Ryugu's Soldiers marched through the Everfree Forest, making quick work of any monsters that tried to attack. all being lead by a rather powerful Unicorn in the most decorated and full set of armor, on his back was a flag bearing the image of a total Solar Eclipse. his horn charged as he fired a blast at a fleeing Timber Wolf. blowing it to smithereens, bits of wood and splinters flying across the forest floor.

An earth Pony soldier canters up and salutes to his commander.

"Report." the commander says, watching more timber wolves trying to flee blasting each one to pieces, mercilessly.

"Commander, the troops are making progress, but the forest is heavily dense. it's slowing our progress and the monsters aren't making it any better, we've lost a third of our forces due to ambushes." the earth pony soldier said as he watched another timber wolf explode. "what are your orders?"

the Commander turned to his comrade. all the soldiers of their queen had black and orange armor, like the royal guard. it is enchanted so it makes them all look alike, dark purple coats with glowing emerald green eyes.

"your order is to form up a wedge formation. unicorns take up the outer ring, Earth and Pegasus ponies inside. the Unicorns are to keep up a constant burning barrier. it'll clear the path and any foolish wildlife will learn not to try and stop us." the commander said, crushing a piece of wood trying to reform itself to the timber wolf he just blew up. smashing it to cracked splinters under his armored hoof.

the earth pony nodded and soon the order was put into action. the army of Ponies formed a fire shield before them. pushing the Everfree Forest and any monsters that attacked back, trees and shrubs began to burn as the soldier's progress began to move faster.

------

Nightquill circled and landed Beside Nyx and Twilight, flapping his wings as the Cutie Mark Crusaders rode on his back, they enjoyed the ride and Sweetie Belle couldn't help but have a small crush on the light blue pegasus.

"here we are ladies." Nightquill said as he let the four fillies off.

"Well looks like you four had a good time, huh?" Twilight smiled. "I wondered where you were."

"we were setting up traps in the boarders of the forest." Nightquill said.

Twilight smiled and nodded. "good idea!"

"Actually it was Nyx's Idea." Applebloom said, pointing at the armor clad Alicorn trying to eat a cookie through her helmet. forgetting she could take it off and eat it.

Twilight looked to Nyx and smiled, she couldn't help but giggle at her daughter being defeated by the evil cookie that refused to go in her mouth. "Well one of the Knights that put part of their soul in the armor was a strategist, at least that's what Rarity told me. so she may have been inspired through the influence."

Broadsword trotted up to the group, he came up to Nightquill and slumped on him in exhaustion. "Ugh! I did all I could with these ponies. they're as ready as they could be." he said, putting his hoof on his forehead in an over exaggerated display of exhaustion.

Nightquill chuckled and held his Broadsword. "You drama queen."

Broadsword looked up at him and pouted. Twilight giggled as she rolled her eyes, the girls didn't seem to get the hint, although Sweetie Belle caught on, however with a bit of disappointed then replaced with finding the scene cute.

"CURSED COOKIE! You Shall Pay for defying me!" Nyx yelled as she pulled the helmet off, returning to filly form as she took revenge on the defiant morsel. nomming on the cookie like a cute ravage beast. "NOM!"

everypony just stared as the cookie was ultimately murdered by little Nyx, the grizzly scene was followed by Broadsword faking a faint, being caught in Nightquill's forelegs who promptly protended shield the view with his wing, although the Pegasus was also rolling his eyes at his partner's overacting. Twilight giggled.

"Served the cookie right!" Twilight said.

everypony went silent however as the sound of teleportation is heard, before them, infront of the Library stood Princess Cadance and the now Filly Celestia and filly Luna, the two fillies had their eyes rolling in circles and wobbling about.

"Ooooh..." Cadence rubbed her head as she blinked and looked up. "Ah, we made it!"

a moan from Celestia caused Cadence to look down, Teleporting is easy for an Alicorn, even though Cadance wasn't as powerful as Celestia and Luna were, she could easily teleport good distances with enough magical charge.

"Cadance!" Twilight almost glomped her old foal sitter and sister in law. hugging her tight. "what are you doing here?"

Cadance hugged back and smiled. "Shining Armor and I decided it be best if we brought Celestia and Luna here, they were getting restless and wanted to see you."

"Oh, I wish you hadn't. we're about to be attacked." Twilight said, she quickly filled Cadance in on the imminent attack, the whole of Ponyville has been hard at work through the night to prepare. now it's only a matter of when the attack will begin.

"Oh dear." Cadance said as she looked at Celestia and Luna who were starting to play with Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Twist, even the armor clad Nyx, with her helmet put back on joined on in the play chase. "Well I brought them here for a reason. Hollow Shades, Despite it's small size, has a vast libraries. I was doing research on how to maybe restore Celestia and Luna back to adults. Unfortunately in order to restore them completely, the pony who stole their power must be defeated. the power can't be given back freely."

"Well, what if we used the Elements of Harmony?" Twilight asked. "I mean when we used it on Nightmare Moon it restored Luna to her former self and purified her. maybe if we did the same to Ryugu she'll be restored to her purified self as well?"

