The Pony Guard (Season 6)

Episode 43:

Battle for the Pride Lands and Equestria and To Where and Back Again Part Three

Starlight Glimmer had only been back in Ponyville for a few weeks at most, so she hadn't been expecting much. At least up until Twilight informed her she’s officially making one of the guest rooms her very own bedroom to call home. Not only that, the terms of her probation is now finally over, therefore her debt to society is now over.

To Starlight, it was like the chains and cuffs she felt forced to carry with her since her reformation have been released from her body. It was like she was just wished free from her magic lamp. Given a feeling she never experienced since she was a filly like she had a burst of magic bursting and flowing from herself as said moment of freedom happened.

For Twilight, it was something she really felt she had earned by that point. Despite a few hiccups along the way, she had gone above and beyond with her friendship lessons and shown herself to be a great team member. As for being a leader, she has shown some potential at it, though she still has yet to find an opportunity to rise to the occasion. Along with not inciting an angry mob like before. When she asked will it be, the princess could only reply she’ll know when the time comes.

In the meantime, Starlight went about aiding Twilight and Spike as they carried the boxes to the unicorn's bedroom. While this was happening, Kion has taken the liberty to use his magic to put forward the basic setup for the unicorn’s room. With the Though he only did that just to allow Starlight the freedom to be able to decorate and design the room to her liking.

Afterwards, everyone was able to take a breather once the move was complete.

“Whew!” Spike sighed in relief while wiping the sweat from his forehead. “That’s everything! At least for someone who doesn’t have wings and or magical horns got a fair workout out of it.”

Kion chuckled himself. “Even still it doesn’t mean I don’t still do the heavy lifting from time to time.” He then looks on at the muscles he’s been developing since his daily workouts. “Much like how even with Twilight having wings herself she hasn’t gotten it floating around all the time like Rainbow does.” Spike chuckled in response while Twilight herself rolled her eyes playfully in response.

“All joking aside…” Twilight then said to her student. “Thanks for the help, Starlight. Spike and I really appreciate it."

"Hey, it's the least I can do!" The unicorn mare eagerly and humbly replied. "Especially for the pony who helped make the pony I am today by teaching me the value of friendship."

But the young alicorn simply replied. "Sure I have offered guidance, but you are responsible for making yourself the pony you are now. You've come a lot way since you changed your ways, Starlight, and you should be proud of yourself for that."

"Twilight!” Starlight protested while sporting pink cheeks herself. “Now you’re making me blush!"

"Sorry.” Twilight apologized and then declared. “But either way I'm honored to call you my student and my friend, and consider you part of the family,"

“Same here.” Kion also declared. “Lion, pony, cheetah, honey badger, or even a human. It doesn’t matter. Much like with the Sisterhooves Social as long as we have the spirit together then it doesn’t matter whether were related or not.”

“But what about those who are and don’t share the spirit of family. Like Scar?” Starlight felt the need to ask.

“Then it’s his loss for throwing away of what could have been and how happier things could have been had he not went down the dark path he is still on.” Kion simply replied with not much else to say about it other than what he just said.

‘Like I was once on.” Starlight quietly acknowledged. “And I hope you know I didn’t mean to touch up sensitive wounds by asking that.”

Kion was quick to assure her no harm was done. “Of course not. Although sometimes it does make one wonder of how things would be right now if Scar never turned evil himself.”

“If only he took to heart what his human counterpart stands for then a lot better definitely.” Twilight replied with the memory of him rejecting a chance to redeem himself when she moved to give him the chance still fresh in his mind.

“No kidding.” Spike agreed before spotting something out of the castle windows. “And not to change the subject or anything but, ever seen a honey badger fly?”

“Only when on top of one of our friends with wings. Why?” Starlight asked.

“Because he is riding along with Derpy to help him deliver the mail.” Kion answered like it’s nothing new before realizing along with Twilight.

“Which means he’s about to break something if we don’t do something about it!” Twilight further answered while reacting quickly when the two come flying on towards the window.

“Take cover!” Spike yelled out while moving to duck and dragging Starlight down with her in order to ensure she doesn’t get knocked in the head.

Reacting accordingly, Twilight and Kion were able to work their magic in creating a magical hoop, net, and cushion that immediately caught and halted the two dead in their tracks and instead flying through the hoop and into net.

“Aw, yeah!” Bunga cheered. “All the way from the back court! Talk about that for a game winner!”

“No kidding!” Kion returned like it was the craziest thing he’s ever done. “I can also take it helping Derpy out with the mail is going along like a breeze?”

Bunga laughed. “Good one, Kion! And in answer to your question, yes. Yes it has. Been able to cut Derpy’s accident rate in half and was able trim down the number of complaints his services have caused in the last year.”

“And yet it’s still there.” Spke remarked as if it is if any progress on his end.

“Yeah! At least it’s something, am I right?” He then continued to get down to buisness. “Anyways, while this was another accident…”

“Thankfully averted.”

“...coming here was on purpose for you see, a special someone’s got a letter to be delivered.” Derpy herself in her brown uniform with the logo of the Ponyville Post Office, didn't speak a word as she dusted herself off and produced a letter from the sack she had on her.

"Oh," Twilight commented in realization. "This is a surprise. Usually, I get letters via dragon mail."

"It is the fastest way to get mail!" Spike boasted before telling the post mare. "Uh, no offense.”

“None taken.” Derpy spoke for a moment.

Bunga then continued with what needed to be said. “And in answer to your question, it isn’t for you or Kion. This is actually for you Starlight.”

"For me?" She questioned as she reluctantly accepted it. "Who could be sending me a letter? I honestly wasn't expecting any mail today," Still, she opened it and read it to herself. As she did so, her curious and calm blue eyes turned into a look of dread while the unicorn nearly gasped. "I don't believe it! It's... the ponies from my old village: Cutie Markless."

"What’s going on there?" Twilight asked with concern along with Kion questioned with concern. "Are they in danger?"

“If it is, is it Scar’s doing?” Kion also asked ready for another fight if that’s the case.

"Or are they still upset with you?" Spike also inquired.

But Starlight shook her head. "No, thankfully. It's something worse!" She gulped. "They've invited me to the village's annual Sunset Festival! They actually want me to come and join them!" This was not the kind of news she had wanted to hear. Starlight Glimmer had her reasons for not wanting to go back to the village she'd once ruled over.

Little did Starlight or anyone else in the room imagine that things were about get worse than what they are now. Whether it takes another season or so for that to happen.

Back in the present day, Sunburst has noticed that Starlight has zoned out as they make their way through enemy territory. “Starlight? Starlight?!” When she didn’t answer he gently tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. “Starlight! Is your hearing, okay?”

“Huh?” Starlight snapped to attention before turning to the stallion trying to speak to her. “Oh, sorry! Uh, no. My hearing is working just fine.”

“Are you sure?” Sunburst asked to make sure. “Because you seemed spaced out just earlier.”

“That’s because I was.” Starlight admitted. “I was just thinking about something a little while ago.”

“The Sunset Festival?”

