Shore Leave

The sky over the Crystal Empire was clear and beautiful as the local express train pulled in to the station. All around, ponies were seen doing various tasks ranging from reading newspapers and talking with other travelers to eating snacks and enjoying the lovely scenery. Though the increased presence of members of the Crystal Guard was something to be noted. As the train came to a complete stop, each of them approached it before stopping next to one of the coaches.

Once the door of the carriage opened up, each guardpony bowed in respect as Twilight stepped off. She was soon followed by Starlight and Thorax as they disembarked as well. When they all were on the platform, the presence of a familiar stallion was soon noticed as he waved at them.

"Shining Armor!" the Princess called out upon seeing her older brother. As she always would, she rushed over and gave him a big hug. "What brings you out here?"

"What," he said with a smirk on his face before playfully ruffling up her mane. "An older brother has to have a reason to meet his little sis at the train station?" This just made her giggle in response before they hugged again. Once he finished his hug, he looked up and smiled at his sister's friends.

"Hey there, Shining," Thorax said as he and Starlight walked over to them. "How's things been here?"

"Pretty quiet for the most part," the stallion answered. "Not that I mind though. I've had more than enough chaos for a little while."

"I wouldn't say that so loudly if I were you," Starlight said. "Wouldn't want a certain draconequus to take that as a challenge."

"Good point," the Prince replied before the four of them started walking. "Definitely don't need that happening." This made all of them laugh as they crossed the tracks and began making their way toward the castle.

"So are all of Captain Blade's immediate family here?" Twilight asked.

"Yes," Shining answered. "His parents along with his older brother are here. His brother's fiancé is also here as a precaution too. All of them were very surprised and worried upon hearing the reason for their sudden relocation."

"I can understand that," Starlight said. "It's not every day that a family member is targeted by one of Equestria's most wanted villains."

"Speaking of Chrysalis," the stallion said. "Why aren't you guys helping search for her in Manehattan?"

"Starlight and I will be heading that way," his sister answered. "But we just wanted to make sure that Steel's family was safe and sound here before we did anything else. Thorax will remain here to help make sure it stays that way."

"Fair enough," he replied. As they entered the town surrounding the castle, things looked as though everything was normal. Crystal ponies were seen doing their everyday activities ranging from eating at various restaurants, shopping at the local stores, and getting their pictures taken at the giant statue of Spike. As she saw that, Twilight just rolled her eyes and chuckled while continuing onward.

Soon, the group had entered the castle. Once inside, Shining led the small group toward the main throne room. As they walked, Twilight noticed the increased number of guard ponies patrolling the hallways and corridors of the castle.

"As you can see, little sis," the stallion said, gaining her attention. "We're not taking any chances here when it comes to protecting Captain Blade's family. Until Chrysalis is caught, I've doubled the amount of guards and have them patrolling all around the castle."

"That's good," she replied. "I'm sure Steel will be relieved when I tell him about this."

"Yeah," Starlight added. "That'll be a huge weight off of his mind."

After saying that, the group stopped outside of the large doors that led into the throne room. Using his magic, Shining opened them and stepped inside, followed closely by the others. Once inside, the purple alicorn smiled as she immediately saw Cadance with little Flurry Heart on her back talking to a group of ponies that she assumed to be Steel's family. A large gray colored unicorn stallion with a brown mane and tail stood next to a pink colored unicorn mare who had a black mane and tail. Standing next to them was a light brown colored unicorn stallion with the same colored mane and tail as the mare. The only one she recognized though was Sassy Saddles.

"Hey hun!" Cadance called out upon seeing her husband return. As she walked over, both she and Flurry looked happy to see him.

"Hello dear," he replied as the two stopped face to face. They then pecked each other on the lips.

"Hi Cadance!" Twilight said in an excited tone while waving at her. Seeing this, Cadance smiled before returning the gesture.

"Hello Twilight," she said. "How are you doing today?"

"I'm doing pretty good," she answered. "Just wanted to make sure Steel's family made it here safely." She then looked over at all of the other ponies as they conversed with each other. "Can I speak with them?"

