The train journey was, as one might expect under the circumstances, a silent one. Though nopony could deny the need to speak up and perhaps comfort their friends over what they may or may not see at the end of this, nopony said a word. Instead, they simply sat beside one another in their carriage, staring out of the window. They watched without comment as towns, villages, trees, fields and hills passed them by, never even uttering a whisper. It was the nerves, that much was certain, that silent fear that they were about to enter what could be a dangerous situation. Every once in a while, Twilight would turn, seeing her friends give each other looks of concern, and she would let out a sigh at it. But, at that moment, she looked up to see the one sitting beside her; Pinkie Pie. The energetic earth pony was smiling to her, albeit in a far smaller way than she normally would, and placed a hoof upon her shoulder. Twilight smiled back at this, silently appreciating her attempt to cheer her up. Even so, this pleasant moment between the two was short lived, as Rainbow Dash then leapt out of her seat and moved to the nearby window, prompting the others to join her soon afterwards. Sure enough, they looked out to see that the landscape had given way to vast mountains, and that, as everypony knew, meant one thing; Canterlot was nearby.

Taking a deep breath, Twilight craned her neck, trying to see far enough to perhaps catch an early sight of her hometown. Within moments, she got her wish, as the magnificent spires and bejewelled palaces of Equestria's capital came into view soon afterwards. However, as soon as it did, Twilight looked on with both surprise and recognition. For there, covering the entirety of the city, was a massive pink bubble, clearly forged of powerful magic; a barrier spell. Exhaling at last, Twilight gave a small smile, knowing full well what having that spell up and running still meant, and who it meant was still in action. She turned away, with the others keeping an eye on her as she returned to her seat. They looked to each other, as if daring them to be the first to speak. But, almost as soon as they'd all silently agreed on Applejack to take that role, they found that the farm mare didn't get the chance to say anything. For it was now that the train began to pass through the protective shield, taking all of the other mares by surprise, with many of them shivering slightly from the experience. Knowing they were now in, Twilight got off her seat again and began moving towards the compartment door, ready to disembark. Her friends soon joined her, each mentally preparing themselves in their own way. Fluttershy was more nervous than any other, but, a comforting nudge form Rainbow seemed to put her at ease, at least for the time being.

Unfortunately, for all of them, that nervousness was about to get much worse, for no sooner had they taken one step from the train when they finally noticed their surroundings. The royal guard, in their dozens, were lining the station, posted at every entrance, every door, every place where somepony could get either in or out, all the while bearing that grim and stoic look they were famous for. As one might expect, the mares all looked to each other in worried manners. But Twilight kept her previous serious expression, walking forward and practically ignoring the guards around her. As her friends followed, all six of them discovered, to their surprise, that the two guards poised outside the gates to Canterlot proper now began to move, standing on either side of Twilight. They said nothing, but their purpose was clear; they were an escort. Sighing, Twilight carried on, with her friends not far behind her. And so it was that they left the station, and thus looked upon the grandeur of Canterlot, and it was here that all of them stood aghast at what they were now seeing. On the entire journey, they had all conjured up similar mental images of what this city would look like after an attack. Broken buildings, scattered and screaming ponies, and just a general sense of danger. And yet, when they looked to it now, there was none of that. No damage, no fearful ponies, nothing.

It was almost as if the place hadn't even been touched. Twilight looked at this sight with both surprise and confusion, especially when she looked around to see how the ponies about on the streets seemed to be acting as though everything was fine. She turned to her friends, giving them a quick glance before looking forward again. And so it was that she continued her march forward, with her two guards sticking close to her. All of them moved through the city, passing street after street, until, at long last, they reached the road that they knew from experience led to the royal palace itself. And it was here, at long last, that they finally caught sight of something strange. For, as they turned to their left, they noticed two long lines of royal guards, all from the unicorn platoons, standing all the way on either side of a nearby street, holding their traditional spears. But, it was what was occurring within the two lines that most took them aback. There was a steady line of creatures that five of those six mares had never laid eyes upon, and yet Twilight knew all too well, as evidenced by the frown she bore. The same size of ponies, they bore a black carapace, and seemed more like insects, complete with blue and expressionless eyes. Changelings. However, as the mares looked down, they noticed that each one of them had chains around their hooves as they walked along the street.

"I say! What are those...those...ghastly things?!" Rarity exclaimed.

Twilight turned to her friend and answered.

"They're Changelings. Creatures that can mimic the appearance of others...and feed on their love."

