MLP FIM Season 10 Chapter 25: Save the Royals Part 1, a my little pony fanfic

MLP FIM Season 10 MLP FIM Episode 25- Save the Royals Part 1

It had been some time since the Changeling Kingdom had been lost to Chrysalis. Perhaps no creature suffered more than a group of changelings that remained devoutly loyal to her. There were thirteen in all, and they all had one goal: To restore Chrysalis to her proper throne. However, they had been on the run for some time and were now seeking shelter. And as the rains fell down hard on their spot, they eventually found their salvation, in a lair in the shape of a ram's head.

"What is this place, Hopper?" One of the rogue Changeling's asked the leader, a medium sized changeling with large legs. "It doesn't look like a changeling hive to us."

The lead changeling looked up and gestured the remaining changelings to follow him inside. Flying into the lair they all scoured around, keeping an eye out for any sudden surprises that might come out.

"Look, Hopper," Another changeling nervously declared, looking over at the lead changeling as he walked down one of the two large staircases. "Something tells me we shouldn't be here right now. I mean, how are we going to feed off love from a dump like this?"

The lead changeling then proceeded over to a round crystal ball, touching it with his leg.

"Hello, Hopper?! Equestria to Hopper! Come in!"

Irritated, the leader turned sharply to the obese changeling.

"I'm… shutting up." The other changeling nervously and meekly answered.

"We'll stay here for the night," Hopper announced, turning to face his small band. "Then we'll decide where to go next in the morning."

"Got it, boss." Another of the rogue changelings replied, as they prepared to settle in and leaving only the obese changeling in Hopper's presence.

Sighing heavily, Hopper sat down and carefully studied the crystal ball for a few moments before turning back up to face the obese changeling.

"What are you looking at, Molt?" He sternly inquired.

"Um, I was just thinking…" Molt started to say, but Hopper interrupted him quickly.

"Don't think!" Hopper snapped. "That's all you ever do is think! Think and be annoying!"

Sighing deeply again, he turned his attention back to the crystal ball.

"Come on, can't you just hear me out?" Molt asked. "Look, it's been some time since Thorax corrupted our fellow changelings into believing friendship. Why don't we just accept the fact that our queen is never coming back to her throne?"

"No!" Hopper hissed; his attention still locked on the Crystal Ball. "No. I refuse to accept that. For too long we've been on the run, biding our time and waiting for the perfect opportunity to retake what's ours…and bring our beloved queen back to her throne!"

Just then, the crystal ball activated showing the moment when Celestia, Luna and Discord turned the Legion of Doom, including Chrysalis, to stone.

"Look, you idiot. Don't you see?" Hopper insisted. "Our queen is alive and is being held prisoner in Canterlot! From what I'm hearing, you're making it sound like she's dead."

"That's because she might be?" Molt guessed, shrugging his shoulders much to Hopper's irritation.

"Being turned to stone doesn't kill any creature, not directly anyway," Hopper growled. "All we have to do is use our leverage and force the princesses and Discord to free our queen from her stone prison."

There was no question on who Hopper wanted to use for leverage.

"And there's no better way to do that," He continued, producing a sinister smile. "Then to return home…where we belong."

At that moment, the crystal Ball showed the reformed changeling hive, which would soon be taken over by evil once again.

…

On the road to Canterlot, a caravan led by a centaur king and his gargoyle son neared their destination. Much like the changelings, they too sought the custody of one of the Legion of Doom's imprisoned members.

"Dad, can't you please reconsider what you want to do?" Scorpan pleaded. "Putting Tirek on trial, it just won't work. There has to be a better way."

"Scorpan, if I've told you once, I've told you a dozen times. The answer is no," The centaur coldly retorted. "I will see to it that your brother pays for what he's done to the ponies of Equestira! Failing to do so means the ponies will continue to look at us with contempt and scorn. As king, I cannot allow that! Our species deserves better."

For Scorpan, it seemed like that there was no getting through to his father. "What you wish to do will only cause more harm than good," He sighed. "Can't you see that? Please, let me deal with my brother."

"Not another word, Scorpan," King Vorak dismissed the notion. "My mind has already been made up. We're nearing Canterlot at last. When we arrive, I will do the talking while you remain silent. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Father." Scorpan reluctantly sighed.

"I'm just fortunate that your mother isn't alive to see this," King Vorak remarked. "It would've killed her to see one of our own fall from grace so hard."

Scorpan merely looked down at the road with only his thoughts for company. He didn't want his father to do what he intended to do, but he was only a prince after all. Vorak was the king and what he said went. It seemed there was no hope to change his father's mind, even if he wished that were possible.

…

On her throne in Canterlot, Twilight Sparkle went about her business of doing paperwork and governing her kingdom as usual. She had already been notified of Vorak's arrival and was mentally preparing herself for the arrival of Tirek's father.

However, Twilight had her reservations about the request Vorak said he wanted to make of her.

"I don't get it," Twilight said to Sonic. "Why would somepony want a creature as dangerous as Tirek to be released from stone? I mean, we both understand what he is capable of. Not to mention of all he's done to us. He's already been punished accordingly, what good will releasing him into Vorak's custody do?"

"Twilight, this is King Vorak we're talking about here," replied Sonic, walking in front of Twilight's throne. "Tirek's father. I mean, you read the scroll."

"But surely, Vorak must know that his son is too dangerous to be turned back to normal," Twilight retorted, before sighing deeply. "Guess this is one of the downfalls of being supreme ruler, I suppose. You got to do things you don't want to do."

"Yeah. Not to mention that the others have mixed feelings," Trevor sighed. "I mean, think about it, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity all want Tirek to remain as he is. Pinkie Pie is the only one who opposes it because she just wants to torment Tirek like she did in Tartarus, remember? Between you and me, I think she liked it more than she lets on."

Putting the paperwork aside, Twilight and Spike heard the sound of the doors opening and in stepped the rest of Twilight's co-princesses wearing the crowns and royal accessories.

"Hey girls," Twilight commented as she got off her throne. "They haven't arrived yet?"

"It figures," Applejack replied. "I get that Tirek's family comes from a distant land…but, how long did you say they would be traveling for?"

"I hear it's a really…long…way…" Pinkie Pie answered. "After all, this King Vorak dude doesn't just teleport in a flash like Discord does."

