Life of a Wanted Changeling Season 4: At Luck's End (Comment Driven Story)

by BrownDog77

Episode 97: Stargate: SG-Dumb

Kichi’s Comment

After having your molecules broken apart and reassembled while going faster than the speed of light, you emerge on the other side of the portal with a blinding flash of white.

“Whoa…that was trippy,” you say as you blink your eyes and try to get your vision back, seeing the warbling of this side’s portal next to you.

“Anyone get the number on that carriage?” you hear Iron Will ask.

“I’ve had my share of barrel rolls, but that was a whole new level,” Lightning Dust grumbles.

“We’ll probably have to make adjustments in the future,” Flim mutters.

“Or at least offer vomit bags to cross dimensional travelers,” Flam adds.

“Good call,” you say as you get your hooves under you. “But the important thing is that it worked and…wait a minute, hooves?”

As your vision clears you see that you are indeed still standing on your own four hooves. Looking about you see that your new companions are still ponies and a minotaur respectfully and your jaw drops.

“Hey, I thought we were supposed to turn into humans or something?” Lightning Dust asks.

“I thought we were,” you say in all sincerity.

“Maybe it’s because of our adjustments to the machine?” Flim suggests looking over his hat.

“That would be an added bonus if travelers could remain their original species,” Flam nods.

“I don’t think that’s the case,” Iron Will says, his gaze on your surroundings. Following his line of sight you realize that he is right.

“What the buck?” you asks taken aback.

You appear to be in a city square in Canterlot from the looks of the things, but there are some things that just don’t add up. Like the giant statues of your dad in his nobody cloak, the propaganda posters depicting him rooting out and enslaving ponies, and of course the many street lamps and wilted trees as it seems to be eternal night.

You look back at the portal you just came through and see that it is at the base of the pedestal of one of these giant statues with the words All Hail King Offender carved into it.

“…Well this is Orwellian,” Lightning Dust says after you’ve all had a chance to gawk. With that, you turn and scowl at the unicorn twins.

"You Dumb bucks! You got the wrong dimension!" you shout.

“Huh, I could have sworn we followed the instructions to the letter,” Flim says as he pulls out Twilight’s blue prints.

“We did indeed brother, we didn’t have time to add any of our distinguished branding to it,” Flam scratches his ear as he looks it over.

“Well clearly something went wrong, cause I don’t see any humans anywhere,” you harrumph.

“Yeah, this is too dark and depressing for a human land. Those tend to be all colorful and sickeningly happy,” Lightning Dust says and you all turn to her.

“How would you know?” asks Iron Will and her ears wilt and she looks to the side embarrassed.

“Look, I was a little filly, and My Little Human was always on after school, don’t judge me,” she mutters.

“Ah, OG MLH,” Will nods. “My wife used to watch that too. I still don’t get the fan base for the newest iteration of the show.”

“I know right? What’s with all those sweaty full grown stallions watching-“

“Oh will you put a cork in it?!” you growl “We gotta figure this out before Tyrant Daddy shows up and puts us in a gulag!”

All four of them flinch at that reprimand, but then they raise an eyebrow at you.

“What? You don’t think he’d have a gulag?”

“It’s not that little filly,” Flim says.

“It’s just that that shrapnel in your chest just glowed,” Flam finishes.

“Huh?” you say looking down at the Alicorn Amulet pieces, and sure enough, you see a faint glow to them before they go cold again. “Huh…guess crossing dimensions brought it back on line…which explains while I’m all moody.”

“Well whatever the case, she is right. This is certainly not our destination,” Will advises.

“Right, right,” you nod before looking at the twins and taking a deep breath to calm down. “Can you fix it?”

“We can try,” they both say as Flim pulls some sort of remote out from under his hat and presses a few buttons. The portal seems to shine brighter at that as symbols appear.

“Alright, let’s try this again,” you say to the rest.

“Okay, but don’t push me in again this time,” Lightning Dust snaps before she dives right in, followed soon after by the others. You take a second to look back at the gothic surroundings before you shudder and step through.

Once more, starlight fills your vision as you feel your body twisting and turning as you hurtle at immense speeds before exiting on the other side. This time your vision is only blinded a little bit, but you still fall as you feel unfamiliar limbs under you.

“Ack! Our bodies are different!” Flim and Flam shout.

“That’s a good thing! That means we made it to human land,” you say as you lift unfamiliar digits to your head…only they aren’t as unfamiliar as you would have thought. “Wait, are hands and fingers supposed to be scaly and sharp?”

“Not particularly,” Will says sounding disturbed.

“Yo, no way! We’re freaking Dragons!” Lightning Dust cheers out sounding like she just won the lottery. Looking at your new limbs more carefully, you see that they are covered in pitch black scales.

“Oh Come On!” you roar, a purplish blue flame escaping your jaws as you look at yourself and your companions.

You are short and squat, just like spike, but you can still feel wings behind you. Will is still taller than the rest of you with rippling muscle under his scales, and he has two pronounced horns similar to his originals back home. Lightning Dust is sleek like a teen dragon and is currently attempting to fly using featherless wings, and the Flim Flam bros are still identical, with Flam having a mustache like appendage that reminds you of a catfish whisker.

You have emerged from a statue of what you assume to be a dragon Celestia with the sun above her. You are once more in the middle of a public area, but this time it looks pretty familiar. You see names for shops that are right out of Ponyville, only the construction is more stone oriented and fireproof. And draconified versions of Ponyville citizens are everywhere. As if to hammer that point home, there is a sign that says Welcome To Dragonville not too far away.

“Dudes, is there anyway I could keep this form? This is pretty awesome!” Dust says as she finally starts to get the hang of hovering.

“...” Flim doesn’t answer as you he looks at his claws in disbelief.

“I’m not sure on that one Dust,” Flam says as he takes the remote out of Flim’s claws and starts frowning at it.

“Ah man…” she pouts and your eye starts twitching.

“I’m going to take a wild guess and say there are no humans here,” Will snarks.

“Gee you think?” you say pointing to 6 familiar colored dragons who are currently singing something about being True True Friends. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t wanna face down the Dragon Deadly 6.”

Lightning Dust narrows her eyes towards the rainbow scaled dragon down the street, before Will grabs her by the scruff of the neck.

“Don’t even think about it,” he chides.

“I wasn’t, I wasn’t” she lies and pouts.

“Alright, let’s give this another shot,” Flam says as he punches in some more buttons and symbols show up around this new portal.

“But seriously, can’t we stay just a bit longer? I wanna see how fast I can get with these wings,” Lightning Dust begs.

You don’t immediately answer as you spy a purple and green colt amongst the singing dragons

“N-No! We don’t have time!” you force yourself to grunt as you tear your eyes off the ponified Spike and push everyone into the portal with power from your amulet pieces. You briefly feel a moment of hunger looking at the crystalline pieces, before you shake your head and jump through. You are not eating debris out of yourself.

After traveling through this next wormhole, your eyes aren’t blinded at all, but you can tell you are not in human land. For one thing, you are all back in your old bodies (for the most part). For another, the landscape is all purple and techno-ey. There appears to even be a techno beat consistently playing in the background somewhere as you see ponies wearing Tron-esque clothing and visors.

“Oh for-Wrong again!” you growl, throwing you visor off of your face.

“I don’t know, I kind of dig the aesthetic,” Dust says, admiring her robot arm.

“Iron Will is not a fan!” Will says, his metallic arms whirring in anger as his laser eyes glow red.

“We seem to have made another mistake brother,” Flim’s robotic voice says.

“Confound this Magi-Tech!” Flam curses, his tank tracks digging a hole underneath him.

“Why aren’t you taking us to the right spot?!” you growl as your Alicorn Amulet pieces light up, accompanied by synthesizer sound effects.

“Well it’s not that easy since we have no point of reference,” Flim says.

“Huh?”

“Twilight Sparkle crossed when the portals were naturally connected, right now it’s a bit difficult to find it without any point of reference,” Flam answers.

“Oh for Buck’s sake!” you curse as the portal lights back up again, being on the side of a huge synthesizer. “Back into the portal then!”

You then emerge out of another portal, this time with the statue being of Mangle.

“What the-“ you start before you hear countless screams. Your group, in their normal bodies sees as many copies of Mangle swarm like locusts across Vanhoover, attacking ponies.

“That’s a big nope from me,” Lightning Dust says as she immediately goes back through.

“Yeah, nope,” you nod and jump through.

You then arrive in another Ponyville, only the Deadly 6 in strange colored suits calling in giant robots to fight a kaiju that is stomping around.

“Wrong!” you say as the bros punch in a few more numbers and you make a retreat.

You all then emerge in a nearly decrepit Canterlot, where Zombies like the ones from Sunnyville fill the street. The undead all turn to your group and immediately start moaning and shuffling their way over.

“New Place, New Place, New Place!” you shriek as you blast a group away and you all tumble backward through the portal.

And as you all tumble on the other side, you see a scene similar to the first wrong world you visited, only now it’s YOU on the propaganda posters and with the statues.

“Oh Come On! Why Am I The Villain?!” you shout and kick at the ground.

“There could be any number of reasons with multi-universal theory,” Flim says.

“One small decision that differs from how our world’s timeline went, and suddenly there are radical changes,” Flam nods.

“Some of these seem a bit extreme though,” Will says with a frown as a horde of changelings buzz overhead led by a Chrysalis with butterfly wings.

“Onward my soldiers! For all of Equestria!” she commands as they fly towards the castle and your jaw just drops.

“Wel…that’s a thing,” Lightning Dust shrugs.

“It’s Bullspit is what it is! I hate this universe! Can’t we just go to the human one already?!” you demand. “I mean, how many are even left?!”

"Billions" says Flim.

"Trillions," says Flam.

"Of infinite zero" they say together causing you to groan.

“That…doesn’t sound very promising,” Iron Will mutters.

“Yeah, I don’t think we have the time to see all of them,” Dust agrees.

“We most certainly don’t! Seriously, is there any way to narrow it down?!” you growl as your shards blip.

“We’re already narrowing it down each trip,” Flim says.

“But that’s still a lot of data to work with and-“ Flam starts but is interrupted.

“There she is!” several changelings shout as they begin to dive bomb you.

“Ugh, this sucks!” you grumble as the brothers punch in more coordinates and you all hop through, leaving the Heroic Changelings behind.

Nighstlayer’s Comment

With another cross dimensional jump which you’re starting to get used to, you all now find yourself in a different kind of setting. You emerge from some sort of Obelisk on a balcony overlooking a sandy desert.

“What in the-Nightshade, what are you doing up this late? And who are these folks with you?” your Dad’s voice asks.

“Wha-Dad? I’m…” you trail off as you turn around to see your Dad dressed in Saddle Arabian clothing, sitting on a chair made of polished sandstone, and around him are many mares in see through silk clothing. They include many of your Dad’s stalker gang, like Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Octavia, Vinyl, Aloe, and many more. “…The buck?”

“Oh my…” Iron Will shields his eyes while Flim and Flam blush and Lightning Dust just looks disturbed.

“I told you honey, night time is my time, so go back to your room immediately,” he orders as he takes a smoke from a hookah pipe. “The pegasus may stay, but the other ones shall be thrown to the lions.”

“We were just leaving actually,” Flam says nervously as he presses the buttons hurriedly and jumps through.

“Besides we’re too stringy to eat,” Flim adds as he follows.

“Iron Will has a family!” the minotaur shrieks as he jumps through.

“Sorry, changelings still ain’t attractive! Also, go to Tartarus Rainbow Dash!” Lightning shouts as she retreats.

“What did I do?” the scantily clad mare asks.

The alternate version of your dad raises an eyebrow at this before you chuckle nervously and back up.

“Sorry Aladdin Dad, this is all a dream~” you say spookily before you too disappear.

Before you are sucked in completely, you see him look at his hookah pipe suspiciously, but in the next instant, you are once again one among the stars.

After that, you find yourself in a field, the portal behind you glowing out of the side of a barn…and everything is hyper realistic. The grass, the barn, the sky, even the sun, all the colors are muted and just…wrong looking (realistic). There are even ponies out in the field…and they are nightmare inducing with long faces and creepy black eyes. You then find to your shock, the rest of you are just the same.

“Oh gods, what the buck?!” you screech as you see your companions in Ultra 4K HD.

“I don’t like this…I don’t like this!” Lightning Dust mutters, her face even more elongated (like a real horse) with wings that are far larger than her pair back home.

“I don’t appreciate my eyes being on the side of my head like this,” Flam says, his hat barely resting on his head.

“Also, I’m pretty sure my moustache is just a piece of a feed bag!” Flam mutters.

“Calm down ponies,” Iron Will orders, his bull nose moist and breathing audibly. “At least we’re not in danger.”

“My sanity is in danger! I’ll take anything over this!” you shout as you light up your horn and start pressing buttons on the remote, and you see that even your horn has become elongated, and seems more like a rhino horn. “AAAHHHH!!” you shriek as you hurry through.

Haoryu Changer’s Comment

After arriving in the next world though, you realize your words were said in haste.

“Holy Crap…” you say as you and the rest look horrified by the desolate dead world around you. There are remnants of burnt buildings, and bodies everywhere, including husks of Daleks and space ships. Up in the sky, the Sun sits stationary on the horizon with a broken moon splayed out across the cosmos.

“…I take it back, this is much worse,” you say as you realize exactly which world this is.

“What in the hay happened here?” Flim sputters, his face white as sheet.

“The freaking world ended apparently,” Lightning Dust says with a disturbed look as she sees the skeleton of a giant centaur.

