//------------------------------//
// All Hail the Queen 
// Story: Shards of Nightmare 
// by Stonedpony 
//------------------------------//


All Hail the Queen



It was Friday night, Date night for ponies all over Equestria. Few couples were exempt of the mundane weekly courtship rituals, not even royalty. Luna had convince Sombra to take her out on a real date for the first time, he was still unsure of it. He was from a different age after all. In Ponyville with the sun about to set Rarity was just about done dolling herself up for her date with Thunderlane, she was only adorned with make up and jewelry while the stallion was wearing a nice light blue shirt. There were no surprises this night, it was hard to hid when your getting ready together in the same room and disusing those very same plans from dinner to what the honey was for. Although the couple wasn’t any less excited for them. Twilight Sparkle and Winchester had plans tonight as well but they weren't going out tonight. they were having a night in with a nice meal and a good book. Spike was going to a sleep over at Pinkie Pie's with the Cutie Mark Crusaders so they wouldn’t have to worry about interruptions. 
Twilight Sparkle had planed on being ready by now. However for some reason every other pony in Ponyville needed a book this afternoon. The lavender mare had helped them all but now as sunset grew near there was only one left, and much to Twilight’s annoyance this mare she had never met before seemed like she didn’t want to be helped in the most annoying polite way. Twilight hid her aggravation well as the older copper unicorn with a brown mane done up in an old fashion style. That the librarian found it terribly gaudy, although that may have just been because the mare was looking through the books of the library as slowly as possible. Twilight looked at clock, Winchester would be arriving any minute and she hadn’t even taken a bath for their night in.
The younger lavender unicorn sighed and mentioned that she was planing on closing the library soon, but the older unicorn just said “that’s nice, I'll just be a few more minutes. you have such a wonderful selection.” Twilight was sure she was doing this on purpose, that was the third time she said that. However Twilight Sparkle just couldn’t bring herself to kick the mare out. A couple minutes later Winchester walked into the library with a pleasant greeting for his marefriend. Twilight was pleased to finally see the pony she wanted too. “hello there my BCFF.”
Winchester quickly noticed that Twilight wasn’t wearing any make up and that she wasn’t fresh out of the bath, to be honest he didn’t care. He thought she was beautiful right out of the bed with her mane a mess, not that he didn’t appreciate it when she made herself look good. “what's BCFF mean?” he asked though he had his guesses to what it meant.
Twilight was glad they had simple plans tonight so she didn’t  feel under dressed. “it means, Best coltfriend Forever.” she giggled and kissed the stallion on the lips before he could say anything.
The stallion decided actions were better the word so he used his hoof to keep her in the kiss longer, in unison they made the greeting more intimate not caring that was somepony else there. Finally they broke the lip lock to continued their conversation after a full two minutes of kissing. “so my lovely BMFF.” Winchester used her little word play on her. “have you picked the book for tonight?”
“yes.” Twilight replied with a chipper spring in her posture as she pulled a book out from behind the desk, “its a study of the changes in magical theory and the increase in the number of different schools of magic.”
“sounds good.”
“you got Dinner right?” Twilight eyed the stallion a little, she smiled remembering the time he forgot to bring their dinner. 
“oh yes.” the stallion replied with a smile “i got a large Pizza with everything on it. Should be here in about two minutes.”
Twilight was about to speck when the copper mare hurried over and said “Sorry to interrupt but I have the books I would like to check out.” 
“oh uh okay.” the lavender mare replied looking from her coltfriend to the mare, Twilight noticed that Winchester was looking the mare over. Not quite checking her out but he was staring. The librarian was a little grumpy as she signed the six books the mare wanted out and sent her on her way a little less polite then she normally would. Winchester was still staring at a mare easily twice his age, Twilight cleared her throat to get the stallion's attention.
“What?” he asked confused as the copper mare slipped out, nether of the other ponies noticing the green glow of her horn.
“you were staring.”
“oh sorry.” the stallion lowered his head and ears “its just she looks like my elementary school librarian.”
“maybe it was her.” Twilight replied walking to the door, no longer angry. 
“couldn't be, she looks just like she did back then.” Winchester insisted stepping closer and letting his breath wash over Twilight’s rump. She swatted his face with her tail to keep him from doing anything before she locked the door. “besides I got a pizza on the way...And the prettiest mare in the world to share it with.” he used his magic to turn Twilight around and kiss her again. She forgot the troubles from early and they got their night started.

*            *            *

Twilight Sparkle's lavender fur mingled with Winchester's blue coat as they snuggled on the balcony, half a pizza lay in its box near by. They had eaten dinner while they watched the sun set together. Now they silently read the book Twilight had picked out. she held it in her magical aura while Winchester kept the pages down with a hoof. He would lift his hoof when he was done reading the page and Twilight would turn them. It was a great set up, the two read at about the same rate so they normally finished about the same time.