As expected, the whole group turned to her, looking terrified at that prospect, with Applejack being the next to speak.

"Changelins? Ya mean...like those old mare's tales? Ah...ah though they weren't real?"

Twilight turned to the chained drones once more, narrowing her eyes as she did so.

"They look real enough to me."

"Twily!"

The second voice caught all of them off-guard, and they snapped their heads in the direction of the great palace before them. Sure enough, there he was, Shining Armour, captain of the royal guard, and Twilight’s older brother. Smiling widely, Twilight ran forward, with her two guards merely staying put and saluting in the presence of their commanding officer. The two siblings embraced, smiling warmly as they did so, before eventually parting.

"It's so good to see you again. Did you have any trouble on the way here?"

Twilight shook her head.

"No. No problems. But...I guess I was kinda expecting things to be worse here. I mean...Celestia said in her letter that there was an attack?"

The smile from Shining's face disappeared as he gave a single, grim nod, turning to the line of changelings far away.

"There was. The princess got an anonymous tip that a swarm of those things was preparing to attack the city. So, we made all the necessary preparations, including my shield up there. We expected them to take their time and wait for a moment of vulnerability to attack. But..."

Turning back to his sister, Shining gained a look of concern.

"...instead...they simply struck at us. They just charged, crashing against the shield, utterly desperate to get in. As you might expect, with a barrier that strong, they didn’t get far, and our pegasi platoons took them by surprise during their attempt to get in. It was a hard fight, but we won, and now...they're our prisoners."

Twilight, after hearing her brother's story, looked back to the chained changelings, frowning as she did so.

"But...why would they act in such a rash manner?"

She looked back to Shining, who was bearing a grim look, especially when he turned form her and looked to the palace behind him.

"Because...we have their leader."

With that explanation, all of Twilight's friends looked to each other, looking equally fearful at the manner in which Shining had spoken those words. As for Twilight, she shared her brother's determination about all this, walking forward and standing beside him as she too looked upon the grand castle. The two siblings turned to each other, giving a silent nod, before looking forward once more and starting to walk towards the enormous building, with both the guards and Twilight's friends close behind. They made their way up the steps to the large ornate wooden door to the palace, and it was here that the guards finally left their company, instead taking their respective places on either side of that gateway. Using their magic, they began to open it for the other seven ponies, and as they entered, they now looked upon the elaborate and regal entrance hall of the palace, which, as usual, earned a stifled squeal from Rarity. However, the mood then turned more serious as they saw, right at the end of the hall, were the three alicorn princesses of Equestria; Celestia, Luna and Cadence. Seeing her long-time mentor, Twilight rushed forward, meeting with her and embracing her, which the elder mare gladly returned. As they stayed together, the other ponies soon joined the group, which was the point when the two finally parted.

"Princess! I got your letter! Are you and everypony else alright?"

Celestia smiled warmly at her student's concern before giving a nod.

"I'm fine, Twilight. And so is everypony else."

Twilight nodded at that, and shortly afterwards, she turned to Cadence. The two future sister-in-laws stepped closer, embracing each other as Twilight just did with Celestia. Under normal circumstances, they might have partaken of their childhood pastime of dancing and singing in greeting. But, both of them knew that this day was far too sobering for that. Instead, once Twilight parted form her, she looked back to Celestia.

"So...I hear we have a prisoner?"

This time, it was not Celestia that answered, but Cadence.

"Yes. It was quite shocking. I was in my chambers, going over a few dress ideas I wanted to see for the upcoming wedding, when one of my hoof-maidens entered. She said she wanted to help me, but..."

A look of disbelief crossed the young alicorn's face as she conjured forth the memories of that day.

"...something happened. That amulet you gave me? Your gift? It began to glow and, for some reason, my hoof-maiden suddenly started writing in agony on the ground. I tried to help her, but, then, she became covered in green fire. When it died down, she was...she was..."

She didn’t finish her words, but then, Twilight didn’t need to hear the rest. For she knew full well what would have occurred. Instead, she look on as Celestia spoke up again.

"With the impostor paralyzed, the guards soon rushed in and apprehended her. And that's when the changelings tried attacking the city."

Twilight nodded, now secure in her mental image of what transpired in this city. However, as she kept her eyes on her teacher, her words were serious and to-the-point.

"Can...can I see her?"

