//------------------------------//
// Buried Secrets 
// Story: OC, Oh Crap! 
// by SmokeShadow95 
//------------------------------//

	She sighed, a heavy breath of finality.. The moment had come, and she was here. Before here sat the five of them, friends who had always been there for each other. And for her. But they weren't alone before her. He also stood with them. The one being she couldn't have possibly planned for. The one thing happened that she couldn't have possibly foreseen. 

“You ponies five, my friends,” Zecora started, “I promised you a story, a tale that not yet ends. This story of mine, a story of dangers and secrets. A story that leaves me with so many regrets.”

“It's alright, Zecora,” Tessla said, standing beside one of the pony thrones, but still he was closer to her than the others. He wanted her to know that he was there for her. “You can tell us. Nothing you say is going to turn us away from you.”

Zecora smiled at him. He was the one person that was able to get her back to Ponyville. She was set on leaving, had her bags packed and everything. Then he showed up and somehow talked her out of it. She still wasn't sure what exactly it was that convinced her to stay, but she was content with her decision.

“Thank you, Tessla my friend, for being here with me til the end,” Zecora said with a signature rhyme. “But I fear I may yet turn ponies away, for the start of my story shall surely cause dismay.”

Zecroa took a deep breath. It was mostly to calm her nerves. She was content to be here, but every fiber of her being still screamed inside of her, telling her to turn and run. Run out of that room, out of that castle. They told her to run clear out of Ponyville, go back to the comfort of the Everfree Forest, where she had always felt safe. But she didn't do that. She stood where she was and took a deep breath.

“I come from a land of ancient traditions and even older magics,” Zecora started her story. “My birth was a normal one, but my life after was most tragic.

“Grew into a fine mare I did, but always was I watched and eyed, for I had a talent many of my people had long thought died. I possessed a talent for the magics of the old times, and for that  	I was cursed with this insufferable rhyme.”

“Hold up,” Tessla said, interrupting Zecora's story. “You're voice? You're saying that you are cursed? That's why you always speak in rhymes?”

“Yes, that is what I meant to say. I am not hiding anything from you this day,” Zecora replied. 	“Upon my being this curse was laid, from my very family this curse was made. I grew into a 	fine mare, but I was far from alone as I grew. I was born alongside another, a brother I hardly knew.”

“A brother?” The word went around from one mouth to another. Every pony had it slipping off their tongues before the next second had passed. It was hard to believe, but it was true. Zecora had no reason to lie to them. 

“A brother,” Applejack said. “That you hardly knew? How can ya not know yer own brother, Zecora?”

“Choices made in the time we were young,” Zecora stated. “I chose the path of a daughter to tradition, while he became a warrior son.”

Zecora's eyes closed as her mind traveled back. She went back to a place she never thought she would every go again. Her thoughts raced back to her homeland, her village in the plains. She could see her home in her memories. Her parents were there, smiling. They had all the warmth and comfort about them that one could expect from any family. Zecora could see it in their smiles, and in the light of their eyes. But that light was quickly overtaken. A great shadow came from behind them. It loomed over everything Zecora knew and it was coming for her. 

“I had only one choice left to me, to run and hide from my brother and his army. And so I came to this land of Equestria and ventured into the Forest Everfree.”

As Zecora told her story a low rumble filled the air. It was a small thing, a vibration that seemingly traveled through the entirety of the castle at once. They first thought nothing of it. One of the many small disasters Ponyville citizens were used to by now. But the rumble was not alone, followed only by a crash that sounded as if it came from the heavens itself. A mighty, colossal tremor ran down the streets of the town. Shaken from their seats and hooves everyone in the castle ran for the nearest window. 

“Tarnation! What was that?” Applejack exclaimed loudly.

“I haven't the faintest idea, but I do say I rather ruined the moment,” Rarity said rather plainly.

All eyes were focused outside and so none of them paid much heed to what was said. In less than a moment's time all of their eyes were looking at the same place, drawn to it by a growing sense of dread and worry as much as the ponies running toward it. A cloud of dust like none they had seen before, except for the day in which the humans had arrived, all those months ago. 

“Wait a sec,” Rainbow Dash said as she strained to see into the distance where all the commotion was. “I think that's Ghastly Gorge.”

“What?! Ghastly Gorge?” Applejack repeated in a much worried tone. She didn't even wait for 	a response, for she had already turned and was heading for the door. “Oh no, Apple Bloom.”

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said with her own worry clear in her eyes. “I'm coming. Hold on.”

“What's up with them?” Dash asked. 

“The fillies had a field trip to the Ghastly Gorge today,” Fluttershy said. “It was supposed to be safe.”

