Blazing Dragon

“I want all of your opinions in this matter.” Twilight ordered. She looked over each of their faces, “We all need to be on the same page.”

“Ah don’t think we should be doin’ this.” Applejack stated bluntly.

Dash rolled her eyes, “If everything depended on your decision, we’d be living on some makeshift farm and waiting for our death.”

Applejack shot her a look, “An’ if everythin’ was left up ta ya, we’d be sittin’ here tinkerin’ with yer lil’ toys!”

Fluttershy started to raise a hoof, “Um, excuse me-”

“My ‘toys’ are high quality weaponry that are helping keeping us alive!”

Fluttershy’s ears pinned to her head, “Please stop fighting-”

“Oh yeah, sure. Too bad Twilight an’ ya decided ta make weapons out of creatures!”

Twilight slammed her hooves on the table, “Stop it!”

Applejack honed in on her, “What, ya think Ah’m just gonna keep my trap shut cuz they hurtin’ ya feelins?” she rose to her hooves, “Ah’m not one of yall’s lil' experiment, ya can’t tell me what ta do or feel!”

Twilight growled and she too rose to her hooves, dangerous magic pooling into her horn, “I said...stop it.”

Applejack’s eyes glowed a faint green, “An’ what the fuck are ya gonna do if Ah don’t?”

“ENOUGH!”

Everyone in the room froze as all eyes focused on Rarity,

“What are you two doing? The enemy is out there, not here! Nothing is going to get done with us screaming and fighting one another. Our anger should be focused on what has driven us to make the choices we’ve made; the Corrupted One.” A pleading look crossed alabaster features, “Please…that’s enough…”

Twilight and Applejack sighed and sat back down as their magic faded.

“I’ve let myself get far too emotional…” she looked back up at Applejack, “I’m sorry for snapping at you. I should’ve let the rest of you in on this years ago…”

“Mah apologies as well, pardner. Ah may not fully understand yer…uh...experiment, but Ah know you don’t make decisions like this lightly.”

“Can I make a suggestion?”

Everyone looked over at Fluttershy, who had a hoof lightly raised,

“We’re all ears, sugarcube.”

“Why don’t we give the Apprentices an opportunity to take charge?”

“Aren’t they a bit young ta be makin’ a…” Applejack lazily waved her hoof in the air in search of words, “Such a massive decision?”

“Any decision we make nowadays is going to be a ‘massive’ decision.” Dash stated. “The hybrid came alone in search of us, and from what Patch told me, she was busy fighting off Hellions on her own, and was friendly towards them.” She leaned back against the back of her seat, “Besides, she’s already in our base. If she acts out, she’ll be killed, and we’d deal with the fallout like we always do.”

Twilight sat in thoughtful silence for a few moments before speaking up, “Very well then.” She lit up the communication crystal, giving it a few moments before Haze appeared on the other side,

“You called for me, Miss Twilight?”

“Yes, you and the others.” Twilight stated, “Please come to the Briefing Room. We need to have a quick discussion with you all.”

“Will do.”

The communication faded, and within a few minutes, the Apprentices were filing into the room and taking their seats beside their respective mentor. Twilight looked over at Fluttershy,

“Since it was your idea, I think it should be you to share it.”

The Apprentices looked in confusion before Sparks spoke up,

“What idea?”

“Well, you guys are aware the meaning of being our Apprentices.” Fluttershy started. “And you guys won’t be able to learn what it’s like to make more influential decisions without giving you the chance to do so.” She scanned over each of them, “So, you’re going to be the ones to decide on whether or not we make an alliance with the Hidden Hive.”

Soft noises of surprise came from the Apprentices,

‘Are you sure, Miss Fluttershy?’ Skye questioned, ‘That’s a very big decision!’

“We’re aware, darling.” Rarity replied. “But when you’re in charge, every choice will have consequences, and how you respond to them will require further decisions.”

Twilight rose to her hooves, “Whatever decision you make, we’ll support it, and deal with the follow-up.” She started to make her way out of the room, the rest of the Fallen trailing behind her, “Take your time. We’ll be waiting for you.”

The door shut behind them, leaving the Apprentices in the room alone. Haze was the first to speak up,

“So, we’re doing it right? We’re gonna join em?”

