Chapter 4: The Great Escape
In Canterlot the sky began to set as the princess finished putting away a stack of documents. They each had different information regarding the details of pony disappearance cases. The shield had been down since noon. Yet Twilight had not arrived. She was about to leave her desk when a scroll appeared in a puff of green fire. "Princess we need your help! Apple Bloom and sweetie Belle have been kidnapped. Scootaloo said some sort of strange monster took them. I think it may have been some sort of attack please help. Spike & Twilight Sparkle." said the letter as she rolled it with her magic. Surprised by the news, she quickly galloped out the door and searched for somepony to alert the guards. The halls were empty as she trotted through. Eventually she made it to the garden where she found a royal guard watching the gate. "You there I need you to inform Captain Armor of the dilemma in Ponyville. She commanded. "We will need a small brigade at once I fear that this may be much more than what it seems."
"A dilemma your majesty?" How exactly do I explain that to him?" he replied now in the air.
"Take this scroll he will know of the situations that have been occurring there. This may be the lead to finally understanding of what's been happening as of late." Said Celestia as she began to become impatient. "Prepare my chariot and inform Princess Luna of this as soon as she returns from her duty. The guard then quickly took off in the direction of the west wing of the castle. Celestia herself walked toward the front of the castle where the troops had already began to assemble. She stood valiantly as Shining armor began taking role. There we're as many as thirty ponies that were already armored and in position to fly. Shining Armor himself was restless and ready to throw his life away for his kind. He sat upon a carriage that held unicorns that were already charging a huge teleportation spell that will get them about halfway there Celestia watched and charged her horn as well. "Captain are you and your stallions ready" she asked.
"Yes your majesty" he answered. "Phase one go!" A collection of different colored auras began to surround all the troops and Celestia herself. "Start Phase two now!" he shouted as a giant flash consumed them.
South of Ponyville
The sky was calm and peaceful until a giant flash reappeared and the royal guard flew out undamaged. They were all accounted for. The wings of the royal guard Pegasus pounded the air as they all began to rise into the air. "The teleportation was a success and Ponyville is nearly in sight your majesty" said the Captain of the Guard checking his tired troops. He seemed to be tired himself due to the amount of magic he and the other unicorns had used in teleporting every one of them that far. Celestia nodded her head in gratitude as they flew steadily towards Ponyville.
"Your highness! Over here!" shouted a familiar voice. "Twilight and the others were headed over to the North of town. We'll be there in about fifteen minutes and wow you guys got here faster than I thought!"
"Thank you Rainbow Dash. Lead the way." replied Celestia as the carriage turned in the direction that the cyan Pegasus went.
At the entrance to the forest
Rarity and Apple jack were already searching every little nook and cranny for their lost sisters. "Anything yet Rarity? Any sign of them?" asked Applejack with tears forming in her eyes. "If they hurt them I'm gonna be burning mad!" She then bucked a tree with all her might causing it to nearly come off its roots. She then sat there contemplating on what she would do to those responsible once she finds them.
"Applejack! Calm down! I can't focus with that racket you are causing. It's... It's ..." she complained before falling to the ground and covering her head with her hooves." We're never gonna find em." she cried as she began to sob even more.
Suddenly, a bright pink flash appeared with Twilight and Pinkie inside of it. "Girls? There you are!" shouted Twilight as she approached the two of her saddened friends. "Don't worry we will find them. The princess is gonna send help."
"How Twilight? We don't even know where in tarnation they took em" said Applejack as she began to get up a walk towards Twilight. "Big Mac has been out here all day! He kicked how many of these trees over just searching for lil sis and now he's out there as angry as a Minotaur that lost his bits purse."
"If you had been listening to Scootaloo's story to finish. You would have known to search where the path leads to lake. That's the area she said the girls were taken." said Twilight in a reassuring tone.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get our sisters! Shouted Rarity getting up on all fours. "These hooligans are gonna pay dearly for stealing away my dear Sweetie Belle!"
"Then what are we standing around here then why don't we just get over there and search for them now?." shouted Pinkie already fifty feet away from her friends on the path leading to the North.
"Pinkie weren't you just behind me a second ago?" said Twilight looking behind her." Anyway let's go!" as she began to trot over to where Pinkie was walking as well began to walk again.
In the Diamond dog mines.
The three were busy at work digging away at the walls of dirt that have been full of little red ruby that looked like they would be pretty damn valuable back home. The three of them have been working for quite a while an were beginning to get annoyed. It was dig, find a diamond, throw it in the mine cart and then dig again. The guards that were watching seemed to be cracking jokes until the scruffy voice of a certain dog burst in.
"You there hairless one you are coming with me" said Rover with an evil grin. "The king and his advisor will see you now."
"Oh yeah? Well tell your highness that if he wants to see me he'd have to do better than sending me some weakling like you to get me" Joe replied still grinning. "OH and is he as ugly as you are? Cause damn! Am I tired of seeing all these stanky dogs?" R.R shot a glance to that looked like he didn't quite like that line. Joe then realized that he was actually helping a dog himself. So, he turned over to R.R. "No offense" I say hoping that he will forgive him for that.
