“Oh hey Chryssie.” Sam smiled, waving to the female changeling.

“Mm good to see you again Sam.” Chrysalis hummed.

Alex glanced around a little nervously. “Don’t worry.” Sam said reassuringly. Alex was teleported into Chrysalis’ lap.

“Oh Alex, you don’t think I’d hurt you now do you?” Chrysalis cooed softly, stroking a hand through his hair.

“N… no…” Alex mumbled, his body still a little stiff. There was a green flash, the realization that now she was sitting in Scootaloo’s lap hitting him. He blinked a few times. “Huh…”

“Alex… I’m scared.” Scootaloo said shakily, hugging Alex against her. He silently hugged her and began to comfortingly nuzzle her.

“Um…” A similar voice rang in from across the room. Alex looked to Twilight and saw Scootaloo standing beside her.

“My brave little man.” The fake Scootaloo whispered. Alex pushed away from her and stumbled back from the couch, obviously startled and dazed. “Oh you hurt me Alex, I thought you loved me!” The fake said, starting to laugh. Her tone started trailing off and sounding more like Chrysalis as a green flash returned her to her normal form.

Alex mumbled something to himself and grimaced before he quickly walked to Scootaloo and hugged her tightly. “Can you stop that?” Twilight questioned.

“You called me.” Chrysalis sighed, leaning back into the couch. “I love your furniture, I’ll have to tell my decorator.”

“We just need help finding my kid.” Dash groaned, punching Red in the jaw.

“What was that for?” Red grunted, grabbing his jaw and rubbing it softly.

“I don’t know, I just feel you had something to do with this.” Dash said.

“Why would I have anything to do with it? They’re my kids too.” Red stated.

“I meant bringing the Queen Bitch here.” Dash said sternly.

“Nice to see you too Rainbow Dash.” Chrysalis said with an amused laugh.

“We need all the help we can get.” Red said. There was a green flash and Sam was gone. Everyone noticed he had moved to the couch and Chrysalis was in his lap this time. “Oh this furniture is muuuch better.” She sighed, leaning back into his muscular chest. Sam smiled and wrapped his arms around her, pausing and looking up at Twilight. She rolled her eyes and nodded. Sam smiled widely and hugged Chrysalis tightly. “I’ll have to stop by more often.” Chrysalis laughed.

“Right it’s her. I should have thought it through a little bit more…” Red sighed.

“Can you help us or not.” Twilight asked, crossing one leg over the other and tapping her foot impatiently.

“I don’t know, maybe you should ask nicely.” Chrysalis said softly. Sam tilted her head gently.

“Please?” Sam whispered. A chill went through Chrysalis’ spine immediately.

“Sure…” Chrysalis mumbled.

“Great! Let’s start RIGHT NOW!” Red ordered. Chrysalis, Sam, and Twilight disappeared from the room.

“Annnd I’ll assume it’s a go.” Cecil said, cracking his knuckles.

“Yep.” Nicholas nodded, attempting to crack his knuckles too. “YHnngh…”

“Leave the cracking to me.” Cecil said, the two starting to laugh together.

“We all need to get looking.” Red said. “Enough fooling around.”

“Right.” Cecil and Nicholas nodded, heading out the door and out of view.

“While Twilight, Sam and Sam’s ex get a plan together, we should go get Sweetie and Applebloom.” Scootaloo suggested.

“Oh yeah… them.” Alex groaned quietly.

“I’ll make sure they don’t have sex with you.” Scootaloo reassured.

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

“So what you’re saying is… Dash’s babies has been taken?” Applebloom asked.

“And we need to save them?” Sweetie continued.

“Meaning…” Scootaloo smiled widely.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Baby Nap Rescuers!” The three cheered.

“Ohh is Alex coming?” Sweetie asked giddily. Applebloom smiled and stood just as excited next to Scootaloo.

“Yes, I am.” Alex nodded. He stayed cautiously back from both of Scootaloo’s friends.

