> The Elements of Salvation
>  by Slick Dash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Apple Seed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pregnant? PREGNANT?!?! Oh dear Celestia this wasn’t good! 

Applejack stared at the test, unable to believe the little blue “+” staring back at her. How? That’s all she could keep asking herself, how could this have happened? 

She paced back and forth in the small bathroom, trying to think this all out. She didn’t usually do this, but this was far too important to let it go on unchecked! How far along was she? Should she go talk to a doctor o get a check up? But what would she say about the father if he asked? She was honest, she was the embodiment of honesty so she couldn’t lie, but she didn’t want to tell anypony about this! 

She didn’t know the father! Or at least, she didn’t know who it could be.

It wasn’t like she was sleeping around Ponyville! She was sure she hadn’t even done it in recent months, but how could she be sure? A few too many ciders and she was lost in a land of blurred memories. So could it have happened at Twilight’s wedding? That hadn’t been too long ago, and she had definitely had far too much at the reception. So it was likely that night was the origin of this... could it be called a problem?

Applejack stopped pacing, and sat on the cold tile floor thinking. It’s not like she had never thought of having foals, but it was one thing to think of it, and another to be on the brink of having one! She began to think of the days she’d spent tending to baby Apple Bloom, she’d loved those tasks! And she had loved the pride she felt at every moment the little filly she had raised had done something well. Effectively, she had already been a mother once.

Getting to her hooves, she glanced into the mirror. Her own big worried green eyes stared back at her. Then after a moment, they focused. Resolute. Prepared for whatever happened next. Granny had passed on, the farm was hers. Mac could always help! Though he was off with Fluttershy in her cottage these days, he could always come down and help with anything. 

‘Fluttershy...’ it had taken a little while for Applejack to get used to thinking of her old friend as her sister-in-law, but now maybe their friendship would prove itself now! If Fluttershy could help her get through this, if Mac helped with the farm, it was possible this could all work out.

Apple Bloom was gone, off to Manehatton with her friends to get the best opportunities with their talents. So now all AJ had was her big brother and her new sister. She didn’t want to worry the others. Not yet anyway. 

The reflection stared back at her still. Slowly, it’s lips parted, and Applejack said confidently. “We can do this!”  


.......


“Darlin’ could you come in here for a minute?” called the southern accent of Applejack from within the newly refurbished office. A young colt, who had been sitting on the rug in the hallway, now jumped to his hooves and obeyed his mother’s request.

“Yeah mom?” asked the small copper coloured colt. He looked at the new desk that stood before him; behind it sat his mother, her Stetson hat was resting on a small prop that stood on the corner of the table. Before her lay a thousand different forms and graphs. The orange mare sighed with tiredness and looked up with bleary eyes. She reached up and rubbed her temples with her hooves to try and stop the fast approaching head ache that was beginning to flare up in her skull. 

“Sugar cube, could you be a darlin’ and head down to Rainbow’s place for me. There’s a big storm headed this way, and we’re behind schedule on the harvest. Once that sucker passes through, we ain’t gonna have much but bare branches to work with. So could you ask her to possibly delay it by a couple o’ days?” Applejack’s son’s eyes lit up. Finally! He was allowed to help! He stammered in excitement at his chance, his tongue tripped over itself in a rush to say...
“Yeah! S-sure! I’ll go right now!” 
He turned tail, and ran from the room. From behind, he heard Applejack cry out in alarm. “Hey! No canterin’ in the house!” the young colt smiled at his mother’s worries, it wasn’t like he was gonna get hurt on his way to the front doo- 

His hoof snagged on a crease in the rug that covered the floor of the hall. He stumbled for a moment, his legs flailing wildly to stay upright. This proceeded for a good five seconds before his right foreleg caught his left and sent him toppling to the floor. “OW!” he muttered, glancing over his shoulder to make sure his mother hadn’t seen, she’d just look at him with that smug “I told you so” smile of hers. 

He bounced back up to his hooves, and trotted (Far more carefully) Out of the front door and into the warm sun of another fine Equestrian day.


.......


Apple Seed was a reasonably average colt of his age. Only recently he had discovered his love for tending to the apple trees on his families orchard, and now an image of a pale silver watering can sprinkling three droplets of water glistened on his flank for all to see. 

His mother was the legendary Applejack, the most popular pony in all Ponyville, and the owner of Sweet Apple Acres! A few years ago granny Smith passed away and left the entire farm to Apple Seed’s mother and uncle Macintosh. However, his uncle decided he’d rather tend to the farm rather than run it, so he left Applejack to do all the managerial work. 

Seed thought back, his mother did seem a lot more tired these days, then again it must be hard running such a huge amount of land. Maybe he’d drop by Mrs. Pinkie Pie’s bakery and buy his mother a nice sweet treat. But first, the job! 

Apple Seed made his way through the many crowded streets of Ponyville, with the weather as wonderful as it was today, the market was open, so everypony in town seemed to be out shopping. He was jostled slightly as he made his way through the town, he tried his best not to tread on anypony’s hooves, but he failed. No one minded however, it was bound to happen on such a crowded day.

Suddenly out of the blue, his vision was blocked by a huge mass of purple scales, the young colt bumped into the wall of scaly flesh and landed unceremoniously on his haunches. 

> Ruby Stone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You must be joking Spike dear! You can’t possibly give me all this!” Rarity stared at the three gems awestruck. Spike had given her a similar one long ago; a red heart shaped one, but now before her lay a little treasure trove of the beautiful gems. A heart shaped emerald, topaz and a magnificent heart of onyx!

The gems must be worth a small fortune! Yet here the teen dragon stood, blushing bright red with embarrassment, simply giving the platinum pony them! Rarity looked him straight in the eye. “Why Spikey?” the dragon quickly seemed to grow quiet, seeming to find great interest in the sketches and dresses that surrounded them in Rarity’s boutique.

“W-well...” He began, not sure how to proceed. “You loved the last one so much... I thought when I found these... Seeing as you probably don’t have the old one”-
“Don’t have it?!” Rarity asked he mouth agape. “Why wouldn’t I have it dear?” She bolted to the other side of the room and rummaged within a small chest. “Hmmm...somewhere... it’s jussst HERE WE ARE!” She spun back around, her horn glowing to hold the golden necklace in place. 

Deep in the centre of the golden band lay an enormous red ruby heart. Spike stared incredulously. “Y-you kept it?!?” 
“Well of course I kept it! It was my first ever gift from my little Spikey Wikey!” She trotted over and gave him a light peck on the cheek. Sending the teen’s heart soaring in triumph! “I just don’t wear it that often unless for a special occasion, something that beautiful should be saved until the right moment!” She trotted back to the chest to replace it.

‘You have no idea how right you are!’ Spike thought as he watched the dazzling pony move, her twisted locks fluttering on the light breeze coming through the window. Holy Celestia, she was beautiful! She didn’t know the significance behind the gems. So now was the time to tell her.

“Uhhh...Rarity?” 
“Hmmm?” She asked, replacing the necklace back to its respective place.
“I don’t suppose you know much about dragons do you?” He asked tentatively.
“Other than they are sooooo cute!” She bounced over and pinched his cheek affectionately with her cloud of magic. “And that they grow up to be quite dashing!” She said admiring the dragon’s quickly building form. 

Spike laughed awkwardly. “W-well... you see, there’s a reason some gems grow in the shapes of hearts.” Rarity’s eyes widened.
“Really? Why is that?” 
“Well, it was in a book Twi gave to me...” Here it goes! “They’re called heart-stones. And they are only able to be formed when a dragon breaths fire over them. It takes weeks after they’re heated for them to reform, but when the dragon has feeling for another creature, depending on how strong those feelings are, depends on the strength of the magic of its fire, and the speed and quality of the new form of the gem.” It was long winded, he was sure he had bored her. Yet Rarity looked at him, if anything with even more interest!

“Is that so? That’s truly amazing Spike! I never knew!” She smiled, taking another look at the three gems before her. Then her head snapped back to dragon in realisation. “You mean...you?” She nudged one of the gems with a hoof. Spike blushed, and nodded. “O-oh...” Rarity said, slightly crestfallen. “So that means you have feelings for...” 
“Yeah.” Spike said bashfully. Rarity stood there silently, staring at the gems. So they weren’t for her? She was simply an observer, meant to approve the little trinkets. She didn’t know why she felt so...disappointed. Of course the dragon was going to find love eventually. Yet why did she feel so surprised that it had finally happened? 

This was spike, Spike! The little dragon from a few years ago who had now grown up unbelievably quickly due to his growing collection of treasures. Spike she had known since he had first arrived in town with Twilight. And in all that time, she’d never thought of him in a romantic kind of way.

So why did she suddenly feel this wish of being noticed by the dragon now?

The idea that Spike had found someone he cared for enough to create these stunning gems hurt her heart slightly. It ached at the thought that it wasn’t her he’d made them for, but somepony else. He’d made her one, so he’d obviously once felt that way about, but now, now that he was older...

“Rarity?” the dragon asked, sounding slightly worried. Rarity glanced up.
“Yes Spike?” she asked, trying to keep her voice calm. He didn’t say anything, only pointed slowly to her face. Rarity lifted a hoof, and felt a single pearly tear drip onto it.

She whirled around, not wanting the dragon to see her like this. She sniffed hard. “They’re beautiful Spike. In fact, after what you just told me, any girl would fall for you in a second once you explained that to them!” Spike frowned at the back of the purple maned pony, what did she mean ‘any girl?’ 
“So you like them?” He asked cautiously.
“Yes.” She said, her voice squeaking slightly, “I love them, they’re beautiful!” Spike sighed in relief.
“Thank goodness!”  Rarity sniffed again, trying her best to keep her voice sounding happy.
“Why don’t you go and give them to her then Spikey?” 

Spike frowned. “Uhh,” Hadn’t she realised? “I... just did...” Rarity froze. What? Her? Really? Slowly she turned to look at the dragon. He felt a little awkward with the all the talking about love and stuff, but it was about time Rarity knew! He raised his arms to his sides giving a shaky smile, his facial expression one that said “There you have it.”

Rarity’s lip began to tremble slightly as she looked at him. Spike dropped his arms to his sides and approached her, now concerned. “Rarity are you ok? You’re crying!” the platinum unicorn gave a slight nod of her head, unable to speak as her eyes glistened with tears. Happy tears. As Spike crouched in front of her she leaped forward and embraced him tightly. The sudden impact made the dragon tumble backwards to the floor. With a soft bump the two landed softly on the pine floor of the boutique. 

They lay there, holding each other. The platinum pony, and the ever loyal dragon who had adored her since her first saw her. Finally holding one another, finally happy, finally together!


.....


“Oh! Jeez I’m sorry little guy!” said a deep growling voice, though strangely filled with kindness and concern. Apple Seed looked up to see the smiling face of Mr. Spike the dragon. Apple Seed bounced up with joy at the sight of the interesting creature. 

“No worries sir! I’m fine, how are you?” 
“Oh it’s you Apple Seed! I’m good thanks, how’s it going little guy?” asked the friendly dragon. Seed was half hoping to get one of the dragon’s famous piggyback rides, being the tallest creature in Ponnyville, he towered over everypony, making him extremely popular with the younger filly’s and colts. 

Before the little country colt could ask however, a new pony appeared to the dragon’s side. “Spike dear, what’s keeping you sweetheart?” The mare stopped when she saw the little colt standing with the dragon. “OH! Apple Seed, how nice to see you dear, how’s your mother?” asked the stunning Rarity. 
“She’s fine ma’am.” The colt responded robotically. As she smiled, Seed noticed a little bundle wrapped over the unicorns shoulder, which in turn made him smile. 

Just peeping out of the many folds of the bundle were two stunningly green eyes. As they spotted him, a mouth filled with surprisingly developed teeth -for one so young- smiled and gurgled up at him. At the sound of the noise, Rarity grinned warmly and slowly trotted over to the copper colt to allow the green eyes to see him better. 

Seed reached up and tickled the small babe under the chin. “Heya Ruby!” He cooed to the little hybrid. Now she was closer, Rarity and Spike’s child’s face was in full view. She had fur like her mother, white and pure, but the tips of each strand were tinged with the purple of her father’s scales. Her teeth were slightly sharper than the average pony baby, and more importantly had seemed to come out far faster than usual. 

“You remember Apple Seed don’t you sweetie?” smiled the platinum pony. The small baby filly let out another pleased gurgle in response, smiling broadly as Seed retracted his hoof. 
“Not to interrupt this tender moment,” Said Spike sarcastically rolling his eyes melodramatically. He winked at the colt who smirked back at him. “Twilight’s been looking for you little guy, she says she’s found a book on...irrigation?” 
“REALLY?! Sweet!” His face then fell, “But my mom asked me to go and speak to Miss. Rainbow Dash.” He thought for a moment, right time to get going. Finish mom’s job then go get the book! 

The young colt bolted from the town centre now filled with stalls and shops without so much as a goodbye to the happy couple and their child. 
“Always in a rush that one.” Laughed Rarity.
“Just like his mother.” Agreed Spike, and the two continued their shopping with the happy little Ruby clung to her mother’s chest. 

He tore his way through the crowds, jumping, ducking and weaving his way around legs and carts. He could do this, and yet he couldn’t run down a hall without falling?! Suddenly the forest of legs vanished as Seed pierced the perimeter of the crowd. He was on the other side of the town centre, only a short distance from his destination.

After a few turns in the road, and a few of his signature shortcuts, Seed reached that last stretch. The house wasn’t too far away now! It was huge! Built on the outskirts of Ponnyville, Rainbow Dash had created a home just as flashy and boasting as the Pegasus who lived within it. This is where Rainbow Dash and her family lived.

Seed now approached the home. A twisted metal stare case had been erected for none flying ponies who needed the weather pony’s assistance. He climbed them quickly two at a time, he wasn’t likely to fall; he made this trek almost every day to hang out with his best friend anyway. When he reached the top, he glanced over the front garden bellow him. The grass on which he had been playing only a day ago was scuffed and marked. He could still see where they had decided to wrestle, Seed swelled with pride, he had won of course! Then his swagger faded as he realised how narrowly he had succeeded in the showdown.

So he simply resigned to getting to the door.

> Thor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Love is in Bloom! 
A beautiful bride a handsome groom!
Two hearts becoming one...”

“Urgghhh!” Rainbow sighed, she was bored. The sonic Rainboom at the end of the ceremony had been cool, but all this lovey dovey stuff was making her feel physically ill! She glanced over the marriage reception to Pinkie, who was still going crazy with Vinyl on the turntables. The crazily animated pony made her laugh a little; at least someone was having fun at the moment! 

The cyan pony glanced around the open garden where the reception was taking place. Actually, everypony seemed to be having fun accept her. Well that sucked! Her dress was annoying her, she knew the wedding was a formal event, but why did she still have to wear this stifling gown now? 

Giving another bored sigh and an uncomfortable tug at the dress, Rainbow resigned to listening to Twilight’s song. She was good, and the music was defiantly getting the audience going, but it wasn’t really for her. Too... Lovey dovey! Geez those words were on her mind a lot lately! Maybe it was Pinkie and all her talk of her romantic dreams these days.

Rainbow didn’t really like the idea of romance. At least not any more. Not since she blew it last year! She’d had the perfect chance to impress him, to make him see her as a goddess! Soarin’, the deputy of the Wonderbolts. When she won the day with the Pegasus squad in the young flyers competition, she had thought she could easily make him fall for her.

But romance was...complicated. Whenever she began to speak to the stallion throughout that day she had frozen up. She could perform a mile high dive through the air, but the very thought of speaking to her crush struck fear in her heart. ‘What they hay is up with that!’ She thought frustratedly. She watched as Fluttershy and Rarity took to the dance floor, the platinum unicorn was far more open with her dance moves, but even the usually shy yellow mare was quite flamboyant for once.

As she watched, her memory drifted to the day of the Grand Galloping Gala. That night, yet again she had set out to impress the light blue stallion. She’d even saved his pie from being crushed on the floor! At that moment, she thought she’d hooked him, but no, he’d seemed far more interested in the pastry than her.

Maybe she wasn’t cut out for romance, which was a laugh considering that Pinkie, the oddest pony she new, had seemed to have found it! Even if it was all in her head and those silly dreams! Even Twilight had started to hang out with that stallion! What was his name again? Tuneworthy? Noteworthy? Something like that anyway.

Bored and miserable, she turned away deciding if she was going to stand around alone, she may as well get drunk! As she turned, her hoof slipped on the long gown that trailing on the floor beneath her. She tumbled around, and then fell forward.

“Yoh! Rainbow Dash right? I was hoping I’d see you here!” smiled a handsome blue furred Pegasus stallion as he saw the mare’s face. By the time he realised she was falling, and more importantly where she was going to fall, it was too late to act.

Rainbow toppled forwards, vaguely aware that a familiar voice had begun to speak to her. As she fell forward, she felt her chest slam into something. Even worse, she felt her muzzle fall onto somepony else’s! ‘Oh my gosh! Not cool!’

She quickly regained her balance and pulled away from the startled Pegasus. “Sorry ‘bout that!” She muttered, blushing pink. 
“Uhhh... no problem...” The gruff voice chuckled smugly. Rainbow knew that voice! Her vision bolted up to the face she prayed wasn’t there, sure enough it was. Soarin’ stood before her, his face a little flushed with surprise, and his lips slightly smudged with the hint of the red lipstick Rarity had insisted Dash wore to the event.

“You know.” The stallion laughed awkwardly. “I’d have been fine with just a ‘Hi Soarin’!” Dash blushed an even deeper red. 
“Ummm...” She said, lost for words. Soarin’ gave another nervous laugh, reaching up and wiping the lipstick off his mouth. “Hi...” Rainbow said meekly, her usual bravado and self pride gone in the moment of sheer embarrassment. “Soarin’” 
“See, much easier!” he laughed, Rainbow gave a small laugh too, her eyes trying their best not to make eye contact with the stallion she liked.

“Soooo?” he asked, determined not to make the mare feel bad about what had just happened. Rainbow frowned at him. 
“So what?” Soarin’ smirked.
“What do you think of the new Wonderbolt formal suite?” He threw his head back and posed as best he could in the slightly tight collared shirt. Rainbow forgot everything in a blur of fangirl squeals! 
“That is so awesome!” She began to bounce around, him taking in the dark blue shirt from every angle, she eventually ended by admiring the black tie that hung from his neck. 

As her amazed eyes watched it sway back and forth, almost hypnotically, she was interrupted.

FLASH! 

Rainbow and Soarin’ were both taken by surprise; they turned to see a small colt holding a camera. “Perfect!” cried –Who Rainbow recognised the little young one as- Feather Weight. Happily taking out a long list of names from his saddle bag, he licked the end of the pencil and then ticked off both Rainbow Dash and Soarin’. Before either Pegasus could protest, the young colt trotted away with his task of documenting the night for the newly married Shining Armour and Princess Cadence. 

The two adults glanced back at each other, before starting to laugh again, the awkwardness of the previous situation finally gone. “So, enjoying the party?” Soarin’ asked glancing over the crazy decorations and killer sound system. “Your friend Pinkie’s done a stellar job here!” 
“Yeah she has, I can-t believe she...” Rainbow paused. “You know Pinkie’s name?” 
“Well duh! Silly, everyone does, you guys are the elements of Harmony!” Rainbow face hoofed herself. ‘Stupid, stupid! STUPID!’ she thought between each little strike to her forehead.

“Hey, no worries!” Soarin’ reassured her. “I’m the same, when strangers know my name it throws me off for a moment! So don’t worry about it.”  Rainbow felt a little better.
“But... you’re a Wonderbolt! That’s such a big deal!” 
“And being the element of Loyalty isn’t?” He retorted, striking Rainbow dumb. He laughed again, and began watching the dancing. Rainbow did the same, subtly glancing up at his strong build! Geez he was hot!

Rainbow shook her head, “Come on, be cool!” She thought, not realising she did so out loud.
“About what?” Soarin’ asked nonchalantly. Rainbow blushed an even deeper red than before! Soarin’ noticed, and couldn’t help feel a little proud that he was having this effect on the cute Pegasus! 
“Umm...” Rainbow began, Soarin’ did a double take! She wasn’t actually going to say it was she? “I was kind of trying to keep cool so you’d like me.” Rainbow grimaced awkwardly. Soarin’ stared for a moment.
“Oh...” She really was brave! “That was...honest.” he observed. Rainbow shrugged, a little more confident with the slight praise. 

“I don’t play games.” She explained simply, standing a little straighter, showing of her figure as best she could in her stupid dress! Soarin’ decided honesty had been the best policy with the mare, so he should use the same one. 
“Dance with me!” He said suddenly, grabbing her hoof and pulling her a few feet towards the Dance floor. Rainbow’s eyes spread in sheer horror.
“Woooooooooohhhhhhh no! You’re not getting me on there!” she protested, digging her hooves into the soft grassy ground. Soarin’s eyes glinted devilishly.
“So the fastest flyer, bravest daredevil, and all-around hero of Equestria...” Rainbow blushed at the compliments, smiling girlishly for the first time in living memory! “Is afraid to dance with me?” 

Rainbow’s demeanour collapsed, her girlish blush vanished, her shy smile replaced by a huge toothy grin at the stallion’s challenge to her. “Fine!” She said, trotting ahead of him as the happy song of Twilight’s came to an end, replaced by a far faster paced one thanks to Vinyl who spotted Rainbow approaching. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you pretty boy!” She laughed. Then the two danced, well into the night, until the bride and groom left the party, and once they’d gone, they kept going as the celebrations were set to go on for the entire evening! 

Finally the night ended with a slow dance between the two. The night was winding down, and as the final note quavered and the last few dancers bowed to their partners. Soarin’ leant in to Rainbow, and gave her a single long kiss, before retiring to his room for the night. Leaving an awestruck, ecstatic Rainbow Dash squealing and trotting off to find her friends.


.....


Seed reached up and knocked on the puffy cloud door lightly, and for a moment nothing happened. Then a faint voice called out from within the house. “Yeah, it’s open! C’mon in!” Seed proceeded, unperturbed by the usual greeting from the inhabitants of the house, none of them really minded friends just coming in. Neither was he perturbed by the fact he was about to step on clouds, Misses Twilight Sparkle had long since cast a spell on the house to allow the earth ponies and the unicorns of the town, step on the floor of the house as they pleased. 

The living room was spacious, a small coffee table lay to the right of the room, flanked by a single sofa. The only thing atop the table was a small framed picture. It depicted Miss. Rainbow Dash, her husband the amazing flying Wonderbolt Soarin’ and their son Thor. As he glanced around the familiar room, he saw his favourite picture in the whole house! Rainbow Dash was with her friends, Apple Seed’s mother could be seen smiling out to him from the little window of memory. Miss. Rarity was in it as well, along with a far smaller childish looking version of Mr. Spike. Seed liked the picture’s because it showed how the cool adults in town had once been a lot like him and his friends, maybe that meant that growing up wouldn’t suck as bad as Thor was always saying it would.

But besides Apple Seed and the white cloud furniture, the room was empty. “Ummm... Hello?” The young colt called out. He heard movement from the kitchen which was connected to the living room through an archway and a sharp turn. He heard a plate being put in a sink and a small splash following it. An unseen voice called out, it was loud and strong, but just like Mr. Spike it was warm and kind as well. It had a gruff quality to it which made the speaker sound pretty cool... for an adult anyway.

“One second! Nearly finished these dang dishes!” shouted the proud voice, followed by a wide array of clanging and crashing. The roar finally died down and Seed heard movement getting closer from the unseen room. The mystery dish cleaner now came into view. 

Rainbow’s husband stood before him, he usually wore clothes that showed off the colours of his flying team ‘The Wonderbolt’s’ But today seeing as he was relaxing at home he simply boar his pale blue coat and his dark wispy mane. He stood there, wringing his hooves with a towel, smiling at the young visitor. 

“Yoh Seed, how’s it going buddy?” He asked as he tossed the towel back into the kitchen and strode into the living room.  
“Hey Soarin’!” chirruped the young colt happily. Yeah Soarin’ had a very different kind of way of speaking, but it wasn’t much different to Mr. Spike, he was cool! He was always nice, he was funny, and was able to do the most amazing things ever in the sky outside! Everypony called him a ‘Legend’ which Seed understood, he obviously was a pony with unbelievable talent! 

Soarin’ sank into the sofa joyfully. His head rolled back as he let out a long sigh of relaxation brought on by the soft cushions. Seed waited, this was the usual around this house. Either of the supposed ‘Adults’ who lived here would tend to do this exact thing nearly once a day... Each!
Soarin’’s head now rolled to one side to look at the colt who still stood reasonably close to the doorway. “Well, you can come in, I’m not gonna bight.” He laughed, and so did Seed, who sauntered further into the room. He walked past a large open fire, its logs weren’t lit, but the smell suggested it had only been put out sometime in the past day or two. Soarin’ began to speak as Apple Seed admired the many knickknacks that littered the mantle above. 

“So, I’m guessing you want Thor?” He asked, now rising to his hooves. 
“Uh-huhhh.” Seed confirmed absentmindedly, not realising what he was saying as he stared at a small necklace of gold set with a red Lightning bolt ruby, ‘is that Rainbow’s? Doesn’t look like her kind of style!’ He thought to himself. 
“Ok hold on a second.” Soarin’ walked over to a door closed to the rest of the house. He leant against it and wrapped hard. “Thor! Get your butt outta bed! Seed’s here for you!” It was then that Seed realised what he had done.

“Nononono! Wait! I’m sorry! I was sent here by my mom for Rainbow!” He rushed trying to fix what he had done. Soarin’ raised an eyebrow at the colt, he then looked to the door he had just yelled through, and then back at the colt. “Hehehhh, Sorry?” The young pony laughed nervously. Soarin’’s eyebrow dropped and he smiled to show he was joking. He swaggered back over to his seat and slumped back down. 

“He needed to get out of bed anyway.” He smiled as he fidgeted to get comfy on the seat. “Sorry kiddo, but Dash’s out at the moment, think she was helping Fluttershy with something. Why what’s your mom need?”  He perked up suddenly checking everything was alright. “It isn’t too vital is it?” 

“Nah,” The young colt waved his hoof aside. “Not this second. Mom just wants Rainbow to delay that big storm commin’ by a couple of days.” 
“Aaaaahhhh.” The Pegasus said knowingly, settling back into his seat. “She won’t mind that, she loves storm control. She’ll be happy to do it! THOR! GET UP!” He suddenly shouted to the closed door again. 

Apple Seed couldn’t help but laugh. Thor was his best friend, and Soarin’ and Rainbow’s son. To say he was lazy would be the understatement of the millennia! That is, until he got up, then you could never stop him, he’d run, climb, fly, jump, wrestle, do pretty much anything if it took energy. He made no sense at all sometimes! Being so lazy, and yet so energetic, it... was unusual!

Finally the two in the living room heard movement from the room beyond. The door opened, and out stood Thor. He was a Pegasus (obviously with two Pegasus parents), with a jagged and vibrant aqua mane set against his burgundy coat. Though he had only been able to fly for the past year and a half, he had already discovered his love for the sky, and his talent at weather manipulation. Because of that talent and passion, he now bore the image of a single storm cloud on his flank. It suited him, both his whole demeanour, and his name. 

Thor had been exactly like his parents from the moment of his birth, he was brave, loyal, and loved to show off. In fact, he had been born the same year as Apple Seed, so when the two friends Rainbow Dash and Applejack introduced the two colts, they became fast and furious friends very easily. 

Thor yawned and rubbed his eyes dozily, still in the twilight realm of sleep and consciousness. He took in the room, his father lounging on the sofa, the same old mess along the floor and... He noticed Apple Seed. Immediately, all tiredness seemed to evaporate from him. He lowered himself, ready to pounce giving an evil little smile. “Here for a rematch I see!” He chuckled. Seed smiled back, and assumed the same position as his friends, preparing his toned farm legs to propel him at his friend at the slightest bit of notice. 

“I seem to remember that yesterday, I won.” The copper colt purred back at his friends challenge.
“Ehhh, lucky shot.” said Thor, waving the comment aside with ease, locking eyes with his best friend. “This time, I won’t hold back.” He finished. The two stared at each other for a moment, and then the atmosphere was shattered, as Soarin’ burst out laughing on the sofa. 

The two colts stopped. They straightened up and watched the stallion with confusion; all elements of their tussle gone in a flash as they watched Thor’s father as he chortled loudly in his seat. “You two!” He laughed. “You two are too much like your mothers!” he patted his knee repeatedly as his laughs died down. He shook his head in amused disbelief, at the unbelievable comparison from these colt’s and to the rivalry between Applejack and Rainbow Dash that spanned for so many years!

“Daaaad...” moaned Thor, in protest at the embarrassing comment. “We’re not... we’re just...” 
“Foolin’ around.” finished Apple seed. Soarin’ stood and walked behind his son. 
“Yeah, yeah, I know. You just don’t realise how similar to your parents you actually are!” he laughed again as he planted a hoof behind his sons rump and pushed him playfully towards the door. “Go on then, the two of you! Don’t go messing up the house...” He looked around to the messy surfaces, and the clothes occasionally scattered along the floor. “More than it already is I guess.” He finished bemusedly. 

Thor and Seed made their way to the door. Seed was now free to do whatever he wished, he’d done his job. Now the day was his. He smiled at his best friend. Ok, the day was theirs! The two colts opened the front door and tore off into the town, Apple Seed headed for the library and Thor soon followed from above as she shot into the morning air, heading to call on their third close friend, and to also get Apple Seed’s book. 

> Archimedes Wright
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“GOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING LADIES AND GENLTECOLTS! Aaaand it’s the usual morning announcements before the music keeps playing here on ‘Radio Equestria!’ 
Yet another wonderful day outside, the sun is shining the, breeze is refreshing, and trust me, it’s just a wonderful day to be out...” Twilight got up out of bed and stretched, her neck ached from last night’s study session and now gave a full force complaint as the magenta pony began to wake up.

She hopped out of bed and headed to her mirror and drawers, leaving the radio playing as ‘Copper Tone’ the radio announcer for Radio Equestria blasted out with his usual boisterous voice as her alarm radio kept going.

“Now I promise you one thing, five oclock tonight you better be inside because Rainbow Dash is bringing in one heck of a rain storm to tide over those last few apples that haven’t finished growing yet. So make sure you’re inside –unless you like getting caught in the rain!” 

Twilight found the morning radio show quite fun, Vinyl Scratches brother was a rather entertaining host to wake up to in the morning. She reached out with her magic and took up her brush and began to take it to her hair as she happily listened.

“Now... a shout out to a certain special pony from a certain special stallion!” Twilight smiled at her reflection, nawwww how sweet! “Now I’d normally just say the names involved and give the message, but I have to explain this everypony! This is such a sweet and loving statement I just had to say that I was touched when it was sent in!” Twilight’s interest was dwindling, there was obviously not going to be much music on for a while, so she decided she’d had enough for today. Getting up she travelled over to the radio and reached out to hit the off switch.

“Without further ado, here it is!” Her hoof brushed the top of the button as she gave one final yawn as she woke up. Her eyes closed a minute, leaving the room in darkness and stopping her from seeing the little button. “TWILIGHT SPARKLE! This song is for you from a certain special somepony! Here’s what he had to say!” Twilight’s eyes shot open. What?

“Twilight, I care about you beyond all belief, I hope that one day you can understand how much you mean to me. I believe that you are the greatest, kindest and most talented pony in all of Equestria –let alone Ponyville- I feel special whenever I’m near you, and those wonderful gems of when I hear your beautiful voice just set my heart aflutter! Now I hope you can figure out who I am, and hopefully realize you feel the same way about me!” 

Twilight stood there, staring at the little speaker incredulously! That, was all meant for her?

“Now that ladies and gentlecolts, is a beautiful sentiment and I hope you all appreciated it as much as I did when I first read it. SO this goes out to Twilight Sparkle! The stallion who made that message asked to remain anonamous, but I’m sure he won’t mind me giving you a little hint! He’s from Ponyville, aaaaand he’s a unicorn with very similar interests as you!”

Then, slowly, the music began to fade in replacing Copper Tone’s voice. The magenta pony began to listen in amazement, her favourite song! “Say you, say me” By Equinal Richie! She stood there listening to the music, how could anypony know? She hadn’t even told her friends! Wracking her brains, Twilight began to move over to the main room of the library. 

As she sat down, still listening to the muffled music from the open door upstairs. When suddenly a knock came to the door. Twilight stood, could it be this mysterious admirer? She came to the door and opened it. “Oh, hi Noteworthy!” she smiled, relaxing slightly at the sight of the slate blue stallion. 
“Hey Twilight!” he smiled back, looking straight at her with his deep brown eyes. “You ok?” 
“Yeah, just a little frazzled is all! So how can I help you?” Twilight asked as she turned and retreated back into the library. Noteworthy frowned and followed slowly unsure if his plan had worked. 

“So how can I help you?” Twilight asked trotting over to the music related books. “I still don’t have that book on classic opera for you, don’t know where that disappeared to.” 
“Ummm that’s ok...” the stallion murmured, standing awkwardly in the centre of the room. His ear twitched as he heard the radio upstairs. So she definitely had heard it! Wonderful! But...how was he meant to show her it had been him to make the request?

He’d worked for months, plucking up the courage to introduce himself to the unicorn, getting on good terms with her, visiting the library as much as possible! She’d even begun to have meaningful convocations with him about his love of music and her love of magic! That’s how he found out her love for Equinal Richie! Now he was back at square one, needing the courage to talk to her about his feelings for her! Stupid crushes! Why were they always so nerve wrecking?!

“Ummm, I suppose this could be a good book for you...” Twilight said, more to herself than the stallion behind her. She made her way up the ladder and looked for the book she had spotted from the ground. 

As he watched her stretch for the book just out of reach, Noteworthy swore he caught a glimpse of her plot! Blushing scarlet in shame and embarrassment and shame, he looked away towards the origin of the music. He could just see into the room, a glimpse of purple wallpaper and an ok table with a mirror could just be seen from this vantage point. 

But the image of the room wasn’t what he was focusing on. It was the song. He closed his eyes and let the sound wash over him, the beautiful piano, the subtle violin, all music had this effect on the stallion, it absorbed him, letting him feel the mood of every note. Slowly he opened his eyes, relaxed, smiled, and began to hum along.

Twilight heard the noise and stopped searching for her book. She turned to investigate, and saw Noteworthy humming happily while sniffing a few of the flowers in a vase on the table. “You know this song?” Twilight asked, forgetting about their convocation the other week, leaving her in a sense of amazement somepony else liked the singer. 
“Mmhmm.” He nodded to the magenta pony. Opening his mouth, he put his special talent to good use. 

“As we go down life’s lonesome skyway
seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two
a helping hoof - somepony who understands...” 

Twilight smiled warmly at the singing stallion, his voice was magnificent! She’d noticed that immediately after he’d introduced himself to her a few months ago! “Come on Twi, come down. I didn’t come here for a book, I came to see you!” The blue stallion looked straight into the unicorn’s deep purple eyes, and as they met, Twilight was sure she felt something.

‘Surely it wasn’t him?’ questioned her inner self, ‘Not Noteworthy!’ She slowly descended the ladder. And came a few feet away from the stallion rocking side to side. She watched him contentedly as he smiled back at her. His lips parted, and he spoke softly. 
“Come here.” Twilight felt a shiver run up her spine. What was with this sudden change in atmosphere? She obeyed, though slightly blushing and unable to look him in the eye. “I’d say it’s time I thought you how to dance!” He explained, taking his hoof to hers, and guiding it to his shoulder.

“Teach me... to dance?” Twilight frowned, she thought she was quite a good dancer! 
“Yeah...” the cool stallion’s stomach clenched as inside, he dreaded what would come of his next two words “...slow dance.” 
“O-oh...” the inner voice in her head was now screaming at her. ‘It was him! He put the song on the radio! IT WAS HIM!’ 

She kept her thoughts to herself, allowing the stallion to slowly guide her body to the gentle music. Twilight couldn’t bring himself to look at him, only at her hooves, determined not to step on his! Slowly as the second half of the song began to draw to a close, Twilight found her lips moving to the pace of the words. And slowly, the occasional note began to escape.

“That’s the way it should be...” Noteworthy gave a nervous breath as he felt Twilight’s head lean forward and rest against his chest. As she sang the next line sweatly, he felt her head vibrate softly as the words escaped her lips. “Say you, say me; say it together...” 
“Naturally.” Noteworthy finished with her. Twilight’s head rose to look at him, as they looked at each other and brown and purple began to meat. Twilight began to close her eyes and crane her neck towards him. 

Noteworthy closed his eyes and brought his own head down to Twilight’s waiting lips, and as the final quavering note of the piano faded on the radio, the two’s faces finally met.

“And that ladies and gentlecolts was Equinal Richie’s song ‘Say you, say me’ played for Twilight Sparkle from a certain special admirer! I really hope you’re listening Twilight and appreciated this gift from whoever sent it in!” Copper Tone’s voice seemed to fade, leaving the two in complete silence as they stood there embracing each other loosely. 


.....


“Archy! You up yet?” Seed called from below the balcony of the library. There was no response from behind the window pane. “Darn it!” muttered Seed, giving his head a slight shake in annoyance. 
“Hehehh, I’ve got this don’t worry.” chuckled Thor as he pushed off into the air. 
“Thor! Wait a second, what if you get caught?!” Seed pleaded furiously as he glanced to the front door mere feet away.
“Ha! Caught? And if I am, then what?” The young colt said proudly. “I’m not afraid!” Seed blushed in embarrassment, muttering under his breath his posture somewhat deflated.
“I’m not... afraid.” 

Thor powered his way up to the balcony, flew over the top of the balustrade and straight to the glass paned door. He pushed his muzzle up to the glass, it fogged his vision immediately. With a huff of annoyance, Thor rubbed away the forming water droplets and gazed in.

All on the inside of the house seemed still, Thor’s gaze dropped just beneath his vantage point and saw a bed only a small distance away. Inside it slept a young unicorn. It was male, and had a coat of deep purplish blue, his mane was short spiky and highlighted with streaks of indigo. Thor smirked with devilish delight as a dreadfully fun idea came to mind. 

He quickly rocketed away into the sky, leaving the on looking Apple Seed completely bewildered. When the Colt returned from above the layer of cloud, he carried with him a dark grey coloured clump of the stratosphere. Seed realised what was coming, and stuffed a hoof in his mouth to stop himself from laughing and giving his stealthy friend away. 

Thor pushed the little cloud as close to the window as he could without pushing it up to the actual glass itself. He hopped off and hung in the air, angling his hind legs ready for a kick to the little gray puffball. With an explosion of thunder, Thor’s hoof made contact, and cause the little ball of cloud shudder at his touch. Better than any alarm clock, it woke up the sleeping colt. He flailed in fear, reeling from his window. His hoofs became tangled in his sheets and he end with unceremonious THUMP on the wooden floor below him. 

The colt looked around terrified, trying to discern the source of the noise. His eyes fell to his glass window door. Thor’s eyes could just be seen peeking from behind the little cloud. He stuck his neck out further showing his entire laughing face and gave his friend a friendly and over the top wave. Trying not to laugh, the little colt got up, he concentrated, allowing his horn to glow with a magic of pure white. The magic enveloped his sheets, pulling them tort over the mattress, and then tucking its corners in underneath it. He looked at his handy work and smiled. 

Tap, tap, tap. Archimedes looked up to see Thor tapping the glass, upon eye contact, the Pegasus held his forelegs to the sides as if to say. “Come on!” Archimedes gave a curt nod, and shouted to the flying friend. “I’ll be there in a second!” he took one more glance at his bed, still unbelievably inviting after such a rude awakening. With a little frown, his horn glowed yet again, softer and subtler than before. The pillow then proceeded to fluff itself, and then fall lightly back on top of the sheets. Perfect! 

“You wake me up like that again and I’ll make you pay!” laughed Arhy as he opened the door, and trudged onto the balcony. Thor landed on the ground with a satisfied chuckle; he kicked the cloud again, this time on its underbelly, making it soar back towards the sky without another explosion of thunder. 
“Well then wake up when we shout you!” He laughed as he bounded off of the overhanging ledge and towards the ground below and back to Apple Seed’s side.

To the two colt’s utter shock and terror, Archimedes did the same. He bounded off of the second floor tier and sailed through the air towards the grassy ground. Both his friends called out in fear, but it was unnecessary. A foot from the ground, Archimedes’s hoofs were enveloped by his unique colour of silver magic, as they floated gently to the ground resulting in him landing with no harm whatsoever. 

Apple Seed and Thor sighed with relief. Archy just laughed and let out an amused “Got you back didn’t I?!” The two laughed and began to head away into town. The three of them were unsure of what to do, the unicorn, Pegasus, and earth pony carried on however, knowing they could find anything to do when the three were together. They just had to look hard enough.

> Sweetness Supreme
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thor’s stomach rumbled hard with its lack of breakfast, so the three all decided to head for Sugar Cube Corner in search of something to eat. When they entered, the doorbell clanged to signify their coming. “Hello! Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner, with tasty treats so lovely and sweat, we’re the place where you’ll want to eat! Oh! Hi guys!” chirruped a bright pink filly, her purple coiled mane bouncing robustly while she smiled at her school friends. 

“Oh hi Sweetness.” The colts retorted as they came to the counter. The young mare stood ready to take their order’s with a cheery smile. But Thor couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah little miss, how ‘bout you go get the big girls? The ones who can use the hot ovens!” He laughed at his own joke, but the other two looked at him appalled. 

Sweetness’s face fell slightly at the comment from her classmate. “That was mean.” She said sadly. Thor blushed with embarrassment. He gave a rough cough. 
“Umm-ahem... mmsorry, it was just a bit of a surprise. You’re our age is all, so I thought you wouldn’t be working. 

“You’re forgiven.” Sweetness said, exploding back into her cheery disposition once again. “You’ll be surprised when you see why your comment was so silly anyway! So what can I get you guys?” she took a pencil and prepared to write it down on a pad she had set out before her. 
“Uhhh, I’ll have a cupcake.” Asked the now sincere looking Thor. 
“Plain ok? We can put whatever you want ON it, it’s just Dinky’s mom came in earlier and cleared us out of blueberry muffins.” The colts all laughed as they envisioned the crossed eyed mother carrying a mountain of cupcakes back home.
“Yeah that’s fine thanks.” Thor confirmed. 
“Apple fritter if you have any.” Apple Seed requested.
“I’m not hungry; can I just have a glass of water?”

Sweetness finished scribbling down the order and smiled. “Okie Dokie”- 
“Lokie.” The three colts finished drearily as they recited their classmate’s usual catchphrase, and headed for their usual table. Sweetness giggled and headed into the kitchen. 
“Papa! Fritter and cupcake please!” They heard her call out as she entered.

“That’s something!” Exclaimed Thor as they took their seats, he set himself on the side facing his two friends so he could address them. “Who IS Sweetness’s dad? I’ve never seen him!” He looked questioningly at his friends who grimaced at his question and looked to one another.
“What?” The Pegasus asked frowning, “You know?”

“That’s one fritter, and a cupcake. Freshly baked! Get them while their cold!” Cooed a smooth and charming voice from high above the colt’s heads.


.........


“So what do you think my dear? Is the cake satisfactory enough for you?” 
“IT’S SCRUMDILLYICIOUS!” cried Pinkie as she rammed another hoof full of cake into her already full mouth. Her date laughed happily at her randomness. 
“I’m glad you like it, it’s a new thing I’m trying, ‘inside out cake.’ A frosting centre surrounded by sponge.” he laughed, spreading his hands to his side, waiting for his date’s verdict. 
“Well...” Pinkie said, spraying crumbs across the table, “It’s definitely different!” 

“Isn’t different good?” 
“Deferent’s great!”
“Good...” Discord smiled, placing his hands down on the table, resting them atop Pinkies forehooves. Pinkie gulped the mouthful of food down in one long movement stretching her neck unnaturally far as she did so, then began to look at Discord, her eyes quickly drooping into a dreamlike gaze, her lips spreading into a beautiful smile.

She wasn’t sure when she began to develop feelings for her dream date. The dreams had begun to unfurl not long before Rainbow and Soarin’ had begun dating. It was only a few months until the royal wedding of Princess Caidence and Shining Armour and maybe it was out of some unknown, unrecognised, loneliness but one night, as she dreamed of walking through Ponnyville. A voice had called out to her, being the naturally curious pony she was, she set out to find the source of the voice.

After circling the entire eerily quiet town, she found herself where she had begun; Sugar Cube Corner. Only this time a note was taped to the door. “Come on in dear sweet Pinkie.” And so, Pinkie had done so.

When she had first seen the draconequus sat at the centre table of the bakery with a wide array of treats laid put before him lit by candle light, she had been weary. Not wishing to fall for any of his tricks. She had fallen for one of his fake party’s before; she knew it had been fake party, because it had made her sad, party’s shouldn’t make ponies sad, they should make them happy!

So, though she joined the chimera cautiously, she began to discover that theses weren’t fake parties, they were the real deal! Fun, enjoyable, filled with laughter at the chimera’s many hilariously random jokes! These days-or more suitably named ‘nights’- were soon what Pinkie came to long for, they were what she began to look forward to from the very moment she woke up from the last one.

This was wonderful.

One day, she decided to confront her new found date about his sudden appearance in her life. Disc had merely chuckled and wagged a finger at her playfully. “Shall I say, it was firstly out of guilt?” he had asked to the earth pony’s confusion. “I said from the very first day we met, you were my favourite element of harmony; ‘Laughter!’ I love to laugh, but in my haste to take over this land, I treated my favourite with the same neglect I did with all the other elements.” 

Disc’s explanation had seemed sincere, so Pinkie felt like she had no reason not to believe him. As their dates continued every night over the span of three months, Discord had begun to reveal, these were not simply dreams. More importantly, they were not simply to apologise for his actions.
“The last pony I told this to, threw me aside at the very thought of a life with me.” The chimera began. Now looking into that dreamlike smile of Pinkie’s.

“And though at the moment, all I can do is visit you in your dreams, unable to truly hold you close and smell your delectable scent. I...Pinkamena Dianne Pie... I think I love you!” at that comment, Pinkie exploded with joy, shooting even higher into the air she could ever consider possible in real life. She came streaming back down to the ground, yet landed softly as a feather on the chimera’s lap. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. 

“Don’t worry Disc...” She cooed, “We’ll find a way to get you out! Surely the princess will help if she knows you’ve changed!” 

Yet in the day, her cries for assistance went unanswered. The others wouldn’t listen to her requests simply because they were too silly. The thought of the Draconequus turning over a new leaf was absurd to them all, so they soon came to ignore any mention of Pinkie’s dream dates. Pinkie’s heart fell, but it always soared every night as she would be with him again, preparing her for the possibility of new disappointment the next day.

As the wedding drew nearer, it seemed Disc grew more distracted in their dates. The entire worlds he created for the two of them to roam, seemed to skip slightly, jumping haphazardly out of sync with the two dream walkers. The floor would begin to move quickly beneath their feet as they walked at a snail’s pace. When they sat, the floor dropped from beneath them leaving them suspended in darkness. 

Whenever she asked about these strange phenomenon’s, Pinkie would simply receive a small pat on the head, a kiss on the cheek, and a smile from her fanged suitor. “It’s nothing, just something...brewing...” and surely enough the day came where Pinkie understood what had been ‘brewing.’

On the day of the royal wedding, all chaos broke loose, with changelings attacking every innocent mare, stallion and foal in the city of Canterlot. But as always, evil was defeated by good, and the wedding continued as planned. After which, the reception that Pinkie hosted was considered a smashing success, which culminated in the bride and groom riding towards the horizon in their carriage. 

When the final dancers (Rainbow and Soarin’) left the dance floor, Pinkie decided to go. She wanted to see him, after so many months of dreaming of him, she needed to be with him! Even if he couldn’t move. So she made her way to the gardens of the castle grounds. Now with nothing left to do, her friends joined her, expecting a nice stroll at night in the tranquil gardens. It was only when she spotted the statue that Pinkie was headed for, that Twilight voiced her opinion. 

“Oh Pinkie, not this again! Come on, let’s go.” she urged, as did her other friends. Pinkie merely looked over her shoulder, not even faltering in her stride. With a humph, she said coolly.
“If you don’t want to come, you don’t have to, but it really would be super fun if you did!” She sounded slightly sad at their reactions. And maybe it was her sorrowful tone that made them still follow her.

Finally, they reached him. His clawed paw and eagle hand reached out before him as he tried to push away the force of the elements before he froze. His hands were at the perfect height for pinkie to rock back on her haunches and trace across his palms with her forehooves happily. “Hey Disc!” She giggled, “I guess you were right huh? Something really bad did happen after all! You were right.” 

As her friends watched the unusually still ponie, her hoof scraped against the stone prison, she felt something. A bump in the stone? No, maybe a divot in his palm? She looked closely, and to an ecstatic glee filled Squee, Pinkie saw a crack in the stone. Without thought, she began to dig at it, trying to pry away the layer of stone that held her Disc in place. “Pinkie!” Twilight cried, moving forward to stop her friend as tiny chips of the thin layer of stone began to chip away.

As the group stood there watching Pinkie converse with the statue however, they had not noticed the little bug eyed creature lurking behind the bushes. The last of its kind still left in the kingdom, somehow able to hold on while the rest of its kind were carelessly flung into the sky’s above. As it saw the purple unicorn approach her friend, it struck. 

With an explosive screech, the changeling bounded out of the shrubbery, its long fangs bared horribly. It soared immediately towards the pink pony, being the furthest from the group made her the weakest. They’d pay! They’d pay for what they did to its brothers and sisters! The screech made everypony freeze in horror, unable to believe one still remained.

The two unicorns horns didn’t glow, they were too taken aback.

The Pegasy’s wings didn’t beat, they were too shocked.

The pink pony didn’t move, she was too scared! 

A flash of light.

A new screech, this one of terror, breaks out among the blinding light.

The group cry out for Pinkie, but no response comes.

The light clears.

The changeling is dangling by its leg, wriggling in the grasp of four rough, yellow, eagle digits.

The chimera growls at the creature furiously. “How dare you touch my darling!” he throws the black little creature in the air, and with a blow from his lips. The wind picks up, and hurls the creature into the sky until he is a small glint on the horizon. 

The chimera turns, smiles. And finally, the chimera and pony, embrace for the first real time. 


........


“Uhhhhh...” stammered Thor, unable to look away from the towering creature above him. The appearance was simply not anything he could have expected, and it caused his throat to seize up with shock. The chimera arched an eyebrow, staring down at the burgundy colt. 
“I suppose, by Sweetness’s description, you’ll be Thor, am I right?” The nervous Pegasus gulped hard, trying to dislodge the lump in his throat, when it didn’t move, he gave a quick nod. “I see.” Discord said smiling, “So you’re the one who wasn’t very respectful to my daughter just now?” 

Archimedes pushed the side of his hoof to his mouth, trying his best not to laugh; he turned his head away from the chimera and his friend and locked gazes with Apple Seed. The farm pony seemed to be in similar fits of hysteria to his darker furred friend. “Uuuuhhh... I guess...” Thor stammered, his eyes fixed with terror on the giant slim creature before him. “But... I did say sorry!” He quickly added, to which the draconequus’s demeanour quickly changed. 

His shoulders slummed lazily, and his height seemed to physically lessen somewhat. “Then that’s alright!” He chortled, placing the orders down on the table. “Watch out, they’re pretty cold!” and with that he turned to head back to the kitchen. As he headed back, he nearly collided with a fast moving Sweetness, who bolted out of the kitchen and shot towards the colts’ table. 
“Theeeere you go!” She said happily, placing Archy’s glass on the table. The young colt smiled to the mare, who turned back with a beaming smile on her lips and made her way back to the ovens. 

“Still as dull as your mother I see Archimedes!” Disc laughed, the colt gave the adult a pained look, to which the chimera simply shrugged off before swooping into the kitchen after his daughter, laughing as he did so. Back at the table, Seed and Thor glanced at their friend confused as to where the barbed comment had come from. Archy simply shook his head.
“Don’t ask!” 

The Pegasus and farm colt both glanced at each other, shrugged, and began to examine their food. “So why exactly is he advertising that it’s cold?” Thor asked perplexed eyeing up his muffin suspiciously . Apple Seed frowned at him. 
“Bud, we come here almost every week...at least twice! How can you not have noticed before?” Thor frowned; he reached out and took his muffin grumbling something about “mmusually too hungry to notice!” To which his two friends laughed incredulously. 

“Just eat it you dolt! You’ll understand when you take a bite!” Archy smiled. So Thor did as commanded and took a large chunk out of the delicious muffin. It was cold on the outside, but warm and smooth beneath its soft coat. Wow! How was that even possible?! “Mmmmm! Now thiff ith whut I remumbor!” Thor gurgled with a mouthful of his second bite, spraying his companions with small moist chunks of muffin. 
“THOR! MOUTH! SHUT!” both his friends commanded as they shielded their faces from the vicious onslaught of crumbs.

Thor gave a quick glance to his friends that silently said “Sorry.” Before resumed the demolition of his cupcake. With their orders ready, and their stomachs slowly begin to fill, Seed turned to Archimedes. 
“So? When’s your dad headin’ out?” Archy sighed at his friends question.
“Tomorrow...” the dark furred unicorn moaned sadly. 
“Oh!” Apple Seed gave a slight gasp of surprise, “I’m sorry!”
“It’s ok!” Archy affirmed, giving a big toothy grin, “It’s only six months, then he’ll be back and we can all catch up!” 

Apple Seed fell silent, feeling a slight pang of guilt at his question. He hadn’t realised Mr. Noteworthy was leaving so soon. A job somewhere down towards the outlands, it was good pay! A job requested by Celestia herself, with his beautiful singing voice he had been asked to spread the wonder of Equestrian culture to the outlands! But it didn’t make it any easier on his family. 

Seed remembered how miserable Archy had been when he had told them! It was obviously hard on the young colt. Though she hadn’t shown it to the public when they came for a book, apparently Mrs. Twilight wasn’t taking very well either according to her son. Nights spent crying, until her husband came home, than a brave face until he next left. According to Archy, that was what life at his home was like these days. 

“Hey!” Thor suddenly shouted, making his two friends jump. “Let’s stop with all the gloomy talk! Let’s just have some fun huh?” Thor leaned in, giving a wry wink, suggesting he knew something the other two didn’t. “I have it on good authority, that there’s a new girl in town! She’s a Pegasus, and she’s apparently a pretty good flyer! I say we go find her, and challenge her to a race!” 

“Why is it always a competition with you?!” Archimedes laughed, forgetting his worries for a moment. Thor shrugged.
“It’s not fun unless you’re beating someone!” the burgundy Pegasus chuckled in reply. The two turned to Apple Seed, whose brow was furrowed in concentration. “You Ok there buddy?” Thor asked, to which Seed gave a distracted nod.  
“A new girl?” the county pony asked slowly.
“Yep! Moved into the local hotel around two days ago!” Thor replied.
“Thor...” Apple Seed began, his chest rising in silent chuckles. 
“W-what?” the Pegasus asked, trying not to be infected by his friends positive attitude.
“That’s my cousin! She’s movin’ in with us tomorrow!” 

> Angelica
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Angel? Oh Angel? Oh dear...” Fluttershy was rushing around her garden, searching in vain for her beloved pet rabbit. Where had he gone? Ten o’clock breakfast, eleven o’clock play time, twelve o’clock lunch! Angel never missed lunch, so where was he?!?! 

As each possible hiding spot was found to be empty, Fluttershy began to panic. Should she go get one of the girls to help her?! Yes, that would be the best idea! Forgetting about the two feathery appendages on her back, the yellow mare began to run out of her property and towards the town. 

The woods overlapped onto her pathway, blurring the boundary between her land and the Everfree forest. The trees cast darks expanses of shadows that made it hard to see where one was going, Fluttershy had learnt this long ago when she’d moved in, but was reminded of it now as she pelted down the cobbled path and collided with a large mass that she hadn’t seen in the shadows. 

“Oof! Oh, I’m terribly sorry!” the yellow mare said as she sprawled to the floor awkwardly. Silently, the figure dropped something from it’s teeth, and lunged towards her. Fluttershy let out a terrified squeak, she tensed her muscles and clenched her eyes tightly, terrified of what was going to happen. 

For a moment nothing did. Then she felt the touch of a strong and warm foreleg slide beneath her back and help her back to her hooves. Slowly out of surprise her eyes opened to see her gallant helper’s face. at first it was obscured by the casting shadow of a tree, but as he leant forward to put the mare down, his large red face came into view in the sun. 

“Oh... Big Macintosh...” Fluttershy straightened herself up, blushing profusely at her needing to be helped up like that. “T-thank you!” The stallion gave a happy smile to her and reached down to pick up what he had been carrying. As the warm ray of light highlighted the small thing. Fluttershy gasped in amazement. 

“ANGEL!” she cried, sweeping the disgruntled looking bunny from Macintosh into a big hug. “Don’t you ever run away from me like that again little mister!” She scolded him, the small creature rolled his beady eyes and folded his front legs unhappily. 

Fluttershy turned to the wonderful stallion, who still hadn’t said a word. “Oh thank you! Thank you so much for finding my little Angel! Where was he?” Mac looked down at the little white creature who glared back at him angrily. 
“This little fella?” He laughed, “Well, he was trying to get a hold of whatever was on my stall in the market today!” Fluttershy gasped in horror.
“He didn’t!?!” She stared down at the little white thing who seemed to cower slightly under his mother figures gaze. 

“Angel, how could you?!” She scolded, holding him around to face her. The little bunny shot a glare at the stallion who had sold him out. “No, no, no! Don’t you go blaming mister Macintosh!” ‘Mister Macintosh?’ Big Mac thought, that was slightly odd, nopony had ever called him that. Whilst the sunshine pony gave her pet a firm talking to Mac’s lips began to spread into a smile. “Mister Macintosh!”

“I’m sorry?” Fluttershy asked, her attention stolen for a moment from the rabbit, who took his chance and leapt for freedom. “What did you say Big Mac?” Mac’s eyes widened as he realised he’d thought out loud. 
“Uhhh...”he said, trying to find a reason for his silly comment. 

“O-oh...” Fluttershy retracted her gaze a bit. “I thought I heard you say something.” Mac’s lips remained sealed, he’d almost blown it! He was walking on thin ice as it was. Planning to ask what he did, this was his sister’s friend! If he even stepped a little bit out of line, the yellow mare could completely get the wrong idea, and he’d have to explain the situation to a furious Applejack. 

“Did Angel get any of your apples?” Fluttershy asked concerned, “If he did, I’ll be more than happy to pay for anything he took, I’ll just go get my purse!” And with that the shy mare trotted back to her cottage, a little more of a spring in her step than when she had left. 
“W-wait!” Mac tried to stop her, reaching out, but his low and quiet voice didn’t reach her in time before she headed back to get her money.

As she disappeared around the corner, Mac silently walked over to a nearby tree and gave a rather solid smack with the crown of his head. “Dumb! Big, dopey, dummy!”  he thought angrily as he repeatedly headbutted it. He had thought when he saw the rabbit investigating his wears in the market that he had the perfect chance to finally ask the yellow mare.

For the past few weeks he’d been building up the courage, he wasn’t all that talkative or confident. So it took him a long time to build up enough confidence. When the bunny had fallen into his path it had been like a sign, a perfect chance. And he was blowing it! BIG TIME!
‘
Come on, we can still recover from this!’ a little voice said in the back of his head, sounding vaguely similar to Applejack. ‘Get your flank down there before she comes back, don’t make her go out of her way!’ Begrudgingly, worried he was about to make an even bigger fool of himself, Mac cantered towards the cottage on the hill.

Trotting across, he noticed a few animals staring at him. In the few intstances he’d come here before they’d all given him the same piercing glare, it unnerved him slightly. It certainly didn’t instil much confidence.

Fluttershy found her purse on the table, she turned back to the door and began to trot back quickly. She glanced down at the hutch in the corner of the room to see a moody looking Angel sulking in the corner. Fluttershy knew what needed to be done, she needed to be firm and not alow the little one to win. But maybe, after she paid for whatever he’d done, she may give him one of the ripe carrots she’d planned for his lunch. 

Macintosh began to trot up the incline to the door of Fluttershy’s cottage.

Fluttershy reached her door and passed through it.

His attention was still taken by a large hunched bird on a perch just by the house.

She was distracted by Angel still as she stared over her shoulder at him.

He turned to face forward.

She turned to face forward. 

Fluttershy let out a small terrified squeak and retreated slightly, clearing the path for Macintosh. Big Mac dug his hooves into the loose dirt ground, hoping to find some kind of purchase on it. He skidded several feet turning as he did so –not of choice!- Fluttershy watched in horror as the large stallion began to approach the large wooden fence that overlooked the large drop of the hill. 

Big Mac’s back slammed into it hard. His momentum stopped, and the wood of the fence creaked ominesly threatening to break and splinter. Fluttershy rushed worriedly to the stallion to check he was ok as he slicd of the sheets of wood and lay on his back.

As she approached, Fluttershy could swear she could hear the stallion crying. But as she approached, she saw his teeth bared in a slightly pained laugh. “A-are you ok?” Mac tilted his head over and glanced at Fluttershy. 
“Eeyup!” He said happily before bursting out in full laughter at his idiocy. Fluttershy even smiled slightly when she saw he wasn’t hurt. 

“F-Fluttershy?” Mac began, Fluttershy stop laughing and looked down at the stallion on the ground. 
“Yes?” 
“I’ve got a confession...” He stood slowly, brushing off the dirt from his coat and straightening up to the yellow Pegasus. Fluttershy looked quizzically at him. “I was kinda hopin’ to run inta yah soon...” his cheeks blushed and he felt rather hot all of a sudden. He gave a nervous cough and continued, noticing that Fluttershy’s expression had seemed to change slightly. Her eyes were less open, they weren’t as worried as before, and her smile was distracting him far too easily.

“A-are you sure you’re alright?” Fluttershy asked, placing a consoling hoof on the stallion’s chest. “You seem a little... flustered...” Mac nodded at her, a little too viciously. 
“Eeyup... Well, I am... ‘cos... yah see...” Darn it! Just say it! Just SAY IT! The feelig built up in his chest, he took a deep breath, and...

“Would you like to go out to that new diner in the town on Friday night with me!” Mac’s voice blurted out the cry rather quickly and he was sure it sounded as though he was insane!
There was no chance she would ever possibly even consider saying-
“Ummm...O-ok. That sounds... nice.” She smiled, “Yes, I’d love to.” Mac had to use all his mental power not to let his jaw drop in amazement! Really?! She said yes? Mac gave a small surprised laugh, and Fluttershy echoed it with a slightly more girlish tone.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

The noise sounded odd, the two glanced to the door way, and a little white bunny stood in the archway watching. Angel raised one of his little eyebrows at the two, his right foot tapping impatiently, causing the thumping noise. Fluttershy glanced back at Big Mac and gave a sheepish smile. “I-I suppose I better go get him some lunch...” Mac smiled back, he couldn’t help it, he felt so elated!

“Eeyup, sounds good, ‘fore he tries ta rob me again.” The two laughed. For a moment  they stood there bashfully. Both trying to both make eye contact, yet not too much. Fluttershy glanced up, but Mac looked away just as her eyes rose, and the same happened as Mac tried to repair the blunder. 
“So... I’ll see you on F-Friday then?” The yellow mare said quietly.
“Eeyup!” 
“Ok.” She gave him a warm smile and turned to go inside.

Slowly, as though he’d been struck dumb. Mac began to walk in the same direction, only aiming for the incline of the hill and not the house. As he passed the door, he glanced out of the corner of his eye, and his green met her teal irus’s for a moment, and the two shared an unspoken goodbye...for now. Then Fluttershy, blushing bright pink, closed the door.

Mac gave a slow whistle of relief, a large grin spreading across his lips quickly. He twirled his stem of wheat with his tongue happily as he began to move away. Then a creaking noise caught his attention, the front door? Had she not closed it? Mac began to turn back and look, but before his head fully moved, he felt a soft pair of lips press against his cheek. His eyes flew wide open in both surprise and joy! The lips quickly flew away, and his head swung quick to catch a glimpse of who they belonged to.

He just saw a glimpse of yellow flank and pink tail whip around the front door, before it closed. He stood there for a moment in silence, the spot where Fluttershy’s lips had touched him felt warm. The warmth began to seep from his face into his chest, then finally into his stomach, where the sensation warmed him deeply. Then Mac did something he hadn’t done in a long time, with the confidence that had been brought on by that little peck on the cheek, he reared onto his hind legs and let out a loud joyful yell.

“”YYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO!” He screamed as he trotted away lightly, bouncing on every step he took down the road back towards town. Today was going to be a heck of great day!


............


“Darlin’?” Applejack cried out into the hall. Several seconds later, an orange head popped out of his room and looked down the empty corridor. 
“s’up mom?” eighteen year old Apple Seed replied.

“Yah know!” His mother cried back, obviously growing annoyed fast. “I miss the days where you’d come runnin’ in as quick as a whip, just t’ help me!” Seed smiled. Tiredly, his eyes still drowsy from being woken so abruptly, he made his way to his mothers study. 

As he entered the study, he saw the usual files for the farm’s upkeep, the graphs and documents littered the desk. And as usual, his mother’s hat hung on its usual perch. He couldn’t even remember the last time he had seen it on her head and not that stupid hook! His eyes fell onto his mother; her coat was the same colour as his, except hers seemed to have no sheen left in it. The stress was obviously getting to her, it had been for years. 

Seed noted her drawn and darkened eyes. “Mom! Did you sleep in here again?” He sighed, worried for his only parents health. He had never known his father, neither -by the stories he had heard in the town during his younger years- did anypony else. Meaning, his mother was all he had, which made it all the harder to see her in this sorry state. 
“Naaawww schucks! I’m fine!” Applejack laughed, pushing Seeds comment aside with a wave of her hoof. Seed sighed, but didn’t pursue the matter; he knew his mother was too stubborn ever to admit she needed help! 

“So what’s wrong?” Seed asked, changing the subject. 
“Would you mind takin’ your cousin down to flight trainin’?” Applejack requested, returning her attention to her notes. 
“She is eighteen y’know!” Seed protested. 
“I know that...” his mother said, her tone changing to one of devious giggles. “But I thought you might wanna tag alon’ might give yah a chance to see Ruby in town again!” Seed’s eyes closed in exasperation, not this again! It had been a few months since he had apparently let the mare’s name slip in his dreams, to the full reception of his mother, uncle Mac and aunt Fluttershy. 

Since then, his mother had been making loving jibes towards him every chance she got. “You don’ have t’ go with her if yah don’ want.” Applejack purred, never once looking up from the graphs on her desk. 
“Nooo, no, it’s ok I’ll go.” Seed protested coolly, hoping he didn’t give a hint that he actually did hope to bump into the younger mare. After all, she and Angelica were friends! 

“So where is she?” Seed asked, to which his mother responded with a flick of her hoof towards the window which looked out over the orchards. 
“She’s out thar with your uncle.” Seed nodded, and slowly walked out the room. As soon as he was sure he was out of sight, he burst into a canter. It was still just about mid morning, if he hurried, he could either catch Ruby on her way to her mother’s boutique to work, or on her way to the market for lunch! 


......


Outside, it was yet another beautiful summer day! They were having one of the best seasons he could ever remember. As a result of the wonderfully warm sun, the trees were in full bloom. Thousands of red fruits hung from the trees ready for the picking, their stealthy green fellows hid, camouflaged against the green leaves of the trees.

Seed made his way through the orchard, trying to discern any movement amongst the trunks, searching for a tell-tale sign of life. Quickly, the strong stallion stopped by a tree, and gave it a week buck. The kick was perfectly placed, forcing a single fruit to fall from the trees branches. Giving a little hop into the air, Seed caught the apple in his mouth and gave it a big bite. 

Contently chewing on his breakfast, Seed continued to look for his uncle. Soon enough he found the red stallion by the gate pushing a full barrel to the pickup point. “Hey Uncle Mac!” Seed called out. The older stallion looked up at his name, saw his nephew and gave him a warm smile and nodded to him happily before continuing his work. “Angy out here?” Seed asked.
“Eeyup!” his uncle replied, finally pushing the barely into the sides of the other four ready to gown to the market. Uncle Mac never spoke much, when he was younger, Seed would try and test how much he could get the stallion to say, but soon enough he had grown bored of the game. These days, Seed simply accepted his uncle’s lack of speech. 

“Would you mind gettin’ her down for me?” Seed asked, not even hazarding a guess that his cousin would be in the sky. 
“Nnope.” Mac replied. Turning his head to the sky, and placing his hoof between his lips, he gave out a loud shrill whistle. As always, the high pitched tone went right through Seed, he shuddered at the sound emitting from his uncle’s lips, but waited. It would soon be over! Mac’s whistle finally died down, and soon enough, the air was filled with the sound of rushing wind. 

Seed ducked his head, knowing what was coming. As surely enough, his cousin came streaking through the sky, and plummeted into the canopy of a nearby tree. A moment later, she shot out at a right angle to her decent, now ploughing directly into the next tree’s foliage, and then the next and the next. Each time she shot out of one tree, its fruit fell to the ground, or more suitably, the waiting barrels beneath the trees. Soon enough, the Pegasus had finished her work and had slowed down to hover over her grounded cousin. 

Seed still covered his head waiting, until surely enough; an apple fell from above him and struck his foreleg covering his head. Angelica always liked to drop them on his head when she was working. “Ha! You’re learnin’ cousin!” The yellow furred mare floated to ground gracefully. “Then again, you learn any slower and you might as well be goin’ backwards!” Seed sighed at the usual comment. 
“Come on blank flank, get you markless butt moving!” Angelica didn’t falter at the usual playful comment from her cousin.

Plastering a look of total mock surprise on her face, she reared on her hind legs, slapping her forehooves to her chest. “But cousin! Whatever for? Where are we going?” 
“You know dang well where we’re going, Flight trainin’! Now get movin’!” Seed was beginning to grow conscious of the time; he was probably going to miss his chance if his cousin didn’t stop this!
“But I’m sure I already went through flight training, in fact I’m sure I’m quite good at it already!” Angelica goaded, Seed knew what he needed to say, though he didn’t like it he had no choice but to boost his cousin’s ego.