Starlight looked on completely surprised that the answer came up so fast. “Yes, how did you know?”

“Because it’s the one thing you never made peace with ever since it happened.” Sunburst then added. “Plus I can also read other ponies like a book, too.”

Starlight sighed in defeat. “Of course, you do. Even though it was the other day after Kion and the rest of the Lion Guard hit their growth spurts. It still feels like it was only yesterday when we went over there.”

“Hard to believe that either one of them has happened, let alone both of them.”

“And here I am leading a rescue party that could decide the very fate of the kingdoms.”

“Yeah, I know that.” Sunburst then had to quickly clarify. “No, seriously. I really do know what’s it like considering the Crystal Empire wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for me.”

“And I suppose you know what it’s like to owning up to leadership when destiny calls upon to answer it?”

“While it wasn’t easy, it was something that I was able to by simply believing that I can take charge of the situation. Like having to assure myself that I have what it takes even though I don’t feel ready.”

“And sometimes when it comes to leading, there are times when destiny calls upon you, you just lead.” Ono chimed as he flew beside them much to their surprise. “Hi. Sorry to interrupt. Just making sure you’re both still with us, because we are lagging behind a little.”

“Oh, right. Sorry.”

“Our bad.”

The two moved along like a rushing married couple while looking a little embarrassed knowing Ono saw that.

“But in all seriousness…” Ono then continued with what they are talking about. “...if you recall one of our earlier battles, the same can be said for me when I had to lead the birds towards a direct fight with the vultures…” He quickly flew up a little to make sure there aren’t any fire sticks coming their way.

“Coast clear?” Simba asked of him.

“Yep, all clear, your majesty.” Ono reported with a salute before turning back to both Starlight and Sunburst. “...I too didn’t feel like I could do it like Kion and Twilight. But after hearing encouragement from them along with the rest of our friends I was able to do it along with Anga.” He quickly flew up to give her a signal to let them know to still standby.

Said bird returned the “Copy that.” gesture with her wings before shaking her head towards Hadithi and the others. With those who are sleeping briefly peeking an eye up before shutting them closed for now.

“How did you know that you could do it along with Fuli?” Starlight asked.

“Like what Sunburst said in his and my case. From there I just never thought I couldn’t. And if Fuli were here she would say it just came naturally to her much like she did on a few occasions herself including the latest Buckball Match against Appleloosa.” He then briefly flew in close to further comfort her. “And I have no doubt that we can make this work even though I’m feeling uncertain myself.”

“Well said…” Simba said to the group before focusing their attention towards Thorax who is leading everyone over there. “How much farther until we get there?”

“Not long, we’re almost there.” Thorax reported as they navigated the outskirts of the hive together which is thankfully unoccupied.

“And if I could share this little advice something that my father would tell me if he were here…” Simba then said next. “...just stay true to who you are and trust your instincts. You’ll know when the time is right.”

“Okay, I’ll try…” Was all Starlight could say in response as she took a calming breath as they walked deeper towards their destination.

Along the way she had some more time to think about what had transpired back then. Mainly the dream she had the following night.

During which she was nervous as ever when she actually ended up going back to that village. Even though she internally wanted to decline the invitation outright, she still went through with it out of wanting to show good manners like Twilight and Kion had taught her. "Uh, hey there, everypony?" She greeted after nervously taking in a deep breath, hoping that none of them noticed. "I got your invite so here I am."

Party Favor was the first villager to turn around and face her. And said greeting was not what Starlight was hoping for. Evident when he sounded rather hostile and cold towards her. "Uh... Hey, Starlight. What are you doing here?"

The unicorn mare blinked in surprise, confusion and concern by his unwelcoming words. " I-I... I was invited. To the Sunset Festival? Remember?" She floated over the letter that had been sent to her.

Double Diamond spoke up next with a frown. "Uh, yeah, but we didn't think you'd actually show up. We thought you'd be smart enough to know the truth."

Party Favor proceeded to rip up the invitation with his hooves while he snarled and sneered. "You didn't think we really wanted you here, did you? Didn’t take a hint from first glance?! Well if you didn’t let us spell it out for you! We don’t want you her and that’s final!"

Starlight Glimmer gasped in disbelief as all the villagers suddenly seemed to turn on her. "But... I... apologized. I thought everything was fine. I didn't even want to come back, but I couldn't say no in response to your invitation. I've... changed, really." She was on the verge of tears.

None of the villagers moved to change their attitude nor show sympathy for the growing distraught and sincerity in Starlight’s eyes. Instead they all just gathered around and started laughing at her repeatedly. Mocking her. Some of them even jeered. "Oh, that’s a laugh! Starlight Glimmer actually has a change of heart now! You want to prove it then stay in Ponyville where you belong! Get the buck out of here, right now! And stop thinking this is your town anymore!"

A frantic Starlight began to feel awfully small as she put her hooves to her face and shuddered, crouching in fright and fear. "But...! That’s not true...! I really have changed…I...Please! Stop..." She cried and then shouted at the top of her lungs! "STOP!" That last line inexplicably echoed.

Suddenly, in a flash, everything and everypony else faded away. The village was no longer standing before her eyes along with the villagers. But she would find it wasn’t her own doing. "W-what happened?" She blinked before spotting Princess Luna approaching her. "Princess Luna?"

The princess of the night nodded and greeted her gently. "Dreams are my domain, Starlight Glimmer. And I sensed your distress. I am here because you need me to be."

The frightened unicorn began to ease up, breathing a much needed sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness it was just a dream. I thought it was all real for a second there."

Princess Luna simply went on to say. "It may only be a dream, but the feelings in it are real. Thus, in the dream realm your emotions become a reality here."

Starlight's happy mood faded as she sighed in realization. "Great. So I guess I'm more afraid of going back to the village than I thought. When am I going to learn to overcome this?" Hesitantly, she looked to the alicorn and asked. "That is since that my return there is inevitable. I can’t turn away an invitation even if I wanted to so I got a figure a way to prevent this from happening again."

The alicorn with a dark blue coat smiled. "I find it helps if you talk about deeply troubles you, particularly with those you trust the most," Visions began to flash in her memories as she recalled. "I have been helped before by six very special ponies along with five very special Pride Landers, including the one who you are currently a student of. I’m sure they would be the best ones to talk to about what you are dealing with right now."

"And I just take their advice and move forward?" Starlight frowned.

"Talking to them is a good first step, Starlight," Luna reassured the troubled unicorn. "But they can't make all of your decisions on your behalf. I can speak from experience when I say that the doubts you have are something that only you can truly defeat." Then she smiled. "I see a lot of myself reflected in you, and I too know what’s it’s like to trot down a dark path and finding myself led astray by pursing revenge and 'getting even'."

Starlight Glimmer quickly recalled and begged to differ. "Right, Twilight told me about the whole 'Nightmare Moon' incident.” But then she remembered. “And of course Twilight too went down that path too herself. But even still, you two were possessed by dark magic and evil, I willingly chose to become it."

