Scootaloo glanced over at Axel’s pale body. Something wasn’t right, he looked sick, very sick… “Axel… are you alright?” She asked worriedly.

“I’m fine, really.” Axel said with a weak smile. His stoicism wasn’t helping anyone, but it’s not as if they could really help him at the time being.

“Alright.” Scootaloo said quietly, looking at the other three. Torrent gave a weak shrug, conveying just as much unease as everyone else was feeling. Minutes of walking later, the group began to grow fearful of the maze they were in, seeming to be watched by thousands of eyes through the transparent ceiling into the abyss above.

“This… is just getting worse by the moment.” Rose said quietly, trying not to look up. Everyone’s hearts sank at a sound from deep within the maze. It was a light howl, but it didn’t sound like a dog, or any kind of animal they’ve ever heard.

“Wh… what the…” Torrent muttered.

“Something is in here with us.” Pinkie said, clinging to Axel tightly.

“That’s not good.” Axel said almost nonchalantly.

“We really… really need to get out of here.” Rose said, a slight bit of fear entering her voice.

“Yeah… yeah we do.” Torrent nodded slowly, his fear surfacing slightly. The pace of their walks increased to a sprint. The sound of a new pair of footsteps echoed behind them.

“Why are we running?” Axel asked in a curious tone that sounded almost disconnected from the situation.

“There’s something else in here with us!” Torrent stated.

“Oh. That’s creepy.” Axel nodded slowly.

“No, that’s bad!” Rose said, “We need to stay ahead of it, if Elizabeth locked us in here she’s probably planning on making sure none of us leave.”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Scootaloo nodded

The five of them skidded to a stop as they turned the next corner, seeing a black silhouette standing at the end of this hall.

“Oh god…” Torrent muttered. A wall immediately rose up, splitting the group in half and leaving Pinkie and Axel on the other side. Rose, Torrent, and Scootaloo were alone in the hall with the mystery guest. Torrent looked back at the wall for a moment before stepping up between the silhouette and the two girls.

“Torrent wait!” Scootaloo begged.

Torrent didn’t move from his spot and just stared at the silhouette. “I’m not going to let whatever it is near you two.” He stated. The figure grew slightly more fear inducing as several shadowy tendrils spiked out from it, slithering in place as it approached the group. Torrent held his ground and despite the disadvantage prepared to fight.

“Scootaloo, just… stay behind me.” Rose said quickly. Scootaloo’s small wings snapped out, buzzing almost like electricity as they blurred. Before anyone could ask questions, Scootaloo launched herself forward, leaving an orange trail as she tackled the figure in front, sending it to the ground.

“What…” Torrent muttered, staring wide eyed at the scene.

“Um... “ Rose just mumbled, staying just as startled as Torrent. Scootaloo raised her hand to strike the creature, but stopped immediately, unable to keep her eyes off whatever it was.

“Scootaloo?” Torrent asked, beginning to quickly move up to the creature and her fully prepared to help. The figure stood up with Scootaloo in its’ arms, moving towards the group to reveal the familiar face.

“Hi.” Sam smiled.

“What the hell.” Torrent said bluntly, unable to believe what he saw.

“Sam?” Rose questioned. The tentacles shot forward and wrapped around Rose and Torrent, pulling him in for a group hug that certainly got any cricks out of their backs.

“Nn… we’re… happy to see you too…” Torrent choked out. “But… we’re… missing Pinkie… and Axel…”

Sam paused, dropping the three of them to their feet. “Axel’s here??” He seemed utterly shocked and happy at the same time.

“Yeah… well at least physically… something’s wrong with him.” Torrent said.

“Well, that’s what happens when you have an extra dimensional mind parasite attached to you.” Sam added, scratching his head as he thought.

“What?” Torrent questioned curiously.

“He has… a…” Rose started slowly.

“Oh yeah, you guys are dreaming.” Sam said bluntly, smiling a little wider and hugging Scootaloo again, causing her to giggle as the tendrils slithered around her.

“We’re… dreaming.” Torrent said blinking a few times. “Well… how do we wake up then?”

“That’s why I’m here silly!” Sam said happily.

“Okay… well we need to find Pinkie and Axel so we can wake both of them up too.” Torrent stated.

