The moon was a ball of gas radiating white vapor to the trees, which channeled it outward like some ghostly stream. The wagon moved at a brisk pace, the guards never stopping until Ponyville was a like a dying firefly, disappearing into the distance. As they moved along, there was a shutter and a crack that sounded like shattered bone. The captan had to stop and move to the back of the cart to examine the wheels. Sure enough, a pebble had jammed itself in the wooden cog and caused it to tear apart. A minor fix, but an indicator that they wouldn't be reaching Canterlot anytime soon.

"Rest up for now," the captain called out, "then we will continue the journey tomorrow."

In a few minutes, the campfire illuminated the weary faces of his subordinates, the bags under their eyes casting long shadows over their faces. It was another cold night, and it had been for quite some time. Leaving Leafy and Groomberg to guard the prisoner caged in the back, the other three decided to gather more wood. After a few seconds, the flames began to glow brighter, their tongues now reaching a full height above the mid-waist.

"Any word from the other districts?" private Stiff Hoof asked hopefully.

The captain merely sighed and shook his head. It was true that the last report sent in to Canterlot had been grim. Apparently, changeling hide outs and nests were being discovered all over the country. Underground gangs in Las Pegasus to whole neighborhoods in Fillydelphia. The Princess had been dispatching squads to eradicate the threat, but they only had so many to send. There was barely an adequate force to guard Canterlot now.

"None so far," the captain replied solemnly, "Though from what we last heard, all the districts were having major infestations. It's gotten to the point where Ponyville may be the only safe haven left."

He looked back at the cart, which was becoming nebulous from the fog settling in. That, and the chilly conditions of their predicament, made the captain wonder if this really was summer. This was far too unusual for a pegasus to be causing, and the last time a season had been this warped was before Equestria's founding, when harmony had been unbalanced.

But that's impossible, he thought, that sign only happens when we're showing severe enmity within the equine races.

Meanwhile, Clyde was sprinting down the road, his brown hooves collecting mud from the puddles now forming ahead of him. However, as he was running, he felt an ache in his upper rump. Coming to a halt, he was unsure of what this sign meant. Then his ear made an involuntary twitch, and a shiver ran along his body. The gift that he had passed on to his daughter had sent him a clear message. With a deep breath, he dashed down the dirt path, his heart beating at the thought of what this doozy could mean.

-------

The two colts stood stoically around the cart's perimeters, their eyes holding back the temptation to close. Leafy was not enjoying his new post. Before, he had been in charge of securing the Canterlot Royal Gardens, and now he was standing in the middle of the night, his body chilled to the bone. The same could be said about his partner Groomberg.

"I don't get it," Groomberg uttered under his breath, "Captain Rosemary gets to cuddle his nice shiny bottom by a fire while ours are out here, freezing in the middle of the night guarding this guy."

He thrusted his hoof to the cage, where the changeling laid motionless, as if he was already dead. Ever since they took him, he had been howling any sort of swear his mind could conceive. It was getting to the point where they were tempted to buck him senseless, until the changeling finally subsided to whimpering. Well, at least he wasn't annoying them right now. Otherwise, this would be one of the worst nights...

"Hey you two!" came the hissing sound of what appeared to be multiple voice speaking at once. " Is it me or are you guys frost-proof? Because it is as cold as a windigo's mother. Maybe we ought to move to that campfire over there huh?"

"Shut your mouth prisoner -1," Leafy ordered.

"And what?" the changeling got up, his fangs, illuminated by the moon, " You going to beat me senseless? I'll put you down faster then you can say Celestia you piece of Canterlot-ridden trash!"

"We're not going to ask you again," Broomberg spat, "shut your mouth or you'll be wishing you only had the cold to worry about."

"Oh no," the changeling raised his hooves in mock surrender," now you really got me. Please, I can do better then that in my sleep."

Groomberg had had enough with this creature. He stomped his hooves across the muddy soil, his eyes glaring at the changeling as he did so. But before his hoof even made contact with the latch, there was a sound of a stampede, followed by a tumultuous halt. Looking back, the two colts saw a group of around ten neatly-groomed guards, their armor still shiny and their looks confident. The captain of the group stepped forward. "Captain Springfield reporting for duty with orders from Shining Armor himself."

"Really?" Leafy said as he walked over to face the new captain, a caramel unicorn by the looks of it. "No one told us about backup arriving."

"The order was given out just now. Her Royal Highness wanted to make sure the prisoner got back safe and sound to Canterlot for his trial." He paused before continuing on, as if he was unsure about those last words. "He is safe and sound correct?"

Leafy darted a dangerous glare towards Groomberg, who backed off immediately. Then, turning back, he gave an affirmative nod. "Just a little under the weather is all."

"Mind if we see him." The Captain made a move towards the steel cell, before Leafy side-stepped in front of him.

"Woah there," he said sternly, "Nopony is going near that prisoner."

"But we're backup," a green pegasus mare argued from the side, "we have as much authority over this matter as you two do."

"That remains to be seen," Leafy said angrily, "let me run this by my commanding officer..."

But his words never came as he saw a green sheen flash for just a second over the pegasus's eyes. Before he could react, a beam of emerald light collided with his face, sending the earth pony in a spastic dance before he tumbled onto the ground, his mouth opened in an 'o' as his legs twitched uncontrollably.

