Neither Created Nor Destroyed

by Sage Runner

First published 9th of August, 2013

Twilight and her friends are taken from their homeland as surrounding nations prepare to invade, and unearth an ancient secret that could change life as they know it forever.

On a seemingly normal day, Twilight Sparkle and her friends are abruptly taken from their homes and imprisoned by a coalition of foes both old and new. As Equestria, without its Elements of Harmony, prepares to defend itself from its greatest threat to date, the Mane Six will delve into the struggles of the surrounding nations, clash with its rulers, and unearth an ancient secret that could change life as they know it forever. Each must rely on her own strength and faith in her friends if they are to find their way home and save their world.

Chapter One - Addendum

The foundation of one world is built on the ruins of another. Long ago, before Equestria and the surrounding nations, and before the existence of the diverse creatures that call those places home, the world was very different. It was a world dominated by a single, sapient species that made its living through ingenuity, exploration, and innovation. It was a world in which magic was considered myth, and had no discernible presence in day-to-day life.

These people, throughout history, had faced much hardship, competing for limited resources. Hindered by a lack of understanding and harmony, they fought over these resources, time and again, for centuries. Eventually, the various nations of this world found themselves thriving in a technological golden age, and as they continued to ascend to greater heights, they gradually became unified. Finally, they had forged a lasting peace.

To commemorate this achievement, the best and brightest minds that this world had to offer came together from all over the globe in one momentous effort: an attempt to uncover the next stage of their evolution. An attempt to attain true perfection. However, no earthly thing can be perfect, and though it is unclear what, exactly, became of this arrogant endeavor, the world was quickly plunged into chaos. A great war, unlike any that had come before it, consumed all nations. During this time of strife, a mysterious plague crept across the lands, causing everyone that it touched to wither and die.

It was at this time that two creatures of myth, sisters, who had been content to observe these people for the entirety of their history, decided that they could no longer sit idly by. Using their own unique magical abilities, the siblings delved into the very fabric of reality and obtained the metaphysical blueprint for the concept of peace, manifesting it into physical form. By unleashing the power of this newly forged tool upon the world, they brought about a great change.

The lands were broken down and rearranged, and the taint of the strange plague was washed away completely. This world's people were changed as well, reformed into images of the beasts they had tamed and the myths they had created, as a means of escaping the plague's lingering effects. The ruins of this old civilization were buried deep beneath newly formed continents and newly molded oceans. All traces of the old world were sealed away, and their memory vanished. This civilization was given a second chance, a clean slate.

In the ages that followed, the inhabitants of this new world still explored, expanded, evolved, and invented, but the mysterious force of nature known as magic was commonplace, no longer existing as myth. This world would still have its fair share of hardships to endure, but the sisters hoped that history would not repeat itself. Unfortunately, the capacity for destruction, and the driving force behind it, the energy, still exists in this world, buried though it may have been. Energy can be neither created nor destroyed, merely changed, and some things in this world refuse to change.

***

Twilight Sparkle yawned deeply. "Let's see, now," she said. Using her magic, she levitated a quill inches above a stack of blank sheets of paper. She was sitting at her desk in the Ponyville library, where she lived, focused now on a task she had put off for quite some time.

"Addendum to Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide, by Twilight Sparkle'," she said as she began to write. "In recent years, far more information has become available regarding the fabled Elements of Harmony. I have decided to submit the knowledge that I have attained about them to the general public."

"The sixth Element, which was unknown until recently, is the Element of Magic. This was made apparent the moment the Elements were truly activated." She proceeded to recount the events surrounding the return of Nightmare Moon, her adventures with her friends in the Everfree Forest, the activation of the Elements of Harmony, and their use against both Nightmare Moon.

"The Elements of Harmony are, indeed, fueled by the friendships shared amongst those who wield them, but there is more to it than that. It is about friendships that are based on more than similarities in personality or overlapping interests. Indeed, the ponies who currently wield the Elements of Harmony are all vastly different from one another."

She continued writing about the encounter with Discord, and how the alterations he had made to each of their personalities prevented the Elements from working. How it wasn't until she was able to remind each of her friends who they truly were that they were able to defeat him.

"However, this does not mean that simply setting our differences aside is enough. True harmony, as I have come to understand it, is based upon finding common ground with those who are different. It is based upon a celebration of the things that make each of us unique, on compromise, and on the willingness to learn new things from one another. It is based upon a true, unconditional love and respect for one's fellow ponies."

Twilight set the quill down on her desk. "Not bad for a first draft!" The library's front door swung open.

"Howdy, Twilight!" Applejack said loudly. "Was wonderin' if I could have a moment of your time."

"Of course! What's up, Applejack?" Twilight asked, turning her attention away from her work.

"We just finished harvestin' the latest crop of Zap Apples back at the farm. Got a letter from Princess Cadence herself this mornin'!" She reached into her saddle bag and produced the letter. "She ordered several dozen crates of 'em, on behalf of the Crystal Empire."

"Well, I did sort of talk them up the last time she and I spoke," Twilight replied with a blush.

"Then I got you to thank for advertisin'!" Applejack smiled widely. "Anyway, I'm handlin' the delivery personally, hoppin' a train tomorrow mornin'. Cadence wanted you to come, too!"

"A trip to the Crystal Empire? Without having to stop an ancient evil dictator or charm the Equestria Games Inspector? Sounds great!" Twilight replied. "Spike can watch the library for a few days."

"Then it's settled," Applejack said, "tomorrow we leave for the Crystal Empire!"

Twilight smiled and called out, "Spike! Did you hear that!"

"Yeah, yeah..." the baby dragon replied as he waddled down the stairs. "You get to go to the Crystal Empire again, and I'm not invited, again."

"Shucks, I'm awful sorry, Spike," Applejack said. "If it's any consolation, Cadence didn't invite none of the others, neither."

"Look, it's fine." Spike waved his hand dismissively. "Bring me back a souvenir, maybe a few gems, and we'll call it even."

***

"I can't remember the last time you weren't late for our weekly get-together," Fluttershy said, noting Rarity's atypical punctuality as she joined her in the waiting room of the spa.

Rarity had visible bags beneath her eyes. She sighed loudly and said, "Yes, well, I usually have to tear myself away from my work. But, this morning I couldn't wait to get away from the shop for a few hours."

Fluttershy frowned. "Is something the matter?" Rarity shrugged as they entered the sauna.

"I've just been rather on edge these past few days," she replied, as they seated themselves on the wooden bench within the heated chamber. "With the Gala coming up, I've been working myself to the bone trying to meet all of my dress orders. I haven't gotten a decent night's sleep in two days!"

"It sounds like you really needed this, then," Fluttershy said with a nod.

Rarity stretched out across the sauna's bench, her stiff joints popping one by one. "More than you know, darling. My exhaustion started to get the better of me last night. I think I may have had a slight breakdown."

Fluttershy held her hoof to her mouth, eyes widened in concern. "Breakdown?"

"I was overcome with the absolute worst sensation of paranoia," Rarity said, "and I kept feeling as though I were being watched. I know that I wasn't, of course, because I couldn't stop looking out my windows."

"Goodness!" Fluttershy said. "Well, I think you should take the day off and get some rest after we're done here."

"I wish I could, but this is about the only distraction I can afford today," Rarity replied, shifting in her seat.

Fluttershy lowered her brow and narrowed her gaze at her friend. "Your work will suffer if you aren't at your best, Rarity."

"I suppose you're right, as usual." Rarity smiled. "I need to rest for a few hours in order to be more productive later!" Fluttershy nodded. The rest of the visit was spent catching Rarity up on all the latest gossip she had missed.

***

"Mornin' Pinks," Rainbow Dash said as she entered Sugarcube Corner.

Pinkie Pie smiled widely from behind the counter. "Hiya, Dashie!" She said. "You're up really early. What'll it be today?"

"Nothing right now, I'm actually here to invite you on a trip," Rainbow Dash replied.

Pinkie placed her hooves on the counter and leaned in. "A trip?"

Rainbow Dash rested her elbow on the surface and nodded. "Yeah, I'm leaving tonight for Las Pegasus, gonna spend a few days there."

"I've always wanted to go there!" Pinkie exclaimed, hopping a few inches off of the ground.

Rainbow raised her hoof and said, "There's a catch, though."

Pinkie tilted her head. "Hm?"

"We'll be spending the trip with Gilda."

Pinkie frowned. "I dunno, Dashie, she was a total meanie when she was here."

"I know," Rainbow said with a sigh, "but she sent me this really long letter, see? She actually wrote it to both of us." She placed a piece of paper on the countertop and slid it toward Pinkie. Pinkie Pie silently read the hastily scribbled apology letter:

"To Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie,

A lot's changed in the last couple years. You look back at the griffon you used to be, things you did, you start to realize how badly you messed up. Dash, I'm sorry I walked out on you like that. I'm sorry I was mean to your friends. I'm sorry I tried to make you choose between me and them. And Pinkie, I'm sorry for all the things I said to you. I'm sorry I didn't give you and your friends a chance, and I'm sorry I bailed on that awesome party you threw for me. If you can forgive me, I'd like to make it up to both of you. A trip to Las Pegasus. We'll see the sights, we'll hit up the casinos, eat at some awesome restaurants, stay at a nice hotel, all on me (I got myself a new job that pays great). Totally up to you, but I hope you give me a chance.

Looking forward to it,
-G"

"Wow," Pinkie said as she read the message over a second time. A warm little smile crept across her face.

"I guess she's had a lot of time to think about it." Rainbow Dash smiled too. "She wants to make things right with us, so why not give her a chance?"

"Well, when you put it that way," Pinkie said, carefully tapping her hoof against her chin, "Viva Las Pegasus!"

They bumped hooves. "Right on!" Rainbow said.

And so the two agreed to pack their bags and head out that afternoon. Twilight and Applejack prepared for their own trip, as well. Rarity took Fluttershy's advice and spent the rest of the day getting some much needed rest. Fluttershy tended to her animal friends at her cottage on the edge of the Everfree Forest. Periodically, she felt compelled to set her gaze upon the tree-line, and she would shudder whenever she did.

***

A lone traveler cautiously made his way through the Everfree Forest under the cover of darkness. It was an unusually calm night, given the dangers that such a place normally presented, and he was able to make it to the old castle ruins ahead of schedule and without incident. Clarion Call entered the chamber where the Elements of Harmony had once been hidden away, within the ancient Castle of the Two Sisters. He lowered his hood, his horn ignited, and a sterile white aura illuminated the dark room.

He lowered his head and pointed his horn at the floor, a beam of energy extending from the magical appendage and hitting the stone, forming a large mass of light. It hovered inches from the ground. He repeated this process two times more, erecting these manifestations so that they faced one another, and him. As their forms began to stabilize, they adapted the properties of windows, and in each panel, a silhouetted appeared.

"Communication established," Clarion said. "Verify your identities."

From one of the windows, a feminine voice responded. "Must we do this every time? You already know who we are."

"The protocol was decided a long time ago. When discussing sensitive material, you can't be too careful," another, masculine voice replied.

"And we have this argument every time we have one of these little chats," said the third participant, in a very gruff voice, "so can y'all just skip it so we can get down to business?"

"For pony's sake!" Clarion shouted. He was beginning to sweat. "Would you idiots just identify yourselves already? I mean seriously, those windows I made for you don't just sit there, y'know? I have to actively maintain them, and it's a pain in the butt, so quit it!"

"Your lack of respect never ceases to amuse me," the second voice said. "Very well, let's all identify ourselves for the glorified telephone operator."

"Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, making contact from the Great Hive."

"J'aggerdov, King of the Griffons, making contact from the Griffon Kingdom."

"Mahugpin, Alpha Male of the Diamond Dogs, makin' contact from the Big Deep!"

"And I'm Clarion Call, your moderator for another edition of 'Let's Take Over Equestria', a show with an admittedly small viewership, but one that everypony will be talking about soon enough!"

"Makin' contact from?" Mahugpin said.

"Oh yeah, heh." He grinned. "Making contact from the Everfree Forest."

"And you're positive that nobody followed you?" J'aggerdov asked.

"C'mon," Clarion said, rolling his eyes, "how long have we known each other, Jagged Beak? Give me some credit, here!"

"Call me that one more time, and when next we meet, I'm going to maul you."

Clarion smirked. "Right, sorry, Jaggerdov.

"I cannot help but notice that our fourth is not here," Chrysalis said.

"Yeah, he's off taking care of some other junk," Clarion replied. "Spent the last couple of nights checking up on our targets one last time."

"Fine by me," Mahugpin said. "Guy creeps me out anyway."

"Those eyes of his do tend to make one feel uneasy, don't they? Especially in the dark," J'aggerdov said.

"And that smile of his, those teeth..." Chrysalis shuddered.

"Guys!" Clarion shouted, laughing softly. "I'm friggin' exhausted over here! Can we move this along?!"

"I suppose we can overlook his absence," J'aggerdov said. "After bringing the three of us together and coming up with our wonderful plan, I'd say he's earned a little personal time."

"Fantastic," Clarion said. He then turned his attention to Chrysalis' window. "How are things on your end, Queenie?"

"My spies are moving into position," Chrysalis said. "The targets will be acquired tomorrow."

Clarion Call turned to Mahugpin's window. "Big Dog?"

"I got a pack of our outcasts who had set up shop in Equestria to help out with our catch. They ain't too bright, but they'll get it done."

The unicorn swiveled his head dramatically toward the final window. "Jaggerdov?"

"Regarding my targets, one of our exiles was recently reacquired and repurposed to that particular task. She'll have them in custody by the end of the day tomorrow."

"Good news all around!" Clarion said with a wave of his hoof. "Whelp, I'm gonna shut down this meeting of the talking heads and go pass out. Have a good night!" Before any of the three could respond, the windows vanished, and the room grew dark.

"I totally know you're here, by the way," he said. "I get why you didn't wanna talk this time, it's a good idea to see what they say about you behind your back, but please, if you're planning to just sneak up behind me or something, don't, okay? Your face still freaks me out if I don't see you coming. No offense!"

"Sounds like everything's on schedule," a deep voice said in reply. It reverberated through the stone chamber, its source marked by a pair of glowing, featureless eyes floating high above the ground, the rough outline of a tall, bipedal figure behind them.

"Looks like it," Clarion said. The glowing eyes dimly illuminated a newly formed grin, filled with an array of misshapen and unaligned teeth.

The unicorn grimaced and said, "They're probably gonna turn on each other once the dust settles and it's time to divvy up the country. You know that, right boss?"

"It doesn't matter."

Clarion Call shrugged. "If you say so. You ready to jump?"

"Yes."

"Then off we go!" Clarion declared as his horn flared up again. The room was illuminated a final time, and then it was empty.

Chapter Two - Where Are We?

"Third draft is looking better!" Twilight Sparkle thought as she concluded another editing session. "I'll revise it when I return from the Crystal Empire." She began to walk away, before turning back to the desk. "On the other hand," she said, "I could bring it with me and edit while I'm there!"

She stroked her chin, then shook her head rapidly. "No, no, no!" she said, "I hardly get to see Shining Armor and Cadence as it is! I can't risk a distraction like that!" With a determined look on her face, she walked away again.

She made it about two feet before spinning around and dashing back to the desk. "But they're probably really busy!" She stuffed the addendum into her saddlebag. "I'm sure I'll have some time to myself at some point, might as well have something to do!"

"Finally taking off?" Spike asked as he descended the staircase.

Twilight smiled and nodded "Mhm! Heading to the train station now!"

"Well, you're leaving the place in good hands!" Spike grinned while flexing his hands.

Twilight smiled and shook her head, saying, "I know you'll take good care of the library while I'm gone Spike."

"You can count on me!" Spike replied, pressing his fist against his chest.

"Then I'll see you in a few days," Twilight said. Spike approached her, and the two shared a tight embrace before Twilight departed the library.

Spike frowned and let out a deep sign, before smiling again. "Party time!"

***

As Twilight trotted through town toward the train station, she accidentally bumped into a small figure wearing a cape and hood. She turned to apologize. The creature hissed at her.

"Watch it!" it shouted while stumbling backward.

"I'm so sorry!" Twilight recoiled a little. "I didn't see you there!"

The figure beneath the cloak regained its composure and shrugged. "S'alright."

The two then parted ways. While Twilight continued toward the train station, the one she bumped in to made his way to the Carousel Boutique, the dress shop belonging to Rarity. A large, grubby paw poked its way out from under the cloak and pounded on the door three times.

A chipper voice called out in response. "We're open!" It practically sang the second word.

The figure pushed the door open and entered the shop, removing his cloak in the process. Rarity turned away from her work to inspect what she believed to be a potential customer, and was shocked to see a small bulldog standing before her.

She recognized him as one of the three canines who identified themselves as "diamond dogs" and lived on the outskirts of Ponyville. They had once taken her hostage in order to utilize her gem-hunting abilities.

"You're..." She fumbled for the name.

The small dog frowned. "I'm Spot!"

"Right, Spot." She nodded. "Forgive me, it has been a couple of years, after all."

She turned away from her unexpected guest and inspected a dress on a nearby mannequin. "In any case, if you're here to kidnap me again, you picked a rather inconvenient time to do it, darling. I'm positively swamped with the Grand Galloping Gala mere months away."

She nodded, giving her latest creation the all-clear. "And in broad daylight like this, assuming you manage to overpower me? Somepony else would stop you."

"You misunderstand, Miss Rarity!" Spot waddled forward. "We need your help!"

"My help?" Rarity tilted her head to the side. "Whatever do you mean?"

"It's the others," Spot said, frantically rubbing his knuckles together, "all of my doggy friends! They all got very sick from something in the tunnels, bad-smelling air! I don't know how to help them!"

"Well, that does sound terrible," Rarity said with a frown, "but I don't understand how I can help you."

"You're the nicest pony I know, and you know other nice ponies!" He took a few steps towards her. She resisted the urge to back away, but covered her nose.

Spot said, "You have a friend, yes? Good with animals?"

"Fluttershy?" Rarity thought carefully. "Well, she is a remarkable caretaker of all sorts of creatures, but if there's an airborne toxin in your diamond mines, the help of a professional might be better."

"Still, could she please try?" Spot said, dropping to his knees. "She's better than others, it's her special talent! I remember! Please?!"

"I suppose it couldn't hurt." Rarity sighed. "Very well, we'll go talk to Fluttershy and see if she knows anything about the illness that's plaguing your people. I only hope you can give her a more detailed description of the symptoms than you gave me."

"Yes," Spot said, jumping up and down. "I will!" And so they departed together for Fluttershy's cottage.

***

Twilight met up with Applejack at the train station. Her family was there to see her off. "Howdy, Twilight!" they said in unison.

"Good morning!" Twilight replied. She approached Applejack. "Is everything ready?"

"Sure is!" She pointed toward one of the carts. "Got the Zap Apples all crated up and loaded onto the cargo train, right Big Macintosh?"

The stallion nodded. "Eeyup!"

"Excellent!" Twilight said. "I just know Princess Cadence is going to be thrilled to share them with her subjects! You'll be gaining new customers from the Crystal Empire for sure!"

"Darn tootin'!" Applejack said. "I ain't met a pony yet who's tried one Zap Apple without askin' for another! Have ya heard from Dash and Pinkie?"

Twilight shook her head. "Not since they left yesterday," she said, "but I'm sure they made it to Las Pegasus without incident."

"All aboard for the Crystal Empire!" the conductor shouted.

"Looks like it's time to hit the road," Applejack said.

She turned to Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh. "Y'all look after Granny Smith while I'm gone, y'hear? And try not to get into too much trouble, Apple Bloom!"

"Trouble? Me? Perish the thought!" Apple Bloom said, batting her eyelashes and waving her hoof. A wide grin spreading across her face.

"I know that look, little filly!" Applejack said sternly. "You mind yourself, and don't go botherin' Zecora unless it's an emergency!"

"I won't!" Apple Bloom said. Applejack smiled, gave her sister a quick hug, nodded at Big Macintosh, and then boarded the train with Twilight.

***

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie drank in the sights and sounds of Las Pegasus. "Look at all the tall buildings, Dashy!" Pinkie was jumping up and down.

"And the bright lights!" Rainbow Dash said, her head swiveling back and forth as she surveyed the city. "Aw yeah, this is gonna be an awesome vacation!"

A voice called out, catching their attention. "Hey!" Pinkie stopped jumping up and down and both mares' faces grew serious. Gilda approached them.

"I'm glad you came," Gilda said, looking off to the side. She scratched her arm.

"Hey, your note said you wanted to make up with us, so here we are." Dash said.

Pinkie nodded. "Everypony deserves a second chance!"

"Well, let's just get this out of the way, then," Gilda said. "I'm sor—"

"Look, G..." Rainbow Dash placed a hoof on her shoulder. "You already apologized for everything in that letter of yours. You had a bad attitude, sure. And you said some things you wish you hadn't, but Pinkie and I both forgive you."

Gilda's eyes grew wide. "...Just like that?"

"Just like that!" Pinkie said, hopping in place. "Now let's go hit the casinos!"

Gilda sighed. "Huh." She lowered her head and muttered. "Now I really feel like a jerk."

"Whaddaya mean?" Pinkie said.

"It's nothing," Gilda replied quickly. "Anyway, yeah, let's go play some games. I'm buyin' us in!"

***

"Um, Rarity?" Fluttershy said. She was looking over her friend's shoulder at Spot, who's back was turned to them. "Are you sure we can trust him? He and his friends did kidnap you..."

"And they also let me go," Rarity said with a wink. "I think I taught them enough of a lesson the last time that they wouldn't dare think to detain me again."

Fluttershy walked toward Spot. "As for whatever's making your friends sick," she said, "of course I'll help you in any way that I can! I'll look at your friends and see if there's anything I can do." She smiled warmly at him.

"Yes!" Spot replied. "I know it will! I just know it will! Thank you!" The three of them set off in the direction of the lair of the Diamond Dogs.

***

Applejack glanced away from the passing country-side at the piece of paper in her lap. "So what's with the fliers they were passin' out at the train station? Who exactly is this 'Clarion Call'?" She touched the name beneath the picture of the unicorn with her hoof.

Twilight turned the page of the book she was reading, entitled The Art of the To-Do List, Travel Edition, her gaze unblinking. "He's a wanted criminal."

"Sounds a mite familiar. Isn''t he some kinda thief?" Applejack asked. Two passengers walked past them while staring.

"Yes," Twilight said as her eyes drifted back and forth across the pages. "Clarion Call is a unicorn, and like all unicorns, the magic he can use is based on his special talent."

A sly grin on her face, Applejack lowered her head closer to Twilight's eye-level in an attempt to get her attention. "So what's his special talent?"

"Communication and transportation." Twilight flipped to the next page, still invested in her reading material. "He has the ability to mark places he's been with one of two spells. The first allows him to erect a 'window' of sorts through which anypony at another location that's been marked can see and hear everything going on in the general area. When he served in the royal guard, his technique made him an invaluable asset."

"He served in the EUP Guard?" Applejack asked.

"Yes," Twilight said. "He actually served in the same squad as my brother for a time."

Applejack's eyes widened. "No kiddin'?"

"It's true," Twilight said, turning another page. "Shining Armor apparently never cared for him, and wasn't surprised when Call's misdeeds came to light. That brings us to his other ability, the one he kept a secret for most of his military career, and the one that got him in trouble: The power to mark specific locations for instant transportation to and from."

"Like teleportation?" Applejack asked. Resigning herself to having her friend's auditory attention only, she relaxed in her seat, folding her forelegs over her belly.

"Correct," Twilight said, "he would enter places like banks and museums during normal business hours, mark those locations, then teleport back to them during the night and take whatever valuables he could carry."

"Sure seems like a waste of his talent," Applejack said. She noticed that several other passengers, who had been looking their way, quickly averted their gazes when she made direct eye-contact.

"No kidding." Twilight nodded. "Once he was caught, Princess Celestia had no choice but to seal his magical abilities away. He was crafty, though, and managed to escape from prison about three years ago."

"So why start passin' out these fliers now?" Applejack asked, grimacing at the smug grin and elevated brow on the mug-shot in her lap.

"Because he was recently sighted for the first time since his escape, and he was using his magic." Twilight said as she reached the end of another page.

Applejack raised a brow. "Even though the Princess locked it up?"

"Yes," Twilight said. She finally looked up from her book at Applejack. "And nopony has any idea how he could have possibly circumvented the Princess' seal. In any case, these fliers are just a warning to anypony who might be travelling to keep an eye out for him." She focused once more on her book.

"Creepy," Applejack said. She glanced around the cart again. "And what's more creepy, have you noticed how everypony in this cart keeps lookin' at us funny?"

"Hmm?" Twilight looked up from her book and around the cart.

Applejack grinned. "Guess ya didn't notice."

"Doesn't look like anypony's looking at us now," Twilight said before resuming her reading.

Applejack shrugged. "Reckon I may have just imagined it, then."

***

"We are getting close!" Spot said.

"I don't remember there being this much fog the last time I was here," Rarity said as she peered through the thick clouds.

Fluttershy squinted. "Me neither."

"Yes," Spot said, his nose twitching, "sometimes much fog rolls into our territory, but we see with our noses, so we don't mind."

"If memory serves, we should be getting close to your lair," Rarity said, wrinkling her nose as the familiar stench of the diamond dogs' lair began to fill her nostrils.

Spot nodded frantically. "Yes, you have a good memory, Miss Rarity! We're almost there already!"

"And you already pulled your doggie friends out of the mine, right?" Fluttershy said.

"Yes, I pulled them all out!" Spot replied, glancing off to the side. "You can see them up ahead!"

Fluttershy squinted again and looked around. "It doesn't look like anypony's here..."

Spot slowly turned his head to look at them. "There is no sickness".

"Now see here!" Rarity leered down at Spot. "You promised us that there would be no funny-business!"

"I promised we wouldn't take you again," Spot said, kicking up a small amount of dirt like a child being scolded. "We are not the ones who are going to take you."

"What does that mean?" Rarity asked, taking a step back and surveying the area.

"I didn't want to do it!" Spot said. "I didn't want to mess with you ever again, but it was the only way I could protect my pack!"

"I see," Rarity said. "So somepony else forced you to lure us here, then?"

Fluttershy gasped, her eyes jolting in every direction. "Is it too late to run away? Are they here already?!"

"'Fraid so, ladies," a masculine voice replied.

A figure stepped through the fog, canine in appearance, and tall; slender, but muscular. This one, however, aside from looking cleaner and standing up straight, also had much smoother facial features. He resembled the husky breed, with a predominantly black coat that was gray around the snout and jaws. His right eye was blue, and his left was green. His claws were visibly long and sharp.

"Greyjaw!" Spot said. He began to tremble, but smiled politely. "I brought them, just like you told me to!"

"Yeah, I see that," Greyjaw said. His voice was much clearer than the Diamond Dogs the ponies had encountered before, and his tone was of a medium pitch, calm but authoritative.

"So you lied to us again, Spot?" Rarity asked.

"Nah, he told you the truth about not being involved," Greyjaw said, shaking his head. "The mutts out here were expelled from our ranks years ago. Finally made themselves useful by bringing the two of you out here."

He pointed at Rarity. "I'm guessing you're Rarity, the one with the irritating voice." Rarity grunted indignantly and glared at Spot, identifying him as the source of that particular description.

"And the yellow one who seems to think I can't see her behind all that hair? Hi there, Fluttershy." He waved, bending over to meet her gaze as she quivered behind her long hair. A grin revealed his gleaming, razor sharp fangs. "Anyway, you girls are my prisoners now, and I don't wanna be out here longer than I have to, so let's get going."

"And just who do you think you are to be ordering us around like this?" Rarity slammed her hoof down. "You haven't captured us yet, and my dear friend Fluttershy, here, can fly!" Fluttershy gulped, but nodded. She spread her wings and shuffled toward Rarity.

Greyjaw sighed. "I figured you'd say something like that." Before the girls could react, he closed in on them with blinding speed. With a single swipe of his arm, he ensnared Spot and lifted him up by the neck.

Fluttershy gasped. "What do you think you're doing?!"

Greyjaw frowned. "Much as I'd like to do this my way, I'm under direct orders not to lay a claw on you, so if you don't come with me, the little guy gets it."

"No, Greyjaw! Please don't! I did everything you said!" Spot wriggled in the larger dog's grasp. Greyjaw only chuckled.

"Alright, we'll go with you! Just don't hurt him, please!" Fluttershy said, taking a step towards Greyjaw.

Rarity glared at her friend. "Fluttershy!"

"We can't let him hurt the poor thing!" Fluttershy said, shaking her head.

Rarity bit her lower lip. "But he's the reason we're in this predicament!"

"He was forced to bring us here!" Fluttershy said.

Rarity sighed. "Very well. We surrender, Greyjaw."

Greyjaw grunted and shook his head. "I seriously can't believe that worked." He dropped Spot flat on his hindquarters, causing the small dog to yelp. Greyjaw turned his back to them and began to walk away, gesturing for them to follow with a single finger. He looked back over his shoulder to confirm that they had heeded his instructions, and the three of them began their journey.

"That you two would surrender your freedom for something as lowly as that mongrel... you horses don't make any sense to me." He shrugged. "Well anyway, I hope you got your fill of Equestria before now, 'cause you won't be coming back for a while." Spot breathed a sigh of relief as they drew farther away.

"And hey," Greyjaw said, glancing back at Spot one last time, "someone might come looking for these two, so you and your pack need to clear out!"

"So where are you taking us, exactly?" Rarity asked as they followed him through the fog.

"Your voice really is getting on my nerves," Greyjaw said, his ears twitching. "From now on, you go ahead and whisper your questions into your friend's ear and have her ask 'em." Rarity scowled.

"And to answer your question," he said, "we're meeting our contact here." Fluttershy and Rarity looked ahead to see a unicorn standing before them. His coat was bronze, and the strands of his silver mane seemed to stand up on their own. His eyes were cobalt colored.

The unicorn inspected Fluttershy and Rarity. "Yep, that's them!"

"Of course it is," Greyjaw said. "Mahugpin told me to get a specific pair of ponies, and that's what I did. Go ahead and take us home, Rion."

"Sure thing. It reeks out here anyway," Clarion said. Greyjaw led Rarity and Fluttershy to Clarion's side as they silently exchanged nervous glances, before all four of them were enveloped in a bright light. They suddenly felt weightless, and their stomachs churned as the sensation of rapid movement overtook them. Suddenly, they found themselves in a tunnel.

"What is this place?" Rarity asked.

The tunnel was carved from rock, and surprisingly well-lit, with lamps hanging from the ceiling and electrical wiring connecting them and spanning the length of the passageway. She also noted the constant flow of cool air, keeping the climate at a comfortable equilibrium. Both Rarity and Fluttershy, however, were overcome by a familiar sense of dread, reminding them of the paranoia they had both felt the day before.

"The Big Deep," Greyjaw said.

Fluttershy turned to Greyjaw. "The what?"

"It's our little country. Ain't surprised you've never heard of it," Greyjaw said. "Up top is pure, uninhabitable swamp, but underneath? There's a whole world down here. Outsiders never get to see what you two are gonna see, so consider yourselves lucky."

"Yeah, always nice to be here," Clarion said as he walked away, "but I've got some more work to do, so I'm gonna jet."

"Whatever." Greyjaw shrugged. "See you around, I guess."

"As for you two..." Clarion turned his attention to Rarity and Fluttershy. "Don't go getting into any trouble while you're here. I mean it, Greyjaw's an angry dude."

Greyjaw and his captives watched as Clarion Call turned a corner, and that was when Fluttershy noticed the shadow that was being projected against the wall. It was tall and thin, and something about its shape seemed wrong to her. In a flash, both Clarion's shadow and the other vanished, and Fluttershy and Rarity breathed sighs of relief.

"What was..." Fluttershy pointed in the direction where they had just been standing. "What was that thing he took with him?"

Greyjaw shrugged. "Heck if I know," he said, "the few times I've seen it with him, it's been just out of sight. Fine by me. Whatever it is, it creeps me out."

Rarity raised her brow. "Are we going to find out why you brought us here any time soon?"

"The Alpha Dog will tell you everything you need to know tomorrow," Greyjaw said. "For now, I'm gonna take you to a holding cell, where you'll be spending the night. Locked in, of course." He grinned as he motioned for Rarity and Fluttershy to follow him again.

***

"Uh, Twi?" Applejack said, nudging her friend.

"Hmm?" Twilight grunted, looking up from her book again. "We can't be there yet, can we?"

"No," Applejack , "It's just... The other ponies in this cart are lookin' at us a lot more now, and a few seconds ago I saw a group of 'em walk out the front and back doors. And I might be crazy, but it feels like we've been slowin' down since that happened."

"No, you're right!" Twilight set her book down. "The cart's slowing down." She leaned her head toward the window. "And it's because we've been completely detached from the rest of the train!"

"What in tarnation!?" Applejack said. She turned to the rest of the passengers. "Did y'all here that?" But they were now glaring at the two of them. "Uh, was it somethin' I said?"

She saw one of the ponies across the aisle start to inhale deeply, as though preparing to sneeze. Applejack was ready with a "gesundheit" when the pony exclaimed "achoo!". What she wasn't ready for, however, was the accompanying burst of green light that left a surprised-looking changeling sitting in the his place.

Twilight and Applejack stared at the Changeling, mouths hanging open. The creature only stared back, shifting his eyes amongst the other passengers, and they sat silently for five seconds before Twilight and Applejack began to lower themselves from their seats, eyeing the exit closest to them.

"Grab 'em!" shouted another pony, also reverting to a changeling. The rest of the passengers followed suit. They took to the air and closed in on the two travelers. The one at the front of the pack began to initiate some sort of magical attack. He was struck down by a blast from Twilight Sparkle's horn.

Two more shots took down two more changelings. However, a counter-attack made contact with her, trapping her in a green field of energy and sapping her strength. She was immediately freed as Applejack's back hooves connected with the aggressor's face in a forceful buck that sent him flying away, knocking down several of his companions in the process.

"Thank you," Twilight said, gasping, as she collapsed.

"You know I've always got your back!" Applejack helped her up. "Come on, now!"

"We have to jump out the back!" Twilight said, her face a paler shade of purple than usual.

Applejack nodded. "Don't gotta to tell me twice!" She helped Twilight over to the back exit of the cart and shoved the door open. The resolve on her face died as she realized that the cart, now entrapped within a green aura of its own, was floating high above the ground, being carried by a swarm of Changelings circling the box from the outside. Magical attacks hit her and Twilight from all sides, and they lost consciousness.

***

Rainbow Dash sighed as she flopped down on her bed in the hotel room. "What a day!" She stretched her limbs and yawned.

Pinkie, on the other hand, was jumping up and down on her bed. "Best vacation ever!"

"Gotta admit, Pinks, you really surprised me," Gilda said, pulling on the foldout couch. "I had no idea you were so good at poker."

"I didn't either!" Pinkie said. "But my back was itchy today, and when my back is itchy, it means it's my lucky day!"

"I'll assume that makes sense to you," Gilda said, glancing over at Rainbow Dash. The pegasus simply nodded.

Gilda finished setting up her bed and turned to the others. "I don't know about you gals, but I'm not quite ready to hit the hay, yet."

"Say no more, G," Rainbow Dash said. "I know just how we'll pass the time."

"Not another one of your ghost stories, Dashie!" Pinkie said. "They're way too scary!"

Rainbow Dash raised a brow. "Aren't you the one who's always saying 'Giggle at the ghosties'?"

"Yes!" Pinkie said. "That's how scary your stories are!" Gilda laughed quietly, looking over at Pinkie and smiling.

Rainbow grinned. "If anything, that just encouraged me to tell one!"

"Go for it, Dash!" Gilda said, a mischievous look on her face. "Bust out the scariest one you can think of!" Pinkie gulped and braced herself.

"Alright then," Rainbow Dash said, clicking off the table lamp between the beds and turning on a flashlight.

"Where did you get the flashlight?" Gilda said.

"Not important!" Rainbow said quickly. "What is important is that I've been told that across the entire span of Equestria, no creature is more fearsome than— pause for dramatic effect— the Sasquatch!"

"The Sasquatch?" Gilda said. She scoffed. "The big ape monster that lurks in wooded areas and kidnaps hatchlings who don't eat their vegetables? Come on, Dash, that story's as old as the hills. Give us something new!"

"Oh, but it isn't just a story," Rainbow Dash said, trying to make her voice sound as spooky as possible. "For I have had a first-hand encounter with the beast!"

Gilda rolled her eyes. "Do tell."

"My friend, Twilight, was visited by her future self once. She predicted a great disaster, and so I sent my weather team all over Equestria to look stuff over and make sure everything was on the up-and-up." She explained this part quickly, eager to get to the meat of her story. "But one member of my team, Cloud Chaser, who was flying over this very city, witnessed the creature with her own eyes!"

"...That's second-hand," Gilda said.

Rainbow Dash tensed up. "What?"

"If it happened to someone else, and they told you about it, that's second-hand, not first-hand," Gilda said.

Rainbow Dash threw her forelegs into the air. "Whatever, Gilda, this isn't a story about numbers!"

Gilda and Pinkie exchanged a smirk.

"Anyway," Rainbow said, "Cloud Chaser saw the monster roaming the outskirts of the city, retreating into the forest!" She shined the flashlight directly beneath her chin, illuminating her jaw and covering her eye sockets in shadow.

"Her curiosity getting the best of her," she said, shifting her focus between Gilda and Pinkie Pie, "she ventured into the woods after it, hoping to get a better look at this thing she had never seen before. As she made her way between the trees, she saw it!"

She paused for a moment, waiting for a reaction. They simply listened intently, so she continued. "Wearing a long, black coat, standing over seven feet tall, with arms so long that its claws reached down to its knees, stood the Sasquatch."

"It turned to face her, and she beheld its hideous, disfigured face. Scrunched and wrinkled, hairless and pale, super gross, with eyes that glowed like light bulbs, and a toothy scowl that—"

"We get it, Dash," Gilda said, "it was freaky looking. What did it do?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head. "It didn't do anything. It just looked at her for a second, then ran off."

