Deep in the prison caverns of New Canterlot, the section where all the changelings that Starfleet captured were kept, all in capture spheres. Five of the capture spheres began to glow and suddenly broke open!

The five changelings came to their senses and were terrified. The changelings turned into birds and they all flew out of the prison caverns and out of the palace all the way into the New White Tail Woods.

---

The next morning, Lightning and the two teams were immediately called to New Canterlot and informed about what happened.

“Five changelings escaped last night!?” Lightning exclaimed.

“Indeed, five capture spheres were mysteriously broken and there is no trace of the changelings.” Grand Ruler stated.

“Ummm.... what’s a changeling?” Sapphire asked.

“A changeling is a ghastly insect-like pony that feeds off the emotions of other creatures. They are all evil and disgusting!” Rarity explained.

“Nevertheless, we must recapture the changelings before they do damage on the kingdom or being stealing love from ponies.” Queen Celestia added.

“Yes, your majesty.” Everybody said.

With that, everybody flew out of the palace and immediately began searching for the changelings.

“Girls, search New Everfree Forest. Starla and I will look around New Ponyville and the rest of you spread out.” Lightning ordered.

The ponies obey and spread out. Sapphire went to the New White Tail Woods to begin her search. She began walking down the path, observing anything that would lead her to the escaped changelings. Some bushes near her began to rustle. “Hmmm.”

She walked over to them and pulled them back revealing the five changelings; they all had transparent wings and holes in their legs. Each of the changelings has different colored eyes and wings.

The first had a red and purple shading.

The second had yellow.

The third had lime green and blue shading.

The fourth had red and orange shading

The last one had the normal transparent blue wings and blue eyes.

Just by looking at them, Sapphire could tell they weren’t savage beast as her friends described as these changelings screamed and cowered before her, in fear.

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” she soothed.

“Yeah right!” retorted one changeling. “you’ll probably lock us up again.”

“Actually, I kinda.... wanna be friends with you guys.”

“Pfft. Yeah right.”The second changeling replied.

“Really, I want to be friends with you. I don’t think you’re as bad as my friends say you are.” That got the five changelings by surprise. “Friends?” One changeling asked.

“Yeah. My friends told me that changelings are evil, but you five don’t seem like that at all.” Sapphire replied.

“Evil? Not us, all we’ve ever wanted was a friend. But Chrysalis said that friendship is weak.” the shy changeling added.

“We were apart of the attack on United Equestria but we couldn’t steal love from other ponies after seeing friendship. We wanted to share it. When we escaped we hide here so that nobody could find us.” the other changeling replied.

She felt bad for these changelings. Her friends told her that all changelings were evil but, even with her being on the force for no more than a couple days, she could tell these five were the complete opposite.

“Well if you want friends, I’ll be your first one.... Umm I didn’t get your names.

The changeling introduced themselves in order.

“I’m Pharynx.”

“I’m Pyrax.”

“I’m Crystal.”

“I’m Sliver.”

“And I’m Pyrite.”

“I’m Sapphire Shimmer, nice to meet you all.” she greeted back.

Suddenly, she heard some voices, she peeked out of the woods and saw Lightning and Starla coming towards the forest.

“Guys hide!”

The changelings compiled and hid in their bush. Lightning and Starla approached Sapphire. “Find them yet?” Lightning asked. Sapphire started to sweat a little and replied, “Nope nothing.”

Lightning sighed in dismay. “We’ll keep searching.”

Sapphire nodded and watched Lightning and Starla fly away. Sapphire sighed in relief. “It’s okay, they’re gone now.” She called.

The changelings came out of the bush. “That was too close.” Pyrite said.

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe and teach you about friendship.” she promised. The changelings smiled at her with such gratefulness. “I’ll check up on you guys every day and teach you about friendship.”

---

For the next week, she went to the New White Tail Woods and taught the changelings about friendship. They soaked up all the information like sponges, vowing to never forget them.