“Oh, shit,” Dash said. “Scootaloo's in that class. I gotta go.” Dash flew the castle corridors as fast as her wings would carry her. She saw her two friends running along below her. How could she forget? Scootaloo was like a younger sister to her, just like they had their own actual sisters. And Dash couldn't even remember a damn field trip. She hated herself for it, but had to ignore it for now. It was far from the right time for that, and she needed to fly faster.


===


Austin stood with Twilight. Together they were standing in the throne room of the Royal Canterlot Castle. It had been a full day since the spell had been performed and Austin had been feeling wondrous. No more mind aching, skull splitting visions of blood and doom and what not. Twilight looked at him a lot throughout that day, and she had seen something about him she hadn't seen in a while. He was smiling again. Not a half smile somebody puts on when they say they're fine, but a real, true, genuine smile. It only made her smile even more. 

“I am glad to see you are doing well, Austin,” Celestia said. 

“Yes, very glad indeed,” Luna shouted joyously. Austin was glad to see her in a more playful mood. He hadn't seen Luna for a while before this whole vision thing started, and this was how he preferred to see her. 

“Yes, well, I think it's time we got going,” Austin said. “Ponyville is probably missing us, and who knows what disaster has sprung up since we've been gone.” If only he had known how true his words were in that moment.

The doors to the throne room burst open abruptly, silencing all the quiet laughter among them. Cadance came inside quickly, the look upon her face wiping away the smiles they had been wearing until then. She stopped just short of the rest of them with a solemn look about her. 

“Cadance, what is it?” Celestia asked. 

“I had said my goodbyes and left for my return to the Crystal Empire. That's when I saw it,” Cadance said. “It is Ponyville. There's been an accident in Ponyville.”

“What kind of accident?” Twilight asked hurriedly.

“A collapse,” Cadance reported. “I couldn't tell much from where I was, but it looked serious. It looked bad, Twilight.”

Celestia wasted no time in taking command of the situation. “Twilight, you teleport to Ponyville with Austin. I need you to assess the situation and take command there. I will assemble an emergency response team and have them meet you there as fast as I can. Alright? Twilight, can you do that?”

“O course,” Twilight stated matter of fact. This was one of those times where she let her 	emotions lay in the back of her mind and her thinking part take over the controls. It made her seem cold sometimes, but it also let her stay calm in situations just like this. For better or worse, whether it was a good thing or bad, Austin could do the same. He nodded to the Princess's and he and Twilight were gone in the blink of an eye and the flash of a spell.

“It would seem that Austin spoke the truth,” Celestia said. “We do indeed have work to do.”


===


Applejack and Rarity ran through the streets of Ponyville. They raced through the crowds of ponies huddles together, ignoring the whispers and rumors already circulating around as to what happened. They moved down the path outside of town that lead down the place they now knew disaster had struck. Dash was right earlier. IT was Ghastly Gorge. The two ponies moved as fast as their hooves could carry them. They rounded a corner only to see that Rainbow Dash herself was already there. 

“Dash? What are you doin' here?” Applejack asked hastily, but she wasn't moving. Rainbow Dash was as still as lifeless stature, staring straight ahead. It didn't take long for them to figure out why. They just had to follow the path of her terror filled gaze. 

A wall. That was what was she was staring at. A wall, solid and sturdy and right in the place where the class was supposed to be. Rocks of every size and shape had fallen into place between the walls of this canyon here to form a dam in effect. But that wasn't even the worst part. 

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity cried out. “Sweetie Belle, where are you? Sweetie Belle?”

“Apple Bloom,” Applejack called out for her own sister, “Apple Bloom, where ya at?”

“Applejack. Rarity.” Both mares turned to face the pony who called their names. It was Cheerilee. They were relieved to see the face of the teacher, but their relief soon subsided back when she smiled even less than they did. In fact, the look on her face couldn't get any worse as a few tears started to roll down her cheeks. 

“Cheerilee,” Rarity said. “Where is Sweetie Belle?”

“And Apple Bloom?”

Cheerilee could hardly even look at the two of them. She could barely tell Rainbow Dash. All she could do as the tears came more and more was turn and face the rock wall.

“What?! They're still in there?” Rarity said with shock and disbelief. She wasn't sure what to feel at the moment but she was sure on what to do.

She raced to edge of the rock wall and furiously started moving rocks with her bare hooves. Applejack raced up with her, but not to join her. She was there to stop her. 

“Rarity, you can't do this,” She said. 

“Out of my way, AJ,” Rarity said as she attempted to shove her friend to the side. “I have to get to Sweetie Belle.”

