I looked over at Rainbow Dash as she struggled to free herself from her shackles out of frustration. But eventually, the struggling was wearing her down as her attempts became more sluggish, then she slumped back in agitation.

"Gah, how are we supposed to get out of here. We're never gonna be able to break free like this." Rainbow Dash groaned, her body dangled against the wall hopelessly.

I took a moment before tugging my shackles, looking at it as I pulled, making it creak but was unable to break free myself from it's bind. I gave a sigh before looking at the shackles in thought before I had an idea.

Closing my eyes, exhaling to relief any tension before focusing on the shackle, concentrating on the magic in my hands to channel to it's destination. I could feel an extension of myself, like a second hand taking form and adding sensation to my right hand as I moved it down my wrist and slipping it inside. It was like putting my finger inside of the keyhole, and the hole stretched open as I slipped in, feeling the pins on the inside pressing down to accommodate for my entry. After reaching the end of the keyhole, I turned my 'finger' as the lock clicked open, Rainbow and Rarity turning their heads to face me in surprise as they notice that I have freed my right hand.

"Wait, you got out?! How did you do that?" Rainbow asked in disbelief. I faced to my left and did the same thing, using my magic to unlock the binds to get free. Landing on my feet, I rubbed my wrist to get the blood flowing and ease the strain.

I looked up to see the girls smiling down upon me, as they now have that glimmer of hope in their eyes before I made my way to Rarity, seeing a black ring wrapped around her horn as I reached out, grasping it to feel it's cool, smooth texture and slipping it carefully off of her horn. Then with my magic, I unlocked her shackles with my hands ready before she dropped in my grasp, holding her close as she hugged me back.

"I got you Rarity." I whispered comfortingly as Rarity kissed me on the cheek, her eyes getting glossy with appreciation as she choked out. "Thank you." Our eyes were locked as we inched towards each other before Rainbow Dash clears her throat, gaining our attention.

"Hey, you guys mind getting me down from here. These things are hurting my wrist." I felt pretty silly, almost forgetting about the situation at hand as we parted and Rarity responded.

"Sorry darling. Now isn't the time for such things. Vincent..." I was already making my way to unlocking Dash's shackles, starting from her wings before unlocking her wrists as she was freed and hovered in place with a look of jubilation.

"Alright, we need to get out of here and be very careful. We don't know if there are guards around, so let's hurry on out of here." I urged to the girls as I guided them down, taking Rarity's hand as Dash hovered behind us.

We walked across the room to the door as I poked through the barred hole, seeing the coast was clear as I pushed gently. The door opens steadily as I looked around before stepping out of our prison.

Looking around, I noticed we were now in a hallway that was composed of dark stone-like flooring and ceiling, almost like we were inside of a smooth cave. In the long hallway, there were doors greatly spaced from one another to compensate for each rooms, and torches hanging on each side of the hall, illuminating the hall for us to proceed, but seeing only two paths to take.

"Do you know which way the exit would be by chance Rarity?" I asked, seeing Rarity's expressing as she was deep in thought, recalling any memory to help our escape.

"Well...no. I was unconscious when they brought me in. But I think I remember their shadow's casting to the left whenever they brought me food." Rarity stated. We took her word for consideration as we marched down the hall before I stopped in realization. The girls soon stopped afterwards in front of me as they turned around and Rainbow was the first to ask.

"Hey, what gives Vince? Come on let's get out of here." I went back into the dungeon we were in as the light shined in, but saw nothing inside but the cold empty room as I shook my head.

"My sword, it's not here." I declared, Rarity and Rainbow Dash looking at each other with concern before Dash turned back to ask.

"And you won't go without it right? Then...guess we gotta look around for it."

"Now wait a minute Dash. Vincent, did you have your sword wrapped?" Rarity asked as I looked at her, knowing what her question was implying.

"Yeah, it was. So I'm guessing if these guys didn't have any magic in them it wouldn't be a big deal but...when I fought the other Changelings, they seemed to have some kind of magic property to them." I explained as Dash pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance.

"Dear Celestia, you sound like Twilight now. Okay, so they can move it. Once again, let's just look for it. The longer we stall, the sooner we're gonna get discovered. So let's go." She hurried off, going from room to room without giving us time to stop her or say anything as we chased after her.

As we were running after her, Rarity's horn started to glow a blue color as she stopped and looked around the walls, with curiosity in her eyes as if she was searching for something. I stopped just barely noticing her halt as I turned to see what got her attention.

"Rarity, what's the matter?" I asked, gaining her attention with a soft hum.