Gilda rolled her eyes again. "Wow, spooky."

"I thought so!" Pinkie said, sticking her head out from beneath her covers and shaking.

"But what really disturbed me," Rainbow said, bringing the flashlight in closer, "was the way Cloud Chaser said she felt. When she neared this creature of myth, she said she felt as though an invisible force was pushing her away, and she got really scared. But at the same time, she said she wanted to get closer to it. And when it looked into her eyes, she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head, got super nauseous, and almost passed out."

"I guess that is a little creepy," Gilda said, "if it actually happened."

"Oh, it happened!" Rainbow Dash nodded emphatically. "Cloud Chaser never lies."

"What's more, they say that the Sasquatch is still seen in this very city from time to time, lurking in the dark and lonely places, waiting to strike!" Rainbow Dash shouted as a tall figure lunged toward them from behind her, causing both Pinkie and Gilda to scream in absolute terror. Rainbow Dash proceeded to turn on the light, revealing the Sasquatch to be nothing more than a coat rack that she had pulled toward them with her tail.

"Not funny!" Pinkie said as Dash doubled over with uncontrollable laughter.

Gilda pressed her palm to her chest and regained her composure. "Okay, fine. I admit, you got me," she said. "So none of that story was true, then?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged as she wiped a tear from her eye. "I dunno, Cloud Chaser really did tell me that story, but she lies all the time, so it's probably not true."

"Huh," Gilda said. "Well anyway, I think that's about it for me tonight."

"Yeah, I could use some shuteye," Dash replied, stretching out on her bed.

"I'm never going to sleep again..." Pinkie said, a frown on her face.

"Before we turn in," Gilda said, "there's one last thing I want us to do." She reached into a nearby drawer and pulling out a bottle.

Rainbow Dash leaned over and peered at the label. "Las Pegasus Cider?"

"I've had that stuff before!" Pinkie Pie said. "It's super tasty!"

"I figured we could share it," Gilda said.

"Don't need to tell me twice!" Rainbow Dash said as Gilda filled three cups with the liquid.

"To mended fences and emotional scarring!" Pinkie Pie said loudly as the three friends touched glasses.

"Bottoms up!" Gilda said as they downed their drinks.

Gilda lowered her glass as Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie both dropped theirs, falling backwards onto their beds and snore loudly. Gilda sat on her own foldout bed with her clasped claws in her lap.

"Please don't come," she whispered. "Please don't come, please don't come, please don't come!" She winced as the door swung open and two armored male griffons entered the room.

"What did you do to them?" asked one.

"Skyberry juice in the cider," Gilda said, avoiding eye contact.

"Skyberries?" the second Griffon said as they approached the incapacitated mares.

"Yeah, the berries might relax us griffons, but they knock ponies right out. They won't wake up for at least eight hours." Gilda's face was expressionless.

"Then we'll have to fly fast if we want to reach the Griffon Kingdom by then," the first griffon replied.

"You've done well, Special Agent Gilda."

Gilda looked over at her fallen friends and frowned. "You promise you won't hurt them, right?"

The second griffon cocked his brow. "What concern is that of yours?"

Gilda's eyes drifted to the right. "They're kinda my friends."

"We don't fraternize with outsiders. That's the kind of thinking that got your family banished in the first place. Few griffons get a second chance, so you best learn to put the Pride first, as we all must. But yes, our orders are that they must not be harmed," the first guard said as they lifted Dash and Pinkie over their shoulders and opened the window.

"Come, we must fly."

***

"Where are we?" Twilight slurred her words as she began to regain consciousness. The events that had transpired earlier that day came rushing back to her, and she realized that she was in the clutches of a pair of changelings. She looked to her right and saw Applejack, who was also waking up, in the same predicament.

"Finally awake, Twilight Sparkle?" a familiar voice said. Twilight and Applejack directed their attention ahead and beheld the Queen of the Changelings sitting on a throne before them.

"Chrysalis!" Twilight said in a hiss. "What is this place?!"

"My throne room, in the center of the Great Hive. There's an ocean between you and your precious Equestria, now!"

"You won't get away with this!" Twilight said, struggling in the grasp of her captors. A small burst of magical energy sparked from her horn before dying out.

Chrysalis smiled. "My spies were very careful in abducting the two of you, and they didn't leave a trace of their presence behind," she said. "Nobody knows where you are!"

"I can only assume this is about revenge," Twilight said. "Let Applejack go, and I'll cooperate."

"Twilight!" Applejack said, beginning to struggle as well. "That ain't your call to make!"

"Neither of you get to make that decision," Chrysalis said. "I can assure you that revenge, while being a fortunate bonus here, is not my motivation for holding you hostage."

"So what's the plan, then?" Applejack said. "You think ya can just hide us away forever with nopony findin' out? What'd be the point of that?"

"The point? Ah, you're implying that I mean to ransom you, is that it?" Chrysalis chuckled.

"All you need to know is that you will be staying here. This, of course, means that you will have to be made useful, but don't worry! That is a simple enough task."

As she said this, two streams of green energy shot from her horn and connected with Twilight and Applejack, putting them to sleep once again. "Prepare two feeding pods and connect them to the Central Nervous System."

Chapter Three - Our Only Choice

"What do you think they're going to do with us?" Fluttershy asked the next morning, the time only apparent because of the clock that was hung on the wall in their sleeping quarters. The room they had been left in was a small one, carved from stone like the tunnels they had walked through to get to it.

A single light fixture hanging in the middle of the ceiling lit the room, and the only pieces of furniture were a pair of mattresses placed directly on the floor. A second, smaller room could be found in the back left corner, leading into a small lavatory, complete with a working commode and sink. Rarity, for her part, could not help but note how clean the room actually was, despite its appearance.

"I'm not sure," Rarity said. "I just hope Sweetie Belle is doing alright without me. She must be worried sick!" The lock on the thick, metal door clicked, making them both jump a little. The door opened, and behind it stood another new face.

He had a brown coat, pronounced snout, and low hanging ears. Beneath his nose grew a rather bushy handlebar mustache. He looked to be roughly a head shorter than Greyjaw, and stood with a very deliberate, dignified posture, his arms tucked neatly behind his back. He wore an expensive looking blue vest, and a brimmed hat of the same color.

The canine bowed dramatically and said, "Good morning, ladies!" His manner of speaking possessed a refinement that could rival that of the Canterlot elite. "You may call me Reginald, and I have been appointed to be your caretaker here in the Big Deep!"

'What do you want with us?" Rarity asked, glaring at their new acquaintance.

He leaned back and raised his hands between them. "Now, now, there's no need for hostility. Miss Rarity, was it? And Miss Fluttershy? I assure you, no harm will come to you while you are in my care. If you would follow me, I will explain everything." He stepped aside, opening a path for them to leave the room, holding his arms out in the direction that they were expected to walk.

Fluttershy whispered, "I think we should just do what he says. If we don't, they might send Greyjaw back..." She shuddered as she said his name.

Reginald shook his head and smiled. "I can assure you, that ruffian won't be troubling you again. Now come along, I don't bite!" He gave them a friendly wink and extended his paw.

Rarity glanced at Fluttershy, then sighed. "Very well."

***

Fluttershy and Rarity were surprised to see the transit station that Reginald had led them to. It was a very well-kept facility. The walls, constructions of metal as opposed to the masonry they had seen thus far, were lined with travel times and maps that neither pony had time to pay much attention to, though the maps did give them the impression that this so-called Big Deep was much more vast than they had originally assumed.

Even after their train (which had an abundance of seats despite having only three passengers at that time) had departed, speeding atop a single, metal rail, they could still see all the different directions the track constantly forked off into as they continued their ride through the long, dimly lit tunnel.

Rarity admired the walls of the tunnels, which were glittering with unexcavated materials, as they passed her by. "I must say," she said, "you're proving yourself to be of far more pleasant company than your comrades in Equestria, and especially Greyjaw."

"I should hope so, Miss Rarity!" Reginald tipped his hat to her. "The mutts you encountered in your homeland were criminals who tested our patience one too many times and were exiled. That particular group wasn't especially bright, though I am impressed that they managed to make it to a neighboring country. Most do not survive exile." He lowered his head slightly.

"As for Greyjaw," he said, "he's almost a wild animal, through and through. But, he is dependable."

"Trains, electricity, air conditioning..." Fluttershy said while enjoying the cool breeze that the ride was sending into her face. "The diamond dogs made all of this?"

"But of course!" Reginald replied, grinning widely. "Well, that is to say, our ancestors did. The diamond dogs have been chipping away at the Big Deep for centuries, always looking for new ways to improve upon our quality of life, and always searching for new innovations. What we can't do with the resources here, we trade for with the zebras, though that is a very delicate and dangerous process."

"I had no idea anypony could do so much," Fluttershy said, looking over the cart again.

Reginald grinned. "You've not seen the half of it." As if on queue, the cart cleared the tunnel, and continued travelling over a deep chasm, suspended on a tall bridge. Rarity and Fluttershy had not prepared themselves for the view that greeted them.

Fluttershy's mouth fell open. "Is this... a city?"

Reginald nodded. "Yes, and though this is our Capital City, it is but one of hundreds that operate beneath the land." Far below, hundreds upon hundreds of buildings, all of varying heights, constructed from concrete, stone, metal, and glass could be seen. On the outskirts, surrounding the taller buildings, were individual homes complete with yards, trees, and gardens.

The ceiling of that massive chamber, so high up that it was difficult to see, was covered with a light-source that, as Rarity guessed by the familiar feeling of warmth hitting her face, was either harnessing sunlight directly or simulating it perfectly. The air was so cool and fresh that she felt as though she were outside again.

The unicorn smiled. "How is this possible?" She shut her eyes as the feeling of sunlight touched her coat for the first time in a day. "Do you have magic users among you?"

Reginald laughed. "Goodness, no." He shook his head. "We have engineers. Some of the finest the world has to offer, at that. After all, we diamond dogs are, by nature, a curious and resourceful lot, and there have been true visionaries among us in each and every generation. Didn't hurt that we had some nice reference material to start off with."

"Reference material?" Fluttershy asked, as their cart entered another tunnel, obscuring the great city once again. The railing began to incline downwards, and the shape of the tunnel followed suit.

"Yes," Reginald said. "Generations ago, when the diamond dogs were first driven underground, we found what was, in short, the remains of an ancient, highly advanced civilization."

Fluttershy asked, "What kind of civilization?"

Reginald shrugged and said, "Couldn't tell you much about their history or culture beyond their inventions, and no previous records of them exist as far as we've seen."

He leaned forward. "But it was through reverse-engineering the technology found in those ruins that we were able to create the tools that allowed us to make the Big Deep a possibility, and facilitat the quality of life that we enjoy today!"

Fluttershy turned to Reginald. "Why were your people forced underground?"

"We still don't know exactly what they are," Reginald said. "But we call them lycanthropes."

"I'm not familiar with the term," Rarity said.

Reginald reclined in his seat. "Werewolves, as you might know them. They populate the swampland above the Big Deep. Thrive in it, really. They outnumber us, breed quickly, and are incredibly dangerous. Though our ancestors fought for their territories for a time, in the end they would have been wiped out if they hadn't retreated down here."

Fluttershy raised a hoof to her mouth and widened her eyes. "That sounds awful!" The cart's decent deepend, causing the fillies to grip the railings on their seats a bit more tightly.

"It is." Reginald lowered his head and rested his arm on the nearby open window pane, leaning forward . "Periodically, a pack of them will find their way into our tunnels, or worse still, into our cities. Fighting them is a tricky business, and most of us are not cut out for it. That's why I'm grateful for warriors like Greyjaw."

Rarity's ears perked up. "Greyjaw is a warrior?"

"One of the finest I've ever seen," Reginald replied, his voice becoming low. "But even those in the Wolf class, such as he, are not invincible. That's another reason why we constantly try to improve upon our technology, as a means of increasing our security. The Big Deep is many things, but 'safe' is not one of them."

"I see," Rarity said, sinking into deep thought. The rail that the cart was travelling upon began to bottom out, and soon enough, the three travelers found themselves coming to an abrupt, but gentle stop.

"We're here!" Reginald said, an upbeat tone suddenly returning to his voice. "Please follow me."

The tram's door opened, and Reginald lead them from the station down a series of downward-sloping stone corridors, until once again they found themselves in the chasm of the Capital City, at ground-level.

Reginald led them along the sidewalks outlining the busy streets, throughout which vendors, stores, and other businesses had opened for the day. The citizenry passed them from all sides and from all directions. Rarity and Fluttershy marveled at how the city looked even more impressive up close. Though the two ponies received many curious looks, most of the townspeople offered an earnest smile or a respectful nod of the head as they passed them by. After roughly ten minutes of walking, they came upon a dome shaped building, sculpted with markings that did not adorn the other structures that the ponies had passed.

"The Capital Building," Reginald said, raising his arms. "In each city, the mayor occupies a structure like this one, but here in the Capital City, our nation's ruler abides."

Rarity gasped. "You've taken us to meet your king?! Oh dear!" She began fanning herself frantically. "I haven't bathed since yesterday, or gotten the proper amount of beauty sleep, or even brushed my teeth! I am in no condition to meet a king!"

"He is the Alpha Male of the Diamond Dogs, not a king," Reginald said, raising an eyebrow, as they entered through a pair of glass doors that slid open as they approached. "And I can assure you, he is not the type to hold any of those things against you."

"So what does it actually mean to be an Alpha Male?" Fluttershy said. "Did he inherit the title, or was he elected?"

"Neither," Reginald said. "The selection of the Alpha Male is based on the ability to overcome a long series of trials, both mental and physical. Essentially, the best of the best is selected to lead our nation through that method."

"And who is your Alpha Male?" Rarity asked, her eyes wandering.

"His name is Mahugpin." Reginald gestured for them to stop in the center of the open, dimly lit main hall. "A word of advice: don't judge him by his appearance."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Suddenly, they heard a loud thud, accompanied by a small vibration around their hooves. Another, louder thud sounded, and the vibrations intensified. Another followed, and then another, until Rarity and Fluttershy were practically bouncing on the ground.

The two ponies looked up and beheld a towering silhouette, indistinguishable from that distance in the dimly lit chamber, stomping towards them, causing everything around it to shake with each step it took.

Fluttershy and Rarity both began to tremble, huddling close together, as the gargantuan form drew closer to them. Suddenly, it came to a stop.

A series of mechanical sounds ensued, and the figure's body began to retract into itself, its torso and waist becoming as one and sliding down the length of its legs, until its feet held its body mere inches from the ground, the entirety of the creature roughly the same height as Reginald at that point.

It waddled clumsily the rest of the way, until Fluttershy and Rarity could discern what they were looking at: Standing before them was some sort of mechanical contraption with moving arms and legs, being operated by a small pug, the smallest diamond dog they had encountered yet. A lit cigar dangled from the corner of his mouth.

"Welcome to the Big Deep!" Mahugpin shouted, holding his tiny paws in the air and speaking in a gruff voice, accented in a way that reminded Fluttershy and Rarity of the Apple Family.

Reginald nudged the contraption. "I already said that."

"Well how was I supposed to know?" Mahugpin replied, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, Rarity and Fluttershy, right?" The two ponies nodded. "I'm the Alpha Dog 'round these parts, name's Mahugpin!"

"I already told them your name as well, sir," Reginald said.

"Tell ya what, Reggie..." Mahugpin leaned forward in his seat at the top of the torso and glared at Reginald. "If I start to repeat ya again, just go ahead and let me, alright?"

"As you wish." Reginald tucked his arms behind his back again and looked away.

"Excuse me, Mahugpin?" Rarity asked, taking a small step forward. "If you don't mind my asking, why did you have us kidnapped?"

"'Kidnapped' is such an ugly word." Mahugpin frowned. "Accurate, but ugly all the same. I'm gonna cut to the chase: I know you gals are crucial to the defense of your Equestria, and I need you here for political reasons. I hope Reginald told you about our security situation."

"He mentioned something about werewolves," Rarity replied as Fluttershy nodded.

"Right," Mahugpin said. "They're a might dangerous, and they've been gettin' into our territories more and more lately."

"I don't understand," Rarity said. "What can Equestria do about that?"

"Equestria has resources we just don't have here in the Deep," Mahugpin said. "Magic, mostly. Some muscle from its army, too. We're desperate, here, so we went ahead and grabbed 'em by the proverbial family jewels, if ya catch my drift." He laughed a little as he said that, causing Fluttershy to blush and Rarity to grimace. "Ya won't be hurt, no matter what, and you'll both be sent home as soon as we get what we need to survive."

"Um, excuse me?" Fluttershy said.

"Speak up, little lady! I ain't gonna bite ya," Mahugpin said softy, smiling at Fluttershy.

"It's just that..." Fluttershy lightly scraped a hoof against the ground and avoided looking directly at him. "I think Princess Celestia would gladly help your people if you asked. We could... go back to Equestria and ask for you. I'm sure she'll listen to us. If that's okay..."

Mahugpin shook his head. "Nothin' doin'." He leaned back and raised his paw. "We've sent messages to the Princess askin' her for help for a couple years now, and we haven't gotten a single reply. Too dangerous leavin' the Deep out that direction to hazard a diplomatic visit, so we decided that this was the way to go. I'm sorry, but that's just the hand we're playin' with."

"I can't imagine that the Princess would ignore your plight," Rarity said. "She must not have received your messages."

"Dunno how things work over there." Mahugpin shrugged. "Maybe they got lost in the mail, maybe some lower level secretary threw 'em away, but we ain't gonna be overlooked any longer."

"And what will happen to us in the meantime?" Rarity glanced over at Fluttershy.

"You'll be honorary citizens of the Big Deep," Mahugpin said, leaning the tips of his paws against one another in front of his face. "Naturally, as citizens, you'll have to pull your own weight if you wanna eat." Rarity gulped.

Mahugpin leaned toward her and smiled. "Don't you fret, Miss Rarity. I heard all about what those exiles did to ya back in Equestria. I ain't talkin' 'bout hard labor or anythin' like that." He turned to Fluttershy. "Miss Fluttershy, I hear you're a veterinarian. Is that true?"

Fluttershy blushed. "Um... I'm not licensed or anything, I just like taking care of animals, and I guess I'm pretty good at it."

"Good enough for me." Mahugpin spread his arms. "I'm gonna stick you in the main hospital here in the Capital City, see if the doctors can't teach ya a thing or two."

"I'd be helping ponies?" Her eyes widened as she corrected herself. "Oh! I mean, doggies?"

Mahugpin let out a small laugh. "Heh, I know all about that weird habit you ponies have, 'somepony' this and 'everypony' that, it ain't a big deal. But yes, you'll be helpin' my people."

"That... doesn't sound so bad." Fluttershy smiled a bit.

"That's the spirit! And you, Rarity. I hear you have a knack for findin' gemstones and other minerals. That right?"

"Why, yes it is!" Rarity said.

"I'm gonna put ya to work doin' just that in the mines," he said. Rarity frowned. Mahugpin quickly added, "Don't give me that look, it won't be as bad as ya think. You'll be in an advisory position, so you'll spend most of your time in a cozy little office when they don't need ya to map out dig-spots."

"Oh! Well... I suppose that will be alright." Rarity nodded.

"Great!" Mahugpin replied. "An apartment's already been set aside for the two of ya. Reginald will see that ya get settled in, and tell ya where to report for work tomorrow. I've got a heap of important stuff to take care of, so I'll leave you two to him."

***

Rarity squealed as she took in the sight of the living-room of their new apartment. "This place is absolutely fabulous!" It was very neatly furnished, with color-coordinated chairs and sofas lined up around a low table covered with various types of literature from the land of the zebras and the griffon kingdom. A plush, inviting carpet lay beneath all of that, the same shade of deep blue as the drapes which hung in front of the windows nearby, surrounding by a variety of abstract paintings.

The two bedrooms and bath were just as aesthetically pleasing. The kitchen had all of the appliances that Rarity was accustomed to using when preparing meals back in Ponyville. Truly, it had all the comforts of home, and a sophistication that could rival the apartments in Manehattan.

Reginald laughed. "I'm glad you approve." He smiled softly. "You and Fluttershy get comfortable, and do as you please until tomorrow morning, when the time comes to report in for work. I'm leaving a list of the best restaurants in town on the counter, just tell the manager of any of them that you're the special guests of Mahugpin, and they'll take care of you! Obviously, that offer only stands for tonight, so I suggest you make the most of it."

Fluttershy smiled widely. "Thank you very much!"

"Reginald, if you don't mind my asking, regarding Mahugpin..." Rarity's voice trailed off.

"You want to know how he came to be our Alpha Male?" Reginald said.

"Well, yes. I expected someone... harsher, more intense. Someone more like Greyjaw." She frowned.

"Mahugpin may not look it, and he certainly doesn't talk like it, but he is one of the most brilliant inventors the Big Deep has ever produced. That ridiculous contraption that he rides around on, the 'Squatter' as he calls it..." He shook his head and scoffed. "It was of his own design, and although I find its appearance to be rather silly, I've seen him flatten werewolves with it."

"So it was through his resourcefulness that he passed those trials you mentioned earlier?" Rarity said.

He nodded. "Correct. In fact, he broke several records in the process. Furthermore, kindness is limitless. I assure you, he would never have arranged to have the two of you brought here if he didn't truly believe that our lives depended on it."

"I suppose I can forgive him, then," Rarity said, bowing her head. "I sincerely hope that the Princess is finally made aware of your plight and can find a way to help you."

"I appreciate that, Miss Rarity." Reginald smiled. "Well, I have some last-minute work to attend to as well, being Mahugpin's personal assistant and all, so I will bid you both adieu." He bowed and took his leave.

"Look!" Fluttershy said while reading off of the restaurant list that Reginald left behind. "They have one place that specializes in all kinds of fancy pastas!"

"Well, we'll just see about that," Rarity replied, as though issuing a challenge. "We may as well make the most of our time here."

"I'm still a little homesick." Fluttershy bowed her head. "But I'm glad you're here too, Rarity."

"Likewise, darling."

***

"They really are a lovely pair of girls," Reginald said. "I don't relish lying to them."

Mahugpin sighed. "I didn't like it any more'n you, Reggie." His Squatter slouched. "I just don't have the heart to tell 'em that we're goin' to war with their country."

"They will be taken care of, right?" Reginald asked gently.

"'Course they will! I said they were gonna be citizens and I meant it," Mahugpin said. "They'll take to life with us eventually, just you wait and see. Chrysalis won't like it, but she can just get over it."

"Are you still certain that war is the right course of action?" Reginald frowned.

"I wish it wasn't." Mahugpin took a long drag on his cigar before blowing out a long stream of smoke. "But the werewolves are gettin' smarter, and their attacks across the country have been gettin' heavier. We got no choice but to migrate to Equestria."

"But to subjugate its people..." Reginald shook his head. "What gives us the right to—"

"Those are the terms for gettin' the aid of the Changelings." Mahugpin said gruffly. "They have to be able to feed, and we ain't winnin' this fight on our own. This is our only choice, Reggie, you know that!"

"I guess that's true." Reginald shut his eyes.

Chapter Four - All the Time You Need

"Pinkie Pie, are you awake?" Rainbow Dash nudged her unconcious friend.

"Five more minutes, papa..." Pinkie replied groggily, a bead of drool sliding down the side of her face. "Then I'll go rotate the rocks..."

"Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash shouted, jolting her friend awake.

Pinkie yawned. "Morning, Dashie!" She sat up and wiped her mouth. "So today I was thinking we could check out the—"

"In case you haven't noticed, we're not in our hotel room." Rainbow Dash gestured to the area around them. Pinkie scanned the room they were in carefully.

The stone that comprised the walls and floors of the large room were as gritty as they were unfinished, being covered by a thick layer of dirt. Their sleeping space, Pinkie noted, had been partitioned off by a wall of metal bars, and it was one of several spaces in that room constructed in a similar way.

The only comforts she could see in their small holding area were a chamber pot and a pair of concrete slabs suspended against the wall by chains, one of which Pinkie had been sleeping on. Finally, her eyes settled back upon Rainbow Dash who, upon closer inspection, was wearing some sort of brace around her torso that kept her wings locked at her sides.

"Hmm, I think you might be right," Pinkie said, scratching her chin carefully, her gaze narrowed. "What'd we do last night after we drank that cider?"

"I don't think we did anything," Rainbow said. She stood on top of her concrete bed and hoisted herself up to a small, barred window above it. "Nothing to get us thrown in a place like this, at least." She gazed out through the bars.

"Ooh, ooh!" Pinkie exclaimed, jumping up and down. "Whadaya see, Dashie?"

"I see... a lot of mountain tops," Rainbow said, squinting as she tried to see beyond them. "We're pretty high up. And way, way below us, a lot of desert. None of this looks familiar. We need to see if anypony is around."

"Hey, is anypony here?!" Pinkie shouted, causing Rainbow Dash to jerk backwards and fall to the floor. As Dash stood back up, massaging the back of her head, a loud creaking sound signified a large door being opened. They were approached by a griffon in a suit of armor.

The griffon stopped in front of their cell. "Finally awake, eh?"

"Where in the hay are we?" Rainbow Dash asked, tilting her head to the side.

Pinkie Pie frowned. "We didn't damage any public property, did we?"

"Pinkie, we were not drunk and disorderly!" Rainbow said, squinting toward her friend.

She turned away from the guard and glared at Rainbow Dash. "How do you know? Do you remember how we got here?"

"Well, no, I guess not, but come on, I think I'd know if that's what was going on here," Rainbow said.

Pinkie gasped. "Unless you were so drunk that you blacked out and forgot everything!"

"That didn't happen!" Rainbow Dash yelled, leaning toward Pinkie Pie authoritatively.

Pinkie gently placed a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. "Dashie, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem."

"If we're in here for drunk and disorderly conduct, that means you have a problem to!" Rainbow said.

Pinkie's eyes widened. "Omigosh, you're right!" She fell to her knees. "I've let myself slide down the slippery slope!" She sobbed.

"No one got drunk!" the guard shouted, grabbing the bars with his talons and grinding his teeth. "What's with you two? I'm standing right here, just ask me what's going on!"

"What's goin' on?" Pinkie asked abruptly, giving the guard a wide, toothy smile, her eyes half-open. The guard, in turn, smacked his forehead with the palm of his talon.

"You're in the Griffon Kingdom, in the palace dungeon. We've been waiting for you to wake up," he answered, taking a step back.

"The Griffon Kingdom? That's a long ways away from where we were," Rainbow Dash said. "How did we get here?"

"After you were neutralized by our agent, a pair of knights brought you here," the guard said.

"Agent?" Rainbow's eyes widened in shock. "Are you... talking about Gilda?"

"Yes, now come with me," he said, producing a key and opening the cell door as Rainbow Dash lowered her head. "His Majesty demands an audience with you at once."

"Might as well find out what this is about," Rainbow Dash muttered as she and Pinkie Pie followed the guard.

Pinkie leaned in close to Rainbow and whispered, "Who's Majesty and who does he belong to?"

"No, Pinkie," Rainbow Dash said, "he's talking about their king. We're going to meet... the King of the Griffons." The realization suddenly overtook her.

"Who's the King of the Griffons?" Pinkie asked, as the guard closed the dungeon door behind them.

"I can't remember his name, but they say he's huge, even for a Griffon, and that he's some kind of legendary warrior."

"Cool!" Pinkie said.

Rainbow Dash smiled. "Yeah, I guess it is pretty cool."

***

"Your Highness!" the guard said as they entered the large throne room. "Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie of Equestria are here!"

The throne was visible at the other end of the chamber, a long, red carpet leading right to it. There were no walls here, merely a long chain of pillars connecting the floor to the ceiling, the room itself exposed to the open air and overlooking a vast mountain range. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but marvel at the view.

Once the two ponies were close enough to the throne, they beheld the King of the Griffons. True to the rumors, he was the size of a full-grown grizzly bear. Battle scars adorned his body, and a small chip near the tip of his beak gave it a jagged appearance. His eyes were golden, and his protruding brow was low and imposing. Surprisingly, Dash noted, no crown adorned his head.

He spoke loudly, "I am J'aggerdov, King of the Griffons!" He rose from his throne and walked toward them, each step echoing loudly. He spread his wings, their span appearing to be almost triple what was considered average for a griffon.

"I'm Rainbow Dash, future Wonderbolt and world-class athlete," Rainbow Dash said.

"And I'm Pinkie Pie, can I use your bathroom?" She smiled widely.

"Pinkie!" Rainbow hissed, glaring sideways at her friend.

"What?" Pinkie replied, recoiling from Rainbow's tone. "I haven't gone since yesterday!"

"That is not the kind of question you ask a king!" Rainbow said, covering the side of her mouth with her hoof.

"Yah-huh!" Pinkie nodded. "I've asked Princess Celestia that question before. She always just says 'yes'."

"Oh, really?" Rainbow said.

"Yep!" Pinkie replied, smiling.

Rainbow Dash stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Huh, maybe it is an okay question, then."

"Silence!" J'aggerdov barked in what could only be described as speech combined with a dull roar. "I don't know how your Princess does things, but in my presence, you will speak only when spoken to, and you will mind your tongue!"

"Now wait just a minute," Rainbow said, stepping forward, "we didn't ask to be here, y'know! You kidnapped us, and since you're gonna be such a jerk about it, now I just wanna know why!"

"My patience is tested," J'aggerdov said. He nodded to the guard. "If she acts out again, kill her."

"WHA—" Pinkie began to shout as Rainbow quickly placed a hoof over her mouth, her face pale.

"That's better," J'aggerdov said. "As for why you're here, you're prisoners of war."

"...of war?" Rainbow Dash asked softly.

"Indeed." J'aggerdov nodded. "The day is fast approaching when Equestria will belong to the Griffon Empire."

"Why you—" Rainbow stopped herself off when she saw the guard reach for his dagger. She clicked her tongue and stared at the floor. "Okay, so why bring us here? Why tell us this?"

"I would think the answer to your first question would be obvious." The king raised an eyebrow. "You two wield Elements of Harmony, and it would make things far more difficult for us if you were to use them during the invasion, so you've been preemptively removed from the conflict. As for why I'm telling you, I believe it's only polite to tell a prisoner why they've been imprisoned."

"And what happens to us now?" Rainbow hissed, beginning to grind her teeth, but not daring to make eye-contact.

"You'll remain in my dungeon and behave yourselves. So long as you do that, you'll be fed three times a day. Make any trouble for us, and you will be eliminated. Is that clear?"

"If you think I'm just gonna sit by and let you take over my home—" Rainbow raised her voice and stared down the king, a fire in her eyes.

"Guard, if she makes one more outburst, kill her friend," J'aggerdov said. Pinkie Pie recoiled as the guard nodded toward her.

Rainbow flinched and averted her gaze again. "...Yes, it's clear."

"Good, then we have nothing left to discuss," J'aggerdov said. "Guard, return them to their cell."

"Yes, your highness." The guard motioned for Rainbow and Pinkie to follow him.

"Well, he wasn't very nice," Pinkie Pie said once they were out of J'aggerdov's earshot.

"This is really bad, Pinkie," Rainbow said. Her voice was shaking. "I don't know what we're gonna do."

***

"Where did you even get that?" Rainbow asked, stretched out on her stone bed, her head resting on her folded elbow, as Pinkie continued playing her harmonica.

"I keep harmonicas stashed all over, in case of harmonica emergency!" She raised the harmonica to her lips again. Rainbow Dash shook her head softly, but smiled.

"We need to find a way out of here," Rainbow said, sitting straight up and leaning forward, supporting her head with her hooves. "We have to warn the Princess."

"Yeah, but how are we gonna escape?" Pinkie .

"Visitors aren't permitted!" said a nearby guard.

"Visitors? Didn't you hear?" a familiar voice called out. "I was named personal assistant to King J'aggerdov, now step aside!"

"Ah, my apologies, Lady Gilda."

"Gilda?!" Rainbow and Pinkie shouted in unison. They leapt to their feet and approached the bars.

"Dash, Pinkie, 'sup?" Gilda asked. "Are they treating you alright? Do you need anything?"

Rainbow Dash wrapped her hooves around the bars. "Don't talk to us like we're buddies," she said. "You're the reason we're here!"

"Look, it's not like I wanted to kidnap you." Gilda shrugged. "And they promised me you wouldn't be hurt."

"I do not appreciate being abducted without my consent!" Pinkie shouted.

"Listen, I came down here because I figured I owed you two an explanation," Gilda said.

"Well thank you for taking time out of your busy day to explain things to us lowly prisoners." Rainbow clenched her jaw. "But we're not interested. Why don't you get back to your fancy new job and leave us alone!"

"Don't be like that," Gilda said. "With my new title, I've got a lot of extra pull. I can get you two all kinds of cool stuff!" she added, leaning back and scraping her knuckles against her chest as though wiping away non-existent dust.

"You can start with our freedom," Rainbow Dash said. Both she and Pinkie gave a small nod.

Gilda shook her head. "C'mon, Dash, you know I can't do that."

"Then leave."

Gilda slammed her fist against the floor, causing Rainbow and Pinkie to take a step back. "I didn't want this!" she shouted. "I didn't want to have to choose between my country and my friends, but you know what?! I had to! Put yourself in my place! If Princess Celestia told you to kidnap me for the good of Equestria, you know you'd do it in a heartbeat! You're always going on about how loyal you are!"

"I'm loyal to Princess Celestia because she would never ask me to betray a friend," Rainbow Dash replied, shaking her head.

"Maybe so," Gilda said, hanging her head, "but my king still did, and he literally put my family's life on the line. Plus, it's not like our people aren't in trouble. It's always been tough growing anything here, and what little fertile land is in the Griffon Kingdom has been shrinking."

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow "So is that what this war is about? You want to steal our food or something?"

"If we don't do something, our people will starve," Gilda said. "My family got banished a long time ago, and I grew up away from here, so I had no idea how bad things were getting until I was brought back and saw it for myself. We have no other choice, Dash, this is just something we have to do."

"And you know that Equestria would help the Griffon Kingdom if they just asked," Dash replied as Pinkie Pie nodded.

"I'm sure King J'aggerdov tried that." Gilda said.

"Somehow, I doubt he's the type," Rainbow Dash replied, as Pinkie Pie shook her head.

Gilda backed away from them. "I'm going to go see the king," she said. "Maybe I can make you two more comfortable or something."

"Gilda," Rainbow Dash said, grasping the bars again as the griffon began to walk away. "You know that what you're doing here is wrong. It isn't too late to help us."

Gilda stopped, her back to them, and lowered her head. "I'll see you guys later."

***

"Still don't get why you promoted your spy-girl," Clarion Call said, standing next to the occupied throne. "Doesn't seem like her heart's really in this."

"It isn't," J'aggerdov said, tapping his fingers against the arm rest and staring straight ahead. "That's precisely why I promoted her. I'm going to keep a close eye on her so that she doesn't do anything stupid."

"Well, that's your deal. Seems like everypony picked up their targets with no problem." Clarion grinned.

"And how are things on your end?" J'aggerdov looked at Clarion. "The invasion can't start until you find that little trinket."

"Yeah, I've been asking around, getting some leads, you know how that can be. Should have it pretty soon, don't you worry," Clarion replied, turning to J'aggerdov.

"And where is your master?"

Clarion pointed behind himself. "I left him back in Equestria, he has some business of his own to take care of before the horseapples hit the fan."

"He's an odd fellow, isn't he?" J'aggerdov raised an eyebrow as he said this. "I can't help but wonder what he has to gain by helping us all like this. He asked for so little in return."

"I don't know, he's crazy," Clarion said with a shrug. "Probably just gets off on making trouble. It's working out great for you guys though, huh?"

"Yes, I suppose it is," J'aggerdov said, "though I can't say I relish the idea of non-lethal warfare all that much. Having to spare all of our enemies will make the battle that much more difficult."

"Well, you know how it is," Clarion said. "The changelings demand that every single equine go into their nasty feeding pods, and Mahugpin's a big softie, wouldn't let you kill anypony, anyway."

"I know, and I suppose that with our combined efforts, things should go smoothly enough regardless. The land, at least, will still belong to us." J'aggerdov allowed himself a smile. "That will be all, Clarion Call." Clarion nodded and vanished without a trace as Gilda entered the chamber.

Gilda bowed. "Your Highness."

"You can dispense with the formalities when it's just you and I, Gilda," J'aggerdov said softly. "What's on your mind?"

"It's the invasion." Gilda glanced sideways. "I just... need to know that it's really our last resort."

"Of course it is," J'aggerdov said. "We tried to grow enough food to feed our people, but we aren't, so we're expanding our reach to include territory that's more fertile."

"I get that." Gilda nodded. "But why would Princess Celestia refuse to aid us?"

"Aid us?" J'aggerdov raised an eyebrow. "As if I would stoop so low as to beg for another nation's table-scraps."

"But then..." Gilda said, "do we really have the right to just take something that doesn't belong to us because we want it?"

"You're thinking like a pony, Gilda. No doubt a result of the time you've spent living among them. We'll have to work on that." J'aggerdov smiled at her.

"We must put the Pride before all else, for the sake of both our well being and our dignity. I assure you, this invasion would not be taking place if we did not absolutely need Equestria's resources to stay alive." He nodded. "We've never relied on the pity of others, and we're not about to start now. We can rely only on ourselves, and only if we're strong."

"But aren't we accepting the help of the changelings and diamond dogs?" Gilda asked.

"We are using their resources, just as we intend to use Equestria's. The success of our campaign hinges on the correct usage of all resources. In the end, it still falls to us."

"I see. I need to think," Gilda said as she looked away and quickly departed from the throne room.

"Take all the time you need," J'aggerdov said quietly. He relaxed in his throne.

Chapter Five - You Can't Be Here

Back in Equestria, at the crack of dawn, Clarion Call finally came upon the worn-down shop he had been searching for. He wiggled the knob, but the door was locked.

"Hey!" he shouted, pounding on the door. "Haggle, you in there?! Open up!" There was no answer. He grinned. "Good thing I tagged the place," he thought as his horn flickered to life and he teleported inside.

