Author's Notes:

So this chapter fills the dark part of the story, at least in my eyes.
And I had so much content and I didn't want to break it into multiple chapters, so I split the POV a little. Its easy to figure out though. But I didn't get as much as I wanted in, but I think I'm happy with it... I think.
Remember this, Excalibur is a miserable mental mess, remember the train ride in Reminiscing? Basically he's falling into his previous state of depression/madness.
Depending on time and content, split POV's might become a thing, but not a regular thing.

CRASH!

“SERENITY GET TWILIGHT!”

“ON IT!”

I took a knee and fired three shots and hit three changelings in the head. Serenity used my shoulder as a launch pad and bullet jumped off it and went for Twilight with her energy claws while I continued the fight below her. I quickly dropped another changeling with a shot to the chest. Serenity had her sights aimed on the two changelings that had Twilight bound and gagged.

Unfortunately a third tackled her in the chest, causing her to fall back to the floor.

While she dealt with that changeling I stood up and bullet jumped to the second floor and went after Twilight.

“Twilight!”

Her eyes were wide, “Mmm!”

The two changelings that had her were already halfway out the window. Before I could reach the second floor and grab her, they took flight. I landed and ran up to the window before standing in front of the open window and lined up the shot to drop the channelings.

“Oof!”

BANG!

I didn’t see the changeling that tackled me come through the window. I fell backwards and landed on my back while I put a round through the ceiling. And just like when I first fought them, he stood on my chest and hissed at me. This time, I grabbed him by the horn and put my Lex next to his head.

BANG!

The bullet ripped through his head like a hot knife through butter, splattering green blood all over the adjacent wall. I pushed the now limp body off me and jumped to my feet before I went back to the open window. As I looked around the dark abyss, all I saw was more darkness.

“Ordis, do you see Twilight!?” I said while scanning the open skies.

“Negative Excalibur, I’m not picking up anything on my sensors.”

“Shit!” I holstered my Lex and turned around, “Serenity!?”

“Down here, and I have a prisoner!”

I walked to the edge of what I presume was Twilights bedroom. I looked down to see Serenity holding down the changeling that attacked her. He kept trying to squirm away, but to no avail.

“Keep him restrained,” I ordered while pointing at the changeling. Next, I jumped down to the main floor, “Spike! Where are you!?” I screamed while looking around the library.

“In here!”

Quickly, I followed the voice into the kitchen. I looked around the empty room for a second before speaking up, “Spike, it’s safe to come out,” I said calmly.

The cupboard below the sink creaked opened just a hair, then Spike came running out.

He ran up to me and grabbed my leg, “Excalibur, I was so scared!” he said while he started to cry into my leg.

I kneeled down, “It’s alright Spike, you’re safe and that what matters,” I grabbed him so he could give me a proper hug.

He continued to cry, but this time into my shoulder, “And *sniffle sniffle* what of *sniffle* Twilight?”

“I… I wasn’t able to get to her in time,” I said truthfully.

He adjusted himself to look me in the eyes, “What *sniffle* what do you think they are going to do with her?”

“I don’t know Spike. But she is their only leverage, if their smart they will keep her alive.”

He looked down for a moment, “Are you sure?”

“I am,” I placed him on the floor, “Spike, I need you to send a letter to Celestia and Luna immediatly.”

“Okay,” he said while wiping the tears from his eyes.

I stood up and headed for the door with Spike in tow. Right before we were about to enter the main room I stopped in front of the door and turned to look at the little dragon, “Spike, wait here. You won’t like the mess we made in the other room.”

He held his claws to his chest, “Okay…” he said nervously.

I turned back and opened the door and walked into the now bloody and body ridden main room where Serenity still held her captive. Immediately I began to search the "building" for a sheet of paper. You'd think that a library would have paper... boy I was wrong. Eventually I ran up to Twilights bedroom in search for the elusive paper sheet. After a minute or two of searching up there, I found a sheet of paper (finally) on a desk. I grabbed a fresh sheet and took a nearby quill and scribbled down a letter.

Celestia, this is Excalibur, Twilight has been abducted by changelings for unknown reasons. Spike is safe, we have a hostage, and Serenity and I are going to check on the rest of the Elements. We’ll be headed for the Canterlot as soon as possible. It would be wise to keep them under watch until the situation is resolved.

I rolled the scroll up and walked back down stairs and into the kitchen where Spike was sitting on the counter crying.

I walked up to him and held out the letter, “Here you go Spike.”

He looked up and took the letter. He took a deep breath and made the letter disappear in a green flame. When he was done he looked at me with tear ridden eyes.

