//------------------------------// // Chapter 23 // Story: A Nightmare Come True // by ShadowSprint //------------------------------// Landing outside the Canterlot Castle, Tremor slowly trotted up towards the castle. He cocked his head in different directions almost constantly, watching for any signs of trouble. He couldn’t allow himself to be caught here. Not now. He’d fought far too hard just to make it back into Canterlot and get captured or killed. His queen was in there. Prisoner. He intended to get her out. Approaching the castle, Tremor couldn’t help but notice the shoddy repairs made to the exterior of the castle. Holes were boarded up. Two of its towers were just flat out missing. It’s like Daybreaker had scavenged only the most unskilled hooves in all of Equestria to fix the place up. Broken windows were covered with plastic and a number of the walls were still riddled with cracks. Clearly Daybreaker’s priorities weren’t on the upkeep of her new home. Once inside, the changeling crept past the large staircase leading up to the second floor. He assumed his queen no longer had access to her once comfortable living quarters. Most likely, Daybreaker had tossed her in a dungeon somewhere after her takeover. I will not lose my Queen. Not again. Tremor told himself. He’d spent enough time wandering the lands without her. Stepping into a long winding hallway, the changeling carefully stepped through a corridor. Up ahead, he heard a familiar voice rattling off on what sounded like a temper tantrum. The possessed alicorn sounded anything but pleased. Trotting over to the doorway, Tremor hid himself just around a corner and poked his head in to see just what had Daybreaker in an uproar. Two Sun flares hovered in the throne room around their creator. Ash flaking off their bodies and soiling the carpet below as they watched their master boil over with rage. “How could you possibly let him escape?! A little dragon with little more speed than a tortoise slipped through your grasp!” Silence fell between them, and Daybreaker’s expression changed from one of pure anger, to that of surprise and confusion. Somehow, without Tremor’s knowledge, information passed between the Sun Flares and their master. When next she spoke, she said, “Really? How very interesting. Show me.” The Sun Flares drifted over to a small round table that wielded a single silver-plated candle holder. One of the Sun Flares spewed fire into its cusp and a large red flame enshrouded the candle holder. At the flame’s core, Tremor could just barely make out the image of Twilight’s dragon, Spike. The dragon scurried around the remains of the Friendship Express with two other ponies. The Sun Flares pursued their prey and for a moment, they appeared to have the upper hand. Suddenly though, another figure burst out from the shadows and attacked the Sun Flares. There were flashes of blue and white, and then suddenly Spike and the other ponies were gone. When the display had ended, the fire extinguished itself out, leaving only the candle holder. Daybreaker stared hard, pondering over what she had just seen. “It appears we have ourselves quite the Samaritan out there.” Daybreaker paced around the little table, her eyes glued to where the fire had once burned. “If that hero is who I believe it to be, then she most likely pulled Spike and friends south. If they are planning something . . .” Daybreaker’s voice trailed off. She turned to her minions who so patiently awaited her orders. “Go! Travel south as quickly as you can! Find that dragon and bring him back to me!” A brief silence slipped between them and then Daybreaker responded to an apparent question. “I don’t care what happens to the ponies! I want that dragon!” And using her magic, Daybreaker summoned a third to join the two, just for good measure. And with that, the three Sun Flares exited through a wall, leaving a cloud of black ash where they had passed on through. Daybreaker sighed, curling up in her throne. “I have to put an end to that dragon’s nonsense quickly. I can feel the power from the book starting to slip away.” She said to herself. “I may still have the power of Princess Celestia, but I will not make a fool of myself.” Daybreaker sighed and at that moment, Tremor turned away from the throne room. He needed to find his queen, needed to update her on what he saw here, and of the condition of the rest of her changeling army. Chrysalis lowered her head and rested near the bars of her prison. She stared out past the cell, inspecting her surroundings. The queen considered another attempt with breaking out, but she couldn’t risk exhausting herself. She needed her strength. For now, Chrysalis relegated her thoughts to what would come after her escape. Twilight and the others would need the Elements. I know where they are. But after Daybreaker’s defeat . . . if I am the only one left, do I kidnap the princess and take her with me? It may be my only means for a safe retreat . . . Chrysalis sighed. If only she knew the situation with her fellow changelings, she could have a more concrete plan in place. She despised uncertainties. “Chrysalis?” Came Twilight’s voice. The queen turned and found the young princess standing there, staring at her. “What?” “What made you do it? The partnership with Daybreaker that is. What made you want to help her?” Making eye contact with the alicorn, Chrysalis said, “She guaranteed my revenge on the ones who stole my subjects from me. Promised equal rulership over Equestria alongside a new changeling army far greater than any I had before.” Chrysalis recalled the time in that swamp. What had happened so long ago managed to stay fresh inside the queen’s head. “Looking back, it may have been a mistake.” Twilight only responded with silence. Her movements however, betrayed her. The way she broke eye contact, the grimace that formed, and the biting of the lip, all were dead giveaways. Chrysalis read the princess like a book and frankly, it pissed her off. “Blame me for your dastardly failures if you must, but at least have the gall to say it to my face. I did what needed to be done!” “But then why not just reform like Thorax and all the others?! You didn’t have to . . .” “Yes, I did.” Chrysalis answered coldly. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Twilight. “Changelings have survived for over a thousand years because of my leadership, because of what I have accomplished. To have some-pony suddenly step in and try to hand out orders like she knows what’s best . . .it’s a tad distasteful if you ask me.” Chrysalis waited for a response from the alicorn. She received none. Turning to go back to her thoughts, the changeling’s ears perked up at the sound of stumbling over near the stairs. Standing up onto her four legs for a better look, she watched along with Twilight as a figure emerged from the shadows. “Q-Queen Chrysalis?” came the sound of a familiar voice. “Is it really you my queen?” “Tremor!” Chrysalis exclaimed, watching with baited breath as the changeling revealed himself from the shadows. She wasn’t alone after all. Where there’s one changeling, surely there are others! Chrysalis smiled as her minion stepped up to the cage. “It is good to know that you are safe.” Tremor breathed. “For the moment, I have come under no harm. How long it shall remain that way, depends largely on Daybreaker.” Queen Chrysalis answered. “Tell me. What can you say about the others? How many are left?” “It’s not looking too good my queen.” Tremor answered. “Casualties have been dangerously high. Nearly all of the changelings sent to the Crystal Empire were lost. After we had procured Princess Cadence for you and Daybreaker, the Sun Flares swooped down upon us like the plague. They burned pony and changeling alike.” “How many do we have?” Chrysalis repeated. “From who I’ve spoken with, we’re down to fifty, maybe seventy-five changelings strong.” Chrysalis’ jaw dropped. So few! So few remained after everything that had happened. “A-And the hive?” She asked, almost afraid to know. Her legions had worked on building it back up after their numbers were rejuvenated. Tremor merely shook his head. “I’m sorry my queen. I . . . I did not have the heart to look. From what survivors have said, I doubt it’s still there.” “Daybreaker.” Chrysalis growled.“She. Will. Pay.” As the two spoke, Twilight stood back and listened. Here stood Chrysalis, conversing with the changeling that had defiled her rulership of Ponyville. It was due to this monstrosity that her friends were in their current predicament. It was because of him that Twilight was in this prison at all. She hated him for what he’d done, for everything those two had allowed to happen. I did what I could. If he hadn’t been there . . . I could’ve saved them. Twilight looked over at her friends. All of them were still out, lost in their comatose slumber. If so much as an ear twitched on one of their heads, Twilight was lucky just to see it. The princess looked back over to Chrysalis and watched her speak with her fellow changeling. The queen was relieved to see some of her own kind again. Even as they spoke, a new spark of hope flickered in the queen’s voice. Twilight shuddered. She knew she shouldn’t feel this jealousy seeping into her, but she couldn’t help it. How did Chrysalis deserve something like hope? How did Chrysalis deserve a second chance? “. . . and I’ve collected what shards I could my queen.” Tremor explained. “Keep them for the moment. I don’t want them destroyed by the magic surrounding this cage.” Chrysalis said. “Besides, I have a plan to get us out. It will require . . . a partnership with the princess . . .” “I have not agreed to your plan yet!” Twilight interjected. “I’m quite aware of that.” Chrysalis groaned. “But . . . it may be our only hope.” Tremor added. “Daybreaker may be starting to lose some of the magic that she got from the book. She’s becoming desperate in her search for Twilight’s dragon, Spike.” The alicorn’s ears perked up at mention of her friend. “She’s looking for Spike?!” Suddenly Twilight was right up against the cage’s bars with Chrysalis, desperate to hear of any news of her dragon. “Yes, it seems that he was making for the Crystal Empire when something snatched him away from the Sun Flares.” Tremor explained, purposefully leaving out any mention of the supposed ponies that were with the dragon. “Well where is he now?!” Tremor glanced to his queen, unsure of how much more he should divulge. She only nodded to her changeling, giving him permission as it certainly couldn’t hurt their cause. “I don’t know. But she’s sending the Sun Flares south to go looking for him.” Twilight only nodded. More than anything, she wanted to shout out, “We have to warn him!” But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. The only one even capable of communicating with Spike was Tremor. And she trusted Tremor as much as she trusted Chrysalis. Stepping out of the conversation, Twilight allowed Chrysalis to continue her chat with Tremor alone. The princess returned back to the stuttering projection of her unconscious friends. There had to be something she could do, something to break out of this nightmare! If only we could somehow get Daybreaker distracted to the point of . . . As Twilight watched Tremor discuss tactics and plans with his queen, it suddenly hit the princess. “We can trick Daybreaker into thinking you’ve escaped!” “How?” Though she hated the thought of enlisting Tremor in to help, it certainly beat letting Chrysalis suck out any of her love. “We fool Daybreaker into thinking you’re Chrysalis!” Twilight exclaimed, pointing at Tremor. Taken aback, the changeling only looked to his queen for her thoughts on the matter. He wasn’t about to acknowledge any kind of suggested action except from Queen Chrysalis herself. “Explain.” Chrysalis said, turning on the princess. Trotting back up to the changelings, Twilight detailed out the intricacies of her plan. “How’s your wing Derpy?” Spike asked the pegasus. She’d been trotting alongside him and Maud quite happily. The pony appeared fully recovered from whatever kind of potions Zecora had used on her. “Better. My wing is still kinda sore . . .not sure I want to use it right away. But I can at least move it now.” She said. To prove it, Derpy stretched out both wings, and softly flapped them. She winced once or twice, and then folded both her wings neatly up at her sides. And while the pegasus had a few bandages wrapped around her legs, she trotted with almost no limp. “Thank Celestia we were brought to Zecora’s!” Spike said, “I didn’t think you were gonna make it much farther.” Derpy only chuckled. “Neither did I.” Maud followed the two in silence as they spoke. She felt truly happy for Derpy, glad the pony finally got the medical attention that she had so desperately needed. That alone brightened the spirits of both her companions. Also, Spike looked quite excited to visit with the dragons. And with all the food Zecora had packed, the three were off to a rather comfortable start. Still, Maud couldn’t get what Luna said out of her mind. A red moon? How often did those occur? She never remembered seeing any growing up on the farm. Was it something Daybreaker could just conjure up on whim since she had Celestia’s powers? If that were the case, then at any second, it