He observed the room full of dusty, disorganized wares, carelessly piled atop one another. "Yeesh," he hissed. "This place has seen better days. How am I gonna find it under all this junk?"

"Junk, you say?" an elderly voice said behind him as a light fixture clicked on illuminating a gray-coated pony with a braided, light blue mane and a small pair of glasses clutching the top of his muzzle. "That's more than a little rude, seeing as how you've broken into my shop before I've opened it for the day."

Clarion turned toward the shopkeeper and said, "Yeah, well, I'm trying to keep a schedule here."

"Clarion Call!" The shopkeeper gasped, taking a step back, a scowl on his face. "How dare you show your face in my shop after everything you've stolen from me!"

"Sure, it's awkward, I get it." Clarion rolled his eyes. "But this time I'm actually willing to pay you for something, so calm down before you give yourself a stroke."

"Your money is no good here, thief!" The shopkeeper shook his head. "Leave my shop this instant. And rest assured, I'll be reporting this to the Royal Guard as soon as you do!"

"Oh, hey, look at that!" Clarion exclaimed, pointing toward the wall behind the shopkeeper, upon which had been nailed Clarion's very own wanted poster. "Didn't realize they were passing those out! That picture's really out of date, though. I've lost a little weight since then. Thanks for noticing by the way."

The shopkeeper stomped his hoof and shouted, "Get out!"

Clarion sighed. "Fine, here you go, jerk." He produced a rather large sack from his saddlebag, suspended in the air with his magic, before tossing it onto the floor between the two ponies. The heavy sound of countless, shifting metal pieces denoted that the bag's contents were gold bits.

"That's compensation for everything I've ever stolen from you," Clarion said. "I've got two more bags, and if you help me out, you'll get all three."

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. "We'll just see about that..." He prodded at the sack until the top fell open. He practically salivated as he saw the sheer amount of money in the bag. "Keep talking."

"'Atta boy, glad to see you haven't changed! I'm looking for the Alicorn Amulet," Clarion said. The old stallion to jerked his head up and raised his brow.

"Can't say I was expecting to hear that." the shopkeeper said.

"I've been tracking the thing across Equestria," Clarion said, "and the last piece of info I got led me here. If you've still got it, I'm buyin'."

"Something so valuable..." The shopkeeper tilted his head. "And to think you'd actually be willing to pay for it! What do you want it for?"

"Power," Clarion said. "I know, I know, 'power is a means, not an end', etcetera, but I'm working on something that's top secret, very hush-hush, so don't get nosy! All you need to know is that your contribution will make you a very rich pony."

"Seems as though you have at least some idea of what it does, then." The shopkeeper stroked his chin. "Well, that particular item has already been sold to somepony else, and even if it weren't, I can't imagine a scoundrel like yourself using a relic like that for anything pleasant."

"Who'd you sell it to?" Clarion asked.

The shopkeeper raised his hoof and shook his head emphatically. "Terribly sorry, but it's against store policy to share that sort of information."

Clarion Call produced a second sack of bits, just as large and the first. He unceremoniously tossed it between them. "Bag number two for the name."

"Trixie Lulamoon." The shopkeeper snatched up the bag quite quickly.

"I've heard of her, travelling magician or something," Clarion said. "Shouldn't be too hard to find. Anyways, think fast!" Immediately, the third sack shot out of the saddlebag and landed in the shopkeepers compulsively outstretched arms. He collapsed under the sudden weight.

"In exchange for what?" the shopkeeper asked as stood up and adjusted his glasses.

"I was never here," Clarion said. "You didn't see me, you didn't talk to me, and you definetely didn't hear me ask about the Alicorn Amulet. Capiche?"

"Fair enough." The shopkeeper grinned. "Thank you for your business, and please come again."

***

Twilight Sparkle's parents came upon the large, stone door, which was promptly opened. Spike had been waiting for them. "Glad you're here," he said, the bags under his eyes reflecting his recent lack of sleep. "Everypony else is already inside."

"Thank you, Spike," Twilight's mother said, embracing the baby dragon tightly. "It was very kind of Princess Celestia to let us use the Castle Ballroom to come together like this." Her father nodded as they entered the grand chamber. Inside were numerous cots, chairs, and a wide variety of food and drink. The Apples were there: Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, and a Apple Bloom.

Magnum and Pearl, Rarity's parents, were seated near them, Sweetie Belle at their side. Scootaloo sat between Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. A stallion who resembled Rainbow Dash sat among them.

A few feet away were Pinkie Pie's parents, Cloudy Quartz and Igneous Rock, as well as her sisters, Marble, Maud, and Limestone. With them sat the Cakes, whom Pinkie had been staying with in Ponyville, and their two infant children.

"I think we should say 'hello' to the Apples first," Twilight's father said to his wife. "It was Applejack who disappeared with Twilight." As they approached the other families, the doors swung open yet again, and Princess Celestia walked into the room. All conversation stopped, and all eyes turned toward her. Everyone waited with bated breath.

"Let me begin by saying that it is an honor to meet all of you," Celestia said as she approached them. "Your loved ones have aided my sister and I time and again, and they are all exemplary heroines. I offer you my deepest condolences on the recent news of their disappearance."

"Have your guards found anything?" Spike asked.

"Very little." Celestia bowed her head. "Though we do have more information to work with than we had at first. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were last seen in Las Pegasus, as we initially believed. The griffon they were travelling with, who goes by the name of Gilda, is also missing."

Carrot Cake frowned. "Was this 'Gilda' involved?"

"We've found nothing to indicate that," Celestia replied. "Rarity and Fluttershy were spotted heading into diamond dog territory the day before yesterday, following one of them for reasons unknown."

Spike clenched his fists and said, "I bet they kidnapped them!"

Princess Celestia shook her head delicately. "The Diamond Dogs allowed my soldiers to explore the entirety of their mine, but we found nothing. Spot, the one they were travelling with, testified that Rarity and Fluttershy did, indeed follow him to the mines, but that they departed shortly thereafter, heading back toward Ponyville. We've found no evidence to contradict that testimony."

"What about Twilight and my big sis?!" Applebloom shouted.

"All we know is that somepony tampered with the train they were riding," Celestia replied. "The cart they were in was disconnected from the rest of the train at the front and back, but nopony we've come across witnessed what, exactly, happened. There is no trace of the cart itself, and no clues at the scene to help us. We found everypony who had tickets placing them in that cart bound and gagged near the train station, but none of them were able to identify their attackers."

"Tell me, Apples," the Princess said, "did you notice whether or not the cart they boarded had been empty?" All three family members shook their heads.

"I see," Celestia replied, lowering her head. "What's more, the Zap Apple order that came from Princess Cadence, which actually requested the presence of all of Twilight's friends, had been intercepted by an unknown party, and altered." Everyone gasped.

The stallion with the rainbow-colored main stood up. "So basically, my daughter and her friends vanished without a trace from three separate places. What could that mean?"

"I fear that this may have been an organized effort to deprive Equestria of the Elements of Harmony, or perhaps a personal vendetta against Twilight and her friends." All heads sank as the family members whispered amongst themselves. "Spike?" the Princess asked.

Spike nodded and said, "I did what you said, I took the Elements of Harmony out of the library's display case and hid them."

"Good, do not tell anypony where they are," Celestia replied.

She then addressed everyone in the room. "Rest assured, we are devoting as many resources as possible to this investigation." She lifted her head and spoke more forcefully. "What's more, those six ponies are among the most resourceful I've seen. I have great confidence that wherever they are, they are unharmed. We will do everything in our power to bring our girls home."

"Thank you, Princess," Spike said. His voice was quivering. The others extended similarly-phrased gratitude.

"In the meantime, I encourage all of you to remain here, together. This is likely going to become a more difficult process as our search continues, and I believe that it will be beneficial for all of you to have each other to lean on." All heads nodded, and all ponies turned to look at one another, smiling weakly.

"What about Shining Armor and Cadence?" Twilight's mother called out. "Will they be joining us?"

Celestia glanced to the side. "I do not know. They haven't left the scene of Twilight's and Applejack's disappearance since the investigation began. Shining has been working himself to the bone trying to find clues. He... is not handling this well, and Princess Cadence is doing everything she can to help him."

Princess Celestia bid them all farewell, and exited the ballroom. Away from the view of others, she exhaled deeply and wiped a tear from her own eye.

***

"Shining, you really should take a break others take over," Princess Cadence said, laying her hoof on her husband's shoulder. "The Sun's starting to set, and you've been wandering up and down this track for the better part of the last two days. What are you even looking for?"

"Clues," Shining replied as he glared down at a section of the tracks, his jaw clenched and his horn aglow.

"So let's allow the other soldiers to take over for a while and head back to our tent. You need to get some rest," she said.

Shining continued to shine the light of his horn down on the tracks as he slowly moved forward. "The others don't know what to look for. I do."

"And don't you think it's about time you told me what you were looking for?" Cadence asked.

"Yeah." Shining sighed. "I'm sorry I've been so short with you." He turned to gaze into her eyes. "I'm just worried."

Cadence locked him in a quick embrace. "We both are."

"As for what I'm looking for, do you remember those wanted posters that were being passed around the Kingdom?" Shining asked.

"Yes, I think so..." Cadence replied, tapping her chin. "The ones about that unicorn, Clarion Call?"

Shining Armor nodded and said, "Exactly." He turned his focus back to the train tracks. "He and I served on the same squad in the Royal Guard, back before I was promoted to Captain, and before he was dishonorably discharged and arrested."

Cadence gasped. "Arrested?"

"Yeah." Shining Armor nodded. "When I knew him, he used his magic to create these sorts of two-way windows that allowed for communication between locations that were really far apart. The guy was a total jerk, and I never really liked him, but that ability came in handy."

"I'd imagine it would," Cadence replied, following him along the tracks.

"But that wasn't all he could do," Shining said. "Eventually, we found out that he could place a sort of magical mark anywhere he wanted. He could teleport to any of those marks at any time. He had been using that to commit countless thefts."

"Right, I remember that now," Cadence replied.

"And I was the one who apprehended him." Shining stopped to focus more closely on a single spot before shaking his head and continuing on. "After the warrant was issued for his arrest, I was tasked with bringing him in. While tracking him, I had figured out how to use my own magic to detect those marks of his."

"After that," he said, "all I had to do was figure out the next place he'd rob, which wound up being a rare diamond exhibit at the Trottingham Museum."

"I waited by the mark he had placed until the museum closed for the night, and trapped him with a barrier spell once he showed up. He went to prison, but wound up escaping three years ago. It was on the night that Nightmare Moon returned. He took advantage of the chaos. He hadn't been seen since."

Cadence was now walking alongside her husband. "Didn't Princess Celestia seal away his magic?"

"She did," Shining Armor replied, sparing a glance up at her. "But he was seen using it again a few weeks ago."

"And you think—"

"Yes," Shining Armor said, "I think that when three pairs of ponies, all in completely different places, and all vital to Equestria's defense, disappear without a trace on the same day, it's extremely likely that Clarion Call is involved. I'm going to search every inch of this track until I find his mark."

Princess Cadence frowned. "Shining, that's going to take a very long time."

"It takes as long as it takes," Shining Armor said flatly.

Cadence shrugged. "If all you're looking for is his mark, why not search the other two locations?"

"Come again?"

"The hotel room or the area around the diamond dogs' lair," Cadence said. "Those areas are much smaller than the length of this track, and if your theory is correct, you'll still find what you're looking for."

Shining grinned. "Babe, you're a genius." He gave her a peck on the cheek. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you've spent the past two days in a constant state of panic and refused to sleep," Cadence replied gently.

Shining Armor scratched the back of his head. "I get it. I'll get some rest before we head out. It isn't fair to Twily if I do this half-flanked."

***

Two guards stood on either edge of the bridge connecting the sidewalk to the entrance of the great hall which contained the magically sealed vault of the Elements of Harmony. It was midnight, and though they were exhausted with everything that had been going on, the guards were ever-vigilant.

"I never like standing guard here so late at night," the guard on the right said.

"No kidding." The guard on the left nodded. "This area's so poorly lit, and it's so quiet here." He shuddered. "The slightest sound always makes me want to reach for my sword."

Suddenly, the sound of a snapping twig a few yards in front of them caught their attention. The guard on the left snorted. "See?"

"Actually..." the guard on the right said, peering into the darkness. "I think somepony's there." The other guard looked more closely as well, barely able to make out some sort of shadowy figure standing at the edge of the darkness.

"Look at how tall that thing is," the guard on the left said. "That's definitely not a pony, and it's really making me feel uneasy." His knees shook.

"What's your business here?!" the guard on the right said. A pair of eyes opened, glowing and featureless. Both guards started breathing heavily. The sight was making their skin crawl.

"Turn back!" The guard on the left perspired. "Turn back and get out of here or we'll throw you in the dungeon!" The glowing eyes tilted to the side.

"You heard him!" The guard on the right whimpered. "You can't be here!"

"You have until the count of three before I draw my swor—" the guard on the left was cut off as the figure darted out from the darkness straight towards him, moving so fast that both guards could only perceive his now-visible head as a gray blur, the rest of his body covered by a long, black coat.

As it closed in, the guard was slammed against the wall by an invisible force as a wave of pressure crashed down on him, pushing his lips apart, exposing his teeth, and blowing back his mane. His attacker had not physically touched him.

His armor was completely shattered as he screamed in pain, bruises now covering the entire front of his body. The street lights exploded, sending a cloud of sparkling glass shards showering in every direction. Only the moonlight illuminated the single claw that shot forth to grasp the guard's neck, pinning him against the wall.

The guard, wide-eyed and pale, was losing air. His vision was blurred, but he still managed to wrap his hooves around the thing's arm, applying as much pressure as he could. The glowing eyes, now only inches from the guard's face, illuminated a large, disgusting smile filled with pearly-white, asymmetrical teeth of varying sizes.

The other guard, having been knocked flat on his back by the pressure emanating from the creature, his armor now visibly cracked, watched helplessly as his comrade gradually loosened his grip on the monster's arm.

Finally, the poor stallion's legs fell, hanging lifelessly at his sides. The strange creature released its own grip, and the guard's limp form fell to the floor. Not even acknowledging the other guard, the monster slammed its palm against the door, causing it to break and fall inwards. It entered the hall and began to walk towards the other end.

The guard struggled to support himself on his elbows and turned to observe the thing that had gotten past them. The moonlight shining through the stained-glass windows offered a clearer view of the creature. Tall and thin, with arms and legs of a great length that was disproportionate to its torso, the creature's posture while walking was unmistakably elegant, a slight swagger punctuating each step.

"What is that thing?!" the guard whispered, feeling more at ease with each inch the creature put between them. Its head drifted back and forth, eyeing up each of the historical events depicted in the windows. It stopped in front of the vault door, which was said to contain the Elements of Harmony.

"That's it," the guard whispered with a grin. "Just try and force it open, monster!" The being did just that, slamming its palm against the surface as it had done to the entrance. The figure was immediately consumed by a bright light. It jolted backwards, stumbling away from the door, screeching in pain as the light enveloping it grew brighter. Though the guard was happy that the beast had been immobilized, the unusual sound it was making threatened to rupture his eardrums.

He covered his ears with his hooves and waited for reinforcements to be drawn to the activation of the failsafe. Unfortunately, after about a minute had passed, the containment field burst, and the creature returned to its upright position, as if nothing had happened to it at all.

"That just isn't possible..." the guard said, his mouth agape. Again, the creature slammed his palm against the vault door, only this time, the door collapsed, and the monster was unharmed. "He's immune to it now?" the guard thought, breathing heavily. "This is really bad. Just what in the hay am I dealing with?!"

The creature reached into the exposed vault and removed a box that was adorned with gems. The guard could hear the creak of metal hinges as the box was opened, and subsequently thrown to the ground. The Elements of Harmony were not contained within. Before the guard could react, the creature dashed back down the hall and was upon him. Anxiety overtook him again as this unknown monster leered down at him. He felt as though its very gaze was pressing him into the ground.

"Where are the Elements of Harmony?!" a deep voice growled, the tone of it making the guard feel as though his very bones were vibrating inside his body. He trembled under the monster's gaze.

"They've... they've been hidden..." the guard said. "I wasn't told where, I'm sorry!" He had no idea why he was apologizing.

The monster straightened its stance, leaning away from the guard, who at this point was suffering from an extreme case of nausea. That was when a large, rough, leathery foot was dropped upon his throat. A squad of Pegasi soldiers arrived a few moments later, finding two fallen guards, injured but still alive, two shattered doors, and a lot of questions.

Chapter Six - I Have a Family

"It's just..." Applejack began to respond, as the train continued its trip. "The other ponies in this cart are lookin' at us a lot more now, and a few seconds ago I saw a group of 'em walk out the front and back doors. And I might be crazy, but it feels like we've been slowin' down since that happened."

"No, you're right!" Twilight set her book down. "The cart's slowing down." She leaned her head toward the window. "And it's because... we've arrived?" Sure enough, through the window, Twilight could see the Crystal Empire in all its glory.

Applejack sighed, sinking into her seat. "Shoot, that's a relief."

"I don't get it, though." Twilight shook her head as the train pulled into the Crystal Empire station. "The trip is supposed to take longer than this, isn't it?"

"Oh, Twilight." Applejack laughed. "You always overanalyze everythin', don't ya? We're here, ain't we? Obviously it took as long as it took."

Twilight smiled. "Yeah, you're right. I must have fallen asleep."

Out on the platform, workers were already unloading the Zap Apple crates, and Princess Cadence and Shining Armor were waiting nearby to greet Twilight and Applejack.

"Twily!" Shining Armor shouted. He quickly grew quiet after realizing that Twilight and his wife were going through the motions of their usual greeting.

"Sunshine, sunshine, lady bugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" the two shouted in unison, performing the corresponding literal and symbolic motions.

Twilight turned to embrace her brother. "It's so good to see you both again!"

"We're both so glad you could make it." Cadence smiled widely. "And thank you for handling this delivery personally, Applejack, it really means a lot!"

Applejack tipped her hat. "Shucks, I'm happy to do it!"

"Well, we should get back to the castle," Shining said, jerking his head in that direction. "We've got a big night tonight."

Twilight tilted her head. "What's going on?"

"Well," Cadence said, rolling her eyes, "we've gotten word today that your four friends, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash will be joining us later this evening."

"You're kidding!" Twilight's face lit up. "I thought they were all busy!"

"Well, we may have insisted a bit." Shining Armor blushed. "The six of you have done a lot for us, and it seems like every time you've been here, it's been to save our butts or promote them."

"The Games Inspector." Twilight grinned at the memory.

"Right. So this time around, you guys are free to relax and enjoy everything our kingdom has to offer, and tonight we're throwing a big celebration in honor of everything you and your friends have done for us!"

"Sounds great," Twilight replied.

"Darn tootin', can't wait!" Applejack said.

***

Twilight rummaged through her saddlebag. "Let's see..." She had just gotten settled into her usual guest room in the Crystal Palace, and had decided to use her remaining free time before the celebration to continue working on her addendum to the Elements of Harmony reference guide.

"I'm almost positive that I packed it." She sighed as she looked through the contents of her bag for a third time and found no trace of the addendum.

"Could I really have forgotten it?" she thought. "For that matter, the book I had brought with me seems to be gone as well. Strange."

"Twilight!" Applejack shouted, opening the door. "Everypony's here, the party's starting!"

"Excellent! I can't wait to see our friends!" Twilight trotted after Applejack. "I'll search for my things later," she thought, closing the door behind her.

***

After putting several corridors between Twilight's room and themselves, Applejack and Twilight arrived in the grand dining hall. The room was sculpted from marble with large archways that provided a view of the horizon outside, but that wasn't what got Twilight's attention.

Happy birthday, Twilight!" Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash shouted in unison, posing beneath a large banner that said the same. Shining Armor, Cadence, and the Princesses, Celestia and Luna applauded.

Applejack threw a foreleg around Twilight's neck. "Surprised ya, didn't we?!"

Twilight tilted her head and raised her brow. "It's... my birthday?"

"Well duh, of course it is!" Pinkie shouted, skipping toward them. "Don't tell me you forgot your own birthday!"

"I'm not surprised," Spike said, wearing a party-hat. "Twilight would forget her mane if washing it wasn't written down on at least one checklist."

Twilight blushed. "I guess with everything else going on, I did kinda forget."

"Enough talk, let's PARTY!" Pinkie shouted. Everyone in the room cheered and the festivities commenced.

***

Difficult as it was to do, Twilight finally tore herself away from the wonderful celebration to search for a restroom, having had her fill of apple cider. The party, up to that point, had been filled with dancing, singing, a variety of games, and even a rather elaborate fireworks show that lit up the night sky and filled the entire horizon outside of the dining hall. More than anything, she had been glad to spend the evening with her friends and family, the ponies that she loved most.

"Hmm..." Twilight stopped in front of a closed door. "Maybe there's a bathroom in here."

"Twilight!" a voice called out, causing the unicorn to turn away from the door.

"Fluttershy? Is something wrong?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy glanced nervously to the side. "Well, it's just that you looked like you were about to open that door."

Twilight raised a brow and smiled. "I'm just looking for the little filly's room.".

Fluttershy's eyes darted from left to right. "I know, but you've never been in there before, and you shouldn't open doors to rooms without asking permission. You know... when it isn't your own house."

Twilight frowned. "How do you know I've never been in here before?" Without waiting for a response, she turned the knob with her for hoof.

"No!" Fluttershy shouted as the door swung open. Twilight gasped. Through the doorway, there was nothing. No floor, no walls, no ceiling. An endless, dark void. Fluttershy nudged her aside and hurriedly shut the door.

"Oh, what did I tell you?!" she said, reciprocating Twilight's frown.

"I don't understand..." Twilight fell into a sitting position. "What was that?! What were we just looking at?!"

"What do you mean, darling?" Rarity asked. Twilight hadn't even noticed her approach.

Twilight reached for the handle again. "This door!" This time, Fluttershy remained silent. "Look inside!" She flung the door open and gasped again.

"Well now," Rarity said, peering through the doorway next to a stunned Twilight, "the room is rather bare, but I see nothing particularly out of the ordinary." Sure enough, the second time that Twilight opened the door, the sight that greeted them was a small, unfurnished, unpainted room.

"This isn't right..." Twilight's breathing accelerated.

"Whadaya mean, sugarcube?" Applejack asked, joining the three of them, with Rainbow Dash and a bouncing Pinkie Pie behind her.

"This room!" Twilight pointed into the chamber. "There was nothing there a second ago!"

Pinkie Pie let out a light giggle. "There's nothing in there now, silly."

"No! I mean there was just... emptiness," Twilight replied.

Rarity gestured toward the barren room and rolled her eyes. "It's still empty. Are you feeling alright?"

"The train..." Twilight stared, wide-eyed, into the empty room. "We arrived here way too early. And my books are gone. And all of you being here? That makes no sense! I know for a fact that you all had other things going on today!"

"Well sure." Applejack nodded. "But we dropped everything to come and celebrate your birthday, Twi!"

"Yeah, Twilight," Pinkie exclaimed, embracing her friend, "we all love you!"

Twilight wriggled free of Pinkie's grasp and backed away. "I wouldn't forget my own birthday!"

Fluttershy tilted her head. "So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying..." Twilight took a small step back. "I'm saying I don't think any of this is real!" Her friends all looked to one another. They burst out laughing.

"Oh Twi," Applejack said, shaking her head, "that's some imagination ya got!"

"Yeah, quit overthinking things, egghead," Rainbow Dash said.

"Especially since we've still got more partying to do!" Pinkie threw a cluster of streamers into the air.

"No, I need some time to think," Twilight replied.

"Oh, but we insist!" Rarity replied as all five ponies began to approach her.

Fluttershy was frowning. "Pinkie worked really hard on the decorations, they'll go to waste if you don't come back with us!"

Twilight raised her voice. "Stay back, I mean it!" Suddenly, Twilight's vision blurred and for a brief moment, she found herself reclined in a chair, a glass dome above her head. She saw the hallway again, with her concerned friends staring at her.

"What... what was that?"

It happened again. She returned to the chair, saw the dome, but this time, she heard a voice...

"Begin Phase One!"

Twilight was unable to speak. Again, she stood in the hallway.

Twilight had broken into a cold sweat. Her complexion paled. Again the hallway and her friends melted away, and she was in the chair, her vision much clearer this time. She attempted to move, but to no avail. Her eyes wandered down. That was when she realized that her hooves were not her own...

She gasped as she saw a pair of strange, fleshy appendages, similar to Spike's claws, but softer. They were attached to her wrists and strapped to armrests. They were hers, but not hers. Through the glass, she could see a room constructed of metal. An elevated platform was above her, upon which stood five blurry figures wearing white coats.

"What is the meaning of this?!" she shouted, although it was not her own voice. Indeed, it was not even her that was shouting, though she felt its rumble in her throat. It was a man's voice.

"Begin Phase One!"

"Are you people insane?!" the voice shouted from the mouth that Twilight perceived as her own. "The compound— my compound is unstable! It isn't ready for testing, and even if it were, I did not volunteer! We don't know what the side-effects could—"

A voice beyond the glass interrupted him, carrying a smugness that made Twilight feel nauseas. "We all have to make sacrifices, doctor."

"I know my rights!" the voice replied, its hands and legs now struggling. "I didn't consent to this! I demand that you release me this instant!"

"Begin Phase One!" the voice said. The dome began to fill with some sort of gray cloud. It was so thick that the dome and everything beyond it vanished before her eyes.

"No!" the voice screamed, thrashing in his restraints.

"Please, I'm begging you! I have a family! Let me go!" As Twilight's nostrils were filled with the thick cloud, she found herself unable to breathe. A sharp pain stabbed through the back of her head. At that moment, everything went dark...

Twilight inhaled deeply, suddenly finding herself able to breathe again. As she felt the blood rushing to her head, she realized that wherever she was now, she was upside-down. Her eyes began to adjust, but the room was not completely dark. It was dimly lit by several green glows. As Twilight's vision focused, she noted that they were pods, and that they each contained a living creature.

Some had the outline of ponies, others did not. The row directly in front of her extended for as far as her peripherals could see in both directions. She recognized them as being the same type of pods Princess Celestia had been imprisoned in by Queen Chrysalis a year before. The pony in the pod directly before her, she recognized.

"Applejack!" She struggled a bit, realizing that not only could she not move her head, but the rest of her body was restrained as well. She was in a pod, herself, and the damp, foul-smelling air conveyed to her that only her face was currently exposed. Her pulse quickened, and her breathing became erratic as she felt as though something was pushing her from behind without touching her.

"Are you awake?" a low, throaty voice asked. It came from behind her, but it echoed both away from and toward her, from every direction.

"What?!" Twilight gasped, her eyes jolting in every direction as she tried to perceive the source.

"Where..." the voice said. Twilight bit her lower lip. "Where..." it repeated. Whatever it was, it was beside her now.

"Where?!" A pair of glowing eyes darted in front of Twilight's face, a monstrous jaw visible beneath them.

"Where what?!" Twilight screamed, squeezing her eyes shut. She was compelled to open them again.

"Where are the Elements of Harmony?!" the strange creature bellowed, its lower jaw swinging so violently as it spoke that it looked as though it might dislocate itself. Twilight felt her skin contract against the bones in her face. Even those began to ache. She shut her eyes again, but once again found she couldn't keep them closed. She couldn't take her eyes away from the thing, no matter how much she told herself she wanted to.

She exhaled. "I see."

The creature narrowed its gaze. "You see?"

"I feel like I want to answer you," Twilight explained, a small bit of force returning to her voice. She took a deep breath and gulped before continuing.

"There's something in the air, something that must be lowering my inhibitions. It's making me feel a strange sort of familiarity with you. Fear, as well. I know myself well enough to know that this is not a normal reaction."

The creature stepped back.

"And the feeling is diminishing now that you've moved away, confirming my hypothesis. I suspect that your body is emitting some sort of pheromone. I'm thinking that if I spent enough time around you, and I hadn't figured out what was happening, eventually I'd wind up agreeing with every word you say."

The creature tilted its head and straightened its posture.

"What's more," Twilight continued, "this pressure I'm feeling from you? I recognize it as unstable magical energy. I suspect that while your body is attuned to the properties of magic, you lack the ability to use it in any focused or constructive way, the end result being the destructive force that you can emit." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "What are you, exactly? I've never seen anything like you before."

The creature grinned. "Well now." Its voice was more soft-spoken. "Twilight Sparkle. I see that your reputation was not exaggerated in the least. That you were able to deduce all of that in such a short amount of time? You truly are a prodigy."

"It's how I cope." Twilight reciprocated the grin. "Whenever I find myself in an unfamiliar situation, my first instinct is always to analyze it."

"Mine, too," it said. "And for the record, everything you've hypothesized about me is true."

"I also remember the abduction," Twilight said. "I've been imprisoned by the changelings, haven't I?"

The man nodded. "Correct again."

"So I repeat my previous question: what are you? Do you have a name?"

"Do I have a name?" the creature replied, turning his back on Twilight Sparkle and running a long claw across the surface of Applejack's pod. "I suppose you've impressed me enough to earn a more polite introduction." He looked toward her over his shoulder. "My name is Delacroix. I'm sorry to have awakened you from what I can only assume was a dream far more pleasant than my company, but I need you to answer my question."

"Delacroix..." Twilight said. "Since you're asking about the Elements, I'm assuming you had something to do with Applejack's and my kidnapping."

"And the other four, yes," Delacroix said.

"Other four?" Twilight's eyes grew wide. "The rest of my friends! Where are they?!"

"Relax." Delacroix turned away from her again. "Your friends are unharmed. That was the condition upon which Chrysalis agreed to lend me her power. She's demanded the opportunity to eventually feed on all of you." He gently patted Applejack's pod.

"So you're using her? For what?" Twilight asked, baring her teeth.

"Nothing that concerns you." Delacroix shook his head. "You've been removed from the final decision."

"An invasion..." Twilight gasped, the realization dawning on her. "You removed us from Equestria so that we couldn't use the Elements of Harmony to stop a changeling invasion!"

"You continue to impress me," Delacroix replied, shooting her another grin. "You haven't figured out everything, but even so, I almost regret that you were eliminated before you knew what was really at stake. I wonder if you could have stopped it..."

"So why do you need the Elements of Harmony themselves? Are you really that paranoid about them being used against you?"

"No." Delacroix laughed slightly. "I've felt the brunt of the Elements of Harmony once before, and can never be harmed by them again. The six of you were removed so that your Elements would not harm my allies, and as for the objects themselves? I need them for research."

"Research?" Twilight said. "And are you suggesting that you're immune to the Elements of Harmony?"

"Yes," Delacroix replied. "I... adapt well to external threats."

"Including magic..." Twilight said as Delacroix nodded. "What could you possibly be?"

"There's no word for it." Delacroix shook his head. "And I've never bothered to come up with one on my own."

"And you're fine with me knowing all of this?" Twilight asked.

"Even if it looked like you were going anywhere..." Delacroix chuckled. "I would welcome the additional variable that your intellect would represent."

"And I guess that by now, you know I won't be answering your question," Twilight said.

Delacroix cocked his head. "No?"

"I can resist the effects of your pheromones now that I know what they are, and I know you can't harm me, because your ally considers me to be an indispensable resource," Twilight explained.

"All true." Delacroix shrugged. "Very well, I will find another way." He turned his back to Twilight. "Looks like your pod is repairing itself, anyway." Twilight gasped as she realized that some sort of gel was beginning to creep over her face. Delacroix walked away.

"I saw it!" Twilight shouted. Delacroix stopped. "I saw the dome! I saw the white coats! It was a laboratory, wasn't it? What was all of that?!"

"Hmm, guess the pod dumped you into my memory while I was ripping it open." Delacroix shrugged his shoulders again. "I've enjoyed our conversation, Twilight Sparkle." He gave her a small wave as the pod swallowed her face, muffling her plea of "Wait!", and she found herself standing in the corridor again, the images of her five friends before her.

Applejack was the first to speak, though she had no accent. "I suppose there's no point in lying to you any longer."

***

"All good?" Clarion Call asked as Delacroix stepped out of one of the many openings in the Changeling hive, and onto the dry, cracked dirt landscape that surrounded it. The Hive sat in the center of a small island, with the circumference of a large castle, but a height far greater than any building.

Delacroix shook his head. "She wouldn't tell me anything."

"Whoa," Clarion gasped, eyes wide, "I never thought the day would come that a mare would be able to resist your abominable charm!"

"She's certainly unique, that one," Delacroix replied.

"So what now? Did you say 'hi' to Queenie for me?" Clarion smirked.

"I doubt she'll be pleased that I interrogated her food without permission, and I have no interest in explaining myself to her. Take me to J'aggerdov's palace, then resume your search for the Alicorn Amulet." Delacroix stepped closer to Clarion.

Clarion nodded. "You got it, boss!" His horn lit up and they vanished.

Chapter Seven - Be Grateful If You Want

"Good morning, Collie!" Fluttershy said as she entered the clinic.

"Hello, Fluttershy!" her canine mentor replied with a smile, as she gripped the leg of a sniffling pup who's broken shin she had just set.

"What's on the agenda for today?" Fluttershy stopped at Collie's side and took a look at the leg herself.

"Another slow day, thankfully," Collie said. She sighed deeply. "A few reckless pups with broken bones are queued in the emergency room, so I'm glad you're here." She began to construct the cast around the young boy's leg. "No major accidents, and no security breaches. You picked a good time to start working here."

The young pup frowned at his leg. "This isn't major?!"

"Don't you worry," Fluttershy cooed, patting the child gently on the head. "It only isn't major because Collie is such a good doctor, but you're still one tough puppy, staying so calm!" The kid blushed and looked off to the side, a small smile forming on his face.

Collie chucked. "Well I don't know about best. On our busier days, there are far more doctors on call. Today it's just you, me, and Doctor Bernard. For that matter, you're such a fast learner, you just might surpass me. Ready to get started on the rest of our cases?"

"I never enjoy setting bones." Fluttershy frowned, but gave an emphatic nod. "But somepony's got to do it, so let's get to it!"

***

"Mornin', Miss Rarity," the foreman said as Rarity entered the small office building just outside the mine shaft designated "C3-405".

"Good morning, Mister Russel!" Rarity smiled. She approached her desk and surveyed the map layed out across it, taking a sip of the coffee her boss had prepared for her. "I see that our boys are working in sub-tunnel fifteen today."

"Yep, we found traces of a massive coal deposit down that way, so that's the immediate priority. Raylan and Boyd are leading a small team in there while the rest of our crew handles the other four active tunnels." The foreman leaned over Rarity's desk and pointing out the corresponding locations on the map.

"Excellent!" Rarity levitated a hard hat onto her head and walked back toward the exit. "I'll be sure to mark the absolute best spots for them to dig!"

The foreman gave her a thumbs-up. "You haven't let us down yet, Ma'am. Be careful!"

"Always!" Rarity smiled before closing the door behind her. Russel returned to his own station, when a small device on the corner of his desk, from which a small antennae protruded and touched against a rock wall on the other side of an open window, began to emit a beeping sound.

"Oh no..." The foreman dashed to a telegraph machine in the corner and began rhythmically clicking away.

***

Rarity marveled at the mine carts the diamond dogs used to traverse their ever-lengthening mineshafts. No tracks were necessary, as the carts were each powered by some sort of battery (as were the small vehicles the citizens used to get around the city) and rolled on treads that allowed them to handle uneven terrain. The ride could get a bit bumpy at times, but she still arrived at sub-tunnel fifteen relatively quickly.

"'Mornin', Miss Rarity!" one of the workers said as she caught up with them in the narrow passageway.

"Hello, gentlemen," Rarity said. Hher horn flickered to life and she scanned the length of the long, dimly lit tunnel for minerals within the wall.

She was proficient at what she did, so it didn't take her long to pinpoint the locations of all the surrounding veins. She marked them with adhesive strips of varying colors. The gold strips always denoted whatever mineral they had prioritized each day, so she used that color to mark the coal deposits.

***

"Doctor Terrier?" Collie said, turning away from another patient as the doctor entered the building. "You weren't scheduled to come in today."

"Emergency," Doctor Terrier said. Fluttershy turned away from a patient with a broken arm to look at him. "The rest of the staff will be here shortly. We just received word that vibrations and sound patterns matching those of tunneling lycanthropes registered in the vicinity of C-three-four-oh-five."

Fluttershy gasped. "That's where Rarity is! Are you saying those monsters can dig through rock?!"

Terrier nodded. "'I'm afraid so. They've got the claws and the upper body strength for it. That's why we monitor the sound vibrations in the mines, because there's always a risk of them coming in if they think they'll find prey."

"How can we help?" Fluttershy asked.

"Wolf class fighters have already been dispatched to the area," Terrier said. "If the lycanthropes penetrate the mineshaft, the Wolves will handle them. In the meantime, we need to organize ourselves and prepare to treat any wounded that come in. There are always at least a few."

Fluttershy frowned. "So I'm just supposed to wait here and hope for the best? My friend is out there!"

"I know you're new here." Terrier raised his paw. "But trust me, staying here is the best thing we can do. We'll be most effective here, as opposed to going there and putting ourselves in harm's way. That just creates more work for the Wolves, and we can't help anyone at all if we get ourselves killed."

"I'm sorry, I truly am." Fluttershy shook her head. "But I have to go and find Rarity, and help out anyone who gets hurt over there." She fastened a pouch around her waist and tucked a large first aid kit into it before running for the door.

"Miss Fluttershy!" Terrier tried to grab her. Fluttershy flew over him and took off in the direction of the mine as the city-wide alarms that warned of attack began to sound.

Collie grabbed a kit of her own. "I'm going with her!"

"Doctor!" he said.

"We need them alive!" she shouted. She ran out the door before Doctor Terrier could protest any further.

***

"Does that alarm mean what I think it does?" Rarity said. She was wide-eyed as the sound reverberated through the tunnel.