“Letter *sniffle* sent.”

I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “Don’t worry Spike, we’ll get her back,” I said reassuringly.

“Promise?”

I smiled a little under my helmet, “Promise,” I paused, “Come on, we need to check up on the others.”

“You think they’ll be alright?”

I sighed, “I don’t know Spike… I don’t know.”

From there I escorted Spike out of the library, making sure he kept his eyes shut so he didn't see the carnage Serenity and I had made. The library was ridden with bullet holes; green blood coated the walls and bookshelves in areas. Over all, the place was an all-around mess. Once we were outside and out of side of the violent scene, I had Serenity swap places with me; she watched over Spike while he was outside and I dealt with the captive. I tried to do a quick interrogation, but to no avail. Every time I asked a question he refused to respond. So I transferred him to my capture device and decided to question him in Canterlot.

From there, I wrote a ‘Do not enter’ note and placed it on the door of the library. Once we were done there, the three of us stopped by the local guard post and had them go deal with the break in and clean up the bodies. Bunch of idiots, they were all either sleeping or pretty much jacking off to each other. They were surprised when we walked in and told them the news. They couldn't believe it that this would happen. I damn near burned the place down I was so furious. I'll be having a word with Celestia and Luna. After I chewed out the incompetent guard, we went to check on the rest of Twilights friends.

Thankfully, they were all safe.

Obviously they were shocked at what I told them. But they were more than willing to let Serenity and I look after them. Once we gathered them together we headed for Canterlot. Now, the train would take hours and wouldn’t even arrive until sun up. So with a little improvising, I had Ordis make some harnesses and I was able to get them to attach to my archwing.

I made sure to grab a few weapons and other gear that could be useful. Once everyone was set, we geared up for our ride to Canterlot. With the set up, I had Rarity and Applejack strapped to the wings of my Odonata Prime. While Serenity had Pinkie and Rainbow strapped to hers. I held onto Fluttershy while Serenity held onto Spike. After I made sure that they all had goggles and were ready for our flight. I made sure that Serenity and I went a reasonable speed. After a about a 30 to 45 minute flight, we landed at the castle. Once we landed, I disconnected the two ponies and set down the third before we all ran inside and met up with the Princesses.

We met up with Celestia and Luna in the throne room.

We all stood in front of the solar princess, “Excalibur, could you please explain what has happened to my student?” Celestia asked frantically.

She didn’t have her regalia on and she had some noticeable bags under her eyes.

“I sensed a problem late last night and Ordis confirmed my suspicions. He picked up a large group of trespassers in the library. So, immediately I grabbed Serenity and we went to investigate… and when I say investigate I mean eliminate.”

“So what happened?” she asked.

“Twilight was abducted. That’s all I know.”

She looked at the floor and took a second to think about the situation.

“And what of your prisoner?”

“Stored away safely. We can start questioning him whenever.”

“Alright,” she looked at a nearby guard, “Get a magic inhibitor!” she ordered.

“Yes your majesty!” replied the guard before running off.

I looked at Serenity, “Get ready to grab him,” I ordered.

“Yes Excalibur.”

A few tense minutes passed before the guard in question came running in.

“Here you are your majesty,” he said while handing her a small ring.

She took it with her magic before she looked at me, “Excalibur,” she said while she "handed" me the ring.

I took it and looked at Serenity, “Ready?”

She took a ready stance to grab the captive, “Ready,” she replied with a single nod.

“Alright,” I held up my left hand and activated the storage device.

The orange beam poured from my palm and began to rebuild the captive. When the majority of the mass of his body became apparent, he was screaming his head off. Once he became fully formed, Serenity tackled him and pinned him to the floor. While she held him, I slipped the ring over his horn.

I stood up, “Alright numbnuts, you better start squawking,” I said with authority.

He squirmed a little, “Good luck with that!”

“I can promise you,” I kneeled down and looked him in the eyes, “I have my ways.”

“I’m not afraid of you!”

I looked at Serenity, “Hold his head down.”

She adjusted him to where the side of his head was pinned against the tile floor. I held my right hand up and clenched it into a fist. The Ripka chainsaw opened and roared. Everyone’s eyes went wide at the saw blade.

“Last chance.”

“You wouldn’t dare!?”

I dared, hard too.

I raised my right hand over my head and brought the roaring saw down. When the saw connected with the bone like appendage, it roared. He screamed in agony as the saw did its job. Once it cut through the horn it clanked and clattered on the hard floor. I lifted the saw up and closed it.

