- One day before the summit -
The changeling crept through the darkness, careful not to slip on the slick rocks. The sun would rise in an hour, so it moved as fast as it could without bring seen. Its hoof disrupted a few pebbles, but the sound of them falling was drowned out by the roar of the waterfall behind it.
It crouched lower as it reached the edge of the rocks and gazed at the city sprawled below it- Canterlot.
After a few minutes, its ears twitched as it heard a quiet hoof step behind it. To a normal pony's ear, the sound would have been lost in the roar of the water, but the changeling's sensitive ears picked it up easily.
It continued to gaze at the city below as a second changeling crawled up and laid still next to the first.
"You're late," said the first, speaking in the clicks and buzzing sounds of Vespid- the changeling language.
"You know as well as I do how hard it is to get out of the city without being spotted, even when the city isn't on lock down," replied the second.
"No excuses Mimic," said the first, turning to look at his companion for the first time. "If you can't be on time, I'll replace you."
"Don't give me that shit Chitin," said Mimic, rolling her eyes. "You and I both know that without me your plan would fail."
"I ought to tear your wings off," Chitin hissed, baring his fangs, but they both knew it was an empty threat.
"Don't be such a nymph. Besides, we're wasting time. I have to get back before anypony notices I'm missing."
Chitin hissed at the nymph comment, but he let it go. "Fine. What were you able to find out?"
"There are two ways into the city," began Mimic, speaking quickly. "The gate is guarded by a dozen Royal Guards and more could arrive within moments."
"So we take the train then," said Chitin, thinking out loud
Mimic shook her head "They stop the train just outside the city and search it. The guards use changeling detection spells and would find you in minutes."
"Over the wall?" he asked.
"Guards are constantly patrolling the wall. You'd be completely exposed and they'd spot you easily."
"Tchaak," Chitin swore. "Then how are we supposed to get in?"
"Through the catacombs beneath the city," she said with a devious grin "There's an entrance to the catacombs by the base of the waterfall and they come out right in the basement of the castle. Have your team meet me at the base of the waterfall tonight after dark and I'll get you in."
Chitin nodded. "I'll make sure they're ready."
"Now I really have to get back, they could notice I'm gone any minute."
Chitin nodded again. "Very well, go."
He turned back to the city as Mimic crawled back. He listened as her hoof steps grew fainter and were finally gone.
Finally, with one last glance at the city, he began crawling back to the cave where his team was hidden.