“Oh, they’re already awake, that’s what the wall was.” Sam assured.

“Um… okay…” Torrent said, sounding a little confused. “Why… didn’t you wake us all up at once? We were all together…”

“Axel was easy because the parasite on him was connected to his body too, which was manipulating it in the real world. So there was an ‘open connection’. But your bodies are all still… sleeping. You’ve sorta been disconnected, sorta…” Sam continued, tapping his chin as he thought of how to phrase it.

“Sorta… what?” Rose questioned.

“Well you’re all connected by a thread, but Axel’s thread was a lot thicker because the parasite strengthened it and the connection to his body so it could find it, but wouldn’t allow Axel to actually return to it.” Sam added. “I have to connect each of you individually.”

“Okay.” Torrent said. “Let’s get it done then.”

“What about Pinkie, why did she disappear?” Scootaloo asked.

“Well, hers was pretty easy. Hers is intertwined with Axel’s.” Sam said with another smile. Everyone could tell what that meant. “That’s how I found you guys.”

“That’s great.” Rose smiled. Torrent cracked a small smile too and nodded. Sam’s smile shrank slightly as a thought hit him.

“What’s wrong?” Torrent asked worriedly.

“Well, there was a third thread attached to them, but its’ not any of you.” Sam said.

“Well, it’s more then likely that it’s Van.” Rose said.

“Yeah… but… where is Van?” Torrent asked.

“I dunno. We haven’t seen him in awhile.” Sam shrugged.

“That’s a huge problem then… something could have happened to him.” Rose said.

“We’ve discussed this before.” Sam nodded slowly.

“Nn… Well let’s get out of here… then we can begin to look for him.” Torrent said with a small sigh. Sam nodded and approached Rose.

“Ladies first.” Sam smiled. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “I mean… uh.”

“Just do it.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. Sam took both of Rose’s hands and closed his eyes. His horn lit up and encompassed her body. Rose took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. Moments later, Rose felt his hands leave hers, and a wall rose up between Sam and Rose.

Sam approached Scootaloo and was about to grab her, when she shook her head and pointed to Torrent. Sam shrugged and move to Torrent’s side, holding his hands out. Torrent seemed a little surprised but still stepped forward and grabbed Sam’s hands. Sam’s magic once again encompassed his body, and his eyes closed. Torrent’s eyes closed as he took in a deep breath, just like his wife. Sam stepped back from Torrent, and the same thing occurred, leaving Scootaloo and Sam alone. Scootaloo held out her hands, prepared to join everyone else. Scootaloo felt the tingling of his magic radiate across her body, tickling her gently. Scootaloo bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. Almost cut short, the tingling stopped.

“Huh…” Sam’s voice was groggy and slightly pained.

“AH!” Scootaloo squealed, sitting up from a more familiar floor. Instead of a creature that would be the epitome of any nightmare, she saw her friends, concerned and surprised. Alex’s arms wrapped tightly around her and he nuzzled his face into her neck. “Alex…?”

“Yeah… it’s me.” Alex nodded, hugging her closer, she felt a growing wetness on her neck.

“I’m okay, Alex. What happened?” Scootaloo returned the gesture with her own embrace and slowly looked around the room.

“Elizabeth put you, Axel, Pinkie, my brother, and Rose to sleep and sent you all to another dimension.” Alex said quietly. Sam gasped and covered his mouth almost immediately. “What’s wrong?” Alex asked, looking up at Sam. Sam’s magic unlocked the closet, and the door swung open. Axel tumbled out and to the floor.

“Ow…” Axel mumbled. Everyone’s attention immediately shifted to Axel.

“Right… you forgot about him.” Alex said.

“But is it the real Axel?” Sam added.

“Didn’t you bring Axel back along with Pinkie?” Alex asked.

“Still.” Sam shrugged, not taking his eyes off Axel’s body. Pinkie slowly approached the prone pony and looked down at him. Axel reached up and squeezed Pinkie’s breast.

“Yep, it’s him.” Pinkie couldn’t help but giggle.

“Well… there you go.” Alex chuckled quietly. Sam walked up and hugged Scootaloo and Alex in an almost bonecrushing grip as their feet left the ground.

“I was soooo worried!” Sam admitted without shame.