It went on like that for a good hour till Winchester didn’t lift hoof, for a brief moment Twilight thought he was just taking a little longer to read this page but the kiss on the base of her ear was a sign he was ready for the next part of their night. Twilight smiled and set the book down, she rolled over so they were face to face. The stared into each others eyes before closing them and leaning in to kiss. Their hooves pulled them closer, their curves and contorts matched just right.
However something was keeping the moment form being perfect. there was this odd flashing light, Winchester must have noticed it too cause now the kissing was completely one sided. The mare opened her eyes to find out what was going on. It was easy to see the stallion's horn shooting little spurts of sparks in the darkness of the evening. “that’s not good.” Winchester commented once the mare had released his lips. His eyes never left his horn.
Twilight swallowed her giggles, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings “its okay, it happens to every stallion every once in a while.”
Winchester glared at her for a moment before he said “not to me and that’s not what it is.” he looked back at his horn. “my security spells are being tripped.....I think. Its all fuzzy in my head, do you know it what means?” despite his body burning with passion the stallion pulled away from his lover. He took a deep breath trying to control his primal side as he stood up. 
Twilight Sparkle followed suit and stood up on weak knees, she had her guesses but she needed more information, “are the spells leading you some where?” the stallion closed his eyes to concentrate, the sparks from his horn had stopped now leaving the couple in darkness.
“Damn it all.” 
“What is it?” Twilight asked growing more worried.
“it was every where and no where. Like I said it was all fuzzy.” Winchester replied cryptically, he looked at Twilight hoping she could clarify what it meant. 
“Crap.” Twilight commented, she knew the spell and that kind of reading could mean only a few things. “somepony could be jamming them.” she paced back and forth fanning her self with her tail “Are you still getting the readings?” the stallion shook his head. “okay, yeah, who ever it was jammed your spells and their own spell faltered for a moment.”
“Where do you keep your element?” Winchester asked, the mare knew what he was getting at and nodded for him to follow. Twilight ran inside and down the stairs while Winchester just jumped over the railing and landed with a thud. He tore open the closet under the stairs. Like many couples Winchester and Twilight kept a few things at each others homes in case they needed them. Where Twilight kept a tooth brush and a few other hygiene products at Winchester's home, the stallion kept the Screaming Ax at hers.
The stallion hefted the Ax of the Centaur king with his magic as Twilight hurried past him to the Ponyville archive. He quickly followed her, Twilight was worried but determined to face this problem head on. She stopped at a shelf in the back of the archives that looked just like any other, she scanned through the books and quickly found the one she was looking for. The only hint that the book was something more then it appeared was that it archived flower arrangement for the Ponyville town hall two years before Ponyville was founded.
“it should be in here.” Twilight said as she opened the book, inside was an empty crown shaped hole that could only fit the Element of Magic. “Dammit!” Twilight cursed, Winchester had worse things to say.
“we should go check on the others.” Winchester said as he started the motor of his ax.
“Pinkie's closest so we should head there first.” 
“Sounds good to me.” Winchester agreed as the pair hurried out into the night. Sugar Cub Corner wasn’t that far from the library. With nothing in the way the pair made the trip in just a couple of minutes. The down stairs lights were still on so the Cake's must still be up, not that it would have stopped the unicorn pair from nearly kicking the front door off its hinges as they ran inside. 
“Whats Going on?!” Carrot Cake cried as he ran in from the kitchen, his eyes wide and heart pounding in his chest. Seeing who it was the easily frightened stallion ran up stairs yelling “honey bun! get the foals, we got to go!” he didn't need to know what was going on but that Ax was enough to send him to the hills, the look on Twilight Sparkle's face only made it worst.
“what?” the plump Mrs. Cake called as she hurried to the top of the stairs to check on the commotion it was a miracle the twins were still asleep. Pinkie Pie soon joined Mrs. Cake at the top of the stairs flanked by the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
Upon seeing Pinkie, Twilight called up to her “Where's the element of Laughter?”
Pinkie Pie was as confused as the rest of the residents of Sugar Cube Corner but hearing the seriousness in Twilight Sparkle’s tone the earth pony jumped to a response “hidden under my bed.”
“Show us.” Winchester ordered, earning a swat to the nose from Twilight’s tail. Pinkie motioned for the unicorns to follow. Their hooves thundered on the hard wood floor as the unicorns on a mission raced up the stairs. Pinkie rocket down the hall easily out pacing the couple that followed her. Spik and the crusaders scampered after them, excited and scared. 
