War. Its all he knew. He was born for it. Trained for it. Its his duty, for the Horde and his brothers. He is a Locust. They were bred for it.
Of course cliche situations usually come to mind when its said “Villain goes to new world and becomes a hero.” True that would be a nice touch, if our point of interest was a villain.
A Savage Locust Grenadier, who had been lost in the wastes alone for four and a half months, is where our little tale will begin. This said Grenadier never had a name, from what his memory told him. See, the Locust trooper had engaged a human in a fierce hand to hand skirmish.
The result of this was the human getting his skull smashed and the grenadier passing out from blood loss afterward. The amount of blood our locust friend had lost should have ended him as he was under.
Though luck decided to go into his favor. As he lost consciousness a bright wave of light entered his vision. He thought this was his end. Oh if only he were right...
The locust awoke to an awful smell. He was used to worse but it still didn’t stop him from gagging. His eyes slowly opened, greeted by a very bright sun. “Ach...” His rough voice sounded dryly from his parched throat. The grenadier brought a massive hand up to cover his eyes from the repulsive sun. “Stupid sun...” He grunted in crude English.
As he sat up he took in his surroundings. He snorted in frustration at the unfamiliar fauna around him. “Where?” His eyes darting left and right as his mind processed that he was not in the wasteland he was traveling in. To add to his confusion the corpse of the COG trooper was nowhere in sight.
He stood to his full height and stretched. The Grenadier gave one final search of the unfamiliar surroundings.
He was in a forest, probably a swamp due to the rancid smell. The trees were tall and menacing while the rest of the forest was thick. Almost too thick for his large build. He rolled his shoulders preparing for a journey. As he did he felt a weight on his back.
His weapons! With a smirk, he reached for his Lancer. Heaving over his shoulder and cradling it in his rough arms, he checked for any damage. It appeared undamaged and in good condition.
The only problem was his ammunition was low. Only a couple magazines for the rifle. He decided it will have to do and started his trek into the dark and rancid brush.
Hours pass and the sun had started to set beyond the horizon and the forest had started to thin out. The Grenadier silently started to frustrate more and more at his predicament. “Raagh! Damn forest!” His voice echoed slightly in the seemingly empty woodland.
The Grenadier knew he needed to find shelter and food soon, the night was starting to get chilly and he doesn’t want to be stuck out in the dark where predators could pick at him. Even for an arrogant race like his he knew it was suicide to be overconfident.
As he continued his search for shelter, he started to feel more paranoid of his surroundings, he would start to hear rustling of bushes and tall grass around and what sounded as a clopping like sound.
His anger boiled at being toyed with. Every time he heard the noise he would quickly searched the sources of where they came from only to find nothing. Damn forest is frustrating him more! “Cowards! Shadow Walkers!” The nickname he gave whoever or whatever following him stuck as the Grenadier held his ground looking around in annoyance.
He jumped at the sound of chuckling. Turning to the source, he brought up his Lancer in alarm. Standing in the shadows was a dark figure of what the Grenadier could only describe as a quadruped.
“I didn’t think you’d be so paranoid.” It said in a strong feminine voice. The Grenadier growled warningly. Was this creature trying to challenge him? “Challenge me?!”
The female creature chuckled again. “Please, you wouldn’t last a minute with me. Besides thats not why I am here.” As the creature said that it walked into the dim moonlight. The Grenadier took in the features of the quadruped.
The creature before him had a dark, almost black body. The body in question looked more like a shell, like it was made of chitin not unlike an insect or arachnid. It had holes in the four of its legs or hooves. Its teal hair went past its shoulders and its tail almost touching the ground. Its back and abdomen were a greenish gradient. A jagged horn almost 2 feet in length protruded from its forehead. Finally its eyes. The Grenadier was very surprised on how erotic its eyes were, its green color very bright and seem to glow in the dark. Its pupils slit much like that of a feline’s.
“If your done staring, can we continue?” The Grenadier blinked still transfixed by the creature before him. “I’ll take that as a yes. Your lost are you not?” The Grenadier nodded.
The Grenadier knew his situation was bad. He was split from his group and his queen is most likely dead. If he is to survive he has to take the chance that this creature could help him or he was going to rot in this forsaken forest. “Speak Shadow Walker.” His rough voice pierced the night, the creature flinched slightly at his title for her.
“Very well then. As you know your in this forest known as ‘The Badlands’. I am Queen Chrysalis, royal monarch of the Changelings.” The creature dubbed Chrysalis paused to let it sink in.
Wait, a monarch? Like Queen Myrrah? Could this be coincidence? “Queen?” Chrysalis nodded and took a few steps forward. “Yes I’m a queen. And I ask of your help.” Help? Him help this creature? For what? “Why?” He asked with curiosity. The queen shifted position before sitting her haunches on the dirt. “Lets start a fire for warmth before continuing this.” She nodded to some sticks scattered around.
