Blackened caverns which stretched for miles on end housed what appeared to be a completely different world on its own. In its own way, it was no different from the surface, had the surface world possessed a pale yellow sky. But down below, hidden deep within Equestria, another kingdom existed, just as massive as the Crystal Empire, and just as fortified as Canterlot. This was the kingdom of the changelings, the grand domain of the one and only Queen Chrysalis. Not many, if any, casually stumbled upon her sanctuary, and if they did, they'd either ended up like most who would so foolishly trifle with her kind, or they'd ensure not to get within noticeable proximity of the guards. The changeling kingdom was also protected by a transparent green barrier, fortified by magic. It was truly a fortress to be reckoned with.

Yes, the kingdom which housed thousands of changelings was beyond frightening to say the least. It was just as fortified as those who'd dared to stumble upon it have mentioned. Just as hidden and tucked away as the race often was in public society. And just as impressive for any with the architectural understanding of how complex it was to construct such a society underground. But, something was also amiss.

Queen Chrysalis herself stepped out onto the porch of her throne room as she wore an infuriated expression, a scowl practically ingrained upon her muzzle as she saw there was chaos ridden in the streets while she glanced about. There were fires, explosions, alarms going off, as well as pony prisoners scurrying about making way for the many improvised escape routes. She stomped a hoof. "WHAT, IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?" She huffed, flaring her nostrils as she grid her teeth to the point where it sounded as if they would crack.

One of the changeling guards immediately fluttered forward as it wore a worried expression. "M-My Queen, it, it is um-"

Queen Chrysalis glared back at him, fuming with a green magical aura. "SPIT IT OUT YOU IMBECILE!"

The changeling trembled. "I-It seems a tiny creature has invaded our city! And, in the chaos of attempting to neutralize it, it's um, it's managed to free many of our pony prisoners who're now rioting in the streets and making ways for an escape."

Queen Chrysalis' eyes snapped wide. "WHAT!? A TINY CREATURE?" Her expression died down, her anger now more passive and calmed, but her eyes still baring a look of unrivaled fury. She raised a brow at her companion, "Why would this tiny creature go against us? Is it so foolish to think it can topple my changeling hive on its own? Is it insane? Tell me what the sentinels have learned so far about it. To go against my glorious hive, this creature must be quite fearsome." She turned with a bump in her step, and a classy stride. "How many prisoners has it managed to free so far?" Queen Chrysalis appeared to look gravely serious about the matter.

The changeling guard shook his head. "D-Dozens my Queen, if I were to have to make a rough estimate, I'd say it's already freed both the eastern and southern district camps, and is now onto the northern district, so, hundreds. Its power grows with each pony that joins its cause. For something so small, i-it's power is truly fearsome. What must we do my Queen? How can we defeat such a creature that knows our every move and defense mechanisms?" The changeling now possessed a look of absolute dread the more it thought about the future.

Queen Chrysalis' expression sunk as her magical power leaked from her very being like an ethereal green mist. She sighed heavily as her face darkened as she stated in a cold tone. "Rally the soldiers, I will go out and contend with this mysterious foe myself, worry not."

The changeling immediately saluted. "T-THANK YOU MY QUEEN! YOUR ASSISTANCE IS MUCH APPRECIATED!"

Queen Chrysalis peered ahead again, down towards the flaming streets of her grand empire. Who are you?...

Meanwhile, in the flaming streets of the blackened city, cocoon towers were adorned with flame as stained glass windows were being shattered left and right. Ponies could be seen scurrying about the streets with pieces of broken carapace either in hoof or being elevated with telekinetic magic in defense, forming up and gathering with one another as they took the fight to their changeling captors. However, a large group paid particular attention to one little creature. The little creature had a large brown leather sack attached to its back, as it continued sniffing around the streets absently with wide eyes. Soon one of the ponies stepped forward, as she wore a serious expression and gulped, before glancing back at her companions then back to the tiny creature. "W-What's the next step in the plan, Commander?"