Pinkie Pie was first to her room, she dove onto her floor and slid halfway under her bed. Her rump bounced as balloons, confetti, bags of glitter and even Gummy the alligator flew out from under the bed. Mr. and Mrs. Cake along with Spike, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom watched from the doorway concerned for what might be going on. Finally Pinkie Pie pulled out a small wooden box. “It should be in here.” she said opening the box. a few balloon animals floated out. “Uh oh.” the mare showed Twilight and Winchester the now empty box.
Winchester bit his tongue trying to not curse in front of the fillies. “this is not good.” Twilight growled. She and her friends had worked so hard to hide them, some more then others, and somepony was stealing them right out from under their noses. “Whose been in here today?” the unicorn asked.
“ummmmm. No pony really comes into my room but me and Gummy.” Pinkie said siting on her tail and taping her chin “but Mrs. Cake was in here a little while ago....picking up my dirty clothes.” all eyes turned to the plump, blue earth pony. “I thought it was weird cause I don’t have any dirty clothes.”
Cup Cake stepped away from the accusing eyes, confused about how this could be happening to her. “It wasn’t- it couldn’t have been me, I-I've been getting the foals ready for bed.” she pleaded, hopping they would believed her.
Twilight looked to Winchester and asked “you know what that could mean right?” he nodded the pair turned and hurried into the hallway, the other ponies quickly made way for the determined pair. “we need to hurry.” the Lavender unicorn said her coat shimmered with nervous energy. Like Winchester, Twilight just wanted the threat to reveal itself so she could deal with it. She was sure no matter what it was she could handle it, she was Twilight Sparkle after all few had the magical energies to match her. 
“what does it mean?” Pinkie Pie asked as she hurried to catch up. The Cakes followed worried their family may be in danger, while the Crusaders were eager to hear what was going on. Spike on the other hoof was right on Twilight’s heels waiting to hear how he was needed.
“We think the changelings are stealing the elements of harmony.” Twilight finally answered as she lead the way out of the sweet shop. The mare waited for Winchester to finish ordering Mr. Cake lock the door and to not let Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom out of his sight. He also told Spike to the send a letter to Canterlot about the situation and then to meet them at Sweet Apple Aces. 
Pinkie Pie asked “where are we going now?” Winchester joined the pair determined to not let what happened last time Ponyville was invaded happen again.
“Rarity's place.” Twilight replied, she lead the way in a full sprint, Winchester galloped close by with his ax floating over his back, Pinkie hoped along beside them a smile on her face. The Earth pony was sure that what ever was going on they would best it, just like they always did.
It wasn’t a long way to Carousal Boutique but it was long enough for Winchester to be distracted by who he thought was his elementary school librarian again. He dug his fore hooves into the ground and made a quick turn into the ally he saw her walk into. He charged into the alley with the Screaming Ax roaring loud, he was intent on capturing the mare for integration. She could be a changeling after all. However all he accomplished was nearly scarring the pink and blond flower shop mare to death, as she mumbled out questions about what was going on the trash bag she had thrown in the air landed on her head. Winchester chuckled as he check if she was okay. After apologizing and telling the mare to stay inside tonight he checked that the other pony wasn’t there then returned too Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie.
Before Twilight could ask Winchester what that was all about Pinkie Pie pointed to a balcony of a restaurant across the street “hey, there’s Rarity?” indeed the pink mare was right. Rarity and Thunderlane were enjoying each others company on a balcony happily talking about same stuff they talk about all the time, but tonight it wasn't meant to last. A shiver ran down Rarity’s spine as soon as she heard Twilight call her name. Romance would have to be put on hold, something bad must of happened.
“What is it?” Rarity called down to her friends. Thunderlane sighed, his night looked like it wasn’t going to be nearly as enjoyable as he thought, but when duty called he knew Rarity would answer.
“Changelings have stolen Mine and Pinkie's element of harmony.” Twilight answered.
“how dreadful.” Rarity replied as Thunderlane flew her down to ground. 
“we need to check on yours.”
Winchester stepped up next to Twilight and asked “has anybody been were you keep yours?”
“i don’t believe so.” Rarity replied before the group hurried off to the white mare's home. The doors were still locked and the key Rarity hid under a rock for her sister was still there too, a good sign. Inside the store took up most of the ground floor and after a quick check it seemed to have everything on its proper displays, not a skirt, shirt, suit or pair of pants was out of place. Another good sign, as was the organized chaos of Rarity’s work area on the second floor, sheets of different colored and different material were draped over tables and poniequins seeming without care but they were held on with pins and tape hinting at some sort of method to the madness. Dress's suits, and other more finished outfits had their own area off to the side waiting for their creator to return. Despite the mess Rarity knew where it all went and what it was, every spool of thread and every needle of various size was right where she wanted it. Of course when Rarity needed something it always took forever to find, but that was the price of inspiration. The group gave the room a quick check then hurried on to the master bed room. 
