Chapters I continue on, I feel my insides churn. I have been barely surviving, mother has abandoned me. I snarled at the river “If I was just a drone it wouldn’t be so bad but I’m her heir, the wedding invasion was a total failure.” I sighed as I feel my energy fading. I look over the horizon to see a small town with ponies going on with their lives.
I frowned knowing it was my only option. I put what magic I could to disguise myself. I turned into a white unicorn, I looked down at my cutie mark , it was a cloud with a green light shining from behind it. I stopped analysing my cutie mark as I wandered into the town. I jumped as a pink mare surprised me, she gasped and darted away. I blinked confused, is this normal here maybe I should leave. I watched as an orange mare trotted up to me. She smiled “New around here Ah see. Ah seen haven’t Pinkie like that since Twilight arrived.”
I asked nervously “Um is everypony like that?”
She burst into laughter “Sweet Celestia no, one Pinkie Pie is enough for Equestria.” (Phew, that was close I thought I was in a town of crazies for a second there). She asked “So you new around here?” I nodded in reply.
She said “Yeah, Pinkie Pie will be throwin' you a surprise party at some point.” I frowned at the thought, I haven't been to many parties.
I realised I don’t know the mare’s name. I asked “Um, what’s your name?”
Applejack said “Ah’m sorry, Ah’m Applejack nice to meet you.”
I replied “Cara, Cara Pace it’s a pleasure.” She gave me a firm hoofshake and I responded in kind.
Applejack said “That was a strong hoofshake, Ah’m impressed.”
I wander away and look around, I wonder where I’m going to spend the night. I looked back to see Applejack staring at me. She asked “Ah guess you don’t have a place to stay.”
I replied “Yeah, I have been looking for a place to stay for a while.”
Applejack said “Ah could allow you to stay in the barn, Ah know it’s not very fancy but It is better than nothing.”
I replied “That would be fine, maybe I could even do some chores around the farm.”
Applejack said “If you wish to help, that would be great. Ah’m sure my sister Applebloom would appreciate your help with some of her chores as well.”
I replied “Thank you, you're quite generous, I have been alone for so long.”
Applejack chuckled “Be careful, Rarity might get jealous. She is the Element of Generosity and Ah don’t want to steal her place.” I smiled at that, although I know I will be kicked out of this town if they knew who I really am, after all I am a monster.
We trotted over to the farm, I watched as I saw a big red stallion on the farm. Applejack called out “Hey, Big Mac.” I watched as the big red stallion trotted over. He smiled at his sister before looking at me. Applejack said “She will be staying in the barn.”
I watched carefully as Big Mac stared intently at me for a few moments before saying “Eeyup.” I took a deep breath, the tension leaving me, I was really worried that they knew I was something else. Applejack showed me the barn, it was actually quite large.
Applejack asked “Do you like it?” I smiled widely and nodded, I haven’t had a place to stay in ages. Applejack said “Ah’ll leave you to get set up. If you need anything just give me a holler.” I nodded as I lay down on the soft hay. I have not been shown so much generosity before. I laid there simply enjoying the calm of the barn and the warmth of the hay for several hours.
Applejack walked in, she asked “Are you okay? Ah hope you like your new home.”
I smiled as I replied “Absolutely, I am really grateful for a place to stay. I just hope I am not intruding too much.”
Applejack said “Don’t you worry, we have more interesting guests in our town.”
I asked “Who?”
Applejack replied “We have a mare who once enslaved an entire village by taking away their cutie marks, an illusionist who turned evil after abusing an evil artefact and needed to be stopped, and the Lord of Chaos, Discord.”
I pawed the ground nervously. I had heard stories the Lord of Chaos, he did horrible things to all races. Applejack asked “What’s wrong, you look nervous?”
I squeaked “Discord scares me, he used to eat ponies alive.”
Applejack frowned as she processed this new information. She said “Ah will ask him about that later.”