Celestia's smile faded, and she gave a grim nod in response to her protégé’s question. The group all watched as Equestria's diarch began to make her way off, leading to the rest of them following her shortly afterwards. She led them, in utter silence, through hall after hall, and, in time, the grandeur of this place began to give way to more practical-looking rooms, and as they did, the number of guards grew with every passing step. Needless to say, this created a very uncomfortable atmosphere for all concerned. Eventually, the princess of the sun reached an old and foreboding door, and stood beside it, looking right at Twilight. Raising a hoof, the elder alicorn pointed it to Twilight's friends, as well as both Shining and the other princesses. She said nothing, but her intent was clear; she was going to take Twilight alone into this place. Rainbow Dash, who was more than likely concerned with Twilight's well-being, stepped forward, perhaps to protest this. But, Twilight stopped her, giving a look that showed she was both appreciative of her concern for her, but also showing that it might be best to do what Celestia says, at least for the time being. Being the kind of mare that Rainbow was, she didn’t seem to like this one bit, but nevertheless relented as she slumped her shoulders. Twilight gave one final look to each of her friends and family, before looking back to Celestia.

Nodding, Twilight's teacher used her magic to open the door beside her, after which, Twilight entered. She had never been here before, and yet, she nevertheless knew where she was; the dungeons of Canterlot. In her time, she had, thankfully, never known of anypony actually being put down here, as only the worst of the worst were considered worth locking up in a place like this. It was dark, and cold, and utterly devoid of any trait a pony would want to find themselves in. And yet, as Celestia joined her and closed the door behind them, Twilight knew that she had to be here. Steeling herself, Twilight took a step forward, starting to make her way down the long stairs, taking her and her mentor deeper and deeper beneath the city. As expected of a place like this, there were many guards, each of whom salute their princess as she passed. But Twilight wasn't paying attention to them at this point. Instead, her eyes were placed squarely at what now emerged from the gloom ahead of her. A door, older than any other she had passed thus far, clad in iron bars and guarded by two of the biggest and strongest-looking royal guards she had ever seen. This was the place of a terrible prisoner, that much was certain. And so it was that Twilight found herself growing more and more nervous the closer she got to it, until, at long last, she stopped just a few feet away.

There was silence here, as indeed there had been on this entire journey, as Twilight simply stared at the door for a long time. She counted the moments, feeling the fear inside her already, knowing full-well who was on the other side. It was almost too much to bear, but then, to her surprise, she found a pristine white hoof upon her shoulder. Turning, Twilight looked up to see Celestia, giving her an encouraging smile, no doubt trying to alleviate her concerns. It was a gesture that sent Twilight's mind back, to the days when she first became Celestia's pupil. Back then, no matter how hard a task she was given, that smile would always give her the encouragement she needed. So, turning back to the door, Twilight raised a hoof and pushed it open, during which it let out a loud creak, a clear sign of its age. As it opened, light began to pour into the darkened cell within, revealing several iron bars that stretched from one side of the room to the other. As Twilight entered, and looked upon those bars, she finally caught sight of the one beyond. Like any other changeling, she bore a black carapace, and insect-like wings. But, she was taller, about the same height as an alicorn, and had a flowing sickly-green mane. But it was her eyes that Twilight could not look away from. Those piercing, almost predatory eyes.

Queen Chrysalis, the leader of the changelings.

However, this formidable foe was clearly in no position to be any kind of threat to anypony. All around her, there were chains binding her to the stone walls and floor around her, around her hooves, her midriff, and any joint her captors could find. Her near-see-through wings were bound to her body by yet further chains, wrapped around her several times over. But it was her horn that drew Twilight's attention most of all at this point. It was clear that, during her brief time in paralysis, Chrysalis had been fitted with several magical inhibitor rings, each of which now snugly held onto her hoof, no doubt making it impossible for her to cast any kind of magic. With any luck, that would also hinder her ability to change her appearance. Given all these precautions, the many guards posted from here to the outside, plus the fact that, in this timeline, she had not been able to draw on any love energy from Shining, it was clear to all that Chrysalis wasn't going anywhere. And so it was that Twilight stepped closer, Celestia making sure to stick close to her, until she reached just a few short feet away from the bars. There was silence as the young unicorn gazed into the eyes of the changeling Queen, so utterly without pity or remorse. For a while, it looked as if this silence would prevail for a long time. But, inevitably, it did not.

"Well well...so my captors finally decide to pay me a visit."