I kneeled down and leaned in closer, “Don’t worry… you will learn to fear me,” I stood up and looked at a still shocked Celestia, “Get me a large room, restraints, and make sure the room is sound proof.”

She gulped before regaining her composure, “Right this way,” she said before turning and heading to the door of the throne room.

It was just after sunset the changeling was restrained to a wall via chains around his front fetlocks. I stood alone in the large room. There was a two way mirror on the left hand wall. That was the only outstanding feature, otherwise it was just empty. On my radar, it showed three blue dots, well, one is a lotus symbol. I presume the two others were Celesita and her sister.

I grabbed my Atterax whip. All while the prisoner watched me.

“This is the Atterax, built for punishing Grineer soldiers. It is powerful enough to shred metal,” I pressed the button on the handle that releases the head. It hit the floor with a thunk, “I think you can guess what it can do to living flesh?”

His eyes were as wide as dinner plates, “No pony is that cruel!”

I pressed the trigger to activate the spinning head. The multi-bladed head opened, spun, roared, and bounced around on the hard floor.

“I am,” I adjusted my arm so that I could swing the whip, “Now… what was your plan?”

“I won’t tell you!” retaliated the changeling.

Without hesitation I swung the massive spinning head and hit him square in the back.

“AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”

The blade ripped into his chitinous skin, tearing it to shreds. I pulled the head away quickly and looked at the now bleeding changeling.

“What was your plan!?” I ordered.

“Screw you!”

I swung the blade again, this time I hit him in the right side. He let out another blood curdling scream while the multiplied head removed his insect like wings and tore deeper into his skin.

I pulled the blade back yet again, “Tell me!” I ordered ferociously.

“No!”

I adjusted myself and stood parallel to the two way mirror. I put my right arm in front and across my chest before swinging yet again. This time I hit him in the left side, which tore into his side yet again and removed his left wing.

Once again he screamed in unbearable agony.

I pulled the head back, “Well? Are you going to tell me? Or do I have to start removing limbs?” I asked calmly, almost insanely.

“I’d rather die!”

Screw it! if he wants death, who am I to deny it?

“Fine,” i said calmly. I walked up and stood in the large pool of green blood that formed on the floor underneath him, “So be it.”

BZZZZZZZZZZZ!

I opened the left saw shoved the left Ripka through his back and into the wall. He gagged and shook for a few seconds before his deep blue eyes rolled into the back of his head. After a few seconds while the saw ripped through his abdomen. I finally heard the last breath leave his body before I removed the saw and closed it.

The door to the room crashed open. Celestia and her sister charged in.

I turned to look at the twin princesses, “Excalibur, what did you do that for!? He was our only lead to Twilight!” screamed Celestia.

“If he wasn’t willing to talk after three hits from an Atterax, he wasn’t going to talk,” I said calmly.

I’d tortured plenty of captives to know that if they won’t talk after the third hit, they won’t talk at all. Celestia was dumbfounded and sos was her sister. I walked passed them and into the hall. All while leaving green boot prints and blood drops from the whip. While i walked through the halls of the castle, Celestia eventually ran up and matched my pace.

“Excalibur that was the worst, most disgusting, and cruelest thing you could do to a pony!” she said while placing a hoof to her head before holding it out in front of her.

I glanced at her quickly, “Believe me; I have done worse to people… and under better circumstances.”

“You killed him without remorse!” she barked while holding a hoof up.

“That’s because I have none,” I said flatly.

She stopped while I continued to walk forward

By now the blood trail had faded as we approached the throne room. The maids were going to have a lot of fun cleaning it... unfortunately. I reached the throne room doors and opened the right one and entered the massive room where Twilights friends stood around idly. They all turned to look at me when they heard the door open.

“So how did it go?” asked Rainbow.

“It was waste of my time,” I said with a hint annoyance and anger.

“How so?” asked Rarity.

“He flat out killed the prisoner,” said Luna.

“You what!?” all of Twilights friends screamed in unison.

“I’ll bet you all fifty plat that within the next hour someone will walk through that door and is demanding a ransom of some sort!” I said while pointing to the door of the throne room.

The door swung open. Three changelings walked in with an escort of five royal guards. I really wasn’t expecting the timing to be that quick. The massive group walked into the room while we watched them.

The head guard walked up to Celestia and saluted. Celestia returned the gesture. He put his hoof back down, "Your majesty, these three have a message.”

She looked at them with hatred while I did my best not to blow their heads off.

“Speak… now!” she ordered. Her anger and hatred were pretty prevalent.

“We are here to deliver a message,” said the middle changeling.

“Go on,” ordered Celestia.

