No Matter The Cost.

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7

Chapter 1

I stood at my post, my thoughts, as usual, wandering elsewhere. The mysteriousness of the world above ground flooded my thoughts with a curiosity my mind has held since I was just a grub. Though my queen has always forbade us soldiers from peeking over the surface of the ground, choosing to feed us love directly rather than risk our lives and civilization.

"Locust."

I have never agreed with her idea of feeding, the way she imprisons ponies and other races against their will just for us to thrive.

"Locust!"

"What?" I snapped out of my thoughtful trance and turned to see my guard partner, Droid, standing next to me. He had a look of anger towards me and I could tell he was annoyed by my lack of attention.

"Stop your dang staring at the floor and stand at attention!" He said angrily. "Queen Chrysalis doesn't feed us to stand around daydreaming."

I looked ahead towards the entrance of the hatchery like I was told and muttered to myself, "I never liked her way of living anyway."

Droid's head snapped towards mine and he looked menacingly into my eyes. I cautiously took a step back towards the cave wall behind me. Droid spoke up, a hint of malice in his voice, "There is one thing I despise more than ponies, and that is one who is not loyal to the queen." He suddenly jumped forward, pinning my forhooves against the wall and placing his horn against the softer chitin of my neck. "I'll teach you to question the queens rule!" He yelled angrily at me, his voice rising with each passing word of the sentence he had spoke. I quivered against the wall, bracing myself for the worst, when I heard the familiar, calming voice of larva calling out to Droid.

"Droid! You know what the queen said about killing our own kind."

"But..." He began, anxiously, determined to give me what I had coming to me the moment I questioned the queen.

"No excuses!" larva interrupted impatiently. "Right now Queen Chrysalis wants us down in the grand chamber for a very important meeting. She can decide what happens to Locust if he continues to question her there."

Droid slowly pulled back from me, keeping a close eye of malice placed on me the whole time. Before I could react to anything he whispered harshly into my ear "This isn't over. I will see you get put in your place if it's the last thing I do," and strode away with a determination I had not seen in someling's eyes for years. Larva looked at me, then turned and shook her head before walking away. I knew to take it as a hint of disapproval before I began to follow them myself.

I sat on the cold cave floor, starring menacingly up at my queen. The rage within my chest was building with each passing second she explained the plan of conquest to me and the rest of the hive. She spoke of an endless supply of love and power, of all we could ever want within our soon-to-be-perfect little lives. But I would never fall for it, seeing the flaw in her 'perfect plan of conquest.' I could not bear to see any more pony's lives ruined as long as I still draw breath. Still, I remembered Larva's warning and kept quiet. Yet the rage continued to build inside me, until it felt like my heart was going to burst from my chest. Finally, disregarding Larva's warning, I spoke up. "What of the ponies?" I asked.

Every changeling in the hive fell silent, as if they never thought anyling would ever dare challenge the queen. Droid especially glared at me with what seemed like twice the malice he had before he was about to rip my throat from my neck. All eyes turned to me, yet I continued to stand firm. "What will happen to them and their lives if we succeed in just outright barging into Equestria, demanding they give themselves up to be our food?" I asked with a hiss of anger coming out of my muzzle.

Chrysalis spoke with her usual booming voice of power and authority. "First off, we will not be 'barging in' if you have been listening to a single word I've been saying," she said. "This mission is about deception and stealth to achieve what we so desire. Second, since when do us changelings EVER care about the life of any other species so long as we have food and power? Once we obtain it we will be unstoppable!"

I stood there, thinking of a quick comeback to throw at her. She smirked sadistically, surely thinking I had nothing to reply with, just as I spoke up. "Why does everything have to be all about us?" I replied. "Why can't we just live alongside them and share what they have to offer?"

Chrysalis shoved the reply back immediately. "Because they despise us, that's why!" she yelled. "For as long as I can remember they have been the bane of our existence, living in their perfect world with more than they could ever want and never asking us to take part in what they have to offer. They can live their lives in eternal prisons and feeding us their essence for all I care."

My heart sank with her final statement. "But-" I spoke up, but never got another word in.

"SILENCE!" she screamed. I could tell she was on the verge of bursting, as if she had stolen all my rage in an attempt to shut the ponies out of her mind. "We will finish this conversation in my quarter's after I finish explaining my plan. After you will go straight to your nest. Do you understand, locust?"

I turned my head down. "Yes my queen." I said, depressed.

The remaining of the "perfect plan" explaining went by without incident. Afterwards my queen motioned me to follow after all the other changelings had left the room. She wound between pathways I had never seen before in the hive – for I had never been called to her quarter's – that made me nervous with each passing turn.

Something felt very wrong with the stuffed cocoons beside me. They did not give off the normal delicious scent of love like the others around the hive. Rather, they each gave off a different feeling of lowness. Some felt like they were giving of hatred or malice, others sadness or despair. Even desperation flowed through my being as I walked by them. 'Something tells me those are not beings providing food for the hive,' I thought.

Chrysalis' chamber at last came into view, protected with a layer of solid green slime she produces from 'her place of privacy.' Chrysalis walked calmly up to the entrance to her chamber and touched her horn to the layer of slime. With a flash of green from her horn, the steel-hard slime melted away and she motioned towards the opening, "Enter"

I cautiously entered her chamber, looking around myself as if I suspected some kind of trap to be sprung from within the chamber walls. Though I knew it was pointless, for if any trap were to be sprung by the queen, there would be no escape from it. I wandered towards the centre of the chamber, waiting for her to close the entrance and face towards me. With a turn of her head she spoke. "So what makes you think you are the one to question my rule?" she asked. "What is so bothering about my magnificent rule that makes you wish for a change of leadership?"

I stood silent for a few seconds, pondering what I should say. After a minute of thinking, I spoke up, "It's the way you treat our race like we're the only sentient beings within this forsaken planet!" I said angrily. "What is so wrong with wanting to make friends with other races? Or even just alliances? What makes you so selfish as to only care for what you think is needed?"

My queen looked back at me, a look of a mixture of confusion and annoyance in her eyes. She regained herself and spoke, "How have I been selfish? I have cared for all of you – all of my very children – with all the heart I could possibly provide. Why should you not be happy with what I have to offer? I still do not understand why you are not happy with the life I have given to you and allowed you to thrive in. "

I stood there, expecting her to say more. After I was convinced no more was going to come out of her I hesitated to speak up. Why wasn't I happy? What was I missing in my life? I stood pondering myself for what felt like hours. I knew the answer, but I couldn't come to force it out of my mouth. Yet I had to, if I was to have any chance of her understanding. For years I have battling her with this argument, and now was my only chance of possibly winning it. Yet I might anger my queen if I dare say what I believe to be missing within our lives.

"Very well. If you will not give me a good reason to challenge my rule, you will join your siblings as an example of what becomes of those who dare challenge my rule!"

I gazed up at her gleaming horn in absolute horror as I began to realize what the cocoons leading to her chamber contained. I tried to force the reason up my throat that I had been contemplating telling her this whole conversation, yet nothing could be forced past my fear-stuttering tongue. I swallowed one last time and threw everything I had at blowing past the block in my mind preventing the reason from escaping. "Because the ponies ARE my happiness!" I choked out. Chrysalis stopped in her tracks, staring shocked at my outburst. "Them and their idea of friendship!" I wailed.

I couldn't stop crying, though I had no idea why. In all my life I have never, EVER seen a changeling cry. Chrysalis looked down at me and smirked the most evil grin I have ever seen her hold. I cowered, afraid of what she would do to me. I prayed with all the hope I could muster while living down in this hive that she would not do anything worse to me than what was done to my poor siblings. After half a minute of cowering I turned and looked up at her, confused as to why she had not yet punished me. After I had regained my composure, she looked me directly in my eyes and spoke with a voice of triumph I thought I would never hear her use.

