Midnight walked alongside Chrysalis as they walked through the forest. As they walked, the swampy lands became normal grass covered earth, and then it began to clear. Midnight gasped as he saw the view ahead of him, the castle. Never in his life did he ever imagine that he would ever step foot near the castle. Although Midnight continued on, Chrysalis stopped short. She could not step past where the woods met the clear field for the castle yards.

"This is what I have been having trouble with" she explained. "I cannot get through; there is this barrier that keeps me and my kind to get through. Now if you will please destroy the barrier." Midnight hesitated, wondering what he should do. Chrysalis spoke up, "Remember our little deal?" Midnight nodded just before his spike glowed a deep black. The barrier became visible, and soon it started to crack and fall to pieces.

Chrysalis smiled as she turned around, "Now my subjects, it is time to take revenge on the ponies that shot us away! Go out and feed!"

Midnight had no idea what she was talking about, but several Changelings flew from the trees. They rose into the sky and flew into Canterlot and the castle. Midnight dropped his head as Chrysalis approached him, "Now now Midnight, our deal isn't done yet."

---

Celestia was reading some of her scrolls in her room. Suddenly, guards stormed into the room. "Princess Celestia, Changeling armies are inside Canterlot and making their way to the castle!"

"What?!" shouted Celestia. "That barrier Shining Armor and Princess Cadence put up should have lasted for over a hundred years. How could they enter so easily?"

Celestia ran with the guards out of her room and into the grand hall. She stepped onto the balcony and looked down into the streets. Changelings were everywhere, chasing ponies and capturing guards. Celestia took out a quill and paper and began to write on it. However a sudden explosion caused her to stop and send the letter accidentally. It disappeared into the air before the dust cleared out of the room. Chrysalis appeared from the debris laughing evilly.

"Chrysalis…how did you break the barrier?!" shouted Celestia.

Chrysalis let out a small chuckle, "Let me introduce you to a new friend of mine…" Chrysalis stepped to the side as a new figure appeared. Celestia's eyes went wide as she saw it was Midnight. Chrysalis smiled at Celestia's reaction, "You should really watch who you decide to banish…it could have some…consequences."

Celestia glared at Chrysalis, "Whatever spell you have on that poor pony you better release him right this instant!"

"Oh, I have no such spell on him. Isn't that right Midnight?"

Midnight was silent for a while, but his head dropped at his response. "Yes, it's true Princess."

Celestia gasped at his reaction, "Why Midnight, why are you helping her?"

"Midnight has made a deal with me" replied Chrysalis. "I will help him if he does what I ask. Now then Midnight, defeat Celestia."

Both Midnight and Celestia were shocked by her words. "Wait…that wasn't part of the deal…"

"Midnight, you told me you would do anything for my help. So, if you refuse to do as I ask, I will not help you in return."

Midnight cowered in his hooves but slowly walked forward. His spike began to glow black and Celestia began to back up in fear. A black beam shot out of his horn and Celestia shot a beam of her own. However there was no competition, Midnight's attack easily overpowered Celestia's. The black beam hit Celestia's horn and then bathed Celestia in black magic. Celestia tried to stay awake, but the magic was draining her energy. Midnight and Chrysalis walked closer to Celestia, Chrysalis was laughing but Midnight was crying, "…I'm sorry…"

---

Twilight and her friends were still crowded in the library. Only Oracle was not inside with the others. They were discussing ways to bring Midnight back, but Sparkplug was trying to convince them not to mention the prank he pulled. Spike ran down the stairs but tripped on the last few. "Twilight!" he shouted, "I got a…" Spike burped and a piece of paper formed from the fire. Twilight was confused but read it. ""Twilight, please help…Chang…?" What is a Chang?"

"Who was it even from?" asked Rainbow.

"It was from the Princess!" shouted Spike. "I get letters from no pony else."

"But what in the hay is a Chang?" asked Applejack.

The door swung open and two ponies stepped through. They were Shard and Fire Star. Everypony was nervous for Fire Star, but he was silent. "I heard Midnight was banished, what happened?" asked Shard.

"Oh, just a harmless prank that somepony pulled on him that caused his magic to get out of control" replied Twilight.

"But you will not believe what I saw while I was flying here. I saw Midnight!" Everypony gasped but continued to listen. "But that is not all! He was heading towards Canterlot with this…pony."

"Why would he go to Canterlot" asked Rainbow. "He knows he was banished."

