"Twilight, tell us everything."

"It's like I explained in my letters to you. Zecora found Shade dying in the Everfree Forest. She healed his wounds and brought him to me. She thought I could help him change his ways."

"And did you accomplish this task?"

"Yes Luna, I think I did. He's definitely changed. But after what happened last night..."

"Your letter said he was in contact with Chrysalis. I think that's more than enough to keep him in the dungeon!"

"Cadence, how can you say that?! You didn't even know about Shade until today!"

"He's a changeling Twilight. They're not meant to be in Equestria."

"I can't believe you're being like this! You're sounding just like...."

"Like who?"

"Chrysalis when she was you!"

"That's enough from both of you! Arguing will get nothing accomplished. And how do you think Shining Armor would feel if he saw you two fighting? We need to stick to the subject; Shade. From everything Twilight's said and after meeting him, I think that he may be different. He certainly doesn't act like a changeling."

"Sister! Are you saying you support the creature?!"

"I do. We need to give him a chance."

"We should keep him in a cell! That's what we should be doing with any changeling we find!"

"That's enough Cadence, you've made your position clear."

"We should at least get him out of the dungeon!"

"Unfortunately I can't do that Twilight. Luna and Cadence both believe that he should be kept away from wandering eyes. If word got out of a changeling being in Canterlot, the results could be devastating."

"So how long does he have to stay in there."

"One week. He'll break down and reveal his true nature."

"Cadence I can't believe you would do this! What happened to the mare i knew who always gave love? Can't you find it in your heart to forgive Shade for what the rest of his kind did?"

"Not without evidence to the contrary."

"SILENCE!!!"

"Luna, was that really necessary?"

"Sorry. I couldn't stand their bickering any longer."

"We will release Shade in one week. Then we will make the final decision. Twilight, I must ask that you don't visit him until it is time to bring him back."

-----------------------------

I stepped into the cell without a word. I had expected this.

So why did I feel so shocked?

The door slammed shut behind me and I sighed. Why did I let Twilight drag me here? Why didn't she even defend me? Did she think I was a monster too?

Of course you are. They know you'd wreck havoc on this castle if you were free.

I shook my head. Why would I think that?

Because your a changeling. And you want what's best for the horde.

No. I wasn't a changeling anymore. I... I was turning into a pony.

You may look like a pony, but that doesn't change what you are. This is just another disguise for you.

No! I'm not the same anymore! I want to actually live. I want to know what it's like not to starve or hide from the light.

And if you're stuck in this cell for the rest of your life?

I can't afford to think like that. Twilight will make sure I'm set free.

Will she really do that? Do you think she will make those three see reason?

She has to!

And until then?

I wait...

----------------------------

Two days. You might as well get comfortable.

Twilight will come.

It's over. You're never getting out of here.

That can't be true!

Don't you think they would have made their decision already?

It's just taking them a while.

Two days?

Two days... That is a long time, isn't it?

And it doesn't look like its ending anytime soon.

So what do I do?

Plan an escape. Somehow you've got to get out.

Get out. Right. How could I do it? What did I have to use?

Nothing...

-----------------------------

Four days. I can't tunnel out. I can't attack the guards. What is there left for me to do?

Make them believe you're good.

But I am good.

And if you believe that, then they'll believe that.

So... Be myself?

And once you're free, plan your revenge.

Yes. Revenge.

------------------------------

Perhaps they were trying to decide the best method of execution. Or maybe they were planning a 'You're Innocent' party. But it was more likely that they were finding some remote corner of the world to banish me to. The very worst possibility though would be being left in here to rot.
A week! They've left me here for a week! They're not discussing me! They're all laughing at the fact that they tricked me into my prison cell! Even Twilight's abandoned me! How could she? I thought she was a friend!

Lies. All of it lies! I should have stayed in the forest. How can ponies appear so innocent and yet be such monsters?!

Yes. They were the monsters. Not me.

'Creeeeaaaaak'

Mealtime?

"Shade?"

Twilight? What was she doing here?