"Wise guy eh? Why don't I make you remember your place" Rover replied from that earlier statement about him. He quickly gave him a zap and simply asked "More?"
Joe then quickly gave the hand gesture for time out." Okay! Okay! I'll go with ya..." R.R gave the signal that the plan was in action and that Its time to try to get his hands on Rover's keys. but, not until they've gotten to a more secluded place. Soon after that both Tombstone and R.R went back to digging as Rover undid the chains for Joe allowing him to follow him to where the so called king will examine him. Rover led the way through the tunnel Joe couldn't help but notice the different types of little horses working around here. They were all brightly colored and they all had a little mark on each of their flanks but, there was one thing that could easily define what kind of horse they were. Horns and wings, several of them were either a Pegasus, Unicorn or a regular horse. Joe couldn't help but feel a bit weirded out seeing these things. "I thought these things were only in myths and friggin story books. But, Damn I didn't Think they would be this short." Joe thought to himself. Just then a regular brown horse came at him as if it was trying to tell him something. He had some sort of muzzle on it and what seemed to be an hour glass or something for its mark. Rover seemed to see this and gave the little guy a shock. "Yo! Stop that man! You're hurting it!" Shouted Joe as He grabbed at his arm. Rover then turned towards him and shocked him as well.
"You better learn your place. Now keep going we aren't Far." he commanded pulling at the chain that was connected to the collar. They kept walking until they finally got to a rather fancy looking door. It was decorated in all sorts of gems and precious metals. There was gold, silver, a bit of bronze and a crapload of diamonds all over it. It was as if you let a little five year old go crazy on your bedroom door with a little bedazzler.
"Damn that is fancy." Joe said in awe just enjoying the sight of the door.
"I know right?... Gah! Just shut up." Replied Rover after shaking himself free of a trance. He then knocked on the door and went in to let the creatures behind it know. Rover then yanked on the chain pulling Joe in to see that behind the door was nothing but a big dirt room that had candles illuminating it. In the middle of the room sat a hooded figure on a cheaply done throne and another Diamond dog but, in some sort of royal looking outfit. They seemed to be royal seeing that they were much cleaner than Rover and his gang of lackeys
"Sire I have brought the unknown creature we found above. It refuses to give us any information on it. So, we made it work till your arrival." said Rover as he knelt In front of it. We were hoping that you would know what it is so that-"
"Silence!" the hooded figure screamed as he stood up. "Let me examine this creature myself." He walked over to me and let out some kind of green aura flow from its hand onto Joe's head
"Mm. Hmm. Aha! Ha! Ha! This one...this one is full of Potential... Intriguing... Ready him to leave we will take him with us as soon as we return. We will be heading out very soon." He said in a creepy voice.
"Yes sire" answered Rover. "Now come here you!"
"Wait! I have a few questions! " Joe managed to shout just as Rover began to tug on his chain.
"You dare speak!" shouted Rover as he prepared to strike him.
"Let him speak said the hooded figure. "I am curious to see what he desires to know."
"Alright..." said Rover as he backed away.
"Alrighty then. First things first who the Heck are you? " Joe ask out of curiosity.
"I am King Rex Remington of the Diamond dogs." He said taking off the hood. His face was shocking to Joe seeing as he began to back away from the king. The figure under the hood revealed him to be none other than R.R.
"That can't be. You can't be him.". Joe muttered still shocked. "R.R what the hell man?"
Everyone but Joe began laughing in the room. Rex had begun laughing so hard that he had fallen back into his seat.
"You truly believe that I am that little cretin. Agnis tell him the story. Tell him of Good ol R.R."
"Why certainly. Your highness." The royally dressed one snickered.
"The One you speak of is my brother and the former King. He believed in useless things and the ideals of righteousness. He made me sick. We were both saddened by father's death. But, he was the one to take the throne Not I but, he. I knew that I would never make it to the throne unless He was to give it to me. I knew he was going to refuse so, I had to do it another way. Since members of the royal family cannot harm each other. I had no other choice than to hunt for the perfect replacement. The help of a changeling was all I needed." Agnis explained.
"And what exactly is a changeling?" interrupted Joe.
"That would be me!" Said Rex as his face and body seemed to change. Flames of green shot from his body. His body seem to change from a bipedal canine into some sort of four legged, bug shelled freak of nature. Its physical features were pretty easy to identify. Its eyes were big and blue. Its body was made of some sort of jet black hard spiky material, there were holes covering his hooves, fangs, bug wings and a big black blade like horn on its forehead. "Ahh... It feels so good to be back in my original body. The body of a diamond dog feels just way too stiff." He said exposing his wings and fangs. "My name is Culex, General of the Changeling army. My Queen will enjoy meeting you. She loves big lean meals."
"Well fuck you! I ain't gonna become someone's dinner."nsaid Joe as He stood up for himself.
Culex began laughing at the gesture. "What do you think you're doing? You think I'd waste my time on such a pathetic creature as yourself? Forget it."
"What did I say about you talking? You will learn soon." Said Rover as he shocked Joe once again.
"Take him away. We are tired of his crude remarks for the moment. We must prepare for departure. See you later dinner boy." said Culex as he covered himself and Agnis in a ball of green flames and we're gone.
