Derpy's Royal Delivery

Chapters

Mail Call!
The Assignment
Departure
Stalkers
Her Majesty Awaits
Queen's Judgment
A Change of Heart
Love is Magic
A Changeling in Canterlot

Mail Call!

“Mom! Wake up!” Came a voice, cutting through a dark haze. “Mom! C’mon, wake up!”

“Mmm.” The mare in bed mumbled as she turned away from the noise. “Just five more minutes.”

“Mom! C’mon!” The voice called again as the sleeping mare felt a pressure on her side.

“Oof! Dinky, get off!” Derpy whined as she opened her eyes.

“Not until you get out of bed!” Dinky said, hopping slightly up and down. “You didn’t let me sleep in yesterday, so consider this payback.” She said with a smirk.

“You were going to be late for school though.” Derpy said, finally sitting up in bed and looking at her daughter with one eye while the other stared at a section of wall.

“Yeah.” Dinky said, landing on her hooves beside the bed. “And if you don’t hurry, you’ll be late for work.” She said, pointing a hoof at the alarm clock.

“Six forty-eight?!” Derpy exclaimed as she flew out of bed, sending the covers flying. “Why didn’t my alarm go off?”

“It did!” Came Dinky’s muffled voice as she wrestled with the blanket. “It was going off for almost half an hour!” She said as she poked her head out of the covers. “You must have gotten up, turned it off, and went back to sleep.”

“Oh no! I don’t even have time for breakfast today!” Derpy groaned as she flew out the bedroom door.

“Mom! Wait a second!” Dinky said, chasing after her mother.

“I’m so sorry, Dinky.” Derpy said as she grabbed her mailbag and moved for the front door. “Do you think you could make something for yourself real quick? I promise I’ll make it up to you tonight.” She said as she opened the door to leave.

“Don’t worry about it, mom.” Dinky said. “I already ate. Here. I saved you some.” She said as she brought over a plate in her teeth. On the plate were three puffy, golden brown chocolate chip muffins.

Derpy stopped for a bit as both of her eyes focused on the muffins for a couple of seconds before they wandered off target. “Did I ever tell you that you’re the best daughter that a mother could ask for?” Derpy asked.

Dinky rolled her eyes as she slid the muffins into an empty compartment of Derpy’s mailbag and put the plate down. “Yes mom, only every day.” She said, grinning wide.

“Well I’m gonna have to say it twice a day from now on then.” Derpy said as she pulled Dinky in for a big hug. “Okay. I’ve got to get going.” Derpy said as she released her daughter. “Sparkler should be here any minute. So be good for her, okay?”

“I don’t think that will be a problem.” Sparkler said as she poked her head through the door.

“Oh! Speak of the pony!” Derpy said. “Okay, you two have a good day now!” She said as she flew off to pick up her letters for the day, the two younger ponies waving after her.

“She’s late again?” A brown-coated earth pony stallion asked himself as he looked at the clock. “That’s the third time this week she’s started off behind schedule.” He wore a postman’s cap and had but one stack of post left on his desk.

“Hi there, Mr. Sleet, sir!” Derpy called as she flew into the building. “Sorry I’m a little behind.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble.” Sleet said. “As long as you can deliver these in time anyways.” He said, pushing the small stack of letters and parcels toward Derpy.

“Yes sir!” Derpy said with a salute as she put the letters into her mailbag and took off, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake.

After he got over his short coughing fit, Sleet moved to the door and closed it. “She knows she doesn’t have to salute me, right?” He idly wondered to himself before shaking his head and going back to his desk.

“Okay. First stop, Sweet Apple Acres.” Derpy said to herself as she veered off towards the Apple family’s farm. When she looked down over the apple fields, Derpy could see Applejack bucking some apples. “Perfect! I can hoof deliver her letters.” Derpy said as she swooped down towards the working pony. “Hey Applejack!” Derpy called just before she swooped straight into a bushel of apples.

“What in tarnation?” Applejack exclaimed as she turned to see Derpy sitting in a pile of apples, rubbing her head.

“Sorry.” Derpy said.

“Are you okay, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked as she helped Derpy out of the apples.

“Yeah, I’ll be okay.” Derpy said, shaking off the crash. “Sorry about the apples.”

“Don’t you worry yer little head ‘bout that.” Applejack said. “Got plenty more where those came from.” She said as she gestured to the rest of the field, each tree practically bursting with fresh fruit.

“Well, okay.” Derpy said. “Anyways, here’s your mail.” She said, handing Applejack a few envelopes.

“Aw, thanks.” Applejack said. “I’ve been waitin’ ta hear back from cousin Braeburn!” She said as she looked through the letters.

“Well, no time to waste.” Derpy said as she took to the skies again.

“Hm.” Applejack said as she looked through the letters. “That’s funny.” She said as she leaned a bit closer and sniffed one of the envelopes. “Chocolate chips?” She asked herself when she recognized the scent wafting from the paper.

“Okay. The next stop is Carousel Boutique.” Derpy said to herself as she fished one of the muffins out of her mailbag. “Oh boy. These smell so good!” She exclaimed as she moved to take a bite. Before she could though, the wind briefly shifted in direction and she fumbled the muffin. “Oh no!” Derpy exclaimed, diving after the errant pastry.

“C’mon, Spike. At least try to stay awake.” Twilight Sparkle said to the baby dragon lying on her back. “You wanna help Rarity, don’t you?”

“Yeah, but I can do my part when we get there.” Spike said, raising his hand in a dismissive gesture. “Until then, I’ve got a couple more zees to catch up on.” He said as he put his hand back down. Within seconds, he was already snoring.

“Ugh.” Twilight sighed as she kept walking to Carousel Boutique, deciding that waking the dragon up wouldn’t be worth the trouble.

“No!” Derpy yelled as her muffin sailed towards the sleeping dragon’s mouth mid-snore. “NOOOOoooooo!” She cried, extending one hoof forward as the muffin appeared to move in slow motion

A few seconds later, Spike’s snoring was abruptly interrupted when a fresh chocolate chip muffin landed perfectly in his mouth. “Mph!” He exclaimed, sitting up and falling off of Twilight’s back. As Spike stood up, he realized that whatever had just landed in his mouth tasted particularly good.

“Spike, are you okay?” Twilight asked, helping to dust her assistant off.

Spike held up one claw as he finished chewing and swallowing his unexpected snack. “Chocolate chip?” He asked himself as he held a claw to his chin.

“Huh?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“My muffin! Oh cruel fate, why my muffin?!” Derpy exclaimed as she landed next to a very surprised and confused Spike. “It was so young, and delicious, and fresh!” She wailed just before abruptly stopping. “Wait a minute.” She said, just before gasping with glee as her eyes slid a bit further apart. “I still have two more!” She exclaimed happily as she opened up her mailbag. “Oh, Twilight! Hi there!” She said with a wave, having just noticed Twilight giving her a look of complete befuddlement.

“Um. Hello Derpy.” Twilight said with an uneasy smile. “Doing the rounds, I see.”

“Yep.” Derpy said proudly. “I think I’ve actually got something for you in here too.” She said as she rifled through her mailbag, producing two letters and a magazine. “Here you go.” She said, handing Twilight the items.

“Oh, thanks Derpy.” Twilight said as she picked up the delivery in a purple magical glow. “Um. I guess I’ll be seeing you then.” She said as she turned and began walking toward the Boutique.

“See ya later, Twilight!” Derpy said as she zoomed past Twilight and straight to Rarity’s door.

Before Derpy could even open her mailbag, the door to the Boutique swung open. “Oh, Twilight, thank goodness you’re here, darling.” Rarity said as she pulled Derpy into her home without even looking. “Opal has been an absolute menace today, and you were the only one I could think to turn to since Fluttershy is busy in Cloudsdale.” She said. She was about to say something else, but stopped as she sniffed the air for a moment. “Is that? Chocolate chip?” Rarity asked as she finally took a look at her houseguest. “Oh! Derpy, hello! I’m so terribly sorry about that.” She said as she let go of the mailmare.

“It’s okay, Rarity.” Derpy said. “Anyways, I’d love to help you with your cat, but I’m afraid I need to go once I give you the mail.”

“Oh, it’s not a problem dear.” Rarity said. “Twilight should be along any time now and- OPAL, NO!” Rarity yelled as Opal latched onto Derpy’s head.

“Oh, hi Opal.” Derpy said with a smile, apparently unfazed by the four sets of claws digging into her face. “Anyways, here’s the mail, Rarity.” Derpy said as she handed Rarity a neatly tied stack of letters.

“Oh, these must be the new gown commissions.” Rarity said, trying to gently coax Opalescence to let go of her ‘prey.’ “Thank you ever so much for delivering these.”

“Think nothing of it.” Derpy said, briefly shaking her head and by extension, Opal. The feline did not seem amused as she dug her claws in a little harder. “It’s my job, after all. Speaking of which, I’ve still got a one more house to hit, so I’ll be seeing you.” Derpy said as she took off out the doorway.

“Oh, wait! Opal!” Rarity yelled as Derpy took to the skies.

Quick as a flash, the lazy-eyed pegasus was back with a trembling ball of fluff in her forehooves. “Whoops.” She said as she handed the terrified puffball to Rarity. “Heh heh. Sorry Opal. Anyways, I’m off!” Derpy exclaimed as she tore off into the sky once more.

“Hey Rarity.” Twilight said as she walked up, levitating the latest issue of the Bookworm Revue in front of her. “So where’s Opal?” She asked as she let down the magazine and gasped in surprise.

“I think she’s going to be behaving a bit better for a while now.” Rarity said with a laugh as the ball of fluff in her hooves mewled pitifully. “Come on in, Twilight. You can lend a hoof holding her still while I get her fur straightened out.” She said as she turned and walked inside, enveloping the poofy cat in a light blue glow and levitating it ahead of her.

“Sure, why not. C’mon Spike, we’re here.” Twilight said as she followed her friend inside.

“Just five more minutes…” Spike mumbled as he rolled over and fell off of his friend’s back with a thud.

“Okay. The last deliveries are for Pinkie Pie and the Cakes.” Derpy said to herself. “Great! That means it’s just Sugarcube Corner and then back to the office!” She said as she pulled the next muffin out of her mailbag, making sure to hold this one more carefully. “Okay you delicious little muffiny morsel.” Derpy said. “You’re all mine after this delivery.” She said as she landed outside the sweets shop. “Mail call!” Derpy called as she walked through the front door.

“Oh, hello dear.” Mrs. Cake said with a smile as Derpy approached the counter. “Here on business?”

“Yep. I’ve got a few letters for you and Mr. Cake.” Derpy said as she retrieved three envelopes from her mailbag and handed them to Mrs. Cake.

“Oh, thank you very much.” Mrs. Cake said as she put the letters behind the counter.

“Not a problem.” Derpy said with a nod. “Is Pinkie Pie around? I’ve got a package for her too.”

“A package?!” Pinkie Pie squealed as she suddenly appeared behind Derpy.

“AAH!” Derpy screamed as she jumped into the air, dropping her muffin.

“Oh wow! Somepony sent me a muffingram!” Pinkie Pie said as she caught the muffin. “Thanks a lot, Derpy!” Pinkie Pie said as she scarfed the muffin in a single bite.

“What?” Derpy asked as she turned around and saw Pinkie Pie eating the muffin. “NOOOOooo!” She wailed as Pinkie swallowed the pastry.

“Mmm! Chocolate chip!” Pinkie said with a contented smile.

Derpy gave a heavy sigh. “At least I still have one more.” She said as she reached into the mailbag and retrieved a small parcel. “Here you go, Pinkie Pie.” She said as Pinkie grabbed the package.

“Wow! I got two packages today! Thanks a whole bunch, Derpy!” She said as she quickly hugged Derpy before she ran off to the next room to open her package. “Oh boy! Someone sent me a muffin! Om nom nom!” Pinkie exclaimed from the next room.

“Did she just say-”

“Um, yes.” Mrs. Cake said, pre-empting Derpy’s question. “She says that sometimes when she eats.”

“Right…” Derpy said. “Anyways, I’ve got to go. Tell Mr. Cake I said hi.” Derpy said with a wave as she left Sugarcube Corner.

“Goodbye dearie.” Mrs. Cake said with a wave as Derpy took off for Ponyville Express.

“I hope she got her rounds done okay.” Mr. Slate said as he looked at the clock. It was just getting close to when Derpy’s time was up on a normal day. Just as he let out a short sigh, he heard the door to his office open as the mare in question appeared in the doorway. “Ah, Derpy! Glad you could make it.” Sleet said as Derpy entered the post office. “So how were your rounds? You got started a little late today.”

“Sorry about that, sir.” Derpy said. “I had kind of a late morning.”

“It’s not a problem at all, Derpy.” He said with a smile. “After all, you still got everything delivered on time. I must say that you’re one of the best mailmares at this branch.”

“Aw, shucks Mr. Sleet.” Derpy said, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof as she hovered in place. “I just do what I can is all.”

“No need to be modest now.” Sleet said. “You’re a fine worker. And what’s more, the ponies on your route love you!”

“Aw, I don’t do anything special.” Derpy said as she closed the door behind her and retrieved her last muffin from her mailbag. “I just like to make ponies happy is all. I’m just glad I got my whole route done in time. I was really nervous about how late I got up.”

“Actually, you do have one more letter.” Sleet said as he pulled a scroll out from behind his desk.

“Oh no! Who’d I miss?” Derpy asked, rushing up to the desk to see the scroll. “Wait a minute.” She said, furrowing her brow and reaching into her mailbag for her last muffin. “We don’t deliver scrolls.”

“I know.” Sleet nodded. “It’s for you.” He said as he pushed the scroll towards Derpy.

“But scrolls are usually only sent by royalty though.” Derpy said as she unfurled the scroll and read it aloud, holding the last muffin in her other hoof. “Most esteemed Ms. Derpy Hooves. I have been watching the mail system for some time in the hopes that I would be able to find a messenger for an important assignment. Please come by the castle today after your rounds to speak with me. The seal at the bottom of this scroll will let the guards know that you are invited. Signed, Princess Celestia.” Derpy dropped the scroll and her muffin as she gasped in surprise. “Princess Celestia is asking for me personally?!” She exclaimed as she picked the scroll up and read it several more times to make sure she wasn’t seeing things.

“I’d get to Canterlot on the double if I were you.” Sleet said, having just barely caught the muffin before it hit the floor. “Best not to make the princess wait… Huh?” He said as he realized that Derpy had already left without him noticing. “But… I took my eyes off her for a second… And I didn't even hear the door...” He said, briefly pondering how the wall-eyed mare pulled that off before shrugging, eating the muffin, and returning to his own work. “Mm! Chocolate chip.”

The Assignment

“Princess Celestia, please reconsider!” Shining Armor said, stamping his hoof for emphasis. “You don’t need to go through with this!”

“Well then it’s for the best that I don’t intend to.” Celestia said, keeping her calm demeanor. “You don’t have to worry for my safety, Shining Armor.”

“I was the captain of the guard. Doesn’t that count for something?” Shining Armor asked.

“Of course it does.” Celestia said with a nod. “But you are no longer captain of the guard. That duty has fallen to Captain Spearhead.”

“I know that!” Shining snapped. “I was the one who recommended him, remember?”

“Of course. And I value your advice every bit as much now as I did then.” Celestia said. “But I will not be going anywhere. After all, I have royal duties that must be attended to. Isn’t the same true for you, Crystal Prince?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at Shining.

“I- I mean- Don’t change the subject!” Shining Armor said. “If you really aren’t going, then who is? I know you well enough to be sure that you aren’t going to let this matter rest.”

“I’ve already sent for a courier.” Celestia said. “Now we just need to wait and see if she will accept the job.”

“Who is it?” Shining Armor asked. “Am I correct in guessing that it’s one of the Elements?”

“Your Majesty!” One of the many guards interrupted. “I apologize for the interruption, but there is a rather odd pegasus at the door requesting an audience. She bears your seal.”

“I believe our new guest is about to answer both of our questions, Shining.” Celestia said before raising her head to the guard. “Let her enter. I’m expecting her.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” The guard said with a nod as he turned and signaled to the door guards to open up. As the door slowly opened, it revealed Derpy standing in the middle of the doorway, looking up in awe. Her eyes seemed to be watching both doors open at once as her mouth gaped a little wider each second.

“You’re kidding.” Shining Armor said as he gaped at the awestruck pegasus.

Suppressing a chuckle, Princess Celestia addressed the visitor. “Hello, Derpy Hooves. I was hoping you would come.” She said, drawing Derpy’s attention to the princess. “Please, approach the throne.”

Derpy took a few nervous steps towards the princess, glancing around at the guards flanking the carpet leading up to the throne. About three quarters of the way across the room, Derpy stopped and looked more closely at one of the guards. “Why do all of you look the same?” She asked, moving closer to the guard.

