Chapters Ten years.
It has been ten Equestrian years since the human known as Nohbodi entered Equestria via a portal malfunction orchestrated by princess Twilight Sparkle. This occurrence could not be reversed, and he was stranded on our world. This brought significant changes to our world. These changes have shaped industry, relations with the native races of Equestria, and even myself.
Especially myself.
I am unsure if I would be among the living at this point in time if he had not arrived. Now I am not only fed and healthy, but a leader among my people.
I am Aranea, queen of the changelings.
Humans are curious creatures. They display among the strongest emotions ever encountered on Equestria. I have learned that Earth is a highly fallible place. Wars are constantly being fought at some location in his world. It was a highly technological planet, relative to Equestria. Perhaps it is due to the lack of magic on their home-world of Earth. This dissonance with our planet renders them immune to any form of direct magical influence. Including the most powerful of magics. Queens and princesses alike are unable to alter them. This immunity prevented his return to Earth. It also renders him among the most potentially dangerous beings in Equestria. Within days, all three of the Equestrian princesses were defeated. Only the last of those three, being princess Luna, was intentional. If he had sought absolute control, he might have had it. Instead, he only demanded information and the right to live in peace.
He was relocated to Ponyville, as small town known for the presence of the elements of harmony. This is where we had met each other. I was in hiding at the time. It had been between two and three years since the failed invasion of Canterlot by Chrysalis, the former changeling queen. What few changelings remained were all in a state of hiding and fear. Survivors were hunted or used, out of a misguided notion that we lacked free will, or fed from deception by choice. He was not aware of our perception by the pony public at this time, and befriended me. We became close.
We became lovers.
Due to this care and love, I was the first changeling since the fall of Chrysalis to be whole. Due to the excess beyond that, I was chosen by the hive. I was the first changeling since the fall to be capable of undergoing the metamorphosis. At a extreme personal cost to himself, Nohbodi provided an amount of energy equivalent to an entire hive. Once recovered, we set about finding the remainder of the previous hive. We would start again. We would live in peace.
The efforts were difficult, but the hive was re-formed. Changelings had grown used to free will, and did not wish to be under control. As I had experienced the same, it was easily granted. The required knowledge of the hive was imparted, and Equestria and the Crystal Empire now have empowered changelings to act as liaisons with myself for the benefit of all. They are commonly, if erroneously, considered minor nobility by the populace. Both Sangria of the Crystal Empire, and Butterfly of Equestria will gently correct those doing so if regarded as such, but it is not worth harsher efforts to change this idea. The hive has had a single, absolute queen since it and the changelings came into being. This phenomenon seems to be a natural reaction to a more powerful changeling, even in a lesser capacity. This new system will be slowly integrated into the hive as a whole. It is superior to a single ruler in our circumstances, and brings a format similar to smaller governments. It is comforting to the species we share this land with to have a similar system, and promotes peace in a mixed society.
Due to the entire fields of science and industry created during this time, bits are of no concern. We are effectively 'retired'. The free-willed changelings are fed and safe, and the systems in place require no current alteration. I am effectively, as ponies call certain ruling officials, a 'figurehead'. We have dedicated this dearth of free time to educating ourselves, and by extension the hive, of the remainder of this world. There is little that is not available to us.
We had researched the known world, or at least the world known and recognized by ponykind. When this knowledge was largely exhausted, we ruminated on our findings. There were but small places on the maps unmarked. Except one. A large expanse to the west. Often it was simply termed 'wasteland'. It was known to me beforehand due to the knowledge of the hive. It was now barren, and has been for the lifetime of several generations of ponies. Once, it was a vibrant land, filled with flora and fauna of many variations.
Once, it was the homeland of the changelings.
With the land being barren, it no longer held an imperative to return. Yet, without a true nation, changelings exist in a perpetual state of dual-citizenship. I consulted with Nohbodi on this subject.
“Think it can be fixed? A way to bring life back to it, I mean.”
“It is theoretically possible. I am unsure of how to do so, yet the possibility remains.”
“Talked to the changelings about it yet?”
“Not as of yet. This requires additional research.”
“Think that's all the research there is. Ponies don't know anything else about it from what we can tell. What about Intricate?” Intricate Compass was one of the Ponyville changelings. She had decided to take up mapmaking as a profession. She has also acted as a diplomat to varying nations when my presence or that of Sangria or Butterfly were not necessary. She was the most well-traveled of my changelings.
“I will consult her, as well as gather input from the hive.” I shifted to my changeling queen body. Occasionally the armored appearance reminds of less-peaceful times. Others it produces a sense of achievement and peace at what has been accomplished. The latter is far more common currently. My wings released, I flew to the apex of Ponyville and released a pulse of energy. Thanks to Nohbodi providing a constant supply of energy, there was no concern for what it took. Indeed, with my power this singular pulse can reach nations. It was a communicative ultrasound wave, in essence. In truth, it does not require all of my power to do so. As it reaches the first few changelings, they reflect it, adding a small amount of their own. This chain-reaction will disperse the information and return with traces of emotional response as a form of answer. It is rarely used, nearly always for dissemination of proclamations affecting my changelings quickly, surpassing the speed of the existing post.
The signal has great speed, but time is required to spread and return. Under normal circumstances I would send a missive to my changelings. I dislike using the term 'subjects', though it is technically true. This, however, was solely changeling business. They should be given an option for their input on the matter.
Within the space of an hour, the message returned. Overwhelmingly positive support for the subject of finding and, if possible, restoring our former realm. A small number dissented. They feared the possibility of negative change, after all that had occurred. I understood their misgivings, but the hive has spoken. Returning inside, I delivered the news.
“That's good, that almost everyone's behind the idea. Without any more info though, where do we start?”
“I will request Intricate Compass to travel as near as is safely possible. If there is any indication of life, she will inform us. It is the only information potentially available.”
A span of two weeks passed. Intricate Compass was finishing mapping and relations with the buffalo in their nation. Their water supply must be preserved from natural damage and encroachment of nearby civilization construction. She returned flying at a faster pace than commonly deemed safe. She alighted at our door and knocked impatiently. She immediately began. Nearly immediately, at any rate.
* pant pant... huff... * “Whew! Queen Aranea!” she bowed with dangerous alacrity, her knees hitting the floorboards with some force.
“Calm yourself, Intricate Compass. Recover before you report. Know that such prostration is not truly required.” It was a natural response to my power, similar to how most changelings reacted to Sangria and Butterfly, though to a greater degree. Indeed, I was highly considering applying such a 'promotion' to Intricate Compass, due to her occasional diplomatic forays. Most beings held higher respect when confronted with the appearance of station. Indeed, I believe I will do so directly. I delivered the message with pheromones, a key element in the more primal aspects of changeling communication and behavior.
We stood at the center of the living room in our changeling bodies as a field of my energy linked us. Intricate Compass grew slightly, increasing in power and endurance. It was a short process, despite the potential contained therein. We returned to our default forms, a secondary body commonly taken by changelings once given the information that such an option existed. Intricate Compass largely maintained a 'true' changeling body, though her other was a speckled pegasus often used in lands where ponies were welcome. It was likewise taller, with a greater wingspan and longer legs. My body was that of a human with a dark red-brown skin tone and what are considered significant breasts and hips. Nohbodi called it 'about a C cup'. He had also rarely referred to me as a 'milf'. Upon receiving the definition, I was pleased with the response, although I am not, on a technical level, a mother.
Yet.
If our previous homeland were to be given life and colonized, the changeling population could grow again. The life-span of a changeling is greatly influenced by the amount of emotion they can reliably receive. All of the found survivors are currently living, and the the supply will ensure they have a longer life than any previous generation of changelings. This, however, demands that we do not over-breed. As queen, only I am capable of creating additional changelings. Chrysalis having saturated the hive with population caused widespread starvation, and allowed her ill-fated invasion attempt. I fear the potential outcome of increasing the population without additional space for living. We continued.
“I felt It!”
“Felt what?” Nohbodi asked from his position in our conversation.
“You can't tell?” Nohbodi cannot receive the pheromones. He occasionally lacks information due to being 'deaf' to our method of communication. Changelings that do not have regular contact with him sometimes forget, due to his closeness and effective station as 'prince-consort' within the hive.
“You mean to inform me that-”
“Yes! It's in some sort of stasis, but It's there!” Nohbodi cleared his throat, a common human indication to be more specific.
“The Hive!”
“I thought the hive was everywhere.”
“I mean the Hive Itself! It's there in the wastela-home!”
It is almost impossible. The Hive has not had a physical form we perceived since memory. It was never truly explained, though it was commonly considered that It had either become part of the planet itself, or the genetic memory of the hive we knew was all that remained. To even consider that it physically exists. It raised many more questions than we were capable of answering at the time. Only one thing was certain. We must go to the wastelands and discover the meaning of this.
We were going home.
We arrived the short distance to the tree-castle that Twilight Sparkle resides in. Knocking on the door, we were bid entry by the dragonling Spike. He had grown perhaps most of all over these ten years. If mentally he was still relatively child-like, yet physically he was a match for Celestia in height. He had begun to slouch. In time, he would tread on all four limbs, as grown dragons do.
“What can I do for you?” His time in Canterlot and tutoring by Twilight Sparkle had instilled a sense of decorum. He retained the habit of speaking with respect, though his age occasionally shows when conversing with younger beings, or when flustered.
“We are here to inquire of princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“Sorry, she left a little while ago for Canterlot. Said the princesses needed her right away.”
“Unusual, though not unprecedented. Do you know how long she will be retained?”
“Nope. The message said it'd be a while. She asked me to take her messages and left right after. Still weird though.”
“How is it 'weird'?”
“I didn't get the letter. Or I should say, she didn't get the letter through me. They still use the fire for the really important stuff.”
“Such an occurrence is quite curious. Who delivered the missive?”
“You don't know? It was... ah... Intricate Compass I think. She looked a little different this time. Bigger.”
“You are correct. Intricate Compass has been empowered, due to her diplomatic forays. She is now physically larger, though the difference is relatively slight. Her delivering this letter in question, however... This is something I was unaware of.” Spike had by this time learned all that Twilight Sparkle knew. That I left the changelings free will to live as they please, inclusive of not informing me of actions, was of no surprise. That it would involve the princesses and remain hidden is an anomaly. While she is free to make such a decision, I will pose an inquest as to her reasoning.
“Do you know of the current location of Intricate Compass? I would ask her of her reasoning of keeping such an occurrence hidden from me.”
“Uh, let's see here... She was here about a half hour ago. After dropping off the letter she left, but I don't know where. She headed south into the rest of Ponyville. That's all I know.” He exuded nervousness at his inability to answer in detail.