"Out of all the reasons you had dared defy my rule, I would have never thought it would be because of where you came from. When a drone picked you up off the front doorstep, I never even dared to consider the spell I used had worked all those years ago, or that it was you that had come crawling back to me. If you will not participate with us in the invasion due to your corrupted heritage, then you will stay here within your nest until the invasion has been concluded. I will be sure the corruption that has been squeezed into your mind has been removed the moment we have returned. Do you understand everything I have told you?"

Her voice of triumph had shifted to one of excitement, then one to of pure, black hatred throughout her lecture. I stood, my fear of her steadily returning as she spoke her final words. I hesitated, confused by what she was referring to as 'the corruption of my mind.' Though I knew here was not the time to dwell upon mysterious thoughts, not with how impatient I knew my queen was. I looked up to her and spoke.

"Yes my queen," and I headed back to my nest. I may have understood her terms of punishment, though I will never agree with her enjoyment of empire ruining with just the purpose of surviving. There will be no more mistakes of following my queen throughout her plans. I will find a way to stop this invasion, even if it means forcing past the guards of my own kind to escape and warn the pony civilization. I will save the ponies, even if it kills me.

Author's Note

Any idea of why Locust is so different? I hope I didn't make it too obvious...

This is my very first story I am writing out of English class to test my skills. Any advice, grammar or spelling corrections, seriously, ANY feedback or comments are welcome. With the exception of "this sucks," Tell me why please. Staying in character advice is especially welcome, as it is much harder than I expected. Also the reason I did this in first person is I have never seen a story with a changeling as a protagonist in first person, and I felt it would fit VERY well with the theme of the story. Again, any advice is welcome and I hope this is enjoyable so far.

Chapter 2

I walked glumly back towards my nest, my memories focused anxiously on what my queen meant by 'the corruption of my mind.' What could she have meant by 'my origins corrupted me?' I pondered what I knew of changeling origins. Out of all the history I know of my race, I have never heard of another hive existing nor of another race crossing with our own. I dwelt upon these thoughts as I walked glumly back to my nest. Perhaps this was not the time to think such complicated thoughts.

I gazed around myself to see, to my expectation, all my siblings giving disapproving glares towards me. It was as if they simply refused to believe Queen Chrysalis would just let me go after defying her so openly. One thought crossed through my mind at that moment – that I needed to avoid their surely oncoming wrath until Queen Chrysalis got back from the invasion. If there is one thing she doesn't allow to happen between us, it's unnecessary violent conflict.

I turned down the corridor towards my nest, promising myself only to linger for as long as it takes for the changelings to take off for the planned invasion. My siblings already trudged down the corridors, the higher ranks in the front donning their plated armour.

After several minutes I peered around the corner of my nest. I noticed several of my siblings standing alert in front of the entrances to each corridor of the hive. I stared, cursing myself for being such a fool thus far. I should have known Chrysalis would have left over a dozen of her greater soldiers to guard the hive. Swearing to myself, I stepped out from my position and gave a cautious glance, careful not to reveal myself to the guards of the current corridor I resided in.

The guards stood fully alert, surely not falling for the old 'throw a rock trick.' I took a cautious step back into my nest. I may be able to take a few of the lesser guards if I could take them by surprise, for I was not a lesser soldier myself. However, I shuddered at the thought of Droid finding me, for he had always been the better soldier. He was the cat and I was the mouse, hiding around the corner in wait for my inevitable fate should he discover me. I knew I would have to get moving eventually, for if he had got left to guard the hive he would check this location given enough time. Not willing to chance a cruel fate, I racked my brain for something to distract the guards.

I had remembered someling mentioning something about talented unicorns being able to teleport small objects over a short distance, though it was just a myth within the hive. No changeling I have ever known has been able to use the teleportation spell. Still, I glanced at my guard duty weapons behind me. Perhaps I could be the first? I levitated the weapons within my grasp, floating over to the entrance to my nest. I dug deep into my mind for the possible symbols that could make up a spell to teleport objects a short distance out of my line of sight. I pieced together a short list of modified symbols out of the few symbols I knew, tilted my head with the weapons in my grasp, and concentrated with more might I ever have before.

Initially, I thought it would work flawlessly. But then came the wrenching sensation as if my horn was going to burst from my head. I had never performed such a complicated spell in all my existence, though I had never expected it to be this concentration and energy consuming. Dropping all other thoughts currently within my mind, I focused my gaze and thoughts upon the weapons reappearing around the corner in front of the guards. I continued to channel my magical energy through my horn, determined above all other things to keep my promise of saving the ponies. Finally, the energy within my horn burst through the barrier within my mind. I felt the chitin on my horn split, and with a screech of pain, I found myself along with my weapons on the other side of the designated wall.

Immediately I heard a pair of hooves come running down the corner towards my direction. I never had time to realize I had teleported myself as well. Immediately I stood up in an attempt to run into the corridor I knew guards were never set to patrol, though regretted the decision immediately as a head splitting pain erupted near the base of my horn. I began dragging myself towards the corridor, determined to not fail after making it past the most difficult part of my journey. With one final drag I latched onto the corner I was aiming for and pulled myself around, just as I saw the guard's shadows appear around the previous corner. Then, to my absolute disgrace, I realized I had left my weapons behind.

"Aren't those locust's weapons?" I hear one of the guards ask. I immediately began an attempt to pull myself into a crevice I had spotted along the wall near my current location, fearing what would happen if the guards had caught me in my expedition.

"I think so. Should one of us go check on his nest?"

"Yes. I will go, you go search the area for any signs of him. I'm still determined to put him in his place, and now is my chance with his foolishness at breaking the queen's command."

"As you wish, general Droid."

My heart froze in place with icy terror the moment the words 'put him in his place' were mentioned. Out of all the places I would have thought Droid would be at the moment, I would have guessed, without a hint of doubt, he would be at the changeling invasion. I dragged myself with one final pull into the crevice near me. With all the might I could muster I forced myself deep into the crevice, tucking my tail and wings in so as to camouflage with the black cave wall, I braced for the worst.

To my utter surprise, I caught a glance of the oblivious guard walking straight past my crevice, my only thought of how much he must have slept through shape changing school. I may not be an expert shape changer, but noticing one within my midst has always been my strong suit.

I dragged myself out of the crevice and continued down the corridor towards the exit of the hive. That is when I heard the cry of both rage and excitement from the direction of my nest.

My ears swivelled around to catch the source, and my already icy heart formed another layer of despair around it. I dragged myself faster, refusing to stop until I fulfilled my promise. I tried one last time at standing, and found, relieved, that most of the headache had subsided in the matter of minutes it had took me to flee from my quarters. I began a slow, brisk walk, though much faster than my pace of drag. Slowly I began to speed up down the hall, being ever so perceptive of my surroundings should a guard suddenly appear around the corner. I dashed faster, increasing speed as I went towards the exit of the hive.

A chirp of joy escaped me, as I saw the guards around the hive I had been sneaking past start to move away from their posts, likely in an attempt to find me. I turned a corner to the last set of ramps leading up to the surface above the hive. Excitement filled me as I began to realize I just might make it out. I leaped over the last stretch of the last ramp and around the corner towards the exit.

It was then I came first face into Droid.

"Going somewhere?" he asked immediately, yet with more malice I have ever heard him contain. "It's thanks to you I don't get to participate in this invasion you know. Queen Chrysalis sent me to lead the guards preventing you from escaping and ruining her perfect plan, and now I get to take out all my anger of missing the invasion on your foolish lack of loyalty."

Droid was speaking with so much anger at the thought of missing the invasion that I could swear I could feel an aura of menace spreading outwards from where he was centred. Only one thing stuck within my mind at that time, and it came out as a long stutter.

"Y-you... my nest... what?" I stood dumbfounded at how fast he had managed to cross the expanse of the hive.