“But what could have cause such destruction?” Iron Will says as you all view the remnants of Canterlot.

“A Nightmare,” you say without elaboration as you spy a crater off in the distance. From what you gathered from Daddy, the changeling who killed the world is lying over there. The one who’s Inventory you now carry.

Shaking your head you turn to Flam.

“Go ahead and punch another sequence in, I don’t want to stay in this place,” you say.

“Uh…y-yeah, of course,” he nods, still horrified as he follows your orders.

You look back at the destruction as the portal is activated and you shake your head.

To think, I slept through all of this madness…

And with that you all step into the next world, thankful to leave the past in the past, even if it means randomly hopping between dimensions.

Puzzling Frost’s Comment

Ponygamer12’s Comment

“Oh, I’ve missed you so much! I was so worried!” Hope bawls as she buries her muzzle into your shoulder.

“How…how is this possible?” You ask with tears building up in your eyes. “I didn’t curse you, so how are you here?”

“I stayed with your mother in the prison waiting for the day you would return!” Hope cries pulling back, “time it moves slower in there, kind of like hibernation and…well, I’m here now.”

It seems too good to be true, but you can’t deny the evidence right before you. Her voice, her fur, her scent, it’s just as you remember.

“You…you waited for me…” you stutter, still overwhelmed by too many emotions at once. She smiles at that and sniffles.

“Of course I did, I had to. I just had to,” she says with pure conviction. “I abandoned you when you truly needed me the most, and I swore I wasn’t going to let that happen again.”

A bit of hurt strikes through your heart at that.

“Hope, you didn’t-“

“If I had stayed then perhaps things would have been different. I didn’t know what I know now and I left you all alone and-“ she rambles and you shush her by giving her another hug.

“I don’t blame you Hope.”

“Sombra?”

“I don’t blame you for running. I let the power and hatred overwhelm me and I didn’t try to explain and…” you can’t say anymore as you remember what you did afterwards, fueled by your heartbreak. “I was going to come back for you. Through time and space I was going to return…but it doesn’t matter now. You’re here. You’re actually here.”

“Yes Sombra, I’m here, and I’m never going to leave again,” she coos into your ear.

It’s been a long time since you could say you’ve been truly happy. Sure the euphoria of seeing all the humans was breath of fresh air, but this…this makes your heart sing.

Behind you, you can hear the Changelings watching intently, and you can hear them licking at the air, which you find annoying, but you ignore them for now.

“I’m…I’m…I’m glad you were able to find a way to find me again,” you say as the tears fully drop now. She chuckles at that and sniffles again.

“Oh it wasn’t easy. When the Empire returned I wanted to find you right away, but then we felt the Crystal Heart activate which set me back a year,” she explains before her tone starts to get hysterical. “And when I got out I learned what had happened, about how you’d been eaten by the Offender and I was so worried! I thought you’d been killed and-“

“I’m fine Hope, I’m right here, alive and well,” you reassure her as you pull back and look her in the eye with a smile, to which she returns. It’s then that you realize exactly what you just said means. “Hold on a moment, I am alive and well!”

“Huh?” she asks confused.

“I have a body again!” you say as you start feeling yourself up and down. “I kind of forgot that in the moment seeing you. How did this happen? The cockroach said we would take care of this once the meeting was over and…wait…the meeting!”

Your brainwaves start to become smoother and you remember the bright flash as that Jack fellow showed up. Hope gives a nervous chuckle at that and rubs the back of her neck.

“Oh yeah, about that…” she says sheepishly and you raise an eyebrow.

“Hope? What happened?” you ask wearily.

“Yes for the gods’ sake, tell him already! We’re freezing to death here!” Garble interrupts and everyone in the igloo turns to give him deadpan looks. “Oh shove off! You were all thinking it! I didn’t cause this mess by teaming up with Queen Death Bug to take over the Empire!”

“Take over the Empire? Queen Death Bug?” you repeat confused before you turn back to Hope who looks even more sheepish, with closed eyes and pursed lips. “Hope? What does the whelp mean by that?”

“Umm, you see,” Hope says letting you go. “I may have sort of….let Chrysalis take over the Empire in order to save you from your imprisonment inside of Bugze?” she blurts out with a guilty-looking face.

“…WHAT?!” you exclaim, causing your voice to echo inside the small enclosed area and Hope scrunches her face and avoids eye contact.

“Ahem, if I could kindly interject?” You turn to see a rather suave and handsome stallion stand up.

“You?! You’re that Time Traveler’s ally! The one who sent us to the Human world in the first place!” you accuse before narrowing your eyes. “You showed up at the end of the palaver with the royalty and-“

“That’s all correct, except for that last part I’m afraid Mr. tall dark and handsome,” he interrupts and you sneer at that. “Some upstart took my face for that last one, but yes, good job on accomplishing your mission by the way.”

You continue to glare at the stallion who is far more handsomer than you and you grit your teeth.

“Not like I had any choice in the matter,” you spit.

“You say as though you didn’t enjoy yourself over there,” Jack rolls his eyes. “But anyway, back to explanations. The short of it is, your marefriend here went nuts when she discovered what happened to you, concocted a convoluted plot to ‘save’ you and free the Umbrum from their imprisonment with a ragtag group of people who all had grudges with the Elements of Harmony.”

“Huh?” you gasp as Hope starts to whistle.

“Oh yes, she freed Chrysalis and her Hive from imprisonment, and then during the chaos of the Equestria Games, they took over the Empire. I myself was taken prisoner by them and my device stolen, which is what Chrysalis used on Bugze which gave you and Selena their own bodies.”

“So…that was the Changeling Queen that shot that bright light then?” you ask as you start to piece some things together.

“That’s correct. The last thing I would do is blast that thing off in such an enclosed area. But yes, after that everyone was taken prisoner, aside from Ms. Ditzy Do here,” he says pointing to the pegasus mare with crooked eyes. Said mare coughs into her hoof and gives him a knowing glare to which he winces and corrects himself. “Sorry, Ms. Ditzy Do-Turner here.”

“That’s better,” the mare says satisfied and the stallion rolls his eyes.

“But anyway, after it’s all said and done, Hope’s allies were in control of everything until a little while ago when Chrysalis betrayed them all. That insane lady is now letting the Empire freeze over in an attempt to flush out Nightshade and Selena who had avoided her clutches.”

“Which was my doing by the way,” Hope interjects, looking embarrassed. “I mean, I did do one thing right. I also helped hide Bugze when he woke up and somehow got out of his cell.”

“I still don’t know how he managed to do that, when I was sneaking around the place he’d had so many guards stationed in front of cell,” the wall eyed pegasus adds.

“Well however he did it, he’s trying to save my other associates and his Grandfather even as we speak,” Hope continues.

“Okay, but what of Nightshade and the shadow that calls herself her mother?” you ask looking to the returned mare. “You said you hid them from the Changeling Queen? What’s happened to them?”

“Oh, yeah, well when Chrysalis blasted Bugze with the device and gave you power, everyone in the room was weakened, including them,” she explains. “It’s how we were able to take over so easily, but with how she was speaking about them, I felt it necessary to hide them away till they were better. Nightshade recovered first, but Selena is still on the mend.”

“So…Nightshade is fine then?” you ask.

“Last I saw her she was, though she was helping Bugze get to his Grandfather,” Hope nods. “She is a very…unique little filly, I’ll give her that.”

You breathe out a sigh of relief at that. Though you’ve come to some sort of…kinship with the bug and the shadow, you would still rate them lower than Nightshade in your list of worries.

“She is indeed very unique, and strong, far stronger than anything else on this planet,” you say with confidence. But even if that’s the case, you still can’t help but feel a tinge of anger that the Changeling Queen is after her. Speaking of which, all of this information of what’s transpired finally starts to process.

“By the gods, how long was I out?” you ask in bewilderment as you put a hoof to the base of your new horn.

“Three days,” a tall changeling with an eye patch speaks up.

“Three Days?!” you shout again in alarm, and the changeling takes a step back, and he’s not the only one. Now that you have a chance to take stock of the creatures sharing this space, you can truly grasp just how injured some of the bugs are. Many of them even look at you warily, like prey eyeing a predator.

“Three days?” you ask in a calmer tone trying not to spook the bugs.

Huh, how ironic, the ‘master of fear’ trying to not be scary, you think briefly before focusing yourself.

“That’s correct Sombra,” Hope nods.

“And by my calculations, you all should have taken longer to recuperate, but I suppose the current location has helped speed that along, for you at least.” Jack explains. “The influx of magic is certainly boosting your recovery.”

“Not to mention my own magic I’ve been using on you,” Hope nods.

“I see…And if you say that the Changeling Queen is letting the Empire freeze then we really don’t have all that much time then,” you say with a sigh and try to stand up. You feel your knees buckle as you struggle to stand, and the sensation of ground beneath your hooves is nostalgic and almost alien in a way.

It’s been so long since I’ve had a true body…this will be a problem, you realize. Luckily though, there is someone there to help keep you steady.

“Easy there, don’t try to do too much at once,” Hope says as she allows you to lean on her, which you do so with gusto.

“Time is of the essence, so I have to…but thank you for the support,” you say to her with a grin, to which she returns. You then turn your gaze back to the Captain, “So I take it there’s some kind of plan?”

“Well, that depends on you, son.” A ghostly voice speaks out, and for the second time you feel your heart stop and body jolt. You turn and stare at the towering red crystal within the igloo. It pulses and glows ominously red, yet somehow it seemingly makes the area around it darker despite the light of the fire. Your ears perk up as you hear a dull hum of whispers just barely audible coming from the crystal, all of which become silence when your mother speaks once more. “It’s so good to see you, my child, despite the current circumstances.”

“Rabia, mother, it’s been so long,” you say staring directly toward the crystal as you take some wobbly steps toward it. Hope assists you so that you do not trip over your new legs, but other than her and you, no one else inside the igloo dares make a sound or move. All is quiet save for the flickering of the fire and raging wind of the blizzard outside.

“Indeed, over a thousand years. I never imagined it would’ve taken so long for our next meeting.” Rabia speaks, her distorted voice echoing through the igloo. You notice as some of the others get on edge when she speaks, especially the changelings, but you can’t blame them. They are hearing the power radiating voice of the Queen of the Umbrum after all. “Honestly child, were you trying to make your mother wait?” she speaks in a playful tone, though you catch and underling hint of annoyance as well.

“Things have been difficult, I never planned to be trapped in the body of a changeling with questionable sanity after returning with the Empire,” you remark truthfully with your own hint of annoyance, “But I am here now and I still intend to free you mother, and all of the Umbrum.”

“I know my child, however, I am worried that the cards are stacked against you.” The queen sighs. “From what Radiant Hope has told us, this Queen Chrysalis has taken over the Empire, and bested the mighty alicorns. She has purposely allowed the frozen north to nearly swallow up the city, and she wields the very weapon that can harm us.”

“The Crystal Heart,” You say with some venom, the memories of the pain it brought you flashing through your mind, as well as how powerful it was when you used it against Bugze.

“Indeed, and what’s more they’ve acquired some kind of magic dampener, and while I doubt it could completely lock away our powers, I would not risk trading one prison for another,” she informs. “It seems pertinent to retreat and gather strength would it not”

“Your majesty, we simply don’t have time for that,” Ditzy says stepping forward. “The longer we wait the longer the crystal ponies will suffer! They will be buried along with the Empire and Chrysalis wouldn’t care. All she is obsessed with is Bugze!”

“My dear pony, I must do what the best is for my people. I will not endanger them in order to save those who put us in this very prison, to begin with!” Rabia retorts, her calm demeanor replaced with anger for a moment. “I am being generous enough in humoring the possibility for you and these refugees into the safety of the prison. But my patience can only go so far!”

“Your majesty I can personally guarantee that if you help us the princesses and ponies will surely come to some sort of arrangement for freeing your people, we face a common enemy here,” Jack says, playing at diplomacy. “Would you not do the same if it were your people threatened instead?”

“And if this daring operation were to fail? I will not subject my people or my children to any possible danger! I’ve spent so long without my son only to have him return to me now and you ask to send him back into hostile territory that could threaten all of us?” the queen inquires with authority, shaking the igloo with the sound of her voice.

“Queen Rabia please!” Hope implores, stepping forward with you as all eyes turn to her. “Chrysalis is a clear and present threat to everyone, if she were to be ignored it would be a terrible mistake! Her madness and obsession over the changeling called Bugze makes her unpredictable and dangerous to everyone, even her own people.”

At that she points her hoof at the injured and dejected changelings to emphasize her point.

“If she is willing to do this to those who question her, what do you think will happen to those who pose a threat to her? And she has made it clear that I am one such threat, as well as anyone associated with me!” she declares, and you are in awe of her speech.

You used to not be able to hold a conversation with anyone aside from me…you’ve certainly grown Hope, you think with pride, before you scowl and look to the red crystal.

“Hope is right mother, and if it’s one thing I know for certain, it’s the unpredictability of changelings with cracked minds,” you assure. “With her in command of the heart, it would be devastating if she were turn her attention to our people. Please, for all our sakes, help us.”

Silence fills the small ice chamber as all eyes turn to the crystal and not even the ever present whispers make a sound as the suspenseful quiet continues. Eventually though, the crystal flashes red and a small portal opens up at it’s base.

“Very well,” Rabia proclaims. “Hope has been a true ally and friend to the Umbrum for many centuries and I trust my son’s judgment. If this is what you two believe is best, then I shall give assistance. I grant sanctuary to all those who would ally with you.”