"Yeah, we need to get going, now!" a miner said. Rarity and the dogs turned and ran back toward the exit. As they neared the opening into the larger mineshaft, Rarity could hear the faint sounds of snarling and scraping behind them.

"Move!" the miner shouted. "Run towards the mineshaft as fast as you can and do not look back!"

Rarity nodded as they turned the corner into the large hallway and began to run for the city. The snarls and scrapes multiplied, and Rarity surmised that they must have been coming from multiple tunnels. In spite of the warning she had just received, Rarity looked over her shoulder and saw countless lumbering, shadowy figures closing in on them.

One lunged forward, pouncing on a nearby miner and pinning him to the ground. Two more went down. Rarity was about to turn around to face them when a symphony of barks came at them from the other direction.

A pair of miners cheered. "The Wolves!" Rarity saw the approaching diamond dogs. All of them were rather large and imposing. They were clad in a more refined version of the armor that the diamond dogs in Ponyville had worn. They charged in on all fours, leaping over the helpless miners, swords clamped between their bared teeth.

As the Wolves closed in on the lycanthropes, they stood on their hind legs and grasped their swords, engaging the monsters in battle. Rarity heard the foreman call out her name. She turned to see him motioning for her to run when she was suddenly thrown to the ground and pinned.

That was when she got her first good look at the monsters that the diamond dogs feared. The beast was massive, twice the size of the Wolf class warriors, with jet black fur caked in filth, jagged yellow teeth, glazed eyes, and the foul stench of decay. It sniffed at her before it spoke.

"Not dog!" It hissed in a guttural growl. "Smells tasty, though!" It raised its claw above its head for the killing strike. Rarity wanted to scream, but the creature's other paw was clasped around her throat. Suddenly, a blurred figure appeared above her, ramming into the werewolf's gut and sending it stumbling backward. Rarity gasped for air.

"Greyjaw!" She shouted as she beheld her rescuer, who wore the same faded brown vest he had worn on the day they met.

"Greyjaw the Marked!" The lycanthrope snarled, regained its balance and charged at its challenger. Greyjaw snarled as well. It swung its massive arm down at the dog, who simply ducked, grabbed the arm with his two paws, and flipped over the beast's head, planting his feet firmly on its shoulders and jabbing the side of its neck with his claws. The lycanthrope fell, and it's body evaporated until there was nothing left.

Rarity shouted. "Look out!" Two more werewolves closed in. Greyjaw dove to the ground, sliding between one of the monsters' legs. Standing up behind it, he struck its back, hitting a kidney.

The monster yelped as its comrade turned to help. The beast slashed at him, and Greyjaw sidestepped. The lycanthrope he had just attacked, however, turned and lashed out as well. This time, the attack connected, and it was Greyjaw's turn to yelp. He leapt back, giving himself roughly a yard of space, and began to growl.

"Rarity, is that you?" Fluttershy landed at her friend's side.

"Fluttershy, you shouldn't be here!" Rarity struggled to sit up as Fluttershy tended to her wounds.

"He hurt!" one of the monsters said. They laughed as Greyjaw grasped his arm. "He finally get eaten!"

"You talk too much." Greyjaw removed his vest and tied it around his wounded arm before positioning himself on all fours. The werewolves ran at him again, but this time Greyjaw leapt into the air, kicking the adjacent wall, before planting his feet on the ceiling. As the lycanthropes moved beneath him, he dove down at them, striking both of their necks, felling them just as he had the first.

Once again, the bodies evaporated. As more Wolf class warriors arrived, the werewolves retreated, two of them dragging screaming miners with them.

"Follow them!" one of the soldiers barked. "Do not let them escape with those hostages!" A fraction of the soldiers complied and took off after them.

"The rest of you, begin transporting the wounded to the infirmary. Civilians first, then our comrades!"

"I see a few bruises, but other than that, you're fine." Fluttershy sighed with relief as she finished examining Rarity. "Thank goodness."

"I think our friend, there, needs your help more than I do." Rarity gestured toward Greyjaw, who was now slumped against the wall and rubbing his vested injury.

Fluttershy nodded and trotted over to him. "Let me take a look at your arm, please."

Greyjaw averted his gaze. "I'm fine."

"Show. Me. Your injury." Fluttershy shot Greyjaw her infamous stare. The dog recoiled at this, his eyes wide. He regained his composure and looked away again.

"Whatever." He held his arm out for her. She carefully untied the vest and examined the wound.

"Oh dear," she said softly, opening her first aid kit. Greyjaw bared his teeth and hissed as she disinfected the area, but made no other sound as she bandaged it. "There, just change those bandages once every few hours and you'll be good as new!" She smiled up at him. He returned her smile with a scowl.

"Next time, stay at the hospital like you're supposed to." He stood up and walked away, draping the bloody vest over his shoulder.

"Hold on a moment," Rarity said, returning to her feet and approaching Greyjaw. "Fluttershy just treated your injuries, and while I am grateful that you saved my life, I simply cannot allow you to leave without thanking her!"

"Did I save you?" Greyjaw tilted his head. "My job is to fight werewolves, so I picked the one closest to me. Didn't do anything for you. Be grateful if you want, but keep it to yourself." He kept walking, passing by Collie. Neither made eye-contact with the other.

"Collie!" Fluttershy smiled. "Did you follow me here?"

Her friend nodded. "I wanted to make sure you were safe."

"I appreciate the thought." Fluttershy said.

"I don't understand," Rarity said. Her eyes were fixated on Greyjaw. "Why would he accept such a dangerous job if he didn't care about saving lives?"

"Greyjaw's motives are very different from most others who take up the Mantle of the Wolf," Collie replied, giving Rarity a once-over. "But now's not the time to talk about that."

Rarity lowered her head. "Well then, I won't pry."

"The important thing is that you're safe." Fluttershy nuzzled her friend.

"Absolutely!" Collie nodded vigorously and clasped her hands together. "Come on, Fluttershy. They're going to need us at the hospital."

"Right behind you!" The three of them departed.

"Do these types of attacks happen often?" Rarity asked.

"Yes." Collie nodded slowly. "But they aren't usually this mild. We were lucky this time." Rarity gulped as the word "mild" sank in.

***

Later that night, Collie joined Rarity and Fluttershy at their apartment for tea. "Thanks again for all of your help today, Fluttershy," she said.

"Of course," Fluttershy said, giving her friend a smile. "I'm just glad no one was seriously injured."

"Always a plus," Rarity said, joining them at the table and distributing the tea cups. "I'm just fortunate that I have the opportunity to enjoy this tea with you both, thanks to Greyjaw."

Collie took a sip. "It's good that you don't take his attitude personally."

Rarity sighed. "Well, it is rather off-putting, but I'm sure he isn't the way he is for no reason."

"Plus, he's not as mean as he seems." Fluttershy leaned forward. "When I was treating his wound, his eyes thanked me, even if his mouth didn't."

"Really?" Collie raised her brow. "You've seen a side of him that nobody else has, then."

Fluttershy raised the cup to her lips. "Hmm?"

"I'm sure you noticed that he's the only member of our security force that refuses to wear armor. Says it slows him down," Collie took a sip.

Rarity shrugged. "Seeing the way he fought, I could understand that."

"Right." Collie nodded. "But as a result, he suffers more injuries than his comrades. My point is that he's found himself in our care more times than I can remember, but no matter how severe his injuries are, no matter how close of a call he has, he's never once expressed any form of gratitude after he's been saved."

"Why do you think that is?" Fluttershy asked.

"Indeed," Rarity said, "I find myself repeating my earlier question: why would he take a job like this if he doesn't care about others."

Collie sighed. Placing her elbows on the table, she leaned in. "Well, since it's just the three of us, I'll tell you a little bit about him, so long as you promise not to spread it around."

Fluttershy nodded. "We promise!"

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" Rarity said as Fluttershy giggled.

"What does that mean?" Collie tilted her head.

"Inside joke," Rarity replied quickly, gesturing with her hoof for Collie to proceed. "Please continue."

"Well," Collie began, "the hospital staff is aware of most of this, some of the information being readily available in Greyjaw's medical records. I have a more... first-hand experience with it. I went to the same school as Greyjaw when we were kids."

"When what happened?" Fluttershy asked, her ears twitching.

"As a child, Greyjaw was a promising athlete. He was a fast, strong, and energetic puppy. He knew it, too. He was really cocky, and totally full of himself." Collie smiled and shook her head. "And every once in a while, he'd turn into a bit of a bully. The people around him always overlooked that because of his talents."

Rarity frowned. "He doesn't sound all that different from the way he is now."

"He was a child," Collie explained. "And he was capable of being nice."

"A fair point," Rarity said, "although your argument suffers from the fact that Greyjaw doesn't seem to have changed."

"He had a lot of friends. Well..." Collie paused for a moment. "He had a lot of dogs in his life who acted like they were his friends. They used to play baseball after school, in a small clearing on the outskirts of the Capital City. Us girls used to go watch them play. It was during one of those games that I witnessed my first werewolf attack."

"Good heavens!" Rarity said, straightening in her chair.

"Was anypony hurt?" Fluttershy asked, covering her mouth with her hooves.

"We saw them coming out of the walls above us and warned the players. Everyone cleared out fast. We still had our early warning systems back then, so the Wolves were at the scene fairly quickly. Greyjaw always insisted on playing the outfield." Collie shook her head.

"And as quick as he was, he still got pinned. The werewolves all converged on him. The rest of us watched, we were too scared to do anything else, and the Wolves hadn't quite gotten there yet."

She shuddered. "I thought for sure the lycanthropes were going to run off with him, because they do take dogs alive sometimes, but Greyjaw kicked one of them square in the eye. The monster just laughed at him. I can still hear its dreadful voice. 'This one is small,' it said, leering down at him, 'we let you live, grey jaw, enjoy every meal like it your last, get big and fat, and we come back for you'. They marked him with their scent and took off."

"They knew his name?" Fluttershy cocked her brow.

"No," Collie replied. "No one had ever called him 'Greyjaw' before they did. He took it as his name after that incident."

"So as a child, Greyjaw lived in fear of the lycanthropes and their promise to return?" Rarity asked, taking another sip of tea.

"It was worse than that." Collie shook her head. "The other kids, even many of the adults, began to avoid him because he was 'marked'. His own parents began to neglect him, keeping him at a distance. Everyone was afraid of the monsters that haunted his steps."

"That's... horrible," Rarity said, staring down at her mug.

Fluttershy frowned. "I can't even imagine how frightened he must have been."

"All of the friends, all of the love Greyjaw had become accustomed to, it all went away in the blink of an eye, replaced by the knowledge that he was living on borrowed time," Collie said. "But his will was strong, and the injustice thrust upon him made it stronger. He resented all of us, to be sure, for our failure to be there for him. But more than anything, he hated the lycanthropes for imposing this isolation on him. He hated them for making him a victim."

"What happened next?" Rarity asked.

"I can only guess what was going through his head." Collie ran a paw through her hair. "But I think he just wanted to take back the control over his own life that he felt he had lost. He began picking fights with other kids, constantly. At first I thought he was just lashing out, everyone did. As time went on, I came to realize the truth: he was learning."

"He was gaining fighting experience from each opponent, and all the while he was working to strengthen his body. When he wasn't fighting or exercising, he was reading."

Collie took another sip. "Our own literature, books that were imported from other countries, anything he could get his hands on. Books on strategy, anatomy, weaponry, and martial arts. In his teenage years, he was fighting larger dogs, and he beat every single one. Eventually, his skills surpassed everyone, including many in the Wolf class soldiers who had sought him out because of his reputation."

"And did the werewolves that marked him ever come back?" Fluttershy asked.

"They did." Collie gave a small nod as her eye contact shifted between Fluttershy and Rarity. "They identified themselves the moment they appeared before him. They had actually taken advantage of a much larger attack in a different part of the city to slip in under the radar."

"What did Greyjaw do?" Rarity was staring at Collie in rapt attention.

"He took them down, one by one." A small smile to crept onto her face. "As he laid out the final one, before finishing it off, it actually begged him for mercy. Greyjaw just laughed at the thing."

"I see." Rarity shuddered. "Doesn't seem like vengeance appeased him, though."

"It wasn't about revenge," Collie shook her head. "At least, I don't think it was. Instead of resigning himself to his fate, he chose to fight. And for the time being, he's winning."

"The time being?" Fluttershy said.

"His mark will be with him for the rest of his life," Collie explained. "The lycanthropes that have attacked us in the days since that time have identified Greyjaw when they see him."

"They all seem to know who he is, or at least that one of their brethren deemed him a high-priority target. I don't think a day will ever come when he's truly safe, unless we find a way to escape the lycanthropes once and for all." She looked back and forth between Rarity and Fluttershy again.

"I see." Rarity sighed. She stared down at her reflection in what remained of her tea. "And escape is the only option, I take it."

"A victory seems impossible," Collie replied. "You saw it yourself, the way their bodies turn to nothingness when they're killed? They're constructs. They have all the properties of an organic life form until they're killed, at which point, who knows? We don't even really know what they are, or where they come from."

"I suppose that would make it quite the uphill battle," Rarity replied. "I hope we've given Mahugpin the leverage he needs to receive aid from our princess."

Collie placed a paw on Rarity's shoulder. "I'm glad you understand." Fluttershy nodded.

"I can't very well ignore the things I saw today," Rarity replied. "Don't get me wrong, I want to go home, I want to see my little sister..." She inhaled sharply. "I want to see my parents, and my friends again... but I want to help your people as well."

"And Mahugpin will see to it that you accomplish all of those things," Collie replied. "It's getting late, and we all need to be up bright and early tomorrow. Thank you both for the tea, and goodnight!" Rarity and Fluttershy saw her to the door, then retired to their bedrooms for an uneasy sleep.

Chapter Eight - Change of Heart

"Okay," Gilda thought, nodding as she neared the entrance to the throne room, "you're the King's personal assistant. He clearly trusts you. Just tell him you don't think the invasion is a good idea, he'll listen!" Despite her reassurances, she began to perspire.

As she peeked her head around the corner of the entryway, she stopped short. King J'aggerdov was speaking with someone.

"Are you sure about this?" the King asked. "The changeling queen was quite clear with her desire that they not be harmed."

"It's become necessary," an unusually deep voice replied. Gilda leaned forward a bit more until she was able to see whoever J'aggerdov was talking to. She threw her talon over her beak to stifle a gasp as she beheld the tall, hideous figure with the long arms.

"Necessary?" J'aggerdov elevated his brow. "We have the six of them in custody. The Elements of Harmony will be useless without them. Is that not correct?"

"One can never be too careful," Delacroix replied with a grin. J'aggerdov averted his gaze. "Besides, Chrysalis needs them alive in order to feed on them. Wounds heal, and superficial wounds will be more than enough to compel their friend in the Great Hive to talk."

"Very well, but I won't give up both of them." J'aggerdov turned his back to Delacroix and took several steps toward the exit. "You can use Rainbow Dash. She's got a rebellious streak in her, and some pain might just make her a little more compliant." Gilda's eyes widened, and she ground her teeth together. She turned around and flew down the hall.

***

Coming out of his teleportation, Clarion Call looked around to confirm that he had, indeed, touched down near the underground home of the diamond dog exiles on the outskirts of Ponyville.

He cupped his hooves over his mouth and shouted, "Hey, dogs, I know you guys can hear me! I'm here to make sure you idiots are still keeping your muzzles shut, so get topside. Pronto!" Suddenly, he felt a burning sensation in his horn and an irresistible force knocked him flat on his side. "What in the hay was that?" he said with a gasp, rubbing his forehead.

A nearby voice called out. "Clarion Call!" Before Clarion could respond, a hoof connected with his jawbone, causing him to lose his newly regained balance and drop to the ground again. "Where are my sister and her friends?!" Clarion scrambled away, only standing up again once he had put some distance between himself and his accuser.

"That you, Shining Armor?" Clarion asked as he finally got a good look at the armor-clad stallion. "Haven't seen you in a while. How've you been? Say, while I have you, have you ever heard of that magician the Great and Powerful Trixie? Any idea where she's performing these days?"

"Answer the question!" Shining said. He narrowed his gaze and took a step toward Clarion.

"Whoa! Hey, take it easy," Clarion replied, lifting his hoof between himself and Shining Armor. "Your sister's missing? That purple little filly who used to follow you around everywhere? I didn't have anything to do with that!"

"Right!" Shining rolled his eyes. "You're completely innocent."

"I didn't say that." Clarion Call smirked. "I handled Fluttershy and Rarity. Your sister and the farmer were somepony else's problem." His horn lit up. "Good seein' ya. We'll have to do this again some time!"

Shining Armor only gritted his teeth and lowered his stance as Clarion realized that despite his increasingly concentrated effort to teleport, his magic was not fully charging, and he was unable to cast the spell. Eyes wide, he quickly ran a hoof over his horn, only to find that it was now covered with a strange, jagged substance. His eyes darted back and forth as he began to sweat, his smirk replaced with an insecure smile.

"Little trick I picked up from King Sombra." Shining took a step forward.

"Yeah, I heard about that." Clarion backed away as Shining Armor approached him. "First you made Captain of the Royal Guard, then became a prince! Always knew you were a company man. How's the wife?"

"You're going back to jail no matter what," Shining replied, quickening his step. "Tell me where my sister and her friends are, and you'll spare yourself a world of pain on top of it."

"Hey, come on now," Clarion said, his voice shaking. "You've always been a 'by the books' kinda guy, what sort of example would you be setting for your men if you beat me up?"

"We're the only ones here," Shining replied, beginning to close the distance. "I'm the only one who can detect those marks you like to put down everywhere, and I wasn't about to risk anypony else contaminating the scene!"

"Oh. Well in that case, I'm gonna take my chances!" Clarion turned tail and ran.

"You're not getting away, you little weasel!" Shining Armor yelled as he took off in pursuit.

***

"Lady Gilda!" the guard said, opening the dungeon's door. "Is something the matter?"

"It's nothing," Gilda replied. She was holding a large, metal pot. "The prisoners are getting a second chamber pot, that's all."

"I see." The guard nodded. "Well then, I'll see that they get it." He reached out to take the pot from her.

"Actually, I'd like to give it to 'em myself," Gilda replied, tilting her head and smiling. "Ya know, as a token of royal hospitality or whatever."

"Oh." The guard scratched his head. "I guess that makes sense. Sort of. Right this way." He turned around, reaching for the cell keys. Gilda brought the pot down onto the back of the guard's head, and with a resounding clank, the unsuspecting griffon fell to the ground, moaning in pain as he lost consciousness.

"Yoink!" She snatched the keys away from him and rushed to the cell containing Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. The two ponies had silently watched the exchange, but didn't react until Gilda took down the guard, at which point their eyes grew wide and they glanced quickly at one another.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Busting you out, what's it look like?" Gilda replied, hurriedly jamming the key into its hole and opening the cell.

"A prison break!" Pinkie leapt to her feet. "I've always wanted to do one of those!"

"Hold it, Pinkie!" Dash commanded, sticking her foreleg out in front of her friend. "Why the sudden change of heart, Gilda?"

"What, you think this is a trick?" Gilda scoffed. "You're already prisoners, it's not like I could trick you into somehow being more imprisoned if I was still working for King J'aggerdov!" Rainbow Dash thought this over for a moment before nodding. "And there's nothing sudden about it, I didn't want to kidnap you guys in the first place, and when I heard what they were planning to do to you..."

Pinkie Pie frowned. "What are they planning to do to us?"

"The King was talking to some weird... monster thing, I dunno. It looked like it was straight out of your sasquatch story, Dash!" Gilda frantically waved them out of the dungeon and into the torch-lit hallways.

"Huh?" Rainbow said. A single eyebrow jutting high above the other.

"I know! It was just standing in the throne room, talking with the king, like it was no big deal! It wants to take you to the Great Hive, and use you to interrogate one of your other friends!" Gilda replied as they began descending a flight of stairs.

"The Great Hive? Wait, other friends?!" Rainbow Dash scowled.

"Keep your voice down!" Gilda hissed, raising her index finger over her beak. "Look, I'll explain everything once we're out of here. Right now, we need to get the two of you back to Equestria as fast as possible!"

"Then do you think you could take off these braces?" Dash tilted her head towards the metal restraints that pinned her wings down.

"Right, sorry!" Gilda tried several of the guard's keys, but none of them worked. "Looks like he didn't have that key on him. Maybe we could—"

She was interrupted as a loud alarm began to rush through the halls. From the staircase leading up to the dungeon, they could all hear King J'aggerdov, though it was unclear where his voice was coming from.

"The prisoners have escaped!" the king shouted. "Find them immediately, and consider Lady Gilda a suspect in their disappearance! Quickly, before they leave the palace! They are not to be harmed!"

"Crud!" Gilda looked back at Dash's restraints.

"We'll worry about it later!" Rainbow Dash said, shoving Gilda and Pinkie Pie forward. "I can still run!" They fled down a series of hallways until Pinkie Pie spoke up. "My Pinkie Sense!"

"What about it?" Rainbow looked toward her.

"New combo!" Pinkie said as she narrated her body's involuntary reactions: "Eye flutter, ear-flop, then twitchy tail. Jump!"

"Huh?" Gilda raised her brow.

"Just do it!" Rainbow said. All three leapt into the air as high as they could, almost touching the ceiling. The portion of the left wall directly beneath them exploded and a long, razor-sharp claw reached out through the flying rubble. It was accompanied by a piercing shriek.

The three girls screamed as they landed on the ground. They ran faster.

"For now I'll assume that combo means 'watch out for sasquatch'!" Pinkie said.

"Is that what you were talking about?!" Rainbow asked as Gilda looked back to observe their pursuer.

"Yes, and it's catching up!" Dash and Pinkie risked a look back as well and sure enough, as fast as the three of them were, their pursuer was steadily gaining ground as it chased them through the halls on its hind legs.

What's more, each torch that adorned the walls at intervals of several feet was extinguished as the creature drew near. Cracks in the floor, ceiling, and walls seemed to follow on the heals of the three escapees. It's pale, glowing eyes were clearly visible, but the rest of the thing was hard to make out.

"Who the heck is this dude?!" Rainbow said. Her eyes widened in alarm.

Gilda shook her head. "I'd rather not find out, so pick up the pace!" They turned another corner, taking a hallway on the right. They were immediately halted by another exploding wall. Their attacker slid out in front of their path, roaring and bringing the darkness with him as more torches went out.

Rainbow, Pinkie, and Gilda took less than a second to look at the monster before pivoting on their heals and taking off in the opposite direction, returning to the intersection in the hallways and going straight. "Is it still following us?!" Rainbow asked.

"I dunno, and I'm not looking back again! Just keep running, and stay together!" Gilda said.

Rainbow turned to Gilda while keeping a steady pace. "Do you even know where we're going?"

"I don't really know the layout of the castle yet, but right now all that matters is keeping away from that thing!"

Pinkie's right ear flopped repeatedly. "Turn right!" They rounded the next right corner.

Pinkie's left ear was now flopping. "Turn left!" As they turned, they could hear the wall they would have run past had they not turned come crashing down, and heard the familiar shriek.

Gilda grinned. "Good call, Pinks, he would have gotten us that time!"

"My Pinkie Sense never steers me wro—another left!" They turned, and Delacroix followed closely behind, having resumed his more direct method of pursuit. All four were running as fast as they could, with the girls getting winded.

"If we just keep turning corners, he'll catch us sooner or later!" Gilda said.

"No! Window!" Pinkie jerked her chin toward the source of natural sunlight at the end of the hall. Jump!"

"But I can't fly!" Rainbow said. All three of them began to feel as though something was pressing down on them, and Delacroix's heavy breathing could be heard just behind them.

"I can, just trust me!" Gilda replied. Rainbow frowned.

"It's the only way, Dashie!" Pinkie said. She dove through the opening and out the side of the castle. Rainbow gulped and followed. Gilda brought up the rear, barely escaping the outreaching claw. Delacroix slid to a halt, leaning over the edge and looking down. He gave one final shriek and turned back towards the hall with such force that the end of his long overcoat cracked like a whip.

As Rainbow's eyes readjusted to the sunlight and wind flooded her nostrils, she came to realize that even though there were near the bottom level of the castle, it was still built on top of a mountain and they were still falling a very great distance towards the barren ground below. Her wings instinctually shifted in their restraints, but to no avail. She felt Gilda's arm hook around her waist. Pinkie Pie continued to fall as Gilda dove after her.

"G!" Rainbow Dash looked up.

Gilda nodded. "I'll catch her!" She narrowed her gaze towards Pinkie. The free-falling pony simply tucked her forelegs in front of her chest and scrunched her eyes shut. With one final burst of speed, Gilda grabbed hold of Pinkie and bottomed out, flying parallel to the ground, just a few feet above it.

"Phew." Dash wiped the sweat from her brow.

"Whadaya mean, 'phew'? I'm the one that did all the work!" Gilda scowled, her own face covered with sweat as well.

"It is really hot out here," Pinkie said.

"Yeah, hey..." Rainbow Dash looked up again. "I don't mean to be a buzzkill, but we got a problem!" Gilda and Pinkie turned to see a swarm of armored griffon guards pursuing them. "Let me go!" Dash shouted.

"What?!" Gilda's eyes went wide.

"You heard me!" Dash nodded sternly. "I'm weighing you down! Let me go, and get Pinkie out of here!"

"No way am I leaving without you, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie's eyes shimmered.

"Yeah!" Gilda clenched her jaw. "Also, shut up! I'm an awesome flier and I don't need to drop anything!" Dash went quiet after that, but in spite of Gilda's reassurance, the guards were gaining.

Gilda flapped her wings to bring them to an abrupt halt as another large cluster of griffons now hovered in front of them. Unlike the guards pursuing them, they did not wear armor, but instead wore ragged cloth around their heads and necks, varying in color from griffon to griffon. The guards behind Gilda came to a halt as well.

"These are fugitives!" the guard at the frontsaid. "Be on your way, citizens!"

"You're in our territory now, canaries!" one of the plain-clothed Griffons replied. "If J'aggerdov wants 'em, you can be sure we won't let you have 'em!"

"'Canaries', you call us?" The head guard folded his arms. "That's an term thrown around by rebels."

"You catch on quick," the apparently rebel said. "You didn't bring enough goons to throw down with us this time, so shove off!"

"He's right, sir," another guard whispered. "They outnumber us two-to-one!"

"What of it?" the guard hissed. "Should we fly away with our tails between our legs?!"

The guard protested. "You know that King J'aggerdov needs all of us for his war, we can't afford to throw our lives away! We'll return with greater numbers and wipe them out!"

"Very well, they all get a stay of execution. Move out!" They all departed.

"I don't know who you guys are, but you saved our butts, so thanks," Gilda said. She turned to face the rebels.

"Yeah, those guys would have totally fed us to the sasquatch!" Pinkie said, nodding vigorously.

"We owe you one," Rainbow said.

The rebel who had talked down the guards smiled at them. "Always happy to help out someone in need. The name's Peirce. I don't know who you are or why J'aggerdov wants you, and I don't know what you mean by 'sasquatch', but explanations will have to wait. The canaries will be back with a bigger fleet, and we don't want to be anywhere near here when that happens. Follow us!" Two other rebels flew over to Gilda and removed Pinkie and Dash from her arms before she could protest.

"Figure we'll lighten your load. Not used to travelling with non-fliers, though," a griffon said, pulling Rainbow Dash's back into his chest.

"Watch it!" Rainbow shouted. "I'm not a non-flier!"

"Oh, sorry, miss!" He apologized. "Didn't see the wings, there. Once we make camp we'll take care of those bindings for you."

"Gilda?" Pinkie said from the arms of the other Griffon. "Thanks for catching me, and for springing us from griffon-jail."

"Hey, you're the one who led us to safety." Gilda smiled as she and Pinkie bumped fist against hoof. Rainbow Dash smiled too, and breathed a sigh of relief. The group flew away quickly, Peirce taking the lead. They maneuvered between the mountain bases and cliff-sides, keeping close to the ground as the sun began to set.

***

"Off you go!" Clarion Call pushed down on the long, thick branch he had jammed between the dirt and the boulder on top of it. The large rock shifted and rose, revealing a hole in the ground. Clarion had been running from Shining Armor for the entire day, and had finally managed to lose him for at least a little while within the Everfree Forest.

He had disoriented himself along the way, and did not recognize the area he was in, but when he came upon the boulder, for reasons he didn't fully understand he felt compelled to investigate it.

"Some kinda cavern down here," he thought. "If nothing else, I can probably hide until whatever's up with my horn goes away." He cautiously passed through the hole and into the large cavern, which contained many strange, glowing flora, and a large lake in the center.

"Anypony here?" he called out. His only response was the echo of his own voice. He shrugged, and approached the pond. Whatever force that drew him down there in the first place growing stronger.

He leaned over the water, gazing at his own reflection, and was finally able to get a better look at the strange material that covered his horn and suppressed his magic. He tried to cast his teleportation spell again, but found that his horn's aura only lit up in the small segment above his forehead that wasn't covered by the black substance.

"Just great," he hissed. "Can't cast spells? That only throws a wrench in, like, everything!" He peered a little deeper into the water and was able to make out the outline of a rectangular object.

"Something's down there," he said, diving in head first with an unusually reckless abandon.

The pool wasn't very deep, and at the bottom Clarion could see a small, wooden box. He quickly scooped it up and brought it to the surface. "Really letting my self get sidetracked here," he thought. "But for some reason I really wanna know what's in this box!" Upon discovering that it was a lockbox whose key was nowhere in sight, he abruptly hurled it against a rock, smashing it open. Its contents landed at his hooves.

"Well now," he mumbled, staring down at the Alicorn Amulet and struggling not to laugh out loud. "This is pretty much the last thing I expected to find. Can't believe my luck! You and me are gonna do big things together..." Just then, the sound of hoofsteps caught his attention.

"You got sloppy at the end, Clarion!" Shining Armor descended the path into the cavern. "Didn't even try to cover the trail you left coming down here."

Clarion picked the necklace up and held it in front of his face. "I read that this thing corrupts the wearer over time. Heh, rain over the ocean." He grinned as he fastened the trinket around his neck.

"What are you mumbling about?" Shining asked, finally catching sight of his prey. Clarion Call turned to face Shining Armor, who stopped short at the sight of his fugitive wearing a magic charm whose shape he recognized from an old case file. "Is that....?"

"Yep, the Alicorn Amulet!" Clarion's eyes glowed red as he began to resonate with its power. "You like?"

"Zecora must have hidden it down here after that incident with Trixie," Shining thought. "Clarion, you don't know what you're doing!" He extended his hoof. "That thing corrupts the wearer! You need to take it off before it's too late!"

"Actually, I know exactly what I'm doing," Clarion said before revving up the red aura that now formed in his horn. It struggled against the black substance that coated most of his appendage for only a moment before shattering it entirely, his magic now freely flowing again. "That's the stuff!" The red glow in his eyes grew brighter.

"This is bad," Shining hissed as his own horn ignited and he fired an impact wave straight at Clarion.

"I respectfully disagree!" Clarion shouted as a red force field surrounded him, absorbing the force of Shining's attack. "Okay, this thing is awesome!"

"I'm still going to bring you in! I'm just getting started," Shining Armor said. He prepared to launch another attack.

"Yeah, I might not be strong enough to beat you yet." Clarion shook his head. "I hear it takes some for this thing to really get going, so I gotta to practice with it. I'll catch you later, dude!"

"Wait!" Shining charged at Clarion Call, who was preparing another spell.

"No can do, pumpkin!" Clarion gave one final wave before vanishing, his laughter echoing throughout the cavern as Shining Armor came sliding to a halt.

***

"So what now?" Clarion asked, having heard from J'aggerdov that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had escaped. "You gonna punish the girl?"

King J'aggerdov shook his head. "No, it's my fault that this happened. I let Gilda hear too much, and her psyche is still tainted by equine logic. It's no wonder she acted the way she did."

"Regardless," Delacroix said, "we're going to have to find the Elements on our own. And Clarion? The meeting we've planned will have to take place soon."

"You sure that's a good idea?" Clarion elevated his brow.

"There's a chance the two escapees might make it back to Equestria. They know too much. Worse still, they've seen me."

"They won't make it back to Equestria." J'aggerdov interjected. "Our border is secure on the ground and in the air. If they attempt to leave the Kingdom, they will be apprehended immediately."

"Even so, there are the two Canterlot guards from the other night to consider, as well. I hadn't realized they'd survived," Delacroix said.

"I guess it's gotta be done, then," Clarion said.

"What meeting are you talking about?" J'aggerdov asked. He was focusing more on Clarion Call so as to avoid staring at Delacroix.

"There's a good chance that, very soon, Celestia and Luna will realize I'm still alive," Delacroix said. A grin spread across his face. "And I think it's best that they hear it from me."

Chapter Nine - Point A, Point B

Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Gilda had finally arrived at the rebels' camp, following Pierce and his troops. What greeted them was a settlement of men, women, and children who lived in tents at the base of a mountain. They had travelled in silence most of the way, just in case J'aggerdov's soldiers decided to come after them again.

"Let's get this off of you, Ma'am," one of Pierce's men said as he grabbed some nearby tools and started to tamper with the lock on Rainbow Dash's wing restraints.

Rainbow Dash grinned. "Thanks! That'd definitely make things a heck of a lot easier!"

"So what's your deal, Pierce?" Gilda looked around the camp. "I didn't know there was a rebellion."

Pierce shook his head. "That's just what the canaries call it."

"Canaries?" Gilda and Pinkie Pie asked in unison.

"Sycophants, loyalists," Pierce said, raising one claw for each category, "anyone who refuses to tell J'aggerdov he's wrong about anything."

"And the King called you rebels for doing it?" Gilda cocked an eyebrow. "I've questioned him, and he never said anything like that to me."

"I don't know what sort of relationship you have with him," Pierce replied, "but most folk aren't granted audiences with the King. As you probably know, King J'aggerdov communicates with the population of this land via appointed representatives from each city and village."

"Right," Gilda replied, nodding her head. "It's been a while since I've lived here, but I remember that much."

"We come from a poor village far to the north," Pierce said, "a place where the famine has been particularly brutal. I had been elected by my fellow villagers to go to the King and beg him to reconsider his isolationist policies."

"Isolationist?" Rainbow Dash asked as Pierce's companion continued to fiddle with her harness.

"J'aggerdov and his ancestors all felt the same way," Pierce explained. "They believed that asking for help or accepting aid from outsiders was a sign of weakness unless some form of conquest was involved."

"Which not every griffon agrees with, by the way," Gilda added.

"Right." Pierce nodded. "But the King has absolute power, and each member of his army is trained at a young age to follow his orders without question. Each king for the past few hundred years has used the griffon military to guard the borders of our kingdom on all sides. Nothing gets in or out without permission."

A grunt of frustration could be heard as a screwdriver snapped in half in the lock of Rainbow Dash's harness. "Damnit," the Griffon said. "Hold on, I need to get our locksmith."

"In the past, the Kingdom was self-sufficient." Pierce continued. "But in recent years, the land grew barren. All over the country, the farmable areas have been dying out. The animals that we used to hunt have been dying off. I told the representative that the griffons could no longer afford to keep to themselves, that we needed outside help or our people would die!"

"Well duh," Pinkie said, "of course you need outside help! You should just ask Princess Celestia!" She smiled brightly. "She would be all 'I'm super-nice so I can't let those poor Griffons starve! Applejack, bring me your finest apples, we're gonna give 'em to hungry Griffons!' Applejack's my friend by the way, and she's super-nice too, so she'd do it!"

"Uh...huh..." Pierce's eyes widened as he took a step away from her. "...The problem is that the representative told me to leave the castle and never return. That our self-sufficient lifestyle was the cornerstone of our honor. I told him I wouldn't drop the issue no matter what, so he made up some story about how I threatened to attack, and my entire village was deemed a rebel stronghold."

'That's crazy!" Rainbow Dash shouted. The Griffon from before returned to her side with an elderly-looking locksmith who began to inspect the restraints. "You couldn't tell anypony?"

"The thought did cross my mind," Pierce replied. "That was before a squad from J'aggerdov's army showed up and laid waste to the village."

Rainbow Dash bowed her head. "...oh."

"After that," Pierce said, "we decided that if the representatives deemed us rebels, that's exactly what we'd be. King J'aggerdov does care about his people's well-being. The problem is that he's surrounded by yes-men who wouldn't dare question a single decision he makes, so if a rebellion is what it takes to make him realize that his policies are killing our people, then that's what it takes."

"I hate to tell you this." Gilda took a step toward Pierce. "King J'aggerdov already found a solution."

"He what?" Pierce asked.

"Yes!" Rainbow Dash declared triumphantly as her bindings came lose at the locksmith's touch and clattered to the ground. She grinned widely, stretched out her wings, and did a quick flip into the air before landing. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about! What was that about solutions, G?"

"It can only mean one thing," the old locksmith said, turning away from Rainbow Dash and toward Pierce. "J'aggerdov's finally gone and taken care of the yeti!"

"Not this again..." Pierce smacked his forehead. "Please, Clement, not in front of the guests!"

"They need to know!" Clement shouted. "I seen it with my own eyes!"

"Yes, you've told us." Pierce waved the old man away. "Big, ape-like creature, flowing garment, gray, hairless, wrinkly leather flesh. Wandered the Kingdom three years ago cursing the lands." He rolled his eyes. "Nothing unbelievable about that at all."

"It used some kinda crazy potion!" Clement added. "It used a potion to destroy our farms, poison our trees, and kill our wildlife!"

Pierce sighed. "Yes, of course it did."

"Sounds like the sasquatch that was chasing us!" Pinkie bounced with each word, approaching Clement.

Clement raised his head and squinted at Pinkie Pie. "You... you seen it, too?"

"Well, maybe." Pinkie stroked her chin. "Did the ground get all crickly-crackly whenever it was around?"

Clement jumped. "Yes! And it shrieked!"

"Omigosh!" Pinkie jumped as well. "Ours totally did too!"

"What are they talking about?" Pierce asked, turning to Gilda and Rainbow Dash.

