//------------------------------//
// Chapter 30 - The Breakout 
// Story: Fear Within 
// by VirtualCipher 
//------------------------------//

Who knew how long it had been since Celestia had become senseless. Driven by discomfort and still putting up with a throbbing pain wandering around inside her head, she could remember the agony Chrysalis inflicted upon her with those dastardly spells. Needless to say, she was hurt. At first, her eyes refused to open but the sudden panic of remembering the breakout and position Twilight and her friends were in caused them to instantly snap wide open. With her heart pounding like a drum and her thoughts tainted with dismay and stress, Celestia raised herself from the dead-cold ground, trying to form an escape. 

Upon getting up so suddenly, the princess that was now reduced to a prisoner in a pit she despised was met only with darkness. With her wings still shackled by the cold, iron restraints, it didn't stop her from trying to break free. As she struggled, tiring herself out, her eyes finally stopped waving from side to side and were brought to a halt when she noticed something looking at her. Even though it was dark, the silhouette of the figure stuck out greatly. 

Patiently waiting, still like a scarecrow in a field. He raised his head a little, allowing his cold, barren eyes to captivate her. His cold, dead breath spilt into the air as he spoke through his stitches.

"So you came..." Fright said in an unhurried tone. "At first I was sceptical that you would appear, but here you are."

Filled with many things, anger, sadness, hate, Celestia didn't know how to feel. This was the first time she was face to face with the enemy that was once her ally. Acting as a puzzle, her emotions pieced together after realising what he had done to cause so much trouble. Angered by his presence, she narrowed her eyes, glaring at him.

"I doubt that you came here because you were brave, I'll take it fear drove you to take action."

"Did you think I would simply stand by and watch you cause such heresy?!" Celestia frowned, her voice rough and sharp as a knife.

"It wouldn't be the first." He replied, his poorly stitched mouth began to stretch a little across his face. "Do not forget you're the reason why I look like this... You watched it happen." He recollected. "How fear brought out the worst in you that day, it forever changed you, like how tonight is going to forever change Equestria."

His toneless voice stabbed her ears, she couldn't stand to look at his poorly repaired mask of a face. The stitches, the rags, it was art that only monsters would find adequate. 

"After all you have done..." Celestia started, her glare sharpening like a spear. "Producing that vile poison, experimenting on your friends, torturing Spike and now this! This... This won't end the way you think."

Simply, Fright smiled through the stitches of his crafted face, satisfied with Celestia's fears getting the better of her, "You promised your subjects that they would be safe, that your home would be secured behind faith, but what will they see once the breakout is complete?" He asked. "They will see the fears you tried to lock away, the despair you tried to vanquish. Terror will swarm over their homes, over their lives because of your judgement." 

If she was able, her magic would have blasted through him, but due to The Hunter's curse, she was powerless. All of her magic was being blocked by the dark crystal that cemented her horn.

"But do not fret..." His quiet voice clambered. "You will live to see it."

With his preaching about fear continuing to fly from his mouth, Celestia's temper began to spark a little, narrowing her eyes as she bottled up her fury, in the position she was in, she was right to stay quiet.

"I'm sure you're scared of what the future holds once those cells open." He whispered. "But it is time for the world to share my vision, to see you for the worthless coward you really are. A coward that will be empty of hope, ruined by her mistakes, and then... You can watch your subjects succumb to terror as they scream your name, chocking on their final breath that will be tainted by the horror you help provide." 

“If you do this… I’ll make sure you’ll never see the light of day," Celestia growled with venom.

"Intimidation is something you don't possess and it is something I can't expect from a coward like you." He insulted.

"You're making a mistake!" She shouted, finally brimming with annoyance and agitation. 

"Who are you tell me about mistakes?" He asked. "How many did you make that cost the sanity of your own sister?"

Celestia sharpened her glare once again, almost ready to lash out.

Despite her fury she bottled up, Fright, with ease, continued, "The creatures that are locked away; these brutes bent on madness, they were created because of you. They are here because of you. You're the reason why they're recognised as monsters to the world. You denied them a second chance; you denied them the help they needed. Instead, you forced them to decay behind bars until their souls broke. The cracks are forming and their liberation will come. Fear will sculpt a world of terror."

Forging away from his apprehended foe, Fright moved back, returning to the pit, "I have long yearned for this night; anticipated it. Not only will Equestria change forever, but so will it's inhabitants."

And with that, Fright left the dungeon Celestia was trapped in.

Wrapping her mind about what was happening, Celestia tried to pull from her restraints but the chains proved too strong for her. The darkness around her began to swirl, this wasn't the first she had been left angered and scared. She felt it when banishing her sister, but the thought of her home, her subjects that she swore to protect, it was scaring her deeply as every thought went into detail about the breakout. 

Trembling, her heart pounded against her chest, almost trying to break free. No matter how hard she tried to break free, anxiety was beginning to leave a mark. She screamed for Fright, her voice travelling past her sealed door.





Fixated on the unicorn that was her brother, Twilight could feel the angst slightly numbing away, clearing a path for what felt like relief but only a small amount of it, for she knew the breakout wasn't over which came close to terrifying her out her skin. However, seeing Shining Armour outside her holding cell brought a smile to her face, not sure whether to admire his bravery or stubbornness. With her heart pumping up hope, the alicorn managed to lift a small smile. 

Although his presence restored her faith in escaping, she couldn't help but feel concerned for the condition he was in due to The Hunter's attack. Through the darkness, Shining Armour emerged, carefully and steadily entering the cell block, doing everything he could to not draw attention.

"Shining?" Twilight softly spoke. "What... What are you doing here?"

Taken by surprise, Rainbow Dash commented, "This better not be some illusion or a changeling in disguise." Her voice rang with frustration. 

Just before Shining could answer, entering the room was the pegasus Holly, the second in command. Despite the noticeable mark on her face due to The Hunter's attack, she looked fine. 

"Looks like we're in the clear for now, Captain. But we'll need to act fast before we're spotted." She informed.

"Understood," Shining Armour acknowledged, turning his attention back to Twilight.

Feeling a mix of surprise and uneasiness, she simply stared at her brother through the bars that confined her, speaking, "What are you doing here, I thought you-"

"I couldn't let myself sit by knowing that you and your friends were in a place like this, Twilight. I had to do something," Shining Armour interjected. "Once the fog cleared, Holly and I tried to gather as many soldiers deemed fit... But I couldn't push them, not after what that hunter did. They were scared." He told.

In his eyes, Twilight could tell he cursed himself for letting The Hunter slip by.

"It was a good thing we came." He finished with a smile stroking his face.

"But you're hurt," Twilight said.

"I'll be fine, there are more important matters going on right now. Like stopping that vile queen!" 

Glowing, the unicorn's horn began to brighten, creating a beam that targeted the prison bars of Twilight's cell, melting them with ease. No longer a prisoner to Tartarus, she was free. Not long after Twilight's release, he moved onto her friends, freeing them as their disintegrate. With every second passing, the iron bars lost their strength, turning into nothingness as they melted.