You let out a sigh with relief as the mood changes to a more hopeful atmosphere.

“Thank you mother,” you say in gratitude.

“Yes, thank you Queen Rabia, you won’t regret this,” Hope says with beaming smile before turning to the injured changelings. “Alright everyone go forward one at a time, nice and slowly.”

And as she instructs the giant bugs on the proper etiquette and what have you for entering, you take a glance inside the glowing doorway. The portal leads to a strange underground fog-filled swamp, and a set of stairs leads further down into the cavern. From this angle, you can’t see too much more, but you do catch movement as a figure comes from out of the fog and toward the portal. It resembles a pony in shape, only much smaller, and it’s body appears to be made up of that same shadow and fog that permeates the swamp. Upon it’s back are white smoke-like butterfly wings, and it’s eyes bleed out a white mist similar to how your eyes produce purple smoke when using your magic.

“Welcome to the Prison of Shadows,” Rabia’s voice speaks from the creature, though still powerful enough to echo across the barrier.

“Mother…” you gasp in awe as your eyes start to blur with tears. You had only ever heard her voice, but this…this is what she looks like. What the Umbrum look like. What you would look like had you not been turned into a pony. The shock of it all is overwhelming, and you make a move towards her, but she quickly holds a hoof up in warning.

“I know my son, but not yet. The barrier still holds and I would not have you trapped in here as well,” she warns with sadness in her voice, before giving you a small smile. “But soon my child.” Before you can say or do anything else in response to that, another slightly smaller Umbrum excitedly flies next to her.

“Is this him? Is that Sombra!” The younger Umbrum asks with glee. “Are those his friends? Oh is that miss Hope mother? Is it time at last?!”

Wait did she just say- you begin to think before you are cut off as the smaller Umbrum flies toward the portal with great speed.

“Ira wait no!” Rabia shouts in alarm, but it’s too late as the young Umbrum collides with the barrier only to be shocked with magic and thrown back violently.

“GYAH!” the now named Ira cries out as she lands with a thud and forms into a cloud of smoke.

You and many of the others inside the igloo gasp as your mother runs over to the injured umbrum, who quickly reforms with bits of magical static flowing over her.

“Oww,” she groans in pain and the Queen frowns at her.

“Ira, have you not learned a thing? The barrier is still up girl, you could’ve seriously hurt yourself!” she chides while helping her to her hooves. Ira merely shakes her head to shrug off the residual magic and smiles sheepishly at the older umbrum.

“Sorry mother, I was just so excited to see Sombra and I…” she trails off as Rabia shakes her head.

“Is she alright?” Derpy asks in concern.

“Yes, this isn’t the first time she’s done this,” Hope sighs, “don’t worry she bounces back very quickly.”

“I...have a sister?” You finally say drawing attention back on you.

“Heh, seems I’ve ruined the surprise huh mother?” Ira says with a sheepish grin and your mother rolls her eyes. Rabia then motions the younger umbrum towards you and, carefully this time, she approaches the portal and stares right into your eyes.

“Hi, big brother.”

Kichi’s Comment

“Achoo!” you sneeze which echoes down the hallway.

“Bless you,” Iron Will says.

“Thanks,” you nod and rub your nose on your hoof.

“You’re not getting sick from dimension hopping are you? Is it contagious?!” Lightning Dust asks with worry for herself.

“Nah, just had a tickle,” you hoofwave. “Almost as if something was trying to be added to my already complicated family tree…but whatever! This still isn’t the right place!”

Once more you’ve arrived in another world that isn’t the human one and your annoyance has only grown. You’ve been starting to lose track of how many worlds you’ve been through at this point, and the only silver lining that you can take out of the whole mess is that Time Works differently so you haven’t lost all that much time in the real world.

“Are we even close to making a dent?” you grumble as you look about at the hall of mirrors you find yourself in.

“A miniscule one, but yes,” Flim nods.

“Are we even gonna be able to find our way back home at this rate?” Lightning whines as she checks her many reflections.

“We do have ourselves as the subjects for our home dimension coordinates, so we’ll be fine in that regard,” Flam points out.

“At this point, Iron Will is just ready to go back home and just try again,” the minotaur grumbles.

“No, nuh-uh, not a chance if that means us having to start at the beginning again,” you shake your head. “Punch in the next coordinates and let’s get go-“

“Sorry Nightshade, but Spike is in another castle,” a bubbly voice interrupts causing you to flinch in surprise. Turning to the source, you spy a familiar white unicorn filly.

“Sweetie Belle?” you question as you see your friend standing in a doorway that leads to a room full of toys and a bed.

“Yup, that’s me, been awhile,” she smiles. “Now that you found me I said the line and I can go home again.”

“Huh?” you ask with raised brow. “What are you talking about?”

Your friend then frowns in confusion.

“Umm… You rescued me? Now I can go home while you continue to look for Spike and defeat all of the Offenders?” she explains as if it’s obvious.

“Offenders?” you say taken aback. “What the heck happened in this universe? And what happened to Spike?”

“Don’t you remember?” she asks confused. “The Hooded Offender used the mirror pool making an army and all the clones kidnapped everyone in Ponyville and put them each in a different castle. You’ve been defeating the clones and rescuing us and for some reason Spike is the one being held in the most secure area.”

You just stare, your mouth agape at that explanation before shaking your head and groaning.

“Sounds like your Dad’s ripping off Mareio Bros there,” Lightning Dust observes.

“I figured that!” you grunt before turning back to the alternate Sweetie. “Look Sweetie, I’m not the Nightshade you’re waiting for so…you’re gonna have to wait a little longer.”

“What?!” she exclaims. “But I want to go home already! Sure the Offender clone feeds me plenty and gives me toys and stuff, but I wanna go see my parents and Rarity again!”

“Yeah, well you’re gonna have to wait for YOUR Nightshade to do that, I got other fish to fry,” you shrug.

“There’s 108 castles! I have no idea which one I’m in!” she stomps her hoof. “I wanna go home!”

“Oh, in that case-LOOK! A DISTRACTION!” you shout pointing behind her.

“What?! Where?!” she asks as she turns around and you take the chance to push yourself and your colleagues into the portal. When Sweetie turns around, you are all gone.

“Oh you miserable hussy! I thought we were friends?! I swear to Celestia I will sabotage your love life you piece of-“

“Hey Sweetie, why are you shouting?” another version of you with a messier mane cut and a few scars asks as she drops in from the ceiling.

“What the…how’d you get up there?” Sweetie asks, her anger replaced by confusion.

“I just defeated another version of my Dad,” she explains with a sigh. “This one kept breakdancing and tripping me.”

“Oh…weren’t you with a minotaur and three adult ponies?” she asks and the other you raises a brow.

“Um…not that I recall?”

“…Huh,” Sweetie shrugs.

“But anyway, let’s get you home already, it’s been awhile,” the other you suggests.

“Right, right,” Sweetie nods before perking up. “Oh and the Offender clone said that when you rescued me to say “Sorry Nightshade, but Spike is in another castle.””

The other you sighs and facehooves.

“Of course he bucking is…”

Nightslayer’s Comment

“And now I’m a bucking dog!” you bark as you stomp your puppy Labrador paws onto the ground adorably.

“This is getting out of hand,” the St. Bernard Iron Will huffs.

“At least you guys are good breeds, why am I a Chihuahua?!” Lightning Dust yips angrily.

“Because you’re short tempered and irritable?” Beagle Flim says.

“Perhaps because it’s a reflection of your own insecurities and self worth?” Beagle Flam suggests.

“Oh screw you guys!” she yaps and begins spinning around in circles.

“Next!” you order.

“Nani the buck?!” you exclaim as a loud explosion erupts from a building and your Dad (who is seriously roided out and wearing some sort of yellow cloak) comes flying out while fighting a giant mech that looks like Celestia. Also, the world around you is in Anime Style, even you and your group with your eyes being even bigger, and the hairstyles being even more ridiculous.

“Muda muda muda!!!” your Dad cries out as he throws the mech against a building and then gives a dramatic pose. “Your efforts are utterly useless Deadly 6!”

“You’re wrong!” Twilight’s voice comes over the mech’s speakers. “With the power of Friendship, we will never lose!”

“That’s where you’re wrong meanies!” your own voice calls out…but it is sickenly sweet and annoying. Looking up you see as you, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara all come flying in wearing magical filly uniforms.

“Oh come the buck on!” you whimper as you see how your mane is done up in twin tails and you are wearing sickening shades of pink. The Magical Filly Group lands beside your jacked up Dad and blast the mech with hearts from wimpy looking wands with a cry of,

“Love Canon!!!”

The mech bursts dramatically with sparks before it explodes, and the Elements come jumping out of it…only each one has it’s own weird style.

Twilight has on a lab coat and a pair of glasses that reflect way too brightly, Rarity is done up in very sleazy clothing and her eyes sparkle WAY too much, Fluttershy has a horrifying smile on her face and is holding a blood soaked kitchen knife, Rainbow Dash has an eyepatch and a katana, Applejack has on some sort of ninja headband, and Pinkie Pie is dressed like an idol.

“Your evil ends now Offender! You corruption of the Crusaders was the final straw!”

“Well bring it then if you dare, for I have far more allies than them!” your dad says dramatically. As if on cue, Grandbuggy drops in behind him, only he has a beard, sunglasses, a tropical shirt and is wearing some sort of turtle shell on his back. Sombra drops down on his other side, with crystals sticking out of him and one of his eyes is horrifying and looks infected. Your mother then appears as a ghostly apparition above your Dad, and she too is jacked beyond realism.

The Elements, gritting their teeth then start walking towards the enemy group.

“Oh? You’re Approaching Me?” your Dad says smugly.

“Let’s leave this place,” you sigh as you push Flim toward the portal.

“Ah, I wanted to see how this ended,” Lightning Dust complains.

“Listen, I like anime just as much as the next filly, but this world is far too Weabish for my blood,” you snark. And as the portal gets activated, an epic fight that is only minutes long yet takes 50 episodes to complete commences.

Down With Chrysalis’s Comment

In a black and white world with jazz music playing in the background, your Dad stands overlooking a balcony, wearing a fedora and trench coat and smoking a cigarette.

This city is a festering wound, longing for some TLC, but unfortunately, I don’t have medical training. The best I can do is bandage it up as best I can and try to ignore the rotten puss that leaks out…He says dramatically…without opening his mouth at all.

“Was that supposed to be an internal monologue?” Iron Will asks you.

“I have no freaking clue,” you huff and roll your eyes.

The chief’s gone and decided to give me another partner despite my wishes. I don’t need another partner, not after what happened to the old bug, he internally monologues for all to hear. She’s supposed to be a promising up and comer, but I’ve seen her picture, a mare that pretty is only asking to be chewed up by this city. She’d be better off modeling for swimsuit magazines.

“Wow, misogynist much?” Lightning Dust rolls her eyes.

Just then you see as your mother, full flesh and blood flies in from another rooftop towards him, and she is wearing a police uniform.

“Detective 9001?” she asks.

Speak of the devil, and she will appear…

“Maybe I am, who’s asking?” he says gruffly.

“Officer Moon sir, I was told to meet you here?” she says with a salute.

“Heh, cut that out, there’s no need to salute out here. That’s rule number one rookie, saluting just advertises you’re a cop, even more so than your uniform,” he chastises and she looks taken aback.

“Oh, s-sorry sir,” she apologizes and he rolls his eyes.

“And rule number 2, don’t apologize,” he says. “Now, if you even want to pretend to work with me Rook, we’re gonna need to get you some new digs. Out here, the less you look like a cop, the better.”

“Y-Yes Sir! I look forward to working with you!” she says nearly saluting.

“We’ll change that attitude soon enough,” he says with a smirk.

They all change their attitude in the end. All it takes is one day to-

“Oh for buck’s sake! Quit being so dramatic!” you shout, interrupting his monologue. They both turn to your group in confusion.

“Huh?” he asks.

“I said quit being dramatic! Have some fun for the gods’ sake! Jeeze!” you growl, your shards glowing as you pull everyone back into the portal.

Once you’re gone, the versions of your parents look to one another lost.

“Please tell me you saw that too right?” your Dad asks, his gruff tone now sounding like OG Bugze’s.

“I’m pretty sure I did…” your mom says hesitantly. “Though what that meant, I have no clue.”

“Okay…looks like I picked the wrong week to quit drinking,” he nods as he pulls out a flask.

You all exit from a portal embedded into what looks like a version of the horseshoe mirror…only it’s made of prop material. There are spotlights pointed in your direction and you realize that you are on a stage, the background of which looks like the Crystal Empire.

“See now Chrysalis! My daughter herself brings reinforcements!” you hear your dad’s voice say dramatically followed by a musical stinger. Looking over you see another version of your father, who appears to be tied up on a bed, with Queen Chrysalis hovering over him.

“Is that so?!” Chrysalis asks just as dramatically. “Well then, time to rid you of unnecessary attachments aside from myself!” She leaps gracefully between you and the bed and points at you. “Do you really think a pathetic filly like yourself can beat me alone?”

Everything is dead quiet, as you look about with shifty eyes, your companions doing the same.

“Umm…” you guess and you see Chrysalis’s face wince.

“D-Do you think a pathetic filly like yourself can beat me alone?” she implores looking at you with pleading eyes.

“Uh…”

You then see her mouthing something that you can’t quite make out aside from the word Alone.

“I, uh, sure I can! No problem?!” you guess more than say.

