A New Day

by Aligon

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure
Length: 34979

The invasion on Canterlot has been stopped and the swarm blown away by a shield of love, but living in the city is another queen. What is her plan? Is she going to attack from the inside? Or is she hiding from something worse?

The invasion on Canterlot has been stopped and the swarm blown away by a shield of love, but living in the city is another queen. What is her plan? Is she going to attack from the inside? Or is she hiding from something worse? Join Queen Emerald and her hive as they fight to stay in their new home.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-10 23:02:06 UTC

chapter 2

    We made it to our house with no trouble. Our home is a large building with ten bedrooms, five shared bathrooms, one kitchen, a dining room, and a living room. We only needed eight of the rooms since Leaf and Tulip were siblings and would share one. We had some decorators make it seem like a royalty lived there.

   My broodlings insisted on that. Wormwood made sure that they didn’t even lay a hoof on the two extra rooms. He wanted to make those up in the hive fashion. And they turned out beautiful. Both are now two of the most important chambers a hive needs. Of course only my broodlings and I have a key to their doors.

   The one upstairs became a training room. Complete with training dummies, ringed targets, a blackboard and three mirrors. We practice our magic, our strategies for escapes, and our shape-shifting. The other is more important; it’s our love pool.

   It is the downstairs room in the back, thankfully. It is covered in the same slime substance as the training room, but instead of all the training gear there is a pool. The pool is in the far corner of the room and is filled with a light pink liquid. We call it ‘Plink.’ It’s the love my two hunters collected while on there jobs. They can take in more Plink from ponies than a regular changeling.

   When we came inside the door the others popped out from the kitchen. Rook shut the door and dropped his disguise and the rest of us followed. “Welcome home!” Wormwood shouted. He must have put some clear slime on the floor because it was gleaming in the light. Poor boy, he really loves building.

  “It feels good to be out of the fur, don’t you agree,” I said. The three changelings behind me said yes in unison. To me hivemind is horrible, I hated having them always agreeing with me. No way to change that. The only way is if a changeling queen is cut off from her hive forever. And my broodlings wouldn’t do that.

   “What’s cooking?” I asked. “Onyx is making celery soup, my queen,” Wormwood answered. I trotted into the kitchen seeing Onyx over a stove levitating the green vegetable to a soup pot. “Smells great,” I said. Poor boy, I scared him.

   Onyx jumped at my voice and clung to the ceiling. “Oh it’s you, my queen,” he said. I trotted up to the pot as he slowly fluttered down. “It’s your favorite,” he said his voice growing softer. I really felt bad for Onyx. He came from Chrysalis’s Swarm and was shook up upon seeing his former queen.

  “Thank you Onyx,” I said. “Have you seen Nymph?” As if on cue, a black blur jumped on my back. “My queen, are you all right?” Wormwood cried. Onyx took cover behind a flour sack. “I’m fine,” I said. I got up with a small changeling clinging to my back.

From Nymph’s Eyes

  It’s been nearly two hours since mom left and I’m bored! Onyx has been in the kitchen for the whole time, Wormwood was busy sliming the floor, and Tulip won’t play with me. I really hate it when mom leaves. The only other ling was Leaf and he was in the training room.

I walked into the kitchen seeing Onyx using the stove. “Onyx can I help,” I said. I can’t believe I did that. He turned around from the stove. “Oh, hello Nymph. Can you get the celery,” he asked. At least I get to fly. I rose to the shelf and grabbed his celery. After handing it to him I got an idea.

From Emerald’s Eyes

   “Nymph!” I shouted. This was the twelfth time this week he ambushed me. He climbed off my back head hanging low. This was the first I yelled about it. I attracted the attention of all my broodlings. They filed into the kitchen thinking that he would be punished

  He looked up at me with his big green eyes. Staring at him my eyes met his horn. Poor Nymph. When Locust saw his egg amongst all the others, during my mother’s rule, he was certain that my mother would throw his egg away. Nymph was born with a small horn; it was about the size of a unicorn’s. For a changeling that was not good.

  “Nymph, please don’t do that again,” I said. “You could have been hurt.” He is weaker than others. “I’m sorry mom,” he said. Mantis and Locust glared at him. Those to kept telling him to call me queen, but I remind them he is my child.

  “Nymph go get ready for dinner, that goes for all you,” I said turning to the others. “I want sparkling faces.” My brood saluted and went to their bathrooms. As I was trotting to the stairs to mine, I heard a knock at the door.

With a flash of magic I sent the warning signal to the others. Green flames came from the back rooms, indicating they got it. We have a visitor. We do get them every now and then, but at this time?

  Changing into my disguise I answered the door. “Hello,” I said in a cheery tone. Always be happy. The pony at the door was a white unicorn mare with a curling purple mane. “Excuse me darling, but is Cupcake here?” she asked. I nodded and let her in.

  Course I didn’t see the group of ponies behind her. I couldn’t leave them outside so I went along with it. Once they were in the living room I turned to the mare. “What do you want with Cupcake?” I asked. She levitated a necklace out of her saddlebags. “She left this when she went with Mister Raindrop,” she replied. “I couldn’t just leave it there, so I asked around till someone pointed me here.”

  Looking over her shoulder I stared at her group. “Oh they are my friends, I hope you don’t mind. We travel together,” she explained. They all waved a hoof at me. The pink one waved a rubber chicken. What?

“Hold on a moment dear,” I said. I trotted over to the hall where my broodlings were hiding. “Come out,” I said. “We have guests.” I sat down on the big chair while the mare stood a little confused. Only the princess thought my home situation was strange. Oh well, ce-la ve.

  The first one was Pinwheel who, once again, jumped on me. Next came Treble, my musical broodling. Next, Green Leaf, smiling almost as big as the pink one. After him was Karma, my resident zebra. Then Wood Well came down stairs, always trying to be different. Cupcake came out soon smiling upon seeing her new friend. Rook and Raindrop came out together.

  “Cupcake this mare has something of yours,” I said gesturing to the white unicorn. “Oh, thanks Rarity. I wondered where this went,” she said. Rarity looked over Cupcake’s shoulder and stared at my broodlings.

From Rook’s Eyes

  I don’t believe it. We never had this many in our house. Hey there’s that purple unicorn. Maybe I can get her name now. Certainly my queen wouldn’t mind. Wait the other unicorn is watching us. Did my disguise fall?

From Karma’s Eyes

  Look at those ponies. With their colorful coats and cutie marks. At least they aren’t looking at me. Maybe I can sneak away. Wait that white horned one is looking. What did you do Mantis.

From Green Leaf’s Eyes

    Oh boy! New ponies! I never meet ponies outside of work. The only visitor we get is the giant white pegacorn. She only sees our queen for advice. Never staying for dinner or dessert! Man I want to meet one of them. Maybe that pink mare over there. She seems friendly. Wait, is that a chicken?

From Wood Well’s Eyes

  I hope these ponies are pleased with my thin coat of slime. It really gives a comfort to the hooves after a long day of standing. I know my queen likes it. She didn’t get rid of it like the green slime last week. Apparently the princess was at the door and Emerald had to get rid of my slime walls. Wait! The unicorn is looking. Helix save us.

From Treble’s Eyes

   I think the soup is burning. Maybe I should go and check. I backed away from my friends. Success I’m in! Now let’s see. Nope it’s fine. Just turn off the stove and walk back in the living room. I stopped at the doorway. The white mare is watching. Is it me?

From Raindrop’s Eyes

   The ponies are all watching us. Should I drop my coat and attack? No wait for orders. I am a good changeling. I must listen to my queen.

From Emerald’s Eyes

  I got up from my chair and stood next to Cupcake. “These are my friends,” I said. I pointed a hoof at each one. “This is Raindrop, Rook, Treble, Wood Well, Karma, and Green Leaf. And the young colt here is my son Pinwheel.” The white mare smiled. Thank the Helix.

   “These are my friends,” she said. Rarity gestured to each one of the ponies behind her. “This is Pinkie Pie.” The pink mare with the chicken. “Rainbow Dash.” The one with a spectrum mane. “Twilight Sparkle.” Must be the purple unicorn Rook played with. “Applejack.” A blonde maned earth pony. “And Fluttershy.” A quiet yellow pegasus a shade lighter than Raindrop.

  “It’s nice to meet you all,” I said. “But we must be getting to bed.” I looked over to my broodlings then back at them. Where did the pink one go? I stared at the spot where she was then looked around searching for the pink earth pony. I got my answer when I looked behind me.

   “Maybe we can hang out tomorrow then,” she said. I nearly lost my disguise. “I’m sorry, but we do have jobs to do.” Pinkie Pie, I think that was her name, frowned and gave out a big “Aw.” Poor girl, I hate making ponies sad. “We can visit you at your homes, if you want,” I said smiling down at her.

  She practically jumped for joy. The purple unicorn came up to me. “We live in Ponyville. If you want to come see us, you have to know where we live,” she said. The six ponies wrote down their addresses and left.

We ate our dinner then I went to each room to tuck my broodlings in. Afterwards I went to my room and dropped my disguise. Felt good to be out of that hot fur. I placed the paper of addresses on my desk then climbed into bed. Making a mental note to remember their names.

chapter 3

   I rose from my bed when the sun began shining through my window. Such a beautiful sunrise. Celestia out did herself on making it the most beautiful one Equestria ever had. I guess it was for relaxing the ponies minds. Can't say it doesn't work on me. Truly glorious.

CRASH!

  Not again. I trotted out of my room to the source of noise while disguising myself. Can't be too careful. Climbing down the stairs I noticed a white mare was sitting on the couch. It was Celestia, no doubt. Probably needs advice about what to do now. No matter what time, I am always here for her.

  "Princess," I said bowing to her. The alicorn rose from the couch and came over to me. "Emerald it is good to see you again," she said. Her love for all of her subjects was our main source for the plink pool. "What can i do for you Princess?" I asked. Always ask, never question.

  The princess trotted over to the fire place looking over the pictures on the mantle. "Emerald would you like to work at my side," she asked. My jaw almost dropped. Working with the princess of Equestria! How could one not want to! Of course the main reason for me was to get more plink.

"It would be an honor to work by your side," I said bowing again. The princess chuckled as I continued bowing. I was used to having someone to bow to. My own mother had me bow to her every time we crossed each others path.She was a cruel queen.

  “I will see you at the castle later, Emerald,” she said. “Nine o’clock.” I stood up again and thanked the princess. My brood will be happy to hear that our pool may actually overflow! The princess then walked out my door to a pair of guards waiting for her.

  “Good-bye, princess!” I shouted, waving my hoof at them. Celestia waved back to me. I came back inside and closed the door. I was too busy talking to the princess that I didn’t notice the sound of hooves in the halls.

  “My queen is it true that it will overflow,” Mantis asked. “Yes it is,” I said. They were all lined up like this was a military operation. “One of us should go with you for safety,” Locust noted. “No it is fine. Celestia’s royal guard will be adequate for protecting your queen,” I said. Never make your warrior feel less than a pony.

  About two hours later, everyone was disguised and ready for work. Raindrop was heading to the Canterlot weather team HQ. Rook trotted to the chess store to meet his teammates. Cupcake walked with Treble to the Canterlot Bakery then Treble went to Song’s Music Store.

  Wood Well went to his HQ to see what he was going to build. Karma went with Green Leaf today to Oasis Garden Supplies. And Pinwheel was going to stay with me today since it was a school holiday.

  Me and my son walked to the castle without any trouble. We made our way to the throne room where morning court was already in session. Looking past the door I saw a tan earth pony shout about taxes. Using my magic I teleported us by the princess’s side.

  “Sorry I’m late princess,” I said once I was in clear view. “I was helping my friends and had to get my little one cleaned up.” “It is alright Emerald. I was just listening to this stallion speak about the taxes put on music sheets,” Celestia said.

  The stallion had a conducting stick for a cutie mark. His mane was grey-white and he looked as if he hasn’t had any sleep for days. I’ll make sure to remember him. Once he was done the princess looked at me. I guess she wanted my help.

  “Excuse Mister…” I started. “Adagio.” “Mister Adagio, I happen to know a store that sells cheap music sheets despite the tax. It is called Song’s Music,” I said proudly. This may help Miss Song’s business and allow Onyx to get more information.

  He bowed and went on his way. The rest of the day was uneventful. A few ponies came in about the taxes, others were asking about an expedition to the catacombs, and many were just coming in to say hello to the princess. One pony came at the end. She was a unicorn. Her coat was pink, her eyes as blue as Treble’s, and her mane was a mix of purple and blue.

  She barged in when then guards were closing the door. A look of sheer anger was on her face. The emotion coming from her was pure hate it was making me sick. My son hid under my tail trying to block the bad emotion. There is something off about this pony. I have seen ponies be angry, but this one must have never felt any love in her life.

“Princess Celestia!” she shouted. “I demand to know why you have not dealt with the problem in Canterlot.” Celestia turned her head to the intruder. “Excuse me?” was all that came out of her mouth.

   “Celestia you do know that among us is a changeling right?” the pony snapped. “The creature is living in the city I swear! I’ve seen it!” Celestia almost lost her composer. “Bubble Bell, there is no way a changeling could have avoided the spell cast by my captain,” she said as softly as she always spoke.

  “Don’t play dumb! You know there is a spell to counter it. You preformed it before! Celestia please just look into it!” She said turning her demands into begs as the guards pushed her out. “If it will keep you from harming others I will,” the princess said still calm.

  This Bubble Bell smiled softly and left. “Princess, are you alright?” I asked. She looked at me then at the foal under my tail. “No I am not,” she said. “That was Bubble Bell, a highly gifted unicorn. She would have been my student if it wasn’t for her past.”

“Princess why would she believe a changeling is in Canterlot?” I asked. “She used to be calm until a changeling captured her. She managed to escape, but now she thinks that at any time the changeling will come back. Bubble must believe that it wasn’t blasted away.”

  I was sweating more and more as she spoke. I was at the point were my disguise would fail and that would mean the end for me. Celestia noticed my shaking and put a wing around me. “Do not worry Emerald. I only take her words when there is a crisis,” she said. “You have no need to fear.”

  “Princess if you don’t mind, I will take my son and go home. Maybe some tea will calm my nerves,” I said. She nodded at me. I took Pinwheel and placed him on my back then walked out of the castle.

chapter 4

Through Celestia's Eyes

   I watched as my newest adviser left the castle grounds. Her son must of been frightened by Bubble, unfortunately I can not change a pony. But I can't help but wonder if what Bubble said was true. Yes a spell is in existence, but would a changeling know it?

  "Iron Shield," I said. He moved from the wall saluting with open wings. "Please find Miss Bubble Bell and ask her to write down everything she knows about changelings." Shield bowed and took flight. I hope what she said is wrong, I do not want to go through that ever again.

Across The Land at The Edge of Equestria

Through Chrysalis's Eyes

   I lay in a large crater, my body aching. My swarm defeated by two ponies. Weak. I have become weak. No. No I am not weak. It was her fault. Yes her fault, the general of my army. Trainer of my soldiers. I stand and I call, "Bring me Cicada!"

  I open my eyes. Only few dozen of my swarm is left. Thank the Helix it wasn't less. Two climbed from a crater nearby levitating a young changeling, I'm surprised they still have magic left. The pair dropped the ling in front of my and circled with the rest of my swarm. "Cicada get up and face your punishment."

  She did not respond. "Cicada as your queen, I demand you stand so you can be punished," I heard a low buzzing from my swarm, they do not like it when their queen is displeased. She took her hooves and put them under her body, laying on her stomach.

"My queen no more." That was all she said. My swarm gasped at her statement. By the rules of the Helix, a changeling had its right to disown a queen, but I never thought Cicada, my most loyal ling, would say it.

   "Cicada you know you will lose my protection."

   "Yes."

   "My guidance."

   "Yes."

   "My love."

  She opened her eyes, she never had my drone's eyes. They were green instead of blue. Reminds me of...

   "Yes"

   I stared at her, she was looking up at me with those eyes. First clearing my throat I said, "Fine. Anyling who wants to join Cic-this ling will not be punished." No ling moved an inch. " All right. Changeling Cicada, royal trainer of guards, you are here-by banished from this swarm. May Helix have mercy on your shell."

  She rose to her hooves and walked away into the forest lining the Equestrian border. I bet 10 shards she won't make it to the nearest hive. There aren't any more left.

Through Cicada's Eyes

  I am happy to finally leave the blue queen's swarm. She may be queen, but she isn't my queen. My mother is my queen. I miss her. Soon, though, we will be reunited and live in her hive. I know she has been building one, so does the blue queen. As soon as I landed in Canterlot I knew she was there, but she was hiding.

   I'm getting closer to the red queen's hive, ruthless ones they are. Better stay low, never know if a scout is near. Queen Ruby, leader of this hive, rules with an iron hoof. Her workers are almost starved and only her and her princess are well fed. Despicable.

   Out of range, thank the Helix. Now to find a village, love...almost...gone...

Through Emerald's Eyes

   That Bubble Bell was giving me a stomach ache. Her hatred for us was...disgusting! It tasted like old sawdust mixed with scorpion poison. Poor little Nymph, he never in his life tasted hatred. Never too young to try though. I was about his size when-

  "Mom I'm hungry," Pinwheel whined, interrupting my thoughts. I looked down at his green eyes which sparkled in the sunset. Sunset...

"Oh my! Pinwheel," I exclaimed. "Do you know what day it is?"

"Um...free comb day?"

  "No silly! It's Wood Well's birthday!"

  "I knew that I was uh...testing! to see if you knew."

  I rolled my eyes at him and he stuck out his tongue. We got a few sneers from the "noble" ponies, but the others just smiled. We then went on home to prepare for the party. One of the greatest things I loved about ponies was the idea to celebrate a pony's birth.

  "Did you make him a present mom?" Nymph asked.

  "Of course I did. Did you you?"

  "Yeah. It's gonna be the greatest present ever! If I had one."

chapter 5

Through the Eyes of Celestia

  I hope that Emerald is all right, she seemed rather afraid of Bubble Bell. Poor Pinwheel was practically frightened. Maybe I should talk to them...

  "Princess!" I turned around seeing a young pegasus guard running down the hall. He seemed to have been flying for so long he couldn't fly to me.

  "Yes, Crimson?" I asked.

   "Princess a pony-cough-a pony has been found injured by the gate, she looks like she walked a great distance.

  "Take her to the hospital immediately." I turned to walk away, but he wasn't done speaking.

  "She said she was attacked by changelings."

   That made me stop. Changelings. Yesterday they were defeated and took it out on one of my subjects. But how? The magic shield Shining Armor and Cadence created should have drained their energy.

"Princess?"

"Oh. Crimson Blade, take a medic with you to her. You are to guard this pony. Bring her to one of our guest rooms for the night. I'll meet her in the morning after the sun has been raised." Crimson nodded and turned. I summoned my magic and replenished is stamina.

  "Thank you, Princess" he said with a bow.

  I nodded and he took flight, hopefully this pony isn't seriously harmed

Through Cicada's Eyes

  I'm almost at Canterlot. Must keep going. Why is flying so hard. I have been flying ever since I got past the Everfree forest. I have to be in disguise, any of them. No, not those. They were used to harm ponies. No, that one kidnapped.

No, I can't even say what this one did!

I need one who is innocent, one isn't going to harm anyling, no, anypony. One who...yes. This one is good, in fact she's great. Now must...

I became surrounded in green fire. My holed hooves becoming soft with fur. My horn disappeared leaving two pegasus wings. My eyes became orange, my mane became blue and white, as did my tail. My coat turned into the same shades as my mane. Blue Storm, a mild mannered pegasus with a cow patched coat.

Yes, I did it! Wait, what's missing? Hmm. Oh, yes! My bows! I revealed my horn and produced two ribbons made of silk my hatchling sitter made. She was so kind. I then tied them around my mane and tail, aww, that feels better.

1 Hour Later

Finally, Canterlot! Just beautiful as remember. My mother must be working at the castle, she's a queen and no queen can resist being in a castle. So tired...

  I crash landed into a garden behind a store. Thank goodness it's night. Or else somepony might have seen me. My wings seem intact, though one of them looks sprained. The rest of me isn't so bad, my magic must be focusing on my wounds. Alright, good to go. Now to head for the cast-"OW!"

  I quickly covered my mouth and ducked into a bush, full of thorns. This hurts worse than a crash landing. Peeking out of the bush, I scanned the area to see if the coast was clear. No pony must have heard me. Carefully I climbed out of my hiding spot with more scratches.