The white stallion showed no sign of even having heard the question. He did not even glance in Derpy’s direction.

“Hello? Are you awake in there?” Derpy asked as she waved a hoof in front of the guard’s face. Again, there was no reaction. “Are you okay, mister? You don’t even look like you’re breathing.” She said as she poked the stallion. When she did, the guard turned his head and looked directly down at Derpy. “Eep!” Derpy yelped as she flew away and hid behind Shining Armor.

“Ahem.” Shining coughed as he glared slightly at the trembling mare behind him.

“Heh heh. Sorry.” Derpy said, blushing slightly as she floated over to a position in front of the throne and bowed to Celestia.

“Please rise, Derpy.” Celestia said with a little laugh. “There’s no need to be quite so formal.” She said as Derpy rose to her hooves.

“Um. I’m here about your message, Princess Celestia.” Derpy said. “You wanted me to deliver something for you?”

“Indeed, and it is a message of the utmost importance.” Celestia said, standing up and walking towards Derpy. “There is a kingdom in the distant north, ruled by a powerful and respected queen. Despite her power though, her kingdom is dying.”

“Good riddance, I say.” Shining Armor scoffed.

“Shining!” Celestia said, turning and narrowing her eyes at Shining Armor. “Please, have some respect.”

Shining sighed. “Yes, Princess Celestia.” He said through gritted teeth.

“There’s another kingdom besides the Crystal Empire up north?” Derpy asked.

“Indeed.” Celestia said with a nod. “The Crystal Empire resides in the tundra, while this kingdom is located in the badlands to the west of there.”

“With respect, I’d suggest we let them stay there.” Shining Armor said.

“Shining Armor!” Celestia said, again glaring at the stallion. “I believe we are fully aware of your position on this issue. Now if you would kindly allow me to explain the situation without interruptions, I would be most grateful.”

Shining was going to protest, but saw the wisdom in reconsidering. He promptly closed his mouth and watched silently.

“The ponies of this kingdom are very different from us, yet they also have much that they can contribute to Equestria. However, our kingdoms have butted heads in the past.” Celestia said with some sorrow in her voice. “I would like you to be the one to deliver my proposition of peace to them.”

“I don’t know.” Derpy said, looking down. “I’m not really the best flyer in the mail system. I’m sure you could do better than me.”

“On the contrary.” Celestia said with a smile. “I’m not too concerned with the message getting there with great speed. Rather, your other talents are the reason that I asked for you specifically.”

“I don’t really have any other talents.” Derpy said. “I don’t even really understand what my cutie mark means.” She said, looking back at her flank and being confronted with the same confusing image of bubbles.

“Who knows?” Celestia asked. “Maybe you’ll learn something about yourself on this journey as well. I’m willing to present you with anything from the Canterlot treasury in return for this service.”

“Anything?!” Both Derpy and Shining Armor exclaimed.

“Yes. Any one item from the treasury.” Celestia confirmed. “I certainly don’t need all of it, and this is a very important assignment. I won’t lie to you though. It may be dangerous.”

“May be?” Shining asked. “Aren’t you even going to tell her where you’re sending her? She’s basically walking into a manticore’s den.”

“That is not true.” Celestia said. “I would never put one of my subjects in unnecessary danger. You will be looking for the kingdom of the changelings.” She said, causing Derpy to gasp in surprise.

“The changelings?” Derpy asked. “Aren’t they the ones that attacked Canterlot during the royal wedding?”

“Yes.” Celestia said with a nod. “And that is why Shining Armor is so vocal about the situation.”

“Even if it wasn’t my wedding that was almost destroyed, I would still be against this decision!” Shining Armor said, stomping his hoof again. “They launched a full-scale invasion of Canterlot. They kidnapped my wife and my little sister. They even defeated and imprisoned you!”

“And I might have done the same thing in their position.” Celestia said, causing Shining to stumble briefly.

“You must be joking!” Shining exclaimed.

“When the safety of my subjects is at stake, I do not joke.” Celestia said, taking this chance to stomp her hoof. “The changeling hive would make a much better ally than enemy, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I- I just don’t trust them. That’s all.” Shining said, looking down as if he was a young colt being scolded by his mother.

“Yes, Shining.” Celestia said. “It is alright. I understand your reasons, but I also know that we can get through to them if we just give them a chance. Our people have not gone to war since my sister’s rampage, and I will do anything that I can to keep it that way.”

“Yes, Princess Celestia.” Shining said. “I’m sorry for my outbursts.”

“I know that this is a sensitive subject for you.” Celestia said. “But please trust that I have everything under control. You should return to your own castle. I’m sure that the crystal ponies have need of their prince.”

“Yes Princess Celestia.” Shining Armor sighed as he left the room, his head hung low.

“I know he means well, but he needs to understand that one incident does not mean we should remain enemies with them forever.” Celestia said. “Everyone deserves a second chance. My sister taught me that.” She said with a smile.

“So when should I start out for this delivery?” Derpy asked. “I’m guessing it’s pretty far away.”

“The fastest way would be to take the train to the Crystal Empire. From there, you will have to walk or fly.” Celestia said. “There is no immediate rush, so please focus on keeping yourself safe and being careful.”

“Is anybody coming with me?” Derpy asked.

“No. I can’t risk a diplomatic incident by sending any soldiers or the elements of harmony.” Celestia said, shaking her head. “You will have to do this on your own. Will you still go?”

Derpy bowed before the princess. “I would be happy to help.” She said.

“Thank you very much, Derpy.” Celestia said. For a second, Derpy thought she saw the princess breathe a sigh of relief. “I have every confidence that you will succeed in your mission. I will have the message sent to you tomorrow morning, along with a mailbag embroidered with the royal insignia. Make sure that it gets to the Queen of the hive. Nopony else is to read it until she does.”

“Sure thing, Princess Celestia.” Derpy said, nodding in acknowledgement.

“You may leave to make the delivery whenever you are ready.” Celestia said. “Just make sure that you’re prepared for the journey.”

“Will do, princess.” Derpy said with a salute. “You can count on me!” She said as she quickly flew out of the throne room and toward home.

Departure

“You’re going away, mommy?” Dinky asked, looking up at Derpy with wide, glistening eyes.

“Oh, don’t make that face.” Derpy said, rubbing her daughter’s head. “I’ll only be gone for a little while.”

“But you said it’s far away!” Dinky said. “How far away is it?”

“I don’t really know.” Derpy admitted. “But the princess wouldn’t have picked me for this if it was too far for me. Princess Celestia looks out for all of us, and I know she wouldn’t ask me to do something I couldn’t handle.”

“I know you can handle it, mom!” Dinky said, pushing Derpy’s foreleg away. “You’re the best mailmare there is!”

“Well I don’t know about that.” Derpy said. “But I promise I’ll come back as soon as I can. Okay?”

“Why do you have to be the one to go?” Dinky asked. “Can’t the princess have the second best mailmare do it instead? I don’t want you to leave me alone.”

“Dinky, please understand.” Derpy said, kneeling down to be face to face with her daughter. “This is a very important thing the princess herself asked me to do. I can’t just say no.” Derpy said. “Besides, I wouldn’t leave you all alone. Sparkler will be here to look after you the whole time I’m gone.”

“But mom, I-”

“No buts.” Derpy said, gently covering Dinky’s mouth. “I promise you right now that I’ll be back before too long. Now come on. Let’s go to Sugarcube corner and get you something tasty!” She said, lowering herself so that Dinky could climb onto her back.

“Oh boy!” Dinky exclaimed. “Let’s get some cake!” She cheered as he jumped onto Derpy’s back and wrapped her forehooves around her mother’s neck.

“That sounds great.” Derpy laughed as she took off out the door and into the sky. “Besides, I’m starving!”

“Didn’t you eat the muffins I gave you?” Dinky asked.

“It’s a long story.” Derpy said, chuckling a little bit.

“Oh, you made that first muffin?” Pinkie Pie asked Dinky as the foal sat down at a table with her mother. “It was scrumdoodlyumptious!” Pinky exclaimed as she licked her lips and smiled.

“Yeah, but it was for my mom.” Dinky complained as Mrs. Cake brought over some cake for the three ponies.

“Enjoy, dears.” Mrs. Cake said before leaving the three ponies to their meal.

“Dinky, it’s okay.” Derpy said.

“But mom, they were special!” Dinky whined.

“I thought you said they were breakfast leftovers.” Derpy said with a light chuckle.

“Well… They were special breakfast leftovers?” Dinky said, obviously grasping for any straw she could reach.

“I’ll tell you what.” Derpy said. “If you really want, you can make more tomorrow morning. I’ll take them with me on my delivery, and I’ll definitely eat some this time.”

“Really?” Dinky asked. “You promise?”

“Of course I do.” Derpy said as she ruffled her daughter’s mane.

“Yay! You’re the best mommy ever!” Dinky said, reaching over and hugging Derpy.

“And you’re the best daughter a mother could ask for.” Derpy said as she returned the hug.

Dinky giggled a little bit before responding. “I know.” She said with a blush.

“Aww! You two are so cute together!” Pinkie said through a mouthful of cake. She swallowed her food before continuing. “I never really saw you two together before now, and I gotta say that it’s completely adorable!” She yelled as she threw her hooves in the air. “I swear I could just eat you both up if you were any sweeter!”

“Speaking of eating things up.” Dinky said, suddenly looking a bit confused. “What happened to the cake?” She asked, pointing to the empty plate on the table. Not even a crumb had been left.

“Hee hee. Sorry.” Pinkie Pie said as she stood up from the table. “Let me go get you another one. My treat.” She said as she zipped away, a little bit of confetti falling where she was standing.

“I know you said it would be a dangerous trip.” Dinky said with a sigh. “But do you think that there’s a chance I could go with you?”

“Out of the question.” Derpy said, shaking her head.

“But mom!”

“No!” Derpy said. “The Badlands are no place for a filly.” She said.

“The Badlands are no place for anypony though!” Dinky said. “Who could you even be delivering to out there anyways?”

“That’s not important.” Derpy said. “All you need to know is that I need to do this, and I will be back for you.”

“You won’t even tell me who the message is for though?” Dinky asked.

“I can’t tell her.” Derpy thought. “She’s worried enough as it is. I probably shouldn’t have even told her about the Badlands.” Steeling her willpower, Derpy focused both of her eyes on her daughter. “No, Dinky. It’s royal Canterlot business.” Derpy said. “Not to mention postal confidentiality.”

“Wait.” Dinky said. “What’s that last word mean?”

“Postal?” Derpy asked, blinking as her eyes went out of focus again.

“No, the one after that.” Dinky said.

“Please don’t make me say it again.” Derpy sighed. “I heard Mr. Sleet say it when one of the other mailmares went through somepony else’s mail. I think it has something to do with minding your own business, but I might be wrong.” She admitted. “Anyways, I’m sorry Dinky. I would take you with me if I could. But I can’t, so I won’t. That’s final.”

“Hey girls, what did I miss?” Pinkie Pie asked as she walked up with another plate on her back.

“Oh, nothing.” Derpy said. “Just some family talk.”

“And I think you missed the cake, too.” Dinky said as she pointed to Pinkie Pie’s back. The plate was empty, and there was fresh frosting around Pinkie’s mouth.

“Did I?” Pinkie asked as she looked back at the empty platter. “Oh, darn it all!” She exclaimed as she turned around. “I’ll be right back for real this time.” She sighed as she went into the kitchen. Derpy and Dinky just laughed at the pink pony’s antics.

“Are you okay with all of this, Dinky?” Derpy asked as she tucked her daughter into bed for the night.

“I still don’t want you to go.” Dinky said. “But I promise I won’t stop you.”

“Thanks.” Derpy said with a little chuckle. “I appreciate that. Just be good while I’m gone. I don’t want to hear about you causing Sparkler any trouble. Got it?” She asked.

“Not even a little bit of trouble?” Dinky asked, a smirk spreading across her features.

“Well, maybe just a little bit.” Derpy said. “But don’t tell her I let you.” She said as she ruffled Dinky’s mane.

“Yes ma’am.” Dinky said, giving her mother a short salute.

“That’s my little muffin.” Derpy said as she gave Dinky a little kiss on the forehead before moving to the door and turning out the lights. “No noise.” She said.

“No noise at all.” Dinky said as her mother closed the door. “No noise at all…” Dinky said again to herself. “That gives me an idea.” She said just before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

“Derpy, wake up!” A voice called from the bedroom door.

“Huh? What?” Derpy asked as she sat up in bed slowly. “Whozat?”

“It’s me, Sparkler.” The voice said through the door. “Wake up! Dinky made you breakfast!”

“Coming!” Derpy said, suddenly awake, alert, and very hungry. She made it out of her room in record time, almost falling over her own hooves along the way.

“Good morning, mom!” Dinky cheered as she greeted her mother with a hug. “I made you breakfast again!” She said with a wide smile.

“I know, and it smells great!” Derpy said as she returned the hug. “What did you make?”

“Oh, nothing much.” Dinky said as she and her mother separated. “Do you like waffles?”

“Yeah, I like waffles.” Derpy said with a nod.

“Do you like pancakes?” Dinky asked, moving closer and tilting her head.

“Yeah, I like pancakes.” Derpy said, smiling a bit.

“Do you like french toast?” Dinky asked, chuckling a bit.

“Yeah I like french toast!” Derpy exclaimed.

“Do, do do do, can’t wait to get a mouthful!” Pinkie Pie suddenly shouted as she poked her head in through the window. “Oh. Sorry.” She said with a blush as she quickly left the house.

“Okay…” Dinky said as she and her mother both wondered what just happened. “Anyways, I made a whole continental spread for you!” She continued after a brief shake of her head.

“Whoa!” Derpy exclaimed as she walked into the dining room. The table was absolutely covered in food. There were waffles, and pancakes, and french toast. “Oh my!” Derpy said, blinking rapidly. “You made all of this yourself, Dinky?”

“Well, not all of it.” Dinky admitted. “Sparkler helped a little bit.”

“Nah.” Sparkler said. “I just picked up the ingredients and mixed a couple things. Dinky’s the one who did all the real work.” She said, patting Dinky on the head. “She’s a natural chef if you ask me.”

“Aw, there isn’t anything special about me.” Dinky said, blushing brightly and looking down.

“Of course there is!” Derpy said, pulling her daughter into a quick hug. “No other pony can call themselves my little muffin.”

“Mom, just eat your breakfast!” Dinky said with a laugh. “You’re embarrassing me!”

“Okay, okay.” Derpy said, letting go of her daughter. “Let’s eat! I’m starved!” She exclaimed as she charged into the kitchen.

“Whew! That was great!” Derpy exclaimed as she walked out of the bathroom.

“Are you sure?” Dinky asked. “I think you got more on your coat than in your mouth.”

“That’s not true!” Derpy said, turning her nose up and walking by.

“Mom, how long did you need to shower to get all the syrup out of your mane?” Dinky asked, trying to suppress a laugh.

“Honestly, I think there’s still some in there.” Derpy said, laughing a little bit and flipping her mane backwards. “I should be okay though.” She said, mother and daughter sharing a laugh together.

After the short laugh, Dinky cleared her throat. “So, um. I guess you’re going soon, huh?” Dinky asked, looking down at the floor.

“Yeah.” Derpy sighed. “Where did Sparkler go?”

“She said she wanted to pick up a few more things since she’s gonna be sitting the whole house instead of just me.” Dinky said. “She left when you went to the shower.”

“Oh, alright then.” Derpy said. “Anyways. Once the scroll gets here from the princess, I’m gonna be on my way.”

“It actually already got here.” Dinky said. “It came in when you were still sleeping. I put it in the kitchen for you.”

“Oh! Thank you, Dinky.” Derpy said, hugging her daughter again. “I know you don’t want me to go, but thanks for being so good about it.”

“Well, I promised I wouldn’t stop you.” Dinky said. “Just make sure you keep your promise too.”

“Right. I promise I’ll be back to you as soon as I can.” Derpy said as she walked into the kitchen and saw the royal mailbag sitting on the counter. Made of fine white cloth, the bag almost seemed to shine where it sat. The side of the bag was embroidered with the same image as princess Celestia’s cutie mark. “Wow!” Derpy exclaimed. “This looks really nice!” She said as she put the bag’s strap over her shoulder.

“It looks really good on you, mom!” Dinky said. “Also, I left a little surprise in there for you.” She said. “Go on, take a look.”

“A surprise?” Derpy asked as she flipped open the mailbag. Inside, she saw three things. First, she saw the royal Canterlot seal fastened tightly over an as-of-yet unopened scroll. Second, she saw a ticket voucher good for one two way trip to the Crystal Empire and back. It’s what she saw next that truly caught her attention though. There in the bag, encased in a small plastic container, was a single, pristine chocolate chip muffin.

