Bookends Part 4: Or Day Of Atonement

Chapters

CHAPTER ONE: In The Hall Of The Mountain Queen
CHAPTER TWO: In The Library
CHAPTER THREE: The Trip To Canterlot
CHAPTER FOUR: Canterlot
CHAPTER FIVE: The Mission
CHAPTER SIX: Trixie's Plight
CHAPTER SEVEN: A Short Reprieve
CHAPTER EIGHT: Disaster
CHAPTER TEN: Miracle of Friendship and Family
LAST CHAPTER: The Treaty
CHAPTER NINE: Final Confrontation

CHAPTER ONE: In The Hall Of The Mountain Queen

The chambers of Queen Chrysalis were the only chambers with windows to the outside. The rest of the mountain stronghold where The Hive resided was in darkness, other than what illumination they themselves furnished with fires or magic.

In the years since the defeat of the Changeling’s attempt to take Canterlot and thus Equestria, Queen Chrysalis had brooded on ways to exact her revenge.

‘There shouldn't have been any way that a hoofful of primitive Mono-Shape Ponies could’ve defeated the mighty Changeling Hive!’ the queen would tell herself day after day. So much so that even she was getting tired of hearing it.

This thought festered in the queen’s mind. Her hate and desire for retribution grew incrementally every day. It had driven out almost every other emotion, and her subjects suffered due to this.

She’d been a good queen, as far as the standards of The Hive went. In the past, she’d led them to rich and bountiful feeding grounds all over the world.

But with the defeat in Equestria, and the catastrophe leading up to the failed takeover, the queen now had only one thing in mind.

Before this humiliating defeat, and at the cost of many of their lives, advisors had warned the queen the entire plan was doomed to begin with. That there were too many disasters which had happened during the scouting phase of the operation. Too much conflicting intelligence and too many costly losses.

Probably because of these losses, Chrysalis pushed ahead with her plans just so she could extract revenge for said losses. And perhaps this blinded her to the practically of the action. She understood this now, but what was done, was done.

But if Chrysalis had known beforehoof the attempt would’ve fail so miserably, she probably, just on a whim, would’ve still executed her advisors for speaking out against her.

Now she’d sit on her haunches, looking out the window to the north toward Equestria. Plotting, conspiring, imagining her vengeance on the six ponies that’d cost her so much.

Yes, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Captain Shining Armor had done the actual vanquishing, and they’d pay with their lives determined the queen.

But it was Twilight Sparkle who’d seen right through her deception and then with her five associates, stopped her at the cusp of victory. Therefore, they were the ponies who were the real reason for the disgrace. They were the ponies who had to pay. And they’d pay dearly for her humiliation and for the unforgivable loss she personally suffered in the time leading up to the invasion.

Twilight Sparkle especially.

Oh, she still had designs on the overthrow of Celestia and Equestria. But the greatest threat should be removed first. With the six removed, she’d have a greater chance to succeed. But with that tactical reason aside...

It was still personal.

And their smart-flanks leader should be made an example to anypony who might ever consider resisting her in the future.

As the immortal, all-powerful leader of The Hive, her advisors suggested she just wait out time and attack when the six ponies were either dead or so decrepit they couldn’t be of any threat.

But that’d be too long to wait, even for an immortal. She wanted to break Twilight and make her suffer for years. Perhaps she’d find a way to make Twilight immortal, that way she’d suffer forever, how delicious.

Queen Chrysalis had already picked out the small, confining, almost airless room adjoining her chambers where she’d chain Twilight Sparkle. Twilight’s horn would be mutilated so she couldn’t do any magic. There Twilight would be forced to live in her own filth, a drink of water once a day and fed only once a week and then only enough to keep alive, barely.

Twilight would then be brought before her and forced to watch as Chrysalis would personally drain her friends slowly over weeks at a time, so completely the body would eventually die.

The Changeling Queen was not only able to absorb love from a victim as her underlings could, but she had the power to drain the very essence of their life-force as well. The cries of agony from the victims along with Twilight’s pleas for mercy for her friends and Twilight’s tears would be music for the queen to dine to.

Then the carcasses of her friends would be placed in Twilight’s little room. There Twilight would be forced to live among the rotting corpses of her friends.

No, there won’t be enough room. Perhaps just their heads will do. That’d really unnerve Twilight. All those dead eyes looking out at her.

Then as the last of Twilight’s friends, the one who irked her the most during her masquerade, that annoying pink imbecile was drained to the point of death, Chrysalis would then turn her attention to Twilight.

She’d drain Twilight...

But not to death.

She’d be allowed enough essence to live as a mindless automaton. Her inner mind still intact, aware of everything but with no way to exert any will of her own. Twilight would wear a collar with a chain attached, like some kind of dog.

Twilight then would be forced to serve Chrysalis fore and hind hoof.

And for amusement, Chrysalis would allow her male underlings to use Twilight’s body for their ‘pleasure’, two or three at a time.

Chrysalis would watch the demeaning spectacle, knowing the inner mind of Twilight would be aware and so utterly shamed, humiliated and crushed.

She so hoped Twilight would still be able to cry!

Chrysalis then started thinking of the ultimate humiliation for Twilight. She could see Twilight, in her mind’s eye, between her hind legs, the hated pony’s tongue deep inside the royal marehood. Knowing how much that’d crush Twilight, was making her wet!

What a gratifying little pet Twilight will make.

Her delicious plotting was disturbed by voices outside her chambers.

“Lady Chamberlain,” said the scout, “I just wanted to give the information to somepony, I need to get back to my post. I don’t think I’m worthy enough to come before the queen.”

“You sniveling little coward!” Said the Chamberlain, “you just don’t want to face the queen’s wrath if she doesn’t take it well. You know it’s your duty to report what you’ve found. And with what you’ve told me, this needs to be presented to the queen herself.”

Truth was that the Chamberlain didn’t want to present any disturbing news to her queen as well. It was the reason she’d risen to this post. Her first official action was to clear away the mutilated body of her predecessor.

The discussion was cut short by the queen’s magic opening the doors. Chrysalis was looking intently from her window seat.

“What’s so bloody important you have to disturb me!” demanded Chrysalis. “Get in here before I dine on your essences!”

The two Changelings looked at each other and swallowed hard and then entered. Stopping at a respectful distance (out of hoof’s reach) they bowed until the queen spoke.

“Well? What’s the meaning of this Chamberlain?” asked the queen.

“Your Greatness!” said the Chamberlain, “this scout has some information that you need to know.”

The queen looked intently at the scout. The scout was already feeling as if his essence was being drained.

“Most Beloved and Rightly To Be Feared Queen!” said the scout, “I’ve discovered something which could change everything!”

“What can be so important you leave your post just to annoy me?”

“I’ve discovered a Changeling living outside The Hive!” said the scout cringing.

The queen looked stunned. How was this possible? There were no other known tribes of Changelings living anywhere now. All tribes had been consolidated centuries ago under her merciless leadership into The Hive.

“Where?” demanded Chrysalis, her voice dripping with threat.

“Ponyville, oh Ruler Of The World!” said the scout.

“A Changeling…

In Ponyville?” said the queen, not quite to anypony. “This could change everything!”

The two underlings stood there trembling, waiting for the ‘axe to fall’.

But then the queen, her fierce countenance noticeably softened, looked at the scout.

“Very good, my faithful subject,” said the queen sounding more pleased than she’d sounded in years, “give full details to the Chamberlain and return to your post. Keep me apprised of everything.”

“As you command, Most Beloved Ruler,” replied the scout, glad to be alive.

The queen merely motioned with her hoof for the ponies to leave.

The Chamberlain and scout bowed as they backed to the door. They turned to leave, when the queen called out;

“Chamberlain, this scout is to be advanced two steps in rank. See to it before he leaves for his post.”

“Very good oh Magnanimous One,” said the Chamberlain.

“Many thanks, Wise and Powerful Queen Chrysalis,” said the scout.

The queen closed the door with her magic. Her head was spinning. An unknown Changeling, living in Ponyville. Was it possible there was a readymade agent she could call upon to start the wheels of her vendetta?

She’d soon find out.

She abandoned her window seat and reclined on the pile of cushions that served as her bed.

Then it hit her harder than if the mountain had crumbled in on her. Was there another possible explanation? Did she dare to think it? Was there really a chance? It was almost too hard to consider, it hurt to have hope after all this time.

For the first time in years, her heart felt joy. She needed to express it.

Queen Chrysalis reached out with her magic and opened her chamber doors again.

At that moment two Changelings, a mare and a stallion were walking past going in different directions. They were keeping their attention ahead. None dared to look into the queen’s chambers unless they were invited.

“You two!” called out the queen.

They stopped, fearing the worse.

“Come in here,” said the queen.

“Yes Highness,” they replied.

The queen lay sprawled on her pile of cushions. The two Changelings entered and bowed.

“Rise and face me,” said the queen.

The two looked at her in fear.

But what they saw surprised them, the Changelings hadn’t seen their queen looking this happy in a very long time. The queen leisurely rolled onto her back, her head elevated and letting her hind legs spread, one fore hoof lightly rubbing her nipples.

“Pleasure me, and if I’m pleased, then your queen will pleasure you.”

The doors closed.

Several minutes later the Chamberlain returned to make a report. But she dared not to disturb her queen.

It’d been years since the cries heard through the closed doors were not of torment but of ecstasy.

“Thank the Maker,” said the Chamberlain under her voice.

It was hours before the queen’s doors opened and two Changelings left the chambers. It was the first time in years that the Chamberlain had seen ponies leave the queen’s chambers both alive and in good spirits.

“Lady Chamberlain,” said the mare seeing the official pony, “the queen asked to have you enter if we saw you.”

‘Asked?’ thought the Chamberlain.

“Thank you,” replied the Chamberlain as the two ponies went about their business, laughing.

As the Chamberlain entered the open doors, Chrysalis was still lounging on her cushions. The queen saw her and called out.

“Ah, Chamberlain,” said the queen smiling. “Please, come in here and give me your report.”

‘Please?’ thought the Chamberlain. ‘I didn’t think Chrysalis knew that word.’

After the report the Chamberlain stood and waited for her queen to think about what was said.

“So the Changeling, a mare you say? Actually walks among the Mono-Ponies undisguised without changing appearance?” asked the queen.

“Yes your Majesty,” replied the Chamberlain, “plus it’s reported if the Changeling wants to change she’ll change appearance in front of anypony around. Not to hide or camouflage themselves, it’s more like a game between the Changeling and some of the foals. A kind of ‘hide and seek!”

“So this one’s ‘gone native’.” Said the queen. “That could be an issue.”

“Perhaps,” replied the Chamberlain, “or perhaps she’s had to do this to survive. That’s supposing she was separated from The Hive during the scouting expedition. Or it’s possible they come from a tribe unknown to us.”

“I’ve thought of that last one,” said the queen, “but I discount it. We would’ve at least heard some rumor of it, if true.”

The queen sat silent for a moment then continued;

“How many of our people were lost on that ill-fated scouting expedition?”

“Twenty-five, Highness.”

“Isn’t it true not all were recovered or confirmed dead,” said the queen.

“Yes Highness, there were five who never returned or were not counted among the dead.

Four stallions and the only female was...”

“Don’t say it!” said the queen, her face flashing back to the grim look she’d worn for the last twenty-something years, but she let out a cleansing breath, her face softened. “This news has given me more hope than I’ve had for years. But I want nothing to be said which might get my hope up beyond all hope.”

“Understood, Greatness,” said the Chamberlain. “The Hive still mourns as well.”

The queen paused;

“Has the scout left to return to his post yet?”

“No Highness,” said the Chamberlain, “I thought it best to let him rest for a night before the trip back to Ponyville.”

“Good,” said the queen, “let him know with his advance in rank comes more responsibilities, along with more risk.

Tell him it’s Our wish he risk mingling among the Mono-Ponies of Ponyville. And if he thinks it’s practical and safe, make contact with the Changeling. To use his discretion on how much is to be revealed to this unknown Changeling, for now. And if possible and safe, return with this Changeling to be welcomed back among The Hive.”

“Yes, Highness, at once,” said the Chamberlain turning to leave.

The door to the queen’s chambers closed before the Chamberlain reached them. The Chamberlain turned and saw her queen smiling a very odd smile and she was patting her cushion, next to herself.

“Before you go,” said the queen, “I don’t think we’ve ever got to really know each other.”

The queen’s horn glowed and the Chamberlin was drawn to the cushions, Chrysalis gently embraced the Chamberlin and kissed her deeply.

“Alone,” whispered the queen, “you can call me Chrysie…”

“Spectra,” said the Chamberlin.

“Spectra,” said the queen with a smile.

She continued the kiss as she reached out to the Chamberlin’s marehood. The Chamberlin did the same.

‘Beats being mutilated and killed.’ The Chamberlain smiled and thought. As she made love with a pony she never expected to.

Queen Chrysalis sat upon Celestia’s throne, Celestia’s tiara on her head in place of her usual crown. By the throne, on her haunches, sat Twilight Sparkle. Twilight’s horn had been removed, she sat there like a dog. And like a dog, she wore a collar with a chain attached to the throne. It was as much symbolic as it was practical. There was a blank look on her face, but deep sorrow could still be detected in her eyes, which stared out as if not focused on anything.

The queen would nonchalantly reach out a hoof and pet Twilight, as she did Twilight would close her eyes. Nopony could tell if it was the contentment of a mindless pet or the shame of a defeated soul.

Behind the throne, mounted on the wall were the heads of Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Apple. On the other side of Twilight stood a very unhappy looking Changeling.

In the throne room was gathered a crowd of selected ponies and Changelings to observe the coming spectacle.

“Bring out the prisoners!” called out the queen.

In the middle of the once magnificent throne room of Canterlot Castle, a gallows had been constructed. Four nooses were waiting empty.

From a side door there was led Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. They all had had their horns brutally smashed, the Alicorns had had their flight feathers pulled out so there was no chance to fly off. The crowd reacted differently, the Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi were all crying. The Changelings were laughing and catcalling.

Up the platform they went and were stopped in front of the nooses.

The queen was smiling harder than anypony could remember. Chrysalis looked at the Changeling beside her pet and spoke.

“No My Sweet, not that form. They need to remember you as you were.”

The Changeling lowered her head in shame and changed to Pinkie Pie.

Then the queen addressed the prisoners.

“You’ve been found guilty of high treason against a superior authority and are sentenced to hang by the neck until you are dead! Dead! DEAD!” said the queen, almost in a rant.

Cadence couldn’t take it anymore and broke down, her knees buckled, she cried out and had to be held up. Shining pulled loose from those restraining him and rushed to embrace his wife. The Changelings went to pull them apart.

“Let them have their last tender moment,” said the queen in mock compassion.