Cadance considered this. "Perhaps. but I'm afraid she'll still retain her hold on the sun and moon. and I'm unsure if she can return the power herself."

Nyx sighed. "was Ryugu ever always her name? it's kinda odd when you compare it to Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and so on."

Broadsword stood up from Nightquill's forelegs. "Actually, her original name was Princess Aurora. she was very beautiful and kind once. if we do restore her to her previous self, she'll find a way to restore the two."

"You don't sound excited, Broadsword." Nightquill asked wrapping his wing around Broadsword, the two have become really close during preparations. if this was their last stand they'll make their time count. "if she can be restored, would it not be a good thing?"

Broadsword looked to Nightquill. "Of Course it would be a good thing, it's just that, I don't know. I'm so used to seeing her as my enemy for so long."

"It's completely understandable, Broadsword." Cadance said as she approached, making way for Celestia, Luna, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders's game of Chase the Alicorns. she then jumped out of the way by a Crusader Armor Nyx freight Train to gallop through. "But remember, She's just as much a danger to herself, then just us."

"No, your right, thank you, Princess." Broadsword said watching the seven fillies, well six fillies and one Crusader of Harmony chase eachother through town. "Were they always this.... playful?"

"Well Princess Celestia was always a pony who likes to play the occasional prank, and Luna is also rather Mischievous at times. I think having their magic removed and turned into children reverted their psyche back to how they were before they got their cutie marks." Cadance said as she jumped out of the way with a flap of her wings of the train of fillies and flew higher to make room for Nyx. "and they also seem to have no end to their energy."

"can they use their magic now?" Twilight asked, the situation was bad, but she enjoyed the view of her mentor now a small child playing. it must be the most fun she's ever had in a long time.

Cadance shook her head. "No. I think the separation did a lot of trauma to their magical energies. it's like they're completely locked off from it. Luna especially hates using the eating booties."

at that moment, a shot of magic shot through the air and exploded like a firework, flares of magic fell to the earth as the entire town went silent. Ponies then began to scramble, those who could fight hugged and kissed loved ones, ushering them inside while they dawned their armor. ponies who couldn't fight went to Night Stone Castle, turning the Derelict structure once more into a refuge.

"What was that?" Cadance asked as she looked up at the flare.

"Get the children inside." Nyx said, her demeanor switching from playful to protective the second the flare was shot. "Applebloom, can the Cutie Mark Crusaders please escort Celestia, Luna, and Princess Cadance to Night Stone Castle?"

Applebloom nodded as she, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Twist guided Celestia and Luna to the castle.

"You too Princess Cadance." Nyx said, Using her wing to gingerly guide her to follow the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Princess Fillies.

"What?" Cadance was now confused. "But I can help."

"And you will." Broadsword said as he readied his sword. "somepony needs to be with the civilians during the attack and protect them."

Cadance blinked then nodded. "Your right, the foals will need protection too." with a glow her her horn, Cadance was now clad in her crystal armor, she followed the Cutie Mark Crusaders while at the same time helping other ponies find someone to rally behind, with a Princess in their midst the civilians felt more protected.

Nyx spread out her wings, giving a hard flap as her horn glowed. she looked towards the boarder of the Everfree Forest, Ryugu's soldiers were marching through the dense forest, though when they triggered the traps, their numbers began to dwindle.

During the Night, with the help of the Cutie Mark Cusaders, Nightquill had set up numerous and various traps. he was able to make gunpowder with seagull dropings, sulfur, and charcoal, making very powerful explosive trip wire mines. there were more physics driven traps as well, none as deadly or grizzly as the ones the Hunters set up on the Path to Hollow Shades, when a Soldier tripped a wire, they had their hind legs grabbed by a noose by a bend tree that would snap, sending the surprised pony skyward, and in few cases some went into orbit itself. landing back at Ryugu's tower, or some in another province entirely. though few survived those trips.

when a squad of soldiers tried to get to the bridge leading into the town proper, they were greeted by land mines exploding in their face, uprooting now dead trees, bushes, and the occasional angry squirrel that attacked the first unfortunate soldier they saw.

With the invading forces numbers now brought down to a more manageable number, it wasn't long before the civilian militia of Ponyville marched in and fought back when the now more fewer numbers of soldiers made it into town.

The battle was amazing as well as surprisingly savage for cutiesy wootsy little ponies. Nyx watched overhead, dropping down to assist anypony that got out numbered or separated from the rest of the town's militia. however it was when she did this the soldiers would ignore the ponies they were attacking and began to go after her instead.

"GET HER!" A mare soldier yelled over the battle.

"We have you Now, Crusader!" a Unicorn said as he and the rest of the unicorn battle mages began to shoot spells, Nyx saw when one of these spells hit a Pegasus town Militia flying by, the spell will wrap whoever or whatever they hit in rope.

Nyx looked down at the soldiers, now ignoring the town defenses as they now found their target. Her.

"Y-Your after Me?" Nyx asked, more to herself then anypony in particular.

"Indeed we Are!" the Unicorn commander bellowed as he fired a concussion blast at her, knocking Nyx out of the sky. "her Highness, Queen Ryugu would like audience with you. IN THE DUNGEON!"