“Since you didn’t get to eat any of them yesterday, I thought I’d make you a big one today for your trip.” Dinky said.

“Chocolate chip?” Derpy asked, her wall-eyes going wide.

“Yep!” Dinky said, doing a little hop. “I think it’s probably my best work yet! And I put it in a plastic box to protect it while you’re flying. Also so the scroll wouldn’t smell like chocolate chips.”

“You know, Dinky.” Derpy said. “I’ve got a present for you too.” She said as she walked out of the kitchen and to her room.

“Really?” Dinky asked as she followed her mother. “What is it?”

“This.” Derpy said as she pulled an envelope off of her nightstand. “It’s an important delivery from me to you.” She said as she gave the envelope to her daughter.

“For me?” Dinky said.

“Yep.” Derpy said. “But you can’t open it until tonight before you go to bed. Okay?”

“Sure thing.” Dinky said with a nod. “Thanks mom.” She said as she hugged Derpy.

“Alright.” Derpy sighed as she reluctantly broke the hug. “I’ve got to go now. Sparkler should be back soon, so behave until then.”

“Alright.” Dinky said. “I’ll be good.”

“I know you will.” Derpy said with a smile. “Because you’re the best daughter that a mother could ask for.”

Dinky sighed and rolled her eyes, but blushed nonetheless. “I know, mom.” She said with a smile.

“Okay then, I’m off!” Derpy shouted as she launched into the sky, Dinky waving after her. Once Derpy was out of view, Dinky closed the door and went to her room.

“One ticket, please.” Derpy said as she approached the ticket booth.

“Certainly, madam.” The stallion behind the window said. “That’ll be ten bits.”

“Oh, I have this here.” Derpy said as she reached into her mailbag and produced the ticket voucher. “Here you go, sir.” She said as she passed the stallion the green and white slip of paper.

“Oh, now this I don’t see all too often.” The ticket worker said. “You must be going on royal business.” He said, looking over the mare in front of him.

“Yep!” Derpy said. “Princess Celestia herself wants me to deliver a message.” She said.

“Oh. Well I wish you the best of luck, then.” The stallion said as he took the voucher and passed Derpy a train ticket. “Here you are, ma’am. Enjoy your trip.”

“Thank you, sir.” Derpy said as she boarded the front passenger car and settled in for a long train ride.

"The train will be leaving the station in thirty minutes, everypony!" The conductor called. "Once again, thirty minutes until departure!" He exclaimed.

About twenty minutes later, no one noticed a mysterious pony stow away in the caboose.

“Dinky, I’m back.” Sparkler called as she entered the Hooves residence. “Sorry I took so long.” She said as she dropped off her saddlebag on the table next to the door. “I stopped to get some coloring books in case you wanted to do something like that.”

After getting no response, Sparkler walked towards the kitchen. “Dinky? You in here?” She asked as she poked her head in and saw nothing. “Dinky? Answer me please.” She said as she walked towards Dinky’s room, a slightly worried expression on her face.

“Dinky, come on. Quit playing around.” Sparkler said as she opened the door to Dinky’s room and peeked in. “Dinky?” She asked again as she walked in and found a note on the foal’s pillow.

“Dear Sparkler,

Sorry for slipping out, but I had to leave before it was too late. Please don’t worry about me. I know how to take care of myself. I’ll be back, and mom will be with me. See you then.

Love, Dinky.” She had punctuated the last sentence with a little heart, but that didn’t do much to quell Sparkler’s panic.

“Dinky!” Sparkler yelled as she galloped out of the house and began looking frantically in the general area. “Dinky? Dinky?! DINKY!!” She screamed to the sky as she collapsed to her knees in the front yard.

“Sorry Sparkler.” Dinky said as she ducked behind a crate in the train’s caboose. “I hope you find my note. I need to make sure my mom stays safe.” She said as she hunkered down and prepped herself for a long train ride.

Stalkers

“Last stop! Crystal Empire Station!” The conductor shouted as the train began to slow down. “Last stop! Crystal Empire Station!”

As the train came to a stop, Derpy Hooves rose from her seat. As she exited the train, a grey crystal pony wearing armor greeted her. “Derpy Hooves?” The guard asked, looking down at her indifferently.

“Yeah!” Derpy said. “How did you know?”

The guard looked at the mare in front of him, immediately noticing two things. First was the fact that her eyes were looking in two completely different directions. Second was the beautiful mailbag with the royal seal of princess Celestia she was wearing. “Er. Lucky guess.” The guard said. “Please, follow me.”

“Wow. You must be a really good guesser!” Derpy said as she followed the stallion away from the train station.

“Prince Shining Armor has requested that he see you before you depart.” The guard said.

“Well, I guess that’s okay.” Derpy said. “Are we going to the palace?”

“No.” The guard said simply. “The prince wanted to meet with you somewhere a bit more plain. I’m not sure why though, since we have much more space and accommodations at the palace.”

“I’m okay with just about anything, really.” Derpy said.

After walking a couple of minutes into town, the guard opened the door for Derpy at what seemed to be a small ice cream shoppe. “Here we are.” The guard said, rolling his eyes. “Why the prince insisted on this place, I’ll never know.” He sighed as Derpy walked in ahead of him.

“Crystal Delights?” Derpy asked as she read the sign above the counter. “Sounds pretty good to me.”

“I will remain outside.” The guard said, closing the door behind Derpy.

“Oh, okay then.” Derpy said as she looked back at the door for a moment.

“Derpy, right?” A voice called out. Upon looking for the source, Derpy saw the unicorn stallion from the castle yesterday beckoning her over to a table with two ice cream sundaes on it. “I hope you like vanilla.” He said as Derpy took a seat across from him.

“Oh, I do.” Derpy said with a nod. “I’m just not sure if I’ll finish it. “I had a big breakfast.” She said with a smile as she sat down across from the white stallion.

“My name is Shining Armor.” The stallion said. “I’m sorry if I seemed a bit on edge yesterday. I’ve just been dealing with a lot of new stresses being a prince all of a sudden.” He sighed. “Not the least of which is the possibility of a threat to my kingdom.”

“It’s alright.” Derpy said. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that first impressions of somepony aren’t always right.”

“Well, I doubt my first impression of the thing you’re delivering that letter to is wrong.” Shining Armor said. “I’ve been having scouts map out the Badlands ever since I found out the hive was there. In fact, that’s why I called you here.”

“I thought you called me here for ice cream.” Derpy said before taking a bite of her sundae. “I mean, this is an ice cream place.”

“Well, yeah. I guess it is.” Shining Armor said. “Look, my point is that the Badlands are wide and vast. My men have been searching and mapping it for over a month and we haven’t even covered a quarter of it. We should be making more progress, but some of my scouts have yet to return.” He said, bowing his head. “I’m worried, but I can’t let the changelings go unnoticed.”

“Okay.” Derpy said. “But what does all of this have to do with me?”

“Princess Celestia is sending you to find the changelings.” Shining Armor said. “Somehow, she thinks that you’ll find them even though I’ve been throwing men out there for so long and came back with less than when I started.”

“Well when you say it like that, I don’t know why she thinks I can do it.” Derpy said. “But I’m happy to try.”

“I don’t know the princess’s full plan, but I’ve learned not to underestimate her instincts.” Shining said. “So I want to help you. I left a map with the guard that greeted you. He’ll be giving it to you on the way out.”

“Wow, thanks!” Derpy said. “I’m really grateful for your help, your majesty.”

“Please, my name is Shining Armor.” Shining said, scratching the back of his head. “I’m still not really used to the whole royalty thing.”

“Okay then, Shining Armor.” Derpy said with a smile as she finished off her sundae.

“Oof! C’mon!” Dinky groaned as she struggled against the door at the back of the caboose. “Oh, why did it have to lock behind me?” She asked as she rammed the door again, causing a crate to fall and spill clothes all over the floor.

“Hey! What was that?” She heard someone say from outside.

“Uh oh!” Dinky exclaimed as she hid herself in the pile of clothes.

“I think it came from the caboose.” Someone said as a silhouette appeared in the window on the door. Dinky managed to shift in such a way that she was completely covered except for one eye with which to keep watch.

“Please don’t find me.” Dinky thought. “I can’t be sent home yet!” Just as that thought ran through her head, the door opened up and revealed the conductor.

“Aw, shoot.” The conductor said, breathing a little sigh. “It was just a box of sweaters and junk falling over. Scratch must have stacked the luggage wrong again.” He said as he turned around and walked away, leaving the door open.

“Score!” Dinky thought as she got out from underneath the clothes and snuck out the door.

“Hey, did you see that pegasus with the weird eyes?” The conductor asked another rail worker, catching Dinky’s attention.

“Hm?” Dinky said, jumping into some nearby bushes and watching the two ponies carefully.

“Yeah.” The train engineer said. “And did you see that bag she had?”

“Yeah.” Responded the conductor. “The princess’s royal seal. That must have been the messenger we were warned about.”

“So what’ll we do?” The engineer asked. “We can’t just grab her.”

“It’s okay.” Said the conductor, holding up a hoof to silence his friend. “Her majesty has planned for everything.” He said before turning and walking away.

“I’ve got to follow him!” Dinky said under her breath as she started tailing the conductor through the streets.

A few times, she almost lost him in the city, but soon enough he stopped at a store called Crystal Delights. Dinky managed to hide herself in an alleyway before the train conductor looked around. “Excuse me, sir guard!” The conductor said, catching the guard’s attention.

“Yes, citizen?” The soldier asked. “What seems to be the matter.”

“A valuable watch of mine was just taken by a passing cutpurse!” He said. “He took off down that alleyway there! Please help me get my grandfather’s watch back!”

“Stand back, citizen.” The guard said, gently pushing the conductor aside. “I’ll return shortly with that criminal in tow.” He said as he galloped straight towards Dinky’s alley.

“Uh oh!” Dinky said as she hid herself underneath some thankfully well-sealed garbage bags.

“Reveal yourself and return what you stole!” The guard shouted as he entered the alley. Dinky could just see the soldier from where she was hiding.

“Sir, please wait!” The conductor called. “I have wonderful news!”

As the guard turned to face the voice, his face was suddenly covered in a green, slime-like substance and he fell to the ground. “MMPH!” He tried to yell as the conductor’s hoof came into Dinky’s field of vision.

“I seem to have found my watch, good sir.” The conductor said, his voice seeming to have a strange reverberating effect. After speaking, the hoof in front of Dinky’s face was briefly engulfed in a green light as it rapidly changed color from the conductor’s pale brown to the guard’s shining crystal grey. “And I’ve found some rather nice armor as well.” Said the guard’s voice.

The guard on the ground began struggling harder as another glob of green was affixed to his face. In a few seconds, the guard was still. As the fake guard began rummaging through his victim’s belongings, Dinky could just hear a dull buzzing sound before a black, hole riddled hoof landed in front of her as well. “No! Not them!” Dinky thought, remembering her encounter with changelings in Canterlot.

“Take this one back to the hive.” The false soldier said to the changeling. “And have them send someone else to fill the role of train conductor for the time being.

“Of course. For the Queen!” The changeling said as he effortlessly picked up the guard and carried him down a nearby sewer drain.

“Excellent.” The new guard said to himself. “All is going as the Queen predicted.” He said as he walked out of the alley and back to the ice cream shoppe. Once there, he resumed ‘his’ post at the door.

“What in Equestria was that all about?” Dinky said quietly as she came out of her hiding spot. “I’ve gotta tell somepony!” She gasped as she galloped out the opposite side of the alley.

“Thanks again for all the help, your maj- I mean Shining Armor.” Derpy corrected herself as she and Shining walked out of Crystal Delights.

“And thank you for your help too.” Shining said, looking very tired. “I didn’t know that there were so many different ways to make muffins.” He said, forcing a smile.

“Yeah. I can’t believe they didn’t have muffin ice cream on the menu.” Derpy said. “Oh well. Maybe you could share the recipes I gave you with the chef here. I think I gave you that one.”

“Oh, I’m sure it’s in here somewhere.” Shining said as he thought about the stack of scrap paper filled with muffin recipes he now had in his saddlebag. “Anyways, I need to get back to the castle. Sergeant Drill Bit!” Shining said, turning to the guard at the door.

“Sir!” The soldier said, snapping off a perfect salute.

“Please give my friend here the map we discussed earlier so she can be on her way.” Shining said. “She has important business to attend to.”

“Yes, sir!” Drill Bit said as he reached into his saddlebag and produced a map. “Here you are, ma’am.” He said as Derpy took the map and placed it in her mailbag.

“Derpy, these maps aren’t completed yet.” Shining said. “They only show places that we’ve already looked. So all they’re really good for is keeping you from having to search cleared areas. Hopefully that will save you some time.”

“Thank you very much.” Derpy said. “This should be a big help. I guess I’ll see you when I get back, then.” She said as she trotted off, waving to Shining as she left.

Once he was sure she was out of earshot, Shining Armor turned to his guard. “Sergeant, ready your squad.” He said, seeming to catch the guard by surprise.

“Sir?”

“You have the other maps, right?” Shining asked.

“Of course, sir. But-”

“Good. Princess Celestia seems to think that Derpy can find the hive, and I’ve learned not to doubt her judgment.” Shining Armor said. “We’ll follow her there, and then make sure she gets back safely. Once she’s safe, we can make plans for the hive in case the princess’s peace treaty doesn’t go as planned.”

“Yes, sir.” Drill Bit said with a nod as he passed Shining a map and retrieved a squad roster for himself.

“Have your men ready at the gate in fifteen minutes.” Shining said. “I think she’ll be leaving on her delivery as soon as she can.” Shining Armor said as he walked away.

“Yes, sir.” Drill Bit said, glaring at Shining as his eyes briefly shifted to a solid blue color.

“Alright.” Derpy said as she pulled out her map. “So I just gotta go to the blank spots on the map. Sounds easy enough.” She said just before rolling the map open and gasping out loud. “Why isn’t it blank?” Derpy asked herself as she looked the map over.

Sure enough, the map was a completely filled in chart of the Badlands. However, there was one section just outside the Crystal Empire marked with an X. “Well it isn’t blank. But I guess X marks the spot.” Derpy said with a shrug as she walked toward the city gate.

“Alright, there she is.” Shining armor said as Derpy crossed the city limits. “Come on, men. Stay back, but don’t lose sight of her.” Shining said as he, Drill Bit, and three other crystal ponies moved to follow Derpy.

A short way past the city gates, a small purple foal came rushing up to Shining Armor. “Sir, please, you have to listen to me!” She said in a high-pitched voice. “I just saw something awful! It was- AH!” She yelled when she saw Drill Bit.

“Yes?” Shining Armor asked. “What is it?” He asked, raising his eyebrow at Dinky.

“Him! It’s him!” She yelled, pointing at Drill Bit.

“What?” Shining asked, turning to face his Sergeant. “What about him?”

“He’s not him!” Dinky said. “He’s a changeling!” The accusation garnered startled murmurs among the squad.

“A changeling?” Shining asked, looking at Drill Bit again. “That’s a serious accusation. What kind of proof do you have?”

“I saw him with my own two eyes!” Dinky said. “He was in an alleyway with the guard and then he put some green goop over his mouth! Then another changeling came and dragged the real guard into the sewer!”

All eyes were on Drill Bit now as he simply stood there, looking completely flabbergasted. “I- I have no idea what she’s talking about.” He said, shaking his head back and forth a little bit. “This must be some kind of sick joke.”

“I don’t want to start a witch hunt here.” Shining Armor said. “But these kinds of accusations must be taken seriously in these times.” He said, taking a few steps closer to the sergeant.

“You can’t honestly think that this is true.” Drill Bit said. “This is preposterous. I haven’t even been down any alleys on my patrols today.”

“Tell me then.” Shining said. “What is the third line of the crystal guard pledge?”

“To serve the crown with loyalty, to uphold the law and the truth.” Drill Bit said immediately as if reading from a script.

Shining thought for a few moments and sighed. “Only formally sworn guards know the pledge well enough to recite it so quickly.” Shining said. “I’m sorry, but we have important business to attend to.” He said as he and his squad walked past Dinky. On his way past, Drill Bit cast the foal a particularly nasty glare before turning up his nose and moving on.

“But… But I’m telling the truth.” Dinky said as she plopped down on her flank. “Wait a second!” She said, suddenly perking up. “They’re following mom! I’d better keep an eye on them and make sure that changeling doesn’t try anything funny.” She said as she took off after the group of guards. “Even if they don’t believe me now, he’ll slip up eventually.” Dinky said as she slowed down a bit, not wanting the guards to know they were being followed.