“Please, try to be serious. This is a kid we’re talking about!” Scootaloo said sternly. Applebloom and Sweetie nodded, saluting shortly after.

“Well you have an army helping, so I assume it won’t be very long a search.” Chrysalis sighed pleasantly. Sam leaned down and kissed her cheek, causing Chrysalis to giggle quietly. Twilight just stared at the two, seeming unamused.

Alex sighed quietly. Scootaloo took a seat next to Alex, hugging him tightly. “I’m sure if Elizabeth wanted to hurt your kids, she wouldn’t have just taken them. We can rest easy for now at least.” Nicholas assured.

“So, that means she wants us to come after them.” Alex started.

“Oh we will. Patience.” Chrysalis said, switching to making out with Sam fully.

“So are you polygamists now or what?” Dash asked.

“Oh my.” Fluttershy said quietly.

“Did someone say polygamy?” Sweetie asked. Both her and Applebloom scooted closer to Alex. Alex just put his head in his hands and grumbled quietly into them.

“Oh will you relax. Most ponies would love to have mares crawling all over them. And you have literally had them crawling.” Scootaloo teased, leaning closer to whisper, “All. Over…”

“That’s not it though.” Alex stated.

“What?” Scootaloo asked.

“Why are so few of us actually thinking about finding the BABIES that have been kidnapped?” Alex questioned.

“We’re doing all we can…” Scootaloo said defensively. “They’re MY sister and brother, but I know that it’s not as easy as just ‘looking’”

“I know what I can do.” Twilight said, running to the stairs and up into her room.

Alex mumbled quietly as he glanced towards Chrysalis and Sam. Sam looked at Alex, pulling from the make-out session and making Chrysalis give a pout. “What’s wrong? Did you want another massage?” Sam asked curiously.

“No.” Alex sighed. He just closed his eyes.

“Alex.” Scootaloo said, taking his hand gently. He remained silent. “We’ll find them.” She said softly.

“I know.” He said quietly.

“So we can at least not let them get to us. They want us to worry… Lets not let them win.” Scootaloo smiled. Alex smiled and hugged his mare, pulling her onto his lap.

“Yeah…” Alex nodded as he buried his face in Scootaloo’s neck. Sweetie and Applebloom hugged the two and smiled hopefully.

“We’ll get em!” Applebloom assured.

“Yeah!” Sweetie nodded.

“What are we going to do until then?” Alex asked.

“What do we usually do?” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow.

“Right.” Alex chuckled.

“Are you talking about sex?” Sam inquired.

“Maybe.” Alex grinned,

“Oh that sounds fun.” Chrysalis teased, winking at Alex with a very sultry gaze. Alex again buried his face in Scootaloo’s neck, his face reddening for the first time in a while.

“Does anyone know where Pinkie is? I haven’t seen her in awhile.” Fluttershy asked.

“Now that I think about it… I haven’t seen Van or Axel either.” Cecil scratched his head.

“Well… maybe they’re all together.” Alex suggested.

“I do remember them saying that Van was missing and that they were going to look for him.” Rarity added.

“That doesn’t sound good.” Alex muttered quietly. There was a quiet knocking at the front door. Dash walked over to the door and cracked it open.

“Who is…” Dash started, tumbling backwards as the door was thrown open by a changeling. Everyone’s eyes snapped to the solid black figure, except for the many bruises and cuts lining its’ body. They then realized it hadn’t pushed it open, but instead was leaning against it. The changeling slumped to the floor and passed out. Chrysalis seemed the most surprised out of anyone.

“What… the…” Alex said slowly. Sam was already up and helping the changeling onto the couch. Chrysalis rested its’ head on her lap and caressed him gently. “Do you have any idea what could have happened to it?” Alex asked, glancing at Chrysalis. The changeling slowly opened one eye, the other bruised and swollen shut.

“M… My Queen…” The changeling mumbled.