"And neither does Scorpan," Twilight added. "I can only imagine the feelings going on between the two of them. You've got one that wants Tirek to be tried, convicted, and execute and you have the other that doesn't want any violent justice to be carried out. I've read about what Tirek's homeland does to its criminals. It would be measures that not even Celestia and Luna would use."

"Speaking of Celestia and Luna," Fluttershy uncertainly spoke up. "Didn't you say they were coming here to help guide us through the process?"

Twilight then turned to Spike who, as if on cue, belched out a scroll from Ponyville. Taking the scroll, Twilight read it aloud for her friends to hear:

My dearest Twilight,

Although Luna, Tyler, Trevor and I would like to be there with you for Vorak's visit, we must unfortunately decline. Starswirl and the pillars think that they've found a way to free our parents from their prison. This might be our best chance to finally bring them home after over a thousand years of separation!

Please keep us in your hearts as we undertake this great quest. With any luck, our family will soon be reunited!

Sincerely yours,

Celestia.

Her eyes widening, Twilight struggled to not throw herself into a sudden panic attack for a brief moment! But using the breathing technique Cadence had taught her years ago, Twilight kept her composure.

"Their parents?!" Applejack gasped, suddenly thinking back to the Festival of the Two Sisters. "Wait a gosh darn minute! Didn't Celestia and Luna make a gesture toward the sky at the Festival not too long ago?"

"Yes, Applejack, I saw it," Twilight reluctantly commented. "From what I've heard, their parents are being held prisoner on the far side of moon…or so it appears to be. Either way, they would want us not to worry about that. They'd want us to do what we have to do, and that is negotiate with King Vorak. So I guess we should start."

…

Meanwhile at the Castle of Friendship, Celestia and Luna were in the throne room and were being fitted into something that they thought that they would never wear ever again now that they were retired, their respective battle armors.

"This might be our one and only chance to save Mom and Dad, Luna," Celestia declared as she and Luna stood in front of two large mirrors. "To bring them home again!" Then she asked. "Do you feel... nervous at all?"

"Very nervous, Celestia," Luna softly replied. "Part of me feels like we should at least see Twilight one last time before we leave with Starswirl and the rest of the pillars."

"I sent them a scroll to keep them informed, Luna," Celestia advised as one of the castle servants passed her battle helmet to her. "It's like Starswirl said, time is of the essence. We must act quickly if we hope to succeed!"

Just then, the two sisters saw Starswirl and twins make his way into the throne room with the rest of the pillars. "Indeed, Celestia," The Pillar of Sorcery somberly declared. "I see you and your sister are already wearing your respective battle armors again. Never did I dream a day would come when I have to see you two dawn them again, especially in retirement."

Stepping away from the mirrors, Celestia and Luna walked over to the pillars as the servants left the throne room. With the servants gone, all gathered around the friendship map as Starswirl activated it with his magic.

"According to our latest information," Trevor explained. "The next exchanging of the prisoner between Darkblade and Grim will take place in four hours' time. We must act just as the king and queen are being transferred to their new cells. That is when they'll be most vulnerable."

Starswirl then turned his attention over to Flash Magnus and Rockhoof. "Flash, I want you and Rockhoof to go undercover as Grim's skugs and receive the King and Queen just as they arrive. You are to seem like you're leading them to their cells when in reality you are not. But you must ensure none on the ship suspects it. Is that clear?"

"Aye, Starswirl," Rockhoof declared, his tone of voice indicating he was somewhat unsure about the plan. "But how will we do it? None of us have any idea what it's like to be on that strange ship…it's not on or in Equestria. It's nowhere we've ever been before."

"We have ways of making the skugs think you're one of them," Starswirl replied as he activated a hologram of two otherworldly figures: One dressed in black with a gold head and the other dressed in blue with a white beard and a bronze head. "If it helps, Grim has two kinds of skugs, the normal skug and the ultra-skug. We could make one of you a normal skug and the other an ultra-skug. They are supervised by two robotic generals named Colonel Icebot and General Ivar. And I need you to neutralize them both. We can't risk either of them alerting Grim or Darkblade."

With Flash Magnus and Rockhoof accepting their assignments, Starswirl then turned his attention over to the three female pillars. "Mistmane, Mage Meadowbrook and Somnambula," He spoke up. "I need you to focus your attention on a small group of warriors that are also at Grim's disposal."

Once again activating the map, Starswirl proceeded to produce five holograms of five female humanoid warriors dressed in various warrior costumes. "These are the Vixens, highly skilled martial artists that served under one of Grim's field commanders named Doom Master. As long as they're active our chances of victory are slim. They must be defeated."

"Perhaps I can come up with some kind of potion to weaken 'em," Mage Meadowbrook suggested. "Of course, it's against my character to knowingly inflict poison on anyone."

"This is an exception, my dear mage," Mistmane remarked, placing her hoof on Meadowbrook's. "We're trying to free Equestria's monarchs, after all. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And it's not like you'll be unleashing anything permanent. We just need their forces subdued long enough to rescue the prisoners."

"If you are to make a poison of any kind, Mage Meadowbrook," Starswirl added. "You must work quickly. And have potions ready to counter any sort of spells or ailments we might encounter during or immediately following our rescue."

"And I have some experience with the martial arts," Somnambula spoke up in an unusually serious tone. "I'm not a fighter, but I'm also not afraid to use my unique skills if necessary. They shan't forget me in a hurry, I'll personally see to that."

Finally, Starswirl turned his attention to Celestia, Luna, Tyler, and Trevor. The leader of the pillars couldn't help but feel like he was all but sending the two sisters and the brothers to their deaths.

"Celestia and Luna," He sighed deeply, stroking his beard several times in deep thought. "While the rest of us deal with our assignments, the five of us…will have to do the one task that ensures that Grim will never harm your parents again."

"You mean… we must face Grim…alone?" Trevor guessed as she noticeably gulped.

"Not alone," Starswirl protested with a shake of his head, once again activating the map, and producing a hologram of Boomtower and Doom Master. "Grim will have two of his minions at his disposal: Boomtower a servant of Grimlord's creation, and Doom Master, commander of the virtual special forces platoon. To this end, I shall accompany the both of you on this task. Our powers combined may be enough to stop them."

However, Celestia and Luna both had second thoughts on the matter.