“It would seem like the best option.” Sparks replied. “If and when the Hell King strikes again, we’re going to need all the help we can get.”

‘And seeing the way she finished the Hellion…’ Skye added, ‘Who wouldn’t want that kind of strength on their side?’

“It’s because their kind can do that, that we shouldn’t allow it.” Dee pointed out. “We saved her, and that should hopefully be enough to send her on her way without fear of retaliation.”

Patch arched a brow, “But you’re no different. You’re just a life suckin’ scourge yourself!”

Dee elbowed him in the gut. He wheezed, but still gave her a winning smirk. The vampony rubbed her temples and stayed silent.

“It seems like we’ve got a majority ruling.” Sparks declared. “So, here’s how this is gonna go…”

-MLP-

“Only three Fallen and Apprentices to go to the Hive?” Twilight repeated the plan told to the Fallen. “Can you explain that part to us?”

“Three Fallen should be more than enough if something bad were to go down at the hive. And with their Apprentices, it’ll be even safer. Well…as safe as it can be, given the circumstances.” Sparks started. “The other three Fallen and remaining Apprentices can stay here, and keep this base secure. We can be monitored with Eventide crystals, and if something happens, those that are there can handle their own until backup arrives. However, we believe that they won’t try anything.”

Twilight smirked, “I’m impressed. It would seem that my friends have done well in picking their Apprentices. It may not be long before you’re given more authority when it comes to mission setups.”

Sparks smiled back, “Thank you, Miss Twilight.”

“So, who are the three Fallen ya’ll picked?” Pinkie questioned.

“We believe one of each species, to keep things balanced.” Patch replied. “For the Unicorn, we decided it should be Miss Twilight, since she’s the figurehead for the Fallen.”

“For the Earth Pony, we chose Master Pinkie.” Haze continued. “Sorry to say this, Miss Applejack, but we’re kinda scared you might…beat the hell out of some Changelings for no reason…”

Applejack snorted angrily, “Are ya implyin’ Ah got a temper, colt?”

“Oh hush Applejack, everyone knows your and Dash are the two most hotblooded mares in the Rebellion.” Rarity teased. She scanned the Apprentices, “Please, continue.”

‘We chose Miss Rainbow Dash.’ Skye answered. ‘While she does share some similar…traits with Master Applejack-’

“What the hell, Skye? Whose side are ya on?!”

Skye giggled at her irritated mentor, 'My apologies, Master Applejack. I didn’t mean to offend you.’ she looked over at Dash, ‘Anyway, we chose her because if there’s any security systems that trap us there, she’ll be able to break them in a heartbeat.’ Her gaze then fell on Pinkie, ‘And while we all know that Miss Pinkie will help with maintaining a friendlier first impression, her skills in bioengineering. She’s got a good understanding of creature anatomy that is nearly on par with Miss Fluttershy.’

Pinkie nodded, “I’ve actually got a few potions that can melt chitin in a matter of seconds.” A dark grin appeared on her face, “And it would expose their tender, pulpy flesh, making them easy prey…”

“Reign it in, Sugar.” Applejack requested. “Yer gonna scare the youngins.”

“Anyway…” Fluttershy took cold of the conversation, “If you’ve chosen your Fallen, what about you guys?”

“Sparks will be going as extra spell support.” Dee answered. “Skye, because of her powerful hoof combat skills…” she looked over at the Pegasus, who simply smiled with a hint of pride in it. “And Haze, whose smoke can disorient almost anything that comes into contact with it. Plus, he’s our only Earth Pony” she finished sheepishly.

“Excellent! It seems like you all have everything in order.” Rarity’s Eventide crystal necklace began, “I’ll fetch Locust Charm from the interrogation room.”

Within a few minutes, a shackled Locust surrounded by four Unicorn soldiers.

“Remove the cuffs, guys.” Haze ordered. “There probably not gonna vibe with the idea of an alliance if we’ve got their princess chained up prisoner-style.”

One of the Unicorns nodded and began to unlock the cuffs, “Yes, Fallen Apprentice.”

The shackles fell to the floor one by one. Locust rubbed one of her wrist,

“Thank you.” she shook Haze’s hoof, “It feels nice to get those things off of me.”

“No prob, but you’d be doing us a huge solid by telling Miss Twilight where she needs to teleport us.”