"Oh, well there are strange gems around us inside the walls." She replied as I stared at her, my mind in disbelief as I didn't want to be offensive when urging her.

"Rarity, I'm sorry but we can't be distracted with gems at the moment. We'll focus on those things when we get back to Ponyville. Come on hun, let's hurry and catch up to Rainbow Dash." I urged to her as I reached out my hand for her to take. It was only a short moment before her hand was in my palm, closing my fingers and making our way down the hall as we see Rainbow Dash outside of an open door. We approached her quietly, noticing that something was up as I whispered.

"Did you see something Dash?" She pointed inside as I peered into the room to see the room filled with green cocoons, glowing with a pulsating beat as they hung on the ceiling and against the walls. I looked at it with a scrounge from the bizarre sight before me.

"What are they?"I asked.

"Changelings. They are just resting, or guarding something." Rarity informed. I looked around the room, before something caught my eye as I peered in deeper to find the glint of the purple orb from my sword, Salvation.

"There, I think...I think they're guarding my sword...right over there. You girl's see it right?" I pointed out as the girls squinted their eyes to confirm what I was pointing at.

"Well what are we waiting for. Let's get in there and get it." Dash declared before zooming off as we called out in a muffle.

"No Dash, wait!" But she was already in the middle of the room, her wings barely flapping to keep her suspended from the ground while not making too much noise. Her tongue sticking out as she reached for the sword as if in concentration before it's handle was within her grasp. She gleamed in a smirk as she turned to face us and mouthed.

"I got it guys!"

"That's great, now get out of there." I replied in a muffle. Dash turned around and tried to pick up the sword, but it barely lifts from the ground. She looks down at the blade and silently groans, turning to face me with a glare before returning to the sword, descending lower and lifting it with both hands, her cheeks puffing out at it's incredible weight, her wings flapping to compensate for the massive weight of the flier and the sword before she made her way back very slowly. Unbeknownst to her though, the further she flapped away, the more strain the strap of the swords sheath was enduring before it snags on a chair, pulling it off it's front pegs and crashing into the ground.

Rainbow twist around with a tensed expression towards the fallen chair as Rarity and I shared the same worried face. We looked around before a distinct orchestra of cracks and pops emitted around the room, alerting us as the green cocoons were starting to break open to reveal what lay within.

I rushed my way over to Rainbow Dash as Rarity followed in suit before I grabbed Salvation from her grasp, holding it at the ready with one hand, the other emitting a black mist before converging into my Conductor.

"If anything happens...this is all your fault." Rainbow whispered to me as I looked over at her before she continued, "and ya lookin' pretty rad right now. Just getting that out." I chuckled as I replied.

"Thanks. Now let's get ready to kick some Changeling ass!" I exclaimed, Rarity looking over at me with a look of displeasure.

"Language please Vincent." Rarity lectured.

"They're coming out." Rainbow Dash warned, as everypony were getting into gear, waiting for the creatures to spawn out of their cocoons.

The green cocoon's cracked open, a slimy liquid substances stretching from each separate shell piece, breaking off one by one as the shell began to dimmer from it's glowing green aura to a more transparent, colorless hue, flicking to the sides of the now-apparent and slime coated Changeling body as the curved halves of the shells straightened and shriveled to shape their wings. The screech of the Changelings surrounding us sending a chill down my spine as I look around at all of their bug-like teal eyes, focused on us as one sounded off.

"We have intruders. Do NOT let them escape. For the Queen!" As one Changeling chant, the others followed in suit as they all roared 'For the Queen!'.

We were surrounded by a total of five Changelings, each of them brandished an assortment of weaponry. Three of them wielding daggers, one of them brandished a buckler and shortsword, and finally one wielding a staff.

Examining their black weapons, save for the staff which had a more natural wooden aspect, the bladed weapons shimmered like a smooth black stone, with bluish-green wrappings around the handles. The buckler glimmering with it's black stone-like feature, but the staff had a bright purple glow, with small green indentations that gave a floral pattern along it's body. I couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship of their weapons, but soon dismissed that from my mind as the shielded Changeling leaped towards Rainbow Dash behind me.

I turned around to prepare a counter action, but noticed two of the dagger-wielders darting towards me at incredible speed, forcing me to raise Salvation in defense against their attacks as their blades crashed into the side of my sword. I looked behind real quick to see the shielded Changeling being launched away as Dash kicked him back, pushing herself midair towards him and crashing him into the wall. I was glad to see that she was handling herself quite well, and honestly should have expected as much.