Princess Luna shook her head to assert otherwise. "It was I alone who allowed those dark thoughts to enter my mind, just as you too chose to become consumed by your own worst instincts, And the same can be said about Twilight." She quickly changed her tone as she reassured Starlight. "But still, you know how my and Twilight’s story ends. We were both given a second chance by all, including the sister I once struck at and tried to overthrow, along with the latter betraying her trust. And you too were blessed with a second chance in life. You are not that very pony anymore. Things do indeed get better, Starlight Glimmer. You can trust me on this," Then she gave a bow before disappearing.

After waking up while it is still dark outside, Starlight who is now unable to get some shuteye moved to take a quiet walk to the balcony to clear her head much like her mentor would do whenever she is feeling down. During which she decided to sing to herself a little song to reflect her current emotions.

I'll Try!

Music and song starts at 0:20

Back in the present day, Starlight found herself waking up in the similar manner she did when she awoke from that very dream that night. Upon snapping to attention, she could only gulp as they finally reached their destination up ahead.

“Well, this is it.”

“Yep.” Simba nodded with a serious expression upon looking up the changeling hive and brewing green fire at the very top. “It is time.” With that he pressed forward with Starlight following alongside him even knowing who is expecting them from up high and watching with calculating eyes that blend into the hive itself.

Pulling out a walkie talkie he then said to the other follower on the other end. “The secondary unit of bees is now headed in the wasp nest.” He reported. “Do you read me?”

“Copy that.” Makucha returned on the end with his leopard pack standing by inside a certain area inside the hive. “My friends are all standing by waiting for their arrival.”

“And the same can be said for the jackals, too.” Reirei also reported from another part inside the hive.

“Me and my float are also standing by at the ready. Over.” Kiburi then reported.

“And the vultures after a preliminary agreement are taking up high overhead still keeping watch on the border.” Mzingo reported next.

“Along with me and Wind Rider.” Lightning made her voice clear while appearing alongside the vultures.

“Good.” Scar returned with a voice of satisfaction. “Keep standing by but do not engage unless you see them coming your way.” He then ordered. “Are we clear?”

“Read you loud and clear, Scar.”

“Crystal.”

“We get the message.”

“That we can follow to the tee without a group vote.”

“Even though I really want to kick some flank really badly!”

“And you’ll be able to do so when the time comes, Lightning Dust.” Scar assured. “But in the meantime, stand by, and that’s an order.”

“Yes, Scar.”

After that was settled on his end, Scar then turned to Zira who is also standing with Chrysalis and Ushari. “All right, Zira. Go on and get your pride in place. Especially knowing the lion you want will be coming your way.”

“Yes, yes he will.” Zira returned with eagerly as evident by the psychotic smirk on her face as she relishes in the idea already before moving out to fetch her lionesses to do so.

With that he turned to Chrysalis who already had a question in mind. “Shall I bring forward the lion cub so he can work on his most powerful roar you need for plan to work?”

“You shall indeed.” Scar returned with a wicked smile himself to match Chrysalis’s who moved to head on over towards where the prisoners are. After she left he then turned to only one remaining where they stand now. “That said, Ushari. It is time for you to get ready too, for Kion needs that little push in order to give in to the power of darkness.”

“Yes, of course he does.”

Unbeknownst to them, a masked spy just happened to be lurking around the corner before turning back before pulling out his walkie talkie. “Agent Sparkle, this is Agent Sweetie Drops, do you read me?”

“Quietly loud and clear, Agent Sweetie Drops. What’s going on over there?”

“Scar and Chrysalis are headed your way to take Kion away to where they keep the most honey in the hive. He’s planning on forcing him to milk out and use his powerful roar here inside.”

“Which would destroy everything and everyone in sight.” Twilight returned now seeing this as a major hurdle in freeing their friends in their cocoons.

“I know. We need to get Kion out of there before that happens.”

“I know. But at the same time it’ll alert everyone in the hive.”

“Well if you have an idea to get him out of there fast, you need to think of something quick because they’re heading your way now.”

Twilight quickly gave it some thought before thinking of something on the fly while Sunset is at work freeing their friends one by one. “Get Kinyonga on the line and tell her to distract them to buy us some more time! She can do just that since there is no magic here this time.”

“That’s true.” With that Sweetie Drops nodded before moving to get the chameleon on the line. “You hear that, Kinyonga? Work your slippery legs in keeping the enemy away from the nest. You read?”

“Got it.” Kinyonga returned before calming herself to the point she can pull it off. “One slippery distraction coming up.” By using her color changing abilities to her advantage she moved through the changing holes before making her way to find Queen Chrysalis herself. "Hello!"

"Huh?! What the...?! Who dares call for me?!" Chrysalis angrily demanded as she spotted the changing colors through the holes of her hive. "You!"

"Yep! Me!" Kinyona's returned as she kept ducking for cover and changing her colors so that Chrysalis can't catch her. "You want me! You got come catch me first!" She taunted which prompted a snarling changeling to follow suit all while Twilight looks on with relief and satisfactions that she was able to buy her and Sunset some more time to save her family and friends trapped inside the cocoons.

With that decided, Twilight turned to Sunset who had just managed to pull off the cocoons containing most of the Lion and Pony Guard crew down. “In the meantime, now would be a good time to get them out of here because we got company coming our way.”

“On it.” Sunset nodded before quickly moving to drag them out as quickly and quietly as she can. In the meantime, in order to speed up the process, she moved to pull out a switch blade dagger and launched it right at the stems containing the remaining captives so she can focus on dragging them all away before Chrysalis along with Zira and Scar return. But not making lay of the area itself which just so happens to be next door to where the caldera and lava pit is.

She looked around to her surroundings and moved to pace herself around the open area along with using her hooves to give a projectory look inside the other room so she can trace her steps as if she is preparing herself for another plan in place. And after giving herself a very good estimate of what she wants to do she moved to slip her gun right through one of the holes and right behind one of the tall rocks deep in the shadows. An area that not even Scar can spot out at first glance. Once she was sure everything was all in place she quickly took her leave from the part of the hive where she once stood.

Back at the entrance inside the hive, the rescue party had to find themselves stealthily slipping in one of the holes to avoid being spotted by two lone changelings keeping watch over their post. And to ensure that there is no going back, the hole they crawled into had shut itself behind them.

"Okay, I am definitely glad you came with us," Trixie whispered to Thorax. "I don't think we'd be able to find our way without you."

“Me neither.” Janja voiced in agreement. “As if making my way to the volcano isn’t bad enough at times. That is when Scar isn’t ready to burn my tail for whatever he failed to do.” Upon facing the others. “He didn’t actually do that but considering how dealt with others that have done so more or less, it sure felt like he was going to at times.”

"You definitely wouldn't," Thorax pointed out. "Especially considering how the hive shifts and changes just like we do. Entrances and exits and everything change all the time and makes it's easy to get lost if you’re not careful. Trust me , I’ve been there before even though we changelings are the only ones who can actually navigate it. It's total chaos for any non-changelings trying to find their way around."

“Good to know.” Ono returned which had him feeling it was better to opt to stay close rather than try to fly off ahead and try to scout the hive on his own.