Taking a step, I restrained myself from screaming again. It's going to be a long walk.

  I guess the house I crashed behind was next to the castle because it took only ten minutes. The gate is so big, made of solid gold, as they say. I tested it by licking the bars. Nope, just metal. Sad. All of that power and no gold bars. Let's see how to get it open.

  Pushing, no. Pulling, no. Flying is out. There is one way left. Using the last bit of my magic I stopped my healing and focused on a basic force spell. Yes, it was slowly opening, but it was opening! Yes, yes, wait. Look a light a bright, little, oh crud...

I fell over before my sight faded into darkness. Blackout.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  Ah, home sweet home. Me and Nymph came inside just about to shed our disguises when, instead of my magic opening the door, a yellow magic opened it. I knew exactly who it was. Nudging Nymph inside I levitated a pillow and placed it under the stairs.

  "Good evening, Princess."

  "Good evening, Emerald. I'm afraid that I have dire news."

  "Princess?"

  "Emerald, If you don't mind. I saw how Pinwheel reacted to Bubble Bell and I think it will be better if he isn't in the room."

  This cannot be good. She usually doesn't mind him, just plays with his toys. "Come along Pinwheel let's get you to bed."

  "Lady Emerald, I will put your son in is bed if you wish."

  I turned around to see Karma standing behind me. I wonder how long she stood there?

  "You may if you wish, Karma. Pinwheel time for bed."

  I watched as they climbed the stairs and into the upper hall, leaving me and the princess alone for the night. She shifted to give me a space on the couch. I sat next to her, her emotions were mostly fear. A sour taste, but sweet as well.

  "Emerald, I came for your advice about...changelings."

  I let out a small gasp. "Princess, why do you wish to know about them?"

  "Because earlier a guard found a pegasus outside the castle gate. She was severely injured and the guard reported the last thing she said was changeling before falling unconscious."

My heart was racing, it's only a matter of time before she found out.

"Princess Celestia, from what I know of changelings, this pony could have either escaped from a changeling hive or she could have been a passerby that was captured and beaten, then released to leave her for dead. But I don't understand how a injured pony could get this far."

  "Hmm. Emerald can you meet me before sunrise?"

   "For you, of course."

"Good I'll see you then, we will be talking to this pony."

  With that she opened the door and flew back to the castle. Letting out a heavy sigh, I closed the door, shut the curtains, and released my disguise. I didn't tell her my other theory in fear of who this pony or changeling was. She could be another lost soul needing a home.

Through Nymph's/Pinwheel's Eyes

  Man I get tucked in by Miss Bitey-pants. Why can't mom do it? "Come on Nymph, in the bed."

"I want mommy to tuck me in!"

Glaring at me she bit down on my back and lifted me onto the bed. Then she forced me to lay down and pulled the blanket over me. "Tulip, why did the Sun Queen have me leave?"

She stopped at the door and sighed. "Nymph, sometimes there are things somelings or someponies should never hearuntil the timeis right."

"Tulip?"

"Yes."

  "Can you-"

  "Sure."

  She came next to my bed and began to sing.

  "Hush now, quiet now, lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now, it's time to go bed. Drifting off to sleep, leave the day behind you. Drifting off to sleep, let the joy of dreamland find you. Hush now, quiet now, lay your sleepy head. Hush now quiet now, it's time to go to bed."

chapter 7

Through Emerald's Eyes

  "Princess, may I ask you something?" I looked up to the Sun Queen, her eyes never let the pegasus leave her sight.

  "Emerald, you just did."

  "Oh, well I have a different question."

  "Go ahead."

   "Well, I wish to take me and my 'family' on a vacation. We have been cooped up in that house for quite awhile as you know. And we have been invited to stay in a small town called Ponyville."

  "Ponyville. Who invited you?"

  "Miss Twilight Sparkle and her friends."

"That does sound like Twilight. You can leave anytime you wish and you don't have to ask me for a vacation."

  "Oh, well, I wanted to let you know so you won't worry about where I went."

  She gave out a low chuckle and we continued on our way to the dining hall. Hopefully I can arrange for the pegasus to come along. I need to make up a good story. Maybe a sick relative or a farm is needing her.

Through Blue Storm/ Cicada's Eyes

  Emerald you even befriended the elements. You truly are a far more successful queen than the blue queen. Great blue queen, indeed. She herself led the destruction of her own hive. I must connect to her hive mind. Come on magic, work.

"Testing, Hello?"

Through Emerald's Eyes

"Testing, Hello?"

  What was that? I thought I got rid of hive mind. "Hello, who is this?"

"Take a guess."

My eyes widened. This was my child, little Cicada. My......princess.

"Cicada, your alive. It's fills me with joy to hear your voice."

"You as well, mother. I hope you don't mind, I noticed you got rid of hive mind."

"I had no need for it since we are few in number."

"Mother, I-"

  "Emerald is everything all right?"

  My mind stopped, as did my body. I opened my eyes, I forgot in order use H.M you had to have full concentration. I looked to Cicada who had stopped as well. Her eyes were shut.

"I'm all right Princess. It's just..."

  "Emerald."

  "You see, Princess. I know this pegasus."

   "You do?"

  "Yes. She my daughter, Blue Storm."

  The Sun Queen stared in confusion. My story, though true, wasn't very convincing. Then she spoke.

  "If I may explain, your sunnyness."

Through Blue Storm/ Cicada's Eyes

  I shut my mouth realizing what I said. They looked at me with confused faces. Oh well, better finish it.

  "It was about six years ago. Me and my dad were having a race near the Everfree forest and I flew too close to one of the trees. I was pulled down by vine and crashed to the ground.

   Looking about I saw my dad, Storm Chaser, flying over head trying to land. But a hydra, of all things, came down upon him. I looked away and ran.

  No matter how far I ran, the hydra followed. I finally hid in a small cavern where I met a changeling. The changeling seemed very friendly at the time, so I followed it.

  Little did I know that it led me to a trap. I became a prisoner in a hive. I never thought I could escape, until a week ago I was able to escape, with some wounds. I made my way here hoping to find my mother.

  My wings is still damaged from that crash landing. And I think I want to say sorry to the pony who's garden I crashed into."

As I finish talking the Sun Queen came up to me. She must of saw through me! I have to ru-

Celestia, of all ponies, was hugging me. I felt her sympathy run through my body. It tasted like sugar canes. My mother smiled at me. Closing my eyes I heard her voice.

"Welcome to your new home."

Later in the Dining Hall

  The castle was gorgeous. The walls were marble mixed with silver. Truly a master piece. I bet the blue queen is sulking on her moss throne back in the Badlands. Probably trying to find a replacement for me.

  Never mind her, I have no need for worry. If my mother and queen trusts the Sun Queen then I must give her the benefit of the doubt. Now what's cooking?

Through Emerald's Eyes

  It's quite comical seeing my little one drool over the beauty of this castle. Thank you Celestia for giving her the right amount of compassion. She is returning to her old self. I hope her story convinced Celestia to not venture closer to my hive.

  The scent of pancakes, croissants, hay bread, muffins, oatmeal, prench toast, and cinnamon swirls filled the air. The was also hints of love in the air coming from the chefs adding it to the many recipes they were using. I closed my eyes and took a big sniff of it all.

  Wait some of it is leaving. "Cicada please don't, Celestia might see you."

"Mother I need it. I'm still weak."

"Worry not my child, soon those dishes will be out here. Some have chocolate."

  Opening my eyes, I saw my little one now staring in the direction of the kitchen. No changeling can resist chocolate, not even a queen.

  I took my place next to Celestia on her left, Blue Storm sat next to me, and Princess Luna joined us at Celestia's right.  As soon as we were seated a white unicorn entered the room with a loud slam of the doors hitting the wall.

"Aunty, you were going to have breakfast without me!"

  He was whining like a filly. How in the world is this unicorn related to alicorns. Prince Blueblood, more like Prince Pompous. If he believes that he is the heir to Celestia's throne, then this pony is completely insane.

  "Blueblood we would never start without our favorite nephew. Come on sit by Luna."

  The stallion trotted over to the table and sat next to Princess Luna. He then noticed me and my child sitting across the table. His aquamarine eyes stared at me like I was a horrible creature. Well... When he saw my child his eyes could not part from her.

  Fortunately she wasn't paying attention to him or she would have dropped her disguise and attacked him for staring. She was staring at the servants who brought out every single breakfast item imaginable. From simple cereal to complex omelets, it was a heaven of food.

Through Luna's Eyes

  Our guests seem to enjoy the food. The pegasus we heard about is almost devouring the chocolate ones. Emerald is very hospitable to others. And Bluey seems to like the pegasus. We shall not let him live this down. I hope they enjoy their day. We know Pinwheel enjoys my night.

  Such wonderful dreams. And most about his family. Maybe today is the day we visit him not in a dream, but in person. We know our friend would enjoy a visit from his Moon Queen.

chapter 8

Through Pinwheel/ Nymph's Eyes

  My head hurts. It feels like someling was trying to call me, but with a laser beam. When will mom be back, Tulip is really freaking me out. She's even following me to school!

Through Karma/ Tulip's Eyes

  I feel the Hive Mind returning. The Queen locked it away, but now something unlocked. I hear the Queen speaking, not to us, another ling. This ling is stronger than us. She is..................a princess.

  I hope Mantis isn't going to blow a blood vessel. He was the most saddened by her death. Or....well.....fake death. No matter I must escort Nymph to school no matter what.

Through Pinwheel/ Nymph's Eyes

   I hope we get to learn about baby ponies! Miss Silverlight is always talking about having a baby pony. I hope they are squishy because then you can hug them more. Not like a changeling. We have tough bodies to protect us.

  Look a baby!

  Just lying in a little basket.

  Hmm.............

  I want to squish it.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  It felt strange having Hive Mind again. Hearing all those voices. At least I know where each and everyling is. Onyx was making his way to the music store. Leaf was skipping down the street saying hello to everypony. Mantis was playing against another pony at the meeting.  (Not too early he always says)

  Azure was baking goodies at the bakery. Locust was finally getting up from his bed. Nymph was being escorted by Tulip to school. Wormwood was......jumping on the roof? Never understood that.

Nymph what are you doing? "Tulip turn around."

Through Karma/ Tulip's Eyes

  I heard you, my queen. Looking behind me I saw Nymph leaning over a basket. He was poking it.

  "Pinwheel what are you doing?"

  He didn't look back. "Look."

  I couldn't believe my eyes. Before I got a closer look, I made sure there were no ponies around. I then grabbed the basket and Nymph in my magic then ran for the house. This was the most dangerous thing anyling from any queen could do.

"Emerald, code black."

Through Emerald's Eyes

Code black. It's been so long. But why? Why just-

"Emerald, are you all right."

Celestia was staring at me. I didn't have my eyes closed. I was staring at Princess Luna. Blueblood tried to kick me under the table. And my child wasn't even paying attention. Luna acted like everything was normal.

"Emerald?"

  "Oh sorry princess. If you excuse me, I just remembered that I left in such a hurry, I forgot to wake my 'family'. They usually wait for me before staring the day."

  Blueblood gave me a look. "You know what maybe you should go. Someponies like you aren't fit to be in the castle."

  Celestia and Luna turned to the prince almost shouting until another voice spoke.

"That's my mother you're talking about, your 'highness'. If anypony is unfit to be in a castle like this it's you. All you do is whine and brag. You think you are better than everypony, well guess what.

  You are still a unicorn just like my mother. Celestia and Luna and your sister Cadence are alicorns. They control sun, moon, stars, and love. They rule over entire kingdoms and bring peace and harmony.

  Your talent is cartography. You can see a map and say that you will never be lost. My mother's talent is the phoenix feather. The art of pony kindness, love, and unity. She can bring whole nations together just with words.

  My mother is Celestia's royal adviser. And from what I recall she has been for many years until the Princess decided that she wanted her by her side in the castle.

  My mother worked hard to be where she's at. You were born into it. Never needing to do anything, Sir Princey. I, myself had to work hard just to find her after all these years.

  So, who's more unfit to be in the castle?"

  The room was silent. Celestia was staring in shock. Blueblood was on the edge of the table with a scowl. Luna smiled. I don't know why. I stood up and grabbed my daughter with my magic.

"If you excuse me princesses. I'm going home to my 'family'. Thank you for the meal."

  With that I left the castle with Cicada hovering in my magic behind me. I was frightened. With H.M. I sent my broodlings a message. A message to come home immediately.

Through Karma/ Tulip's Eyes

  I shut the door and sat in the living room. The curtains were shut tight with my magic. No pony should of seen us. I levitated the basket into the kitchen and onto the table. Code black. It has been about ten years since the last one. That was during Emerald's search for a new home.

"Tulip can you put me down now?"

  Looking up I saw Nymph still in my magic, undisguised. The green glow faded away as I released my grasp on him. He hovered in the air with his wings. Nymph then landed on the table and stared at the basket.

"What's the big deal? You went crazy because of a baby."

"Nymph, that isn't just a baby. Look."

  He leaned into the basket taking a closer look at the child inside. Why? Why leave it in plain sight in front of pony eyes? Was it poorly planned or abandonment?

Through Pinwheel/ Nymph's Eyes

  I still don't see the big deal. It's just a baby with a pitch black coat, deep pink eyes, and short pink mane. In fact, she looks like a baby princess! With the cute double ringed eyes and little fangs. In wonder who her mom is?

chapter 9

Through Emerald's Eyes

  I opened the door to my home, levitated Cicada onto the couch, then shut it. I hope no ponies come to visit. When I turned around I saw all of my broodlings. My 'family'. My hive.

"Children, of green. Today we are in code black. For those who are not familiar, it has been ten years since the last one. May I see the hatchling?"

  Tulip levitated the basket from the kitchen and into the living room. Carefully setting it down on a glass table. I leaned into the basket and and pink set of double ringed peered back at me.

  The changeling child was indeed a princess. Her mother must have just tossed her aside into pony society without taking good measure to find a proper home or even giving her a disguise.

  Of the eight queens left, only Queen Ruby comes to mind. Though Queen Silverwing might be the mother. In fact most of them could be the mother!

  The only queen that can be ruled out is Chrysalis. She made sure that I was placed in a loving home.

  Manehatten was a beautiful place and--no stop. Stay on track. Ruby, Silverwing, Aphid, Peony, Bumble Bee, Pearl, Meadow.

  Red, grey, bronze, purple, yellow, white, tan.

  Which one though?

"My queen, what will we do?"

  Onyx put his holed hoof on the table. He wore a worried look. Most queens used their children against other queens. But who was going against me?

I heard the many voices of concern from my children through H.M. Nymph, though, stayed silent. "Mom."

"Yes Nymph."

He hovered over the basket, watching the pink princess wiggle her hooves.

"Are we keeping her?"

My mind was racing. Should we? I heard my broodlings whisper amongst each other, asking the same. Who ever this one belongs to, I have to return her to that queen.

I looked back at the princess. She was chewing on a piece of silk. A message from another hive. I picked it up with my magic and began to read it aloud.

"Queen Emerald, the keeper of lives, savior of changelings, and queen to all,

  You do not know me, nor any of my comrades in the other hives. But I bring you the princess of the grey queen. I, a hatchling caretaker was commanded to place her in a safe home.

  She, however, didn't say if it was among ponies or not. This is Princess Flutterwing. She bears the wings of the past and had to be in a home where she will not be harmed.

  Do not try to contact me. I believe by this time my queen will have rallied her troops to come retrieve Flutterwing. I hope you understand why you were chosen above the rest.

Please protect the princess of old, she is our future.

Your new subject,

Sunbeam

P.S. The princess will shed into foal hood soon."

I placed the letter down onto the table. My children were in shock. One changeling just changed fate. We are not safe. My hive is not safe. It will be.....

"Locust how long will it take Silverwing to reach Canterlot."

"About three weeks, my queen."

"Cicada, you were hidden in Chrysalis's hive. What was your cover?"

Cicada released her disguise. Apparently she wore two. She was now pitch black as the rest of us, but she had an orange mane and tail tied on the end with blue ribbons. Her eyes became double ringed.

"I was a trainer. I made troops go from weak to unstoppable."

"Then began training. We must be prepared."

"Mother, you have been building the Sun Queen's trust. Maybe you can gain aid from her?"

  All eyes looked to me. It was a good idea. But what if she saw through me? What if she finds my hive?" What if-

"Emerald."

  Wormwood's hoof was on my shoulder. "We will fight. Remember the story you told us. About the old days."

"Yes, I do."

  I never smiled so much. But if my changelings were going to fight, we would need a new training ground. I believe I know where to go. But first...

"Thank you, Wormwood. Everyling, pack your bags, clean the house, and disassemble the hive rooms. We are moving."

"My queen, what about the Plink?"

"Mantis we will store it inside jars for now. Wormwood."

"Yes, my queen?"

"May I have a piece of silk?"

"Of course."

  He turned and cut a piece of his tail and gave it to me. I proceeded to write a note, then conjured some parchment and quill.

"Dear Princess Celestia..."

chapter 10

Through Luna's Eyes

  Noon. The time in which ponies run around enjoying the sunshine. We find it pleasing as well, feeling its warmth. I land in the street and begin walking to my destination.

  Most of the ponies bow as I pass. Some in fear. Sad that they still fear me. I stop by the Canterlot Bakery, one of Pinwheel's 'family' is supposed to be here.

"Good afternoon, and welcome to the Canterlot Bakery. Home of amazing cakes, cookies, and pies! Here to pick up your daily star cake, princess?""

  Cookie Cutter was smiling behind the register. Never forgets a customer nor their favorite treat.

"Not today Cookie. Do you happen to know where Cupcake is?"

"I think she went home. She was here 'bout an hour ago. Was baking a batch of cinnamon swirls and then skedaddled out the door."

"Thank you Cookie. And can I get one star cake to go?"

"Sure thing, princess."

  Cookie picked up the white cake and placed it in a polka dotted box. "Here ya' go."

"Thank you, Cookie. And good day to you."

"You too!"

  I passed Oasis Garden to see if Green Leaf was there. Same story. There has to be something wrong. From what little Pinwheel told me in his dreams, both of these ponies should be at work. They would never miss a work day.

  I arrived at his home. Hopefully he is here. I do not wish for my friend to be hurt.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  We are almost done packing away our hive rooms. Nymph is in his room finishing his packing. Onyx is in the kitchen making lunch. Everyling else is packing the plink.

Knock Knock Knock

  Visitors? Oh Helix, please tell me it's not the guard coming to tear us apart. I disguised myself and opened the door. No, this was worse.

  Princess Luna was standing on my porch. And she was filled with determination.

"Luna?"

  I turned around to see Nymph, undisguised, standing by the stairs, bag by his side. The world must want us to be caught. Luna entered my house and shut the door. I heard a click meaning she locked it with a spell.

  She went past me and went straight for him. I prepared to attack, revealing my fangs. Just when I was going to pounce, Luna spoke.

"Thank goodness you are all right. I was worried."

  Princess Luna, sister of Celestia and ruler of the moon, was hugging a changeling. To me the world didn't make sense at this moment.

"Mom, meet my best friend, the Moon Queen."

My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe it. The world went black.

Through Luna's Eyes

  It's been about an hour since Emerald fainted. Her people placed her on the couch and then placed me in the kitchen. Not like a kitchen to be used a cell. Two changelings stood on each side of the door to prevent me from leaving.

  I watched as one drone levitated a jar filled with a pink liquid over to Emerald. She opened her eyes as the jar became half of what it was. Emerald then got to her hooves and turned to Nymph.

"Nymph are you all right?"

"Yes, mom. Now can I go see Luna?"

"You haven't told me why she is here in the first place."

"Excuse me."

  Emerald turned her head to me.

"I can answer your question."

  She looked at me for some time. But I knew she was talking to one of the changelings in the room with what Nymph called hive mind. Her eyes never moved the slightest. I looked around seeing that the red eyed drone was also not moving it's eyes.

After a minute, she walked up to me.

"Locust, Mantis. Stand down."

  The two changelings at the door allowed their wings to relax and unblock the door. Nymph came up to his mother's side.

"Go on Luna. Tell them."

  I walked out of the kitchen and made my way to the couch. The other changelings were showing their fangs ready to protect their queen. I admire these creatures.

  Nymph sat next to me and Emerald sat in the chair. My friend nudged me to start.

"Queen Emerald, before I begin, may we see your true form."

  Emerald showed some surprise when I spoke. She nodded and was engulfed in green flame. Her mane became a dark green, her fur disintegrated into black chitin, hooves became riddled with hooves.