Nyx screamed in pain as the Unicorn commander continued to pelt her with blast after blast. the Armor protected her well, but it was like putting a metal bucket over your head and hitting it with a hammer. from the eyes of the helmet, Nyx saw the Knights of harmony standing with her, they were trying to give advice but with each strike they got canceled out.

"AAAH!" Nyx cried. the blasts didn't cut or bleed. it was like being struck by an industrial sledge hammer.

"We have her now, Restrain her!" the commander ordered.

"Yes Sir!" a Unicorn soldier said as he shot Nyx with his spell.

Nyx felt her body being wrapped up by the magical ropes, then constricted and held her legs and wings secure, all she could do is squirm as the commander continued to fire blast after blast. although, she realized quickly he was doing it to take pleasure in her agony.

"J-Just stop! stop attacking, You can take me, but don't hurt anypony else---AAAH!" once again Nyx is shot, her whole body is knocked several yards into the side of Quills and Sofa's store.

the Commander grinned as he trotted up to her, kicking Nyx in the face as he laughed. "Well since you've been so gracious to comply."

"STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!"

the Commander paused and looked up to the roof of the Quills and Sofas Store. standing on the roof was six mares clad in armor with the same design but different details and colors. the purple unicorn in the center was particularly angry, like he had just got caught picking on a Dragon mother's baby, indeed, she was so angry her coat was almost white hot and mane was ablaze in fire.

"And who, prey tell are you? the court jesters?" the commander asked, he was vastly unimpressed even Twilight's red eye glare didn't phase him. his horn glowed as he picked up Nyx. "I'm afraid we cannot stay, my Queen demands this one to return with us, and I won't like to keep her majesty waiting."

"YOUR NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITH MY DAUGHTER!" Twilight growled, it almost sounded inequin, it would make Queen Crysalis proud.

"And who's going to stop me!?" the commander growled back. his horn charging another concussion blast.

"I will!" Broadsword said stepping in view on the roof. "hello, again Master."

the commander's grin disappeared as he glared broadsword down. "So the prodigy lives? I'll soon rectify that."

"Broadsword, do you know this maniac?" Twilight asked, keeping her eyes on Nyx who was now bound up and starting to regain strength.

"His name is Sword Master Warblade. I was his apprentice when I first became a Knight for Equestria. I didn't even know he survived." Broadsword said glaring down at Warblade.

Warblade chuckled and fired his magic blast, Broadsword pushed Twilight out of the way and took the shot in the shoulder. as he yelled, Warblade jumped up several crate boxes, keeping Nyx in tow as he got up on the roof.

"Still Sloppy as ever, Little Blade." Warblade growled as he galloped up and head butted his former student in the chest, the helmet he wore made his horn end in a bladed tip.

Broadsword fell to the ground, his armor now had a large hole in it as he began to bleed from his chest.

"You were always a slow learner." Warblade said as he advanced and stomped his hoof down on Broadsword's stomach with such force his armor cracked and dented inward.

"AAAH!" Broadsword yelled and coughed, forcing himself to remove his armor and gasp, the wind was knocked out of him in that one strike.

"BROADSWORD!" Warblade yelled, his horn charging as Broadsword looked to him. "NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON YOUR OPPONENT!"

Broadsword cried out as he was blasted off the roof, falling and crashing in a crate of new quills that broke his fall.  he slid out of the crate and fell to the street below as he looked up, holding his stomach as blood ran from the corner of his mouth.

"that the best you got, old man!?" Broadsword bellowed as he prepared his sword.

Warblade dropped down from the roof like a sack of bricks, slamming and leaving a crater in the cobble street as he landed on his hooves. he kept Nyx close as he held her by the horn, he then swung her and bashed Broadsword against the store's wall. Nyx cried out as he began to use her as a blunt weapon, the armor meant to protect others now being used as a blunt weapon.

"One final Lesson, Broadsword." Warblade said as he drew his own curved, jaggad, black sword.

Warblade brought his sword down, intending to slice his former student in half like an apple, the sword in his magical grip glowed with dark magic, however before his blade could make contact, they met the blades of Nightquill before pushing the larger blade away.

"This isn't your lesson, Pegasus. but I'll be happy to teach you a thing or two." Warblade's horn glowed as he blasted at Nightquill, but the Pegasus was faster as he brought up his ax and deflected the magic bolt, causing it to hit Warblade instead. "AAAAH!"

Warblade fell to the ground, holding his chest as he rolled to the ground. Nightquill lowered his stance, his ax firm in his mouth as he awaited Warblade to attack again, his hoof stomping at the ground as he snorted a mist of air from his nostrils.

Warblade got up and growled. but as he charged his magic he saw Twilight and her friends surrounding him, even Fluttershy was visibly angry.

"Ya'll ain't goin nowhere, ya son of a hydra!" Applejack said, in her mouth was the crystal shard rope now in a lasso being twirled over the farm pony knight's head.

"Your going to put Nyx Down, NOW!" Fluttershy demanded.

"Time to open a can of whoop flank!" Pinkie said, doing her best Stone Colt Steve Austin impression. "and that's the Bottom Line!"