"Of course," the pink alicorn answered. "In fact. They actually were hoping to get a chance to speak with you."

"Great," she replied cheerfully. "I'll head over there then."

"You go on ahead, Twilight," Starlight said. "Thorax and I are gonna go see if we can find Sunburst before we head out. Maybe he can offer some advice on how to track Chrysalis down."

"Good idea," she replied. "I'll wait for you at the station when we're finished here."

"Sounds good," the unicorn mare said before she and the changeling king left the room. Once alone, Twilight turned her attention back to the Captain's family as they were all now looking at her. Seeing that, she breathed in deeply to calm herself before exhaling slowly. Once she was done with that, she walked over to them.

"Hello there, everypony," she said as she approached them.

"Greetings, your majesty," the stallion replied as they all bowed in front of her. "It is an honor to speak to you."

"The honor is mine," she replied as they all stood back up straight. "I'm glad to see that you all made it here safely. May I ask your names?"

"Certainly," he replied. "My name is Iron Blade. And this lovely mare beside me is my wife, Sharpshooter." The mare just blushed and giggled before pecking his cheek.

"It's nice to meet you, Princess Twilight," she said as she smiled warmly at her. "Thank you for doing everything you can to protect our son."

"Yes," Iron added. "Steel told us about how you and your friends saved both him and his ship out at sea. And now you're continuing to help protect him, and us, from this threat." He then bowed in front of her again. "We are forever in your debt."

"It's nothing really," Twilight replied. "You both raised a great stallion. You should be proud of him."

"We are," Sharpshooter replied. "We're proud of both of our children." When she finished saying that, she motioned for the other two ponies to come. "I'm sure you've heard of this one as well," she continued as they stopped next to them. "This is our oldest son, Wooden Blade."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Twilight," the actor said as he bowed in front of her. "Thank you for everything you've done for my little brother."

"You're welcome," she replied before turning to look at Sassy. "Hello Sassy. Long time no see."

"Yes!" she eagerly replied. "Yes it has been, Princess."

"How's the shop in Canterlot?"

"We're doing fantastic over there," she answered. "Business has never been better. Rarity is going to be so proud. Though I didn't get a chance to tell her I'd be here."

"Don't worry about that," Twilight replied. "I'll make sure to let her know."

"Thank you."

"So where exactly is Steel, Princess?" Iron asked, making her turn around to look at him and Sharpshooter. "Is he safe?"

"Yes, Mr. Blade," she answered. "He is safe. But for your safety, I can't say exactly where he is. The less ponies who know, the better."

"Oh," he replied in a disappointed tone before looking down toward the floor. "I... see."

"Don't worry, dear," his wife said as she nuzzled his cheek. "You heard what she said. Steel's safe. That's all that matters right now."

"I.. suppose you're right," he replied.

"Plus we get to spend some quality time with Wooden again," she continued. "Something we haven't had a chance to do for quite some time."

"That is true," the stallion replied. "It'd certainly be nice to do that." As the couple spoke, Shining and Cadance walked over to them and stood by the purple alicorn.

"Excuse me, miss," Shining said, making Sharpshooter look at him. "I'm sorry. But you look familiar. Have we met before?"

"I... don't think we've met personally," she replied as she rubbed her muzzle in thought. "But then again. Maybe you know me from my old days in the ECWF."

"The... ECWF?" Twilight asked in a confused tone. "What's that?"

"The Equestrian Championship Wrestling Federation," she answered before smiling with pride. "One of the best moments of my life. Well. Aside from marrying my sweet Iron and having Wooden and Steel." As she said that, Shining seemed to grow happier and happier while standing next to his wife.

"I knew it!" the Prince exclaimed before making an old poster appear in a flash of magic and showing it. On the canvas was a portrait of Sharpshooter when she was a younger adult mare as she posed with a championship belt around her body. "7-time ECWF Champion of Mares! You even retired from the ring as champ! That's something not many can say."