“Not for you,” he looked at me, “for him,” all three of them broke off from their escort and walked up to me, “This is for you,” he said while levitating a rolled up scroll to me.

I looked at Celestia before taking the scroll. With my right hand, I removed the ribbon and unrolled the letter with both hands.

Dear Excalibur

As you know, I have your little marefriend-

She isn’t my girlfriend!

“-you are to come to the badlands of the south. With this letter is a map. The X marks the spot. I will be there with little Twilight at 3 p.m. If you do not show, I kill her.

See you soon!

-Queen Chrysalis

I looked at Celestia again before letting go of the scroll. It rolled up and fell to the floor.

I looked back at them, “Boys… you done fucked up.”

I drew my Lex and shot the two guards in the head.

BANG! BANG!

I pointed the pistol at the now scared messenger. He fell on his haunches and looked at me. The terror he was feeling was pretty obvious, “What are you doing!? You don’t kill a messenger!”

“Should of thought about that before you showed up here.”

BANG!

The third dropped to the floor in a pool of green blood after his head was plastered all over the floor behind him.

I holstered my Lex, “Someone get me a sheet of paper!”

I turned back to see everyone –except Serenity- looking at the three bodies with wide eyes. They were scared as their eyes slowly rose to look me in the eye. Now, I had my reasons for killing them. One, was anger, two, I didn’t have to worry about three changelings, and three; I intend to show Chrysalis a very bad time.

A few minutes of a scared and awkward silence filled the air. Finally a guard came running in with a sheet of paper and a quill. I took the paper in my left hand and the quill in my right. I snapped the quill in two and threw it over my shoulder.

If she wants a fight, she will pay in blood.

I bent over and wiped two fingers in the pool of green blood before I started to scribble on the paper.

P.O.V. Twilight Sparkle.

“Mmmm!”

I was being dragged down a dark and damp hallway before I was finally tossed into a holding cell of some sort. The metal cell door closed with a bang. As I laid there bound, gagged and crying, Chrysalis walked up and looked through the bars of the cell.

She wore a mischevious and victorious smile. She started to laugh like a maniac before she looked at me again, “Mmwhahahaha! This will show that two legged freak what for!”

“Mmmm!”

I didn’t know what I did to deserve this. All I remember was I was having a nice dream where Excalibur and I were traveling through the stars. We explored the vastness of the universe. Then I woke up with a rag in my mouth, my legs were tied, and I was being dragged away before I saw Serenity jumping after me with those ferocious claws. Then she was tackled by a dark figure, then Excalibur took her place shortly afterwards.

“Mm hm mmf!”

Chrysalis looked at me, “Silence you!”

I shut up and curled up a little bit tighter.

“I can tell how much you love that thing, and I know he would do anything for you.”

I didn’t say anything, mainly because I couldn’t. That, and I didn't want to provoke her any further. She just stared me with that smile. I was so scared and those hate filled eyes. I kept thinking that Excalibur would come bounding down the hallway, show the Chrysalis the what for, pry the bars open, and whisk me away in his forelegs.

But he never showed up.

POOF!

The sound of a letter caused us both to look away from each other. Chrysalis looked to her right where a letter appeared, “Ah, would you look at that?” she took the letter in her magic and opened it in front of her face. She read it for a second before growling and crumpling the letter and dropping it.

I caught a glimpse of the letters context.

ILL BE THERE

-X

But the ink and writing was horrid. The writing looked like it was written with the end of someponies hoof and the ink was… was...BLOOD!

She looked at her guards, “Do what you want with her! Just don’t kill her!”

“Mmm!”

Her guards smiled mischievously. They both walked up to me, then around me. What happened next, scared my beyond belief. I felt one of them adjusted my flank. They were going to rape me, I never want to experience that! I'm saving myself for my husband... and what if I get pregnant!? I couldn't take care of a foal! What would my parents think? My brother? Cadence? Other ponies? My friends?

What would Excalibur think?

I looked back and shook my head back and forth rapidly, “Mmm... hmm... MMM!” all with tears were streaming down my face.

The queen looked back and caught a glimpse of the situation, “Anything but that!” she barked.

I closed my eyes and let out a relieving breath through my nose. My biggest fear at the moment was laid to rest. I wouldn't have to worry about being a mother to a crossbred pony/changeling foal. Both her guards let out depressed sighs and mumbled something to themselves.

“I will not allow my species to be tainted by ponies!” she said while looking me in the eyes. She looked at her guards, “torture her, cut of her horn I don’t care, just don’t kill her!”

No, not my horn!