The large rounded room smelled of the same perfume that Rarity was wearing now with a hint of Thunderlane's cologne. The bed was made waiting for the lovers games that were not to be played this night. The lights were off hiding most of the room in the shadows, but the light of the moon reveal a plaque on the wall where a golden necklace with a deep blue diamond hung, “Good, it's still here.” Thunderlane commented pointing a plaque. Winchester and Twilight looked at the white mare a little disappointed. Pinkie Pie bounced in place unsure how to feel. 
“maybe not?” Rarity said as she walked into the room, she used her magic to lite a few lanterns banishing the shadows and making the room much more inviting. It also revealed the rose petals waiting to be sprinkled over the bed and the chilled wine and warm chocolate on the night stand waiting to be enjoyed in the most intimate of ways, “that’s a replica.” the white mare said drawing her disappointed friends attention back to the necklace on the wall. Pinkie Pie praise her for the decoy idea while Winchester Nodded approvingly and Twilight wondered why she didn’t think of that. Rarity trotted over to the smallest of her three dressers, the unicorn opened the bottom drawer and moved a few things out of the way trying to get to something in the back. Thunderlane meanwhile took a moment to remove the shirt he was wearing. “this should be the real thing.” Rarity said as she pulled a box out from the back of the drawer, she opened it only to snap it shut again. The mare took a breath scared to look again, it took a moment to build up the courage to open the box again. She curse very unladylike as she looked into the empty box.
The others didn’t have to ask as Rarity sighed and tossed the box to the side. “okay.” Twilight said trying to sound confident “we need to get moving. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, you two head to the farm and warn Applejack, Winchester and I well get Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.”
“Thunderlane go with them.” Winchester ordered.
“don’t have to tell me, dude.” the pegasus replied.
“just a moment, I need to grab Black Lace.” 
“Um baby how's that going to help?” Thunderlane asked as Rarity walk behind a dressing blind, none of her companions knew what she was talking about till she reappeared. Now the white mare wore a belt around her waist with a black and chrome scabbard, a few tastefully applied jewels added some color. that very same black sword she acquired months before was held in the tight hold of the sheath. 
“it can have its uses.” Rarity answered with a smiled as Thunderlane admired her with the weapon.
Winchester trotted over to Rarity and used his magic to adjust the sword a little higher onto her hip and tightened the belt, the white mare grimaced a little at the sudden pressure on her lower abdomen, she could still breath easily but there would definitely be some marks “keeps it from dragging on the ground and tripping you up.” the white mare thanked him she may not like it but he knew what he was talking about. With that they all hurried out of the dress shop and into the night. Rarity didn’t bother to lock up, there were more important things to worry about as the two groups split up.
Twilight Sparkle and Winchester's hooves pounded the dirt as they charged down the road to Rainbow Dash's home. The cool night air was still and silent around them, the town knew nothing of the threat that was lurking in the night. Lights were being put out all over town as parents put their foals to bed or prepared for bed themselves. Luckily Rainbow Dash appeared to still be up tonight judging from the lights on in all three stories of her house.
Twilight panted lightly as she and her stallion escort slid to a stop below the large cloud building. “hey, Rainbow Dash!” the lavender mare called. There was no response so she yelled again when there was still no response the unicorn mare turned to Winchester and said “we got to get up there.” Winchester was already casting a spell. Twilight realizing what he was doing quickly and cast the cloud walk spell, she tossed her head to cover them both with the effects. The magic sparks had barely settled over them when Winchester's spell went off, the rocks beneath them exploded rocketing the ponies into the air.
Winchester landed on the porch and caught his screaming marefriend. Twilight panted as he let her stand on the cloud, she berated the stallion for not warning her or using a different spell. She would have continued to do so if Rainbow Dash hadn’t come to the door asking who was making such a racket. She looked like she had fallen asleep on the couch or something judging form the number of directions the mare's multicolored mane pointed.
“what you two want?” Rainbow Dash slurred, she may have been drinking too.
“Where's your element?” Twilight asked, quickly changing from telling Winchester off to the real task.
“Wha-why?” the blue pegasus stuttered confused and sleepy.
“Changelings are stealing them.” Twilight replied starting to get aggravated.
“Uh-oh.” Rainbow Dash yawn and blinked her blood shot eyes “it should be in my room, I think.” she turned around and let the unicorns inside, Winchester questioned how she wouldn’t know, but Twilight swatted him with her tail and nodded to a half empty bottle of whiskey on the kitchen counter. He sighed and the three ponies ran up stairs to Rainbow Dash's bed room.