"Shard, you mentioned that he was accompanied by another pony. What did she look like?" asked Twilight.

Shard rubbed his head with his hoof. "Uh…well she wasn't normal" he started. "Her mane and tail seemed to droop like it was dead. Her horn was twisted and her mane…or skin was dark gray. But there was something even weirder about her. She had wings, but they seemed to be like wings on a bug."

Twilight gasped after he was done explaining. "Changelings!" she shouted. Everypony but Sparkplug, Shard, and Fire Star gasped as a result. Twilight turned to the other three, "About a year ago, Canterlot was attacked by a massive group of creatures called Changelings. My brother and his wife managed to drive them away once, but it seems that now they have Midnight under their control. We need to get to Canterlot and fast. Someone better get Oracle."

"I'll get her" said Shard. "I need to say something else to her as well. I think I know where she lives." With that Shard rushed out of the library, a cold blast of air following him.

Inside her house, Oracle never bothered to get out of her bed. That nightmare she had was all too real. Her eyes were red with tears, crying over the fact that Midnight could be evil. However she stopped once she heard a few steps inside her home. Oracle dried her tears, wiped her eyes with her hoof, and walked out of her room. She stepped into her main room, and saw somepony she did not want to see at all.

"Oracle…I need to tell you something…" he said.

"What do you want Shard?" she said coldly. "Midnight isn't here anymore."

"That's not why I'm here. Okay, that's real reason I'm here but I'm here for something else."

"What, are you going to freeze me solid now?"

"Just listen! I never intended to harm Midnight. I just thought he should see what happens when you're flying. Sure I think I went too far, but if anything I saved him. So, could you accept my apology?"

Oracle seemed to brighten up a little. "Yeah, I guess I can forgive you. After all you are the one to start him flying. Now, what else do you need?"

"Midnight has been taken by these evil creatures called Changelings. He was seen heading towards Canterlot castle."

The mentioning of the castle caused Oracle to have a grim expression pass over on her face. Shard noticed this, "Oracle…are you okay…?"

"We need to get there quickly!" she exclaimed. Shard was pushed to the side as Oracle galloped out of her home. Shard quickly recovered and flew beside her. They met inside the Library, where Twilight was concentrating.

"What are you doing Twilight?" asked Oracle.

"We need to get to Canterlot fast, and the usual trip there takes too long" she explained. "So, I'm going to try and teleport us there."

"Uh…Twilight…are you sure this is safe?" asked Fluttershy.

Lightning stepped beside her and stood close, "Don't worry Flutters…Twilight can do it. After all she is Celestia's student."

Twilight's horn glowed brightly as purple sparkling energy surrounded everypony in the room. With a quick flash, the room was empty.

---

Canterlot was in chaos. Changelings were flying around the streets, chasing and trapping any ponies that they caught. A bright flash was seen beside the castle entrance underneath the grand stairs. Everypony was scattered around, with Twilight in the center exhausted. "Is everypony alright?" she asked.

Everypony agreed except for one. "I think you forgot about me!" shouted a muffled voice. It came from Shard, but he was just fine. Then, he stood up, revealing Spike. "Whoa, sorry Spike" he said.

Spike got up and dusted himself off, "Do you even know how much you weigh?! Lighten up man!"

"Excuse me, but all of this is muscle" replied Shard sternly. "Unlike you, I actually have some."

"Well pardon me for being a baby dragon!"

"Will you two stop it already!" shouted Twilight. "We need to get into the castle!"

Twilight and a few others peered around the edge and looked at the chaos. Oracle

sneered, "You should have told me those were Changelings, I would have brought my flyswatter."

"Trust me, a flyswatter won't fix this Oracle" said a voice.

Everypony turned to see a pegasi pony. Her coat was white while her mane was a bright turquoise and white. Her eyes were a very light blue while her mark was two square crystals. Everypony was confused on who she was except for Oracle. Oracle ran up to the Pegasus and hugged her, "Shia, what are you doing here?!"

"I was trying to escape from these Changeling like everypony else" she explained. "But don't worry; a few ponies have taken refuge from a inner room in the castle. Follow me."

Shia ran up the stairs with the others following them from behind. As they ran through the castle, Twilight ran beside Oracle. "How do you know this pony?" she asked. "Shia was my best friend when I was little" Oracle replied. "This was before I was changed."

