//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: The Transformation // Story: Evil Returns // by Bolting Fire //------------------------------// Chrysalis laughed a cynical laugh knowing the remaining five ponies won't be able to reach the changelings' hideout in time to save Rainbow Dash. "HAHAHAHAHA!! Guess what my precious Rainbow. Your friends truly do care but as soon as they find us, you are going to be soon gone." Sweats formed on Rainbow's face. She had no clue what what Queen Chrysalis has in her mind but she's sure that she will be able to withstand it. "You won't be able to hurt me as long as I still have hope, Chrysalis", Rainbow Dash exclaimed. She knew she had said something wrong when Chrysalis gave that wicked smile. A plan was brewing in her head. Before Rainbow Dash could react, everything went dark. Rainbow Dash woke up in a dark room with no control of her body. The only thing she could make out was two glowing green eyes staring straight into her. As the lights flashed on, Dash saw the shape in front of her. There stood Chrysalis herself. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, how nice of you to wake up. I just have great news to share with you. Your friends have all died when I summoned my whole changeling army against them in the Everfree Forest." The news didn't shake Dash, she knew Chrysalis was up in her tricks again. But when Chrysalis summoned a spell to show the whole event unfold, she knew she had gotten Rainbow Dash on her plan now. The colors from her mane and body became a slightly darker hue. "I... I can't believe you actually killed them. Now I know that there is no help for me now," Dash spoke gently. Chrysalis saw that her plan had worked perfectly. She fired another spell on Dash that knocked her unconscious. Queen Chrysalis called her main strategist up to prepare all the equipments they needed. She slowly trotted out of the room, leaving the work to be done. After a few hours, Chrysalis and some of her minions came back into the room. Rainbow Dash was now strapped to a table facing forward. A mirror was in front of her showing her own reflection. The mirror presented, instead of a bright colorful pony, but a distraught being that doesn't look like the daring Dash everypony knew. Before her stood two minions at each side to secure the rope if Dash decided to escape. Chrysalis' horn lit up. A dark purple beam was shot at Dash. The transformation was quick. Dash's mane and tail changed silky green, her body slowly fade black with holes on her legs. The soft fur became hard shells. Rainbow Dash's wings dissolved and two green fly-like wings took their places. Fangs grew from her teeth and the beautiful magenta eyes turned bright green. After the transformation, Rainbow Dash was gone. On the table was a changeling ready to take any orders and kill everypony in her way. "Well, I guess everything worked out well. Let's all get some rest and we will proceed with everything tomorrow." Queen Chrysalis instructed all the changelings. They all returned to their hives except for one struggling monster. Steam was still coming from her even after the effect. And the only thoughts that were in her head was to eliminate five specific ponies. A princess named Twilight Sparkle, a fashionista named Rarity, a cheerful party planner called Pinkie Pie, an expert caretaker named Fluttershy and an orchard farmer named Applejack. Everytime these names were mentioned, either in her head or was stated, she would hurl in anger and disgust. Rainbow Dash will do whatever it takes to cease their lives. "Alright girls, I just located the place where Queen Chrysalis and her minions are keeping Rainbow Dash captive. And this place is actually pretty secured. There are changeling guards every five feet away from each other so that means we will have to take on lots of them", Twilight explained. The other ponies weren't so sure how they were going to defeat them. They may use the same tactic as they did during their attack on the Crystal Empire. The changelings are capable of changing into one of them and rest of the Main 6 will be confused which ones of them are the real them. "So how are going to get into the castle without them noticing, darling", Rarity asked. The five ponies had their minds in deep thought. Twilight then thought of a great idea. "We can give secret signals to each pony if we are the real selves. If we wink, then the changelings will get confused at our actions." The other four ponies nodded their agreement. Afterwards, they left the castle started their adventure. But they don't know what is going to hit them. As soon as they left a note fell from the sky and hit Twilight directly on her head. Twilight lifted the note up and what she read shook her a little. The other girls saw and wanted to know immediately what was in the note. "Well, don't just stand there, Twilight. I really hope Rainbow Dash is okay. Tell us what it says. What does it say?", Pinkie Pie blabbered on. "Okay, but I'm not sure how you will react", Twilight read the note out loud. "'Hello friends, it is me, Rainbow Dash. I assure you that you don't have to worry about me. I was actually doing some tricks and fell into the forest. I am at my cloud house at the moment so I am safe.'" Twilight knew it was a trick because the pony that dropped the note wasn't as fast as Rainbow Dash and the hoof writing is different then Dash's. The Mane 5 knew that there was a trap ahead of them if they try to rescue Rainbow Dash. But they couldn't let her there to suffer. What kind of friends would they be if they would just desert her. "Ah believe y'all better get to Chrysalis' castle as soon as possible before the changelings can do anything to Dash", Applejack said. The Mane 5 started packing everything they needed and when the sun started to set, they were ready to go. "Um, Twilight, can't we wait until tomorrow. The forest looks especially scar- EEP!", Fluttershy jumped up in the air when she heard howling from the timberwolves. She clutched onto Applejack who was near her. Twilight explained that they would have to go immediately if they wanted to save Rainbow Dash unharmed. Fluttershy was still clutching onto Applejack when the Mane 5 ventured into the dark Everfree Forest.