“Fine, we’re goin’ to your ‘Advanced’ flight training!” 
“Oh, I see, why didn’t you say so?” Angy laughed, dropping the charade. Quickly she zipped over to her father standing with a small smile on his face watching the two’s banter. 
“See yah later Daddy!” She said happily, kissing him on the cheek before fluttering back to her cousin and planting her hooves firmly on the ground. “Come on!” She cried at Seed, as though he were the one holding them up!

Seed sighed, gave a nod to his uncle and made his way to the gate with his cousin. Mac gave a satisfied chuckle, and made his way back to the farm house. They’d moved in with AJ a long time ago, and sinse then it had been his wife’s job to cook. And Mac could already smell the beautiful aroma of her mastery in the kitchen!

> You may begin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“How is it...” Seed began at his cousin. “That while your parents are so dang quiet and shy, you’re nuttier than a squirrel’s breakfast!” Angelica laughed.
“Come up with that one all by your lonesome ‘ey?” she asked jokingly. “I dunno; guess it’s just mah nature!” Seed accepted the explanation, it didn’t really matter, he had only half meant his question anyway. His cousin was fun, kind and strong minded, he wouldn’t want her any other way. 

“So?” Angy asked, trotting slightly ahead then turning back to walk backwards, addressing her cousin directly. “Why you coming with? Got business in town or summit?” Seed shook his head, keeping his eyes fixed on the spot just over his questioning cousin’s shoulder. Angy’s lips immediately curled at her cousin’s expression. “Naaawwwww! I get it! You’re hopin’ t’ see Ruby again aintyah!” 

Seed’s jaw grew solid, trying not to let any hint of his intentions show. Yet somehow, his cousin still found them! “Well aint that just sweeter than an apple pie!” Seed kept a straight face; he wouldn’t give her anything to go on! He wasn’t going to let her get to him! Angelica gave out a little laugh, and began to fall back in line with her cousin. 

“Well you’re lucky! She’s coming to watch us practise today!” WHAT!?! Seed couldn’t help himself, his neck snapped towards his cousin, his eyes begging for reassurance that she was telling the truth. Immediately, his brain gave him a mental punch in the face, ‘Well done! Idiot!’ Angy’s lips curled into yet another smile, as Seed’s actions had proved her right. “Well, you’ll get some time alone with her won’t yah! While we’re all flying around, you get to sit with her...alone...and talk... alone!” Her tone kept rising, as she obviously fought the urge to laugh again!

Though he knew her to be joking, Seed’s stomach began to tighten as they made their way towards town. By the time they reached the market square, Seed was sure if he opened his mouth he would be sick! And by the time they cut through the town, making their way to the fields on the outskirts of town, Seed’s pace was fast beginning to become sluggish and slow.

Angelica noticed her cousin’s nerves, and this time didn’t draw attention to them by joking about them but actually gave him a strong smile. “Come on! You aint got nothin’ to worry ‘bout! Noponies told her nothin’ and she aint exactly...” her eyes twinkled as temptation almost pushed her to say something else. “...ignorant, when it comes to you.” Though she was showing her more kind side, Seed’s eyes still furrowed into a frown. What did she mean? 

Before the orange furred stallion could ask, Angelica was laughing again. She pulled herself into the air, and shot off in the direction of the stands that were erected just ahead. Slowly and begrudgingly, Seed made his way to them, expecting a good three hours of boredom, and if Ruby was there. Stomach churning awkwardness!


........


“Archy?” Seed squawked in surprise. The dark blue unicorn glanced up from his book, as he did, his glasses fell to the tip of his nose. Quickly, he pushed them back up, and smiled as he saw his friend. 
“Oh, hey Seed!” 
“What they hay are you doin’ here?” 
“Thor brought me along.” Archimedes groaned, his face reflecting his sheer boredom. Seed looked out to the squad, well actually, the only Pegasy here so far were actually Angelica and the burgundy Pegasus. 

Thor was talking animatedly to Angelica, but as he flailed his foreleg out to exaggerate his point, his eyes caught a glimpse of the stands. For a moment he frowned, squinting his eyes to pick out who it was next to Archy. Seed gave him a quick wave to show it was him, and Thor exploded into a smile. Leaving his story with Angy unfinished, the stallion Pegasus shot through the air just above the ground and came skidding to a halt beside his oldest friend. 

“Why didn’t you say you were coming you dope!” Thor questioned, laughing as he swung a hoof around his friend’s neck, bringing him into a playful headlock. Without hesitation, Seed bent his forelegs, and then sprung his hind ones in a single buck. The strong movement was enough to send Thor toppling forward over his friend’s head and land awkwardly on the wooden bleachers beside him. 

The Pegasus quickly sprang back up. His cheeks flushed as he rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously and trying to shrug off his obvious defeat. Quickly, his eyes darted to the side. Seed was too busy sitting down to notice, but Archy saw the quick nervous glance towards the yellow Pegasus, slowly making her way towards the group. Archy suppressed a laugh, and resumed perusing his book before his expression was noticed. 

“WOWY! That looked like it hurt!” Cried a loud high pitched giggle from above the group. All of whom looked up to the top of the bleachers to see Sweetness smiling down at them. Though nopony saw her arrive, they were sure she hadn’t been there when they first arrived. They weren’t surprised however, Sweetness always ended up just appearing without warning. It was one of the things that made being her friend so interesting. 

The bright pink pony started to slide down the steps, bouncing as her rump landed on each ledge before she slid onto the next one. “A-a-a-r-r-e-e y-y-o-o-o-u-u o-o-o-o-k-a-a-y?” she asked, her voice jostled by her movements. As she finally came to a stop next to the group, so did Angelica. She glanced at Thor, her eyebrow raised in question, obviously waiting to see what Thor would say to Sweetness. 

Thor noticed the look, and gave a confident laugh, “Pffft! I’m fine! He just got a lucky shot in!” Without looking up from his precious pages, Archy gave a laugh and noted lowly. 
“Just like the last time, and the other seven times before that!” to which everypony laughed, Thor slightly more nervously then the others. 

Finally as their laughs died, they heard the noise of hooves on wood. They all turned to see who it was approaching. As they saw, Angelica’s eyes lit up with happiness, and Seed’s suddenly darkened in nervous horror. Approaching the group, her purple tipped fur glinting in the morning sunlight elegantly, was the youngest of the group of friends. The beautiful Ruby! 

Her mane was fashioned very similarly to her mother’s, only it contained a few more tight curls than the older mare’s. The dazzling hair swept to the left, revealing her small but prominent horn standing out delicately. As she approached the group, she gave a large smile, revealing the slightly pointed teeth she had inherited from her father. Though noticeable, the pearly whites, where far from threatening, they in fact, simply gave her smile more sheen, as the sunlight glinted against the faint points. 

“Well, look who got her pretty rump outta bed finally!” Angelica cried happily, trotting over to her friend, and flinging her forehooves round her shoulders in a loving hug. Ruby laughed at her friend’s comment, returning the hug with a bright smile on her lips. Glancing over her friend’s shoulder, she gave a happy greeting to the rest of the group. 
“Hi guys!” Angelica let go, and the two trotted over towards the group lounging over the bleachers.

“HI!” replied Sweetness giddily.
“Yoh Ruby.” Thor said fleetingly, stretching his wings, preparing for the flight routines for that day. Archimedes’ horn glowed as he folded the corner of his page down, marking his place. As he closed the tome, he looked up and gave a smile to the little mare who was almost like a cousin to him. His mother and Ruby’s father were very close so the two knew each other quite well. 
“How goes it Rubs?” He smiled, then making an over the top reference to her haunches, he sighed. “Still no mark I see!”

Ruby smiled devilishly, came over to the unicorn. As she passed him, Seed’s nostrils were filled with the unexpected fragrance of Ruby’s perfume. Ruby took a seat next to Archimedes, turning to him and staring him down.
“Archy! Still no personality I see!” At which point, her horn glowed slightly picking up his book. As the stallion’s attention was taken away from her, she quickly nudged him sending him toppling over onto the tier of seats bellow, to raucous laughter from all around. 

He tried not to take in a breath; Seed couldn’t help his lungs craving to inhale the aroma. Silently, he fought with himself to stay calm and sure enough, the urge passed. He still couldn’t help his stomach from clenching as she passed so close by however. 

“Ow!” Archy cried as he got up and rubbed his side painfully. 
“Oh!” Ruby cried, all manner of deviousness vanishing at the moment she realised she’d hurt him. “I’m sorry Archy! It was only meant to be fun! I was just playing along! I”- She began rambling, worried he was angry with her. Archy was used to this, he cut across her quickly before she got herself worked up. 
“I’m fine, just...soar is all!” To which Ruby sighed with relief. 

Slowly, the group began to go about their business. Thor and Angelica prepped for their flight tutor -‘If anypony else ever gets here!’ Thor thought angrily- Archimedes was starting to practise a new spell, to which Sweetness was only happy to act as his guinea pig. To her delight her mane kept changing colour from the most vibrant of oranges to the deepest greens before reverting back to her own natural dark pink. 

This left Seed to sit on the bleachers, bored as ever. “...Ahem...” came a soft voice from behind the stallion. Though his heart froze over in nerves as he recognised the small elegant cough, Seed tried to stay calm. Slowly, he turned around and gazed up at Ruby, stood daintily just behind him. “Do you mind?” She asked, glancing at the seat beside the stallion, silently asking for an invitation. 

“Oh yeah sure!” Seed yapped, a little too happily, though Ruby didn’t notice. The two sat there for a few moments, just watching the two Pegasi beginning to take to the sky for the next stage of their warm up. After a moment, Ruby spoke.
“You know, you’re the only one who didn’t say hello when I showed up.” Seed’s eyes flashed wide open for a moment. Oops!

He kept his vision on his burgundy friend, but addressed the beautiful mare. “Didn’t I? I’m sorry.” He said earnestly, glancing at her. Her eyes were staring straight into his, and for that moment he forgot what he had planned to say. “Ummm...” He stammered nervously, then lifted a hoof and gave it a little shy wave. “Hello...” he said, giving a faint smile. Ruby giggled slightly at his silly behaviour and turned back to the flying ponies. 

Seed let out a silent breath of relief, this was nerve wrecking beyond belief! Why in Equestria had he agreed to come here? An entire morning of sitting with his crush, trying not to slip up? That was not his idea of a good time! He liked spending time with all his friends, especially the dazzling pony beside him, only he never felt sure of himself when she was around. He didn’t want to look like a fool!

“YOU GUYS HAVE TO TRY THIS!” came an ecstatic cry to their right. The two teens turned to see a beaming Sweetness trotting towards them sporting a bright yellow mop of a mane on her head. Ruby laughed at the sight, and Seed –forgetting his nerves for one moment- joined her. 
“She won’t let me turn it back!” Archy laughed as he caught up with the trotting earth pony, his face was flushed and his breath was wheezing, suggesting he’d been chasing her to change it back. 

The sight only instilled more laughter in the two seated ponies, which soon infected Sweetness, resulting in all four roaring with laughter. Finally to the mad mare’s dismay, Archy’s horn flashed, and Sweetness’s mane had returned to its original colour. 

The two then sat next to Seed and Ruby and waited for the other flyers to show up. After a while, Ruby frowned. “It is getting a little late for practise don’t you think? The coach should be here at least, surely!” 
“Maybe they all have a tummy ache!” Sweetness cried happily, not even glancing away from the two soaring Pegasy ahead of them. The other tree stared at her in bewilderment. 
“Huh?” Seed asked eventually.
“Maybe they have a tummy ache!” the lollipop cutiemarked mare repeated. 

“You see, sometimes, my mom will have breakfast, and then she’ll think ‘Oh I’ll have a cupcake too! And maybe a pie! And maybe a cake!’ Then by the end, she feels kind of funny. Maybe the rest of the team are feeling the same!” It took a moment for the three listening ponies to understand their friend. Sweetness (Like her mother) had an overwhelming tendency to sprout off with a story at  a million miles an hour, leaving her listeners bewildered as they tried to process the speedy voice. 

“IIII... don’t think that’s it Sweetness.” Archy said slowly. “And maybe you should talk to your mum about that.” He added.
“Aaaaahhhh it’s ok!” Sweetness replied, tilting her head backwards so she faced all her friends upside down. “Mommy only gets like that when Pappa’s away.” 
“Your dad goes away?” Seed asked, not remembering a time the draconequus hadn’t been in the bakery when he came to visit. 
“Yup, sometimes a few days at a time.” Sweetness said happily. 
“And you’re ok with that?” Ruby interjected into the convocation noting Sweetness’s oblivious expression.
“Why shouldn’t I be?” Sweetness asked, raising a confused eyebrow (Though in her current position, it looked more like it dropped further to the ground) “It’s not like he’s not coming back!” 

Sweetness realised what she had said only the moment after it had escaped her lips. Her hooves flew up to her mouth, trying to pull the words back in. But it was too late. Archy sat there, staring out over the field, trying his best not to focus on the subject of vanishing fathers. 

It had been years since his father had gone off on his mysterious journey to the outlands, and it had been that long since he and his mother had gone without a single letter or word from the older stallion. Noteworthy had seemed to have vanished without a trace, or as his son had so often mentioned bitterly, he had just vanished from his family’s world. There was no proof that anything had happened to him. Archy believed that his father had simply grown tired of him and his mother, and made his way out simple to cover his abandonment of his spouse and child. 

Archy didn’t hate anypony, he didn’t think it was possible for him to feel that way about someone, except for his absentee father. For that pony, Archy would bottle up all his anger, all his frustration, and when he finally found him –Which he would!- Archy would let him have it! The thoughts felt like acid burning away at his insides, the feeling wasn’t pleasent, which only added to the rage that built up whenever the son thought of the father.

Seeing his friend was quickly going into his dark place, Seed took hold of the convocation. “So, is your dad’s gone now?” Sweetness nodded, and then frowned.
“Actually, I don’t remember him being gone this long before... Maybe he’s doing something important!” The moment of doubt vanished in an instant, replaced with her usual beaming smile.

“Right! Honestly! If they don’t show up soon, I’m going over to coach’s place and kicking her butt!” Thor roared, as he flew over the bleachers lazily looking up at the sky. Though they all knew it to be an idle threat, the group couldn’t help but agree. It was nearly midday and still, nopony had showed up besides them, it was odd!


......


“Isn’t that sweet... the little one misses her ‘Pappa!’” Slowly, the fluid like magic faded from the image of the teen ponies sitting, leaving a clear white window ready to be used as it hung magically in the air. 

From within the shadowy gloom of the cavernous cave, a scream roared out to the slim figure staring at where the young ones had been. “LET THEM GO!” The figure turned, smiling at the anger in the unseen voice.
“Let them go? But I don’t have them...” it’s smile made the long singular fang twinkle in the dull light from the viewing portal. “Yet.” it finished maliciously. 

“DON’T DO THIS!” there was the sound of clinking chains, and the shuffling of a body obviously tethered. The clinking stopped suddenly, as the chains became tort as they pulled hard against them. “They’ve done nothing!” 

“Yet.” The slim figure purred. As it turned, it’s bat like wing blocked the portal, leaving the room ahead of it completely dark. “It’s all...a matter... of yet. You know what they are... you know what they can do, and so you know why they cannot be permitted to live on this way.” 
“I WON’T LET YOU”- The frantic voice was cut short as the figure bore it’s lion claws, their glint emphasised by a small growing flame in the palm of its paw. The green glow cast grim shadows over the twisted face, emphasising its red mismatched eyes.

“You can’t give anyone demands or ultimatums my dear boy, not in your current position!” With that, the figure spun on the spot and ploughed the green flame into the waiting portal. The resulting shockwave sent ripples flooding across its surface, immediately changing it from a serene white, to a grim pale green. 

As the ripples died, the image had come into focus. The cavern that lay beyond was tinted with some glow of unseen luminescent fungi, and the glow cast spindly shadows along the floor and walls. From within the large room could be heard the constant chirruping and gnashing of little sets of teeth, as a high pitched, giddy laughter seemed to spread across every surface. As the captured speaker stared into the portal, their heart plummeted in horror. The shadows where moving!

Each supposed shadow was now obviously showing themselves for what they truly were, changelings. Thousands of them must have been lying in wait within the room beyond the portal. But that wasn’t what caught the prisoner’s eye, what made them stare was a pedestal, standing dead centre in the cavern, where what seemed to be a stallion sat resolute upon it.

From this distance and from the other side of the portal, the prisoner couldn’t focus on the figure. Before they had a chance, the slim captor stood between them and the portal once more. Just, as if though through water, the echoing voice of a mare’s singing began to drift out to all their ears.

“This day is going to be perfect.
It’s the day of which I’ve dreamt since you were small.
A war of chaos you will rage, 
Now that you’ve become of age,
Dying Armour! You’ll rule them aaaallll.”

The final note was held, as from high above from an overhanging ledge, dropped a large slim winged creature. The figure from beyond the portal waited, letting the creature approach the waiting stallion.
“Today’s the day my dear.” It said, as it passed into the light. Her long green mane, her tattered and torn dragonfly wings, the long sharp horn that stuck out like a sword. Slowly, the changeling queen began to circle the seated stallion.
“Yes you majesty!” it said, staring straight ahead. 

“Today we take back what we almost took eighteen years ago.” The queen said as she continued to circle.
“Yes, your majesty!” 
“What will you do to help us achieve our goal?!” She commanded, her voice sharp, and cracked like a whip as she demanded an answer. 
“Anything, and everything!” The stallion retorted.
“What have you been ordered to do?” 
“To follow the draconequus, to obey its orders and help it reach its goals.”
“Then?” 
“Return home, for the strike on Canterlot!” 

“Goooood...” The queen purred darkly. She stopped circling and stared straight into the stallion’s eyes. “From the moment you were born, I dreamt of this day, the day we take Equestria! The day you lead them to burn that stain on the land!” She panted for a moment, getting caught up in her vengeful thoughts. Slowly she composed herself. “Do me proud.” 

The stallion ceased staring at the rocky walls and turned his head to gaze into the queen’s eyes. “Yes...mother!” The chirruping of the surrounding drones seemed to build in a cry of joy and bloodlust. But even above their screams and cries, the queen and her son could hear something else. The slow, sarcastic clapping of the figure beyond the portal. To them it simply looked like a hole in the wall, which allowed them to speak to the draconequus beyond, and now the chimera took a confident step into their ancestral lair.

The drones fell silent immediately, they didn’t understand the word chimera, or draconequus, but they knew this creature was powerful. Or the queen-mother would never have agreed to this merger. They silently parted ways to let the slim snake like creature walk past; still clapping it’s claws and paw together at the sight before it. “Touching!” it chortled, echoing across the silent room. “Truly touching, but I believe little Armour here has something that needs attending to.” 

Still the changelings stood still staring at the chimera and their queen, waiting for orders. With one final look to his mother, the stallion like changeling stood. His long, sharp, bladed horn glowed gently, as his gray/green wings unfurled. “Time to fly!” He hollered to the horde before him, who erupted into screams of delight as they all took to the air.  

“Follow it’s orders!” The queen commanded of her son, as she still stayed there on the ground watching them all beginning to soar. 
“Yes!” The captain changeling affirmed, as he too took into the air. He hung there, staring at the twisted creature before him, waiting. The draconequus sighed, obviously bored. 
“Very well, you may begin!” With a sudden burst of speed, Dying Armour shot up high, making his way towards the twisting tunnels that would lead to the outside. The drones all screamed again, as they followed their commander and made for the catacombs! 

Amongst the screaming and screeching, the chimera came over, took the hoof of the queen and kissed it. It gazed up from the holed and twisted hoof and winked, then disappeared in a flash of light.

Slowly, the noise of the horde died as they made their way through the thousands of tunnels. The queen stood there, a malicious smile curling on her lips. As the screams and gleeful giggles faded more and more, she began to laugh, quietly at first, then it began to build. Until finally she was cackling madly at the prospect of finally exacting her revenge, on Twilight Sparkle, her friends and soon... soon on that blasted stallion!

Shining Armour!


.........


“Right, that’s it!” Thor decided angrily. Getting to his hooves. “I’m going to Cloudchaser’s place to see what’s taking her so darn long!” 
“Patience is a foreign concept to you isn’t it buddy?” Observed Archimedes, as he took out a second book from his bag, seeing as he had already finished the other first large tome twice. 
“Well there’s patience...” Began Angelica, jumping to her fellow Pegasus’s aid. “And there’s downright rudeness! We’ve been waiting for hours!” 
“She does have a point.” Agreed Apple Seed, Ruby beside him gave an affirmative nod. 

Archy sighed, and with his dark shade of magic, closed the book and replaced it in his saddle bag. As he glanced up to his friends- all now rising to their hooves- his tender green eyes noticed something in the sky, just slightly obscured by Seed’s head. “Hmmm, it’s probably a good idea, it looks like rain anyway.” 

“WHAT?!” Thor shouted heatedly, his eyes shooting up towards the sky. “Did somepony decide to go and wreck my work AGAIN?” When the others frowned at him, he muttered a quick explanation as he scanned the skies. “Seeing as I’m so good at my job-AND NO I’M NOT BOASTING!- Some of the others at the weather bureau like to mess up what I do to get me back.” Ruby looked shocked.
“That’s horrible!” Thor shrugged, silently understanding the appeal of the prank, even if he didn’t appreciate it being pulled on him.

Archimedes stood and cracked his back, stiff from sitting in the same position for so long. “It’ll be fine Thor, just a last minute shower or something probably.” He gestured with a stray hoof to the sky behind the rest of the group. They all turned and saw what he did. 

A large dark grey patch of storm cloud was approaching the town slowly. The others all dismissed it the same way Archy had, and turned back to their bespectacled friend. Thor continued to stare however. “It’s not supposed to rain today!” he protested. Seed tried to calm his friend; going over to him he flung a lazy foreleg over his neck and hung there. 
“Don’t worry ‘bout it Thor, they probably didn’t tell you ‘bout it so they could actually be able to do some work themselves!” He nudged at the burgundy coated Pegasus’s ribs playfully, but it didn’t seem to entertain the stallion at all.

Pushing away in obvious frustration, Thor took a few steps back and began to yell. “First of all: I’m the deputy head at the bureau, so they’d have to go through me for clearance! Second!” He gestured furiously at the shape in the sky, which during their convocation had somehow covered a lot of ground quickly. It now could be seen to be far larger than they had thought, and far darker. “That isn’t a cloud idiot!” Thor finished. 

Angelica frowned, making her way to stand beside the two stallions. “He’s right!” She said. “That’s too dark to be a rain cloud, and if it were a storm cloud, they’d have let off a few bolts to alert everypony!” Ruby chirped up, as her ears began to twitch. 
“And listen to that! That’s not thunder!” They all listened, and sure enough the faintest noise could be heard, almost like the shrieks of some unknown creature (Or maybe creatures judging by the layered noise) 
“AND LOOK!” Sweetness cried happily, gesturing to the darkening mass. “You can see their wings! Their birdies!” 

Angelica who had spent half her life with animals due to her mother, had learnt the shapes and sounds of almost every possible bird in Equestria, even concerning the rare ones, she at least knew what to listen for, but she didn’t recognise their noise. Unlike the birds of the sky she knew, their shrieking cries brought a chill up her spine as she listened. She glanced around and saw the feeling mimicked in her comrades. “They’re not birds...” She whispered. 

As the notion escaped her lips. The first magical shot was fired into the waiting town of Ponyville.

> Ponyville in flames
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The green blast emanated from the centre of the hovering mass above the town, it came down with deathly precision and stuck the centre of the town hall. Even from the distant field, the group could hear the immediate screams of the town’s folk. “Oh my goodness!” screamed Ruby, stumbling back and falling into Seed who stood frozen. 

“What the hay was that!” Thor yelled.
“That was magic!” Whispered Archimedes, “Changeling magic!” immediately recognising the tell tale signs from one of his books, and his mother’s stories.
“Changelings?” Thor shouted in alarm, “Those things that tried to take over Canterlot?” Archy gave a grim nod as he continued to stare. For a moment they stared, as a second blast was sent in the direction of the shopping district. In the direction of Sugar Cube Corner. 
“MOMMY!” screamed Sweetness, forgetting herself and charging without thought to the already fast burning town.

“Sweety!” Yelled Ruby, trying to reach out and stop her. The unicorn’s hoof just missed the tip of the pink pony’s tale as she whipped away. She took a step forward, trying to follow, but was stopped by Seed. The stallion’s hoof had crossed her path, pushing her back. 
“You can’t go in there, it’s too dangerous!” 
“But what about Sweety? What about my parent’s? What about YOUR parents?” She pleaded, horrified. Seed swallowed. 
“We don’t know where they are...” he whispered, his eyes still fixed on the fluctuating mass, now firing shots sporadically at the thatched houses. Each created a shining green explosion, that sent beams, glass, and what Seed was sure were ponies, high into the air.

“I’ll get Sweety!” Thor stated, bolting forward and taking to the sky fast.
“THOR NO!” Seed yelled after him. But it was too late. Bitterly, he looked back at the remaining three of his friends. Waited for a moment, then gave an angry cry and turned back and followed him as fast as he could on the ground. As he made his way towards the town that was already filled with the stench of burning wood, the final three saw the worst turn of events yet. 

The cloud broke up. 

What seemed to look like thousand of little pony shaped creatures began to fall down towards the town, all of them screaming wildly as their little wings propelled them fast to the ground. Realising his friends were in danger, Archy shouted to the two girls. “What do we do?!” Ruby stared at the remaining Pegasus. So far, Angelica hadn’t moved, like her cousin her eyes had been fixed on the destructive cloud. Now it was gone, her focus returned slowly to the matter at hoof. 

“We...” She began, thinking hard. “We...” Suddenly her head snapped up, determination fixed in her eyes. “We go in, find those three, and get out! Our parents can look after themselves. We need to protect each other!” Archy nodded, and began to canter off after Seed, Thor and Sweetness. Without a word, Angelica followed him, closely pursued by a terrified looking Ruby. 


.........


The town was in chaos! Within moments, the summer sun’s light counted for naught as the fires raged and their smoke blotted out the sky. Screams flew through the air, a mix of both the terrified inhabitants of Ponyville as they fled their blazing homes, and the gleeful fits of joy coming from the changeling drones as they demolished the town and mauled it’s residents. Seed was terrified yet he couldn’t leave, not without his friends, not without his best friend! Not without Thor! 

The country stallion pelted through the streets, filled with running screaming ponies as they made their way out of the town. He was buffeted from side to side, constantly fighting against the tide of fleeing town’s folk. The smoke brought stinging tears to his eyes and clogged his throat, yet he still pushed on, squinting to try and see a glimpse of burgundy coat or Aqua mane! 

“THEY’RE DOWN HERE TOO!” Screamed a bright pink pony with a yellow mane, rearing up and running back the way she had come as a line of about six changelings appeared, blocking of the exit the ponies were trying to reach. The crowd screamed and turned back. Suddenly knocked off balance by the change of momentum, Seed stumbled almost falling to the floor to be trampled. 

As his footing completely seemed to fall away, his forehooves flung out to shield himself. Yet he never hit the ground! Peeking quickly out of one closed eye, he saw his body encased in a dark shade of magic. He recognised the rare colour! Turning his head, he saw Archimedes pushing his way through the chaotic crowd towards him, his horn glowing brightly. Seed found his footing once again and made his way over as best he could through the already thinning masses of ponies. 

“What are you doing here?!” the earth pony yelled angrily to his friend. 
“I wasn’t going to leave you and Thor to burn alive! Now come on!” Archy turned around, heading away from the line of approaching Changelings. Seed followed quickly. As they made their way across the street, Seed caught a glimpse of two female faces waiting in a side alley, staring out worriedly. Ruby and Angelica! The stallion sped up towards his cousin and friend to check they were safe. 

Leaving Archy to wade through the crowd alone.

A particularly large stallion slammed into the small bespectacled teen. The unicorn stumbled backwards, only to be slammed into by a small gaggle of foals as they made their way out guided by a terrified Mrs Cherilee! One of the foals caught Archy in the back of his leg, causing the stallion to lose all purchase on the ground below. As he fell to the floor, he felt pain shoot up his right calf. He tried to stand, but combined with the barging ponies around him, the pain in his leg was too much to allow him to get up.

Archy looked up, searching for his friends. But as his gaze rose, he saw a large hoof comedown to meet his face. 

BAM!

Then darkness and silence as the screams began to fade away into nothing.


.........


“Mac! Where is she!?!” Fluttershy cried mournfully as her and her husband made their way along the dark alley. The red stallion’s eyes were furrowed in horror as he gazed at the blazing buildings. Ponyville! In Flames! 
“Flight trainin’” He mumbled to the hysterical yellow mare. “She’ll have been outta the way; she has ‘nuff sense to run!” Fluttershy didn’t look in the least part reassured. 

The three were headed through the back roads and alleys of Ponyville, hoping to avoid the hundreds of Changelings that had besieged the small town. Already, they had encountered a large group of them outside the library, which was where they had picked up Twilight. Along with the help of Big Macintosh, the purple magic master had been able to repel the small dark creatures. The magenta unicorn now charged forward leading the group. A look of shear horror in her eyes as she searched for her beloved little Archimedes! 

She hadn’t said a word yet, her lips seemed frozen in place as she searched while trying to find a way out of the town for the others. While her son was here, she wouldn’t leave, but she couldn’t allow her friends to stay and get hurt! Friends like...
“APPLEJACK!” Twilight screamed.

The orange pony was trapped, though fighting as best she could; the swarm of changelings that surrounded her were too much for even the athletic mare to handle. Without a moment’s hesitation, Big Mac charged, his head lowered down like a battering ram. He struck the first of the unsuspecting little parasites hard in the back, sending him into several of his friends and making them tumble into the blazing inferno that had once been the first floor of Sugar Cube Corner.

The brother and sister stood back to back, as though they had never parted. Without a single word, Applejack ducked to allow Big Mac to send a strong and powerful kick into the face of one of the floating creatures. It fell twitching to the floor instantly. Applejack rose up hard and fast, bringing her forehoof up and into the waiting jaw of the next victim. Within seconds, the two siblings had left the group of attackers lying on the floor in pain. 

Mac grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and hauled her over to the others waiting in the alley just off of the main road. “Twilight! Fluttershy!” Applejack cried, flinging her hooves around her two friends thankfully. “You two a’right?” The two mares gave shaky nods. Applejack knew what was wrong, it was the same reason she had come down into town the moment she heard the explosions. They were worried for their children! 

“What were you doing over there Applejack?” Twilight asked, slowly making her way to the corner, and checking for signs of any other changelings. 
“I swore I heard somepony Yellin’!” She looked worried. “I think it was Pinkie!” Twilight’s eyes widened in horror as she turned to the blazing bakery. Now she concentrated, she was sure she could hear terrified squeels coming from within its smouldering walls.

“Oh my gosh!” Fluttershy cried as she too heard the fearful noises of their trapped friend. The group all ran out into the clearing, searching for a way to help. “Pinkie!” Twilight screamed. High above them, from behind the window of her and Discord’s room, they saw a figure freeze. “PINKIE!” She yelled again. The figure shifted and pushed the windows open quickly. 
“TWILIGHT! EVERYPONY! HEEEEELLLP!” Now the window was open, Twilight could see the menacing orange glow of flames that must be only a few feet from the Pink pony!


.........


“Sweetness! Darn it! STOP!” Thor had landed, and was now rushing after the pink mare he had finally found. The random pink pony was determined and wasn’t even looking back as she barged past ponies and Changelings alike; somehow, the little black creatures seemed to never notice her! Thor saw them glance at her from their chaotic looting and smashing of items and windows, he even saw their green beady eyes glance at him! Yet they ignored the pair as they rushed through the town. Why?

“I’m going to go help my mommy!” Sweetness yelled angrily over her shoulder at the pursuing Pegasus. Thor gave a quick burst of speed, catching up, and then overtaking the rushing mare. He stopped in front of her, spreading his wings wide to stop her from getting by. Sweetness tried to get past, her wild and frustrated movements proving how distraught she was.

“Sweetness!” Thor shouted, grabbing her shoulders tightly and staring her down. “We need to get out of here! NOW!” 
“NO!” She yelled, trying to break free of his hold. “My mommy’s all alone! I need to help her! Pappa isn’t here!” 
“You don’t think the wife of a god can protect herself against a few of these things!” Thor gestured madly at the black drones that now clambered over the buildings, obviously content with the amount of suffering and death they’d brought to the town. Now their round green eyes stared at the two with bated breath, almost as though they were watching a show! 

Yet again Thor found himself wondering why they hadn’t attacked. What was going on? “Your mom’s fought them before! With my mom, Seed’s, Archy’s all of our parents have before! They’ll be fine!” 
“NOOOOO!” Sweetness yelled, anger exploding into life across her face, for the first time in living memory. Her deep purple eyes seemed to flash scarlet. Their blood red gaze boring into the stallion before her.
“Woh!” Thor yelled in surprise, backing away slightly in fear. For a moment, just one moment, he could see the side she had inherited from her father. For a moment, he didn’t see a pony glaring back at him, but an angered draconequus! 

Anger quickly melted into sorrow, as Sweetness’s eyes became round and fearful. They shifted back to their former colour, and quickly filled with tears. “I-I’m sorry!” She whimpered. Thor shook the moment off and came back up to her. 
“Sweety! We need to leave, let’s find the others and we’ll run to the forest! Ok?” 
“I-I-I’m scared Thor!” the mare squeaked as she gazed at the burning town around them, at the little creatures staring hungrily at her. Thor came closer to her.
“Me too!” He trotted up to her side and unfurled his wings. “Get on!” He ordered, which Sweetness obeyed without hesitation. With speed like his mother’s, Thor bolted up into the sky.


.........


“Hold on Pinkie! We’ll get you down!” Twilight encouraged falsely, she had no idea what she could do! If Pinkie jumped, she’d hurt herself too badly to move! Then she’d be a stationary target for these things!

Another blast of the green magic exploded into life behind the line of houses to their right! It’s green flames billowed out towards the sky, carrying with it what seemed to be over twenty ponies! Twilight’s stomach threatened to empty itself at the sight of such death and destruction, but she couldn’t give in! Pinkie needed her, and Archimedes did to! They needed to hurry!

“MAC!” Applejack yelled, taking charge as the magenta pony panicked. “You think you could catch her?” The red stallion glanced up at the high balcony, the angled himself underneath it. After a few adjustments to his position, he turned and gave a solid nod to his sister. Applejack took a deep lungful of smoke coated air, preparing to shout to her friend now flailing helplessly as the amber flames began to lick at her tail as they jumped from the room.

However, as she stared the orange pony noticed a faint glint in the sky behind her friend. Before she could focus on the object approaching fast, it shot past the balcony at breakneck speed trailing a rainbow streamline behind it. As it collided to the ground, dust and smoke swallowed the group in darkness. 

After a spell from Twilight, the cloud passed, leaving a tired looking Rainbow Dash holding Pinkie tight to her chest. Twilight gave out a nervous laugh as she trotted over to her two friends. “Rainbow! Pinkie! You’re ok!” Rainbow rose slowly, scoffing at her friends words.
“Pfft! Of course I am! I wasn’t going to let these punks slow me down!” She laughed, but by the look of sheer terror in her eyes, the friends could tell that her bravery was merely a thin veil of deceit. 

A few seconds later a worn out Soarin’ landed behind his wife panting. “You ok babe?!” he asked of Rainbow, who nodded. “Everypony else?” Soarin’ asked, all gave shaky responses. The professional flyer gulped, dreading the answer that may come. “The kids?” Fluttershy succumbed to bitter tears, Mac threw a consoling foreleg over her, giving a curt shake of the head to Soarin’ as he did.

“Good!” the Pegasus gasped in relief.
“GOOD?!” Twilight exploded, just as another blast tore the roof off a nearby house. “GOOD?!” She repeated, advancing on the stallion. “My baby is out there alone right now! He could even be dead! And you say it’s GOOD that we don’t know?!?!” Without hesitation Soarin’ roared back.
“If none of us have seen them! There’s a higher chance they weren’t in the town when the changelings attacked!” He turned to the others. “Rarity and Spike are safe! I saw him fly outta here with her and some other stragglers!” the girls gave a sigh of relief.

“If the kids are out of the town, then they’re safe!” Soarin’ mumbled. “They’re at no risk!” 


.........


The screams, explosions, and crackling flames began to swim back to Archimedes as he regained consciousness. As his eyes opened, he believed for a second hat he’d died and fallen to hell! The suffering around him was unimaginable. Just inches from his face, a pair of bright red eyes stared blankly back at him from the scorched earth. With her glasses shattered and laying beside her Dj Pon3, Mrs Vinyl Scratch his old music teacher had fallen Dead!

The unicorn turned his aching head, the muscles in his neck flared in agony and he had to grit his teeth hard to compensate for the pain. When his vision changed from the sight of dead ponies to the actual view of the street, his heart shattered into pieces. Ponyville, was destroyed! 

A few buildings still stood, barely! And a few screams now and again from the distance suggested that there were still survivors! But as he gazed down the street, he saw them. The line of Changeling drones, making their way up the narrow corridor of houses. 

They stopped every few paces, at first the unicorn couldn’t see why, but as he stared at the fast approaching group he saw. A Grey furred pony was twitching a few feet away, she tried to lift herself up, but the agony was obviously too great! Her fur and flesh were both burnt beyond recognition, but through her pain, she moved towards the –what seemed to her to be- approaching ponies. 

A single one of the dark creatures stepped forward, it’s comrades giggled maliciously, all approaching the helpless creature suffering on the floor. But the first creature flung out it’s leg against the approaching horde in protest. It flung out... a hoof! Archy could only stare, his mouth hanging agape at the creature as it approached the suffering thing on the floor. His mother had told him of the Queen of the Changelings, her long sharp sword like horn, her dragonfly like wings, her pony-like body shape. This creature matched the description, yet, it wasn’t female!

The approaching thing was more stallion like in its shape and size, and its horn was gleaming like a polished steel blade. Archy could see wings twitching at his side, so was he an alicorn? Or WAS he a changeling like the queen? 

Finally the figure reached the suffering pony on the floor and bent down.  For a moment he seemed to be trying to help, and the dying female smiled with relief. She reached up to it, trying to hook her hooves around the black creature’s thick, strong neck. But as she rose up slightly, bringing her shoulder the bottom of the figure’s chin, Archy glimpsed the gleam of pearly white teeth, even from this distance!

Before it acted, the creature’s eyes began to wander. They travelled up the street, taking in the corpses that littered it. It glanced at the smouldering buildings, and widened with delight as a house tumbled to the ground in a heap of burning embers. Then, the ghostly green eyes snapped to the centre of the road, to Archimedes. 

The unicorn gasped at his being discovered, he began to shuffle back as best he could in his drowsy state. The creature’s eyes stared him down for a moment, and then with a noticeable, and clearly deliberate wink. The creature opened its jaws, showing the glinting points on its teeth, and plunged them deep into the flesh of the of the helpless female’s neck!

“EEEAAARRRGGGHHH!!!” Archy screamed, he bolted to his hooves, turned tail and ran! Only a few feet ahead however, he slammed into a rather solid shape just protruding from the corner of the street.  Once again, the spectacled unicorn fell to the ground. Still frantically yelling, he shook his head, and began to back away hysterically. 

“Woh! Woh! Woh! Little buddy! It’s ok, it’s just me!” Thor hushed, glancing around quickly hoping none of the changelings heard the panicked unicorns yells. Archy’s screams broke into sobs of relief.
“Y-you’re ok!” he gasped, then realising the threat. He jumped up, noticing Sweetness pop out from around the corner as well. “We’ve gotta get out of here now! There’s something just down there! Something strange! Not a changeling!” he yelled, gesturing back down the street he had come from. 

Thor snapped to attention, he glared down the street, but after a few moments he relaxed. “Yeah!” he chuckled slightly despite the situation. “Those definitely aren’t Changelings!” Archy frowned and followed his friends gaze. Down at the end of the street were no changeling’s, no fanged monster, no gleaming green eyes. But what was there, were three ponies running towards them! Seed, Ruby and Angelica!

“Archy! You’re ok!” Cried Ruby, reaching the unicorn and flinging her hooves around him happily! 
“Thank Celestia we found you!” breathed Apple Seed, to all three of his friends. 
“Great! We’re all here!” barked Angelica. “Now let’s go!” 
“We didn’t realise we’d lost you until we reached Sugar Cube Corner!” Whimpered Ruby to her fellow unicorn. “And’ when we realised you weren’t there, we couldn’t think of where we lost you!” 
“Explain later! Let’s get moving!” Angelica ordered again, all too aware of the still raging attack of the town. 
“We were so worried...” the female unicorn said miserably. Suddenly with a piercing whistle, the yellow Pegasus grabbed the other five ponies’ attention. 
“LET’S GO!” She yelled authoritively. This time, the group obeyed. 

And as they left their life-long home behind in ruins, the changelings across the town gave out a scream of victory, and a solitary figure stood atop the house closest to the forest tree line.

Thor was the first to get to the forest’s line; he turned and shouted to his friends. “Come on! Come on hurry!” he kicked as much of a sizeable hole as possible through the thick exterior of the woods as he could, creating an entrance for the approaching group. They all dived in without pause; first Archy, then Angelica, Sweetness, Ruby and finally Apple Seed. As the burgundy Pegasus prepared to follow, he took one last look back at his home. And saw it. 

It was slim, long and slender. Almost snake like in body build. It could be Ruby’s dad, Mr Spike, but he knew better. He saw the horns, one antler and one of a goat. Its long forked tail curled up from the ground supporting its owners lower back almost like a chair. As Thor stared, the figure raised a hoof...no... paw, and gave a sarcastic, condescending wave to the Pegasus! Thor took a step forward, forgetting for a moment the friends who needed him. 

What was he doing? Just sitting there and watching the chaos unfold! Wasn’t this his home too? What about Sweetness? His daughter had almost died in there! Or had she? Thor stopped his advance, thinking hard. But even as his thoughts pieced themselves together in his mind, a large plume of flame shot into the sky making him jump. The flame roared, consuming the closest building, and when it passed and the smoke had cleared. The figure was gone. 

Discord had gone!

Not wanting to be left to whatever fate left for him here, Thor turned and jumped into the forest after his friends!

> The Elements of Salvation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“They attacked them!” Ruby cried in horror as Thor quickly caught up to the fleeing ponies. Brambles and branches tugged at their fur painfully as they rushed through the forest. “They just attacked them for no reason! How could they do that?” Seed who was still behind the mare saw her scared eyes glance back at him in tears, begging to be told why her home had just been destroyed.

“Just keep moving!” Angelica cried ahead of her, “When we’re safe, we can talk!” The group all obeyed, for what felt like an hour they ran through the trees and bushes, not wanting to let any of the resident creatures of the infamous forest to hear their movements. 

Suddenly Archy stumbled on a stray root of a tree and cried out louder than he should have for such a meagre trip. Immediately the other two males knew something was wrong, after years of being his friend they knew Archy wouldn’t complain unless something was really causing him pain! Quickly they forced themselves to catch up with the unicorn. 

The glasses wearing pony was slumped against a tree, panting hard. “Archy?” Seed asked, coming up to his friend slowly.
“You ok buddy?” Thor looked at the unicorns leg, and was the first to notice. A small dark cloud of magic enveloping the limb. “What is that?” he asked, bringing the entire groups attention to it. Archy opened his mouth to dismiss the magic he was casting on himself, but as he did his weight shifted onto the hoof and caused him to gasp hard. 

“He’s hurt!” Ruby cried, pushing past Seed and dropping to her knees to inspect the limb.
“It’s nothing!” The unicorn stallion protested, moving forward painfully. “It’s just like a cast that’s all.” 
“Why do you need a cast?!” Thor ordered, pushing ahead to block his obviously hurt friend’s path.
“I hurt it back in town, when I fell. It’s nothing, just a sprain judging by the pain.” He tried to move again but stumbled. Seed darted out and caught him. 
“Come on then Specky!” He smiled, as he straightened his friend up before stooping low. “Hop on!” 

Archy tried to protest, but as he looked around he saw the groups eyes, even Sweetness’s usually happy ones, all ordering him to get onto Seed’s back. “You’re in no condition to walk!” Ruby explained. “You’re tiring yourself out with that spell. Soon you’ll pass out! Let us help.” Her large round concerned eyes, melted Archy’s icy stubbornness. 
“Ok...” He said, and with a thanking look to his orange friend. He leant over Seeds back. Who then stood up straight and began to walk ahead again.

For another moment they walked in silence, no longer running. The sounds of the chaotic town had long since died away, and they heard no signs of pursuing changelings behind them. So the group resigned to slowly making their way deeper into the forest. “It doesn’t make sense!” Whispered Archy into Seed’s ear as they moved. “Changelings need love to survive, they’ll fight to gain it, but what do they gain from killing as many ponies as possible?”

“Revenge.” The single word rang out loudly around them, making the group all jump. They glanced to each other, but by their bewildered expressions they could all tell that the shout hadn't come from any of them. 
"Over there!" Sweetness shouted, pointing a hoof in-between two thick tree trunks. The group looked in the direction and saw a figure stood in a clearing. It looked like a pony, if not a bit taller, but it was hard to tell as it wore a large brown cloak around it's body with a hood to cover its face.

Thor jumped into action, taking to the air, he bolted to the front of the group. Once he landed, he lowered himself close to the ground ready to pounce. "Who are you?!" He demanded loudly, a few birds in the trees flew away startled at the loud noise, but the figure in the cloak didn't move an inch.

It raised a hoof, gesturing it in a 'come hither' motion, before turning and walking away. Thor snorted, "Pffft, yeah like we're going to"-
"Follow her." Archy interrupted, causing the group to stare at him. 
"Are you serious?!" Angelica said in amazement, "What if it was a changeling?" 
"Why would a changeling turn into somepony we're not sure about, it'd turn into one of our parents if it wanted to lure us into a trap!" Archimedes argued, his eyes locking with the yellow Pegasus'. "Trust me, if it's who I think it is. We're safe!" He looked down to stallion carrying him. "Follow her Seed." 

Seed looked from his friend to his cousin. After a moment, without a word he began to go in the direction of the figure. "Are you serious!" Thor protested, running to catch up with his two longest friends. "With no proof who that was, you're still going to trust them?" He locked gazes with Archy, who stared back simply. 
"Yes." Thor carried on staring at him for a moment, then shouted cautiously to the others. 
"Come on. If Archy thinks it's safe it probably is." With that the three stallions began to move forward. 

Sweetness followed them happily, simply curious as to who the hooded figure was. Ruby gave a nervous glance back in the direction they had come from, then trotted to catch up. Leaving a shocked Angelica stood alone. Her face grew annoyed, and she rushed to catch up with the group. Soon enough she reached Thor's side. "'If Archy thinks it's safe it probably is?' What the hay is that all about?" She whispered furiously. 

Thor glanced at her, and in an indifferent tone he explained. "Archy is smarter than all of us combined, he knows nearly every creature in Equestria off by heart, if he thinks it isn't dangerous, than it isn't dangerous." He glanced over at his friend who was still on Seed's back as they moved on searching for the cloaked creature. "Just don't tell him I said that or he's just gonna be full of it for the next few hours." Angelica, in spite of everything that had happened that day, found herself letting out a small laugh. Thor tried to keep a straight face, while inside he was jumping for joy because he'd made such a good impression even after everything that had happened. 

After a few more silent minutes, they came to another clearing, this one far more brighter, they'd forgotten it was still day time, after the darkness of the smoke filled Ponyville, and the gloom of the forest, it had seemed that they had been living in a world of night and darkness. In the centre of the clearing stood the figure, still wearing it's hooded shroud. 

When the group came to a halt on the perimeter, Archy began to struggle off of Seed's back. When he hit the ground he winced, but erected the spell once again, shrouding his leg in his cloud of protective magic. Then the dark stallion began to move into the light. "Always one for parlour tricks huh?" The figure shrugged from under the cape. Then reached up with a black and white hoof and took off her hood. 

The group sighed with relief at the site. Zecora! The woodland witch as the kids used to call her. Archy was right, they were safe! Archy smiled at her, then twitched his injured leg at her. "I don't suppose you have something for this do you?" The zebra smiled back to him, and beckoned them all to follow. 
"A warming lotion should do the trick.
It should heal you up nice and quick." And with that she headed off in the direction of a rough dirt path leading off from the forest.


..............................


They reached Zecora's hut quickly, and as the zebra opened the door to them and ushered them inside, Angelica noticed the first sign that she knew what had happened. The zebra seemed nervous, her eyes darted around as she waited for the teens to enter the house, they searched out every source of sound around the hut ensuring it wasn't a threat. The Pegasus didn't draw attention to it just yet, first Archy needed help, then they could discuss what had happened. 

Once they were inside, Zecora rushed to the wall of bottle shelves on the other side of her room and began searching. "Ahh!" She exclaimed happily as she found a small green bottle. She turned back holding it in her teeth, and approached Archimedes as Seed helped him sit gingerly in a seat in the corner. "Here my dear, sweet pony friend.
Simply rub this in and the pain should end." 

Seed had heard of the zebra from his mother, he'd even glimpsed her when he was helping on the market stall and she came for supplies or her famous brews, but this was the first time he heard her famous rhymes. It was said she couldn't help speak in rhyme, and that somehow she had one to mind immediately without pause for thought.   

Archy took the bottle from her with his magic and smiled up at her. "Thanks Zecora." 
"It is nothing my dear boy,
to see you safe fills my heart with joy." Archy, who had been halfway through applying the potion, paused.
"Safe?" He questioned.
"She knows what happened." Angelica piped up, causing the group's heads to swivel to her. She was still stood by the entrance staring at the scene. "Which makes me wonder why she was so willing to help us." 

Seed jumped up and rushed to his cousin. turning his back on the rest of the group, he blocked their sight and whispered furiously to Angy. "Archy's in trouble, he needs help, we find somepony willin' to help him, and you're 'bout to get us kicked out with your big yap!" Angelica opened her mouth to argue, but was cut short by the rhyming voice of the Zebra.

"Be still Apple Seed, what she says is far from lies,
even from this forest I could hear Ponyville's cries."

Seed was taken aback, he glanced at the zebra for a moment, then quickly retreated from his cousin. He gave her one last look of annoyance and said lowly. "It was still rude!" Angelica saw that she had stepped out of line, she gave the zebra an apologetic look, to which she gave an understanding nod, gesturing for her to take a seat. 

Once she had, Zecora began to speak fast. "You still aren't safe, at least not here,
To Canterlot you must go, and seek the princess's ear." Sweetness piped up.
"Why in Equestria would we want the princess's ear? That's creepy, not to mention reaaaaaallly hard to do! I think"- 
"She means an audience with Celestia." Ruby said quietly. The group glanced at her, she had been very silent since the attack, being the youngest of the group they were sure she was struggling the most. The unicorn was staring at the ground miserably, her slender coat seemed to physically dim with her sombre mood, making her look far less of the pony she had been a few mere hours ago. 

Angelica came over to her friend and held her close, Ruby grabbed hold of her tightly and began to sob silently into her shoulder. Seed's heart panged at the sight of the miserable girl, but he knew it wasn't time to talk to her about it, let her recover first. Let Angy look after her. The earth stallion turned to the zebra and addressed her directly. 

"Did anypony else come this way? Our parents?" The zebra's face fell.
"I'm afraid dear Apple Seed,
you six are the first seen survivors of the pony breed." Archy's eyes fixed on Zecora.
"Pony breed? So there have been other things in the forest coming from Ponyville?" Zecora exchanged gazes with the dark furred stallion, then nodded morosely. "They were changelings weren't they?" Another nod. "Darn it!" Seed took over quickly.
"Right, so we gotta be careful from now on, we don't know where they'll be." He looked around at his group of friends who all nodded in agreement. Then the orange furred stallion realised something. 

"I-if the changelings are all aroun' the forest by now, why should we head to Canterlot?" When Zecora simply gazed back at him, Thor began to grow annoyed at the lack of an answer to his friends question. 
"Is this your idea of some kind of joke or what? You darn Zebra, just tell us what's going on, because you obviously know!" Zecora's head slowly turned to Thor, and the burgundy Pegasus felt the temperature in the air drop. The cauldron in the centre of the room just between him and the foreigner seemed to glow intensely, casting an eerie red shadow across her face.

"Watch you tongue my little pony,
For you'll find the outside in the forest is far more lonely." Thor gulped and looked away, not scared, but uncomfortable. The glow seemed to fade, and the room returned to normal. Zecora then began to speak. "I’m afraid this is no joke.
There’s no turning back for you pony folk!
These attackers that come, they come for you.
But I fear it too late to say what you should do.
Perhaps we can speed it up, with one of my spells.
They’ll explain quick, and will explain well!" 

With that, Zecora made her way to the shelves and began taking down many assorted bottles and vials from her shelves. Seed opened his mouth to stop her, 'they come for you' what the hay did that mean, those monsters had come for him and his friends? Before he could ask however, Archy caught glsances with him, and the unicorn's gaze ordered him to stay silent, and let the zebra concentrate.

For a while, the group remained quiet and watched the witch work, not wishing to interrupt but terrified by her dark description of the events of that day. She threw some of the bottles in the cauldron whole, while others she only gave a drop, sometimes she would fling dollops of herbs into the bubbling mass, and the occasional sprinkle of others. Soon, red turned to gray, and the mass ceased bubbling and became still. Finally, after so much crying, Ruby had resurfaced and had begun watching with the rest of the group. 

"W-what s that going to do?" she asked hoarsely. Zecora, who was too deep in concentration to explain as she added the last few ingredients to the concoction, stayed silent. leaving an incredulous Archy to explain.

His leg was already feeling a thousand times better thanks to the magical remedy, and now his focus had switched to the potion in the pot. His eyes were wide with fascination as he watched the surface of the liquid glisten. "Hidden potential!" He gasped. The group all frowned at him. "M-my mum, she developed a spell, with the use of potions she could help establish a pony's destiny." Sweetness exploded with excitement. 
"REALLY?! OOOOOHHHH!" She went bounding over to the cauldron excitedly trying to pear into its murky depths, but a weary Apple Seed caught hold of her as she passed him. Archy ignored them.

"Mum always said she had help, but wouldn't tell me who from." He watched the zebra as she took a deep inhale of air from the cauldron. Ruby piped up finally.
"What do you mean, destiny? Like their future?" Archy frowned in confusion.
"Well... not destiny like future events, more like a path they must follow, a kind of ideal they should have to help them find their way." He watched as Zecora's eyes opened and she smiled, happy with her work. "Seed, that's how your aunt Apple Bloom got her cutiemark, right, using this spell." The orange stallion nodded, still holding a wriggling Sweetness back. 

Before the group could say any more, Zecora began to address them all. 
"Long ago, in a far off land,
filled with wind, fire, earth and sand,
My ancestor met a powerful creature,
Who gave him a glimpse into this worlds future,
It foretold of the time of discord's fall,
A wonderful day, and time for all.
the creature told, how the elements would rise,
smiting all power deemed evil in their eyes, 
and when the fighting ceased, and harmony did rain,
an old evil would rise, and strike them again,
it would take the elements, and hold them tight,
leaving nothing to challenge it's awesome might." 

Thor stared in horror. "H-hold them tight? You mean..." His memory flashed back to the sight of the slim figure atop the house, how it had mocked him, had it been him? The old evil, just waiting for the opportune moment? He opened his mouth to accuse the draconequus, but as he did, his eyes fell on Sweetness, what would she do if she knew? Could she cope? What would she do if she couldn't? "Y-you mean..." Maybe not now, maybe later. "You mean the changelings have our parents?" He improvised. 

Zecora gave yet another disheartened nod. Thor gulped. Across the room, Sweetness's mouth hung open in horror, Ruby's eyes misted over and threatened to cry again, Angelica, Seed, and Archy's eyes all widened in shock, but besides that tried to keep their emotions under control. Zecora however, wasn't finished, and continued to recite her tale. 
"But the creature promised a way out,
six powers to end all doubt,
to bring peace for all, in all they do,
and these six powers... are all of you." 

The words resounded around the silent hut, the group stayed stationary listening to the zebra as she closed the story. 
"for within your hearts, filled with such courage and determination,
lies the elements of salvation,
far stronger than any elements that came before them, 
you must meet with the princess, for she cannot ignore them,
she will know by now, that if she doesn't send you to save this land,
Equestria will become nothing more but dust...and sand."

The grim end left everypony speechless, they stood struck dumb by Zecora's words. After what seemed like an age, with Zecora staying silent and waiting for them to understand, Angelica finally spoke up. "...Elements...of salvation? You mean, elements of harmony? Like our parents?" Zecora nodded.
"Though your parents are harmony, salvation is far stronger,
for the manifestation of their powers takes far longer,
through your parents lives these elements did grow,
but only through their babes, would the power show." 

Angelica scoffed, then slowly began to laugh, bringing concerned and confused looks from her friends. "So you mean to tell us, that we're simply our parents only stronger?" She looked around searching for somepony else who found this as ridiculous as her. "We're the 'Elements of Salvation' and the fate of Equestria hangs on our shoulders?!?! HA!" Slowly her laugh died as nopony showed signs of sharing her doubts. 

"That doesn't explain everything." Thor said, staring at the ground. "In fact it makes everything make less sense. If we're the... you know, elements or whatever, than why didn't they attack us when we were in town?" Sweetness piped up, rushing over to Thor to try and make the morose stallion smile. 
"Well that's easy, we were just too fast, after all you are a pretty fast flyer Th"-
"No," Thor interrupted. "That's not it... They were watching us, not even trying to follow us."
The image of the drones' beady eyes watching him and Sweetness in fascination burst into life in his mind. They had watched them, yet not attacked. Ruby tried to reason with the troubled pegasus, she stood and walked over to him, placing a consoling hoof on his back. 
"Thor, it's likely you just misread the situation, so much was going on I wouldn't even begin to think you understood everythi"-
"Thor's right." Archimedes said loudly. Silence screamed across the room, slowly the bespectacled unicorn began to explain what he had seen in the town. 

The figure with the green eyes, the wings and horn of the changeling Queen, the body of a stallion. He reminisced about how it had gazed straight at him and winked before slaughtering a poor innocent civilian in the town. How when he had run to escape, it hadn't pursued. He voiced this story explaining what he had seen, and then how they had seemingly vannished without a trace. Though they all seemed to beleive him, he was sure they didn't quite understand how terrifieing it had been, they hadn't seen it's eyes gleam before it bit down on that poor gray pony's neck! 

Eventually all had to agree it made no sense. Unless... "They wanted us..." Seed murmured miserably. "Or to at least get to us... they attacked everypony there except us...That don't add up unless the attack was meant to...scare us." 
"Well it worked." Ruby said, her eyes still gleaming with fear. Seed turned to Zecora.
"How can we be sure? Is there a way to find out if we are these 'Elements of Salvation?'" The zebra opened her mouth but was cut across by Archimedes. He finally stood, happy with the lack of pain in his leg. using his magic he placed the empty potion bottle on a nearby table. 

"That's what that potion's for." He glanced at Zecora and grimaced. "I'm sorry, we're not so used to al the rhyming, and seeing as this is important, I thought it best everypony understood fully". Zecora nodded slowly, looking slightly surprised at his reasoning. With an amused smile she gestured to the potion and allowed the unicorn to continue. 

"My mum made this to establish what ideals a pony should follow in order to reach their destiny, it's almost like a guide to your own personal moral code. So if we use it we should...wait..." He turned back to Zecora, his brow furrowing in confusion. "How's this supposed to tell us if we're the Elements of Salvation? This spell only tells you what you should do, not what you are." 

Zecora smiled. "Your truly are your mother's son,
Come here and let me show you little one." She gestured to the potion waiting in the caldron, inviting the group to come nearer. "This brew is similar, but by no means the same,
it gives each element a purpose and name.
This spell was made by my family long ago,
In preparation for your arrival, to let you all know,
the creature told us of each powers name,
we only had to find them, and the spell would prove the claim,
so look into the potion boy!" She gestured to Archy, "We haven't much time,
find your element, while the spell's still at its prime!" 

Archy stepped up cautiously, not sure what would happen. He glanced back at his friends, all of whom nodded, showing him they were there if anything went wrong. The dark stallion took a breath, and spun on the spot, gazing straight into the gray depths of the cauldron. For a moment nothing but his own scared reflection stared back at him. he could see the bruise from where he had been knocked unconscious. His glasses looked slightly damaged, but besides that, nothing seemed any different.

No sudden realisation sprang to his mind, no truth as to who he was. This was ridiculous, his mother's spell had already bordered on the impossible, but this idea of a spell was impossible! After all, all scientific research proved that it was simply impossible for-

The potion sprang to life as Archy thought, it bubbled and flashed a shade of white before settling as a dark blue colour, the same shade as Archy's coat. With a gentle hoof, Zecora pulled the colt away, and as his face moved from the near surface of the potion, a slow rippling stream followed him. To the group's amazement the single column of gravity defying liquid began to rise higher above the cauldron, then it slowly began to curl in the air. 

The single strip of liquid thinned as it stretched and curved into a perfect circular ring. For another moment nothing happened, then within the circle a smokey shadow seemed to form. The same colour as Archy and the liquid. For a moment it had no form, but soon it began to shift until it solidified into a solid looking shape. The group stared at it for a moment, then at Archy's flank, surely enough his mark was the same as the image. A book.

"Ahh..." Zecora hummed happily, "The element of knowledge, that was an easy guess,
facts wrap around you like a foal's new dress." She smiled at the stallion, who gave a slightly nervous smile to her, not sure what any of this had done really. As he walked away, the shape faded, and the airborne liquid suddenly dropped back into its container with a loud splash.

Angelica had had enough of this! This zebra was simply taking advantage of a dire situation, she was simply copying their cutiemarks, but she knew a way around this trick. "I'll go next." She exclaimed, walking confidently forward. "As you can see, I don't have a cutiemark, so your little trick, is going to fall flat on its flank!"

She trotted up to the cauldron, and imitated what Archy had done. A lot of the sounds of the hut seemed muffled, but she was sure the group would still hear her. "After I prove this is all a load of hooey, and Archy's healed up. We're leaving, and getting the heck out of this forest! Do you understan"-

Yet another flash of white light made Angelica jump, she pulled her head out defensively and stared as the cauldron's contents turned into the same shade of dark yellow as her coat, and yet again a single stream of liquid sprang into the air. As it had with Archy, the potion formed a circle, and from within a cloud began to form, only this time the more golden hew of Angelica.  After a moment it solidified into a badge, it gleamed as though made of actual gold, in the centre of the circular badge lay an emblazoned crown, set against a shield. 

"Hey!" Archimedes cried, "I've seen that before, that's my uncle Armour's captains badge!" 
"The element of leadership, a powerful tool,
many with leadership waste it, and look like a fool,
this element is strong, but still relies on the others,
as the power of a leader lies within their followers." Zecora recited almost in a chant like voice. Angelica stared at the badge, from the moment the flash of light had erupted from the potion, she had felt something change. Had this been what Zecora had meant when she said "Your life will begin anew?" because now she saw the shape, she felt no doubt, only... acceptance.

The liquid fell once again, reverting to it's colour of gray once more, leaving Angelica to go over to Archimedes and Zecora. "MY TURN MY TURN!" Sweetness yapped happily, but before she could get to the cauldron, Thor already had his head above the mass of gray liquid. 
"Come on then, what the hay am I? Come on! I'm not afraid I"- Almost instantly from his boisterous attitude, he usual flash of white appeared, and the liquid turned burgundy, soon a new hoop of water hung in the air, and a silhouette of a pony stood in the centre of it. 

It stood tall, pushing its chest out and raising its head high. Thor looked at it, he didn't need to check his flank to know that wasn't his cutiemark... so Archy's had just been a coincidence then! Zecora smiled at the pegasus stallion who looked at her waiting for her to chant some verse of the element, but the zebra simply laughed. "You said it yourself, you're not afraid,
what does that mean you are young nave?" Thor was sure she was beginning to run out of rhymes, he'd never heard somepony actually use the word nave, but he ignored it and thought for a minute.

"Uhhh... I dunno, bravery I guess?" Zecora nodded, and Thor's eyebrows sky rocketed. "Ha! Haha, I'm the element of bravery, SWEET!" He laughed, trotting over to the other two friends. Apple Seed looked over to Sweetness.
"You can go now Sweetness if you want?" The pink pony seemed a little deflated suddenly, she glanced at the stallion then at Ruby who stood on his other side. 
"Oh. No, go ahead, I'll wait." She gave a quick glance over at Thor, who still hadn't noticed what he'd done. His eyes were closed as he smiled smugly, please with his luck of the draw. She gave him an annoyed glare, but as her eyes began to drift away, she caught glances with Archy.

The stallion glanced at his flying friend, then back to Sweetness and rolled his eyes, showing she wasn't the only one who thought he had been rude. He then gave her a warm smile, which perked the pony up quickly. She beamed back to him, and looked up to the orange stallion. 

"Well..." he glanced at Ruby, "Well, ladies first." Ruby smiled then daintily put her head above the potion. She expected her long hair to fall into the liquid, but she noticed a faint current of heat emanating from the liquid, which lifted the locks of hair and made them flutter in the breeze. Seed watched, noticing yet again, how beautiful she was. 'No!' his mind shouted, 'not now you idiot!'

For a while nothing happened, Ruby was sure that she wasn't meant for this. She wasn't even technically a pony, she was a hybrid, did that even count? In her mind she slapped herself hard across the face, how dare she think that, her parents loved each other! And she had come to be because of that love. Her parents, she shouldn't have left them behind, she should have gone back, she should have told them she loved them one last time before she lost them! 

A flash of light erupted at her thoughts. Once again reacting to the thoughts and emotions of the pony before the gray goop. Soon, yet another circlet -this one the platinum colour of Ruby's coat, speckled with purple streaks- hung in the air. Soon, the usual cloud solidified into a solid form. This time, a platinum eye stared back at her, a purple tear welling up in its corner and brimming over the lid. Ruby frowned at it, glancing back at Seed, who shrugged, just as confused as her. "S-so..." She began, turning to Zecora "So I'm... sadness... or misery? Or something like that?" The zebra shook her head.

"You are the element of remorse, something key for all change,
If one doesn't remember the dark times of old, how can one make a new age?" Ruby stared at her for a moment. 
"R-remorse... I suppose that makes... sense." she said, making her way to the others, leaving only Seed and Sweetness. 

"Go ahead!" Sweetness beamed to her orange friend. Who gave a nod and approached the large pot. He looked over at his other friends, how could it be that after such a small amount of time, he could feel so different to them now? The brave dashing Pegasus, the confident leader, the knowledgeable unicorn, and the radiant beauty, they all complimented each other so well. How could it all have changed so quickly?

Slowly, he lowered his head into the cauldron. For the longest time yet, the potion did nothing. After a while of feeling awkward, he pulled himself back out and looked up to where the circle had formed the previous times. Nothing. He looked over to his best friend. Thor gave a bewildered shrug, and glanced over at Archy, the smart one would know...surely. Yet when looked to for help, the dark unicorn gave the same look of confusion as everypony else.

Yet again, Seed stuffed his head into the cauldron. He brought his face right up to the surface f the gray liquid, so close he could feel the slight tinge as his nose just brushed the surface of the potion. Still nothing happened. This time he felt a hoof touch his back, he straightened and turned to find Ruby. She gazed up at the stallion, at any other time, he would have given anything for this contact. 

But slowly as he stood there, a growing sense of disappointment was beginning to build within his stomach, disappointment and annoyance. "Hey, Seed..." Ruby began, "It's ok, you don't need to be some silly element of whatever, you're still you!" 
"Yeah!" Piped up the other two stallions. 
"Like I care if you're the element of big headedness or whatever!" Thor joked, trying to illicit a smile from his orange earth pony friend. But as he watched, Archimedes saw that all the words fell on deaf ears. Seed simply stared at the surface of the potion, trying to understand.

"W-what am I?" he whispered, causing everypony to gawk in surprise. In known history, Seed had never been morose, or truly upset, this was the first time in living memory that he had actually said something that made him sound so... lost.
"What are you talking about?" Ruby tried to reassure him, rubbing his back slowly. "You're Apple Seed of course, our friend! The kindest, most considerate pony we all know!" The group all nodded in agreement, all except for Zecora who watched on with a peculiar expression on her face. 
"Yeah buddy! In fact, out of all of us, you the most normal now!" Thor smiled, "Seeing as you're not one of these stupid element thingies!" 

"That's just it... I'm not normal." Seed's heart was growing heavy, only so long can you take what life throws at you before you finally have to vent it out. It seemed now, after everything that had happened that day, Seed was finally letting it all go. "I aint normal... I've got no dad, I never got a stallion I could try to be!" Slowly he backed away from Ruby, who was looking at him in a whole new light, she'd thought he'd been just a happy pony, but it seemed there was more to him.
"Seed, that doesn't matter! Pleanty of ponies don't know their father." She glanced at Archy for help, of all the group surely he would have sme words of wisdom on the subject! 

The dark unicorn simply watched, he said nothing, and didn't even acknowledge that Ruby was looking at him. He simply watched Seed, he'd always guessed, but never voiced it. He was sure that if he had lost his father at a young age, and he fealt so different because of it, then surely Seed felt doubly so, for never knowing his father at all! 

"Tonigh' proves I'm not normal!" the orange stallion continued regardess of the consoling words. "Out of every pony here, the children of The Elements of Harmony, I'm the only one who aint one of these new elements?" He looked around at everypony's faces. Angelica couldn't believe this! Her cousin, the stallion she thought she knew, had all this building up inside him? For how long? "What? Huh, is it just I'm the wrong son or summit? I just got in the way, maybe Angy was supposed to have a darn brother and I just screwed up the gran' plan? Why do all my friends have this responsibility and I don't huh?" He looked at Zecora, "Am I just not worth it, not worth the trouble to be able to help mah friends?" 

