Rise of Ruinous

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: RISE OF RUINOUS

Chapter 39: The Spirit of Oblivion, Ruinous, Part 3 - Winds of Change(ling)

???: Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle moans a bit, slowly moving.....

???: Twilight.....

T.Sparkle: ooohhh......

The purple unicorn groans, holding her head and slowly sitting up.

Virtuna: You OK, Twi?

T.Sparkle: *long, drawn-out groan* I feel like the Running of the Leaves and the buffalo stampede are happening in my head.....

As Twilight Sparkle groaned and rubbed her head with her eyes shut, a bright pulse of green light flashes by her, taking her pain and discomfort away.

???: Is that better?

Twilight Sparkle slowly opened her eyes and focused her vision.  She was shocked to find, of all ponies.....

T.Sparkle: Queen Chrysalis?

Q.Chrysalis: Yes, child.

Virtuna: I KNOW you're gonna find this REAL hard to believe, but she got us back here *Trixie, Pitstop, Zecora and Corinne nod* AND you.  We all could've been caught in the middle of that!!

Q.Chrysalis: Look, I know because of what I did at the wedding and the anniversary, you may find this hard to believe, but I'm not an evil monster, I.....

Twilight Sparkle glomped - AKA tackle-hug - the Changeling Queen, knocking her off the bed and onto the floor!

T.Sparkle: You.....  You may have just saved all of Equestria!

The purple unicorn sobbed as the others look at each other, troubled expressions on their faces.

T.Sparkle: We need to find Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  If we can get to them before Ruinous does.....

Trixie: Twilight, I think you may need to look outside.....

As the purple mare looks outside, then up, she sees the damage and destruction caused by Ruinous.  But the most depressing thing was the "sun" in the sky, swirling red and black and depicting pure evil.  Twilight Sparkle's head bowed with a sigh.

T.Sparkle: Then all is lost.....  If only.....

Twilight Sparkle gasped as, standing in the doorway of her library, glaring disappointedly at her, was Nightmare Moon!

N.Moon: Twilight Sparkle..... You of all ponies..... *She walks into the room*  Now you stop that talk right now.  All is NOT lost, you hear me?  All is NEVER lost, you understand me?!  Where's MY Twilight Sparkle?!  Where's the Twilight Sparkle who fought me for the Elements of Harmony? Where's the Twilight Sparkle who ran around Ponyville trying to break Discord's spell?  Where's the Twilight Sparkle who detected Queen Chrysalis before anypony else did?  Where's the Twilight Sparkle who solved every problem with her friends?  Where is she?  Bring her back, NOW!! BRING BACK "MY" TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!!

Twilight Sparkle and Nightmare Moon look at each other until Twilight Sparkle glares at her with a fierce look in her eyes.  Somehow, Nightmare Moon was able to pick up on Twilight Sparkle's spirit returning, her Element of Magic's glow returning as well.

N.Moon: THERE she is.  *brohoofs Twilight Sparkle*  THERE'S my fierce little pony.

Twilight Sparkle walks up to Nightmare Moon and nuzzles her.

T.Sparkle: Thanks, Nightmare Moon.  I sure as hay needed that!

N.Moon: *smile* Anytime, Twilight Sparkle.

Q.Chrysalis: Now, Twilight, This is important: First and foremost, your friends are not dead.

T.Sparkle: They sure LOOKED like it...

Q.Chrysalis: They're not.  They're just in a super-deep sleep.  They need something powerful to wake them back up.

T.Sparkle: *crouches down a bit, ears down and slightly embarassed* I-don't-have-to-kiss-'em-do-I?

The changeling queen begins laughing, Nightmare Moon blushes and strikes the same embarassed pose and Virtuna and the others try to stifle their laughter at Twilight Sparkle's question.

Q.Chrysalis: No, no, no..... *giggle*  You won't have to kiss them.  You WILL have to use a memory spell.....

T.Sparkle: *POINK!* I have a memory spell!

Q.Chrysalis: *smile* That's great!  That's ONE part.  The other is you'll need something that'll jog their memory, since the state Ruinous put them in is deeper than the state Discord put them in. *looks around* Do you have anything here that reminds you of your friends?

Twilight Sparkle looked around and noticed Applejack's hat.