I laid down in my straw bed and shivered, I was so scared of Discord turning up in the middle of the night and gobbling me up. Applejack turned around when she was about to leave. She saw the look on my face, she sighed “How about ah spend the night here with you?”
I said “Don’t worry about it, I’ll be fine.”
Applejack said “Nonsense, ah know many ponies are still unsure of Discord. Ah shouldn’t have dropped his name so suddenly.” I watched as she left and a few moments later she returned with an alarm clock.
She said “In case you sleep in, Ah have harvest tomorrow and Ah could use an extra pair of hooves. You still want to help, right.” I nodded before rolling over. I felt her lie behind me. She said “Just to make sure you feel safe, beside it’s cold out here.” I smiled as I felt a small amount of energy flowing into me it wasn’t love, just companionship but it helped restore a small part of my strength.”
Author's Note
I had a lot of fun writing this story, I just hope you all enjoy reading it as much I enjoyed writing it, see yas in the next chapter everypony and everyling.
I wake to see a Applejack to me, I watch as a beautiful glowing orb in the sky fills it with its light. I shake Applejack who yawns loudly. I smiled as I said “Good morning sleepy head, we have work to do.”
Applejack said “Let’s go get some breakfast first, then we can start bucking apples." I smiled as I followed her, I noticed the muscles on her legs and her well toned flank.
I blushed as I realised what I was doing and I mentally slapped myself “(I can’t do that she is a mare and I’m a changeling, we are incompatible.”
I smelt the wonderful of aroma of apples as I walked into Applejack’s home. I watched as she served a pair of apple pancakes with a golden syrup on it. I shoved the pancake into my mouth and swallowed it whole, it was amazing I felt myself brimming with power. I smiled, the love in this is purer than any I’ve ever tasted before. Applejack said with a smile “You may not want to eat like that in front of Rarity, she will give you a lecture on table manners.”
I smirked “Lucky that she isn’t here or else this would cause her to faint.” I shoved all the food on my plate into my mouth all at once and swallowed. Me and Applejack laughed as we cleaned up the dishes.
We went out to the Orchard, Applejack said “Ah’ll show you how to buck a tree.”
I smiled as I said “I have been on farms before” It was the truth while I was infiltrating, I had to do farm work in order to keep up appearances. I put an apple basket down and bucked the tree causing all the apples to fall out of the tree and into the basket. Applejack blinked as I smiled and asked “How about a little competition, the most basket gathered wins?”
Applejack said with a grin “You're on but just so you know Ah’m one of the best mares in Equestria at Applebucking.” I smiled as we ran from tree to tree bucking apples and filling basket. After 5 hours the entire Orchard was empty, I looked at Applejack who was sweating profusely while I was.
I thought “(Damn, she look so good when she’s sweaty, I could just...NO, Stupid, it would never work.)” I sighed as I lay there.
Applejack looked at the baskets and said “Ah’m impressed 90 baskets in 5 hours that is my record when Ah’m competing and you did it without breaking a sweat.” I smiled as I thought “(Changeling Queens are very strong, one of the few advantages, still the disadvantages are numerous including the inability to find a long term partner.) I sighed again.
Applejack asked “What's wrong?”
I replied carefully as she is honesty’s bearer I couldn’t lie “It’s personal and I wish not to talk about it.”
Applejack sighed as she said “Okay, you are a good friend and Ah’m glad that Ah meet you.”
I smiled as I spoke “Me too.”
We walked into the house only to see Big Mac standing there. He said “So Applejack, you finally found somepony.”
Me and Applejack blushed profusely, I said “It’s not like that we’re just friends.”
Big Mac said “Eenope, you were eyeing her flank Ah saw you.” Applejack looked at me and blushed a deep red. I galloped out to the barn and turned off the farm.
I heard shouting coming from the Applejack’s home. I cried “She’s going to kick me out, I embarrassed her in front of her brother.” I felt a hoof on my wither. I looked up to see Applejack above me. I begged “Please don’t kick me out, I’m so sorry.”