“I know, Rares, I do-”

“You damn well should, Applejack,” Rarity shouted, “You have a sister underneath all this as well. You should be helping me, dammit!”

“If there is a chance they're still alive I will move this mountain mahself, Rarity, you know that. But I am not going to risk their lives by bringing the rest of this heap down on the rest of us.”

“They are alive, AJ,” Rarity said surely. “I know it. Those girls are as tough as they come, and darn lucky to go with it.”

“Plus, they have us,” Applejack said with a weak smile. “Ain't nothing gonna go wrong.” 

Applejack's smile, although weak, was enough to get one of equal value from Rarity. She sighed and looked up at the wall of rocks and rubble. Somewhere in there was her sister, and Applejack's. And Rainbow Dash had someone in their as well. She was feeling their pain just as much as they themselves were. 

“Everypony, shut up!” 

Both Rarity and Applejack looked back quickly, as a deathly silence filled the surrounding area. Not a pony made a sound, not even a breath escaped from them. The ground did not shake, the earth did not rumble. Everything from the rocks to the air was completely still. And there was Rainbow Dash, hovering just a few feet above the ground, her wings beating slowly as she lowered her head. She turned her face to the wall, to the rocks. She glided in closer to them. Something had drawn her undivided attention. She was solely focused on the rocks. Almost nothing drew her attention like this.

“What is it, Dash?” Applejack whispered. 

“Shh,” Dash replied. “You hear that?”

Applejack turned to face the rocks Dash was focused on. Rarity came up on the other side of her. Together they stood in silence for a few moments, but not a sound was made in that time. Not anything they could hear. 

“I don't hear anything,” Rarity told Dash. 

“Close your eyes,” Dash said back. “You're not listening hard enough.”

It was a ridiculous thing to say, but Dash was far from joking. Both Rarity and Applejack did as Dash did. They closed their eyes, closing themselves off from the sense of sight and opening up their other senses. Together they listened, and together they heard. Something. 

“They're alive,” Rarity uttered, just under her breath. 

“They're alive,” Applejack stated. 

“They're alive,” Rainbow Dash shouted to whole word, for everypony to hear. And everypony did hear. Ponies that did not already come from town streamed down from Ponyville to help. 

The three mares were off to one side of the canyon. They were closer to an actual canyon wall and the wall of fallen rocks was only partially covering the area they were standing at. As many of the strong worker ponies came into the canyon they waved their hooves to get them over here. Big Mac was among them, and feeling stronger than ever. He probably could move a whole mountain by himself just then. 
Together, with Rainbow Dash guiding them from above and Applejack leading the ponies, they were able to clear away some of the rocks and rubble. It was long, slow moving process but it was getting done. In an hours time there was a hole, a gap just big enough for a filly sized pony to squeeze through. 

Rarity pushed her way up to the front. She moved past the rest of them. “Sweetie Belle,” She called deep into the hole. Once again, silence fell upon the ponies as they eagerly awaited a response from the darkness. And it came. Not a voice, not a call from the young ponies. But a light. A faint light as the young filly lit up the tip of her horn just enough to make her face, and the faces of the other two young fillies as well. 

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said with relief and happiness overflowing from her eyes. 

“Apple Bloom. Are you okay?” Applejack asked. 

“My leg hurts,” Apple Bloom said. “And Scootaloo's wing is looking real bad.”

“You hang in there, lil sis,” Applejack said with a smile. “We'll have you out in no time.”

“Maybe I an help,” Tessla said as he approached the small hole and the three mares. 

“What can you do?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What can your magic do to help us? Not trying to sound like a bitch here, just asking.”

“I can do this,” Tessla said. He held his hands out and traced a small circle in the air. As soon as the circle was complete, it was immediately filled in. It looked like the bottom of a tin can, and that is exactly what Tessla had in his hands when he held up the circle. It was like an illusion, but what he had was a solid thing. 
Tessla set the can down on its side and held a hand on it to make sure it didn't roll away. He gave it a hard tap with his other hand and good kick to the far end. The end closest to the hole popped open suddenly and it was like one of those prank cans with paper snakes in them. Only this time, there was only one and it was headed right for the hole. It was just the right size as it slithered into dark, as if drawn to the light of Sweetie Belle's horn. It stopped just before the three young ponies and its mouth opened wide. 

“Climb on in,” Tessla called down. “I promise it's safe.”

