s stay in the country of Equestria, and at the moment the mare was soaking in the more smaller bath tub in one of the many guest rooms of Twilight’s castle, while being scrubbed down by her magical construct. And while the mare laid in the tub and being scrubbed down, Zack was thinking back on the events that took place yesterday.

The day before was certainly an interesting one, if not incredibly frustrating for the alicorn, what with one of the princesses of the ponies basically lying to her fellow princess and student about who, and what Zack really is while also divulging the key fact in which the alicorn would like to go back home. All the while trying to have her take part in a social experiment that she concocted and her student just blindly went along with, all of which didn’t exactly make Zack all that happy. It also didn’t help that one of Twilight’s friends was not only constantly getting on Zack’s nerves with almost everything she attempts to do, but was also being a little obnoxious in trying really hard to make her and the alicorn the ‘best of the best friends ever’. Not to mention that Twilight and the other six mares were not only encouraging the raving pink pony to continue on her overly aggressive advance, but also trying to make their own attempts to become her friends as well. Despite Zack repeatedly telling them that they don’t need to be friends, the six ponies were still insistent of becoming friends with the human turned pony.

Although despite how the day went so far there were a few upsides, one of which was actually with the white unicorn named Rarity, who happens to be a clothing designer. Zack’s own general curiosity immediately came to the forefront of the alicorns mind, asking various questions from why ponies need clothes, how does she design clothes for equines, and many more. As for Rarity she was all too happy to explain how her craft works, and why indeed ponies would need clothes, and even decided to make Zack something to show her skills. And for free of charge, which did make Zack a little skeptical of the unicorn intentions, but she was informed by Twilight that Rarity enjoyed making gifts for those she considered friends.

In the end Zack didn’t complain too much, after all if the mare wanted to make something for Zack free of charge of her own volition, she wasn’t going to stop her.

“Even though it wasn’t necessary I’ll admit it was nice of Rarity to make me that coat, especially if she was willing to waste materials in making something out of her own stock, without getting anything to re-cope the money for said materials.” Zack says as she closes her eyes while her construct pours water over her head, washing away the built up soap.

With her mane and overall body washed and cleaned, the construct vanished as the alicorn steps out of the bath tub, and levitated a towel to dry herself off, yet as she does so Zack’s mane and tail remained in there slightly shaggy state. Entering back into the guest room she was given for the duration of her stay in Twilight’s castle, the mare’s eyes landed on the blue coat that was hanging on a chair by the rooms sole desk, which an almost perfect copy of her favorite jacket that her uncle gave her on her eighteenth birthday. It still surprised Zack that Rarity was able to make the coat after the alicorn gave only a brief verbal description of the jacket, though the only major difference between this jacket and the original one was the two holes in the back so her wings could slip through. Encasing the jacket in her lavender aura the alicorn slips the jacket on, shuffling around in it to get more comfortable, before leaving the room to head to the kitchen of the castle to make breakfast.

As Zack walks through the empty halls of the castle she started to wonder about something, specifically if Twilight really was a princess of this nation of talking magical ponies? From her interactions with her look alike for the rest of the day prior, nothing about the other alicorn says she’s actually a figure of political power. From the lack of staff to maintain the castle, from zero guards to provide security, and how Twilight didn’t seem to be bogged down or tied up in political affairs or matters of the state. From her own personal observation, Zack didn’t really seem to view Twilight Sparkle to appear as a real princess, but as instead more like a governess, or maybe just a token member of nobility in name only. Turning her thoughts away from the questionable position of her look alike, Zack started thinking about the rest of Twilight’s friends which aside from Rarity, wasn’t exactly a good prospect aside from one.

Instantly Zack knew she wasn’t going to mesh well with the cyan pegasus named Rainbow Dash, as that mare had her ego shoved so far up her ass, that the alicorn could’ve sworn she smelled crap in her breath. This pegasus pretty much did nothing but try to impress the alicorn in every way she could think of, from doing aerial tricks, to bragging about how she’s part of a flight team, who was basically a pony version of the Blue Angels. Or go on and on how she is the fastest flyer in all of Equestria, and that no other pony can beat her. Zack basically had to tune the pegasus out whenever she heard her talk, because if there is one type of people that the mare just cannot stand, no matter what they or others say, she cannot stand people that just brag or love to stroke their egos like a hooker stroking a dick for money.

But unlike the brag standing Rainbow Dash, the other pegasus of the group who was named Fluttershy wasn’t too much of a hassle. The only thing that Zack was slightly annoyed about the mare was how quiet she was, which often caused Zack to ask her repeatedly to speak up so she could hear het talk. There was also the fact that Fluttershy was so jumpy whenever Zack either talked to her, or even so much as glance at her, cause the mare to ‘eep’ in fright or make a sudden jerked motion that just made Zack feel weird around the mare. But at least Fluttershy was polite and wasn’t as gun hoe about being friends as some of the other, as well as not invade her personal space.

Then there was the one that Zack knew she was going to have difficulties being around. Pinkie Pie was still a mess to even try and talk to, or even just watch throughout any point yesterday, as the mare just seems to be some kind of Lovecraftian Loony Toons character that just seems unable to act like a normal person. The mare was in a constant state of movement, from trotting, to bouncing around, or even just randomly popping up everywhere that Zack felt a constant whiplash just trying to keep track of the mare. Then there was the fact that Pinkie constantly screech at the top of her lungs when she felt the need to talk, or worst talk so fast that everything she said became basically a blurred out stream of white noise. And finally the mare just kept on invading Zack’s personal space from needlessly excessively trying to hug the alicorn, lean on her, standing within inches of her, or practically shoving her face into Zack’s when she talks to her specifically. Honestly for Zack just thinking about the mare just made her feel exhausted.

“I don’t think I can stand being around that pony longer than five minutes, without having her jump out of nowhere, and scare the shit out of me.” Zack mumbled to herself as she finally made it to the kitchen, and began searching for ingredients to make breakfast. After gathering some eggs, potatoes, and some vegetables, as well as a cutting board and a frying pan, Zack began to make breakfast. While she was cooking the alicorns thoughts drifted back to Twilight’s friends.

The one that really makes Zack feel more concern with her own safety, was the other unicorn named Starlight. From what Twilight eluded as she introduced her friends, while giving small little details about each of them, Starlight was apparently an adversary to the group. An adversary that apparently went back in time to erase the bonds of friendships that Twilight, and her friends have, all because she was lonely. To her mind, Zack thinks this unicorn sounded mentally unstable and perhaps a little unhinged, especially if the mare thought it was a good idea to time travel to the past to change some point in time to erase ‘friendship’ and ‘cutie marks’ from the world, all because a friend of hers was sent off to a school in Canterlot for gifted unicorns in the magical arts, who she did not try to even stay in contact with, or even visit. What really made Zack feel uncomfortable was that Twilight and the others just, accepted Starlight into their inner circle after she imprisoned them, basically tried to brainwash them by feeding them her ‘old’ philosophies, and going as far as to change their past for a ridiculously easy fixable solution, and just treat it all as if nothing has happened.

There was also the fact Starlight didn’t face even the smallest bit of a trial, or anything about her behavior and overall conduct of TRYING TO CHANGE THE FREAKING PAST and MESSING WITH THE FABRIC OF TIME, or the lives of Twilight and the others. It all just made Zack feel incredibly un-safe being around a mare like that who was forgiven with no hesitation.

Shaking her concerning thoughts of the possibly still unhinged mare away, the alicorn began to add diced veggies and potatoes to her scrambled eggs mixture as she started to think about the last member of Twilight’s circle of friends. Which out of the group of ponies the one named Applejack seemed to be the most stable, and non-eccentric of the group, and the most normal. Which made Zack feel more comfortable being around. Aside from being the more approachable one of the group, Applejack definitely seemed to noticed that the alicorn was greatly missing her home, and when she asked about it and Zack told her, the farm pony said she knows how Zack feels as she went through a phase in her younger years, where she was detached from her real family. Even though it was of her own volition, she still knows what it’s like not being with her family. The only down side with her interaction with the farm pony, was when she was brought to the farm where Applejack lived, and saw her interact with her family.

Ceasing the stirring of her egg mixture, Zack just stared off into space as she wondered just how her family was doing. An image of Applejack’s younger sister then came to the alicorns mind, before it was replaced with the image of a tiny little girl, waving her hands, and smiling at her.

“…Latina” Zack whispered as she continued to just stare off into space, before she noticed that her food started to give off a slight burnt smell. “I hope I get to see you again very soon.”

“Whose Latina?” Zack jumped as she heard the voice of Spike, and turning to see the young dragon in the doorway of the kitchen.

“Spike you nearly scared the crud out of me.” Zack said as one of the magical hands she created was placed over her chest.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you like that.” Spike said to the alicorn as he entered the kitchen. “So who is Latina?” the little dragon asked again, as Zack goes back to finishing up her mixed veggie scrambled eggs.

“Latina is my little sister.” Zack simply said as she plates her food, before walking around the little dragon and began making her way to the main dining room, which was mapped out in her head by the mapping spell she learned two days ago. As the alicorn trots off Spike follows after her after getting a quick bowl of gems.

“Do you have any plans for today Zack?” Spike asked the alicorn before popping a ruby into his mouth, and began munching away at it. Before the pair entered the room Zack stopped and gave a small sigh.

“Look Spike, you seem like a good kid, and I don’t want to lose my temper for repeating myself, but I’m not looking for new friends.” the mare said before using her magic hands to open the doors.

“I know, and we don’t have to be friends, I just want to spend time with somepony new.” Spike said as the pair sat down at the table. “Don’t get me wrong. I like Twilight and the rest of my friends, but sometimes they can wear down on me sometimes.”

Zack didn’t verbally reply to the young dragons confession, instead, she just gave a small smile and a nod. The two ate their breakfast in relative peace, only occasionally disturbing the quite atmosphere with Spike asking a minor question or two, and the mare answering them and unlike his caretaker Spike wasn’t really interested in the world where Zack came from, instead he was asking questions centered around the alicorn herself. Like if she enjoyed comics, and if she did what was her favorite, or what her favorite foods were, and Zack answered all of them without actually being annoyed. Unlike whenever Twilight kept on trying to pester her about her world, her species, which only gotten worst after Zack conjured up her construct of her old body, which just made the other alicorn even more irritable with her constant stream of questions. But unlike the other alicorn, Spike was just a kid, so the mare couldn’t exactly get upset at him.

“Hey Zack, can I ask you something?” the mare just nodded as she was chewing one of the last bits of her eggs. “Why do you create those claws whenever you interact with things?”

“You mean this hand?” the mare asked as she waved the magical appendage, to which Spike nodded to. “Well firstly, this is called a hand, not a claw. And the reason I use it is because it’s more convenient for me.”

“Convenient? How?” Spike questioned.

“Because my original form had hands.” Zack simply replied.

“What does your original form looked like?” the alicorn then conjured up her magical construct, fully in color, and had it wave at the little dragon. Who looked really shocked at the sight of Zack’s true form.

“That’s what you really look like?!” Spike asked in relatively excitable loud voice.

“That’s right.” the alicorn said before dismissing her construct.

After showing the dragon her real form the alicorn then left the room, as she was done eating. As she was making her way back to the kitchen the mare started thinking on how to spend her day. Since this world has little in the ways of modern technology used for passing time, there wasn’t much for her to loose herself till something else came up. Also the alicorn didn’t feel like sitting around doing nothing, as she waits for word of her return to her world. Once she had cleaned and washed her plate, as well as the pan she used to cook with, the alicorn then started making her way to the front door of the castle.

“Good morning Zack.” Twilight said as the alicorn walks past the library.

“Hey.” Was all Zack said as she continues to walk towards the main lobby of the castle. Twilight exited the library, and trotted after her twin.

“What are you up to today?” Twilight asked as she caught up to Zack.

“Not sure.” Zack simply said. “I’d figure I just wander around town, and find something to do.”

“Well if you don’t anything planned, I could join you to keep you company, or even help find something we can do together.” Before the pair even reached the steps of the main lobby, Zack stopped in her place, causing Twilight to stop as the other alicorn turned to look at her with a questioning look. The action and look made Twilight look back with a quirked brow of slight confusion. “What is it Zack?”

“…are you sure you’re a real princess?” the question caught Twilight off guard and sputtered out her response.

“What do you mean if I’m a real princess?” Twilight asked in a clearly confused voice as she quirked a brow.

“It’s exactly what I asked, are you really a princess?” Zack repeated, before turning to look at Twilight fully, and continuing. “From what I’ve seen you don’t seem to be hampered by any kind of official royal duties, or be tied up in some kind of political matters. Also you don’t have any actual servants, or any form of a castle staff, or even guards.”

“How does not having guards or castle staff have to do with me being a princess?” Twilight countered, sounding a little insulted that Zack is questioning her title.

“I mean you don’t seem to have no form of protection, in case an incident or enemy attack. As for the not having a staff I doubt you spend all your free time cleaning this massive castle by yourself, also you don’t really seem to have this, aura or attitude of being a royal.” Zack said as she turned to look at the lobby briefly when the two alicorns came upon it. “On a different note, who does maintain your castle? Who cleans it and keeps it spotless?”

“…S-Spike does.” Was all Twilight could say, while Zack just looked baffled.

“You mean to tell me you have a twelve year old dragon, a kid, clean this ENTIRE castle all by HIMSELF! With no help whatsoever?” Zack said in utter disbelief, which Twilight could only nod to.

“I honestly don’t know how to even comment on this, that’s like, abuse of child labor or something.” Zack then shook her head as she decided to change subjects.

“Going back to my state of you not being a real princess. Aside from no guards or staff, you also seem to have a lot of free time on your hooves. The only thing I’ve seen you work on was what looked like documents in the library, before you guys came and tried to make friends with me. But after yesterday’s little tour, you’ve shown that this town has a mayor that could do that paperwork of bills for the town, and other things that involved said town.”

“Well…y-yeah that is, true. But I…ah…” Twilight stuttered as she seemed to try and come up with some kind of reply to Zack’s statement.

“Aside from all that you still seem to have a lot of free time to do what a normal person would do.” Zack then gave a more curious look, like she’s trying to figure something out. “Another thing I like to know is why are you called the Princess of Friendship? It sounds like something a little girl would call themselves in a game, or a fairy tale.”

“I’m called the princess of friendship because when I ascended to alicorn status, it was because I helped my friends by fulfilling a deed that’s worthy of a princess. And that I knew what friendship really meant.” Zack just gave Twilight an odd look like she just watched her look alike sprout a second head.

“…alright then, I won’t even try to figure out what you mean by that. But in any case, what do you ACTUALLY do as a princess?” Twilight took a moment to actually think over her response.

“Well, I do get called in to perform some kind of royal duties, from meeting with delegates, or handling some political affairs.”

“So you do have actual political authority.” Zack stated, to which Twilight nodded, before correcting herself.

“Actually, my political authority is actually the lowest of all the princesses, since I’ve only been a princess for about a year or so.”

“…and the other three princesses haven’t been teaching you how to be one, or anything?” Twilight shook her head.

“No, I’m basically learning on how to become a princess on my own.” Twilight said as she visibly wilted which did make Zack feel a small twinge in her chest. She didn’t mean to make Twilight feel insecure about her standing, but after taking in everything she just asked and stated to the princess, she realized that she was being a little demeaning if not just overly rude in general.

“Look Twilight, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel insecure about your stance on being royalty.” Zack said gently as she tried to comfort the mare, which seemed to work as Twilight had lighten up but still showed some sign of being down.

“Thanks Zack, and I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. But you did bring up a few things that I might want to look into, and see if princess Celestia or her sister can help me with.” Twilight said more as to herself than Zack specifically.

The violet alicorn then said she would be returning to the library to write up a letter, while apologizing to her look alike that she won’t be joining her in her little venture through the town. As Twilight left Zack alone, the lone mare made her way out the front door and began making her way to the town.

“Yo Zack!” a raspy voice called out, causing the mare to look up, and inwardly groan as the alicorn saw Rainbow Dash flying down towards her. “What are you up to today?”

“Nothing really.” Zack simply said to the mare before continuing her walk to the town.

“Well if you want we could hang out. I can even show you Cloudsdale, I bet you’ve never seen a flying city before.” Rainbow said confidently, seemingly trying to impress the mare as she flew beside the alicorn.

“Actually I have, and it’s called Laputa.”

“Wait?! You have flying cities where you come from?” Rainbow squawked in surprise.

“Yup.” Zack simply said as the pair made it to the town.

“Well, what’s it like?!” Rainbow asked, genuinely curious about another world’s own flying city.

“If I wouldn’t tell Twilight about my world, and anything specific to it, I’m not going to tell you anything.” Zack stated as she continued to trot to the town, with Rainbow hovering beside her now sporting a pouting face.

“Sheesh your still that same grump from yesterday.”

“I’m not a grump Rainbow Dash.” Zack as she looked up to the pegasus. “A grump is someone who is sulking, or are in a grumbling manner…like you.” Rainbow snorted at the alicorns accusation. “Just because I don’t want to talk about my world, doesn’t mean I’m a grump. I just don’t think you ponies need to know of my world.” the pegasus just snorted as her tail flicked.

“Fine.” Rainbow said before flying off in a huff.

As the pegasus flew off Zack shook her head before going back to figure out how to spend her time for the day. But as she strolls through the town, every now and then she’ll pass by ponies and their families, and seeing their happy faces stare at her and waved their hellos and good days, just made the mare give a half-hearted smile back. But deep down the sights were just making her feel, even more alone, and worried how her family is doing back home.

‘Maybe I should’ve stayed in the castle…’

~~Earth~~

Standing on the side of the road staring up at her friend’s apartment, Amber looked at the now tarp and wooden plank covered hole on the side of the building, while other construction equipment were laid outside with a van that has the landlord talking to a few workers for the repairs. Turning away from the partially destroyed building, the brown haired girl walked down the street as she makes her way towards Zack’s family home. The girl still can’t believe that after two days of searching, the police haven’t found anything regarding Zack’s whereabouts, or what even caused the explosion that destroyed the apartment. From what she heard either by passing, from the cops directly, or by the news, no one knows what exactly caused the destruction! There was no residue from any sort of bomb that the police could identify, and there was no other signs that there were anyone else in the room, so assault was ruled out.

After fifteen minutes of walking from her friend’s apartment building, Amber eventually reached Zack’s family home where saw a police car parked in the parking lot. Approaching the door cautiously and entering quietly, Amber could see the rest of her friends as well as Zack’s uncle and aunt, while the two cops sitting on a pair chairs. As the girl joins the group and looked into the living room she could see the two police officers talking to Zack’s parent’s, and by the worried and tense looks on their faces the conversation didn’t seem to be going well at all.

“—and that is what our forensic analysis team concluded.” The tall African American cop said to Zack’s parents as he clasped his hands.

“So your saying my son was just, vaporized?!” the older Caucasian man half-shouted, causing the cop and his partner to shake their heads as they attempted to calm Zack’s father down.

“No sir! What our analysis suggest from the blast, and force it must’ve yield, you’re son must’ve been flung out of the building.” The other cop, a Caucasian woman, said as she tried to keep the atmosphere of the room calm.

“Then where is our son!” Zack’s mother nearly screeched, causing everyone in the room, aside from the police, to flinch at the sudden raise in volume.

“We don’t know miss Woodburn. But we have officers looking around the city, and checking any hospitals or clinics that may have helped him. If they have found your son.” The female officer said to try and calm the couple down enough before her partner continued.

“We’ll still keep searching for your son, and keep you updated on anything that we may discover, however…” The cop said as he leaned forward.

“I’d advise you to prepare yourselves, in the case we can’t find your son at the end of the week. Because if we can’t, he will be filed as deceased.”

The family, as well as Amber and the rest of her friends were silent, except Zack’s father as he was quietly growling in frustration. Hands clenching till his knuckles were white. The cops said a few more words of trying to stay positive, and hope that they’re son is alive before they excused themselves and left the house. While the officers left, Zack’s aunt and uncle joined the couple on the couch, trying to comfort them as everyone took in what the cops said and suggested. But Zack’s dad burst from the couch and started to make his way towards the kitchen, followed by Zack’s uncle, while the sound of quite sobbing was coming from Zack’s mother and aunt.

“Miss Samantha, how are you holding up?” Jessica asked the woman as she, and the others approached the couch. The blonde haired woman just shook her head slowly, a few tears starting to swell up in her eyes.

“I still can’t believe that the cops haven’t found anything in Zack’s apparent that could’ve blown it up.” Richard said as he scratches his head, trying to wrap his head around everything that he just heard.

“I don’t know man.” Kyle said as he flopped onto one of the armchairs. “I just wanna know if Zack is alright. I mean whatever caused that explosion, must’ve really banged him up.”

Kyle was then elbowed by Amber who then pointed over to Zack’s mom, who was now crying openly, while Zack’s aunt held her. Kyle sunk into the chair and quietly said ‘Sorry’. Everyone then heard the sound of footsteps moving around from the upper floor, before they heard something coming down the stairs. Tilting her head out of the living room Amber saw a little five year old girl with light brown hair was standing there, holding a stuffed bear and looking very frightened.

“Latina.” Amber said as she walked over to the little girl, who just looked up to her.

“D-did the police f-find my brother?!” the little girl asked with a quivering voice, one of her little hands gripping her shirt while looking up at Amber with a hopeful look in her eyes.

“…n-not yet sweetie, but they’ll find him soon! I promise!”

Amber tried to give the little girl hope as she kneels down, but it would seem it was doing very little to help Latina. Amber then took the girl in her arms to try and comfort her, and was hugged back as the little girl started crying into her shoulder. A groan of frustration was then heard from the living room, before Amber saw Richard made his way out of the living room, and walked towards the door.

“Rich, where are you going?” Kyle asked, getting everyone’s attention.

“I’m going out to see if I can find my friend. The more eyes that are on the look the better our chances to find him!”

With that, Richard opened the door and left. But he was soon followed by Kyle & Jessica, agreeing with their friends words and said they were also going out to help search. As for Amber she decided to stay behind, and try to help comfort Latina, Miss. Samantha, and probably Zack’s dad. Hopefully, her friends can find something that can lead them in the right direction of where Zack is. As they were all going on about their actions, a very gleeful individual was enjoying everything that was going on, as they happily munched away at theater food while sitting in a very comfy looking recliner chair. Watching everything transpire on a big theater screen as a delightful chortle echoed throughout the empty room.

Chapter 5: Shining Armor...You Got Lucky [Edited]

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Chapter 6: All We Can Do Is, Wait

An hour so has gone by since the fight between Shining Armor, and Zack. And things in town were pretty tense, with ponies still on edge from what happened. Luckily, Twilight is talking the citizens into calming down, especially with the help of princess Celestia, who arrived in town after Twilight had Spike send her a message about what happened in town. And things seem to be settling down, but at the hospital…

“OW!" Shining Armor cried out as the doctors gently applied some healing salve to the beat up stallion, problem is that he’s so tender from the beating Zack’s construct gave him, that even a slight jostle to the bed causes aches and pains. As for his wife Cadence, she was lucky enough to only get minor nicks and slight bruises, but right now she was more, upset then in pain.

“This is why I think giving Twilight surprise visit’s, is usually a bad thing Shining.” Cadence remarked after the doctor finished patching her up.

“Well how was I supposed to know that there would be a second Twilight, who isn’t a changeling.” Shining commented before crying out in pain as the nurse applied the last patch of salve.

“I don’t know…maybe by, TALKING to her! instead of just assuming she’s a changeling and attack her!” Cadence snapped back.

Ever since Zack recovered from Shining’s initial attack, and the fight broke out after the alicorn tried to reason with Cadence’s husband, the pink alicorn has tried to play peace maker, but just ended up being hurt in the process. Which only just made Shining more angrier, and causing the mare to strike back when the stallion continued to attack her. the door to the room opened up, garnering the attention of all the ponies, and everypony saw a very disappointed looking Twilight and the mayor of the town…and a very displeased looking Celestia. All of the hospital staff left the room upon the head princess’s order, and once it was only the royals and the mayor, the white alicorn made her way over the Shining Armor’s bed and looked like a thoroughly upset mother, whose ready to scold her child. And that child was the stallion on the bed who is keeping his head down.

“Your wife and sister have both sent me a letter on what happened earlier, and I must say Shining Armor…I’m very disappointed in you.” the stallion remained quiet as Celestia continues.

“Not only did you attacked somepony on the baseless accusation, striking her in the head and chest no less, but you also disregarded a cease fire from the pony you were attacking, and continued to fight which resulted in minimal collateral damage and road maintenance.” Celestia then gave a small sigh before looking over to Twilight, and Mayor Ivory Scroll.

“Miss. Ivory Scroll and Twilight have drafted up a warrant that states, that if you ever come within 155ft. of Zack you will be arrested, and be held in for a maximum of ten days. And speaking of being arrested, because of your transgression against Zack you should be taken in right now, but be warned Shining Armor....you are given a grievous warning if you violate this warrant.”

“Auntie.” Cadence chimed in, getting the older alicorns attention. “What will happen to Zack?” the alicorn gave out another sigh.

“Despite her self-defensive actions, she still engaged in battle with member of Royalty. But i can't fault her for doing what she did in that type of situation. So for the next few days, Twilight I want you, Spike as well as Starlight to make sure she will remain in the confines of your castle, until all of this has settled down.” Celestia then looked over to Twilight. “Do you know where Zack is now, I would think she’s in quite a bit amount of pain from the fight.”

“Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Spike, Starlight and Fluttershy are looking for her right now. I just hope she’s calmed down enough to not lash out at them.”

~~~~~

Applejack and the others were looking around the section of White Tail Woods, where they thought the outbursts of magic Zack was unleashing came from, and what they found when they got to the woods, was a pretty destroyed clearing. Clumps of dirt and rock were covering the ground, along with large holes, and some destroyed and shattered trees littering the area. It looked like a violent storm had struck the woods, and just ransacked everything in its path. Luckily their didn’t seem to be any injured animals in the area, which was understandable, as they probably head for the hills when Zack lets her rage loose on the area.

“She really went all out on this place, didn’t she.” Rainbow commented as she looked over the ruined section of the woods, tapping a leaning tree to see if it was stable. Only to have it topple over and crash on the ground with a loud thud.

“Can’t blame her.” Starlight said as she looks around searching for where Zack could’ve gone. “With the amount of magic she was generating, and by the looks of how her emotional state was back there, she’s built up a lot of magic. if she didn’t get rid of it all, she was going to have some serious head pains, or have a nasty magic feedback to her horn.”

“But did she really have to destroy the woods.” Fluttershy quipped as she hovered around the area. “All of the poor animals here may have lost a lot of their homes, oh, and their probably all terrified and scared of what just happened.” Fluttershy said as she kept looking around for any injured animals, but continuing to find no injured animals.

“Hey girls!” Spike shouted at the mares, getting their attention as he waved a claw. “I think I found her!”

The group of mares rushed over to Spike’s side, where he was standing on the edge of a hole in the ground. looking down through the hole the ponies saw a rather impressive underground spring and waterway, but as they kept looking they found Zack laying on a ledge. As Rainbow and Fluttershy fly down to the mare, Starlight teleported herself, Applejack and Spike down to the mare, but as they grouped around the alicorn they saw a small amount of blood trickling from her nose, and a slight pain expression on her face. the ponies tried to wake the alicorn up, but Zack seemed unresponsive, she even fell onto her side and the ponies could hear the pained groan the alicorn gave as she toppled over.

Fearing that the alicorn might be in real trouble Starlight carefully picked the mare up in her magic, and teleported the whole group to the hospital. When the group appeared in the hospital, Starlight and the others told the staff that Zack needs medical attention. So the alicorn was placed on a gurney, and taken to an examination room. as the unconscious alicorn was taken away, Princess Celestia and the others found Starlight and the rest of the group, and they were told what they saw in White Tail Woods, and the state they found Zack in. now all eight ponies along with Spike, were all waiting outside the examination room for Zack’s diagnoses. Twenty or so minutes of waiting, and three nurses exited the room, followed by the doctor who was writing down on a clipboard.

“Doctor, how is Zack?” Celestia asked the mild-age unicorn.

“She has a slight concussion, but it’s not too serious, she should wake up after a few days.” The group gives a sigh of relief, but the doctor flipped through a few pages while continuing to speak.

“She also has some head trauma, and some of her ribs do show signs of cracking, but some basic healing magic has restored the bones to normal. She also has some bruising, but they were treated, and should fully heal before she wakes up.”

After hearing the results of Zack’s examination, the group thanked the doctor for his work, and they all left the hospital. And simply waited for the mare to wake up. while Twilight and her friends headed towards town, Celestia was talking to the doctor, and was telling him to notify her the instant that Zack wakes up, as she does need to discuss the same topics of what happened today like with Shining Armor.

“Do you think Zack is going to be okay Twilight?” Spike asked as he rode on his caretakers back.

“I hope so, having any kind of concussion can be really bad. We’ll just have to hope that the doctor is right, and that Zack will wake up in a few days.” Twilight said as the group continued to trot. “I still can’t believe that Shining just, attacked Zack just because he thought he was a changeling.”

“Can’t really blame him.” Rainbow said getting everypony’s attention. “I mean their queen did mess with his mind, and their hive pretty much did the biggest wedding crash, not to mention trapping Cadence underground.”

“That doesn’t give him an excuse to just attack the poor mare!” Starlight said. “I may not know exactly what happened, but just because Shining has some history with the changelings, doesn’t give him an excuse to attack somepony he suspects to be one, and just continue to try and harm even when Zack tried to talk and clear things up.”

The ponies continued to go back and forth in wither or not Shining or Zack were justified in their actions, but as they came across the Town Hall, they all looked down the path leading to Twilight’s castle. And seeing the really beat up trail. The ground was really dented, and covered in small holes and craters, with a few busted stalls and other objects that were destroyed in the fight. following the path to Twilight’s castle, the group found a massive hole that was half a yard away from the castle, and looked big enough to fit a ursa minor. There were also smaller holes, or grooves carved around the path, and a few crystal chunks where Cadence created crystal walls to try and stop the fighting.

“It would appear that a lot of work is going to be needed to fix up the road, and fill up those holes.” Pinkie said as she looked around the area, her mane and tail still slightly deflated.

“I’m more surprise in how much power Zack has, it’s almost frightening.” Rarity commented she examined the shattered debris of crystal walls.

“Well from what it seems, Zack is a perfect one to one copy of Twilight, it’s not that far off that she has the same level of magic as she does.” Applejack replied.

“But…I’ve never used so much magic in a fight, even after ascending to an alicorn.” Twilight remarked as she and the group weaved through the holes, reaching the bottom of the steps.

“Well un-like you Twilight, you hold back when you fight, so you don’t greatly injury any pony.” Starlight said as the group trotted up the steps.

“Plus, Zack doesn’t have much experience in being an alicorn, or a pony if what she says about being from another world is correct. So she probably has no way to control her magic as effectively.” The group seemed to agreed with Starlight on that notion as they entered the castle.

“But still…kind of makes you wonder…” everypony turned to look at Starlight as she has a perplexed look on her face, as she looks up at everypony. “Just who is Zack, and how come she is a clone of Twilight…and…what brought her here in the first place? And for what purpose?”

The group looked at each other with their own perplexed and curious looks, as they all finally wondered, just who is this mysterious alicorn. And what is she doing in Equestria?

~~Earth~~

Latina was sitting on the front steps of her school, backpack sitting next to her, as she hugs her legs close to her body while resting her chin on her knees. The little girl was waiting for one of her parents, or her uncle to come and pick her up. normally Latina would be playing an improvised version of hopscotch with a few friends, and waiting for her brother to come and pick her up, where they both would walk home and have a little snack on the way. But ever since her brother, Zack, has been missing for the past four days, she hasn’t been her usual energetic self. She doesn’t know exactly what’s happened to her brother, all she knows is that Zack is missing after something bad happened at his apartment, and nobody knows where he is.

“Hey Latina.” The little girl looked up and saw Amber, one of Zack’s friends, looking down at her with a small smile.

“Hi Amber.” Latina said. “What are you doing here?”

“Your mom called me, and asked if I could pick you up. something big is going on at work for her, so she couldn’t come and get you.” Amber then out stretched a hand for Latina to take, and the little girl grabbed it and allowed herself to be pulled up. once the little girl was on her feet, she grabbed her backpack and followed Amber out of the school yard, the two still holding hands.

The two of them continued to walk down the street, passing by people going about their days as cars zoom past them, but the two didn’t speak with one another, they were just walking to Latina’s home in silence. Amber could tell that her little friend was still in a downtrodden mode, and if she was honest with herself, she was the same. With no news of any kind from the police on Zack’s whereabouts, and that the rest of her friends can’t find him after checking any of the places they think he was, wither he was injured or not. As the pair continue walking, they come across the neighborhood 7-ll, and an idea comes to Amber’s mind as to lift Latina’s spirit up, even if by a small bit.

“Hey Latina, do you wanna get some ice cream?” the young woman asked as she looked down at the little girl, as they stopped in front of the store. the little girl looked at the store, then gave a small smile and a nod. “Alrighty then, let’s go get some ice cream!”

The two then walked into the store, which was pretty packed with people, and headed to the back of the store where the ice cream was store. Reaching the large case of ice cream where the two looked at the veritable types of ice cream, and were deciding on which type of ice cream they should get. Little Latina chose the Oreo waffle cone ice cream, while Amber opted for a simple ice cream sandwich. With their chosen frozen treats in hand, the two made their way to the counter, where Amber payed and the two headed out of the store and sat down at a nearby bench, and began eating their cold treats. As the two ate their ice creams, they watched people walk in and out of the store, and past them as they went about their days, but after a few minutes of eating Amber noticed that Latina wasn’t eating anymore.

“Latina.” Amber said as she looked worriedly as she looked at the little girl. Latina didn’t say anything for a moment, but eventually she broke her silence when she looked up at the young woman.

“Amber…do you know when I’ll get to see my big brother again?” Amber visibly cringed as she tried to figure out how to answer Latina’s question.

“I…I don’t, know.” the young woman said as she leaned forward a little, while Latina looked a little more, depressed. But Amber turned to look at the little girl, and gave a small smile. “But I’m sure we’ll get to see him soon, when the police find out where he is.”

Latina gave Amber a hopeful little smile, as she hopes that what Amber says is true. The two continue to eat their chosen ice cream, before heading off for Latina’s parents’ house. But as the two made the final stretch to the house, they saw two police officers exits the house before walking past the pair, giving them a polite nod, before entering their car and drove off. Entering the house where they found Zack’s uncle sitting on the couch, leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees.

“Uncle Tom?” Latina said to the middle-age man, causing him to look up at the two.

“Hey bugga-bo.” Tom said to his niece before looking up to Amber. “Thanks for picking her up Amber.”

“No problem…did the police say anything about Zack?” Tom slowly exhaled through his nose before responding.

“They say that since their search at the local hospitals, and clinics all came up with nothing.” Latina and Amber looked at each other with worried looks at Tom continues to talk. “Nobody matching Zack’s description, or condition has been documented in their records…”

“So, what does that mean?” Amber asked while Tom looks at Latina.

“Honey, could you head up to your room?” Latina hesitated to do what her uncle asked her to do, but after a moment the little girl walked up the stairs. Tom waited until he heard the little girl open, then close his door, before looking at Amber and gestured her to sit in the recliner chair across from him.

“So…what did the police say?” Amber asked as she sat in the chair, while Tom rubbed his face before speaking.

“…they said that since Zack hasn’t appeared in any hospital, and because of the level of destruction of whatever bomb blew up his apartment…” Tom stared down at the floor as he continued. “He couldn’t have survive that explosion, and since there is no body, or remains, the police said we should just—”

“Just consider him dead?”

The middle-aged man just nodded his head to the conclusion that Amber came to. The pair remained sitting in silence for a few moments, until Tom’s brother, Zack’s, and Latina’s father, entered the building. When he asked what’s going on, Tom explained what the police concluded in their search of Zack, and what they said they should do since they couldn’t find his body. Of course Zack’s dad wasn’t happy to hear that the police were, basically giving up already and proclaiming that his son is just, dead, and that they should prepare for the worst.

As the two men talked about what they should do, Amber just leaved the house and began making her way to her own apartment, a sadden look on her face. stopping at a cross-walk, the girl looked skyward and just, stared into the vast sky, and silently prayed that her friend would turn up and show them, that he’s just fine. But…in the end, the only thing she can reasonably do, is wait and see what the future holds.

Chapter 7: Deep Wounds

Author's Note

Firstly, I would like to thank all of you, my beloved readers of this story I’ve cooked up. this is probably my most viewed story, with the most discussions about it. I love talking to you readers in the comments about the story, and answering any questions you have, without trying to spoil anything story-wise. So to all who read this fic, thank you! :pinkiehappy: :twilightsmile:

Chapter 7: Deep Wounds

Three days have gone by…a whole week has passed since Zack just disappeared into thin air, and because there’s been no sign of a body, or any information regarding on his whereabouts after the explosion at his apartment, the police advised Zack’s family to consider him, deceased. His family refused to believe that their son was dead, but…reality is telling them that they must accept this fact, that their son is no longer with them.

The chapel was full of people, all friends, family, and good acquaintances, all wearing black clothes and very somber looking expressions on their faces. All of them quietly talking to one another until the funeral finally starts. At the end of the chapel on a table with flowers, a burgundy coffin laid on top of the table with the picture of Zackery Johnson, however the coffin was empty of any body of any kind. Stepping up to the podium just off to the side of the coffin, Zack’s dad stood before the small crowed of people who all took their sets, ready for the service to begin.

Walking up to the podium, garnering every ones attention, and making them take their seats, Zack’s dad stands before everyone with a somber look that he’s been wearing for the past few days. As the middle-age man waits for everyone to take their seats, he looks through the speech that he’s written down, running through it in his head as he prepares to bid his son farewell. But even as he does so, the fact that his son’s body is not even in the chapel, or the damn coffin just a foot from him…so he can’t even give a proper sendoff…its eating him from the inside. Taking a minute to compose himself Zack’s dad looked out to the small crowed, and spoke.

“Good day everyone, my name is Alexander Johnson and first off, I would like to thank each and everyone of you that came here today. For today we say farewell to Zackery Johnson.”

“To many of you in this hall, he was a dear friend that you could rely on, and expect to be there when you needed a shoulder to lean on, or simply be an ear to listen to whatever you have to say.” Zack’s friends lowered their heads, as their eyes started to tear up.

“To others he was a beloved son, older brother, and many other things that are related to him by blood.” Zack’s mom and Latina, aunt, uncle, a few of his cousins, and his grand parents all looked upon the coffin with sadden looks. “While he may be a little abrasive at times, especially when he focus on his work—” everyone gives a small chuckle, as each one has a specific memory of this side of Zack.

“And yes he can be a little hard to deal with, but whenever it came to those he consider family or great friends, he was undoubtedly the most reliable person one could ask for, as well as being someone that always put others needs before his own.” Alexander then took a small breath, mostly to calm himself down as his emotions spiked a bit, as a memory of him and Zack spending time together came to him.

“But today, we bid Zackery Johnson farewell. As Fate has decided it was his time to pass on from this world.” Alexander then scanned over the small crowed. “But before we send Zack off, anyone who wishes to give him any parting words, or share a story about him, may come up and take the stand.”

As Alexander walked away from the podium, Kyle was the first to walk up. as he walked up to the coffin the young man placed a hand on the wooden surface, giving it a small rub before walking over to the podium.

“I remember during high school I was way behind in my studies, because I was to busy messing around, and if I didn’t improve soon…I would be held back a year!” Kyle said as he shared one of his more prominent memories with the crowed about his lost friend.

“Zack and the others have tried to help me, but I just kept brushing them off, thinking they didn’t know what I was going through. Or at least that’s what I always told myself. But when the time came to it, and my parents showed me that if I didn’t something soon, I wouldn’t get into the college I wanted. So I swallowed my pubescent pride and asked for help…”

“I said no!” Zack practically shouted at me as I stood in front of the front door.

“You didn’t want my help, or Jessica’s, Amber’s, or Richard’s help to make up for your poor grades when we offered it to you, so you can do the work yourself!” after shouting at me Zack was about to slam the door in my face, but I managed to stop him and begged.

“Come on man I really need your help, if I don’t pass these make-up exams I’ll be held back a year! Which could ruin my chances into getting into the college I want to go.” I remember Zack giving me this rather annoyed look as we just stood there. eventually he finally caved in, and stepped away from the door to let me.

“If I’m going to be tutoring you Kyle, you better give it 100%, otherwise you’ll be doing this on your own.”

“I practically smiled that he agreed to help me with pumping up my grades, but I knew that I slacked off, Zack would make good on his promise in stop tutoring me. and for the next week, Zack stayed by my side and spent his free time of his own studies and personal time to help me, and because of that I was able pass my make-up exams.”

“And from there, Zack and I became even tighter as friends, in fact…whenever I’m in a jam and need someone to talk to and help me out, Zack was always there for me. The only regret I have in life, is that while Zack was always there to help me whenever I needed it, I never tried to be there for him whenever HE needed my help.”

Once Kyle has shared one of his memories with everyone, he made his way to his seat where his backpack sat, and after digging through it Kyle pulled an old copy of a star wars novel book. After looking at it for a few seconds, the young man made his way over to the coffin.

“I know you’ve always loved reading this buddy, so here.” Kyle said as he placed the book inside the coffin. “A little something for you to read while you're in heaven, in case God doesn’t have a killer library.”

When Kyle was finished he slowly made his way back to his seat, while Richard walked past him and giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder while giving him a small smile. Before he stepped to the podium Richard stood before the coffin, looking at the picture of Zack with a small sadden frown on his face, he then placed what looked like a CD case in the coffin next to the book. After placing his farewell gift in the coffin, Richard then stood up to the podium.

“I don’t think Zack and I have any heart warming memories like Kyle does, but even if we didn’t have any special moments, but I really appreciated the time we had with each other. Wither it was simply spending time together, or even going on whatever crazy adventure our group decides to do, Zack was a good friend to simply be around with.” Richard said as his frown turned to a small smile as he looked back to the coffin, his smile remaining on his face.

“I hope you have a good afterlife buddy, and when it’s my time to join you, let’s share a drink together.”

The crowed thanked Richard for share his feelings of simply bonding with Zack, and gave a round of light applause as he stepped down from podium and allowed someone else to talk and share. Amber then made her way up to the coffin while holding something in her left hand, when she was in front of the coffin Amber lowered her hand into it and slid a silver pendent with a moon on top of the book. Once she’s placed the pendent down, she strolled over to the podium before she began sharing.

“I’ve never been good at making friends, especially when I’m by myself. And it only gotten worse when I gotten into high school.” Amber thought back to those days.

“It happened when our teacher told us to partner up so we could do a shared project, which kind of sucked because this was just the beginning of the semester, and we were just getting seated in. and because I was so shy and meeting new people has always been a challenge for me, this seemed to much for me. and that’s when Zack and I first meet.”

Amber then started to tell the story of how she and Zack began their friendship, which started off as an awkward encounter when becoming partners for a science project, but as the days gone by and the two worked on their project together they began to become friends bit by bit. There were times where they did get on each other’s nerves, like how Amber’s timidness grated the young man's patience, but Zack’s sometimes lack of empathy to new people also made it difficult to communicate and act properly to others. But over time and once their combined project was over with, the pair managed to actually become fairly good friends, they even began hanging out after school.

“We became pretty close, and Zack even helped me in boosting my confidence, so I can meet new people without biting my own tongue. If it wasn’t for him helping me to be the more outgoing person I am today, I’m not sure who I would be…” Amber’s smile then faded away as she stares blankly at the podium. “…and now, my best friend is gone, he’s gone…” she started to tear up as she continues speaking.

“He’s gone a-and I’ll n-never be…be able to t-tell him…how much h-he…he—” Jessica quickly rushed over to Amber’s side as the flood gates really started to flow.

After Amber was taken back to her seat, other people made their way to the podium, and told stories, or their favorite times with Zack. Some tried to lighten the mood up with funny stories, and it seemed to work for the most part, but for every two good stories, there was one person who couldn’t keep their emotions down. And they two began to tear up.

An hour or so has gone by, and the service ended with everyone standing outside, watching as Zack’s coffin filled with gifts and personal belongings was lowered into its final resting place, while a minister gave one final prayer for Zack’s well being in heaven. Once the grave was filled up, and everyone has left the graveyard and headed home, except for Kyle, Jessica, Richard, and Amber. They stayed behind and just around the grave, all of them just sitting there and staring at the head stone.

“…I still can’t believe he’s gone.” Jessica said as she fidgeted with her hair.

“I know.” Richard said as he ran a hand through his hair. “I still wish we know who blew up his apartment, and for what reason.”

“Same. But…there’s nothing we can do, and the police are stumped about everything that happened. Hell, they don’t even know what type of bomb did the deed.” Kyle said as he scratched his head in irritation.

“Even if we wanted to do something, I don’t think Zack wants us to go looking for trouble.” The other three looked at Amber as she talked. “I’m upset that he’s gone, but I know for certain that Zack would want us to continue with our lives.”

The other three looked at each other and nodded in agreement. Whoever did this was beyond them, and even if they did know who did the deed, they had no reasonable way to confront them. The four friends remained sitting at Zack’s grave for a few more minutes, but as the sun began setting they all rose to their feet and left the graveyard, leaving their deceased friend to his peaceful rest.

~~Equestria~~

Zack’s eyes slowly started to open after a few days of being closed, eye crust built up, and her vision blurred but even so the alicorn could see that she was in some kind of bland looking room. Confused as to where she was the mare tried to remember what happened, and that’s when her mind snapped to the image of that white unicorn that tried to kill her! the mare’s thoughts were brought to a stop when the door to her room opened, and saw Twilight and a smaller pony walk in, who looked like nurse. And when they saw and noticed that Zack was awake, both ponies rushed over to her.

“Zack, are you alright, how are you—” the alicorn was stopped as her double placed a hoof on her muzzle.

“Easy Twilight, I just woke up. and I still feel groggy, so, go easy okay.” Zack said as she slumped onto the bed, as the nurse began to look her over.

“That’s understandable since you’ve been asleep for about three days.” The nurse said as she checked Zaq’s vitals, which spiked slightly as the mare’s head jolted up.

“I’ve been out for three days!” both Twilight and the nurse nodded. “Damn…if that stallion ever shows his face to me—”

“Don’t worry Zack. My brother has been dealt with, and he has been told of what would happen if he comes within a set distance of you.” the nurse then moved over to a table and began writing on something, while the alicorn looked up to her twin.

“And what about his attempted murder?”

“M-murder?!” Twilight gasped, getting the nurses attention who looked, shocked.

“Yeah, you know…for trying to blast my head off my neck, or blast a hole in my chest!” Zaq groaned, but winced as her head pulsed with minor pain. Like the headaches ones get for sleeping to long.

“Miss. Zack I’d advice you take it easy.” The nurse said as she made her way over to the bed. “While 90% of your wounds have been healed, you could still have some internal injuries that could flare up.” Zack gave a small nod as she re-adjust herself on the bed, before looking back at Twilight.

“Even if you try to deny what I just said Twi…believe me when I say this…if I was my old self, or possibly a normal pony, your brother would have certainly killed me.”

Twilight didn’t argue with Zack’s state and claim, which surprised the alicorn, as she figured that she would be defending her brother vigorously. But the truth of the matter is unknown to Zack, is that Twilight has been wondering about this very fact. If the alicorn was any pony else, or even in her old form and Shining attacked her because he thought she was an enemy and attacked, Twilight was certain that Zack would have died. After the nurse had finished checking over Zack, and seeing that she was recovering rather well the mare then asked the alicorn if she would like something to eat, which after a moment of consideration the nurse left to get something. Leaving the two alicorns alone in the room.

“Zack, I hate to tell you this just after you woke up, but…because you fought a member of royalty—”

“I’m being punished for it. despite defending myself.” Twilight gave a small nod, while not looking to happy right now.

“Even if it was self-defense, you attacked a member of the royal family. But Celestia say's that you were in your right to protect yourself from my brother, but given how everypony is still on edge, she wants you to remain at my castle for a few days.” While Twilight was being serious, Zaq just snorted at her statement.

“So i'm basically being put in house arrest?” Zack stated as she looks up at her twin, who is rubbing the back of her head with a hoof.

“It's not necessarily house arrest, more like....uhhhhhh....extended seclusion from the general public?” Zack just gives a very tired, yet annoyed, groan after hearing this little bit of information. while gives a sheepish smile.

“So long as no other pony tries to kill me, let alone attack me…then I don’t care right now.”

A moment later and the nurse came back with a trolly in mouth, yuck, and pushed to the side of the bed revealing the food on top. A simple bowl of tomato soup, and a grilled cheese sandwich with a glass of water. As Zack ate her meal both Twilight and the nurse left, letting the mare to rest up till she was fully healed up. once she finished her food, the alicorn just laid there on the bed staring off into space, and is just trying to recall everything that has happened to her. but so far only small bits and pieces are coming back, and they were all of that freaking stallion who seemed to have this look of righteous indignation on his face. groaning in annoyance, a sliver of frustration, the mare tossed and turned onto her other side and tried to get some more rest, which you would think would be hard for someone who woke up after sleeping for three days. But after an hour of just laying there in relative peace and quiet, Zack soon fell back asleep.

“Celestia and Luna better find that way home back, soon.” Zack said as she yawned. “Because if I now have to deal with others mistaking me for something else, and just attack me…I might actually go nuclear on them.”

As Zack drifted off to sleep, Zack tried to think of something to get the nasty ‘taste’ of Twilight’s brother out of her mind, so she could relax peacefully…and that’s when her four friends appeared in her mind, all of them smiling back at her. a joyful smile then crept onto the alicorn’s muzzle, as old memories of her friends start playing in her mind, helping her fall asleep in more comfortably.

“Don’t worry guys.” Zack said with another yawn as she was fully drifting off to sleep. “We’ll be…together…soon.”

Chapter 8: Things Seem To Be Getting Better.

A day has gone by since Zack has woken up, and when Twilight returned she came with Celestia and Cadence. At the moment the alicorn was getting one final check-up, mostly to ensure that no lingering wounds remained. As she was being examined and seeing if she needs any other medical attention, Twilight, Celestia, and Cadence were standing off on the other side of the room, all of them waiting for the alicorns exam to end while looking a little anxious, Cadence especially.

“Alrighty then dear, your all healed up now!” the nurse said to Zack as she just finished giving the alicorn an physical examination. “But I do advise you to take things easy, just in case something pops up. but if something does feel wrong, come straight to the hospital.” Zack snorted as she hopped off the bed as the nurse trotted to a table, and began filling out some paperwork.

“That shouldn’t be too much of a problem, as I’ll be under house arrest for the next few days.” Zack muttered as she turned to look at three other alicorns in the room. “Which I still think is bull shit considering I was DEFENDING myself from a trigger happy stallion.”

“Again I apologize—”

“I don’t need your “sorries” barbie doll.” Zack said harshly as she cuts off the pink alicorn.

“I want to know why I’m being punished for not trying to get killed, AND! Why the guy who attempted to murder me, because he thought I was something called a changeling, and is literally getting away with attempted murder…with only a slap on the wrist!” Celestia took a step forward as she began talking to the slightly annoyed alicorn.

“Firstly Zack, I am deeply sorry that the ex-captain of our guard attacked you, for speculating that you were a member of an enemy faction.” Zack’s tail flicked in annoyance, while she gave a somewhat irritated and deadpan look. “And you being secluded in Twilight's castle is not a punishment dear, its more of a way to prevent any further, provocations.”

“You’d think I wanted to—”

“No, no, no! that’s not what I meant Zack.” Celestia quickly said. “It’s more of a way of telling you to remain in a safe place, so that this type of situation doesn’t happen to you again.”

“It sounds more like i'm being set to glamours prison?” Zack remarked.

“I assure you Zack that is not the case." Celestia says as she's tries to reassure Zack that she is not in trouble.

"It's just that as far as any pony in Ponyville knows, you and the prince were fighting one another for some reason, and think that if you are willing to fight royalty. Then who’s to say you won’t go fighting everypony else, wither they did something to you or not. But over the past few days, we've managed to calm down the towns ponies for the most part, and they have generally calmed down, and understand the circumstances that lead to the fighting. So the towns ponies no longer think that you are threat, and have nothing to worry about, but we're also trying to make sure that you aren’t going to be pressed or fussed over by the paparazzi. Who would undoubtedly try to turn this mess into an even bigger one, especially if they find you.”

“…that…actually makes some sense.” Zack said after giving it some thought.

“And as for Shining Armor…” Celestia turned to face Cadence who trotted up to her aunts side.

“I’m not sure how much you know of our world’s law and past. But…murder is virtually un-heard of in Equestria.”

“So what?! Even if you guys don’t have any cases, or records of murders, you should know how to deal with them when they pop up.” Zack argued with the pink alicorn.

“We do.” Celestia says to the smaller alicorn.

“At this moment, Shining Armor has been stripped of his rank of Canterlot’s Captain of the Guard, and is suspended from all military affairs until further notice, and is being held in custody at the castle, for the attempted murder of an innocent individual on a baseless assumption of you being a member of an enemy faction. Until further notice, Shining Armor will be contained and be unable to see Cadence…or his daughter until I deem otherwise.”

Cadence’s eyes started to tear up as she looked away, even Twilight was starting to tear up. Zack looked at two alicorns with a soften expression, and even seemed to have a look of, regret?

Once the details of both Zack’s and Shining Armors punishments were cleared up, Celestia teleported herself and the other alicorns to Twilight’s castle, which caused Zack to get a strange sense of vertigo. But it passed after a few seconds. After arriving at the castle Celestia then told the limits of her supposedly, house arrest, while she is restrained to the castle she is able to leave. But only if she is accompanied by Twilight, as a means of assuring the towns ponies that nothing will happen, which seemed fine to Zack as she plans to just keep her distance until she can go home. Which Celestia seems to have a have a slight lead on, which made the violet alicorn actually smile and look genuinely happy.

“So, I’ll be able to go home soon!”

“I only found references of a way that might work.” Celestia corrects. “I’ll need some time to research and study, and see if it leads to anything more concrete before I have anything solid.” Celestia then bid the others farewell for now as she needs to get back to the castle.

“Well, now that everything is taken care of, and Zack is all fixed up. I’ll be heading off back to the Empire.” Cadence said as she began making her way off to the castle’s doorway. But the mare stopped as Zack spoke up.

“Hold on.” Turning to look at the violet mare, with a slightly surprised looking Twilight standing beside her, the alicorn trotted up to Cadence with an un-readable expression on her face. when the two were standing face to face with one another, the un-readable expression morphed into a more, softer looking one. “…I’m…I’m sorry.”

“Eh?” was all Cadence and Twilight could say, after Zack spoke. Cadence recovered quickly from the out of nowhere apology, and looked down at the other mare with a very puzzled expression. “What are you sorry for?” Cadence asked as her baffled look remained on her face, while Zack looked back at her while looking like a scolded puppy.

“I’m sorry for what happened between your husband and me, as well as for…injuring you when you tried to stop us.”

Both Twilight and Cadence were surprised to hear this confession come from Zack, Twilight especially was surprised by this unseen turn of events. Up until now, she’s only seen her double-ganger be either stand offish with others, be abrasive, or just simply angry. So seeing Zack be so, polite and remorse, was really unexpected for the violet alicorn. Cadence then gave a small smile and a patted the smaller mare on the shoulder with a hoof.

“Thanks, and I’m also sorry that I couldn’t be as much help, or being able to stop my husband.” Cadence said with a small amount of shame in her voice.

Twilight was just dumbfounded to see this softer side of her look alike, and see that her sister-in-law was actually getting along with Zack, or at the very least look like they’re starting to get along. Once the apologies were made, and both alicorns have given one another a forgiving hug, instigated by the pink princess, Cadence left the castle and made her way to the train station while giving one final goodbye to Zack. Who returned the gesture in kind.

“I’m…surprised.” Twilight said to other alicorn as the doors closed.

“At what?” Zack asked as she turned to face the other pony.

“You being, nice.” Twilight said as she used her wings to gesture to Zack, who just gave a puzzled look. “I mean, ever since you got here you’ve been…well…”

“An ass.” Zack’s words seemed to cause the mare to cringe as she said them, but she nodded all the same. “I already told you Twilight, I’m not here to be friends or have parties, or anything else…I just want to go home and be with my friends, especially with my family.” the alicorn dropped to her haunches as a really worried look came over Zack’s face.

“The longer I stay here, the longer that my family worry about me, and wondering what has happened to me if they find out I’ve been gone. My parents are probably freaking out, my little sister—oh god I can’t even imagine how Latina is taking this! I always pick her up after school, and it’s been a whole week!”

Zack started to mutter to herself about how everyone back home must be feeling, and was starting to look like she was on the verge of tears. Trotting up to her side, Twilight sat down next to Zack and hesitantly brought her twin into a hug, which the other mare didn’t seem to resist or shy away from. Half a minute or so Zack recovers from her little emotional moment, and thanked Twilight for the hug before stating she was going to head off to her room, Twilight asked if she needed anything but the alicorn just kept walking up the steps, and made her way to her room. Twilight watched as her look alike disappeared behind the upper floors pillar, and wondered what she could do help cheer Zack up, however anything that came to mind just seemed pointless. The only thing that would seem to make the alicorn happy, was just to go home, and be with her family.

As Twilight sat there in the main foyer the sound of somepony blowing their nose caught Twilight’s attention, causing her to look around the large chamber. But there was no pony around.

“What was that?” Twilight asked herself, before a thought came to her, as well as a small sigh. “Discord…are you spying on me again?”

The alicorn waited for the lord of chaos to make some kind of appearance, or just pop into existence…but strangely enough…Discord didn’t show up. instead, a small message on a piece of paper popped into existence, right in front of Twilight’s face. the note simply said, Discord is currently out, please leave a message after the beep, before the piece of paper rolled back up and disappeared in a small flash of light, accompanied by the sound a duck quack. Deciding not to question Discord’s strangeness, Twilight made her way to the castle doorway, and flew off to Sugarcube Corner to get something that hopefully Zack would like. But in truth, she need to think about a few things.

~~~~~

The door to Zack’s room opened as the mare trots in, still baring the same sadden expression. Closing the door behind her the mare made her way to the bathroom, where a pair of magical hands prepped the tub, a nice hot shower—or in this case bath—always helps her feel more relax. Stepping into the tub and laying down, the alicorn laid against the tubs side and waited for the water to just submerge her. little by little the tub fills with water till it reaches her withers, once there was enough water one of the magical hands turned the facets off to cut the flow of the flow of water.

Zack gives a long relaxing sigh as the hot water warms her body, her wings fluttering under the surface, causing the water to jostle a little. As she relaxes in the bath, Zack turned her head to look out the window, and just stare off into space and began wondering what to do for her house arrest. Reading is valid option, but reading could only go so far on its own, and from the initial tour around town the ponies level of technology is either steam-age, or retro-age material, so modern convenience is out of the question…

“Unless Twilight can get one of those arcade machines installed in the castle.” Zack mused as she continued to lay in the hot water.

“I guess I’ll just have to find some other way to keep myself occupied.”

While the alicorn contemplates on what to do for the next three days, her horn ignites and a naked version of her old body appeared beside the tub, and began washing the rest of Zack’s body by gently pouring water over her head. as the construct washes the alicorn down, she began turning her attention away from keeping herself occupied, and was now focused on her family.

One of her memories that came to her mind was the day that Latina was born. When she first that tiny little baby, he heart soared with joy, she was just too cute! For the next two years that Zack lived with her parents’ house, before moving out, she spent almost every day playing with Latina, keeping an eye on her, even seeing that little baby girl waddling around always brought a smile to Zack’s face. The alicorn’s construct wiped away the tears that were forming in her eyes, before going back to washing her down. Even after she had moved out of her parent’s house, Zack made it an effort to always be in her life and be there for her.

~~~~~

Twilight has reached her intended destination, and lands in front of Sugarcube Corner with a soft plop on the ground, as her wings folded against. As she walks into the confectionary the princess of friendship, seemed to be a dreary state, like something was just eating at her and she couldn’t put it out of her mind. She then spotted all of her friends off in the corner of the shop, talking to one another while eating pastries, before they stopped and walked over to Twilight.

“Twilight, how’s Zack?” Starlight asked her mentor.

“She’s alright, she headed for her room before I came here.” Twilight responded. “I’m assuming that she’s either going to be asleep, or is just wanting some space.”

“And how is she taking her house-arrest?” Rainbow Dash asked as she hovered over the group.

“She actually seems to be taking it very well, for the most part.” Twilight said to her friends, who all seemed to be surprised to hear that Zack wasn’t as, upset, as they initially thought.

“At least she’s not causing a ruckus.” Applejack said with relief. She then noticed that Twilight has a worried look on her face. “Twi, what’s wrong?” the others looked at Twilight, and saw that she does seemed to be troubled by, something.

“…” the alicorn didn’t initially say anything, which only caused her friends to be more worried.

“Come on Twily you can talk to us about anything, so tell your best friends what’s wrong.” Pinkie Pie chirped as she bounced to the mare’s side.

“…I’m just realizing…how I was taking Zack’s situation so, nonchalantly up until this point.”

“What do you mean Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

“Even after saying several times that she’s from another world, we just thought it was nothing, and that the princesses will help her out. But…we’ve never took it seriously. She’s hear all by herself, no pony she knows is here, and she’s scared that she’ll never see her friends, her family, or her little sister that made her almost look like she would have a panic attack!” the other six mare’s seemed to finally notice this fact, as their pleasant expressions devolved into, slightly concerned looks. “She has no idea why’s she here, or what even brought her here, and all of us are just treating it like it will be fixed like, that!” Twilight emphasized as she scoffed the ground with a hoof.

“And all we’re concern about is just trying to make her feel like she’s having a vacation, instead of trying to comfort her and tell her that things will work out, and she’ll be able to see the ponies she deeply cares about.”

It pained them to admit it, but…Twilight was right. all this time not one of them took Zack’s situation seriously, and thought she was just exaggerating everything, and thought this would just blow over once Celestia or Luna figure out a way to help her. none of them even considered how Zack must’ve been feeling, how it is being all by herself among strangers, and in a world that’s supposedly different from hers. They’ve all also seemed to understand why Zack always sounded so, annoyed, angry, or just out right frustrated with them, as they all treated her like somepony who just needs to relax and spend time with ponies she doesn’t know. Pinkie started to make her way to the back of the shop, but was stopped when Twilight spoke up.

“Pinkie, where are you going?” Pinkie looked back to Twilight with a determined look in her eyes.

“What I do best! Make ponies feel better…but this time, I know what NOT to do and what TO do.”

With that Pinkie trotted into the kitchen and the sound of pots, pans, and other things being collected, or moved about could be heard. The others seemed to have a slight grasp at what their friend was up to, and simply waited for Pinkie to come back to them, and that hopefully whatever it is she’s doing will help Zack feel better.

~~~~~

Zack released a very relaxed and relieved sigh as she walked out of the tub, and was starting to be dried off by her magical construct rubbing her body down with a towel, and brushing her wings with a brush. This soak in the tub was probably a bit to longer than usual, but after everything that’s happened recently, she thought a nice soak was well deserved. And it helps that the tub apparently keeps the water nice and hot as the moment its poured into the tub. Once she was done being dried off, and a little groomed Zack re-entered her room and started to wonder what she should do.

“Maybe I should just stock-pile up on a lot of books, and just read.” Zack mused as she made her way to the door. But as soon as she was about to open the door, someone knocked on the other side of the door. “Who is it?”

“It’s Twilight. The others are here with me, and…we want to talk to you.” Twilight said to the alicorn. “But only if you want to talk.”

Zack ran the request through her head for a moment. Honestly right now she doesn’t want to be around anybody, at least for the time being, but it sounded like Twilight had something important she wanted to talk about. So pushing aside her own comfort for now Zack created a magical hand to open her door, and found Twilight and her friends all on the other side, and they all looked like they’re really troubled by something. After giving the group a once over, Zack stood off to the side and allowed the seven ponies to trot in, with Pinkie being the last one to enter the room, while carrying some kind of box on her back. once the last of the ponies was in the room, Zack closed the door and turned to look at the group.

“So, what is it want to talk to me about?” Zack asked skeptically as she stood by the door. Twilight made her way to the front of the group before speaking.

“We’ve come to say that we’re sorry.” All seven mares bowed their heads in apology, which just seemed to confuse Zack.

“And what are you apologizing for?” Zack asked, now even more suspicious of the ponies.

“We’re apologizing for not taking your situation serious darling.” Rarity said to the mare. “Twilight brought to light the real depths of your conundrum, and how we thought it was just a minor thing. so please, accept our apologizes for not taking your strife more seriously, and how you must been feeling all this time.” The seven mares bowed their heads again in hoping that Zack would accept their forgiveness, but as they wait for a response from the alicorn, Zack could only think of one thing as she stares at the group.

‘…they’ve only now just realized the gravity of my blight?!’ Zack thought as she looked upon the group. ‘These mares are either very insensitive towards others…or their incredibly dense. But…’ the seven mares glanced up at Zack who is just standing there, but she seems to have a small smile on her muzzle.

“Apology accepted.” The seven mares all looked glad that Zack accepted their apologies. Pinkie then made her way over to Zack, and with a quick pop of her haunches, sent the box she was carrying up into the air, before catching it with a hoof.

“I know you said you don’t like sweets, but I made the best savory cake I could make.”

Pinkie then removed the covering over the box, and showed a really dark brown, probably a devil’s food cake. Zack was then offered a fork that Pinkie pulled out from the covering, where she used her magical hand to take it while Pinkie split the cake into eight even pieces. Once the cake was divvied out, Zack took her slice and took the first bite, while Pinkie and the others watched her eat. Swallowing the small piece she took, Zack looked down at the pink mare with a neutral expression.

“It’s still to sweet Pinkie.” The pony gave a defeated sigh, but Zack took another bite of the cake. “But it’s not too bad.”

Pinkie smile actually looked like it was going to split off her face, at how happy she was that Zack actually liked one of her creations, and is actually eating it. Pinkie then started to give the other slices of cake to her friends, as each pony was given their own slice of cake, Twilight looked over to her look alike.