"Ah. That was a long time ago," she replied as she stared at the poster of her younger self. "So many fights. So many memories. Remember this, dear? You were there when that photo session happened."

"I'd never forget that," he replied. "That's from when you started your first reign as champion. I was so proud of you. Just like I am now." The two older ponies then hugged while everyone else looked on. Though Wooden looked more surprised than any other pony in the room.

"You were a wrestler?" the actor asked as he stared at the poster.

"Yes I was, Woody," she answered. "And quite a good one too I might add. I never met a mare that I couldn't take down."

"She even tussled with a few stallions just to really test herself," Iron added before chuckling. "They sure were embarrassed when she showed them what she could do."

"Why didn't you tell us this?" her son asked. "Does Steel know?"

"If he does, it wasn't from us," she answered. "This was back before we had you two. Once I retired from the ring, your father and I settled down in Des Mane and got married. Before you came along, I had long since faded from the spotlight. I.. guess the topic just never came up."

"I guess that's where you got your natural charisma from, son," Iron added. "Sharpie was gifted with that. She'd always manage to get inside her opponent's head and have them off their game by the time the bell rang."

"That was the fun part," she said before giggling. "Well. Aside from the flank kicking."

"I see," Wooden replied. "So the whole family has done something special then. Mom's a retired wrestler. I'm an actor. Steel's a ship Captain." He then looked at his father. "And Dad? You still have the shop going?"

"Yes, Wooden," he replied. "The shop's still doing very well."

"You run a store?" Twilight asked.

"Mmhm," the older stallion answered while nodding. "In Des Mane. That's what me and Sharpie have been doing since she retired from the ring. What started out as a hobby of mine turned into a career for both of us." He then rubbed his muzzle as though he was thinking about something. "Come to think of it. Had we not opened the shop, Steel might not have discovered his passion for swords."

"Swords?" the Princess asked. "You two sell swords?"

"Yes," the stallion answered. "We make them too. Well. I make them at least. I also make other things as well depending on commissions and orders." He then nuzzled his wife's cheek. "Sharpie here manages the storefront and sales. I never was good at that part of the job."

"So you're a blacksmith?"

"Yes. I am," he replied.

"That's amazing!" she said in an impressed tone. As she processed what the stallion in front of her had said, another thought came into her mind. The thought of Steel and his reaction to having to part with his sword. "Mr. Blade?" she asked, gaining his attention once more.

"Yes? What is it, Princess?"

"There's something I'd like to ask you," she answered before lighting up her horn. Seconds later, the Captain's sword appeared in a flash of magic. As soon as they saw it, both of the Captain's parents gasped slightly. "This sword," she continued as she withdrew it from the scabbard. "There's something special about it. Am I right?"

"Yes," Iron simply answered as he took hold of it with his own gray colored magic. Once in his possession, he brought it close to where he could see his reflection in the polished metal. The Princess quietly looked on as a tear formed in his eye before he looked up at her. "How do you have this?" he softly asked after looking back up at her. "My son rarely goes anywhere without it."

"Where he's currently at," she answered. "It wouldn't have been a smart idea for him to keep it. But don't worry. Like I said before, he's safe. And he'll get it back as soon as he returns. But if I may ask. What is it that's so special about that sword?"

"Steel and I made this sword together," he said while smiling with pride before sniffling as he looked at the sword in his magical grasp. "It was my way of congratulating him for his acceptance into the Equestrian Merchant Marine Academy."

"Just like how Dad and I made this golden clapboard when I got accepted into acting school," Wooden added before making a director's clapboard made of gold appear. Seeing that, Twilight looked closely at it and found that it was customized with the actor's name and the school he went to engraved on the side like how a regular clapboard would look like. "I've always kept this around ever since we made it."

"I'm glad to hear that, son," he replied as he looked over at him and his fiancé with a proud smile on his face.

"He even made our wedding rings himself," Sharpshooter added while gesturing up at her horn, more specifically the skillfully crafted ring on there. "He's got quite the talent when it comes to crafting things made of metal."