“CUT!” you hear a frustrated voice call out. Your Dad and Chrysalis groan in frustration as the lights behind the spot lights turn on and you see several creatures sitting in theatre seats. One such creature, a dog wearing sunglasses and holding a megaphone looks pissed.

“For all that is holy Nyx, the line is ‘Who the buck said I’m alone?!’ and then Selena drops in and we get the long overdue catfight! Gods! We might as well just cut this interaction while we’re at it!” he barks and throws a script down. Before you can ask who Nyx is, he begins pointing angrily at Iron Will, Lightning Dust and Flim and Flam. “And you four! You’re not supposed to enter with her! It robs the scene of it’s tension!”

“S-Sorry…” Iron Will apologizes.

“Yeah, uh, sorry,” you apologize as well, though you don’t know why.

“It’s alright, she was probably just thrown off because the others threw her off,” Chrysalis says to the dog in a placating manner.

“Yeah bro, don’t blow a gasket,” your Dad says as she gets off of the bed, and in a flash of green fire his hair is gone.

“Oh whatever! We’re almost done with this project and it’s gotta be perfect! And that means not missing cues!” he growls before looking up above you all. “Go ahead and come down Luna, we’re gonna take a break and then take it again from the top!”

Almost immediately, fluttering down from the rafters is your mother…only as she lands there is a flash of magic and she looks like Luna.

“I still don’t know why I have to keep the visual enchantment up even during rehearsals,” she harrumphs.

“Because it has to be locked in all of your brains so that no one screws up! Even the most miniscule difference can throw someone off, look what happened to Nyx!” the Brown Dog grunts and puts a paw to his forehead. He then sighs before looking at you, pulling his shades down, revealing baggy red eyes. “Look Nyx, I don’t mean to yell at ya. It’s just so antsy being this close to the end you know? I’m sorry for raising my voice.”

“I, uh…” you stutter at a loss for words.

“Wait, we’re taking a break?! I didn’t miss my cue did I?!” you hear…your own voice say. Turning around you see…yourself holding a coffee cup as she comes through the curtain. “Sorry I’m late the line at Starbux was…” She trails off as the two of you lock eyes and suddenly all the cast and crew for this strange meta play all go quiet.

She then rolls her eyes, “Oh hah hah $%#@,” she snarks using your Dad’s real name. “It’s even funnier the fiftieth time! Stop using my likeness or you’re totes gonna get sued you-“

“Um, I’m over here!” the alternate dad says waving and suddenly everyone else is confused again.

“…You all hired another changeling?” this other you asks sounding angry. “Are you trying to replace me?!”

“Who’s getting replaced?” another Iron Will asks as he walks onto stage before stopping and gawking at his doppelganger.

“No, no we didn’t…” the Brown Dog says curiously as he looks to you and the rest. “Who the buck are you people?”

“We’re just, uh, passing through,” you say nervously as you usher the twins to start punching in the codes, but they are way ahead of you.

“Well whatever the case you are using my likeness without my permission Missy!” the other you says haughtily. “So you better drop that disguise right now or.”

“Oh shut the buck up you drama queen!” you say to yourself…which kind of hurts your brain.

“GUUUUGGGGHHHH?!!!” she gasps in shock, dropping her coffee. “How dare you you-“

“Portal’s open,” Flim says hurriedly.

“Good! Go!” you order and the five of you disappear through dimensions again.

The stage performers are left speechless by this turn of events, before the exhausted director canine puts a paw to his lips.

“Not gonna lie, those special effects were pretty dope.”

“So correct me if I’m wrong, but did that last universe imply that our reality was just a stage play?” Flim asks.

“Infinite universes with infinite possibilities brother,” Flam shrugs.

“I…I just can’t…that hurts my brain too much,” Lightning Dust groans and rubs her temple.

“Yeah it was weird, but I’m just mad I’m being played by some snobby primadonna! Who the heck does that Nyx think she is?” you growl remembering her brashness.

“Well, obviously someone that would give a dog director an aneurism,” Iron Will points out.

“Oh don’t get me started on THAT guy! Making me feel dumb when it wasn’t even my fault! Stupid Dog!” you say kicking at the ground.

“…So, are you like, gonna join in on the reinforcements or not?” you hear your Dad ask. He is currently wearing Captain Equestria’s costume, though the shield is broken and facing down a big ugly old goat and his army. All around you are other portals that have opened and several of your allies and enemies you’ve met emerge from them dressed in comic book character costumes. Next to your other dad is another you, dressed as the Falcon.

“Yeah other me, are ya?” she asks.

“No…no I don’t think we will,” you tell them plainly as you all turn around and leave them to their battle.

Kichi’s Comment

This time, instead of coming out on flat ground, the five of you fall out of a pillar 15 feet in the air.

“AHHHH-OOF!” you all grunt as you all strike the floor, with you crashing right down onto a stone table of some kind piled high with gems and bits.

“What the hay?” a familiar voice says.

“Sp-Spike?” you ask as you shake the dizziness off, and sure enough your favorite dragon is right in front of you…only he’s holding a clawful of cards and wearing sunglasses.

“That strange, creatures show up out of nowhere,” a diamond dog says to his left, also holding playing cards.

“They with you?” asks another diamond dog from behind you.

“Uh…sure, I guess,” the dragon shrugs. “Though I have no idea who they are.”

“What? Spike how could you say that?! Aren’t we friends in this universe?” you plead and he just raises an eyebrow.

“Friends with a pony? Unlikely!” he says with a cold demeanor and you gasp in shock.

“What?! Why not?!” you demand, but you are ignored as another Diamond Dog asks,

“So is the small pony added to the pot?”

“Huh?” you ask but are ignored again.

“I mean, she is on the pile,” another dog points out. Looking back at Spike you see as he considers it a moment before looking right back at you with a smirk and saying,

"Sure, why not?"

"Spike! How you dare!" you shout angrily and stand up, and it’s at this moment you notice that Spike has wings and is much larger than your Spike.

“Read it and weep Rover! A pair of Princesses and a pair of two’s!” he declares laying down his cards which show the images of Celestia and Luna, and 2 moons. “Come here pony, I could use a maid.”

But just as he starts to reach for you and the rest of the pile, the other dog coughs and smirks.

“So sorry dragon, but I’ve got a pair of Princesses and a Pair of Discords,” he says smugly as he lays down his cards, showing the images of Twilight, Cadence and Discord.

“Oh Gorramnit!” Spike curses and slams the table while all the other dogs laugh.

“Win some, lose some,” Rover taunts before looking to you. “So, ready to work in mines for the rest of your life pony?”

“Piss off!” you growl as your shards glow and you send forth a burst of energy which throws all those at the table out of their chairs and against the walls. You then lift Spike in your magic by the scruff of his neck and he gulps. “Listen, I know you’re not MY Spike, but that was still very hurtful you jerk!” And with that you unceremoniously toss him out a window where he comedically cries out before striking the ground outside. You then use your magic to pick up your still dazed allies as you fly back up to the portal. Once Flim and Flam are done with their calibrations, you fly yourselves through.

You all emerge out of some futuristic console, wearing red uniforms of some kind. The room you enter is shiny, chrome and you can see stars hurtling buy from a nearby window.

"Stellar Diary #10881122: Captain Bugze here of the Enterquestriaprize,” your dad’s voice says and you all see him sitting in the center chair of this room and he appears to be balding. Sombra sits to his left with a glorious goatee and your mom sits to his right in a purple and grey uniform, and the Deadly 6 man the rest of the stations. “Yesterday Lt’s Selena, Fluttershy and Dr. Hope attempted to murder our guest Mary Sue again after she tried flirting with me, Sombra and Discord.”

“Gorram right we did,” Selena mutters.

“Not that it mattered,” Fluttershy grumbles while tapping on some buttons.

“Strangely enough, even after her head was removed and 90% of her body burned beyond recognition, she was perfectly fine an hour later and was found playing patty cake with Lt. Pinkie Pie.”

“Be sure to clarify that it was the children’s game, otherwise folks might get the wrong idea,” Pinkie Pie advises.

“Oh gods, we’re in that nerd show aren’t we?” Lightning Dust asks wearing a mechanical visor.

“I actually enjoy that show thank you very much,” Iron Will defends, his forehead now pushed out in what looks like a perma frown.

“It did inspire us as colts,” the twins say, both now having android skin with yellow eyes.

“Yeah well we’re wearing red shirts, so we better get out of here pronto,” you advise just as Captain Bugze looks over to you and continues speaking into his recorder.

“I now suspect that perhaps Mary Sue was never real and that either Discord is pulling a prank on us or Lt. Dash has spiked the coffee machine with hallucinogens again,” he says.

“That was TWO times, you guys need to let it go,” Rainbow Dash complains but he continues.

“Further evidence for the drugged theory is the presence of what appears to be a younger version of my daughter flanked by a Klingotaur, two androids and Ensign Lightning Dust who died three months ago to Captain Chrysalis’s Space Pirates.”

“Wait, I’m dead?!” she shrieks which causes everyone else to look at your group.

“Ah man, why did you have to come back to life?” Rainbow Dash complains and Lightning Dust grinds her teeth.

“Captain, I see them too, and you know not even Dash’s drugs can affect my system,” Sombra says and Bugze nods.

“Excellent point Number 1. Perhaps they are Romulings after all. Detain them immediately!”

“Time to go!” you order as you all jump back into the console.

From one sci-fi world to another, you now find yourselves in a chamber above a bride with a deep chasm of machinery beneath it. There is a teenage version of yourself, wearing grey clothing and swinging a blue lightsaber against a dark robotic figure who wields a red one.

“Seriously?” you sputter, knowing exactly what movie this is. Anyling with a brain stem could see what this world was.

Sure enough, your doppelganger gets her hoof cut off and she screams in pain and limps back from the figure.

"You are beaten! It is useless to resist Nightwalker, don't let yourself be destroyed as Twilight Sparkle did, you do not yet realize your importance,” the asthmatic robotic equine figure scolds. “You have only begun to understand your power, join me, and I will complete your training! Join the Dark Side Nightwalker, we have cookies."

“Never! The cookies are tempting, but you just cut off my bucking hoof Darth Offender! Oh, and also there’s the whole thing about KILLING MY FATHER!!!”

"No, I AM YOUR FATHER!" Darth Offender shouts.

“...Awhaaaaaa?!” Nightwalker’s eyes go wide in disbelief.

“This parody has been done to death,” Iron Will rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, they really need to do more with this franchise,” Lightning Dust mumbles.

“Well I heard that the Walt Whinny Corporation was looking to purchase the rights,” Flim says.

“They’d be the only ones who could afford it after all,” Flam nods.

“Eh, if they do make movies they can’t possibly be worse than the Prequels,” you say before your eyes focus on nothing and a sense of immense loss overtakes you.

“What’s wrong?” asks Will.

“I felt a great disturbance in the universe, as if millions of childhoods suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced…” you whimper.

"Nightshades! Today the Princesses will dine in Tartarus!" a version of you wearing a miniature set of your mom’s armor shouts to thousands of Nightshade clones.

“YYYEEEAAAHHH!!!” all your clones shout in unison as you all watch from a window of the Castle of the Two Sisters.

“And I’m leading another revolution, great,” you huff as the brothers start to punch in more coordinates.

“You all may have come from the Mirror Pool, but your hatred should be no less potent! You all feel that same loss that I have! That betrayal!” the other you shouts and you raise a brow at that. “They would not listen to us at the stadium! And even after Dad, Mom and Sombra came back and saved the day, they still turned them into stone!”

You wince at that, realizing that you yourself had been on a knife’s edge only three days ago. It seems you weren’t able to get through to them in this one.

“All those ponies understand is violence, so we will give it to them!” the leader you roars, her alicorn amulet shards glowing brightly as the clones cheer. “We will rise up this very night and tear down their kingdom of lies! We will save Daddy, Mommy and Sombra and give them the world they deserve!”

“Portal’s ready,” Flam says as the others start going through.

“Uh, yeah okay,” you nod absentmindedly as you look at the army with pity.

“They are rage, brutal, without mercy! But you…You will be worse! Rip and Tear until it is done!!!” she orders and all the clones pump their hooves in the air and shout,

“RIP AND TEAR!!!”

“I’ve really got some deep seated anger issues,” you realize before leaving.

You are now all black silhouettes as similarly shaded ducks dance all about while some hairy stallion has the mightiest trip of his life.

“You know, I’m really starting to get annoyed here,” you complain.

“You’re not the only one,” Flim says as she shakes the remote.

“If only we had something from their universe to base the frequency upon…” Flam mutters.

“Well I had a robot from that side, but she’s running amok as we speak in the real world,” you huff, cursing yourself for sending her on now that it’s inconvenient.

“Can’t you just type in Human to help narrow it down?” Lightning Dust suggests.

“It doesn’t work like that Dust, these are all mathematical equations and star patterns that Twilight Sparkle-“ Flam rambles but Iron Will holds his hand out to stop him.

“Alright, a simple no would have sufficed.”

Sighing you look up as the old stallion starts flying through the air, which is a feat unto itself since he’s an earth pony and you rub at your horn.

Nightslayer’s Comment

Loganic’s Comment

“It’s zombies again,” you sigh as you all come out on a dilapidated building. Down below are thousands of hungry undead, but in the midst of them you see an older Zebra stallion and a brown earth pony stallion with long hair, a baseball cap, and a big moustache.

“I’m telling you Lee, we just gotta get a boat and we’ll be home free,” the earth pony says as he hits a zombie in the head with a hammer.