Twilight had to resist the urge to wince at hearing that voice, so cold and calculating. She remembered it well, though would never seek to hear it again. But, she stood her ground, frowning slightly, but never letting anger seep into her voice as she spoke.

"You attempted to invade our capital."

The Queen chuckled slightly at that.

"How very perceptive, young one. What tipped you off? My infiltration, or the thousands of soldiers I had stationed outside your city’s borders?"

Twilight narrowed her eyes slightly.

"I only said that in the hopes that you would understand just how serious a crime you've committed. Many would have been hurt if you'd succeeded. I trust...you know that this is not something we'll take lightly."

The changeling looked away, still smirking in that way that always got under Twilight's nerves. She would have spoken further, except that she was not given the chance, as Celestia herself now took her place beside her student.

“What you and your people did today was an act of war. A war which, I’m sure you'll notice...you lost. Rather quickly too, I might add."

Only now did Chrysalis look back, an expression of anger in her eyes. But, she kept quiet, waiting as Celestia carried on.

"We have thousands of your people in chains, Chrysalis. From what we can gather, that's your entire race we have in captivity now. Do you have nothing to say on their behalf? No pleas of mercy or call for leniency?"

The changeling Queen glared angrily at her before speaking.

"You condemn us? All we wanted was to feed. That is hardly a crime, Celestia."

"But you've done terrible things to do it...haven't you?"

Twilight's voice was a surprise to both of them, as Chrysalis now turned her full attention to the young unicorn before her, who spoke softly, yet bore and edge to her voice.

"There have been many times in Equestria's history when stories of face-changers come, only to leave ruin in their wake. Great kingdoms brought down, mighty leaders vanquished. Your people were born from darkness...that, even the great Starswirl the Bearded knew it when he first encountered the place of your birth. Your people come, and like locusts, they take what they need...leaving only death and destruction behind them."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow at that.

"You know much, young one. It is rare to find a pony with such understanding of our kind."

Twilight's eyes narrowed.

"Look deep in enough in Equestria's history books and you'll be sure to find your name...followed by a list of the dead."

Chrysalis let out a dry laugh at that.

"Guilty, as charged."

Twilight stepped forward in an aggressive manner, ready to talk down the changeling for her nonchalant approach to such dire histories. And yet, she was stopped, as Celestia barred her path with her hoof, looking down on her in that same concerned look she always wore.

"You need not worry yourself over this, Twilight. People like her are not worth your time."

The young unicorn let out a sigh at that, but, it was here that Chrysalis spoke up again, her expression having changed to one of curiosity.

"Twilight? As in...Twilight Sparkle?"

Both Twilight and Celestia looked to her, each surprised that she would know of Twilight's name like that. There was, for a time, some hesitancy on Twilight's part, but, after a few moments, she eventually gave the prisoner her answer, giving a single nod in response. As the Queen took in that information, her expression became one of thoughtfulness, and then, to anger.

"So...I see it is to be death for me, then."

Immediately, Twilight bore a look of both shock and confusion, as she darted her head back and forth between Celestia and Chrysalis.

"What...what do you mean, death?"

Chrysalis narrowed her eyes.

"Those of the...darker forces of this world are not without ears. Rumours began to spread of a young unicorn, great in her power, who has been a thorn in the sides of many for some time now. Righting wrongs wherever she finds them. A unicorn powerful enough to best even a dragon in single combat."

Twilight looked away, knowing full well where Chrysalis was going with this. And so it was that the captured Queen carried on.

"There are even tales...of her journey into the forbidden realm of Tartarus...and coming out alive. What she did there, we do not know...only that, according to what we've heard...even the spirits themselves whisper her name...Twilight Sparkle."

The young unicorn looked to the prisoner, who was still staring at her intently. Yet again, she remained silent as Chrysalis continued.

"If you are indeed the one we have heard of...then it seems my fate is certain."

Celestia stepped forward, narrowing her eyes as she did so.

"We are not killers, Chrysalis. You and your people will not lose their lives at our hooves."

The changeling snorted at that.

"You'll forgive me if I do not believe you."

She turned from the sun princess, looking instead at Twilight once more.

"Tell me, O great Twilight Sparkle...what is it to be? Hanging? Beheading? Perhaps burning at the stake?"

Twilight had to resist the urge to wince at those suggestions, lest the Queen see weakness in her. Instead, she cleared her throat, attempting to look as calm and collected as possible.