T.Sparkle: *smile* Indeed, I do.

Twilight Sparkle levitated her saddlebags to her, then Applejack's hat -

T.Sparkle: Applejack.

• putting it in, then she got her copy of "Daring-Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone" -

T.Sparkle: Rainbow Dash.

• putting that in, then she got a copy of the "Foal Free Press" with the story of Fluttershy beating Toxion -

T.Sparkle: Fluttershy.

• putting it in, then she got the party hat she wore during Pinkie Pie's surprise birthday party from "Party of One" -

T.Sparkle: Pinkie Pie.

• putting it in, then a picture of her in the dress Rarity made for her to go to the Grand Galloping Gala -

T.Sparkle: Rarity.

• putting it in.

Q.Chrysalis: Those should do amazingly.

T.Sparkle: *nods at the changeling*  This is not going to be the most conventional thing I ever did, but if THIS is the real you at last.....

Q.Chrysalis: I assure you, you will NEVER see me become the monster I was again.

T.Sparkle: *smile* Good. *nuzzles Queen Chrysalis*  Shall we?

Queen Chrysalis nods, then starts to follow Twilight Sparkle out of the library when.....

N.Moon: Hold up, you.

Queen Chrysalis turned to face Nightmare Moon.

N.Moon: You saved a VERY important pony to me, in fact, TWO.  I can't help but respect that.

Q.Chrysalis: *smile and nod* Thanks, Nightmare.

Nightmare Moon follows Twilight Sparkle, followed by Trixie, Zecora, Corinne then Virtuna.

Virtuna: Boy, she knows how to light a fire in somepony, eh?!

Q.Chrysalis: Yes..... She does......

The changeling was the last to leave.  Outside, the group finds Discord, the draconequus with his back turned.

Virtuna: Hey, Discord!  Glad ta see you're.....

Virtuna gasps as Discord turns around fast - his eyes as red as Ruinous'!

Q.Chrysalis: !!!

The changeling queen magipulls Virtuna out of the way of a vicious Discordian punch!

T.Sparkle: Oh, NO!!!

Discord growls as he swings his fists and tail at the scattering group.  Twilight Sparkle seems to be his main target, the possessed draconequus running after her at times.  After a while, Trixie got an idea:

Trixie: Twilight!  The Elements!!

T.Sparkle: What if it turns him to stone again?!

Trixie: DO WE HAVE A CHOICE!?

With a knowing sigh, Twilight Sparkle nods, putting her Element on.

T.Sparkle: VIRTUNA!  ZECORA! PITSTOP! CORINNE! We have to use the Elements of Harmony, it's the only way to stop him!

With a nod, the six friends bunch up, Twilight Sparkle teleporting them a good distance behind Discord.

T.Sparkle: NOW!!!!!

It was a pastel rainbow, not the normal one, but it worked as the Elements of Harmony rainbow attack strikes Discord hard!  Discord screams out as the rainbow blasts all the evil out of him, falling to the ground after the attack ceases.  Twilight Sparkle gasps and races to Discord's side.

T.Sparkle: NO!  Discord, wake up!  PLEASE! Wake up, Discord!  Come on!  PLEASE wake up!  *hugs him* I lost enough friends today!  I don't wanna lose anymore!  Discord!  DISCORD!!!

Twilight Sparkle breaks down and cries, the scene even getting to the former baddies.  Slowly, Discord wakes up, hugging Twilight Sparkle, clearly back to normal!

T.Sparkle: DISCORD!  You're OK!!

Discord: *hugs Twilight Sparkle*  Thanks so much, Twilight.  I had no idea Ruinous would try SO hard to.....

Discord slowly rises as he puts the purple unicorn down, eyes focused on.....

Discord: Chrysalis?

Q.Chrysalis: Discord?

The two head towards each other and hug, softly sobbing in relief.  Virtuna walked up and blinked.

Virtuna: YOU TWO were FRIENDS?

Discord: You COULD say that.

Q.Chrysalis: Discord's the only one who was able to out-prank me when we were younger.

Trixie: WOW!  That's amazing how far back you two go.

Discord: There were MORE than just us two, Trixie.

Virtuna: Do we know them?

Q.Chrysalis: Possibly.

Virtuna: Sounds cool.

Discord: It is.