could show up. Maud couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of dread beginning to seep into her body. Maybe I should just go. I could probably make it to Canterlot in a couple days’ time if I tried. Maud watched the other two laugh and chat. She could probably sneak off while they slept and leave them a note. If they still went after the dragons, then she’d have back-up on the way if she failed. This could work. The earth pony was distracted from her thoughts when Spike said, “Look, we’re out of the Everfree Forest!” Ahead of them laid a patch of prairie, followed by an ocean of sand with a spec of civilization in the distance. Derpy immediately recognized it and said, “And that’s Dodge Junction!” She’d delivered several parcels back and forth from there with her time at the post office. It’d been a warm little getaway for her when she would go. A nice quiet little town. “We’ll stick to the out-skirts.” Spike explained, “there could be changelings intown.” Wandering into the desert, Derpy casually slowed herself to Maud’s pace. Something that the earth pony did not let go unnoticed. With Spike leading the way ahead, Derpy asked, “Everything okay? You’ve been really quiet since we left.” Maud avoided eye contact with the pegasus. “I’m . . . worried.” She said. “About what?” Derpy asked without thinking. Then catching the pony’s stare, she gulped. “A-Aside from the obvious.” “What happens if we don’t get there in time?” She asked. Derpy went quiet. She sagged her head and eyed the ground below. She lost herself in thought, wrestling with the notion that there might not be any-pony to save at this point. “E-Even if we don’t . . . nothing really changes. We still have to stop them.” “We already lost Boulder.” “B-but that’s why we have to keep moving . . .” Maud could tell Derpy was trying to sound tough, and optimistic. The squeak in her voice though, gave her away. “. . . so, we don’t lose any-pony else.” Maud briefly glanced ahead, watching Spike scope out exactly what direction to take next. He’d lead them well into the desert, and Dodge Junction had grown ever so close. Yet he resisted the urge on leading them into the town. The little dragon made for a great scout. He pressed his hand over his forehead, blocking out the sun to help see further into the distance. With a couple clicks of his tongue, he started on again, and Maud found herself instinctively following the dragon alongside Derpy. “I think we’re moving too slow.” Maud finally stated. “And I don’t want to be too late.” Derpy bit her lip. She didn’t have a response to soothe the agitated earth pony. The pegasus felt Spike’s ears eavesdropping in on them. “W-What would you do then?” “I . . . I’d split up.” Maud said, and winced when both Spike and Derpy turned to her in shock. She couldn’t build up the courage to tell them what she’d heard, but she could at least make her opinion known. “I could go back to Canterlot while you two got the dragons.” Seeing the shock in Derpy’s eyes, Maud felt her heart break a little at the sight. “It would be faster.” She said, answering the pony’s question before it even had a chance to leave her lips. “Maud, after everything that’s happened . . . how could you want to go back?” Spike asked, turning away from the route he’d carefully selected. “As soon as Daybreaker or Chrysalis see you . . .” “I won’t be seen.” Maud said flatly. “B-But . . . we only made it this far because of you.” Derpy added. “That was before your wing was healed. You and Spike are plenty capable of asking the dragons for help.” Then giving the pony a smile, Maud added, "Besides, you've saved us plenty of times." Maud waited for a response. She waited for either of them to say something, to do something. Neiter one could muster a sentence. Maud only sighed. Maybe now was the best time to go. They knew her intentions, her feelings. Any further discussion would only delay the inevitable. With the three of them stopped in the middle of the desert, Maud nodded her goodbye to them. "See you soon." When the earth pony turned to go, Derpy came to her senses. I can't do this without her. Galloping in front of the earth pony, Derpy only stared Maud down. Words still refused to come to her. She couldn't explain it, couldn't describe it, but without Maud, she knew they'd fail. "Please Derpy . . . don't make this harder than it needs to be. We'll see each other again soon." “I don’t believe you.” Maud bit her lip. She opened her mouth to answer when a sudden gust of wind kicked up sand into both of their faces. Covering her muzzle, the earth pony whirled around when she suddenly heard Spike shout, "G-Guys! Help!" Two pegasi had swooped in, using the gusting wind as cover. Grabbing Spike under their hooves, the two dragged the dragon up into the sky, carrying him off towards Dodge Junction. "Spike!" Derpy screamed. Unfolding her wings, Derpy chased hard after the dragon, beating her wings against her sides, lifting herself slowly up into the air. By the time she'd taken off, the two pegasi had almost disappeared into the horizon. Maud saw the pegasus stare back at her, pleading with her. She took one more glance back towards the distant Everfree Forest. Maud desperately wanted to rush back towards Canterlot, towards the others. But she couldn't. She couldn't just leave Spike. Sighing, she looked up at Derpy. "Lets go." Tremor tiptoed back out into the castle. He despised that Queen Chrysalis would just go along with Twilight's plan like that. He hated even more the role he needed to play. Stopping in front of one of the many mirrors that lined the hallway he found himself in, Tremor inspected the disguise he'd taken on. The creature that stared back at Tremor was his best attempt at Chrysalis herself. The changeling couldn't help but turn red from embarrassment. It felt so wrong, almost heresy to impersonate the queen like this. Worse yet, when he had transformed, he'd gotten a good chuckle from his queen. "I just knew there was a reason why I didn't allow you changelings to copy me. You guys could never get the hips right." Chrysalis had joked upon seeing his resulting disguise. Tremor shuddered. He wished to end this quick. All that needed to be done was get spotted, and then quickly hide himself. Daybreaker’s rage would ensure the rest. I hope. Walking through the castle, the changeling kept a close ear open for any signs of the possessed alicorn. He dodged through hallways, avoiding the occasional Sun Flare. While it was certainly possible that detection from the ghostly figures would raise Daybreaker’s attention, he couldn’t take that risk. He needed to be seen by Daybreaker herself. Of