“I’ll show him what fore,” said Chrysalis while she walked out of the room. Her guards looked at me with mischievous grins.

They beat me, for several hours.

I blacked out at some point, because the next thing I remember was I was sitting outside in the brutal sun. There was nothing but dessert. I was hot, sore, and just wanted to go home!

P.O.V. Excalibur Prime.

Serenity and I headed to the rally point Chrysalis sent me. While we walked I had my Soma at the ready and Serenity had her Tigris ready. The closer we walked to the meeting point, the more changelings appeared. They stood on rocks, hovered high in the air, or would stand nearby and hiss at us.

“Excalibur?”

“Just ignore them,” I looked at her and she looked at me, “They’re trying to intimidate us,” we both looked forward, “unless they make physical contact, do not engage.”

“Got it.”

Right after that, a changeling ran up in front of us and hissed. Serenity raised her gun but didn't fire. I just stood there and looked at it. It ran off shortly afterward. Serenity lowered he gun and let out a relieved breath. Once that little event was over with, we continued forward. We walked a short distance longer before walking around a rather large boulder. There were hundreds of changelings. The leader, who stood right in the middle, who I presume was Chrysalis, stood next Twilight, who was lying to the rulers right.

There is not a word in the universe that expressed my anger.

Twilight was a mess. Her mane, tail and coat were filthy and messy. She was covered in bruises and small cuts; her left eye was black and swollen. Her legs were tied, and she looked exhausted.

She lifted her head and looked at me with her one good eye, “Excalibur?” she asked weakly.

“It’s alright Twilight, we’re going to get you out of here and you’ll be on your way to Canterlot,” I said trying to reassure her.

“Please…” she started to cry, “I’m really hurt.”

“I know Twilight. I need you to be brave for a few more minutes, okay? I promise, we’re going to get you out of here,” I said calmly.

She nodded in response before closing her eye and laying her head on the ground before she continued to crying some more.

I looked at Chrysalis, “Let’s get to it. What are your demands?”

She smiled and turned her head slightly while still keeping eye contact, “What makes you think I want something from you?” she said with fake innocence.

“Cut the bullshit!” I snapped, “What do you want!?”

Her stupid smile disappeared and she turned her head to face me full on, “You!” she snapped back, “I want you to suffer like my hive and I did!” she screamed while she slammed her hole ridden hoof on the ground.

“And what do you want me to do!?”

“If you want your little marefriend to live, you will give yourself over to me!”

I shrugged my shoulders in surprise and shook my head and looked at Serenity, “Why does everyone think were dating?”

She shrugged her shoulders.

I eyed the queen again.

“Well?”

I didn’t have to think hard about my decision. Twilight was my first concern in this situation. Without a speaking a word, I took my hand off the grip of my rifle and grabbed the receiver. I held the gun in front of Serenity, who took it with her right hand and placed it on her back. Then I grabbed my Vasto Prime and spun it in my hand so that I was holding the barrel. Serenity took it and placed it on her chest. Finally I handed her my Prisma Skana, which she put in the crook of her back.

“Wise choice,” said the queen.

I began to walk forward. She took Twilight in her green aura and threw her like a football. Quickly, I dove after her and caught the tiny purple unicorn in my arms before landing on my knees.

I brought a steady hand up and moved a bit of her mane out of her face and behind her right ear, “Twilight, are you okay?”

She looked at me through her bruised and lidded eyes. I small smile dawned her mouth, “I am now,” she said weakly before nuzzling into my chest.

I felt slightly relieved, but we weren't out of the woods yet, “Alright Twilight, I’m going to hand you over to Serenity. She will keep you safe until you get to Canterlot, okay?”

She looked up at me, “No… please… don’t leave me,” she pleaded.

“Don’t worry Twilight, once you get to Canterlot, you’ll be in safe hands,” I said reassuringly.

She raised a weak and battered hoof to my helmet, “But… I’m safe now.”

I grabbed her hoof with my left hand, “Not yet Twilight, not yet,” I moved her hoof to her chest and stood up, making sure not to drop her. I turned back and walked over to Serenity; she put her shotgun on her back before sticking her arms out. I handed Twilight over, Serenity made sure to hold her close to her chest. She looked at her before looking at me, “Get her to a hospital ASAP.”

“Please, Excalibur, don’t do this,” pleaded Twilight.

I placed my hand on her check and wiped away the tears, “Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll see you soon,” I said with a smile.

“Promise?”

“Promise,” I looked at Serenity, “Get her out of here,” I removed my hand, much to Twilights dismay.