"S-Starswirl, w-we…" Luna stammered. "It's too dangerous…i-if you help us…"

Sensing the fear in his two pupils, Starswirl immediately looked into their eyes.

"Listen to me, both of you," He firmly declared. "I have always taught you two that sometimes we have to make sacrifices in life. But no matter what happens in the fight ahead, remember that we will always have one another. We must stand united, and no matter the odds we must fight to the end!"

Without saying anything, Celestia and Luna both nodded. What Starswirl had said indeed rang true.

"Very well then," Starswirl declared as he got up. "Go and may the spirit of friendship be with you all!" Activating his horn, Starswirl chanted an old ponish spell. In a flash of light, Celestia, Luna, the twins and the Pillars of Old Equestria all disappeared from the throne room!

…

Back in Canterlot, King Vorak and Scorpan approached the gates of Canterlot Castle as the guards on duty lowered the drawbridge, allowing them all to pass.

"Canterlot sure has changed a lot since I was here last," Vorak thought to himself. "These ponies have suffered enough from Tirek's actions, and now he will suffer the consequences."

Entering the city, the two were met with stares from the inhabitants, all of whom were seemly suspicious.

"Just ignore them," Vorak commanded to his entourage. "Let us focus on what needs to be done."

Scorpan could see that some of the ponies were nervous at he and his father being in Canterlot. Looking behind him, he could also see the cage that they had with them, reserved for Tirek and Tirek alone.

Finally, the two approached the doors to the castle's entrance. Tempest Shadow and Ironwood stood at attention as they arrived. "King Vorak," The broken horned unicorn declared, saluting him as Twilight had instructed her to earlier. "Princess Twilight and the other princesses are expecting you."

"Very well then," King Vorak replied, turning around to face his entourage. "Stay here while Scorpan and I negotiate for custody of the prisoner. Any who disobey shall answer to me!"

The entourage of Centaurs and Gargoyles heeded their leader's command as Ironwood led them into the castle.

Approaching the doors leading to the throne room, Scorpan gulped in nervous anticipation of what was about to happen. He was about to see his brother again in the form of a statue.

Opening the doors, Tempest entered as Twilight and the others stood at attention. "Their highnesses, King Vorak and Prince Scorpan!" Tempest announced, standing aside to let them pass.

All Scorpan could do was look up at Twilight and her fellow princesses, for this was the first time he was meeting them up close and personal.

"Princess Twilight," King Vorak greeted, bowing to her. "I have come seeking a request of you and your fellow princesses. A request I'm sure you're already well aware of."

"Yes, I know why you and Prince Scorpan are both here," Twilight replied, motioning for them to rise to their feet. "You wish…for Tirek's statue. And why do you wish to seek custody of it?"

"You know why, princess! Because I wish to try him in our homeland for his crimes against us, and you," Vorak calmly yet sternly explained. "It would be an injustice if Tirek wasn't given a trial."

"Naturally, my fellow princesses and I all agree that Tirek should be tried for his actions," Twilight replied as all gathered around her. "However, before we can grant you your request, there's something that I must ask of you."

Vorak was bewildered by the statement Twilight had made but was willing to hear her out. Scorpan wanted to speak, but still had to abide by his father's orders.

"To be honest, King Vorak," Applejack spoke up, trying to use her element to the best of her ability. "We were all wonderin' if what you're really seekin' is justice…or revenge?"

"What are you asking of me?! Do you realize what you're accusing me of?!" Vorak asked with a glare. "My elder son caused you all harm and must be dealt with. What I wish to do is to take him away from you and make sure he never returns! Surely you would not object to that."

"That's just it," Rainbow Dash replied, walking up to Vorak. "All of us believe that if we give you Tirek… you'll just rip him apart. Look, you're probably wondering if we're all crazy to think that…"

"-I can assure you all that Tirek will be dealt with fairly," Vorak interrupted. "But he needs to be severely punished for his actions. All I ask is that you free him from his stone form and give him to me. You've held him for long enough. And if you won't do anything with him now that he's been turned to stone, I will!"

Scorpan took another gulp at what his father had just said. In his mind, what Vorak was offering was something that went against everything that Equestria's monarchy had established.

…

As events were unfolding in Canterlot, at the changeling hive the reformed changelings went about another day of living their lives. Little did they suspect that thirteen of their own were on their way, poised to disrupt life in the hive all together. From up on the high levels of the hive, the changeling guard was looking out in the distance for any signs of trouble. The sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

But suddenly a changeling guardsman saw a series of dots out in the distance that alarmed him!

"Hey, do you see that?!" He asked another changeling guard, looking through some binoculars.

"See what, Grubhub?" The other guard grumbled.

"Those dots! They seem to be coming at a fast pace, and I don't think they're our own," The lead guard commented. "Who are they?!"

None of the guards could make out what was happening, but they all had their suspicions. Unfortunately, the more they stood around, the faster the dots got. And thus drawing closer to the hive.

"I don't think they're stopping!" Another guard realized. "What should we do?"

"Notify King Thorax at once!" The lead guard ordered. "We've got a situation here!"

But it was too late! Like a streak of lightning, Hopper and the rogue changelings approached the guards and attacked them! Their screams were heard throughout the hive as various changelings realized something was wrong!

"What's that?!" A green changeling asked! "What's happening?!"

Suddenly, four of the rogue changelings approached a large group of reformed changelings! The rouges transforming into various creatures such as Malworths, roaring and forcing the reformed changelings to come together! With each reformed Changeling that tried to escape, the more that they were herded!

Hearing what was going on from his throne, Thorax went to investigate! What he saw shook him to his very core!

"What in the wide world of Equestria?!" He cried in dismay as he saw his subjects being rounded up! Acting fast, Thorax transformed into a dragon and tried to stop the onslaught! But all of a sudden, a series of ropes were thrown around him and he was quickly subdued, unable to transform.

Although he tried to fight off the invaders, Pharynx was subdued quickly as well. The two brothers were then forced back into the throne room along with the rest of the hive by the rogue changelings.

"No one move!" Molt laughed, taunting the frightened changelings who were screaming in terror.

Suddenly, a loud roar was heard, causing the frightened changelings to fall silent. Looking towards the entrance to the throne room, they saw Hopper throw the body of a changeling guard to the floor!