Rainbow Dash was little help with the search, she stumbled around lazily opening drawers sometimes looking in the same drawer three or four times before moving on. Winchester stuck his head under the bed as Twilight check the closet. There weren’t many places to hid the Element of Harmony in Rainbow Dash's rather sparse room and it was starting to look like it wasn’t here. Rainbow Dash suddenly became very awake and starting to panic, she knocked trophies, books and pictures off her dresser and shelf she even ripped her posters off the walls, behind a one of the kind signed Wonderbolts poster was a steal wall safe. “oh I probably put it in there.” Rainbow Dash said sheepishly.
“you think.” Twilight replied fed up with her drunk friend.
“well open it,” Winchester added equally as upset.
“uuuuhhhhh.”
the Screaming Ax roared as Winchester swung it, cleaving through the safe door and part of the wall. The metal remains of the safe nearly fell through the cloud floor. Inside the safe was a bag of Bits, some important papers, and the gold necklace they were looking for,  “there now get to Sweet Apple Acres.” the stallion ordered. He turned and ran down the stairs, Twilight watched him leave then turned to a very sheepish Rainbow Dash she told her to do the same but much more polity. Twilight gave the pegasus a few encouraging words before turning and hurrying down stairs.
Twilight met Winchester on the cloud houses porch. They teleported to the ground together and hurried on their way. Fluttershy's house was the next stop, but Twilight had another matter to address. “that was kind of harsh.” she said glaring at her coltfriend as they galloped down the road.
Winchester looked at her and nodded “yeah, sorry, just frustrated.” in the distance they heard the sound of a sonic boom. “plus we don’t have time to deal with that.”
“true, we'll have to help her with that little problem later.” Twilight said as the pair ran past an old windmill, that meant they were nearing Fluttershy's home. It wasn’t long till the cottage on a small hill with hundreds of bird houses around it was in sight. Twilight kicked up a cloud of dirt as she slid to make the turn onto the small wooden bridge over the stream that circled the small hill. Winchester took a more direct rout, his large hooves splashed through the shallow water, his shortcut woke a family of otters that lived under the bridge. The stallion did a complete flip as he jumped over some bushes before landing and pounding on the door waking just about every critter around. 
Twilight Sparkle joined the stallion as the door to the cottage opened “DUDE, what do you want, you just scared Fluttershy half to death.” Rainbow Dash growled as she glared at the pair of unicorns on the doorstep, Angel stood between the blue pegasus's front legs his forelegs crossed.
Winchester revved the Screaming Ax as he growled “what are you doing here?!”
“yeah, we told you to head to Sweet Apple Acres?” Twilight said sparking her horn in frustration.
Angel shook his head, this was some sort of pony business and he didn’t care enough to keep watching it. The bunny turned around and hopped back to his spot on the couch. Rainbow Dash wasn't sure how to react but she sure didn’t like being accused of something she knew nothing about. “what are you two talking about? I've been here all Night like I am every Friday. Me and Shy always have dinner together on Friday, cause I cant cook worth a damn, she says it keeps me out of trouble. What the hell is going on!?” Twilight should have known all this cause they have invited all their friends to join them, on many occasions.
“damn it.” Winchester growled as Twilight began to explain that a changeling was just in Rainbow Dash's house.
“WHAT?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, Fluttershy joined the group she was afraid but was determined to help however she could. “I've got to get after it!” the blue pegasus said snapping her multicolored tail as she hovered over the other ponies and out the door.
“yeah, it may be heading to Sweet Apple Acres.” Winchester said “As far as I can tell its never been there.” the air outside of Fluttershy's door exploded with color as the blue pegasus took off.
“so how do we know if that’s the real Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked her heart beating fast, who could they trust.
“we don’t.” Winchester replied as he turned to Fluttershy, “has she been out of your sight tonight?” the timid mare shook her head. “are you sure?” Twilight pushed her coltfriend back and told him to relax.
Twilight Sparkle took a calming breath and turned to Fluttershy with a comforting smile. “are you sure Fluttershy its okay if did, but we're going to have to check on your element.”
the pegasus nodded “okay, and yes, I-I'm pretty sure.” her wings fluttered in a release of nerves, she turned and motioned for the unicorns to follow her “she came over about an hour and a half ago we had tea and then dinner, I was never away from her for more then a couple minutes and we were talking the whole time.” 
“okay.” Winchester said as they walk into Fluttershy's bedroom “anypony else been here today?”
the yellow pegasus slipped into her closet, and apologized to a raccoon that was trying to sleep in there before she pulled out a box. “Um, Big Macintosh, came by for a surprise lunch.” Fluttershy explained as she opened the box and gasped “oh my, its gone.” she showed the empty box to her friends.
“was he in your room?” Winchester asked while Twilight curse quietly under her breath.