Her Itzal roared through the air and attached to her back. She activated the engines and took to the skies. Once she was a few hundred feet in the air, she oriented herself and headed for Canterlot. Once I deduced that they were both at a safe distance, I turned and faced Chrysalis. I walked over and placed my hands in front of her.

She smiled victoriously.

After a… well that was the poorest attempt of a beating I ever suffered. Sure they kicked and hit me, and did some sort of magic attempt that only knocked 40 shields off, which regenerated of course. I faked my agony, they believed it, so it all worked out. But by now I was just waiting to make my move.

And so far my… plan was falling into place.

I was sitting on my knees with my wrists in shackles and chained to the floor. I was waiting to make my move… and now was the time. I opened my left Venka and pulled my right hand over to the claws. They really should have tightened the chains better, because I slipped one of the claws between my wrist and the shackle and cut the shitty metal. I stood up and moved the claw to my right hand and removed the other shackle.

I grabbed the chain and placed it on the ground, making to be as quiet as possible. Once I was free I grabbed a small little chip from one of my storage devices and opened a small slot in the back of my helmet. I slipped the chip into the opening and closed it with a slap of my palm. Next I removed the cloak that hid my weapons.

Like I would actually come here unarmed, I brought my Paris Prime bow, along with my Lex, my Skana Prime, and one Venka and one Ripka. I placed the Venka back on my left hand and grabbed the Ripka from my hip and placed it on my right hand. Then I grabbed my Lex and opened a small port on the left side of the handgun and slipped a Hush mod in it before closing the port. Nice this about this mod is that I don’t need a silencer to make the gun quiet.

Once I was ready I moved to the edge of the cell door. I activated my Arcane Trickery –or that little chip- in my helmet. Using the energy of the void, its bends light and makes it look like I am invisible. Its great for being sneaky or good for a quick get away.

Now it was time to set the next phase of my plan into motion.

“GUARD! HELP I CANT GET THE BLEEDING TO STOP!”

Within seconds two guards came running up and opened the cell door and ran inside. They froze when they saw the empty chains.

They looked at each other, “Where did he go!?” asked the changeling to my right.

“Guess?”

Before they could turn to look at me I shot them both in the head, causing the wall at the back of the cell to change from black to green. They hit the floor like a pair of stones. I holstered my Lex and removed my bow from my back and quivered an arrow. But before I left, I placed a small round device ion the wall. I left the cell and started to work my way through the… I guess dungeon is the word to use. Surprisingly enough I was the only captive. After working my up the stairs and out of the dungeon, I began to search the grounds of the underground town. Chrysalis made the mistake of allowing me to see everything. So my radar mapped everything, so I know how to get out.

But I have a score to settle… for Twilight.

I eventually worked my way through various “hallways”, they were mainly dirt caves that went for miles. Following my map I came to a central room. The massive circular atrium, it looked like it supported the entire structure of the cave. THe whole thing was probably twenty, thirty, hell maybe even forty stories tall. But I already saw it once before, and I’ll be glad when I see it again... maybe. Anyway, I ran around the columns that supported the atrium and placed many of my little devices on them. Once I was done there I headed up.

It took me forever to get up all twenty or thirty stories. Why couldn't this planet have invented elevators? I wasn't tired, it just took forever and my patience was low. I had a serious score to settle. Where was I? Oh right, once I made it to the top, I was a little surprised at the lack of patrols. Now all I had to do was find the-

“Hmm h-hmm, daa, dada,” sang a happy female voice.

Perfect.

A… I believe it was a female changeling -hard to tell they all look the same- came trotting by. I don’t know why she was out so late, but I don’t care, I had my leverage. She walked passed my invisible form humming a little tune to herself.

I deactivated my camo and pushed my Lex to her head. She stiffened up and took in a terrified gasp.

“Move, and your head leaves your shoulders, got it?”

She nodded her head slightly.

“Good, now you’re going to do me a favor,” I said calmly.

She gulped, “W-what?”

“Where... is... Chrysalis?”

As luck would have it, I happened to have caught a female servant one her way home. She led me to the top floor which housed the throne room and the royal bedroom. She did the best she could not to panic while I walked next to her -invisible of course- with my Lex pushed to her left temple.

We were walking down a long hallway passing other guards and servants. They would say hi, asked questions, but a little prodding to the head got her to move. We finally rounded the last corner, there were two guards standing at attention. We approached a large pair of doors and twin guards. When they saw my captive –who’s name I didn’t bother to find out- they looked at her with lust in their eyes.

“Hey beautiful, what brings you this way?” said the left guard.

“O-oh, just uh… eh hem…" she put a hoof to her mouth when she cleared her throat, "I forgot something,” she said nervously.