The zebra stayed silent. She simply looked from the orange stallion to the cauldron and back. "Sweetness, while your friend asks why,
maybe you should give this brew a try." the pink pony glanced from the zebra to her friend, unsure of what to do. She wanted to help Seed, but... if she was an element, maybe she could help mommy! She began to approach the cauldron.
"NO!" Seed exploded, making the group all jump. Sweetness froze, but it wasn't her he had yelled at. Seed stood there glaring at the woodland witch. "I've had 'nuff o this trickery, you're gonna tell straight out! Why aint I an element?" He wanted to help, why didn't she see that? Why did she still remain silent? 

Finaly the zebra's mouth opened. 
"If you think it wrong, please proceed,
try again, young Apple Seed." Seed glared at her smug face, he'd heard his mother sing this witch's praises, but she'd been fooled. She wasn't kind, she was opportunistic! And nothing else. Without thought, he turned back to the cauldron and walked silently to it. He came to a halt beside Ruby.
"Seed, wait... this isn't going to help... you need to..." Seed turned and gazed at her, cutting her scentence short.
"I need to protect my friends!" He said quietly, and the platinum unicorn swore she saw a tear in his eye. 

With that, Seed took hold of the cauldron with both hooves, and plunged his head into the gray abyss. 

> Strength
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

White light exploded all around him, Flashes of orange danced across his vision as he stared into the liquid. Finally, the potion stayed the same shade as his fur. He smiled, and a few trickling bubbles escaped his parted lips. He pushed with his hooves to pull himself out, relieved it had worked. But he found that his muscles locked, refusing to let him up. He frowned, what the hay was happening?!? He grunted, and another -far larger- stream of bubbles cascaded from his mouth
.
Thor knew something was wrong! The potion had worked, surely Seed could see that. Maybe he was relieved and savouring the moment, but as soon as he saw his friends forelegs go tort and his and his hind legs scrabbling on the floor, he knew the earth pony was in danger.

"ARCHY HELP ME GET HIM OUT!" Thor ordered, bolting across the room towards his friend. 
"Leave him!" The cold demand cut through the air like a knife. Thor glanced back and saw Zecora standing tall. Thor ignored her and tried to grab his friend. Suddenly, Seed's hind leg sprang out and hit his friend in the chest sending him reeling back in surprise. 

Seed was sure he was running out of air, he couldn't have much left in his lungs now, yet his forelegs wouldn't obey him! He couldn't bring himself to pull up! From beneath the sound of turbulent water, and his own distorted grunts. The stallion heard something. What sounded like a voice. Smooth, calm... and determined. 

"To fight." It said, the word echoed around the colt. "To fight, is to protect." The other noises seemed to die away leaving only the distorted and rippling voice. "And to protect, you need strength." Seed pushed, he needed to get out! His mind was playing tricks on him now! "Strength, to keep going, even when all hope is lost! Strength, for your allies to rely on when they need it." his allies? Did it mean his friends? Due to a quickly growing lack of strength, and a suicidal wish to hear what the voice was saying, Seed's muscles began to relax. 

"Salvation is change! And change requires strength before anything else! Without strength, the old cannot fall for the new to begin. Without strength, bravery is simply suicide, leadership is bravado, knowledge is useless, and remorse is grief." The voice was growing in intensity as it continued. almost as though as Seed's strength dwindled, it's own  grew stronger. "You are the key to it all!" It exclaimed. "As long as you wish to be! Do you still wish to help them? Your friends?" Seed was beginning to drift into unconsciousness, deep in the back of his mind, a small voice cried out. 
"Yes!" 

Strength, warm and familiar began to seep into his body. Seed felt himself coming back to the real world, mere seconds from the darkness of death. With this newfound strength, he pushed hard with his forelegs. As though nothing had ever stopped him, his upper half rocketed up and broke the surface of the water. Still holding on, simply to be sure he was still of this world, his hooves pulled the cauldron with him. Almost as though it were nothing, the cauldron rose up at his touch and slammed to the ground. His grip slackened and Seed fell to the floor. Gasping for breath, he registered the group of blurry friends all staring at him, before he passed out.


.....


When Seed came to, he noticed his head was resting against something soft. His head turned, and he felt his check touch warm soft fur. The sensation was heaven to him. Just to know he could feel elated him, it meant he was alive! He began to hear voices, at first they were muffled, but they eventually came into focus.

"...Heard it too!" 
"You think I didn't? If I hadn't I'd have gone straight in there to save him!" 
"Some element of Bravery you turned out to be!" 
"Zecora said not to do anything! He did the right thing. We know now, that's the best thing." 
"Is he ok? He looks pretty bad!" 
"HE just nearly drowned Sweetness!" 
Sweetness? Was that Thor he could hear as well? And Archy, angelica? All accept... 
"It's just a shame he had to find it out like that!" Ruby! Her voice sang to him like a siren, it came from right above his head, as though from heaven. His pillow began to move, it grew stiffer for a moment, moved slightly then relaxed again. That wasn't a pillow...

Seed's eyes finally opened, immediately they were meat by the sight of purple hair and green eyes. "Oh thank Celestia! Guys he's awake!" Ruby called to the others, then returned to gazing down at the stallion. She ran a forehoof across his forehead soothingly. It was then Seed's sense began to sharpen once again, he realised what his head was lying on was Ruby's lap. He was lying on a soft blanket atop a spongy mattress. 

Hoofsteps caught his attention, and he rolled his head to the side to see the others. They all sighed with relief. Angelica made her way to the front of the group, her eyes were red. Had she been crying? And she gave a shaky smile. "So you want us to leave you two alone? Come back later?" 
"Urrrrggghhh...buzz off Blank flank!" Seed groaned, finally sitting up slowly. 

They all gave a relieved laugh at the stallion's retort. Seed reached up and rubbed his head, sending a thankful smile Ruby's way as he did. His head was sore, he knew what had happened, but he still needed to know what they had been talking about when he first awoke. 

"What happened?" 
"You nearly drowned! That's what happened!" Thor laughed loudly. He bounded over and flopped onto the bed between Seed and Ruby grabbing him loosely around the shoulder. 
"Yeah," Seed scoffed, "That I remember." Archimedes stepped forward, looking agitated. 
"You got the spell to work, but it was different to the other times." Seed looked up at him, had he heard it too?
"Different how?"
"Well, we heard...a voice." The unicorn said simply. 

"My pappa's." Sweetness added, her tone oddly low and sad. Seed thought back, now he cast his mind back he recognised that cool and calm tone. It had been Discord! But... 
"Why?" 
"We don't know." Angelica said, her voice was hoarse, another sign she had been crying. "Zecora wouldn't tell us!" Seed stood up and travelled across the room to his cousin. He reached out and invited her to an embrace. She took the invitation gladly. She stumbled as she came to him, and landed on her knees, her head just by his chest. "You big idiot!" She said bitterly to him as he held him tightly. 

Seed soothed her gently, gently squeezing her back. He looked past her head and saw the main room of the hut was in chaos. The cauldron lay on its side, its contents spilled over the floor now staining the dirt beneath. Yet, he saw no sign of the zebra. "Where is Zecora?" he asked. 

Thor was the one to answer, still lounging on the bed. "She said something about one of her spells suggesting something was coming this way. I offered to go check, but she insisted she did it." Ruby piped up, obvious doubt in her voice. 
"We're 'too important to risk capture' apparently." Seed laughed,
"I'd hate to see how she made a rhyme for that!" Thor groaned and lay down holding his face in horror. 
"You don't want to know!" 

Finally Seed released Angelica who looked a lot better now having seen him to be alright, and asked generally. "So if it worked, did the spell say what element I was." The voice had said it so many times it was hard to forget, but he wanted confirmation. 
"Strength." Sweetness said quietly. Seed turned to her, slightly concerned with her odd behaviour. 
"You ok Sweetness?" The pink pony suddenly burst into a smile, but her eyes gave away how strained it was. 
"YEAH! I'M SUPER-DEE-DOOPER!" but under Seed's questioning gaze she buckled. "I guessed, hearing my pappa, and you getting hurt, and..." She glanced at the spilled potion. "Other stuff, I just got kinda down is all."

Seed realised, because of him the potion had been spilled on the floor. "You..." he began. "You didn't get to find out... did you." Sweetness nodded, her face showing her disappointment. But suddenly, as all her bad moods, the notion passed, leaving her the happy mare as usual. 
"It's ok! You're ok, we're ok, hopefully my pappa's ok, so that's all ok! Haha, is ok starting to sound weird? Ok! ok! OKOKOKOKOKOKOK!" She frowned down at her own muzzle almost as though she could see the ok word escaping her mouth. Leaving Seed to think.

Her pappa... because of a voice they'd heard, it had brought hope to pink mare. but what about the rest of them? What about Thor's mother and father? And his own mother, or his uncle and aunt, Angy's folks! What about all their parents? It was the first real down time they'd had since the attack on Ponyville, so now it all seemed to wash over him like an ocean.

Seed looked around and saw a lot of morose and worried faces. He could see he wasn't the only one with family on his mind. Suddenly, just from beside him. Angelica spoke up. "We need to do what Zecora said! We need to go and talk to the princess!" The group all slowly turned and looked at her. 
"Come on, Angelica!" Thor protested, "Archy only just mended his leg, and Seed just nearly died. Give us a break!" 
"But it's true!" The yellow Pegasus pursued, walking into the centre of the group turning slowly to face each member of the group of friends. "We need to see her, and tell her about this!" Archy frowned.
"What, the 'Elements of Salvation'? We don't even know what the last one is yet!" He glanced at Seed and grimaced.

The stallion nodded, accepting the blame. "And if anything..." the dark unicorn continued. "We need to be careful what we take to the princess concerning... you know!" He glanced at Sweetness, not wishing to upset his fun loving friend. 
"Concerning what Archy?" Sweetness asked naively, smiling back at him.
"Concerning... Discord." 
"WHY?!?" Sweetness demanded immediately, her face one of complete shock and betrayal.
"Well!" Archy began throwing his hooves up to show he meant no offense. "If he had a part in these elements (And let's be honest, it sounds like one of his kind of jokes, a new set of elements to go against the Princess's, not to mention that we actually heard his voice talking to Seed when he found out his element!) The princess, isn't going to be all too understanding. He was an enemy of Equestria for thousands of years!" 

"So?" Sweetness pouted angrily. "My pappa's different now, he only wants to help... and bake funny treats! The princess should accept that!" Archy looked around at his friends, begging for help! Ruby came to his rescue, slowly sliding off of the bed. 
"Sweety, we don't think your dad had anything to do with this." Thor bit his lip. Once again the image of the draconequus waving at him danced across his mind. "It's just... harder for the princess to accept your 'pappa' as he is now after not trusting him for so long." 

Sweetness looked at the beautiful mare for a moment and nodded. "I guess. Sorry Archy." The dark unicorn gave a sigh of relief, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.
"It's ok." He said smiling to both Sweetness and Ruby. The platinum pony however grew serious as she looked at him. 
"I agree with Angelica though, we need to see the Princess. Even if not about the elements, than about the attack. She needs to know about what happened to our parents!" Archy sighed, and nodded in agreement. 

"I guess so, but at least we should get some rest, maybe head out in the morning if Zecora will let us sta"- The door to the hut flung open and slammed shut quickly. All the group yelped in surprise at the sudden noise. By the door, stood a very wary, very stressed looking Zecora. 

"Zecora?" Ruby asked, being the first t enter the main room. The Zebra's eyes, who had been scanning the room, snapped to the platinum pony. "Is everything ok?" She asked. To which the zebra stared at her for a minute, and without breaking eye contact with her, slowly began to nod her head. Archimedes then came in. 
"Zecora, where's your cloak? You left with it didn't you?" 

"Lost!" the zebra snapped harshly to the unicorn, now staring him down as well. 
"Uhhh... Seed's awake..." He said tentatively. Zecora gave that same slow nod. 
"Goooooood" She said slowly. "Seed needs TO be awake." He speech was strange,  she seemed to have emphasised the "To" in her sentence for no reason. but there was something else. Archy felt something brush past him, and looked up to see Thor passing him. His eyes fixed on the zebra, an odd look of caution glistened behind his pupils. 

"We're hoping to stay the night, is that ok?" the pegasus asked slowly, never breaking eye contact as he crossed the room. Zecora's eyes followed him slowly. 
"YES! Good...STAY here with me... staying is...good." Thor straightened up. glaring at the zebra at the door. it had failed the test! 
"You're not rhyming Zecora!" The penny dropped for all of the group as they saw the animal like behaviour, the lack of verse. Angelica whispered in horror. 
"Changeling!" 

The door bust open again, the panel slammed into the creature, sending it tumbling to the floor in a heap. In the arching door way stood another Zecora, this one wearing her cloak. Even from the back of the hut, Seed could see the figure in the shadows of the trees fast approaching the hut. 
"Run little ones run! 
Out the back door and be gone!" The hooded zebra cried as she stamped hard on the hooves of the double on the ground. The verse and rhyme were what convinced them. Without hesitation all of them rushed to the back of the hut. Angelica took the lead and barged her way through the small door. 

They all fled, with Seed taking up the rear. He stopped and looked back, and saw the floored Zebra pounce on Zecora, through the open front door he saw the other changelings, like a swarm of demons slithering their way towards him in the dark. Zecora saw him watching and screamed at him. 
"Run Apple Seed, Flee!
do not worry about me!"  

With a gut wrenching pain in his chest, Apple Seed turned and pelted out back into the darkness of the forest after his friends. Leaving the gleeful screams of the changelings to mix with the terrified screams of the zebra as she was overwhelmed.
> In the calm of the night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the creatures swarmed over the small forest hut, the chimera smiled. What a wondrous sight! He watched as the second changeling reached the interior of the hut to aid his brother still fighting the resilient Zebra inside. The long fang glinted in the dull light as it saw a bottle fall to the floor, igniting on the ground and spreading quickly to the walls.

Suddenly something brushed against the side of its eagle arm. The chimera looked down to see Dying Armour, his gaze was steely and cold as he watched his fellow Changelings dragging a screaming Zecora from her home towards the small mound the two of them stood upon. The draconequus glanced at the stallion like creature.

"Ahem!" Dying Armour glanced up at him, frowning. He reached up and tapped a spot just below his lower lip. Armour reached up and rubbed the same spot on his own face, when his black hoof parted droplets of vibrant red blood were smeared across it. Silently he wiped the most of it away while watching as his brothers brought their prisoner. "Having fun?" the slim figure asked. Armour simply gazed forward, his lips parted, and emitted that low gruff voice. 
"Doing what's necessary." the stallion muttered, obviously disdainful at the convocation with the tall creature.

Before the draconequus could continue however, the zebra was brought before him. Zecora's double growled angrily and spat out a mouthful of blood, before shivering and shifting back into its normal drone like form. Back to its normal self it snarled angrily at the zebra, who gave it a challenging look, daring it to attack. The drone crouched to pounce, but was halted by an outstretched paw from ahead of him. 

"I'd say that's enough for now." The chimera crouched down in front of the zebra. "Hello dear Zecora, looking a little worse for wear I believe today." The zebra looked from the changeling to her captor. When her eyes met those dark red mismatched ones, her jaw dropped in shock. Her mouth opened to speak, but was cut across by the chimera. "Not a word! Not until..." it stretched out a long claw and reached out to Zecora's forehead. Zecora knew what this meant, she'd heard from Twilight and her friends! 

She resisted, trying to get to her hooves, only to be thrown back to the ground by her two flanking changelings. She looked back in horror just in time to see the claw shoot to her skull. The tip touched her skin, and immediately her insides felt cold. Dying Armour watched, as the prisoner's black gleaming stripes lost their sheen, and her pure white fur turned a grim gray shade. The colour slowly seeped away from her from the point of contact, until finally the only thing left colourful were the golden accessories she wore, the rest of her was dull. 

The chimera retracted the claw and instantly, the zebra slumped. Her head hung low and her limbs lay heavily by her sides as she sat there. Defeated. "There!" The chimera said, clapping it's hands together in a businesslike manner. "So my dear, with you..." He thought for a moment, then the word popped into it's mind perfectly. "'Fixed' we won't need to worry about all those putrid rhymes." it leant in melodramatically cocking an ear to the silent zebra. "You were going to say something before my dear?" 

For a moment, the only sound in the air were the other changelings trashing the hut a few yards away. Then, quietly. "Discord..." Zecora raised her head and glared at him hatefully. "You were planning this! All along!" The chimera's lips curled as he let out a dark chuckle. 
"Clever girl!" he said patronisingly. He began to inspect his claws absentmindedly. "So I assume you told them?" Zecora spat hard, she hated not be able to rhyme, Discord's spell was making her speak like the other creatures of Equestria, and she hated it! Her speech was what made her unique, and he'd taken it!

"Yes." She said bitterly, which brought yet another smile to the chimera's lips.
"Good, I never was a fan of all that 'Self discovery' nonsense." He turned away, content with what he'd heard. "Do with her what you will." he said callously with a wave of his paw as he made his way to the trees, not towards where the young ones had fled, but back towards Ponyville..
"Wait!" came a cry from behind the god of chaos. He paused, amused that the voice hadn't belonged to the zebra... but to...
"Yes Armour?" the chimera asked innocently of the stallion who had now stood angrily behind the god. His face was that of pure fury.
"After all this! Pursuing them, abandoning the town that we just took, now you're happy to just let them go?! What was the point of all this then?!" 

Discord raised an eyebrow at the stallion changeling, he eyed the creature pondering what he should say, and what he should keep secret. "Those six are dangerous, I have been on the wrong side of a group of Elements' fury before, so has your mother, think back to her stories, and you'll understand why it's pointless attacking them head on!" 

He was right, the queen had told Dying Armour of the power that the elements of harmony held. The stories alone were enough to send the unique stallion's mind afire with questions and queries, but most of all, whereas the other changelings were born to obey, Armour had been born with a mind of his own, hence he had been born with sense. This sense came into play now, though he despised this chimera, his false promises of love to sustain his people for generations, he knew that this powerful god understood far more than the mere eighteen year old. 

Discord saw the change in Armour's pale green eyes, the switch from doubt to obedience. "We've made the first move." the slim monster explained. "Next, we let them become comfortable with their new life, so when they arrive at Canterlot, their new found security will crumble." the chimera turned away, once again making his way to Ponyville. 
"And what of the prisoners?" Armour cried after him. 
Discord froze, his head turned to gaze back, a malicious glint in his mismatched eyes at the word. "Prisoners?" the changeling commander nodded curtly. Slowly Discord's eagle hand reached out and caressed the trunk of a nearby tree. "How many are there?"
"Nine." The commander responded robotically. The draconequus's claws etched slowly across the bark as his ears twitched to listen intently. 

"Oh really? Anypony of interest?" Once again the stallion nodded.
"The elements of Harmony." The chimera broke into a wild grin.
"And who else?"
"Their loved ones." Armour couldn't help but grin slightly too, the parents of their targets were now in their grasp. Nothing could be more perfect for leverage over the escaping younger ponies. Slowly, the eagle claw dug deeper into the wood of the bark and began to carve out a shape on the trunk of the tree. 

"Well go on Armour, finish your report, I know you want to." The stallion obliged without hesitation. 
"We've separated the prisoners as per your orders if we found them, each element is separated from the others, we lack the resources at this time to separate them from their spouses as well." Discord hummed slightly as he doodled on the tree.
"I suppose that makes sense...and?" 
"Well, the husband of Kindness has caused considerable problems, but we eventually subdued him. And..." Armour's eyes twinkled in the gloom as he prepared to make the comment he knew would raise a response from the chimera he hated so much. 

"The Pink one... Laughter... she proved more... troublesome to subdue." He saw the chimera stop in his absent minded doodling, his ears were stiff as they waited desperately to hear more. "But we eventually broke her... spirit... shall we say?" He saw the draconequus's eyes close for a moment in an attempt to hide his anger, misery or even annoyance, he couldn't tell. Slowly one opened again and glared at the changeling. 
"She has a name..." Suddenly, he shook his head viciously, when he stopped, he was calm and smirking once more. He pulled his claw out of the tree trunk and began moving yet again. 

"Wonderful debriefing Armour, you are quite the militant officer..." Armour couldn't help but feel complimented, a glimmer of a smile threatened to spread across his face, but was wiped clean when the Chimera added, "Just like your father." To which, the changeling's face grew dark and hateful once more.

"When you're done here, send three of your fastest to follow those six, make sure I know what they're doing. Then have the rest return with you to your mother. It's time for stage two." By this point the chimera had been engulfed by the dark of the surrounding trees. After a second of invisibility, two pinpricks of red glinted out of the gloom. They focused on the stationary Dying Armour. "You kept your side of the bargain, now I'll keep mine. A sure-fire way to capture both princesses, and capture Canterlot." the glowing eyes then twitched towards the prisoner.

"End her whenever you feel up to it, maybe you're still a little thirsty? Yet again Armours hoof shot up to his lips to ensure he'd rubbed away the residual blood from the victim in the town. Sure enough it was, and he realised it had been yet another one of his stupid jokes. With that, the two dots of red vanished into the gloom of the trees. As soon as he was sure the chimera was gone, Armour bolted up to the tree to investigate the chimera's absent minded scratchings. Could it give him a glimpse into what the chimera really wanted? Was it something to do with the pink pony they had captured?

The message meant nothing to Armour, he couldn't understand what relevance it held for the plan the draconequus and his mother had hatched... 


"Disc + Eri
forever & ever."


"Eri..." The changeling stallion hummed thoughtfully, the name meant nothing to him, in fact he was sure if the first name was an abbreviation, than surely the second must be too! Inside his stomach began to grow a fire of frustration! He still had no idea what this chimera was planning! For all he knew, it planned to betray his mother and double cross all the changeling race the second they proved to no longer be useful! He hated serving this monster, he'd proven to be a traitor, he'd betrayed his family in that town! One of the targets that had fled the hut, she was his daughter... could she know anything?

Dying Armour turned back and made his way to the hut. He'd play along for now, hopefully it wouldn't matter anyway, after this next stage, the chimera will have completed the bargain, and they'd never have to worry about him ever again! They'd rule over Equestria, reaping the pleasures of monarchy, the love and respect brought by all the changelings who would be liberated by the new regime, a never ending cycle of love from the subjects, to the queen, and love from her to her subjects. They would finally be strong in the confidence that comes with the crown!

A series of clicking noises and screeches reached his ears and he glanced back to see he'd passed the zebra and her two guarding changelings. One of which was now addressing him, Armour understood the noises, and sighed. "Do whatever you want with her, she's given us all what 'He' wanted anyway. Just head out after those six afterwards, take Grimble with you. Make sure you monitor everything they do!" And with that he headed towards the hut, maybe he'd blow off some steam by smashing some precious items in there before he reported back to the queen. 

The fire from within the hut gleamed in the reflection of his pale green eyes, as a satisfied smirk began to spread across his lips. As behind him, the two changelings dived upon the defeated zebra and happily savaged her with their sharp teeth claws.


......


"ZECORA!" Archy screamed, bolting upright from the cold grass floor. 

It was night time, and the group had decided to stop just under the canopy of the trees that bordered the ever free forest. After hours of running from the approaching horde of changelings attacking Zecora's hut, the group had been sure they had gotten away. After a few hours of running they reached the outside of the forest, and saw that night had fallen. So they decided to sleep, and then get an early start the next morning on their long walk to Canterlot.

Now Archy sat there panting, a sweat pouring from his brow as though he'd just been baked inside an oven. His loud breathes quickly caught the attention of Thor who was the only other pony awake. He bolted over to his friend, laying a calming hoof on his back. "Archy, chill! It was just a dream!" 
"N-NO!" Archy choked, "It was more! I saw what happened, when we left Zecora behind!" 
"We didn't leave her behind, she ordered us to go, there's a difference." The said calmingly. After a moment of more panting from the unicorn, the Pegasus saw it wasn't improving his friends terrified attitude. "Look, I'll go get Ruby, she's feeling pretty bad too, maybe you can both help each other." He began to make his way to the three sleeping girls.

"No," Archimedes flung out a hoof, catching Thor's foreleg and stopping him from moving. "Don't wake her... it's ok... I just." His eyes brimmed with tears as he remembered the image of those two changeling tearing into the Zebra's flesh. "I-I saw it Thor! What they did to her!" Thor grimaced, and stooped beside his lifelong friend. 
"Well, it doesn't sound like anything good, but you need to keep a strong head, you need to keep up appearances for the girls, me you and Seed have gotta look as though we're ready for whatever's coming our way." 

Archy bit his lip and nodded hard. "Yeah!" He croaked, "Yeah you're right!" He smiled slightly. "Though I thought your girlfriend was supposed to be our illustrious leader anyway..." Thor frowned in confusion at his friends words. 
"Girlfriend?" 
"Angelica you Idiot!" Unknown to the two friends as they joked quietly, Sweetness began to stir at the sound of voices. "You know it's really hard to insult you when you act this stupid!" Archy laughed, to which Thor simply gave him a hard shove making the bespectacled stallion tumble back to the floor. 
"One; she's not my girlfriend, two; Shut up!"

The sound of the scuffle was the last thing that brought the sleeping pink mare out of her slumber and back to reality. Her eyes opened slowly and blearily, and soon spotted the two quiet stallions talking. She gave herself a minute to wake up fully, or fall asleep once again.
"So?" Archy began towards his winged friend. "What you doing up so late?" Thor's smile faded and his vision wandered off into the dark inside of the forest just behind the sleeping group. 
"Can't sleep, and I figured somepony needed to watch out if anything was coming our way." He gave a small sarcastic smile, "Who better than the 'Element of Bravery' huh?" He sighed, and continued watching the blackness. 

Sweetness now knew she wasn't going to doze off again, so drearily she got up; brushed herself off, and made her way from the group of girls towards the boys closer to the tree line. "How did this happen Archy?" Thor thought out loud. To which the unicorn sighed and rubbed his temples with his hooves.
"I don't know Thor," He took off his glasses with his magic and began to rub the sides of his nose instead. "But for whatever reason, it's been decided we're the ones who've got to sort it out. Or at least get the princess to." Slowly, his face grew stern. "And then we can set about finding the queen of Changelings and get pay back for destroying our home!" 

"Yeah... the queen..." Thor said slowly, not sure if he should mention what he had seen. But before he could speak, Archy frowned. 
"Or... somepony else..." Thor frowned at his friend. Without waiting to be asked, Archy began to explain. "I-I think there's a changeling... the one I told you about before, he's different. Smarter, and stronger!" The image of those green eyes from his dream streaked across his mind, causing him to flinch. "Maybe it was him, maybe he was the one who wanted to attack us..." 

Thor had decided; Archy was the closest to figuring out what he already knew, so at least he should know! "Archy... When they attacked, as we got away... I saw"-
"Is everything ok guys?" Came a quiet and high pitched stage whisper. The two stallion's heads turned to see a smiling Sweetness approaching them slowly. Inside his head, Thor cursed angrily. Did she know he was about to accuse her father and just decided to interrupt? Or was she just talented at showing up at the wrong time?!

"Yeah, we're fine Sweety." Archy said, happy to have a distraction from his darkening thoughts. "I just had a funny dream that's all." Sweetness's eyes widened with sudden interest. 
"Really?! Like weird funny, or 'Haha' funny?" 
"Try, 'Saw what those changelings did to Zecora' funny." Thor said coldly. Maybe a little more harshly than he had meant to. Sweetness's ears drooped, and her eyes grew round in sadness as she listened to the burgundy Pegasus.
"Oh..." 
"Yeah..." Archy grimaced miserably as he straightened up. "Don't worry about it, we need to keep focused." Suddenly, his eyes twinkled with an idea. "Sweety, I don't suppose you dreamt about your dad did you while you were sleeping?" 

Both his friends frowned, Sweetness in confusion, and Thor in sudden suspicion. "Nnno... why?" Sweety said slowly. Archy raised his hooves and began to whisper animatedly to his friends. 
"Well, think about it! Out of all our parents, he's the most likely to have survived that attack, and more importantly, he's the most likely to save our parents! After all, his wife is best friends with all of our folks..." Archy began to loose momentum, as a small nugget of information began to resurface from the lake of dark memories of the past day. "Y-your dad wasn't in town was he? He'd left a few days before, you said back at the field."

Sweetness gave a little sad nod. "Yeah... I guess I know what you were thinking, if I dreamt about him, it could mean he was trying to talk to me, like he does with my mommy when he's away." Thor watched quietly. Relieved that Archy's faith in the chimera had died so quickly, hopefully it wouldn't begin to build again, not until he had a chance to explain to him what he'd seen. Also relieved that Sweetness hadn't heard from him. She was his friend, and he didn't want her father tainting her thoughts, espeacially if he was to blame.

And with every second that passed, Thor's mind became more sure, that the draconequus Discord, was to blame for their lost home. The sooner they got to Canterlot the better!
> Canterlot invaded
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Your majesty please! This way, we need to get you to safety!” The doors to the throne room burst open and two tall slim alicorns burst in from the chaos outside. Countless hordes of changeling drones bore down onto the quickly dwindling Canterlot guards. A single unicorn followed suit, protecting the princess’s, his armour glinted in the light, shined even. A drone threw itself onto him but he quickly tossed it aside with a swing of his mighty neck muscles.

How had they gained such a strong foothold so quickly? It had almost been as though they had poured out from nowhere. To have such a strong and prepared fighting force, they must have waited somewhere nearby to the city to have such vast strength against the trained guards of Canterlot. How had they gone undiscovered! 

“To the throne my ladies! Please!” He yelled as he took a shot of two of the black little creatures mauling his fellow guard close to the entrance. 
“There is nothing here captain!” Princess Luna called to him from beside her sister. He glanced over his shoulder at the two waiting royal family members. Then back at the chaos in the hall, he was torn between his duty and his honour.

“Eeerraaaagggghhh!” He screamed with frustration. Turning to the doors to the throne room. His horn exploded into a mist of moderate purple magic, coating the doors and dragging them shut. Shining Armour stared as he saw his fellow soldiers being slaughtered as he closed their only means of escape. 

As soon as the echoing boom of the slamming doors ebbed away, he heard it. The screeching cackling of the creatures invading the city. He turned to the high windows of the throne room, outside of which hundreds of the little creatures gazed into the room, each one with a devious smile on their faces. His jaw dropped in horror at the mere sight of so many of them. Even with the hundreds pouring into the halls outside this room, there were at least a thousand simply staring at them through the tinted glass.

Armour rushed to Princess Luna and Celestia’s side. Keeping his eyes on every possible threat he could find. There were a lot! Silently as he rushed to the waiting princesses, he gave a quick prayer of thankfulness that Cadence was oversees on royal business, if she hadn't been, she'd be in the middle of this horrible mess!

“Why did you bring us here captain?” boomed Luna as she backed up against her sister and the captain causing the group to face out in three different directions, ready for a fight. 
“This!” Armour shouted, he pounded the stone slab he stood on with his forehoof. For a moment nothing happened, and then with an ominous metallic click, the slab sunk an inch into the ground.

Behind the two princess’s the grand staircase that lead to Celestia’s solar throne, collapsed. dust erupted from the ground, causing all three to splutter and cough. Before the dust had even cleared, Shining Armour led the royalty through cloud towards the wall where the stairs had lent against. 

As they reached the wall, the dust dispersed, leaving only a gaping hole in the wall, a passage way! “Secret security escape route!” The armour clad captain yelled; he stood by it, poised to rush ahead. “Once we go through, we can close it, no one can get to us.” He paused. Glancing nervously around at the hundreds of little invaders watching them through the window. Why hadn’t they come through? Why didn’t they attack? Their malicious waiting unnerved him. 

Celestia spoke for the first time. She sounded surprisingly calm for one in so much danger. “But there’s something else isn’t there?”  Shining Armour nodded apprehensively. 
“Once we close it, anyone who gets here won’t be able to access the exit, any survivors who make their way here will be trapped.” He looked at the princess beseechingly, begging for her guidance. 

BANG!

The three survivors turned to the door. They were coming! 

BANG! 

Celestia took charge, “Armour, take point! Luna, between me and him, I’ll close the way!” 

BANG! 

The door’s began to creak ominously, splintering near the hinges.

“Eearrghhh!” Armour yelled, frustrated beyond belief with his inability to help his men outside. He turned and charged down the dark passageway, descending down into the murky depths of the Canterlot caves.

Luna followed suite, chasing after the captain. She heard her sister follow, and then the quick sounds of rubble collapsing behind them. The door was shut! Luna glanced over her shoulder, looking for her sister, ensuring she wasn’t falling behind. 

She wasn’t there.

Luna stopped dead in her tracks. “TIAAAAA!” She screamed, running straight for the settling wall of crushed bricks and stone. She threw herself against it, trying to dislodge any of the pieces of rubble. She used her magic, tugging as hard as she could at the chunks of cold stone, but none of the yielded. 

She panted, trying to catch her breath from the running through the entire castle, her lungs were too empty for her to scream her sisters name again! She fell against the wall, her ear pushing into the cracks of the immovable wall, praying to hear her. She heard the hoofsteps of Captain Armour return behind her. Then there came a gasp as he realised what had happened. 

Silence for a moment, then a muffled explosion could be heard. The sound of wooden planks falling to the floor could be heard, along the ecstatic cries of the drones that had obviously penetrated their way into the throne room. 
The two survivors in the escape tunnel listened hard, just able to hear a voice, Tia’s, from within the throne room. 

Speaking to some unknown entity, but the wall between them was too thick! After a moment there came the smashing of glass, as the changelings obviously began pouring through the windows into the throne room. “Your majesty, we need to leave.” Armour took a hoof and pulled Luna’s shoulder away from the wall. 
“NO!” She protested, clinging to the debris with all her might. “NO! TIA!” She tried to call out, but her voice broke. Bitter tears sprung to her eyes as she tried in vain to keep a hold of the wall as the strong Stallion forced her away.

Armour began to shout at her now! “If you want her to die, then stay here and get captured!” Luna froze at his words. Armour panted, his chest rising and falling without cease. “If we stay here, we risk them finding another way around! Then Princess Celestia is worthless to them, but if we escape, she will be of value to them! She could know where we're heading, so she will be safe,  If we GO NOW!” He pleaded with the dark coated princess. The ailicorn looked at the captain, doubt obvious in her tear filled eyes. “Your majesty please. I need to keep you safe! Run! NOW! And you can save your sister!” 

Another moment of silence, then Luna brushed past the captain silently and rushed down the steps towards the catacombs. As his head followed her pass him, Armour saw a single drop of a tear glisten and fall through the air as the dark alicorn bolted away. Armour followed silently, not wishing to dwell on the princess he had already lost, only praying, that by some miracle he could save this one! 


........


“Armour, take point! Luna, between me and him, I’ll close the way!” Celestia glanced back at the main door furtively, she knew what she needed to do to ensure her little sister got away. She spotted the lever from just within the entrance to the passageway. As quietly as possible -to ensure she didn't alert Luna- she stopped running, and pulled the lever with her bright cloud of magic as her sister passed under the entrance. 

Immediately, the wall surrounding the exit began to crumble and fall. And without pause, Tia moved into the centre of the room, ready to face every changeling she could that came through that door.

Silence.

Then with the force of a sonic rainboom, A green ball of magical energy tore its way through the door and exploded, causing the large wooden panels to splinter and fall to the marble floor. Tia took a strong stance, charging up her first magical spell. But as the smoke of the explosion cleared, a voice spoke to her. Low, feminine, and all too familiar. 

"Well Princess, I'm glad to see you kept my castle clean for me!" She figure fanned the smoke away with her green dragonfly wings, then glanced down at the splintered wood of the doors strewn across the floor. "Well... mostly anyway." The changeling Queen laughed, and as she did, the swarm of her children from behind began to pour in. They scurried around the walls like roaches, and poured in like a constantly flowing black liquid. 

"This is not your castle!" Celestia cried out angrily. "This is the castle of Canterlot, and it will never fall into changeling's hooves!" The challenge made the queens laugh intensify, she grew wilder, and flung her head back, flicking her limp and lifeless mane back as she did. 
"Oh really?" She looked around madly, taking in the sight of her changelings pouring out around the castle walls. "I'm sorry to say this, WHAT AM I SAYING? I LOVE IT! This castle is well within our..." She raised her foreleg, displaying her foreleg, tattered and hole ridden. "Hooves!" She finished ecstatically. 

Celestia opened her mouth to argue, but the gesture of the queen had obviously been a signal, as the changelings outside the windows all screeched with joy and smashed their way through the stained-glass. The shards rained down, upon the princess, and she shielded her face as best she could from the sharp and lethal missiles. "This is the end of Equestria!" The queen sang happily to the symphony of destruction all around her.

"NO!" Celestia cried again defiantly. "As long as my sister is"-
"Alive?" Interrupted the Queen giddily, cutting the princess short and leaving her in horror at her malicious tone. "Oh trust me princess, if she still is..." the queens pale eyes drifted to the collapsed exit. "She won't be for long!" 


........


"This exit leads underneath the Canterlot caverns! Even the Changeling Queen won't know about this passage, it's been abandoned for centuries!" Armour shouted as he over took the dark princess on the stair case. "If I think about it I'd say the only ones who know about it are"- 
"The one who built it?" Finished a cool and soft echoing voice as the two escaped into an enormous crystal fissure. 

The walls were purely made of gems, nit a single inch of rock could be seen, only gleaming, shining crystal. The two stopped on the simple jagged pathway and began to search for the source of the voice. 

"You forget, this castle wasn't always yours pony! It was once home to a far greater race!" Suddenly with a flash of red, the crystal walls seemed to ripple, and a huge face could be seen. So large was the figure, all that could be seen through the cracked clear walls was its eye. The image distorted as it passed over the uneven wall but the speaker was easy to recognise.

"Your majesty! We're safe!" Armour cried in relief at the sight of the mismatched red eye. "It's only Discord!" The eye twinkled with joy, and vanished from sight. Only seconds later, the chimera walked into view from behind a column of crystal. "It's the changelings, they've overrun the castle, we need to get out of here!" Armour explained quickly, taking a few agitated steps towards the slim god. But he merely took a claw and began to pick at a spot just behind his long sharp tooth.

"Do excuse me dear boy, this thing's been bugging me all day!" The draconequus said offhandedly. After a moment he found the source of hi annoyance, and picked it out. From where he stood, and the limited light from around him, Armour could only just catch a glimpse of glinting purple. The chimera sighed and flicked it towards the stallion. 

Behind Armour, the silent princess of the night gasped in horror. Armour spun around wildly. "My lady? What's wrong?" Luna pointed to the little fleck of gem that had fallen to the floor just before the white unicorn's hooves. 
"T-t-that stone! It's energy is... is..." The chimera began to laugh, catching both their attention. 

"Is the energy f the element of Harmony 'Magic' yes!" He took his paw to his lips and kissed the tips of his digits melodramatically. "Delicious! Dragons aren't the only ones with a fondness for gems you know!" The chimera's demeanour began to fade, he grew more serious and his gaze grew darker. "No more Twilight coming to the rescue!" He said coldly. Armour couldn't believe what he was hearing. This chimera, the one they had finally accepted into their lives as a friend, was now acting like the dark monster of legend once again!

"W-what have you done?" Armour ordered, trying to still give his voice some glimmer of authority  in his moment of blind panic, if he wasn't here to help, then it meant Discord was here to stop them. Armour knew he stood no chance. The chimera arched a curious eyebrow at the stallion, and then to Luna. 
"What I've done, is brought an end to Equestria as you know it!" He paused for a moment, savouring what his next words would do to the two. "Ponyville now lies in ashes!" Luna gasped in horror, and Armour stumbled back in shock. 

'Twily' Armour thought in horror as he searched for some sign of Discord's words being lies. Luna finally spoke up, her face was one of complete fury and she began to move to the draconequus with the sole intent of retribution! "And now you've come here to the job Discord? To end Equestria's monarchy?" She tried to pass shining armour, but he held her back with a strong forehoof. 
"Please, stay back your majesty!"  He said through a cracking voice. He took a deep breath to calm himself and looked to the slim figure, who had begun to walk over to the other wall that created the corridor. 

"Oh no, Dearest Luna, you think this was my doing? How wonderfully dense of you!" He placed his paw against the wall, and beckoned Armour to come closer. "Come over here captain, take a look at your true attacker." Armour stared in surprise, him? Why? Whatever the reason, he wouldn't dare abandon the princess, if the chimera thought he would, then he really didn't know anything about his enemy, fool! 

Then, a nagging little voice cried out to Armour, almost like Cadence's it pleaded with him, and begged him to look, to determine why all his men had been forced to die, who was to blame? Armour took a step towards the waiting crystal wall, almost in a trans as he forgot why he was there in the first place. 
"CAPTAIN!" Princess Luna shouted horrified at the act of thoughtlessness, he'd been the one who insisted they ran, now he was wasting time on an obvious trick of the chimera. She glared at the slim figure, the one who had tricked them all. But the draconequus simply placed a claw to his lips and let a gentle "Shhh." as she watched him mocking her, she felt a breath on her neck. She glanced back to see two red eyes staring back at her mere millimetres away.

Luna gasped in surprise, and glanced back to see that Discord was now gone from the side of the wall. He had used his magic to teleport to her side, completely avoiding the captain who still made his way to the gleaming wall. 

The stallion could see to the other side of the layer of crystal. The slight gray of the rocky wall far on the other side glistened and twinkled as the approaching captain's perspective changed with each sep he took. Finally, he spotted movement! He froze, and watched as a glimpse of white fur streaked past a small even window of crystal. 

He approached again, slower this time, ready to spot the slightest movement. But the glimpse of white fur didn't streak across his vision again, was it possible he'd imagined it? Or... His head snapped over to the princess, and saw that the chimera was beside her, floating on his back watching with an air of distain across his face. "Don't worry dear boy." The chimera explained, biting down on one of his tiger claws, cutting away at the tip gently. "It's not a trick. The one who made this attack possible is in there, just look." He gestured at the patch of crystal straight ahead of Armour, who sighed and glanced back.

His eyes took a second to adjust to the sudden clarity of the image. 

Armour stared into the crystal, and saw himself. The same armour, the same pale blue streaked mane, everything. He leant in, and so did the other Armour. He relaxed, just a reflection... but as he opened his mouth to speak, the reflection didn't. Instead, it winked. When the eye opened again, it was no longer a beautiful blue, but a pale sickly green. Now the mismatched eyes narrowed as the other Armour smiled wickedly back. 

"Just as promised!" The chimera shouted,  clicking his fingers and causing the sheet of crystal between the two stallions to shatter. As the shards showered down, he continued and the green eyed stallion began to walk slowly towards the captain. "Both of you! Shining Armour, this is the commander of the forces destroying your beloved Canterlot. Son of the Queen of changelings." 

Armour's heart stopped for a moment, what?! The queen? After eighteen years, she had returned to try and take over again! And this...thing was what was obviously winning the battle for them. The 'thing' continued to step forward. As it did, its other eye shifted to the same pale green as the other. His fur began to darken, and his mane began to grow longer, and darken to two shades of deathly green. As he smiled, his teeth began to become far more pointed, as did the horn on his head, which lengthened and began to curve into a similar shape to the Changeling queen. 

Finally, from beneath his black fur, a small light material began to push out. It was a light green, like the highlights of the figures long limp mane. And between the thin vein like sinews a clear dark tinted sheet of skin spread over the surface, creating long fly like wings. Finally the transformation seemed complete. Discord smirked. "Luna, Shining Armour... meet 'Dying Armour' Son of the changeling queen..."

The chimera's eyes gleamed with malicious intent as he savoured the moment, his lips opened, and his forked tongue licked them slowly. With something, barely more than a whisper, the chimera continued.

"Dying Armour... Meet you father."

The silence that followed these words was palpable with the horror that emitted from both the princess and the captain. Discord licked his lips again, savouring he moment of chaos he'd created within the stallion's heart. Discord could see into his mind, that dark fear that had always been threatening to creep into reality, the repercussions of what he had done in his blind ignorance eighteen years ago.

Both stallions stood head to head, staring the other down waiting for the other to make the first move. While Shining Armours face showed nothing more than shock and horror, Dying Armour's expression was one of pure loathing. As the two began to circle, the draconequus on the outskirts of the alley straightened, and leant into the ear of Princess Luna. "Now princess, let's leave these two to catch up." With a flash of light, and a scream from the dark princess which was cut short. The two of them vanished into thin air.

Armour realised only too late, he bolted towards the two figures, only in time to see Luna's horrified face disappear before his very eyes. He called out to her and stretched out his hoof, but before he could rush to her aid the changeling stallion leapt across his path. "No, you're going to stay down here, with me..." he said coldly, then his lips curled into a menacing grin "Daddy." 

Armour was speechless, he couldn't possibly believe anything this creature -or the damned chimera- was saying. His son? That was absurd! How could it... unless...

"That's right!" Dying Armour purred, as he began to circle the now stationary captain. "It's starting to come to you isn't it." Shining Armour stared into the blurry gloom of the crystal alley, his mind racing in memories, searching for a scrap of reassurance that it was impossible. Yet a small part him could see the possibility of truth. And that small part was quickly growing in strength. Dying Armour continued to speak as he circled the captain, like a bird of prey waiting to strike. 

"Even forgetting about the past, and if it's possible, just look at me! The perfect specimen of a changeling warrior, far more than a mere drone, I have a mind, a voice, a soul all of my own. Have you ever seen one like me? Other than my mother?" The pony simply stared into the shadows, unable to speak, his lips moved, trying to form the simplest of words, yet his lungs seemed to have frozen over in horror. 

"Still unsure?" The changeling stopped before the captain and stared at him with obvious dislike. "Fine! The night before the wedding, the night before you betrayed my mother, you laid with your beloved, remember?" Shining Armour could remember, it was the event that had been playing on his mind the entire time. No one was sure when Chrysalis abducted Cadence, but it was obvious it had been far earlier than the day before the wedding. 

Armours darkest secret -the night with a changeling in the form of the one he loved- had finally come back to haunt him after eighteen years. 

"And so he accepts it." Dying Armour said coolly, "Good, I wouldn't want you to die not knowing..." Die?! Armour shook from his dark morose thoughts just in time to see the changeling commander lunge for him with his bladed horn. The captain jumped back just in time, the horn pulled up short, but nicked one of the straps holding the captain's armour in place. The contact severed the strap, but more than that, a dark green fire began to etch away at the tips of the now severed leather. It burnt away slowly and Armour quickly disposed of the chest plate before the fire burnt through the metal. 

The changeling smiled, his horn glowing with a dark green hew. "The strength of a changeling queen, and the magic of a unicorn captain... you can't win father." 

Once again, the commander lunged for the captain his horn glowing darkly, and his mouth sneering savagely! Shining Armour swung his horn up, and the two smashed against each other, causing a shower of green and blue sparks to explode from the contact.

> Where's Thor?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Woooooowwwwwww!" Sweetness exclaimed, craning her neck upwards at the rocky cliff that lay before them. "That's tall!" 
"It's a cliff Sweetness, it's gonna be tall!" Angelica said exasperatedly. She stretched and looked around, "I don't see anywhere we could sleep for the night, but it's too late to start climbing." 
"What about the train?" Ruby suggested quietly. The group turned to her. Thor spoke up.
"The changelings will probably be watching the trains, or at least pretending to be other ponies. A line straight from Ponyville to Canterlot is too obvious." 
"O-oh..." Ruby said, opening her mouth to say something else before thinking better of it. 

Apple Seed saw the unicorn retract slightly, and decided now was the time to help. "She wasn't taking about taking the train." Ruby glanced at him, and flashed him an appreciative smile, so he was right! "She means the bridge the train takes before it goes into the cliff's tunnels. That can't be too far, and if we hurry, we'll have shelter for the night!" The group all murmured in agreement.
"Nice one Rubs!" Archy commended patting her lightly on the shoulder as he moved away from the rocky outcropping and approached the clear grass just behind them.

As the dark stallion passed his orange friend, he whispered. "Thanks." Seed simply tilted his head in reply modestly, while inside he was jumping with glee at his gallant words! 
"I'll get up there and see if I can find the bridge!" Thor said quickly. He spread his wings, and in one strong push, he zipped into the quickly darkening sky. 

For a few moments there was silence, then a cry from above called their attention. "I see it! It isn't that far, just head east it's about ten minutes walk!" Though he didn't mention it, Seed was sure something was wrong. Why didn't Thor just come down to tell them? He began to try and catch up with Archy who had taken the lead, but a yawning Ruby came to his side and rested her head on his shoulder. 

"Thank you." She said quietly, wiping all other thoughts from the orange stallion's mind. As the group headed east, the farm pony still kept an eye on the sky, searching for the dark blotch against the sky that would be Thor, ready to get help if it was needed.

Up in the sky Thor was uneasy. The reason he had been so eager to get into the sky wasn't just a case of withdrawal, but a reason to get out of the way of the others and search. He was sure they were being followed. After years of flying in the sky and arranging the weather, he knew what it was like to be watched, be it by other Pegasi trying to pull a prank, or wild creatures gazing in curiosity. Either way, it felt like that now! It had felt like that for the entire day's travelling. 

Thor wasn't about to let him and his friends get stopped by some unknown force, not when they were now only one more day's hike from Canterlot! But first, he needed to spot what it was following them. Changelings maybe? Or something else? Suddenly, from above his head came a blood curdling shriek, which caused the Pegasus to lurch away quickly is self defence, he was grateful of his fast action when he saw a large black thing swoop across the air where he had just been hanging. 

Thor looked to the ground, and with a sigh of relief he saw that his friends where already halfway to the bridge, well away from him. At least that meant whatever had just come past him was obviously interested in him and not his allies. As Thor watched his friends, he was distracted, meaning he didn't hear the speedy gust of wind from behind him. This meant that when the second screech came, he wasn't prepared. He turned in time to see a flash of talons, and the maw of a large beak.


.....


"This is perfect!" Angelica exclaimed as they reached the underside of the bridge. She trotted into the clearing underneath the overhanging bricks and metal and looked around, "Spacious, sheltered, it's wonderful! Good idea Ruby!" The platinum and purple pony gave a small squeak of thanks as she covered her mouth, trying to hide another large yawn. She was still using Seed as her support for standing. 

The gentlecolt took the mare to a particularly shaded area of the archway, and let her down gently to the ground. The group all followed, seeing the area was the best place to camp. So they all sat and breathed a relaxed sigh. After several minutes of appreciative silence however, the group became a little restless. Just like Seed, they had begun to wonder where Thor had gone.

"Do you think he's been hurt?" Angelica murmured, no one needed ask who she meant as she looked up into the darkening sky, trying to spot the absent pegasus.
"Noooo!" Exclaimed Archimedes, causing Speed to spin around and stare. Before the farm pony could speak however, his dark friend flashed him a look which said, "We don't want to panic them!" Then he turned to Ruby and Sweetness.

"He's just gonna be blowing off some steam, you guys know what he's like when he doesn't fly that much." The two worried looking mares gave understanding nods, but their concern was still obvious in their eyes. 
"Hey," Seed said quickly, trying to keep their minds off their absentee friend. "Why don' you two go see if there's any food or firewood round here huh? When you get back Thor'll should be here, and you can rest easy. Huh?" 

"Y-yes, I guess you're right." Ruby mumbled, as she picked herself up. "Come on Sweetness." She said morosely, glancing up at the sky again, and back to Apple Seed before leaving. 
"Okie Dokie Lokie!" Sweetness chirruped, even if slightly less flamboyant as usual, and followed the beautiful mare out of sight. 

Another moment of silence passed, before Angelica spoke, her voice resolute and knowing. "So what you think's happened to him? REALLY?" Archy glanced at Seed in surprise.
"Ummm, Like we said cous', he's just flyin' round is all." Seed defended, but as he saw his cousin's steely gaze he knew it was hopeless.

"Ahem. Element of Leadership here, isn't part of that knowing when the groups bein' lied to?" Angelica questioned, to which both stallions grimaced. "So," She continued. "What yah thinkin'? Changelings?" Archy shook his head. 
"That makes no sense, to let us live in Ponnyville only to take us down here... no... I think it may be something else." 
"What do you mean something else?" Seed asked, noticing a sudden drop in his friend's tone. "What's out in these parts." Archy glanced up at the sky again, hoping Thor would fly down, and prove all his worries wrong, but there was no descending pegasus coming. So he took a deep breath, and began.

"We just got through the entire Everfree forest, don't you think it's a little odd that we didn't spot any creatures?" Now that he mentioned it, Angelica realised, though they may not have confronted any, they should have at least spotted a few of the infamous beasts of the well known infested forest. 
"So what do you think?" She asked again, her chest tightened at the question dreading an answer. 

"There are literally hundreds of different things in that place... my guess..." Archy looked pale as he looked up at his two companions. "One followed us out."
"DARN IT!" Angelica yelled, her worst worries realised. She stood up and stretched, readying herself to get in the air. 
"I'm sorry, what the hay do you think you're doin'?" Seed piped up, going over and squaring up to his slightly younger cousin. 
"What's it look like? I'm gonna get up there and find Thor, you know, help him." Seed's gaze grew deadly serious.
"If you even think that I'm gonna let my cousin go up there and get caught by that... whatever's up there, you've lost your marbles!" 

The comment made angelica angry, her eyes glinted dangerously and she stopped stretching. She stood straight and looked her cousin straight in the eye. "He needs help if something came after him." she argued.
"If it caught him, it'll catch you, he's a far better flyer." Seed rebutted. 
"Well there's nopony else who can get up there!" She yelled, growing furious at Seed's stubbornness. Though a little nervous to get in the middle of the family conflict, Archy coughed, causing both heads to snap towards him menacingly, making him jump.
"J-just 'cos it got him while he was up there, doesn't mean it'll stay up there." His horn began to glow gently, and he glanced up at it. "With the right spell, I should be able to track him down, provided I can get to where he is." 

"And what the hay am I supposed to do then?" Angelica snapped, her voice filled with fury, her wings twitched and shook, showing how anxious she actually was for the other Pegasus's safety. "Just sit here and wait for you to come back with nothing? I aint waiting to find out you were too late Archy! I'm getting up there, and finding Thor before he gets hurt!" 

"Naaaawwww! Guys, you should have just told me you cared that much!" The three remaining travellers spun around in shock and surprise, immediately searching for the source of the voice. They knew it, and the fact that it was joking filled their hearts with gratitude and relief. 
"Thor?" Seed called out, looking around into the gloom, as he yelled, his voice echoed oddly against the walls, creating the illusion he was in some massive cavern, and not a simple archway. "Where are yah buddy?"

A short high pitched whistle sounded from above them, they looked up and saw nothing. But as his eyes grew accustomed to the gloomy dark sky. Archy spotted something protruding from the railway line above them. "He's up there!" 
"Aaaawwww, ARCHY!" With that Thor jumped off of the railway tracks, and soared down in a dive. Though he came down fast, he levelled out and landed as soft as a feather. "'Sup guys!" Seed and Archy both chuckled in anxious joy, he looked ok, no harm had seemed to befallen him. 

But while the stallions relaxed, Angelica's eyes filled with furious wrath, she stormed up to the burgundy pony and glared at him. "Hey-hey!  Angy, sorry about the worry I-" 
SLAP!
Thor's face swung to the side at the contact from the side of Angy's hoof. He reeled back in genuine surprise, and stared at his fellow flyer. "Angy, what the heck!" He shouted, reaching up and rubbing his throbbing cheek painfully. 
"Don't EVER," Angelica growled as she stared at the other Pegasus, "do that to us again!" With that, she backed off a few feet, and glared at Thor. 

"Do that to us?" Archy whispered, leaning into Seed, "Or to her?" Seed found the joke reasonably funny, but inappropriate, so he nudged his friend back and spoke out loud. 
"Where'd you go bud?" the orange pony asked. Thor gave a fleeting glance at his friend, before looking back at Angelica, hurt still obvious in his eyes. Finally he rubbed his cheek one last time, then answered. 

"I thought that there was something wrong, like we were being followed." 
"And?" Seed prompted. Thor looked his orange friend straight in the eye, and as calmly as possible, he said.
"We were."
"WHAT?!" Angelica snapped, her eyes suddenly wide in panic, "Why didn't you say?! We let Sweetness and Ruby go off alone!" She Turned and began to run in the direction the other mares had gone, but as she set off, she was called back by the calm and collective voice of Thor.

"Angy, don't worry! It wasn't changelings!" When she turned back, the yellow Pegasus looked bewildered. 
"I-it wasn't?" Thor shook his head, a large grin spread on his lips. Seed was a little unsure about this nonchalant attitude the pegasus stallion had suddenly adopted. Usually he was focused, not so, mocking of a serious situation. 
"Then... what was following us?" The farm pony asked slowly.
"Wanna meet him?" Thor whispered, his voice filled with glee, and his eyes gleaming with wonder. 
"H-him?" Seed was beginning to worry. 

Thor pierced his lips, held a hoof to them and gave a long whistle. For a moment, Seed was reminded of his uncle, calling Angy to come down. "T-Thor... what-" Angry began, but was cut short by the male pegasus.
"Ssshhhh! Listen!" Sure enough, there was the sound of rushing wind, the beating of a pair of enormous wings. Then, with an impact that made the very ground shake, and the dust come loose in the brick work, something large and black came down, and struck the ground.

The three elements stared at the creature, it was large, larger than the pegasus it stood behind, it's breathes were loud and deep, those of a primal monster. It stood, reaching out with clawed, talloned feet, the sharp points dug into the ground as it's digits twitched. Archy's jaw dropped, his knowlege of Equestria's many creature's immediately springing to mind. 
"T-Thor... Is that..." 
"Yup!" The pegasus laughed as he moved aside, to reveal a large birds head. It looked up and stared at the four ponies in interest. Archy breathed the single word, awe and amazement filling every letter.

"It's a Harpy!" 

> Camping for the night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"T-Thor!" Archy cried, scrabbling away slightly in shock and awe, "How the hoof did you find A HARPY!" Thor laughed at his friend's reaction, obviously enjoying every second of it. 
"I know right?! Well to be honest, I didn't find him, he found me!" Seed frowned, dreading how his friend knew this was a 'he.' 
"Ummm, Thor, buddy how exactly do you know it's... you know... a guy?" 
"He told me." Thor said happily, his naive attitude towards something so strange struck Seed as a surprising similarity to Sweetness. 

"It... what?" Angelica asked, her jaw agape at what she thought was her friend going completely insane. Thor glanced over at his fellow Pegasus, causing her a pang of guilt as her glared back and rubbed his cheek melodramatically. 
"Well HE told me, simple as." Archy piped up now, tired of the silly games.
"Thor, stop it, it's not funny! You're freaking us out, Harpy's can't talk. There's never been any proof that they're intelligent enough to!" With a sudden lurch, the Harpy let out a loud indignant sounding squawk, causing all four of the ponies to jump in surprise. 
"Haha, I don't think he liked that Archy!" Seed laughed after recovering from the surprising noise. 

Archy rolled his eyes at the orange farm stallion. "Seed don't you start as well! That was just coincidence, it's just basically a very big bird, with admittedly more magical properties with its wigs and talons, but that's it!" Archy stared at the large creature, who stared back with blank looking black eyes. For a moment, Seed swore he saw it's brow furrow, as though it's feelings were hurt! The large beak opened again, this time slower than before, and it let out a low, slow, sad caw. The noise was enough to tame Archy's rising annoyance with his friends, and make him feel a little guilty after what he had said. He looked to the ground and scuffed his hoof into the ground, making a small divot in the soil. 

As he watched the swaying blades of grass, he saw two pairs of yellow hooves walk past him. He looked up to see Angelica moving slowly, and purposefully towards the large bird. The creature eyed up the approaching Pegasus suspiciously, even taking a few nervous steps backwards for security's sake. "Hey, shh shhh shhhhh, it's ok." Whispered the yellow Pegasus, reaching out with a gentle hoof towards the creatures beak. Thor had to stop his jaw from dropping in amazement, he'd never heard Angy use that kind of tone before in his life! Archy was in similar spirits, staring in amazement wit the soft kind words slipping from her mouth. 

Even Seed was a little surprised, he hadn't heard his cousin speak that kindly for a good few years at least! The only one who seemed to be encouraged and not frightened by this change of attitude, was the Harpy. It seemed to calm it's nerves at her soft voice, and began to retrace it's scared steps. "Thaaaat's right..." Angy encouraged, flashing the creature a kind smile. Soon her hoof was only inches from the maw of the large bird, the creature paused a moment, giving the limb a quick suspicious sniff, before letting it's head drop into a small bow. At this Angelica let out a small sigh of relief and began to stroke the top of the creatures beak softly. 

The female Pegasus turned to look around at the three stallions staring incredulously at her. "Ok, so I like animals big deal! With my mom are really that surprised?!" Angelica asked, some of her former confidence edging back into her tone. 
"Uhh... I-" Thor coughed, trying to recover from his amazement. "Ahem! I guess." 
"That's what I thought!" Angry said defensively, and looked away with a huff, but not before her cousin saw the faintest little smile spread across her lips as she returned to stroking the large Harpy. Seed walked over to the large creature as well, pausing to grasp Thor's shoulder fleetingly to say he was glad he was ok.

He then came over and stood beside his cousin. He waited until she looked at him then he smiled, glancing at the creature. "Can I?" 
"Sure cous'!" Angy encouraged, taking Seed's hoof and replacing hers with it. "See! He's a big wuss really!" She laughed as the creature gave a happy little chirrup and pushed against Seed's hoof happily! Seed laughed.
"When was the last time we did this you reckon? Two, maybe three years?" Angelica laughed, her eyes slowly going thoughtful.
"Yeah, I guess so. We didn' get much time with them animals and my mom last few years did we huh?" Seed grimaced sadly.
"Nah... we didn't..." The two relatives stood there silent for a moment, then were pulled from their conversation by Thor announcing the arrival of Sweetness and Ruby. 

"Well look who finally showed up!" The loud Pegasus laughed. "You guys went off so fast you didn't see the surprise!" He had rushed towards the two approaching mares, laden with dry twigs and wood. As he relieved them of a few of the pieces of kindling. Sweetness began to giggle with glee. So high pitched was her voice with excitement, she roused the Harpy from his almost dream like state from his petting.
"OOOOHHH! A SURPISE WHAT IS IT?! FOOD? GAMES? TOYS?" Thor laughed at the mares high spirits, and moved from in front of them to clear their vision. Ruby's jaw dropped as did the twigs in her magical hold almost, she just caught them again with her own hooves, but never taking her eyes away from the sight before her. Her large green eyes were filled with both amazement and fear at this massive bird before her. The bird stared at her for a moment, looking her up and down with its small black eyes. Then it's vision turned to the pink pony, who was gasping with amazement, one long, looong gasp.

For a second nothing happened, then the beast erupted in a chorus of shrieks and caws. Seed, thinking fast, grabbed his cousin and pulled her away before those sharp talons could do any harm. "WHAT THE HAY!" Seed yelled in alarm as he saw one of the deadly tips skim just bellow his throat. 
"RAAAAAWWWWWK! DRACONEQUUS! DRACONEQUUS! RAAAAWWWWWK!" Came a shrill and gruff voice from the frightened creature. It flapped its wings towards the pink pony as though trying to urge her to leave, retreating slowly as it did so. 
"It CAN talk!" Archy cried in amazement, in spite of the situation, stopping to watch in amazement at this new discovery! 

Thor on the other hoof had taken to the air, and had flown up to obscure the birds view completely. "Hey! Hey, it's ok it's alright!" He said quickly, trying to calm the creature to the amazement of the rest of the group, he really was the element of bravery. The creature flung it's wing hard at the pegasus, and he was sent a few feet back through the air, but he recovered fast and resumed his attempts at settling the agitated creature. 

All his attempts fell on deaf ears however, as the creature continued to screech the same word again and again, constantly trying to look past Thor and towards Sweetness. "RAAWWK! DRACONEQUUS! RAAAWWWK!" 
"Hey! What are you talking about?!" Thor shouted to the creature glancing back at the little pink pony, who watched on in complete fearful confusion. "That's Sweetness, she's our friend!" 
"RAWWWWK! IT'S A DRACONEQUUS! IT'S AN ENEMY! RAAAAAWWWK!" The harpy kept screeching, obvious fear pouring from every part of his body. The jagged pulls of his wings, the frantic screeching, the terror in his eyes. "
"THAT'S SWEETNESS!" Thor argued again, grabbing the birds head and making it stare him in the eye. "SWEETNESS!" He repeated, "She's a FRIEND!" The bird squawked again, this time a little less fiercely. His brow furrowed as he stared into Thor's determined eyes. 

"Raaawwwk, friend?" the Harpy asked slowly, lessening the beating of his wings to bring him back to the ground. Thor smiled, and nodded.
"Yeah, that's right, friend." He said panting with relief. "She's a pony. Like me, like all of us. Not a Draconequus." Though the very words left his lips, Thor couldn't help but wonder in the back of his mind. Why had the Harpy just freaked out so much? And why the hay had it just thought Sweetness was a Draconequus like her father? He released the large bird, and slowly came to the ground. With a quick nod to Sweetness, her gestured for her to come nearer. 

The pink pony looked unsure, she glanced at the glinting beak, and the sharp looking talons, they looked even sharper than her Pappa's! She took a protective step backwards, and felt her rump bump against something, she glanced back to see Ruby watching in amazement, yet also with an encouraging smile on her lips. She looked at sweetness, and gave her a warm nod, silently telling her to try. So Sweetness turned back and looked at the large creature, before nervously approaching it.

Seed watched, unable to stop thinking about how this had played out. Though friends, Thor was always the one trying to be funny at Sweetness's expense, now though, he was the one encouraging her to trust him, and come to this massive monster of a bird. Though a terrible thing, he couldn't help but wonder, had losing home made them that much closer? Sweetness had reached Thor now, who like Angelica, took his friend's hoof and guided it up to the beak of the Harpy, once again the bird sniffed the approaching hoof. This time it took far longer before it eventually bowed it's head, obviously suspicious of something it could smell. 

All suspicion on both sides however, were dropped as soon as the bird chirruped and rubbed itself tenderly against Sweetness's hoof, which received a happy giggle from the pink pony. Sweetness rubbed the slender beak, to which the Harpy cawed with pleasure, and to everypony's surprise, it ducked down, and scooped the pink pony up over its head. Using its neck as a makeshift slide, Sweetness came sliding down the creatures back fast, and screaming with happy laughter. She came to stop of the creatures back and began to tickle him just beneath his wing joints. 

The Harpy fell to the floor, to everypony's entertainment. This mighty beast, brought down by the least intimidating of the group, and by tickling no less! Angy, Thor and Archy all gathered around the creature now playfully rolling around with their giddy pink friend. Ruby also attempted to, but as she did she stumbled, laden with all the twigs and kindling. A few sticks began to fall, but as Ruby tried to reach for them difficultly, an orange hoof shot out of nowhere and caught them. Ruby looked up to see Seed looking down at her, smiling warmly. 

"Lemme give yah a hoof there." He said, taking some of the wood from her, and picking up the abandoned wood that had been brought by Sweetness. Her load considerably more manageable, Ruby made her way to the driest spot with Seed, then proceeded to dumb the wood there with a relieved breath, her mane falling across her face. Seed did the same, and when he straightened up, he glanced down at the platinum pony. She quickly pushed her mane behind her ear with her hoof, and she smiled warmly back at him. 
"Thank you." 
"No worries." A loud caw from behind him caught his attention, and made him turn back to investigate. While he did, Ruby let out quiet and suddenly shaky breath. All of a sudden she felt very warm, and flustered. Why? "Hey, c'mon!" Seed suddenly called back to her, as he made his way to the creature, now finally pulling himself up after the playful display with Sweetness. Ruby watched him go for a minute, wondering why she suddenly felt this way. She forced her numb legs to move, and pushed herself towards the rest of the group to listen to the bird now addressing the group.

"RRAAWWWK, this is our home!" It was saying, apparently answering a question from the still awestruck Archimedes. " RRAAWWWK, we live in the mountains, but we came down to get food! RRAAWWWK!" 
"'We?'" Archy asked curiously. "You mean there are more of you? You have a family?" The large bird nodded it seemed to the dark unicorn, that though it could speak, it preferred not to, or at least struggled to speak in a very complex way. 
"Ooooooh! Really? What are their names?!" Sweetness asked, stood he closest to the winged beast. The creature turned its head to the pink pony, and tilted it to one side, obviously confused. Sweetness waited a second, then slowly the realisation seeped in. Her brow creased, and her eyes looked slightly sad. "Y-you mean you don't have names for each other?" The bird still looked confused.

Archy quickly took over. "She means what do you call each other." The bird's eyes widened for a moment in understanding. Then squawked,
"RRAAWWWK, no names, no names, RRAAWWWK." Sweetness looked incredulous, no names? How was that even possible?! She couldn't imagine having a family without naming the members of by heart! 
"That's... terrible..." Sweetness whimpered, her ears drooping sadly, but only for a moment before she sprang back up and said, "Don't worry! I'll think of a name for you!" The bird gave, what looked like a smile, and nodded it's head happily. 

"Sorry t' in'errupt." Angy cut across, making everypony and the bird look to her. "But if you live in the mountains, you'll know where Canterlot is. How far are we would you say?" Yet again the bird looked confused. Archy leant to his right and explained to the group leader quickly.
"He hasn't been brought up around ponies, it's a miracle he can even talk, so he definitely won't know the names of our cities! Keep it simple." Angy nodded as Archy pulled away, and tried again. 
"Ummm... Castle?" She said, testing if it knew that word. For a moment the Harpy stared back, then nodded slowly. "Do you know... the big castle? Up there!" Angy tried to help by pointing up towards the summits of the may mountains above them. This proved helpful, as the bird looked up for a moment, then back down and nodded. "Good," She said, smiling, encouraging the creature to keep helping, just like her mother taught her. "So, how long to get there? How long does it take to get up to the big castle?" 

