Chapters The Promise (Original Story)
Chapter 1: Diplomatic Madness
Chapter 1: Diplomatic Madness
Celestia was falling.
Fate and Elegance had raised their magical shield so quickly that Celestia hadn't had enough time to even realize what they were doing, let alone cast the spell to counter the overload of love. The spell would have been ineffective here, anyway.
Love between a Changeling Queen and a pony was a love that should not be possible, so was the most powerful kind in any form.
Celestia just watched helplessly as the ground raced up to meet her. She closed her eyes. I'm sorry, she thought, I failed Equestria, I failed you...
Celestia braced herself for the impact, knowing that it was futile. But the impact, the feeling of every bone and inch of chitin smashing and grinding to mush, it never came.
Celestia opened her eyes to see the ground meer millimeters from the tip of her nose, and she was covered in a lavender magical aura that onl one pony she knew had.
She raised her head to see Twilight Sparkle straining to keep the Changeling Queen above the ground. She had an angry look on her face and in her emotions.
"Where, is, Celestia," Twilight demanded.
The changeling sighed. "I am Celestia."
"LIAR!"
Twilight thew Celestia at the nearest wall, which wasn't too hard, as there were walls everywhere. Celestia cowered as Twilight, her own student, approached her menacingly.
"I'll ask you again, where is Celestia!"
Celestia tried to stand, but it seemed that that throw had broken a forehoof, and she stumbled forward instead. "I'm sorry Celestia..."
"What was that," asked Twilight, who had barely heard the changeling mumble something under her breath, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."
Twilight was about to fire a magic bolt at the changeling when Winter and Luna arrived.
"TWILIGHT, CEASE THIS MADNESS!" boomed Winter in the Royal Solstice Voice, causing dust to rise from the dry earth.
Twilight covered her ears, as did the changeling. Celestia suddenly felt something sifting through her mind, and realized someone was trying to find Celestia. She cut them off, and Winter frowned. Celestia hadn't known he could read others minds!
If he could do that, then there was no point in hiding what she knew to them. She sighed. "I will tell you of Celestia, but not here. In my, her chambers."
Winter nodded and turned to Luna. "Get the others and tell them to meet us in Celestia's chambers." Luna nodded and ran of. "Do you need a hand?"
Celestia accepted, and Winter helped her to her hooves, a which point she promptly reconstructed the Celestia disguise. Winter looked at her curiously.
"I will explain, but when we are in my chambers," said the false Celestia. Twilight looked at her and regarded her with disgust and hate, while Winter looked at her thoughtfully. Celestia opened a portal and the three entered it.
~~~~~~~~~~
They emerged in Celestia's bedroom, where Cadance, Shining Armor, Luna, Blueblood, Fate, Elegance, Chrysalis, Chrysalia and Platinum were waiting. They all regarded her with disgust, but she ignored them in preference to the task at hand, leaving her dusguise up to not dismay Platinum and Chrysalis.
She went to a bookshelf and pulled a large purple book titled 'The Secret Room' down. The wall beside the bookcase slid back and then to the side, revealing an old hallway filled with cobwebs.
"This way," the Celestia impersonator said as she walked into the hall. The others followed, weary of a trap. Well, all except Blueblood, who had admittedly seen his aunt as a changeling when they'd first met, but decided that moment wasn't the best time to bring it up.
They proceeded down the long corridor, and before long they entered a large room, obviously carved out from Mount Canter. The walls made from white marble, and the floor was littered with gold and objects made from gold. On the far side of the room, at the end of a white velvet carpet that spanned the length of the hall, was a polished marble sarcophagus with a familliar image on the cover, inlaid with gold.
It was a perfect depiction of Celestia asleep on her back.
"Welcome to the tomb of Princess Celestia," said the imposter solemly, on the verge of tears.
The Promise (Original Story)
Chapter 2: Tomb of the Princess
Chapter 2: Tomb of the Princess
The imposter Celestia sniffled weakly. As she did, her disguise lost cohesion and burned away to reveal a Changeling Queen who was crying uncontrollably, much to the shock of everyone else, even Winter.
"I failed you, sister," the Changeling Queen sobbed, "You were my best friend, and I've failed you. I'm sorry, I..I..I'm so, so sorry.." She couldn't get anymore out as she slumped to the floor, still crying.
The ponies and changelings were all speechless at the sight before them.