“I’d say,” said the right guard with a mischievous, “Why don’t you and me head off-”

“She ain’t interested,” I said.

Both guards looked around frantically, “Who said that!?” ordered the left guard.

My camo faded, “I did.”

FTEW! FTEW!

I dropped them both with a round to the head. leaving the wall in a sticky, bloody mess. The little female servant had fallen on her haunches and began to frantically back up, she wore a face of pure terror. I turned to look at her while letting my right are go limp.

“Leave, grab as many of your belongings as you can and leave.”

She gulped, “W-why?” she asked nervously.

“Because you don’t want to be here when I leave,” she just sat there and continued to stare at me, “Go!” I said forcefully.

She gulped again, “T-thank you,” she replied nervously before standing up and running off down the hall.

“Don’t mention it,” I said under my breath.

Step three, completed.

I turned and walked to the door. I put my left hand on the handle and pushed the door in slowly, while having my Lex at the ready. Once the door was opened far enough, I stepped inside. I closed the door behind myself and locked it. Now I got to see the room in all its glory. The room was dark; there wasn’t much in there other than a few desks, bookshelves, and one really big bed. And in said bed, laid one body.

One that brought down the wrath of a warrior.

I slowly walked my way up to the bed, making sure to be as quiet as possible. I crept around the right side and up to the head of it. Once I was there I looked at the sleeping changeling. She looked peaceful, to bad that was going to change. I holstered my Lex and moved my left hand over her mouth. After a second, I brought my hand down around her mouth.

Her eyes shot open, “Surprise!” I said quitly.

She started to squirm in a failed attempt to fight back. When that didn't work, her horn started to glow. Quickly, I brought my right hand over my head and opened the Ripka. It roared as I brought it down, I hit Chrysalis right where her horn meats her head.

“Mmmmmm!” she screamed in agony and tried to get away as the saw ripped through her horn.

But nothing could escape my grasp.

The saw removed her horn with a clean cut and shredded the pillow, causing feathers to fly in all directions. Once I was finished, I lifted my hand and closed the blade.

I pulled her up by the muzzle and held her close to my helmet. Her eyes were huge and she was scared beyond recognition, “This is for Twilight.”

I brought my clenched fist up and socked her on the head. The hit was so hard she lost consciousness immediately. Makes it easier for me, I dropped her on the bed and grabbed one of her wings. I extended it and removed it with my Venka. Once that was over with, I did the same to the other. I left them on the bed and dragged her away by the back of her neck. I walked out of the bed room and down the hallway and headed for the exit. Every once and a while I would run into a guard who ordered me to stop.

They received a bullet to the head.

Once I reached the mouth of the cave.I left it with one unconscious Queen. Once I made it a few hundred feet away, I stopped and looked back at the cave. I held up Chrysalis by the back of the head and slapped her across the face.

“Hey!” I slapped her, “Wake up,” I slapped her again, “Come on you filthy insect, WAKE UP!” I slapped her again.

The third smack brought her too. She opened her eyes slowly before she realized what was happening. She squirmed and tried to break free all while ordering me to release her.

“SHUT UP!” I screamed in her face while shaking her.

She looked at me with a furrowed brow and gritted teeth, “I’ll get you for this! I will sick my ENTIRE hive on you! YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE! ”

“Will you now?”

“YES! I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD!”

“Well,” I turned her to face the cave, “I guess that gives me cause to do this.”

I held my right hand up and pressed a wireless pad in my right hand quickly.

BOOM!

A massive fireball erupted from the ground, kicking up dirt and rocks as they flew in all directions, while the new crater caved in on itself. Her jaw hit the ground and her eyes went wide.

“My… my hive…” she said in disbelief.

“That’s what you get for messing with my friend,” I said coldly.

Yeah, those little devises, they were heavy explosives. I didn't want to do that. My original plan was to threaten her into submission. But that single line in itself persuaded me into making my decision. We have a saying, honor your enemy, but don't hold back. And the other unfortunate saying of, all is fair in love and war.

As I watched the smoke fade. Oddly enough, I felt nothing, no shame, no remorse, just… nothing.

I knocked her on the head again, causing her to fall limp. I looked at the unconscious changeling, “All’s fair in love and war.”

I started walking until my archwing arrived; once it did, I strapped in and headed for Canterlot.

I landed at the castle and walked down the halls. Every maid and every guard was shocked when they saw me dragging the former Queen down the halls. Once I finally reached the throne room, I pushed the doors open forcefully. Inside sat Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor.

