Meanwhile, in the Everfree Forest during the night, the three Changeling drones continued to journey back to the Badlands with Thomas still being carried and wrapped in the Changeling slime. “Put me down, you stupid houseflies! I won’t stand for this! Put me down!” Thomas said. The Changeling hissed at him, and then Thomas cowered, and then they made it back to the Badlands, until they saw the Changeling Kingdom up ahead, which was a really big pointy hive with big holes. Thomas gulped nervously and then the three drones carried him inside and through the caverns, then the Changeling that had Thomas held him against its chest as they entered their secluded area of the caverns in the hive. They then kneeled before their queen who was laying on all four legs on her throne.
She was as tall as Princess Celestia, but she looked different. She had a very dark gray chitin, a hideous looking dark cerulean mane and tail, a pair of light cerulean insect-like wings, a carapace on her back with a gradient shade of dark arctic blue to moderate green, and moderate harlequin eyes with dark grayish opal pupils and very deep opal eyeshadow. It was no other than Queen Chrysalis, the Queen of the Changelings.
“Your majesty, we’ve brought you our gift to you,” said the drone with Thomas held against him. Queen Chrysalis looked and saw him whimpering, “Excellent, my loyal servants. You’ve served Mommy well. Bring him to me.” The drone flew over and then handed Thomas over to her and then she held him on her foreleg against her chest as he was still blinded by the Changeling slime on his eyes. Some other Changelings could sense the fear coming from the boy, and could smell the delectable taste of his love, as their fangs dripped with saliva and got mischievously excited. Queen Chrysalis kissed Thomas on the top of his head and smiled evilly at her subjects lingering with hunger. “Now, now, my precious subjects. Be still,” she said. “Soon, my children, you shall be fed soon. For now, go out and buzz off around the hive and have some fun, and stand guard while me and this little one get acquainted with.” They all nodded and left them alone.
When Queen Chrysalis was alone with Thomas, she saw him trembling with fear, until she took him to her throne and then used her brilliant green aura to magically hold him, and then she laid on all four legs, and then she lowered him towards her and then placed her forehooves on each side of him. Then, she magically removed the slime from his eyes with her magic. “You can open your eyes, little one,” she said slyly mischievously. He opened his eyes, and then looked at her monstrous green eyes. “AAAHH!” He tried to escape, but Queen Chrysalis caught him with her aura and brought him back over to her. “W-Who are you? W-What do you want from me?!” Thomas asked while whimpering.
She grinned slyly and then she reached up his hoof and softly stroked the top of his head as he shook and whimpered. “My, aren’t you such a delectable, but adorable young creature. Now allow me to introduce myself. I am Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings,” she said. “And you, my dear child, are now my prisoner.” She then gave him an evil smile.
Thomas realized what she said, “You’re that mean bug queen that ruined Princess Cadance and Shining’s wedding!” Thomas said. “Right you are, little one,” Queen Chrysalis said. Thomas then began to cry, “P-Please, Q-Queen Chrysalis. Please let me go. *sniff* I wanna go home to my Momma.” Queen Chrysalis then chuckled evilly and then continued to stroke the top of his head and hug him from his left side, “I’m afraid I cannot allow you to escape, my dear. Not while I’m closer towards my goal.”
“W-What goal?” Thomas asked. “You see, dear. As Queen of the Changelings, it is my job to find food for my loyal subjects. We feed off the love of ponies and creatures in Equestria that have hearts of purity, passion and harmony.” she said as she placed her hoof on his chest. “Just like you, my precious little morsel. And the taste of pure love, it’s just delicious! But I always learn this: When there’s so many snacks, there’s so little time.” She then open her maw and leaned her head closer to him, and then she licked his face with her tongue, tasting the pure strength of his love that came from his big heart.