He reluctantly gathered them, his mind still muddled with questions. Where was he? Who is this mysterious queen?
As he returned he noticed that the changeling was looking up at the moon. “Sticks.” The Grenadier stated flatly before sitting down and placing the timber between him and the monarch.
As he set them down, Chrysalis’ horn started to glow a bright green, startling the Locust warrior. “Relax, I’m starting the fire for us.” Chrysalis assured him. He was still alert, still not trusting her horn.
After a few seconds a spark flashed above the timber and resulted in them catching aflame. The Grenadier simply sat staring dumbfounded.
Chrysalis decided to interrupt his confusion. “What be your name?” The Locust looked up from the fire, his eyes reflecting the fire’s light. “No name.” Chrysalis frowned at this. “Perhaps a title I can call you by?”
He hesitated. “Grenadier.” He grunted before pushing his questions. “I need shelter If I to help you.” Chrysalis gave a sigh in response. “In due time Grenadier. You see, like I said before, I need your help. More importantly Equestria needs your help.”
Grenadier glanced at the monarch in confusion. “Equestria is the name of the country that borders my kingdom here in the Badlands.” He only nods. Obviously he is not on Sera anymore.
“Even though Equestria houses a race that I myself despise, they are our only food source.” She stated. “Meat eaters?” Grenadier asked. Chrysalis smirked before responding. “No, us changelings are not carnivorous. We feed off of love, or the energy love gives off.”
If he wasn’t confused before, he is now. Grenadier just shook his head in disbelief. “A war broke out in Equestria threatening not only my food source but my kingdom as well.” She gazed at the embers as they floated away.
“The leader of the army invading demanded us our kingdom to use as their headquarters. Doing what any good leader would do, I disagreed and peacefully said no. Obviously their leader doesn’t understand the word no and invaded.”
Grenadier was growing impatient. What does this have to do with him? This is starting to become a waste of time! “Get to point!” He growled in impatience. Chrysalis gave him a glare before continuing. “I reluctantly contacted Celestia, one of the diarch’s of Equestria, to negotiate a truce. Both our kingdoms have been under siege up until recently. Sadly, my kingdom had to fall first.
“Most of my people escaped farther into the Badlands. Soon after, Princess Celestia had met with me in this very forest a few hours ago. She told me of a way to end this war. This is where it involves you.”
Chrysalis look Grenadier in the eye, showing her seriousness to what she is about to say. “Your race, The Locust, are the invaders.” Grenadier’s eyes widened and his hand slowly started to slide towards his lancer, which was laying next to his leg.
His race was known for their violence yes, but the only reason for E-Day was because of the Imulsion threatening to destroy their race. In haste, Queen Myrrah started to negotiate with a human scientist for a solution.
Unfortunately time ran out and the Queen decided to invade the surface in hopes to claim it for her people to strive. “How did war start?” The changeling queen tapped her hoof to her chin. “From what I remember, a band of some of your scouts came to a town called Trottingham.
Rumor has it that the locals had welcomed them and offered their hospitality. They stayed for a few days before another group came. From what I heard they were under orders to kill the scouts for not following orders.” Now Grenadier was alert. Insubordination in the Locust Army was unheard of!
Something was obviously wrong here. “Who is leader?” Grenadier wanted to know who is leading this crusade. Chrysalis then slowly stood and walked over next to Grenadier. As she looked down at him, she noticed the anger in his eyes. She opened her mouth to answer his question when she was interrupted by another voice. “King Sombra.”
Both Chrysalis and Grenadier turned to the source. Standing in the moonlight was another quadruped, similar to Chrysalis only it had fur, blue fur. Standing a few inches shorter than Chrysalis, with a horn about the same length as the changeling’s.
Its eyes were a deep blue. Its mane was long and gave the impression of the night sky while it waved in a nonexistent wind. Atop its head was a small crown, while around its neck was a brace of some kind with a crescent moon embedded on it.On its hooves it wore metallic blue colored regalia.
“Princess Luna, what a surprise.” Chrysalis stepped forward and addressed the blue princess. “Charmed Chrysalis. What be this we see?” Referring to Grenadier. “Your sister summoned him here. She told me that he would be able to prevent this war from getting any worse than it needs to be.”
Luna studied the Locust carefully. “Ah yes, Tia explained her plan before leaving for Canterlot.” Grenadier grabbed his lancer and stood. He noticed both Chrysalis and Luna where almost as tall as him.
“Who is Sombra?!” Grenadier angrily asked. King Sombra!? Who the hell does this phony think he is?! Only Queen Myrrah and General Raam have any clearance at all to lead the Army!
Luna stepped back from the Locust. “Sombra was the King of an empire before he was supposedly destroyed. Now he brainwashed your allies and invaded Equestria bent on revenge.”
Brainwashed!? “RAAGH! Coward shall face my wrath!” Grenadier clenched his fist in rage before turning to both royals. “Where is Sombra!?” His anger boiling to a climax.
