Mind Games

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I came into contact with a potential threat toward Equestria.  A changeling called Dross ran up to us today, disguised as me, only to laugh at our confusion when he unveiled himself.  After questioning him, he revealed that he was here in order to allow Chrysalis to take over Equestria.  From the information I've gathered, it seems that they plan to get to the Elements of Harmony by entering through the caverns underneath Canterlot.  I plead that you take precautions to protect the Elements.

In the meantime, I feel that I can deal with the changeling I encountered, I just wanted to make you aware that there may be a threat regarding Canterlot.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Celestia sat serenely, reading the latest letter her student had sent her.  It appeared the changelings had not given up after being defeated last time.  That could be troublesome.  She read the letter again.  She would have to set up guards around all the entrances to the caverns.  After the wedding, Twilght Sparkle had told her how she and Cadance escaped, and further searches had revealed at least two other ways to get into them.  If the changelings know every twist and turn of that labyrinth, they might be able to slip by without a problem.  Yes, she was going to have to increase the patrols.

Luna walked into the throne room and saw her sister, "Another friendship report?"

"No, this is more of a warning from Twilight."

"Really?"  Luna moved closer, reading over Celestia's shoulder.  Her face darkened with every line she read, her stance becoming more stiff, as if prepared to run.  Or fight.

"How could they be planning something else so soon?  We defeated them only two weeks ago!"

"I do not know, sister, perhaps it is not a real threat.  Nevertheless, we must take it seriously."

Luna looked at her sister, "Celestia, in light of this letter I would like to go to Ponyville to ensure everything is right with Twilight Sparkle."

"I don't think that's necessary, Luna.  Twilight is confident that she can deal with this newcomer, and I trust her judgment."

"Please sister, ever since I returned from being Nightmare Moon, the citizens of Equestria have only feared me.  If I start trying to get involved in their lives, help to solve their problems, perhaps they will begin to warm up to me and truly accept me as their Princess once again."

Celestia's face softened as she listened to her sister, "Sometimes I forget how hard this transition must be on you.  Very well, if you feel that this will help you become accepted, I support your plan wholeheartedly."

Luna nuzzled Celetia softly, "Thank you, sister.  I will just speak to Twilight Sparkle to make sure everything is under control, and if she requires my help.  I will be back in time to resume my duties this evening."

She turned to walk out the door before turning, "And Celestia," she gestured with the letter, "Thank you again."

Luna stepped into the hall, the door closing softly behind her.

Celestia sighed.  How hard it must be, to be a Princess who was feared by all her citizens.  After Nightmare Night, Luna had had amazing improvement with her voice and demeanor, but she still needed practice before she became fully incorporated and accepted into the ponies' lives.  Twilight Sparkle had helped her tremendously that night; hopefully more improvement would come as a result of this plan to help Ponyville, and Luna would finally be truly happy again.

Celestia smiled.  Things were starting to look up for her sister.

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Dross exited the room, carrying the letter.  His heart was pounding softly.  He had fully expected Twilight Sparkle to inform the Princess of his appearance, and as it turned out, his assumption had been correct.  Once he was out of the Elements' lines of sight at the picnic, he had turned back toward Canterlot and flew there as fast as he could.  He had been waiting around Celestia until he heard the telltale sound of a letter arriving before entering in the guise of Princess Luna.  He still couldn't quite believe he had fooled the goddess so easily.  At least, all things indicated that he had.  Granted, many ponies had blind spots; ponies they wouldn't ever suspect to be fake, and he was rather good at identifying who those ponies were.  After all who would want to be distrustful of those closest to you?  Luna was one of those weak spots for Celestia.  It was a simple matter of taking advantage of her clouded judgment regarding Luna.  Not that he thought he had slipped in his acting; in fact, he thought his performance had been rather flawless.  Provide a good reason for Luna to handle the situation in Celestia's stead, show a little affection for an older sister, and voila! a convincing portrayal of Luna!