"One with years of training can travel much faster without a major injury," he gestured at my split horn, a wicked grin crossing his muzzle. "You'll never escape this hive alive so long as I still stand."

He lunged at me, though I was ready this time – I would not fall for his predictable move again. I lunged to the side, only narrowly dodging his lunge towards me. I may have expected the attack, though Droid was much faster than anyling I have ever known. If I were to win this fight, I would have to win with the power of wits.

I fired a blast of green energy through my split horn, of which had much more raw energy than the normal blast due to the channelling barrier being split. Though immediately I felt a sting of pain from within the base of my forehead and was deprived of much of my original magical energy. I watched dizzily as the blast narrowly missed Droid's chest, causing him to laugh momentarily. Then, to both of our surprises, the bolt ricocheted off the wall behind him, losing half it's power in the process but colliding with the back of Droid's head. He staggered forward, looking like he was about to fall over from dizziness.

I took this as my chance.

Leaping towards the door, I propelled my wings towards the exit of the hive. With one last push, I rushed past the last expanse of hive-ground. I smiled with a rush of joy. I was going to make it...

If Droid hadn't shot a beam of sticky webbing towards me, pinning me securely to the ceiling of the hive.

"Rule number one of escaping, make sure your opponent is properly disoriented before even attempting it," he grinned wickedly. "Though I must say, I am impressed with the amount of power that was within that blast of yours. Most changelings couldn't even dream of it. It must have something to do with that split horn of yours." He laughed crazily as I struggled out of my bonds. Slowly but surely I wriggled free. With the help of my remaining magic, I got my upper arms out of the web and planned to escape at the first chance I got.

Droid simply fired more webbing towards over my upper limbs as well as my horn. "I suppose I shouldn't give you any more chances at slithering away," he said annoyed. He fired a blast of his own magic in the direction of my split horn, the bright-leaf-green bolt colliding directly at the base of it.

I howled in absolute agony.

At no point in my life had I ever felt this much pain. It was like having a Knife driven directly into an open forehead wound, though living at full attention throughout the whole ordeal. The pain continued for another half minute or so, prying screams from my inner being throughout the whole time. Then with one last shudder, I began to lose focus to my surroundings.

Everything faded to black.

Author's Note

sorry the update took so long. I've been lazy with writing this week. Also I feel this chapter was rushed, especially in the middle. Any thoughts?

Chapter 3

I awoke with a screaming pain in my head, unable to open my eyes without howling in agony. Frustrated, I resorted to my other senses to get an Idea of my unknown surroundings. I waved my chitin hooves around to see if I could contact anything within my immediate vicinity, and to my horror I found great resistance from a thick, almost jelly like substance as I waved my hoof through it. Realization and horror dawned on me as to just what Droid had done.

Suddenly I heard his muffled voice from outside the pod I was restrained within. He spat with glee and pleasure at my situation, ecstatic towards my predicament. I scowled, cursing myself for being so foolish during my escape, and regretting my decision to not leave the hive sooner. Though more than anything, I wished to know just how he had managed to stuff me into a pod without creating one, for only the queen of the hive has the power to do so.

Droid spoke, his ecstasy formed after getting his way at last dying down. "I must say that I regret setting Glamour free to succeed in this situation, though I would much rather have someone of your standards of treason within this pod over a petty thief. The hive is much more secure this way." I heard his muffled hoof steps as he walked away, cackling triumphantly.

I glanced at what I could in my immediate surroundings by moving my eyes around. There were no guards in sight, likely due to the fact these pods were supposed to be infallible. Throughout the history of our hive, not a single changeling or pony had escaped from one. I had one desire within my mind to fulfil at that moment.

I would be the first.

I released some magic from my horn, albeit with a slight pain, though much less than had occurred before as it seemed I was getting used to my split horn. Though as I suspected the effort was fruitless. The magic was immediately sucked up by the pod and dispersed to feed the hive.

The pods existed for two reasons within the hive. The first was to trap ponies to suck out and disperse their love throughout the hive for feeding. The shape of their horns caused them to have their magic suppressed by the pod, as the spiral within their horn served as a pathway for it to travel to the dispersing vines throughout the hive.

The second reason was to trap trouble causing changelings to let them serve as an example of what becomes of traitors of the hive. A changeling's magic was suppressed due to it blending with the pod's own.

I pondered how I could use these thoughts to my advantage. Using changeling magic was out of the question, even with the increase in my power. Which left one option—I needed to perform pony magic. Earlier in the day I had performed a pony-made spell with great consequence-I grimaced as I remembered the reason for my now split horn-Though I still had yet to channel pony-specific magic. I sighed as I realized escape was going to be near impossible, but I needed to try.

I closed my eyes and dug deep into my mind, searching for anything that could replace the changeling magic within myself. I rounded corner after corner within my mind, desperate to find an end to the massive maze expanse within my head. After a seemingly uncountable number of times turning back upon myself, I found an opening at the end of a corridor, a great blue glow emanating from it. With a bright flash I crossed the expanse into the large opening.

I stood dumbfounded at what I saw. Before me was the brightest ball of light I had ever seen. Though something looked wrong with it, as if it was trapped in something, unable to reply to my plea for help. I pushed my thoughts closer towards it and reached out. Just as I felt I was going to be submerged in it, I was forced violently back by an unseen force. Cursing, I righted my thoughts and charged at the barrier once again, only to be thrown backwards into the wall of my mind and almost waking up from loss of focus. I groaned and up righted myself, this time hesitating. Seeing that running blindly or cautiously into the wall within my mind wasn't working I strained my mind for a different approach. What was an ideal way to break through a mind barrier besides brute force?

The answer hit me like a brick hitting glass. I needed to focus mentally. I poured my thoughts into my desires to leave the hive and warn the ponies. I poured them into revenge against my hive and taking down my queen. But most of all I poured them into making my first real friends.

I walked towards the barrier with these thoughts in mind, channelling them towards the bright blue light. At first I felt like I was about to be thrown backwards once again, but at the last moment the barrier shattered and the light came flowing outwards in all directions into my mind.

I woke with a start within the pod, my horn mending and vision quickly fading to white as my new magic took over. Immediately the pod burst and sent the changeling goo flying outwards, coating the rest of the pods. It was at that moment I lost control of all my actions and thoughts, my only goal set towards escaping the hive to Canterlot and making my first friends.

"Friends." The word rang within my now chaotic mind. It felt so alien to me, yet at the same time the only thing that currently lent me happiness and hope.

I began my trek towards the exit, focused on only escape. Several guard patrols who had heard the racket had come running to investigate, though I paid them no mind. They were useless to me now, only interfering with my goal. With a great rage towards them building inside me, I charged my horn to rid of them and spoke with a voice that was not my own.

"You will not restrain my desires any longer!" I yelled with a power I did not believe I could obtain. "Too long have I been stuck in this disgusting hive, unable to see what lies within the light. It is time to END THIS!"

With a yelp the guards turned to run for help, realizing they were no match for my current power surge. But they weren't able to even turn their heads before they were thrown into the wall by my power, instantly knocked unconscious.

I continued on towards the exit, any lesser changeling stepping in my way suffering the same fate as the first two. I trekked on, walking slowly as if to show off my presence in an attempt to insert fear into the rest of the hive. I rounded the corner to the exit ramp once again, starting my second ascent up towards the surface.

"YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE!"

I heard Droid's voice scream outwards behind me, and turned towards him with a fury topping even his previous malice. My horn and eyes still glowed white, my thoughts still unlike my own. He snarled towards me, his own horn lighting in preparation for a blast to once again restrain me. Yet the bolt only made it within an inch of my body before my magic dispersed it into nothing. Droid fired more shots of goo magic towards me, though each shot dispersed like the first.

I continued to trek towards him.