“Do not trouble yourself over this situation Spike. You are not accountable for her actions, nor for the lack of information left in the wake of it.” His emotions and appearance relaxed to a significant degree.
“Thanks. Still sorry I can't tell you anything else about it.”
“It is quite acceptable, given the circumstances.” I turned to Nohbodi. “We should move quickly, if we are to find Intricate Compass before the preparations for our journey are complete.”
Nohbodi took my hand. “Right. See you later Spike. We might have another book's worth of info for Twilight when we all get back.”
We left the tree-castle and headed towards the primary cluster of housing within Ponyville. Inquests were made at several establishments. Those who recalled the passing of Intricate Compass informed us that she remained moving in a south-east direction through the remainder of Ponyville.
Davenport, the owner of Quills and Stationary noticed the passing of Intricate Compass. He had ceased vending sofas several years prior, due to the cost of storage and effective profit margin after said storage. His shop was now largely supported by Twilight Sparkle, with former sofa space dedicated to training scribes and the books they produced.
“Yes ma'am. She flew off that way-” Indicating the south-west with a hoof “Without saying a word. Anything else I can help with?” We declined his offer, though we thanked him for his time, and gave a rather noncommittal inclination to make a purchase on our return from the wastelands.
After a distance of several blocks, we asked the same of Berry Punch. She was a vendor of her name-sake, as well as alcoholic variants shortly after Nohbodi had introduced the intentional creation of the substance to Equestria. Shortly thereafter, she developed a taste for that instance of her own product. Currently she is fighting a significant amount of debt due to imbibing more of her own stock than profit and living expenses would allow. Nohbodi grew fond of her, and the pair became 'drinking buddies' on occasion. He has since ceased this activity with her.
“H- * hic * hey... You guys... W- * hic * what's up?” She was visibly swaying, having trouble keeping to her hooves.
“We seek information regarding the location, or traveling direction, of Intricate Compass.”
“Oh- * hic * oh yeah... Sh'went thaddaway.” She waved a hoof in pseudo-elliptical motions, again in the general direction of south-east. “C'n I get some bits? I- * hic * I'm in trouble. Please, I'll do anythin'! I'll suck your d- * hic *, I'll let you rut me...” She paused to vomit on the ground, and struggled to retain her vertical position. Nohbodi was considerably worried about her condition. He put an arm over her shoulder.
“Listen, Berry. You gotta do something about the drinking. That's not what it's for, all the time like that. Get help, okay?”
Berry Punch began to cry in his embrace. “I- * hic * I know...”
“I'll help with costs if you quit doing this to yourself. If nothing else, do it for Berry Pinch, okay?” Berry Pinch was her daughter. She currently resides with her unicorn father. They were separated approximately four years ago, due to Berry Punch indulging in such self-destructive behavior. Few ponies overindulged, though those that did could take it to an extreme degree. “I'll catch up to you soon.” Nohbodi informed me, needing some minor amount of time to calm the earth pony down. I nodded and resumed my search.
I traveled farther to Rose and Daisy. Lily had started the first franchise of their flower-shop in Canterlot recently, and currently resided there. I had previously heard that Daisy would commit to a similar venture in Baltimare shortly within next year.
“Welcome!” they exclaimed in tandem.
“Greetings. I seek information on the location or direction of Intricate Compass.”
“Oh, yes. The mapmaker, right?” Replied Daisy.
“She looked bigger this time. It was hard to really tell though, she was going pretty fast.” noted Rose.
“Indeed.” I explained the empowerment being the cause of her size discrepancy, and reiterated my query.
“Yes, she went that way.” directing in the now common direction.
“Right, off to the southeast.”
I thanked them, and made another generic indication of future patronage.
As I was near leaving Ponyville city limits, Nohbodi returned. “Poor gal. She's messed up nowadays. Wish I could really help, but she's got to do a lot of it herself.” Nohbodi made certain to affix warning labels to his creation from the beginning of production, but he still felt a small amount of guilt over those who would abuse it. We still had an amount of time before the order was completed, and even if we did not a minor delay would be acceptable.
We reached the edge of the Everfree forest. We considered that we would arrive at the forest hut of Zecora before finding Intricate Compass. We were mistaken in that assumption. Intricate Compass announced her presence from the skies. She shouted her intention while in a diving motion, moving in for an apparent attack.
“Death to the false queen!”
This is an impossible scenario. No changeling has the power to attack the queen. Even with freedom of will, it should not be an option. I faced upwards to Intricate Compass. “You will cease this action. Immediately!”
She did not.
She merely veered slightly. Her horn was charged with magic. On passing by me, she slashed deeply into my left leg. “Aaahh!” I collapsed to the ground, clutching reflexively at my leg.
“Aranea!” Nohbodi rushed up to my side.
“I... I will recover. We must contend with this forced encounter.” I painfully returned to standing, and transformed into my armored queen body. The wound still existed, shifted to my rear left leg. I reacquired sight of Intricate Compass and gave a pheromone command. I detest using this option. However, even a free changeling is forbidden from attacking the queen. Successfully striking one is unheard of, and must be accounted for. This would, at least until reversed, strip her of her will.
It did not.
She flew by again, this time to my right. I lurched to the left, further damaging my leg, if only slightly. Other changelings have endured more extreme conditions in Equestria. I remembered the scars that Butterfly bore, that she now wears willingly as a reminder of our darker times. She caught my right leg with her magic, though not her horn. A burning sensation and a slight line of discoloration was all this caused. Intricate Compass came around again, and landed.
“There is a false queen! She must be purged from the Hive!”
Nohbodi stood in between us. I was struck. Not by magic, but by the very idea. She charged her horn again and fired. Nohbodi deflected it with his natural immunity to the magic of this world. She took flight again, charging Nohbodi with her horn pointed at him. She was sloppy. She was too slow. Nohbodi caught hold of her horn on the pass. She should have turned around or stopped.
She did not.
* Snap *
“Screeeeee!” Intricate Compass tumbled to the ground, digging a trench a short distance with her body. I heard another snapping sound. Her head hit first. It was likely she had broken her neck. I walked up to her prone form.
“You will explain this assault!” I stared her in the eyes, every word and pheromone demanding an explanation.
Her eyes looked up at me from her position, a sizable portion of her head still embedded in the dirt. She breathed in deeply. With tears in those eyes, she simply struggled out “Hive... False queen... Purge...” before shifting her neck in the soil.
* Crack *
The more vertical portions of her body slumped over, and the light of magic in her eyes faded to nothing. She was dead.
I collapsed to my knees again. No physical pain caused this. No pain I could imagine could compare. I began to be wracked with sobs for my sorrow. The world blurred and darkened as a single though repeated itself within my mind. Had I accepted the oath Nohbodi asked of me those years ago after all, and fail? Did I commit some unpardonable sin? As time and life lost meaning, as the world went black, the thought continued repetition...
The Hive has returned, and It has denied me.
Intermission: Recovery
I absentmindedly pocketed the changeling's blade-like horn while she said that to Aranea. Aranea simply broke down after she died. I never did really understand the hive, how it's really that important. What I knew didn't matter at that time. She was crying uncontrollably, with no signs of stopping. I rushed over to her and held her. “It'll be okay...” There wasn't a damn thing I could do. Not really. I stayed with her as she stayed in that position, sobbing until she lost her voice. This wasn't going to stop.
As well as I could, I picked her up and carried her over my shoulders. She wasn't light-light, but she weighs a lot less than you'd think with that armored chitin around her. Zecora's was the closest place, and she knew almost as much about her as I did. If there's something I'm not picking up on, she could have an answer. Either way, I had to get her somewhere safer.
We finished the trip to the hut, and I managed to balanced myself to kick the door in place of a knock. Zecora answered shortly after. “I was not expecting the royal pair... What has happened to the fairer?”
“All I know is she needs help. Can we come in?” Zecora opened the door the rest of the way as I rebalanced myself again and walked in sideways to not bang her tear-stained head on the wall. I gently laid her on a mat and kneeled next to the prone body of my love.
Zecora looked on with concern. “What has happened to your dearest? Such power is a cause of fear.”
“Intricate Compass, the changeling she sent to check out the edge of the changeling homelands came back earlier. She was yelling about the hive being there, like with a body. She left after that. Do you have anything for her leg?” I learned long ago that emotion can heal minor stuff, but this was a bad one. It'll have to heal the old-fasioned way. Zecora gathered some herbs and cloth as I carefully put her on her side, gingerly holding up the leg while she applied some poultice to it and bound it up. “Thanks. We went to get Twilight, not knowing what we were gonna find. Spike told us Intricate gave her a letter telling her the princesses needed her right away. They still send important things with his fire, so something was off. We followed her to the Everfree, where she attacked Aranea. She screamed at us about a 'false queen'. She's dead now. After the fight, Aranea had some kind of breakdown. She's been like this for a few hours now.
Zecora thought on this. “So she thinks herself forsaken by the hive, and has lost the will to be alive...”
“Seems like it. Know anything we can do about it?”
“Nothing for this can come to mind. I fear the only answer will be in time.”
I didn't want to hear the answer was 'nothing'. Would've taken almost any answer besides that. With no choice, I stayed with Aranea, and stayed close. If she needed regular food like Zecora or I did she'd have starved herself before anything else happened. It's hard to conceive, the idea of this hitting her so hard. Then I remembered long ago, when she said 'no' with the voice of the hive. All I could figure out was that it was like that, only far worse. I couldn't think of the degree worse, but it was enough to go on. I pulled out a bag filled with bits and dropped it in front of Zecora. “Whatever you want for what it takes. Medicine, time, I don't care.” I carefully pushed Aranea into what I think was a more comfortable position and wrapped an arm around her.
She weakly turned her head to look at me. It was the face of ultimate suffering. “Th-thank you... But I do not deserve it.”
I leaned over and kissed her. “You deserve much better than this. I'll take care of you. Get some rest if you can.” We looked into each other's eyes for the longest time before she took my advice. She didn't really need to sleep like the rest of us did, most of the time. I don't think it was willing; I think she only allowed herself sleep to please me. She seemed to be running on some instinct now, and as prince-consort and her bordering invalid, that made me regent-king. Well, if that's what it took to ease the pain for now, so be it.
Small mercies are sometimes the best like that.
We spent a week and a couple of days there in that hut. Every day she would wake, Zecora would change the bandages on her slowly-healing leg, and she would remember and cry until she shook and lost strength. I would comfort her as best as I could, and she would eventually let herself rest.
The next morning was different. Her leg was healed up enough that it was considered 'minor'. Feeding her would take care of the rest. She looked up at me instead of going right to sobbing the day away. “I greatly appreciate the care you provide for me, but please, if the hive does not wish my existence, said existence should end.”