  When she was fully transformed, a fringe of her mane fell over one eye partially covering it.

"You look beautiful."

  Emerald's cheeks turned a bright green. She must be blushing.

"The reason why I have come to your home is because I was worried. I was worried about my friend. As you probably know I am able to enter one's dreams while they sleep.

  I have used this ability many times to aid ponies face their fears. But ever since you and your 'family' moved into Canterlot, I have used it to visit nymph in his dreams.

  At first I was surprised to have entered the dream of a changeling until I realized that he nor his 'family' would bring no harm to our subjects. He wished for us to visit again.

  We visited him every night to this day, so to speak. Nymph is one of our few friends and you can see why I was worried. He is one of the few who truly appreciate my night.

  Emerald I do not wish to harm your subjects. I, instead, want to help you in any way we can."

  It was silent. The changeling drones stopped threatening with their fangs. They were absorbed in my words. When I stopped they looked to Emerald who was watching Nymph sleeping by my side.

  She was talking with her hive mind again, this time to a grey eyed drone who I believe to be a female. The drone left the room then return with a letter and a piece of silk. Emerald then stood levitating the items.

"Princess Luna, if you do want to help us then give this letter to Celestia tomorrow. Me and my hive should be in Ponyville by then. It will keep us and your subjects safe. There is a great threat coming in three weeks."

  She levitated the silk to me and I took hold, reading what was written. I never expected her to trust me this quickly. All though I would to if this note is true. She then gave me the letter.

"This is the first time any changeling asked for a princess's aid. I hope that I'm making the right decision."

"Do not worry, Emerald. We will send the letter to thy sister when the sun rises."

chapter 11

Through Emerald's Eyes

  Princess Luna stayed at our home for the rest of the day. And when it came time for her to raise the moon, she offered us a chance to watch it. Nymph was filled with joy.

  We put on our disguises and went out into the backyard. Nymph, being raised to be a hatchery worker, wrapped Flutterwing just enough to keep her warm and hide most of her appearance.

  He stood by Luna who smiled at the pair. My broodlings circled around Luna, but tried to keep a distance from the Moon Queen. I have seen the moon rise, but never the alicorn who made it rise.

  The sun began its descent in the west. Creating a beautiful spectrum of color throughout the sky. Oranges, pinks, whites, yellows, reds, purples. It was truly marvelous.

  I believe that Celestia was trying to show off by lowering the sun at a snail's pace. She was succeeding, Luna's bright smile was turning to a scowl during each passing moment.

  When the sun finally set, Luna was near rage. But Celestia trying to play a joke wouldn't stop her from creating the most beautiful moon rise ever.

  She began by lighting her horn with a light blue glow. Then, at the same pace as the sun, she rose. Her eyes began glowing a bright white as she made her ascent.

  The moon appeared in the east, rising with the Queen of the night. Her horn glowed even more as the sky turned from the bright sunset coloring to purples, blues, greys, and the stars started to appear.

  The stars though did not stay in place. They moved along with the moon, rising to the highest peak in the sky. Once the moon settled, the stars moved past it.

  They created a blanket of night flowing over the world as if to tuck it in so the ponies below could dream only their greatest fantasies. Luna then lowered to the ground her hooves touching the grassy surface.

  Luna then turned to us with a smile. My broodlings were not looking, they were mesmerized by the colors she had out into her night. There were entire galaxies of stars spread evenly about the sky.

  Nymph's eyes were never so big. He looked up to Luna with his green eyes almost popping out of his head. The Night Queen chuckled seeing his face.

"I hope you enjoyed the dusk as much as I did."

  I turned to Luna.

"Princess, I speak for all of my hive when I say, you have truly outdone yourself and have outdone Celestia's sunset."

  My broodlings all nodded in agreement, not taking their eyes off the sky.

"Many thanks to you. We made sure this was extra special for you. If you look over by my moon, you can see something truly beautiful."

  We shifted our sights to the moon. Right below it was a green crown with holes. This must be for me. Tulip had a purple tulip. Mantis, a red chess piece. Locust, a blue raindrop.

  For Azure, a swirling cake. Onyx had a white eighth note. Wormwood's was a black hammer. Leaf had a grey leaf. Cicada's was a yellow lightening bolt with holes.

  Nymph's was a spinning galaxy. The galaxy itself had a line of stars beneath it, creating a giant pinwheel. She even made one for Flutterwing, who was waving her hooves and giggling.

  It was a pink heart and it surrounded the other shapes. Luna meant for this night to be a tribute to us. After all, the only thing we could do was talk during her visit.

  She heard our stories, from escaping old queens to finding me. Or me finding them. My broodlings were opening up to the Night Queen.

  I knew her of course, seeing her time to time around Canterlot. Though the one who seemed most reluctant to keep her was Azure. She saw Luna almost every day at the bakery.

  In fact, my broodlings were frightened of her. They thought that she would blast us away, separating us apart. But now they smiled and laughed with her. As my mother used to say, a Queen's actions changes the hive's attitude.

  Princess Luna bid us farewell and flew off into the night. Everyling was very tired, but wanted to stay up for a bit longer to stare at the sky. Nymph wanted to watch the galaxy spin around. I still don't get his fascination with those things.

"Come along everypony, it's time."

  Everyling went inside while I broke Nymph's trance. He gave me a sour look, but followed me in anyways. They had their bags and the plink jars were hidden in each one.

  They bunched all around me while I created a green shield around us. I began my spell feeling my magic course for my body. Then I mixed in my love energy.

  We teleported to the Canterlot train station. There was one last train going to Ponyville tonight and I wasn't taking any chances on walking.

  The train was still there. We shuffled into a private car in the back, never can be too careful. Not wanting our bags lost we kept them right next to us.

  We only got disturbed once by a ticket pony. I asked that no pony else enter our car. Since we had the last car it was doable. Then my broodlings and I settled down to sleep.

  Nymph curled up next to me with Flutterwing by his side. Everyling else had their own seat to lay on. Though I did notice Mantis went to lay next to Cicada.

In the morning in Canterlot

Through Celestia's Eyes

  Luna won last night's competition, but tonight I will beat her. 899,999 to 50,354. She always beats me. Speak of the diabolus.

"Sister we have won the night over your slow sundown. Haha!"

"Yes Luna, but tonight will be different.."

"We shall see, sister. We saw Lady Emerald last night. She was very frightened."

"Frightened? Of what?"

"She said that she would depart for Ponyville that night with her 'family'. She asked if we could bring you a letter."

  Luna pulled a rolled up parchment with Emerald's green seal. I took it in my own magic and opened the letter. A piece of silk fell out of it.

Dear Princess Celestia,

By the time you are reading this me and my 'family' will be in Ponyville making ourselves accommodated with the civilians there. We needed to have a vacation. As you know, we have never left Canterlot ever since I arrived.

A change of scenery is something we really needed. I did not leave the situation at hoof unattended. As you know, the changelings attacked Canterlot to feed off our love on a wide scale.

I recently found an attempted planting of a changeling princess. Do not worry, the little changeling is with me. She is just a child. Not full grown like her mother.

Unfortunately, I learned Chrysalis is not the only changeling queen. The grey queen, Sliverwing, is the mother of the changeling princess. She will be coming to attack Canterlot in an attempt to steal her child back.

As it says in the piece of silk sent with the princess, 'We will bring her home. No child of mine will live among ponies. Royalty shouldn't live like commoners, they should live in a palace filled with servants.'

We believe it will take about three weeks for this particular queen. Caelum knows how many more queens and hives exist. I ask you to prepare for anything. If you find a changeling, please don't harm it.

I wish to speak to any changeling you may find. They might have something useful to say.

Your adviser,

Lady Emerald

  I picked up the silk and wavered between the letter and it. My subjects were in trouble.

"Tell Shining Armor to prepare the guards. I'll go to Infernus before a single holed hoof touches my little ponies."

chapter 12

Through Shining Armor's Eyes

"A changeling threat!"

  I was awoken by the sound of tapping on my window. First I get woken up by a messenger with attitude, then I'm told that another changeling queen was going to attack!

  I swear the pony who found about the thing will be kicked in the gut. Maybe twice.

"Yeah Mr. Amore."

"Armor."

"Hey, I'm not the one who married a princess. As far as I know, you take her name."

"Well then you don't know far enough. I can choose if I want to have Cadence's name. What I want now is the letter that told of this threat."

  The pegasus messenger, Flick Note, searched his bag for a bit until he found what I asked for.

"Here ya go, one letter sent to princess and a piece of silk."

"Silk?"

"Yeah, silk. Me being an expert on messages, I say them changelings use it for their writing. Looks worn, like two mangy dogs used it as a chew toy."

  I took the two in my magic. Flick was right, it did look like two dogs had all, but destroyed it.

"You may leave Flick Note."

"See ya later, Prince Amore."

  As he flew out the window, I sent a small electric shock towards the pegasus. "Yow!"

  Touchdown. I shut the window and moved to my desk. Brought back from my honeymoon for another changeling queen to lock my Cadence away.

  Not this time. I read the letter that was sent by Celestia's adviser. A changeling princess? Why didn't this princess get turned in to the guard?

  Ponyville. Maybe Lady Emerald is taking this....'princess' to Twilight. She would know how to handle it. But why take her family? Wait. Lady Emerald.

  Lady Emerald. She was the pony that Caden- Chrysalis invited personally. She is very important to the Princess. Ever since she came to Canterlot ten years ago.

  She came to her with three ponies. All were tired, looking like they traveled the entire country. She had a zebra, unicorn and pegasus.

  She told Celestia her husband and daughter were taken by a monster. She had a bundle around her neck, it kept moving. I was just a colt then.....

Canterlot Castle Ten Years ago

Today was my first day on training and I got sided with my mentor, Silver Arrow. He was the best archer in the earth pony guard. He never missed a shot.

We stood on each side of Celestia. She was walking through the gardens watching the birds fly around. She stopped in front of a clearing. Something was out there.

Silver moved quickly, silently he took his bow an arrow, aiming it in the direction of the figure. I stood and watched as the captain of the guard pulled back the arrow ready to fire.

"Wait."

I looked up to Celestia. She stared at the figure. It was hunched over, or from what I could tell behind the bush. She trotted into the clearing and I followed. Never leave the princess unattended unless told so.

Celestia went right up to the pony. It was a mare, a unicorn mare. She looked up to the Princess with green eyes. Then three ponies emerged from the bushes. Silver readied his bow.

Celestia and I watched as the ponies sat down next to the mare. Two of them were young colts, younger than me, looking like they just got out of foal hood. The other was a earth mare with strange markings on her.

The unicorn colt levitated a small bag in front of the crouching mare. He looked more worried than the pegasus colt. The marked mare stared at us. Her grey eyes never blinked.

"Hello there."

The Princess looked down at the unicorn mare. She reached to the mare when the pegasus moved in front. His green eyes were locked onto Celestia. Silver took aim.

"Silver Arrow do not fire. We have a unicorn who needs assistance. Please go and fetch the medic."

"Princess I cannot leave your side."

"Your partner will keep me safe, won't you?"

It took me a minute to realize was talking to me. I saluted her and stood at attention.She giggled at me.

"See. You are rubbing off on him."

Silver bowed and went to fetch the medic. I was left with Celestia and four strange ponies. I looked at the marked mare, she looked like she was almost my age. Maybe a bit older.

"What kind of pony are you?"

The mare pushed the pegasus away walking up to me.

"I'm not a pony. I'm a zebra. Is there a problem?"

"No, you just looked a little weird to me."

"Maybe you look weird to me."

"Maybe you...uh...you...."

I had nothing to say. No one spoke like that to me. Maybe Twily, but she was just a foal, so it's okay. The unicorn mare wasn't hunched over any more. The Princess saw this too.

She stood up and and placed a hoof on the pegasus. He stood up and sat again, next to the unicorn colt. They seemed so young to be guarding. Then again I'm in training right now.

The unicorn looked up to Celestia and spoke. She spoke of a monster and was chasing her family. She was with another family at the time.

They both ran for their lives from the monster. But one day it got them. Her foal and husband were taken. The pegasus and unicorn colts were brothers and the zebra was their adoptive sister.

She was their mother now. The monster got their parents too. It's so sad not having a mommy or daddy to keep you safe. There was a bundle around her neck and it moved.

Using a slight x-ray spell I tried to see the object, but nothing was there. It had stopped moving. I looked around the clearing, but nothing else was moving.

I felt my tail being tugged. Lifting it up I saw a brown baby pony hang on my tail with his mouth.

"Pinwheel!"

The baby was levitated to the unicorn mare. The Princess smiled at the mare.

"You don't need to worry, my little pony. Here in Canterlot you are safe."

The mare held the baby in her hooves, rocking him while he chewed on pieces of hair that he pulled from my tail.

"If it makes you more comfortable, I will send a search party to find this monster. You and your family can stay in the castle until you find a home."

The mare stood up placing the baby back in the bundle. She looked up to the Princess, her green eyes were filled with emotion.

"I, Lady Emerald of Manehatten, accept your offer."

"No need for formality. And I hope you enjoy your stay."

Lady Emerald smiled. She seemed more happy with each passing minute.

Ponyville Train Station

Through Emerald's Eyes

  The train ride was great. My broodlings got plenty of rest and while I read the local newspaper, I found a home for sale. It was near the edge of town, right by the Everfree forest.

  We climbed off the train and made our way there, met with the seller and now have a home away from home. It was  two stories and medium sized, not to bad.

  It had an attic, basement, kitchen, bath and four bedrooms. I separated my broodlings so that we could live efficiently. I took the attic.

  Nymph and Flutterwing would share the room next to the stairs leading to it. Tulip and Leaf were going to be right across. On the first floor, Locust and Wormwood got the one next to the bath.

  Cicada and Mantis would share the one in front of the basement door. They played it off like it was nothing, though their cheeks were bright green.

  Wormwood moved the plink jars to the basement, smiling ear to ear. He was going to have fun with this. I sat down on the carpet floor. It was soft.

  Just when I thought that I could relax. Ding, dong

  Groaning I disguised and opened the door.

"Hi, Emmy! Remember your good old friend Pinkie Pie!"

chapter 13

  I stood still, the pink pony stared with a smile.

"Emmy, don't you remember? In Canterlot we were at your house, you were in a big, fluffy chair, I was in the back waving a chicken."

"Oh. Truly sorry you just shocked me. I actually wanted to speak with Miss Twilight."

"You can see her at the party!"

"The what?"

"A party! Your welcome-to-ponyville-don't-be-a-stranger party! I have never not met a single pony, sooooooo. Each time I see a new pony I throw them a great big welcome party.

  I've been planning it for a while now, like right-after-I-met-you while. I really hope you enjoy it because it took a really really long time to make it just right!"

Pinkie Pie stopped and smiled. I hope that her neighbors are all right, I would neverwantto be that close to a mare who barely has to breathe between entire paragraphs.

"Is your family here too?"

  I turned around, somehow the pink pony ushered past me and into our house. It's like she could pass through walls or something. Something I wish not to know.

"Yes. We decided to take a vacation and are taking your offer about Ponyville."

"How long are ya staying?"

"Three weeks at least. We have something important to take care of.

  The pink mare stood still, hear ears look liked a dog hearing the call of its' master. She looked behind her down the hall, her eyes widened. Then she darted down the hall.

"OMG! You are adorable!"

  I ran into the room she was in, this pony looked down over Flutterwing who Nymph was trying to guard from the crazy mare. Flutter was not in disguise.

"It's not what it looks like!"

"What do you mean, Queen Emmy? I just see the cutest little changeling ever!"

  My mind completely shut down. This mare had to be out of her pony mind. No pony would say a thing like that about a changeling. Until now.

"I know that look. It's the what-in-the-world-did-I-hear/see look. I get it all the time."

"How did you-"

"It was easy! You see, when we went to your house I felt something was off. I mean no offense, but that many ponies  in one house! I knew then you were special.

  While I was planning, I asked around about you guys before we left Canterlot. I heard some very nice things. Then a pink unicorn ran up to me and said to stop my search.

  She said if there was a changeling in Canterlot, she wanted to be the first to find it. She also said that a changeling would be very foolish to want to be close to Celestia. I mean she did help stand against Queen Chrissy.

  Any-who, back to the party, do you want blue streamers or green balloons. I like the balloons better, but this is your party and-"

  I cut her off with my magic. She still smiled.

"Pinkie, first I need to know. Will you keep this a secrete or do I have to bring my guards."

  The mare somehow got out of my magic and was standing over Flutter and Nymph once more.

"Don't worry, Queen Emmy. I Pinkie Promised after I found out. I don't want to lose a friend. Especially a changeling friend! I mean, how cool is that! A best friend who can become who ever they want!

  I think that you are the coolest thing since Rainbow Dash did a sonic rainboom!"

  She smiled ear to ear. This mare was the most trustworthy and craziest pony I have ever met. Though it might be a good idea to befriend an element of harmony.

  If she trusts us maybe the rest will too. Maybe we can finally be out in the open.

"Emmy?"

  I almost forgot about the pink mare.

"Yes, Pinkie?"

"Can I hold her?"

  I looked down at Flutter who was attempting to bite her cotton candy mane. Nymph glared at Pinkie, he didn't like it when ponies or changelings kept him from playing.

"Nymph do you mind?"

"Huh. Oh well..."

  Pinkie looked down at him with the biggest puppy dog eyes in the world. I swear the almost popped out of her head. Not even Locust would stand a chance against those eyes.

  Nymph broke quickly and dropped his disguise from fright. She didn't care, she just wanted to hold the little princess nibbling on her tail.

" Fine, but if one silk hair is harmed..."

  He shook one hoof threateningly at her. She then picked up Flutterwing and starting playing. I closed my eyes to activate Hive Mind again.

"My family, the pink pony know as Pinkie Pie is of no harm to us. She herself found our hive. But she promises not to tell a soul. Treat her like she was part of our hive."

Through Chrysalis's Eyes

  It has been two days since Cicada left. My subjects, though few in number, were doing their best to collect love for us. We have traveled back into the Badlands searching for the nearest hive.

  The closest to the border was Silverwing. She want to keep her supply of love well enough and I knew she would help me. We have been friends ever since she was a princess.

  I made my way to one of the rock formations sticking out from the ground. I tapped it twice. Then a changeling turned visible with in a second.

"What is your business here?"

"We seek shelter. Our home was destroyed and our energy is almost gone. I even refused my rations for the sake of my subjects."

  The ling looked at me in surprise. He tapped on the rock five times and it opened up.

"This way Queen Chrysalis."

  We were escorted into the hive and received many stares from the grey shelled lings. It was not every day a queen of another hive visited.

  Most of them glared, I knew they believed we would steal their hive. Something most queens would do. But I was different, no ling, nor pony, would harm my children.

  My smaller hive sat outside the throne room as I walked up to Silverwing. She was not happy. I don't know why. She was the cheeriest of all the queens.

"Chrysalis, it's been a long time."

"Too long."

"Are you all right? Was your invasion a success?"

"Unfortunately, no. I underestimated these ponies."

"You should of taken my advise. You should of continued with the old ways."

"Yes, I know."

"I'm sorry for my subjects. We recently discovered a queen stole my daughter while she was being placed in a pony family."

"What!"

"Yes, I know.

chapter 14

"How far in the process?"

"Princess Flutterwing was taken when she was placed outside the Song residence. Chrysalis while in Canterlot, did you sense any thing?"

  I began to think, rubbing my hoof on m chin. So many ponies. It was not an element, they do not behave like a queen. Nor was it any of the guests.

  Maybe a queen arrived after my failed attack. Though highly improbable. Wait, maybe the little adviser? She was very nervous around me.

"Silverwing, I have a few suspects. But the important one must be saved for last. She is the adviser of Celestia, and has been for a long time.

  Celestia never let her leave her sight at the wedding. "

"Hmm. Thank you old friend. It seems the other queens were wrong in our friendship."

"Yes. Silverwing, may we discuss my hive?"

"Do not worry. They can stay here in my hive. Though you will be in a hidden cave. It will have a smaller love pool for you."

"Many thanks, Silver."

  She walked with me and my hive to her hidden cave, her broodlings hissing at us along the way. One tried to take a nip at my guard.

  Sliver stopped and looked at her hive worker. Her eyes filled with anger. It quickly backed off and no others tried anything.

  The cave was fit for a queen, which it was. The extra cave was meant for a hiding cave for the queen in case invaders break into their hive.