Zecora: *giggle*

Normally, we would all be mad,

We're teamed with three who used to be bad!

Everypony laughs, including the three former baddies.

Virtuna: I know!  Eternal night, eternal chaos, and eternal... *looks at Queen Chrysalis* What would you have done?

Q.Chrysalis: I'd've sucked all the positive emotions out of Equestria.

Virtuna: And eternal sadness.

The former enemies laugh a bit harder.

T.Sparkle: C'mon.  We got a BIG baddie to cut down to size.

N.Moon: Yeah.

The small group starts walking towards Canterlot.  On the way, they pass by the Cutie Mark Crusaders' clubhouse, three nervous fillies slowly looking outside.

A.Bloom: Twilight!  What-happened?!

T.Sparkle: We, uh, hit a small snag, we.....

S.Belle: My sister.....

Q.Chrysalis: Ruinous ponynapped her and the other Elements and stalked them.  He's got them under a spell and we are on our way to breaking it.

Scootaloo: PLEASE get our friends back!

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* I assure you, I will.  Trust me, I will get them all back.

The changeling queen's words reassure the fillies, bringing smiles to their faces.

T.Sparkle: We won't be long.

A.Bloom: OK, Twilight.

The group walks on, spotting Sugar Cube Corner.  Mr. and Mrs. Cake stand outside, seeing the group walk by.

Cake Twins: Pinkie! Pie!

Queen Chrysalis walks up to the two foals and lays by them.

Q.Chrysalis: I assure you, I'll get her back for you.  I'll get them ALL back, OK?

Just as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, her words reassured the Cakes.

Mr. Cake: Just be careful, OK?

Mrs. Cake: And come back alive.

T.Sparkle: We won't let Ruinous beat us.

The two groups bow to each other, then Twilight Sparkle's group heads on towards Canterlot.  Inside what was once Canterlot Castle, Ruinous had put the rest of the Mane 6 on beds.  As if adding insult to injury, they were decorated to match them on all facets - personality, their element, their dreams, everything.

Ruinous: Now, try to get some sleep.....  if you can.  I WOULD say "Sweet dreams", but..... Where YOU are all headed, that would be false advertising.

With a final chuckle, he heads out into the hallway, where he picks up Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Ruinous: Now..... for a more suitable final resting place for YOU two.....

The dark stallion carries both princesses to another room.  Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle and the others were looking around for a way to get to Canterlot.  They pass by houses where ponies huddle in fear, the skies more threatening than anything ever seen before.  Strangely, seeing Queen Chrysalis made them feel a bit more at ease.  They soon pass into the main square, Queen Chrysalis murring and taking - of all things.....

T.Sparkle: A Zap Apple?

Q.Chrysalis: Yep.  *pays for it and takes a bite*  I LOVE these things!

T.Sparkle: *chuckle*  We'll make sure to invite you to the next harvest.

Q.Chrysalis: Can't wait!

Both laugh as they head for the train station - only to find the tracks torn up.

Virtuna: This is becoming a bit of a chess match.

N.Moon: Oh?

Virtuna: Yeah..... I'm not a fan of chess.

The alicorn chuckles, then Twilight Sparkle blinks.  Standing near a huge metal lid was the earth pony formerly known as Toxion.  Twilight Sparkle walked up to the earth pony and he kicked the lid out, sending it to the ground with a clatter.  The two ponies bow to each other.

T.Sparkle: Heya, guys!  This pony helped us find a way in!

When Twilight Sparkle turned back around as the rest walk up to her, the earth pony had vanished.  Twilight Sparkle shrugs as the others run up to her.

Trixie: What?

T.Sparkle: You didn't see.....

Q.Chrysalis: No.....

With a collective shrug, they walk into the sewer single-file.  Meanwhile, Ruinous had gotten the two princesses on huge canopy beds, decorated the same way as the rest of the Mane 6.  He takes the rest of their regalia off before laying them on the beds.

Ruinous: *chuckle* There we go.  Equestria's rulers and their greatest heroes, all snug in their beds. Ha-ha-ha.....

He makes a similar bed appear for Twilight Sparkle between the princesses' beds.

Ruinous: Don't worry, the two of you won't be alone long.  For one thing, you'll have each other for company..... And soon, your number-one student.