The three of them didn't really care how safe it was. No matter how safe he said it was it was definitely safer than that cave they were stuck in. And so they climbed into the mouth of this paper snake. One by one, with Sweetie Belle standing at the mouth but not climbing in. Scootaloo went in first. She winced every time her injured wing so much as brushed the surface on anything else. Apple Bloom was the second of them in. She needed help from Scootaloo to climb in, seeing as how her one leg was hurting real bad. Sweetie Belle was the last in. The light from her horn faded away as she fell inside the mouth. She was so tired. Before they could move any farther the snake moved itself. 
The mouth closed around them and the whole length of it lurched back a bit. On the outside the ponies watched as this oversized toy that had extended into the cave was now receding back into the equally oversized can it came from. And just before the head of the snake reached the can it stopped. It opened its jaws wide and revealed the three little fillies just as they were a moment ago. Before they knew it they three of them were in the arms of each of their sisters. 

“Ow!” Scootaloo cried out. “Ow, ow, ow. Damn that hurts.”

“Hey. Watch the language,” Rainbow Dash said sternly as she held Scootaloo close to her. “I am glad to see you're okay, though.”

“Ouch. That hurts, Sis,” Apple Bloom said as she was lifted off the ground in Applejack loving 	grasp. 

“Oh, sorry, Apple Bloom,” Applejack said as she put her down. “Where does it hurt?”

“Ah, everywhere,” Apple Bloom said, carefully trying not to move at all. 

“Oh my! Sweetie Belle, I am so happy that you are safe and sound. I;m just so glad you aren't hurt,” Rarity cried as she squeezed and hugged her young sister close to her. “You aren't hurt, are you? Sweetie Belle?”

“I'm fine, Rarity, really,” She replied wearily. “I'm just really tired.”

The three mares just wanted to stay there with the young fillies, but it was not meant to be. The day was not over yet and help was just about to arrive. 

In the next instant before any pony, human, or other being could do anything a flash of light that could only have come from a magic spell blinked in and then out in the canyon. Standing there were Twilight and Austin. They didn't waste anytime whatsoever. 

Twilight turned to face the nearest familiar face that wasn't preoccupied at the moment. 	“Applejack,” She said. “What's the situation like?”

“Apple Bloom,” Applejack looked down at her little sister, “Tell Twilight what happened.”

Apple Bloom winced, biting her lip to get through the pain. Nurse Redheart had arrived at the scene as was tending to her injured leg. She as being less than gentle. Once she was done she moved on to Scootaloo's wing and Apple Bloom looked up at Twilight.

“We was just having a bit of fun,” She said. “We found this spot, barely even a cave, and it was fulla gems we needed for our assignment. Ben said it was unstable. Guess he was right, 'cause next thing we knew rocks started falling from the ceiling and the walls.”

“So that's what caused all this?” Twilight asked, a half statement. “Some loose rocks in small cave? I thought I cleared this whole area. How could I have missed that?”

“No, that ain't it,” Apple Bloom said. “That didn't do this.”

“What do you mean? Then what did?”

“Ponies,” Sweetie Belle said. She walked up and stood next to Apple Bloom. Rarity was following behind her but keeping her distance, as Sweetie Belle asked her too. Sweetie Belle herself had a bandage wrapped around her head. Her horn was protruding up between the layers of medical gauze. “Ponies did this.” She said again.

“Sweetie Belle, what are you saying?” Twilight asked, worried at what the little fillies answer would be.

“After the small cave ceiling came down, there was something else. The falling rocks had uncovered a hole that lead to another area of the canyon. We were stupid and went through it. Ben tried to stop us, but we were not listening,” Sweetie Belle reported. “And then we heard voices coming from the other side. We found out they were coming from ponies.”

“We don't know if they were ponies or not.” Scootaloo added her own voice to the conversation. She slowly trudged up to her two friends, one of her wings was so wrapped up and covered in tape it almost looked like a makeshift cast. 

“Scootaloo, why aren't you on your way to hospital?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I'm not going without you guys,” She replied. “And we need to tell Twilight about the things we saw first.”	

“The ponies?” Twilight said.

“No,” Scootaloo replied. “They wore these long, hooded cloaks that looked really creepy. We couldn't see their faces.”

“What about their bodies?”

“Nope,” Apple Bloom said. “We only gotta look at one of 'em, and he had some kinda clothes on all down his legs.”

“Okay,” Twilight said, internally groaning at the severe lack of information. She really didn't like not having information. “What happened after that?”

The three young friends all traded worried glances between one another. Slowly they sank down to the ground and their heads all lowered as far as they could. They all sat their, slouching and pouting for a moment. Apple Bloom's eyes began to water. Dirt and dust and filth covered her all over. The tears ran down her face, marking a clear path down her cheeks as if in an attempt to wash away some of her guilt. Sweetie Belle was beginning to cry as well, her own tears cleansing her cheeks.

“He- he- he picked us all up,” She said with her tears. 