course, every step Tremor took in his queen’s body, made him notice each part of her form that much more. The way the wings brushed against his sides, the manner in which his hooves clicked and clopped against the marble floor. Queen Chrysalis always held her head high, and with such perfect stature. He was certainly far from mimicking her many graces. “By the time the book’s magic wears off, I’ll have most, if not all of Equestria under my grasp!” Came a familiar voice from a distant hallway on the second floor. Tremor cocked his head up, and quickly checking for Sun Flares, slowly climbed his way up the steps. He quickly moved up, brushing past Luna’s former room. The room Chrysalis had occupied during her brief time with Daybreaker. The stone figure of Starlight Glimmer still stood trapped inside. Moving swiftly along, Tremor slowed down as Daybreaker’s voice grew louder. “Then I’ll place a sign into the sky, reminding every-pony of my wrath. No one will dare cross Daybreaker!” Tremor stepped right on up the entryway of Princess Celestia’s former room, in time to catch the pony cackling maniacally. Her head tossed back in laughter, her body shaking from the thoughts that swirled through her mind. The fire sparking out from her mane and tail. Tremor waited, watching the monster of a pony thrill herself with what she thought was to come. He made sure to keep enough of him visible so that she could immediately spot him. With his piercing gaze, it took only moments after Daybreaker righted herself that she looked upon the doorway. The changeling remained visible long enough to witness Daybreaker’s jaw drop in horror and see her eyes almost bulge out of her head. Spinning himself around, Tremor wasted no time in charging away from the door. “NO! That cannot be! She could not have escaped!” Which way?! Which way do I go?! Tremor’s mind raced as he darted glances to each and every open door he passed. He could already hear Daybreaker barreling down after him. A wave of fire passed by overhead, igniting several banners hanging down from the walls. Tremor skidded around a corner at the end of the hallway, back towards the stairs and suddenly two Sun Flares floated up through the floor. Their ash like bodies leaving the carpet a charred black. Diving over the indoor balcony, Tremor took to the air. He had little to no room to fly in the castle. Somewhere below, he heard Daybreaker scream at the Sun Flares, “GET HER!” A pillar of fire blew past Tremor, and he had to dodge quickly under the wave just to avoid his wings from being singed. The other Sun Flare appeared in front of him, and the changeling performed a ninety degree turn up towards the ceiling. Fire boiled from below. The ceiling rushed closer to Tremor, his wings beating hard against his sides. He didn’t have time to turn. He’d have to crash on through. Covering his face with his hooves, the disguised changeling somehow rammed his way through rafters and plaster. An eruption of fiery lava shot out from the small hole Tremor had made as he exited out and around the castle. He couldn’t leave though. He was only meant to be a distraction. When Tremor saw the two Sun Flares emerging from the simmering hole in the castle, he took in a deep breath and flew past them. This had better work! Daybreaker stormed down into the dungeon. Boiling with rage, she stomped down each stair. Upon landing at the bottom, the ruler of Equestria focused on the still-closed cage. “How?!” She barked, seeing only Twilight held within its bars. “How did she escape?!” “I-I have no idea.” Twilight whispered back, shying away from the lumbering giant of a pony. “I awoke a-and she was gone.” “I don’t believe you.” Daybreaker said. With the flick of her horn, she summoned a Sun Flare into the dungeon. The creature drifted in through the cage walls. Its eyeless sockets glared down at the alicorn, smoke flaring from its nostrils. Daybreaker slowly paced around the prison, inspecting each and every bar for even the slightest of imperfections. “You are not one to defend a changeling, are you Twilight? After everything that they have done to you, I can’t imagine the Princess of Friendship sticking her neck out for their queen.” “I would never do anything to help those . . . those monsters!” Twilight shot back. “I certainly hope not.” Daybreaker said. “You wouldn’t want to do anything that might endanger your little friends.” Twilight’s eyes opened up wide with horror as she watched Daybreaker’s gaze fall onto the projection of her friends. “Leave them out of this!” She said, “Please, you already have us captured. You already have the Elements of Harmony. What more could you want from us?” Though as Twilight spoke, Daybreaker found herself paying less attention to the what the alicorn was saying, and more attention to her movements. Twilight hadn’t budged once from her spot since she’d entered into the dungeon. Even with the Sun Flare hovering over her, watching her every move, the princess sat firm, pressing her body up against the side of the cage. “What are you hiding?” “I’m not hiding anything. What could I possibly . . .” “Shut up.” Daybreaker commanded. Moving around the cage, she watched Twilight’s position adjust, so as to keep a close eye on her. But as the princess moved, something else seemed to move with her. Nodding at the Sun Flare inside the cage, she watched as the monster spewed fire down at Twilight. The resulting shot forced the alicorn to split with her hidden object, who dived on out of the way. “No, how can this be?” Daybreaker asked in astonishment. For there in the cage sat both Twilight Sparkle, and her dragon, Spike. “How is it that one of you gets in . . . and the other gets out?” Daybreaker trotted on over to the door of the cage, staring inside. Both Twilight and Spike eyed her, watching her every movement. Something was off about these two. She couldn’t put a hoof on it, but she was going to get to the bottom of this. But before she could open the cage, the stairwell to the dungeon roared with life as her two Sun Flares emerged, dragging a changeling behind them. “What is the meaning of this? Why are you bringing me one of her drones when you should . . .” Daybreaker stopped. Her mouth dropped open in realization as she glanced back into the cage. “Ohhhhh . . .that is clever.” Dropping her mouth open into laughter, the alicorn laughed and laughed. She could hardly believe it. She’d almost fallen for it. She’d come so close to letting the cat out of the bag that it almost wasn’t even funny. “You changelings are so very clever.” She said between snorts of laughter. Then turning to the Sun Flare still in the cage, Daybreaker