It had now been twelve hours since 011 had teleported Fluttershy to Twilight's home and the high drone had fallen asleep. Not in Fluttershy's warm bed, but on the couch. He slept on his stomach seeing how his wing was still slightly torn from being attacked by the chimera. It had healed quite fast during the time he had spent with Fluttershy, but ever since 011 harshly forced her to leave, he could tell that it was taking much more time for it to fully heal even though 011 did not know the reason why. Outside, the Everfree forest was lit up by the moon which shone brightly throughout the night. To the changelings, whenever the moon shone its brightest, it meant that the fallen princess, nightmare moon, was in a good mood. Most changelings were aware that nightmare moon had been transformed back into the true princess of the night, Luna, a couple of years ago but others were convinced that a spark of tyranny remained inside of her, one of those "others" being 011 himself.
It seemed peaceful in the cottage, especially since Angel was still trapped inside the washing machine. It wasn't as though 011 had forgotten about him. He still fed him a couple of carrots every few hours seeing how he felt pitiful for the poor rabbit. But for now, he too, was sleeping peacefully, trying to make the best of his imprisonment. Unfortunately for the both of them, that peace was shortly disrupted as several loud bangs came from the front door. 011 woke up feeling a little groggy and got of the couch slowly and looked at the door. The banging noises still continued, each knock getting louder and louder. "Surely that yellow pegasus has not been foolish enough to return"? Thought the changeling, finding it hard to believe that Fluttershy had come back to the cottage for whatever reason. And he knew that it certainly couldn't have been the uberling, since when do giant bloodthirsty monsters knock? Just to be on the safe side, he changed into his usual pegasus disguise and walked towards the door. Before he opened it, he checked the time on a small clock hanging from the wall which told him it was 4:20am. "I hope it's not another nocturnal animal". He muttered to himself as he had already been awoken by a loud hooting owl earlier on. 011 opened the door.
Standing before him was the purple unicorn known as Twilight Sparkle. Her face looked quite serious with a hint of anger. "Are you the one that the yellow pegasus calls Twilight"? He asked knowing he had brought this on himself seeing how he sent Fluttershy to Twilight's in the first place. "Her name is Fluttershy! And yes, I am as a matter of fact". She said, keeping her eyes fixed onto 011's. "Then I suspect you have come for what you see as justice after the wedding incident. To punish me for crimes I did not commit"? Asked 011. He knew that Twilight was the sister of the groom the day the changelings attacked Canterlot. "I have come to protect my friend from you, you monster"! She began to yell, ignoring the last part of 011's sentence, as her anger started to grow. But he was right, Twilight was partly doing this for revenge for her brother. 011 transformed back into his usual changeling form, it was obvious he was fooling nopony. He even backed up to allow Twilight into the cottage. "Perhaps you would take some joy in knowing I had nothing to do with the attack on Canterlot and that I myself despise that foul being known as Chrysalis"? Twilight was caught off guard by hearing a changeling speak against his queen in such a foul manner. Nevertheless, she was prepared to blast the changeling into oblivion with her magic if he made one wrong move. "What are you talking about? You are meant to serve Chrysalis. How can you call her something like that"? "My reasons for rebellion against Chrysalis are my own to keep. However, onto more important things. What do you plan to do with me? Capture? torture? kill"? 011 did not show any emotion as he had already gone through this when he discussed the same thing with Fluttershy when they had first met. As he expected, Twilight was shocked by his words. "Kill? I-I would never kill anypony. Especially something as evil as you"! "Touching to say the least. But I must know one thing before you do what you must against me". "What would you care about"? "Is she alright?, the yellow pegasus? I understand she was quite upset earlier"? Twilight gave a small sarcastic laugh. She obviously thought the changeling was just trying to trick her so it could escape. "Why would something like you care about Fluttershy"? "Because she is the first pony I have met who is not corrupt, selfish and hateful. Much like yourself right now". He gave a small smile as he saw that his words had a negative effect on Twilight. Before Twilight could say, or do, anything else, the room filled up with a bright white light. Both 011 and Twilight turned round to face the direction of the light which grew bigger and bigger until it eventually reached the ceiling. Within a matter of seconds, it died down. Now standing in the middle of the room, was the one pony 011 hoped he would never have to meet, Princess Celestia herself. She stared down at the changeling which was a little over half her size. Her face showed no emotion, like 011's earlier who now grew nervous at the sight of the huge figure looming over him.
