Hivemind Control

There was a knock at the door that drew Twilight away from her task. In the hopes that it was a messenger with good news, she bolted to the door and threw it open. "Spike?"

"I know what you're planning," he said, brushing past her and walking in. He had a backpack absolutely loaded with gear. "I'm not going to let you do this alone. I'm coming with you."

"No, Spike, you're staying here."

"Fat chance of that. Come on, Twilight. You know two pairs of eyes are more likely to find something important. Take me along and I guarantee we'll find them twice as fast. That's an argument grounded in science and logic."

"This also requires that we not be caught," argued Twilight. "Whatever's happened to the three princesses and my brother, it's powerful. Strong enough to take down three alicorns and one of the most hardy unicorns to ever walk Equestria. The only hope we have is if I'm not caught, and if it manages to take you, too, I'd never forgive myself."

"And you think I could? If you fall victim to it, you'll need all the help you can muster. I'm not letting you go alone!"

Twilight took a deep breath, sat down on her bed, and patted the mattress next to her. Spike immediately dropped his bag and climbed up next to her. "I know you want to help, Spike," she began. "I know that this whole thing is just as damaging to you as it is to me. The princesses are like family to me. Shining is family to me. And so are you." She wrapped a leg around his shoulders and gave him a small squeeze. "I know they would be just as happy to see you out there trying to find them. They'd appreciate the effort, I would appreciate the effort, but the reverse is true, too. They would want to know that you're safe."

"They'd want you to be safe, too. You're the only princess left."

"I know. This wasn't an easy decision, and I have no idea if it's the right one."

Spike began to tear up. "I don't want to lose you, too," he said, his voice cracking. "What if you don't come back?"

Twilight took a deep breath and pulled Spike into a tight hug. Her hooves were shaking as she gently rubbed his back. "I made you a promise, Spike. I swore I would never send you away. I promised that we would always have each other, and that we would always come to each other's aid. I would give up my wings, my horn, my crown, and all the books I own to have you beside me for this. But I will not put you in danger like that. I don't want to risk losing you, either."

The two sat in silence for a few minutes, trying desperately to come up with some other solution, hoping against hope that a guard would poke a head through the door and deliver news of the princess' whereabouts, but no news came.

"So, what do you propose I do?" asked Spike. "If I can't come with you, I outright refuse to sit around with my thumb up my arse doing nothing."

"Spike! Language!" scolded Twilight.

"What do you expect?" grumbled Spike. "This is a terrible situation, and I'm really upset. You're off to who knows where to fight some unknown force that overpowered the most powerful beings we know. You could die. You can't expect me to not be upset."

Twilight sighed. "I guess you're right. I do actually have something that you can help with while I'm gone. However, I need you to keep your language clean to do it. Can I count on you?"

Spike leaped to his claws, clapped his heels together, and saluted. "You can always depend on me. I will never let you down."

"Good." Twilight jumped to the floor and continued packing. "Equestria is going to need leadership. If I'm not here, then somepony else needs to lead."

"And you want me to find a suitable replacement?"

Twilight shook her head. "You are my replacement. I can think of no creature more trustworthy and capable than my number one assistant. You've been by my side from the beginning, and therefore you're privy to a lot of the information I hold. Nopony else do I trust as much as you."

Spike's jaw dropped. How could he respond to that? She trusted him enough to look after all of Equestria and the Crystal Empire, a task she had needed multiple aides to pull off. "H-how long do you think you'll b-be... gone?"

"Only as long as I need to be. I don't have specifics, but the moment I have any leads to work from, I'll be back. Why don't you start by familiarizing yourself with some of the advisors?"

"Yes, ma'am." Grabbing a paper bag from his discarded backpack, Spike began taking deep breaths. He didn't feel ready for this, but if Twilight was putting all of her faith in him, he wasn't allowed to fail.

The next morning, as Twilight was on her way out, she stopped by the throne room to see how Spike was doing. As she approached the throne, she saw him talking with the minister of justice, whom he dismissed when he saw Twilight approaching.

"You didn't think I would leave without a hug, did you?" she smiled, extending a leg.

Spike ran up and hugged her. "I was really hoping you would stop in before leaving. I have something to give you, to help keep you safe on your journey."

Twilight raised her eyebrows. She hadn't expected him to do this, let alone so quickly. He snapped his claws and a door at the end of the room swung open. Through it walked Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Rainbow bolted through the air, skidding to a stop next to Twilight. All of them were equipped with saddlebags for the journey.

"Spike, I told you this required stealth. I can't endanger their lives."

"Nice try, Twilight," snapped Rainbow, looping her elbow around her neck. "But we're not going to let you do this alone. You're way too squishy and fragi-- whoa!"

Applejack had yanked Rainbows tail and pulled her to the ground. "She's just worried about you bein' hurt, Twi. We all are, frankly. You're not much of a fighter. You need somepony who can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'."

"Somepony who can keep you ready to keep going even when the going turns tough," added Pinkie.

"If this is meant to be a stealthy mission, you stand out like a sore thumb," smiled Rarity, plopping a camouflage hat over Twilight's head.

"And if it is the work of some creature, well..." Fluttershy scratched the back of her neck. "You don't exactly have the best track record of convincing animals to help you, is all."

"You won't let me help you," sighed Spike. "If I can't be there to make sure you're alright, then I have to send somepony to watch your back. We all want you to make it back safe. Let us try, would you?"

Twilight's eyes welled up with tears. "My friends." She took a deep breath and hugged Spike tightly. "Thanks, Spike. I don't know what I'd do without you." She turned to her friends and waved her hoof. "Let's go."

"Bring her back safe!" called Spike as they left. He had his orders, which he would follow, but there was something else he'd come up with for while Twilight was away. He was going to look over the reports and do some research to find out if there was anything Twilight would need. Even if he couldn't be by her side, he was still going to find a way to aid her.