Twilight wasn't too sure on what Shia was. Her flying sounded like the beating of insect wings. But, if there was a safe room, there was a chance to save Canterlot again. Shia entered a large and grand room. Once everypony was inside, the doors slammed shut. The room was empty except for one being, Queen Chrysalis, "It was so nice for you to join us, too bad it will be your last moment here."

Chrysalis smiled evilly as she stared at all of the trapped ponies. Everypony had a scared expression on their faces, but Sparkplug had one of disgust. "What in Equestria is THAT?!" Chrysalis's smile disappeared for a second before she bowed slightly, "I am Chrysalis…Queen of the Changelings…"

Sparkplug leaned over closer to Shard, "I feel sorry for the king."

Chrysalis now glared at Sparkplug, "You little brat! I have no husband!"

"Now THAT is a surprise…" said Sparkplug with a sarcastic tone.

"You need to be taught some manners. But I wouldn't be taunting others with a broken horn."

"Lady, I rather have a broken horn than what you have."

Chrysalis looked like she was about to explode in anger, while the others were trying to contain their laughs. "Do you even know why I am here?"

"It's obviously not to find a husband."

Chrysalis walked closer and put her face close to his, "You lousy unicorn, why I otta…"

"Get a perm…go to the spa…" Sparkplug sniffed near Chrysalis but took his head back, "Go and brush your teeth…"

Rainbow Dash busted into laughter and hit the floor. The other ponies began to laugh louder this time and Chrysalis wasn't getting any happier. "You stupid pony, I will teach you to…"

A bolt of electricity shot out of Sparkplug's broken horn and hit Chrysalis, causing her to jump back. Sparkplug looked back, "Hey look guys, I'm a bug zapper."

Chrysalis sneered but then smiled, "Oh Midnight, be a dear and shut the unicorn up."

A black beam shot from behind Chrysalis and hit Sparkplug. Sparkplug flew into the others along with the black energy. A black barrier formed around everypony. Twilight tried to get out using her magic but it simply bounced off and hit Sparkplug. His mane was now slightly charred. "I'm guessing this is cosmic payback for the insults" he said.

Midnight stepped out from behind Chrysalis, becoming noticeable. Oracle gasped as well as the others. "We know you have a spell on him Chrysalis!" shouted Twilight. "Release him now!"

Chrysalis chuckled, "Oh foolish child, you are clearly not thinking correctly. Midnight has told me of the magic he can perform. If he used his cancelling magic, he would have broken my spell and immediately woke up."

Twilight's eyes went wide, "She's right. If Midnight used his spell, he would be fully aware."

"So…that means…" said Applejack.

"Midnight is fully aware of what he is doing" responded Chrysalis.

Oracle ran to the very edge of the barrier, "Oh Midnight, please don't tell me this isn't true!"

Tears were beginning to form in her eyes. Midnight never looked up at her, "It is true everypony. I'm sorry, but I made a deal with Chrysalis. If I do everything she asks, then she will help me."

"But that is not the only pony you know that is working with me" said Chrysalis. "Oh Shia, can you come here please?"

Shia dropped her head and walked straight out of the barrier. Rainbow Dash looked surprised but then she charged the barrier, only to slam her face against the barrier. Shia turned with a few tears in her eyes, "Oracle…the reason I left when you were first changed wasn't because of your looks…it was because of…this…" A green light began to encircle her and travel up her entire body. Her white coat changed to a deep black, the bottoms of her limbs forming holes near the hoof. Her mane reversed colors, going from light blue and white to black and dark purple. A small horn formed on the top of her head, her eyes changed to pupil-less blue eyes, and her wings took on the appearance of insect wings. Tears were now falling from her real eyes, "…I'm…I'm a Changeling…"

Everypony was surprised but then Chrysalis stomped her hoof once, signaling Midnight to shoot another beam at the barrier. The barrier began to shrink slightly, and electrocute everypony inside. Tears were falling from Oracle's eyes, as well as Midnight's eyes. Everything blacked out for the ponies inside the barrier. Midnight ceased his magic, enough to turn away and sob. Chrysalis patted Midnight's back to try and calm him down. "Everything will be paid off in the end Midnight. But for now, put these with the other two."

---

Twilight stirred in her unconscious state, awaking once another pony nudged her head. Twilight woke up and looked around. They were in a cell, everypony was. Two ponies however she took notice of; Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

"I'm glad to see you awake Twilight" she said.

"Princess…what happened?" asked Twilight.