There, in front of them, laid a Changeling Queen, sobbing, and apologizing to Celestia, who had apparantly been dead for over one thousand years. The Changeling Queen kept saying she'd failed her only friend, so not any pony, changeling, or even Winter himself, knew what to think.
But, as always, it was Winter to talk first.
"What happened to her," Winter asked.
"The battle with Nightmare Moon," the changeling said, still sobbing, "I don't blame Luna. She wasn't in control, but I blame Nightmare Moon. She punctured Celestia's heart."
A gasp went through the room. Nightmare Moon, the Bringer of Eternal Night, had killed the Princess of the Sun.
This was unpresedented.
"What about you," asked Winter, "Why did you impersonate her?"
"She asked me to," was the changeling's simple reply, "We were best friends, and I couldn't say no and leave Equestria without her only Princess."
There was quiet in the room for a long momen before Winter spoke again.
"Is this where you always sneak off to?" The changeling nodded in response.
"I have been using spells, dangerous spells, but the result will be complete in a few hours," said the changeling.
"What result," asked Winter with genuine curiosity.
"A spell Celestia taught me, and told me I'd know when to use it," A silence hung in the air, so the changeling continued. "It's a resurrection spell. I'm resurresting Princess Celestia, even though I might not live to walk the halls of Canterlot with her again."
Everyone was shocked by this revalation. "Why," asked Winter.
"I needed to create vast reserves of love to power the spell, which was a challenge as I had to raise and lower the sun, but I managed," the changeling said, "Now those reserves are gone. I was going to lower the sun, just to enjoy one last sunset, but you wouldn't grant me that." The chageling paused, short of breath. The lack of love in her was catching up. "At least she'll be back." And with that, the changeling fell over.
"NOOOOOOOOO," came a scream so loud, it could have been from a siren.
The sarcophagus at the far end of the hall flew open as Celestia thundered out, straight towards the collapsing changeling. She caught her before she hit the ground, but already her body had grown cold.
Celestia stared at the changeling in her arms, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Celestia, is that you," came a small, choking voice.
"Yes, yes, it's me," said Celestia, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Forgive me," the changeling said as he head went limp, and her world went black.
The impact hit Celestia like an Ursa Major. Her closest friend, the one who had always been there when Luna could not, had just proved her worth one, final time.
"Please Crystalia, please don't die."
The Promise (Original Story)
Chapter 3: Brighter Than The Sun
Chapter 3: Brighter Than The Sun
Most good things come to an end,
but some things don't.
That's because true friendship burns brighter than even the sun,
and that's because true friendship really is magic.
-John Winter, Prince of Solstice
Something stirred in the room, calling the Princess to attention. She moved over to her bed as a hoof covered in black chitin poked out. Relief spread across Celestia's face. She had saved the one pony in all of Equestria she'd cared about as much as Luna, and she'd used something this changeling had discovered without an alicorn's magic.
The power and love of the magic of friendship.
~~~~~~~~~~
Crystalia opened her eyes to a sight she had become accustomed to.
She was in the Royal Bedchamber of Princess Celestia, her closest friend and the pony she's impersonated for one thousand years since her death. She looked over herself to find she was in changeling form, but didn't mind, as only Celestia was allowed in the bed chamber.
Crystalia looked out the window to see the moon high in the sky above, and felt a most unnatural warmth wash over her. She looked to see a white wing draped over her form. Startled, she turned her head to stare right into the magenta eyes of Celestia, who was seated beside her.
Overjoyed, Crystalia jumped and hugged her best friend. They had been apart for so long that she never wanted to leave Celestia's side ever again.
"I missed you," Crystalia said, sniffling.
"As have I," Celestia said in the warm, comforing voice she'd been using for the last thousand years. Celestia and her had been so much alike then, and the same was true one thousand years later.
They sat there for a good while, forelegs wrapped around each other in a loving embrace, almost sending Crystalia into a state of utter bliss.
They broke off their hug and Celestia spoke. "So, what did I miss, sis?"
Crystalia placed her horn on Celestia's and gave her a copy of her memories of the last thousand years. These left Celestia speechless.
"The Crystal Empire has returned, and you found an heir beforehoof!?" Celestia was suprised beyond comprehension, so Crystalia only nodded. "Amazing! And you found the Elements of Harmony their physical manifestations! I am truely impressed!"
Crystalia practically glittered with pride.
"And never in all my years would I have had the courage to ask your sister to join the Council of Equus. I must say, that was a feat indeed, considering what she'd done to you."
