>She places a hoof on your ankle to prevent your escape, grinding your bones against the ground.
>”I asked you a question.”
>The pain is unbearable as you writhe on the floor.
“Fu-fuck you!”
>”That isn’t a way to treat your Queen now is it?” She says putting more pressure on you.
>You turn away, a force holding you still.
>”Look at me when I speak to you.”
 
>Her eyes issue dominance, but the bags under them show her weakness.
>She’s definitely seen better days. This is likely the utmost she can do in her current state.
>She giggles again as you squirm beneath her, the nostalgic feeling of power filling her again.
>”What do we have here?”
>She picks up the blood stone, inspecting its form.
>”A blood stone huh? I’d heard of their existence, but never thought to see one myself.”
 
>She drops it nonchalantly, more concerned with you than simple relics.
>”It’s not very nice coming into a person’s home and wrecking the place.”
“You didn’t seem to have a problem with it.”
>”Touché Anon.”
>She grins wickedly, “Do you not wonder why I let you live?”
“I’m *cough* more useful to you alive. Isn’t that right?”
>”Oh you are a clever one.”
 
“Cut the crap. Do what you’re going to do and leave me be.”
>”Good things come to those who wait, and I’ve been waiting quite a while.”
>She lifts her hoof and steps back giving you some breathing room.
>”We’ll meet again Anon, and next time won’t be quite so joyful.”
>She turns her back to you, turning her head sideways.
>”Both for you and Twilight.”
>Anger boils within you, her pompous attitude beyond irritant.
 
>You lunge at her, finding nothing but emptiness.
>”Do not think you can defeat me Anon. It will save you much time.”
>The voice circles you, coming from all directions at once.
“When I find you…”
>”We’ll see Anon. Until next time.”
>Silence falls upon you once more.
>The room empty for all but you.
 
>You get up; the pain in your ankle has doubled.
>You hop to the exit and make your way through.
>This place has an unnatural heat about it, making the air humid and moist.
>The plants grow wild, cracking through the stone.
>You must have fell into their actual home.
>This is a breeding ground for their kind.
 
>The changelings however are nowhere to be found, likely caught up with the battle above.
>You need to get back there and out of this forsaken hole.
>You find what looks like a staircase and climb them.
>You’re greeted at the top with a changeling’s toothy grin.
>He encloses his hoof around you tightly and tosses you into the next room.
>He follows you shortly, laughing a familiar tune.
 
>He wrestles on top of you, biting and clawing at your vulnerable form.
>You get a few good punches in, and it looks like you’re going to win.
>He swiftly turns ninety degrees and bites into your ankle, which is more than enough to turn you into a submissive bitch.
>Unfortunately, it was a bit too much for you, instead sending you into a frenzy.
>You pull his head back with one hand and fasten your hands around his teeth with your other.
>You rip them out of his mouth, stabbing out his eyes.
 
>You pull him underneath you and pound away with your fists.
>Streams of blood jet from his mouth with each strike.
>One after another you pummel him relentlessly.
>A pair of hooves tries to pull you off, but you’re too caught up to care.
>He doesn’t have the strength to lift his own head anymore so you lift it for him.
>You pull him and strike him back down, repeating the process with precision.
>No mercy…
 
>”Anon!”
>The voice is merely a whisper to you as you focus on the changeling.
>You shrug off the hooves, keeping up your beating.
>”Snap outa it!”
>The voice is a bit louder now and your pace seems to have slowed.
>Your punches and jabs grow weaker as your arms succumb to exhaustion.
>”ANON!”
>Oh god the noise!
 
>You lean back on your knees and look up the orange pony staring right back at you.
“H-Hi Applejack. Nice to s-see you.”
>You slump backwards, Applejack catching you.
>”Whoa there sugarcube, just relax.”
>You let yourself go, straightening back up at a thought.
“How do I know you’re really Applejack?”
>She rolls her eyes and helps you up.
 
>”Ya don’t. You’re gonna have ta trust me.”
>Sounds like something Applejack would say.
>”Looks like you got a little carried away there.”
“He forced me down a tube, almost made me drown, and bite me. I think he deserved it.”
>”Fair enough.”
>You lean on her as you keep moving.
“How’d you get here anyways? Is the battle over?”
 
>”Not yet. Twilight rounded us up after she couldn’t find you. We found the entrance and split up to search for ya.”
“That’s a terrible idea, it leaves you guys open for attack.”
>”Have some faith there sugarcube, we can handle ourselves just fine.”
“How were you able to make it through the dark alone?” you ask questionably.
>“These here eyes don’t only work in the day. Apple bucking is a full-time job.”
>You keep moving through the damp corridors trying to regroup with the others.
 