“It’s okay Sweetie, we’re together,” said Shining, embracing his wife, “I’m right here beside you, I’ll not leave you.”

“Thank you My Love,” said Cadence as she kissed Shining Armor for the last time this side of life.

“That’s enough,” said the queen. “Anypony else have any last words?”

“Be brave, my friends,” said Luna.

Pinkie could tell the words were aimed at her and Twilight, not those on the gallows with her.

Then Celestia, as bravely as she could, called out to the queen;

“Let’s get this mockery of justice over with! You’re starting to annoy me!”

“As you wish, Your Highness,” said the queen with a mock bow of her head.

“Proceed!”

Celestia looked out at Pinkie and Twilight, she could tell despite Twilight being in an almost zombie like state, she could see the sorrow on her still adorable face. Pinkie put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight looked up at Pinkie then back to Celestia. Pinkie was trying to be brave, perhaps to help Twilight by her example.

Then came the black hood over her head. All was black, then she felt the noose being put over her head and around her neck. The wait was unnerving, Celestia was having a hard time keeping it together. She was almost glad her face was covered so nopony could see the flood of tears.

Then the floor opened under her, she fell...

And she fell...

It was all darkness, she couldn’t hold back anymore, she screamed! At the same time she could hear another scream.

Celestia opened her eyes, she and Luna were in their inner sanctum where both had been sleeping. But now they were sitting up. Celestia quit screaming and got control of her nerves. She grabbed Luna in a tight embrace, her sister was still screaming and crying.

“Lu My Love,” said Celestia, still shaking from the dream. “Luna my Darling sister, I’m here. It was but a dream, it’s okay.”

Luna tightened her grip on Celestia. Luna had the same fear on her face as Celestia had in her heart, tears were still pouring from both ponies eyes.

“Tia, it wasn’t a dream,” said Luna, “it was a vision of the future.”

Luna’s realm included dreams, she was acutely aware of what dream was what.

“I know, My Love,” said Celestia. “But remember, the future is never fixed. We can consider it a warning. We’ll need to do something to stop it from happening.”

“I know,” said Luna, still clinging to her sister, “but can we wait until morning? I’m still so frightened.”

“We can wait,” said Celestia speaking in a voice to calm her sister, Celestia also stroked Luna’s mane.

Celestia tightened her embrace on her sister. Then they kiss the kiss of two souls who’d faced death and lived to appreciate all that life had to offer. They made love more intensely than they had done in a long time.

CHAPTER TWO: In The Library

A beautiful deep purple filly sat reading in the library. Her mane and tail were almost like her mother’s. It was a lovely deep indigo but without the pink and purple stripes. Her purple coat was so dark that the deep indigo of the mane and tail were the lightest coloring on her. She was all but black.

Right now, one could tell despite appearing engrossed in the book, there was a sad look on her cute little face, her mothers didn’t miss it.

“What’s wrong Luna?” asked Cheerilee. “Why aren’t you out playing with your sister and cousin? It’s summer vacation, you should really get out for some exercise.”

“They don’t want to play with me mama,” said the filly, “Cici and Zap say I just keep them grounded and they need to fly so they can learn to be as good as Aunt Rainbow.”

“Oh Sweetie,” said Twilight, “I’ll have a talk with them, they shouldn’t leave you out of their games.”

“But they’re right, I can’t fly,” said Luna, looking away from her book out the window to the sky at ponies flying by. “I can’t do magic like you, I can’t do anything special. I’m just a nothing pony.”

“Honey!” exclaimed Cheerilee, “you aren’t a nothing pony.”

“What makes you say that?” asked Twilight.

“I can’t do anything fun like Pegasi or Unicorns. I have to walk everywhere, I have to pick up things with my mouth.

Just a useless Earth Pony.”

“Excuse me?” responded Cheerilee with a small smile.

“You know what I mean mama,” said Luna. “Pumpkin and Pound won’t even play with me any more,” said Luna, “they say they’re too old to play ‘little foal’ games.”

A tear was rolling down the filly’s face.

“Oh Honey,” said Twilight as she and Cheerilee embraced their daughter.

“Why don’t you go to the kitchen,” said Cheerilee, “Mama T just made some cookies. Go get a couple and some milk. Would that make you feel any better?”

Luna smiled a weak smile.

“I guess,” said the filly, as she went to the kitchen.

“We need to do something to help Luna,” said Cheerilee. “Feeding her cookies won’t fix everything. We don’t want to teach her to solve problems, all she has to do is stuff something in her muzzle.”

“I know,” replied Twilight, “we can’t have our daughter growing up thinking she isn’t anything special just because she’s an Earth Pony. As we know, Earth Ponies are special.”

Twilight kissed her wife letting her know she appreciated Earth Ponies.

Before they broke the kiss, the bell at the library door sounded as the door opened and a mint green Unicorn with lyre cutie mark entered.

“Good morning Lyra,” said Twilight, “how are you doing?”

“I’m doing fine,” said Lyra, “How are you girls today? I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“We’re good, “ said Cheerilee, “just little adjustment issues with Luna. It’s to be expected at this age.”

“Is there something we can do to help you Lyra?” asked Twilight.

“I just wanted to get a music book so I can do some practice,” said Lyra. “I’m looking for something by Trotkovsky.”

“Over this way,” said Twilight.

Twilight pointed out the books and Lyra went about looking them over.

About five minutes later, Luna came back into the main library. Looking at Lyra, the filly smiled.

“Hello Aunt Pinkie,” said Luna.

Twilight and Cheerilee looked at Luna and then at the mint green Unicorn. Lyra had a shocked look on her face, but it quickly turned into a smile.

“Pinkie?” said Twilight and Cheerilee together.

There was a green flash around Lyra then it was Pinkie standing there.

“You got me again Luna!” laughed Pinkie, “I can’t get away with anything around you.”

Luna trotted up to the pink pony and hugged.

“It’s ’k Aunt Pinkie, I love my favorite aunt and I’m always glad to see you,” said the filly.

“And I love my favorite niece,” said Pinkie.

“How do you do that Luna?” said Twilight.

“I don’t know,” said Luna, “I just know when it’s Aunt Pinkie trying to be tricky.”

“And you don’t think that’s special, Sweetie?” asked Cheerilee.

Luna blushed and smiled.

“It would be if there were more Changey-lings around,” said Luna.

“Lets hope that never happens,” said Pinkie with a sad look.

“Why not Aunt Pinkie?” asked Luna.

“Not all Changelings are as nice as Aunt Pinkie.” Said Twilight, “for right now, that’s all that needs to be said.”

“Yes mama,” said Luna. “As long as Aunt Pinkie is nice.”

“I’ll always be nice to my friends and especially my special niece.” Said Pinkie hugging Luna again.

Just then the bell at the door sounded again, alerting to another pony entering.

“Trixie,” said Twilight, “what brings you by?”

“I was looking for my wife,” said Trixie with a smile, “I saw her in the distance change into Lyra Heartstrings, but she was soon out of sight. Then I thought I caught up to her at Sugarcube Corner. I came up behind her and kissed her behind her ear, and then took a bite of her donut then a sip of her coffee, when she said to me.

‘Hi Trixie, sorry but I’m not Pinkie. I saw me go by a little bit ago.’

I nearly fainted from embarrassment! So I bought Lyra a fresh donut and got her a new cup of coffee.

Luckily, Lyra is a pony with a sense of humor. Celestia forbid it to have been Cranky Doodle Donkey!”

All the ponies gathered laughed.

“I should’ve known you’d be here with your little marefriend,” laughed Trixie.

“I caught her again Aunt Trixie,” said Luna.

“I should borrow Luna sometime Twilight, just to keep up with Pinkie.” Said Trixie, “I’m still having to apologize for kissing Muffins!”

“Awww,” said Pinkie with a sly smile and hugging her wife, “Muffins didn’t mind.”

Suddenly it sounded like a herd of buffalo coming down the stair, everypony looked and saw a very pretty white Pegasus filly with pink mane and tail, and a red Pegasus colt with a Rainbow mane and tail. The colt was following the filly like a shadow.

“Celestia, did you and Zap come in through the balcony... Again?” asked Cheerilee.

“Mom,” said Celestia, “it was closer than us having to land and walk.”

“You’ve been told you shouldn’t be going through your mother’s and my bedroom without permission.” Said Cheerilee trying not to get upset about telling her daughter the same thing for the third time this week.

“And there’s nothing wrong with walking.” Said Twilight, “your mother and I’d appreciate it if you’d quit making your sister feel bad because of something she has no control over.”

“I’msorryLuna,CiciandIdidn’tmeantomakeyoufeelbad.It’sjustthatflyingissomuchfun,” said Zap his words running together almost too fast to follow.

“What?” said Twilight, Cheerilee, Pinkie and Trixie.

“Zap and I are sorry,” said Celestia, “we’ll try to make time to include Luna.”

“You’d better, because your mother and Aunt Trixie have been working on a spell which would ground a Pegasus for a week at a time,” said Cheerilee winking at the two Unicorns.

Twilight and Trixie glared at the two young Pegasi, their horns started to glow.

The kids didn’t know if it was an empty threat or if their flight could be taken away.

“Yes mom,” replied Celestia.

“YesMrs.Sparkle,” said Zap.

“Oh mom, did Aunts Celestia and Luna say hello in their letter?” asked Celestia, making sure she changed the subject.

“What letter?” asked Twilight.

At that moment they were interrupted by Spike running in from the outside.

“Twilight! Twilight!” said the dragon, then he stopped. His face contorted and his eyes bulged slightly.

“BELCH!” went Spike.

From Spike’s mouth, green fire issued and when it dissipated, a scroll appeared. Twilight caught it with her magic. It opened and floated in front of Twilight. She read it, Twilight was concerned, there hadn’t been a message like this one in years.

“What is it Honey?” asked Cheerilee.

All eyes were on Twilight.

“Princess Celestia wants all of us to go to Canterlot with our Elements of Harmony as soon as possible.” Said Twilight, “she wants us to bring our foals as well.”

Pinkie and Trixie looked at each other concerned. Trixie hadn’t been with their little group during any of the past happenings except as an adversary.

“I’m coming with you Pinkie,” said Trixie. “I swore to you your fate will be my fate.”

“I want you to,” said Pinkie to her wife.

Then Trixie turned looking at Twilight and smirked.

“Plus you may need the amazing, show-stopping ability of The Great and Powerful Trrrixie!” Said Trixie with her old bravado. Several small and harmless fireworks went off in the library which thrilled the children.

All laughed. Then Twilight looked at the kids.

“Zap Honey,” said Twilight still chuckling, “go find your mom and tell her we’re needed in Canterlot. Tell her it’s important. And tell her to bring her Element of Harmony.”

“SurethingMrs.Sparkle!” said the colt as he rushed to the door and was airborne before he was through the doorway.

Twilight looked at her daughters. With Luna being able to detect Changelings and Celestia always knowing when a letter was coming from the princesses, Twilight started to remember a conversation from the first time she and Cheerilee had shared love with Tia and Lu. There had been many times since, but this was the first time, the one when the princesses wanted to experience Cheerilee and her pregnancy.

Almost ten years earlier, in Canterlot...

‘I can feel your minds,’ thought Tia, ‘you don’t know how to address us after reaching this level of intimacy. In public it’ll be necessary to address us as you have. But alone, and in casual circumstances, we’ll always be Tia and Lu. We’d like it if now you’d consider us as sisters and lovers, but at a much deeper level, not at a carnal self-serving level.”

‘You won’t understand the depth of this now,’ thought Lu, ‘and it’s our wish you don’t fully understand this for a very, very long time, but our minds will forever be linked. This will also have consequences for the near future. You’ll understand in the right time.’

Back in the here and now...

‘So the our minds Lu referred to was not just Cheeri’s and mine,’ thought Twilight remembering, ‘our daughters are connected as well.’

Both Twilight and Cheerilee had noticed they always had some idea what their daughters were up to and where they were. And it appeared the reverse was true. It was the reason she and her wife now chose to make love only after they were sure the kids were asleep.

“Celestia Sweetie,” said Twilight, “there’s a message at the end of the letter to say hello to their favorite nieces and they cant wait to see you.”

Celestia and Luna both smiled.

Then Twilight addressed the adults gathered.

“Pinkie,” said Twilight, “would you fly out to Fluttershy and let her know we’re needed in Canterlot and could she please meet at the train depot. And bring her element as well.

I’ll go and get Applejack and Rarity.

Trixie, would you mind helping Cheeri to watch these little hooligans while I go to Carousel Boutique?”

“I’ll turn them all to toads if they even think of acting up,” said Trixie, the fillies gasped. But the way Trixie laughed, nopony took her seriously. “Pinkie Darling, when you go get your element, would you get my hat and cape while you’re out please.”

There was a green flash, Pinkie changed to Phantasm, she kissed her wife and went to the door and flew off. Twilight kissed Cheerilee and vanished in a flash of purple.

As Phantasm flew in the direction of Fluttershy’s cottage, several ponies looked at the dark figure as she flew overhead. Most ponies were used to seeing a Changeling in their midst, and few had a problem with her gruesome appearance, knowing the heart of Pinkie Pie was underneath it all. Plus Ponyville was a town built on tolerance for all ponies.

But there was an unfamiliar dark gray Unicorn pony with gray mane and tail with a butterfly cutie mark who was very interested seeing the Changeling fly over. The stallion looked around him and saw a blue-gray Pegasus mare with crossed golden eyes.

“Excuse me Miss,” said the stallion.

“Hello,” said Muffins, always happy to talk to somepony new. “What can I do for you?”

“I don’t mean to be a bother, but what was that pony that just flew over,” said the stallion pointing at the receding form of the Changeling.

It was hard for the new pony to tell, but Muffins looked in the direction pointed out to her.

“Oh!” said Muffins, “that’s Pinkie Pie. She looks like that sometimes, they say she’s a Changeling.”

“A Changeling named Pinkie Pie?” the stallion said rhetorically, but Muffins thought he was still talking to her.

“That’s the name I’ve always known her by,” said the Pegasus mare, “I heard she has another name, a Changeling name, but I don’t remember it.”

“Do you know where she lives?” said the stallion.

“Of course I do silly!” said Muffins with a chuckle, “I deliver the mail here, in and around Ponyville. She and her wife live at the Pie’s rock farm several miles southwest of town.”

“Her... Wife?” said the stallion even more confused.

“Yes, her name is Trixie Pie,” said Muffins, “a very powerful Unicorn. She was a traveling showpony and a showoff and I’m sorry to say, a bit of a liar. But after a couple of run-ins with Twilight Sparkle, she’s become quite the nice pony and I hear she and Pinkie love each other more than anything.”

“Twilight Sparkle!” said the stallion excited, “so she and this Pinkie Pie aren’t on good terms?”