  I ushered my hive inside and thanked Silver again. Once I went inside, she levitated a boulder and blocked off the entrance.

  My broodlings looked up at me, their icy blue eyes were filled with fear. Being in another hive they felt vulnerable, weak, useless.

"Don't be afraid. We will soon find ourselves a new home, then maybe we can begin with business as usual."

  They gave me a reassuring smile. They maybe a little weak, but I would not give them up. They were all I had left.

Through Celestia's Eyes

  Shining Armor had the guard out in the gardens training. Pegasi flew as fast as they could and had to fight while flying.

  Unicorns used various spells against the training dummies. Most used a flame or freeze spell, but a few tried other spells.

  The earth ponies used weapons and their strength. Each one had to lift at least four hundred pounds before breaking.

  My little ponies were not going to allow a single changeling to pass through those gates. Silver Arrow stood firm as an earth stallion was trying to knock him down.

  It was quite comical since there were three pushing on my former commander. He oversaw the ones who used archery over a spear or sword.

  I couldn't help, but think about the princess Emerald wrote about. Was it truly safe to allow a changeling run around? I know she is in her hooves, but what if it were to escape?

  No. I must have faith in Emerald. She hasn't failed me yet. Besides my most faithful student is there.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  Before leaving the house , I disguised Flutterwing. Her swirled pink mane became straight and fell on her head. Her tail the same. Her coat was a a nice tan and it showed a bit of brown hoof.

  She was a pegasus. As a finishing touch I added some brown around her mouth, it looked faded. Her eyes remained pink, but it did not matter.

  Pinkie Pie looked at her and said her mane looked like her's while growing up. And that she looked like a mountain pony.

  "She looks so cool! Hey can you make her look like me? I always wanted a twin who was the same as me and everything!"

"Pinkie she has to look new."

"Oh. Well maybe later you can model the many faces of you!"

  My pony cheeks turned a slight pink.

"Hey Emmy?"

"Yes Pinkie."

"Is she suppose to glow green?"

  I turned to Flutterwing, she was glowing. Then I remember the note.

'She will shed into foal hood soon.'

  Her disguise ripped apart as she shed off her chitin. It was all done in a flash. Flutterwing looked up at me her body was bigger and her pink wings looked like a butterfly's, not a single hole in them.

  In fact, she didn't have any holes in her mane either. Her hooves only had one hole each. This was a princess of the past.

"Excuse me."

  Flutterwing spoke to me. Of course she did. A princess is born with the basic language. It helps for disguises.

"Hello, I never seen anything like that before. You grew up in seconds. How old are you? When your birthday? Do you like parties?"

"Pinkie please calm down."

  I looked down at the princess. She would need an explanation.

"Hello there. If you don't remember, your name is Flutterwing. I am Queen Emerald, the green queen. Your mom told me to watch you until further notice."

  She stared at me like I was an alien.

"Don't worry, I am a queen. I'm in disguise right now. May I put yours back on?"

  Slowly she nodded. Her eyes still staring at me and the pink mare. I reapplied her disguise and checked her over. Then I sent a message to my broodlings about what happened.

  Then we were ready to leave. And I began to ponder what her name would be if anypony asked. Merry Weather? Cloud Nine?Comet?

"Miss Emerald?"

  I stopped on the bridge leading to the small town. Flutterwing was still staring at me.

"Yes little one."

"Can I use my real name?"

  My mind pondered the thought, in fact it was a thought! I didn't think at first, but Flutterwing was now attached to my hive mind.

"Why?"

"Because it's so pretty and I don't want to have a fake name."

"Well all right, but be careful about what you say to ponies. They don't like changelings very much."

  Me, Flutterwing, and Pinkie Pie then continued down the road to, what was called, Sugar Cube Corner. It was a gingerbread house. Ponies sure love sweets.

  Pinkie went in first. She kept us outside until a pink hoof pulled us in.

"WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!"

chapter 15

    The entire shop was covered in brightly colored streamers and there were ponies everywhere. It looked as if the entire town shuffled into the tiny store. Maybe it was like that.

  Each pony had a bright smile, I could taste the love coming from them. True, friendly love. Flutterwing hid behind me, to her pony were monsters waiting to jump on you and put you in a cage.

  Silverwing's fear must have rubbed off on her. Pinkie trotted up to us with the biggest smile in the world.

"Sooooo. How do ya' like it?"

  I couldn't speak. Nymph was on my head. He jumped as soon as the door opened. Flutterwing looked around seeing all the ponies staring.

"You okay, Emmy?"

  Pinkie's smile disappeared, she was concerned. Then eight blurs sped past us, they made a blockade in front of us. Taking a better look I saw the blurs were my broodlings.

  Mantis readied his horn. Locust used his wings to block us more. Wormwood growled at the ponies. Tulip stomped her hooves. Cicada stared at them with daggers.

  Azure grabbed a pan with her magic, holding it threateningly. Onyx, instead of being frightening looked frightened. Leaf smiled at all the ponies looking like a maniac.

  Everypony backed away from the sight. Especially Leaf. Pinkie smiled seeing that the rest of her honored guests had arrived.

"Hi guys! Glad you could stop unpacking and join the party. Welcome to Ponyville!"

  In unison my blockade showed a look of confusion. Then Pinkie Pie brought them in for a group hug. Leaf was the only one who enjoyed it.

  Locust managed to get free from her death hug and wandered to the ponies. They backed up a bit more.

"Thank you all for participating."

  They stared at him in confusion.

"My family has been working on a play for quite some time. We needed to make sure the acts we would use were real enough, so we decided to try it out on regular ponies like yourselves."

  Pinkie let the rest go and trotted up to Locust.

"Great performance guys! You even got me scared!"

  Pinkie then was choked up on laughing and began rolling around on the floor. The ponies followed her, laughing at themselves.

"Best show ever!"

  A pony shouted at us, more began stomping their hooves in approval. Thanks Pinkie, you saved their tails.

"Now come on everypony, let's party!"

  The day went by in the shop with me and my broodlings wandering around talking to random ponies. Flutterwing did not want to leave my side, but Nymph followed Pinkie everywhere.

  She managed to show him to every single pony in the building. My broodlings warmed up to the ponies, acting friendly and laughing along with them.

  This is the best day I have ever had. I spotted a poster on the ceiling. It was glittering in the light and was written in curling letters. It looked lovely, but a closer look at it I noticed it wasn't in Equestrian.

  I pulled it down and read it.

'Dear Queen Emerald,

  If you found this then you are still living. I escaped my hive. I wish to join you in Ponyville, to help watch over Flutterwing. I am the same who left her out in the sun to be seen by your subjects.

  Please allow me to join you. I have news that my help you. I will serve you forever and never allow any harm come upon you. If you accept me, then just call my name.

Signed, Sunbeam.'

  I looked around the room. Somewhere among the sea of ponies was a rogue changeling hiding from its queen. Why me though? Why not some other queen?

"Sunbeam."

  I wandered around the room, Flutterwing following in suit.

"Sunbeam."

  I bumped into Azure, who was talking to a teal unicorn mare.

"Emerald, are you okay?"

"Cupcake read."

  She took the poster and read. Her face was in shock. Then she looked up and shouted at the top of her lungs.

"SUNBEAM!"

  The entire room turned to her. Her cheeks were a bright pink. Then a pony trotted out of the crowd. A red pegasus with grey eyes.

"You called?"

  He looked at us with his big grey eyes. A little filly stood by his side, a little orange pegasus. She stayed by Sunbeam's flank trying to be as close as she could to the pegasus.

"Sorry sir. My friend here didn't mean to shout out like that."

"It's quite alright, I was actually wanting to meet you, but I was occupied."

  He gestured to the pegasus at his flank. The ponies lost interest and went back to their conversations. I looked at Azure and smiled. She returned the smile and went back to the teal unicorn.

"Can we go somewhere a bit more private?"

  I nodded and went into the kitchen. He followed with the filly. Flutterwing stayed behind me avoiding the gaze of the two pegasi.

"So is it really you, Lady Emerald?"

"Yes, but why me?"

"Because you are the only queen who wouldn't lift a hoof against her own brood. You are our savior."

"Is there a reason why your 'daughter is in here?"

  The little filly looked up at me.

"This little one was found near Queen Ruby's hive. I got to her before a red shell touched her."

"Who is she?"

"The only pony to ever have a changeling as a dad."

  I stared at Sunbeam. His smile never wavered. He wasn't lying.

"Wha-"

Through Sunbeam's Eyes

  Queen Emerald didn't look too good, her disguise was failing. Fangs were showing and her hooves had holes. I undid the magic around my horn and fixed it for her.

"Like I said I got her before a red shell. They were raiding a village about two years back. Instead of taking the love they needed they captured the towns-ponies and brought them back to their hive.

  I saw two pegasi fight off a dozen changelings, but they eventually got caught. Before they moved to the pegasus behind them I changed my shell and eyes then grabbed her.

  Ever since then she's been by my side."

  Emerald  looked down to my child. Apparently still shocked, I hope she won't ask me to get rid of her like Silverwing.

"Sunbeam, you and your daughter are welcome to join my hive. But you have to live in your own home, I do not have enough room for more inside of the house."

"Thank you, my queen."

"Thank you, my queen."

Through Emerald's Eyes

  The little filly was bowing with him. A pony thought of me as her queen. A pony raised by a changeling. The world is becoming stranger every day.

"Sunbeam, this is Flutterwing. Just as you said, she shed before we left the house."

  He looked down at Flutter who was now in front of me. Smiling he waved a hoof, she gave a weak smile back. We went back to the party and enjoyed ourselves.

  Everyling was smiling, even Locust! Nymph, Flutter, and the orange filly ran around playing every game that was Pinkie had for us.

  At the end of the day, the party ended. Wormwood disappeared after the death hug in the beginning. I wonder where he went though.

  Locust held the door open for everyling and the orange filly. Luna's night was over the sky and just like last night she added galaxies and colors.

  Truly better than Celestia's sunset, which was slowed so much it barely moved. It must of made Luna mad because it wobbled before finally setting. Luna definitely won this round.

  Wormwood stood in the hall, smiling like his favorite food was coming to his mouth in heaps. Azure was the first to notice.

"What's up with you Wormy?"

"I am not saying anything until the Queen says that it's okay."

  I turned my head to him.

"What are you talking about, Wormwood?"

"Please, my Queen. Promise we can keep it, I mean, well..."

"Wormwood, if it's not going to be seen by anypony we can keep it. Now, what is it?"

Through Wood Well/ Wormwood's Eyes

  I led my hive mates and Queen to the basement door and had them shuffle down the stairs. I lit my horn and brightened the room.

"Wormwood, why bring us down here? There isn't a single thing down here."

"I'm glad you noticed, Sir Locust. If you just turn this way to the boxes we have left over..."

  I trotted over to the boxes and knocked three times. The boxes shifted, turning a bright green, then parted. It revealed the cave behind them.

  My hive mates jaws touched the ground, even the pony filly was in shock.

"Welcome to our new hive."

Through Nymph's Eyes

  This is so cool! I hope I get my own room with tons of moss!

Through Azure's Eyes

  Well Wormy, you did it this time. First you dig up Celestia's garden, now this.

Through Locust's Eyes

  I swear, Wormwood, you will be punished for this! I bet the Queen is thinking of a punishment right now.

Through Mantis's Eyes

  I can't believe this. I can't believe this at all.

Through Onyx's Eyes

  This is pretty nice. I hope that the queen won't hurt him though.

Through Tulip's Eyes

  Of all the things he could of done to the basement, this is the most creative, but stupidest thing ever.

Through Leaf's Eyes

  This is awesome! I can't believe it! I wish I was a hive worker!

Through Cicada's Eyes

  What he did was sweet. I remember the drawings mom showed me.

Through Flutterwing's Eyes

  I hope me and Nymph get a room together.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  My eyes must be deceiving me. It was impossible! Chrysalis tore my drawings to pieces when she saw them. But there it is, right in front of me.

  I went up for a better look. The doorway was massive, just like a cave. Everyling was staring at me, wondering what I was going to do. So I went up to Wormwood and spoke.

chapter 16

"I love it."

  Wormwood smiled again. He wanted to make me happy and he succeeded.

"Where did you-"

"I asked Mantis to make copies if the drawings you had. You said that you had a dream hive as a hatchling, my Queen."

  Mantis turned away. I caught a slight green hue from his face. My other broodlings walked to the entrance way. The cave must be massive if it's by my drawings.

  "Right this way everyling."

Through Wormwood's Eyes

  I led them down the tunnel, hoof made by me. I couldn't help myself. I played tour guide to them.

"Here we enter the hive making our way to the grand hall. As you can see it's lit by magic crystals fueled by changeling magic only.  Allowing only us to see this place.

  We are almost at the grand hall. Brace yourselves, this room is beautiful."

  The grand hall was as big as our house. Crystals formed a chandelier above us and slime floors softened our hooves. There was a large table in the center for whatever.

  Furniture made of rock and moss were along the walls. The walls themselves had banners hanging with the hives colors. Green and black.

"My Queen, if you may, the crystals need more light."

  Emerald nodded and lit her horn. She shot a luminous orb to the chandelier and it became brighter, lighting the ceiling in its' glow.

"By the Helix."

  The ceiling was painted with our story. How the queen found us and helped us. How she gave us hope. How she kept us safe. Our savior.

"A mural for you, my queen."

"Thank you again."

  I motioned to the tall doors at the other end. With one wave of my horn, they opened revealing our home. I heard them gasp at its glory.

"Its a spiral, down at least three stories. Enough room for flying. There are forty rooms, thirty-five of them are for sleeping. The five left over you can decide.

  There is also a training area at the bottom of the spiral. Complete with targets, dummies, mirrors, and anything else we need.

  Our plink pool is at the bottom as well, just off to the side through two, round doors. We have a great hatchery on the second floor, but it's missing the eggs.

  Don't worry my queen, I don't expect you to fill that area yet. Now that you've seen it, how do you like it?"

  My Queen came up to the edge and looked down at the spiral. Locust and Tulip stood at her sides, both keeping their wings open.

"Wormwood, you are amazing. You built this in a day and there is nothing you haven't missed. You got every detail, from the carvings on the pillars to the grand statues guarding.

  You have a wondrous kitchen on the second floor, I can sense it. There's the dining hall just a few doors down. And.......and......"

  "Your bedroom, my queen, is this way."

Through Emerald's Eyes

  Wormwood led us around the great spiral to the first story. It had many doors to it, but their was a large double door that I can only assume is my room.

  He opened the door for me as I approached it, the door had curving vines representing royalty. The room itself was gorgeous. I never expected less from my best hive worker.

  The bed was nice and round, the blankets made from silk. Though not our silk, silk from ponies. There was another chandelier of crystals, but this time they were multicolored instead of plain white or green.

  I fed my magic into them and they began glowing brighter. The room became a world of color. The light bounce off the mirror sending a beam through a window above the door.

  The beam went through the window and then a bright light came from the spiral. I trotted outside where my broodlings were staring upwards.

"Wormwood, what is that?"

"That, Tulip, is the Queen's throne room. Made of left over crystal and moss, it is truly the greatest room here. You can look at it later, my queen.

  I know for a fact we are all tired from a long day of partying and working. My queen we can sleep here or in the pony house tonight. As always, it's your choice."

  My mind looked around this world of light and wonder, then I thought. If we stayed down here tonight then somepony might think we're missing or try to open the box door.

"Tonight we sleep upstairs. We do not want a pony finding an empty house."

  Wormwood sealed the box doors behind us, Sunbeam turned to with a smile.

"My Queen, if you may?"

  He undid his disguise and bowed. His shell was still a dull grey. I took my horn and wrapped it around his shell, changing its color from the grey to a vibrant green.

"Welcome to my hive, Sunbeam and...?"

"Scootaloo, my queen."

  The filly bowed to me as well, though I sensed it was more out of fear than of love.

"Scootaloo, you do not need to be afraid. Unlike the queens circle, I do bot harm a pony. I find your kind amazing, how you create tall buildings and have so many colors."

  I shook in my shell. I had to add that affect getting a laugh from the little pony. She smiled at me and I smiled back.

"So are you, like, my mom now?"

  My heart almost stopped. My broodlings turned and stared at her. A pony asked if I was her mother. Nymph was angry at the little filly.

  She looked up at me with her big, purple eyes gleaming like the crystals. My mind began sending a silent message. I turned to my broodlings to see if they received it.

  They were leaving the basement, so they got it. Sunbeam was the last one to leave, giving a scared look in my direction. Then he shut the door.

"Why did my dad leave? Why did they leave?"

"Because I wanted to speak to you in private without them hearing on the other side of the door."

  We heard the sound of hooves scamper away from the basement door. Scootaloo turned to me, she was afraid.

  "Scootaloo, do you know what a changeling queen would do if a pony goes up to her and asks her if she would take them in?"

"No..."

"She would order her guards to take the pony to her dungeons."

  She started shaking in her horse shoes.

"But, I am not that queen. I am Queen Emerald of green. My dear you don't have to be afraid of me, I'm not going hurt you. Far from it in fact!

  My heart would break if a pony was harmed under my hoof. Dear Scootaloo, I will be happy to be your mother. Though don't go telling anypony that your family is a hive of changelings."

She stopped shaking and jumped onto me.

"Oh thank you. I always wanted a mom! Well I had one before, but you get it!"

"Of course, my dear daughter of the hive. Welcome home."

  I summoned my magic and created a small crystal shell and laid it on the little filly, slipping her wings through the holes. I then changed the colored from clear to a vibrant green. She buzzed her wings in excitement.

"I love you, mom."

chapter 17

  The reset of the night was uneventful, everyling was in their beds when me and Scootaloo came up from the basement. Though Sunbeam slept in the kitchen on the floor.

"Is he okay?"

  My newest broodling snored heavily shifting onto his stomach.

"Yes, come on little ling. Let's get to bed."

  I brought the pair into the attic and placed Sunbeam on my bed. I tucked him in on one side and climbed on the other. Scootaloo climbed up between us and crawled under the covers.

  It was an adorable sight. The little filly cuddled her 'father' and fell asleep. He shifted to face her and smiled in his deep slumber. I never saw a greater connection between two creatures.

  I laid down and joined my family in dreamland.

Through Luna's Eyes

  Sister should of not made the sun be a tortoise if she did not want to be hit. My lighting certainly frightened Tia and she was struck. Never mess with my night.

  I sat on the balcony watching my stars move. I hope my friends saw their light in the sky. I hope they are all right. Sister was fooled by that letter Emerald had made.

  I believe now it is time to visit my little changeling. My horn glowed a glorious midnight blue and I was transported to my dream-scape.

  Doors upon doors covered the entire field. I walked amongst them for some time searching for little Nymph's. I stopped at a deep purple door and opened it.

"And that class, is how you change a manticore into a kitten."

  This was Twilight Sparkle's door. She was teaching a class in Canterlot, A standard classroom, except for the tiny kitten on the floor clawing her tail.

  I shut the door just as the kitten changed into a manticore again and ran for the door. I gave a sigh of relief, then a pair of claws poked through the wood nearly clipping my wings.

  I continued down the field and stopped at a yellow door with green vines. Opening it, I saw a little yellow pegasus screaming at the top of her lungs.

  Blinking my eyes I looked again, she was playing a guitar in front of millions of ponies, wearing heavy black makeup, and sounded like one of those metal groups Tia warned me about.

  I shut the door with caution and backed away. The next door better be Nymph's, I truly need to label these things. I finally halted at a black and green door.

  Slowly I opened it, hearing music from the other side. Huzzah!

"Nymph, your Night Queen as arrived!"

"Luna!"

  A little changeling jumped towards me. Little Nymph looked so happy, and so was I.

"Dear friend, we missed you. "

"I missed you to Luna. I really need someling to talk to."

  I pulled young Nymph from our hug.

"What is wrong?"

  He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well, mom brought in another ling. It was Sunbeam and he had someling with him. But she wasn't a ling, she was a pony! Mom said they would be living in our hive now."

"You do not wish for a pony to be in your home?"

"Well, yeah. But I don't hate ponies! I just fell weird around her, like my insides are gonna turn outsides."

  I chuckled at my friend.

"What's so funny?"

"Little Nymph, you will understand when your older. When you truly understand love."

"I'm a changeling! I already understand love! How to eat it, how to find it, how to use it around ponies, and how love makes ponies be goofy."

"And are you not goofy around this pony?"

"Well, I did trip on the way home and tried talking to her, but my mouth felt like moss."