"That's incredible," the alicorn replied as she gazed at it.

"As you can see," Iron said as he gestured toward the beginning of the blade portion for the alicorn to see. "I personalized this for Steel." Looking closely, the Princess saw an engraving that looked like Steel's cutie mark, two swords crossing in an 'X' shape, merged with an anchor. It also had his name and 'Equestrian Merchant Marine Academy' on there as well.

"Wow," she said in an impressed tone. "That must've taken a lot of time to make."

"It did," he replied. "We spent many weekends working on it when he came back to visit. But all of that time was worth it."

"I'm glad to hear that," the alicorn said. "Quality time together is something that family members should always cherish."

"Couldn't have said it better myself, little sis," Shining added as he playfully nudged her. This in turn made the young alicorn smile at him.

"I do hope that, despite everything, you all enjoy your time here in the Crystal Empire," Cadance said as she and Flurry Heart smiled at all of them.

"I'm sure we will," Sharpshooter replied. "I've always wanted to come visit. I just wish it was under... better circumstances."

"That's understandable," Twilight said. "But at least you all are safe and sound here. And soon, you'll be reunited with Steel once more."

"We look forward to that moment, Princess," Wooden replied. Both parents nodded in agreement as well. Seeing that, Twilight just silently nodded as she took back possession of the Captain's sword. She then turned and began to walk away from them toward the door exiting the throne room.

"Princess Twilight!" Iron called out, making her look back at them.

"Yes?" she asked, turning around to face them.

"If you're able to. Could you pass along a message to Steel?"

"Of course," she answered. "What is it?"

"Tell him that all of us love him and hope that he is safe. And that we hope to see him again soon," the stallion replied. "We'd be extremely grateful if you could do that for us."

"I'll be sure to pass that along," she said in a caring tone as she smiled at the family.

"Thank you," Sharpshooter said. "I know you're probably getting tired of us saying it. But this truly does mean a lot to us that you're doing all this to protect our son."

"Yeah," Wooden added. "After Steel and I talked yesterday, I learned just how much my decisions affected not only him, but my parents too. I want to do my best to make up for lost time. And I can't do that if he's being targeted by one of Equestria's biggest threats."

"Even though he isn't my brother-in-law yet," Sassy said as she leaned against her fiancé. "I already see him as family. I want him to be free from all this nonsense that Chrysalis is putting him through."

"Don't worry," Twilight replied as she gazed at all of them with a determined expression on her face. "My friends and I will make sure that Chrysalis won't cause him any more problems. Hopefully we'll be able to track her down quickly."

"We wish you the best of fortune then," Iron said as the rest of his family nodded in agreement. Twilight just smiled warmly and nodded silently in response before exiting the throne room, leaving the family with Shining and Cadance. As she walked along, she kept thinking how fortunate Steel was to have such a caring family. Even though Wooden and Sassy seemed to be distant from Iron and Sharpshooter, she felt as though this was a good opportunity for all of them to catch up and spend quality time together.

Exiting the castle, the Princess lit up her horn and disappeared in a flash of magic only to reappear inside her own library at her castle. Once she gathered herself, she levitated the Captain's sword off of her body and gently placed it on the table that was closest to the mirror portal. When that was taken care of, she looked over at the mirror and sighed slightly.

"You have such a loving and caring family, Steel," she said in her mind as she gazed at it. "I'll make sure you're reunited with them as soon as possible." After that, she lit up her horn once again before teleporting from her library to the train station just outside the limits of the Crystal Empire. Gathering her bearings again, she looked around and found Starlight standing next to the ticket booth. As soon as she saw her, she smiled before walking over to her. "Hey Starlight," she said, gaining her friend's attention. "Were you able to get any advice from Sunburst?"

"Not really," she said in a disappointed tone. "Changeling hunting wasn't really something he had any knowledge of. The only thing he had to say was to listen to Scythe, but to also keep our guard up."

"Keep our guard up?" the Princess asked. "Why would he say that?"