Desperate, Droid charged one last bolt with more magic than I have ever seen him charge before. This bolt had made contact with my chest, forcing me into the wall and breaking several of my ribs. But it melted away after several seconds, my ribs mending with a snap at the same moment the goo melted. I started walking towards him once again.

"How is this possible?!" Droid's voice had a desperation I had never heard within it in the past. "Changeling magic can't have power surges! not even the queen's!"

I spoke again with the voice that was not my own. "This is not changeling magic," I replied. "This magic has been in existence far longer than changelings ever will be. The same magic that will always triumph, the magic of the ponies."

Droid took a step back in shock at my statement, yet scowled at my usage of our enemies power at the same time. "I'll never let you leave here alive while I still stand!" he screamed, and charged towards me, his horn aglow.

I merely froze him in place with a paralysing spell of my own. "For years I have been stuck here, ordered around by you as my bucking superior! No longer. No one will stop my leave. Not the lesser drones. Not the royal drones. Not even you."

With a scream Droid was flung backwards far down the corridor into the hive, fury escaping his voice as he left. I turned and continued to the surface, triumphant. After I was a few hundred meters outside of the hive's range, my power surge wore off, leaving me drained and exhausted beyond measure. I crawled into the hole in the front of an oak, determined to hide while I rest if I could not escape proximity of the hive. After a few moments of thought on what had just come over me, I fell into a deep, dream-full sleep.

Author's Note

Sorry for the short chapter. I wanted to make it longer, but feel it would be ruined if I added anything else since I couldn't think of what else would fit in this chapter. Also, sorry this took so long. If you read my blog post you know that I have had IB exams recently, then I got REALLY bad writer's block. (A HUGE thanks to Bad_Seed_72 for the tip on getting past it, the tip worked great.) I would like to thank you for all your people's support, as I am surprised but glad this is doing so well so far. Also there shouldn't be such a big gap between small chapters in the future, as I am back to normal schedules. Again, thanks to everyone :)

Chapter 4

I awoke to the sound of frantic hooves travelling my current area. Judging by the fact the sun had mostly set, as suggested by the sudden darkness within the oak, I figured I must have been asleep for hours from exhaustion. I panicked at how close the hive must be to Canterlot by now. I Desperately rose to my hooves, my head feeling much clearer now with my newly healed horn. Tentatively, I listened for any movement that would give away any of my brethren currently looking for me. Once I was satisfied with my ability to peak out of the oak without being immediately spotted, I cautiously peered around the corner to the outside world.

Relief hit me like a wave of adrenalin-suppressing medicine when I realized I had not been asleep as long as I had originally thought, for the sun had only set enough for one side of the sky to still be bathed in that dazzling red glow. I cautiously took a step outside the oak, my ears still perked in case of determined patrols still skulking the area. Seeing none of my siblings in sight, I began a slow trot in the direction I knew Canterlot to be in from the speech Queen Chrysalis gave us.

For the next few hours I trotted at a brisk pace at an attempt to catch up to my hive on my path through the changeling lands. I swore within my renewed mind to stop at nothing until my message of warning was delivered to the ponies of Equestria.

In the meantime, I pondered my current thoughts that were nagging at the back of my mind. What was it that allowed ponies to live in harmony with other races so well? I knew friendship was most likely a major factor in harmony judging by the their ways, but could it be the only thing keeping them together?

The thought of friendship urged me to pick up my brisk pace. The thought of losing my only chance at a real friendship jumped me into a quicker pace, desperate to arrive before the army. Though another thought entered my mind. How was I going to pass the army unseen on the lush-less planes I now trotted on? I fiddled with the thought in my mind for the moment, knowing full well I would face the task eventually with the pace I was maintaining. Perhaps I could try casting an invisibility spell? It was not something strictly created for pony magic unlike my previous, straining teleportation attempt. We regularly used it to escape the other ponies' wrath when kidnapping the younger and weaker ones in the middle of the night for food, and due to it's changeling nature it should not interfere with my horn this time.

With my plan decided, I picked up my pace even more with a great determination burning from within my eyes. I began a full out trot in a desperate attempt to catch up to the hive.

A few hours later, the changeling army at last came into view. Though to my inconvenience, it was much larger than any size I had ever hoped for. Howling in frustration at the extensive difficulty increase at my task, I quickly cast the invisibility spell I had readied for the moment I spotted them and picked up my previously slowed pace with renewed determination.

I began my cautious rogue-worthy slip past the changeling army. It would be more trouble than I would have ever thought possible due to the army being so expansively large. It expanded outward in all directions, including vertically, as if they were daring somepony to try and escape their oncoming torment. With a sigh, I began the arduous task of surpassing the colossal army.

The slip began smoothly, as I had managed to reach the end of the gargantuan expanse without any troublesome guards. But just as I rounded the corner of the army, I noticed the corner guard's ears perk up in the direction of my galloping hooves.

Immediately he began trekking towards me, determined to find the source of the clop noise and surely confused as to why it was coming from an invisible spot upon the ground. Cursing to myself I began to slow down as slowly as I could in an attempt to divert his confused gaze and fool him into thinking he had just imagined the sound. surely enough, his gaze slowly fell behind my quieting gallop noise, and back towards the front of himself.

I decided to move further outwards from the army in an effort to quiet my galloping to the point of them being oblivious to my passing. Once again I began my arduous trot past them, this time with significantly more success. They hardly noticed the wind gusting into their faces as they focused on their marching. Their focus had an extent I had never seen before, though I had never paid attention in military training myself. I continued on my trot until I got significantly ahead of them, to the point where not even the slightest hint of the army was in view, and dropped my invisibility spell. It had drained my energy significantly, though I refused over anything else to take any more chances at being caught.

I sighed in relief at the sudden release in mental strain, thankful for the chance to once again focus all my energy into arriving at my goal with enough time to warn the only species I believed in.

I was going to make it.

A few hours later Canterlot capital at last came into view. I sighed in relief and slowed to a brisk canter in an attempt to conserve my remaining energy to form the words of my desperate warning. I tapped into my changeling magic for a disguise, though to my despair, found only green sparks fly out of my horn. I was still too drained from my power surge to perform any more sustained advanced magic after the invisibility spell. Sighing, I resorted to doing possibly the most bold thing I would do in my entire life.

I walked right in the direction of the Canterlot gate undisguised.

As I suspected the guards immediately, albeit violently pointed their spears into the direction of my throat. "You forgot your disguise, little changeling," one spat. "Or perhaps you are to weak to perform your shape shift and have come looking for the energy to do so."

The guards glared at me and I shrunk backwards for a moment, though straightened myself again when a new spark of determination hit me. "No, I have come with a warning. My queen and her army are about to lay siege to Canterlot, and I am determined to warn Celestia about this invasion. I only want to help..."

"Enough with you're lies!" the second guard yelled angrily. "You will refer to her highness as Princess Celestia, and will not be permitted access to view the set up of our army so long as we rule this city. Don't think I know your true intentions changeling. Now begone! Or I will see you thrown into the Canterlot dungeons myself."

But I stood firm, unwilling to see this town fall to ruin while I still draw breath. "I'm not helping them!" I yelled desperately. "I'm on your side! The only thing I have ever wished to do in my life is make real friends, and I won't be able to do so with all of you gone." I began sobbing at the idea of coming so far only to be stopped on my goal's doorstep. "Please! I just need to warn the Princesses!"

"If you will not comply with my warning, then under the order of section four under the security laws of Equestria, I hereby arrest you to be sentenced to life in the dungeons. I suppose Celestia will want to torture some information out of you as well."

With a great realization, I suddenly remembered the pony magic deep within myself. "Wait!" I pleaded. Perhaps my pony essence within me could prove my good intentions to these guards. "I can prove my good intentions! Just give me a few moments..."