Hopping from the wretched hole, Rainbow Dash gave herself a stretch, her wings spreading, feeling the freedom. Same went with Applejack, proceeding to Rarity's cell and helping her down from the container. Bouncing free, Pinkie Pie zoomed to Shining Armour and hugged the unicorn, clinging to him like a magnet.

"Thank you!" Pinkie Pie heartened, relieved to be free.

At first, confused on how to react, Shining Armour lifted a smile as he looked down at the pink mare. Despite her fears, she was quick to pull away, turning her attention to Twilight who approached Shining Armour. Painting a small smile on her face, Twilight was quick to lunge at her brother, clinging to him much like Pinkie Pie did. In response to her sudden embrace, Shining pulled her close, accepting the hug of his sister. 

"The fog... We saw awful things." She whimpered. "Chrysalis..."

"I heard what she said." He comforted. "Coming here was a mistake for her, for The Hunter, for Fright because they won't be leaving."

For a moment, embracing her sister, his eyes caught onto the fact that something was wrong with Twilight's appearance. Other than looking frightened, her horn appeared cursed.

"Your horn." He pointed out. "What happened?" 

At first, Twilight began to stutter, hesitating to speak about the one who caused this.

"It... It was The Hunter. He knew we were coming and set up a trap."

Shining Armour's gazed at her sister with a stern look, "Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine, Shining," Twilight cooed. "We're fine, but somehow The Hunter has managed to prevent me from using my magic. Same goes for Rarity."

Observing the corrupted crystals around Twilight's horn, Shining Armour's thoughts were brewing, they looked identical to the type of spell King Sombra produced. Before he could say anything, the feeling of security Twilight wished for didn't last long when Rainbow Dash's alarmed voice cut the momentary silence.

"Quick! She needs help!" 

Everyone's attention turned to the alarmed pegasus, carefully lifting her unconscious friend from her cell and gently resting her down on the ground. For a while now, Fluttershy had been left in some sort of comatose even when she was in the fog. With Rainbow Dash by her friend's side, Holly approached them, analysing the unconscious pegasus. 

"What happened to her?" Shining Armour asked, the look of worriment painting over his face.

"When we were in the fog, we witnessed our worst fears. We were all taken and shown a path of terror. Once we were almost out of the fog, Fluttershy simply collapsed," Twilight informed, almost aching her to bring up what she witnessed in the fog. 

"Everything in that vile mist felt so real!" Rarity snivelled. 

Frightened to know what has become of her friend, Pinkie Pie's mouth trembled a little, "How- How is she?" 

Remaining silent, Holly wasn't too sure how to answer.

"Well?" Rainbow Dash blared, growing worried by her silence.

"I'm no medic, but all I can tell is that she's unconscious," Holly briefed.

"It doesn't take a genius to see that." The pegasus snapped.

"Easy Rainbow!" Applejack allayed, placing a hoof on the stressed pegasus' back.

Holly allowed the mockery to pass by and formed a solution, turning to Shining Armour.

"Captain, we have many wounded and whatever this Pegasus is going through is unknown, might I make a suggestion?"

"Proceed," Shining Armour permitted.

"We..." At this moment, Holly began to regret what she was about to say, her words slightly betraying her. "We separate our forces and take the injured back to Canterlot."

Shining Armour's eyes widened a little, shock didn't consume him but rather confusion.

"You want to retreat?" 

Holly assured her loyalty, "I'll stay by your side no matter what, Captain." She spoke with a stern look. "But we have two airships outside, what I'm trying to say is that we have our pilot take this pegasus and those who are hurt back to Canterlot. Our medic is only one and he's gonna need all the help he can get, but he won't find it here, not on the doorstep of this prison." 

Shining Armour was at a loss, as captain it was his call on the matter, but whatever choice he made he fretted that it would doom them. 

"She does hold a good point, Shining," Twilight added. "None of us know what will happen here tonight."

"Alright," Shining Armour settled. "Holly, take Fluttershy back to the ship and tell the pilot to set a course to Canterlot. Have anypony willing to stay behind to come aid us, understood?"

With a smile brushing over her face, Holly replied, "Understood." 

Without wasting another second, Holly lifted Fluttershy onto her back and was ready to go until Twilight spoke.

"Wait." The alicorn requested. "I think it's best one of us were to accompany her. She can't be alone."

Although she was the Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash's mind was swarming with wrath, she wanted to stay and stop the maniacs from ruining her world.

Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were willing to help their friend in need, but this would mean leaving the others to face the breakout. 

Both Applejack and Rarity looked at each other and then turned to Pinkie.

"Pinkie, could you... Could you get her to Canterlot?" Applejack asked.

At first, Pinkie Pie wasn't against the idea of helping Fluttershy, it's true she wanted to leave Tartarus and assure her friend's safety, but not without the rest of her friends. 

"But... What about-"

She sounded completely different without the joy and cheeriness layering her voice. She stood there while everypony's head turned, she didn't know how to feel. Was it bravery or cowardice to leave her friends for another? 

"We'll be fine," Twilight told. "It doesn't have to be you, but after what we all went through in the fog, we all took damage and Fluttershy seems to be suffering from what she witnessed. When she wakes up, she's going to need somepony by her side."

Sealing her mouth for a moment, she brought herself to nod in agreement to Twilight, "You're right. I'll go... I'll go." She said again, trying to sound confident about her decision. "I want to make sure she's alright, but I don't feel good about leaving you all here."

"It's okay," Applejack assured. "We'll be fine."

"And you, Rarity?" Twilight spoke. 

At first hesitant, Rarity spoke, "No. I'm staying. I have complete faith that Pinkie Pie will protect Fluttershy, there is no need for two of us to go."

Pinkie Pie lifted a smile, "All of you, please be careful."

Applejack and Rarity responded with a weak smile. She found it remarkable that after all they had been through, they were still strong enough to show a smile. As the pink mare hurried over to Holly, she was stopped by Rainbow Dash, gently lifting her hoof on her back as she spoke with frailty.

"Thank you."

Understanding the fear her friends were going through, Pinkie brought a smile of her own, trying to reassure them all that she along with Fluttershy was going to be safe. It was true Pinkie wanted to leave this place as soon as possible, but not leaving those she loved behind. 

Shining Armour watched as Holly exited the cell block, taking Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie with her. Now that Twilight along with her friends was free, the only one left that needed saving was Celestia. She looked around the room. Shining Armour, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack. They were all that was left to stop this breakout.

Not allowing herself to be absorbed by the torment Chrysalis derided, Twilight brought her mind to the objective.

"We need to find Celestia." She reminded. 

"But where could she be?" Rarity brought up. "This foul prison is like a maze."

"If that bug-brain queen is going to see her, then she won't be far," Rainbow Dash spoke.

"Then we better get a move on," Shining Armour said. "Time is of the essence." 

"Hold on now," Applejack halted. "We can't just go racin' around the prison." 

"You got a better idea?" Rainbow Dash questioned. 

"I'm just sayin' we need to be careful, there are changelings swarming around here and then there's that... Hunter." She finished her sentence with a chill crawling up her back.

"Just let me lead," Shining Armour proposed. "I want you all to stay behind me and let me know if you see or hear anything, understood?" 