"Come Slave! We are gonna prepare for your departure." Said Rover as he grabbed the chain still attached to the floor. He led Joe away from the room and back into the tunnels.
"So do you all just listen to some big stink bug or are there others" Joe asked still pissed off and a bit confused."
"Shut Up! Stop talking!" he shouted. He seemed to be angry now. they turned to another path and straight into a door that was full of cages, muzzles, collars and a whole assortment of chains.
"You are going to get in here" He said as he dropped the chains and began to work on a cage.
Finally an opportunity opened and Joe took it. He grabbed a muzzle grabbed a muzzle and slapped it onto Rover's mouth. Rover panicked and began to grab for it on his mouth. Joe then grabbed an old chair that sat near and smacked it right on his head. The chair splintered out into a mess of different pieces and littered the area. Rover fell down unconscious. Joe just stood there panting with a leg of the chair still in his hand. "Damn" He cursed looking at a cut on his left arm. He must've got from the chair breaking in his hand. Blood slowly flowed out of the sleeve of his jacket. He then started searching for whatever he could find to at least cover it up. He picked up what seemed to be a red piece of cloth and immediately began to wipe at the wound. Strangely The cut on his arm had disappeared. There was nothing left but the blood that had bled out. "What the fuck?" He asked himself rubbing the area that once held the wound."That's new." The sounds of moaning quickly brought his mind back to the matter at hand. He dropped the bloody rag and turned towards Rover who seemed to be getting up. Joe quickly ran over and gave him a kick in the gut. "Not so funny when it's you isn't it?" Joe managed to say flipping him over. Rover was once again unconscious as He began to dig through his pockets. He quickly found a bag that was laced up and opened it. "Cha-Ching! Holy crap coins! Thanks Rover, you shouldn't have. "He thanked as he pocketed the bag. "What else do we have here? Bones, a stick, is this supposed to be a baseball?...Sick! A Dead bird!" He managed to completely empty out the pocket on his left. Now to the right side. He flipped him over once again and gems spilled out of it. They were all sorts of them blue ones, rubies, emeralds. They all went into Joe's pocket as well.
He found a lot of leaves, an acorn pipe and finally what He had come for. The keys were made from a mix of silver and gold embedded with little green gems. He couldn't keep his eyes off of them. But eventually, He remembered the plan and brought the key to the collar. The collar clicked and fell to the ground with a heavy thud. He couldn't help but rub his sneck from the relief. "Hey Rover. Thanks for the help man. Really appreciate it." said Joe said mockingly as he walked out. The tunnels were silent except for the sounds of shovels and hooves on stone. For some reason the dog guards were nowhere in sight. The path was nice and peaceful so, the tunnels didn't give any problems in trying to find the path back to his new friends. While on the way to R.R and Tombstone, the sounds of little girls screaming caught his attention and he began to run towards it. He turned a corner and saw an opening with a light shining out of it and the cackle of a dog. Joe watched as the dog opened up a cage and pick up a little filly that was crying. She was a shade of yellow and wore a pink bow.
"How do I turn you off? The noise hurts! Shut up! "He barked in pain. Then without any warning he slapped her and she fell limp. Someone yelled "Apple Bloom! Nooo! " That was it. That managed to piss joe off. As soon as he put her down on a wooden counter, Joe walked in.
In a bitter rage he grabbed him by the neck and looked him straight in the eyes and shouted. "What is wrong with you? How dare you smack a child let alone a little girl!" The other horse that sat in the other cage watched as Joe clenched his other fist and tighten the his grasp on the dog. She let out a small gasp as she saw a red aura engulf Joe's arm. "You're just a piece of crap!" Yelled Joe as his glowing fist plowed into the dogs face. The force of the punch sent him flying through the rows of cages. Joe quickly ran over to the little horse with the bow and picked her up. She was no bigger than a medium sized dog but dang was she heavy. She appeared to be unconscious and had a big bruise on her face. Joe placed her over his shoulder and opened the cage that held the other one. She remained silent as the door slowly swung wide open.
"Apple Bloom... Is she alright?..." said the little unicorn. "It hit her pretty hard."
"She's gonna live. He only knocked her out." Replied Joe. "Come on. We have to get out of here, my friends are waiting for me."
"Okay..." she said still in fear. "I wanna go home.."
"So do I." Replied Joe as they both exited the room as quickly as they could. Ahead were the lines of workers digging. The workers stopped and watched as they passed some tried to run towards Joe as others sat in fear. Their eyes were practically pleading for him to free them from their binds. He hated the idea of leaving them all behind so he had to give them some sort of way to cheer them up. "Don't worry we are coming to free you guys. I need to get my friends first so that everyone here can get out. Can you even understand what I am trying to say" he whispered. They all stood still for a moment then nodded their heads in agreement. "Okay then We will be here as soon as we-" The same brown pony that tried to get to him earlier approached him as he tried to finish speaking. He mumbled trying to speak but the muzzle he had on prevented him from doing so. He seemed to be trying to get him to remove it. Joe took a look at it but, he couldn't find any way of removing it. He gave off a disappointed grunt then began to draw on the dirt.