“He ran with all of us in his arms,” Scootaloo said slowly. “Rocks were falling down all around us.”

“He threw us all into the cave,” She said as she held back a sobbing fit. “But he didn't make it 	in.” 

The sobs took over and all three of them started to cry profusely. Twilight turned away from them. Austin had gone that way to talk to Tessla. He was over there, that way. Twilight turned away only to find both humans standing not even a foot away, both of their faces contorted in horror as their eyes shifted. They came to focus on the immense pile of rocks they just learned their best friend was trapped underneath. 

“Oh my god,” Tessla said. “Austin, what do we do?”

Austin didn't know what to say. He always had an answer, for everything. Always. If it wasn't a good, honest answer it was usually something else. Sometimes it was a joke, or a just a bad an answer. But this time, he didn't have anything. Nothing. He didn't have the damndest clue as to what to do. 

“I don't know,” He finally said. “I just don't know.”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance.”

Al eyes turned upward. It was true they needed help, but this was the last thing they expected. Twilight had a better chance of predicting Discord's every move for an entire day before she would guessed this. She just stood there and watched this help arrive. She was one of the few who didn't move. Many ponies backed up, retreated, or just ran away. For you see, this help, this being, she was most unexpected.

“Queen Chrysalis,” Twilight said seriously, and with a noticeable edge to her voice. 

“Relax, Twilight Sparke, I come in peace.” Chrysalis stated as she fluttered down and landed next to them. “I have come because of Ben. Where is he?”

“There,” Austin said, pointing at the rocks. He hid his shock and worry for his friend behind a straight face. It was easier for him to focus on Chrysalis than it was for him to worry about Ben. He hated how cold he felt to himself when he did this, but he did it anyway. 

“On the other side of the rock wall. Well then-”

“Under it,” Chrysalis was shocked that Austin interrupted her so sharply. She let his words sink in as she looked down at the ground. 

“I see,” She said after a moment. “Perhaps that is why I have this feeling in me. Twilight Sparkle, do you know what this feeling is? Ever since Ben left the hive me and my Changelings 	have been ,well, happy. It is hard to explain. And then, suddenly I get this pain in me, right where I would feel happy. Somehow, I just knew it was Ben. And I knew that of anyone in Equestria you would know where he was.”

“Actually, Austin would know where to find him more than I would,” Twilight said in response. 

“And I knew that Austin would be with you,” Chrysalis replied with a tone to her voice. Twilight's confused looked mixed with her slight blush urged her to explain a bit more. “Did 	you think Cadance was the only one who could sense love? How is it did you believe we found suitable prey?”

“That doesn't matter right now,” Tessla nearly shouted. “We need to get Ben out from under there. Right away. Now, you came to help, Chrysalis. What can you do?”

“I live in a underground hive, human. Cave ins and rock slides a bit more common there, so what I can do is provide an expert opinion,” Chrysalis replied. “And some labor as well.”

Chrysalis smirked and raised her head up toward the sky. Her horn flared up with the dark green magical aura that the Changeling Queen had. She charged up a magic bolt and fired it skyward. She let it soar higher and higher into the sky before finally it exploded outward, releasing whatever signal it was meant to send. On some level both Austin and Twilight wanted to believe that she was here to help, and at the same time they both changed their footing as if expecting a battle to begin in the next few seconds. Thankfully, the latter never did come to pass. 

From over the horizon a small, dark cloud emerged. It quickly formed from the shadows and moved. It cut its way through the breezy sky, going against the winds and heading for the canyon. Before long a quiet buzzing had begun to resonate through the air. The cloud, actually a grouping of Changeling drones flying closely together, stopped in the air above where Chrysalis stood. 

“Surround the collapse,” She ordered with a commanding wave of her hoof. “I want the layout within an hours time. Move!”

The Changelings didn't even show any sign that they registered her orders. Other than the fact they all moved at once to fulfill them, that is. The drones, they never nodded or spoke or even blinked as far as Twilight and them knew. But it would seem that Chrysalis spoke true before. She was here to help. 

“You seem surprised, Twilight,” She said as she turned back to them. 

“This is just a bit unexpected,” Twilight said. “Your arrival, I mean.”

“Yes, I'm keenly aware that my sudden change of heart will not be believed my many ponies, but it is true nonetheless,” Chrysalis said. “That human, Ben, changed me. I owe him much.”

“Well, you can do that when we get him out,” Austin said. “In the meantime, why don't you tell us what it is your drones are doing?”