“Oh no,” said Muffins with a smile. “Pinkie is one of Twilight’s five companions who wield the Elements of Harmony. They, their wives, husbands and foals make up one big happy group. With most of them now related to the Apple Family through marriage or through child’s parentage.”

“So this Twilight Sparkle has a husband and foals?”

“No,” said Muffins, “Twilight is married to Cheerilee Sparkle, a mare. Cheerilee is the schoolteacher in Ponyville. But the two of them have two very beautiful fillies. My daughter Dinky foal-sits for them sometimes.”

“One more question Miss,” said the stallion, “and I’ll leave you alone. Where could I find this Twilight Sparkle?”

“Twilight, Cheerilee, their foals and Spike live in Golden Oak Library, almost in the heart of the city. Big oak tree, you can’t miss it!”

CHAPTER THREE: The Trip To Canterlot

Twilight was waiting at the train station, along with Cheerilee and their foals, Celestia and Luna. Rainbow and Zap were there, as were Applejack and Rarity. Trixie was waiting for Pinkie to return from Fluttershy’s. With Applejack and Rainbow having to go, Big Mac had to stay and work the farm.

Looking toward the Everfree Forest, Twilight saw two figures flying her way. One was the dark form of Phantasm but the other wasn’t the yellow Pegasus she was expecting.

On landing, in a green flash, Phantasm changed to Pinkie Pie. The other Pegasus was multicolored.

“Loki,” said Twilight, “where’s Fluttershy?”

“I’m afraid that she can’t come,” said Loki looking concerned, “her doctor has diagnosed her with pre-eclampsia. She needs to be in bed most of the time and take it easy or we could lose the foal or even her life!”

“Oh my,” exclaimed Twilight, “I didn’t know that Fluttershy was with foal.”

“We were going to make an announcement, but she started having some issues so we waited until we went to her doctor and found out about her condition.

Hopefully she won’t be needed, and if left to her own, she might try to go out of loyalty to her friends, but I won’t allow it.”

“And I wouldn’t let her either,” said Twilight. “I just hope we aren’t going to be needing her Element of Harmony.”

“She did send it,” said Loki, “in case it might be of any help.”

Loki extended his wing and held out the Element of Kindness. Twilight levitated it to her saddlebag.

“Twilight,” said Loki quiet enough for only Twilight to hear, “I’ve never felt so powerless. I don’t know how you ponies do it.”

“It’s okay Loki,” said Twilight, giving the Pegasus a hug. “You and Fluttershy will be in our thoughts. Don’t worry about us, take care of your wife. Tell her we’ll come by and see her when we get back.”

“Thank you Twilight,” replied Loki, “take care of yourselves as well. I sense a great danger.”

Loki waved at everypony and flew off toward his and Fluttershy’s cottage by the Everfree Forest.

Twilight looked at her other friends and figured they should get started.

“Okay everypony,” said Twilight, “Let’s get on board so we can sit together.”

They all found a predominately empty coach and sat in their group.

The talk was light, Twilight had told them about what Loki had said about Fluttershy, all were excited for their friend. She also related that the princess didn’t say it was a rush, but Princess Celestia didn’t call them to Canterlot with their Elements just to talk about the weather.

What nopony paid attention to was a dark gray Unicorn with gray mane and tail entered the coach and sat near the front. Why should they, he was just a regular Unicorn stallion, or so he appeared.

He immediately recognized Twilight from their run-in years before. He still had a scar on his muzzle, in his true form, from where Twilight blasted him with her magic. He tried his best not to appear to be watching. Two of the ponies were unknown to him, but the unknown ponies were sitting very close to the pink pony and Twilight, Twilight was even holding the hoof of the one. However, the rest of the ponies with her were ponies he recognized from the same battle. Including the pink mare, was this ‘Pinkie Pie’? Could a Changeling have really fought against The Hive?

They sat just talking and trying not to be too concerned without knowing what the princess was needing.

The foals were on the next bench forward. There Celestia noticed her sister kept looking at a pony at the front of the coach.

“Luna,” said Celestia, “Mama C says it’s rude to stare at ponies, ’specially ones you don’t know.”

Despite being so forward, Zap was very sensitive to his cousins;

“Luna,istheresomethingwrong?”

“I don’t know,” said Luna, “it’s something Mama T and Aunt Pinkie said. I don’t know if I should say something.”

“Is it dangerous?” asked Celestia.

“I think it might be Cici,” said Luna looking a little scared, “and I have the feeling somepony could get hurt. You know the stories our moms tell. This may be the start of something they haven’t had to do for a long time. I don’t want anypony to get hurt. ’specially our moms!”

“Aunts Celestia and Luna are really concerned,” said Celestia.

“I know,” said Luna, “I feel it. It feels like they may be scared too.”

The foals sat quiet for a moment.

“Youshouldgosaysomethingtosomepony,” said Zap in a blur.

“Ok,” said Luna, “I’m going to get Mama T and Aunt Pinkie to come with me. I’ll try to point out the pony without saying much. I’ll get them to go with me to the restroom on the next car. Zap, if anypony follows us, tell your mom to come after us.”

“NoproblemLuna,” said the colt.

“But don’t say anything to anypony unless you have to.” Said Luna.

Her sister and cousin nodded their heads.

They were about halfway into their journey when Luna walked to Pinkie, who was talking to Trixie and Twilight.

“Aunt Pinkie,” said the filly, “will you please take me to the ‘little filly’s room’?”

“You can go by yourself now Sweetie,” said Twilight, “you’re old enough and I doubt you could get lost on a moving train.”

“No mama,” said the filly, “Aunt Pinkie needs to take me, and I think you should come too.”

There was a look on her face that couldn’t be ignored.

The two adults walked forward following the filly. The restroom was on the next car. As they went forward, they passed a dark gray Unicorn with gray mane and tail.

“Hello Mister,” said the filly, smiling as only a naive little child could.

“Hello little filly,” said the pony.

They kept walking forward. When they got to the lavatory, they all three squeezed in.

“Okay Sweetie,’ said Twilight, “what’s this about?”

“After what you and Aunt Pinkie told me about Changey-lings, I thought I should tell you that there’s one on the train.”

Twilight and Pinkie looked at each other and then back to Luna.

“Are you sure?” asked Twilight.

“Yes mama,” said Luna.

“If she says there is,” said Pinkie, “I believe her.”

“That pony you spoke to?” asked Twilight.

“Yes mama, it was the only way I could think of to point him out. I know I’m not suppose to talk to strangers.”

“This time it was appropriate,” said Twilight hugging her daughter, “you did good.”

“Go back to your seats,” said Pinkie, “I’ll handle this.”

“Are you sure you don’t need help?’ said Twilight.

“Yes Twilight,” said Pinkie with a grim look on her face, “if it’s true, I’d rather you and especially Luna not see what I might have to do. It shouldn’t take long, but if I’m not back in about fifteen minutes, come and find me. I’m sorry, but you might need Luna to find us.”

Twilight nodded her head, told Pinkie to be careful and left the lavatory to return with Luna to her seat.

As Twilight sat back in her seat, it was all she could do not to keep looking at the pony her daughter pointed out. A pony she might’ve met once in battle years ago. The thought was frightening now she had children who could be harmed.

The dark gray pony was thinking about the pink pony who was with Twilight and the foal, it had to be ‘Pinkie’. And he wondered why she hadn’t returned with Twilight and the filly.

As he was thinking about this, a train conductor came into the coach and was examining tickets.

He sat there wondering how he could approach the pink one as the conductor walked up to him.

“Ticket please,” said the conductor.

The Unicorn gave the ticket to the conductor who scrutinized it intently.

“Did you buy this ticket today?” asked the conductor.

“Yes,” said the gray pony, “just before boarding. Is there a problem?”

“There’s an irregularity, nothing to be too concerned about,” said the conductor, “come with me so we can speak to the chief conductor.”

The pony got up and followed the conductor, sorry for now he had to loose sight of Twilight and her companions. But he mustn’t give himself away. Plus he might see where the pink one went. They were on a moving train, Twilight or any of her companions weren’t going anywhere soon.

They passed through several cars until they got to the baggage car. Once inside, the conductor closed the door and locked it.

“What’s this all about?” asked the gray pony, unsure of this change of circumstance.

There was a green flash and where the conductor stood was now Phantasm.

“I was going to ask you the same thing,” said Phantasm.

They gray pony smiled, not believing it was going to be this easy to contact the unknown Changeling. Quickly, the gray pony took his true form.

“I come with greetings from our queen,” said the Changeling. “She wanted you to know you’re not abandoned. We didn’t know you were here.”

“Thank you,” said Phantasm, “but you bring greetings from your queen, not mine. I have two princesses and that arrangement works very well for me, thank you.”

“But Queen Chrysalis is eager to have you return to The Hive,” said the Changeling, unable to understand why this Changeling didn’t want to go home.

“I have something you might not be able to understand, a ‘life-debt’, and I take it very seriously. Plus I have a wife and friends here who love me for me, the real me. So I’m content with my life here and I’m not eager to leave.” Said Phantasm, then her voice took on threat. “So if you want to see your precious Hive again, leave now and never return...

Or else!”

“I can’t do that,” said the Changeling, “my orders are to contact you and convince you to remember your true place and allegiance to The Hive and our Glorious Queen.

There’s work which needs to be done in Ponyville. The queen is counting on your cooperation. I’m not returning to The Hive without you.”

“Then you’re not returning to the Hive. I’m truly sorry for this,” said Phantasm, her face looking sad. “Understand you left me no choice.”

The Changeling was sure a physical attack was going to come. He was ready for this, he was larger and obviously stronger, a trained and battle hardened soldier. He knew he could physically overwhelm her and easily bring her back.

But what happened next, he couldn’t have anticipated.

There was a green glow on Phantasm’s horn and in her eyes. Suddenly the Changeling realized what was happening, but he didn’t believe it. He felt as if his very soul was being sucked out. Then it struck him too late.

“You’re Phantasm!” said the Changeling, his knees buckling and falling to the floor.

He looked up at Phantasm, there were tears in her eyes.

“Only a...” then the Changeling was silent.

The act was so sickening to Phantasm she opened the outside door and vomited. When in control of herself, she returned to the Changeling.

Phantasm changed back to Pinkie and helped the Changeling up. There was an almost blank look on his face.

Pinkie reached out her hoof and lifted his face to look into her eyes.

“Listen,” said Pinkie, “your name is Digger, you’ll change into an Earth Pony, your cutie mark will be a shovel. You’ll get off at the next stop, it’s an agricultural community. There you'll find work as a carrot farmer. You’ll forget all about this and all about being a Changeling, understand?”

The Changeling nodded his head and became a green Earth Pony.

“Now follow me to your seat and do as I’ve commanded.”

Trixie was the first to see Pinkie return, she was being followed by a green Earth Pony. Pinkie directed him to the seat where the gray Unicorn had been seated.

Pinkie said something quietly to the stallion then returned to her friends. When she got to Trixie, Pinkie sat and buried her face in Trixie’s chest and started to cry.

“Children,” said Rarity levitating a small bag of bits to the kids. “Go get a snack in the dining car. And bring back the change.”

“And don’t hurry,” said Applejack.

“Yes ma’am,” replied the foals.

As they left, Twilight and the rest looked at Pinkie.

“What’s wrong My Love?” asked Trixie.

Pinkie drew her head back and looked at her friends. They all had, by now, gathered around her.

“I almost had to kill a pony,” said the pink pony.

“Oh Honey,” said Trixie, tightened her embrace.

At that moment, the train stopped at a small station and the green pony got off and was seen on the platform as they moved on.

What nopony on the train saw was a light red Pegasus land by the green Earth Pony. The newcomer was distressed that the pony was unresponsive. The light red Pegasus had been in the back of the car where nopony could noticed and had watched as the gray Unicorn left the car with the conductor, but the pink Earth Pony sat the green Earth Pony in his seat. When the pony exited the Pegasus left out of the back of the train.

“Was he the one?” asked Twilight.

“Yes,” said Pinkie, “I’ve found out The Hive is aware I’m here. He said there was work to be done in Ponyville. They want me to return. But I can’t, I won’t.

He wouldn’t take no for an answer, so...

So...

I had to drain him!”

“Drain him?” exclaimed Pinkie’s friends quietly.

“I’m able to drain, not only love but the life-force of a pony. I took enough from him to allow him to live as a simpleminded being. I commanded him to be an Earth Pony and to get off at the agricultural community to be a carrot farmer.

I now carry a part of him and I feel dirty.”

Pinkie broke down and cried on Trixie some more.

“Now Honey,” said Trixie, “you did what you had to do.”

“I could’ve done this during our battle with the Changelings, but I would’ve given myself away,” said Pinkie sobbing. “I’ve hidden it because I didn’t want you ponies to think I’m some kind of vampire.”

“Nonsense,” said Rainbow Apple, “and you were more merciful than I would’ve been. If I were you, I would’ve changed into Bulk Biceps and pounded that pony through the floor and let the wheels take care of him.”

“Rainbow!” exclaimed Twilight, Cheerilee, Applejack, Rarity and Trixie.

Pinkie looked at her friends, trying to get the crying under control.

“But Rainbow might be right,” said Pinkie, the tears slowing. “I’ve all but killed what made him himself anyway. Plus there’s still the possibility he wasn’t alone.

And when he doesn’t report back, they’ll look for him. To have killed him might’ve been more merciful for him and safer for us. If they do find him, they’ll figure out what happened and know it was I who did it and they’ll look for me even harder, the real me, not Pinkie Pie.”

“Why’s that,” asked Rarity.

“Not all Changelings can do what I do. Just as there are Earth Ponies, Unicorns, Pegasi and Alicorns, we have different types as well. Even though we don’t look it to you, we aren’t all the same,” said Pinkie, “my type is rare.”

Before Pinkie could explain more, the children returned.

“Back already,” asked Rainbow.

Zap replied;

“Theysaidthatwe’dbestoppingatCanterlotsoonandtheyhadtocloseup.”

“What?” came the reply from most of the adults.

“We’ll be in Canterlot soon,” said Celestia, as always being the translator, “so they had to close the car.”

“Already?” said Twilight.

The time had gotten away with them talking to Pinkie.

“Rainbow,” said Applejack, “if’n you and my brother ever have another foal, try decaf while you’re nursin’!”

Despite the happenings with the Changeling, they all laughed, including Pinkie.

“I’ll remember that,” said Rainbow obviously rubbing her abdomen.

“Rainbow?” said Applejack, expressing everypony’s shock.

“Fluttershy isn’t the only pony expecting. I was going to tell you but this trip came up,” said Rainbow. “I guess now’s a good a time as any.”

Then Rainbow called out to her son.