The tiny creature, which was revealed to be a diamond dog pup, just stood on its hind legs as it glanced back at the ponies with wide eyes. It tilted its head to the right, only just noticing now how many of them were following it. She just blinked as she muttered. "Pony, yes?"

The pony then nodded firmly as she glanced back at the rest of the group. "She wants us to free the rest of the ponies!"

The ponies then all cheered in unison as they began chanting. "YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!"

The little diamond dog pup blinked a bit in confusion of the ponies reactions, as it shrugged and then continued to sniff around the area a bit more. Soon enough it dug a hole in the ground with swift speed, before disappearing beneath the surface of the city, digging even further as it tunneled its way through the ground to another particular location. "Dig dig dig dig dig dig!" It stated constantly while doing so.

Meanwhile, in another sector of the city, ragged ponies sat in their depression as they had yet to be freed. They whimpered with slight frowns, hoping for some kind of salvation, some form of light in this dark dark place. They'd heard rumors of ponies escaping, of something going wrong with the changelings. But they were too far to have noticed any sort of changes in their district. Many of the fillies and colts sniffled as they remained close to their parents, whom of which were all now significantly skinnier due to their smaller food rations.

One of the fillies commented. "M-Momma, I'm hungry."

The mare glanced down at her daughter as tears swelled in her eyes. "O-Oh I know Sweetie. Don't worry, dinner will be here soon."

Dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig!

All of the ponies paused as they'd heard that repeating word. But it sounded distant, far.

One of them commented. "W-What's that?"

One of the mare's stood to her hooves. "S-Sounds like it's coming from,......beneath us?"

They all then looked to the ground for a lengthy period of time, before suddenly poking its head out in the middle of the camp, before hopping out itself, then immediately landing on all fours would be a tiny diamond dog pup. It blinked a bit before sniffing around.

All the ponies immediately looked to the absent minded diamond dog puppy with curiosity.

One of the mare's glanced at a stallion in confusion. "I-Is that? A, puppy?" She squinted one eye at it.

The stallion shook his head. "N-No, pretty sure that's a diamond dog."

The mare blinked a bit. "A diamond what?"

The stallion continued as they all continued to observe it sniffing around. "A diamond dog, most have an affeminate love for treasures of various sorts. Although, I'd never imagined a puppy would dig this deep or go this far from its pack. How strange. They aren't very intelligent creatures either, and typically the females remain cooped up in their home caverns. Wonder what it's doing all the way out here."

Soon the puppy rose to its hind legs as it looked around in place, before its eyes widened at the sight of a massive black gate. Atop the black gate was a sparkling emerald orb, as it shined with magnificence, producing a sickly green aura around the camp. A shield or barrier which kept the ponies locked tight. The orb was located on the outside of this barrier atop the gate. The puppy then nodded hurriedly, "Mine, yes!" Before it leaped back into its hole disappearing from sight, repeating, "Dig dig dig dig dig dig dig dig dig dig dig!" as it did as such.

The ponies of the camp just continued to watch and listen in curiosity.

A multitude of changeling guards patrolled the black gate from the top, ensuring that the orb was protected. But as the ponies eyed the top of the gate, soon appearing right beneath the emerald orb, having weaseled its way through the cracks and crevices of the carapace constructed defense, and right beneath the green orb would be the diamond dog puppy. The changelings all immediately paused, staring at it before it stated, "MINE!" And then snatched the green orb with ease, sticking the orb in its pack and then disappearing again like a roach.

With that the green barrier died down, as did magical collars which adorned each pony.

The ponies all looked at one another in shock, before immediately making a charge away from the area to freedom.

Eventually as time passed, and the rebellion had actually made significant progress, the ponies were preparing for their final push to the underground tunnels which hopefully would lead them into a network of tunnels where they couldn't be easily pursued. All the ponies were mustered together, practically focused on one main thing. The diamond dog puppy which continued to sniff around not far off.