Locust slowly shook her head, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that…not yet. But I have no problem in taking you there myself.”

“I understand your apprehensiveness in us knowing the exact location.” Twilight began. “But we’d rather get there as expeditiously as possible. It would also save all of us the energy required to make the trek.”

Locust smiled, “With all due respect, please do not allow my appearance to deceive you.” her horn began to glow a salmon hue, “I may not be as powerful as yours or Fallen Rarity, but I’m capable of teleporting of us there.”

Her eyes glowed with their own light, as her magic surrounded those she intended to take with her. In a flash, they stood the base of a massive cliff. Changelings swarmed them nearly in an instant, and everyone took a fighting posture, save for Locust,

“Be still.” Locust commanded. “They will bring us no harm.”

The Changelings bowed to their princess. A bearded, dark grey Changeling slowly approached them. He bowed before Locust,

“It is a relief to see your safe return, Your Highness.”

Locust smiled, “Had you no faith in my return, Priest?”

Priest rose back up and mirrored her, “Of course I did. Our lady is far too headstrong to fall to mere Hellions.” Lime green magic focused in his horn, and the other Changelings followed suit. The cliff wall glowed in the same magic, before a section of it suddenly burst into rock dust and revealed an entrance. Locust began to lead the group inside, and they took note of the cavernous hallway was alive with thousands of fireflies as they danced in the air. There were speckle of Changelings grouped together, chattering amongst themselves, but stopping as the group passed by,

“Its Twilight Sparkle…”

“Is that Rainbow Dash?”

“Pinkie Pie…I read about her in the scrolls…”

“Who are those ponies with them? Are those their strongest fighters?”

“Maybe bodyguards…”

The whispers continued as they traveled further and further into the tunnel.

“This tunnel seems to go some ways down.” Dash pointed out. “How much more we gotta walk?”

“Not much further, Fallen Rainbow Dash.” Locust politely replied.

They continued to walk until the tunnel started to get brighter, upon finally reaching the edge of the tunnel-

“Whoa….” Everyone but Twilight stated in awestruck unison. While she remained silent, the same wonder was in her eyes. Locust turned to them and smiled,

“Welcome to my home…”

The tunnel opened into a massive caldera. Buildings made of clay, wood, and dried palm fronds dotted the bottom of the caldera. Holes that were drilled into the walls had their entrances covered with bright woven curtains. On the furthest wall opposite of the caldera’s entrance, A small castle made of blackened glistening stones was draped with hundreds of tapestries that matched those that lined the walls of the caldera. Creatures walked and flew around the caldera, giving buzzing life to what could normally be seen as an empty earthen bowl. All the creatures bowed in respect as Locust led the group to the tree. A couple of foals bounded up to them and gave a quick bow before their youthful energy caused them to bounce in place,

“Hi Princess Charm!” the Changeling colt shouted excitedly, “Are these the ponies that are gonna stop the Hell King?”

“Well they be the ones that bring by the Sun and Moon the elders talk about?” the Earth Pony filly followed suit.

Locust scooped up the filly, while the Changeling gently landed on her back, “Yes. Hopefully, they’ll be our friends, and you’ll be able to see other creatures besides the meanies outside of the colony.”

“Are there really other creatures out there besides us?” the filly looked at the group.

Locust nodded and smiled warmly, “That’s right…”

The filly squirmed out of her grip, and she trotted up to Twilight. The colt joined her, wrapping his hooves around one Twilight’s legs,

“Thank you sooo much for coming Miss Unicorn!”

The filly tapped Twilight’s other foreleg, earning her attention, “I really want to see the Moon.”

“Oh, do you now?” an amused looked gleamed in Twilight's eyes.

“Yeah, its way prettier than the Sun!”

Twilight couldn’t help but give the two a small smile, “My friends and I will see what we can do.”

The two foals let go of her legs and took off down one of the makeshift paths. Locust’s smile disappeared,

“Tis quite a shame. Those poor foals, being born into such a despairing and violent world…”

“It’s a sad truth indeed.” Twilight agreed. “I don’t want to delay any further. Please, take us to whoever needs to speak to us.”

