Author's Note

Thanks for putting up with me and my abysmal writing schedule.

Also, my and Zach (mostly zach) got to writing again! I did the first half like five months that ago and he wrote the second portion literally yesterday. Not his fault though.

Blame me.

Anyways, enjoy!

VI: Lionhearted

Should one look directly north-west from the top of Canterlot Castle, one would see a mountain range of incredible height in the distance. Beyond said mountains are the borders of the Queen's land, most of which is grassland, with some sparse forest mixed in for variety, I suppose. However, should one journey further into this majestic landscape, one would encounter a land much like Equestria, save a few miniscule differences: ponies were a very small minority (but that number was increasing daily), it was a relatively aggressive empire, and did not take kindly to drastic changes, ironically enough. It was this non-conforming attitude that made Queen Chrysalis very, very annoyed.

A changeling named Narok flew towards the palace as fast as he could, for he bore important news. He wondered what Equestria could possibly need from his empire, but quickly wiped those thoughts from his mind.

C'mon, just pay attention to where you're going. Don't think at all, just fly. Narok thought to himself as he neared his destination. Upon reaching his Queen's court, he steeled himself for the outburst that was sure to follow his arrival.

"My Queen, there is a letter from Princess Luna of Equestria for you. It says on here the contents are extremely important and concern the wellbeing of Equestria as well as our own lands." Narok stated.

"Read it aloud," Chrysalis said while waving a hoof in the messenger's general direction, not seeming to care.

That, however, couldn't be further from the truth.

Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Empire,

My dear friend, I write to you in a time of dire circumstance. Celestia is not acting at all like herself, and it has had a very undesirable effect on my citizens. There is no more sun in Equestria. We cannot grow our own crops anymore, nor can we survive here for much longer.

My assistant and I will be arriving shortly to give you a more detailed report on the events that have been occurring in my realm.

Regards,

Princess Luna of Equestria

Once Norak finished the letter, he looked up at Chrysalis.

"My Queen, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Chrysalis responded. "Just a little annoyed that she's contacted us on such short notice is all."

Narok sighed, relieved.

"Thank you for your service," the Queen said, waving Narok out of her chambers. Once he was gone, the Queen smiled to herself. Now's my chance, she thought to herself.

She immediately began tidying up the place. It had been quite a long time since she'd had any visitors, other than her servants. She didn't tidy up her room for them though.

Once she had her own chambers spic and span, she moved out to inspect the surrounding chambers. The servants did an excellent job of keeping the place spotless. Never hurts to check, Chrysalis thought to herself, as she made her way throughout her castle making everything was perfect. And as she expected, it was.

"Is everything to your liking, Your Highness?" One of her servants, whom she identified as Voda inquired.

"If not, it'll have to do," Chrysalis said, pleased with how perfect everything turned out. She walked back to her chambers. "Now we wait," she said to herself, smiling.