Applejack said with a confused expression “Ah’m not mad, you are a good friend, still try not to stare at my flank it is slightly embarrassing but Ah won’t kick out a friend because of that.”
I smiled as I said “Thank you, you are so kind and generous.”
Applejack let out a really loud laugh “Stop with the praise, soon all my friends are going to think Ah’m out to steal their elements.” I smiled as her laughing made me feel good inside.
I heard a young voice “Sis, my friends are sleeping over tonight.” I looked at the little filly and smiled, she was so cute.
Applejack said “Ah know that look, don’t let her cute appearance fool you, she is a troublemaker.”
I replied “It can’t be that bad, can it?”
She said “Well then you can care for them tonight and see what happens.”
I replied “Okay, they won’t be a problem.” I thought “(I had a lot of siblings back home which I had to care for, this shouldn’t be too hard.)”
Applejack said “Applebloom, my guest will take care of you and your friends since she is so eager.” Applejack turned around and said “Good luck, you’re gonna need it Sugarcube.”
I entered the room only to hear a scream from behind me. I ran only to find Applejack standing there with a blank expression on her face. I gave a nudge and she didn’t budge. I shouted “Applejack!”
She blinked and stared at me, I asked “Are you alright?”
Applejack said hesitantly “Ah’m alright.”
I said “I just needed to make sure, I heard a scream coming from this way but it couldn't have been you, you are the strongest mare I know.” I walk away I look back only to notice she was blushing. I realised that my flank was swaying way too much. I galloped out of the room and looked at 3 fillies I saw. I thought “(Damn, changeling instincts, urghh that has caused more than a few problems over the last year. Stop trying to seduce ponies.)”
I said “So you’re Appleboom’s friends.”
I watched as an orange pegasus filly said “I’m Scootaloo and this is Sweetie Belle.”
I said to the unicorn who was hiding behind Scootaloo “I’m Applejack’s friend you'll be safe with me.” I smiled as she looked at me.
The 3 fillies in front of me asked “What does your cutie mark mean?”
I replied “I have no idea.” That was the truth I had no idea what it meant, it had been there for a while. I didn’t even know changelings could get cutie marks before I got one.
Sweetie Belle said “We’ll help you then, that’s what our special talents are, helping others understand their cutie marks. Do you want to be our client for the day?”
I smiled as I said “Thanks, what are we doing first?”
Applebloom said “We are going to do bungee jumping, we have always wished to try it.” I watched as Sweetie Belle cowered slightly.
I asked “You think I’m going to let you do that, that is dangerous you know?” Applebloom and Scootaloo start giving me the puppy dog eyes. I smiled “I have plenty of experience with that trick, I used it on my mother so often. It however won’t work on me, beside one of you is a little scared it seems.”
Scootaloo frowns slightly at before asking “How about kart racing, it’s really fun?”
I said “Fine but I’ll be in the kart with you in case you hurt yourselves.” I watch as they pull out a cart that they built together, I looked at it and tapped it in a few places. I said “This is actually not bad, this may actually be safe enough to ride.”
They said “Let’s go.” I hopped in the back as they drove off in their little cart, I smiled as Scootaloo sped us forward as she flapped her wings, this was quite fun. I was enjoying myself so much that I didn’t realise that there was a ramp in front of us, I watched in horror as we flew into Ghastly Gorge. I gritted my teeth, dropping my disguise and grabbed the 3 fillies.
I looked at the 3 fillies laying against a tree, then Applebloom opened her eyes and screamed waking the other 2 who screamed and they all galloped away. I looked at my hooves and saw the holes, I cried “Stupid stupid me, I have to leave now. They will all find out what I am, a monster who steals love. I shouldn’t have come here.” I cried for what seemed like hours. I felt a hoof wipe my tears away.
I looked up to see Applebloom standing there. She asked “Why are you crying, Miss Changeling.”