"I asked that same question," she answered. "And his response was that we don't know for certain just how committed Scythe is to Thorax and the new changeling hive. This could all be some elaborate plan in order for Chrysalis to lure us into a trap."

Hearing that, Twilight opened her mouth to say something in response, but then closed it before rubbing her muzzle with a forehoof in thought. What she heard wasn't far from the realm of believability.

"What do you think we should do then?" she asked. "Scythe is supposed to be leading us to Chrysalis and the rest of her remaining followers."

"We go along as planned," the unicorn mare answered. "But we keep ourselves ready for anything. We don't really have any other choice. This could be our best chance yet to get Chrysalis before she can elude us."

"Alright," the alicorn said. "So. Are you ready for us to get out of here?"

"As ready as I'm going to be," she answered before lighting up her horn. "Where are we teleporting to?"

"Rarity said that they'd all be waiting for us at her shop in Manehattan," Twilight answered as she lit up her horn once again. After saying that, the two mares disappeared in a flash of magic just to reappear outside of Rarity For You. Once that was finished, the alicorn wiped her forehead off from all of the extra usage of her magic. Starlight saw this and chuckled, making her friend smirk in response as they entered the building.

"Ah. There you two are," Rarity's voice said as soon as they entered through the door. Closing it behind them, Twilight found the rest of her friends sitting in the lounge area of the boutique while enjoying some mugs of apple cider and muffins. Two mugs and four muffins were left on a metal serving cart nearby, presumably for the two of them to split.

"How'd your trip to the Crystal Empire go?" Applejack asked as the two mares joined them. "Is Captain Blade's family alright?"

"Yes," Twilight answered as she sat down on a couch while grabbing her mug of cider. "They're all doing just fine. Though they are worried about him. Which I understand completely."

"Absolutely," the white colored mare said, occupying herself by fixing a tear in a dress. "I'd be in a similar state if anything like that had ever happened to Sweetie Belle."

"At least they're all together," Fluttershy said as she set her mug down. "Well. As best as they can be right now."

"True," Starlight replied while sitting down next to Applejack and Rainbow on a different couch. "It's one less thing for us to worry about."

"Yeppers," Pinkie added before chomping down on her muffin.

"Exactly," a new voice said, making all of them look to see Scythe walking toward them from across the room. "One less distraction. It'll make things easier for us to focus on the main goal of capturing Chrysalis."

"So what'll be the plan if and when we do get her?" Rainbow asked. "Do we just... take her to the police station here in the city?"

"No," the Princess answered. "If we are successful, we're to bring her to Canterlot. They've got a holding cell that can contain her. Once that's done, I can bring Steel back here."

"Sounds easy enough," the rainbow haired mare replied. "Almost... too easy."

"Where exactly is the place that you all have been hiding out at?" Starlight asked while looking at the reformed changeling. "Is it somewhere around here?"

"Yes," he answered. "It's an abandoned warehouse around the docks. That's how Chrysalis was able to learn of the Captain's survival. She noticed the increased activity when his ship returned and went to investigate."

"Do you think she's still there?" Twilight asked. "I'm sure she's probably aware of your disappearance by now."

"I'd be surprised if she wasn't," he replied.

"So would it be possible if she and the rest of her remaining followers moved somewhere else?" she continued. "As a sort of way to thwart any attempts of being found by deserters?"

"It's possible," he answered. "But that would take much longer to do than the time it has been since I left. There aren't that many places around here that are abandoned. Chances are that they're still at that warehouse."

"Well what are we waiting for then?" Rainbow asked in a determined tone as she started hovering above them. "Let's go get her!"

"The sooner we do, the better," Twilight said as she and the rest of them exited the boutique and began to make their way toward the docks. As they walked along, the hustle and bustle of the big city was always a sight to see. Ponies walking around holding many shopping bags filled with all sorts of things. Bridleway Theater was filled with ponies looking to see the performance within. And carriages were always going up and down the road filled with wealthy ponies.

"It's always so busy around here," Applejack noted as they walked along. "Definitely something different compared to home."