“yes.” Fluttershy blush deep red trembling a little “he surprised me on my bed.” the trembled became a full body shiver, she had felt something was off when she saw him earlier but thought he was just trying something new.
“Oh my gosh, Fluttershy it wasn’t-?” Twilight couldn’t even finish the question, all three of the ponies were assuming the same thing.
“it was our first kiss.” Fluttershy trembled ashamed and embarrassed.
Twilight didn’t know what to say, she thought something actually bad had happened. Winchester however was as upset by the news as Fluttershy, he just showed it differently “i shall not let this stand.” he bowed to Fluttershy “your purity will be avenged this night, I swear it.” Twilight's hoof met her forehead with a audible smack.

  *            *            *

Applejack sat at the kitchen table in the Apple Family farm house talking with Big Macintosh and Granny Smith about their plans for tomorrow, she smiled when Big Mac said he wanted to take Fluttershy out for dinner. The orange mare was about to say she would finish up his chores if he needed her too when there was a loud knocking at the door. Applejack was closest to the door so she decided to answer it. She was confused and worried about who it could be at this hour. Her thoughts first went to Applebloom. she was slightly revealed to see Rainbow Dash standing behind the door but that only presented new problems. “whats wrong?” the Earth pony asked.
“the elements are being stolen, we need to get yours.” Rainbow Dash replied as Applejack looked around for anypony else.
“What about Twilight and the others, do they know?”
“they're on their way, AJ, come on hurry where's your element.” Rainbow Dash said looking around.
“its in the barn, come on.” the earth pony said hearing the worry in Rainbow Dash's voice. Applejack hurried passed Rainbow Dash heading to the large red building, the blue pegasus right on her heels. The earth pony quickly slapped the heavy latch out of the way and threw open the large door. She didn’t bother to light a lantern as the two mares hurried up a couple of ladders to the highest rafters the windows allowed enough moon light in too see. Rainbow Dash watched as Applejack balanced on a rafter to get to a safe hidden in the roof. The mare quickly input the combination and easily found what she wanted. Applejack closed the safe and locked it before taking the short but precarious journey back.
Rainbow Dash trotted in place as the earth pony hopped down from the rafter with the gold necklace in her jaws, the orange apple jewel glowed ominously. As if it was trying to warn its bearer of what was about to happen. Applejack was about to mention the glow when Rainbow Dash shot foreword and bit her in the neck. An icy chill spread through out Applejack's body. A gasped “What?” escaped her mouth before she collapsed to the ground. Her body numb, her breath coming in short pants. Fear true fear filled her mind, 'this couldn’t be the end could it?' the paralyzed mare asked herself as she started up at who she thought was her friend. 
Rainbow Dash stood over the paralyzed mare her eyes burning green, she smiled evilly with fangs dripping blood and venom. A green aura speared over the pegasus's forehead, the same sickly green glow encompassed Applejack's element lifting it from the ground. The earth pony was helpless to stop her foe as the green magic brightened around the necklace, a moment past and the element of honesty vanished.
“don’t worry.” the false Rainbow Dash said with a smile, “my Queen will take good care of it.” she winked and jumped down to the ground. The changeling smiled as she proudly trotted out of the barn only to hear a deep booming voice call out to Rainbow Dash. “whats up?” she asked as Big Mac trotted up to her.
“so whats going on that y’all need the elements for?” The red stallion looked around, “and where'd AJ go?”
“changelings are doing something, I don’t know really.” Rainbow Dash replied, “oh and AJ's just locking the safe up.” the false pony said waving her hoof dismissively.
“Imposter!” a voice that sounded like Rainbow Dash echoed around them, before Big Macintosh could respond a streak of color dove out of the sky and slammed into a sickly green dome of energy that surround Rainbow Dash next to the stallion. Another Rainbow Dash rolled across the ground dazed. The red stallion remembered what changeling magic looked like and spun on the spot and slammed his back hooves into the dome for all he was worth, the energy rippled like water before shattering taking the changeling’s disguise with it. “Shit.” the insectoid pony creature hissed as it jumped into the air hoovering out of the reach of the stallion.
Out of the corner of its multifaceted eye the changeling noticed that Rarity and Pinkie Pie had arrived with Thunderlane. Rainbow Dash was also picking herself up off the ground. The changeling was greatly out number, she could possibly take a couple of them but not this many ponies. Things only got worse when in a flash of magical light Twilight Sparkle appeared with Winchester beside her, his Ax ready for a fight. Fluttershy was hiding behind them. The present danger made the risk of long distance teleportation worth it. The changeling decided it was time to make an exit. Before the ponies could move into capture the changeling it darted out into the orchard.