“Zack. I know you don’t want to talk about you’re world, or the ponies that live there. but maybe we could just…talk.” Twilight asked Zack the alicorn, just so she and the others could help her feel not so alone in Equestria. Even if they aren’t friends. As the mare chewed on her latest bite of cake, the alicorn trotted over to her bed before hopping on it, before she levitated several pillows over to the other mares.

“We'll talk for a little a bit, but nothing to personal or—”

“About your world, yada, yada, we know.” Rainbow said as she pretty much ate her piece of cake in big bites, nosily chewing while everypony else took moderate bites. Zack gives a small sigh as she takes another bite.

‘Still as aggravating even when your trying to be chummy.’ Zack thought as she gave a slightly deadpan expression, while Applejack smacks her upside the head. “So, what is it that you girls want to talk about?”

From that point onward, till it was late afternoon Twilight and the other mares talked with Zack, all of them actually getting to know the alicorn better than just who they initially thought she was. By the time it was a couple of hours till night time, all of Twilight’s friends left the castle while giving the wayward alicorn words of encouragement that she will get home, which the alicorn was grateful for. once it was just the inhabitants of the castle, Zack decided to make dinner for the others, as a show of appreciation that Twilight and the others now being aware of the alicorns state. Things seem to be looking up for both Zack, and the seven mares, and hopefully things continue to improve for the better.

But while things are looking up for the ponies in general, someone is thoroughly enjoying the events that have been taking place, and is eagerly waiting for more spectacles to occur in the future. Although, with how everything has been going on, the individual believe they might need a buffet line, rather than a theater snack stand for this real life film!

Chapter 9: First Day Secluded in the Castle

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Chapter 10: Curiosity – Clop (Skippable)

It’s the second day of Zack remaining in the castle, and as expected…she was really, really, REALLY bored out of her mind. Transitioning from a world with so many convenient ways to pass the time, and occupy ones schedule with modern technology, was really jarring and lead to a quick one way trip to Boardsville. While reading was indeed a good way to pass the time, Zack has to admit that reading books can only do so much, same with studying magic with Starlight and Twilight.

“It’s really starting to feel like I’m grounded, with nothing to do to for fun.” Zack grumbles as she tries to figure out what to do today, as she looked at the pile of books off to the side of the room.

“I’ve already read more than half the books in Twilight’s library, and I’m already bored of what the ponies have.”

Usually when Zack had time on her hands, she would either watch TV, play a game either on her consoles, PC, or work on some of her own writing. Or she would have her job to take up most of her time. But at the moment there wasn’t much to do, so for the past few hours after waking up, bathing, and having breakfast, the violet alicorn was just laying on her bed. Just lying there and staring out a window, while occasionally bring up a book and read a few chapters before losing interest. A sigh escapes the mare as she tries to figure out what to do for the day, but nothing was coming to her mind, in fact, the lack of activity was making the mare tired. She even nodded for a few minutes before waking back up.

The mare rolled onto her back as she continues to think of what to do to pass the time. But as she rolled over, the mare felt not only her exposed balls shift, but also her new orange size teats jiggle. Looking down her body the mare gazed at her perky new assets.

“…It’s strange how these things look more like human breast, than normal equine teats.” Zack mumbles to herself as she studies her little mounds.

Ever since she’s awaken in this new world, and in the body she was now sporting, the alicorn has been rather, curious about her new body. Sure it was mostly that of a mares, but her body still has some aspects of her old body, though the most noticeable was the pair of balls dangling between her legs, and the dark lavender cock that slides out of its sheath when in use.

During her time in Ponyville, and being around twilight and her crew, Zack has caught a few glances at the mares taking peeks at her rear. It didn’t bother her though, after all, being nearly the same height as the ponies, she’s seen her fair share of other ponies genitals, be they male or female. But there was thing she noted about mares though, while their genitals looked like what a normal equines would appear to be, the way that the ponies overall bodily design is crafted, they did not look unpleasant. Same goes for her own labia, when she got curious at what it looked like since she was now a hermaphrodite, although like her human cock, her labia looked more human in appearance than equine.

“Actually, now that I think about it, it’s so weird how these ponies not only have some aspects of humans to them.” Zack says to as she thinks about the pony race she’s seen so far.

“But how they act, have some physical traits to humans, and even have things in their world that look like what could be found on Earth.”

As the mare continues to look down at her lower region, a random thought came to her. Even before being brought to this world, it’s been a while since she’s…relieved herself. Although, with her being a pony, she would wonder on how a mare would actually pleasure herself. As hooves are still too bulky for a pleasant experience. But that’s when another thought came to her.

Zack’s horn sparked with magic for a moment, before the magical hands she’s come to rely on appeared above her, before floating down to her perky teats. And began gently knead them. As the hands continued to grope the supple mounds, the mare feels a tingling sensation rub up her body, and cultivate down in her groins.

“Okay. This actually feels pretty good.” Zack said as she really starts to enjoy the self-groping. As the mare continues to revel in the action, she starts to notice that her dick was starting to emerge from its sheath.

“Well, since I’m already groping, might as well give the old boy his due.”

The mare then created another hand and was about to give herself a hand job, but she stopped before the hand wrapped around the hardening phallus, and stopped the hands that were groping herself. Flipping back onto her stomach the mare then shuffled off the bed, and made her way to the bathroom, where she searched the cabinet for any kind of lubricant. But unfortunately there wasn’t any kind of lubricant.

“Well, guess the ol’ stiff isn’t going to be getting any work today…unless…”

Zack looks over her shoulder, and to plush pony plot. Igniting her horn again, Zack creates a single hand, and a small bowl out of magic, where it is levitated under her groin while the hand is posed in the general spot of her cooch. Once everything was set up, Zack spread her legs just enough and peered under herself, seeing nothing but her purple cock. Then once she was ready, Zack motioned her hand to her crotch, and began to delve the magical digits into her folds. Now this was a new type of sensation that the alicorn was unsure how to feel about. On the one hand it feels strangely good as she feels something wriggle inside, especially around a familiar spot she knows pretty well. But on the other hand, this was a strange sensation that causes some flags to be risen, mostly that this is not normal.

After a minute of fingering herself, and feeling herself becoming moist, Zack removes the magical hand away from her and found it to be lubed enough for her purposes for the afternoon. There was even a small amount of her juices in the little bowl, in case she needs a bit more to help her along.

“Never thought I’d be doing this to myself, but…it would be a good way to kill some time at the very least.” Going back to the bed the mare began to give her ramrod member a hand job. “But before doing anything.” Zack casted a silence dome over the room.

“There, that should keep anyone from hearing me. God knows the acoustics in this castle are both incredible, and ridiculous. And for added measure—” Zack said as she casted a lock spell on her rooms door. “This should keep anyone from just entering without knocking.”

Once all measures were taken care of, the mare made her way onto bed, and once she got comfortable began to stroke her member, moaning pretty loudly as her cock feels a little more sensitive than what she remembers from her old body. Just as she started to ramp up the speed of the hand jerking her cock, the mare creates three more hands, two of which began to grope her teats, while the third starts to really delve into her marehood.

“Okay…this…” Zack pants through moans as she collapses to her side, the hands still working her body parts to maximum pleasurable experience. “Is actually…freaking amazing!”

Another minute of being jerked, groped, and fingered, the mare starts to feel her climax approach. So before she tips over the edge, the alicorn horn ignites once again and splits the bowl made out of magic, and place one at her rear end, while the other is used as a condemn. And just in the nick of time, Zack gives a deep moan as she climaxes, cuming from both her marehood and cock. Thankfully, the smaller bowls have managed to catch every drop of the clear mare cum, and the globs of sperm being ejaculated from his dick.

“That was fucking awesome.” Zack panted as she recovers from the duel climax, while levitating the two small bowls to the restroom to deposit their contents into the toilet. But as she revels in her high, something came to the alicorns mind.

“I’m not sure if it’s my new body, or that I just came from both ends…but that went faster than usual.” Zack mumbled as she looks up to the clock on the nearest wall. “Seriously, all of that lasted three minutes? Usually I can go for about five minutes, at least by myself.”

After she has fully recovered from her high, the alicorn undid the spells on her room, and door, before leaving and heading to the library to look up how long ponies sex last. If there is such a book in this castle…although by what Spike says about his ‘caretakers’ thirst for knowledge and having almost every kind of book…it shouldn’t be to much of a stretch that the bookworm pony has books on the subject.

Reaching the library the alicorn flaps her wings, and began searching each row for a book that even remotely comes close to what she’s seeking. And after a few minutes of searching, Zack has found a few books, one about pony life styles, and physiology and biology. Sitting on one of the chairs in the room, the mare begins sifting through the books contents of pony biology, and after going through a third of the book the alicorn eventually found what she was looking for.

“Here we are, the reproduction and copulation time period of ponies. a very literal title, ever there was one.” Zack muttered to herself as she begins reading internally.

The study of pony reproduction is one of Equestria’s most curious mysterious, as the act and stages are most unusual from other races of Eques. When it comes to birth rates of males and females of the pony race, many scientist and researchers have documented that the birth rates are far more skewed than that of other races, in which that instead of a fair balanced scale, ponies will generally give birth to fillies 90% to even 92% of the time, leaving the remaining 10% – 8% births being colts.

As of yet, no pony understands why this ratio of pony births are the way they are. Many doctors have studied on the subject, but no conclusive evidence or answer has been found, and even with testing on volunteer mares to see how they would reproduce. There has been no changes to birth ratio of foals.

“Wow…I mean I knew that the gender ratio was way off balance, but this!” Zack muttered as she continued.

“Must suck to be mare if you can’t find a single guy.” After commenting on what she has just read, the alicorn continues to read the book.

Aside from study the physiology of the mares, studies on stallions have also ended up with the same results. When the DNA study of a stallion sperm have been made, the results still showed no prominent answers on why colts are still born less than fillies.

Another study on stallions—whether it is related to the topic at hoof—is trying to increase the overall sexual stamina of stallion. Some ponies believe that because stallions have such low libido levels, is because their own hormonal levels are far to low to impregnant mares with a colt. So because of this many doctors have tried to increase a stallion own viral libido to last more than two minutes, before they fell ‘tapped out’, leaving the mare whose own libidos can last for hours.

“…yikes!” Zack said with a sharp intake. “Now I KNOW it sucks to be a mare in this world, if your man looses steam after a two minute run. Leaving you high dry while you can go on for a marathon.”

“But I guess since I’m partially male, the longest I can go is probably two minutes as well. However I still feel like I can go for another round or so.” After talking to herself for a moment the alicorn went back to reading the book.

Zack kept reading through the book, even after reading what she initially wanted to know, for about another hour or so, before the mare closes the book and shelving it as she makes her way back to her room. but even after she’s read what she needed; Zack was still confused on why she came so much faster than what her old body was used to. So upon making it back to her room, the alicorn re-applied the spells she casted earlier, and began to conduct a little experiment of her own…but this time, she was going to have a little, help.

“This might be, BY FAR, the weirdest thing that I’m about to do to myself.” Zack said as she trotted to her restroom, her construct of her old body following behind her. Where she enters the tub, and props herself up on the edge while flagging her tail.

“Okay big guy, let’s see if I have both reproductive times of both stallions and mares, or I only have the male one.”

The construct climbed into the tub as its physical form changed from being clothed, to be fully naked with an erect cock ready to go. Once the construct was in position, Zack looked over her shoulder to see that she was just to small, and that the construct’s member was just sitting on top of her flanks. Raising her herself up a little Zack got into a better position, which allowed the construct to finally plunge into her cannel, causing the mare to gasp in shock and surprise. While her body twitches.

“So that’s how it feels, when a cock enters you.” Zack’s voice quivered as she tries to get used to the sensation of having something enter inside her, and what is inside her.

After a few moments of getting used to the feeling of being stuffed, Zack commanded her construct to begin thrusting, gently of course. And so the hard light being did as it was told to, and begin thrusting its hips into the mare, causing her body to shift forward and back with each movement, while also getting actual satisfying moans from the alicorn. As the construct continued to thrust into her, Zack’s brain was having many sensations and comments on how she feels right now, but ultimately the mare was just enjoying the very odd yet thrilling state she was in.

“Let’s add a little more, stimuli.” Zack said as she commanded the construct to lean over her body, and use one hand to stroke her throbbing cock. “Oh yeah, just like that~”

Just as the construct begins to increase its thrusting, and the jerking motion on the alicorns cock, the mare gives a guttural moan as she climaxes from both her marehood, soaking the construct’s still trusting hips, and her cock coating the tub’s interior with cum. But even after climaxing the construct continues to plunge its shaft into the mare, while still jerking the mare’s dick, extending the climax for another few moments before the stopped.

“O-okay I think I’ve h-had e-enough!” Zack mumbled as she commands the construct to stop, to which it did and removed it’s member from the thoroughly plunged hole.

After the construct and Zack has split their joint union the construct faded away, while the alicorn caught her breath and waited for her legs to stop being jelly, and the sense of emptiness has subsided the alicorn collected herself and cleaned up the mess she made, before stumbling out of the tub and back into the main room.

“Well…that was an experience I doubt I’ll never forget.” The mare says as she collapses on her bed, while disabling the spells she placed…only to hear rapid knocking on her door. “Who is it?”

“It’s Spike.” The voice of the dragon called out. Zack used her magic to open the door for the little dragon, allowing him to walk in. but after taking a step into the room, Spike’s nose started to sniff around for a bit.

“What’s up Spike?” the alicorn asked the little dragon.

“Strange. You’re room smells like Twilight’s room does sometime.”

“What do you mean?” the alicorn asked as she leaned up on the bed and gave a curious glance at the baby dragon.

“Well, you see some times Twilight locks herself in her room—even at our old place—and she won’t come out for an hour so.” Spike said as he took another sniff of the air. “And when she leaves the room, it smells like she was burning some boysenberry flavored candles.” Zack took a sniff of the air, and while Spike smelled around, she quickly sniffed her crotch area…and noticed the smell was her!

“So were you burning a candle or something?” Spike asked as Zack quickly laid up.

“No.” she fibbed, managing to look normal. “But aside from the smell, what’s up little guy?” Spike turned to face the mare, who was giving him a board expression.

“Well I wondered if you want to play a game with me, and a friend of mine.”

Zack rolled the thought over in her head, mostly to show that everything was normal, and that she wasn’t jerking herself off or getting fucked by a construct of her old body. And as she actually thought about it, the alicorn decided that playing a game would also help pass the time. Agreeing to the idea Zack said she’ll catch up a moment later, but it was mostly so she could wait for her limp dick to fully slide back into its sheath. Spike ran out of the room after telling the violet pony to meet up in the castle throne room, and once he was gone, Zack went into the bathroom again and quickly filled her tub with water, filled it with soap, and just dunked herself into it.

“If Spike can smell my stink, then I don’t want anyone else to.” Zack mumbled as she scrubbed herself. “Especially if this friend of Spike is older than him, and knows what my stink is.”

After a minute of deep and thorough scrubbing, especially around her nethers, the mare used a spell to dry herself off, before proceeding to trot to the castle throne room.

Chapter 11: A Favor Regrettable

Author's Note

sorry for the long wait for anyone who'se been waiting for updates, been busy with other fics and projects. but hopefully you enjoy this chapter. now remember, the events that take place in the actual MLP:FiM show will be tweaked and changed for the purpose of this fic. so please keep this in mind, as the OG of the Ep. this chapter is based on has a few things changed.

Chapter 11: A Favor Regrettable

The sun was barely just above the horizon, when a deep rumbling sound, and massive quake shook the entire castle, which caused Zack to jump out of her bed and land right on her ass, causing a painful jolt to run up her spine as she tipped over onto her side. Aside from the pain that shot up her back, the alicorn also felt the last bit of the shaking leave the castle. After recovering from, whatever it is that happened, Zack got up to her hooves, magical hand being created to sooth her sore butt.

“What the fuck just happened?!” the alicorn squawked in both fear and frustration, not exactly being happy to wake up via quake level rumblings. Exiting her room the alicorn went about to search for Twilight to learn WHAT caused that rumbling, and if its frequent. Along her search the mare found Spike rushing through the halls.

“Spike! What the hell was that quake?”

“No clue, but I have a pretty good idea on who caused it.” as the little dragon continues to waddle off, Zack’s pace slowed as a thought came to her.

“…someone CAUSED, the quake?” the thought didn’t linger too much, as Zack was now even more confused, and a little terrified as she chased after the little dragon. Eventually though the pair came upon the library, and upon entering the room they both saw Twilight and Starlight, among all the books in the library scattered about the floor.

“Anyone of you two want to explain the mess, or the QUAKE SCALE RUMBLING THAT KNOCKED ME OUT OF BED!” both mares jumped when they heard Zack’s, less then nice voice.

“Oh Zack, eh heheheheh sorry about that we might have gotten, just a little carried away with magic practice.” Starlight said, as a later came crashing down, causing a few books to scattered. Zack just gave a raised eyebrow as she said.

“Clearly.” Both ponies chuckled at the mess apparently they made, but before anyone could say anything, Starlight made her way to the center of the room.

“But don’t worry I’ll have all this cleaned up in no time.”

“How?” Spike questioned as he and Zack joined Twilight.

“Well, as you know, speed spells like Accelero are not easy. But if done correctly, they can allow you to be much more efficient with your day.”

The light purple unicorns horn was lit with magic for just a second, before Zack watched her become a blur of colors matching her mane, coat, and highlights. The blur ran about the library’s interior, picking up mounds of books, and the furniture of the readying room before all of the books were shelved neatly. While the ladders, tables and chairs and the few lamps were placed back up and in their proper places. Once the cleaning was done, the blur darted back in front of the trio, where Starlight saw Spike and Twilight looked impressed, while Zack just looked tired and still grouchy.

“Way to go Starlight!” Spike complimented the mare, which got a short chortle out of her.

“Oh, I’m not finished.” Starlight blustered.

“I’ve discovered a very old spell, Similo Duplexus. When combined with Accelero in just the right way…” the unicorns horn then swirled with magic as she gathered up power, before she was bathed in light, where an exact duplicate of Starlight swooshed off to the side. “You can literally be in two places at once!” once her little demonstration was over the clone was sucked back into Starlight when she canceled the spell.

“Now, I’m finished.”

“Great.” Zack said getting the others to look at her. “Then would you mind not causing any more castle shaking, i would like to get my proper eight hours of sleep without thinking the castle will collapse.”

“Sorry Zack, we didn’t mean for things to get out of hoof.” Twilight said before turning back to Starlight. “But I do have to admit, your skills with magic really are nothing short of amazing. I’m very impressed.”

“I’ve always been something of a natural.” Starlight tooted her own horn as Zack shook her head before making her way to the exit, and going back to sleep.

“However, it doesn’t look like you’ve tackled any friendship lessons since you moved in.” that statement caught Zack’s attention as she turned to look at her double.

“What do you mean by friendship lesson? Actually what the heck is a friendship lesson” She questioned as she approaches the group. That’s when Twilight indulged into one of her favorite pass times, explanation of vital information!

“Well you see, a Friendship Lesson is where Starlight studies the magic of friendship by interacting with ponies, with a set goal in mind. And during this process will she learn the values of friendship!” Twilight said with a level of pride and excitement, but as the alicorn looked thrilled at the prospect of the assignment, Zack just looked at her twin with some mild confusion.

“You’re kidding right?” was all Zack could say, causing her look-alike to look at her with a befuddled look.

“What do you mean?” Twilight replied.

“Are you really saying that you’re making Starlight, a grown woman—err mare—engage in ‘learning’ friendship, a life experience that has VARIOUS of VARIABLES in how people interact with each other, and see if they have chemistry with each other or not…as if it was a school project for class?” Twilight and Starlight looked at each other with a little bit of confusion of their own, before they both looked back to Zack while Twilight replied.

“Yes?”

“…” Zack didn’t say a single word, but the flat almost perfectly neutral expression on her face seemed to tell the two mares, that she was not amused by the response. “I’m going back to bed now.” With that emotionless response, Zack made her way out of the library and back to her room. but as she was trotting about she couldn’t help but let out some statements about what she just learned.

“I have a feeling that whatever this ‘friendship lesson’ is going to be, it’s going to go down the drain fast, and hard. I mean, you can’t teach someone to be friends, or how to spend time with people you just to…do it! You can’t just teach someone how to be friends.” reaching the corridor of where her room resides the mare opened the door and just dropped to the floor, still half asleep despite the rude awakening.

“Then again…this world does have some unusual social economics, so I wouldn’t be surprised by this. I mean, if these ponies are so friendly to throw parties for absolute strangers…” Zack then looked down the corridor for a second before continuing.

“And give someone like Starlight, with a checkered past, pretty much a clean slate from her crimes without any kind of trial or anything.” While still conscious, Zack created her construct, which lifted the mare up with little ease and dumped her body onto the bed where she quickly fell back to sleep.

“Well whatever this friendship lesson is, it can’t be too bad.”

~~~~

Roughly two hours have gone by since Zack went back to sleep, and after a bit more sleep she decided to finally wake up just as it was turning nine o’clock. Once she had, and took a quick bath, the alicorn departed her room and went about to get something to eat, and instead of making anything to time consuming, the mare opted to make some oatmeal with slices of banana and strawberries and a good cup of coffee, with a side of peanut butter toast. With breakfast in hand, figuratively speaking, the mare made her way to the dining room.

“Finally awake Zack?” The voice of Twilight called out as she, and Spike, were walking towards violet mare.

“Yeah.” Zack simply said as she took a sip from her coffee. As she did so, she noticed the large suitcase Twilight was levitating, Spike was lugging a pile books around. “And where are you two off to today?”

“We’re going to Canterlot. Princess Celestia wants me to give her students a quick overview of enchanted objects in Equestria, we’ll be back after the presentation, which should be—”

“Twenty moons from now.” Spike quipped with a sour tone, expression, to Twilight.

“Tonight.” Twilight remarked as she looks back to Zack. “It’s a quick presentation.”

“Sure. Keep tellin’ yourself that.” Spike muttered.

“Anyway, we should be back sometime either later afternoon, or at night.” Twilight then looked at Zack with a questioning look. “But before we go Zack, can I ask you to do me a…favor?” both Spike and Twilight gave the alicorn a confused expression.

“…you’re already asking me to do you, a favor?” Zack asked before taking another sip of her coffee, and a bite of her oatmeal. She has a feeling this is going to drag on for a bit.

“I know I shouldn’t, since we’re not that close. But while we’re gone, you’ll be the only one here, and I would like you to keep an eye on Starlight.”

“And why do you want me to keep an eye on her?” Zack asked before taking another bite from her bowl.

“Because I feel that she’s been neglecting her friendship lessons on purpose.”

‘Gee, I wonder why.’ Zack mental quipped before swallowing then talking. “Fine, I’ll do it. but don’t think you ask me to do these favors so long as I’m here.” Twilight wrapped her twin in a hug, nearly causing Zack to spill her breakfast.

“Oh thank you Zack, I promise this will not be a recuring theme.”

“Twilight…boundaries, please.” Twilight quickly detached herself from Zack who now looked just a bit miffed.

“Sorry, I keep forgetting you don’t like hugs.” Zack groaned as she brought a hoof to her face.

“I like hugs Twi, but I still don’t think WE—” she gestured between the both of them. “Are close enough, or acquainted enough to just hug someone out of the blue, without some kind of consent or invitation.”

“Sorry. But still, thank you for doing this favor for me.”

Once Zack agreed to look after Starlight like a baby sitter, Twilight and Spike bid the alicorn farewell as they made their to the castle entrance, and made their venture to Canterlot.

After eating breakfast the violet alicorn was off to see how the other pony of the castle was doing, and as she approached Starlight’s bedroom door and giving it a few knocks, Zack could hear something shuffling about before she opened the door. When the door opened Zack looked around the room, which looked pretty normal by human standards, and found Starlight sitting at a desk, while acting like she’s doing something.

“Hey Starlight, I just came to tell you that Twilight asked me to keep an eye on in case you need anything, while she and Spike are off in Canterlot. Do you need anything right now, or…” Zack said to the mare who quickly started to blurt out long series of words.

“Nope! Not at all! I’m good here, not good, great in fact! Not a problem in the world!” the mare then threw on a probably the worst fake smile Zack has seen in her life, plus the way that the mare just acted, was pretty clear something was bothering her.

“Uh-huh.” Zack simply said before asking. “So…what are you doing exactly?”

“I was…” Starlight said as she tried to come up with something. “Just trying to decide which ugh…Friendship lesson I was going to tackle while Twilight was away! Yeah that.”

The mare then began looking around her room for these friendship lessons, which Zack saw were sticking out in her garbage bin next to the desk. Using her magic to create her magical hand, the alicorn plucked the slips out of the bin and gave a curious glance to the unicorn, who seems to be sweating a little when she watched Zack grab the slips.

“Are these the lessons you’ve been looking for?” Zack simply asked as the magical hand waved the slips.

“Oh, yeah. Right that’s where I left them…” Starlight said in a nervous tone as Zack looked the slips over, actually curious what a friendship lesson is. She still thought that teaching how to be friends is ridiculous, but nevertheless she was still curious.

“Lets see, what do we got here. Bake a cake with Pinkie, scrapbook with Applejack, sew with Rarity—” Zack heard Starlight groan as she continues to read each task. “Then we have helping an animal with Fluttershy and finally…chillax with Rainbow Dash? Seriously?”

“I don’t even know what chillaxing is either.” Starlight bemoaned.

“It just means to relax and mellow out, but trying to sound ‘cool’ in the process.” Zack replied as she turned to face the mare. “Look Starlight I may know what this silly friendship thing is about, but if your nervous about these lessons—”

“Nervous, me!” Starlight faked a chortle as she trotted over to the alicorn. “Oh Zack you are a kidder you. Do you really thin I’m nervous that I’m going to fail something as simple as baking a cake?”

“Well, if you were, it would be—”

“Silly right!” Starlight cut Zack off in mid-sentence as she swipes the cards from the magical hand. This of course made Zack slightly crossed that she was just cut-off, but Starlight doesn’t seem to notice this, and continues on with her ranting.

“Twilight just said how impressed she was that I combined a speed spell with a duplication spell. Now, THAT! Was a challenge!” Starlight then spread the cards out in front of her so she could read them herself. “I could combine all five of these at the same time without even breaking a sweat.”

“I think you missing—” Again Starlight cuts off Zack mid-sentence.

“An opportunity to really impress Twilight?! Great idea, Zack! I’m gonna get right on that, good talk!” the excited mare said before trotting out of the room, leaving Zack to stand in her room, looking bewildered.

“I have sinking feeling that what she’s going to try and do, is going to go down in flames.” The alicorn said to herself worriedly as she trots off after the unicorn.

Once Zack had caught up with Starlight they left the castle, and headed out into Ponyville to collect all of Twilight’s friends like in a fetch-quest game.

After finding the pony they needed for this plan that Starlight is cooking up, the unicorn explained to the pony to meet her at Twilight’s castle for a friendship lesson, which they were pretty happy to do. Even if it stopping whatever they were doing beforehand. For example, Pinkie Pie & Rarity were more than happy to drop their duties at their respective shops, to do their friendship lesson. Even Applejack was willing to dump her load of farm work on the rest of her family, as she gathered up everything needed for a scrap book. The pegasi of the group were the easiest, as Zack and Starlight found Rainbow just lazing around on a stray cloud, and Fluttershy was just at home looking after her animals.

Once the five mares were collected, all seven mares trotted back to Twilight’s castle, where upon entering the foyer Starlight began to tell the other five ponies of her plan to tackle each friendship lesson, at the same time.

“Are you sure about this Starlight?” Applejack commented after hearing Starlight’s admittedly rushed, and not-so-thought through plan. “Maybe you should take your time with each of these lessons.”

“But! By working as a team we can get them done faster.” Starlight countered Applejack’s question. “And besides, isn’t teamwork a key factor in friendship?”

“Yeah, but not when you try to approach it like this.” Zack remarked as she hung in the back, but it seems Starlight didn’t catch her remark and just started to tell her plans to the others.

“Pinkie Pie, since we’re baking, you will be in the kitchen.” The pink mare smiled before puffing her cheeks up like a squirrel with nuts in them.

“Rarity and Applejack why don’t you two set things up for our lessons in the library.”

“Oh, I don’t know that the dusty old library has the proper lightning lighting we need for sewing darling. Perhaps we can stay out here in the foyer?” Rarity said to the other unicorn.

“Actually I thought that Fluttershy and I could work with the animals in the foyer.”

‘And…here comes the confused and jumbled up disorganization of an un-planned get-together.’ Zack mental lamented as she watched Fluttershy begin to talk about her ideas for where to handle the animals, and Starlight just haphazardly listening them, before basically telling her to shut up as she continues with her plan. But that’s when Rainbow came swooping by.

“I don’t know if we can chillax properly in the castle. We need very specific conditions for optimal chillaxing.” Zack just snorted at that statement which got Rainbows attention. “What’s so funny?” the pegasus asked.

“Rainbow you don’t need to make chillaxing sound like it’s a big deal. All you need to do is find a nice quite place, and just relax.”

“That’s not chillaxing!” Rainbow countered.

“Yeah it is. You’re just trying to make it sound cooler, and be more of a chore than it needs to be.” Zack said to the cyan mare who just scoffed and bolted off.

When the pegasus shot off to who knows where, Zack went back to the focus on Starlight and the others. And it seemed that every time Starlight makes a suggestion about what to do, one of the other ponies would comment on why she shouldn’t do this before doing the thing with them first, as well as saying how long their activity will take. This all appeared to be too much for the unicorn to take in, and bolted out of the room and galloped towards the library.

“Wow. That pony really needs to chillax.” Rainbow said.

“No. she just needs to admit that she’s taking this whole lesson thing in the wrong direction.” Zack commented getting the others attention. “She’s treating these lessons like a school project, with a deadline to get them done, and trying to impress her teacher.” The violet mare then groaned as she rubbed her forehead with a hoof.

“This is why you can’t teach a life experience like making friends in a ‘teaching way’. It’s all about trial and error, see if your compatible with the person you want to be friends with, and see if create a bond and not just be strangers that just happen to know each other.” after finishing her little rant Zack looked towards the others who all seem to be giving her a weird look. “What?”

“It’s just…you sounded a lot like Twilight just now.” Applejack said.

“Well considering she’s a doubleganger of Twilight, that’s to be expected right?” Pinkie remarked.

“Yeah except Twilight doesn’t ‘sound’ like her.” Rainbow said.

“Of course I don’t because I’m me.” Zack chuckled slightly. “But anyway, this whole thing is silly and unnecessary. I mean, when you five meet Twilight did she have Celestia teach her this way to be your friend, like its a school class project?”

“No.” Rarity simply said. “Actually our first meeting with Twilight was—wait!” Rarity stopped as she saw something. The others noticed something come flying out of the library.

“What is—” Before Zack could say anything the, thing, exploded into a blinding flash of light…and everything went, blank.

~~Starlight~~

After the blinding flash of light had dissipated Starlight emerged from the library, and gazed upon her hoof work, and found all of Twilight’s friends as well as Zack standing like statues, all of them having blank stares. When she realized what her combination of spells have done, the unicorn activated the spell to give the other mares their commands. Starlight then gave each of the mares their desired task, Pinkie went to the kitchen, Applejack and Rarity made their way to the library, while Fluttershy was told to stay put and Rainbow was ordered to find a spot in the castle to, chillax.

“There. now let’s—oh right.” Starlight said as she passed by Zack, who was still standing still like a ponyequin. “What should I do with you Zack?”

“Whatever you want me to do Starlight Glimmer.” Zack said in a traced like manner. Starlight hummed as she heard this.

“Anything I want…” the mare looked at the alicorn, and a idea came to her mind.

“That means I can learn what kind of world Zack came from, and what her people are like.” Starlight then looked at the alicorn as she gives her an order. “Zack, why don’t you head the library as well, and wait for me there, I have a few questions for you.”

“As you wish Starlight Glimmer.”

Zack then made her way off to the library, while Starlight headed to the kitchen to bake the cake with Pinkie. But when Starlight began listing off items need to make a cake, she noticed Pinkie’s forelegs just stretching and grabbing items before putting them into the bowl. So the mare decided to leave Pinkie behind to make the cake herself.

After leaving the kitchen the mare noticed that none of the animals that Fluttershy brought were not with her, and when she questioned the pegasus where the animals went, Fluttershy simply stated that they ran off. Starlight then ordered the butterscotch mare to go find the animals and bring them back to foyer, which she did without hesitation. Just Starlight was about to make her to the library, Rainbow Dash informed the unicorn that she’s found a spot to chillax, which the light purple mare was happy to hear as the cyan pegasus flew off to finish preparations.

Entering the library the light purple mare looked around the room, finding Applejack and Rarity situated at one of the two tables, while Zack was sitting on the couch. Deciding to start things off with Rarity, as dress making takes just as much time as cake making, but when Starlight asked what kind of dress she and Rarity should make, the white mare simply said whatever Starlight wanted. So the unicorn simply told the fashionista to create a dress from a magazine she pulled off from the shelf. After instructing the white unicorn what to do, Starlight headed over to Applejack’s table, where she and the apple farmer began talking about random stories about the Apple Family, but Starlight was finding these stories boring and left the farmer to just talk to herself. Now the mare was off to where Zack was sitting.

“Alrighty then Zack, time for you to answer some questions that I’ve been holding back because you asked us not to ask them.”

“Whatever question you have Starlight Glimmer, I’m more than happy to answer them.” Starlight smiled as she leaned forward in the chair she sat in.

“Okay first question, what is world like?”

“How do you mean Starlight Glimmer?” Zack questioned.

“I mean, compared to Equestria, what’s it like?” Starlight clarified.

“Well first off unlike Ponyville or Canterlot, my world is more advance technology wise, and has various forms of methods that can occupy ones times aside books. Furthermore its not as blindly or grossly over colored like your world, which is so brightly colored it honestly hurts my eyes.” While Starlight was a little hurt to hear that her world is somewhat inferior to Zack’s, she was even more curious.

“What do mean by more advance technology?”

“To put simply, compared to Earth, Equestria’s level of tech is basically pre-industrial. You still use a steam train, have no form of refrigeration, and you still use candles and basic lamps. Not to mention you’re writing tools are still quills and inkwells. And that’s just the surface level.” Starlight was really getting drawn in with each word Zack says about her world, and her curiosity only grows more as the mare continues.

“Starlight!” Rarity called out, pulling the mares attention away from the alicorn. “I’ve finished the dress.”

“Not now Rarity, Zack was about to—”

Starlight was then cut off by the sound of pans, trays clattering and great deal of other things falling onto the floor. Getting up from the chair the mare trotted to where the sound came from, and found a mess! There were indeed pans and trays, and cooking sheets, and other baking supplies with ingredients, all jumbled up in half-baked cakes and other culinary treats. Pushing through the mess Starlight found Pinkie still busy at the table, eyes glued to the book as her forelegs flail about and haphazardly toss ingredients into the mixing bowl.

“Pinkie how—what?! I left you alone for only a few minutes, how in Celestia’s name did you make all of this?!”

“Well firstly I add the vanilla, and then I—” the pink mare was silenced—via her mouth being magically sealed—and was then lifted into the air by Starlight’s magic.

“Actually never mind I’ll figure this out later.” Starlight said as she carried the mare out of the kitchen and out into the foyer, where she found all the animals Fluttershy brought cowering down the hall.

“Where’s Fluttershy?” the bear then pointed off to the side where Starlight turned to look, and jumped back as she found the pegasus, covered in snakes, spiders and a but that’s roosting under her mane.

“I did as you asked of me Starlight Glimmer, I found all the animals in the castle, and brought them to the foyer.” The mare said in her dazed voice.

“Starlight, I finished the dress you asked for!” Rarity said as she came trotting up to the mare, holding a drawing of the dress from the magazine.

“Rarity I thought you were going to make an actual dress! Not a drawing!” Starlight groaned.

“But you asked me to make a dress exactly like the one from the magazine.” Rarity countered.

“I meant sew a dress that looks like the one in the magazine, but bigger!”

“Actual dress. Right, very well Starlight.” Rarity said as she tossed the drawing to the floor, and stomped on it. “Make a real dress but bigger.”

“Exactly!” Starlight said with a minor bit of relief, only to watch Rarity snag the rug out from under the animals, and trotting off to the library. where the mare then heard Applejack say.

“They may take our farm, but they can’t take our freedom!” the light purple unicorn groaned as she rubbed her eyes with her hooves.

“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.” That’s when the mare’s nose started to smell something, burning? Looking up she saw a huge smoke cloud drifting throughout the castle foyer.

“Where is this smoke coming from?!” Pinkie mumbled something through her sealed mouth, which caused Starlight to undo her restricting spell. “What did you say?”

“I said: the cakes in the ovens are burning, you didn’t take them out.” Starlight then galloped towards the kitchen, where smoke and a good amount of fire was coming from. Some of the cakes, and even the tools and cook books were catching fire, only making even more of a mess!

“We need water!”

“Yes Starlight Glimmer.”

The voice of Rainbow Dash called out before the pegasus shot out of the castle, and not even a few seconds later the unicorn saw storm clouds being moved in by several other pegasi. A moment later a resound ‘CRACK’ echoed through the air, before the sound of rain came falling down over the castle. However the sheer quantity of rain that came pouring down over the castle was so much, that it flooded the entire castle, and while it did wash away the fire and the mess Pinkie made in the kitchen, but it also flushed everything that wasn’t bolted to the floor out of the castle and soaked everything else. So now Starlight and the other mares laid drenched and piled on top of each other, all except for Applejack who was sitting a table as she floats down on a little waterway.

“Big Mac told me one time, ‘With great powers, comes a heck a lot of responsibility’.” The farmer said as she continues to drift down the waterway.

“This can’t get any worse.”

“Starlight!” the purple mare looked up to see a bewildered Twilight and Spike, standing in the hallway, both soaked wet from the flooding water.

“And its worse.”

~~Zack~~

Zack felt…like she had just sobered up from the biggest drunken hangover that she’s ever been apart of. Her head was thumping and beating, like someone was using her skull as a drum, and it felt like something was squeezing her brain. Pushing past the pain the mare manages to open her eyes, and found Twilight, Spike, and Starlight looking down at her. But the moment that Zack saw Starlight, a very enraged expression quickly grew on her face.

“Zack? How do you—”

“You have five seconds to get the fuck out of my sight, before I rip that damn horn of your forehead!” Zack said with such anger that the two mares and dragon could feel the raging heat radiating from her. Starlight immediately left the room as Zack focused solely on Twilight, who tries to calm down her enraged twin.

“Zack, now I know—”

“NO!” Zack shouted causing Twilight to jump back. “Don’t you, FUCKING, try to defend what she did.”

“In fact, do you even know what she did to me, and what I assume the others?!” Twilight nodded.

“She used some form of hypnosis spell on you and the others.”

“Oh no, that was not a simple hypnosis Twilight.” Zack growled as she sat up in her bed. “Starlight put us under mind control. Sure we can talk, and act, BUT it was not our own action! I could feel myself talk when I didn’t want to, and I felt like I had no will to do anything but follow Starlight’s commands. She even used this to get me to talk about my home world Twilight!”

“Zack please calm down!” Twilight said firmly, actually surprising Zack as she never saw her double loose her cool. “I know what Starlight did was wrong, and I’m sorry that you were affected by her poor judgment. But, please, just…calm down.” Zack took in a deep breath as she does try to calm herself down.

“I assure you; Starlight will be reprimanded for not only using a spell on you, but for going against your desire to keep your personal life and world secret, after giving you her word she wouldn't bring the subjects up.”

“You better Twilight, cause right now after dealing with Celestia’s lie, your brothers assault, and now this…I’m more afraid of YOU ponies than anything else in this world!” Twilight and Spike actually looked hurt when Zack said she’s actually more afraid of them, like their un-trustworthy backstabbers and thugs.

Not saying another word, Twilight placed Spike on her back--who looked just as hurt as his caretaker that Zack now has so little faith in them to be trusted--and trotted out of Zack’s room to let her rest up. Which was a good idea, as the massive headache the mare has been feeling through out her rant, was only getting worst. So the mare curled under her bed covers, and tried to fall asleep. And put this day behind her.

Chapter 12: the Roasting of Royals

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Chapter 13: Time to Chill & Relax - Clop (Skippable)

Author's Note

Be warned folks, there is a slight Clop scene in this chapter, its really quick and not to important. so if you want just skim past that part.

Chapter 13: Time to Chill & Relax - Clop (Skippable)

A few minutes after Zack left the meeting room in a boiling temper, and the mare was able to contain her anger and frustration to where she was far more calm. Lately it seems that everyday tests the alicorns patients, and her threshold for how much ridiculousness and insanity she can withstand. But today, oh today was in a whole other league! Her good day today of receiving news that she has a way HOME, was ruined when some snobby, not actual prince stallion just barged into the room, started running his mouth off—and starts to outright insult Zack for some of the most baseless things! And neither Celestia nor Luna, his SUPERIORS in social ranking, did nothing to stop him from running his mouth.

But, in all fairness, they were probably just embarrassed that Blueblood just did what he did. But the fact still remained that neither princess even tried to shut the stallion up. As mare was trying to calm herself, a disembodied chuckle echoed through the hall, which caused the mare to look all over the place, but found nobody. This only fueled her irritation a little more, and caused her to spend more time to try and relax.

Once the mare has calmed herself down, she made her way back to Celestia’s main office, and upon entering the room the prince was nowhere to be seen. Which was good otherwise Zack couldn’t guarantee what she would do if he even uttered a sound. The princesses and Spike were still sitting at the table, and when they heard Zack re-enter the room the still seemed to be a little shaken from the alicorn’s outburst…and harsh words. Taking in a deep breath through her nose before releasing it, Zack looked over to the trio with a disappointed expression.

“I’m sorry.” She said before continuing on.

“I lost my temper over what Blueblood said, and it was unfair of me to say what I did to you Celestia and Luna. So, I’m sorry for loosing my cool.” Celestia turned in her spot at the table to look at the smaller alicorn.

“Apology accepted Zack, but we to should apologize for not stopping Blueblood from running his mouth like that. It was disrespectful to you, and unbecoming of a noble.” The alabaster mare says to the mare.

“Rest assured though Zack, Blueblood will be reprimanded for his behavior.” Luna continued as she gives Zack a disappointed look as well. Zack gives a very small nod, before looking to Spike.

“Are you ready to go little buddy?” Spike give a comforting smile as he gets up and walks over to Zack.

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

Zack returns the drakes smile before giving the sisters another apology for her attitude, and harsh words, to which they accepted and said they will inform the mare when the portal is ready. Leaving the room the violet mare and purple drake made their way to where they arrived at the castle an hour ago, both not really saying anything. Spike because he thought that Zack still needed time to settle down, and Zack for thinking she’ll frighten the poor kid. When they exited the castle, the mare carefully lifted the dragon up and placed him on her back, before galloping a short distance before taking off into the air, and proceeded to fly back to Ponyville.

“…Zack?” Spike said as he leaned against the mare’s back, holding onto the jacket that the alicorn was wearing.

“Yes?” Zack simply said in response.

“Are you sure you’re alright? I mean, everything that Blueblood said was really horrible.” The alicorn didn’t respond right away, but after letting out a small breath she eventually spoke.

“I’m ninety percent alright Spike.” Spike gave his ride a nice little pat on the side of her barrel.

“Don’t take whatever Blueblood said to seriously Zack, he’s always been spoiled rich pony for as long as I’ve known him.” Spike said to the mare.

“I think the main problem is just no one disciplines him, so he feels like he can get away with doing stuff like, that!” Zack said, a little of her earlier frustration coming back. But the alicorn manages to reel it back in and giving out a calming sigh.

“All I know is the moment we get home; I’m just going to stay in my room to make sure nothing could make me lose my temper again. And honestly…a nice hot bath will help make that easier.”

“In that case, I’ll make sure no pony else bothers you while you try to relax.” Zack looked over her shoulder as she slowed down just a bit.

“Spike, you truly are a good kid. Never change that part about yourself.” The little drake gave a sly smirk as he chuckled.

“I’ll try.” Zack gave a small chortle of her own as the pair closed in on Ponyville.

Upon reaching the town, Zack flew down onto one of the castles balcony’s, where she let Spike down before the pair entered. Tapping into the map of the castle in her head, Zack followed it to where her room was, which only down the hallway.

Upon entering her room, the mare placed a ward on it, and the room as a whole to make sure no one will just pop in on her as heads to the bathroom. Despite only taking a quick bath just and couple of hours ago. Reaching her room and making a beeline to the bathroom, the mare started to run the water till the large tub was full, and just submerged herself in the hot water making all of her muscles loosen up and cause her to give a relieving sigh. Mostly on reflex now, Zack’s horn sparks with magic before her construct of her old body appears, and begins to message the mare, around her shoulders, wing basins, back and legs.

“Oh yeah~” Zack says as the construct works on her wing bases. “That’s the stuff.” The Construct continued to sooth over the mare’s body, before stopping to wash the alicorns mane by pouring water overhead.

After soaking the mare’s mane with water, the construct started to pet and scritch around Zack’s scalp, ears, and face before going back to messaging the body. A moan escaped the mare as hands started to grope her flanks, the thumbs being close to her backside holes. As the construct continues to grope the mare’s flanks, before moving to working out one of her legs, a random thought came to the mare.

“Actually, a good romp would help get this pent up stress out faster.” Zack muttered to herself as she wiggled in place. Thinking the idea over in her head for a bit, the mare decided to just go with it.

Raising herself to her hooves, Zack made it to the edge of the tub and lean against the edge, flagging her tail as she readies herself for the second romp she’s had this whole crazy week. The construct made its way over to the alicorn, and began to slowly thrust in and out of the mare, causing her body to jostle forward a little with each thrust. As the construct piston into its creator, it leaned across the mare’s body, and snaked its arms under her to fondle her teats causing Zack to moan even more and feel her cock slide out of its sheath. To prevent filling her tub water with cum, the mare created a bubble around her cockhead to catch any her little sailors when she cums.

“This still feels weird…but it’s so fucking good!” Zack groaned as the constructs dick started to really drive in and out of her marehood.

The water in the tub really started to slosh around as the two figures in it, creating little waves that nearly spill out onto the floor. A few more minutes of this improve romp in the tub, and the construct pushed its master over the edge, by slamming its cock so far in it caused Zack to straight up as she moaned loudly as she climaxed. The bubble around her phallus expanding as it filled with her cum, while the waters of the tub get mixed with her more feminine juices. But a quick flash of a ‘remove impurities from water’ spell she learned; the tub was once again filled with still hot clear water.

“Oh yeah, that really helped settle me down.”

The construct then removed itself from inside its master, and went back to giving messages, while the bubble filled with Zack’s load was floated over to the toilet, and was flushed away.

After the romp Zack spent another five or so minutes just soaking in the heat from the tub, and just humming off some soothing jazz music in her head. once she was done with her ‘relaxing’ bath, the mare dried herself off and re-entered her room and approached the back of the room, which the mare has converted into a little readying area. With the piles of books stacked up, a few cushions and spare blanket laid about, with an overhanging lamp to provide some extra light if needed. Most of the books were about various types of magic, as Zack was searching for any methods to get him herself, but now that Celestia and Luna already have the solution in hand, she didn’t need to research or study magic that much more anymore.

However that eliminated ninety percent of the books she had, leaving the remaining ten percent stories she’s already re-read, and kept comparing them to stories she’s read on Earth.

“Guess I’ll have to head to the library, and get some new books.” Zack murmured as she made her way to her door, removing the wards she placed. But the moment the alicorn did, a series of knocks wracked it.

“I swear, if its one of the girls that want me to join in a friendship mission, I’m going to yeet something!” Zack opened her door, and was surprised to find Spike standing before her, some comics under his right arm and a few boardgames held in his left hand.

“Spike, what are you doing here?”

“I know you said you wanted to be alone, but I thought it be better to spend some time together.” Spike said as he balanced the board games and comics. “The girls had just left to apparently do some kind of retreat, and Starlight and Trixie left to go look for something.”

“What are they looking for?” Zack questioned, cause she has a feeling that whatever those two mares are looking for, its not going to be good.

“I don’t know. But Starlight looked really panicky.” Spike replied. “So…do you wanna hang out together?” Zack didn’t think to long about this, and moved to the side and allowed the dragon to enter.

“Why don’t you get comfortable Spike, I’m going to get some books from the library. and get some drinks and snacks for us.” The drake nodded and began made his way to the spot where Zack reads her books.

Zack left the room and began trotting towards the library, where upon arrival began to look for any books to read, specifically ones that weren’t ponified versions of common stories from Earth. However Twilight’s library rarely has any books that weren’t either field guides, tomes of magic, books for magical or scientific theories, basically books not related to learning anything is not part of the library, for the most part. Which is understandable as this is Twilight’s personal library, so she fills it with books she likes. But after some searching Zack was able to find some books that looked like interesting reads.

With books in hand, held in a magical field, the mare made her way to the kitchen to grab some noms and refreshments for her and Spike. But as she entered kitchen the mare found something odd on the main table. On the wooden table was a serving tray with, honest to god, hamburgers, chicken strips, jojos and some other foods that the mare loved!

Zack gulped when she saw and smelled the food, as she’s been craving something meat related ever since she came to this world, but since virtually every creature in Equestria has some level of intelligence and sentience, eating anything other than veggies makes one a murder by default. But Zack didn’t care right now, as she grabbed one of the burgers and took a big bite, humming in delight as she taste the meaty beef, the pickles, the various sauces, and the melted pepper jack cheese…

“Wait a minute!” Zack muffled through the food in her mouth, which she swallowed before continuing.

“Where the hell did all of this come from?” looking around the kitchen the mare looked for anything to explain this. And when she looked towards the end of the table, where actual glass bottles of soda were, there was a note that had the mare’s name on it. taking the note in her magic, she opened it and found some writing on it.

To Zack

Consider this banquet of your world’s food as a gift from me to you.

Sincerely, ????~

“Okay…what the actual fuck is going on?” Zack muttered as she placed the letter on the table, and looked at the food with scrutiny. Just then the note glowed blue for a second, and when the mare opened to look at it, the message was changed.

Don’t worry, the food is one-hundred percent safe to eat dear. I mean you just ate half of a double decker pepper jack burger in one go. Same thing goes for the drinks, there all safe for consumption. Just consider this a thank you for the entertainment.

Zack was more confused than she was a second ago, and the fact that someone knows what some of her favorite foods and drinks were, and is being ambiguous and cryptic…really made the mare feel uncomfortable. But the damn food just smells so good! So probably against her better judgment, Zack gathered all of the food and drinks, and an extra bowl of to scoop out gems from a stash that Spike has. Leaving the kitchen behind the mare took her time get back to her room, as she was eating all the meat related foods, just so Spike wouldn’t ask questions and just to savor them. She was actually surprised to find that she was still able to eat meat, helped that she still had her old human teeth and not actual equines.

Upon reaching her room the only food left on the platter were the jojos, some fluffy biscuits, a hefty looking tomato salad, and some other treats. Entering the room Zack found Spike reading one of his comics, laying on one of the more larger cushions.

“Oh good your back.” Spike said as he closed his comic.

“Sorry if I took long, the library doesn’t really have any none study material to read.” Zack said as she joins the little drake, placing the platter and drinks on a small table nearby.

“Wow! Where did you get the food, it smells great!”

“I actually found it already made, and there was this weird note that said, ‘Consider this banquet of your world’s food as a gift from me to you’.” Spike’s brow quirked as he scratched his head.

“That…does seem weird. Who made the food?”

“There wasn’t a name, but the note also said that everything was safe to eat and drink, so I just…took them.” Zack said as she un-corked a bottle of root beer.

“So aside from the food, what do you want to do first?” Spike asked as Zack took a sip from her bottle.

“How about you read me more of those comics, then will pick it up from there.”

Spike nodded and got ready to start reading a comic, but before he did he watched Zack re-arrange the pillows, and laid down in a comfortable position with the table of goodies close by. The mare then looked towards Spike, and patted the spot between her front legs. The little dragon made his way over to the mare, comics in hand before placing them to the side as he grabs the top one, and sat down and leaned up against Zack. Her fluffy chest feeling really soft and warm. Opening the comic to the first panel, Spike was about to start reading, but before he did he looked up to Zack.

“Hey Zack?”

“Yeah?” the mare said.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.” The alicorn confirmed. Spike seemed to the hesitate for a bit, but the little dragon finally spoke and asked the question.

“…are we…friends?” he asked unsurely. “I know you get really touchy about making friends, or the when the girls say they’re your friends. But, with all the time you and I spend together when I don’t work, can I be considered…a friend?”

Zack looked off to the far corner of the room, and thought about what Spike had just ask. Ever since she’s gotten to this world, Zack wasn’t set on making friends, as all she wanted was to go home. and while the ponies were friendly, generally speaking, they did go overboard on how friendly they can get. to where it becomes really jarring and honestly overwhelming and off-putting. But Spike, he was different. He respected Zack’s space, never badgered her about being friends, and really just acted like a normal person…well…normal enough for a twelve or so year old dragon. Looking back down to the dragon, the alicorn gave a small smile.

“If I’m honest Spike. You’re the ONLY friend I have in this world.”

“Really?!” Spike asked in wonder.

“Unlike everyone else, you don’t hound me to be a friend, you respect my privacy about my life and my world, and my personal space. And really you’re just a really good kid…so yeah.” Zack lowered her head and gave the dragon’s forehead a nuzzle with the tip of her muzzle.

“I’d say we’re good friends.”

With that Spike gave a very happy smile, and looked down to the comic in his claw, and began to read it to his otherworld friend that looks like his caretaker/sister figure.

Chapter 14: So Close to Home.....

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Chapter 15:....But Unable to Reach It.

Today was to be a good day, a hopeful day. A day where a lost soul could reunite with those she loved and cared for, and those who love and care for her would be overjoyed to see their lost one back in their arms. Today Zack had learned that both princess Celestia and her sister princess Luna, had everything nearly done to create a way for the way ward human transformed into an alicorn mare back home, and be reunited with her family. Everything was perfect! The conduit for the portal was primed, the magic circuit was crafted flawlessly and supplied with enough magic to power the process, and the spells were in place. Everything was order…

And yet, something went horribly wrong.

As Zack reached out to the portal, the thought of seeing her family again filled he heart with such joy…the portal rejected her! the mare was flung across the throne room of the castle, crashing into the large double doors so hard, the mare’s body was wracked with pain. And then as she recovered from her rejection, she along with the other occupants of the chamber watched as the source of the portal crumbed away, turning to grains of black sand as the circle faded away as if being burned away.

Zack weakly rose to her hooves and trotted over to where the stone’s remains were, eyes never leaving the small pile of grounded up stone powder. The other ponies and drake could only look on the scene, and the sight of seeing the violet of alicorn with an aura of deep despair and fear, with mournful and sad expressions. As the mare reached the pile of sand all she did was just look down at it, her eyes starting to overflow with tears before she collapsed to floor, and began sobbing.

“Zack.” Celestia says as she trots over to the mare and lays down next to her, and tries to comfort her. “There, there, shhh.” The princess says as she brings the mare into a hug with her wings.

“Luna, what happened? I thought we did everything perfectly?” Twilight questioned, but Luna seemed just as baffled.

“I…I don’t know! Celestia and I made sure to check that everything was done down to the letter.” Luna said as she grabbed the books, and began to look for anything to explain what just happened. And while the princess did so, the whole group made their way over to the sobbing mare being held by the solar princess.

But just as they were trying to comfort Zack in her turmoil, all of them heard something…the sound of cackling laughter. All of the ponies looked around for the source of the laughter, and when they looked over to where the lone throne was, where the form of Discord started to phase into existence. While he rolls around clutching his stomach as he laughs hysterically.

“Discord! What are you doing here?” Twilight asked the laughing draconequus. “And why are you laughing?”

“Because this is just to good!” the chaos spirit cackled. “This is better than any drama or soap opera there is!”

“Disocrd this is no laughing matter!” Celestia said as stood up and made her way to the throne. But after she blinked, Discord was gone, but his laughter could still be heard everywhere.

“I mean how can you not find this entertaining!” Discard says as he just appears behind from Zack, like a snake slithering out of its hole. “A poor boy being swept, no! spirited away by some, unknown force—” the chaos spirit grinned as he looked over at the ponies, a mischievous grin on his face.

“…it…it was you.” Luna said as she circled around the spirit and the still sobbing Zack. “You were the one who brought Zack to Equestria!”

“CORRECT!” Discord boomed as fireworks and party poppers erupt from behind the spirit. “Yes it was me that brought little Zack here.”

“B-but why?” Fluttershy asked, confused as to why her friend would do this. Discord then sat down in old timey recliner chair, dressed up in a fancy suit as he holds a book.

“Well it all started long ago, when I was reformed.” Discord then turned his book to face the ponies, where foal-grade pictures were.

“You see ever since I was reformed, I’ve been begging for any chance to use my powers to their fullest extent! And cause chaos, because well, I’m Discord! If I can’t chaos then what kind of spirit of chaos am I?” the picture of Discord on the page showed the spirit do what he loves to do, but then stopped as pictures of Celestia and Luna showed up and waved their hooves in disapproval.

“Well in any case, for the past year after my reformation, I’ve been starving for anything that would allow me to use my powers without getting in trouble. But there were rarely any incidents that I can instigate, or have a hand a in orchestrating. And it’s just been so, BORING!” the picture of discord emphasized the word board by yelling the word out before it melted into a puddle of something, while a sad face was drawn it.

“It has been so hard to keep myself from going insane to figure out how to occupy my time. And while our personal tea times have been fun Fluttershy, they’re not exactly the spectacle of entertainment that I’m used to.”

“W-wait!” Starlight said as she interrupts the spirits ramblings, while also having a hard time trying to comprehend Discord's thought process. “So, you did all of this, bring Zack here for something, but why?” Discord then looked at the ponies over his book.

“Why does anyone do anything.” Discord said as he shuts his book. “Sheer. Absolute. BOARDOM!” the spirited bellowed as he tossed the book to the side which went splat against the wall.

“Boredom!” Celestia echoed. “That’s your reason for doing all of this?”

“Of course! Honestly Celestia you ponies, and your society are so peaceful that its incredibly boring!” Discord bemoaned as he collapses to the floor in a heap. “even after the whole incident with Tirek, and the little side show of evil Starlight, there has been nothing fun to do or watch for the past two years after my reformation.”

“So I decided to go snooping around the infinite multi-verse to look for something to spice things up, and that’s when I came across this world!” Discord snapped his lions paw and created a see through planet, it looked somewhat similar to Equus, but the land masses were different.

“Is that?” Pinkie said as looked at the little globe.

“That’s right, this is the human world. Zack’s home world.” Discord says as he looks at it longingly.

“Humans are just the right mixture of harmony and chaos, and when they do go into chaos…” a twinkle then appeared. “So, I decided to bring one of these being to Equestria, and maybe cause a little chaos to really put on a show. And while he didn’t do as much as I wanted, he certainly provided a great deal of entertainment.”

“So that’s it!” Celestia said in very disapproving voice. “The reason you took Zack away from her world, home and family, was just to…satisfy your need for some kind of enjoyment!”

“Oh trust me it wasn’t easy even getting this human here.” Discord admitted. “I mean when I tried to summon him my magic didn’t do anything, so I really had to amp up how much magic I used. Which…unfortunately blew up his apartment, and maybe…vaporize his body.

“WHAT!” all of the mares aside from Zack shouted in perfect unison.

“Y-y…” Fluttershy tried to speak, but she just couldn’t bring herself to even say it, but Rainbow was perfectly capable of.

“YOU VAPORIZED HIM!”

“Well not on purpose, it’s just that I had to use more power to bring him here, which caused his body to be turned into space dust. But his soul was perfectly intact.” Discord countered, not realizing just the gravity of the situation he’s in, and caused. “But that’s when I had an excellent idea! Since I couldn’t really have a soul just wondering around, I decided to give him a custom body…one that I was sure would throw the populace of Equestria in some sort of hysteria.”

“And that’s why he looks just like Twilight?” Spike questioned.

“Yes. I plucked a strand of Twilight’s mane from her head—” said alicorn placed a hoof on her head. “And with that strand I created a new body for Zack’s soul to inhabit. Of course I did, modified it so it’s somewhat close to what he’s used to.

“Discord enough with this!” Celestia said as her mane and tail were wafting about more frequently, as she was growing more angry with each word that the chaos spirit says. “Tell me right now, can you send Zack back to his world or not?”

“Tia, this is me your talking to. I can do anything.” Discord says confidently. The draconequus then snapped his eagles talons to send Zack back to his world…but when the spirit opened his eyes, Zack was still there laying on the floor, no longer sobbing and was just lying there.

“That’s odd?” Discard says as he snaps his talons again, and yet nothing happened. The spirit tried a few more times, snapping and trying to send Zack home, but the alicorn was not leaving!

“Discord, what is going on?” Luna asked as her own frustration and anger were rising.

“I’m not sure.” Discord says as he strokes his beard. “Hold on a second.”

Discord then slipped his lions paw into a portal that appeared next to him, and started digging around for a few moments. The spirit then retracted his arm from the portal, and was now holding a black book that the ponies caught the title of the book which was, Laws of the Infinite Realities. The ponies then congregated to where Discord was floating, as he flipped through the thick book.

“Let’s see where is Earth…” Discord said as he keeps flipping through pages. “AH! Here we are.” The spirit said as he finds the section he was looking for. he then began muttering to himself as he reads the section.

“And when the individual—oh, OH! Oooooohhhhh.” Discord hisses as he reads the section.

“What’s wrong Discord?” Applejack asked.

“Well, the book states that: when a human passes on, their soul is then taken to the afterlife, where they be in a dream like state of their greatest fantasy, before their souls are reincarnated into a new body.”

“What does that mean?” Pinkie asked.

“It means…” Celestia said. “That because Discorded ended Zack’s normal life by, VAPORIZING, her old body she is classified as dead. And since her soul is in a different body, she is no longer part of her worlds rule of life and death.”

Discord then tossed the book back into a portal, and found all of the ponies plus Spike looking at him with varying degrees of disappointment. Except for Luna and Celestia, as they were giving the lord of chaos very upset glares.

“Maybe I didn’t think this plan all the way through.”

Before the ponies could really tear into Discord for how much the draconequus messed up, they and Discord felt this immense wave of magic wash over them. It was cold, to where their bones were chilled, and a horrible sense of lost and despair was felt in all their hearts. But the sense of cold was also accompanied by this rushing, horribly painful sense of raging fire that made them feel like they were suffocating, and actually having a hard time to breath. Then this crackling sound, like loose electricity, caught all of their attention and when they looked to where the sound, and the cold and fiery waves were coming from…they all recoiled as their hearts stopped for just a second as Zack looks at them. Even Discord himself felt this sense of immense danger as he looked upon the mare.

The violet mare’s horn was sparking with black lightning, and smoke was wafting from his…like those of King Sombra’s eyes. Tears were flowing like waterfalls from the mare’s eyes, as her mouth quivered and the sole eye that was glaring at them was glowing red as the pupil shrunk to pinpricks…and was directly looking at Discord with such intense malice and hatred, the spirit of chaos actually took a step back.

The silence was broken when the mare spoke, her voice now hollow, broken, and yet was so full of unbridled rage that fire should be sparking from her mouth. Even as she only spoke two little words.

....You're....DEAD!

Chapter 16 : Despair & Pain - End of Volume 1

Author's Note

Hello folks, so here is the conclusion of the 1st part of Zack's story in Equestria, this is how much i already had built and drafted up thus far. so, once this chapter is uploaded, this will go on Hiatus, until i can finalize my thoughts on Volume 2 cause i have narrowed down 2 paths i might take the story.

so hopefully you like this chapter, and the 1st volume of this fic. and thank you all for liking, favoriting, and enjoying this fic of mine. :twilightsmile: it really means a lot.

Chapter 16 : Despair & Pain - End of Volume 1

Song: Aviators – No One Will Save You (Bloodborne Song | Gothic Rock)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqdyyxdZ4cQ.

The entire throne room was filled with a mixture impending danger, icy cold terror, and burning vengeance. And the source of this trifecta of dreadful emotions was the lone violet alicorn in the middle of the chamber, glaring with such hatred that it made anyone who gazes upon the eye feel a pit forming in their hearts. The mourning alicorn slowly got up to her hooves, eyes never leaving the focus of their hatred, as her wings flare out and feathers bristle, her fur, mane, and tail standing on end as the smoke emitting from her eyes intensify. While her horn continues to generate arcing bolts of black lightning, striking the ground and scorching the polished floors, and coursing over the alicorns form.

“Zack.” Celestia calls out with a very careful tone of voice, but the smaller alicorn didn’t pay her any attention, as she was just focused on one thing. “Zack, look at me!”

Celestia barely had time to bring up a shield when a bolt of lightning arced towards her! the shield however failed! The white alicorn cried out in pain as the bolt of lightning wracked her body, burning her fur and leaving heavy second degree scorch marks all over Celestia’s body!

“SISTER!” Luna cried out as she dashes over to her fallen sister.

“Zack stop this!” Twilight shouted. “This is not—”

Another bolt of black lightning arced its way over to Twilight, but the violet mare was able to teleport out of the way, causing the bolt to zip past the other ponies and Spike. All of them just barely ducking, dodging, or flying out of the way. Discord seemed to be sweat, profusely as the mare inched closer and closer to him, her eyes burning with hatred the likes of which he has never seen before.

“Now, Zack, I k-know I messed u-up. Honest m-mistake on my part.” Discord nervously chuckled. “But if y-you give me a—”

Like the other two times, another bolt of lightning arced out and Discord was to distracted of trying to reason with the alicorn to dodge or even use his magic. so the bolt stuck true, dead center of the draconequus’s body, and for the firs time in his entire life…Discord felt pain! The spirit shouted in pain as his fur burned, his skin seared and scared from the sheer force and heat of the strike, as he rolls around on the ground convulsing as the lightning wracks his body. As Discord continues to writhe in pain, his body now looking like a overly burnt hot dog, Twilight and her friends could only look on in horror as Zack trots to the spirit of chaos.

“You took, EVERYTHING, from me…” the mare growled, her voice becoming distorted, and laced with so much venom the other ponies thought it will drool from her mouth.

“You took my family—” another bolt of lightning struck the draconequus, causing more pain.

“My friends—” another bolt.

“And my very LIFE! All because…you were bored!” Three bolts this time struck Discord, burning nearly seventy percent of his body as the sparks. “Tell me Discord. Are you bored now?” more lightning wracked the spirits body, causing him to cry out in pain, more pain than the spirit has ever felt in his entire existence.

“Twilight we have to stop her! she’s going to kill Discord!” Fluttershy cried out.

“I don’t think we can stop her.” Rarity huddled in terror.

“We have to do something!” Pinkie said as she ponied up, and made her way over to Zack.

“Pinkie get back here!” Applejack cried out. But the pink pony didn’t head the apple farmers warning, and continued to make her way over to the hurt mare.

“Zack, please. You need to stop this.” The mare said in a very sweet and calming tone, trying to ease the alicorn down, but the alicorn didn’t even pay any attention to her. “Zack please listen to—”

Pinkie reached out a hoof to gently pat Zack’s back, but the moment she came within a few inches of the alicorn, her body was sent flying when Zack’s left eye looked at her. An invisible force knocking the pony all the way across the hall, slamming her into a wall with enough force to create a spiderweb crack, and cause Pinkie to cough up blood before she dropped to the floor.

“Pinkie!” all of the mare’s friends cried out as they raced towards her, but that’s when a booming voice caused all of them to be knocked over.

“STAY OUT OF THIS!” Zack screamed with such intensity that all of the windows developed cracks, and even the floor beneath her crumbled under the sheer force of her voice, creating a small crater.

However that one instance of distraction was what Discord needed, able to will himself, the draconequus snapped his lion’s paw, and teleported away. When Zack saw that Discord had vanished, the lightning pulsating from her horn practically turned into a smoking storm cloud that hovered above her, as the smoke wafting from her eyes turned into green and purple flames, and her shadow expanded out from her and black thorn covered vines emerged while covered in tar. Then the most painful, and shrill scream of both agony and anger just wracked the very air, nearly destroying the ears of the nine ponies and drake in the chamber, causing all of the windows of the castle to shatter, while the castle itself and a good quarter of the city trembled as if an earthquake was shaking the very mountain! And then from the mare’s horn a pure blast of black magic shot forth…taking out everything that was directly in front of the alicorn!

“DISCORD! YOU CAN’T RUN FROM ME!”

In a flash of black and purple magic, Zack vanished with a shrilling pop, causing the storm cloud and shadowy thorns to vanish. Leaving all the ponies and Spike alone in what remained of the throne room. everyone was left speechless, unable to comprehend what had just transpired. Also the sight of a pony wrought with so much hatred, was something that none of them has ever seen…and never want to see again.