The Harpy stared up at the mountains, then back at the small group of ponies. " RRAAWWWK, a day, a day to the castle, RRAAWWWK!" 
"Perfect," Angelica smiled, content with the information she had received. 
"Wait a second..." Archy said, raining on the yellow Pegasus's parade. "Is that flying?" He asked, flapping his forelegs to the sides to emphasize what he meant. Sweetness stuffed her hoof in her mouth to stop from laughing, as did the rest of the group. Archy blushed, but persisted by asking again. "By flying?" The bird stared at him, and nodded, confused as to why it was being asked such an obvious question. 

Archy's face fell.

"See, you and Thor could get there in a day, but the rest of us would have to hike up there, that could take days." 
"What?!" Ruby asked, horrified. "We can't take even longer! A day's too long as it is. The princess needs to know what happened! A few more days and our parents could be... everypony else could be..." She couldn't bring herself to say it, her eyes misted with tears as she stared at them all, silent, unable to answer her. They all were worried for the same thing, they'd taken too long already as it was! 

Ruby felt a soft tickle on her cheek, she looked to her left, and saw a large feathered wing, the tip of which was wiping the tears away from her face. Even in her moment of worry and sadness, she couldn't help but let out a surprised and happy laugh. To which the bird cawed, content with her change back to a state of joy. The rest of the group smiled. "Ok then." Seed began. "So what d' we do if it'll take only a day flyin' and a few days climbin'?" Angelica opened her mouth, but was cut off by the bird suddenly making a racket. 
" RRAAWWWK, the tunnel, the tunnel! RRAAWWWK!" Sweetness frowned at her new friend. 
"What tunnel?" The bird scuttled around, and pointed with a wing towards the edge of sight in the distance. 

A lot of them couldn't see anything, but Thor piped up quickly. "He's right! There's definitely a cave there at least, who knows it could cave a tunnel heading up to the castle." 
"Wouldn't that be a bit too convenient?" Angelica scoffed, suddenly apprehensive as to why there was suddenly this third option out of nowhere. 
"N-no..." The group all turned to Archy, who had suddenly gone very pale. "It's not convenient, that tunnel probably does lead up to the castle..." Seed knew something was up. He advanced a step towards his dark friend. 
"But?" Archy gulped. 
"Tunnels up to the castle around here would only be one thing... escape tunnels." The air suddenly felt cold. 
"What!?" Angy asked furiously.
"Escape tunnels," The bespectacled pony repeated. "They all lead out around the railway bridge, as it means escapees can grab a ride and get out quickly, provided the train is still going..." He turned to the large bird. "Have you found any other ponies out here besides us?" 

The bird nodded hard. "WHERE!" Thor yelled, suddenly nervous. Why hadn't they seen any if they were so close to a supposed 'escape route.'  
"The town, the town, RRAAWWWK!" the bird replied just as loudly, not realising the sudden worry. 
"Town?" Archy said confused, he thought back to all the maps, and geography books he had read, he was sure there'd be no town around here. The bird nodded again. 
" RRAAWWWK, they feed us sometimes RRAAWWWK!" Archy waved the comment aside for a moment. 
"So you haven't seen anypony out of the tunnels? Nopony coming out?" The Harpy shook it's head. 
"That's good..." Archy mused for a moment.

"Good? How?" Seed asked, unsure how his friend came to that conclusion. "It's still an escape tunnel." 
"Yes, but that doesn't necessarily mean something's wrong. My mum told me how when she lived in Canterlot with my uncle. Because he was captain, his priority would be the princess's safety, meaning my mum would have to come with him in an emergency. Now she never told me where they led, but she said some of them attached to natural caves and fissures. So, that one over there is probably just a natural one. Meaning instead of finding and opening a tunnel, we already have the perfect way up!" For a moment, everypony stared, then Thor let out a low whistle. 
"You know, it helps to have a walking talking library sometimes doesn't it!" Everypony laughed. Thor zipped over t his friend and pulled him into a headlock.

"You just helped buddy! How does it feel to finally be useful!"
"Get off!" Archy laughed, pushing his friend off with difficulty. "I seem to remember, I was the one who told you to follow Zecora! What have you done so far? Found a big bird!" The Harpy looked up looking slightly affronted. "No offense!" Archy added quickly. Making the group al laugh again. Finally they had a way to get to the Princess, and find help for Ponyville! So all their relief came pouring out in waves of laughter. 

"So now we know what to do!" Angy cried happily, taking the role of leader once more. "So we get some rest, then head up that tunnel tomorrow! Providin' it is an actual tunnel, then we find the Princess, ask for her help, go back and find our parents, agreed?" 
"Agreed!" The group shouted unanimously. The Harpy cawed in surprise at the loud noise, but then fell silent once again. 
"Ok then, everypony, get some slee"-
'GRRRRRRRRRRR' Angelica paused, interrupted by the gurgling growl. She looked down to her stomach, feeling it almost sucking in, craving food. 
"Hehhehh, sorry guess I'm a little hungry." Almost in response to hers, all the other pony stomachs in the group began to gurgle as well. 
"I think we all are." Seed said, rubbing his stomach hungrily.

"I suppose we could..." Archy began, then fell short when nothing came to mind. Angy's mouth opened, then closed, almost like a fish. Then Thor came up with an idea. 
"That town!" They all looked at him. "That town he talked about." He gestured to the Harpy. "He could show me the way, they feed him, if I explain what's going on they're sure to have some food of some kind to spare." The group murmur their agreement to the plan. "Awesome!" Thor clapped his hooves together and spread his wings. "You coming to Slappy?" He asked jokingly to the yellow pegasus. Who blushed and looked away. 
"Uhh, no, I'll stay here." 
"Suite yourself. Come on then you big old bird!" He shouted, sweeping low to the ground, guiding the Harpy back into flight, it did so begrudgingly, looking back at Sweetness who also looked saddened at her new friend leaving. "Be back soon guys!" They heard Thor cry as he zipped into the night with Harpy showing him the way.
.....

They got the fire going, and waited for their aqua maned friend to return. Angy, for some reason seemed suddenly very distant, and said she'd 'keep watch' and stared of towards the place where they had come. Ponyville was somewhere down there, past the trees of the forest, and Angelica seemed determined to find it again!

Sweetness found yet another friend in a small lady bug on the grass, who she was now 'playing with' by pretending to be a giant monster destroying a town. Seed couldn't help but disapprove of her game idea, judging by what they had just come from, but Archy seemed to be entertained by the display, so Seed let it slide. Seed himself was attentively stoking the fire, trying to ignore his grumbling belly. "Mind if I join you?" Seed glanced up and saw Ruby.
"Y-yeah, sure!" Seed said, scooting over slightly to allow some of the comfy squashed grass be used by the platinum unicorn. 

Across the clear space, Archy glanced over at the two beside the fire, and smirked. Maybe not everything from what happened in Ponyville was a bad thing. Maybe not everything. 

"You know..." Ruby began, catching Seed's attention. She stared into the fire as she talked, watching it dance and flicker. "I left here, worrying about Thor, and with our group down a pony... I come back, and Thor's back safe and sound, and we've actually found a Harpy!" She looked up from the flames and stared straight into Seed's eyes. "There's never a dull moment with you is there Seed." Seed laughed, but slightly nervously, what was with the way she was staring into his eyes. So, interested, so focused. 
"Well, it wasn't my idea to bring the big buzzard along!" They both laughed, and returned to staring into the fire.

"D-do you think..." Ruby began, then bit her lip stopping herself. 
"Yeah?" Seed asked, encouraging her to continue.
"Do... you think it's too late, that when we get back everypony will be..."
"NO!" Seed said loudly, making the delicate mare jump. "When we get there -With The Princess and every guard we can get!- We'll find every one of our parents, all of our friends!" 
"B-but..." Ruby began, but was stopped by Seed who placed a hoof on her shoulder, she looked at it, then up at him. 
"I promise! I'll find your parents, We'll find them an' you can live normal 'gain!" Ruby smiled, her eyes full of tears. 
"You promise?" Seed nodded, to which Ruby exploded into action and threw her forelegs around his waist and hugged him tight. It took him a second to register what had just happened, but then happily let her stay there, as she rearranged her position to get comfortable against him, and he stroked her mane contentedly.
.....

Archy couldn't help but feel a little voice in his head going "YES!" At the sight of his friend finally being so close to Ruby, he knew Seed had wanted that for a long time, and the dark unicorn couldn't help but feel good for his old friend.
"What is it Archy?" Sweetness yapped happily, bouncing over and trying to see what Archimedes was smiling at. 
"Oh, nothing!" he said quickly wiping the smile from his face. "So, where's your bug friend?" 
"Oh she'd gone for now, but she said she'd come back later f we were still here." said the pink pony happily unaware of the oddness of what she just said. 
"Uhh... she said that to you?" He asked, to which she giggled and explained. 
"Well actually she didn't say that, she said 'Buzz, buzbuzbuz buzzzzzzz buzz buzzz.' But I got the general message I think!" Archy let out an exasperated laugh, and let the matter drop. 

Sweetness soon decided to flop on her back and gaze up at the stars, just in view slightly behind the large bridge above them. Archy, with nothing better to do, did the same. The two sat there for a while, saying what they saw in the pearly lights. Then suddenly, Sweetness let out an ecstatic squeal! "OOOOHH! LOOK THERE'S MY PAPPA!" 
"What?!" Archy yelped, bolting up and looking around, they were too far from the others for them t hear, but as Archy prepared to call them over, her felt a hoof n his foreleg that was propping him up.
"No, silly! Up there!" Archy frowned and lay back again, looking into the sanguine sky. "There see!" Sweetness pointed into the sky. "The mighty and powerful Draconequus 'Discord!'" Archy gazed up, confused.
"Uhhh, Sweetness, that's a pony..." Suddenly, he was reminded of the events earlier that night. The Harpy screeching that Sweetness was a Draconequus, and how fearful it had been at the sight of her. Why was that? She was a pony, obviously, anypony could see that! 

"Nooooo, there!" Sweetness corrected him, pointing more precisely, Archy glanced again, and saw it this time, a long slender slim snake like figure was oddly posed in the sky, or at least it looked like that with positioning of the stars. Sweetness gave a little sigh of happiness, making Archy glance at her from his spot on the floor.
"You miss him don't you..." he said quietly. 
"Of course I do silly, he's my Pappa!" Sweetness giggled while looking at the starry figure. 
"Well, I wouldn't know that, so... you know I had to check." Archy said, his voice going suddenly a lot lower, and less cheery. Sweetness turned her head from the sky and watched the dark unicorn, now staring gloomily at the stars. 

"You know, I don't believe you!" Archy glanced at her, confused. 
"Pardon?" 
"I don't believe you. I think you do know about missing your Pappa." Archy seemed to bristle at the very idea. 
"Well I don't." He said glaring back at the night sky. 
"Of course you do silly, he's your dad." Sweetness persisted, she'd never spoken to him about his dad, she didn't think anypony really had, she didn't understand why.
"He stopped being my dad the second he walked out on us!" Archy growled, slumping away from Sweetness, it was obviously still a tender subject. 
"How do you know he walked out?"
"I'm sorry Sweetness, haven't you been paying attention to the last fourteen years of my life? If you hadn't noticed, he never came back, that kind of suggests he walked out." Archy curled up slightly, it suddenly felt very cold.
"Maybe he couldn't get back..." Archy's eyebrows scyrocketed. She was honestly going to do this? Going to try and defend the absentee father of well over half Archy's life?

"Just face it Sweetness, we can't all have devoted dads like you!" He hadn't meant to snap, the subject of his father always made him testy. He heard Sweetness take in a small surprised breathe, Archy bit his lip, regretting his heated words. "Look Sweetness, I'm sorry, it's just"- Archy said while turning over, but was cut off by a loud caw from above, and a triumphant shout. 

"WHO'S HUNGRY?!" A loud thump sounded out as a large sack was dropped into the centre of the campsite. A second later, a proud looking Thor landed along with the Harpy, holding a second, smaller bag in its beak. The campsite buzzed with excited murmurs as the group all came closer to the food. Thor undid the knot in the sack, and it's corners fell away to revel a virtual treasure trove of delicious food. 
"There's so much!" Ruby said amazedly. 
"There's got to be enough for two nights worth at least!" Cried Angelica. 
"There's cake!" Sweetness screeched, diving for the pile of cupcakes comically. 

So they all sat down, and began to dig in to their feast, enjoying every delicious morsel! While eating, Archy gave a nervous smile to Sweetness, silently apologising, she beamed back at him, proving it was all ok. Seed glanced at Ruby taking a delicate bite out of a small sandwich, though her head didn't move, her eyes looked up into his and he quickly looked away awkwardly. Making the mare giggle silently. 

And Angelica, tucking into one of Sweetness's beloved cakes,  glanced around making sure no one was looking, then took a glance at Thor, stuffing his face with two sandwiches. She was just relieved, he was safe.

> Chaos, cookies and kisses
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

With each contact of the two fighter's horns, sparks of different colours burst into life, their light enhanced and refracted across the crystal tunnel. Shining Armour was tiring fast, he'd already fought off countless drones to get the princess's to the throne room. He wasn't as young as he once was, and fighting this young powerful changeling was proving that with every second that passed.

The captain swung hard, trying hit the creature's throat with his sharp horn tip, however his opponent had other ideas. To the older stallion, it simply seemed like the changeling was there one second than gone the next. Armour's eyes dropped down to the floor to see the enemy crouching, leering up at him maliciously. Before he could act, the changeling shot up, and cut hard across the captain's chest with his sword like horn. If not for the captain's swift movement, he would now be a bleeding mess on the floor. 

"Come on old man! You'll have to do better than that!" Dying Armour cackled as he advanced once again, pushing his father back towards the stairs. "If you go any slower, you may as well just stand there and let me finish you!" Another smash of horns, red showers of sparks glistened through the air as Shining Armour stumbled and fell to the ground. 

"W-why are you doing this?" The captain asked through panting, exhausted breathes. Before an answer came, he saw the sharp horn arching down towards him. He rolled just in time, he felt a few of his mane's hairs pulled out by the blade imbedded in the ground, but he ignored them, and rolled until he reached the wall. When he did, he used it as support and pulled himself up. 
"Why?" Dying Armour asked sarcastically, pulling his horn from the ground and lunging at his father in one swift motion. Shining Armour ducked again, and stumbled away as he heard the young fighter's horn stab into the crystal wall. 

"Why do you think?" The changeling cried as he tugged hard to free himself. Nothing. So with an angry glare at the crystal, he built up his dark green magic and blasted it hard into the wall, obliterating the crystal and freeing his horn. He turned and stared down at the panting stallion ahead of him, how could he be the son of such a weak creature? Such an inappropriately named 'captain?' "Revenge!" He cried, swinging his horn again at the captain, sending a wave of magic his way, Armour shot one as well, cancelling the attack out. "Revenge for the years in exile!" Dying Armour screamed, getting angrier. He sent another spell, this time far too wildly and the captain avoided it with an easy duck of his head. More crystals dislodged themselves, and began to cascade down like a deadly rain. 

"Revenge for denying the changelings what we deserve!" Another  spell, this one disarmed by another purple shot from the captain. "REVENGE! FOR BETRAYING MY MOTHER'S LOVE!" The wildest and most powerful spell of all began to brew in his horn, he swung his neck back to cast it, and Shining Armour braced himself for the worst, knowing he wouldn't be able to avoid it! 

Suddenly, a panging pain, in his chest, harder and more painful than any wound could possibly feel! Dying Armour let out a choked cry and the spell dissipated immediately as he fell to his knees. Shining Armour watched with weary eyes, not sure if this was a trick, judging by what he'd seen of this fighter so far, nothing could be put past him! Another pang, worse than the last sprung to life, making the changeling commander clutch at his chest. When he looked up, his gaze was filled with fury, his eyes were red and bloodshot suddenly, and the sight made him look only that much more dangerous. His mouth opened, and bore his teeth in a hateful growl. 

"W-what -GAUWK!- what have you done." As he choked with pain, he doubled over, though never breaking eye contact with his hated father. Shining Armour gazed in amazement at the sight before him, at his stroke of luck. Yet he also couldn't stand that hateful gaze, not from one so like a pony. Though he hated to think it, not from one so like him.
"Nothing!" Armour cried defensively, considering what he should do, this enemy had just attempted to kill him, succeeded in killing countless soldiers above, Celestia knows how many civilians, and if Discord had been telling the truth, then there would a thousand other corpses in Ponyville due to him! He took a step forward, his horn glowing slowly, gathering his magic. It came to him slowly, as though his very being was in the same doubt as his mind. 

The changeling choked again, a small amount of spit and other fluids came from his mouth, speckling the floor lightly. His breath began to come out in heaving pants through his sharp teeth. "I said, what have you done!" He repeated, each syllable dripping with poison. 
"NOTHING!" Armour argued, still approaching slowly. "I haven't done anything to you!" 
"NOT TO ME!" The creature screamed suddenly, causing the alley to shake with the volume of his rage. Both heard the tinkling of the crystals around them, and it calmed the furious changeling, weary of any hanging gem shards that could fall from above.

"I... I don't..." Armour whispered, unable to understand what had happened to this enemy, still the spell was barely ready, as though with each step closer to the target, his body was screaming it's protest at his actions. 
"MY MOTHER, PONY!" Dying Armour screamed, spitting the final word out as an insult! "My mother!" He repeated far more quietly, and the whisper showed more hatred than the scream, it sent a shiver up the pony captain's spine to hear, and stopped him in his tracks. 
"I-I haven't done..." Wait! Did that mean somepony had found the queen and dealt with her? Could that mean, even after such unbelievable odds, they'd won?
"LIAR!" The changeling screamed, springing forward in pure rage and tackling the pony to the ground, his pointed sharp teeth bared. 


.....


"Now princess, let's leave these two to catch up." Luna felt the chimera's hand garb her. Before she could do a thing, she felt him lift her from the ground. With a scream, she reached out, beseeching the captain to see and save her before it was too late. She saw Shining Armour turn, saw the deep blue of his eyes register the danger, he reached out as well, but it was too late. She felt herself dragged into a teleport spell by her slim captor. 

With a flash of light, she found herself at the top of the stairs she had just descended with the captain. "Now we don't want it to be too hard now do we?" The Chimera muttered, not to Luna but to himself. The statement made no sense to the night princess, so she took his pause for thought as her chance, and tried to squirm free. Fire! Green, and pulsing, suddenly exploded at the tips of the chimera's fingers. Luna cried and stopped squirming, and they died away. "You don't want to leave now dear do you?" Luna looked up into those mismatched eyes, twinkling with delight in all this chaos. When Luna said nothing, Discord laughed, and returned his attention to the collapsed stones.

He yawned as her reached out with his eagle hand and gave the wall a light flick. Impossibly, all the stones covering the doorway exploded out into the throne room. Clearing the way for the chimera to enter. As the large heavy projectiles flew through the air, one drone glanced up in time to see one fly into it and instantly crush it against the wall. Discord stepped over the threshold, Luna in hand gazing over the scene with mild interest. He spotted the now dead changeling drone, and gave a little chuckle. "Oh, oops." Then he moved into the centre of the room, where a platoon of changelings surrounded the other princess of Equestria.

The chimera gave a lazy flick of his arm and threw Luna into the circle with her sister. "Tia!" She shouted as she got up, rushing to hug the solar princess. 
"Luna?" Celestia cried as her sister's hooves wrapped around her, her voice filled with sorrow at her sister's return. "What happened, why didn't you get away?" Luna pulled away from the hug and glared over the heads of the drones at the bored looking Draconequus.
"HIM!" She growled, loathing in ever letter she spoke. "He ambushed us with a... a..." Before the word came to mind, Discord turned to the thrones and addressed their new occupant. 

Queen Chrysalis was lounging across the lunar thrown, though the lesser symbolic of the two, she preferred the colour, black always suited her so well, and now being the pinnacle of power in Equestria she needed to be comfortable as she received the love that would sustain her and her subjects for eternity! 
"Dying Armour is dealing with a little family matter my dear queen. Other than that, the job is done. Canterlot is yours." His feet came off the ground and he floated, leaning back slightly and admiring his claws. 
"Good, once that fool Armour is beaten to an inch of his life, I'll have everything I've ever wanted!" Her green eyes glinted maliciously as she looked down at the two captured princesses. "Well, that is as soon as you two are dealt with." She flipped around so she was resting on her stomach, her forelegs dangling lazily over the throne's arms. "Now, would you like to profess your loyalty to me here, or in the dungeon? Or should we just kill you now?" 

Discord, still looking extremely unbothered by any of the events transpiring before him, looked up and raised an eyebrow at the two sisters waiting to see what they would say. his care free attitude made Celestia's blood boil, the chimera who she had been convinced by Twilight and her friends so long ago, the chimera who she had asked for help over the past eighteen years! He stood there, bored as though the near two decades had been nothing! Her anger taking over momentarily, forgetting about her little sister, she yelled to the usurper on the throne. "We'll never be loyal to you! Never! She locked gazes with the queen who looked at her for a moment, then said happily, flipping back onto her back.
"Death it is then." She clapped her hooves together twice, and the circle of Changelings turned to face the princesses, teeth bared.

"How could you do this?!" Luna cried, horrified at what was happening all around her, the death the destruction, but most of all the betrayal! She wasn't speaking o The queen, but to Discord. Who now, looked at her, his face unfathomably hard to read. "We trusted you!" He shrugged, and returned to admiring his sharp claws. 
"What happened to you?!" Cried a far angrier voice to Luna's side, devoid of all the sorrow in her sisters, Celestia's voice contained the anger and fury of an entire kingdom betrayed! "The great and mighty Discord, the pawn of a mere Changeling!" The queen bolted upright, outraged by being called a 'mere changeling.' Discord however had a different reaction, he wasn't angry, or insulted. He merely sighed, and took his hand away from his face. As gently as feather his feet returned to the ground. 

He approached the two prisoners, calm and coolly, not even faltering as he reached the line of changelings. They parted and let him pass, all staring at him in fearful awe. When he reached her, he smiled at Celestia, a wicked and gleeful smile, his dragon's tail reached up and ran across her cheek. She cringed at his touch and tried to pulled her head away as best she could. "Pawn?" Discord asked sweetly, "Me? Really Celestia, you should know better than that by now. I'm an..." He stood tall and thought for a moment, "I'm an opportunist, and right now I'm simply playing the game until my chance comes up." 
"You're still working for her! Betrayed your friends, your newfound home, YOUR FAMILY!" Celestia shouted, trying to spite the traitor before they were finished by the Queen's drones. Discord's expression shattered into one of pure cold rage. 
"I will never turn my back on my family, ever!" He whispered. 
"But you have! For that thing on my sister's throne!" The queen stood up, and screeched her fury at being spoken about in such a manner.

"How dare you!" She began to descend the steps towards her captors! "How DARE you!" As she approached, Discord stepped away, but before her did Celestia was sure he heard him say.
"I am no pawn." He moved out of the circle, and allowed the changelings to close in on the princesses. Their teeth came within inches of the sisters, their rotten stinking breath filling their nostrils as they backed up into each other. 
"KILL THEM!" The queen screamed. Luna closed her eyes, preparing for the pain of the teeth. Even Celestia looked away waiting for the small fangs to sink in, but they never came. The sisters opened their eyes and saw the creatures, still stood there, glaring at them, but not approaching any further! "What are you waiting for?" The queen yelled, taking one final step towards her soldiers, so she was stood beside the draconequus, "I said kill them!" Still nothing.

"Oh my!" Discord gasped, clasping his mouth in amazement. "What a twist!" The queen's head snapped towards him. 
"You?" The paw fell from Discord's mouth, and as she looked questioningly into his dark red eyes, she felt something sharp jab fast into a spot just in the crook of her left foreleg. She let out a sharp gasped and backed away. 
"Me." Discord whispered happily. She looked down to see her faintly green blood dripping to the glass covered floor from the wound. She looked from the small hole, to the eagle hand outstretched, it's middle and index fingers wet with the same blood. "I'm never a pawn..." Discord said contently. "You should do well to remember that." Suddenly, his quiet attitude vanished as he spun away like the usual overly dramatic creature of legend. "As well as this little lesson!" He said, crouching beside a changeling, and tickling beneath its chin.

To both the princesses' and the queens amazement, the creature lifted its head up and gave a deep throaty chirrup as the hand tickled it's flesh. "The weak, will always be attracted to the strong..." Discord mused as he stood up again. "Out of fear, they will come, but show them the tiniest amount of love, and promise more... then they'll stay!" He stood on the other side of the changeling circle, staring over their heads at their queen, who was quickly looking pale. 
"I-I-I give them love!" The queen argued through now chattering teeth.
"Not for eighteen years." Discord said gleefully, as his entire plan now came out for all to see. For his genius to be explained fully! "Eighteen years is a long wait..." 
"But it was a wait for the never ending love of ruling Equestria!" The queen retorted which Discord threw aside easily.
"Too long a wait for such a week promise, when they know... Others Can definitely provide them with what they want other than love." He smiled and clicked his fingers, the large gathering of black drones all swivelled to face their Queen, who backed away a few steps, horrified at the sight. "You have a very destructive bunch here my dear... they are quite fond of destroying things, like towns, cities, so if I promise them more of that, they begin to love me for what I'm giving them, and in turn they do what they love... understand yet your majesty?" The queen backed up until she hit the steps and stumbled to the ground, clutching the weeping hole in her side. 

"Y-you... turned my own children against me..." The queen said horrified. 
"Come on, you didn't see this coming? I betrayed the king all those eons ago, I betrayed what I once was by becoming... domesticated over the past two decades!" He let out an over the top retch. "Then I betrayed them all again to become myself again, did you really think I wouldn't do the same to little old you?" The grin was wide now, he was relishing this, the chaos this mere, simple and easy plan had created. The queen shook slightly, maybe out of the weakness from her wound, but probably from the sheer shock of this all. 
"How, did you persuade them..." She was begging, her confidant tone was gone now, replaced by sheer humility and horror.
"It isn't very hard... They really aren't that bright, mindless drones, far too easy to manipulate really, I would have preferred a challenge. 

"Y-you promised me Equestria!" the former queen growled. 
"No, I promised you Canterlot." Discord corrected, giving a shrill whistle, all around the hall, the horde of drones moved pouring out the window into the dark night, save for a few larger ones that stood around the princesses still, who both watched on in horrified amazement at the depth of Discords treachery. "And as I promised, Canterlot is yours!" Discord yelled, spreading his arms out, overjoyed. "Enjoy the castle! Go for a stroll down into town, don't let this be a missed chance to experience the joy this capital has to offer you!" He sounded like an overenthusiastic tour guide, or advertisement for a summer holiday. With a chuckle, his arms fell to their sides. He turned and began to walk out of the hall, towards the broken doors to the hall. At his movement, the remaining drones jumped onto the princesses, they cried out in horror as the dark creatures spat green mucus over their hooves, gluing them together in a odorous bind. Then they picked up the writhing sisters, and followed their new master out of the hall. The former changeling queen, now only one mere changeling, reached out as she watched the last of her children leave her. As they rounded the corner, their noises fading fast, Discord's mismatched head peaked back around the corner. 

I hope you enjoy those last few drops of love you have my dear," His smile widened as he revelled in his words. "They're the last you'll ever have." And with that final message, he was gone. Leaving the former ruler there on the floor, cold, bleeding, loveless, and alone.


.....


Shining Armour's muscles shook under the pleasure of keeping the fanged changeling off of his neck. Though trying his best, it was proving not enough, as the deadly points edged ever closer to his flesh.
"I-I didn't do anything to your mother!" He protested through gritted teeth. 
"Liar!" Dying Armour growled licking his lips, knowing he was so close to what he'd always wanted, he knew what this pain meant, deep down he knew, so now all that was left was to do what he had been ordered to do by his leader, by his queen, by his mother! "You're lying!" He said again loudly, trying to use the anger to give him strength. "You're a pony! Of course you're a liar!" 

Panicking, Shining Armour looked for something to use to help himself, he couldn't angle his horn to shoot the attacker, so he'd have to...

He angled his horn behind him, craning his neck backwards, he fired a single shot. The explosion of purple magic wasn't enough to distract the changeling, but when the spell hit the crystal wall, and sent a thousand deadly shards showering down, the force of the attacker's pushing lessened for a second as the noise and feeling of the shards distracted him. Armour took his only chance and pushed up with his hind legs, tipping Dying Armour over his head. Then instantly rolled away the second he was free. When they stood again, both were on either side of the crystal hallway. The lighter, more fine fragments of crystal still fell, almost floating. They glinted as they fell, Shining Armour watched them dance as he stared into the hateful eyes of the creature before him. The hateful eyes of his child... he found it strange that this beautiful effect occurred only in such a dark and deadly situation!

Suddenly, Dying Armour let out an animalistic cry, and charged. Begrudgingly, Shining Armour advanced as well, this opponent was now fighting under a false purpose. He was fighting believing his mother had been hurt by the pony captain for some reason, and now that meant if he lost, and died by the captain's hoof he'd never know the truth.

Dying armour jumped, so he would descend down on his opponent, so Shining Armour prepared. Yes, this younger one had strength, he had speed, he had rage, but what he lacked was what Armour had gained plenty of in his captain's duties. Experience. The sharpened horn descended down like a deadly spear, and in one movement, Shining Armour swung up his right forehoof, and knocked away the flat of the horn, and in another, swinging his own down hard. 

The changeling commander let out a bloodcurdling cry, and Shining Armour jumped aside to let him fall. He did so, and skidded several feet before coming to a stop by the opposite wall. Shining Armour wasn't sure where or how badly he'd hit his opponent, he prayed not fatally, amazed at his actual want for this creature to live. He couldn't understand how he wanted it, but deep down, some unknown part of him did. 

Shining Armour knew the second he stopped skidding that his ankle had broken on the impact with the ground. Stupid! Stupid angry mistakes just cost him the fight, and probably his life. This damned pony was going to execute him like the heartless monster he was, like the heartless monsters all ponies were! He glanced up at the crystal wall, the spot he looked at was one of the few still intact, and in it he saw his reflection. A single cut running from just under his right eye across his muzzle and ending just beneath the left corner of his mouth was obvious the second he looked. But it was what was escaping the cut that shocked him into staring. 

He reached up with his unbroken hoof, and dabbed gently at the cut, then pulled it away and stared. He'd never been cut before, no opponent his mother set him had ever been close to landing a damaging blow. He was too good to be cut, so until today he'd never seen his own blood. He knew a changeling's blood should be a dark shade of green, and most other creatures had red. However, as he stared at his black hoof, no green met his eyes. Only the smear of red blood. A cold ran down his back, sending his skin tingling. "W-what..." He whispered. As he breathed, it became shaky again, anger growing quickly, but he didn't know who it was directed at! The rage built, and built, until he couldn't stand it! Coupled with the terrible panging, and growing emptiness inside of him suggesting his mother was... gone, Dying Armour began to shake, not sure if he was losing his mind or not. 

That was another thing he had changelings didn't... a mind, a voice of his own! Until now it had merely seemed like an advantage but now it made him feel, wrong, he shouldn't be like... like... like this! Shining Armour reached the downed enemy, his horn glowing, ready to defend himself if needed. Dying Armour saw the purple hew tint the crystal in front of him, saw the distorted reflection of the pony captain. He saw it reach out almost to check his body! That was the final thing! 

In a whirl of hatred, he jumped up, holding his broken limb tight to his chest, and let his wings burst outwards, they made contact and sent Shining Armour stumbling backwards. "DON'T TOUCH ME PONY!" He screamed, his wings beating fast like a dragonfly's. He rose higher, and as he did he looked to his limb, then he spotted the drops, quick and large, dripping from his face, mocking him with their colour. His breath growing in volume through his nostrils, he swooped low and shot over the defensive captain. Without a single word, knowing he was beaten, Dying Armour shot through the winding tunnel, out into the cave it started in, and out into the cold dark night. Without pause, he shot off to the forest, over the railway bridge, and across the meadows. If the feeling in his gut was right, no, not his gut, it was a link he shared with his mother, now it had gone... if that meant what he thought, then the changelings were done, so they would retreat to the lair, he needed to be amongst his fellows. Or at least what he once thought as his fellows. 

Back in the crystal hallway, Shining Armour stared at the exit the changeling had taken. Now the fight was over, the adrenaline ebbed away, and he began to sway from side to side. He'd won? No! The princess! He'd let her slip away, all because of his blunder from eighteen years in the past. He needed to find her... somehow... he needed to... protect...

Armour's thoughts faded, and the dark crept up at the corner of his eyes and before he could finish his sentence, he fell to the ground with a hard slam.


.....


Sat around the fire, their bellies full, the elements of salvation sat, happy and chatting, enjoying each other's company. It was the first time they'd really had to actually speak to each other, yes the night before they had spoken to certain members, but this was everypony together. Maybe it was because they knew once they got up to the city they'd not have another chance for a long time, once they told Celestia what had happened in Ponyville they would need to move fast to save anypony left, then came the task of finding their families, then rebuilding if possible, and finding out who they'd lost. So much sadness would be coming their way, so they relished this brief happiness. 

"Hey, Seed!" Thor shouted across the fire to his orange friend. 
"Yeah?" 
"When we're up in Canterlot, remind me we need to see if we can find these two bakers from the town back there." He jerked his hoof in the direction from which their food had come. 
"Ummm ok? Why?" Seed questioned,
"Well you know Pumpkin and Pound Cake?" Seed was surprised to hear those names, he hadn't in a long time. Judging by their murmurs, the rest of the group hadn't either. 
"They moved out of Ponyville right?" Ruby asked, ensuring she knew the right ponies. Seed nodded. "Quite a while ago, mah mom said she thought they'd never last out on their own at such'a young age." 
"Well apparently, they're that town's bakers!" Thor said, to the amazement of the group. 
"Wait then why are they up in Canterlot?" Archy frowned.
"Supplies I think somepony said, anyway, don't you think it's right? Seeing as what's happened back home?" A small grumble from each member said yes, though they weren't looking forward to it.

"Hey! Look what I found!" Sweetness gasped, grabbing at something just beneath the material of the unfolded back. When she pulled it up to the fire light, everypony groaned at the sight of even more food. "COOKIES!" the pink pony cried with delight. She was surprised to see each other member of the group quickly roll away and begin to stretch their aching bodies. "Fair enough!" Sweetness giggled and opened the bag, she proceeded to take one out and smell it, it smelt delicious, it smelt fresh, it smelt like home at Sugar Cube Corner! She heard the shifting of feet to her left, and she turned to see the Harpy staring at the round treat curiously.

The pink pony shifted her weight, leant back and held it out to the large bird. "Cookie?" She asked. The bird stared at her for a moment, then opened its beak, and croaked slowly. 
"Coo-kie?" Sweetness beamed at him.
"Yes! Cookie!" The bird closed its eyes and flapped it's wings happily. The gust almost put the fire out, grabbing everypony's attention. 
"RAAAWWKK! COOKIE, COOKIE! RAAAWWKK!" Sweetness giggled at his excitement. Finally when the bird calmed down, she waved the cookie at him inviting him to take it. 
"Go on..." He looked at her confused. Sweetness reflected the baffled expression. "Cookie!" She insisted, she pushed her hoof to far forward this time, and toppled backwards and onto the grass where she erupted into a fit of giggles when the harpy came to investigate and looked at her upside down. 

"RAWK! COOKIE COOKIE COOKIE! RAAAAAAWWWK!" The bird yapped again and again, almost looking like he was dancing. Sweetness looked up for help, needing an explanation that Archy slowly gave, smiling broadly. 
"Sweetness... I think you just found a name for this guy!" The others laughed as the dark glasses wearing stallion voiced what they all thought. Sweetness beamed at her unintentional success, and looked back up at the large feathered creature. 
"Ok then! Cookie the Harpy!" She flung her forelegs up, and the newly named Cookie buried his head into her chest nuzzling her happily, tickling her and making her laugh even harder. The group all laughed, and watched for quite a while as the two new friends played.


.....


Everypony was asleep, except Thor who had vowed to take watch for the first half of the night. Though everypony had been softened by this nights fun, he still knew what they had come from, and knew what could be close by. Waiting. He glanced back at the group, checking each was ok, all of them asleep. They'd fashioned a bed sheet out of the large sack Thor had brought the food in, and beneath it, lay Ruby and Angelica, sleeping softly. He smiled at the sight, then returned to staring out over the landscape. He wondered if he should wake Archy, so they could continue the previous night's conversation. Then he thought better, he'd rather let him sleep, tomorrow was going to be tough enough and they didn't need to add half baked conspiracies about others involved in Ponyville's burning. 

Yet again, he thought of that image. Discord, stood on the house roof watching them escape. Why hadn't he helped? Why hadn't he come to their aid? Or the aid of their parents? Then again he could have, either before or after Thor had spotted him... but something had seemed...wrong with the way he had been looking. Almost like a falcon once it's spotted a fat mouse. He thought he saw something, up in the sky! He squinted, and sure enough something was there, moving fast across the night sky. He began to crane his neck, begging his eyes to focus more, to see what that thing was heading in the direction of home. A Pegasus maybe? Sent to inspect Ponyville? No that's stupid, why would they do that? 

So maybe it wasn't a pony... 

"Hey, you gotta sec?" Thor jumped, and spun round to see a very sheepish looking Angelica stood against the dying embers of the fire. His fear died away almost instantly to be replaced by nerves. 
"Umm, yeah I guess..." Thor said, unsure what this was about. Angelica came over and sat beside her fellow Pegasus, but said nothing. After a minute, Thor asked. "So what's up?" 
"Nothing..." She said, then thought better of herself, "I mean everything... I mean... I-I don't even know what I mean!" She said flummoxed, breathing out slowly and heavily.
"You're worried about what's gonna happen? Tomorrow and when we get back home?" 

A pause.

Angelica nodded, her eyes seemed to shine, as though threatening tears that never came. That was one thing Thor had always noticed and admired about her, she almost never cried. It was admirable. 
"Yeah..." Angy began. "I'm worried about that... I'm also a touch worried 'bout me an' you." Him and her?! What did she mean by that? Thor suddenly felt very hot, and at that moment something large decided to lodge itself in his throat, making it hard to breath or talk. 
"Really?" He asked trying to sound cool and relaxed, but failing as his voice squeaked a little! She didn't notice, or at least if she did, she was kind enough to ignore it. 
"Yeah..." She said quietly. For a moment she said nothing, Thor thought he saw out of the corner of his eye, her glance at him and suddenly look away. Why was it so darn hot all of a sudden! Tor was sure it shouldn't be this hot!

In a burst of worry Thor would have expected from Ruby, Angelica began t ramble. "Look Thor I'm really sorry about slapping you earlier, it's just I was worried about you, and then you came back as though nothing had happened, but we didn't know nothing had happened, so I got angry, and I don't know why I was so angry with you, and we were all just... I was..." Her speed quickly died and she trailed of eventually into a quite mumble. Thor's eyebrows couldn't help but raise, she had been worried about him? Why? Just because he was a friend? Or an Element? Or something... else? Thor calmed his mind, trying to keep his cool as best he could. 
"O-ok then..." Angelica looked up from the gloomy view and looked straight at him, Thor turned his head almost robotically to look at her. 
"I'm sorry..." She repeated, Thor gave what he hoped looked like a reasonable smile. 
"Hey don't worry about it." 
"Thanks..." Angy gave a shy little smile, which almost knocked Thor over in amazement, he'd never seen that smile before, so shy looking, so... cute!

Thor gulped, nothing happened, so he coughed to mask him doing it again. This time it felt a little looser. 
"So, besides the whole slapping thing... what did you think of the surprise then?" Thor asked, just dying to keep this conversation going, it was probably the longest none flying related topic they'd discussed, and by far the most intimate, everypony was asleep and quite a way away! Angy gave a small laugh that nearly knocked Thor back again, what was with her different tone? She was acting so different to the way he knew her, and he was sure he liked it!

"Well why don' we say I was jus' surprised?" Angy said coolly. Thor waited to think of what to say then...
"I don't think that's entirely true..." Angry looked at him arching a questioning eyebrow. The look did nothing for Thor's nerves, though he thought he was hiding them adequately if not well. "Judging by how you acted when he got here, getting that close with him, I'd say you quite liked the big guy." Angy giggled, actually giggled, and put her hoof to her mouth to cover it up. Thor was close to having a nose bleed due to the shear incomprehensible nature of this talk, he was sure of it!
"I guess I did yeah... I got nothin' on Sweety though..." She laughed and turned and glanced back into the campsite. Thor did the same and couldn't help smile at the sight of the pink pony sleeping against the large bird, his wing draped around her like a cover. The bright contrast of their colours was enough to make you smile, but when you saw Sweetness's body rising and falling slowly beneath the wing, they couldn't help but grin widely at the cute sight. 

They turned back again, and Angelica continued. "I guess... I just liked the idea of talking to an animal again..." 
"You... talk to animals?" Thor asked, trying to relieve some of this unknown tension with a joke. 
"Shut up." Angy laughed softly. She looked out over the trees of the distant forest and began again. "I guess I jus' wanted somethin' to feel like it did... before... you know..." Thor nodded, he did know, he would kill to have a chance to sleep in again, wake up with his dad ramming his hoof hard on the door. It would be nice.

"I dunno, I guess I jus' wanted somethin' to just feel normal." Angry closed thoughtfully. 
"Angy..." She looked up at Thor's voice. She locked gazes with him for a moment, and nothing was said. Then... "Nothing in your life's ever gonna be normal, let's face it!" Angry let out a small laugh at the joke, so did Thor. Suddenly, Angy stretched out a hoof, and pushed the burgundy Pegasus playfully, he rocked from side to side chuckling lightly at the happy little moment. He glanced out the corner of his eye and saw her in profile, her smile as she giggled at the joke, her nose wrinkling at the end as she did. Was there any doubt why he liked this mare?  

Their laughing died down, and Angry dared another glance at Thor, she looked, and to her surprise he was looking back so she quickly aborted the plan, going back to staring at the skyline.

Thor wanted to say it, hell, he'd wanted to forever now! He may not have the chance again, or at least for a long time, he wanted to say it finally! "A-Angy?" The yellow pegasus looked up and locked gazes with him. 
"Hmm?" Thor swallowed, suddenly the temperature was rising again. 
"Well, we went to school together..." This was not the best way to start, but it was too late to stop now, just keep going and hope you don't bore her! "We've been in the same flight crew for a few years too and..." He faltered, suddenly not so sure if he wanted to say it. So much for the element of bravery!
"Yes... Thor?" Angry asked, her voice was very quiet, had she gotten closer?! When did that happen? Had it been her or him who'd moved? They were very close now... Thor's way of explaining was left hanging in the air as they stared into each other's eyes, they came closer. Angy closed her eyes, holy Celestia! Was this really happening?

Inches away... centimetres... millimetres! Seed, the closest of the group to them, let out a sudden loud snore, making the two pegasi jump. Thor couldn't help but wish his friend choked on his own tongue in his sleep at that point! He expected that was it, atmosphere blown, chance gone. But as he opened his eyes, and began to pull away, he caught a glimpse of yellow fur, before he felt her lips touch his! The temperature dropped back to normal instantly, the nerves settled fast and Thor's agitations ebbed away, as he sat there, with  Angelica kissing him. He could feel her leaning forward into him, so he tipped back slightly, allowing her to come closer. He began to kiss her back, not viciously, just the same amount as she was doing to him. 

They sat there, one side of them highlighted by the ebbing light of the fire, while the other stayed in pitch darkness as the starless moonless night absorbed them. Thor couldn't quite understand how, but at this moment, at this second, he was kissing the mare of his dreams unashamed of their friends who could wake at any moment. They just sat there and kissed.

> Caged
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Let me out of here! Darn it, let me out!" Rainbow screamed as she slammed herself hard against the cage wall, her shoulder (Battered by the constant assault on the prison) flared in pain once again, begging her to stop. 
"Babe, we can't get out, not like that." Reasoned Soarin' sat on the other side of the cage, he looked tired, as though he'd suffered a far older stallion's life. His eyes were beady and focused on the ground that they hung several feet above.
"What am I supposed to do Soarin'! Just sit here and do nothing like you? If you've forgotten Thor's out there alone!" Screamed Rainbow, turning on her husband with wild fury in her eyes.

"You think he doesn't know that?" Shouted a deep male voice from across the dark cavernous room. Rainbow turned and shouted back. 
"You can't say a thing Spike! You ran from town as soon as they hit!" Through the gloom, the couple saw a large high cage, it shook slightly as something inside it rushed to the wall angrily. Two green eyes leered out of the gloom, starring Rainbow down.
"I was with Rarity! I wanted to make sure she and the rest of the boutique workers got out safe, then I was gonna come back for the kids!" 
"Rainbow, you should just calm down, ok? Your worried, we're all worried, but you can't just start blaming everypony else!" Protested the voice of Twilight, somewhere close to the ground. Rainbow's heart sagged as she realised what she had been saying. 

"Spike?" She asked tentatively. 
"What?!" He replied angrily, Rainbow leaned close to the wall of her cage, resting her head against the bars. 
"I'm sorry big guy." She said quietly. Silence rained for a moment, then.
"It's ok, we're all worried." Rainbow sighed with relief at the forgiveness. She looked to Soarin' who silently nodded, letting her know she hadn't upset him either. Rainbow went over to her spouse and lay down, Soarin' stretched out a foreleg and rested it over her shoulders, bringing her in close. From the comfort of the hold, Rainbow shouted out to the two cages far below the rest. Those who were alone. "Twilight? AJ? You guys ok down there?" Twilight called back immediately. 
"Yes Rainbow, I'm ok. What about you Applejack?" 

Nothing was said. 

In one of the other raised cages, Fluttershy slowly teetered forward, from their angel, her and her husband could see Applejack's cage perfectly. Big Mac came up behind the yellow mare and glanced down. As she had been sense they were imprisoned in this dark little hole, Applejack was lying on the floor, her forelegs stretching between the bars, and dangling towards the ground. She looked completely defeated. "A-Applejack?" Fluttershy whispered, the terror of their capture still obvious in her tone, but in this silent and deadly room, everypony could hear her every syllable. Fluttershy was worried for her sister-in-law, she had barely spoken but even her mostly silent attitude was nothing compared to the pony hanging alone in her cage above the rest. in the centre of the round room, sat Pinkie, her mane as straight as it had ever been. 

Her forelegs were wrapped around her hind legs, hugging them tightly to her chest, she sat dead centre of the cage, not allowing any of the surrounding prisoners a glimpse of her through her bars. She hadn't moved, she hadn't spoken, she was lost in the terrified world she had been in since they had seen their attacker and captor. 

"I'm fine!" Applejack finally replied, she didn't look it to Big Macintosh. It felt strange to see her wearing her Stetson for such a long time, he'd become so used to her never wearing it, as though her adventurous side had gone forever, but the only hope that the big red stallion had was that she still wore it now, chancing at her still having some fight left in her. 
"Are you sure darling?" Rarity asked, coming up to her bars beside Spike. "You, Twilight and..." She looked up at the silent cage above, "P-Pinkie, all have it the worst here." She too had noticed how out of it the country pony had been since they arrived.

Applejack raised her head, staring up at all the cages around the walls. "I'm on my own, I aint got nopony in here with me like most o' yall, in fact I never did! My only reason for livin' is somewhere out there! Possibly..." She gulped unable to say the terrible word. "So... do you really wan' me to answer that question properly?" Nopony answered. "I thought not." Applejack then returned to lying on her cage floor. Rarity watched her friend for a moment, then bit her lips as she felt tears returning for what felt like the thousandth time since Ponyville. 

The unicorn turned into her husband, who let her come close immediately, he dropped to his knees and held her close stroking her mane and giving her his shoulder to cry on. The dragon looked around as he did, all of this misery all this suffering, it was all because of one person! He glanced up at the silent cage, swearing yet again he could hear something! He'd tried to bring everyponies attention to it originally, but it seemed it was either his ears playing tricks, or his dragon hearing being better than that of the ponies around him. It sounded like Pinkie, talking.

"Sweety...Sweety...Sweety...my Sweety..." Pinkie went through stages of this, most of the time she would be silent, but in these small spans of sheer worry and grief, she would begin to rock back and forth terrified for the well being of her little baby. She needed her baby, now more than ever, now that she knew what her husband was capable of. These moments were the closest she came to calling out to her friends below, she wanted reassurance like they gave to each other, she wanted help. To be given some love, now that all that she'd received over the years had been proven as lies! But she never called, she never spoke to her friends, she was terrified now, that the betrayal of her beloved, would be repeated by her friends, she trusted them completely, but the blind grief fogged her mind, and grabbed her throat whenever she tried to speak to them. So she stayed silent, whispering her baby's name, hoping she were safe. 

As if on cue, the silvery portal floating at the end of the room irrupted into green flame. Everypony bolted towards the closest cage wall, except Pinkie, she knew who it would be, it wouldn't be rescue, only him. Sure enough, a twisted head popped out from the fire, passing through the portal and into the cage room. He stretched after stooping through the small gateway, he leant back and cracked his back, once a few clicks rang out around the silent room, he gave a relieved release of air. Then straightened to look at the six cages. 

"Why hello everypony!" The draconequus laughed happily, spreading his arms as though greeting dear friends. Nopony said a word, they all only glared at their twisted traitor! He looked hurt at their attitude. "Such anger! That's no wait to treat your friend Discy!" He laughed, then leant back towards the portal, reaching in with an eagles claw. "Especially when I bring you company!" Even Pinkie's ears twitched at the word. She scurried to the cage wall, praying it wasn't her baby, or any of her friends' children, let it just be another random pony! Please! 

The noise of her rattling chains caused everypony to look up. They saw Pinkie's mad, terrified expression. It felt strange to them all, to finally see her after so much silence from her, as though she had never been here. Even the chimera stopped and looked up at her. "Ahhh, My dear Pinkie! Finally up and moving are we?" He taunted his former wife. Rainbow wished she was free, so she could pound that smug smile off of the chimera's face for good, make him pay for torturing Pinkie like this! "I'm sorry my dear, it's not dear Sweetness..." He called to the pink prisoner, who's shoulders dropped slightly in relief, "But..." They were up again in an instant, was it one of the other's children? "You do know them both! Very well might I add!" With that, he pulled hard from the other side of the portal.

Two ponies fell out and to the floor, one a dark blue and the other a pure white. Even without the famous cutiemarks, Twilight only needed to notice both their horns and their wings to know who these alicorns were. "Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!" She cried horrified, mirroring all the other prisoners' terror in her voice. The chimera chuckled, satisfied with their reactions. With a click of his fingers, two cages came screaming down o the ground from the high darkened ceiling. The shot past Pinkie, making her jump, she fell back, making her cage swing it clanged against the new chains dangling from the roof, sending ear splitting echoes through the room. 

Discord picked up both princesses and threw them unceremoniously into their separate cages, not caring if he hurt them, as they touched the floor of their containers, the doors magically swung shut with a clang, and the two cages shot back up into the air, stopping at different heights, and swaying slowly from the fast actions. 

Pinkie -still laying on the floor of her cage from her surprise- looked down from her new vantage point, and spotted something in a corner of the room, the glint of metal. Was it just more chains? Or a spare cage? "AND FINALLY SHE SPOTS IT!" Discord cried with joy! The others all jumped, and stared at the creature, glancing to each other to see who he was speaking of, the all eventually looked up to see Pinkie staring into the gloom. They all looked in her gaze's direction, and spotted the little chink of metal just protruding from the shadows. "I was wondering how long it would be until you realised you weren't alone." Discord purred, making everypony stare incredulously at him. "He's been here for a while longer than all of you." 

"It's a trick!" Soarin' shouted suddenly, "If there was actually somepony there, they'd have said something by now!" the captured ponies all voiced their agreement, but Discord only chuckled, shaking his head. 
"Not if there's somepony in here that he doesn't want to know he's here." A sudden clink came from the corner, as though moving chains. Discord looked into the shadows, apparently the only one able to peer through them, and smiled at the mysterious prisoner. "Oh, I'm sorry. Was I not supposed to guess that?" Another few furiously loud clinks, Twilight guessed the captor was the only one of them not in a cage, and was chained to a wall or something similar, and was now stretching to reach his captor from the gloomy corner. She saw the little piece of metal they could see twitch, it must be a bracket that the chain was set into, meaning there may be no chance that the stranger could come into their view. 

After a moment they heard the chains relax and jangle to the floor, and for the first time they heard a sigh escape the corner. "That's what I thought..." The chimera chortled. "Well, I let him have his mystery, I won't say who it is, but here's a hint." He locked gazes with Twilight from across the room, the purple unicorn frowned, why was he looking at her. "He's had a very large influence on your life in the past, dear Twilight." Twilight looked from the draconequus to the shadow wall, trying to see the other captor, but nothing sprang out at her. 'He's had an influence on my life?' Twilight thought, trying to understand who it may be. She stared into the gloom as though if she looked long enough, the answer would come to her. 

"Well," Discord said loudly, clapping his hands together, the loud noise made Fluttershy jump, Mac held her close while still staring down. "Now that everypony KNOWS that they're here..." He shot a devilish wink to the prisoner in the shadows, "I'll leave you..." He stepped back through portal, but froze as his head was about to pass through. He glanced up at the second highest cage, the one that housed Big Macintosh and Fluttershy. He locked gazes with the large red male, and smiled. "You'd be amazed what your daughter gets up to when you're not around, all sorts of naughty things!" 

He let out a terrible laugh as he passed through the portal, Big Mac let out a sudden and uncharacteristic scream, slamming his hooves suddenly against the cage, enraged by the sudden chance of his daughter being alive. Even Applejack was on her hooves, pushing hard against her cage wall, her niece was alive? The fire surrounding the portal ebbed away quickly, returning the room to its pervious darkness. Mac reached out beyond his bars, as though his foreleg could stretch to the portal and stop it from closing, his voice was dying fast, making the scream turn into a cry of misery. Suddenly, his strength left him and he buckled. Falling to the floor with a loud clang. Fluttershy rushed to him, not even slightly afraid after his loud and angry cry, she fell next to him, holding him tightly, breaking into tears as she did. Why couldn't he have just left them guessing, instead of taunting them with the chance of her being alive? Because though that was good, if the chimera knew of her, and what she was doing, she was no way near safety! 

Pinkie watched from above, watched her friend and her husband crying, because of what her own husband had done. This was her fault, though not directly, she had made them all trust him all those years ago, eighteen years worth of trust they'd built towards Discord, because of their friendship with her, and now, now they were all suffering because of it. She felt sick, dirty, wrong, undeserving to be in the same room as the ponies' who's lives she had destroyed. 

Amazingly, though she was the furthest away, she was the first to hear the voice from the shadows. "Don't listen to what it says! That's what it needs, it needs you with chaos in your heart!" The voice was gruff and pained, as though damaged from screaming for too long, it very possibly was, who knew how long the owner had been here for. The others heard the speaker at different points, but all were listening by the time it was finished. Even Mac and Fluttershy had quietened at the voice. Mac swallowed, and cried out to their other fellow prisoner, his voice was shaky and lacked the usual authority his deep voice commanded. "W-who are you?" 
"Yes..." Twilight agreed, "Who are you?" 

The voice stayed silent for a moment, then.
"I'm a friend, who can help you survive whatever this thing says to you, I've had it for years!" Everypony glanced at each other, than Rainbow spoke up. 
"What's wrong with your voice? It sounds screwed up." a cough escaped the shadow.
"I have a chain around my neck, it's too tight, I can't breath properly." the grim description left everypony silent. Then clicking from above caught all their attention. They looked up to see Pinkie, moving away from the wall and back to the centre of her cage. 
"Pinkie wait!" Twilight cried, trying to stop her vanishing friend. too late. The magenta pony turned to the shadows once again. 
"You say you want to help, help her then, make her feel better, get her to talk to us!" Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow all cried their agreement, Applejack had already returned to gloomily looking at the ground below her. 

"I can't," The prisoner explained. "Not her, or Applejack..." Twilight logged that it knew her friends, so it must be somepony from ponyville! "It's what the draconequus has DONE that's affected them, not what he's said. I can't help fight what's actually happened." they heard the chains move as the prisoner shifted his weight. "I wish I could..." It sad slowly and sorrowfully. 

"Who are you?" Twilight asked again, dying to know who lay just beyond the shadows, there was a nagging suspicion, somepony who knew her, her friends, who had a large influence on her life... who wishes he could change the past... She didn't voice her thoughts, but she gave a quick breath as she realised who that could describe. 

In the dark, surrounded by the ponies he'd left behind, and the one who he'd abandoned with a child. Twilight was sure that the one in the chains, was the long lost stallion who stole her heart eighteen years ago...

Noteworthy.

> Bye bye Cookie, hello cave
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"RIGHT! Rise an' shine ladies and gen'lecolts! We got a Princess to see!" Seed shouted, the morning sun just glimpsing over the horizon. He went over to their new blanket, ready to awake his sleeping cousin, but was surprised to see she wasn't there. The only mare beneath the cover -and truly taking advantage of that fact- was the sleeping Ruby. The platinum mare began to groan quietly as she was pulled out of her dreams, Seed frowned glancing around, seeing Cookie and Sweetness slowly waking at his cry. Archy gave a loud snort, waking up very suddenly and bolting upright. Seed laughed at his crooked glasses, and the look of utter surprise at the early wake up call. Archy shot him a deadly glare, so Seed quickly glanced away, whistling innocently. 

He headed towards where he thought Thor would have probably slept after his watch. Surely, enough, the burgundy back of his pegasus friend could be seen just to the side of the opening made by the archway of the train line above. He began to walk over, knowing that waking Thor would be a much more difficult task than the rest of the group. 
"Mmmm... morning everypony!" Ruby said quietly, stretching after her wonderful rest. 
"Morning." Archy replied drearily, lifting his glasses with his magic and wiping his sleep filled eyes with his hoof. 
"Hey, Ruby you know where Angry is?" Seed asked, turning to walk backwards while addressing the mare who had been sharing the sack/sheet with his cousin.
"H-huh?" Ruby looked confused when she turned to see Angelica was no longer beside her. "Uh, no, no I don't." Almost immediately she looked worried. 

"It's ok." Archy mumbled, getting to his hooves and beginning to walk towards the fire's remains, inspecting if it had gone fully out, it was a surprisingly cold morning for the summer, also quite dark still... "She probably just went to that town to get us some breakfast..." He glanced over the remains of their feast. "Did we actually eat all of that food?!" Seed laughed at the suddenly sickened face of his friend as he recalled how much they'd had. Turning, he resumed towards his other friend normally. 

"Thor! Get up!" He shouted loudly as he approached. As expected, there was no movement from the pegasus. Rolling his eyes, he pierced his lips and whistled shrilly. Coming ever closer to the back of his sleeping friend. He heard a groan from ahead of him and smiled. 'Easier than I thought!' he thought quietly, preparing to return to the campsite now Thor had shown signs of life.  Then he paused, that... didn't sound like Thor waking up, it sounded far too high pitched for the gruff voiced pony. He focused again on his friend. "Thor?" Another groan, this time a lot louder, a lot more female. It was then that Seed noticed a brown and yellow braded tail protruding into view just ahead of Thor.

As Seed reached his friend, his eyebrows skyrocketed as he saw Angelica lying ahead of him, holding Thor's forehooves close to her chest making him hold her in their sleep. It was her who was now waking up due to Apple Seed's loud shouts. Archy sidled up to his friend, yawning as he did. "Just give him a kick! That'll get him up fast! Shame Angy isn't here I could finally get him back for all those storm cloud pranks!" He laughed, but the joke died as he noticed his friend wasn't laughing. "Seed what's... oh..." Archy reached Seed's side, and saw the problem. "That's... ummm..." Archy glanced at Seed, unsure what he was thinking. He'd known about Thor's crush, but had Apple Seed? 

Slowly Archy backed away, retreating back to the fire. He seated himself near Ruby, who looked at him in confusion. "What's wrong Archy? You look like you saw a ghost..." Archy chuckled, watching as slowly, Seed turned silently and came over to the rest of the group, his eyebrows still lost beneath his scruffy mane.
"No, but I may just have seen somepony who will be one soon!" Seed sat down, surprise still obvious on his face. Ruby looked at the orange stallion, frowning still. 
"Aren't you waking up Thor?" 
"N-n..." He coughed loudly, clearing his throat. "No, he'll be up soon." Ruby looked slightly annoyed.
"Why does he get to sleep in?" Archy leant in, and explained his and Seed's find. Ruby's mouth fell open. "No!" She looked from both Seed to Archy, amazed at their discovery, she craned her head to try and catch a glimpse of her friend, but couldn't see beyond Thor's large back. 

"You guys talking about Thor and Angy?" Cried a happy looking Sweetness, trotting over to the rest of the group, glancing in the direction of the sleeping pegasi. 
"Y-you knew?" Seed stammered, surprised like the rest of the group. 
"Of course silly, I woke up and the two of them were reeeeaaally close! Like this." She zipped over to Ruby, and pushed her face mere millimetres away from hers. The unicorn's eyes shot wide open in surprise, as did the two watching stallions. For a moment Sweetness smiled at the other female. "And then they kissed!" She looked to everypony else, at which point Ruby scootched away slightly, praying Sweetness wouldn't feel the need to demonstrate that on her as well!

Archy laughed at the sight, even Seed smirked, unknowingly, the pink pony was defusing the situation slightly; making it far less of a big deal than Seed first thought. He glanced over at the still sleeping two, just as Sweetness continued. "They fell asleep together a little later, I wanted to go and ask them about it, but you know what they see about sleeping pegasi!" Archy frowned. 
"And what's that?" 
"You know, let sleeping Pegasi lie." 
"That's dogs Sweetness..." 
"Oh..." The pink pony looked a little surprised, but then smiled. "Ok then, don't worry, I'll g get them up!" She smiled, and bounced into life. Archy burst into hysterical laughter as the pink pony bounced away, leaving Seed and Ruby to stare on in utter terror. 

Only a moment late, the pink earth pony returned, the two flyers in toe. One annoyed looking Thor, and an extremely quiet and embarrassed looking Angelica. "See Seed, it's easy! I don't know why you struggled and getting them up!" Sweetness yipped, returning to her place around the dead fire. Seed closed his eyes, his stomach churning at his random friend's words. 'Why Sweetness?' He thought to himself. When he opened his eyes, he saw Thor had frozen at Sweety's words. He looked at Seed awkwardly, who looked back just as much so. The pegasus gulped, then burst into a walk towards Cookie, still waking up, and preening his feathers. 

"So, who's hungry?" He asked, with far more joy in his voice than usual. The group stared at him. 
"You're not planning on going all the way to that town again are you?" Angelica spoke up. Making everypony stare at her, she looked at each of them, unusually unable to look them in the eye. "W-we need to get going to Canterlot!" She explained, rubbing her neck absentmindedly. 
"I knew we would!" Thor explained, reaching behind the Harpy. "So got this as well!" He pulled out a second bag, that Seed now remembered the bird bringing. 

It was far smaller than the one containing their dinner, but when Thor opened it up the sight was more than welcome. Some bread, a few apples and a muffin each. The perfect breakfast! "Thought you'd all like it!" Thor laughed as all the group's stomachs gurgled with delight at the sight. He then picked up another bag held within the first one. Turning to the Harpy, he tossed it into the air, calling out as he did. "Cookie!" The large bird looked up, seeing the bag, reached out quick with its beak, and caught it. "Bird feed." Thor explained to everyponie's confused expressions.

They all murmured their understanding, and began to tuck into their small meal. Sweetness reached over to pick up hers, separating from her new friend for the first time that morning. This left Cookie to stretch his wings. Afterwards, he began to flap. Sweetness heard the movement from behind her, as did the rest of the group. The ponies turned to see the Harpy taking to the air slowly. 
"Cookie?" Sweetness asked, dropping her food and going over to the bird. "Where are you going?" The bird looked down, confusion fogging his expression.
"Rawwk, home, rawwk!" Sweetness didn't seem to understand. 

"Huh? What do you mean?" Archy got to his hooves and came over to the two of them. he placed a hoof on Sweetness's shoulder. 
"He's got to get back to his kids, right?" He looked up at the bird, who nodded, letting out a loud caw of agreement. 
"B-but... I thought..." Sweetness stuttered, her lips beginning pout, her large purple eyes becoming round with disappointment. Cookie saw the pink pony was sad, so he slowly descended to the ground, and scuttled over to her. Leaning down, he rubbed the bridge of his beak against her chest, to which the pony began to giggle at the tickling contact. Cookie chirruped with glee at his friends returning to normal, after a quick embrace from Sweetness, he straightened up and looked at the rest of the group. Saying a silent goodbye.

Thor, being the other pony close to the big bird, shot into the air before him and smiled. "See you soon big guy!" he said with a gruff cough, Seed wasn't sure but he thought he'd heard Thor's voice crack ever so slightly when saying goodbye. 
"Bye Cookie!" Angelica, Ruby and Archy smiled.
"See yah, yah big buzzard!" Seed laughed. The bird cawed with happiness at them all, and sweeping up the bag of feed, he began to flap hard. Soon he took to the air again, and within moments he was high above them, turning and heading for the mountains above. Archy watched the most fascinating creature he'd ever met fly out of view. To his left, he heard a loud sniff. The glasses wearing unicorn turned and saw Sweetness watching the departing Harpy, her smile a little too sad to be considered normal for her. 
"You ok?" Archy asked. Sweetness gave another loud sniff, and rubbed her nose with the back of her hoof for a moment, when it came away, she was the usual her. Big smile back in place.
"Yeah, I'm fine. So come on, we gotta get eating! We don't know how long it's going to take to get up there." 

She returned to breakfast, leaving nopony guessing what she meant by 'up there.' They all glanced at the high peaks above, and even the element of bravery gave a gulp of nerves, and Strength simply shuddered at the thought. "She's right!" Angelica said loudly, all awkward feelings about the morning's previous events gone, reassuming her role as leader. She looked to the element of knowledge and asked. "D'you have a clue how long it'll take that tunnel to get to the castle Archy?" Archy blanched for a moment. 
"Uhhh, it could be anything between an hour to two, or even three, and that's just if we don't have to clear any obsticles." 
"Obstacles?" Ruby asked, dabbing her lips after a bite from her muffin. Seed glanced at her, and caught a glimpse of her dazzling eyes looking right back. The farm stallion blushed and looked away. Ruby smiled. "I'm sure that's why we have 'Mister Strength' here." Seed -who was still looking at the grass as though it were more fascinating than the bird who had just left their company- couldn't help but feel a little pride in the fact a part of the adventure had finally fallen to him! He also like the idea that Ruby was relying on him, but hopefully nopony else would guess that. 

"Just what I was thinking beautiful!" Angelica smiled to her unicorn friend. Her head snapped to Seed. "You better get eatin' cousin, I think you' got some work cut out for you!" 
"You go it boss!" Seed said, giving a mock salute to their leader. The group smiled. 
"So that means Seed's gonna be up front with me, getting rid of anythin' that gets in our way. I'd say Archy should-"
"Archy should be at the back of the group with me." Angelica froze, turning to see who had said the strange comment. It was Thor. 
"Pardon?" 
"Archy." Thor said, gesturing to the unicorn. "He should be at the back of the group with me. That way, we've got you two upfront who are able to fend off pretty much anything ahead of us, and me and him can cover our flanks, while we all protect Ruby and Sweetness." Sweetness opened her mouth to complain, to say she could fend for herself, but was cut off by a concerned sounding Ruby.
"Why do we need to cover our flanks Thor?" she asked, catching onto the pegasus's tone slightly quicker than the rest of the group. He didn't sound worried, merely cautious, as though something was worrieing him about the climb through the caves. 

Seed saw a tell tale sign that he was sure only him and Archy would notice, an advantage of knowing him so much longer than the rest did probably, but Thor flicked his head slightly, trying to move his mane back into its usually spiky shape. Seed knew that his friend was hiding something, with a glance to the unicorn, he saw the tick hadn't gone unnoticed, Archy's eyes had shot wide open. 
"Well..." Thor said slowly "It'd suck if after everything we went through, to come up short only a few minutes from finishing all this." Archy frowned, there hadn't been any sign that there would be a risk of something following them, or had Thor spotted something the others hadn't. 
"I guess that makes some sense." Angelica murmured, obviously thinking the same as Archy. She glanced around and saw pretty much all the food was gone, Seed still had an apple, and her own breakfast she had barely touched. "A'right then! Everypony just about ready?" They all nodded, those who were sitting now rose to their hooves. "Then let's get a move on!"


.....


The cave was dark, it's walls didn't span that high only a few feet higher than the ponies' heads. Each step that was taken by the Elements of salvation echoed out, reverberated and returned to them ten times louder.The smell of damp air hung heavy in the air, making the group feel slugish and weak. Angy was leading the group along with her cousin, and the two stared at a blank sheet of rock staring back at them. "Well there goes that plan." Seed said sarcastically, looking back over the others heads to Archy who was looking around thoughtfully. "Any ideas Archy?" 
"Yeeeaaahhh..." He said slowly, glancing up the walls. "Look for something big, something that would hide the entrance unless you knew it was there." 
"A'right..." Seed said as the group began to spread out, a few moments of fruitless searching later, Sweetness shouted to the rest of the group! 
"OVER HERE!" The group followed her call, and sure enough, a gaping gap in the wall lay just behind a large boulder. 
"Nice one Sweetness!" Archy smiled to the mare, who smiled back. Archy saw her ear twitch, then her head shook slightly as though trying to rid an annoyance. "You ok?" the unicorn asked, concerned by the odd movement. 
"Yeah, of course I am silly!" she smiled. With that dismissal, the rest of the group returned to their original formation, and proceeded into the dark, steep tunnel.


.....


"Hey Archy..." Thor whispered, pulling back from the rest of the group as they made their way through the barely lit tunnel. The air was far cooler and dryer in this passageway, so Ruby, being in the centre of the group, thought it best to light the way with the faint glow of her horn as they progressed now the air wasn' making it difficul to do the slightest thing, this tunnel was obviously pony-made not natural, that bobed well for them so far! Archy glanced back at his pegasus friend, maybe it was trick of the light, but he looked concerned.
"Yeah?"
"You mind if we talk?" Thor sad lowly, making it hard for even the dark unicorn to hear him. 
"W-well sure buddy, why what's up?" Archy replied, dropping back slightly to ensure the others didn't hear. He smiled, prodding Thor playfully in the chest. "This about your little adventure last night?" 
"What? No!" Thor said guardedly slapping his friends elbow away defensively, making his friend chuckle. 
"Right ok then." Archy grew serious at his friends attitude. Something was obviously up. "What's up?" 