“We gotta find Clementine first Kenny!” the zebra barks back as he slices a zombie’s head off with a cleaver.

“How many zombie worlds is that now?” Iron Will asks sounding bored.

“One too many, the markets being oversaturated with zombies!” Lightning Dust complains.

“At least they’re not the running ones,” Flim shudders.

“I still find it implausible that shambling zombies can end the world,” Flam mutters.

“Max Brooks would beg to differ,” an older female voice responds. Looking over in surprise, you see yourself…as a very, VERY old mare wearing a white lab coat. Behind her is a green portal and standing next to her is a young changeling with orange hair wearing a yellow shirt. “Slow zombies are *Burp* totally a threat.”

“What the buck?” you say but are ignored.

“Exactly Shade, so I don’t think we should be here,” the younger version of your dad says in a wimpy voice.

“Nah, don’t th-*burp* think like that Bugze. These worlds are always the best for getting necromantic fluid.”

“Hello? What the buck is this all about?” you try to demand, but they still don’t speak directly to you.

“And why do we need that again?” young Bugze asks.

“It’s part of the components to get Slendermane off my ass! That tentacle-backed bastard ain’t getting my 20 bits!”

“Oh not this again,” you facehoof.

“Oh, okay, but what’s with the younger you?” young Bugze asks.

“Just other bucking dimension hoppers, don’t interact with them or their brains will turn to *Burp* Smoothies.”

“Oh buck you other me! I hope you get bitten!” you huff and turn around to enter your own portal with your companions.”

“Sure, whatever, oh check this out, betcha anything the zebra dies first,” older rude you says as they look over the edge of the building.

“That’s speciest Shade!” young Bugze scolds, as you leave them to their bickering.

You and the others observe as you are once more in a dead desolate world, and some orange unicorn mare with a red and yellow mane cries while on her knees overlooking all the destroyed buildings and destruction.

“I was gone too long! TOO LONG!!!” she shouts before laughing insanely.

“I have seen too many destroyed Tartarus-scapes today, I think I’m becoming desensitized to them,” Lightning Dust monotones and you continue to rub at the base of your horn where a huge headache is forming.

Kichi’s Comment

Down With Chrysalis’s Comment

Puzzling Frost’s Comment

You are currently banging your head against a wall as you are yet again, not in the human world. Instead you are outside the door of what appears to be a conference room where several creatures, including that dog with sunglasses again, are taking notes. There is a whiteboard with many sketches and ideas drawn on it and above it is a banner reading “Life of a Wanted Changeling: The Animation”

A strange, fluffy creature wearing shades and an orange hoodie points at a few scribbled notes under a tab that says “Running Gags.”

“Alright, so we got ‘Look, A Distraction’ on lockdown and ‘Curse You Lady Luck,’ any other suggestions?”

“I say we change it to ‘Buck You Lady Luck’ since we got a higher rating,” the Brown Dog suggests.

“Ooh, good point, I like it,” the furry creature nods and changes it.

“Then what’s the point of bleeding out the nose joke?” a tatzulwurm in a bowler hat asks. “We put that in there to get around the censors in the first place.”

“Well yeah, because it’s funny,” the Brown Dog rolls his eyes. “And I’d rather we be able to curse a bit more than make it more raunchy, this ain’t a teen party story.”

“Excellent point,” the fluffy creature nods. “We still wanna stay goofy after all. Let’s keep Nightshade’s groin attacks as well. Also let’s amp up the adorableness of her crush on Spike.”

And while they all laugh, you cover your face with your hooves and wings and groan in embarrassment while your companions give you questioning looks.

“I’m pretty sure all the classic story gags will still be able to transfer to animation,” a changeling pipes up. He is wearing a shirt with you standing in front of an exploding Canterlot with the words Just Like Daddy above it. “But we gotta move onto marketability here. This is a cash cow franchise just waiting to happen.”

“We’ve already got the shirts for promotional material, but we can worry about toys and the like later, we haven’t even started on the storyboards yet,” the fluffy thing says.

“Doesn’t mean we can’t make some new scenes to promote merchandising,” the changeling points out. “Let’s say we add a scene where Bugze gets a rubber chicken that just suddenly explodes, we could mass produce those cheap pieces of rubber and make a fortune.”

“One step at a time bud,” the dog says. “Gotta worry about adapting the existing scenes first, and above all else the character interactions.”

“Speaking of character interactions, have you seen my notes on my OC I wanna add?” asks a purple earth pony with green hair wearing a blue bandana and glasses. He holds up a sketch of a colt you immediately can identify as Frost.

“This character really should have been added during the Crimson Knights arc,” the tatzulworm sighs.

“Yeah, yeah, I know, but I’ve got a bunch of really good ideas for him that didn’t really get explored in the story in depth. Like, I think the viewers would appreciate a medically accurate examination of PTSD and depression and how constant trauma and failure can lead somepony with power to the darkest pits of despair and-“

“Dude, this is a freaking kid character for crying out loud,” the Brown Dog interrupts. “Look, I know what you’re going for, but you gotta ease up a little, we don’t want our audience to be crying in the dark while listening to Marilyn Manson.”

“Yeah, lighten up for cripes sake! That kid’s been through enough already!” you add in agreement.

“…Yeah, alright, I guess I can see that,” the purple pony nods and makes a note on the picture saying ‘Give Happy Ending.’ “Who said that by the way?” he asks looking up.

“I think it was whoever delivered that life sized doll of Nightshade in the doorway,” the changeling points right at you before looking back to the Brown Dog. “I’m assuming you approved this, and it’s fine craftsmanship. Was it expensive? I thought you said we were on a tight budget?”

“I didn’t approve any toys yet,” the dog says and suddenly all the creatures, including many that haven’t spoken up look to you and you freeze up.

“Oh, maybe it’s a fan made gift, I haven’t received any of those in a long time,” the fluffy creature says happily.

“I’m not a toy ya dingbats,” you huff and all their eyes go wide.

“And it can talk too? You sure you didn’t approve this Brown Dog?” asks the purple pony.

“You kidding? We’re still lucky Hasbro hasn’t locked us all down after all the crap we’ve pulled,” he shoots back.

“I’m real dang it! And stop laughing at my life and trying to add more running gags! It’s annoying!” you shout at them. They all are taken aback for a moment, before the strange furry creature jumps onto the table excitedly and points it’s paw right at you.

“Guys! This is really Nightshade! Do you know what this means?!” he shouts.

“That someone’s really into cosplay?” asks the tatzulworm.

“No, it means the multiverse is real! Our inane writings have come to life! We’re Gods! AHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!”

The others collectively look at one another in concern.

“You all need help is what you need,” you huff and walk out the door, jumping back through the portal.

And as all the writers watch this and the fluffy thing continues to laugh maniacally, they all collectively wonder if the coffee machine was spiked…again.

“Soooo…should I take this as a sign to mellow out on Frost’s trauma?” the purple pony asks and the Brown Dog pats him on the shoulder.

“Sure bud, if that’s the way you wanna see it,” he says while looking worriedly at the hysterical pokemon thing.

“I just wanted to make him an interesting character ya know?”

“He already is man, but you always gotta remember, it’s ultimately not his story,” the Brown Dog advises and he nods. “Which doesn’t mean side characters don’t get their moments. “I mean, why do you think we had some calm scenes with him and Garble?”

“Yeah alright,” he nods.

“That’s the spirit. Now, someone switch the pokemon’s coffee to decaf and let’s start making a lot of these references legally distinct before we get sued out the butt!”

While your brain continues to try and reboot over this unexpected news of not only being reunited with Hope and your mother but also being a big brother, some of your companions have given you space to talk things out.

“So...that was a thing,” Garble says as he stands over on the far side of the igloo next to Frost who nods. “I can’t even imagine what’s going through that guy's head right now. I mean it was a shock to me when I found out I was gonna be a big brother, but at least I was able to grow up with my sister.”

“Yeah, talk about heavy stuff,” Frost says watching the king speak with his family. “And to boot I think his sister is an adult.”

“Wait, how can you tell?” Garble asks with a raised brow. “I mean they look so tiny, you’d think she’d be Nightshade’s age.”

“I mean they said time moves differently in their prison? And that...” Frost pauses for a moment before shaking his head, “Unicorn mare stayed with them for over a thousand years and doesn’t look a day older than twenty-three.”

“Why are so many creatures popping up from a thousand years ago?!” Garble groans, putting his face in his claws as he tries to process that. “All this time displacement crap is making my head hurt…Eh, no offense.”

“None taken.” Frost sighs at the apologetic tone. “I really don’t understand it either, and I’m the one who somehow preserved myself in ice for a thousand years.”

“So we got all different kinds of time shenanigans it seems,” Garble sighs before shaking his head and trying to change the subject. “But anyway, time stuff aside, can I ask you a question that’s been bugging me for like the last hour?”

“Uh, sure?” Frost says unsure.

“Why are you see-through?” he asks pointing to his body which is mostly transparent, his mane and tail flowing like in the wind.

“Oh, right, forgot that would seem weird to others,” Frost says with a chuckle.

“Are you like, turning into a ghost or something?”

“No no, this is because of the blizzard outside. Whenever I’m somewhere really cold and windy my windigo aspects come out more,” he says trying to come up with the right words. “I’m basically in my element out here honestly.”

“Wish I could say the same, give me a volcano any day of the week,” the dragon grumbles.

“Eh, I guess it’s not for everyone,” the colt shrugs. “Really though it’s helping me feel better. I mean I’m still tired and stuff, but at least I’m able to shape ice a little better than when we were in the center of the city.”

“…So what you’re saying is that when it’s all snowy out, you can do ice stuff better?”

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” he nods.

“Good for you….” Garble says with a strained voice, “Can you excuse me for a moment?” The small drake then walks toward another section of the wall and proceeded to bang his head against the ice.

“WHY *smack* DOES *smack* EVERY *smack* PONY *smack* I *smack* MEET *smack* HAVE *smack* SUPER *smack* POWERS?!” Garble growls, making a few cracks in the ice wall. With one last groan, he then walks back towards the colt passed some confused changelings.

“Are you okay?” Frost asks worriedly.

“Yeah, I just needed to get that out of my system,” Garble nods, rubbing his temple. “So were you born with those powers or?”

“More like cursed with them, I inherited them from my dad,” Frost answers.

“Ah right, dads. I inherited my looks and strength from my old man,” Garble said leaning back against the wall. “My sister Smolder on the other claw looks more like our mom, she also inherited her smarts too,” he responds with a smirk.

“I wish I knew my dad, he...mom never told me much about him. Only that he passed away before I was born, and that he loved us both,” the Windicolt says with a sigh and Garble gulps awkwardly.

“Right, Um...where did you learn to fight? You did pretty well in the stadium against that plant thing,” Garble says trying to cheer him up.

“Flag Burner and his lackeys trained me,” he answers, somewhat bitterly. "About the only good thing to come out of that experience."

"Well I wouldn't mind sparring with you if we get the chance, especially once I get back into my real body" Garble says with a smirk.

“Your real body?”

“Yeah, I may look like a kid, but I’m actually in my late teens. I got shrunk down by some stupid magical tree,” he explains and the windicolt looks confused yet intrigued.

“That’s, uh, that’s rough buddy,” he placates and Garble rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, tell me about it. I mean it’s hard enough being Nightshade’s rival when I was at full height, and this set back just made it even more lopsided.”

“Nightshade’s rival?” the colt asks.

“Yeah, I kind of swore a blood oath after she beat me up in Applewood that I would one day be strong enough to defeat her…it hasn’t worked out too well,” he sighs and the colt is again flabbergasted, but he does grin.

“I’ll say, she’s a bit outside of your league isn’t she? Heck, she’s outside of all of our leagues, even the princesses,” he says with a chuckle.

“Yeah, I figured that after I saw her nearly pull the moon down on us after the hippies got us high,” he grumbles.

“Wait, what?” the colt asks in surprise.

“Nothing…” Garble lies and looks away.

“Okay…well, I mean if you want a new rival, I could maybe help with that when this is all over?” Frost suggests, a bit nervous and hesitant.

“That’s not how blood oaths and rivalries work though…but I’ll consider it,” Garble says with a smirk.

“Ah, classic childhood summer friends vibe right there,” Double Vision says as she slurps at the air over the two. “Reminds me of my larvaehood.”

“…Please stop eating our emotions,” Garble sighs and Frost shudders.

“Hey, I needed something to balance out the sickening sweetness over there,” she says pointing back to Sombra as he talks to his sister.

“Go my loyal brainwashed slaves! Defeat the Princess’s puny forces! Soon all of Equestria will be mine!” Sombra roars atop the crystal palace, followed by an evil maniacal laugh and you sigh.

This is like the third or fourth time you’ve found yourself in a world where Sombra has completely taken over the Crystal Empire, and quite frankly you’re bored of it. The only difference this world has is that he has a big moustache.

“Bucking reruns,” you curse as you use your magic to knock a lit candle off the wall and onto his tail while he addresses his creepy brainwashed armored minions.

“Soon their lands will burn, and…*sniff* *sniff* speaking of burning what’s that sme-Oh My Gods! AAAAHHH!!!” the dictator then starts spinning in circles, which only serves to catch his cloak on fire, and he does the only sensible thing by jumping off the spire and into the snow. The flames extinguish…but then he realizes he’s right in front of the Equestrian forces and Celestia herself.

"Ah Crap" he groans as you spit and start punching at some crystals.