~~~~~

Discord popped into existence miles away from Canterlot, crashing to the grassy field, the action causing him to cry out in pain as his battered and burned body meet the floor. As he laid there in the grass, Discord thought about how he was injured so much. He was the lord of chaos! He could just snap his fingers and make his body dodge any attack, or not even be affected by anything as he was a spirit. But this was different…that magic that Zack used to torture him was different…it wasn’t pony magic, or what is normally pony magic. It was like, dark magic. But even dark magic can hardly do anything to him, but how could the mare hurt him so much?

That’s when Discord remembered what he did to Zack. The body his soul was inhabiting, it wasn’t a normally created body, it was created from his own chaos magic! So Zack’s body not only had Twilight’s alicorn powers, the dark magic being created from Zack’s rampaging emotions and hatred, but it was his OWN chaos magic coursing through the body. Discord’s train of thought was interrupted when a wailing scream echoed across the air, before he heard the voice of the mare that has become an avatar of rage.

“DISCORD! YOU CAN’T RUN FROM ME!”

Discord felt a chill run down his spine as he heard this, and tried to get up and use his magic to get away. But as he stood up the field was instantly darken, as if something has blot out the sun. when he looked up, Discord saw a large storm cloud with black lightning coursing through it. from the storm cloud hundreds of lightning bolts came crashing down to the ground, causing minor explosions of dirt clouds, blocking Discord’s vision, but when the dust settled the spirit saw something that made his blood run cold.

Surrounding the spirit of chaos was exactly one-hundred constructs of Zack’s old body, all of them covered in black lightning, wielding swords forged of green and purple fire. But there wasn’t just clones of Zack’s old body surrounding the draconequus, there were a few giant featureless humanoid being with flaming fists, a swarm of what looks like birds with flaming wings covered in black lightning. And towering over all of them was a large dragon with wings made of fire, and lightning coursing through its see through body. While a massive dome of translucent violet magic surrounds the field Discord, and the constructs were in.

“There is no escape now!” the voice of Zack echoed from everywhere.

“You cannot escape from me…” all of the constructs tensed up as the storm cloud ahead loomed like an ominous shadow, as more electricity arcs down, striking the dome. “Now…DIE!”

The constructs gave off wailing shrieks as they all raced towards Discord, who tried to teleport out of the dome…but his magic wasn’t working! Three of the ‘Zack’ constructs got the jump on Discord and stabbed him in the back, causing blood to spurt from his mouth…actual blood! The flames from the sword burned away at Discords body, causing him to try out in pain again! Fighting through the pain Discord used his magic to push the constructs away, dispelling them. but then a large flaming fist came rocketing out of nowhere, striking the spirit from the front and cracking all of his bones and sending him flying. But after soaring over a yard, Discord was sent crashing down to the ground by the paw of the dragon construct, before a beam of fire and lightning was unleashed upon him, pushing him down into the ground as a crater was being formed.

“Grrrr!” Discord’s body was slowly turning into nothing more than burnt flesh, as the torrent of fire and lightning continued to assault him. “…..grrrrrr…. ARGH!”

Discord roared out in frustration, using a large portion of his magic to creating a wave of magic that turned all of the constructs into random objects, while making the dome pop like a balloon, as small shards and pieces fall to the field below. Now battered, bruised, bleeding out, and left scorched in a crater, Discord was to weak to even move. The only thing he could do was gasp for air, while trying to keep his eyes open. But the instant he blinked, the image of the overly enraged alicorn on the edge of the crater caused his heart to stop for just a second. A single beat of her wings was enough to sent the alicorn up into the air, and slowly float down to the dreadfully frightful draconeguus, unable to do anything other than weakly scramble away.

Steady wing beats was the only sound in the devastated field, aside from pained grunts and moans, as Discord tries to scurry away as the mare above him hovers a few feet from him. The light of the sun shining off the black electricity sparking from her horn, and darkening her features to give her a more ominous appearance, while the storm cloud slowly dissipates.

“P-please.” Discord begged, giving up on trying to run away.

“Forgive me Zack, I beg of y-y-you! I—I didn’t m-mean to cause all of t-this! I thought I c-could just send you home after I h-had my fun.” Discord begged as Zack’s wings slowly flapped, just keeping her just above the cowering draconequus.

“Please! Show me mercy and I swear, I’ll do anything for you!”

The mare only hovered above Discord, her wings flapping ever few seconds as the still vengeful, hate filled eyes burn into Discords very soul. The world seemed to be silent, Discord couldn’t even hear the wing flaps from the mare above him, or the sparks of electricity arcing from the alicorns horn. But the silence was eventually broken as Zack finally spoke, her voice still laced with venom and rage, yet mournful and hollow as she stares down at him.

“…you took, EVERYTHING, from me Discord…all because you were bored.” Zack said with a leveled, yet frightening tone, which only made the spirit of chaos coil into himself as blood seeps from his wounds.

“Bored that this world of fantasies, genuinely good people…can’t hold your attention because you can’t do what you want to do, so you decided to take me from not only my world, but my family, my friends…my own life, and brought me here to be your latest toy to keep you, entertained.” Discord’s eyes started to tear up as he feared for his life at what this being fueled by alicorn, dark and chaos magic will do to him.

“Well then…let me show you something that I think will be, fun!”

In a burst of magic, Discord’s vision was filled with the assault of black, purple, and green light, but that was quickly sidelined from what he was feeling. Discord looked down to his eagle talon, watching turn to stone! The draconequus then started to plead for Zack to stop, but the mare kept casting the petrification spell on him, the same spell that has kept him imprisoned for the past thousand years!

After a minute of applying the spell, Zack ceased her flow of magic, and looked down at the now petrified statue of Discord. Cowering in absolute fear as he looks up at her, stone tears flowing from his eyes.

“Now then.” Zack muttered as her horn pulsed with magic, a ball of black and purple magic surrounding the pointed appendage. “Time to make you share my fate.”

~~Canterlot~~

The city was in a state of absolute panic! After all, the ponies just saw a third of the castle just be reduced to dust! After hearing a dreadful, horrible scream that shattered nearly all the windows of every building, that was around the castle. Inside the castle, servants were running around in a panic, the royal guards were either trying to settle everyone down, or joining in on the panic fest.

In what remains of the throne room, Celestia was being tended to by her sister, who is apply healing magic to her burns. Luckily the alicorn wasn’t to badly damaged, but the scaring was still bad. A few feet from the two sisters, Twilight was also using healing magic on Pinkie, who like Celestia wasn’t to badly injured by Zack’s blind range. But several of her ribs, a small portion of her spine, and the back of her skull were fractured, but the magic that Twilight was using on her was restoring them back to normal. Everyone was still in state of fright, as never have they seen anything that had the level of anger, rage, bloodlust, and a desire to cause pain so potent or as much as what Zack was generating. To put it simply, when the ponies saw Zack assailed Discord with those bolts of lightning, and turned to scream at them when she knocked Pinkie away…

She looked like an absolute monster.

“Twilight…” Starlight said with a shaky voice. “What are we going to do.”

“I…I…” Twilight’s head was just an absolute mess. So many things were running through it, that no cohesive thought could form.

One thought was to find some place to hide and hope that Zack won’t come back, and attack them in a blind rage. Another thought was to go and find Zack, and see if she could talk some sense into her. but nothing solid was coming to mind as the alicorn just lays there on the floor, and healing her injured friend.

“I don’t think there’s anything we can do.” Luna said suddenly as she cradles her sisters head on the side of her barrel. “Right now Zack is over taken by so much dark magic, and rampaging emotions, that nothing will stop her except herself.”

“So what, we just wait here and hope that Zack, burns herself out or something?” Spike said as he flails his arms around.

“I think that’s all we can do sugarcube.” Applejack says.

Just then the little drake, and seven conscious ponies heard something. Well felt would be more accurate. Everyone in the throne room felt a deep rumble rattle the ground beneath them, before feeling it course up their bodies. Then the group heard this low deep reverberating sound, it was like the sound of a volcano before it erupted. And then something appeared far off in the distance, which could be seen from the opening of the throne room. far off in the distance, everyone could see what looks like a massive ball of pure black energy, grow in size until it became the size of a mountain.

“What is that?” Rarity asked as she looks at the shimmering black sphere.

“I don’t know, but I have a feeling that Zack is behind it.” Luna says as she, and the others continued to look upon the black ‘thing’, until it started to shrink.

~~~~~

The dome of darks continued to shrink down in size, revealing that everything that the orb initially expanded over was gone. Trees, grass, hills, any thing that was in two miles of where Zack and Discord were was gone. As if they were erased. Once the dome of darkness was dissipated fully, the only thing that was left standing in the baren field, was Zack. Who was looking down at the crater that Discord was petrified in, but the statue of the lord of chaos was gone, only a small pile of what looked like grinded up grey powder was piled. Which was carried off by the wind.

Zack was left panting in the crater, wings drooped to the ground, mand and tail limp and straighten. Eyes back to their normal state, but looked drained and exhausted. Sweat also covered the mare’s face and body, showing heavy exhaustion. As what presumably the remains of Discord blew off in the wind, Zack collapsed to her side, going limp as she starts to loses consciousness.

Chapter 17: the State of Affairs - Pt. 1

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 18: the State of Affairs - Pt. 2

Zack was awakened from her state of mild unconsciousness when a splash of cold water was dumped on her. Shrieking at the sudden splash of cold and wetness, the alicorn tried to get to her hooves, but she found her legs covered in some kind of, green slime. Looking away from her legs Zack began to look at her surroundings, and found herself in what looks like a prison cell made out of obsidian, or some other kind of black stone.

“Finally! She woke up.”

A screechy, almost distorted voice spoke up, causing Zack to look over to the door of her cell, and found an unusual sight. Standing outside of her cell were a trio of what could only be described as, bug ponies. They were barely bigger than normal ponies, have black chitons exoskeletons, and they had…holes in their legs.

‘The fuck are these things?’ Zack internally thought as one of the bug ponies puts down a bucket.

“You, stay here and keep an eye on her. We’ll inform the queen that Twilight Sparkle is finally awake.”

Two of the bug ponies trotted off to the left of the cell, where she saw the wall of the room literally open up, and close! Already freaking out by the fact she is imprisoned by bug-ponies, being ‘shackled’ and imprisoned in a what looks like a Diablo game prison cell, but also the fact the fucking wall moved and opened up like a gaping mouth before closing! Yeah, Zack was not comfortable in her new situation. Deciding to free herself of her gooey bindings the alicorn tried to access her magic to form her magical construct, but nothing happened. Trying again, the violet mare tries to make her construct, but still nothing happened.

As she tries for a third time Zack noticed something, she noticed how, weak she felt. In fact it wasn’t just the fact that she feels none of her magic, but she feels physically weak as well. She was also feeling very hungry, as if she hasn’t eaten anything for days, and her throat feels very dry. And when she looked herself over, the mare saw that her body seemed to have gotten skinnier…but what really surprised the mare was a new mark now adoring her haunches. The mark has the same starburst image that Twilight has on her posterior, but unlike Twilight’s there weren’t five small white stars surrounding it, but instead two other images stood in front of the starburst. A bolt of black lightning and a multi-colored wisp.

‘What the fuck?! Since when do I have one of these ridiculous marks?’

“If your trying to free yourself with magic, it’s not going to work.” the left behind bug pony says in a rather, timid almost shameful voice.

“Why won’t my magic work?” Zack asked the bug pony.

“Well, you see, our queens throne is made out of a dark stone that absorbs all non-changeling magic.” the bug pony explained to Zack, who started to develop a questioning look.

‘Wait. Did he say, changeling?’ Zack then thought back to when she and Shining Armor first met, and how the stallion accused her of being a changeling. ‘So this is what a changeling is?’ the mare then looked squarely at the changeling before her as she tries to get into a more comfortable position to either lay, or sit in.

“You got a name changeling?”

“My name is Thorax.” The changeling said.

“Alright then Thorax, care to tell me why—”

Zack stopped herself in mid-sentence when the wall again opened up, and the two changelings from before came back, or at least she thought their the same and not new changelings. Unlike ponies, these changelings seem to only come in one model. At least that’s what the alicorn thought before another changeling came into the cell room, but this one was much different, and just oozed with an aura of that just screams bad guy. The new figure was at least as tall as Celestia, sharing the same black carapace of the smaller changelings, but this new figure has various differences that made it more equine in nature, close to that of an alicorn.

One of the main differences that separate this changeling from the others, is that it has long flowing turquoise mane and tail, having a longer and more crooked horn, as well as having a more greenish colored back chiton, rather than the cobalt colored ones the small changelings have. And instead of translucent blue eyes, this larger changeling has a pair of vibrant emerald eyes…and they were twinkling with some kind of malicious intent as they looked down at Zack.

“So after a week in my prison cell, you finally decide to wake up.” the changeling said in a brooding, almost seductive distorted voice. But Zack could tell that there was an underlining sense of hate in this mare’s voice.

“I’ve been out for a week!” the alicorn echoed with surprise.

“Yes.” The mare says as she continues to look down at Zack with spite in her eyes. “When my changelings found you when gathering love, passed out and vulnerable, I felt almost giddy at the prospect of seeing you again Twilight Sparkle.”

“Wait, what?” Zack says in confusion. “I’m not Twilight Spark—ARGH!” Zack was knocked to the back of her cell, when the tall changeling fired a beam of dark green magic at her, causing the jagged surface of the wall to bruise the mare’s back, and nearly breaking the bases of her wings.

“Save me your attempts to try and sway me Twilight.” The changeling says as she develops a gleeful smile on her face. Zack looked up from the ground, trying to ignore the pain in her chest and back, as a small trickle of blood drools from her mouth.

“You fucking bitch.” The changelings looked surprised by Zack’s words.

“Well now, it seems you’ve got a bit more sass than I initially thought about you.” the changeling says to Zack before looking at the smaller ones. “Try to find some food and water for her, I want her nice and healthy before having my fun.”

“Right away Queen Chrysalis.” The changelings, aside from the one called Thorax, said as they bowed. The queen of the changelings then looked back down at Zack with a menacing grin.

“I’ll see you later Twilight, and then…we will have a little bit of fun.”

The queen then left the prison area and out the hole that appeared again in the wall, she was quickly followed by the two changelings that left the prison earlier, leaving Zack alone with Thorax. The mare tried to move, but her chest and back pulsed with pain, causing her to swear under her breath. That’s when the door to her cell opened, and Thorax trotted over to her, cautiously as Zack was giving him dagger eyes, but the changeling continued to trot over to her and placed a gentle hoof on her back, and rubbed as gently as his semi-shaking hooves could trying to calm the alicorn down. The changeling then looked to the door, and levitated in a blanket and a worn out pillow and laid them splayed out close to the mare, once they were spread out Thorax bit down on the scruff of Zack’s neck and began pulling her towards the blanket.

“What are you doing?” Zack questioned as she was placed on the rough and dusty looking sheet.

“Trying to help you.” Thorax said.

“Why? you’re the bad guys keeping me locked up, and keeping me for when that bitch queen of yours comes back.” Zack growled as Thorax left the cell.

“…maybe, but…unlike the others, I don’t like to see others get hurt.” Thorax says in a low voice, looking very deflated. Zack actually seems surprised by the changelings actions and words. “I guess you can say I’m kind of an outcast among my hive.”

“And why is that?” Thorax gave a small sigh as he lays by the cell, just a foot from the blacken bars.

“Well, when I first hatched in the Hatchery, I was smaller than the others. And less, aggressive. And because of that the others picked on me and bullied me.”

As the changeling talked about his upbringing, describing how the other changelings would beat him around, and mock him for being a soft-shell, Zack looked closer at the smaller male. He was certainly more skinnier than the other two changelings, and his carapace didn’t seem as slick and sheen as the other twos. Upon closer inspection, the alicorn saw that some spots of his body looked, scuffed, or scraped.

“—and the older I got, the worst the others treated me. But it really got worst last year and half ago.”

“What happened then?” Zack asked, not as guarded as before, but still on guard in case anything happens. The changeling then looked somewhat baffled by what the mare had just asked.

“You don’t remember the invasion of Canterlot? Where we tried to take over the city, during your brother’s wedding?” Zack groans as her wings give an involuntary twitch.

“I already told you changelings, I’m am NOT Twilight Sparkle I just…” Zack stopped as the sudden memory of what has happened to her, how she ended up like this came back to her. “…I just look like her.” Thorax looks even more confused by the mare’s statement.

“So…your really not Twilight Sparkle, just, a look alike?”

“That’s what I tried to tell your bitch of a queen, before she shot me in the damn chest.” Zack groaned as she laid her head on the worn out pillow, which smelled like soot for some reason.

“But if you’re not Twilight, then who are you?” the changeling questioned, seemingly getting more interested into the mare.

Zack only told the changeling what her name actually was, and that she’s not originally from Equestria. Thorax then asked the mare about where she did come from, but the alicorn just kept her mouth shut and just tried to get some rest, until the other changelings brought her food and water. Until then both she and Thorax waited in silence, that was occasionally broken by the violet pony’s grumbling stomach.

Some time later the two changelings from before returned, but this time they were towing a small cart—which was no bigger than a small trolly cart—into the prison.

Thorax then opened the door for the other two changelings, where upon entering the cell the pair placed loafs of bread, some vegetables, and fruits, even a few cupcakes, along with a container of water next to her. One of the changelings approached Zack, and with a brief burst of magic, the goo binding her forelegs was removed, except for the left leg. The goo was then attached to the floor, where the changeling gave a few experimental tugs to show that it didn’t stretch, and that it won’t be pulled off so easily. As Zack watched the changeling change her bindings, she jolted when she felt something brush up against her flanks. She saw that it was the other changeling, and he was looking at her rump with a stupid gleeful smile. But a quick upward kick to the face caused him to be knocked to the wall.

“Try touching me like that again and I’ll do more than kick your teeth in asshole!” Zack threated as she actually snarled at the changeling, who quickly left the cell and out of the prison, quickly followed by the other changeling as he brought the cart out and left as well.

“That goes for you to, Thorax.” The changeling flinched when she looked at him, eyes narrowed, and brow furrowed. “You may have it rough among your kind, but don’t think I’ll trust you like that—” Zack said as she used her free hoof to scuff the ground.

“Unlike the ponies, I’m not innocently, and openly trusting to strangers and expect to be friends in four seconds of meeting someone, got it!”

With her statement, and subsequent threat made, the alicorn turned away from the changeling as best she could, and just started eating everything that the other two changelings brought her. While Thorax just lowers his head, and scoots off to the edge of Zack’s cell, laying down fully on the ground as a sad expression came over his face.

~~~~~

A week has passed since the incident at Canterlot castle, and while the capital structure was fully restored to its normal status and glory, ponies in the capital were still talking about the rumors that were being thrown around. In how a princess Twilight look alike tried to kill Celestia and Luna, and take over the throne of Canterlot and rule in their stead. Course these rumors have reached the princesses ears, and they were none to happy to hear them, and even made a public statement that the rumors were false, but ponies still gossiped about how Zack tried to do what they were gossiping about.

Another matter that was brought to the princesses attention, and found rather suspicious, was that Blueblood was heading the search for Zack. And from what some of the guards have told the two sisters, he was doing it to ensure that the violet alicorn was indeed well and that she was not a threat to the castle, and to be brought before the princesses for an honest judging. But since there have been no reports, or even clues as to Zack’s current whereabouts the search has gone cold. Same for the search for Discord, although, from what the princesses were told during the initial report, and venturing to where the fight between Zack & Discord took place, both princesses believe that the make-shift alicorn may have indeed killed the draconequus. Which they were still having a hard time believing until they have actual proof.

While the princesses and the search force was looking for the wayward pony, down in Ponyville things weren’t exactly any better. Twilight and her circle of friends were still worried about Zack, and wondering what is happening to her, and if she was alright. After all, not only is she incapable of returning to own world, but she has to live an immortal life in a world she clearly has no love for. Especially on how she was brought to be a permanent resident of Equus.

As for Twilight and her friends, they were still in a rather depressed state. Especially poor Fluttershy. After the group returned to Ponyville, the pegasus didn’t leave her cottage for a few days because of how sad and distraught she was, sad that Discord went behind every ponies back, and messed around with the life of an innocent person just so he could have a good laugh. As for the rest of the group, aside from Starlight, they all just felt like Discord has betrayed their trust in not messing with ponies, again!

So now the group is just waiting for any news from the princesses of what has happened to Zack, and Discord. At least that’s what they decided to do for the first few days.

“I say we help the princesses look for Zack and Discord.” Rainbow said as she slams a hoof on the crystal table of the councils room.

“Rainbow the majority of us just can’t up and leave to go search for Zack and Discord, we have obligations.” Rarity says to the pegasus. “I have to look out for two boutiques now, Applejack has to look over the farm, Pinkie is still bedridden—but thankfully, she’s awake—but still.”

“Well then me, Twilight, Fluttershy—”

“Fluttershy is not leaving her cottage until Discord tries to explain himself directly to her.” Applejack says.

“You seem to be taking this really seriously Dash.” Starlight says to the cyan mare.

“Of course I am.” Rainbow says as she looks at the pale purple unicorn. “Zack lost, EVERYTHING, Starlight. She didn’t just loose her body, or old life, she lost her home, friends and family, her whole bucking world! And all because Discord couldn’t do what he wants and just so he could get some cheap laughs until he finds something else to do!” the pegasus slams her hoof on the table, hard!

“I thought he would’ve learned his mistakes with Terik, but no! he’s still the selfish, backstabbing, egocentric prick that he was when we first met him!” Rainbow then slouched back into her own throne.

“Zack may not think we’re friends, but I’d like to think we are. And I always stick by my friends, and help them whenever they need it!”

“I agree.” Everypony turned to look at Twilight, whose just been sitting in her throne quietly, head in hooves as she leans over the table.

“I like to think of Zack as a friend, even if she herself doesn’t think so, which is why I want to help her. And as for Discord…I thought he was our friend, and that he learned to be better. But after all of this…I don’t know if I can ever trust him again.”

“If he survived whatever happened between him and Zack.” Starlight says. “We all saw what happened out there, and from what the guards told us and the princesses, whatever Zack did, was alicorn level magic…maybe more.”

“Whatever the case, we do need to help look for Zack.” Twilight then turned to look at her pegasus friend. “Rainbow, you, me and Starlight are the only ones that can leave Ponyville and go look for Zack.”

“Actually Twilight, I was thinking of staying here at the castle, in case the princesses send a letter via Spike in case they found something.”

“Good idea.” Twilight says to her protégé.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get this search on the way.”

Rainbow then zoomed into the air, and flew out of the room to begin the search. With her speed, she should be able to cover a large enough area around Canterlot mountain, and the surrounding country side around Ponyville. seeing as the discussion for searching for Zack has been finalized, Rarity and Applejack bid Twilight good luck with the search before they left the castle.

“Do you think you and Rainbow can find Zack?” Starlight asked as she and twilight trotted out of the throne room.

“I hope so. That level of magic that she used during her breakdown, she must’ve drained all of her reserves.” Twilight remarks as she thought back to what Zack looked like as magic was just pouring out of her body.

“Even after a week has gone by, she’ll probably have very low magic to use to defend herself. I just hope we can find her before anything bad happens to her.”

Twilight then spread her wings when the two mares entered the main lobby, and took off into the air and flew out of the castle, hoping to find her lost twin before anything terrible happens. Whether to Zack, or to anything tangling with a grief stricken enraged alicorn.

Chapter 19: A Bittersweet Memory

The sound of an alarm clock buzzed and beeped throughout Zack’s room, causing the young man to grumble as he blindly swats a hand near his bed post. Eventually the hand struck the blasted noisy contraption, shutting it up as the teenager rolled around in his bed, his blanket sliding off to the side and crumbling onto the floor. a few more minutes of sleep later and eventually Zack finally got out of his bed, by means of rolling out of it and flopping onto the floor, knocking the back of his head in the process.

“AH! Damnit all.” The young man says as he rubs the sore spot as he grumbles to himself.

Recovering from the little tumble, and blow to his head, the young man stretches out his body as a loud yawn escapes his mouth, afterwards Zack stumbles to his feet and begins to act out his daily routines. After a nice hot shower, and getting dressed in clean clothes, the young man made his rounds around the house, seeing that his parents were already gone, no doubt they’ve left for their jobs an hour or so ago. Checking the last room on the second floor Zack quietly walks into his little sisters room, making his way over to little Latina who was still sleeping. Kneeling down in front of the bed, Zack very gently rocks his sister.

“Latina.” He says sweetly and gently.

“Latina, it’s time to wake up.” the little four year old grumbled like her brother did, but she at least replied to whatever tried to wake her.

“Don’t wanna.” Zack just chuckles as he gives his sister a few more shakes.

“Come on baby girl, it’s time to start the day.”

Little Latina succumbed to the whims of her brothers wake-up call, and sat up in her bed. the little girl then turned to her brother; arms stretched outwards signaling for uppies from him. Chuckling a little Zack wrapped his sister in her blankets, and lifted her up before holding her securely, and grabbed a fluffy dog stuff toy before walking out of the room and down stairs. Making his way to the living room Zack places Latina on the couch, where she laid down to try and rest some more, while her brother turned the TV on and turned it on to one of the children’s programs. Once everything was set up, Zack gave his sister a little kiss on the forehead before heading into the kitchen to make breakfast.

Rummaging around the fridge Zack got out what he needed to make pancakes, eggs, and hash browns. For the next ten or so minutes the young man diced up the potatoes, green onions, and the other vegetables that would go into his hash browns and eggs, while also mixing the pancake mixture and already making stacks of pancakes for both him, and Latina. Time ticked by and after everything was cooked, the young man began to plate the little ones food first while also getting a cup of milk, once everything was made up Zack headed into the living room where he saw Latina more awake than before.

“Here you go kiddo.” Zack says as he places the plate and cup on the coffee table.

“Thanks bubby!” Latina says as she slides off the couch, and sat on the floor and began eating her breakfast.

Zack returned to the kitchen to finish fixing up his own breakfast, by adding the mixed veggies to his hash browns and eggs, while also melting some shredded cheese to his eggs. After his breakfast was made, the young man returned to the living room and sat down next to his sister where the two ate their breakfast, while one of Latina’s favorite shows plays on the TV. As they ate, and watched Zoboomafoo, the girl looked over to her brothers plate and saw the mixed vegetables among the cooked potatoes and eggs.

“Bubby.” Latina says as she tugs on her brothers sleeve.

“What’s up pinkie?” Zack asked.

“Can I try one of those green things in your potatoes?”

“Are you sure?” Zack said as he used his fork to stab a small piece of green pepper. “These are pretty spicy Latina, are you sure you want a bite?” the little girl nodded as she opened her mouth. Zack then places his fork into her mouth, where she starts to chew on the piece of pepper, but each chew causes a bitter look to come over the little girl’s face.

“Bleh, its so bitter!” Latina says as she swallows, and then quickly takes a sip of her milk.

“I told you.” Zack says as he takes a big bite of his mix veggies hash brown.

“Yuck! How can you eat those.” Latina says as she watches her brother eat.

“Years of practice.” Zack teased as he sticks out his tongue, causing Latina to giggle.

Once breakfast was over, and Zack finished washing the dishes, the two siblings went back upstairs where the older brother prepped the tub for Latina to take a bath, while also getting clean clothes readied for her when she was done. After getting the clothes ready, the adolescent places the clothes on the counter, and started to help Latina clean herself while she played around in the tub. At times like this Zack does feel like being his little sisters dad, than her brother, but it doesn’t really bother him as much as he knows his parents work tough jobs. And since he was done with most of his college classes this year, he has more time to help out where he can, plus, it’s been awhile since the young man was able to spend some time with his family. After Latina had finished with her bath, and was dried and clothed, the pair headed back down stairs. At least Zack did, the little girl went back to her room and came back down with some coloring books, so that she and her brother could color.

As the two colored, and watched TV together, simply enjoying being with one another both Zack and Latina jumped when they heard the house phone ring from the kitchen. Getting up from the coffee table Zack made his way to where the phone was hanging on the wall.

“Hello, this is the Johnson residence.”

“Oh good Zack your awake.” The sound of Zack’s mom’s voice said from the other end of the line.

“Hey ma, how’s work so far?” Zack asked as he leaned against the door frame.

“Busy! In fact that’s why I’m calling. I unfortunately won’t make it till around, eleven or twelve-ish, so if your dad comes home just have dinner without me. Kay.”

“Sure thing ma.” Zack then noticed that the phone showed that there was another call coming in. “Hold on mom someone else is calling.

“Alright, I’ll hold.” Zack then pressed the dial to answer the next call.

“Hello, this is the Johnson residence.”

“Zack! Oh thank god I gotta—HEY! I’m on the phone, come back latter!” the rough voice of Zack’s father called out. “Sorry about that son.”

“No problem dad. Let me guess, things are hectic at work?”

“To the ENITH degree!” his father replied. “We’ve already had five people call in, and four others are a no show, so I have to handle some of their work load on top of mine. So I probably won’t be—HEY! I just said I’m on the phone! I’ll get to you, when I get to you!”

“You won’t be around for dinner. Right?” Zack guessed.

“Yeah, so can you handle things at home?”

“Come on dad, this is me your talking to.”

“Thanks champ! Say hi to Latina for me.”

“Will do, and kick some ass!” Zack joked.

“I’m this close to actually doing just that to some of these knuckle heads!” Zack chortled as he shook his head, before dialing back to talk to his mom.

“You there ma?”

“Yeah I’m here honey, who was that?”

“It was dad, things are just…let’s say, chaotic at work.”

“Oh geez.” The woman groaned.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the house and Latina tonight, just focus on work okay?”

“Thanks baby you’re a life saver. Oh! By the way, I left an envelope with some money it, there should be enough for you to buy stuff for dinner.” Zack glanced around the kitchen, and saw the envelope in question attached to the fridge door, walking over to it the young man un-tapped it and stuffed it into his pants pocket.

“Alright. Try not to burn yourself out mom, okay?”

“I’ll try, but I make no promises. Give Latina a kiss for me.” Zack then hanged up the phone and made his way back to the coffee table, where Latina looked away from her coloring book.

“Who was that bubby?”

“That was mommy and daddy. And they told me to do this.” Zack then kneeled down, and give his sister a kiss on the forehead, causing her to giggle. “Now unfortunately sweetie mommy and daddy will be stuck at work, so they won’t be able to have dinner with us tonight.”

“AW!” Latina groaned. “It’s not fair, why does work have to keep mommy and daddy away.” Zack just plopped down next to her, and brought her into a hug.

“That’s what grown ups do, work and work. eventually I’ll have to work and work—”

“NO!” Latina half-shouted as she wraps her little arms around her brother. “No work for you!” Zack couldn’t help but chuckle at his sisters antics as he returned the embrace.

“Well Latina, since it’s only the two of us for dinner, do you wanna go shopping to make your favorite?” the little girl looked up at her brother with a big smile.

“Hamburgers and French fries!”

“E’yup, and if you behave…” Zack then tilted his head down so he can whisper into Latina’s ear. “If you’re a good girl, we can stop for ice cream before coming home.”

“I promise to be a good girl!”

Zack chuckled again before placing Latina on the floor. The two then got ready to head out for the grocery store, by getting their coats and shows on. Zack also grabbed his own smart phone in case anyone tries to call again, and placed the money in the envelope into his wallet, and when all the was done and after turning the TV off, the two siblings left the house to get stuff to make homemade hamburgers and french fries.

As the two walked little Latina stuck close to her brother, holding his hand as she sings a little tuneless song, while her brother just hummed a little tune while his eyes scanned the area as they walked. Making sure that nothing to terrible would happen around them. several minutes of walking later and the siblings made it to their local grocery store, and started to wander about looking for the items needed for dinner, while also snagging some other items for snacking on. Rolling up to the cashier Zack paid for what they gathered, they left and made their way home, but before they did they made a quick stop to a little ice cream shop for a little treat, as Latina was on her bests of best behavior. After the siblings got their frozen treats they made their way home.

“Hey bubby.” Latina asked.

“What’s up Latina.” Zack replied as he looked down.

“…are you really going to move way?” the little girl asked with a worried tone, while a look of trepidation on her face.

“Well yeah, but don’t worry Latina, I’m not moving away forever. I’ll only be ten-minutes away, so don’t worry, you’re big brother will always be around. Kay?” Latina smiled as she held her brothers hand more tightly as they continued their walk home.

After making it back home Zack started to put away all the food, and the other miscellaneous items, while Latina returned to the living room and went back to coloring and watching TV. While in the midst of putting things away, and cleaning up the kitchen until lunch time rolls around, Zack heard someone knocking at the door prompting him to make his way to front door, where upon opening it was meet with one of his best friends.

“Hiya!” Amber says cheerfully.

“Hey Amber. What are you doing here, it’s Friday, don’t you have classes today?”

“No, today’s classes were canceled because of some kind of drama.” Amber said as she swayed a hand. “So I decided to stop by and see, if maybe we could, you know…”

A slight blush came to Amber’s face as she lowered her head. Zack started to develop a little blush of his own, as he scratches his right cheek with a finger. He’s had a feeling that Amber’s had a crush on him, but it was mostly one-sided as he doesn’t really see Amber as a romantic partner. But…lately things have change his perspective on this, however he was still unsure about his own feelings.

“I’d love to Amber but I gotta stay and look after Latina, both my folks won’t be home probably until midnight.” The blush on Amber’s face vanished as she perked up.

“Oh! Well if that’s the case I’ll—”

“Amber!” the voice of Latina cried out as the little girl ran past her brother, and tackled the young woman.

“Hey there Latina.” Amber said as she leans down to give the little girl a hug. Out of Zack’s circle of friends, Latina was closest to Amber, treating her like an older sister.

“Are you here to spend the day with us?” the little girl asked as she looked up to Amber.

“Actually I just came to see your brother, and I was just about to leave.”

“Why don’t you stay and play with us, it’ll be more fun.”

Amber looked back to Zack to see what she should do, but he just shrugged while giving a small smile. Chuckling slightly, the young woman decided to join the siblings, and spent the rest of the afternoon with them.

~~~~~

Zack rolled around in her jail cell as she slept, a small smile present on her muzzle, it was probably the most earnest and genuine smile she has ever had ever since she came to Equestria. Outside the cell, Thorax and another changeling guard stood on the side of the cell, but that was a several minutes ago. At the moment Thorax was still standing at his station by the cell, but it looked like he was struggling to stay in place, however, the other changeling guard was not standing at his post. He was instead inside the cell, mouth open, and a pink mist emanating from the sleeping alicorn was shifting into his mouth.

“Charnel, I think you had enough!” Thorax said with a strained voice, resisting the urge to barge into the cell and feed off the love that was wafting off the mare. The other changeling clamped his muzzle, licking his lips as he swallowed.

“Come on Thorax, this is the best love I’ve had in ages! I’m not passing this up!”

Charnel said as he went back to eating the love energy that was wafting from the alicorn. But his feasting was caught short when the mare suddenly woke up, eyes wide and breath short and ragged, as if something terrible had just happened. Charnel clamped his muzzle shut, while his translucent eyes stared into the lavender eyes of the alicorn, which went for shocked, startled…to narrowed and angered.

“Umm…pay me no mind…I was just—”

“Get. out. NOW!”

Even though the alicorn was still restrained to the floor, and was basically powerless, she was still intimidating to a normal changeling. Quickly leaving the cell, Charnel bolted back to his post and slammed the cell door shut.

“If you were trying to ‘use’ me while I slept, then I swear if I ever get my hands on you…I will rip your dick, OFF!” both changelings clenched their hindlegs as Zack made that threat, and tried to go back to sleep.

“She’s…kidding, right?” Charnel whispered to Thorax.

“I will clench so hard and wiggle so much, I will throw you across the room, while your dick rips right OFF!” Both changelings ‘eep!’ loudly as they shuffled off to the side of the cell’s door, so Zack wouldn't be able to seem them. and see how terrified they were.

Chapter 20: Zack vs. Chrysalis

Two days have gone by since Zack had awoken from her week long semi-comma, and for those two days she’s been locked up in a rocky prison cell, held down by some green goop which is stronger than it looks, and is being watched by small insectoid equines called changelings. And they all seem to be convinced that Zack is Twilight Sparkle, who seem to have a grudge against the purple alicorn, and the fact that all that resentment is being directed at Zack, was not exactly elevating her mood. Thankfully though the alicorn was getting fed by her captors, but after the first day the portions of food were greatly reduced to only a sandwich, a few pieces of assorted vegetables, and a small cup of water. The only company that the violet alicorn has were the two guards that watched over her, and they weren’t exactly extravagant company.

Well, at least one wasn’t. Thorax, the only changeling that Zack knows by name, seems to be nice. Unlike the other changelings who all seem to be rather rude people, and it didn’t help that all of the other changelings kept looking at the alicorn with some, lustful gazes.

Heck, one of the changelings groped her flanks when she woke up, and on her first night Zack caught a changeling in the cell who looked like he was just caught committing some sort of crime, which she assumed that the changeling was going to try and take advantage of her while she slept. But after that first night Zack proclaimed that if any of the changelings would even try anything, she would make them regret it, and it seemed her semi-empty threat was effective as no other changeling aside from Thorax entered the cell. While she us unable to use her magic, she still had her wings and strength, even though they were reduced in strength as well but the alicorn was certain she could still defend herself.

Today would mark the alicorn's third day in her stone prison cell, where she was just laying on the ground, no longer feeling weak as she did days ago, and was still being watched by her insectoid guards. Except for today where the only guard at her cell as Thorax, the other changeling that would be posted with him was nowhere to be seen, then again the other changeling that had to take the guard shift was probably out of her sight range. But at the moment the mare wasn’t really focused on who was guarding her, as she was more focused on trying to chew and rip the goo off her hooves, and yet the goo would not get off the alicorns hooves.

“You won’t be able to get that goo off, it can only be removed by magic.” Thorax commented as he looked through the bars of the cell.

“Well that’s just great.” Zack said as she ceased her attempts to remove the green sludge and went back to laying on the floor. The room was back to being relatively quiet, with only the shifting walls outside the cell making the only sound. That is until Thorax spoke up.

“…so…you’re really not Twilight Sparkle?” the changeling asked sheepishly as he laid down next to the cell.

“Yes.” Zack simply said.

“But you look so much like her.”

“You can thank, Discord, for this state.” Zack spat the deceased draconequues name out, literally spitting a spit wad out to the far side of her cell.

“Discord? The Spirit of Chaos is the reason why you look like Twilight?!” Thorax said with genuine shock in his voice.

“Yes.” Zack said with a little brittle of anger. “And it was all because he was so fucking, bored!”

“Bored? With what?” Thorax asked.

“EVERYTHING!” Zack screamed, causing the changeling to jump back in fright.

“Everything about this fucking world apparently is to boring for the god damn son of a bitch, and all because he can’t do what he wanted without getting a slap on the wrist, so the fucker thought it would be a great idea to take me from my world, and have me act like a little puppet for his amusement!”

As Zack spoke about what has happened to her, Thorax was still across the cell room, seemingly scared of the mare. It was both a combination of seeing an angry mare thrashing about in her restraints, her violent and crude words she was shouting…and the large cloud of red of pure anger, and black hatred emitting from the alicorn. The cloud of red and black emotions were so potent and great in volume, that it was seeping out of the cell and was filling the prison and out to another portion of the hive, when the walls opened up to allow some of the foul smelling emotions to leak out.

“—and now I’m banned from my own god damn world so I can’t see my family, while I’m forced to live out the rest of my virtually immortal life in this fucking hermaphrodite mare’s body!”

Zack shouted the last bit out with such intensity that the whole prison shook, before laying limp on the ground after she spent a good minute of thrashing around so wildly, and as she tries to catch her breath the cloud of anger and hate was starting to fade away. Thorax managed to will himself to return to his post at the side of Zack’s cell, and actually managed to speak to the mare.

“I…I’m sorry that you had to go through all that.” Thorax said as he stared at the alicorn, who was now generating a pale blue aura around herself.

Feeling sorry for the mare, and wanting to at least help her in some capacity, the changeling rose up from his spot on the floor and entered the cell. Where he saw the alicorn quietly sobbing to herself. Cautiously stepping over to the alicorn, Thorax carefully outstretched a leg to give the mare a comforting pat, but a violet feathered wing slapped the black hole-encrusted hoof away, as a tear stained face baring a mixture of sadness and anger glares at the changeling.

“Don’t touch me!” Zack half-shouted as tears started to roll down her cheeks.

But the small male kept making his way towards the alicorn, before wrapping her in a hug. Zack tried to struggle out, but the comforting gesture rapidly weakened her resolve, and she proceeded to lean into the hug, and just sob on top of the changelings head. the waves of emotions that were just emitting from the mare were so palpable, that Thorax felt like he could choke on all the emotions, but he managed to stave off the pressuring waves of emotions and kept trying to comfort the bawling mare.

“I can tell that you’ve been holding in all these emotions for a long time; but you need to let it all out, otherwise it’s only going to get worse.”

Thorax said as he feels the heavy weight of the mare’s depression, and the other emotions that were under the blue aura. The two remained in this position for about a minute or two, Thorax just held the mare as her sobbing started to lessen but was still hiccupping cries and choking back sobs. Once the changeling felt that the alicorns emotions have significantly calmed down, and that the mare seemed to be more calmer herself, Thorax carefully laid her back down onto the floor of the cell. Her eyes showing less signs of tears and she no longer looks so distraught.

“Feeling any better?” the changeling asked, to which the mare weakly nods her head. “I’m glad,” the changeling then stood up and was about to make his way to the cell door.

“I’ll just let you rest now so—” Thorax stopped as a wing reached out to him, and wrapped around his left hindlegs hoof. Looking over to the mare the changeling saw Zack looking back at him.

“…Thanks…” was all the mare said before withdrawing her wing. Thorax gave a small smile before exiting the cell.

“I’ll see if I can’t get you more food, and maybe something better to lay on.” Zack actually gives the smaller male an actual small smile, and an expression of gratitude.

As Thorax left the prison area, Zack just went back to laying on the floor, feeling a little exhausted after she just, bawled her eyes out while having an emotional outburst. In fact, the alicorn felt rather embarrassed that she lost her composure, and just, broke down like that. Especially in front of what’s supposed to be her jailer. And while she did feel embarrassed that she was seen losing her collective shit, she did feel a little grateful for Thorax trying to help her through this emotional crisis. In fact Thorax seems to be an actually okay kind of person to the alicorn. He maybe a little on the shy side, and unlike the other changelings that guard with him, Thorax actually seems rather displeased about this whole keeping Zack locked up thing. Not only that but the changeling really does seem to be concerned for Zack, and genuinely wants to help her in any way he can.

“…I guess I could give him the benefit of a doubt, and not be so harsh to him.” After Zack has concluded on how she was going to treat her friendly jailer, the wall to the prison opened, and three changelings wearing obsidian armor came trotting in. with Thorax being tossed in front of the gate by one of the bulkier changelings.

“Open the door runt!” the middle changeling said in a gruff voice as he kicked Thorax to get him to act. “The Queen finally wants to meet her.”

“Y-yes captain Titan.” Thorax whimpered as he used his magic to open the cell door.

Once the door was open the three armored changelings shoved the smaller one aside, and began to undo Zack’s gooey restraints. As one of them removed the goo, the other two armored changelings placed heavy rock shackles around Zack’s legs, and neck and began tugging her out of her cell.

“Hey, easy!” Zack grunted, but got a kick to her side in response to her complaint, causing her to groan and swear under her breath.

“Quiet mare.” The third changeling said before tugging on the chain to pull Zack out of her cell. One of the changelings gave Thorax a little kick, promoting the smaller changeling to follow them.

The group of five made their way out of the prison, and Zack was able to get a good look at the inside of the hive she was in. it was certainly cavernous, as a large section of the hive was hollow, but it was full of other changelings that were either crawling and scaling the walls, or flying about into various holes that just keep appearing in the structure. Reaching the edge of a ridge the four changelings took flight, followed by Zack who decided to play along rather than try to struggle. She may feel physically strong to at least fight, but she knew she wouldn’t get to far in a hive full of changelings, after all, nothing good comes from disturbing a beehive.

Several minutes of flying through the hives central area, and through channels and corridors, the group flew through one final winding hallway lit by glowing green torches before coming upon a set of large doors, flanked by what looked like massive insect wing cases. Landing before the great big doors the group passed by a small platoon of more armored changelings, before entering another large chamber which was virtually empty for the most part, aside from the various torches lining the walls, green pods hanging from the ceiling acting like a chandelier. And finally with a lone large black stone throne all the way in the back of the chamber…with a familiar stallion on it.

“Twilight!” Shining Armor cried out.

“Oh great. As if being locked up by bug ponies isn’t enough, you’re here as well.” Zack grumbled which caused the changelings, and even Shining Armor to look, baffled.

“Twilight what—” and irritable groan escaped Zack’s muzzle before she broke off into a rant.

“You seriously still can’t tell the difference between me and your fucking sister, god damn you must be stupid. Or that thrashing I gave your sorry ass knocked something out of place.”

“What do you mean thrashed?” Shining asked, which just made Zack look both confused, and look like she just heard a stupid question.

“Did you seriously forgot how you shot me in the face, and chest with a magical blast! When you accused me to being one of these changelings!”

Just as Zack was about to launch into another anger induced rant, for the second time today, the stallion on the rocky throne stood up—and was immediately gulfed in green flames! The alicorn understandably freaked out after seeing the stallion that was on her enemy list, just be engulfed in green fire, but she was even more shocked to now see the tall black insectoid alicorn standing on the throne.

“What the actual fuck!” Zack said in disbelief. But as the alicorn just stood their dumbfounded, Thorax managed to slink over to her side.

“That’s what changelings do; we can shapeshift into pretty much anything.” He whispered as the queen flew over to the group, causing the smaller changeling to slink behind the alicorn.

“So, my hunch was correct, you truly aren’t Twilight Sparkle?” the queen said in her distorted voice.

“You had a hunch I wasn’t Twilight?” Zack asked skeptically.

“Your speech and your rather, hostile, actions, from what my hive tells me, told me as such. But I couldn’t be for certain that Twilight wasn’t just having a bad day.” The queen explained as her eyes studied the alicorn more closely. “So who are you really?”

“Well for starters my name is Zack.”

“And you’re a friend of Twilight’s? or, are you her twin perhaps?”

“What’s it to you?” Zack said in a challenging tone.

“Because if you are, then I should be able to use you to lure Twilight and her friends into a trap…but if you’re not, then I have no use for you!” the queen threaten as she bared her sharp fangs.

“If you think baring your teeth, and making a threat is going to scare me…” Zack said as she leaned forward, horn pointing directly at the queen. “Then your delusional.”

The queen then used her magic to send Zack flying in the other direction, pinning her against the wall. As the queen holds the alicorn in place, and began striding over to her, the three guards were betting on what the queen was going to do, while Thorax just looked worried for Zack.

“Still think I’m delusional in threatening you?” the queen said as she walked up to the violet mare. “Perhaps a firm hoof to show you who is—”

The queen was cut-off by Zack managing to swing her right leg up, and kicking with everything she had right into Chrysalis’s face! and as the queen was knocked to the side, stumbling as she tries to remain standing, her momentary loss of focus made her loose her magical grip on Zack. Who took the opportunity to quickly rush over to the queen, and tackled into her—using her horn to strike at her side! Chrysalis screamed in pain as she felt the alicorns horn puncture her side, thankfully the alicorn didn’t hit anything vital, but the mere attack was still painful. And in a fit of rage the changeling queen raised her left back leg, and kicked Zack away from her.

“My queen!” the three guards shouted as they ran over to Chrysalis, one of them spitting out a glob of green goo onto the wound, stopping the bleeding.

But the queen didn’t let her injury stop her, as she quickly looked over to Zack, who has recovered from the kick, and fired a beam of magic at the alicorn. And yet the beam missed its target as Zack shot up into the air, and flew towards the queen with great speed, and used all four of her hooves to slam into the queen, knocking her onto her other side before she could protect herself! However the alicorn wasn’t able to dodge the tackle she received from the three guards, who began spitting goo onto her until she was glued to the floor. The violet mare tried to struggle out of the goo, but as her last attempts had proved the sludge was way to strong to struggle out of.

“Hehehehehehe…” the guards, Thorax and Zack heard the queen began chuckling to herself as she gets to her hooves, a small sinister smile gracing her muzzle as she looks over at the group.

“You certainly are no normal pony.” Chrysalis says as she trots over to the alicorn. “Most ponies are not as feisty as you. Nor do they resort to violence like you, or try to impale others on their horns.”

“That’s because I’m not a normal pony.” Zack spat out as she glared at the queen, trying to show that she’s not afraid. Though deep down, she was a little bit afraid.

“Clearly.” The queen then looked towards her guards. “Take her back to her cell, and make sure she’s more restrained. And don’t underestimate her.”

“Yes your majesty!” the guards then used their magic to lift Zack into the air, keeping her covered in goo so she couldn’t try anything. As the guards left Thorax was about to follow after them, but a magical dome stopped him from leaving.

“Not so fast Thorax. I have questions for you.” the small timid changeling turned to look at the queen as she negated the dome.

“W-what kind of questions, my queen?” Thorax asked shakily.

“Tell me, has that mare told you anything about herself to you?” Thorax nodded in response.

“Then tell me…” the queen inched close to the small male, her overall intimidating presence caused him to shrink beneath her gaze. “What has she told you?”

Chapter 22: A Lead!

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Chapter 24: The Torment, Begins - Clop (Skippable)

Author's Note

Remember, i did say you can skip the clop sections, as they're not really important to the overall story. same goes for this one, especially for those of you who do not like: Gang Rape, Mind Control and Force Impregnation. But if you do read this ch: You have be warned!

Chapter 24: The Torment, Begins - Clop (Skippable)

No one can predict what life can throw at someone, as life is unpredictable…and yet in some cases it can be predicted in how ones lot in life goes down a certain path.

And for Zack, the whole MONTH of being in Equestria has been nothing more than a slow downward spiral of bad days, into depression and slight madness, to now being a prisoner to a queen that has a vindictive personality. And her Hive of obedient drones. And today has only added to the rotten lot in Zack’s life. From having a changeling male trying to force himself onto her, finding out that she was now in heat, and after a daring rescue and escape attempt, the alicorn watched as her only friend within the Hive being beaten within an inch of his life, and now Zack was back in her cell with two new guards watching over her.

And now, after a few hours since being returned to her cell, Zack is once again being dragged to Chrysalis’s chambers. No doubt to ‘please’ the queen. Who seems to just take joy in causing pain onto the mare. In fact, during one of the queens bout of sexual intercourse, the queen admitted that at first that she was only doing this because of Zack impaling her. but after the first few days of using the alicorn, the queen has developed a sadistic sense of pleasure and power over a mare that is unable to fight back. Reaching the utmost height of the Hive, the guards stood in front of Chrysalis’s chambers with the bond alicorn

“My queen we brought the prisoner as requested.” One of the guards said to the doors of the queens room, and after a minute or so the voice of the queen replied to the guards announcement.

“Well, bring her in.”

The guards did as their queen demanded, and entered the chamber with Zack trotting behind them. when the trio entered the chamber, Zack found Chrysalis splayed out on her bed, laying rather comfortably on the pile of pillows and blankets. Aside from the queen, their were also eleven other guards circling the center of Chrysalis room, one of the changelings near the bed had a small smile on his muzzle, as he gazed upon Zack with a lustful stare. The two guards that escorted left Zack’s side, leaving the chains that bind her neck and forelegs on the mare.

“Oh Zack, what will I do with you.” Chrysalis chortles as her tails flicks about like a cat.

“Not only did you try to run away when I was coming to get you personally, but you were also being aided by one of my subjects, who has seen to have taken a shine to you and tried to break you out of the hive.” The queen shifted on top her pile of pillows as she keeps her eyes on the alicorn.

“If you wanted to see your friends again, then I will let you.” the alicorn looked up to the queen with a puzzled yet still frighten look on her face.

“You see, I finally came up with a plan to use you in luring the real Twilight Sparkle into my grasp, where I will use the both of you to force Celestia’s hoof in to giving into a few of my demands. I bet Celestia would do anything to get her prized student and fellow princess back.”

“So I’m just going to be a worm on a hook to get Twilight to fall into a trap, is that it?”

“Yes. Simple yet effective.” Chrysalis says with an air of triumph. “Ponies will do anything to save one of their own, even if they are not really a pony.”

“Now. As for your punishment for trying to escape, I think you owe my guards, who had to abandon their original posts, a little bit of, service. And since you’re in heat…” Chrysalis’s grin grew a little wider, same with the five other changelings in her chambers. “You will most undoubtedly not only feel extra pleasure, but give it just as good.” If Zack wasn’t trembling in fear as what was to come earlier, she was now as she was practically a shaking mess.

“And to make sure you don’t get any little ideas…”

Chrysalis’s eyes glowed an ethereal green as her horn was enveloped in magic. Zack could only stand there, curled into herself as she stares fearfully at the queen, before a beam of magic shot from Chrysalis’s horn straight to the alicorn. Almost in an instant the alicorns demeanor changed from the fearful mask, to a sudden visage of blankness, once again having her mind being submitted to the queen mind control. With the alicorn now put under her spell, the queen gestured for the changeling males to go forth, and have their way with the mare. The males wasted no time in making their way over to the alicorn, but they did have to wrestle with one another for who gets first round.

One of the guards managed to reach Zack first before the others, and immediately shoved his erect shaft into the mares folds, eliciting a moan from the mare as the stiff member penetrates her depths. The guard that was mount the alicorn felt immense heat envelope his cock, as the tight walls virtually strangle and swallowed him in. after relishing in the heat of the alicorns cannel, the guard began thrusting in and out of the mare, where the sounds hips smacking against each other started to accompany the moans from the alicorn and guard. But the moans emitting from the alicorn were silenced when another guard inserted his own cock into her mouth, and began assaulting the mare’s throat.

“Remember guards, you may use her until I say otherwise, but do not cum inside her marehood.” the queen warned as she just laid back on her bed, and just watched the show before her. The two guards that currently thrusting into the alicorn couldn’t really respond to their queen’s warning, but they do remember the conditions of their special prize.

The guards continued to thrust in and out of the lobotomized mare, enjoying the tight embrace of Zack’s body, especially the guard thrusting into the ponies vaginal cannel. As the sheer heat from the sweltering depths made his member even more sensitive, and accelerating his rise to climax. And after a few more moments of delivering strong thrusts, the guard quickly pulled his member out of Zack, and shoved the flare of his cock into the alicorns tail hole causing her to moan loudly through her mouthful of dick. Just as the guard in the alicorn’s ass cums hard, the vibration from the guttural moan of Zack’s throat caused the guard fucking her throat to plunge deep into her mouth, before firing a volley of hot sticky cum into her. the two guards took a moment to not only catch their breath, but relish the alicorns inside a bit longer.

Once the guards were done they were practically shoved out of the way, as the next two guards took their turn in plunging into the mind enslaved mare’s mouth and marehood. But as the two changeling began their thrusting, Chrysalis’s horn snapped with magic for a brief instance, ending the mind control on Zack, allowing her to fully experience the activity she was taking, part, in. and when she regained her consciousness, the alicorn whimpered in panic as she tried to struggle out of the compromising position she’s in, while also trying to resist the pleasure that was wracking her body. Unfortunately, her attempts were nothing but futile gestures.

And this cycle of being brought under mind control, and being given mental freedom in a continuous loop. While each pair of guards savored the alicorns body. To make the alicorns day even more unbearable, the guards that already came didn’t just sit on the sidelines, they just toyed with the alicorn’s body. From nibbling and suckling on parts of her body, some even biting down on her, feeling their fangs pierce the ponies soft skin. Some even knelt under Zack, and began to suckle her teats, tongues lapping at the nipples in-between bites. one guard even started messing around with the alicorns own dick, adding more pleasure to the already filled mixing bowl of lust and sex.

Thirty five minutes later all of the guards were spent, their flaccid cocks either hanging or sagging on the floor. While Zack laid on the floor, body splayed out, cum oozing from her mouth and tail hole, belly bulging as it was rather stuff with whatever changeling essence did not backwash, as well as having a pool of her own mare juices and cum coat her stomach and nether's. While her marehood winks with want and need of cum to sooth the burning heat ravaging it. as for the alicorns mental state…being taken in and out of enslavement and freedom, and experience all the raw sex that she was suddenly brought into, it felt like reality itself was starting to blur, leaving the mare in a torpid state.

“Did all of you have fun?” Chrysalis asked her guards with a coy grin.

“I’ve certainly enjoyed my round with her.” the un-armored changeling, who turned out to be Chiton, said as he strokes his limp dick. The other guards also said the also enjoyed their time with the alicorn.

“Good. Now that you all had your fun, return to your posts.”

The guards did as they were told and left the queens chambers and back to their posts. Leaving the queen and alicorn alone. once the guards left the room, Chrysalis remained lounging on her bed, and took in the smells of sex that filled her chambers, a light green blush adorning her muzzle for a bit.

“You know, I was initially going to have a little fun with you while I finalize my plans. But I changed my mind when I came up with this little punishment for you. However, now I’m getting all riled up myself.” the queen says as she looks over to the alicorn, who just continued to lay on the floor.

“Although, taking you while your virtually passed out on the stone floor is not very appealing, in which case.” The queens horn once again pulsed with magic, and the alicorn’s eyes glowed green again. “Come to me.”

At first Zack didn’t move from her position on the floor, but after a minute, the alicorn slowly got to her hooves on wobbly legs. Standing upright the alicorn made her way towards the bed, excess cum dripping from her abused backdoor, reaching the bed the enslaved mare hauled herself up onto the soft mattress. Chrysalis crawling over Zack as the alicorn collapses on the bed.

“You can barely move anymore can you?” the queen whispers into the alicorns ear as her body changes to grow her own member.

“At least you won’t struggle as much when I decide to let you savor the emotions, and pleasure I will bring you.”

Chrysalis lowered herself to she was practically laying on top of the mare, her erect member sliding into Zack’s inviting winking marehood. Inserting all that the alicorn’s inner walls could take in, Chrysalis begins to move her hips, relishing the feeling of the constricting walls, which were even more ravenous than usual. Probably due to both the alicorns heat, and being thoroughly plunged but never filled when the stallions had their fun.

“You know…it would be nice having a offspring of my own.” Chrysalis said to the mare as she started to deliver slower, yet more forceful thrusts. The flare knocking at Zack’s cervix as the queen continues speaking.

“Sooner or later, I will be long gone, so having an heir to my throne would be most beneficial to the Hive, and keeping my legacy alive.” Weak moans were the only reply that the queen received.

“Would you like to help me with this endeavor? Give me an heir to my throne, to carry out my legacy?” Chrysalis again removed the spell placed on Zack’s mind as she went to giving the alicorn more fervent thrusts, causing her worn out body to shift and jostle under her.

“Answer me truthfully.” The queen’s thrust became more exuberant as she leaned ever closer to the pony.

“Do you want, MY, foal?” again, Zack didn’t respond right away. And just as the queen’s hips started to slow down, Zack’s mouth opened before she uttered only one word.

“…y-yes…”

A sinister smile came over the queen’s muzzle, as her hips just started to pound into the alicorn’s marehood, causing her to moan loudly. Gripping the sheets as her wings twitched and weakly flapped, tail thrashing about, and hindlegs weakly bucking at nothing as the mare’s marehood constricted tighter and tighter. Trying to milk the queens cock of the seed that it has been craving for half an hour. And with a few final thrust’s, Chrysalis slammed herself fully into the Zack, causing the alicorn to arch back and screamed out in pure ecstasy, as the burning seed floods the mare’s marehood and seeps deep into her untainted womb.

As her stomach starts to bulge, Zack’s eyes rolled up to the back of her skull as the queen hisses and snarls, greatly enjoying the constricting embrace of her new foal bearer. After a minute of pouring her seed into the mare, Chrysalis slowly pulled herself out of Zack’s cannel, which was trying to keep the queen inside, before exiting with a resounding wet, pop! Once the queen had fully emerged from Zack, the alicorn collapsed upon the bed, panting heavily, as tears flow freely from her eyes.

“Now that you are to bear my heir, you can be sure to have a more, comfortable, stay within the Hive…Countess of the Badlands Hive.” Chrysalis chuckles before laying a kiss on the poor mare’s cheek, then laying down beside her, foreleg wrapped over Zack. Hoof gently caressing the swollen cum filled belly, the belly that will eventually give birth to her heir.

Chapter 25: Thorax's Determination!

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Chapter 26: The Lead Grows.

Author's Note

Hello my readers, i hope you all had a good Christmas. i wanted to upload this chapter on Christmas, to be a present for all of you guys and gals, but i.....fell asleep for the day. my bad :twilightblush: . ANYWHO! i hope you enjoy this late X-mas present for you guys and gals. enjoy!

Chapter 26: The Lead Grows.

It was now mid-day, and the sun was at its zenith as its golden rays shine down upon the city and castle of Canterlot, and within said castle both Celestia and Twilight await for any news or reports for the investigation squads they’ve sent out, to search the areas they’ve designated as priority locations to see if any more clues of Zack’s whereabouts could be found.

While the two princesses wait for the pegasi squads return, Celestia was in her room resting and having her injuries being looked over by the castles medical staff, while also going through some basic physical therapy. One of the medics was even trying to heal the large scar on her chest and neck, and while the healing magic was helping it wasn’t completely erasing the horrid blemish off Celestia’s person. As for Twilight, the violet alicorn was currently trotting about the castle, trying to find something to occupy herself as she waited for any news. Now the library was the first place that the alicorn would initially visit, however the enticement that the castles books always had on Twilight, didn’t captivate her this time around, as she was more worried about her look alike’s safety. Amidst her wanderings through the castle the alicorn stumbled upon a balcony which overlooked the castles garden, and from the sound and noises coming from it, it would seem that a small garden party of nobles was taking place.

Trotting up to the side of the small balcony above the garden party, Twilight was able to recognize a few of the nobles or important ponies from among the crowed, one of which was good ol’ Fancy Pants and his female companion, the super model Fleur de Lis…and they were talking with prince Blueblood.

“—come now prince Blueblood, surely these rumors are nothing more than that, rumors.” Twilight heard the older dapper stallion say as he holds a glass in his magical aura.

“Believe me Mister Fancy Pants, I assure you that it’s all true, after all, I saw what has transpired that day!” Blueblood said in a dramatic fashion, his semi-high pitched voice growing in volume just a tad. Twilight just shook her head and decided to trot off, figuring that Blueblood was talking about…

“I saw that imposter of our noble princess Twilight Sparkle, ATTACK, our head princess without any form of provocation!” Twilight immediately snapped her head back over to look at the balcony, and trotted back up to the railing as she listened to the conversation between Blueblood, Fancy Pants, and Fleur de Lis.

“Surely there must’ve been some reason Blueblood.” Fleur added as she looked rather un-convinced of the tale of yarn that the prince is spinning. “I severely doubt that this doppelganger intentionally attacked our beloved princess of her own freewill, after all, I’ve also heard that the Spirit of Chaos has once again played some nasty trick on our beloved princesses—”

“Discord has nothing to do with this! It’s all that imposters doing, I’m telling you that mare is up to something sinister!” Blueblood said as he stomped his hoof. Twilight then saw Blueblood look around before gesturing Fancy Pants and Fleur to step closer, and as the dapper pony and model stepped closer, the violet alicorn tuned her ears to hear what nonsense Blueblood might spew.

“I suspect she’s a changeling!” Twilight’s, as well as Fancy Pants and Fleur’s, eyes widen when they heard the word ‘changeling’.

“Think about it. A stranger that looks like our dear princess Twilight, shows up out of nowhere, and manages to worm her way into their good graces. Then, once she was close to the princesses, she enacted her insidious mission for her ‘Queen’…to get rid of the princesses and allow her Queen to rule from the shadows as SHE sits—”

A loud thud, and a woosh of air caught not only the whispering trio off guard, but the rest of the garden party as well. Turning to where the sudden noise came from, Blueblood and the rest of the party saw Twilight slowly rising up from her knelt down position, wings slowly flaring with feathers bristling, mane and tail looking like they were flowing and sparkling with magic, as a very angered expression dawned her face. the prince flinched and ‘eeked’ like a filly before shuffling back a few feet.

“You’d think that mare, who has suffered more than ANYPONY, is an assassin that is here to kill princess Celestia, Luna and myself…just so she can help Queen Chrysalis take over Equestria?” the anger that was boiling deep within the mare was slowly rising, and while her voice was leveled…every member of the garden party could just, feel, the rage emitting from her.

“Princess, please, calm yourself.” Fancy Pants said very calmly as he approached the enraged mare, who looked at him with burning red eyes. “Why don’t you explain to us what has transpired from your point of view, that way we can know the full story.”

Twilight managed to reel her steadily growing anger, and once she had calmed down enough the alicorn began telling Fancy Pants, Fleur de Lis, and everypony else in the garden party everything that has happened to Zack. The princess even used a spell to display the events she saw that day of Zack being denied her return home, and as the garden party watched the dread and sorrow and the heart break for the other violet alicorn, as well as the chaos spirits antics as he took joy in reviling in the look-a-likes plight, they all could feel the weeping mare’s sorrow. Naturally, the ponies were scared of seeing Zack become such a terrifying visage of pain and misery, and watch as she rampages around as tears flow from her eyes, as black magic pours out into the world as a destructive force. But they understood why she was driven into such a state. Once the party was shown everything that has transpired that day, Twilight looked at the party, eyes no longer filled with rage…but held pity and remorse instead.

“Tell me…can you honestly say, to my face! that THIS mare, who has lost everything most precious and dear to her, and has been used as a mere toy for Discords own enjoyment, can be a changeling spy that is out to take the throne?”

None of the ponies of the garden party could say anything in response, some even couldn’t look back to the princess. Twilight then casted a nasty glare at Blueblood, who has been cowering behind Fleur, who actually shuffled away from the stallion.

“Well Blueblood, can she?!” the stallion flinched but otherwise stayed silent.

“The only reason your bad mouthing Zack, and telling these ridiculous lies about her, is because she challenged your station as a legitimate prince of Equestria and spoke to you as if you were just a common pony.” Just as the princess was really starting to get into her ranting, another thud and woosh came upon the garden party. Looking over to their collective left, they all saw lieutenant Flare Sky bowing towards the princess.

“Forgive my sudden intrusion princess Twilight, but we have discovered something to the assignment you gave us.” Twilight’s eyes immediately widen and trotted over to the pegasus.

“What have you discovered?” the pegasus leaned in close to the princess, and whispered something into her ear. After telling the princess what she and the other guards had discovered, the princess looked over to the ponies of the party.

“Please accept my apologies for disrupting your party.” The ponies of the party accepted the princess’s apology, and went back to enjoying their little festivities, although it seemed that they were still reeling from everything that the alicorn told and showed them. once she had made her apologies Twilight turned back to Flare Sky.

“Now, take me to the medical wing.”

Flare Sky nodded and guided the alicorn from the party, back into the castle where the pegasus immediately brought the princess to the medical wing. And upon entering the wing, Twilight found princess Celestia and Luna standing nearby a bed where a doctor and nurse were hard at work, treating what appeared to be…a changeling! Confused on what was going on, the princess made her way over to the bed, and saw the incredibly horrid condition the changeling was in, from the cracks and puncture wounds in its carapace which were being wrapped up in bandages, where green stains were seeping through them, to the cuts and bruises that covered the rest of its body.

“What…what happened to him?” Twilight asked as she looks over the injured insectoid equine.

“We don’t know yet, he’s been unconscious ever since Flare Sky informed us of his arrival.” Celestia responded before looking over said royal guard. “Lieutenant, please tell us what you have learned, and why you have brought this changeling here.”

“Yes princess.” Flare Sky said as she stood to attention. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the full details before he passed out, but the changeling has told us that he knows where Zack is.” The three princesses were all shocked and surprised to hear this.

“Where did he say Zack is?!” Twilight immediately asked the older pegasus.

“I’m sorry princess, but before he could say anymore he passed out from his injuries, and…my rough application of subduing him.” Flare Sky said with a bit of self-shame in her voice, as a slight guilty look came over her.

“Doctor, when do you think the changeling will recover from his injuries?” Luna asked as she turned towards the grey coated unicorn stallion, as she wanted to get direct information from him.

“Your majesty, it was probably by sheer luck, or a testament to his survival instincts, or a bucking miracle that he’s managed to live with these wounds and with so much blood lost.” The elderly stallion said as he finished cleaning one of the larger puncture wounds, and patching it up to stop the bleeding and allow it to heal properly. “He was practically dead on his hooves. So, I’m unsure when he’ll wake up.”

“Then we’ll just have to wait till he wakes up, and tell us where Zack is.” Celestia said with a downcast expression.

“Maybe not.” Luna said, garnering the attention of all ponies in the room. the midnight princess then trotted up to the bed, and gently lowered her horn on the changelings forehead, right underneath his own horn, before it began to glow faintly with magic.

“Uh, princess Luna, what are you doing?” Twilight asked the night princess as she was a little stumped at what the alicorn was attempting to do.

“I’m trying to see if I can delve into this changelings mind, if I’m able to do so, I might be able to converse with him. and learn what he knows.”

“Before you do so princess, let us finish treating the changeling, otherwise you’ll be talking to nothing more than a corpse.” Luna heeded the doctors request and stood off to the side, allowing the stallion and his assistant to finish treating the changelings injuries.

And after several minutes of patching up, applying salves, and sealing up any puncture wounds, and then wrapping up the injuries with medicinal bandages and patches, the two physicians allowed the night princess to proceed with her plan. Placing the tip of her horn on the changelings forehead, Luna began to slowly work her dream walker magic directly into the changeling, slowly allowing her consciousness to slip away…

~~~~~

An endless expanse of darkness, with no light, no heat or cold, just a vast emptiness of nothing. This was all that encompasses the wounded changeling Thorax, as he just drifts about aimlessly, eyes closed and bodied baring his wounds and blood dripping off him, before becoming a faded green mist till they blend into the nothingness. But as the changeling drifted through the void, something weighs down on his barely conscious mind, a sense of weight, and a presence. Thorax’s body was then bathed in a shimmering ethereal silver light that shun down from an unseen source, stopping his aimless drifting as his body was surrounded by a light haze of fog, that swirled around him in a comforting manner.