Discord wasn't so convinced. "Well, it's decent chaos. I don't know if I'd call it 'total'. Considering this world of yours isn’t like how would envision mine." As he followed the others through the maze of caves and ever changing holes, he questioned to Starlight. "Are we sure that I'll get my magic back when we destroy this throne thingy?"

Starlight hesitantly replied. "If Thorax is right, then yes."

"And how are we supposed to destroy the throne assuming we find it?" Trixie asked.

"Good question, actually," Sunburst pointed out as he then asked Starlight. "Got any ideas on how we'll destroy the throne? Anything at all?"

But the reformed unicorn confessed. "I haven't gotten that far yet considering I never envisioned myself taking charge of the situation. So far I just thinking along as I go."

Trixie frowned. "Well that's reassuring,"

“Hey, come on.” Jasiri quickly defended. “At least have some faith in her since she is at least trying. Leading doesn’t come as naturally as coming with new tricks on the fly.”

Trixie sighed before relenting, but not without noticing Discord digging around through her saddlebags and asked him irritably. "What? Hey! What are you doing, Discord?"

The chaos maker returned and remarked. "Just checking to see if you brought any throne destroying tools along with these useless sideshow props of yours. To think that changelings along with their Outsider and Outlander friends would actually be into a magic show on today of all days?"

"This coming from the Lord of Chaos," Trixie retorted. "Who can't even go for a walk without whining nonstop and acting like an idiot."

"Uh, guys?" Sunburst tried to tell them, but he was ignored.

“Can we not do that now and here?!” Ono further pressed of the quarreling duo to still no avail.

Discord only hissed back at Trixie. "Yes, but at least when the throne is destroyed, I'll be able to rip the very fabric of reality to save our friends, while you'll still be a self-absorbed, below-average illusionist!" He promptly pulled down Trixie's hat to throw it over her face.

The magician did not take kindly to the chaos maker's insult, for she poked her head up from under her hat and snapped! "Self-absorbed?! You dare mock The Great and Powerful Trixie?! You take that back or Trixie will-"

“Enough!” Simba firmly interrupted with a audible but not overly loud to attract unwanted attention. “Both of you knock it off! We have more important things to worry about and those include you both needing to keep quiet and alert at all times!”

“Yeah!” Spike agreed. “If we’re going to save our friends then we need to learn to work together instead of always fighting and getting up in each other’s throats.”

“Spike’s right!” Jasiri spoke up. “Because if we keep this up we’re going to get ourselves captured than Janja can say “Furbrains.”

“Hey!” Jasiri smirked towards him to which he can’t even deny that it’s true.

“Yes, thank you, Spike, Jasiri." Starlight breathed a sigh of relief and then moved to take her turn to scold her two fighting friends. "Now will you two please cut it out?! I am just barely keeping it together as it is, and the last thing we need is getting caught because you two are constantly bickering like foals!"

“Now, go on!” Jasiri sternly urged. “Make up! Both of you!”

Trixie and Discord both muttered "Sorry" to each other but said nothing else and that was it. But even still for Starlight Glimmer that was enough for her to see they have made their peace enough to the point that there would be no further arguments.

“Honestly…” Ono grumbled to himself upon seeing this display of immaturity on their end. “And I thought dealing with Janja was troublesome enough.”

But just after that was settled, Starlight skidded to a halt along with Thorax. Simba upon realizing what is going on now as he asked. "Thorax? Is everything okay?"

"I... think we're lost." Thorax admitted.

Janja's eyes widened in horror. "What?! But I thought you said you knew your way around this place!”

The changeling sheepishly admitted. "I’m sorry, but like I said before, this place shifts and changes. Even the paths don't stay the same. And I'm really doing the best I can here. Especially since I haven’t been here in a long time."

Spike moved a claw to comfort the troubled changeling. "Hey, it's okay, no one's blaming you." And he further comforted Thorax by adding. "I used to get lost in the castle I live in with Twilight all the time. No seriously, that does actually happen when every hallway looks the same. You’d literally have to mark the doors just to be able to find your way around."

“Really? No kidding.” Janja laughed. “That’s me when I try to explore the Outlands outside my territory at times. And by that I mean, a lot of times.” He then admitted before saying. “So that said, I guess I owe you an apology for giving you a hard time just now.”

“Really?” Janja nodded.

“And before you ask, just leave it as is, since I’m still new at this whole reformation side of things.”

As Janja spoke, Spike caught a brief glimpse of a faint blush forming on Starlight's cheeks.

Thorax sighed with a smile. "Thanks. Even though I let everyone here down after getting you all to trust me, again."

"You’re not the only one." Starlight sighed in agreement as she hung her head. "And hearing this is exactly why I didn't want to step up to the mantle when handed the reins. Here we are after making my first big and tough decision and now we’re pretty much prey that has yet to be found."

Trixie grumbled and kicked at the ground with a hoof. "Great, just great. We might as well just sit here and wait for the changelings to soak up all of our love or whatever gross thing it is that they do," She shuddered and nearly gagged before looking to Thorax, with a question in mind since they first met just hours earlier. "How often do you all get hungry, by the way?"

Thorax turned his eyes towards Trixie and explained. "Actually, I haven't been hungry since I met Spike. Which is strange because changelings are always hungry. We can never get enough love. Only Chrysalis never seems to get hungry for some reason."

“I wonder why?” Ono pondered as if there is something amiss among all of this.

"Wait, so you aren't even a little bit hungry now?" Starlight Glimmer asked.

Thorax shook his head. "Not that I've noticed ever since the whole attack on Canterlot years ago. I guess once I made some friends, I just sort of forgot about the whole feeding thing. But I can still feel love."

Starlight then pondered drawing attention to her now changed wings which she along with everyone else didn’t give themselves time to due to the chaos that had been going on around them. "Is that about the same time your wings changed?"

The changeling answered. "I... guess so. You think there is something more to it, do you?"

But before anyone else could answer, Discord spoke up after yawning. "While I would love to just sit around chitchatting about feeding and not feeding, I have more important things to worry about," And he loudly proclaimed! "I came here to save the Guard along with the Royal Family, and especially Fluttershy!" His voice echoed off the walls and seemed to carry through every corridor of the hive's interior.

Simba then angrily spoke up in a hushed whisper! "Discord! Keep it down! This is the opposite of being quiet!”

“Yeah!” Trixie also angrily whispered. “Can you please lower your voice?! You're gonna get us all captured."

The draconequus dismissed the comment with a wave of his paw. "Oh, you say that, but I haven't seen an actual changeling since we got into this hive," And he boasted. "I bet none of them would even dare to try to find me the moment they heard I was coming their way!"

Suddenly, however, the silence was replaced by the sound of frantic humming and buzzing. It was distant at first but it grew louder with every passing second.

"Uh, can someone please tell that isn’t what I think I’m hearing?" Sunburst whimpered and asked of the others. "Because that doesn’t sound like a very good welcoming sound to me."

“It sure isn’t.” Ono returned while glaring at Discord for drawing unwanted attention right towards them.