Crystalia blushed. "It was mostly Winter, though."
"He seems nice," Celestia said thoughtfully, "I actually kind of like him, if your memories are anything to judge by."
This resulted in an impromptu pillow fight between the two mares that ended when all the feathers in the pillows littered the ground of the bedchamber.
"I haven't had that much fun on a day other than Nigthmare Night in years," Crystalia said as she laid back against the pillows that remained.
"I haven't had that much fun since we last played hide-and-go-seek," commented Celestia, who also laid back against a pillow.
Crystalia turned to face her adopted sister. "What happens now? You're back, I'll assume my secret's out, and I'll just run out of love again." Crystalia though back to all the times she'd raised and lowered the sun, the happiness it brought her loyal subjects. She sighed. She would never experience loving adoration like that ever again.
Celestia caught the pained look on her sister's face, and put a hoof on her back. "You can be me whenever you want, okay?"
"Really," asked Crystalia with excitement as Celestia nodded. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" She hugged Celestia, and Celestia hugged her back.
Nothing would keep them apart ever again.
~~~~~~~~~~
Celestia stepped out onto the balcony, preparing herself to raise he sun.
She was actually quite nervous. Though her loving ponies did not know it, their beloved Princess had been dead for over one thousand years. She steeled herself for what needed to be done, and focused all her magic.
Nothing happened.
Celestia, confused, tried refocusing her magic and attempted to raise the sun again.
Still, the sun refused to obey her.
It was as she had feared. The Sun, her own charge, would not suffer her efforts to raise it as she had been dead, and the sun itself was a symbol of life. Celestia's own purpose in life was lost, gone forever...
Celestia awoke from the dream to find a worried copy of herself standing in the doorway. She looked out to see the sun already high in the sky, and realized that Crystalia had once again risen it. She sighed, but it was to be expected. She had been dead for one thosand years, and so had become out-of-touch with her normal routine. She quickly rolled out of bed.
"I'm sorry, Celestia, but the ponies were growing impatient, and were beginning to think the Eternal Night had come...again," said Crystalia as she took off the regalia and dropped the disguise. It was only now that Celestia noticed that Crystalia's magical aura was different.
"Your aura, it's golden, like mine," exclaimed Celestia.
"Oh! I noticed that centuries ago, but it's hard to notice when I use it daily," said Crystalia.
"Really," asked Celestia.
"Yeah. I think it's an affect of holding a disguise for so long without a break," Crystalia paused. "Honestly, I hope it's permanent. I kind of like a golden touch."
Both mares giggled at that, but stopped when they heard hoofbeats coming.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking," asked Crystalia as she donned the Celestia disguise once again.
"I think so," Celestia said as she approached Crystalia.
"Annoying Nobles or Hangover Payback," asked Crystalia as there was a knock on the door and a call from Captain Quincy.
"Annoying Nobles," replied Celestia, "Definitely Annoying nobles."
The two Celestias swung open the door and let loose the Royal Canterlot Voice at the same time. "'ELLO CAP'N QUINCY! TIS' VERY GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!"
Quincy had been flattened against the wall on across the hallway. The moment Crystalia and Celestia realized how comical it looked, they burst out into a fit of laughter.
Quincy slowly slid down the wall in a comical manner, sending the princesses deeper into a laughing fit.
He straightened up and adressed the two laughing messes before him. "Crystalia and Princess Celestia, I have been sent to inform you that the Council of Equus has ordered an emergency meeting."
Both mares stopped laughing instantly, and Crystalia dropped her disguise in a beautiful golden flame, the first time it had ever been golden, actually, despite the fact her aura had been golden for centuries. She also noticed her chitin was a lot lighter in color than it had been before, and her mane and tail seemed to have the faintest signs of new color. She checked to be sure she wasn't seeing things, and she wasn't.
Her natural form was changing color to appear more like Celestia's.
"Celestia, how am I still alive, anyway," asked Crystalia.
"I gave you some of my love," Celestia exclaimed as she saw the changes. "It must have binded to your love for me, and is changing your appearance!"
Crystalia though for a moment before replying. "I like the idea of looking similar to you. That way, I don't always have to disguise myself in public."
Celestia nodded in agreement before turning to Quincy. "Lead on, Captain Quincy."