“W-who…whose…t-there?” the changeling asked the nothingness, voice barely more than a whisper. Slowly emerging from the darkness the image of princess Luna’s head appears, towering over the small changeling as the dim ethereal silver glow shines down upon him and Luna’s face, her eyes peering down at the severely injured changeling.

“I am Princess Luna, Herald of the Night and Dreams.” Luna’s visage says to the changeling, her voice was low and calm as not to agitate poor Thorax. “I am told that you have information about Zack, a pony that bares a striking similarity with princess Twilight?”

“Yes…please…you must…help her.” Thorax groveled as he whimpered, his face straining as his heavy eyelids twitch.

“Do not force yourself to awaken, you are gravely injured, and any attempts of force will only make your condition worse.” Luna cautioned the changeling, who took her given advice and stopped trying to awaken so he wouldn’t worsen his already poor condition. “Now tell me, where is Zack being held changeling?”

“Change…changeling hive…prisoner of…Chrysalis.” Luna’s visage showed shock and worry as Thorax continued. “Please…I need…to save…her…”

“Why do you want to save her?” Luna asked poor Thorax, as she was curious as to why the changeling said that.

“She’s…she’s my, best…friend. Thorax simply stated.

Luna wanted to ask the changeling what he means, or even how a changeling could have a friend but before she could do so, the princess felt Thorax’s mind go dim. The ethereal light that surrounded the changeling slowly dimmed before it was fully gone, and the visage of Luna faded back into the nothingness, leaving Thorax alone again. Aimlessly drifting in the void of his own sub-consciousness.

“Please…” a faint mutter escaped the changelings lips as his body vanishes into the vast emptiness. “…save her…”

~~~~~

In the waking world both Celestia and Twilight quietly and patiently stood on the other side of the bed, waiting to see whether or not Luna’s idea would bare results. And after a few minutes they were about to get their answer. The midnight alicorns horn ceased its faintly glow of magic, as Luna steadily opened her eyes before they fully opened with a snap, and her head quickly rose upright.

“Well Luna, did you learn anything?” Celestia asked her little sister as Luna regained her senses.

“Yes sister, I know what has happened to Zack, and where she is.”

“Then where is she?” Twilight asked expectedly.

“She’s a prisoner…of Chrysalis.”

“WHAT?!” both alicorns said, completely flabbergasted and stupefied at what they just heard. But the shocked expressions quickly devolved into concern, as they are now greatly worried for the well being of Zack, especially if the one holding captive is queen of the changelings.

“Celestia we need to go and get her, who knows what Chrysalis has been doing to her for all this time.” Twilight said worriedly as she looked up to her old mentor.

“I would like to Twilight…but…we don’t know where the changeling hive is.” Celestia said to the smaller mare. “We’ve never had a reason to go and search for the changelings. So we don’t know where they’re hive is, but maybe…” the princesses of friendship and night looked at Celestia, as the older alicorn seemed to be pondering something over in her head, and after a brief moment of silent self-contemplation the white mare turned over to look at the sole guard in the room.

“Flare Sky!”

“Yes princess!” the guard mare said as she stiffened up.

“Can you show us on a map where you found this changeling?”

“Of course.” Flare Sky reached under her armor, and plucked out a map. The pegasus then brought the map over to a nearby table, and spread it out as the princesses congregated around her. “We found the changeling, here, in the Verdant Highlands.”

“In that case, then the changeling hive could be anywhere within the Highlands, or beyond. He couldn’t have gotten far with injuries like those.” Luna summarized as she looked over the general landscape of the Verdant Highlands.

“Indeed, so the hive has to be relatively close by.” Celestia said before looking down at Flare Sky once again, causing the guard to look up at her expectantly. “Flare Sky, I want you to take your platoon and any that have returned or are available, and search the surrounding area for anything that could be the changeling hive, or give us a general direction as to where it can be located.”

“Right away princess!” the guard said before rolling the map up and sticking it back under armor, before trotting out of the medical wing leaving the three princesses alone in the room.

“Until Lieutenant Flare Sky has reported back in finding the hive, I believe we should try and devise a plan to rescue Zack from the queens clutches.” The day princess says as she makes her way towards the exit.

“I’ll join you later, I’m going to head back to Ponyville and give my friends the news that where hot on Zack’s trail.” Both of the older alicorn nodded to Twilights statement as they closed in on the exit of the medical wing, but before they left, or Twilight leaving, the younger princess spoke up.

“By the way, you should try and keep Blueblood from spouting nonsense. He was saying earlier that Zack is a changeling assassin whose trying to kill the three of us, so that Chrysalis can rule for Equestira.” Both princess gave exasperated sighs as they used their hooves to their temples after hearing such news, after they’ve discovered that Blueblood was attempting to have the guards keep all their discoveries of Zack’s location to himself.

“We will have a talk with Blueblood, and make sure he ceases these baseless accusations.” Celestia said to Twilight who gave the alabaster alicorn a grateful smile.

With all that being said, Celestia and Luna exited the medical wing and were already discussing rescue attempts. While Twilight simply teleported herself back to Ponyville, where upon arrival flew around to gather her friends, and tell them what they had discovered. Back in the medical wing, resting on the bed, the sole occupant of the room was slightly squirming in his sleep, as little droplets of tears drop from his closed eyelids. But as the changeling slept and rested…a shadow slowly creeps over his form…and the sound of magic stirring up drummed within the silent and isolated room.

Chapter 27: Plans Moving Forward

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Chapter 28: Plans Botched and Rushed Pt. 1

After she came back from Canterlot Twilight had intended to gather all of her friends up, and tell them about the information she got from when Luna delved into the changelings mind. However aside from Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow were out of town on business. So when the came back the next day Twilight gathered up all of her friends and told them what she knew about Zack’s current situation, and needless to say they were none to thrilled about hearing their friend is being held captive by Chrysalis. And the following day only made them all feel even worst when Celestia sent a letter to Twilight, and described what the changeling, Thorax, said about what the queen was going to use her for.

“I’m tired of waiting! I say we go and find the changeling hive ourselves, storm the joint, and bust the queens ugly mug and take Zack back!”

Spike all but shouted as he stood up on the map table. Ever since Twilight came back to the castle, and rounded up all of her friends and explained the situation that she was told that Zack was in, they were all basically up in arms into rescuing Zack. Spike most of all.

“We can’t do anything right now Spike.” Twilight quickly said as she picked her assistant up, and placed him back on his own throne.

“We need to find a way to even infiltrate the changeling hive first, and then we have to find a way around that magic absorbing throne, not to mention the entire changeling hive.”

“Then let’s just bring the entire royal guard with us.” Rainbow said as she smacked a hoof onto the table.

“Yeah. If we get the help of all of the royal guard, then, maybe we can save Zack.” Fluttershy said as she agreed with Rainbow’s idea.

“Even with all the royal guards with us, we still can’t just blindly rush into this.” The alicorn said as she tried to keep her friends calm. “If we do, then things would only get worse for Zack.”

“She’s right girls.” Applejack said. “We gotta think about this, and come up with a plan.”

“Applejack’s right.”

Everypony turned to look at Pinkie Pie, whose usual pink fur, mane, and tail has been dulled in color and less vibrant. Even the mare’s mane and tail were far less puffy and curly. Ever since Zack had disappeared, and she’s been awaken from her state of unconsciousness, the pink mare hasn’t been herself, instead of a happy smile, a bubbly attitude, or even her weird randomness charm…she’s been…quiet. Ever since she woke up from her coma like state, the only things she’s been doing is getting rest, and helping around Sugarcube Corner where she can. Other than that, Pinkie hasn’t been acting like herself.

“If we just go barreling into this like we usually do, we could make things worse for Zack, like having the changeling queen doing something horrible to her to make us go away.” A shiver ran down all the ponies, and dragons, spines as they all imagined what Chrysalis would do to Zack in retaliation.

“I agree with both Pinkie Applejack. We’ll let the princesses figure out how to go about this, and when the time comes we’ll provide whatever assistance we can.” Rarity follows up getting nods from Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie, and Starlight and Fluttershy. Rainbow and Spike also nodded, after a little bit of a delay.

“Well now that you all know what’s going on, let’s hang back and wait to see what comes next.”

The group nodded in agreement as to what they were going do for the time being, and after discussing a few more issues and topics Twilight’s circle of friends made their way out of the castle, and headed back to their places of work/home. while Twilight, Starlight, and Spike remained in the castle, sitting around the map table. All of them still looking very exasperated, and depressed.

“I can’t stand just sitting around here like this Twilight!” Spike said in agitated tone. “We should at least be doing something, instead of just waiting around.”

“I know Spike, I’m not exactly thrilled about this either, but…there’s not much else we can do at the moment.” Twilight says as she leans over the table, head being held in her hooves.

“I’m just curious if we can actually trust this changeling that you’ve talked to. what if him being injured the way he was is some daring plan?” Starlight said, a little skeptical of the changelings actual motives.

“Luna delved deep into his mind, and from what she saw, and how he acted towards Celestia and Luna when he woke up…I think we can trust him.” Twilight said as she steps up from her throne.

“I just hope Celestia and Luna can take what Thorax has told them, and figure out a way to get Zack back.”

The violet alicorn then made her way to the throne rooms door, followed by Spike and Starlight, but as they stepped through the double doors something caught all of their attention. A looming shadow on the floor before them. just as the trio looked up to see what was creating the shadow, they all saw their friends trapped in green cocoons…and several changelings diving towards them! before the changelings came in contact with the trio, Twilight acted on instinct and brought up a shield, but instead of using it just as a means of protection, the alicorn poured more magic into the spell causing the dome shield to expand it outward, colliding with the changelings and knocking them up into the air rather forcibly.

“We need to catch them quickly! Otherwise the queens plan will fail!”

One of the changelings shouted as he divebombed again, but this time zipping around so that none of the ponies, or dragon, could tell where he would attack from. But as the changelings continued with their attack, the two ponies and dragon were readied for a fight, but as they did so, a thought came to Twilight as she brought up another shield as a pair of changelings collided with it.

‘What are these changelings up to? and…are we the only ones being attacked?!’

~~Canterlot~~

The castle was a bundle of activity today! A small infiltration group of changelings managed to sneak into the castle, blend in with the staff and wormed their way towards both Celestia’s and Luna’s chambers. Now of course the two sisters were startled by the sudden attack, but they wouldn’t be such easy targets. Luna was going all out as she was using all of her power to repel the changelings attacking her, and while the royal guard did try and aide her, but like the prior invasion they didn’t stand much of a chance against the changelings, especially now that their not holding back in their attempts to capture the princesses. While Luna was able to hold her own, Celestia was not doing to bad herself despite her current physical injuries hampering her performance a little, and like with her sister the guards try and help their princess and unfortunately make no difference.

“Surround the princess and subdue her! we need to capture her for the queens plan!” one changeling shouted as he shoulder tackled a earth pony guard, slamming the stallion into a wall and knocking him out.

“Princess you need to flee!” one of the unicorn guards warned as he fired a magic blast, striking one of the changelings, but then immediately gets blind sided by another. Getting a hoof kicking into the side of his head.

“No!” Celestia half-shouted as she watched the last guard that came to her defense fall to the ground.

“Now you have no pony left to defend you princess, and considering how weak you appear to be, you can’t hold all of us off on your own.”

One of the ten armored changelings chortled as he, and his comrades, slowly made their way to the princess. And as they corned the alabaster alicorn, whose left leg and wing were start to twitch and convulse, as the overstimulation of battle causes Celestia to drop to the floor. But before the changelings could truly capture the fallen princess, a black blur came zooming in out of a nearby hallway, slamming into the closest changeling, sending him flying a few feet. Now standing in front of both Celestia and the other changelings, fangs bared and hissing at the other chiton clad insect equines, stood…

“Thorax!” the leader of the infiltration squad hissed as he, and the other changelings bared their fangs. “How are you alive traitor?!”

“Because of the kindness of the ponies, that’s how.” Thorax said as he stood his ground, even if his body was shaking like a leaf. Partially out of fear, and partially because he’s still physically weak.

“Thorax you shouldn’t be up and about, your still to injured to be moving around.” Celestia warned as she tried to stand, but her convulsing leg kept her from able to stand up.

Before Thorax could respond to Celestia’s warning, one of the changelings lunged at Thorax, who used what little strength he has to meet him mid-way, where they began biting and kicking each other. however the fight quickly turned one sided as the rest of the changelings ganged up on Thorax. Giving one big flap of her wings, Celestia launched herself at the group, using her sheer size to disrupt the group, interrupting the gang up before they really dealt a lot of damage to the lone traitor. Then as the infiltrators flew back she sent out a volley of magical projectiles that upon connecting with the changelings, shocked them with yellow sparks. Causing the ten changelings to shriek in pain before dropping to the floor, electricity arcing around them.

“Thorax!” Celestia said as she turned to look at the changeling, seeing that he only scuffed up a little.

“I’m fine.” Thorax said as he drops the floor, his legs giving out as he starts panting heavily.

“I told you were still not well enough to be moving around.”

“I know. but when I sensed the other changelings coming, I knew they were up to something and I had to warn you.”

“Then you should’ve sent Shining Armor to inform us.”

“He has.” Celestia turned to the other end of the hallway after hearing her sister’s voice, and was now seeing her and Shining Armor coming towards them. “Sister, are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Shining take Thorax back to the medical wing, we will deal with the changelings.” Celestia said as she manages to stand up, leg still twitching slightly.

“Right.” Shining saluted as he trotted over to Thorax, and levitated him up into the air.

“Come on hero, let’s get you back in bed.” as the two stallions left, Celestia approached one of the changelings who was trying to move, but their bodies wouldn’t do as they wanted.

“Now tell us, what is it that Chrysalis is planning, and what is planning to use Zack for!” the alabaster alicorn said in a very stern, almost angered tone. But the changeling didn’t seem to be in the mood for talking, as he only hissed and snarled at the princess.

“Very well then. If you will not talk, we’ll just have to make it so that you will in do time.” Celestia says as she starts gathering up the changelings in her magic aura.

“I just hope these are the only infiltrators we’ll have to deal with.” Luna says as she goes and collects the ones that she left paralyzed in her quarters, and the connecting hallway.

~~Castle of Friendship~~

At Twilight’s castle the seven changelings that attacked the princess, Starlight and Spike, were all knocked out thanks to sleep spell and being contained in a floating bubble. While Twilight was helping her cocooned friends down, who weren’t to happy being covered in green sludge and slime.

“Yuck! It’s all over my mane, tail and fur! it’s going to take me hours to get it all out.” Rarity whined as she tried to get the sticky green substance out of her coat, but it was proving more difficult.

“Just who were these guys?” Rainbow asked as she tried to shake the sludge off her, but only ending up to sling around her body more, especially around her wings.

“I don’t know, but whoever they are, I’m certain they were sent here for a reason.”

Applejack said as she tried to give her setson a good few shakes, and ending up causing the slime to splat her in the face. that’s when Spike belched and coughed up a scroll. As the ponies trapped in the cocoon tried to get themselves cleaned off, Spike took the scroll into his claws the little dragon silently read only the first paragraph, before gasping. When he did, the seven mare’s looked at the small dragon, and saw that he has a very worried look on his face, which made them all feel even more anxious.

“Changeling’s have attacked both Celestia and Luna, and they’ve gotten all of theirs locked up.”

“Then we better tell them what happed here. And show them the changeling’s that attacked us.” Twilight says as she used her magic to take hold of the bubble.

“Gather around everypony, and I’ll teleport us to the castle.”

The six other ponies, and Spike did as the princess said, and in the flash of purple light the entire group vanished and re-appeared in the main hall of the castles lobby. Once they were at the castle, the group started wandering around and searched for the princesses, so they could tell the two royals about what has happened to them.

Chapter 29: Plans Botched and Rushed Pt. 2

Today has certainly taken an unknown turn which caught the ponies off guard, and that was a small infiltration force of changelings that tried to abduct Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and her circle of friends. Luckily, the ponies were able to fend the changelings off, and even capture them although now that leaves the question, what was their goal? Twilight and her friends, along with the collection of changelings they captured, decided to tell the princesses what had happened at the Castle of Friend. But upon their arrival to the castle the seven mare’s and Spike saw that the royal guards, and even the night guard, were armed in force, wielding weapons, and practically filling the hallway they had arrived in. And they all looked more determined than any of the ponies has ever seen them in.

“Princess Twilight!” one of the guards said as he skidded to a stop in front of the alicorns party, gasping as he saw the changeling filled bubble floating around the group. “It looks like you were ambushed by the changelings as well.”

“You mean they’re here to?!” Twilight said while her friends looked concerned. “How’s princess Celestia and princess Luna?”

“They’re both fine, and for the changelings that tried to abduct them, they’re all being held in a magically sealed jail cell.” The guard said as he moved to the side.

“If you want to leave the changelings with one of the other guards, I’ll take you to where the princesses are.”

The alicorn agreed to the suggestion, and allowed two other nearby unicorn guards to take the bubble, and haul them off to where the other changelings were being held in place. The party then followed the stallion through the castle, heading into the medical wing where they found the princesses, Shining Armor, a small platoon of guards and Thorax. The aforementioned princesses talking to the still bandaged up changeling, while getting a check from a grey unicorn stallion, who was hidden behind Celestia.

“Princesses.” Twilight said to get the attention of the other ponies.

“Twilight!” Celestia said in relief as she made her way over to the smaller alicorn. “Are you alright? Did any changelings attack you?”

“Yes. And we’ve brought the changelings here, but their being taken to where the others are being held.” Twilight replied as she nuzzled her mentor. “Do you know what these changeling are up to?”

“We were actually asking Thorax if he has any ideas.” Luna commented as she glances over to the stallion, who was just finished being re-bandaged. “Unfortunately, he has no idea of what they could be up to.”

“What about the changelings you caught?” Rainbow asked as she hovered above the group.

“We were actually going to go to interrogate them right now actually, but I sincerely doubt they’ll give up their queens plans so easily.” Celestia says in a weary tone, but she still seemed determine to make the attempt. But before the sisters departed for the cells to interrogate the changelings, they asked Twilight for the details on what happened to them.

~~~~~

At the south side of the castle, down in the rarely used dungeons, the two guards that were left in charge with the bubbled up changelings were making their way down the steps. Where upon reaching the bottom they made their way to the magically sealed jail cell, which was pretty hard to miss, as the entire cell itself was covered in a golden yellow and midnight blue magical field. Standing before the cell one of the unicorns used their magic to open the door, which the changelings inside tried to dog pile the ponies, but the magical field surrounding the large cell kept them at bay, allowing the guards to deposit the bubbled up insectoid equines inside. When the last changeling was placed inside the guards closed the cell door and left the changelings, and headed back upstairs. But as they did so the changeling were getting restless as they sat there in the cell.

“The queen is not going to be happy that we ALL failed our assignment!” one of the older ones said as he starts biting the tip of his hoof in a nervous fit.

“We should’ve been able to at least capture them. Especially Luna, she’s usually fast asleep in the day.” A younger changeling said as she scuffed the ground.

“Celestia also should’ve been easy to capture!” one of the male changelings said angerly. “She looked so much weaker than she did during the wedding, heck, she had this huge scar on her neck and chest. And she could barely stand or fly properly

“Well whatever the case…we better report this to the queen.”

A female changeling said as she reached behind her, and pulled out what looked like a jeweled beetle. Three of the other changelings also produced the same jeweled beetle, and once they did they placed them on the floor where they started to glow a bright green light. The four beetles then connected themselves via magical tethers, before they light surrounding the beetles floated upwards, swirling around like a vortex, and merging into a single ball of light, which then turned into a flat green surface. Where the image of queen Chrysalis appeared.

“Why are you contacting me already? Did you capture the ponies?” the changelings cringed, and some even hid behind others before one of them spoke up.

“…n-no your majesty…we ugh a-actually…failed in our…m-mission.” The changeling curled into herself as the queens face slowly devolved into a face of great irritation.

“So none of you were able to capture the ponies you were assigned to?” Chrysalis’s voice crackled with anger as her teeth and fangs grinded against each other. “…useless grubs!” the queen grumbled.

“All of you are so damn, USELESS!” the changelings cowered in fear as their queen screamed at them. “I gave you all simple assignments, gave you targets that you should easily capture. Especially the princesses if you overwhelm them! BUT YOU USELESS MAGOTS COULD’NT EVEN ACOMPLISH THIS!”

“Forgive us my queen, we will strive to do better!” one of the changelings said as he continued to cower in fear.

“Forget it! I’ll just have to come up with a different plan now since you botched this one up.” the queen then glared down at the collection of changelings in the sealed cell.

“I will deal with you all later once I come up with a new plan, in the meantime, you can rot in though cells until then!”

With that the queen canceled the communication, causing the magical surface to revert and delve back into the beetles. Seeing as their queen has announced them useless, and abandon them to rot in the ponies prison, the changelings all just laid there feeling miserable, alone…helpless. But before they could wallow in their new found sadness, a small cough got their attention and when they looked to see who it was, they found Thorax standing before the prison cell.

“What do you want traitor.” One of the changelings said as he tried to sound not so defeated, but only partially succeeding in the process.

“I came to ask you what is the queen up to, what is her plan?”

“I don’t see why we should tell you, you’re a traitor to the hive Thorax.” One of the mare’s said in an challenging tone. “You went against the queen!”

“Because she was torturing an innocent pony.” Thorax responded to the mare’s statement. “And as you just witnessed, the queen just left you here and even threaten all of you…why do you still listen and take orders from such a terrible leader?”

“…and what would you have us do?” in the back of the group, and old male changeling made his way to the front. Sitting down in front of Thorax, who did the same as the stallion started to talk.

“Without our queen the changelings will starve. She drives us to search for new sources of love, and ensures that the Hive is kept safe and secure. Even if our queen is harsh on her people, even to where she sentences them to a horrendous fate, she is our leader, and as her subjects we must always be loyal to her.”

“But there’s a difference to give a ruler your loyalty, and blindly following some creature who clearly is a dangerous ruler who inflicts suffering on her people.” Thorax challenged as he scooted closer to the cell door. “We all know how she treats changelings that fail their assigned tasks that she gave them.”

“Never the less grub. We cannot go against our queen, for if we do…we changelings will have no creature to govern us, and ensure that we will survive.”

“Then help us. me and the princess, if you help us stop Chrysalis I’m sure the princesses would be willing to look after the Hive.”

“HA!” one of the young changelings gaffed as she stomped a hoof on the ground. “And what makes you think that the princesses, the very ponies that we tried to abduct for the queens plans, would even consider accepting the changelings if we help you?”

“Why don’t we ask them.”

Thorax then looked to his right, which the other changelings tried to do as well, but their field of view was somewhat limited. However the captured changelings heard a menagerie of hoof steps trotting about. That’s when the three princesses, and Twilights friends came walking into view, surprising the changelings in the cell. However the other six ponies plus Spike remained at the side of the cell, while Celestia, Luna, and Twilight joined Thorax in sitting in front of the captured changelings.

“How long have they’ve been there?” one of the other changelings asked.

“We all came down here just as your making contact with Chrysalis.” Celestia says as she lays down.

“And as to whether or not we help the Hive if we bring Chrysalis to justice, then yes. We will.” The changelings seemed greatly unconvinced about this promise, which Celestia took notice of.

“I assure you that I am not lying to you, or trying to deceive you. after hearing and see what has happened to Thorax, and the threat that she just made you, I can’t stand by and let her continue to do this to her own subjects.”

“And so you and your fellow princesses are willing to look after over five-thousand changelings, and provide the necessary love energy that our race needs in order to survive?” the old changeling asked as he narrowed his eyes slightly.

“Not only that, but if we dethrone the queen she would most likely exile all of us if we banded together, can you provide homes or a plot of land to house that many changelings?”

Neither of the princess, nor the other ponies in the prison couldn’t really say anything, cause the old changeling had some very good points. Even if the changelings were to help the ponies over throw their queen, she would spend every effort to get her revenge, and if she takes her throne back she would undoubtedly exile all those who betrayed her. if not outright kill them. And even if they did bring in Chrysalis, lock her so she wouldn’t hurt any pony, that would just leave the changelings without a leader to guide them, and help provide for them. not to mention there would be no way that the ponies could provide housing, lively hoods, security and other facets of life, the royal treasury wouldn’t be able to cover such a cost. Then there’s the love energy that the changelings need. While Thorax did explain to the princesses that changelings can eat other foods, its love energy that gives them vitality, and the energy they need in order to prosper as a species.

“Right now…I’m not sure if we can do anything to ensure that the changeling Hive will live on.” Celestia says in a low tone, eyes down casted as she tries to come up with something.

“However, given time, and I promise as one of Equestria’s royals, I will ensure that the changeling hive will not be destroyed.”

“It all sounds like empty and false promises.” One of the females said.

“Perhaps for now. But if my sister promises you that she will take care of the changelings, then she will do everything in her power and authority to help you all.”

The changelings looked at each other with great skepticism, as well as uncertainty. After all this is uncharted territory they’re bordering on, as a changeling Hive never betrays their queen, even if it’s for the good of the Hive as a whole. Once the changelings have finished with their silent conversation, the old stallion looked ahead and stared into the three alicorns eyes, his dull blue eyes shimmering with great determination. But they still possessed a sense of worry within them.

“We will tell you what the queen’s original plan was, and provide with what little assistance we can, but only if you can keep your promise in ensuring that our Hive will thrive.” Celestia, Luna, and Twilight all gave nods and finalized their promise. “Then we have an accord. Help us changelings find a better life.”

~~Bad Lands Hive~~

High up in the Bad Lands Hive, in Queen Chrysalis private the chambers the leader of the changelings, is pacing about the room. trying to think of another way to accomplish the plan she has, although nothing different was coming to mind. And no new plan was coming to her to try and take over the kingdom of Equestria, which only frustrated her even more so.

“Those worthless grubs are so useless, and now I have to figure out another way to try and take the princesses out.” Chrysalis continued to pace about the room, trying again and again to try and come up with an alternative, but still nothing was forthcoming.

Relenting under the fact she is coming up with nothing, the queen gave out an exasperated sigh before making her way to the bed. where she belly flopped onto the mattress, and burying her face into the side of Zack’s belly, which as of late has not only become an honorary pillow for the queen. But has grown in bulk just a little. And as the queen laid on the bed, face pressed against the soft warm bulge, the queens head shifted to the side allowing the queen to look over to the sleeping face of the alicorn. As she lightly snores and twitches in her sleep, wings fidgeting every now and then, and tail flopping about and spreading her musk about.

“If only the other alicorns were as easy to capture as you were.” the queen groans as she then rolls onto her back, staring up at the ceiling as she continues on.

“But mark my words, I will have this country under my rule…and who knows…perhaps I’ll try and rule all of Equus.”

With the events of the day not going in her favor, and that a new plan wasn’t coming to her, the queen decided to rest up and try to plot something else later. But before she nods off for a nap, the queen rolls back onto her stomach, and then starts draining the love energy out of Zack, causing the alicorn to jostle around her sleep more. And as the queen drains the love from the alicorn, the violet ponies coat, mane, and tail started to loose a very small amount of their color. once Chrysalis has drained enough of love for the time being, the queen got into a comfort spot and began to nod off, hoping that a new plan will appear sometime later today.

Chapter 30: the Siege of the Changeling Hive! - End of Volume 2

Author's Note

Well everyone, here it is, the end of Volume 2. i hope you all enjoy this.
now before you start readying this chapter, i would like to say thank you all for the support and enjoyment you have been having in reading this project of mine, it really means a lot to me. so thank you. Now, once I've uploaded this chapter, this fic will go on Haitus so i can work on other projects i already have up, or have been working on in the background. but don't worry, Volume 3 won't be to far behind.

Chapter 30: the Siege of the Changeling Hive! - End of Volume 2

A full day has gone by, and since then the royal sisters pushed up their plan in Zack’s rescue. And when they disclosed the general plan of what they have so far, the captured changelings added to the plan by providing some useful information, which the princesses used to alter their plan in order to ensure that they succeed. On the next day Celestia, Luna, Twilight, her circle of friends along with Spike, and three squadrons of royal guards. As well as Thorax and the two platoons of changelings that were persuaded to aid the ponies, were all standing on the hill at the very edge of the changelings border, staring at the lone dark mountain looming in the bleak landscape.

“Is everypony ready?” Celestia asked all those who were participating in this operation, to which everypony nodded.

“I still can’t believe that the changelings live here…it’s so…baren.” Fluttershy said as she looked at the landscape, seeing the sand, rock, and the dead trees and bushes. “How could you all live in such a horrible place?”

“Our home wasn’t always like this.” The old changeling stallion said as he rubbed a spot on the hill they were all standing on. “One time, during our last queens rule, this place used to be a vibrant green place. It was only when Chrysalis took the throne, and that the land started to be drained of everything when she replaced the old queens throne, with the dark stone variant.”

“So if we get rid of that throne, will things go back to normal?” Applejack asked.

“…who knows.” The old stallion said. “The throne has been installed for so long, I’m unsure if our land is salvageable. But now’s not the time to discuss about the state of our homeland, we need to focus on bringing the queen down.”

“And for rescuing our friend Zack.” Spike added as he looked at the changeling group.

“Yes, and saving your friend.”

“And are you sure that she’s up in Chrysalis’s chamber?” Thorax questioned as he turned to look at his fellow changeling.

“Yes. Ever since your exile, she’s been kept in the queens chamber since, in fact we saw her when she was detailing her plan to us.” the old stallion said as he looked back to the still injured changeling, which still caused the ponies to be hesitant in letting him join todays plan.

“Thorax I still prefer that you remained at the castle, you still need to recover from your injuries.” Celestia says as she kept a close watch on the small male.

“No!” Thorax half-shouted, startling the group as he continues. “I failed to save Zack from her torment, twice…and I promised that I would come back and rescue her! I promised that I get her away from Chrysalis, and return her to where she could be happy and safe. And I refuse to break that promise!”

The group couldn’t really deny the injured changeling his request, the determination in his conviction, they just couldn’t say no to him after her this. Even his fellow changelings were touched by his determination. In fact, they all were very impressed in how Thorax was doing, cause after being exiled he should’ve been incredibly weak. And while he is, the others can tell that Thorax isn’t struggling to remain active, even if he hasn’t consumed any love energy since.

“Very well, but stay close to us, and we will help you fulfill your promise.” Thorax nodded to Celestia’s request.

“Now remember, our plan relies on getting all of you—” the old changeling said as he pointed to the three alicorns. “—up to the throne, once its destroyed you should be able to subdue the queen much easier.”

“And are you sure this plan is going to work?” Pinkie Pie asked as she, and a number of the guards and other members of her friends, were uncertain about the plan as a whole. But the princesses and the changelings seem confident in that this will all work out.

“If we pull this off, then yes.” Luna says as she looks at the far-off hive. “But the real question is how do we even begin this operation. We won’t be able to make it too far with the aerial patrols circling around.”

“The princess is right. So, how are we going to get close to the hive?” Twilight asked as she tried to think of a way to get to the hive, but unable to come up with a solid idea.

“It won’t be easy that’s for sure.” One of the female changelings said. “But, if we pool in our magic, we should be able to create some kind of field that disguises the entire group.”

“But can you all cast such a spell?” Applejack asked. “Not that I’m calling ya’ll incompetent, but that seems like a real challenge to pull off.”

“It is.” The old stallion said. “If we were just getting the three princesses, and you six inside it wouldn’t be a problem. But since we need a big distraction, we have to get the guards inside to help with that.”

“Now then, let’s get this underway.”

The changelings then circled around the group of ponies, with the princesses and council of friendship in the middle. Once they formed the circle, the changeling’s horns started to glow with magic, and several moments later the magic flowing from the changelings horns swelled out and surround the entire group. Till a thin forcefield surrounds them all, which from the inside makes everything look like it has a light green tinge, while on the outside the entire group was perfectly invisible.

Once the field was established the group began to make their way down the hill, and slowly start to make the arduous journey to the hive, and as they did so the ponies were really able to see just how desolate the changeling’s homeland was. Aside from the sand and dust that covered the land, the ponies can see the extremely desolate and cracked landscape, dried and withered trees, bushes, and other remnants of vegetation that just made the ponies sad to see that the changelings had to live in such conditions. The group eventually made it to the Hive, but instead of going through the main entrance, the changelings slowly lead the group to the east side of the hive. Rounding the mountainous structure and the group came upon a small entrance, with only a small hoofull of guards. Underneath the barrier Luna made her way to the forefront of the group, her horn glowing with magic which seeped out of the barrier, flowing over to the four guards, and causing them to almost immediately fall asleep.

As the guards drop to the floor, snoring away, the group made their way through the side entrance, and once inside the ponies were in awe at what they saw. The interior of the hive was like a living organism, as the walls, ceilings, every part of the hive moved and shifted, changing forms as well as changing all of the entryways and exits.

“…okay…I’m just going to say it. But how the actual, buck, do we know which way to go!?” Rainbow said in aggravation as she rubs her hooves through her mane as she watches everything keep changing every few seconds.

“That’s why I said this plan wasn’t going to be easy.” One of the younger male changelings said. “The hive continuously changes its internal structure, just like how we changelings change our forms.”

“It’s complete chaos.”

Thorax commented as the group slip through an opening in the wall, before it closed behind them. The group continued to trot through the hive, eventually finding a nice, secluded spot. At least it looked secluded, so before anything else the group checked to make sure that no other changeling, drone, or guard would come passing by. Once they were sure they area was secure, the changeling dispelled the camouflage barrier.

“Alright, the easy part is over with.” The old changeling male announced as he looked at the group. “Now the real part of the operation begins.”

“Then that means we’re up.” Lieutenant Flare Sky said as she, and the three squadrons of guards, start preparing themselves for the task they signed up for.

“Now remember ponies, your job is to just distract the guards, no attacking the drones!” one of the older females said in a very protective manner. “They are just the citizenry of the hive, so if you get chased into the housing districts, don’t do anything to harm them!”

“Right.” Flare Sky, and her guards, said in unison.

“What about us?” Starlight asked. “I’m still unclear about our role in this?”

“You will be sticking close to the princesses, you five minus you—” the old male said as he gestured to Starlight. “—are the heroines of your land, so you should be the best at protecting the royals.”

“And as for us we’ll be splitting into two different groups, half will disguise as guards to help distract the hive, while the other half will guide the alicorns to the throne room.”

“Where we subdue and capture Chrysalis, once we’ve dealt with the throne.” Twilight says as she looks directly up. “And then once all of that is taken care of, we’ll head for Chrysalis’s private chamber.”

After the ponies readied themselves, the changelings assigned to the guards changed their forms, and silently lead them out of their secluded hiding place. While the decoy team moves out, the ‘throne crasher’ team watches them trot out into the newly widen area of the hive, and not even a moment after the distraction group made to the middle of the hall, a lone changeling guard crashed right into them! causing the alarm to be raised, and causing the operation to actually begin!

~~Elsewhere~~

Chrysalis was held up in her personal chambers, standing at a table with various charts and papers, a quill held in her sickly green magical aura as she once again tries to come up with a new plan. Ever since yesterday she’s tried to come up with new plans, since her supposed infiltration squads failed their missions, however the queen was unable to think of anything worthwhile. But now she was back at it, and so far she’s come up with one or two new plans, and at least one variation of the previous plan that could still be pulled off, if things fell into place. And while the changeling queen was at her desk, coming up with plans to take over Equestria, and have a nearly endless supply of love energy to keep her and the hive thriving and in power, on her bed the sound of light snoring could be heard.

It’s been five days since Zack was moved from the prison, to the queens chambers, and has been impregnated by the queen herself. And already the alicorn is showing some sign of her pregnancy, with her stomach already developing a bulge. Which only gets bigger by the day, and the prospect that Zack would bare Chrysalis’s own heir to her kingdom, actually brings a sense of glee to the queen. But the ambient light snoring sound was disrupted by rampant knockings.

“I thought I instructed to not be—”

“My queen! We-WE HAVE INTRUDERS!”

“WHAT!?!” the queen all but screams as she tears the door to her chambers off its hinges, revealing the panicking guard. “What did you just say?”

“There are royal Equestrian guards in the Hive!” the guard said, remembering how shocking it was to have word that a group of ponies just, suddenly appeared in the hive.

“And your certain their not just changelings in disguise?”

“No my queen. They are genuine ponies!”

“THEN GET BACK DOWN THERE, AND SUBDUE THEM!” the queen shouted with such force that the guard was actually knocked off his hooves. But he quickly got up to his hooves, and flew off.

Dropping the ripped door onto the floor, the queen then made her way out of her chambers, and flew down to see what this intrusion was. Actually the queen was more confused on how intruders managed to get into the hive, but that could wait, what she’s most concern about is dealing with the those who managed to even sneak in. and once she captures them, she’ll enjoy interrogating them, and learn on how they even found the hive. But as Chrysalis makes her way down from her own chambers, something came crashing into her side and knocking her down to a nearby ledge, but as she recovers from whatever just tackled her the queen felt something wrap around her body. And when she looked to see what was wrapped around her, being swarmed by her own changelings! And they were encasing her body in green goo bindings!

“What is the meaning of this!” Chrysalis shouted as she tries to get out of the sticky bindings.

“You won’t be able to escape from those easily!” Looking up to where the unknown voice came from, Chrysalis found the friends of Twilight Sparkle, and some new unicorn that she’s never seen before, with even more changelings standing by their side.

“Release me this instant!” the queen shouted as she tried to use her magic to get the bindings off her, but nothing was happening. Looking up to her forehead, the queen saw that her horn was also covered in the green slime, acting as a nullifier to her own magic. the queen was then levitated up to the group by some of the other traitorous changelings.

“Sorry but we’re not letting you get away once we’re done here Chrysalis.” The unicorn said as the queen was deposited in front of the group.

“You brought these ponies here!? How dare you! YOU—TRAITORS!” the queen asked as she was brought closer to the group…but she got her answer as she saw a familiar changeling standing behind the six mare’s and small dragon. “Thorax. How dare you come back to the hive, after I gave you a merciful fate that normally a traitor like you would never have.”

“I didn’t come back just to scorn you, Chrysalis.” Thorax said as he nearly spat the queen’s name. “I came back to keep my promise, the promise of saving my friend Zack, from you!”

“So you spurn my act of mercy of letting you live, to only come back, and invade the hive all to retrieve a lowly pony you think is your friend? As well as turn the rest of the hive against me?!”

“You brought all of this down on yourself Chrysalis.” One of the changelings said, shocking the queen as she glares up at them. “Ever since you became queen, you have governed us with fear of failure, and the pursue of your own desires that you claim are for the betterment of the hive.”

“HOW DARE YOU!” the queen all but screamed as she struggled in her gooey bindings. “I am the only thing keeping this hive thriving, I am the one that knows what it takes to lead you mulling grubs! And without me, your all nothing! You hear me, NOTHING! I. Am. Your. QUEEN!”

“Not any more you’re not.”

Chrysalis gritted her teeth so hard against each other, that one could swore they could hear them crack and chip against one another. Then, the queen released such a harrowing, and unbearable screeching sound that it forced the group to cover their ears, but even in doing so couldn’t block out the queen’s horrid screams completely. But little did the group know, that the scream wasn’t just one of frustration and anger, it was also a signal to arms for the entire hive. And to come to her rescue. And not even a few seconds had gone by since she screamed, and that the six ponies, Thorax, and the other traitor changelings saw a large swarm of armored changelings come flying towards them!

The group was immediately dog piled, but they didn’t go down without a fight. even without access to their magic, the six ponies were able to fend themselves fairly well, especially Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Starlight as they were capable combatants, heck even Pinkie was doing well. And as they fought the group of ponies were just as proficient as they did during the wedding invasion, heck Fluttershy was even fighting more directly this time, and even managed to buck a changeling guard away. Although her attack sent the changeling crashing through the throne rooms doors. Another surprising sight to behold was the dueling pair of Thorax, with Spike clinging to his back and releases puffs and gouts of fire. Although these two haven’t spent that much time together, the two have connect with each other due to their bond with Zack, and it spurred them both to do their best to save their common friend. While the fighting was going on, a pair of changelings rushed over to Chrysalis, and started to try and remove the copious amount of goo binding the queen up.

During the fighting the changelings that joined the ponies were able to hold their own, and providing as much assistance to the six mare’s as they could, as they were rendered weaken due to the queens throne. But hopefully that will change soon so long as they can keep Chrysalis and the rest of the hive distracted. Eventually the guards were finally able to free their queen, and the moment that she was un-bounded, Chrysalis shot up to her hooves with her horn emitting so much magic, and a look of rage so potent she could set a forest on fire just by looking at it.

“Bring those traitors to me! I will have their heads on platters once I’m through with them!” the guards did as their queen order, albeit a little begrudgingly, but they still tried to subdue the enemy forces.

“Your majesty!” one of the changelings, the same one that Fluttershy bucked through the doors, came bursting out from the doors and flying over the brawling crowd.

“What is it now!”

“The alicorn princesses…they’re in the throne room, and your throne…they’re attempting to destroy it!”

Chrysalis looked semi-confused, but wasted no time and vaulted over the crowd, and flew towards the throne room. where upon entering she saw Celestia, Luna, and Twilight circling her dark stone throne, horns pulsing with large quantities of magic. all of which was being absorbed by the throne. Now normally the queen would be laughing in this endeavor, however, when she saw that her throne was trembling slightly, and was developing small glowing cracks. She was now more worried than anything else now!

“NO!”

~~Before the Operation~~

“Are you sure that will work?” Twilight asked the old changeling male before the group left for the Badlands.

“Yes.” The old male said. “Very few know about this, but while the throne is capable of absorbing non-changeling magic, it does have its limits. As long as it absorbs at a slow and steady pace, nothing will happen, however…” the old changeling then looked at the three princesses.

“If all three of you pour so much magic direct into the throne, at the same time with great intensity, then the throne will be unable to contain it all…and will end up destroying itself.”

“Then our top priority for this whole mission, is to get the princesses to the throne room, and allow them to destroy the throne.” Flare Sky said as she dawns her helmet.

“Indeed. That is why half of us will go with the guard, and create as much commotion as we can.”

“What about the other half?” Starlight asked.

“The other half of us defectors, along with the council of friendship, will be the first and last line of defense to keep others out of the throne room.”

~~Back in the Throne Room~~

The dark stone throne was covered in various glowing cracks as it shakes and trembles, while the three alicorn princesses pour as much of their magic directly into the throne, as their horns burned like large pyres as they generated enormous amounts of magic. and as the princesses continued to try and break the throne from the inside, Chrysalis stood by the throne rooms entrance, eyes widen with horror as she realizes what it is that the ponies, and the traitorous changelings that allied with the ponies were up to. So in a bout of fear, and a cry of panic the queen flew as fast as she could over to the three alicorns in an attempt to stop them. but the princesses gave one final push of magic, pouring to their utmost limits causing the throne to start crumbling away, and glow with prismatic light.

Then, as Chrysalis was a dozen or so feet from the three royals, the throne erupted in a barrage of light and stone fragmentation. Knocking back the queen, and the three alicorns, as well as tearing a large hole into the side of the hive’s structure encapsulating the throne room. the force of the explosion was so vast and powerful, the backlash caused the entire hive to shake and quake, ceasing the fighting outside, causing all of the combating changelings and ponies to be knocked onto their side, and be covered in debris. With the new skylight now created out of the throne rooms wall, the light of the sun shine through the dark clouds, departing them, and showing Twilight, Celestia and Luna slowly recovering from the explosion. All three of them showing signs of heavy exhaustion as they all stand up, or at least attempt to.

“Luna…Celestia…” Twilight said through heavy breathing. “Are you two, alright?”

“I’m…fine Twilight.” Celestia says as she tries to stand, but falls to her stomach. “Sister, what about you?”

“Alive but, thoroughly, exhausted.” Luna pants as she lays on her side. Then from a nearby pile of rubble, the three princesses saw Chrysalis burst from the pile, hissing, and snarling as her eyes scanned the area. Stopping as she takes notice at the state of her throne room.

“…what have you, DONE!” Chrysalis screamed as she looked at the three alicorns, who all forced themselves to get to their hooves. “You’ve destroyed my throne! You will pay for—”

The queen was stopped in mid-sentence as her body was covered in a teal magical aura. Looking around the throne room, the queen searched for the source and found the unknown light purple unicorn’s horn glowing with the same magical aura. The rest of Twilight’s friends slowly recovered from the explosion, soon followed up by the defector changelings, as well as Thorax and Spike. The rest of the changelings that fought the infiltration party soon recovered, but were all to shaken up from what just happen to immediately go straight back into the fight.

“It’s over Chrysalis.” Starlight said as she tried to keep her focus to keep the queen in her magical grasp. “Surrender, and return Zack to us.”

“…” the changeling queen remained silent as her whole body trembled, not because of fear, but because her rage was reaching new heights.

“If you surrender now Chrysalis, you will be treated fairly in a court of law, and your hive will be able to—”

“Never…” Chrysalis cut Celestia off as she narrowed her eyes as she stares off into the distance. “The day that I, Queen Chrysalis, ruler of all the changelings, kneels down and surrenders to lowly ponies…is the day I DIE!”

A blinding flash of vibrant green light exploded from Chrysalis horn. The light was so intense, that every pony, and changeling cried out in pain as their eyes stung, causing them all to cover their eyes. And with her focus broken, Starlight’s magical grasp on the queen faltered and then eventually breaking. Now that she was free, Chrysalis quickly flew towards the new gaping hole in the throne rooms hall, and began flying off into the distance just as the ponies and changelings regained their sight. Once everypony was able to see again, they all looked around for the queen, and when they looked outside they all saw that the queen was a spec in the distant.

“Horse apples! She got away!” Applejack swore as she tossed her hat down onto the ground.

“Don’t worry, now, there isn’t much where she can hide.” Celestia said as she managed to get her strength back. “But we’ll deal with her later, for the time being lets do what we initial came her to do.”

“Hold it!” one of the changeling guards said as he stood before the group, looking a little shaken up. “…W-what’s going to happen to us?” Thorax gave a comforting smile to the guard, as well as the other changelings that also looked worried.

“Don’t worry, the princesses promised to look over the hive, and the changelings in it.”

“But how do we know we can trust them.” another guard asked, looking skeptical.

“I assure you guard; the princesses will be far better rulers than Chrysalis. At least, we won’t have to cower in fear on being brutally punished for failing anything.” One of the defectors said as she rubbed her right foreleg, which has a large scar on it.

The changelings seemed to be having some trouble trusting the others, but they at least seem willing to trust the others. And given that their queen has, essentially abandon them, the changelings didn’t really have much of an options. While the defector changelings tried to reassure their fellow hive members to trust them, and the princesses, as well as leaving to find the distraction party and inform them as what has just transpired, the rescue team made their way up to the queens private chambers. With Twilight carrying her friends in her restored magical aura, while Thorax lead the way. Within a few minutes the group made it to Chrysalis’s private chambers, with the door laying on the floor, and through the opening the group can see Zack, still fast asleep on the bed. rushing inside they all gathered around the bed, and as they did so they saw Zack start to toss and turn a little.

“Zack.” Twilight says as she gently shakes her look-a-like, trying to get her to wake up.

“Zack, it’s Twilight. Wake up. We’ve come to rescue you.” The sleeping alicorn rolled onto her other side, and as she does so, the group watch as the violet mare slowly starts to wake up.

But as the mare lays up and looks at the group, they all felt their hearts ache as they saw the heavy bags under the mare’s eyes, as well as the tear stains coating her fur. But as the ponies and dragon felt their chest tighten at seeing Zack’s disheveled state, Thorax felt completely disheartened and dropped to the floor…as he saw the glowing green hue coating Zack’s eyes. And the moment that the captured alicorn spoke, her words made all of the ponies feel just as disheartened as Thorax, as Zack’s voice was hollow…broken…and unfeeling as she looks at them all.

“How can I please you today…my queen~”

Chapter 31: the Journey of a Thousand Miles to Recovery Pt. 1

One month and one week. That is how long that Zack has been in Equestria, and for that length of time, nothing but ill fate has befallen this poor human turned alicorn. She’s been manipulated to be part of a social game by one of the ponies ruling royal sisters. Her situation has been treated as nothing more than a simple thing that will be fixed like a broken window, by those who try to be her friends, who think it’s as simple as singing ‘one, two, three’. Then having been dragged into strange and absurd situations, and downright childish problems, to even being put under minimal mind control.

And that wasn’t even the worst of it, not by a long shot.

The truly reality shattering fact that greatly affected the human boy turned alicorn mare, was finding out that a spirit of chaos had brought her from her world of Earth to Equestria, all for no other reason than to provide, entertainment, for the spirit. That’s when Zack also learned that she was now, officially deceased, because the spirit has ‘accidently’ killed her old body when he attempted to bring Zack to Equestria. After learning this the alicorn lost herself to her grief and anger, and became a destructive force focused on one thing. Kill the spirit! And she did so in a rather violent and destructive way, but after getting her revenge on the spirit the alicorn was then toyed by fate. By putting her in the hooves of a dementated tyrant queen, who subjected Zack to forceful sexual intercourse with not just her guards, but herself as well. And throughout the rest of her imprisonment, and the sexual endeavors she was put through, the alicorn was constantly being put under and out of mind control, weaking her mental faculties of being able to resist the pleasure and the euphoria of sex.

To the point where she was nothing more than living doll meant to be used for whatever purpose its owner desires.

But after a month and one week of being put through all of this, going through mild annoyances, to soul crushing reality, and being the victim of deranged tyrant. It seems that fate has decided to finally be forgiving to the alicorn mare.

Two days have passed since the siege of the changeling hive, and since then several things have been changing within the kingdom of Equestria. One of the bigger changes was the integration of the changelings hive, into Equestrian society, which was harder than it seem. But the princesses made a promise, a promise to help the abandoned changelings thrive, and they were going to keep their word. While the princesses were trying to find a more suitable land for the changelings to inhabit, in the castles medical ward Twilight Sparkle, Spike, their friends, and the changeling Thorax have been trying to come up with ways to free Zack from the mind control that Chrysalis left her in.

