As we stepped back out into the huge cavern, Phalanx looked at us. “I presume things went well?” He asked, gesturing for us to follow.

“Good as it gets.” I said, following him.

“Well, right now Cocoon is attempting to convince the dragons that the changelings can be trusted right now.” Phalanx said, “It was a bit shocking to see, when he revealed himself to the Wise One, he nearly got set on fire.”

“Here we go again.” I thought as we entered where the Wise One was, along with several other dragons, who did not look that friendly towards the changeling. The argument between them stopped as the Wise One noticed me and the rest of the Crusaders.

“The Noble Three have completed their task of overcoming The Great Chamber of Their Trials, a sight I am most pleased to see.” He spoke.

“You knew all along what the ‘weapon’ really was didn’t ya?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“The Ancient Sages stated the true nature of the reward of The Great Chamber of Their Trials was only to be discovered to The Noble Three through their own actions.” The Wise One replied. I didn’t ask if he knew that I wouldn’t find my Cutie Mark there, knowing the response. “And now, I shall ask The Noble Three of their judgement of the changelings, and their worthiness as allies.”

“Look, we were invaded by changelings over half a year ago, not a lot of initially trusted them when we decided to go and see if they could help us, and some of probably still don’t trust them.” Sweetie Belle said, looking at the gargantuan dragon, “But right now everything is at stake, and Rabil’s actions won’t just affect Equestria. Right now, we’re all in the same boat, and we need to work together.”

The Wise One seemed to take in Sweetie Belle’s words, and finally chose his words. “Allow me a few moments to consider this, Noble Three, and their allies.” We walked out of the cavern and Phalanx opened his mouth, but he was cut off by the sudden change of surroundings.

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The throne room had been completely redecorated. That was the first thing I noticed as I saw through Rabil’s eyes, surprisingly enough. The walls seemed to be a deep black, and the windows depicted Rabil and other scenery. The door opened and Rabil huffed quietly, and King Sombra walked up. “My lord, we have found no mention of anything pertaining to you in the archives.” Sombra informed him, the fear in his voice quite clear.

“Although this news is quite unwelcome, I do not place the blame upon you, Sombra.” Rabil said, as he got up. “It appears that my sister has had a contingency already in motion, ever since I returned.”

Sombra frowned, and asked, “What is the contingency?”

“I am not sure, but right now, we are likely to see it soon. In the meantime, Sombra, I wish for you to gather your armies, and make for Manehattan, we cannot allow a rebellious grasp to continue for much longer.” Rabil ordered.

“I just do not understand how a small amount of guards and regular common ponies could overtake such a massive army in the first place, my lord.” Sombra said, as he turned to leave.

“Nor I.” Rabil mused as he left, and thought once again, about the contingency being in motion when he had returned. “Wait, what did I first encounter upon my return?” Rabil thought aloud. “Those three fillies, and then once again at Canterlot.”

“No...” I thought, seeing his own discovery occurring.

“And they were thought to be seen at Manehattan, along with the guards...” Rabil said, realizing the obvious, or rather, the answer that he had multiple times in front of him. “How could I have not seen that?” He roared. “COMMANDER!” He shouted.

An armored stallion ran in and bowed, “What is the situation, my lord?”

“I must know about any group of three fillies from the former town of Ponyville, interrogate the prisoners now!” Rabil ordered, “Fortify our city’s defenses, along with the palace’s, and report to me immediately if you have any sighting of a group of three fillies, one an earth pony, another a pegasus, and the last a unicorn.” The commander dashed off and I could feel Rabil’s satisfaction at the discovery of us. “Whoever you are, fillies, be warned, your time is short.”

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“What’s the situation?” Shining Armor asked as I came back.

I looked and immediately responded, “He knows about us.” I felt both relief and terror at that fact.

Fluttershy visibly became terrified and made an “Eep!” upon hearing that, and Shining Armor exclaimed over the cacophony, “It was a matter of time, guards.”

“Ah also heard there was some resistance in Manehattan still. Apparently it’s not under their control.” I said, and Phalanx said to Shining Armor.

“Do you think we should head there, if we can link up with them, we may be able to get into Canterlot, no doubt Rabil is fortifying it.” Phalanx said, and I nodded in agreement.

A dragon walked out of the cavern, and bowed to me and the rest of the Crusaders. “The Wise One has come to a decision, no harm shall come to the changelings whilst we fight alongside you.” The dragon informed us.

I blurted something out, something that would have most likely gotten us all cooked if we weren’t the three important ones. “Can we get a ride to Manehattan?” I asked. Everypony stared at me, shocked that I had said that, but the dragon nodded.

“I shall go and inform Chrysalis that she needs to bring our forces to Manehattan.” Chrysalis said as he flew off. Applejack and her friends nodded at each other.

“We’ll stay here, along with Spike, to help the dragons get ready.” Twilight said. Shining Armor looked at his men, along with Diamond Tiara, Cadence, and Ditzy with her family, not to mention my father, and Big Mac.

“The rest of you should come with us, Manehattan’s probably gonna need a lot of help.” Shining Armor said, and we got onto the dragon’s back. Scootaloo was grinning, and I thought one thing.

“Into the fray.” I thought.