The Promise (Original Story)
Chapter 4: Darkness Rising
Chapter 4: Darkness Rising
Crystalia and Celestia had arrived in the War Room to recieve a welcome of shocked faces. On the way from Celestia's chambers, Crystalia had become more and more like Celestia. The changes had stopped about halfway between there and the War Room, but they were still mystifying.
Crystalia's wings had grown bones and become feathered, though she could still do everything she could with her bug wings. Her already smooth hor had elongated, her stature increased, her eyes changed to magenta, and her chitin was a white that matched Celestia's, including the cutiemark, though it was still chitin, and not fur. Her mane and tail had copied that of Celestia's down to the fact that her colourful mane and tail waved in a breeze that just did not exist. Crystalia retained the fangs, holes in her legs, though they'd become much more elegant, and her draconic slit eyes.
"Glad you could make it," said Winter, "And I must say, the new you is incredible, Crystalia." I nodded my appriciation of his comment, and he bowed his head in return.
They sat at the far end of the table, Celestia in the place of honor and Crystalia right next to her on a pillow.
"I'm not aware of the current millitary leaders, so I will leave the role-call to my sister, Crystalia."
Crystalia nodded and immediately took on her regal poise.
"Captain Shining Armor, 1st Royal Guard." Shining saluted promptly before return ing to his thoughts. They seemed very grim.
"Lord Hermane Gowering, 26th Manehattan Infantry." Hermane raised his hoof in salute quickly and precisely before placing it back down.
The rest of the roll call went as per usual until a Solstice Royal Guard and an Honor Guard showed up.
"Ah, Captian Flynn, 1st Solstice Royal Guard, and Field Marshal Stormcry, 1st Honor Guard. Glad you two could make it," Winter said.
They both bowed and moved to take seats.
"Now, I would like to know why we require a meeting on such short notice," Crystalia asked.
"Dear sister, do you remember of the legends of The Dark Empire," asked Chrysalis.
Crystalia froze up, something she would not normally do under any circumstances. But The Dark Empire had always struck fear into her heart.
"Just old tales to scare young changelings, right," asked Crystalia, though she already knew the answer.
"I'm arfraid they're what drove me to attack in the way I did," said Chrysalis, "You saw my hive when you rescued Chrysalia."
I nodded solemly, remembering the empty husks of starved changelings that littered the halls.
"In which case, I propose a full mobilization of Equestria's armed forces," said Celestia. This sent most of the council into an angered uproar, but the Solstice Guards remained content.
"The entire Solstice Grand Army, ten divisions of 500,000 troops and four air fleets of 250,000 airmen, and the Prince's flagship fleet and Honor Guard, are with you at his magesty's command," said Marshal Stormcry.
Captain Flynn nodded. "The unmanned defences at Solstice are as effective as her guards. The 1st Solstice Royal Guard is with you and you choice."
Winter nodded to both of them. "The Solstice Grand Army is at your command."
Celestia nodded. "Thank you, Prince Winter."
Slowly, the rest of the the Generals followed suit, including Chrysalis, suprisingly.
"But you have no forces left," Crystalia said, "I saw your hive!"
"I have another hive," Chrysalis admitted. "I'd planned to use it as a refuge if we lost, but now we are allies, and we can fight."
Crystalia nodded. "Good to see that old fighting spirit of yours is still there."
Chrysalis perked up, standing proud and tall. "Thankyou, my sister."
Crystalia nodded again. "Now, there are things to be discussed..."
~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to information Winter gave on when The Dark Empire attempted taking Solstice, they were able to narrow down the location of the hive to somewhere in the Everfree Forest. Though it wasn't a precise location, as the forest was hundreds of acres, it was an excellent start.
"Since Winter's forces are the least likely to have infiltrators, his will lead the operations, and be on the front line." Crystalia waited while this dunk in before continuing. "Winter's aircraft, as he calls them, will keep an eye in the sky for any changeling that attempts to escape. If one is spotted, The Wonderbolts will move in to capture or, if all else fails, kill the chageling."
Everypony and person in the room nodded. As much as it had apined her to say it, she didn't have much of a choice. These changelings harmed other changelings and ponies without provacation, like feral animals who hadn't eaten, but their reported build said they were well-supplied with an excessive amount of love.
"Will that be all," asked General Biscuit, in charge of the 18th Baltimare Riders.