Her Majesty Awaits

“I don’t get it.” Shining Armor said, scratching his head. “She’s just been sitting there for the past half an hour just staring at the map.” He said, turning to his squad.

“Maybe she’s lost.” One of the guards suggested.

“Even so, she won’t find anything by not moving.” Another spoke up.

“But there’s one more thing that’s bothering me.” Shining said. “She’s been going in the opposite direction of the Badlands. We’ve somehow ended up in the crystal forest.”

“I’m sure she just got turned around.” Sergeant Drill Bit said. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to scout around a bit. Let me know if anything changes.” He said as he walked away from the group.

“You.” Shining Armor said as he pointed to one of his guards, a crystal pony with a shining brown coat. “Keep an eye on Drill Bit for me.”

“Your highness?” The guard asked.

“I don’t think there will be any trouble, but you can never be too sure with changelings.” Shining said. “Just watch him for a bit to make sure I’m right. I don’t want to take any chances.”

“Sir, yes sir.” The guard said as he snapped off a quick salute and went to tail Drill Bit.

“I’ve got to find a way to expose him for the monster he is!” Dinky said to herself as she hid in some nearby bushes. “He may not have listened to me, but one of his other guards will definitely be able to convince him!”

“I know you’re out here, little foal.” Came a voice from uncomfortably nearby. It was Drill Bit’s replacement. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten what you said. You’d best turn back and leave before something bad happens to you.”

“Sir, never mind the brat.” Another guard said as he joined up with Drill Bit.

“What are you doing here?” Drill bit asked, turning to the new guard. “You should be with the prince and the others.”

“He still suspects you.” The guard said, causing Dinky to gasp. “He sent me to watch you.”

“Argh! Who’d have thought one little pony could be such a pain?” Drill bit hissed.

“She isn’t important.” The second guard said. “All that matters is delivering the pegasus and the prince to our Queen.” He said.

“Oh no!” Dinky whispered, her hoof accidentally snapping a small twig in the shrubbery.

“Wait!” Drill Bit said. “Did you hear that?”

“Guards, regroup!” They heard Shining Armor call. “She’s on the move!”

“Ignore it.” The second guard said. “We have more important business to attend to. Rest assured though that she’ll be taken care of.” He said as Drill Bit followed him back to the squad.

“Well.” Dinky said to herself as she followed, keeping a bit further back now. “There goes that plan.” She huffed as she kept herself hidden.

“Okay, so I just need to find an X in this whole big place.” Derpy said as she walked through the crystal forest, occasionally looking away from the map to dodge a tree or step over a fallen branch. “Weird though. This land doesn’t look very bad to me.” She said as she stopped to admire one of the many prismatic trees around her. “It’s actually really pretty here!” She said as she stepped closer to the trunk and saw many reflections of herself in it. “I’m looking pretty good today.” She said, admiring her reflection and paying no heed to the fact that none of her reflections’ eyes were looking directly back at her.

After looking at her reflection for a few minutes and fixing her mane a bit, Derpy resumed her search without realizing that she had gotten turned around.

“Move!” Shining Armor urged his troops. “She’s coming this way!” He said as he and his squad all took cover behind some nearby bushes.

“La, la la, la la. Hmm, hm hmm.” Derpy sang obliviously to herself as she walked straight by the bush the stallions were hiding behind.

“Whew! That was close.” Shining said as he emerged. “Come on. She seems to be headed the right way now.” He said as he led his squad after Derpy. However, he didn’t notice one of the guards break off as they went.

“Why did it have to be changelings?” Dinky mentally asked herself as she watched the soldiers walk past her hiding spot. Content that they were out of earshot, she let out a sigh of relief. “At least they haven’t found me yet.” She said. “I can’t let them catch me, and I can’t let them catch my momma either.” She said, stomping a hoof as she moved to follow.

“Mommy, huh?” A voice asked from nowhere.

“Huh? Who’s there?” Dinky asked the forest, looking around herself for any sign of changelings.

“So that explains why you’ve been following us around. Going to protect your precious mommy, are you?” The voice asked, seeming to come from all around the scared little filly.

“Y- you don’t scare me!” Dinky said, looking around frantically and being greeted only with reflections of herself in the trees.

“Lying to me won’t help you, little foal.” The voice said, becoming more distorted as it continued. “I can feel your fear. You can’t hide your feelings from us, you know.”

“Go away!” Dinky yelled. “Leave me alone!”

“I can’t very well do that.” The voice said. “Our Queen has worked very hard to make a new home for us. And you’ve already proven to be a thorn in our side. It’s time for you to go, little filly.” The voice said as one of Dinky’s ‘reflections’ stepped out from where it was standing in front of the little unicorn.

Dinky didn’t even have time to scream before her vision went green.

“Where am I again?” Derpy asked herself as she looked down at the map. “Wait a minute. How did this get upside down?” She asked as she turned it over in her hooves. “There! That’s better… I think.” She said, squinting at the paper.

“Momma?” Came a familiar voice from the depths of the forest. “Momma? Where are you?”

“Dinky?!” Derpy exclaimed as she dropped the map. “Dinky, is that you?”

“Momma, help!” Dinky’s voice called out again. “I need your help, mommy!”

“Hang on, Dinky! Momma’s coming!” Derpy yelled as she galloped towards the source of the voice.

“What’s going on now?” Shining Armor asked as he watched Derpy sprint away through the woods. “She must be onto something. Quick, let’s go!” He ordered as he and his squad took off after her.

“What? Who’s behind me?” Derpy asked as she looked over her shoulder and saw four silhouettes chasing her through the trees. “Who are you? Leave me alone! Stay away from my daughter!” Derpy shouted back at the shadowy forms as she kept running forward.

“I’m here mommy!” Dinky’s voice echoed through the trees. “Please, help me!”

“I’m coming, Dinky! Mommy’s here!” Derpy shouted as she jumped over a fallen tree and fell into a dark chasm. Derpy landed with a hard thud on her side on the cave floor. She groaned with pain as she stood up. When Derpy tried to flap her wings, she found that her left wing was unresponsive and hanging limply at her side.

“Mommy, thank goodness you found me!” Dinky said as she rushed up to Derpy.

“Dinky!” Derpy said, briefly wincing in pain. “What are you doing here?”

“I don’t know.” Dinky said as her voice began to change and her eyes turned a solid blue color. “I guess I’m just here for you!” The fake Dinky said as she opened her mouth, releasing a glob of green muck.

Just before it hit Derpy, the blob was intercepted by a blast of magic. “Derpy! We’re coming to help you!” Shining Armor said as he peeked over the edge of the hole. “Quick! Get out of there!”

“I can’t!” Derpy said, backing away from the changeling as it dropped its disguise. “I hurt my wing! I can’t move it at all!”

“Aww, well isn’t that too bad.” The changeling said as it stepped closer. “I guess this will be even easier than I thought. Throw him in!” It commanded.

“What? Hey!” Shining Armor protested as his squad mates shoved him into the pit with Derpy. “What in Tartarus is going on here?” Shining asked as he picked himself up and began charging a spell. Before he could do anything, Sergeant Drill Bit and the other two guards jumped into the pit and pinned him to the ground. “Argh! Get off of me!” Shining grunted as Drill Bit spat a glob of green semi-fluid onto his horn.

“That should take care of your magic.” Drill Bit said as he and the other soldiers also dropped their disguises.

“No!” Shining shouted as he struggled harder against his captors. “She was right.”

“Indeed she was.” The changeling in front of Derpy said. “You should have listened to that little foal when you had the chance. Then maybe you wouldn’t be in this situation. And neither would she.”

“What foal?” Derpy asked. “Is Dinky actually here?!”

“Your daughter is safe. For now.” The changeling said. “What we do with all of you is up to the Queen to decide. And on that note.” He said with a smirk, just before launching another shot of goo at Derpy with perfect precision.

“So they’ve been dealt with?” Queen Chrysalis asked as a young changeling entered her chamber. Torches lit with a green blaze adorned the walls and the top of her chitinous throne, giving the large room a dim, earthy glow.

“Yes, my Queen.” The changeling said with a bow. “They are being transported here as we speak.”

“And what of the foal?” Chrysalis asked. “How is she?”

“She has already arrived and is in containment.” The changeling said.

“Good. Keep her under observation.” Chrysalis said. “She was not part of my plan. And I don’t want any unexpected mishaps. Understand?”

“Yes, my Queen. I understand completely.” The changeling said with a bow.

“We have come much too far to suffer the same humiliation again.” Chrysalis said as she stood and walked over to her subject. “This time, I will personally deal with our problems before they can become a threat. And this time, I will make sure that it is done right!”

Queen's Judgment

Dinky groaned as she began slowly lifting her eyelids. “What’s going on? Where am I?” She asked, her mind in a haze. Suddenly, she gasped as she shot to her feet. “Mom!” She exclaimed just before falling back to the floor on her wobbly legs. “Where’s mom?” She asked, looking around her room. “In fact, where am I?” She asked. The room she was in looked to be large enough for herself and at least five other ponies. However, there was no furniture to speak of aside from a raised portion of the floor in the middle of the room and the green flame lit torches and glowing green crystals along the walls.

Dinky tried again more slowly to get to her feet, and she was rewarded with the ability to stay upright. “Hello?” Dinky called. “Is anypony there? Please, where am I?” She asked, looking desperately for a door and finding nothing of the sort. The walls seemed to be made with a strange, spongy type of rock that absorbed and retained a sort of gooey moisture that stuck to Dinky’s hooves when she touched it. “Ew!” She exclaimed as she dragged her hoof along the ground to get the gunk off of it.

“What’s the matter?” A changeling voice asked. “Is your room not nice enough for you?”

“Where are you?” Dinky asked. “And what have you done to my momma?”

“Dinky, what are you talking about?” Derpy asked as she walked up behind Dinky.

“Mom?” Dinky asked as she turned around. “Mommy!” She yelled as she jumped up and hugged Derpy. “Mom, I’m so sorry I followed you. I was just so worried about you!”

“It’s okay, Dinky.” Derpy said, hugging her daughter back. “You don’t need to be sorry. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“But…” Dinky said. “How do we get out of here?”

“Shh, it’ll all be okay.” Derpy said, stroking her daughter’s mane. “Everything will work out. You’ll see.” She said with a smile.

“Release her, you foolish drone!” A loud, feminine voice boomed through the room.

“Q- Queen Chrysalis!” Derpy exclaimed, letting go of Dinky and stepping back. “What’s the matter, my Queen?” She asked as she bowed toward the opposite wall.

“I’ll not have you feed on this foal, or anyone else without my express permission!” Queen Chrysalis said as she stepped through an opening in the structure. The wall itself seemed to be stepping aside for her as she walked, never slowing in her approach. “We have two more guests on the way, and I expect to be the first to speak with each of them. Do I make myself clear?”

“Mom?” Dinky asked as she stepped away from Queen Chrysalis. “What are you doing?” She asked as Derpy turned to look at her.

“Silly filly.” Derpy said as her eyes turned a solid blue color. “Your mother is not here yet.” The changeling said as it shed its disguise. “What’s the matter? Are you surprised?” The changeling asked as it bared its fangs and hissed.

“Enough!” Chrysalis yelled, stomping a hole-ridden hoof. “I’m here to speak with a prisoner! Not to terrify a child! Be gone from here before I remove you myself!”

“Yes, my Queen! Sorry, my Queen.” The changeling said with a bow before buzzing his wings and flying out of the room, a hole opening in the ceiling for him and closing once he was through.

“My apologies for his behavior.” Queen Chrysalis said as she took another few steps toward Dinky, causing the little filly to back away farther, pushing herself back against the wall. “Oh I wouldn’t press too hard against that, my dear.” Chrysalis said. “You’ll make quite the mess of your coat.”

“What do you want?” Dinky asked, ignoring the Queen’s advice and pressing up harder against the gooey wall. “Why did you take me here? Where’s my real mom?” She asked, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

“Your mother is on her way.” Chrysalis said, walking closer and kneeling to be at eye level with the little unicorn. “You’ll be able to see her very soon.”

“Really?” Dinky asked, the tears threatening to pour down her cheeks at any moment. “You promise?”

“Of course, my little pony.” Chrysalis said, wiping one of Dinky’s eyes with a hoof. “I would never take such a sweet child away from the mother she loves so dearly.” She said, cradling Dinky’s chin briefly. “I just want to make sure you feel welcome here at the hive.” She said, turning and walking away. “Since you’ll be staying here for quite some time.” She said quietly as the wall opened up for her to exit the room.

“Oh, mom.” Dinky sighed as she watched the wall close behind the changeling Queen. “I’m so sorry.” She said as she stepped away from the wall, not caring that her back was covered in some of the viscous substance from the wall.

“You there.” Queen Chrysalis said, turning to face the changeling standing outside the containment chamber.

“Yes, my Queen!” The guard said, bowing deeply.

“Make sure she doesn’t receive any unplanned visitors.” She said. “The foal is to be left alone until I say otherwise. Understood?”

“Yes, my Queen. No visitors to the foal.” He said, rising from his bow to full attention.

“She has a lot of love to share with the hive.” Chrysalis said. “I just need to go about extracting it properly.” She said as she continued down the hall. “Ah!” Chrysalis said as she noticed two changelings arriving with green cocoon-like structures on their backs. “It seems the rest of our guests have arrived. Bring them to separate holding areas. I want to deal with them both myself with no interruptions.” Chrysalis said, smiling wickedly to herself as her subjects carried their captives in opposite directions.

“Oh… My head.” Shining Armor groaned as he rubbed his head and stood up. “What happened yesterday?” He asked himself as he looked around and realized that he was in his own bedroom in the Crystal Palace.

“Oh, Shining Armor!” Princess Cadence shouted as she walked into the room. “Good morning.” She said as she wrapped her hooves around him. “I was worried when I heard you groaning. I thought the headaches might have started back up.”

“Cadence?” Shining asked. “What’s going on? What about Derpy? And the changelings?”

“Shining, did you have that dream again?” Cadence asked as she felt his forehead with a hoof. “Are you feeling okay? Do you want some water?”

“No, I’m fine.” Shining said. “But what happened?”

“Oh, the delivery went fine.” Cadence said. “And not soon after, you led the guard and rooted out the changelings. Turns out peace wasn’t very high on their list of priorities when you stormed their hive.”

“I’m not surprised.” Shining sighed. “But why don’t I remember any of it?”

“I’m not sure.” Cadence said with a shake of her head. “You’ve been acting strangely ever since the fight ended.”

“I have?” Shining asked.

“Yes. You’ve busied yourself with hunting down the remaining changelings, and I barely see you anymore.” She said, looking down and sighing.

“I’m sorry.” Shining said. “I’m not sure what happened, but I’ll try to make more time for you. I’m sure there isn’t much left of the changelings anyways if we’ve taken out the hive.” He said, smiling and looking deeply into his wife’s eyes.

“Oh, I’m lucky to have such a loving husband.” Cadence said, leaning forward to kiss Shining Armor.

“Wait a second.” Shining said, stopping Cadence gently with a hoof.

“What’s the matter, dear?” Cadence asked, looking very confused.

“Something doesn’t seem right here.” Shining said. “What happened to Derpy? And what about Drill Bit and the others?”

“Oh, they’re fine.” Cadence said. “Now come on. I’ve missed you while you were out fighting those changelings.”

“No.” Shining said, pushing her away. “This isn’t right. There’s too much missing here.” He said, hardening his gaze.

Cadence sighed and rolled her eyes. “I figured it wouldn’t work a second time.” She said as she walked away. “Still, I find this particular form to be so much fun that I just can’t help myself sometimes.” She giggled as her eyes turned green.

“You!” Shining shouted as he scuffed the ground with a hoof and prepared to charge. “What are you up to this time?”

“Up to?” Cadence asked as she turned around, green fire enveloping her body. The fire dissipated a few seconds later, and Shining Armor was faced with Chrysalis, Queen of the changelings. “What in Equestria would make you think that I would be up to something?” She said with a fanged smirk.

“I know your kind!” Shining said. “You’re always up to something!”

“You presume to know how we operate?” Chrysalis asked, trotting a bit closer. “You assume that you know everything about my race based upon one confrontation.”

“You kidnapped my wife and tried to ruin our wedding!” Shining shouted. “Forgive me if I don’t exactly have the best opinion of your people.” He said, concentrating energy into his horn.

“You aren’t trying to cast any spells, are you?” Chrysalis asked, chuckling a bit. “I’ve covered my bases this time. I’m sure you’ll find your magic quite subdued this time around.”

“We’ll see about that!” Shining said as he willed all of his energy to his horn. “Come on!” He growled as the spell he was preparing fizzled out, causing a couple of pathetic purple sparks to shoot from the tip of his horn and dissipate in midair.