“Not happening while I'm here.”
“Then depart, so that I may die.” That hurt. For just the briefest moment, I had a better idea of what she was going through. That gave me an idea. I had no idea what was going to happen, but there was only one thing to do.
“No. You're coming with me. I love you, and you love me, and we're not leaving each other until we're done with our trip, at the very least.”
“What trip Nohbodi?”
“The one we started for. We're gonna see this hive.”
“What would we do when confronted by It? It has already cursed my existence.”
I really wondered if I could kill the hive for this and what it would do to her if I could. No, I wasn't going to try for that, not unless it was a last resort. There was too much risk involved if there was some kind of feedback with changelings. No, we were going to do what we tried to do with Intricate. We had to know why. The answer was far more simple than getting it would be.
“We're getting answers.”
I awoke to my common senses. I found myself in the Everfree forest, but in the hut of Zecora as opposed to the patch of forest where we found Intricate Compass. I have a vague recollection of Nohbodi keeping me alive during this time, and noticed the feeling of thewound from my assailant being largely healed. I faced the one that keeps my form in the current state of life. “I greatly appreciate the care you provide for me, but please, if the hive does not wish my existence, said existence should end.”
“Not happening while I'm here.”
I recognized the love I received, yet the knowledge I had was beyond the reckoning of facts. “Then depart, so that I may die.”
He displayed the equivalent to physical pain to the emotional response. He refocused himself, and answered with purpose. “No. You're coming with me. I love you, and you love me, and we're not leaving each other until we're done with our trip, at the very least.”
I was confused at the latter of that sentiment. “What trip Nohbodi?”
“The one we started for. We're gonna see this hive.”
While I realize that other beings do not – can not – revere the Hive as I do, the concept was daunting. “What would we do when confronted by It? It has already cursed my existence.” There is no being that can battle the hive. There is no being that can even confront it with violent intentions. What could he possibly intend?
“We're getting answers.”
Nohbodi showed wisdom in that, intentional or not. If I am truly to be cast from the Hive, if I am to be destroyed... then I will query the reasoning before, at the very least. I nodded my assent, though I am weak from my draining emotion. I had not considered that changelings taught to feel emotion would expend emotional energy to exhibit them. I had understood emotions and the feeling thereof for nearly ten years, but until this time, I had not expended so much in the expression of them.
We returned to Ponyville. Before reaching our domicile, Twilight Sparkle accosted us. “There you are! Spike told me you didn't have anything to do with Intricate Compass giving me the letter. I tried to find you as soon as I got back, but it's been days. Oh my Celestia, are you okay? Where did you get that nasty scar on your leg?”
“The answer to both is the same. We located Intricate Compass. She... I will say no more.”
“Oh my. Do you want to talk about it inside then? This sounds like a friendship problem.” Twilight Sparkle may be highly intelligent and magical, but her naivety never did fade entirely.
Nohbodi interjected, “It's taken care of.” Turning to me, “Do you want me to explain this to her?”
“Please. I do not wish to discuss it myself at this time. You understand, correct?”
“Yeah, I do. Come on.”
“But, I just stated that-” He put a finger to my lips.
“I'll whisper it to her or something. Still not leaving you.” I was unused to such obedience, yet I followed him all the same. Without the blessing of the Hive, I had no right to rule. Aside from that, he did realize that leaving me to my own devices would end poorly for both our relationship and my life. I wished that he could understand what importance the declaration of Intricate Compass meant to me. Yet... His ignorance in this matter is a blessing in its own right. While we are together, I would prefer such a damned existence at his side than oblivion, thought to what degree greater I cannot tell.
Nohbodi led me by the fore-hoof as we entered the tree-castle of Twilight Sparkle again. Upon entering her study, she turned around and began. “So what's all this about?”
“Don't get loud or overreact.” Nohbodi leaned in towards the ear of Twilight Sparkle. He was quiet enough that I could not understand the words he spoke. It was a comfort of sorts, although I knew what he was speaking of.
The eyes of Twilight Sparkle widened in shock and surprise. “Intricate's-” Nohbodi placed his other hand on her mouth with alacrity, and I presume with the least amount of force possible for the speed. Twilight Sparkle incoherently finished the word, muffled by the appendage.
“What did I just say?” He looked at her intently. Twilight Sparkle relented, and he slowly withdrew his hand. “And that's what happened. Now, back when we were here earlier, we were gonna ask if you wanted to come along. We're seeing this hive, and getting answers.”
“I would, but I don't know what ponies would say. I do have a reputation as a princess to maintain.”
“The hell does that mean?”
“You don't know? But you were just... Oh no...”
“What happened?”
“You were... Well, a pony saw something that looked like you that was with Berry Punch a little while before I got the letter.”
“Not good. Come on Aranea, we gotta stop this before it gets worse.”
We hurried from the tree-castle of Twilight Sparkle to the shop of Berry Punch. Berry Pinch was standing outside the front door, looking downcast. The sadness flowed from her. She raised her head at the sound of our arrival. Sadness was replaced with unbridled hatred. “You? What the buck did you come back for? Didn't you do enough already?” We stopped in our tracks in confusion.
“What do you imply has occurred to have this response?”
“What? What the buck did you just say? Like you didn't know!” She charged her horn and fired a blast of magical energy at Nohbodi. It had the expected effect of nothing. She continued the fusillade regardless, as Nohbodi steppedd in front of me and attempted to calm her.
“What's going on here? I didn't do anything!” This continued for nearly thirty blasts of magic before Berry Pinch ran out of her magical reserves.
She attempted again, only to produce mere short-range sparks from her horn. “What happened?” She looked at Nohbodi with hatred to strongly that merely receiving that level of emotion could very well be painful.
“You bucking killed her!”
“What? No! Last time I just told her to get help... again...” Nohbodi meekly answered.
“Minotaurshit! You knew! Somehow you knew I was going to see her to help, and you bucking poisoned her before I got here! We were going to get her help!” Tears emerged during the verbal tirade, and continued their fall as she did. “Wasn't bringing that alcohol stuff here enough? You had to make sure it killed her, didn't you? Didn't you!”
“I-It wasn't me! Listen, one changeling went nuts earlier. She must've done this before going after us.”
“I don't care what you say!” Her voice was breaking heavily, but she continued her admonitions. “It doesn't matter if it was you or you sent a changeling to do it. To Tartarus will all of you!” Within this time-frame, a police-pony had arrived, due to the commotion she had caused.
“What's the meaning of this disturbance?” She announced over the weeping of Berry Pinch.
I stepped forward to answer, “Officer, this is a grave mistake. Allow me to explain the particulars of this incident, as we know.” I had acquired his attention, though likely not his trust. “Earlier this... well, one week and three days ago, to be precise, Intricate Compass was requested to scout the former homeland of the changelings. Upon her return, she declared that the Hive was physically present within the world again. Nohbodi and I followed her after her departure, where she attacked us. This extremely unusual behavior suggests that she was responsible for this unfortunate incident, if all is as it appears.”
A pair of medic ponies were carrying the body of Berry Punch out of the front door during this discourse. Said body was already in a body-bag, with only her head being visible. Barely visible under the fur was a pale, sickly skin tone. The officer spoke, “I need you to come with me for questioning. We'll get this all sorted out, and justice will have it's due.”
“Can you give us some time? We have important things to finish. More important than that just sounded.” Nohbodi pleaded.
The officer thought on the matter. “This is a national case. You do understand what that means?”
“Yes. I'll turn myself in as soon as we're done. Just make sure you have all the facts too. Intricate's body is in the Everfree.”
“Body?”
“Yeah. We'll have all the answers then, and probably more than now.”
Somewhat resigned, she consented. “This is highly unusual. But, you are known throughout Equestria, and couldn't hide. Know that I will take you on your word. Make it quick and see me at the precinct. You have one hour.”
“Thanks officer. Come on Aranea, we've got a lot to do, and less time to do it in now.” he leaned in to the ear of the police-pony and whispered something. The officer answered a number. Nohbodi retrieved some bits from a bag and handed them over. They nodded at each other, and he turned around. “Right. Back home for more bits, to Rarity's for the clothes, and we finish what we started.”
We were at our home shortly, where he collected another bag of bits. “What has occurred to the second bag you carried?”
“Zecora's got it. Not enough time to go all the way back there now.”
I followed as we traveled to the Carousel Boutique. “Why does Zecora have posession of a bag of our bits?”
“Payment. We were there over a week. I'll get the change later. Doubt she charged all of it, or most of it really.”
The door-bell rang as we broke the seal of the entrance. “Welcome to Carousel Bo-Oh! I've been waiting positively ages! What took you both so long?”
Nohbodi opened the bag and inserted a hand. “Long story, don't have time for it now. How much?” Rarity gave him the requisite number, and he handed over the bits. She retrieved the clothing from a back room as I resumed my human avatar. Upon Nohbodi changing and I donning the clothing, we thanked her and began to leave the building.
“So, what caused such a delay?”
“You'll find out.”
“But when darlings?”
“Court.” Rarity stared in shock at the idea as we departed.
“So the rumors were true...” faded out of our range of hearing.
I turned to Nohbodi. “Admirable to conclude our unfinished business, but how will this aid our questioning?”
“It won't. We're going to see the hive.”
“But we have forty-five minutes. We cannot possibly reach the hive in that time-frame, let alone acquire answers and return.”
“I know. Train station probably knows not to sell us a ticket by now. Looks like we're hoofing it.” He is extremely rare in using pony terms. I wondered if there was a relative term on Earth, all those years ago.
“We will run afoul of our time limit.”
“That's my problem. Let's go.” He led me by the hand as we headed west, towards the Undiscovered West.
“Will you not find yourself in immense trouble once this ruse is discovered?”
“Probably.” I am convinced he is unaware of the degree of trouble that he is courting. Though I want to inform him for his safety, I cannot bring myself to. At most, I could merely ask this tangentially-related question: “Why did you provide bits to the officer? Did you seek to bribe her?”
“No. That was for medical bills, probably going towards the funeral though.” He looked barely beyond his feet as we walked west. “She was a good friend, but you already know that. Nobody wanted it to end that way.” Berry Punch had taken to alcohol quickly, and developed a keen ability for taste. She was perhaps among the most responsible for the current formulation of the Equestrian domestic.
We tracked our way through the White Tail Woods, keeping just south enough of the tracks to keep ourselves hidden from view. It was early summer, so there was no threat of discovery due to the running of the leaves, or from forestry-planting efforts that may have occurred. A shrill whistle in the relative distance informed us that the locomotive had departed some minutes ago from Ponyville. That would be the four-fifteen. We were past the alloted hour given to Nohbodi to return. Officers would be sent shortly to search for him, likely followed by guards, knowing his abilities.