"Hopper!" A reformed changeling cried as Hopper walked towards the group of hostages with slow steps.

"So, where is she?" Hopper asked in a low voice, which suddenly rose. "Where's the QUEEN?!" The echoes of his demands were enough to be heard throughout the throne room.

"Isn't she in…?" Thorax nervously whispered to his brother.

"What?!" Hopper demanded, walking over to Thorax. "SPEAK! I will not be ignored!"

"Isn't she in Canterlot?" Thorax gulped as he cracked under the pressure.

Hopper didn't buy it.

"Are you saying I'm stupid, Thorax?!" He exasperatedly inquired.

"No." Thorax weakly answered.

"Do I look stupid to you?" Hopper asked again. "Let's just think about the logic, shall we? If she was there in Canterlot, would I be coming down here to your level…looking for her?!" Hopper then looked intently at Thorax, checking him over briefly. "I should have known," He bitterly remarked. "You probably trapped her as a favor to Celestia, is that it?"

"Chrysalis was turned to stone and is now in Canterlot! Thorax had nothing to do with it!" Pharynx protested, trying to stick up for his brother.

"Oh, I see. So it was a bounty," Hopper mockingly remarked. "Aiding the ponies. So it's your fault our queen is gone! It wasn't enough to aid those do gooder ponies and overthrow our leader, you had to let the ponies have their way with her! No wonder this hive's a mess."

Turning away from Thorax, Hopper focused on the large crowd. "Well, we're going to rectify that," He declared, reaching into his saddlebag, and pulling out a scroll.

"What I have here is a list of demands for the ponies of Equestria to abide by. If they comply, you shall be spared any severe punishment. And if they don't, well…" He paused and cackled. "You know what will happen."

Looking around, Hopper attempted to find the perfect changeling to deliver his demands. Finally, he spotted a small olive green colored one, shaking with fear. He pulled her out from the crowd, away from her frightened family!

"Mom! Dad!" Ocellus cried out in vain!

"Don't worry, little one," Hopper mockingly declared while looking at her. "You'll get to see them again if your pony friends comply with my demands. I'll tell you what, why don't you stay in Canterlot until our demands are met? I won't take no for answer. Cooperate, and I won't harm you."

Ocellus didn't want to leave her family. But Hopper insisted she leave at once. So it was that with tears in her eyes, a reluctant Ocellus left for Canterlot, leaving her frightened family behind.

"You won't get away with this!" Ocellus' father cried out, catching Hopper's attention.

Hopper mockingly laughed and looked over at the changeling. "Your little age of reformation is over, and the second coming of Chrysalis will soon begin! And there's nothing any of you can do to stop it!"

…

Meanwhile, in the depths of outer space, Celestia, Luna and the pillars (now in the form of various lights) saw the Dark Fortress nearing the moon as they heard a loud voice cry out from below.

"Forces of Darkness, empower me! Take me back to my virtual reality!"

"What was that?!" Luna cried!

"That's the sound of Grim going to the Dark Fortress," Starswirl replied as they all saw a sickly green light shine towards the strange ship.

"All right, they're preparing to make the transition at any moment. Flash Magnus, Rockhoof, you know your assignments?"

Nodding in reply, Starswirl casted the two of them to take their positions on the loading dock of the ship.

With Flash and Rockhoof in position, Starswirl turned his attention back to Mistmane, Mage Meadowbrook and Somnambula.

"Good luck and be sure you dispose of all the vixens." He commanded, casting another spell that sent the three female pillars into the Dark Fortress proper.

"Looks like we're on our own now," Luna declared as her hoof touched Celestia's. "Let's bring Mother and Father home…where they belong."

Nodding in reply, Celestia accepted what she and her sister were about to face.

Activating yet another transporting spell, Starswirl transported himself and the sisters, Trevor, and Tyler into the Dark Fortress. Soon, the five found themselves outside of Grimlord's throne room, remaining invisible from sight thanks to a cloak that was covering them.

"What are they doing now?" Celestia asked in a whisper.

"Grim is giving his minions their instructions," Starswirl whispered back. "Once they're dispersed, we shall start making our moves."

From inside the cloak, Starswirl showed the two sisters a rather strange device. It was an alarm clock, but not just any alarm clock!

"What is that Starswirl?!" Luna nearly gasped in shock!

"Like I said, Grim and his minions must be defeated once and for all," Starswirl answered. "To this end, I have comprised a device capable of destroying them and everything else that represents them."

"It's a…bomb!" Celestia cried in a hushed voice!

"Yes, it's a bomb. A bomb capable of destroying this ship and everything aboard it," Trevor confirmed. "If we destroy this ship, Darkblade will have one less ally to aid him. Once we've rescued your parents and crippled Grim's forces, we must ensure Grim himself doesn't escape! No matter the cost, he must be stopped!"

The sisters wanted to reply but couldn't find the words to do so. Nevertheless, the players were in position on the Dark Fortress and now, they had to play out the game.

…

Back in Canterlot, King Vorak was continuing to negotiate with Twilight and her fellow princesses for custody of Tirek.

"Look, King Vorak," Twilight sighed deeply. "We all want to honor your request, but our main concern is whether this trial you want to give Tirek is meant to be a fair one. What we all want is your promise that Tirek will be tried fairly. If you abide by this promise, then we shall give you Tirek's statue. But if not, he'll remain with us."

King Vorak realized that he needed to play out the game that Twilight was telling him to play. If he was going to get what he wanted, he needed to give Twilight what she wanted.

"What do you believe, Scorpan?" King Vorak asked, turning to his gargoyle son. "Do you agree with this proposal?"

"Tell us, darling. We're all ears," Rarity spoke up. "You and Tirek originally came here long ago to conquer this land. And it was you who had a change of heart when your brother did not. Do you accept our terms?"

"I…I…" Scorpan struggled to say but couldn't find the answer to it.

But suddenly, all heard the sounds of screaming from outside the throne room! Sonic raced to the door to answer it!

"What's goin' on?!" Applejack asked. "What in the hay could it possibly be now?!"

"I don't know, there aren't supposed to be other visitors. Something must be up!" Spike answered as the doors opened to reveal Tempest on the other side and next to her was a crying and frightened Ocellus!

"Ocellus!" Sonic gasped, pulling the young changeling towards her! "Are you all right?! Why are you here?!"