Twilight growled as the Changeling escaped meanwhile Winchester yelled for Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane to fly over head and call out if they see it. “Fluttershy.” Twilight turned to the yellow mare, Fluttershy took a deep breath then waited for instructions. “find Applejack and make sure she's okay.” the earth pony wasn't there, that could only mean one thing.
“I'll help.” Pinkie added she was afraid, and her friends could tell when all the ponies gathered together.
“Big Mac keep an eye on them.” Winchester ordered redundantly, the big earth pony was already following his marefriend after saying Applejack may be in the barn, Pinkie Pie was right behind him. “Rarity do you think you can really use that sword?” the stallion asked the white mare.
“of course.” Rarity replied less then sure, fencing in a gym was different then battling a real foe.
“okay then you, Twilight and myself are going in there to find it, Call out if you see it try not to engage it alone.” Winchester order. After the the two other unicorns agreed they charged into the rows of apple trees and soon split up. 
The normally inviting orchid was like a maze with a nightmare possibly around each tree, or at least that’s what it felt like to Rarity. The white unicorn was regretting not staying back at the farm house, she was no fighter. “you're a joke, my fancy little doll.” Rarity heard a sensual voice hiss. Her polished hooves dug into the dirt as she stopped now face to face with her fencing instructor Allez. She was sure he wasn’t him though, he never called her doll. The tall french unicorn pony wore a beret, his white face contrasted his black mane and sweater in the sickly green light of his horn. The changeling smiled as he created a fencing rapier form thin air and pointed it at Rarity.
Rarity cursed under her breath before couching herself into the proper starting stance, she was afraid and it show as her sword wavered in the air in front of her. The changeling could see the mare's lack of confidence in more then just her posture, it could feel her fear and anxiety washing off her like a dog shaking water from its fur. Rarity announced “En Garde” before remembering something very important “EVERYPONY OVER HERE!” she gasped when the changeling in her teachers face attacked with several quick thrust of his thin sword, the white mare was already on the retreat, her heavier blade barely capable of parrying the attacks.
“your friends wont be here anytime soon.” the changeling's false face was bathed in the green light of its conjured sword. “But when they do all they'll find is you.” a flash of green fire blinded Rarity for a moment and the changeling used that lapse in concentration to slip it's rapier through the mare's defense and gave her a cut across her cheek. Fear griped the blinded unicorn as she jumped back, she blinked the stars out of her teary eyes and gasped when she could see again. “and me.” the Changeling now looked and sounded just like Rarity.
Rarity retreated back a few paces and pressed her hoof to her cheek to stop the bleeding, and that’s when she realized what else the changeling had done. It had cast a spell on Rarity to make her look like one of the insecticidal beast. the false Rarity laughed so perfectly it sent a shiver down the real Rarity’s hidden spine. “Now your cheeks match.” the changeling had meant the cut as more of an insult then to really injure Rarity. “your helpless just except it.”
Suddenly in Rarity's mind she was back in the studio with her fencing instructor Allez and his three other students. The tall teacher asked them what drives them to fence, his was a love of the sport where one matches their skills too your opponent’s in such a pure way. The other students all had similar reasons, it was for sport. Rarity's answer was in front of her at this moment, a life or death situation with the stacks of Equestria on the line, and be able to do something about it. She would never be a Knight or even a warrior of any renowned, but the scare of her flank that only Thunderlane got close enough to see was a continuous reminder that she had to fight for her country. She could not let herself be helpless.
“Rrovcy.” Rarity's voice rang out as she stepped forward into a proper En Garde position this one much more confident and firm then before. A single tear of pain rolled down her face, an impressive feat for a mare that would cry from a simple paper cut. The changeling was slightly impressed, but it decided it was time to end this little game. The false Rarity went on the attack.
With her new found determination Rarity called out “Parry! Riposte!” as she deflected her doppelgangers attack and responded with a powerful strike of her own. The false Rarity was taken back by her foes second wind, and the stomp Rarity made as she growled “Appel.” when her strike didn't connect.
Rarity didn’t have an opening but she knew how to make one. “Beat.” she growled as she struck the conjured rapier. The polished bare metal edge of Black Lace flash in the light of the moon as it cut through the changeling's fake weapon. With the changeling's spell shattered so too was its illusion. now in her proper skin Rarity yelled “Attack!” she thrust her blade into the changeling's chest, “Point!” The blade dug in but the thick exoskeleton held its deadly tip away from insectoid creature's vital organs. 
Had Rarity been more behind her strike she could have slain the changeling right there, but its hard for most ponies to take a life even of something so evil. However the changeling survived giving it a chance to spit the last of it's venom into her eyes. “cheating monsters!” the blinded unicorn cried out stepping back and dropping her sword. She shook her head trying to get the stinging goo out of her eyes, to no avail. The venom had already done its job, the white pony would barely be able to see for some time. The changeling was about to finish Rarity off but the sound of approaching hooves sent the insectoid creature back out into the shadows.
