Ebony and Ivory: Next Generation.

The train ride from Appleoosa to Canterlot was a long and boring one. Most travelers dreaded the four hour ride but in one car the excitement in the occupants mounted. These occupants were not your normal tourists but the unknown royal family of the changelings. Surrounded by 20 of their best guards all incognito of course. Chryslais could feel the Hive-mind hum with activity from the changelings around her. Mentally prepping for the main event. She noticed the anxiety in her sons were just as anxious. As Ebony shifted in his seat for the hundredth time since departure.

He could feel his heart beat increase as the scenery shifted from pale desert. To the lush green fields of Equestria’s heartland. Chrysalis, disguised as a middle-aged but still beautiful black haired Equestrian. Smiled at her jittery sons. While Ebony was far more conspicuous. She could tell Ivory was just as anxious playing with his thumbs. His legs crossed and shoulders hunched. His whole body tensed up like a drawn bow waiting to fly. Ebony though was more like a predator on the prowl. Shifting and fidgeting. Flexing his hands, popping his knuckles, cracking his neck and licking his lips. Chrysalis could almost see his blood pump faster and faster in his veins. ‘Good. They need to be at their best for the battle. She placed a gentle hand on Ebony’s rocking knee getting his attention. “Ebony. I want you to take refuge in the rafters above the ceremony.  I have a feeling they will strike during then. If they do I want you to put on a show.” She said with a conspiring smile. Ebony looked at her for a moment before replying with his own devilish grin.

Elsewhere, in the fair city of Canterlot the citizens were abuzz with joyous activity. Shopkeepers put out many of their wares at discount prices, some even for free. The grand wedding was only a week away and Celestia’s bright sun warmed the city with a soft peace. Celestia hummed to herself as she strode through the grand chapel. The same one that Cadance and Shining Armor  married in. Around her workers set up decorations for the upcoming event. To the bride’s request the wedding was to have a natural motif. Beautiful flowers of every color. Lined the borders of the walls with mighty green vines stretching up to them. The ceiling had Celestia’s sun painted on it against a clear blue sky. The altar was gorgeous alabaster white wrapped by bright pink flowers.

“It’s beautiful.” She heard a voice whisper behind her. Turning around to the bride and groom wrapped in each other marveling at the preparations.

“Oh Harmony, good to see you.” Celestia replied walking over to them. “So, is everything according to plan. It’s not too grandeur is it? I know that you said you wanted this to be as modest as possible.” Celestia said surveying the room.

“Oh no, everything is perfect and beautiful.” She replied with a sugary sweet smile.

“Yeah, Mom it’s awesome.” Pan said gazing at the artwork on the ceiling. “This wedding is going to be amazing.” He said nuzzling into his bride as she playfully batted him away. Celestia smiled at the two taking in the scene before her. Between returning tyrants, vengeful spirits, invasions, and a literal demon from hell. Times had been anything but peaceful in recent history. Each of their parents can attest to that. However, seeing the two of prepare for one of the grandest events of their lives. The future looked to outshine the dark past.

“We’re nearing Canterlot. Last chance to rally the troops boys.” Chrysalis said as the train began the climb into Canterlot. Ebony and Ivory looked at each other before Ivory stood up and walked to the head of the cart.

“Alright, my changelings I’m going to be honest with you. We’re heading into a make or break situation. If everything goes wrong we’ll be horribly outnumbered. That's not even the worst of it. Our enemies want us in an all out war against the Equestrians maybe even the world. To make matters worse they intend to go about it by killing one of the Elements of Harmony.” He said with confidence but quietly. His last statement causing hisses from the disguised Changelings. “Our Hive will be torn apart by vicious war if we fail. Our brothers and sisters abroad will face worse persecution. They will be hunted down like dogs across the globe if we fail. Our hatchlings will suffer through starvation and unspeakable horrors if we fail.” He continued. “So we will not fail. You are the best of the best hand selected by my aunt and your beloved general. Will you let her down, will you slap her in the face and say that she is wrong by failing?” He asked eliciting a unanimous no from his audience. “Will you allow our Hive to suffer to the hands of our enemies by failing?” He asked again and the crowd responded with a much louder no. “So do not fail. For the Hive!” He called in a quiet but powerful voice slamming his fist into his chest. The changelings around him followed suit slamming their fist into their chests. Repeating his final words.. “Anything to add brother?” Ivory asked taking his seat again.

Ebony nodded in response and stood as well. “Make them rue the day they thought they could toy with our hive!” He barked but making sure his voice could not travel. “Tear them apart and remind them why we shouldn't be trifled with. We are Changelings and we will not lose!” He shouted his voice dark and commanding slamming his fist into his chest. The Changelings nodded in agreement. Also slamming their fists into their chests repeating the “we are Changelings” mantra.

Chrysalis smiled proudly as her sons rallied the troops. ‘They would have made great kings.’ She thought as a pink energy washed over them. The Changelings looked down as the null stones they were carrying illuminated before breaking. Yet their disguises remained.