ordered, “Kill the dragon.” “NO!” The changeling cried out before Twilight even had a chance to respond. “No?” Daybreaker asked, though she already knew the answer. “Why not? Why would a changeling concern himself with one of Twilight’s feeble-minded friends?” Tremor gulped. He had screwed up. “B-Because . . . we would much rather drain that dragon of his love . . . with being so close . . .” “You’re full of shit.” Daybreaker said, cutting him off. “That is not Spike. It’s your queen.” Daybreaker said, walking on over to Tremor. She stared the changeling down, watching him cower before her. “Go ahead Chrysalis,” she exclaimed, “Show yourself. Prove me right or you lose yet another soldier in your little war.” Tremor shut his eyes. He expected this to be it. After all, whether or not his queen revealed herself didn’t matter. The jig was up. “Leave him alone.” Queen Chrysalis’s voice echoed from her prison. Daybreaker stared back with a smile. “You changelings really are dangerous.” She admitted. Seeing the queen glaring at her as another of plans went up in smoke, brought an unequaled happiness to Daybreaker as she barred her teeth for the changeling queen. “Maybe I should just dispose of your kind now. Save myself the trouble later.” The resulting glare from Chrysalis fueled Daybreaker’s resolve even more. This plan may have failed, but she couldn’t risk letting these changelings do as they please. “W-Wait!” Tremor shouted. Daybreaker turned. “What is it? You want to go first?” “N-No!” Tremor said. “B-But I can help you. I know where other changelings are . . . and you can use them . . .to find Spike.” “Now wait a minute! You can’t just . . .” Twilight started. “Why?” Daybreaker asked, cutting off the princess. “Why should I let you help me? I’ve already got plenty of help with finding that measly little dragon.” “B-Because . . .we changelings . . .we’re natural born hunters. Can smell love off a living being over a mile away. We can track him. We can guarantee you’ll get your hooves on him.” Such an interesting proposal. “And I suppose in return, I don’t get to harm your queen? Is that my understanding?” Tremor nodded. “Please, we’d be lost without her.” Daybreaker pondered over the idea. While she preferred disposing of Chrysalis as soon as possible, the very notion of humiliating the queen further excited her to no end. She could have some fun with this. “Very well then changeling. Gather your squad, or whatever you call it, and bring me that dragon. Alive if possible.” Tremor nodded and said, “Yes Daybreaker.” And he turned to leave. “Changeling.” Daybreaker said. “Yes?” “Address me as your queen.” A smile curled over Daybreaker’s lips. She could feel Chrysalis behind her seething at the request. If it hadn’t been for the fire on her mane and tail, she would’ve sworn she could feel Chrysalis’ boiling fuse leaking out of the cage. The changeling was hesitant to say anything. Well trained at least. “Do it. Or the deal is off little changeling.” Tremor stammered. He didn’t have a choice in this matter. Kneeling before the alicorn, he said, “Y-Yes Q-Queen Daybreaker.” “Very good. Needs work, but still very good.” Daybreaker mocked. “Now get out of my sight. And don’t you dare think of pulling another stunt like this again. Now go. Get out of here and find me that dragon!” “Yes, my queen,” and Tremor quickly exited the dungeon. Daybreaker watched the changeling leave before turning back on her two prisoners. Twilight was in a state of shock, while Chrysalis’ hate-filled gaze bore into her through the bars. Daybreaker ate up this stare like the delicacy that it was. “Now then, you two are going to behave in here from now on. Anymore of these hairbrained plans of escape, and . . .well, I’m sure I don’t have explain what will happen to you.” With a flick of her horn, the Sun Flare that had camped out in the cage with the two exited. “Tata ladies” Daybreaker mocked as she mounted the stairs and disappeared back up into the castle, accompanied by her trusty Sun Flares. “Spike! Spike! Are you there!” Derpy hollered out. Having followed her friend into Dodge Junction, Maud surveyed the abandoned town. The old-time wooden buildings lay scattered around the town, with only the rare tumbleweed as a visitor. Windows were closed, doors swung open with the wind. Nary a soul was to be seen. “Derpy, it may be best if we stay quiet.” “Why? We have to find Spike!” Derpy protested. Sweat dripping down her forehead from the speed in which she’d flung herself into this town. “We don’t know what else may be in here. Remember, there could be changelings.” The pegasus gulped. “D-Do you think they have Spike?” “I don’t know.” Maud answered. As the two stepped through the town, Maud considered searching each and every building. It’d take time and would give the kidnappers plenty of time to escape or evade them. We can’t afford to waste time. The thought stung the back of Maud’s head like a bee sting. The longer they spent searching for Spike, the less time they’d have to prevent Luna’s prediction. How long should they search? When should they give up? The rock farmer took one look at Derpy and sighed. Would she really abandon a friend like this? Even when others were in danger? She knew the answer to that question before it even entered her brain. “Derpy,” Maud said, wanting to say something to calm the pony, or maybe it was herself. She really wasn’t sure anymore. “I . . .” But Maud stopped. The pegasus had her eyes fixed on the saloon up ahead. Following Derpy’s gaze, Maud watched the building for several seconds. Nothing happened. “What is it?” She asked, but then she saw it. On the second story window, a pair of equine eyes poked through the curtains. Upon being discovered, they quickly disappeared, leaving the curtain swaying back and forth against the window. “Spike!” Derpy shouted, and before Maud could stop the pony, she’d galloped off towards the building. “Derpy, it could be a trap.” Maud said, but the pegasus didn’t hear her. Chasing after Derpy into the saloon, Maud stopped in surprise when they’d entered the old bar. Several ponies laid in wait for the two, including the two pegasi that had flown off with Spike. A couple gruff, bearded earth ponies, Cherry Jubilee, and a couple younger mares all stood around the bar. Maud gazed around the room, searching for their missing companion, but he was nowhere to be seen. Hoof-steps from above along with some rustling echoed down, and suddenly another pony appeared into the room. Just from a guess, this was the pony who’d spotted them from the upstairs window. All ponies eyed Maud and Derpy, not speaking one word. “Where’s Spike?” Maud