Warblade considered his odds, he was strong but vastly outnumbered, his soldiers were being forced to retreat and many were captured. but he had his prize as he looked to the tied up Nyx in his magical grip, he looked to the six mares and Broadsword and grinned as his horn began to glow.

"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Rainbow shouted as she dashed towards them, knocking Nyx out of Warblade's magical grip and covering her body as Warblade's teleportation spell ignited as he disappeared in a column of light as his body disappeared in a flash of light.

With Warblade's retreat the rest of the soldiers followed suit, many fled back into the forest while others were captured and restrained. the captured soldiers were brought to Sweet Apple archers to be detained in the barn, watched closely by Granny smith and some of the town militia.

Twilight galloped up to Rainbow Dash as her pegasus friend got up. "Rainbow, are you and Nyx okay?"

"uuugh." was all Rainbow said as she looked down.

Below her Nyx looked up, she was a filly again, her helmet got knocked off in the tackle as the magical rope no longer fit her she easilly got out.

"Yeah, we're okay." Rainbow said as she got up. "little filly's tougher then I give her credit for." she said giving Nyx a noogy, being rewarded by the filly's giggles.

Broadsword galloped up. "Nyx, are you alright?" he was still holding his side, but he looked to be fine, Nightquill however stayed by his side.

"Yeah, those magic blasts hurt bad, but I'm feeling better now." Nyx reached up with her hoof to feel her muzzle, checking if it was bleeding til she realized. "Hey... My helmet?"

"Maybe it came off when I tackled you?" Rainbow asked, looking around for it, as did everypony else.

But as they looked, worry started to grow as they realized it wasn't nearby.

"Oh no, it couldn't have rolled that far, the momentum of the tackle wouldn't have done that." Twilight said then her eyes snapped open. "OH NO!"

When Warblade was teleporting out, in his magical grip he still had Nyx's Helmet. although he himself didn't seem to notice, as he was casting the spell Rainbow Dash grabbed Nyx and kept her from being teleported out with him. Warblade however still had the Helmet. although when the spell started he didn't notice Nyx was caught before the spell was complete.

"Oh No! the Helmet, Warblade had the helmet!" Twilight said, she began to pace back and forth, the realization on broadsword soon followed as he too started to panic. "NO! NO! NO! He didn't take it, it's got to be around here!" Twilight said, she knew this was wishful thinking as she checked the area again.

"Without the helmet, the rest of the armor won't be as powerful. you have to have the full set to utilize the armor completely!" Broadsword stated.

"Well that's a design flaw if I ever heard one!" Applejack argued. "Ya'll make a set of armor and you only make the dang thing work when you got the full set!?"

"The Armor can still be used!" Broadsword yelled back at the farm pony. "But in order for Nyx to use it, she'll need to have the full set! or the armor is only at half strength!"

"Well what about the sword!? Don't ya tell me that fancy sword don't work without the full set too!" Applejack yelled back.

Broadsword stomped. "YOU TRY MAKING ENCHANTED ARMOR AND ENCHANTING HALF YOUR SOUL IN IT!"

"Well if I do I'll be sure not to make it a full set to use it!" Rainbow Dash yelled back, quickly defending her Farm Pony Friend.

"EVERYPONY STOP!" Nyx yelled.

everyone stopped and looked at Nyx, the little filly panted as she got up.

"Right now the armor isn't important. we need to stop Queen Ryugu soon, the whole town is gray now!" Nyx said. during Applejack's and Broadsword's yelling the ground lost it's color, and now half the town is monochrome. "And we can get the helmet back."

"How? we don't even know where that warblade character gone to." Rarity said, stepping between Applejack and Broadsword.

Broadsword took some calming breaths. "there is a place they'd go. to Ryugu's castle tower."

Everypony began to loose hope in those words. and their hope was already quite depleted.

"So, where would that be?" Applejack asked, anger now replaced with concern.

"I'll need a current map of Equestria to say but the location was south east of here." Broadsword said as he sheathed his sword.

"Only place in that area is the Badlands, mostly rocky desert beyond the Macintosh Mountains." Twilight said. Working the information in her head. "well Appleloosa and Dodge City are along that rout too, but from Ryugu's heady when she left Hollows shade the Badlands is most likely."

"Get me a map and I'll show you." Broadsword said grunting as he held his side.

"After you rest!" Nightquill said helping Broadsword to walk.

"I'll be fine, Nighty. I just need to--- AAH!" Broadsword took a step and immediantly regretted it, the shot to the shoulder he got before while protected by his armor was now bruised and sore.

"You need to go lay down and recover." Nightquill order as he firmly but gently helped Broadsword back to the library.

"Yes dear." Broadsword grumbled as he limped.

"Come on, let's getcha patched up." Applejack said helping Nightquill with Broadsword. "Look, sorry I got on yer case about the helmet. I'm just scared."

"I think we all are, Applejack." Broadsword said as he was brought into the library, he rested down on the pile of pillows as Nyx took out the first aid kit.

"Here's the med kit, I'll go get a Map of Equestria..." Nyx said galloping off to the maps and Atlas section of the library, Twilight and the others soon came inside as well and all gathered beside Nightquill, Broadsword, and Applejack, who was now patching the Unicorn stallion up.