Then changelings were grateful for her showing them friendship even though she would get in serious trouble by doing this. However, Sapphire didn’t care. “Everybody deserves a chance at friendship.” she said to the changelings.

The five changelings all smiled at their teacher and friend.

---

Now, Sapphire was with her friends at the Cake’s Café for some lunch.

Lightning was not very happy, “I still can’t believe we haven’t found those escaped changelings yet!” he grumbled.

Sapphire, being optimistic as always said, “Don’t worry guys, you’ll find them soon. I’m gonna go to New Whitetail Woods, see ya.” she stated.

When she left, Buddy asked, “Have you guys been noticing she’s been going to the woods a lot lately?”

“Yeah, she’s never been to the woods that many time before.” Applejack agreed.

“What do you think she could be doing there?” Rarity asked.

“You guys don’t think she found you changelings and just isn’t telling us, do you?” Spike asked.

“No way, she would never do that. She knows the consequences.” Lightning replied.

“But we should probably go check on her.” Dyno suggested.

“Si, I agree.” Myte added. The ponies left the café and went to New Whitetail Woods. There they saw Sapphire talking to somebody.

“Who is she talking to?” Pinkie whispered.

“Don’t know Let’s get a closer look.” Lightning replied. The ponies got closer and were shocked at what they saw. “Why is Sapphire talking with the escaped changelings!” Starla cried.

“What is she thinking?!” Rainbow added.

“Is she crazy! She’ll get court martial for sure!” Fluttershy said.

“Okay see you guys tomorrow.” Sapphire said. The changelings went back into their bush and she exited the forest but before she could take another step.

“Stop right there!” She turned around and gasped as she saw her friends staring at her with angry faces. “What have you done Sapphire!” Lightning asked grimly. She stammered as she tried to find a reply. “You know that you were supposed to report if you found the changelings!” Lightning scolded.

“But guys, the changelings are nice.” Sapphire replied desperately.

Her friends didn’t believe her. “Pfft. Yeah right! They probably cast a spell on you and made believing that.” Artie snarled.

“It’s true!” Sapphire cried.

“Sapphire darling, forgive my tone but.. THEY ARE THE ENEMY!” Rarity stated.

Before she could say another word. “LIEUTENANT SAPPHIRE!”

Everybody looked up and saw Grand Ruler and Queen Celestia in the sky and they did not look pleased at all!

“Report to the palace for inquiry and court martial.” Grand Ruler said.

All the ponies shuddered in fear, but not as much as Sapphire. They all went to the palace for the trial. When they were gone, the changelings came out of the bush. They heard everything “This is bad. Sapphire’s in major trouble now.” Pyrite whimpered.

“What do we do Pharynx?” Crystal asked. All the changelings turned to Pharynx for an answer. Pharynx took a deep breath and said, “We have to go there.”

The others were shocked. “We can’t do that Pharynx! They’ll lock us up again!” Pyrite said.

“But what about Sapphire?” Silver added.

“She’s right, we’ve gotta help her. If we don’t, who knows what’ll happen to her.” Crystal said.

“Crystal is right. She’s in big trouble and it’s our fault. We can’t leave her.” Pyrite added.

Pharynx thought about what everybody said. “You’re right. We’ve gotta help her.” he said. The others smiled at their friend and all headed to New Canterlot Palace to save their friend before it was too late.

---

Meanwhile, Sapphire was in trial. The supreme pony council of United Equestria presided. The Chairman pony and his five councilors called the court to order.

“Sapphire Shimmer…” said the chairman “This court holds in contempt on the charges of treason to the United Equestrian Empire. Evidence has convinced this court that you are defying their majesties order to bringing in the changelings. Have you anything to say for yourself?”

Sapphire just stayed quiet and shook her head. Her friends were in the front row seats, looking on with worry and concern.

Grand Ruler then stood and called to the Judges, “Will the Panel need to deliberate?”