“I’m sick and tired of this guys!” you complain as you shatter a crystal table. “It’s just failure after failure after failure!”

“Hey Nightshade, calm down a little,” Iron Will tries to soothe but you don’t listen.

“No Will! I’m tired of doing this and not being able to help my Daddy!” you shout and break a chandelier.

“To be fair, we are getting close. That world of anthropomorphic ponies proved that,” Flim tries to placate and you bellow.

“Oh don’t remind me of that bucking creepy place! Ponies are not supposed to be bipedal and have hands!”

“It was pretty creepy, not gonna lie. Like a bunch of minotaurs cross bred with all of Equestria,” Lightning Dust shudders.

“Yes, but they were somewhat human in shape,” Flam encourages. “The world before this one led us even closer.”

“How? They were just less fur covered anthro folk from the looks of it,” you complain and smash another chair.

“Well they were certainly animalistic with their ears and tails, but that hairy one might have been a human?” Iron Will points out and you shudder.

“More like a stinky ape or something,” you say remembering how the hobo looking hairy thing took an axe out and attacked the creepy masked animal people, setting one of them on fire as he screamed incoherently.

“That world seemed over rated anyway,” Lightning Dust nods.

“Still though, there is progress being made,” the brothers argue.

“You say that, but we still went into that world where I was the grown up and taking care of a kid Daddy and I was the most wanted creature in the world,” you throw your hooves up in despair. That world really hurt your brain to think about. “I mean seriously, how would that even work?!”

“I got the feeling it was a world where ponies weren’t exactly the good guys,” Iron Will says and you just roll your eyes and rub at your temple.

“This world hopping is really starting to piss me off,” you whine just as the brothers activate another portal.

“Alright, wormhole connected,” Flim says.

“Great, let’s see if trip number whatever is the charm,” you spit as you cross the dimensional barrier, which you are quite frankly getting sick of.

Surprise, surprise, it isn’t.

You are in some sort of large chamber with statues depicting a dark alicorn and you groan while grinding your teeth.

“Great, another bucking world where Mom is evil and took over!” you snarl.

“Who dares enter the room of Princess Nightshade?!” a gruff voice snarls, and looking past the statues you see candles and lit incense near a large bed where two large figures are silhouetted in darkness.

“Okay, I was wrong, it’s another world where I’m the bad guy and took over! Great!” you pout and kick the ground.

“Wait, hold on a second,” a second more feminine voice says as suddenly a lamp gets turned on revealing the two figures, a slender alicorn mare and a beefy purple dragon. You’ve seen this figure in countless worlds already, so you know you’ll look good when you grow up, but it’s still a weird thing to see. “…Well Well, Well, What do we have here?"

“Nothing to worry about, this is just a dream, big me,” you say with no real enthusiasm. “We’ll be going now and-“

“You’re trying to find the human world aren’t you?” the adult you asks and you suddenly freeze before whipping your head around.

“What?! How the buck did you know that?!” you demand.

"Crap, I owe you 20 bits" the dragon sighs dejectedly while the other you smirks at him.

“I told you things seemed familiar this morning Spikey,” she teases and looks back to you. “I knew the minute Twilight let us stay in this room that today would be the day the younger me would arrive.”

“The day I…Are we in the future?” you ask in surprise.

“Ehh, it’s…a little more complicated than that,” the other you says.

“Why? If you said you remembered me then this already happened yes?” you point out and she shakes her head.

“I remember meeting my adult self and Spike after all those pointless boring worlds, but like the Doctor always says, Time is like a big ball of Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey Stuff,” she explains. “For me this was the ideal happy future and I got it, but that doesn’t mean the same thing is guaranteed for you.”

“Oh that’s bullspit!” you grunt. “And wait, happy ending? You’re not an evil ruler in this world?”

“Oh heck no, that statue was a gift from Auntie Luna,” she hoofwaves.

“So, Spike isn’t like your Dark Knight enforcer to enslave the populace?”

“Oh gods, I remember that world,” she shudders before smiling. “But no, he’s the Captain of My Guard.”

“And a darn good one at that,” the older dragon smirks and flexes causing your older self to kiss him on the cheek and giggle and you are transfixed for a moment.

“…Woof,” you say under your breath before blushing profusely.

Ohmygosh! Ohmygohs! Ohmygosh! Are they?! Are We?! Me and Spike Are-EEEEEE!!! Your mind does gymnastics as the older pair chuckle.

“I think you might have broken yourself there Shade,” Spike says to the other you.

“She’ll be fine, right Shade?” she asks you with a smirk.

“I-I’m fine! I’m,” you cough into your hoof and steel yourself. “I’m fine…So, uh, I see you don’t have the amulet in your chest? How’d you get it-“

“Yeah, I can’t exactly explain that,” she says regretfully. “Just know that it’s going to be very painful if it happens the same way.”

“Really? You can’t give me a hint?” you huff.

“Well my older self gave me the only hint I really need,” she says playfully. “You’re all bouncing around world to world all willy nilly because you don’t have a focus right?”

“That’s right,” the twins nod.

“Well be prepared to feel frustrated because you actually do have one,” she smirks.

“What?!” all five of you exclaim.

“Oh for, what is it?!” you demand and she grins.

“Mom got her body using the combined magic of a bunch of different artifacts remember?”

“Yeah, it’s all we’ve been focusing on all year,” you nod.

“Well, the Siren stones which were at the center of it, they held the emotions and even some magic from hundreds of different beings from another dimension,” she insinuates. It takes a moment but understanding finally comes over you as your eyes widen.

“OH MY GODS!” you exclaim as you reach into your inventory and gently pull your mother out.

REMOVED FROM THE INVENTORY

Selena (Sleeping/Recovering)

“What is she-you-her talking about?!” Lightning Dust demands.

“My Mommy is the source we need! There was human emotion and magic powering those Siren Stones so that means there’s some of it inside of her!” you exclaim and suddenly the Flim Flam Bros light up.

“Yes of course, the frequency of the living creatures we desire to get to!” Flim exclaims.

“We can definitely focus in on that with Twilight Sparkle’s little remote,” Flam nods as he wave the device over your mom. It suddenly beeps and flashes some images and both brothers smile.

“Success!”

“So all those other worlds were for nothing in the end?” Iron Will says with a frown.

“Pretty much yup,” the older you says. “Things would have been easier if I hadn’t sent Mangle out, but you’re on the right track now.”

“I am purposefully going to be super angry and smash stuff later, but now’s not the time for that. Thanks possible future me and future Spike,” you say gratefully as you lift your Mom up, not even bothering to put her in the bag and make your way to the portal.

“No problem possible past me,” the older you waves. “Have fun fighting Chrysalis.”

“We will,” you wave before you all jump through the portal once more. After you are gone, the older you sighs and Spike looks at her conflicted.

“You think we should have warned her about what’s going to happen to your Dad?” he asks nervously and she shakes her head.

“No…even if I did, it’s not going to change what happened,” she says with a heavy sigh. “That heartache is still coming for her…for everyone.”

After once more going into the breach, you find yourself on the other side…and sure enough, this time you have hands and feet that aren’t covered in fur like that anthro dimension.

You feel at your face, noticing how squishy and flat it feels compared to normal and you beam with a smile using an unfamiliar jaw structure. Looking to your side, you see your mother, still sleeping has also been transformed. Now, you’ve seen the cartoony Humans before on TV…but in real life they don’t look nearly as bad as how your Dad described them. Sure she looks wrong, but your Mommy is just as beautiful as ever, and she also looks awesome with her punk rock attire (where did that even come from?)

And just to make sure you haven’t been duped, you look back at the portal entrance and see it is at the base of a giant horse statue that stands in front of what is clearly a school.

“Guys, we did it! We actually did it this ti-Whoa!” you tumble as you try to stand with strange jointed limbs.

Looking at the others, only the Minotaur seems in his element standing on two legs (unsurprisingly) or rather the transformed minotaur you should say.

Iron Will is still just as jacked as ever, but his horns are gone, as are his bottom hooves and no fur lines his hands. He is wearing track pants, but is still shirtless showing off a toned body covered in blueish skin.

Lightning Dust looks a little younger for a human, probably a teenager if you had to guess, and is wearing some sort of school uniform. Flim and Flam on the other hand look about the same age as they did in Equestria, though if possible they seem even more skinny.

“Okay, this is unsettling, I feel the wind on my bare skin! Where’s all my fur?!” Lightning Dust shrieks.

“Huh, this body is actually not all that different, though my knees are reversed,” Will says flexing.

“Perhaps we could build some sort of automotive chair for when visitors come to this side the first time,” Flim spitballs from the ground.

“Brilliant idea brother, they rent the chairs while they adjust to the new forms, increasing the revenue by at least 20%!” Flam nods.

“Worry about scamming people later,” you say as you force yourself to balance on your new feet. Looking over your body you are child sized, and you are wearing a pretty black and purple sun dress. “Huh, seems like something McStabFlank would make. But anyway, now that we’re here be on the lookout for a girl human with yellow and red hair and-”

“Hey are you alright?” a voice asks as you feel hands touch your shoulder, and it’s a weird sensation.

“ACK! Stranger Danger!” you cry out in shock and flail out with your unfamiliar new limb. Though it appears that even with different body parts, you still remember your signature move.

“EEEEEE!!!” someone cries out as your fist strikes their nards and they bowl over onto their back.

“Don’t freaking touch me you monkey alien-“

“Bugze are you alright?” another voice asks in concern and you freeze up. Now that you aren’t lashing out sporadically you see that your group is most assuredly not alone.

There are a group of 8 Humans standing near a parked tour bus which has the stylish words “The Wanted” written on it. 1 of the humans appears to be an adult with a big bald head and a stylized goatee and glasses, though he looks vaguely familiar, 7 of the humans are teenagers if you had to guess, and 6 of them are very familiarly colored from their skin to their hair. The other is indeed a girl with red and yellow hair.

The two closest to your group, including the one you just knocked in the pills, are also very, very familiar. The adult female human is dressed up in dark punk like clothing, and aside from a few shades of blue looks almost identical to your mother’s human form. And the guy on the ground, well if the orange spiked hair didn’t clue you in, his whining and groaning would have tipped you off.

“Oh sweet sugary Mrs. Buttersworth, I’m dying Nimmy. I’m dying…” the human version of your Dad moans.

“You’ve been hit harder than that before,” the dark blue woman grunts as she helps lift him up, eyeing you warily. “And who are you young lady to go hitting people like that?”

“I…uh…” you say at a loss for words as you look back and forth between them.

They look so weird up close! I mean they’re not ugly, but my parents are HUMANS! This is totally nuts! You think in exasperation. And I just kicked this world’s Daddy in the nards! Great introduction Shade!

“I thought it was Bugze, I mean original Bugze coming back after we saw that flash, but this is…” the girl with red and yellow hair says as she starts to walk over, followed by the rest of the Human Deadly 6, and the older dark skinned human. The girl pauses at the sight of your mother on the ground and opens her mouth in shock.

“Hey now, ain’t that Flim and Flam?” Applejack asks with a raised eyebrow as she looks to the twins.

“Who?” asks Pinkie.

“Couple of swindlers I briefly had a summer job with,” she spits.

“We’re not swindlers!” they both say.

“And isn’t that that motivational speaker that came around last semester?” Rarity asks pointing at Will and Fluttershy winces.

“Y-yeah that’s him.”

“Um, I think there’s a case of mistake-“ he starts but is interrupted.

Loganic’s Comment

“Wait a second, Lightning Dust? What the heck are you doing on this side of town?” Human Rainbow Dash demands and you companion clenches her new teeth.

“Oh screw you Dash!” she shouts and flounders towards the girl, swinging her new limb wildly. “You’re just as annoying in any dimen-*WHACK* Ow!”

Unlike you with your tried and true patented technique, Lightning Dust still hasn’t gotten used to her new limbs and has decked herself in the face, falling at the Rainbow Haired girl’s feet.

“Heh heh, stupid kids,” the bald human says in Sombra’s voice which really, really throws you off.

The buck did his hair go?

“Oookkkaaay, what’s going on here?” Human Twilight Sparkle asks, wearing glasses for some reason.

“They’re from Equestria…” the orange girl says and everyone looks to her.

“How can you tell?” asks Fluttershy and she points at your mother. It’s here that everyone, including the two adults nearest to you, really study your mother, and many side glances are thrown between her and the woman holding Human Dad up.

“She…she looks just like me…” Luna says in shock.

“Well, not EXACTLY, there’s still some slight differences,” Human Dad says looking her over. “But yeah she’s really dang close.”

“Yeah, there’s a reason for that,” you pipe up and the all turn back to you, but you look squarely at the orange girl. “Are you Sunset Shimmer?”

Her eyes widen in surprise at that, but she nods.

“Yes I am, who-“

“Listen, time is of the essence so I’ll get right down to it. My name is Nightshade. Help me Sunset Shimmer, you’re my only hope,” you plead and everyone looks wide eyed at that.

“Hold up, Nightshade?” Human Dad says nearly choking as he studies you harder.

“Isn’t that the name Bu-er, Equestrian Bugze kept-“ Luna starts and you interrupt her.

“Yes, I’m his daughter,” you interrupt before smirking at them. “In a way I guess you could say I’m YOUR daughter from another dimension.”

All these familiarly colored mystical humans go quiet after that, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Human Daddy and Mommy go a bit pale in the face as they register that information.

…Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have led with that little bombshell, you think worriedly. I know I’m in a hurry but that’s got to have fried their min-

“Oh My God! She’s So Cute!” human dad squees at the top of his lungs, before his eyes roll into the back of his head and he passes out.

“%$#@!” Luna grunts out his real name as she catches him, though even as she does, she still stares at you in complete awe, like you are a piece of art.

“Heh, talk about a hell of a start to our reunion tour,” Humbra chuckles and shakes his head. “Freaking magic aliens again.”

“Heh heh…sorry about that,” you say sheepishly. Behind you, Human Twilight whispers to Sunset.

“It’s only been a week, could Bugze really need our help already?” she asks.

“Time works differently and sporadically between the dimensions,” Sunset answers as she walks up to you. The unicorn turned girl has a look of determination on her face, and after giving a quick glance to your sleeping mom, she asks you, “What’s the situation?”

Puzzling Frost’s Comment

After a small bit of time speaking to the younger sibling you never knew you had, you feel…giddy. Your penchant for all things small and adorable doesn’t help matters, but even if that wasn’t the case, she is just so adorable! Your wobbly knees have disappeared in your newfound excitement and just like with Nightshade before her, you feel the penchant to protect this child at all costs. She is energetic, and excitable and just so interested in everything that makes you…you. If it weren’t for the hurried state you find yourself all in, you would gladly chat with Ira for hours and hours.

Didn’t think I’d be adding more to my family this soon…but it is what it is, you think with a dopey grin on your face. Hope for her part has just been smiling at your own elation, giggling at your enthusiasm and acceptance of your sister. But alas, all good things must come to an end.

With the situation being what it is, you both promised to speak more once everyone had been freed. And in a bid to be useful, Ira has taken it upon herself to guide the injured Changelings once they reach the other side.

Unlike with the electrical charge that reacted to Ira trying to come through, the Changelings simply walk through the glowing portal as if they are just crossing into another room. One, a female with two different colored eyes even steps back and forth between it with no problems whatsoever, a fact that brings comfort to the ones crossing over. And as your little sister leads the changelings down the stairs, you turn to your mother’s visage.

“Mother, there is one more thing I must mention,” you say in all seriousness.

“Yes Sombra?” Rabia she asks, turning her attention from Ira aiding the shapeshifters. “What is it? Are there more refugees coming?”

“Well yes, I assume, but I meant something else, something more urgent and personal,” you inform. At the seriousness of your tone, she raises an eyebrow and gives you her full attention.

“What could be more urgent than an enemy army occupying the Empire?” she inquires.

“There is an ally of mine, a friend really, that requires aid,” you say plainly. Her eyes become really inquisitive at that, but she urges you to continue. “There is a young hybrid filly, part changeling and part alicorn, the daughter of the one I’d been trapped in. Her name is Nightshade.”

“I recall this name, you were speaking urgently about her with Hope moments ago,” she nods. “This filly is…important to you?”

“To more than just myself…but yes,” you nod with a sigh. “She is powerful, even though she is still a child, but she has been injured. The shattered remains of the Alicorn Amulet are embedded inside her chest.”

The moment you mention the Alicorn Amulet, Rabia’s face twists in anger and you see as her eyes flash red for a moment.

“The Alicorn Amulet?!” she hisses, which causes the igloo to rumble slightly. “That damnable abomination that Amore created from the bodies of our own kin?!”

You can’t help but scowl yourself at that, having learned that info not long after you’d already destroyed that lying hypocrite princess.

“Yes the very same,” you nod sternly.

“Wait…you said shattered remains,” she says as her eyes revert to white. “It’s been destroyed?”

“Not entirely,” you shake your head. “Nightshade used it’s power to battle a powerful foe where it broke, but it’s power is still potent even as it remains in her flesh. I believe that since it’s origin came from us, that we might be able to remove it from her. Is it possible?”

Rabia pauses for a moment lost in thought, before she starts muttering under her breath with an intense look of concentration.

“Mother? Can you help her?” you ask again and this brings her out of her pondering.

“Yes,” she says with surety. “Though I would loathe touching such a twisted weapon, I should be able to remove it from her.”

You sigh in relief at that and smile genuinely at her.

“Thank you mother, I owe Nightshade much,” You say thankfully, and she gives a nod.

“I will see to it child.”

“I’m not sure that’s safe little one,” your ears perk at the sound of Derpy’s voice. You turn to see the grey mare flanked by Jack and Hope speaking with Frost and Garble.

“I agree it’s better if you come in with us. Splitting the party even more is dangerous,” Jack says with concern.

“But I can be of more help out here than inside the prison,” the blue colt says defiantly. “I don’t get cold, and anypony else escaping is gonna need help getting through the snow to this place.”

“But there’s still Yetis and Polar Bears out there,” Derpy argues weakly.

“What’s the argument here?” you ask approaching the group.

“This colt wants to stay outside rather than come into the prison with the others,” Hope says, “I think he’s still a bit out of it from those cocoons.”

“My name is Frost, and I can take care of myself!” he huffs stomping his hoof.

“Ah, so you’re the one Nightshade told us about. The halfbreed windigo who gave her some trouble.” You say staring down the colt, noticing how wispy and transparent parts of him are.

“Yeah, well…I wasn’t exactly thinking with a clear mind at the time,” he admits with a pout.

“If anything he only inconvenienced her,” Garble snarks and the colt pouts again.

You remember the tales of old, of the Windigos that nearly froze the southern pony tribes due to their animosity.

How one of those bred with a pony is anyone’s guess, you think, feeling disturbed. But still, even with that lineage…

“Mastery over ice in the arctic is indeed a useful knack, but Hope and I don’t need any more tagalongs. She got you out to avoid this very scenario,” you point out.

“I’m not talking about coming back with you guys, I’m just saying I’m in my element out here in the snow!” he barks back. “I am still a bit fuzzy because of the cocoon, but being out here on the ice gives me the advantage to help with less effort. It’s what let me make the igloo after all.”

“That may be true, but it’d be smarter to recuperate more in shelt-“ the wall eyed mare tries to argue and he interupts.

“NO! I can help! I can do this! I need to do this!” he barks as his limbs become a little more translucent and the snow at his hooves hardens a bit. “I know what’s at stake here, I’m not like the other foals! If the Changeling Queen wins, then ponies will die and it will be my fault!”

“Your fault?” you question the child who starts hyperventilating a bit.

“Yes! I was a part of Flag Burner’s revolution, I even helped recover the plant monster a few months ago! The Changelings wouldn’t have taken over if I hadn’t helped and…and…” he trails off, holding back tears as Ditzy frowns and attempts to put her hoof out, but you stop her. The Colt clutches at a locket around his neck and tries to get his breathing under control.

“Kid, none of that was any of your fault,” Jack explains gently. “Flag Burner was going to carry out his plans with our without you.”

He sighs and nods at that, but doesn’t look up.

“That’s true…but I did still help, and that guilt won’t go away. I mean, I became the monster my village thought I was, but then Nightshade and Spike treated me with kindness despite everything, but everything’s freezing now and it will turn out just like my village did,” he says dejectedly before looking up with tears in his eyes. “And I don’t want that to happen to their friends and family, not while I can atone for it in some way.”

That look and sentiment, weren’t you yourself just spouting off such things not even three days ago? You think as you sympathize with his plight. Nightshade had given you a brief rundown on this child, but until you’ve spoken with him, you didn’t know he would be a kindred spirit.

Derpy winces and looks to Jack, you, and Hope, but you ignore her.

“What is it that you wish to do?” you ask him straightforward.

Surprised at first, he gathers himself and says,

“I just wanna do whatever I can to help, even if it’s something small,” he says with determination. “I may not be at my best, but when I am I could help block out the storm in a small area. Kind of make like a tunnel or something to help get others out to the train or here to the prison when you return.”

You nod at this and ask, “And you would not recover in the safety of the prison?”

“That would take too long, the ice is helping a lot,” he argues. “Plus I wouldn’t be able to see anypony coming from in there. So please, let me help in this way, if not for myself then for Nightshade, Spike and every other scared kid trapped in the Empire.”

Well, it’s hard to say no to that conviction, you reckon. And like the bugs, the cold won’t harm him.

Before the worrying motherly side of the cross eyed mare can flare again, the small red dragon steps up and claps the colt on the shoulder, which steams from the two vastly different heat signatures.

“You know he’s just gonna do it whether you agree or not right?” Garble snarks. “Don’t worry I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Wait, you’re staying outside too?” Jack asks in surprise as even the colt looks at him questioningly.

“Yeah, the kid’s got spunk and won’t back down so neither will I,” he boasts.

“You’ve been complaining this whole time about the cold, what changed your mind?” Hope inquires.

“Oh, you know…conviction and morals and all that jazz,” he excuses with shifty eyes, which none of you buy.

“So be it then,” you say before any more arguments can be had. “But do not try to bite off more than you can chew you two, understand?”

The colt’s eyes light up before he nods and the red whelp gives a claw wave as if he’s relaxed, but you can tell he is anything but.

“Good, keep the shelter up, and keep an eye on the borders of the city,” you order before looking to Jack and Derpy. “Stay near the entrance if you’re worried about them, but get yourself to safety with my people.”

Jack takes a look at the colt and dragon before smirking and nodding.

“Yeah alright, sounds good to me, come on Ditzy,” he says tugging at the mare.

“But they-“

“They’ll be alright, we’re not gonna be far,” he reassures and the mare reluctantly relents.

As they walk away, you hear the colt whisper to the dragon,

“So what’s the real reason you’re not going into the prison?”

“Honestly? The last swamp I was in traumatized me, and I’d rather freeze my horns off than get all sweaty in there,” he admits in a whisper back and you smirk.

“You sure it’s a good idea Sombra? They’re still just kids,” Hope asks you.

“Better here than where we’re headed back to,” you shrug. “Besides, that colt wants to seek redemption, and I won’t deny him that. As another creature seeing the light at the other end of the tunnel, I sympathize.”

She looks at you for a moment in awe before she smiles that sweet grin again which melts your heart.

“Very well then,” she nods and walks back over to the portal just as Derpy and Jack enter. “Queen Rabia, Sombra and I will be heading back now. If we encounter our other allies we will send them here, but if not, we will push forth in freeing you…however we do that.”

“There is a door,” you speak up and she looks back at you.

“A door?” Rabia asks.

“Yes,” you nod. “I believe it to be the true entrance to your prison.”

Your mother’s eyes light up at that in excitement.

“Well I suppose that makes the search easier,” Hope shrugs, clearly not having expected that before a thought comes to her. “Wait, when did you find it?”

“In my secret study in the palace, I’d uncovered it thanks to Amore’s notes. I had begun research on it when the Princesses came for battle,” you explain and she suddenly looks sheepish again.

“Oh…oh okay,” she says awkwardly and you scratch the back of your own neck.

“It’s, uh, it’s fine,” you admit, not wanting bad memories to tarnish what you’ve gained back. “All I have to do is get to my study where I left Amore’s notes, and then I’ll be able to open it.”

“Freedom, blessed freedom,” Rabia says wantonly and Hope droops her ears again.

“I’m sorry that when we release you you’ll immediately have to be thrust into battle,” she apologizes but your mother just waves her hoof.

“Worry not about it Radiant Hope. Just ensure that those dampeners are down before you release us, just in case.”

“My magic has all but come back, so as long as the dampeners are not activated again, I will be able to perform the ritual,” you reassure.

“Well done my son, well done…” Rabia congratulates and you surge with pride.

“Yes, but still, be sure to stick to the shadows,” Jack warns. “You may have your power back, but the changelings outnumber you.”

You smirk at the immortal stallion and say,

“I am not the cockroach Captain, I am the king of fear and darkness. Getting into my own palace will be of no issue…”

Down With Chrysalis’s Comment

Ponygamer12’s Comment

WARGAMES’s Comment

Nightslayer’s Comment

Haoryu Changer’s Comment

After the initial shock and awe had worn off, you wasted no time in explaining exactly what has transpired the last time they saw your Dad. You have not sugarcoated it all and all of them look extremely uneasy. And from what little you’ve gathered from their snippets of conversation, it’s been one week for them since the Rock Concert your Dad talked about. In that time they’ve all gone to camp, gained magical rocks, and were seeing off Human Dad, Luna and Sombra as they started their reunion tour as a band.

“And so, that’s why I decided to come here because you guys have magic that hasn’t been dampened, so will you please help me rescue my Dad and the pony versions of you from Chrysalis?” you finish. The girls all look to one another and start murmuring.

“Not all of us will have magic, my doppelganger was a regular pony right?” Applejack asks.

“And mine is a unicorn, but would I know how to use it?” Rarity asks.

“Would we be able to adapt efficiently in new bodies?” Fluttershy points out.

“I wouldn’t mind being able to fly,” Dash boasts.

“I might be tough, but we’ve definitely gotta help out, and also save Adagio, Aria and Sonata!” Pinkie Pie implores.

“And what do you mean you kids can’t do magic? Last week’s performance blows that theory out of the water,” Humbra chides.

“I don’t think these changeling things will allow them to just start singing Sombra,” Luna reprimands.

“Would the magic of the stones we got at Camp Everfree work on the other side?” Twilight muses.

“They should if they’re Equestrian in Origin, plus I’ll have my horn again,” Sunset answers. “And Princess Twilight and her friends need help as well…”

“So, is that a yes or a no?” you ask hurriedly. “Dad’s only got so much time and everything.”

“Well of course we’re going to help,” human Dad says with determination and everyone looks to his surety. “The freaking tour can wait, I mean come on, that crazy guy did everything for us, so why the hell wouldn’t we help him?”