asked, eager to get their dragon friend and move on. One of the older ponies, a tanned orange fur with stormy cloud grey mane and tail, said, “Don’t you worry. He’s safe. We ain’t done him no harm.” “Where is he?” Maud asked. One of the other ponies, the one that had rushed downstairs, a red mare with an apple green mane and tail, said, “Please Amber Sprout. Don’t tell. We can’t afford to lose him.” “Don’t you worry Violet Berry.” Amber said in his deep, rumbling voice. “That dragon ain’t going nowhere.” Maud felt Derpy moving up close beside her, frightened but determined. “W-Why not?” She asked. “Well you see, Daybreaker, she’s given very specific orders on any-pony who comes across your dragon friend. He’s to be handed over to her immediately.” Maud grit her teeth. This bumbling batch of ponies were just giving in to Daybreaker’s demands while others suffered at her hooves. “Why would you help that monster?” Maud asked, a slight edge in her voice. “Now calm yourself down.” Cherry Jubilee piped in. The owner of Cherry Hill Ranch stepped in beside Amber and said, “It’s not quite that simple hun. You see, Daybreaker, well she’s got a lot of our kin all locked up in her castle. We’re only a hoofful of morsels left over from what used to be families. And Daybreaker dun promised a reward to those who helped capture your friend.” “Cowards.” “Maud?!” Derpy exclaimed, surprised at the mare’s brassiness. Maud ignored her friend’s complaint. She didn’t have time for this. They didn’t have time for this. Every moment wasted in this town was one less out on the trail towards help. Hell, she could’ve been halfway to Canterlot by now. Not only that, but Spike had been kidnapped by other ponies too scared to stand up for themselves. Not waiting for Derpy, Maud stormed on ahead towards the stairs. This ended now. “Now hold on there . . .” Amber said, stepping in front of the mare. “We dun told ya why we took him. But Daybreaker, she has those . . . those things. I’m real sorry but . . . they’re coming this way. And we intend to . . .” “I don’t care.” Maud said flatly. “I’m not losing anymore friends. Spike is coming with us.” Amber reached out and grabbed Maud, desperate to stop her. When he did so, Maud turned in anger, swinging her hoof into his face. A loud crack reverberated through the room as Maud dislocated the pony’s jaw. The old colt stumbled back, clutching his mouth and staring in shock at the pony. Even Derpy let out a scream when it had happened. Maud shook in fury. She’d never let herself go out of control like this. But the thought of losing her friends, of losing Pinkie Pie, scared her half to death. She looked from Derpy, to the others. No pony made a move. They only watched her. The earth pony shot daggers of glances around the room, daring anyone else to interfere. “Derpy, let’s go.” She said. The pegasus hesitated to follow, but eventually nodded in silence and hurried along. As they approached the stairs, Maud heard Cherry beg, “Please . . .” and though the pony didn’t stop them from entering the stairwell, she did stand teary eyed in the middle of the room while Violet Berry looked after the older Amber. “Please,” she said once more. “Daybreaker, she’s got our families hostage. And with those beasts on the move . . . they’ll destroy our home if we don’t hand him over. That dragon is our only hope.” “She’s got my family too.” Maud said, and then turning away from the bunch, led Derpy up the stairs. Maud climbed up the stairs in silence. She supposed she’d freaked out Derpy with her behavior. The pegasus was silent and made not a peep during their climb up the stairs. Maud didn’t blame her. This kind of anger rarely surfaced for her, and last time it did, none of her sisters had breathed a word to her for weeks. Arriving at the second floor, Maud quickly located the room that held Spike by the clawing and rattling sounds emanating from inside. “Derpy! Maud!” Spike cried out. He’d been shoved into a steel cage in one of the bedrooms. The dragon had a bruise or two, probably from when they forced him in, otherwise he looked fine. Maud quickly went to work kicking down the flimsy padlock holding the cage shut. With a few good bucks, she managed to crack the thing off, flinging the door to the cage open. Spike rushed out in relief. “Thank Celestia you found me! They said they were gonna give me over to Daybreaker.” “In exchange for their families.” Maud answered, not even waiting for the question. “W-What?” Maud was more than happy to explain, but not here, not now. “We need to go.” She said. “Uhhhhh guys . . .” came Derpy’s voice. The pegasus had stepped over to the window during Spike’s breakout. “Every-pony’s leaving.” She pointed out and sure enough, every-pony that was downstairs galloped off away from the saloon. “A-And look . . .” Derpy pointed a hoof down at the entrance to the saloon. Three Sun Flares drifted into view. The ghostly figures hovered for only a moment, before spreading out. Maud, Derpy, and Spike froze. What should they do? The last time they bumped into these things, they escaped only by chance. “We’ll have to sneak out.” Spike whispered, watching as two of the Sun Flares drifted into view once again. Nodding in agreement, Maud lowered herself down and said, “Get on.” When the dragon stared back in confusion, she simply added, “it’ll be faster this way.” Spike eventually gave in and climbed onto Maud’s back. He took a firm grip of her mane, careful not to pull too hard on it as Maud led the three slowly down the stairs. Each creak and crack from the old wooden floorboards caused Maud and Derpy to freeze in place, peeking down the stairwell for any signs of Sun Flares. Funny how none remembered the stairs being so noisy on the climb up. With the creatures making not a sound, they had no way of telling just where the charcoal beasts were roaming. Upon landing on the main floor, Maud led Derpy back through the saloon, past all the tables and chairs. She tried to keep low in case the things happened to be glancing in through the windows. Then again, if she remembered correctly, they didn’t have eyes. Could they even see? Maud honestly didn’t feel like taking the risk. As they stepped outside the saloon, Derpy glanced around, searching for a place to hide. “Where do we go,” she asked. Feeling her heart pounding in her chest, she realized they had nowhere to hide but another building. They could go running off into the desert sure, but apart from the sand dunes, they’d be out in the open. “I . . .” But Maud couldn’t finish. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted one of the Sun Flares above her. The thing fired a beam of magic down at them! Kicking Derpy back into saloon, Maud lunged out of the way just as the magical artillery exploded into the sand. “Derpy!” Spike cried out, clinging madly to Maud’s mane. The pony didn’t answer, and Spike and Maud didn’t have time to check. Two of the Sun Flares quickly appeared out of nowhere, forcing Maud to gallop off away from the saloon. She had to zig zag back and forth in the street just to avoid their magical blasts and fire breaths. “We have to go back!” Spike cried out, bouncing all over the earth pony’s flank. He glanced back long enough to spot the third Sun Flare entering the saloon. “Derpy’s in trouble!” Maud cursed. “So are we.” She said flatly. She hoped the pegasus could handle her own, because for the moment, no help was coming. Maud flung herself around the side of a building to avoid another blast of magic from the Sun Flares. Trying to catch her breath, she quickly surveyed her surroundings. What now? She asked herself. Derpy stumbled back into the saloon. She scrambled past tables, knocked over chairs. Daring a glance over her shoulder, she found the Sun Flare hovering into the building after her. It’s horn glowing, eyeless sockets focusing in on her. Gasping for breath, Derpy saw the stairwell to the second floor and made a break for it. If she could just get to a window or an opening of some kind, she’d fly on out of here. Galloping hard for the stairs, the pegasus felt a breeze pass overhead. She looked up in time to see a wall of fire pass by, singing the tip of her mane. “No! No! No!” She cried out, watching as the flames ignited the doorway, and then climbed up around the rafters. Within seconds, the room filled with smoke. Derpy’s lungs heaved for air, causing her to cough violently. Her chest pounded, sweat dripping down her forehead as the temperature in the saloon skyrocketed. Keeping her head below the growing smoke, Derpy winced out the burning sensation that had crept up the corners of her eyes. Through her teared-up eyes, she could just barely make out the exit. Crawling towards it, the pony stopped as four ash black hooves lowered down in front of her. Blocking her path, Derpy saw the glowing of magic somewhere above her. Hearing the whisper of the magic firing from the beast’s horn, the pegasus barely managed to roll out of the way in time. Floorboards exploded from the blast beside her and Derpy let out a terrified scream. “P-Please . . . Please . . .” she started to beg, as she was forced to crawl back towards the raging flames that had engulfed half the room. “L-Leave me alone . . .” she cried out. Another blast exploded beside her, flinging the pony several feet. She screamed out again as her body slammed up against the bar. She was inches from the flame now. The heat seared at her body, making it difficult to breathe. She coughed over and over. The thickening smoke pouring into her lungs now. Through her reddened eyes, Derpy saw the outline of the Sun Flare moving in on her. “N-No . . .” She cried. Her heart pounded in her chest. She couldn’t think, and the intense heat was dizzying. Derpy saw the glow of the Sun Flare’s horn. The beast was far too close to miss this time. Hyperventilating, Derpy stared up at the thing. Part of her wanted to just accept this. She had nowhere to go. She’d lost the exit long ago and wasn’t sure she could find it again. Besides, any attempted escape would surely be thwarted by the monster before her.The very thought of the though, sent fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. Derpy glanced up in time to see the beast’s horn starting to glow once more. Move. Somewhere inside her, a voice screamed out. Move! Now! Derpy’s whole body jerked and spasmed. She leaped up into the air and with nowhere to run, dove behind the bar just as the Sun Flare fired its magical blast. PANG! The magic blast had struck a mirror setup behind the bar. Derpy covered her head, expecting shards of glass to come raining down. None did. She looked up, and found a crack snaking up the mirror. Derpy waited. She waited for the next blast, for the next shot of magic. But nothing came. The only sound she heard was the crackling of the fire, and the crashing of floors and walls from the story above. She was out of time. She needed out, and she needed out now. With another breath, Derpy felt herself growing lightheaded. Without any other option, she lifted herself up to the bar. She needed to know where the Sun Flare was. The pegasus’ eyes burned from the heat when she climbed back onto the bar. A sea of fire flooded the room. Rafters collapsed from above, bringing down the ceiling, and furniture from the second story floors. Smoke billowed out through large gaping holes that the fire had torn through. Derpy’s eyes widened when she saw the Sun Flare standing in front of her. But only for a moment. The thing was motionless. And upon closer inspection, the monster was missing half of its skull. A lava-like ooze dripped down from the creature’s head and pooled out onto the floor. Not wanting to touch the thing, Derpy looked down at the bar and grabbing an empty whisky bottle, tossed it over at the creature. Instead of passing through the thing like she would’ve expected, the Sun Flare toppled over and exploded into a puff of ash. “What the . . .” and taking one glance back, it hit her. “The mirror . . .” “Maud . . .” Spike asked, watching as the saloon burst out into flames. “W-What do we do?” The pony, who was heaving for breath, glanced back and forth between the two Sun Flares that had cornered her between two buildings. “I-I don’t know.” She said. She’d been running and dodging these beasts for so long, she could barely keep her head held up to watch them. Maud had seen the saloon when it first caught fire. But she couldn’t do anything. And with as long as Derpy had been in that inferno, how would they even find her? Would they even want to? Maud bit her lip. If those ponies hadn’t taken Spike . . .none of this . . . She bit her lip and cursed. “Spike?” Maud called. “Can you still breathe fire?” “I-I think so . . . but we already tried that! Like a hundred times!” During their run around trying to escape these Sun Flares, Maud had Spike breathing his fire to help aid them in cover. Not that it ever worked, but Spike’s fire breath was the only weapon they had. “It’s fine.” Maud answered. Each of the two Sun Flares opened their wings, ready to dive in on the two. Clearly, they were ready to end this. Turning, Maud charged one of the Sun Flares. Their only chance was to use Spike’s fire breath as a “smoke screen” to dodge into one of the adjacent buildings. Hopefully the confusion would buy them