“Zap, come over here a moment little guy.”

Zap and the rest of the foals walked to the adults. Rainbow had Zap sit in her lap, she held the colt’s hoof.

“Yesmom?” said Zap.

“What would you think of being a big brother?” said Rainbow.

“Really?When?”

“In about seven months,” said Rainbow, stroking the colt’s Rainbow mane.

“That’dbegreat,” said Zap faster due to excitement,

“whenyougogetthefoal,makesureyoubuyacolt.There’senoughfillieswithLunaandCici!”

The adults all laughed at the statement, they were getting use to hearing Zap talk.

“Sister-in-law, I think you have some ’splainin’ to do,” said Applejack.

The mares all happily hugged Rainbow and Zap.

CHAPTER FOUR: Canterlot

As the train rolled to a stop, the group noticed several guards on the platform. As they departed the train a Palace Guard officer walked up to them.

“Twilight Sparkle,” said the guard, “We have a couple wagons to take you and your party to the castle.”

“Thank you, Strong Hoof,” said Twilight.

The rest the party walked up, but two fillies rushed up.

“Hello Mr. Strong Hoof,” said Celestia.

The guard smiled, and turned to the other troopers.

“Look sharp stallions!” said Strong Hoof, “we have Princesses Celestia and Luna here!”
They all gave a small bow to the fillies.

“Stop it or I’ll tell my uncle on you,” said Luna.

All the ponies laughed, but Strong Hoof hugged the fillies.
Cheerilee and Twilight smiled at the love and acceptance of their children.

“Let’s get going,” said Strong Hoof, “the other princesses are waiting.”

The Throne Room of Canterlot Castle was well known to all save Trixie. She’d been with Pinkie for eight years now, and their marriage had been performed by Princess Celestia. Pinkie and she’d been to Canterlot several times by themselves and with the group of friends. But she’d never been before the princesses on their high seats in all that time. Trixie was in awe. She was also awed to realize in spite of her knowledge of Twilight and her friends’ notoriety, she only now realized the importance of this group of friends that she was now part of.

The Throne Room doors opened and the group was bid enter by Princess Celestia.

“We came as quick as we could,” said Twilight.
“I’m so glad,” said Princess Celestia, “but you were rushed here without thought of giving you a break from your journey, I’ve ordered refreshments for you in the dining room. Please go there and refresh yourselves. I’ll send for you there.”
The group bowed and turned to leave.
“That is, all of you save the foals,” said Princess Luna with a smile. “They’ll remain here for the moment.”
“Yes,” said Princess Celestia, “we never get enough time to visit with our nieces, and their cousin is welcome to stay as well.”

The foals looked at their mothers. The mothers smiled and nodded to let them know it was okay.

In the castle Dining Room:

“Twi Honey,” said Cheerilee, “what do you think we’re here for? The princesses didn’t appear to be overly concerned. But they’ve never summoned you and the others with their Elements like this since we’ve been married.”
The rest of the friends looked at Twilight to see what she might say.

“Cheeri my love,” said Twilight, “I’m unsure. I doubt this is some kind of drill, nor do I think it an excuse to see the kids. And with the incident with the Changeling on the train. There has to be something deeper going on. I fear that we might find that Queen Chrysalis is up to something again.
If that’s the case, I’m doubly afraid. Before it was just my friends and myself. But now I have you and our children to worry about. If anything happened to any of you, I would die!”

“We all feel the same Twi,” said Rainbow, rubbing her abdomen.
“Twilight,” said Trixie, “I’m bound to Pinkie. I’ve sworn that her fate will be my fate. I’m sure everypony feels the same. We are all in this together. That makes us strong.”
“Trixie,” said Twilight with a smile. “I used to think you were an annoying showoff (everypony, including Trixie snickered). But with the love and acceptance you have expressed to Pinkie and all your friends…

I still think you’re an annoying showoff. But we all love you for it.”

Trixie and Twilight hugged.

The talk turned lighter, mostly to hide everypony’s nerves. About an hour later, Princess Celestia came into the room along with Luna and Celestia Sparkle along with their cousin, Zap Apple.
The ponies gathered stood and bowed.

“Right now,” said Princess Celestia, “that is not necessary. We are all here as family, or at least friends closer than family.”
Then with a smirk;
“However Rainbow, there is one point of official business I need to conduct with you. I was informed by this handsome gentlecolt right here, that I was to command you that when you go buy the new foal, that you get a colt.
Congratulations, by the way.”
“Thank you, Highness,” said Rainbow with a chuckle. “I’ll see what I can do about buying a colt.”
Everypony broke out laughing, although Zap and the fillies didn’t understand what was so funny.

At that moment, a guard entered the room.

“Highness,” said the guard.
“Yes?”
“Princess Luna asks to have the foals come back to see her,” said the guard.
Luna looked shocked, she looked into the eyes of her sister who then closed her eyes.
Twilight and Cheerilee both heard Celestia, their daughter, in their heads:

‘He’s a Changey-ling!’

Apparently, Celestia heard it too. She turned and faced the ‘guard’.

“I think not!” said Celestia angrily. She emitted a bolt of gold from her horn.

The guard tried to dodge the beam, but there was a purple aura holding his hooves in place.
The beam struck the guard, he let out a scream and crumpled to the floor. As he did, there was a green flash and his shape changed to that of a Changeling.
Pinkie walked to the fallen form of the Changeling.

“Soldier,” said Pinkie with some disgust. “Probably was with the pony from the train.”

Celestia walked to the doors and looked into the hall.

“Guard,” called Celestia, then she waved for Luna to come to her.
A guard walked to the princess and bowed. Celestia looked at her niece.
“He’s ‘k aunt Celestia,” said Luna.
“Guard,” said the princess, “please ask my sister to join us here. Then send for guards to take this thing to the dungeon to be secluded. He will be under an enchantment that will take away his ability to shape-change.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” replied the guard and he turned to find Princess Luna and have other guard come to get the Changeling. That is after Luna Sparkle cleared the guard.

“Princess Celestia,” said Twilight, “may Cheeri and I speak to you a moment, alone?”
“Most certainly,” said the Princess as they walked to the far corner of the room, away from everypony else.

“I surmise that you’ve discovered that you and your children have been exhibiting some kind of deeper connection. Am I correct?”
“Yes Tia,” said Cheerilee.
“When we shared minds and bodies while the two of you were pregnant,” said the princess, “there was a connection made that linked our minds, permanently. You’ve probably noticed, by now, that Lu and I along with your children and yourselves have some link. To be honest with you, you’ll find out that your family are going to age much slower than the common pony. Your children will mature at the normal rate until adulthood. That is because you were imbued with some of Lu’s and my vitality. We said that be our minds will forever be linked. And this will also have consequences for the near future. That you’ll understand in the right time. Well my loves now is the time to understand.”
Twilight and Cheerilee were shocked.

Then they noticed that Princess Luna had walked up and joined them.

“This is why Tia and I have called you and your children here.” Said Luna, “We have intelligence that Queen Chrysalis is planning another attack on Equestria. And it is determined that her first goal is the removal of the ponies that helped to defeat her last time. That is why we asked you to bring the foals here. Aside from that, Tia and I see them, by extension, ours as well. And as such, we will keep them safe, it will be three less weapons to use against us.”
“As far as we know, all of our guards are unaware of our secret sanctum.” Said Celestia, “when the children are not with us, they will be safe there. That is if that is alright with the two of you. We will ask Rainbow as well as swear her to secrecy about the rooms. We will get from her, what is it you call it?”

“A Pinkie Pie swear,” said Cheerilee with a snicker.

“Pinkie Pie swear,” said Celestia, “perhaps apropos for this situation.”
“I don’t have any problem this, Tia,” said Twilight.
“And I don’t think Rainbow will as well,” said Cheerilee.

Rainbow was told about the need to safeguard her foal. She was assured that her husband will be told that the colt will be well taken care of and there would be no need to worry, and there would be frequent reports. Spike would be staying at Sweet Apple Acres for his safety and so messages could be sent quickly.

CHAPTER FIVE: The Mission

Later, at a briefing…

“And so,” said Celestia addressing the ponies, “that is all we know. I know it is asking a lot of you. But we need to take care of this issue…

Permanently.”

“You’re not talking about assassinating the queen,” said Pinkie visibly upset. “Are you?”

“Elysium no!” said Luna, “we always want to peaceably solve things.”

“But what about Sombra?” said Applejack. “I think he would claim it wasn’t quite peaceable when he was destroyed.”

“But Sombra wasn’t destroyed,” said Celestia, “he was only returned to shadow.”

“Fluttershy will like to hear that,” said Pinkie, “I think she has carried some guilt concerning that, ever since that time.”

“I don’t think even Queen Chrysalis would want to remain at odds with everypony else. I’m sure even she would agree that if it were The Hive against the world, there would be no question in the outcome. The overwhelming numbers would eventually win.

And Twilight, you remember what Star Swirl the Bearded said,” stated Princess Celestia.

“Only a fool wants to live at war forever,” quoted Twilight. “But do you think she will be open to a peace envoy?”

“No,” said Celestia, “and I’m afraid she will not see you as a peace envoy. That’s the reason for the Elements of Harmony. But we need to handle this before it gets out of hoof and many ponies, on both sides, die.”

“But Fluttershy couldn’t come,” said Rarity, “what good will be the Elements of Harmony if not all of the 6 of us are present?

“The Elements are most powerful when the 6 wielders are present,” said Luna, “but they are powerful individually as well.”

There was mumming among the ponies gathered.

Cheerilee nodded to Twilight.

“With Celestia and Luna safe with you,” said Twilight, “for their sake and the ponies of Equestria, my wife and I will go.”

The other ponies agreed.

“That goes for my wife and I,” said Pinkie.

“Pinkie, or should I say Phantasm,” said Luna, “are you really sure? You are at the most peril. You could be seen as a traitor. If discovered, I’m sure that there would be little mercy shown.”

“I know that,” said Pinkie, “but I couldn’t hide at home while my friends face danger, especially if it is with my ‘people’.”

“And I will not let my wife stand alone!” said Trixie taking Pinkie’s hoof.

“We really expected no less,” said Luna with a smile.

“Rest tonight,” said Celestia, “talk to your children and explain that they will be taken good care of while you are away. Let them know that they are being heroes as much as their mothers.”

That evening…

Trixie lay in the embrace of Pinkie.

“Phantasm, Darling,” said Trixie, stroking Pinkie’s mane. “I’m afraid.”

Trixie had taken to calling Pinkie her real name while in private.

“I know, you know I can feel it. All our friends are afraid.” Said Pinkie.

Trixie was lost in thought, then she looked at Pinkie oddly, Pinkie didn’t miss it.

“Why the face?” asked Pinkie.

“Phantasm, my only love,” said Trixie snuggling closer, “when you’re in other forms, how accurate are those forms?”

“Very accurate.”

“Functional?”

“Totally functional,” replied the pink pony, “why do you ask?”

“Phantasm darling,” said Trixie, “I had Twilight help me find a spell to make me extra fertile.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Why,” asked Pinkie.

“Phantasm, if I were to survive but lost you I would be crushed.” Said Trixie, with tears starting to form. “I want something that would give me a reason to go on and keep your memories alive.”

“Are you saying…”

“I want a foal,” said Trixie, “I want your foal. If that’s possible.”

“Cast your spell,” said Pinkie with a smile of love.

There was a green flash, but Pinkie didn’t change shape, or at least that Trixie could tell. That is until she felt something she’d not felt before, from Pinkie. It was firm and pressing against her marehood. Trixie lifted the blanket and looked. She was impressed with the size of the penis Pinkie was now sporting.

“Oh Phantasm!” purred Trixie, casting her fertility spell. “Why haven’t we done this before?”

But Trixie was silenced by Pinkie’s kiss as she pulled Trixie very close. Pinkie rolled Trixie to her back. The love making was better than she’d ever known.

That night, after explaining all they could to the children, Cheerilee and Twilight were in the bed provided. It was a fairly large bed, but it was a bit crowded. Luna and Celestia were in bed with their mothers, despite the fact they had their own beds. It was as much the mothers idea as it was their daughters’.

“Momma T, Momma C,” said Luna, “do you really have to go? Cici and I are afraid.”

“We know, but you and your sister have nothing to be afraid of,” said Twilight.

“You couldn’t be more safe, here in the castle. In the princesses secret rooms,” said Cheerilee putting a hug around Luna and Celestia.

“We know that Momma C,” said Celestia, “but Luna and I are afraid that something might happen to our moms.”

“Aunts Celestia and Luna are afraid of this as well,” said Luna.

“They told you this?” asked Cheerilee.

“No momma,” said Celestia, “Luna and I can feel when our moms and aunts are afraid, sad or even happy. (Cheerilee and Twilight looked across the kids at each other, this confirmed what Celestia had said. The mothers had also noticed in the past that they had a good idea the location and emotional status of their offspring.) And we ain’t ever felt you or they be so afraid.”

It looked like Celestia and Luna were about to cry. The mothers hugged the children close.

“My darling daughters,” said Twilight, a tear playing at her eye, as was Cheerilee’s, “you’re right, we’re afraid. Not so much for ourselves but for you and Zap and all the innocents in Equestria.

You remember when we told you that not all changelings are nice like aunt Pinkie? (The children nodded) Well if not stopped or a peace can be reached; things could be very very bad. Something that hasn’t happened in Equestria in a very long time may happen; War.”

“That’s why we have to go and do this.” Said Cheerilee, “We don’t want to leave our darlings, but we don’t want there to be a chance that you’ll get hurt.”

“Cici and I will be brave,” said Luna.

“Just like our moms,” said Celestia.

The four held each other tightly as to ease their fears as the drifted off to sleep.

“Butmommy,whycan’tIgowithyou?” said Zap to his mother.

“Zap, my little guy,” said Rainbow also having Zap in the bed with her, “mommy has important business to take care of. It could be very dangerous.”

“ButI’mbrave,” said Zap, “Icanprotectyou.”

“I know you can,” said Rainbow hugging her son and kissing him on the head, “but mommy can’t do her job and watch out for you at the same time. I want to be able to do this knowing that you’re being protected by the most powerful ponies in all Equestria.”

“Whycan’tIgohomeandbewithdaddy?”

“Because he won’t be in as much danger with you here,” said Rainbow, her fear growing as she talked this through, “by being here, you’d be protecting him so he can protect Granny and aunt Apple Bloom. And he can do this better knowing you’re safer than almost anypony in Equestria.

Plus I need you to be here to protect your cousins.”

“Okaymommy,I’llstayandbebrave.IpromiseI’llprotectLunaandCici.”

“That’s my boy,” said Rainbow with a smile, “I’m so proud of you. The most awesome colt in all Equestria.”

“Asawesomeasyou,mommy?”