"Wow that guy was crazy powerful." Rainbow Dash said looking at the injuries.

"they don't look like much, but Master Warblade's Magic blasts are more to subdue and drain an opponent's strength then outright cause bleeding." Broadsword explained.

Nyx returned with a scroll in her mouth, she set it down and rolled the map of Equestria on the floor. Broadsword looked it over and with a glow of his horn set a pin on the center of the Badlands.

"it's here. there's supposed to be an oases there." he said, squinting when Nightquill tightens the bandages.

"Sorry Broady." Nightquill said looking sheepish.

Applejack just couldn't contain herself and giggled. "Ya'll good together, ya know that?"

"Well yeah!" Pinkie said. "After they were made for eachother!" though the sound in her voice everypony couldn't help but think Pinkie was being more literal.

"Well we can take a train to Appleloosa then go down to the badlands by hoof." Rainbow Dash said as she examined the map.

"Would be nice to see if my kin there are alright." Applejack said though squinted as she looked at the map. "Uh, guys. don't that bit of land look Familiar to any of ya'll?"

Twilight looked the map over. "Oh dear. your right."

"What, what's wrong?" Nightquill asked.

"not long after the Canterlot wedding, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were pony napped by Queen Chrysalis. she tried to take over the town with her changelings so we went to the badlands to face her and get the girls back." Rarity explained. trying to recall the memory.

"Yeah. the badlands are where the Changeling hive is." Fluttershy said. "I really don't want to fight those things too!"

"Well ain't much to do about it. if anything, we may have to ask em for help." Applejack said quickly gaining looks from everypony else. Nyx however was confused. "Look, I know Changelings are a lot of bad apples. but I wouldn't say this if we didn't think we needed the help."

"Applejack. No disrespect...." Twilight started then jumped up. "BUT ARE YOU BONKERS!?"

"I ain't no talkin Cat, Twilight. But think about it, this Queen Ryugu's gotta be givin Queen Chrysalis a hard time too, right?" Applejack explained. "I ain't sayin we cozy up to them and be buddies. the enemy of my enemy is our friend is all I'm sayin."

"just because they could be enemies, don't make them our friends, Applejack." Rainbow Dash said. "True, Daring Do did this with the Scorpion Pony Tribe when Ahuizotl took over the Skeleton Pony Tribe and tried to take over the Lost City, she had no choice but to join forces with them even though they were sworn enemies for three books."

"This ain't a book, Rainbow. we need to at least try." Applejack said.

"Applejack, I can understand your logic on this manner, but let's not forget what the Changelings can do." Rarity said as she managed to pull out some green goo from her mane that somehow was still there since the weapon. "these creatures use ponies to feed on their love. how do we know they won't turn on us?"

"I have an idea." Cadance said as she came in, Celestia and Luna following. though it was kind of strange since they were supposed to be at Night Stone Castle.

"Well, whatcha got in mind, Princess?" Applejack asked,

The whole time, Twilight was watching Cadance, unlike last time she knew how to spot differences in Attitude and mannerisms. she stomped her hoof and got up.

"That's not Cadance, AJ! it's Queen Chrysalis!"

Cadance stared at Twilight rather amazed, although Celestia and Luna's eyes glowed as they dropped their disguise revealing to be Changeling drones.

"Caught me again I see?" Cadance said, though her voice was distorted as she dropped her disguise, showing to be in fact the Changeling Queen.

Everypony but Nightquill and Broadsword got tense and took defensive stances, however Chrysalis waved a dismissive hoof.

"Despite what you may like to believe, I am Not here to fight you." Chrysalis said as she made her way inside the library, looking around. "Quite a lovely home you have, Twilight Sparkle. it's so very You." the changeling queen said, though the tone in her voice sounded more insulting.

"I thought Cadance and Shining Armor had dealt with you?" Twilight said stomping her hoof. "what are you doing here!?"

"My dear Twilight, please calm down, I am not here to fight anypony. my Changeling forces aren't even with me but these two." as Chrysalis motioned her hoof to her two drones one of them smiled and waved only for the other to facehoof at the other's Friendliness.

"you see when that new Alicorn appeared the whole land started to die, I did intend to take the advantage of the chaos to attack the crystal empire, the love in one of those crystal ponies could give me even more power then before. but that Pink Princess and her Husband intercepted me and my forces. now it's just me and these two!" Crysalis growled. "So I decided to hold up here, I'm surprised you didn't notice sooner."

at that moment, the real Cadence opened the door to the Library and trotted in with the real Celestia and Luna. "Twilight, is the battle over, we wanted to----"

Chrysalis and Cadance stared at eachother. and once again the friendly changeling just smiled and waved.

"Did that one get hit in the head?" Pinkie asked taking more notice in the friendly waving changeling then the Cadance and Chrysalis staring contest.

"What are you doing here, Chrysalis?" Cadance demanded as she stood firm.

"Ugh do I need to explain, again?" Chrysalis said then looked at her unusually friendly drone. "oh, Him? he got a bad knock on the head when we were blasted out of Canterlot."

"Alright, Enough, Just tell us what you want, Chrysalis." Twilight demanded. "Then you can take your friends and go."