>A ceaseless voice sounds off down the tunnel, instantly identifying two things.
>One they aren’t a changeling.
>And two, you hate how much Pinkie’s voice cheers you up.
>You turn to greet her, but are actually met by two ponies.
>Pinkie Pie and Applejack.
>You turn to Applejack who looks beyond pissed.
>Applejack charges Applejack, oh boy this is confusing, and bucks her as hard as she can.
 
>You hop over to the two combatants, the real Applejack whipping the impostor up.
>With a final buck the impostor is forced out of its disguise, cast down on the floor.
>”Ain’t nothing gonna copy me.”
>”Oh boi! I didn’t even know you weren’t you, until you were like SUPER angry.”
>Oh god make it stop.
>Applejack reads your mind, managing to silence her before you shut her up… permanently.
>Oh you know you’d never do that. She’d kill you first.
 
>”Eeep!”
>You recognize that adorable cry, Fluttershy!
>Applejack and Pinkie Pie rush to your side as your sword.
>They keep you steady as Fluttershy sprints past you, taking cover behind you.
>Three changelings come right at you as you ready your sword.
>You swing with what little strength you can, striking the first one in the torso.
>The second lunges straight at you, but instead is met with a pointblank party cannon.
>The last one calculates his odds for survival and flees down the corridor, a small light coming from down the hallway.
 
>”And where in Equestria do you think you’re going?”
>The light surrounds the changeling as he tries in vain to escape.
>Rarity waltzes down the hall with the changeling in tow.
>”You scruff up my hair, chase Fluttershy away and think you can get away with it?”
>She slams him against the wall, knocking him out instantly.
>She notices your band of ponies and smiles happily.
>”Nice to see you all safe and sound. It’s absolutely dreadful down here.”
>God damn you hate her so much…
 
>”What happened to you?” she says examining your ankle.
“I fell down some stairs.”
>”You really must be more careful, let me help you.”
>Not in this life time.
“That’s okay, I can manage for now.”
>”Don’t be silly I’ll just-“
>”I think he wants to be left alone Rarity,” Applejack clarifies.
>She pouts after she gets the message. Nothing personal…
 
>”We should look for Twilight, she’ll want to know we found ya safe and sound.”
>”I agree, the sooner we get out of these caves the better.”
“Well then, care to help me out?”
>They bolster you up to keep your leg off the ground as you walk further along.
>”You sure are heavy Anon.”
“Maybe you’re just weak.”
>Applejack didn’t take too kindly to that, doubling her efforts.
 
>”…next time I tell you to split up, take me more seriously.”
>”Oh, I’m sorry Twilight, we just thought it’d be best to stick together. I mean, if that’s okay with you.”
>You hear Twilight’s and Fluttershy’s voices at the opposite side of the room, coming closer.
>”I got your back Fluttershy, nothing’ll get you on my watch.”
>”Pinkie and I will be sure to protect you darling.”
>That’s a lot of people, and the confrontation could get a bit awkward.
 
>You stay with the others as Twilight’s group turns the corner.
>They stop and stare at you all, dumbfounded by your appearance.
“Nice to see you Twilight.”
>She moves to hug you, but holds back when she sees everyone else.
>”How are you here?”
“These guys found me, good thing too. I couldn’t have gotten much farther without a little help.”
>”Sounds a bit too convenient to me.”
 
“They’re clean, trust me.”
>”Forgive me if I have my doubts.”
>You nod your head in understanding; at least she’s the real Twilight.
“If you don’t mind…” you say moving on your own towards the group, using your sword as a cane.
>”Not at all, but I assure you they’re the real ones.”
“Ahugh. We’ll see.”
 
>You walk over to the second Pinkie Pie, stopping just in front of her.
“You. When’s your birthday?”
>Twenty-second of February.”
“What year?”
>”Every year.”
>Smart ass huh? Doesn’t ring any Pinkie bells.
“Get out.”
>You punch her in the face, KOing her.
 
>Twilight watches in horror as Pinkie drops, reverting back to her regular changeling form.
>You go to Rarity next, making your stance extra slow for dramatic effect.
“When’s your birthday?”
>”Eight of May… 1969?”
“You’re 37?”
>”Yeah.”
>Rarity is not nearly that old, and she’d never admit it if she was.
“Get out,” you say giving her the same treatment.
 
>She falls down, also changing back to normal.
>You’re two for two. Don’t fail me now brain. You walk to Fluttershy.
“When’s your birthday?”
>”Uhhhh,” she replies with a high pitched squeal.
>Nope, far too loud to be the real one.
“Out!” you say making your next punch extra strong.
>Three for three, let’s make it a spree.
>You move to Rainbow Dash, giving her a devilish grin.
 