Twilight didn't have a problem following her brother's lead, neither did the rest. They exited the room, in hopes to find their ruler and put a stop to this madness.





As Fright began to slither his way back to the to the platform, ready to continue with the breakout's progress, he was confronted with The Hunter, waiting for him with his arms crossed. Needless to say, he was somewhat expecting to see him there. Due to the mask, his emotions were unknown, but it seemed that he was disappointed in him.

"Is something wrong, Hunter?" 

The Hunter responded with a low rumble escaping his mask, emitting a rattle noise that tuned the spikes around his false face, "Is something wrong?" He repeated in an annoyed tone. "They're still breathing."

"Death is their only escape from fear, you granting their demise would be doing them a favour." 

"Then why prolong the inevitable?" The Hunter approached Fright. "You have them captured, you're perfectly capable of breaking them now, aren't you?"

"We agreed that we wanted them scared. How will they know terror when their home isn't threatened? How will they truly know that nowhere is safe once the breakout is complete?" Fright persuaded. "How will they know that they can't run from fear, from The Hunter?" 

The Hunter remained silent, Fright's reasoning crawled into his mind. Let them toy with his victims. Slowly, the damaged alchemist past by his instrument of fear, returning to the controls as he deteriorated the prisons' defence. 

"You will be rewarded for your support soon, Hunter. But until then, I have a task for you. One that requires your skills and intimidation," Fright informed, his voice lightening a little.

Once again, The Hunter gave off a deathly sigh, "What is this task?" 





Tartarus' interior felt like a home that belonged to a devil. Constant laughs and howls along with screams and growls every minute. It echoed through the jagged, cave-like corridors, travelling through the darkness. With the five ponies travelling through the unpleasant darkness, the jagged stones listened to their trembling, their hearts pounding against their chest as every step they made failed to produce any form of sound. The deeper they descended, the more they bathed in darkness.

With Shining Armour taking the lead, he did everything in his power to keep them safe. His horn produced a rather small glow, allowing them to see but not too great as it would give away their position. Following the path the corridor guided, now and then he'd check behind him to see if Twilight and her friends were still following 

Growing worried much like everypony else, Rarity stuck close. Her mind was flickering with angst, petrified to see a horde of monsters come crawling down the same corridor she was in. 

Rainbow Dash was frequently twisting her head back and forth in case they were being followed. She was on high alert about many things, the breakout, the safety of her friends, another attack from The Hunter, but she was mainly wondering why Fluttershy did what she did. Why did she enter the fog? It was bugging her not knowing the answer, and it irked her to no end that she was in some sort of deep slumber. 

Applejack kept a lookout for everypony, she noticed what her friends were going through, but at this point, trying to cheer them up would have no effect. Tartarus gave her chills, but she was brave to continue and surprisingly, she didn't show a hint of trepidation. However, her concern for everypony else grew strong.

Although she was free from her cell, The Hunter's warning kept circling around Twilight's brain, his harsh voice slithering down the routes of hears. 

'If you try anything, escaping or fighting back, I will break that horn from your head and make one of your friends swallow it.'

It hurt! The way panic bubbled in her blood, the way everything was weighing down on her. Spike, her friends, the whole of Equestria, the world she may know it could come to a change if she failed. 

Coming to an unexpected stop, Shining Armours' ears twitched to a sound the others failed to pick up. 

"Shining?" Twilight softly whispered.

"Why have we stopped?" Rainbow Dash questioned. "Are their changelings nearby?"

"Do you hear that?" Shining Armour asked.

Silence lingered as everypony zipped their mouths closed, the echoes of the prisoners' manic voices continued to shake through the air, but it was faint. As Applejack and Rarity exchanged a look with one another, Rainbow Dash was ready to break the unpleasant silence, but finally, they heard it. What sounded like a bark decorated with pain, they heard the faint coughing.

"Do you think-" Rarity was about to question, only for Twilight to overtake Shining Armour's lead and track down the source.

"Twilight, wait!" Shining Armour commanded, his voice still lowered. 

He was about to follow her lead, but Rainbow Dash took off, zooming past the captain and now, following Twilight. Clamping his teeth together and holding his voice down, Shining pursued the two with Rarity and Applejack promptly tailing him. 

Through craggy hall, Twilight's heart began to twist and pump in hopes to find her mentor. Right now, the only sound she could hear was her own exasperated breath as she chose not to slow down; she refused to. It wasn't long before she began to pass by a collection of iron doors where she would now allow herself to break her speed. With her friends catching up, she heard the hurt coughing once more and chose one of the many doors to open.

Heavy and cold like ice, Twilight pushed her whole body against the door, but it refused to open. By her side, Shining Armour helped and slowly, it began to move. Slowly, but surely the door opened with a deafening creek. Open, Twilight along with her brother's eyes widened in shock. They had found Celestia.

Bound differently compared to the rest, the alicorn's wings remained chained and shackled as if she was a monster. Slumped against the cold, murky wall, Celestia's horn was identical to Twilight and Rarity's when it came to being infected by The Hunter's power. The elegant, graceful princess scathed by Chrysalis' magic, all around her body she felt a burning sensation cutting deep and squeezing her strength.

Celestia's eyes widened with a blank expression, "Twi... Twilight?"

"Princess!" She bawled, quickly running towards her damaged mentor.

As Shining Armour entered the dungeon, he accompanied his sister with helping the princess. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity entered the dreary chamber, their reaction much like Twilight's as their eyes bestowed upon Celestia, seeing the dark marks her wings were patterned with. The elegant princess had been marked with pain, she looked exhausted, tired within the eyes.

"Goodness!" Rarity gasped. "What- what happened to you?" She asked.

With the help of Twilight and Shining Armour, Princess Celestia managed to raise herself from the filthy floor and away from the cold, cragged wall. With a deep breath, Celestia explained, fighting the pain that was inflicted upon her.

"Chrysalis... It was Chrysalis."

"I've just about had it with these bozos!" Rainbow Dash clamoured while shaking her hooves. 

"Keep your voice down, Rainbow!" Rarity commanded. "Do not forget that we are in a prison filled with brutes!"

"Are you okay, Princess?" Applejack grew a worried look, lifting her hat a little.

"Do not fret, Applejack," Celestia assured, holding her pain together. "I am quite-" With a struggle, Celestia nearly fell, only for Shining Armour to supper her side, maintaining her balance. "I'm fine... I'm fine..."

In this moment of security, Applejack turned back to close the door, in fear that they would be spotted.

"Keep her steady, Twilight," Shining Armour commanded, his horn glowing at the chains that tangled her wings.

Obeying her brother's command, the iron restraints began to disintegrate as Shining Armour's horn created a beam, directing towards the chains. With her wings now free, released from the grip of metal, Celestia stretched despite the pain she felt.

"Time is... Of the essence," Celestia said, slowly managing to walk by herself. "We need to stop them!"

"Don't strain yourself, Princess. You're hurt," Shining Armour eased. "That and your horn appears to be cursed by The Hunter's power."

"Enough about me, Shining Armour," Celestia told. "The breakout is almost ready, it needs to be stopped at once!" 