"This is the normal for this city, darling," Rarity replied. "You just have to learn how to make your way through the chaos in order to survive."

"I suppose so," the earth pony mare said as the group approached the Red Apple Line headquarters. Looking upward, they could see the company's flag flying proudly underneath the flag of Equestria. Stopping in front of the building, the group took some time to reflect on the exact reason why they were doing this.

"Ah!" a voice said. "Hello everypony. It's good to see you all again." Turning their heads in the direction of the voice, they found a white colored stallion with blue colored hair sticking his head out of an open window.

"Dotted Line," Twilight replied cheerfully, making the stallion smile in response. "It's good to see you again as well."

"What brings you all to the hustle and bustle of Manehattan?" he asked. "Can I offer you some drinks and refreshments? We just had some food delivered from the local bakery."

"No thanks," the Princess replied. "We just had some snacks. Thank you for the offer."

"Of course," the stallion said. "No problem."

"As for why we're here," she continued. "It's about that topic that we discussed before. In regards to Captain Blade."

"Ah. Yes," he replied. "So... this must have something to do with that... rapscallian?"

"Yes," she answered. "We're certain that she's got a hideout near the docks."

"Why don't you all come inside then?" he asked. "So we don't have to risk any... eavesdroppers listening in."

"Good idea," the alicorn replied before she and the others went up the stairs and entered through the large glass doors. Inside the lobby, they marveled at the luxurious interior. Large stone support columns decorated with gold trimming and unique light fixtures. A marble tiled floor that was so smooth and shiny that they could see their reflection in it. And paintings depicting destinations all over the world adorned the walls.

"Now I understand why their ships rival even the grandest of hotels of the city in terms of beauty," Rarity said in an astonished tone as she just gazed all around. "This place is wonderful!"

"Thank you," Dotted's voice replied, making all of them look to see the Chairpony of the Red Apple Line standing next to the receptionist's desk. "It always makes me happy to hear compliments about our lobby. It wasn't cheap. I can tell you that. But it was worth it. First impressions are always the most important." He then motioned for them to follow him down a corridor before stopping in front of the door leading into his office. "So this... scoundrel who is responsible for everything that happened on my company's flagship's maiden voyage is somewhere here in the city?"

"Yes," Twilight answered. "We learned that she's hiding out in an abandoned warehouse near the docks."

"Ah," the stallion replied while he opened the door and stepped inside. The group followed him in before Starlight used her magic to close the door behind them. "Yes. I'm familiar with the building you're referring to. Run down, in need of repairs, long abandoned for several years. It makes sense that she'd hide there."

"Exactly," she said as he took a seat behind his desk. "Which is why we're trying to capture her as soon as we can. I'm sure that this is causing all sorts of unneeded stress for you."

"It has," he replied. "But I guess it isn't as bad as it would be if I could remember what all occurred. The only ones who do know are Captain Blade and that... ruffian."

"It wasn't exactly something that was... pleasant," Scythe said, making the stallion tilt his head while looking at him.

"Wait," he said. "You... were there?"

"Yes," the changeling answered in an ashamed tone. "I... was part of her small group of followers. And... I'm sorry for the role I played in what happened."

"Why... you... little..." the stallion said in an increasing angered tone as his horn lit up in a bright blue aura before a similar colored aura appeared around the changeling's neck. Scythe immediately began gasping for air while flailing his forehooves around as the stallion's magic gripped tighter and tighter. "Do you have any idea what you've done?!"

"Dotted!" Twilight exclaimed before using her magic to save Scythe from being strangled. "Enough! That isn't necessary!" Seeing her reaction to his actions, the stallion just silently glared at the changeling before taking a deep breath to calm himself as he stopped his magic.

"You're... right," he replied. "I apologize. I let my anger get the better of me. It's.. just.. that his actions, along with the actions of his colleagues, have cost this company hundreds of thousands in lost revenue and repair costs. Not to mention whatever personal trauma happened to Captain Blade."