But Thorax only frantically replied and confirmed. "It's a changeling patrol! And they’re coming right at us!" He then found himself panicking with Starlight moving to try to desperately calm him down.

Discord's earlier bravado and confidence leaked out as he then turned to look to the others. "This seems like one of those moments where we actually need a plan." He nervously hoped they have means to get themselves out of this one.

"What kind of plan?!" Trixie snapped back at him for being responsible for this happening. "In case you haven’t remembered, we don't have any magic, Spike's fire breath is no good here and all I've got are my stage props!"

However, as Starlight Glimmer looked to Trixie's saddlebag, she seemed to get an idea. "Actually, Trixie, do you have any smoke bombs by any chance?"

"What do you need those for, Starlight?" Trixie inquired even as she dug into her saddlebag and retrieved the requested items.

Starlight grinned. "Just a little 'misdirection'," And then she turned to Thorax and whispered to him. "Now here's what I want you to do."

“Nice…” Jasiri remarked feeling impressed herself. “...I like where you are heading with this, Starlight.”

“Me too.” Simba also complimented before moving to follow the unicorn’s lead on this.

It took the swarming changeling drones a little bit to zero in on the intruders they'd been alerted to. And that was all the time that was needed to set up a distraction.

Trixie was the only one still at the dead end when the changelings arrived. And she seemed rather confident as she just stood there, declaring with a smirk on her face. "Looking for somepony?" She then threw down a smoke bomb, which she used to cover up the fact that she was apparently teleporting.

"Get back here!" One of the changelings growled.

"Catch Trixie if you can!" Trixie taunted as she then threw down another smoke bomb and declared. "Is that you all got?" She repeated the process several more times until she was able to give the swarm the slip.

Unknown to the changelings, it wasn't really Trixie they were chasing. The real Trixie was watching safely from a ledge a ways away.

Even Discord seemed impressed by the distraction and how well it was pulled off. "Not exactly 'Great and Powerful', but still effective."

The real Trixie smiled. "From you, I'll take it." Then as she spoke the fake Trixie returned to the group.

Nervously, Starlight questioned. "Klutzy?"

And fortunately, the fake Trixie quickly replied. "Draconequus." Sharing a laugh with the real Trixie, Ono, Simba, Janja, Jasiri, Sunburst and even Spike as her disguise was dropped and she was revealed to have been Thorax all along.

Discord was still not amused by the password. "Ugh. I really think we need a better code word." He insisted with a pout. “It’s still really insulting to me.”

"Sorry.” Janja returned with no sympathy. “Everyone else in the whole group all voted for it so we are going to use it. And if this was the vulture flock we’re dealing with, you’d still be outvoted. So my only advice to you my friend is to suck it up and get used to it.”

Sunburst can only shake his head. “And here I thought Flurry Heart takes the cake when it comes to whining and she's only a baby."

Thorax quickly shut down the complaint, instead turning to Starlight Glimmer as he complimented. "That was a pretty good plan."

Spike smiled and gave Starlight a pat on the back. "No kidding. I can’t imagine anyone else here could have thought of that. Maybe you have what it takes to be a leader after all, Starlight."

"Maybe. We’ll see." The unicorn sheepishly declared.

“Oh, I think there is more to come out of you.” Simba said otherwise. “Something that maybe you just didn’t realize until now.”

“And if you ask me you are starting to peak at a very good time.” Ono further complimented.

Sunburst then commented next. "Well, regardless, we still don't know where we're going."

However, Starlight spoke up with another idea in mind. "Actually, we might. I noticed that two of thee changelings were chasing after Thorax broke off and didn’t go with the others. So they might be our next lead so far."

Thorax buzzed his wings a bit as a bright smile formed on his face! "Of course! With an intruder in the hive, they went to protect the queen! So we just go where they go and we're sure to find her! Good thinking, Starlight!"

“Not only will they inform and protect the queen.” The lion king added. “...they will unquestionably inform Scar too. So were going to need to be extra careful if and when we get there.”

“No kidding.” Janja commented in agreement before turning to the unicorn. “But still another pretty good plan there.”

Jasiri also agreed herself. “Yeah! And for someone afraid to step up to leadership, you’re really doing well so far, Starlight!”

Sunburst nodded. "Better than anything any of us could come up with." Again after hearing that, Starlight sheepishly shrunk from the spotlight feeling it won’t be long only her lucky streak runs out.

Regardless of how it had been discovered, a lead was still a lead. So the rag-tag rescue group followed it as best they could, venturing deeper and deeper into the hive. All the while, no one dared to speak a word exercising extreme precaution to avoid being overheard again.

Eventually, the team all encountered obstacle in front of them. The way ahead was now blocked by several changelings, some of which were even wearing blue armor around their heads. They all stood at the ready, looking almost completely motionless if not for the occasional blink or hiss.

“Oh no!” Janja whispered. “Of all obstacles that come between us it has to be this! Just what we need right now. And before any of you say anything that last thing I said was sarcasm, okay.”

“Read you loud and clear, although more quietly.” Spike whispered as the group peered out from behind the cover of a rock. It was obvious that they need another diversion or distraction to get past the changelings standing guard.

"So anybody or anypony got any bright ideas?" Sunburst whispered as the group turned to discuss their next move.

Starlight firmly declared. "There's only one thing we can do, we'll have to get inside and get past them! And that’s only if someone’s more than willing to be the next distraction for them."

Trixie glumly and regretfully informed her. "Hate to tell you this but... fresh out of smoke bombs. I wish I had packed more with me had I known I was partaking in an important kingdom saving mission."

Thorax whimpered. "I’m afraid I can’t step up to this one. They’re easy to fool like the changelings we tricked earlier and I’ll definitely freeze up on the spot if I even try to do anything do them."

“I’m afraid my claws and combat abilites are little use against sheer numbers.” The lion king admitted. “If I had a partner along with dealing with just a pack the size of Zira’s pride it’d be much easier.”

"If only it were that simple." Spike also admitted.

“Along with having keen sight spot out a perfect time to make a run past those guards.” Ono added feeling nervous and unwilling to risk giving it a try himself.

And Sunburst shrugged his hooves. "It seems we might be at the end of our rope here."

"Well we need to think of something if we want to be able to save our friends!" Jasiri insisted as her eyes narrowed. "Otherwise, we’re sitting ducks, and I don’t mean that literally." Just then a duck sound was heard from around which had every changeling freeze for a moment before resuming like it never happened.

After the moment had passed Discord reluctantly spoke up. "Normally, I'm the most distracting thing I can think of, but without magic..."

That was enough to give the unicorn an idea. "You shouldn't underestimate yourself, Discord," A grin formed on her face. "Maybe you can work that magic of yours like you did during the last Grand Galloping Gala on them.”

“And maybe the same can be said for you too Janja…” Jasiri added as she looked at him with the same grin thinking of the same idea. “...considering you can be annoying at times…”

“Hey!”

“...you can make yourself useful and back Discord’s act up all the way.”

“Jasiri…” Janja in return felt nervous about the idea. “...are you really sure that’s a good idea.”