“When’s your birthday?”
>”You’ll get your answer when I’m twenty bits heavier.”
>You can’t help but laugh at the answer.
>The pain returns to your leg shifting you back to your earlier demeanor.
>You extend your hand towards her, giving a firm handshake.
“Nice to see you Dash.”
>”Likewise.”
 
>Twilight intercedes, apologizing for doubting you.
“We all make mistakes, but if you wanted to thank me…”
>You point to your ankle which has by now swollen vastly.
>”Of course. Allow me.”
>She presses her horn against your ankle, your leg igniting in pain.
>Your bones realign, muscles recovering in mere seconds.
>One heart pounding snap later and the pain dissipates.
 
>You place it on the ground tenderly, slowly regaining full control once more.
>”That should fix you up.”
>You kiss Twilight on the cheek as thanks, marching firmly once more.
“You all ready to get the fuck out of here?”
>They’re more than ready it seems.
“Alright then, let’s move it out.”
>You hold up the blood stone as you follow the flow of the cave, hoping to find the exit.
 
>You’re led to a ravine, the walls widening as you walk along the upper path.
>The path is narrow, only allowing two of you to fit comfortably side by side.
>”How long does this thing go?” Rainbow Dash asks.
“Judging by the depth and length, pretty fucking far.”
>”No one has ever mapped these caverns before; it could last for miles for all we know.”
“It’s just a matter of time before we find a way out.”
 
>”How can you be so sure? We’ve been looking for hours and haven’t seen a single one.”
“Don’t you feel it? Pinkie, come on now.”
>”Of course I feel it. I thought everyone did.”
>”Um, I feel it too.”
>”What is it?”
“That slight ting of cold. The gentle breeze that wafts through the air. Feel it now?”
>The others stop and take in their surrounding, eyes wide with surprise.
>”I do.”
 
“It’s been growing the further we go. We can make it if we hurry up.”
>”Do you guys hear that?”
>A sort of shuffling noise reaches you, followed by the beating of hooves.
>”Finally some backup.”
>No, the noise is coming from behind you all, and only one thing with hooves lives down here.
“We’ve got to keep moving. Now!”
>They soon come to the same conclusion you did and bolt for the exit.
>Not today changeling scum.
 
>A green blob hurls over your shoulder, exploding deeper in the cavern.
>The soft buzzing of winds catches your attention, causing you to look back.
>A few changelings are running behind you on the path, hissing and bearing their fangs.
>Five more are flying on the side, catching up to you regardless of your speed.
>”I’ve got these guys.” Rainbow says valiantly.
>You tug on her tail as she tries to fly off, tossing her further along the path.
“Not today sister.”
 
>You let the other ponies pass you as you backpedal down the walkway.
>Drawing your sword you prepare for the coming attack.
>The first of them lunges high as another slides down low.
>You roll backwards, ending up on your knees.
>You thrust your sword parallel to the floor, skewering the first changeling.
>The second lands before you, laughing at your predicament.
>You simple give him a smile, stopping his laugh all together.
 
>You stab him below the chin with your hidden blade, his eye going cross-eyed.
>You kick off of his dazed form, shooting backwards and keeping on the track.
>They pursuers ignore their fallen brothers, though they seem to back off for now.
>The flyers lay into you with their magical blasts, keeping you on your toes.
>They sacrifice power of speed; their bolts doing little more than zap the floor.
>If you had been a bit slower this tactic may have worked, but you’re able to dance around them with a little work.
 
>”Hurry up Anon!” Applejack yells at you.
>You look back to see the mane 6 outside the entrance, their silhouettes visible against the sun’s rays.
>The changelings don’t seem to care for that idea.
>Their horns grow a mellow green as they charge up their attack, a large orb flying at you.
>You fall backwards, just barely avoiding the attack, the orb crashing into the wall.
>The walls begin the shake, pieces of stone collapsing from the ceiling.
>Oh you didn’t just do that…
 
>You pick yourself up and sprint to the exit, ignoring the pursuers chase.
>A chunk of stone collapses on your head, throwing you off balance, but still moving forward.
>You stumble a few times as you see everything turn double, then triple.
>The more you try to focus the more your head begins to hurt.
>”Anon, get out of there!”
>You’re trying god dammit.
 
>One of the changelings flies in front of you in an attempt to stop you.
>You keep moving towards it ready to give it a fight.
>A crash sounds out followed by a massive boulder pummeling the creature off the walkway.
>That’ll teach him to- whoa boy.
>The path shifts violently s another orb devastates the supporting rock.
>You’re close now, close enough to smell the fresh air beckoning you.
>You leap forward as the path collapses underneath you, the next section growing unsteady.
 