Locust silently nodded and continued to lead them to the small castle. Upon entering it, the group was surrounded by several guards, who escorted them as Locust led them further inside. They stopped at two massive doors, and Locust turned to the guards,

“You’re all dismissed. I will lead them inside.”

The soldiers shifted with slight hesitance, before an armor cladded Griffin spoke up,

“With the utmost respect, we cannot do that, Your Highness. We have sworn to protect the crown with our lives, and cannot leave any of you unprotected in the kingdom’s most sacred room.”

Locust let out a defeated sigh and said nothing. One of the Unicorn guards magically opened the doors. The group entered the massive throne room, and immediately focused on the figure that sat on their thrones at the end of the room. A Changeling sat tall and proud. Her chitin was a glistening bluish black, and her translucent mane was a shimmering alabaster with a pale blue undertone. Her blue, compound orbs settled on them, and she gave them a welcoming smile,

“Ah, I see you’ve returned with an incredible find, my bullheaded daughter.”

Locust gave a slight curtsy, “I wouldn’t have returned to you in failure, Mother.”

“I would’ve accepted it, so long as you were safe.” she responded as she rose to her hooves and began her graceful descent down the steps,

“Princess Twilight Sparkle…tis an pleasure to finally meet you.”

Twilight remained stone-faced, “I no longer hold that title. I assume you’re the ruler of this hive…”

The Changeling’s smile faltered a bit, “That I am. I am Queen Sylphina. I rule with the guidance of my Consort, Scarab.”

“Scarab?” Dash repeated. She looked down at Locust, “That sounds like a Changeling name. I thought you were a hybrid.”

“She is. I am her father.” A strong voice replied. The group turned to the direction of the voice. A large and powerful looking forest green Unicorn approached them. He donned bronze armor plates that gave the appearance of chitin. His mane and tail were a firey orange, and the beard that covered his maw held streaks of dark gray. The armor clanked softly as he continued his approach,

“That is the name I chose when I became the queen’s consort.” He gave Twilight a polite bow, “Its an honor to be graced with your presence, your Highness.”

Creatures alike that witnessed the display began to whisper. Twilight gave a soft, irritated snort,

“Again, I’m not a Princess anymore. Please, do not lower your head to me.”

Scarab obeyed and rose back up, “You will always be the Princess I served long ago…”

Twilight squinted, her dull eyes studying him, as she tried to recall through the decades of faces she’s seen. Her eyes suddenly lit up, and a small smile appeared on her face,

“General Hyperion?” she took a couple steps closer, “Is that really you?”

Scarab smiled and nodded, “Yes, Your Highness…”

“I can’t believe you’re still alive!”

Dash’s brow furrowed, “Yeah, how the hell is that possible? You should be dead by now.”

She started to move in quickly to study him. Her quickness pushed the already uneased guards, who drew their weapons and aimed at her. Pinkie was suddenly beside Locust with a needle to her neck,

“Anyone attacks, and this is going into her jugular.”

Sylphina snarled and bared her fangs. Twilight’s horn sparked dangerously.

“Everyone, lower your weapons!!” Scarab barked. “They are not here to bring harm!”

The guards looked at one another, before looking to their queen. She continued to leer at Pinkie, a thick tension hanging in the air,

“Do as he says.” Sylphina ordered.

They slowly returned their weapons to their sheathes and holsters, but maintained fight ready postures. Pinkie matched them, returning her needle into the void that was her mane.

“Pinkie, I understand that you and the others are powerful indeed,” Scarab started. “But understand that you are within our kingdom. They are fiercely protective of the crown.”

“And I am fiercely protective of my friends.” Pinkie countered.

Scarab rose his head, displaying a posture of power, “I understand…but it would do you well to not threaten my daughter again. I respect you…but I will do what I need to do to keep my daughter safe…”

Another moment of heavy silence filled the room. Locust cleared her throat,

“Please…I know everyone is uneasy right now. We have multiple figureheads within close quarters of one another. It is understandable that tensions may run high. But…if I may, let me be the first to extend a hoof of peace…”

Sylphina gave her daughter an impressed look, before scanning the guards in the room,

“Guards…vacate the throne room. And have the maids and butlers see to it that our guest receive the hospitality of the Hive.” She focused on the group, “I ask that you treat us with the same kindness that we will give you. Let us make it so that our topic of conversation goes smoother than our introduction.”