"Midnight sided with the Changelings, using his dark magic to aid the queen by any means. I knew I should have never given him permission to practice that magic."

"Princess…Chrysalis and Midnight mentioned something involving a deal" said Oracle. "Maybe Chrysalis has control over him, because of the deal."

"What in Equestria would Midnight want?" asked Rainbow. "Besides being allowed back in Ponyville, I don't see anything else that he would want."

"I can think of something" said Lightning. Everypony, even Celestia, paid attention. "Midnight was always sad about his looks. Chrysalis must have convinced him that she can change his looks if he helps her. That must be what she's doing to him."

A loud banging echoed throughout the cell. Everypony turned to see Oracle slamming her tail against the bars of the cell. "We need to get out of here!" she shouted. Sparkplug blocked her off once before aiming his horn at the cell. Energy sparked, but that is the only thing it did. "The cells are built to withstand even the most powerful magic" explained Celestia, "Even my powers are useless against the cage."

Lightning walked up to the cell and put his hooves by the door. A few seconds passed and then Lightning faced the group. He walked beside Applejack and whispered in her ear. Applejack walked over, reared back, and kicked the door with her back hooves. The door flew clean off of its hinges and hit the wall across the room. Everypony made a small cheer and got up to leave. Rainbow needed to pull Fluttershy out.

"Alright everypony, I need your help to get our kingdom back" said Celestia.

"Don't worry Princess, we will always fight for you" said Twilight.

"I was not talking to you Twilight. I was talking about the rest of you."

Twilight and the other elements turned to face the small group of remaining ponies with them. They all stood slightly shocked. Shard took a few steps forward and bowed, "It would be an honor to fight by your side Princess." Oracle galloped up beside him, "I want to get Midnight back more than anything! I will fight too!" Fire Star walked slowly to the same area, "Although I have never known of a princess, I believe what these creatures are doing here is wrong. I will help." Sparkplug stayed where he was until he was hit by Oracle's tail. "I guess I will help…"

"…NO…" replied Lightning coldly.

Everypony looked at Lightning in shock. Lightning had just said no to the Sun Princess. "Care to say that again…LIGHTNING?" said Celestia in a new tone. Her tone hid a sense of violence, which surprised everypony on her side.

"You have no control over me Celestia" he replied. "If MY ruler asks me to join this battle, then I shall." Lightning trotted over towards Luna. Luna appeared to be shocked, as well as everypony else in the room. "My ruler, the one I still serve after all these years, will make the choice if I am to be in this battle or not." With that said, Lightning bowed to Luna.

Luna slowly smiled, "Old friend, you know you have no reason to bow. Help in this battle; show them the might of the Crimson Puppeteer."

Lightning rose triumphantly and walked valiantly to the other fighters. His pose made Fluttershy blush slightly, which caught the eye of Celestia. But, she would not let this get to her, not yet. They all climbed the stairs from the prison and headed for the main room.

---

Chrysalis stood on the balcony, watching the Changelings perform their havoc on the city. Midnight and Shia stood behind her, looking very sad. Midnight began to walk closer to Chrysalis, "Uh…Chrysalis…I think that…I have done enough…"

Chrysalis turned, her sudden gaze causing Midnight to cower. But, a smiled stretched across her face. "Of course dear Midnight, none of this would be possible without your help" she said. Her horn shined that sickly green color and a mist began to form around Midnight. Shia backed off in slight fear. She has never seen her queen do this before. Midnight coughed and opened his eyes. Nothing felt different, so Midnight doubted. "Go and look at your new form Midnight, you earned it."

Midnight turned around, seeing Shia's shocked expression. He quickly ran to one of the glass windows, trying to see his reflection. The pony that stood in the mirror Midnight hardly recognized. A blue pony with a grayish mane stood in the mirror. All four limbs were hooves, not a single one was a claw. Midnight was surprised that he not only had a single unicorn horn, but also two large feathery Pegasus wings. That horrible mark of his was now a simple red heart with a small crest-shaped black marking underneath. Midnight was so happy that he couldn't express his full concern. The doors to the room suddenly opened and everypony before entered. Chrysalis was surprised but Midnight suddenly approached them. "Hi everypony!" he happily said.

"Who are you?!" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, very funny Rainbow Dash, don't tell me you don't know who I am…"

"No pony here knows you" said Twilight, "What's your name…?"

"Guys, it's me, Midnight!"