"Do you understand why?"

"No."

"Do not worry, friend. You will soon. Now, are we not going to play our games?"

"Yea---n---Let's go play!"

Through Emerald's Eyes

  The sun rose early today, I guess Celestia was not happy about losing again. I stretched my hooves and sighed. Today Nymph was going to school and now Flutterwing will join him.

  I tried to get out of the bed, but couldn't. I opened my eyes and saw what blocked me. My broodlings were laying on the bed.

  I don't know how the bed was holding them all. Nymph and Flutter were on my legs while everyling else was spread out quite evenly.

  Sunbeam and Scootaloo were still in the same spot. With my free hoof I nudged the sleeping ling. He stirred a few seconds after. His grey eyes staring.

"My Queen, I didn't--I mean-"

"It's alright Sunny. I put you two here since the other rooms were full, but I think they are empty now."

  He looked over at the sleeping lings on the bed, then to his filly.

"Is she going to leave?"

"No Sunny, she is staying. No matter how much the ancients say that it is not the way. Now, how about some breakfast?"

  Sunbeam and Scootaloo sat at the table, both trying had not to yawn. I was cooking today since Onyx was still sleeping like a baby.

  I looked back at the pair, Sunbeam did not look like other changelings. In fact, he looked similar to a princess in her adult hood. Very strange.

  His mane was black like his chitin, but was also light enough to be seen. I was scruffy and pulled back like Time Turner's, a earth stallion who attended the wedding.

  If this was Silverwing's attempts at creating the first changeling prince, she did a wonderful job. His eyes were still grey, I'm guessing he was not allowed to look exactly like a royal ling.

  Scootaloo's mane looked just like it did yesterday. I'm guessing she didn't care for combing. Her eyes drooped from being wakened from her sleep.

  Then I added a special ingredient to the pancakes. Sunny's head was upright and alert. Scootaloo immediately sniffed the air smiling.

"Queen, is that?"

"Yes, Sunny it is."

  Being raised by a changeling for a while would have giving anypony the senses of a changeling. She was able to figure out what the new scent was and what it does for nutrients.

"Here you go. Enjoy."

  The pair looked at each other before beginning a eating contest. As they scarfed down the plink filled pancakes, there was a thunder of hooves racing down the hall.

  "My Queen! I could of cooked if you woke me!"

"Onyx it's quite alright. Helix knows that you needed to get away from the stove for a bit."

  He didn't object any further, instead he sat down with the rest of the lings and I floated over more plates of the delicious treats.

  After breakfast, I assigned to everyling, except Sunny and the foals, to find work. After a quick salute they exited the house and made the short journey to the little town.

  Sunny wanted to take me on a tour since he lived here for a while as a scout. I wanted to see the school house first though. But I know we will come across that bridge when we get to it.

"And over there is the market place. That's the town hall. You already been to Sugar Cube Corner."

  We walked with the two lings and pony around town occasionally spotting one of the others talking to some ponies.

  "And that Golden Oaks Library, home of the Element Leader, Twilight Sparkle."

  Then a purple mare sopped in front of us, blocking our path. I heard voices in my head telling me to run. But how could I? The mare already recognized me.

"Lady Emerald! It's good to see you again. Princess Celestia sent me a letter about the recent 'news'. So where is the little...thing."

  I should have known Celestia would tell the leader of harmony about the threat. How did it slip my mind? Never the less I must deal with this.

"Thing? Miss Twilight what thing?"

  Sunny stared at Twilight, obviously afraid. Twilight looked at me in confusion.

"The," She looked around, "changeling princes? Celestia said you were bringing to Ponyville for safe keeping. She said that I was to interrogate it."

  Nymph and Scootaloo appeared from behind us, they were very angry.

"You aren't laying a hoof on my friend!"

"Yeah! We can take her mom! Let me at her!"

  Twilight looked down at Scootaloo. And I should of guessed that she knew her as well.

"Scootaloo, how is Emerald your mom? She can't be your mom. I understand Sunbeam because we did a genetics test. But Emerald can't be your mom."

  I put my hoof down, she may not be my child, but I know blood won't stop it.

"Miss Twilight, Emerald is......well.....she's.....my......."

Scootaloo piped up.

"She's dad's special somepony!"

  Twilight looked at us in complete confusion. I was blushing so much, I could be a tomato. Scootaloo smiled and nudged Sunny who, as well, could be a tomato.

"Oh....yes.....We have been writing to each other for quite a while. And this is one of the few times we see each other......and"

"That's so sweet."

  Thank you, Scootaloo. You made me and Sunny look like complete morons, but you saved our shells. Twilight motioned to the library.

"So about the 'thing'."

  There was no avoiding it. So me and my little group trotted inside Golden Oaks and sat in a circle trying to block the purple unicorn from sitting with us.

  Unfortunately, she found an opening and sat between Flutter and Nymph. Her smile was still on her face as she summoned a notebook and quill.

"Emerald, can you please tell me about the changeling."

  "Twilight, please, I feel very mixed about this. After all, the princess is just a baby."

  Flutterwing shot a glare in my direction, but hid it when Twilight looked to her notebook.

"Emerald, I have to know. After the attack on Canterlot, scholars have been searching for any information about the creatures. This may be the only chance we have to learn more about them."

"Twilight, your 'learning' is also a chance for a changeling to reveal itself and for a guard to pounce on the poor thing to toss it in the dungeons."

  She wrote something in the notebook and looked back at me.

"Emerald, are protecting the changeling?"

  There was a long silence. I heard a very annoying voice in my head, it sounded like---

  "Twilight!"

  All eyes were on the pink party pony standing in the door way. Immediately, she shut the door and ran right up to the purple mare.

"Pinkie Pie! What are you doing!"

"I'm sorry Emmy, but I have to break a Pinkie Promise! Please give me permission to break it so you won't get hurt!"

"Pinkie, as long as you don't tap into my head again, you may. Just tie her down first."

"Tie me dowOWWN?!"

  Pinkie pie produced a rope out of nowhere and tied Twilight up in the thing. She, Twilight, struggled to get out of the triple-knotted, snake tongue. I used it on more than one occasion myself.

"What's going on Pinkie? Let me go!"

"I'm sorry Twilight, but Emmy right. If you knew, you would have sent a letter telling Princess Celestia about it and she would locked my new friends away forever!

  And I don't want them to go away forever! They are nice, sweet, and positively the most amazing friends I have! Well besides you and Rarity and Applejack and Rainbow-"

  I stuffed my hoof into the mare's mouth. She was giving me a migraine.

"Knew what, Pinkie?"

  She pushed my hoof away and spoke slowly this time.

"Oh yeah! Emmy and her family are changelings!"

  Then Twilight fainted.

chapter 18

  "Should we wake her?"

"It's been three hours and I think the dragon pup is going to be home soon."

"Mom, what's gonna happen now?"

  I was too busy staring at the purple mare. Pinkie Pie interrupted, what I call, a interrogation because she care for us. She didn't blurt out, she asked my permission first.

"Pinkie how did you know we was here?"

  Pinkie was nowhere to be found. We looked all around the room and kitchen, but no sign of her. Then a black blur jumped on me.

"Emmy look! I'm a changeling!"

  She was prancing around the room in a jet-black suit with green goggles. Her mane was tied back like a fin, she had plastic green wings on her back and a crooked carrot painted black on her head.

  Nymph, Flutterwing, and Scootaloo fell and rolled on the floor in laughter. Sunny ran to the nearest window and stuck his head out laughing. Many ponies stared at him like we was as crazy as Leaf.

  Then she stood up. I was the only one who saw her and she saw me. I looked over a the little ones, Nymph and Flutterwing had no disguises any more. Must of laughed it off.

  I placed myself between Twilight and them. She reared head, her horn glowing. I began charging my horn as well. Then out of nowhere two blurs stood behind her waiting for my signal.

  I shook my head, Locust and Tulip would only make things worse. Sunny was now away from the window and stood in front of Twilight.

"Sunbeam, move out of the way."

  He held his head up.

"No."

"Sunbeam, I'm not kidding. Those two foals there are changelings. I understand Pinkie's little joke there," she pointed her hoof over at the pink mare who was trying to get past the two lings behind, her, Twilight.

"But these two have to be taken care of."

"You mean blasted away into piles of dust?"

"What! No, I mean tied down so I can talk to them."

"Miss Twilight, you should know better than to threaten foals. Look at them, they are not doing any harm at all. And Miss Pie was not joking, she just wanted to keep Emm---Emerald from frowning."

"If Pinkie's isn't joking then that's all the more reason for you to move. Scootaloo you should move away too."

"No, Twilight. I'm not leaving my mom."

  She froze.

"Wha? Scootaloo, Emerald is a changeling. That means she can't be your mother, it's illogical. It's insane."

"Twilight, please listen. Do you even hear her voice? She's afraid, just like me. Twilight, I promise that you will get all the information you want for your book, if you don't harm Emerald or her family."

"Hmm."

  Twilight sat down, her horn's lessened as she brought back her notebook and quill. Sunny sat as well and motioned for us to follow. Locust and Tulip disappeared, I think they used the vanishing trick and took Pinkie with them.

"I trust you, Sunbeam. Now first thing is," she flipped through her notebook, "Can you change into your true form, I would like to see you as you are."

  I looked at Sunny who gave a small nod. I stood up and was engulfed in green flames. a strand of my mane fell over my eye, only going as far as my eye.

  Twilight scooted back from the flames and stared at me.

"You're not a regular changeling."

  I blushed, my cheeks becoming a lime color.

"No, I'm not. I am Queen Emerald of green. But you can still call me Emerald."

  She scribbled more down and turned to Sunny, who was in flames himself. He must of caught flame from being so close to me.

"Sunbeam?"

  He became his regular self. Twilight looked as if she didn't know what to believe.

"Okay, so let me think. Sunbeam, father of Scootaloo, is actually a changeling. You, the Princess's adviser, are a changeling queen. And those two are your kids?"

"Well, yes. Except I just met Sunny yesterday."

"Okay, so how do I know can still trust you?"

"Twilight Sparkle, would I have revealed my form if I didn't trust you?"

"Actually, you did it because I asked and Sunbeam was a pony a second ago."

"Details."

"Hmm. All right, but I will need to write Princess Celestia a letter about this."

"Please Twilight don't tell her we're changelings."

"Why shouldn't I? She needs to know!"

"Twilight, please. My family and I are like the others hives on this one. We still are afraid of the Sun Queen."

  She scribbled in her notes again.

"All right, but you have to tell Princess Celestia about," she gestured to us, "this."

  I did a Pinkie Promise copying the movements that Pinkie showed me.

"Twilight, you may ask now."

  She pulled her note book close to her this time.

"How many Queens are there besides you?"

"Eight, if you count Queen Chrysalis."

"Are any of them friendly?"

"To their hives, yes, to each other and ponies, no. Some queens are more vicious to their hives than others."

"Oh my. Uh, how do you feed off love?"

"That is simple. We don't feed off just love, we feed off all emotions. Love is just our primary food,, but we try to avoid hate as much as we can. It can change a ling from the best soldier to a pile of black goo."

"What is really happening with the changeling threat you told Celestia about?"

"You see, Twilight. Oh dear. I think I should start the beginning on this one. Ready with that quill?"

  Twilight gave a nod.

"As you know I gave the Princess a letter and the note on silk, and she probably sent it to you. Well," I summoned my magic and made the small silk letter appear and gave it to Twilight,

"This is the true note, written by Sunny when he was transporting the Princess to Canterlot. My family and I of course panicked since she was left outside without a disguise..."

I told Twilight all that happened to this point, and all through it she scribbled notes down in her book. When I was finally one talking the door busted open again by the pink pony.

"Twilight! Please don't hurt Emmy!"

  Twilight looked up from her book to the crazy mare.

"Don't worry Pinkie, it's settled. I won't hurt Emerald unless she does something to harm somepony."

  Then all around us their was a explosion. When the dust settled we saw that the room was decorated like Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie had a cannon with her.

"Then it's time foooor..."

  She twirled around the room pulling a rope with four mares attached. The door shut and she stopped releasing the mares and pulled another rope.

".....The Thank-You-For-Not-Sending-My-Friends-To-A-Big-Scary-Dungeon-In-Canterlot-Party!"

  I leaned over to Twilight.

"Are you positive that she's sane?"

"It's just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. Just don't think about it or you'll get a headache."

  It took longer than we thought to convince the other Elements to not send for an army. The most resisting came from Loyalty who tried to fly out, but was caught in Twilight's magic.

  My little group stayed as far as they could away from the mare, but Scootaloo ran right up to her with a smile. I heard her talking in her sleep the night before about the mare and how much she wanted her to be her sister.

  We stayed at Twilight's for some time until it was well past midnight. We bid the mares farewell and made our way home, Twilight accompanied us to make sure we wouldn't sneak away.

"So you're living in Ponyville?"

"Only temporarily, we don't want Silverwing's hive to reach Equestria's Capital and the Everfree is the closest to that hive. But Queen Ruby's hive is within the forest, so I don't know how long it will take them to pass her hive."

"Why would she have her hive inside Equestria is changeling's are afraid of Celestia and Luna?"

"Because she's a mad mare."

  We stopped outside our home where my broodlings stood in the small garden. Locust stepped forward and bowed, they rest following his lead. Sunny bowed with them.

  I nodded and they ushered inside. Twilight was confused, I could taste it.

"They will not leave their queen alone with a pony for so long."

"Oh okay. Hey, tomorrow can I see your hive?"

"I would be wrong to deny you that privilege. You know, since you have to study changelings. And I hope you will trust us soon, I wish not having only the pink one as a protector."

  We went our separate ways and slept in our homes. Not knowing want the next day has in store.

chapter 19

Through Twilight's Eyes

  I sat down at the table while Spike made breakfast, he had a bruise on his back from last night. Poor Spike, he walked in around seven and Pinkie thought he was the pin-the-tail on the pony poster.

  He was still sore that I had to cast a pain relief spell on him every hour. This morning he was making pancakes, with a small bottle of pink liquid that Emerald gave him.

Knock Knock Knock

"I'll get it."

  Spike jumped off the stool and ran to the door. I returned to the newspaper on the the table and blocked out the world. Until...

"Twily!"

"Shining Armor?"

  My big brother was standing in the doorway of my kitchen in his purple armor, while Spike went back to his pancakes. There was another guard by his side, a pegasus.

"Shiny what are you doing here?"

"Princess Celestia sent me to oversee the guards in Ponyville since this is where the changeling queen will pass through before Canterlot."

"Guards?"

"Yeah, half of the guard is here, their looking for any signs of changeling activity. Hey what's that smell?"

  Spike turned around on his stool and looked at Shining.

"Oh, that's my new recipe for pancakes. Emerald came by yesterday and gave Twilight this."

  He shook the little pink bottle in his claw. Shining took the bottle in his magic and looked it over. I got up and stood in front of him, watching him.

"Hmm, Twily why did Emerald give you this?"

"She said that it adds great flavor to any food. She uses it quite often."

"Hmm."

  There was another knock, this time softer.

"I'll get it, Spike."

  I trotted past the pegasus who eyed me suspiciously. I opened the door with my magic.

"Welcome to the Golden Oaks Library, we are currently closed for now. What can I do for you?"

"Twilight, if I'm going to stay as long as I'm then my children have to go to school."

Through Emerald's Eyes

"School? Are you sure that Pinwheel and Flutterwing would like that?"

"They have been excited ever since Scootaloo told them about her friends."

"Well okay. Where are they?"

"With Sunny at the park. Is there somepony here?"

  My question was answered when a white unicorn in purple armor trotted up to the door. This was Twilight's brother, captain of the guard, and husband to the Love Queen.

"Lady Emerald, I was just about to see you."

"Well you see me now, but right now me and Twilight are going to the schoolyard to see if Pinwheel can get into school."

"Emerald, I want to see the changeling."

  I froze, again. How many ponies waned to see a changeling?

"I'm sorry, but she's not with me right now."

"What? This isn't some little pony playing a trick, that creature must be locked down."

"Shiny wait."

  Twilight stood next to me, I could taste her fear and anger. She's worried her little subject would be lost. She was fascinated by Flutter's lack of holes.

  "I met her yesterday, she's just a filly. She's a changeling, but a little filly."

  The captain rubbed his chin, thinking about this.

"A changeling is a changeling, but a filly can't be too hard to handle. Where is it?"

"'She', Captain, is currently enjoying the sunshine. I promised to protect her and that I shall. It was the only way to get her to trust me."

  Twilight nodded, I made her swear not harm her.

"Twily, I need to see the changeling. There's a lot of lives at stake here."

  Twilight stared at her elder brother, waiting for me to help. I however had a different problem.

"My Queen, there are many guards around the park. They are getting too close to us, we can't leave. Help."

"I am on my way, Sunny."

  I turned to leave the captain when he moved in front of me.

"Emerald, I have to see it."

"There is nothing that will stop you, is there? Very well, you can see her, but do not lay a single hoof on her. Yours or your guard's."

  We made our way to the park and I immediately spotted Sunny and the children. They were huddled against a tree to hide from the passing guards. Nymph spotted me too, and ran down the hill.

"MOMMY!"

  I was tackled down by my child.

"Mommy I'm scared. Those big ponies are gonna take Flutter away!"

"Calm down sweetie, nopony is going to take Flutter."

  Nymph smiled softly and looked up to see the captain. Nymph took one look at him and ran off.

"SUNNY!"

  Shining Armor was full of confusion, it tasted like lemons. He turned to me still confused, while Twilight helped me up.

"What?"

"My son, he knows who you are and guessed why you're here."

"What?"

"He knows you're gonna try something."

"What?"

"Just follow me."

  Sunny was trying to keep Nymph from climbing a tree while we approached them.

"Emerald is everything a-"

  He stopped seeing the captain, every changeling was afraid of him and his wife after the Canterlot invasion. They believed he would make them fly across the sky too, if he found out.

"Sunny, this is Shining Armor, captain of the royal guard. He wishes to see Flutter, where is she?"

"After Pinwheel ran down the hill, she climbed into the tree to hide from him."

  He pointed a hoof at the captain, who remained silent. The guard were getting a little closer to us, I could taste their emotions, mostly they were bored.

"Flutterwing, please come down."

"No! The mean pony is going to hurt me!"

"Flutter, please."

"No!"

"I have chocolate."

"Gimme!"

  She jumped from the tree branch, snatched a chocolate bar I conjured and was now hovering while snacking on the candy. Noling can resist chocolate. The captain stared at her for a few moments before speaking.

"Hello little one, I am-"

"Oh hush! I'm eating."

  Flutterwing turned her back to the captain, who was angry at being hushed.

"Now look here, you are in Equestria and you have to obey our laws. You don't just come here an-"

"I didn't come here, a scout placed me in here. You should just blame my mother, everypony is. 'Silverwing is just bidding her time.' 'Silverwing is just waiting for a reason to go to war.' 'The green queen better look out.'

  It's just so irritating hearing all of that and not being able to kick them in the flank! I'm glad to be gone. Noling is gonna make me go back to that Infernus!"

"Flutterwing!"

  I looked down at the young ling, no creature this young should use that language. I hope Nymph won't pick up this language.

"Captain as Celestia's royal adviser, I advise you to leave."

"As captain of Princess Celestia's royal guard, I will stay. I can't allow this changeling to roam free."

"So you're going to lock her in a cage like some animal."

"If necessary."

"Changelings may have ruined your wedding, but that does not mean all of them are to blame."

  Out of anger I cast a teleportation spell around us and left the captain alone. I knew he wouldn't be able to trace it since it was caused by emotion.

chapter 20

  We appeared inside my house moments later, Sunny and the young lings were used to this kind of teleportation. Ponies were not. Twilight was on the ground trying to hold her breakfast in. Scootaloo was lying on Sunny's back doing the same.

"I am truly sorry, but I had no choice. It was either this your blasting him into oblivion."

"It's," Twilight grabbed her stomach, "alright."

"Twilight, you did eat your breakfast didn't you?"

"No, Shining came in before I could then you came over."

"No wonder you're sick, that bottle was filled with plink. It was to prepare you in case I had to us a mass teleportation spell."

  I trotted into the kitchen and grabbed one of the tiny bottles and trotted back out to the living room. I gave it to Twilight and brought out a second one and gave it to Scootaloo.

"Scootaloo, this is what you get for skipping breakfast."

"At least I can miss school tomorrow."

"No you don't young lady. You have to go."

"But dad!"