Joe looked at it but, it was too messy to read. "I... Am... The.. What? Doctor. Okay I will try to remember that When we get out of here." Said Joe sadly. the brown horse gave an angry grunt once more. "Sorry but, I really got to get over to my friends so yeah." Joe finished as he got back up and began to walk away from it again. The workers seemed to be more relaxed and the pony that tried to get attention kept jumping trying to get away. Joe could've freed them now but, he didn't want the risk having the guards seeing him or any free workers. His eyes scanned the walls if there were any sign of his friends . only to find workers watching and gasping as they kept going until, finally he found them. Joe put down the little filly and immediately walked over to R.R.
"R.R eh? Rex! Mind explaining to me why you didn't tell me anything about you being a king? " Joe asked almost lifting him off the floor.
"Wait He's the king?"Shouted Tombstone. "Oh and please tell me you got those danged keys."
Joe and Rex both shushed him at the same time. "Shut up."
"Hey just asking. This collar's giving me a rash." he said before he sat back down. Joe and Rex began to talk as the little unicorn just sat there watching them and her friend on the floor. She seemed to have her mind focused on something other than the situation at hand. But, she did seem to be listening.
"So you are the King right? Not that bug thingy I met in there. "Joe asked once more.
"Yes I am. I apologize for not telling you earlier. I needed to ensure you could trust Me." said the true king. "They will pay dearly for their crimes... Once we find them they will suffer."
"Okay man we get it, here's the key. "Joe intervened as he handed him the ring of keys.
His collar came off with a thud as he popped his neck. "This is just what I've been waiting for." he said as he began to stretch his arms and back.
Rex then threw the keys over to Tombstone. "Ahem no thumbs." He complained. Joe walked over and picked them up to free him. "That's better!" he said after his collar fell.
"Where are the guards? Joe asked looking around the corner. "I didn't see any of them on my way over here."
"They sort of all just ran out or something barking and howling. But I did see that little runt Spot run the other way. Probably to hide. "Answered Tombstone.
"Then this is the perfect time to get everyone out of here." Rex said smiling. "I will go and get the stuff. You and Tombstone need to get that map we need to find our way out of here."
"Yeah gotcha!" Joe complied as he ran down the tunnel he came through earlier. He walked over to the nearest room and laid the little pony with a bow on the ground. "Hey little pony. Can you hide in here until either me or my friend come back?"
" I guess... And the name is Sweetie Belle..." she responded. "This is Apple Bloom." she finished pointing to her friend.
"Well hey there. My names Joe. Okay. Are you okay?" Questioned Joe.
"Hey are we going or not?I" Shouted the impatient Tombstone.
"Yeah give me a second! "Joe shouted back. "Okay then if one of those dogs comes back, make sure to call for help ok. "Joe finished as he ran out back to meet Tombstone.
"Took ya long enough come on let's go!" he said as Joe ran along with him to go find the map and Spot.
Back at the forest (A Few Hours Earlier)
It was nearly night. The girls trotted as fast as they could until Twilight suddenly stopped them in the clearing by the path. "Girls! We're not alone..." she said with her horn glowing. The sound of wind and beating wings came from the left of the group." Get ready girls. Whatever it is it's gotta be bi-" she was interrupted by a voice that was very familiar to her. Followed by a rainbow Pegasus landing.
"TWILEY! There you are! "Shouted a very happy Shining Armor.
"BBBFF?" shouted the surprised unicorn" Princess? What are you doing here?"
"We came as soon as we got that letter from Spike. Did you locate where they could have taken the girls" asked Celestia as she stepped off her chariot. "I am truly sorry for not assisting in this sooner than we should have. The counsel had been persuading us to work even during this time of season." She walked over to Applejack and Rarity that still seemed to be in stress over the disappearance of their sisters. "Girls do not fret. We will find the missing ponies and your sisters. Just keep your faith alive and hope going."
"I thank you dearly, your majesty. It's so mighty kind of you to be helping out with this. "Said Applejack trying not to sound miserable.
"I agree, this is a grand act your majesty. It's just that we need to move now I just can't stand the idea of anypony getting hurt especially my Sweetie Belle." Said Rarity getting up.
"You're right girls. The citizens of Equestria are depending on us to rid them of any threat." replied Celestia backing away. "Captain... Have your troops search the forest and make sure they listen to the elements orders."
"Yes your majesty. "Replied The Captain of the guard. "Where do you want us to go Twiley?"
"Well... We're pretty much right next to it already so, I suggest searching around here." Twilight said. "This is the last place Scootaloo saw them."
"I understand. Alright gentlecolts, we have our location. Search the whole forest for whatever is out of check. Alert me or any of the Elements of Harmony understand?"
"Sir Yes sir!" Shouted the troops in unison. They all then spread out in every direction. Leaving the princess, The Captain, and the rest of the crew sitting there.
"Princess let me fill you and Shining on what exactly is going on." she said as they walked towards the path.
The rest of the Elements sat there talking. "Aww cheer up you two. We will find them and we'll have a big party to make it all better." said Pinkie trying to make things less depressing.
"Yeah the Princess is helping us so no probs right? "Said Rainbow Dash trotting over to her friends. "She said so herself remember?"