Austin gestured back to the Changelings. They had separated away from their tight flying group and gone individually to different areas. All of them stood at some point around the collapse of rocks that formed the wall. Many of them stood like sentries at watch before them wall on their side, as Twilight and Austin watched them closely. 
They had landed and stood firmly on the ground, but their wings were still outstretched. Why? Then they started to do something odd. Their wings, they blurred. Like a hummingbird moving their wings so fast the Changelings wings vibrated and moved until they were just blurs above their bodies. The noise created by this was something new to them. It was loud, unnatural, and overwhelming at times. When it was just one it was different, interesting even, and could almost be listened to without trouble. But there wasn't just one Changeling here. There were dozens, and one by one their wings started blurring in and out. 

“What are you waiting for,” Chrysalis asked in a demanding tone. She saw a look in the eyes of those around her. “Not all of my Changelings are drones, you know. You should know this. You saw the big ones back at the hive.”

As she explained this to them, a lone Changeling flew up above the rest. This one was not like the others. It wasn't even an it. It was a she. Unlike the drones, whose similarities in size and shape and general look make them seem like they all come out of the same mold she looked like someone had specifically designed her. Tall, lean, with an exotic charm about her appearances that could even rival many of the ponies that lived in Equestria. 

“She's special,” Chrysalis explained, like a proud parent showing off their child's talent to strangers for the first time. “You see, the drones are vibrating their wings in such a way that it 	sends small soundwaves into the wall. The waves are harmless themselves but will get picked up by the drones on the other side, or even by themselves if it gets back to them. With all these drones connected by a hive mind they will collectively map out the entire collapse, inside and out. From there, we will be able to find and rescue Ben.”

“Where does the mystery female Changeling fit into this,” Twilight asked. 

“The drones collect and map the area,” Chrysalis replied. “Think of her job as the reader of the map. She is in tune with the hive mind of these drones to the point where she can see the collective image formed by all of them. Once she has it all she can create a magical image of it by memory.”

“Magical radar with 3D virtual mapping,” Tessla said. “Awesome. Why didn't I think of that?”

“Because you aren't nearly as intelligent as Queen Chrysalis, human.” The voice belonged to the same female Changeling that had flown above the rest. She had come back down to the ground to take a place next to her queen's side. Tessla was still in awe about her appearance. 
Her mane, similar in colors to that of Chrysalis herself flowed down from her head and off to her left side. It dangled freely and waved back and forth in the light breeze that filled the air. Her eyes were sharp, piercing slits that betrayed her Changeling nature. 

“And you are,” Tessla finally responded. 

“My name is unimportant,” She replied. “For I will not be here for long. Just long enough to assist my Queen and then I will return to the Hive.”

“I take it you don't like outsiders much,” Tessla stated frankly. “Good to know.”

This Changeling glared angrily at him. She seemed like she wanted to continue her barrage of insults at Tessla and the rest of the humans. However, she instead turned her attention away from them and towards Chrysalis. 

“My Queen, the drones will have the collapse fully mapped out in a matter of minutes.”

“Well done,” Chrysalis said back. “Your abilities of control have come quite far. Impressive.”

“You honor me, my Queen.” The Changeling said with a slight blush appearing in her cheeks. 

“Okay,” Austin said, entering into the conversation between them. “What happens then? Once the collapse has been mapped out?”

“We will enact a plan to get him out, of course,” Chrysalis said. 

“How will you do that?” Austin asked. 

“You ask a lot of questions human,” The Female Changeling stated with a sharp edged tone to her voice. “You should simply have faith in My Queen.”

“With respect, your Queen is your queen,” Austin told her directly. “I have no reasons of my own to place my faith in her. That may change after today, though.”

The Changeling stared at him for a moment, as if unsure what to think. She exhaled strongly before turning her head back her Queen. Chrysalis gave her a nod and she left the ground to return to her spot in the air. Her horn glowed with magic while she connected her mind with all the drones. Simultaneously, a magical glow surrounded the drones and a single pulse of light was sent through the collapsed canyon rocks. When then light of the pulse finally subsided the Female Changeling sent a silent message to Chrysalis. 

“The drones are done,” She said. “Now we can proceed.”

Chrysalis spoke with Twilight and Austin for a few moments more after that. She explained to them how she would be coordinating the drones in the rescue. They would be helping from the air. Due to the help of the Female Changeling in the air Chrysalis had found Ben's location and the safest way to reach him. 