"Oh but we just want to help, Twilight." Chrysalis said as she caressed the little Unicorn's cheek a little too seductively. "You see, Queen Ryugu's Influenceis causing more then just a loss of color and life. apparently this Life Force fountain she's created runs under my Kingdom. plus she poses a threat to my Changelings. As Applejack said. an enemy of my enemy."

Twilight snorted as she looked to Nyx. "So what do you think?"

Nyx looked up to Chrysalis, she's heard the stories about her and didn't trust her as far as she could throw her. "it seems awfully convenient she popped in as soon as we were talking about her."

"Well I was eavesdropping of course." Chrysalis admitted. "and besides. I doubt you'll be able to get to the Badlands without my Help."

"Twilight, if we accept her help, we'll have two rattler snakes waiting to bite us instead of one." Rarity said not taking her eyes off the queen.

"I have an idea." Nightquill said with a grin. "We'll tie them up while on the train."

"What!?" Chrysalis said in shock as twilight and her friends nodded to the idea. "Y-You can't possibly...."

"I'm quite good with rope." Nightquill said. the grin on his face betrayed how much he'd be enjoying it. this just made Chrysalis blush.

"N-No You can't!" the changeling queen started to back away.

"hey you said you can help us right?" Twilight said, now grinning as well. "So if we're going to trust you, we're going to keep you and your friends here nice and secure."

------

Chapter 18

The Badlands

standing vigilant of the Badland desert, Ryugu's Tower was now alive with soldiers and servants on their rounds. bringing the long forgotten structure to life. but these aren't the same ponies that live in Equestria today. they are in fact ponies misplaced in time, when Queen Ryugu was defeated they were put in a magical sleep, perfectly preserved inside the tower as they slept. But now that the tower stands again, and their queen is once more in power, the ponies of long ago are awake, ready to serve their mistress for whatever she needs.

Warblade made his way to the throne room, he wasn't a happy pony, nore was he anxious to see his queen. he had Nyx in his magical grasp, all he needed was a silver platter to serve the Crusader on to offer Queen Ryugu. but instead he is empty hooved. all he had was the filly's helmet. he was certain he'll be punished. stripped of his rank or worse.

The castle servants quickly moved out of the commander's way, they knew he was in a bad mood and they knew too well what would happen if they got in the crossairs of his horn.

Warblade sighed as he entered the throne room, the fire surrounding the throne pedestal was still burning, two glowing green eyes peered down on him, since her feeding, Ryugu has returned to her massive three story tall height, the throne was resized magically to accommodate that.

the Commander took a breath as he went up the velvet carpet to the throne, bowing as those big green eyes looked down upon him. they were like gems that glistened from the light of the green fire surrounding the throne. and it wasn't long until the owner noticed he did not return with the promised captive.

"My Queen, I've returned---

"I can see that!" Ryugu roared. if she wasn't angry before she is now. "I see you've failed your mission! Would you Mind telling me how you, the Grand Master of the Equestrian Knights failed such a simple task!?"

"I humbly accept my failure, my mistress. I had the crusader in my grasp. and in mid teleportation one of the Knights of Harmony snatched her from my hold." Warblade explained.

"The Knights of Harmony Are Dead!" Ryugu clearified. "Unless.... Ah of course. Broadsword is becoming desperate. tell me, was a purple Unicorn a member of this group?"

Warblade nodded. "Yes my Queen. she was particularly upset when I was fighting the Crusader."

Ryugu went silent for a moment, then the pair of eyes tilted when they spotted a glint of silver behind Warblade. "what is that you have there? Show it to me at once!"

Warblade looked behind him, he levitated the object up to the set of eyes. with a thundering step that shook the throne room, Ryugu stepped into the light of the flames, inspecting the small helmet as she took it in her magical aura and inspected it.

"I apologize, My Queen, it is all I could return with." Warblade said as he lowered his head. "I await punishment."

Ryugu's voice however went soft. "Punishment? Why would I do such a thing?"

Warblade looked up to his queen rather confused. "Forgive me, my Mistress, but I do not follow."

Ryugu stepped down from her throne, each step trembled the throne room due to her large size. "You did fail to bring me the Crusader, but during teleportation it seems you still had your hold on Nyx's Helmet!" the dark queen begain to chuckle under her breath. "Without the helmet, the Armor she wears is useless. she won't be nearly strong enough to oppose me!"

Warblade began to understand the implications, a smile began to form on his lips as he bowed. "Then I will consider this a major blow to our enemies."

"Indeed, and as such you shall be rewarded." Ryugu said as her horn glowed.

Warblade looked down at himself as his armor became black as night with gold and silver detailing, he felt himself begin to grow and change, what was once fur now transfigured into scales, his tail reforming into a long serpentine scaly tail with a pincer at the end. he felt his horn smoothed out and curved upwards like a blade as two new horns formed behind his head, his muzzle grew out into a beak as a set of wings grew from his back and hooves turned into sharp claws.

"I have given you a new form and new powers in addition to your own. you will now serve me as my new dragon praetorian." Ryugu said with a smirk growing along her jagged toothy lips. "Now, I must have a trophy case made, I have a new bauble to add to my collection."