"She's right," Rainbow Dash agreed. "I know Celestia's hurt, but so will everything in Equestria if this... Psycho succeeds with his plan."

"Well, we can't just-" 

For a moment, all eyes were on Applejack, their ears open for what she had to say, however, her sentence faded to silence when she picked up the sound of buzzing, as did everypony else. The look of curiosity washed over their faces as did concern, that was when the buzzing got louder by the second. 

Quickly and quietly, Rainbow Dash along with Applejack lifted the dungeon's door, slowly and steady. Peering through the gap they managed to create, they watched Tartarus' corridors swarm with changelings taking flight. Too many to count and hastily moving, their wings hummed through the barren, dark caves.

Closing the door back over, Rainbow Dash and Applejack exchanged a look between each other.

"What is it?" Rarity dreaded to ask.

"It's the changelings," Rainbow simply answered.

"There's a lot of them, but it looks like they're in a hurry," Applejack apprized with a confused look.

"They must be evacuating," Shining Armour said, his face slowly becoming frightened. "Which can only mean... The breakout is starting..."

The swarm of the changelings had long gone, it was only silent because no one had anything to say. Panic was beginning to rise in case they heard the manic screams get louder, but it didn't.

"What are we waiting for then?!" Rainbow Dash questioned. "This needs to end now!" 

"And it will," Twilight confessed. "We must hurry."

"But what about Princess Celestia?" Rarity brought up, worried about her condition.

"I'm fine." The princess settled with a sigh. "These wounds aren't enough to stop me. This madness needs to end now."

Gracefully, even though she appeared to be damaged, Celestia's wings stretched elegantly like a swan. She rallied everyone to follow her lead. With the corridors clear, not another second was wasted waiting around in that daunting dungeon. Celestia refused to turn back, she refused to let the pain halt their progress. Through the empty halls, they hurried. 





What seemed like forever, Holly and Pinkie Pie finally found their way out of the nightmarish prison. They could see the door opened, and to Pinkie Pie, it looked different, probably due to the fact that it wasn't covered in fog. Despite being free from the fog's horrid illusions, walking back from the hell-like pit still ensured her to feel the tight grip of fear. 

Holly kept moving forward, determined and wanting to return to Shining Armour. However, many things troubled her and one of those difficulties would be trying to get at least one pony to stay behind with her to help the others. After The Hunter's attack, some were left angered while others were fearful and scathed. 

In a world of her own, Fluttershy remained limp and senseless. Holly kept her perfectly balanced on her back and at a steady pace, she grew closer to the airship.

Worried for her friend, Pinkie Pie couldn't help but shift her eyes to Fluttershy every few seconds. Like a needle, thoughts pricked her mind on what Twilight and the others were going through. 

"Do... Do you think she's going to be okay?" Pinkie Pie wistfully asked, looking scared and doleful towards Fluttershy.

Wih a sigh, Holly confessed, "That's the third time you've asked that same question and I'm going to give you the same answer. I don't know." Despite repeating this question over and giving her the same answer, Holly kept her voice light, she couldn't feel annoyed at the pink pony after what she had been through.

"Do you think it was a good idea leaving Twilight and the others behind?" She questioned. "I can't help but feel bad..."

"We're not leaving them behind," Holly responded. "I'm heading back in there with reinforcements and you have to get your friend along with the other wounded back to Canterlot. We're all doing our part."

Relief hit Pinkie Pie the moment she exited the prison, coming int view of the dead, barren land around her. Even though it was still depressing and eerie to gaze upon, it was better than being cooped up in a rotten cell. Her eyes darted to the two airships that belonged to Celestia.

Holly didn't stop to observe the dead land they stood on, she continued to the airship. With her hooves slightly sinking into the ground with every step she took, she couldn't help but let doubt get to her. Convincing the soldiers that Shining Armour needed back up was going to be difficult. 

Taking notice that she was falling behind, Pinkie Pie quickly sped up to Holly and then slowing herself down when they reached the airship. 

Upon boarding the ship, the interior was filled with the wounded, scattered around as their bones ached, their muscles hurting with every groan escaping their body. Frantically, the medic was stretching all over the ship, trying to attend to his aggrieved companions.

"Holly!" The medic took notice.

Gently, Holly lowered Fluttershy down and immediately Pinkie Pie rushed to her side. With the pegasus secured, Holly turned to the medic, taking a deep breath in.

"Where's Shining Armour? The princesses?" He was beginning to panic. "I can't treat this many wounded without assistance, I'm one pony."

"I understand your troubles, doc." She eased. "Which is why you're being returned back to Canterlot with the wounded."

At first, the medic didn't know how to take in the information, he had many questions driving through his mind. He wasn't against the idea of being returned back to his home, it was for the best.

"I... That's good news to hear, but what about-"

Holly quickly interjected, "Shining Armour along with Princess Celestia and the others are still in the prison. They're putting a stop to this madness and I plan to help them." Just then Holly turned away from the medic and her voice raised. "Which is why I'm going to need everypony's attention."

Hearing her valiant voice fill the air, the weakened and hurt soldiers' eyes were pointed at her, their ears open to her words.

"I bring word from Shining Armour." She announced. "Princess Twilight along with her friends have been found and they are continuing to fight this battle. However, they stand outnumbered against the changelings. To those who are wounded, you will be returned back to Canterlot to seek further medical attention immediately, although I ask those of you who can stand to fight with me, to save Equestria from this breakout. United, we can do better-"

"Cut the garbage, Holly!" A soldier rudely interjected, sounding irked.

At first, stunned to hear what was spouted at her, Holly felt a combination of confusion and exasperation lockdown in her system. This moment of valiance was shattered, her shocked expression turned to that of anger.

"I'm sorry, what?" 

"Forget it, Holly!" The soldier told with a gruff. "'United, we can do better' is a load of rubbish! Did you forget what that beast did to us? He tore and pummeled through all of our defences like we were nothing! Like all of our training meant nothing!" 

Just before Holly could respond, another soldier interjected, "He does have a point, Holly. We were thrown around like rag dolls and now you're asking us to get beat up again."

"I'm not saying that!" She argued.

"Against that demon, the changelings and whatever dark magic that alchemist has, forget it!"

"So that's it?" Holly questioned with a hint of anger. "You just want to hide and pretend everything's gonna be alright?"

"Look around, Holly!" Hammer Heart managed to stand, the wounds on his face present. "We clearly outnumbered that beast and yet he beat us. There was only one of this monster and he managed to do all of this!"

Around them, the soldiers Holly tried to rally were all hurt and suffering from their wounds, she could understand that the wounded needed to heal, but to those who could stand refused to fight with her due to fear.

"I'm sorry, Holly." Another weakened and frail soldier apologised. "But not this time. All we do is protect and fight, but in the end, what do we get for our services?"

"A future!" Holly shouted. "It's because of us, ponies look up to a future that's absent from fear and evil. We keep Equestria safe, we keep the princesses safe because we took an oath to defend what matters most!"

"And what about us? Do we not matter? Are we meant to just blindly follow orders and die like mindless drones?"