From the air her drones would be slowly removing the boulders and rocks that had fallen. Rainbow Dash had been volunteered by Twilight to gather some willing Pegasi and assist the drones. She was more than willing to help, but she wasn't sure who else would be. She gave Twilight her word that she would come back with at least one other Pegasus, and then Dash flew off. Meanwhile, they continued on with the plan. 
The drones went to work on the rocks from above. They had to remove a few of the biggest ones first. It took three to four of them all working together to lift some of them. Other drones would then come in quickly, as soon as there was enough room to get in, and sweep away the smaller stones and pebbles that could fall down and destabilize the entire collapse. They worked as a very efficient team. From one area to the next they removed these larger boulders. 
From below Austin and Tessla worked with the Earth ponies. Austin and Tessla had their magic to use, and use it they did. The only thing they could do with it was support the collapse from the underside. Applejack and Pinkie Pie managed to pry loose one of the larger boulders standing against the side of the collapse. It took the both of them plus Big Mac's considerable strength to move the chunk of rock off to the side. However, with the loss of this one piece the entire collapse became a bit unstable, more than it already was. Austin stepped forward to help in the only way he knew he could. With his magic. 
He stepped up to the newly made hole in the collapse, like a great mouth to an even greater beast. It was as if the gaping maw of the beast was opened wide and ready to swallow them whole in the sea of rock and stone. Austin held his hand above his head and and field of magical energy appeared around the rocks where the chunk of rock used to be. He pushed them back as far as he could safely do so and he held them there. 

Tessla stepped forward with Applejack to the mouth of the collapse. “Alright,” He said. “Austin isn't gonna be able to move much now that he's holding all this up. We gotta get in there and get Ben out.”

“But we havta go in carefully,” Applejack said. “Or else we are gonna bring this down on all the ponies here. Now, lets get moving.”

They didn't waste any time talking it over. It was clear to everypony that this wasn't a time for talking, that they had to act fast. The ponies moved forward as quickly as they could. It really wasn't that quickly at all. Only two ponies were able to be inside of the collapse at a time. Any more and the risk of the collapse coming down on top of them would be too great. Not to mention that only a few ponies could get past Austin, who stood just outside the entrance like an ever vigilant guardian. 

Applejack was one of the first ponies inside. She headed in before any other pony could even speak up. Another Earth pony joined her inside. Applejack didn't recognize him right away and she didn't really care then. He was small for an Earth pony, but solidly built. Tessla conjured up a few dancing lights for illumination and Applejack directed him what to do. The whole area down here was littered with the small, broken up pieces of the rocks that crashed together above them. Together, the both of them started removing these rocks and filling small sacks with them. It was slow and tiresome work.
Every time they got a sack filled they called out to let Tessla know. He would send down another of his snakes in a can tricks to grab the filled sack and bring it outside. Once there it was immediately taken by other ponies to be emptied and another sack put in its place to be brought down to them. 

The day dragged on. The heat of the sun beat down on them with a fierce intensity. After nearly two hours underneath the rocks Applejack and her Eart pony companion had to crawl out for air. Two others immediately stepped out to volunteer for the next shift, and so they went in. 

“Applejack, you need some water,” Tessla said as he came over to her. He handed her a bottle of water. She happily accepted it and guzzled down half the bottle before her next breath. The rest she emptied over her mane, letting the cool refreshing feeling wash down her head and back. 

“How's he doin?” She asked as she gestured at Austin. They both looked over at him. He hadn't moved since he started hours ago. The air was hot and dry, and yet the ground all around Austin seemed to glisten with moisture. It was due to the sweat rolling down from him. Beads of sweat poured from him. His face, his back, his chest. 

“He's moved his arms a few times, adjusting to the shifting of the rocks as more are taken off I guess. Other than that he seems to be fine,” Tessla said. “But its hard to tell with him sometimes.”

“The human has great endurance and stamina.”

Both Applejack and Tessla looked over to see the Female Changeling standing next to them. While Austin was drenched in sweat and baking in the sun, Applejack was covered in the dirt and dust from the underbelly of the collapse, this Changeling looked just as good as she did when she first showed up with Chrysalis. 

“Why are you here?” Applejack asked. 

“To observe the human,” She replied. “As I said, he has remarkable stamina, as well as endurance.”

“Yeah, I'll be sure to let him know you actually complimented a human,” Tessla said. “Now go get back to your drones and help get my other friend out of this rubble.”

“My mind is linked to these drones. They will do as I have ordered. I need not be present for 	the entirety of the task.”

As if to show off what she meant, what her drones could do, a group of four drones lifted up a piece of rock. It was a large chunk of the canyon wall that had fallen. One drone took hold of each of the edges of it and lifted it into the air. The Changeling pointed to these drones and smiled as if they were the prime examples of the what it was to be worker drones. The moment would have been hers if it weren't for the fact that the piece they had lifted into the air was falling apart. 