I smiled slightly “I’m crying because I have to leave, I’m a monster don’t you see?.”
She said “You're not a monster, you’re just different. You have a cutie mark after all, you are closer to us ponies than you realise.”
I smiled drying my tears and assuming my disguise “My name is Cara Pace by the way.”
Sweetie Belle who has just showed up behind Scootaloo said “I get it Cara Pace, carapace, it’s the shelled back of buglike creatures.”
Scootaloo said with a smirk “Slowdown, egghead.”
Sweetie Belle shouted “I’m not an egghead, I just listen well.”
Scootaloo was about to shout when Applebloom shouted “Enough arguing, we aren’t here for that.” Applebloom asked “Cara, how did you get your cutie mark?”
I said with a smile “It didn’t take much actually, I was wandering far from here. It was a year ago, I saw a young colt surrounded by Diamond Dogs. I was going to leave him but I couldn’t he reminded me so much of the nymphs back home. I bolted in and bucked the large one knocking him unconscious before stunning the other 2 with a spell. I erased the Diamond dogs memories of the event and returned the kid to his parents. Once I left I found this mark on my flank, even when I returned to normal it was still there.”
I looked at the sky, “It’s getting late, I need to get you to bed. Applejack will kill me otherwise.”
Applebloom said “But we only did one thing to help you and it’s only 6.”
I said “You all have school tomorrow, it’s Sunday after all, now let’s get you back.” I watch as the crusaders sighed and followed me to Sweet Apple Acres.
When we arrived Applejack asked “Are you alright, you were gone for quite a while?”
I said “Nothing happened that I couldn’t handle.” I watched as the fillies trotted up the stairs
Applejack smiled as she entered the house I followed her into the house. It was pitch black, I asked “Anypony in here?”
I jumped in surprise as a Pink Mare shouted "SURPRISEITHREWTHISPARTYJUSTFORYOUDOYOULIKEIT? DOYOU? DOYOU?
Applejack put a hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder and said “Pinkie give her some space.” I started to feel woozy and my vision went black.
I woke up to see a white unicorn mare staring at me, she said “Lucky I brought my fainting couch.”
I asked “Umm may I get some introductions, I don’t know most of you.”
Pinkie bounced up and down “Hi I’m Pinkie Pie, I’m the best party pony in Equestria according to Celestia.”
Rainbow Dash boasted “I’m Rainbow Dash, a Wonderbolt and the best flier in Equestria.”
Rarity said “I’m a fashion designer, I own the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville and the Canterlot Boutique as well.”
I turned around and asked “Your Princess Twilight, the Princess of Friendship, I assume.” Twilight nods and smiles at me.
I hear a slight squeak “I’m Fluttershy, I like to care for animals.”
I smiled as I said “Hi Fluttershy, that’s a noble pursuit.”
Applejack asked “Are you okay?”
I smiled “I’m fine let’s get this party underway shall we.” Pinkie Pie bolted down the stairs. I followed only to see a huge cake in the room. I blinked for a moment as I looked at the huge cake, I clearly didn’t see a cake in the room before.
Applejack said “Sugarcube, relax it’s just Pinkie.” I smiled as she blushed quickly realising what she said. This is probably because of that flank staring incident. I watched as she filled herself a huge mug of cider and chugged it. She said “That hit the spot.” She smiled at me as she handed me a mug. I drank some of it, careful not to get drunk. I’d hate to drop my disguise and cause a panic.
I grabbed a cupcake and saw some hot sauce. I smiled as I coated it in hot sauce and swallowed it whole. Pinkie bounced up and down as she shouted “Finally somepony gets it!”
I said “It was something I did at a party once and I enjoyed it immensely.” I watched as they all looked at me with a smile.
I sat down and watched the group. I watched Fluttershy sitting with Big Mac. I could feel the love emanating from them. I sighed as I watched Applebloom running around playing with her friends. Applejack sat next to me “What’s wrong, Sugarcube.” She blushed again.