"Princess Celestia"! yelped a now suddenly happy Twilight as she ran past 011 and to Celestia, giving her a small nuzzle of affection. "A pleasure to see you Twilight. I see you found Fluttershy's new friend". 011 gave a little groan immediately after hearing the word *Friend*. "With respect your highness, the yellow pegasus you speak of and myself are far from being friends". Even though 011 disliked ponies, he still showed respect to the princess, especially since she had the power to do whatever she wanted with him. Expecting the princess to treat him with anger and rudeness, like her subject Twilight had done only mere moments ago, he was surprised to be met with a warm smile. "That isn't what Fluttershy has told me changeling. She says that you have some good in you. And I myself, after all the things she has said about you, agree".
If a changeling's jaw could stretch down and touch the floor, 011 was showing a very good example of it right now. "Pardon me your highness, unless I am highly mistaken, you think I am not a horrible abomination like your subject Twilight believes I am"? "That is correct changeling". Twilight felt a little hurt that the changeling thought that she despised him. In a way she did, but the way he said it made it that much worse. But before long, the Princess's warm smile begun to turn into a serious look. "Fluttershy also mentioned that there is some sort of monster after you. Something called an Uberling"? "I'm afraid so. And it will find its way here in a days time". Princess Celestia looked to Twilight for a second, then back to 011. "Changeling, please wait outside while I discuss this matter with Twilight". "Are you not concerned that I could just run away if you left me alone"? "Even if you did, I doubt you would get far with a princess chasing after you". The princess replied with a small grin. "...Very well". Replied 011 as he trotted outside and closed the door.
Ten minutes passed and 011 had now been reduced to counting blades of grass waiting for the two ponies inside to finish talking about whatever they were planning to do. However, 011 was not alone for long. 011 did not know it, but Fluttershy was trotting up the path with a smile on her face after seeing that 011 was not harmed. She then proceeded to running up to him as fast as her four hoofs would let her. "Silver! I'm so glad to see that you are safe"! 011 looked up and was immediately greeted by a bone crushing hug from the over excited pegasus. It felt like he was being constricted by an anaconda. "...thank...you...". 011 managed to wheeze out, finding it hard to move or even breathe. Eventually, she released the poor changeling and let 011 fill his lungs with oxygen once more and allowed him to talk. "So I see that you brought the princess with you to see me". "Oh, well actually, She was already with Twilight. At first I didn't know she was there but after I told Twilight that I was keeping you with me-". "Perhaps you should have told her I was just a regular pony who needed a place to stay for a couple of nights"? "... I-I guess I could have, but I didn't want to lie to Twilight like I did with Rainbow Dash. I hope you don't mind". "A little late to apologize, but go ahead". "After I told Twilight I was keeping you at my house, she immediately headed over here as fast as she could. And before I could say anything else, Princess Celestia emerged from the basement and... well... I told her about you as well...". "I know. She seemed quite... calm... when I met her". "And I even tried to put in a good word for you so that you wouldn't be badly treated, I mean, it's not like the Princess would treat you badly but... I didn't want to risk it". "There is one thing I don't understand". "What is it"? "Twilight ran here which would have taken at least fifteen minutes and the Princess immediately teleported here after you had finished putting in a good word for me, correct"? "That's right. I decided to walk. I didn't want to be much of a bother, what with the Princess having to teleport me as well". "... I see. So unless I'm mistaken, you spent fifteen minutes putting in a good word for me"? "I did". Fluttershy said smiling. "How did you manage that"? "Well, I also told her everything that happened from when we first met, to the point where you teleported me away for my own good". "And you did that for me"? "Of course. You are my friend". "... Thank you. I really appreciate that".
The door to the cottage opened up and Princess Celestia walked out, followed by Twilight. The princess looked over to 011 and spoke. "We have decided the best course of action for this situation Changeling". 011 simply nodded, unsure what to expect. "The royal guard will search the forest for this uberling threat and deal with it. As for yourself, you will be escorted to Canterlot and locked up until we can decide your fate". Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest, but 011 put his hoof over her mouth and shook his head towards her. "Understood. I accept the charges, but on one condition. I am allowed to take one item of my choice with me". Celestia smiled and nodded. "Granted changeling. What item will you take with you"? 011's horn began to glow and in a matter of seconds, his golden locket, surrounded in a green aura, floated past Celestia and Twilight and slid itself over 011's head and around his neck. "This locket. It is all I'll need". "And what exactly is in it"? Asked Twilight, suspiciously. 011 twisted his head towards her her. "It's personal". Was all he said before he was engulfed by a ball of white light which disappeared in an instant, and 011 with it. Princess Celestia was about to do the same until, "Princess Celestia"? The Princess turned her head to the sound of the voice, it was Fluttershy. "He will be okay, won't he"? The Princess couldn't help but smile at her. She had a heart of gold. "You have nothing to worry about my dear. I promise that no harm will come to your friend". She said to the timid pegasus before she herself disappeared.