>Twilight attempts to hold the entrance open, but is barely hanging on.
>Another rush of shattered stone closes up more of the exit, leaving only a tiny portion left.
>”Anon!”
>You fall as your legs buckle underneath you.
>Your weight causes you to slide down the incline.
>You manage to hold onto the edge, “I’m not giving up on you.”
>A brief feeling of weightlessness leaves you hanging in the air, Twilight and the mane 6 at the cliff beside you.
 
“Get outside now.”
>”We’re not going to leave you behind.”
>Another section collapses, leaving barely enough room to escape.
“I’m not going to fit, go now while you can.”
>”I won’t leave you again.”
>Her determination is going to get her in trouble, just not today.
“I know.”
>You reach forward with your hand, flicking her on the horn, sending you spiraling back down into darkness.
 
>You guide yourself against the ravine walls as it begins to bottom out.
>You begin decelerating, eventually petering out to a brisk descent.
>Your descent reaches an anticlimactic end as you lay stomach to the floor.
>No new injuries, cuts, breaks or anything to speak of, just fatigue.
>Is it just you, or is the floor really comfortable?
>Yeah it’s just you.
 
>Shards of stone soon reach you, though none are big enough to do any damage.
>A grinding sound reaches you, two surfaces rubbing violently.
>You swear to god if it’s what you think it is…
>The sound slows the closer it gets.
>A gasp comes from behind you followed by the galloping of hooves.
>”Anon?”
>You groan as she interrupts your little mini nap.
>Can’t a man just rest in the bowels of a hostile race’s lair anymore?
 
>Twilight runs over and inspects you, worried about how much you’re injured.
>”Don’t move everything will be okay.”
“I didn’t plan on it.”
>She prods you gently across your body, asking if anything hurt.
>Nope, nope, and, you guessed it, nope.
>”We need to get out of here,” she says levitating your blood stone back over to you.
>The light has dulled substantially, incapable of clearing the room of its dark tone.
 
“I know, it’s just… this floor feels so damn good.”
>”Take this seriously. Who knows how many changelings are down here?”
“Enough to know how to make a nice stone floor.”
>”Anon…”
“Alright alright, just give me a minute okay?
>She sighs and lies beside you.
>”You weren’t lying, this feels so good.”
“I know right?!”
 
>Both of you lie on the barren floor, enjoying each other’s company.
>”Anon?”
“Yeah Twilight?”
>”If we make it out of here-“
“When. When we make it out.”
>”What’s going to happen?
“I haven’t really thought about it that much. Not much I think.”
 
“They’ll send in another team to get Chrysalis. Upon their success our countries will try to pick up what’s left from the war.”
>”I didn’t mean for them. I meant for us.”
“Typical woman, concerned with the little things.”
>She scowls at you jokingly, and you return with a chuckle.
“That I have had some thoughts about.”
 
“The thing with me and Luna? Yeah, that’s no good. She can barely stand to be around me, though she has warmed up to me a little, and I cannot stress that last part enough.”
>”Warmed up?”
“Little.”
>She also laughs, but still fairly serious.
“I don’t see it going anywhere. We’d both be better off without the marriage. I’m thinking of having it annulled.”
>”Can you do that?”
“In fact I can. We never consummated out marriage, which in my culture is grounds for annulment.”
 
>”But, you’d have to leave. Equestria wouldn’t be your home anymore.”
“Unless I got married to another member of royalty.”
>”Celestia doesn’t want to be bogged down with marriage, she said as much.”
“I never said it had to be Celestia.”
>”But who else is there?”
>You close your eyes and shake your head waiting for her to figure it out.
>For all her smarts she overlooks the obvious. You wouldn’t have her any other way.
 
>Something stings into your back, another force pressed onto your spine.
>The wound grows hot as it pulls your mind from you.
>”Anon,” she looks atop of you and gasps.
>You try to move, but are pinned down helplessly.
“Get… off…”
>”Such a meal. I haven’t had one quite so tasty before.”
>Twilight casts something at her, but is deflected with ease.
>She cackles maniacally driving slightly deeper into your back.
 
>Everything starts to go fuzzy, images blurring together, strength fading.
>”Just a few more seconds my dear, then it’ll all be over.”
>Your heart begins to slow as you feel your very life drawn out of you.
>”You will not take Anon from me.”
>Twilight charges into Chrysalis, both disappearing in a bout of green and purple flame.
>There you lie, weakened and alone, only the blood stone’s soft glow to keep you company.