The chunk of rock they had lifted up seemed to be whole from the sky view. From underneath, however, there was a maze of cracks running through that rock and small pieces of it were already raining down with the dust and dirt. Before another second had passed, the whole rock split and slipped from the grasp of the Changeling drones. They had to release their grip or be dragged down with it. 

“NOO!” Applejack screamed. The smaller chunks slammed down on top of the collapse. Instantly, Austin had reacted. His knee slammed into the ground in kind, just as the rocks hit the collapse. He visibly struggled with his magic field, as if the entire weight of this was on his shoulders. The two ponies inside were trying not to panic as they raced for the only way out. Austin was able to raise the field, and the surrounding rocks ever so slightly. It was just enough to give them room to squeeze out from under the rocks. 

“That was too close,” Applejack said.

“You. Changeling,” Twilight said as she approached. “That is why you are needed above, with 	the drones. To supervise the handling of specific rocks and help maintain the little structural integrity this thing has. Do you understand?”

“Only my Queen can speak to me in such a manner,” She replied to Twilight. 

“Trust me, Silk Weaver,” Chrysalis hissed through and angered demeanor as she came up to her Changeling. “I would not have put it so nicely myself. Now get back up to your post!”

“My Queen,” The Female Changeling, Silk Weaver, cowered before her, “It was the drones that dropped the rocks.”

“Because you were not there to tell them that the rock they had in their grips was breaking apart,” Chrysalis scolded her underling. “Understand this, Silk, if anything happens here to harm the human Ben in any way that you could have prevented I will personally hold you responsible. Do you understand me?”

“Perfectly,” Silk replied. “Returning to supervise the drones now, my Queen.”

She flew off in a hurry and took her place with the drones once again. Chrysalis' eyes watched her closely for a few moments. Silk flew around from  group to group, personally checking every piece of debris they even touched to see if it was intact enough to be moved. 

“Well done,” Twilight said after a few moments. “A little harsher than I would have done it, but you got her back in the air.”

“Did you think I was harsh,” Chrysalis asked. “I didn't even notice. I usually try to bring a 	certain amount of imposing to all my declarations, but something seems to have gotten to me. I 	don't know what's happening.”

“Tell me Chrysalis,” Twilight said. “You have been here among the ponies for several hours now. Have you felt the need to feed on our love since you've been here?”

“No,” Chrysalis replied. “In fact, I feel quite sated actually. Now that I think about it I have felt sated for quite some time now. How did this happen?”

“It's called love,” Twilight said. “Real, true love. Not the stuff you suck out of us whenever you can. This is the kind of love you were given.”

“Given love?” Chrysalis repeated the words a few times. It was like she was pondering some 	great concept and she couldn't quite understand it all. “I don't understand, Twilight Sparkle. Is not all love the same? Why is this given love still satisfying me? Why does the love taken only last for a meager amount of time?”

“I can't explain it all to you,” Twilight said. “This is something you have to figure out for yourself. I can offer you one thing though.”

“And what is that?”

“A question,” Twilight said. “Changelings feed off of love. What would happen if a Changeling 	themselves fell in love? You don't have to answer it now. Jut think it over.”

“I shall do that,” Chrysalis said, her mind already working to answer to question Twilight 	proposed to her. It was like a riddle that needed solving. The only problem was, she couldn't figure it out.

“I see this day is full of unexpected encounters.” Twilight looked over and Chrysalis was snapped out of her haze as the voice of Celestia herself spoke to them. She glided down on the winds with several ponies behind her. She gave them a nod as they all landed their hooves on the ground and they moved right away for the collapse. This must be the emergency response team Celestia had assembled. 

“Queen Chrysalis,” Celestia said seriously. 

“Princess Celestia,” Chrysalis replied with an equally serious tone. “I am not here as your enemy, but as an ally. My drones work to uncover the human, Ben.”

“I can see that,” Celestia said as her eyes glanced behind them at the other Changelings. Her serious face faded away and was replaced with the warm, welcoming smile Twilight was used to seeing. “We are most glad for the assistance.”

The day dragged on slowly. Hours felt like mere minutes. The heat of the sun seemed to grow ever more intense as the hours rolled around and finally passed. The team of ponies Celestia had gathered really helped. They brought with them materials that made the whole job easier. Austin had to make and effort to raise the entrance of the collapse again. The great maw of the rock skinned beast opened again. Ponies rushed inside with specially designed beams and posts they used to hold up the rocks above them. They used these things to carve out a path deep into the collapse from below. Hours went by, but eventually a call was given. A singular voice rang out from amongst all present, pony, Changeling, and human alike. This one voice called out, and silence followed. 

“I've found him,” Silk called out. “I've found Ben.”