I said knowing what she was thinking “I’m fine with it, it doesn’t matter. I can’t be in a relationship with anypony anyway.”
Applejack frowned “Why not?”
I replied “My family aren’t very receptive to others, if I got in a relationship they would hunt the pony down and gut them. “
Applejack said shocked “That’s horrible.”
I cried “My family is horrible, I had met a young filly when I was little, her name was Spirit. I had a fillyhood crush on her.”
Applejack asked fearfully “What happened?”
I sobbed “My parents caught Spirit and ripped her heart out. They then forced her heart down my throat. I cried for hours afterwards. My mother told me love is a weakness and I should be ashamed.”
Applejack’s eyes were wide as she stared at me. She asked trembling “What kinda monster does that to their child?”
I stared away from her before responding “The monstrous kind.” I bolted out the door in tears. I watched as Applejack followed me to find me crying in the orchard.
I looked up to see the mare smiling at me “Ah’m surprised you would tell me, a stranger something so personal.”
I replied “Applejack, I have never had anypony treat me with any respect even my parents saw me as a tool to be used I was just too immature to see it. They abandoned me and left me to die. 5 years I’ve been barely living and you have brought life back to me, I’m no longer just existing.”
Applejack stammered “T-T-Thanks Sugarcube, Ah’m glad I could help.” I smiled but my eyes started to flicker. Applejack said “You look tired, I’ll handle the cleanup you go to bed.” I smiled and headed to the barn. I laid down and looked at the stars in the sky. This was the best day ever, I have friends, a place to stay. I have even been welcomed with open hooves.
I felt a presence next to me, I looked over to see Applejack, she was clearly asleep, she must have come over to check on me, she must’ve have been exhausted and couldn’t make it back to the homestead. I smiled the warmth emanating from her made me feel comfortable and safe as I drifted into the land of dreams.
Author's Note
I hope you are all enjoying this story.
Chapter 4: Crushing on an Apple
I woke up with a crack in my neck. I heard a voice shout “Cara, are you okay? You have been asleep for quite a while.”
I saw the clock it was read 7:30, I dashed out as fast as I could. I bumped into Applejack and we both tumbled over slamming into a tree. I begged “I’m so sorry, I overslept please forgive me.”
Applejack laughed “Relax you did more of the Orchard in a day than Big Mac usually does. Urggh he injured himself again. The last time that happened I tried to do the whole orchard by myself and my health suffered for it.”
I replied “Thanks for understanding.”
Applejack said “Relax, Sugarcube I should be paying you for the work you do. Mah cousin Braeburn has farm hooves who do a lot less for a huge salary.”
I frowned “Why is that?”
Applejack sighed “Because he’s far from any major landmarks and hired help is hard to find. What help he does find does very little and charges a fortune.”
I asked “Maybe I should head down there and give him a hoof.”
Applejack smiled “You’d really go down to Appleloosa and help my cousin Braeburn?” I smiled and nodded. She gave me a huge hug as she said “Thank you so much, how could Ah ever repay you?”
I replied “You have done so much for me, it is the least I could do after all this.”
Applejack asked heartily “Ah’m surprised I haven't met many ponies outside of Fluttershy that are this kind, you will make a mare or stallion very happy one day.”
I sighed “Applejack, the only words I've heard from others about me after I leave are monster, scum, spawn of Tartarus. I have very few friends and I’m glad to count you amongst them.”
Applejack frowned “What do you mean by that?”
I replied “Please don’t force me to tell you, it is very personal. My past is dark and cruel in spite of my attempts to be kind to others. I was always given hate and malice in return for kindness no matter how much I kindness I had given to them.”
Applejack said with a hint of disappointment “Okay, Sugarcube but if you need mah help to understand any personal issues just tell me.”
I replied with a sigh “I will, thanks, I’ll be back in about a week or two.”