“W… we… all were… Sam…” Alex choked out. Scootaloo’s face was turning purple, obviously not having the strength her boyfriend did. “Please… l-let us go… it’s beginning… t-to get really hard to breathe…”

The next moment, Alex and Scootaloo were teleported onto the couch, with a blanket now wrapped around them and a table full of food.

“Thank you…” Alex said. Scootaloo instinctively snuggled against Alex in their new comfortable position.

“Why don’t you two rest.” Sam suggested.

“No!” Scootaloo shrieked. Everyone jumped, quickly shifting their attention to Scoots. “I’m… just not tired. I don’t really feel like sleeping… ever again.”

“Um… d-did you want to eat then?” Alex offered.

“Yeah, that sound nice.” Scootaloo nodded slowly. Axel was lifted up into a hug by Sam.

“And I’m so sorry, I over did it and was angry… I didn’t mean to take it out on you.” Sam’s tone was pleading and desperate.

“Nnnngaaaah! I have n-no Idea whaaat you’re talking about, but you’re hurting maaaaah!” Axel’s voice cracked randomly.

“Oh, right. You don’t remember… Still, I’m so sorry!” Sam repeated, squeezing Axel tighter.

“I think you’re hurting him Sam.” Alex commented as he started reaching out and bringing food right into Scootaloo’s lap. Scootaloo happily snatched some from the plate before he even set it down, not even using her hand, but bending down and taking it directly with her teeth. She closed her eyes and gave him a thumbs up before giggling. Alex laughed as well and just nuzzled against the back of her neck. Sam quickly dropped Axel, who stumbled momentarily before catching his balance and returning it to normal.

“Alright… you’re forgiven. Just no more… hugs.” Axel groaned.

“No promises.” Sam smiled widely.

“Well, I’m glad to be awake because I’m starving.” Axel said, staring down at the food. His words seemed to make Alex and the others shiver. “What? What’d I say?”

“Um… just… nothing…” Alex muttered quietly.

Amidst Axel’s chewing, he began to ask, “So, you find Van yet?”

Sam slowly started to frown, turning to Twilight. Twilight turned to Alex, as if hoping someone would have the answer. Alex just shook his head. “We… um didn’t… really look…” Alex started quietly. Axel stopped chewing and looked silently down at Alex. Alex looked away.

“Hey, my brother had other things on his mind, like losing his own family. You can’t look at him when it comes to looking for your brother. There’s other people here who would have been better suited for looking!” Torrent spoke up.

“Alright.” Axel said blantly. His emotions seemed to be all but gone.

Alex just remained silent.

“We’ll find him Axel, I promise.” Scootaloo assured. Axel gave a forced smile and nodded.

“Do you guys mind if I use your shower?” Axel asked quietly.

“Go ahead.” Torrent said. Axel disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. Pinkie bit her lip and stared at the door, she seemed troubled. “I think he wants to be alone right now…” Torrent started.

“That’s not what I was thinking.” Pinkie replied.

“What were you thinking about then?” Torrent asked.

“Axel isn’t good with… emotions. He has little things that show you how he’s feeling. Like scratching his head when he has something on his mind. Or tapping his foot when he’s uncomfortable.”

“Okay… that’s, really observant of you.” Rose commented.

“Well, when you love someone, you pick things up.” Pinkie added. Scootaloo blinked a few times as she looked at Alex for any similar signs. “I also know that Twilight blinks a lot when she’s upset, she also crossed her arms! Rainbow’s wings twitch when she’s restless. Even Alex has things like that.”

Alex remained stoic and otherwise motionless, though his eyes were closed and he seemed to be breathing rather mechanically like he was counting every second between each breath. Everyone seemed to be staring at him curiously, everyone except Pinkie. “When Alex is worried about something, he disconnects himself. He listens to his heartbeat, counts each pulse and slows his breathing… And sometimes mine.” Scootaloo finished.

“Hm… that’s a little… strange, that’s a basic meditation technique… it clears out your mind so you can just think without any interruptions.” Torrent said. “I don’t know where he would have picked that up unless it was very recently… Or… maybe he just knows how to calm himself down...:” He trailed off.

Alex’s eyes opened up and he looked around at everyone, “Is something else wrong?” He asked worriedly. Scootaloo just started to laugh.