“Even more awesome,” said Rainbow hugging the colt close so he couldn’t see the tears of fear in his mother’s eyes.

The morning sun saw the group of friends and lovers walking slowly from the castle toward the train station. The south bound train wouldn’t be leaving for another hour.

All were quiet and thoughtful. Three of the mares were worried about the children left behind. Two of the mares were concerned about their unborn, Trixie had done a follow up spell that morning and was able to detect that there was a fertilized egg developing in her womb. But for Trixie and the developing embryo’s safety, Pinkie and Trixie were keeping the news quiet for now.

The couples were keeping close while making sure that Rainbow knew that she wasn’t alone and her friends did support and love her. Perhaps in the ‘old days’, Rainbow would have thought it uncool to be so ‘sappy’. But now, she had love of family and love of friends and she welcomed it.

At the train station, the group climbed aboard. There were 3 sleeping cabins reserved. In spite of her objections, Rainbow was to share a cabin with Twilight and Cheerilee. There was a bunk bed arrangement, and Twilight and Cheerilee said that they didn’t mind sleeping close. Rainbow would have to take the top bunk so there would be less chance of Twilight or Cheerilee rolling out of bed and falling.

After sitting in a lounge car talking among themselves. They were trying, at least for now, to avoid the reason they were there. It would be a three day trip south and then at least another day on hoof to the Changeling Kingdom.

“Twi,” said AJ, “what are we supposed to do when we get there?”

“AJ,” said Twilight thoughtfully, “I’m not sure. Princess Celestia didn’t give much advice on this because this is something that hasn’t had to be done before. Us reaching out to an enemy who could be anypony or anything. Even who to trust could become an issue.”

“So who can we trust?” asked Rarity.

“No pony,” said Rainbow.

“That might be a good idea,” said Pinkie.

“What, Honey,” said Trixie.

“Twilight, if I came to you, under normal circumstances, and asked ‘can I trust you?’ What would you say." Asked Pinkie.

“Of course you can,” said Twilight. “Wait! I understand. We can’t trust anypony then I should say no.”

“I get it Darlings,” said Rarity, “if I were to suspect something amiss with Cheerilee, I would ask her can I trust you. If she says yes, then she’s probably an imposter.”

“And we should never mention this again,” said Pinkie, “nopony was out of our sight since we left little Luna so I’m sure none of us are Changelings... Well you know what I mean.”

There were chuckles all around.

They talked about what they might expect, none of what they thought was that pleasant. Pinkie said there was little about the Changeling Kingdom she could say because it had been a very long time since she was there.

When it was time to eat dinner, they sat in the dining car and ate mostly in silence. Everypony was deep into their thoughts. Afterwards, they all decided to go to their sleeper cabins for the rest of the evening.

“Phantasm honey,” said Trixie, “I’m so glad I have you with me. You give me strength.”

“As do you, my love.”

The two kissed for a bit, but Trixie broke the kiss.

“I’m sorry, my love,” said Trixie sheepishly, “your wife has to go tinkle.”

“You and you silly words,” laughed Pinkie, getting up as well.

“I don’t think you need to come and hold my hoof,” said Trixie, “I’m a big filly now.”

“But…”

“I’m sure it’ll be okay,” said Trixie, “we are next to the lavatory anyway.”

Pinkie grudgingly agreed and let Trixie go to the restroom. She was back in a couple minutes. Trixie crawled back in the bed and kissed Pinkie.

“I missed you Trixie.”

“I missed you too, Pinkie.”

They kissed and then it hit Pinkie.

“I’m sorry my love,” said Pinkie, “what did you call me?”

“Silly,” said Trixie, “I called you Pinkie, that is your name.”

“You only call me my real name,” said Pinkie becoming upset. “Can I trust you?”

“Yes Pinkie,” said Trixie, looking concerned at the look in Pinkie’s eyes, “you can always trust me.”

Trixie was startled at the green flash.

Rainbow was trying not to let the giggling from Twilight and Cheerilee disturb her. In fact it was starting to arouse her. But this was all broken by a scream from the next cabin.

Twilight, Cheerilee and Rainbow exited their cabin only to run into AJ and Rarity in the passageway.

“That wasn’t you?” asked Cheerilee.

“No,” said AJ. “And a’fore you ask you can’t trust Rarity or I.”

Twilight tried to open Pinkie and Trixie’s cabin door, it was locked. Before Twilight could do anything, there was green glow around the door and it opened. The ponies in the passageway looked in and there was a green flash, Pinkie was standing over the unmoving form of another Changeling.

“Pinkie,” said Twilight, “can we trust you?”

“No!” said Pinkie very upset, “they have Trixie! I should’ve went to the restroom with her!”

Pinkie kicked the motionless Changeling hard.

“Pinkie,” said Twilight, “are they…”

“Dead?” said Pinkie, looking at her friend. There was a frightening flame in her eyes. “I don’t know, and frankly I don’t care. If so, I hope they’re screaming in Tartarus right now!”

Pinkie kicked the unmoving form again, tears were starting to pour from her eyes. There was a purple flash around the unmoving Changeling and they were gone.

“I sent them deep into the woods we’re passing through.” Said Twilight.

“Stay in pairs, Pinkie, you and Rainbow stay together.” Said Twilight, “we will make a quick sweep of the train. We will meet back here and if we haven’t found anything, then we will turn in and when we make a stop for fuel and water in the morning. I’ll send a notice to Canterlot. I only wish we had Luna with us right now.”

They all agreed, but found nothing. They all turned in, seeing there was nothing else they could do. Nopony slept well and Rainbow held Pinkie as she cried through the night.

CHAPTER SIX: Trixie's Plight

Trixie didn’t know what had come over her. But it was all coming back.
She’d finished in the ‘Little Filly’s Room’ and had opened the door to see Applejack standing there.

“It’s all yours AJ,” said Trixie.

But Applejack smiled an odd smile and there was a green flash. A Changeling was now standing there. Trixie didn’t have a chance to cry out. There was a bolt of green that struck her and all went dark.

As the world became real again, Trixie felt herself being supported by her forelegs. Her hind hooves were not in contact with anything, and it was cold. She opened her eyes to see herself high above the earth. She was hanging beneath two Changelings.

“Where’s Pha…” Trixie caught herself, “Where’s my wife, Pinkie.”

“Silence, Mono-Pony,” said one of the Changelings as if the name was poison in its mouth.

“Unless you want us to drop you now.” Said the other Changeling.

“That might be better than what Queen Chrysalis has in mind for you!” said the first.

The two laughed hard.

“Too bad the Queen wants you and the rest of the Mono-Ponies alive,” said the first Changeling.

“At least for now,” said the other.

Again they both laughed.

Trixie knew that Changelings, while in physical contact with a pony could absorb the thoughts of their victims. Trixie decided that to protect Phantasm and her unborn child, she had to be quiet and not give these or other Changelings reason to try to read her thoughts.

The Changelings flew on through the night as if the queen was at their heels. No Pegasi, not even Rainbow Apple could have manage to keep up this pace.

Trixie found it hard to relax enough to try to sleep, but she knew that she would need all her strength and mind to be able to survive what was to come.

It was several hours and Trixie’s forelegs were starting to go numb from herself hangin from them. She was in a daze, she wasn’t sure what was real and what was a delusion. However, as she felt that she couldn’t take it anymore, she was dumped onto a hard floor.

She opened her eyes and noticed she was in a cave or some type of chamber inside rock. As she looked around, she tried to stand up, only to have a hoof shove her back down.

“Stay down,” said the Changeling that pushed her down, “if you want to live long enough to get what’s coming to you.”

Trixie heard hoof steps echoing from a passage before her. There walking into sight was a very tall and frightening Changeling. She had a semi flowing mane and twisted horn. She was also wearing a bent crown that looked too small.

The guards bowed. This must be Queen Chrysalis.

The queen looked at Trixie, and the smug look on her face turned to anger.

“Fools! This isn’t one of the ponies I told you to get!” she shouted.

The guard trembled, Trixie could sense that they were afraid for their lives.

“Oh Great One,” said one of the guards, “she was with the group. She is the wife of the pink pony.”

The queen turned her gaze to Trixie, walked to her and with her hoof lifted Trixie’s face to look at her.

“I feel your fear,” said the queen in mock compassion, “don’t worry. You’ll soon have plenty of company. You’re not going to be hurt… Yet. Not until I have all you Mono-Ponies in my hooves. I’m going to have a lot of fun making all of you scream. Especially that pink fool that is your wife. ”

The queen looked at the guard and addressed them:

“Take her to the holding chamber. Feed her, give her a blanket and some water. Only just enough.”

The guard bowed as the queen turned to leave.

Trixie was helped to her hooves, none to gently, then they shoved her toward an opening in the rock which turned out to be a passageway. It went this way and that so much Trixie was unsure if she could get away that she could find her way out. But she did notice that the whole time, they were going uphill. Finally, they stopped before a very strong looking door, they opened it and pushed her in. The door closed behind her and she heard locks clicking.
Trixie tried to use her magic to open the door, but nothing happened. Even her horn didn’t glow.

“There must be some type of spell on this place to cancel out magic.” Said Trixie to herself.

Her eyes became accustomed to the gloom, there were lichens on the walls that emitted a green glow. It was hardly sufficient to see well, but enough to keep her from walking into walls. Luckily, the floor was dry, but it was cold.

A small door opened at the bottom of her cell door. The light, although inadequate, dazzled Trixie and her night vision was disrupted. A small basket was shoved in and the door closed. Trixie sat where she was, eyes closed for several minutes until her night vision had returned. Then she picked her way over to the basket. Trixie found in the basket was a blanket, some kind of canteen and some rather old but still edible vegetables. Trixie decided she’d wait to eat but took the basket and went against the far wall and set it down. Then she started to explore the room.
It was a bit larger than she’d thought. There was nothing in there but herself, the basket and the darkness. As Trixie explored, she stepped down onto nothing at one corner of the roughly rectangular room. Luckily, Trixie was being careful and so she didn’t fall and risk a broken leg or worse. The opening was round and was only about a foot and a half in diameter. Trixie bent down to see if she could see anything. Unfortunately, her nose detected the smell of excrement.

“Lovely,” said Trixie out loud, “obviously the bathroom.”

Trixie went back to the basket and moved it to the opposite side of the room, as far as she could be away from the hole. She laid out the blanket and laid down to get what rest she could. She nibbled on a turnip that was starting to go soft. Trixie tried not to dwell on the quality of the food. She had to keep her strength up and have enough nutrients for her developing fetus.

Trixie must have drifted off to sleep because she was awakened to the cell door opening. A pony was shoved in.

“Get in there, Mono-Pony,” said a guard.

Then the door slammed shut. But there had been enough light to see that the pony that had been pushed in was her beloved Pinkie.

“P…” Trixie started to call out but she caught herself. “Pinkie, my love, is that you?”

“Yes,” responded Pinkie, “where are you?”

“Follow my voice,” said Trixie.

Pinkie walked up and they hugged and exchanged a kiss. Trixie had been with Pinkie long enough to know her technique. Even when they would ‘role play’ and have Pinkie be somepony else, (Trixie and Pinkie’s favorite would have Pinkie being another Trixie) the kissing would be the same. This wasn’t it. She thought for a moment.

“What’s wrong Trixie?” said Pinkie.

“It’s nothing,” said Trixie, “just being here among these Changelings. I don’t know who to trust.”

“You know you can always trust me,” said Pinkie.

That was it. The pass phrase was Pinkie’s idea! This was an imposter. Perhaps trying to get her off guard and gather information on her friends and their plans. She mustn’t show that she was aware of this. She must act like she was comfortable with her ‘wife’. But she should give them disinformation to protect everypony. It had to be a lie, but a good and believable lie.

Another pony might have trouble with this, but it was the old Trixie’s bailiwick.

‘It’s show time,’ thought Trixie smiling. Pinkie only assumed it was Trixie being at ease with them.

“Oh Pinkie,” said Trixie in a timid voice, “I was so afraid that this would happen. Do you think the rest of our friends will make it to the hot air balloon at the next stop? I mean it was a risky plan to start with and I was so afraid that we all would be caught when we made the transition from the train.”

“Yes Trixie,” said Pinkie, even in this very low light, Trixie could see her face light up. “It will be risky.”

“We knew this going into this,” said Trixie cuddling closer to Pinkie. She had to show that she was 110% believing this was Pinkie so they would not try to have to read her thoughts. “But it was the only way to meet up with the Wonderbolts that would be coming up from the south, right?”

“Yes,” answered Pinkie, sounding unsure.

“Let’s sleep, Honey,” said Trixie, “no telling what tomorrow will bring.”

They lay down on the blanket. Pinkie didn’t try of cuddle close to Trixie or hold her hoof. Another bit of evidence that this wasn’t her Pinkie.

Trixie tried not to go to sleep. She was tired but she wanted to be able to respond to any threat.

It had to be a couple hours later when the cell door was jerked open. There were a couple Changelings.

“You! Pink Mono-Pony!” yelled a guard, “the queen wants to have some fun with you.”

“Please don’t take my wife,” pleaded Trixie, still playing the game.

The Pinkie cowered against the wall, next to Trixie. The guard rushed in and grabbed Pinkie and dragged her struggling form out the door.

“Don’t take my wife,” cried Trixie, working up some convincing tears.

“I wouldn’t hold out much hope for this one,” said the guard, trying to put fright into Trixie.

Trixie broke down and wept hard. The door slammed shut hard and the locks snapped into place.

The alligator tears stopped, Trixie lowered the forehooves that she was ‘crying’ into. She opened her eyes, listened but heard nopony close. She smiled and then in her showpony sing-song voice:

♪ Ta-Da ♪

CHAPTER SEVEN: A Short Reprieve

The next morning, the train pulled into the next station to on and off load passengers. Actually, this far south, there weren’t any ponies continuing on south. Twilight and Pinkie made a quick trip to the back of the train, the lounge car has a small platform outside so ponies could stand or watch the world go by.

The two made sure that they weren’t being observed, or at least that they could tell. Twilight quickly hit a scroll with a beam of magic and it vanished. As they went to go back in, they saw a Pegasus flying fast from the south. Pinkie and Twilight tried to hide but keep the pony in sight. It landed among a group of ponies that were on the platform. There was a conversation going on, then they all started galloping off in the direction of some nearby woods.

“That was weird,” said Pinkie.

“I think it may’ve been a reception party for us,” said Twilight, “but apparently there was a change in plans.”

There was a pause, then it hit both mares almost at the same time.

“Trixie!” the two said together.

“I hope to Celestia she doesn’t overplay any deception she might be attempting,” said Twilight.

“I have tried to teach her how to resist the absorption of memories by Changelings.” Said Pinkie, “but she’s been able to learn only so much. Hopefully she doesn’t give them cause to read her. If so, all is lost.”