"Leafy!" Broomberg rushed to his partner's side, examining his blank expression, before looking up accusingly. "You!"

But his words never reached the captain as he sent another beam to the colt's snout, leaving him to crumple onto the mud, his face frozen in a mid-scream. In an instant, the "guards" rushed to the cell door, breaking the enchanted chains holding the cage together. Reflect could only stare in complete bewilderment as the steel bars collapsed in front of him.

"What the Tartarus..." he began before the pegasus moved her hoof to muffle whatever words were going to pour out.

"Time to go," was all she whispered into his ear. But his hooves continued to resist her hold, his muffled voice trying to break out of the barrier she was holding them in. With a sigh, her horn sent a whiz of green energy to his nostrils, causing the changeling to expand his eyes in surprise before casting off a dreamy look that sent him to sleep. That's the second time I've done this.

----------

The sound of a thud got Captain Rosemary's attention as he stared back to the wall of darkness. It was now hiding the cart from view. Nudging his subordinates awake, he pointed in the general direction of the fog. "We've got a problem."

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

General Carbon was directing commands to his fellow siblings when it whizzed by him. An amber beam of magical energy that sent a tumult of dirt into the air. Swiveling to face the attackers, his horn already glowing green, the General counted four armored stallions. They were all unicorns, their horns shooting blast after blast in a futile attempt to subdue the ambushers.

"Time to scramble," he shouted to the changelings. Then, turning back to the pegasus kneeling over the prisoner, said "Transparence, do you have a hold of Reflect?"

"Yes," she replied briskly, resting the unconscious brother on her carapace, "we better take off."

Carbon made an affirmative flutter of his partially-exposed wings, his horn sending out another green beam of energy. Flying as fast as sound itself, it made impact directly with one of the guard's chests, sending him flying backwards like a rag doll. The rest of the group had already made a dash for the woods, leaving the two changelings to follow in suit.

They leaped over a bush, dashing the dark pillars that were tree trunks as they galloped in an attempt to reach the others before it was too late. The yellow glow of a unicorn's horn illuminated the mossy ground below, its source hidden by the glare. But Transparence kept running, her hooves pushing and dodging the decaying plant material with mechanical precision. They would soon be reaching the collapsed trunk of an ancient oak. Taking in a deep breath, she began to count the seconds it would take for them to make it.

3

A brown beam of magical energy shot past her ear, followed by the sickening snap of a branch and sizzle of burnt wood. They were still on their tails! And by the position of their latest shot, they're aim was more accurate too.

2

Oh the suspense was going to kill her before her pursuers got the chance!

Oh for Chrysalis' sake 1!

The two changelings took in a gust of the breeze to lift their insect-like bodies over the log, their legs brushing against' its rough, woody surface. There was a cry of alarm and a thunderous thud as the pair of remaining guards collided head-first with the oncoming log. Allowing a dark giggle to escape her lips, Transparence continued at her pace, dodging the obstacles in her way as the two dissolved into the darkness.

--------

Captain Rosemary was the first to recover from his injury, scrambling to his feet, he saw the dark maze of branches ahead, the two changelings, along with his prisoner, vanished without a trace. With a guttural scream, he slammed his hoof onto the hardwood, causing a crack to form. The private was the next to stumble back to his feet, his body trying to keep balance as he rose on all fours, looking around in a vain attempt to spot the prisoner. "What happend?" he called out weakly.

"We lost them..."

-------

The sound of nocturnal hunters alerted her that they were in the clearing. Looking to her General, she could see he was still doubtful. Making a nod of reassurance, she hurdled over a stream that was flooding its banks. The environment changed to a floor of moss, and then into a leaf-littered carpet. With the field just overhead, the two changeling's finally turned on the biological brakes in their systems.

"That was a close one." General Carbon sighed as he walked to the group of changelings panting from their run in with Equestrian law enforcement.

Transparence laid her unconscious brethern on a tuff of grass, his eyes closed in a dream-like trance. If only they had gotten to them sooner, she could have stopped this all together. But alas, it was her fault he had ended up there in the first place. With a sigh she looked at the other eight brothers and sisters that had helped her, their forms still disguised as troops of Equestria.

The plan had been set to rescue the Commander when General Carbon came to the scene, explaining the need to keep up their cover for a little while longer. The capture of Reflect didn't help matters any better. There were still others out there, who also were in alliance to General Carbon, but she knew of a few who had no idea what was going on. Now that at least one changeling was rescued, she hoped to return to the original plan.

"General," she asked in her modified voice, "do you think we could talk for a bit?"

"Yes," General Carbon motioned for her to come forward.

"Now that we've rescued Reflect," she paused before continuing, "when are we going to rescue the Commander?"

General Carbon sighed inwardly. "We need to rest up for now. As much as I know you want to rescue every brother and sister out there, it cannot be done. The Commander is a nuisance, you've said it yourself to me quite a few times. Right now, there are other changelings that need to know the family is still caring for them. And the Commander isn't exactly loyal to his family."

Transparence raised a brow, "How so?"