Another hour after, I could no longer hold back the knowledge, though I was capable of wording it into a less-dangerous variant. “The time-limit has passed Nohbodi.” I desperately wanted him to accompany me, yet I could not lie to him – not entirely. “You will be far safer if you returned now...”
He stopped, as did I immediately after. This was it. He would return to Ponyville. I knew my chances of success, let alone survival, were slim. It were better if he were to leave now, that he could minimize the damage to himself and his perception among the townsfolk. I will send a message to my changelings to care for him. Perhaps Sangria will form a similar bond with him. She had been the only other in this world that he had coupled with. She could easily enough learn what I had learned. More than any other, she could learn to love him as I did.
I became nervous. To save him from a darker fate, I would sacrifice myself. Granted, with the Hive Itself having disavowed me, there was no 'saving' me as it is. Nonetheless, I would have given all that remained to keep him with me for these last days. Instead, I had damned the remainder of my short time by speaking that. I began to shake as he leaned in towards my face. His grip on my hand tightened.
He kissed me.
“Too late now.” he said with a smile.
He is a fool. Who on this world, that retained their mental faculties, would stay with the condemned only to likely be destroyed with them?
I do not believe that I will ever feel more love for another than I did at that moment.
Another hour, or perhaps two, had passed. The White Tail Woods were now behind us in a dumbstruck blur. If he were not still holding my hand, still at my side, I would have considered this outcome inconceivable. Between us and the Undiscovered West lied only the tracks where that train had passed us. Another whistle trilled in the distance. I had all but memorized the standard time-tables. This was not a standard time for a train. “We should hurry across, while there is time. I do not, as you would say, 'like the looks of this'.” He looked in my direction and nodded. Together, still holding hands, we rushed towards the tracks. The whistle was distant. There was more than enough time to cross over. If we were quick enough, or simply lucky, there was enough to remain entirely out of the sight of others.
We jumped at a run over the tracks. Nohbodi passed through without issue.
I did not.
There was a force-field erected over the tracks, and hidden from view. They would not do anything like this for a standard arrival. The cost in magic was far too great, as well as it being far beyond any unicorn to have a mobile field this far ahead of it. “Aranea!” Nohbodi jumped back through to me, causing us both to tumble a few feet farther away from the track. The whistle called out again. It was closer than it should have been. It was in sight within seconds. The screech of brakes replaced the hollow sound of the pipes as the train slowed and halted, right in front of us. It is true that no unicorn could possibly have the power to maintain such an effect. Indeed, the only ones that could conceivably create it would be myself, as well as the princesses.
That was precisely who exited the train, accompanied by an entire contingent of guards. Twilight Sparkle, to be precise. This was highly unusual. The current situation would not require the presence of so much security. “Queen Aranea, the body of Intricate Compass has been located in the Everfree. Zecora told me what she knew after that. While this looks good for Nohbodi, it's looking bad for changelings. You understand that even one changeling going rogue will bring back old memories. One actually killing is far, far worse. I need you two to come with me. We'll need to sort this out before ponies start getting irrational over the situation.” The train suddenly made greater sense. Nohbodi could easily counter Twilight Sparkle, as I could hold off a score of guards. Putting an imposing physical wall between us and our destination was an impressive tactical move, even if it had nearly missed.
“I cannot comply with this demand at this time.” I flatly explained. “We are seeking the cause of the madness that was inflicted upon Intricate Compass. To delay only increases the potential danger to other changelings. By extension of location, it may further affect your -” I could not entirely hide the vitriol behind that word. I knew that changelings were still outsiders to the majority of Equestria, even if enough had accepted them to maintain their health. “-Ponies. You are doing more damage by halting us than you understand.”
Twilight was irritated at the suggestion that another knew more than her, irregardless of subject. “You know I can't do that Aranea. Officer Lockup, detain her.” A steel-gray mare in guard armor focused, and a pair of handcuffs appeared on my wrists. He was a powerful unicorn, as the magic even appeared completely opaque, and gave an impression of weight, though it had none.
Nohbodi approached me with purpose from our tumbled distance. I do not recall having ever seen him this incensed. He placed his hand in a grasping motion over the enchantment, and released me from the magic. Officer Lockup jerked his head from the arcane backlash of having a spell broken so instantaneously. “Wrong fucking answer. Tell the cop in Ponyville I'll be back when we're done. This' too important to stop.” He returned his hand to mine, still glaring daggers at Twilight Sparkle. “C'mon Aranea. We're finishing this.”
“I was worried this might happen. Guards!” She waved a hoof in the air as the assemblage took formation and approached.
“Damnit! I thought you were smarter than this Twilight. Aranea, can you protect yourself from the guards?” He knew that I was entirely capable of it.
“Yes.”
“Good. I'll be right back.”
“But... what are you doing?”
“Getting into more trouble.” He released my hand and dashed towards Twilight Sparkle as I erected a shield. I extended the wall in a hollow path between Nohbodi and Twilight Sparkle. The ponies ramming themselves against it was a heavy drain on my reserves. This could not endure for any extreme length of time. He reached out a hand and grasped the horn of Twilight Sparkle. As she struggled he clasped his other arm around her neck. He truly did not recognize the danger he was putting himself into.
“Back off, or I break the bitch's horn!”
Everyone froze.
Every intelligent eye in the woods was focused on the scene before them. Nohbodi had, beyond any imagination, taken Twilight Sparkle hostage. Twilight Sparkle was, surprisingly, not intimidated.
“You wouldn't, even if you could. Do you know how hard a horn is?”
Nohbodi sneered at her. “Done it before. Twice.”
Twilight was now intimidated. She visibly shook as he slightly increased the pressure of his hand on the appendage. I released my force effect to conserve energy, though keeping mindful to reinstate it if necessary. “Here's the deal. Send them back. Now!”
She continued to shake with fear. After several moments, she called out to them. “Retreat to your posts...” The ponies involved receded to a considerable distance, though they did not stay out of sight entirely.
Nohbodi looked upward, but accepted the result. “Good. Now get the train out of our way.” Twilight feebly raised a hoof towards the front of the train. The conductor, who had stayed within it, shifted his stance. Apparently pulling a lever, the train again began to move. It stopped with only the caboose in our direct way, with the engine again barely within sight. “Come with us.” He held on to Twilight Sparkle as we three crossed the tracks and continued to the edge of the Undiscovered West.
The train was a speck on the horizon, and the vast majority of guards declined to follow the triad procession. The remainder kept a considerable distance beyond sight. Once we were between several rows of trees, Nohbodi stopped.
“Listen Twilight. You have no idea what's going on here. Now, I'm gonna let you go, and you're gonna go back home. Try anything again, and there'll be hell to pay. We'll be back. Deal with me then. Understood?”
Twilight thought about it for a while, but the fear renewed upon reviving a memory nearly a decade old. “T-the brothel owner! That was you?” The former mistress of the establishment where Butterfly was located was found in a terrible state. Most of the damage was from her former 'property' after she was disabled. Her horn, however, was separated personally by Nohbodi. I had read somewhere that she was now in an assisted-living home for the aged and mentally disturbed, confined to a wheel-chair and perpetually fearful of reprisal. The latter much like the workers formerly were. Sympathy was in short supply.
“Yeah. Bitch deserved it. I don't want to do it to you too, I really don't. So let us go while we fix this, unless you're coming along to help.”
“Y-you know I can't do that.” A puddle between her rear legs formed out of the fear of the result of that statement. “I-I... Celestia and Luna would come after us!”
I stepped closer to Nohbodi. “She is correct. Please, release her. This... may harm relations with changelings in a manner that cannot be easily repaired.” Facing Twilight Sparkle, “He is correct in that this entails far greater repercussions than you are aware of. Leave us to our task, and we will answer all that we can upon our return. If we return...” I took a moment to collect myself from the onslaught of emotions. “You and your friends have encountered many scenarios in which the fate of yourselves and the world hung in the balance. Trust me that this is one for us, and for all changelings. That is one aspect that I can gain your understanding of.”
Nohbodi slowly released his hold on the alicorn. Twilight stood in place for some time before answering. “You're right... I don't understand what's going on. There, um, will be a lot to answer for,” she began trembling again, “but I won't send an army after you.” She began to retreat. First trotting backwards, then turning around to run.
“Wait.” She stopped and turned back, obviously fearful of the next command. “Please, princess Twilight Sparkle... Watch over the changelings. I do not know the reach of the Hive at this time. If any act in an unusual manner, or become hostile... Use nonviolent means to contain them. If, if possible...” she nodded at me, and returned to running with all her might back towards the train. It is true that I did not know the range of the Hive at this time. It may be capable of influencing changelings in a greater arc now than when Intricate Compass had attacked. If the Hive was truly acting with malevolence, would I be able to ask It anything, let alone stand up to It? Free will and outside influence had given rise to many concepts. I doubted my ability, yet the possibility remained.
Could I defy the Creator?
Author's Note
As a change of pace, this is from Twilight's perspective.
Intermission: Plan B
It took some time for me to organize my thoughts. It didn't matter much, since it was the same thought this time.
"Back off, or I break the bitch's horn!"
It wasn't possible. Not really. A horn is solid, magic-infused bone. An alicorn's horn is even tougher. It takes an immense amount of pressure to crack one, let alone break it. Far more than Nohbodi has. Still, something's wrong with him. Something needed to be done about it.
"Princess Twilight!" The call of the lead guard snapped me out of the thought process. Snapped, not a word I wanted to think right now. "Erm..." She shuffled her hooves in consternation, obviously unused to failing a mission involving a princess, even if she gave the order to back down. "Your orders?"
"Return to Canterlot. This mission is over."
More consternation. "Um, with all due respect princess, what are we going to do about them?"
"You're not going to do anything."
"Pardon?"
"This needs a different approach. Return to Canterlot."
"Um... And where will you be going princess?"
I blankly gazed in the direction that queen Aranea and Nohbodi ran. "I'm doing the same."
A quick teleportation spell later and I was in the royal hall. To Tartarus with protocol. No matter how uncomfortable it was to do, I had to talk now. "Celestia!"
An indistinct collection of voices was heard from the other side of the royal court's door. It was only seconds before Celestia personally opened the way, with guards and bureaucrats attempting to calm and contain the crowd. Celestia leaving court wasn't unheard of. Her leaving it too quickly to let the guards open the doors, and caused by a voice all Canterlot recognized, wasn't.
"Twilight! This isn't like you at all. What's happened?"
"They got away."