Twilight, Starlight, and the royal sisters, have tried various methods in trying to break the spell placed on the alicorn. But none of their attempts worked. But what made the group even more sad, as well as angry, was the fact that Zack has been confirmed to be pregnant, and by the test they made, and dreaded hunch, it was Chrysalis herself that had done the deed to breed Zack. And if Zack’s digestion period is the same as Cadence, when she had Flurry Heart, then the mind enslaved alicorn will give birth in five months’ time.

~~~~~

Today Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer were in the archives of the castle, going through the old tomes and scrolls of the dusty library, searching for anything that could help them in lifting the spell placed on Zack. However their effort is rather futile, and un-need. They already know how to break the spell on the alicorn, as it was confirmed by Thorax that the spell placed on Zack, was the same that was placed on Shining Armor when the queen impersonated Cadence. But this just made the ponies even more disheartened, as the thing that broke Shining Armor out of his own mind control, was the love that Cadence had for her husband. And therein lies the ponies conundrum.

“AGH!” Twilight shouted as she actually, for the first time in her life…threw a book down at the floor in frustration! “There is NOTHING! Nothing about how to combat mind control!”

“There’s books on ancient beasts. Tomes on how to ward against nightmares, there’s even a scroll that describes the best way to make a potato dish for some kind of fancy ceremony.” Starlight said as she used her magic to separate the text’s she’s already ready, from the pile she hasn’t even read yet.

“All of this information, bits and pieces of our races magical knowledge, and yet all of this, it’s all basically…USELESS!” the unicorn shouted in aggravation as her magic sent all the books around her scattering across the ground.

“We’ve been at this for hours, and we’re not close to finding anything useful.” The unicorn slumped onto the floor as she feels exhausted from the tireless research, mind feeling numb after reading so much useless topics. Twilight then came rounding around a corner, looking just as tired and exhausted as her apprentice.

“Starlight, let’s take a break. At this rate will just burn ourselves out.”

“…yeah. I could use a break.”

The unicorn stood up from her spot on the floor, and followed Twilight out of the archive, locking the door behind them as they started to make their way through the south wing of the castle. As the two mares trotted through the lonely hallway, they both started to run through the new amounts of knowledge in their heads, even though they were tired of running through useless information and trying to get away from it for the time being. Sometime later the two ponies exited the lonely empty corridor, and started to trot through into one of the main hallways, before exiting out into the courtyard and being bathed in the light of the evening sun. While the pair were trotting through the courtyard, Starlight started to think back to when Cadence was brought to the castle, to see whether or not that her love magic could help undo Chrysalis’s mind control. But even the princess of love couldn’t break the spell.

“I still can’t believe that even Cadence couldn’t break the spell” Starlight muttered to herself as the pair made their way to a nearby flight of stairs.

“It would seem that Thorax was right…” Twilight said in a low tone as she started to climb the steps.

“The only ways for the spell to be lifted off of Zack is either her true lover’s own love breaks the spell, or have…” the next thought that came to the alicorn, actually made Twilight feel sick to her stomach to even think about it. “Chrysalis lift the spell herself.”

“As if we’ll let that hag anywhere near Zack after all of this!” Starlight nearly spat as the pair reached the top of the steps, and started to trot down the left corridor that lead to the dining hall. “By the way Twilight, have the guards found any clues onto where Chrysalis ran off to?”

“No.” Twilight simply replied. “The guards have scoured the land for anything that could lead to her, but they found absolutely nothing.” a very disappointed look came over Starlight’s face after Twilight informed her protégé of the queens state.

“…if only I haven’t lost my hold on her, then we could’ve made her remove the spell on Zack.” The alicorn turned to look at the unicorn with a worrisome look.

“Starlight it’s not your fault that she escaped, none of us expected her to use that blinding flash spell to make her escape.” The taller mare comforted as she wrapped a wing around the mare, bringing her into a hug.

“But still…”

“Come on Starlight. If you try to place all of the blame on yourself, it will only make feel worst.” The alicorn nuzzled the unicorn in attempt to lighten up her mood. “In fact, you could say it was all of our fault, for not foreseeing her escape attempt, and from stopping her.”

“…I guess you’re right. But even still…I can’t help but feel responsible.” Starlight says as she pulls away from Twilight’s wing hug, and trots off.

The alicorn could only watch as her student trots off, head now slouching and tail dragging behind her. Twilight soon followed after her protégé and friend, and when she did the two mares walked in silence until they reached the dining hall, where they saw both Celestia and Luna sitting at the large table, and each princess looked equally as exhausted and frustrated as Twilight and Starlight. Aside from the alicorns, Thorax was also sitting at the table, now fully recovered from his own injuries but now baring scars and marks.

“There you two are.” Celestia says in a low, very tired voice, as she looks over to Twilight and Starlight.

“Good evening everypony.” Both mares say as they approach another table within the room, gathering up food on their own plates before joining the other three at the main table.

“Are you two okay?” Thorax asked as he looked at the tired expressions on the two mares faces. “You look like you haven’t gotten any sleep at all.”

“We’ve been awake since daybreak, going through books, tomes and everything else to see if we can find something to break the spell on Zack.” Twilight says as she pretty much downs her glass of strawberry milk in one go, before eating the food on her plate.

“Have you found anything?” the changeling asked in hopeful tone, but when both mares shook their heads, his hopeful grin dropped to a frown as he slumped into his chair. “I guess we’re out of options then.”

“But there has to be something we haven’t thought of!” Twilight said in hope after swallowing her mouthful of food.

“I’m sure there is Twilight, but finding the answer to our problem might not be as easy as we—”

Celestia paused in mid-sentence when a when a blue wisp comes flying into the room, and materialized into a letter in front of the princess. Taking the letter in her magic grasp the aged alicorn started to read what is written, and as she does so her expression goes from mild-curiosity to greatly hopeful! Which to the other occupants of the table, looked as if the

“Sister? Is something wrong?” Luna asked her sister, before the alicorn looked to her fellows at the table with a big smile.

“Cadence and Sunburst say that they might have a way to undo the mind control!”

“Wait! Sunburst?” Starlight says in surprise. “How does he know about all of this.”

“From what’s written on the letter, Cadence has asked Sunburst for his assistance, as his magical knowledge is second-to-none. So when she returned to the Empire, and Sunburst asked what has caused her plight, so she informed him about Zack and her current state. And…Sunburst believes that he may have found some way to release Zack!” the group at the table looked at each with genuine surprise as the princess tells them this bit of information, and the first to react to this was Thorax, but flying out of his seat and buzzing his way to the doorway.

“Then what are we waiting for! if this sunburst has a way to get rid of the mind control, let’s give it a shot!”

The changeling then blitz out of the dining hall and was undoubtedly heading towards the medical ward, with the three alicorns and Starlight quickly following after him. As the four mares, and lone male changeling, rushed to the medical ward the startled a few of the guards, and servants of the castle as they weren’t expecting to see the royals running like excited children.

Upon reaching the medical ward, the four ponies and lone changeling made their way to the farthest bed, where Zack was sleeping soundly. The mare has been asleep for the past three days ever since she was rescued, courtesy of princess Luna. The reason for this little conundrum is that, because of the mind control she’s put under, as well as how the queen used her, the violet alicorn was basically an overly flirtatious hussy that tries to get intimate with any pony she encounters. So to preserve the sanctity of both the other ponies chastity, as well as Zack’s, as well as try and not have the mare have more hardship placed upon her. Using her levitation Celestia carefully lifted the slumbering mare, wrapping her up in a blanket to keep her warm, and stuffing it with a pillow for her head, the princesses, Starlight and Thorax left the medical ward and prepared to leave for the Crystal Empire.

“Should I inform my friends about what’s going on, and what Sunburst and Cadence have planned?”

“I think so. It would help ease their minds, and I’m sure they would like greet Zack if this idea of theirs work.” Celestia says as she and the others enter the main lobby.

“Then me and my friends will meet you in the Empire later.” Twilight says as she ignited her horn, and teleported back to Ponyville, while the other princesses, Starlight and Thorax left at the castle and made their way to the train station.

~~Ponyville~~

Ever since Zack was, rescued, from queen Chrysalis hold, Spike has been in a very foul mood. After all one of his friends were put through such a horrible ordeal, after going through the shattering reality of her condition, all because of Discord’s childish and selfish antics. Now this friend of his is unable to do anything, other than trying to sleep with other ponies, and looks so, broken.

“Spike?” the dragon turned to look at his bedroom door and found Twilight standing there.

“Hey Twilight, what—”

“I need you to head to the throne room, there’s something I need to tell you and the others.” Unsure what has his caretaker is up to, and why she looked so hopeful, the little dragon hopped off his bed and left his room while Twilight galloped off.

After making his way down to the throne room, Spike found Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash either sitting or standing around the table. All of whom looked like Spike did. A minute after the dragon took a seat in his little throne, Twilight came into the throne room with the rest of her friends in tow, each one looking like the rest of them. All six mares have been in this sorry state ever since invasion of the changeling hive, and the days they’ve all been waiting for Zack to be freed from her mind controlled, but as the past few days had gone by with no results the mares were left feeling defeated. Sure they may have gotten Zack back, its just that she’s not whole, part of her is still in the position of Chrysalis. Twilight was the only one that appeared to be in higher spirts than the others, and it was confusing the other occupants of the throne room.

“So Twilight what’s going on?” Applejack asked as she slouches into her throne.

“Well I have good news! Or at least I hope its good news.” Twilight reiterates as she looks at her friends. “Sunburst and Cadence believe they have a way to help Zack, I don’t know what his idea is, but Celestia seemed to think it might work.” the group’s collective mood shifted from disheartened depression into a very hopeful awareness as they looked at their alicorn compatriots.

“Really?!” Pinkie asked in actual excited voice, heck, even some of her limp mane and tail poofed up a little.

“Like I said hopefully, I came to tell you all this, and that me and the other princesses are heading to the Empire—”

“Then what are we waiting for let’s go!”

Rainbow all but burst out of the room, followed by her friends as they all left the castle, and Twilight behind. as for the alicorn herself, she recovered from the sudden change and chased after friends. Hope burning in all of their hearts as they made their way to the station.

Chapter 32: the Journey of a Thousand Miles to Recovery Pt. 2

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Chapter 33: the First Step to Recovery.....is Never Easy.

Today was to be a celebration, for today Twilight Sparkle’s look alike, the poor human turned to alicorn, Zackery Johnson, was free from the mind controlled enslavement she has been in for the betterment of well over a week. The mare was free from her mental chains, no longer shackled to be what the now on the run queen of the changelings whims, and desires of spite and mental derangement were to be. And while there were tears of joy being shed from Twilight Sparkle, her friends, the two royal sisters, and the changeling and dragonling that the human-turned-pony actually called friend, the moment of jubilation was short lived.

After the mare was freed, thanks to the help of princess Cadence and her royal crystaller Sunburst, in utilizing the Crystal Heart, the party brought the mare into the empires castle where they got the mare food and drink. From her condition prior to being freed from her mind control, Zack wasn’t in poor condition, but she wasn’t in the best of physical health as well. Especially since she was put under a sleeping spell to prevent her from, possibly coercing other ponies to engage in, intimate activities because of her enslavement condition. So after eating her fill of food, which was enough to feed half the party as a whole, the mare was sated and satisfied. Even with some of her food combinations being on the strange side, something that the others would think that Pinkie Pie would cook up, and then eat like it was the most normal thing there was.

But after the now pale purple alicorn was filled with food, the happy moments started to slowly devolve. Once every pony has had their fill of food, they all made their way to a nice quite chamber, where they try to take things easy. And for a time it was going as planned.

It all started off to a good start, with the ponies catching Zack up on what’s been going on, aside from their searching for her to rescuing her. during this time Zack was also being introduced to not only Sunburst, who wanted to ask various questions about who the mare was, but refrained, to even meeting Cadence’s daughter Flurry Heart. Who seemed to have taken quite a shine to the mare. But as time went on the cheerful atmosphere started to turn south, when Zack noticed Pinkie’s not so poofy mane and tail, to the large scar on Celestia’s chest and neck, and all of the injuries that Thorax had. and seeing these three in such a state caused the mare to feel horrible.

“Celestia…Pinkie…” Zack said quietly as she looked towards the two, tears started to form in the mare’s eyes as she prostrated herself before the group. “I am SO sorry for hurting you. I…I was just—” both mares quickly made their way over to Zack, and brought the mare into a comforting hug.

“You were under the influence of your anger and grief, after learning what has happened to you…and unable to return to your world, and family.” Celestia said as she rubbed the mare’s back. “But trust me, I don’t blame you for what has happened.”

“Same Zacky!” Pinkie said as she decided to nuzzle the alicorn. “You were just hurting really badly, but now, things will start to get better. I promise!” the bubbly mare said as her mane and tail have returned to their natural poofy state.

“But I still hurt the two of you…” Zack said as she pulled away from the pair, and was looking at the massive burn scar she inflicted upon the elder princess. “And not only that…but…” Zack seemed to be choking on the words she wanted to say, but one of the ponies in the room seemed to have an idea about what she’s trying to say.

“…you killed Discord.”

Luna suddenly said, catching everypony off guard, and getting some shocked responses. Celestia was not as shocked as the rest of the party, but she still seemed uncomfortable with the prospect. Each of Twilight’s friends were all taken aback by this news, especially Fluttershy, but deep down they thought that this was what happened. It was just a hard topic to come to terms with, as any form of killing was virtually unheard of in Equestria. Zack remained silent for a moment longer, but eventually nodding her head in confirmation.

“I thought so. That black sphere we all saw, the one that carved out the landscape and turning it into a pitch black scar…that was all your doing, yes?” Zack only nodded as a very horrified expression now dominates her face, as brief flashes of the event crossed her mind.

“I’m not sure what I did exactly, but, all I wanted was for him to pay for what he did. Make him feel my pain…make him suffer…and that’s when…” Zack was interrupted in mid rambling as Celestia places a hoof on the mare, before gently patting and rubbing her back to comfort her. the pale purple pony looked up from the floor and to Celestia, who was giving her a reassuring smile.

“We can’t change the past Zack, the only thing we can do is move forward, and try to do better in the future.” Celestia says assuredly as she continues to try and calm the mare’s anxiety. After Celestia has managed to calmed down the mare, Zack wiped the tears from her eyes before looking to Thorax, who has been sitting close by her the whole time, both at the dining table and now.

“Thorax. I am happy to see that your still alive.” The changeling offered a small smile as he scooted over to the mare, and gave her a comforting pat on the back.

“If you didn’t stop them I certainly wouldn’t have survived…” Thorax then started to look a little dishearten as he slowly brough Zack into a hug, where he started to quietly sob. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I couldn’t save you.”

Zack wrapped her own legs and wings around the changeling returning the hug in kind. The mood of the room started to lift up, if ever slightly, as the group went back to talking and just trying to stay in high spirits. But the mood started to decline once more, as Zack looked down towards her belly bulge, and the memories of her time being with Chrysalis started to come flooding to her mind. The sudden flashes of conscious memories started to cause the alicorn great discomfort as she curls into herself, wing instinctively wrapping around her in a protective and sheltered manner, her tail tucking between her hindlegs. The sound of white noise started to fill the mares ears, as her breathing started to become labored and heavy, and clear vivid images of a dark room and bedding filled her vision…

“ZACK!” the mare snapped out of her panic attack by Thorax shaking her. “It’s alright, your safe here, you don’t need to be afraid anymore.”

“Thorax what happened? Why did she start to freak out?” Applejack asked as she, and the other ponies and Spike, scooted closer to Zack as she started to un-curl herself from her protective ‘bubble’.

“She must’ve been having some kind of panic attack.” Thorax said as he looked away from the group, and back towards the mare while continuing to rub up and down her back. “Zack just breath slowly, in and out.” The alicorn nodded as she started to take in slow steady breaths, before exhaling slowly.

“Thanks Thorax.” The mare said in a low tone once she felt more calm.

“Are you sure you’re okay Zack?” Twilight asked with concern as she looked at her look-a-like.

“Yeah. I’m fine now.” Twilight, as well as the others, didn’t seem all that convinced. But they decided to not press the issue to much, at least for the time being.

“Are you worried about your pregnancy?” Fluttershy asked with a worried tone as she brushes her mane out of her face.

Zack hesitated to speak as she places a hoof on her stomach, as the thought and prospect of childbirth, as well as being a parent. Sure in her, old life, she helped out in raising her little sister, but that’s about it! Also the thought of childbirth on its own, it honestly frightened her, would she have a safe pregnancy? And what about the child? Would it born right, would it be something like a pony, a changeling, or a hybrid…or some horrid amalgamation of the two. All of these thoughts bubbled in the mind of the mare as she sits there, looking down at her growing girth.

“…yes.” Zack eventually said after a moment of silence. “I’m not sure how this is going to go, and it doesn’t help that I know next to nothing how this whole thing works.”

“Oh that’s right. Princess Cadence said that you used to be a male creature, before being brought here to Equestria.” Sunburst said as he re-adjusts his glasses, to which Zack nodded her head. “It makes sense why you’d be nervous about this. I would too if I was turned into a mare, and had to go through pregnancy.”

“You need it worry about that Zack.” Luna said to reassure the mare. “Whenever you are do for delivery, you can rest assured that we will take care of it.”

“But should she really be having the baby?” Rainbow said rather brazenly which got her a lot of shocked looks from the natives of Equestria. “I mean, its going to be Chrysalis kid right. shouldn’t get rid of it.”

“Rainbow Dash!” Celestia said forcibly, making all of the none alicorns in the room flinch, as she looks at the cyan pegasus. “You should know that we have laws about this sort of stuff, and you should also know that we don’t abide for the termination of in-born children.” Rainbow’s ears folded against her head as she hung it down.

“But aunty, this is still Chrysalis’s child…” Cadence said as she holds her daughter close to her, while also looking slightly, bitter, as she stares at the pale purple alicorns stomach.

“Do the crimes of the parent become that of the child? Even one not yet born?” the group turned to look at Luna, as she places a hoof on Zack’s stomach, giving it a gentle rub. “Whether this child is of Chrysalis bloodline or not, we shouldn’t place the blame or consequences of her actions upon it.”

“But what if she doesn’t want the child?” Cadence said in regards to her aunts statement. “Even if she births it, what if Zack doesn’t want it?” That’s when Thorax spoke up.

“If Zack doesn’t want to care for the child, I’ll take care of it.” the changeling then looked at Zack. “That is if you want to take care of it?” Zack looked unsure on how to respond to the changelings words.

“…I…I don’t know what I should do.” Zack muttered as she lays down, starting to feel tired and exhausted. Celestia brushed some the mare’s mane out of her face, before stroking her head softly.

“I think we should call it a day for now, and let Zack get some actual rest. Then tomorrow we’ll head back to Canterlot, where we will help Zack, and continue to find a place for the changeling hive to live.”

“Wait. Why are you looking for a place for the hive?” Zack asked with confusion, but Thorax started to explain the hives situation

“When we came to rescue you, Chrysalis abandon the hive when she made her escape, and now the princesses are trying to find a better place for the changelings to live.”

“I…see.”

After Zack was told of the situation with the changelings, the mare we brought up to her hooves and escorted out of the room. Celestia, Thorax, and Twilight then lead Zack to where her guest room would be, while the rest of the group went off to do their own thing. as the quartet made their way through the halls of the castle, Zack started to look around and notice just how different everything looked, from how everything is made of crystals, and how the ponies that work in the castle have pristine and shiny they all looked, especially the eyes which also seem to have some kind of gem pattern on them. several minutes of trotting through glimmering corridors, the group came upon a corridor with evenly spaced out double-doors along each side of the hall, each one baring a pair of double doors that lead to the room behind them. the group stopped at a pair of double doors that Celestia opened with her magic, and ushered the pale purple alicorn inside. Once she was in the trio helped her towards, where Zack crawled into and got as comfortable as she could.

“Try to get some good sleep Zack, and don’t worry, if you ever need anything our rooms are right next to yours.”

Zack nodded as she started to drift off sleep, while the others made their way out of the room. As the three left Zack to sleep and recuperate, the trio stood in the hallway all looking at the door, concern evident in their eyes. But for Thorax, being a changeling he can see thing that others couldn’t, and its because of this ability that made him more worried and afraid. Which caught the attention of the two alicorns.

“Thorax…how is she?” Celestia asks the changeling whose kept an eye on the door, seeing the myriad of colors that emanating from the mare, all of which were colors of hurt or bad emotions.

“…she’s still hurt princess. Sadness, grief, fear, and other emotions, they’re all swelling from her like a busted faucet.”

“Is there anything we can do to help her?” Twilight asked with a touch of sadness lacing each word.

“I think the only we can do, is try and be there for her, and…well…try to make things better for her.”

“But after everything she has gone through ever since she got here, can we even do that?” Celestia slowly lets out a breath before speaking up.

“There’s only one way to find out.” The alicorn said as she starts trotting down the hall, Twilight and Thorax following her as they leave the guest quarters. “We’ll just have to try our best to do what we can for her, and help her adjust to her new life.”

Chapter 34: Dreams on the Horizon

Author's Note

No joke! the song i tagged is straight vibe material! :twilightsmile: :heart:

Chapter 34: Dreams on the Horizon

Music: [Original Song] Home – Silvervale.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdTTe09nPzM

It was the dead of night, the sky was a dark blue and black curtain, with the stars and moon creating a vivid display of glittering silver patterns. within the darkness of a forest under the moon lit sky, a camp fire was still burning throughout the tranquility of the night, outlining the very edge of the camps perimeter, as well as the five young adults that were around the fire. Scattered around the camp site were the remnants of food be prepped, a few skillets and cooking and eating utensils, as well as several cans of alcohol and sodas. Aside from the plates, and dinnerware, five sleeping bags were spread out around the camp site, four of which had its owner already asleep, while one was left empty.

A loud yawn then disturbed the gentle silence of the camp, followed by a crackling of the fire and a log being snapped in half before settling down, then from one of the sleeping bags Zack slowly rose up while stretching out his body.

Popping a few of his joints, Zack smacked his lips as he looked around his surroundings where a small smile quickly appeared on his face, as he looked at the sleeping forms of his friends. Kyle was practically splayed out like a crash dummy on top of his sleeping bag, snoring quietly into his pillow, with a little bit of drool oozing from his mouth. Jessica was neatly snugged into her sleeping bag, her wild and curly hair covering the majority of her face, while two empty wine bottles sat next to her. Richard wasn’t as spread out as Kyle was, but his arms and legs were fairly stretched out. Zack then looked over to where Amber would be sleeping, but when he saw she was gone, he started to look around their campsite for her, but she was nowhere in sight from his sitting position.

Standing up from his sleeping bag, Zack leaned over to a nearby folded-out chair and grabbed a coat, and slipping his shoes on before walking around the campsite. But his searching didn’t last long, as after he rounded the camper he and his friends rented, he spotted his last friend. Amber was sitting on the ground, and was just staring up at the night sky, while the light of the stars and moon reflected off the river the group has made camp by. Slowly walking towards his friend Zack just kept his eyes on Amber, watching how her golden brown hair wafted in the slight breeze making its way through the camp. Upon reaching the girl Zack cleared his throat, getting the girls attention and having her look up at him with her dark brown eyes.

“Mind if I sit here?”

Zack asked as he gestured to the spot beside his friend. Amber just gave a small smile before scooting over slightly, allowing Zack to sit down next to her. after sitting down the young man just looked out towards the wide river, while Amber returned her attention to the night sky.

“So. What’re you doing at this hour?”

“Star gazing.” Amber simply stated as she brushed some of her hair out of her face. “What about you? Did you just wake up?”

“E’yup.” Zack stated casually.

The pair then just sat there on the riverbank in silence, one staring up at the sky, while the other stares out into the water. Zack then stretched out his body again while giving out another yawn, before flopping backwards onto his back, earning a giggle from his now fellow star gazer as he was now staring up at the night sky. Amber then lowered herself as she laid on her back, her hoodies hood being pulled up to cover her hair.

“See anything interesting?” Zack asked as he placed his hands under his head.

“I saw a shooting star twenty minutes ago. Does that count?” both chortled at that for a bit before going back to just lying there in silence, that is until Amber broke the silence.

“You know Zack, it was a good idea to come out here to, get away from everything. Lord knows we needed.”

“Yeah. With my classes bearing down on me, Kyle getting chewed out from yet another pain in the ass boss, and everything that you, Jessica, and Richard have been going through these last few months. I thought it was about time for everyone to take a break.”

Zack said as he glanced over at Amber, seeing the light of the stary sky make her nearly glow in an ethereal radiance, which caused a small blush to form on his face. he’s always thought that Amber was very pretty, but with the stars and moon shining down on her, she looked even more beautiful.

“Hey Zack?” Amber said as he looked towards Zack, a blush actually starting to form on her face.

“What’s up?”

“…I was wondering, do you think we could…” Amber trailed off as he pulled her hood down over her face.

“We could, what?” Zack asked as he sits up, looking down at Amber with a slightly confused expression. The girl let out a rather loud sighs as removes the hood, and looks up to Zack.

“…Zack. You know that I have a crush on you, right?”

“I’ve had a, feeling.” Zack said as he rubs the back of his head.

“Well. Do you have any, feelings, for me?” she asked as she sat up, a foot away from her friend as his blush was hidden in the dark.

“I mean, yeah, but…I don’t know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?” Amber asked as she scooted just a bit closer, her face now very close to Zacks, making him feel very nervous.

“I mean, we’ve been good friends throughout high school, and…well…I do like you Amber. You’re a great person to be around, easy to talk to, and yeah really pretty. I just…I don’t want—”

“You don’t want to ruin our friendship?” the young man nodded.

Amber then slowly raised her hands up, placing them on Zack’s cheeks, and making him look directly at her. the girl then inched her head closer to Zack’s, while also bringing him closer to her, until their lips met, but it wasn’t a deep passionate kiss. It’s a simple sweet kiss to test the waters, and it seemed that both parties were not leaving the waters. The two separated for only a sec, catching a glimpse of one another before going back in for another kiss, but this one was far more bolder.

While the two kissed, far off in the distance, past the river and into a pitch black void, a pale purple alicorn watches the scene with downcast eyes. Mane and tail wafting in an non-existence breeze, while her wings just laid limp against her sides. Emerging from the vast darkness from beyond the memory like dream, Luna came carefully trotting into the dream space, her eyes at first focused on the lone alicorn in the darkness, before turning to look to where she was staring off at. Now both alicorn were watching as Zack’s memory continues to play out one of the more happier moment’s of the alicorns past, watching as her old body and Amber break their kiss and started to sit close to one another, with Zack’s old self wrapping an arm around the girl as they star gazed together. Luna looked away from the memory and down at the mare, seeing that Zack’s eyes were dripping with tears.

“…do you mind if I, sit here?”

The night princess asked the mare, not getting a verbal response, but the mare still nodded as she scooted over slightly. Luna sat down next to the mare and went back to watching the memory, which showed the pair being scared by the other members of the group, and seemed to be celebrating. The sight seemed to have cheered up Zack a little bit, as the midnight alicorn saw a smile out of the corner of her eye. Which brought a small smile to her muzzle as she went back to watching the events on the horizon play out.

“Is that your, old self?” Zack just nodded as she kept her eyes on the memory. “And those other humans…”

“Those were my closet’s friends.” Zack said as she slowly creates an arm construct, and used it to point at each of her old friends.

“The tall one is Kyle, he’s a bit of goofball who often get’s himself into trouble. But he’s a good guy.” The hand then pointed at the next friend.

“The one with the darker skin tone, and shaved head, is Richard. He’s a pretty straight lace kind of guy, doesn’t really express himself well, but he tries to be the best at everything he sets his mind on.” Zack then chuckles a little as a thought comes to her. “Although that go-getter attitude often get’s him, and us, into a lot of crazy situations.” Luna chortled as covered her muzzle with a hoof as Zack continues.

“The girl with crazy wavy hair, that’s Jessica. She’s…I guess you can call her the, heart, of our little group. She’s always got a smile on her face, a little to much energy, and tries way to hard to try and please people. But she’s a delight to be around, you just can’t be sad or down around her.” Luna watched as Jessica practically strangle hug both Zack’s old body and the girl he was with, while looking extremely giddy. The princess then then looked down at Zack.

“And the last member?”

“…that would be Amber. She used to be very timid, and shy when it comes to meeting new people. Still was before I was, brought to Equestria.” Zack said in a low tone before cheering back up a little bit.

“But now she’s more confident, and isn’t afraid to meet new people.”

Luna turned to watch the group of humans leave the riverbank, and head back towards the campfire, where they started to party through the night. The princess couldn’t help but just simply watch, and enjoy the five humans celebrating with food, drinks, and music from the camper. While watching the group the night princess was actually surprised to see Zack look so, happy, seeing the alicorns past self-looking so lively and joyful. From her personal experience, as well as to what she’s heard from Twilight, Zack never showed this side of herself, which made the princess even more disheartened just how traumatized and spiteful Equestria has made a once happy individual. As the humans continued to party, the night princess bit her lip as she was debating something that came to the forefront of her mind, but in the ended she asked the mare the question she was deliberating.

“Was Amber your, special somepony?” the smile on Zack’s muzzle faltered slightly as she kept her eyes trained on the group.

“I guess you can say she was. However, we’ve only been dating for two weeks…” Zack then looked away from the memory and down to her hooves. “But then I got trapped here, in this world.” Luna’s mood downgraded as her body slouched a little, as she looked at the mare with a mournful expression.

“I’m sorry that you had to endure all of this hardship Zack.” The mare the brought up a foreleg to her face, and started to wipe away the tears.

“…I want to go home Luna.” Zack said as she started to openly cry as she drops to the floor.

“I just want to go home, and pass this whole thing off as just one big nightmare. But…that’ll never happen.”

As the alicorn bawled her eyes out, the memory before the two ponies started to fade away before it was just, ripped apart like paper being torn up. Plunging the dream space into a true darkness, where the ground and sky started to crack. Black ooze and smoke started to bleed out of the cracks, followed by ambient yet distorted voices crying, shouting, along with various other vocal cues that started to rattle the night princess. As she knows what was occurring around her. Luna quickly scooted herself over to the depressed mare, and started to try and calm her down, trying to make Zack relax otherwise something terrible will happen.

“I know the hardship that you’ve been through is horrible, but it’s all over now.” Luna then laid down next to the mare, before placing a comforting wing over the mare.

“And while we might not be like the ones left behind in your old life, know that my sister and I, along with Twilight Sparkle and her circle will be there for you.” Zack looked up to towards the princess with puffy red eyes that still flowed with tears.

“We want to help you Zack, but only if you let us, so please…don’t feel that your alone in our world.”

The dream space started to settle down as the cracks started to mend themselves, reverting the space back to a stable smooth appearance. Once everything seemed to have settled down, Luna sat up and offered a hoof to the alicorn. At first Zack just stared at the hoof with a look of uncertainty clearly written on her face, but after a slight deliberation on whether to or not the pregnant mare raised a hoof and placed it on the princess’s hoof, who then helped Zack back up to a sitting position.

“Feeling any better?” Luna asked the mare, which she quickly responded with a shake of her head as she takes her hoof back.

“I’m just, scared Luna.” The mare muttered under her breath before looking up to the princess, a clear expression of worry and fear etched on her face.

“I’m scared because this world of yours is just so, alien to me, and with everything that’s happened…I’m not sure if I can handle living here.” The princess then brought the smaller pony into a hug, Zack’s face pressed into Luna’s chest, and wings holding her in a protective manner.

“I know your afraid, but you have ponies that want to be there for you. ponies that will help you through this, transition into your new life.”

“But I’ve done nothing but be rude, spiteful, and just genuinely not a nice person to them most of the time.” Zack blubbered as she just buries herself into Luna’s embrace, seeking out comfort, some kind of security to make her feel safe. And the princess was more than happy to give it.

“Perhaps. But, if you give them a chance, Twilight and her friends will show you that they are not ones to hold grudges. And will help a friend in need, no matter what.”

Luna then felt the mare’s own wings and forelegs rise up, and slowly wrap themselves around Luna as much as they could, while she heard Zack sniffle before looking up and giving the princess a hopeful, yet thankful smile. The princess gave an equally hopeful smile to the mare, before nuzzling the top of Zack’s head.

As the two alicorns just sat there and enjoyed their warm embrace, the dream scape around started to turn from a endless void, to a more uplifting scenery in the form of a large room with wholesome looking furniture bathed in sunlight. When the pair took notice of their surroundings, they both let go of each other and explored the room a bit, although Luna didn’t get to venture around to much as her sight fell on Zack as she saw the alicorn sit by a large window. Trotting over to the window Luna first looked down at small alicorn, seeing a very happy nostalgic look on her face, and when she looked outside the window the princess saw the source of the alicorns lift in spirits. Causing a smile to form on her muzzle, as she watches a delightful scene of Zack’s past self-have what looks to be a large family gathering, while a cookout was happening, and children ran around playing with each other.

“I almost forgot about this memory.” Zack said as she leaned on the windowsill.

“So long as you dream here in Equestria, my night magic will aide you in having pleasant dreams.” Luna said as she looked away from the happy scenery for just a moment.

“And if you ever have a nightmare, my magic will alert me to it, and I will come to dispel it and bring forth a more happier dream.” The night princess then looked back out the window, and watched the human family of twenty members really start getting into the merriment.

“You’ll be able to see those that you love and cared for, whenever you want while you sleep.” Zack’s smile just a hair as she watches her past self-walk over to her mother, and was given a baby that he carefully rocked in her arms.

“…thank you…Luna.”

Chapter 35: Prospects of a Better Future.

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Chapter 36: Twin Alicorns....Twin Sisters?

A few days have gone by since Zack and her now new circle of friends returned to Ponyville, and for those few days things have been going fairly peaceful with nothing major happening. Aside from the seven ponies and Spike accompanying Zack back to Ponyville, Thorax also stuck with the group deciding to stay with Zack as to keep an eye on her, also, he didn’t want to be separated from his one and only friend. and while Twilight and the other were happy to have a new friend, and allowed Thorax to come with them, the town of Ponyville wasn’t too keen on a changeling staying, but a party from Pinkie Pie pretty much denounced any fears they had about the changelings, and quickly accepted him. Which still baffles Zack, even after everything that has happened to her, she still finds it odd and strange on how, fast, ponies will just accept someone after a small party. But it’s just something that she’ll just have to get used to.

~~~~~

The first day that Zack returned to Ponyville she spent most of her time in the castle, where Spike and Thorax kept her company. And speaking of Zack’s guy friends, the both of them were actually getting along pretty well, mostly because Thorax could be just himself around the dragonling. Aside from the changeling and the dragonling starting to get along, the group did make a quick stop by the hospital to see how Zack was coming along in her pregnancy, but when she went in for her examination the doctor couldn’t get a clear image, or reading of the baby. The hospital staff tried various variation on the scans, but no matter what they do they couldn’t get a precise scan, which worried not only Zack but the others who accompanied her as well.

The next day was a fairly laid back one, with nothing to extraordinary or unusual happening. Thorax did get word that the changelings have decided to make the old mines in Canterlot Mountain their new hive, which was fine with the princesses as those mines have been unused for nearly three hundred years, but the construction of the hive was the least of the changelings problems. The city was in a very tense state, as the local populace wasn’t exactly thrilled to have a once invading force living under their city.

But both Celestia and Luna are trying to ease that tension between the Canterlot ponies, and the new changeling hive. Other than that, things seem to be going pretty well, for the most part at least. There’s still the fact that the changelings need some source of love energy to balance out their diet in order to function probably, however Thorax seems to be just fine without the consumption of love energy.

And so the changeling spent the rest of the day at Canterlot, trying to help his fellow changelings in trying to thrive without relying on harvesting love. Which was easier said than done.

The third day was a bit more thrilling than the other two, though not as heart pounding, or greatly stressful as previous days when Zack came to Equestria. And it all started when Starlight decided to teach her friend Trixie, who was still an obnoxious egotistical magician, a little bit of real unicorn magic rather than her simple classic parlor tricks. Although the light blue unicorn wasn’t the most of focused student, as she was preoccupied in praising herself, and going on how amazing she was. Honestly, Zack couldn’t spend a minute being in the same room with her, same with Spike and Thorax. But before the trio could get to far…they all heard something that caused them to stop in their tracks, and when they saw what happened to the table of the throne room, let’s just say that everyone in the castle went out to look for the now missing table.

and Zack made sure to drag the least panicked member along. Thankfully after some searching, and a rather roundabout way of Starlight telling Trixie how she really feels about her, the group found the missing map table. And good thing to as they were able to put it back in place before anyone noticed it was gone.

~~~~~

Today though was looking to be a really peaceful day, the weather was nice, and the town seemed to be in its usual state of activity, and none of Twilight’s friends nor the princess herself seem to be having anything substantial happen to them. for now.

At the moment Zack was still fast asleep on her bed, gently snoring as she remains bundled up under her blanket. A few minutes later and the mare awoke from her peaceful sleep, although the mare still looked very tired, and kind of worn out. Crawling out of the bed the mare dragged herself to the bathroom, where she drew herself a bath and just spent some time of just soaking in the hot steaming water, while her construct washes her body. However her bath time was interrupted when a sudden wave of nausea over took her, causing the mare to quickly hope out of the tub and over to the toilet where she started to gag and vomit, emptying her stomach until the strange sense of nausea finally goes away. After voiding whatever she ate the other day, Zack went about to brush her teeth and rinse the horrid taste of bile out of her mouth, before going back to finish her bath. Which felt more relaxing after what just happened a moment ago.

Once she was finished with her bath, and feels more awake than she was earlier, the mare dried herself off and re-entered her room where she was about to leave and go get some breakfast. But before she was halfway towards the door, a series of knocks rattled off from the other side of said door.

“Zack are you awake?” the voice of Spike called out.

“Yeah I’m awake Spike.” Zack said before the door opened and the mare saw Spike come walking in, with a tray of food in his claws.

“I brought you breakfast.” The dragonling said as he waddled towards the small relax spot of the room.

“Spike I maybe pregnant, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still do things like, make my own food.” Zack said as more of a small joke rather than anything else.

“Yeah I know, but I figured you would like to take things easy.” Spike said as he places the tray on the table. “Twilight did say that too much stress could be bad for a mare expecting a baby.”

“…Spike I’m not even sure if I’m going to have this baby or not.” Zack said as she sat down at the table, while the little dragonling seemed a little hesitant.

“I know. but still…I don’t want you to be overly stressed, it’s only been a few days since you were freed from Chrysalis’s mind control.” Spike says in a concern voice as he walks over to Zack, and slowly hugs her in which the alicorn reciprocated with a hug of her own via a wing wrapping around the dragonling.

“I appreciate the thought Spike, and I’ll try to take things easy.” The two friends broke their hug and Spike left Zack to eat her breakfast in peace.

As the dragonling left the room, Zack started to devour her plate of pancakes, eggs, potatoes, and large mug of coffee. While eating her meal Zack took a moment to look out the nearby window, seeing that it was another clear bright sunny day…the same as it was when she first came to this world, and every other subsequent day after that. Honestly, Zack was wandering if days like this are normal, while as back home the day wouldn’t be as sunny as it is now, it could be cloudy, slightly, or greatly rainy, or any other kind of weather. But no, the weather always seems to be the same. Turning away from the window the alicorn finished her breakfast and mug of coffee, the mare gathered up her plate, fork, knife, and mug and started to make her way towards the kitchen.

Upon reaching the kitchen Zack started to wash her dishes, utensils, and mug, and once they were squeaky clean the pale purple mare placed them off to the side to dry off, once she did she left the kitchen and was about to make her way back to her room. But as she left the kitchen the alicorn decided to get some fresh air, and maybe just go on a pleasant walk or flight. As Zack proceeded of making her way to the castle’s main lobby, she came across the castle’s library where unbeknownst to her, her look alike was just about to leave the room.

“Hey there Zack.” The voice of Twilight said as the pale alicorn looked towards the room she passed, seeing her look alike holding a few books.

“Morning Twilight.” Zack said as the violet mare trotted up towards her. “What are you doing today?”

“Just catching up on some books I’ve been meaning to read.” Twilight then looked over to her friend. “What about you? are you going somewhere?” Zack just nodded.

“I was just going to get some fresh air, maybe stretch my wings out. They’re starting to feel stiff.” Twilight gave a sage nod as a knowing look came over her.

“I know how you feel. If I don’t use my wings they start to cramp up.” the violet mare then casted a glance towards her doppelganger.

“Do you mind if I tag along? If you don’t want me to, and just want some alone time, I’ll understand.” Zack thought for only a few moments as the pair entered the foyer.

“If you want to tag along, I wouldn’t mind.” Zack said as she gives Twilight a soft smile, which Twilight returns with a smile of her own.

As the pair reached the bottom of the foyer stairs, Twilight used her magic to summon forth a saddlebag, which was strapped to her barrel with ease before they were stuffed with the books Twilight has been holding in her magic. exiting the castle the two alicorns spread their wings and took off. Twilight simply flapped her wings to gain altitude, before flying off into the air, while Zack galloped a few feet before jumping into the air, where her wings carried her off after Twilight. With the pair now airborne Twilight allowed the pale purple pony to take the lead, letting Zack decide on where they would be flying, although the pair seemed to be going in no particular direction as Zack was just lazily flying about. As if simply enjoying just flying around, which was more than fine by the princess.

While the pair was flying aimlessly over the town Zack started to think back, think back to her time on Earth, specifically towards her family and friends. she wandered how they were all doing. Were they over his sudden disappearance, and subsequent death, or they still grieving that she was taken from them so suddenly. And what about her friends? how were they handling all of this? The more that Zack dwelled on these thoughts, the more that empty feeling inside her started to become more noticeable.

“Zack?” Twilight said as she noticed the somber look on her twin’s face.

“Huh.” The pale purple pony said as she looked at Twilight. “What’s up?”

“Are you alright?” the violet mare asked as the duo hovered in mid-air.

“You have this depressed look on your face, and I asked if you were alright?” Zack slouched a little as her expression seemed to have worsen.

“…I’m just wandering how my family is doing.” Zack said in a low tone as she started to slowly descend to the ground, Twilight followed after her twin till both were now sitting, and standing in the middle of town square.

“Oh.” Twilight said as her ears folded back.

“I really miss them Twilight, and…I’m worried that their still grieving over my death. I want to be there and comfort them if that’s the case, but I’m stuck here and…” Zack then slowly dropped to the ground, legs folded and wings just laying limp on the ground.

“I just really miss them.” Twilight then made her way over to her look alike and quickly brought her into a hug, one that Zack didn’t try to get out of, and just allowed herself to be held.

“I’m sorry that you have to go through this Zack, I really do.” Twilight said as she tries to comfort Zack, trying to somehow ease her grief and distraught.

That’s when a thought came to her, or more specifically, something that Discord said. Twilight looked down towards Zack and wondered if this sudden, idea, was a good or a bad idea as it could possibly go either way. But right now her friend need some form of comfort, and if this idea works out Twilight thought it would make things in Zack’s life better. But if not, at least she tried. Inhaling through her nose, Twilight steadied her nerves before speaking up.

“…you know…your not exactly alone in this world Zack, family wise that is.” Zack looked up to Twilight with a confused thought.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, you don’t have to feel like your fully alone.” Twilight started to pet Zack’s mane as she continued to talk and trying to keep her twin calm as she proceeded with her idea.

“Discord said he made your body by using a strand of my mane, which is why you look and sound just like me…it’s kind of like I have a twin sister.”

“Sister?” Zack echoed.

“Yeah. I know I won’t be able to replace your real family, but…at least in this world…you don’t have to at things alone.” Twilight tightened her hold on Zack as the pale mare was now even more confused, and yet, seemed less depressed. But not relieved.

“But that is only if you want to be like, sisters. Like family.”

The pair just sat their in their little corner of the square, Twilight still holding onto Zack, and Zack just laying into Twilight. But after a moment of silence, Zack slowly separated herself from her look alike and stood up and trotted a little ways away from Twilight.

“I appreciate the thought Twilight, but aside from the circumstances of my, new body.” Zack said as he wings ruffled, and tail flicked. “But…” the mare then looked over to Twilight with a small thankful smile on her muzzle.

“I am happy that you were trying to make me feel better.” Twilight smiled back and looked relieved that Zack wasn’t angry, or displeased with her for trying to say they could be more than friends, so Zack won’t feel alone.

“I think I’m going to fly around the town some more, by myself.”

“Of course. I’m just glad that you’re not sad anymore.”

Both mares took flight and flew off in separate directions, Twilight heading back to the castle, while Zack seemed to be heading to the outskirts of town. As Zack continued to fly over the town, eventually leaving it behind and flying towards the White Tail Woods, where she flew down to the clearing that she destroyed during her anger point after the fight with Shining Armor. The pony then flew down to the ground before heading down to the large hole in the ground, leading to the underground waterway cave that she passed out after the fight. landing on the ridge over the flowing river, Zack laid down and just stared out into the distance, before her horn ignited…and floating constructs of her family appeared and just started mingling with each other. Zack’s construct would dance and play games with his sister’s construct. Then the construct was sitting at a table with her dad, both playing a game of black jack. Then her construct and her mother’s construct just peacefully talking.

Zack just continued to watch the constructs just mingle and interact with each other, but the construct that represented Zack’s old body was then transformed into her current form, and once she did the other constructs just disappeared. Now the lone construct just sat there in the air, looking depressed and afraid. But that’s when a construct of Twilight slowly came into existence, and it approached the lone Zack alicorn construct and pulled it into a warm looking hug.

“…sisters…” Zack muttered as the constructs remained in their embrace, each having a smile on their faces. “…”

Author's Note

by the by, the ending is not about the abortion. its about whether or not Zack can accept others as a new family. the abortion thing is going to be taken care 2 ch. after this one. i won't go into details, but i already had this planned out after Chrysalis had impregnated Zack.

Chapter 37: Sunburst Is Coming to Town.

A high pitch whistle sounded out in the far distance, signaling any creature around the general area that a train was coming. A train that was coming from the Crystal Empire from the north. Inside the car there were various crystal ponies, all who of which are excited to see the outside world, as they have been spirited away for nearly a thousand years. Give or take a century or two. Aside from the crystal ponies, there were normal Equestrian ponies among the cars, some interacting with their crystalline counter parts, or simply making glances at them and admiring their glossy glass coats, manes, and tails. Amongst the crystal and Equestrian ponies, there was one pony that was also from the Crystal Empire but wasn’t a crystal pony, the pony was an adolescent unicorn stallion dawned in a cloak, and currently reading a book about magical theories.

The stallion is named Sunburst, the Royal Crystaller to the royal family of the Empire, as well as magic tutor to the infant alicorn princess. Although since the princess was still a foal, there wasn’t much for Sunburst to do as a Royal Crystaller. So the stallion decided to take a trip to visit a friend of his, as well as get know the fifth alicorn of Equestria, who is apparently an alien creature from another that was turned into an alicorn. At least that’s what Sunburst could figure out from princess Cadence. But still the prospect that a creature, a being from another world is indeed in Equestria is already in of itself an interesting and amazing thing, and ever since he found this out Sunburst has been plagued with questions about this fifth alicorns world. like what are her people like, or their overall world structure, and how diverse are their culture, or cultures.

These questions have been eating at the stallion for the past few days, so the stallion decided to go and visit the new alicorn who resides with princess Twilight in Ponyville, and see if she will be willing to answer any of his questions.

“Now arriving in Ponyville! Now arriving in Ponyville!” the conductor called out, breaking Sunburst’s concentration of his reading and causing him to see the town coming into view from the side window.

Closing the book, after marking his spot, Sunburst stuffed the tome into his saddlebag under his cloak, and just road out the remainder of the train ride. Fifteen minutes later after the conductor called out, the train slowly came to a stop at the Ponyville train station, where the occupants of the train car either filed out, or remained inside until they reach a different stop. As for Sunburst he quietly exits his train car, and stood on the stations platform and just soaked up the nice warm weather before venturing off into the town. While making his way through the town towards the Castle of Friendship, which could be seen easily off in the background, Sunburst took his time to do a little sightseeing, as this was his first time being anywhere else that wasn’t the Crystal Empire, Canterlot, or his home town Sires Hallow. A small sigh of joy leaves the stallions mouth as he continues to look around.

“This place reminds me so much of home, I should probably go and visit some time. At least show mom that I’m fine…and maybe make her stop sending me letters about my, plans for the future.” Sunburst says to himself before a rumbling from his stomach makes itself notice.

“Huh. Guess I should’ve had more for breakfast.”

Sunburst then started to look around for anyplace to either get something to eat, or eat at. As he looked around the stallion found a nice looking diner, and trotted towards it. the diner was a nice little establishment, fairly norm and the service was nice, as expected from town famous for being the friendlies place in Equestria, and the food was great. once the stallion had filled up on a hearty potato brunch meal, the stallion paid and began to continue to head towards the Castle of Friendship.

After trotting through the town for about twenty or so minutes, which was extended as the stallion decided to visit a few shops along his little sightseeing of Ponyville, Sunburst eventually made it to the castle. Trotting up to the large double doors of the castle Sunburst pondered on whether or not to just, walk in, or knock. He does know the princess of friendship, heck, his old foalhood friend is the princess protégé, so it wouldn’t be to out of the ordinary to just walk in. but, this is a castle that belongs to Equestrian Royalty, and unlike in the Crystal Empire, Sunburst doesn’t partially live in the castle. So it would be more respectful to knock and wait for a replay.

“You know, in hindsight I probably should’ve sent a letter to Starlight, or princess Twilight that I was coming.” Sunburst contemplated under his breath before deciding to raise a hoof, and give the door a few loud knocks. But before he did so a voice called out from behind him.

“Oh! Hi Sunburst.” The stallion looked behind him and found Twilight trotting up to the castle, with some really stuffed up saddlebags.

“Hello there Twilight.” The stallion greeted as the princess trotted up the steps, and stood before him.

“What brings you here? Are you visiting Starlight?” the stallion gave a short shake of his head.

“I actually came to see if I could meet Zack.”

“Whys that?” Twilight asked as she looked a little perplexed.

“Well ever since I found that Zack is actually an alien creature from another world, I’ve been having more, and more questions about her. like, what are her people, or world like? do they have magic, and so on. So I kind of decided to drop by and see if she would be willing to answer a few questions.” After Sunburst explained the reason of his visit he noticed that Twilight now looked she was concerned about something.

“Is something wrong your highness?”

“Well, sort of.” Twilight hissed through pursed lips.

“You see Sunburst…when Zack first came to Ponyville, and started staying at the castle, I tried to ask the same questions. But she told me that I didn’t need to know about who here people were, or what her world is like, as she said she would be the only one I’d ever meet from her world.” Sunburst seemed a little deflated as Twilight explained her own pursuit of questions about the mysterious mare.

“But.” The stallion heard Twilight say as he looked up at her.

“Since she is going to be, living, the rest of her life here in Equestria I think she may allow you to ask her. but…I’m not sure.” Twilight seemed unsure of her own words as she makes this assumption, same with Sunburst, but he seemed to gain some of his earlier enthusiasm back.

“Well the best way to know is to simply, ask.” The stallion simply said as he readjust his glasses.

“If she says yes then yay! If she says no to my questions, then I’ll respect her privacy of the matter and leave it at that. I don’t want to cause any problems between us.” After hearing the stallions remark on whether or not he will get the answers to his questions, the alicorn told Sunburst that she’ll take him to see Zack, and see if the pale purple alicorn will answer the stallions questions.

Upon entering the castle Sunburst followed behind Twilight, as the alicorn started to lead him through the structure to find Zack. And the first place that they would check was Zack’s room. but as the pair was making their way down the hallway leading to their destination, their ears perked up as they approached the castle’s library, where they could hear what sounded like music. And a voice singing. Now with their curiosity peaked, Sunburst and the princess quickened their trot towards the library, and as they got closer they could hear the music and singing more clearly. Somepony was clearing triggering the music of harmony, but this seemed to be more of a solo number, rather a group number. When the pair reached the library the princess opened the door, and was hit with the full force of the music and voice, and they both were surprised at what they were seeing, and hearing.

Song: [Original Song] Home - Silvervale.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdTTe09nPzM.

In the library Sunburst and Twilight found the mare they were looking for, laying on some cushions with Spike napping between her forelegs, while Thorax and Starlight laid close by. Both having their eyes closed as their heads slowly swiveled around as they listen to the calm music of a piano, string instruments, accompanying Zack’s very soothing singing as she rested her chin on top of the sleeping dragon. Sunburst was instantly spellbound as he continued to stand in the doorway of the library with Twilight, just allowing the music and singing encompasses his ears, bringing a tranquil sensation to wash over him like a gentle flowing river. Just as the stallion was really sinking into the beautiful harmony he was bearing witness to, the music filling the room slowly started to taper off, while Zack sung out the last note of the song she was singing. Once the singing had stopped Sunburst, along with the other ponies opened their eyes, and looked at the pale purple alicorn who seemed to be slightly puzzled by something.

“Wow~” Thorax said as he just stared at the mare. “That was just—wow!”

“I have to say Zack, you have an amazing singing voice.” Sunburst heard his foalhood friend say. “I mean I thought since you sound just like Twilight, I thought your singing voice would be like hers. But that was, amazing! I’ve never heard such a soothing and calm song before.”

“Well like I said its one of the few song’s I know word for word, because I’ve heard it so many times. But even still I’ve never sung it so clearly, and where did that ambient music came from?”

“That’s a phenomenon called ‘the Music of Harmony’.” Sunburst said as he trotted into the library, getting the attention of the other occupants.

“Sunburst!” Starlight said excitedly as she jumps to her hooves, pranced towards the stallion. “What are you doing here in Ponyville? did you come and visit me?” the mare asked as she looked up to the stallion.

“Not exactly. I actually came to see Zack.” both unicorn’s looked over to the mare in question, who still looked a little puzzled as she looked at the pair.

“You came to see me? why?” the mare asked as she quirked a brow. Sunburst swallowed a lump that had built up in his throat, before taking a few steps towards Zack and making his request.

“Well you see Zack, ever since the princess told me of your, predicament, and that your from another universe I have a dozen questions that I wanted to ask you. but princess Twilight said that you’ve been less than forthcoming to disclose anything regarding what you really are, and about your world entirely.” Sunburst fully explained as he looked at the mare, who was looking at him with a neutral expression, which started to turn into one of contemplation.

“So I initially came to see if you’d be willing to indulge in my curiosity about your species. If you’re willing then I’d be most grateful, but if you still wish to be secretive about your species and world, then I will respect that and not push further.”

After Sunburst has fully explained himself about his reason for being in Ponyville, Thorax, Starlight, and Twilight looked over to Zack, and saw that she was deep in thought. As the alicorn took her time to roll Sunburst’s proposal over, the stallion just stood there in place, really hoping that the alicorn would grant his request. Roughly after a minute had gone by, the alicorn’s expression changed to more calm and complacent look as she looks back up to Sunburst.

“…at first I didn’t want to talk about my species, or my world in general because I don’t think it’s worthwhile to talk about, still don’t in some regards. But, so long as there nonpersonal questions, I’ll answer them. also if I don’t want to answer any questions, please respect my decision.” Sunburst instantly grew a wide grin on his muzzle as he looked incredibly happy. As for Twilight and Starlight, they actually look a little dumbfounded that Zack is now, willing, to talk about her old world.

“Thank you Zack for accepting my request.” Sunburst said as he laid before the mare, removing his saddlebags as he does so.

As Sunburst gets comfortable, and pulls out a scroll from one of his saddle bags, Thorax carefully lifted Spike up from where he was sleeping, and left the library with both Starlight and Twilight. Both of which looked a little miffed. Once Sunburst was in a comfortable pose he unfurled his scroll, which was listed with the various questions that he jotted down whenever one popped into his head, before starting his questionnaire.

~~~~~

Roughly an hour or so has gone by since Sunburst started asking questions, and for that period of time the stallion has learned a great deal from Zack, who has answered nearly ninety-percent of his questions. And answered several new questions that sprang from an earlier question. As for what the stallion has learned thus far, Zack is from a FAR SUPERIORIERLY technology advance race of highly evolved primate creatures, who are the only sapient creatures on their world, which has no magic and runs on laws much akin to the Everfree Forest.

When the stallion asked about his races culture, Sunburst has learned that while Zack’s race is a singular species, they have hundreds of various cultures with either minor, or drastic changes depending on where they are located on their world. and while ponies also have various differences in cultural anthropology, they simply outnumber the ponies in how diverse the human races culture is from group to group. When the subject of technology came up, Sunburst was simply blown away by everything that theses, humans, have created things like airships that fly farther, faster, and higher. Or even trains that don’t run on coal, or what really intrigued the stallion was something called the ‘internet’ that acts as a, ethereal library that stores all information and knowledge that Zack’s race has accumulated. Sunburst was simply just blown away from how much Zack’s people have created, and accomplished in the time they have lived and prospered, in fact, from everything that he has learned it was frustrating that he couldn’t go to this new world, and experience all of its wonders.

As time went on, and the stallion continued to ask about the human race, Sunburst’s eyes started to wander over Zack’s body, noting a few details about the mare that differed her from Twilight. Unlike the princess Zack seemed to be in a more fit state, despite the bulge that her stomach is developing from her pregnancy, not only that but the stallion could also see a fair bit of muscle. But what quickly caught the stallions attention as his eyes continued to wander, was the mare’s cutie mark, it had the same structure as Twilight’s with the starburst, the difference starts with the two images that seem to depict different types of magic. Sunburst’s sight of the cutie mark was cut off by Zack’s tail as it flung itself over the flank he was observing, and when he turned away from the round rump and looked back towards Zack, a small blush, and a little embarrassed look adorned the mare’s face.

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t oogle me Sunburst. I’m not used to being, eyed up, like that.” The stallion’s face quickly flushed red at Zack’s implied comment of him checking the alicorn’s body out.

“N-no no no no no! I wasn’t checking you out, I was just wondering about your cutie mark. I promise!” the alicorn seemed to appear less embarrassed as Sunburst started to regain his composure. “I was just noting that it looks like princess Twilight’s, except for those two images on each side of the starburst.” Zack removed her tail from her flanks and looked down towards her flank to examine her cutie mark.

“I’m not sure what this mark is supposed to represent.”

“Well, a cutie mark represents a special talent that a pony gets from when they discover what their good at, or destined to do.”

“…that doesn’t quite explain what this tramp stamp I have supposed to mean.” Zack retorted before both she and Sunburst heard the familiar rumbling of a hungry stomach, and it was coming from both ponies. “Why don’t we take a break from all of this talking and get something to eat.”

Sunburst nodded at the idea as he, and Zack stood up from their spots on the ground, and stretching out their bodies as they were pretty stiff. After giving their bodies a good stretch, the stallion and mare left the library and while Zack was about to head to the kitchen, Sunburst offered to pay for lunch as a show of thanks for the alicorn to divulge into answering his questions. The mare decided to accept Sunburst’s proposal, and followed the stallion out of the castle and head towards town.

“Thank you again for accepting my request Zack, I hope your not disheartened about talking about your home world.” Sunburst said as the pair entered the town, but Zack just shook her head before offering a small comforting smile.

“Don’t worry about it Sunburst, while it does make me miss my world, I guess talking about it kind of…I don’t know, it’s hard to explain what I’m feeling right now.” The mare said as she look a little bewildered as she tried to put the strange sensation she’s been feeling into words.

“But what I do know is that I feel a sense of ease when I was telling you about my world.” the mare then chuckled as she shook her head in a playful manner, which caused Sunburst to look at her funny. “I’m not making much sense am I?”

“Maybe not.” Sunburst said as he patted the alicorn’s back. “But at least you look like your in better spirits, right?”

The mare gave Sunburst an even bigger smile and actually nuzzled Sunburst, which caused the unicorn to stiffen up while his face turned a shade of red. After giggling at the embarrassed look on the stallion, the alicorn and unicorn continued on with their little venture through town, talking and chatting as they did so. It would seem that Sunburst may have just acquired a new friend, at least, he hoped he has.

Chapter 38: Misfortune Looms & Befalls.

Somewhere within the boundaries of Equestria, deep within a forest near the western range of the country, someone is pacing back in forth amongst a cluster of trees covered in green viscous slime. From the outside the cluster of trees looked like they were being turned into a make-shift dome, with the slime acting as a binding agent for the structure, with branches and other foliage covering it to make it look less inconspicuous to any passing by flyers. Inside the dome the former queen of the changelings, Chrysalis, was pacing back and forth with an angered expression on her face. in fact the queens face has been stuck in this infuriated look ever since she made her escape, fleeing from her own hive when the ponies came to rescue her broodmare, and that was roughly eight days from this point in time. And the queen was still furiously enraged, and why shouldn’t she.

Not only did she loose her little play mare, she lost her castle, the seat of her power, and her own species has revolted and from what she’s heard from ponies in a small town she frequents to absorb love energy, the changelings have joined the ponies and became their newest inhabitants. All of this has left the queen with virtually nothing, nothing except her anger and frustration. The queen screamed as she stomped a hole covered hoof onto the ground, causing a large spiderweb crack to form on the ground.

“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it…” the queen repeatedly screamed as she emphasized each word with another powerful stomp, further destroying the ground she was standing on.

“DAMN IT! How is it that I lost EVERYTHING! TO THOSE RIDICULOUS PONIES!” One final stomp caused the entire ground to break, nearly destroying her make-shift hideout, the trees wobbling around and nearly tipping over.

“And those wretched betrayers!” Chrysalis snarled as she just glared at a random corner of her dome.

“I spend all my life ever since I became queen taking care of them, searching for love energy to feed the ungrateful maggots, and raising them to become effective hunters! And this is how they thank me for my years of service I gave them!?”

The queen spat out a tether of green slime from her mouth, snagging a large rock in the dome, and then with her enraged strength swung the large rock around, before snapping the tether of slime sending the rock flying off into the distance. As the rock skips across the land, smashing into trees and knocking smaller ones down, the queen was taking in deep heavy breaths as her anger still boiled deep within her. how could she have lost everything in such a spectacular way, it so was mind boggling that the queen couldn’t even begin to fathom on how she lost everything. Where did she go wrong? And how could she prevented this from even happening? The queen mulled these questions over and over in her head, but no clear answer was coming to her, which only added fuel to the fire that was burning within her.

“Pathetic.” Chrysalis’s entire body went rigid as her eyes widen, and the angered expression on her face suddenly morphed to one of horror and dread as a voice broke the silence as she stood in the crater.

“And your supposed to be my successor…”

The queen slowly turned to look behind her, and standing just a few feet from her in the shadow of the dome, was the former queen of the changelings. Her own mother, Nyressia. The previous queen perfectly resembles Chryslias nearly perfectly, with the only major differences being that Nyressia’s horn curved slightly upward, has four wings protruding from her back, and her mane and tail are more reddish brown color and was even more wild and unkept than Chrysalis’s. As the old queen stood before her daughter, Chrysalis took a hesitant step back as she kept her eyes trained squarely on her mother, who took a few steps into the light revealing herself fully to her daughter. Revealing a greatly disappointing expression on her face, her eyes narrowed and glowing an ethereal orange color as she looks down her nose at her daughter. Who was now curling up like a frightened cat as looked up to the old queen.

“H-how…” Chrysalis muttered in a shaky voice as she was trying to figure out how her deseced mother was standing before her. “How could—”

“How could you be so pathetic into loosing not only your quarry, but your own kingdom as well. The kingdom that I left in your care when you ascended the throne.” Late queen Nyressia mocked as she started to circle around Chrysalis, while she shivered as still held an overly panicked expression on her her face.

“Not only that, but those grubs that are supposed to serve you have revolted against you! And even joined forces with the enemy faction. Food no less! How could you be so utterly pathetic and worthless?!” the current queen couldn’t say anything as Nyressia vanished after stepping behind Chrysalis, before appearing right in front of Chrysalis, glaring directly into the cowering queens quivering face.

“I actually had high expectations for you when you hatched from your egg, and as you grew I thought you would be a daughter I could be proud of, one I could entrust the future of our kingdom to…but as the years went by my expectations of you started to dwindle. You failed in all of your magic lessons; you were hopeless as a love harvester—in fact, you couldn’t even captivate a single pony till your ‘crown’ antenna sprouted. Honestly why I let you become my successor I’ll never know.”

As the late queen continued to ridicule her daughter, Chrysalis panicked expression very slowly changed to one of anger again, her mane and tail even started to stand on end. her wings even twitching in irritations as word after word enters her ear, each one fueling her already overly full reservoir of anger, hatred, and malice. And the fact that the image of her deceased mother was in front of her, and is insulting her role of queen, even saying that she was nothing but a failure, was quickly making the queen reach her breaking point.

“—and now here you are, alone, hiveless, nothing more than a discard piece of garbage. Cowering in this disheveled hovel like a grub hiding in its egg.”

“Shut up.” Chrysalis muttered as she glared up to her mother’s specter.

“To think I left the throne to a worthless—”

“Shut up.”

“—waste of space—”

“Shut up!”

“That I should’ve gotten rid of long ago.”

“SHUT UP!”

The over flowing anger that was being held within Chrysalis finally reached its breaking point. The queen ignited her horn with all of the stored up magic that was brimming inside of her, and in a flurry of green projectiles erupted from the queens horn, and struck where Nyressia was standing. Battering her and the ground, all the while destroying her make-shift hideout in the process. Once the bombardment of magical projectiles had ended, after a good full two minutes of suppressed rage being unleashed, Chrysalis was now barely standing as she felt incredibly exhausted. But her mother just stood there, unfazed, or affected by the bombardment, while the land around here was turned into a crater.

“You should never have been born you pathetic wretch…” the specter of the late queen started to slowly fade away till only her disapproving glare was left, until it to faded away into nothingness. Chrysalis then dropped to the ground her snarling face breaking as tears start to flow from her eyes.

“I’ll show you, mother!” Chrysalis growled as she just stared off to where the image of her mother was just standing.

“I’ll show you that I am NOT a failure! And I’ll show you that I have surpassed you, and become the greatest queen of the changeling race, that you can be sure of!” the queen then rose back up to her hooves, and started to remake her shelter, using her magic to put the trees back up, and using the green slime to hold them in place.

“I’ll build a bigger hive! Create a large, more OBIDIANT army of subjects, and I will show you that I am no failure! A waste of space! I will show you that I am worthy of being QUEEN!” the queen then looked towards the entrance of the shelter, before heading out while transforming into a young looking unicorn mare.

“And the first thing I’ll do, is get back my little broodmare…” A twisted smile then graces the queen already deranged face as the gears in her head already started to turn. “And make her help me restore my forces.”

~~Ponyville~~

A few days have gone by since Sunburst has made an improve visit to the town, to pay a visit to the towns second alicorn, Zack. And for those few days the stallion, and the pale purple alicorn, have been getting to know each other better, while the alicorn answers any questions the stallion has about the mare herself. Or the world that she originally hails from.

And for those few days, Sunburst has learnt so many things, mostly on Zack’s cultures, technology, biology, and a little bit of information on the world itself. But the alicorn never divulged into anything to substantial, which Sunburst wasn’t to bumped about, as he respected any limitations that the alicorn has set down. At the end of the stallions stay in town, Sunburst has learned a variable wellspring of foreign knowledge, which he commented on studying and see if it’s possible to adopt into pony society, which Zack remarked it would be highly unlikely, bid his new friend farewell before heading back to the Crystal Empire. The day after the stallion left nearly each of one of Zack’s circle of friends has left Ponyville for either personal reason or business.

Both Pinkie Pie and Applejack have left town to go visit family, Applejack heading to Appleloosa, and Pinkie heading home to visit her parents and sisters. Rainbow Dash has left for Cloudsdale to visit her family, which she was very adamant to try and keep a secret. Then there was Twilight and Spike, being called to Canterlot along with Thorax, as there seemed to be growing tensions between the ponies and changelings living in Canterlot. And if the reports were true, things were getting so bad that fights were breaking out, mostly because the ponies kept insulting and degrading the changelings, and the changelings keep getting egged on by them and nearly ripping their throats out. So the trio immediately left to help smooth things over, and have been there ever since. Then there was Starlight who also left town for some, personal affairs in the town that she used to, live, in.

So at the moment the only members of the Council of Friendship, and Zack’s immediate circle of friends, was Rarity and Fluttershy. Both of whom were trotting out of the Ponyville Day Spa, both looking incredibly refreshed and pampered. Even Fluttershy was glowing with a rejuvenated sense of luster, as not only was her coat glistening in the sunlight, but her feathers, mane and even tail were glistening with such a glow that ponies passing by the pegasus were left utterly speechless. While Rarity seemed very proud that her friend is looking absolutely fabulous.

“You are absolutely sparkling Fluttershy, that mineral bath has certainly done wanders for you.” Rarity complemented her friend as they both walked down the road.

“Thank you Rarity. It really was amazing how it felt, it really felt good.” Fluttershy mused as she ruffled her wings, her feathers shimmering in the light. “And thank you for paying for my spa treatment…are you sure you don’t mind spending your bits on me?”

“Of course darling! Money is never an issue for treating a friend to a day at the spa.” That’s when Rarity had an idea pop into her head.

“Speaking of treating a friend, maybe I should bring Zack to the spa for some relaxation, goodness knows the poor thing could use some.”

“That does sound like a good idea, and I bet she’s pretty lonely with Thorax, Spike, and the others gone.” Fluttershy remarked as the two mares continued to trot about.

“Perhaps I should stop by the castle, and see if she would like to join me for a spa treatment!” the pegasus looked to unicorn friend as the white mare suddenly got giddy, and a pep in her step as she trots off in a faster pace.

“But Rarity, you just went to the spa, and spent a lot of—”

“Fluttershy, Fluttershy, remember what I said.” The unicorn mused as she turned to face her friend. “When it comes to friends, money is of no issue!”

The pegasus could only giggle at her friends statement, but also admire that Rarity always went far and beyond to help not only her friend, but strangers if she believes she can help them. and not ask for anything in return. So the pegasus and unicorn detoured from their initial path down the central lane of Ponyville east district, and started to make them their way southward of the town where the castle stood off in the distance, and as the pair trotted about they started to talk on how they could help Zack out. Even after the group came back from the Empire, the only ones that seemed to be helping Zack feel more comfortable in her life in Equestria was, Spike and Throax as they are the ones that spend the most time with her, with Twilight and Starlight being second. The others have either been too busy with either their work, occupations or just couldn’t figure out on how to do just that, help their newest friend acclimate to living in Equestria. And help her through her current strife plaguing her life.

“…Rarity?” Fluttershy said in a hushed tone, but still managing to get the unicorns attention.

“Yes Fluttershy?”

“What do you think Zack should about her, pregnancy?” the pegasus asked to see if the mature mare has any idea on how Zack should go about this problem.

Personally Fluttershy believed that Zack should keep the baby. And while it would be the offspring of Chrysalis, it would be Zack and her friends raising the baby, so they could teach it to be nice and not like the mad queen, also, Fluttershy didn’t believe it would be fair to, kill, an innocent child who has yet to be born, and knows not of how it came into being. When the pegasus glanced over to her friend to see what Rarity’s thoughts were on the subject, Fluttershy saw a rather despondent look on her face, as if she seemed unsure on how to answer the question.

“Honestly Fluttershy I have no idea. On one hoof, terminating the pregnancy sounds like the more, reasonable course. After all, Zack has no actual attachment to the baby other than being the one giving birth to it…however it would also be cruel to kill an innocent yet unborn child, regardless of how it came to be.” Rarity bemoaned as a disheartened sigh left her mouth.

“I just hope that whatever Zack chooses she’ll make the right decision for her best interest.” After their little talk about Zack’s situation the two decided to shift topics, and talk about more, uplifting, subjects.

Several minutes go by and after a lengthy discussion about how to help Zack, from inviting her to picnics, taking her on trips to show the sights of their country, maybe even help her find her purpose that could make her life easier, the group eventually made it to the castle. Upon reaching the door both Rarity and Fluttershy opened a single door and was about to step in, and go search for Zack and take her to the spa for a nice day of relaxation. But the moment that the door opened, and the pair took only a few steps into the castle, both pegasus and unicorn were meet with echoing wail of pure pain! Immediately hearing the scream Rarity and Fluttershy jolted into action, running up the steps and started running through the halls of the castle looking for Zack, following the wailing screams to where they alicorn could be.

Not a minute after of running around the halls Rarity and Fluttershy came across something, a trail of green fluid staining the floor and walls. Following the trail of green fluid the two mare’s reached the library, where the painful wailing was coming from, and assaulting the pair with their full shrilling force, and when they barged into the castle’s library they found the alicorn. And she looked like she was in the most pain any pony could be in. Zack was laying on the ground, writhing in agony on her back, back legs spread as wide as they could…while green fluids spurt and ooze out from her marehood, with a small round protrusion is sticking a few inches out. Seemingly trying to wedge itself through the alicorn’s folds, which appears to be the source of her pain, and when the alicorn glanced over at the pair Rarity and Fluttershy could see the pain etched onto the poor mare’s face.

“HELP ME!” Zack sobbed to the duo as she rolled onto her side, before wincing as the thing wedged out of her folds by another inch, causing more green fluids to spurt out, but this time accompanied with blood.

“Fluttershy fly to the hospital and tell the doctors what’s happening, I’ll try to get Zack to the hospital as fast as I can!”

The pegasus wasted no time in hesitating and instantly shot into the air, and took off like a bat out of Tartarus while Rarity took Zack into her blue magical aura, and ran off towards the castles entrance. All the while the alicorn continues to cry out in agony, disrupting the once peaceful air of the town’s tranquility.

Author's Note

Well here it is folks, the resolution on what happens to the baby. now before you comment on how this seems sudden, and out of nowhere, I had this planned out at the same time I had Zack initially impregnated by Chrysalis. when I had Zack get pregnant, I spent hours coming up with ideas on how to handle this, and this is what I went with. now you'll just have to wait and see what comes up next.

Chapter 39: Another Twist of Fate.

After Sunburst had paid the town an improve visit, Twilight, Spike, and Thorax had got an urgent message from Celestia, stating that there are conflicts on the horizon between the Canterlotian ponies, and the newly formed Changeling Hive under the city. The letter stated that whenever the changeling were spotted in the city, they were being insulted, even directly to their faces, by the upper class ponies and those who follow their example. Of course none of the changelings took these insults lightly, and tried to at first peacefully suggest the ponies treat them with respect, however if there is one thing that Canterlotian ponies are well-known for, it’s their prejudice towards non-pony species. But now after a full day of dealing with the speciesist ponies, and ensuring that no conflicts broke out, the three friends have been riding back to Ponyville and a two hour train ride.

“Finally it’s over with.” Spike groaned as he slowly slouches down his seat on the train ride back to Ponyville, while Thorax and Twilight looked just as exhausted, and drained as the dragonling.

“I still can’t believe that a fight nearly broke out between the ponies and changelings.” Spike said as he continued to slouch in his seat.

“I am sorry that the ponies of Canterlot are being so, unwelcoming to the hive Thorax. I hope you don’t take anything they’ve spouted seriously.” Twilight said with a bit of shame in her voice as she looks solemnly at the changelings sitting across from her, and Spike.

“Don’t worry Twilight, I won’t.” Thorax said as his wings buzzed. “Still though, it looks like things are still going to be difficult for the changelings.” Twilight hopped off her seat and made her over to Thorax, where she gave the changeling a comforting pat on the shoulder.

“I know things look hard now, but forging new bonds is never easy. Especially with those that have a rocky first introduction with the other party.” Thorax gave a thankful smile to the alicorn, Spike snorted softly as a thought came to him.

“Kind of like how we first met Zack.” Twilight also gave a small chortle as she trotted back to her seat.

“Yeah. Kind of like how we met Zack for the first time.” Spike repeated as he sat back up straight in his seat.