"You will not experience any of those things, Chrysalis. You and your people have done terrible things to mine, all throughout history. You have lied, ravaged, destroyed...and yet...there is one thing, and one thing only...that that shows you are not complete monsters."

Needless to say, Chrysalis looked rather intrigued by that statement, looking to the young unicorn with a raised eyebrow. She remained silent as she watched her continue.

"You care for your people. Everything you do, you do to feed them. You even put yourself at risk by coming alone to Canterlot to infiltrate, just so you could get them the love they need. That kind of care for one's people is not the trait a monster would have. And it is for that reason that you will be shown a measure of leniency by us ponies."

Chrysalis kept quiet, watching as Twilight took on a more steely look.

"And yet...you have wronged our people, many times. Your need to feed on love means you can never truly live amongst us. Were we to let you go, there is no doubt in my mind that you would attempt such an invasion again...and again...and again...until you got what you wanted."

Only now did the changeling Queen speak up, though not without snorting before she did so.

"For the first time...one of you ponies says something I can agree with. So then...what is our fate to be?"

Twilight looked unsure how to answer that, with Chrysalis' predatory eyes boring into her, making her concerned as to what to truly do in all this. Instead, she looked up to her mentor, who had been quietly watching the back-and-forth between the two this whole time. Now seeing her student's eyes upon her, she took a step forward, looking straight at Chrysalis and speaking in that stern and regal tone that always carried such authority.

"There are places in Equestria, out in the more desolate lands of our realm, where, in ancient times, prisoners of war would be housed. Those places can still be used, and WILL be, for you and your people. There you will remain, under guard by hundreds, if not thousands of our soldiers. It will be impossible for you to break out of such places, given the enchantments that were placed upon them all those centuries ago. We will not kill you, Chrysalis...but neither can we ever allow you your freedom."

The changeling Queen glanced angrily at the princess.

"So...instead of commending us to a quick death...you will give us a slow one. Remember, Celestia, my people feed on love. If we have none...we will perish."

Celestia shook her head at that.

"We have considered that, and we have a solution to it. A spell, originally created to aid those who were gravely injured in battle, so they could remain asleep while others worked to heal them. Such a spell can be used on you and yours...to keep you in a state of sleep. It will be like the hibernation of a dragon. From what we have learned of your kind, you will not need to feed as long as you are under that enchantment."

Chrysalis considered that for a while, looking from Celestia to Twilight and then back again, before putting on a small smirk.

"So...we are to be imprisoned forever? Locked away, never to see the sun again? Asleep...never to wake? I see I gave you ponies too much credit. Such mercy will be the death of you one day, Princess. No prison has ever held us, not once. One day we will be free again, and on that day...you will wish you'd killed us."

The mocking way in which she'd spoken those words got under Celestia's skin in a big way. However, it was not she who gave an answer to that, but rather Twilight, who now looked right into Chrysalis' eyes before speaking in a hushed manner.

"Perhaps...but that day is not today."

The Queen narrowed her eyes at that, with no laugher nor smirk following the young unicorn's words. Instead, she simply sat there, watching in silence as both Twilight and Celestia slowly turned around, and thus, began to walk away. It was a slow walk, but they soon made it outside the cell once more, and Twilight stopped to give their captured enemy another glance. Chrysalis was still there, her eyes never leaving Twilight, and as the door began to finally close behind her, the light fading from inside the cell, the last thing Twilight saw within it were those same fearsome eyes, glaring at her, as if to make a silent promise that this would not be the last time she saw them. But, the door soon closed afterwards, and now, it was merely Twilight and Celestia alone together, aside from the two guards outside of the cell's door. The stress of that meeting, and the knowledge that the one she hated so much was just a few short feet from her, finally started to get To Twilight, and she let out a deep sigh, as well as showing that she was wobbling in the knees slightly. Seeing this, Celestia put on that same motherly smile from before, stepping towards her student and placing a reassuring hoof upon her shoulder. No words passed between them, merely small smiles.

And so it was that Twilight and Celestia began to make their way back up the stone stairs, and within a few minutes, they were out of the dungeon, where all of their friends were waiting for them. The mares and Shining looked to Twilight, seeing the stress of this situation plastered all over her face, and looked on with concern. Twilight’s brother stepped forward, holding his sister close in an embrace, which the young unicorn eagerly returned. When they finally parted, he looked to her and spoke softly.

"Are you okay, Twily?"

It took a while, but Twilight eventually smiled back at her brother and nodded.

"Everypony's okay, brother. And that...is all that matters."