"Yeah right, like we are going to…"

Oracle gasped loudly, enough to stop Rainbow from talking. She slowly walked forward, her legs wobbling with each step. "M-M-Midnight…? Is that…is that really y-y-you…?" she asked.

Midnight ran up to her and hugged her. "It is me Oracle!" he shouted. "We can finally be together now! I am a normal pony! No more dark magic, no more banishment, we can finally be together without any trouble! Isn't this great?!"

Oracle was speechless and her eyes were wide. The room was filled with dead silence. Teardrops began to form in her eyes, the last thing Midnight expected for Oracle to have. She suddenly ran out of the room and through the doors once more. Midnight flew over the group and followed Oracle.

"Well, now since that is over, we can get you properly retrained" said Chrysalis.

Everypony turned once more to see the room filled with several Changelings; all of them either flying or on the ground. Celestia stomped her hood once, signaling everypony to charge. The Changelings except for Chrysalis charged as well.

---

Oracle galloped through the halls with tears falling from her face. Midnight flew right above her but then landed in front of her. "Oracle…what's…?" Oracle ran right beside him, leaving Midnight stunned. She ran around the corner and out of Midnight's sight. But, that did not stop him. Midnight flew around the corner to chase her but stopped immediately. Oracle was huddled by a grand statue, crying her eyes out. Midnight slowly walked to her, trying not to disturb her. He reached out to rub her back, but her tail opened up, shielding them apart.

"So…so this is why you did it…" said Oracle between sobs. "You…you wanted to be normal…just like everypony else…"

"Well, yes…that is true" replied Midnight. "But why are you so sad? Please, move your tail."

Midnight tried to go around Oracle's tail, but it was bigger than he noticed. And, whenever he moved, the tail blocked his path. "Why…why Midnight? I thought that…that we…we were happy just the way we were. When I met you…I felt normal. But now…now I feel alone. I'm not a pony anymore; I don't know what I am…"

Even through her lush green tail was blocking her face; Midnight could tell what expression she had. Midnight's heart was crushed. Never in his life did he ever feel so guilty. "Oracle…I…I had no idea" he said. "I'm…I'm sorry that I caused this sadness. I guess that is all I can really say now is that I am sorry." Tears were forming in his eyes now. Midnight reached his hoof and gently touched Oracle's tail. Her tail suddenly folded and she turned around.

"Midnight, what did you touch my tail with?" she asked.

"Uh…my hoof…" he replied.

"No, the touch did not feel the same. It felt like a claw, like your normal claw."

Midnight was puzzled but he tried something. He placed his hoof on the floor and rubbed it against the tiles. He lifted it, and to Oracle's and Midnight's surprise, three claw marks were against the tiles. Midnight stepped back from it, and then flew off to the room. Oracle quickly ran after him, worried for his concern now.

Midnight stopped by the door and peered inside. Everypony was stuck to the floor due to the slime that coated their legs. Twilight, Lightning, Fire Star, Celestia and Luna had a coating of the stuff on their horns as well. Chrysalis walked up to Celestia and laughed, "Did you think you could stand a chance against me Celestia? After all, the most powerful pony of us all is the one you banished. I wonder how he feels now…"

"I learned that it was a mistake to banish Midnight" she said. "It may have been his powers that caused the damages, but it was not his fault."

"But now, he will forever be loyal to me. Why you may ask? Because I granted him the one thing he wanted, to look normal."

"But Changelings do not have the ability to change others!"

Chrysalis smiled and let out a small giggle, "Oh how right you are Celestia. I cannot change his looks permanently, so I simply cast a spell that made him look like a normal pony. And as long as he believes he looks like that, he will always look like that."

"You evil monster!" shouted Fire Star. "That is the most diabolical thing I have ever heard! And I'm the one who tried to destroy Ponyville!"

"Yes, I will admit it. I tricked that mutant pony and used his abilities to take over Canterlot. And, because you will be the first one gone, no pony will be able to stop me!"

"No pony except, for me!"

Everypony turned to see Midnight at the door. His expression was clearly recognizable, anger. A green mist started to come off and fade into the air. When it cleared, Midnight stood in his true form. Oracle's eyes grew wide with excitement and she ran into the room. Oracle immediately hugged Midnight, but Midnight pushed her away slightly. "You tricked me!" he shouted in anger. "You made me go against everything I thought about. I fought Princess Celestia! Now, it is my turn to fight back!"

