The Band of Loyalty

Shining Armor strode along the border of the Crystal Empire, looking out over the expanse of tundra that surrounded them. There wasn't much going on at the moment, and on one hand, he was grateful for that. It meant that he was doing his job properly. On the other hand, it made him uneasy. The universe would only give him such a reprieve if something bad had happened recently, or would be happening in the near future. The worst thing he could think of recently was a minor scuffle in the marketplace. That meant something bad was about to happen, and he wanted to be ready for it. Not knowing what was coming, he thought a simple patrol would do him some good. Even if he didn't find anything, he could return to the palace, content in the fact that he did everything in his power to make sure the town was safe.

"I see him," confirmed King from the other side of the snow bank. "He's alone, and he's looking out here among the drifts. I don't think he sees us, but that's about to change. Are we ready?"

Sir opened the large cart and the pack of Timberwolves filed out, licking their masters' cheeks playfully. "These guys are."

"I am," smiled Chrysalis, donning her pony disguise. "And I guarantee my changelings are ready to go, as well."

King took one more look at Shining Armor. "We're all clear, then. Go."

Chrysalis was the first to go, running out into the open with a wagon strapped to her shoulders. A few seconds later, she let out a scream, and the timber wolves began their chase, a bit slower than what they normally would.

Shining heard the scream and looked up to see a young mare running from a pack of timber wolves. This was exactly what he needed right now. He drew his blade from his scabbard and ran for the mare, eager to aid in her defense.

He was coming alone. That was a surprise to King. He'd expected a few guards to come with him, but he hadn't even called for backup. Very odd. Even the most adept of guards had always called for at least one other to watch their back, but Shining was going in alone. Then again, there weren't any guards nearby, which may have informed his decision. Perhaps he thought it was best to try to save this mare than to risk her dying by taking the time to look for backup. A good snap decision, unless the mare you were rescuing was leading you into a trap.

As soon as she was sure Shining Armor was chasing her, Chrysalis let out another scream and turned toward the trees, seemingly to throw the timber wolves off her tail, but they followed her seamlessly. As she rushed into the woods, she realized just how thick the trees were. She had to use her magic to shift the cart every so often to keep it from becoming stuck in the raised roots and new saplings.

As soon as Shining Armor had entered the woods, King took flight. Sir had been watching the Empire for backup, and had seen nopony following Shining. King was in the clear. He soared over the trees, eyes darting back and forth among the coniferous boughs until he found Shining's aura. He kept a close eye on him as he caught up with the timber wolves, knocking them apart as he went. As the group reached a clearing, Shining knocked the final timber wolf aside just as Chrysalis fell to the snow-covered ground.

Shining took up a defensive stance between her and the wolves, his blade pointed to the aggressors. "Don't worry, miss. I am prince Shining Armor, and I will not allow them to hurt you."

"I was out gathering wood for my fire when I was attacked! Please help me!" King had to admit, she was convincing.

With a flurry of his blade, Shining temporarily dispatched the timber wolves. They weren't down for good, or even really all that injured; they, too, were just playing a part. Sufficiently satisfied with his performance, he put away his sword, and offered the fallen mare a hand. As he pulled her up, she hugged him. "Thank you so much for saving me. I owe you my life."

"Don't be silly," smiled Shining. "You don't owe me anything. I'm a long-time royal guard. Protecting those in danger is part of the job description."

Chrysalis ran her finger along his chest. "Still, don't you think my hero deserves some manner of reward?"

Shining took her by the wrist. "The greatest reward is making sure you're safe at home. Come on, I'll take you to the palace. We'll have the medic examine you for injuries, then we'll assign somepony to see you back home." Placing his hand on the small of her back, he began to escort her out of the forest.

As soon as he was out of view, the timber wolves stood up and ran back towards Ponyville. Their job was done. King continued to follow Shining Armor from overhead, watching Chrysalis lead Shining deeper into their trap. The changelings that had been hiding in the woods had covered their tracks on the way in, and had made a different path for Shining and Chrysalis to follow. It only led the duo deeper into the woods, where there was a convenient net awaiting them.

After the pair was tangled in the net and there was enough changeling goo to stop Shining from being able to cast any type of abjuration, King descended. "Nice work, team," he chuckled, reaching through the webbing and pulling down the back of Shining's pants. "Go back to Sir and await further orders. Chrysi and I will take care of the rest."

As Shining looked over to the mare he'd saved, she turned back into a changeling queen. "Did you miss me, 'dear?'" Shining could only grunt angrily, as the goo covering his face had silenced him. He did not go willingly into the embrace of his new King, but after a bit of 'convincing,' he was happy to be King's new favourite butt slut, and his intestines were just begging for Chrysalis' eggs. With both of them sufficiently satisfied for now, it was time to send Shining back home, and for King to await his call. It wouldn't be long now before the crystal ponies were theirs.