Celestia put a hoof to her muzzle and pondered. "An entire contingent was sent with you. I know from Butterfly that queen Aranea had found her ancestral homeland. I thought Nohbodi might risk leaving to aid her."
It stood to reason that if Aranea hadn't informed Celestia directly, then Butterfly would be the next in line to tell her. "So what do we do now?"
"Nothing."
"Excuse me Celstia, but WHAT?!"
"If finding the changeling's homeland is that important, I'm willing to delay the questioning. Not returning qualifies as self-imposed exile, exile being the harshest sentence Equestria has. Unfortunate, he's done so much for Equestria and it's economy. After understanding some differences, that is." Celestia wasn't what you'd call a 'drinker', the diarchs having a massive tolerance to it, but she did enjoy his invention from time to time. "So many soldiers really was unnecessary. What happened? It's not like you to appear like this; it must have been unusual."
"Unusual? Aranea blocked the guards and Nohbodi grabbed me! He said he'd break my horn off if they weren't let go!"
Celestia sighed. "That is far too serious to ignore, even if the odds of him being able to do it are slim at best. It was probably an empty threat though, but still..."
"He said he'd done it before. Twice... Butterfly!"
"You believe Butterfly is involved?"
"No, when they found her, here in Canterlot! That nasty place, where they found the owner without a horn and beat up. I thought her workers had broken her horn, but... Oh no..."
"What's your theory on it, Twilight?"
"Humans repel magic, and most of a horn's strength is magic. Even if the rest is bone, regular bone can be broken far more easily than a horn. If Nohbodi got enough leverage..."
"That does make sense. This is troubling. We may be forced to question him after all. I wonder why he would claim twice, though."
I wondered at that alone with Celestia. "Yes, once would be enough, and he's been here long enough to know. I didn't notice anything off about them, two magical signatures. Wait, two? Nohbodi doesn't have a signature, since he doesn't have magic. It was a changeling signature too. Small, and kind of faint. No, no no no! Intricate Compass! When he was found him in the Everfree, he was missing his horn! He not only did it twice, he kept it!"
"WHAT?" Celestia just used the royal Canterlot voice. No breathing exercise was going to help me now. She regained her composure far faster than I could, and simply stated "Enough. Nohbodi must be questioned immediately. He's finally proven too dangerous to be loose in Equestria, at least until we get some answers."
"But, how can I fight him?"
Celestia lowered her head. "You can't. Not without far too much danger. I'm sending somepony else for this."
"Who?"
"The only one that's already proven she can."
No. No! It is impossible. No changeling is capable to separating themselves from the Hive, it simply does not happen. And yet... so much has happened that is simply unprecedented. Even the concept of resistance is... was unheard of. We had passed miles of terrain before Nohbodi could break this trance of thought. "Hey! You OK?"
"Yes."
"Doesn't look like it. What's up?"
Some human phrases are still odd. I understood his meaning of course. "I... am unsure of our next course of action beyond locating the Hive. The very concept of what we are attempting is unknown. I... fear... for the future." Changelings had only recently aquired emotions as most other species know them. For all our intelligence and cunning, instinct plays a large part. Perhaps it was too large a part, for it afflicts me in such a manner when confronted with ideas that are barely comprehensible. "What will become of changelings if the Hive is no longer compatible with our well-being?"
"Memory, I guess. You're not living because of it. You'll just live like everyone else... er, sorry, that probably sounded wrong. But you get the idea. This hive isn't everything. I mean, it could've made the first changeling, but with or without it you'll still be, well, you."
He did have a point. I pondered this concept as we traveled. Eventually, a new consideration appeared. There was nothing here. Even the insects grew less frequent as we went onward. There was the implication of the unnatural as we neared our goal.
"Hey! Nohbodi!" We turned in tandem to view this arrival. It was Sky Sprinkle. We had both recognized the utterance as a familiar tone, though the vast majority of communication had been in the form of letters for several years.
Sky Sprinkle had grown into a most impressive mare. She was surprisingly muscled, and there was no noticable strain on her frame for the heavy-looking saddlebags she carried. After her receiving the station as the personal student of princess Celestia, she had refined her kinetic abilities beyond even that of Twilight Sparkle, though her abilities in 'general' magic were not a match for any personal student of the past. While the vast majority of her students had studied magic as their sole vocation, Sky Sprinkle had taken an interest in the military route. From what I had heard, she had little interest in the school for gifted unicorns, and the episode with Nohbodi had become a blessing. She was effectively a member of the military at this point, with a penchant for striking through any defences. Rumor had it that she could discuss tactical matters with her elders as an equal already. Despite that, she maintained what may be considered a 'civilian attitude' in public, being equally comfortable in several social circles of Canterlot.
"What's up? Haven't seen you in a long time Sky." Nohbodi extended a hand to shake her hoof, which was accepted.
"Celestia sent me. Twilight was more than a little freaked out over that scene at the tracks earlier."
"Didn't want to do that you know. Didn't plan on it either. Just kind of happened."
"Of course. Heard about you two looking for the old home. What's been going on between the letters?"
I resumed my pacing as they conversed. Nohbodi and Sky Sprinkle regaled each other with memories as I slipped into the pseudo-consciousness of deep thought combined with muscle memory. Shortly the plant life was all that remained, growing mildly more dense, yet a shadow concealed the end of the forest. Despite this being nearly the border of our ancestral homeland, I had no true knowledge of it. Some subconscious decree of the Hive declared that this was stricken from our collective minds. This 'Undiscovered West', did it have a mind? Was it conscious of itself? Did this genus loci of changelings require solitude? For the first time in... known... changeling history the Hive was less important.
It was changelings that mattered. I would have my answer. We all would.
I refocused to the physical world as we grew near the border. It was no mere shadow of a dense forest. It was a literal wall. A collection of creeping vines, thick as the trunk of an ancient oak each, woven into each other. I stopped only a few yards from the obstruction. Nohbodi and Sky Sprinkle stopped just before bumping into me. Each took their turn staring in awe at the towering border, matching any mountain in height, and surpassing in impassability. It extended as far as vision allowed, presumably to the shores. I turned to my comrade and lover. "Few maps exist detailing even the outline of this land. From what I had gathered, the mountains surround it on all sides but this. It must have been impossible for any to breach it without flight. I wonder how no pegasus had cleared such an obstacle to map the area." we collectively approached the tangled barrier. I searched it for magical signatures. The result was far less of a surprise than the wall itself. "Changeling magic in a solidified state. It has a near-overwhelming aura, the density of it is so great." I focused a thin beam at it, attempting to create a rift between two of the vines. It appeared to absorb my efforts. It was unusual, yet it was not a surprise, considering the circumstance. "It is, for all intents and purposed, changeling magic in a living form. There is a foreboding about it. Were I a drone I would not dare even approach it. It... speaks to me, in a manner similar to our pheremones. It sends the implication of danger, that we should not be here. That would dissuade any lesser changeling easily; reaching into the primal like that. Yet it would not stop a pony. One must have found it at some point in time. Why did none cross it, if flight would surpass it?"
Sky Sprinkle approached and laid a hoof to the material. She immediately withdrew the appendage and stepped back. "It... It drains magic. Not just changeling, pony too." We all ruminated on the subject when she reached a conclusion. "Of course! Pegasi and earth ponies also have their internal magic. Even at this distance it has a draining effect. A pegasus wouldn't be able to fly all the way up, or... Or would fall to their death if the inside does the same." The three of us retreated to the initial distance of a few yards, though only Sky Sprinkle was weakened by mere proximity. Nohbodi hesitated but little before returning to adjacent.
"And if they don't have magic?"
"Don't know. Everything has magic here in some way." Sky opined.
Nohbodi smiled. "Except for me." He reached out and touched the construction. It was imperceptible to the common senses, but I realized that a small portion, extended perhaps two or three feet from the point of contact in either direction, lost this quality. He attempted to move a vine, followed by simply punching it, but to no avail. It was simply too thick to break through, and absorbed any form of magic we knew of.
We were stuck. It could not end like this, not when we were so near the goal. I looked at my companions in turn. "We cannot surrender. Any ideas that may aid this endeavor?" We paused for consideration. Nohbodi kept his hand against the plant matter. The gap of magical interruption increased slightly to approximately a yard per side, but ceased to increase after that.
Minutes passed. That sense were little time seemed so much more pervaded the air.
"Got it! Nohbodi, keep your hand there." Sky opened one of her saddlebags. "Stay very still, ok?"
"Ok Sky." Nohbodi calmly retained his position.
"Oh yeah. I'm supposed to bring you in for questioning. It'll be less trouble this way though. Kind of like when I first awakened to my skill really." Her magic gripped a series of metal poles connected to one another. She produced six such items, and began to field-assemble them. Six javelins with broad blades. "Like I said, hold very still." she raised three of them in a semi-circular pattern.
I heard a booming sound, the speed barrier shattering, at the same moment I heard myself scream "No!". Time seemed to stop as I watched the projectiles fly at a speed no one here was capable of countering. Twilight Sparkle had spoken the truth when she said that she would not send an army after us.
She had sent an assassin.
The power of Sky Sprinkle had exceeded my expectations. I erected a shield slightly behind the javelins as they tore through the wall. They left my field of vision as Nohbodi turned to me. "What are you doing?" I froze.
"William Tell, right? Think that's the name. Turn around to the other side, keep a hand on it." Nohbodi followed the order, looking at me.
"Don't worry, she knows what she's doing." he smiled.
"But how did you ascertain that she would not harm you?"
"Because if I was there for that, I could've done it earlier." She corrected herself immediately. "Not that I was going to. Celestia told me that Twilight was probably far more worried than she should be. No surprise. Twilight still can't handle some things that magic can't fix. Listen. Technically I am here to take him back, but with you two I was given weeks. It's faster and better for everyone if I just help you. I trust him to come back when everything's settled. Please get that shield out of the way, I don't know how much it'll slow down the javelins. They're working on mechanical force instead of magic right now, and we don't know how long until it starts to heal itself."
I reluctantly allowed the shielding to dissipate as she aimed an opposing semi-circle now that Nohbodi had changed positions. It likewise tore through, completing a preforation that began to give way under the leaning of body weight. Nohbodi forced the portion until he stood, arms and legs akimbo, holding open the way and quickly glancing left and right. "Whew. Good, it's not healing itself yet. Aranea, quick! Get in there and I'll follow you. Sky, you coming?"
"I can't. If the inside drains magic too, and I suspect it does, I'd be useless - Or worse, dead. I have more javelins on me." She produced another from a rapidly-emptying saddlebag, and thrust the assembled piece into the ground. "Mark the other side if you can if it closes. Keep down if we can't hear each other properly when you get back. Not many chances to get through, and I don't want to hurt you. Good luck, I'll be waiting here."