I bought a ticket from the conductor and took my seat on the train. It was a long trip to Appleloosa. I thought back to Applejack and the time we spent together. I had never had such a good friend before. It was sad to have to be separated but I would be back. Applejack’s cousin needs my help. I slept on the train before I arrived. I groaned as I heard the conductor shout “Last call for Appleloosa.”
I grabbed my saddlebag and darted off the train with seconds to spare. I looked up to see a pony in front of me wearing a hat similar to AJ’s hat. I asked “You must be Braeburn.”
He asked angrily “How do ya know who Ah am and why are ya here?!”
I pawed at the ground “I’m Cara and I came here to help with the farm work, I have been helping Applejack with the farm work to help repay her kindness for allowing to sleep in the barn.”
Braeburn tone shifted as he said “Good to have some help, finally somepony who actually will do some work around here.” He frowned as I saw several stallions doing nothing out there.
I said “Well, I better get to work once the day’s work is done you can show me around.”
Braeburn said with a smile “Thank ya for your help!”
I replied “As long as you make me feel welcomed that is all I need.” I gallop to the fields and look at one of the full carts left next to a tree. I attached it to my back and started pulling. When I arrived at the barn I filled it with baskets and arrived back at the field.
I watched as the stallions glared at me. One shouted “How dare you come here and do our work!”
I snarled “If you were actually doing any work I would be back at Sweet Apple Acres bucking apples with Applejack.” I frowned realising how happy I was back there. I pulled the other carts to the shed and dropped the apples off.
Braeburn came up behind me and said with a smile “Good work, Applejack knows a hard-working pony when she sees one. I shouldn’t have doubted her word.” I blushed slightly at the comment. He asked “Do you want to help me in the next orchard.”
I replied smiling “Sure maybe we’ll get it done by the end of the day. I know let’s see who can collect the most apples.” I gave him a slight nudge.
Braeburn said with a smirk “Ya remind so much of Applejack, she always loved competition. Applejack did tell me a lot about ya in the last letter, I have to thank Miss Hooves for Express Mail.”
I said “Come on, we’re burning daylight.”
I galloped off to the orchard as he shouted “Wait up.” I waited for him to get there then we started bucking trees, I smiled as my baskets filled with apples.
I said “Come on, you won’t beat me like that.” He gritted his teeth and started working faster. I smiled as he desperately tried to keep up. We got to the end of the orchard. I smiled as he panted while he had 70 baskets next to him. I meanwhile was sitting next to 120 baskets.
He looked at me “Wow ya did a good job at that orchard, 120 baskets in 7 hours. Ya’d make a fair bride for any Apple.” I blushed as I thought of Applejack in a dress, she would look stunning, with her well toned... No I can’t think like that. I sighed, why did I think that, I mean I miss her but we’re just good friends. I mentally scolded myself (It’s stupid instincts, a changeling can have crush but real love is impossible, everyling told me so.)
I asked “Braeburn, are we going to eat dinner soon?” He nodded as he took me into the kitchen. I smelt the food, it was delicious. After the meal I asked “Braeburn, can I please get some sleep, I have to adjust to the different living quarters after all.”
He nodded “Okay, let me show ya to ya room.” When I entered I looked around, it was rather spacious.”
I asked “Is this the guest room?”
Braeburn replied “This is a large room for multiple guests, such as when Applejack and her friends came here. They helped us make friends with the local Buffalo Tribe.”
I smiled as I got onto one of the bunk beds. I felt strangely uncomfortable, then to my horror I realised why every night before I slept with Applejack beside me. I frowned as I closed my eyes.
Author's Note
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. My friend Garbiel has been editing my stories for quite a while, so if he is reading this thank you. I don't think he has an account on this site.
I woke up in my bed, I looked around and sighed. I wished Cara was here, she has been so kind and I hadn’t even realised how good it felt to have another mare on the farm, especially one that worked with me on the farm. I mean I have only known her for two days but I feel so comfortable around her.