“Is that the best you can do?” Chrysalis asked, laughing as if having seen the single funniest thing in her life. “Please. I’ve seen hatchlings do better while they slept! Though I suppose I really have you and your precious kingdom to thank for that.”

“Explain yourself!” Shining said just before being shoved to the ground under Chrysalis’s hoof.

“Do not presume to command me!” Chrysalis hissed. “You are in my world now!” She said as the pristine crystal walls began to melt, revealing the hard black surface underneath. “You need to learn your place, little prince. And I will be more than happy to put you there!” Chrysalis boomed as she levitated Shining Armor within a green field of magic and flung him against the wall. When she did, green slime oozed out of the wall and enveloped the stallion, suspending him in place and leaving only his face uncovered.

“This is an act of war!” Shining Armor shouted.

“No. No it is not.” Chrysalis said, buzzing her wings as she hovered up to be eye to eye with Shining Armor. “Sending your hunting squads into the Badlands to flush us out for extermination. That is an act of war.” Chrysalis said, forcing Shining to look up at her by putting a hoof roughly under his chin. “I am simply doing what’s best for my subjects. And what’s best for my subjects right now, is making sure that you won’t cause us any more trouble.” She said, flying back down to the floor. “I’m sure that I can find a suitable replacement for you soon enough that you won’t be missed. And if absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t mind taking your dear bride’s place one more time.” She said, looking back and watching Shining Armor struggle against his bonds out of the corner of her eye.

“You won’t get away with this, you monster!” Shining shouted, gritting his teeth as he thrashed in his gooey prison.

“On the contrary.” Queen Chrysalis said. “I already have.” She said as she left Shining to his struggle. “Make sure he stays right where he is.” Queen Chrysalis said to the guard outside Shining Armor’s chamber as the wall closed behind her. “I’ll be sending more guards to assist you. I want you to keep an especially close eye on him. Not watching him is what fouled everything up last time, and I refuse to be made the fool a second time.”

“Yes, my Queen!” The guard said with a bow. “The militant prince will go nowhere on my watch.”

“Excellent.” Chrysalis said as she walked towards her final captive.

“Huh? Where am I?” Derpy asked as she looked around. “Why do I feel all sticky and…” She began before noticing that she was encased hoof to neck in a green cocoon. “Oh. That’s why.” She said as she heard a strange noise behind her. “What was that?” Derpy asked, trying to turn her head around and succeeding only in making herself uncomfortable.

“Please, don’t strain your neck like that.” A soft voice said from behind Derpy. “You might hurt yourself.” The voice said, growing closer.

“Who are you?” Derpy asked, looking forward again. “Where am I?”

“My name is Chrysalis. Queen of the changelings.” Queen Chrysalis said as she walked around to see Derpy from the front. “And you are now safely within my hive. Something not many ponies can say.”

“The Queen?” Derpy asked. “Hold on! Where’s my daughter? Where’s Dinky?”

“Oh, I assure you that your daughter is quite alright.” Queen Chrysalis said. “But that isn’t what I’m interested in talking about at the moment. What I want to know is exactly why you are looking for me in the first place.”

“Oh. Well…” Derpy said, shifting in her cocoon a little bit. “I actually have a message for you. But I can’t seem to… Reach it.” She said as she kept trying to reach her mailbag.

“I wouldn’t worry about that right now.” Chrysalis said, turning to look straight at Derpy. “I suspect there’s more to your mission than a simple delivery. Despite what you may think, I don’t believe for a moment that your precious princess wants some sort of truce after what I did to her niece. So tell me. What did Celestia really send you for?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Derpy said, shrugging her shoulders as best as she could, imprisoned as she was. “She just wanted me to deliver a scroll. That’s all I know.”

“That’s really it?” Chrysalis asked. “Let me be sure.” She said with a smirk as her horn and eyes glowed with a bright green aura. Chrysalis looked as deeply into Derpy’s eyes as she could, briefly confused by the fact that they never looked in the same direction. However, Queen Chrysalis knew that her spell was working when Derpy’s irises changed from yellow to green. “Now, you will tell me everything. Do you understand?”

“Y- yes. My Queen.” Derpy said, her mouth hanging open slightly.

“Perfect.” Chrysalis said with a smile as she released Derpy from her cocoon. “Leave your things here.” She said. “Let’s walk and talk. And while we’re at it, I’ll get that wing patched up for you.” She said as the wall behind Derpy opened up.

“Thank you, my Queen.” Derpy said with a bow shortly before dropping her mailbag and following Queen Chrysalis out of the containment cell.

“You still want to see your daughter, correct?” Chrysalis asked.

“Yes, my Queen. I would like that a lot!” Derpy exclaimed, happily cantering beside her ruler.

“Well then, far be it from me to keep you away from her. As I’m sure you know, she does love you so very much.” She said with a smirk as they neared Dinky’s cell.

A Change of Heart

“And that’s the whole story, my Queen.” Derpy said as she and Queen Chrysalis stopped walking just in front of a blank wall. Chrysalis dismissed the guard on duty and watched him fly away before speaking.

“So you really don’t have anything to do with Shining Armor, do you?” Chrysalis said. “At least not that you know of.” She added.

“Of course not, my Queen. I definitely would have told you if I did.” Derpy said.

“I know you would.” Chrysalis said as she gently patted her mind slave’s head. “You’re such a good little drone, aren’t you? If only you were a changeling.” Chrysalis sighed. “Oh well. We can’t all be perfect.”

“I’m sorry, my Queen.” Derpy said. “I know I’m not perfect. I know I make mistakes, but I do what I can.” She said with a smile.

“She’s so optimistic, even under my control.” Chrysalis thought. “Is she always like this? Or is it my spell making her try to please me?”

“Queen Chrysalis? Are you okay?” Derpy asked, looking up at Chrysalis with concern in her green, asynchronous eyes.

“Er, yes.” Chrysalis said, shaking her head slightly. “Yes, I’m fine. I have something for you to do for me.”

“What is it, my Queen?” Derpy asked with a bow. “Your will is my command.”

As Derpy spoke, a pang of what Chrysalis recognized as guilt shot through her. “Why don’t I feel as good as I usually do about my conquests right now?” Chrysalis wondered as the wall ahead of her opened up. Pushing those thoughts aside for the time, Chrysalis decided that it would be best to give Derpy her orders. “Your daughter is in here, and she can’t wait to see you.” Chrysalis said. “Go, and be with her for a while. Show her how much you love her.” Chrysalis said as she cast a brief illusion spell, returning Derpy’s eyes to their usual appearance.

“Yes!” Derpy shouted. “Thank you, my Queen.” She said before galloping into the room, Chrysalis walking in slowly behind her. “Dinky!”

“Mom?” Dinky asked as she raised her head to see her mother charging toward her. “Mom? Is it really you?”

“Yes, of course it’s really me.” Derpy said as she rushed up and hugged her daughter tightly. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re alright!”

“I’m glad you’re okay too, mom.” Dinky sniffed as tears started rolling down her cheeks. I’m so sorry I followed you out here. Can you ever forgive me?”

“Of course I can.” Derpy said, patting her daughter’s back as she sobbed. “I’m not so sure about Sparkler though.” Derpy said with a laugh as the two released each other.

“Oh yeah.” Dinky said, pawing the ground with a forehoof. “I left her a note, but I think she’s still gonna be pretty mad.”

“Probably.” Derpy agreed. “But when we get home, we can explain everything to her. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“Could I interrupt this for a moment?” Chrysalis asked as she walked up behind Derpy, causing Dinky to yelp in surprise and back away quickly.

“Mom! Look out!” Dinky shouted as she backed away further.

“Dinky.” Chrysalis said. “If I was going to harm you, then I likely would have by now. I said you would see your mother soon, and here she is. Haven’t I earned a little bit of trust by now?”

“It’s okay, Dinky.” Derpy said with a smile. “Queen Chrysalis is actually really nice.” She said as she walked up to her daughter and hugged her gently.

“A- Are you sure?” Dinky asked as her posture relaxed just the tiniest bit.

“Of course.” Derpy said. “She’s strong, she’s smart, and she’s a great Queen. What’s not to like?”

“She’s a changeling though!” Dinky said. “You know? The monsters that tried to take over Canterlot.”

“That’s in the past now.” Derpy said. “You can’t let your first impressions of someone be the only thing you think about them. Who knows the kinds of circumstances you met them under?”

“I know, but… They aren’t even ponies. Not really, anyways.” Dinky said.

“Well what does that matter?” Derpy asked. “You don’t need to be the same to be good friends, right? Why shouldn’t changelings have the right to be someone’s friends too?”

“This is not my work.” Chrysalis thought as she watched the two mares. “My compulsion isn’t making her say these things. But how can that be?”

“Well, I guess you have a point.” Dinky said, looking down.

“Don’t I always?” Derpy asked.

“No, not really.” Dinky said, causing both ponies to laugh. As she laughed, Derpy winced briefly in pain and clutched her wing.

“Mom, what happened to your wing?” Dinky asked as she rushed over to her mother’s side to examine her.

“I just managed to fall on it wrong.” Derpy said. “Don’t worry too much about it though. It’ll be fine once Queen Chrysalis takes a look at it.”

“Really? She’d do that?” Dinky asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course.” Chrysalis said. “I wouldn’t bring you here just to make you uncomfortable. After all, healthy ponies are happy ponies.” Chrysalis said as her horn began to glow. When it did, a bit of slime oozed off of the wall and squelched over to Derpy. Once it reached the pegasus, the slime crawled its way up Derpy’s leg and settled over her injured wing.

“Ooh! It’s cold.” Derpy said as she shivered a little bit.

“Just leave that there for a little while, and your wing will be as good as new before you know it.” Chrysalis said with a smile.

“I never thought a changeling would be so… Nice.” Dinky said. “I- I’m sorry I’ve been so scared of you.”

“It’s quite alright.” Queen Chrysalis said. “Ponies always fear what they do not understand.”

“But thank you so much for bringing mommy here!” Dinky said as she hugged her mother again, making sure to avoid touching Derpy’s hurt wing.

“Yes. Thank you for letting me talk to my daughter, my Queen.” Derpy said as she hugged Dinky back.

“Not at all.” Chrysalis said. “In fact, it does me good to see such love in my hive.” She said as she began walking closer to the two mares.

“Wait a second.” Dinky said. “My Queen?” She asked her mother as Chrysalis walked closer.

“Of course.” Derpy said. “She is Queen Chrysalis, after all. What’s the matter?” Derpy said as the illusion spell over her eyes began to fade, showing a bit of their new green coloration.

“Mom, something isn’t right here.” Dinky said, unaware that Chrysalis had moved behind her.

“What’s the matter, Dinky?” Derpy asked. “Queen Chrysalis really is a good soul. I just know it.”

“Mom, what’s up with your eyes?” Dinky asked as the illusion wore off entirely.

“What do you mean?” Derpy asked. “You’ve always known about my eyes.”

“No, they’re green!” Dinky said as she bumped into something behind her. Before she had the chance to turn around, Chrysalis knelt down and sunk her fangs into the back of the foal’s neck. “AHH!” Dinky yelled briefly as her body relaxed and she began staring off into space.

“Dinky! Queen Chrysalis!” Derpy shouted as she stepped forward. “What’s going on?”

“Stay back!” Chrysalis mentally commanded Derpy, her horn glowing with a green light that was pulsing in time with Derpy’s eyes. “Do not interfere! Your daughter will remain unharmed. There is no need to worry for her.”

“Y… Yes… My Queen.” Derpy said with some hesitation as she stopped.

“M- Mommy.” Dinky said, barely louder than a whisper. “What’s happening?” She asked as she felt herself losing consciousness as her mother simply stood still and watched.

Almost a full minute later, Chrysalis finally released Dinky and gently guided her to the floor. “Sleep now, little one.” Chrysalis said. “Sleep and be well.”

“My Queen?” Derpy asked, chancing a short step forward. “What did you just do?”

“I’ve done nothing but what I do naturally.” Chrysalis said, her slit pupils thinner than usual. “It is the most direct way of feeding that my people possess, but it is also the most… Satisfying.” She said, unconsciously licking her lips as she walked towards Derpy.

“Dinky. She’ll be okay, won’t she?” Derpy asked.

“But of course.” Chrysalis asked. “We changelings never kill and only harm when necessary. After all, we feed on love. We can’t very well survive if we kill our food, can we?”

“No.” Derpy said. “No, that makes sense.”

“Of course it does.” Chrysalis said, breathing heavily. “Now turn your head away from me slightly.” She commanded.

“Like this, my Queen?” Derpy asked as she turned her head up and away from Chrysalis.

“Perfect.” The changeling queen said as she leaned her head down and began to feed again.

“Ah!” Derpy exclaimed. “Queen Chrysalis, I feel… Cold. Why do I feel so cold?” Derpy asked as her eyelids began to droop.

“Wait! No! I’ll not give in to such baser urges!” Chrysalis thought as she took her head away from Derpy’s neck.

“Queen Chrysalis. What was that?” Derpy asked as she nearly lost her balance.

“Do not talk.” Chrysalis ordered. “Follow me.” She said as she and Derpy left Dinky alone to sleep. Queen Chrysalis had waited for Derpy to fully regain her balance before addressing her. “Derpy.” Chrysalis said as she walked down the hall with the wall-eyed pegasus.

“Yes, my Queen?” Derpy asked, looking up at Chrysalis with adoration.

“I’d like to apologize to you. And your daughter.” Chrysalis said.

“Why’s that?” Derpy asked. “I’m happy to have helped you gain more power through my love.”

“Yes, but in doing so I’ve probably taken most of your love away from you.” Chrysalis said sorrowfully. “I haven’t drained anypony like that in hundreds of years because it’s too… Brutal. Changelings in my hive only absorb love passively through proximity and magic. At first it was so that we could reuse our food sources, but it eventually became a moral decision as we evolved. Using our fangs completely drains the victim and leaves them without any love of their own.” She said, hanging her head low.

“But I still love you, my Queen.” Derpy said.

“I know, but only because I stopped myself at the last second.” Chrysalis sighed. “I’m afraid your daughter was not so lucky. I can’t be sure she will ever love again.”

“That’s okay.” Derpy said. “Her love has helped you to grow more powerful, and that makes you happy. That’s all that matters in this world.” She said, a completely sincere smile adorning her face.

Another pang of guilt hit Chrysalis like a gunshot. “Nevermind. I’m not sure you fully understand the situation. In any case, I need to speak with this prisoner again. You will be assisting me.” She said, adding some edge to her voice for the conversation ahead.

“Who’s there?” Shining Armor spat as the wall opposite him opened up. “You won’t get a thing out of me. I’ll go to Tartarus before I tell you anything.”

“Oh, there’s no need to be so angry, Shining Armor.” Queen Chrysalis said as she walked in, Derpy not far behind her.

“And what’s the point of this?” Shining asked, looking at Derpy. “You think bringing in a changeling that looks like the mailmare will make any difference to me?”

“Of course not.” Chrysalis chuckled as she blasted Shining’s cocoon with a ray of magic, disintegrating it and causing Shining Armor to fall unceremoniously to the ground. “But this is not a changeling.” She said.

“What? Derpy? Is it really you?” Shining asked.

“Yeah. It’s me.” Derpy said. “Why? Don’t you believe the Queen?”

“Of course I don’t!” Shining growled. “There’s no reason that anypony should trust a beast like her!”

“Watch what you say about the Queen!” Derpy said, stepping forward angrily. “You obviously don’t know anything about her!”

“Derpy, what’s gotten into you?” Shining Armor asked. “And have your eyes always been green?”

“That’s not important right now.” Derpy said, shaking her head. “What’s important is that you show my Queen the proper respect!”

“Your Queen?” Shining asked, getting to his feet. “Chrysalis, I don’t know how you expected to fool me with this cheap impersonation.” Shining Armor said. “This subject of yours doesn’t even seem to be trying.”

“She doesn’t have to.” Chrysalis said with a laugh. “She may be my subject, but I assure you again that this is no changeling.”

“Impossible!” Shining Armor spat. “Derpy is loyal to princess Celestia. Not you!”

“She was loyal to the princess.” Chrysalis corrected. “Now, she serves me. Isn’t that right?” She asked, turning to Derpy.

“I have no love for Celestia.” Derpy said. “My love is reserved only for you, my Queen.”

“Derpy! What are you saying?” Shining asked, his mouth agape.

“Oh, don’t look so surprised.” Chrysalis said with a laugh. “If I remember correctly, you were in a state not too much unlike this on your wedding day, were you not? A bit less aware of your surroundings, but obedient nonetheless.”

“What did you do to her?” Shining demanded, glaring intensely at Chrysalis.

“I just helped her realize who her true ruler is.” Chrysalis said. “In fact, the rest of Equestria will know me as their ruler soon enough.”