“We see no need. We have decided on our verdict.” said the Chairman.

“You may proceed.” said Celestia. Everyone in the court stood waiting to final word from the Chairman. “It is the ruling of the supreme world high court of United Equestria that the defendant, Sapphire Shimmer is found-“ Before he could say anything else, the doors of the courtroom burst open. “WAIT!”

The chairman wasn’t happy. “WHO DARES INTERRUPT THIS COURT TRIAL!?” He bellowed.

“We do!” Everybody turned towards the door and gasped in horror. The escaped changelings at the door! Lightning and his team immediately surrounded them. “What are you doing here?” he snarled.

“We’re here to tell you we’ve changed.” Pharynx stated.

“Yeah, right.” Starla muttered.

“Please just listen.” Crystal pleaded.

The music began playing and the changelings began to sing.

https://m.

The whole court was silent, except for Sapphire, who ran towards her changeling friends. “What are you guys doing here?” She asked. “You’ll get sent back to the prison caverns for sure.”

“We came to save you Jewel.” Pyrax replied. “We weren’t going to stand by while you take the fall for us.”

“Like you said, a friend does anything for others no matter what the cost .” Crystal stated. Sapphire was surprised by their actions. Her changelings friends risked getting set back to the prison caverns just to save her from getting into major trouble.

Lightning and everybody else in the courtroom, including their majesties couldn’t believe. Everybody in the courtroom was speechless. “But why?” she asked.

“We came to fight for you.” Pyrax replied.

“Fight for me?” Sapphire asked.

“Fight for her?” Everybody in courtroom repeated in shock.

Pharynx nodded. “We were all disasters when we first met but you showed us that when you know something in your heart is right, you stand up for it.” Crystal said. “You did that for us. Why can’t we do that for you?” Silver added.

“But I went against Starfleet regulations, it tells me everything I have to do to keep the universe safe.”

“And you went against that just to show us friendship.” Pharynx started. “Why should you let, excuse my next words, other ponies stop you from doing just that?!” Silver added.

Sapphire pulled out her copy of “The Starfleet Codes of Regulations” containing all the rules, codes, and regulations which Grand Ruler had spent centuries writing and rewriting since Starfleet first began. “But the regulation book-“ she started but was cut when the Crystal smacked the book out of her hands.

“Doesn’t matter!” All five of the changelings said. Everybody gasped.

“You went against them because you’re doing something new, something important.” Pyrite stated.

“You went against them to give us something nobody else did... a second chance.” Pharynx added.

A moment of silence followed when Lightning spoke up, “Listen Sapphire.... we owe you an apology.”

“We do?!” All his friends asked in shock.

“Yes. We didn’t even give the changelings a chance at friendship because we didn’t think they could learn friendship, but Sapphire showed us all that it’s possible and that there is still hope for them as well.” Lightning spoke in a confident voice. Tears started to form in his eyes as he turned to his student. “And it’s something that’s made me ever so proud.” Lightning hugged her and she hugged him back.

Just then, the changelings began hissing. “What’s wrong?” Sapphire asked.

“Something evil is coming. Very evil.” Silver replied.

Suddenly, lightning flashed in the courtroom and a figure appeared in front of the gang. The smoke cleared and everybody in the courtroom gasped in horror at what they saw.

The figure looked exactly like Sapphire except the mane and tail were completely black and her eyes were blood red instead of blue. Also she had a scar over her left eye. “What in United Equestria is that?!” Rarity asked.

“The name’s Blaze Glimmer, idiots.” she snarled. The ponies didn’t take kindly to her attitude. Their majesties landed in front of the entire gang. “What do you want, Blaze Glimmer?” Celesto asked.

“I’m here for another creation like me named Sapphire Shimmer aka my twin sister!” Everybody gasped in shock. “Twin sister!” Dyno cried.

“How?” Myte added.

“You morons can’t possibly believe she was the only creation made by humans. I was created first but the humans tossed me away due to my... rebellious behavior.