"That will be all," replied Celestia, "Assemble the armies as quickly as possible." All the generals nodded and left the room quickly. Celestia turned to Crystalia. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"They've hurt innocent ponies and changelings," said Crystalia. "As much as I'm horrified at the prospect of killing another pony, they deserve what they are going to get." Crystalia hadn't been too thrilled when her sister had attacked Canterlot. So many lives had been wasted in a needless attempt to take something that could be given if she'd asked.
"I understand," Celestia said, nuzzling Crystalia.
They turned to leave, but standing in the door was a sight that should not have been possible, considering they were in the middle of Canterlot.
In the door stood four changeling queens, chitin black as the darkest night, manes and tails a dark purple and eyes that were a shade of purple. With them were two young queens and an encore of guards, covered in black obsidian armor that bore the marks of battles long forgotten.
This was the Black Changeling Royal Family.
"We would speak with you."
The Promise (Original Story)
Chapter 5: Revelations
Thankfully, Celestia and Crystalia could not be told apart at this point. The only sign that Crystalia was a changeling was her fangs, which had become quite smooth and elegant, as opposed to their former worn, jagged appearace. This would be the only way anypony could tell her apart from the real Celestia from then on (Well, unless you removed some of her fur to reveal the white chitin beneath), as her transformation had completed midway through the session.
At that moment, Crystalia was thankful for that fact.
The Black Changeling Queens stood before Celestia and Crystalia, all looking confused at the two princesses before them. Celestia and Crystalia noticed this and met eyes, thinking the same thing.
They don't know one of us isn't a pony.
"Please, do come in. I have been expecting you," said Celestia professionally. Crystalia had to admit, one thousand years of being dead hadn't dulled her acting ability.
Crystalia bowed to the Changeling Queens. "It is a pleasure to be graced by your presences."
The Queen who seemed to be in charge stepped forward. "I have no time for games. I must speak to Princess Celestia urgently! It may be a matter of life and death."
Celestia and Crystalia stopped acting and straightened up. Crystalia put on a disguise of her old self. It was the one thing she could turn into besides a copy of Celestia, which she almost was.
The Black Changeling Queen gasped at the changeling before her. "You are not Chrysalis!"
"No, I'm her sister, Crystalia," Crystalia said. She was beginning to wonder if turning herself into her old form was such a good idea after all. Fortuntely, the Queen relaxed.
"I see," said the queen. "Well, since you have introduced yourself, I shall do the same. My name is Evening Star." She then gestured to each of the other Queens. "This is Morning Star, my youngest sister, Midnight Star, my second youngest, and this old mare is our great aunt, High Charity. These two little ones are Gold Star and Silver Star, my daughters."
Crystalia nodded politely as she returned to her normal form. She smiled at the two little queens. "It is very nice to meet you."
"Umm, your disguise has fangs," said Gold Star. "Celestia doen't have fangs."
Crystalia almost facehoofed, but managed to hold back her hoof. "This is me as I normally am."
The little changeling gasped, completely frazzled by that little revelation. Her mother, on the other hand, was curious.
"Tell me," began Evening Star, "How is it that you've become naturally identical to Celestia in every way, save the fangs?"
"I'll explain that later," Crystalia said, "What I would like to know is how a Black Chaneling Queen and her entourage managed to get past our guards?"
"Invisibility spell," said Evening Star. This time, Crystalia's hoof me it's mark, nearly knocking herself over with the force. She took a moment to regain her composure.
"So, what is the Empress of The Black Empire doing in her enemy's hall on the eve of battle," asked Celestia curiously.
Evening Star sighed. "My changelings had been wothout food for so long, the began killing each other for love. When I became Queen, I attempted to stop them, but that only made them go out and attack ponies and other hives behind my back. I couldn't take it. I, my personal guard and these two of my sister and my daughters felt that we wanted no part in the madness our hive had become."
"Can you tell us what they're doing now," asked Crystalia.
"No," said Evening Star, "Black Star took the throne after I left, and severed our connections to the hive. But I do have an idea of what she's planning."
Crystalia nodded. "Good, but I think you might wish to sit down first. I can tell from your emotions that you've been on quite a long journey."
~~~~~~~~~~
A few minutes later and they were all seated around the Map Table. Small figurines marked the troop placement that had been discussed in the meeting an hour ago, and Evening Star was reviewing them.
"Something wrong," asked Celestia, noticing Evenign Star's thoughtful look.
Evening Star took a moment to register that Celestia had been speaking to her. "Oh, um, it just, well, I'd expected you to attack the Everfree Outpoast, as did Black Star."