  It was amusing to see the pair argue over something normal. Twilight sat down sipping the bottle, she was smiling. One of the many side affects on ponies.

  We sat down in the living room and waited. Though I doubt that it's possible for the captain to trace us, it does not mean that he can't ask around. I just hope he won't find us.

Knock Knock

  Here we go. I trotted to the door and readied my horn. I slowly opened the door and peeked outside.

"My queen, who is it?"

  I couldn't speak, the sight of the group in front of my house was insane! But I didn't let it stop me.

"Changelings."

  There were changelings out in the open, no disguises at all! I saw many different colored shells, the majority were red. I even saw purple shells. Queen Peony was supposed to be the kindest of the Queens Circle.

  Once they saw me they began bowing, I counted about sixty of them. Wormwood, your creation is going to be their new home. One by one they came inside, Sunny pointed them in the direction of the cave so they didn't overcrowd us.

"Emerald what's going on?"

  I turned to Twilight who was standing watching the last of them go into the basement.

"Twilight this is not my doing. These changelings believe me to be their salvation and I won't deny it. I'm the only queen who can help them."

"Why can't they make their own hive? Why do they have to come to Ponyville?"

"They need a princess or a queen to have a hive. And they are here because I'm here."

"And why are you here?"

"To keep Silverwing from reaching Canterlot."

"Why are you really here?"

"To keep Silverwing from reaching-"

"Why are you really here!"

"To keep Silverwing from getting the orb!"

  I never was this angry in my entire life. But I let it get the better of me, luckily those new changelings are not connected to my hive mind just yet. Or else Twilight would be pinned and blasted.

  Scootaloo hid under Sunbeam, her fear tasted sour. I don't see why other queens enjoy fear. I hated seeing my family in fear of me.

"Orb?"

Sigh

"Yes, the orb. It is the single most powerful device known to changeling kind. It has the power to wipe away the enemy of the user. It can also be used for good. In any case, the Orb of Helix can do what ever the user wishes.

  Princess Celestia hid it away here in Ponyville and I believe that is what Sliverwing is going after. I will explain more, but I think it is time for me to address my new subjects. Follow me."

  I brought them down to the basement where two changelings stood guard by the caves entrance. One had a red shell, the other had tan. Lings from each hive came to me.

  They followed us down into the cave, through the grand hall and into the spiral chamber. Everyling moved out of my way as I came up to the edge. I turned to all of them.

  My little group stood in the front, and all eyes were on me. I could hear their voices in my head.

"Attention everyling. I have something you need to hear. As you know, Queen Silverwing is coming to our hive to retrieve her child Princess Flutterwing. She believes that I have kidnapped her child."

  The room was filled with angry buzzing.

"But, I believe this is just a cover up for a greater plan. One that could mean the end of ponies and changelings alike. The grey queen is after the Orb of Helix. The great sphere sent to changelings to rebuild our homeland.

  You all know the story of how the Sun Queen went to war with us so long ago and stole the orb from us."

  There was many nodding.

"But that is not the true story. We indeed, were at war with ponies, but the orb was not taken by an alicorn. It was taken by an earth mare.

  This mare infiltrated the hive where the orb was held and took it under our noses."

Flashback: Through Lucky Lass's Eyes

  The war went on for so long, nopony trusted each other in fear that they were the enemy. My husband was taken from me by those monsters. I will make them all pay.

  I took out into the wilderness in search for one of their lairs. It took me three days, but I found one. It was filled with the little diaboluses. They had yellow shells instead of the red ones Ponyville is used to.

  I need a disguise, but what? And just as my name says it, I found a full body shell. Perfect. I pulled the discarded shell over my body and looked into the nearby river.

  Now instead of having my blue coat with green markings, it was pitch black. My green mane was hidden under the black shell. And a spot on my back was yellow.

  The only problem was that the horn shell was floppy. I quickly found a stick and placed it inside the small compartment. It would hurt a little, but now I looked like one of the enemy.

  I trotted out in the open to the lair's opening. There was a lot of yellow eyes looking my way, but none said anything. I was able to get inside without any of them taking a second glance.

"Hey!"

  Pony feathers.

"Yes, sir?"

"Name and rank."

  This one was big, really big. He wore armor that was bright yellow matching his eyes.

"I am...uh..."

"Spit it out!"

"I am Valiant. I am a soldier, here to serve the queen. I was ambushed by ponies. Had no choice, but to run back to base. Gave many of 'em burnt coats."

"Carry on soldier and get dry. Your wings are drooping."

  He then trotted down the cave to another changeling to shout some more. I ran quickly down the tunnels. I have to find something these stupid things held dear. Maybe in the main room.

  It took hours, but I found a room that was huge! This room has to be important. I looked around the room and found a sphere sitting on a pedestal.

  It had black markings on it so it must be important. I took the sphere and stuffed it inside my disguise. Then, like a timberwolf runs from fire, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.

chapter 21

Through Emerald's Eyes

"Lucky Lass ran into Ponyville, holding the orb up high. The ponies didn't know why, but the changelings took one look at her and ran away.

  They ran because they could taste her vengeful emotions. They believed she was going to wipe them out. Princess Celestia came to Ponyville as the last of them disappeared to the forest.

  She knighted Lucky Lass and the Ponyville citizens gave her a statue. The ruling queens at the time were told by these changelings that the Sun Queen stole it and threatened to destroy them."

  A few red shells moved to the back of the group.

"Ever since then we hid from ponies, letting them believe we killed ourselves off. They rid every evidence of our existence to keep themselves from attacking each other.

  The Sun Queen wanted to be sure we were gone. We know it as the Great Burning. Any hope for peace was lost, without the orb we couldn't repair our home.

  We lived in caves because of her, waiting. Trying to locate the orb. That was the sole purpose of the Queen's Circle. They lost interest in the orb, playing it off as a legend.

  But now, peace is possible. I have befriended the element magic, laughter and the Moon Queen. The other elements are sure to follow if Twilight Sparkle gives us her word of protection."

  All eyes turned to Twilight, some buzzed threateningly. Sunny nudged her side.

"Oh, uh.......I give you my word?"

"We can be friends with ponies once again, even after Queen Marigold's spell. Flutterwing please come up."

  The young princess came up to my side.

"Princess Flutterwing of pink, one of the two lings with the old traits. Her father has no holes in his mane, tail, hooves, or wings.

  Flutterwing has no holes except for two. She has the wings of the old queen. This means the spell is fading, we will soon be like the ponies in the olden days."

  Twilight spoke up.

"Emerald, this doesn't make any sense. If the parent and daughter share the same traits, then it's only their descendents that will receive these traits."

"I knew you would say that, Twilight. Flutterwing is the direct decedent of Queen Marigold, the spell is reversible. All we need is the spell book and the orb."

  Twilight thought for a moment.

"Where is the book?"

"In the one place no changeling would go, Queen Ruby's hive."

  Everyling winced, half of the red shelled fainted.

"We will worry tomorrow about how the book will be retrieved. Today we celebrate your arrival. Welcome to Ponyville, welcome to your hive."

"Did somepony say celebrate!"

  Out of nowhere, the element laughter jumped from the crowd. She quickly pulled a rope with the other element bearers tied to it. Not again.

  Most of them didn't know what to think, but after seeing my approval they broke into dance and play. I took the chance to speak with Twilight alone.

  I grabbed her around her waist and flew up to the crystal throne room. After landing I trotted to the door and went in, Twilight followed.

"Twilight can you ensure that Celestia will not harm me."

"Well..."

"I'll take that as a no."

  I sat down on the green crystal throne. It was extremely soft.

"Can I trust your word?"

"My word?"

"Your word of protection. I want to tell Celestia. I wanted to tell her for years about what I am. But I wanted to have somepony to be there in case she rejects it. And......"

  Twilight conjured some chocolate on a plate and placed it on the ground.

"Emerald, as long as you promise to protect us, you have my word."

"Thank you, Twilight."

  I gave her the biggest hug I ever gave. And I cried. She pushed me away after a moment, smiling. I smiled back.

"I think I should go change their colors now."

  Everyling was excited to be rid of their original colors. Some even continuously thanked me for a minute or two. All in all this night was great, I was told that two of them placed a cloaking shield around the house to hide anyling caught outside without a disguise.

  I gave them the job to keep this up. The others would continue their jobs here in my hive. My children would, of course, watch over them and lead them.

  I went down the spiral towards the kitchen, noling was going to stop me from creating the best meal they ever had. Except Onyx.

"My Queen! You don't have to cook, I am perfectly capable of cooking for the entire hive."

"Onyx, I'm not cooking alone. You are to help me."

  We spent a good two hours preparing and fixing dinner. When we were almost done with the giant pot of soup, this thing was as big as me!

  I sent a letter to Princess Luna, inviting her to dinner. She would help my newest broodlings trust ponies more. While Onyx stirred the soup, a ling came inside the room and bowed to me.

"My Queen, may I speak to you?"

"You already are, but go ahead."

"I am from your mother's hive. Do you wish to know more?"

  Mother?

"Yes, please."

"Your mother, Chrysalis, is currently hiding within Silverwing's cave. I was to send a message to you."

  His eyes changed to those double-ringed ones that had no mercy in them when my daughter disappeared. But now they were filled with fear and sadness.

"Emmy."

  It was mother. Speaking through her own.

"Emmy, I am sorry for all that I have done to you. My dear child, I do not trust Sliver any longer. Her soldiers have been drawing closer and closer to us.

  I fear she will turn on us and leave us to die at the hooves of her hive. Emmy, Cicada left me. I know it is a shock to know your daughter is alive, but-"

"Mother of mine, I know. She is here with me. What happened mother? How did you avoid the Helix code?"

"Child of mine, there is always a way around it. The Queen's Circle watched over her execution, but the didn't see the fault in the ling they saw die.

  It was her old skin, when she shed into adult hood. They thought she was still a filly."

"So you destroyed a dead skin?"

"Yes, my child. I am the first queen to leave the Queen's Circle. I would not allow my grand-daughter to be harmed by those monsters."

"Mother, you spared my Cicada?"

"Yes I did."

  This made no sense what-so-ever. Nothing could fix my mind around this.

"Excuse me, Queen?"

  Onyx was standing in front of me. Almost nothing could get him away from a stove, fire pit, or mixing bowel.

"Yes, Onyx?"

"Chrysalis is telling the truth."

"What do you mean?"

"Well......she had....to abandon me....and she told me....before I was left alone....to go find you. To...tell you.....Cicada was still.....alive."

"Are you saying that you were supposed to be the messenger?"

"Yes my, Queen. Please don't hurt me."

"I will not hurt you. Onyx you may go join the others, I need to speak to my mother."

  He bowed and backed out of the kitchen going to the dining hall.

"You took in a weakling?"

  I turned to the ling my mother spoke through.

"Yes. Unlike those other queens, I do not care for strength. As long as they have warrior spirit, they are welcome here."

"Emmy, I hate to ask, especially after all that I have done. My brood is down to three dozen, Silver is cutting our love supply to aid her soldier for battle, and we cannot survive here for much longer.

  My child, I ask you if you will aid us."

chapter 22

  My face remained neutral, but my mind was filled if anger. It was mostly Locust and Mantis silently screaming in my ear. Mother of mine.

"I'm sorry, mother. I have so many here already, there may be no room. And how can I be sure you won't pull any tricks?"

"Daughter, my only daughter, as we speak I am down to only a dozen including myself. They are making their way to you. You are their only hope.

  When they arrive please don't deny them on my account. They only followed my orders."

"I won't."

"Goodbye, dear daughter. I hope we cross paths soon."

  Then like that, the lings eyes went back to its icy blue color. He shook his head and blinked several times.

"Excuse me, Queen Emerald. I do not know what got over me."

"It's quite alright. I got the message, you are free to return to Chrysalis or stay here with me."

"With all due respect, ma'am. I will return to my queen. She needs me."

  He trotted to the door, but before he left I placed two jars in his saddlebags. One for him and one for mother. She may have done me harm, but she is still my mother.

  Dinner went along as planned, everyling and pony had a bowl of soup, a plate of hay fries, and a small plate of chocolate.The ponies present didn't question why.

  Scootaloo had to other foals next to her, an earth pony and a unicorn. These must be those fillies she told me about. I guess she was explaining why she wasn't at school.

  My new lings chatted amongst themselves, mostly about who they will be sharing a room with. It's going to be hectic trying to remember all their names.

"Mom, this is Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Can they stay over tonight?"

"Maybe, if you eat all of your food."

  Then as quickly as she stood up, she went to her seat, sat down and scarfed down her plate. To easy. Each plate had some plink in it and Helix knows they need it.

  Twilight recognized it at once because she looked over at me with a major smile. Not her doing, the plink's. Everypony who came had a smile on their face.

  After a few hours, it was time for them to go home. My brood went to the sleeping rooms and I led the ponies up to the front door.  From what I can tell, Scootaloo never told The unicorn or earth pony about a sleepover.

"Apple Bloom these are changelings! We don't know if they are gonna feed off ya!"

"Sweetie Belle I have to agree with Applejack. No offense to Emerald, but they are brutes! You remember the wedding, I found you three under the wedding platform!"

  I looked down at the trio, they had pleading looks and seemed to beg me to help. I didn't really know what to do, but I wasn't paying much attention to them either.

  I sensed something at the door. I gave a small prayer to Helix and opened the door. There, Princess Luna, was standing once again in my door way.

"Emerald, we are happy to see you again, but we have brought bad news."

"Luna please come inside. We can talk in here."

  I moved to the side as she entered my home. I was about to shut the door when the captain shuffled inside. I sent a quick message to the hive.

"Captain."

"Lady Emerald."

  It was an awkward silence. The three fillies didn't huddle behind family, they instead were behind me. Twilight watched her brother horn at the ready.

  Her friends just sat around the room, though Applejack and Rarity kept looking over at me. It was Luna that broke the silence.

"My friends, today we have found a dozen changelings in Ponyville. From what we can tell, they are from Chrysalis. We do not know why they are swarming like this."

  Shining Armor spoke up.

"Before that my guard spotted a group of changelings flying over the forest. They landed and disappeared. Not disguised, but actually disappeared. You are the only mare in Equestria that knows about changelings."

"So you want me to see why?"

"Yes."

  Then Nymph trotted downstairs with Flutterwing in tow. Both, thank the Helix, were in disguise.

"Mom, Flutter won't share the blankets again!"

"Mom, he's being mean!"

  Shining Armor stood up and took Flutter in his magic. I stood in turn and placed a magic clamp that Mantis gave me, on his horn. Flutter dropped to the ground with a thud.

"What the? Emerald, is there a reason you dispelled my magic?"

"Yes, Captain. You were going to take Flutterwing in your custody without a warrant and break the law yourself. This changeling is not your enemy, nor are the ones your guards spotted."

"Then why are they here? They are swarming in groups now, we have the prison filled with the diaboluses. We need a new way to deal with them and this changeling is royalty to them."

"So you're going to dangle her on a string in front of their noses like a carrot."

"No, well, yes , wait. Look we don't have a choice. That Queen is going to be here soon and it will go to Infernus when she does."

"Then why not ask another queen to help."

"Are you insane! These things are not reasonable, they will tear you apart."

"We are not things! We are not monsters! We are living beings! And we have a right to live just as much as you!"

  Then it was all a blur. I was unconscious. I just hope my children were all right. Then I woke.

  It was dark, wet, and cold. My hooves were heavy and my horn couldn't feel form magic. I opened my eyes, I was in a cage. Around me were cages filled with at least five changelings each.

  I think there was a total of sixteen cages. I heard so many of them pray to Helix. It felt like all love was taken and smashed to bits. All I could feel was hatred, it turned my stomach inside-out.

  I stood as best as I could with shackles around my hooves. I looked to a small pool of liquid on  the ground. The face staring back was black with double-ringed eyes.

  I lifted a hoof to my mane, it was cut short, reaching to were my head meets my neck. I felt a pair of eyes behind me and turned. It was a stallion wearing purple armor.

"Now that you are awake, let's talk about your hive."

  I couldn't help it. I felt tears leaving my eyes. My broodlings, my home, my friends.....my children, they are alone. I could hear them in my mind. They were crying.

chapter 23

  I wiped the tears away. Don't be afraid. Be strong. Remember, your hive can hear you. They are not alone. I am not alone. Peace is still possible.

  Shining Armor stared at me. I couldn't hear anything at all, the room was silent. In fact, it was. The changelings stopped praying and stared at the captain. Then they saw me.

"Queen of mine. Queen of mine. We join you. We join you. From one to another, we join the green."

  They chanted this over and over again. I felt the love they had left, but I cut it off. I shouldn't take something that isn't mine. They need it more than me. I lifted my head to meet the captain's eyes, they were cold as ice.

"I will not say it again. Tell me why you are here, where the real Emerald is, and how long you have been in Equestria."

"Captain, you know those answers."

"Answer."

"All right. I have been here ever since I ran away from my mother's hive. She had my only daughter executed on the spot. Recently I learned this was not true. I am the real Emerald. My name is in fact Emerald, Queen of Green.

  And finally, I'm hiding."

"Hiding from what?"

"Silverwing, Queen of grey. She believes that I or another queen has kidnapped her daughter. Her forces are strong, stronger than Chrysalis's. But until recent events, she won't have as many soldiers as before."

"Recent Events?"

"Yes, but I refuse to speak about the subject."

"You can't refuse. I am the pony who holds your life in my hooves."

"No, Celestia holds my life. And with my new friends, I believe that I will live."

  He laughed. His voice echoed through the dimly light prison. Then he snapped his head back to my face.

"Monsters don't make friends, they make lunch out of foals and fillies."

"Then you should read more."

  With that I turned on my hoof and went to the far corner next to the nearest cage. The five sitting in there immediately moved closer to me. Shining took notice of this.

"Can you explain to me why my sister attacked me after you were unconscious."

  I thought for a moment trying to replay an image of Twilight going against her brother. It was actually comical.

"I told you Shining. I have new friends."

  Shining Armor then turned around and climbed the stone stair case to another room. I heard a shuffle of hooves above me. I felt the presence of a powerful magic. Either an alicorn was there or Twilight was there.

  I looked at the changelings closest to me and smiled. Then I began using the last of the plink I had.

Through Shining Armor's Eyes

  Why. Why of all the ponies did it have to be my foal-sitter. At least she gave us a hint of a book. Now who to give the assignment to...

"Captain Amour, Sir!"

  Flick Note, perfect.

"Yes."

"Princess Luna wants to see the new prisoner, sir."

"Did she say why?"

"She wishes to see and talk to it, sir. Captain Amour, she wants to make friends with it."

"How many times do I tell you, my name is Shining Armor. Just because I'm married to Princess Cadence doesn't mean I take her name."

"Whatever, captain."

"Listen to me, Flick Note. You signed up for the guard and I am it's leader. You will give me the proper respect and obey my commands."

"Yeah I signed up, but I'm also the only messenger that is in the guard. So we are equals, captain."

  It took all my self control to not to blast him with another lightning bolt. But I got distracted by another thing. It was by the stairway just lying on the ground.

  Flick Note watched as I picked up a piece of green silk. It was strange. Where did it come from? And why would anypony leave silk of great quality on the ground?

"Flick Note send a message to Twilight. Here is the note, now go. Before I blast your tail again."

  He was quick to leave the room, darting out the door like a train. Now I had only one thing to worry about. And just as I thought it, Princess Luna trotted inside the room.

"Captain Armor, we wish to speak to Emerald."

"Of course, Princess. Just don't get too close. I will go down with you."

"No, my own guard will suffice. They are loyal to me and you are not."

  With that Luna went past me and down the stairs with a bat-winged mare behind her. I don't see why she won't have normal ponies as guards.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  I heard more hoof-steps coming from the stairs, the visitor is coming. I straightened my back and hid my fangs as best as I could. But after giving away my plink, I was exhausted.

  The pony was Luna of course, she also had a guard of hers. Princess Luna turned and magically sealed the door leading to the stairs. I heard a click meaning she locked it. The guard's eyes never turned away from me.

"Emerald, my friend, we hope you were not harm and.........your mane, what did they do to it?"

  I looked up to the Queen of Night and then to the mare. The mare shot a cheeky grin and bowed. It was quite weird on my end. Then the pair took notice of the lings around them.

"Did you do this?"

I nodded to Luna. The entire room had vibrant green shells and wings. I asked them to use the last of my plink to change themselves. It was like a game of telephone, passing on the plink to each cage so each one could get a surge of magic.

"They seem happier."