"Yeah we heard her but, I can't stop worrying about Sweetie Belle. She's out there probably covered in filth and hurt." said Rarity getting up. "So if you don't mind. Let's find them!"
"I agree with ya there friend. I'm not gonna sit here and grow sour roots. I want my sister! "Applejack said also standing up. "Rarity let's use that trick of yours again lets see what we have around here."
"Let's see then shall we" rarity Replied. A blue aura surrounded her horn as she began to scan the ground for anything. She trotted along the path until she spotted something peculiar "What is this? Those stones? Girls! I think I found something!
Upon saying this Twilight and the others came trotting over to see what it could be. "What is it Rarity did you find anything?" asked her friend.
"I picked up those strange gems that Applejack found. "She answered.
"Hmm...Let's follow it. Those gems could give us a lead and I have a feeling that these stones have more than meets the eye."
Twilight replied. "Princess, Shining can you give me a hand? The three of them gathered next to Rarity. "Okay we're going to need to spread this spell as far as we can. We have to combine our magic to create an illumination spell that will give us enough light to see where we're going." she said as she made her horn glow in a purple aura. She fired off a ball of light about the size of a basketball into the air. Followed by Shining with a ball the size of a boulder. Celestia then used her magic to merge the two orbs of light together. The snow around it began to melt. Heat emanating from the orb began to get too strong. Celestia then lifted the now giant orb into the middle of the sky and left it there. It's light was so bright that it partially made it appear as if it were day.
"That's just what we needed." said Rainbow Dash as she flew into the air.
"Okay Let's- ...shush..." said a Shining Armor. "I hear footsteps coming this way." He led them into the covers of the forest brush. Out of the forest came the sound of snow being stepped on. They slowly walked out into the light and revealed their dog faces.
"Diamond dogs! I knew that smell was familiar." said Rarity as she tried to contain her voice.
"Diamond dogs? But aren't they under treaty your majesty" said Shining in a concerned voice.
"This is indeed a violation. They have no authority here nor with our people. Whoever is in charge of this will be held accountable." Said Celestia in reply.
"Applejack wait!" Shouted Twilight as Applejack bolted out of hiding.
"We have to help her!" shouted Twilight as she bolted for her friend.
"Y'all messed with the wrong family! Ya danged dirty mutts!" shouted Applejack as she quickly approached them.
"Huh? "said one of them before getting his faced bucked. It fell backwards unconscious as its comrades stood and watched in confusion. One of them barked as they put all of their focus on the assailant. Applejack quickly bucked at another that was standing until, out of nowhere a rope wrapped around her fore hoof. Then a dog holding the rope pulled on it knocking her down letting a group of dogs surround her.
"No you don't! shouted Twilight as she shot a bolt of magic at the ugly mutt. "Shining now!"
Shining shot a barrage of huge bolts of magic out of his horn blasting away the Diamond dogs that surrounded his sister's friend.
"I'm sorry fellas. I couldn't control myself." Said Applejack as she removed the ropes.
"It's okay. At least we know who kidnapped them. Now all we have to do is find-"said Twilight as she was interrupted by the sound of some sort of horn. A diamond dog that was still conscious was blowing on a horn but was quickly knocked out by Shining.
"They're calling for back up. I suppose we ought to call our troops as well." with that Shining Fired a purple flair of magic out of his horn.
"We have no time that one's getting away." shouted Rarity.
"Quick let's follow it." Yelled Pinkie trotting after it.
"Wait Pinkie that's a horrible-... Wait that's a good Idea! Pinkie wait for us!" Twilight shouted.
Celestia took to the air and began to fly in the direction of the running dog.
"What is she doing isn't she gonna wait for back up?" asked Shining wondering what to do.
Twilight and the rest of the girls didn't want to wait either so they rushed as well after the escapee while Shining Armor stood waiting for his men to arrive. The Mane six and the Princess followed the dog till they reached an opening full of other Diamond dogs at the entrance of a small cave. "This is it girls we've found em. Said Applejack as she tried to catch her breath.
"Wow there must be at least forty of them out there. Do ya think they got any candy?" asked Pinkie.
"There are precisely Fifty-seven of them out there and no Pinkie I don't think they have any candy. That must be where they are keeping everypony" she said pointing at the Cave entrance. The dogs all stood at the ready looking where the one that escape was pointing. Celestia flew above the cave and illuminated the area above the cave. Sounds of wings flapping and hooves hitting the ground approached from behind them.
It was Shining and the rest of the troops ."Alright boys let's get em" He shouted passing the girls. "Try to not let any of them escape." He charged in and began firing at the enemy. Even the Princess got into the scrap she began firing bolts of magic that began to wrap around a few of the enemies that couldn't get away.
"I Know this may seem rash but, Let's get in there too girls!" Shouted Rarity the she galloped into the battle zone.
"Applejack we need to go and get everypony out of that cave. While the boys are distracting them. Pinkie can you and Rainbow help out Rarity and Shining.
"Yeah sure ! Don't worry we got this" replied pinkie as she took out a bag labeled pranks. "And after this we can all go home right? It's almost bedtime and Gummy hasn't had his bath yet."
"Yes sure we all have to go home any way. "Said Twilight.