"He's never wanted to be a part of the swarm. In fact, until his promotion, he had been one of the top delinquents to be frequently punished by the Queen for repeated offenses. He may be family, but he can wait."

Transparence felt the armored hoof of her general over her shoulder, his eyes locking with hers. "Let's worry about our other brothers and sisters now. And when we invade Ponyville, then we can rescue him."

Transparence made a nod and flew off to tend to the others. His form reverting back to his original appearance, the general decided to go on a stroll. As he walked, his thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had had earlier with Transparence.

She was only trying to do what she thought was best, but there was a reason why the swarm only had one Commander in the squad. A reason why they shared the same armor as a general. A reason why so few ever returned. It was because they were all the same. Defective, disloyal, but remarkably healthy. They had no empathy sickness. It was their nature to question the rules as well as break them. They weren't "late bloomers" as so many thought because that would have to indicate that they would bloom. Those changelings could never become part of the family. They were the white sheep of the flock, and would never be able to fit in.

--------

The captain knelt down to examine the still bodies that were his privates. The pulses said that they were alive, but the paralyzed looks on their faces indicated changeling magic. One that he knew very well.

"What happened to them?" Private Stiff Hoof gestured to Leafy and Groomberg.

"Paralysis," the captain answered logically, "its a natural stun spell common in all changelings. That's how they can replace a pony overnight. One bolt and your'e frozen in place, left to suffer tormenting hallucinations as your body is transported to the nest. We need to find a healer asap."

The rush of hooves sent both remaining guards on alert. Horns at the ready, the two soldiers were preparing to open magic on anything that tried to test them. However, the dim light casted off by the campfire revealed a burly brown stallion in rusted armor. "What the pegasus happened here?"

In a second Captain Rosemary was in front of the stallion's face, his hooves pinning him to the ground. "I can say the same for you...changeling."

The stallion seemed bewildered and held his hooves up. "Changeling? I ain't a changeling. Go ahead, try me."

His horn giving off a purple aura, the captain shot a magical blast at the creature under him. The stallion coughed, but did nothing else. Relieved, the captain released his tight grip on the stallion.

"Now that that's over," the stallion jeered as he brushed off the dust on his coat, "mind telling me what the Celestia is going on here?"

"We were attacked--" Stiff Hoof began before his officer shoved a hoof into his throat.

"The prisoner managed to slip through the bars," the captain said in a cool, collective voice, "he used a paralysis spell on my guards. They all need to see a healer immediately...ummm...private..."

"I'm the warden," the stallion said as he gave an annoyed look at the younger officer, "and my name is Clyde."

"The warden of that Ponyville prison," the captain said with a curt nod, "you're the one who said he wanted to go to Canterlot with us."

The warden simply nodded before adding, "and I know a healer in Everfree Forest. We're only two miles out from Ponyville."

"Two miles..." the captain mouthed. They had seen the lights of the town disappear at least an hour ago. That would mean that the fog was far more dense then previously noted. His thoughts drifted off to the blizzards described in the history before Equestria. There had been an account that described the summers turning into winters without snow. Winds that froze a well-built specimen to his bones and fog that was as thick as pea soup. There were too many connections now to make this a coincidence. But he could ponder on this later. Now, he needed to get his subordinates to a healer as soon as possible.

"Then time is of the essence. Help me carry the wounded if you won't mind."

Heaving Leafy and Broomberg on his rump, Clyde led the two conscious guards along the road. His doozy had been correct. As the faint glow casted off by the town shined brightly ahead, he couldn't help but wonder how a changeling managed to overcome five, well-built Canterlot guardsponies.

Safely out of the range of hearing distance, the private decided to confer with his officer. "Why'd you tell him he slipped out of the bars?"

Captain Rosemary merely sighed and looked at his subordinate wearily. "Because the last thing this town needs is a panic. It's better to think of one changeling on the loose compared to a dozen or more. For now, keep your mouth shut until we get a firm grip on the situation here."

Private Stiff Hoof casted a bemused expression."And how do you suppose that's gonna happen?"

"We'll capture each one of them...discreetly of course." The captain seemed to stare at the stars now forming over the cumulus cloud cover. It was a risky not to warn anypony about the threat. He could be endangering them all by witholding this knowledge. But for now, it was a risk he was willing to take. A few inquires here and there wouldn't arouse too much suspicion from the populace. And if things got out of hoof...well...it was best not to think of the repercussions.

%%%%

The Commander woke with an ear-piercing shriek. His heart was beating rapidly and his glands had produced an enormous amount of sweat. He looked around his cell, expecting to see something waiting for him. However, it was still as empty and lifeless as it had been before Reflect moved in. With a sigh, he plopped back down on his bed.

It had felt so vivid. So real. He had dreamed that he was in Reflect's hooves, sitting in the cramped cage, the cart moving at a steady pace. Then there was a halt, an exchange of harsh voices, and beams of emerald energy shooting past him as he fell into a dark chasm below.

But it was all just a dream. Just a figment of his imagination. And yet, he fluttered to the edge of the pothole that was called a window to look outside. The town was just as silent as it had been the last few times. The only difference was the cold. He was used to chilly temperatures, but this was getting out of hand. It was summer for Chrysalis' sake!