"When we escaped," Gilda explained, "something... we call it 'sasquatch'... it came after us. And I have to admit, it looked an awful lot like what your buddy, there, is talking about."

"You can't be serious," Pierce said. He resting his face in the palm of his hand. "And three, two, one..."

"I told ya so!" Clement shouted, nudging Pierce. "I told ya it was real!"

"Let's say I believe this," Pierce replied. "Is Clement right, Gilda? If this yeti, sasquatch, or whatever it is really did cause this nation's famine, and it's now in the castle, does that mean the hard times are over?"

"No," Gilda replied. "If that... thing really is responsible, King J'aggerdov doesn't know. He was talking with it. I think it's his ally."

"Then what solution are you talking about?" Pierce asked.

"Invasion," Gilda replied. Pierce and Clement went wide-eyed as Pinkie and Dash nodded solemnly. "I don't know all the details, but he's planning to go in with the diamond dogs to the west of Equestria, and the changelings to the northwest. They wanna take it over. The griffons will take its food, the diamond dogs will take the land to live on, and the changelings will take the ponies to feed on."

"What?!" Rainbow Dash screamed, taking to the air. "Look after Pinkie Pie, I'm getting back over there now and warning Princess Celestia!"

"Hold it!" Pierce said, floating up in front of Dash. "You'll never get past the border guards. You'll just wind up back in the dungeon if you try to leave!"

"I don't care, I'm gonna risk it!"

"Dashie!" Pinkie shouted, sternly. "Getting recaptured won't help anypony."

"So what should I do, then?" Rainbow Dash frowned.

"Granny Pie always said that the bigger a problem, the more careful you have to be. Think about it: If the sasquatch is really what's causing the famine here, then Jaggydoff doesn't know," Pinkie explained.

"So?" Dash landed on the ground and faced Pinkie.

Pinkie smiled and rolled her eyes. "So we have to tell him, silly!"

"She's right," Pierce added. "We need to find a way to confront the King and tell him what we know. That might be enough to stop this invasion, or at least our people's part in it."

"King J'aggerdov made me a special advisor before I sprang Pinkie and Dash," Gilda said. "I'll help you guys get to him if I can."

"And in the meantime we just let our friends lounge around in Equestria while a war's coming?!" Rainbow Dash asked. Pierce whistled loudly, and a blur darted down past Dash's head. A pigeon landed softly on Pierce's outstretched arm.

"Homer, here, is small and fast enough to evade the border guard," Pierce said. "He's the fastest carrier pigeon I've ever had. Gilda," he said, turning to her, "I want you to write down everything you know about the invasion. We'll attach it to Homer's leg and get it to the pony princess as fast as possible. Is that alright with you, Dash?"

"Hmph!" Dash pouted, sitting on the ground and folding her forelegs. "I'd rather handle it myself, but I guess it's alright."

"Aw, cheer up, Dashie!" Pinkie tapped her friend on the head. "We get to be diplomats! This is gonna be way more fun than Las Pegasus!"

"Is she always like that?" Pierce whispered to Gilda.

"Yeah," Gilda replied. "Used to drive me nuts, but now I think I get it. That pony eventually makes friends with everyone she meets. If we're gonna make King J'aggerdov reconsider his 'no-outsiders' rule, we're gonna need her to soften him up."

"Alright," Pierce replied. "Let's get to work, everyone!"

***

"Obviously, I know that none of this is real," Twilight said. All of the images of her friends, save for Applejac,k vanished. "Why are you keeping up this charade?"

"You underestimate your own feelings," the fake Applejack replied with a grin. "The mere image of Applejack is causing you to exhibit emotions that I can use. Your love for all five of your friends is great, but your bond with this one in particular... yes, you rely on her strength often, and you trust her more than anyone else you know." Twilight averted her gaze as the apparition licked its lips. "You don't need to respond, I already know I'm right."

"So, this illusion was created to surround me with the ponies I care about the most," Twilight replied, continuing to avoid eye contact. "I'm guessing your captives all find themselves in illusions like this, and the love they experience from their connections is harvested and used to feed the changelings."

"Very astute, as Delacroix said," Applejack replied.

"Who is Delacroix?" Twilight shuddered. "What is Delacroix?"

"I have no idea." Applejack shuddered as well. "I was made aware of his existence at the same moment you were. Up until now, all of our dealings with the other factions involved in this plan have been mediated by a unicorn named Clarion Call. Whoever or whatever Delacroix is, if he believes he is using Queen Chrysalis, his arrogance will cost him dearly."

"You refer to the queen in the third person," Twilight said, tilting her head and sinking into a sitting position on the floor. "I was under the impression that you were Chrysalis."

The apparition shook her head. "I haven't been the queen for nearly ten years."

"I'm not sure I follow," Twilight replied.

"When a changeling queen reaches a certain stage in her life cycle..." Their surroundings shifted from a hallway in the Crystal Palace to a room that was similar in nature to the one Twilight was actually in.

"She undergoes a transformation. Once I was of age, the nature of my existence was altered." Twilight beheld a Changeling, similar in appearance to Chrysalis, but much more haggard and with deep wrinkles covering her face. Applejack gestured towards the changeling as she encased herself in a cocoon.

The ceiling of the large room faded away, leaving the sky visible, as the Sun and the Moon rapidly shot across the sky, night changing to day over and over again. Finally, time slowed down, and Twilight's gaze returned to the cocoon, which was now three times its original size. Twilight gasped as the apparatus began pulsating like a beating heart, connected by many thousands of small veins to the walls around it.

"I took my mother's place as the central nervous system for the Great Hive and beyond, while my daughter took my place as queen. All of our food is connected to me. My body provides each and every one of them with an illusionary world best suited to harvest their love, then it processes that love and disperses it among my children."

"I see." Twilight continued to stare at the throbbing pod. "That must be a very taxing job. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to sacrifice your body and freedom to do it."

"I believed at the time that I would be sacrificing my mind, as well," the Nervous System explained. "I didn't realize until I underwent the transformation that a central nervous system retains her consciousness. The creation of dreams from memory is an involuntary biological action, my mind is only as involved as I want it to be."

"And you never had second thoughts?" Twilight asked.

"I did it for my daughter, and my people," she replied. "I don't know if you ponies have ever experienced a ravenous hunger akin to that of a malnourished Changeling, but it is a maddening sensation that I have felt before, and will never allow my daughter or her children to feel."

Twilight frowned as she heard this, and Applejack's form twitched slightly. It stifled a grin

"I have to ask, why are you telling me all of this?" Twilight said.

"You know what's going on," the Central Nervous System replied, the nearby cocoon now throbbing in rhythm with Applejack's speech. "Nothing like this has ever happened before. You are the first sentient creature I've spoken to since I became..." she jerked her head towards the pod. "The interaction is... pleasant. Furthermore, there's no way you can escape, regardless of what you know. I have no need to hide things from food."

Twilight nodded. "I see. Well, if that's the case, would you mind indulging my curiosity a bit?"

"Of course," the Central Nervous System replied. "The longer I talk to you in the form of your friend, the more emotion I can harvest. What's more, that fleeting moment of empathy you felt for me as I explained our plight was especially satisfying."

"What other factions are involved with this invasion?" Twilight asked, lifting her head slightly.

"Chrysalis, through Clarion Call, has allied herself with King J'aggerdov and his Griffon Kingdom, as well as the diamond dog known as Mahugpin, and the nation he commands." Applejack gestured first to the left, then to the right, as apparitions of the aforementioned leaders appeared on either side.

"I've never heard of Mahugpin," Twilight replied. "And I was given to understand that the diamond dogs were a gang that lived on the outskirts of Ponyville."

Applejack shook her head. "They are an underground nation on a continent south of the Great Hive." The room shifted completely, and Twilight and Applejack now stood directly above the ocean.

In one direction, the towering Great Hive could be seen on the horizon. In the other direction, a coastline was visible. The setting Sun did, indeed, place the coastline to the south.

"I already know what the changelings have to gain from conquering Equestria," Twilight replied, looking down at herself. "But the griffons and the diamond dogs... Why would they want to attack us?"

"The griffons simply want to reap the benefits of Equestria's fertile soil, their own land being quite barren." Twilght and Applejack, despite being perfectly still, were now rocketing across a cracked and dry land, its surface dotted with tall mountains, but no visible vegetation.

"The diamond dogs wish to make a home there. In their current environment, they live under constant threat from a larger, deadlier predator." Twilight was now in a vast swampland with trees all around her. Among them lurked hulking shadows emanating low, sustained snarls.

"And Clarion Call was the one who united all of you?" Twilight asked.

"That is what my daughter had told her subjects," the Central Nervous System replied as it glanced off to the side. "Though it would seem she's been keeping at least one secret from them."

"Were you able to glean anything from Delacroix's memory?"

"He only interfered with your pod for a few seconds. I saw the memory you saw." Twilight's perspective was once again returned to the man strapped into the chair, beneath the dome. Time seemed to have stopped around her, as nothing, even the gray cloud, was moving. "This memory is four thousand years old."

"The structures, the technology, this bipedal species..." Twilight Sparkle whispered as she found herself standing in the hall of the Crystal Castle once more.

"To think that such a civilization, so much like our own, existed four thousand years ago, but could vanish without leaving a single known trace of their existence. Where could he have come from?" She scratched her chin, extending her lower lip.

"It doesn't really matter," Applejack replied. "Delacroix is insignificant in the grand scheme of things."

"I suppose that's a logical assumption for the time being," Twilight replied. "I have another question."

"Ask."

"Applejack and I were kidnapped by your people. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were leaving for a trip with a griffon friend of Dash's. Rarity and Fluttershy were still in Ponyville last I knew. Would I be correct in assuming we were kidnapped in pairs by the corresponding factions?" Twilight asked, narrowing her gaze.

"Yes." Applejack grinned. "You're a clever one."

"Thank you for the information." Twilight stood up. "I'm sorry to hear that your people must stoop to such reprehensible actions in order to obtain nourishment, and I would very much like to help you some day. But for now, if I'm going to save Equestria, I need to be going."

The Central Nervous System actually laughed. "You've got a sense of humor, to boot! I think I will speak to you on a regular basis, Twilight Sparkle."

"When it comes to magic, visualization is the key," Twilight replied. The Nervous System tilted her head.

"For example, when it comes to my teleportation spell, the trick is to visualize myself moving from point A to point B in the blink of an eye. Were I to use that spell here, I would be visualizing two locations that didn't actually exist, and therefore would not actually be casting any spells, though you'd probably shift me yourself so I wouldn't catch wise."

"What's your point?" the Central Nervous System asked.

"My point is that I know where I actually am," Twilight replied. "I know I'm contained within a pod, and I know that pod is contained within a large, dimly lit chamber." Applejack's eyes went wide. Twilight Sparkle grinned. "That's right. I have my point A, and I have my point B."

"And what makes you think I haven't prepared for something like that?" the Central Nervous System asked, a forced grin spreading across her face.

"By your own admission, nothing like this has ever happened before." Twilight said. "Although we'll find out for sure right now."

"Stop!" Applejack commanded. "Yes, you're right, I don't know what will happen. Our minds are linked, Twilight Sparkle. If you sever the connection from the inside, it could destroy us both!"

Twilight looked the apparition dead in the eyes, unblinking. "Then release me!"

"I can't!" the Central Nervous System spat back. Twilight sighed and shook her head gently, seating herself again. She closed her eyes, and throttled the magic in her horn. "No, stop it! Are you insane!?" Twilight's only response was the magical aura around her horn that grew in size.

"I'm in the pod, I can see myself in the pod," Twilight thought, visualizing her true location. "There is a space directly in front of me, where Delacroix stood, between myself and the real Applejack." The Central Nervous System gasped as Twilight became engulfed in a bright, lavender light.

"No you don't!" She charging at Twilight, only to find that her body passed right through the unicorn's form. The magic's light and pressure grew in intensity. "To think that she can concentrate enough to be unaffected by my illusion," the Nervous System thought. "Please, I'm begging you, do not do this!" She pressed her hooves together.

"I'm inside the pod," Twilight thought again, "I'm inside the pod... AND NOW I'M NOT!" Twilight screamed as a stabbing pain shot through her head, the sound of a female voice shrieking in her ears. This was followed by a blow to Twilight's back and shoulders, and then everything went silent.

She opened her eyes, which needed a moment to adjust, and she became aware of her surroundings. She was lying on the floor, directly next to the pod that had once contained her. She allowed herself a triumphant smile before standing up, only to fall to the floor again.

Her vision was blurry, and the room was spinning, but she forced her gazed upward and beheld the pod containing Applejack. She shook her head until her vision corrected itself. Gritting her teeth and squinting, she forced herself to her feet. She stumbled a bit, until she was slumped against Applejack's pod.

With all of her might, she slammed her horn against it, cracking the surface. She pounded against the crack with her hooves until the opening was large enough for her to dig into. With all of her might, she pulled.

Finally, the surface gave way with a sickening crack. Twilight lost her balance and fell onto her back as Applejack came tumbling out of her pod, soaked in a smelly green fluid. She coughed three times before opening her eyes.

"Applejack?" Twilight groaned, finally making eye contact with her friend.

"Yeah, it's me, sugarcube," Applejack replied, standing up and giving Twilight a smile.

"We—" Twilight felt Applejack's hoof on her lips.

"Shh, I know," she said. "The pod put me in your memory, just like it put you in that Delacroix feller's. I'm all up to speed. You don't look so good. But don't you worry, I'm gonna get us outta here lickety-split. You just focus on restin' up."

Before Twilight could reply, she was hoisted onto Applejack's back. She grimaced as she felt the pod's fluid squished beneath her, but was otherwise grateful for the chance to rest.

"The other prisoners," Twilight said.

"It'll take a lot more ponies than just us two to free 'em, but we'll make sure Princess Celestia knows about 'em when we get back home," Applejack replied softly.

"Thank you," Twilight whispered, a tear streaming down her face as Applejack began to walk. Exhaustion overtaking her, she began to lose consciousness, her head resting against Applejack's mane. She heard the sound of a third voice groaning in her ears, but thought nothing of it, as she could see nobody else around them.

***

"So you sent the families home?" Princess Luna asked. She and Princess Celestia stood side-by-side in front of the stained glass window depicting Nightmare Moon's defeat.

"Yes." Celestia nodded slowly. "I believe it's for the best, after the attack that took place the other night."

"How are the guards?" Luna asked. She glanced over at the shattered compartment where the Elements of Harmony had once been kept.

"Stable." She shook her head. "But neither has regained consciousness."

"And you suspect that Clarion Call was behind it?"

"For now." Celestia replied. "I don't know if he's working alone or if he has accomplices, but Shining Armor informed me that he confessed only to being directly involved in the abductions of Rarity and Fluttershy."

"And you still suspect ransom?"

"I think that's the most likely motive," Celestia replied, turning to her sister. "I told their families to keep watch for any messages that may come to them demanding payment. Still, now that he has the Alicorn Amulet, I just don't know what to expect..."

"Ain't that the truth!" a voice echoed from behind them. Celestia and Luna turned to see Clarion Call standing at the opposite end of the long hall, a smile on his face. He seemed to have gotten a bit taller since the last time they had seen him.

Celestia glared at the unicorn. "So, you finally appear."

"We will give you one chance to release your prisoners immediately," Luna said as she and Celestia approached him.

"Wish I could." Clarion shook his head. "'Cause I get it, really. Their families miss 'em, they've got responsibilities, they're heroes, they've left a pretty big void in the hearts of several, right? But it's just not part of the boss' plan to let them go."

"So you are working for somepony else," Celestia replied.

"Celestia and Luna," another, much deeper voice softly spoke behind them. The sisters tensed up, and their eyes widened. "Has it really been four thousand years?" The alicorn pair spun on their hind legs to behold Delacroix who, like Clarion, was smiling at them. "Do you still remember me?"

Celestia was at a loss for words, the only sounds coming from her gaping mouth being short, shallow breaths. Luna, on the other hand, took to the air immediately.

"Prepare to die, monster!" she spat, raising her voice to Royal Canterlot level as she loosed a magical blast so powerful that Clarion Call could feel its pressure all the way from where he stood.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'," Delacroix replied in the moment before he was consumed. Celestia shielded her eyes from the glare of the attack as a pained shriek was heard.

"I do not care how it is you have returned, and I will not let history repeat itself!" Luna's voice boomed as she increased the intensity of her attack, resulting in cracks forming around it.

Suddenly, the screaming ceased, and a powerful shockwave knocked the beam away from Delacroix and back into Princess Luna, sending her skidding across the floor, smoke trailing from her horn.

Delacroix gave Clarion Call a nod. "While she's vulnerable."

"Gotcha!" Clarion shouted, charging up a spell of his own. Before Celestia could react, Princess Luna vanished in a white flash of light.

"What did you do?!" Celestia asked.

"I used my teleportation spell," Clarion explained. "Only, thanks to this wonderful little trinket of mine, I can use it on other ponies without using it on myself too. Even an alicorn if she's been roughed-up a bit."

"Where did you send her?!" Celestia shouted, stomping her hoof against the floor.

"Yeah, see, that's the thing..." Clarion looked off to the side, sucking his teeth. "I didn't actually specify a location, so she's technically nowhere."

"Nowhere?!"

"Right. Like I don't know what she's seeing or feeling right now, but she's not here... in this world," Clarion explained. Celestia imprisoned him within a stasis field.

She turned to Delacroix. "I'll deal with him after I've dealt with you." She frantically looked the creature up and down. "I don't understand how you could possibly be standing here before me, Delacroix. The Elements of Harmony—"

"Did little more than sweep me under the rug," Delacroix said. He shook his head and took a few elegant steps toward her. Cracks began to branch out from his feet along the floors and up the wall behind him, reaching the stained glass window. Celestia could feel the pressure emanating from him.

Celestia bore her teeth. "When did you gain the ability to use magic?"

"When you used the Elements on me," Delacroix replied. "Your attack allowed my body to attune to its properties."

"You orchestrated the abductions..." Celestia's words practically died on her lips as she turned to confront Clarion. "You ignorant foal!" From inside his prison, Clarion pointed to himself, jutting his lower lip forward in a pouty expression and elevating his brow.

"You have no idea what he's capable of! Whatever he promised you, you won't get it! The only thing he even cares about is—" she was cut off by a blast of Delacroix's chaotic energy, which sent her to the ground. Clarion Call was released.

"No dice," Clarion replied, preparing his second teleportation spell. "Delacroix, here, broke the seal you put on my magic, sweetheart, so he's already given me what he promised. Buh-bye, now!" He gave a delicate wave of his hoof.

"No, you don't understa—" Celestia vanished without a trace.

"Two for two!" Clarion declared. "Kingdom's ours now, right?"

"We're not invincible, remember that." Delacroix gently shook his head. "The rest of Equestria stands before us. The Elements of Harmony must be found."

"Speaking of which..." Clarion walked toward his partner. "I think Sparkle's little dragon manservant back in Ponyville might be able to help us out."

"Then that's our next destination," Delacroix replied.

"May I ask what our dearly deposed princesses meant when they talked like you three had a history together?" Clarion asked.

"You may not."

Chapter Ten - You Know Why You're Here

Twilight wasn't sure of where she was. Everything was dark, and the only sound she could hear was the echo of her own footsteps.

"Hello?!" Twilight shouted. "Applejack?!"

"Pipe down!" an unfamiliar voice hissed. "You're asleep, and probably still on her back, so stop shouting!"

"Who said that?" Twilight asked, looking around.

"Time to wake up, 'Twily'..." The voice replied.

Twilight's eyes shot open. She could hear the sound of water crashing softly against a surface, the smell of salt filling her nostrils, and she felt the sand beneath her back.

"Twilight!" Applejack whispered, inches from her face. "Twilight, wake up!"

"I'm awake," Twilight groaned, hoisting herself up. She had a splitting headache. "Is that the Great Hive?" Twilight gestured toward the towering black structure on a small island across the waves.

"Yeah," Applejack replied, helping Twilight to her feet. "I managed to sneak out. Broke off a few pieces of the thing, turns out they float. I threw a lousy raft together that got us about three-quarters across the way. Had to swim the rest of it, but we're safe."

"Where are we?" Twilight turned her head to see a dense forest at the edge of the beach.

"Not sure, but I reckon anywhere that's far away from the Hive is a step in the right direction," Applejack said.

"Unless, of course, the Changelings are waiting to ambush you just beyond the trees!" said an intrusive thought in the back of Twilight's head..

"Ambush?" Twilight asked.

"What about a bush?" Applejack raised an eyebrow.

"N...nothing. Listen, Applejack, maybe we should wait a while before we go in there. It could be a trap," Twilight replied, rubbing her head.

"But what if it isn't," the voice in Twilight's head proposed. "The longer you wait on this beach, the easier it will be for the changelings to find you again!"

"On second thought, let's go into the forest, but slowly!" Twilight replied.

"Are you alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asked, placing a hoof on Twilight's shoulder.

"I'm fine," Twilight replied, forcing a smile as she turned towards the forest. She took a step towards it before collapsing from exhaustion.

"You're lying to her..." the voice said again. Twilight gulped.

"You're still whipped from that teleportation jailbreak of yours, ain't ya?" Applejack asked. "Go back to sleep now, I'll watch over ya 'till you're fit to travel again. That's a promise!"

"Yes, Twilight Sparkle, go to sleep!"

"No, I can't sleep!" Twilight groaned as Applejack helped her down. "Something's wrong..." but Twilight's fatigue got the better of her and she fell asleep. Applejack frowned at Twilight's final words before sitting down in front of her and facing the Great Hive, a look of pure determination and alertness on her face, even as her own eyelids began to droop.

***

"So obviously, you know why you're here," Mahugpin said, sitting in a small elevated chair behind a massive desk. His paws were folded neatly, right on left, on the surface. He was staring intently at Fluttershy.

"I'm guessing it has something to do with the werewolf attack the other day?" Fluttershy tilted her head.

"Eeyup." Mahugpin raised an eyebrow. "Fluttershy, you were given specific instructions to stay at the hospital while the Wolves handled the attack."

"I know." Fluttershy leaned forward, a frown on her face. "But Rarity—"

"Was fine after Greyjaw showed up," Mahugpin said. "And what would you have done if he didn't? Fight 'em on your own?"

"I could have flown her to safety," Fluttershy replied, nodding once.

"And left all the other miners behind?" Mahugpin pressed the tips of his paws together in front of his face, his elbows resting on the desk.

Fluttershy looked away. "Well, no..."

"Exactly!" Mahugpin nodded. "You would have hesitated, and probably gotten yourself hurt, or worse. That's why you were told to stay at the hospital, where you could care for your patients!"

Fluttershy sighed. "I see your point, but you can't expect me to sit by and do nothing while my friend is in trouble!"

"No, I reckon I cannot," Mahugpin conceded. "From now on, whenever Rarity is workin' the mines, she'll have two bodyguards with her at all times, startin' tomorrow." Fluttershy's face lit up.

"Oh, thank you so much!" she squealed, her wings propelling her into the air.

"Yeah, yeah..." Mahugpin grumbled, trying to repress his own smile. "Just stay out of trouble from now on, alright? From what I hear, you're too good at your job to go gettin' yourself eaten by lycanthropes."

***

"Bodyguards?" Rarity cocked her head from across the dinner table as they ate their soup. "I certainly don't want to trouble anypony, although that does put my mind at ease. It was a dreadful experience."

"I can imagine." Fluttershy nodded.

"So..." Rarity said. She leaned forward. "Did Mahugpin mention anything about Equestria? Have they received a response, yet?"

"I asked him on my way out," Fluttershy replied. "He said his messenger hadn't returned yet, but that he'd know something within the next few days."

"I do hope that Princess Celestia is able to do something about these werewolves," Rarity said, looking down at her soup. "The diamond dogs have so much to worry about, and they've been so kind to us."

"I..." Fluttershy hesitated.

"What was that, dear?" Rarity asked, placing her spoon into the bowl.

"I think Mahugpin might be... lying to us..."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"

"It's just..." Fluttershy placed her forehooves on the table. "That unicorn who brought us here. I think Greyjaw called him 'Rion'."

"You know, I didn't really think much of him at the time, but it does seem rather odd that they were in contact with a unicorn before meeting us, does it not?" Rarity tapped her chin lightly.

"It's more than that," Fluttershy continued. "I think he might be a criminal. Before you and Spot showed up at my cottage, the mailpony accidentally stuffed twelve identical fliers into my mailbox. They were warnings about an escaped convict. I didn't get a chance to read them, but I think it might have been that unicorn in the picture."

"Well, that is troubling," Rarity replied, lowering her head. "Of course I wouldn't put it past Greyjaw to keep such unpleasant company. Maybe Mahugpin doesn't know."

"Maybe," Fluttershy replied.

"Besides..." Rarity raised her head, smiling. "We've seen, first hand, that their plight is very real, and they've taken good care of us since we arrived. So for now, I think we should give the Diamond Dogs the benefit of the doubt!"

"I guess you're right," Fluttershy replied, returning the smile, but averting her gaze.

***

Rarity awoke in a cold sweat, breathing heavily and kicking off the covers so that she could cool herself down. "What time is it?" she grumbled. "And what is that horrid smell?" She wrinkled her nose as the rank odor filled her nostrils. "Did a pipe burst? I suppose that's the risk one takes with indoor plumbing." She used her horn to illuminate the bedroom. Unfortunately, that revealed the werewolf that was hunched over her bed. It leered down at a speechless Rarity.

"You come with me, Strangemeat," it hissed. Rarity replied by belting out the most piercing shriek she could muster, causing the creature to howl and cover its ears.

"Get away, you filthy beast!" Rarity shouted, levitating her hairbrush, blow drier, mirror, and everything else from her nightstand at the monster. Of course, none of this deterred the creature, who hooked his claws around Rarity's torso and tucked her under his shoulder.

"This smells even worse!" she wailed.

"Quiet!" the werewolf hissed as Fluttershy barged in and turned on the light.

"Rarity!" Fluttershy screamed as the lycanthrope turned and bolted out the open window through which it had come, a screaming Rarity struggling in its armpit. Fluttershy didn't waste a second before giving chase, flying out the window and after her friend. She chased the beast across a yard and into a nearby street. That was when the alarm sounded. Fluttershy looked off toward the center of town, hearing a commotion forming there. Regardless, Fluttershy continued chasing her target toward the outskirts of the city.

***

"What in tarnation is goin' on here!?" Mahugpin shouted as his Squatter's massive right fist pounded a lycanthrope into the ground, destroying it.

"I don't know, sir!" replied one of the Wolves that was fighting near him. "They tunneled down past the city and up through the ground!" He sank his sword into a snarling werewolf, receiving a wound of his own in return before the beast dissipated.

"They never get this aggressive," Mahugpin grunted as a werewolf leaned up against his Squatter's crossed arms, trying to get at his head. The Squatter's torso spun rapidly, throwing the beast into the exterior of City Hall. His eyes grew wide. "Unless they're here to abduct someone!"

***

"Fluttershy, go get help!" Rarity shouted, cupping her hooves together as she bounced up and down in the grasp of the lycanthrope. Fluttershy ignored her and continued the pursuit.

"Fluttershy, please!" The werewolf leapt into a hole in the wall, and the sound of scraping claws and Rarity's screams conveyed that they were ascending. Fluttershy flew straight in after them, slowing her flight so that she could navigate the lightless, narrow tunnel she now found herself in.

***

"Hoo," Owlowiscious cooed as Spike extinguished the candles before heading upstairs to bed.

"Tell me about it," Spike replied. "Just isn't the same without her here..."

"Hoo?"

"No, I'm sure she's fine." Spike forced a smile. "Twilight can handle herself! Same with Rarity and the others! We'll see them again before you know it!" His smile sank into a frown as he finished speaking. His gaze drifted over to Twilight's desk, and he found himself wiping his eyes with his forearm. That was when he noticed the window above it, and the strange silhouette that pulled itself out of sight as he set his gaze upon it.

Spike gasped as he jogged to the window, climbed atop the desk, and peered outside. He saw nothing out of the ordinary, but his heart was racing all the same. "The stress is getting to me." Spike shook his head and hopped down onto the floor. "Maybe we should ask the Apples if we can stay with them for a few—" Spike stopped short as he saw Owlowiscious, trembling and scrunching his eyes shut.

"What's wrong?" Spike asked.

He heard a creak from upstairs in the bedroom. "Twilight!?" Spike shouted, dashing to the foot of the stairs.

"Twilight, is that you?!" His knees began to shake. He wanted to investigate, to see if she had returned, but instead he backed away, extending his left arm to feel for the front door.

The lights that illuminated the top floor went out, and what light Spike still had in the main room offered him little more than a view of the cracks that began to form from the top of the staircase. They made their way down.

"What's going on?! Who's here?!" He saw feet. Someone was coming down the stairs. Spike gasped as he hooked one foot around the other, tumbling onto his back.

"I'm warning you!" He shook his fist, but his voice cracked. "I'm a terrifying dragon!"

When he looked back up again, however, there was no one there. He breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from his brow. That was when the last remaining light went out. Owlowiscious darted into the window, knocking it open and flying away.

"Run away!" Spike cried, jumping to his feet and turning toward the front door. He bumped into something, tall and sturdy, and fell down again. All Spike could see now was a pair of lights floating a few feet above him. Coming toward him. His vision blurred, he had trouble breathing, and he felt as though he were being pressed into the floorboards.

A gruff, deep voice rumbled through Spike's body and the surface on which he lay. "Where are the Elements of Harmony?" The baby dragon tried to shut his eyes, but it was in vain. Of course, he knew where he had hidden the Elements. He gritted his teeth and did his best to stop the uncontrollable shaking. Though he resisted the urge to speak, his eyes betrayed him, drifting toward the wall that held the secret compartment which housed the Elements of Harmony. The phantom left his side. All Spike could do was lay there.

Spike looked up to see, faintly through the moonlight shining through the window, that the tall figure who had accosted him was now ripping the wall asunder. In a small compartment that was now exposed sat two books. One had a piece of paper sticking out of it.

A claw grasped the book and opened it at the mark. It skimmed a paragraph about the Mirror Pond before discarding the tome. Opening the second book, he found it to be hollow, with the Elements of Harmony sitting neatly therein. Spike hoisted himself to his feet. "You can't have those..." he whimpered.

The thief turned to him and began his approach. Spike raised his fists, steeling himself for combat.

"I won't let you take them!"

The figure spoke softly, "Don't waste the time you have left." It swayed as it walked. As it came closer, Spike lost his nerve again. Before he could work up the nerve to attack, he was alone again. He had never felt so relieved in all his life. That lasted all of three seconds before the knowledge that someone had just absconded with the Elements of Harmony sank into his head and he began to panic again.

***

After hours of navigating the twists and turns of the upward-slanting tunnel, Fluttershy finally breached the land. Coming out of the ground, she grimaced at the sight that now greeted her. The dank swamp land, the endless pools of water, and the dark forests that surrounded her were unnerving. The stench was unbearable, and the intense high-pitched buzz of countless mosquitoes made her entire body itch prematurely.

Fluttershy had come to the land above the Big Deep that the diamond dogs had once called home many generations ago. She reminded herself of why she was there and began to look around. Fluttershy saw no sign of Rarity or her captor, but did see something that gave her hope: large footprints. At least now she had some idea of where to begin looking for her lost friend. Taking one deep gulp, she started down the path as the Sun rose.

Chapter Eleven - Sadly Mistaken

Fluttershy's stomach whined as the sun continued to sink behind the trees. She had been following the trail left by Rarity's captors all day without any food or rest. The hunger and exhaustion were now threatening to get the better of her as she continued to follow the footprints in the dirt. Pools, lakes, and trees surrounded her on all sides, and now that the sun was going down, she began to fear those surroundings.

"Why do we wait?!" a grizzly voice snarled. Fluttershy let out a light gasp and scampered toward the direction of the voice, taking cover among some nearby shrubbery as she made her way toward its source. What little daylight was left illuminated three lycanthropes huddled around Rarity, whose legs were tied together by vine. Fluttershy's eyes widened as she saw her friend's chest move up and down. Her friend was still alive.

"This is strange meat," a werewolf replied. "Don't know where it came from, smells tasty. We make her tell us where to find more, then we cook!"

"I beg your pardon," Rarity said. "If you believe I'm going to tell you where I came from, you are sadly mistaken."

"We get four tries," another lycanthrope said, grinning. "We eat each leg, one at a time, split fourth between us, if strangemeat hasn't told us the truth by then!" The others cackled as Rarity began to hyperventilate and wriggle in her restraints.

"Need fire to cook, you two get wood!" one of the beasts commanded as the other two nodded and bolted off in separate directions. That was when Rarity caught sight of Fluttershy's eyes, peering at her from beneath the bush. She frowned and began to jerk her head to the left while mouthing the words "Get out of here,". Fluttershy shook her head emphatically as she narrowed her gaze and emerged from her hiding place, carefully navigating among the other bushes, crawling on her belly.

Rarity began to perspire as she watched her friend slink toward her, the lycanthrope's back facing them. The unicorn's eyes darted all around until finally her gaze settled upon a nearby tree. "Think I don't smell you, strangemeat?" the creature asked as it turned to face Fluttershy, who was only a yard away from Rarity. "Hoped you'd come for friend, now we eat one to make other talk!" Fluttershy leapt to her feet as her wings locked at her sides.

"No you don't!" Rarity shouted as her horn flickered to life. Her magical aura became visible at the midsection of the tree she had just been eyeing. In a flash, a section of wood just above the base of the tree was transformed into a small sculpture of a pegasus. This sculpture was, of course, not nearly strong enough to support the rest of the tree, and with a crack, it tumbled down, hurtling towards the lycanthrope.

"Nice try!" it jeered as it rolled away from the point of impact. Fluttershy shook her head violently to regain focus, and quickly dashed to Rarity's side and untied the vine that bound her legs.

"We need to get out of here!" Fluttershy helped Rarity up.

"No escape for you!" the monster yelped as it leapt over the fallen tree, flying towards the frightened pair. A thundering crack, like lightning, sounded behind the girls, and the lycanthrope's head dissolved into nothingness, followed swiftly by the rest of its body. Fluttershy and Rarity spun around to see a familiar sight.

"Reginald!" Rarity exclaimed. The canine gentleman's left arm was folded behind his back, and his right arm held upright a strange metal contraption, molded to fit his paw and extending beyond in the form of a small barrel, from which smoke emanated. A cutlass was sheathed at his side.

"I've arrived not a moment too soon, it seems," Reginald replied, offering a smile. "Look alive, ladies! Its friends have returned." Sure enough, the two lycanthropes who had left to gather firewood were bounding toward them, roaring.

One gave a yelp as Greyjaw, who shot out from the bushes, drove his elbow into its ribcage, sending it staggering away from its intended path. Greyjaw snarled as he hunched over and narrowed his gaze at the surprised lycanthrope. Its ally passed over Rarity and Fluttershy, landing in front of Reginald.

"En garde!" Reginald shouted as he drew his blade. The beast swiped at him. Reginald, retreating several steps, skillfully avoided each attack by leaning just out of its range. Finally, Reginald gave the monster a swipe of his sword, causing the werewolf's right arm to vanish at the elbow. It spat as Reginald stepped into striking range and drove his blade straight through the creature's chest, destroying the monster.

Rarity cheered as Reginald wiped his sword and returned it to its sheathe, holstering his ranged weapon as well. Fluttershy's gaze, however, was fixed upon Greyjaw, who had dashed forward as his opponent stood up, and was now unleashing a flurry of punches into the werewolf's stomach.

Greyjaw ceased his assault only to slide around to the monster's side. When it hunched over, clenching its gut, Greyjaw went in for the kill, striking the monster about the neck and finishing it off.

"The two of you are really starting to tick me off!" Greyjaw turned to face Fluttershy and Rarity.

"Now, now, Greyjaw," Reginald replied, walking toward the girls. "This incident was nobody's fault. Miss Rarity was kidnapped, after all."

"That may be true, but this one," he said, pointing a claw at Fluttershy. "This one should have waited in her home and let us handle it."

"That's not fair!" Rarity protested.

"Mahugpin wants you two alive. Up here, you could have been killed," Greyjaw explained. "You still don't get it, you're not guests in the Big Deep, you're hostages. Your little life of luxury ends now!"

"Pay him no mind," Reginald said, placing a hand on Rarity's and Fluttershy's shoulders. "Mahugpin will be relieved to see the two of you returned safely. Greyjaw, here, is simply frustrated because he lost out on his beauty sleep." Rarity giggled and Greyjaw snarled.

"When we get back, I'm gonna have a little talk with Mahugpin about keeping these two under lock and key," Greyjaw said.

"Um, Mister Greyjaw?" Fluttershy asked. The Wolf Class fighter leered down at her. "If it's okay to ask, how did you find us?"

"Huh," Grejaw snorted, grinning. "Ask our prissy tracker, there." Fluttershy and Rarity turned to Reginald, who simply bowed.

"Sharpest nose in the Deep," Reginald said, pointing a thumb towards his nostrils. "That's why Mahugpin dispatched me to be Greyjaw's guide, after all. You two weren't difficult to find!"

"Thank you both for saving us," Rarity said, avoiding eye contact with Greyjaw. She abruptly threw her arms around Fluttershy's neck. "And thank you for coming after me, Fluttershy!"

"There was nothing else I could have done!" Fluttershy replied, smiling.

"Come on, now. You can celebrate your reunion back in the Capital City," Reginal said, gesturing for Rarity, Fluttershy, and Greyjaw to follow him.

"Not so fast!" a voice echoed from above. All four heads craned up to see several diamond dogs sitting in the trees, arrows drawn against bows pointing down at them. Another diamond dog, his coat white and shaggy, stepped out from behind a tree and approached the confused travelers.

"What's the meaning of this? Who are you?" Reginald asked, his voice remaining calm.

"Deepers, eh?" the mysterious canine replied, giving the air a sniff. "We'll take that sword of yours, and that pistol." He leaned over to look at Fluttershy and Rarity. "The ponies don't seem to be carrying anything, so they're fine, and as for your friend—" his eyes widened as he stopped speaking. "Greyjaw the Marked, as I live and breathe!" The other hounds climbed down the trees and surrounded the four.