“Shh shh… Rest now.” Chrysalis shushed, running a hand along the changeling’s bruised cheek gently enough to not hurt, soothing the creature greatly. The changeling relaxed entirely into Chrysalis like a child to its’ mother. “You’re going to be just fine, you’re safe now.” She cooed, stroking his forehead gently.

“Wow…” Alex said quietly as he watched how tenderly she was treating the changeling.

“We found them.” The changeling said quietly.

Everyone was absolutely silent as they looked at one another.

“We need t…” Alex cut himself off as he paused in thought. “We should get more people to help.” He said. Rapid footsteps were heard as Twilight returned from her room with a note.

“Just what I was thinking.” Twilight said. “I’m going to notify Celestia.”

“Great! I think I know who else will help.” Alex said.

“Mm don’t you think we’re going a bit overboard?” Chrysalis sighed softly.

“It’s better to prepare for the worst and expect the best right?” Alex asked. Fluttershy groaned quietly, tensing up in her seat. Everyone looked right at Fluttershy.

“What’s wrong?” Dash asked.

“Oh… I think the baby is kicking.” Fluttershy smiled, putting a hand to her stomach. Cecil and Nicholas smiled almost ridiculously as they rushed over to Fluttershy.

“Can I?” Cecil started. Fluttershy nodded, followed by Cecil placing a hand on her stomach. His smile only grew as he felt the small kicks. Fluttershy’s face twisted to confusion as she saw that Nicholas had a hand on her breast.

“What are you doing?” Fluttershy asked slowly.

“Feeling the baby.” Nicholas said.

“Mmhm. That’s exactly what it looks like.” Alex chuckled.

“Yeah… You can stop feeling the baby now.” Cecil said, rolling his eyes.

“Wait I just felt it kick!” Nicholas smiled, getting a laugh from a few people.

“You want to feel a kick?” Fluttershy asked. Nicholas stared at her for a moment before slowly removing his hand.

Alex moved Scootaloo from his lap and stood up. “What’s wrong?” Scootaloo asked.

“I need to go talk with my brother.” Alex said.

“You want me to come with you?” Scootaloo asked.

“If you want to then sure.” Alex nodded. She smiled and wrapped herself around his arm. He smiled a little and hugged her as they walked to the front door. Before he even reached for the handle, Sweetie and Applebloom were already at his side as well.

“Hey uh… Sweetie.” Spike said quickly. Sweetie paused and turned to the dragon. “You mind um… Staying here?” Twilight cracked a smile but remained silent. Alex’s smile grew as he looked over at Sweetie.

“Um… Sure.” Sweetie shrugged as she smiled a little bit.

“If you’re quite done flirting, I have the location of your children.” Chrysalis announced. Scootaloo nudged Alex.

“Lets go see your brother.” Scootaloo said.

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

“Are we going to ask for his help?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yeah.” Alex nodded, “I’m hoping everyone is going to help.”

“Why don’t you do the honors.” Scootaloo laughed, motioning to the door. Alex knocked on the door a few times. There were footsteps that sounded like they were running on the other side. The door swung open and Pinkie poked her head out.

“Um… Hi Pinkie…” Alex started the surprise showing clearly on his face.

“Where… have you been?” Scootaloo asked just as uncertain as her boyfriend.

“Looking for Van.” Pinkie said.

“Any… luck on that?” Alex asked.

“Nope.” Axel’s voice rang out, the door pushing open wider and showing the muscular earth pony beside Pinkie.

“So, um… Is my brother home?” Alex asked.

“Yep.” Axel nodded.

“You’re spending too much time with Big Mac.” Pinkie giggled. Axel rolled his eyes and invited the two inside, lifting Pinkie up over his shoulder with a squeal from her.

“Hey you two what’s up?” Torrent asked as he glanced at Alex and Scootaloo.

“Yo yo wassup!” Pinkie said from the awkward bent over position over Axel’s shoulder.