"Then what in the hay are we waiting for let's go save them!" Shouted Applejack. Then she galloped in with Twilight by her side while Rainbow took to the air to find Rarity. Pinkie trotted in as well but not before she shot confetti into the air.
Back at the cave (later)
The tunnels began to come alive as they freed everybody they saw along the way to Spot. They didn't want them to follow Them so Joe told them to go to the same three way that they had been digging earlier. Tombstone appeared to be very ecstatic and enjoying all the action. "Wow this is the most fun I've had in years. Those guys over in Canterlot weren't kidding when they said this place was fun." Shouted Tombstone as he used the keys he held with his teeth to unlock a Diamond dog youth.
"Yeah I guess this is a bit funner than home isn't it?" Replied Joe. "Hey check that door out!" A door with the name spot stood at the end of the tunnel.
"Do you suppose that where he's hiding at? "Asked Tombstone.
"You seriously don't see that big sign there that clearly says Spot?" Joe asked trying not to laugh.
"Oh yeah right! I see that He's in there alright." he replied. "You go down that way and free everyone there and I will handle This guy"
He trotted over to the door and walked inside. The moment he step in it sounded as if all hell broke loose. "Come here motherbucker! Where do you think you're going" he shouted in a loud voice.
Joe walked down the path on the left to see if anything was indeed in need of freeing. There appeared to be only single cell sitting at the end of this path. Something was sitting inside of it and it was big! "Hey you there friend Can you help me out?" It asked in a voice that sounded like a burly German man."I will be forever in your debt."
"Alright but, if I do you better not try to go and eat me " answered Joe trying to figure out which key to use.
"Do not worry friend I am not that kind of dog." he replied. Joe unlocked the cell door and opened it up to reveal a massive German Shepard dog man.
"Thank you friend the name is Sergei. May I ask what Is yours?" He asked as he began popping all of his bones in one big stretch. He literally towered above Joe. He had to be about friggin Seven feet tall!
"The name is Joe nice to meet you. Hey uh.. Do you happen to know the way out?" Joe asked looking up.
"Ha! Are you joking? I know these caves like the back of my paw. My Pappy was the dog who dug these caves when I was no more than a little pup." he replied
"Well okay then Sergei. We have a few people waiting at the three way over there can you show them the way out and get to safety." Asked Joe.
"Oh yes we can! And those little traitors will pay for locking me up." He answered before charging off like a train.
"Okay this place is weirder than I thought" Joe thought to himself. "Well Tombstone ought to be done better check him out."
At the entrance to the cave
Twilight and Applejack began to run in but were met by a stampede of pony and diamond dogs. "Run! Run! Run!" Shouted Twilight as they barely made it out. The mob of angry prisoners joined the fray as a giant dog attacked the dogs in the armor.
"Ah! ha-ha! How do you like being at the receiving end of a fist huh? Taste good doesn't it?" it shouted landing punches on a whole bunch of other dogs "This is what you get for trying to lock away Sergei!"
Twilight was awestruck at the sight. "Somepony beat us to them. How?" she asked herself. "Applejack did you see that?" as she turned to her friend. But, Applejack was not there to answer that question. From within the cave Twilight managed to hear her friend shouting Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom's names. "*sigh* Wait up Applejack!" shouted Twilight as she ran in herself.
Applejack turned a corner and then heard a voice answer her. "Applejack is that you! We're over here!" Sweetie Belle cried out.
"Girls? Sweetie Belle! There you are!" said Applejack as she picked her up to give her a hug. "Where is Apple Bloom? Is she with you" She gasped upon seeing her little sister laying on the floor. "OH sugar cube! What happened" she shouted picked her up to examine her. She began to tear up upon seeing the bruise on Apple blooms face.
"That thing that saved us said that she was going to be okay. She's just knocked out." replied Sweetie Bell. "But, he got the dog that hit her."
"That's a relief I was about to buck the mutt that did this till he done kicks the bucket." answered Applejack. "We gotta find the person responsible for this mess though."
"Applejack where are you!" yelled a very panicked Twilight.
"Over here! I found them they're safe but, Apple Blooms been hurt! "Replied Applejack. "Over here!"
Twilight turned the corner and walked into the room that Applejack was in."How is she? Let me check." Said Twilight approaching her friends. She made the tip of her horn glow and ran an aura over Apple Bloom. "She's only been knocked out and she has a minor bruise on her face. All in all she is fine. Are you ready to get out of here?"
"Sure am" replied Applejack as she placed her sister on her back. "How bout you Sweetie?"
"I guess... But, what about that thing. The one that rescued me and that weird pony?" replied Sweetie Bell. "We just can't leave them."
"They probably can handle it themselves. For now we have to get you guys out now" Said Twilight surrounding them in her aura. "They probably finished up above by now. She then Teleported themselves out of there and to where her brother and the others were fighting.
In another part of the Tunnel
Joe walked back towards the door and saw that it had become more quiet. He knocked to see if there was anybody still in there but what He saw will most likely be burned into his memory forever. "Help me! Yelled Tombstone who was being ridden by Spot. "Get him off! What are you just standing there for come on!"
Joe walked over and grabbed Spot by the vest. "Okay I'd you don't want to end up looking like a brown Dalmatian. I'd suggest giving us the map."