Winchester thundered past Rarity he glanced back and saw Twilight galloping through the trees be hind him, she would help Rarity the stallion was sure of it. Up ahead the writer saw a flash of green in a clearing, he would take care of the Changeling. The Screaming Ax roared as Winchester charged into the empty orchid road. The writers slid to a stop and his brown eyes scanned the lines of trees, in the light of the stars and his horn he saw nothing. “shit, lost it.” the stallion snarled.
“Y’all got a dirty mouth now don't ya boy.” a voice came from behind the stallion. Winchester wiped around ax held high but he held his strike, how could he when he was staring at the first mare he had ever loved. Before him stood a deep red earth pony with a cream colored mane, she had graceful curves to her strong body and a beautiful face with rich blue eyes. She smiled at Winchester as she continued “Papa ain't going to invite you over for dinner any more if you talk like that.”
“Get out of my head witch.” Winchester growled stepping back keeping his weapon between him and the changeling.
“why, wouldn’t you like to live out all those dreams you have of me?” the young mare looked just like he remembered, her voice was just as he remembered, how her flank and tail swayed back and forth just right, it was perfect. Too perfect, Winchester swung his roaring weapon.
Southern Belle ducked behind a near by tree, the Screaming Ax cut through the apple tree with ease. Winchester growled as he jumped on top of the stump, in a flash of green a new face appeared to haunt the writer. This one a pegasus mare the color of the sun on the horizon, with a mane the color of the night sky. Her firm pink flank was adorn with a bird that was her name sake, a Nightingale. Again every detail was perfect from that little scare on her chin, too the birth mark on her right knee. The roguish mare only lacked her daggers, hoof bows and armor. 
“I wont let you defile their memories.” Winchester threatened with his growling ax, but he couldn't bring himself to strike the false mare in front of him, just yet. Like the first face the changeling had haunted him with, he didn’t want to see it die again.
“oh come on dude, you don’t want to play with me?” Nightingale replied with that cute pout that use to get Winchester to do just about anything. “or you want to play with another girl.” green fire enveloped the pegasus as she stepped closer to the stallion on the stump and she was replaced with another mare, then another, and another each one a pony Winchester had only spent a night or two with, looking for nothing more then a good time. Finally the Changeling stopped in Twilight Sparkle's form. She smiled and said “so many faces you'll never see again.” the Changeling in Twilight’s face taunted. Winchester's eyes widened as he realized what it meant. He turned and ran back the way he came toward a bright light among the trees. 

*       *      *

Twilight Sparkle looked into Rarity's bloodshot eyes. “you sure your okay?” she asked “your eyes are pretty red.”
“Yes yes.” Rarity replied annoyed “i can see just fine, and darling I have some cream for those bags under your eyes.”
“w-what.” Twilight replied as she stepped back and touched her cheek before shaking her head “woe, no time for that. Winchester may need help.”
“Twilight, I do think everything going to be okay.” Rarity said pointed up at Princess Celestia as she floated to the ground in front of them, the warm light of the sun radiated from her. The two unicorns called out their monarchs name as they hurried over to her. 
Celestia smiled warmly at Twilight Sparkle, however the mare thought something was off about it. It was too perfect. Then almost in the same moment both Twilight and Rarity saw the unconscious bodies of Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane in the shadows behind the alicorn ruler. But that’s when the attack came. Twilight’s coat rippled like she was hit with hurricane force winds pushing her back a couple of steps, that was nothing like what was going on in her mind. a black wave of destructive washed over her mind scape. Twilight had felt nothing like it before. Each magic user's mental power was different. For most ponies it matched them like their cutie mark did. Her own was like stars, Winchester was like words and books. When she had experienced that dragon's metal attack, it felt like monstrous claws grasping at her. Celestia's magic was like the source of her power, warm and inviting like a summer day, it could get life, it felt like love. This power was nothing like it, cold, hateful, Wanting only to take and devour.
Twilight tried too save her mind, but the metaphorical dams, walls, and ditches only shatter as the black force of will hit them in an unstoppable wave. Every technique she knew did nothing to slow the destruction. Memories, knowledge, skills, likes and dislikes, all broke like glass and were left to float weightless in the vastness of the mare's head. Little was left intact, be it the intention of the attacker, her own efforts or of fate's own intervention that which Twilight, Twilight Sparkle remained and that’s what the mare's soul thankfully clung too. She was lost to the real world, she didn’t even know that her body had dropped to the ground never to awake again under its own power. She would lived trapped in her own mind for a time till she starved, few could fix the damage done and it wouldn't be long before it became irreversible.