"It's not the stronghold," questioned Celestia.
"No, just an exit, be it a highly used one, from our tunnels which burrow beneath most of Equestria."
Celestia's jaw dropped. "What?"
"There are tunnels under most of Equestria, or were," said Evening Star, "The only one that hasn't collapsed is the one from The Black Keep to the Everfree Forest. All the rest caved in before I was born."
Celestia breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, she feared all of Equestria was in danger. She noticed Crystalia sigh as well, knowing she care for the ponies as much as her.
"Back to the matter a hand," Crystalia said, "You said you had a good ide of what they're planning?"
Evening Star nodded. "Since we believed you though our palace was in the Everfree, we figured you would do as this map suggests you are doing. So, they will most likely fly directly to Canterlot while it is left unguarded."
"I haven't sent our forces to the forest yet," said Celestia, "But there might be a Changeling lookout there to make sure we came."
Evening Star thought for a moment. "You're right."
"Okay, we'll recall the armies, but send the 2nd Solstice Royal Guard to canvas the forest," Crystalia said, "That way, they won't susect anything."
"Wait, did you say Solstice," asked Evening Star, noticeably worried.
"I did," Crystalia said, a look of pure terror crossing Evening Star's face. "Don't worry. Prince Winter is very reasonable. He didn't kill me the moment he saw me, and that's saying a lot, as I was impersonating the princess."
"You were impersonating Celestia," Evening Star asked, "For how long? Days? Weeks? Years!?"
"How about sine the day I died one thousand years ago after banishing Nightmare Moon," Celestia said, causing Evening Star's to drop.
"You died," asked Evening Star.
"Indeed she did," said Chrysalis. "I used all the love I'd managed to store, which was a feat, considering that I had to raise and lower the sun. It killed me in the process, but Celestia brought me back with her love for me."
"What kind of love," asked Evening Star curiously.
"The kind of love than only true friends can share," said Crystalia with a smile, looking at Celestia.
"I cna feel you two are very close friends," said Evening Star, "Not that close, but very close nonetheless."
Crystalia nodded at Evening Star. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it," said Evening Star as they all got up.
"Let's go. We need to prepare an we probably don't have much time," Crystalia said as she led everypony out of the War Room.
The Promise (Original Story)
Chapter 6: Regrets of a God
Chapter 6: Regrets of a God
Queen Black Star approached the defenceless city of Canterlot from high above, masking her approach by flying in front of the sun. Her army of thousands of battle-hardened Black Changelings ready to fight and die in her name, and all for one thing.
Celestia's head on a plate.
She did not care her hive had been starving, or they wouldn't last much longer without love to feed upon. She only wanted Celestia, the object of the love of every pony in Equestria, dead.
As she though to herself, she didn't notice the sun quickly slip behind the horizon until it was too late.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Wonderbolts, NOW!"
The Wonderbolts flew toward the changeling army like lightning at Crystalia's command. They caught the army off-guard and took a few unarmored warriors down before they were forced to retreat from a rain of magical projectiles.
"ARCHERS," yelled Marshal Stormcry, "AT THE READY!"
His men drew their magical bows and summoned the projectiles of pure magic that the bows were enchanted to create simply by pulling back the string.
The moment the Wonderbolts saw the mass of blue magic below them they broke formation to allow them to fire.
As soon as the Wonderbolts were cleared, Stormcry yelled. "RELEASE ARROWS AND FIRE AT WILL!"
With that, one thousand magical arrows were released at the exact same time, taking out at least twenty of the attackers and injuring hundreds more. Although Stormcry had said fire at will, a second volley of one thousand arrows came seconds later. That was the training embedded into the mind of every trained Solstice Royal Archer Guard, fire as one.
The volleys continued coming and coming and coming until the chagelings were upon the guards, at which point the Solstice Royal Regular Guards of the division lashed out at the encroaching Changelings, not letting a single one even have the opportunity to attempt an attack.
Queen Black Star looked at her changelings in diappointment. She knew they could crush these pathetic creatures, but they held themselves back. She would have yelled at them if not for the wind. Instead, she turned to the rest of her army. "To the castle!"
~~~~~~~~~~
"Here they come," shouted Fleet Admiral Edvin Delcourt. "Decloak and engage! Send this monsters howling back to the pit they crawled from!"