With a yawn, he went back to the top bunk he had occupied since his arrival, pulling the blankets over his neck and ears for insulation. Come to think of it, he also recalled a second dream that had happened before the first one. There were these..well...pegasi but at the same time...they weren't pegasi. Instead of bird-like wings, they were wider and more like tissue paper. In fact, they seemed to belong to a butterfly. He couldn't remember much else, other then a black cloud and endless screaming.

But hey, they can go in my list as most unusual dreams of my life. Though number one will always be the one where Daring Do shoots a party cannon in my face. That was the most frightening nightmare ever.

As he tried to settle back in, there was a loud, thunderous boom and rush of hooves. However, the 'shhh' hissed by his guard seemed to remind the source that it was the middle of night. A few deep breaths came afterwards, followed by some whispering. And then the jail cell door flung right off its hinges.

%%%%

"YOU!" Clyde bellowed as he dashed straight for the Commander, his hooves enveloping the space reserved for his throat. "You sly little fox. You knew we were taking your little friend away didn't you? You sabotaged the cage, and then that sour-faced changeling made a run for it, taking out three good guards in his wake. You better have a good reason on why I shouldn't bucking squeeze the pitiful life out of you."

All the Commander could do was vainly try to get the stallion to release his grip. Already, his lungs begged for air, his systems slowly seeping into the edge of subconsciousness. He still had no idea what the stallion was blabbering about, but he figured that if he was going to suffocate, he would at least go down with some dignity.

So he ended up doing the only thing he knew how to do. He stared the stallion right in his eyes, his horn glowing green as it sent a bolt of energy right towards the pony's cranium. In an instant, Clyde's pupils shifted green and his expression was blank and emotionless. Releasing his grip, the stallion fell off the bunk and into the hooves of his subordinate, who looked up gapingly at the prisoner.

"What the buck did you just do?"

Air now flowing smoothly through his airways, the Commander spoke. "I did it in self-defense. He was asking for it."

Apparently, this wasn't the answer the colt was looking for. Upon realizing that his steadfast centurion had as much knowledge about changelings as a trained rabbit, he raised his hooves in innocence. "I didn't kill him. Just hypnotized him to let me go. He'll be fine."

Sure enough, Clyde woke from his trance with a groan and a wave of his hooves. Looking up though, he scowled at the Commander. He was going to make another leap towards him before the colt tackled him on the ground. "Enough!" he shouted, "there is no way he could have known about that cage. If he had, he would have left this prison a long time ago!"

For a moment, Clyde just glared at the guard, as if wondering whether he should be choking him at this moment. Finally though, he gave a grunt and rose to his hooves. "You prove a point there. But I still don't trust him."

The colt raised the warden to his hooves, shaking off the dust that had collected over his coat.

"Awwww isn't that cute," the Commander mused before his eyes glowed red with rage, "now maybe you two would care to explain to me why the BUCK HE JUST TRIED TO STRANGLE ME?"

"It's about your friend," the colt explained, "apparently he slipped through the bars and made a dash for the woods. The guards are going on a hunt right now, with orders from Captain Rosemary to use deadly force if they encounter him."

He just stood there in his cot, unable to fathom the graveness of the current situation. Reflect Fury, his newly found friend, had just escaped. Slipped through the bars and made a dash for the woods. If he knew any better, Reflect would be going as far away as possible from the town. And yet, it seemed odd to him that in his dream that, though Reflect did escape, something had aided him. However, it was just a dream. It didn't matter what he thought at the moment.

"Commander?" the colt stood awkwardly over the wooden door that was hanging on by a single hinge, "are you okay?"

Coming back to reality, the Commander faced him and nodded. "I need some time to think about this."

The colt's muscles seemed to form something on his lips. Was it...a smile?

An aura now enveloped the door as it was lifted back into its sealed position before Mr. Ironhooves went bombarding machine on it. With a few quick snaps, the locks and hinges were repaired instantaneously. Apparently, Clyde had simmered down enough to realized how much property damage he had caused.

Well as long as he's concentrating that magic on the door and not me

%%%%

Now with Mag Mane going out on a stroll, a rare occurrence, the two guards looked over each other. Clyde had twigs in his mane, and debris over his body. His odor was musky and reeked of dirt and sweat.

"You look like you had an interesting day," the colt commented.

Clyde merely grunted. "I had to carry the wounded back to Zecora's Hut. Captain Rosemary left his private to handle the others while we ran to the mayors house."

"Mayor's house?" the colt asked surprised, "she wouldn't even be up by this hour."

"Well we woke her anyway, and told her about the escapee." Clyde seemed to pause before adding. "The captain didn't appear to me as being confident. As if he was hiding something."

"Maybe he's just guilty about letting the changeling escape," the colt offered.

"No," Clyde said with an edge of finality, "he kept shifting his hooves and looking outside. In my time serving her Royal Highness, I've learned to interpret every look that a solider gives in the field. It was clear that he was anxious about something bigger then a fugitive. So far, this whole arrival and transfer seems...fishy."

The guard rested a hoof over the warden's shoulder. "It's not your business Clyde. Let the captain handle the problem. You just worry about taking care of this changeling here alright? Now I'm sorry, but I need to get some rest."

"What for?" Clyde asked.