"I understand that," she replied. "And you are justified to be upset with everything that happened. But taking your frustrations out on Scythe isn't the way to deal with it. Princess Celestia has told me to inform you that she is willing to help provide the funds needed for Mareitania's repairs due to the circumstances. Scythe here is also atoning for his actions by helping us track down Chrysalis."

"Is that so?" he asked while staring at the reformed changeling. All of the other mares in the room nodded their heads, affirming what Twilight was saying. "I see."

"I'm... sorry... again..." Scythe said as he caught his breath. "I didn't exactly have a choice but to go along with what Chrysalis wanted." Dotted just sat silently in his chair while looking at him, making the changeling just look down toward the floor.

"We'll make sure things are made right," Twilight continued to say, making Dotted look at her. "For you, the Red Apple Line, and for Steel. I can promise you that."

"I appreciate that, Princess," he replied before his eyes looked up toward the clock mounted on the wall. A pair of loud thuds was then heard from somewhere nearby, making everyone aside from him jump in surprise.

"What in Equestria was that?" Applejack asked while looking around.

"Must've been some construction equipment getting dropped," the stallion replied. "We're having some maintenance done on the building today."

"I see," Twilight replied. "Well," she continued before looking over toward her friends. "We should probably get going then. We're already running behind as is."

"Very well," he replied. "I do have one more question though before you go."

"Yes?" the alicorn asked, turning her attention back to him.

"Is Captain Blade's family safe?" he asked. "I can't imagine what he must be going through. It must even be worse for them knowing that he's being hunted."

"Yes," she answered. "They're safe. Why do you ask?"

"Ah. That's good," he replied. "I was getting worried. I had an employee of mine go over to their residence to drop off Captain Blade's pay for him. They came back saying that nopony was home. I feared the worst had happened."

"Oh. Well it's nothing to worry about," Twilight replied. "Steel's family is safe. They've just been temporarily relocated to the Crystal Empire for their own safety."

"The Crystal Empire?" Dotted asked. "Wow. The threat to their safety is that high?"

"Yes," she replied. "And we'd appreciate it if you not tell anypony else that."

"Yes. Of course," the stallion said. "You've got nothing to worry about, Princess. I'll just hold on to Captain Blade's pay until this mess is resolved."

"Thank you," she continued. "Now we must get going."

"Very well," he replied. "Be safe. And good luck with your task." Once he finished that, the alicorn smiled and waved at him before she and the others exited the room. Upon leaving the building, they resumed their journey toward the old warehouse near the docks, hoping to catch Chrysalis by surprise and bring this whole situation to a satisfying conclusion.

As the group disappeared into the crowded streets of the city, Dotted Line just sat still at his desk before wiping sweat from his forehead. He then sighed heavily before getting up from his chair and opening the window to look outside. Upon seeing that the alicorn and her friends were gone, he smirked before closing it.

"That was close," he said softly before going over to the door leading out to the hallway. Seeing no one around, he closed the door before looking over at the likely source of the loud thuds from earlier with mild annoyance. Using his magic, he opened the door for a small storage room filled with boxes of documents. But his blue colored eyes focused on the bound, gagged, and magically restrained stallion who looked exactly like him as he wriggled around on the wooden floor. "Are you trying to expose me, you filthy little pony?" he asked before a green colored circle of magic enveloped him, revealing none other than Chrysalis herself.

The captured stallion just shivered in fear as his eyes gazed upon her. It wasn't too long ago that he thought he was speaking to a sweet reporter for a local paper. But it turned out to be nothing more than a ruse as he was attacked and captured by the changeling Queen who managed to knock him out before he could get a chance to cry for help.

"Things may not have worked out in your favor if I was revealed," she said in her normal, sinister tone as she looked at him with an evil smug before sliding a forehoof across her throat. "Then again. I almost blew it myself with that traitor..."

Dotted tried to respond, but his words were muffled by the cloth stuffed into his mouth.