"No! Of course not!" Holly responded. "We're not drones like changelings, we have a reason to fight rather than just serving a queen. With two alicorns on our side, this fight will be a lot easier. Shining Armour needs those of you who are still standing strong, Princess Celestia and Twilight needs us more than ever. Tartarus is on the brink of having every prisoner set free, but we can stop that. Please, think of our home, our loved ones, our future." 

Silence brushed over Holly as her fellow comrades failed to give her a response. It felt like the world around her had stopped moving; that everything was still. With her eyes darting around the ship, she could only take notice of how they were afraid and refused to look in her direction as if they were ashamed to admit the fear The Hunter struck them with.

"I'm sorry, Holly," Hammer Heart apologised. "But this is something the princesses can do on their own."

Disgraced that not even one of her own allies would stand by her, Holly simply locked a look grimace as her eyes darted to the ground. 

Pinkie Pie remained by Fluttershy's side. Scared and worried knowing that Twilight and her friends weren't going to receive reinforcements, the pink mare was beginning to tremble with uneasiness.

Holly turned her attention to the pilot of the airship, "Get everypony back to Canterlot."

Slightly losing hope, Holly focused on the exit of the airship, proceeding to leave. 

"You all have a right to be afraid." She eased. "But there has to be a time when you must stand up and fight, even if it is against the worst of your fears."

And with that, Holly left the ship. Quickly, the pilot escorted himself to the deck while the medic continued to try and stretch his attention to everypony else. With Pinkie Pie worried about more than one friend, she tried to calm her nerves by mainly focusing on Fluttershy, holding onto hope that Twilight and the others could prevent such a grim future. 

Seeing the lifeless Fluttershy slumped down, looking blank, Pinkie Pie remained close by her side, holding onto her hoof. What was going on in her mind was unknown, help was needed and not just for Fluttershy, but for the others still wandering in Tartarus.





Rapidly pounding against the notched, broken ground, their hooves almost gave away into pain. For how long they were running, they did not know. Through the darkness, Rainbow Dash took the lead, soaring down hell's cave like a falcon. Time was precious and wasting it would only let their enemies get closer to the doors of victory. As Twilight began to pace herself through the prison's corridor that looked straight from a nightmare, her ears twitched to the sound of laughter and screaming, it was no different than before except it sounded closer and louder. They had arrived at the point where they could hear the prisoners' cheering bouncing off the cave's walls.

After turning a corner, Twilight along with the others finally brought themselves to a halt when their eyes took notice a constructed archway, it was filthy, dark and had pieces crumbling off. Through the crafted, gothic archway, the alicorn along with her friends heard the very same screams of insanity and ferocity, but this time it appeared louder, it felt like they were being roared at. It was like an arena for gladiators to battle in. Within the centre of the arena was some sort of contraption; an odd machine that took the form of a glowing sphere attached to a stand.

Taken by surprise, Rarity nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the manic screaming burst into her ears.

"What is this place?" Applejack examined, her eyes going beyond the archway.

"This is the pit," Celestia answered, her voice sounding empty of emotion. "Tartarus' core, here the prison can be operated and shifted."

"So Fright must be in there then, let's go!" Rainbow Dash alerted, ready to charge in until Applejack bit her tail, preventing her from going any further.

"What gives, AJ?!" She snapped.

"Ah want to a put a stop to this whole mess just as much as you, but chargin' in there without a clue of what ya doing is just gonna make things a whole lot worse," Applejack told with a glare.

"She's right," Rarity backed up. "We didn't come this far just to get pushed back in a filthy cell."

"But there's not a changeling in sight, look!" The pegasus declared, throwing a hoof just beyond the archway. 

Observing the pit, Rainbow was right. Twilight's eyes followed her friend's hoof and could only see the cells burrowed into the walls, that and from a distance, she could see the raised platform that controlled the prison. There wasn't a single changeling in sight, it was just a barren arena with cells delved into the walls.

"All of them left?" Twilight arched a brow, seemingly confused.

"They wouldn't have all left, not when the breakout is complete," Celestia said.

"Ah don't like this," Applejack commented, smelling something suspicious.

"I'm with you, Applejack," Shining Armour added. "This looks like a trap."

"Trap or not, we can't just sit here and wait for something to happen," Rainbow Dash raised. 

"Rainbow Dash is right." Twilight's brother agreed. "Time's wasting."

Before the conversation could go on, another wave of cheering and horrific screeching echoed through the prison's halls as well as the ponies ears. 

"They're excited," Applejack said with a slight tone of panic gripping her tongue.

"Look!" Rarity threw a hoof, pointing through the archway, into the arena that contained the thrilled prisoners.

Within the arena of Tartarus, the sphere located in the centre began to glow, a blue aurora surrounding its surface. Coming into view, they watched as Fright ambled to the sphere, facing away from them. They all spared a moment of attention as he began to sway and tamper with the sphere, coming close to winning. Upon seeing him, Twilight could only feel irritation and hate brewing in her system. Wrath was beginning to glaze over her eyes, steaming with fury as every second of Spike's suffering began to swat her brain. 

"There he is," Rainbow Dash growled through gritted teeth. "I suggest we all charge at him, after what he's done, he deserves as much pain as possible."

"No," Celestia declined. "Nopony is going anywhere near Fright, not while he possesses his toxic illusions."

While discussing their strategy, crowded, no pony took notice to Twilight. Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash stayed by Celestia while Shining Armour was concerned for everyone's safety.

"Holly said she went back for reinforcements, I can only hope they get here soon. Whatever The Hunter's done, you're incapable of using magic." He pointed to Celestia and Rarity. "I know you're all able to fend for yourself, but we're-" For a moment, his eyes widened when he turned his head to the empty space where Twilight originally was positioned. "Where's Twilight?"

Through the arch, they all watched Twilight advance towards Fright on her own. The way she was moving almost looked possessed with hatred.

"Oh no," Celestia whispered as her voice was attacked with disbelief, her eyes widening.

The lavender alicorn's pupils sharpened like daggers, her angered eyes appeared almost lethal, like they could rival with Fluttershy's stare. Her heart began to kindle, then burn with rage as her veins poisoned any innocence left within her, completely erasing mercy from her system; running it out of the picture.

Making her way across the pit, towards the centre where Fright began to operate the breakout, Twilight could only focus on one thing. The closer she got to him, the more she began to despise him. Manehatten, Discord, Fluttershy, Spike... All of the threats, the chaos and fear, it was because of him. 

Taking action, Celestia quickly pursued Twilight while Shining Armour followed. Rarity displayed a look of dread, quickly coming to her friend's aid. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were quick to follow, concerned and concentrated wiping over their face.

From every corner of the prison, horrid screams and insane cackling traversed the pit, they're insanity forming an uncomfortable presence towards the ponies that entered. Princess Celestia feared coming back to a place like Tartarus, not because of it's bleak environment, but due to the monsters that dwelled behind their prison bars. 

All around, they felt the merciless and cruel eyes of the prisoners stab into their soul. During her time in the fog that bathed her mind in dread and anxiety, Celestia encountered her fears, she couldn't shake the thought that she created them. All the monsters, the demons, the beasts that are sadistic and cruel, all functioning that way because she couldn't take the time to give them the help they needed. 