The entire 2nd Solstice Fleet appeared before the advancing changelings and immediately began firing on them. The 3rd, 4th and 5th fleets arrived moments later, almost comicaly outnumbering the Changeling army.
"Dive, my changelings! We must get to the castle," commanded Queen Black Star.
Her changelings obeyed her will and dive toward the castle Just as she'd thought, the fleets halted their pursuit.
That was when she saw her.
Celestia was standing on her balcony, watching the battle below, oblivious to the changelings coming from behind her.
She was unaware of the danger.
Queen Black Star would have her prize
~~~~~~~~~~
Crystalia watched the battle raging below her. The Black Empire was putting up a fight, and already Solstice Guards had fallen, but not as many as had Black Changelings. She sensed the changelings behind her, and ducked as Queen Black Star took a swipe at her neck, having intended to behead her.
Queen Black Star scowled and came in for another swing. This time, her target grabbed her from the air and slammed her hard onto the ground before jumping on her and growling.
That was when Black Star noticed the fangs.
Those fangs didn't belong to a pony, but to a changeling.
Black Star quickly charged a fire spell and lit Celestai alight, causing her to reel backwards, and allowing Black Star to get back up. She was utterly startled by what she saw next.
Celestia still looked like Celestia, but instead of fur, there was chitin the same colour as Celestia's fur, and a sun cutie mark, and her hair still flowed in an invisible breeze. This was no normal changeling.
Crystalia lashed back with a magical collar that took Black Star completely off-guard and frimly planted her to the wall.
"Ungh, who are you, changeling," asked Black Star menacingly.
"I could ask you the same thing," Crystalia replied in tone the inspired fear in Black Star.
"Queen Black Star of the Black Empire," said Black Star, "And your death."
"Queen Crystalia of Equestria," replied Crystalia, "Princess of Equestria for the last thousand years."
Black Star broke free of the magic in a blind rage. No changeling could impersonate a Princess but her. HER! Not this pathetic excuse for a changeling.
The two were about to face off when a voice that could have been spoken by Equus itself rocked the tower. "ENOUGH OF THIS! I HAVE PASSED MY JUDGEMENT!"
A blinding light appeard before them. When it dissipated, a changeling stood before them. Her chitin and feathered wings were a white almost as bright as her own, and her mane and tail resembled the moonless midnight sky. Her eyes were completely purple, lacking even a hint of an iris.
Both Black Star and Crystalia recognized this changeling from the creation myths.
She was Aetheria, first Queen of Aetherius, homeland of the Changelings.
And she did not look pleased.
The Promise (Original Story)
Chapter 8: A Princess Rises
Chapter 8: A Princess Rises
When you've been around as long as I have, it takes alot to suprise you.
This suprises me.
-John Winter, Prince of Solstice
Two days later, The Winter Palace in Solstice...
"...by the right bestowed upon you by Aetherius and Aetheria, rise and claim that which is rightfuly yours."
Crystalia rose to her hooves as a massive cheer went through the Winter Hall from hundresds of ponies, changelings and humans.
"We now have two Princesses of the Sun! Today is truely a day of days," said Winter above the din of the cheering, "May they bring many a sunrise and sunset together for an eternity to come!"
The cround cheered even louder, but Crystalia was focused on three mares in the crowd.
Celestia, Chrysalis and Platinum looked happier than Crystalia had ever seen either of them, and their emotions held the same happiness that their faces held.
She had done it.
She had made her mother, her sister and her best friend proud, but most of all...
...she'd made Aetheria and Aetherius proud.
~~~~~~~~~~
The evening was spent dancing and celebration the coronation of Crystalia. Never in five thousand years had a new Prince or Princess been crowned in the hallowed halls of The Winter Palace. This pleased Winter greatly.
"Here, I have a gift for you," said Winter as he produced a strange white flower. Upon closer examination, Crystalia recognized the flower from a botany book she'd once read.
"That's a blossom from the White Tree of Solstice," she exclaimed. Thankfully, Winter had put up a privacy spell. "Where is it? The tree, I mean."
"In the palace, but nobody but I can see it," said Winter, "I would show you, but there are too many ponies and people."
"I understand," Crystalia said with a nod.
"Oh, and another thing," Winter said as he revealed a vintage Caramel Brandy circa. Third Age 1103. "I hope you like it."
Crystalia quickly used her magic to put the bottle in a fold under her wing. "Not. One. Word."