One of the stallions trotted forward with a determined expression. "W-What next commander? We've managed to hold them off as long as we can. What route should we take for an escape? Surely the changelings won't give us all the time in the world to form a plan."

The diamond dog puppy stood to its hind legs as it looked at the stallion with a wide eyed curious look. Was it talking to her? She thought.

"SO, YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'VE BEEN CAUSING TROUBLE IN MY HIVE!"

The ponies all froze as they recognized that horrific voice. The diamond dog pup then peered over at said individual with a curious expression. A bug? But the longer the diamond dog puppy remained focused on this lone figure, this creature far larger and more elegant than the others, the more its eyes widened in fascination in absolute desire as it saw one thing that caught its attention. A tiny black crown shaped object upon her head. It just continued to stare at the mighty Queen with those hungry eyes, practically drooling as it did so.

Queen Chrysalis burst into amused chuckles. "A valiant effort, but the game ends here." The Queen soon touched upon the ground, accompanied by a multitude of her changeling guards. She glanced around for a moment at the chaos within her city before looking to the massive group of ponies. "Although I'm upset that you all would so casually destroy my home, I am willing to forgive and forget, for you lot are my cattle, our sustenance; but only if you agree to surrender here. So, what will it be? Will you fight and be forced into submission yet again? Or will you surrender and save yourselves the trouble of us having to round you all up? Choose wisely."

Many of the ponies all trembled before the Queen as they looked at her. They knew how powerful she was, and they knew resistance was more than likely futile. Many began to back away in fear, preparing to retreat, while some actually contemplated her offer.

Soon however, one of the changeling guards trotted forward. "M-My Queen; t-there it is."

Queen Chrysalis' eyes widened as she glanced around a bit, then squinted, as she focused and then caught sight of it. The supposed creature that managed to cause all this chaos within her domain. She raised a brow, just staring at it plainly. Soon, she began to tremble as she lowered her head, and then burst into wild maniacal chuckles. "Ahahahaha!!!!! Aha! Ahahahahaahhaahahahaha!"

Everypony fell silent as they just remained focused on the Queen's actions, even the ponies.

Queen Chrysalis raised a hoof in amusement. "THIS, is the fearsome creature I've heard so much about? A mere diamond whelp! Like a rat in a burrow? Is this some kind of sick joke!?" She leaned forward with a wide playful grin. "WHAT'S IT GONNA DO!? LICK ME TO DEATH!?" She began to chuckle yet again, unable to contain herself. "What's it gonna be, mighty creature? Will you dare face the might of Queen Chrysalis? Hahaha, you, a mere little whelp? You should just scurry, flee like the little mongrel you are, like the rest of you should. You know what, actually yes, is there ANY of you who'd be foolish enough to go against me? You all cower like children in the face of-"

"MINE! The diamond dog puppy stated with a slight hop.

Queen Chrysalis' eyes snapped wide in disbelief and shock, as she gritted her teeth in fury. WHAT!?

Many of the changelings gasped. D-Did that little mongrel creature truly just challenge their mighty Queen!?

Even the ponies looked shocked as they looked down at the little puppy.

Queen Chrysalis was practically speechless. "Y-You....you would dare speak to me as an equal? YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A TINY LITTLE MONGREL MUTT! YOU'RE NOTHING COMPARED TO ME! HOW DARE YOU SHOW ME DISRESPECT, I AM-"

The diamond dog puppy then hopped again with a bright happy smile. "MINE!" Before it started sprinting straight towards the Queen on all fours, hungrily eyeing her makeshift black crown, focused on it like a mad dog. "Mine mine mine mine mine mine mine!"