"Pinkie is throwing a Not-So-Surprise party for this pony called Matchie or something. Apparently, she looks like Daring Do. But hey, if you think fictional characters coming to life was fishy, why don't you pay closer attention to the Elements of Harmony. Almost half of them don't have time to carry out the Princesses' punishment, making up excuse after excuse."

Clyde gave a smile to his subordinate. "Interesting."

It was just as rare as Mags taking a walk, but it happened. Every now and then the colt could spot things that no other pony noticed. It was an invaluable gift, one that was given to a select few. Well...maybe one day he could try to remember the colt's name.

%%%%

The next day came and went. The Commander had been fairly silent during the majority of Clyde's shift. In fact, the prisoner was so quiet that he wondered if he did kill him. Eventually, though, he settled into his stool and decided to plop open one of the Daring Do novels that his fellow watchcolt loved to read.

The plot was okay, but too fictional to be interesting to him. Maybe a more imaginative pony would be absorbed into these stories, but he wasn't a pony with a lot of creativity. The war had made sure of that. In fact, his entire life had made sure that.

Clyde never knew what it was like to relax, play, and just imagine greater possibilities. That was until his youngest daughter got her cutie mark. His daughter, who brought smiles to the world and to his face whenever he saw her. Even with a packed schedule, she always found time to visit her old stallion for a bite to eat.

How life managed to make us related is still a mystery to me. He thought cheerfully. And it was true. For how could a stern, grumpy old warden be related to an energetic, caring daughter?

As the day settled into night, Clyde looked up to see the fatigued face of his partner. His eyes were red and his coat was coated with stains from cake and soda. Yet, his grin was as shiny as a whistle.

"How was the party?" Clyde asked?

"You know how well Pinkie can throw a party." The colt chuckled and described the events to him in detail.

Apparently, the news of Reflect's escape was on everypony's lips. Other then that, however, the pegasus-of-honor had been a little "off" so to speak. Hiding under tables and not really socializing as a normal pony would. But he decided it was just because of the circumstances of her arrival that such behavior was exhibited.

Clyde grinned. "Well glad to know Pinkie still throws good parties."

"Yep," the colt replied. He seemed to gaze at the cell door, as if wondering whether its occupant was still alive or dead. "He didn't...bother you by any chance?"

Clyde murmured something as he got up, his enormous figure towering over him. "I was still suspicious of him after you tried to explain it to me. However, I know a creature when he's broken. And right now, he's been shattered. It's hard to lose a soldier in the field, especially when you can't do anything about it."

He exhaled before continuing. "I still don't equate myself with that monster, but I know when enough is enough. He'll be sober in the morning. Until then...well...I'll leave that for you to decide."

With that he left the colt to make the long trek to his home. It was really weird to Clyde, how fast the day had gone. Maybe he was just becoming accustomed to the dreary lifestyle he led when this spawn of Chrysalis waltzed his way up the prison steps. From that moment, his whole world had changed. Could it really be that, as insatiable as he was, the Commander might just have an ounce of stallion in him?

%%%%%

The next day was bright and wonderful as the sun shined beautiful rays down on the pleasant village. Birds of all shapes and colors sat perched on mahogany branches, each singing its own tune to blend together in a harmonious performance. On the streets, fillies played hop-scotch while their parents sat to listen to the sounds of nature. In the cafes, friends sat hunched over, their voices whispering the latest gossip. For the first time, it actually felt like summer. And the day was going to be wonderful.

But in one particular yellow jailhouse, this wasn't the case. The Commander woke with a loud yawn, his blue eyes blinking in the soft light. Scratching his carapace, he sluggishly crawled out of the bunk to examine himself. From what he could see, his wings were still functioning and his body was still stable. Relieved, he did a two-second stretch before settling down on the lower bunk.

"Hello Celestia," he whispered, "today is going to be a wonderfully-monotonous-pointless-uninspiring day."

He looked over the books he had already finished. There really was no point in re-reading them. So that left daydreaming and annoying the guard. Well, he had enough dreaming for a lifetime. Annoying the guards would never get old. As he crept towards the grating, the casual voice of the colt rang out.

"Good morning Commander. Sweet dreams I'm guessing?"

"Yeah," the Commander replied in his irritable voice, "in fact it was a dream I think you might like. There were these butterfly-like pegasi in it. Really top-notch imagination if I do say so myself."

"Butterfly pegasi?" the colt looked at the Commander with a raised brow, "I think the term your'e looking for is Flutterpony."

"Flutter-what?' the Commander scratched his head.

"Flutterponies," the colt responded annoyed, "they're a type of creature. Though some say they're just myths."

"Myths?" The Commander said in a curious tone, "how so?"

"No pony has ever seen one. Apparently they lived in this valley, but then it turned into the badlands or something. If I remember correctly, there were quite a few sites scattered over Equestria. However, no evidence has ever been found about them. All we have is the word of our ancestors."

"Well they seemed kind of weird," the Commander remarked, "pretty flimsy wings and all."

The colt shrugged and trotted off to find something. Finding himself alone, the Commander leaned against the wall once more. So far, one of his dreams had been correct. And the fact that this new dream had happened twice...was well...disturbing. He didn't tell the colt everything, but he was pretty sure that the same dream in two nights was amounting to something big. Though it could also be the side effects from having no Reflect to keep him awake.