I realised I have been looking at the roof for 10 minutes. I grabbed my Stetson and galloped down to breakfast. I shoved a waffle in my mouth as I exited the house. I frowned as I started Applebucking. Why did I start missing her so much? this makes no sense. I felt a hoof on my wither. I turned around to see Big Mac. He asked “What’s wrong, Applejack ya never stay in bed for that long?”
I sighed “I miss Cara, I wish she was still here. This is silly, I have only known her for four days and 2 of them she had been at Braeburn’s farm.”
Big Mac smirked “It sounds like somepony has a crush.”
I blushed as I shouted “No, it’s not like that, Ah can’t have feelings like that it’s only been a few days and we barely know each other!”
Big Mac said with a slight smirk “We’ll see, Applejack.”
I frowned as I got back to work, that frown disappeared as Apples fell in my basket. I turned and was about speak when I realised nopony was there. I sighed as I spoke “Ah miss Cara, it’s probably just the loneliness getting to me.” I had never realised just how lonely farm work was.
The rest of the day was fairly uneventful, I had fed the animal and made sure Applebloom did her homework. I smiled as I looked at all the apples I had collected. I watched as Applebloom galloped over, she asked “Where is Cara?”
I sighed again “She left yesterday to help cousin Braeburn in Appleloosa.” I have sighed too many times today, it’s becoming a bad habit.
Applebloom said “Awww, Ah was hoping to help understand her Cutie Mark.” I frowned, I never thought about it before but something was weird about her cutie mark, a cloud with a green light shining behind it, what kind of special talent does she have.
Applebloom said “We have a meeting at our clubhouse, I have to tell them we have to find another client while Cara is away.”
I asked “Client?”
Applebloom replied “It’s what we do now we have our Cutie Marks, we know what our special talent’s are, that talent is helping ponies who have Cutie Mark related problems.” I watched as she seemed deep in thought about something.
I asked “Are you okay, Applebloom? You can tell me.”
She shook her head as she said “Ah’m fine, see you tonight.” I watched as Applebloom ran towards the clubhouse. I shook my head as I wondered why she is hiding something from me.
I frowned as I started preparing dinner. Why do I miss Cara so much she’s just a friend. I shouted “Why does everypony think I have a crush on her.”
Big Mac asked “Are ya alright?” I shook my head, I can’t lie to him. He asked “Is this about Cara, ya murmur about her in your sleep.”
I shouted “What!”
Big Mac said “Ya clearly are falling for her.”
I growled “It doesn’t matter, it wouldn’t be safe for me anyway.”
He asked confused “What do ya mean?”
I said “She told my about her parents, the last pony she had a crush was killed by her parents. They tore her heart out and forced it down her throat.” I growled near the end. I turned around to see Big Mac’s face turn white.
I watched as he trotted away silently. I shouted “Horseappleeeeeesssssss, why is my life so complicated!?”
I sat at the table and slowly ate my food. Big Mac stared at me as I ate. Applebloom stared at the 2 of us in confusion. I quickly finished up my meal and went to bed. I laid there and looked at the bed beside me. I slept in the barn with Cara twice, once to comfort her and the second because I was exhausted, yet I miss her presence. I sighed for the final time that day as sleep took me.
I woke in a strange realm I sat there and smiled. I saw Cara sitting in front of me. I felt her hooves start to rub my back. She smiled as she said “Enjoying that are you my love?” I smiled as I felt her hooves rub across my back. Then I heard Cara scream as shadow creatures emerged with bright red eyes. I galloped away as I heard Cara scream “Run, Applejack.” I kept running only to find myself in a corner. I felt as one reached for me.
A loud shout echoed through the room “Be gone, foul nightmares!!!”
I looked up and saw Luna standing above me. I asked “Luna, why are you here?”
Luna replied “I noticed your dream was troubled, who is this Cara?”