Queen Chrysalis staggered back. "W-WHAT!? IT CHARGES ME!? SUCH, SUCH INSOLENCE!" She'd never admit it, but this creature's confidence sent a shiver down her spine! I-It dare charged her head on in a duel!? W-WHAT FOOLISHNESS! Queen Chrysalis then ported forward as she glared angrily at the insolent pup. "I WILL TURN YOU TO ASH YOU FOOLISH CREATURE!" And as she gritted her teeth nervously, her horn lit with green flame as she let off a massive blast of magical energy straight towards the puppy. "PERISH!!!!"

The diamond dog pup remained focused on her black crown before it leaped into the air, and immediately dived and dug into the ground as the blast passed over it, but managed to tear its brown leather sack to pieces. But as it did so, the changeling orbs which were in the sack ignited with magical power due to the Queen's magical blast, letting off streams of powerful magical energy which surged out and around the city, breaking apart her blast and deflecting it towards more areas of the city, as if the orbs truly did act like a barrier.

Queen Chrysalis trembled as she snarled. "W-WHAT!?" I-It deflected my blast!?

The changelings were horrified, shocked in disbelief.

The ponies all looked on in awe, before they immediately cheered. One stated, "W-We can't just allow her to do all the fighting! Let's go ponies! We can take back our freedom! Together! Chaaaaaaaaaarge!" And with that, the ponies were rallied with confidence as they charged the changeling horde, determined as ever to take back their freedom, despite their numbers and disadvantage.

Queen Chrysalis looked on in horror at the ferocity of the ponies as they charged she and her subjects. She then glanced around her city, her destroyed and flaming hive, having cause the destruction with her own magical spell, duped by this master tactician, this, legendary little mongrel which dare challenged her. Speaking of it, Chrysalis backed up as she glanced around hurriedly. "W-Where did it go!?"

And suddenly bursting out of the ground right behind the Queen would be the diamond dog pup with hungry eyes. "MINE!" As it was currently in mid-air, leaping for the Queen herself, its eyes still fastened on her crown as the world seemed to go in slow motion.

Queen Chrysalis glanced back with wide horrified eyes, as she peered into the eyes of a monster. A creature the likes of which she had never seen before, this, mongrel, this tiny creature? How could such a being exist!? Which now wished to devour her very soul!? Queen Chrysalis' expression sunk as she was filled with immediate fear. She cried out before flapping her wings and taking for the skies to avoid the death grab by the tiny creature. "NOOOO!!!! R-RETREAT! RETREAT MY SUBJECTS! I-IT'S A MONSTER! A MONSTER!!!!"

The changelings then immediately rose for the skies as well, beginning to retreat as they followed quickly after their Queen. What few remained to fight eventually caught on as they to began to make way for a hasty retreat. Realizing their current situation.

The puppy touched upon the ground face first as it then glanced around hurriedly. It then peered off into the distance, seeing that Queen Chrysalis was flying away, which caused her eyes to tear as she began to whine and cry. "Aruuuuuuu, aruuuuuu..." Its crown was now too far away. The puppy then began sniffing around again, as it noticed its bag was destroyed, and it'd lost all its gems. Its eyes saddened as she still had some of the brown leather material attached to her back, now forming what looked like a brown cloak. She didn't really notice though. The puppy took a moment to acknowledge the ponies one last time, who all were still celebrating their regained freedom. It tilted its head to the right before muttering, "Po-nieees." It then turned around slowly, sniffing around at the dirt as it progressively made its way towards one of its makeshift holes before hopping inside and disappearing from sight, continuing on with her journey.

The pony captives were all still embracing one another as they cheered in unison, in complete and absolute joy. They were finally free, after so long, Queen Chrysalis and her changelings had given them back their reigns. Many looked to the tunnels which lead to the network of more tunnels, knowing one lead back to the surface. But as they all celebrated, standing there with grateful expressions, one more turned around looking for one thing in particular. All she saw now was a barren broken landscape adorned in flames, and glowing green orbs laying on the ground as well as the charred remains of a brown leather sack. The mare smiled to herself with saddened eyes as she then focused on a hole which laid not far off from the lot of them. Her eyes began to tear up as she muttered, "Farewell, Commander."