"Don't hurt me! I didn't mean doing all that bad stuff. Promise!" The little dog explained with his tail between his legs. "The map is over there." The map sat there open on the smallest table at the end of the room.
"Got it" said Tombstone as he trotted over and picked it up.
"Okay that's a check for item two. So that leaves Rex with the surprise." Said Joe as he cleaned his glasses. "Spot stay! And keep still." Spot grunted and sat on the floor. "Holy crap that actually works!" Joe yelled in surprise as they walked out the door.
"Ahh!" someone shouted. Joe turned and watched as Spot hit Tombstone in the back of his head with a piece of wood. Tombstone's body fell limply with a thump.
"Tombstone? Why you little son of a bitch!" Joe yelled angrily. Spot quickly got up and charged at Joe with his little stick.
"And Boom!" shouted Joe as He kicked Spot like a soccer ball. He whimpered as he conveniently flew into an unused fire place. "Goal!" Joe then ran over to where Tombstone laid and gave him a few taps.
"Hey! Buddy are ya alright? Hey buddy! "Joe ask trying to wake him."Fuck! he's out cold." He lifted him up and threw him over his shoulder. "OH my God! You're just as heavy as friggin Rick! Damn!"mJoe walked out with his unconscious friend on his shoulders and walked back to the three ways to see Rex standing there with a big wooden box.
"Took you long enough. What happened To him? Was the runt was too much for him? "Asked Rex with a laugh. "Is everyone else out by the way"
Joe put down his friend and took out the map and saw that we were pretty close to an exit "Over here."
Rex picked up their friend and Joe picked up the box. "Hey what is this stuff?... It looks like... Dynamite!? He asked holding up the red stick. "You're planning to blow this whole place up aren't ya? Good riddance this place sucks." Up ahead they managed to see a bright object in the distance. "Hey look there's light up ahead!"
Rex turned to him. "Okay this is far enough. We need to stop the enemy from misusing this land for you see, this is actually the land of our neighbors, The people of Equestria. This scheme that that demon and Agnis devised must have something to do with the people here. I need to stop them before-" Green flames shot up around us as a big familiar bug rose from out of the ground.
"You! You are the cause of this! You pitiful excuse of a life form! You've costed us the whole operation!" shouted the now angry Changeling General. Using his powers to blow both Tombstone and Rex out of the ring.
"Joe! Wait I will find a way to get you out of there!" shouted Rex.
"No need! Leave it to me! " replied Joe as he dropped the box." You get tombstone out. I'll light the fireworks!"
"Foolish choice little one." said Culex firing off another wave of air at them.
Joe stood his ground and took it but Rex was overwhelmed and got shot straight out of the cave. "Is that all you've got? Joe returned looking him in the face.
"You are truly a fool. Nothing but a weakling." hissed Culex.
"Sure keep running your mouth. I've got nothing to lose. And I still think your nothing stink bug." As Joe kicked dirt at his face pissing him off.
"You will pay for your insolence. Fool!" He shouted as he fired green balls of flames towards him. "Burn!"
Joe bolted to the left just as a ball of fire nearly hit him. Culex kept firing until he had set the walls on fire as well. The side of Joes leg caught fire. He couldn't help but drop to the ground and try to put it out. Culex found this as an opportunity to laugh at how pathetic Joe looked on the ground.
"You see no matter what you do you can't even get to me. What do you think you could possibly do to me?" then he kicked Joe closer to the flames that circled them. Culex then walked up and placed his foreleg on his chest and put his face right in front of Joe's face. "Maybe instead of giving you to the Queen. Maybe I should just rid this world of you now. Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Joe turned his face to meet his big blue eyes staring at him. "Shut up!" Then he threw a punch at him and landed it on his face. He staggered back and put his hoof to his face.
"You little fool! My face!" He growled in pain and the flames dropped. Joe found this as an opportunity to light the dynamite and run for it. So, He kicked the box of the stuff towards him and dashed for the exit.
Outside (During the fight.)
Rex ran through the enemy dogs as he carried Tombstone. He quickly found his way to the area where Shining had a shield up for the wounded and placed down his friend. Then he ran into the battle to try to get back to the cave but, was stopped short due to other dogs that surrounded him.
Suddenly, a voice rang out through the entire area. "This ends now!" Celestia had her horn glow to a glow that rivaled the shine of the sun. She then fired a beam of light into the sky and then it changed into a bunch of rings made of light that seemed to be alive. The rings scouted the area and wrapped around the enemy dogs. They all were bound by the rings and fell over. The fighting was over and the prisoners were free. The royal guards rejoiced that they had won the battle and that their mission was a success. Twilight and the rest of the girls rejoined at the entrance to the cave which was littered with confetti.
"Oh Sweetie Belle... I was so worried. Look at you your mane is a complete mess and...I thought you were gone!" cried Rarity as she hugged her little sister.
"This was why everypony was disappearing. The Diamond dogs were kidnapping anypony they saw and forced them to work for them. But, still how did they manage to get free?..." Twilight said as she rubbed her head. "There still is so much to be answered we will need to go over this with the Princess."
"Maybe somepony was trying to make a new clubhouse." shouted Pinkie Pie as she played with a pile of party favors.
