Shape-Shifters

The Queen of the Changelings was at an absolute loss. She stared down at the map strewn across the table, then at the calculations hastily scrawled onto a piece of parchment. The numbers simply didn't add up. There was no way, no way at all her army could enter Equestria without being wiped out. Her horn glowed, surrounding the map in green light. She narrowed her eyes and fired, blasting a hole through it and by extension, the table. The wood smoked for a few moments, and she bit back a frustrated scream. Her kingdom wouldn't survive for much longer without a food source. Chrysalis's wings fluttered with pent-up anxiety and rage. She needed answers, and she needed them now.

A knock sounded at her door and she whipped around. "Come in," she barked.

It swung open, admitting two changelings. She immediately recognized the two top generals of the force. "Have you found an attack route yet?" She growled.

The two sunk into a deep bow. "My Queen." They murmured, gazes glued to the floor.

"Rise!" Chrysalis spat. "Rise and face me! My kingdom is on the brink of a famine! This is no time for formalities!" She jerked a hole-ridden hoof towards the window. "Do you see what's out there? My kingdom is falling! My subjects are falling! And I will not stand for it!" Her horn glowed, surrounding the changeling nearest to her in magical essence. They flinched as they were lifted into the air and met their ruler's gaze.

"I have studied the map for days." She rasped. "There is no way my army can launch a direct attack and survive."

She released the changeling from her grasp and they buckled to their knees with a gasp. "I only need one of them." She ordered curtly, giving the soldiers that stood in the hall a nod. "Get this one out of my site."

They rushed forward, nearly tripping over their hooves, and pulled the general away. Chrysalis caught the light of hate in their eyes as they dissapeared and hid a bitter smile. Good, she thought. That'll build spirit.

The general faced her, legs trembling and face grim. "My Queen, we've discovered a way to infiltrate the country."

Chrysalis's eyes shone as she studied them. "Go on, No. 3478." She murmured. She remembered when they were just a little one, stuck in a cocoon.

The changeling's eyes widened as they were referred to by their formal title, and dipped their head in a show of respect. "You are too kind." They rumbled. Their horn glowed and a smaller version of the map she was looking at floated out of the bag that hung at their side. Chrysalis stared at the various notes, eyes narrowed and a small grin beginning to form on her face.

No. 3478 looked a bit flustered. "Unfortunately, it's been established that a direct attack on Equestria is impossible. So, we've devised a plan. Instead of a direct assault, we'll destory them from the inside-out."

Chrysalis's smile grew wider and more sadistic with every word the general spoke. Yes. Yes. This would work, she was almost sure of it. "Celestia will never expect it!" She cried gleefully.

The changeling nodded quickly in agreement. "We can create a diversion, a false attack. The ponies will think we're defeated, but in reality, we'll capture their rulers and replace them with our top agents. It'll be quick, in and out, but the effects will be disastorous." They bowed once again.

The Queen of the Changelings could picture the whole operation in her head. Launch an attack, then destroy the ponies from the inside. It sounded brilliant, but there was one thing bothering her. She turned her head towards the window and stared out at the capital of the kingdom. Crumbling buildings were strewn acros the land, and changelings of all ages flew from rooftop to rooftop. She felt her heart ache for her subjects. They needed food. Now. If it meant that she had to launch a faulty assault and get captured or killed, she would do it.

"Where are these agents?" She inquired, snapping back to attention.

The general turned to the door and turned the knob, opening it with their magic. Three changelings stepped into the room, immediately getting into a neat line and bowing to their Queen.

Chrysalis recognized their high status by their eyes- they were green instead of blue. A male, a female, and a female. She mused silently. Interesting. When she lifted her gaze once again, the three princesses of Equestria were staring at her.