Then they made my goody-two shoes double, leaving me to fend for myself. I swore revenge on Sapphire for taking all the attention away from me.

I’m just here to destroy Sapphire. There can only be one hybrid human in the universe. And that human WILL BE ME!” Blaze’s eyes, mane and tail lit up with fire and her entire body was coated in dark magic.

Sapphire whimpered in fear but the ponies stood in front of her. “You’ll have to get pass us first!” Rainbow challenged.

Blaze’s horn glow in a black aura. “My pleasure.” She blasted the ponies and their majesties, sending them flying. “Guys!”

They crashed against the wall and fell to the floor. “That hurt.” Pinkie groaned.

Blaze laughed at the ponies. She began slowly walking towards. “You’re friends can't save you now.” The changelings stood in front of Sapphire. “But we can.” Pharynx stated. “Yeah, we're not letting you anywhere near our friend.” Pyrite added.

The ponies and their majesties couldn’t believe what they heard. Blaze merely scoffed. “Fine by me.” She prepared to blast the changelings to but Pyrax turned into a hippogriff, half pony and half eagle creature. Pyrax squawked and slashed Blaze across the face. “Agh!”

The others launched goo from their mouths in an attempt to tap her but Blaze skillfully dodged each one. “That’s it, I’m getting Sapphire and you can’t do anything to stop me.”

She was about to charged them when “UNIFORCE” Lightning blasted her with his attack sending her to the wall. The ponies gathered around Sapphire and the changelings. “Surrender Blaze Glommer, while you still have the chance.” He called. Blaze got up and growled angrily. “This ain’t over. Watch your back Sapphire cause I’m coming for you AND I WON'T STOP UNTIL YOU'RE DESTROYED!” With that she flew out of the window and flew far far away.

Everyone in the court was in a mixture of shock horror and fear. “C-Court adjourned.” The chairman’s stuttered.

After that everybody was in the throne room. “That Blaze is strong.” Pinkie said.

“Yeah. And she’s totally focused on Sapphire.” Lightning added.

“I can’t believe the changelings defended her.” Buddy said. Everybody agreed with that. “We told you we’ve changed and it’s thanks to Sapphire.” Pyrax replied.

The ponies felt bad for doubting Sapphire. “Sorry, Sapphire. We should have believed you.” Applejack stated.

“Now we know giving a second chance to someone can change them for the better even if they have a bad history, It takes a good friend to help show another side you never thought they had.” Lightning said. Their majesties were proud of their students having learn another friendship lesson.

“B-But what about Blaze. She’s still after me *gulp* and frankly it makes me really, really nervous.” Sapphire whimpered.

The ponies gathered around Sapphire. “Don’t worry sugarcube.” Applejack said. “We won’t let that ‘twin sister’ of yours destroy you.” Buddy added.

Sapphire felt a little better “But you’re still not off the hook for keeping your changelings pals away from us.” Rainbow cut in. Sapphire looked at the teams and their majesties nervously. “What are you going to do to me?”

The ponies looked at their majesties and their majesties looked at them. They all had a mischievous smile on their faces. Sapphire knew that look.

Soon she found herself doing the servants jobs. As punishment she was sentenced to one hundred hours of community service. “Ughh.”

The changelings came over to see her. They were allowed to live in the palace as long as Sapphire kept teaching them friendship.

“Hey Sapphire.” Silver greeted.

“Hey guys.” she replied with a sad smile. “Sapphire we’re sorry for getting you into this.” Pharynx said.

Sapphire smiled at them. “Guys, it’s my fault and I have to take the heat. It’s okay, I promise. I’m just glad you guys are free now.”

The changelings smiled at Sapphire and hugged her.

Their majesties and the two teams saw them and couldn’t help but smile at the scene. The changelings now have a new chance at life thanks to Sapphire and they couldn’t be more proud.

Next Chapter: Episode 4: Magic Duel Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 48 Minutes