He trembled after wiping the saliva off his face, and then looked away from her without saying anything. Chrysalis then let out a soft cackle, “Now, now. No need to fear, my dear child. I promise you that it won’t hurt... much than you can imagine.” She then restrained the poor boy in Changeling slime and then hugged him against her chest. “Now, that me and my subjects have had a exhausting day, I am going to bed. And you are sleeping with me... so that you won’t escape me or having me catch you coming up with any foolishly stupid ideas, because you are going to stay here until we are ready to strike,” she said, as she kissed him on the cheek with her lips this time, and then a drone made him a makeshift bed. “Something to keep you comfortable,” she said. After Queen Chrysalis was now asleep with the child in her embrace, Thomas began to cry in his sleep as he realized he didn’t have his Snuggle Bear teddy with him.
The next morning, the group of mares, including Spike were on a train to the Crystal Empire. Fluttershy was still upset about her son being kidnapped by the Changelings, and she still continued to cry as she laid on all four legs and rested herself on Rarity’s lap. “There, there, Fluttershy darling. I’m sure he’ll be alright,” Rarity said, as she comforted her friend. “I know, Rarity. But he’s so precious to me,” Fluttershy said. “I know, sugarcube. But just be patient. They’ll know what to do,” Applejack said. Fluttershy nodded and then nuzzled her head into her front hooves as Rarity kept comforting her.
Starlight suddenly looked at Fluttershy crying on Rarity’s lap, and then felt sorry for her loss. “Wow, Fluttershy’s really not taking it so well,” she said. “I know,” Twilight said. “She really cares about him because he’s held a special place for her inside her heart, like he did to us. We’re the only family he has.”
“Wow, that’s really thoughtful of him,” Starlight said. “Besides, I’m really excited to see Sunburst and Trixie again, since I have to get back to some of my friendship lessons while we find a way to search for Thomas and save him.” Twilight shook her head, “Yes, I know. But yours in Ponyville isn’t going anywhere. Besides, everypony needs a break every now and then. I’ve figured you’d appreciate the chance to get to know Flurry Heart like last time. You two met each other, but never for to hang out last time, and I know she’s still a baby.” She then giggled. “But according to the handbook, they say alicorns mature pretty fast compared to normal foals. Plus, Flurry’s pretty sure to have grown bigger so much already, but I wonder if I’ll even recognize my niece now.”
Starlight giggled, “She’s the only baby alicorn they have in existence, Twilight. I don’t think you’ll be able to mistake her, but I’m sure it’ll be pretty easy to figure out who she is.” Twilight nodded in agreement, “You’re right, Starlight. But I’m guessing she’s worried about him being foalnapped, too.”
“Tell me about it. Now I know why we’re going to be looking for answers there,” Spike said, as he was wearing a disguise. “What’s with the disguise?” Twilight asked. “Because during the Equestria Games, I was carried on a big chair, treated with respect and then I humiliated myself during the entire tournaments,” Spike said. “Oh, Spike. We know that. Besides, everypony adores you,” Starlight said. “Yep, but I just wish I wasn’t the center of attention all the time,” Spike said. Twilight then hugged him, “I know, Spike. I know.”
Later on, they all arrived at the Empire, and walked downtown. While they were walking, they soon started to take notice of how deserted and abandoned everything seemed to be right now, and there wasn’t a pony in sight.
“It’s quiet,” Spike said, as they continued looking. “Too quiet,” he said again. “Where is everypony?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I don’t really know,” Applejack said. They then saw some of the shops not open, and some other places as well. “Sounds like everypony’s staying indoors for some obvious reason,” Starlight said.
“Odd. Cadance’s letter didn’t mention anything bad going on, and it’s not like that the whole empire knew that we were coming either,” Twilight said. “Something’s not right here.”
“What makes you say that? Is it because of nopony being here or if we’re in the right place or not?” Spike asked.
“Looks like that way to me. The Crystal Empire’s the only place where the trains would ever stop,” Twilight replied. “I guess we’ll just head for the castle. Maybe we’ll bump into some ponies along the way, or one.”
Starlight then gulped nervously, “Let’s hope so, because I’ve got a bad feeling about all of this.” Rarity then commented, “I hope you’re right about that, darling.”