It looked like Pinkie was going to cry.

“Pinkie,” said Twilight, “I’ve learned about Trixie long ago; don’t count her out, gone or given up. She’s an illusionist, that means she’s an expert at deception. Don’t tell her, but even back in the beginning, I was impressed by her abilities.”

Pinkie chuckled.

The two slipped back into the car, it didn't appear that the two had been observed. They could tell, at least from their vantage point that no ponies had gotten on the train at this stop. There were two blasts of the train’s whistle and the train lurched forward.

In Canterlot…

After reading the message received from Twilight, Celestia and Luna sealed the Throne Room’s doors and went into their hidden sanctum.

The children were playing with some old toys the princesses had kept from when Twilight was a little filly. Twilight had never been back in these rooms then but now the princesses wished they had brought her back here. Little did Celestia know back then, that Twilight would become more than friend.

Now here were her children and their cousin. In spite of the grim news just received, it made Celestia and Luna happy to be around joyful children that they viewed as, to some extent, theirs.

“Aunt Celestia! Aunt Luna!” said the fillies.

Zap said:
“Don’tyouknowthatthey'reprincesses,mommysaidthatwegottoshowthemrespectandbowandcallthemprincess.”

“Zap,” said Celestia, both princesses didn’t have any trouble following the colt’s accelerated speech patterns, “Luna and I are Luna and Celestia’s aunts. As family, those actions aren’t necessary. And because you are their cousin, then you’re family as well.”

“We would be pleased if you call us aunt as well,” said Luna.

There was a large smile on the colt’s face.

“Aunt Celestia,” said Luna Sparkle, “why are our moms so sad?”

As soon as Celestia had received the message from Twilight, she knew the girls would know the state their mothers would be in. Celestia and Luna had some notion as well, but not as acutely as the children.

“My sweet children,” said Celestia. “Your aunt Trixie is missing, and they think she was captured by the Changelings.”

The children gasped. Celestia had decided to just come out with this, she knew with the children’s connection to their mothers, news couldn’t be hidden anyway.

“Is she going to be ‘kay, aunt Celestia?” asked little Celestia.

“My dear niece,” answered Celestia, “I don ‘t know.”

“Your mothers and their friends are powerful,” said Luna, “and your aunt Trixie is a resourceful pony. We are sure that she can take care of herself.”

The smile from the children was weak. The fillies could feel the fear from the princesses. But they also could feel that their aunts had confidence in what they had said. And they knew that their mothers felt safe at this time.
Zap, on the other hoof, had to accept what his cousins and the princesses had said. But he had an almost unshakable faith in the awesomeness of his mother, the greatest flyer in the world.

In Southern Equestria…

The train was continuing south. No attempt, that they could discern, was tried to belay their progress or to capture them. Or maybe that they were going in the direction of The Hive, there was no reason to stop them yet and so, give them a false sense of security.
Or maybe, Trixie’s disinformation had bought them time. Pinkie, however feared that this might have consequences for her wife. She was doubly afraid for her wife and her unborn.

Back in the dining car, the group were eating a frugal breakfast. Even on the train, they needed to make sure that they stayed together.

“Twilight, Darling,” said Rarity, “I know what we're doing. But do you have any idea of how we're going to do this? I mean, they aren’t going to just let us walk up to the front door, knock and tell them that we’re there to have a chat with the queen.”

“I doubt that they’d just do something like that.” Said Twilight, “I doubt that they would even let us get close to The Hive. Unless we were very stealthy.”

“Pinkie,” said AJ, “couldn’t ya change to a Changeling and claim that we’re your captives and you are takin’ us to the queen?”

“Applejack,” said Pinkie, “that might or might not work. As a Changeling I can change my form to appear as some other type of Changeling. But they know us and our number. They would notice that ‘Pinkie’ wasn’t with you. And they might figure who I am before we are ready to let them know… If ever.”

“Is there a problem with them knowing who you are?” asked Cheerilee, “you already said that they were aware that there could be a Changeling among us. Or at least one in Ponyville.”

Pinkie got quiet. There was deep sorrow and sadness on her comely face.

“For now,” said Pinkie, “let it stand that there is something that I have not shared, with even Trixie. That’s for her and your safety.”

Pinkie would say no more about this, and her companions respected this.

The day went by slowly, just a few small station stops and a stop for fuel and water. Otherwise, the group stayed together as much as possible, even having somepony stand outside the lavatory door.
But after the evening meal, they all decided to turn in early. Hopefully the sleep would help ease the apprehension.

In Canterlot…

Two fillies and a colt were snuggled up together on a large cushion in the Princess’ inner sanctum.

Princess Celestia was laying with them while her sister handled the duties of the night.
Unfortunately for a number of ponies in Equestria, the Dream Princess was too busy to help ease their disturbing dreams. She was quite occupied with keeping tabs on her nieces’ slumbers along with their cousin. Because of the fillies connection with their mothers, herself and Celestia, they were open to their fears and apprehensions. Zap was feeling the same kind of fear, but not to the extent of his cousins due not being mentally linked to his mother, but he still feared.

Luna was helping to calm the children by sharing an episode when she and Celestia were fillies.

She and her sister had a glorious day of romping in a field chasing butterflies. Their flight wasn’t quite right yet but they were still able to flit around after the colorful insects. Then the memory of their mother, now long gone, came flying up from behind and tackling her sister and herself to the grass and kissing her children unmercifully.
The joy from so many millennia ago was still as fresh as if it were yesterday.

Luna noticed the smile on her sister’s face because she was sharing this with her as well. Although the tear on her cheek matched the one on Luna’s.

Luna feared for Equestria, she feared for her sister and herself because of the vision many days ago. But she feared for these children most of all. She could feel the pain and loneliness in her heart from when her mother had been killed in a Changeling attack thousands of years ago.

The enemy had been put down, thought destroyed. But it left two ‘teenaged’ fillies (actually they were about one hundred and fifty years old. Still young and immature for Alicorns) to have to learn how to be adults long before they should. The pain of watching their mother die and the emptiness that followed still haunted she and her sister today.

‘I wonder what mommy would think of us today?’ Luna asked herself in her mind.

“She would be proud of us,” said Celestia, putting a foreleg around her sister.

Luna was so distracted that she had not noticed that her sister had gotten up.

Celestia pulled Luna close in a tight hug and kissed her deeply and passionately. When the kiss broke, they both noticed the large smiles on their sleeping nieces’ faces.

“Oh horse-apples,” giggled Luna, “we were still dream-connected. I hope we aren’t going to have to field some questions that the girls might not be ready to understand.”

Celestia giggled quietly as well and nodded her head, but she kissed her sister/lover again anyway.

CHAPTER EIGHT: Disaster

The train pulled into the station and an announcement was made that this was the end of the line. All passengers had to disembark now. Even if returning north, they had to wait off the train so it could go to the turntable to point the locomotive in the right direction.

Twilight, Cheerilee, Rarity, AJ, Pinkie and Rainbow went into the station to have a quick meal. After eating, Rarity said she needed to go to the restroom. Applejack got up and went with her. It didn’t take long for them to return. As they approached, a group of ponies rushed them, trying to subdue them.

“Pinkie!” said Twilight, “with me!”

Rainbow went to leap up as well, but Cheerilee grabbed her hoof.

“They can handle it,” said Cheerilee, “think of your baby!”

Rainbow knew Cheerilee was right, if they needed help, they were right there.

Twilight started to blast the strange ponies with her magic. The strangers started to flee.

“AJ, Rarity, are you alright?” asked Twilight.

“Yes,” said Applejack, “just shaken up a bit.”

“I’d say more than just a bit Darling,” said Rarity.

They turned to go back to the table and notice that nopony was there.

“Cheeri?” said Twilight looking around but not seeing her wife.

“CHEERI!” screamed Twilight as she ran to the last place her wife was waiting.

“Twilight wait!” called out Pinkie.

Twilight looked back, Pinkie was not with Applejack or Rarity. She was trying to hold off two Changelings. Twilight looked back at the empty table and then back to Pinkie. Tears poured from her eyes as she went on the attack.

Bolts of purple struck out at the Changelings. They dodged and then both tackled Pinkie.

There was a green flash and now on the floor were three Pinkie Pies!
Twilight paused.

“Don’t wait,” said one of the Pinkies, “kill us all!”

There were two extremely bright bolts of purple fly from Twilight’s horn. Two of the Pinkies lay motionless.

The other Pinkie stood up.

“Is that you?” asked Twilight.

“You can’t trust that I am.”

“Nor I,” said Twilight.

“Did you kill them?” asked Pinkie?

“No,” said Twilight, “I couldn’t bring myself to do that. What if I’d chosen wrong?”

The two ponies hugged and cried hard. The train station was deserted

“What do we do?” asked Twilight.

“Is there any other pony around?” asked Pinkie.
Twilight couldn’t see anypony. Shook her head to show that there wasn’t.

“Keep an eye out,” said Pinkie who, in a flash, turned to Phantasm.
There was a green glow from her horn and eyes, a green aura shown around the fallen Changelings. Then it was gone. Another flash and Pinkie was there.
“Did you?”
“No, Twilight,” said Pinkie. “I couldn’t either.”
“Let’s hide these,” said Twilight. “Perhaps it’ll give us a little edge.”

Pinkie nodded and they dragged the comatose Changelings into the bathroom and closed them is a stall.

Coming back into the train station lobby. They saw ponies starting to return. Twilight noticed that in spite of their friends being taken, their saddlebags were still at their table. Twilight found hers and looked into it. The Elements of Harmony were still there. Pinkie took the rest of the bags to the station master. She asked if they could store the rest of the bags there for a few days. ‘For when they came back for the return trip,’ Pinkie told him so there wasn’t any suspicions.

Outside the station, Twilight and Pinkie looked around them. There were no other ponies hanging around. No ponies in the air, overhead either.

“Now what,” said Pinkie.

“We go on,” said Twilight. “It has to be where they’ve taken our friends and wives. And we all knew going into this, there could be losses. We do our jobs and deal with the loss at the end”

Pinkie nodded and the two started down an old, in disrepair road to the south.

In Canterlot…

“Mommy!” yelled Celestia and Luna Sparkle together.

They were eating breakfast with their aunts in the castle dining room.
The princesses felt it too.

“What’sgoingon?” asked Zap.

“They’ve got our moms!” said Celestia Sparkle.

“They ain’t got momma T,” said Little Luna.

The princesses looked at each other.

“Let’s get the children to safety,” said Luna, “I fear the worst is about to happen.”
Celestia nodded.

“Come on children,” said Princess Celestia, “we need to get you back to safety."

“ButIain’tfinishedmycereal,” said Zap.

“There’s fruit in the rooms along with some other veggies.” Said Princess Luna.

“We have to go now!” said Princess Celestia.

The princesses herded the children to the throne room. As they approached the throne room doors, the guard snapped to attention, but did not move aside.

“I’m afraid you can’t go in there,” said a guard.

“Changey-lings!” said little Luna.

“Stand close,” shouted Princess Celestia.

There was a golden glow in the form of a shield and expanded outward. It knocked the guards down. Then another golden glow and the five of them vanished.

On the southbound road in southern Equestria…

Twilight paused, her face looked pained.

“Twilight,” asked Pinkie.

“The children are under attack!” said Twilight as she took off at a gallop continuing south.

Later, in The Hive…

Trixie was starting to become concerned. She didn’t know how long she’d been locked away in the dark. It could’ve been days, it could’ve been weeks. She was able to get her horn to glow enough to cast a little light, but nothing else she could determine.

The door to her cell burst open and four ponies were pushed in. Trixie stopped the glow and huddled in her corner and put the blanket over herself.

“Keep your filthy hooves off me!” shouted a pony that looked and sounded like Rainbow.

“Rainbow!” said a Cheerilee looking pony, “don’t give them any reason to do anything rash.”

With that the door closed and locked.

“Now what do we do Darlings,” said a Rarity voice.

“I wish I knew,” said an Applejack sound alike.

“Stay together, for now,” said the Cheerilee sounding pony. “No telling what might be in here with us.”

“Who’s there,” asked a voice that sounded like Trixie.

“Trixie?” said the Cheerilee. “Where are you.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Said the Trixie voice, “how can I trust that you aren’t another Changeling trick. The first one didn’t work.”

There was a joy in the hearts of the new comers at this.

“You know you can’t,” said AJ.

“How do we know that we can trust you Darling,” said Rarity.

“You can’t,” said Trixie as she pulled the blanket off of herself and her horn glowed.

“Trixie!” the newcomers shouted.

They all rushed together and embraced. Trixie cried hard.

“I’ve been so afraid,” said Trixie. “The dark and isolation was worse than them trying to trick me with a fake Pinkie.”

“So they tried to trick you?” asked Rainbow.

“Yes,” said Trixie. “But I was able to tell it wasn’t Pinkie.”

“And you fed them information that allowed us to get as far as we did,” said Cheerilee.

“Twilight was right about you.”

“Speaking of Twilight,” said Trixie, “did Pinkie and Twilight get caught too?”

“Not that we could tell, Darling,” said Rarity.

“Well then there’s still hope.” Said Trixie, “Pinkie and Twilight will get through.”

It was a bit later when Cheerilee felt it, just at the same time Twilight did.

“No!” called out Cheerilee.

“What?” asked AJ.

“Rainbow!” said Cheerilee, “our children are under attack!”

At that moment, the door opened and there stood Queen Chrysalis.

“Why yes they are,” said the queen.

“Chrysalis!” the group exclaimed.

“That’s Queen Chrysalis to you Mono-Ponies.”

“I didn’t vote fer ya,” said AJ.

“Queens aren’t elected fool!” said the queen. Then realizing she was being baited, “you try to be funny. That shows spunk.”

“Thank ya,” said AJ.

“I HATE spunk,” said the queen, “don’t make me kill all of you… Yet. I want Twilight to watch, but if I have to, I could describe it for her.”

“Good luck with that one.” Said Cheerilee.

“I wouldn’t hold out too much hope,” said the queen.
She turned and went out the door. It slammed and locked.

“Darling,” said Rarity to AJ, “were you trying to get us all killed.”

“No,” said AJ, “I just wanted to get her to tell us if they had Pinkie and Twilight. From what she said, they ain’t got ‘em yet.”

“Thanks Applejack,” said Trixie, giving the Earth Pony a hug. “That makes me feel better.”

“As it does me” said Cheerilee.

Canterlot…

The princesses and the foals appeared in a darkened room.
Luna laughed a small laugh.

“You have a sick sense of humor, Tia,” said Luna.

“Where are we aunt Celestia?” asked Luna Sparkle.