“Was she just as, scary, or hostile, when she first came to Ponyville?” Thorax asked his two friend, greatly curious on how his best friend was like before meeting her back at the Badlands hive. Both Twilight and Spike gleeful expressions dimmed slightly as they thought back to the early days of Zack’s arrival.

“Scary, yes.” Twilight said.

“Hostile…” Spike sucked in air through his clenched teeth as he thought back to beat down she gave Shining Armor, then the interaction with Blueblood, and finally, the incident with Discord.

“Yeah. She was a really scary mare when she first arrived.”

“But at least now she’s really mellowed out.” The violet alicorn prayed as looked out the window of the train car and watching the landscape, and mountain side roll on past her. “Although, I really hope things stay this way for good, last thing we need is to have another Discord episode.”

Spike nodded his head agreement, followed by Thorax. While the changeling wasn’t present for the event that the alicorn was talking about, Thorax remembers the discussion he had with Zack when he first met her, and how greatly upset the now pale purple alicorn was about the now deceased spirit of chaos. The trio continued to make idle chit-chat, and discussions on what to do to help the changelings, and ponies of Canterlot to try and get along. Which was probably going to be harder than it sounded, but the plucky trio tried to come up with plans, events, parties, pretty much anything under the sun to make good between the changelings and the ponies of Canterlot, all ponies in general. Show the ponies of Equestria that the changelings are no longer a threating race, but one that wants to be allies and be apart of Equestria. While they continued to talk amongst themselves they all felt the train finally slow down, before stopping entirely before hearing the conductor stating they had arrived in Ponyville.

Departing the train with some of the other occupants of the locomotive, Twilight, Spike, and Thorax started to make the trot from the station, and towards their crystalline home. but as they were making their way through the town, the trio noticed that the town seemed to have an odd air about. And from Thorax’s perspective, the changeling could see the various emotions permeating from the ponies they were passing by, all of them having worried emotions from concern, fear, and even panic. As the group continued to trot through the town they couldn’t figure out what was going on, which doesn’t help that the ponies either walk off before they could hear what was going on, or are just hushing. Granted not all ponies the trio passes by were acting like this, its just that the majority of ponies of the town seem to be acting this way.

“What do you think is going on?” Spike asked as he scanned the surrounding area from on top of Twilight’s back.

“I’m not sure, but whatever is going on, a lot of the ponies seem to be upset.” Thorax commented as the trio left the town plaza behind them, and continued to make their way to the castle of friendship.

“Maybe Starlight, or Zack knows what is going on.” Twilight remarked as the alicorn made one last scan of the plaza.

Ten minutes of trotting later and the trio have made it to the castle, however when they were close enough to the structure they all saw that the doors were left open, with the left door tilting back and forth. Now filling very worried the trio rushed the last twenty feet up to the castle, and when they entered the structure, Twilight, Spike, and Thorax split up and looked around the castle. All of them looking for any sign of Starlight or Zack. While exploring the upper floors, Twilight was soaring from one room to another but what wasn’t finding either pony she was searching for, the alicorn found something very worrisome when she reached Zack’s room. like the castle, the bedroom door was left wide-open. with splotches of some kind of green substances staining the floor, the inside of the door, and the wall on the opposite side of the door.

“What is this stuff?” Twilight muttered to herself as she examined the green substance, scooping up a small sample with her magic.

“Twilight!” the mare turned to see Thorax flying towards her, with Spike on his back. “Oh no! it’s here to!”

“What? You mean, this?” Twilight said as held the green substance in front of her, while Thorax landed.

“Yes. That’s changeling goo!”

“But what could—oh no! Chrysalis!” Twilight shrieked as she drop the piece of goo. “What if…what if she snuck into to town, and captured Zack again!”

“Hold on Twilight, we don’t know if that is what happened here.” Thorax said to the alicorn while trying to keep not only her, but himself calm as well.

“Now if Chrysalis really did come and take Zack away, I’m certain we would’ve seen more signs of a battle. Cause I doubt Zack would be tricked by Chrysalis’s disguises, and even in her current state I think she would’ve put up a fight.”

“But what if she actually did get the drop on Zack!” Twilight said with an even more panicked voice, her mind wracking with any number of scenarios playing in her head.

“Calm down Twi.” Spike quickly said before Twilight went on full panic mode, which the alicorn was already dangerously close to.

“Until we know what actually happen, there’s no need to stress ourselves out panicking about this. Let’s try to find some kind of clues that might show us what happened here.”

Twilight managed to reign in her already high levels of anxiety, and agreed with Spike’s idea to search for clues. So now the trio started to search the sections of the castle that they didn’t already checked, but as they scoured every inch of the castle they could think of none of them could anything. No other splotches of trails of goo, aside from the goo starting from Zack’s room leading towards the library, or anything that pertains to any form of battle taking place, Twilight even scanned for any magical residue left behind if somepony uses magic…and that’s when they finally got a lead! Twilight was able to find very sporadic, and randomly uses of magic, although they all stemmed back again from Zack’s room to the library, where another trace of magical energy could be detected. However the alicorn could tell that the other traces of magic, was not from a changeling, it was from another pony. But it wasn’t the magical signature that Twilight knows that is Starlight’s magic, instead…

“I think I found something.” The alicorn said as her horn continued to resonate with magic, while her eyes glowed with a faint purplish tint.

“What did you find?” both Spike and Thorax asked as they looked curiously at the mare.

“I found a second magical signature, and I think it’s, Rarity’s.”

“Rarity was here?” Spike asked.

“Then maybe she knows what happened to Zack.” Deactivating her spell Twilight along with Thorax and Spike, ran out of the castle’s library and then out of the castle and made a mad dash towards Rarity’s boutique. Upon reaching the establishment the three friends practically barged in, as Rarity never minded if any of her friends decide to drop by, and started to look for their two friends. But neither Rarity nor Zack was there.

“They’re not here either.” Thorax said after the group searched the building. That’s when an idea came to the changeling. “Hey Twilight, can’t you track Rarity’s magical signature?”

“Of course! Why didn’t I think of that.” Twilight said as she powered up her horn, and then teleported the group back to castle.

Once they reappeared in front of the castle, Twilight switched to the detection spell and once it was powered up, the alicorn could see a clear trail of faintly blue magic lingering in the air. The alicorn then started to gallop off into the town, following the trail of magic that only she could see, with her two male compatriots hot on her trail. The three friends continued to gallop through the town, rushing past other ponies were shocked to see the trio running in a hectic pace, looking like the monsters of Tartarus are chasing them. leaving the town the group entered the northern section of Ponyville, and as they continued to follow the trail of magical residue they all found themselves galloping towards Ponyville’s General Hospital, which only made the trio’s anxiety start to rise again. Entering the building the trio rushed over to the front desk, skidding to a halt while also startling the receptionist.

“P-Princess!” the nurse said as she looked at the alicorn, and her two friends at her sides with shock.

“Tell me, did a mare named Rarity and a pony that looks like a pale version of me come here?” the alicorn frantically asked as she and the other two tried to catch their breath.

“Yes princess, both of them arrived a couple of hours ago, and the look alike was in a lot of pain.” All three of them immediately felt their hearts stop for just a second, while pit formed in their stomach.

“Can you take us to where she’s being held?”

The nurse nodded and got up from her seat, and started to lead Twilight, Thorax, and Spike to where Zack was being held. Weaving through the surprisingly crowded hallways of the hospital, and ascending two flights of stairs, the group was lead to one of the rooms near the end of the third-floor hallway. And that’s where the trio saw Rarity and Fluttershy standing outside the door, both of whom looked thoroughly exhausted, and heavily stressed.

“Rarity!” Twilight called out to the unicorn, getting the white mare’s and Fluttershy’s attention, where they both instantly looked relieved in seeing the trio.

“Twilight!” Fluttershy blubbered as she threw herself at Twilight, crying into the alicorn’s chest.

“Fluttershy what’s wrong? Is Zack alright?!” neither Fluttery nor Rarity said anything, and before either of them could say anything the door to the room they were all standing in front of opened up, and a unicorn stallion wearing a doctors uniform. Covered in green goo…and a little bit of blood. Rarity practically shoved her face into the doctors before asking.

“Doctor please tell me is she alright?”

“She is alright Miss. Rarity; however she is very drain from the experience, and is sleeping right now.” The doctor said in a very calm manner before adjusting his glasses with his magic. “We did have to perform surgery on her, as the egg sack was far too big for her, but thankfully it wasn’t life threating.”

“Doctor…” Twilight said as she took a step closer to the stallion. “What happened to Zack?” a somber look overcame the unicorns face as he started telling Twilight the events that just occurred in the room.

“Well to put it simply, the reason why we couldn’t get a clear reading on the state of the baby growing in your look alike, was because the egg sack that it was maturing in was acting as a barrier…but it seemed the egg matured faster than what I assume is expected, and because it was the size of a newly born foal Zack’s body tried to eject the egg out of her womb. Only problem is that the sack was to big and was stuck inside her.”

“So to make sure that the egg sack was removed, we had to perform a, special, c-section surgery on her to remove the egg.” None of the friends looked incredibly thrilled at what they were hearing, and were all just getting more afraid and worried for their friend. That’s when Thorax stepped forward.

"What do you mean by, special surgery?" the changeling asked.

"Because Zack has both sets of genitalia we couldn't perform a normal c-section on her, so we had to get, creative in removing the egg from the alicorn." the doctor explained the group as a whole.

“…I’m afraid to ask doctor, but—”

“You want to know about the hatchling?” the changeling nodded his head.

“…I’m afraid it didn’t make it. the hatchling wasn’t, breed, probably. If you catch my meaning.” The three mare’s, dragonling’s, and changeling’s mood started to turn bleak, and mournful. Even if the baby was given to her by a deranged queen, they were all still sad that an new innocent life won’t be able to embrace life.

“Can we, go and see Zack?” Spike asked as he stuck close to Twilight’s side.

“Only for a moment, she really needs her rest.”

The doctor opened the door behind him and stood to the side as the group started to file into the room. the group was being as quiet as they can as the entered the room, they’re eyes were drawn to the sole bed in the room. next to the bed was a lone IV pole standing next the bed, a table with medication bottles and jug of water on it, then on the other side of the bed was a trolly that has used medical equipment on it, as well as a large tray with a towel covering it. but the clear large bulge under the towel tells the ponies what it was. Turning away from the trolly the group made their way over to the bed, where a very, very exhausted looking Zack was peacefully sleeping. The group gathered around the bed to get a closer look at Zack, and as they checked up on her they all saw the alicorn’s crack open her eyes.

“Zack?!” they all said in a hushed tone.

“…hi guys.” Zack replied, her voice low and sounding very horsed, as her very tired eyes looks up to all of them.

“How are you feeling darling?” Rarity asked as she leaned in close to the alicorn.

“I feel horrible.” the alicorns eyes started to tear up. “I never want to go through child birth, ever, again.” Rarity then started to gently smooth down Zack’s mane to comfort her, while the others try as well to provide some level of comfort for their friend.

“I’m sorry to ruin the moment, but Zack needs her rest now.”

Each of the ponies, plus Spike and Thorax, gave Zack one final comforting word before leaving the mare. But before she actually left the room, Twilight quickly placed various wards around the room, just to provide some protection for her friend, as Twilight’s current level of stress and anxiety was making her bit paranoid. After the wards were placed Twilight left room with the rest of friends, leaving the doctor last to exit the room, and closing the door behind him. leaving Zack alone to recuperate from the ordeal that she had to bear through today.

Chapter 40: Another Step Towards Recovery - End of Volume 3

A day has gone by since Zack has finally given birth, although the occasion was far from anything to be celebrated. As it turned out, instead of having a foal developing within her body, it was instead an egg sack that housed an in-breed changeling larva. The egg sack grew too much for the pale purple alicorns womb to contain, so in effort to remove it, Zack’s body actually tried to expel the egg sack from the alicorn, however the sack was too big to be pushed out. And only ended up getting stuck in her vaginal canal, where it caused an insurmountable amount of pain to the alicorn.

Thankfully, Rarity and Fluttershy stumbled upon Zack in the midst of her pain, and rushed her to the hospital, where the doctor and nurses had to perform a c-section surgy on the alicorn, or else risk irreparable damage to the alicorns body. A few hours later and the operation was over and done with, and luckily Zack was in no life threatening state, but the whole experience was very draining for the poor alicorn. Both physically and mentally.

And as for the egg and the changeling nymph inside it, it unfortunately wasn’t as lucky as to survive the overall venture. Once it was removed the egg sack seemed to have deflated, as precious fluids were trickling out of it, and the inborn…it wasn’t salvageable. Not only did it loose the fluids that keep it sustain, but it’s overall physiology was compromised, as it was an inbreed changeling larva with some aspects of a pony foal. Even if the egg sack was able to be extracted, there would’ve been no guaranteed that the inborn offspring would even survive an hour after hatching.

For the time being Zack is being kept at the hospital, as the doctor and head nurse that operated on her wanted to make sure she was physically alright, while also having a psychiatrist check on the mare’s mental state. As for Zack’s friends, when Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash came back to Ponyville and went to go see the others, they were all told what has happened to Zack and what kind of state she’s in right now. After they were told what happened the three mares, as well as the others, ventured to the hospital to see how Zack was doing. When they got to the hospital and visited her, Zack seemed a little better from when Twilight and the others saw the day before, but she still looked worn-out, and very tired. But she seems to be alright otherwise, and according to her doctor she seems physically fine.

As for her psychiatrist…

“I would advise keeping a close eye on your friend Zack.” the older red earth pony mare said to the group in her office, while they sit or stand by the couch, while she sits at her desk.

“I’m not fully aware of what is going on in her life, but that mare has certainly been put through the ringer. She hides it well, but I can tell she has some deep seeded anxiety.” The mare looked at the group with a very concerned look as she adjust the glasses resting on her nose.

“And with this recent event of a childbirth, I suspect that this will only worsen her condition and lead to some self-destructive habits.” The entire group looked at each other with worried looks.

“But thankfully she’s tough, but even strong willed ponies have a limit. So when she’s discharged from the hospital I want all of you to keep an eye on her, and help her if she has an episode.”

“You can count on us to keep an eye on her.” Thorax said in a protective manner, followed quickly by the others.

“That’s good to hear.”

After the talk with the psychiatrist the group left the mare’s office, and decided to go visit Zack before they leave. Except for Pinkie Pie. When the group left the psychiatrist’s office, the pink mare deviated from the group and headed down the opposite end of the hall, and when her friends asked where she was going the pink pony didn’t say anything. And just continued to trot away from the group till she rounded a corner, leaving the others confused on to what she was up to. continuing on to go see their friend the group trotted through the hallways, and reached Zack’s room where they found Zack being checked on by a nurse, who seems to be examining the alicorns lower body, while also jotting down something on a clipboard.

“The scar seems to be healing quite nicely miss. Zack, and your charts show that you are showing no side-effects from the miscarriage, but I’d still advise you to not exert yourself for a few days when you get discharged.” The nurse said as she finishes writing something on her clipboard.

“Thanks Cold Heart.” The nurse nodded to Zack’s compliment before looking over to the door, and spotting the crowed standing by it. Zack looked over to door and gave a small smile to the group. “Hi guys.”

“Hey Zack, we came to see you again before leaving for the day.” Rainbow said as she and the others approached the bed, while the nurse gives them all a nod before leaving the room.

“So how are you doing?” Starlight asked as she and the others stood around the bed.

“I’m on pain meds right now, so I can’t feel much. but I’m pretty sure that I’m sore all over down there.” Zack’s face then shifted from a tired neutral expression, to a more curious one as her eyes looked over the group. “Where’s our social butterfly Pinkie?”

“She was with us a while ago when we were talking with your psychiatrist, but once we were don talking with her, Pinkie wandered off.” Twilight said to her look a-like.

“But I’m sure she’ll turn up eventually, probably when you at least expect it.” Zack gave a small chuckle to Twilight’s hunch about the group’s wild card member.

“Well I just hope she doesn’t give me a heart attack with whatever little surprise she has, I’m not used to her full weirdness yet.” The others chuckled in response to Zack’s little jab to Pinkie’s weirdness.

“So aside from Pinkie, what did you guys talk to my therapist about?”

“She asked us to keep an eye on you and make sure that your anxiety doesn’t get any worse.” Spike said as the little dragonling crawled onto the bed. “She said she noticed that you’re really worked up, or something along those lines, and that this…birth…may have pushed you to your limits.” Zack gave a very exaggerated tired sigh as she slumps more into the bed, while a very, very, VERY exhausted, and almost dead-like expression took over her face.

“…a lot of has happened in this one month and half that I’ve been in world Spike, a lot of stuff…and I am very tired of everything Spike.” The mare closed her eyes, looking ever more like a dead body as she laid their on the bed.

“I could use a break from, everything.” Zack muttered, but was still loud enough for the others to hear. Zack then opened her eyes and looked at the small dragonling, and the other ponies

“If I was on Earth I would just go out to one my favorite camping spots, just get away from everything and relax…but here…I don’t know what could be around the corner that could mess with me. and its only worse with Chrysalis still on a run.”

“We’ll never let that sow get anywhere close to you!” Twilight practically shouted as she stomped her hooves on the ground, cracking the floor, and scarring not only Zack, but the others in the room as well.

“I know that your time in our world has been nothing but heartache, and I know we promised to help you have a peaceful life here…” Twilight then approached her doppelganger and wrapped her in a hug, surprising the pale purple alicorn.

“And we WILL keep that promise Zack. You’ve suffered enough in your short time here in Equestria, so believe me when I say that me and friends will ensure that you have a peaceful life.” The rest of the group around the bed all gave a firm nod, as they each placed a hoof on the bed, and giving the mat a gentle pat. As for Zack, she seemed unsure for a moment, but a small smile slowly started to creep onto her muzzle.

“…I apricate it Twilight.”

The two alicorns remained in their embrace for another minute before breaking it. for the next hour Twilight and her friends continued to talk with Zack, making sure that she stays in a good mood. Once the hour was up Twilight and her friends had to leave, as they did have to get back to their livelihoods and work, but the only one that didn’t leave was Thorax as he really didn’t have anything to work, or study for. which was fine by Zack, and Thorax himself.

“Are you sure you’re really alright Zack?” Thorax asked after the pair sat in silence for a bit after everyone left the room.

“For the most part, I’m just exhausted Thorax. Tired. And little unsure what my odds staying sane in this world is.” The alicorn then gives out a very exaggerated sigh as she lays in the bed. “I’ve been killed, lied to, toyed with, tortured, mind slaved, and I just had a miscarriage with my balls and dick nearly getting cut off in the process. I’m actually starting to think it will be safer to just turn into a shut-in, and never leave my room.”

“You can’t really mean that Zack?” Thorax responded. But the mare just stayed quite as she shifted in her bed, laying on her side as she looks over to Thorax.

“I don’t know. I guess I’m just being paranoid.” Zack muttered as she fluffed a wing. As the pair continued to talk, they were interrupted when they heard soft knocks coming from the rooms door. After hearing the knocking Thorax made his way over to the door, and when he opened it the changeling found Pinkie Pie standing in front of him. with a small box resting on her head.

“Hi Thorax. Is, Zack still awake, or is open for visits?” the pink mare asked.

“Yeah. Come on in.” the changeling said before stepping to the side, allowing Pinkie to trot in and make her way over to the bed.

“Hey Pinkie.” Zack greeted simply.

“Hey.” Pinkie replied back in a pretty, un-characteristic way that both Zack, and Thorax thought would be the norm for the pink mare. When the mare reached the bed she gently pops her head up, causing her mane to bounce the box off, and land perfectly onto the bed.

“Seriously, how in the world do you do that?” Zack asked as she looked up to the baffling mare, to which Pinkie just gives a cutesy chortle as she sits down next to the bed, just as Thorax joins the pair.

“Trade secret.” The pink mare said before her jolly smile shifted to a more neutral expression, but while Pinkie’s expression looks as such to Zack, Thorax was able to see the small wafting waves of dark blue emanating from the mare. Revealing to the changeling that Pinkie was in a rather sad mood.

“So how are you feeling Zack? Alright, good? Somewhere along that line?”

“I honestly don’t know Pinkie, all I know is that I am mentally exhausted from, everything.”

Zack explained to the pink mare as she re-adjusts herself on the bed. Pinkie then outstretched a hoof towards the alicorn, but stopped mid-way before slowly pulling her hoof back. But Zack placed her own hoof onto Pinkie’s while giving the mare a reassured look. Pinkie then reached over to Zack and carefully pulled her into a hug, one that Zack accepts in full, and gives the mare her own hug. Thorax just sat by the two, smiling softly as he started to see the usual colors of happiness and joy start to appear around the mare, eclipsing the blue aura that was still surrounding Pinkie, but not as prominent as it was a moment ago.

“Zack…I know you’ve been having the worst time of your life ever since you were, brought, here. And I know Twilight and the others said that they would help you try to gain some sort of safety, as well as happiness in our world, and that includes me.” the pink mare then separated herself from the alicorn and reached over to the box she deposited onto the bed.

“But the only things I can do is just bake, and throw parties, and just be a wildly chaotic comic relief character. Which I know you don’t really like.”

“Pinkie it’s not that I didn’t like them, it’s just the way you went about doing these things just, baffled and confused me. I mean you ponies have different social norms that I just didn’t want to get to know, because I thought there was a way for me to get back to my world.” Zack said as she tried to comfort the mare from her preconception of the alicorns dislike of herself, and the things that she does.

“So, you don’t hate me, or my, quirks?” the alicorn shook her head before speaking.

“I don’t hate you Pinkie, your just so outgoing and extraverted, and no other way to say this, otherworldly that I just didn’t know how to handle it. didn’t help that I was a massive prick towards you and everyone else.” Pinkie gave a soft smile as she patted Zack’s shoulder.

“I understand. Getting back on topic, I wanted you to know that no matter what happens now, and after you leave the hospital, that I’ll be there to help you. and that if you need anything, just come and see me.”

“Same with me.” Thorax said as he jumped into the conversation, feeling upbeat from the little heartwarming moment that the two ponies were having. And seeing the more vibrant auras of pink hues covering them, showing the changeling just how much better they were both feeling.

“I want to help you feel better, like the way you helped me. so if there is anything I can do for you Zack, just let me and I’ll do whatever I can to help you.” the alicorn gave both Thorax, and Pinkie a bigger smile as started to visibly look more relieved and relaxed.

“Thanks you two, I’ll be sure to take you up on your offers.” Pinkie gave the pale purple pony a wider smile, as well as a little squeak, while Thorax grinned and buzzed his wings.

“Now that we got the touchy moment out of the way, I have something for you Zack.” The pink mare then slid the box in front of Zack before opening it, revealing a perfectly made key lime pie. “I know you said you don’t like sweets, so I tried to make something not too sweet as a ‘Get well’ gift.”

After presenting her gift to the alicorn, Zack used her magic to cut perfect slices before taking one of them in a constructed hand, and gave it a small bite. Both Thorax and Pinkie watch as Zack chewed on the bite she took, and after a few chews a small smile crosses the mare’s muzzle, before she took another bite.

“Not to tart, not to sweet, kind of savory in its own way. Not bad.” The mare said after her second bite before turning to face Pinkie. “Thanks Pinkie.”

The mare simply smiled and ushered Zack to finish the pie. However Zack used more constructed hands to grab two more slices of pie, and offered them to the other two occupants of the room. Thorax and Pinkie graciously accepted their own slices, and began to eat with Zack, while making idle conversation as they ate. The trio continued to talk and eat until the pie was fully gone, and once it was all gone, the doctor that operated on Zack came into the room and said that visiting hours are over for the day and that Zack needs to get some rest. Saying their goodbyes Thorax and Pinkie left Zack, while the doctor does one final check up on the alicorn for the day. Once the doctor was done with his assessment, he gave Zack a pleasant farewell before leaving, letting the mare get comfortable in her bed before starting to slowly drift off to sleep.

Author's Note

okay now i know Vol. 3 has had some sweet moments, with a touch of still lingering pain. and we just had another episode of pain for Zack, but fear not! the rest of Vol. 3 will be nothing but warm feels, good humor, and the ponies trying to help Zack feel safer in their world.

Chapter 41: Just Get Away From It All.

Author's Note

4 months. it's been four months since i took a break from working on this fic, and that's mostly my fault. :twilightsheepish: . i just got so bogged down with other projects, and other real-life drama and things that backed up my work. but my schedule and everything else I should finally be able to get back to work on my longest fic.

now to give you all a little preview: i re-worked a few things in where I was going with this fic, which i hope you all like when I up-load new chapters. But for the time being, I hope you all liked this new chapter! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 41: Just Get Away From It All.

It’s been week or so since the unfortunate miss-carriage that Zack had at the hospital, and since then the pale purple alicorn has been discharged the mare has been locked away in her room at Twilight Sparkles castle, only leaving it to get food or a new book from the castles library. But not only that but it seems that Zack has been distancing herself from her friends, even Thorax and Spike have been unable to fully see Zack.

And as for Twilight and her friends, each one have started to become worried about the alicorn since none of them have been able to see her, to check up on her to make sure she really was feeling alright. But it seems that what Zack’s psychiatrist said about her developing unhealthy habits might be coming true, and if Twilight and her friends can’t figure out how to help her, then who knows what would happen to Zack.

After all…

One month and a week, or two. That is how long that Zack has been in Equestria, but ever since she was brought to this world, everything seemed to be against her.

Losing her life in her old world, taken away from her friends and family, unable to see them grow and live their lives and be right there with them, enjoying life alongside them. Then she learned that the only reason why she’s here in Equestria, was all because Discord got bored of their time of peace, and decided to bring Zack to Equestria all in the hopes that the former human could entertain him. Even after learning that, and having the way home to her was destroyed, fate continued to play its cruel hand. And the next set cards that fate played was being captured by Queen Chrysalis, imprisoned within the Changeling Hive, and used in horrible ways all just to get back at the ponies who foiled the queens plans. And even after all that, the poor alicorn had to go through such an unbearable mis-carriage, that she had to go through surgery just in order to have the egg sack that was growing inside her to be extracted.

Everyone of Zack’s current circle of friends all worried for the alicorn state of mind. To go through all of this hardship and misfortunate in such short time frame, no one is sure what to expect from Twilight’s look alike anymore. But no matter what the future has in store, Twilight, Thorax, everyone who has been a part of Zack’s time in Equestria will be there for her, help her when she needs it. Even if fate itself plots against them in its continuous game of hardship.

~~~~~

Thorax was exiting the train that just pulled into the Ponyville train station, after being up in Canterlot for a couple of days once again trying to broker peace between the Changeling Hive & Canterlot. However things seem to be going a lot better. The new hive has been fully constructed, and the changelings have even been starting in getting jobs, actually becoming a part of the city’s population. Rather than just refuges that the ponies have to put up with. There are still a good deal of Canterlotian ponies treating Changelings harshly, thankfully though the ponies that actually warmed up to the changelings stood up for them, and helped whenever they were harassed. Or just outright insulted for apparent reason.

As the changeling departed the station and started to make his way to the castle, Thorax started to wander on how he could cheer Zack up this time around. So far whenever Thorax has stopped by to see his friend, Zack has been reclusive and hold up in her room that she doesn’t want to see anyone. When he does see her Thorax notices just how, worn out and tired she looks, even when she tries to give him a smile and assurance she was alright. But Thorax can see through her bluffs. He can see the waves of emotional turmoil that wafts from the alicorn, mixes of greens, blues, purples, reds, and other colors of negative emotions.

And while he hangs out with his friend he tries everything he can to help her, which occasionally works whenever the mare gives him genuine smiles, and grateful responses. But Thorax wishes that he could do more to help her.

“Thorax!” a voice breaks the changeling out of his private train of thoughts, and when he looked for the source he saw Spike waddling over towards him.

“Hey Spike. What are you up to?” the changeling asked as he looked the bags and sacks that the small dragonling was carrying.

“Just getting a few things that we’ve been meaning to get for the castle. You should’ve seen the bags Twilight and Starlight were carrying.” Spike chortled as he re-adjusts his grip on his own luggage.

“Here let me help you with that.” Thorax offered as he held three of the five bags Spike was holding.

“Thanks.” Spike says gratefully as he straightened up. “So how are things going on with the Hive?” the little dragon asked as he & Thorax started to walk. Mostly with Spike leading the way, while Thorax just followed.

“Things are defiantly looking better than before, heck I think one of the nobles is actually thinking of converting an old district into one that Changelings can live in above ground.” the changeling said with a pep in his step.

“Really?! That’s so cool!” Spike cheered as looked up to his buggy friend. “I’m happy to see that things for the changeling Hive are looking up.”

“Yeah, me to.” Thorax’s smile started to falter a little as he looked down at Spike, ears tilted back slightly as he spoke to his friend. “Hey Spike, how has Zack been doing lately?” Spike gave a very small smile to his friend before replying.

“Well she’s actually been going out a bit more, and not being so distant. Heck she even spent a day with Pinkie & the Cakes, and taught them a few recipes she knows from back home.” Thorax genuinely looked surprised to hear that Zack actually engaged in baking since the alicorn doesn’t like sweets.

“Wow.” Was all the chiton equine could say which Spike nodded to. “I’m honestly surprised that Zack would even know any recipes that a baker would know.”

“She said she cooked for her own little sister back home, and for herself and her friends when she was living alone.” Spike retorted as the due entered the western plaza of the market.

The two males continued to talk amongst themselves, with Spike giving Thorax details on the things that Zack taught Pinkie to make, the duo went about in finishing picking up the supplies that Spike was tasked to get. And with Thorax’s assistance the tasks were taken care of quite fast. Once the pair have gathered up the last bit of supplies from Spike’s list, they both headed towards Twilight’s castle while still talking and chatting. Mostly it was about was divided in talking about their alicorn friend, and their respected interest. The later of which was mostly Spike giving Thorax recommendations on what to read, and some activities that the changeling might like, which seems to be going fairly well as Thorax actually like everything that Spike suggested.

The two eventually made it to the castle and proceeded to head to where they need to stock the items they got, starting with the food that either went into the kitchen’s cupboards or fridge. Once the food and kitchen supplies were done with, the two friends went about un-packing and placing the rest of the supplies away, which took nearly a couple of hours since Spike and Thorax had to distribute everything throughout the castle.

“Finally!” Spike said aloud as he collapsed on a cushion in the castle’s library, which Thorax soon followed afterwards.

“I didn’t think that would take so long.” The changeling said as he to flopped down, but directly onto the floor instead of landing on a cushion.

“Just be grateful that the stuff we got was the small stuff. Twilight, and Starlight, are gathering the majority of the castles supplies, and with their magic they’d be able to carry it all no problem.” Spike praised the magic users while he stretches out on the cushion. As the two rested their legs for a bit, Thorax stood back up on his hole-riddled legs and started to make his way to the Library’s entrance.

“Thorax where are you off to?”

“I’m going to go see Zack.” Spike just nodded his head to his friend as he wet back to relaxing on the cushion, while Thorax started to make his way to Zack’s room.

While Thorax started to trot his way through the wide and still vastly empty halls of Twilight’s castle, the changeling started to wander what he and Zack could do together. Ever since she was discharged from the hospital, Thorax has only spent two days with Zack, and most of the time it was mostly just the two of them just being quite and rarely talking. But Thorax didn’t completely mind. He was able to spend time with his first friend, and just enjoy spending time with her. And he could tell by the waves of actual positive emptions that he saw, Zack seemed to greatly appreciate his caring nature, and just his company in general.

Thoughts of when Thorax first meet Zack started to make their way up to the forefront of the changelings mind, and how their friendship started to oddly develop with Thorax providing comfort to the mare, and the pony giving Thorax some to talk to and listen to his problems. But those thoughts were quickly darkened, as the image of Chrysalis started to form in his mind. And then have those images start to warp even further, as he started to image Zack being pinned under the demented queen, eyes full of fear and tears as she begged the queen to leave her alone. Those thoughts started to make the change grit his sharp teeth as anger started to take hold of him, but that anger started to change into remorse as he started to think back to his failed plan. And how he couldn’t be there to help Zack.

Thorax stopped in the middle of the hallway as he brushed his left leg over his right hoof, where the faded puncture wounds and scars used to be.

“I promise Zack, I’ll never let anything bad happen to you again!” Thorax growled more to himself as he lowered his leg, and continued to make his way to Zack’s room.

“I won’t let anything happened to my very first friend!”

Thorax continued to trot through the hallways until he finally reached his desired destination, but something was off. Zack’s room door, was left open just a little bit, when normally it would be shut tight. Approaching the door Thorax perked his ears to see if he could hear something, but there wasn’t any sounds coming from the room. Raising a hoof to the door Thorax gave a few knocks, and waited to see if he would get a response, but after a minute or so of waiting the changeling got no response. Starting to get a little worried Thorax opened the door and found the room unoccupied.

“Zack?” the changeling said loudly as he looked around, hoping that Zack was just out of sight.

“Are you in here?” Still no response. Now Thorax was really starting to get worried.

Rushing out of the room Thorax galloped down the hall back to where he left Spike, hopefully the little dragon can help the changeling find out where Zack has gone. However the changeling was stopped in tracks, when he came crashing into something, and began tumbling a few feet with the object. After coming to a stop a groan left the chitinous equine as tried to get back up to his hooves, but found something was on top of him, and was also wriggling around. And as he tried to get a good look at was on top of him, the side of his face smacked into something soft, warm, and slightly fuzzy. Which was then a startled gasp suddenly popped up, followed by clambering hooves clopping against the crystalline floor.

“Oh my gosh Thorax!” Thorax was finally able to see who he crashed into, and was on top of him. And found that it was Twilight who he bumped and tumbled into, who for some reason seemed to be flustered.

“I’m sorry Thorax I didn’t see you when I was trotting around!” the princess said in a rushed and in an embarrassed manner.

“N-no its my fault. I was the one who was galloping, and didn’t look where I was going.” Thorax apologized to the alicorn. But his mind snapped back to why he was galloping in the first place, and looked towards Twilight with a worried look.

“Twilight I need your help!” the princess’s face instantly went from bashful embarrassment to immediate concern when Thorax asked for her help.

“What’s wrong?”

“I went to go and see how Zack was doing to today, but she’s not in her room.”

“Maybe she’s in the library?” Twilight guessed to which Thorax quickly dismissed with a shake of his head.

“I was just in the library with Spike.” The alicorn then developed a thoughtful expression as she tried to think of something.

“Well if she’s not in her room, or the library, let’s try the kitchen. Maybe she went to go get something to eat.”

The changeling nodded his head as he started galloping off, but this time at a slightly slower speed so he doesn’t crash into anyone else. While Twilight followed by flying after the changeling. The duo managed to make it to the kitchen rather quickly, but when they arrived there was no sign of Zack anywhere. After the kitchen, the alicorn and changeling started to look in other spots that Zack frequencies, like the top floor balcony of the castle, the side conference room on the east side of the castle, and a few other spots. And yet neither of pair still could not find Zack.

“Where could she be?!” Thorax said worriedly as the duo entered the main lobby of the castles.

“Don’t worry Thorax I’m sure Zack is not in danger; we’d just have to—”

“SURPRISE!” both Thorax and Twilight shouted as they jumped when the sudden voice of Pinkie just blared out as the front doors of the castle swung open. “Woops! Sorry guys didn’t mean to scare ya.”

“Pinkie how many times have we all told you to not just burst into a room, and just shout at the top of your lungs.” Twilight scolded her friend as she trotted down towards her, while Thorax kept a hoof to his chest until his heart stopped pounding like a base drum.

“Sorry Twi I just wanted to bring these new snack pies were making!” Thorax looked down to where the two ponies were, and saw Pinkie balancing a tray of what looked like folded pastries. “You got to try these they are becoming a big hit!”

“What’s in them?” Twilight asked as she picked one up in her magic while Thorax flew down to the pair, and just looked at the tray of pastries.

“Some have fruit jam and pieces of candied fruit in them, while some have chocolate & custard in them.” Pinkie explained as she grabbed one of the treats and took a big bite, and showed that she had one that was filled with what smelled like strawberry and banana cream, with pieces of what looked like strawberry.

“And these are just the trial flavors that Zack showed me & the Cakes.”

“Wait Pinkie!” Thorax said as he landed next to Pinkie. “Do you know where Zack is? We looked all over the castle, and we can’t find her.”

“Oh! Well I don’t know where she is, but I can tell you where I saw her go.” Pinkie then trotted back to the door while Twilight and Thorax follow her, while tossing the other half of her snack pie up into the air and eat it when it came back down.

“I saw Zack flying over the town when I went out to get fresh fruit for the snack pies, and she was heading out towards where the White Tails Woods are.”

Without saying anything Thorax took flight and started to fly across town, passing by a few pegasi as he flies over the market place and the park. Leaving the town behind him Thorax continued to fly until he was above the White Tails Woods, and started to look around for any signs of his friend. But as he flew over the forest, and looking for Zack like a mad pony he was still unable to see hide, hair, or even feather of the alicorn. Just as the changeling was about to really have a bad panic attack, the changeling saw something. A faint glowing wisp of wisp smoke, a trail of emotional energy. Following the energy tail Thorax found a large hole in a wide clearing, where it looked like a huge fight took place, but the clearing was quickly ignored when he flew down to the large hole. When he landed a foot from the hole, he heard what sounded like humming coming from it. As Thorax crept up to the edge of the hole and looked down into it, the changeling found Zack! Laying down on a ledge, staring down at the flowing river below, and just humming a little song to herself.

Spreading his wings again the changeling started to fly down to where his friend was, who appears to be off completely in her own little world. Landing on the ledge Thorax started to trot over to Zack, while listening to the little song she was humming.

“Zack?” Thorax said quietly as he tapped the alicorns haunches, causing the mare to give a startled yelp and turning around with a lit horn. “Wait Zack it’s me!”

“Oh! Thorax…” The mare said as her sneer quickly turned into a very calm expression. “Sorry I didn’t mean to freak out on you like that.”

“It’s alright. Do you mind if I sit down with ya?” the mare nodded and scooted over so that Thorax could lay down next to her. “So. What are you doing down here Zack?” the mare didn’t answer the changeling’s question right away as she just looked out into the cavern.

“Honestly, I don’t know Thorax. I just got tired of being in my room, or in town…I just…I just wanted to get away from everything.” Zack said in a slightly tired voice.

“If I was on Earth and I was just bogged down from everything in my life, I’d just go on a camping trip. Just be out in the nice, quiet, and tranquil wilderness to re-charge.” The mare then looked over to Thorax, showing the changeling that she looked like she hasn’t slept in days, as dark bags were under her eyes.

“But I can’t do that here, cause I don’t know if some kind of random monster, or whatever else could just pop out of the woodwork and ruin it.” the changeling scooted over to his friend and gave the mare a comforting nuzzle, which Zack hummed in delight and accepted. As the changeling tried to comfort his friend, a thought came to him.

“If you want Zack maybe I can help you find a nice place for you to just, get away from everything and recharge. Or who knows, maybe Twilight or one of her friends might know of a way to help you.” Thorax offered to help his friend who gave the changeling a thankful smile.

“I’d appreciate that Thorax. But for now, I’m going to stay here for a bit longer. It’s a good a place to just relax when you want to be alone.” the changeling nodded as he and Zack just remained in the wonderous looking cavern, enjoying the peace and quite that it gave the duo.

Chapter 42: Changes on the Horizen

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Chapter 43: A Camping We Will Go - Pt. 1

Today was a nice calming day in Ponyville and for its inhabitants, and for Zack she was enjoying the peace and quiet. In fact recently she’s started to feel more, calmer, and less jittery or worried, which has improved her mood greatly. And today the alicorn actually ventured out of the castle she stays hauls up in, and had a little sight seeing tour of the town. During her little escapade of visiting shops, and actually meeting ponies other than Twilight and her friends, Zack bumped into Rarity and Applejack who invited the alicorn to join them for lunch.

“You want me to go on a camping trip, with you two and Rainbow Dash?” Zack said to Applejack and Rarity as the three of them sat at a table at a diner.

“Yes darling we figured that a nice little trip in the woods would help you relax. Get away from all your troubles for at least a few days.” Rarity said to the alicorn sitting across from her.

“Plus a nice change of scenery wouldn’t be too bad right?” Applejack added as she tried to coax Zack into joining them on this little escaped of theirs, and it was actually sounding really good. Zack always loved going on camping trips whenever things in her life get to, stressful. After giving the proposal a little thought Zack looked towards her two equine friends and gave them a pleasant smile.

“You know, that sounds nice actually.” Both mare’s cheered as Zack gave them her answer. “So when is this little Camping trip going to take place?”

“Tomorrow.” Applejack blatantly stated. “And don’t worry, we already have a spare pack for you, so you didn’t have to rush back to the castle and pack things up.”

“You guys already had stuff packed for me?”

“Yes. We had it packed in case you did say yes. If you said no, then we could just un-pack it when we get back.” Rarity explained after taking a sip of her glass of water.

“Well in any case I’m looking forward to this trip, by the way where would it be?”

“It will be further into the White Tails Woods.” Applejack said as she takes a bite out of the sweet potato pie she’s having.

“So where we’ll we be meeting to start the trip?”

“At my place.” Applejack said as she finishes her pie. “The White Tails Woods is just a hop skip and beat from the farm. So Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and you will meet me and Apple Bloom at the farm.”

“Oh, so Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom are your sisters?” Zack asked the two mares who both nodded in confirmation.

Zack and the others continued to make small talk and finish their lunch, and once they were done Rarity and Applejack bid Zack goodbye and left to go and finish their packing. As for Zack she just waved her friends goodbye, and started to fly off in no particular direction as she just flies about. But as she does she started to think about the upcoming camping trip, and memories of her old life started to flood her mind once again, and this time it was the memories of her going camping with either her friends, or her own family.

A smile then graced the alicorns muzzle as a particular memory of camping with her family came to mind, it was the one that Zack and her family made when Latina was only five years old, the memory of her old self and her baby sister playing in the river with their parents. while recollecting the memory the smile on her muzzle grow more widely. But as per usual, any thoughts or memories of her old life brought a melancholy feeling to weigh on the alicorn, yet that sensation has certainly lessen from when it usually popped up. As the alicorn continues to fly she eventually came upon Twilight’s castle, where she landed on the second floor balcony and entered the castle where she went on auto-piolet as she heads to her room, while still recounting the memory.

“Hey there Zack.” The alicorn was brought out of her reminiscing when the voice of Spike called out. Turning to where the dragon’s voice came from, Zack found her little friend in the kitchen.

“Hey there Spike, what are you up to?”

“Just making some lemonade.” Spike said as he stirs a very large pitcher of lemonade with ice in it, while two other pitchers sat close buy, one being blue, and the other being pink.

“So how was your walk around town?”

“It was good. I even meet up with Rarity and Applejack, and they asked if I want to join them, and their little sisters on a camping trip.” Zack said as she trotted to the counter and Spike, and started to pour a glass of the blue lemonade in a glass she grabbed.

“They invited you to go camping with them?”

“Yeah. They thought a change of scenery would really help me just relax, and re-charge my batteries from everything that has happened to me.” Zack explained as she took a drink of her glass of blue lemonade.

“Sounds like a great idea, and from the stories you told me when we hangout you like camping.”

“Yeah. It’s a good way to get away from large crowds, and just get a chance to power down from your troubles in life.” Zack said before an idea comes to her.

“Say Spike why don’t you come with us. I bet you could use a break from everything you do in this castle, I mean, for gods sake you manage to clean EVERY square inch of this castle. On top of the stuff that Twilight has you doing, plus other things. You literally do an entire castle staffs work.” Spike seemed to think the offer, and facts that Zack listed off, over in his head and it seemed like he’s came to a conclusion.

“You know what, your right!” the little dragon said as he stopped his stirring and hopped off the stool. “I haven’t had a vacation from work in a long time, so why not go camping. When is it?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Alright. I’ll let Twilight know that I’ll be gone tomorrow.”

Spike then started to quickly store the three pitchers in the fridge, and once they were put away the little dragon waddled out of the kitchen. Finishing her glass of blue lemonade the alicorn washed her glass and left the kitchen, and continued to trot towards her room. but before she got to far into her journey, Zack bumped into Thorax, toppling the small changeling as she lands on top of him.

“Crap! Sorry Thorax wasn’t paying attention.” Zack said as she gets up, and uses her magic to lift Thorax up.

“Naw its fine I wasn’t even looking where I was walking.” Thorax said as he brushed himself off with a hoof. “So how was your walk?”

“It was good, I even got invited to go camping with Rarity and Applejack tomorrow.”

“That sounds nice.” Thorax said in a cheerful manner. “Where are you and the others going to camp?”

“The White Tail Woods.”

The two friends continued to talk with one another as they trot through the castle, until they reached Zack’s room where the changeling bid the mare goodbye, and flew off back from where the duo came from. As Zack enters her room she makes her way over to her bed, and just flops onto it to relax and ponder on what the camping trip is going to be like.

~~~~~

It was the next morning and as the ponies of the town were getting things set up to start their day, Zack was flying over the town with Spike riding on her back, the both of them heading towards the main shopping district. In the distance the pair spies Carousel Boutique, they could even see Rarity walking out of the door, but she wasn’t alone. As the duo closed in on the boutique Zack could see a familiar foal next to Rarity, the foal was also white coated, but her mane looked like a two-tones violet swirl of ice cream.

“Is that Rarity’s sister?” Zack asked Spike as she pointed with a hoof.

“Yeah that’s Sweetie Belle.” Spike said simply. “She often lives with Rarity when their parents are to busy with work, or are out of town.”

“I know the feeling.” Zack said jovially as she touches down in front of the boutique, surprising Rarity, and her little sister. Who seemed really surprised to see Zack, even looking a little shock. “Morning all.”

“Well this is a surprise darling? What are you doing here, we were going to meet up at Applejack’s farm.” Rarity says to the alicorn.

“I figured I could fly us all there, by carrying you and your sister to the farm.” Zack explained to the older unicorn, before noticing Rarity’s sister look up at her with curious eyes. “Hey there.”

“Hi Zack, are you ready to go camping today?” The filly asked as she circles around the alicorn who then stopped when Spike and Rarity started to chuckle, while Zack gave a brief confused moment to the older unicorn, before the mare spoke up.

“I am, what about you?” Zack asked the excitable filly as a smile touches her muzzle.

“Yeah! I’ve been waiting for this for days.” Sweetie Belle says as she hops in place in excitement.

“Clearly.” The alicorn said to the foal who couldn’t resist chortling at how excitable the filly was, which brings a smile to the alicorn as the filly was starting to remind her of Latina.

The group chatted for a bit longer, mostly Zack and Rarity trying to reel in the excitable filly. Once Sweetie Belle was calmed down, somewhat, Zack used her magic to levitate both Rarity and Sweetie Belle, and the few packs that the seamstress have hauled out of the store. the group then took to the air and started to make their way to the east side of the town, where they will be picking up Sweetie Belle’s friend who will be joining them. the flight didn’t take too long, and like with Sweetie the new filly Scootaloo was excited to meet Zack again. After picking the pegasus up, and her own camping pack, the group then started to fly off towards the Apple family farm, with Rarity guiding the alicorn as Zack has not explored the outer region of the town. Aside from her little quite spot.

Five or so minutes of flying later the group spies the farm off in the distance, and as they fly closer Zack takes in the picturesque farm land and noting how nice it looked. Although as the alicorn and her entourage close in on the farm, she noted just how empty it was. Not empty of farm animals, but of ponies on the property. With such a large land with various amounts of produce and animals, Zack thought that there would be a least a dozen or so ponies out and about, being a mixture of Applejack’s family and hired farm hands. But the only ponies that Zack can see is Applejack and the third member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders waving up at them.

“Morning everypony gotta say ah wasn’t expecting ya’ll to be flying in to get this whole thing started.” Applejack said as she greeted the party as they land.

“Zack was generous enough to fly us all here to save time.” Rarity explained to her friend, while Zack continues to scan over the farm still puzzled on why its so vacant. But her observation was cut off when Sweetie Belle and her friends just running around the group as a whole, with Spike joining in on the fun.

“Are you all ready for adventure!” Sweetie asked.

“Heck Yeah?” both Scootaloo & Spike added.

“This is going to be the best camping trip ever!” Apple Bloom shouted as she jumps up into the air and pumps a hoof, while the three adults just shared a laugh at the young ones exuberance.

“Now, now fillies there will be time for you all to get to have fun, but for now we need to get going.” Rarity says as she tries to dose the fillies uncontrollable boundless energy.

“Rare’s right.” Applejack said as she nudges a small wagon with camping gear and supplies in it. “We need to get going to the camping sight, Rainbow’s already there getting the place set up.”

The fillies relented reeled in their excitement, and the group started to get things ready to leave. Zack then enveloped Rarity, Applejack, and the fillies and the camping supplies in her magic aura, the whole group then flew off into the air and heads towards White Tail Woods.

~~~~~

The sound of a train whistle roared out as an early morning train comes rolling down the tracks, coming to stop as the train pulls into the station. The doors of the train then slid open allowing the ponies standing on the station to enter, and the passengers already aboard to exit. Amongst the departing crowd of ponies was a group of stallions, all of them having slightly paled colors and a far off look in their eyes. As the last of them exited the train, and said locomotive starts riding off once the last new passenger boarded, a dull blue unicorn then stepped out from the group, and faced his fellows.

“Remember, we are here to find a pony named Zack and a changeling named Thorax.” The stallions voice sounded hollow yet still held a firm tone, which caused the other stallions to nod.

“Spread out, act normal, and after an hour meet back here to discuss what we have learned.” The stallion then narrowed his tired and exhausted eyes. “Then we will processed from there. Now move out.”

“Yes sir.” The other stallions said in perfect unison, before they all started exiting the station and go separate ways as they enter the town. Ready to gather information about their targets, and then implement their queens plan.

Chapter 44: A Camping We Will Go – Pt. 2

Zack and the group were still flying through the air, as the alicorn follows Rarity’s directions leading to the camping site they were going to be at, with said mare and her sister along with the Apple siblings and the camping supplies held in the alicorns magic, while Spike rode on the pale violet mare’s back. as the group was flying Applejack and Rarity were enjoying the sense of flying, while the fillies of the group were just really enjoying being so high up in the air, acting out as if they were really flying. Scootaloo especially was milking this situation, posing, and flapping her little wings as if she was really flying.

“There it is.” Applejack said as she pointed out a clearing in the woods next to a river that the group was flying over towards.

“Head for that opening in the trees Zack, that’s where our camp site is.”

“Can do.”

Zack said as she started to make her way down towards the forest canopy, while brining in the others and the supplies close to her so none of them would brush against the tree tops. The group then landed with soft clops as they all touched down on the camp, where they immediately saw Rainbow Dash swooping around the area, and getting the fire pit and sitting log set up.

“It’s about time you guys showed up.” Rainbow chastised as she flips the last small log over to the fire pit.

“You did come here an hour ahead of us Rainbow, don’t go trying to make it sound like we made YOU wait.” Applejack countered as she dragged her own camping pack.

“Yes, you could’ve waited with the rest of us.” Rarity added as she levitated her own pack to a nice clear patch within the clearing, and started to un-pack and set up hers and Sweetie Belle’s tent.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Rainbow said dismissively as she approaches Zack and Spike, who were getting their own tent set up. “So you guys ready for an awesome camping trip!”

“Personally I’m looking forward to a nice and peaceful trip.” Zack simply replied as she finished pitching the tent up with a flourish of magic.

“Oh come on Zack this supposed to be a fun camping trip.” The pegasus said to the alicorn who just finished setting up hers and Spike’s own tent.

“Fun has many interpretations Rainbow, and mine right now is to relax and recharge my batteries in the quiet and peacefulness of nature.” Zack retorted to the mare as she trotted over to a nice little spot by the river the group was camping by, and laid down in a nice patch of sunlight.

As Zack was getting into a nice comfortable position on a nice small mound, she watched as Spike and the fillies playing in the water, splashing around and just laughing as they do so. From behind her Zack could hear the others talking amongst themselves, and when she turned to look behind her the alicorn watched Rainbow Dash trying to goad the others into playing some kind of ball game, although it seemed Rarity wasn’t into the idea and trotted towards her. Since Rarity wasn’t getting into the spirit of playing the ball game, Rainbow Dash was left into trying to get Applejack to have a friendly game, which didn’t too long as the farmer placed her hat on one of the sitting logs and joined her pegasus friend in playing. With her play partner now confirmed Zack looked back towards Rarity, and found the mare now only a few feet from her.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Rarity asked politely as she now stood beside the alicorn.

“Not at all.” Zack replied as she turned to look at where the kids were, and watch them now having what looks to be a swimming contest now.

While the alicorn watches the young’s playing around in the water, Zack could still hear Applejack and Rainbow going back and forth in their banter while playing ball, as Rarity shuffles in place next to her. As time went on the tranquility of nature, and the ambient background noise of the kids, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash playing around was really starting to feel relaxed. Memories of her old life start to flow back to her, memories of her friends and families taking similar trips and simply enjoying the experience, and the company that were part of the trip.

“You seem to be really at peace Zack.” Rarity said to the alicorn, subtly breaking the peaceful moment that Zack was in.

“One of the perks of going camping Rarity, you can just let yourself go, and be unhindered by your normal life’s more troubling parts.” Zack said as she stretches out her body in almost the same fashion that a cot would.

“It sounds like camping is a big part of your life.” Rarity commented as the foals swam past the two.

“It is. I’ve been going on camping trips since I was a wee kid, and I loved each and every trip.”

Zack and Rarity continued on with their conversation of camping trips, the alicorn was even divulging in telling the fashionista some stories about some of her favorite camping trips. The places that she and her friends and family went to, the sights and experiences they all gained from said trips, and cleansing of their real life worries and troubles being washed away. During their talks the pair was interrupted when their stomachs collectively growled, deciding to put story time on hold Zack and Rarity got up from their spot on the small hill, and trotted back to the tents where they started digging through the food supplies and started to eat some sandwiches. The two mares were quickly joined by the foals and Spike, who were still energized from playing in the water, but were able to settle down long enough to eat their own foods. And then not long after the young’s started eating, both Rainbow Dash and Applejack joined the group and also started to eat.

“Well girls, who won the game in the end?” Rarity asked as the other two mares sat down.

“Ah did!” Applejack boasted.

“Only because you cheated at the last minute when you used that dive maneuverer.” Rainbow accused.

“Says the mare whose spent the whole game flying, and un-fairly blocking all of my shots when its suppose to a GROUNDED game.” Soon enough the group was playing witness to the bickering mares as they tried to justify their method of playing their ball game.

“Changing topics, you guys seemed to having a blast playing in the river.” Zack said as she takes a sip from a bottle of water.

“Heck yeah!” Scootaloo shouted as her little wings buzzed with excitement. “We first had a water fight, but Spike won that.”

“Just goes to show that claws are better than hooves when it comes to water sports!” Spike gloated as he flexed his claws.

“Yeah but when we had our swimming race, Apple Bloom was the one who was able to win.” Sweetie Belle said as she finished eating her pear.

“Well just you wait. After our break I’m going to whoop ya’ll in the follow up race!” Scootaloo proclaimed as she started to really scarf down her food.

The rest of the kids started to scarf down their own food so they could get back to swimming, but before the kids could do so Applejack cautioned them all to take a few minutes to let their meals settle in. Otherwise the moment they entered the water they will get some major cramps. Thankfully the fillies and Spike headed Applejack’s warning, as they did not feel like getting aching cramps when they dive into the water. So the kids decided to play around the camp site until the food in them has been probably digested, and while they scamper around Zack and the other mares just kicked back and enjoyed their own food and drinks, while striking up random conversations to make the time go by. But while Rarity and the other two talk about one of their mis-adventures, Zack just laid on the ground and staring off into space as she looks into the fire pit.

“Zack?” the alicorn heard Applejack say before she felt herself being nudged. “You alright sugarcube? You looked like you were in a daze.”

“Yeah I’m fine.” Zack said as her tail swooshed behind her, and her wings ruffled. “Just taken aback by the nuance of the situation.”

“What situation?” Rainbow Dash asked as she looked at Zack with mild-confusion.

“Going camping, enjoying the fresh air, getting away from life worries, and being with friends.”

“Friends?” Rarity said in surprise. “You…actually think of us friends?” Zack looked at the three ponies, all of them looked actually excited and hopeful.

“…well…yeah. I guess.” Zack said as she got up into a sitting position, and giving the three mares a most sincere expression.

“After everything that I’ve been through, and having you all there, and have done so much to help me even when I have been rather rude to all of you.” Zack then looked up to the sky as a look of realization takes over her features as she continues. “I’m done trying to pass this all off, and try to deny that this is what my life is now.” Zack then looked back down to the three mares.

“I may not be fully able to adjust to what my new life may have in store, but…I hope you three and the others can help me?”

Rarity and the others gave Zack assuring looks as they all scooted over to the alicorn, and as they closed in Zack actually let them embrace her. All three of them huddled in a group hug. Even though Zack has finally come around that this is now her life, she was still uncertain of what the path ahead of her holds for her, and if she is fully capable of handling. Yet she would not be alone. If Twilight and her friends continue to support Zack, help her adjust fully to this new chapter of her life, then just maybe she can have a normal life. Hopefully.

~~Ponyville~~

Thorax was having a nice day at the Castle of Friendship, although he was a little bored that both his friends Zack and Spike were camping with Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash which was to help Zack wind down, and finally be able to just gain some kind of semblance of peace in her life. He was also happy that Zack was actually reaching out towards the other mares of Twilight’s circle, as the alicorn mostly just engaged with him, Spike, Twilight, and on occasion talk to Starlight. Actually now that Thorax thinks about it, Zack and Starlight seemed to have a rather shaky relationship, at least that is what the changeling picks up via his emotion senses. Other than that Zack has seem to be more at ease as of late, and Thorax was happy to see his friend starting to become more at ease.

“Hey Thorax.” The voice of Twilight snapped the changeling out of his train of thought as he passes by the library of the castle. Looking into the large room Thorax found Twilight levitating nearly half the books in the library, and seemed to be jotting down something on the few scrolls she has swirling around her.

“Ugh Twilight, what’s going here?” Thorax asked as he ducked as a few books fly past him.

“I’m doing my monthly inventory of my library, checking which books I have yet to fully read, decide to donate, and see which ones I would like to add to my collection.” Twilight explained to the changeling who then ceased her writing and looked over to Thorax fully.

“And actually Thorax I need your help.”

‘Oh sun! I hope she doesn’t want me to—’

“I need you to head on over to a book store in town, it has an order of new books that I’ve already knew I wanted.” Thorax let out a relieved sigh after hearing this. While he would gladly help Twilight whenever she needed it, helping out in something like this…makes Thorax really wonder how Spike can do all of this.

“So do I just go to the store, or do I also have to pay for the books?”

“The books are already paid for, so I just need you to go and pick up the books.” Twilight said as she writes down a few more stuff on one page.

“Oh. Okay, where is this book store then?”

After Twilight telling the directions that Thorax need to follow to find the book store, the changeling then began making his way towards the castles doors. As the changeling makes his way to the castles front door he wonders how everyone on the camping trip was doing, it has only been a few hours since Zack and Spike left to go meet up with the others, but the changeling still worries for his first friend. Reaching the main lobby of the castle Thorax had just opened the door, before nearing coming in contact with the hoof a grey unicorn stallion.

“Whoa!” they both said in unison.

“Sorry didn’t mean to scare you.” Thorax said as he noted the stallions shocked expression.

“No, no, no its fine. I wasn’t expecting the door to open up before I even knocked.” The stallion said as he gives Thorax a puzzled look.

“You wouldn’t happen to be the changeling Thorax that lives here, would you?” Thorax nodded his head.

“Yeah that’s me. do you need to see the princess for something?” the stallion shook his head.

“No. actually…” Thorax then watched as the stallions expression go from pleasant, to a drained neutral expression in a second.” “I was looking for you.”

Thorax then watched as the stallions eyes turn green, and a bleak red aura surrounded him, before being struck by a lightning shot from the stallions horn and striking Thorax dead center! Pumping his entire body with so much electricity that the changeling couldn’t even shout as in an instant, he blacked out and dropped to the ground.

Chapter 45: A Camping We Will Go - Pt. 3

“You still hadn’t found Thorax?” Twilight asked Starlight as the unicorn trotted into the library.

“No. It’s like he just up and vanished yesterday.” Starlight said to the princess.

“Strange. For as long as I’ve gotten to know him, Thorax doesn’t seem to be the type of pony to leave abruptly without giving any pony notice beforehoof.” Twilight said mostly to herself as she rubs her chin with a hoof.

“Do you think he went to Canterlot to check up on the hive?”

“It’s possible, but with Spike gone I can’t write a message to Celestia. So I guess I’ll just teleport to the castle and check myself.”

“Alright. Say hi to the princess’s for me.” Twilight nodded before igniting her horn with magic, and vanishing in a flash of violet light.

After initiating the teleportation spell Twilight reappeared within Canterlot castle, just outside the main lobby that leads to the audience hall. once she was in the castle the princess of friendship started to trot through the halls of the castle, greeting guards and servants as she passes by them and getting returned gestures, some even greeted the mare as an old friend when she came by. After all the princess was a former resident of the castle, and was well-known by everypony that is employed in the castle. Aside from the ponies that work in the castle Twilight is also seeing a few changelings trotting about, but they all seemed to be a little nervous, which was understandable as Twilight knows that the changelings are still adjusting to living in Canterlot. As well as living alongside ponies.

“Oh actually!” Twilight quickly trotted over to the couple of changelings she was about to cross paths with. “Excuse me.” the changelings stopped in their tracks as the princess approached them.

“Is there something we can do for you princess?” the female of the pair asked as Twilight stopped a foot from them.

“I was wondering did Thorax stop by the hive at some point yesterday?” the two changelings thought for a second before giving the princess their answer.

“No actually. He hasn’t been by since the last time he came to hive, which was a few days ago.” The male of the two changelings said.

“Strange.”

“Are you looking for Thorax princess?” the female changeling asked.

“Yeah I asked him to grab some books for me while I was cleaning the library, but he just upped and disappeared.” Both the changelings looked incredibly concerned as the alicorn spoke. “Thank you for your time.”

“Not at all princess, we’ll see what we can find out where Thorax has gone on our end, perhaps his brother might know where he is.” The female changeling said before trotting off back the way she came from. the male changeling followed after her once he bid Twilight goodbye.

With the changelings on their way to find out if Thorax’s brother might know where he is, Twilight decided to head back home and hope that Thorax is just off doing his own thing. so the mare teleported back to her castle, and awaited for either the changelings to send her a message, or have the princess send her the message.

~~Elsewhere~~

The first day of camping went as well as Zack has expected as much from the pleasant games and overall activities that they all had, going through hikes and walks through the woods and enjoying the forest, and continuing to play around down by the river.

When it came down to the end of the day, everybody gathered around the fireplace and started to eat dinner while telling some campfire stories. Rainbow Dash decided to try an scare everybody with a scary story, but the only one that got scared of the story she told was Scootaloo, but after the story was told it was Zack’s turn to tell a story. So she decided to counter the weak scary story with a fantasy story, about races of mythology going on a quest to destroy an evil ring, however Zack didn’t get to much into the story as it was getting incredibly dark. The foals plus Spike were disappointed that the story would have to be told another time, but the kids eventually quiet their belly aching and went to bed.

The next day the ponies enjoyed a nice breakfast, while talking about the next part of their little camping trip. Which they forgot to go into full detail with Zack. the full camping trip was a trail walk, where the group will stop at key camping spots before reaching the end of the trail, which was at a place named Rainbow Spring. After breakfast everyone re-packed everything and started to make their way up a trail, heading to the second spot on this trip that they will stop at for the rest of the day.

“So your saying that its possible for me to fly!” Scootaloo practically screamed as she trots alongside Zack and the other kids.

“Yeah. from the books I’ve read about pegasi, your flying capability is not biological, its magical. I mean there’s a stallion in town that is as thick as a wagon full of bricks, and yet he can fly around on wings that looked no bigger than yours.” Zack said as she looks down to the filly.

“I think the only reason you can’t fly is because you have less magic than the majority of pegasi are born with.”

“But is that possible?” Rarity asked from Zack’s other side as the group made it to another clearing, and started to unpack their camping gear.

“I don’t see why not, but Scootaloo and her guardians should ask an actual doctor about this.”

“Well I know what I’m doing the moment we get back to Ponyville!” Scootaloo seemed to be over the moon with excitement as she hops around, her little wings buzz with excitement as she loudly talks about being able to fly, and do other pegasi things that she wasn’t unable to do. As the filly and the other kids run around the camp site, Zack and the others started to make camp again.

“Alright so what do you ya’ll want to do before lunch?” Applejack asked the group.

“Well if you girls are up for it, we could play a quick game of soccer.” Zack said as she trots off to the more open area of the clearing. “We got plenty of room for a sizable field, and we have enough people to make two teams, if the kids want to play.”

“I’m in!” all three fillies and Spike shouted in unison as they all rushed over to the group of adults.

“I’m in as well!” Rainbow said confidently as she puffs her chest out, the pegasus then turned to look over at Rarity who just sat down on a nearby log. “What about you Rarity? You gonna join in, or just tap out and watch from the side.”

“I think I’ll just watch for now darling.”

“I huh think I’ll also tap out to; you know to keep it equal on both teams.” Spike said before waddling over to the log that Rarity was sitting on, and hopped on to sit next to her. as the little dragon sat down next to Rarity, and two started to talk to one another, Zack raised a questionable brow before she trotted over to Applejack and Rainbow.

“Is it just me, or does it seem that Spike has a crush in Rarity?”

“Oh no, he does. And he’s not very good at hiding it.” Applejack said as she looks over to the duo, and when Zack does as well she saw that Spike seemed to be really flustered. “Ever since Spike and Twilight moved to Ponyville and they met Rarity, Spike has been head over hooves for her and pretty much does whatever she wants.”

“Yeah, he even allows himself to be used as a pin cushion.” Rainbow whispered.

“And Rarity has no idea about this?”

“As far as we know.” Applejack said, not really sounding sure herself on what the duos dynamic is.

“Well hopefully Rarity doesn’t take advantage of Spike’s crush, and realizes what’s going on, and explain things while letting him down. Gently.”

“Don’t worry, if that happens we’ll make sure that won’t happen.”

After giving the duo another cautious glance, Zack and the rest of the group started to get ready for their game of soccer, with the alicorn using her magic to mark of a nice sizable field and where the goals would be. Once everything was set-up, the ponies started their game with Zack sitting out for the first portion of the game, agreeing to swap out any one who was getting tired of playing and needed a break. Several minutes go by and so far Applejack and Apple Bloom are in the lead by one point, yet Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were determine to not only even the score, but beat the apple siblings, although the alicorn’s attention was taken away from the game when something rustled the nearby bushes. The sudden noise caused everyone in the camp to stop what they were doing, and look over in the general direction in where the sound came from.

“Guys, are there any wild animals in these woods that would attack us?” Zack asked as she stood up from her spot on the log, horn faintly glowing with magic.

“There shouldn’t be.” Rainbow Dash said as she, and Applejack, trotted over to the boundary of the campsite. While the kids gathered around Rarity who was also in a stand-by position to act in case something does happen.

“There are wolves, bears, and some wild boars in these woods, but they normally leave folks alone. but they are wild critters, it’s hard to say what they’ll do.” Applejack said as her eyes scanned the line of trees near the path.

“I’ll go have a look, you two stay with Rarity and the kids, if it’s just a wild animal I should be able to scare them off.”

“Alright. But try not to do anything to crazy kay.” Rainbow remarked as she and Applejack trotted over to Rarity, and took the kids to one of the tents.

While everyone got a safer spot, Zack ignited her horn with magic and trotted into the woods, eyes scanning every nook and cranny of every tree and bush she passes by, while her ears pivot about to catch any sound that would be made. So far though the only things that Zack could hear was some birds, little animals running around in the underbrush, and branches and leaves being swayed in the light breeze. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary so far, no wild animals that would be a threat appear to be around, but the alicorn did feel as if there was something in the woods. Like something was watching her.

“Zack?” the alicorn jumped a little as the voice of Applejack broke the background noise of the forest.

“Woops sorry, didn’t mean to scare ya.”

“No it’s fine. Is everything alright?”

“Yeah RD and Rare’s got the kids held up in the tents, came to see how’s it going here.” Applejack said as she joined up with the alicorn.

“I haven’t seen any of the animals you said might be in the woods, but it’s weird. It feels like something is watching me.”

“Actually I think I know the feeling. Like something is eyeing ya up and down.”

“Yeah.” Zack said as she did one more scan of the area. “Why don’t we head on—”

Zack was cut off when something burst down from the trees, and tackled her to the ground causing the mare to cry out in pain. And it sounded like whatever hit Zack, also hit Applejack as the farmer let out her own cry of pain. The alicorn tried to wrestle whatever has her pinned to the ground, but the mare felt more bodies of whatever is assaulting her dogpile right on top of her. putting more effort into her release, Zack slowly got to her hooves and with a flair of magic she was able to force whatever was dogpiling her away, causing many grunts of pains to sound out as bodies hit the ground or nearby trees. And when the alicorn looked at what attacked her, the mare was surprised to see various stallions all around her, but what really surprised her was how all of them looked pale.

“Alright guys I don’t know who you are, but I’m going to give you one chance to back off and leave us alone.” Zack warned the stallions as she backed up to Applejack who was dusting herself off, and fixing her hat.

“Sorry but our queen has ordered us to bring you and the traitor to her.” one of the pegasi of the group said as he hobbled forward a few feet, but the alicorn was more concerned at what the stallion had just said.

“What do you mean by your queen?” Applejack asked as she stood by Zack’s side. The pegasus gave a small smile as his brown eyes shifted to a glowing green color, while his wings flared and his feathers bristle.

“I speak of none other than, Queen Chrysalis.”

The moment that stallion said the name ‘Chrysalis’, Zack’s entire body locked up, and an overwhelm sense of dread started to set in on her to the point where she was starting to shake in place. However the alicorn was quickly brought out of her little panic attack when something tackled her, again. But this time when she looked to see who it was, it turned to be Applejack who shoved her just as an earth pony stallion skid to a stop from across form them.

“Zack we need to get out of here, now!”

the farmer exclaimed as she again pushes Zack a bit, dodging another tackle from another stallion. A moment later Zack re-collected her senses and ignited her magic, teleporting her and Applejack back to the camp site, where they scared the Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and the kids.

“Whoa! What’s up guys?” Rainbow asked confusedly.

“No time, we need to get back to Ponyville, now!”

Before anyone could even say anything, Zack used her magic again and teleported everyone, and everything, in the campsite from the clearing directly into the throne room of Twilight’s Castle. Which caused everyone to flop around upon arrival, and the camping supplies and tents to crumble and scatter about. As everyone recovered from the sudden teleportation the doors to the throne room swung open, and a surprised looking Twilight and Starlight trotted in and looking at the group with worried looks.

“What in the world? what are you guys doing back so early, and why—”

“Me and Applejack just got jumped by at least half a dozen stallions on our trip, and they said they were sent by Chrysalis to take me to her!” Zack said in a panicky voice, her body still shivering slightly, but her explanation caused everyone in the room, aside from Applejack to all say ‘What!’ at once.

“What do you mean a group of stallions were sent by Chrysalis?” Starlight asked the alicorn.

“It’s just as it sounds Star, some stallions tried to jump Zack, and said they were going to haul her off to Chrysalis along with…wait!” the farmer stopped in her tracks as she looks around for just a second before looking at Twilight.

“Twi where’s Thorax?”

“Well ugh, he’s been missing since yesterday, he just upped and disappeared.” The moment that Twilight reached the end of explanation both Zack and Applejack looked at each other with very worried looks, and the rest of the ponies seemed to have noticed their panicked expressions.

“Girls what’s wrong.”

“They also said they were also sent to bring the traitor to Chrysalis.” Zack said in a slightly shaky voice as she gets to her hooves, and started to trot over to Twilight.

“Twilight, when EXACTLY did Thorax vanished?” the violet mare thought for a moment, and after a minute or so not just Twilight, but all of the ponies and Spike all quickly gained the same panicked and fearful look as Zack and Applejack.

“Oh no!”

~~Elsewhere~~

Thorax groaned as a massive headache pulsed in his head, causing the changeling to groan in pain as he starts to open his eyes. While Thorax was coming around, and the pain in his head Thorax noted that his surroundings were strange. The changeling found himself in what looked like a large hut made out of wood, and the ground was all un-even and it looked like there were large holes in it. but what caught the changeling off was that he was covered in green slime, practically gluing him to the floor. The only part of him that wasn’t covered in the green goo was his head.

“What the heck is going on?” Thorax asked as he tries to break out of the goo, but stopped when he heard a voice from behind him. a voice that caused him to freeze up.

“So you finally woke up Thorax, ‘bout time.” The changeling slowly look over his shoulder, and eyes dilated as he saw Chrysalis standing just a foot from him, a sinister smile gracing her muzzle.

“Now I have something to entertain me, until your friend joins us.”

Chapter 46: the Fate of Thorax

The group of stallions were still in the forest after their ambush. They had everything planned out after they found out where their target would be, and even came up with a plan to capture her, and it involved dog piling her to restrain her and then either cast a spell to render her magic useless. Or simply snap her horn off. While the queen did say not to harm, or even spoiled, they thought that it would be fine if they brought the alicorn to their queen depilated, and unable to fight back. And their plan almost worked, if the arrival of that other mare didn’t disrupt their ambush, and gave the alicorn time to recuperate and teleport away.

“The queen is not going to be happy that we lost the target.” One of the stallions said as he paced about while the others all had inquisitive looks plastered onto their faces, as they were all trying to come up with a new plan to get their hooves on the alicorn.

“We need to capture that mare—” a unicorn stated

“Or the queen will be furious with us.” one of the pegasi of the group said as he stomped his hoof on the ground, emphasizing the importance of their mission.

“We need to find out where Zack went and—”

“I’m right here!”

All of the stallions all looked to where the sudden voice came from, and what they found was very angry looking pale purple alicorn glaring and snarling at them. Her horn was ablaze with magic, her mane and tail rustling in the flow of magic, and even sparkled and shined with ethereal energy, and the feathers of her wings ruffled and shuttered with fury and anger. All of the stallions charged at the alicorn trying to subdue her once again, but the mare just unleashed a massive wave of magic that knocked them all back, slamming into the ground and the nearby trees. As the pegasi and earth ponies were tossed away, the unicorn used their magic to teleport to different spots around the alicorn, and started to fire magical blasts at the mare, aiming for vulnerable spots. But their attempts meant nothing.

Their magical blasts collided with light constructs in the form of a forearm and fist, and then literally punching their attacks out of the air. The mare then unleashed a guttural battle cry as she fired her own magical blasts at the unicorns, taking the form of giant spiraling fists that slammed into them and sending them flying over a hundred feet through trees and other foliage. Just then the pegasi and earth pony stallions tackled the mare again, all of them trying to force her to the ground. One of the earth ponies even tried to snap her horn off, but to no avail. All of the remaining stallions were again launched from the mare by another wave of magic, but this time a faint crackle of black electricity coated the wave of magic, causing all of the stallions to cry out in utter pain as they convulse and twitch on the ground.

But as for one of the stallions, the pale green pegasus, he watched out of the corner of his eye as the enraged alicorn skulks her way over to him. her eyes continuously burning with unbridled rage. The stallion tried to scuttle away, but the black electricity still had a grasp on him, and the pian it was causing kept him from even moving. And as he watched the mare close in on him, he watched as she constructed two more pairs of arms, but with the hands were complexly wrapped in black electricity.

“Where. Is. Thorax!” the alicorn all but growled as she the stallion tries to backway from her.

“I won’t—” before the stallion could even finish what he was about to say, he was grabbed by the throat by one of the hands, and immediately felt like his neck was being set on fire while hundreds of searing hot pins were being shoved into his neck!

“Tell me, where. He. IS!” the alicorn repeated as she held him close to her, his eyes being nearly blinded by the intense light of her burning horn.

“P-please let m-me go.” The stallion gasped as he feels his throat being compressed as the hand gripped tighter and tighter.

“WHERE IS HE!” Zack screamed at the stallion before she slammed the stallion into the ground, causing ground to crack and blood to spurt from his mouth, while he feels his bone nearly break by the force.

“H-h…he’s with queen C-Chrysalis!” the stallion quickly said to stop the mare’s assault. He was then brought up to face the mare again.

“WHERE!”

“She’s in a forest somewhere in the Verdant Highlands!” And just like that, the stallion was then thrown off to the side crashing into a tree, with the sheer force of his tossed body snapping it half, while the back of his head took a serious hit causing him to slowly lose consciousness, but not before seeing Zack vanish in a flash of light.