“Umm, not to interrupt, but does anypony get the feeling like we’re being watched?” Spike asked. “It’s probably nothing, but it sounds like everypony’s scared of something,” Applejack said. “But more like a gut feeling that something’s out there, and we may be the only ones who don’t know about it,” Starlight said. “But I hope I’m wrong, and that it’s just me being crazy.”
The group then made their way through the very center of the empire, but found not a single crystal pony in sight or anywhere at all. The streets were still empty, motionless. “How long has this place been quiet? It’s getting really boring,” Rainbow Dash said. “Not only that. But either my brother has the strangest sense of humor, or something’s scared these crystal ponies into not coming out,” Twilight said. “This is really starting to freak me out. This doesn’t feel like an empire, it feels like a ghost town.”
“Yep. Somethin’s definitely not right here,” Applejack said. “I’m getting the same feeling,” Starlight said. “Umm... should we be worried? Oh, if only my precious little baby boy were here with his mommy,” Fluttershy said. “Don’t cry, darling. Once we find out what the situation is, we’ll continue our search for my darling little nephew,” Rarity said.
“Twilight, can I take these off? I’m starting to sweat and itch,” Spike asked. “Go ahead, Spike,” Twilight said. Spike then took off his hat, glasses, jacket and wig. “Ah, that’s better,” he said. “Let me take care of that,” Rarity said, as she scratched his back with her hoof. “Ahh... oh, yeah,” Spike said. When she was done, Rarity put his disguise in her saddlebag. “But still, why isn’t anypony coming out? It’s almost like they’ve seen a ghost or something,” Spike asked.
“I know Twilight and Applejack said it twice, but something is definitely not right here. Last time I was here, me, Spike and Trixie were foalsitting Thomas at Sunburst’s house while you all sorted out the Crystalling and stopping Sombra,” Starlight said.
“Well, I’m sure there’s a pretty logical explanation for all of this. For now, let’s just go to the castle and talk to my brother. Besides, not a thing happens in the Crystal Empire that he doesn’t know about, since he’s Captain of the Royal Guard,” Twilight said.
When they were all situated from a short time later, the group then all approached the front gate of the royal crystal palace. When they had barely taken five steps forward towards the entrance, they were suddenly halted at spear point by two guards. Both were stallions wearing crystal guard armor, but one had light purple fur and the other had yellow fur.
“Who goes there?! Not another step!” said the guard in purple. “Identity yourselves, now!”
“Um, you don’t seriously recognize Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship?” Starlight asked. “Which is me. That’s Starlight Glimmer, my pupil, my assistant and little brother Spike, which you may call Spike the Brave and Glorious, and my friends, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said. “Now, if you’d be so kind as to lower your spears and let us through.”
“Sorry, we can’t do that,” said the guard in yellow, as he shook his head. “All visitors must legally be cleared by us before they can enter. Can’t be too careful.”
“What are you on about? We just told you who we are!” Rainbow Dash snorted. “Yeah! We just want to see Captain Shinin’ Armor and Princess Cadance!” Applejack said. “Please, we mean you no harm,” Twilight said.
“We’ll be the judges of that,” the guard in purple snorted rudely. “Excuse me?!” Rarity scoffed. “I happen to be an excellent fashion designer and a fair lady, and I demand you treat us with respect!”
“Ma’am, I’m afraid we’re going to have to ask you for your identification before we ask you to leave,” the guard in purple said. “What?!” they all angrily shouted in unison.
“We’ll take care of things from here,” Princess Cadance’s voice said, as she, along with Shining Armor, who wore his entire armory, and Sunburst with Flurry Heart in her stroller held by his magic, walked over. “Shining, what’s going on?” Twilight asked. “We’ll explain everything, Twily... if it’s really you,” he said. Cadance then walked over to Twilight, and then nervously danced and chanted, “Sunshine, sunshine. Ladybugs awake?”
Twilight then happily repeated the motions in unison with Cadance, “Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” Then the two alicorns giggled and hugged each other.