"Would I have gotten it for you if I was going to tell somepony about it," Winter questioned. Crystalia shook her head. Winter then produced another White Tree Blossom and gave it to Celestia. "I hope you and your sisters have the brightest of days."
Celestia realized what it was, and alos had a freak-out. Winter once again used a privacy spell, and told her not to tell anypony. He also gave her a slice of cake from the buffet table, which she promptly ate before anypony saw.
"Not. One. Word," I heard Celestia say through the cake in her mouth, and wondered if there was any left at the buffet table.
To Crystalia's immense relief, there was.
~~~~~~~~~~
Crystalia was on a balcony overlooking the entry courtyard. She was just finishing off the last of her cake when a voice from behind startled her, causing her to jump, lose her balance, and land on her rump.
"Princess Crystalia! Are you alright," Midnight Blue asked. Crystalia nodded, much to Midnight's relief. "Thank the stars."
Crystalia turned, expecting to see the face of the little alicorn from Canterlot, but instead came face to face with a changeling that looked almost identical.
"Is this the real you, Midnight," asked Crystalia.
"Yes," said Midnight, "Do you like it?"
Crystalia looked over Midnight. Her eyes were blue draconic slits, but not blue completely, having white in them as well. She had fur, which was a lighter Midnight Blue, as usual, and her mane and tail were straight Midnight Blue. She had the normal holes in her legs, and fangs in her mouth. She also had feathered wings.
"I must say, you do look quite stunning," commented Crystalia.
"Really," asked Midnight eagerly.
"Why, I doubt even the most level-headed of stallions could resist the urge to flip head-over-hooves for you," replied Crystalia with a smile.
"Thank you Princess," Midnight exclaimed as she gave Crystalia a hug.
"Your welcome, my little changeling," Crystalia replied with a joyous, loving smile.
The Promise (Original Story)
Chapter 7: Judgement of Aetheria
Chapter 7: Judgement of Aetheria
"I HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOU AND ALL OF MY CHILDREN SINCE THE BEGINNING, AND AM DISAPPOINTED IN YOU," boomed Aetheria, "YOUR RACE ONCE SHOWED GREAT PROMISE, BUT IS NO MORE THAN A SHADOW OF IT'S FORMER GLORY!"
Crystalia and Black Star cowered at the hooves of this god, the first of all the Changeling races, and their fogotten god.
"Please, I was only doing...," Black Star began.
"SILENCE! YOU HAVE PROVEN YOUR RACE UNWORTHY, AND FOR THAT, I SHALL UNMAKE YOU," boomed Aetheria.
Black Star's scream was cut short as she disentegrated before Crystalia's very eyes. She turned back to Aetheria, full of fear, but her face showed...happiness.
"Crystalia," Aetheria said in a voice of regal authority, "You and your race have done what I'd always wanted my children to do, and that is to spread love across Equus and recieve love from your actions. That is the true purpose of the Changeling, and you, Crystalia, have done it to a level I would never have thought possible until now."
Crystalia looked up at Aetheria. "What do you mean?"
"Your love for Celestia has formed a bond of friendship so strong that it kept you from letting her die," Aetheria said, "In return, Celestia saved you in your time of need, and the love she gave to you merged with your own, changing you to what you are now, a goddess of the sun."
"But Celestia is the goddesss of the sun," Crystalia relpied.
"My child, where there is one cutie mark, there is always another with the same purpose," said Aetheria, "It may take millions of years, but two ponies will always have shared the same cutie mark, and you will share Celestia's for the eternity to come."
"You mean I," Crystalia stammered.
"Are an immortal, as is your sister, Chryalis," said Aetheria, "You are both my direct decendants, and I grant you my gift. You will still need to feed in order to live, but will never run out of love, as I will always love you, my child."
"What about Evening Star and her sisters," asked Crystalia.
"She, her sisters, daughters, royal guard and aunt have been spared," said Aetheria, "They saw that their race could not be saved, and so abandoned it before the madness claimed them as well. I have also granted them my gift, and my love."
Crystalia hobbled to her hooves and walked up to Aetheria before wrapping her forehooves around the god. "Thank you."
Aetheria placed a hoof on Crystalia's back. "Any time, my child. If you ever need me again, just call my name, and I will be there."
Crystalia let go and bowed her head. "Until we meet again, Aetheria."
Aetheria bowed her head as well. "Goodbye, my child."
And with that, Aetheria disappeared in a flash of blinding light.