Ruinous laughs evilly as he heads to his new throne room.  Back in the sewers, Twilight Sparkle and her group head mostly uphill, finding it a struggle - and it wasn't the smell.  A river of water ran through the middle of the tunnel, making it a slippery climb, especially for those with hooves.  A couple times, Twilight Sparkle even tripped, but every time, she rose to her hooves, unwilling to let the hope inside her that she'd be able to rescue her friends die.  Nightmare Moon smiled each time Twilight Sparkle rose from each slip and fall.

Q.Chrysalis: You're acting really strong, Twilight.

T.Sparkle: MY strength..... comes from my friends, Queen Chrysalis.  It's their memory that's keeping me going.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod*  Impressive.  -My friends keep ME going, too.-

Queen Chrysalis and Discord exchange smiles as the group soldiers on.

T.Sparkle: -Hang in there, girls.  I'm coming for you.  Hold strong, we'll be together again.-

Twilight Sparkle had reason to worry, though, as her friends weren't having a good rest.  They were thrown into a horrific nightmare in which not only was everypony around them acting the opposite of their elements - ie, no one laughed in Pinkie Pie's nightmare, Rarity's was full of selfish ponies, Applejack's was full of liars, Fluttershy's was full of bullies and Rainbow Dash's had nopony there for anypony else - but also, everypony acted as if they were the scum of Equestria.  Most of their dialogue centered around asking why everypony was treating them the way they were, their feelings legitimately hurt by the spiteful ponies surrounding them.....

Applejack: Please..... Stop lying.....

Fluttershy: Be kind.....  Don't be so cruel.....

Rarity: Now, now, now..... It's nicer to share.....

P.Pie: Smile!  PLEASE smile!

R.Dash: It's important to be there..... for your friends.....

All 5: NO!  Don't hate us!!!

All five ponies scream out in their sleep, Ruinous' spell firmly on them all.  Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle and her group made it to a junction point of the sewers.

N.Moon: This is NOT the usual place for it, but.....  Let's just take a rest here.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* 10-4.

Everyone sighs as they take a breather.

Q.Chrysalis: So, are those objects OK?

T.Sparkle: *nod* Yeah.

Corinne: So, w-w-what's the plan?

Q.Chrysalis: Have Twilight use those objects and her memory spell to break Ruinous' grip on her friends and the princesses.

Zecora:

A stronger spell could be a tip,

the princesses may be in a tighter grip.

N.Moon: *nod* Indeed.  We may need the other Elements to help out with those two.

Q.Chrysalis: Goodness knows what they're going through.

T.Sparkle: Do we wanna know?

Everypony knew what Twilight Sparkle meant, and the very thought chilled even Nightmare Moon's spine.  Virtuna walked over to the Mare in the Moon.

Virtuna: Bit for your thoughts, Moon?

N.Moon: Just..... worried about Princess Luna.

Virtuna: If this works, she'll be back, K?

N.Moon: I know THAT.  I just don't know what she's dreaming of right now.....

Virtuna: Don't worry about that.  Ruinous'll pay for what he's done, no matter what, K?

N.Moon: Thanks, you.

The two nuzzle up, making Twilight Sparkle smile.  After a while, the group got up and stretched.  As they did, Twilight Sparkle saw the pegasus that used to be Fryght standing by a gaping hole.  As Twilight Sparkle walked to it, the pegasus ran through the gap in the wall.  What Twilight Sparkle saw outside made everything about Queen Chrysalis clear.

T.Sparkle: Guys?  *The rest of the group looks at Twilight Sparkle, the purple mare looking back, tears in her eyes*  I think..... we all need to look at this.....

Everyone nods, slowly walking nervously through the gap.  What awaited on the other side was telling, heartbreaking and angering: Destruction everywhere, smoke clouds clogging the sky and changelings laying in the same way as the rest of the Mane 6 and the princesses.

T.Sparkle: Even if..... you were still evil, Queen Chrysalis..... your kind does NOT deserve this, I.....

Trixie: Where ARE we?

Q.Chrysalis: SOUTH Transforma.

T.Sparkle: We weren't allowed here when Prince Shiftshape and Princess Morphina gave us a tour before the ChangeWings/Wonderbolts air show.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* He wanted you to have fun and not worry about finding all this.....