Locust guided everyone to a nearby table. Castle staff immediately began to pull out their chairs, and they all took their seats,

“So…from what my daughter has told us, you wish to make an alliance with us?”

“I’m not even so sure after your guards almost killed us.” Dash grumbled.

“That does not disregard the fact that you had to have taken it into consideration to be here.” Scarab countered. Is it because you are aware we would be a great asset in the war?”

“We saw what Locust could do.” Pinkie stated. “Looks like she can suck the life out of Hellions and living creatures alike. Who’s to say that you wont try to kill us down the line?”

“I understand that our existence is still a concern for you. I apologize for the image my mother gave to you all.” Sylphina apologized. “It is in a Changeling’s very DNA to obey their queen, and it is something Chrysalis took full advantage of. She made them do terrible things…like attacking the Crystal Empire. I saw the flaws of my mother’s tyranny even in my youth, and knew I wouldn’t be like her when I took control of the hive.” Her expression darkened. “But then…she feasted on one of her own.”

Dash leaned forward, “No way…she ate another Changeling?”

“Yes…the love each Changeling held for the Chrysalis was the equivalent of unrequited love. After her defeat, the hive had a hard time getting back on its hooves. She got…desperate…and began feasting on our own.” She looked down at the table in disappointment, “At first, she did it in secret. If anyone found out, things would’ve quickly spiraled out of control. Even if there was no physical retaliation, hate surely would’ve taken over, and she would’ve starved to death. Back then…I could do nothing but look on in horror and shame, as my mother devoured her own subjects.” Tears started to prick the corners of her eyes, “One day…she ate one of my dearest friends, and I could take it no more.” She focused on the Fallen, “As soon as I had the opportunity…I killed her. And after her death, I made the colony aware of her treacherous deeds. And because of my birthright, no one questioned my authority as the new Queen of the Hive.” A small smile appeared on her face, “Some years into my rule, I met Scarab, and small band of ponies he was traveling with. They needed help…and what better way to begin changing the image of the Hive, than to give them said help?” she took one of Scarab’s hooves into her own, “And by doing so…my entire life changed for the better. He helped strengthen our military, and helped me change the Hive’s mindset. And the group he came along with helped spread the world of the helpful Hive. The love and camaraderie that flows in my kingdom is more than enough to sustain us. Love is willingly given here, and my Hive has not taken any living creature’s love in over 25 years.”

Sparks rubbed her chin, “Okay…but surely you guys don’t stay here every single day. What about when you’re away from the Hive?”

“Then we simply feast on the Hellions.” Sylphina answered.

Skye leaned in, ‘How though? Those things don’t feel love.’

“True…what they do have however, is unwavering loyalty to the Hell King. And that loyalty is still a form of love, albeit diluted.”

“If its so diluted, then it still should be a limited resource…” Sparks stated.

“You think that Hellions are few and far between?” Sylphina questioned. “The Hell King’s vile grasp reaches far and wide across the planet. They are everywhere, and for now, their existence brings us an abundance of food.”

“And what about you?” Twilight pointed at Scarab, “Sure, the Hellions may be feeding the Changelings, but what of the other creatures residing here?”

“We all do well here.” Scarab calmly replied. “The caldera has rich, fertile soil. Sylphina and I have had Changeling scouts go out as far as possible and bring back the seeds of as many vegetables and fruits as possible. And from those seeds, we’ve made many gardens within the caldera, and created a bountiful harvest. We have thousands upon thousands of pounds of food and seeds stored, in the event something happens to our gardens.”

“So, you’ve both managed to bring races of all kinds to co-exist with one another in this kingdom, and short of dealing with the Hellion, you all seem to be just fine.” She looked between Sylphina and Scarab, “The question shouldn’t be why we want to form an alliance with you…but why would you want to with us?”

“The food for the Changelings outside of the kingdom has been getting easier to find.” Sylphina started. “That means that the Hellions are getting closer and closer to our home. It wont be long before they find our colony and report it back to the Hell King, which would bring certain destruction.” She leaned forward a bit, “The stories of your battles and the victories that have come with them have been told far and wide. This place is our home…and we will fight to the death for it. But with your help, we could not only keep this place safe and barely survive, but thrive.”