You smile at that, as do the other humans.

“There’s no debating that,” Sunset nods. “But we gotta play it smart if we’re diving into an occupied territory.”

“Yeah, well I’m not one for smarts,” he argues and scowls. “And besides, another version of Chrysalis is trying to ruin Bugze’s life? Well I ain’t letting that happen twice!”

Luna frowns at that as well and balls her fists up.

“Right, that whore may still be in that god awful reality talent show, but this other version…”

“Hey, hey you two, calm down. This isn’t something we can be hasty about,” Sunset placates. “We’re all going to help, but we need time to-“

“I don’t know if we got time for that Sunny,” he says resting a hand on her shoulder. “That little girl needs her Daddy after all. You understand right?”

Sunset tenses up for a moment, before she lowers her head and sighs while patting at his hand gently…and you suddenly feel a twinge of jealousy. Because the way he said that and did that gesture was just how your Dad does to you.

Mom talked about wanting to adopt her…but that can’t happen! If I get more siblings then I’M the older one! You think irrationally as your shards blip under your dress which gets all of their attention.

“Whoa, what was that?” Twilight asks intrigued.

“A pain in the butt magical doo dad that I’ll be getting rid of soon, but that’s not important right now,” you hoof, er, handwave off. “Listen, you’re all partially right, there’s no time for anything in depth, we gotta move quick. You all don’t have to come with me if you don’t want, all I need is some magic to rescue my dad before the rest of our allies proceed with the plan.”

“Well we’re all coming along, that’s a given,” Rainbow Dash boasts.

“We are?” Humbra asks.

“Yeah, we’ll follow you to help your Dad,” Fluttershy nods. “And also I wouldn’t mind saving the Dazzlings and the other versions of us, I’m sure they could come in real handy.”

“Yeah, perhaps we could split into teams?” Rarity suggests. “Have one side go for our Siren friends and the others go for Bugze and then meet back up.”

“So we’ve all just decided this huh?” Humbra grumbles, but is again ignored.

“We’ve got walkie talkie functions on our phones!” Pinkie says enthusiastically, hold a piece of plastic up similar to the one your Dad showed those pictures on.

“Um, I’m going to assume that’s something useful from those weird futurey things,” you guess and several of the girls giggle.

“That proves she’s Bugze’s kid alright,” Human Twilight chuckles. “But yes, the Sirens would be a big help if we could get them in the fight.”

“They’d be groggy for awhile after coming out of the pod sacks though,” you explain. “Heck, my Grandbuggy is still asleep after being in one and he’s a full blood changeling.”

“Well, couldn’t we wake them up by giving them a magic boost or something?” Rainbow Dash asks grasping at straws and you pause.

“Hmm, perhaps there is some merit to that,” Human Twilight says while biting at her nails. “When I was…Midnight, I did have practice with ebb and flow of magic between myself and the monkeys.”

“So it is possible perhaps? Like giving someone an adrenaline shot?” Sunset suggests.

“In theory, yes, good idea Rainbow,” Twilight says.

“Wait really?” the girl sputters before coughing and trying to play it cool. “I mean, totally, no problem.”

And while Applejack and the others roll their eyes, you process that information as you look at your mother’s transformed body. Suddenly enlightenment comes over you.

“Whoa what’s with the expression Nightshade?” B2 asks noticing your demeanor.

“I’ve got an idea!” you exclaim as you look to Sunset. “You guys still got those magic rocks?”

“Um, yes?” she says. “They won’t be able to help the Dazzlings from this side though so we’ll have to be in person to-“

“Forget about the seahorses for now! I’ve got two other subjects for you!” you exclaim, and with that you reach into your Inventory turned purse and flop Grandbuggy onto the ground next to your mom.

REMOVED FROM THE INVENTORY

Grandbuggy

Just like you and the rest, he has been humanized, with dark colored skin, a shiny bald head, and his wrinkles are even more pronounced. As always though, he is wearing his bowler hat, along with clothes that you would normally find on a gambler in the Old West.

“Wha-Where-That is a statistical impossibility!” Twilight sputters as from her view you just pulled a grown man out of a tiny bag.

“It’s bigger on the inside,” you explain simply and the human girl puts a hand to her forehead.

“I never even attempted such experiments when I had the power, but this is…this…”

“Ah, there she goes again,” Applejack snarks and the others laugh. Everyone that is except for your dad’s double.

“What’s wrong man?” Humbra asks B2 as he stares in absolute shock at Grandbuggy on the ground.

“No way…Gr-Granddaddy?” B2 sputters in shock at the sight of the old man.

You look up at him at that, confused by his expression and tone. It’s not till you see human Luna put a hand on his shoulder and give him a sad shake of the head that you put the pieces together.

“Oh…um,” you say awkwardly as you didn’t even account for Grandbuggy’s counterpart not being alive in this world.

“…No, it’s uh, nevermind,” B2 says shaking his head and holding out a reassuring hand. “This is YOUR Granddad, or rather Great Grand Dad…not mine.”

“I’m…I’m sorry,” you say sheepishly but he handwaves the statement.

“It’s nothing, it’s been quite a few years. I was just surprised is all,” he tries to play it off, but you can hear that underlying sadness.

Ah geeze, now I feel inconsiderate and guilty, you think forlornly.

“Umm…why exactly did you bring this old man out again?” Sunset asks interrupting the depressing atmosphere.

“Oh, right!” you snap out of it and turn to her. “You’re all talking about magicing the Sirens back into fighting shape, but right here and now my Mommy and Grandbuggy could use a wake up call.”

Sunset quirks a brow at that, but then her eyes widen in understanding, followed shortly thereafter by Twilight.

“Do we have time though?” she asks and you steel your gaze.

“No we don’t, but let’s do it anyway,” you order. “Because Queen Chrysalis has my Daddy, and I know for a fact Mommy isn’t going to stand for that…”

Your thoughts swirl in the inky blackness of the dreamscape. Memories mix with recent stimuli and form a non-cohesive narrative.

You stand in a trench, somewhere in Canterlot with many other changelings. How there is a trench dug into compacted stone, you have no clue, but it’s there. Your chest hurts immensely and your heartbeat feels funny as pony magic showers down around you.

“9001! I told you to move those podded ponies into the basement, not the Donut Shop!” Sergeant Pharynx, all 12 feet of him, yells at you as an explosion detonates, erasing several of your fellow changelings from existence.

“I’m sorry sir, I just got out of the infirmary,” you excuse but it falls on his giant deaf ears.

“Well you should have remained dead you worthless maggot! Because now the ponies have regrouped! It’s Game Over and it’s all your fault!” he scolds as laser beams strike at him, popping him like a balloon.

“No! It’s not my fault! It can’t be!” you exclaim as all the other changelings get shot, leaving only you. Surrounding you are the forms of many ponies in silhouette, not one of them can be clearly seen. “I was stationed in the caves! This isn’t my…fault?” you guess. It’s then that the strange inconsistencies of this situation come to you.

“Yeah, wait a minute, I was in the caves on the recon team!” you say to the surrounding shadowed ponies. “Chrysalis killed me after I gave Cadence food and water, and after she brought me back I was holed up in the caves until the invasion went sideways, and then the magic wave hit and...”

You shake your head and facehoof.

“I’m bucking dreaming aren’t I?” you say aloud, and as if that’s the magic words, the dream begins to crack all around you. “That’s right, I got choked out by Pharynx at the party and…I’m still asleep from that!”

“Wow, you’re so smart they should give you a diploma for figuring out the blatantly obvious!” a cruel, twisted voice says and your eyes widen. As the dream breaks all around you, you see in the sea of shadowed pony figures one who is now colored in. Your “Friend.”

“You?!” you accuse and he smiles, showing way too much teeth to be genuine.

“Guess you better wake up now before you forget how,” he taunts.

And as the dream collapses, you hear another distant voice ask,

"'It's been a while hasn't it?'" The voice then sighs and immediately says, "No..."

At first, you think you are dreaming again, and that that jerk calling himself your friend is back…but the soreness on your throat from being choked out is pretty definitive in convincing you otherwise.

"We meet again, my one and only worthy partner!" the feminine voice says again further pulling you from the hazy dreamscape. The voice is familiar, and disturbing…but you can’t quite figure out why. You hear them dismiss themselves again and say,

"'Ah! My one true lover! We have been brought together once more!' Yes! That's it!"

One true lover? What is going…on? Your thoughts trail off as you blink the haziness away and see exactly where you are, and then you remember exactly who owns that voice. Oh Buck!

You are currently bound by manacles on every limb and sitting on an ornate couch next to a large and lavish bed, and to make matters even more scary, your borrowed armor is no longer on, and there are round, metallic glove like things covering your hooves.

If that weren’t bad enough, fancy set up is currently dead center in the middle of Cadence and Shining’s throne room, or at least what’s left of it.

The thrones have been disgraced and graffitied, and hanging from the ceiling above the chairs are 11 pods. The Elements, Princesses, Shining, and Spike are all cocooned and set up like trophies, and strangely some of them have their heads free.

Oh buck, oh buck, oh buck, oh buck! You mentally scream as come to realize that you are smack dab in the middle of Chrysalis’s new throne. The last time you met her in a castle, you had been in control, you had had the power while she’d been weakened. Oh how the tables have turned.

“Hmm, perhaps I could come in with some refreshments? Social etiquette would force him to take one…” you hear your former larvaehood friend muttering just out of sight and a cold sweat breaks out over your chitin.

Stupid bucking Pharynx! Buck you Thorax! Your brother is still the same evil pain in flanks he always was! You think angrily, before trying to focus your thoughts. But I’ll yell at you later. Where the heck are Nightshade and Hope’s group? Did they get captured too?

Through the ground you hear a muffled crash and you hear the Changeling Queen sigh in frustration.

“Seriously, how hard is it to subdue one lousy machine?” she grumbles. “Perhaps the cold will damage it’s gears and that brat and slut will finally show up for it…”

Alright, so she seems distracted, you realize as you try to come up with a plan. I’m chained up again, and now my hooves are encased in metal…for some reason. I can either play dead or try to sneak out and-

“Psst! Bugze!” a whisper cuts through your thoughts.

What the-? You think as you look for the source.

“Up here!” the voice whispers again. Looking up, you see Cadence, one of the few with her head free from the cocoon, and she is looking at you urgently.

“Cadence?” you whisper back.

“Bugze! Use black magic on the throne and stairs will appear!” she urges you.

“Stairs?” You mouth at her before last year’s events come back to you. Oh right, that big hole in the ground that I followed Spike into that had the scary door.

You have to admit, as emergency escape routes go, you could do worse…but unfortunately.

“I can’t Cadence,” you say reluctantly and her eyes widen. “Selena and Sombra aren’t in my head anymore. I can’t use that kind of magic anymore.”

She looks at you for brief few seconds in surprise before her face falls,

“Buck!” she curses, and you feel for her. With Chrysalis’s mental facilities as they are the only reason she would have some of the captive’s heads free is to taunt them. Unable to move or use magic, it would be maddening after three days. “What about Nightshade?”

“I don’t know where she’s at!” you whisper back. “I got captured rescuing Grandbuggy, but hopefully they’ve gone for help and-“

“What about your Saddle Bag?” Twilight’s voice suddenly whispers. Looking over you see her too looking out of sorts, but her head is also free. “Don’t you have any black magic devices in there?”

“I don’t have that either!” you whisper shout in frustration. “And even if I did there’s nothing in there that…does…that…?”

You trail off as you see both alicorns looking mortified as they look just over your shoulder. Gulping, you slowly and reluctantly turn around on the couch…and your vision is filled by green eyes. Eyes drowning in madness, obsession, and twisted love that strikes fear into your very core as a sickeningly sweat voice echoes throughout the throne room,

"Why hello my Love Bug~!"

Faced with that, there is really only one logical reaction you could take.

“AAAHHHH!!! Would You Kindly Buzz Off?!” you shriek like a filly as you thrust your hoof out at Chrysalis’s unnerving smile and attempt to pump Electro Bolt into her.
Unfortunately…

“BBBBZZZZZTTTTGGHHHAGAGAGAEEEE!!!” you rattle off as not only does your hoof heat in immense pain, but the casings around your hooves reflect the lightning back into yourself, lighting up every nerve in your body.

After a few seconds, which seem to be an eternity of pain, the discharge stops and you fall back onto the couch, with some smock wafting off of your hair.

Chrysalis smirks at that as she waves away some of the smoke with her wings, and as she does you see the crystal heart fitted around her abdomen.

“Now now @#$%&, there’s no need for that foolishness right now,” she coos and runs a hoof down your cheek. “I mean if you wish to continue, you’ll only hurt yourself more, but that just means I can nurse you back to health even longer…”

The insinuation makes a chill run down your spine, and you realize that at this moment, you don’t even have your plasmids to fall back on.

“Buck…” you breathe out…but you realize that is exactly the wrong word you could have used as her eyes sparkle.

“Oh don’t worry, we will my lover. We most certainly will…” she says with lidded eyes and you squirm and sink back into the chair more.

“But you’ll have to be patient, there’s still some loose threads after all. How about we catch up and get into the mood a bit before we get onto the main event?” she insinuates and rubs her hoof through your mane.

Whimpering, you look up at Twilight and Cadence who both look grossed out and full of pity for you.

“I Need an Adult!” you screech.

“I Am an Adult,” she says back calmly with a snake like flicker of her tongue.

WHAT DO YOU DO?