“Positive!” Jasiri remained certain that it’ll work. “Think about your boys in trouble. Remember why you agreed to join this little rescue party?”

Janja can only groan in defeat knowing full well of how this mess happened. “Oh, all right. But you owe me big if we all get out of this alive.”

“Me too.” Discord returned in agreement. “I just hope that this show will actually draw a pleasing crowd.” He then turned to Trixie. “Um, don’t suppose you have a microphone I can borrow?”

“Two, please?” Janja requested.

"Go for it." Trixie replied as she hoofed it over to the draconequus and hyena.

And so, microphone in hand and paw, both Janja and Discord stepped out to confront the changelings as they tapped on the microphone.

"Hello? Is this thing on?" The hyena asked but received no reply since the microphone was not plugged in.

“Oh, no worries. I see you all can hear us loud and clear.” Discord then continued forward like it was actually working before going on talking. "Hello, changelings and changelettes! That's right, your eyes don't deceive you. Believe me, I was just as surprised as you are that I'm here!"

“And the same could be said about me. Here I was set to be burned alive in a fire at Pride Rock, yet here I am now.” Janja added with a nervous laugh.

The changelings gazed at the intruders who'd dared to show themselves, wondering just what their plan was. A few of them exchanged curious glances with one another. As a result, they didn't seem to notice as a few other creatures started to sneak towards them.

Discord kept on speaking into the microphone. "When I heard that I'd be playing for a bunch of changelings, I was beside myself! But then I realized, it was just one of you, so I had no reason to get all worked up."

All the changelings could offer in reply were annoyed hisses. But they didn't move an inch.

“Me neither!” Janja then added as he took a turn in speaking up. “I mean, we’re all friends here. All wanting the same goal in life. More food and more water. More than anyone here could ever imagine! Oh, you’d all would be drooling at the sight of it. Let me tell you, my boys would be doing the same if they ever saw a zebra as easy prey.”

"But, seriously, this isn't the toughest crowd I've ever been in front of," Discord said with a nervous laugh as he suddenly felt like he was being put under a very bright spotlight with a light so bright it’ll burn the eyes of those who dare to look directly at it. "But it's definitely the easiest to bug!" Again, he received no feedback aside from hisses and snarls. "'To bug'?" He repeated in hopes of a reply only to again be denied. He lost patience as a result, throwing down the microphone and gritting his teeth.

“Seriously, come on, guys!” Janja then angrily declared. “To think that even friends and enemies could at least share a sense of humor with one another. But instead we’re just shaking our butts around for some skinny jerks with no sense of humor!” Hearing that got a reaction all right! One that produced angry scowls from the whole crowd. Upon seeing this sparked an idea of how to goad them further. “Oh, no! I didn’t you all of you! Just that skinny lion king and queen you answer to. I mean really how do they manage to get around with actual weight to stand on!” He then laughed and taunted.

One of the changelings shouted! "He insulted our king and queen! Seize them!"

“You’ll have to catch us first!” Janja grinned before fleeing with Discord followig suit as they all chased after him! Fortunately, this gave his fellow rescuers the opening they needed to slip past the door that the changelings had been guarding.

Peering back out through said door, Trixie could only comment as she watched Janja and Discord try to shake off their pursuers. "It is absolutely ridiculous that that worked. Along with two creatures who actually have a terrible sense of humor."

“Maybe, but it’s better to just humor them considering they actually managed to save us for once.” Jasiri insisted and advised.

"Yeah!" Spike also protested. "We'll need to have them on our side when this is over."

Sunburst nodded. "Not only that they took one for the team. Something I can never imagine them doing ever."

“Me neither.” Ono agreed. “And this is coming from me who’s more used to seeing him doing the exact opposite if this were yesterday.”

“Nor would I believe it actually happening.” Simba also stated feeling very impressed and proud of them. “Took a little longer than I thought but it’s finally happening.”

As for Discord and Janja, they eventually managed to duck behind a wall as his changeling pursuers flew right by without looking.

The former wiped the sweat from his brows. "Oh, it's such a pleasure to have such dedicated fans," He said to himself as he began to head back to join the others. "I'll have to remember to come back here with some new material after this all said and done.”

“You said it!” Janja agreed. “And to think all of that running away actually does us some good for once.” He then prepared to head back too. “Now let’s go!”

Yet just as they prepared to leave, he heard a familiar voice softly cry out. "Please, help!"

Discord gasped and raced right to the source of the cry, finding a familiar looking butter yellow coated pegasus mare with a light pink mane staring back at him. "Fluttershy!" He gasped!

"Yes!" Fluttershy confessed as she whimpered while looking down at her hooves that were covered in a sickly green goop, and the same goop covered her wings. "Help me out! I'm stuck!"

Discord smiled. "You certainly are, and I should rescue you," He leaned down to do just that. But before he did, a thought flashed in his mind as he declared. "But..."

"But what?" Fluttershy sniffled in confusion.

The chaos maker adopted a knowing smile as he smugly and confidently declared. "But you are obviously not Fluttershy! Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that!"

"Oh." The fake Fluttershy commented as she realized she'd been had.

The witty draconequus could only go on bragging while ignoring Janja motioning him to turn his back on her. "Do you think I would fall for that? I wasn't born yesterday, I've been around long before your queen was ever around and hatched from... whatever ugly place it is. Not only that the same can be said for the evil half lion and alicorn and whomever gave birth to him. I mean, honestly, I'm separated from the group and just happen to come across the one pony I care most about? I can smell this setup a mile away," He turned to leave. "And the next time you see either one of them, tell them I send my regards for them to try harder next time."

“Yeah! What he said!” Janja returned while successfully moving to drag the draconequus away from the changeling. “Along with me giving you and them the bird!” To make his point across he raised his paw up at the changeling’s direction before turning to make their leave together.

The fake Fluttershy's sniffles grew louder as she burst into tears and wailed audibly. "No. You're right. There's no way you should trust me. Just go find the others. I understand!"

"Oh come on! Resorting to crying?! Are you kidding me?!" Discord snarled while refusing to look by while Janja moved to roll his eyes in response.

“Pathetic!” Janja only said to them while still walking away. “There is only one somebody that can get me quivering with fear and that someone is…”

“Me. Who embodies that very fear into your heart.” Scar’s voice said to him as he appeared from the shadows in front of him and Discord.

“Oh, crud!”

“You!”

“Yes me, Janja, Discord! And I will compliment and congratulate you both for getting this far in this daring rescue. It’s a far cry than your past self's that’s for sure.”

“It is?” Janja asked confused and whether or not he is being sincere or not.

“Yes.” He nodded before moving to open his sharp claws along with spreading his wings out. “Too bad I got to make an example out of you both considering the circumstances.”

“If that’s what you want…” Janja readied himself for that fight even knowing the odds are against him this time with narrowed and brave eyes. “...then let’s go!” He moved to make a charge at the half lion/alicorn who simply backhanded the hyena away sending him tumbling across the ground. When he recovered still looking steely eyed ready for another attempt he growled. “Okay. No more messing around!”