He left the castle, a burst of magic shredding the letter to make it unrecognizable.  Twilight had fallen for his caverns question, thinking he wanted to know if they existed so the changelings could enter through them.  Celestia would now raise the security around the caverns, spreading the defenses thin and allowing for Chrysalis to enter Canterlot without too much effort.  Dross frowned slightly.  Although things were going smoothly, he had hoped that Twilight would be better at deciphering his true motives, yet she had fallen for his most casually laid trap.  Perhaps he had given her too much credit.

Twilight felt that she could handle him?  Well, she had tried to foil his "plan" by telling the Princess about it.  Despite falling for one distraction, she could still be a formidable opponent.  And if she felt she could deal with him personally, that meant she wouldn't participate in his game willingly.  Most likely, she would try to take control of how things were going.  He would have to do something about that.  It was a shame, he usually didn't like to coerce ponies.  He much preferred to lead them along, making them think that they were in charge of their decisions when, in reality, he was pulling the strings.  No, forcing ponies to his bidding was much less satisfying.  Still, if it meant fulfilling his Queen's request, he would do so without hesitation.  He could not risk this mission failing, even if it meant he couldn't compete with Twilight the way he wanted to.

In the meantime, Celestia wouldn't be worrying about Twilight Sparkle; she thought Luna was going to help her.  That meant that dealing with the Princess was no longer an issue, for the time being.  There was one minor risk, however:  if Celestia spoke to the real Luna later about her visit to Ponyville, it would be revealed that she had spoken to an imposter.  He needed to guard against the consequences of that possibility.  Either way, he had approximately one day to make a plan, and he was running out of time.

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Twilight Sparkle was writing at her desk, trying to calculate the effects of viscosity on terminal velocity.  She had been studying for hours and it was late; most ponies had gone to bed by now.  Spike was curled up, snoring softly in the other room, while Owlicious sat on his perch staring at her work.

The breeze started to pick up, and a branch tapped against the window.  Twilight ignored it and continued with her work.  The tapping continued.  She tilted her head and listened to clicking sound.  It was far too rhythmic for it to be natural.  Not a branch then.  Curious, she walked over to the window to identify the source of the noise, and was greeted by the sight of a changeling tapping on her window.

"May I come in?" Dross bowed graciously.  Well, as graciously as one could with wings buzzing, hovering in midair.

Twilight debated.  She did not trust this creature in the slightest, but there was something about him that struck her as different, interesting.  During the wedding, every changeling she encountered seemed cruel and malicious.  Of course, that was because they had been attacking the castle, but still….  There was something decidedly odd about Dross that she couldn't quite put her hoof on.  She opened the window.

"Can't you just use the door like a normal pony?" she asked.

Dross zipped in through the opening before landing softly on the library floor.  He gave her a sidelong glance, eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Normally I would, but I don't think the general population would be too thrilled to see you allowing a changeling into your home.  Besides, it's much more secretive and dramatic this way, isn't it?"

"Um, well, I guess so."  Even the way he entered her house was thought out?  He must plan things as much as she did!

Dross looked around at his surroundings.  Books were piled everywhere.  Literature from every subject written by ponies from every age in history.  This place was a shrine of knowledge!  He felt slightly envious of Twilight.  She lived here in this wonderful place, while his living quarters consisted of a small niche in a dark corner of the hive, barren except for a small cot.

He noticed Twilight's work and instantly recognized the work of a scientist.  Every calculation was ordered, clear, and concise.  He couldn't easily determine what the equation was about, but it was neat; obviously the work of an intelligent pony.  But intelligent didn't necessarily mean clever.  He glanced to the side and saw a schedule book on the desk.  His eyes grew in surprise.  The calendar was black with small writing.  Every minute of the day was planned, scheduled.  She planned calculation sessions?  This pony was obviously insane!  Who could live with that much organization?  She obviously planned things much more than he did!

Perhaps she would be a challenge after all.  If she could plan that many events in a single day, surely she could anticipate what another pony could do.  If so, she might actually have a shot at countering his moves; not that he would give her the opportunity to try.

Twilight frowned as Dross kept staring intently at her desk, "So what are you doing here anyway?  Don't you have an invasion to be planning?"

Dross jumped as he was shaken from his thoughts, then shrugged, "Eh.  That was put off when somepony informed the Princess of my presence.  I need some more time to develop my plan."