Exploration for the current day had finally come to a close. Twilight felt they'd made sufficient progress with Rarity's new little pup for the time being. And Rarity had already accomplished much of the hard work herself. Having gone out of her way to find the source of her cutie mark's reactions; although Twilight would've preferred that she consulted with them first, she understood Rarity's situation. So as the group had already made their way back out from the underground tunnels and up to the surface, she was content. It seemed Princess Luna had also already brought out the moon and Princess Celestia had retired for the day as well. The mane six had all stood on a grassy field, right above the diamond pup's cavern home, having used teleportation magic to aid in their exiting process, as Twilight looked to the moonlit sky.

"Well, that was fun." Rainbow commented as she stretched her hooves and yawned, patting her muzzle tiredly as she glanced down at the diamond dog pup who was just sniffing about them happily as it still seemed to posses much energy. "Great job squirt! That was pretty cool. Ya got a lot of talent in gem huntin from the looks of it! Don't really see why you need Rarity's help."

Rarity gasped, glaring at Rainbow. "HEY!"

Rainbow shrugged before backing away in laughter. "Kidding, kiddiiiiing Rarity!"

Twilight muttered to herself in obvious distress. "Neither do I Rainbow."

Rarity huffed before grabbing onto the pup and then placing it on her back again. Rarity was unsurprisingly dirty as well as she closed her eyes with a heavy sigh. "Well everypony, aside from that little venture," she glanced about at them, "Well, what do we do now?"

They all looked at Rarity, all besides Twilight who still appeared horribly upset.

Rarity raised a brow at Twilight. "Is everything alright darling?"

Twilight shook her head. "S-Sorry. I just can't seem to figure out what is it that's going on." She paused, "I just don't see what it is that Rarity needs to do. I have my suspicions or theories but ultimately, none of them make enough sense to validate Rarity's cutie mark going off. It just seems out of the blue, this abnormal connection. This pup gathers gems well on its own, survives well on its own, is happy and content with itself. I just don't see what the problem could be, could it be something as simple as just,....befriending it?"

Suddenly the pup hopped from Rarity's back before running around her in circles. "Mine mine mine mine mine mine mine mine!"

Rarity chuckled a bit before smirking lightly. "What in the world? Yes yes, I understand." She used her magic to pick her up before just huffing a bit and shaking her head. "Well, there is no rush Twilight. For now I will take her back with me. She could use a bath anyhow."

Twilight nodded to Rarity as she still wore a slight frown but graced Rarity with a smile. "Sorry Rarity."

Rarity shook her head, "No need to apologize darling! Truly!" Rarity then went back to tending to the pup a few feet away.

"Twilight Twilight Twilight! Look what I found!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed from afar. Hurriedly approaching Twilight, she had in her own mouth what appeared to be a strange cracked ruby gem, it sparkled in the moonlight, and leaked with a slighty red aura.

Twilight blinked a bit, "Oh, what's that Pinkie?"

Pinkie shook her head. "Not sure! But I like it! See! Isn't it nice?"

And as Twilight and Pinkie talked a little bit further from the group, Rarity snatched up the diamond dog pup as she placed it on her back. She paused however, taking a moment to inspect the brown cloak the pup was wearing, and noticing it had burn marks on the edges. She raised a brow at this and muttered, "Hm, burn marks? No matter, nothing I cannot fix. Did she contend with a dragon or something?" She then raised a brow as she glanced back at the pup. "What happened to your-" before she paused. "H-Hey, what's wrong with you?"

And the diamond dog had wide eyes, her pupils dilated as she just gave Pinkie a blank stare. Particularly, she focused on the ruby which Pinkie had before she began letting off a hushed growling noise. She glared somewhat at the pink pony. "Miiiine...."