enough time to figure out a plan. As Maud galloped to one of the Sun Flares, the other beast dropped down behind her, spewing fire. The earth pony could feel the fire hot on the back of her hooves. No choice now. “Now Spike,” Maud ordered and the dragon on top of her back shot out his own flame at the Sun Flare hovering above them. The neon green flame erupted out at the Sun Flare with enough veracity to engulf the creature completely. For a moment, it appeared as though her plan had worked. The Sun Flare was completely lost in the fire, and with the blast from behind, it wouldn’t be difficult to jump through a window and vanish from sight. But the Sun Flare suddenly dropped down in front of Maud. Their little plan had failed and now she had no time to dodge any kind of attack. With the fire boiling behind her, and the other soulless creature in front of her, Maud screeched to a halt only a few feet in front of the Sun Flare; the window just barely out of reach. The beast’s horn glowed a deep, powerful green. The Sun Flare charged up its shot and Maud heard Spike scream from behind. There was no escaping this. I’m sorry Pinkie. I’m sorry Spike . . . I’m sorry Derpy. Maud said to herself, watching the explosion of magic raining down upon her and the dragon. A blur of grey from the side and suddenly Maud and Spike were thrown into the side of the nearest building. The pony heard a loud, thunderous explosion followed by a screeching sound that resembled claws on a chalkboard. Searching for an explanation, Maud found Derpy on one side, lying on her back, surrounded by what appeared to be glitter or confetti. On the side was the Sun Flare that should have killed her and Spike. Only, the thing’s head was split in half. Like some-pony had sliced a flower stem down the middle, each half of the Sun Flare’s head wobbled about, leaking a strange orangish liquid. After a few seconds, the thing collapsed and disappeared in a puff of smoke. “S-She killed it!” Maud heard Spike announce. “She actually killed it!” Taking one look at the remaining Sun Flare, Maud darted out from her hiding place, grabbing Spike by the tail. The thing was now after Derpy! Leaping over the dying embers, Maud rushed over to the downed pegasus. With one fell swoop, she lifted Derpy onto her back. It was then that she noticed the pony hadn’t been surrounded by glitter or confetti, but was instead shards of broken glass, broken mirror to be precise. Derpy’s fur was coated in ash and smelt of burnt hair. The pony coughed and spasmed. “M-Mirrors . . .” She said through pained breaths. “M-Mirrors! T-They kill them! T-They . . . reflect the magic . . .” Maud’s spirits suddenly lifted. They could win. They could actually win against these things. She didn’t know how Derpy had done it, but the pegasus managed to renew hope in their quest to save the others. Not wasting anytime, Maud galloped over to where Derpy had dropped off the other chunks mirror. Dropping off both the pegasus and Spike, Maud grabbed a mirror shard from the ground. She watched the Sun Flare hovering around her, watching her. The thing stared at them for a moment longer. She didn’t know if these creatures were capable of thought, but it appeared as though the Sun Flare was debating on whether or not to even continue the fight. Suddenly, the thing’s horn glowed with a powerful green magic. Maud thrust the mirror up in front of her, holding it steady. There was a flash of magic, and the creature was gone. The earth pony waited. Was this a trick? Did the thing really just up and leave? Maud held her position in front of her friends for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, a hand tapped on her shoulder and she turned around. “I think . . . I think it’s gone.” Spike said. Maud took one last look around. “Right.” She said. Then stepping over to Derpy, who lay sprawled out over the dirt, she asked, “Are you okay?” The pegasus nodded, her breathing still a bit heavy. Not wanting to be burden though, Derpy got up onto her four legs and said, “I’m fine. Just a bit winded . . .” Derpy’s answer was cut short when the earth pony leaned in and hugged her. Derpy blinked a bit in surprise, unsure of how to react. “I thought you were gone.” Maud said flatly. “I’m glad you’re alright.” Derpy took one look over at Spike who only nodded at her. Sniffling a bit, Derpy leaned in and embraced the pony. “I’m glad too.” Was all she could think to say. Maud held onto the delivery pony for just a moment longer, before finally releasing her. Then turning to Spike, she said, “Lets get out of here.” “But . . . weren’t you going to Canterlot?” Spike asked, almost afraid for the answer. “I can’t . . . not without you two.” Derpy’s face brightened at Maud’s words, and she shook off the ash and debris from her fur. “You mean . . .?” Maud nodded. “Let’s get those dragons.” The two ponies turned to Spike. It took him a minute to figure out what they were waiting on. “Oh right. Uhhh this way,” he pointed towards the eastern side of town. Both Derpy and Maud nodded their heads and joining the dragon on either side, followed him to the edge of town. Just before making it out of Dodge Junction though, they found a pony waiting for them. Maud recognized the pony right away as one of the crew who had kidnapped Spike. She instinctively pressed Spike closer between them, preventing any pony from slipping in and taking him again. “What do you want?” Cherry Jubilee stood, trembling at the sight of the trio. “I-I want to apologize for our behavior. That’s all.” She said. “But you must understand, our families . . .” “. . . are in Canterlot.” Maud finished, eyeing the pony suspiciously. “Just like ours.” Cherry nodded. She understood that. “It’s just that . . . with all the princesses being captured an all . . . we jus didn’t have any hope left. That’s why we went after that dragon. I hope you understand that.” Silence fell between them. Maud took one look at Spike and then stepped up towards Cherry. The intimidated pony backed away a couple steps, her eyes following Maud’s every move. The rock farmer continued her approach on the cherry picker, until Cherry had tripped over her own hooves, and landed squarely on her flank. Staring down into Cherry’s eyes, Maud simply said, “And because of you, some of us were almost killed. I hope you understand that.” Cherry didn’t respond. She just nodded her head. Blinking once at the pony, Maud moved away from her and back to Derpy and Spike. “Let’s go.” She said. Then shuffling past Cherry Jubilee, the trio left Dodge Junction behind them. Wandering into what was left of the desert, they moved one step closer to the Dragon Lands.