The guards halted to watch my demonstration. I dug deep within me to find that wonderful magic I had found before, though to my utter despair, I only found the corridor within the expanse of my mind that contained the magic completely and utterly empty. Desperate, I continued deeper into the expanse of the chamber anyway, determined to find even the smallest spark that could help me. But when I reached the point that had thrown me away before, I had a sudden vision flash within my eyes. The image of a skull drifting ever closer to a picture of myself, followed by an arrow leading to a bright glow of what looked almost like a blue star, the same think my pony magic was withdrawn from.

Suddenly, the realization hit me.

I could only use my pony magic in absolutely dire situations, only when my life was in immediate danger. With a sigh of defeat, I began sobbing again. I opened my eyes and looked at the guards with a sadness that they probably wouldn't believe. "I can't prove it to you at this moment. Only when I am in immediate danger, more so than what I am in now, can I do so." I chocked out the words between sobs, doubting the guards would believe me. But it was the only last ditch effort I had.

And it failed.

"Seize him!" the first guard yelled. "Do not fall for his emotional tricks!"

I felt myself grabbed and restrained by the two guards, though I did not even try to resist. There was no hope left for me or the ponies, no hope for defence against the invasion. I sighed and accepted my fate as they dragged me towards the entrance to Canterlot castle, a duo of patrolling guards substituting their place at the gates. Immediately as we entered the castle we turned left towards a flight of stairs spiralling downwards. It looked as if the set up so close to the entrance to the castle was made to deny prisoners of any last hopes of beauty by seeing any part of the wondrous castle. I took one last look at the lustrous entrance hall before it left my sight, and I was violently thrown into one of the far ended jail cells.

To my surprise, the cells were very clean, no bones or bodies to be seen anywhere. 'Yet another thing to add to the glorious wonders of the ponies,' I mentally added. Their decent treatment towards the living quarters of prisoners was something I couldn't even dream of back within the hive.

"Do not move," the first guard said sadistically. "We will be back with Princess Celestia before you can even have a chance to think of escaping. And don't even think of trying to tell her you're innocent. We will be right behind her if you do."

And they were gone.

I slumped down against the back wall of the cell in defeat. It was over, I had failed. I closed my eyes and fell immediately into a deep, exhausted sleep.

I awoke after what couldn't have been more than minutes to the sound of hoof steps climbing down the stairs to my cell. Princess Celestia stood before me, a glare of anger within her eyes. I looked back in defeat, ready to accept any punishment or torture she would dish out at me, for I was already broken, and nothing more could hurt me.

Her horn enveloped me with telekinesis in preparation for forcing non-existent answers out of me.

"Why did you're queen send you here? Why you, a changeling who cannot even change shape, to get information from us over your brethren? Or perhaps she was wishing you to get caught in the first place?"

Celestia had a look of determination for her subjects upon her face, one that I could never hope to see within any of my race, even with Chrysalis' desire to help her children. Sighing, I gave the only answer I knew. "She didn't send me. Though I do not think she cares that I get caught. I have no hope lying for me in either of our races."

Celestia's expression softened slightly, though still had a large amount of doubt inside it. "If you do not care for your queen, then tell me what she has explained to you of the plans of this invasion."

I began the recap of what Queen Chrysalis had explained to us before setting off on this invasion. Throughout the explanation, Celestia's expression visibly calmed, almost to the point of a neutral expression. Once I had finished my speech, she asked me a question that confused me to no end.

"Where did Chrysalis find you?"

The expression shocked me, for I had thought she would assume my origins to be that of the rest of my hive. "On the front doorstep of the hive. How did you know I was not hatched like the rest of my hive?"

The words she spoke next would forever change my life.

"I had a feeling it was you. When that poor couple came to me all those years ago, I had thought there would be no hope for their child, for he was cursed with a spell not even I could cure. Though all magic has limits, and now I see that the spell your queen has cast on you was not effective enough to take your mind from them as well. Locust, I think it is time you learned of your true past."

Author's Note

YAY I had lots of free time today :D So I found righting the personalities of the guards very awkward. Like I said at the beginning, I have had trouble writing in character. if anyone has any tips on doing so, please let me know. I hope it was still enjoyable :)

Also I need to know if this will need an alternate universe tag. Please tell me if it does.

Chapter 5

Twenty years ago.

Chrysalis awoke to the clatter of arms and hissing of magic emanating from the direction towards the entrance of the hive. Startled and desperate to protect her children, she jolted upwards, flared her wings and bolted through the twisting corridors towards the sound of battle. She arrived on the battle scene to see, to her horror, part of the royal equestrian guard attempting to force their way into the interior of the hive. The small amount of guards confused her to no end, for surely they knew her army could fend off a few measly ponies. Though a sudden jolt of fear hit her heart as a loud crash from the direction of the hatchery pierced her ears.

Chrysalis bolted as fast as her wings could handle in the direction of the hatchery with a desperation to make whoever was brave enough to attack her newborns never see the light of day again. She dashed through the twisting corridors with a look of menace glowing within her eyes. There was nothing more she cared about than her children, and no pony would take them from her as long as she continued to draw breath.

She froze as she rounded the corner, shock and horror replacing the menace within her eyes. Before her stood a sight she had hoped to never set eyes on. The majority of the hatchery chamber before her laid cracked and broken, spilling out the vital fluids that were necessary for her children's hatch. Rage welled up inside of Chrysalis as she regained her composure. She cast her gaze towards the noises of the royal guards and charged after them, her eyes and horn blazing with emerald fury. The guards turned towards her, the glare in their eyes morphing into fear as emerald met turquoise. The guards scrambled to their hooves as they spread their wings and burst into flight, but Chrysalis was ready. She let the charge within her horn burst free, letting all the charged energy through without the normal mental chains restricting it.

The guards screamed as the emerald energy seared and tore at their flesh. A smug grin formed on the queen's face as she laughed at the thought of ponies attempting to infiltrate her hive. She had trained her children day and night, always showing them to serve for the sole purpose of bettering the hive. The queen let out a laugh associated with those who thought themselves invulnerable, though it soon faltered when she saw the chaos sprawled out before her.

Less than half her young that had yet to be hatched remained. Her eggs lay cracked and crushed before her horrified gaze, fueling her heart with a rage that she felt would stand within her until her life's end. Emerald fury clashed with every other color one could pssibly think of as she turned her murderous gaze towards the remaining guards. They responded with a kind of terror they had never thought possible to contain within themselves. Chrysalis gestered to her remaining guards to leave the area as her horn lit with a brilliant emerald light as a similar colored barrier prevented further cowardice from the guards remaining within the room. Seeing no other choice, the guards charged towards her, spears held firm in an attempt to at least break her determined concentration of seeing their demise.

Chrysalis raised a barrier around herself, though it was not one of force as changeling magic could not sustain such an effect over long periods of time. The guards charged at it, realizing this critical aspect a moment too late as they rammed full force, into it in an attempt to shatter it. As every guard too close to recall their movement charged into the barrier, they screamed in agony as their bodies were vaporized into nothing from the sheer amount of heat energy the barrier contained close to itself. Chrysalis laughed at the guards folly attempt in defeating her as she released a massive wave of emerald energy with the same effects upon the remaining guards. She let the barriers drop as she trudged in persuit of the guards that had fled her wrath. There could be no one allowed to get away with harming or killing her young, for they were all she truly cared about within this world.

Chrysalis rounded a corner and put on another burst of speed feuled by her rage at once again seeing the beings that had ruined most of her remaining life's pride. The guards shrieked at hearing her hooves gaining behind them, though they were unable to escape her wrath with their armor weighing them down. She let out another wave of emerald fury in their direction with the same results among all the remaining guards, save for one wearing silver plating that the magic passed over harmlessly. She screamed in rage as her horn charged up once again, this time with a concussive blast aimed towards him. The remaining guard, hinted towards being their commander, screamed as he was thrown against the nearby wall. He got up again, coughing and sputtering small pools of blood, as he turned to face his enemy.