“That won’t happen!” Shining said. “Celestia will stop you!”

“Oh yes, because she did so well stopping me last time.” Chrysalis said, rolling her eyes. “I’ve already demonstrated that I’m far more powerful than she is. And with the love I’ve just absorbed, I’m sure that even those elements of harmony she mentioned would stand no chance! Your precious princess will bow to me herself before too long.”

“Derpy, are you hearing this?” Shining asked, looking desperately at Derpy. “She’s planning to overthrow princess Celestia! How can you stand with her?”

“I will stand with her because I love my Queen.” Derpy said. “I love my Queen, and nopony else.” She said as she turned and walked out of the room, the wall opening up to allow her passage.

“Well there you have it.” Chrysalis said. “I must say that these last few months have been just perfect.”

“What do you mean, perfect?” Shining asked.

“I’m so very glad you asked.” Chrysalis said. “I was distraught when your little spell ejected me from Canterlot, denying me the victory I had so rightly earned. When I eventually made my way back to my hive in the Badlands, I was very weak and frail. In fact, I almost never made it home.” She said, walking in slow circles around Shining Armor.

“Good. You should have stayed out there!” Shining said. “Then this incident would never have happened.”

“Indeed, you are likely correct.” Chrysalis said. “Your little strike teams would have eventually found my hive and destroyed it utterly without me there to protect it. But unfortunately for you, that is not how things transpired. Even if you had time to search the entirety of the Badlands, you would not have found the hive.”

“And I’m sure you’re about to tell me why, aren’t you?” Shining asked, raising an eyebrow.

“But of course I am.” Chrysalis chuckled. “You see, that hive no longer exists.” She said, earning a surprised look form Shining Armor. “I can tell that you are shocked to hear this. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise what with you having recently moved into a new home yourself.”

“So you moved? Shining asked. “You mean to tell me that we aren’t in the Badlands?”

“I should certainly hope not.” Chrysalis laughed. “Such a wasteland is hardly becoming of a regal creature such as myself, wouldn’t you agree?”

“You know my answer to that.” Shining said, looking away.

“Of course I do. You can’t appreciate the true beauty of changelings, so there’s really no point in asking. But the point remains.” She said as she resumed her slow walk around Shining Armor. “We were on the verge of starvation after you drove us off. We were weak. Desperate. But that’s when fate intervened.” She said, looking up with a smile on her face.

“Fate?” Shining asked. “What are you talking about?”

“A great pulse of positive emotions.” Chrysalis said. “Happiness, joy, and especially love.” She said, turning and moving directly toward Shining. “We immediately sent out some scouting parties to investigate, and they came back with better news than I dared to hope for. Apparently, a new kingdom had appeared not too far away. And what’s more, it seemed to be radiating those positive emotions across the landscape.”

“No!” Shining said, his ears drooping back as Chrysalis stood over him.

“Upon arriving here, I found out that that is exactly what this place does.” Chrysalis said. “As long as the Empire is full of happiness and love, those emotions are broadcast across the entire continent. Am I right?”

“And that’s how you recovered your power after the wedding.” Shining said.

“Somepony gets it now.” Chrysalis said, turning away and grinning. “With the love radiated by this kingdom’s prosperity, us changelings have gained far more power than we ever would have gotten from little old Canterlot. And now that we’re here, we aren’t about to leave.” She said, glaring at Shining Armor.

“Here?” Shining asked. “You’re telling me we’re in the Crystal Empire right now?” He asked, standing up as tall as he could even though Chrysalis still towered over him.

“Directly beneath the Crystal Palace, to be precise.” Chrysalis said. “I don’t think there’s ever been a crystal hive before. I rather like the idea, don’t you?” She asked, staring straight down at Shining Armor.

“So you’ve been living underneath my home and feeding on my people.” Shining said, his voice low and threatening. “No better than a parasite.”

“Petty insults will do you no good.” Chrysalis said, levitating Shining Armor again. “Your kingdom shall prosper, but you will not be at the head of it! Now be silent!” She said as she dropped him, allowing Shining Armor to tumble roughly to the ground on his side.

“UGH!” Shining grunted as he hit the ground hard, knocking the wind out of him.

“Unlike you to me, I have no desire to exterminate you or your species. And unlike a parasite, as you so eloquently put it, I believe that my relationship with your crystal subjects can be beneficial to both parties.” Chrysalis said, turning and walking away from Shining Armor. “The crystal heart is just above my throne room, radiating love throughout the region. The longer we are here, the more powerful we become.” She said, stopping just in front of the wall before turning her head back to look Shining Armor in the eyes. “You know, I was willing to put the wedding incident behind me once.” Chrysalis as the wall in front of her opened up. “But after seeing just how resentful you really are, I think I may have changed my mind. You can stay here until I’ve decided what to do with you.” She said as she turned back and left, allowing the wall to close back up behind her.

“So how did it go, my Queen?” Derpy asked as Chrysalis left Shining Armor’s chamber.

“About as well as expected.” Chrysalis said. “He holds no love for my people, and I blame myself for that. But to so actively pursue our extinction.” She said with a sigh as she shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder if my actions were too rash. I wonder if I may have caused my people to be seen as little more than monsters.”

“I know you’re not a monster, my Queen.” Derpy said.

“Not a monster, huh? Let’s put that to the test.” Chrysalis thought as she turned to face Derpy. “Derpy. Would you like to visit your daughter again?” Chrysalis asked.

“Why would I want to do that?” Derpy asked. “I only need you, my Queen. All my love is for you.” She said with a bow.

“That’s what I thought.” Chrysalis said, holding back a sigh. “Maybe I really am a monster after all.” She thought as she and Derpy proceeded towards the throne room. “I’m calling everyone to the throne room for an announcement.” Chrysalis said. “Spread the word.”

“Yes, my Queen.” Derpy said with a bow as she went off to alert the others.

“I think it’s time we expanded.” Chrysalis said as she proceeded to her throne.

“Love?” Dinky wondered as she sat on the raised portion of floor in the middle of her cell. “What do I love? Do I even love anything?” She asked herself mentally. “I know I loved things before… But why not now? Where did the love go?”

“Where did the love go?” She asked herself out loud, a single tear falling from her cheek.

Love is Magic

“Queen Chrysalis is calling for a royal assembly in the throne room.” Derpy said as she approached a changeling guard.

“My standing orders are to make sure this prisoner stays put.” The guard said. “No visitors without the Queen’s permission either, even if she is your daughter.”

“That doesn’t matter.” Derpy said, shaking her head. “Our Queen is calling everybody. That includes you.” Derpy said, walking away.

“What is she? The Queen’s new favorite pet?” The guard said under his breath as he watched Derpy leave. “Well she has been with the Queen most of the day. Plus, the prisoner’s been quiet since their last visit.” He said as he began walking towards the throne room. “Come to think of it, I haven’t felt any love from the room since then either.” He said, stopping and looking back at the wall behind which was Dinky’s cell. “And the pegasus. What happened to her? When she woke up I could feel her love for her daughter from all the way across the hive. But now…” He said, shuddering slightly at an unknown thought as he turned away and continued to the throne room. After going through several twisting hallways, the changeling guard finally arrived at his Queen’s throne room.

“My faithful subjects!” Queen Chrysalis said, her voice booming across the room. “Ever since our defeat in Canterlot, things have changed swiftly for all of us. We’ve experienced loss, and yet in that loss we have also experienced victory!” She said, eliciting cheers across the room. “Not only have you managed to capture the militant prince, Shining Armor. But also, we have managed to thoroughly infiltrate his new kingdom! Even in the royal guard, we have placed changeling agents ready to strike quickly and silently at a moment’s notice.” She said as Derpy took a place next to Chrysalis.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, my Queen.” Derpy said with a bow. “But there are still some of your subjects that are finishing up their royal duties before they come to the assembly.”

“That is quite alright.” Chrysalis said, patting Derpy lightly on the head. “Besides, I need you to fetch something for me before we can continue on to the main event.”

“What might that be, my Queen?” Derpy asked.

“I need you to return to your cell briefly to fetch your belongings.” Chrysalis said. “I have a very important task for you. Think of it as… A delivery of sorts.” She said, grinning wickedly.

“Yes, my Queen!” Derpy said with a bow. “It will be done.” She said as she flapped her wings and flew out of the room.

“Now, if there are to be no further interruptions.” Chrysalis said as she scanned the crowd, seeing that no one was going to object. “Bring forward the egg!”

Dinky sat still in the middle of her cell, staring at nothing in particular. “Why am I here?” She asked herself, turning her gaze to the floor. “I was following my mom, but why?” She asked with a sigh. “She doesn’t care about me. She just stood there and let that monster do… Whatever it is she did to me.” Dinky said as she blinked away a couple of tears. “Well I don’t care about her, either!” Dinky said, standing up and stomping a hoof. As she did, she noticed something in the corner that she had assumed was taken from her when she was captured.

As she moved closer to inspect the object she recognized that it was, in fact, her saddlebag. The same one that Derpy had knitted for her when she first got her postal job. “This feels familiar.” Dinky said as she touched a hoof to her chest, suddenly feeling a little bit of warmth inside. “I wonder if everything is still here.” She said as she flipped it open and looked inside. “Some oats, bottles of water, a cupcake…” She stopped when she saw the last object in the bag. “The letter my mom wrote me. It’s still here.” She said, feeling her chest grow a bit warmer still as she opened the letter and read the contents.

Dear Dinky.

I’m sorry again that I need to leave you behind, but I can’t risk you getting hurt on this trip. You mean far too much to me. To see you smile is the reason that I live, and seeing you grow and be happy is why I smile. I just wanted to make sure you knew that and saw this every night and every morning. Just in case I’m gone longer than you expected. You are the best daughter a mother could ever ask for.

All of my love, Mommy.

As Dinky read the last line, she saw some of her teardrops hit the page.

“Why am I crying?” Dinky asked herself as the warmth in her chest grew almost unbearable. Dinky groaned and fell forward, clutching her chest in pain.

“Princess Cadence!” A royal crystal guard shouted as he entered the throne room.

“Yes? What is it?” Cadence asked, sitting up straighter in her throne. “Have you heard back from Shining Armor yet?”

“No, your highness.” The guard said, briefly shaking his head. “But I have urgent news!”

“Then speak. What’s going on?” Cadence asked.

“It’s the crystal heart, your highness. It’s acting very strangely.” The guard said.

“Show me.” Cadence said, standing up to follow the guard out of the throne room. The two walked swiftly out of the room and down the stairs all the way to the courtyard where the crystal heart was on display.

“You see?” The guard asked as he pointed to the crystal heart. “I’ve never seen this kind of phenomenon.”

“You were wise to alert me.” Cadence said as she took a few cautious steps forward. “I’ve never heard of it doing anything like this before.”

The crystal heart was not its usual blue coloration anymore. Instead, it had turned a bright, luminescent pink and was producing an odd magical effect of the same color. The magic sparkles almost seemed to settle near the ground like a fog.

“What does it mean, princess?” The guard asked as Cadence stepped tentatively into the pink haze. “Princess!”

“It’s alright.” Cadence said, breathing deeply. As she exhaled, a look of happy contentment spread across her face while thoughts of Shining Armor raced through her mind. Their first kiss, their real wedding, their honeymoon, every happy moment. All of her best times with her husband flashed before her eyes. “It’s nothing at all to worry about.”

“But what is it?” The guard asked, a bit worried by his princess’s expression.

“Put simply.” Cadence said, stepping back out of the mist. “It’s love.” She said with a smile.

“Love?” The guard asked, tilting his head. “How do you mean?”

“Somehow, the crystal heart is dispersing pure love energy.” Cadence explained, turning to look at the crystal heart again. “But it’s strange.”

“I’d certainly say so.” The guard quipped. “I’ve never heard of anything like this ever happening.”

“”Neither have I. But that’s not how I mean it.” Cadence said, earning her another confused look from the crystal pony behind her. “Usually, emotions like this are spread across the continent. But all of this love isn’t. It just seems to be… Seeping into the ground.”

“Into the ground?” The guard asked. “Why would it be doing that?”

“I can’t be sure.” Cadence said, shaking her head slowly as she watched more of the pink mist sink through the floor.

“Mommy?” Dinky groaned as she strained to stand up. Her knees were wobbly, but she managed to steady herself after a few seconds. “Mommy, I… I think I lo…” She began to stutter as a fine pink mist began flowing into the room. As Dinky breathed deep of the mist, memories suddenly flooded back to her. Memories of good times spent with her mother, her friends, and her other classmates too. As every good time flew through her mind, she found the warmth in her chest becoming soothing rather than painful. Closing her eyes in comfort, Dinky let all the memories rush through her like a waking dream.

Suddenly, her eyes shot open as she came to a realization. “Mom! I love my mom!” Dinky exclaimed as she bolted over to where the wall had previously opened for her mother and the changeling Queen. “Mom! I’m coming!” Dinky yelled as she pounded on the wall with her hooves. “Let me out! I need to see my mom!” She shouted as she continued bashing the wall as hard as she could.

“What’s going on in there?” A familiar voice asked from the other side of the wall.

“Mom!” Dinky yelled. “Mom, quick! Get me out of here!”

“Dinky, why are you making so much noise?” Derpy asked. “You were quiet earlier.”

“Mom, what are you talking about?” Dinky asked. “Please, just hurry and let me out! We need to get out of here!”

“Have you accepted Queen Chrysalis as your one true ruler yet?” Derpy asked.

“What? No! Of course not!” Dinky said, recoiling from the wall. “Why in the wide, wide world of Equestria would I do that?”

“Then you can’t come out yet.” Derpy said as she turned and walked away from the wall.

“Mom, wait!” Dinky called out, tears forming in her eyes as she heard her mother’s hoof steps growing softer.

“And no noise!” Derpy called over her shoulder as she turned a corner.

“Huh?” Dinky said, blinking tears out of her eyes as she stood back. “No noise at all…” Dinky said under her breath. “I don’t know what’s wrong with mom, but part of her is still in there!” Dinky thought as she concentrated hard on the wall in front of her.

“I know I can get out through here. I just know it!” Dinky said as she closed her eyes and tried desperately to think of a way to open up the wall in front of her. As she did, her horn began to glow with a faint pink light, brightening and intensifying until it bathed the entire room in its luminescence. “Huh? What’s going on?” Dinky asked herself as she stumbled backwards a bit, looking up at her horn. As she did, a bolt of pink lightning arced from her horn to the wall in front of her, forcing it to open immediately.

“Whoa!” Dinky exclaimed as her horn stopped glowing. “I just did magic! I just did my first magic spell! Woo hoo!” She exclaimed, jumping up and down excitedly as the wall began to slowly close. “Oh! Right!” Dinky said just before jumping through the opening. “Hold on, mom! I’m coming!” She shouted as she took off down the hall after her mother, her horn still arcing electricity and opening every hidden door she came across.

“I wonder what they’ll do with me.” Shining Armor sighed as he sat in the middle of his cell. “I can’t believe I let myself get caught so easily. But how did that thing know the crystal guard pledge so well?” He asked himself as he got up and began pacing. “Things must be worse than I thought. There must be Celestia knows how many changelings in the royal guard.” As he spoke the last word his pacing came to a dead stop and his head shot up, looking straight ahead with wide eyes. “The royal guard’s been infiltrated! Cadence is in danger!” He exclaimed as righteous anger welled up inside him. “Hang on, Cadence! I’m coming!” Shining shouted as he charged at the section of wall Queen Chrysalis walked through earlier.

There was a dull thud as Shining Armor’s shoulder connected with the wall. He could feel it push out slightly, but it immediately bounced back into place, settling just as it was before. “Come on!” He shouted as he charged again with the same result. Shining tried a few more times before backing all the way up to the opposite wall and scuffing the floor with a hoof. “For the crystal empire! For Cadence!” Shining Armor said before charging as hard and fast as he could. “This is it!” Shining thought to himself. “This has got to do it!” He thought, letting out a mighty yell as he leapt towards the wall.

As Shining jumped, there was the sound of electrical discharge as the wall opened up just before he hit it. “AAH!” He yelled as he flew through the opening and into the hallway beyond, landing roughly on the floor.

“Huh?” Dinky asked as she stopped and turned to investigate the yell behind her.

“Ugh. What the?” Shining Armor asked, groaning from the unexpected impact. “Wait. Aren’t you the foal from before?” He asked as he stood. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to help my mom! Hurry! I think she went this way!” Dinky said as she started off in the direction she was heading before.

“Hey, wait!” Shining Armor said as he lunged forward and used his teeth to grab Dinky by the tail.

“Hey! Lemme go!” Dinky yelled as Shining held her in place.