“Well… we have something we need all of you to help with.” Alex started.

“Okay, shoo- Wait… Ryotta wanted to see you Alex.” Torrent said. “Kinda sounded urgent too.”

“Oh, okay.” Alex nodded. “I’ll be back soon then.” He rushed off into the house.

“Sooo…” Scootaloo started.

“So?” Torrent asked.

“What is it that you two needed help with?” Rose asked as she stepped into view from the dining room.

“Yeah um… I kinda need your help.” Scootaloo said.

“With what?” Torrent asked. “We’re ready to help with anything.”

“My new baby brother and sister were kidnapped by Elizabeth and we’re trying to find them so we thought we should ask you for help but then Chrysalis came in and the changelings are helping look and Twilight just sent a letter to Celestia and I’m scared and don’t want to see Dash’s kids get hurt.” Scootaloo said, taking a deep breath in immediately after. The house fell utterly silent.

“Wh… at?” Torrent muttered bringing to words what everyone must have been thinking. Axel dropped Pinkie to the floor, losing his grip slowly.

“Oof!” Pinkie spouted.

“Sorry… Just… surprised.” Axel said.

“You know what this means don’t you?” Pinkie asked.

“I know what it means to me but… shoot.” Torrent said slowly.

“Zombabies!” Pinkie shouted.

Torrent put his head in his hands. “No… It doesn’t mean that.” He groaned.

“Think about it!” Pinkie said in a more serious tone. “That’s Elizabeth’s big thing, messing with people and doing experiments. SHE is the one that put the curse on Cecil, so what could she be doing to the babies? Zombies!” Pinkie said.

“That d…” Torrent paused.

“That seems… l… likely…” Rose stammered quietly.

“It does make you think… Maybe she’s not just holding them hostage.” Scootaloo said, her face turning absolutely pale.

“Then… she…” Torrent trailed off unable to come up with anything to counter the feeling permeating throughout everyone in the room.

“Oh god… We have to tell everyone.” Scootaloo said quickly.

“Tell everyone what dear?” A familiar voice rang through the room that made everyone’s hairs stand on edge. They turned and saw Elizabeth sitting on the couch.

“What the hell are you doing in my house?” Torrent questioned, anger instantly flooding him.

“Drinking tea hopefully. Would you mind fixing us up a pot?” Elizabeth asked softly.

“No. I won’t.” Torrent stated.

“Give the babies back!” Scootaloo shouted angrily.

“In due time.” Elizabeth assured. “They’re being watched by Gregor, I assure you they are safe.”

“Oh good, the worst that can happen is he eats them.” Axel groaned.

“Why are you here then?” Rose questioned in an almost deathly calm tone.

“Can’t I visit my friends?” Elizabeth asked in a feigned hurt tone.

“What friends would those be?” Rose questioned. “I’d think a scheming, villainous bitch wouldn’t have very many of those.”

“Well that’s not a very nice thing to say.” Elizabeth laughed quietly.

“I know it isn’t but I’m only saying what I know to be the truth.” Rose said.

“Well this has been lovely, but I have a ritual to perform.” Elizabeth said factually.

“Oh… my… god…” Torrent mumbled.

“You’re going to k…” Rose couldn’t even finish what she had to say.

“Dash’s child has magical potential, that of which I have never seen before, so you can rest easy that Dusk will be unharmed. However, the other is… Expendable.” Elizabeth said in a cold and serious tone.

“No life is expendable!” Torrent growled.

“It’s all relative.” Elizabeth cooed, standing up and straightening her silky short dress.

“Really, and what gives you the right to decide that?” Torrent questioned.

“The fact that I can get away with it.” Elizabeth snickered.

“That’s not going to last forever.” Torrent stated.

“We’ll see. Oh and before I go, let me leave you with a small gift.” Elizabeth smiled, her cracked horn lighting up with a thick black magic.