He cackled as he met her gaze, "Even if you kill me, you will not bring back your young. You will never rebuild your empire to terrorize any more lovers in our kingdom. Not before the remaining of your kind dies off."

"Your death will at least avenge them." Chrysalis sneered. "There is no reason why I cannot try." She let out another concussive blast towards him, followed by another and another in an attempt to sate her rage towards him at his expense. Long after the guard has been killed, she continued to blast him with emerald energy in a desperate attempt to end her agony. At last when the guard was no longer recognizable through the remaining mangled corpse, Chrysalis felt fatigue wash over her and collapsed where she was, still screaming and weeping in sorrow and agony until she could no longer muster any tears.

Chrysalis awoke on the floor where she had previously been screaming, her few remaining children looking down at her in worry. She looked up with tears still in her eyes as she spoke, "They killed them all. Every last remaining sibling you had still to hatch." She looked down again, continuing to weep, though without any tears.

One of her children put a hoof upon her shoulder in an attempt to console her, causing her to look up towards him. "Can't you get vengence upon them, my queen?"

"Not after most of the soldiers were killed." She looked away again before realization hit her. "Though, maybe I could through non-militaristic ways."

Chrysalis stood up, turning again to face her children. "I want you all to look for any survivors and remaining soldiers within the hive. Tell them I want them to guard it until I return. I am going to equestria on my own."

Her child looked mortified, "But its too dangerous! you-"

He was silenced by a raise of her hoof. "This minion requires stealth, and having other soldiers with me will only raise its chance of disaster."

With that, she trudged on towards the exit of the hive, flying out and towards the speck representing equestria in the distance.

Chrysalis stood near the back entrace to a house of a single couple, ready to enter with a spring at a moments chance. She gazed into a window at the couple talking about their soon-to-be newborn and ocassionally nuzzling eachother with an affection she had never seen among any species in her lifetime. Standing up in response to the wifes movement towards the door, she readied herself to pounce upon her at the perfect time. Nothing could stop this moment, for her whole species was relying upon it.

The back door burst open, much to the surprise of the couple who froze with terror. Chrysalis took her chance.

She plunched her horn against the mother's stomach, forcing her newly thought up spell through her horn. Immediately the husband rammed into her, but she held firm with a determination like no other burning within her eyes. The wife cried and weeped as she felt Chrysalis pour the remaining part of the spell into her child, feeling it reshape and form within her stomach.

Chrysalis took a step back as she admired her work, a mischeavious smill upon her face. "Your child is now mine" she laughed as she turned towards the door once again.

" WHAT DID YOU DO TO OUR CHILD!" the mare screamed, tears continuing to stream down her face.

Chrysalis turned to her to convey one last message, "You shall see soon enough." With that she bounded out the door and back towards her hive, leaving the couple to weep and ponder what she had done.

The present day.

I stared with my mouth hanging open as Celestia finished conveying what she knew from the couple of my childhood story to me.

"It was you within that mare's body locust," she sighed. "Your parents nearly went crazy with emotional pain, especially your mother, when I told them there was nothing even I could do after Chrysalis had claimed you. They left you at her doorstep to ensure no more harm would come to you within pony society after you were born. I'm sure they would be ecstatic to see you again after all these years, even with these complications you have aquired."

"You mean I was never a changeling at heart? That poor excuse of a queen was never my real mother?" I asked, a tear coming to my eye. I looked away to proccess what she had said. "I had never thought that possible. I want to see my real parents right away!" I bawled upon the cell floor as I attempted to proccess what I had been told, but to no avail. I sat there crying until a pool of clear, salty ooze formed beneath me. Celestia sat there until I had stopped, pulling me close afterwords until I had forced my chocking sobs down my throat.

Celestia let go and spoke, "I don't want to upset you, but I feel it to be best to speak of invasion strategy before introducing you to your parents." I nodded and explained that the changelings had planned to wait outside the Canterlot borders while Chrysalis attempted to infiltrate with a disguise of a pony of royal status. Celestia stared at me for a moment before nodding and unlocking my cage to lead me to my temporary living quarters. I nodded and stood, wincing as a shot of pain went up through my entire body. Celestia gave a worried glance towards me before levitating me onto her back to ease my pain from walking. I could tell she wished to know the cause, though let it slide for the moment before seeing me starting to drift off to sleep. I closed my eyes as I slipped into peaceful dreams at last.

Author's Note

I'm not dead guys :twilightsmile: University just sucks. Also I only write when I'm in the mood to since I feel my writing quality sucks when I'm not, and I don't get much free time to get bored and in the mood to write anymore. Also, the story within the hive is not something Celestia knew, it is just something I added to make it more clear in case it wasn't obvious. Anyways, I look forward to seeing you all again. :twilightsmile: As usual, any feedback is welcome. Sorry if this chapter's quality is lower, I haven't written in over 5 months.

Chapter 6

Celestia paced nervously around her quarters with an almost painful looking expression upon her muzzle. Achieving success throughout the current situation was absolutely critical to the safety of Equestria, for it may be the only chance she got to save the wedding and—though she shuddered to think so—Equestria as a whole. Her thoughts drifted back to Locust sleeping soundly within the private quarters she had assigned him. The thought of the immense trouble he put himself through being for nothing in the end made her heart flood with guilt to the point of outright defiance.

The sun princess’ thoughts were welcomely interrupted as the door to her private quarters swung open to reveal Luna, her pacing slowly suppressed into nothing as her worries died down.

“You called, sister?” Luna asked with a well hidden tone of worry.

“Indeed,” Celestia replied, concerned. “Please, take a seat my dear sister.”

Luna did as she was asked, though reluctantly, as Celestia began pacing once again. Her worry could not be quelled until she was satisfied, and she would be much too agitated to sit still until such a deed was done.

“I have received news from a new guest of ours that an invasion is on its way.” Luna’s look of worry morphed into outright horror at those words, and Celestia held up a hoof for reassurance. “I assure you, Luna, it is nothing we shouldn’t be able to handle ourselves. Furthermore, if done cautiously, we may be able to proceed with the wedding unheeded.”

Luna smiled at her sister’s words, prompting her to continue with a slight nod.

Celestia returned the smile. “Our guest has explained to me the plans of the enemy thus far, and how she and her army intend to infiltrate our defences. Though, the idea troubles me greatly, I believe we may be able to beat her at her own game, should we succeed in unravelling her plans.”

Celestia proceeded to convey the information locust had supplied her, her face equal parts concern and suspicion towards her sister, much to Luna’s confusion. At last, Celestia sighed as she relayed to Luna Chrysalis’ plan to infiltrate through the canterlot royalty.
Luna’s face morphed into anger as she opened her mouth to rant, likely containing the parts regarding her past that felt most important to Celestia, when the older sibling smiled and held up a hoof once again.

“I do not believe you are the suspect, my dear sister. I can tell from your eyes alone that you would not dare to harm this kingdom. However, I do wish to ask a favour of you.”

With that, Celestia conveyed her plan to the younger, her face changing through all emotions to previously cross her recent muzzle.

As Luna turned to leave, one last thing crossed her mind. She turned to Celestia, nervousness etched in her tone as she voiced her concerns. “Are you certain one of their own kind can be trusted sister? I had thought they were all operating under one consciousness.”

Celestia only smiled. “This young one is different Luna, not just mentally, but in physical appearance and magic as well. I will send him to you after he has awoken before he visits his parents so you may see for yourself.

“Very well, sister. I look forward to it.”

She nodded to Celestia as she took her exit. Celestia strolled to her balcony, and glanced outwards to the southern lands. “We will stop you, Chrysalis. We always will, no matter the cost to us.”

I awoke to the welcoming memory of the castle’s guest quarters, feeling the much needed rest spread relief to all my limbs. My head still snapped at my nervous, but without the intent of disorienting my physical abilities as well. I stretched and cracked my limbs, curious as to how long the sandmare had me within her embrace.