"Well, well. You finally decided to visit me."

That's right. Be yourself. One day they'll all pay for what they've done...

------------------------------

Twilight stepped inside. She didn't come near me though.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think that Celestia... I didn't know that..."

"Have they made a decision?"

"They're going to make it today. And they want you there."

It was about time! I would finally be out of this horrid place.

"I guess they expect to see a crazed changeling? I have been down here for a week now."

"Cadence thought you would...revert back to your old self if you were treated like this. I tried to convince them all that you were good, but they wouldn't budge."

Of course it was Cadence's idea. I stood up and stretched my legs.

"Well then... Ready to prove them wrong?"

That brought a smile to her face. I stepped forward out of the shadows and Twilight's eyes snapped to my head.

"Is that... You have a mane! I mean... Of course a pony would have a mane, but I didn't know changelings could!"

I smiled, reaching up to touch my "mane". In my week of incarceration I had started to grow some hair. I wonder what it will look like when it's grown in?

"It definitely adds to my rugged looks."

The princess stepped back and allowed me out into the light. I had to blink a few times before I could see again. Unfortunately as I began to get my vision back, I also got my guards. One on either side of me with Twilight ahead.
We walked up to the main level and off towards the throne room. I was ready for round two.

-----------------------------

"I'm deeply sorry for what happened, but we couldn't take any chances."

I bowed to Celestia.

"I understand. Though a room aboveground would have been greatly appreciated."

"You have a mane coming in. Another effect of your magic being taken?"

I reached up to touch it again. I liked the feel of a mane. Right now it was soft and fuzzy.

"I would guess so. A nice effect at that."

Luna stepped forward.

"You're not cross for being imprisoned?!"

"I expected it."

"But do you not wish to retaliate for such treatment?"

"No. I'm just glad to be back in the sunlight honestly."

She sat down without another word. This time Cadence stepped up.

"Twilight seems to trust that you're no longer a threat."

"It comes with your Queen sentencing you to death. I don't like her anymore than you do. And that's saying something."

"So you have no allegiance to Chrysalis?"

"Call me a deserter, a traitor, or just lucky. I'm not a changeling anymore. I'm becoming more pony every day."

She gave a curt nod before returning to her seat. I glanced at Twilight to see her give a small smile. Celestia stood.

"I think we've heard enough. Shade is obviously no longer an enemy. In fact he could even help us if the need arises."

I wonder what she could mean by that.

"Shade, I'm sorry again for what we did. You're free to return to Ponyville. And just in time too."

Twilight's eyes widened.

"Omygosh! The Summer Sun Celebration! I've only got two days left to plan everything!,"

She ran towards the doors, skidding to a halt halfway. She whirled around, locking eyes with me.

"What are you waiting for?! We have to get back to Ponyville!!"

No argument there! I ran after her, halting myself at the doors. I turned to look at the three princesses. They were still in their seats. I bowed to them.

"Thank you."

With that I turned to run after Twilight.

-----------------------------

"Thank you."

'Boom!'

"What do you think Cadence?"

"He seemed...unchanged. How could he be so compliant after a week in a dungeon?"

"Because he knew that we wanted him to lash out."

"Then he has tricked us! He cannot be allowed to leave!"

"Sit down Luna. He didn't trick us. Shade isn't anything like the changelings we've seen before. He's different. Special even."

"That may be, but I still don't like him."

"I know Cadence. Why don't you go find your husband? You two need some time together while you're here."

"That's a good idea. I'll do that."

'Click click click click'

'Boom!'

"You're hiding something sister."

"We need to keep our eyes open Luna. Shade has changed, but he has a rough journey ahead of him."

"Then you too could tell he was lying?"

"It wasn't a lie. It was a half truth. He was definitely angry about his confinement. Enough that he might lash out at us personally. I just hope that Twilight will help him see that he needs friendship more than enemies."

"This is a dangerous game you're playing Sister."

"Then let’s hope that I have all the right cards."

This wasn't a major re-edit or anything. Just me gluing three chapters together.