“This children, is probably the last place they’d think to look for us.” Said Celestia with a smile.
There was a glow from the princess’ horn and torches on the wall lit. The walls had chains hanging from them. There were strange looking tables and iron items spread about. Even a large wheel with chains hanging off them as well.

“Thisisascaryplace,” said Zap.

“Yes it is,” said Princess Luna, “it is a leftover from days when ponies were less civilized, and prisoners were not treated as ponies.”

“It’s a torture chamber!” exclaimed little Luna, “I read about them.”

“You are your mother’s daughter,” said Princess Celestia, patting the filly on the head.

In spite of the situation, little Luna smiled at this.

“I’mstillhungrey,’ said Zap.
Luna’s horn glowed and a basket of apples appeared.

The Changeling Kingdom Boarder…

The land around them was becoming desolate. The grass was gone and nothing but the occasional bramble bushes dotted the land. Pinkie and Twilight paused and took in the sight.

“Nothing has changed,” said Pinkie.

“Depressing,” said Twilight.

“It’s how you look at it,” said Pinkie, “don’t laugh, but it speaks to me of home.”
Twilight put a hoof to Pinkie’s withers.

“I understand,” said Twilight.
Pinkie wiped a tear away and smiled at her friend.

“We better keep moving,” said Pinkie.

They walked along quiet and cautious, they knew every step was taking them closer to danger.

Just ahead, they saw a Changeling patrol. The two dashed behind some bushes.

“Now what?” said Twilight.

“I’ve an idea,” said Pinkie. “But you’re not going to like it. But I guarantee we will get where we want to be…”

Twenty Minutes Later…

Twilight and Pinkie were being escorted to The Hive with Changelings all around them.

“This was your idea?” said Twilight quietly, “surrender?”

“We’re on our way to The Hive, aren’t we?” answered Pinkie.

“SILENCE!” commanded a Changeling guard.

CHAPTER TEN: Miracle of Friendship and Family

They all bowed their heads in sorrow. They loved their friend so much, their hearts were breaking. They knew they did what they had to do, but it held no comfort.

From the corner of the room, where their things had been put, Twilight’s saddle bag was glowing. The Elements of Harmony, led by the Element of Kindness, floated from Twilight’s bag and attached themselves to their wielders.

The Element of Kindness floated above Phantasm. Then the Elements all started to glow as did the eyes of the wielders. Rays of power shot out from their Elements and converged on the floating Element of Kindness.

“I love you Pinkie,” cried Trixie, “don’t go!”

There was a glow flowing out from Trixie’s chest, it surged to her horn and from the horn to the Element of Kindness.

Suddenly a beam of pure light shot down to Phantasm’s Element of Laughter. It glowed brighter than the sun! There was a flash which filled the room. Then the light was gone.

Phantasm started to stir. She opened her eyes and saw Trixie holding her. She smiled, reached out and pulled Trixie close and kissed with all her soul.

“You’re safe,” said Phantasm putting a hoof to Trixie’s cheek and looking into Trixie’s eyes.

The couple smiled and kissed again. The rest of the ponies smiled as well.

Then they were surprised by a voice.

“She really does love the Mono-Pony,” said Queen Chrysalis.

The other ponies looked in her direction. She’d walked up to the group without them realizing it. But there was no hate or aggression on her face or in her bearing.

Trixie and Phantasm broke the kiss, embraced for a moment and then Phantasm looked at her mother.

“Her name is Trixie, Trixie Pie,” said Phantasm, “not ‘Mono-Pony’. And she’s your daughter-in-law. That’ll never change.”

“What was that that happened?” asked the Chamberlain, walking up to her queen.

“That was what real love feels like,” said Phantasm being helped up by Trixie. “Freely given love, to the pony it was meant for, not indirect love stolen by trickery. It’s out there, but it can’t be stolen. It can only be given.

And it isn’t just out there. It can be in here as well. Everypony is capable of giving it, even our people.”

“But that’s so alien,” said Chrysalis, “how can we love?”

“I get the same love from Pinkie or should I say, Phantasm, all the time,” said Trixie.

Queen Chrysalis had discovered the outside ponies had something which was more powerful than anything she’d ever known. And she was being told she and her people didn’t have to go hunting and stealing it.

Plus now she knew the outside ponies knew how to defeat her people with nothing more than focused ill will.

The queen was stunned.

“I… I don’t know what to think,” said Chrysalis.

Phantasm walked up to her mother put her forelegs around her and pulled her close.

“I know mother,” said Phantasm, tears in her large green eyes. “And I’ve missed you so badly all these years. Even when I was fighting for my friends, I still loved you, as I do now. Do you know how hard it was not to run to you and embrace you when you revealed yourself at Twilight’s brother’s wedding?”

Queen Chrysalis felt the love again. Not the superficial love she’d stolen for centuries, but a love beyond description. It filled her like nothing before.

Chrysalis slumped back to her haunches, her forelegs wrapped around her daughter and her face buried on Phantasm’s shoulder. The queen cried for the first time in her long life not out of hurt or anger, but out of love.

“I love you my daughter, and I’ve missed you so badly too,” said Chrysalis.

Phantasm felt it! Real love from this being who never understood love, despite being what she lived on.

Trixie had whispered something to Twilight, Twilight nodded to her. Then Trixie walked over to the queen and her wife. She put her forelegs around them in a group hug.

“I love you too,” said Trixie. “Mother of my beloved.”

Chrysalis put a foreleg around Trixie as well, here was more love. It was so different and she liked it a lot!

“Thank you for loving and taking care of Phantasm for me,” said Chrysalis, “I love you too…

My daughter.”

Then she felt it. A developing life which felt like a Changeling but felt like a pony. The queen looked at Trixie. The tears of joy doubled.

“My dear daughters,” said the queen with a look of joy no pony or Changeling had ever seen on the queen’s face before, “you’re giving me a grandfoal!”

Twilight and the rest of the friends were pleasantly shocked, neither Pinkie or Trixie had informed them of this possibility, although Twilight has suspected this would happen with the spell she’d helped Trixie with.

Cheers erupted from the gathered Changelings.

“Spectra,” called The queen as she waved over the Chamberlain and said something to her, then continued the hug. Never had anypony seen such a content look on the queen’s face.

All the Changelings around started cheering and hugging everypony, not just their people. Many of the Changelings wanted to talk to Rainbow and ask her about the foal inside her. Rainbow remembered that Pinkie had said something about most Changelings had never been around foals.

The Chamberlain came up to Twilight and addressed her.

“I understand you’re a direct representative of the royalty of Equestria.”

“I’m Princess Celestia’s protégé, friend to Princess Luna and sister-in-law of Princess Cadence,” said Twilight, not wanting to go into the much deeper relationship.

“Then, when Chrysie is ready… I mean, Her Highness is ready, we’ll talk about establishing normal relations with the kingdom of Equestria.” Said the Chamberlain blushing.

The ponies around her realized that there was something being hinted at.

“For now, the queen wishes she, her daughter and her daughter-in-law have time to adjust and get to know each other.

Until then, you and your friends are honored guests of The Hive.

Believe it or not, some of our people can cook.”

“How can we trust you,” asked Rainbow.

“Only a fool wants to live at war forever!” said the Chamberlain.

“You’ve read Star Swirl the Bearded!” Said Twilight excited, “we must talk!”

The Chamberlain smiled and nodded as she led the ponies to more comfortable chambers, leaving the queen, Phantasm and Trixie alone.

They were taken to the queen’s own chambers and some snacks and drink were brought to the, now, guests.

The ponies sat around talking, then Applejack asked something that was bothering her.

“There’s something I don’t understand,” said AJ.

“What’s that,” answered Twilight.

“How were we able to use Fluttershy’s element without her being here?”

“I think I know,” said Rarity giving AJ a small kiss on the cheek. “Darling, Love is the greatest kindness.”

“And without love,” said Twilight, “there can be no Elements of Harmony.”

“Twilight,” said the Chamberlain entering the chamber, “we will talk about our sending a delegation to Canterlot to work out a treaty between our people. We’re now joined by the union of our people! Literally with Phantasm and Trixie’s foal, our people are joined physically. A sign of our unity.”

“Unity,” said Trixie as she, Phantasm and Chrysalis entered the chamber. “It’s early, but I think it’d be a wonderful name for our child.”

Pinkie nodded.

“I agree,” said Chrysalis. “And speaking of children…”

Chrysalis levitated her crown to the Chamberlain and then walked up to Rainbow, Rainbow was nervous especially after what had been threatened earlier. But what happened next was a surprise to all.

Chrysalis knelt before Rainbow.

“Rainbow,” said Chrysalis, “there’s no excuse for what I threatened earlier. I only know you as a mother would understand what the loss of a child would do to you. What I threatened to do to you was something driven by rage of the perceived loss of my child.

And for me to threaten to do the same thing to you was totally inexcusable.”

Chrysalis looked up into Rainbow’s eyes. Rainbow could tell the tears in Chrysalis’ eyes were genuine.

“For what I said, for what I tried to do, I’m truly sorry. I humble myself before you; not as a queen, but as one mother to another.

I don’t ask for forgiveness, but to ask your mercy.”

Rainbow thought. She was still harboring some resentment from what Chrysalis had threatened. But she thought what it might feel like if Zap was taken or killed. How she would react and how she might feel toward the pony who did this. Rainbow wanted to believe that she’d face this with her family and not let anger, hate and revenge drive her.

But to tell the truth, she could very well understand Chrysalis’ motives.

Rainbow looked into Chrysalis’ eyes she no longer saw the monster that they’d been at odds with for years. She saw sorrow and remorse in the eyes of her friend Pinkie Pie’s mother.

Rainbow took the queen by the hoof and helped her up. Then she embraced Chrysalis an honest hug.

“If our places were reversed,” said Rainbow with tears in her eyes, “I probably would’ve acted the same. I can’t stay mad at the mother of one of my best friends. You have my mercy and my forgiveness. And I will be happy to call you my friend.”

Chrysalis eyes went wide, she didn’t know what to think, she’d had lovers, consorts and associates but never had she had a friend before

There were hugs all around. Chrysalis truly liked the love that was being expressed. So much so she hugged Spectra and had a respectable kiss, not caring what pony might see.

Canterlot…

There was a booming at the door. It was starting to give in.

“Can’t we teleport somewhere else?” said Princess Luna.

“No!” said Princess Celestia, “enough is enough! This is our kingdom, this is our castle. We don’t deserve it if we don’t want to fight for it.”

“But the children,” said Princess Luna.

“Shield them!” said Princess Celestia.

Luna projected a dark blue dome around them. Zap flew forward in front of his cousins, ears laid back ready to fight for them.

The door flew open, a dozen or so Changelings were standing there. Celestia’s horn glowed.

“Wait,” called out the Changelings.

“Aunt Celestia!” said little Celestia, “they’re not gonna hurt us.”

The princess looked at the children. She could tell that both of the fillies were looking odd at her.

“Thank goodness we found you!” said a castle guard. “Twilight Sparkle was right about where her children were hiding.”

“Twilight told you?” said Princess Luna.

Celestia and Luna were surprised to see guard and Changelings together. Was it a trick?
“Show them,” said a Changeling, obviously the leader.

Four changelings walked to the front of the group, not approaching too closely. They put down four scarab shaped stones. The wings opened and beams of energy connected the four. Then a structure appeared and at the top was a glowing orb.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,” said the queen, “I’m so glad my troops found you. You’re not hurt are you? The foals, they’re alright?”

“Yes,” said Princess Celestia cautiously.

“Good,” said the queen, “I was afraid that my troops may have not got my message in time.”

“Your message?” said Princess Luna, lowering her shield.

“Yes,” said the queen smiling an honest smile. “Why did you never tell me my long lost daughter was safe with you? It could’ve made things in the past so much easier.”

“Your daughter?” asked Celestia.

Suddenly, Trixie and Phantasm were appearing with the queen.

“My daughter, Princess Phantasm, you call her Pinkie Pie.” Said the queen with the largest smile ever. She then put a foreleg around Trixie, “congratulate me, I’m going to be a grandmare!

How can we stay at odds with each other? Our people are now united in Trixie and Phantasm’s foal!”

“Congratulations,” said Celestia confused but somewhat relieved.

“My sister monarchs,” said Chrysalis, “we have so much to talk about. May I have your permission to escort your people back to you and to their children?”

Princess Celestia felt a tapping on her hind leg. She looked back and saw little Luna and Celestia looking at her.

“It’s ‘kay, aunt Celestia,” said little Luna.

Celestia looked back at the image of the queen and for the first time, noticed the smile on her face was an honest one.

“It would be Our honor, Your Highness,” said Celestia.

There was cheering among the guards and the Changelings. The same could be heard through the communication spell.

LAST CHAPTER: The Treaty

It was almost a year later, and after long negotiations with the Changeling Kingdom, (both set of royals wondered why diplomats had to argue over wording so much) a day dawned even Celestia never thought she’d see.

The Throne Room was filled with dignitaries, ponies from Saddle Arabia, Maretonia and the Crystal Empire. Along with other parts of Equestria. Not to mention friends and family from Ponyville.

There was also a large number of Changelings. They were intermingled with the other ponies. They were undisguised, talking and laughing with the other ponies as if there were never any hostilities in the past. Plus over the last few months with the coming and going of Changelings among the ponies of Equestria, there were some friendships now between the two, even the start of some relationships. Especially with the number of stallions to mares more balanced with the Changeling population and not the ten mare to one stallion ratio in Equestria.

Also, in The Hive, such relations had been more restricted, but that was changing, as evidenced by the increased girth of some Changeling mares. It was a boon to Equestria OB/GYN doctors, because there was little to no experience with the Changeling doctors concerning maternity care. The Changeling Kingdom paid such doctors quite handsomely.

Seated on the dais and wearing beautiful gowns were Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence. On their heads were their crowns of state. Standing by the side of Celestia was Trixie with a foal carrier. The filly had features of a Unicorn and Changeling. She was truly the uniting of the two races. They had named her Unity like they first had considered.

Trixie was wearing a gown and on her head was a small silver tiara.

All of the friends and family of Twilight were wearing beautiful outfits made for the occasion by Rarity.

At the base of the dais and to one side stood Cheerilee with Celestia and Luna Sparkle.

Fluttershy was with Loki and Eris (it was humorous to Twilight that her friends named their daughter after an obscure and ancient goddess of chaos, strife and discord!).

Rarity and Applejack were wearing matching gowns, Applejack was even wearing makeup and no hat.

Rainbow Apple stood with her husband, Big Mac and their colt Zap. Hanging around her neck was a foal carrier, in it was a very beautiful little Earth Pony filly. She had Rainbow’s eye and coat coloration but her mane and tail were the same shade as Applejack’s. It was curious to all they hadn’t named her yet.