The door to my current quarters opened and I glanced towards the entrance to my room to see the warmth radiating sun princess look towards me with empathy. It was clear she worried for my state of mind after what my previous years had put me through. Why though? Was it normal for ponies to empathize with each other? I found myself welling up again at the lack of empathy over the years. Hay, there wasn’t even any sympathy in the hive, never mind empathy! Celestia must have seen my envy, as she walked up and wrapped a wing around my body comfortably.

“It’s ok, my little pony. I am here for you.”

That’s where I lost it. All those years of missed companionship and laughing with friends came pouring out in a neverending stream. I bawled until Celestia’s hooves and wing were soaked, yet she refused to even complain, let alone move away. But that only made it worse.

I must have cried for at least half an hour before I had nothing left. All those years of welling up emotions—anger, sadness, envy—all coming out at once. Celestia smiled as I finished, glancing up at her. “How can you be so caring?” I asked dryly. Her smile faltered somewhat as she realized what I’d meant.

We NEVER cared for each other in the hive. We were born, we worked, and we passed. That’s all there was. No one remembered, and no one cared. I had always lived this way, and yet somehow it had always felt wrong. But I never questioned it, for it was always the way of changelings, and they were forbidden to question the queen. And now, now I knew why I did so-I was never a changeling. Chrysalis’ had robbed me of my very identity! For that, I could never forgive her.

“My sister would like to meet you, if you are willing,” Celestia said suddenly. “She is not as informed as I am of your current situation, though I’m sure you could change her feelings towards you if you just act as yourself.” She smiled again, that warmth giving smile always penetrating my shell.

“Of course princess. I am always willing to support ponies with mentalities of yours.” I smiled at her myself, my first smile in years erasing the pain from my face.

She smiles back, as always, replying with a tone like a mother to her own son, “I’m sure you will get along with the denizens of our nation just fine. Come.”

With that, I followed her towards her sister’s chambers. She rapped slightly on the door before it opened with a soft click and groan.

“Locust, meet my sister, Luna. I will leave you two to your introductions.” Celestia left without another word.

That left me face to face with a cold look of judgement from Luna herself. She continued to glare for a few seconds before letting out a sigh and nodding with a single word, “Come.”

I followed her warily into her own quarters as she turned to regard me. “My sister says you are to be trusted, and I see she was correct in stating you are different.” I opened my mouth to reply, which she silenced with the gentle and patient hoof raise. “Your looks are obvious… Locust?” I nodded. “However, the magical energy stored within your being is also unlike I’ve ever felt emanate from a changeling. You are unique, that is apparent, though I wish to look into your memories for your true intentions, only if you are willing.”

“You may, princess.”

Luna lowered her horn to meet my own, and I found myself swirling aimlessly through my own memories. All those years of my defiance and distrust towards Chrysalis, as well as the punishments and misery with them surrounded and engulfed me. I screamed at the realism of it all, for I felt everything as if I were going through it for the first time once again. The anger I felt was just as seething, the punishments just as agonizing. I fought back, struggling to leave the memory to preserve my conscience and mind for the morrow.

A white light suddenly washed over me, calming and stilling my quivering form. Luna’s voice was heard around me, urging on my serenity. “Be still Locust. I cannot focus on unravelling your memories with you actively resisting their bearing upon your conscience. You must accept that they are a part of you, as nopony may change that, and doing so will assist you in accepting as well as overcoming your past.” I calmed, albeit slowly, with the help of her mind-healing magic and reasoning.

After an eternity of floating within my own self, I awoke to the pleased smile of princess Luna. She stared down at me, her mother-like expression betraying her past intentions. At last, she spoke, “I must admit, it was a pleasure to view your memories Locust. You are, as my sister advised, a true pony at heart.” She smiled down at me once more before continuing, “I wish to ask for thy help should the invasion breach our initial plan.”

I stared dumbfounded by her comment. Why me? She had barely met me, let alone knew my talents! I wracked my brain for any way in which I could possibly assist before Luna finally voiced my concerns.

“I could see from your expression alone that you were harmless, Locust. The memory experience was a test. I wanted to see how you would fare in the presence of physical and emotional pain caused by those who would despise you, and if you would be open enough to allow assistance in times of need. Working together is a key part to being integrated into pony society.” Luna grinned as she looked down upon me. “How would you like to help us thwart chrysalis’ scheme?”

I had never smiled as much as I had at that moment. Somepony had asked me to help defeat my biggest nemesis and all the grievance that she had caused! I couldn’t help but bound around the room in joy in a manner that would have another changeling begging for mercy. Luna only laughed.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” she replied as I regained control of myself. “I will convey your mission at a later time. For now, I wish for you to meet some close friends of mine. I’m sure they can help you fit into modern pony society, just as they did with me not so long ago.”

With that, I followed Luna out of her chambers to her intended destination. My heart and soul burst with joy as I bound after her, unable to forget the harmony she and Celestia had showed me thus far. The thought of living with ponies of this personality complexion continued to fuel my grin and joy through the entire trip before me.

Author's Note

University suuuuucks.

Anyways, please be brutal with grammar feedback this time. I feel I messed up on some rules after not writing for so long. Also, for those wondering why Locust's different looks aren't mentioned in the earlier chapters, I just recently decided to pay for a comission at bronyCAN this year (which was a blast :twilightsmile: ) and came up with the looks on the spot.

I hope to update more frequently, but with full time university, a part time job, and all the pen and paper games I'm working on modules for to play with friends, as well as the one I'm creating from scratch, I don't know if I can. So wish me luck, it'll be good to see you all again :twilightsmile:

Chapter 7

I trotted nervously after Luna, my mind buzzing with the thought of my first possible true friends. Years of living as a changeling has engraved the ponies' hate towards our kind into the deepest pinnacle of my mind. I was overjoyed at the thought of this moment being the turn of events I needed to avoid such prejudice towards myself, and yet, I shuddered to think of how I could continue if such events failed to come to pass. The closer we got to the carriage, the more clouded my mind became with thoughts of the later. I began to shake as I walked, nervousness turning into fright, before exploding into outright fear.

By the time we reached the carriage, I was visibly quaking with fear, barely able to stand upright. Dark thoughts flowed through my mind like fire through a hay field as I began to lose track of my surroundings. Without realizing it, I was soon trapped in my own world of despair.

I awoke to find myself trapped in a dark mist. The absence of solid ground was obvious, yet it did not feel as if I was floating. Panic began to set in again, and I gently but firmly raised my hooves and horn to keep my guard up as best I could in my current position.

After a seeming eternity, the mist parted to reveal myself laying gently on the outskirts of Ponyville late at night. I weakly raised my head, cautiously observing every detail of my unknown surroundings as if my life depended on it. I heard my hooves begin clop on the packed dirt as I thoughtlessly and aimlessly began to wander. My thoughts suddenly snapped to the thought of the carriage. Had we crashed? Where were the guards? Or Princess Luna for that matter? "She wouldn't leave me," I muttered. My heart dropped into my gut as I thought something must have happened to her.

As I began to contemplate what could have possibly caused me to end up in a seemingly impossible situation, the voice I dreaded more than any other pierced my consciousness.

"Nothing has happened to her Locust, at least not yet. She has left you, as have all the ponies. You were mine the moment your father decided to lead the charge against my hive all those years ago. He was ruthless, I'll admit, much more so than Shining Armor is. But he was even more careless. Every strategist knows to take care of the leader when performing a genocide."

Chrysalis' voice was cold, booming with more and more anger as she finished her rant. I cowered as I saw her swoop and land not a dozen feet away. "No. They wouldn't," I muttered. "They said I was different, that I had a pure heart."

I began to weep as chrysalis continued, "They lie!" she hissed. "They only care for themselves, and you are no longer one of them."