"Oh, Sonic" Ocellus frantically cried out! "The changelings…taken…prisoner!"

"What are you talking about?!" Sonic asked, trying to understand the situation as her friends raced to the unfolding scene.

"Rogue…changelings…" Ocellus tried to say, but her sobs prevented her from speaking properly.

Tempest then reached down and picked up the scroll that Ocellus was carrying. "She was carrying this." She informed the princesses as Spike took the scroll and unfurled it, reading it over and feeling his heart sink.

"Twilight…the Changeling Kingdom has been…seized!" Spike said in fear. "Everycreature is being held hostage!"

Right away, Twilight realized that she and her friends were about to be put in a very complex situation! One that greatly surpassed their current one with King Vorak and Scorpan.

….

Twilight and her friends, recoiling from the shock, now had to try to understand just how the Changeling Kingdom had been seized. But at the same time, they knew they needed to calm down the frightened Ocellus.

"It just happened…so fast," Ocellus sobbed, her composure still badly shaken. "Hopper…he and his friends…"

"Who's Hopper?" Twilight asked, draping a wing around the scared changeling. But Ocellus couldn't answer through her sobs. "Spike, what are the demands?! There has to have been demands!"

"They want…" Spike read aloud, only to feel his heart sink. "Chrysalis freed from her stone prison."

"What?!" Rainbow Dash cried. "That's impossible! No way are we going to just let that evil queen be freed again after all the trouble she's caused!"

"But they'll kill…" Ocellus cried through ragged breaths. "…changelings until she's freed! I can't bear the thought of Chrysalis returning! But my mom, my dad, those heartless creatures will kill them!"

Seeing what was happening, both King Vorak and Scorpan advanced towards the situation.

"Queen Chrysalis?" Scorpan asked. "Father, wasn't she one of Tirek's conspirators?"

"Yes, Scorpan," King Vorak nodded. "So if they free Chrysalis they'll surely have to free Tirek as well. Which I won't allow! He belongs to me and me alone!"

"Father, wait!" Scorpan protested, holding his father back and walking over to the princesses surrounding the frightened changeling. "Please, think about this. Now isn't the time for a personal vendetta."

Walking over, Scorpan bent down and looked at the sobbing ocellus. He could see the fear in her tear-filled eyes. "Don't worry…we're going to make sure your parents are saved. We owe it to you."

"You…you'll help us?" Ocellus asked, looking up at the gargoyle.

"I want to make up for all the pain my brother caused," Scorpan replied, looking up at Twilight. "Queen Chrysalis is a dangerous creature and must not be released. And neither should Tirek for that matter. Doing so would defeat the whole purpose of imprisoning them in the first place."

King Vorak was naturally furious to hear such a statement.

"Scorpan, how dare you!" He thundered, clutching his fist in anger. "Do you realize what you're saying?! You would deny us the chance…"

"SILENCE!" Twilight commanded in her Royal Canterlot voice while glaring at the centaur king. But the words spoken next were spoken in a normal, calm tone. "Your plans for custody of Tirek will just have to wait, King Vorak. Right now, this hostage situation is more important. Understood?!"

And King Vorak reluctantly nodded.

…

Aboard the Dark Fortress, the pillars along with the former royal sisters took up their positions to free King Cosmo and Queen Galaxia from their prison.

Taking the form of two skugs courtesy of Starswirl, Flash Magnus and Rockhoof stood on the platform, along with the two generals loyal to Grim.

"All right, you skugs!" General Ivar barked out. "You know the drill, same as always. Although this time I think a new cell for the prisoners seems more appropriate."

"Agreed, Ivar," Colonel Icebot nodded, looking over to his equal. "A change of scenery seems like a good idea for the prisoners. I'll notify the Master of it next time we meet. Although I can't help but wonder how long we're going to continue with this little charade. Why don't we just terminate them and be done with it? As long as they exist they pose a threat to us."

From inside their skug disguises, both Flash Magnus and Rockhoof felt their stomach turn upon hearing such coldhearted words.

"Because we would suffer the wrath of Emperor Darkblade, Icebot!" General Ivar grumbled. "He has that monster at his disposal…whatever his name is. I'd hate to cross paths with it."

"Here they come!" Icebot shouted, seeing the imprisoned King and Queen of Equestria being transported towards the Dark Fortress in a carriage pulled by two donkey soldiers. "Take up your positions, Skugs!"

Unfortunately, neither Flash Magnus nor Rockhoof could move well in their skug forms and both of them bumped into the skugs next to them, much to the colonel and general's annoyances.

"Get up, you idiots!" General Ivar barked out while glaring at them. "I'll see that you're both severely punished for this!"

Fearing their cover was about to be blown, both pillars quickly pulled themselves together as they watched Cosmo and Galaxia being dragged out of the carriage.

"Where are you taking us this time, Colonel?" King Cosmo grumbled as he was forced to his hooves by two skugs while glaring at Colonel Icebot. "The same cell as always?"

"Nope, a different cell, closer to Grimlord's throne room," General Ivar replied as he led them into the Dark Fortress. "Not far from the scrapyard of bots who've failed him in the past. Seems like a fitting place to spend your days."

Making sure that there wouldn't be any more screw ups, both the disguised Flash and Rockhoof attempted to at least seem like they knew what they were doing. As they walked, they couldn't help but notice how exhausted the king and queen looked.

"All right, here's the cell," General Ivar declared in a gruff voice. "Get inside, now!"

Grunting, Cosmo and Galaxia were pushed into their cell, Galaxia falling down on the floor and moaning.

"What's that for?!" Cosmo cried, glaring up at Ivar while he helped his wife up.

Ivar seemed not to care. "I beg your pardon?"

"Why don't you leave my wife alone?" Cosmo demanded.

But Ivar just coldly replied. "Save your pleas for mercy! You won't get any from us! Now get used to your surroundings, or else suffer the consequences!"

As they left, Icebot gave the disguised pillars their instructions. "You two, stand guard here!" He ordered. "And don't fall asleep whatever you do! I want no more mistakes!"

Once they were gone, both Flash and Rockhoof assumed their positions, trying to stay frozen and erect in case anyone walked by. Little did either the general or colonel know that the disguised Flash had taken the keys from Ivar's belt.

…

Inside their cell, Galaxia felt a sharp pain in one of her forelegs.