Thor took a breath, knowing there was a high chance his next words could get him trouble with the others, he could only pray he hadn't been the only one to notice. 
"Archy, have noticed anything... strange, about Sweetness?" Archy frowned at him. "I mean stranger!" Thor corrected. 
"No man, why-" He stopped, thinking to the moment outside the tunnel, no that had just been a twitch, she was probably tired, that's all. 
"Well I have." Thor continued darkly, glancing up at the pink figure several feet ahead. 
"Like what?" 
"Well, back in town, when I went after her... I saw something." He remembered Sweetness's eyes changing from purple to scarlet. "A-and as well as that, there was Cookie." 
"What about him?" Archy was taking a little while to catch up.
"He freaked when he saw her at first! Screaming she was a Draconequus!" 
"Yeah..." Archy murmured in agreement. "I thought about that too, but surely it's just because she has some Draconequus blood in her, you know because of her dad." Thor's stomach churned at the mention of Discord, but waved it aside.
"I'll come back to him in a minute! What I wanna know is why was he so scared of a supposed Draconequus!" 

Archy glanced up at his pink female friend, though he hated to admit it, it didn't look too good for her with Thor having all these -reasonably understandable- worries. "S-surely it's from the dark ages, Harpys probably ran from Draconeqie when they were around." Thor shook his head, his eyes fixing on his friend's, it seemed he'd given this a lot of thought. 
"After thousands of years? I don't think so, don't forget, Discord was the last of them wasn't he? Then HE was trapped for a thousand years." He stared resolutely at his friend. "So unless Harpies really hold grudges, I'm thinking Cookie had a far more recent experience to make him that scared."
"You think..." Archy glanced up again to Sweetness, talking animatedly to Ruby. "Her?" 
"No, no I don't think Sweetness would ever do anything." Thor quickly mended his implication. "But her dad..." He began darkly. 


...


"So..." Seed said nervously, glancing at his cousin. "You and Thor had... fun last night..." He felt so awkward, shut your trap and keep walking, simple and easy. 
"Yeah..." Angry said uncharacteristically quietly. She kicked a loose stone at her hoof, it rattled away loudly. "Well... I... I think I like him..." She said slowly, as though it were something terribly difficult to admit. 
"Really?" Seed asked, surprised. He'd never mentioned it to her, or to his winged friend, but he had been sure for a while that Thor had got a thing for his cousin. 
"Yeah!" Angy laughed. Slowly she grew serious. "I don' wanna cause a problem though..." She looked at Seed, true caring burning in her eyes. "I... I don' know what's waitin' for us back home, an' if summit's happened..." She looked terribly worried, Seed couldn't blame her. The exact same feelings had been brewing inside him for a while now. "I don' wanna be alone, an' if my mom 'n' dad are gone, you're all I got." Seed looked at her, he couldn't believe that only three days ago they'd been laughing and insulting each other along the way to flight practise. 

"I don't wanna lose you cossa me doin' summit stupid!" Seed frowned, she really meant what she was saying, her sad and concerned tone made that obvious. 
"Angy, why would I think my best friend, and my cousin -two ponies who couldn't be better suited for each other- being together could be a bad thing?" Angy stopped for a moment, but quickly resumed her pace of walking as to keep up appearances to the rest of the group.
"You mean that Seed?"
"O'course I do!" Seed laughed. Angy beamed at him, true happiness on her face for the first time Seed had seen since Ponyville. He smiled back at her, at which point she seemed to adopt some of her old demeanour once again.
"Well, doin' it when I did was stupid anyway, we need to sort stuff out first before any o' that means anythin'." Seed sighed at how she was acting, trying to find excuses, for herself as much as him, as to why she shouldn't do what she wanted. This from the mare who would normally spring at a chance for anything she wanted without a second thought. He looked ahead, and saw something glistening, if Archy had been right on their way to the cave, the glistening could be the crystals of the mines beneath Canterlot. That could mean they were close!
...
"Why didn't you say any of this before!?" Archy growled angrily. "I was trying to figure out a way to contact Discord, what would you have done if Sweetness DID have a way?" Thor grimaced.
"I-I didn't wanna upset Sweetness, imagine how you'd feel if somepony told you that?" Archy's temper died at the pegasus's point. 
"Ok then, I guess you were right to keep it down. But at least you told Angelica last night right?" Thor gave yet another grimace, Archy stared incredulously. "All that time you had with the pony who's supposed to be leading us, and you didn't think to mention that itsy bitsy detail?" Thor shrugged.
"I-I was thinking about this stuff before Angy came over... but after she did, I kinda forgot about... well everything really." Archy rolled his eyes, unable to stop the slightest chuckle from escaping his lips. 
"Just like you I guess, pretty girl, and everything goes out the window." Thor laughed at the comment. 
"Hey, at least I'm consistent!" Then he grew serious once more. "So what do you think? Should we tell the others? I'm sure I wasn't the only one thinking this all didn't add up!" 

Thor shook his head, glancing yet again at their pink friend, as he did he saw the heads of the group pass through a small archway, which then opened up into a massive crystal cavern. The gleam of the crystals were beautiful, but the conversation was vastly more important. "No, let's wait till we meet Princess Celestia, if we can, we'll tell her out of earshot of Sweety, sound like a plan?"
"Sounds like a plan." Archy echoed thoughtfully. 

A few moments of silent walking past, each pony wrapped in their own thoughts, Thor and Archy's thoughts far darker than those of the four ahead of them. Ruby -after so much time around gems due to her mother's love and passion for them, along with her father's craving for the delicious treats- could tell that the walls around them must be worth a small fortune! "That's a fire topaz!" She gasped in amazement, pointing to a large sheet of clear red crystal. 
"Ooooooh!" Sweetness cooed in awe at the mighty formations, she looked at each of the crystals as Ruby explained which they were. 

Seed glanced over his shoulder at the beautiful mare. He liked seeing her this happy. He didn't like the idea of thinking of the pony as 'Remorse' Though out of the six, she was definitely the one best suited for that element, he didn't like thinking her being so close to the realm of sadness and misery. Seeing her so engrossed by the gems around them, so happy and awestruck, made him happy too. Glad that finally something had come along to make her life a little more bearable, this had all been so hard on her. For a moment, he lost himself, the memory of her smell when she walked past him, the softness of her legs when he's woken up in Zecora's hut. The feel of her mane as he stroked it the night before. He couldn't help but wonder, had Thor done something different with Angy? Was that why those two had shared a moment, and not him and Ruby?

"Seed?" Apple Seed shook his head, focusing on his sight not his thoughts, and saw Ruby smiling back him. He realised he had slowed down slightly in his thinking, meaning the two mares behind him had caught up. It had been Ruby who had spoken. "You ok?" 
"Yeah! I'm fine!" Seed said quickly, smiling at the mare. He thought he was showing a bit too much teeth to actually look cool or anything, so he abandoned the attempt. "I was just listenin' to you talkin' bout the gems is all." He said, wildly trying to find an excuse. It worked, as Ruby beamed back at his interest. 
"Well, like I said, they're beautiful, I'd love to take a few smaller ones home if there were any! In fact I wish I could try one now!" 
"Try?" Sweetness asked confused. 
"Well..." Ruby blushed. "I don't do it as often, but I'm a big fan of fire rubies... like my dad." Seed turned and walked backwards, slowing down even more as Sweetness let out a sudden gasp of realisation. 


...


Angy glanced back and smiled at the stallion starting to fall behind. He liked Ruby, and after what he'd just said, not even the objective obsessed Angelica could deny him a quick chat with the girl he liked. She turned back and continued forward, the room was beginning to narrow into an alleyway like funnel. It rounded a corner further up, something caught her eye. Something gleaming on the floor, was that broken crystal?


...


"I REMEMBER NOW!" Sweetness smiled, making Ruby look at her with slight caution. Even her light from her horn sputtered for a second at the loud noise. "YOU USED TO EAT THOSE THINGS ALL THE TIME WHEN WE WERE KIDS!" Ruby laughed, bringing a hand to her lips as she did, and sending Seed into a silent fit of ecstasy at the sight as she did so. 
"I can't believe you even remember that Sweetness!" Ruby laughed, even Seed smiled. 
"Well of course I do you silly goose!" Sweetness giggled, lightly tapping Ruby on the nose. "That was when we all started to hang out together! Why would I forget that? Those were the best days of my life!" Ruby smiled, and Sweetness flung her hooves around her neck in a hug. Seed smiled again, this time more warmly, that was true, those had been great times! He was glad they meant as much to Sweety as they did to him, though he'd never have the guts to say they were! 
"Well yeah..." Ruby continued as Sweetness released her. "I still like to have the occasional gem when I can. 

Oportunity! Seed looked up at the surrounding walls, they were beginning to close in as the hallway grew narrower, but a few of the gem encrusted walls had ledges jutting out just above them. If he kicked the stone wall just right... "Hold on a sec'!" The stallion said to the girls, and rushed slightly ahead of them. Both tilted their heads in curiosity as he turned against a wall, and began to scrape his hind leg against the dark rock of an uncovered wall. He seemed to find what he was looking for, as he smiled in excitement. He then retracted his hind leg angling it right, then pushed as hard as he could, bucking the rocky wall like a tree. 

Ruby gasped, worried he'd gone crazy and hurt himself, but judging by his big smile he was ok. The girls continued forward, and had nearly reached him when suddenly a few rocks began to tumble down the angled wall and to the ground. "W-what are you..." Ruby asked quietly as Seed walked over to the stones. 
"Jus' watch." He said mysteriously. Then stamped hard on the rocks, They all crumbled beneath the hard hooves of the element of strength. When his hooves moved away, a few sparkling red and green gems lay buried beneath the rubble. Seed reached down, rummaged through the small gems, looking for his prize, he found t in a large red ruby. He picked it up with his teeth careful not to crack a tooth with the pressure of holding it, and walked over to the two mares who had just reached his stop. "Huuuhhff" He said with his mouth unable to form the word because of its cargo. Ruby took it from him with her magic, once free, the stallion stretched his mouth, licked his lips and tried again. "Here!" He smiled to the unicorn. Ruby stared at the gem, then back up at Seed. "Really?" She said amazed. 
"It's why I got it!" Seed said again, resuming his walk down the alleyway backwards.


...


Angelica was closer now, there was definitely shattered gems strewn across the ground just ahead of the corner, but the gleam was coming off of something else, something slivery. Coming closer she saw the gleam changed its angle with each step she took, suggesting it was curved, and the silver suggested metal. A helmet maybe?


...


"Thank you Seed!" Ruby said warmly, smiling at the farm pony who winked back at her. 
"Element o' Strength at your service!" He said formally, sweeping low into a bow to which Sweetness erupted into applause at. Ruby leant forward, sniffing the gem in her magical grasp. It smelt wonderful, the aroma was perfect! It smelt like the treats she'd had as a child, it smelt like dessert with Dad, it smelt like home! She opened her mouth, and placed the tip of the gem in her mouth, she bit down seemingly gently, but her sharp pointed teeth sliced through the gem with ease. Seed's eyebrows couldn't help but raise in amazement as he heard the crunch of the crystal grinding to dust in the mares mouth! 


...


Yes, that definitely was metal! Not a helmet, too large. Angy was getting close enough to the corner to see it was the upper half of a suit of armour.


...


Ruby was hooked, as soon as she tasted the ruby, her eyes flew open in glee. She took the rest of the gem, and tossed it into her mouth, grinding it to pieces and savouring each fleck that fell down her throat. Within moments, she finished it with a satisfied gulp. "That was wonderful!" She exclaimed happily. She picked up her pace slightly, catching up to Seed. She leant in, and to the farm horse's amazement, puckered her lips and came even closer. His vision fogged for a second in amazement, then he felt her lips touch his cheek. They held there a moment, then came away with a soft pop. He could feel where the pressure had been placed, it felt almost as though they were still there. His vision returned in time to see Ruby smiling back at him, her face very close to his. "Thank you." She said quietly. "That was really sweet of you!" Seed gave a dry cough, the nerves he had always felt around the mare since he began to like her, returned with a vengeance, seizing his throat, making it hard to talk or even breathe.


...


Angy reached the corner, peered around carefully, and her mouth dropped open in horror.


...


"Well... I... uhhh..." Seed began, trying to still sound cool. Before he could speak, behind him came a terrified shriek. His heart plummeting, remembering where he should be, he turned around to see that Angy had gotten very far ahead. She was highlighted by a light just around a corner, and she had fallen to her haunches, staring ahead of her around the corner. Seed began to run towards her. "Angy!" He shouted, but was deafened by the blast of air that hit him as Thor streaked past him. Though in a narrow space, the Pegasus flew perfectly, keeping his speed constant and high. Within seconds he reached her. 
"What is it?" He asked, standing between her and whatever lay ahead. It took him a moment to register what he saw. With shivers running down his spine a cold dread spread over him as he shouted his friend's name. "ARCHY! GET OVER HERE!" 

Within moments the dark unicorn reached the two pegasi, his friends' terrified tones had made him rush faster than ever before, overtaking the rushing Seed, Ruby and Sweetness. "What is it?!" He cried, skidding to a halt on the rocky uneven floor. The others came to a stop just behind him. The two winged ponies couldn't say a word, they merely looked down the alleyway, they hadn't even looked his way when he reached them! Dreading what he was about to see, he peered around the corner. 

A fight had happened here, something big! The floor was littered with evidence; Scuffed ground, scorched rock from magic, shattered crystal and...

"UNCLE ARMOUR!" 

> Conflict in the ranks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Archy approached his unconscious uncle, he could see he was in a terrible state. His usually white coat was matted with dust, dirt, and what horribly looked like blood. The dark stallion reached the captain and dropped to his knees, his breathes wild wit worry and fear! He reached out and grabbed the older stallion's shoulders shaking him rigorously, trying to wake him! "Uncle Armour!" He shouted in a grieving voice. Seed was the next to reach them, immediately he grabbed Archy and pulled him up and away. 

"SEED! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" The unicorn screamed furiously at his friend. He tried to approach the orange stallion, but was halted by a heavy burgundy wing which swung up and blocked his path! Archy looked betrayed, he couldn't understand what they were doing! He looked to his old pegasus friend, who looked back at him understandingly. Archy glanced back and saw Seed stoop over the stallion on the floor, perking his ear towards his gaping mouth. Then Archy realized, they had thrown him out of the way, knowing his emotional state (Which was quickly deteriorating with every second) would get in the way of them trying to help his unconscious uncle!

"He's still breathin'!" Seed shouted, which made Angelica spring into action, rushing to the stallion's aid, she pushed her cousin away, and began to use the lessons her mother had taught her when she had cared for the animals! She rolled the pony to his side instead of on his back, rolling his hoof under his head, placing him in the recovery position. She then reached down and tilted his head up, clearing his airways. Suddenly, a hard sucking of air burst from the stallion's lips, the sound was pure wonder for the on looking Archy! He was alive!

While she ensured his mouth stayed open, Angelica began to look over the stallion's wounds. There were so many, a few looked slightly older than the others, as though he had been in several situations of danger in quick succession of each other! What had happened? Why was he down here? She glanced up at her cousin who looked just as lost as she did. She then whispered to Thor without glancing over. "It's ok, let Archy come over..." Immediately, Archy ducked under his friend's wing and rushed over. "Be careful!" Angelica demanded as the stallion dropped to his knees once again. "He's in a bad way, we need to get some help, somethin' obviously happened, and I reckon it happened pretty recent... like maybe last night..." She looked up, determined what they should do. "Thor, get flyin' and get up to the castle quick, get help and come back...down... Thor?" She stared in confusion at the stallion's face. Her odd tone made the others look up curiously. 

Thor was sweating. Unable to bring himself to look away from the now breathing Shining Armour. His pupils were merely pinpricks in his irises as he stared on, horrified. A single bead of sweat rand down his face, to the tip of his nose, then it fell to the floor, making a faint dripping noise in the deadly silent alleyway. 
"Thor?" Ruby asked, concerned at how sudden the stallion's attitude had changed. "What is it?" Seed began to look around, worried his friend had seen a threat behind them, but there was nothing. When he looked back, Thor managed to choke out a two worded question.
"L-Last... night?" Angelica frowned at him.
"Yeah, they're too fresh t' be anythin' else." Her eyes narrowed slightly, wondering if her hunch was correct. "Why?"

Thor's mind seemed to suddenly reverse, rewinding like a video tape: Entering the caverns, saying goodbye to Cookie, Breakfast, awkwardly waking up to everyponies' knowledge of the night before, sleeping, kissing Angelica, talking with Angelica, watching the skies of the night. Then he saw it clear as day in his mind's eye. A figure, too shrouded in darkness to be recognized at first, but what Thor could be sure of, was the direction it had come from: The mountains, and the direction it was headed: Back towards Ponyville, to the changelings... 

"L-last night..." Thor repeated, spluttering at first, still not breaking his line of sight to Shining Armour. "I think... I saw, something..." 
"WHAT!?!" Archimedes roared, springing to his hooves in rage. He stormed over to the pegasus, blocking his view, forcing him to look him in the eye. 
"I-I-I- saw... something... headed back towards Ponyville..." Thor mumbled, his eyes showing the pure horror of what he had actually seen last night, and what it meant now.
"AND YOU DIDN'T TELL US?" Archy shouted, so loud was his yell, that a few of the hanging crystals above shook slightly, releasing a light, playful, tinkling tune.

Thor understood completely why Archy was angry, but he needed to explain. "It was... It was nothing, just a-"
"WELL IT'S CLEARLY NOT NOTHING THOR!" Archy interrupted. Seed came over placing a hoof on Archy's shoulder.
"Hey, Archy, please calm down." 
"NO!" Cried the dark stallion furiously, brushing his friend's hoof away angrily. He advanced on Thor, who stood his ground, not out of defiance, but acceptance. His misery stricken face proved that to all but the fury riddled unicorn before him. "IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED THOR! HE'S ALL I'VE GOT LEFT!" He pointed furiously at his uncle, lying on the ground, still not moving much. "IF MY MUMS GONE THEN HE... He's..." Archy was running out of steam, his yells were lessening, but his anger was still clearly abundant.

"Archy..." The pegasus choked. "I-I'm sorry..." 
"SORRY? YOU'RE SORRY?" Archy's angry scream suddenly exploded back into life with new found vigour. "WHAT ARE YOU SORRY FOR THOR? NOT TELLING US YOU SAW SOMETHING? WELL WE ALL KNOW WHY YOU FORGOT ABOUT IT DON'T WE?!" Archy shouted, shooting a glaring glance at Angelica, who shrivelled away at the rage that filled the usually kind and happy Archimedes. Seed watched the element of Leadership back away, he was angry with what Archy had said, even if it was in the heat of the moment, it was till out of line. His mind seemed to respond to his thoughts, and began to replay what he had heard the other night, in the murky depths of Zecora's potion. 
"You are key to it all..." He shook his head, and kept watching, as Archy advanced even further on Thor. 

"Maybe we should have a little book, for all the times you mess up because of your own little stupid needs! Heck, my mum's Library would be full with only the first ten years I knew you!" He was getting far more spiteful. Angelica noticed her cousin twitch, she frowned, what was the matter, it was almost as thought somepony had whispered in his ear. Then a new twitch caught her eye, not from any of her friends, but from a pony just behind them, unconscious on the floor. 
"HEY!" She shouted out, but was drowned out by Archy's next blistering tirade. She rushed to the captain and bent over to check he was doing ok. 

Yet again Seed's ear twitched. He heard the voice again. "Strength, for your allies to rely on when they need it." Yes... that was what he had been told was his purpose here, to ensure the others had strength, and Archy needed it now more than ever, but how was he meant to stop his friend and help him? Then realisation struck him. If he wanted to help, he would have to be forceful. 

As Archy launched into another rant at Thor, Ruby watched with misery in her eyes. Not only had she ever seen Archy act like this, but neither had she seen Thor! He was quiet, accepting every word the unicorn said. His eyes focused on a spot on the floor, his ears clung to the side of his head and his wings hung limply to his sides. It was a mood the dainty mare had never seen from the pegasus before, one of self loathing, and blame. She opened her mouth to try and stop the rampaging Archimedes, t try and calm him, like the sister she always felt she had been to him. But as her mouth opened, a blur of orange swept Archy out of her peripheral vision. 

Archy slammed hard into the gem encrusted wall, a few of the looser gems fell from their place at the contact, and rained down on the floor along with small chunks of dislodged stone. He winced. With the wind knocked out of his lungs, all he could do was look up, making his horn glow defensively, ready to defend himself against the attacker. Then he spotted two deep green eyes. Seed? 
"Archimedes Wright..." Growled the orange work stallion, using his friends full name. Archy hated when he used it, it was only in times of pure rage towards the dark stallion. "You're outt'a line!" He said simply. 
"B-but he..." Archy grunted looking to Thor. "And he..." He looked to his uncle, or at least his hind leg which was all he could see behind Seed's head. 
"It aint Thor's fault." Seed said calmly, still holding the unicorn to the wall, but lessening his grip slightly. "He saw SOMETHING! We don't know if that was what did this to your uncle or not, but what we do know is that your uncle needs you right now." He glanced over at Thor. "We all need both o' yall. Friends, helpin' each other out." Thor looked up and gave a half hearted smile to his friend. Silently thanking him. 

Archy's temper was settling down, slowly replaced by grief for his uncle. He taught muscles slackened, and instead of pushing against Seed's hoof, he now collapsed onto it. "H-he-he's all I've got now Seed!" He chocked, giving into tears. "If my mum's gone, I don't- I don't... have anypony else!" 
"Not true..." Came a quiet male voice. The others looked and saw Thor, his face still bore the signs of self loathing at his blunder the night before, but his face was also determined. He crossed over the hallway to Seed and Archy fast. He put a hoof to the dark unicorn's shoulder and gave a hopeful smile. "No matter who you lose, you'll always have me! Got your back 'till the end!" Archy stared, amazed. Inside his head, he tried to understand how after everything he'd just said, how much he had screamed and hollered, how Thor could simply let it wash over him and say something like that!

"And me." Ruby said quietly from behind the two stallions in front of Archy. 
"An' me." Seed said quietly, nodding to him. 
"Aaannnd ME!" Sweetness giggled, popping her head between the two of the stallions' smiling broadly. 
"And you got me..." Angelica said distantly in her thick southern accent. "But I don' think you'll need us jus' yet, your uncle's commin' round." Seed released Archy immediately, and in  flash, the unicorn bolted between his friends, giving a quick pat on Thor's shoulder as he passed. In a second he was on the other side of the captain of the guard, watching devotedly. 

Sure enough, the stallion on the ground gave a rough grown, his lips twitched, and his ears perked up, scanning for some sound. Archy glanced up, and Angelica nodded to him, encouraging that the voice Armour heard was one of his family. 
"U-uncle Armour?" The ear froze in the direction of Archy. Even from the distance from which they stood, Seed noticed movement from behind the captain's closed eyelids. Another grunt, louder and stronger than the last, encouraged Archy to try again. "Uncle Armour... it's me, Archimedes!" An eye shot open, making the others jump, but making Archy cry out with thankful joy. The captain sat suddenly, and his head snapped to his nephew. 
"Archimedes?" He asked, daring to hope. Archy had tears in his eyes now as he looked at his uncle. He couldn't bring himself to speak, so thankful was he that his uncle was alright, the joy had seized his throat and ripped the power of speech from him! He gave a slow nod to his uncle. Who -seeing the honesty in his eyes- lunged forward and pulled his nephew into a tight embrace.

"Thank Celestia!" The captain kept repeating, rocking backwards and forwards, still holding the other unicorn. "Thank Celestia..." The sight was wonderful for the others to see. After so much pain on their journey, to see this reunion of two family members was a wonderful sight to behold. But Thor wasn't sure about the moment of joy. Why was the captain down here? And why was he suddenly so overjoyed for Archy's arrival? What had happened here? But he kept his mouth shut, not wishing to interupt the moment, not after all he'd put Archy through... 

He felt something against his foreleg, he looked to his right and saw the small yellow Angelica stood there. Watching the exchange between nephew and uncle, leaning against Thor's side. He reached out and hooked a foreleg around hers, which she seemed to like. Somehow, it felt like she was sending him a silent message. 
"It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself. He's ok now." Thor took comfort and solace in the silent message, and continued to watch. 

A few feet away, Ruby came up beside Seed and a similar thing. To his surprise, she came beside him and rested her head on his shoulder as she smiled and watched. He glanced down at her, catching the scent of her mane in his nostrils. He smiled as well and returned to watching. That's when he heard Armour's words, and his heart froze over in horror.

"When he said Ponyville was gone I-I thought..." Even Archy frowned at those words. He pulled away slightly from the embrace to frown at him. 
"What?" Armour didn't seem to hear him, he was too consumed by the memories of whatever he was recounting. 
"I thought that you and your mother would be..." He pulled Archy in again, but this time the dark furred unicorn pulled away fully. That brought Shining Armour out of his trance like state.
"You know about Ponyville?" Archy asked his uncle, horror on his face. If they knew, then why hadn't they seen help flying towards the town on their way here? The others began to close in, listening hard, all with the same uneasy expression and feeling as Archimedes. 
"Yes..." Shining Armour said quietly, defeat obvious in his voice. He rose from the ground, winced and stumbled. Seed shot out of the group and caught him along with Archy, steadying the captain slowly. "T-thank you..." Armour mumbled slowly through a haze of pain.

When he didn't seem to be about to speak again, Thor finally asked what needed to be asked. He took a determined step forward, and spoke strong. "What happened here Captain Armour?" Archy glanced up at his friend. Though glad he had now calmed down, he still hated himself for what he had said to the burgundy pegasus in the fire of his rage. He found it hard to look him in the face, but all his worries of his friendship were pushed to the back of his mind by his uncle's next word.
"Changelings." 

Slowly, ever more recovering from his painful encounter with the supposed 'Dying Armour' Shining Armour recounted the invasion of the castle, how they had seemed to appear from nowhere, ad how within hours the entire castle was overrun. Still close to seed, Ruby clung to his foreleg, tears welling up in her eyes. Seed understood why, Canterlot had been their only hope, and now if what the captain was saying was true, then they had nothing they could do. No way to help Ponyville, no way to help their parents! 

After describing his and the two princesses making it to the throne room, and Celestia's sacrifice to get them out. Armour bit hard on his lip. He suddenly looked distraught. "P-Princess Celestia trusted me to protect her sister... and I failed her... I lost Princess Luna when that... thing, came..." 
"Thing?" Angelica pursued, determined to know everything she could about their enemy. Armour glanced at her for a moment. Inside his shame almost buried him, shame of knowing he had brought the creature into the world. 
"A changeling..." He said slowly. Archy shifted his weight, moving his hoof to get more comfortable. As he did, he felt the tip of his hoof touch something cold and wet. He looked down and saw a light spackle of red liquid on the floor. Blood. His uncles? 

He brought it up and examined it, as he did, the fumes of something rotting filled his nostrils! Rotting, and burning. Everypony else was too focused on Armour to notice, but Archy swayed slightly, listening to his uncles words as though over an entire ocean. "It's like the queen..." Black body, green hair... Archy's eyes flutter for a moment. He sees the tunnel they stand in, yet at the same time he sees something else. A wall of fire, and standing before it a single figure. The one from Ponyville... the leader of the changelings. "It knew how to fight..." Shining Armour continued. Wings like fly's, a long, limp, lifeless tale. "If it wasn't for him starting to freak out, I would have been long gone!" A glint of devilish eyes, and long, sharp, fangs. A name comes to mind, Archy's not sure where from, but it sounds right, but at the same time if it's the right name, then what could that mean for his uncle?

"Dying Armour..." Archy mumbled dreamily. Everypony turned in confusion, except for Shining Armour, who looked on in horror. Incredulous that his nephew somehow knew the name. Archy was slowly pulled out of his trance by his uncle's expression, he locked gazes with him. "That's his name isn't it." Armour nodded, never breaking eye contact with Archy. 
"Wait..." Sweetness piped up, her brow furrowing. "Shining Armour... Dying Armour... they're both the leaders of each side..." She looked to each pony, they all listened intently, feeling as though Sweetness had something, that she was leading somewhere with her thoughtful words. "Isn't that a funny coincidence?!" She said, beaming at the others, who all released the tension with exasperated sighs. 

Archy knew. He knew the truth behind his uncle and this mysterious changeling, he wasn't sure how, how the knowledge had just suddenly appeared without prompt, but he knew. He didn't blame his uncle, if anything it made him hate the changelings more than ever. They were sick and twisted creatures, resorting to the darkest and evilest of tricks! They were scum! They deserved to die! He'd never thought that about a creature before, not even his abandoning father, but now he prayed they'd all suffer a terrible death, suffering every wrong doing they had ever inflicted on others!

As if on cue, a sudden scream filled the air, they all looked around wildly, terrified by the sudden loud echoing noise. They couldn't see anything, where could it possibly be coming from. "There!" Sweetness cried, all fun gone in the instant of hearing sompeony in pain! She pointed to a small hole in the wall at the end of the alley, just beyond they could glimpse steps of some kind. Shining Armour steps towards it, his brow furrowed. 
"That's the way we came... there can't be anypony up there, we closed the door behind us!" Without hesitation, he began to rush towards the stairs, ignoring the pain in his body from his recent skirmish. 

"Uncle Armour! Wait!" Archy shouted, worried for his uncle's safety, he rushed after him. Soon he was followed by the rest of the group, all suddenly uneasy after the terrifying scream. 


.....


Armour reached the top of the stairs, staring incredulously at the gaping hole that had once been their most secure defence in their escape. Had Discord done this? Without pause he bolted through the gap and into the empty throne room. The broken glass cracked beneath his hooves as he rushed into the centre. He spun on the spot, scanning the room. Nothing. 
"Princess?" He cried, hoping Luna had somehow escaped, or Celestia was still in here. 

Archy arrived next, followed closely by Thor, then the girls and Seed bringing up the rear. The younger ponies froze in horror. They'd come here once before, for the grand galloping gala with their parents. Then it had been so beautiful, now it wasn't even a shadow of its former self. The stain glass windows were shattered and strewn across the floor, the large oak doors into the throne room were splintered and smashed open, outside in the hallway, bodies could be seen. bodies of ponies who had obviously been unable to make it! Ruby gasped at the sight, biting her lips and tears immediately springing to her eyes as it reminded her of Ponyville. Seed reached out and held her close, burying her face in his shoulder to hide her eyes from the sight. 

Even the usually loud Sweetness was silent in horror. With a poof, her hair exploded into long straight strands as she looked at the terrible sight before her. 
"PRINCESS!" Armour shouted again, still looking. There was nopony here! Was there? 
"Uncle Armour, please calm down you need to take it easy!" Archy persisted, approaching his uncle lovingly. At his caring gesture, came a distant sound, like somepony breathing in deeply. Then a satisfied "Aaahhhh..." another spell of silence, then a voice begins to speak. Low, soft, female. 
"Love for an uncle, I suppose that will have to do..." It was coming from the thrones, but there was nopony there! Then Armour spotted movement against the black of the lunar throne, the creature was black itself, so it blended against the black of the throne as well. 

They all see it now, they all notice the faint dripping of luminescent green blood on the throne's black surface, then they realise what they see. 

It gives a small chuckle.

"Hello Armour... remember me? Your blushing bride to be?" 

> Temptation and Revalations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"GET BACK!" Armour shouted. He swung a strong hoof out defensively of the younger ponies, trying to defend them from any attack from the seated Changeling queen, who watched on with a strange expression across her face, both mirth... and pain...

"I-is that..." Ruby began, her round bright green eyes staring into the Queens pale dead ones. 
"Chrysalis? The queen of all changelings?" The queen finished the question, her voice filled with self indulgent love. For a moment she smiled at the fear her presence struck in the young mare. But as she raised herself higher, she winced at the wound she had seemed to have sustained, and her expression quickly gave into self pity. When she looked back up, she looked defeated. "No... not anymore." Shining Armour felt torn, his mind in two ways, in one way he wished to help the wounded creature, as was his nature, but the other side of him wanted to watch the monster suffer for all she'd done both now and eighteen years ago. 

"W-what's wrong with her?" Angelica asked, her voice unusually shaky in the presence of the dark creature of her mother's stories, Shining Armour could see. His experienced eyes saw her wound instantly and knew it to be life threatening, beside him his nephew watched unashamedly. Archy stared, his craving for knowledge outweighing his fear, making him stare in awe at the creature. He'd heard the stories, but never seen her up close. Her slender slim figure, her long straight mane and her beautiful wings tucked beside her. The stallion couldn't help thinking... she was oddly beautiful in her own dark way. 

Chrysalis's eyes passed over the bespectacled stallion and raised an eyebrow at his gawking expression. "What is it child?" She spat venomously. When Archy snapped out of his trance, he spluttered quickly and stupidly, looking everywhere except the in the direction of the dark queen, who, even through her pain couldn't help but laugh. 

"Leave Archy alone!" Shining Armour commanded. His voice echoed around the empty and shattered hall. The silent fury in his voice was even enough to silence the queen's dark giggle, it enveloped every syllable he muttered as he stared intently at the ghost of his past, the embodiment of everything that had gone wrong in his life. The queen watched him for a moment with interest. 
"So that's the great Archimedes Wright, son of Twilight Sparkle?" she said in a deadly whisper, suddenly filled with deep curiosity, returning her gaze to the dark unicorn who blushed under the intensity of the look. For a moment she showed no emotion, then the corners of her lips curled into a mocking smile. "The element of Knowledge?" 

Shining Armour frowned at the comment and glanced to his nephew to see if he understood the strange comment, by the dropping of his jaw, he did. He glanced to the others, all of who's heads had snapped towards the queen in horrified amazement. Archy took a teetering step forward. "Y-you know? B-but how?" Angelica took a step also, like Archy, she was being drawn in like a moth to a flame, with the promise of answers. In truth they still knew so little! 

"Yes..." The queen purred, half closing her eyes to Archy. "I know, thanks to..." for a moment her calm face flickered with rage. Armour spotted it, but saw that his nephew hadn't. What was going on? He felt something bump his left shoulder, he glanced over and saw Archy passing him slowly, his eyes unblinking and focused solely on the changeling on the thrown, who began to continue. "But that doesn't matter does it? All you need is what I know... and all I need..." Her eyes glinted, like a spider stalking a captured fly in its web. With difficulty due to her wound, she reached out to the stallion and smiled caringly. "...Is love..."

Angelica had been walking to the queen as well, caught herself in the spell being cast by the queens pale green eyes. However, as the queen made her request, a soft hoof took hold of her chest and pulled her back. Upon the contact, she was immediately shaken from her state. As she looked back she saw a stone faced Thor and Angelica, the mare was holding her friend, while the pegasus male simply stared at the queen. 

Armour however wasn't as quick minded as those ponies closer to angelica. As the queen explained what she needed, he realised too late what she was doing to his nephew. He cried out and reached forward to the tail before him, but was cut off by a torrent of dark green fire which exploded into life before him splitting the throne room in two; On one side, Shining Armour and the other elements of Salvation, on the other were Archimedes and the queen. 

"Archy!" Seed cried from behind the flames, he could only catch glimpses of his friend from behind the dancing torrents, with each glimpse he was getting closer to the steps. His voice however, seemed to go un-noticed. Archy still walked towards the black throne with that unreal focus, it seemed he was cut off from everything else around him, even the very reality of who he was approaching!


.....


"Yesssss..." The queen moaned happily as Archy took to the steps and came ever closer. Silhouetted against the flames. "Poor dear... you've been left all alone in this world haven't you?" She pouted, if he'd had his senses about him, he'd see the over the top mocking manner in her address. 
"...yes..." Archy replied, almost like a zombie.


.....


"ARCHY YOU BIG BOOKWORM!" Thor screamed, resorting to insults in the hope it would snap his friend out of it. At the explosion, he had rushed as close to the flames as he could without being burnt, and like the orange Farm stallion beside him, was trying to find a way through. "STOP RIGHT THERE OR I'LL BEAT YOUR BUTT INTO NEXT WEEK!" No response, Archy was over halfway there. 


.....


"Why are you alone?" The queen asked, her eyes glinting green as she kept her spell in place, tempting him closer. 


.....


"WE CAN'T LET HIM TOUCH HER!" Shining Armour cried to the others, he knew what she was doing. If she was doing this right in front of them it meant she was desperate for some kind of love. Dying Armour's words echoed in his mind... 'What have you done... not me... the queen!' What had happened to make her this week? So in need of the slightest drop of love? The entire group nodded and set about their assault. Angelica and Thor took to the air, trying to shoot through the thinnest plumes of flames, but whenever they approached they would thicken and explode with new found heat. Shining Armour and Ruby tried to fire through the flames with spells, but the flames simply dissolved the magic as it passed through. Armour noted that if she was this week, and yet able to cast this spell, she must truly be desperate, on her last legs and putting everything into this last desperate gamble. He caught a glimpse of her face, and he saw she was struggling!


.....


"I'm alone..." Archy said slowly. "Because my father left..." His eye twitched at the mention of the hated stallion. He pulled his head slightly away to the floor. The queen gasped and her horn burst to life, strengthening the spell that the unicorn had almost broke with his dislike of his father. Archy's head snapped back to place, his eyes mirroring the slightest tint of green. "M-my mother... is probably dead..." 
"Yes... she probably is..." The queen moped sadly, holding out her forelegs, inviting the approaching stallion to embrace her.


.....


Seed couldn't do much but look from side to side for a hole in the wall of fire, surely it was his job to stop this? Like in the crystal fissure, he was supposed to be the strength when his friends had none! Yet no matter what he did he couldn't get close enough. Archy was reaching the crest of the steps, whatever reason Shining Armour had for the two not to touch, seemed pointless now. 
As though on cue with his dark thoughts, Seed felt a cold wind tickle his neck. In spite of himself, he turned to investigate, and gazing back, his jaw dropped in surprise... and fear. 


.....


"No mother... and no father... so unfair on you my dear..." the queen goaded, building on Archy's grievances. "And why is that?" She asked. Archy reached the cushions of the lunar throne and stepped up to them. As his hoof touched the soft material, he began to sink down, coming ever closer to the Queen. 
"I don't know..." He came closer, only centimetres from the queens waiting forelegs. Then he stopped, as though frozen. The queen frowned, unsure as to why he had stopped, she hadn't commanded it... She glanced up at her horn terrified that her magic was gone, that her last chance had slipped away. Yet it still glowed green, and the flames separating the others still held strong. 

Archy now frowned, his ear twitched, and he moved his head towards it. "Wait..." He muttered, catching a faint glimmer of sanity. He DID know why! Of course he did! That was why he was here! The vision from the crystal fissure returned to his mind now, the dark creature's strong legs, Fly like wings, mane, tail and eyes just like... the queen's... just like the creature that lay before him! 


.....


Seed wasn't the only who noticed the wind now, it was building in strength, and ferocity. Ruby's wavy mane billowed around her as she turned her head to find the source, as did Angelica's braided ponytail. As soon as they searched, they saw...


.....


"I-I DO know why! Because..." The flecks of green vanished from view in an instant of realisation, the spell broke, and Archy's head sky rocketed up and his eyes glared at the queen. "Because of you... and... and your son!" The queens eyes widened as much as the ponies' had at her mention of the elements. 
"Dying Armour?" She asked, her voice filled with slight hope. "Y-you know of him?" Her gaze grew desperate. "Where is he?" Archy didn't answer.


.....


Sweetness's mane was beginning to rise, not into its old bouncy quality, but simply rise, as though she lay completely submerged in water. The strands of long hair rippled out and flowed around her gracefully and slowly. Her eyes were fixed on the queen, and as finally Thor turned around, he saw they were that same colour of red he saw in Ponyville. Ruby took a step forward, terrified of what she was looking at. 
"S-Sweety?" She asked tremblingly, her words went unheard. Sweetness only had eyes for the queen. Seed swore he saw her face flicker, into something far longer than her usual round plump face, longer... and curved... He saw it again, as though there was something lying behind her pink fur. Flickering in and out of sight as though through a heat haze. 


.....


"Where is he?!" The queen probed far more persistently. Archy simply glared back again. "TELL ME!!!" She screamed, lunging forwards.


.....


With an explosive force rivalling that of the queen's fiery spell, Sweetness's mane dropped to the ground as though made of lead. She opened her mouth a bellowed with a voice not only not her own, but of a creature far larger, far stronger, and far more powerful than a pony. She ordered a simple command, but the words carried forward with such force, the fiery wall extinguished under the tremendous wind, and the ponies before it stumbled to the floor. 

"LET ARCHY GO!" 

The bellow reached the queen, just as her forelegs brushed Archy's fur. With her weight off balance, the queen tipped over instantly, slamming hard into the back of the lunar throne. Archy himself fell to the side of the throne, shot high into the air over the gap that separated the two seats of power, beside the solar throne. 

A few chaotic moments of thunderous shaking played out. Ruby glanced up from the floor, and saw Sweetness still screaming, her eyes clenched shut, her mouth gaping far wider than it should as it expelled the unnaturally long yell. Her face was patched with tints of grey fur, the shade the mare had only seen on Sweetness's father, the draconaquus Discord. 


.....


Just as suddenly as it had come, the scream died away. Leaving a ringing silence in its wake. Sweetness's appearance snapped back to normal, except for her mane still hanging in long strands beside her face. Her eyes switched back to their usual gentle colour, but her angry expression still remained. She panted hard, as though she had run for miles, still gazing up at the thrones. This time however, her vision darted from one to the other, from the queen, to Archy, and back.

Slowly, the ponies on the ground, all of whom had covered their heads with their hooves to protect themselves, now peeked out from beneath their protection. They slowly stood and stared at Sweetness. Thor was the first to think straight. Turning, he shot to the solar throne and grabbed Archy. Scooping him up, he shot back to the group, and to the waiting Angelica who checked the stallion was ok, but never turning her back on Sweetness. 

While one female tended to the stallion, the other jumped up and rushed to Sweetness, no fear in  her, only worry for her friend. "Sweetness?" Ruby asked, concern in every letter. "Are you ok?" Sweetness said nothing, only panted still, now solely focusing on the queen, who was beginning to stir. Ruby flung her hooves around her friends neck, hugging her tight. 

The hug triggered something in the pink mare, and slowly but surely, the old Sweetness began to return. She blinked hard as though she had just awoken from a dream, she frowned and glanced down at Ruby holding her tight. 
"W-What's wrong silly Billy?" She stammered slowly, genuine concern in her voice. She glanced around and saw the weary gazes of every other pony around her. Especially the incredulous Captain Shining Armour. "G-guys?" she asked, unsure they all looked so concerned. 

Slowly, Archy came around. Holding his head with discomfort, he stood up. He opened his mouth to ask what that was, but was cut off by a sudden horrified whisper. 
"Draconaquus!" It came from the Lunar throne. Sure enough, the Chrysalis came into view, dragging her pain riddled body across the floor. Her wound was weeping faster now, either from how relaxed her body was now after using so much magic, or the vicious contact with the back of the throne. She came into view just above the steps, and stared down at Sweetness. "That was Draconequus magic!" Sweetness frowned.
"What? No, I'm a pony." 
"I've never seen a pony do that..." Thor said lowly. He didn't want it to be this way, he'd wanted to tell the others slowly, not have it thrust in their faces like this. Because now he knew that soon, his suspicions of the mare's father would come out after the source of that unbelievable power was discussed. 

"Y-you're..." The Queen muttered, dragging herself down a few steps, getting closer to the group, like a monster from a horror. "You're Sweetness aren't you?!" She persisted, her eyes gleaming madly. 
"H-How do you know my name?!" Sweetness asked, fear in her voice. She backed away, and Ruby finally let go of her. The pony gazed over at the others, and help came from its usual source: Archy.
"She knew my name too Sweetness, it's nothing!" Sweetness's relief was only short live however, as the queen ignored Archy's response and answered for herself in a venomous spit.

"I heard about you, learnt about you... from your sweet little Pappa!" 

> Tempers rising, Chrysalis falling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Restless, dark dreams of fire, pain, and screaming ponies. He's standing alone in the middle of Ponyville, the breeze from the flames blowing a gale through his orange mane. 

He can hear the screams, but he can't see anypony. He calls out, but there's no reply. Where's Fluttershy? AJ? Anypony?!

He begins to run down the street, in pursuit of the agonising cries. He must find them and help! But when he arrives in a new place, yet again there are only burning buildings. 

He looks around, searching for some sign of life. Nothing. Wait! There by the library, a hoof vanishing from sight! He runs to it, desperate to find another pony breathing! 

He rounds the corner and comes face to face with another pony, he gasps with relief.


....


Mac awoke with a start, panting slightly with adrenaline from his nightmare. He looked down quickly, checking that he hadn't woken his sleeping wife. She got so little sleep as it was already! Panting, Mac stood carefully, ensuring he didn't stir the sleeping pegasus. When he was by the bars of his and Fluttershy's cage, he sighed, and began to think of the dream he had just awoken from. 

It had been about Ponyville; not surprising really, it never was far from his mind, the other prisoners' as well he'd wager. But it had been slightly odd though, normally when he thought back to that horrible night (However long ago it had been, it was hard to keep track of the days in this dark prison) he would normally remember key moments: Finding Twilight, fighting with Applejack and being ambushed by those changelings on the outskirts of town...

There was never a moment where he spotted... her. Not to say he hadn't hoped she had lived, but it was still odd... 
"Maaaaac?" Came a low feminine whisper. Instinctively Mac turned to his wife, seeing if it was her who had spoken, no, she was fast asleep. Mac turned back to the open circular room, searching the other cages for a tell tale sign of life. He found none, after a moment of silence he decided he must have imagined it. He resigned to returning to his wife's side, stooping low, he prepared to rest again, there was nothing else to do when everypony else was asleep. 

He nuzzled closely into his wife, who in her sleep let out a happy squeak and pushed closer into the red stallion's thick warm coat. He smiled warmly down at her, glad she had lost herself in a pleasant feeling. He looked up. 'Instead of remembering where she is!' He thought. Slowly he relaxed as best he could in this cage, and let his head droop to his hooves, ready to sleep.

On the verges of slumber, almost about to lose himself in dreams as well. Then he hears it again! 
"Maaaac?" His head shot up, that definitely wasn't his imagination! Fluttershy stirred by his side, his sudden movement disturbing her rest. 
"Mmm... Mac? W-" She yawned unable to continue her sentence, when she finally recovered, she tried again. "What's the matter?" Mac didn't answer immediately, his focus was centred on the shadowy floor that their cage lay the closest to. It came from there, he was sure of it. 
"Somepony's over thar..." Mac said quietly. Confused; Fluttershy followed his gaze, she couldn't see anything. 
"A-are you sure?" She asked quietly, fear quickly growing in her stomach, what else could happen now? Some new torture of Discord's design? 

"Who's thar?!" Mac suddenly shouted loudly to the shadows. In the distance the two could hear the disgruntled cries of the others as they were pulled from their sleep by his yell, but none seemed to fully awake. Then...

"Are you ok?" The low female voice whispered. Mac frowned, now it had said something else, he was sure he'd heard that voice... If so, he had just seen her in his dream. Sure enough, a cerise coloured hoof came into the dim light from the shadows. Both Mac and Fluttershy watched in complete astonishment as the rest of the pony came into the light.

Cheerilee.

Mac starred at the unshackled pony, amazed at the sight of somepony he knew from home. "Ch-Cheerilee?" He choked, "W-what are you doin' here?" Cheerilee approached the cage, raised only a few feet from the floor. She reached it, raised onto her hind legs and held the bottom of the cage with her forehooves. Fluttershy squeaked in surprise as the cage swayed back gently with the new weight on the other end. 

"I'm here to save you!" Cheerilee whispered, glancing around, checking no risks had arisen from her appearance. Mac and Fluttershy rose and came over to the mare. 
"H-how did you get in here Cherilee?" Fluttershy asked, glancing over at the floating silver oval she her and all her friends knew to be the portal entrance to their prison. 
"That doesn't matter now!" Cheerilee snapped, making Fluttershy back up a step in surprise at her sudden anger.

Cheerilee never broke eye contact with Big Mac, he wasn't sure what lay behind the look, but he was sure he'd seen it once before through the haze of a potion...

"Then let's get the others up..." Mac said lowly, cautious of the mare's odd behaviour. 
"Not yet!" Cherilee whispered frantically, taking another glance around the room. "I can only take one of you at a time..." She explained in a hushed tone. Still she didn't look away from Big Macintosh. 
"M-Mac?" Fluttershy squeaked, perturbed by her husband's odd expression. 
"Then Take Fluttershy first." Mac told Cherilee calmly, ignoring his spouses concerned tone. 
"I..." Cheerilee began, "I didn't come to save her..." She locked gazes with the stallion, sighed heavily, then finnished. "I came to save you." 

"Mmmm... huh? Big Mac? You awake?" Came a drowsy voiced Soarin' from the closest cage. Cheerilee ducked instinctively. Mac didn't like the way the mare was acting. She was nothing like her usual self, angry easily, and more importantly, seemingly obsessed with him... After a moment, the half waking grumbles from the nearby cage died down as Soarin' dozed back off. Only then did Cherilee reappear. She didn't say anything, she simply stared back into Mac's green eyes. 

Fluttershy was getting worried. What was the mare doing? She... she knew that Mac and her were married right? And what was with the odd expression on Big Macintosh's face? With a gasp of terrified worry, she feared that the stallion may actually be considering the offer.
"M-Mac?" Fluttershy tried again, yet still the red work horse didn't respond, to her at least...
"Why me?" Mac asked, still cautious in his words. At the question, Cherilee's expression softened. 
"Isn't it obvious?" She asked as she reached through the bars, and to Fluttershy's horror, caressed the stallion's cheek. "I want to see you safe!" 

"Why?" Mac persisted, sure he knew the answer that was coming -though he didn't like it!
"Because..." She said softly. "I love you Big Macintosh!" Fluttershy's heart plummeted at the statement. She had thought that the entire fiasco with the love potion so long ago had been simply that, a mistake, a mix up. But if Cherilee actually felt that way... what if Mac did to? In an instant, her expression changed to one of complete dismay, terrified that she was about to whiteness her husband's abandonment of her. 

After a moment of silence, Mac pulled away from the former teacher's hoof. "No." He stated simply. "No you don't." 
"But I do!" Cherilee explained, getting slightly louder in her frustration of the stallion's rejection. This time she didn't hide when the noises of rousing ponies came to their ears. "I love you Big Mac, don't think that everything that happened wasn't just the potion... it was all me... truly!" 

Twilight was the first to wake fully, hear the familiar voice, and approach the bars of her cage. When she gazed at the cage not too far away, she gave a startled cry of surprise. "Cherilee!" At the shout all of the other prisoners bolted to their cage walls, all except for the two princesses, still unconscious as they were when they arrived.

Cherilee looked desperate, trying to get closer, but unable to get close enough to Macintosh due to the bars. The stallion on the other hand simply returned to his wife and stood strong beside her. "Well, if you aint gettin' mah Darlin' outta here first, I aint goin' nowhere." He stated simply. Beside him, Fluttershy let out a small gasp of relief at her husband's loyalty. She leant in and nuzzled his shoulder in thanks. Then grew unsure.

"B-but Mac..." She began, finally attracting her husband's attention fully. (To the great annoyance of Cherilee) "Y-you should go..." Mac's eyebrows rose fast in shock. "If you get out, you can find out about... Angy... if she's..." her voice died at the very thought of her little baby being no longer with this world, her throat clogged up, and refused to continue, refusing to except the possibility! "You could find our baby and... and..." A warm hoof gripped her chin, her drooping eyes glanced up to his. He gave her an understanding smile, one which warmed her heart. 
"You know there ain't nothin' I wouldn' do for our baby, but taking help because o' that reason aint right, I'd never leave you alone!" Fluttershy hugged him again. 

The others were all at their cages walls, even Pinkie had risked a glimpse over her ledge of a floor to look making it tilt forward dreadfully. They all watched as Cherilee became so desperate she almost threw herself at the cage. 
"No! Mac, please! I'm the one you want, not her! Not dull, sad, morose Fluttersh"-
"Oh just stop it will you?!" Came a gruff angry voice from the shadowy corner of the cages. Twilight's head snapped into the direction of the hidden prisoner. Noteworthy? "He's not going to fall for it, so just leave them alone!" Twilight looked back at Cherilee confused, fall for what? A moment passed, then the school mare's back suddenly relaxed. 

The teacher glanced back to the shadows, an eyebrow raised. Then her eyes caught Twilight's, they flashed from their usual tender colour to a deadly red, with menacing glee she smiled, showing teeth that were far too pointed for the mare she looked like. She released the cage, letting it sway sickeningly for its occupants. 

Almost instantly the school mare vanished, and instantly was replaced with the slim figure of the draconequus. He stood taller, stretching with stiffness from walking on all fours. "Honestly?" The slim figure asked, directing the question at the chained prisoner of shadow. "You couldn't even let me have that little bit of fun?" 
"No." The prisoner said coldly, to which the chimera sighed with seaming disappointment. 
"Fine, it was only a little fun while I waited for something to happen, but if you're going to be a spoilsport..." Discord turned back and shot the terrified Fluttershy a devilish wink. "Well, I suppose that will have to do..." he leant in, and Fluttershy let out a horrified squeal and backed away. 

The ever noble Mac took a step forward, ensuring that he separated the chimera and his beloved wife! But all the twisted creature did was give a wicked chortle, locked gazes with the yellow pegasus and said coldly. "Sweet dreams dear!" And with that he dropped to the floor, and snaked right back to and through the portal in a flash of green fire.

Everypony watched in amazement at the taunting fun the chimera had just had with the weakest and most vulnerable of the group. High above, Pinkie bit her lip, wanting to call out to Fluttershy and tell her it was ok. Her mouth opened, her lungs took in a breath... yet when she tried, that same crippling doubt, fear and mistrust, struck her, and held her tongue in place, making her choke. 
"You ok there Fluttershy?" Rainbow called across the room, her voice weary and concerned for her fellow female pegasus . 
"Y-yes..." Fluttershy whispered, the tone of complete defeat proving her to be a liar. Mac turned to her and placed a comforting foreleg around her shoulder, immediately Fluttershy rushed to him and held him tight. Silently cursing herself for even thinking that Mac would leave her. 

Another span of silence, then Twilight spoke. Not to Fluttershy, but to the shadows in the corner. "Thank you." She said simply. A soft clink came from beyond, a cough as the prisoner rearranged the chain around his neck, then... 
"It's fine... I promised I'd stop anything that thing tried on any of you..." a pause, the voice tried to say something, releasing a slight noise before thinking better. 
"Yes?" She asked.
"I-it's... the least I could do..." 

Gradually the group all grew quiet again. Pinkie stared down at them all, this was the worst possible thing. Not that her beloved betrayed her, but that every one of her friends lay bellow her, all of them separated, and broken. If only there was some way to bring them back together, a miracle...


....


"M-my pappa?" Sweetness asked, choking slightly in surprise, staring at Chrysalis. Her eyes filled with confusion and fear. "H-how do you know my pappa?" 
"Sweetness!" Thor said quickly, making his way to her. "She's just trying to upset you..."
"More like trying to make you love your dad, she can feed off of that." Archy added, catching onto what Thor was doing in a heartbeat. Sweetness needed to find out their suspicions - No matter how true they may be now that Chrysalis just confirmed them- from them, not somepony who meant harm. Sweetness smiled to them, thankful for their support.
"Oh, I see..." Chrysalis purred, immediately breaking the tender moment by chuckling gleefully. She was cut off however by a series of heavy coughs brought on through the pain in her ribs. Thor couldn't help but hope the using witch choked! When she recovered she smiled again. "So... how many of you already know that the Draconequus betrayed you? It's clear that these two do!" 

Sweetness turned to her friends, confusion still rife in her expression. "G-guys?" 
"You know full well I did!" Armour shouted to the wounded changeling. Sweetness's head swivelled round and looked at Shining Armour, hurt now beginning to take over her face as well. Seed, Ruby and Angelica all looked at the other three stallions in confusion, this was the first they'd heard of this wild accusation. 
"Archy?" Ruby asked, "What are you talking about? You wanted to talk to Mr Discord the other day..." Archy glanced over to Ruby ashamed. He then looked back to the floor, scuffing his hoof against the dirtied tiles. 
"That was before Thor told me what he saw..." 

Seed, who had been silent up until this point, now stepped forward. He stared straight at his pegasus friend, his jaw firm, his eyes set. "And what did you see Thor?" Sweetness's gaze now locked onto Thor as well, praying that this was all just one big joke, that they didn't honestly think it was true. Thor glanced at the pink pony apologetically. 
"I saw him in Ponyville..." The girls all took a quick intake of breath. 
"Are you sure Thor? It could have been my dad..." Ruby compromised, comparing the two adult's similar statures to try and spare Sweetness's feeling slightly. Thor shook his head.
"Your dad doesn't have horns..."

"It's not true..." Came a fragile whisper. The group all looked away from Thor in search of the source, they found it in Sweetness. Who was now looking from friend to friend, her eyes filled with tears as she backed slowly away from the group. "You're joking, you're trying to be funny and you've gone too far..." 
"Sweetness... I'm sorry-" Thor began.
"NO!" Sweetness shouted, cutting him off. "You always try to be funny at my expense Thor... When we were kids, when we were growing up! You don't get to say that about my Pappa!" Her eyes showed nothing but a pure feeling of betrayal. Ruby's heart broke to see her friend this way, she took a step forward to her, but was stopped by a dark furred hoof, she followed it up to the face of Archy, his eyes fixed on the pink pony. She wasn't sure of his expression, what was he thinking?

"I'm sorry..." It was Shining Armour now addressing the young mare. He looked genuinely concerned. "But when The princesses and I fled, your father stopped us from escaping and took Princess Luna captive." 
"I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU!" Sweetness yelled angrily. "Why would I believe you over my pappa?!" Armour looked startled at the young one's outburst. He opened his mouth to try and kindly explain, but as his mouth opened, a small giggle escaped from above. He turned and saw Chrysalis, taking deep happy breathes as she inhaled the scent of Sweetness's love for her father. His head snapped around again. 
"Sweetness, you have to calm down or-" 
"CALM DOWN?" The mare interrupted, backing away another few steps. "How can I do that when the ponies I thought were my friends are lying to me?!" 
"But..." Shining Armour mumbled as he glanced back up at the ever quickly recovering Queen. 

"And what if I said it?" The voice rang out around the throne room, bringing complete silence in its wake, even Sweetness's frantic panting was lessened slightly. They all looked to Archy. He stood there beside Ruby, looking slightly taller than usual, maybe it was due to his intent, he needed to look as strong as possible to win over their saddening friend. He began to approach her. "You trust me don't you?" Archy asked, to which Sweetness frowned for a moment, before nodding cautiously. 
"Of course I do..."
"We're friends... right?"
"Yeah."
"Funny... isn't it? My mum and your dad, two complete enemies for years, then their kids are both pals..." Sweetness let out a weary gasp of breath that was a shadow of a giggle.
"I guess it is." 
"You know I'd never do anything to upset you right?" Archy smiled. He was getting closer, and Sweetness had halted her retreat. "Or that any of us would really want to hurt you right?" He asked, gesturing to the worried looking Thor. 

Sweetness glanced in the direction of the burgundy pegasus, then at the others, she gave a slow nod, parting her lips slowly. "...Uhuh..." She whispered. 
"Then why would we lie to you now?" Archy asked, advancing on the progress he had already made. Further back, Angelica shot Seed a completely bewildered look, the male work horse could only shrug back in equal confusion, this was all news to him.
"Because..." Sweetness began, her lip beginning to tremble. She took another unsure step back, and tripped slightly on a large chunk of door lying behind her. "BECAUSE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT MY PAPPA!" She yelled as she recovered, slightly scared by her loss of footing. "He'd never... He wouldn't... He-" 
"I SAW him Sweetness!" Thor repeated. Showing nothing but sympathy for his friend. She glanced back, trying to find some lie in his eyes, when she found none her eyes began to brim with newfound tears. 
"W..." She stammered. "Why... why didn't you tell me? Before we got here?" 
"I didn't want to hurt you!" Thor pleaded, stepping slightly forward.
"AND WHEN DID YOU TELL ARCHY? OR WAS THAT JUST NOT TO 'NOT HURT ME'?" Sweetness shouted, shooting a hurt look at the bespectacled unicorn. 

"He only told me on the way through the tunnels!" Archy beseeched, fighting furiously to gain Sweetness's confidence once more. "We had no time to figure it out before we found Uncle Armour!" 
"You knew about this before we came up here?!" Angelica yelled furiously. Not at Archimedes, but Thor. The pegass whirled around in surprise to see the yellow mare approaching fast. "Why didn't you tell me?" 
"I-I-I-Had no time to!" Thor stuttered. 
"You had all last night to tell me!" Angelica screamed in fury. Thor bit his lip in regret, knowing what she was saying was true. He'd even been thinking of that very subject just before Angelica had arrived the night before.

Sweetness opened her mouth to shout even more, but was cut off by a low chuckle from above. She glanced up, and saw that, horribly, Chrysalis was rising to her hooves. A large smile sewn across her face. "No, please..." The dark queen said in a mirth filled whisper. "Hear what they're saying about your beloved 'Pappa?' Don't let them tarnish his name!" 
"YEAH!" Sweetness cried in agreement, glaring at Archy.
"Sweetness don't!" Shining Armour shouted, advancing quickly. Cantering across the small distance, he blocked the rest of the room from Sweetness's sight. "Don't defend your father!"
"But"
"But nothing! The more you defend him, the more love your giving out for her to heal!" He moved away and gestured at the seeping wound in the changeling's side. Already it was far less prominent than before, and it bled far less with each of her movements. 

The pink mare understood, yet couldn't help but feel the protective instinct take over. 
"But it's my Pappa!" She whimpered through a trembling lip.
"Sweetness!" Archy shouted, ever aware of the recovering queen. "We promise, we'll tell you everything, if you still don't believe us than fine, but don't give her-" He blindly flailed his limb in Chrysalis's direction. "Anymore chance to hurt anypony! Look around you!" Sweetness turned and looked in the direction of the hallway, she could see the bodies from here, and with the site came an all new cold, one she'd only felt back in Ponyville...Around the dead.

She turned back, and as she did Archy saw far less anger in her eyes. She looked from him to Thor and whispered. "You promise? No more secrets?" 
"No more Secrets." Archy confirmed.
"No more secrets." Thor echoed.
"No more secrets." The others echoed, even Shining Armour. 

But to the captains claim, there came a raucous outcry of laughter. Once more they turned o find the queen, giddy with pleasure from the scene unfolding before her. "No secrets?!" She cackled to the stallion captain. "You?! You're nothing but a maze of secrets Shining Armour!" The others frowned at the odd comment and glanced the captain's way. All except for Archy who knew what was coming next. They didn't need this now!

"Sweety, common!" The unicorn ordered, rushing to the mare's side, pushing her towards the hallway. Armour followed suite and quickly herded up the others, rushing them to the door. 
"Come on my little ponies, let's get out of here!" 


"What is she talking about?" Thor asked, pushing against the captain's urges to leave, defiant in his need for understanding. Armour tried to keep the group moving, but his heart plummeted at the voice from behind's words. 
"Hasn't precious 'Archy' told you? He is the element of knowledge after all!" everypony's head turned to the flustered looking unicorn. "
"Just ignore her!" Archy urged, trying to push Sweety out of the door. The pink mare, anger growing in her eyes already, pushed back, shoving Archy backwards. 
"You're already breaking your promise!" She shouted painfully. 
"I'm not!" Archy protested, looking to his uncle, praying for help.
"You are!" came another cry, he turned to see Ruby, staring at him in pained confusion. "No more secrets!" The rest of the group nodded in agreement. 

The dark unicorn glanced to Seed who stared back in quiet anger. The look tugged on Archy's insides, he hated keeping secrets from his friends especially Seed, one of his oldest standing friends. "I..." he choked. "It's just..."

"Nawwww... poor little Archimedes, all alone again!" Purred Chrysalis, who now stood tall, making her way down the steps.
"Shut up!" Archy shouted hatefully. The queen's eye twitched and she stumbled, Archy saw the tick, but ignored it, not important!
"That's no way to talk to me my dear..." The dark creature whispered as she recovered and resumed approaching. "No way to talk to your Aunty Chrysalis..." Armour's head snapped around to stare in incredulity. He hadn't thought she'd reveal it, only taunt him with it to make him suffer!
"What did she just say?!" Angelica asked angrily of the captain stood just beside her. Both Armour and Archy's eyes closed in resigning horror. "So it's true?!?!" The yellow pegasus cried out angrily at their reactions. 

"Of course it is!" Chrysalis giggled as she reached the base of the steps. "'Saint Shining Armour' isn't as pure and amazing as he would have you believe... isn't that right beloved?" She threw a joyous smile towards the captain who turned away in contempt. 
"Don't you dare call me that!" He spat angrily.
"You can't trick us!" Thor shouted to the Changeling angrily. "We won't believe a word out of your mouth unless Archy or Captain Armour say it's true or not!" At the pegasus's words Chrysalis turned, raising an eyebrow at the stallion guard. 
"Well? Do you dare let them know the truth? That you fathered the changeling that levelled their pathetic little town?" 
"WHAT?!" Seed shouted in disbelief, staring at the captain. Armour clenched his eyes shut as though the revelation had physically hurt him. He turned his head away in dismay sure he'd lost all favour with the six younger ponies now. 

"That changeling..." Archy said slowly, bringing everypony's attention to him. "The one I told you about from back home, I told you it wasn't normal... It's half unicorn as well..." Sweetness was confused. 
"But... when could Captain Armour have had the chance to..." With a wide 'O' made by her mouth the reality struck. and seconds later the realisation was filled with disgust. "YOU TRICKED HIM!" She yelled, this time at the Changeling Queen, who even in her rejuvenating state couldn't expect such an abrupt change of target for the young mare.  "HOW COULD YOU?! YOU TRICKED CAPTAIN ARMOUR WHEN YOU PRETENDED TO BE PRINCESS CAIDENCE!" Armour dared to glance up, unable to believe that the young mare was defending him after her hateful words of mere moments ago.

Ruby soon joined in with Sweetness's horrified anger at the depraved actions of the supposed 'Queen.' "I knew you posed as the princess... but to actually go that far..." Ruby looked disgusted, she looked down at the queen with the closest expression she could muster to contempt. Archy noticed for a second time, the queen flinched, backing away a step or two. He spotted a few fresh drops of green blood speckling the tile floor for the first time since the queen had stood. In that instant, his role of the element of knowledge kicked into overdrive. His head whirled at a mile a minute, noting down everything he knew of changelings: They were scavengers, feeding on small scraps of whatever positive emotion they could find, they preferred the night, hence their adaptation to having such a dark coat and skin, but what they craved most was love!

This changeling queen had been desperate for any scrap of love she could squeeze out of him and his friends, his spine still chilled at the memory of the spell he had been under mere moments ago. The question rang out in his head in the form of a single word. "WHY?" She was alone when they came, injured and in pain. Now she was stood stronger than before, by feeding on Sweetness's love for her father. Though this twitch of hers seemed to prove she wasn't at one hundred percent yet. and it seemed to happen when...

"THAT'S IT!" Archy cried, causing everypony to jump. Before they could ask about his outburst however, Chrysalis shouted back to the pink mare. 
"Why are you mad at me?! I wasn't the one who lied to you about your 'Pappa!'" 
"Yeah!" Sweetness shouted, not breaking eye contact with the changeling. "But they're my friends, them I can forgive, but you... you tried to hurt Archy...Captain Armour... you hurt everypony here! and because of you, my home's been destroyed." She glared, her eyes flashing red once more. "You I can't forgive!" 

Chrysalis stumbled heavily this time, falling back to the ground. She pushed hard but couldn't bring herself back up. She was weakening! Just like Archy had guessed, she fed on love, but in her weak state she couldn't stand any negativity, it seemed when she absorbed it, it made her state worsen. 

The dark stallion took a step forward. Approaching the queen, slowly, casually showing no emotion. Seed watched, unable to understand everything that was happening so quickly. He was the element of strength yet he had been unable to do anything helpful! He stepped forward towards his friend cautiously. 
"Archy... what 're you doing?!" He pleaded, noticing the stallions path headed straight for Chrysalis. 
"She can't stand hate..." Archy said quietly, not breaking his line of sight to look at his friend, he didn't even falter in his pace. 
"So? That's useless! You're the least hateful pony ah know!" Seed said quietly, trying not to let the queen hear his friends plan. 

Archy stopped. Frozen for a moment before turning his head to look at his friend. "Seed... do you think... you could take the others to the entrance hall? You know away from here?" Seed frowned and stared in confusion before giving a slow nod. "Please will you?" Another nod. 
"But Archy..." Seed began, "You don' hate anypo-" 
"My dad left me and my mum Seed, out of all of us..." Archy glanced at the others. "I've got the most hate here... And I think it's time I vented it out somehow..." He needed to, already he had noticed the growing number of fights breaking out across the group. One of which had been because of him, at least if he did this, it would improve life with the others, as well as keep them safe from this changeling monster!

Seed turned slowly to the others, as Archy began to approach the queen. "Guys Archy wants us to get goin' otside..." Ruby's face exploded into worry.
"Why?" She asked, she took a few steps towards Archy but was stopped by the strong orange leg of Seed. "What's he going to do?" 
"What he has to..." Said a lower voice, they turned to see Shining Armour who had come over with Angelica and Thor, ready to move. Ruby stared up at the adult, then back to Archy, who was closing in on Chrysalis. 
"Wait... he's not..." She left the question unfinished and Armour turned away silently, as did Thor, Seed and Angelica. Sweetness looked around still in confusion not quite picking up on what exactly was about to happen.