“Shame I was hoping they would last a little longer than that.” Ivory commented.

“This is one of Shining Armor’s shields. It seems that the years have not degraded his power.” Chrysalis responded as the train began to pull into the station. As the group exited they noticed the large number of guards around the train.

“This doesn’t look good.” Ebony commented looking out the window. ‘Could they have warned off by the enemy or something else? Everything's  ruined if we’re caught here.’ He thought. “Damnit why didn’t I think of this?” He cursed to himself.

“Relax brother this is a royal wedding drawing all kinds of  unsavory characters arriving. Like you.” Ivory joked as he left the train. Ebony sat a moment longer counting how many guards there were before following. The passengers were then filed into lines to present their passports. The checkpoint was a large marble gate with gold trimmings. It had guards covering every square inch.  Ebony was surprised at the diversity of the travelers around him. Griffons, Dragon-kin, even a Minotaur or two along with countless Equestrians had come out. Ebony quickly lost most of his soldiers in the crowd. He was able to keep track of his mother and stuck to her like a shadow as they entered a line. As he neared the porcelain arches he could see some of his soldiers made it to other side.  Ebony was able to breath a sigh of relief. That relief was quickly sucked back when he saw Chrysalis was next. They chose to sneak as a family from Paris with different names. Chrysalis's  pseudonym was Mirage. Ivory was to be Emerald Dawn. while Ebony was Platinum Arc. The guard scrupulously went over the passport. Shifting his eyes to Mirage and then back to the passport. Ebony could feel his racing heart beat even faster as the guard furrowed his eyebrows, and puckered his lips.

“Excusez-moi, isz there un problem?” She asked with a perfect Parisian accent.

“Sorry ma’m I just can’t believe that someone as gorgeous as you is 40 years old. You look younger than me.” He chuckled handing her the passport.

“Oh aren’t you un charmeur.” Mirage giggled blowing him a kiss and walking away. Ebony was finally able to breath again as she walked past the checkpoint and into the safety of their Changelings.  The guard then waved Ebony over to be next.

“Hmm, Platinum Arc eh? Kind of name is that?” He asked looking over it.

“Oh une ma mother a choisi. Eh, Je work comme un smith.” Platinum replied with an acceptable Parisian accent.

“Smith huh, work or pleasure?” He asked.

“Travail, eh work.” Platinum replied. The guard gave one last look to the passport before waving him through.

“You're good to go, next.” The guard said as he waved over next in line. Platinum met up with his mother just as Emerald Dawn finished with his checkpoint. Chuckling like the guard still at the checkpoint.

“You and your new friend having a laugh?” Mirage asked as Emerald recomposed himself.

“La garde est à partir de Prance. Partagé une petite blague est tout frère. (The guard is from Prance. Shared a little joke is all brother.)” Throwing a jovial arm around Platinum

“You get way too into these disguises.” Platinum replied.

“Quel est le point de mettre un déguisement si vous ne obtenez pas en profiter?” (What is the point of putting on a disguise if you don’t get to enjoy it.) Ivory replied. Mirage chuckled putting her arms around them she twisted her hands through their hair.

“Alright boys enough jokes. The rest of you. You have your orders get to it.” She whispered to the Changelings around her. The captains of each group nodded before departing into the crowds. “Let’s go we have a wedding to get into.” She said walking down main street with her sons at her side.

The massive kitchens were filled with the best ingredients for the wedding. It smelled heavenly and with the best cooks in Canterlot. including Applejack, Apple Syrup and Agate Quartz. It was going to taste even better. Of all the foods she’s had she loved theirs the most. With Fluttershy’s being a close second. As she strode around the kitchens she noticed Apple Syrup frowning over a list in her hand.

“Hey Apple Syrup what’s the matter?” Harmony asked.

“Oh hey Harmony. These ‘professional’ chefs forgot the key ingredients for Apple family pie.” She said. “Ah’m gonna have to go out and get them before momma tears some fancy chefs head off.” She continued.

“Oh I can come with you.” Harmony offered.

“No, Ah’m sure you got plenty of things to plan.” She countered.

“Please, it feels like ages since we’ve done anything together.” Harmony pleaded giving Apple her own stare. Unlike Fluttershy harsh stare. Harmony’s was cuter than a baby rabbit, puppy and kitten begging for food. Nothing could escape it’s gaze and anyone who saw it would crumple into her bidding. Harmony never abused this power though. Probably because she didn’t realize she had it. Apple Syrup was no different lasting only milliseconds before giving in.

“Ah’ll right let’s go, you cutey.” She said. Harmony  squealed in joy. Taking her friend’s arms in her's and out the castle.

The walk to the Canterlot markets is a rather short one. However, when almost everyone stops to congratulate you sometimes with gifts. The time doubles.  She turned down each of their offers but thanked them for their kindness. While she left without any gifts. The storekeepers generosity elevated her already stellar mood.

“You look happier than a squirrel in a barrel of fermented apples.” Apple Syrup commented.