“Nope, everything’s just fine.” Scootaloo assured.

“Oh, okay.” Alex said, smiling slightly.

“If… you don’t mind me asking, where’s R’yotta?” Torrent asked, glancing around and noticing the distinct lack of said pony.

“The hospital…” Alex said quietly.

“What… happened to him?” Torrent asked.

“He’s going to make it… and the thing that did it is gone, so… it doesn’t really matter.” Alex said.

“Should we go visit him?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yes, we should.” Alex nodded. “But… before that I need to go grab something.”

Sam’s attention shifted back to Pinkie. “Oh! Do that thing, that thing you did with them to me.” Sam raised his hand.

“Okie dokie! Well, you uh…” Pinkie started, slowly scanning Sam up and down. “You stare at people when you’re happy. You… hug people when you’re happy. You know, I’ve only ever really seen you happy.”

“You… never… want to see him when he’s angry…” Alex mumbled quietly, shaking slightly. Everyone’s heads turned to a green flash as a familiar, solid black, light blue haired changeling appeared with her arms wrapped around Sam. “Hello Chrysalis.” Alex said.

“Mmm, hello Alex. And how have you been?” Chrysalis seemed more friendly than usual. And not in the teasing sense they were used to.

“Better now…” Alex said, slightly wearily.

“Why are you so happy?” Twilight cocked an eyebrow at the strange sight.

“What? A changeling queen can’t be happy once in awhile?” Chrysalis mused, simply shoving Twilight off and bringing her attention back to the others.

“I’m… just going to go grab that thing now…” Alex said, slowly, and reluctantly, getting up from the couch, leaving Scootaloo alone under the blanket as he quietly walked to the back of the house, vanishing into another room.

“Just get on with it.” Rainbow Dash ordered. Chrysalis just frowned and sighed.

“Very well, if you must know.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “I found Elizabeth.”

“That’s great!” Torrent said.

“My scouts refuse to return after entering the sewers, so I assume she is there.” Chrysalis added.

“Why would she be down there?”

“Have you checked there recently?” Chrysalis questioned.

“No.” Torrent shook his head.

“That’s why.” Chrysalis teased.

“Mm…” Torrent grumbled, glaring at Chrysalis.

“Anyways, I’m sure you will be fine taking her on your own.” Chrysalis cooed.

Rose rolled her eyes, “Right, you’re too good to help us.” She sighed.

“That, my dear, is beside the point.” Chrysalis retorted.

“Right, your lack of care for any of us but Sam is the main point here.” Rose stated.

“Wait, so… will you help us fight her. For me?” Sam asked, giving a smile only he could give that seemed to radiate his hope for her to help. Chrysalis stared at Sam, seeming slightly amused, and convinced, of his hopes.

“You wish me to help you further?” Chrysalis asked.

“Yes, please. Can you do it for me?”

Chrysali smiled, placing a hand on Sam’s cheek. “No.” Chrysalis added. Everyone seemed genuinely caught off guard by her response.

“Get the fuck out of my home.” Rose said. “I’m not ever going to put up with anyone who treats everyone like they’re below them. Especially when it comes to something as important as this.”

Chrysalis horn sparked to life momentarily, and a large crack appeared in the wall beside Rose, causing her to jump back. “I will not be berated by you for all I have done.” Chrysalis glared at her. “Do you have any children?”

“Yes, I do.” Rose stated.

“And have they ever disappeared, or gone missing?” Chrysalis continued. Rainbow Dash seemed to shrink slightly, looking over at her two babies playing in the corner.

“The one’s I gave birth to may have not.” Rose said. “But for me, if anyone the ponies I consider to be my family goes missing I know I’d do anything for them.”

“Oh, but there’s where you misunderstand. I don’t think of any of you as family. In fact, if Sam wasn’t here… I’d most likely kill all of you myself, slowly.” Chrysalis said. Her cold tone send chills down everyone’s bodies. Not even Rose expected her hate to be that great, leaving her speechless. “I have sacrificed enough of my children’s lives for you, so don’t treat me like some arrogant princess.”

Everyone heard the front door open, followed near instantly by it slamming shut.

“Um…” Scootaloo was the first to break the silence. “Hello?” She was greeted with nothing but silence.