I was bawling now. Tears flowed without restraint through my bug-like eyes, pooling beneath me in an unending waterfall. I screamed as chrysalis laughed, taking pleasure in my sorrow. Then, suddenly, a telekinetic force clamped my muzzle shut.

Chrysalis glared at me, scorn in her voice. "Cry while you can Locust, for when I get my grasp on you, I swear I will twist you into the most elite and loyal of my drones."

With that, she resumed her cackling. I resumed bawling on the ground, awaiting the fate she promised me.

After screaming until I had no voice left, I found my gaze grasped by a force coming from the sky. A brilliant light pierced through the clouds, searing Chrysalis into oblivion. A blue, ethereal-maned pony boomed towards Chrysalis. Not with scorn like she had, but with a more disappointing tone towards the queen. "A shame you must treat your subjects so poorly chrysalis. Have you forgotten? You may have a hive link with Locust here, but his dreams are still MY domain."

With that, chrysalis' screams faded into silence. Luna flew down to my still-trembling form on the ground. "It's ok Locust, she cannot reach your dreams again. You must wake soon, we still have a long flight ahead of us." She grasped me in a gentle embrace, washing a soothing magic over myself. I found myself calming, before sleep finally reclaimed me.

I awoke in Luna's arms once again, this time in front of the carriage where I had lost myself in my own dark thoughts. I glanced up at her, tears in my eyes. Yet this time, they were not only tears of trauma and worry, but tears of thanks from a grateful changeling. She gently lifted me onto the chariot, the guards also smiling up at us. I knew at that point that the chrysalis in my dream was the one lying. I chuckled, reassured that I could make friends after all.

The ride was long, but presented a time for some much needed sleep. I came to to find Luna embracing me while I slept. I flushed with embarrassment as I turned to look at her. She smiled down at me as she began to speak, "we are almost there, Locust. Let me introduce you initially so they do not get the wrong idea." She waved me off as my ears drooped, "I am sure they will see you as very different from the ones they have come to dislike, even more so as a great friend."

I turned away and smiled. The princesses had yet to fail me, so I knew I could always trust their judgement.

We departed shortly after the conversation, my nervousness returning slightly with the initial glares I received. But they dwindled quickly when the ponies relaxed. Whether it was because I was with the princess, or because of my obvious physical differences from other changelings, I could not know.

We arrived at a tree that had been formed and carved expertly into what looked like a sophisticated public building. Luna gestured for me to enter, with one last comment.

"Every pony should already be waiting for us in the library here," she coaxed. "I'll follow your lead."

I cautiously opened the door and stepped inside. What I saw made me balk.

Six ponies gathered around a table in the middle of the room, all at once turning towards me. Two of them scowled for a moment, one cyan and one orange, before Luna reassured them with a wave. The white one looked shocked, before simply accepting a changeling in the vicinity as if it was nothing new. The yellow one looked nervous, hiding behind her mane before scooting further backwards onto her seat. The purple one looked, strangely, curious. As if she had witnessed an entirely new discovery. The pink one, to me, had the strangest expression. She looked overjoyed to see a new face, even if it was a supposed enemy.

Luna spoke up, "Thank you all for coming, I know Celestia and I gave short notice, especially so soon after receiving the wedding invitation. I wanted to introduce a very special guest of ours. This is Locust," she gestured, "who will be staying with you in Canterlot during the wedding. I can assure you, he is not like the changelings you may have read about." She glanced at Twilight in particular. "I would appreciate it if you could all give him a fair chance."

The pink pony was the first to come up to me, "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie. Do you like parties? I always throw a party for newcomers to Ponyville and I was hoping maybe you could stay here after the wedding so I could throw one for you..."

I tuned her out after that point due to her excitable nature making keeping up like trying to understand the fastest auctioneer. It wasn't until I saw her grinning inches from my face that I blinked and managed a very feeble reply, "Uh, sure."

I don't think I've ever seen an earth pony defy physics more, flight or otherwise.

Twilight was the second to greet me. She looked nervous herself, rubbing a hoof gently on the back of her neck. "Hi, I'm Twilight Sparkle. Please, just call me twilight. I would love to hear about you in detail sometime, if you are willing. I would love to teach you something in return too, if you would like."

I stood there dumbstruck. No one has ever offered to teach me something, or been so willing to learn about me. I smiled at her, "I would love to after the wedding, though it might need to wait after pinkie's party. She seemed a little eager to throw it," I grinned.

She laughed, "yeah, that's pinkie for you." With that, she turned away to allow room for the others' greetings.

The next to greet me was Rarity. It was obvious to me she was the fashionista of the village, excitable about the idea of making clothing for someone so unique. She seemed very nice though, and I supposed I should get some proper attire for the wedding anyways.

Fourth was Fluttershy, and her name said it all. She seemed more open to me after being introduce by Luna, but I could tell it would be a long road to a trusting friendship.

Fifth was the orange pony. She looked nervous as she walked up to me, a hoof being rubbed much in the same matter of Twilight. "Listen, Ah'm sorry for the first impression I gave you. Ah've heard of what your ki... er... changelings have done in the past, and I guess I let that judge my first impression of you. Can we start over?"

I glanced to the floor for a moment, contemplating what she had said. I lost some confidence the moment she and the cyan-rainbow colored one glared at me. Yet, I did not want to guarantee the lack of a friendship with her. I glanced back up with her, not smiling, but holding out a hoof none-the-less. "Just keep in mind I didn't ask to be this way. I'm Locust."

She smiled and shook my hoof, firmly but surprisingly gently considering her build and likely personality. "Ah'm Applejack. nice to meet ya!"

The cyan colored pony was the most difficult. She never looked at me the whole time she walked up. Then, taking a quick glance, and gesturing to Applejack muttered "what she said. I'm Rainbow dash," before turning away to the others. Her friends glared at her as she took on a sad look. I was dumbfounded-I had now Idea what to make of it. I doubted it was her normal reaction considering her group of friends. I would have to convince her the hard way.

I glanced at Luna, who nodded her approval. She seemed to expect such a reaction from Rainbow Dash.

"Alright every pony, the wedding starts in three days so we should all be heading to Canterlot as soon as possible. I will be waiting for you all at the train station. I will explain any more detail you must know after we board."

With that, Luna left with a graceful trot and wingbeat. I turned to look at the other six, who were still staring at me blankly. After a few moments, I grit my teeth in annoyance and muttered, "shouldn't you all be packing?"

They snapped out of their stupor and scrambled to head home for their things. I panicked over being left alone for a few moments before I noticed Twilight instead heading upstairs.

I followed her, curious as to why she was heading upstairs instead of home herself when I saw her enter a living quarters. She gently nudged a baby dragon sleeping in a basket next to her own bed before whispering, "spike, nap time is over. We need to leave now."

The baby dragon, Spike, groaned before turning over, and falling back asleep. Such a protest did not last long before Twilight unceremoniously dumped Spike onto the hardwood floor beneath her. He yelped and complained, "aw, what was that for Twi..." before noticing me.

We fixed each other a stare for a few seconds before he shrugged and turned back to Twilight to resume his complaining.

I chuckled, figuring he didn't know much about changelings.

It did not take them long to pack, and we set off shortly afterwards. I glanced back at the tree-made-home, smiling at the thought of possibly living in a home here in the near future.

Author's Note

I'M ALIVE :D But seriously, I had a burnout. I went to the advanced writing panel at BronyCAN that I'm currentlly at and got some advice from GaryOak and his friend (NOT darkhorse, cant remember), both personal and not. I figured out how to actually ENJOY myself when writing-Imagining myself as the characters. Anyways, sorry this chapter was slow after the begginning. The next one should have lots of plot thickening (not the nsfw kind). PLEASE be brutal with feedback. While I have done lots of writing over the past two years, most of it has been summary or report writing. Thanks so much to you all. The next chapter shouldn't take more than a month or so at most.