What your soul desires...

Clouds covered the desert sand as a army took camp. Weilding Equestrian banners, the leaders were in the war tent, planing their next course of actions. "If we cut of the ridge here with boulders it will cut off any chance of retreat. Then we will have the troops cover the air and the rest circle the city. Finally, you girls and I will bring a small force and attack the city from its one true weak point, the front door as it were. On the signal of a sonic rainboom, they will have the orders to move in. On the other hoof, if they see a red magi flare instead, that will mean to retreat to base camp to await ferther instruction." The lavander unicorn stopped for a breath before looking around the table. "This is the last hive girls...the last one and we can go home and get some sound sleep"

"We know Twi. A'mean, this is it isnt it? That damned hive that almost tore us apart all them years ago aint it?" Said a orange earthpony with a southen draw. "Yea, Applejack's right!" shouted a cyan pegesus with a rainbow mane. "We've hunted down hive after hive killing these bug without finding the bitch that hurt you, princess Cadance and Celestia!" "As uncooth and barbaric as it was Rainbow dash has a point deary" A white coated unicorn said. "Duh! thats because we faught meany after meany and haven't even beaten the big meany! After all, that must be what my doozy was, Beating the meany!" said a hipper active pink pony. The only one of the six present that never spoke was a butterschotch mare with a long pink mane who simply stared outside, homesick and mentally scared from the battles fought and lives lost.

These six were the Elements of harmony. With their leader and friend Twilight Sparkle, they have for the last year after a changeling invasion, been in constant battle to eradicate these threats from the face of Equestria. Now they have reached the ultamum, the last hive, the hive of the deceptive and evil Queen Chrystalis. With no where to run, and being greatly out numbered, Equestria's victory was certain.

"All right girls, get some sleep. Come this time tomarrow, we're headed home a heros." Twilight said as the meating agerned. They all nodded and split off to seprate tents. As Twilight walked through the camp she noticed the hopeful looks on the warriors and couldn't help but smile. She was happy that soon, she could see Spike again and even posibly ask somepony she has had a eye on out for dinner. Yet, she could not shake this sense that something was not going to go to plan and she will be forced to stay another week in this desert. I really need to listen to Rainbow Dash and lossen up. she thought as she neared her tent for some much needed rest.

the next day......

This it it. thought Twilight as they marched up the final sand dune No amount of preperation could have prepared them for what they saw. The hive-city was huge, easly the size of the cristal empire's  capital with a small spire in the middle. But it was not the size that intimidated the six. First, flowers lined every road, to every home, and even a few outside the gates as if it was built around a oasis. Second, the streets.....they were empty. Not a hardly anypony empty, but a no pony empty. Outside the gates was a single figure walking by the flowers. "I don't trust this Twi. It has to be a trap. I say we charge in and show we aint falling for it!"

As illogical as Rainbow was being, Twilight had to agree with her. It was too easy. One Changeling outside this giant city. It looked to convenant. "Send down a group of 50 of our finest. If this isnt a trick they should be able to finish this ling of quickly. If it is a trap their numbers should protect them." With a nod Rainbow dashed to relay the orders and within thirty minutes the platoon was formed and sent off. Within the hour, they reached their target and the six friends couldn't beleave their eyes.

No Changelings leaped from the shadows, nor did they crawl out of the sand. That one ling, no, that one warrior took on a platoon of elite soldiers. They didn't stand a chance. Had it been any other time, it would have been a wonder to behold. The cloaked ling danced though them, blades flashing and vanishing, flowing through them like water, it was a heartfelt slaughter. After the last of the soldiers had fallen, the figure called out "Ponies of Equestria, I wish a diplomatic meeting with your army's leaders. Know this, none of you will be able to enter this city as long as I draw breath."

The six looked at each other and a uneasy feeling passed though them all. How? How had this one Changeling taken on 50 trained soldiers like nothing? "Major Hoofstep." Twilight called. A dark blue unicorn walked up behind the lavander one "Yes General Twilight?" "I need a messsanger sent back to camp. Tell them to send a letter to the princesses requesting renforcments. If they themselfs can make a apearance the better." With a crisp salute and a "Yes Mam!" the Major releayed the order.

Twilight took a sigh and looked at her five friends. "Come on, lets not keep him waiting."