“I… I think someone just left…” Torrent muttered quietly.

“Was it Alex?” Sam cleared his throat before asking.

“It… looked like it was…” Torrent nodded slowly.

“What do we do?” Rainbow’s tone trailed off, unable to keep her eyes off Chrysalis.

“I-I don’t know… b-but he had R’yotta’s katana…” Torrent started.

“I’m sure he’s just going to visit his best buddy in the hospital. If it were Axel or Van, I would have nearly had a heart attack waiting this long!” Pinkie added with the first smile in awhile.

“I… I hope so…” Torrent said quietly.

“So, your decision is final?” Sam asked, turning back to Chrysalis. It was as if he hadn’t heard a single word she said.

“Mm, oh Sam, my Sam… I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Besides, I’ve already got all I wanted from you, so the only reason I helped this far is purely sympathy for you.”

Sam seemed utterly confused, along with everyone else. “From… me?” Sam uttered uncertainly. Chrysalis just put a hand to her mouth and snickered gently.

Rose just stared wide-eyed at Chrysalis. “Oh, don’t take it personally. I just needed some assurance, and some… Mm, well… you’ll find out once all this… trouble, blows over.” She continued.

“A tiger can’t ever change it’s stripes…” Torrent muttered quietly. A layer of green magic surrounded Torrent and threw him into the wall.

“Torrent!” Rose said, rushing instantly to his side. Torrent barely responded.

“Goodness, that felt nice.” Chrysalis sighed, turning and smiling back at Sam. He seemed less than thrilled by her action, frowning deeply.

“You’re just a monster…” Rose mumbled quietly as she held her husband’s limp body.

“So judgy, no wonder you ponies don’t make friends often. Oh, well perhaps it IS me. Anyways, my work here is done. I will be expecting a thank you card in the mail soon.” Chrysalis laughed.

The front door once again opened, but this time it was more like a massive force had caused it to just burst open, everyone in the room regardless of what they were could absolutely feel a seething anger and hatred fill the room. Even if it was suicide Alex stood there shaking in his anger, brandishing the stained katana. No one could really tell if he was after blood… but if he wasn’t he was getting damn close to needing it.

“Alex…?” Scootaloo’s voice was full of fear and confusion. Rainbow snatched Star and Dusk, hiding behind Twilight.

“Oh… my… god…” Rose mumbled.

Alex remained deathly silent as he took his first few steps forward, his eyes glued right on Chrysalis. Chrysalis seemed amused by the sight, staring unimpressed at Alex. “Oh, Alex, what has you so troubled?” She mused.

Alex growled out, “I’m… going to… make you suffer…”

“I have suffered plenty, I assure you. I did watch this slutty unicorn with wings take my king away from me.”

“Hey!” Twilight snapped, crossing her arms.

“The way I’ll make you suffer… will make anything previous… seem enjoyable…” Alex growled. He lunged at Chrysalis with the blade, every ounce of his being was dedicated to making sure he made contact. Chrysalis seemed to be growing further amused, not moving to protect herself at all, when the unthinkable happened. Sam held his hand out, and grabbed the blade. Alex grunted as all of his momentum ceased and he was put to a grinding halt. Sam’s hand was absolutely tightened around the sword, a trickle of his blood draining down to Alex’s hands. Upon seeing this Alex attempted to pull back, his rage fading.

“Sam… let go of the sword.” Twilight stammered, debating whether to continue to watch uncertainly, or forcefully grab his hand. Sam’s hand only tightened, causing the blade to crack slightly. Alex’s eyes just widened at the sound, his heart began to race and fear entered his body. “Sam!”

Sam’s eyes snapped to Twilight and his hand released. Alex realized he had been trying to pull the blade free and tumbled backwards to the ground. Alex grunted and his eyes moved to the blade, there were very noticeable breaks in the steel it was made from, all but signaling its’ new worthlessness as a weapon. “Like a pitbull, it protects his master.” Chrysalis mused with a small laugh.

“You… you aren’t any better than her…” Alex mumbled, shakily looking up at Sam. Sam looked confused for several reasons.

“Hey, why are you on the floor?” Sam cocked his head, kneeling down and holding his bloodied hand out.

Alex just moved away, “Don’t come near me…” He said.

