"What do you mean they won?!", Rainbow Dash was in full panic mode.
"The Queen herself joined in to make sure they weren't defeated," Feather Weight informed.
"But, why weren't we notified?!"
"That's why I came Commander! My squad and I stayed with the changelings to help, and I am the only one to survive!"
"What?! What of the other squads?"
"They were beheaded. It was both a sign of anti-resistance, and a warning to me as to not dilly dally on my trip back. And yes, I made sure I wasn't followed."
"How did Red Dawn add that much aid? I mean, she is the best with magic, but I don't see her presence changing much."
"She has gained some new powers. I fear she may have somehow unlocked almighty power or something. First when she initially arrived, she turned the changelings' manticore army against them, then she shot some sort of magical beam into the ceiling that made it collapse!"
"WHAT?!", if there was anything past panic mode, Rainbow had entered it.
"I know, I don't understand either. But when she emerged from the changeling queen's chambers, she held the horn of Chrysalis."
"Hmm...HMMM! What to do?! What to do?! We have to storm them right now! We have to kill her before she can do anything else!"
"Commander! Calm down a little bit. Maybe it would be best if you go for a walk," Pineshield was looking up from the hospital bed with caring eyes. "You haven't slept well, and you've been stuffing yourself in the planning room for the past month! Now, with all due respect, go take a walk before you injure yourself, ma'am!", he held his week foreleg up to his forehead and saluted.
"A walk? Are you sure? What if-"
"We'll send a soldier to watch you in case that happens."
"But if-"
"He'll protect you if anything happens."
Do you see my face? It is not amused."
"I know...you'd probably be the one to save his life. But it would be best to have more than one pony alone at a time, in case anything does happen."
"I guess you're right. Feather Weight, walk with me"
"Yes ma'am. Shall I change into my casual apparel?", Feather Weight asked.
"As you wish, meet me at the library. That is where I wish to start off my walk.
"Yes ma'am."
In front of the library, two ponies met to go for a walk. Rainbow Dash hadn't seen Ponyville in forever. The first stop on her walk, was to visit an old friend she hadn't seen since Twilight changed. Without any delay, she approached the door to the library and knocked five times.
"Bwah? Five knocks! Who's there?!", came a deep dragon voice from inside.
"Is this still Spike's residence?", Rainbow replied.
The sound of hurried feet came towards the door, and it swung open.
"Rainbow?! Is that really you?!", Spike cried out.
"I would say hey kiddo, but it seems you're not a kiddo anymore," Rainbow gave him a warm smile.
"Yeah, it's been a while. So I see you freed us from the Queen's rule for now," he looked towards Rainbow Dash's hooves. "I don't know why she did it."
"Yes I know, it shocked us all. But you need to know that I am doing everything I can to find out what caused it, and keep you safe."
"Yeah, I know. Where're the others? I don't know much of what happened after y'all left."
Rainbow looked down, trying to find the correct words, then looked back into his eyes. "Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie left, Rarity joined Twilight, and was thus promoted to the highest rank. And Applejack stayed by my side the whole way," she smiled after adding the last part.
"Where is Applejack? I figure she would be with you on your trip into town."
Rainbow gulped. She knew what was about to come would be the worst so far. "I don't know. She...she was taken in the battle for Los Pegasus."
Spike looked on in shock and dis-belief. "What?! You mean, Twilight took her? What do you think she's done to her? I hate to say it, but she's changed so much, nothing would surprise me."
"Don't think like that! She's done some nasty thing. Things only me and my men have seen, but don't go thinking what's she's done to one of her old friends. She hasn't killed one of us so it won't be as easy."
"So what are you doing in town?", Spike was perking up a bit.
"Oh, you know. Just taking a walk around the town I freed from evil. And-", her stomach angrily growled. "Uh...I just realized, I haven't eaten all day."
"But it's two in the afternoon."
Yeah. I'm off to the diner. See ya later Spike."
She gave him a hug and was turning to leave but he interjected. "Wait! Can I come too? I haven't been out much, and I haven't seen you in forever!", he begged.
"Sure thing! We can catch up some more over some lunch!"
"Uh...I know it's more of a mare's thing to say but... I need to freshen up a little before we head out. I don't think I've bathed all week."
"But it's Thursday!"
"Yeah...I've become kind of a hermit, and I stay locked up in my room reading books."
"Well hurry up! You've gotta show me what's changed since I left. And what the best places to eat are."
"Okay, be right back!"
Rainbow looked at Feather Weight and he just shrugged.