Corinne: Th-Th-This isn't what I th-th-think it is..... is-it?

Q.Chrysalis: It-is..... *SIGH*  You're looking at Ruinous' arrival in Transforma 2,000 years ago.

T.Sparkle: Discord told us about Ruinous' last attack 2,000 years ago.  He didn't say anything about it coming from here.

Discord: ................He tried to attack from two sides.  This was one side and my chaos was another.  But the Master Elements sealed Ruinous away - however temporary - and then the princesses sealed ME away with the Elements of Harmony.

Q.Chrysalis: We were able to keep our hunger for love fueled by Hatetrol's curse in check - until the day of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence's wedding.

T.Sparkle: Then you invaded Canterlot, stole Princess Cadence's identity, turned my brother into a zombie and almost sucked Equestria dry of all love.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod*  Then, during the anniversary, I tried to get to Princess Celestia, but then Hatetrol's curse got to me again.  This isn't the kind of thing in which I was all la-di-da and pleasant, like Fluttershy, one second and then a despicable horrible fiend the next.  This was a gradual thing, the closer I got to Princess Celestia, the more evil I got.  By the time I saw her, I only wanted to hurt her and steal her kingdom.  I hated hurting her like that.....  and I'd give anything to take that memory from her.....

Virtuna: Daw, Queenie, look.  All ya have ta do is tell Princess Celestia what you told us.  I'm sure she'd forgive ya.

Q.Chrysalis: Really?

Virtuna: Yeah!  Look: You come over to my arcade - and by the way, you're welcome to anytime - *Queen Chrysalis blushes and smiles* put a bit in a machine and press "START".  What do ya get?

Q.Chrysalis: A lot of fun for a little bit of money?

Despite the heavily-depressing surroundings, Virtuna wails out in laughter at Queen Chrysalis' one-liner.

Virtuna: That, too, but I was focusing on this: You get... three... lives.  You didn't fail, Queenie, ya just lost a life.  You have a second one - and-a-third-should-ya-need-it.  You just have to make the most of it.

The changeling murrs, hugging Virtuna to her.

N.Moon: Is she good, or what?

Everypony laughs as Queen Chrysalis smiles at Virtuna.

Q.Chrysalis: Thanks, child.  I sure needed that.

Pitstop: And even if you still WERE a love-sucking demon race, this is FAR beyond despicable, luv.  Princess Celestia would come to your aid even the day after the wedding.

Trixie: We know her well, Your Highness.  She would NEVER let any people suffer - even yours.

T.Sparkle: Princess Celestia's greatest joy is when she makes a new friend.  She made friends with Nightmare Moon, with Discord and with your kids.  I'm sure she'd love to be friends with you.

Q.Chrysalis: *hugs the rest of the group to her with her magic* You have no idea how good your words just made me feel, you guys.  C'mon, let's go get the rest of your friends, Twi.  *The group starts moving on*  So, other than reinstating the ChangeWings, establishing a peace with Equestria and falling in love with your princess, what else has my son done to make me so proud?

Virtuna: Wait?!  They fell in love!?

Everypony laughs as they kept going on.  Meanwhile, the princesses were hit with their own Ruinous-generated nightmare.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were constantly hated by all their subjects, but most heart-breaking was the rejection of the Mane 6 and their new friends.

P.Celestia: Twilight.....

T.Sparkle - Ruinous: Don't "Twilight" me, (mockingly): Princess! (normal voice - cross between the real Twilight Sparkle's and Ruinous'): You sent me all over the place, you made me do all this ridiculous stuff and you NEVER thanked me at all!  And those lame friendship reports!  Do I REALLY need to document my feelings to you EVERY DAY?!

P.Celestia: Twilight..... please.....

T.Sparkle - Ruinous: *magilifts Princess Celestia!* QUIET!!! *The fake Twilight Sparkle slams Princess Celestia against a wall!*  (repeating): I HATE YOU!!!

As the fake Twilight Sparkle repeated her hurtful words, Princess Luna was finding out how it felt to be a witch in Salem during the infamous witch hunt!

P.Luna: Please!  Don't hurt me!

Villagers - Ruinous: Begone, foul monster!  Leave this place!  You are not wanted here!