~~~~~

Twilight and her friends were all in a current state of panic, and it all stems from the fact that not only their friend Thorax was abducted and his now being held captive by Chrysalis, but also the fact Zack had disappeared to go and ‘interrogate’ the stallions that foalnapped Thorax. After Zack and the others had returned to the castle after the ambush Zack was just as scared and panicked as the others were, but as the notion that Thorax was taken and is being held by Chrysalis, her fear and anxiety was quickly replaced by rage and anger. Seeing the pale alicorn in such a volatile state again only made the other ponies increasingly more terrified, especially for the adults of the group as they remembered the last two times that Zack went into such a rage.

“Rarity, is Zack going to be okay?” Sweetie Belle asked nervously as she stuck close to her sister. “She looked really upset and angry.”

“I’m not so sure Sweetie Belle, but I’m sure that everything will be fine.”

“I hope yer right Rarity cause Zack looked like she was out fer blood.” Applejack said as she sat in her throne, with Apple Bloom nestled between her legs.

“Twilight you don’t think that Zack would, hurt those stallions?” Spike asked worriedly.

“I—”

Before Twilight could even answer Spike’s question, a sudden loud ‘popping’ sound echoed in the throne room, and everyone saw a still very enraged Zack now standing a foot from the table. The mare looked just as enraged as she did before disappearing beforehand, but now the group noticed there were subtle changes to the mare’s appearance. Her mane and tail were partially standing on end, and looked like they were glowing and flowing like how Celestia’s and Luna’s manes and tails look. Her wings feathers were all bristled, and her scowling face looked far more intense than from before.

“Zack?” Twilight said as she looked at her double, who quickly turned to look at her. Her eyes almost burning into Twilight as she spoke.

“Where are the Verdant Highlands?” Zack said frankly as she kept her sights squared on Twilight, which caused the princess to flinch away slightly as she could almost feel the anger wafting off her look alike.

“Zack whatever your planning—”

“Don’t even try and talk me out of this Twilight. That psycho bug queen has Thorax and lord only knows what she’s got in mind for him.” Zack said as she slammed a hoof on the table.

“So to ensure that crazy bitch doesn’t get a chance to do anything to Thorax, show me where these Verdant Highlands are, and I’ll go and get Thorax back.”

Twilight saw that there was no arguing with Zack while she was in such a frantic, and rightly agitated state, especially with her being so worried about one her friends. So Twilight used her magic to activate the tables map feature, and once it was up Twilight highlighted where the Highlands were. When she turned to look at her doppelganger Twilight saw that Zack was intensely looking at the map, as if burning the image of what was being displayed into her mind. A second later and Zack turned away from the table and was about to make her way out of the castle, but before she took more than a few steps from the table Twilight teleported in front of Zack, a determined look on her face.

“Out of my way Twilight!” Zack shouted, looking like she was about to throw Twilight to the side. But the princess stood firm and simply said.

“No.”

“What did—”

“Zack. Listen to me.” Twilight said in a VERY commanding tone, which not only caused Zack to actually balk at the princess words, but her friends also looked surprised by Twilight’s forceful tone.

“I know that you’re afraid of what Chrysalis might do to Thorax, we all are, but you don’t have to do this alone.” Twilight then placed a cautious hoof onto Zack’s wither.

“We can help you Zack, we can help get not just your friend, but our friend as well.”

The group all kept their eyes on the pair of alicorns as they just kept staring at each other, Twilight keeping her determined yet calmed demeanor, while Zack still looked like she was ready to kill somepony. But it seems that the paler twin was starting to lose some of her anger, as her bristled wings started to relax, and her mane and tail started to lose some of the lustrous glow it had. However, the tension in the throne room was still bearable.

“Do you have a plan in mind?” Zack said breaking the still silence that was in the room, and was sounding a little more reeled in and less angered. As for Twilight she just gave a simple nod as her own stern appearance softened.

“Then let’s hear it.”

~~~~~

Chrysalis was pacing throughout her make-shift hut, waiting for any news from her enslaved stallions. Granted she doesn’t have much faith that normal ponies would be able to capture an alicorn. After all Chrysalis is uncertain just how powerful Zack is compared to the other alicorns, since she was imprisoned in the old Hive, and her magic was siphoned by her dark throne, so the queen has no idea just what the mare is capable of. But Chrysalis assumed that since Zack is a near perfect duplicate of Twilight, she surmises that the two mares might have similar power scaling. Or at the very least close to it.

“If those stallions aren’t enough to capture her, then I’ll just have to enslave more ponies until I garner enough to overpower her.” Chrysalis said mostly to herself.

“She won’t be captured so easily like last time.” Thorax weakly said as he laid on the floor, his carapace baring bruises and green blood drooling from his mouth.

“Silence grub!” Chrysalis says as she stomps a hoof on the side of Thorax’s head, causing the changeling to cry out in pain. “When I want your opinion I will ask for it.”

As Chrysalis was grinding her hoof on top of Thorax’s skull, deep rumbles and small quakes startled the pair. Leaving the small changeling behind in the hut the queen head outside and looked for what caused the quakes. But as the changeling queen looked around, Chrysalis didn’t see anything that appeared to cause the quake; however something did grab the queens attention. Off in the distant Chrysalis could see a swirl of emotions burning brightly among the trees, mixtures of red, blues, purples, and other colors. Along with the myriad of colors Chrysalis could also see various bursts of violet light, which were followed by another tremor that shook the ground. Then Chrysalis heard something that surprised here.

“CHRYSALIS!” the angered voice of Zack boomed throughout the forest, accompanied by the sounds of trees being ripped from the ground and being tossed about with reckless abandon.

“I KNOW YOUR OUT HERE! COME OUT AND SHOW YOURSELF!” Chrysalis actually garnered a small smile as she flexed her wings.

“So she came to me instead. This just makes it much easier. Come here!” Chrysalis all but yanked Thorax from his glued spot on the floor, and keeping him levitated a foot from her as she takes flight.

As the queen and her traitorous subject flew through the air they eventually came upon the source of light, quakes, and aura of just burning emotions, and sure enough it was indeed Zack. outrageously furious and with magic just flaring from her horn. Before she landed the Queen made sure to clamp Thorax’s muzzle shut, so he couldn’t warn the alicorn while she studied her. Chrysalis was fairly competent in her fighting skills, but if there is one thing she learned about Zack before she managed to subjugate her, is that this pony or whatever she really was, is not to be taken lightly. Especially how she was willing to kill Chrysalis right off the bat by impaling her on her horn. After a minute or so of studying the alicorn, and watching her just tear up the forest in her blind rage to find her, the Queen dove down towards the mare before landing just a dozen or so feet away from her.

“Chrysalis!” Zack growled as she glared at her, before her eyes softened as she looked over to her captive.

“Thorax! Let him go Chrysalis.”

“And why would I do that?” Chrysalis mocked as she gently twirls Thorax around in her magic as if he was just a little toy. “Having him here is part of what I have plan.”

“And what is this plan of yours? Petty revenge.”

“Oh trust me I WILL have revenge, but not just against you and this grub.” Chrysalis said with a snarl as she glared at Thorax.

“I will get my vengeance on Twilight Sparkle, Celestia, those traitorous maggots, I will get my vengeance on EVERYCREATURE that went against me or ruined my life!” Chrysalis screamed as her own rage starts to boil over

“So what are you going to do now? You just going to try and strong arm me into submission?” Zack said as she flared her wings and caused the aura around her horn to blaze brighter. “You don’t have your fancy thrown to hamper my power this time.”

“As if I need my throne in order to make you bend to my will.”

Chrysalis then unleashed a powerful energy blast that rocketed towards Zack, but the mare just stood her ground. as the blast closed in on the alicorn, Chrysalis watched as Zack conjured up something that looked like a bipedal creature, which then just punched her blast and caused it to disperse. Not faltering or hesitating the queen continued to fire multiple blasts at Zack, even throwing in some curved shots to attack the mare from other angles. And yet Zack still didn’t back down or scatter. The Alicorn just had her bipedal construct deflect the frontal blasts, while Zack used her magic to fire spiraling clenched fists at the other magical blasts, canceling them out when the attacks collided with each other. now getting even more frustrated, Chrysalis started to tear out trees from the landscape and lob them at Zack, while still pouring out various magical blasts as she tries to beat down Zack. but the alicorn just continued to counter every attack she launched.

“Is that all you got!”

“GRAH!” Chrysalis roared in anger as she created a large green fireball above her head, its emerald glow turning the area around it into an ethereal green hue.

“TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE!”

Chrysalis then lobbed the giant fireball at Zack, who sent her construct jumping at the attack to try and disperse it. But the moment that the construct came in contact with the fireball, it detonated into a massive fiery explosion that spread across the area. The green flames burned everything down to ashes from the grass and bushes, while the trees were reduced to chard sticks and fallen logs. Even the construct that collided with the fiery ball was burned away. Luckily though the queen created a shield to protect herself from her own spell, however it seemed that Zack was unaffected, as she was surrounded in her own magical barrier. Reaching higher levels of anger Chrysalis created three new fiery orbs of green fire, and was ready to lob them at Zack to not just destroy her shield and reduce the alicorn to a smoldering husk, but stopped when something else caught her attention. Another flash of violet light. Looking off to her right where Thorax was still suspended, the queen gasped when the changeling was no longer in her magical grasp.

“What! Where did—Where did that grub go!” Chrysalis growled as she glared back at the alicorn.

“What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything. But she did.”

The alicorn then gestured behind the queen, and when Chrysalis looked behind her she spotted Twilight Sparkle and her friends with Thorax having his injuries being treated. But before the queen could even react to the fact she was surrounded, she was tackled to the ground by something slamming into her side, and that something was Rainbow Dash. The Queen was about to blast the pegasus off herself, but Chrysalis was again interrupted when again she was struck from the front, and this time the object was Zack. the queen then started to wrestle with the two mares, but was quickly overpowered when the other ponies started to pile onto the queen. Twilight and her protégé along with Zack tried to use their magic to restrain the queen, but Chrysalis wasn’t going to allow herself to be captured like this, and fueled by her ever increasing anger the queens power rose dramatically.

“ENOUGH!” Chrysalis screamed at the top of her lungs as she unleashed a powerful wave of magic, scattering all of the ponies off her.

“You think you all can take me down?! Me!”

Chrysalis then channeled her magic back into the three fireballs that have been left suspended in the air, causing the fireballs to grow in size and their bright emerald coloring changing to a darker almost blackish green coloring.

“I will show you what happens when you undermine Queen Chrysalis!”

The three fireballs were then launched at the separated ponies, while Chrysalis created another shield around herself as she waited for encroaching multi-explosions. As the fireballs were being making their way over to the scattered equines, the ponies all gathered up and clustered around each other to seek protection, one group was comprised of Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie gathering around Starlight as she prepared a shield. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Thorax were protected by Twilight who created her own shield, leaving Zack all by herself as she created her own shield. Just as all the ponies had created their shields, the three massive fireballs erupted all at once, creating one massive explosion of dark green fire that nearly caused the vision of the ponies to darken. As if they were just suddenly enveloped in darkness. But the dull green light still shown through, along with the intense heat that surrounded them.

Several minutes go by as the ponies huddled together and waited out the intense burning flames, but once the fires had died down the ponies were meet with a pure burnt landscape. The ground was blacken and chard, with smoke and ashes wafting off the ground and being blown off by gentle breezes. But what really worried the ponies was that the large quantity of smoke wafting about, as the smoke obscured their sight and prevented them from even seeing more than a few feet in front of them.

“Guys!” Zack called out after a cough escaped her as she nearly inhaled some of the smoke and ashes of the burning landscape. “Is everyone alright.”

“I think so.” Twilight called back as she looked over her friends that managed to get to her.

“Except for the fact I can’t see any pony.” Rainbow Dash said as she scanned the area, only seeing large clouds of smoke circled around them.

“Same. I can’t see anything through all this smoke.” Thorax said as he wobbled a little before being held up by Fluttershy.

“Don’t push yourself Thorax, your still injured.” Fluttershy said as she helps the changeling to stand up.

“Fluttershy is right Thorax just take it easy.” Zack said as she joined the trio by wafting through a smoke cloud, but just as exited out the smoke something else came bursting out of the smoke.

Erupting from the smoke cover, with a face of unbridled rages, Chrysalis was flying towards Zack with her horned ready to run the alicorn through, and the queen was to close for Zack to even put up a shield. Let alone use any spell to defend herself with. But as the queen was a foot or so away from impaling Zack, the pale purple was tackled out of the way at the last second. And when the alicorn looked to what tackled her, the thing she saw caused her eyes to widen with absolute horror, and that sight of Thorax being impaled by Chrysalis’s crooked horn, as green blood spurted from the exit wound and his agape mouth. While a look of utter pain was plastered on his face.

“THORAX!”

Chapter 48: Injuries & Foreboding Dangers

It’s only been an hour. One short, voluntary hour since the violet alicorn teleported to Canterlot, after the events that took place in the Verdant Highlands, and in that short hour Twilight Sparkle has explained in complete detail to both princess Celestia and Luna of what happened in that once green countryside. Each fearsome, and gruesome detail, including the culminative fate of queen Chrysalis. Naturally both governing princesses were shocked, as well as understandably horrified, at what transpired between all parties, especially hearing that Thorax was impaled by Chrysalis’s horn and Rainbow Dash nearly be burnt alive. But what truly gripped at the princesses hearts was learning that Zack has turned into a Nightmare-version of herself, and ended Chrysalis’s life.

“I can’t believe this.” Celestia says as she sat on a cushion in her office with a very distraught look on her face, Luna was no better as she shared the same distraught expression her sister wore. “How did it end up like this?”

“I don’t know.” was all Twilight could say as she sat before the two royals, her body and head slouched over as she was more in deep thought on what she should do next. Obviously, she wants to go out and find her twin, but, without any idea where Zack could’ve gone after killing Chrysalis. So Twilight unfortunately is unable to help her doppelganger.

“What shall do now Tia?” Luna asked as she looked up to her sister.

“For now nothing, until we locate where it is Zack has vanished to, there’s nothing we can do.” Celestia said before she looked over towards Twilight. “Twilight? How are you holding up dear?”

“I honestly don’t know Celestia, I REALLY don’t know.” the small alicorn said as she looked up from the floor. “Seeing Zack turn into that, thing, and seeing the twisted pleasure she took in ending Chrysalis’s life…I’ve never seen anything so, cruel.”

“Turning into a dark mare can cause dynamic changes to a pony, especially when it comes to their mentality.” Luna says with a tone of familiarity while a look of regret started to form on her face.

“All the more reason we need to find Zack fast, and reverse the transformation.” Celestia says before getting up from her cushion and starts to make her way to her office’s door.

“Luna and I will organize a wide area sweep over all Equestria, and in the meantime Twilight I want you to go back to Ponyville, and check on how Rainbow Dash and Thorax are doing.” Twilight nodded as she stood up and in a flash of magic, teleported herself to Ponyville’s General Hospital.

After teleporting to the building Twilight started to make her way up to the building, but as she does so she started to think back to her thoughts she had in Celestia’s office. And the thought was there a way to have prevented all of this? Like maybe if Twilight was more assertive in actually looking, searching for Chrysalis, and put her behind bars, instead of just letting her go and practically ignore her to plot and scheme, then maybe all of this could’ve have been avoided. And maybe while in captivity Twilight and her fellow princesses could’ve talked to Chrysalis, and then they might have reasoned with her to set aside her vendettas, and give peace between ponies and changelings a chance.

But since Twilight, and the others did not pursue Chrysalis, and place her in custody and be put through the justice system of her aggressive attacks on not just Equestria, but the royals of the nation they allowed her to plot and scheme. Allowed Chrysalis to stew and fester in her anger, instead of trying to help her see past her anger while she was in custody. And because she was free to concoct a new plan to, Twilight allowed a dangerous mare to devise a new plan to not only kid nap two of her friends, and use them as pawns to try and once again to try and take over Equestria. as this line of thought continued to fester in Twilight’s mind, another thought came to her that stopped her in her tracks.

Was it all her fault that Chrysalis had the opportunity to try and enact this plan?! And was the one that allowed Zack to be pushed to becoming a dark mare, all because she did not stop Chrysalis the last time they crossed paths?!

“Miss. Sparkle!” Twilight was snapped out of her thoughts when a voice loudly called her name, and the pony was a pink unicorn mare with a tide back aquamarine frizzy mane, with her nurses cap sitting on top. “Sorry to shout hun, but your kind of blocking the entry way.” Twilight looked and saw that she was just standing a foot from the door inside the hospitals entry.

“Sorry. I was, lost in thought.” Twilight said to the nurse.

“That’s alright.” The mare said before guiding Twilight off to the side. “Am I correct in assuming you want to see how your friends are doing?” Twilight gave the unicorn a nod.

“How is everyone?”

“Well Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Starlight had some slight bruises but other than that nothing much.” Twilight swallowed a lump in her throat as she ask’s her next question.

“What about Rainbow Dash and…and Thorax?” the mare gave Twilight a slight grim expression before taking Twilight over to the front desk, and pulled out a small folder with Thorax’s name on it.

“As of right now Thorax’s condition is unknown right now. He’s lost a lot of blood, and his body has shown signs of being physically abused. Right now he’s in urgent care being treated on, and last I checked with the doctor assigned to him they are waiting for a changeling with his blood type to come down for blood transfusions.”

“And Rainbow.”

~~Rainbow Dash~~

Rainbow Dash slowly awoke but as she regained her consciousness, intense pain raced throughout her entire body causing the mare to groan and growl in pain, and as stirred about she could hear a few voices around her, but her hearing was dulled and muffled. So everything she heard was nothing more than distorted noises. Eventually her eyesight straightened up and was able to see things clearly, but the only thing she could see was a white ceiling. She tried to turn her head so she could see more of her surroundings, but even just by moving her head her neck and back pulse with pain.

“What happened?” Rainbow Dash weakly muttered and groaned. A few of the distorted voiced muttered something, before the pegasus saw a few ponies dressed up as doctors gathered around her, and started fuss around her.

“What’s going on?” Rainbow asked in her weaken voice.

“Miss. Dash we need you to stay still, your badly injured.” One of the ponies said as she uses her magic to stretch out fresh looking bandages.

“How are her injuries today Blue Rose?” another voice spoke up before a stallion unicorn came into Rainbow’s view.

“She still has nasty burns, but her skin is healing nicely however it will still take time for her to heal.”
“Heal?!” Rainbow echoed in both confusion and fear.

“What happened to me? Why am I here?”

“Your friends told us that you were hit by a powerful fire-spell Miss. Dash.” The stallion said as he lifts up a clipboard with his magic.

“And from the damage you took you received second-degree burns to your legs, the left side of your barrel, your right flank, and a good portion of your back…including your—”

“M-my wings!” Rainbow muttered nervously as sweat started to form on her back, before she turned to look at the stallion, grimacing at the pain that just pulsed through her body.

“What happened to my wings?!” the stallion gave a small sigh as he faced Rainbow with a disheartened look.

“The fire that you were engulfed in severely damaged your back area most of all, and your wings they took the most damage. More than eighty percent of your feathers have been burned away, and the wings themselves were so heavily burnt that the muscles aren’t functional. If you so much even try to move your wings, the muscles will cause intense pain as they are stretched and moved.” The doctor than gave the cyan pegasus a grave expression.

“I’m afraid to say this Rainbow Dash but for the foreseeable future… you are grounded.” Rainbow Dash’s face quickly shifted to a look of utter terror while the color appeared to be drained from her face.

“…I…can’t fly…anymore…” was all that the pegasus could say, to which the doctor just gave a solemn nod. The shocked mare then turned to face the ceiling while her mind just goes blank, and continuously mutters. “I can’t fly anymore….”

“Doctor. Twilight Sparkle is here, she wants to know if she can see her friend.” Rainbow heard a new pony ask but her mind was still transfixed on the fact that her wings were essentially broken. As Rainbow Dash laid there on her bed, her ear twitched as she heard a voice call to her.

“Hey Rainbow.” Turning her head again Rainbow Dash now saw Twilight with a sadden look on her face.

“Twilight.” Rainbow muttered before her eyes started to swell with tears before she slowly turned on her side, her muscles and burnt body aching and screaming in pain as she holds out her forelegs, which Twilight took and brought her friend into a hug. “Twilight, my…my wings…there, there—”

“Shh, I know.” Twilight said as she started to tear up as well. “I’m so sorry Rainbow Dash, I’m so sorry.”

“I couldn’t do anything back there, I couldn’t save you, Thorax, or Zack. I so sorry.”

The doctor and nurses left the room and let to friends just embrace each other. a few minutes go by, and Twilight and Rainbow still held each other, with Rainbow being comforted by her alicorn friend. Eventually the rest of duos friends came to the room, all of them having some part of their bodies wrapped up or patched up, and joined in trying comfort the cyan mare. While the group were in Rainbow’s room, and trying to comfort her and assure that her flightiness may not be permanent, they also started wander what are they going to do to help Zack.

“Ah think the only thing that can help turn Zack back are the Elements.” Applejack commented as sat in one of the chairs of the room.

“Yes but the Elements are now part of the Tree of Harmony, we can’t take them back from it.” Fluttershy remarked as she remained on the bed with her friend, keep her calm and less stress.

“Isn’t there anyway to remove them from the tree Twilight?” Rarity asked as she laid on a cushion from the rooms closet.

“Not unless we want to weaken the tree again, and have the Everfree again go on rampage down the line.” Twilight said as she sat in one of the other trees.

“So there’s NOTHING we can do?” Pinkie asked disheartened.

“There has to be something, there has to be! Right?” Starlight asked as she looked hopefully towards Twilight, who just looked out the nearby window with an uncertain expression.

~~Elsewhere~~

The Foal Mountain range, a wide expanse of mountain ranges, valleys and canyons that make great homes for wildlife and generate the most lumber in all of Equestria. In fact one of the largest lumbering companies operate in these mountains, there’s even a decent size town on the boarder of the mountain range, where ponies live and breath their lumberjack and woodland ways. The Foal Mountain range also supply a lot of fresh water, with its rivers and waterfalls bringing in melted ice and snow from the great tundra’s up north, which another company of ponies corner the market in shipping all across the nation. yet neither town of lumberjacks, nor water barons know what has come to their mountain range.

High upon the tallest mountain of all the range storm clouds start to build and congregate, their darken mounds arc with black and purple lightning. The clouds also appear to be swirling slowly around a central point, where the lightning arcs upward and crackle the air along with malevolent looking flames.

Standing on a ledge of the mountain stood the twisted form of Zack, her blank glowing white eyes just staring aimlessly out into the nothingness, while the flames around her eyes slowly spread down her body and start to burn the rocky ledge till it was smoking with embers wafting off. the smoke from the flames traveled upward with the arcs of black lightning up towards the steadily growing storm-looking clouds. But as the mare stood still and looked out into the distance like a statue, the left side of her body started to produce what looked like black water from her mane, tail, wing feathers, and even her left legs, with all the waters flowing off the ledge down below. The twisted alicorn has practically become the wellspring for a new waterfall, and its darken waters started to flow through the woods and trees, before the black waters bleed into a river. A river that was making its way towards the lumberjack and water barons town.

And as the dark waters continue to flow through the river, even changing colors to look like normal water, the storm clouds above Zack start to drift westward while casting a darkening haze across the land as they do. As the darken waters, and foreboding clouds start to make their way out into the world, Zack remains ever motionless. Eyes still glued into just staring out into the vast nothingness, oblivious to what her body is passively doing to the world around her. but by the slow manic grin growing on her face, and the steadily increase delighted chortle reverberating from her mouth, it would seem that she really doesn’t care in the slightest.

Chapter 49: Failing, Awakening, and Vanishing

Twilight Sparkle sat at the table in the throne room of her castle, looking at the map of Equestria, and has been for hours ever since she woke up this morning.

She’s been waiting for some kind of sign from the map, like a beacon that would show where Zack is. But the table didn’t show the princess of friendship anything. So Twilight tried to use various spells of clairvoyance, scrying, anything that would give Twilight some kind of premonition of where Zack was. But like with the map, none of the spells she used in conjunction with the table told, or showed her anything. It’s been two days since Zack was twisted into a nightmarish version of herself and killed Chrysalis, and as of yet there was no trace, no lead, not even a rumor of a pitch-black alicorn anywhere. Or even seeing a fiery comet crackling with black lightning soaring through the air. There was absolutely nothing! Aside from not knowing where her twisted and hurting doppelganger was, Twilight was also concerned about her two friends Rainbow Dash and Thorax who were still in the hospital, and because of their conflict with Chrysalis, both of them were still in critical conditions.

Rainbow Dash was alive, thank the sun, but nearly eighty percent of her body has second degree burns all over her body, but the greatest injury Rainbow Dash was inflicted was to her wings. The pegasus’s wings were all but useless now. The fire spell that Chrysalis used on Rainbow was used behind her, engulfing her in the flames, thus her wings took the full brunt of the fiery explosion. Nearly all of her feathers were burned away, the skin and muscle were the only places that Rainbow had third degree burns, and were unable to use her wings let alone actually feel them. of course the pegasus was greatly upset, scratch that, the mare was absolutely broken when she heard that she may never fly again. Twilight and the others tried to comfort Rainbow, telling her that the doctors were mostly uncertain if she would be unable to fly, but Rainbow just shut down. Last she heard Rainbow just lays in her hospital bed, staring aimlessly at nothing.

Thorax’s situation wasn’t any better. After Twilight’s visit with Celestia and Luna, and her visit to Rainbow, Twilight decided to check on Thorax as well. The only thing she saw was her changeling friend splayed out on a bed, a large hole in his body, his carapace cracked and jagged with green blood oozing everywhere, while doctors tried to close the hole and heal any damage he sustained. Later in the day Thorax’s brother Pharynx came to the hospital, as he was messaged about his brothers condition, and when Twilight told him everything that happened…he nearly ripped Twilight’s head off! the changeling shouted at the alicorn that if she was all powerful, like the alicorns are supposed to be, then this situation would never have happened. His brother wouldn’t have never been captured, risked his life to save some creature, AGAIN, and end on deaths door.

And at that thought, thinking back to what Pharynx said, saying on how if she and her friends and the princess sent out search parties to find Chrysalis and locked her up, then none of this would’ve happened. And he was right. When Chrysalis fled when everypony was freed, and the changelings revolted against her rule, they could’ve gone after her, they SHOULD’VE gone after her! with Rainbow’s speed, her, Starlight, and even Celestia and Luna freed, they could’ve have stopped her! Right then and there! they could’ve have stopped it right there…and yet…they didn’t. They just, watched Chrysalis just fly away, not even considering going after her, allowing her to plot and scheme her revenge. They let a known dangerous creature just, get away.

“It is all my fault.” Twilight muttered as she slumped over the table, her face buried in her hooves as she starts to sob.

“It’s all my fault. I didn’t do anything to stop all of this, I-I-I didn’t ask for a search p-party, I didn’t have g-guards at my castle to look a-after any pony…and I couldn’t do anything to save my friends…” Twilight was now fully crying as she sat there at the map table as her guilt, and the weight of her inaction to keep her friends safe start to weigh her down.

“Twilight?” the alicorn lifted her head and turned to look behind her and saw Spike standing at the door to the throne room, a worried and dishearten look adoring his face as he starts waddling over to the alicorn. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything Spike.” Twilight blubbered as she tried to wipe her tears away.

“Everything concerning Zack, from her capture and, rape, to her miscarriage, everything Spike.”

“Twilight that’s not true.”

“Yes it is!” Twilight practically screamed which startled Spike and nearly made him fall back on his butt.

“I could’ve stop Chrysalis as she was fleeing, we could’ve put her in prison right there! if I simply acted on that ONE opportunity…then Zack, Thorax, and Rainbow—” Twilight was stopped in mid-rant as Spike tackled into her, wrapping his little arms around her as much as he could, while burying his face into her chest.

“…It’s not all your fault Twilight.” Spike weakly muttered as Twilight felt his grip tighten around her.

“If its anyone’s fault, then its all of ours. We all could’ve done something, but we didn’t, but we were also concerned about Zack's physical and mental health, as well as helping the changelings try to find a better life.” Spike drew his head back and looked up to Twilight, who saw her assistant looking just as sadden as she was.

“I know that may not be a perfect excuses to help you feel better, but I hope it shows you that your not the only one solely responsible for what happened Twilight.” Twilight didn’t immediately perked up, but a small sense of reassurance did come over her as she took in Spike’s words, yet it still didn’t absolve the fact that Twilight knew deep down that she was right about her own hoof in this matter. However Twilight forced a small smile to show Spike that she appreciated his words and comfort.

“Thank you Spike.” Twilight said as she nuzzle the top of the dragon’s head before planting a small kiss on it.

“I’m happy to help Twilight.” Spike said as he let his caretaker go. “Are you hungry? You were gone before I woke up, so I couldn’t have asked you then.”

“I could use a bite.” Twilight said as she rubbed her stomach which gave a weak little grumble. Spike then nodded before waddling out of the throne room as he was off to the kitchen to make some breakfast. As Spike left the room the frown from early returned to Twilight’s face as she looked back at the map.

“One more try.” Twilight muttered as a more determine expression came over her face as she levitated the collection of books in front of her, as she tries again to find out where Zack could be.

~~Ponyville General Hospital~~

A weak rasped groan left Thorax’s muzzle as he very slowly opened his eyes, where he was meet with bright lights and the smell of sterilized air. As he coming to the changelings ears were starting to become filled with a intense high pitch buzzing sound, but it started to fade out and lessen yet in its place Thorax was starting hear voices, very excited voices by the sound of everypony shouting.

“Thorax! THORAX!” a familiar voice called out before Thorax turned his head and found Pharynx looking at him with a worried expression.

“Pharynx?”

“Oh thank the Hive your alive!” the changeling said as tears started to swell in his eyes.

“What happened?”

“You almost got yourself killed you idiot!” Pharynx shouted which caused Thorax to flinch, but then a sharp pain coursed from the pit of his stomach and raced up his entire body. “Thorax?!”

“Mister Pharynx try not to tax your brother.” A stallion said before taking the changeling away from the bed.

“What happened?” Thorax asked as he looked to the stallion.

“You don’t remember what happened?” the stallion asked.

“Happened?” Thorax repeated as he was unsure what the stallion meant, but then memories and images started to flood his mind. Images of Chrysalis, Zack, his friends, fire and then…Thorax then brought a hoof over his chest, where he felt bandages and pads.

“What happened doctor!” a worried tone coated Thorax’s voice as he spoke. “What happened to Zack and my friends?!”

The doctor took a seat next to Thorax’s bed and began telling him what he wanted to know. the changeling was informed that his friends were mostly alright, only baring small scars and bruising, with Rainbow Dash being the only one that was heavily damaged. As for himself the doctor explained that Thorax was on the very edge of living and dying, but with his brothers help in donating blood and aiding in treatment by using special changeling medical attention, Thorax was on the road to recovery, but he is told he would be bed-ridden for at least a few months at best. But what Thorax really wanted to know, and also dread to hear was what happened to Zack. unfortunately, the doctor couldn’t really explain that part of the story, but he’ll send a message to princess Twilight so that she could come and explain things. But for the time being the doctor told Thorax that he needs to rest more, and not to overexert himself. Thorax did as the doctor suggested and went back to sleep, but as he did so his thoughts went back to Zack, and wandering what has happened to her.

~~the Foal Mountain~~

Something strange has been going on in the Foal Mountains. For the past few days ponies that live in the area, and in the sole town that lives at the boarder of the mountain, ponies have noted that over the past few days they noticed strange things going on. For one thing a constant plume of smoke and dark clouds could be seen from town, and the ponies of the town have been wondering on what is causing it. another thing that has been strange was the water that the ponies bottle up, and cart off to cities as fresh water source, was now a black and carried an awful smell. A smell that was like a wet dog and rotten vegetables.

But what the ponies found incredibly concerning when the black waters started to flow, is that whoever drinks it because incredibly sick. Not to the point in where they would die, but the ponies felt incredibly weak and frail, none of them who drank the black water by mistake couldn’t even leave their beds, as well as felt something deep inside them swell up and cause them to cry black tears. Ever sense the black waters started to flow into the town, and into the Water Barons factory, many ponies head up into the mountains to look for the source of the black water. But after that first day, none of the search parties ever came back down from the mountain, yet whenever the ponies sent search parties up into the mountains they could hear screams…and a strange melody. Which was then followed by a series of dull blue lights.

Today the fifth group of ponies, all hearty and well-versed lumberjacks and woodland surveyors, all of which were armed with axes, hatchets, hammers, and torches in case if it got dark out before they returned home. So far the group has searched high and low for the other ponies that came before them, but there was no sign of them. there weren’t even any tracks for them to follow, at least none they could find past the first kilometer into the forest at the foot of the mountain, they couldn’t even find anything that belonged to the ponies before the group.

“Just what in the world is going on this mountain?” a large orange coated stallion with a bushy red mane and beard asked as he looked around a small clearing.

“I know. there’s no sign of any pony else being on this mountain.” a slightly skinnier blue coated stallion said as he scratched his tied up mane. “It’s like the ponies just, disappeared.” The two stallions then looked to the rest of the group of nine ponies.

“Let’s keep moving everypony, we still need to find the source of the black water.” The orange stallion said as he starts trotting off into the woods with his party following behind him.

The group trotted through the woods looking for any sign, or clue that they could have missed regarding the missing ponies, but again they still found nothing. Soon though the group came upon one of the rivers that run through the woods, and made their way towards the town and the Water Baron’s factory, and sure enough the water was black and foul smelling. Seeing nothing at their current location that could be the source of the pollution, the group decided to make their way further upstream, hopefully to find the source of this tainted water. but as the group continued to make their way deeper into the woods, one of the pegasi of the group noticed that the sole unicorn colt was constantly looking around, while his ears swiveled around in every direction.

“Flint what’s up? you look like your expecting somepony to jump out of the brush, and scare the horseapples out of you.” the unicorn continued to look around before he responded to the pegasus’s question.

“Has any pony noticed just how quiet it is out here?” the group stopped as they all looked towards Flint.

“I mean just listen…no birds, no small animals scuttling around…nothing. There’s, nothing living in the forest.” all of the other ponies perked their ears up, and it was true, none of them could hear anything animal related. The only noise they could hear was rustling leaves, and bubbling brooks.

“Something very wrong is going on in these woods.” a tall lanky pegasus said as he started to look incredibly nervous.

“As long as we stick together nothing is going to—” the orange stallion stopped in mid-sentence as he, and the other ponies noticed that a strange mist was starting to roll in. “What the?”

“What is this? There wasn’t supposed to be any mist today?” the smaller pegasus said as he watched the mist start to become incredibly more thicker.

“Everypony circle up!”

the large orange earth pony bellowed before grabbing the large hammer from his side satchel, and held it firmly in his mouth. The other ponies gathered around and all huddle up in a circle, each brandishing their desired tools and lighting their torches. Something was not right with this mist, and for some reason all of the ponies knew that it was a sign of danger. But soon enough the entire forest was nothing more than an obscured curtain of greyness, and with the tall trees blocking out most of the sunlight the woods became a more menacing place. Yet for some reason the mist then started to lighten up, which allowed the ponies to be able to see the trees a bit more clearly, but none of the ponies lowered their guard.

And that’s when they all heard something very strange…the voice of a mare singing.

“Whither and decay end this destiny, break these earthly chains, and set the spirit free. The spirit free.”

The group of ponies looked everywhere from where the voice was coming from, but with each note, with every word sung the ponies couldn’t pin the voice down. It was as if it was coming from everywhere! But that wasn’t the only thing that the ponies noticed, they all noticed that the air was changing from a near bone chilling coldness, to a uncomfortable sweltering heat, and then back to normal temperatures before shifting again a minute later. Yet what really caught the ponies attention was the voice itself, it was calm, tranquil, and carried a soothing tone as it continued to sing. However the words that the voice was singing was negating its more soothing tone.

“Life is a lie. There is no joy or peace, there is only pain & strife…but do not fear little ones for you shall be saved.”

“Just who is singing that song?” one of the smaller earth ponies asked as she he held his axe in his mouth, eyes darting all over the place.

“Who are you!” One of the pegasi of the group shouted out, but the voice just continued to sing its morbid notes, while also sounding louder as it continued.

“Whither and decay end this destiny, break these souls vile chains, by setting their spirits free…

“Show yourself!” the leader of the group shouted as loud as he could, his booming voice seemingly silencing the singing voice. With the voice now gone, and the strange temperature shifts stopped, the group visibly relaxed and lowered the guard down just a bit. Then a moment later after a brief period of silence, the voice finished its morbid song.

“From there living cage.”

The ponies all turned in perfect unison to the back of the group, where they all saw Flint laying limp on the ground…while a dark figure stood over his body, staring at them with blank glowing white eyes. Both of which were outlined in sickly green and vile purple flames, as an eerie and twisted smile slowly started to grow on its perfectly smoothed face.

“Who the—”

Before the leader, or any of the ponies could finish saying anything, the woods again filled with mist before the sounds of terrifying cries and wails rung through the trees. Axes clattered, hammer rung, and torches whiffed, one by one every pony of the group vanished and disappeared into the mist. All the while the darken figure could still be seen, as if as a ghost in this thick veil of mist as its eyes, flames, and eerie smiled shined through. until it slowly reseeded into the mist as well, while it sung its disturbing song’s final words.

“From there living cage.”

Chapter 50: What Will Your Choice Be, Twilight Sparkle?

Author's Note

Alright! It's finally here! sorry for the hiatus everyone, but I'm back and ready to continue the story, which I think it's reaching it's final conclusion. now for a disclaimer, after this Ch. I will be partially finalizing drafts after this one, but I will continue in the Editing of the previous chapters, so that they are at least readable. Hope you like the conclusion of this chapter that went through a few changes till I finally made this one.

Chapter 50: What Will Your Choice Be, Twilight Sparkle?

Twilight Sparkle was standing at the table within her castle throne room, with eyes nearly bloodshot and heavy bags under them adorning her face. Around the alicorn were not just the pile of books that she left littered about as she researched various different spells, there were also plates of cold mostly untouched food, as well as cups and pots of cold tea. But the stale food and mess of books, nor her weary and drowsy state mattered to her. The only thing that was on the alicorns mind was the table, or more appropriately a glowing ball of magic that was floating over the holographic map, pointing with an arrow directly at the Foal Mountain range. After four days of tirelessly working to find a way to locate where Zack was in the world, as the tables magic couldn’t pin point or cue in on where her doppelganger was, Twilight has finally found a combination of spells that worked along with the table to pin down where Zack’s location was. And once she had finally found where her lost friend was, a rush of relief coursed through her body making her visibly relax.

“Finally.” Twilight said in a weakened tone of voice as she wobbled slightly but managing to stay upright as she kept her eyes fixated on the map.

“I’ve found her! It took four days of no sleep, and countless tries in finding the right spell to find her, but I finally did it! Now I can go and help her.”

The alicorn’s tired body and mind were trying to retain and hold onto the relieved surge of energy that stemmed from her discovery, and yet as the violet alicorn stands there in front of the table looking at the location with her divination spell’s marker above it, the excited and relieved expression was replaced with the same worried look that has been dominating over the mare’s face for the last couple of days.

“But even if I finally found her, how am I going to help Zack?” Twilight quietly muttered to herself as her legs finally gave out and she plops onto the ground.

“The tree of harmony have the elements, and without them I can’t turn Zack back to normal.” The mare bemoaned as she managed to get back up to her hooves and sat down in her throne, where she started to think of another way to help Zack. But as she tried to think of another way to help out her look alike, her mind was just so tired. Too tired to really come up with anything.

“How can I help her?” Twilight quietly asked herself as her eyes started to falter while her body started to feel heavy as she slouches in her throne.

Twilight continued to slip further and further into a state of rest, the more and more that her mind and body visibly sank and relaxed into her seat. When her eyes finally did close and her mind entered into a state of rest, the alicorn drifted further into a sound sleeping state, but her slumber seemed to be short lived. As not even a few seconds go by and her mind started to stir, or more accurately felt like she is being prodded by something. It was like something was ever so gently tickling her brain and her senses, and when she opened her eyes when the sensation became more apparent and annoying, the alicorn was met with a strange sight. Instead of the castle throne room, or any place that seemed familiar the alicorn found herself standing in the middle of what appears to be a pitch black void, standing on top of a watery surface that rippled with each small step she made. Aside from the pitch blackness of the area, and the watery surface she was standing on, there wasn’t anything else of being noteworthy.

“Hello?” Twilight asked as her voice echoed throughout the endless void, with no response to her question being heard.

“Is this a dream?” the mare asked herself before taking in a breath and loudly asked. “Luna? Are you there?” Twilight again asked the void and waited for any pony to respond, but like before there was no response.

“What is going on here?” the alicorn then started to walk about in this void, her steps disrupting the watery surface with each step.

But as she took only a few steps forward the mare felt something, like a strange sensation of being watched or that something was just standing behind her. That’s when the pony felt a slight, yet chilling breeze waft past her causing a shiver to run up her body. Turning to look behind her at what could’ve cause the chilling breeze, Twilight nearly had a heart attack as she tripped over her hooves after scrambling away when she came face to face with something. Something that looked completely foreign to her. Slowly getting back up onto her hooves Twilight examined the thing, which was before her and just looming over her. The mysterious thing before the alicorn was at least the same height as her teacher, but aside from its height Twilight wasn’t able to see what the thing looked like, as every solitary inch of the being was covered in tattered, torn, and dirtied robes all stitched and tied together. Yet as Twilight continued to examine the thing from the bottom up to its top, the alicorn noticed two noticeable features that made the mare unnerving fear.

The first of the two noticeable features was as that one of the figures limbs slight outstretched to inside, and in the covered appendage of the being was a large rusted yet ornated scythe. The other feature of the thing was its pair small yet piercing ghostly blue glowing eyes, which peered right into Twilights eyes that kept the mare in her nervous state, while also feeling a sense of overwhelming dread just wash over her like a tide. Once the princess was fully standing, and had looked the figure fully over she swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, yet when she tried to say something nothing came forth aside from a nervous stuttering breath. Again Twilight tried to speak to the figure standing before her, and this time she was able to say something.

“Hello.” The mare stuttered as she tried to rally her courage as she continued to speak. “My name is Twilight Sparkle.” The robed thing didn’t respond to Twilight who kept her eyes fixated on it as it just stood before her.

“Who are you?” Twilight asked as she swallowed another lump that formed in her throat. The figure again didn’t answer, but Twilight saw the figure move slightly from its still pose, it’s eyes still never fidgeting or blinking, but after a minute of deathly silence the figure finally spoke.

“I am, Death.” The figure said slowly with a voice that was withered and elderly, yet it held a frigid, dominating and an overwhelming haunting presence which caused another shiver to run down the mare’s back.

“Death?” Twilight stuttered as she crouched down while her ears flatten against her head.

“You mean death as in, past tense?” the figure’s hooded head nodded.

“Death as in, what happens after life?” again the figure nodded their head.

“But…but that’s…that’s impossible!” Twilight said in disbelief and denial as she eyeballed the figure suspiciously, and cautiously.

“And yet, here I stand before you.” the figure simply stated as it and Twilight continued to stare at each other, but the moment that the alicorn blinked the figure was gone. Yet the mare knew that it didn’t leave as she still felt its haunting presence nearby.

“I did not come here to discuss whether or not I in fact exist or not—” the alicorn jumped when the figures voice came from behind her, spinning around the princess found the figure standing a few feet away and looking at a orb of light that it was held in its other cloaked limb.

“I came here, for them.” the figure then turned to face Twilight, and held the orb out towards her. The mare cautiously made her way over to the figure and once she was close enough to it she looked at the orb, and found that it was projecting the image of Zack, or at least Zack’s original form. But what Twilight was more concerned about was—

“What do you want with Zack?” the orb then turned into a cloud of mist that then wafted past the alicorn as the figure spoke.

“Their life had ended on Earth; their soul was meant to be claimed by me…yet it was robbed of its rest.” The figure continued to speak as it silently glides over the watery floor, its motions never disturbing its surface.

“I’ve spent all this time searching the vast multi-verse for their soul, and give it the proper rest that it deserves till its rebirth. Alas when I finally found them after searching, I’ve discovered that their soul has been installed in a false body, and that it was tainted with an unnatural force. A force that only further prolongs their soul’s torment.”

“I don’t understand, what are you saying?” Twilight pleaded to the being as she isn’t quite catching onto what it is trying to convey.

“To put simply equine, Zack is not meant to be alive anymore.” The figure stated both plainly and bluntly as it tapped the butt of its scythe on the watery floor, causing a few ripples to appear.

“Their soul needs to rest. But the one called Discord has disrupted the natural cycle of their life, and because of this false body and the magic used to create it, Zack’s soul is now imbued into the chaos spirits foul magics and chaotic nature has been causing an unnatural string of unfortunate circumstance to happen to them.” Twilight seems to be slowly putting the pieces of what the figure was saying together until a wild idea came to her.

“You mean everything that has happened to Zack, from being put under the influence of Starlight’s mind control, being attacked by my brother, everything ‘bad’ that has happened to her was all due to Discord’s chaos magic?” the figure nodded its head.

“Discord’s tampering with Zack’s soul has caused it to draw on the world’s negative and chaotic energies to them, affectively making them a magnet of sorts to…less than favorable positions. And it only became worse when Discord was killed, his own chaotic energy spreading throughout the entire world, amplifying these unfortunate events even further.”

“So everything…EVERYTHING that has happened to Zack is all just a series of, of what mishaps?! Random acts of chaotic actions and events that are just drawn to her, all because Discord’s magic has tampered with her soul?!”

“Yes.” The figure again stated plainly.

“And the longer their soul remains, alive, in this world the more severe these events will become.” The figure then looked down at the small equine as she just stared at herself in the water’s surface, reflecting the horrified expression that was etched on her face. if the mare’s anxiety about her doppelgangers safety and well-being wasn’t bad before, it was now absolutely terrible.

“So in order to spare them a fate of continuous torment, because of that foolish spirits ignorance and tampering, I’ve come to retrieve their soul.” Twilight’s head quickly looked up towards the being as it continued to look down at her with its blank expression.

“What do you mean by ‘retrieve their soul’?” Even though Twilight asked the figure what it meant, the princess had a sneaking suspicion that she might know what it was implying.

“In order to save their soul and ensure that they receive a better life when they are reborn…” the figure’s scythe glimmered for a second as its eyes own glow became more brighter. “Then Zack must die once more.”

“WHAT!?” Twilight all but screamed as she looked upon the scythe wielding creature, her horrified expression becoming five times more intense as all of the feathers on her wings bristled and flared.

“You’re going to kill Zack!?”

“No.” the being said before it raised its other limb, and then from its patch-worked sleeve, a skeletal finger pointed at her. “You will.” Twilight was left speechless at what the creature had just said.

“I am not part of your worlds laws and order; therefore, I cannot directly affect anything in your world. to do so I would disrupt its balance…like how Discord has done in the world that both Zack and I hail from, when he abducted them for his own amusement.” the figure said as it lowered its skeletal digit.

“So I must rely on others to fulfil this quest, thus is why I have come to you.”

“Your asking me to KILL somepony!?” Twilight screeched in both anger and fright as she backed away from the creature, her heavy hoof steps causing the water to splash about.

“I can’t do that! I’ve never killed anything, no pony in the history of Equestria has! We’ll fight sure, but we’ve NEVER resorted to killing any pony.”

“Then you must be the first, for if you don’t you will only be subjecting Zack to further torment till the chaotic force emanating from them draws in something that will kill them…and I promise you this equine, it will not be a quick and painless death.”

“No! no, no, no, no, no! I—I can’t! I won’t do it! I just can’t!” Twilight then looked up to the figure with tears in her eyes as the horrified expression on her face has changed to one of pleading. “There has to be another way. There just…there just has to be.”

“There is no other way.” The figure simply stated for the umpteenth time.

“To fully free their soul, so that I may bring it back to our reality and rejoin its intended cycle of life and death, their soul must be freed of its mortal vice.”

“…then find somepony else…” Twilight muttered as her wings, her limbs, her entire body goes limp as her head hung low. “I won’t kill them.”

“There is no one else that will do it. None of your friends will be up for the task, their fragile hearts will not allow them to even consider it. The one called Thorax will not do it, as he will not kill the one that became so dear to him. None of your fellow princesses will even consider the notion even if it was for the right cause.” Twilight just continued to stand there as the figure spoke before it glided around her while it continued to try and persuade her.

“You are the only one close enough to know the pain, and the grief that Zack is going through, you are the only one that has the fortitude to do what must be done…after all you were groomed to take on such responsibilities.” Twilight clenched her jaw as the figure stopped behind her.

“Either you end Zack’s false life and allow their soul to be put to rest, and reinstalled into the cycle of life and death properly…or forsake their souls chance of being granted peace and be further subjected to endless torment, and further corruption of their very being because of your sentimentality.” As the shrouded figure asked its question on what decision Twilight would choose, both it and the void-less space around the alicorn start to fade away, till only the figures eyes were left as it asked its final question.

“What will you choose, princess?”

Twilight slowly started to awaken from her deep and much need slumber, her heavy eye lids blinking the grogginess away while her stiff body starts to move. As she sits up from her prone position the mare noticed that the sun was setting, the sky has taken on a brilliant golden orange hue as a nearby clock started to ring as its face displayed that it was now six o’clock. It would appear that Twilight had been asleep for the better part of the whole day. The alicorn then noticed that there was a blanket placed over her, and on the map table there was a silver dome with glass filled with some kind of drink, and a small note that simply said, ‘rest well and eat will, love Spike.’ Twilight then used her magic to remove the silver dome, and uncovered the tray of an incredible smelling tomato bisque soup, with a lovely looking sandwich sitting beside the still steaming bowl.

But the food brought little comfort, as Twilight looked away from it and to the spot on the tables map where her locator spell was still pointing. And as she stared at the mountain range that the spell was pointing to, Twilight had a sudden vision flash before her eyes, a vision of the cloaked figure on the other side of the table. It’s boney digit pointing at the same mountain range her spell was fixated onto, while the last words that the figure said echoed in her mind. Will she kill her look alike to save her soul from the torment that Discord foolishly and unknowingly placed on it, or keep her alive and subject to further torment of even more unforeseen foul misfortune that will be drawn to her. Twilight just sat there in her throne for the next few minutes, which to the mare felt more like years as she weighed the options that where placed on her, and the decision that she would have to make.

Would she choose salvation, or damnation? Death or life?

Chapter 51: A Choice Must Be Made

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Chapter 52: A Plan of Action

Author's Note

hello everyone its your girl NinjaMare and....i understand that I've not been uploading stuff for a long while. mostly because adulting sucks, and life has been, ROUGH, to say the least. i also been having trouble because this Ch & the next one are going to be the end of the story, but I've only done a rough draft and I've been struggling to figure out in how to end this story project. so i hope this and the following chapter will be worth it.

again, I'm sorry if this story has gone untouched and on a hiatus. :ajsleepy:

Chapter 52: A Plan of Action

Within the castle of friendship Twilight slept soundly and peacefully in her large bed, sleeping so soundly that if one would simply pass her bye would thought her dead as her breathing was quiet, and lacked any heave to her covers when she breathed. Just goes to show just how tired the princess of friendship was after staying awake for what was practically a week, it didn’t help that the poor mare was also mentally exhausted from all the hoops and hurdles she has lept through, not to mention having been visited by two aspects of death in the span of a few days back to back. But even though her body and mind gave out to allow the princess to gain some respite, the alicorn couldn’t ignore what her instincts were telling her. Find Zack. Save her. Save her soul. Those words pounded away in Twilight’s very soul even as she slept, till it became to much and she was roused from her sleep, not fully rested but at least enough to be able to function and operate probably. Rubbing her eyes with a hoof Twilight looked around her room to see if anyone else was around, yet it seemed that she was left alone. Looking to her bedside counter the clock showed that it was barely four o’clock in the morning.

“I don’t even remember when I fell asleep.” Twilight groggily muttered aloud as she crawled out of her bed sheets and started to trot her way to her rooms bathroom, where she took a short soak in a hot bath to help wake her up. But as she soaked in the water Twilight was already wrapping her brain in how to save her look alike, WITHOUT having to kill her.

“There just has to be some other way, just…” the mare laid her head on the rim of her tub. “There has to be.”

The alicorn eventually emerged from the tub and drained as she dried herself off, her mind still hard at work now trying to figure out not only how to find Zack but also save her. even with Grogar’s Bell to drain Discord’s ambient magic from her twin it would save her, but while also draining the magic that constituted Zack’s current body. Either she and her friends end Zaq’s like by force, or end it by draining all the magic from her and free her soul while ending her current life. That’s when Twilight stopped in mid trot as she exited her room when a thought came to her! The plan was to use the bell to drain the chaos magic that was drawing in all of the chaotic forces of the world that was attracted to Zack, but in doing so the bell would also drain the magic that made Zack’s current body effectively ended her life right there and then, yet what if Twilight stopped using the bell right at the point in draining all of the magic from Zack but not the amount that created her body!

“But could it worked?” Twilight said as she started to frantically pace back and forth as her minded raced with the aspects of the idea.

“If I were to use the bell how would I know how much magic would be drained, and how much magic would be left to let Zaq live? But if we do this how can we before that the remaining magic to keep Zack’s body alive and functioning while not being a chaos magnet?”

“Twilight your awake!” the voice of Spike snapped the violet mare out of her train of thought before she felt her assistant tackle into her and gave her a hug.

“Hey there Spike.” The mare greeted as she petted Spike’s head before the pair split and the dragonling started to look her over.

“You seem like you got plenty of sleep, at least you don’t look like your about to collapse.”

“That reminds me Spike, when did I fall asleep?” Twilight asked her little assistance.

“Actually you’ve been passed out for two whole days.” Spike retorted.

“Two days!”

“Can’t blame you thought with how much you’ve stayed awake for.” Spike said as he looked more relieved to see the alicorn well-rested.

“By the way Twilight are you hungry, thirsty? Anything?”

“I do feel a little hungry.” Twilight said as she rubbed her stomach. Spike then wasted no time in guiding the violet mare to the throne room where Twilight sat down in her thrown, while Spike scurried off towards the kitchen. It didn’t take long for the dragonling to return with a cart of food ranging from a plate of toast, a mug and cup of coffee, and a large bowl of cereal.

“By the way Spike where is everypony right now?” Twilight asked as Spike plated the food in front of her while she poured her own cup of coffee.

“When you were sent to get some sleep, Celestia and Luna immediately set out to get Grogar’s Bell. As for everyone else they all headed home to get some rest themselves. Thorax tried to go with the princesses to get the bell, but they told him to get some rest so that when they get back, he’ll be at full strength when we go and help Zack.”

“That is if we can find her first.” Twilight said before taking a spoonful of her cereal and a sip of her coffee.

“I think we might!” Spike said excitedly which nearly had Twilight gag on her coffee, but before the mare could ask Spike what he meant the little dragon rushed off to an adjacent room, and came back with a newspaper.

“Right after the princesses left to go get the bell Derpy dropped by and delivered yesterdays paper, and take a look at this!” Spike then handed the paper over to Twilight who held it in her magic and looked at the page Spike was referring to.

“Town at the base of the Foal Mountains have reported strange things happening on the mountain…and…ponies mysteriously disappearing!”

“That has to be her!” Spike said as he leaned up on the table with a hopeful tone in his voice.

“Reports also stated that a mysterious and ominous dark cloud has recently formed and continues to grow over the mountain, and that the water from the mountain has been tainted as distributers from the town have discovered traces of unknown magic infused to the water causing strange side effects, such as inducing feelings of great sadness and a sense of grieving.”

“Well Twilight? What do you think?” Spike asked with both curiosity, hope, and a little bit of worry in his voice.

“I’m not sure but it might be a good place to start looking for her if anything, but we’ll have to wait until the princesses return with the bell.” The alicorn said as she places the paper down and went back to eating her breakfast, though as she was finishing off her meal Spike belched out a letter and started to read it.

“Whose it from Spike?”

“It’s from Celestia.” the dragonling said as he looked up at Twilight with a bittersweet look on his face. “She and Luna finally got the bell and are heading back here after retrieving something else from Canterlot.”

“Then we better get everyone else ready, because if this newspaper is correct and our hunch is right as well then we’ll need to move as fast as we can.” Twilight said as she downs the last of her coffee before leaving her seat.

“I’ll go get Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash; Spike I want you to get the others.”

“Alright. But if your going to get Rainbow Dash she’s going to be with Fluttershy.” Spike retorted.

“She’s with—oh!” Twilight said as she remembered Rainbow’s condition.

“…she can’t get into her house since she can’t fly anymore.” Spike said in a lone voice. “Fluttershy offered to help her into her house, but Rainbow said no, cause even if she gets help getting in she can’t get out without having somepony fly her out.”

“I see.” Twilight said as she rubbed her the bridge of her nose with a hoof. “Then why don’t I get Fluttershy & Rainbow along with Applejack as well as Rarity, then you get everypony else.”

Spike nodded his head before gathering up the dishes and scampered off, while Twilight channeled her magic and teleported to Sweet Apple Acers where she can see light coming from the apple families homestead, along with the smell of food being cooked. Trotting up to the building Twilight knocked on the door, which opened to show a very tired looking Applejack. Who then quickly developed a surprise look on her face.

“Twilight!” the farmer said as she brought her hooves up to Twilight’s face. “How are you feeling?”

“Applejack I’m fine.” Twilight chortled as she brought her friends hooves down back to the ground.

“That’s good to hear. You’ve been knocked out fer a few days, so ah was getting kinda worried.”

“I appreciate it Applejack but I’m here to tell you that the princesses have the bell.” The farmer rubbed the top of her head with a hoof as she gave a sigh.

“Then ah reckon the time to try and find Zack?” the alicorn nodded her head.

“I’m going to get Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow, can you meet up at the castle with everypony else?”

“Sure thing Twi just gotta let the family know what’s up, I’ll see you later.” Applejack then headed back into the house to go inform her family while Twilight teleported her way to Carousel Boutique, where the alicorn can see that Rarity’s room was lit up.

“Looks like Rarity is pulling another all-nighter for a client; I hate to interrupt her but …” Twilight then trotted up to the building front door and gave it a few more solid knocks, to ensure that her friend heard her. After a few seconds with no response Twilight was about to knock on the door again, but the window to Rarity’s room opened up where Twilight then saw Rarity poke her head out.

“Sorry I’m currently—Twilight?!” Rarity said in shock. “Hold on darling I’ll be right down!” Sure enough Rarity closed her window and Twilight could hear her friend rush down the stairs before the door was opened.

“Twilight how are you, are—”

“I’m fine Rarity I’m rested and not stressing, much.”

“Phew thank goodness.” Rarity said with a sigh of relief as she puts a hoof on her chest.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you while you work Rarity but, the princess sent a letter a minute or so ago. They got the bell.”

“So that means…we can go and look for Zack and…”

“I know your busy so if your unable to—”

“Not another word Twilight.” Rarity hastily said as she fully exit her home and shop before locking the door behind her. “Right now a friend is out there somewhere hurting, and is in the midst of grief and madness, I want help her MORE than doing something to distract me until we have a plan. We do have a plan, right?”

“…I might have one…though I wanna run it by the princess and everyone else.”

“Alright then then let’s go your castle.”

“You go on ahead Rarity, I still need to get Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said as she readied to teleport but before she did she looked at Rarity with a concerned look.

“Rarity. How is…how has Rainbow been the few days I’ve been asleep?” Rarity expression immediately to a disheartened one as she responded to the princess’s question.

“She’s been trying to not show it but, I know, we all know that she’s still taking it hard.” Rarity wiped a tear away that began to form in her eyes. “She went to the doctors yesterday to see if there is anyway to get her wings healed.”

“And?” Twilight asked hopefully but Rarity just shook her head.

“I’ll see you back the castle darling.” Rarity said in a somber tone before she trotted towards Twilight’s castle, while the princess teleported to Fluttershy’s cottage where she was surprised to see the light’s on at this hour. Making her way to the cottages door Twilight knocked and it almost immediately popped open.

“Twilight?” Rainbow said as she stood in the door. “When did you wake up?”

“Not to long ago. Is Fluttershy awake?”

“Yeah she’s making breakfast.” Rainbow said as she leaned on the door frame. “You wanna join us?”

“No thanks I already had breakfast, but I’m here to tell you that the princess got Grogar’s bell and will be at the castle in a little bit.”

“Gotcha. I’ll tell Fluttershy and we’ll be right over.”

“Thank you Rainbow Dash.” The alicorn looked to the pegasus’s side where she grimaced at the sight of Rainbow’s crippled featherless wings.

“Not the prettiest things to look at.” Rainbow said in a grumbled voice as she reached for a shoulder with one of her hooves.

“Oh no Rainbow I didn’t mean to stare!” Twilight stammered in a panic voice as she didn’t mean to offend or bring attention to mare’s wings.

“It’s fine Twilight…I’ve…I’ve gotten used to it.” Rainbow said as she pressed her hoof tighter on her shoulder. “And it’s just something that I’ve gotta get used to.” the mare let out a shuttering breath before leaning off the door frame and standing on all fours.

“We’ll see you at the castle soon Twilight.”

The violet mare gave a small nod before pegasus closed the door. Twilight then trotted across the bridge from the cottage before lighting her horn with magic, and teleported back to the castle’s main entry hall. Once back at the castle the mare took her time to trot her way to the throne room, mostly to recollect herself and mentally prepare for the ordeal ahead of her. But she was also taking the time to fully layout the idea that she had before setting out to collect her friends, and as she was thinking about in how to control the bells power to absorb magic the alicorn started to wonder if her idea was actually feasible, wondering if the bell will stop draining all of Zack’s magic when she says to, or just keeps absorbing until there’s nothing left. If it’s the former then maybe there is a way to leave enough magic to allow Zack to live while containing the corrupted magic within the bell, if this is possible then Twilight and the others can help Zack from there in deciding what to…do…the alicorns train of thought quick a sudden turn when that line of thinking entered her mind. Deciding what to do for Zack. The more that one line of thought replayed in her mind Twilight started to realize that isn’t fair to her look alike, because Zack’s future should be decided by her not any pony else. Especially if the option of dying and being lead to an afterlife by a literal aspect of death is on the table.

“…Zack should be the one to decide what to AFTER we save her. Not me, not the princess…not even Death. SHE will be the one to decided on WHAT she does. If we can save her.” Twilight said a firm sense of conviction in her voice as she rushed to the throne room, where upon entering she found Thorax and Starlight there, both sipping what smelled like cups of coffee. While Spike, Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack also sipping away some kind of drink.

“Welcome back Twilight.” Thorax said as he put his mug down. “Where’s Rainbow and Fluttershy?”

“They’ll be here soon, their just finishing up with breakfast.” Twilight retorted. “Are Celestia and Luna here yet?”

“Not yet.” Starlight simply stated back. “So Twilight Rarity said that you might have a plan in mind when we find Zack?”

“Yes, but, I want to wait to everypony is here to hear it.”

The others nodded their heads and simply waited till the princess and the pegasi duo showed up. Several minutes go by and Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash eventually arrived at the castle and joined the others in the throne room, and soon enough the princess arrived in the throne room via teleportation. When the two elderly alicorns arrived the group took notice that they looked roughed up, as their manes and coats were slightly disheveled, much like ruffled feathers. They also took notice that each of the alicorns held an item, with Celestia holding the renowned bell of Grogar which looks pretty rusted and dull looking, while Luna held a thin yet dusty looking old book.

“I see that everypony is here.” Celestia said as she places the bell on the table.

“Are you two alright? You both look a bit, frazzled.” Fluttershy asked as the princesses started to use their magic to prim themselves as Luna began to speak.

“The winds on the mountain were being quite difficult, and the magics surrounding the cave that the bell was located in prevented us from teleporting directly to it.”

“So we had to climb the rest of the way after teleporting as close as we possibly could.” Celestia continued as she finished combing out her mane and tail, while Luna finished preening her feathers.

“So this is Grogar’s bell?” Pinkie asked as she looked the bell over before giving it a few taps with her hoof, causing it to give a very dull dinging sound. “Doesn’t really look all that impressive. And does it still work?”

“It works. We tested it when we arrived back at Canterlot.” Luna said as she places the book she was holding in her magic on the table. “This book which was written by Gusty the Great tells in how to use the bell.”

“It does!” Twilight snapped as she instantly teleported the book to her and began reading it’s limited contents.

“Yes it does.” Luna said with a bit of weariness after hearing the smaller alicorns sudden outburst, as well as hearing the mare muttering to herself.

“So how do we use the bell?” Starlight asked the two royals.

“Bell is not actually that difficult to use, and the spell meant to be used with it is also fairly simple.” Celestia replied but before she could explain further Twilight spoke up.

“Alright! This might actually work!”

“What will Twilight?” Rarity asked her friend as she and the others all looked to the princess of Friendship, who closed the book and putting it down as she began to explain her idea.

“I’ve only been thinking about this particular plan for only short time, but after reading the content of this book, and from what Celestia had just said I think it will give us the best chance to help Zack. and give us a third option.” Everypony was surprised to hear what Twilight had just said and they were paying attention as she continued to speak.

“My idea is that we use the bell to drain ninety-five percent of all the magic from Zack, or maybe just ninety percent, leaving her just enough make to theoretically remain alive—”

“But with that little magic she would be severely weakened! She would probably be unable to move!” Celestia said which got the others giving worried concern, especially Spike and Thorax.

“But at least she will be alive!” Twilight stated loudly brining back everypony’s attention to her.

“Now I know both Event Horizon and, Death, have told us that we need to end Zack’s life in order to save her. And if we spare her she will only suffer more because of the corrupted magic…but can we REALLY make that call. I say no!”

“But Twilight—” the mare held a hoof up as Thorax was about to speak.

“The reason why I’m saying this is because WE don’t have the right to make this kind of decision, because it is not OUR life we’re deciding on what to with. It’s Zacks. So my plan is that we drain nearly all of the magic that Zack has, enough so that she is alive and hopefully cleansed of all the corrupted magic infused to her, afterwards we will tell her everything that Event Horizon and Death has told us to her.”

“And then we let her decide what she wants to do. Live or die. That is HER choice to make.” Everypony surrounding the table a looked at one another with uncertain looks, but as time went on and they fully took in the plan that Twilight has proposed, as well as the connotations of what should ultimately be left up to Zack to decide on in their minds, they all looked towards the violet pony who kept a firm resolute expression.

“If you agree to this new plan, raise your hoof.” Aside from Twilight everypony in the room rose a limp to which Twilight nodded her head as she then produced the newspaper that Spike gave her earlier to read.

“When I was having breakfast Spike showed me this paper that has a rather ominous article about something bizarre happening at the Foul mountains, and from what has been written it might be due to Zack being there.”

“Then what are we waiting for lets go!” Rainbow Dash said as she stamped a hoof on the ground. “We might as well check out and see if its legit or not, even if it isn’t, we’ll figure something else out.”

“Rainbow’s right! let’s move out ya’ll!”

The others cheered in response and with everypony in high spirits Twilight powered up her magic to make a long distance teleportation, and in one large flash of lavender light the group left the castles throne room, and appeared at the foot of the Foul Mountains. Where upon their arrival the group found it to be quite the sight. much like the article that Twilight read before the mountain did indeed have a large ominous black cloud swirling above it, casting a massive dark shadow on the surrounding area, while faint flashes of lighting crackled within the darken mounds in the sky. The group took a moment to ready themselves before they started to make their way to the town they could see, but as they got closer and closer the town the more the group felt that something was wrong, as everything was quite. The whole town looked like it has been abandoned, but what really made it incredibly unnerving was that the group could see what look like blacken stains and water covering the ground, and the porches and front steps of the buildings.

“Where is everypony?” Celestia asked as the group continued to venture into the town, looking through windows and open doors to see that the building were indeed empty.

“HELLO! IS ANY PONY THERE?” Pinkie called out but got no response.

“Something tells me that we’re not going to find any pony here anymore.” Starlight said as she and the others reached what looked to be the town square, which had blacken water covering every bit of the ground, while wagons and stalls were toppled and tossed all over the place.

Just as the ground was about to venture out and search more of the town they all spotted something, light coming from the end of the eastern street. At first the group was happy to see that somepony could possibly still be here, and tell them what happened, but as the light got closer to the street corner the more they saw that the light was an eerie green coloring. While the sound of water powering could now be heard, and smoke started to waft up into the air, followed by the sound of crackling electricity. It was then that the source of the light and sounds came into view but what they all saw made all of them reel back in fear. trotting into view was the form of a long gangling body of a pony, a serpentine long neck slithering across the ground while long spindly legs quietly took steps out into the open. A pair of wings then could be seen, one burning with a darken fiery hue and emitting smoke, and the other while longer was being used as a fifth limb and had deep cold blue hues covering it as blacken water slowly poured from it. but the truly captivating part of what they were seeing was the mountainous amount of green fire burning as the slender bodied ponies mane and tail, mixing with the smoke from the red wing, while evaporating the blacken water from the blue wing.

Just then the ponyisque creature turned it’s head to face the group where they saw a long spike horn coated in black electricity, hollow pale white eyes crying even more blacken water, and finally when the being shifted to trot towards them they saw a gaping hole in it’s chest as the head raised into the air. A hole that was bleeding out a thick black ooze that warped and twisted itself back up to the hole, and continue to pour from it. the group and the being just stared at each other for only a minute until Thorax and Spike spoke at once.

“Zack?!”

Chapter 53: the Final Rescue

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Prologue: the Day a Human Became a Mare [Edited]

Equestria, a rather peaceful continent of the planet of Equis where the ponies of the land have developed one of the more cultured, and thriving communities not just on this continent alone but across the world as well. But in the past two or so years after the one-thousandth Summer Sun Celebration held in Equestria, the entire nation was bustling with frantic, and even dangerous activities and events that caused great panic among the populace. There was even an isolated incident in where a unicorn mare tried to tamper with time, all to meddle in the lives of six individuals because of a silly and rather outrageous event that happened to her in the past, which made her go on a one-mare crusade to change the past and ultimately the future as well. But afterwards things have settled down for the most part, however unbeknownst to the world at large, things in Equestria were about to pick up.

Far off in in the widen mountain ranges north of Equestria, wedged between two mountain peaks in a small forest laid a large hole at its center. Now it wasn’t a hole in the traditional sense, instead it was more of a crater with smoldering grass around its edges, with destroyed trees scattered around in the new clearing, leaving only destroyed stubby trunks, as well as other burnt foliage within the recently made clearing. At the center of the clearing lying in the crater in a sprawled-out manner, was a small violet coated alicorn mare, her mane and tail as well as some of the feathers on her wings were disheveled. There were also remnants of destroyed clothing, and pieces of furniture and other nick knacks alongside the mare. As the mare laid there on the ground a soft breeze wafted over her, bellowing through her mane, tail, and wings, but the cool breeze also coaxed the mare to awaken from her unconscious state. Heavy eyelids started to weakly open up to reveal lavender colored eyes, as the mare started to emerge from her toppled state.

The moment that the mare’s eyes took noticed of their surroundings, the mare bolted up in alarm but the moment she stood up on her hind legs her equilibrium was still off settled, so she ended up falling on her back causing her to lay there with her legs sticking up. As the mare laid on her back, her eyes wandered about looking at what she could currently see, from the rim of the crater to the sky above her, but once her eyes looked down towards herself her eyes bugged out at what she saw. The mare looked at her small stubby forelegs, then her fluffed chest, but as her eyes slowly looked down further along her slight plump torso, her eyes widen to even larger sizes as she saw her small equine teats.

“No!” The mare then stumbled up to stand and started to look herself all over, and over, and only getting more mentally frantic as she continues to examine herself, from her coat of violet fur, large wings, and even the horn she could just barely see protruding from her forehead.

“No! no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no…”

The mare’s eyes then looked down to her hind legs when she whipped her head down, and saw a dark purple lump past her back legs, and a pair of sizable equine balls. The mostly still silence that hanged over the clearing suddenly broken when an ear-splitting scream filled the whole mountain range. Birds, squirrels, and all other manner of creatures within the mountain range were startled by the noise, and those closer to the forest were so spooked from the sudden scream that they took off running.

“WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO ME?!” the mare cried out as she flops around on the ground, almost like a fish out of water, limps, tail, and other parts of her just going everywhere as she flops around. All the while the horn on her head was pulsating with an ethereal purple aura.

“What happened to me?! Why do I have wings, and hooves, and what…why am I a fucking purple horse?!” the mare flabbergasted as she then arched her back and shouted towards the sky.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING?!”

The mare continued to belt out curses and swears, while still flailing her body around, as her addled and very confused mind tried to figure out what was going on. But while the frantic mare was babbling about her current situation, and letting her rampant emotions run wild, she failed to realize that the aura around her horn started to grow more, and more brightly, but the mare ceased her random rampant thought when a beam of energy was expelled from her horn. The force of the magical blast caused the mare to fall and tumble backwards, landing on her back as she looked utterly beside herself at what had just happened, while watching the beam of energy pitter out as it rocketed through the air.

After a minute of her little fright and laying there on the ground, chest heaving as she releases heavy breaths, staring up at the sky her mind finally started to slow down and trying to collect her thoughts. While the mare’s mind was calming down, and her breathing was being reigned in, the mare’s tensed up body also started to relax and releasing all the built up tension, till she was finally at ease. Taking a deep breath the mare sat back up and attempted to stand on her four legs, which was rather easy, however, walking in a straight line seemed a little, difficult. Coordinating on which legs moved and in which sequence seemed to be pretty challenging. It didn’t help that her wings were sticking up or even un-consciously flapping about, which was starting to cause an annoying strain on her back, like when you are trying to hold your arms out for a long period of time, while holding something heavy in each hand. But after a few minutes of trying to figure out how to control her wings, and having them twitch and flap out in sporadic flaps, the mare was able to finally fold her wings against her barrel.

“Okay, okay. I think I’m starting to get the hang of this.” The mare said as she trotted about and flapped her wings to get the hang of using them, and once she was comfortable with her new limbs, she then managed to haul herself out of the crater. But once she was out of her hole, she gave her body one more look over.

“So, I’m a small unicorn. A very purple unicorn with wings, instead of a normal human guy.” She said as she slowly paces in a small circle.

“But how the hell did I end up like this?” the mare contemplated as she tried to think back to the point of time before waking up in the clearing.

~~Flash Back~~

The day started out like any other day for Zackery Johnson, waking up from a rather pleasant sleep even if it was only for four hours. sitting up in his bed, stretching out his body for a bit, Zack slumped back down onto his comfy mattress and tried to get some more sleep, but after an hour and forty minutes he woke back up, and unable to go back to sleep.

Grumbling as he leaves his soft bed, Zack made his way to his single bedroom apartment bathroom where he did his business, before getting into the shower and just reveled in the hot water cascading his body, as he began his day. Once he was done with his shower Zack walked back to his room, dumping his boxers and shorts into the hamper before getting dressed up in clean clothes, which just consisted of black boxers, a pair of shorts and a tank top.

When fully clothed Zack headed for the kitchen where he turned the TV on, and listened to it as background noise as he went about to make himself some breakfast. As the oven starts to warm up, and Zack prepares ingredients for an omelette and some hash browns, Zack started to wonder what he should do for the day. A momentary thought drifted to his job at the local Barns and Nobles came to mind, but he remembered that he has the next few days off, so he didn’t have to worry about work.

“I suppose I can check in on Kyle and the others—oh wait!” Zack thought of something as he spoke about his friends.

“Today is Wednesday, Kyle, Jessica, Richard and Amber all have work today. Well that plan is out the window.” Zack lamented as he began making his omelette, sprinkling in some mushrooms and spinach into the eggy mixture.

“I suppose I can just play some games, or just write to pass some time before doing something else.” Zack contemplated on what to do for the day, as he finished making his breakfast, and went about eating it once it was done.

~~Present~~

“Wait!” the mare said as she stopped her pacing as something came to her as she thought back to the events that happened that morning.

“After I made breakfast, I remember the TV going haywire, before everything…” the mare then developed a blank look on her face.

“I remember everything going, black…and….” The alicorn tried to recall the last bits of her memory from this morning, but she was drawing a blank around when she stood there trying to recall the rest of her memories.

“Damn it!” The mare grumbled as her horn shot out a smaller blast of magic at the ground, this time though only slightly scaring the mare, before she kicked a rock that was on the ground. Calming herself down again, releasing an exasperated sigh the mare continued talking to herself as she tried to formulate a plan.

“Well, whatever happened to me, I won’t find any answers, or figure out how to get back home by standing around here.” the mare said as she looked around her immediate surroundings, before glancing at her back, giving her wings a small fluff.

“…this is going to be painful; I just know it.” The mare outstretched her wings, and with a calming exhale the mare started to practice flying, as it would be better to look for help, than walking—trotting she corrected—on the ground. And as she summarized, it was indeed painful.

The few attempts that the mare took off from the ground, whether it was stationary or after a small gallop, the mare ended up crashing into the ground, and ending up getting some burnt grass and foliage in her mouth and mane. This went on for about half an hour, and eventually with proper wing cooperation, and steadying her center of gravity, the mare was finally able to get airborne. If there was one perk that came to this weird situation, the mare was able to experience something virtually every human dreams about, flying with their own wings.

Soaring over the forest a bit to get some practice in handling her new ability to fly, the mare then started to fly off from a nice distance away from the ground, where she then started to make her way out of the mountain range and flew over the landscape at a steady pace. And as the mare was flying she started to noticed that she was basically out in the middle of nowhere, as the landscape around her were either low line forest and open plains, and as of yet the only living things she has seen were birds flying around her, or animals she caught glimpses off on the ground, but no other equines like her. Or any other creatures so far that looked like they could help her.

But while the mare was she was flying a sudden thought came to her, and her eyes then drifted to look up at the horn just on the fridge of her gaze, and remembering the two energy blast’s that were shot from it. Stopping in mid-air the mare thought back to those two instances, trying to think what it felt like when she fired them. Although nothing came to mind. Trying a different strategy, the mare began thinking of building up energy, like they would do in the Dragon Ball franchise, minus the awkward and just weird stance the characters did whenever they tried to build up power. Nothing happened for a for few seconds but then after a moment of focusing on building up energy, and feeling something inside her start to stir up, the mare saw her horn lighting up. Smiling at her accomplishment, the mare then imagined firing a singular beam of energy, and almost immediately a narrow beam of violet energy shot out from the tip of her horn.

Testing out her new energy capabilities, the mare then fired a few more beams of magic, all them not really seeming powerful as they all dissipated a few seconds after being fired. Then the mare gathered up a bit more energy in her horn, and once she felt that she had gathered more energy than before, she again fired another beam. Though this time it was larger and thicker, and it managed to rocket towards the ground, smashing into a rather sizable rock and shattering it rubble.

“Okay. That is actually really cool!” the mare said gleefully as she was tempted to try and pull off more, anime-like energy blasts and techniques, but refrained against it.

“At least I know I have a good way of defending myself now, but let’s hope I don’t have to use it.” the mare then went back to flying and her search for anyone that might be able to help her.

Almost after an hour of aimlessly soaring through the skies in search of help, and any clue as to what happened to her and where in the great cosmic universe she was in, the mare still hasn’t come across anyone like her, or anything that resembled a town. She was starting to feel like maybe whatever has happened to her, she was the only one on this, whatever world she was on. Yet as time went on, onto nearly the second hour of flying blindly, the mare found something odd in the distance. It was a really tall narrow mountain, which she noted looked be oddly strange but then remembered about her current physical condition and the world she was in. But aside from it’s strange physical formation, what really caught the mare’s attention was what looked like a castle, which actually appeared to be built into the side of the narrow mountain. Continuing on the mare flew as fast as she could towards the castle, and when she reached it and was flying over a city that was also built into the mountain, she could see other equines all of various colors, wondering the streets of the city.

The mare then looked towards the castle, and thought about going to it, but then decided against it as a foreboding thought came to her. She wasn’t sure how the structure of this world’s population was like. So instead she made her way down to the city streets, hopefully a flying purple unicorn just dropping from the sky isn’t too big of a deal. But just as her hooves touched the ground, almost tripping over herself, the ponies in the street looked her way, and pretty much gasped in shock.

“Princess Twilight!” a pink unicorn said excitedly.

“It’s princess Twilight!” a skinny normal…pony? Said as he clapped his hooves.

“Princes, Princess Twilight! Can I get your picture!” a normal grey coated pony stallion said, as he raised a camera with a hoof, before snapping it to take the mare’s picture. Shaking the blinding light out of her eyes, the mare immediately shot back into the air, the sound of the equines voices drifting off as she continues to climb into the air. Now flying over the roof tops of the city, the mare rubbed her eyes, and tried to reorient herself as she mumbles to herself.

“Okay. I wasn’t expecting that kind of treatment.” She said as she shook the last of the dots out of her eyes, before being able to see more clearly. She made a quick glance down to the city, and saw that the crowd of ponies were still there, looking back up at her, before they all starting branching back off into whatever it was they were doing beforehand.

“So apparently I resemble the princess of these lands. If that is indeed the case…” The mare then turned to look at the castle.

“Then I guess going to the castle won’t be too bad of an idea. Plus! I can figure out where I am if I check the archives, or library, and finally get some kind of answers on where I am.” The mare then muttered something to herself as she made her was towards the castle.

“Theater classes and my many hours of TTRP, don’t fail me now!” with one final prayer the mare continued to fly towards the castle.

Chapter 21: Chrysalis Has Her Fun - Clop (Skippable)

Author's Note

Remember folks, as I've stated before, Vol. 2 will have some aspects that are not for everyone in the clop sections. which is why it's perfectly fine for you to skip the clop sections. or just skip the chapters with Clop in them.

Chapter 21: Chrysalis Has Her Fun - Clop (Skippable)

A full day has gone by since Zack’s little, scuffle with the Queen of the Changelings, since then the alicorn has been confined to her prison cell. More confined this time, with actual chains wrapped around her neck and legs, while goo ties down her body and back legs. These changelings were certainly making sure that the alicorn was more pacified.

The rest of the day was spent like the last three, where Zack just laid in her cell, bored out of her mind, and wondering what the queen of the changelings is planning to do to her, or use her for. The only sort-of comfort that the mare has was once again Thorax, who upon returning to the prison seemed unusually quiet, well, more so than usual. But after a little bit of time has passed, the little changeling has shifted back to his normal state, and tried to lessen the restraints that were binding Zack, but a surprise visit from one of the other guards prompted him to re-think that decision.

But once the guard was gone the alicorn and the changeling spent the remainder of the day just, talking, and Zack actually giving Thorax a chance. Afterall the changeling genuinely seems to care for Zack, so the alicorn was feeling incline to trust him.