He moved to step backwards before making a running start this time. He moved to lunge at him with great speed only to strike air instead when his opponent simply dodged the attack looking like it isn’t the most impressive attack thus far. He then just lunged right at him, giving his all, while swinging and grunting at his former master who just betrayed him earlier. But even still, he was effortlessly blocking off the paw to paw combat like it was nothing.

“I see you have found a new resolve and drive! While impressive, but pointless in regards to me.” Scar commented while still blocking off the attempted attacks effortlessly. “Who would have thought that this would only get you this far after constantly running like a coward.”

“At least farther than anyone else you have following you!” Janja defiantly returned. “At least this time this coward is not running away from you. Especially after you had the never to double cross me back at Pride Rock!”

“Like I’ve never done that to a hyena before.” Scar returned without remorse.

“But why?! Why did you it even knowing I never did anything to you?!”

Scar simply chuckled as they kept sparring as he started going on the offense and started knocking and slapping the hyena around like a rag doll. “You know, considering your predecessors had no qualms of killing me the first time around, I stand to justify that as a very good reason. Not only that, considering you were also thinking of joining your new girlfriend after I spared you from death a number of times before, you and your clan were simply dead weight that was just waiting to dropped. So, I did everyone a favor by cutting out the middle man or the middle hyena I should say.” With the strongest and fastest charge he could muster Janja tried to charge at Scar one more time, only to be simply and swiftly grab him by the neck. “But considering you once more made yourself useful to me in luring those who are still willing to fight all the way out here as I finally finish putting every last piece of my takeover together, I’ll thank and spare you...for now.”

He then proceeded toss him up and then backhand him hard into the nearby rocks causing him to lose consciousness as the malevolent Reirei chuckles at his misfortune before moving to drag him away. “Night, night, crazy guy!”

Afterwards he then turned his full attention to Discord who is now surrounded by changelings who are all standing to look exactly like Fluttershy. All crying and sobbing, sniffling and saying through tears. "I'm the real Fluttershy."

Then the first fake Fluttershy seemed to smile with sadistic glee as she declared. "We're probably all changelings. You shouldn't rescue any of us. Yo should get out of here and get back to your friends. Unless, you think, maybe one of us might be the real Fluttershy after all. Ooh, now that would certainly be a nasty changeling trick to pull, wouldn't it?"

“I’m the real one.”

“I’m the real one.”

“I’m the real Fluttershy.”

“And what to do with you, Discord. Bringing my mother into this.” Scar gave it some thought before deciding with sadistic delight. “Oh, yes! I’ve got it!” With his expression turning from sadistically calm to viciously furious as he bared his claws to lay down the hurt on the Lord of Chaos with only the sound of roars, growls, snarling, along clawing and punches accompanied with the wincing looks of the watching changelings to go on about as they listen and watch the brutal cries and pains Discord finds himself enduring now by the sight of the nearby shadows the changelings are now seeing.

Starlight Glimmer was waiting anxiously and nervously for Discord as she tapped a hoof to the ground repeatedly and bit her lip. "Where the hay are those two?!"

Thorax reluctantly spoke up in protest. "We can't wait for Discord and Janja any longer. Between seeing him and Trixie, the castle will be crawling with guards soon.”

Starlight protested right back. "But if we do manage to destroy Chrysalis' throne, we'll need them, especially Discord. He can take on the entire changeling army by sneezing and snapping his fingers if he wanted to."

Trixie grumbled in response. "They’ve probably already been captured. And I bet if both Discord and Janja are fully reformed then we’re better off going ahead without them. At least now compared to yesterday."

“She’s right.” Simba agreed. “We can’t keep stalling here, since it’s taken this long, there’s no question that Scar and Chrysalis have already gotten them by now.”

Said statement was also backed up on by Spike who had to agree himself with it. “Sorry, Starlight. But we better get going before we get captured too. Our friends trapped who knows where are depending on us.”

But just then, Discord poked his head in through the door and said in an unusually cheerful tone. "Hello? Fellow rescuers?”

“Sorry to keep you all waiting." Janja added to which had sparked distrust in Jasiri’s eyes especially.

"You’re both right to sorry about that!" Sunburst remarked with narrowed eyes. "Along with having the need to continue making these dramatic entrances?!"

Thorax added. "We can't stay here, we have to find the throne before the guards seal it off!"

Discord spoke up as his smile seemed to grow wider somehow! "Ooh, funny you should mention that! I heard some of the changelings chasing me say that they know where it is!"

“Yeah! Me too!” Janja spoke up basically agreeing with him. “It’s right along this way!” He then began leading the way without caring nor responding to the suspicious eyes behind him.

Nervously, Sunburst inquired of the chaos maker and hyena. "Klutzy...?"

There was a brief period of silence as Discord and Janja didn't immediately respond or even wince upon hearing the comment.

The former then stated in the same cheerful tone. "Oh. Yeah," He briefly chuckled. "I-I can be klutzy."

Then the latter then said quick to acknowledge the comment. "And he is indeed a draconequus! The Lord of Chaos himself and the same can be said about me. Janja, the dim-witted hyena always causing trouble." Hearing and seeing what she saw definitely confirmed the red flags flying in the female hyena's head as looks on with a suspicious glare straight at the hyena she is seeing in front of him.

"That's right!" Discord chuckled before gesturing and continuing to lead the way. "Now follow us, please."

So they did, though Sunburst was quick to whisper the obvious to Starlight. "You know that's not the real Discord and Janja, right?"

Starlight nodded and whispered back. "Obviously. But we can't let the changelings know we're onto them."

“Even though it’s pretty clear Scar knows we’re here.” Simba quietly reminded.

A short time later, "Discord" led the rescuers right to a pathway that split off into two sections: One went to the left and the other to the right, and both involved passing through long, dark caves. He headed down the leftward path as he insisted to the others. "This way! We're almost there!"

"In a minute, Discord!" Thorax called after him.

“Well, don’t keep us in the suspense, furbrains!” Janja returned from the shadows.

Once they were both out of earshot, Thorax then urgently turned to the ponies, lion, egret, and dragon accompanying him as he whispered. "I know this trick. It's one of the hive's best ways for dealing with intruders. If they says to go left, we should definitely go right. They’re leading us to a swarm waiting to attack! We'll never be able to survive that without getting captured!"

Spike shuddered at the horrible image that conjured up. "Good to know. Now that we know what path not to take, let's go the way that really leads to the throne room."

But Thorax whimpered and shook his head. "It won't be as easy. The moment that happens we’ll have company coming right us to stop us in our tracks. And I mean they’ll respond with sheer numbers against our odds!"

Ono gulped. "Oh, great! So either another one of us gets captured or all of us gets captured.” With a calming breath despite his growing anxiety, he then said. “Okay. I’ll go. I’ll deal with the imposters.”

“Me too!” Jasiri also declared. “The moment we enter this tunnel you all run into the other tunnel and get as far away from here as you can! I'll.. be okay, I promise."