Passing by the many cells that screamed at her in hate, Celestia along with the others blocked all their terrorising screeches, although it was difficult to ignore the monsters that she created. Cold and sharp, the prison's air gripped her in a world completely different from Equestria. These creatures have no clue what awaited outside the prison, they've been dwelling and wallowing, waiting for a chance at freedom. 

There were so many monsters that drove Rarity to sickness, the way they looked at her rotted her stomach, scaring her eyes. Applejack and Rainbow Dash didn't allow the prisoners to get to them.

Almost nearing towards him, Twilight was stopped when Celestia interfered, blocking her path as if she was a barricade. Gently, she placed her damaged wing in front of her student's chest. She didn't bother to look at her mentor, her eyes, like magnets, were still connected towards Fright's position. 

"Stop!" Celestia ordered. "I know this feeling consuming you, I've been there before, but don't! Not like this."

Catching the voices, Fright turned away from the control sphere and his lifeless eyes detected his enemies interfering. Oddly enough, he didn't look surprised or threatened.

The anger present on Twilight's face was a little frightening as if she wanted to pick a fight. When she noticed Celestia wouldn't budge from her path, she finally looked up, allowing the Ruler of Equestria to witness the hate in the lavender alicorn's eyes.

"He hurt Spike..." Her teeth gritted. "He's done nothing but haunt us!"

Twilight was almost acting as a bomb with a short fuse, burning away and ready to explode.

Shining Armour stood in front of both princesses, acting as a shield. His focus directed towards Fright. He glared at him, holding his ground, ready to expect the unexpected.

A bridge was formed the moment Fright looked past the unicorn and towards the Princess of Friendship, their eyes connected and this added to the furnace of hate scorching within Twilight.

"Don't do this, Twi," Applejack cooed, just behind her. "Remember what happened at the Diamond Dogs' camp, remember what we discussed."

In all honesty, Rainbow Dash didn't know what she wanted. It was true she wanted to see Fright hurt but seeing her friend dig for vengeance was something new, it scared her a little. 

"I hate what he did to Spike too," Rarity joined in, trying to reach Twilight. "But this isn't going to make anything better. This is grief and I expect you to let it out, but this isn't the way to do it."

Still blocking her path, trying to soothe her, Celestia lightly reasoned with her, "He will be punished, but not like this. Don't let vengeance play your mind, don't make my mistake and have to wake up every day carrying the weight of having wrath take over." She cooed, eye to eye with her. "Please... For Spike..."

As if water poured over the furnace burning in her heart, Twilight freed a sigh and rested against her mentor's wing that denied her path. This feeling of being secured by the princess was therapeutic. Turning back, she witnessed heartache. Worriment was present on Applejack's and Rarity's face while Rainbow Dash looked consumed with hate towards the fear-bringer.

Hovering over Celestia, Rainbow Dash landed by Shining Armour's side.

"This ends now, Fright!" Shining Armour raised his voice. "It's over! Step away from Tartarus' core and you won't have to get hurt!"

He heard his words well and clear, but he didn't say anything. He didn't look threatened nor bothered that he, along with his plan had been compromised. With his stitches hanging over his mouth, Fright remained silent and turned back to the sphere, pressing and swaying against the surface as he erased Tartarus' security despite their warning.

This only further angered Shining Armour as he marked his eyes with vexation.

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "Are you deaf or just ignorant? Step away from the core or we'll make you!" She threatened, pounding her hooves together. "And I'll be glad to make you!"

Finally, Fright spoke, his voice matching with the dead, infected air that surrounded them. 

"Did it hurt?"

Everyone's ears boosted up upon hearing this.

"What?!" Rainbow Dash growled with a hint of annoyance.

"Did it hurt?" He repeated. "To watch him drown in his own fear, to watch him break because of your mistakes."

He was asking for it... To feel pain...

Angered and recollecting the events of the announcement, imagining the pain Spike endured, Twilight allowed wrath to take over her mind once more.

Worriment hit Celestia the moment she knew vengeance was playing on Twilight's mind.

"That's enough!" Celestia shouted, annoyance gripping her throat, her wing keeping Twilight steady.

"You can't frighten me, I know what you all are. It's a shame Spike couldn't share my vision sooner, all of this suffering would have been prevented."

Shining Armour advanced towards Fright, ready to contain him.

Hearing Fright's mockery once more, Twilight couldn't allow this to go on. 

"He was a fool to think you'd find him. Because of your judgement, his hope and mentality shattered..."

That was the breaking point for Twilight, she looked up at Celestia, her face grew into an expression of anger, containing nothing but resentment. Her innocence was wiped; erased. 

This look scared Celestia, no, it terrified her. She wanted to expand her comfort, but Fright's vexatious voice grew on the stressed alicorn like a headache.

"...All because you saw him differently, a servant; a slave... He suffered because of you."

No longer could she hold herself together, like a volcano, Twilight erupted with rage. Finding a passage, she struggled for a brief moment and slipped through Celestia's wing.

"Twilight!" She shouted.

Shining Armour and Rainbow Dash looked back to witness Twilight zoom past them like a shooting star, her hooves burning into the ground as she ran. 

"Twilight, don't!" Just before Shining Armour could interfere, he was zapped; stunned. A small groan escaped his mouth and his body froze, a green aurora surrounding his body.

"What the?!" Rainbow Dash blared, quickly wrapped in green aurora as she was the second to become stunned.

Celestia's attention was focused on Twilight until Shining Armour and Rainbow Dash had been struck, immobilized.

"Shining-" A forced groan interrupted her sentence as the very same spell struck her body. A green aurora covered her white, fur, freezing.

With a sudden gasp, Applejack and Rarity hopped from Celestia's side and turned back to the pit's entrance, witnessing at least ten changelings all hanging above the archway. With their ability to change form, they blended in with the jagged surface, revealing their savage, insect-like appearance.

Like a swarm of wasps, they flew at Applejack and Rarity, taking them down in an instant. 

Although Applejack put up a fight, sending multiple punches to the changelings, they tackled her down with full force. Despite her resistance, they hissed and growled at her, continuing to push down onto the ground, restraining her will.

Like Applejack, Rarity was forced to the ground, a spear pointing just in front of her face which froze her like a statue.

As her friends were overwhelmed by the changelings, Twilight's focus was still directed towards Fright. As he turned away from the sphere, welcoming the rage the alicorn possessed, she advanced. Her wings took off, leaping into the air, ready to tackle him. 

The world around Twilight began to slow down, she remained focused on Fright, although she had been deceived. Fright's appearance began to fade, the poor stitches, the rags and his body began to burn away with the green aura consuming over him. In a flash, Fright was gone and there stood Chrysalis, playing the role of the demented scientist.

With Applejack and Rarity being held down and Celestia, Shining Armour and Rainbow Dash immobilized, they all watched as what they thought was Fright wither away into the Queen of the Changelings.

Her dark, crooked horn began to glow, firing at Twilight. 