The Commander still wanted to know where Reflect had gone. Had the changeling found his friends? Maybe he was back at the hive, safe and content. Or maybe he ran into some lethal fiends who had already killed him. In either case, he was doomed and the Commander had already assumed such. But still, Reflect was one of the few changelings that reminded him that not all changelings are rotten in the inner, inner core.

"Breakfast," the colt said in a motherly impersonation, "time for my little wub wub to have something to grow those large muscles of his." The changeling snatched the tray as it was going in, giving the colt a glare that spoke of complete malice.

"First off," he declared, "there's a Commander in that. Second, I am not you wub wub and if you say it again I'll personally show you the extent of my powers."

"Stop griping and eat your grub," the colt replied flatly.

Muttering something about disrespect, the Commander decided to examine today's meal. He was astonished to find it completely edible and smacked his lips in anticipation. As he began to indulge himself, the corner of his eye saw it. A fur ball with eight straw-like legs.

"SPIDER!" he squealed, his body giving an involuntary jerk that sent him flying backwards. Scouring for a weapon, he snatched the second volume of Daring Do, raising the book to squash the adversary to cinders. As he inched closer, however, he noticed that the fur ball was indeed a fur ball and that the legs were simply colored straw. It was merely a life-like replica of the feared arachnid.

Looking over the grating, he saw the guard rolling over the floor, unable to stop chortling.

"Why you sneaky swine you," the Commander bellowed, "that was one of the most sadistic pranks I've ever had to experience."

"Oh come off it," the colt managed to coax out of his vocal cords, "even you had to admit it was hilarious."

The colt proved a point, and the Commander would not deny that he did this multiple times with his battalion. Why, one time he remembered a changeling who had no wings-he recalled her name as being something like Ditto- and leading her off a fake cliff ,blind-folded. Sure, the prank was probably cold-blooded, but it was impossible to resist and in the end, after some convincing, the changeling thought it was funny too. Or at least she gave a chuckle. He wasn't entirely sure. The Queen didn't take kindly to his shenanigan, sending him for a week on maintenance duty. This, of course, sucked and made him think twice before attempting another caper on the unsuspecting drone.

"Fine," he muttered, "hardy har har," He slid his back against the door, so that his rump settled over the mushy substance that the prison called food. Karma was making a comeback on him. He knew this was for all the times he messed with Ditto. He wondered how well she had held up. Usually, a mutant like her wouldn't see much action, but the Queen had enforced the order to send all changelings to combat. Then again, most of the changelings in his battalion, save for a few, weren't supposed to experience the sights and sounds of war.

Getting up, he turned to face the colt, who was now reading on a stool right in front of the door. It was funny really, how this guard may just have as much a sense of humor as he did. Reflect had a different kind of humor, but then again, Reflect was a bitter changeling.

"Any new friendship lessons for me?" the tired changeling asked.

"Just one," the guard said, not taking his eyes off the book, " most of the other Elements are too busy or too angry with you, so consider this a blessing."

"Whatever," the Commander replied, "she's probably some giddy mare whose going to take me out to smell flowers and learn about how amazing it is to be 'sweet and kind'" He said in the best feminine voice he could manage.

%%%%

"Alright listen up prisoner," Rainbow Dash barked, "this ought to be a privilege to get to learn loyalty from me. These are the rules: I am awesome. You shall respect me and answer any questions I ask. If I give an order, you do it, clear?"

The Commander merely nodded his head, muttering, "Yes Ms. Clown,".

"What did you call me?" Rainbow Dash flared her wings.

"I said 'yes Ms. Dash'"

Rainbow Dash reduced her eyes to slits as she stared snout to snout with the armored creature. "That's yes Ms. Awesome Rainbow Dash."

The Commander raised his hooves in the air, a common gesture he did whenever he wanted to shed responsibility, "Well exxxxcccuuuuuuusssseeee me Ms. Dashie Pants."

Rainbow seemed to glare at him, as if he had fired a projectile at her heart. "Say that again...I dare you."

"What," the Commander responded in his sarcastic tone, "Ms. Dashie Pants--"

Before he could even place the question mark, the mare swept him off the ground and high, high, high into the clouds. The rush of wind blew off whatever dust and dirt adorned his body, leaving only his watering eyes, as he felt his body go at the speed of light. Then, when he was pretty sure they had reached the mesosphere, the rainbow-maned dare devil, for she was truly a spawn of Tarturus at this moment, shot down at blinding speed.

"Stop..." the Commander tried to say against the pressure, "Stop...in...the...name...of...love!"

But it was useless as the land expanded in front of him within a few seconds. When they were only a few inches from crashing, the pegasus made a swift right and nearly made the Commander suffer whiplash. He was going at ludicrous speed! Shielding his eyes from the rush, he did the only thing he could do.

He prayed to Queen Chyrsalis.

Dear Queen Chrysalis,

As me and the Element of Loyalty hurdle ourselves to our inevitable demise, I just want to let you know that you were the worst queen I've ever had the displeasure to meet. This is all your fault that I've been captured, tackled, shot, forced to live in a boring cell with eight-legged freaks, and now suffer the wrath of a rainbow-maned pegasus who looks like a clown. So here are my last words to you. sayonara you scrawny faced, bug-eyed freak.