Shining Armor then sighed, “It’s okay, everypony. It’s them. Stand down.” The guards then lowered their spears and then Shining Armor and Sunburst walked over to them, and then Twilight saw Flurry reaching her cute little legs out for her. “Oh my gosh! She’s gotten so big!” Twilight said. “Did you miss me?! Did you miss your Auntie?!” Twilight then tickled Flurry on her cute little belly. “Aww, she’s adorable,” Starlight said. “Do you want to hold her?” Cadance asked. Starlight nodded, and then carefully held Flurry against her chest. Flurry then reached out her front hooves for the big curl on her face. “Aww, you wanna play with my mane?” Starlight asked. “You’re just like Thomas when he was five.” She then lowered her head down so Flurry can play with the curl on her mane.
“So, why is everypony hiding?” Spike asked. “Well, we’ve received word that one of our citizens has spotted a changeling nearby,” Cadance said. “A CHANGELING?!” the group asked in unison. “That’s not good,” Spike said. “No, it’s not,” Cadance said. “Ever since Queen Chrysalis took my place at our wedding and invaded Canterlot with her army of minions, Shining’s been a little rough on the edge lately since he told you off by mistake.”
“I know, but I was just so angry. I thought you were healing me, but I suddenly realized that it was Chrysalis trying to take control of me,” Shining Armor said. “I swore to never make the same mistake again.”
“Ooh! Ooh! What if the changeling is a spy?!” Pinkie Pie asked excitedly. “That’s probably a good point, but we don’t know for sure,” Cadance said. “We’ll help you keep an eye on everything,” Rarity said. “But could you help us comfort poor Fluttershy? She’s suffering from what happened.”
“Yeah, we’ve heard,” Shining Armor said. “And that was a big mistake she’s going to regret! Nopony messes with a friend of Twilight’s family!” Cadance then trotted over to her husband and softly stroked his back, “Honey, calm down. You’re getting yourself worked up and it’s not good for you.” Shining Armor then sighed, “You’re right. I just don’t know why Queen Chrysalis would do such a thing.”
“It’s probably something, but what would just some random child like Thomas have?” Spike asked.
“I DON’T KNOW EITHER! WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR HOURS TO COME UP WITH A WAY TO SAVE MY PRECIOUS LITTLE ONE! I’M TERRIFIED ABOUT WHAT THAT MONSTER OF A QUEEN PLANS TO DO WITH HIM, AND HE’S ONLY A 6 YEAR OLD BOY, AND I LOVE HIM WITH ALL OF MY HEART! HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOU LOST YOURS TO THE LIKES OF THEM?! I AM A GOOD MOTHER, SO DON’T YOU DARE QUESTION ME IF I DO OR DO NOT CARE ABOUT MY CHILD!!” Fluttershy said angrily. “Whoa...” Rainbow Dash said. “We know how you feel, Fluttershy. And since you’ve said it through your heart, we do know how much you care for him. We all care for him too,” Twilight said. “You don’t understand how hard it is to lose somepony that close to you,” Fluttershy said. “Oh, darling. We do know what that’s like. We almost lost our friends and families many times, but we managed to save them and apologize to them,” Rarity said.
“I... just want to hold him in my hooves again,” Fluttershy said, until she took out his Snuggle Bear teddy. “This is the only thing he had ever since he was a baby, and he sleeps with it if he gets scared.”
“I’m sure we can find some answers, but now... why don’t you all get situated?” Cadance asked, and then hugged Fluttershy closer towards her chest. “Spike, the royal guards were wondering if you would like to join in the search for the changeling,” Shining Armor said. “Really?!” Spike asked. “Uh, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, Spike. It sounds kinda dangerous,” Twilight said. “Come on, Twilight, this is Spike the Brave and Glorious you’re talking to. Have you ever known me to run from danger?”
“Umm...” Twilight thought for a moment. “Don’t worry, Twily. He’ll be safe with our guards,” Shining Armor said. Twilight then sighed, “Alright, I trust you.” Spike nodded and then the two guards walked off with him, and then the others went inside.