I turned my attention back to the two before me, pushed them off of me as my Conductor whirred, creating two large black serpents to extend from the shadows and stretched up, grabbing the two Changelings in midair while slamming them down into the ground.

I heard a cry as I turned to see Rarity protecting herself in a magical shield, being pummeled by the Changeling wielding a staff before he thrust forward, breaking through her shield and slamming into her gut, lifting her off her hooves before she was sprawled on the floor, trying to catch her breath. I made an attempt to act as I lifted my blade and took a step before Rarity's horn glowed blue, then followed was the sound of something coming from the walls within.

The Changeling with the staff stopped in place, looking around along with us as well before we witnessed purple shining objects poking it's way out of the walls around us. Soon, the walls cracking apart to make way as an assortment of purple crystals floated around Rarity as she sat up with an assertive gaze in her eyes, directing her attention to the staff wielder.

The Changeling grinned as he gripped his staff, planting his hooves down as his tail swished, eyes glaring towards Rarity as the crystals slowly spun around her. The Changeling only watched in interest, keeping his guard up as the crystals began spinning faster and faster until one shot out towards the Changeling. Barely able to react as he managed to deflect it, but more were to come as Rarity kept shooting crystals towards the Changeling. He did his best to deflect as much of the crystals as possible until one pierced at his shoulder and soon he was pelted with numerous crystals as they protrude from his body.

The Changeling stood in surprise, his body decorated with the purple crystals before he gave way and dropped backwards, lying flat on the ground in defeat. Rarity took the assortment of crystals as she approached one of the knocked out Changelings and grabbed a satchel from their body and dropped the crystals inside.

"There, we got your sword. Now we may leave." Rarity stated, walking away with a proud strut to her step as we left the room and resumed our way to finding a way out of here.

With guitar in my hand, I got the tabs for what Vinyl wanted me to practice on and have been working my magic for a while, been playing for a couple hours and I figured I deserve a little break. I turned off my amplifier and sat my guitar on it's stand, smiling with content on today's practice as I made my way to the kitchen.

Going to the stove, I heated up some water and filled a tea drain with Jasmine herbs before closing the drain and dipping it into the tea pot. I smiled in thought of how the day transpired as it was just me in the house. Star had to go out again to take care of matters while I was getting ready for tonight's performance.

~Fuuuuuuuu~

The tea pot was sounding off, whistling with steam shooting from it's spout as I grabbed a mitten and pulled it off of the hot plate and sat it to the side on a cooler plate. Setting up my tea mug, I poured the hot tea inside of the cup and stirred it gently, inhaling the sweet aroma before tipping the cup gently to feel the hot steam hit my lips as I stopped, went to the freezer for ice blocks and put couple in before taking a drink.

"Mmm, that's really nice." I sighed in content, enjoying the gentle taste of tea and relaxing in the moment. Then my door burst open, making me spill my tea in surprise as I looked down at my floor and my pants. As I looked up, I caught sight of what looked like two Changelings as I tilt my head off to the side.

"Hey uh...hi?" I greeted awkwardly as they looked towards me before I continued, "You could have just knocked, ya know. You can't just be breaking into ponies houses, it's rude. But hey, I heard some stuff, you guys have it hard enough as it is so pop a seat and uh...let me clean up while I make you guys something to drink." The Changelings looked at each other in confusion and surprise, probably it being the first they meet a pony being hospitable to them. "Hehe, yea Star was the same way too I imagine." I approached them with some tea and placed it in each of their hand before taking my own and sipping it.

"So um...what brings you here?" I asked before they looked up at me, dropping their cups and grabbing me by both arms.

"Hey hey hey, what do you think you're dohmmph..." They bound my mouth with a rag, taking a red flower out and swiping it under my nostril before I felt the room start to spin, my eyes feeling heavy as I closed them and entered a deep sleep.

Returning from Ponyville, I was taking caring steps within the halls of the throne room. The walls smoothed like darkened arch's all the way down the hall, the flooring embedded with purple stone tiles, a large chandelier hanging from above, obelisks supporting the roofing and straight ahead, was a silver throne, adorned with bits of purple gems and blue/green wood finish, giving a majestic and almost Victorian aspect. Yet sitting upon the throne was none other then my mother, the Queen of Changelings herself, Chrysalis.