"NO!" Ruby screamed, rushing towards Archy. 
"Ruby!" Seed cried out, flinging a hoof out wildly to try and stop her before it was too late. His hoof just barely missed her tail as it whipped away. 
"Archy don't do it!" The platinum mare begged, rushing over to her fellow unicorn. Archy shot a glance up at his closest thing to a sister and bit his lip. She of all ponies shouldn't see this! 
"I need to!" Archy protested, turning back to the queen who lay there beneath his gaze, cowering in fear for what would come to her any second. "To look after everypony!" 

"No you don't!" Ruby protested, reaching Archimedes and flinging herself around. She flung up two forelegs and pushed against his chest with her hooves. Begging both in action as well as words, not to do what he planned to. "We're all fine! We're not hurt, we need to help Sweetness! If you told us the truth, then she needs her best friends now! Not someone willing to end another creatures life!" The element f remorse had tears in her eyes now, begging her oldest friend not to become a killer!
"She killed everypony in this castle!" Archy growled. 
"Forget it!" Ruby begged.
"She used my uncle, she tried to use me!"
"Forgive it and move on!" 
"WHY SHOULD I?" Archy yelled, causing Ruby to back away slightly. Archy regretted his action immediately, his anger melted into remorse as he spoke to Ruby.
"Ruby... she could have killed our parents!" 

"They're not dead!" Came a sudden cry from beneath the two unicorns. The two glanced down to see Chrysalis, shaking in fear, pain and cold. Through chattering lips, she repeated those words, bringing hope soaring into life for all ponies within the throne room. "Your parents... are alive!"

> Sweetness, wait!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What did you say?" Seed cried in surprise, bolting to stand besides his two unicorn friends. Chrysalis glared up at him, obviously livid that she had to say it to spare her life.
"Your parents are alive..." She mumbled, her eyes dropping to the tiled floor. 
"WHERE ARE THEY?!" Thor shouted happily, rushing to catch up with Seed. Leaving Angelica beside Sweetness. The changeling clearly hated giving the group this glimmer of hope, She refused to speak, resigning to staring at the ground. However, with an angry step forward from the still fuming Archimedes, the queen flinched and spat out. 
"The Draconequus has them!" Thor's heart plummeted. If that was true, than he could have taken them anywhere! How were they meant to even start.

While the others crowded around Chrysalis, including Shining Armour, who at the news his sister was alive, had discovered newfound joy, Angy glanced over at Sweetness. She was amazed to see that the usually hyper pony wasn't bouncing at the thought of her parent's being alive, her mother and her... father. In the rush of the happy moment, Angy had forgotten. "S-Sweetness?" She asked slowly, coming up to the straight maned mare. "You ok?" Sweetness didn't turn she only stared at the small glimmer of green of mane that could be seen between the other's legs. 

"She's lying..." Sweetness whispered. Angy came closer.
"What?" 
"My Pappa doesn't have them! He doesn't have anypony! Because he didn't do what she's saying he did!" Angy gave a nervous glance at the others, she wished Ruby were next to her, she'd know what to do. Angy wasn't so great at all the re-encouragement side of friendship. 
"But... Sweetness... Thor said he saw-" 
"Thor's wrong!" Sweetness spat as her eyes snapped to Angy's. "He didn't see my Pappa, he might have saw something, but it wasn't my pappa!" Angy's chest tightened, she understood where the pink mare was coming from, she herself would hate it if her father were accused of such a dreadful act, and she would defend him with every breath she had.

This was what Sweetness was doing now, what every good daughter would. Defending her beloved Pappa. Slowly, the defiant expression on the pink pony's face began to fade, and melt into tired misery. "Angy... I don't like it here...  can we go home?" Angy stared for a moment, then reached out to the pink pony. 
"We can't Sweety, home's gone!" Silently, she finished the sentence in her mind. 'Because of Discord.' 

Sweetness seamed tempted to take the hoof, but stopped as her own began to rise. She faltered a moment, then pulled it back, taking a few steps further back. "You don't think I'm right do you?" Angy gave another nervous look to the others, all of whom were still probing the silent Chrysalis for answers. "See!" Sweetness whispered hoarsely, staring incredulously at Angy. "You think that Thor's right! Just because you like him!"
"No Sweetness!" Angy protested quickly, her heart almost breaking at the look of betrayal her friend's face. "It's not that, it's just..." 
"It's just you'd believe him more than me!" Sweetness said, hurt underlining every word she spoke. 

"So?!" Shining Armour asked demandingly of the queen. "Where are they?" The queen glowered up at him. 
"I don't know." 
"That's a loadah horse feathers!" Seed said calmly. 
"No it's not." Chrysalis, her rebuttal came back just as coldly. "I know where you can enter it, but not where it actually is!" 
"Then tell us! Please tell us!" Ruby begged kindly. The queen glanced up at the dragon/pony half-breed and frowned. Again she was struck by how odd it was, to have a pony treating her with respect, almost kindness, nothing like her comrades all around her.  
"There's..." She began, locking gazes with Ruby, then stopped. "You have no hope of getting to them, it would be far too difficult..." she smirked at Thor, staring at her with a mixture of curiosity and anger. "Especially for children!"
"We got past all of your supposed 'children.'" Thor scoffed proudly. "So why don't you try us?!" Chrysalis's smirk was wiped from her face instantly. She glared back at the burgundy pegasus, then began to explain.

"Just because I act silly doesn't mean I'm stupid Angy!" Sweetness cried, her eyes gleaming slightly. She wasn't sure, but Angelica thought Sweetness's hurt was slightly too overboard for what was happening between the two of them, maybe there was something else behind it, and judging by the way she was talking, Sweety wanted it off of her chest! "You all think I just go along with 'whatever' and don't even understand what's happening. But no, I know! I only stay the way I am, to keep everypony happy! To make sure my friends always had a reason not to be sad!" She took a few steps back towards the main door. Over their encounter with Chrysalis, the group had constantly been moving back, and they were now halfway between the thrones and the doors. Angy noticed, and reached out cautiously. 

"Sweety... calm down... I understand, I-"
"No you don't!" Sweetness cried, getting louder. "How could you? You're the perfect good looking flyer! You've never been thought of as the weirdo!" Angy stopped, amazed at the scorn in Sweetness's voice. "I didn't mind that though!" Sweetness continued. "Because it meant my friends were happy! But now..." Tears began to roll off of Sweetnesses cheeks and down to the tiled floor. "Now there's no point! My home's gone... my mommy's gone..." her eyes twitched as they became the saddest they had been yet. "and my Pappa's being blamed for all of it... by the friends I always tried to keep happy." Angy felt herself becoming emotional, as though Sweetnesses sorrow was in the air, ready to be breathed in and absorbed. She took a few steps forward, but yet again, any ground she gained, was lost as Sweetness retreated further away. They were fast drawing away from the others now. "It's like..." Sweetness said again, her voice cracking loudly. "You don't want the same for me... like you don't care if I'm happy, just as long as I keep you all laughing." A single tear ran down Angy's cheek. 
"Sweetness..." She whispered. 

"In the outlands... there is a mountain, the tallest... it's where we fell when we were..." Chrysalis couldn't help but grin at the solar throne on the other side of the room. Relishing the fact that she had exacted revenge for her and her beloved children, but the thoughts of her traitorous children along with her terrible state made her cough hard as she clutched at her wound in her side. Now with no power, it was beginning to weep harder than before. "Banished!" She choked eventually. Ruby's heart bled for the suffering creature, Seed could see how troubled the young mare was, and took his hoof and drew her close. She accepted his embrace without question, and continued to listen to the suffering creature. "That is the place we then called home..." She continued.

"We waited, but only a month after we were banished, there came a...visitor." 
"What visitor?" Thor asked, though he already knew the answer. 
"Disocrd." Chrysalis whispered, venom in every letter. "He came to us, saying he had finally been freed, and he wished to square the debt. By making us the rulers of Equestria." She spoke in sarcastic tones, as though the very thought of such promises were ridiculous to her now.
"THAT SNAKE!" Archy cried, glancing to Ruby, Seed and Thor. "He went to them nearly as soon as he got out! He was planning this all along!" Thor's face was dark, his opinion on the chimera was fast deteriorating even further than he thought possible. Even Ruby looked mortified at the revelation. 

"My Pappa loves my mommy!" Sweetness said quietly.
"I'm not saying he didn't Sweetness!"
"DIDN'T!?!" Sweetness looked near homicidal at the word. "HE STILL DOES!" She shot an angry glance at Chrysalis or what she could see of her. "She's just lying! Trying to make you guys not believe me, that it's all over, THAT WE CAN GO HOME!"
"WE CAN'T!" Angy cried, her voice pleading for Sweetness to understand. She knew she was the element of Leadership, but she was sure she wasn't able to help here, though she should! "Thor saw him Sweety!" 
"Maybe he didn't!" Sweetness grasped at the idea like her last life preserve. 
"You're saying Thor's a liar?" Angy asked.
"Yes! I mean no! I mean..." Sweetness looked on through frosted eyes. "Maybe Chrysalis planted the idea in his head, like she tried with Archy! Did he ever tell you about my Pappa?" 
"N-no..." Angy mumbled. "B-but he doesn't tell me everything..."
"YES HE DOES! HE LOVES YOU!" Sweetness panted glaring at Angy, but there was more than frustration behind the stare, hurt? Betrayal? Angy thought she understood, like a flood the details washed over her all far too easy to see. 

"Sweetness..." Angy began, edging closer as subtly as she could. "D...Do you like Thor?" 
"NO!" Sweetness shouted all too over the top. She realized it. Sweetness stood there, exposed, and her face bright red. 
"I-is that what's wrong? That Thor likes me?" Angy probed gently. Sweetness's face sunk even lower into misery. She shook her head, eyes flowing once more, her anger disapating slightly.
"I... I... used to like him Angy... Then all this happens and you two get so close in a few days..." She sniffed, shooting a glimpse at the back of the burgundy pegasus, checking he wasn't listening in. Then she looked back. "But that's not even it... I know he'd never like me I got over that... it's... it's just my parents are all I have... and Thor... he... he's blaming my pappa! Him! When I used to... you know..." Angy nodded, trying to show her friend she was there, but Sweetness didn't seem that consoled. She bit back for a moment then whispered. "I don't know why I'm here." Angy gasped at the uncharacteristically selfish statement. 

"He came to us..." Chrysalis breathed. "And brought a... mirror... of silver. He placed it in our lair, and left through it..." 
"Through it?" Thor frowned, "A mirror?" 
"I've read about that sort of thing..." Archy said quietly. The others glanced his way. "There are these devices, mostly windows and mirrors, from centuries ago, that could be used with magic to create a portal to another one of those mirrors... almost like a tunnel..." Archy grunted and rubbed his head thinking hard. "Uuurrggghhhh! There was barely anything about them! I remember because they really interested me, and my mum told me there'd be more maybe in the Canterlot archives if I asked Celestia..." He frowned. "I...never got a response from her about those books." He looked to Seed. "You don't think she knew something about these mirrors she didn't want us all to know?" The orange pony shrugged. 
"It's poss'ble buddy, I aint never heard 'bout Celestia denying anypony 'bout books before..." With a cough from below, Chrysalis caught their attentions once more. 

"After we attacked... Ponyville..." It took everything Thor had not to strike the creature at the mention of their home's destruction in such an off topic way. "My children returned... with......" She wheezed, unable to finish with her fading strength. 
"With our paren's." Seed ended the explanation. Chrysalis nodded. And plucking up her last few saps of strength, she ensured they had the best chance to defeat the one who ended her... 
"He took them... through the window... they were... still alive!" 

The group turned animatedly to the only two not with them. All were elated by the wondrous news of their parent’s survival, and ready to share the happy feeling as the group they had set out as. However, as he turned, Thor was the first to see that all was not well. Sweetness and Angy were very far away, and it looked as though Sweetness was preparing to run through the gaping gap that was once the grand doors of the throne room. A sharp worried gasp to his side proved that Ruby had also noticed Sweetness's edging away. 

Behind them, unseen by any of the distracted ponies, Chrysalis smiled. If she was going to die, at least she was causing the chimera’s only child as much pain as possible before she did. It was a small victory, but still was satisfying to see. She winced again, this time though it wasn’t due to pain I her side. Her hoof was fast growing cold, and stung her as she felt all its warmth fade. She glanced down, and saw that her hoof had turned an almost pure shade of white. Blotches of black and dark green remained, but even those were ebbing away, absorbed by the cold clinical white of her dying limb. 

“Why should I even be here?” Sweetness screamed, her eyes now streaming, her voice loud enough to carry to the others.
“Sweety?” Ruby asked cautiously unsure of what was going on. 
“You a’ight?” Seed asked, taking a step forward. Sweetness didn’t seem to hear them, too lost was she in her own anger and sadness. 
“What’s the point? We don’t even know if I’m one of these stupid ‘Elements of salvation’ and if I’m not, then that just means you won’t trust me even more!” 
“What the hay are you talking about?!” Angelica cried, looking over beseechingly at the others for help. Thor saw the tears in her eyes and shivered at the unusual sight. “Why wouldn’t we trust you?” Angy continued, returning to look at the miserable pink pony. 
“Because!” Sweetness cried, taking yet another step towards the exit. “You all think my papa is the bad guy! So you won’t trust me ‘cos you think I’ll betray you! I’ve seen the movies!”

“Sweetness… we’d never…” Archy said hoarsely, watching on in horror at his usually happy and excitable friend. 
“Then again, it’ll never be any different than usual! You guys never treat me like any of the others!” Sweety continued. She was almost at the door. “You all just think that I’ll always be there, and you can just talk to me whenever there isn’t anything better to do! I’M NOT A TOOL FOR YOU GUYS! I’M SUPPOSED TO BE YOUR FRIEND!”

Chrysalis stared as the whitest tip of her hoof began to darken once more, this time into a dark deadly grey. The outermost layer of the appendage began to wilt, and crumble away. She watched in sheer horror as the part of her floated in the air before being taken in the breeze from the smashed windows. It floated out and into the sunlight, where it seemed to simply vanish absorbed by the light of the infernal sun. Then the layer below began to do the same. Her power was fading fast now, no love, no life!

“You are our friend Sweetness!” Seed shouted, taking yet another step towards the distant two mares. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing! The most loyal of them all, SWEETNESS, was acting as though she resented them all! 
“Then why don’t you believe me?!” Sweetness begged turning and locking gazes with Seed. Her usually happy eyes, grey and dead with sorrow. The tears in them glistened in the light, making her eyes sparkle brightly. “Please Seed!” She beseeched, trying to find at least one ally in her argument. “You don’t have a dad! I do! And you’re all trying to take that away from me! Please.” Her voice cracked again as she kept on gazing at him. The words plucked at Seed’s heart strings, his stomach clenched as he realised the dreadful way this news had come out. And how inconsiderate to Sweetness they had all been to do with her father. “Please…” She repeated. “He didn’t do it!” 

Her hoof was gone; the limb itself was now beginning to wilt. A new pain shot through Chrysalis's body, making her look to her other hooves. All of which now were a deadly white. They decayed as fast as the other one had, and as she watched, her thin beautiful wings began to dry and crumble into dust. Though the pain was worse than anything she had ever felt. With it came a sense of serenity, though it hurt she could stand not to scream, to cry out for her children. Chrysalis was at peace for the first time that she could remember, and all from this lack of love!

In the time Sweetness had been talking to her cousin, Angy had closed the gap between them. “Sweetness…” She said, reaching out again and resting her hoof on her shoulder, trying to pull her hysterical friend into a tight hug. Sweetness looked back to her, reaching out for her, wanting to be close, to be proven that all she had said about her relationship with them to be wrong, but first she had to know! 
“Just tell me Angy, tell me that you don’t believe it! My papa loves me, and my mommy! All of us! He’d never do this!” Angy stared at her, wanting to lie, to say she didn’t think it true. Only with Thor’s evidence, and Chrysalises knowledge of them all… it seemed so likely! Her thoughts must have registered on her face, because Sweety’s eyes glistened over, going an even darker shade of sadness. The eyes of a pony completely betrayed. “You don’t…” She said, her voice suddenly calm, cold, devoid of affection or pleading. With one movement, she threw Angy’s hoof from her shoulder, and in another, rushed through the open doorway beside her, over the bodies of the palace guards, and around the corner out of sight. 

“Sweetness!” Seed shouted after her, rushing before any of the others could think to. He shot past his cousin, his wind making her braided ponytail flail wildly as he passed. Soon Thor was behind him, followed closely by Ruby and Archy. As the last one passed her, Angy followed suit, her eyes brimming with empathetic tears, her legs numb with horror at what had just happened. 

Shining Armour tried to follow suit, but was stopped halfway to the door by a call from behind. “Just me and you now, huh my beloved?” He turned, and gasped. Chrysalis was fading fast, like pieces of burnt paper; her body was wilting and fading away on the wind. Her legs were almost gone, and the bases of her wings vanished as he turned, and slowly the place where they met her back began to fade as well. 
“Never call me that.” He said coldly, watching the dying Changeling. 
“Oh come now Shining Armour, can’t you allow a dying girl her last wish?”
“And that is?” 
“To talk. To make a request.” 


....


"Sweetness!" The group cried, stumbling over the debris in the hallway in their pursuit of the rushing mare. She seemed to almost float over the rocks and bodies, never stumbling, like her friends behind her. Either by some unnatural power of her father's, or odd physics defying ability of her mother's. Either way, she quickly gained distance, and soon she rounded a corner and out of sight. By the time the rest got there, no sign of her could be seen, only several hallways to chose from. "SWEETNESS!!!" Archy shouted, trying to hear some response from his close friend, but none came back. In a rush he spun around and shouted to the others. "There could still be changelings here! We need to find her!" 
"Ok." Angy nodded, assuming control again, in spite of her feelings at the time. "Archy! Do you know this castle well?" 
"Like the back of my hoof yes!" 
"Where could she get to from here fast?" Archy glanced around fast, trying to get his bearings. 
"Uhhh...the archives... Gardens... kitchens...ummm and the worker's quaters...those are the closest ones."
"Right! Seed!" The orange stallion looked ready to move, his foreleg was twitching ready to put strong legs to the test in catching the running mare. "You take Ruby, check the kitchens!" 
"Got it!" Ruby and Seed said together before turning down the indicated hallway from Archy. 
"Thor, take the gardens!" Thor silently shot into the air and out of the window into the outside air. "Archy you take the Archives, I'll go to the quarters. We meat back in the entrance hall when we find er got it?!"
"Got it!" And the final two split apart.


....


"Sweety!" Ruby cried as her and Seed slowed to take in the area, there was so much broken castle surrounding them, the pink mare could be hiding beneath any of them. Their hooves echoed around them bouncing off of the uneven surfaces as they passed. "Sweety!?" She repeated, but no response came. "Where is she?" She asked desperately, glancing beneath a large outcropping of stone wall. 
"We haven't reached the kitchens yet..." Seed said slowly, hoping the mare was somewhere close, he didn't like the cold quiet of this destroyed city... it was too different from the usually happy bustling castle he was used to. "Hehh, you never know with Sweetness... she could be in there cooking up a batch of apology cookies!" Seed laughed hollowly at his feeble joke, Ruby did as well. 
"Yeah, that sounds like her." 

"I still don't understand what's the matter though? She should know we'd never try to hurt her!" Seed said, voicing his incredulity at Sweetness's lack of trust in them all. 
"Well think about it Seed..." Ruby said slowly, catching a glimpse of the door to the kitchens up ahead. "What if your friends started accusing your dad of something like this!" Ruby continued forward towards the door. She noticed something was different, quieter, then she realised the second pair of hoofsteps had stopped. She glanced back and saw Seed watching her in slight surprise. After a second she realised. "Oh my goodness! Seed I'm so sorry! I didn't mean-" 
"It's ok Ruby, you just surprised me is all." Seed said, resuming his way towards the door. Ruby rushed to him, blocking his way. 
"No Seed, I'm really sorry, please I was just worried about Sweetness, I didn't think so I just said-" 
"It's ok Ruby!" Seed encouraged, taking hold of her shoulders with his forelegs and smiling. The unicorn/dragon hybrid breathed a sigh of releif. "C'mon!" Seed said happily. "Let's find her!" 


....


"Ooooohhh Sweetness?" Angelica said lowly, trying not to be too loud in the dark hallway. She'd reached the entrance of the quarters about five minutes ago, and with it she had passed the last form of light, the quarters was in the centre of the castle, meaning no windows let sun in due to the other walls. Any torches that had been working obviously had been knocked out in the attack. She now wandered ahead in semi darkness, only just able to see her way forward. This was far too easy for an ambush, so Angy was trying her best to be quiet. "Sweeeetneeesss?" No response. "It's ok, it's just me Angelica!" Still nothing. 

Just ahead of her, there was a turn, she only knew it because there was some form of light around the corner, highlighting it against the dark surroundings. She edged closer, cautious if any changeling shot out and attacked, she prepared her wings, ready to fly up into the spacious air around her if needed. She rounded the corner... and her jaw dropped. 
...
"Sweety? It's Archy! You hear?" Archy cried out through the cavernous archive chamber. The steel gates that should have been locked, were smashed open, still smoking. Archy couldn't be sure if it had been done recently, as in Sweetness did it. Or Earlier, like the changelings. Either way, the way to the cavernous ancient library was open. Archy, even in his current situation, couldn't resist staring in amazement at all the tombs around him. Brought up in a library and raised with a love of books, it was a know-it-all's paradise! No! Look later! Find Sweetness. He passed the central table, giving it a once over. His gaze passed over, then snapped back. 

His attention stolen, Archy stared at the open book facing him. He came over to it, gazing at the picture inside. Amazed at what was inside. but sure enough there it was: Sweetness... as a filly, held by her slim father Discord, who in turn, stood beside his wife Pinkie Pie. The three smiled up from the page, their eyes gleaming with happiness at Archy. Beneath the illustration read a simple caption; "The great god 'Discord' now immortalized as the spirit of redemption after his saving of his wife." 

Archy knew the story. Discord had been given honours for saving Miss Pinkie when he escaped for the second time! His saving of her, and 18 years of peaceful attitude (Which Archy now knew to be false) had awarded him the title of 'Spirit of redemption' instead of 'God of Chaos.' He even had a statue in the gardens! Changed, and sat where his old one stood. In fact the statue was exactly like this picture... him and his... 'family.' 

Then it struck Archy. Why was this book open? Who had opened it? 

With new found excitement, Archy rushed forward deeper into the Archives. Snatching up the book with his magic as he went. "SWEETNESS?!?! SWEETNESS!!!!" 


....


"Maybe she's in here?" Ruby speculated, opening a cellar door that had been left ajar. It had been moving slightly, but that could easily be the draft from the outside rushing inwards. Seed came over and looked down the steps, indeed the dust on them had been moved and shifted somewhat, but had that been Sweetness? Or just some worker before the attack struck? "Maybe..." Seed echoed, glancing back over the kitchen they had all ready turned upside down in their search. Sweetness hadn't been in any of the cupboards, she hadn't been napping in an oven like she would back in Ponnyville, or trying to swim in the sink. 

"I'm going to look." Ruby said in what she hoped was a confident voice, but sounded more like a squeak. She took a step down, and regretted it immediately. The wooden step tilted, as though not fastened right to the wall. and sent the platinum and purple mare tumbling forwards. 
"RUBY!" Sweetness yelled, reaching out and grabbing her hoof. He caught it. Unfortunately before he could catch any kind of footing, Ruby's momentum took him and sent him flying forward with her. 

With Ruby crying out in fear, Seed only had a few seconds. If they went like this, Ruby would fall on her back on either a step or the floor somewhere below. That would be fine, but with his extra weight falling on top of her, she would be crushed! Turning in the air with much difficulty, Seed held Ruby tight to his chest, and away from the steps soaring up to meet Seed's back. 

SLAM!

With the luck of the gods, the momentum was just enough to send them over the steps. Seed felt his hoof connect with the last step that he thought he was about to hit. Their angle of descent meant only a minor bump, and a slide across the dusty floored room. The dust billowed up around them, causing both mare and stallion to cough and splutter. 

As the cloud cleared, the room came more into view. A few torches in brackets allowed a dim minimal light to be cast across the circular room. Filed with crates, jars, bottles and bags. 

After the two stopped coughing after what seemed like an hour. Seed looked up. He was lying on his back, and if he looked up, he saw a small pointed horn just a few inches lower than his nose. Beneath it lay a few long tight purple curls, and beneath them, panted a terrified Ruby. After a moment, she looked up to Seed and her eyes met his. 
"T-thanks Seed." 
"N-No worries!" Seed grunted lifting his back of the floor slightly, testing that it wasn't hurt too badly. 
"Y-you stopped me getting hurt..." Ruby said quietly, still looking into his eyes. 
"It's fine Ruby..." Seed began casually, but as he said her name, her thought he noticed her face change slightly, she smiled gently. Was what he thought was about to happen... ABOUT TO HAPPEN?!

Suddenly, Ruby pushed her face up pressing her ready lips against Seed's unsuspecting ones! Seed's eyes shot open in surprise, not only at the fact she kissed him, but also the sheer force of the kiss! Ruby's hooves shot up and grabbed the sides of Seed's face tilting it, pointedly yet gently to the side. At which she adjusted her own angle before returning to kissing Seed again. 

No matter how much he loved it though... Seed only responded half heartedly, soon Ruby stopped, backing up slightly to take in his expression. "Y-you don't like it?" Ruby asked, genuine worry spread across her face. 
"No-Yes! I mean, I love it!" Ruby sighed in relief and tried to return, but was stopped at a movement from Seed as he pulled his head away to fight temptation. "But, this isn't the time! We... we need to find Sweetness..." Ruby looked at him for a moment, gulped, then nodded somewhat abashedly. She stood up, then helped her saviour as well before pushing on without another word. Leaving Seed to watch her move away fast. Worried he'd made the biggest mistake of his life, which was confirmed when he saw a single drip of something from Ruby's face. Was it a tear?


....


The light was sunlight, pouring through an enormous gaping hole in the wall. In fact the hole was from floor to ceiling, wall to wall. It was the entire hallway. The worker's quarters was completely gone. Blast away by some spell...

Angelica remembered the force of the blasts that they'd used on Ponyville, she'd thought back then that they were unbelievable, but now she was truly seeing the power of the Changeling horde. With her eyes wide open in horror as well as her mouth, she took a step back knowing that Sweety couldn't be here. As she did, she felt something soft squeak underneath her hoof. She jumped, glancing down quick praying it wasn't Sweetness. It wasn't.

Lying on the floor, looking tarnished and tattered, was a small filly's doll. It's mane styled in a braided ponytail, so similar to Angy's herself. Even the doll's colour was similar to hers, if not a little darker, or was that just the smoke and ash that did that? Angy looked up, looking for a possible owner for the small doll. Nopony was there. "Hello?" Angy cried, hoping she heard something, her heart becoming heavy with misery at knowing what this ownerless doll meant. "Anypony?" Nothing. "Please?" She whispered. Still no answer came. 

Angy raised the two to her nose and sniffed, beneath the stench of destruction there lay a faint other aroma. The smell of a small filly. With a gut wrenching churn, Angy realised this must have been one of her favourite toys. The tears that had been so close to coming back after chasing after Sweety, came now. Angy let out everything, her knees buckled and she fell to the floor. She cried for the unknown child, likely buried somewhere in the rubble, or blast apart by the same force that had taken the quarters. She cried for all Sweetness said, for her inconsiderate nature towards her friend's feelings, the truth that she hadn't treated Sweety fairly over the years. 

Mostly though, Angy cried over the one thing she hadn't told anypony. The fact that she was sure she couldn't take her friends to victory. Through her tears she looked at the gaping hole in the building. How were they supposed to fight that sort of power? She couldn't even keep the group together and happy! Some leader she turned out to be! She held the doll tight, her tears rolling onto its face, they cleaned way the dirt, leaving thin trails through the grime and dirt covered toy. When she was smaller, the little filly loved the story's of her mother's adventures with her friends. She envisioned herself as the wondrous and mighty Angelica, defeater of monsters and vanquisher of foes. Now that she was in her own adventure however, she fund far different from her dream world. Just like Sweetness, Angelica wanted to go home. 


....


"No...no!...NO!" Thor was scanning the gardens below him grunting his frustration the further he went without spotting the distressed mare. He also kept a wary eye out for anything small and green, the Changelings had seemed to have left, but he couldn't be too sure! 

He glided over the maze, nope not here, her pink fur would have easily stuck out against the dark green of the shrubbery. He was getting worried, and was considering heading back to the castle, maybe one of the others had found her all ready!

He even tilted his weight, and began to turn back when he heard it on the wind. Gentle, slow, and miserable. Somepony was crying. He glanced down, nopony there... then he passed a high tree, and caught a glimpse of the statue gardens. And there he saw her. 

In the centre of the statue filled clearing, lay a small pink mass. Though so far away, her sobs easily travelled across the dead area. Slowly, Thor turned back on himself, and began to decend quietly. 


....


"Pappa... please... tell me it's not true!" Sweety cried bitterly. She lay at the foot of her father's statue. The smiling Draconequus held a small infant Sweetness with paw, while reaching down and holding his wife's back with his talons. Sweety didn't even remember being there for this sculpture, maybe she had been too young. Then again, her pappa may have just conjured it out of thin air. He was good at that kind of stuff. If the statue did hold some connection with her father however, it didn't respond. The stone face remained frozen in that kind smile. Sweety gave in once again to tears. 

"They keep saying you did it! But you didn't! Did you?" Still nothing. Sweety scooted as close to the stone as possible, hoping it felt in some way like her father. She lay at the feet of the pedestal and looked up at the tall slim figure. Though not real, she felt better, just to see his likeness staring down at her. "Pappa where are you?" Sweety asked in a whisper, curling into a ball at the statue's feet. She shook slightly with each sob that escaped her lips, but when she heard the approaching sounds of wings, all movement froze. Changeling?

She peeked out from behind her bushy tail, and saw that is wasn't a changeling, but Thor. Just as worse in her opinion! "Leave me alone!" Sweety cried, jumping to her hooves and running around so the statue separated the two. 
"Sweety!" Thor moaned quietly as he touched down on the soft damp grass. "Please."
"NO! No 'please' just leave me alone Thor!" the burgundy pegasus sighed, and looked up at the statue. His stomach felt odd, it churned at the sight of the chimera, but at the happy faces of the two ponies at his side, it warmed. 
"You look happy." Thor said simply. 
"I was! That was before all this!" Sweety yelled, peering between the legs of the stone chimera, flailing an arm at the smoking castle. 
"Hmm..." Thor sounded quietly, before chuckling slightly.

"W-what? What are you laughing at?" Asked Sweety, unable to help herself asking. Thor glanced over to her. 
"Oh, I was just thinking, it seems to be becoming a thing huh? Me finding you and trying to bring you back to the others." He smiled, but Sweety scowled. 
"Yeah! But I never asked you to!" Thor shrugged and began to move around the statue, his odd behaviour made Sweety stay stood where she was. 
"I guess..." The pegasus said slowly. "But... that's what friends do anyway, they make sure they're safe!" 
"Don't call yourself my friend Thor!" Sweety shouted, hurt from their accusations still obvious in her voice. "A friend wouldn't do what you're doing." 
"Sweetness!" Thor said, coming to a stop just before her. He lowered his head, never breaking eye contact with her, showing how genuine he was. "I AM your friend!" Sweetness watched him for a moment, and a chink in her armour seemed to appear. 
"T-Then... why do you keep saying my pappa's the bad guy?" 
"I never actually said that... Chrysalis said that, all that I said was that I saw your dad in Ponyville!" Thor urged his pink friend. "Sweetness... why do you think I didn't tell you? I wanted to be sure before I started saying anything!" Sweetness stared at him, slightly amazed at the calm way the usually energetic stallion was explaining the situation. 

"Y-you mean... you don't think it was him?" She asked tentatively, her hopes raising slightly for the first time that day.
"I'm not saying that." Thor said simply, before rushing into his next point before Sweetness fell into sorrow once more. "But! I'm saying there's a chance why he was back home and not helping, there's a chance that we all have this all wrong, and you're the only one who's got it right!" That made Sweetness feel better, in fact, the long straight mane on her head began to twitch slightly, as did the corners of her mouth as they dared a smile. 
"You... you really mean that?" Thor nodded flashing the mare a kind smile as he did. 
"But we need you Sweetness, like you said, we need you to keep us all happy, to keep us all remembering what we're doing this for." Sweetness frowned at Thor not sure how she embodied such a thing. "Freedom." Thor said simply. "You're the most free pony we know, and we need you, to keep us going!" His expression faltered and he glanced down at the dirt, scuffing his hoof. "Even if we take advantage of that a lot..." 

It took Sweetness to place where Thor had gotten that idea, and with a gasp she realized. "Thor! Please, don't be mad at me, it's just that I was upset, and I was angry, so I started to shout, and a lot of things came out that I didn't really mean, I don't think those things I really really really really don't!" She was rambling, Thor tried not to smile at the familiar sound, at least she was acting somewhat normal again! 

Finally when she had finished Thor smiled at her and put a foreleg around her, slowly guiding her back towards the castle to find the others. "Come on sweetness, let's go." They were just turning the corner when Sweetness stopped. 
"Hold on a sec' Thor!" She trotted back to the statue, and stretching hard, she craned her neck upwards and kissed her father's statue's chest. The sight made Thor smirk, though he didn't trust the chimera, at least the site reminded him of his own love for his parents, who he now knew were alive, and how much he missed them! Sweetness then pecked her mother's statue on the cheek and came back to the ground. "Love you pappa, mamma!" She chimed, and before she could turn a gust of gentle wind rolled past, flicking her mane back. Thor watched as she sat there smiling up at the statue, and when the wind died. Sweetness turned, smiled at him, and her mane exploded back into its usual poofy self. The mare trotted back to Thor and the two left together. 


....


"Hold on a sec' Thor!" She ran back to the statue. She wasn't leaving without it, she needed to have some form of contact with her pappa and mamma. So she kissed their statues and smiled up at them. "Love you pappa, mamma!" She chimed, and a gust of wind met her in response. She knew it different from a natural wind, but kept calm as to not alarm Thor. Sure enough on the breeze there was a voice, deep, calming and wonderful. 

"I love you to my dearest." 

The sound of his voice made Sweetness's heart soar, so elated was she, when she turned back to Thor, her mane popped back into its normal self as she trotted back into Canterlot Castle. As she left the gardens she heard the voice again, still only heard by her. 

"Don't believe them Sweetness, I'm here, I always will be. Your pappa loves you!" 

'Don't worry pappa!' Sweetness thought in her head, hoping that Discord could hear her. 'I don't, I know you'd never do it! I love you too!' And with that, their secret message went unknown by the burgundy pegasus, as he took the daughter of Discord back to the elements of Salvation.

> Calming down, and gearing up!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sweetness!" Archy cried as Thor and the pink mare came through the entrance from the gardens. The dark stallion rushed to his now normal looking friend and grabbed her tightly. "You ok?" He asked as he hugged her. Sweetness returned the hug gratefully and smiled wildly, surprising everypony in the hall. Angy had yet to return, as had Shining Armour. Seed sat close to a makeshift fire they'd made in the centre of the hall, using the wood from the splintered doors so they could keep warm for the night. The stallion glanced up in relief as she responded to the worried question. 
"I'm fine Archy, I just got a little downy frown, but I'm fine now!" The mare glanced over the few with her, looking over Ruby who looked quiet, staring into the fire sadly, Seed who looked equally sad, only he kept risking a shifty glance at the platinum mare. But...

"Where's Angy?" Sweetness asked, her voice quavering slightly as she looked for the mare that she had shouted at before. 
"Umm..." Archy glanced over his shoulder at the other two ponies, he didn't know what was wrong but it seemed they weren't about to answer. "She's... not back yet."
"Back?" 
"We... split up to find you, she took the servant's quarters, don't worry though!" He finished quickly, giving a smile. "You know hard old Angy, she'll be fine and back in no time!" This put Sweetness's mind at ease slightly, yet still she was worried. In the heat of her misery and sorrow, she had said several things that would be very hard to take back, would Angy even listen to her? Or would she simply blank the pink mare? She'd have to find out. 

"So what's up with you two?" Thor asked of the two ponies sat at the fire as he left Archy and Sweetness to talk. Instantly their eyes shot to each others in a heartbeat, and away from each other in another. 
"Nothing!" They both said simultaneously, causing Thor to start slightly in surprise at the stereo response he gained. 
"O...k..." He said slowly, frowning at Seed who simply shot him a glance which said 'Later.' Which the pegasus accepted if not slightly insulted. 

"Where were you Sweetness?" Archy asked, as the two came over to the warmth of the fire. Though only halfway through the afternoon, the sun was all ready beginning to droop, bringing with it a bitter cold wind through the gaping holes in the walls for some reason the day was comming to an unusually early close. Was it the absence of the solar princess?
"I went to see my pappa's statue." Sweetness said happily. "I knew it'd cheer me up, and now I'm fine again!" 
"You're sure?" It was the first thing Ruby had said to her since she entered.
"Uhuh!" Sweetness smiled to the unicorn, then her face fell slightly as she glanced to each of the others. "I-I'm sorry guys, I was being a big dummy!" 
"No!" Ruby said, standing and forgetting for a moment, that encounter in the cellar. "You weren't! You just wanted us to understand why you didn't believe us!" Sweetness nodded, giving a shaky smile to the approaching unicorn. Ruby flung her arms around Sweetness and held her tight, just as the noise of hooves could be heard on the landing of the grand staircase. 

"Thank goodness!" They all looked up to see Angelica, all ready rushing down the steps, her eyes focused on Sweetness. Within seconds, she reached the pink mare and launched herself at her as Ruby pulled away. For a second, Seed thought she was angry, trying to attack the returned mare. He stood ready to pull her off, when he saw the contact wasn't violent, only heavy as she ploughed into Sweetness. Clinging to her tightly with her yellow forelegs. "You're alright!" Angy choked scrunching her eyes as relieved tears rolled down her cheeks. From his angle, Thor thought he saw the tell tale signs of tears that had all ready come from the mare's eyes. 

He opened his mouth to speak when he noticed something on the floor just by the two embracing mares. He crouched down and picked it up cautiously with the tip of his unfurled wing. Surprised, he looked at a small doll, oddly similar in appearance to the mare who had just arrived, it was filthy, except for a few lines of clean tracks down its face and body, as though some liquid had been dripping on it. Thor glanced up at the silently sobbing mare, had she found this?

"I'm sorry!" Angy was saying, as Sweetness stroked her mane, giving a sad little smile as she comforted her friend. "I didn't mean to upset you, it's just that I couldn't see any other way! I thought it had to be your dad, after what Thor saw, and what Chrysalis said!" 
"Hey hey heeeeyyy..." Sweetness said softly. "It's ok! I was upset, but I'm fine now. I understand what you guys were saying." Angelica pushed herself up and took a few steps back.
"You..." She sniffed, "You do?" 
"Yeah!" Sweetness said simply, locking gazes with everypony. "You guys think my pappa did something, I don't! So we still need to figure out what to do next, and I need to prove my pappa's the good guy while we do it!" The others stared at how easily she shifted moods, not even a glimpse of the miserable Sweetness could now be seen, she was the usual crazy looking, naive sounding mare they'd known all their lives! "So?" Sweetness looked to Archimedes who stuttered slightly at the sudden focus on him. 
"Wh- I- huh?" 
"Where to next Mr Smarty Two Hooves!" Sweety sang happily.

"Uhhhh..." He looked over at Angelica as she rubbed the tears away from her cheeks. She clearly wasn't in the mindset to take charge, but Archy had never needed to make such an important decision before. "I guess... We-"
"You go to the outlands!" Came a loud voice from the staircase. The group turned to see Dying Armour approaching them, he still looked rough, his cuts and wounds from fighting Dying Armour still glistened with their scabs slowly forming as he carried on. However, now his eyes looked drawn and tired, far more than when they had last seen him the throne room. 

"Well yeah!" Seed cried, slowly getting to his hooves, as he did he winced, grabbing his back slightly and stumbling forward a few steps.
"Wooooohhhh buddy!" Thor shouted, shooting across through the air and steadying his pained friend. "You ok?" The yellow earth pony smiled to his friend. 
"Yeah, thanks Thor." Once steady, Seed took a few more steps forward, heading towards the base of the steps. "Obviously we need t' go there, but how the hay are we supposed to stay alive all the way there? Plus how long will it take t' get there? A few days at least! Our parents could be..." Seed caught the sound of a sharp intake of breath, he glanced to his side and saw Ruby bordering on tears at his words. Not wishing to be the cause of even more sadness for the mare, Seed reworded his statement. "Our parents could be moved by then!" 

"Firstly..." Armour began as he reached the bottom of the stairs, "Food, we have plenty in the kitchens, plenty of long lasting meals. So supplies aren't a problem. And how long it will take, the last stallion we sent towards the outlands, we had a report of him arriving six days after leaving Ponyville."
"Ponyville?" Thor sounded surprised. "Who was he? Anypony we know?" Shining Armour grimaced and glanced at Archy. Who's face exploded into furious surprise. 
"My dad?!" Armour nodded. Archy didn't say anything more, inside, his head was a blur. His father was the LAST pony to head towards the outlands? He'd read a thousand books on hunting and tracking, he was sure that if he found some sign of his father, he could probably track down the missing Noteworthy. 

Archy was so lost in his thoughts that he almost missed what his uncle was now saying, with difficulty he pulled himself out of the consuming thoughts of revenge to listen.
"You should stay here tonight, it's a little warmer, then you can head out towards the outlands." 
"Wait!" Angelica cried, a little of her normal self taking place once again. "You mean you're not coming with us?" Armour shook his head.
"Why?" Archy beseeched, heartbroken that his uncle was going to separate from them after such a short reunion. Armour looked over to him. 
"I need to stay here, I'm going to give this place a onceover, see if I can find any survivors. If not, I'll make my way down to the surrounding towns, and I'll get some back up for you guys."
"Well then we can wait." Sweetness suggested, a hopeful smile on her face, even she preferred having an adult with them then them all being alone. 
"NO!" Armour barked suddenly, making the teens all jump. "I'm sorry." The captain muttered quickly. "If we waited for reinforcements, and then made the trip to the outlands, we'll still have the three day journey, I have no clue how long it will take me, but if we waited... your mother..." He stared at Archy, who saw the hurt in his eyes. Ordering the young ones to put their lives in danger was tearing him apart, but his love for his sister and her friends was driving his decisions. 

"He's making a lotta sense!" Angy agreed, some strength returning to her voice as she took her role as leader once more. "We'll get there, see how we can get in, an' then we'll wait for Shinin' Armour to GET there, then we get our parents OUT of there!" There was a slight murmur of agreement, though each pony's reluctance to allow the large powerful captain was obvious. 
"Ok then, Thor, Archy, Seed, would you mind helping me bringing up some of the food from the kitchens?" Armour asked, the stallions all nodded and followed as Armour turned and headed back up the steps. 

As he reached the top of the steps, Seed glanced back at the three girls, all now gathering around his makeshift fire. And for a second he caught a glimpse of bright green eyes before Ruby turned away fast staring back at the fire instead of the departing work pony. 

Once they boys were gone, Sweetness blew a raspberry: Loud and wet, it distracted Ruby from her train of thought, causing her to giggle slightly. "Soooooooo...." Sweetness began, plopping onto her haunches and rolling backwards onto her back. "I'm sorry I worried you guys..." She said, glancing up between her parted forelegs and hind legs. 
"It's no problem." Angy said, slowly taking a seat, completing the triangle around the fire. No sooner had she sat she began to panic, looking around worried. Her terror was abated when she spotted the little yellow doll not far away, she leaned over and picked it up. When she settled again she gave a sigh, looking into the two little button eyes of the doll. 
"You know..." Sweetness addressed Angy, her worry and concern obviously pure acting. "I heard you shouldn't touch dolls that look like you..." 
"Oh?" Angy laughed, "An' why's that?"
"Well, you never know where they're from they could be a voodoo doll created by a witch who hates you or even a doll sent to our dimension from another designed to look like you because some weird creature has taken a liking to you so it sends the doll to be a spy and lure you to her dimension-" She gasped for breath, "Oooooooooooorrrrrrrrrr it could be you from the future defeated by some unknown evil magician slash seamstress who for their victory turned you into a doll and sent you back in time to this very instant so you can watch yourself make all the same mistakes as before and be unable to warn yourself due to your sown up mouth!" 

Sweetness finished her tirade leaving Angy and Ruby to stare in impressed awe. 
"Yall came up with that all by your lonesome?" Angy laughed though glancing at the doll with a slight bit more trepidation than before.  
"Yeeeeep!" Sweety laughed snorting slightly like her mother. "Or it could just be a doll." Her normal comment struck the other two dumb, she'd actually said something reasonable. The silence held for a second before the two burst into raucous laughter, which made Sweetness jump, then laugh even harder. The stress of the day ebbed out of them as the group giggled for ages, desperate to escape in the moment of joy!


....


"So? what the hay is up with you and Ruby?" Thor whispered sharply. Him and Seed where several paces behind Archy and his uncle. The young unicorn obviously wanted to spend time with his relative, especially after learning he wouldn't be accompanying  the group any further. So this was the time Thor chose to ask Seed the question he was dying to ask!
"We kissed." Seed said simply, not even trying to put up a fight against Thor's thirst for information. The pegasus's eyebrows skyrocketed, and he let out a whistle. 
"I knew you liked her, but I never guessed you'd actually... you know..." It was Seed's turn for his eyebrows to rise now. "No offense buddy, it's just... well... she's hot! Like, the sun kinda hot!" He clapped his orange friend on the back. "Nicely done!" Seed's excitement was less than desirable.
"Don't get too proud of me... I stopped her..." Thor laughed at the farm horses words, then did a double take.
"Wait, what?!" 

At the pegasus's loud words, Archy glanced back questioningly, Thor shrugged and shot a glance that said 'sorry.' Satisfied, Archy turned back and continued talking to Shining Armour.
"You stopped her? Why?!" Thor whispered furiously!
"BECAUSE!" Seed whispered back just as angrily. "We were looking for Sweetness! It was just... kind of an acciden' then... we kissed, when I said we should keep looking, she got all... funny." 
"Well yeah, that's gonna happen when a girl kisses a guy and he suggest they stop!" Thor chuckled, at which point Seed gave a playful yet hard shove into the pegasus's side, sending him tumbling to the side. He hit a door and stumbled right through into the other room as the pine panel swung open before him. The pegasus only had time to register the descending stair case bellow him before he made contact with the first step!

"OW-" CLANG "Geez!" SMASH "AHHH-" SLAM "WOOOAAAAHHHHH!" BANG! The noises emitting from beyond the door made Seed snigger, but as they continued he couldn't help himself as his laugh grew to an all out guffaw! The two leading unicorns came trotting back.
"What happened?" Shining Armour barked, worried, the copper stallion was no help however as he was doubled over in fits of hysterical laughter. Armour went over to the door that creaked as it hung ajar. He opened it, and with a quick spell from his horn, illuminated the dark space before him. Immediately he saw the steps, and with further investigation he saw the heap at the bottom. 

Thor lay at the bottom of the steps, perfectly fine, but his pride majorly wounded. His chin rested on the floor while his back curled up and over his skull, his wings hung lazy and defeated at his sides, like curtains over his eyes. His tail hung low and tickled the tip of his nose. He blew hard, trying to move it. "That was a lucky shot Seed!" He yelled defensively. 
"Isn't it always?" Archy sniggered as he came down the steps. He helped his friend up slowly, then looked around, his magic wasn't the best shade for casting light spells, but his horn's glow was strong enough to cast eerie shadows over the floor. As the light reached the wall, Archy called up happily to his uncle who still watched from the steps above. "Hey Uncle Armour, I think we found the food!" 

Sure enough, there were heaps of sacks, filled with grain, wheat, bread, cheese. Barrels filled with apples, pears and tomatoes. Crates of lettuce. All the basic essentials for the most basic of foods. Only moments later Archy came up, his horn shining hard and bright as he carried with him, a huge amount of food for the group to share the load of. As he released them gently onto the hallway floor, a bead of sweat trickled down his face. 
"You a'right there buddy?" Seed asked, crouching down to Archy's level as he hung his head panting. "That wouldn't be anythin' for you any other day!" The dark unicorn glanced up and smiled, gasping for air as he did so.
"Well... I guess... I'm just... to tired... after everything that happened today." Seed gave him an understanding nod, and picked up a few sacks and slung them over his back. Just like moving compost back home! Thor came up, opened his mouth to send Seed a barbed insult after his trip downstairs, but was cut short as the orange stallion slumped a few sacks on the burgundy stallion's back. 

Resigning to giving an annoyed grumble. Thor turned back the way he came and began to head down the hall, followed close by Seed. 
"Ummm... boys..." They turned back and saw Archy carrying a few sacks behind them, it obviously wasn't him who spoke. Even further behind stood Armour, still stood at the door to the cellar. "Would you mind... following me a little further down? I have something for you three." 
"For us?" Seed asked, clearly confused. He looked to Thor who shrugged, then shot him a devil may care smile, dumped the bags and trotted back towards Shining Armour. Archy did the same and began to follow again as Thor passed him. Seed watched for a moment, they had the food, what else could there be? And what could it be that it was only for the three of them? Shrugging he slumped his shoulders, dropping the bags to the side of the hall, and cantered to catch the quickly vanishing stallions. 

"So what is it you've got for us uncle Armour?" Archy asked, clearly oblivious to his uncle's plan, that put Seed's worries to an all out high! If the element of knowledge didn't know where they were heading, or that Armour hadn't all ready disclosed his plan during their discussions, then this surely couldn't be something well known, could it be... dangerous.
"It's just up here..." Armour mumbled not even attempting to answer his nephew's question. 

A few nervous moments later, for the boys following the captain. They came to a large red door, it was trimmed with golden metal around it's rim, and down the parting of the two double doors. In the very centre of the large entrance there was a single hole, dark and black. Armour signalled for the others to wait, and then approached the door. Seed was reminded of his mother's stories of Discord's first return, and the room that held the elements of harmony. Was that what was inside this smaller less grandiose door? The jewels of the Elements of Salvation? Armour slotted his horn into the hole and paused a moment. 

With a scrunch of his eyes, the captain shot a single powerful blast into the slot. The small glimmers of light of his magic seeped through the cracks in the door frame, illuminating the shape of the frame. The force of the spell made the ground shake and dust fall from the rafters above. Seed moved as a rather large cloud of it tried to fall upon him, which adjusted his view, meaning he was the first to see the door begin to slide open, splitting into two halves and releasing the captains horn, and showing the contents within the vault like room. 

From behind the sliding doors there seemed to be some source of light, gleaming and bright! It made Seed reel back as it began to shine brighter as it was revealed, pain shooting through his retinas. When next he looked upon  the room, there simply stood three mannequins: All adorning bright and gleaming...

"Armour?" Thor squawked, confused. "That's what we're here for, three grimy suits of armour? I must have seen a thousand of these things on the guards! 
"It's not just Armour..." Thor and Seed glanced to Archy, who stood between them staring with nothing less than pure astonishment! 
"Archy?" Thor asked, a little irked by his friend seemingly more frequent love for dramatics!
"Arrominavour..." The stallion whispered.
"Huh?" Seed asked, befuddled by the gibberish the unicorn was spouting.
"Alicorn armour!" The glasses wearing stallion eventually choked. 
"Yes." Armour said simply, striding up to the middle of the three mannequins it's silver plating trimmed with a golden gleaming material. "Equestrian war armour!" 
"War armour?" Seed stared incredulously. "Why do we have something like that? We've never had a war!" 
"No..." Armour conceded slowly, strolling around the suite checking it for any problems. "But preparation is key, these relics were part of a set of three thousand, prepared just to be sure our peace was protected." 

"Yeah, but when princess Celestia took over from her father, she had them all destroyed..." Archy explained, taking over the story. The unicorn began to approach the three suites and inspected them with awe in his eyes. Even the other two began to approach them, entranced by their beauty. "She thought that if you prepared for war, you invited war..." His brow furrowed. "I guess even she didn't believe that really!" Thor inspected the mannequin on the right, it's armour was black with a gold trim, a golden bolt emblazoned on the chest, a lot like his mothers cutiemark. 
"I-I've seen this before..." the Pegasus muttered. Seed looked surprised, but was the only one it seemed. 
"Yes, you have." Armour explained, coming over to the darkest suite. "You've seen it in every Hearth's warming eve play you've seen." The captain reached up placed his hoof on a small wide slot behind the forelegs, a hole for wings? "This was the armour of the true pegasus leader, Commander Hurricane!" Thor let out an amazed breath, seeing the armour in a new light, one of pure worship. 
"The helmet looks differen' than I remember..." Seed said confusedly, staring at the gaping hole just below the helmet's plume. 

"These are suits designed for Alicorns." Archy explained, not even looking up from the red tinted armour on the other side of the vault. "Hurricane's armour was a gift, when he died it was returned to the alicorns for their own use." Seed let out a small laugh. 
"Don' remember that partah the story..." He mumbled quietly. 
"That's why they're so much larger than normal ponies to!" Archy exclaimed, ducking between the legs of his mannequin. "They're designed for alicorns, but are enchanted to reshape around the body that wears them." He finally backed away and took in the sight of all three suites one last time. "The perfect protection!" he whispered. Seed looked at Archy's concerning expression, why did he like the idea of these tools of destruction and war so much? He glanced to Thor, who also was looking on, sharing Seed's concerned expression.
"So why exactly are you showing us these Captain Armour?" Thor asked, trying to distract Archy from his bleak train of thought. 
"Because..." Armour, "If you're going to save Twily, and the rest of your parents... you'll need these! They're all that would help against... Discord." He seemed to almost spit the name of the draconequus. "If... If I'd know they were coming... if I could have gotten the princesses here first! I..." He scrunched his eyes, breaking Archy's heart at the sight of his uncle broken. 

Armour breathed deeply, and when he opened his eyes once again he was calm. "I already failed once, twice if you count Dying Armour escaping... three times if you count him existing... I have a lot to answer for, and if I can help you save my sister... and her friends... It'll make me feel a little less useless." Suddenly he swung his forehooves up and pulled the helmet off of the mannequin in the centre. as the golden trimmed helmet pulled from the head of the figure, the rest of the suit began to vibrate, slowly at first, but it quickly built up as the armour straps unbuckled themselves by some unseen magic. Piece by peace, as their straps loosened, the armour segments shot from the manequin, to the helmet, slamming hard into it and sticking to it. As the final leg brace came into place, Armour held out the helmet to the closest stallion, Seed. The farm pony took the helmet, bracing himself for the heaviest weight he'd ever carried. Yet the large mash of metal weighed no more than a half full bag of apples. 

"You carry it wherever you go." Armour ordered curtly, Seed nodded. "When you need it, you put the helmet on, there's a space for your head... then the armour will do the rest." Seed nodded again and moved away, admiring the gleaming metal, even when wadded up like this it still looked grand, the shape resembled something like a dragon sleeping. The helmet was the head, and the backing was the long body, its braces: Legs and arms, and the tail guard, a short stubby tail. As Archy passed him to take the red armour's helmet off, and Thor the same with Commander hurricane's, Seed wondered, not only was there an opening for his head, but the backing curved inwards and the bracer hung at the sides, almost like... a saddle.

He had only worn a saddle briefly, usually when pulling the plough back home, but was this designed to be carried on his back? He took it in his forehoof, and reached behind, holding the metal carefully. As it touched his back he flinched, it was cold, with barely any padding beneath the freezing metal. But no sooner had it touched his back, the bracers trembled then curled around his chest, like spider legs curling up when they protect themselves. Seed let go, and wiggled his back, the armour jingled faintly, but didn't move. 
"Well it looks like Seed has the right idea!" Armour laughed, watching the farm pony as the other two took hold of their helmets with the armour attached to them. "Now all you do is fling your head back till you feel it touch the inside of the helmet. "Don't worry, you can't see it, but that armours all ready melding to your body shape." Almost like a response to the captains words. The armour clinked on Seeds back and he swore he could feel it shifting. 

He pushed his head up, and felt a faint pressing against his mane. The opening curl of the helmet had already adjusted to the length of his neck! Seed took a breath, then pushed back that last inch. The helmet adjusted fast, the sides clung to his head, and he felt the helmet shrink to perfectly curve around his head. Instantly the braces released his chest, springing out and latched themselves onto his shins, the straps all tied themselves fast as the metal curled around to perfectly match his bones structure. The backing expanded to cover his broad shoulders and his longer back. The tail brace curled around his rear, Slightly tucking his tail down so it hung there, none of it sticking up, perfectly protecting it from an attack if one came. As fast as it had begun, the armour ceased moving. Seed dropped his head and felt the only ever so slightly denser weigh of his head, he cracked his neck, and the movement sent a sheet of the golden material shooting down from the base of the helmet, shielding his exposed neck and making him jump. He stood there frozen for a moment before he registered the laughter. 

Her looked around and saw Shining Armour smiling. "Yeah the neck brace caught me by surprise the first time to!" 
"You mean you've worn these?" Archy asked, already with his suit on his back, waiting for it to adjust so he could adorn the magical protection. 
"Yes, I needed to, its law that if both princesses survive an attack and get here, that their protector -whoever gets them here- must adorn the other suite, being the captain of the guard the princesses saw it fit that I knew how it worked, to ensure no time was wasted explaining when the need was great!" Archy nodded, and realised the helmet was brushing the back of his head, he jammed his head back, and broke in to a massive grin as the armour sprang to life around him! Seed looked over to Thor, who being the only pegasus, was struggling with the armour due to his wings. 
"It had slots on it before! Where the hay did they go?!"
"Here..." Armour smiled, coming over and taking the armour from him. HE gave a smile, and simply placed the opening of the helmet onto Thor's head. The effect was the exact same, the amour came to life, it seemed almost faster than Seed's and Archy's armour transformation! "As long as your head is inside the helmet it doesn't matter where the rest of it is, it will all be drawn together and encase you!" 

Finally the three were ready, they approached each other, each staring at the other two, even staring at their reflections in the gleaming polished metal of the others. 
"This is so... AWESOME!" Thor shouted, flinging up a foreleg to check out the gold and black armour. "I'm ACTUALLY wearing the ACTUAL armour warn by the ACTUAL Commander Huricane!" 
"You never struck me as a history lover Thor..." Archy laughed, but even he was awed by the armour he'd only read of in his books. 
"When it's this cool I am!" Thor cried, taking to the air in whoops of ecstasy! "This is SOOOOOO COOL!" His voice echoed out around the hall, and Shining Armour gave a laugh as he watched the spiralling pegasus.  

Seed held up his foreleg, and stared into his own eyes reflection. His eyes were the colour of his mothers, and she always sprung to mind whenever he saw them. He was the element of strength, but now with this, he felt almost unstoppable, he'd march in there, free the adults, prove his worth! He'd be a spectacle, an all out legend of Equestria. He smiled, unable to stop the confident thought that sprung to mind. 

"Wait until Ruby gets a look at me in this!"
> The wrest before the journey
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"MINCE PIES, MINCE PIES, COOKIES AND MILK! PINKIE HAS THESE AND RARITY HAS SILK!" Sweetness and Ruby sat there, clapping their hooves together in Sweetness's own form of Patty cake. "BOOKS AND FACTS ARE TWILIGHT'S THING, WHILE BIG MACINTOSH IS THE APPLE KING!" The fun was childish yes, but Ruby felt in a childish mood. After the stress of their journey up to Canterlot and then the added misery from her kiss with Seed she had decided the hell with maturity for now, it seemed to help Sweetness, so she was going to give it a try herself! "Rainbow's flying is the very best, while Fluttershy makes animals her personal guests!" Though both enjoying the chant, they were both beginning to lose interest, even the entertained looking Angy seemed to be losing interest.

Her eyes wandered towards the steps that led to the landing, the ones that she'd watched Thor head up with Archy and her cousin. She regretted not hugging him, she'd been so overcome by seeing Sweetness safe and sound that she'd not even attempted to embrace the stallion she... Angy halted her train of thought.  What was she about to finish that thought with? She frowned at the amber flames as she thought, she knew she liked him, not sure when it started, but she knew. So now those feelings were getting worse? Or better? Or whatever! 

"HELLO EVERYPONY!" The girls all jumped, turning to look in the direction of the voice, their jaws all dropped. Angy and Ruby's were a little more approving than Sweetness's  but no less impressed! On the landing three stallions were in plain sight, one pegasus wearing a black and gold suite of armour hovering a few feet above the other's heads, a unicorn, his dark colouring dead set against his red trimmed silver armour, his horn protruding from a hole beneath the plume of the helmet, and an earth pony, looking the grandest in an armour trimmed with the purest looking gold. Ruby couldn't take her eyes of off Apple Seed, the fact he'd left as... well as Apple Seed, and had now come back like this! This impressive, amazing, almost regal looking warrior pony! Angy was in similar fits of speechlessness, staring at Thor, his bright aqua mane highlighting the dark armour he boar perfectly.

"G-g-guys?" Angy choked eventually stuttering unbelievably like her mother. "W-where did you get those?" 
"From me." Shining Armour's voice rang out around the hall, though he couldn't be seen near the three stallions. They all glanced around, trying to spot him, and with a cry from Sweetness they found him stood over a balcony overlooking the hall. With the light hitting him in such a way, the stallion looked tired, far older than he should, but his stern look was one of a soldier on a mission. "These suites should help the boys keep you all safe as you go through the outlands and find your parents." He winced, his battle with Dying Armour clearly taking its toll finally after the long day. "I'm going to get started with searching the grounds for any survivors. If I'm not here at dawn, head off without saying goodbye , you need to keep going!" This all seemed news to Archy, who watched his uncle from the other end of the hall with a crestfallen look on his face. Before he could even speak up, the captain ended his speech before turning and handing into the bowels of Canterlot. "Get some rest, some food, then head out in the morning. " Then he was gone. 

His dramatic words almost shattered the light hearted atmosphere the girls had created before. Leaving them all in an awestruck silence. As the echoes of the older stallion's hoofsteps faded into nothing, the three stallions began to make their way to the fire a little less chauvinistic than before. They all carried small sacks that the girls hadn't noticed before, hopefully containing their supplies. Once they came close enough, Sweetness tried to reignite the happy mood of before. 
"What is that stuff!" She cooed as she came basically appeared in front of Archy, making him jump. 
"Uhhh... Armour?" 
"I KNOW THAT SILLY FILLY!" she laughed, poking the chest piece of the stallion's suite. "It's too shiny to be normal armour!" She took her second hoof and began poking the chest of the stallion with that as well. Archy laughed.
"Sweetness!" 
"What? It makes a funny noise!" It was true, with each rap on the armour a subtle 'Ding' emitted from the metal plate. Archy laughed harder as Sweetness picked up the pace, until the noise resembled that of a fire bell. The others began to laugh to as they watched the pink limbs becoming a blur as they poked as fast as possible, and Sweetness's tongue sticking out slightly in concentration. Most of all they laughed at Archy's expression, though laughing, the metal was beginning to vibrate vigorously, jostling the young stallion's head side to side. 

Seed bent down and slid the sacks off his back as he watched the spectacle, chuckling as he did. But as he took a breath, he heard a far more effeminate giggle to his right. He looked over, through the flames of the fire and saw Ruby. Her eyes had tears in them with joy at the sight of the vibrating Archy. It made Seed glad, to see she was feeling better than before he left. 

Ruby felt eyes on her. She glanced to her left from the sight of Sweetness's unintentional torture of Archy, and looked through the flames of the fire and found two soft green eyes watching her. They weren't harsh or horrible, they were round and caring. It was Seed, he stooped with his neck still lowered from releasing the sacks on his back. He seemed like he had simply forgotten to stand again, or had been distracted. She gave the stallion a smile, she felt some of the sadness from before melt away from the concerned look in those emerald eyes. 

Ruby gave him a small smile, one which possibly suggested an apology. He didn't want one, in fact if anything, he wanted to apologise to her! It was only when he felt his forehead beginning to burn did he realised he was still stooped close to the flames. He straightened up and returned the smile. 

"Hey! Look what I found on my way back here!" Archy cried, finding a reason to escape the unrelenting poking. He zipped away in the direction he had come from when he first met up with the group when searching for Sweetness. Moments later he came back with a gramophone, just like the ones that they had all had back in Ponyville. Sweetness squeed with joy and bolted towards it, snatching it up and placing it carefully on a table. She delicately placed the needle on the record and almost immediately it came to life with one of her favourite songs. 
"Woooo! Party time everypony!" She laughed as she began to dance furiously. Archy laughed and flicked his head back hard. In response the armour clinked, and the helmet shot to his back, and the other pieces of the suite shot up to his back releasing him from their protective cover. Sweetness stared in awe, her mouth making the perfect shape of a circle as she cried, "Ooooooooh!" Archy smiled and with a glow of his horn pulled it off of his back and began to dance, if not a little reservedly. 

"Hahaha! Now this is a party!" Thor laughed, flicking his head back to release the gold and black suite. As soon as it was loose, he shook it off onto the floor and grabbed Angelica's hoof.
"WohwaitThorwhatareyoudoing?!" She rushed before being pulled into the centre of the room by her fellow pegasus to dance.

So amerced were they in their dancing, they didn't notice a platinum and purple unicorn heading towards the entrance to the hall, followed by an armoured orange stallion. Ruby came out into the chilling air of the outside and gave a little shiver, she glanced back and saw Seed following her out. She quickly looked away, trying to hide the faint smile that spread across her face. As he approached, Seed was blinded by a burst of light in the west. He winced and shielded his eyes. When he had recovered, he squinted and saw the light was the sun setting over the mountains of the outlands. However, something else caught his eye. On the balcony to the right of the entrance steps, profiled by the light of the setting amber sun, stood Ruby. 

A stray lock of her mane fell over her eyes, slowly, she reached up and brushed it back again before glancing up at the farm stallion. The smallest of nervous smiles spread across her lips as she looked at him. The look gave the drained stallion newfound energy, and he used this energy to walk over to the balcony. "Hey." He said casually as he came over and rested his forelegs on the banister.
"Hi." She said quietly, somewhere beneath her normal voice, Seed was sure he could sense an undertone, but it wasn't misery. "So, that's where we're going then?" Ruby asked, Seed followed her gaze to the distant mountains of the desert lands. 
"Yeah..." Seed mumbled, losing a little of his confidence. 
"Our parents are out there?" 
"Yeah." Seed looked back at the peaks again, leant in and pointed. "That one!" he said as he gestured to the clearly talest mountain. Ruby gave a shaky laugh.
"Well it helps that we know where we're going I guess..." 
"Yeah, makes a change!" 'Stop saying 'Yeah you dolt!' Ruby laughed at the comment.
"What you mean you didn't know we were going to Zecora's? Or through a tunnel to Canterlot?" 
"Nope! Must have missed that memo!" The two laughed a little harder now. Then once it died, a meaningful silence rained over the two. 

"Ruby..."
"Hmm?" 
"You know..." Seed suddenly had a lump in his throat the size of a dragon egg! "About what happened in the storage room..."
"Oh don't worry!" Ruby rushed, suddenly blushing. "It's ok, I was stupid, I shouldn't have tried to kiss you! I just suddenly got this weird feeling, and then I... just kind of... did it." She was rambling as she usually did when nervous.
"Wait, no, don't apologise! I wanted to kiss you!" Seed amended as fast as he could, leaving Ruby struck dumb in surprise. 
"Y-you did?" 
"O'course I did!" Seed cried, a little louder than he meant to. His volume made Ruby jump, but smile as well. Then she frowned. 
"Wait... if you did... then why did you stop me?" It was just like Thor had said! Seed gulped and made a note to punch the pegasus for not telling him this sooner, so this whole mess could have been avoided!

"Well..." Seed began, "It was 'cos... well, we were trying to find Sweetness." Ruby closed her eyes, a look of self loathing spreading across her face.
"And you wanted to find her safe and sound." She finished for Seed.
"Exactly!" Seed exclaimed, overjoyed that she understood. Yet her eyes stayed shut, while her face shifted from understanding to obvious misery. "Ruby?" He asked, coming up beside her leaning in to check she was ok. 
"I..." She choked with a cracking voice. 
"You what?" Seed pushed.
"I...I can't do this Seed! This whole thing! I thought once we got here..." She looked up at the smoking castle, Seed saw the tattered spires reflected in her big green eyes. "I thought everything would be all better! Like with our parent's stories. Canterlot was always safe!" She looked back at Seed, tears not far away. "But now..." 

Seed stretched out his forelegs, and Ruby accepted the embrace without question. "But now we gotta make it safe again." Seed said simply. His muzzle buried in Ruby's soft swirling mane. His words made Ruby stir, and she looked up at him, a look of a mare completely lost. 
"How? I can't do anything to save Equestria, Celestia! Listen to me! Who should have to say they need to SAVE EQUESTRIA!" 
"We do." Seed said, still holding her close, locking gazes with the beautiful mare. "Jus' like our parents. Who are waitin' for us to get our flanks over there t' save'm!" Ruby gave a shaky smile, then it sank back to a frown.
"But, what if they're... not... waiting..." Seed didn't let her finish the thought. He cut her off with a sudden and strong kiss. Ruby's eyes flew open in shock. She pushed him away, not far, but enough for their lips to part. "Why... why did you do that..." Seed gave a shaky smile. 
"Well, Ruby... you know... I've been crazy 'bout you for years!" 

Ruby stared, then smiled, swooping in for another kiss. 

As their lips met, the sun sank behind the mountains in the west and its rays gave one last desperate attempt for life. They sprang forth, almost brighter than ever through the shattered windows of the entrance hall catching the eyes of all those inside. 
"Earrgh!" Thor grumbled, shielding his assaulted eyes with a wing. As he parted it's feathers slowly to see what was blinding him. He spotted the two out on the balcony through the gaping window. He gave a small proud smirk and looked away, but his was the only subtle reaction. Angy gasped in surprise at the sight but quickly silenced herself, leaving herself to beam happily for both her cousin and close friend. Archy laughed triumphantly punching the air with a foreleg and toppling backwards due to the unrelenting force of Karma. Sweetness irrupted into fits of girlish giggles at the sight, wiggling her legs in joy at the sight. Thor's smirk broke into a massive grin at the other's reactions, and he mustered all his strength not to let his growing pride force him into zipping up to Seed and tackling him to the ground in pride. 

