When Twilight got to the Crystal Empire, she went to the castle and found Shining Armor pacing the floor.
"Shining Armor!" She broke him from his trance.
"Twiley!" he replied. "Thank goodness you're here."
"Of course. Now tell me what happened."
"It happened earlier this afternoon. I received a letter saying that Celestia needed me to go to Manehatten early to make preparations for security for your event. I got there, but then Celestia herself told me that it was a hoax. I came back here, and Cadence was gone. This whole thing was probably a plot to get to her…"
"I can't see why, though."
"That's the thing. Neither can I! But I guess that doesn't say much, since I am so worried I'm not really thinking straight."
"And you thought I could help, why?"
"I know worrying runs in the family, but Cadence herself taught you to keep a cool head. You might be able to see something I can't."
"I guess I understand…" She began to look around the room. "Are you sure she was here when she was most likely taken?"
"Pretty sure. I mean, she was alone for a few hours after I left, but she was pretty busy this afternoon."
"I see." She approached the far window. "Was this open when you left?"
His eyes widened. "No, it wasn't."
Twilight looked closer at the window. She gasped. "Shining Armor, look at this!" She pointed to some green goo on the sill.
"Is that…"
"I'm afraid so. Changeling residue." She looked to the south. "The queen…"
"She took Cadence again! I have to go to the Bad Lands and save her."
"No, brother. You have to stay here. If the crystal ponies found out that their princess has been captured by their prince leaving, their spirits will sink, the crystal heart will fail, and Sombra could come back again."
"You're right." He sighed reluctantly. "But who will go?"
"I will. I helped defeat the queen once, and I can do it again."
"You were here in Equestria then. But this time, she'll have the home field advantage. Are you sure you can handle that?"
"For Cadence, I can handle anything."
Shining Armor gave a half-hearted smile. "That's my sister. Always passionate about helping others."
"Of course. Plus, this is my sister we're talking about. I'll be back before you know it." She went to the balcony, got a running start, and took off in the direction of the train station, to go as far south as it would take her. She would have to go the rest of the way to the Bad Lands on hoof, or by flying.