The Band of Loyalty

King had to be carried on Chrysalis' back all the way back to Ponyville. She'd taken the form of Soarin, and three dozen changelings following behind them had taken the forms of unmarked, unnamed Wonderbolts in flight masks, so as not to be recognized. Who would question if Rainbow was hanging out with the Wonderbolts?

Sir was also having some issue, though not as much as King, perhaps because he was less used to having power. He was able to walk, but he left that to Scootaloo. There was nothing keeping her from walking alongside the group. While she knew Rainbow was being held back as King was using her strength to fuel himself, she grabbed his hand, anyway. She wanted to apologize to Rainbow for her failure. This venture was supposed to take out the incubi, possibly taking down a series of changelings with it. She never imagined that it would lead to them teaming up. That possibility hadn't even crossed her mind, and now Rainbow was suffering because of that.

The way back was slow going, taking a little more than two days' time. When they finally arrived back in Ponyville, they were met with the faces of all the ponies that were taking pleasure in the incubi's presences before they'd left, but much more angry, and not so happy to see them. On sight, they grabbed King and dragged him to the castle of friendship, where Princess Twilight was waiting.

"King, was it?" she asked. "Don't bother answering that. I know what you are, and what you've been doing to Ponyville. That stops today. I've been released from your grasp, and I've since made the effort to release everypony else in town. Before long, you'll be completely drained of your power, and we can cast you out and regain our friend and ally, Rainbow Dash."

King said nothing. He was too weak to fight back, as most of his powers had been stripped by now. He was almost to the point where he could no longer control Rainbow's actions against her will. Soon, she'd be capable of fighting back against him.

"You're to be tied up in the dungeon awaiting purification. Soon, you will be gone, and Rainbow will be back with us."

A group of guards tied King up and dragged him off, locking him away in a small cell with nopony around. After all, they couldn't risk him indoctrinating anypony else. He was completely alone with his host.

Elsewhere, Scootaloo has been made to drink the influence-breaking potion Twilight had brewed. She hadn't been under the control of King, so to her, it was just a weird tea. She couldn't feel the presence of Sir anymore, so there was a chance he was gone, but until she was sure, she wasn't going to take any risks. Especially when Chrysalis had a bad reaction to the drink and accidentally exposed herself. She was afforded her own cell in the castle dungeon, but her underlings managed to stomach it with little issue. As they weren't indoctrinated, either, it was just for show.

With the "Wonderbolts" cured, they flew off into the sky, heading back to Cloudsdale. Once they were sufficiently out of sight, they circled around and landed near the Everfree forest, shedding their disguises and setting up a temporary camp. With the two beings commanding their group locked away, they didn't have anyone to direct them in how to proceed. For the moment, they were lost.

Late into the evening, one of them disguised himself as a delivery pony and made his way into town, a letter in his hand. He made his way through the streets, not stopping until he found where Scootaloo was living. With a firm knock, he was greeted by a young stallion. "Urgent letter for Ms. Scootaloo."

The stallion turned and called up the stairs, leaving when Scoots was in view. "I wasn't expecting any mail."

"Nevertheless, the pony who sent it wanted to make sure you read it right away."

Scootaloo took the letter upstairs to her bedroom. She'd had a relaxing bath, and found that she was still endowed with her extra appendage. She was relatively sure that Sir was still around, he was just lying dormant for now. Ripping open the envelope, she flopped down on her bed and started reading.

We're at a loss as to how we should proceed. With King and Queen Chrysalis out of commission, we have no idea what our next step is. We need a leader, and as King's second-in-command, you are our best chance. Meet us behind the civics center one hour before midnight, if you are willing to aid us. We await your command, Sir.

Scootaloo crumpled up the page and tossed it into the wastebasket. She didn't really want to help the changelings. What she wanted was to make sure Rainbow was alright. She'd read tales of those hosts who had been bound to incubi and succubi being unbound, and it hadn't worked out particularly well for either party. In a few cases, the host had been able to return to their life, but that was very rare. It was more likely that they died in the process, and even more likely that they were irreparable. Rainbow was tough, but the odds were stacked against her. Perhaps it would be best if Rainbow and King were to stay together. At the very least, they'd survive.

She rolled over and closed her eyes. She had nothing to worry about. Princess Twilight was one of Rainbow's best friends. She'd make absolute certain that Rainbow would be okay. She just had to put her trust in the princess, and keep her head down. When this was all over, Rainbow would make the right call as to whether or not Sir would be leaving, as well. Scootaloo had found him to be inoffensive, but Rainbow had more experience. She would know better. Right now, it might be better to just wait and see. Then again, if Rainbow wasn't herself, could she really be trusted?

Scootaloo shook the thought from her head. Patience was the key, here. She just had to wait for everything to clear up, and then she could make an informed, proper decision. It was only a matter of time. She didn't need the changelings, and she could hold off Sir on her own if need arose. It was just a matter of time. Everything would be alright. Right?