Midnight's spike began to glow, but the glow only lasted a while. Midnight looked at what he was against. Several Changelings were around him and Oracle, all either laughing or showing their fangs. Chrysalis walked down the small flight of stairs but did not approach the pair. "Now now Midnight, do you honestly think you can face us?" she asked. "There are hundreds of us, and only two of you."

"No, there are three of them" said a voice.

Chrysalis turned to see Shia walk past her and join Midnight and Oracle. "You are the reason why I left Oracle" she shouted. "If I would have stayed, they would have accepted me. Staying with you will only bring more loneliness, so I'm going with them!"

Chrysalis growled but her smile returned. "One little bratty Changeling will not make a difference. After all, you are all outnumbered."

Midnight sighed, Chrysalis was right. Unless he could get the others free, there was no way they would win. He could use a spell but he only knew some of them by heart. That's when the idea struck him. "I got into this mess with random spells, and I will get out of it with random spells" he said.

His spike began to glow black as he pointed it at Rainbow Dash. A small black tornado shot out and hit her in the back. But instead of getting damaged, the tornado carried her and increased her flying speed. Rainbow Dash flew straight through the massive army of Changelings that were flying. Midnight then pointed his spike up as black lightning began fly out. The black electricity was drawn in by Sparkplug and Lightning's horn. The lightning destroyed the gunk that was covering their horns and the gunk that hit their hooves once the electricity went through their entire bodies. Finally, black smoke formed out of his spike that flew to the top of the room. Rain began to pour into the room, causing all of the Changelings to fall. The gunk off of the remaining pony's hooves, horns, and wing soon melted away.

"Now it is our turn Chrysalis!" shouted Midnight.

All of the Changelings tried to fly, but the water prevented them. Midnight lead the charge as the army of Changelings charged as well as the others. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity were doing fine with just their hooves. Sparkplug was zapping Changelings left and right, the water on the floor acting as an amplifier. Fire Star was using the water to his advantage, creating large waves that hurled several Changelings away at once. Lightning was using his electric magic as well, but he soon noticed that he was surrounded.

"Oh no…" he said in a sarcastic voice, "It seems that I am completely surrounded…whatever will I do…?" The Changelings laughed, obviously not aware of his sarcasm. "Oh, I know what I can do…THIS!" A red explosion followed by a cloud of smoke erupted from Lightning's body. The Changeling's expressions went from confident to fear as they ran away from the wooden basilisk. Staredown struck and several Changelings were inside his mouth now. Although the scene was hard for somepony, everypony kept fighting. Staredown made sure that Fluttershy was alright, curling around her to prevent any Changelings from getting her. Midnight was blasting a few away but he suddenly turned. Out of the corner of his eye he saw several Changelings fly towards Oracle. Oracle smiled as her tail opened quickly. Then, the colors on her tail seemed to swirl and change in Midnight's eyes. The Changelings stopped and stared as well, each one very confused. Oracle's tail folded and she quickly swung it at the dazed Changelings. Midnight was still stunned with swirls in his eyes. Oracle walked closer to him and gave a small peck on the cheek. Midnight's gaze was replaced with his usual love struck one. However a beating of wings knocked him out of that daze. Chrysalis was flying out of the room.

"You're not getting away you liar!" shouted Midnight.

His wings opened and he charged at Chrysalis. Several Changelings flew in his way but Midnight easily blasted them away. Chrysalis flew out of the room, but Midnight followed them. Staredown saw this and swung his tail all around. Most of the Changelings were now knocked out. The only ones still aware were the ones by Princess Celestia. He was about to move, but Fluttershy gave him a look. Staredown couldn't even stand that look, so he rolled his eyes and slithered towards Celestia. With one bite, all of the Changelings were swallowed whole.

"It is very grateful for you to help Lightning…" she said with some sarcasm.

"Don't push your luck Princess…" he said coldly, "There is still plenty of room left in my mouth."

They all parted for the door, charging after their friend and enemy. Unknown to them, Midnight did not catch Chrysalis yet. They were on the far end of the hallway now. "Good luck catching me Midnight!" she shouted. "I am much older and more skilled than you!"

"Then let me use a technique I learned from a friend!" he shouted.

Midnight's spike glowed as he flew in a circle. A black tornado soon formed where Midnight was. Chrysalis tried to fight it, but her insect wings were not exactly the best wings. She was sucked into the tornado and a flash of green appeared before it stopped. The other ponies approached to see two Midnights fighting each other.