  The mare still didn't break her stare.

"I thought they would rather be in my colors if they are to be rid of. If they were in their original colors they would simply die of sadness. Noling deserves that fate."

  Luna nodded and the mare sighed. She seemed strange for a pony, I couldn't even taste any emotions from her! No emotions....

"Name, rank, purpose."

  The mare's eyes flashed blue, not regular ling blue, but double-ringed blue.

"Mother?"

"Child of mine, you look beautiful, but whoever cut your silk will pay. It is a crime against the queen. Especially the Queen of the Circle."

"I am not Queen of the Circle. Queen Ruby is."

"I submit to you daughter. War is coming and there must be a side to defend ponies. I do not care for the creatures at all, no offense to the Night Queen, but I care for my daughter and will support you in the only way I know how."

"If you are submitting, then you lose your title as Second Commander of the Circle until a new leader is declared."

"I know."

"Mother of mine, Queen Chrysalis of blue, I hereby place myself in control over your hive, but you shall continue being their queen. I show mercy. You will help lead the armies against Silverwing of grey. I will remain in the cage for the time being, so as not to alarm the guard."

"Of course,my commander."

"Luna, please send a message to Celestia. I wish to speak with her."

"Of course, Emerald."

  I gave Luna and mother a smile and saluted them. Mother saluted back and Luna gave a small nod. Then they left me to plan for the war ahead.

  Queen Ruby is tougher than any other queen. In order for me to become Queen of the Circle, she would have to be eliminated from existence. It's the only way to make the other queens follow.

  The lings around me stared. I was their queen and they would fight to the death just to keep me out of harm's way. I then shouted at the top of my lungs.

"Long live the hive!"

"Long live the Queen!"

"Long live the hive!"

"Long live the Queen!"

"Long live the hive!"

"Long live the Queen!"

chapter 24

Through Shining Armor's Eyes

  I don't know what Princess Luna did down there, but when she came up I heard shouting. She must of threatened their queens or something. Maybe she threatened the green queen.

  Maybe I have all the information I need to beat this Silverwing. Her army must be smaller than than the group down stairs, so they are outnumbered. But we are out-armed.

  They can shape-shift into anypony they want! The only thing different about them are their eyes. And I doubt anypony will line up believing they're getting a free eye exam. There must be a way.

  Hmm........

Through Twilight's Eyes

  I can't believe Shiny locked me in my own house! He attacked the only pony, er, changeling that could stop this Infernus war. I need to see Emerald. Flutterwing won't last long around these guards.

  She was sitting on the couch between two guards in golden armor. Both wore hatred on their faces. Flutterwing is holding her stomach trying not to be sick. Sunbeam is still disguised and is sitting at the window with Scootaloo, and the girls.

  I worked hard to gain Emerald's trust.......and now she probably blames me for Shining. All I wanted was to learn more about them. I even sat with them and ate dinner by her request! The changelings under Emerald's rule are different and I need to know why.

  The door opened to reveal Princess Luna and a bat-winged mare. They trotted inside and separated. Luna came up to me and the strange mare went over to Sunbeam. Luna's horn lit a deep blue then she spoke to me.

"Twilight Sparkle, we are able to speak freely within my shield. I believe a messenger sent you a letter."

"Yeah, but how do you know?"

"Flick Note is one my guard members, he just likes having feathers more than the traditional wings worn by past knights. He is under-cover, as you say, in my sister's guard."

"Princess Luna, how can there be a book about changelings? Nopony has even seen a changeling until the wedding."

"There is no book."

"What?"

"There hasn't been a book about changelings since the......since the Noli War. Do you know the story of Lucky Lass?"

"The mare who saved Ponyville from destruction? Yeah, she took a artifact from someponies we were fighting with."

"It was not someponies, it was changelings. Equestria fought against the creatures who used to be friends. Queen Marigold created the artifact or as the changelings call it, the orb, to keep peace in their land.

After Discord gave Marigold the spell disguised as a unicorn They have been hiding in their land cutting off contact from the surrounding nations."

"Princess Luna what does this have to do with the situation?"

"Everything apparently." (new voice)

  The bat mare was standing in front of us. Her eyes were not like before, they were blue. Bright blue like....

"Chrysalis!"

"Yes, Twilight Sparkle. I am truly sorry for your brother's wedding, I was desperate for my children's survival. Other queens are suffering too. They claim that they are well supplied, but their hives are dying.

  The queens now are only feeding themselves. They starve their own children. I sent mine to Emerald so they wouldn't die. The Queen's Circle is now a meeting of seven greedy mothers."

"Why are they doing this? And how did you get Princess Luna to not attack you?"

"That is funny, actually. Luna saw me before she came to Emerald's hiding spot. She shot at me with a lightning bolt and I waved a white flag. I followed my children to Ponyville to be sure they were going to survive.

  The children who stayed with me I sent to hide amongst Ponyville's civilians. They are going to help Emerald with me."

"So why not change into Celestia and free her?"

"Because my daughter has a plan and I wish not to interfere."

  This day is getting weirder and weirder. Chrysalis trotted to the guards by Flutterwing and flared her wings. The pair just stared at her, then she blasted them.

  The two stallions were on the ground and dazed. Chrysalis stood tall and revealed her form. It must of changed a bit because her mane was even more tattered and her body was covered in mud.

  She picked Flutterwing up with her magic and laughed. It was so shocking to me. Luna readied her horn, but Chrysalis placed a magic clamp on her. Then my horn was clamped.

"Your guards are a pitiful bunch. Luna you must be more careful on who you allow into your guard. Now then, you stallions wouldn't mind if I take these ponies prisoner now would you?"

  The two guards stood up and jumped at her, but landed where she was. Chrysalis disappeared with Flutterwing and just as the guards stood up again, we disappeared from their sight.

"Call the Captain! Changeling queen Chrysalis has taken the prisoner, Princess Luna, and Twilight Sparkle!"

"I'm not telling him you tell him!"

  We could see them, but they couldn't see us. They ran out the door, arguing all the way. I must learn this trick.

"Now ponies, let's go to my daughter's hive. I believe those lings are expecting some news."

chapter 26

Through Emerald's Eyes

  After Luna left, the captain came to see me. It was about Silverwing. He wanted a way to organize my lings to fight against her. He is a complete idiot. The only way to get a hive to fight was if the queen said to fight. But I wish to not harm my own children.

  I can hear the voices of my newest lings clearly now. Some were sleeping, some were counting hours. Most were watching me. They all seemed so content in my presence, ever time I gazed to a cell those lings smiled like they have been blessed.

  I love them, even if I didn't know them yet. I don't know Scootaloo very well, but that won't stop me from loving her. Scootaloo. I miss you darling. I miss your father. I miss my home. I miss my hive. I miss the beauty of the town. I miss the statue I passed so often it made me smile. I miss..........THE STATUE!

  I stood up in my cell, the shackle chains clicked against each other. I turned to the nearest changeling. A white eyed from Pearl.

"Excuse me, but did you happen to notice a statue of Lucky Lass while entering Ponyville?"

"Yes, my queen."

"Did it have a ball underneath her?"

"Yes, my queen."

"Did the ball look familiar in any way?"

  The white eyed, named White Rose, thought for a moment. I could hear her thoughts, but did not want to be like other queens who squashed a ling just for thinking a bad thought.

"It felt like a magical entity was around it. Almost like the it wasn't pony-made. Like a it cou-"

"Hey changeling!"

  White Rose cowered as the captain approached, his face was hard. He stared at us then looked at Rose. Using his magic he opened my cell-cage and trotted inside. Rose cowered in his presence, but did not leave my side. She must have been a royal guard who defended only the queen's interest.

  The captain took my horn clamp in his magic and pulled it off. I felt my regular magic return to me in a rush of energy. I still didn't have my plink magic, but I felt a small hint of sympathy from the captain.

"Changeling, you are to locate the changeling queen, Chrysalis, or my sister's magical signature."

"Captain, you seem in shock. Did a little ling take the magic leader?"

"Magic leader? You are not allowed to speak of my sister as an equal."

"I wasn't. I would never speak of her as a ling, but as my leader."

"Your leader? What are you talking about? Just cast the spell! You are more familiar than anypony about the changeling's signature!"

"You said it yourself. I'm not a pony. I'm a monster."

  The captain stared at me in anger. I could taste his hatred and so could the others. I then allowed my horn to glow and shielded my caged broodlings. He tried to block my spell, but I was using only plink, only love magic.

"What are you doing!"

"Keeping my subjects from harm."

"They are under no harm. They are perfectly safe in their cages."

"You said cages."

"Yes. Because that is were little bug heads are supposed to be. Locked away to not scare little foals and fillies."

"You haven't met the cutie mark crusaders then."

"How would they be in any harm."

"You, captain. Your anger, your hatred of us. You were turning their insides out. Your cages may keep them away from ponies, but that won't stop the emotions from seeping through the ground."

  Shining Armor stood tall, not wanting to look like he was insulted by me. Never show fear. He returned my clamp back on my horn and closed the cell. I dropped my shields to give him a false impression and he left. I heard shouting from above.

Through Shining Armor's Eyes

  That insect is a menace! Won't even find my sister, she must have done something. But who did she do it? Why in Infernus did she call Twily magic leader? A unicorn with a pink coat interrupted my thoughts.

"May I help you miss?"

"Oh can it! I came on Princess Celestia's orders. Here's the letter."

  She shoved a piece of parchment in my face.

"Well I need to know why you are here."

"I'm here to root out my changeling!"

"Your changeling?"

  This was looking interesting.

"Yes. a male insect who took my little filly and shoved me in a cave. The princess wishes to know who it is."

  "Well maybe you can ask the queen downstairs."

"Queen?"

  The mare may be useful to me. I opened the door and had a guard follow her. If I went she may not even speak to the green one.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  A familiar face came to my cell, she looked in fascination at me. Then trotted away to stare at the other lings in their cages. She moved quickly, scanning each face until she landed on a cage with two tan eyed lings, two yellow eyed lings, and one bronze eyed ling.

  She stared at them and they stared back. The bronze wore armor left over from his old queen. The others tried to stay behind him. The mare opened the cage and stepped inside. This was very strange.

"You, in the armor, move out of my way."

"I obey no pony. I obey my queen and only my queen."

  Such a faithful dear, he must be Rose's rank, maybe the captain.

"Listen insect, I must speak to one of those tan ones. Now move!"

  He didn't shift in any way. The only thing he did was buzz in anger.

"I obey only my queen." "Should I gut her, my queen?"

"No, tell her to come to me."

"My queen wishes to speak to you."

  He looked at my cage and the mare trotted to me. She opened it and trotted inside. Her face was a bit clearer to me now. She will be frightened by this.

"You are the queen?"

  I stared at the mare. I must give her some fear, it will make that Armor think twice before sending in a pony so close to Celestia.

"Answer."

  Rose stood up and buzzed. She started a chain reaction for now the others began to respond and took defensive positions. I heard hoofsteps from above and the captain appeared at the stairs.

"What is going on? Why are you-"

  He couldn't finish. Not with five lings on his back and the bronze eyed placing a magic clamp on his horn. Bubble Bell stared at the lings she saw cower and hide now tying the captain's hooves together. Then looked at me.

"Why did you-"

"I did nothing. My children from other queens worked to hard to find me. They do not wish to lose the only queen to end a fight that is now her's."

  I pushed her aside and made for the wall and blasted a hole. If my magic tracker was right, we would end up in my hive.

"You may come along if you wish. I could help you find your filly. My children from other queens might tell you if you are kind to them."

  I gave her what she wanted. And she followed, I opened the other cages and the captain was tossed in mine and as a gift, one of the lings from Peony ripped half his tail off and tied it to my mane. My magic fed on the mane which had love inside it from a wife who brushed his hair till it shined.

  He watched as his tail turned to silk and fused with my mane, adding a streak of blue to my green. I nodded to the captain and smiled.

"They thought this would be a justice to what your guard did to my mane. I'm sorry Army, but I must leave. Tell Celestia that I will stop Silverwing and that I must be left alone, hive included."

  With that I had all my new broodlings go inside the hole, hive workers first. Then closed the hole and had soldiers in the back. I made my way to the front and began to concentrate a beam of green magic at the rock, the others followed and we made our way underground to the edge of the Everfree.

Through Scootaloo's Eyes

I miss mom. Nymph and Flutterwing tried to get me to play chase the firefly, but I wanted to stay with my dad. He kept saying that Emerald would find a way to get back. Why did Twilight's brother do that? Why is it so hard for me to have parents?

What's wrong with changeling parents? They took better care of me than my real ones. My mom was going to sell me to my uncle as a servant. Dad was never at the house, always with his friends. I'm glad they're gone.

"Scootaloo?"

  I looked up to see Cicada. She sat down next to me and dad left the room.

"Scootaloo, I know it's hard being away from mother, but remember she will never stop loving you. I think she is thinking of a way to get back to the hive and give you a great big hug."

"Thanks, princess."

"Scootaloo, we're sisters now."

"Thanks....big sis'."

"I gotta go, grandma wants me. Why don't you try playing changeling for a little bit, here."

  She moved her horn to my wings and did something. After a small pop, my wings were like hers, but green and she gave me a fake horn.

"There and here's your shell."

  She placed the crystal shell mom made on my back. It was lighter than it looked. It felt good.

"Now you look like a ling. Go on and play. There are foallings that you might like."

  She took me to the room that was supposed to be a hatchery where there was at least twenty changelings my size.

"Everyling, this is Princess Scootaloo. Treat her like you would a ling. I must go now, have fun!"

  She left me with them and they stared. Then bowed. Weird.

"Who wants to play chase the firefly?"

  They all cheered and we played for hours, at least I think it was hours. I hope mom gets back soon to see this.

chapter 27

Through Celestia's Eyes

  The changeling looked at me, her eyes were bright orange. I tried not to flinch from the fangs, but they are more pointed than Luna's guard. I hope Luna had a good reason for letting it in the castle.

"Princess Celestia, I am Cicada, daughter of the green queen. I am here to get my mother released from prison. Do not try to harm our hive, even though I left a ling disguised in my place, the hive is protected by your Twilight Sparkle." (Cicada)

"Twilight? Why would she do that?" (Celestia)

"Sister, Twilight is under no spell. She will protect Emerald if she helps protect us. The changeling queen Silverwing is going to attack and Emerald is the only defense that can go hold her back." (Luna)

"Luna I want to believe you, but changelings were supposed to be extinct. Remember the war? Remember how many were lost to them? I do not want that to happen again." (Celestia)

"It won't, sister. Princess Cicada is here in peace. She is only wanting her mother back." (Luna)

"I will give you the benefit of the doubt, sister. Miss Cicada, I will be sure to....are you all right?" (Celestia)

  The changeling was stiff like a statue, her eyes locked into place staring at a wall. After a moment she blinked and stared at me.

"Sorry, princess. I just received word from two lings. Silent Night has informed me Silverwing is at the Equestrian border and a White Rose says mother is returning home. Your captain must have angered mother." (Cicada)

  The changeling turned and was engulfed in green flame. A blue pegasus with white patches stood where she was. She took on leap and flew away out the window.

"Luna, ready the guard. We must get to Ponyville."

Through Emerald's Eyes

  We finally got to the house through the tunnel that we sealed behind us. The room we broke through was the throne room ceiling, luckily the entire structure did not collapse. Everyling was now sitting on the floor while I stood at my throne chair.

  I heard the voices of some foallings near the entrance so I went to investigate. Coming up to the edge of the structure I peered down and saw twenty foallings and my orange filly play firefly. To cute. I wanted to go down there and embrace my daughter, but it would alarm the others.

  No, I had to stay away until I could get to Twilight. I moved back inside and allowed my color to shift, my shell switched to blue as did my eyes, wings and mane. I flew down to the children, who quickly ran, and made my way to mother who should be with Twilight.

  I trotted inside the planning room. Twilight was leaning over the table while mother was staring at a map of the Everfree. I trotted to Twilight's side closing the door with my magic.

"Miss Sparkle?"

  She lifted her head up quickly and looked at me with a smile.

"Hello, no I don't want anything from the kitchens right now."

"I am not here for that."

"Then why are you here?"

"The green queen has returned, Miss Sparkle"

  Mother darted to the table, it was a bad idea disguising as one of her lings.

"Impossible, my daughter is still locked up in Shining Armor's cages."

  A large earthquake interrupted us, shaking the foundation of the hive. Then hoof-steps were heard overhead, someling or pony was in the house. Chrysalis  and Twilight ran out of the room with armored lings on their tail. I returned to the throne room and sat on the crystal chair.

  The lings around me were frightened by the sudden attack and stayed closed to me. The bronze eyed ling stood at my right at attention, staring at the entrance of the throne room. White Rose trembled at my left, I already heard her message to Cicada. We listened intently, waiting for the sound of steel.

Through Twilight's Eyes

  The changelings behind us were in a unsettling silence. Chrysalis stood as still as a statue, staring at the hive's hidden entrance. Hoof steps came down the wooden stairs and buzzing filled the air. Then a shrieking voice was heard over all of it.

"Silence fools! Do you wish for them to hear us?"

  Chrysalis lowered her head to me and whispered.

"That is Silverwing."

  Another loud shriek came from the changeling queen.

"Oh, Emmy! Come out and play! I know you're here, my scouts never lie!"

  The changelings around us were getting nervous, I think. They were shaking and staring in ever corner. One was down on her knees praying. Maybe I should start praying.

"Miss Twilight."

  What was that? I looked at Chrysalis, but she still hasn't moved.

"No, it is not my mother. It's Emerald, I put you in hive mind temporally."

  Impossible, nopony could get away from my brother.

"It is possible, now here is what you must do..."

  The grey changelings were shocked by my appearance, just as planned. The tall queen with long wavy grey hair and granite eyes stared down at me not in shock, but in excitement.

"Oh joy! Now little pony, by your presence here you are either a fellow ling or a enemy."

  I didn't answer.

"Come on, obey me!"

I didn't answer again.

"Wait. You are from Queen Peony's hive aren't you?"

  I answered.

"No, I am Twilight Sparkle, Magic Leader..." I conjured green changeling armor on myself. "...Guardian of Friendship, and Protector of Emerald the Green. You have unknowingly fallen into a trap. My brother Shining Armor, Captain of the royal guard, has been released from his bindings and has found my magic signature.

  You are now a prisoner."

  Silverwing showed little fear. Instead she raised a holey hoof.

"You are a stupid changeling. Your queen is dead, I destroyed all hives that didn't submit to me. Tell me where the green one is. First my child, now my friend. She will pay!"

"This is not going well."

"Do not worry, the lings are almost outside. Lead them there."

"I will tell you where she is. I last saw her fleeing to the pony village."

"Good ling. Sunbeam, oh Sunbeam. Please come and dispose of the ling."

  A changeling trotted up to me and held me up as Silverwing led the other changelings into the house. After they left the changeling placed me back on my hooves.

"Twilight Sparkle, it is a pleasure. Sunbeam left me in his place before he left, he is still alive?"

"Yes, but he not a regular changeling..."

"We know. Silverwing was going to execute him after he returned from placing the princess in a home."

  I opened the hive's door allowing him inside the sanctuary. But I didn't follow. I heard above hoofsteps and clash of metal. Today was war, tomorrow, who knows.

From Shining Armor's Eyes

  That creature will pay. I stood outside the town hall with twenty golden armored guards at my flanks. We had no idea where they went or how to find their magic signature. They were underground, that we know. But they could have spread out and planned a attack for capturing other ponies.

  Something in the distance caught my eye, it was small and coming right to us. Many of the guard took their places to block the object. It was stirring up a lot of dust and dirt blinding us when it came to a stop.

  The object was a filly, but not a filly? It was an orange pegasus with a purple mane, but her wings had holes and were like the monster's. She also had a small shell and a black horn. I immediately put a cage around her seeing as she was not pony.

"Let me go you jerk!"

  She looked familiar. I was about to speak when two more fillies, earth and unicorn, came running up to me. Behind them a group of mares brought up more dust. It was Twilight's friends.

"Applebloom! We've been worried sick about you three!" (Applejack)

"That's right, Sweetie Belle. We thought you were in Twilight's house, but then you simple disappeared!" (Rarity)

"Stop that! Scootaloo, tell 'em what ya told us." (Applebloom)

  The orange one buzzed her wings in response. I lowered her until her her hooves touched the ground. Then she spoke.

"My mom, Queen Emerald sent me here. After the other changelings escaped into a tunnel she made, she had me rush to you."