“Wait a minute!” Shining said through his teeth before letting her go. “You can’t stay here. This place is dangerous!”

“I don’t care!” Dinky shouted as her horn began glowing intensely. “I need to save her! She’s in big trouble!” She said as she started off down the hall again.

“Hold on a minute!” Shining said as he started after her again.

“NO!” Dinky yelled as she turned a corner and ran directly into a group of four changelings. “AH!” She screamed, falling back on her rump as the bug-ponies turned and hissed at her.

“Get back!” Shining yelled just before several bolts of electricity shot out of Dinky’s horn and into the changelings. In the span of a second, all four of the changelings were on the ground, knocked completely unconscious. “What in Equestria was that?” Shining Armor said as he helped Dinky to her feet.

“I don’t know.” She said, rubbing her head and looking slightly woozy. “It’s been happening for a little while now. I can’t really stop it though.” She said as she stumbled a bit.

“Here.” Shining Armor said, catching Dinky just before she fell over. “Let’s go find your mother.” He said as he picked Dinky up and allowed her to rest on his back. Shining began galloping down the halls once the foal seemed comfortable, not entirely sure where he was going.

“I’ve brought my things with me, my Queen.” Derpy said as she flew back up to Queen Chrysalis’s throne. She was wearing the mailbag given to her by princess Celestia, though that particular detail no longer mattered the wall-eyed mare.

“Excellent.” Chrysalis said, turning her attention to a small green sphere next to her. “Tell me, Derpy. Do you know what this is?” She asked, pointing to the small object.

“No, my Queen.” Derpy said, moving closer to examine it and yelping in surprise when it moved a little bit. “Wh- What is that?” She asked, slowly moving closer again.

“That, my little pet, is a changeling egg.” Chrysalis said. “You love your queen, correct?” She asked, looking to Derpy.

“Of course, my Queen!” Derpy said with another bow.

“Well then you will love this egg as well, for it contains my essence.” Chrysalis said. “This hatchling is to be my heir, and I would like your help in raising her.”

“You mean that, my Queen?” Derpy asked, looking up into Chrysalis’s eyes in awe.

“I do.” Chrysalis nodded. “You are the only one in the hive capable of getting this egg into Canterlot undetected. Ever since the royal wedding, protective spells have been put in place specifically to repel us. But with that mailbag, you can get the egg through the barrier. Once it hatches within the barrier, it should be able to come and go as much as it needs to afterwards.” She explained as the egg glowed with a faint green light. “Treat it as you would your own child.”

“My own…” Derpy said, rubbing her forehead as if in pain.

“Mom!” Dinky yelled as she caught sight of Derpy across the throne room.

“Dinky?” Derpy asked as she looked up. Every eye in the room was now on Dinky as she rested on Shining Armor’s back.

“Mom! Snap out of it!” Dinky shouted, though she looked like she was about to faint. “She’s controlling you somehow! Please, you have to fight it!”

“How did you escape your chambers?” Chrysalis asked, now standing up. “And why can I feel such love from the foal? More than I’ve ever felt in one place before!” Chrysalis thought as she watched the two ponies carefully.

“Mom, please! You have to listen to me!” Dinky said as she dropped from Shining Armor’s back.

“Dinky, be quiet!” Derpy commanded, though speaking the words seemed to cause her pain as she rubbed her head again.

“Mom, please! I… I…” Dinky wobbled where she stood, apparently about to collapse. Before she did though, her horn began to glow with an intense light as her entire body went rigid. Huge bolts of pink electricity arced from Dinky’s horn, lighting the entire throne room as a massive shockwave exploded from the tip. The shockwave bowled Shining Armor over, as well as every changeling in the room as Queen Chrysalis hastily erected the strongest barrier she could over herself, Derpy, and the egg. The shield cracked and bent, but just managed to protect them from the blast.

“Dinky! What was that?” Derpy asked as she looked at her daughter, dumbfounded.

“That was… Very powerful magic.” Chrysalis said, breathing heavily as she looked up at her scattered subjects. Every other changeling in the room was out cold, a contented look on their faces as they slept. “What is this? Is it… Love?” Queen Chrysalis wondered, her eyes going wide.

“It’s okay, my Queen.” Derpy said as she flew towards her daughter. “I’ll handle this.”

“Mom, I-” Dinky said as she tried to stand up before she was interrupted by her mother, stamping a hoof in front of her.

“Dinky, no!” Derpy scolded, looking down at her daughter. “How dare you attack Queen Chrysalis? You should be ashamed of yourself!” She said, looking down at Dinky with angry green eyes.

“Mom, please.” Dinky said, tears welling up in her eyes. “You’re scaring me.”

“Well good!” Derpy shouted. Just afterwards though, she winced visibly as she felt a hard twinge of pain in her head. “I can’t allow you to endanger my Queen. I’m sorry, Dinky.” She said as she raised a hoof to strike her daughter.

“Stop!” Queen Chrysalis yelled across the throne room.

“My Queen?” Derpy asked, looking back at Chrysalis as she lowered her hoof.

“Mom, I… I.” Dinky said, closing her eyes as tears streamed down her face. “I love you, mommy.” She said just before one more little spark shot from her horn and into Derpy.

As the spark touched her, memories came flooding back into Derpy’s mind. Memories of when Dinky was a baby taking her first steps, memories of Dinky’s first few failed spell attempts with Sparkler, and even memories of just before Derpy left on her delivery as she wrote her daughter a heartfelt letter.

When Derpy came to, she had to blink a few times and shake her head before the world came back into focus. Her mismatched amber eyes looked around the room without ever actually focusing on the same thing at the same time. That is, until she saw her daughter cowering on the ground in front of her. “Dinky!” Derpy shouted as she dove down to her daughter and pulled her into the tightest hug she had ever given.

“M- Mom?” Dinky asked as she looked up and saw Derpy smiling at her with tears streaming down her face, staining her coat.

“Dinky, I’m so sorry!” Derpy said as she buried her face in her daughter’s mane. “I said such terrible things to you. I never want to see you this scared ever again!” She said through heaving sobs. “Can you ever forgive me?”

“Oh mom!” Dinky shouted as she hugged Derpy back. “Of course I forgive you!” She said as she started crying too. “I’m just glad you’re back to normal!”

Queen Chrysalis simply looked on in astonishment as Derpy and Dinky had their moment. “This love. How can this be?” Chrysalis wondered as she stood and flew over to where Derpy and Dinky were kneeling.

As soon as Dinky noticed Chrysalis, she jumped to stand between her mother and the queen. “Back off!” Dinky yelled, snorting a little bit as she did. “You can’t have my mom! So go away!”

“How can this be possible?” Chrysalis asked, taking another step forward despite the threat. “You were both completely drained of love. How did you recover from that?” She asked as Shining Armor stood back up.

“Derpy, are you okay?” Shining asked as he stepped between Chrysalis and the ponies. “You had me worried for a while there.”

“I’m okay, your majesty.” Derpy said with a nod.

“I told you already. Just call me Shining Armor.” Shining said with a weak chuckle before turning again to face the changeling Queen.

“Do you really think you can stand up to me?” Chrysalis asked, glaring down at Shining Armor. “Please. You’re in no condition to fight. You’d best retreat while I’ll still let you.”

“You don’t scare me!” Shining said. “I need to protect my kingdom from your evil.”

“Wait!” Derpy shouted out, catching everyone else by surprise. “She isn’t evil!”

“What?” All three of the others asked at once.

“Queen Chrysalis isn’t evil. She’s just scared.” Derpy said.

“Ha!” Chrysalis laughed. “You think I’m scared of this little prince? Please. I’m many times more powerful than he’ll ever live to be.”

“Of course you aren’t scared of him.” Derpy said, shaking her head. “Oh! No offense.” She said, turning to Shining Armor and blushing a little bit.

“None taken… I think.” Shining said, looking very confused.

“But you aren’t afraid of anypony.” Derpy said, turning back to Chrysalis. “Anypony except yourself.”

“What?!” Chrysalis exclaimed, recoiling slightly. “Don’t be absurd!”

“I remember you telling me something after you attacked me and Dinky.” Derpy said. “You apologized to me.”

“I- I did no such thing!” Chrysalis stammered, backing away a little further.

“Chrissy, you don’t have to be so proud!” Derpy said, taking a step toward the queen.

“I am not… Wait. Chrissy?” Chrysalis asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Sorry.” Derpy said. “Was that too much?”

“Enough!” Shining said. “This is pointless! Move out of the way so that I can end this!”

“No!” Derpy said. “That won’t solve anything!”

“Why are you even defending me at all?” Chrysalis asked. “I drained your love. I drained your daughter’s love! I’ve lived for hundreds upon hundreds of years, and I’ve never heard of such forgiveness.”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life.” Derpy said, pausing for effect. “It’s that first impressions of somepony aren’t always right.” She said as she lunged forward and wrapped her forehooves around Chrysalis before she could react.

“What the- What do you think you’re doing?!” Chrysalis asked as she briefly tried to shake Derpy off. After a couple of seconds though, she just stood there completely motionless. “Why?” She asked. “Why are you doing this to me?” She asked, looking down at Derpy with one eyebrow raised.

As Derpy looked up, she saw that Chrysalis’s eyes seemed a little bit brighter than they usually were. “I’d like to try this meeting again.” Derpy said, letting go of the queen. “I like to make friends with as many ponies as I can. And I’m not too picky on whether or not they’re actually ponies either.” She said with a short giggle.

“You can’t be serious.” Shining Armor said. “You’re actually trying to make friends with her.”

“Of course!” Derpy said. “It’s better to make friends than enemies, don’t you think?”

“Better to make friends than enemies.” Chrysalis repeated. After a few seconds of thought, the changeling queen let out a heavy sigh. “You know. I don’t think replacing royal guards is such a good idea after all.” She said, looking to Shining Armor. “As a show of mercy, I shall allow you and your soldiers to leave with your lives! As well as the messenger and her brat.” Chrysalis proclaimed.

“Hey!” Dinky said, looking angrily at Chrysalis.

The changeling queen’s horn began to glow threateningly. “Need I repeat myself? I’m sure my decree was quite clear.” Chrysalis said as the changelings around her began to stir. “One of my subjects will lead you to your captive troops. Then, you shall be escorted out of the hive. I suggest you all leave while I am feeling generous.” She said as she turned away and a recently awakened changeling strolled over to Shining Armor.

“Your soldiers are this way.” The changeling said as he began walking down the hall. “Do not waste my Queen’s generosity.” He said as he rounded a corner.

After looking back and forth between the hallway and the queen, Shining Armor came to a decision. “This isn’t over.” He said as he quickly moved to follow the changeling.

“Go on, Dinky.” Derpy said, urging her daughter toward the hall. “You go with him for now. I still need to finish my job.”

“But mom-”

“No buts.” Derpy said, gently putting a hoof over Dinky’s mouth. “I promise that I’ll see you in a couple of minutes.” She said with a smile.

“Well… Okay.” Dinky sighed as she walked away, turning briefly to glare at Chrysalis as she left.

“Give them some time.” Derpy said with a sigh. “I’m sure they’ll come around eventually.”

“How can you be so positive?” Chrysalis asked. “After everything you’ve been through. Everything I’ve put you through. You actually want to be friends?”

“Well yeah.” Derpy said. “If I held a grudge against everypony that made a mistake, I wouldn’t even be friends with myself!” She said, laughing a little bit.

“You really are one of a kind, Derpy.” Chrysalis said, laughing a bit despite herself. “But no matter. I have a lot to consider now. First on the list will be a new home for my subjects. I doubt it will be long before we are forced out of here.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t count on that.” Derpy said. “These kinds of things have a way of working themselves out eventually. Anyways, here.” Derpy said, digging through her mailbag and producing the scroll she had been sent to deliver. “Delivery successful!” She cheered as Chrysalis took the scroll in a green magic field.

“Thank you, I suppose.” The changeling queen said as she set the scroll aside. “I suggest you get going now. I have much to do.”

“Alright.” Derpy said. “I hope I see you again soon.” She said as she turned and began trotting away. “Oh!” She exclaimed as she stopped and ran back to Chrysalis. “I want you to have one more thing.” She said as she dug through her mailbag one more time. “Here. I hope it’s still fresh.” Derpy said as she put down a small plastic container in front of Chrysalis. “See you later Chrissy!” She called as she ran down the hall to catch up with Shining and Dinky.

“My name is not- Ugh!” Chrysalis groaned before looking at the small container in front of her. “A gift? Honestly. How can anypony be so dense?” She scoffed as she levitated the scroll in front of her face and opened it.

Queen Chrysalis,

It has been several months since our confrontation at Princess Cadence and Captain Shining Armor’s wedding. I have been thinking about the events of that fateful day and come to the conclusion that you are a monarch deserving of proper respect. Not only from your own subjects, but from everypony else as well. I hold no animosity towards you or your kingdom, for I am sure that there were motives to your invasion far beyond a simple power grab. In fact, I would be honored if you were to accept an invitation to my royal court. I eagerly await your correspondence. I believe that in time, we and our people may become very good friends.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia.

“Really?” Chrysalis asked, bursting out into laughter. “Does Celestia honestly think that I would drag myself to her court to become friends? Such tripe!” She exclaimed as she used her magic to crumple up the scroll and toss it aside. A few nearby changelings backed away from the paper as it hit the floor.

“Here we are.” A changeling said as a wall opened up and bathed the group of ponies in sunlight. “I hope you enjoyed your stay.” He said as Shining Armor and a group of guards pushed past him with Dinky not far behind. “Why in the world would I say that just now?” He wondered, shaking his head a bit.

“Sorry about them, sir.” Derpy said as she walked past as well, giving the changeling a friendly smile.

“It doesn’t matter to me.” The changeling said with a shrug. “Maybe you should talk to them or something though. Judging from your time here, your bubbly personality seems pretty infectious.” He said as he turned away and walked back down the hallway. As the wall closed, Derpy could swear that she heard him whistling a little tune for a second.

“Bubbly?” Derpy asked herself as she stood still in the clearing for a few moments. Suddenly, she gasped as her eyes went wide and she looked back at her cutie mark. “Bubbly! Of course!” She said with a laugh.

“Mom, are you coming?” Dinky called back.

“Yes, Dinky! Sorry!” Derpy called as she ran after the rest of the ponies.

“Princess Celestia sent that little pony all the way out here just to send me that?” Chrysalis said with a huff as she sat on her throne. “Derpy was put in so much danger, all for a message that would only be ignored. Obviously she’s a much more foolish ruler than I ever gave her credit for.” She said as a changeling approached the throne.

“My Queen.” The changeling said with a bow. “The egg has been safely returned to its proper place.”

“Very good.” Chrysalis said. “We will make preparations to leave shortly.”

“But my Queen, where will we go?” The changeling asked.

“I’m not sure yet.” Chrysalis sighed. “But we have gathered enough love here to last us for generations. Wherever we go, we will not go hungry.”

“And what of the package left by the pony?” The changeling asked.

“I was simply going to dispose of it.” Chrysalis said. “But I suppose I should at least see what kind of offering she made to me.” She said as she picked up the small plastic container in a magical aura and carefully popped the top off. “Hm? This smell…” Chrysalis said, sniffing the air slightly. “Chocolate chip?” She asked herself as she looked into the container and saw the pristine chocolate chip muffin stored inside.

“A muffin?” The changeling at the foot of Chrysalis’s throne asked.

“It would appear so.” Chrysalis said, removing the muffin from its container and bringing it closer to her face. “I sense something else too.” She said.

“What is it, my Queen?”

“I believe it’s… Love.” Chrysalis said just before taking a cautious bite. “Very powerful love at that!” She said as her eyes shot open.

“I’ll leave you to your meal.” The changeling said as he bowed and turned away from the throne. “I’ll also begin the relocation preparations. Have you thought of a destination for us?”

“Actually.” Chrysalis said as she glanced back to where the crumpled scroll had landed. “I believe we have a special invitation to Canterlot that may be put to good use.”

A Changeling in Canterlot

As Queen Chrysalis stormed down the halls of Canterlot castle, she had one goal locked in her mind. “Celestia.” She said with a small snort. “How could she possibly have been so foolish? Letting a changeling in so easily!”

“Chryssie! Please!” Derpy shouted as she chased after the Queen.

“I’m certain I told you to stop calling me that!” Chrysalis snapped, jerking her head around to look sharply at Derpy.

“But-”

“No buts! I need to take care of this right here, and right now!” Chrysalis said, resuming her determined pace.

“Please, just let me talk to her.” Derpy pleaded. “This isn’t the way to do this!”

“I’ll not be deterred on this matter. We’ll leave it at the fact that you have your ways, and I have mine.” Chrysalis said as the door to the royal chamber came into view. “For now, it is time that this little charade came to an end!”