When they heard the door open they all looked at me. Their jaws dropped when they saw Chrysalis.

“Merry Christmas,” I said with a hint of anger while walking up and dropping the queen at their feet. They looked at her then to me, “Where’s Twilight?”

“In the medical wing… room 2B,” said Celestia nervously.

“Thank you,” with that, I turned and headed for the medical wing. I calmly walked through the halls until I came to the medical wing. Once I was there, I looked at the doors for the right room.

A minute search found my destination. Once I found the room, I opened the door and walked inside. Serenity, Spike, and all of Twilights friends were in there.

They all perked up when they saw me, “Excalibur!” they all said in unison.

They all ran over and gave me a hug, which I gladly returned. Once the embrace was over Serenity walked over, “Excalibur,” she stuck her hand out.

“Serenity,” I said while taking her hand and shaking it. We let go, “Kill you mics.”

“Okay,” she clicked her mics off. She nodded once she was ready. I killed mine and gave her same head nod, “So what happened?”

“Let’s just say…the changelings were dealt with extreme prejudice. I doubt we'll be seeing them anytime soon.”

“Was that the best option?” I could sense the concern in her voice.

“At this point, I don’t care. The Equiestrians are our allies. Anything that involves them -I.E. the beating the Twilight suffered and her kidnapping- is considered an act of war. They needed to be dealt with…” I looked at Twilight, who appeared to be sleeping. She had an IV in her left foreleg and an oxygen tube in her nose, “…and they were dealt with alright,” I looked back at Serenity.

“If you say so,” she said while looked back at Twilight.

“Excalibur, what are you doing?” asked Fluttershy.

I turned my mic back on and looked at the yellow pegasus, “Private business with my teammate. Confidential and all that,” I replied.

“Oh… okay.”

I looked at Twilight, “How’s Twilight holding up?” I asked anybody that was willing to respond.

“She has bruising on 90% of her body, a mild concussion, and a sprained hoof, and various cuts and bruises,” Serenity looked at me, “I’m amazed that they didn’t kill her.”

I let out a dejected sighed and let my head go limp while I closed my eyes, “She was their only leverage,” I looked up at Serenity, “They needed her alive,” I looked back at Twilight.

In that moment Twilight opened her one good eye a little and looked at me, “Ex-calibur?” she said weakly.

immediately I kneeled down next to the bed and removed my helmet, “It’s alright Twilight, your safe,” I said reassuringly.

She brought a shaky hoof up; I grabbed it with my hands and held it. She smiled lightly. Which caused me to smile. I started to caress her hoof with my thumb while I continued to smiled at her.

“Can… can I have a hug… please?”

Yeah, like I would deny this little unicorn -which has been through so much- a hug.

“Of course,” I placed my helmet on the floor and leaned over her and squeezed her lightly. She did her best to wrap her weak forelegs around my torso. After a few seconds she started to cry into my chest.

“*sniffle* thank you,” she said quietly.

“You’re welcome Twilight.”

I heard Serenity speak up behind me, “Girls, Spike, I think we should go.”

“But…?” said Spike.

“She’s fine, let’s leave them be.”

I was sick of everyone assuming that I had feelings for Twilight. I mean, yes I care for her, but its mutual… right? Anyway, after a little while, I broke the embrace and went back to kneeling next to the bed. She smiled, which caused me to smile again.

“Twilight, get some rest… I’ll check up on you later. Okay?”

She sniffled and started to cry, “Could… could you please stay… with me for a little while longer?”

I know what it’s like to be like this, lots of sleepless nights, wake up screaming in a cold sweat, hoping and wishing someone would be there to hold me. That was the roughest 100 years of my life. It took a lot not to just shoot myself in the head. I was never the same after the war. The again, no one was.

“Of course,” I picked up my helmet and placed it on the table that sat next to the bed before I walked to the other side of the room and grabbed a chair. I walked back and placed it next to the bed and took a seat.

And awkward few seconds filled the air.

“Could… could you please… hold me?” she asked nervously.

I smiled and chuckled lightly, “What kind of person would I be if I said no?” I asked sarcastically.

She smiled a little, “A jerk.”

“Well, not to my favorite purple unicorn.”

I got up and moved the sheets to the side while she moved over to allow my massive build onto the small bed. Once I got on the small bed, I gave her as much space as I could. Once I was on, she adjusted herself and placed her head and a hoof on my chest. I grabbed the sheets and pulled them over us. I gingerly placed my left arm on her back and gently caressed it while I held onto her right hoof.

“Thank you Excalibur.”

“You’re welcome Twilight, now please, get some rest.”