  I noticed a change in her wings, they became more feathered.

"Stop staring at my wings! This is important, mom said that Silverwing just arrived. I heard the soldiers fighting with the grey ones after she tele..tele..moved us right outside of town. She said Princess Celestia is also coming with an army."

  The little filly took in deep breathes as Rainbow Dash patted her back. I stared at the filly for a moment, her wings were normal now and her horn disappeared. The shell remained however, Emerald must truly care for them. I placed my purple helmet on my head and lowered my head to the filly's height.

"Don't worry, we'll take care of it."

"Well you better hurry! I don't know how long Twilight can hold them off!"

  I stared at the filly then took off for the Everfree. The sound of metal drawing close behind me told me my fellow guards were following. I had to help Twily!

chapter 1

    The skies are clear now that the threat in Canterlot has been literally thrown across the horizon. The ponies watch the distance, expecting a swarm rising up. After the sun went down they settled back into their lives. They celebrated the wedding of Princess Cadence and Captain Shining Armor with a reception of the ages.

    Of course I was present as well, why would I not be. I am one of the nobles that were invited to the wedding and I am well known throughout Equestria as Lady Emerald, teacher of pony socials. Princess Cadence came to my home and personally invited me. But I found out that was not the Princess at all, it was the changeling queen, Chrysalis.

    I took a guess that since I am the one who understands how ponies works that I would be a great help to them in finding new ways to get food. Unfortunately for her the Element of Magic found out who she was and freed Cadence. It was a beautiful display seeing Chrysalis and her swarm being blown away by the very thing they fed on.

    I watched them all dance with my green eyes. Oh, I haven’t said which one I was. I am the light blue unicorn mare with the light purple mane with light blue highlights. My dress has a slight fairy look to it and a single earring in one ear. My escort is Raindrop, a yellow pegasus stallion. We feel differently about the attack on Canterlot.

    “My queen why is it we didn’t go after her? She almost destroyed our home and we almost got exposed due to the force field,” he said again for the billionth time. “We are not going to get revenge Raindrop. It will expose us more than the shield. And stop calling me queen, we are in public,” I repeated for the billionth time. “You can call me Emerald or ma’am.”

    I swear him calling me queen near earshot will get us caught. “Yes ma’am,” he said. Looking up at the clock tower I sighed. “Raindrop it’s time to go home, can you retrieve Cupcake and Rook?” He nodded trotting into the crowd.

Through Raindrop’s Eyes

    Nodding to my queen I moved into the swarm of ponies. I don’t know why my queen wishes us to stay here amongst them. We have two hunters, we can just be in a safe cave nearby and live our lives as what we are while they bring us the love we need. Who am I to argue against our queen? She is extremely kind, kinder than any queen in the world. The rule against taking on one under a different queen is one she broke many times through a loophole.

    She says that any changeling queen may take one from a different swarm if it has been abandoned or banished. Only two of them fit that statement, Onyx and Tulip. Onyx to weak to hunt, so he was abandoned. Tulip was banished for attacking, on more than one occasion, the royal warriors.

    Glad I wasn’t apart of her swarm. Leaf, our second scout, ran away because the queen used him as a punching bag for no reason, every day. Wormwood, our hive keeper, his queen only let him have enough love to keep him alive. And Azure won’t even speak about what her queen did!

    They all came to my queen for safety and a new start. She never refused any of them. I wonder if she is doing this to keep the other queens from hunting them down. Her self-shield kept us from being blown away with the blue queen’s swarm. She made sure that we stayed here on the ground.

    I guess I should look for those two. “Excuse me sir,” I said to an elder unicorn. “Yes my good fellow,” he replied. They all seem polite to us. “I am looking for my friends, Cupcake and Rook. Have you seen them?” I asked trying to maintain a smile. The elder colt tapped his chin with his hoof, obviously thinking. “I remember meeting a nice mare by the name Cupcake. She might be by the punch bowl.” I thanked him then trotted over to where he pointed.

    Finally making my way through the crowd, I saw the female hunter chatting with a white unicorn. “Cupcake,” I said. I hated disguised names, they sound fake to those who know their real names. She turned her head to me, her pink and white candy cane mane bouncing from the movement.

  “Raindrop, it is good to see you,” she said her voice like honey. “I was just talking to Miss Rarity here about my dream dress.” My green eyes met a pair of aquamarine. This Rarity was very stunning…for a pony. “Hello darling, enjoying the reception,” she said. She sounded very regal.

  “Yes I am, but I am afraid me and my friend here have to go,” I said trying to voice it regally for her. “Aww, come on Raindrop! I was staring to have fun,” Cupcake whined. “I’m sorry, but Emerald asked that I fetch you and Rook,” I said keeping myself from laughing. Rook was a stupid name; don’t know why he chose it.

  Cupcake perked her ears. “Oh,” she said. “You know Lady Emerald?” the white mare asked. “Me and Cupcake are personal companions of Emerald,” I said proudly. Cupcake turned to leave with me at her tail. “See you later Rarity!” she shouted.

  Finding Rook was easier since Cupcake had a tracking spell placed on him. He was playing chess against a purple unicorn mare. By what Cupcake told me she was winning. Both were ignoring the crowd around them and stared at the pieces.

  Because they were unicorns, they had a special ring on their horns to prevent them from casting any spells except levitation. I have no clue how these ponies did that. The mare finally levitated a piece and began smiling happy of her move. Rook just smirk at her. He moved a knight piece (the only one I know the name for) knocking over hers. “Checkmate,” he said.

   The lavender mare looked at him dumbfounded. “Good game,” Rook said. She regained her posture and nodded. “Yes it was. I must say you are an excellent player,” she replied. They both shook hooves and Rook came over to Cupcake and I. “ Hey guys.”

Through Emerald’s Eyes

   It has been almost an hour after she sent Raindrop to get her other broodlings. I was beginning to worry about them. They know not to feed in public, only from a window from our home. I hope they aren’t causing trouble. I was about to give up and head into the crowd of ponies when Raindrop emerged with Rook and Cupcake trailing behind him.

  “Rook report,” I said. Every time my broodlings go anywhere I make the higher ranked do the report, unless one of my scouts was with them. “I was playing a game of chess with a unicorn mare while Cupcake was chatting with a unicorn mare named Rarity,” he said automatically. I always wanted names of those they spoke to.

   “What is the name of the mare you played with,” I asked. Rook thought a moment. “I’m sorry ma’am, I don’t recall her name,” he said sadly. They never like to disappoint me. “It’s all right Rook,” I said sounding motherly. “Try to get it the next time you see her.”

   Cupcake looked up to me with her ruby eyes. “Emerald do we have to go home,” she whined. Raindrop glared at her. He doesn’t like it when another questions me. “Yes we do Cupcake,” I said getting a de-ja-vu feeling. Every time she goes out she wants to stay out. I think she is nervous around us. “We don’t want to make the others worry now do we?” I asked. She nodded sadly. Poor girl. We began to walk away from the reception when a large figure stopped in front of us.

   “Leaving so soon,” she said. It wasn’t hard to figure who it was. The white mare was Princess Celestia herself. On occasion I met with her to give advice when she asked. “Yes Princess, we are. I have a little one at home being foal-sat by my friend,” I said. It wasn’t a complete lie. I did have a child at home; he was the last egg I had before my hive was attacked in the changeling war.

   “Tell Pinwheel I said hello,” she said moving out of our path. “I will,” I replied. Pinwheel was the name he came up with after seeing pinwheels in a toyshop when we first came to Canterlot. We trotted down the road to our large home.

chapter 6

  Bed, so soft. Don't want to get up. No. Stop. Stupid light, shining on my face. Go away, I like the Moon Queen better.

  "Nymph, wake up."

  "I don't want to wear a dress mommy, it's too pink."

  "Nymph. It's Tulip."

  "Wha?"

  I opened my eyes and Tulip was sitting just in front of me. Weird. "Why didn't mom wake me up"

"Your mother had to meet the Sun Queen before she raised the sun."

  "Then why are you here?"

  "Because the Queen hasn't relieved me."

  "Relieved you?"

  "Yes. It means she didn't come in and say that I was finished in my guard duty.

Through Tulip/Karma's Eyes

Nymph stared at me in confusion, though I understand why. "The Queen has had me guard you ever since you were brought out of the blue queen's hive. She never felt that you were safe. After what happened to the Princess..."

  I trailed off, I was present with my old queen when Emerald's only princess hatchling was blasted with the forbidden spell. Mantis and Locust were the only ones who stood up against the blue queen. I have no clue why though. But, I do know that in the Helix code; only a queen can give out a royal egg. And back then Emerald was only a princess.

"Tulip, does that mean I have a sister?"

Poor youngling. "I believe so, Nymph. Now come along, Miss Bitey-pants wants to make breakfast."

He blushed in embarrassment. Too easy.

Through Emerald's Eyes

The castle looks so much scarier at night. The shadows seem to jump out at anytime. Even the Sun Qu-, even the Princess would be frightened. But in any case it actually looks more home-like. It reminds me of-

"Excuse me, Lady Emerald?"

  I stopped in front of the pony before me. He wasn't a sun guard, no his armor would be gold not midnight blue. His helmet had no feathers, instead a large fin. And his wings were that of a bat's. This must be a night guard.

"Hello, sir."

  "Yes, hello. Princess Celestia sent me to escort you."

  "Well then lead the way."

It had been twenty minutes and we were still not at the room the pony was in. I'm beginning to question this stallion's sense of direction. "Excuse me, sir. I believe that we are lost."

The stallion in question turned to me. "No we are not."

  "I think we are."

  "No we are not."

  "Yes we are."

  "No. We. Are. Not."

  "Look around, do you see any bedrooms?"

   His grey eyes wandered around the hall until he focused in on something. "No, we are not" He pointed a hoof over towards a figure standing near an open window.

   It was the Princess of course. She stood tall with her wings open, beautiful. But what was even more beautiful was that her horn glowed the same shining yellow as the sun, which began to climb into the sky. The sight of the dark, but starry night disappeared into the light blue sky of day.

  Her horn's glow faded as the sun settled in it's spot in the sky. Her pink eyes turned away from the sun and turned to the pair standing a few feet away. "Good morning, Emerald. I see Swift Wing was able to find a room for once without having a map."

  "Princess, I must take my leave. Day time isn't the place for us." Must have been offended, tastes strange.

   Celestia nodded to Swift Wing and he left. She then turned her attention to me.

"Emerald, are you alright?"

"Yes, Princess. Just a little shaken up about a changeling attack. I mean why would they attack just one pony?"

  "I know it seems so strange, but we still have to tend to her. Come along, she is this way."

   I followed her down the hall towards the medical wing. Her expression never changed, she was determined to find answers. I wanted answers as well, but different ones. I have to know who this pony was and if she is a changeling. I have to find a way to-

  "This is her room."

  Celestia interrupted my thoughts as she wavered near a private room for 'special' cases. I have to be alone with the pony.

  She reached a hoof to open the door and I tensed. If my theory is correct I don't want her harmed. I couldn't live with myself if any ling died at my hooves.

  Slowly the door opened to reveal a pegasus in bed. Her mane was tattered, her coat wasn't as blue as it was splattered with mud, and her breathing was weak. Poor child.

Celestia moved closer to the pegasus looking her over. So did I, when I did I saw the white in her coat. Who ever did this was going to pay. By the Helix, I'll send them to the depths of Infernus and back just to send them back again.

Through Blue Storm/Cicada's Eyes

  I can't feel my hooves, am I dead? No, if I'm dead I wouldn't feel the love. Wait, love? Where am I? Who is giving me love? Use your own training, this might hurt.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  I looked down at the pegasus trying to find any proof of changeling. A flaw in her disguise, a extra hoof, missing a wing? No, nothing. It looks as if this is just just another pony.

  My mind felt as if a manticore was running about inside breaking my brain. Then it stopped. I know that spell, but where was it? No, it can't be, can it? Chrysalis, she-----she killed an innocent. Don't worry child, as a Queen separate from the rest you will be safe.

Through Blue Storm/Cicada's Eyes

  Two ponies. No, one pony. the other is changeling. A Queen too! This has to be her, wait the pony. The pony is bigger than others, she's the one giving love. It tastes like----Oh Helix save me.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  "Princess she waking."

  Celestia looked to me then back to the pony. She indeed was waking, but it was out of fear. A changeling never rests with a enemy nearby, especially an alicorn princess. To the other hives, an alicorn means their down fall. Each of them are taught when approached by one to not raise suspicion then get the heck out of there.

  The pegasus opened her eyes, they were orange. Only one changeling could have those eyes. She and I will have a word later. For now I need to move her to my home.

  "Good morning, my little pony."

  Celestia smiled at the disguised changeling. Of course, be kind until you get what you need. Basic tactics used by almost every creature. But with a pony it's truly hard to tell if it's true kindness or not.

  "Where am I?"

  She's scared. I would be too, waking in a strange place with a alicorn standing over you horn glowing. Wait glowing horn?

  I looked at Celestia, her horn was glowing. I looked about the room trying to find an object with the same glow. Unfortunately, it was the pegasus.

  "Come on along dear breakfast is waiting."

Through Blue Storm/Cicada's Eyes

  I wake up in Canterlot and I'm already invited to have breakfast with the Sun Queen. Great, now how am I going to get out of this one. Maybe be nice give a little smile then run like Infernus.

No, stop levitating me, I have legs. Stop it, don't make me bite you. Maybe that Queen can help me. Must. Get. To. Her.

Through Emerald's Eyes

  She's trying to fly to me while being in Celestia's magic. Poor dear. "Princess I don't think she likes being levitated."

  Celestia looked at her with concern. She was upset that the pegasus was afraid of her. She gently lowered her to the ground, keeping her an inch above it. "You don't have to be afraid."

  The pegasus looked at the ground then at me then to Celestia. She was thinking. "Can I, please, walk?"

  Celestia nodded slowly releasing her grip on her. As soon as the pony's hooves touched the ground she winced in pain. Using my magic, I levitated her front hoof which had most of the pain. She turned to me with a smile.

Through Blue Storm/Cicada's Eyes

  I knew it was her, I just knew it. My mother is found. No matter what, I know she won't let that alicorn harm me. Why though, why does she trust that alicorn? She lead the war against us, she sent us to the Badlands, she is our enemy. So why, of all the ponies in Equestria, did she befriend the one who took away our sacred orb.

  Dear mother, I never understood you, but I will not leave you.

  But we will have a talk.

chapter 25

  It took some time because we were all invisible, but we finally made it to Emerald's house. A transportation spell would be seen. Plus we needed to be visible for that.

  Chrysalis's plan was surprising to say the least, but it did get us out of the library. Never thought I would say that. On the way to her house we spotted a large group of soldiers heading to it. Chrysalis had to pull Scootaloo out of their way or we would have been discovered.

"They are going to investigate." (Luna)

  Then Shining Armor ran past us in his purple armor. The look on his face would have killed ten changelings. I grabbed a small plink bottle from my mane. I had to hide it from the guards after being rudely shoved into my own house.

"Here Flutterwing, Sunbeam. You might need this."

"Thank you, Twilight."

  Sunbeam took the bottle and drank half, then gave the rest to Flutterwing. Now we stood outside the door were Luna was trying to get one of the changelings to open it. We heard a noise from inside and the door opened to reveal a mare with a bright orange silk mane.

  Luna finally dropped the spell and we appeared into her vision. The changeling mare flinched, but quickly recovered.

"Princess Luna, do you have news about my mother?"

"Indeed, but first you must let us in."

"I must warn you that my mother's new broodlings are not happy with you."

"I would think they would come to trust me. Is it because of......"

"Yes. I told them you couldn't stop him even if you were the queen of Equestria. He is loyal to the Sun Queen. Did my mother get any word from her?"

"No. My sister was not pleased when she was told about the problem at hoof. She has locked herself up in her room."

"With my mother away the hive appointed me standing queen until her return. And I hope that will grant me a way to speak to Queen Celestia."

"We are not queens, Cicada. We are princesses. We dare not take our mothers' titles from them. They do still rule over us. And you might be able to get a hearing for Emerald. If my sister ever decides to come out of her room."

  We group moved to the basement cave where the rest of Emerald's hive hid from the guards patrolling near the house. A small group of red eyes saw Luna and immediately buzzed at her. Luna smiled at them, showing a pair of fangs like those in her guard.

  The red eyes flashed their fangs in response, a sign of hostile/neutral ground for all species. Cicada sent a message to the small group and they fell over in pain.

"Are they well?"

"Luna, my mother may have been lenient with her hive, but now that I'm in charge I may do as I please. As long as it involves getting my mother back. I lost her once I will not lose her again."

"Yes, but do you think she would be cruel? When I saw her she gave the last of her magical plink energy to change the shell colors of the captured changeling in the cells. From want we have been told, a queen would never give her energy to castaways from another crown."

  The fiery maned changeling tapped the ground and two changelings jumped out from the shadows and stood at her sides. Both looked like they wanted to attack us, but then they saw a little orange pegasus glaring them down.

"Hey! Just because your a princess doesn't mean you can ruin mom's work!"

"Little pony I am Queen Emerald's only daughter. Noling would ever call themselves a ponies mother."

  Sunbeam trotted up to Cicada and raised a holed hoof. He then flashed his fangs and his eyes changed. They were not the normal grey they usually were. They were black in double-ringed irises, both blacks were a different shade.

"You are not fit to be in her place. And you do not raise your voice to my daughter. I suggest that you quickly dethrone yourself and allow the ling Emerald appointed to lead her armies to do her job."

  Chrysalis stepped forward and placed a green helmet on her head over they small crown. I stared at her then she floated a similar helmet and placed it on my head.

"Magic Leader, that is your new title. You promised my child your protection and you will keep it. Silverwing is coming quickly and you will be a great help in the battle."

"What can I do?"

  Cicada came up to me despite the glares and snarls from Sunbeam.

"You were told of the Orb of Helix by my mother. Your duty is to find and retrieve it. Our future lies in the orb, my mother's hive shall complete the mission the Queens Circle ignored while their children died slowly in the caves. Twilight sparkle, of all the ponies in Equestria, you are the most trustworthy and brave.

  Your magic is stronger than you think and it will guide you to greatness. We just need you to find the orb and release the bond around it. Then and only then can Flutterwing cast the spell needed to heal what time could not."

  I took this all in, but none of it made sense. Why was she talking to me like this? Why am I the only one that can help them? Wait.....I not the only one.....

  I trotted up to a group of grey eyed changelings, most of them must of sensed my emotions and stood tall. I guess they know I need them.

"If you don't mind, I need a volunteer to change back to grey and infiltrate Silverwing's army."

  The group stared at each other and then one trotted out. He was smaller the others, especially his horn.

"I volunteer. As an infiltrator in the grey queen's hive I am most qualified to do the job."

  I tried hard not to stare at his horn, but it was as big as mine and it was apparently this was not a common thing for them.

"Thank you.....?"

"Silent Night."

"Thank you, Silent Night."

  I turned to Chrysalis and asked for a private room to plan. I was given one on the second floor next to a weapon storage room. Most of the weapons had a dragon scale as a blade. I winced when I saw a purple and green scale on a spear stick.

  Princess Luna left for Canterlot with Cicada to try and get Princess Celestia to listen. Nymph and the girls were in the room to the left being watched by Sunbeam. After showing his black eyes the grey changelings have been acting strangely around him.

Through Celestia's Eyes

  It is all a prank. Luna is just playing me for slowing down the sun. There is no way in Infernus that my adviser, that my best friend was a changeling. They are gone. Extinct. With only the Badlands as a memory.

  No. There was a changeling queen at the wedding. She captured my.....my.......

Knock Knock

"I will not be seeing anypony."

"Tia, open the door. I have news from Ponyville."

"I don't want to talk about it at all."

"Sister, you are the daughter of the most loyal pony in the world. The one who made it possible to defeat Discord, the mare who took the place of the sun when all was lost."

  I stood in front of my mirror staring at the white mare staring back. Her eyes were red from tears. Her mane of many colors was ruffled and lost its usual wavy form. Her mind was fogged with questions and memories.

"Lulu, you may come inside. Please, tell me first she won't hurt me."

"Who dear sister?"

"The changeling next to you. I placed magic charms. I can sense her."

"Do not worry. She is here to discuss her mother's release. And about the upcoming threat."

  I opened the doors to my room after placing my crown back on my head. The changeling trotted in with Luna and bowed with respect.

"Princess Celestia, Sun Queen. I am grateful for this meeting."