I shifted to my human avatar to fit between the legs effectively holding open the space and crawled through. Nohbodi followed me with alternating steps and arm movements. As we considered, with each limb removed from contact, the foliage grew back at an extremely rapid pace. He nearly leaped out of the space at the end, with sight of Sky Sprinkle ending mere seconds later. The collection of armaments glinted in the sun at a considerable distance, still in a circular formation from identical speed and power. We looked at the former hole in tandem. Nohbodi stepped up to it and held a hand to the space he affected on the other side. "Can you hear me Sky?"
Nothing. "I said, can you hear me!?" Silence reigned. We were unsure if Sky Sprinkle could not hear us, or if we were unable to perceive her, or a combination of the two. He looked at me as we semi-aimlessly journeyed towards the expanse.
"Too late to turn back now." I smiled at Nohbodi, attempting to employ his variety of humor. Though there was one technical difference between when he had used it and this recent application.
At this point, there truly was no going back.
With the only space between us and the effective 'outside world' sealed, and our pseudo-confrontation with Sky Sprinkle having been settled with results as pleasant as possible, I took the opportunity to gaze upon our surroundings. To think that I am the first changeling, perhaps the first intelligent being to witness this land since a span of time unknown even to myself... There is a primal memory that transcends even the coherent memory of the Hive. I do now know it, yet I do. A faded dream made reality. It is glorious.
Trees of a species similar to the oak and poplar dot the landscape, their branches intertwining at great heights. Small forms of life scurry between the branches, proto-cousins to outside species. All life here was in a near-primordial state to the rest of the world, held in this time capsule where we were. It has been untouched. Circumstances of life do not change here, making the process of evolution unnecessary. We continued to travel away from the wall, roughly in a path towards some center point of this expanse.
Within a half-mile of the wall, I began to notice small signs of damage. Some trees bore signs of illness. A fungal infection in the early stage perhaps. Such conditions are to be expected, and I did not worry. However, as we traveled on, the slight signs continued. This was covering more area than could be considered healthy or safe for the forest. Gazing farther ahead, it only continued, growing worse with each example. The population of life thinned greatly over this short distance we had crossed. This section - nay, potentially this entire forest...
It is dying...
The flora has extremely notable crown dieback, and the few examples of fauna appear sickly. Life continues, yet it appears to be fighting a losing battle. "This is... wrong." I ponder.
Nohbodi, while not well-versed in any biological science, can see my inference. "Yeah... Something's off here. Can you tell what's causing it?"
"I cannot. Perhaps if I were in my 'proper' form." I instigated the morph to my changeling body. Instantaneously I felt a pull, a command. It required all of my willpower to do so, but I 'canceled' it and retained my human body. "No... There is an effect here. From the slight experience I believe it is based on changeling pheremones. Should I take my changeling form, the Hive will likely issue a command I cannot defy. If this effect stems from the Hive, at any rate. There would be no option to demand answers if I could be commanded to accept a response as true. We must travel as we are." Nohbodi nodded his assent.
The life here was alive, for the most part, though ill. It seemed capable of recovery, should the cause be removed. But what could be the cause? We worked our way through a forest. The trees retained this illness. A trunk appearing healthy branched out to leaves edged in brown and black, well out of season. It was similar to a fungal infection, though there was no evidence of such an assailant. I brushed aside fragile webbing, far more fragile and dry than it should have been, looking for the spider that had built it. No, not spider.
Aranea. My namesake for this new life. A small number had unwittingly traveled with us to the Badlands. Those have since cross-bred with local species. They were a source for effective silk before Chrysalis had re-purposed the changelings, before she had perverted our purpose. Their camouflage was apparently greater than that of their cousins, as I could not locate the one responsible.
We continued through this sick forest. As we traveled onward, the sickness grew. Tainted leaves became black or fell off. The remnants of un-intelligent life was erratic, staggering, or lie dead at our feet. Something was taking the very life from the land, and it was near. This forest of illness transformed into a forest of death. Nothing here appeared to be of an age that it would die naturally. Blackened leaves gave way to fragile branches. Fragile branches became black-speckled trunks. Trunks became fallen logs. Fallen logs became an expanse of rot. All within two miles of life. The true home of all changelings; my home...
It was being killed as I watched.
Though highly unlikely to be the cause of the initial web, an aranea lay at my feet. Back to the soil, it had legs curled into a claw-like shape from rigor mortis. It was as dead as the surroundings. It was the last vestige of life to be seen. Dry, lifeless earth followed for a half-mile until... grass. A small, almost infinitesimal patch surrounded a node of life, or a structure. As we approached, it gained the appearance of a cocoon.
Yes, a cocoon. There was a form within the semi-transparent shell. It appeared vaguely changeling.
It spoke to me. Not through words, but a subconscious command. Even in human guise, I could not defy it. I shifted.
Immediately, I felt it. The wave of energy. Life itself flowed to this location. This construction was feeding from the surroundings. The very essence flowed, a nexus of power. Uncalculable magic gathered... and spoke.
"AH, THE 'NEW QUEEN'"
Despite the command, and to my surprise, I retained mental will. This was the moment we have traversed the nation for. What Intricate Compass had said as an accusation. I will have my answer. "Are you the embodiment of the Hive?"
"I AM..."
"...AND YOU ARE NO LONGER NECESSARY."
"Impossible!"
"Impossible!"
Both Chrysalis and I uttered the word simultaneously, though with vastly differing context. "You were destroyed after the failed invasion!"
"You cannot disobey the will of the hive!" she screamed via pheromones. Nohbodi stood wide-eyed, having little understanding of the situation without changeling senses. Chrysalis stalled, confusion evident as she glanced at him and queried "What species is this?"
She did not know? A direct connection to the Hive would have granted her all the knowledge contained therein. This could only mean that she has been here since the failed invasion, and that new information was not being given. If she did not know, then the Hive still retained some degree of autonomy. She held sway over the power in this land, but not the complete reservoir. The Hive was withholding information. This was a powerful advantage. However, to make full use of it, we must relocate her. She still held far too much power for me to contend with, as well as a physical form that could counter Nohbodi. Our greatest change lies with taking her far away from this area. Perhaps with distance the link to the Hive will be broken, and Chrysalis significantly weakened. Even if the link is not severed, surrounding her with opponents she has no chance of controlling will be a boon.
This was a tremendous risk, but no other options presented themselves. A direct assault would be futile. I looked at Nohbodi and winked, being certain to use the eye facing out of the line-of-sight of Chrysalis. Turning back, I began to 'explain', speaking with a voice that Nohbodi could understand. “I sense vague notions at best. Please, speak your wishes.”
Chrysalis was struck by the idea. “I spoke to you with the language of changelings. How do you not understand?
“Such a language has been unused for hundreds of years. No doubt any implications of it are archaic, if not mistaken. Who are you?”
She stood with a degree of hubris rarely seen. “I am Chrysalis, queen of the changelings!”
I felt something within me that defied explanation. Yes, the Hive itself was connecting. A sensation of… optimism perhaps, washed over me. It understood. I desperately hoped that the Hive was capable of clouding her mind. “You… You were thought to be of legend! Our mighty queen has returned after a millenia!”
The degree of jaw-dropping was unfitting for a queen. “Millenia?”
“Yes! You had become as legend, told alongside Nightmare Moon to frighten youth! Quickly now, we must appear before the triumvirate to announce your new ascendancy!”
Chrysalis stood still, digesting this false information. “Of course! Onward, my subjects!” She was undoubtedly too caught up in her delusions of grandeur to question such a course. Or perhaps the Hive has subtly influenced her mind. The latter was most likely. Regardless of the reason, she followed us as we marched to our entry point. I desperately hoped that we could exit with ease, or at least that it was enough distance to weaken her, should the reach of the Hive be less than anticipated. “Now, I must be informed of the current state of my world.” She looked at me, having only seen the armored hybrid body since her exit. “Such an unusual form. These new bodies must be explained to me as we travel to this triumvirate as I take my rightful place. As well as this drone.” She shifted her gaze to Nohbodi. “So soft-shelled and silent...”
“Is this one defective?”
Nohbodi grunted in annoyance. She still reads the signature of Intricate Compass, thinking it was some sort of mutation. Without the focus of Chrysalis, I was able to return to my human body. Chrysalis looked on and studied the forms. “Curious forms. What purpose could they serve?”
“They are key to surviving in our modern environment. The world will appear much the same as you may remember, yet the atmospheric pressure has shifted. Such forms serve as a counter to the world outside this enclave.” I should be mindful not to say too much. She will notice quickly that the world has not changed greatly in these twelve years since her defeat. I watched as she studied my body and assumed the exact duplicate. Of course that would happen. She does not know of my being trained to adopt a secondary ‘true’ form. Though I have an extreme distaste for sharing an appearance with her - as though her mere continued existence was not enough - it would serve well. We could travel with less interference for at least part of the distance. Most importantly, it is only capable of sensing the nearby changelings, and cannot influence or control them via pheremones. Should she return to a changeling body, the others would unconsciously expose the farce.
“Why don’t you answer?” Chrysalis angrily demanded, though she had not said anything. It quickly dawned on me that she was attempting to use pheremones in that body.
“Your majesty, “ I found referring to her in that manner absolutely sickening. “We now speak as you hear us. The old language is no longer used, being incompatible with these bodies. Please, we must arrive at the capital with all haste.”
Chrysalis looked down at her form. “I don’t like this body. It’s not nearly functional enough. Once I’m back on a throne I’ll experiment with replacements. Obviously you all need me. Take me to this temporary triumvirate, immediately!”
If Chrysalis was as well-versed in these bodies as Nohbodi and I she likely would have better sensed the emotion. The Hive was dulling her senses further. We traveled to our entry point as quickly as possible. The javelins remained in their place on the ground, being the only sign of us being in the correct place. One issue remained.
How were we to escape?
Nohbodi picked up a javelin and paced forward, holding his free hand on the wall. It had repaired itself completely shortly after our entrance, as was expected. He chipped at the area two feet away from his hand. The damage it caused was negligible. “Sky! Hey Sky!” he shouted at the wall of vegetation. There was no answer. I picked up another and began to strike at the opposing edge of his magic-cancelling effect. Fortunately for us, or at least myself, the magic-drawing powers of this barrier were focused inwardly, or we would have been weakened quickly. If the effect is limited to one side, escape should be simpler than we had thought. I shifted back and focused my horn, and began to attempt cutting through with magic. On this side, it worked. I maintained a careful watch on the strength of the cut, knowing that Sky Sprinkle was likely still just outside the wall.