“What?! Ono! Jasiri! No!” Starlight cried as she began to hyperventilate a little. "You both don’t have to do this! Sunburst, I don't wanna lose you too! Or you Ono! And neither do I wanna lose Spike, Simba, or Trixie! If anyone should go it’s me! I'm the reason those impostors are with us. I’m the one who sent Janja and Discord to distract the changelings on their own thus leading for them to get captured!"

“Hey, furbrains!” The imposter Janja called out now sounding irritable with his patience running thin. “You all coming or what?!”

"Yeah?!" The impostor Discord called with his tone of voice not changing in the slightest. "Time’s running out here."

“Don’t worry.”

“We’re coming.”

Both Ono and Jasiri called back with the former turning to look at Starlight with this to say.

“It’ll be okay, Starlight.” Sunburst assured. “We just need to have faith in them.”

“But what if the next we know if the plan works and we do get by the next group of changelings and Outlanders after us, you will be next?!” Starlight looked on like she was going to cry. “You! My first friend I ever knew and never thought I'd ever see again after you left me when we were foals. I don't want lose you! Not again!"

In response, Sunburst pulled Starlight close and hugged her tightly. "Starlight, please listen to me." He cleared his throat. "It’ll be okay. You got us this far when we had no plan and no magic. You don't need magic to figure out what to do next. I know you're scared. But you're good at it. You're not the same pony you were when we were separated. So when your best friend, your childhood friend, tells yo that you can do this! Just believe in yourself the way I believe in you! And whatever happens, don't look back! Even if we do get separated again, I promise you we'll see each other again, I'm sure of it." He then ended the hug to allow her to accept Jasiri and Ono’s sacrifice.

“And you can't blame yourself for things that are beyond your control, Starlight. And when you look at me, I don't have your raw magical power or Trixie's skill with illusions. I also don't have Spike's fire breath and claws, or Discord's ability to warp reality. Even though I have my keen sight I don’t have a complete sight on the hive and Thorax on the contrary does and knows what we're up against. This team can afford going on without us."

"Ono, don't say that! What about that talk about being a good leader and how you rose to the occasion?!" Starlight desperately pleaded even as she saw him and Jasiri head towards the left tunnel! "Jasiri! Please talk to him! Tell him this is a crazy idea!”

Jasiri can only return a regretful expression as she told her. “I’m sorry, Starlight. But Ono’s right. And remember that when it comes to leadership you’ll know when the time comes and know when to follow others when it matters the most. You are learning right now. So keep leading. We’ll be fine.” Turning away from Starlight she then pulled something out of Trixie’s bag. “Sorry, but we’re going to need to borrow this?”

"Hey, what are you...?!" Trixie began to question.

"Just preparing the two a little magic trick I always wanted to try," Jasiri declared before she raced into the left tunnel to confront the Discord and Janja impostors.

“Good luck!” Ono called out as he yelled before the benevolent hyena leader moved to throw the magic handkerchief (colored red) over Discord's lion paw.

With that she boldly declared. "Alright fakers, the jig is up! I know you’re not Janja and you’re not Discord and you’re not fooling us. So tell us where your friends are and what you've done with the real Discord and Janja!" As soon as she finished speaking those words he heard the sound of hisses from above. "RUN!" Ono yelled to the others, all of whom obeyed without question.

Just like Thorax had predicted, a swarm of changelings was waiting inside the left tunnel as the fake Discord and Janja dropped their disguises.

“Oh, so very clever of you both to see through our little ruse.”

“Question is, do you both have what it takes to back up those brains of yours with a little much needed brawn?”

The two changelings taunted and questioned the surrounded duo with vultures appearing around them.

“All right committee, let’s put it to a vote…” Mzingo then said. “...we vultures will take on Ono while the changelings take on Jasiri, sound fair?”

All of the vultures and changelings all agreed to that finding that to be a fair proposal.

“Yeah!”

“Aye!”

“Okay…”

“...Bring it!”

Both Ono and Jasiri dared them as they all lunged at them at the exact same time creating a strong and powerful dust cloud of violence to appear in the tunnel. Even so, both looked on fearless regardless of the outcome.

Predictably after a brief and hard fought battle, both the egret and hyena were both captured and subdued due to the sheer numbers against them.

But just before anything else could happen, a mysterious ninja wearing figure appeared out of nowhere and swiftly took them all out without warning followed by a partner following suit. Upon recovering the vultures and changelings all looked on angrily before flying directly at them.

Said attempt ended up being countered when the two produced cans that contained spray that burned and stung their eyes really, really, badly to the point they screamed and collapsed in pain.

“Oye! Me eyes!”

“They’re burning!”

“No horse feathers they do!”

“Buck! That hurt’s!”

And that provided the distraction that was needed for the mysterious rescuers to drag both Ono and Jasiri out of the tunnel and away from the hive.

Meanwhile other changelings and Outsiders quickly pursued the other enemies of the hive on the run, forcing the group to separate even further: Starlight and Thorax went one way with the leopards on their tail, Spike and Trixie went another with more changelings following after them along with crocodiles accompanying them, while Simba and Sunburst himself went down another path with Zira and her pride following after him.

Unfortunately for Trixie and Spike, they soon found themselves with nowhere to run and the changelings fast closing in on them!

"Well, looks like this is the end, Spike!" Trixie said to the little dragon as she braced for what seemed like certain capture.

But Spike looked on confidently and bravely as he declared. “Not yet!” And without explaining himself further he took a deep breath and drew fire from his mouth. Said fire created a wall of flames to separate himself and Trixie as the changelings that had been pursuing them skidded to a halt. "As long as I am still breathing the very fire you all hate, it’s not over for us!"

At the same time, Simba and Sunburst both found themselves too cornered by the lionesses who all look on very eager and blood thirsty ready to exact vengeance on him for the wrong they accused him of.

“Why, Simba…” Zira began while smirking.

“Zira!” Simba returned with a growl.

“...such a delight to see you all the way out here and so… alone, again. Attack!”

Without warning the lions all rushed forward to attack him. But the lion king himself was quick to defend himself thanks to making use of the environment around him. From Simba using his claws to knock away the lionesses that come right at them, to Sunburst using the nearby rocks as weapons to fend off and even knock away their enemies trying to attack them on their blind spots. They even managed to back each other up vice versa much like Shining Armor did with Simba the last time Zira fought him.

Meanwhile, Starlight and Thorax were unaware of this development, as they instead silently agreed to split off again, and then made their way even deeper into the hive. All while Shupuava spots them from the hole nearby where Scar, Chrysalis, and Ushari are still standing near the throne room. With this sighting she moved to report it to them.

“Scar! Chrysalis! The remaining rescuers are being split up, but two of them have managed to avoid detection and are heading your way.”

“Perfect!” Scar commented still feeling pleased with what he is hearing. “Everything is going according to plan.”

“But what about those who managed to escape?”

“Oh, not to worry, Shupavu. I got that covered…” He turned to the changelings lurking in the shadows who appeared with the now captive Twilight restrained limb from limb, wing to wing. All while looking on defiantly and refusing to summit to defeat in the face of him...