"Star! My dear, it's so good to have you back home." Chrysalis stood from her throne, adorned in a black slender dress with silver linings. The bottom of her dress cut in a fine licked tip as they give her an eerie, yet majestic glide, with black webbed dress gloves adorned around her slender arms. Wearing green lip gloss, green eyeliner that complimented her dark coat, and long, silky smooth Teal hair that strands down like a river. Despite her slender beauty, she was a powerful and admired queen who was respected by all Changelings and feared by all who knew of her. My mother greeted me with a warm hug as I nuzzled into her embrace with a smile.

"I have finished the mission just as you commanded my Queen." I informed my Mother as she looked at me with a parted gaze.

"I knew you would my dear. That's why I entrust the most important task to you, and you alone." Hearing my Mother's praise filled me with great joy and accomplishment, knowing that I have served her exceptionally well, bringing our cause closer to it's destination and successfully apprehending two of the Elements and that Human. We parted from our embrace as Mother fixed my hair, cupping my cheeks and looking at my face, examining me before smiling.

"You look well my dear. So how was Ponyville?" I smirked with a reply.

"The ponies, were incredulous and repulsive. Their initial behavior was that untamed and lacking." My Mother smiled ever more as she urged.

"Initial? Are you saying there is an...exception?" My face almost dropped, taking into consideration that I have made mention of Swiftriff on our last contact when I arranged a rally troop to retrieve one of the Element's back to our Hive. But, was she suspicious of my interaction and connection with him? It was best to not lie to my Mother, for the punishment may be dire and considered an act of treason. So I felt it was necessary to answer as needed.

"I suppose there was an exception to the matter. There was a minute occurrence regarding my arrival and meeting a group of stallions. Though they had some...ill intentions, and were easily manageable I assure you, but what surprised me was one stallion in particular. Not from among the group, but a wandering bystander, who involved himself for my sake and fended them off with words before action." My mother listened keenly to my tale, enthralled as she kept her smile upon her muzzle until I finished my tale.

"Hehe, such silly creatures. Immediately judging one by their appearance before truly understanding what dwells within. Perhaps, though his actions were meant to 'save' your well-being, but instead he merely spared his enemies. Either this is blind heroism, or an act of foolishness." I then heard the door opened from behind as the entrance to the Throne Room opened, revealing two Changeling scout's holding, to my surprise, Swift in tow. I looked back at my Mother then back at Swift, seeing that he appeared to be unharmed and slowly waking from a daze before Mother spoke.

"We had to assure that which your identity was kept safe and secure, just in case if this stallion knows too much. It pleases me to know that he had good intentions towards you, but nevertheless, he is a pony. Kind words and nicety doesn't earn our trust, not after everything we've been through. So, he will be used as a sustenance for the Hive and become a farming vessel. Take him away." Mother commanded as the scout's nodded, lifting him up and dragged him towards another entry leading to the lower levels.

My mind was racing, seeing the stallion who cared for me and confided in me being taken away to the dungeons, and to be used by the Hive as nothing but food. His words about how he viewed Changelings, how there could be two sides to us and how we were prejudged. He showed an attempt to understand us and here he is, his concept betraying him with each step the scouts took.

"Wait!" I called out as the scouts halted, gaining the Queen's attention and curiosity.

"Is something wrong my Star?"My Mother asked, leaving me in a moment of hesitation. I have already pronounced myself, my mind was already made up. I didn't want this for Swift but...what can I do?

"I...I wish to make a request." I started, Mother smiling at me in respect as she cooed.

"A request? You never ask for such a thing, but I am willing to hear what you wish for." I felt a little more at ease to see Mother in such a calm tone in her approval as I continued.

"I realize this may be incredulous but...I wish to have Swift as my own personal feed. If my Queen will permit this, I will make it my duty to bring more to compensate as well as break our new prisoners to make an addition." I looked over at Swift, seeing his look of disbelief, but I didn't think it was in gratitude, but rather in disappointment. It hurt looking into those eyes he's giving me, I couldn't think of anything else but this. "I'm sorry Swift, I know you may hate me after this, but...this is for your own good. I hope you can understand in time." I closed my eyes for a moment in thought before directing my attention to Mother, hoping that my request may be approved as she was clearly in thought, humming to herself before she has decided.

"I shall accept your request. After all, you have served under me well, and have never asked for anything in return. As well as you're extraordinary performance's to which I feel you deserve to have at least this." She looked over at the scouts and Swift as she commented.

"I hope you are grateful you have met such a merciful Princess. She will treat you and use you to her liking. Consider this an honor young pony. Release him to Star." The Changelings dared not disobey their queen as they approached me, as I met them halfway and gripping Swift's arm, I forcefully took him away while thanking and bidding my mother farewell before leaving the halls and taking him away to somewhere safe from others.