“While that would definitely be the most desirable outcome for you, it doesn’t benefit us laying down our lives.” Sparks stated bluntly, “If this is going to be an alliance, we would need something from this too.”

“We understand that perfectly well.” Sylphina calmly replied. “We know that your purpose is simply to end the Hell King’s reign. Tell me, is it true that your rebellion is one million strong?”

Dash shrugged her shoulders, “Give or take a few thousands, yeah.”

“Imagine how much stronger you’d be with the assistance of our colony?”

“How much training do these soldiers have though?” Pinkie questioned. “I mean, I just held their princess hostage in a room full of them.”

“Our fighting style is not the greatest.” Scarab admitted shamefully, “After all, I was trained to fight with dignity and grace of Canterlot’s Royal Guard.”

“This is a world where you have to play dirty to win.” Pinkie replied darkly. “You wanna win a fight? You’re going to have to stab backs, slit throats, gouge eyeballs out…”

Dash looked over at her, “Pinks, only AJ and I understand that sick, twisted humor of yours. Knock it off, alright?”

“Who said I was kidding?”

“Anyway,” Twilight interjected to silence them. She focused back on the queen and her consort, “Bright Spark does have a point though. What do we gain by forming an alliance with you?”

“With the training of your troops, they’d be able to bolster your Rebellion overall, making your goals far more attainable.” Scarab answered. “We would also welcome all under your leadership into our home, where they will have access to fresh food, water, comfortable living conditions, and the metals and building materials needed for whatever machinery you make.”

Twilight drummed her hoof on the table in thought, before looking over at Dash and Pinkie, “What do you girls think?”

“If we set up base here, we’d have access to some good resources.” Dash replied.

“And adding a few posts within the area to help beef up security would should be beneficial.” Pinkie added. “And if there’s any place Jackie could do even just a small amount of farm work, I know she’ll be on board for it.”

“We could help teach their soldiers how to fight.” Sparks offered. “Let our commanders show them our training regiment and get them fight ready.”

‘That would help us expand our various fighting styles overall, making us all the more deadlier to the Hellions.’

The group looked at Haze for his opinion. He shrugged his shoulders,

“Hey, I just go with the flow.”

Twilight turned back to Scarab and Sylphina, “Very well then, we will accept your offer and form this alliance.” She stuck her hoof out for a shake. Scarab smiled and met it with one of his own,

“It will be a pleasure to stand by your side once more, your Highn-I mean…Twilight Sparkle.”

The group rose from the table.

“We’ll have a quadrant of the caldera open for you and begin construction of working some of the tunnels to expand them for your Rebellion.”

At the end of the conversation, the Fallen and the Apprentices took their leave. As they made their way back to the entrance of the Caldera, Twilight’s horn sparked. Her eyes went wide as the others turned to her,

‘Is something wrong, Miss Twilight?’ Skye asked.

“I just got a distress signal from Rarity.” Twilight’s horn burned bright, “We need to go. Now!”

She teleported them back to the base, and horror etched on all their faces,

“Goddesses…” Pinkie whispered.

The base had been destroyed. Bodies were strewn about the ground, and blood painted what walls had remained standing. Debris was flung everywhere, and the numerous fires that were spurting from them rose to the sky. Dee was standing beside a beaten and unconscious Fluttershy, her eyes wildly looking about at what had caused the destruction. Patch was also unconscious, his cybernetic limbs torn from his torso and carelessly tossed away from him. The metal portion of his face was fragmented, one of his metal eyes not lying too far from his head. Applejack groaned, and they looked to see her badly bleeding body protectively encasing an even worse off Rarity. The left half of the Unicorn's white face was soaked crimson and her left leg was barely hanging on by a fleshy thread of tendon. Twilight galloped over to the two,

“What happened?!” Twilight questioned as she stood in protectively over them,

“They came outta nowhere…an’ we weren’t prepared…” Applejack replied before spitting out some blood. Pinkie rushed to her side, and Twilight took Rarity carefully into her forelegs,

“Goddesses, Rarity, how did this happen?”

Even though she couldn’t see, Rarity tilted her head up to the sound of Twilight’s voice, “S-Spike…he brought her back…”

“Her? Who’s ‘her’?”

“Twas I that he brought to give a wonderful show! The Great and Powerful Trixie!!!”