Unfortunately for us, Chrysalis did not know that, and was impatient to regain her control. “Fools! I’ll do it myself.” She shifted back to her enhanced changeling body and fired a beam that narrowly missed me. It burned through this side of the wall from the bottom, tearing a jagged hole into it. It was stopped on one side as it passed over Nohbodi. A shriek emanated from the other side.
Through the space we saw Sky Sprinkle in the distance, laying on her side. A foot away was half of a forehoof, sheared off by the unexpected beam. Next to that was most of a rear leg.
“No!” Knowing her position I increased power, tearing a large hole out of the wall. Nohbodi and I rushed out to Sky Sprinkle, who was quickly bleeding out. I modified my wall of force into a cuff or sorts, attempting to staunch the bleeding. Nohbodi tore off pieces of cloth and I released the pressure only long enough to bind the gaping wound before re-applying pressure. She would bleed out soon, even with this. There was no one around to help, yet we continued our futile efforts out of desperation. I found myself wondering why she had not brought backup.
She did.
Princess Luna herself swept down. Whether from a messenger prepared to call for her or her watching personally, I do not know. “Princess Luna! Quickly, she must receive treatment!” A troop of pegasi arrived behind her.
I was too caught up in the emergency to consider hiding emotions. Worry for Sky Sprinkle and absolute hatred for Chrysalis was palpable. She noticed. “Treachery!” A field far too powerful for me to resist enveloped me. I was thrown back inside the closing space at the hooves of Chrysalis.
Luna looked on Sky Sprinkle. After the consideration of merely a moment, her horn glowed. Sky Sprinkle screamed as the stumps underwent a field-cauterization. “Changeling magic... Take Sky Sprinkle to the infirmary immediately. Queen Aranea, Nohbodi, you’re coming with us.”
“Aranea!” Nohbodi ran towards the space, but was intercepted by four pegasi. He was pulled aloft with each on a limb. I focused and began to tear through the verdant barrier once more.
“Luna...” Chrysalis growled as she looked through the space. She shifted glances between the outside and myself. The space was open enough for my egress once again. I galloped towards it, only to have an indescribable pain assault my mind.
The last thing I saw was Chrysalis escaping through the gap, in a body that appeared to be mine. Chrysalis was free. I had failed. No doubt she would take control the changelings again and create another war. One that would end with either subjugation under her control, or the complete desctruction of my species.
In either case, we were doomed.
Author's Note
Nohbodi PoV
Minor Detail
“Aranea!” I shouted to her barely escaping from the closing wall, unable to reach her due to the four-pegasi grapple that held me aloft. I began to struggle, but their grips were enough to hold me, the magic-nullifying effect useless against this amount of raw muscle.
“Look down.” One of them flatly stated.
“I already am dumbass! What does that have…” Well, guess I'm the dumbass this time. On finally focusing on the ground, or rather, the distance to the ground, I realized the likely fatal consequences to successfully fighting my way out of their hold. Aranea shifted to her armored changeling body and took wing alongside Luna. She was nearly as stoic as she was when we first met. That's no surprise, considering what's just happened here. Chrysalis was behind that wall, bigger and badder than ever. I was more surprised she hadn't simply fought us free and returned at first, until I remembered Sky. She'll be lucky to live through the night, let alone back in one piece. I craned my head back as far as I could to see her unconscious body held by another pair, streaking ahead of us. A third carried the bloody stump of a hoof and a leg behind the first two.
Aranea and Luna might have been having some conversation behind us, but I couldn't hear anything outside of a close-range yell from the rush of wind. “Where are you going?” I shouted, hoping they could hear me. One gave a sidelong glance at me before turning back towards her direction of flight. She didn't bother to answer, or didn't concern herself with giving an answer I could hear, I wasn't sure. Maybe pegasi can hear each other better in the wind and she hadn't thought of it. All in all, it didn't matter. We were moving nearly as quickly as the train, and certainly taking a more direct route. Spires crested the horizon between attempts to hear what was going on behind me and spinning the wheels of my brain about what to do now. Crenellated towers appeared before I really registered it.
Canterlot.
Of course we were going there. I should've known that from the beginning really, but no one who saw what was behind that wall was in their right mind at the moment. The three responsible for Sky Sprinkle veered off from the group, no doubt to some emergency room. I hoped they could save her. I knew better.
As if Chrysalis didn't have enough to pay for already.
We alighted near the gates of the castle, several ponies jumping out of the way with looks between annoyance and concern at the abrupt entrance of royalty by relatively nonstandard means of transportation. I rushed over to hug Aranea as soon as I was free. She returned it gladly. “So what were you two talking about back there, and what do we do now?”
“We must discuss this inside.” Luna simply stated as we entered the gates. The ponies in the hall made way as the procession of varying royalty (And myself) passed by. We entered the royal chambers in time to interrupt day court. Celestia was as close to losing her patience as I'd ever seen her. Some unicorn in expensive-looking clothes was losing it as well, having the gall to actually argue with her.
“While your complaint is worthy of consideration, it is a matter for lower courts. That aside, you have no evidence of your claim whatsoever.”
“B-but princess, it's a changeling! You know they'd do something sooner or-...” he turned around from his tirade to see the fucking changeling queen herself facing him.
“Species-based hatred has no place in our kingdom! Your case is dismissed with prejudice. It will not be taken up by any court. And you yourself, Ivory Crown, are dismissed as well.” Celestia waved a hoof and a guard approached Ivory, leading him out. He gave a look at us on the way, probably freaking out internally over being heard by everyone.
Of course there would still be racists (Specists?) here, even after a decade or so. Thankfully they were relegated to a fringe and no longer taken seriously. Probably some pissant noble that didn't like a nonpony having station. The titles meant nothing, but they held on to them. Probably because without inherited money they'd be on the streets, and have nothing else to cling to. Fuck 'em.
Celestia looked at us. I was roughed up, and Aranea was missing her bags and clothes. “Due to a matter of grave importance, day court is suspended. My apologies for any who are inconvenienced by this, but it is beyond our control.” The ponies filed out, a few grumbling. Celestia turned to an aide. “See those that traveled are provided with a room and contact home. Hopefully this won't take long.” The pony nodded and quickly left, leaving Celestia, Luna, Aranea, and myself the only occupants, not counting the guards that were just outside the door.
Aranea reverted to her human body, and stood by me as the princesses took a paired stance opposite us. Luna began. “It was changeling magic that caused Sky Sprinkle's current state. She's fighting for her life at this moment. Why would you commit such an abhorrent act?” Celestia started at the news. How the fuck did she not see what happened? Oh, wait. As much as I was raging at the accusation, she didn't come down until later. She couldn't have seen what was on the other side of that wall.
“It was not I, princess Luna.”
“You were the only one in the area capable of such magic, to our knowledge. It would be welcome, though no less dire, that an alternate explanation presented itself.”
We didn't have time for this. I interjected before she could answer. “It wasn't. We'll need artillery to get back in there. We have to get back there. It's-”
“We require more information than that. No military aid will be proffered until we receive the answers we require.”
I stepped closer with every word, until the end was screamed into her face. “It. Was. CHRYSALIS!”
The doors opened as the guards rushed in to find me face-to-muzzle with Luna. Chances are a few rooms adjacent heard it. Everyone stopped dead in their tracks. There were very few things left in the world that would shock Luna or Celestia. This was one of them.
“What!?” the diarchs said in tandem.
“The bitch is still alive, and she's in there!” Aranea put a hand on my shoulder and stepped up.
“Nohbodi is correct. Chrysalis is indeed within that forest, and she's the cause of all that has occurred. It's imperative that we return and finish this before more lives are lost.” Everyone stared at the revelation, but especially me. I've known Aranea for this long, and she's never – never – changed the way she spoke. Not the words she used anyway.
This was Chrysalis.
I awoke some time later. The position of the sun denoted that I had been unconscious for several hours. I retained a head-ache of impressive magnitude, a significant sensation of weakness, and a certain sense of being violated.
Oh no.
No doubt the vastly increased power of Chrysalis was used to probe the contents of my mind, if such an act was within her abilities – which I believed it was. Thus, she now knows of the human status of Nohbodi, the reasoning behind the false signal of Intricate Compass, and potentially our plans. It will be nigh-impossible to influence her with false information, and a direct assault is still a suicidal move. Especially now.
I looked down and noted the spaces. I am somewhat surprised that she did not simply kill me. Perhaps my resilience due to the metamorphosis saved me. Perhaps she simply could not. It was obvious that the Hive was attempting to retard her progress, therefore it could have implanted a directive even she could not defy. Yet. With more time spent gaining the power of the Hive, or simply corrupting it, if possible, she may be literally unstoppable.
The Hive held the answer. It must. Lacking the power to simply carve through the wall, or to be useless after doing so, I elected to attempt to contact the Hive. Presumably I could not re-enter this area without the aid of Sky Sprinkle, if she still lives. Thus, I most certainly should attempt to communicate with the Hive before leaving the area. I began to travel towards the center, passing the signs of decay once more.
The physical manifestation of the Hive remained. The vertical slit that was the egress of Chrysalis was likewise in the previous state. I stepped near to it, delaying my entrance for fear that Chrysalis may have effected some degree of ranged control. I attempted short-distance communication via pheromones. The reply felt distant, as if from a weakened signal. However, the response was the equivalent of a welcome. It was a significant risk, yet few options remained.
I entered the Hive itself.
To my alarm, the effective entrance sealed itself upon my completed position inside it. It was a cocoon. I began to receive sensations of comfort from it. With my calming mind and reflection, I realized that it was, from the inside, the image from my dreams during my metamorphosis. This is what would have occurred had I been in a position to have ascended naturally, within a functional hive. The communion with the being responsible for our collective creation began.
The Hive, obviously within the right to do so, began. "You are the true queen of the changelings."
A sensation of pleasure and what may construed as pride infused me. "I am."
"The former queen must be stopped."
"She must." I thought over varying possible courses of action, and transmitted them to the Hive. Every single one was responded to in the negative. "Then what is to be done?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing? That cannot be!"
"It is to be."
"How are we to stop her?"
"We do not."
"Impossible! She must be stopped!"
"She must."
"Then how do we do so?"
"We do not."
"I do not understand. Who, if not us, shall end this?"
"Perceive." A wave of sensation overtook me. I understood what the Hive intended. Chrysalis had taken so much energy from the Hive that she had unintentionally created a link. Through this I, though not with sight, sensed what the false queen was experiencing. There were sensations of reaction given to those before her. Magical signatures were recognized. She was conversing with princess Celestia, princess Luna, and a faint one from Intricate Compass. The latter was, of course, an impossibility. It was Nohbodi. She had slight, but temporary, concern directed at that source.