Just like that, before Twilight could even process what happened, the whole of her body was gripped by Chrysalis' magic. She had been stunned, held in place as if she was a trophy, levitating in the air as she struggled to break free from the malicious queen's force. Swiftly, Twilight was brought closer to Chrysalis, face to face as a massive grin spread across her face, her sharp eyes staring deep into the princess' soul.

"Are you always going to fall for that?" She howled a vicious laugh.

Realising the mistake she had made, being played like a fool, she wanted to protest, she struggled to break free, frantically turning her head left to right. Upon turning her head right, she was greeted with something unpleasant. With her heart racing, the anger slightly present, but rivalling her bewilderment, her eyes widened in a state of panic when she saw Fright, the real Fright next to her, his withered, disarrayed face just inches away. He lifted his arm, his hand being thrown at her neck, not punching her, but injecting her... 

Twilight's breath drawn sharp, setting free a gasp as she felt the syringe around his wrist pierce her neck. Slowly, the vile poison slipped into her blood, infiltrating her body.

In her frozen state, Celestia could only behold the horror that was going on before her. She couldn't move or even speak, same went with Shining Armour and Rainbow Dash. Panic pumped their heart as they watched Twilight succumb to fear.

"No!" Rarity screamed, only to receive hisses from the changelings.

Applejack tried to break free from the changelings' hold, but it was futile.

Finally, setting free the syringe, pulling it back to his side and with a stretched smile, Fright took a step back. 

Awaiting her turn, Chrysalis threw Twilight back, just in front of Rainbow Dash and Shining Armour.

"What did you do to her?!" Applejack shouted, being restrained by the changelings.

Upon colliding with the cold, rough ground of the prison, the alicorn struggled to breathe, choking on her own breath. Building herself back up, trying to stand, she immediately fell back down, desperately trying to grasp the tainted air around her as if she was drowning. She felt nauseous, sick in her stomach and mind. 

She was scared.

She was afraid.

She was frightened.

With Chrysalis watching, a smirk grew bright on her face like a light, finally, she could witness the suffering of her most hated enemy.

"Now that was fun," Chrysalis beamed, watching pleasantly as Twilight slowly began to descend into madness.

Fright advanced from the core, wandering towards Twilight with ease as she crumbled down to the ground. 

"Ngh-No, no!" The poisoned alicorn struggled to breathe.

Within moments, her eyes went blank, her pupils vanishing, leaving only a blanket of red brimming within her eyes. Panic began to cluster her mind, her heart hammered her chest, the world around her spinning as she collapsed to the ground, her eyes brimming with tears as the voices crawled deep, ready to tear her sanity apart. Like a shield, she held her wings over her, shaking rapidly, trying to hide from the demons she feared.

A sea of red mist began to cloud her surroundings, all around, shadow-like monstrosities rose from the ground, slowly limping towards her in a disturbing way. Some were crawling while others stomped their way towards her. The voices came crawling back... Like whispers that howled in the night.


'Stupid... Stupid... Stupid...'

'Annoying... Annoying... Annoying...'

'Pathetic... Pathetic... Pathetic...'

'Worthless... Worthless... Worthless...'

'Failure... Failure... Failure...'

'Scared... Scared... Scared...'


It was painful to watch and not do anything about it. Twilight was suffering, fear attacking her mind and no matter what Celestia or anypony could do, they were either restrained or stunned. With no sign of stopping, the deriding whispers continued, the voices accelerating as she trembled on the ground, holding herself together, silently crying and pleading the nightmares to stop. What made things worse is that she recognised one of the voices, it wasn't demonic... It was familiar. 

It was Spike's voice.


'You left me to suffer... You left me to suffer... You left me to suffer...'


This is what he wanted, what filled Fright with satisfaction, to see one of the alicorns fractured, breaking while fear ran through her veins. Drifting around Twilight, circling around her traumatised body like a shark stalking its prey, his cold, uninhabited eyes stabbed right into her. Fright's reticent and devilish voice pierced the alicorn's ears, his voice being backed up with a satanic echo that brimmed her with trepidation.

"Don't fight it." He advised. "For too long you have neglected your fears, buried them in a sea of your own lies." Poorly, he waved his skeletal hand over Twilight. "Do not fight this feeling of trepidation corrupting your blood, rusting the cogs in your mind as you determine which reality is right and wrong. Let my toxic art dissolve the walls of your mentality. Let fear run its course."

As Twilight continued to silently cry, trembling and shielding herself from the world, the voices continued to pin her down. Then, screaming blasted forth and Fright's voice grew louder. Even though her horn had been corrupted by The Hunter's power, it began to flicker. Concentrated and scared like never before, feeling nothing but anxiety and panic smothering her heart, Twilight began to focus on using her magic, trying to break through the blockade that The Hunter had cast upon her horn.

"Even though your mind is being stricken with terror, I still burn with questions. What is it you fear, what horrors are you envisioning in that frail mind of yours? I'm sure you're scared of what the future holds once those cells open." He whispered, pointing to the prisoners around him. "Can you see it? One by one your friends dying? Branded as a failure to the world? Your home plunged into madness?" Finally stopping just in front of Twilight and lowering himself down, he eerily wrapped his hand around her contaminated horn, gently lifting the weakened alicorn's head, staring eye to eye with one another. "This is it... Tonight is the night I hear you scream..."

From Twilight's perspective, everything was banging, her misty, red eyes widened to the sight of Fright's poorly crafted face, the stitches keeping it together. Cockroaches and maggots poured from his vacant eyes, a spider crawled from his mouth and over his stitches. 


'Scream... Scream... Scream... Scream... Scream... Scream... Scream...'

'Scream! Scream! Scream! Scream! Scream! Scream! Scream!'


The tight, demonic voices grew louder, knocking and scratching the walls of her sanity. As she stared deep into the emptiness that was Fright's eyes.


'Scream! Scream! Scream! Scream! Scream! Scream! Scream!'


Twilight's lip began to quiver, then her row of teeth clashed with one another as she tried to fight the voices bashing her thought while tears streamed down her cheeks like rain. There was no room to think, no space to breathe, still forced to look up at Fright in this weakened state, her mind began to crack, a scream was ready to erupt, not before one final message of dread struck her. Images of Spike's torment and suffering began to crowd her brain and this was the breaking point.

Applejack watched in panic, worried while Rarity was on the verge of tears, seeing her friend get torn apart. Rainbow Dash tried to break free from this spell Chrysalis had cursed upon her, but nothing worked, moving wasn't an option for her, same went with Shining Armour and Celestia who couldn't take another moment to watch Twilight succumb to this chaotic venom.

A surge of energy rushed into Twilight's horn, a scream bursting loud and clear from her mouth as her eyes locked shut. She was in pain, scared and angered. This scream was satisfying for Fright to hear, even Chrysalis found it pleasant to hear her suffer, but for Twilight's friends, it was haunting and agonizing to just watch her in such pain.

The scream echoed through the pit, Twilight was in agony and frustration, scared right out of her mind. An unpleasant smile developed underneath Fright's stitches, but something was off. With his hand still locked on Twilight's horn, he felt it warming up.