The two princesses found nothing but torment in their sleep, torment generated by Ruinous.  As Twilight and her team continued on, they come across a huge chasm.

T.Sparkle: OK, NOW what?

The clearing of somepony's throat got her attention.  Twilight Sparkle looked up and saw the pegasus stallion that used to be Fyb standing by a huge slab of rock.  In true Applejackian style, the cobalt pony kicked the slab over, making a bridge.  The rest of the group startled at the loud bang made by the falling rock, the pony responsible vanishing into thin air.

Q.Chrysalis: WOW!  That is some spell of yours, child.

T.Sparkle: Uh..... Yes-it-is.

Twilight Sparkle nervously chuckled as the rest of her team slowly walk over the bridge single-file.

T.Sparkle: -If those ponies are who I think they are, the Elements of Harmony must be more powerful than I thought.....-

Meanwhile, Shining Armor, Captain Imitato, General Crosswing and Princess Cadence walk into Shiftopolis Castle.  The large doors slam shut, startling the alicorness.

P.Shiftshape: Locking the doors is just a precaution.  We need this castle to be a fortress against Ruinous' army.  We heard about what happened to the Elements of Harmony.

S.Armor: *nod* The same thing could've happened to us.  Believe me, we're grateful for your help, Your Highness.

P.Cadence: What exactly happened to Twilight and her friends?

P.Shiftshape: From what my intel's telling me, Ruinous ponynapped them and Discord overnight.  No one's heard anything about them ever since.

S.Armor: Well.....

Everyone looks at the white unicorn.

P.Cadence: Well what?

S.Armor: Somepony DID get Twiley out of Ruinous' castle.  From what I heard from THIS source, they were taken into the castle and made to fight for their lives.

P.Shiftshape: I take it Twiley, er, uh, Twilight was the only one who made it out?

S.Armor: *nod* She was rescued.

P.Shiftshape: Oh?  By who?

S.Armor: *clears his throat* Queen Chrysalis.

Shining Armor's revelation was a shocker to everyone gathered in the room, none more so than Princess Cadence!

P.Cadence: -Could it be?!  Has she..... awoken?-

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle and her team finished crossing the bridge.  Queen Chrysalis turned to look at the purple mare.

T.Sparkle: What?

Q.Chrysalis: Look, *kneels by Twilight Sparkle* all I did, evil or otherwise, was so my kingdom could continue.  Ruinous was a dire threat then, just like now.  I know you don't want to see all of Equestria turned into South Transforma.  I don't want that, either.  But more than that, I don't want to see ALL of BOTH kingdoms look like South Transforma.  For yourselves and my children, please, use all your power to combat Ruinous.  I don't want to see either you or my son rule a dead kingdom.....

The changeling queen bows down and sobs.  Twilight Sparkle walks in close to Queen Chrysalis, lifting her face and drying her eyes.  With the rest of her team looking on, Twilight Sparkle made a promise to Queen Chrysalis she made countless times to Princess Celestia:

T.Sparkle: *She smiles with a twinkle in her eye* We won't let you down.

The changeling queen smiles, hugging Twilight Sparkle to her.  The purple unicorn hugs back, smiling as well.

Q.Chrysalis: C'mon, child, *rises* let's go save your friends.

T.Sparkle: Right, Your Highness.

The team reassembles and heads towards a sewer cover.  Twilight Sparkle sighs.

T.Sparkle: Man, if AJ was here, she'd be able to knock this cover off.

Trixie: Can't Nightmare buck it off?

N.Moon: Not really, Trixie.  Believe me, THIS is the most walking I've done in 1,000 years.

Trixie and Nightmare Moon giggle, then Corinne clears her throat.  The giraffe heads to the sewer cover and, with one kick, bucks the heavy cover off so hard, it half-buries itself into the wall!

T.Sparkle: WHOA!

Corinne: All those tr-r-recks into the m-m-mountains.

N.Moon: GEEZ!  That took some power, Corinne.

Corinne: Thanks, Moon.

The group continues through the opening into another sewer tunnel.  This leads to the royal labyrinth of Canterlot.  Despite how promising it was supposed to look, the sight of having to go through another labyrinth sent chills down Twilight Sparkle's spine.

Trixie: Let the Great and Powerful Trixie venture a guess: When Ruinous defeated Rainbow Dash and the others, he did so in a maze?