"If she has absorbed so much power from You, how is she to be stopped? For that matter, if she can no longer create an army, what purpose has she to this action?"
"She is far more powerful than she was at her previous peak. She needs no army if she may gain control before exhausting her energy reserves."
"How long might that take?"
"A variable too complex to state an exact point in time that you would comprehend. All that matters is that it is well within her abilities to do so."
"I must end this!"
"Do not concern yourself. I have influenced her next course of action. She will be at a location most desirable to her defeat."
"Where will such a location be?"
"Here."
Nohbodi and I readied ourselves to travel to the wastelands. It would be a long journey, and while we had a significant idea of what we would contact during part of our journey, what we would find after crossing the borders of the wastelands was completely unknown. It lay beyond the Undiscovered West, a forested land that was on the western edge of Equestria, and poorly understood. From what little Intricate Compass saw before rushing back, it was similar to the Badlands. After this forest it slowly became less dense, until life was replaced with rock and sand. Perhaps the Undiscovered West is a portion of our former homeland. Due to the ever-changing landscape of this world, slow as it may be, the memories blur after a certain point. It has been so long that the hive no longer records it, beyond a notation that it is our former homeland. Uncounted years ago, changelings spread across the whole of Equestria. Some phenomenon or entity caused it to be unfit for the Changeling Empire, and a mass exodus of some sort was required. Even if re-habitation proves impossible, this knowledge will be valued.
The train was capable of taking us past the White Tail Woods, but there was no station to disembark. Still, it would be faster and safer to take this locomotive past our goal to Las Pegasus, and back-track to the Undiscovered West. From that point onward, most of what we encountered would be a new experience to us. We took as few chances as possible with our provisions. We must travel lightly, as there will be no caravan or guide for us. Nohbodi informed me that while humans are immune to magic, they are not so protected from nature. It would be theoretically simply for him to be poisoned by a plant that humans react to in a negative manner, or to fall to the strikes or venom of more physically powerful creatures. During this discussion he stopped packing to rush up and hug me, followed with a passionate kiss. It was quite pleasurable.
“Not that I have issue with it, but what brought such an action?”
“Saving me from that hydra.” That had been nearly ten years ago. I wrapped my arms around him and returned the kiss.
Once we finished “And what was that for?” he asked with a smile.
“For introducing me to love. For loving who I am.” We held each other for several minutes.
We grudgingly ended our entanglement and resumed packing. We had scant space for our provisions. A back-pack for Nohbodi, and a split one for myself. It was of custom make by the pony Rarity, one of the elements of harmony and a seamstress of unparalleled skill. It was weighted to convert to saddle-bags should I need to transform at any point while wearing it. I spend most of my time in human guise now. Nohbodi still loves me, knowing that I am a changeling. However, he has been honest that he is not physically attracted to equine forms.
“Don't know what's out there. We should pack some clothes. Something tough.” While Nohbodi kept himself dressed the vast majority of time, I was commonly nude within the house. Human anatomy requires covering in public, due to consistent display of said anatomy. He never voiced disapproval in my decision. Going outside with genitalia on display in public areas is considered a crime in Equestria and the Crystal Empire, as well as several others where the local inhabitants can suppress viewing of the same. We would require clothing that was protective as well as covering, due to the possibility of dangers such as dense thorn growths or similar. We packed what else we would require, and sojourned to the shop of Rarity, a boutique, for the clothing. A relatively significant amount of bits would cover supplies needed immediately, within Equestrian borders. Various dried and salted food-stuffs for Nohbodi, who required sustenance of the mundane variety, should the land be truly barren, or hunting efforts fail. Mostly dried, as salt is regulated as a minor drug within Equestrian borders. Nohbodi once was nearly arrested for not knowing this, and attempting to market 'beer-salt' as an additive to his creations. Herbs with healing properties from the zebra Zecora, who had previously housed and employed us in dire circumstances. Some shops had started carrying stock of the same since that time, but we are certain to specifically acquire our stock from her. As per the request of Zecora, we only inform those who ask us, as she sees no issue with the competition, and prefers a degree of privacy. Bandages, rope, two folding-knives, and other tools took up the remaining space not delegated for our clothing.
We traveled the short distance to the place of business of Rarity. We entered without issue or her fawning over my effective station. For several years she would do so, being enamored with the highest tiers of society, and seeking to emulate them. She was granted an honorary title by princess Celestia five years ago. Perhaps she views us as being on near-equal ground now. Regardless, she turned at the sound of the door-bell fastened on the frame at our entrance.
“Welcome to Rarity's boutique, where everything's chic, unique, and- Oh, hello queen Aranea and king Nohbodi! What can I do for you today?”
“No requirement for such titles here, duchess Rarity.” I countered with a smile.
“What she said.” smirked Nohbodi. “And it's technically prince-consort anyway. I'm the one that married into royalty. Never did bother to figure out how that works.”
“Oh, but you simply must learn some time! Why, when I-” Nohbodi held up a hand to silence her while interrupting.
“I know, I know. Listen, we're not here for that, and it's really important. But I do apologize in advance for what we're about to do.” Nohbodi rarely cared to use his title, at least outside of the infuriating effect on Canterlot nobles. At first he was so excited at the prospect after our wedding. Time has changed him in some manners. Perhaps a title was worth considerably more on Earth. Rarity stopped her impending lecture on Equestrian nobility with curiosity.
“What do you mean?”
“We're gonna need some clothes.” Her features lit up with excitement.
“Why, of course! What would you like?”
“Something tough. We're talking strictly function over form here.” She displayed disappointment.
“I... understand. What, may I ask, are these for?” She retrieved a collection of thicker fabrics from the back via her magic with annoyance.
“We are venturing past the Unknown West, to the original home of the changelings.”
Rarity looked back at us while her magic held the dense materials. “Are you leaving Ponyville?”
“Not as you may think, though it is a potential option. Recent information demands research on the matter. Research that can only be accomplished by personal visitation.”
“Oh, you should bring Twilight. You know how she's always looking for new subjects to study. Why, that table hardly ever calls us to solve a friendship problem anymore. She's been bored, you know.”
Nohbodi turned to me “What do yo think?”
I faced him “A distinct possibility. I am unsure of what we will find, but help may be welcome. We will discuss this with her shortly.”
“Pardon me, I'm afraid I've still got your requests for clothing to fill. We can talk specifics of that while I'm working on them, of course. What are you looking for?”
“Basic stuff. Has to be tough, but something we can move in. This' for protection, not fashion.”
“I see.” Rarity did not generally enjoy such mundane work. Having been featured in Canterlot, Manehatten, Fillydelphia, and Las Pegasus for her work indicates that she has not done such function-oriented jobs in a considerable length of time. “Very well. Since it's for royalty, I'll get right to work on it.” Our measurements have not changed within several visits, and she kept them on file at this point.
“We'll be back to pick them up and pay. Guess we're off to see Twilight.”
I did not know if princess Twilight Sparkle would join us in our venture. If she chose to do so, her magical abilities and status would be a considerable boon. The only thing that was a certainty was that the path had a high likelihood of danger.
We would likely require all of the aid we could procure.
I talked to God, and She's a Bitch
"What do you imply?" I queried.
"THERE IS NO NEED FOR YOU FROM THIS MOMENT ONWARD."
"Changelings have had a queen since time immemorial."
"THAT NOW CHANGES."
"Why? Why do you seek to replace me?"
"I WILL BE QUEEN. ALL WILL BOW TO ME. CHANGELING AND PONY ALIKE."
Something was wrong. The mere idea of there not being a queen of changelings was errant, but the concept of anything ruling over all. The Hive had no power over ponies. "How could you accomplish such a task?"
"POWER. NOW BOTH OF YOU, BOW TO ME AS YOUR NEW QUEEN."
A wave of impulse washed over me. Concentrated pheremones, if I can relate it in a manner compatible with non-changeling minds. Every fiber of my being demanded that I bend to the will of the Hive. For once, every conscious though directed me not to. This did not make sense. It was not right. "Wait..." I found myself uttering the phrase that would not have been considered in the past. Ten years ago, it nearly destroyed me. Now, it just may save me.
"No."
"WHAT!?"
I concentrated to return to my human form. The battle of wills shifted limbs and form into a perpetual state of neither for several minutes. With a significant application of will I nearly achieved my intention. The metaphorical dust settled as I retained a consistent form somewhere between the two. I appeared in a humanoid form, though retaining the chitinous armor, as well as being considerably taller than the standard human body. This was the first time I had known any changeling to merge forms. I suppose I should thank the Hive.
I was most certainly not going to.
"HOW ARE YOU CAPABLE OF DISOBEYING ME? YOU AS WELL AS THIS MITE OF A DRONE. YOU WILL OBEY!"
Mite of a drone? I was the only changeling at this location. The only being aside from myself was Nohbodi. In my momentary confusion I unwittingly answered in pheremones, expressing this confusion as to a second changeling.
"YOU AND THE DRONE FROM BEFORE. BOW TO ME! I AM THE HIVE! I AM QUEEN! I AM ALL!"
From before? The only other changeling to have contact with the Hive was Intricate Compass. Wait... Nohbodi did take the horn with him after her demise. The Hive saw the slight magical signature from the horn. Not only that, the messages were delivered entirely via pheremones. The Hive was completely blind, relying on olfactory senses. It had a power that extended beyond this cocoon, but It did not, Itself, have access to the outside world.
No, what was inside the cocoon was not the Hive. It was drawing power from the Hive, but it was not of It itself. I glanced behind us at the swath of death and dying forest. The Hive... No, the being masquerading as the Hive, was not a victim of this sickness.
It was the cause.
It all made sense now. Intricate Compass could not control her actions, but was in control of her mind. "False queen", she had said. She did not speak of myself, but this abomination. Her death was not a reckless attempt to recover...
It was suicide.
She ended her own life rather than continue an unwilling assault on me, the true queen of the changelings.
In this form I held a humanoid body, yet retained my changeling senses. It seems that it fooled the false hive into believing that I was in full changeling form. No matter. This anomaly answers my questions by it merely existing. I must aid the true Hive, and all changelings, by either curing or destroying the false one.
"BOW TO ME, AND I SHALL RULE THIS WORLD!"
"You are not the Hive! Vacate this land, for you do not belong."
"IMPOSSIBLE! YOU MUST BOW TO ME!" The voice screamed at my senses as a rift opened in the cocoon. "I WILL MAKE YOU BOW TO ME!" Out stepped a changeling form, larger than any queen in memory by a head. It stepped out completely to stare me down. The power radiating from it was immense, exceeding even my own at my peak. It was a monstrosity of changeling biology. It was older than I was. It knew war.
It was Chrysalis.