"Haggert," Greyjaw practically spat the dog's name.

"Oh, so you remember me? I'm flattered," Haggert replied, grinning.

"Do you know these dogs?" Reginald asked, turning to Greyjaw.

"These are the former Wolf Class morons who tried to overthrow Mahugpin five years ago," Greyjaw replied. "They were kicked out, they're Exiles."

"My word!" Reginald exclaimed, turning back to face Haggert. "You mean you've all survived on the surface for five years?!"

"Not quite the whole story," Haggert replied. "Greyjaw, here, was part of our plan. Pretended to be, anyway, until he ratted us out and got us banished."

"The sissy-boy must work for Mahugpin, too!" another one of the dogs shouted.

"Probably," Haggert replied, nodding. "Alright, you two are comin' with us. Sissy-boy, here, will fetch us a nice ransom, and Greyjaw?" he said, turning to his former comrade. "You're gonna pay for stabbing us in the back." Fluttershy and Rarity gulped as they heard this.

"What about the ponies?" Another dog shouted.

"They're our prisoners," Reginald replied. "We kidnaped them from Equestria! Mahugpin wants them returned to their cells immediately, so I demand that you leave them in our custody!"

"More victims of Mahugpin's backwards priorities, eh?" Haggert said. He looked down at the girls. "Alright, you two are coming with us. After we've dealt with the lapdogs, here, we'll get you on your way home." More diamond dogs emerged from behind nearby trees as the group began to move away from the direction of the passage back into the Capital City. Greyjaw and Reginald were led at arrow-point ahead of the girls, who were too shocked to say anything.

"What do we do?" Rarity whispered as they followed.

"I'm not sure. I want to go home, but we can't leave Reginald and Grejaw like this, they saved our lives!" Fluttershy replied under her breath.

"Agreed, we will not abandon them. For now, let's do as they say," Rarity replied, nodding.

***

"This situation is just dreadful!" Prince Blueblood exclaimed. "I know I'm next in line to the throne, but I don't know the first thing about ruling a kingdom!"

"Don't worry," Shining Armor said. "That's why I'm here, to help you make the best possible decisions during this difficult time."

"Alright then, what do we know so far?" Blueblood asked.

"Not much," Shining Armor replied, shaking his head. "My sister and her friends were abducted from three separate places at the same time."

"And do you know who's behind it?" Blueblood asked him.

"I was able to confirm my suspicion that Clarion Call, a former member of the Royal Guard turned thief, was involved. Following a hunch, I went to the location of Rarity's and Fluttershy's disappearances, searching for evidence," Shining explained. "To my surprise, Clarion Call showed up there. He admitted to his involvement, but implied that he wasn't working alone."

"Were you able to detain him?" Blueblood asked.

"Unfortunately, after I pursued him into the Everfree Forest, he came upon a magical trinket known as the Alicorn Amulet."

"And what does that do?"

"It provides any unicorn who wears it with enhanced magical abilities, while gradually corrupting their mind. At this time, I have no idea what he plans to do with it."

"And then, of course, the princesses disappeared," Blueblood added, frowning.

"Yeah," Shining replied, bowing his head. "There were no witnesses, so we have no idea what happened to them. Burn marks on the floor of the hall indicate that there was a struggle. Beyond that, there's no trace. Captured, dead, we just don't know."

"Do you have any suspicions?" Blueblood asked.

"Clarion Call showed up to tell the diamond dogs on the outskirts of Ponyville to keep quiet about something. My men searched their mines, only to find that they had been vacated. We're looking for them now," Shining replied.

"What a mess," Blueblood grunted.

"As of now, it looks as though Clarion Call is the leader of, or at least a party to a conspiracy to deprive Equestria of its defenses, and now its leaders as well. My wife is under heavy guard as she continues her royal duties in the Crystal Empire, Princess Celestia's Unicorn Court is handling the Sun and Moon, and I'm going to be doubling the watch over you as well, your Highness," Shining explained as Blueblood nodded. "With the Alicorn Amulet in his possession, it is my belief that Clarion Call will try to attack Equestria in some way."

"He would need an army to do that," Blueblood replied, snorting.

"As I said, he implied that he was not working alone, so for now, let's assume that he has an army," Shining replied.

"Things have certainly spiraled out of control rather quickly, haven't they?" Blueblood observed.

"Very quickly," Shining replied, nodding. "Clarion Call has always been scum, but his crimes were small-time, nothing revolutionary, and I don't think he could have orchestrated this on his own."

"What does that mean?" Blueblood asked, tilting his head.

"It means I don't think he's the leader," Shining replied. "I think that we're dealing with someone much smarter than him that he's actually willing to obey. Clarion Call has never been a follower, so the idea that somepony could command his loyalty on something like this, not to mention the fact that the seal Princess Celestia used to restrict his magic is gone... I won't lie, Prince Blueblood, it worries me."

"Your Highness!" a guard shouted, running into the throne room. "A carrier pigeon from the Griffon Kingdom has arrived! It bore a message addressed to Princess Celestia, but since she's currently missing..."

"Understood," Shining Armor replied, approaching the guard. "Leave the message with me."

"With all due respect, sir..." the guard hesitated as he spoke. "This is meat to be opened by Equestria's ruler only."

"Just give it to him!" Prince Blueblood shouted.

"As you wish," the guard replied, recoiling and handing the rolled up message to Shining Armor. As the guard left, Shining unbound the piece of string that kept the message shut and unrolled it. Blueblood waited with bated breath as he watched Shining Armor's eyes move back and forth across the page, his expression becoming more grave with each line he completed.

"What does it say?" he asked.

"It's a message from Gilda the Griffon. She was with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie when they disappeared," Shining Armor replied.

"And!?" Blueblood shouted, digging his front hooves into the armrests of the throne.

"'Dear Princess Celestia,'" Shining Armor read aloud, "'King J'aggerdov of the Griffon Kingdom is working with the leaders of the Changelings and the Diamond Dogs to attack Equestria and take it over. They each took two of the Elements of Harmony hostage. I freed Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie but we're stuck in the Griffon Kingdom, and the other ponies are considered important and won't be hurt. We're trying to stop King J'aggerdov here, but you still have to worry about the other two armies. Some dweeb named Clarion Call is helping them, and they're working with a creepy sasquatch, too. Dash and Pinks told me to ask if your refrigerator was running. Don't know why but they said you'd know what it meant. Good luck, signed Gilda'..."

"Oh dear..." Prince Blueblood said. "Do you think it's true?"

"She asked if our refrigerator was running..." Shining Armor said.

"Sure, it was the last time I checked, but who cares?" Blueblood replied.

"No," Shining Armor said, "after the incident with the Changelings, Princess Celestia asked each of the wielders of the Elements of Harmony to come up with a sort of pass-phrase that only they, the Princesses, and the Royal Guard would know. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash picked the same one, thought they were being clever."

He shook his head, his eyes half closed, and said, "No matter what, this information definitely comes from the two of them."

"I see," Prince Blueblood said. "Then for now, I think we should assume it's the truth."

"I agree," Shining Armor replied, nodding. "It's the best lead we have. It also means that this situation is much more serious than I thought it was..."

"Should we try to make contact with the diamond dogs and griffons? See if we can't solve this diplomatically?" Blueblood asked.

"It couldn't hurt," Shining replied. "I have no idea why either of those groups would want to invade Equestria, but diplomacy at this stage couldn't hurt. Best case scenario is that we convince them not to attack and to release their hostages. If nothing else, I'm glad to have at least some general idea of where my sister and her friends are, and that they're safe."

"And Clarion Call?" Prince Blueblood asked.

"If we can dissuade the griffons and diamond dogs, maybe we can also get them to give him up," Shining Armor replied, nodding sternly.

"And... what about this... 'sasquatch' the letter mentioned?" Blueblood asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I have no idea what that means," Shining Armor replied. "The sasquatch is said to be some sort of great ape whose existence has never been confirmed. It was said to be massive, covered in brown fur, and with the strength of a hundred grown stallions. In recent years, sightings claim that the creature is tall, gray, and hairless. In either case, whatever this Gilda thinks she saw, it isn't a priority."

"Agreed." Blue Blood nodded. "So we're going to attempt diplomacy. Anything else?"

"With your permission," Shining Armor said, "I'd like to concentrate the majority of our army at Equestria's borders. If an invasion becomes unavoidable, we'll be able to fend the intruders off before they so much as set hoof into our territory."

"Permission granted!" Prince Blueblood exclaimed. "Let's fortify Equestria!" Suddenly, a scroll appeared before Blueblood and fell into his lap.

"What's that?" Shining Armor asked.

"Something from Celestia's dragon-ward," Blueblood replied.

"Spike?" Shining Armor asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Right, Spike. Can never remember the little guy's name. Anyway, he knows a spell to magically send letters to the Princess, but the spell was configured so that the messages would go to whoever currently holds the throne in the event that Princess Celestia is..." Blueblood's voice trailed off.

"Oh, no..." Shining Armor said, bowing his head.

"Auntie Celestia... Auntie Luna..." Blueblood said, his voice quivering as tears formed in his eyes.

"We can't jump to conclusions," Shining Armor said. "We have to protect our citizens."

"Right," Blueblood replied, sniffling. "Let's see what Spike has to say..." His face fell even further as he read the words upon the page.

"More bad news?" Shining Armor asked.

"The Elements of Harmony have been stolen," Prince Blueblood said. "Spike saw the culprit, but..."

"Was it Clarion Call?" Shining Armor asked, gritting his teeth.

"Spike described it as a tall, ape-like creature, hairless and gray, and it wielded some strange type of magic..."

"Just what are we dealing with here?" Shining Armor replied, shaking his head.

"Does this change our plans?" Blueblood asked.

"After I've arranged things with our army and diplomats, I'm going to take a few guards and investigate the crime scene," Shining Armor replied. "I'm also going to make sure Spike's okay. He's like family to me."

"I understand," Blueblood replied. "Please, do what you think is best."

"I will, Your Highness." Shining Armor nodded.

Chapter Twelve - Some Kind of Pressure

"Has there been any progress in apprehending our escapees?" J'aggerdov asked, addressing his council.

"Unfortunately, no," replied the Speaker. "The castle guards did catch up to them, but were driven off by a recently formed terrorist group of pony-sympathizers."

"So Gilda had help from more of our people without even having to ask for it..." J'aggerdov said, resting his forehead in his claw. "What does this mean?"

"Nothing, sire," the Speaker replied as the rest of the council nodded profusely. "Your subjects are committed to the ideals of your predecessors."

"That the griffons stand alone against the trials of this world, and that all others are mere stepping stones. I remember the words of my father," J'aggerdov said. "And you're certain that the citizenry of this kingdom still feels that way?"

"Absolutely, sire," the Speaker replied. "As I said, these were terrorists. Criminals who only wish to see the downfall of our society. The majority still supports this conquest."

"It's been so long since I've addressed the people directly," J'aggerdov said.

"That's why we're here, your Highness," the Speaker replied. "Your time is too valuable to bother with things like that."

"Very well," J'aggerdov replied. It was true that the king had very little contact with the outside world, getting most of his information on the state of his realm from his council. His throne room was an open area, overlooking the vast mountain ranges, but to him they were nothing more than decoration. He rarely ventured beyond his palace, and the outside world, in any capacity at all, very rarely made its way in. The last time had been the Masquerade Ball, two years prior.

It had been one of the few social events to take place in J'aggerdov's palace, and an attempt to alleviate his boredom during that time. He had also secretly hoped to make a more personal connection with his subjects. The council had been against the idea of letting commoners roam the palace, but ultimately J'aggerdov had the final say. The masks had been a compromise.

Even though his throne room was filled with guests, he still felt isolated from all of them, and with their decorative masks, they differed very little from one another. Save for one guest. The cloak and hood he wore did not obscure the fact that he walked upon two legs, towering above the crowd. He staggered through the main hall, swaying in rhythm with the music. J'aggerdov had never seen such a creature before, and the sense of dread that gripped him as he watched it stalk in and out of the crowd, all of whom did their level best to give him a wide berth, was enough to compel him to pursue this... thing.

Room after room, J'aggerdov slowly followed the shadowy figure. It had passed by countless guards, all of whom were too frightened to make any attempt to stop him. Far from the guests and guards, in the lowest levels of the palace, J'aggerdov finally decided to confront the man he had been following.

The king called out, and the creature ignored him. J'aggerdov gave it a second chance to respond, and still nothing. The music being played in the throne room was no longer audible, but the man continued to sway as though the song was playing loud and clear. That was when J'aggerdov, overcome with anger and fear, lunged forward to attack.

As the king approached, it turned to face him. In an instant, J'aggerdov had been brought to his knees, overcome with a sense of terror he had never felt before, as the glowing eyes pressed down upon him. Then it spoke, and J'aggerdov couldn't help but listen. As mighty as he had been, he was humbled by this intruder, and its words mocked the sedentary, peaceful lifestyle the griffons had enjoyed in recent decades, and the growing famine that threatened to crush them in spite of their strength.

That was the first time he had met Delacroix. And the path that moment set him upon had led him to further isolation from his people, as he continued to assure himself that this invasion was the only way to save them.

"I have no love for outsiders, equine or otherwise," he thought. "But if this war is not what's best for my people... but then what other choice do I have?"

"Your Highness!" the Speaker said, snapping J'aggerdov out of his daydream.

"Yes, of course," J'aggerdov muttered. "It's time to assign each city's army its task. They need to know how best to use the strength of our allies to their advantage."

***

"Fine mess we're in now!" Mahugpin muttered to himself as he paced on all fours back and forth across his bedroom. "Rarity and Fluttershy are above ground, I'm hearin' nothin' from Reggie and Greyjaw... and now it's time to go through with this invasion." The invasion. He had torn Rarity and Fluttershy from their homes, kept them in the city, put them in harms way, and lied to them all the while. What would they say? As his mind wandered, he began to imagine.

"You..." he imagined Fluttershy whimpering, "you were planning to take over our home all along? How could you lie to us like that?!"

"I had no choice, I was outta options," Mahugpin whispered to himself, shaking his head.

"To rob us all of our freedom? To hand us over to the changelings as food?" Rarity asked.

"At least no one would die!" Mahugpin whispered. "And they'd never even know what was goin' on, the changelings use illusions to harvest love. Each pony would live their dream life and be none the wiser!"

"And that makes it okay?" Rarity asked. "How many of us ponies do you think would choose a life like that if asked? Not a one, I'd say. It's a decision nobody has the right to make for us."

"And we would have helped your people no matter what!" Fluttershy added.

"I... I realize that now," Mahugpin whimpered.

"And your assurance that nopony would die?" Rarity asked. "What about us? The two of us could be dead for all you know, and with things as dangerous as they are out there, we probably are."

"No!" Mahugpin grunted, rapidly shaking his head. "No, no, no! You two are smarter and stronger than that! You're fine, I just know it!" But he knew that the mere fact that he was having this conversation with himself was evidence of his doubt.

"You always prided yourself on being good and decent to everyone you met, even before you became the Alpha Male," Fluttershy said. "Your kindness was obvious, it's why we trusted you. How could you have ever agreed to something like this?" How could he have allowed himself to agree to this? His people were dying, Equestria was safe, and he knew he could have the land for the Diamond Dogs. Ponies would live on in their ideal fantasies, and it would all be so easy. What other solution was there? None, according to Clarion Call. And Delacroix. Delacroix...

Mahugpin's thoughts drifted back to the first month he spent with... that thing. All the nights he awoke from his restless sleep to see the figure at the foot of his bed, or in the corner of his room. Staring at him. Just staring, silently. How Mahugpin tried to make himself flee each and every time, but was always paralyzed with fear.

All he could do to cope during the day, and allow himself to fall asleep each night, was tell himself that it was a recurring dream. The dream worsened when the monster began to whisper in his ear at night. Mahugpin could never bring himself to look at the thing. "Your people are dying," it said. "How will you protect them? I know a way..." night after night it whispered to him, until finally, he wanted to know. He had to know. The dream became a reality as the lights clicked on, and Mahugpin saw that the being was real. The nature of their relationship changed in an instant, the creature conversing with him casually, as though he hadn't terrorized Mahugpin in his bed, night after night. Delacroix became his secret advisor, and shortly thereafter, Clarion Call was introduced, as a catalyst for communication.

The plans were made, the contacts were established, and the coalition was formed. But Mahugpin never realized how detestable the plan was until now.

"So don't go through with it," he imagined Rarity pleading.

"It isn't too late to do the right thing," Fluttershy added. "You know that no one in the militia you formed for this invasion is happy about it, but they'll follow you no matter what. Because of who you are. And you're not the kind of person who would do something like this!"

"And what happens then?" the intrusive thought of Delacroix replied, silencing the others. "Without your non-lethal weaponry, Equestria will be taken by the changelings and griffons, neither of whom share your compassion." He smiled. That smile. "Oh, the changelings need live food, to be sure, but the state that it's in is irrelevant. Pain, accidental death, all collateral damage, all acceptable losses, if your forces aren't there to capture these ponies humanely."

"But—"

"The invasion is happening with or without you. By backing out now, you'd be covering your paws with the blood of the innocent, while your people continue to live in fear and die. Is that what you want?!" Mahugpin had never heard Delacroix shout, but he had heard the awful voice enough times to speculate. The small ruler sighed. All went quiet again. He crawled into his bed and gradually slipped into an uneasy sleep.

***

"I will apprehend Princess Cadence and take her place," Chrysalis said, her voice echoing through the Great Hive as her subjects listened intently. "And begin the process of bending her fiancé to my will. A small group of you will also infiltrate Canterlot and replace a portion of its civilian population for good measure. On the day of the wedding, we will—"

"You're deluding yourself if you think you can take Canterlot on your own," a deep, unsettling voice said, shaking the very foundations of the Great Hive.

"Who said that?!" Chrysalis bellowed. The Changelings in her throne room turned to behold the naysayer: a tall, bipedal, repulsive thing that now casually strolled through the crowd. Chrysalis gave the air a sniff as the man drew closer. The changelings, by nature, had a very deep awareness and understanding of most chemical compositions. Some things were unfamiliar even to them, however.

"I don't recognize the scent," Chrysalis said. "But whatever chemical that is you're excreting from your body, I assure you we are quite immune to it. I don't know what you think you're doing here, but you will not be leaving the Great Hive."

"I'm aware of your immunity, which is why I'm approaching you directly," the man replied. "My name is Delacroix, and only through me will you be able to conquer Equestria."

"Seize him!" Chrysalis shouted. The changeling horde descended upon Delacroix. He did not move. In instant, the Changelings were sent flying in all directions, and all Delacroix did was grin.

"...you have my attention." Chrysalis said.

"Equestria, for all its talk about peace and love, is a powerful nation," Delacroix explained. He staggered toward her throne, and her muscles tensed. There was an undeniable pressure emanating from him, and it pressed her further into her throne. "Powerful and diverse. No matter how sophisticated your plan may be, your magic alone will not be enough. They have unicorns whose magic is almost a match for yours, the physical prowess of the pegasi, and the ingenuity of the earth ponies."

"And you, alone, will tip the scale in my favor, I suppose?" Chrysalis rolled her eyes at her guest. Delacroix folded his arms neatly behind his back and began pacing back and forth in front of the throne.

"I come offering to facilitate an alliance between you and two other nations. The griffons, who are warriors even greater than the pegasi. And the Diamond Dogs of the Big Deep, whose technical prowess surpasses that of the earth ponies in every way."

"I wasn't aware that either nation had cause to invade Equestria," Chrysalis replied.

"Not directly," Delacroix replied. "Both nations have their own struggles. Thanks to, shall we say, a little 'meddling' on my part, those struggles have grown exponentially and now threaten their very ways of life. I have convinced them that taking Equestria is the answer to both their problems."

"I highly doubt they would trust you of their own free will based on your appearance alone." She sniffed the air again. "I see. Your body releases a mind-altering toxin. Long-term exposure bends others to your will. Similar to what we do with our magic."

"Very perceptive." Delacroix smiled. Chrysalis grimaced at his misshapen, misaligned teeth. "I have to be subtle. Theatricality and conditioning swayed the ruler of the Big Deep, and I won over King J'aggerdov by displaying my power. My pheromones hampered their judgment, and so I was able to persuade them."

"So you unite and coordinate a three-nation army that conquers Equestria. Then what?" Chrysalis raised an eyebrow.

"The diamond dogs inhabit the land, the griffons reap the benefits of the land's fertility, and your people?" Delacroix chuckled slightly, ceasing his pacing and directing his gaze out onto the crowd of changelings. "You claim its inhabitants. Equine and all other manner of life that currently resides in that land, feeding your power. And before you ask, yes, I am aware that the story that your people require love to survive is a lie."

"So let me see if I understand," Chrysalis began, "you trespass in my domain, assault my subjects, and offer me what I will already have on my own with the added condition that I blindly trust two other nations and you, an admitted manipulative saboteur?"

"I understand how it sounds," Delacroix replied.

"If that were true, you would never have approached me," Chrysalis spat back. "This audience is over. You may be able to resist a small squadron of my people, but you can not resist all of us. Be gone."

"And here I thought my honesty would earn your trust. Have I done anything that you wouldn't do to get what you want?" Delacroix asked.

"No, but I know my own goals," Chrysalis replied. "What do you get out of all this?"

"It would be difficult to explain," Delacroix replied. "But I will try. Long ago, before I was..." he waved his hand in front of his face, "this, something very important was taken from me, then it was used against me. That began the process of my great change" He turned his back to Chrysalis, and his hands fell at his sides.

"My evolution into this wretched form was a slow process, and each and every minor alteration was the result of a painful experience my body was forced to adapt to." Though a series of excruciating memories came flooding back to him, Delacroix's voice remained level, his gaze unblinking. Chrysalis shuddered at his callousness.

"Through the long months of suffering I searched, in vain, for the reason; for the meaning behind it all. It was not until the very end, when I was strong enough to overthrow my captors, and I understood the full extent of my new abilities; when I... beheld my new visage for the very first time... that I finally understood what my purpose was."

"And that is...?" Chrysalis asked, intrigued but otherwise unmoved by the tale.

"This." Delacroix turned to face her again. "In upsetting the balance of this world, and pushing the human—" he paused. Letting out an amused grunt, he shook his head before continuing, "pushing all of the races of this world to their limit, I will be able to fulfill my purpose."

"What are you?" Chrysalis asked, voicing the question on the minds of all the changelings who were listening. Delacroix said nothing.

Chrysalis glanced to the side. "Uh-huh... Well, I won't lie and say your visit hasn't been entertaining, but my answer is still 'no'. Leave this place!"

"Very well," Delacroix replied. He bowed deeply and began to walk away. "When your invasion fails, my offer will still stand." He left without another word.

Chrysalis thought back to that day and laughed. She had always suspected that it was Delacroix who sent the warning of an impending attack to Canterlot. Even with the precautions Shining Armor had taken to protect the city and his own wedding, the changelings had succeeded in infiltrating the ranks of Canterot's hierarchy all the same. The invasion failed because, as Delacroix said, the equines were simply stronger together than the changelings. As much as she hated to admit it, Chrysalis would need the aid of the two other nations if she wanted to claim her prize.

She didn't trust Delacroix, of course. Since their first meeting, he had at least requested a tangible reward for the part he was playing: a single city in Equestria, all to himself. But she had seen too much of his nature. Even so, it didn't matter. Feeding on the love of the citizens of Equestria would raise the might of the changelings to unimaginable heights. And then the griffons, the diamond dogs, and even Delacroix himself, would belong to them. She just had to cooperate for a little while longer...

***

Clarion Call stood at a cliff's edge, a look of concentration affixed upon his face. He stared out over the vast mountain range, his gaze shifting from peak to peak. He had grown several inches since he first put on the Alicorn Amulet. In addition, wings, though still small, had begun to grow from his sides.

Delacroix sat on a rock behind, dividing his attention between Clarion and the Elements of Harmony. Gazing at the final piece of his puzzle, his thoughts drifted back to the Big Deep, the region that had birthed him into this new world...

"What is so important that you incompetent slackers needed to come get me?" the foreman asked, passing his fellow miners in the narrow tunnel to reach the end of the hall. The electric lamps strung up along the ceiling hung just above the heads of the miners.

"Sorry, boss, it's just... that." One of the miners gestured with his pickaxe toward a small hole at the end of the tunnel.

"Yeah, I see it," the foreman replied, looking from the hole towards the worker. "Clearly that was made by your pickaxe. What about it?"

"Something about it just feels... wrong. There's some kind of... I dunno... pressure coming out of it. I don't think we should dig any further in this direction." The other canine miners nodded in agreement.

"Yeah..." The foreman slowly nodded his head, taking a step away from the rocky wall. His heart was racing. "Yeah, I feel it too. Somethin' ain't right here. Okay, seal off this tunnel, we'll tell the higher ups the rock was unstable or somethin'." The other miners relaxed as they walked back down the makeshift hall towards the larger chambers they had dug.

That was when they heard the sound. The cracking of rock that the diamond dogs took as the early warning sign of a cave-in. When they turned to look back, however, all they saw were three small fractures coming from the hole in the wall. They were spreading.

The foreman heard an unusual sound vibrating through the rock: a low hum, and it was getting louder. The cracks in the wall continued to spread. It was a melody. There was a voice beyond the wall, and as the cracks began to widen, fork, and multiply, it became clear that the voice was singing.

"Run," the foreman hissed, but neither he nor his workers seemed to be able to move. Entranced by what they thought was melody, their knees began to shake. The stone began to crumble. Fractures spread along the walls, floor, and ceiling of the tunnel, making their way towards the dogs. Instead of running, the workers huddled together. One by one, the bulbs in the hanging lamps began to burst, until all light was gone.

Amidst the sound of the breaking rock and the approaching voice that was singing softly, footsteps could be heard. And they were getting closer. The workers gasped as a small pair of lights became visible, floating high above the ground and bobbing in rhythm with the footsteps. As the distance between the miners and the voice lessened, the words it was singing became audible.

"Will you remember the famous men who," the voice paused for half of a second before continuing, slowly, as though it were singing a dirge, "have to fall and then rise again?" It was then that the foreman let out a high-pitched shriek and bolted towards the source of the lights, pickaxe raised above his head. The other miners, their eyes not yet adjusted, heard only a pained yelp and a thud before the glow began to bounce towards them again.

"So take a deep breath." The voice got closer. The miners gasped.

"Pick yourself up." The voice became more forceful. A stomp was heard just inches away from the pack, and the miners began to cower.

"Dust yourself off." A series of yelps mimicking those of the foreman emanated from the group, followed by a dead silence.

"And start all over, again..."

Delacroix shook his head. He never could help himself, theatricality had always been a habit of his. Four years had passed since that day. Time spent researching, learning everything he could about the state of the world; its inhabitants, its politics. He made his plans, forged his alliances, mastered the abilities gained from the Elements. He focused once more on Clarion Call. "Are you ready?"

"Guess we'll find out," the proto-alicorn replied. He widened his stance, and shut his eyes. A red aura illuminated his horn. The magical energy it generated cast a strong breeze outward all around him, kicking up dust. Delacroix focused on the mountain range. One by one, each large rock formation was consumed by a bright light. Five total.

Then there was a blinding flash, and what sounded like lightning. A gust of wind billowed into Delacroix's face, nearly pushing him off his rock. When the glare faded away, and the wind died down, Clarion exhaled deeply, but evenly, and observed his work.

"I can't tell..." he said, placing his hoof above his eyes and squinting.

"I can," Delacroix said. "The shape of each peak is the indicator, the rotation was a success."

"Well, there you have it!" Clarion couldn't help but smile. "Clarion Call can officially move mountains!"

"Then the time has arrived," Delacroix said. "The invasion will begin tomorrow."

"Sounds good," Clarion Call said. "We're out in the middle of nowhere, but somebody still might have noticed all that. We should probably get outta here."

"Then let's make our rounds," Delacroix said, rising to his feet and tucking the case containing the Elements underneath his right shoulder. "We'll check in with the dogs, first."

"You got it, boss," Clarion Call said. He revved up another teleportation spell, and then they were gone.

Author's Notes:

The song used is "Pick Yourself Up" by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields

Chapter Thirteen - I'm Sorry

Twilight ran through the darkness. Her breathing became labored as the mocking laughter continued all around her. Through the haze, all she saw was a massive pair of green eyes, and a large, fanged smile. "I'm dreaming!" Twilight shouted.

"You are asleep," the face finally spoke, its voice matching the laughter, "but you are not dreaming!"

"Then I was right," Twilight whimpered. "You're Sieness!"

"Sieness?" The face tilted to the right, a puzzled expression replacing the unbridled glee it previously expressed. "Ah! C-N-S! I like it!" the Central Nervous System replied.

"When I escaped the pod," Twilight said, "I took you with me, didn't I?"

"My essence," Sieness replied. "You tore me from my formless, biological husk. AND IT HURT!" Her voice boomed, leaving Twilight's ears ringing. "But now I understand, you've given me a far greater opportunity than I could have ever imagined!" Her eyes glowed, and Twilight was pulled to the ground, groaning as every joint in her body ached.

"You're trying to take me over!" Twilight shouted.

"It's like you read my mind!" Sieness laughed. "Thanks to you, instead of wasting away in the Hive, I will be able to stand at my daughter's side at the moment of her conquest!"

"You have to beat me, first!" Twilight shouted, defiantly. Her legs began to straighten as she worked through the pain.

"And I will," Sieness said, "no matter how long it takes!" Twilight scowled at the giant face. "Oh, but have no fear, Twilight Sparkle! I will not destroy you, I will merely lock you away. After all, I will need your knowledge in order to add your spells to my repertoire!"

"So you intend to imprison me within my own mind?!"

"That will be your punishment for ripping me from my body as violently as you did; you'll experience the pain that was my existence, first hand!" Sieness laughed again.

"Like I said," Twilight gasped, standing upright, "you have to beat me, first!" A blast from her horn, directed at the face of Sieness, punctuated her challenge. A similar blast, green in color, came from above Sieness' eyes, meeting Twilight's attack halfway.

"As you wish, bookworm!" The magics crashed against one another, struggling for dominance. "When our vessel awakens, we'll just see who's in control of it!"

Applejack watched helplessly as her friend kicked her legs out randomly, tossing and turning upon the shore.

***

"Whadaya see?" Rainbow Dash asked, nudging Pierce as he continued to stare through the binoculars.

"Sentries making their rounds every two minutes, like clockwork," Pierce said. "Same as when you asked me five minutes ago. And while we're on the subject, go ahead and assume that's what I'll see five minutes from now, too."

"What about five minutes after that?" Pinkie whispered as the other cloaked griffons behind the rock rolled their eyes.

"I know we've been out here a while," Pierce said, "but we need to find a way to get to the King as soon as possible, which means we've gotta wait for an opening in the castle security. When something happens, I promise I'll tell you."

"Fine!" Rainbow turned to rest her back against the rock, folding her arms and jutting her lower lip out. "Still don't see why we can't try another diversion."

"Because they have guards that deal specifically with diversions, just like you saw when McIntyre set off those explosives across the way," Pierce said.

"It's just frustrating," Gilda said. "I mean we can see the throne room from here, it's completely open to the outside, and we can't get near it without being caught!"

"Sh!" Pierce hissed. "I don't believe it, the sentries are leaving!"

"What?" Gilda squinted her eyes to see for herself. Sure enough, the sentries broke the flight pattern they had been adhering to all day and flew off, disappearing around the opposite side of the castle.

"Let's go!" Pierce ordered. Dash hurriedly scooped up Pinkie before she could repeat Gilda's "What?" and the group took to the air. They flew through the open archways at the top of the castle and landed in the throne room. Outside and in, there wasn't a guard in sight. Unfortunately, there wasn't a king in sight either.

"Of course he wouldn't be here!" Gilda smacked her forehead. "He spent his entire day sitting in that throne every day I was with him, and now that we finally manage to get in, he's nowhere to be found."

"Maybe he's in the bathroom!" Pinkie said.

"Well, we didn't see him leave the palace, so logically we can assume he'll be back in here eventually," Pierce said.

"Guess we're waiting then." Rainbow Dash stretched out and reclined in J'aggerdov's throne.

"Wanna play tic-tac-toe again, Gilda?" Pinkie asked.

Gilda sneered. "What, beating me three-hundred times in a row isn't enough for ya?" Pinkie widened her eyes and bottom lip began to quiver. "Alright fine, but I'm going first from now on!"

"Woo-hoo!"

***

J'aggerdov was, in fact, standing at the edge of the Everfree Forest. To his left stood Queen Chrysalis, and to his right, Mahugpin was seated in his Squatter. With a flash of light, Clarion Call and Delacroix appeared before them.

"Gang's all here now!" Clarion declared.

"Yes, meeting face-to-face for the first time," Chrysalis said. She frowned. "Care to explain how you both managed to let your Elements escape?"

"Knew that was coming," Clarion said with a groan.

"They won't be leaving the Griffon Kingdom," J'aggerdov replied. "We'll have them back in our custody and delivered to you as promised. I suggest you focus on the coming battle."

"We had an agreement!" Chrysalis hissed. "Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and those meddling Elements of Harmony would become a part of my collection!"

"Well shoot," Mahugpin grunted, "if this is a deal-breaker for ya, guess we'll have to call the whole thing off."

"No one is calling anything off," J'aggerdov said.

"He's right," Delacroix replied. "Would you really throw away an entire nation's worth of food over four ponies?"

Chrysalis spat. "Just get on with it!"

"Cheer up, sugar-lips," Clarion said, taking a step toward the changeling Queen. "I'm about to give you a whole kingdom."

"You disgust me even more than Delacroix," she replied.

"Maybe you'll change your tune once you see my souped-up magic in action!"

"Are your forces all prepared?" Delacroix asked.

"Yes." J'aggerdov nodded. "All squadrons in all settlements have their individual orders. They know their role in this invasion, which part of Equestria they're being sent to, and how they'll be cooperating with the changelings and diamond dogs."

"That goes for me as well," Chrysalis said. "My subjects are ready."

"The militias in the Big Deep are all gathered and waiting," Mahugpin said. His voice was emotionless. "They'll be able to hand the griffons the taser-poles, net-launchers, and tranquilizer guns I promised when the armies converge."

"And have you decided which forces you'll be leading personally?" Delacroix asked.

"The Wonderbolts, Equestria's strongest air-fighting force, will be in Cloudsdale. I will personally command that assault," J'aggerdov said.

"The Crystal Empire is my target," Chrysalis replied. "I will personally subdue Cadance while her dear hubby is away."

"Ponyville is the closest town to Canterlot," Mahugpin said. "The EUP guard'll have forces out there quickest, and you can bet a lot of 'em will be earth ponies with family livin' there, so that's where I'm gonna go."

"And after each city is secure, we'll all converge on Canterlot together." Delacroix grinned. The others winced at the sight, but nodded.

"Alright." Clarion stepped forward. "Then I'm gonna patch each of you through to your joint forces so you can give your final pep-talks, then we're gonna get this party started!"

***

"I win again!" Pinkie skipped in place.

"How do you keep doing that?!" Gilda asked, pounding her fist next to the completed tic-tac-toe game the had traced on the dusty floor.

"Hey..." Rainbow Dash said, sitting up in the throne. "Do you guys hear that?"

"Hear what?" Pierce asked?

"I said testing, one, two, three!" a voice echoed in the distance. "Give me something, guys, shout if you can hear me!"

"We read you!" a sea of voices shouted in response.

"What the hay is going on?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Pierce!" The griffon rebel who had been watching the hall came running in. "You'll want to see this!" He led the group down the hall, until they came upon a window overlooking an open area below the throne room. All jaws dropped as they beheld the hundreds upon hundreds of armored griffon soldiers who now stood in formation, facing a large, floating image of a male alicorn.

"Geez, alright!" the alicorn said, rubbing his ears with his hooves. "They can hear us. It's all you, Mufasa!"

"Impudent little..." a familiar voice grunted as the alicorn vanished from sight and was replaced in the window by King J'aggerdov.

"That... is the coolest thing I have ever seen!" Pinkie whispered. "Portable movie theater!"

"I don't think we're looking at a movie..." Pierce said.

"Loyal soldiers," J'aggerdov shouted, "the time to strike is upon us! For far too long we have lived off of a dying land! For far too long we have kept our every instinct buried beneath our sedentary exteriors! Today, we release the warriors that have long been dormant inside of us! Today, we expose our hardships for the unworthy foes that they are! Today, we seize our survival!" A symphony of roars bellowed up from the soldiers.

"Are we too late?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"No way, I'm gonna go down there and give J'aggerdov a piece of my mind!" Rainbow Dash said, climbing up onto the window's ledge.

"No you're not!" Gilda grabbed Rainbow by the tail and yanked her to the floor.

***

Applejack's ears perked up. "What in tarnation is that?" What she heard was the voice of Chrysalis. It was coming from the Great Hive, and at the distance she was at, Applejack could barely hear it over the sound of the waves brushing against the shore, but as she listened more intently, the words became clearer.

"The time for vengeance has arrived, my subjects!"

"Shoot!" Applejack kicked at the sand beneath her feat. "They must be fixin' to head out!"

"The love of Equestria; every stallion, mare, and foal, will be ours for the taking! Every living thing capable of love will become another rung on our climb to absolute power!" A series of hisses and cheers came in reply.

Applejack shuddered. She turned to look at Twilight, who was still asleep, and still in the midst of a bad dream, if her struggling were any indication. "I hope you wake up soon, Twi. I'm plum outta ideas!"

***

"This is Mahugpin." He stood before the glowing window, which had been broken down into many sub-sections, containing the un-blinking gazes of every soldier in every city of the Big Deep. "Y'all each know your orders, ya know what needs to be done, and I know you'll see it through. That's all." He began to turn his Squatter away from the screen before stopping. He looked back, frowning. "And I'm sorry."

Clarion Call relaxed, and the windows vanished. "We are ready," J'aggerdov said.