"You've sprained it," Cosmo sighed, inspecting his wife's hoof. "That disgusting general, he expects us to just get over whatever ailments we have?!"

"I can't take much more of this, Cosmo," Galaxia cried, tears forming in the corners of her eyes as a result of the pain in her hoof. "Nopony is coming to rescue us. I don't know if I can go on like this!."

Cosmo desperately pleaded with his wife! "Don't say that Galaxia! You don't mean it!"

"Why should I not say or mean it?" Galaxia sniffled. "It's been over a thousand years since we were abducted. Just admit it, Cosmo…"

"No, I refuse to admit it, Galaxia!" Cosmo stubbornly declared, trying to not sound defeated. "I know it's difficult, but you must have faith! We will be rescued in time, I know it!"

From outside their cell, Flash and Rockhoof realized that the time to free the captive royals was now! Taking the keys he had quietly stolen, Flash got to work opening the cell door.

"What…what's happening?!" Cosmo wondered as the door opened, for all he could see were the pillars' disguises.. "What are you…?"

"Shh! Keep your voices down, sire," Rockhoof whispered as he helped Cosmo out of the cell. "We've come to get you out of here and bring you home, where you belong."

Cosmo blinked. "Home?! Who are you?! You're not with Grim or Darkblade!"

"It's us, sire," Rockhoof whispered again. "Rockhoof and Flash Magnus!"

"Rockhoof?! Flash Magnus?!" Galaxia gasped. "But…we thought that you…"

"It's a long story," Flash replied in a hushed voice. "We'll discuss it later. For right now, we're getting you out of here! Just hold tight."

The party soon proceeded out of the jail cell, trying to remain quiet and undetected.

…

Meanwhile, inside his throne room, Grim was contemplating what to do with his royal prisoners.

"I've come to a possible decision," He declared, pacing back and forth in front of Boomtower and Doom Master. "The captured must be terminated! They cannot be allowed to leave here alive!"

"Master, are you certain that is wise?" Boomtower asked. "Emperor Darkblade will…"

"Darkblade is an old fool, nothing more than a hollow knight!" Grim interjected. "For too long, we've played his game and let our prisoners live. Now we do things our way!"

"Master, I too must question your suggestion," Doom Master protested. "These royals aren't like our other enemies. After they severely weakened us, we could no longer strive on our own. Darkblade is the only way we can get back to full strength. We need him."

"Wrong!" Grim cried out! "This land that the prisoners come from…Equestria, is it not? It's a land that seems fit for conquering! And nothing would satisfy me more than to take the land for myself and make it a colony."

Both Doom Master and Boomtower gave each other worried glances as for the first time, they both were questioning their leader's command.

…

Little did anyone know that right outside the throne room, the invisibly cloaked The sisters, Trevor, Tyler and Starswril been listening in on everything.

"We can't let them do this, Starswirl!" Luna whispered from underneath the cloak.

"I'll crush them before they ever touch Mom and Dad!" Celestia added as Starswirl suddenly felt his horn vibrate. "What is it, Starswirl?!"

"It's Flash and Rockhoof!" Starswirl whispered back to the sisters. "They've freed your parents."

And no sooner did Starswirl say those words, than did General Ivar and several Skugs came running into the throne room.

"Sire," Ivar panted to Grim. "The prisoners... they're... gone!"

"WHAT?!" Grim thundered in shock! "How did they escape, you worthless worm?! I thought you said everything was under control!"

"I-I don't know, sire!" Ivar protested. "All I know was that the door was opened, and my keys were... stolen!"

Grim didn't take this well at all as he let out a ferocious yell! "Your keys were stolen?!" He bellowed as he rose from his throne. "And you call yourself a general?! Muster a platoon and find them at once! They mustn't be allowed to escape!

Capture them dead or alive!"

"Not a chance, you fiend!" Celestia loudly cried out as she fired a blast of her magic from inside the cloak, striking one of the walls behind Grim's throne and knocking him down onto the ground!

No longer hiding, Celestia, Luna, Starswril, Trevor, Tyler revealed themselves to the villains, all three horns glaring and armed their weapons

"You're not getting our parents again, Grim!" Luna roared!

Snarling, Grim was helped to his feet and ordered his minions to attack the two alicorns and their unicorn mentor. "I beg to differ," Grim snarled. "Destroy them all!"

With their horns charging, Celestia and Luna advanced towards Grim! But Boomtower and Doom Master stood in the way.

"You're mine, Grim!" Starswirl cried out as he began to clash with the unusual creature.

"Ivar, go look for the prisoners," Grim ordered as he started to counter Starswirl! "And if you find any accomplices of these intruders, kill them immediately!"

Seeing Ivar about to leave, Celestia attempted to fire a blast at him, but was struck in the cheek by Boomtower's staff! Shaking off the wound, Celestia charged at Boomtower.

"Sound the alarm!" General Ivar shouted. "The prisoners have escaped!" And then suddenly, he saw the prisoners with Rockhoof and Flash Magnus as they were attempting to find a way out of the Dark Fortress.

"Halt!" General Ivar cried, pointing his sword at them! "What are you skugs doing with the prisoners?! They're not to be moved!"

Right away, both Rockhoof and Flash Magnus dropped their disguises and revealed themselves to General Ivar. "What are you…you're not Skugs!"

"Nope, laddie, not in a million years," Rockhoof replied, getting his shovel ready to use as a weapon. "We're pillars of old Equestria, and we've come to free…"

Roaring loudly, Ivar fired an electrical blast at the pillars and royals, cutting Rockhoof off mid-sentence. But they managed to duck out of the way.

Having heard what was going on, Colonel Icebot raced over with a platoon of skugs.

…

Back in Canterlot, Twilight and her friends were still trying to decide how they were going to handle the situation involving the changelings.

"Twilight," Ocellus pleaded. "You've... got to... help us... please!"

"And we will, Ocellus," Twilight promised. "Mark my words. But we're not going to just turn over Chrysalis to someone who asks for her. We don't even know who we're dealing with yet."

Just then, the scroll suddenly came up on its own and a screen appeared in place of the words. On the screen was Hopper, holding what appeared to be a random reformed changeling as a hostage.

"Well, well, well," He laughed. "If it isn't her highness, the supreme ruler, and her fellow princesses. I trust that the runt delivered my message to you?"