There were also all the Pie family looking prouder than any other ponies in all Equestria, and perhaps they were.

There was an excited buzz from the gathered ponies.

Celestia held up a hoof and silenced fell over the crowd. She nodded to the door keeper who opened the door.

Martial music filled the air as a line of Palace Guard marched down one side of the aisle and a line of Changeling Guard marched down the other. When they had lined the entire way, their commanders ordered a turn and they all face inward toward the other. It was noticed that none were armed. At a command, the troops saluted their counterparts.

Then from the back, Twilight Sparkle, in a magnificent gown, called out.

“Your Highnesses; the delegation from the Changeling Kingdom requests to come before you.”

“Bid them enter and be welcomed,” said Celestia.

A group of official looking Changelings in robes of state processed in. At their head was an older looking Changeling, he was wearing a large symbolic gold chain about his neck. There were murmurs of approval from the crowd. They walked to the dais and bowed.

“Ambassador, representatives of the Changeling Kingdom, welcome. We are honored by your embassy,” said Celestia.

“With your permission, Highness,” said the Ambassador, “my queen seeks entry to complete the peace between our people.”

“It is Our honor to receive Her Royal Highness,” said Princess Celestia.

The Ambassador turned and raised a hoof as a signal. Then the party moved to one side.

“Your Royal Highnesses, honored guests, ponies of all kingdoms,” called Twilight, “it’s my great privilege to announce the entry of Their Royal Highnesses, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Phantasm Pinkie Pie of the Changeling Kingdom!”

Twilight and the queen’s Chamberlain led the royalty into the room. At the dais they went to one side.

The queen was wearing the first formal gown which had ever been made for her real self, it was provided by Rarity. It was something she took great pride in wearing. Phantasm was wearing a matching gown and was wearing a tiara.

The guard bowed as the royal party passed. As did the ponies in attendance. It was more than Chrysalis could have hoped for. She’d dreamed of entering this Throne Room as a conqueror. But now she was entering as an invited and honored guest as well as an equal. The cheering from the crowd was more than she’d ever hoped for. Even calls of ‘We Love You Queen Chrysalis!’ were heard, and not just from Changelings. There was no fear, only welcome and love.

As they neared the dais, Princess Celestia and Trixie descended and met the royal party at the foot of the dais. Both parties bowed low in greeting together as equals. The little filly giggled joyfully at the sight of her grandmare. Chrysalis smiled and winked at the child.

“I’m happy to extend to you welcome from all Equestria,” said Celestia.

“Thank you, my sister monarchs,” said Chrysalis, “We of the Changeling Kingdom cherish the welcome and friendship which is now between our people.

And so I’ve come before your Regal Selves to seal the peace between our people.”

“There’s a custom of old,” said Luna, “to assure and preserve peace between kingdoms. Hostages were exchanged as a pledge of peace.”

“I bring as my pledge, my daughter, Princess Phantasm, who is known to you as Pinkie Pie,” said the queen, “she is my only child and has taught me so much in so little time. She is precious to me and I give her to your care as a sign of my loyalty to Equestria.”

“I bring as my pledge,” said Celestia, “Trixie Pie, she is Princess Consort and wife to Princess Phantasm Pinkie Pie. Along with their child, heir to the Changeling throne, Princess Unity. She is the very symbol of the uniting of our people.

They are precious to me and I give them to your care as a sign of my loyalty to the Changeling Kingdom.”

“The three will live together always and be a blessing to both kingdoms,” said Cadence. “They will be a sign of the uniting of the two kingdoms forever, no matter which kingdom they are in.”

Trixie and Phantasm both received a kiss of blessing from their sovereign, then they met in between the two parties.

They reached out took the other’s right hoof and kissed. As they did, Phantasm changed to Pinkie Pie, still in the same gown and tiara.

“We bless this covenant!” said Celestia and Chrysalis together, as their magic auras surrounded the family.

Cheers broke out and applauded long. When it died down, Celestia had one more thing to say.

“Your Majesty, before we leave for the celebration, with your gracious consent, one of my subjects has a petition to bring before you.”

This was not rehearsed and Chrysalis was intrigued.

“We shall hear the petition,” said Chrysalis. It felt so good to have ponies respect and love her rather than fear her.

Celestia nodded to Rainbow Apple.

Rainbow Apple walked before the queen and bowed.

“Rise and speak, my friend.”

“Your Highness,” said Rainbow, quite nervous at having to act so formal. “I request your permission to name my new foal…

Chrysalis Apple.”

The queen thought that she’d cry right there.

“After what I tried to do?” said the queen, low enough for only the immediate ponies to hear.

“Twilight and Cheerilee’s foals are named after royalty.” Said Rainbow with a wink, “naming my daughter after one of my best friend’s mother would be my honor. Besides, we can’t let Twilight and Cheerilee have all the fun.”

“The honor is mine,” said the queen to Rainbow.

The queen hugged Rainbow then she levitated the foal from the carrier to her forelegs.

“It’s my great pleasure to christen this beautiful little filly;

Chrysalis Apple!”

The queen called as she embraced the foal and kissed her forehead in blessing. The infant laughed.

The cheering was even louder as the party turned to leave.

“With your permission,” said Chrysalis to Rainbow.
Rainbow nodded and smiled.

“And you my daughters,” said the queen to Pinkie and Trixie.

“Of course, mother,” said Trixie and Pinkie.

Chrysalis levitated Unity to herself as well. She held both foals with one foreleg as the royalty led the way out. With the Queen of the Changelings carrying Unity, her grandfilly, and Chrysalis Apple as proudly as if she were her grandfilly as well.

Fin.

CHAPTER NINE: Final Confrontation

“Get in there!” said a guard as they shoved Twilight and Pinkie into a large, well lit room. The door slammed shut.

“Now what,” said Twilight.

“We wait,” said Pinkie. “The queen will come to us.”

“Brilliant plan,” said Twilight sounding cross. “as long as they don’t execute us first.”

Several minutes later, other ponies were ushered in the room as well.

“Twilight! Pinkie!” shouted the other ponies who rushed and embraced the newcomers.
Twilight and Pinkie wanted to hug and kiss their mate, but they were unsure if this might be another trick.

“What’s wrong,” asked Cheerilee, then it hit her. “Twilight, Pinkie, you can’t trust that we are the real ponies.”

“Us neither,” said Pinkie.
The group hugged deeply and started to cry.

There was the noise of the chamber door opening. They all looked.

The queen of the Changelings entered the chamber which Twilight and the others were being held.

As she entered, she saw the final captives, the hated pony and the idiotic pink mare. It made her smile to know Twilight was helpless for the moment. The negative energy of this place was blanking out the magic from the three Unicorns for now. They’d find a way to deal with the negating properties given time, but Chrysalis didn’t plan on giving them that time.

Chrysalis was thrilled, her plans were coming to fruition. She had in her possession five of the six ponies she’d wanted for so long. In spite of missing the yellow Pegasus, they’d captured two other ponies with them. One was reported to be Twilight’s wife and the other was the wife of that idiotic pink pony.

She’d found out, from the intelligence which had been gathered, Twilight and the rainbow one had foals. It was too bad the foals weren’t with them. The attempt to capture them in Canterlot had failed but to be in the heart of Canterlot castle with only an operative or two would have been sure to fail, but it was worth the try. Even the small detachment that was sent, they were not able to corner them.

But it would’ve been most pleasing to watch the torment as she’d drain them in front of their mothers.

‘But with the two wives, it’d be two more for Twilight to watch die in front of her.’ Thought Chrysalis, I’ll get the foals later.’

Then the queen reached out and felt the life forces before her as if tasting the victims before the actual deed. One felt familiar yet odd plus there was an extra one inside the blue Pegasus. (Apparently, the embryo in Trixie wasn’t developed enough for the queen to detect at this distance.)

‘A little filly foal,’ thought the queen evilly. ‘So the rainbow one is with foal, how precious! This should tear up some hearts to know the little filly will soon become a lifeless lump of flesh. Perhaps I should let the mother live long enough to suffer the despair of a stillborn birth.’

“Welcome Twilight and welcome to the rest of you ponies.” Said the queen. “I’ve waited a long time for this.”

Chrysalis walked to Twilight and put her hoof under Twilight’s chin to force her to look into her eyes. Chrysalis was slightly disappointed when she saw defiance and not the fear she was expecting.

No matter. She jerked her hoof away, certain her shoe caused some pain.

“I know you like knowledge Twilight. So I want to let you know something about Changelings you might not know. As a Royal Changeling, I’m like your Alicorns. Immortal and more powerful than the common Changeling. In fact not only can I absorb love, I can absorb the very life force from a pony.

Delicious, don’t you think?”

There was a look on the faces of the ponies gathered, they glanced at Pinkie who looked the floor. The queen read it as fear, but it wasn’t fear but realization of something which was said days ago.

“And I’m so glad you brought me a little hors d'oeuvre,” said the queen, turning her gaze to Rainbow Apple. “You won’t mind if I drain the life out of the little filly you’re carrying inside you?”

Rainbow felt fear, anger, helplessness and rage. Here was a situation a mother had no way to defend her unborn child. The news it was a filly would’ve been exciting, but now it looked like she’d lose her daughter before she ever got the chance to hold her.

“No Chrysalis,” cried Rainbow, starting to feel ill at the thought of what the monster was threatening. “Anything but that!”

“Anything but that!” mocked the queen. “That’d really hurt you, wouldn’t it? ALL THE MORE REASON TO DO IT!

You’ll feel the pain I experienced when I lost my child to you Mono-Ponies. Then, when I’m done, I’ll find your other child, and yours as well Twilight. They’ll be drained dead in front of you, and then you’ll be made to watch as my minions tear their precious little bodies to shreds!”

The queen looked at Rainbow, she grinned the most demonic of grins, then her eyes glowed green, as did her horn.

“My baby!” Rainbow cried in despair. Tears poured from her eyes, as her knees started to buckle.

But the queen got a confused look on her face.

“How’s this possible?” demanded the queen, “how can I not reach it?”
There was a silence, she looked around her. Then it struck her that the odd feeling life force was from the pink one. And she was looking back at her with the most intense look.

“It’s because I’m not allowing it,” said Pinkie.

“And how can you stop me?” ranted Chrysalis, “I’ll have my child avenged!”

“You’ll do no such thing,” said Pinkie. “Because you’ve not lost a child...

Mother.”

There was a collective gasp from not only Pinkie’s companions but the Changelings as well.

Then there was the now familiar green flash. And there stood Phantasm being restrained by the Changeling guard. The guard didn’t know what to do.

For the first time, Pinkie’s companions noticed the eyes of the other Changelings were a blank blue whereas Phantasm and Chrysalis’ were more normal and green. They noticed she was slightly taller and the ‘holes’ in Phantasm’s legs and wings were much smaller than all the other Changelings, as if her living in the love of Trixie was making her body whole.

“And you’ll not lay a hoof on a princess,” said Phantasm to the guard.
The guard released her, not knowing what else to do.

“P- Princess?” said Trixie. Not believing that she was married to a princess.

“Yes My Love,” said Phantasm to Trixie. “And I’m sorry I’ve held this back from you, from all of you ponies.”

“Phantasm my daughter, is it really you?” said the queen, quite in shock.
Chrysalis held out her forelegs, beckoning Phantasm to come to her.
“Come here my child,” said the queen, “return to your people and your place by my side.”

“I’m with my people,” said Phantasm, “I’m with my friends. And my place is by the side of my wife.

My place is with them.”

This pronouncement hit the queen like a ton of horseshoes, how could this be? Here was something she’d not let herself consider. Her child was alive and was right here in front of her.
But she wanted nothing to do with her birthright, she wanted nothing to do with her people, she was even rejecting her own mother! She was acting like a traitor.
Plus she’d actually fought with the Mono-Ponies against the Hive. It made her a double traitor.
The queen was shocked and then enraged. She saw all her Changelings looking at her as if waiting to see what her next move would be. Chrysalis knew she must act or be seen as weak. If she was to retain iron control of her subjects, even her own daughter couldn’t be excused.

Twilight was still hated, but she wasn’t the focus of the queen’s anger now. That all had just changed. The one who took her daughter away must receive the greatest vengeance, even if that pony was her daughter.

“THEN YOU’LL SUFFER THE FATE OF A TRAITOR!” screamed the queen. “EVERYPONY YOU CARE ABOUT WILL BE KILLED IN FRONT OF YOU! THEN AS YOU’RE SLOWLY KILLED, YOU’LL REALIZE TOO LATE WHAT IT IS YOU’VE GIVEN UP.
RESTRAIN HER!”

The guard once again grabbed Phantasm. The queen’s eyes and horn glowed brighter than anypony could remember. It was more powerful than Phantasm could counter.

The queen’s power was great, but her malevolence was even stronger.
A green glow surrounded Phantasm’s companions. They started to cry out as they felt the power of the queen overtake them. They could fight it, but they realized they couldn’t for very long.

Phantasm knew what must be done, her own safety counted for nothing.

“THINK OF WHAT SHE’LL DO TO YOUR CHILDREN; YOUR FAMILIES; YOUR FRIENDS!” yelled Phantasm, “YOU MUST HATE HER AS YOU’VE NEVER HATED BEFORE!”

They all remembered from when they first found out Pinkie was a Changeling, how hate had the opposite effect on Changelings than did love.
The ponies concentrated and found in Phantasm’s words reasons to hate. It poured out of them and was amplified along the path Chrysalis had set up to remove their life force. They forced in their minds, visions of their foals dying in agony, as well as their friends and their loved ones. And the queen was standing there laughing! They then had thoughts of tearing the queen to pieces with their bare hooves!

Without warning, the queen felt as if a brick wall was slammed against her. At the same time, ponies felt the influence of Chrysalis stop. They then noticed all the Changelings start to collapse around them.

ALL the Changelings.

Trixie, now unrestrained, ran and grabbed Phantasm, she wept hard.

“Stop!” screamed Trixie, “we’re killing Pinkie!”
Trixie was also worried what effect this would have on her half Changeling embryo. She was trying to do as much Changeling shielding as she could remember Phantasm had taught her.

Phantasm called out;
“Don’t stop, or you’ll lose all! I’m not worth it!”

Phantasm went limp. Once again this noble pony was willing to give up all for other ponies.

The ponies heads cleared, the hate couldn’t be kept up in their hearts. It wasn’t in their nature.

“No Darling, no!” screamed Trixie, “you can’t leave me! You’re all the world to me! I’ll not be able to live without you!”

The friends gathered around Trixie and Phantasm. They were all crying. Around them, not a single Changeling was moving, not even the queen.
Trixie couldn’t tell if her love was even breathing.

“What can we do Twilight?” asked Trixie holding the limp form of Phantasm in her forelegs, “what can we do?”