"As are we." Chrysalis nodded.

"Us too." Mahugpin sighed.

"Let's begin." Delacroix nodded. "Clarion?"

"Pay attention, sweetie," Clarion said, glaring at Chrysalis. "You're about to witness the greatest magical feat every attempted." He turned away from the other four and widened his stance. He lowered his head. His horn flashed red. The Alicorn Amulet ignited, and his eyes lit up. The force of the spell he was casting kicked up the dust around his feet, and it orbited his form, as he bore his teeth.

"My word," J'aggerdov said. Clarion Call began to scream.

"Yikes!" Mahugpin grunted. "Is he gonna make it?!" The screaming intensified.

"Don't break his concentration," Delacroix warned. "Right now, he's just gathering up energy from the amulet. The actual spell will take several minutes to cast."

***

"The town of Ponyville— IS UNDER ATTACK!" the mayor shouted from her pulpit in the town square. The area was overrun with stampeding rabbits, trampling helpless citizens who were paralyzed by the adorableness of the situation, and eating every plant in sight.

"Won't somepony do something?!" Cup Cake shouted as she and her husband used their bodies to obscure both the large wedding cake they were transporting to an important client, and their two foals. Three of the rampaging rabbits caught the scent of frosting and baby powder, the former of which eventually overpowered the latter and compelled them to seek out the source.

"We're too late!" Carrot Cake shouted as the hungry rabbits began to close in. salivating at the sight of the towering confectionary wonder. "Daddy's here!" he shouted, embracing his children. "Everything's gonna be okay!"

The rabbits leapt into the air, and the Cakes shut their eyes and awaited the destruction of their day's work. Just then, the wind broke, sending an intense breeze their way. The bakers opened their eyes and gasped. The rabbits were nowhere to be seen. At the other end of the town square, a Pegasus by the name of Cloud Chaser was lying flat on the ground, four rabbits snoozing peacefully upon her torso. "Help me!" she shouted. "I can't shake them off, they just look too peaceful!" In another instant, they were gone.

One by one, the unruly rodents were swept up by something travelling at a blinding speed, until the center of town was free of their tyranny. The ponies looked on in awe as their saviors made themselves known, coming to a stop in front of the mayor's pulpit. Scootaloo, bringing her scooter to a screeching halt, casually removed her mask and grinned at the crowd. In the wagon she had been pulling, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle triumphantly held aloft the large brown sack full of struggling rabbits.

"And once again, the day is saved, thanks to the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" the mayor shouted as the crowd erupted in thunderous applause.

"Wish we could stay and enjoy this," Scootaloo said, flipping her mane, "but we've gotta get these hungry critters back to Fluttershy's cottage!" And as quickly as the had arrived, they vanished, kicking up a trail of dust in their wake. The cheering ceased, and the townsfolk immediately returned to their daily routines.

"It's just so adorable watching them help out around town like this," Cup Cake whispered to her husband.

"Sure is," Carrot Cake replied, as they wheeled the giant cake away.

"An amusing little interruption," the mayor said to her assistant as she left the pulpit.

***

"Alright, Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Apple Bloom shouted as the rabbits munched on their vegetables nearby. "Let's go over the list!" She tossed a scroll to the ground, and it unraveled itself upon impact. "We harvested the apples in the western field for AJ and baked a whole mess of cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner for Pinkie Pie!" She gestured to the place on the parchment where those two activities were written down and crossed off.

"We dusted off Rarity's design room, and alphabetized the Starswirl the Bearded shelf in Twilight's library!" Sweetie Belle added with a triumphant grin.

"Busted up those dense clouds that were hanging around the ground for Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo said. "And now, we've fed all of Fluttershy's animals!" Apple Bloom bit down on the eraser of her pencil and crossed the final item off of the list.

"We're done for the day, girls!" Sweetie Belle declared.

"It's great doing all their chores," Scootaloo said. "It's almost like they're still here!"

"And when they come back, I bet they'll be super happy we took care of Ponyville while they were gone!" Apple Bloom said. They all shared a satisfied nod. They stood there for a few moments, their heads began to sink, and their smiles faded.

Scootaloo sighed. "Is there anything else we can do?"

"We could go cheer up Spike!" Sweetie's head perked up.

"That's a great idea!" Apple Bloom said. "Poor guy's been quiet as a mouse since he started stayin' at the farm, I bet he's still shook up."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Scootaloo asked.

They all erupted at once, "Cutie Mark Crusader Cheer-Up Squad, YAY!" That was when it happened. A low hum; faint, but growing in volume.

"Y'all hear that?" Apple Bloom asked. Her friends nodded. A few yards away, a small circle of light appeared on the ground.

"What... is that?" Sweetie asked, shielding her eyes from the sun to get a better look. They were not alone. All over town, small circles of light were dotting the landscape, from one end of Ponyville to the other. And it wasn't just Ponyville. From coast to coast, the circles were appearing. In Manehattan, as Babs Seed was walking home from school, the streets were illuminated. In Appleloosa, as Braeburn helped dedicated the new statue of a pony and a buffalo bumping hooves, and the citizens and tribals looked on, their attention was turned away by the white dots that were now surrounding them.

Vanhoover, Las Pegasus, Baltimare, and every city, town, and settlement in between became covered in them. After a few minutes, they began to grow.

"Girls?" Sweetie Belle said, as the anomaly they observed grew in circumference foot-by-foot. "I think we should start moving. I'm getting a really bad feeling here."

"Let's high-tail it to the farm!" Apple Bloom nodded.

"Hop in!" Scootaloo shouted, leaping onto her scooter as her friends took their seats on the wagon. They stayed close to the edge of town as they travelled to Sweet Apple Acres, and their uneasiness grew as they could see white lights all across Ponyville. Some had taken shelter in their homes, others simply stood in place, entranced. Such was the reaction of ponies all over the country, even as those members of the royal guard who hadn't been sent to secure Equestria's borders had moved in to investigate.

Within moments, the glowing white marks had all become so large that from the sky, nearly all of Equestria would appear to be illumated by the overlapping, circular patterns. The ground began to shake.

"Shining?" Prince Blueblood asked as he and his advisor looked down at the oddity from a balcony in Canterlot Castle.

"I don't know, your Highness," Shining Armor replied. "I've sent our fastest carrier pigeons to the coasts with an order for the Guard to return to their assigned provinces."

"What do you think this—" Blueblood's words were cut short as a deafening crack sounded across the landscape. An explosion of light, bursting forth from each and every glowing point on the map, blinded all who had been watching. Those who beheld it shielded and rubbed their eyes, and when they opened them again, all in Equestria were greeted by the same sight: The sky had been blacked by countless griffons and changelings. The ground shook with the march of thousands of canine soldiers.

They branched out from their respective points on the ground, and a second later, a shower of large nets and green bolts of magical energy rained down upon those onlookers who were closest to the points of impact, restraining and incapacitating them. Everyone else ran screaming, and the aggressors gave chase. The invasion of Equestria had begun.

Chapter Fourteen - Easy Come, Easy Go

The face diminished in size, and Sieness' outline became visible. Chains, forged from light of the same violet color as Twilight's magical aura bound her legs and neck, pulling her down. Twilight stood over her, triumphant for the moment.

"You little worm!" Sieness spat at Twilight's hooves. "Were I in my original form, I would have devoured you!"

"Be that as it may," Twilight replied, "I have too much work left to do. I can't afford to lose my body to you, my friends and my country need me!"

"And I suppose this is the part where you purge me," Sieness said. "I don't fear death, do your worst!"

"No," Twilight said.

"What do you mean 'no?!"

"That's not how we ponies do things," Twilight said. "You won't be harmed."

"So what?" Sieness said, craning her neck upward. "You think you've got the strength to keep me chained down forever?!"

"That won't be necessary," Twilight said. "I just need to find a living thing to transfer your consciousness into."

Sieness cocked an eyebrow. "What are you—"

"Something small, like a frog, or a gopher. Something Applejack and I can travel with," Twilight said.

"So you mean to insult me, then keep me on as your pet?!" Sieness shouted.

"Once I've reunited with my friends and we've stopped your people, I'm going to return you to Chrysalis," Twilight explained.

"You'll... what?" Sieness' expression shifted from a scowl to a lopsided frown.

"I'll explain the situation to her. Once she understands that you're still alive, I'm sure she'll find a way to help you," Twilight replied.

"But... why?" Sieness asked, tilting her head.

"Because that's what I do," Twilight said. "All I want is to protect my friends, nothing more."

"You equines don't make any sense to me," Sieness replied with a sigh. She laid on her stomach and rested her chin on her legs. "Your idealism and misplaced sense of self-righteousness won't save you from me. If you don't destroy me, I will claim your form before this is over. You do know that, don't you? And I can assure you, you'll see no compassion or mercy from me!"

Twilight actually smiled. "We'll see."

Twilight opened her eyes, and Applejack leapt to her feet.

"You're awake!" she shouted, extending a hoof to help her friend up. "I was worried sick about ya!"

"Yeah," Twilight groaned, rubbing her forehead. She took Applejack's hoof and slowly pulled herself up. "I'm sorry I worried you."

"Um... Twi?" Applejack asked, her eyes drifting upward. "Why's your horn glowin'? You castin' a spell?"

"I'm using my magic to suppress Sieness, the Great Hive's Central Nervous System."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "You're doin' what now?"

"It's a long story, I'll explain while we move."

"Move where?" Applejack asked.

"We need to head inland," Twilight said, gesturing with her head toward the tree line at the edge of the beach. "We certainly won't accomplish anything out here."

"And what in tarnation are we gonna accomplish in there?" Applejack said.

"This is Diamond Dog territory," Twilight said. "If we head inland, we can search for a way into the Big Deep and find Fluttershy and Rarity. After we rescue them, we can find a way home, then focus on saving Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie."

"Fluttershy and Rarity are here?!" Applejack's eyes widened.

"You saw into my memory when I opened your pod," Twilight replied. "Sieness told me that each faction kidnapped two elements. Rainbow and Pinkie went off with Gilda, so it stands to reason that the griffons have them, which would mean the diamond dogs have Fluttershy and Rarity."

"Oh, yeah!" Applejack replied. "So what's the plan after we find everypony?"

"The Elements of Harmony are hidden away in the library," Twilight replied. "Once we're with our friends again," Twilight smiled at the thought, "we'll be able to use them to repel the invaders!"

"Well then, what're we waitin' for?!" Applejack shouted as she broke into a run. She didn't make it a whole yard before she heard Twilight trip and fall. "Twilight!"

"I'm okay," Twilight groaned as Applejack helped her up again. "Having to maintain this constant flow of magic is sapping my strength. I'm afraid we're going to have to move a little more slowly until I can find a place for Sieness."

"Yeah, speaking of which, you still gotta explain that to me."

"Right, I will." Twilight grinned. They began to walk toward the forest, with Applejack staying close to Twilight's side in case she stumbled.

"But first, one more question," Applejack said.

"Sure," Twilight said.

"That Delacroix feller said the Elements wouldn't work on him."

"I know," Twilight replied. "But they'll work on everyone else."

"So then we'll still have to find a way to stop Delacroix after this is over," Applejack replied.

"Yeah. I'm still working on that dilemma," Twilight said. Her expression hardened. Applejack nodded, and the duo pressed on, unaware that they were too late to stop the invasion.

***

"What in the hay just happened?!" Rainbow Dash yelled, ascending into a frantic hover. "The army just disappeared!"

"They teleported!" Pierce said.

"All of them?!" Gilda's eyes grew wide.

Pierce nodded. "I think so. The way King J'aggerdov was talking, it sounds like the invasion might have started."

Pinkie's jaw dropped. "What?!"

"Alright, that tears it! Border guard or not, we need to get over there!" Rainbow shouted. Pierce had spent enough time with the pegasus to know that he needed to seize her tail as she tried to zoom off, stopping her dead in her tracks.

"No!" Pierce said.

"What gives?" Rainbow Dash spat back. "If it's happening now we need to get over there before it's too late!"

"Too late to do what, Dash?!" Gilda shouted. All eyes turned to her. "If Pierce is right, then they literally all just dropped in at the same time. You go now, you'll just get caught, or worse!"

"So what?!" Rainbow replied. "If I'm going down, I'm going down fighting!" She kicked at Pierce's talon, and he let her go.

Pierce reached after her. "Stop!"

"No!"

"Rainbow Danger Dash!" The authoritative voice did stop her. She whirled around, mouth agape. She recognized the voice as Pinkie Pie's. Indeed, she had never seen the party-pony look so serious.

"What would Twilight say if she were here right now?" Pinkie asked.

"She—"

"She would say you need to stop and think about what you're doing!" Pinkie answered for her.

"But Pinkie..." Tears welled up in Dash's eyes. Her lips quivered. "Our friends! Our families!"

"I know," Pinkie said. She let out a sigh, and wiped away a tear of her own. "This is bad. This is really, really bad."

"So why shouldn't I go help?!"

"Because it won't work!" Pinkie shouted, stomping her hoof. "And if you fly over there, you'll just get caught, and then I'll have lost another friend!" Tears were now running down her face.

Rainbow Dash landed softly on the ground and took a step toward her friend. "Pinkie..."

"We're all we've got left!" Pinkie's voice cracked. "If you leave now... then I'll be all alone. How can we fix anything that way?" Gilda glanced off to the side. The rest of the rebels turned away solemnly, and began to deliberate amongst themselves.

"Yeah, but without the others—" Rainbow inhaled sharply. "Without the others..."

"We've come this far," Pinkie said. She sniffed sharply and wiped away her tears. "We have to believe they have too, wherever they are. We need to have faith in our friends! I know we'll see them again!"

"But what if we don't?" Rainbow asked softly.

Pinkie placed a hoof on her shoulder. "We will!" Without another word, the two embraced.

Now it was Rainbow's turn to wipe her eyes. "So what are we supposed to do now?"

"Nothing fundamental has changed," Pierce said, turning away from his comrades toward the ponies. "King J'aggerdov agreed to this invasion under false pretenses. Whatever these friends of yours can do on their own, our mission remains the same. We have to convince the King that he's been used."

"So do we just wait for him to come back?" Rainbow asked.

"No," Pierce said. "He won't leave his castle unattended for long. And, simply telling him what we knew might have been enough to dissuade him from participating in the battle, but now, assuming Equestria does fall to the coalition, we'll have to convince him to undo everything he's already done. To do that, we'll need proof."

"What about that nice locksmith?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah." Pierce nodded. "Much as I hate to admit it, I think finding the place where he saw that yeti thing himself will be a good place to start."

"Still kinda sounds like a longshot..." Rainbow said.

"We'll figure it out, Dash." Gilda took a step toward her friend. "I'm not gonna rest until we figure it out."

"I appreciate that, but you don't need to stop sleeping, G," Rainbow Dash said.

Gilda shook her head. "I helped cause this mess. You know it, and I know it."

"We're past that," Rainbow replied, shaking her head as well.

"You thought you had to do it, and when it really counted, you saved us!" Pinkie added.

"You're here because you trusted me. I let you down. I know you guys have forgiven me for that, but I'm still responsible. So I'm promising you, here and now, that I'm going to save your home." Gilda nodded firmly.

"That so?" Rainbow asked, finally allowing herself to grin again. "That's a pretty epic promise, G!"

"I plan on keeping it!" Gilda replied, reciprocating.

"Oh, I know. What I mean is I can't have you showing me up, so I promise to save your home, too!" She extended a hoof.

"You're on!" Gilda shouted, pressing her fist against the hoof.

"Me too! Me too!" Pinkie exclaimed, clasping the talon and hoof between her own. She leaned forward causing the trio to collapse in on each other with a sharp yelp.

"Then it's settled," Pierce said as morale began to return to his troops. "Now come on, we've got work to do!" Silently, he hoped that Equestria would be able to resist the attack, thereby making such a lofty promise much more feasible...

***

"Granny! Spike!" Apple Bloom shouted as she, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo kicked open the door to the Apple Family's house.

"We're here, young'n!" Granny Smith replied.

"Yeah, what's going on out there?!" Spike asked, running up to meet them.

"I don't know!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "There was a really bright light, then a loud 'BOOM'!"

"We didn't look back," Scootaloo continued, "but we heard screaming."

"I can still here screaming," Spike said, peering out the window. "I think Ponyville might be under attack!"

"Everypony on board!" Big Macintosh shouted, coming around the corner of the house and pulling a wagon. "No time to waste, get movin'!"

"Movin' where?" Granny Smith asked as Spike and the Crusaders helped her up.

"I'm takin' y'all to Zecora's place," Big Macintosh replied.

Apple Bloom tilted her head. "Zecora's?"

"Eeyup. Somethin's come for us pony-folk, and I think y'all will be safest with Zecora. The Everfree Forest is tricky enough for us locals to navigate, and she knows the layout better'n anypony!"

"Good thinkin'!" Granny Smith replied. With all five passengers on board, Big Macintosh broke into a run, traversing the edge of town with remarkable speed. Everyone looked toward Ponyville. On the ground, there were bursts of magic that could be seen from miles away. Up in the sky, thunder, lightning, and gusts of wind could be seen crashing against one another.

"What'n the bushel is goin' on over there?!" Apple Bloom asked.

"Big Mac, look out!" Spike pointed to the sky. Macintosh swerved to the side, avoiding a flurry of darts.

"Are those griffons?!" Scootaloo shouted, looking up. Indeed, two heavily armored griffons were hovering just above them, holding strange contraptions in their hands.

"Halt! Surrender and you will not be harmed!" one of them shouted.

"'Preciate the offer," Big Macintosh shouted over his shoulder, "but I'm afraid I will have to decline!"

"So be it!" the other griffon shouted. They reached behind their backs and each produced a small canister. Popping similar objects out from their devices, they loaded the new ones in, took aim, and fired another flurry of darts at Big Mac. He swerved again, but this time one of the needles made contact with his shoulder.

"Dagnabbit!" he shouted, biting down on the projectile and pulling it out. Almost immediately his vision began to blur, and his pace began to slow.

"What's wrong, big brother?!" Apple Bloom shouted. Everyone rushed to the front of the wagon.

"End of the line!" one of the griffons shouted.

"Nope" Big Mac replied, just as loudly. He rapidly shook his head and picked up the pace again. His head swam, but he ran through it.

"What in blazes?!" the griffons shouted in unison. "Tough son-of-a-pecker, ain't he?! Guess he'll need another shot. Reload!"

"Hold on tight," Big Mac said. He was slurring his words. "Ride might get a little bumpy!"

"Ready..." one of the griffons shouted.

"Aim..." said the other. They positioned their shots, keeping their iron sights just in front of the stallion's lumbering form. That is, until their vision was obscured and their lungs began to burn.

"Got 'em!

The escapees looked off to the side to see a small squadron of earth pony guards, operating two cannons. "Load more tear gas! We'll hit 'em with another canister then tie 'em up!" As they reloaded, the two griffons had begun their descent, coughing madly as they endured their hard landings.

"Get to safety!" one of the guards shouted as Big Macintosh continued to run.

"Much obliged!" the earth pony shouted, focusing the rest of his attention on trying to keep his now-rubbery legs from flying out from under him.

"Did you see what they did?!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

"That was awesome!" Scootaloo threw her hooves into the air.

"Woo-hoo!" Spike cheered. "That's what I'm talkin' about! Don't mess with the EUP guard and do not mess with Ponyville!" But the accolades died on their lips as the cannons, moments away from firing, suddenly exploded, sending the earth pony soldiers flying backward in a cloud of their own debilitating haze.

The diamond dogs could just barely be seen as the wagon got farther away, reloading their own weapons and turning to march away, apparently content with the damage they had caused. As the griffons recovered, several changelings swooped down and collected the incapacitated equine soldiers. Spike and the others turned away as they finally cleared the forest's edge.

"Um... hey!" Apple Bloom forced a smile. "At least nopony's following us now!"

"Those were the diamond dogs of the Big Deep," Granny Smith said. "Never thought I'd see the day when them and the griffon-folk would partner up with changelings to hurt us like this. What's the world comin' to?" She sighed and lowered her head as Big Macintosh galloped on.

***

Shining Armor finished barricading the outer-sanctum of the castle as Prince Blueblood paced nervously behind him.

"This is just dreadful," the prince said. "What are we going to do?! How did this even happen?!"

"Clarion Call," Shining Armor hissed, baring his teeth. "The Alicorn Amulet. He must have used it to activate every single teleportation mark he placed in Equestria at the same time. He dropped the enemy right on top of us. Even with an artifact like that, I wouldn't believe that was possible if I hadn't just seen it. The traitor!"

"What will we do?" Prince Blueblood asked.

"I... don't know." Shining Armor shook his head. "The bulk of our forces are at the borders, and I have to believe this attack is nation-wide. I can't even go out there and give orders because I need to protect our acting ruler!"

Blueblood gulped. "The EUP guard is strong. Surely they can handle this, even if they were caught by surprise, right?"

Shining sighed. "I don't know, your highness. I was prepared to assume control of our army, to fortify our borders, to spot any incursion from miles away, to personally direct the battle after I had made arrangements to place you under heavy guard. But... I wasn't prepared for this."

***

"Where do we stand?" Princess Cadence asked.

"The enemy flooded our streets before the Crystal Heart could be activated. The majority of our civilian population has been incapacitated, and half of the fallen have been removed by the changelings!" her advisor explained.

"So we have to rely on the bravery and might of our soldiers," Cadence replied. She rose from her throne and walked along the regal carpet. "They will not stand alone."

"Princess? Surely you're not thinking of—"

"My people need me," Cadence said.

"There must be another way!"

"Everypony is risking their lives to protect the Crystal Empire," Cadence replied, turning to face her advisor. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did any less!" She smiled warmly, and her advisor smiled back.

"Just be careful, your highness." the advisor said.

Cadence grinned. "Tell that to the changelings." With that, she took flight, blasted open the palace doors, and immediately joined the fight. A gust of wind greeted her. Carefully, she surveyed the battle. The pegasi and the griffons, each attempting to outmaneuver the other, circled back and forth, spears clashing. The clouds and wind currents bent to their movement.

The earth ponies and the diamond dogs unloaded their artillery at one-another, in most cases cancelling each other out for the moment. The unicorns were producing protective barriers where they were needed, shielding pegasi and earth ponies alike, not daring to use their magic offensively as their joint forces were still overwhelmed from the initial shock of the attack.

The changelings, on the other hand (the ones not carrying off unconscious citizenry), were maneuvering through the fray, searching for even the smallest of openings and blasting unicorn guardsmen into submission. Cadence knew that at this rate, their defenses would fail. She set her magic ablaze.

"I am the Princess of the Crystal Empire!" she announced, her voice echoing across the battlefield. "I do not wish to fight, but I will not allow you to harm those that I love!" A burst of magical energy brought her point home, the color of her aura cascading across the streets and sky. The might of her love sent a sizeable chunk of the enemy ground and air forces reeling, and even damaged some of their weaponry.

Her soldiers, emboldened by this display of power, continued their attack with renewed vigor. The unicorns, especially, were able to take advantage of the momentary lull in aggression to begin casting offensive spells of their own, knocking their changeling counterparts out of the sky.

Cadence, though winded from the effort, took off again, focusing her attacks on single enemies as she began blasting changelings out of the sky by the dozens. Her assault was cut short when she took a hit of her own and spiraled out of control. She recovered mere feet above the ground, and landed softly. Before her stood Queen Chrysalis herself.

"Hello again, Princess!" Chrysalis flashed the toothiest grin the princess had ever seen. "How is our dear Shining Armor?"

"I will say this once: surrender and you can leave with your subjects in peace," Cadence replied. "I've defeated you once before, and I'll do it again if I have to!"

Chrysalis cackled. "You don't have your boy-toy around to augment that pesky magic of yours this time!"

"I have the love of my subjects," Cadence said, taking a step forward.

"Not so different from me in that regard, are you?"

"You feed on a love that you could never understand," Cadence explained. Her magic flared up again, and she rose into the air. "I am strengthened by it. Not just by my subjects' love for me, but even moreso by my love for my subjects!"

"I will turn your love to despair, you insolent little upstart! Despair at your failure to save the ponies you love!" Chrysalis and Cadence loosed their energy upon one another. One aura crashing against another, the offensive magic expanded on itself, pushing both Cadence and Chrysalis backward. It was the sickly green glow that vanished, leaving Cadence's attack to burst forth unhindered. Chrysalis had already escaped its range, rising high into the air before diving toward her enemy.

"You're mine!" Chrysalis shouted. Reacting quickly, Cadence erected a protective bubble, which took the brunt of Chrysalis' heavy-handed attack, driving Cadence into the ground. This left Chrysalis momentarily stunned as Cadence dispensed with the shield and loosed another attack, this time hitting Chrysalis square in the face and sending her back into the air, screaming as she struggled to regain her composure. This small victory of Cadence's was overshadowed as the enemy forces began to gain ground once again in the battle at large.

***

"Upon you ponies, they won't lay an eye," Zecora said as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Spike, and Granny Smith disembarked Big Macintosh's wagon. "Nopony knows this forest better than I. In the unlikely event that they find my home, I know of many other safe places to roam."

"Well thank ya kindly, Ms. Zecora," Granny said. "It'll be a mite cramped in that hut, but hopefully we won't need to stay here long. Just 'till the EUP sorts this mess out."

"I hope that's soon," Spike said.

"Alright, y'all hold the fort," Big Macintosh said, turning away from Zecora's hut.

"Wait, what are you gonna do?" Spike asked.

"Goin' back to Ponyville," Big Mac said. "The stuff they hit me with's wearin' off."

"What are you gonna do there?" Scootaloo asked.

"After Twilight's future self showed up and predicted a disaster, Cheerilee an' I worked out a plan. She'd herd anypony she could over to y'all's clubhouse. I have to check and see if she's there."

"You can't, big brother!" Apple Bloom threw her forelegs around Macintosh's own. "You'll just get yourself caught! You saw what was goin' on!" Big Macintosh gently escaped his sister's grasp.

"I don't have time to argue." Without another word, he galloped off back toward the forest's edge.

"Granny!" Apple Bloom shouted.

"He's a grown stallion, young'n," Granny Smith said. "His mind's made up, ain't nothin' you or I could say to change that now." Apple Bloom lowered her head, as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle placed their hooves on her shoulders.

***

Cloudsdale's Weather Factory continued to churn out rainclouds and wind. "Enemies inbound from the west!" Spitfire shouted to her fellow fliers. Thus far, the pegasi guard and the Wonderbolts, under Spitfire's direction, had been able to repel the enemy, a combination of griffons, changelings, and diamond dogs aboard hot-air balloons, from Cloudsdale.

"Looks like they're focusing the bulk of their forces in a straight shot! Changelings up front, trying to punch through our defenses with magic! My group will take care of that! Soarin! Fleetfoot! Take your squadrons and take care of the remainder! On my mark!"

"Roger that!" the two pegasi replied. They led the troops under their respective commands away from the larger formation and began to fly in wide, circular patterns. Spitfire lead the remaining soldiers to the Weather Factory. Factory works had been herding the storm clouds into one large cluster, and as they cleared the area, Spitfire's squadron began to slink around it in a spiral pattern. Coiling around it, the were able to guide it away from the factory and with them toward the oncoming changelings.

"We're in range," Spitfire shouted. "Begin!" The formation changed, the coil the pegasi had formed around the massive dark cloud branched off into a straight line, flying up, away, downward, and toward the rear it. Spitfire, at the front of the line, spun around and kicked out with her hind legs, bucking the cloud with all her might. A surge of electricity shot through the cloud to the opposite end. Spitfire went into a free-fall before taking flight again several yards below.

Each pegasus followed suit, bucking the cloud one after another, while the electric energy continued to mass at the front of the cloud. As the last few soldiers in the line delivered their kicks, Spitfire, along with the nine other fliers that had been behind her, flew in together.

"Fire!" All ten of them kicked at the same time, completing the operation. The bolts of lightning that shot out were massive. The bulk of the Changelings were struck, their offensive magic negated as electricity surged through their bodies. The began to drop off, exposing the griffon soldiers that were behind them.

"Now!" Spitfire barked. Soarin's and Fleetfoot's squadrons were up as Spitfire's fell back. Behind them, the two massive cyclones they had created. They merged, expanded, and absorbed the massive storm cloud. The result was a spinning vortex of lightning and darkness, straight out of a nightmare. And it was heading for the enemy. Roughly a quarter of the invading troops managed to escape the monstrosity's range. The rest were sucked in. The griffons that had escaped flew around the tornado opposite of the rotation, giving it a wide berth. The wind slowing, those that had been sucked in were able to start making their escape, feathers and outer shells charred, but still able to fly.

"One more tornado will finish 'em off!" Spitfire declared. "Let's end this and get Cloudsdale moving. We'll clear the enemy out one city at a time!" What sounded like a lion's roar announced the oncoming blur that shot through the crowd. The Wonderbolts and soldiers gasped at the sight. King J'aggerdov gripped a dazed Soarin by the neck.

"Soarin!" Fleetfoot shouted. She darted in.

"Fleetfoot, stop!" Spitfire commanded. But it was too late. J'aggerdov constricted his tail around her and whipped her away. He turned his attention back to Soarin.

"I won't kill you," J'aggerdov said, "but your meteorological warfare ends now."

"Let my friend go!" Spitfire hissed.

"Very well." He threw Soarin into the group, several of which were knocked back while catching him.

Spitfire scowled. "How did you get past our defenses?"

"I bore through them," J'aggerdov replied. His massive form and obvious speed were enough to convince Spitfire that this was, indeed, what had happened. "I daresay my men could learn a thing or two from you. You're small in number, but the power you wield is impressive. But, it's useless against me. I've weathered storms a thousand times harsher. Now let's see if you lot can weather me."

With another roar, J'aggerdov dove in to strike. Balling his razor-sharp talons into fists, he pummeled them, even as they tried to fight back. As strong as the pegasi were at range, most of them fell immediately to J'aggerdov's brute strength. His soldiers were now waiting below, catching the fallen and passing them off to the changelings. The army at large had recovered and was advancing on Cloudsdale once again.

***

Big Macintosh had managed to reach the clubhouse without incident. From what little he saw as he snuck along the edge of town, the EUP guard seemed to be losing the struggle. Unhitching his wagon, he ascended the staircase and gently tapped on the door. "Shave, and a haircut," he whispered as he tapped in rhythm. After a moment of silence, two taps from the other side of the door answered him. The door opened a crack, revealing a relieved looking Cheerilee.

"I knew you'd come for us," she said. Macintosh peered past her and saw several of his younger sister's classmates, Snips, Snails, Rumble, Featherweight, and Twist cowering behind her.

"Nopony else made it," Cheerilee said, bowing her head. "It was awful, Big Mac! They came out of nowhere! I was in the schoolhouse grading papers, the kids ran there. They were snatching up ponies left and right, carrying them off to who-knows-where! I saw the Cakes get dragged away, even the babies!" She was on the verge of tears. "The Royal Army showed up but I just don't know..."

"Hush now." Big Macintosh placed a hoof on her shoulder and tried to offer a reassuring smile. "I'm gonna take y'all someplace safe." Cheerilee sniffed, then nodded.

"'fraid not," came a gruff voice from behind them. Macintosh turned to see a tiny dog, puffing on a cigar. Sitting atop a set of metallic arms and legs.

"Who're you?" the stallion asked.

"Name's Mahugpin," the pug replied, nodding his head. "Alpha Dog of the Big Deep, cub of the swamp-dwellers from the Old Days." Macintosh tilted his head. "Guess that ain't gonna mean anything to ya. You might say I'm the leader of this here... intrusion."

"That so?" Macintosh leapt off the clubhouse steps and hit the ground. He stomped forward. "Then we got a problem. This is our home, and y'all got no business doin' whatever it is you're doin'!"

"You're him," Mahugpin said.

"I'm who?"

"The guy a couple of griffon soldiers were talkin' about, said a red stallion with a wagon took a hit from one of my tranquilizer guns and just kept on runnin'." He sized Big Macintosh up. "Seein' ya now, I can believe it. Big fella, and a fire in your eyes to boot. Had to see for myself, my posse has things in town under control, so I went and got your scent. Can't let you pony folk roam free, too dangerous for ya now."

"Why are you doing this?!" Cheerilee shouted from the doorway.

"All you folks need to know is you'll be a might better off where I'm takin' ya." Mahugpin's machine took a step forward. The ground shook at the impact.

"Cheerilee," Big Macintosh called out, "hitch the wagon to yourself, get the fillies and colts, and head for the forest. I'll catch up as soon as I can." He cracked his knees and widened his stance.

"But—"

"Now!" Macintosh snapped.

"It's like I said." Mahugpin took another thundering step forward. "This can go real easy, or not. One way or another, y'all are comin' with me." Macintosh charged. "Don't say I didn't warn ya." The Squatter hunched down and swung its arm, swatting Big Macintosh in the side and sending him to the ground.

"Please, stop!" Cheerilee shouted.

"He'll be fine, ma'am," Mahugpin said, giving her a polite nod. "I wish it didn't have to be this way, I truly do, but in a little while y'all won't have to worry about none of this. It's over."

"Like horse-apples it's over!" Macintosh grunted as he stood up. "If that little love-tap is the best that doohickey can manage, you best shove off now!"

"If that don't beat all..." Mahugpin let out a long whistle. "Gotta say, I like you pony-folk a heck of a lot more than the birdcats and the bugs. How in tarnation am I gonna deal with you..." His train of thought was interrupted as Big Macintosh charged in again.

And again, Mahugpin swatted at him, but this time, Macintosh leapt clear over the swinging appendage, pressing his fore hooves against the Squatter's chest area, inches below where Mahugpin was seated. Kicking off, he landed in front of the thing. He spun and bucked. A direct hit. The Squatter was stumbling backward, almost as rattled as Mahugpin himself.

Mahugpin yipped, focusing on his console as he frantically tried to stabilize his vehicle. Sparing a moment to look up, he saw Big Macintosh again, but didn't have time to react. The stallion slammed his shoulder into the Squatter, sending it tumbling to the ground.

"Now to get you outta that thing!" He leapt upon the fallen machine. Unfortunately,he felt a sharp pain in his stomach and his vision doubled as the Squatter's foot found its mark. The thing sat up, and took a swing, punching Macintosh squarely in the jaw and sending him to the ground.

Both combatants staggered to their feet. Big Macintosh spat out a drop of blood and braced himself.

"You earth ponies ain't nothin' to sniff at. I was tryin' to make this as painless as possible," Mahugpin said. "Ain't interested in beating on ya, but if I'm gonna end this, it'll have to hurt." The Squatter's hands opened, and a visible electric current began to run through them. "You're strong, but you ain't gonna win this."

"I know." Big Macintosh grimaced. "But I gotta protect my kin."

"Me too." With one final charge, the Squatter's palm found Macintosh's muzzle, sending a shockwave through his body that left him convulsing on the ground. Cheerilee screamed. After a few moments, the stallion's pained expression relaxed, and he started struggling to stand.

"Gone up against hundreds of monsters with this thing," Mahugpin said. Macintosh cringed as he felt each step toward him shake the ground. Try as he might, he knew he wouldn't be able to stand up in time. "And not one of them put up half as good a fight as you. Still, there was no way you coulda taken me." He readied his palm for another paralyzing strike, and his gaze drifted upward. He stopped dead in his tracks.

He had seen Cheerilee before, but now she was joined by her young students, all of whom were scowling at him, tears in their eyes. Behind them... stood Fluttershy and Rarity, just for a moment. He quickly rubbed his eyes, and they were gone. His stomach ached, and he felt a lump form in the back of his throat.

The charge left his palm, and his arm lowered. He averted his gaze. "Go."

"What?" Macintosh whispered, his voice hoarse.

"Just what I said, git! Before I change my mind!" Mahugpin pointed his small paw at the wagon. Macintosh, now standing, eyed the canine engineer warily before cautiously nodding to Cheerilee. Mahugpin stood there, motionless, avoiding any eye contact while Macintosh hitched himself to the wagon and the other ponies climbed aboard.

He shot Mahugpin one final, confused glance, and off they went, headed for the Everfree Forest. Mahugpin maintained his strange vigil for several minutes after that, clenching his jaw with every sound he heard from the battle raging in town and taking a periodic drag on his cigar.

***

Cadence slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was the trench she had carved with her own body. The light from the setting sun allowed her to see little else. Her ears rang, her nose bled, and a thin trail of smoke flittered up from her ash-covered horn. As Chrysalis approached her with that wicked grin, that palpable satisfaction, she could only manage to say, "How!"

"I would think that would be obvious, Princess," Chrysalis replied. "It is as you said, the love of your people is strong. My changelings have been hard at work harvesting them, and they've wasted no time in filling our pods— you remember those from the day we stormed Canterlot, do you not? Not just your citizenry, but the citizenry of all of Equestria that fell to the first wave of our attack!"

"You've already gained power from them?" Cadence asked, meekly.

"But of course!" Chrysalis licked her lips. "Those pods, no matter how far away from the Great Hive they may be, are directed to draw power from their captives and send it to us. We've been getting stronger as the day went on, and you didn't even notice!" She laughed. "As such, the Crystal Empire is nearly won. My vengeance is complete. I look forward to the power that your love will grant me." She clicked her tongue twice, and a pair of changelings descended, lifting Cadence by her forelegs.

"You..." the fallen princess said.

"You hate me, don't you?" Chrysalis rolled her eyes.

"I pity you!" Cadence said. Her breath was labored, but there was a sincerity in her voice that even Chrysalis could not deny.

"You what?" This was not a response she had been expecting.

"You seek power for power's sake, and you don't even understand the connection you're getting it from. You don't even understand the bond you share with your own people. If only you could..." Her head began to droop, but she fought to maintain eye contact with the changeling queen.

"If you keep going on like this, you'll just go after your allies next, then the rest of the world, and maybe even your own subjects in the end. You'll take and take until there's nothing left, and then you'll be alone. All that power will be worthless, and you'll wonder why you feel so empty." Cadence began to cough.

"I've heard enough!" Chrysalis bared her teeth. "Process her!"