When Ruby and Seed pulled away finally, the world seemed to come back into focus, just enough for them to hear the commotion inside. They both turned their heads to investigate, and simultaneously realised what had happened. Ruby's cheeks flushed deep pink, and Seed suddenly became a lot quieter, if not without a small smirk of happiness and unavoidable pride. The two glanced at each other nervously, then with a gentlecoltly offering foreleg, Seed invited Ruby to head in before him. Her lips curled in a bashful smile, and she did so. 

And as the last of the light faded and night set in. The group all gathered around the fire, and began to relax and rest, preparing for the adventure that had only just begun. 


.....


Have to escape! 
Need to get pack to the hive! 
To the lair!
Away from that damned city!
Away from that cursed pony of a father!

Dying Armour's strength was dwindling, he'd been flying for far too long. He'd first headed for Ponyville, in the hopes of finding his fellow changelings taking residence there, however there was no sign of them!

Why was he so tired? This week? Had the fight with his father-NO!- the captain been that hard? Or had it simply been the sudden pain of loss that had shot through his heart? Through the night he flew, after Ponyville, he headed for the outlands. The years of rigorous, almost unbearable, training had turned into a machine. Once given a purpose he would pursue it, with laser focus. Once he got to the lair he's find his mother and ensure she was ok. She'd been in Canterlot, but if she was in that much pain that Dying Armour felt it himself, his fellow changelings would take her back, if not by carrying her, then sacrificing their lives by gifting her with their love, granting her power to teleport such a far distance!

Find mother! 
Help her!
Get revenge later!

The cloudy peaks of the night covered mountains were a welcome sight, and as Dying Armour descended towards the opening to one of the many catacombs into the mountain, he breathed a sigh of relief. The cold air within the narrow tunnels was a welcome change to his sweat covered skin. He panted, slowly regaining strength as he continued, now no longer in a rush. 

As he came out through the tunnel exit and into the wide open cave of the changeling lair, he cried out. "Mother?! MOTHER?!" He zipped across the air, over the heads of the many changelings on the floor, chattering and sniggering as the always did, over to the ledge that the queen had adorned with material she had obtained in her recent conquests. It was the grandest part of the cave, however, when he reached it. Dying Armour gaped in horror at what he saw lying across the ledge. 

Discord!

The draconequus opened an eye as the changeling/pony half-breed approached, as he lay there supposedly sleeping. 
"Oh..." He mused. "Your still alive." 
"Of course I am!" Dying Armour growled to the cocky creature, the only thing he hated more than his own father! "Why wouldn't I be?" 
"You could have been outmatched." Discord said simply, reaching up and picking his teeth the tip of his tail. 
"What by that stallion? Pfft!" Dying Armour laughed. Realising he'd been momentarily distracted by his pride, he resumed his previous train of thought. "Where is my mother!" 
"Hmmm. Well she was... outmatched." A devilish grin spread across his lips. 
"WHAT?! BY WHO? THAT FOOL OF A CAPTAIN? THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE!" 
"Oh nonononoooo, calm down my dear little freak..." Discord purred, leaning up on his elbows, stretching his legs out behind him as he did. "By me." 
"WHAT?!" Dying Armour screamed, exploding in an instantaneous bout of anger. He shot straight for the Draconequus's throat, but his path came short when he was blocked by two drones who slammed into his front, barging him back. 

The chimera smirked from behind his personal guards, giving a cynical wave to Dying Armour. "WHAT DID YOU DO DISCORD?!" the commander of the changelings screamed. 
"Simple," Discord moaned drolly. "I took what is rightfully mine..." He vanished in a flash of light, and reappeared seconds later, his face pressed hard against Dying Armour's. "Power." He finished darkly. Armour backed away and swung at the draconequus with his razor horn. But as it was about to strike. The chimera simply vanished, only to reappear on his seat on the ledge. 
"So you killed my mother?" Dying armour growled, nothing but pure loathing in his voice. 
"Oh... lighten up!" Discord laughed. "If anything it was a mercy killing! She was bound to run out of love eventually, then shed suffer, at least this way she simply..." His eyes glinted an even darker shade of red than usual. "Bled out." Dying Armour irrupted again, surging forward he struck the first protector in the face, and gashed at the other with his horn, once the path was clear he shot forward like a bullet. Only to be sent back by an explosive push of air sent by a flick of the draconequus's wrist. 

After he had recovered in the air, Dying Armour looked up, only to see his fellow changelings all glaring at him. Twelve instead of two now hung in the air, guarding the dreadful twisted creature. 
"What are you doing?" He screamed, addressing the entire cave. "He killed our queen!" No response came, only the same hateful stares. 
"That's the thing about power..." Discord smiled, even from this far away Dying armour could see the glint of his fang in the dull light. "Those who have it, order, those who don't..." He snapped his fingers, and a swarm of twenty changelings shot into the air and straight for the hovering outcast. 

They streamed past, all slicing and cutting, screeching with bloodthirsty glee as they assaulted the last sovereign of the old regime. Armour had no chance to escape or defend, he could only cry out as his supposed family dug deep and tore at his flesh in thick meaty chunks. Another click of the twisted fingers, and the assault was over. The large changeling almost fell, but his dragonfly wings buzzed furiously, managing to secure him after a heavy drop. 

Armour now looked out of cut, bleeding and bruised eyes. His unusually red blood creating a scarlet veil over his vision. "You see?" Discord addressed the shrieking masses. "Red blood..." he looked up and locked gazes with Dying Armour, who with a heavy heart knew that the next words would exile him forever. "... Just like a pony." The seething mass beneath Armour irrupted in furious cries of anger. Now without prompt, they all surged for the solitary outlaw. 
"BROTHERS! NO! PLEASE!!!" Armour shrieked, shooting the draconequus one last hateful glance before shooting back up into the catacombs followed closely by the deadly swarm that had once been his family!


.....


"Hey...Psssst... Sweetness?" 

It was night, the cold wind had come fast through the gaping windows of Canterlot castle, leaving the entrance hall in an almost deadly chill. If not for Archy's spell on the fire, it would have gone out long ago leaving the group to freeze. The six lay almost in pairs. Thor and Angelica slept close to the fire, holding each others close and braving the flames for a warmer sleep. Apple Seed and Ruby lay further away, still in the vicinity to gain the benefits of the fire, while still staying cool as they slept, her head resting gently on his foreleg beneath her. The only two left were Archimedes and Sweetness, the latter of which was now fading back into reality from the land of sleep by the call of her name. 

"Uhhh... huh? Hello?" She said, her voice barely more than a whisper. She looked up to see Archy's dark eyes gleaming back at her in the fire light. "Mmmmm...Archy?" She murmured blearily rubbing her eyes, clearly confused by this sudden awakening. 

"Hey." He smiled, giving her an almost apologetic smile. "I've got something for you, I couldn't really give it to you before my uncle dragged us off, plus, Thor would have a field day if he saw me giving you a gift." He smiled bashfully, but Sweetness's confusion vanished at the word. 
"Gift? You got me a gift!" She beamed, springing up into the air, scooping her legs up beneath her and landing quickly on her rump. Archy stared for a moment in disbelief, then shook his head and continued. 
"Yeah, I found it in the library..." Sweetness looked slightly less excited suddenly. Archy reached back to a small pile of debris, there was a crack in between two of the stones, and it became clear that as Archy reached into it, the crack made a perfect storage area. Sweetness began to rock back and forth giddy with excitement. "I know we made you feel kind of bad today, and I'm really sorry..." Archy began as he retracted his hoof from the crevice. "But when I was looking for you, I found this, and I thought... maybe... it'd just make you feel better to have something with their faces on it.

Without further explanation, Archy handed over the sheet of paper. As she took it, Sweetness instantly recognised her father's face. It was the same as the statue. Sweetness's lips parted as she stared at the thin sheet, running a hoof over his twisted face. 
"P-Pappa..." She whispered, her hoof strayed over to the pink mare beside him, beaming her usual happy smile. "Mamma." 

When she looked back up from the page, her eyes were gleaming with the hint of tears. "A-Archy..." She smiled, pushing the pearly liquid into small blobs which then escaped and ran down her cheeks. "I love it!" She whispered, before springing forward and hugging the unsuspecting stallion hard. 
"Heh..." Archy smiled, hugging her back gently. "It's ok, I just thought... it was something to help, if you could see your parents whenever you wanted..." 

She pulled away, tears vannishing, replaced by her usual happy demeanour. "I LOVE IT!" She backed off and closed her eyes, beaming brightly. "I've got something for you to!" 
"Really?" Archy frowned. "What is it?" 
"I dunno silly! You gotta decide!" Sweetness scooted over to sit beside the stallion beside the fire. "Anything you want, anytime, anywhere, no matter how hard it is! I'll get it!"
"Sweetness... you don't have to..."
"Nope." Sweetness giggled. "But I want to anyway! You're my friend after all!" Archy grew a little reserved.
"Ummm... even after everything, me not telling you about your... about Discor... about... Ponyville." She had just come back to them, he wasn't about to re-open that can of worms again unless completely necessary. Sweetness seemed to ignore what Archy was obviously about to say., still holding onto her beaming smile. 
"Yup! Friends fight, but that doesn't mean you're no longer friends, right?" Archy's worry ebbed away, replaced with a smile. 
"Right." He confirmed, before he began to return to his sleeping place, as did Sweetness, her new picture nuzzled between her face and forleg as she cuddled it, and drifted back of to sleep.


.....


Not soon after the two fell asleep, two eyes retreated from the gloom. He was glad to see them safe, but refused to celebrate until his sister and her friends came back home.

Shining Armour didn't want to wake the children, especially after they'd grown so calm after their travels filled with danger and death. He didn't want to give them the news that his search of the western wing of the castle had found not a single pony alive. He gave a sigh, and headed to the east wing, ready to begin the whole process again. 

His hooves echoed as he passed through yet another shattered doorway and walked down another deserted hallway. His heart was heavy with sombre and miserable thoughts, both fictional and real. He worried of what they'd done to Twilight, all the gruesome tortures plagued his mind as he wandered. That was the fiction, the reality came as he looked out a window looking back over the castle grounds and towards the outlands. the plain deserted desert stretched out beyond in the cold night, and there, in the distance, only a mass of darker black against the almost inpenatrable night, were the mountains. 

As he stared and pondered whether he should go with the youths, the smallest hints of orange began to dot across the sky, as the sun finally began to rise. He had only enough thought left to recognise it's early rise. It was to be expected if the princess had been captured, or worse... killed. Now that twisted creature had control over the days and nights most likely.

For one desperate second, his mind thought a dreadful thought. "Take that spawn of his! that supposed pony he had with Pinkie and call for him until he comes!" He shook his head, amazed and horrified at the thoughts. "It's war, he attacked Canterlot! War needs hostages! Who better than the enemy commander's daughter!" Again he tried to shake loose the dreadful thinking. That child back there was perfectly innocent, why blame the daughter for the actions of the father! Why punish her.

As he watched the fast rising sun, he tried to understand why he was thinking such terrible thoughts. Maybe it was losing Twilight, or maybe Caidence's absence, or the dreaded secret of his past coming back in the form of a deadly enemy, whatever it was it was a dark place that scared him, and he hated it. 

With a sigh of exhaustion, he began to move away, left alone, searching a dead castle for something that could bring him hope that Equestria -his home- could come back to him. 


.....


As those first few rays reached the castle, leaving one stallion to mope and wander. Those same rays were seeping through the windows of a jail cell, set deep in the mountains high in the outlands to another stallion to see. 

He looked up, his tattered coat catching in his shackles. His dark tired eyes almost burning in the light. With shaking hooves he pushed himself off of the dirt encrusted stone floor, and hobbled towards the window his bindings clanking with each agonising step. With a tremendous effort, he reached the window in time to collapse forward and grab the bars ahead of him in time to steady himself. 

When next he looked up, his strength was almost sapped already! With a pained look between the bars, he stared across the scarce wasteland towards the distant grey mountains, to Canterlot. And with dread in his heart he saw smoke, rising in plumes, thick enough to be seen this far away. Suddenly, new strength irrupted within him. 
"No!" He whispered, before the rumbling began again. As the changelings in the bowels of the mountain screamed for some new unknown reason.

> The horde
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Right! Everypony up!" Seed grunted awake, confused and unsure what was going on. A small laugh came from above him, as Seed looked up, he saw Angelica smirking back.
"Good night sleep Cuzz'?" her eyes flicked ahead of Seed, he followed her gaze and saw the sleeping Ruby ahead of him who began to stir from Angelica's loud cry. Seed tried to hide the smile spreading across his lips. "Well," Angelica began again loudly, making Seed jump. "Plenty of time to sleep tonight! For now, get those haunches off the floor!" She gave the stallion a light kick, before moving off across the room.

Another grunt caught Seed's attention, he glanced over and saw Archy getting up, murderous intent for Angelica burning in his eyes! Seed smirked before leaning down to wake Ruby gently. 
"C'mon sweetheart, we gotta get goin'." 
"Hmmmm..." Ruby grumbled, her brow furrowing slowly. "hmm... five more minutes..." Seed laughed, then nudged her again softly. "Ruby, we aint got time for sleepin', we need to get movin'." Another inaudible moan escaped the mare's lips before her eyes finally opened. Sitting up, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and peered around slowly. When her gaze found the round green eyes of Seed just ahead of her, she gave a small smile. 
"H-hi..." She said quietly.
"Hi." Seed replied returning the smile in full. 

"Come ooooooon everypony! Get moving!" Angelica laughed, looking over the group of slow moving ponies. She glanced over to the sacks of food waiting for them and gave a little grin. "Well... I guess this food is gonna go all to waste!" Immediately Thor sprang to his hooves, even Ruby glanced up hopefully, this only made Angelica laugh more. Slowly she stooped down and began to rummage through the sacks, taking out some simple foods for their breakfast, before the beginning of their journey across the outlands.


.....


"What's going on down here?" A large deep chestnut pony asked of his fellow guard as they stood at the end of the rocky corridor. 
"He won't shut his trap sir!" The guard replied, snapping to attention. Sure enough, the guards superior began to hear the anguished cries from one of the cells further down the hall. 
"Ok, I'll deal with this, as you were soldier." As the guard snapped back to attention, the higher officer travelled down the hall of cells etched into the mountain's stone, towards the grieving yells from their oldest prisoner.

"Alright alright!" the officer shouted angrily slamming a hoof against the bars angrily. "What's all this noise about!" 
"Kartoruss!" The prisoner yelped, lunging for the bars only to fall short due to the chains tethering him to the floor. He stumbled but managed to steady himself before falling. "You have to help me!"
"Oh?" Kartoruss smirked. "What with?" 
"Canterlot!" 
"What of it?"
"It's burning!" The stallion pleaded, nothing but pure fear in his eyes. Kartoruss did nothing but laugh at the prisoner. 
"And what would you have me do? Rush to my king and beg he send help?" The prisoner's eyes gleamed with hope. Kartoruss turned away and began to walk down the hall laughing maniacally.
"If it is burning, then maybe we'll go and claim it! If you want I could bring you back a souvenir! 
"You'll pay for this Kartoruss!" the prisoner screamed, pulling hard at his chains. "When I get out I'll-"
"When you get out, I'll bow at your hooves and accept whatever punishment you think fit of me!" the guard laughed casually as he reached the doorway to the upper rooms of the fortress. "But until then, farewell!" 

For a moment there was silence. The stallion walked back over to his tiny hole of a window and stared out at the world. It had been hours since the smoke had stopped pluming from the spires of Canterlot, but who knew what had happened, what could be happening! Another moment of silence passed, before the stallion swung his forelegs up against the bars of the windows, letting out an almighty elemental scream filled with anger, grief and all manner of miserable emotions. 


.....


"I don't know but I've been told, Apple Seed's butt is covered in mould!" 
"Go on Thor! Sing that line one last time! I dare you!" They'd been travelling for the best part of four hours now. It seemed that after Canterlot, the landscape grew dead and wild very quickly. Already the green pastures of what they knew were gone, the grass grew longer here, reaching up to their chests and tickling their noses. Thor soared above the group singing crude and slightly annoying tunes to pass the time. It had been Seed who had made the comment, it was him who Thor now sailed down to walk next to. 
"Oh come on Seed, it's only a joke." He nudged him gently as they walked. "Act all hurt and we may start believing it's true." He winked at his friend. 

"What are you talking about, 'believing?'" came the voice of Archy a few feet to the left. Seed glanced over and spotted both the top of his head and the glimpse of his gifted armour gleaming in the sun. "We've all seen Seed's butt at some time or another, and we've seen those grim little green spores!" A high pitched giggle told them all that Sweetness wasn't far behind the unicorn. Everypony else laughed as well, even Seed. 

Thor shot back into the skies again itching to stay in the air, leaving Seed to walk alone for a moment.
"Now, I'm quite sure that your 'butt' is perfectly free of mould!" said a quiet voice. Seed turned to see Ruby following with a faint smile on her lips.
"I didn't know you'd been looking." The orange stallion joked, slowing slightly to allow the mare to catch up.
"And if I have?" Ruby challenged jokingly, Seed glanced around smiling. So far their journey had been uneventfull, leaving their spirits high, hence everypony's chipper mood. 
"Stick around, and you might find out." Seed winked, Ruby giggled, when the fit passed she smiled.
"I suppose that's enough reason to stay then." Seed laughed, and the two walked close beside each other, heads nuzzled against each other. 

"Geez!" Archy grunted, looking away from Seed and Ruby only to see Thor and Angy walking closely beside each other. "Are we all destined to date each other?" Archy glanced to the mare to his right. Sweetness raised an eyebrow.
"Well if you want we can, but you need to get me a cupcake first!" Archy sniggered. 
"Fresh out, sorry Sweetness..."
"Ahh, it's ok, you're too smart for me anyway!" They both laughed then grew quiet as they walked. "So..." Archy glanced to the pink mare who looked like something was bugging her. "Is that heavy?" she looked at the glinting armour latched onto Archy's back. The dark unicorn glanced back and wiggled his back, letting the compact suite jingle gently.
"Not really... I kind of forgot it was there to be honest. "
"So... would it work... for me?" Sweetness asked tentatively.
"I guess so, it's designed to change around the wearer so it should surely fit you if you needed it. Why?" 
"I dunno..." Sweetness frowned. "You know about my mom's sense?" 
"The Pinkie sense? Yeah why? You got it to?"
" Not exactly..." Sweetness looked up to the sky, staring into the few white clouds above. "It's just a feeling I have. Keep that armour close Archy, I think we're gonna need it soon." Archy grimaced at the sombre prediction, but quickly pushed his head back ensuring that the helmet was still ready to receive his skull as they walked. 

Archy jumped suddenly at a loud rumbling close by, he looked to the source, Sweetness's stomach. Said mare gave a massive grin. "Sorry Archy!" He laughed at his jumpiness.
"Guessing you're hungry?" 
"Yeah... kinda." Sweetness said bashfully. 
"We can't spare much, but what you think you could have to tide you over 'till our next camp?" 
"Cookie!" Sweetness said ecstatically as Archy rummaged in a few of the bags he was carrying like the other stallions. 
"I don't really think I have any Sweetness."
"NO! COOKIE!" The others looked over to Sweetness's cry, she was gazing straight up in the air. They followed her gaze, and there was nothing.

"Sweetness?" Ruby asked slowly, approaching the pink earth pony. "Did you see Cookie?" 
"Uhuh!" Sweetness nodded her bouncy mane bouncing happily as her tongue stuck out ever so slightly. 
"Where?" Seed asked, returning to analysing the skies in search for the large bird. "I can't see him."
"Oh don't worry he's right over..." Sweetness stuck her hoof in the air, pointing. Suddenly the confidence vanished as her foreleg faltered. "...there?" She finished confusedly. The pink mare glanced around to her friends. "I was sure it was him..." 
"I'll check it out." Said Thor. Blasting into the air with speed close to his mother's.  

Once in the air, Thor shot straight for the spot that Sweetness had pointed to. A small clump of clouds had begun to drift across the space, maybe what she'd seen was behind it. Thor's gut was telling him something was wrong, the fact that something had been spotted this far into the outlands was worrying enough but the fact that it had then also vanished, was far worse. So either it hadn't noticed them on the ground, or it didn't wish to be noticed itself. Slowly he hovered over to the clumps of wispy cumulous. 


.....


"What made you say it was Cookie Sweetness?" Angelica asked, glancing up at the flying pegasus above. 
"Because I thought it was him!" Sweetness said exasperatedly. It looked like him from that distance. 
"Distance?" Angy asked, the others all looked confusedly at Angy's sudden worry filled face.
"Well yeah! He had to be kinda far away to look that small!" Sweetness laughed at their ridiculous logic. Angy looked up at the clouds that really weren't far enough to make a creature like the Harpy look very small, Thor now looked reasonably small though... so what Sweetness had seen disappear behind the clouds must have been... Pony sized. 

"THOR!"


.....


The stallion looked down at the cry of his name, looking away from the clump of cloud. Two sets of legs shot out and grabbed the stallion. He cried out as he was pulled out of view, obscured by the suspended water vapour! 

"Thor!" Seed cried rushing underneath the cloud, ready to catch his friend if he fell, unable to do anything else. 
"Ruby, Sweetness, stay here! If they get out after Thor's done, use your magic, if they get too close to Ruby Sweetness..." The pink mare saluted, ready to take the order, Angy glanced back, no time to waste! "Kick them!"
"Okie Dokie Lokie!" With that Angelica turned, unfurling her wings to fly. A noise of wiring and clinking caught up with her, she glanced left and saw Archy, his red armour already in place.
"What are you doing?" Angy demanded. 
"Coming with you!" Archy replied, jumping into the air. His horn glowed it's dark hue, and around his hooves sprang a rippling mass of magic. The magic pulled him up into the air, as fast as any pegasus takeoff.

Angelica didn't mind this new back up, and shot into the air after the magic caster. 

Wild movements were taking place under the clouds, causing them to spread out and distort. Enough so the flailing mass that was Thor and three changelings could be seen easily.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Angelica screamed, shooting like a bullet strait into the chest of the most exposed changeling. This freed Thor's right forehoof, so he rolled pulling both of his other assailants with him, he released one and sent it flying high into the air. The fanged beast recovered quickly and began to buzz it's wings to return to its attack! 
"Hey Changeling!" The creature was distracted by the call. It looked to its left and saw a unicorn in the air: Suspended by his own magic on his hooves. "You guys aren't the only ones with some tricks!" Archy purred. He pulled his right hind leg out with his magic, and used it to spin himself around in one single circle, giving the hoof momentum. Lunging forward, Archy brought the hoof into the changeling's face, taking out both one lf it's prominent fangs, and three of its teeth rooted deeper in its mouth. 

The creature fell instantly, leaving the only one still on Thor to stare in horror. It glanced down at the pegasus still hovering below, holding onto its hooves viciously. Thor smirked, flicking his head back into the helmet waiting for him. He winked as the armour encased his body. "Now this is a lot more fair!" He laughed as he swung an armoured wing joint into the changelings waiting side. With a cry, the creature was thrown off of the pegasus. 

Thor righted himself and shot off in pursuit of the injured target. The other two airborne ponies seemed to be in similar states of combat, with the changelings trying to re-form their ranks. Below them waited Seed, itching to help, yet unable to do anything. He glanced over to Ruby, who watched on with worry and terror for her friends. Seed almost rushed to her, when suddenly a sense tingled inside his stomach. Something was wrong!

Sure enough, a rumbling noise came over the wind and grunts of the airborne fighters. Seed looked over the long stalks of grass and saw them. Changelings, near one hundred of them rushing towards the group up over the open planes! Seed yelled to the two mares in the distance. "Ruby! Sweetness get re-" Seed was cut off by a single scout who pounced on the unsuspecting orange stallion!
"Apple Seed!" Ruby screamed as yet more changelings piled on top of the helpless work horse! More seethed over the mass on the stallion, headed straight for the two waiting mares. 
"NOOOO!" Suddenly the pile of changelings was blown apart, stood there, entirely covered in his golden armour, stood Apple Seed. His element of strength obvious from the mass of dazed changelings. Seed rushed after the wave of enemies approaching Ruby and Sweetness. 

Reaching the back of the group, the orange stallion grabbed hold of the tattered tail of the changeling furthest behind, pulled hard, then flung him forward, sending him into a few of his comrades. With the group weakened slightly, Sweetness shrugged and did as she had been commanded. With a single bound, she launched herself over the group of enemies and screamed "Yippeeeee!" before plummeting into the horde below. The changelings halted their advance, with one of their targets amongst them, they had been distracted from Ruby's presence. 

The unicorn stood there, masked slightly by the long grass, staring on in complete horror. She watched as Apple Seed barged his way through the small ranks to reach sweetness. Her neck craned upward and saw Archy doing battle with the changeling that Thor had sent his way with a single kick. 
"Ruby!" cried a voice. She looked and saw Angelica watching her. It seemed as though her own enemy had fled, leaving her in a momentary state of safety. "You need to help! Get them!" 
"I-I can't!" Ruby stuttered, her horn glowed for a moment, then sputtered out like a dying candle. "My magic's no good!" 
"Yes it is Ruby! You don't have to be Archy to fight with magic! Just help!" Ruby glanced over at the mentioned unicorn, his talent was obvious. As his changeling swiped at him, he released the spell on his hooves, releasing him into a free fall. He plummeted for only a second before casting a teleportation spell, his destination was directly above his target. He rammed into the creature, his elbow angled ready to do damage. 

If that was what it took to fight these creatures, ten Ruby had no hope! Her magic was ok for helping her mother at the boutique, for collecting gems with her father. But not... this! This wasn't the kind of mare she was, she couldn't bring herself to fight, no matter the risk...

"Eearrrggghhh!" Seed yelled as a changeling spat in his eye, momentarily blinding him. Immediately a hollow hoof came crashing down on his protected skull. Though it kept him adequately protected, the force was still enough to send Seed tumbling down for a moment. Ruby stared as this happened, digging deep to find a part of herself that would help Seed, help the stallion she loved! However, try as she might, she couldn't find it!

"Come ooooooon!" Sweetness moaned as she jumped over yet another changeling as it lunged. "You're changelings right? Then why can't you change into something! You did for my momma!" Almost as though obeying orders, three of the attackers jumped on to each other, forming a living tower. Then the three began to shift, until suddenly, instead of a pony, they were the carbon copy of Sweetness's father. Sweetness's jaw dropped in horror. "W-wait... no... that's not fair..." She mumbled, backing away as best she could in the crowd. The discord copy smirked, giggling in the same voice as the hideous changelings. Raising a mimicked lion paw fist, and brought it crashing into Sweetness's jaw. She cried out in pain and collapsed to the floor. 

"Pathetic!" The creatures snarled through Discord's lips. Sweetness gave a little sob, she couldn't bring herself to look up at the face she knew would be there waiting for her. 
"You're not allowed to do that! I didn't know you could do that! I thought... only ponies..." 

Archy was livid! He didn't know where this rage came from, but now he tapped into it! The sheer cowardice of this ambush sent his blood running cold, He sent a bolt of magic into one changeling who had challenged, him sending him sizzling to the ground. This foe was only replaced by another though, as it seemed the horde were determined to keep him busy. That was fine by him! 'Keep sending them in, I'll keep taking them out!' He thought as he sent a magic boosted hoof crashing into the creatures stomach. 

"Sweetness!" Thor yelled as he swooped down taking out another changeling. He noticed the pony on the floor, then the creature towering above her. He gasped in realisation, it had all been a destraction! "Discord!" He yelled, bolting straight for the draconequus, only to be blocked by two changelings who shot up into his path. "SWEETNESS!" Thor cried again over their heads before they tackled him!

Ruby was the only one to see what had happened, the others were too distracted. It wasn't Sweetness's father as Thor thought, only three changelings! She tried to call out, but fear crippled her lungs, letting only a squeak out of her mouth. "Sweetness..." 

The Discord copy raised its paw again as Sweetness pushed herself up. It laid into her again with yet another single punch. 
"Stop it!" Sweetness blurted out as she crumpled again, this time her mane exploded into lifelessness. A trickle of blood left her mouth, leaving a warm trail as it ran down her chin. "Stop it!" 
"Pathetic!" The copy repeated. 
"I'm not!" Sweetness groaned, yet again ascending to her hooves. Another hit! Down again!
"Pathetic pony!" 
"Stop!" 

HIT! 

"Pappa!" 

HIT!

"Help me!" 

HIT! 

"Sweetness!" Seed beet through the line of changelings. He'd been rushing to her since the moment Discord appeared on the field, finally he had beaten down enough of the creatures to get through. The mare lay there, her mane flat and limp, barely holding herself up with her forelegs. They were shaking furiously! 

"Sweetness!" Ruby cried, a little louder, seeing her friend being shown no mercy at the hands of the changelings! "Fight back!" she whispered. 

Seed rushed to her, crouching low he ran, barging several changelings out of the way.

"Fight back!" Ruby cried.

"Sweetness are you all right?" Seed begged as he reached her. The pink mare began to look up!

"FIGHT BACK!" Screamed Ruby, rushing forward a few steps. Her blood pumping, begging her friend to fight, to survive, to live!

Sweetness raised her head, and her long straight purple mane parted slowly as it fell around her muzzle. 
"Sweetness!" Seed cried, just happy she was still conscious.

"SWEETNESS!" Ruby began to run towards the crowd, her horn glowing strongly, her friend needed her, Seed needed her, they all needed her! No time to be scared, no time to be nice! "FIGHT BACK!" 

The locks of mane fell, and revealed Sweetness's eyes. Red, surrounded by yellow, just like the imposter stood above her. She was panting, hard angry, which was quickly turning into a monstrous growl. She opened her mouth, but the voice that came out wasn't Sweetness's. Just like in the throne room, it distorted and rippled. 
"Get down!" it said. Seed didn't hesitate, remembering what happened in Canterlot. The stallion fell to his haunches, covering as much bare flesh with his armour as possible. 

Sweetness exploded! She looked to the sky and let out an earth shattering scream! The ground shook the air seemed to thicken for a moment, then it blasted outwards. From above them, Thor saw it, like a sonic rainboom! The wave of distorted air shot out at incredible speed, streaming outwards and sending Changelings scattering fast and far. Even in the air he struggled not to be sent soaring away. He glanced to Angelica who was already pushing against the force, flapping hard and fast to stay stationary. The weak winged changelings were not strong enough however all of them were sent soaring into the air, towards the mountains and out across all other directions. 

Thor began to flap hard, then saw her. Rushing towards the screaming mare. Ruby, for some unknown reason was rushing towards her, she mustn't have noticed the explosion! If not, she would in a few seconds! He strained his wings, turning against the unrelenting force, and began to fly forward, picking up speed, though it hurt him to do so!

Eventually he reached the point he was ahead of ruby, he clenched his eyes then turned away from the force and began to flap as fast as he could. When going with the force, he was sure he was as fast as his mother, probably faster! If he could control himself, he could very possibly have  caused a sonic rainboom! He concentrated, it was hard to control his aim, but he targeted Ruby. He quickly overtook the force with his added flying, making him approach her fast. 

Ruby saw it as Thor approached at breakneck speed. The wall of pure air rushing to meet her, her legs seized up with bone chilling fear. She panicked, knowing what Thor was obviously going to try. She turned quickly and began to run, trying to cut down on the impact Thor would make when he grabbed her. Sure enough when she felt the hooves grab her, it felt less of an impact than she thought she would. 

Thor coiled himself around Ruby, allowing the magical armour to take most of the impact. He tucked his wings in tightly, and let himself crash to the floor. His shins shot up, nearly smashing into his jaw, but the armour took the strike, absorbing much of the damage. 

Soon enough the wave slammed into Thor for the second time. He was ready this time, he clung to the ground tightly, he unfurled his wings and quickly twisted them so they sliced the air passing them, redirecting some of the force away, lessening his struggle. 

Sweetness was still screaming, letting out all the rage that had built up she had been lashed at by  the changelings. The creatures shot off into the air, screaming as they did so. After the last one was swept away by the magic, Sweetness finally began to waver. Seed glanced up and saw her eyes flickering. They were flashing between her old blue and the deadly red of a draconequus. The shriek began to die until suddenly, Sweetness collapsed to the ground in a heap and fell quiet. As soon as she stopped, the force pushing out died like an ebbing storm. 

Angelica had to stop herself shooting forward with the force that she was flapping with. Once steady, she looked around. "Thor? THOR?" She found him. He was just getting up off of the ground, climbing off of somepony. As he moved, Angy caught her face. Ruby! Angy stared for a moment and shook her head. She rushed to the unconscious Sweetness, as did Thor and ruby, all running to unite with Seed; already beside her.

"Uhhh... guys?" Sweetness mumbled, begin to awake as they crowded around her. "I-I... screamed, and..." 
"And all the bad guys went away!" Thor finished simply, knowing there'd be time for explanations later. 

"How 'bout that huh Archy?" Seed laughed, checking Sweetness's pulse. Quicker than normal, but that was understandable. "I know you're good, but do you think you could have done that?" Seed looked up at the group. "Archy?" The others looked around. Archy was gone! 

They turned frantically, searching for a sign of their friend. "Where did he go?" Ruby begged as she ran a few steps over the grass, which only now did she notice had been completely flattened by Sweetness. She could see as far as the horizon now, and that's when she saw it towards the mountains at the end of the outlands. "There!" She screamed. The others followed her gaze and saw it too. 

He must have been knocked back like the changelings by the unbiased magical force. The pegasi had struggled, what hope had a unicorn already drained by constantly holding himself in the air? He had sailed away into the distance, unfortunately, so had the changelings. They now had him! They were flying in the direction of the mountains, the stallion struggling and screaming for help. Across the wind they heard it. 

"Thor! Archy! Help me! Help meeeeeee!" 

> Ponies... and changelings... in need
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"ARCHY!" Thor screamed, he sprung into the air and tried to chase after his kidnapped friend. He only reached a few feet before his wing joints seized up in ager. Thor screamed and crashed to the floor, fighting against Sweetness's attack had obviously taken a bigger toll on the stallion than he had thought. 

"Thor!" both Ruby and Angelica cried, rushing to the pegasus's side. Angelica stumbled for a second, surprised by Ruby's concern for the pegasus stallion, but continued to his side regardless. Thor tried to push himself up, his forelegs trembling with difficulty to keep him upright. 
"A-Archy!" He grunted. Anglica tried to pull Thor to his hooves, but no matter how hard she tried, the stallion was too heavy. 
"Seed, gimme a hoof here!" She cried looking over to where Seed had been stood. He had also vanished. 

"OVER THERE!" Sweetness shouted, pointing off towards the vanishing Archy. From above the high grass, the group could all see a brown maned orange stallion rushing towards the mountains. 
"SEED!" They all cried. Thor sprang up in pain, ignoring the burning sensation in his wings, he shot into the air and aimed himself like a bullet to his friend. With a loud smack, the two came crashing to the floor as Thor shot into the farm stallion. 
"Thor let me go!" Seed screamed with fury in his voice. 
"No!" Thor defied bluntly, clinging onto Seed's forelegs tightly in a vain attempt to stop the far stronger stallion. 
"Can't you hear him?!" Seed screamed, the departing Archy's cries were still audible over the low wind running across the dead outlands. "He's scremin' for us t' save 'im!" 
"YES!" Thor cried, his voice breaking as he bit back tears. "I can hear him."
"THEN LEMME GO!" Seed bucked hard on the ground, the sudden movement caught Thor by surprise letting Seed slip easily out of the hold. 
"Seed wait!" The burgundy stallion cried miserably as his friend rushed away. 

"Seed! Don't go!" Ruby screamed after him, Seed shook his head gently, he knew it was a bad idea but he couldn't help it. One of his longest friends was in trouble, Seed needed to help him! 

"HOLD IT PONY!" Came a loud voice. Another collision from behind him, this one far rougher than Thor's attempt to catch the stallion. Seed went face first into the ground, a mouth full of dirt greeted him gladly, as he and his captor skidded a few feet forward.  
"SEED!" Screamed Sweetness, unusually terrified. She bolted forward, the others did to, rushing to save Seed from it! Thor got to his hooves, not even attempting flight again, he picked up speed just as Sweetness and the others reached him. 

Seed grunted, struggling to look up to spit out the dirt that was choking him. He immediately knew this wasn't one of his friends. They wouldn't have done this so viciously, he squirmed and just managed to roll over with the heavy weight pushing down on his back. He looked up into a set of pale dead green eyes. Seed kicked suddenly, trying to push away the changeling. His hind legs were blocked by the changeling's easily. The a knee shot into Seed's stomach, winding him, his eyes bulged slightly with the force of the strike, when the knee came away, he didn't try to escape again. 
"Idiot..." The figure above him murmured. Beneath the haze of pain, Seed noticed the voice. A changeling? Talking? THE QUEEN! 

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Thor screamed, the changeling jumped fast. He shot into the air his wings buzzing to keep him up, he gently kicked the back of the stallion as he passed beneath him, making him fall over his orange friend who grunted in new found pain. The changeling tutted, turning in time to see the yellow mare shoot towards him through the air. A quick evasion left her ahead of him confused. He swooped down and grabbed her from behind, linking his forelegs, one across her throat, the other up the side of her skull. 
"You don't want to do that pony!" He whispered into the mare's ear. Angy shivered in disgust at his cold breath on her neck. 

"Let her go!" Came a loud cry from bellow. The changeling turned and saw Ruby, her legs were spread, keeping her low to the ground. Her horn was glowing brightly, ready to fire a spell. The changeling chuckled. 
"Do you think you can do it? Fire, hit me, without hitting her? Or can you even fire before I snap her pretty little neck!" He jerked his forelegs suddenly, making Angy cry out in fear, she scrunched her eyes and stretched her neck, trying to resist against the strong forelegs around her.  Ruby flinched as well, horror made her horn begin to dim, until it was still and not a threat. The cold green eyes travelled to the one from the group who hadn't attacked yet. Sweetness stood there, staring at him, her eyes a cold and angry red. She was close to another attack... "You're getting good at controlling that now aren't you!" The changeling laughed, he twitched again making Angelica irrupt into a chorus of begging.
"Nonononononoooo! Please, please! Don't!" The fear in her voice was foreign to many of the group, it was enough to make Sweetness's face soften with worry. Her eyes flickered back to normal and the changeling relaxed his grip around the mare. 

"That's better." It said as it hovered closer to the ground and set the yellow pegasus down to her utter surprise. The changeling touched down on the ground just as Thor got to his hooves roughly. He staggered slightly as he recuperated from the pain of both his wings and the attack. The changeling looked around the group and addressed them. "You're all idiots! Running after an enemy that's obviously using the other pony as bait?" 
"That 'other pony' has a name!" Thor spat angrily. 
"Yes, Archimedes Wright, son of the element of magic Twilight Sparkle and Noteworthy..." The changeling recited with obvious ease. "Born and raised in Ponyville, his anger at his father abandoning him leaves him short tempered at times which make it easy to antagonise. Threat level at around 35/50." 
"He's our friend," Seed grunted as he picked himself up with Thor's help. "Not a bunch o' facts on a list!" The changeling scoffed.
"Friends? Pfft, friends only get you killed!" His eyes twinkled with devilish delight. "Your parents learnt that with the draconequus." Ruby gasped. Angelica, who had slowly crept away from the dangerous individual, took hold of her, quickly comforting her before the enemy saw their words hurt the platinum mare. 

"Where are they?" Seed demanded, "We know they're alive..." He realised he had ammunition to push the mystery changeling back! "Your Queen told us... jus' before she died!" The changeling changed in an instant, not physically, but mentally. His gaze turned to one of hate, his eyes grew darker and in a second he was at Apple Seed's throat! 
"Don't you dare speak of my mother! PONY!" He spat, venom in every word he spoke. Seed pushed back, putting his strength to good use. He pushed until the two were balanced perfectly against each other, neither giving an inch. 
"I'll say what I wan' 'bout you changeling scum!" The creatures teeth bared as it growled angrily. "I don't know who you think you are, but you're messin' with the wrong ponies!" 
"I know who he is." Seed froze, he turned around and stared as did everypony else. All to the pony who had spoken.

Thor.

The burgundy stallion began to approach, not even blinking as he stared at the changeling stallion. "Archy told me about you! The changeling he thought was leading the group that attacked Ponyville." 
"Well I guess my cover's blown." The changeling sighed, backing up slightly from Apple Seed. "Dying Armour." He gave a curt nod to them all, distain was obvious in every one of his movements. When he finnished his introduction, Ruby began to speak, still shaky from her friend's near death experience. 
"W-why did you let Angelica go? You're a-"
"Changeling?" The grim green creature asked casually. "Simple..." Though he claimed it was, he seemed to struggle at saying it. He bit his lip as he looked around. "I-I-I need help..." Thor laughed hard.

"You're kidding me? YOU are asking US for help?!" He glared at Dying Armour as he crossed the space between them, cracking his shoulder as he came closer menacingly. "Why would we help you? The same creatures who burnt our home to the ground," 
"Thor?!" Angelica said cautiously, her throat still hurt from the grip of the changeling, she rubbed it slowly, she didn't want Thor to be hurt, or even meet the fate she had just avoided.
"The same creatures who attacked our families, kidnapped them!" 
"Thor calm down please!" Ruby said, her eyes not leaving the face of the silent changeling, his eyebrows raised, challenging the burgundy pony as he approached. 
"The same creatures who killed Zecora, and tried to kill us!" 

"We never tried to kill you." Dying armour said coldly. 
"I'm sorry, did you miss what just happened?" Thor yelled. He reached the side of Seed, and the two stallions stood strong, it was clear Seed felt the same as his lifelong friend by his steely expression. 
"Their target wasn't you!" Dying Armour yelled, clearly growing frustrated with the hostile pegasus.
"Pfft! Ok then, who were they here for?" The changeling stallion opened his mouth, then froze, he closed it again, and looked away angrily. 
"You?" Thor and Seed turned to Ruby who had spoken. She took a few tentative steps forward. 
"Ruby, be careful!" Seed whispered, Ruby gave him a look that said 'It's ok.' 
"They were here for you weren't they? We were just in the way..." Armour looked up at the platinum mare, the sun gleamed off of her platinum coat causing his eyes to water, he was blinded and he looked away letting out a grunt of an answer.
"Yes!"

Thor stared at the changeling in genuine shock, as did all the others, the pegasus opened his mouth and asked the question that was on everypony's lips. 
"W-why? You're their leader..." Dying Armour scoffed. 
"Not anymore! Not since Discord took over!" the ponies all turned quickly to the child of said Draconequus. Sweetness stood there, her face looked like somepony had just slapped her. 
"W-what?" Dying Armour smirked, slowly he turned to her, and strutted leisurely towards her. 
"Your sweet daddy Discord, he lead us to Ponyville! Then to Canterlot! Betrayed my mother! Betrayed me! Tried to kill me, then set my own brothers on me!" He lunged, grabbing hold of the purple maned mare. He pulled her neck back, exposing it to the cold air. "That's why they're after me, my own brothers and sisters! Twisted by your father!" He leant in and whispered so only she could hear. "I wouldn't worry about him just betraying you, he seems to do it to everyone!" 

"Get off her!" A hard slam sent the changeling flying over the flattened grass. It was Seed, springing to the rescue. Stood just behind him, ready to back up his friend, was a furious Thor. Dying Armour chuckled as he lay there on the floor, he pushed himself up flung his long green hair out of his face and stared at the two stallions. The cut he had sustained from fighting his father was healed slightly, yet it scarred his face, far more profoundly against the other minor wounds from his brothers. He'd already been bested by a pony, his mother was dead, his people gone, he had nothing except this now!

He raised his forelegs exposing his chest to the still armour clad ponies. "You want to kill me?!" 
"YES!" Thor shouted, Angy looked to him worriedly. Seed reached out as Thor tried to rush forward, stopping him.
"Why shouldn' we?" the farm pony asked calmly, his fury obvious in his voice, far more dangerous than the rage filled pegasus. 
"Because I need your help, you're ponies, you help those in need." Armour challenged just as calmly. 
"What if that was just our parents?" Seed retorted. Armour smirked still his legs spread wide, ready for the deathly strike!
"Then strike Apple Seed, take me down and prove you're no better than me!" Seed glared, almost falling off the edge into the abyss of rage he was millimetres away from.  The changeling lowered his forelegs for a moment, and said something that made all the group gasp.

"Or you help me, help me take down that damn Chimera! Take him out, and I'll help you get your parents back." 


.....


"Well, well..." Discord chuckled as he strolled between the hanging cages, stopping beside the one containing a furious looking Twilight. "You'll never guess what I just discovered everypony!" 
"Just leave us alone Discord!" Shouted an infuriated Spike from above the draconequus's head. The others all murmured in agreement at the dragon's words, causing the chimera to chuckle dryly. 
"What? Don't you want to talk to little old me anymore?" Twilight sprang up, causing her cage to sway slightly as she rushed to the side closest to the chimera's face. 
"We won't fall for any more tricks Discord!" The chimera smirked, his eye twinkling in the light. With speed that rivalled even Rainbow Dash, he rushed over to the shadowy corner where the unknown friend to the ponies sat. Leaning half in shadow, he smiled. 
"Why, because of your little buddy here?" 

"He knows all your tricks Discord!" Rainbow shouted, standing strongly beside Soarin as they stood by their cage's edge, they were the closest to the still unconscious princesses, and this close to their vulnerable leaders filled them with anger, directed purely at the draconequus they were looking at right now. 
"He's told us what you enjoy doing to prisoners, so we won't even falter!" cried Rarity from the other side of the room. Discord smirked, and walked calmly over to the element of Magic. He leant in, and said quietly. 
"He isn't who you think he is you know... it isn't Noteworthy!" Twilight stared, incredulous at the chimera's knowlege. She stumbled back and fell to her haunches, dumbstruck. She had been so sue. "Now what was that about not faltering?" Discord asked of the element of generosity, cackling as he did so.

His gaze rose up to the highest cage. With a smirk he said simply. "I've broken one of you enough for the rest of you anyway!" Then his gaze travelled down to Applejack, still unmoved from her normal lying position. "Oh, sorry, two." He corrected. He looked around smiling to them all as though they were the closest friends in history. "You'll all break eventually!" He then turned away for the portal. He stepped through, then paused, recalling his purpose there. 

With one leg in the portal he turned and addressed the group. "What I discovered by the way, little Archimedes has been captured!" Gasps rasped around the cavernous room. Twilight exploded into a scream as she slammed against the cage.
"WHAT?!" Discord laughed, without another word he popped through the portal and it's light began to die.
"NOOOOOO!" Twilight screamed in a primal maternal yell. "Give him to me! Give me my baby! DISCORD! GIVE ME ARCHYYYYY!" 

Rainbow stared at the usually calm magenta pony, tears almost bursting out at how broken her friend had become in a mere instant. She looked up, trying to fight them away, and spotted her. Staring at her magenta friend in complete horror. Pinkie Pie. Her mane flat, her eyes filled with empathy for Twilight. Rainbow didn't cry out, she hoped seeing Twilight like this would make her talk, yet the mare's lips stayed closed. 

Twilight was still screaming when he spoke, the friend from the shadows. "Twilight, please, it's what he wants..."
"SHUT UP!" Twilight screamed, her fiery gaze snapping to the shadowy corner. "YOU DON'T GET TO TALK!" 
"Twilight..." She whirled around and saw the mare on the same level as her... Applejack. She had stood, her hat was crooked, her mane in tatters. Yet her eyes were fixed on the mare. They were filled with the tears of someone who understood. Twilight's legs buckled, she fell and began to cry. "AJ... he's all I have! He's all I have..." 
"No-o." AJ's voice cracked with its lack of use, or was she fighting back tears. "No, he's not..." Twilight looked up and saw the tears running down AJ's face. "You got us!" She said as her voice crumbled as she let out a sob.

Twilight looked around, at each cage's edge there her friends stood, even when captured, they were still there for her! 

"Yeah... we're here Twilight!" Whispered a high pitched voice from above. Twilight felt something gently strike her head, she looked up and saw a drop fall just before her face. Pinkie, she had spoken, and she wept for her friend as she leant against the wall of her cage. She too had listened to Applejack, and realised they were all still there for her. 

"P-Pinkie!" Twilight choked, as she crumbled into complete tears. 


.....


Archy was flung onto the cold rock floor of the cavernous cave, his armour had been ripped from his back with difficulty. Not by Changelings, they wouldn't have been able to...

"Who is this?" Said a cold vicious voice. The dark stallion looked up the steps only inches from his nose. At the top there rested a carved throne, engraved from the darkest stone possible. Upon it sat somepony, not a changeling. 

"We found him being taken by the changeling your highness!" explained a tall dark stallion just beside the weary unicorn. "We attacked, took him, and brought him here!" 
"Why?" growled the stallion on the throne. 
"H-he's a pony sire!" Stuttered the guard. Archy got to his hooves shakily, the attack was a blur. The changelings had gotten him, he'd been crying for Seed and Thor... then there were screams! The changelings that held him released him in a flurry of green blood and screeching. He'd thought he was free! But mere seconds later he was a prisoner yet again, only of these new ponies! The outlanders? 
"Look at him!" The seated stallion was saying, casting his hoof aside angrily. "He's Equestrain!" 
"I'm sorry your majesty!" The guard rushed, bowing low. "But he had this!" Archy looked around in time to see his armour being thrown across the room to the seated king...
"NO!" Archy cried taking a step towards the suite sailing through the air. The guard who had been speaking was just ahead of him, in one fluid motion, he spun, and in an astonishing feet of athleticism, spun the opposite direction of where Archy was moving, brought the leg back, and rammed the side in his chest, barring his progress, as well as  winding the stallion, forcing him to crumble to the ground. 

"Hmmm." The king mused as he examined the armour, acting as though the attack on the stallion had never even happened. "I see, this is very nice!" contrary to what he said, he simply cast it aside. Waving a lazy hoof, he addressed the guard. 

"Kartoruss, take him to the cells. Put him with the other Equestrian. Let him see what his future will be." With a silent bow, the apparently named 'Kartoruss' turned and grabbed Archimedes with a strong levitation spell. 

Archy struggled at first, but after they had passed through several stone carved hallways, he realised he wouldn't be getting out any time soon. Resigned to his defeat, Archy stared at the surroundings. He'd heard tales of the outlanders. Ponies with utterly different traditions, even with their own monarchy. Judging by the way he had acted, Archy couldn't say he was too fond of this monarch really...

The walls were bare, it scared him that no culture seemed to be seen, as though they were savages. It looked to empty to belong to a race that would be reasoned with, the fact he was being imprisoned merely because her was from Equestria meant that this was a group of ponies who were ignorant and prejudiced. Archy was in some real trouble now!

The others thought he'd been taken by changelings, what if they discovered the lair without finding the outlanders? If that happened, Archy would simply rot in the jail cell he was now beeing taken to! 

Seconds after that grim thought came to mind, a stone wall slid away at the touch of the stallion carrieing him, and they descended down the cold dark stairway that lay behind it. When they came out of the narrow passageway, they broke out into a wide hall, bars lined the walls all the way across. These were clearly the cells, they looked small, tight, cramped, cold and dank. A literal hell to live in... Archy shuddered knowing he would not only be in one, but sharing one with somepony. A fellow Equestrian trapped for where he was from.

They stopped beside one of the cells, and the guard released Archy unceremoniously, and while the dark stallion fell, he opened the gate to the cell. With a quick kick, Archy was sent from getting up, to falling into the cramp little space. Archy cried as he fell hard to the uneven floor. The pain only added to his aching from the armour being ripped off of his body!

"There you go." Kartoruss laughed, not to Archy, but to whoever else was in this terrible cell with him. "You were missing home so much, we brought you a friend!" Laughing, the guard turned and walked down the hall, his steps echoing off the walls in the deadly silent hallway. Archy got to his hooves, panting with the pain and anger coursing through his veins. Butt over his own rasping breaths, he heard something. A voice, one he swore he must have imagined. A voice he had longed to hear, only to strike the one who owned it.

"Archimedes? Is...i-is that you?" 

> The request
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" Archy screamed, reeling back on his hind legs, putting as much distance between him and his father as he could. The rough, beaten stallion's face fell into dismay. 
"Ar-Archimedes, it's me! It's your daddy!" Archy couldn't believe his eyes, this blue stallion, his darker mane long and clumped with dirt, his golden eyes, everything was how Archy remembered, and they made his blood boil! "I-it is you, isn't it? Archimedes?" The other prisoner asked, concern that this stallion's reaction meant he wasn't the long lost son he had left years ago. 

"Get away..." Acrhy said, pushing himself against the furthest wall from the Noteworthy. Said stallion approached slowly, he came ever closer to the younger pony. Suddenly he was halted by a loud clink. He looked back and saw the chains tethering him to the wall on the other side of the cell. When he turned back, he looked through heartbroken eyes. 
"It is you..." He whispered. Archy remained silent. "I took you back to bed after your nightmares enough to know that fear... why are you afraid Archimedes?"
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Archy screamed, leaning forward to push the force of his scream as powerfully as he could. Noteworthy was struck dumb by the yell, it was clearly one of pure hatred. 

The dark unicorn panted heavy, still glued to the opposite wall as he stared directly into those golden eyes. "My... my name, stop calling me by it! You... you don't have the right!" Noteworthy seemed to deflate, his legs almost buckled under the weight of the barbed comment. 
"I-I'm... sorry. I was just... happy... to see you again..." He mumbled slowly, trying not to anger the youth again.
"Happy?!" Archy exploded, pealing himself from the wall. He slowly began to circle around the solitary stallion in the centre of the room. "You're HAPPY that I'm stuck in a jail cell? Some father you are! You're supposed to hope I'd never end up in a place like this! Hope that I never leave the safety of my home, you're supposed to hope I make friends, meet a mare, you're supposed to hope I have a good life! NOT ONE WASTED IN A CAGE!" Noteworthy buckled to his knees, unable to stand the lashing of his son's words. Still Archy went on, uncaring for the impact his words were having. He wanted the stallion to hurt, to pay for the years he wasn't there! He'd dreamed of this moment for what seemed like his entire life!

"Then again, you wouldn't know if I had anything like that in my life! You weren't there!" Noteworthy shuddered as though somepony had hit him in the back with boulder! "You weren't there for me!" The unicorn continued, unable to quench the flow of undiluted rage that sprung forth from his lips. Years of hurt, abandonment, disappointment, all escaped in one massive explosion! "You weren't there to help me learn my first complicated spells, my first trip to Canterlot! You weren't there to help me with figuring out feelings towards mares, you weren't there when they attacked-" He choked up, his anger blocking his throat, angry stinging tears seeped from beneath his clenched eyelids. He took a breath, it came out shaky, and he finished in a calm voice that dripped with far more venom than any of his shouting. "You weren't there when they attacked  home, when they took mum, and broke my leg!" 

Noteworthy looked up in horror. 

"T-Twilight... your mother's been taken?!" 


.....


"Come on ponies! If you want to get to the mountains in time, you're going to have to pick up the pace!" Ordered Dying Armour as he lead the group of tired ponies by an enormous lead. He glanced back in time to see the only unicorn left crumble with exhaustion. 
"Ruby!" Seed cried, he rushed to her, but knew he wouldn't reach her before she hit the floor.
"Woah there girl!" Thor shouted, zipping forward with difficulty and catching the mare just in time. Seed halted, staring surprised by Thor's fast movement, had he been watching Ruby? Seed himself hadn't even noticed how tired she must have been.

Yet Thor had noticed.

"Urrgghhh, you're all pathetic!" Dying Armour shouted angrily, soon arriving on the seen with a buzz of his wings. 
"We've been walking for hours!" Thor protested angrily, still supporting the fainted unicorn. Nightfall had long since come, yet the group hadn't been allowed to stop. 'Too dangerous' the changeling had said! Angelica came over along with Sweetness, the two mares helped their unconscious friend off of the back of the pegasus, and laid her gently on the dry desert floor that had become common to them in recent hours. They were now officially in the outlands! Using one of their now empty supply bags, Sweetness made a makeshift blanket to cover the purple an platinum mare. 
"Who cares!" The changeling stallion retorted. Thor glared at him, opening his mouth to hurl his most abusive insult at the creature. 
"We're making camp for the night!" Angelica shouted, still beside her tired friend. Thor calmed slightly at the sound of her voice and turned away from his unwelcome ally. 
"How dare you order me PONY!" Dying Armour shouted, taking an affronted step to the pegasus. 
"Scream and argue all you want." The yellow mare said dryly, locking gazes with his pale green eyes. "We're stopping, Ruby is exhausted, and it would take more effort to move her with us, and time, than if we simply camped for the night."

Dying Armour scoffed at the comment, turning away angrily. 
"Not if you left her behind." Seed was there in an instant, blocking Dying's way. 
"I don' like you," He began. "An' if you dare say some'n like that about Ruby again. I'll rethink tha' whole 'Provin' I'm no better than you' thing." 
"Oh really?" Dying Armour smirked, squaring up to Apple Seed, ready for a fight to vent his frustration like back at home! It had been too long since he'd sparred! 
"ENOUGH!" The two stallions turned their heads and saw Sweetness, she was still stooped over Ruby but she was staring straight at the two, annoyance obvious in her eyes. "You guys are being stupid, why do you keep fighting when we're on the same side!" Dying Armour cursed and tore away from the group, taking to the sky with a buzz of his wings. 
"Hey! Where are you going?!" Thor ordered, Armour turned in annoyance. 
"To go get wood for a fire, ok? I don't think you're up for flying today after everything!" He was right, almost in response Thor's wings twinged in pain and he flinched. When he recovered, Dying Armour had a superior look plastered across his face. "Stay." He said simply, treating the group like a pack of dogs as he turned away and zipped off.  

"Urghh!" Thor sighed turning back to the girls, closely followed by Seed. "I hate that guy!" He whined as he sat down beside the sleeping mare. 
"You 'n' me both buddy..." Seed agreed glancing back, sure enough Dying Armour was far off already, heading over the barren landscape scanning for the simplest piece of wood. Turning back, he sighed, exhausted after the events of the day. "But what choice we got? Huh?" The others grew morose clearly feeling the same as he. "He knows where our parents are, and if..." He glanced at Sweetness who was focusing on rolling a stone across the dusty floor sadly. "...What he says, is true, Archy's probably with 'em too." 
"Yeah, and that's what I don't like!" Thor grunted, he looked around the arid desert, musing on his thoughts. "I wish he was here, did you see how he fought off those changelings!" 
"Yeah!" Sweetness piped up, suddenly bouncing with excitement at the memory of the day's fight. "He was like 'BOOM POW ZAP' and they were all like 'OWWWW YOU GOT ME!' 'AND THEN HE FLEEEEEWWW THROUGH THE AIR AND SAVED YOU GUYS AND WAS LIKE WOWEE ZOWEE!' And then..." She trailed off as she remembered how the skirmish had concluded, returning to her sombre and miserable mood. 

"Yeah..." Angelica said aggrievedly, "They took him!" She her face scrunched up in shame as tears rolled of her face and were consumed by the parched earth below. "The best chance we had at fighting the Changelings -and they knew it- and I let them take him away." Seed came over to his cousin and placed a consoling hoof on her shoulder. 
"Hey Angy... it's ok... it's not like it was your fault or nothin'!" Angy pulled her shoulder away angrily. 
"I'm the leader! I'm...I'm supposed to protect everypony! Get them back safely! Make sure... make sure..." The thought seemed to choke her! She breathed in and as her voice cracked she cried bitterly, "Make sure they don't di-e!" Seed shushed the crying pegasus and hugged her close to his chest. Suddenly she turned, pressing her hooves against his chest as her usually strong persona broke away and left her crying for their lost friend. 

Seed felt something brush his face, he turned to find Dying Armour behind him. In the midst of all their misery, he'd come back with a meagre supply of wood and was now stood beside the two cousins holding something out to Angelica, not even acknowledging Seed's existence.  Amidst her tears, Angelica looked out to the world and saw what he held. The little doll she had found in Canterlot. In amazement the changeling knew what it meant to her, she reached out and took it gratefully, looking up at the cold emotionless dark green face above. She hugged it close as she herself was hugged by Seed. Through her sobs she asked. "H-how did you know about... about this..." The creature stood there, still no emotion on his face. 
"I saw what it could do for you in Canterlot." He turned and without hesitation made the group of ponies jump as he fired a spell at the wood which irrupted into dark green embers. The warmth was both instantaneous, and appreciated by all. "Get some sleep." The changeling demanded of them all. "I'll keep watch until one of you wakes." And with that he sat away from the group. Staring out over the dark desert towards what -until recently- had been his mountain home. 

Without argue, the ponies looked to each other, and decided to take the advice given to them, and all lay down near the fire for warmth and fell asleep. 

All except for one.

Thor.

Soon all that could be heard in the deadly silence of the desert was the faint crackle of the fire. Dying Armour still sat resolute, staring hard into the distance. His thoughts on the past... Then somepony spoke up from behind him pulling him from the realm of his mind. 
"I've got to talk to you." Dying Armour turned to see a burgundy pegasus approaching him from within the gloom of the night. The changeling sighed irritably and turned back to the mountain without a word. Thor came up beside him and sat, staring off in the same direction as he. After a moment of silence he asked. "Are you listening to me?" Dying armour sighed again and said in a bored tone. 
"Yes... unfortunately... what do you want?" Thor waited a moment, obviously trying to word it just right. 
"Y-You said you'd seen how the doll helped Angy, in Canterlot. When were you there? How long have you been following us?" Dying Armour chuckled, glancing back to the group by the fire. He spotted the so called 'leader' of the group sleeping close to her platinum unicorn friend. 

"You're quite fond of her aren't you?" The changeling smirked as he looked back to the darkness of the night. Thor seemed disgruntled by the question, bristling slightly he responded curtly. 
"That's not an answer!" Finally Armour looked straight to Thor, his pale green eyes seemed to penetrate the suspicious pegasus, and the look sent shivers all up the pony's spine. 
"No, it isn't." Dying armour agreed coldly. There was another deadly silence, then... "I told you, you can cover plenty of ground when you don't stop for rest." Thor almost spoke up against the incident earlier that night, but bit back as the changeling continued. "I left the mountain after Discord set my brothers and sisters against me..." Dying armour's eyes began to lose focus as he was lost in his memories, Thor stared at them, unable to look away at their pale green as they gleamed through the dark. "My mother hadn't been there, so I came to the only place I knew she had been recently... Canterlot's throne room." Thor noticed movement just below his gaze, he glanced down and saw the changeling's hoof was shaking, was it out of anger? Or misery? 

"If...if I'd have gotten there... just a little sooner!" Dying Armour choked. His entire cold persona was beginning to crumble away, showing both a great love and grief for the departed queen. Still he continued...


.........................................................


 “Oh come now Shining Armour, can’t you allow a dying girl her last wish?”
“And that is?” 
“To talk. To make a request.” 

The Chrysalis coughed horribly, from her mouth exploded several wisps of the paper like substance that was her crumbling form. Shining Armour waited patiently, though he disliked all that the creature stood for, him more understandably than anypony. He understood the respect he should pay to a dying being. After the fit passed, Chrysalis looked up. She opened her mouth, and called out. "Dying Armour? Come down." From the rafters high above them, something fell, landing slightly roughly on the tiled floor. 

Dying Armour looked up, the wounds from his fellow changelings still weeping blood. The stallion changeling looked up through teary eyes. "M-mother..." He choked. Shining Armour backed away.
"You!" He cried angrily, almost attacking his known enemy on principle. This was clearly a trap! Dying Armour ignored his father and stared on at his dying mother, his heart crumbling at the same rate as she did. 
"My child..." Chrysalis cooed gently stretching out her neck towards him. Dying Armour came closer to let her stroke his face with her head affectionately. As their heads touched Chrysalis closed her eyes. "Y-you... were always my favourite..." Dying Armour's eyes scrunched at the words, unable to stop the tears from flowing down his face.
"M-mother!" was all he could say! Finally they pulled away, and the queen addressed the captain ahead of her. 
"Dying Armour wasn't born like a normal changeling..." She explained to Shining Armour as Dying Armour straightened up and glanced over with a hateful glare to the white stallion. "I... gave birth to him... not from a cluster of eggs like the others." Chrysalis continued. Shining Armour felt sick at the thought that he had helped for such a thing to happen, but he didn't look away, ensuring he respected the last wish of the dying queen, to listen. "...You know why that is." She said quietly. Shining Armour nodded, not wishing to revisit the memories of before his wedding with the one he thought was his future wife. 

"He is your son..." The changeling queen said slowly, Shining Armour's eyes closed with defeat, he shuddered, then reopened them, composing himself as best he could. 
"I didn't ask for this either!" Dying Armour shouted suddenly at the obviously disgusted stallion. "You think I wanted to be different from my brothers and sisters?! You think I wanted a pony to be my father?! I WISH YOU-"
"Armour!" Chrysalis barked, causing her to cough up more of her wilting insides. The dark creature calmed immediately and stooped to his mother's side. She waved him away quickly, making him back off with new tears in his eyes. When she finally recovered, she picked up where she left off. 
"He is your son... and... my request is this..." She looked from one stallion to the other, though Dying Armour tried not to, he looked so much like his father. Even beneath the cuts and scars across his surface, his features were so similar. She sighed, then finally asked her final request. "Watch over him. Shining Armour, he is your son, and I want you to help him! Let him take his rightful place as the next monarch of my children!" 

"How?" Shining Armour asked simply. "How do I do that?" 
"By killing that monster Discord!" Dying Armour barked curtly. "Or give me a chance to get at his throat! Then I'll do the rest!" Shining Armour looked from his bastard son, to the mother who lay a few feet away. She nodded, agreeing with her son. 
"Find them." Chrysalis said simply. "Find the survivors, here and in Ponyville. Find them and go to the outlands. And fight!" Shining Armour began to ask a question but the speech died in his throat as suddenly, Chrysalis began to convulse. The rate of decay skyrocketed, irradiating the tip of her horn in seconds. 
"Mother!" Dying Armour cried, rushing to her. He knew by the time she had begun to wilt, there was no bringing her back, no amount of love could rejuvenate the parent who lay dying before him. This didn't stop him however, he tried to give her every drop of affection he had for her! He loved more than anything, she was all he had! He needed her! To stay! To love! 

Tears burst forth as he saw it didn't work, Chrysalis's torso was almost gone already, the seconds were flying by, with them taking his mother from him! The tears flooded out faster when his pale green eyes met her darker ones for one instant. Her mouth opened, about to speak.
"I lo-" Her mouth flaked away, and a second later, all that remained was the white wisps which scattered across the floor. 
"Nooooo!" Dying Armour screeched. He dropped down to the ground, swiping at the white wisps. Trying to pull them into him. "Mother!" The wind took most of them suddenly, rushing them out the window. Armour swung at the trying to catch them, when he failed he tried to drag the remaining ones to him, but the simply wafted into the air as his hooves swung over them, dancing, almost mocking him. "Noooohohohoooooo" Dying Armour broke down into tears, he was alone. His face hit the floor, speckling the tiled floor with tears. His body heaved as the grief flowed out of him. She was gone!

A warm hoof rested on his shoulder, the tears ceased instantly. In one single movement, Dying Armour swung his sharpened horn around, aiming to strike the father that was clearly trying to trick him! The horn came into contact hard with Shining Armour's foreleg. He had blocked it. Dying Armour glared up at the pony, hating him for besting him in this moment of grief, adding insult to injury! In one swift movement, Shining Armour rushed in. Dying Armour expected a deathly blow, he glared back, not closing his eyes. Wanting the only thing he saw was the father he hated, determined to haunt the stallion if he could! 

The white forelegs wrapped around his neck and pulled him close. 

Then stopped. 

Dying Armour stared over the empty hall, his eyes wide in surprise as he father embraced him. 
"I'm sorry..." The white stallion whispered. The lie filled Dying Armour with fury!
"No you're not!" Dying Armour cried out, livid at his father. He struggled, but his muscles were weak with grief. 
"I am!" Shining Armour countered, his voice slightly breaking as he pulled the stallion closer. "I am! I'm sorry!" Dying Armour stopped struggling. Amazed at the unexpected display of affection.


.........................................................


"He went off to find any survivors like my mother asked, and I came with him until we reached the entrance hall. Before he entered, he promised he'd respect my mother's wishes, but for me to follow you all. To be a 'guardian angel' for you all." 
Dying Armour brought his story to a close. Leaving Thor staring in awe. 
"Y-you... you were with us this whole way?" Dying Armour nodded, his shaking finally coming under control. Thor stared for a moment, then began almost fearfully. "B-but you said... you said the changelings that attacked us today... you said they were after you!" The changeling nodded once more.
"They were." 
"Then why didn't we run into them sooner? If you could get to Canterlot so fast, then how come we did get hit by them as we left?"
"They weren't chasing me, if that's what you mean." Dying Armour explained, still looking coldly into the distance. "They were trying to ward me away. Needless to say Discord probably sensed me coming..." He left the explanation open, knowing the conclusion was obvious.

Thor stared for another moment, then slowly began to relax. 
"You're... really here to help us huh?" The changeling didn't say anything for a moment. Then his head turned slowly. His eyes fixed, resolute, full of loathing for one single creature.

"As long as it can get me to Discord, to avenge my mother... I'll follow you all to the end of the world and back!"

> reaching the mountain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Who are you?!" Twilight demanded of the being in the dark. "You're not Noteworthy like I thought, so who the hay are you!" Her voice was filled with anger, frustration, and even the faintest hint of disappointment, her eyes the exact same!
"Noteworthy? Oh... Twilight dear... I had no idea!" Rarity gasped in dismay. She knew better than anypony -due to their spa days- how much the magenta unicorn was praying for the eventual return of her lost love. Now that she thought on it, Rarity realised it would be almost like a fantasy, the husband, hidden for years, finally reunited with his wife through protecting her from a great evil. Almost like the songs he used to write for Twilight. 