Twilight swelled with pride.  She was usually quite humble, but the fact that she had stopped the invasion of Canterlot, for the time being, made her quite smug.  That bubbly feeling was popped when a thought suddenly occurred to her.

"How did you know somepony told the Princess?"

The changeling shrugged again, "As I said, I make it my business to know what goes on in Equestria."

A silence fell over the room as Dross stared at her.  His scrutiny was starting to make her uneasy.  He just stood there, head slightly tilted, seemingly analyzing her thoughts.  She shifted uncomfortably.  She had to say something, anything, to make him stop looking at her like that.

"So, why are you here?"

Dross blinked and stood straighter, "I was bored."

That was an unexpected answer, "What?"

"Well, I have a few ideas in mind for the invasion, but I can't really do anything until tomorrow.  In the meantime, I was bored, so I thought I would come here and get to know you better."

"And why would you want to do that?"  Twilight asked.

He looked at her as if the answer were obvious, "So I can get to know how you think, and learn your potential."

Twilight scoffed, "As if I would tell you that."

"Oh no, you misunderstand, I don’t need you to tell me.  Much of how a pony behaves reflects their thought process." Dross sat down, as if preparing to teach a student and expecting to be there a while.  "You obviously don't trust me.  What pony would after what we changelings tried to do at the wedding?  Yet you still let me in.  I assume that is because you are curious about me.  Perhaps because I am the polar opposite of those other changelings you met?  That action indicates a curious mind, one bent on learning.  Am I right so far?"

Twilight was floored.  He had absorbed all that, just because she opened her window?  Still, she couldn't make him see her as shaken.  It was a little uncanny how accurate he was, though.

"Perhaps."

Dross smiled slightly, "Now, a pony who would let an opponent into their own house, in the middle of the night, is either very naïve, or thinks they can handle their self.  Otherwise, they would be taking a stupid risk.  I think you are far too logical for that to be the case."

Twilight was confused now, "What do you mean, risk?  What's risky about talking to somepony?"

Dross's eyebrows knitted in confusion, "And how did you know I merely wanted to talk to you?"

"What else would you be here for?"

It was Dross's turn to be blown away.  He had never dreamed that the ponies were really that innocent.  Did they really not have to worry about crimes, or even feel in danger?  He was a complete stranger, and Twilight already seemed to trust him enough to let him inside in the middle of the night when she was alone.  Was Celestia's reign that utopian, to where peace was just a given?  The changeling society was nothing like that.  It was tightly regulated by Chrysalis, to be sure, but there were still disputes had and crimes committed.

Unbidden, a thought occurred to him.  He could actually use this innocence against them.  If the ponies never anticipated the crimes things that they were capable of, he could do something horrible and nopony would ever see it coming.  And as a result, the Elements would be unable to function.  He knew exactly which action would work; he had found the last piece to his plan.  Still, that method would involve coercion, and he really did try to be as moral as possible.  But if Chrysalis wanted the Elements dysfunctional, he would sacrifice his conscience in a heartbeat.  Still, he would give Twilight a chance to avoid that unfortunate circumstance.

"You never know, I might have wanted to borrow something." Dross answered smoothly.

Twilight snorted, "I don't think you really would have come here, expecting me to just give you something."

"I suppose that's true.  Regardless, if you are my opponent in this game of mine, I thought it only fair we get to know each other a bit more.  It's much more fun when you know the other pony."

Twilight sat down facing Dross, her hooves tucked underneath her.  He thought he was so clever, analyzing her at a glance.  She could show him she was just as capable at this game as he was.

"I think I already know you."

Dross raised an eyebrow and put on a condescending voice, "Is that so?  But we've only just met!  How can you possibly know the depths of my being?"

Twilight ignored his mocking, "You like to point out how smart you think you are.  That shows that you are arrogant and overconfident, not something you want to be in a competition.  This is supported by the fact that you claim to tell the truth, leading to you telling of a secret plan.  If you weren't so sure of yourself, you would have never revealed the invasion.  You also threw away your questions, indicating that you didn't care about gaining an advantage.  You thought I needed a handicap."