Feeling content with himself, he opened his eyes to face the wall that was likely going to smash his face. However, it was a tree in front of him, which meant that he was probably going to die a stupid death. As he braced for impact, the pegasus shot straight up into the sky and landed with a soft thud, depositing the traumatized leader on the ground.

"How's that for awesomeness," Rainbow Dash gloated.

The Commander attempted to lift himself, but the shear amount of dizziness he was experiencing made him collapse. Rainbow Dash went to examine her student with a bewildered expression before looking up at the guard. "Is he alright?"

"Just a little dizzy," the guard replied gruffly," it's nothing really."

"Alright then," Rainbow said, her tone a bit relieved that she didn't cause any major damage, "hey Commander, get on your hooves before I take you on another flight."

The Commander shot up like a daisy being given too much fertilizer. His back stiff, and his hoof raised in some form of a salute, he said, "Commander reporting for duty sir! Please do not kill me Ms. Awesome Rainbow Dash."

The pegasus smirked at how he had turned from a sleezy, rude creature to a disciplined, surly gentlecolt. But as soon as he had said it, the Commander slouched back down, his mind vague of any thoughts except to never have to fly that way again. "So what's next?"

"Glad you asked," Rainbow said, her face giving a sly look, "I've been feeling awfully hungry. Since I trust you now, I'm going to leave you some bits to use to buy me...what...let's say a pumpkin scone?"

"Excuse me," the Commander replied, "but how is this helping me learn...anything?"

"Don't question it," Rainbow Dash said, pulling a cloud to rest on, "just do it."

With a sigh, the Commander stomped off towards Ponyville, the colt guarding his flank. As they disappeared, Rainbow Dash drew a sigh of relief. Pumpkin scones were a seasonal pastry, and with the only bakery shop closed for the day, it was going to take them forever before the task could be accomplished. As she sat on her cloud, she noticed a pink pony bouncing up and down.

"Hey Dashie," Pinkie said as she swung her hoof fervently in the air, "ready?"

"You betcha," Rainbow Dash said," now who are we going to prank first..."

------

The Commander was nearing the bridge that led to Ponyville when he paused for just a second. Looking back at his royal escort, he said, "I can't go in like this."

"Why not?" the colt asked bemused, "you've been escorted like this every single time. I highly doubt that they--"

But the Commander shot a hoof to silence the colt, pushing him into the bushes as he whispered his reason. "But that was different. They aren't going to let me near a store. The only reason why they allowed me to go here and there was because I was with an Element of Harmony. No offense, but they might just tackle me for suspicion on using hypnotism on you. I need a disguise, quickly."

Taking his hoof out of the guard's mouth, he watched the colt spit some saliva that had been held back. Now, looking absolutely perturbed, the colt whispered his answer. "Let's go back to the jail."

In the safety of the jailhouse lobby, the changeling noted several frames displayed over the walls. Each depicted a royal guard that had come from Ponyville, going as far back as the Pioneer Era. Scanning each photo, the Commander paused at one in the middle, two places right from the center. The stallion had a milky white coat and a moustache to accompany his chivalrous attitude displayed so predominantly in his portrait. Taking in a deep breath, the Commander was engulfed by a green fire. After about a second, the colt watched as the figure from the portrait stood in front of him, armor and all. Apparently, the ebony armor also had shape-shifting abilities.

"Well..." the Commander said, his moustache hiding the smirk forming over his face, "how do I look?"

"Like a museum piece," the colt commented, "you need to add some flair to that armor of yours. Otherwise, ponies will recognize you from your picture."

The Commander pondered on this for a second, and with another surge of energy, the gold-plated armor was replaced with a violet helment that covered his head, but not his neck. A sea serpent's fin stood atop, and a glowing blue stone adorned his now altered chest plate. Other then that however, his appearance was normal to say the least.

"You look like a mix between a nighttime guard and one of Luna's guards on break," the colt chuckled, " that'll probably do for now."

"Princess Luna..." the disguised guard seemed to say half-dreamily.

"Don't get any bright ideas now," the colt warned, "or else I'll send you back to the dungeon with those arachnid friends of yours."

"Fine," the Commander said, "now how about teaching me how to be a Canterlot Royal Guard?"

"Well," the colt said, "usually you guys are nocturnal, but then again, most of them have been forced to accompany the platoons being sent out at the moment. Soooo...I guess that's cool. You don't have the appearance of one of her guards, but then again, you only do that on Nightmare Night for the festivities. So I guess..."

The Commander coughed, as if telling the colt to get on with it.

"Just keep a stern face and walk like your'e the boss of this town." the colt replied with a sigh.

With a nod, the Commander found it easy to alter his voice, choosing, of course, the Trottginham accent he had used so many times before. It wasn't like anypony actually would recognize or remember how this guard talked. Besides, it was his trademark.

"Well now mate, let's go out for a stroll."

------

Every now and then, a pony would look at the pair with a confused look. But then, just as the colt had said, they would shrug it off and say it was just a night-time guard on break. Since the only place that sold pastries was Sugarcube Corner, the two decided to head for the gingerbread structure. It was funny to think that just a day before yesterday, he and Reflect had been there, trying to bake cupcakes.