Growing even more frustrated with the mystery prisoner now she knew how her friend was feeling, Rarity chipped in. "YES! Enough of all this enigmatic nonsense, why don't you tell us who you are?!" 
"Yeah!" Rainbow piped up, backed by her silent, stern faced husband.
"How are we s'posed t' trust yah if you keep who yah are away from us?" Applejack accused.
"It is only fair... I mean, you know who we all are..." Fluttershy whimpered from the bars of her own cage. 
"Y' should jus' get it over with. If yah are our 'pal' like yah seem t' think." Big Macintosh said strongly, supporting his nervous wife.

Silence. 

"Hmmhmhmmm..." Though choked slightly by whatever bindings held them in the gloom, the voice let out a low amused laugh. "It looks like I'm outnumbered... all the elements of harmony are demanding my name...well..." The group knew who he would be looking at through the gloom. The six and their other halves all craned their necks to the highest cage. Pinkie stood frozen by the edge of as though something the prisoner had said had clued her in on their identity. 

"Pinkie?" Dash asked tentatively. "You're with us right?" Pinkie stayed still, not speaking, or even blinking. 
"Pinkie!" Twilight shouted in an attempt to catch the mare's attention. The shout shook the pink earth pony from her thoughts, and made her glance to Twilight.
"Twilight? Why are you yelling at me?"
"I'm not yell-" Twilight stopped her angry shouting and frowned in surprise. She was yelling! At the friend she had only just got back from her own sorrowful silence. Why was she yelling?!

"It's what he wants..." Said the prisoner in the shadow. The other prisoners turned back to the wall, listening, even if begrudgingly, to the words of their personal expert. "He'll try and get you upset, then worried, then angry... then... well... no harmony amongst the elements OF harmony means no threat." The others all looked sheepishly to each other, realising how snappy they had been only moments ago. With their eyes, they all exchanged silent apologies. 

"JEEZ! If I don't get out of this place soon, I'm gonna lose it!" Rainbow heaved heavily and rested her head on the bars of the hanging cage, closing her eyes, which showed how tired the usually energetic mare really was.
"Not while I'm still here Rainbow Dash!" The mystery prisoner encouraged simply. 
"Thanks..." The rainbow pegasus grunted, opening one eye and peering into the gloom. "Whoever you are..." 


.....


"Ummmm... excuse me? Dying Armour?" The changeling turned his head to the right, and sure enough, he saw the only remaining unicorn left in the group walking beside him. 
"Yes? What is it?" He asked irritably of the platinum and purple mare. She blushed in fear as he addressed her, but with a brave gulp, she swallowed her worries and spoke to the creature that was helping them. 
"Ummm... well, I was wondering..."
"GET TO THE POINT OR SHUT UP!" The changeling exploded suddenly in annoyance, causing the unicorn to rush into a series of random and seemingly meaningless topics out of fear. Far behind, walked Seed, Thor, Angelica and Sweetness, all watching as the unicorn obviously do what she always tried to do, bridge the peace. 

"I dunno, I LIKE HIM!" Sweetness bounced happily, looking ahead to the older stallion hybrid. 
"Even when he's been saying all that stuff about your dad? We got you running away from us for less than what he said!" Thor argued, sure to keep his voice down.
"I knoooooowwwww, but he's allowed to isn't he?!" Sweetness replied, confusing her friends completely.
"How come?" Angy asked cautiously. 
"Well, he's the antihero isn't he?"
Seed laughed, remembering hearing the term use by Archy several times.
"This aint no story Sweetness, it aint all that simple." The farm pony glared over at the bulking frame of the stallion hybrid -Thor had clued them all in early that morning once Armour had finally gone for a short rest- Seed didn't like him, he was sure, deep down, there was a reason why this monster couldn't be trusted!
"Here here!" Thor hollerd in agreement, sending deadly eye daggers into the back of the changeling. 

"Well I don't know what you guys hate about him, but you need to calm down and just work with him!" Sweetness protested, to the dropping jaws of all three of her surrounding friends. 
"S-Sweetness..." Angy stuttered in horror. "He... He... burned Ponyville to the ground... he tried to destroy us all!" Sweetness froze, her smile stuck across her face, the corners of her lips twitched and her pace slowed for a second. 
"Oh... yeah..." Suddenly her smile exploded back into life as she obviously found a way to forgive the crime. "Hey... it's ok, so did princess Luna! And my pappa!" With that she began to bounce away, leaving her friends staring after her. As she rushed off, Angelica gave a nervous glance around, she didn't want anyone wandering of, or at least not alone, not after Archy. She locked gazes with Thor, pleading for him to understand why she was vanishing after so little time together. 

Thor smiled. "Go on, better stop her before she makes friends with... something else! She doesn't seem to have ANY boundaries on that front." With a smile and a nod, Angy took to the air lightly and went off in pursuit of Sweetness. 

"So!" Thor started the very instant he and his old friend were alone. "What's your problem with 'Mr Gloom and Doom?'" He jerked his head in the direction of the changeling. 
"What could you mean?" Seed laughed sarcastically. "I love the guy!" He rolled his shoulder, which now ached badly from his introduction to their guide. "He'd jus' dandy!" he grunted through gritted teeth. Thor chuckled and glanced up at Ruby, who was obviously trying to engage Dying Armour in small talk, with little to no avail. 

"You're ok with that?" Thor asked, flicking his eyes in the two's direction yet again. Seed looked up from his hooves -It was the only way to relieve his aching shoulders- he stared for a minute, before looking away casually, but Thor noticed his expression was far to egsadurated  to be remotely true. 
"She can talk to whoever she wants..." Seed grunted, if not a little morose. "It aint like I 'own' Ruby or nothin'..." 
"But... she likes you!" Thor encouraged. "If you explained how you feel about this guy, maybe she'd-"
"Stop talking to him?!" Seed finished dejectedly. 
"...Be more careful..." Thor corrected.
"That's just it bud, I don' wanna control her, I like her as she is, an' if I interfered, she might change..." Thor grimaced, Seed was always good at this deep emotional stuff, for what seemed like the millionth time, Thor wished Archy was here to help!

"Look... Seed..." Thor began in a hushed tone moving closer to his orange friend. "You've got to tell her how you feel, that's the only way you're going to ever stop being so paranoid!" Seed frowned at the burgundy pegasus.
"How'd you reckon that?" He asked nervously. 
"Becaaaaauuuuse...." Thor held the word, taunting Seed by holding back whatever information he knew that the farm worker didn't. Then he laughed and clapped his long time friend on the back. "Because, the second you tell her, she's gonna want to be all yours! BECAUSE SHE FEALS THE EXACT SAME WAY SEED!" 
"Shut up!" Seed laughed lightly as his cheeks flushed a bright pink against his orange coat. He rammed his friend in the side jokingly, "Don't make me whoop yer flank 'gain Thor!" 

The pegasus laughed as he stumbled slightly at the contact, then returned to his friends side. With a playful nudge of his own, he said. 
"Well, if she doesn't, she could always go for gloomy guts over there..." Seed smirked, grateful for his friends attempt to lift his spirits. Then he saw Thors face: Firm, his lower lip jutting out, his eyes horrified. 
"Thor?" Seed asked cautiously, concerned. Thor shuddered and without the slightest change of expression, said six simple words. 
"I just thought about the children!" Seed irrupted into a fit of giggles as his own version of what half pony/dragon and half pony/changeling offspring would look like! 

That was when the spear struck Dying Armour's side!

Ruby let out a horrified shriek and staggered back in fear. "SEED?!" He was already by her side! Thor was on route for the falling changeling who had momentarily vanished amidst a spray of blood! He reached his wounded ally just as Armour came down to his knees. 
"Dammit!" The changeling examined his wound. "I shouldn't have gotten distracted!" He spat, flashing an annoyed glance to Ruby who recoiled slightly under the gaze. Then without hesitation, the natural fighter reached down and savagely wrenched the head of the spear out of his side with his teeth. "Here!" he grunted, tossing the bloodied weapon to Thor. The pegasus fumbled with the instrument momentarily before finally catching it. 
"B-but... what am I supposed to do with this?!" Stuttered the pegasus as Ruby and seed closed in around the two, followed closely by Angy and Sweetness. 

"STAB! SLICE! DANCE AROUND IT LIKE A NAUGHTY LITTLE FILLY! I DONT CARE, JUST FIGHT!" 
"FIGHT WHO? I DON'T SEE ANYPONY!" Thor shouted back angrily. The pegasus still turned around and stared across the increasingly rocky landscape: They'd come extremely close to the base of the outland mountains, but yet again it seemed only another obstacle had come to meet them.
"THERE!" Angelica shouted, pointing to a large rock that acted like a boundary between them and what seemed like a maze of boulders only a few yards away.

"Dammit!" Cried the attacker hiding behind the stone. In a blur, he rushed into the open, firing another spear with his magic, this one targeted at Ruby. 
"NO!" Seed screamed, with a speed he never knew he had, he stepped into the spears path, swung up a hoof; catching the wood of the projectile and flipping it over. Then with a punch with all his strength, Seed shot his hoof into the butt of the weapon, launching it back at double it's original velocity! 

The assailant ducked, cursing as the spear shattered and splintered mere inches from his head. Suddenly he turned tail and ran into the forest of boulders. 
"OH JUST GIVE ME THAT!" Dying Armour growled at Thor who was obviously in no rush to use the weapon. "I'll go get him." He purred happily as he pulled the spear into his own possession. With a blur of wings, he took to the air and zipped after the mystery stallion. 

As he rushed ahead, Armour heard hooves just behind him. Expecting an ambush or a flanking attempt, Armour gripped the spear tight, and turned. It was Apple Seed: Staring ahead, a hateful gleam in his eye. 
"I got yah back!" Seed grunted, amazingly keeping up with Dying Armours tremendous speed. Anger had consumed him momentarily, anger for his missing friend, anger for his missing parent, but right now he was mostly furious about the attempt on Ruby's life! Armour saw that rage, saw the fury burning in the stallion's green eyes, and smiled. 
'Finally!' He thought, ' A pony who can actually help!' With that, he returned his focus to the hunt! 

"Go right, cut him off!" The farm pony suddenly growled. Dying Armour frowned in surprise for a moment, before silently following the furious pony's obviously correct order and sweeping right in a blur of black and green. 

As soon as Armour vanished from sight, Seed opened up his reserves and put his element to use! With all his might, he forced his thundering hooves into a blur of speed. As he ran, he caught sight of the attacker -fast losing ground to his pursuers- and with him in his sights, Seed grew even faster, hate and frustration egging him on!

He couldn't help but feel - as the tears rushed down his face from the wind- he must be approaching sonic rainboom speed, but on the ground! 
"Hey!" Seed hollered, catching the stallion's attention, the soldier glanced back, saw how close Seed was, cursed and began to take a path deeper into the forest of rocks around him. 

Seed, in his rage, missed several crucial turns the escaping stallion took, but to the mystery stallion's horror, Seed used his strength to bowl the smaller boulders aside with ease, therefore making up for his lack of agility. All the while, the mountain loomed closer to the running stallions, it's dark shadow plunging them into a twilight realm of semi gloom. 

As they came the closest to the mountain they had been yet, Seed glanced up for a second, and his jaw dropped. There was an arch. Unlike any of the grandest he had ever seen in Canterlot! This one towered over four stories high, yet was hidden in an alcove hence why he and the rest of his troop hadn't spotted it from a distance. It's frame was a bright grey stone which stood out against the almost orange mountain rock, fine engravings spread across the ridges proving it was pony made and not just some natural anomaly. 

The attacker turned just as he broke free of the maze of rocks and hit open ground in a clearing before the arch. 
"Come on!" He yelled as Seed exploded out from between two rocks. "You damn Equestrian! Come on! I'll stuff you and hang you on my- OOFFFFF!" With a horrible crunch, Dying Armour surged into the pony out of nowhere, the spear he healed delving deep into the unsuspecting attacker's chest, half burying him in the ground upon contact. As the dust cleared, Seed stared as Dying Armour stood up, a smirk of satisfaction on his face. 
"Pff... not even a challenge!" the changeling snickered as he fluttered his wings back to his side and stretched his neck irritably before glancing at Seed. 

"You kept up with him?" 
"Yah sound surprised..." Seed retorted defensively. 
"Well, he's a western pony, and you're... you're... a farm pony!" 
"Ha! Well it don' mean I can' be fast when I wanna be!" Seed relaxed and stared at the motionless pony at the hooves of the changeling prince. Who now mumbled slightly, before asking. 
"Look, I know you wanted him and everything... but... he's dead, so... would you mind if I had him? I'm starved!" Seed's eyes grew wide with shock at how casually Armour talked about eating a pony! He opened his mouth to come to the anonymous stallion's aid, which in turn shocked him! This was the same stallion he had just rushed after with the intent to hurt! To kill if need be!

"Seed? Armour? You guys over there?" Came the muffled voice of Thor from beyond the many boulders.
"Yes Thor! We're here, we got him!" Armour shouted. Seed couldn't help but notice the sudden compliance of the changeling, both now and in the chase. Thanks to him listening to Seed, they had caught the fleeing western pony before he vanished into this massive archway!

Over the rocks came Thor, straining under his recovering wings and carrying a worried and shaken looking Ruby by her forehooves. Seconds later their leader emerged over the top of the rocks as well, struggling far more as her passenger wouldn't stop wriggling. 
" I'M FLYIIIIIIING! WEEEEEEEEEE!" 
"Sweetness! Stop! Or you're gonna fall!" The four set down and instantly Ruby rushed to Seed and hugged him. 
"You're ok, oh thank goodness!" 
"Of course I am!" Seed brushed off her concern with a smile as he hugged her back. Over Ruby's shoulder he spotted Thor who sent a wink his way.

The orange stallion ignored his friend and added as an afterthought. "That guy was about t' come at me, then Dying Armour here swooped in an' saved me!" 
"What?" Thor exclaimed in astonishment. 
"Y-you... did?" Angelica asked of Dying Armour, she was cautious, she didn't want to trust this creature not after it's fellows had stolen Archy... but if he had saved Seed... 

The changeling grunted, tossing his head away from the group, a glimmer of embarrassment sparking in his heart. "He's making it sound bigger than it was..." the hybrid stallion disclaimed. "If we hadn't stopped him, he'd have been in trouble!" 
"Yeah!" Thor laughed, nudging  Sweetness who laughed along with the pegasus. "He could have come back and gone for me next time!" 
"And that would be SUCH a shame!" Dying Armour quipped, making the rest of the group laugh harder.

"Heh..." 'WHAT WAS THAT?!' Armour thought furiously. Had he just laughed with these ponies it had been his mission -until recently- to hunt down? Another small breath of laughter escaped his lips as the rest calmed themselves. What was going on? First he'd hated them all, simply because they were his own way to Discord, then he'd seen how they cared for each other, like his mother had for him. So he'd given the yellow pegasus her doll when she needed it, the first form of charity he'd ever shown in his 20 years of living. 

He'd opened up last night to Thor, he was even thinking about some of the ponies as beings with names! Listening to a pony making terrible attempts of friendship, in turn causing him an injury! Now laughing with them?! Why was he growing so comfortable with them? "N-no..." He managed to say as the others finished laughing. "He wouldn't have come back alone, he's an outer pony, they constantly use... scouts... Damnit!" 

"Aaaaand the penny drops! You're getting slow... 'Dying Armour' did I hear that Equestrian call you?" From atop the ridge above the archway, bows drawn on mechanisms were suddenly visible as the ponies that held them emerged. Behind them amidst the rocks, almost as if from the rocks themselves, came more ponies. All of them had dark coats and manes, wearing vibrant purple and red material as uniforms, and all of them had large scimitars gripped in their teeth or magic. 

The pony at the forefront of this troop was the only one without a weapon. He swaggered towards the group, his eyes fixed on Dying Armour. 

"Good afternoon Kartoruss." Armour growled with false joy. "Well at least you know my name now hey?" The outer pony simply strolled over, his smile far too wild to be that of a genuine friend. 
"No thanks to you!" He pointed a hoof at the changeling lazily, passing Thor and Sweetness without the slightest acknowledgment. "No thanks... to you." He repeated slowly as he came to a halt beside Seed, Ruby and Angy.

"What are you doing here then Kartoruss? Out with it then!" 
"Protecting our kingdom from Equestrian attack, as always!" Kartoruss said gleefully, looking over the group from Ponyville. His stare lingered far longer on Ruby, his gaze travelled over her curves and long hair, taking it all in. She squealed in fear and hid behind Seed who squared up to the stallion not far from him. 

"Ohohohooooo! Captain! This one thinks himself a bit of a fighter!" Shouted an archer who had marked Seed and spotted him readying for a fight. The apparent captain Kartoruss; who had looked away when Ruby hid, looked back. 
"It seems he does!" The dark stallion laughed. He approached Seed, menace in his eyes. 
"Do you want to hit me?" He questioned the stony faced Apple Seed. "Ohhh, I bet you do! That your girl behind you then?" As the orange stallion opened his mouth, Dying Armour shot in between the two in the blink of an eye. Looking as intimidating as ever before, Amour glared at the western stallion and spoke quietly.

"These Equestrians are of no interest to you, they are children! AND..." He paused for effect, hoping his plan was working. "They are here by personal invitation of the queen!" 
"The queen?! Oh no!" Kartoruss rushed back instantly to his troop. He pushed down their weapons and gestured to the archers to lower their bows furiously. "You heard him! They're here for the queen changeling, we have to let them through to the caverns NOW!" There was a pause as Kartoruss stopped dead, his back facing the adventurers. 

Nothing happened. 

Then it started.

The chuckle of an archer, which spread to the rest, then to the ground troops. Soon all the western soldiers were laughing loudly, all except for the silent Kartoruss. 

Slowly, with his back still facing them, Kartoruss's head turned so one eye could leer back them, glinting in the sun. "We know what happened to your mommy Armour." Those words made Dying Armour's stomach lurch, if they knew...did the treaty still stand? 
"Back up! BACK UP!" Armour ordered the Elements. They did so, hugging the wall of the mountain, away from the rest of the ponies that watched their every step. 
"Even so, you know where I stand Kartoruss! You wouldn't dare attack me!" Armour challenged desperately. The captain simply raised an eyebrow at the departing group.
"Really? What if your new ruler dropped by and explained that you've been banished?" 

Armour cursed loudly, with a glance back to the others, he thought of fleeing, leaving them to fight for themselves, but something held him there. Was it his promise to his father? Or was it the stony faces of each of the group? They were ready for a fight!
"Get ready..." Armour whispered to the elements, widening his stance and unfurling his wings. The girls nodded, and in that instant Sweetness's mane collapsed flat against her head, her eyes instantly changing to those of her draconequus father. Ruby's horn began to glow bright, and Angelica's wings were twitching in preparation to go for the archers. 

Thor and Seed instinctively rammed their heads back, and in seconds they were clad in their beautiful suites of Armour. 

"Ooooh more of that fancy armour!" Kartoruss scoffed. "Well let's hope it does you better than it did that unicorn!" 
"Archy?" Thor whispered to the group calmly. 
"Gotta be!" Angy replied, locking eyes with a single archer high above. 
"Well that's good!" Thor snorted. Ruby looked around in surprise, seemingly the only one who seemed worried about the mentioned unicorn. 
"How is it good?" She asked in panic. 
"Because it means they caught Archy..." Dying Armour explained under his breath. "So my brothers and sisters don't have him, we could still find him alive!" 
"Eeeeeenough of this infernal whispering!" Kartoruss laughed, the stallions behind him had readied their weapons. "Either fight now, or just surrender! Make your minds up!" He winked at Dying Armour, who smirked back. 

"As you wish." With a small boom, Armour shot forward to the captain! 

Instantly the group followed suite, and rushed into battle! 

> The battle by the mountain side
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Angy and the armour clad Thor shot up to the archers, while Seed rushed in to fight the captain's subordinates. Ruby began to fire spells in any direction that an enemy came from. 

And Sweetness...

Sweetness let out a single earth shattering scream that created a shockwave like last time, whipping up all the dust and stones from the desert floor. These stones shot straight into the faces of Kartoruss's soldiers, while avoiding her advancing allies. These rocks serviced as the perfect distractions and blinded the soldiers, causing them to shield and cover their eyes. Meaning once they looked back, the first thing they saw was the Elements of Salvation raining down upon them!

It only took two seconds for Dying Armour to reach Kartoruss. However in that time -almost out of nowhere- the outer pony had drawn a short sword and clashed it against the changelings sharpened horn. Instantly the sharp edges reacted and sparks erupted between the two. 
"I've waited for this!" Kartoruss growled, "To get you alone, just me and you!" 
"Aww..." Armour cooed sarcastically, "I had no idea you felt that way! Some flowers or a note would have been enough to tell me 'Karty!'" The western pony glared at the changeling at his remark. 
"You constantly waltzed around here, all because your queen and my king signed that damn cease fire! You thought you were untouchable! Well look now, I'm touching you! AND I'M ABOUT TO KILL YOU!" The captain's eyes were filled with wildfire, his hateful intent obvious in his irises. 

After a sudden break away from the deadlock, and a vicious slash of Kartoruss only just avoided. Armour decided to quit joking, his usual goading would only increase the level of threat this pony stood against him! So without a word, he turned just as the sword struck his horn a second time, instantly pulling it away. Without giving his opponent a chance to recover, Armour used his momentum to spin around and ploughed his hind legs into the chest of the captain. A grunt of pain escaped the outer pony's lips as he bent down slightly, gritting his teeth. However, when he glanced back up to Armour the whites of his teeth were plain to see as he smiled manically. "You didn't even force me back a step!" Armour stayed calm faced, though inside he was awash with concern. He'd always fought knowing the facts and statistics of his enemy! He only knew this opponent personally! There was no telling how strong he really was!

Angy descended on the archers like a bird of prey! In seconds half of the soldiers on the archway were falling to the ground far below. 
"NO ONE HURTS MY FRIENDS!" The female screamed headed straight for the next of the attackers, who had begun to rush towards a small opening in the mountain face. Then something glinted in the afternoon sun, looking to her right she saw another archer, sat on a ledge away from the fight. His bow was drawn, and the arrow was about to fly. 

As it was released, Angy spotted another Archer covering her way of escape. She opened her mouth to scream as both arrows made their way to her, but was cut short as Thor appeared and hugged her, shielding her body from the two arrows with his armoured back. 
CLANG CLANG!
Thor released Angy and gave her a gleaming smile. 
"T-Thor..." Angy spluttered. "T-thank yo-" She was cut short ye4t again, but this time it was Thor's lips that stopped her. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl, the wind died and the sun blacked out. Thor and Angy were the only things in existence, or that was what it felt like! Angy sighed into Thor's mouth as her muscles relaxed and she felt him do the same. As soon as it had come, the kiss ended. Thor broke away, and the world exploded back into existence again. With another smile, Thor flipped backwards and let out a loud happy cry.
"WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!" The archer that had loosed the first arrow had no chance to reload before the armoured body of Thor slammed into him. The speed and armour combined to make the same effect as a speeding mine kart hitting him!

Down on the ground, the stallion wearing golden armour was fighting like warrior of legend. Holding off every outer pony that wash rushing to aid their captain -still wrapped in combat with Dying Armour- Sharpened scimitars sliced at him, but they were either avoided by the stallion's surprising speed, or they struck the polished armour on his back and head. 
"Hmmf!" He grunted as he grabbed a blade with his teeth and with his mighty neck muscles, pulled it over his head, pulling it's wielder over his head and in a grand arc, which ended with a crash landing into a fellow soldier. 

"You think this is thought?" Seed goaded the group, trying to keep their attention on him, if he could, maybe Armour would have time to get information from Kartoruss on Archy's whereabouts. A number of soldiers jumped onto his back, weighing him down to his knees! Thor froze in the air and stared in horror.
"SEEEEEED!" He screamed. Before he could move, a hoof struck the ground. Though it made no shudder, the noise caught everyponys attention. The few atop Seed looked up to see a purple maned mare only a few feet away staring back at them through red and golden eyes. 
"Kill him! Quick!" A soldier screamed, sure enough a soldier rushed to Seed's head, angling his scimitar for his neck.
"Get off of him!" Sweetness ordered. At their lack of compliance, Sweetness's eyes flashed briefly. In that instant the group of soldiers exploded out into the air, then their velocity decreased, slowing their journey through the air, their faces frozen in horror. 

"Ruby?" Sweetness offered coldly, not even glancing back. The unicorn obliged her terrifying friend, forgetting her nervousness in the instant Seed had fallen momentarily. With a flash of magic she released a barrage of spells towards the soldiers flying slowly through the air. Each hit their target with deadly accuracy, causing them to drop like flies around a recuperating Seed. 
The farm pony looked up to the approaching two and smiled gratefully "Thanks!" 
"It's ok." Ruby smiled.
"No worries." The unusually serious Sweetness said in her distorted voice. As she flashed him a smile, Seed noticed a red trickle escaping the pink pony's nostril. 
"Sweetness?" Seed asked, glancing around to find the others who may still need help. Angy and Thor had dealt with the archers and were recovering high above. The only two fighters left were the furious two in the centre of the clearing. Kartoruss and Armour. Looking back knowing he had time to be concerned for his friend, Seed continued. "You alright?" Sweetness frowned.
"Im f-f-f-f..." Her eyes began to flicker to their old colour, then they shot back to red, only to change back yet again. Sweetness was seaming to struggle talking! "f-f-f-f-fine!" With that her eyes changed once more and the mare pitched forward. 

"Woah!" Seed cried as he shot out a hoof to catch her, Ruby helped him as he stooped down to place the unconscious mare on the dirt ground. 
"Where's Archy when you need him?" Ruby moaned as she glanced over sweetness' body "He'd know why she passed out! He'd know what to do!" 


.....


Kartoruss swung low with his sword, aiming for Armour's forelegs, however said changeling hopped over the blade and popped those same forelegs into Kartorusses face. Still this didn't make the captain stagger back, he refused to give an inch to this changeling scum! So the entire duel had been carried out in the same spot without either fighters hind legs stepping back. Armour swung his horn down, Kartoruss weaved around the blade and lunged with his own, only to be parried by Armour who had used the first swing as bait, with an upward swing, his horn clashed against the sword in a shower of sparks.

"Hmm..." Kartoruss raised his eyebrows in admitance. "Not bad." 
"I've fought better!" Armour smirked, unable to help the job to escape. Kartorusses smile vanished.
"Oh... alright then..." 

Click

Only centimetres from his eyes, Armour saw the hilt of the sword split in two. For a second he thought he had broken his opponent's weapon, victory! Then he saw the blade above it split as well! The sword had split into a dual pair of twin blades. 

One blade stayed gripped in the captain's teeth while the other dropped to the ground. Armour knew what was coming! He jumped back, sacrificing several feet to the captain who in the same instant caught the blade with his hoof and swung it in a deadly uppercut, slashing the space where Armour had been only seconds before! 

Finally out of the heat of battle for a second, Armour glanced around to find the others. As he could see, they were all alive, with their opponents dead or unconscious! The changeling couldn't help but feel a pang of pride in his chest. The nice feeling had no chance to develop however, as Kartoruss advanced. His eyes wide with blood lust now he had made Armour retreat! With the speed of a devil, Kartoruss swung up with the blade in his teeth, making Armour jump, then when he was is in the air and vulnerable, the captain swung hard with the blade in his hoof's grasp. The blade wringed through the air and connected with Armours chest, sending him flying back at the sheer force of the strike, blood spurting form the wound. He spat angrily! More ground given to the outer pony!

Armour slammed his hooves to the ground making him grind to a halt, four large groves gouging out in the ground at the four limbs contact with the dirt. He had no time to recover however, before Kartoruss was upon him again! Armour focused on the blades, knowing by the pain in his chest that he couldn't take another hit like that! He ensured he dodged each strike praying for an opening! 

Weave right!

Duck,

Back step.

Strafe left and step forward...

Retreat! Duck and weave fast! 

This was impossible, either the captain's personal hatred of Armour was far stronger than he had realised, or his mentality in battle was woo much like a wild animal, unpredictable and savage! Seed stared at the two, as did Thor high above. The two marvelled at the two's amazing speed and flexibility. Two true warriors, bread for battle and bloodshed! However, Armour: Their ally! Was losing, they needed to get in there! But neither could find an opening in the blur of hooves and blades! Thor readied himself, ready to shoot like a bullet at the captain, Angy saw this and got ready to do the same, thinking two assaults would be better than one. 

Kartoruss struck, lunging with his blade clenched in his teeth, Armour spotted the opening! Ducking, the changeling flipped so his chest faced upward and towards Kartoruss exposed chest. With a quick jab, the changeling halted the captain's momentum. Armour then pushed off the ground, taking the full weight of the captain on his forehooves, pushing up as he stood, ultimately sending the captain flipping onto his back. 

Kartoruss let out a furious scream of frustration and sprang back to his hooves, charging back into the fight. 
"I won't be bested..." he yelled as he sent a deadly blade slashing through the air towards the changeling's face. "By a group of Equestrians and a disgraced changeling mutt!" Armour's face danced almost like liquid before the attacks, avoiding each wild strike with ease now the captain had lost his composure. 
"Hmmhmmhmmm" Armour chuckled. "Woof woof!" The mocking impression sent Kartoruss into a frenzy. His eyes were burning with fiery fury. 
"Die!" He said quietly, striking with both blades simultaneously, swiping both down in the same diagonal line. Armour jumped over the blades and landed on the captains head, and with a push he sent him into the ground face first. 

The changeling floated back to the ground, a smirk spread across his lips. 
"I'm sure I made you move that time!" He mocked. Kartoruss screamed, jumping up yet again he began to rush Armour, but was stopped by the site before him. Two Equestrians stood beside the changeling, the orange earth pony and the platinum and purple unicorn looked ready to back their ally to the death. 
"What are you doing?!" Armour shouted, looking to both his reinforcements. "I have him!" 
"We're here to help!" Seed said simply, not breaking eye contact with Kartoruss. 
"You idiots!" Armour cursed, seeing the smirk spread across Kartoruss's face as he turned away and rushed for the archway. "HE NEEDED A DISTRACTION!" Armour spat as he shoved past the two ponies in pursuit of the captain. 

Thor shot into action, like a bullet from a gun he exploded into a burst of speed towards the fleeing outer pony, closely followed by Angelica. Kartorusses smirk grew wider. With speed rivaling Thor's mother, Kartoruss jumped to the top of a nearby rock and used it as a step to jump even higher. Thor adjusted his trajectory to still reach the now airborne captain. It was like he thought the pegasus couldn't his flight, HA! Big mistake for Kartoruss! 
"NO!" Armour shouted, taking to the air as fast as he could. "It's a trap!" Too late. Thor reached the captain who at the last possible second, curled his body. Looping himself around Thor's straightened body. The pegasus had no idea what happened, all he knew was the captain had been there one moment, then the next Thor was crashing into the ground with a mouthful of dirt and dust to great him.

Angelica saw what happened and prepared for the captain to try the same trick on her. She was the better flyer, she could overcome the deceitful ploy. Still gaining altitude, Kartoruss focused on Angelica, the only threat coming his way fast! Angelica saw the stallion curve his body again, the opposite way to how he had for Thor. "It'll take more than that!" She thought, then the captain straightened again and used the momentum to roll in the air. Confused, Angelica only had a second to avoid the sword that shot out from the blur that was once the captain. 

Banking right, Angy avoided the deadly missile, but slammed her back into the wall, sending a shooting pain through her back and wings. She began to fall, Thor was hurts on the ground, he couldn't save her! She was going to - Hooves caught her, she opened her terrified eyes and saw dying Armour holding her, his dragonfly wings buzzing behind him fast enough to support their two weights.
"A-Armour?" Before the changeling could say a word, they heard a loud 'thunk.' The elements looked up to see the sword that had been flung. Stuck in the mountain side above the Archway, a severed rope, unseen unnoticed before, soaring away at lightning speed. 

They only had time to notice Kartoruss clinging to the rock face of the mountain laughing, before it happened. Four nets, shot out of the blackness of the Archway. One flew out and hit Dying Armour, still carrying Angy, ensnaring the two instantly. The second enclosed the still unconscious Sweetness, while yet another pinned Seed and Ruby to the wall, knocking the wind from their lungs. The final ensnared Thor as he got to his hooves, unaware of what was coming. With a cry of surprise his legs were caught and sent him pitching forward back to the ground. He made contact with the ground just as Armour and Angy hit the floor not too far away. 

The burgundy pegasus looked up through the mesh of the net to the two just ahead. His eyes widened as he saw Angy pressed against Dying Armour's chest, held tightly in his forelegs. The yellow pegasus looked up, into the pale green eyes of their changeling ally. 
"You ok Angy?" he asked, causing the yellow pegasus to blush as she realised how close the two of them were. That blush made all the fight seep out of Thor's body, his muscles weakened and he fell what short distance there was to the ground below his face. 

Across the clearing Seed and Ruby were fighting against the net that held them to the wall of the alcove. Seed used his strength, but found the harder he struggled, a numbing feeling would spread across his muscles. Ruby felt a headache, situated behind her eyes begin whenever she tried to use her magic. A laugh, growing louder as it came closer, told them Kartoruss was approaching. Sure enough the stallion came into view above the opening into the mountain. With ease, he pried the sword from its encasement of stone with his left hoof as he looked down at his impressive haul. The king would be pleased. He spotted two of them fighting against their restraints, with another laugh, he hopped of the arch and against the mountain wall, angling his hooves correctly, he surfed down the wall to the ground with speed and ease. 

"I wouldn't bother fighting!" The captain shouted to Ruby and Seed. "Those nets are laced with Manticore venom! It drains you the more you fight." He glanced over to the net closest to him, in which was held Thor, limp and unmoving. "Why not act like your friend here? He's got the right idea." Seed saw his motionless friend and immediately he panicked at his lack of movement. 
"THOR!" A grunt came from the net in response, Ruby then spoke. 
"Thor are you alright?" Thor turned his head, with difficulty under the tight grip of the net.  When he faced the right way, the unicorn saw his eyes, bright, glistening slightly, the eyes of somepony broken! 
"Do I look alright Ruby?" The pegasus asked. 

Before anypoy could say anymore, Kartoruss let out a shrill whistle that silenced them all. Moments later, more ponies came rushing out of the gloomy interior of the mountain. They ran to the nets and took hold, slowly dragging Thor, Sweetness, Angy and Armour away. Two stallions -Their faces hidden by garbs that were wrapped across them- came over to Seed and Ruby. 
"Be careful of the armoured one!" Kartoruss ordered as he examined his two blades, slipping them back together with a click. "He has some fight!" He added just as the net was unbuckled from the wall. 

"Yah got that right!" Seed shouted, using that as his moment to strike. With the net no longer tort, Seed rushed his armoured head forward, straight into the face of the stallion in front of him. Said stallion crumbled to the floor with muffled grunt, letting Seed's side of the net drop. In an instant he was out! With his strong hind legs, he bucked the other stallion in the chest before he had a chance to draw his weapon. 

Kartorusses head snapped up at the sound of commotion, just in time to spot Seed, free, and already helping Ruby onto the floor again! 
"STOP THERE EQUESTRIAN!" He cried in anger, rushing towards the two. 
"Ruby!" Seed shouted to the mare as she recuperated from their surprise escape. "Get outta here! NOW!" 
"B-b-but..." She stammered, Seed leant in quick and pecked her on the lips fast. "Please, just get out quick!" The stallion turned away just in time to register Kartoruss ahead of him, his sword raised. Seed swung his braced foreleg up to meet the blade, and parried the attack, stopping it dead. 
"You're not going anywhere." The captain growled.
"Ruby! NOW!" Seed grunted, his foreleg shaking as he struggled against the fine edged blade pushing against the polished curved surface of the bracer. 

The unicorn was still stood there, unable to think of an escape route. Then it hit her! Remembering her lessons with Aunt Twilight, she closed her eyes and concentrated. Her horn began to glow, and like metal to a magnet, light, balls, slivers and beams, all focused and concentrated, beginning to gravitate towards her horn. 
"NO!" Kartoruss shouted as he saw what was about to happen. Suddenly he let out a savage kick to Seed's outer foreleg, causing his balance to slip. Seed buckled, and Kartoruss leapt over him, reaching out ahead, desperately trying to grab the unicorn's flowing mane, to keep her grounded!

Ruby's eyes opened and for a second they gleamed the same platinum as he coat before the gathered light by her horn exploded outwards in a blinding flash. 

When the light faded, Seed smiled. Happy that Ruby had done as he'd hoped, he was content with whatever was coming his way now. It even lessened the feeling of hopelessness he felt as he glanced up to see a furious Kartoruss standing over him, raising a hoof above his head.

It came down fast and hard.

Bang.

Blackness.

Quiet.

> Time to reflect, reccoperate and move onward
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reality came back to Seed like sand through an hourglass, first he began to feel something pressed against his face; long, wide and flat... the floor surely. Then he noticed it was rough and uneven, sparking the first senses of discomfort back into being. Next came sound, low muttering and whispers mixed with a quiet wind blowing past. He couldn't help notice the similarity to when he woke up in Zecora's hut a few days ago... 

The muttering seemed to come from mixed distances. Two of the more distinct voices were coming from further away. He strained his ears trying to discern if he knew the voices, but try as he might, his fuzzy mind wouldn't work in that way. Then he heard the other voice, echoing and coming from no direction, it simply occurred, from within his own head it seemed. 
"Apple Seed... Oh I hope ya'lright. This is torture jus' waitin'... hopin'... Oh I hope yer safe darlin'!" 
"Urghh..." Seed grunted in response to the voice, "M-Mom? That you?" The whispers stopped, leaving only the wind to prove to still prove that Seed was alive. With another grunt Seed moved his forelegs. They felt heavier than usual, and as he moved he heard a metallic clinking. with effort far beyond anything he'd done before, Seed opened an eye. 

It took a second to register hat he was seeing. Something shiny, round and purple. It was only when he noticed the metal frame around the circular orb, did he realise it was an eye. A very familiar eye.

"Hey buddy!" The eye blinked, shifting slightly, suggesting the owner of it was who had spoken. "Take it slow, your heads lucky to be in one piece!" 
"Eeurghh... A-Archy?" Seed mumbled, getting to his hooves, heavily. Sure enough, once up Seed could see the face and body of the pony before him. Ahead of him stood, a very tired, very battered looking Archimedes Wright. Seed smiled and swooped up the slim unicorn into a hug. Strength exploding into life at the sight of his lost friend. "You're ok!" Seed laughed with joy. Then another voice came from behind him. 
"'Ok' isn't the term I would use!" Seed turned to see a set of bars ahead. He was in a cell, and just ahead, across a narrow hallway was another cell. In it was Angy; who was stood, her face pushed against the bars, relief at Seed's safety obvious in her face. In the corner, sat against the wall, was a half smiling Thor, happy with his friend's recovery, but something obviously bothering him. The speaker however, had been Dying Armour, sat on the windowsill of their prison, his hind left leg; tethered to the floor unlike the other two, his right; resting on the sill being used as a prop for his right foreleg. He looked unnaturally comfortable in a prison...

Seed stared at them all for a moment, then opened his mouth and asked the first thing that came to mind. 
"W-where's Sweetness?" 
"We don't know." Archy piped up, a worried grimace spreading across his face. "You all got brought in together except for Sweetness and Ruby!" 
"Ruby?!" Seed double checked, when Archy nodded Seed smiled. "Nooo, it's ok guys!" He turned to the other cell, who's occupants were looking back in confusion. Even Dying Armour. "Ruby got away, I gave her a chance when they took us off the wall, she teleported out!" The rest all sighed in gratitude, glad of some good news.
"That's lucky..." Said a voice behind Seed. The stallion turned and saw a tattered pony stood at the other side of his and Archy's cell. 
"Knowing Kartoruss, he would have taken a pretty mare like little Ruby and... well... let's just say you saved more than just her life Apple Seed!" Seed frowned at the use of his name. 
"Beggin' yah pardon..." Seed began with caution in his voice, "But who the hay are you? And how d'yah know mah name?" The bedraggled stallion chuckled and reached up to his face, sweeping his untamed mane out of his face. 

"I guess it's been a while huh? Since I was at the library when you called for Archy each day..." Seed stared in astonishment, then looked to Archy who looked suddenly furious. 
"He isn't a changeling before you ask." Dying Armour explained from his perch. "He's the genuine article." 
"So YOU think!" Archy spat quickly. Seed couldn't help staring, seeing the hate in Archy's eyes, the anger, the denial. He wasn't surprised, for years Archy had spoken of making his father pay for leaving. Now the time had come, and the two were imprisoned together, it surely wasn't what Archy had dreamed of. Before the orange stallion could speak, a sudden shooting pain shot through his body. Crying out loud, he fell to his knees. Archy's anger vanished as he rushed to help his lifelong friend. "Careful! That way they remove the armour is pretty rough!" 
"What?!?" Seed's head spun furiously to his back, sure enough his compact suit of armour had gone, replaced by a cuff and chain on one of his hind legs. His mood darkened fast, their best tool against Discord, the changelings, EVERYTHING! Was lost. 

"The king has them." Thor disclaimed, catching Seed's attention. He too had no armour, he however had patches of fur missing, scratches and bruises all over his body. The pegasus stood and came to the bars of his cell. "They took me and you to a different room than the others, took our armour, then took us back, then to the king. He just chucked us in here and added the armour to his own little 'stash.'" Seed's jaw was gaping open, he'd missed all that? Really? Kartoruss must have really knocked him completely senseless! "You were out of it, so you didn't struggle..." Thor glanced over to his injuries coldly. Angy glanced over to Thor, since they had been captured he had seemed to be acting differently to his usual self. Quiet, depressed and distant. She reached up and tried to rest her hoof on the burgundy pegasus's shoulder. For a moment, the gesture went unacknowledged by the stallion, then without a word, he shrugged the hoof off and returned to his corner. Every silent step making another crack in Angy's surprised and shocked heart. 

So they all stayed there, in silence, Thor and Angy; the heart broken lovers, Archy and Noteworthy; the estranged father and son, and Dying Armour and Apple Seed; the fighters stunned into silence until an opportunity arose. 

They all stayed in their places.
Silently.
Worrying for Sweetness.
Silently.
Worrying for their loved ones.
Silently.
Worrying for Ruby.
Silently. 


.....


Ruby kept her distance from the archway for a few hours, trying to understand the situation fully before rushing in. 
She was alone. Possibly the weakest of the group. THE MOST USELESS OF THE ELEMENTS! With no knowledge of the interior of the mountain. All she knew was that they needed her! Her friends, Archy, Angy... Seed. She needed to help! Even if it meant wasting Seed's help earlier! Carefully, the unicorn began her stealthy assault on the unknown fortress! As quietly as possible, she weaved between the maze of boulders, keeping the archway's alcove in plain sight. As she came close to the opening before the arch. she heard somepony cough! She stopped and pressed herself to the nearest rock, listening furiously, her heart somewhere in her throat. Seconds later she heard gentle slow hoofsteps around the corner from where she was hiding. Fear chilled insides, making her muscles resist every small movement, but she needed to know where the pony was. So as slowly as possible, she peaked her face around the corner. Almost instantly she snapped it back in fear of how close the outer pony guard had been! Luckily his back had been turned. 

Trying to calm her nerves, Ruby let out a long, deep, and controlled breath. When more relaxed she glanced out again, this time trying to find a way past the guard without raising the alarm. Then she spotted it, she knew the archers must have had a way to get on top of the archway, she only needed to find it! A small hole only big enough for a pony at a time, was visible just at the right corner of the archway... PERFECT! Concentrating, Ruby focused her magic and mentally pushed herself to the top of the arch with a teleport. Almost as soon as she reappeared, she heard the guard she had seen grunt. Clearly he had noticed either the noise, or maybe spotted a flash of light. Ruby didn't wait to find out, as quietly as she could, she stooped low and vanished into the gloom of the mountain's insides before she could be detected, intent on finding her friends.


.....


"So?" Note worthy asked, catching the silent group's attention. He had addressed his son who was clearly blanking the other stallion, focusing on the sky out the window of the other cell that Armour had recently vacated. When Archy showed no sign of responding, Noteworthy spoke again. Misery dripping of every word. "You said you'd listen, once your friends were with you!" 
"Lis'n to what?" Seed asked, looking from one cellmate to the other. 
"Why he's here." Archy said in barely more than a whisper. Instantly his eyes glistened with the promise of tears. "Why he left me and mum..."
"I NEVER MEANT TO BE GONE SO LONG!" Noteworthy exploded, running the short distance he could before the chains that held him stopped him. 
"BUT YOU STILL WERE!" Archy shouted back equally as loud, springing to his hooves. 

Seed's eyes widened in fear as he realised he stood right between the bickering two. Slowly he edged away to the bars of the cell, letting the two go at it alone. "If you'd wanted, you'd have just come home forget whatever the princess asked you to do!" 
"Archy..." Noteworthy beseeched but before he could say anything else, his son shouted again, his eyes streaming with tears. 
"Don't call me that! Only my friends call me that! You don't get to!" 
"Archimedes..." Noteworthy amended. "The princess asked me to bridge the peace between Equestria and the outlands! I couldn't abandon it!" 
"You were a singer!" Archy scoffed. "What could you have done to help?" Noteworthy stared for a moment, then quietly said.
"Music is one of the most important things in the world... It brought me and your mother together, it can change everything in one verse." The others glanced to Archy, who was stationary, his face unreadable. Inside his head he was a mess, this was the first time his father had mentioned him and his wife together, and the idea seemed to calm the storm inside Archy's head. 

"I was sent to share our culture with the king. I came with a tapestry made by Ruby's mother, and food from Sweetness's parents, in an attempt to share some of our most important aspects of life with the outer ponies." 
"We got here in three days...." Archy spat begrudgingly. The group nodded in agreement, not out of backing up Archy's argument, but simply agreeing with how his thoughts were forming. "So what about the rest?" He asked darkly. "What about every other day I grew up without a father?" Noteworthy sighed and looked away, defeat beginning to show. 
"I never even had a chance..." The stallion growled. "The king threw me in here, said he 'Had enough allies.'" Archy's eyes softened, he'd guessed the stallion had been caught recently! It had never crossed his mind that the stallion would have been here for almost fifteen years...

"Those 'Allies' would have been us." Dying armour stated, attracting attention from everyone in the group. "Fifteen years? Sounds about right... yeah I'd say that's about the amount of time it's been since the treaty..." 
"How do you remember?" Thor asked, if not a little too aggressively. "You couldn't have been much older than us!" Armour raised an eyebrow at Thor, surprised by his tone. Slowly, not breaking eye contact, he explained.
"Don't forget, I was conceived almost a month before your parents even started seeing each other!" Thor shut up, he'd forgotten how much this changeling knew about their lives and how unsettling that knowlege was. Satisfied he'd pacified Thor, Armour turned back to the group. "It was an act of faith. The heir to the changeling throne, to come and sign a treaty with the 'King of the mountain tops' on behalf of the queen." 

"It was you..." Noteworthy exclaimed calmly, moving as close to the bars as possible. "That child, the day I was thrown in here! The changeling who looked like a colt and not a drone!" Armour's pale green eyes stared back for a moment, cold and unfeeling... then they broke, and concern shone through. 
"Y-you?" Archy's neck snapped over to Dying Armour, shock riddling his body. "You came the day after the signing, and... you screamed for them!" He looked to Archy for a moment, true remorse in his gaze. "Your wife and son, you begged to be let go!" 

Seed saw Archy's shocked eyes, blood shot and crying. Hearing this from someone who was so much more unbiased obviously made it harder for the unicorn to hear! Calmly, Seed came over and wrapped a hoof around his friend's shoulder, consoling the dark stallion before he would eventually have to speak again. 
"I-I..." Armour stuttered as his eyes rounded as he lost himself in memories. Angy shuddered, to see the usually calm and calculating Armour suddenly become so overcome with emotion, it was terrifying. The changeling began to shake, then in a swoop of green flame, he shape shifted. After a second of bright fire, it dispersed and before them stood what looked like a six year old colt! The group all stared, astonished as they all marvelled at what was obviously what Armour had looked like when younger. His mane was shorter, just coming short of his shoulders, his horn was less lengthy and far more dull. But his eyes were the biggest difference. They were wide, round, and horrified! "I could smell it..." He said in a slightly higher voice, which rippled with a low tone beneath it. "The love you had for your wife and child... I didn't know... I didn't know who they were... back then." 

"What happened?" Archy asked, still supported by Seed. Noteworthy opened his mouth but Archy held up his hoof. "I want to hear him say it!" The older stallion grew still and looked to Dying Armour, almost feeling as though he were back there, at that day his life was thrown away, just looking at those eyes. 
"The king spoke to me..." Armour whispered, fear shaking through every word, it seemed that he wasn't only reflecting his appearance on that day, but every emotion he felt too. "I wanted to go home! To the hive, to play with my brothers and sisters but i had to be different, I was the heir, mother was relying on me." Angy reached to the shaking colt, unable to stop her mother's caring side coming out through herself. 
"It's ok Armour..." She encouraged, it was hard to think this was the strong creature that saved her only a few hours ago! In his corner, Thor glared at the changeling. He wished he could put the creature through what he was causing the pegasus to feel! Every time he saw Angy and Armour together, or even close, made his skin crawl! Did she like Armour? Why? Why didn't she like him anymore? This what had been bothering him since their capture, and it was making him hate Dying Armour more and more with every second.


.....


Within the mountain, it seemed simple to move around for Ruby. From the opening, a single passage stretched deep into the mountain. It was crampt, cold and dusty. Each breath sent moredust and dirt rushing into her throat, threatening to force her to cough. When this happened she had to stop and lean against the wall, pushing her hooves to her mouth to supress the petty excuses of clearing her throat before moving on again. After several repetitions of this process, Ruby was ready to give up! As she stopped yet again, thinking to herself that any of the others would have done this with ease, her eyes squinted as it caught something bright in it's gaze. The cough died instantly as she focused. Her heart leapth with joy as she saw it was the opening of the tunnel, fire light flickering just outside it!

Ruby serged forward, spurred on by the knowlege she was making progress! As she approached however, she began to hear the muffled voices comming from whatever room lay at the end of the passage. slowing, she approached the opening with held breath. Two guards, sat by the fire, talking quietly with their backs to the tunnel. The hidden mare scanned the room quickly, praying for a way out! Then she spotted two beds. Thinking for a second, she realised the two guards must be perminantly posted here! If someone had been watching, they would have seen Ruby's eyes twinkle with an idea. 

She'd noticed a barrel nearby -probably filled with supplies for the posted guards- and now she focused on it. Her horn began to sparkle and glow as the levitation spell took hold of the barrel. With the utmost care, Ruby began to move the barrel into position. Only a few seconds later, she was ready. The barrel levitated high above the two, ready to fall. One guard leant close to the other, reaching for something, now was her chance! Ending the spell, Ruby made the barrel drop and crash into the waiting heads of the guards. 

To her delight, both guards crumpled to the floor out cold. The reinforced barrel hadn't even broken! The mare rushed out of her hiding spot and got to work fast. Using one spell, she sent the barrel back to it's corner. While simultaneously pulling back both bed sheets with two others and levitating the two unconscious guards into the now awaiting resting places. 

Slipping the sheets over the unmoving bodies, Ruby smiled and rushed to the waiting door at the other end of the room. She saw a bright light reflect against the polished door other than that of the fire as she approached. Her heart plummeted, thinking she'd missed a guard, but as she turned and scanned the room frantically, she found no danger. Shaking her head, she dismissed the idea and just turned back to the door and slipped through it quietly. Happy she had taken the first step, and infiltrated the stronghold. 


.....


"T-thank you." Armour squeaked in his unnatural voice, looking up at Angy before looking back to Noteworthy. "The king spoke, asking me what he should do..." Archy glanced to his father who nodded, his eyes silently begging to be believed. "He said I'd have to make these decisions one day... should he let the prisoner go, or throw him in the cells..." Armour shuddered, closing his eyes in regret, and with them closed he finished the story. "We needed a treaty to stand between us, so we could build an army. The king wanted to imprison the visitor, but I could smell what I would be throwing away, the most beautiful love I'd ever tasted." 

Thor sat there, watching the colt struggling and he wanted to get a point against him! Without hesitation he simplified what Armour was trying to say. His words cut deep judging by the anguished face of the colt. 
"You threw an innocent stallion in a cell so you got what you wanted." 

SWOOOOOSSSHHHH! 

The green flame plumed back into existence around Armour at his hooves. It rocketed up over his head, and when it passed, the old Dying Armour had returned, his eyes closed just like his younger form. 
"Yes...that was... the first... the first of many sins in my life." Armour's green eyes opened, instantly focusing on Archimedes. The dark stallion locked gazes with him, the anger had vanished, years of it, all had evaporated beneath the light of the truth. "A-Archy... I... I know..." Armour's eyes seemed to threaten tears, had his transformation to a younger self momentarily broken usual stony and emotionless demeanour. "I know you must hate me, I took your father, ten years later I helped take your mother... Now my own mother is gone, all I can say is that... I feel your pain, your rage, your-"
"Forget it." Archy said strongly, Armour stopped his explanation and looked to the unicorn, who now came to his bars and reached across the narrow hall. "We're even, I didn't help your mother, I could have... but I didn't..." The remorse in armour's eyes was now mirrored in his distant relatives. "I've been mad for so long, but what point is there? It just destroys us... right?"

Armour frowned, trying to place this feeling he was experiencing, was this love? The kind from friendship? Slowly he made his way to the bars and reached out with his own hoof, placing it over Archy's. 
"Right. Even." Armour agreed, a moment passed, then the two smiled. "You might not know... but I'm-" 
"My cousin?" Everyone stared in amazement. Armour was the first to recover, closing his eyes, shaking his head slowly and chuckling. 
"The element of knowledge indeed... yes, I am."
"So, we're blood!" Archy shook his hoof to re-obtain the changeling's attention. "We stand together right?" 
"Right!" Armour agreed again. He smiled, feeling how he'd felt back at the hive. Because just like that... he had a family again. 

The two's hooves dropped, and Archy turned to Noteworthy, Seed backed off again, hoping what he thought would happen, was about to. 
"Right?" Archy repeated, asking his father, who stared with shock for a moment before smiling. 
"Right." With that, Archy rushed to his father who had been gone for so long and hugged him. Just relieved that his father had been kept from him, and not that he had run away! 


.....


For almost half an hour Ruby's journey through the mountain went unhindered. The paths all merged together into one large main path, a few attempts down the side passages taught Ruby that they only led to store rooms. Her best bet was the pathway cutting through the centre of the entire mountain. So far she'd come across no more guards besides the ones she had run across when exiting the tunnel. The lack of security un-nerved her slightly. Where were they? Almost in response to her thoughts, an explosion of laughter erupted from somewhere ahead. Ruby flinched; expecting somepony headed the opposite way down the hall. When no hoofsteps came her way, she squinted ahead and noticed an open door in the wall of the hallway. It's light spilling out into the dim space ahead. 

Cautiously, Ruby made her way quietly to the door, her ears twitching for a hint at her friend's whereabouts. As she reached the opening in the wall she heard an unmistakable voice. Kartoruss!
"I'm telling you boys, this mare was good! Even for an Equestrian. Curves in all the right places, PLUS I'm pretty sure she was 'inexperienced' if you get what I mean!" With a shudder and the sudden taste of sick in her throat, Ruby realised the enemy captain was talking about her! "It's a shame most of the boys didn't make it, but they'd have told you the same, plus she was a fiery one! Some reel power in her, unbelievable aim with magic, you can tell she's got some pent up frustration, HA!" Kartoruss laughed maliciously, as did the rest of the group inside the room. 

Ruby felt filthy just by listening to this. She wanted to jump in and fire a well aimed spell at Kartoruss's smug face, but she bit back, she had no idea how many others were in there, and she had a bigger job to do! This disgusting creature could wait.
"What about the other two then captain?" Asked a voice within the room. There was a noise of popping... a cork? They were drinking, this could work to Ruby's favour. 
"Well the draconaquus bitch is off limits." Kartoruss explained. "Express orders from the king, she's expecting a visit from dear old daddy any second now!" 

Sweetness. Ruby almost gasped, she had to bight down on her tongue to stop herself. Her father? Discord was coming? Ruby needed to find the others now, then they could be ready for when the draconaquus arrived! The mare then realised Kartoruss was still speaking. 
"... But that yellow pegasus, she's ok, not even a consolation prize compared to the one that got away, but if you're interested, go take a look in the cells yourself, hurry though, that changeling seemed pretty close with her, they may decide to go at it before they die." Another chorus of laughs. The mare outside the room frowned, Angy and Armour? What about Thor? 

The sound of wood scraping on the floor revealed that a guard was getting up. "I will I think, Equestrians know how to rut at least, it's all they've got going for them for them..."
"Here here Mortuss! Enjoy!" Kartoruss laughed. Moments later 'Mortuss' came into the hall. He began to take a step down the hall, then frowned. there was something different in the air... he looked towards the mountain entrance looking for anything out of the ordinary. After a moment of searching in the light of the doorway, Kartoruss cackled from within the room. "Come on Mortuss! You're not getting cold hooves are you?" 

Mortuss snorted and began down the path, deeper into the mountain, to a triumphant laugh from Kartoruss. Back in the dark passage, a pair of green eyes leered out of the dark, watching the stallion headed to the cells and her friends. 

Ruby emerged from her hiding place behind the outcropping of the rocky walls. 
"Now where did I put that bottle?!" Kartoruss shouted. Ruby took the chance. By the sound of it, the other soldiers were focused on their captain, so if he wasn't focusing on the door, no one would be! With all the care she could muster, she leapt across the brightly lit doorway. Once she landed, she froze, her ears acting like radars, seeking any noise meaning she'd been spotted. When none came, she sighed gently, then quickly tiptoed after the departing stallion who would lead her to her friends. 


.....


"Hello?" Sweetness screamed yet again as she had done for what felt like hours in this complete darkness. "Thor? Ruby? Angy? Anybody?" Nothing came back to her. She wriggle uncomfortably, struggling to move at all. Her limbs had been spread like a starfish. Her forelegs seemed to be reaching for the ceiling and her hind legs towards the ground, but it could be the other way in this total submerging blackness it was difficult to discern anything!

The pink pony gritted her teeth and pulled at her bindings, trying to spark her powers into life, but nothing happened. When her head began to pound hard, the mare stopped straining and released her breath in a pant. 
"If only you were a little further along... Then you could be out of here in a snap." The echo of a pair of snapping fingers suddenly sounded all around Sweetness, and she froze. 
"Pappa?" She whispered in sheer joy as she recognised the voice. 
"Yes, it's me my little tar cake!" Sweetness smiled at her childhood pet name. Then frowned. 
"Pappa? What did you mean 'Further along?'" The unseen draconequus chuckled, and the noise bounced all around Sweetness's ears, causing them to droop in pain. This wasn't right! This wasn't how her pappa made her feel! Why was he hurting her, even if it was in this little way...

"Your power, it's... a diluted version of a draconequus's... so like a developing draconequus cubling, your magic will evolve in the same way. Right now you can do anything... as long as you can see it. Hence the blindfold." The second it was mentioned, Sweetness felt the light material knotted at the back of her head, this explained the blackness that was all she could see. After the explanation, Discord said nothing. He simply waited for his scared daughter to speak. 
"Pappa?" 
"Hmm?" 
"Can you take off this blindfold? Or let me down? I'm scared... that's why you came right? To save me and my friends?" There was silence again, then Discord chuckled gently. 
"No, it's not why I came." Sweetness froze. 
"B-but...you're my pappa!" 
"Haha and that means what exactly? If I go by the examples I've been given by your friend's parents, I could either just vanish, having you never knowing me... Or just vanish when I see fit!" 

Sweetness felt her eyes sting hard at the barbed comment. Her head lolled forward as her muscles numbed at her father's words. 
"Pappa... What happened? D-did Mamma do something? Did I do something?" Tears began to pool in her eyes, they seeped into the material of the blindfold, spreading and soaking her eyelids. There was a sigh from ahead of her, bored and indifferent. 
"No Sweetness... Neither of you DID anything, that's the problem, you were both so...boooooring! I do have a very short attention span you see... you should be happy it lasted as long as it did." 

"That's not tr-ue!" Sweetness choked. Discord outright laughed this time. 
"Oh really? Do you remember that picture your friend gave you?" Sweetness nodded, sniffing hard since she couldn't wipe her running nose. There was a moment of silence, then something flapped down by her ear, another pause then the sound of ripping paper exploded into life next to her. Sweetness knew it was the page Archy had given her. Not only had it been a gift from her missing friend, but also what was being destroyed was the bond in the picture, the bond of a father to his family! 
"PAPPA STOP IT!" Sweetness screamed, her tears now dripping through the drenched blindfold to whatever floor lay below.
"Why?" Discord goaded, chuckling with delight at the torture he was causing the young mare. 
"YOU'RE MAKING ME CRY!"
"And?" Sweetness choked on her sobs, her body shaking uncontrollably.  The ripping noise ceased and in the following silence, Sweetness panted with shaking breaths. Her heart shattered, her mind racing and her soul crushed. 

Then Discord ripped the picture again!


.....


"So Angy?" Seed asked briskly, bored of waiting. Archy had spent the past half hour regaling his father with the details of their journey, namely their objective and enemy. To save their parents, and to stop Discord. At the description of his betrayal, Noteworthy cursed the chimera's name. 
"He always made me uneasy, the way he treated your mother... I knew there was still some of the old devil in him!" The group all agreed, before letting Archy fill in the last few details that had brought them here. Now the group stood waiting. 

The yellow mare looked up at her cousin's voice, her mind far from their current situation, and focusing on a certain burgundy pegasus giving her the cold shoulder. 
"Huh?" she asked, clearly confused.
"What's the plan? We're closer than ever before, we just need to get deeper into the mountain... right Armour?" The changeling nodded from the perch he'd returned to. "I can get us there, get us to the throne room and I can take you the way I took as a child." 
"And that's where our amour is!" Archy added happily. "If we could get there and find them, by the time we found our parents we'd have a good chance!" 
"There's just one problem huh Angy?" The group glanced to Thor, who miserably looked at his fellow pegasus. Angy stared with a questioning look. Thor locked her gaze, and coldly stated. "You've got no idea how to get us out of these cells... do you?" Angy's face flickered with doubt for a moment from her indignant stare, then it collapsed completely. 
"No..." She muttered dejectedly. "I've got no idea!" Thor grumbled, bringing himself into a tighter ball and looked away from the mare, who in turn huffed angrily and flung her head in the opposite direction. 

Seed stared at the two pegasy in amazement, he'd never heard Thor speak to Angy like that! He looked to Dying Armour for help, but the changeling was already focusing on the burgundy pegasus in the corner, a frown forming on his brow. 

Hooves began to descend the steps just out of view. Seed and Armour were as close as they could be to the bars in an instant. Thor got to his hooves and took a few steps to get a view of whoever was coming. Moments later a guard came into view, his gaze scanning over each occupant in turn until they found Angelica who stood near the bars defiantly. 
"Hmmm..." The guard smirked, coming closer to her cell. 
"Kartoruss was right... You're not the best Equestrian I've ever seen, but not too bad!" His hoof shot through the bars and hooked around Angy's neck, dragging her nearer. Angy cried out in fear, her hooves flying up just in time to push against the bars to stop herself being injured. Armour lurched forward in disgust, stopped from coming to her aid by his chains. 
"Now you..." The guard growled to Armour. "Back off! You'll have your little slut back soon!" He leant in and smelt Angy's yellow fur, causing her to squirm in discomfort as his rancid, alcoholic breath brushed her fur up gently. "We're going to have some time alone, aren't we pretty pegasus?" 

BANG

Thor had hold of the stallion's scruff in seconds! Pulling him close to his own face between the bars. Angy, only inches away stared at the anger on Thor's face, so he did care?!? 
"Don't you dare call Angy that! Or suggest that you'll do what you just said, EVER again! Or the only thing you'll have alone time with is your teeth as pick them up off the floor!" The drunken guard spluttered in shock, unable to move due to the awkward way Thor had pulled him in to against the bars. 
"Ok, ok! You damn Equestrian, LET GO!" Thor did so instantly, letting the stallion fall backwards into the opposite cage. Seed wanted to grab him after how he just treated his cousin! He edged forward while the guard spluttered then his gaze fell back down in the direction he came from. "HEY WHAT THE HAY ARE YOU DOIN-" A large powerful spell interrupted the stallion as it hit him square in the chest and sent him rocketing down to the end of the hall where stopped with a loud and echoing crash. 

"What the?" Archy cried in utter confusion, before the spell's caster came into view down the hall to his delight. 
"RUBY?! HAHA!" Archy laughed. He was amazed by her calm demeanour after such talented spell work. What had happened since he'd been separated from her? 
"Hey guys." The platinum pony smiled to them all. Then Angy gasped. 
"Ruby!" She rasped, rubbing her sore neck. "Your flank!" The mare frowned for a moment, then investigated her rear, at which point her jaw dropped.  

A quill, a box and a barrel, set in a triangle, all of them surrounded by the wavy cloud of magic of a unicorn. They were all emblazoned on both Ruby's flanks. Her cutiemark! 
"You're growing up Ruby!" Archy laughed, the mare looked up and winked.
"Yet I'm already taller than you!" 
"Great, woohoo, hurrah!" Armour shouted sarcastically. "Can we get out of here? Then we can celebrate in the catacombs." Ruby focused, knowing Armour was right. As the others watched, a pair of keys floated up from the floor. Ruby must have swiped them before the guard had come down. 
"Impressive!" Thor laughed, unable to hold his astonishment at the sudden talent of the mare. Ruby nodded, happily accepting the compliment, then she proceeded to unlock the door to Archy and Seed's cage. When it was open Archy smiled. 
"Pass us those keys, quick little Miss levitation." Ruby did as asked and threw them to the other unicorn, who caught them in his own dark cloud. Closing his eyes he concentrated, and with a pop the key quadrupled in quantity. Archy instantly tossed one back to Ruby, shot one to Armour through the bars for his chain, and passed the other two to Seed and Noteworthy. 

Ruby rushed to use her key on the door of the other cell, by the time she unlocked it Dying Armour was free and shot into the hall. Everypony followed as he quickly shot for the stairs. Last to raise past the stationary Ruby was Archy and his father. 
"Thanks Ruby! Come on Dad." Archy smiled as he ran past, ready to get some payback. 
"Yes Ruby, thank you!" The older stallion cried as he followed his son. 
"Wait? Uncle Noteworthy?!?" Ruby asked in astonishment. 
"Long story. Tell you later." Archy shouted back as he vanished up the steps. 

Ruby stared for a moment, then took a step after the others. It was then, that somepony spoke from behind her. 
"You came back... I told you t' run..." The mare turned back to see Seed stood a foot away. 
"O-oh..." Ruby blushed, noticing they were alone for the first time since Canterlot. "W-well, of course I came back." She reasoned. Seed took a half step towards her. 
"You could have died! I got you out so you wouldn't." Ruby stared for a moment, then smiled. 
"I know, but I had to come back, the stallion I like was stuck here..." It was Seed's turn to stare this time, then he gasped as he suddenly surged forward. 
"You stupid girl." He grunted as he reached out to her, and she did the same and the two's lips met. Ruby's hoof travelled to Seed's mane and ran itself through the dark brown hair, roughling it up as she did, while Seed held Ruby's cheeks in his forehooves, holding her in place as he kissed her. 

The two stayed connected, until Archy's head peaked out of the opening to the stairs. 
"Ahem! We're waiting..." The two shot apart at Archy's voice. Both blushing before rushing for the staircase themselves.


.....


"Your friends only want you so they have a way to get to me." 
"NO!" 
"They need... Leverage... you for their parents." 
"NO! They're my friends, they wouldn't-"
"It's a shame they don't know you mean nothing to me." 
"STOP IT!" Sweetness was in pieces, her father hadn't only broken her heart in the past hour, but had taken the pieces and scattered them to the winds. Now all that was growing inside the small mare was anger, anger and hatred to the unseen draconequus. 
"Maybe I'll take you away now, then finaly their parents... or them in front of their parents? Maybe-"

"STOP IT!" 

BOOM

The blindfold tore away in the explosion of energy that burst from Sweetness, freeing her vision. For a second she saw a snaggletoothed smile and red eyes, before they faded into the shadows in the corner of the half lit room. 

Sweetness lost herself in woe, she didn't think, she only had one purpose now. Escape.

Through scarlet eyes she looked to her forehooves and their full hoof bindings. Simply from her fiery gaze, the metal melted and dripped away. Without looking down, sweetness stepped forward, ignoring her defiance of gravity or the bindings around her hind legs. With the slightest effort, Sweetness' hind legs pushed clean through the cuffs as though they were made of tissue paper. Her mind clouding over in the all consuming world of her powers and her misery, she saw the door, and with a flick of her head it wrenched itself open and shot out into the hallway. The two guards on the other side had no warning before they were scooped up by the enormous door, and crushed against the opposite wall. 

Gliding, like an ethereal ghost, Sweetness emerged from her prison and into the light of the hall. Her eyes no longer her kindly pink, but pure red, not just her irises, the entirety of both her eyes were a dreadful blood red. 

As she hung in the air, her ears twitched, listening through over a mile worth of stone walls and halls. And in one of these halls, she heard the panicked noises of the outer pony guards. 
"The prisoners have escaped! Protect the king! To the throne room, quickly now!" The altered pony cocked her head to one side, like a wild cat analyzing it's chances against its prey. 'Prisoners?' The animal that was her powers, didn't care for the creatures of this world. But amidst the anger and hateful screaming raging inside her mind, a voice, the old Sweetness cried out timidly. 'The others...' And although it was weak against the other voices of anger, cruelty and malice. the weak kind voice fought through them all.

Sweetness, though her face showed no emotion, leant low in the air, and with the dust pluming behind her, she streamed through the halls and corridors faster than sound!