"Love, friendship..." Cadence muttered as she was taken away. "Stay strong, Shining Armor... Twilight will save us..."

"Feeding off my own subjects," Chrysalis mused, scoffing at the very notion. "What nerve." She turned to survey the concluding battle as the last lines of the Crystal Empire's defense began to fail. "I suppose I must give her credit, even in defeat she's managed to sour my mood."

***

All Spitfire could do was hang there. Despite her best efforts to outmaneuver the griffon king, he still caught her in the end, clutching her by her uniform, leering down at her. The rest of her squadron had already fallen, and the invading army had advanced on Cloudsdale once again.

"Your capture was inevitable," J'aggerdov said. "Still, you have impressed me. All of you. As the changelings lower you into your prison, know that King J'aggerdov considers you a worthy foe."

Spitfire uttered her response before losing consciousness, "Suck my backdraft..."

J'aggerdov grinned. "Defiant to the end." He unceremoniously handed her off to a waiting changeling soldier.

"Nightfall," he noted. "The time to converge on the palace is at hand."

Ponyville, Cloudsdale, the Crystal Empire, even Canterlot. One after another, cities and towns fell. Appleloosa, Van Hoover, Las Pegasus, Manehattan. One by one, each and every settlement was secured by the enemy. The battle turned to clean-up, to harvest.

The changelings gathered their food. Diamond dogs took to the roads, while the griffons flew into the wilderness, searching for any who might have lived outside of the cities and towns, anyone who might have been travelling at the time, and anyone who thought they could escape.

Equestria had all but fallen, there was just one last formality before the kingdom was theirs. Mahugpin, Chrysalis, and J'aggerdov were all in-bound for Canterlot Palace.

***

"What is it, Zecora?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Since the others came back, I've felt less tense." She sniffed the air. "An eerie calm I'm beginning to sense."

"That's good, right?" Snips chimed in.

"Yeah, that means the fighting might be over, eh?" Snails added.

"Over, yes," Zecora replied. "But as to the victor, I'm afraid to guess."

"It's not fair!" Sweetie Belle shouted, kicking at the ground. "If our sisters were here..."

"I know, Sweetie." Cheerilee placed a hoof on the filly's shoulder. "But they're not."

"So what do we do?" Scootaloo asked. "What can we do?"

"We bide our time, for now we sit." Zecora looked toward the direction of Ponyville. "We're all here, and we're free. There must be a reason for it."

***

BANG!

The massive doors to the throne room shook again.

"That won't hold them for much longer, your highness," Shining Armor said. "I think you should retreat."

"Retreat? We don't even know what it's like out there!" Prince Blueblood began to pant. Another crash against the doors. This time, the hinges gave.

"This is it!" Shining shouted, charging his horn for attack. Suddenly, Clarion Call teleported in and the assault on the doors ceased.

"Nah, I could've come in at any time," he said. "I just felt like screwing with ya! Good to see you, Shining! How are things?"

"Clarion?" Shining gasped. He was unprepared for the alicorn whose wings now spread before him.

"You like?" Clarion grinned. "Finally got a promotion of my own, straight up the pecking order past the princesses. Speaking of which, you're under arrest, yadda yadda."

Prince Blueblood shouted from behind his throne. "How could you do this, you brute?! We are your people!"

"Oh man, don't tell me!" Clarion stifled himself. "Is that Blueblood?!" He burst out laughing.

"I am Equestria's acting ruler!" he shouted. Clarion's laughter only intensified.

"Dude, Shining, have you been putting up with this guy all day? I do not envy you!" Clarion wiped a tear from his eye. "Anyway, the rest of Equestria is conquered, you guys are the only hold-outs. I'm sure you put up a good fight or whatever, but it's time to get with the program. Lay down your— erm... horns, and we'll take a walk."

"You think you can treat me like some kind of joke and then order me to hand over my throne?!" Prince Blueblood came out from behind the throne.

"Your highness, stay back!" Shining Armor shouted.

"Yeah, it's not safe over here!" Clarion shouted. Shining shot Clarion a glare. "But seriously, yes, I can order you to do whatever I want. Did you not see the wings? Did you not see this amulet? I'm an alicorn, pal, I can do whatever I—" A chunk of ice cracked across Clarion's face, sending him reeling. Shining Armor frantically searched for the source.

"Okay..." Clarion rubbed the side of his head, a visible bruise now covering the area. "Who threw that? And is it getting chilly in here?" Shining felt it too, the sudden drop in the temperature, and the hint of... a breeze? In the throne room? Both sets of eyes turned to behold Prince Blueblood. His eyes were aglow, the color matching the piercing blue aura that surrounded his horn.

"I am Prince Blueblood," he said. "Descendant of Starswirl the Bearded himself, adopted as a brother by the alicorn princesses because of his prodigious magic! Despair as my all-consuming frost envelopes you!"

"No freaking way..." Clarion gasped as the prince generated a snowstorm.

Shining Armor grinned. "Yeah, I didn't see that one coming either."

"Keep to the center of the room, Shining Armor!" Blueblood shouted.

"Okay, you may have this whole... snow thing going on... but— Blueblood! Now I get it!" Clarion Call shouted over the storm. "So I guess you have all this authority for a reason, but I have the alicorn amu—OW!" A large chunk of hail pelted his face. "I have the alicorn—OOF!" Another. "I HAVE—SONOFA—" A third piece made contact. "QUIT IT!" His horn ignited, but before he could teleport, he was pelted again by three consecutive pieces of hail, breaking his concentration and preventing him from casting.

"Having trouble focusing?" Blueblood shouted over the storm.

Clarion Call shook his hoof at his assailant. "ONLY A LITTLE!"

"More than a little if you haven't even noticed what's happening to you!"

"What are you even— wuh-oh!" Clarion had finally noticed the layers of ice forming around the left side of his body. He tried to move, but it was too late. What little wiggle-room he had left was quickly vanishing. "Guys?" The ice increased in its thickness as it quickly enveloped the rest of his body. His mouth was the last part of him to be covered. "CAN WE TALK ABOUT THIS OR MMMMMM—" With Clarion frozen, the storm died down, and Blueblood fell to the floor.

"Your highness!" Shining Armor ran to the fallen ruler. "That was amazing!"

"Thank you, but it is exhausting." Blueblood breathed heavily. "If what he said was true, we've already lost." Before Shining could respond, the palace doors flew off their hinges. In the doorway stood three figures. Chrysalis, Shining Armor recognized. The massive griffon, he assumed, was King J'aggerdov, and based on that he surmised that the third member, seated atop his strange contraption, was leading the diamond dogs.

"We've come for Equestria's acting ruler. We've overthrown your army, so you may as well surrender." J'aggerdov said.

"A formality, rest assured." Chrysalis grinned. "Is that you over there, dear Shining Armor? How have you been since we split up? Lonelier now, I'd imagine, now that I have your wife!" Shining Armor growled.

"Look, surrender and neither of ya will be harmed. It's been a long day, so make this easy for all of us. Is that snow on the floor?" Mahugpin's Squatter squished the melting snow beneath his feet.

"I'm more interested in the décor," Chrysalis said, looking the frozen Clarion Call up and down. "I like him better this way."

"Run," Prince Blueblood whispered.

"What?!"

"Save yourself! You know where the escape-tunnels are."

"Prince Blueblood, you know I can't—"

"I am your acting ruler!" the prince hissed. "I've also already contributed the only worthwhile thing I ever could to this fight! You need to escape, you're the only one who can truly lead whatever is left of our nation. Please, I'm begging you. If my aunts were here, you know they would say the same! If your wife were here, you know she would say the same!"

Shining exhaled deeply, and whispered, "You're half-right, your highness. Escape is the only option. But either we both leave, or neither of us do."

Blueblood thought for a moment, then nodded. "If you think you can manage it." Shining Armor helped him to his hooves. "It's meant for teleporters. There's a small opening behind the throne, the tunnel is below. It should give you a suitable target."

"Understood." Shining Armor's horn ignited.

"Whatever you're planning, it ends now!" J'aggerdov shouted as he rocketed toward them. In a flash, Shining Armor and Prince Blueblood disappeared. J'aggerdov swung at nothing, demolishing the throne and a good chunk of the solid ground. Fortunately, he did not expose the tunnel.

"They're gone!" Chrysalis shouted.

"Quick little buggers," Mahugpin said. "Guess we'd better break ol' Clarion out and see if he knows where they went."

"I know where they went." Chrysalis grinned. "Don't forget, I lived here for a short time. I'm well aware of the palace's escape-tunnels."

***

Shining Armor and Prince Blueblood had already gone through several jumps. The tunnels were layered on top of one-another, and side-by-side, accessible via teleportation through small openings illuminated by single torches. Most of them lead to dead ends, and the correct path was known only to few. "I am glad you talked me into coming along," Blueblood said as they slowly made their way through the dimly lit hallways. "I forgot how complicated these things were, you might not have been able to navigate them on your own."

"You're right about that. I've studied the layout before, but I'm not my sister. I barely recall it now." A rumble above them caused them to quicken their pace.

"Sounds like they entered the tunnels," Blueblood noted.

"Of course," Shining Armor smacked his forehead. "Chrysalis was living here disguised as my wife while Canterlot was in a state of emergency, we told her all about the tunnels!"

"Down there." Blueblood gestured toward another small opening. Shining Armor nodded, and teleported them down another level. "Through that wall." They teleported through another small opening, into an adjacent tunnel. "Up one level." Again, the switched.

"At least we have a head start on them," Shining said. A series of crashing sounds told the escapees that the three leaders were descending further into the tunnels, but seemed to be moving away from their position.

"Wait."

"What's wrong?" Shining asked.

"It wasn't me..." Blueblood whispered. A nearby torch went out.

"Work like a soul inspired, till the battle of the day is won."

"I can't see any openings, Blueblood," Shining whispered. "Where do we go from here?"

"I'm not sure, I need to be able to see! And what is that voice?! Is it singing?!"

"Who's here?!" Shining Armor lit his horn, illuminating the chamber.

"You may be sick and tired."

"Show yourself!" Shining was beginning to panic.

"But you'll be a man, my son."

"Come out now and you won't be harmed!" he yelled in vain. Chilling laughter was his only response. Cracks began to appear in the walls, ceiling, and floors, coming from somewhere just beyond Shining Armor's field of vision.

"Will you remember the famous men who had to fall just to rise again?"

"Shining, keep your voice down!" Blueblood whispered harshly. "The enemy will hear us!" A piercing shriek filled their ears. A sudden onslaught of invisible force sent them hurtling into the wall behind them.

Surrounded by darkness again, and not yet recovered from the impact, Shining Armor strained his eyes. Approaching him now was a pair of pale, glowing eyes, featureless. Below that, the faint glint of a smile.

"So take a deep breath," The figure drew in closer.

"Pick yourself up," The outline of a tall, thin predator could now be seen.

"Dust yourself off," It now stood over them.

"And start all over, again..."

"Get back!" Shining Armor shouted, powering through his fear and unleashing a powerful burst of magic toward the eldritch horror that assailed them. No sooner had he loosed than he suddenly found it turning against him, hitting him full force and shattering the wall. Shining lay among the rubble, and he could hear the approaching footsteps. He knew Blueblood was nearby, but he felt completely alone. He could feel the vibrations in the ground as the other three moved toward his position.

"What..." Shining struggled to sit up. "What are you?"

"A step too far."

Shining Armor lost consciousness.

***

Outside of the palace, under the light of the full moon, the leaders gathered, having sent Shining Armor and Prince Blueblood off to be processed.

"I declare our first invasion a success!" Clarion Call said. He was still shivering.

"Now you're sure they're happy in them pods," Maugpin said, turning to Chrysalis.

The changeling queen rolled her eyes. "Of course they are, we wouldn't be able to feed off of their love if they weren't being properly stimulated to feel that emotion, now would we?" Mahugpin shuddered. "And speaking of," she focused her attention on Clarion and whistled sharply. Four changelings flew down to meet them. "Time for you to hand them over."

"Fair enough. Just be sure to get 'em where they're going quick." Clarion's horn lit up, and a second later the unconscious forms of Celestia and Luna appeared before him, in the exact same state they were in when he sent them away before. As the changelings lifted the alicorn princesses into the air, Celestia began to stir.

"Wait..." she mumbled. "Delacroix..." Responding to his name, Delacroix exited the palace and approached Celestia. He folded his hands politely behind his back and leaned in, giving her his undivided attention.

She groaned. "It doesn't have to be this way..." She glared at him through drooping eyelids. "You're wrong... about your purpose..."

Delacroix smiled at her. "We'll see." She passed out while trying to speak again. The changelings flew away with the royal sisters in tow.

"Congratulations on your conquest." Delacroix addressed his co-conspirators. "The time has come for me to take my leave."

"I take it that means you've decided which city you want to yourself?" J'aggerdov asked.

"Indeed I have. I have chosen Cloudsdale as a suitable home," Delacroix said.

"Cloudsdale?" J'aggerdov and Mahugpin said in unison.

"That's a good way to fall to your death, dontcha think?" the canine engineer said.

"Nah," Clarion said, "Delacroix, here, can walk on clouds. I've seen him do it."

"Be that as it may, I must ask why you've chosen Cloudsdale," J'aggerdov said.

"The arrangement was that I would claim a city for myself with no questions asked, was it not?" Delacroix said.

"I suppose that's true," J'aggerdov said. "Very well, it isn't as though we have any use for it."

"Cool. You ready to go, boss?" Clarion asked, approaching Delacroix.

"Yes." He addressed the others one final time. "Enjoy your spoils. I don't expect you will see me again." He smiled, and Mahugpin averted his eyes.

"Please do look into getting those fixed," Chrysalis said, staring at his teeth.

"You were true to your word and facilitated this entire venture as you promised," J'aggerdov said. "Know that your role in our conquest is appreciated."

"Not fully," was all Delacroix said before he vanished with Clarion Call.

"Such an odd fellow," J'aggerdov said, musing. "Very well, then. Time to hammer out the final details. The coming days will be very busy, indeed."

And so it was decided that, to his chagrin, Mahugpin would send only a small group of diamond dogs to Equestria for the time being, their purpose being to grow enough crops to pull the Griffon Kingdom out of its state of emergency and end its famine, at which time the griffons would help the dogs migrate to Equestria en masse.

The changelings would remain, only for a few months as Chrysalis assured them, to make sure that all of Equestria's inhabitants were captured. Clarion Call, upon returning to the palace shortly after transporting Delacroix, seemingly asked for little: full and solitary access to the Canterlot Archives, specifically the Starswirl the Bearded wing.

"That snowball-chucking man-child totally kicked my butt," he said, "so I'm gonna learn a few new tricks and see how high this amulet can really take me."

Once the details were finalized, Mahugpin, Chrysalis, and J'aggerdov departed to relay instructions to their armies. Cloudsdale slowly began to drift, moving to the west, until it eventually vanished on the horizon. Clarion Call looked up at the palace one last time. His thoughts drifted to the princesses he had once sworn to protect as a member of the Royal Guard. To Shining Armor, and other former comrades he had known.

To the ponies he had met over the course of his life; his friends, his enemies, and his own parents, all of them doomed to spend the rest of their lives in fantasies. Severed from reality, slowly being consumed by their enemies, never again knowing what it meant to be free. Clarion Call shrugged. "Easy come, easy go," he said. He trotted toward the Archives, a visible spring in his step, absent-mindedly humming the song he had heard Delacroix sing several times before.

Author's Notes:

Huge thanks to Bad_Seed_72 for pre-reading this chapter!

"Pick Yourself Up" was written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields

Chapter Fifteen - Monsters

Fluttershy looked up at Haggert as they walked through the swamp. "So, are there a lot of you living up here?"

Haggert tapped his chin and gazed upward. "Yes and no," he said.

"I'm not sure I follow," Rarity said, looking at him quizzically.

"Well," he said, "yes there are a lot of dogs living up here, but no, not many from the Big Deep."

"I'm not sure I follow!" Reginald called out from up ahead. He walked alongside a silent Greyjaw, and both of their hands were bound behind their backs.

One of their guards shoved Reginald several inches forward. "No talking, prisoner!"

"Animal," Reginald whispered, turning his nose up.

"Yeah, we didn't know this at first either," Haggert said loudly enough for Reginald and Greyjaw to hear. "See, crooks get sent up here all the time; exiled, right? At that point it's basically a game of how long you can survive before getting ate." Rarity and Fluttershy exchanged nervous glances and took a cautious look at their surroundings.

"Most don't make it past a year," Haggert said. "The eight of us, well, we're strong, and we're cautious. We sleep in the trees at night and watch the ground in shifts."

"Does that mean the werewolves can't climb?" Fluttershy said. Her wings twitched.

"They can," Haggert said, "but not very well. They're so slow about it that it makes 'em ridiculously easy targets. It's weird, I know, that they can tunnel through solid rock with no problem but can't climb trees worth a sniff. But then, nothing about them makes a lick of sense, so we don't question it." He shrugged.

"So you've survived by staying off the ground," Rarity said. "Most impressive!" Greyjaw scoffed.

"Well thanks!" Haggert said. "You play your cards right, I just might find some other ways to impress you, gorgeous!" He blew her a kiss and winked.

Rarity forced a laugh. "Goodness," she said, giving a playful wave of her hoof, "a hero and a flirt!"

"You know it," he said. "Still, turns out we weren't the first to have that idea."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "No?"

"Nope. Turns out, all those hundreds of years ago when the dogs went underground, some of 'em climbed trees. There are entire treetop villages surviving here in the swamp." Reginald gasped, but quickly became silent at a glare from the guard that had previously shoved him.

"Yep, you heard right," Haggert said. "Folks are living underneath, and folks are living above. Crazy, huh?"

"You're full of it," Greyjaw said. Even so, his eyes wandered the treetops suspiciously.

Another guard shoved him. "We said no talking!"

"I'm gonna kill you first, Jack," Greyjaw said, glancing over his shoulder. Jack scoffed, but said nothing.

"I wouldn't have believed it either," Haggert said. "We found 'em by accident. Looking for shelter one night, found a ton of really tall trees close together, looked up and saw a bunch of huts made from wood and straw built around the bark, connected by a bunch of rope bridges."

"Goodness!" Rarity said. "Did they speak to you?"

"Yep," Haggert said. "We told 'em we were from down below, looking for a safe place to sleep. They tossed us these bows and arrows and told us to scram, said they didn't trust nobody that lived below tree-level. Their archers had eyes on us the whole time, so we didn't argue. Passed under a few other villages after that, didn't even try to talk to any of them."

"I see," Rarity said. "I suppose I can understand that. I doubt the lycanthropes have made their lives any easier than they have yours."

"True enough," Haggert said. "Anyway, you don't look like you'd be too good at climbing, so we're gonna take shelter here." They stopped in front of a large cave.

"Mister Haggert?" Fluttershy said, a frown on her face. "That doesn't exactly seem... safe."

"Don't worry about it," Haggert said. "We'll all keep our backs to the wall, the boys and I will guard in shifts, and we'll sit the hostages at the mouth, so if trouble does come around, their screams will alert us." Fluttershy, Rarity, and Reginald gulped. Greyjaw actually smirked.

***

The magic in Rarity's horn died down as the guards watching Greyjaw and Reginald slumped over, snoring loudly.

"That was beautiful, Rarity!" Fluttershy said in a whisper. "But where did that music come from?"

"Don't you remember?" Rarity grinned. "I learned that trick watching Twilight soothe the Ursa Minor back in Ponyville."

"Oh, yeah!" Fluttershy said. "Gosh, that seems like forever ago..."

"I know." Rarity frowned. She wrapped her foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulders and gave her a quick squeeze. "And we'll get back there again, but first thing's first!" They tip-toed carefully toward Reginald and Greyjaw, who had both fallen asleep from Rarity's lullaby as well. The ponies gently shook them awake.

"What's going on?" Reginald said, looking behind them at the sleeping pack.

"We're leaving," Rarity whispered, enveloping Reginald's bindings in her magic.

"Don't be stupid," Greyjaw said. "We leave now, they'll just follow our scent, and kill us all. I don't care what happens to any of you, but I plan on living through this, so go back into the cave and go to sleep."

"Now Greyjaw," Rarity said, "you know very well that you do care, at least a little." She flashed him a wide smile.

"After all, you've saved us twice now!" Fluttershy said.

Greyjaw sneered. "I was following orders. And I don't care about the dogs giving me those either."

"But what about Haggert?" Rarity said, raising an eyebrow. "He dislikes you because you refused to betray Mahugpin! Surely you must care about him, at least?"

"You think that was out of loyalty?" Greyjaw said. "I follow Mahugpin because he controls the muscle in the Deep. If he got taken out, especially by someone like Haggert, everything would just fall apart."

"So it's the civilians you fight for?" Reginald asked, raising his brow.

"Weren't you listening?" Greyjaw said. "Working for Mahugpin means I've got a bunch of Wolf-Class fighters watching my back. The more people I surround myself with, the less chance I get eaten by a werewolf."

He turned to Fluttershy. "So there you have it. I don't care about any of you, I don't care about any of them. You're all a means to survive. And when the time comes, I'll make my own escape, drag your sorry butts back underground, and you all can do whatever you want after that. Now shut up and go back to sleep!" Fluttershy and Rarity lowered their heads and sighed.

Reginald quietly cleared his throat. "I, for one, appreciate the gesture, ladies. However, my uncouth colleague—" he shot Greyjaw a glare before saying, "is right about one thing: If we run now, they'll find us, and you two will be in danger. I get the feeling Haggert is the fickle sort, so best not to take advantage of his hospitality for now. Have patience. We will find a way out of this."

"I appreciate your civility, especially after that rather rude outburst—" Rarity glared at Greyjaw as well before continuing, "but I'm fairly confident that between the four of us, we can outwit those ruffians and make it safely into the Big Deep." Her magic enveloped Reginald's bindings again. Fluttershy bit into Greyjaw's as well.

Greyjaw jolted his shoulder into Fluttershy's face, sending her stumbling backward. "Knock it off!" She emitted a faint squeal.

"Now see here!" Reginald whispered, a scowl on his face. "These ponies are risking everything to help us! There is no need for such behavior!"

"That's right," Fluttershy said, nodding emphatically. "No matter what, we're going to help you. I know that deep down, you're a good doggy, like Reginald!"

Greyjaw grinned. "Like Reginald, eh?"

"Perhaps not as refined," Rarity said, "but Fluttershy, here, is a wonderful judge of character. So, if she says you're good, then I believe it!" They both smiled.

"I wonder..." Greyjaw whispered. "Whadaya say, Reggie? Since we're all such good pals now, what's say we let 'em in on our little secret."

"Greyjaw!" Reginald hissed.

"What is he talking about, Reginald?" Rarity asked.

"We were never going to use you two to ask your princess for help," Greyjaw said. A wide, toothy grin spread across his face. He now had their undivided attention.

Reginald whimpered. "Greyjaw, please..."

"It's fine, Reggie," he said. "It's too late for them to do anything about it anyway, so why not tell 'em?"

"I don't..." Reginald bowed his head as Rarity and Fluttershy listened intently.

Greyjaw chuckled. "Oh, I get it! You don't want them to see just how 'good' you really are!"

"Wait..." Fluttershy said. "What is this about?"

Greyjaw looked her dead in the eyes. "Mahugpin had me swipe you two so the Elements of Harmony couldn't be used to protect Equestria from us!" A pair of equine jaws dropped.

"That's right, ladies, you've been had!" Greyjaw said.

When silence followed, he continued speaking. "But it gets even better. See, it isn't just us. We're working with the griffons and your old pals, the changelings. Twilight Sparkle," Rarity's and Fluttershy's faces grew pale at the mention of their friend's name. "Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash? All taken. They've all been handed over as food to the changeling queen, and Mahugpin was gonna do the same to you!"

"That's a lie!" Reginald hissed. He turned to Rarity. "Miss Rarity, Miss Fluttershy, I can assure you that Mahugpin had no intention of handing either of you over to Queen Chrysalis!"

"But the rest is true...?" Rarity spoke in a meek, quivering voice, looking at the ground. "Fluttershy sensed you all were lying to us about something, but I... we... trusted you anyway..." Her eyes met Reginald's, and the canine gasped. There was a fire in them that stung him to his very core.

"We trusted you, worried about you, risked our lives to help you, and for what?!"

Fluttershy placed a hoof on Rarity's shoulder to calm her down. "You said it was so the Elements of Harmony couldn't be used," she said, keeping her voice even for the moment. "Why?"

"I'm so glad you asked!" Greyjaw said. "All three countries were planning to invade yours, and I'm guessing that by now, they have. Every single pony you've ever known is probably being sucked dry by changelings at this very second, and us diamond dogs are claiming your land for our own."

"That's not possible," Rarity said. She lost her composure and began to hyperventilate. "We have an army, we have magic, we have..."

"And we have Clarion Call," Greyjaw said. "The unicorn that brought you here? Yeah, he got his hands on the Alicorn Amulet. You've heard of it, right? Long story short, his goal was to scrape together enough power to teleport the entire invading army right on top of your friends' heads. Trust me, I saw the invasion plans myself. Your home is ours by now."

Rarity sank to her haunches. "Sweetie Belle... mother and father... Spike..."

"You know what? I've changed my mind!" Greyjaw said with feigned enthusiasm. "Let's run off together. Huh, buddies?" He looked at Fluttershy again, and the smile died on his lips. Her pupils had shrunk, the corners of her mouth sloped downward, and her face was pale. She was leaning away from him, with one hoof raised, as if even the air around him were toxic.

"That's it," Greyjaw said, a more serious tone in his voice. "That's the look. Same one my parents gave me when they found out I'd been marked. Same one they all gave me. I knew I'd see it on you eventually." Reginald stared straight down at the ground, having long-since given up on trying to say anything to ease the tension.

"Well, now!" a voice shouted from behind them. "Gotta hand it to ol' Mahugpin, didn't think he had the stones for that kind of game!" Haggert walked toward them. "Ya see, gals?" he said to Fluttershy and Rarity, "it's like I said, the Deepers ain't no good. Don't worry though, you're with us now. May not have a home to go back to, but we'll figure something out. Get some rest, I'll guard these two for the rest of the night."

Fluttershy and Rarity silently gazed at Greyjaw and Reginald, who quietly looked back at them. With a slight shake of their heads, they turned and walked back into the rear of the cave. Tears ran down Reginald's face.

"They can't trust you, Reggie," Greyjaw said, staring straight ahead. "And you can't trust anyone. For all their talk about friendship and love, I guarantee you those girls would like nothing more than to see us both dead."

"You're a monster." Reginald said, choking on the word. "And so am I! What have we done?!"

Greyjaw nodded. "We're all monsters, and we're all on our own. The sooner you make your peace with that, the better." Fluttershy and Rarity spent the rest of the night laying on their sides, facing the cave wall in total silence. But neither of them got a moment of sleep.

Chapter Sixteen - Nighling

Twilight violently shook her head. Her horn's magical aura, which had been growing dim, flickered back to life. Sweat oozed from her every pour, and her head ached. "I know ya don't wanna hear this," Applejack said, "but I think you're reachin' your limit, Twi."

Twilight muttered something, and it wasn't until she repeated herself for the third time that Applejack realized what she was saying. "I can do this!" They had been walking for almost a day, and in all that time, they hadn't come across a single animal suitable to house Sieness' mind. Twlight's steps were now labored, but she refused Applejack's offer to carry her again.

"Sieness told me that something dangerous lives in the forest," she said. "If we're attacked, we'll both need to be on our feet."

Applejack shook her head. "You can barely walk, let alone run."

"At least I won't weigh you down."

Applejack grimaced. "If you think I'd leave anypony in danger, you're even more out of it than I thought."

"I—" Twilight stopped abruptly as her horn went dark. She clenched her eyes shut and collapsed.

"Oh horseapples!" Applejack knelt down next to her. "It's happenin' again!"

Twilight's eyelids opened. This time, the whites of her eyes were tinted with a sickly green glow. Her mouth curled into a smirk as she struggled to her feet.

"This is it!" Twilight spoke in a much raspier voice. "Your body is mine!"

"Tarnation!" Applejack scowled. "You get your wrinkly old kiester out of the front seat and give my friend back the reigns!"

"Or you'll what?!" Sieness spat back. "You wouldn't dare lay a hoof on your best friend, and you don't know any magic, so I'm afraid you're stuck with me if you want to survive this forest!" Suddenly, her horn flickered back to life. Applejack breathed a sigh of relief as she noted the lavender glow.

"Oh, come on!" Sieness said, stomping her hoof into the dirt. "Why won't you just give up?!" She shut her eyes and concentrated. After a few moments, a trail of neon green energy, originating at the base of the horn, began to spiral upward, cutting through the lavender light. Sparks flew as the green aura tried to expand, but after a few moments, it was forced back down. Her eyelids opened again, and Applejack smiled as she stared into the eyes of her old friend.

"I'm okay, Applejack," Twilight said as the magic in her horn stabilized. "I got my second wind."

"This is gettin' outta hand, sugar-cube." Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "The first two times, she was in control for about two seconds before you smacked her patootie into the back'a your head. I thought I'd lost ya this time!"

Twilight sighed. "I know." She shook her head. "You're right, we can't keep this up. There doesn't seem to be any fauna in this part of the forest, so I need to find another solution."

Sieness' voice echoed in her head. "What solution? You no longer have the strength to purge me."

"I already told you!" Twilight shouted. "We ponies don't do that!"

Applejack cocked an eyebrow. "She still yammerin'?" she said flatly. She took a few casual steps closer to her friend, and leaned in. "You better pipe down in there if'n you know what's good for ya!" Twilight yelped as Applejack screamed directly into her ear.

"Applejack!" Twilight jumped back, her ear pointing down as she rubbed it gingerly. She could just barely hear Sieness' pained whimpers above the ringing in her ears.

"Sorry, Twi!" Applejack blushed. "I just can't stand to see ya bein' so nice to someone who's bein' so rotten to you."

"It'll be okay." Twilight grinned slyly. "At the very least, you got her to quiet down."

Just then, a shrill voice echoed from deeper into the forest. "Help!" it shouted. "Nighling! Nighling!"

Applejack's ears pricked up. "What in tarnation?"

"That sounded like a child!" Twilight said, eyes wide.

"Yeah." Applejack narrowed her eyes and bent her knees. "Yeah, it did. Stay here, Twi. I'll be back lickety-split."

Twilight shook her head and said, "But—"

Applejack glared at her. "Stay! Here! You're in no condition to run or fight!" She took off in a gallop without another word.

Twilight gulped and sat down, taking a moment to refocus the spell that was keeping Sieness at bay. It was then that she realized she wasn't encountering any resistance.

After a few minutes of silence, Sieness spoke. "Go."

Twilight furrowed her brow. "Excuse me?"

"Just what I said! Her brute strength is as useful to me as it is to you. I will allow you to run after her, just this once."

Twilight scoffed, but obliged, weakening the spell enough to free up some energy. She ran after Applejack.

"I'm a little surprised you believed me," Sieness said.

"I don't trust you." Twilight huffed. "But I do trust your sense of self-preservation. As you said, you need Applejack to survive."

"And you're willing to follow my commands in order to protect her! I can sense your humiliation." Sieness laughed.

"My friend is more important to me than my pride."

"If you were a little more ruthless, you wouldn't have to choose." They heard Applejack yelp just up ahead. "Did you hear that? It might be too late to preserve either." Twilight galloped faster.

They came to a clearing, and Twilight gasped. The first thing Twilight saw was the towering beast, fur black with bits of grime peppered throughout, teeth bared, saliva trailing down it's neck. Her eyes drifted to the prey it was looming over and her face paled. A teary-eyed child, canine in appearance, clutching a wounded and unconscious Applejack. The monster's claws had left their mark in her left side.

"It's too late, what a waste," Sieness said. "We'll need to press on by oursel—" Twilight shot a stream of magic straight at the beast's head, staggering it. It turned its vengeful gaze upon her.

"No! What are you doing?!" Sieness shouted.

The creature snarled. "More strange meat! Two here, two far away..." It stalked toward her.

"Are you insane?!" Sieness shouted. "Your attack did nothing! RUN!"

"No!" Twilight shouted. This seemed to startle the creature into quickening its approach, as it closed the remaining gap quickly.

"Look out!" the child shouted as she tended to Applejack.

"That's it, I'm taking over!" Sieness hissed through Twilight's mouth. Twilight felt the changeling's energy begin to overtake her, compelling her legs to move. Twilight countered with her suppression spell, locking them in a stalemate as the monster's claws hit their mark. Both Twilight and Sieness felt the sharp, burning pain in her left foreleg as the force of the blow knocked them down and sent them skidding.

"You'll kill us both!" Sieness said.

"I won't abandon my friend, or anyone else in need!" Twilight shouted.

"Oh for the love of—" Sieness would have spat if she still had a mouth of her own. "FINE!"

Twilight became enveloped in a familiar, green aura, recognizing it as the color of changeling magic. Twilight braced herself for another takeover attempt, but instead she felt an incredible energy flow through her, reinvigorating every muscle in her body. It began to concentrate itself in her horn.

"What in the world?!" Twilight shouted as the beast drew in for the kill.

"I'm lending you my power!" Sieness said. "It's the only chance I have!"

Given the circumstances, Twilight didn't argue. She prepared a final offensive spell, mixing her own magic with Sieness'. Mustering up everything she had, she unleashed a torrent of violet and green energy directly into the monster's chest. The child stared with wide eyes, mouth agape, as the creature was propelled up and away, yelping as it vanished from sight even before it started to fall.

Twilight rested her head in the dirt. "Huh." She panted. "I didn't think you had so much power left."

"How dare you," Sieness said. "Though I must admit, you surprised me as well. No wonder I've had so much trouble with you."

Twilight struggled to her feet. "So what now? We both recover and resume our struggle for control?"

"No."

"No?"

"You're going to get us killed if we keep this up here. Clearly we'll only be able to survive this place if we cooperate."

Twilight's eyes grew wide. "I can't believe what I'm hearing."

"I'm not stupid," Sieness replied. "It's our only option. We both want to reach Equestria, and it's there that I'll take your body and rejoin my daughter."

"Fine," Twilight said. "Until we reach Equestria, we'll work together. Then you're out of my body and back in your daughter's custody, after we've defeated her."

"Um, excuse me," the child said meekly. "Thank you for saving me, but... who are you talking to?"

"Oh!" Twilight said. "Applejack!" She gasped and ran over to her friend.

"She'll be alright for now," the girl said. She gestured to the three claw marks in Applejack's side. They weren't deep, but they were green around the edges. "As you can see, the wounds weren't deep, but nighling scratches are almost always deadly if left untreated. I was able to make a light antibiotic out of some herbs I collected, but she'll need more substantial medicine in order to be safe."

"I see." Twilight said, inspecting Applejack's injury. Her horn glowed green as Sieness' aura enveloped the wound. It flickered and went out.

"She isn't joking," Sieness said. "Those cuts are gravely infected. That... 'nighling'... as she called it, it must carry a lot of bacteria."

"Will she be alright?" Twilight asked.

"I just told you, she needs additional treatment!" the girl said, cocking an eyebrow.

"Yes, it's as the girl said, she needs more than what we can scrounge up here."

Twilight tapped her chin. "I see." Just then they felt an intense burning in Twilight's leg, reminding them that they had been cut as well. The unicorn winced.

"Oh dear," the girl said, "here."

She gently laid Applejack on the ground and produced a small leaf, it's surface covered with a thin, khaki-green slime. "There isn't much left, but it's the least I can do. This'll sting a bit." She pressed the leaf against Twilight's leg. Twilight clenched her jaw as her eyes watered.

"I'm sorry," the girl said. "The pain should only last a moment." Sure enough, Twilight's face relaxed.

"Thank you," Twilight said.

"I should be thanking you," the girl replied. "I'd be a goner if it wasn't for you and your friend. You should've seen how hard she kicked that thing before it got her!"

"So what was that thing?" Twilight asked.

"One of the nighling." The girl removed the leaf and began to apply some sort of salve. Whatever it was, it soothed Twilight's pain. "At least, that's what they call themselves. Chief says they're made of dark energy or something. They live all over, and they'll eat just about anything. Or anyone."

"And who are you?" Twilight asked. "How long have you been stranded here?"

"My name is Penny, and I'm not stranded, I just wandered out too far," she replied as she returned her attention to Applejack.

"Shouldn't you bandage this?" Twilight said.

"That salve I created will harden and keep out germs for about a day," Penny said, glancing over her shoulder. "It needs to be exposed to the open air to work, though."

Sieness examined it with her magic. "She's right. I've never seen anything like this. The child is rather gifted."

Twilight nodded. "I'll say."

"You'll say what?" Penny asked.

"Nevermind," Twilight quickly replied. "So you said you weren't stranded. Does that mean you live out here?"

"Yes and no," Penny said. She grabbed a nearby knapsack and slung it over her shoulder. "I live in the Northeastern Treebark Village; we don't go to ground unless we need to gather supplies. That's what I was doing out here, looking for herbs."

"I don't suppose there's a chance we could find the medicine we need from there, is there?" Twilight asked sheepishly. "We'll find some way to pay for it, of course!"

"We never let outsiders in, none of the villages in this region do," Penny said. "But we also don't turn people away empty-handed. I'll get you what you need, I'll even administer it myself, so long as you don't mind recuperating at the base of the trees, below the village."

"Your village is in the trees?" Twilight asked.

"Yep! And don't worry, you'll be perfectly safe once we get close enough. Our archers have never let a nighling get near our home!"

Sieness spoke through Twilight, "You must take us there at once!"

"Sure." Penny recoiled from the abrupt change in voice. "Just... follow me..."

"Rude!" Twilight thought as she hoisted Applejack up on her back.

"I won't risk my life for pleasantries," Sieness replied. "Also, Applejack weighs a ton."

Applejack mumbled something inaudible as Twilight staggered forward.

"It's okay, AJ," Twilight whispered. "This time I'll carry you."

Her knees buckled just a little, and she frowned. "...Somehow."