Just like that, the dark crystals that were latched onto Twilight's horn started to crumble, breaking and simply disintegrating. Snapping wide open, showing nothing but red in her eyes due to the fear venom playing around in her system, a wave of magic flared from her horn, a sphere of energy pushing back Fright, Celestia, Chrysalis, everyone and everything in her radius. 

Celestia, Shining Armour and Rainbow Dash were forced back, free from Chrysalis' immobilisation spell. However, the wave Twilight emitted pushed them back, striking against the ground. Rarity and Applejack were no exception to Twilight's sudden force of power as they were sent back. It almost felt like an ocean's wave splashing down on them.

Breaking formation, falling apart, the changelings fell victim to this magic outburst as they were all forced back. Like being hit by a fully grown dragon's tail, Chrysalis was knocked back into Tartarus' core control system.

Bashing against the ground, landing on his back, Fright held the whole of his hand. He was astounded. Looking at the hand that gripped Twilight's horn, it was slightly scorched. His eyes widened a little but darted back to Twilight's position. Fear was still playing around in the alicorn and despite this raw ability, Fright became intrigued to watch.

All eyes were on Twilight, panting heavily and exasperated like a wolf when hunting its prey. There was no trace of her pupils, her innocence, her mentality. Dangling down at her sides, the wings of the alicorn gave in as they spilt to the ground. The Hunter's curse had been broken, she repossessed her magic.

Astonished, Rainbow Dash stared at Twilight with every bit of attention she had while raising herself from the ground. Applejack and Rarity managed to pick themselves back up, only to feel their focus absorbed by the fear-infected alicorn. They looked scared, not of her, but for her. 

Shattered, the moment Celestia broke free from Chrysalis' spell, she chose not to care about the Changeling Queen or Fright. Frozen wide open, her eyes did not budge away from her student. 

Landing roughly, Twilight's brother built himself up from the ground like the others. His words became hollow, leaving his mouth as he was left shocked, afraid of what her sister was battling. He could only watch, to try and reach her.

"Twilight," Shining Armour's soft voice reached her sister.

Within an instant of hearing Shining Armour's voice, Twilight's head snapped towards him. With a spark of anger present on her face, she looked possessed with fear lingering in her vision. 

In Twilight's world, infected by Fright's poison, abhorrent monsters, disgusting and vile creatures made from rags, born from shadows and looking like demons that played in nightmares, she howled another painful scream. Her horn charged and she fired it all around Tartarus' pit.

"Get down!" Applejack shouted, knocking Rarity to the ground, dodging Twilight's unintended attack.

"What's happening?!" Rarity shrieked, worriment present on her face. 

Left and right, Twilight's horn emitted a beam. Like a ribbon, it travelled through the pit, hitting and knocking a few changelings. Almost hitting Celestia, she barely evaded the attack. 

"She's lost it!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, speeding up to her.

With the creatures based on her fears vanishing and crumbling the moment she hit them, one of them managed to grab Twilight by the neck, it's bat-like appearance snapping its teeth at her. Of course, in the real world, this was just Rainbow Dash trying to bring her back to her senses.

"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Snap out of it, fight it! Just stop going psycho!"

Throwing her whole body at Rainbow Dash, and projecting a shield from her magic, knocking her back, she turned away and suddenly, her mind began to overload with of Spike's torment. They were brief, loud and horrific as she remembered him pleading and breaking when the syringe pierced into him. The fact that he was forgotten. The heartbroken face he made when Twilight stated he forgot him came rushing back into her memories, only fueling the fear and anger that had settled.

"Twilight!" Rarity cried. "You have to calm down, stop this!"

"She can't hear you," Celestia responded to the unicorn, shouting over Twilight's mental outburst. "Fear is blocking her reality... She only sees and hears her personal demons like what happened in the fog, only much worse." 

"Well we have to do something'," Applejack shouted.

Struggling to break free from her terrors, there was something lurking in Twilight's mind that she needed to face.

Fright...

Although she feared him, Twilight was lost in a forest of wrath and dismay. It would be obvious to say that this wasn't Twilight anymore, just a shell of her being controlled by her inner demons. After frantically observing and twisting herself around Tartarus' pit, she located Fright. Still on the ground, weakened and gripping his slightly charred hand, his eyes widened when he noticed her coming this way. 

He looked... Scared...

Storming towards him, her hooves striking into the ground as strands of energy began to flicker through her horn like a dull light bulb. Her posture had become nearly identical to a Timberwolf, dragging her wings along the ground while baring her teeth as she neared towards him, her red, barren eyes holding such animosity. 

"W-Wait." His voice faltered.

Failing to get up, he began to back himself up, his hands clawing into the ground as he tried to retreat from the enraged alicorn, dragging his legs as he began to fall back.

Finally, Twilight stomped both hooves into his stomach, planting him down on the ground which resulted in the scientist groaning a little. Promptly, she pointed her horn at his face, charging up, ready to unleash agony.

As if her vision began to glitch, Fright spoke once more but sounding different. Not demonic, but familiar, like a friend.

"It's me!"

Still charging her power, she flinched a little upon hearing the familiar voice. 

"Twily..."

Shifting like a puzzle, the appearance of Fright flared until he was completely different. Entering and exiting her world of fear, repeatedly she finally caught a glimpse of the pony she was attacking.

"Shining..." 

Her vision playing tricks on her, changing from Fright to Shining Armour, Twilight's eyes sparked back to her original, purple eyes, her pupils returning from the red mist that filled them. The screaming insults, the eerie voices died down, the disturbing creatures around her were erased, except for the ones behind bars. 

Stirring away, the foul venom that infiltrated Twilight's body, the poison that Fright injected into her had come to a stop. For a moment, she began to collect her thoughts, gazing at her brother she had pinned down. Slowly, looking around, she witnessed the changelings hurt, some limping away while Applejack and Rarity looked right at her, scared and uneasy, while Rainbow Dash slowly picked herself up, sadness and shock present.

"Twilight... It's okay... It's okay," Shining Armour cooed. "I'm here, it's me..."

She continued to observe the pit, witnessing the damage she caused. Still, nearly frozen like a statue, Celestia hadn't seen such power erupted like that since she took Twilight in to be her student. Needless to say, her friends were shocked to the core. Emotions began to swirl within Twilight like a tornado, it started off with tears brimming in her eyes and spilling forth, loosening her fears. She lost control over herself because she was afraid. Exhaling, choking a little on the air, she began to crumble a little while backing away from Shining Armour.

"I'm... I'm sorry..." She began to break down, gripping her eyes shut. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... I didn't..." Becoming a wreck, sobbing while ashamed to look at everyone, she refused to hear her own voice, feeling the need to keep herself quiet. 

Looking deeply at her aggrieved and damaged sister, Shining Armour couldn't help but crack an opening of sympathy towards her. They all did. 

They all wanted to comfort her, but this empathetic moment was cut short when a harrowing sound blasted through the pit, nearly shattering their ears. Everyone snapped from their shocked state and so did Twilight, still feeling traumatised, but turning to the centre of the pit, her tears still loose. Their eyes connected once more to see Fright, staring right at the alicorn as his finger was placed against the core mechanism of the pit.

He did it... The breakout was complete...