"Don't you dare hurt my parents, Hopper!" Ocellus pleaded, glaring at her captor's picture.

"Oh, I won't harm a hair on their little heads," Hopper mockingly replied. "That is, as long as you adhere to our demands, Princess Twilight."

"So you're Hopper!" Twilight realized! "You've gotten my attention. I know you wish to have Chrysalis released to you, is that correct?"

Hopper nodded and smiled.

"Why yes, that's precisely what I want. Or rather, what all of us want. You see, my fellow changelings have been on the run since our rightful queen was overthrown by a changeling sympathetic to your kind years ago. You are holding her prisoner, and for every hour she isn't returned to us you'll force us to take extreme measures."

"Look, pal!" Rainbow Dash angrily declared while hovering over the screen. "I don't know who you think you are, but do you even realize who you're messing with here?! We just happen to be friends of Thorax and the changelings! The rightful rulers of the hive, I might add! We didn't put Thorax on the throne, and he never would've taken it if Chrysalis hadn't forced him to oppose her."

"Is that so, Princess Rainbow Dash?" Hopper laughed. "Well, I just so happen to have Thorax and the other changelings captive, and if you keep us waiting I can't guarantee their safety," He further explained to a horrified Twilight.

"Remember…our queen is to be returned here... or else. And don't even think of trying to pull a fast one on us, 'cause I'll know." And the image faded.

"Okay, now he's gone too far!" Jaden declared as she stomped a foot down. "Hurting' changelings and threatening' to kill 'em if Chrysalis isn't freed? No way should we negotiate with the likes of him. I say we assemble a strike team and take him down!"

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie cried in a shocked voice. "Haven't we been through enough sad times already?! We don't need to cause others to suffer too, right? Let's blow that jerk to kingdom come!"

"We may not have a choice," Twilight sighed as she walked back into the throne room, sitting down on her throne.

"Remember that the statues of Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow are all attached together. So if we give them Chrysalis, we'll basically be giving them Tirek and Cozy Glow as well. And there's no way we're going to release Chrysalis back to the hive, she may not even know these guys."

King Vorak naturally objected to this suggestion, knowing that this meant the centaur he wanted turned over to him would be given to the changelings instead. "I won't let you give Tirek to anycreature but me, Princess Twilight!" He demanded. "He must pay for his crimes against Equestria!"

"Father, please!" Scorpan protested, again standing in front of him and holding his arms out. "This is a matter of life and death here! Now isn't the time to make unreasonable demands."

"Scorpan, stand aside!" King Vorak ordered. "I want your brother and I did not come all this way here to be denied!"

"Father, listen to me! I need to get involved here!" Scorpan protested, turning away from his father and back to the pony princesses. "There must be a way to satisfy both sides without any changelings being harmed or killed. Princess Twilight, why not do it in a way where it seems that they'll get what they want, when in reality they won't? They don't know the intertwined nature of Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow."

This gave Twilight an idea on how to bring the hostage crisis to an end as quickly as possible.

…

Back at the Changeling Kingdom, Thorax and the captive changelings watched as their unreformed kind cut off contact with Canterlot.

"I hope you all paid attention to my demands," Hopper coldly spoke. "Because you know what's going to happen to you unless our demands are met! So, if I were you, I'd enjoy living your life to the fullest now. Knowing these ponies, you may not have long to live."

"You disgusting coward!" Thorax cried, looking over at Hopper. "I won't let you…"

"Oh, shut up, Thorax!" Hopper bitterly remarked. "Everycreature has already been saying stuff like that to me and it's getting very old very fast. So if I were you, I'd keep your mouth shut if you want to live!"

Doing as he was told, Thorax remained silent while Ocellus' family were glad that she wasn't present to witness any of what was unfolding.

"Actually, Hopper..." Molt started to say.

"What is it?!" Hopper irritably inquired.

"I was just thinking," Molt replied. "W-what if Princess Twilight and her friends don't comply with our demands? Come on, you know how she and her friends work."

It was then that Hopper suddenly got himself a rather awful idea.

"They'll comply with our demands," He replied. "But you're right in that we should have a Plan B. For once you're not a hindrance to me, Molt," And then he declared. "I'll need three changelings to accompany me to Canterlot!"

Right away, Molt sensed something was amiss.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" He protested while waving his forelegs back and forth. "What are you planning to do, Hopper?!"

"If Twilight and her friends won't deliver our queen here," Hopper declared, picking up a knife in his claw. "Then I can just go to Canterlot and free our queen…personally!"

Right away, Molt began to get a bad vibe of this idea his brother was putting together "Hopper, let's talk about this. I mean, going to Canterlot, isn't that a risky move?"

But Hopper wasn't listening and instead gestured for Molt to follow him outside the throne room. "Now, you listen to me, Molt," He snarled, grabbing his brother by the throat. "I will stop at nothing to free our queen from captivity. Nothing! And if you dare go against me for any reason, I will kill you right here and right now! You understand?"

"I understand," Molt gulped. "But can't we find…?"

"There is no other way!" Hopper hissed, releasing his grip on Molt. "I need three of us to come with me to Canterlot. Find them now, and don't ask any more stupid questions!"

Doing as he was told; Molt reluctantly began to search for three volunteers to accompany his brother to Canterlot.

…

Back aboard the Dark Fortress, the pillars and royal sisters including twins fought tooth and hoof against Grim and his forces. Despite his age, Starswirl was determined to hold his own against Grim.

"You are strong, Starswirl," Grim laughed as Starswirl deflected a blast of lightning fired right at him. "But you can't hold out against me forever! I don't think you can take much more!"

"Just try me!" Starswirl cried, firing another spell at Grim, hitting him right in the chest and knocking him down!

Growling, Grim grabbed his sword and attempted to hit Starswirl with it. But the pillar of Sorcery used his wits and dodged the blows. "None of us will rest until the royals are back home!" The old wizard declared.

"I beg to differ. I know your weaknesses, as you'll soon see." Grim remarked as Luna and Trevor was thrown against the back wall of the throne room by Doom Master.

"LUNA! TREVOR! " Celestia and Tyler cried, only to be thrown to the ground by Boomtower!

Laughing evilly, Doom Master pointed his sword at them, ready to kill! But Luna wasn't going to give up easily. Charging her horn, she fired a blast of her magic at Doom Master, striking him right in his left arm!