Dross had a look that seemed to say, "Not bad."

"Indeed, I do find myself thinking that I am more competent than most.  However, I try not to underestimate everypony.  That just leads to awkward moments when they beat you.  Nevertheless, I suppose it is inevitable to have some arrogance when you've never been beaten before.  That elementary assumption was pretty good, but I have revealed so much more.  If you really thought about it, I'm sure you could know the essence of myself."

Twilight leaned forward slightly, "Would you care to tell me what that is?"

Dross burst out laughing, "Oh, you want me to do all the work for you?  I can see you don't really have a knack for this kind of thing.  Fine, I'll help you out, and you can stop your struggling."

Twilight's eyes widened at the sound of his laughter.  He had done that at the picnic as well and she realized that that is what was interesting about him.  Every other changeling she had seen had been intent on attacking Canterlot, yet here was Dross, laughing like an old friend rather than an enemy set to destroy their way of life.  From her experience, she wouldn't have thought it possible for the creatures to laugh.  It wasn't an evil or sinister laugh either; it was the laughter of somepony having a good time, pure and natural.  This is what set him apart from the all other changelings.  He wasn't being evil, he was having fun.

Twilight had a moment of insight, a characteristic she had forgotten.

"Actually, I think I know more about you," Dross quieted and looked at her expectantly, "You love to have fun.  You are on a very important mission for your Queen, yet you are risking victory by turning it into a game.  That means you told the truth, not because you are overconfident, but because you are following the rules of the game that you have set for yourself.  You said you believe in honor, so you admitted to everything so you wouldn't break the rules.  That means you have some form of integrity.  However, you are also doing this for your Queen.  Based upon the assumption that you value honor, you must be very loyal to her.  On the other hoof, you must also be independent if you would reveal her plans and go about completing them in the manner that is most fun for you, regardless of the fact that it significantly lowers you chance of success."

Dross looked mildly impressed, and bowed his head respectfully toward her, "True on all accounts.  Above all, I act with integrity.  I keep my word and never tell a lie; that is what makes me, well, me.  My second priority is loyalty to the Queen.  Anything she wishes to be done, I do without hesitation.  Thirdly comes my love for fun, whether through games, surprises, or drama.  If I can find a way to make something enjoyable, I do it so long as I maintain my first two requirements.  Bravo!  You are rather more insightful than I believed, Twilight Sparkle.  You might end up being a challenge after all."

He stood up and walked across the floor to the window, "I believe that I have finalized my plan, and will initiate the game tomorrow.  If you win the game, Equestria will be saved.  If not, well, Canterlot will have a new ruler."

Twilight turned and looked at him, "I thought you would do anything for your Queen.  If I win the game, wouldn't that constitute betraying her if you just let Equestria be?"

"If you win the game, it will mean I was unsuccessful, not that I am letting you go.  Besides, I never lie and I always keep my word.  If nothing else, remember that."

Twilight stood defiantly, "Well, if that's the case, I won't play your game.  You can't win if I don't play."

Dross' closed his eyes and sighed, "Please, Twilight.  I have to do this out of loyalty, whether you choose the easy way or the hard way.  If you don't freely participate, I'll be forced to make you play.  That would be…undesirable…for both of us."

Twilight smiled inside.  She had him cornered.  There was absolutely no way he could talk her into playing his game, and that meant he couldn't play it.  Therefore, he couldn't win and his mission was lost.  That's why he looked so sad.  She had already won!  Canterlot was safe because Dross had been overconfident in revealing his plan.  He was threatening her in one last act of desperation, and she was calling his bluff.

"You are not going to convince me!"

Dross wilted even more, looking absolutely miserable, "I tried Twilight, I really did…"

He opened the window and flew off into the night.  He heard it shut behind him.  He had been hoping it wouldn't come to this.  He thought if he was friendly toward her, she would be more inclined to play his game.  Now he would have to take extreme measures to make her play, and he hated doing that.  There was nothing honorable about forcing somepony to your will.  Yet he had no other choice.  Tomorrow the game would finally begin, but he would sacrifice his conscience in the process.

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