“Well, I can’t help it.” Harmony said. “I usually  don’t like having all this attention but it’s making people so happy. So it  strangely makes me happy. You know what I mean?” Harmony said looking at her friend.

“Ah can’t say ah know the feelin’ but ah think ah know when you say it.” Apple Syrup said.

“Thanks it’s weird I was kind of scared- oof.” Harmony was cut off as she ran into something large and sturdy knocking her to her knees. Thankfully  not dropping the bag.

“Hey, watch where yer goin’!” She heard Apple Syrup shout.

“Oh, I’m sorry manquer.” She heard a deep friendly Prench accent say as a black gloved hand extended to her. The stranger helped Harmony to her feet. The owner of the hand was a tall man with black hair and kind red eyes.

“Oh I’m sorry it was my fault I should have been paying attention, Mr..” She said awating a response from the stranger.

“Oh my name is Platinum Arc.” He replied smiling at her. “Et this is my mother, Mirage, et my brother Emerald Dawn.” He said gesturing to the two behind him. His brother had bright emerald eyes and gorgeous blond hair that was in a ponytail. His mother was a gorgeous black haired woman.

“Bonjour my dear.” Mirage said giving a small courtsy.

“Bonjour.” Emerald Dawn said waving. “Would you like some help, manquer?” He asked holding out his hand.

“Oh we wouldn’t want to disturb you.” Harmony replied, waving them off. “Thank you though.”

“Oh but we insist my boys would be more than happy to assist such pretty young filles. You two wouldn’t happen to be in un relationship?” Mirage ask flowing past them and resting her hands on their backs. Making the two’s hair stand up at the breach of personal space.

“Actually yeah we are and are very happy. She’s actually getting married in a few days.” Apple Syrup said thumbing at Harmony and sliding away from Mirage.

“Oh you're getting married? How exciting. May I ask who ze lucky boy is?” Mirage asked

“It’s actually Prince Pandemonium.” Harmony simpered .

“Oh! Un prince how exciting!” She squealed giving Harmony’s shoulder’s a little shake. “Well now I insist. I could only imagine how challenging being a royal wedding could be. ” She said gesturing for her sons to take their bags.

“Oh, okay well if you really don’t mind.” Harmony said handing Platinum the bags for him to take. Emerald held out his arms to take Apple Syrup’s groceries. However, Applesyrup kept the bags in her custody.

“Thanks but if it’s alright with you ah’ll carry ma own bags.” Apple Syrup said. Emerald could only shrug at his mother who chuckled at the headstrong girl.

“She has a will stronger than iron.” Mirage chuckled. “Such a pity, too. She would have made a great match for you Platinum Arc.” She said. Apple Syrup and the young man began to blush at his mother’s comments.

“Mère, please you're embarrassing the poor fille.” Platinum moaned. Harmony couldn’t help but giggle at her friend's expense. Whose cheeks were still bright pink.

The newly formed group began to make their way down the street. Leaving Mirage and Harmony gossiping all about the wedding. From the decorations to some of the attendants. From ceremony location to the reception. Even some of the attendees to some of the staff. The two talked the entire way.

“So you are marrying a prince. That must be pretty scary but exciting.” Mirage commented.

“Yeah, but I don’t think of it like that. I’m not marrying a prince. I’m marrying my one true love, my best friend and that’s what makes me happy.” She replied

“That is beautiful mon cer. I’m sure you’re love will last forever. I wonder though since he is a prince won’t that mean there will be  guards at your wedding?” Mirage asked.

“Yes, it's definitely something I never thought about as a child but I don’t mind too much. One of my friends, Prince Gallant Shield, is working on the security. He’s the son of Princess Cadance  and Prince Shining Armor.” She replied.  Mentioning the Crystal Kingdom family their companions eyes lit up with various emotions. “Besides they’re just doing whatever they can to make this perfect.” Harmony smiled as they came upon the castle doors.

“Well here we are. Thanks for the help and the chat. I hope you three plan on staying here for a while. I’d love to see you guys around." Harmony said relieving Platinum from his service.

“Yeah it was nice chatting with ya. Hope you enjoy yer stay in Canterlot.” Apple Syrup chirped opening the door.

“Thank you it was nice meeting you two and good luck with your wedding I’m sure it will be-.” A fit of coughing interrupted her sentence. “Oh, excusez-moi I got a tickle in my throat. Anyway as I was saying I’m sure your wedding will be... special.” She said as she turned to leave giving a little wave. Platinum and Emerald said nothing as they each gave small bow.

“Well that was a pleasant surprise. I wonder if they live here I could use some more Canterlot friends.” Harmony quipped walking toward the kitchen with Apple Syrup.

“Ah guess those guys weren’t much of talkers but they seemed nice.” Apple Syrup sighed following Harmony into the kitchen.

“Such a sweet girl. Naive, but sweet.” Mirage commented. As they walked away from the massive castle.

“Agreed, quite the talker. I’d say we have everything we need except a way to get into the ceremony.” Platinum responded.

“Oh boys let me take care of that you check on the men and get ready. This week is going to fly by.” Mirage responded.