"Urgh! You'll pay for that, you meddlesome brats!" Doom Master snarled, attempting to strike at Luna again. But Trevor pushed out of his way.

Meanwhile, having heard the calls from General Ivar, the five Vixens ran towards the throne room when they suddenly found themselves bound by a magical bond of rope! Emerging from behind a room, Mistmane and Mage Meadowbrook emerged with several syringes in Mistmane's aura, filled with the poison that Meadowbrook had hastily created.

"This won't hurt a bit unless you stop movin'," Mage Meadowbrook declared, taking one of the syringes in her hooves and striking one of the Vixens in her neck. At that moment, Somnambula followed suit and took a syringe filled with poison, sticking it into the leg of another Vixen. After a few moments, the five Vixens were quickly subdued. "I hate having to do that."

"Intentionally inflict harm?" Somnambula inquired. "It can't be helped in these situations."

"This is just a one-time thing, Meadowbrook," Mistmane cautioned, patting Mage on the shoulder. "Don't let it get to you too much. Sometimes we are forced to do things we wouldn't do unless the situation called for it."

But then the sounds of screams and yells caused the three female pillars to jump into action!

…

Meanwhile at his castle on the moon, Darkblade was fast asleep when he was suddenly awakened by the sounds of knocking on his chamber doors! Grunting, he stormed over to the doors and flew them open wide to reveal Lieutenant Clyde on the other side.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Darkblade snarled.

"It's the Dark Fortress, my liege, it's under attack!" Lieutenant Clyde cried!

"What?! Impossible! Who is attacking it?!" Darkblade demanded! "Tell me at once!"

"The pillars, my emperor. And it seems they've brought the royal sisters with them." Lieutenant Clyde answered, much to Grogar's irritation.

"Blast those meddlesome old pillars!" Darkblade muttered! "Even after getting out of limbo they continue to be a thorn in my side! Very well then, go gather a platoon and provide aid wherever possible. The prisoners and the pillars must not escape! If worse comes to worse, ensure that you dispose of them! Understood?!"

Saluting him, Clyde left Darkblade alone.

Letting out a loud growl, Darkblade slammed the doors loudly with his magic!

Meanwhile, from down the hall, Cozy, Romeo, and Tirek were awakened by the loud roars of the emperor.

"Tirek, is your stomach growling again?" Cozy groggily asked as she fell out of her little bed. "I'm trying to sleep here!"

"It's not me, Cozy," Tirek protested as he got up.

"Something must be happening with Emperor'" Romeo thought. "Come on, he might have need of us!"

Getting out of bed, Tirek and Cozy Glow saw Lieutenant Bray running down the halls, crying out for anyone to meet up with him immediately! Carefully following Bray, they saw a small group of donkeys gathered at a loading dock at the bottom of the castle, armed with weapons.

"Come on, let's go!" Clyde ordered as they boarded a series of donkey drawn wagons. "They need help and they need it now!"

Watching them take to the sky, Cozy, Tirek, and Romeo couldn't believe what they were seeing. "What do you think it could be?" Cozy asked.

"I don't know, Cozy," Tirek whispered. "But I think we should find out for our sakes."

"Find out what?" A familiar voice asked, and the father-daughter figures and inventor turned around to see Infinite standing behind them. "That the Dark Fortress is being attacked by Celestia, Luna and the pillars? I already know, it was hard not to overhear with how loudly Emperor Darkblade was speaking."

"Then we should do something!" Cozy Glow suggested. "It's been ages since we've done anything, I'm bored!"

"Your help won't be necessary, child," Infinite protested. "If anything, all involved will probably destroy each other. Personally, I don't see any reason to be associated with strange creatures to begin with. If not for our master's insistence I'd say to forget all about it. Now get back to your quarters before Scarface has a midnight snack."

Doing as they were told, Cozy, Romeo, and Tirek reluctantly proceeded back to their quarters. However, they couldn't help but wonder if this supposed attack on the Dark Fortress was a sign of things to come.

…

Back in Canterlot, having heard Scorpan's suggestion in regard to not giving the rogue Changeling's what they want, Twilight was beginning to get an idea.

"What do you have in mind, Twilight?" Rarity asked as Twilight returned to the throne room with a large piece of paper in the size of a map.

"I'm thinking, we make Hopper, and the rogues think that we're going to obey their demands, but in reality we will not," Twilight explained. "But to do this, we're going to need to come up with a strategy similar to what we did when Shining Armor installed those security measures."

"Ooh, kind of like the Sibling Supreme contest!" Pinkie Pie chirped as Twilight began to write on the paper. "Tell me more."

"Okay, Pinkie," Twilight replied, directing her attention at the party pony. "I'm going to need you to throw a surprise party for the rogue changelings. Try and convince them that there will be a welcome back party for Chrysalis. Applejack and Jaden, I'm going to need you two to work on digging out a tunnel from underneath the hive for the hostages to escape through."

"It'll be a dauntin' task, but we will more than up to it." Applejack declared.

"Good," Twilight nodded. "Rarity, Jackie how quickly can you make a series of rogue changeling costumes?"

"I beg your pardon, Twilight?" Rarity blinked.

"We're going to need a way to distract the rogue changelings," Twilight explained. "And Fluttershy, you can help out Rarity with them."

Fluttershy nodded. "You can count on me, Twilight. Changeling costumes should be easy enough."

Twilight then turned to Rainbow Dash and Sonic. "Rainbow Dash, I need you and Sonic to neutralize any rogue changelings that might be guarding the hive. I don't care how you do it, but make sure that they are all neutralized. As for you and me and Yusei, Spike, we'll lead a platoon into the hive and take out Hopper and any remaining rouges! We'll leave nothing to chance!"

…

But at that moment, all suddenly heard the sounds of yells from outside the throne room.

"Tempest, go check on what is happening!" Twilight ordered! But before Tempest could investigate, the doors swung open and in stepped Hopper and three of his rogue Changelings, armed with weapons.

"Hello, Princesses," Hopper laughed as he and his comrades slowly walked towards them, weapons fully brandished. "I just figured we'd come and pick up our queen…personally."

With her eyes locked on Hopper and his comrades, Twilight prepared herself and her friends to handle the situation in their own throne room!

…

….

To Be Continued