"Guys, I'm so glad you're here!" one Midnight said. "Get her! She's in disguise!"

"What…?!" the second said, "I'm the real one not you!"

The others darted between the two, obviously dumbfounded by who is the real one. Staredown moved his head close to the two identical ponies, looking at each one. Fluttershy, who was on Staredown's head, looked as well. "I have no idea which one is the real one…" he said.

"Shia…can you tell?" asked Twilight, "You are a Changeling after all?"

"Sorry everypony, I can't" she said. "I feel so useless…"

"You're not useless" said the first Midnight. "Everypony has their gift…"

"That has to be the real Midnight" said Oracle, "Midnight is always nice…"

Everypony began to approach the second one, but he backed up and his wings unfurled to cover his body. "Wait everypony" said Celestia, "We may not be entirely sure. Chrysalis may be trying to act like Midnight just to get us. We need to make sure that one is real and the other is not."

"I have an idea" said Rainbow, "Why not just ask them questions?"

"It won't work" said the second Midnight, "I told her everything that happened to me."

"It's true, I did say everything" said the first. "She asked me what happened, and I guess I continued from there."

"There has to be a better way of settling this without playing a silly game or anything…" said Rarity.

"What's wrong with playing a game?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"Everypony stop, I know how to tell" said Oracle. Everypony watched as she approached the second Midnight slowly. The second one was confused by her actions. Suddenly, Oracle kissed Midnight on the lips! Many ponies awed while Sparkplug and Rainbow Dash pretended to be sick. Oracle broke the kiss to a stunned Midnight, "You…she…she kissed…she kissed me…" Midnight fell over with his eyes glazed over and a blush on his face. "That…is Midnight" said Oracle.

The first Midnight ran away quickly as they soon realized he was the fake. Staredown slithered in front of the fake, trapping him. Midnight broke out of his daze and shot a black beam from his spike. A barrier formed around the fake, revealing Chrysalis.

"How can this spell work on me?!" she shouted, "This was only supposed to work on ponies!" When the others gathered, Chrysalis chuckled. "It still will not matter…there is no barrier that will keep us out that no regular pony could pass through either…"

"Oh…I wouldn't say that…" said Midnight. "The spell you showed me only does work on ponies. But, I can reverse any spell, reverse it to the point where anypony I believe is a normal pony can pass through, and Changelings cannot. And…and I can increase the power of it as well."

The expression on Chrysalis's face was priceless. Midnight's horn glowed brightly. A barrier slowly began to form, causing Chrysalis to freak out. Midnight smiled as the barrier exploded in growth. Chrysalis was slammed by the expanding barrier as the other Changelings were as well. Soon, a black barrier stretched across the castle and disappeared, replacing the old one. Cheers could be heard throughout the kingdom and in the hallway. However some stopped to notice that Shia was still here.

"Wait…I thought that barrier would keep Changelings out…" said Sparkplug.

"I said it would allow anypony that I considered a normal pony to pass through" said Midnight. "Shia went with us to defend what is right. To me, she is a normal pony."

Shia had tears in her eyes, "You…you think I'm…normal…?" She quickly ran up to Midnight and hugged him. Oracle got her off of him, only to replace her. Hours later, a large gathering of ponies were held in the main room of the castle. Celestia approached the crowd, "It would be an honor to humbly represent the ponies in this kingdom to thank the group of ponies that helped save our castle" she started. "I would also like to apologize greatly to one pony that saved this entire kingdom, Midnight." Midnight walked into view as well as the others. Lightning did not seem happy to stand on the stage for Celestia, but Fluttershy urged him one.

"I…I don't know what to say…" said Midnight. This caused everypony to laugh slightly. "Honestly, I was banished one day, but then granted entrance the next. I do not blame the Princess for banishing me after that accident. I would have done the same in her position. But, I will say this, I intend to fix it. As of now, all damage that I caused I will work off." Some ponies were shocked by this. "Any job that could be available I will work for the money. After all, everypony must take responsibility for their actions."

The crowd began to applaud Midnight's words and decision, as well as the others on stage. Oracle walked up to Midnight and kissed him on the cheek. Midnight blushed, "Any chance I can get another kiss like before…?"

Oracle gently brushed Midnight with her tail, "Sorry Midnight, don't push your luck."

Author's Notes:

Thanks for my friend Darian to allow me to use her OC http://bweeka.deviantart.com/