And with that, Ryugu left the Throne room, going to the royal treasury, inside gold, silver, and many jewels and magical relics the existence of was unknown to Equestria or became folklore. in the center of the room was a pedestal, the Dark queen trotted up to it and placed the helmet on it.

"And soon, the Crusader's head shall be the next addition.... MINUS HER BODY!" Ryugu began to laugh as she looked down at the helmet, a magical barrier forming around it.

------

In the middle of the moonless night, one of the few trains running through Equestria was pulling two cars along it's tracks, it's destination was Appleloosa. the ponies working the train were the Conductor, Engineer and coal worker Twilight and Nyx saved from the out of control train. they wanted to help and with the ice cleared offered to operate the train for the Knights of Friendship.

In the last Car, Nightquill pulled the rope tight as he secured their cargo, Chrysalis muffled protests as she felt the rope tighten on her. she was gagged and had her legs and wings tied up. Nightquill even made use of the holes in the Changeling's legs. Broadsword was watching and feeling a bit uneasy at the sight.

"I think you enjoyed tying those three up too much, Nightquill." Broadsword said as he saw the Pegasus grin down at the three Changelings tied up quite professionally, although the way Chrysalis was tied up was in a rather compromised position.

"Well just take heart in knowing they won't be going anywhere." Nightquill said as he trotted out of the car with Broadsword. "shall we rejoin our friends?"

Broadsword smiled and took his Pegasus coltfriend to another room of the rear cart. "Actually, I think it's time we have some entertainment of our own." the Unicorn Knight said as he pushed Nightquill in the lavatory room for the Cart.

in the first Cart, Twilight was looking over the supplies they had. once again they were leaving Ponyville, but at least this time it be faster, And she had her friends to watch her back. Nyx was testing her abilities with the sword, much to their relief, it seems the sword drew on it's own magic and was just as powerful as before. Cadance, Celestia And Luna were huddled up at the Window with the filly princesses making pictures by breathing on the windows and drawing their hooves on the condensation.

"How are you two doing?" Twilight asked, as she went up to Celestia and Luna.

"We're fine. I think being a filly again is more of a blessing." Celestia said with a smile as she drew a derped pony face. "I never had this much fun like this before. but I do feel it's a bad thing too."

"Hopefully we're returned to full power soon." Luna said as she nibbled on a salad. "though I do enjoy being able to go out and not have Ponies bowing and treating my Sister and I like we're the most sacred things in the world. Hardly anypony ever wants to just talk or anything."

"We are princesses, true. but it be nice if we can just be allowed to enjoy ourselves." Celestia said as she levitated some Orange Juice to her lips and drank from a straw. "the situation is dark, I know but it's hard not to enjoy being able to play without ponies looking at me like I grew a second horn."

"Your princesses, Surely you can take a break or two." Twilight said.

"Hmm, perhaps your right. it was fun playing with your friends little sisters and their friends." Luna said as she giggled. "I never had such fun in a long time."

"Didn't the foals in Hollow Shades play with you?" Twilight asked, she wondered if they were scared of the little filly Alicorns.

"They was more interested in keeping paired up with eachother, and some wanted to Pair up with us." Celestia said shaking her head. "when I'm big again I'm going to make alot of changes in that town."

Cadance however couldn't help but giggle. "Oh yes some of the boys there had little crushes on these two. it was so cute!"

"NO IT WAS CREEPY!" Luna whined as she shook her head. "they wanted us to pair up with them and we told them no."

"One of them gave you chocolates, their ways may be odd, but they were still very sweet." Cadance said.

Twilight couldn't help but giggle at the thought. "Awww! they must have been so adorable."

Cadance nodded. "they were. it's true the town's arranged pairing is a bit weird, but it's like a little crush. I couldn't help but to grow used to it."

The Conductor Pony trotted into the cart, he went up to Twilight and smiled. "Appleloosa's the next stop. you should all get some rest before we arrive."

"Thank you, and we will." Twilight said.

"OH!" Nyx chirped as she ran up to the conductor. "the key you gave us really helped. here... "her horn glowed as she returned the hunting knife now turned in the Dagger Luna transfigured. "It kinda got turned into a dagger by Princess Luna... also..." she gave him the bits she took, never finding use for them.

"Wow, that Dagger's beautiful kid. I think it be a better present for my boy then some hunting Knife." the Conductor said as he took the obsidian blade with purple handle and tucked it away. "Keep the bits, you and your mom earned them."

With that the Conductor returned to the front of the car. Twilight trotted up and hugged Nyx.

"okay, so when we get to Ryugu's Citadel what's our next move?" Celestia asked. she was trying to sound like her adult self, but her filly voice shattered the illusion.

"well the rest of the plan was Broadsword, but he asked for he and Nightquill to be left alone tonight." Rainbow said. "Can't those guys do that another time?"

"Do what?" Nyx asked before Twilight patted her head.

"I'll explain when your older." Twilight said chuckling nervously while glaring daggers at Rainbow who grinned sheepishly at her.

"those two have every right to be together tonight, they've gone through a lot as have we." Rarity said as she was polishing her helmet. "I'd expect everypony else to want the same when they meet their special somepony."