"You think she'll recognize me? You know, the one called Pinkie Pie?" The Commander tensed up at the thought of having the mare actually point him out.

"If she does, I'll let her know you're with Rainbow Dash," the colt assured, "now let's go inside."

The line was packed, and it looked like the pink pony was having trouble getting the right pastries. The Commander didn't mind, because if she was so busy then that meant that she wouldn't be able to point him out. As the line inched closer, bit by bit, he began to loosen up to the point where he was making small talk with the colt.

"You know," he said, "if the food is this good, why don't they open another branch?"

"Because there is only so few of them who can actually bake," the colt answered, "you ought to know this from experience."

"Aye mate," the Commander agreed.

"And will you cut it with the Trottingham accent, it's getting annoying."

The Commander looked absolutely mortified at this notion. "Tis not!"

"Tis too," the colt replied.

"Tis not! I'll have you know that this accent saved me on more then one occasion."

The line moved another inch. Pinkie seemed profoundly flustered today. It was almost as if a changeling had just assumed her form and was working the bakery all by herself, although good old Fluttershy was there too.

"More then one occasion..." the colt asked doubtfully.

"Precisely," the Commander replied, "I had to do it when I was in Hoofington. You wouldn't believe how hard it was. It got to the point where I was saying it in my sleep. Now, I can no longer not talk in a Trottingham accent."

"Figures," the colt uttered.

The line suddenly halted, and the two guards stepped to the side to see Pinkie and a black mare go to the kitchen. There was murmurs of indignation from the crowd and from the Commander in particular.

"Oh come on!" he shouted in his Trottingham tone, "are you serious now?"

The colt pulled his partner back before he could yell out another harsh outcry. "Calm down, she's probably just taking a special order from the customer."

"You don't understand," the Commander argued, "I need that scone now or else Rainbow Dash is going to give me a heart attack before I reach my senior years."

With that, the violet chest-plated stallion marched right past the line and into the counter. There were cries of outrage, but it was the pegasus colt who rushed up to stop his prisoner from doing anything stupid. Tackling him before he had the chance, the colt pinned the Commander by the shoulders.

"What in the name of Discord are you doing?" the colt shouted.

"I'm speeding up the baking process," the Commander answered, "that way the goods get done faster and we get our pastry sooner."

"Or we end up blowing up the whole store," the colt scolded, "do you have any idea how to bake anyway?"

"Sure do," the Commander said, "I'm a professional now."

Letting go of his grip, the colt let the Commander work his changeling magic. Going towards the oven, he watched the changeling raise the dial up to 20%. Then he trotted over to a table and began hacking away at the dough.

"I'm pretty sure that's the wrong side of the oven...errrr..."

"Sporting Hooves," the Commander answered, his hooves struggling with the metal latch, "and no I am not doing it wrong. It's just this... oven... is not... budging...a bit."

"Ummm...Mr. Nice Guard sir," Fluttershy answered," I think that's turning up the heat..."

"Lies," the Commander exclaimed, " it ...just needs...a bit of tuning...and then the goods will be..."

There was a silent boom and a puff of smoke bellowed out of the pipes. An excruciatingly loud beeping noise pierced their ears as the guards got up. The colt seemed to mutter something to the yellow pegasus that the Commander could barely hear before his partner snatched him up like a puppy. The two darted out of the bakery faster then a diamond dog in a jewelry store, passing astonished pedestrians and guards alike.

In the safety of the alleyway, the two started to chuckle, and then roll over the floor hollering. They didn't stop, nor would they have been able to if they had tried.

"That..." the Commander gasped, "was the best escape I've ever seen you pull!"

"Yeah," the colt snorted, "but I had to apologize and tell Fluttershy to excuse my newest partner for his failed act of chivalry. You still have no idea how to bake."

"At least I tried!" the Commander spat back, "what did you do in line Mr. Colt Scout?"

"I waited," the colt blurted, " which is what ponies are supposed to do in a line."

"Bah humbug!" the Commander stated, "if we waited another minute the whole bakery may have been closed before noon!"

The two snickered back and forth as they trotted back home, the scone now a distant memory long forgotten. As the pair made their way to the yellow-brick building, the Commander spoke out.

"Thanks for watching my back at the bakery."

The colt shrugged, "It was nothing. You're not as bad as you looked when me and Clyde transported you to prison. Well, I mean you still are a piece of work, but hey, at least you aren't one of those insane changelings who would be doing everything and anything to extract revenge from us."

"Who's saying that I ain't planning on it?" the Commander asked with a raised brow. However, he couldn't keep the serious tone for long as he and the colt guffawed once more. It had, in all retrospect, been the greatest day ever in the Commander's time at Ponyville.

As the ruby-red doors folded back to close themselves, a pair of glittering eyes watched the two occupants from a distance. One by one, three more pairs appeared on the rooftop, their silhouettes barely visible from the setting sun. They each had an eager, wild look in their icy-blue orbs.With a flick of his hoof the first pair directed the others to dissolve back into the darkness. Soon, soon they would get the target that the High General had so promised them. Soon, the Matriarch would have her prize.