"Hmm? What was that?" his captor asked in a sarcastic tone, even bending down and placing her ear close to his mouth. The stallion tried to repeat his words, only for her to chuckle as she straightened herself up. "Don't worry, pony," she said as she gently patted him on his head. "I'm not going to do anything else to you. In fact. You're not going to remember anything from this." She then charged up her horn before looking at the stallion. "When you wake up, you'll be at your desk thinking that you just dozed off doing your boring paperwork or whatever it is you do here." With that, she fired a beam of magic at his head. The beam struck him right between the eyes, resulting in his head swaying side to side before he slowly drifted off to sleep.

"Sweet dreams," the changeling said as she walked over toward the desk. She then used her magic to levitate four scarab shaped objects up from underneath the desk before arranging them in a square. Once the last one was in place, it set off a green line of magic that connected one after another until they all rose up and combined to form an enchanted vision portal. Through it, the Queen could see her hideout and what remained of her loyal followers.

"Queen Chrysalis!" one of them exclaimed as all the changelings in her view gathered together, all eleven of them. A far cry from what it once was. "What is it that you need?"

"I need for all of you to make yourselves scarce," she answered. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends are on their way to where you are."

"How?" another changeling asked. "We've had this spot without those ponies finding us for months! How do they know where we are?"

"It's pretty easy for them to figure it out when they had help," she replied with a hint of anger. "Scythe has turned against us and revealed our home to them."

"That traitor!" another changeling exclaimed in anger. "How dare he turn his back on our Queen!"

"Betrayal will not be tolerated!" another one angrily added.

"He will get what's coming to him in due time," the Queen replied. "But we have more important things to deal with. I have just learned from Sparkle's own mouth that our dear Captain's family has been relocated to the Crystal Empire."

"Why do you care so much about that stallion, my Queen?" one of them bluntly asked. "He already rejected you."

"How dare you speak to me like that!" Chrysalis yelled as some of the changelings around the insubordinate one hissed at him. "Be thankful I'm not there right now. Otherwise you'd be punished severely for questioning my plan!"

"I'm sorry!" he exclaimed as he cowered in fear in front of her.

"He does have a point though, your majesty," another one added. "Why do you want this stallion so badly to be our King? This isn't like you." Hearing that, the Queen sighed as she knew that with her dwindling number of supporters, being somewhat transparent with them would be key to keeping them around.

"It's because he's unclaimed," she answered. "That is what makes him the perfect candidate for becoming our new King. I could smell it as soon as I first saw him. A plentiful source of pure uncorrupted DNA. When that is combined with my eggs, we will create an entire new generation of changelings. We need him."

"Is that all?" one of them asked. "I'm sensing something more to this."

"He also made me feel such an amount of love that night that I need to have him," she continued as her cheeks developed a slight shade of red. "That night. I got a taste of what he had to give. I was, for a moment, overwhelmed by what he provided for me. No stallion had ever made me feel the way that he did."

"Are you... in love with him?"

"Enough!" she quickly exclaimed, not wanting to show affection in front of her subjects. "We don't have time for this. Sparkle and her friends could be there any moment!"

"Understood," one of them replied. "Should we come to where you are?"

"Half of you will do so," she answered. "I will be waiting in an alley just north of the central train station. We will depart on the next train to the Crystal Empire. The rest of you will hide among these... ponies and observe Sparkle and her friends once they arrive. How you divide yourselves I will leave to you. Just do it quickly before they show up."

"Yes, my Queen," a follower replied. "We shall do as you command." Once that was finished, Chrysalis closed the portal and made the four objects disappear. She then turned her attention back to Dotted Line as he slept on the floor. Using her magic, she unbound him, removed the cloth from his mouth, and cleaned the nullification goo off of his horn before levitating him over to his chair behind the desk.

"There we go," she softly said to herself as she positioned him in a way as though he was just napping. She then charged up her magic once more before transforming into her usual pony persona: a green unicorn mare that has a brown mane and tail with a ladybug cutie mark on her flank. Once she finished that, she used her magic to quietly open the door and sneak out of the building to make her way to the train station.