He will find this king and stomp his corpse until the ground beneath him is red!
Twenty minutes after Grenadier's outburst, both Luna and Chrysalis decide that they should leave soon. Both Equestrian and Changeling forces are awaiting outside the forest for both their respected leaders, ready to escort them and their new ally back to the temporary Base of Operations.
Grenadier snorted, still comprehending his situation. As the trio walked quietly down the path, Luna took notice of the Locust's blank stare. Catching the Night Princess' gaze, Grenadier blinked and gave her a glare in return. Luna flinched slightly at his sudden hostility.
The Locust chuckled half heartily at her uneasiness. "Intimidated by me?" He asked with amusement. Chrysalis stifled a giggle and continued in front of the two. Luna just sighed and looked up at the dark sky.
"Once we exit the forest we need to contact my sister and tell her we have found Grenadier. She will be glad to hear some good news for once..." Luna's wings fluttered uncomfortably. Chrysalis caught on and glanced back at the dark mare. "If it makes you feel any better, during the invasion I heard reports from my troops that many of your ponies fought back valiantly."
At this Luna merely shook her head disapprovingly. "Not a very wise way to cheer me up Chrysalis."
The changeling had to stop herself from becoming snarky again. "I meant when I invaded Canterlot." Luna laughed softly.
"Funny how I sleep through the most interesting situations..." Then Luna's wry smile turned to a sadden frown. "...but nopony got hurt during that invasion. This time around..." She fought back tears as she remembered Manehattan. "I just wish there was more of a warning than that massacre." Chrysalis nodded in sympathy before continuing on their long trek.
The forest had thinned out to nothing more than just a few trees. Now the trio stand before a camp of sorts filled with ponies, changelings, and a mixture of the other species that volunteered to help in anyway. Grenadier was in awe at the number of them. He turned at the sound clopping coming towards them. A bug like creature with a black outer skin and bright blue eyes was trotting its way over. "My Queen, you have returned. Lieutenant Maelstrom awaits your audience." The creature spoke in a quiet multitone voice not unlike Chrysalis.
"Thank you Hardshell, you may go." With a nod the changeling trotted into the camp. "I should go Princess Luna. I will return after this meeting." At that the changeling queen strode into the camp as well. Luna continued forward into the camp, passing some ponies giving Grenadier terrified glances. Grenadier in return glared back in annoyance.
Luna slowed down to walk beside the towering Locust. "So Grenadier, what is it you specialize in" She asked quizzically. Grenadier just shrugged and continued his blank stare. Luna pressed on trying to strike a conversation. "Do you have any pass time activities or hobbies?"
Grenadier inhaled slowly before shutting his eyes in reminiscence before sighing heavily. He replied sadly "No." His blank stare turned sour and gloomy. Noticing his gloominess, Luna gave him a look of sympathy. "I have been fighting too long. I don't have a special interest in other things. All I know is how to hunt my enemies and crush them." His gruff voice was low and shaky.
Luna frowned at this. "Surely you have an interest in something? Just fighting alone is not good for your health." Her voice of concern fell upon deaf ears as Grenadier sulked in his memories of the blood and death of his past. Luna bit her lip. "I can tell this is a tough subject. I will drop it if you wish."
Grenadier ignored her as he looked forward farther into the large camp around them. He was still confused as to how his brethren were being controlled by this demon. His anger flared again before he realized where he was. 'Must calm. Do not want to hurt only allies.' he paused his thought. Why did he care for the well being of these strange creatures? They were not his brethren so why does he feel this way?
Shaking his head, Grenadier studied the lunar Princess that resumed her lead to wherever it is they were going. "How far?" His voice startling the alicorn.
"It's just ahead of us. The blue tent with my cutie mark." She pointed out a large tent, indeed blue with her cutie mark plastered on the left side of the door. "Inside I have means of contacting my sister. She will want to hear the news of your arrival." Luna paused before asking. "Are you ready to face your fellow brothers in battle?"
This question left Grenadier quite off guard. Was he? Was he really ready to face his own blood, to strike them down for being controlled by a tyrant monster? "No." His answer was simple but it was all Luna needed.
"This may not be much Grenadier, but I will be there in case you need help. If you need anything I will ensure it is provided to you..." She stopped in front of the tent and turned to face Grenadier. "...as an ally and a friend." She finished, gazing into his dark brown eyes.
Grenadier was shocked to say the least. Such loyalty to him outside his race was foreign. "I-I am honored Luna" He felt a twinge somewhere in his chest. Was that his heart? He thought back to why he had such feelings for these interesting quadrupeds. His pride and loyalty grew more as he stood there. "I promise I will do same for you... friend." He smiled under his mask.
Luna's face brightened at his stunned face and response. "Very well then Grenadier. Shall we?" She gestured into the opening of the tent. Grenadier nodded and strode in, Luna following behind.