“Sam, just let me take care of your hand, alright?” Twilight pleaded, rushing over to him and grabbing his arm. Sam looked down at his hand slowly.

“Whoa, how’d that happen?” Sam inquired.

“Like a reflex, he doesn’t even think about it.” Chrysalis added.

Alex mumbled something that sounded slightly like, “You didn’t deserve to live…”

“Oh, don’t be so naive. He’d most likely do the same for any of you. It’s in his nature. I just wish th-” Chrysalis trailed off, her eyes wandering to the babies in Dash’s arms.

Rainbow took a step back, holding her kids tighter. “What?” She mumbled. The babies were uncharacteristically quiet, returning the same stare to the changeling queen.

Alex seemed to slip out of his anguish and he took notice of it, his face slowly blanking as several things hit him. They all noticed something that seemed utterly rare to Chrysalis. They saw a glimmer of fear in her eyes. In a green flash, Chrysalis was gone. The blank faces on the babies slowly returned to laughter and giggles as they clung to their mother.

Alex scooted back away from Dash, fear entering his eyes as he stared at the babies. Even Rainbow seemed to shake, the sudden realization washing over her, and everyone else.

“S… she still has them…” Alex mumbled quietly.

“What do I do?” Rainbow’s voice cracked, seeming utterly nervous at whatever she had in her hands. Star looked curiously up at Rainbow, while Dusk slowly scanned around the room at the others.

“I don’t know…” Alex said quietly.

“What are they? I’ve… never seen Chrysalis that afraid before.” Twilight stammered.

“I don’t want to know… if she’s scared… then there’s a very… very good reason for it.” Alex said. The babies seemed to be aware of their knowledge, they just didn’t seem to care. The only thing, is that their bouncing nature was slowly diminishing.

“Oh… no…” Rose mumbled quietly, trying to avoid looking at the two babies.

“H-hey… you’re just two little cute m-marshmallows… aren’t you?” Dash swallowed dryly, trying to feign a happy attitude. The babies, however, seemed to be losing interest in their mother, looking around the room for something else. The babies seemed to be growing more emotionless the longer they searched, growing restless as well. The two pairs of eyes slowly started to lose their color, growing a plain white.

Alex’s eyes widened and he drew even further away. “T-that’s… n-not normal…” He mumbled. The sound of footsteps and a creak of a door opening was heard as Axel came out of the bathroom, a smile on his face.

“Sorry for ditching, I feel much better!” Axel laughed. The two babies immediately shot their attention to Axel, their pupils returning to normal. Alex quickly looked to everyone, the look on his face showed that of reluctance to speak. “What’s wrong, your kids broken or something?”

Star and Dusk immediately started to whimper, reaching out to Axel. Axel, in return, moved over and snatched them from Dash’s arms. The babies giggled and clung to Axel, as if he was feeding them. “So, what I miss?” Axel smiled, looking back up at everyone.

“A-a lot…” Alex mumbled, staring wearily at the babies. “A-a whole lot…”

“We found out where Elizabeth was, Chrysalis tracked her down.” Twilight said quickly as if trying to change everyone’s train of thought.

“Wow! That’s… heavy.” Axel said. He looked almost happy at the thought, as the realization that things might go back to normal after they found her. “So, who’s gonna look after the babies? I’d imagine Rainbow wouldn’t want to part with them.” He suggested, moving back to Rainbow and handing the toddlers over. Dash immediately stumbled back, pressing herself against the wall. Axel tilted his head, looking confused.

“You can.” Alex said quickly. Pinkie cringed at the suggestion, not wanting to leave Axel alone with the creatures.

“Oh, if you’re sure… I mean, I’d really feel comfortable if I could come along. If she has Van, I want to be there.” Axel added.

“Th-that makes sense…” Alex nodded slowly.

“Let’s take them along!” Dash suggested, gaining everyone’s attention.

“After just getting them back? You sure you wanna put em in harm's way?” Axel asked.

“Well, leaving them here alone with any of us wouldn’t be a good idea… It’d leave them vulnerable. If we’re all together then…”

Axel blinked a few times before shrugging. “Makes sense, I guess.”

“That’s a g-great idea.” Alex nodded in agreement.

“Well… let’s go bag a villain.” Axel chuckled.