"I don't know... I have to agree with The egghead. Something not right about this." said Rainbow with a worried expression.
Celestia on the other hand was busy dealing with the matter of the prisoners. Both pony and Diamond dog stood separated as Shining and his men had them surrounded. Celestial removed the additional binds that were limiting the ponies of their abilities while the Diamond dogs had been interrogated by a few members of the royal guard.
"Is this all you know?" a guard asked.
Everything seemed in check until Rex finally popped out and approached the guard in charge. "I need to speak to your superior. I know what's going on." The guard let him by as he walked over to where Shining was standing. "Hey you there I have vital information regarding the entire operation. But first we need to save my friend. He is still in there" said Rex walking up to Shining.
Back to the girls
While everyone was busy Applejack was attempting to wake up her sister. "Come on sugar cube. You gotta wake up. Come on there ya go..." She said as Apple Bloom slowly began to open her eyes.
"Big sis?" Replied the little pony." oh big sis it was horrible! "there was a-" A giant explosion Shook everyone took everyone by surprise as the cave collapsed. Green flames flew out along with regular orange flames. At the entrance of the cave laid a motionless figure. Every one of them watched as it slowly stood up with its burning clothing. Its body seemed to glow red as it tried to keep itself up. "It's the monster shouted Apple Bloom. As she tried to run in terror.
Applejack immediately got up and began to gallop toward the creature. "You're not gonna hurt my sister again ya big ugly coot! She quickly reached the beast and gave it a buck to the chest that had enough power to throw it Four feet away from where it was standing. The beast fell and did not move as its hood was put out the moment it hit the ground.
"Applejack! What do you think you're doing? It's the thing that saved us!" yelled Sweetie Belle. "Why are you hurting it?"
Suddenly, a ball of green flames suddenly appeared at the entrance of the cave and a now a battle damaged Culex appeared. "Now! I will finish you now! "He shouted began to charge up his horn for a finishing blow. "You have humiliated me for the last time now it will be-" A beam of Yellow light knocked him off of the creature and sent him flying to the wall.
"Be gone you parasite!" shouted Celestial as her horn glowed. "Leave now or face the consequences! I give you one final chance to leave now!"
"I see then... I apologize your majesty... I shall take my men and leave your land. I will take him as well..." Culex hissed pulling himself off the wall he hit.
"No you will not! Shouted Rex as he came out of the troops followed by Shining Armor and Sergei. "You plan to feed him to your Queen! I will not stand by and let you take him."
"Fine! Have him then!" Culex roared He then spread his green flames around himself and the pile of his Diamond dog soldiers and vanished. Rex then walked over to Celestia and bowed.
"Your highness I am the true king of the Diamond dogs. I Rex of the Remington bloodline I am grateful for your apparent aid. We aren't your enemies, I only wish to save my people." Rex explained.
"He tells the truth your highness. He told me everything." Shining said trying to prove Rex's story. "That Changeling was a General, he was aided by a traitor to the throne and was used to manipulate Rex's appearance."
Celestia paused to take In all that she had heard."I think it would be more justified if we heard your story at the castle wouldn't you agree?" She managed to say as she turned back towards her men.
"That's fine and happy but what of the wee lad here? He's out like a candle. "Said Sergei.
"He will be treated at the castle. As for now we will all travel to the castle." Replied Celestia.
"Princess!" shouted a voice in the crowd. Twilight was able to push her way through followed by the four of her friends. "Princess what. What is that thing?"
"We will determine what he exactly is at a later time. For now, why don't you help these people back to town. I am sure there are ponies waiting for their safe returns. We can't let them wait. Can we?" replied Celestia
"But... What about the creature. What if it's dangerous? "asked Twilight.
"That will be taken care of. You mustn't worry with this matter until it is needed. For now you must help those that need your help."Said Celestia pointing at the crowd. "For now we will be taking these Diamond dogs to Canterlot to find out their story."
"Well if you insist Princess..." Replied Twilight. "I'll get them home." Then she and the girls steadily walked over to the group of freed ponies. "Are any of you seriously injured?"
A female pink Pegasus was the only to answer "We all are pretty much okay... Except for this one " pointing to a knocked out Tombstone.
"If anypony can't walk. Can some other pony be able to use those carts by the entrance to help bring them back to Ponyville?" Twilight asked aloud. The whole group agreed to the idea and began to gather up the injured including Tombstone. Who unfortunately was unable to be awake at the moment.
"Twilight! We will be going to the castle now." shouted Shining as he gathered his men.
"Shining... I need to ask you of an important task. I need you to escort Rex's people to the train station and to Canterlot as quick as possible. We can't have any civilians panic at their sight. "asked Celestia. "I will be going to Canterlot to discuss the truth. There has to be a reasonable explanation for a changeling to be here. Rex is the only one here who would know anything about their plans."
"I understand your majesty. We will be there as soon as we can." He replied.
"Sir Rex please come with me now. We are to depart to Canterlot now." Said Celestia.
"Yes Your majesty." Replied Rex walking over. Celestia Spread her Aura amongst herself, Rex and the unconscious Joe and were teleported away. The ball of light that Twilight and Shining had created slowly began to fade as the night took over.