“Thank you all very much for attending.” Celestia said as she and several royal envoys sat on comfortable cushions in the Canterlot throne room.

“I still can’t believe we’re even having a meeting right now.” Prince Blueblood sighed. “What could possibly be so important to call me away from my daily hooficure?”

“Oh come on now.” Discord said with a heavy sigh. “Do you really need to keep such a rigid schedule? Honestly, you’re more like a young mare than a prince.” He said as he snapped his fingers and caused a ring of flowers to appear around Blueblood’s neck.

“If we could begin, I believe the first topic should be that of Queen Chrysalis.” Celestia said, completely ignoring her nephew’s whining and Discord’s antics as Blueblood ripped the flowers away.

“Ah, yes.” Prince Blueblood spoke up. “That garish queen of the changelings.” He said, earning a slight glare from Celestia as the flowers blew raspberries at him and walked away on spindly legs in a huff. “I’m afraid I don’t even see her here. How unfortunate.” He said, his voice practically dripping with sarcasm.

“Actually, I have something to say about that.” Shining Armor said as he stood up.

“Hello Celestia.” Chrysalis said as a green field of magic flung the doors to the throne room open. “So you thought you could get away with this, did you?” She asked, stepping forward until she had passed the other assembled nobles. “You thought you could pull a fast one on me? Well I’m afraid you were very much mistaken!” She said as her horn began to glow menacingly.

“Queen Chrysalis. We were just about to talk about you.” Celestia said. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Don’t think that you can fool me so easily!” Chrysalis shouted as more energy gathered in her horn.

“Chrysalis!” Shining Armor shouted. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Please, wait!” Derpy called as she flew into the room. But she was too late.

Queen Chrysalis fired a green blast from her horn, hitting Celestia directly in the chest. “No! Please!” Celestia yelled as she recoiled from the spell. “I just thought-”

“Just thought what?” Chrysalis asked. “Just thought that the Queen of the changelings would roll over and take this insult? Honestly, you should know me much better than that!”

“I’m sorry!” Celestia yelled. “I promise I’ll be good from now on, okay?”

“Is that so?” Chrysalis asked, letting up on her spell just a little bit.

“Pinkie promise!” Celestia said as Chrysalis allowed her spell to end.

“Good.” Chrysalis said with a nod. “Now tell everypony you’re sorry.” She said as Celestia was engulfed in a green blaze.

When the fires died down, there stood a tiny changeling wearing an appropriately tiny crown on her head. “I’m sorry, everypony.” She said, hanging her head low and hiding her slitted green eyes from the rest of the room.

Everyone else except for Discord was too shocked by this to even coordinate any kind of response until princess Celestia walked into the room. The draconequus simply laughed hysterically in the corner, pointing to each of the stunned nobles in turn. “It’s quite alright, my little pony.” Celestia said with a smile as she walked past Chrysalis and to the tiny changeling.

“Celestia, how can you bear to be so lenient all the time?” Chrysalis asked with a shake of her head. “Honestly, how does anything get done around here?” She asked as Celestia picked up the little changeling and allowed it to rest on her back.

“Love and tolerance, of course.” Celestia said, giggling a bit as the changeling on her back smiled happily. “I would think that you, of all ponies could appreciate that.”

“That isn’t the point.” Chrysalis groaned. “In any case, I suppose a royal meeting has been called. Otherwise I would not be in the same room as this cur for so long.” Chrysalis said, motioning to indicate that she was referring to prince Blueblood.

“I’ll have you know that I am the single most eligible stallion in Canterlot!” Blueblood said, the sudden insult having returned him to his senses enough to respond.

“I for one find it positively hilarious that you used the word single in that sentence.” Chrysalis said with a laugh, causing Blueblood’s face to turn a disturbing shade of red.

“Please.” Princess Celestia said. “Let’s not get petty. We do have a royal meeting to hold, but let’s make it short. After all, we don’t want to keep prince Blueblood waiting any longer than we need to. If I’m not mistaken, you have yet to have your hooficure today. Am I correct?”

“Well yes.” Blueblood huffed as his face returned to it’s normal white color. “This impostor has managed to complicate my plans somewhat.”

“Well then. I suppose we should move on.” Celestia said with a nod as Chrysalis took a seat.

“Derpy.” Chrysalis said. “Would you mind taking princess Larva from here? I’m sure she’d rather be playing with her foalsitter than sitting in on some stuffy meeting.”

“Hi Derpy.” The little changeling on Celestia’s back said with a small wave of a hole-studded hoof.

“Oh, hello there little one.” Derpy said as she flew up and retrieved the tiny shape changer. “Come on. Let’s get you back to the house. Dinky and Sparkler are looking forward to seeing you today.” Derpy said as she flew out of the throne room with the changeling cheering happily in her hooves.

“So Shining Armor.” Celestia said. “You’re still standing. Do you have something to share with us?”

“Huh? Oh!” Shining Armor said as if having just realized where he was. “Sorry. I was a bit distracted.”

“It’s perfectly understandable.” Celestia said. “But go on. What were you going to discuss?”

“Actually, it’s about Queen Chrysalis here.” Shining said, motioning to the changeling Queen. He cleared his throat before speaking. “It’s been a rough few years since Queen Chrysalis agreed to give peace between changelings and ponies a chance. At least it was for me, anyways.” Shining said, chuckling a little bit. “I’ll admit that I never thought it would be possible. But thanks to the Changeling Monarchy, the Crystal Empire has flourished like we never would have thought possible.”

“And we changelings owe no small debt to all of you as well.” Chrysalis said. “Well, most of you anyways.” She said, glaring to the side at prince Blueblood.

“Oh, we’re happy to help you Chryssie, you know that.” Discord said as he miniaturized himself and snaked his way through the holes in Chrysalis’s hooves.

“Get away from me, disturbing creature!” Chrysalis said, stomping her violated hoof just as Discord teleported away.

“Oh, come on! I thought you’d be at least a little more fun by now.” Discord said as he took his position in front of the throne again, only upside down.

“Anyways, like I was saying.” Shining Armor said, glancing over at Discord to make sure he was finished.

“I’ve got nothing else.” Discord said with a shrug, literally zipping his own lips shut.

“Right.” Shining said, turning his attention back to Celestia. “Anyways. Against all of my expectations, our two kingdoms have managed to help each other greatly over the years. I’d like to personally thank Queen Chrysalis for being so patient with me up to now.”

“Well I won’t say it was easy, but I’m thankful that we could put aside our differences.” Chrysalis said.

“Though I hope that next time you decide to burst in and blast the princess, you at least tell us that she’s your daughter in disguise first.” Shining said, causing Chrysalis to cough a bit and look away. “But I guess I have to admit that first impressions of somepony aren’t always right.” He said, smiling at Queen Chrysalis.

“That’s very good, Shining.” Celestia said as Blueblood yawned and Discord made gagging sounds. “I believe I received a letter from your sister just last year with a similar lesson. I’m pleased that you were able to learn it as well.” She said before turning to Queen Chrysalis. “And I appreciate your taking care of that little situation. But I’m not sure such anger was necessary. Honestly, I thought the little prank was rather amusing.” She said, giggling a little bit.

“Honestly, Celestia.” Chrysalis sighed. “You are far too nice.” She said as she stood from her cushion. “If there is nothing else, I’ll be going now.” She said as she buzzed her wings and hovered out the door.

“Hold up there, queenie.” Discord’s voice called through the hallway as he suddenly appeared in front of her.

“Ah!” Chrysalis exclaimed, jumping back in surprise. “You know I hate it when you do that!” She yelled, glaring daggers at Discord.

“Oh, come on now.” Discord said as a small halo appeared over his head. “We’re friends, right?” He asked as a halo appeared over Chrysalis as well.

“Don’t push it.” Chrysalis said flatly as she knocked the halo away with a hoof and pushed past the draconequus.

“But you’re a reformed villain now, just like me, right?” Discord asked, trailing along behind the changeling queen.

“I wouldn’t put myself in the same vein as you.” Chrysalis snapped.

“Right, right. Villain and hero is all a matter of perspective. Yadda, yadda, yadda.” Discord said as he twirled his paw in the air and rolled his eyes. “But from their perspective, that’s what you are.”

“And why should that matter to me?” Chrysalis asked. “Our people are happily at peace. That is all that I care about right now.”

“Oh I’m sure that’s true.” Discord said. “But what I’m getting at is more a matter of principle.” He said, tapping his fingers together.

“Principle?” Chrysalis asked. “Please. I don’t have time for your nonsense.” She said as she tried to walk around the draconequus only to walk straight into a brick wall.

“I’m afraid that just won’t do.” The brick wall said in Discord’s voice, the bricks shifting slightly to form a mockery of a mouth and eyes. “Because you see, I had to say a certain phrase when they reformed me. I expect that I won’t be the only one to suffer that embarrassment.”

“What are you babbling about?” Chrysalis asked.

“Just three simple words.” Discord said as he walked out from behind the wall just before it collapsed to dust. “Friendship. Is. Magic.”

“I don’t think so.” Chrysalis said, taking this opportunity to walk around Discord again.

“Stop!” Discord shouted, holding a large stop sign in front of Chrysalis’s face as a crossing guard uniform appeared on him.

“What?!” Chrysalis yelled, her eyes glinting dangerously.

“All you need to do is say those three words, and I’ll let you on your merry way.” Discord said as the uniform and sign disappeared. “So what do you say?”

Chrysalis gave a sigh of defeat as she bowed her head. “Friendship is *mumble.*” She said under her breath.

“I’m afraid I didn’t catch that.” Discord said as he produced a megaphone out of thin air and placed the mouthpiece in front of Chrysalis. “One more time, please. With gusto.”

“Fine!” Chrysalis yelled, shaking the walls and convincing Discord to discard the megaphone. “Friendship is magic! Are you happy now?” She said as she huffed and walked past Discord.

“Oh yes. I’m very happy indeed. Aren’t I, Queen Chrysalis?” He asked the tape recorder he now held in his talon just before pressing the playback button.

“Do a barrel roll!” The tape recorder shouted back to him.

“Perfect!” Discord laughed as he swallowed the tape recorder and teleported away to parts unknown.

“Come on! You can’t run forever, Larva!” Dinky called out as she chased the little changeling across the lawn.

“I bet I can run longer than you though!” Larva called back with a laugh.

“I bet I can fly longer than both of you!” Derpy shouted as she flew overhead and tagged both of them on the tops of their heads. “Ha! Gotcha!” Derpy proclaimed with a hoof pump as she landed in front of the two children.

“Aww!” They both sounded in unison.

“No fair, mom!” Dinky said with a slight pout.

“Yeah, my wings aren’t full grown yet!” Larva complained as she buzzed her wings pathetically to prove a point.

“Girls!” Sparkler called from the front doorway of Derpy’s house. “Come on in. The muffins are ready.”

“Yes! Muffins!” Dinky, Larva and Derpy all shouted at once as they charged to the house.

“Derpy!” A voice rang out from above. “I need to speak with you.”

As Derpy turned around, she saw Queen Chrysalis preparing to land in the yard. “Oh! Hi Queen Chrysalis.” Derpy said as Dinky and Larva nearly trampled Sparkler to get to the muffins inside the house. Chrysalis had just landed next to Derpy. “We were just about to have some muffins together. Fresh out of the oven. Interested?” She asked, poking Chrysalis with an elbow.

Queen Chrysalis sighed as her face took on a more kind expression. “You know it’s just Chryssie to you.” She said with a small smile.

“Oh, it’s already okay to call you that again?” Derpy asked. “You usually take longer to let me use your nickname after you get mad like that.”

“Well I don’t usually visit your home right after I get mad either.” Chrysalis said. “There’s so much love in the air here in Ponyville. I’ll admit that it’s rather therapeutic.” She said, sniffing the air deeply. “Maybe I should come here more often. Even if just to unwind after a stressful day.”

“We’d always be glad to have you here, Chryssie.” Derpy said with a smile. “Now come on inside. The muffins are getting cold.” She said as she led Chrysalis into her house.

Once inside, Derpy and Chrysalis made their way to the kitchen just as Dinky and Larva were exiting. The little ones were running, each with a plateful of muffins in their mouths.

“Larva, what have I told you about running with a plate?” Chrysalis lightly scolded as her daughter ran past.

“Hello Queen Chrysalis.” Sparkler said as she left the kitchen, giving a brief yet respectful bow. “Come by to pick up Larva?”

“Yes, I have.” Chrysalis said. “But Derpy has managed to convince me to stay for a little bit. Besides. I need to ask her something anyways.”

“Oh, alright then.” Sparkler said. “Help yourself. We made plenty to go around.” She said as her eyes wandered to the living room where Dinky and Larva had run off. “Girls!” She suddenly exclaimed as she ran into the living room. “What have I told you about playing with your food?”

“I can see once again that my heir is being well cared for.” Chrysalis said as she watched Sparkler try to reign in the two little fillies.

“Yeah. Sparkler’s the best.” Derpy said. “I’m surprised her cutie mark isn’t for foalsitting.” She joked.

“I’m glad that she is in good hooves, then.” Chrysalis said. “Maybe I really will leave her here more often. There is so much more love here than back at the hive. Plus, she gets along with your daughter so well.” Chrysalis said, one little tear appearing in her eye. “I’m happy that she’s made a good friend.”

Chryssie, are you okay?” Derpy asked, tilting her head with concern.

“Oh! Yes.” Chrysalis said, instantly regaining her composure. “Anyways, I needed to ask you a question.”

“Sure, what was it?” Derpy asked.

“I’d been through the royal records at Canterlot recently, and I needed to know something about that delivery you made to me.” Chrysalis said.

“That was quite a while ago.” Derpy said as she picked up a muffin from the table. “But I guess it’s one of my most memorable outings. What do you want to know?”

“You were paid for that delivery, correct?” Chrysalis asked.

“Well yeah.” Derpy said. “Why do you ask?”

“Well I did some research and found that you were offered any one thing from the Canterlot treasury.” Chrysalis said. “Depending on what you asked for, you could have put yourself in a very good financial situation. You would never have to work again.”

“Yeah, I guess you have a point.” Derpy said. “What are you getting at though?”

“Well, my research also showed that there were no outstanding withdrawals from the treasury that day.” Chrysalis said. “At least not from you or Celestia.” She said as she also picked up a muffin. “Chocolate chip?”

“Chocolate chip.” Derpy said with a nod. “But how did you know?” She asked, tilting her head a bit.

“I can smell it, of course.” Chrysalis said, blinking a couple of times at the simple question. “It’s only right here in my hooves.”

“No, I mean how did you know what kind of muffin I got?” Derpy asked.

“Muffin wha-?” Chrysalis asked, her mouth hanging open a bit.

“Yeah. Princess Celestia had her breakfast with her when I got there, and I just asked for that instead.” Derpy said, her eyes somehow seeming to look a bit more to the sides than usual.

“You’re joking.” Chrysalis said, deadpan.

“Nope.” Derpy said as she took a bite of her muffin. “It was delicious, too! But not as good as Dinky’s.” She said with her mouth full.

“You seriously gave up such a big prize for a muffin?” Chrysalis asked.

“When you put it like that it sounds kind of silly.” Derpy admitted. “But the princess decided to give me more anyways. She helped me set up a trust fund for Dinky the next day, and she offered me a new home in Canterlot.”

“And you didn’t take the house over this place?” Chrysalis asked, looking around the small kitchen in astonishment. “But why not?”

“If I had us move to Canterlot, Dinky would have had to make lots of adjustments that I’d rather not force her to make.” Derpy said. “She wouldn’t know anypony at the schools, she’d be far away from her friends, and she’d have to get a new foalsitter. I just couldn’t do that to her.”

“That’s actually very thoughtful.” Chrysalis said as she finally took a bite of her muffin. “You passed up on something really great though.”

“Oh, not at all.” Derpy said. “Princess Celestia said that the offer would be there if I ever changed my mind. Maybe when Dinky is a bit more grown up I’ll bring it up with her.” Derpy said as she looked into the living room and watched her daughter playing with her changeling friend. “Until then, we’re both happy where we are.” She said with a smile. “Speaking of growing up, your daughter sure is maturing fast!” Derpy said, turning to face princess Larva. “I remember she was an egg the first time I saw her.”

“I think that has to do with how much love she’s been exposed to since she hatched.” Chrysalis said. “We changelings usually mature much more slowly than we have been recently. Larva still has a ways to go, but soon she should be able to fly on her own.” She said as Derpy turned back around. “I think it really helps a lot that she has a real friend outside of the hive, too.”

“I’m glad I got to be your friend, Chryssie.” Derpy said, taking another bite of her muffin.

“You know what?” Chrysalis asked. “I am too.” She said with a smile as she shared muffins and good conversation with her first real friend.