Ray groaned as he sat up. Rubbing his head he slowly looked around. The first thing he noticed was the dark cold stone walls that had sections missing. That wasn't as odd to him as the lone mirror was. Getting up he slowly made his way over to it.

"A bit cracked. But it looks good…" He let out a loud gasp before looking at his reflection. "My earring!" Quickly he spun around and scanned the ground. Though most of the time, he didn't really say much about it. It was still a special gift. And one he felt naked without.

Soon his eyes caught a glimpse of its shine at the edge of what he feared were steps. "Oh…" He watched helplessly as they fell out of sight. "Crap."

Rushing over he followed them down the best he could, only stopping when he saw where they landed. There, in the middle of the room sat… something big and black. And there on its horn was his earring.

Biting his lips, Ray slowly inched closer. After a few moments however, he stopped. Looking over the creature again, he noticed it was likely starving and… sad? Stepping back, Ray rubbed his ear. He did want the earring… but maybe.

Taking a deep breath he timed his wing beat with the wind. Once he was in position he started to angle his feathers to the wind. As he hoped music started to play. After a few more moments and flaps, he moved into the shadows to hide as the creature turned to face him.

As music filled the room the creature's ear twitched at his words.

"I want to hold you high and steal your pain…"

It clenched its teeth and fought the urge to join. However, the truth and desire, it felt forced its way out.

"I want to hold you high and steal my pain…"

The two saying together, filling the rundown place they were in with their words and heart.

As the music came to an end, the creature whipped a tear from her eye. It looked in shock at its hoof before shouting. "Come out and face me, coward!"

After a moment, Ray slowly stepped from the shadows. "Who was it?" He asked.

"What?"

"I know that look. Who did you lose?"

It turned away. "It's none of your business…" it then blinked in realization and turned back to him. "And why aren't you running in fear? Don't you know who I am?"

"A sad, lonely creature." He said, receiving a glare. "Why? Who are you?"

"I am Queen Chrysalis!" She hissed. "Queen of the changelings…" She let out a sigh as she slumped. "Or at least I was… till my subjects betrayed me."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She sighed. "In short. They decided to follow a trader rather than follow me."

"That's sad… I'm guessing by your appearance that it somehow decreased your source of food."

"You clearly don't know what danger you face." She groaned. "But yes. If you must know. We changelings feed on emotions… at least that is how nature made us."

"And I take it they chose a path that went against that?"

"Yes."

After a moment Ray smiled. "You know… nothing has more emotion in it than music. If it helps. I can give you a concert and you can feed off that."

She glared at him for a moment. "You do realize. Once I get my strength back. I'll just suck you dry."

"Then what?"

She paused for a moment. "So what? Are you going to just keep me here?"

"No."

"Will you tell anypony where I am?"

"Not if you don't want me to."

She thought for a moment… "Fine." She huffed. "Not like I'll have anywhere to go."

With a nod Ray started another song. And within moments, Chrysalis started to feed just as he said she could.

Back in Ponyville

The girls started looking for Ray as Rainbow was preoccupied with her thoughts. She still found it hard to believe she had… done that. True ponies thought she was into mares. Heck she even tried dating Applejack for a time. But it never went farther than dinner.

Not that living with Applejack was helping her imagine. What can she do though? She had two jobs. And Tank needed somepony she could trust to look after him.

Dating was not an option. "Even if he has a cute flank." She muttered. Blinking, she stopped in mid-flight and quickly looked around. "Did… I just say…"

"Yupers!" A familiar voice called from below.

"Oh no…" Rainbow groaned. "Pinkie…"

Meanwhile

Twilight and Fluttershy were at her place grilling Discord for where he sent Ray.

"Come on. At least give us a hint." Twilight asked.

"Fine… it's in Equestria."

"You know what she means." Fluttershy sighed.

"Yes. But you know I can't resist messing with her. That and I promised." He replied with a smirk at Twilight. "Do you want me to break a Pinkie promise?"

Twilight clenched her teeth. "No…" She took a deep breath. "Just tell me you're able to keep an eye on him…" Seeing his nerves smile she sighed. "Ok… I have to go look for him." She sighed as she glared at Discord before rushing out the door.

Fluttershy sighed and shook her head before trotting out the door.

Author's Note

A bit short. But I think it came out well. I wonder what drama will happen next.