Twilight Sparkle nodded solemnly.

Q.Chrysalis: HOW are we gonna get through THIS?

Twilight Sparkle sighs.  The royal labyrinth was now a cluster of thorny brambles and scary-looking bushes.

Pitstop: Poor Fluttershy would find a spot ta hide and not come out for years, luv.

T.Sparkle: But where would she..... *She hears a whistle* .....Huh?

The earth mare that used to be Styngee looked at Twilight Sparkle from a good ways away.  The purple unicorn rushed over, prompting everypony else to follow.  The red pony dashed off, zipping through the maze, Twilight Sparkle and her team on her heels.  Soon, the pony formerly called Styngee led Twilight Sparkle and her team through the labyrinth, vanishing as Twilight Sparkle ran through the last exit.  As Twilight Sparkle stood there catching her breath, the rest of her team caught up.

Trixie: Twilight!  What is going on?  You just found the way through in record time!

T.Sparkle: It's weird..... I thought I saw.....

N.Moon: Who?

T.Sparkle: You're not gonna believe this, but..... I think it USED to be Styngee.

Q.Chrysalis: One of Ruinous' henchponies?

T.Sparkle: I THINK when we beat Ruinous' henchponies, they were somehow purified.  I thought some pony that looked like Toxion showed me the sewer at the bottom of the hill, then the pony that used to be Fryght led us out to South Transforma, then that gap we crossed on the bridge?  The pony that used to be Fyb kicked that rock over.  And now, the pony that was Styngee showed us the way through the maze.

N.Moon: Interesting.....  And they're only showing themselves to you?  *Twilight Sparkle nods*  *shrug*  Maybe they're tied to you or something.  I dunno.

T.Sparkle: Me, neither, but there's Hatetrol and DarkSparkle to go.

Pitstop: Well, whomever's guiding ya, we need ta free the other ponies, luv.

Twilight Sparkle nods, then the group heads into what was the Canterlot Royal Ballroom.  Nightmare Moon sighed, remembering the fun she had at the Grand Galloping Gala.

Virtuna: *sigh* I know, this place should be hosting parties, not ancient evils.

Q.Chrysalis: Then shall we ensure that this room again lights up?

Virtuna nods at the changeling, then they walk on.  Twilight Sparkle spotted Prince Blueblood.  The snotty stallion blinked in shock at Twilight Sparkle's company.

P.Blueblood: *GASP!*  What are you doing with her?!

Q.Chrysalis: So!  I'm an INSECT to you?!  Not even you deserve to be here with Ruinous!  There's a tunnel in Celestia's bedroom that leads to my son's.  Go through it, GET OUTTA HERE!

Prince Blueblood blinks, but obeys Queen Chrysalis' order.

T.Sparkle: Wow.....

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* I ALWAYS try to do what's best for my subjects.  Even under Ruinous' influence, I thought of my people first.

T.Sparkle: You know, you're the strongest pony I ever met.

Q.Chrysalis: Pony?  You called me a PONY?

T.Sparkle: Well, Prince Blueblood isn't taking the time to know you like I am.  I was trying to make you feel appreciated, Your Highness.

Q.Chrysalis: *blush* You certainly are everything Celestia says you are, Twilight Sparkle.

T.Sparkle: I didn't have that when I first came to Ponyville.  I said to Spike, "The fate of Equestria doesn't depend on me making friends."  But the more I lived in Ponyville and the more things I did with my friends, the more I knew that to be totally false.  Now, I have more friends than I could ever fathom.  I really think that somehow, someway, everything I've done, everyone I've met, it just makes me that much stronger.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod*  -I know what you mean, Twilight.  There was a time like that for me..... long ago.-

As the group walked on towards one of the castle's stairways, the unicorn formerly known as Hatetrol stood in their path.

N.Moon: ......

Virtuna: Boy, you're NOT kidding, Twi.

T.Sparkle: *nod* Yeah.

The unicorn wordlessly walked up the staircase on the left and into the third door on the left side.  Nervously, the group walked up the stairs and checked the door the unicorn went through.

Q.Chrysalis: .....*blinks*  Twilight?

T.Sparkle: Your Highness?

Q.Chrysalis: I found them.

TO BE CONTINUED