"Well in any case, let's get some rest. we have a big day tomorrow." Twilight said as she layed in her seat with Nyx... and Promptly used the Alicorn filly as a pillow. though Nyx didn't protest.

------

As the morning sun rose, it was followed by the moon in a perpetual solar Eclipse. the train began to slow as it arrived at Appleloosa. the Conductor went to the passenger car.

"I'm sorry to wake you, but we've arrived at Appleloosa. please watch your step as you disembark." the conductor said as he opened the doors.

Broadsword and Nightquill emerged from the rear cart, Nightquill helping him in his Armor.

"Have fun last night?" Rarity asked with a knowing smile.

"hehe that obvious huh?" Nightquill asked as he put his wing blades on.

"Well we're just lucky the train muffled out the sounds." she said as she made her way to the rear car. "how are our guests?" Rarity asked as her horn glowed, removing Chrysalis' Gag.

"Just untie me, Unicorn." Chrysalis demanded.

"Are you sure? it be a shame to ruin Nightquill's Rope work." Rarity teased as she carefully untied the Changeling queen, keeping an eye on her. "there. I'm sure you can untie your little friends."

"I am more then capable." Chrysalis said as her horn glowed sickly green and untied the two Changelings.

"I recommend taking up some form of disguise. unless you wish to be attacked on sight. the Appleloosans are more then territorial." Applejack said as she joined by Rarity's side.

Chrysalis looked to her underlings and thought for a moment. she then grinned as she shape shifted to look like Applebloom. "Is this fitting enough a disguise for you?" Chrysalis said in Applebloom's voice. though she couldn't pull off the accent too well.

Applejack snorted and glared at Chrysalis. "it'll do for now."

the two drones transformed into Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"Aww I wanted to be the Unicorn." the Scootaloo Changeling said.

"I don't care which one you wanted to be!" Applebloom Chrysalis yelled. "this is just temporary, once we leave the town we'll return to our---" and with that the disguise started to flicker showing her true self. "what the? that's never happened before."

"What's happening?" Rarity asked, the others came in and saw the three disguise Changelings disguises flicker several more times before finally holding.

"Queen Ryugu's draining of Equestria's Life force is the strongest here since we're closest to ground zero." Broadsword explained. "the drain does more then weaken and kill flora and fauna. it also has an effect on ponies and anything else that uses Magic."

as such, Rarity and Twilight tried to their magic, only for it to flicker and cut out.

"Oh dear, that may be a problem." Rarity said as she tried again, but started to feel her magic drain.

"get in your armor. it's enchantments will protect you." Broadsword said as he put on his gauntlets.

"what about us?" Applebloom Chrysalis asked, her disguise failing completely revealing the large changeling's true form.

the drone changelings followed suit, their disguises failing before them before they collapsed.

"Something's wrong with my changelings." Chrysalis said but began to weaken as well. "and me.... I feel... weak..."

Nyx Galloped in with the boots she and Twilight had when Equestria was covered in Ice, the Changeling Queen grabbed and put them on as quickly as she could, even putting them on her changelings as the enchantment took effect.

"Are you two alright?" Chrysalis asked as her drones got up.

"Yes, that was very weird." one drone said.

Broadsword looked outside, everything was dead and the train began to turn grey as well. "it's what I figured, the entire town is drained. Everypony's in a state of hibernation if we don't stop Ryugu soon, everypony will become too weak to eat and drink. they'll die of starvation."

Everypony and Changeling's looked at Broadsword in horror. they had no idea Life Force had an effect on Ponies and other creatures magic, and the fact that it drains them to the point of starvation scared Chrysalis to the core.

"Then we need to get going now. and stop this menace once and for all!" Celestia said, sounding more like her older self, she had the armor she gave to Twilight on before leaving Ponyville, she asked High Tech to make a new set for Twilight, as she helped Luna in hers.

"Are you sure you want to go?" Twilight asked the worry in her voice was strong. "you have no magical abilities. you could easily----

"Young Lady, are you saying we're defenseless? my sister and I won't sit idly by and let this monster continue to destroy our beautiful Kingdom." Celestia said with a stomp as she took the silver sword in her mouth.

Luna however when trying to put the helmet on fell over. "BWAH!" she then flailed her little armored hooves as the helmet covered her eyes. "WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS!?"

Fluttershy flew up and helped the filly moon princess to her hooves and straightened her helmet right. "there we are, your Majesty."

"thank you!" Luna chirped.

"Don't you dare think your going without help. Cadance can you please follow them?" Rarity asked. "I admire their tenacity but they could still get hurt."

"I've already made the choice of going with you." Cadance said wearing her crystal armor.

"Good, then let's get going!" Twilight said as she stepped hoof out the train car. "let's bring an end to this once and for all!"

The ponies and three changelings disembarked the train as they made their way through the town they saw Everypony was gray but barely alive. Fluttershy and Applejack helped as many as they could by feeding them. but they were all too weak to even eat.

"It's no use. we need to stop it at the source." Nyx said looking at the glint of the spire over the mountains.

"I'm ready to fight by your side, Crusader." Broadsword said as he followed Nyx.