~~~~~

The next day was just like any other. Zack woke, had a small breakfast—smaller as the guard only brought a sandwich—and the mare just continued to lay in her cell, and occasionally talking to Thorax, whenever he decided to ask a question. At the moment the prison was relatively quiet, as Zack was back asleep, leaving Thorax all alone. but as the changeling laid at his post, he couldn’t help but look into the cell of his newest friend—or at least he hopes Zack considers him a friend—and just, looks at the mare. Unlike changeling mares the alicorn looked so soft and inviting, Thorax actually recalls on how the alicorn felt when he held during her emotional breakdown, she felt so soft and warm to the touch. unlike changelings which are fairly rough feeling, and generate no body warmth at all.

The changelings eyes then started to wonder over the alicorns body, taken in all of her features that he’s never really looked at fully before. And as Thorax’s eyes scan over Zack’s body, he eventually comes to the supple round flanks of the mare, which caused the small male to developed a small blush, and as he continued to stare Thorax started to wonder what those plump cheeks would feel like. But almost immediately as the thought entered his mind, the changeling shook his head to dispel the thought.

“No! bad Thorax!” the changeling chastised himself.

“Don’t start thinking thoughts like those!” however the changeling was having some difficulties in not thinking such thoughts, as Zack was a rather attractive mare. At least in his eyes.

Speaking of said alicorn, the violet pony slumped onto her side as she rolls in her sleep, and as she slumped to her side Thorax got a good look at the alicorns marehood, her sizable teats…and balls. Now Thorax remembered Zack ranting about being a hermaphrodite pony, but to actually see a pony, or any creature really, have both sets of genitals was unusual yet interesting to see. And after giving the dark purple orbs a glance, the changeling looked down at his own set of balls, and noticing how much smaller they were compared to the alicorns.

“…well, she is a bit bigger than me.” Thorax commented as his eyes went back to looking over the ponies body, where his gaze fell upon the mare’s teats.

Now unlike ponies, changelings don’t have anything comparable to a pony mares teats, as female changelings do not nurse nymphs. Nymphs are able to digest some solid foods that the Hive provides, but they usually feed on the residual emotional energies that the adults have eaten, which helps the young nymphs learn which emotions are better to eat than others. So as Thorax looked at the soft mounds he started to wonder what it would be like to nurse from them, or even just feel. Which again caused the blush on the changelings face to brighten.

“Thorax!” the sudden voice of another changeling caused the guard to jump to his hooves, while his wings gave an alerting buzz. Turning to the entrance of the prison Thorax saw his brother, Pharynx.

“Bout time you heard me; I was about ready to smack you upside the head.”

“Sorry Pharynx I got, distracted.”

“Yeah, you were ogling the prisoner like a slab of meat.”

“I—I WAS NOT!” Thorax defended. The older sibling just shook his head.

“Whatever. I just came down here to tell you that the queen wants you to bring her—” Pharynx pointed at Zack. “to her private chambers.”

“To her own chambers?!” Thorax said in complete shock. “But…no one aside from the queen herself, is allowed up there!”

“That’s just what my superior told me, so get her ready.” Pharynx said to his younger sibling. “And once she is, take her to the throne room, there the queen will lead you and her to her own chambers.”

The older sibling then left Thorax alone in the prison. Looking to the cell, Thorax wondered what the queen had in mind, but the changeling couldn’t even guess a plausible idea. Actually he shuddered at whatever idea he may had about what Chrysalis would do to the mare. Not wasting more time, and not wanting to make the queen wait, Thorax entered the cell and gently woke Zack up.

“Thorax?” Zack said as she rubbed her eyes. “What’s going on?”

“The queen wants you. and we better get a move on, otherwise she’ll get angry and come get you herself. Which will probably end badly.” A tired sigh escapes the mare’s mouth as her wings give an annoyed ruffled.

“Fine. Let’s see what her royal highness wants.”

After Zack had fully awaken from her nap, Zack followed her jailer out of her cell—allowing the small male to lead with the chain wrapped around her neck—and flew off to the throne room where Chrysalis was waiting for them. as the pair flew through the cavernous interior of the Hive, Zack noticed that there were a lot less changelings about then last time, then again, this was only her second outing from her cell so she can’t really claim to know what the infostructure of the changelings lives are. Flying through corridors and hallways later, the pair eventually made it to the throne room, where the queen was waiting on top her throne. And it would appear the stab wound on her side was fully healed, but a faded scar could be seen on her side.

“Ah, good, you made it.” the queen said in a teasing tone.

“So what do you want this time your, majesty?” Zack replied. “Cause if it’s another fight you want—”

“Oh no, it’s not a fight I want Zack…I may had found a use for you.”

“And what’s that? You going to try and use me to lure Twilight and the others into a trap?” Zack guessed as she looked at the queen, who leapt down from her throne.

“In time. I will need to come up with a plan to do just that, for now though…you will assist me in some, personal matters.” The queen said as a sly grin came across her muzzle. “Follow.”

Chrysalis then strolled past the pair, her tail flicking Zack’s nose as she did so, getting a small groan from the alicorn. The pair then followed the queen out of the throne room, where all three took flight and headed even higher up the Hive, where it seemed to have gotten darker with only a few dimly lit torches to light the way. After a minute or so of flying the trio made it to another set of black stone doors, where upon passing through them they entered a quite spacious room. The room itself looked well furbished, as there were drapes and ceiling veils strung about, two large bookshelves on one side, with a large table with various scraps of paper on the other side, and at the back of the room laid a large bed with an assortment of pillows.

“Um…your majesty, if I may ask, what exactly are you planning to do to Zack?” Thorax asked shyly. The queen then turned to look at the pair, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll love what I have planned.” Chrysalis said to the small changeling, which caused a shiver to run down his spine, and made Zack’s wings bristle their feathers as a bad feeling washed over her. “But first, tell me Zack…are you really a hermaphrodite pony?”

“And what if I’m—OH HELL NO!” Zack said as she started to take large steps back the way she came in. but, her progress was halted as a green aura encased her body.

“You see alicorn, it’s been awhile since I’ve had a good fuck, since ponies and other species are not exactly good on stamina.” The queen said as she lifted the alicorn into the air, while Zack tries to struggle out of the aura. But it was in vain.

“So let’s see how much of a good ride, you, are.”

“In your dreams you fucking—”

Whatever kind of insult Zack was about to belt out and lay into the queen, instantly died out, as her mind went blank. And her eyes just glazed over with a pale green hue. Smirking to herself the queen let the alicorn down, and removed the aura that was holding her. Thorax was now feeling even more worried and concerned, as he just watched the queen use the same hypnotizing spell she used on Shining Armor, but this time, she fully dominated the alicorns mind rather than doing it gradually.

“Now then.” Chrysalis turned away from both Zack and Thorax, flagging her tail and exposing her puckered tail hole, and rather soft looking lower lips which allowed the smaller male to see her velvet green insides.

“Please your queen.” Zack gave a slow nod before trotting over to the queen to begin her intended task.

However, instead of trying to mount the larger mare and just thrust into her, Chrysalis was surprised to feel a tongue start lapping at her folds, and feeling it brush against her clit! Heck, even Thorax was surprised by the action, and was now blushing heavily and starting to get an erection himself as he watches the alicorn eat out the queen’s marehood. As the pony continues to lap at her folds, the tongue lingering on her clit a bit longer to stimulate her more, the changeling queen was actually surprised by this action, as sexual actions like this were only done by really, really, REALLY perverted ponies. Which the queen has had in the past when she had to aide in securing love energy. The queen then gave out a guttural moan as she felt Zack press her muzzle into her folds, forcing her wet muscle deep within her love tunnel, and just start slathering the inner walls which was becoming a little to stimulating for the queen.

“Stop! Stop! Stop!!!” Chrysalis said before she came to her first climax, to which the mare obliged and removed herself from the black folds.

“Okay, so obviously you know some of the more, kinkier stuff, in that case—” the queen laid herself down on the floor, now at eye level with the alicorn. “Let’s see how good you really are?” Chrysalis then leaned in for a simple kiss, and while it started out as such it quickly evolved into a more heartier kiss, both females tongues wrestling with each as they locked their lips. But as the pair continued in their lip-lock bout, the queen was actually getting pushed back by the alicorn, but Chrysalis managed to hold her ground as she pushes back.

‘She thinks she can dominate me?! cheeky little thing…’ the queen mentally monologed as she pushed back. ‘But I’ll give her this, she’s certainly a better kisser than Shining Armor ever was.’

While the queen and alicorn continued with their lip-lock battle, Thorax was really trying to keep his own erection hidden, although it was an futile effort. As the sight of his queen and an attractive alicorn continue to make out was a little to stimulating for the little changeling. Several minutes of the two females locking lips with one another, the mind controlled alicorn removed herself from the queen and reared up to give Chrysalis a good look at her erect dark purple member. To which the queen looked relatively hungry to take as she licks her lips. Opening her mouth as wide as she could, Chrysalis slowly took in the long member till the tip poked the back of her throat, before she started to bob her head, lapping, and slurping the member.

As the changeling queen slurps and sucks on the alicorn’s shaft, Zack was thrusting her hips into the hungry queens maw. And while she is under a mind control spell, she was still able to emote what and how she was feeling, and at the moment the violet pony’s face was a visage of pleasure. Same for the queen who was thoroughly enjoying her little treat, and from the looks of poor Thorax…he was clearly enjoying the sight as well. Despite how much he tried not to enjoy this.

‘Mhhhh~. Not bad.’ Chrysalis stated as she increased the bobbing of her head, and feeling the alicorn’s hips push against her muzzle.

‘She’s certainly last longer than that rube of a captain did when we had our one and only nightly fun.’ It wasn’t too long after the queen really started devouring the alicorns cock that Zack gave one final thrust, burying her shaft deep within the queens throat and unleashing volley after volley of white hot sticky cum down her gullet.

As the alicorn came in her mouth, Chrysalis greedily gulped down the deluge of salty yet sweet extract the mare was giving her, which tasted even better as the queen could feel some levels of love energy emanating from the alicorn. After Chrysalis had swallowed down every last drop of cum she slowly removed herself from the alicorns cock, ending with a wet ‘pop’.

“Not bad, not bad at all.” Chrysalis said as the alicorn sat on her haunches and was catching her breath. “Now it’s my turn.”

Chrysalis then stood up to her full height, horn glowing with magic as her body was swept over in green fire. But instead of fully transforming, the queen grew her own thick shaft, roughly the same lengths as Zack’s. if not a bit longer. the alicorn noticed the queen’s new appendage, and prostrated herself before the queen, tail flagged and vaginal folds winking and inviting as she looks over her shoulder.

“Good little pony.” Chrysalis said as she petted Zack before trotting over to her, and standing right above the smaller female, before having the tip of her black cock a few inches from the alicorns folds.

“Wait!” Thorax said abruptly, catching the queens attention.

“What is it grub, I’m in the midst of having some of my frustration being cleansed.”

“Um…m-maybe, just a thought, c-could you—”

“Oh. You want a piece of her grub?” the queen said with a small smirk as she thrusts her hips forward and causing the tip of her new member to poke the alicorn’s tail hole, causing a small moan to leave Zack’s muzzle. But a shocked reaction from the changeling told her otherwise.

“N-no your majesty! I was j-just—”

“THEN BE SILENT!” the queen half-shouted, causing Thorax to clamp his muzzle shut. “Now you can either sit there and enjoy the show of a life time…or leave.”

Thorax casted a downward glance at the floor, before deciding to get up and leave. As much as the changeling wanted to be there for Zack, he couldn’t watch what the queen had in store for the alicorn, and left the queens chambers.

Now that the bystander was no longer watching, the queen went back to ‘breaking in’ her prisoner. Slowly inserting the black cock into the smaller females folds, Chrysalis breathed an air of awe as she feels the hot confines of the alicorns inner walls, squeeze, and grip at her newly grown shaft. Once more than half of her fifth leg was devoured by the alicorn’s second mouth, the queen began to thrust herself in and out of the mare, earning soft moans from the alicorn as her body shifted about with each movement of the queen.

“Oh yes!” Chrysalis groaned as she feels herself being gripped tightly with each pull.

“It’s been awhile since I was the one taking a mare, but it still feels good.” The queen then looked down under herself to see a rather satisfied alicorn, moaning and breathing heavy breaths as the queen drills into her.

A few moments later and Chrysalis really started to pick up the pace of her thrusts, really driving into Zack’s love tunnel and earning more energetic moans from her. but just as the queen was starting to really enjoy herself, an idea came to the queen.

Ceasing her own thrusts for the time being, the queen hocked up several green globs of goo, and used her magic to wrap it around the mare’s hooves, although it was somewhat hard to concentrate on as the alicorn was thrusting her hips back to continue the sexual endeavor. Once the goo was in place the queen turned back to look down at the mare, her horn igniting with magic, and the faint glazed green hue of the ponies eyes vanished, stopping the alicorns thrusts and leaving her feeling dazed.

“Wha…what’s going on?” Chrysalis leaned down towards the mare and whispered into her ear.

“Just a little fun~”

The mare immediately perked up, and finally took noticed of the position she was in…as well as the erect member that was currently embedded inside her. but before the alicorn could even react to the situation, the queen immediately sped up her own thrusting causing the alicorn to moan loudly as the thick shafts delves deep within her confines, and the queen was enjoying every little cry of pleasure. and the look of half satisfaction, and half resentment and anger on the alicorns face, just made the queen feel even more empowered and bolden in her actions.

“Get ready Zack, I’m about to unload directly into you.” Chrysalis whispered sensually into the alicorns ear, causing a look of dread to take over her face.

“No! Don’t you—AGH!”

Zack was silenced as Chrysalis bit down on the back of the alicorn’s neck, fangs puncturing the skin and drawing some blood, as the changeling queen really revved up her ministrations. And a few more hard thrusts, ending with one final plunge delving deep inside the alicorns womb, where a torrent of cum that painted the pink interior white. When the first burst of cum erupted inside her, the alicorn unleashed a wailing cry of both pleasure and dread, wings erected, stomach bulging, and her own cock unloading its own sticky mess onto the floor. Several seconds later after unloading into the alicorn the queen removed her maw from the alicorns neck, now having some blood dribbling from the bite mark, while her muzzle and fangs remain coated in the ruby liquid.

“That was simply marvelous Zack.” The queen said as she gave the alicorn a kiss on the forehead. But it was weakly shrugged off by the pony.

“Y-you had your, f-fun, now get out of m-me.” Zack said in a somewhat shaky voice, but the queen just gave a wicked grin in response.

“Oh, we’re just getting started…” the alicorn felt another wave of dread wash over her, as a terrified expression came over her face. “And I plan to make this evening as thrilling as possible.”

~~Prison Cell~~

Thorax has been waiting back at the prison for when Zack would be returned, but it’s been three hours since he left the alicorn alone with the queen. As the changeling just sat there in the prison, he wondered what the queen was doing to Zack, aside from the obvious use she was doing before he left, but Thorax wondered if the queen would try to hurt the mare.

His internal conflict was interrupted when the main wall of the prison opened, and saw two guards fly in…with a limp alicorn held in their magic. as the guards brought the mare over to the cell, Thorax could smell the stench of whatever transpired between her and the queen, along with the smell of blood, which was coming from some wounds the changeling could see along the alicorns body. Thorax then watched as the guards opened the cell door, and unceremoniously tossed the mare inside, chuckling as she slumped to the floor while closing the door, and then leaving the prison.

When the guards left the changeling quickly opened the cell door and headed over to Zack, and as he got close to her, he really got a good look at the condition the alicorn was in. her mane and tail were disheveled, the later having some white stains in it. her feathers were just a mess. And the expression on her face…she just looked…defeated. Broken. And the blood trickling from her neck, shoulder, and other places along her body, and the slight bulge of her stomach, told the changeling everything he needed. And confirmed some of his suspicion.

“Zack?” the changeling said as he reached out of a hoof to touch the mare, who only gave a slight twitch as the hoof gently touched her leg, before he was met by the mare’s dulled lavender eyes.

“Thorax?” she asked weakly as she stared up at the changeling, tears starting to build up.

The changeling laid down next to the mare, where he was immediately brought into a hug, which Thorax returned in kind and try to comfort the mare. As she quietly sobs into his shoulder.

Chapter 23: Heat Week Begins…As Well As Zack’s Torment!

Thorax was in a really depressed state. After the queen had initially brought the prisoner Zack to her chambers a week ago, and ‘used’ the alicorn for a little of stress relief…and continued to do so for the whole week! And time and time again, Thorax had protested in the treat to the alicorn, as he knew she did not being the queens new personal pleasure tool.

But the lone changeling was always ignored, or occasional beaten down by either the guards that came for Zack, or the queen herself whenever she decided to retrieve the alicorn. And the failed attempts to try and protect his new friend, has only made the small changeling feel more useless than he already did, which grew when Zack was returned in a sweaty, white stained heap, body reeking of sex, anger, sweat, shame, and sadness. And each time the aircon was returned, Thorax did what he could to help her, from cleaning her up, helping expel the queens ‘gift’ from the pony, and just trying to comfort the mare.

At least the changeling felt a little useful as he was able to do this much for alicorn…but it still didn’t make Thorax feel much better in not being able to help his lone friend.

And yet…Zack never seems to blame him, and even thanks him for trying to be there for her. In fact it seems that the alicorn actually seeks out the changelings presence, waking up and looking for Thorax, and when upon returning to the prison, the pony craves for that simple embrace of concern and tender care. Because she knew that Thorax was the only thing that made her feel safe.

~~~~~

Today would mark the first day of the third week that Zack would be a prisoner of the Hive, and again Thorax slowly pulls himself out of his bed before the sun has even risen in the horizon. As the changeling rises from his bed, and stumbles about in his small rocky hovel, the small male pulls on a rope that on the far wall where a small gush of hot water came pouring out into a large tub, where Thorax quickly dipped himself into and just rolled around to wash his body before hopping out, and shaking himself dry. Once the changeling has cleaned himself, and ate an apple and a large carrot but as he reached for the food he noticed something. He wasn’t hungry. And not just hungry for actual food, but for emotion as well. But that was impossible, changelings are always hungry, and yet for some reason thorax doesn’t feel like he needed to eat anything right now. In fact, for the past four days, Thorax could actually recall not feeling hungry in the slightest. So the changeling withdrew his hoof from the food cabinet, and just made his way to his huts entrance.

Thorax then left his little hovel and flew off towards the prison to begin his work, and as he was flying about the aches and pains of his body started to spring back up. but the changeling tried to ignore his bodily aliments and just continued flying towards the prison. And as the changeling flew to his post, several other changelings whisper to one another as they gesture towards him, whatever it is they were whispering Thorax could probably accurately guess. Which were either some kind of mockery about how much a changeling he isn’t, or something else.

But as he landed in front of the prison and the wall opened up, Thorax heard something…a struggle!

“Get off me!” Zack shouted, causing Thorax to run into the prison as he heard someone else speak.

“Not until I have my fun.”

Thorax found his fellow guard Chiton forcing himself on the bounded alicorn. Flank raised as the other changeling tried to insert himself into her. Chiton grinned as he pressed the flare of his cock against Zack’s vaginal entrance. But before Zack could protest, or Chiton could fully insert into the alicorn, Thorax tackled his fellow changeling and knocking him to the floor.

“What the—”

“STAY AWAY FROM HER!” Thorax shouted as he bared his fangs and gave an angered hiss at Chiton.

“What are you doing Thorax, ruining my fun like that?”

“She doesn’t want this Chiton, now leave!”

“You think you could just barrage in here, and try and take this from me!” Chiton hissed back as the two changelings squared off against one another, while Zack could only just lie there on the floor and watch the two males hiss and snarl at each other.

Giving another loud hiss, Chiton charged at Thorax, where they butted heads with one another, horns scraping against each other. but Chiton was far bigger and stronger than Thorax, so it was easy for him to toss the littler male to the side, but Thorax just got right back up and continued to tackle his fellow changeling! Horn met horn, fangs bite and scrapped against carapace, and hole covered hooves kicked and bucked, as the two males continued to fight one another. And despite Thorax being smaller and weaker, something deep inside him spurred him on to fight like he’s never fought before. With one final bout of energy Thorax bit down on Chiton’s throat, and with strength not normal for him reared up and tossed the other changeling out of the cell, slamming right into the wall with the force knocking him unconscious.

Chiton let out a small groan of pain as he slides down the wall, while Thorax stood there in the cell, eyes narrows, and wings splayed…sparkling as if they had bits of gems embedded in them. After Thorax watched the other changeling drop to the ground, he then felt the rush of adrenalin leave his body, making him feel heavier, but he managed to stay on his hooves and turned to look over at Zack. Who was looking at Thorax with a mixture of bewilderment and awe, as well as high-levels of gratitude.

“You alright Zack?” Thorax asked as he used his magic to remove the slim restraining the alicorn.

“Y-yeah…I’m fine.” Zack said as she sat up. “Thanks for coming to my rescue, that guy just barged into the cell, and tried to fuck me.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t—oof!” Thorax collapsed to the ground as the aches and pains from before, mingled with his new injuries.

“Thorax!” Zack rushed over to the smaller male, and wrapped him in her forelegs and wings.

“I’m fine.” Thorax weakly said.

“Your covered in bruises, and have bite marks oozing green blood. So no, your not fine.” Zack said as she feels said blood staining her chest, while looking over the small males bruised body.

But as she did so, a sense of…longing started to swell within her, and for some reason Zack was starting to feel like she was in a sauna that was just warming up. As for Thorax, as he laid against the alicorn his nose started to twitch. A strange smell tickling his nose, it was spicy, tangy, but it was also, alluring. That’s when Thorax realized what the smell was after lingering in for a while.

‘OH SNAP! She’s in heat! No wonder Chiton—’ Thorax’s train of thought was cut off when he saw Zack’s face slowly reached down to his. “W-w-wait, Zack! We c-can’t—” the small changeling was silenced when Zack placed her forehead on his.

“You need to calm down Thorax, otherwise you’ll just make your condition worst.” Zack said in a comforting tone, using her wings to gently caress over his beaten carapace.

“Zack…are you, feeling, alright?” the changeling asked as the mare continues to hold him, forehead pressed against his.

“I feel a little tingly, and a little pissed off and worried, but other than that I feel fine.”

“Are you sure?” Thorax asked.

“Thorax, if you have something to say then say it.” Zack said as she pulled her face away.

“Your heat isn’t getting to you, is it?”

“Heat?” Zack repeated as a confused look came over her face. “What do you mean by heat?”

“Well, it’s just that Spring has just started, and ponies—”

“Wait! I never read anything about ponies being able to go into heat.” Thorax lifted himself off of the alicorn and looked at her with a serious look.

“Well they do. And if your in heat, and if the queen continues to use you they she has been…” a cold shiver ran down both their spines, but with Zack, an overwhelming sense of dread came over her. “That’s it!” the changeling said as he gets to his hooves.

“That’s what?” the alicorn asked.

“I’m getting you out of here.”

“What do you mean?” Zack questioned.

“Seeing you be taken away, me being unable to help you, and having you come back crying in my hooves…I’m tired of seeing my only friend be treated like this.” Thorax then used his magic to severe the chain that was attached the mare’s hind leg. Before the alicorn could say anything else, Thorax pulled Zack to her hooves and out of the cell.

“Thorax! We’re going to get caught, and if we do they’re only going to make things worse for you!” Zack said as she tried to stop Thorax.

“Not if we’re careful.” Thorax said.

“It’s still early in the morning, so early that most of the hive is still asleep, even if Chiton causes a fuss if we act quickly I can get you out of the Hive so you can fly away.”

Zack thought for a moment about the possible risks, but after looking at the determined expression on the changelings face, she nodded her head and followed Thorax. The two slowly exited the prison, and began to make their way through the Hive as quietly as they could, hiding behind rocks and pillars whenever Thorax sensed another changeling was nearby. So far things seemed to be going well enough, as the pair has been able to sneak past any changelings that they came across.

As they traveled through the Hive, Thorax couldn’t help but feel his body quake, as the alluring scent of Zack’s heat was stirring something within him. but the changeling shook the thoughts out of his head, and continued to guide his friend through the Hive. There were a few moments along the way thought that were a rather close call, especially when Thorax saw one or two other changelings sniff the air when they caught whiff of Zack’s heat, but they managed to make their way to where what would be a castle’s main lobby would be without being caught.

“We’re almost there Zack.” Thorax whispered as he and the alicorn were hiding behind a pillar with a low overhang covering them from anyone that would be able to see them.

“Once we get through that wall, all you have to do is fly as fast as you can.”

“But what about you Thorax, these changeling would probably beat you till you can’t walk, or worst for helping me to escape!” Zack said with worry for her jailer friend, that’s when an idea suddenly came to her mind. “Why don’t you come with me, at least you’ll be safe from a beating, and have a better life than here.”

“I…can’t.”

“Why not Thorax?” Zack questioned.

“Even if I did go with you, the ponies would never accept me. they’d just force me to leave, or just toss me in a cell like my kind did with you.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it!” Zack said in a very protective tone, still in a whisper to make sure they weren’t heard.

“For two weeks Thorax, you have done everything you can to make my time here easier, and you’ve been there to comfort me after your bitch of a queen has used me for her own amusement…you are one of the few people I can clearly say that I consider a friend, actually, NO! I’m confident enough to call you my best friend.”

“R-really?!” Thorax said with surprise.

“Really.” Zack said as she used a wing to wrap the changeling in a hug. “And if any of the ponies have a problem with it, they’ll have to deal with me!” a few tears started to swell up in the changelings eyes, before they were wiped away with a holed hoof.

“Okay. I’ll go with you. no matter where it is, at least I’ll have you by my side.”

The pair then took one last cautious look around the lobby, seeing the only four guards standing at the entrance fly off in a rather big hurry. If Thorax had to guess, they’ve might have received a high priority message, no doubt that Zack is missing from the prison. Quickly the pair galloped towards the entrance, the wall opening up to allow the sun to shine in their faces…but the smiles on their faces vanished almost instantly, as they were meet with a platoon of guards…and Queen Chrysalis standing in front of them. with the queen looking smugly down at the pair.

“You know, I honestly thought that you would’ve made it here much later, but look at you being so sneaky and efficient.” Chrysalis chortled as the two slowly backed away.

“H-how did—”

“I know that you would attempt to break the prisoner out?” Chrysalis said smugly. “I was actually on my way to retrieve my little toy when I saw you two emerge from the prison, and decided to see how far you would get.” the queen then looked at the guards before gesturing towards the pair.

“Subdue the mare…and teach the traitor what happens for aiding in the escape of a prisoner!”

Six changelings tackled Zack from behind, using their combined strength and goo to restrain her, despite her attempts to struggle free. As for Thorax…he was tackled, tossed around, bit and kicked by his fellow changeling, all of them laughing as they bullied and beat down the small male. Thorax tried to fight back, but the group of twelve guards overpowered and overwhelmed him so his efforts were virtually pointless.

“NO!” Zack shouted as she tried to break out of her restraints, wanting to save her friend before the other changelings could greatly injury Thorax, but the goo would not give!

“LEAVE HIM ALONE!” Zack shouted one last time as she watched Thorax be back so hard to his side where it developed a small crack, and have blood trickle out! But none of the changelings or the queen listened to her.

“Traitors must be punished for going against the will of the Hive!” Chrysalis snarled as watches Thorax continued to be beaten around like a small smack.

“NO! please stop this, they’ll kill him!” Chrysalis just gave the alicorn a wicked grin as she looked at the alicorn.

“It is what he deserves.” Zack turned back to look at Thorax, seeing him all beat up and having blood oozing from his wounds, before shifting her sights to one of the guards rearing up on his hind legs…ready to stomp down on Thorax with his front legs.

“END THIS!” the changeling was about to do so, but…

“NO!!!!!” Zack screamed with such volume that she managed to knock back all the guards dogpiling her, and the ones that were close to Thorax, including the one that was about to smash his hooves onto the beaten down male.

“P-please…let him go…and I’ll…do whatever you want me to do…” the guards, after they recovered, looked towards their queen who just looked at Zack for a few moments, before looking at Thorax.

“Very well.” Chrysalis said as she trotted past the beaten down changeling. “Take the prisoner back to her cell, I’ll allow her to rest up before bringing her to my chambers.”

“Yes my queen.” One of the guards said before looking to Thorax. “What should we do with this traitor?”

“Leave him. as of this moment, Thorax is no longer part of the Badlands Hive.”

The other changelings looked at Thorax for a second, before flying or trotting back to their original post’s before the queen pulled them from them. the six males that gooed up Zack then gathered her up in her makeshift cocoon, and flew her back to her cell, with a mournful look on her face.

As for the beat down and bloody Thorax, he continued to lay there in the dirt, his blood drooling from his wounds and mouth as the morning sun glares down upon him. with very shaky and weaken legs, Thorax slowly raised himself up and tried to stand, but the injuries that coat his body caused him to buckle and drop to the ground. a very painful cry escaping his mouth before a spurt of green blood followed with a few coughs. But the coughs soon devolved into sobs as Thorax laid there, eyes starting to overflow with tears.

“I’m s-sorry Zack…” Thorax sobbed. “I’m s-sorry I failed to h-help you, again.”

As time passed to where it was now close to high noon, Thorax was finally able to get to his hooves, legs and body shaking as he did so. After getting to his hooves, Thorax glanced at the changeling Hive, before shambling off into the distance, limping every step of the way. Reaching the very edge of the changelings wasteland boarder, Thorax took one final look at the Hive over his shoulder, his look of depression slowly turning to one of determination.

“I’ll be back Zack; I’ll bring back help to get you out of there. just please…hang in there and wait for when we come back.”

Thorax then shambled his way into the forest that was on the boarder, his destination already in mind to find ponies that would be the best option to help save his friend. But after a few minutes of walking, the changeling succumbed to his injures and the amount of blood he lost, and once again fell to the ground as he began to lose consciousness.

Chapter 47: the Rise of a New Nightmare

Twilight was in absolute horror at the sight that stood before her. the exiled queen of the changelings had just ran Thorax through with her horn, when he shoved Zack out of the way before she was meet with the same fate. But despite all that, the alicorns heart sank into her stomach as she watched green blood spurt and rupture not just from his wound, but his mouth as well while his eyes widen with an expression of utter pain plastered over his face.

“WORTHLESS GRUB!” the queen then screeched as she lowered her head slightly. “HOW DARE YOU GET IN MY WAY!”

The queen then reared her head off to the side, before violently swinging it to the other side which sent Thorax’s pierced body soaring through the air, before he crashed into a nearby tree with a sickening ‘Crunch’ and ‘Sploosh.’ Twilight then watched as Thorax slid down the trunk of the tree and leaving a clear streak of vibrant green blood. The alicorn and her two pegasi friends rushed over to the downed changeling, and once they reached him all three mares couldn’t tell if Thorax was breathing or not, but that was not Twilight’s greatest concern right now. If Thorax was indeed alive, by some stroke of a miracle, then she had to work fast. So the alicorn started to cast some basic healing magic, hoping to be able to close the wound at least and prevent further blood lost.

“Twilight, he…he’s going to live, isn’t he?” Fluttershy wept as she held Thorax’s motionless head in her hooves.

“I…I don’t know. But if there is a chance, I have to work fast!” Twilight said as she continues to apply her basic healing magic, which is working at closing the wound, but at a slow pace.

“If he did not feel the need to interfere then he could have at least lived to see me take my vengeance—”

“Shut up!” Rainbow Dash screamed as she turned to face Chrysalis, eyes narrowed and browed furrowed with anger unlike of which she’s never felt before, her wings and feathers bristled like an angry cat.

“I have had it up to here with you and your horse apples Chrysalis, you’re going down NOW!” And with that and a battle cry, Rainbow Dash vaulted herself at top speed towards Chrysalis, slamming into the exiled queen and pushing her a good dozen or so feet, while delivering punch after punch to the Chrysalis.

But Rainbow Dash’s improve attack was short lived, as she was quickly wrapped up in Chrysalis’s magical aura, before she was set on fire!

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight and Fluttershy both cried out as they just watched their friend be set on fire, and like Thorax, tossed aside like garbage.

Stopping her treatment on Thorax, Twilight teleported over to her friend who was writhing in agony as she cries out in pain. Twilight uses her magic to quickly snuff out the fire, which upon dispersing it saw that the damage to her friend wasn’t too severe. But was still bad overall. Half of her body was badly burnt, but what caused Twilight even more heartache, was that Rainbow Dash’s wings had more than half their feathers burned away. Again Twilight started to apply her healing magic, but she was encased in an green aura and was lifted a few feet off the ground. the alicorn tried to free herself of her restraint, but the ex-queen’s magic was just to strong, as it started to squeeze and strangle the mare as Chrysalis started to speak.

“I was going to save you for last princess, but I might as well take care of you right here and now.”

Chrysalis’s magical aura tightened further on Twilight, even changing into the form of a giant snake, coiling around the alicorn, and looked ready to swallow the mare whole as it unhinged its jaws. Revealing its insides to be a burning green tunnel. But just as the snake had its gapping maw just over Twilight’s head, a bright light blue magical blast came rocketing out of the lingering wisps of smoke, and struck the snake’s head and decapitating it. causing the whole spectral serpent to fade away, dropping Twilight where she was held up and left gasping for air. Then a few more magical blasts streaked through the air, some the same light blue ones and a few being darker in color. but magical blasts weren’t the only things that were racing towards Chrysalis, a large glob of goop, streamers, and confetti as well.

“You won’t get away with this Chrysalis!” the rest of Twilight’s friends shouted as they raced towards where Twilight and the queen was, who brought up a shield to block all the attacks sent against her.

“And none of you are going to survive this day!” Chrysalis then unleashed a huge wave of energy that knocked all of Twilight’s friends, injured or otherwise, back a few feet before they were suspended in the air.

“Now that I have all of you, how should I—wait!” the queen balked as Twilight saw a confused look on her face. “Where is Zack?”

As soon as the queen asked where Zack was, Twilight actually noticed that throughout this whole ordeal, Zack was nowhere to be seen. She would’ve thought for certain that seeing one of her closest friends be impaled by Chrysalis’s horn would’ve definitely caused her to go ballistic, like how she reacted to when Discord manipulated her life. But when Twilight was wondering where her look alike was, a deep chill ran down her spine…a familiar chill. And it seemed that everypony else seemed to have taken noticed of the same deep chilling presence. Then following the frigid sensation creeping over her body, Twilight felt an incredible uncomfortable heat start permeating the area, it was becoming so hot that Twilight was gasping for air as her body was overheating and sweating bucket loads. That’s when Twilight heard this loud thunderous ‘KABOOM’ come from behind her, before a turbulent force knocked Twilight, her friends, and queen Chrysalis to the ground.

Recovering from the force Twilight looked to where it came from, and where her eyes landed was where Thorax was still laying limp on the ground, and slouched over him was Zack. but something was wrong! Unlike the last two times Zack went berserk, her magical essence just bleed out of her like a broken facet. This time however…was different. Twilight watched as Zack’s slouched over body was convulsing and twitching, like she was having a seizure, and her wings were spasming all over the place that it looked like they were trying to detach from the pale alicorns body. That’s when Twilight noticed that her doppelgangers magic took on a more opaque dark purple coloration, almost pitch black, which then started to cover Zack’s entire body as if it was sludge until the alicorn was nothing more than a gelatinous pile of goop.

A moment later Twilight watched as the sludge started to boil and bubble, with fumes and fire huffing and puffing from each popped bubble, which is followed by a horrendous smell. As if something has been left rotting in the desert sun. just then the bubbling and gurgling sludge harden as a heavy sensation started bare down on Twilight, but this oppressive presence was quickly overlooked when the harden mound started to crack.

Then in a sudden eruption, a large pair of wings stood straight up, but they weren’t identical wings. The wing on the right was black with some shades of red spread across its ruffled and unkept feathers, while the left wing was black as well but instead of having shades of red, the left wing had shades of blue and looked to be soggy and limp. Once the wings emerged from the mound the rest of Zack’s body started to emerge, but like the wings Twilight saw that her friend’s body has undergone a change. Zack’s body was now bigger, at least as big as Luna or Cadence maybe a bit bigger, and her coat has turned black as well, but like her wings her body had shades of red and blue blended into it. But as more and more of Zack’s body emerged from the mound, Twilight saw more changes to her twins body. From her mane and tail seemingly split in two, with one side being incredibly frizzy, primarily reddish in color and was giving off a faint heat wave, while one side looked wavy and floaty, and had droplets of black fluid waft from it before evaporating

“What is this?” Twilight heard Chrysalis asked in utter confusion. But Twilight paid the queen’s remark no mind, and just kept her eyes on the newly transformed Zack, whose left ear twitched at the queens voice.

Twilight then watched as her friend turned to face the group, and once she did Zack revealed that her face was basically featureless and smooth, with only having two blank glowing white eyes. Eyes that are encircled by the same green and purple flames that Twilight saw last time, and her horn which is now as long as Celestia’s crackled and arced black electricity.

“What in Equestria happened to her?” Rarity asked with a tone of dread in her voice.

“It doesn’t matter.” Chrysalis said as she stood and took a commanding and dominating pose, while Twilight watched her transformed doubles head slowly turn to the right, before stopping with sickening crack.

“Even if she changes her form, she’s still no match for me.” Twilight watched as the queen started to charge up her horn with magic, she quickly turned towards her double to warn her, but Twilight saw Zack’s horn just send out small jolt of black lightning towards Chrysalis in almost in the blink of an eye. But all the spark did was just gently tap the queen on the chest.

“Hahahahahaha. What was that suppose to accomplish?” Chrysalis mocked while giving a hearty laugh, but Twilight just watched as an eerie elongated smile started form on Zack’s featureless face. “What are you smiling for—”

The queen was cut off in Twilight watched Chrysalis’s body explode into horrible display of viscera, which caused not just Twilight but everypony that was conscious to scream out in horror. Chrysalis’s bodily remains twisted and warped as all of her green blood crystalizes, and sticks all the torn muscles, ripped vertebrae, shattered carapace, and scattered entrails in a statue of utter carnage. With the center piece being Chrysalis’s head, whose expression was left in a wide eyed state of uncertainty, as if she couldn’t comprehend what just happened. But as Twilight was reeling in the utter horror that just took before her, her attention shifted to Zack as actually started to laugh? The twisted form of her twin started cackle and laugh as a dementated mad mare, but it then shifted to, sobbing, and crying while the twisted alicorn’s body started to reel and arch away, while her wings encased around her. But the wails of sorrow shifted back to the maniacal laughter as the mare just, pranced around the place, before stopping and bolting up into the air at blinding speeds leaving only sparks of fire and black electricity.

“…Twi…what, what just happened?” Applejack asked after a few moments of silence go by.

“I…I think Zack just, became something like Nightmare Moon.” Twilight theorized as she got to her hooves. “But we first need to get Thorax and Rainbow Dash to a hospital.”

“We can handle that.” Starlight said as she levitated Thorax’s body over the group, while Rarity did the same with Rainbow Dash. “You head off to Canterlot and tell the princess on what just happened.”

“Okay, I’ll see guys later.” And with that Starlight teleported the whole gang back to Ponyville, but before Twilight teleported away she looked back to the gruesome aftermath of Chrysalis’s end.

“It didn’t have to end this way Chrysalis…but I guess its to late to make a change now.” After giving her final thoughts to Chrysalis’s, corpse, Twilight used her magic to teleport away.