“What the hell are you doing now?” Torrent questioned as he got into a fighting stance. There was a blackness that engulfed the room for a split second, and when it cleared she was gone.Ah

“Where’d she go?” Scootaloo asked frantically. Axel turned and ran to the front door. When he opened it, it no longer lead outside… But into the kitchen.

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

Meanwhile:

Alex slowly stepped into Ryotta’s room and saw the large earth pony kneeling down in front of a statue almost as if in prayer. Alex looked at the statue and noticed a sheathed blade sitting in its’ outstretched hands.

“Ah good, you’re here.” Ryotta said as he looked back at Alex. “Come sit down.”

Alex smiled and kneeled down beside Ryotta.

“For having such a short time together you have come a long way.” Ryotta smiled. “ I feel it’s time to give you something.”

“What is it?” Alex asked curiously.

“Ah, before I give it to you I need you to make a few promises to me.” Ryotta said.

“Sure, anything.” Alex nodded.

“First. I don’t want you to bring death to anyone with it.” Ryotta started. Alex nodded again, urging him to continue. “You are to only use it to protect those you love. Don’t be a hero but don’t be a coward either.”

“Well… I don’t think I can promise that. At least, not for Scootaloo. So long as I can hold her hand, I will sacrifice my life to make sure she can live at least one minute longer.” Alex said, looking down at the ground.

“Then… at least promise me this. You’ll forgive him for what he’s done to you.” Ryotta said quietly. Alex’s head turned to Ryotta.

“Huh?” Alex mumbled.“

“You know who I’m talking about.” Ryotta said. Alex locked eyes with Ryotta, the two staring silently at each other through the deathly quiet air. Ryotta continued as he took the sword that the statue was holding and placed it down in front of Alex. “I’m not asking you to let him back into your life. Just let go of the hatred. To let the light in you first need to banish all the darkness. And vengeance, hatred, and anger are the greatest darkness we can get rid of ourselves.”

Alex looked down at the sword and stared at it for a few moments. He took it into his hands and unsheathed it.

“Alex.” Ryotta said.

“The past is in the past. My father didn’t do anything wrong.” Alex said.

“Hm?” Ryotta mumbled quizzically.

“My childhood wasn’t the best… But if he hadn’t done what he did, I would never have left. I wouldn’t have found Ponyville, and the love of my life. I’m grateful for what he did, so there’s nothing for me to forgive.” Alex smiled.

Ryotta smiled back, “I’m happy that my own blade is going to someone so strong.” He said. Alex stared at him for a moment before holding his hand out, palm towards the ceiling. He set the blade of the sword onto his palm, the other sharpened side facing the ceiling too.

“Put your hand on top of it.” Alex said. Ryotta placed his hand on top of the blade.

“And now?” Ryotta asked. Alex pulled the sword, cutting the palm of both their hands. Neither of them flinched, but Alex was the first to pull his hand away.

“I have a lot of scars, but this is one that I’ll never forget.” Alex said, holding up his palm, a trickle of blood running down it from the incision he made. “Because it’ll remind me of you.” For the first time since they met Alex saw a few tears run down Ryotta’s face.

“I planned on leaving this all with no regrets… but you’re making it hard to accomplish that.” He laughed quietly. Alex held out the bloody hand and smiled. Ryotta took his hand with his own bloodied one and shook it. Alex pulled Ryotta into a hug, his grip never faltering. “You’ll do great…” Ryotta said quietly as he squeezed Alex back.

“I learned from the best.” Alex said, resting his head on Ryotta’s shoulder.

“The best have nothing left to learn.” Ryotta said. “And you taught me things I never thought about before.”

Alex pulled back, a smile beaming on his face. “Why don’t we go back to the group before they think we’re dead.” He laughed.

“Yes, lets get back to them.” Ryotta nodded as he smiled a little wider. Alex sheathed the sword and carried it with him out to the living room. The two of them froze as they saw that everyone else was on the floor… asleep?