I smiled at her use of normal speech. I said “I allowed Cara to move into the barn because she had nowhere to stay. She is a good friend. She is in Appaloosa right now, helping my cousin Braeburn.”
Luna smirked “From this dream I think friend is an understatement.” My face turned so red that it resembled Big Mac. Luna laughed for a few moment before getting serious, she asked “What is troubling you, those shadows were not normal.”
I sighed “She told me that her family murdered her last cruse and shoved her heart down her throat.”
Luna roared in Royal Canterlot Voice as her old dialect shone through “Thou shall never suffer such harm, we forbid it!” I shook my head to get the ringing out, I am glad this was a dream or I may have suffered permanent hearing damage like tinnitus.
I said “Luna, that was a bit loud.”
Luna said “I’m sorry Applejack, anyway, it’s starting to get bright, I will leave you and tomorrow night I will visit Cara’s dream, she may provide me some insight into the problem.”
I smiled “Thank you Luna.” I smiled as she left and then I fell into a dreamless sleep.
Author's Note
Do you like how I am handling the story so far?
I woke in the morning to Derpy crashing into my window. I asked “Derpy why are you here?”
Derpy replied breathing heavily “Express mail .. from Braeburn.”
I replied “Thank you Derpy, I appreciate it. ” I opened the envelope and begun reading the letter.
To Cousin Applejack
Ah’m glad you sent Cara, she is a wonderful mare. She has helped us with the harvest and even repelled a minotaur attack. She will be returning to Ponyville later today. She would make a beautiful wife for any stallion or “mare”.
From Braeburn
I blinked, is he seriously trying to get us together? What did Cara tell Braeburn?, yet again maybe he did figure it out, if she was being as obvious as I was then Braeburn definitely would’ve noticed. I sighed as I walked out to the farm. I felt the hours drag on. I can’t get my mind off Cara, I mean the two of us have only been together for 2 days.
I galloped out to start working. Why did I say together, am I really falling for a mare that I’ve only known for 2 days. I bucked the next tree causing apples to fall into the basket. I felt a hoof on my leg. Applebloom stared at me. She asked “Applejack, is something wrong?”
I realised I was frowning, I said “Ah don’t want to speak about it, it’s private.” Applebloom stared at me with puppy dog eyes. I sighed “Fine, Ah’ll tell you but you gotta Pinkie Promise me not to tell anypony.”
Applebloom said with a smile as she did the motions “Cross my heart, hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.”
I said pawing the ground “Ah may have a crush on Cara.” Applebloom looked worried for several moments. I asked “Are you okay, Applebloom?”
Applebloom said “Ah just need to think about some things.” She trotted towards the clubhouse. I would’ve followed but I have work to do. By the time I finished it was in the mid afternoon. I started pulling the cart when I felt a hoof on my wither.
I turned around to see Cara standing there. She smiled “Ah’m glad to see ya Applejack.”
I blinked as she had a similar accent to me. I smiled as I said “It’s good to see you, Sugarcube.”
Cara asked “Ah want to talk to ya about something?” I was about to reply when I saw Applebloom walk up to her.
Applebloom asked “We Crusaders have something important to discuss with you.” I watched as Cara followed as she winked at me. Applebloom scowled slightly at me, I was confused at her behaviour.
I decided to follow them, I got as close as I dared, I heard Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo talking. I could make out some of their words.
Applebloom asked “Are ya ________ is a good idea?”
Cara replied “It will ____ fine, don’t _____”
Scootaloo asked “But what if __________ and something goes wrong?”
Cara replied “It will be fine, _____________ trust me.”
Sweetie Belle said “If you're sure, ______ support you.”
Cara replied “Thank you for _______, Ah’m ____________.” I heard the door open and galloped back to the house.
I starting preparing dinner, I watched as Cara trotted in, she was smiling as she sat down at the table. I wondered why, It must have had something to do with the talk with the crusaders.
I sat down and smiled as I asked “Sugarcube, what has made you so happy?”
She asked “Do ya want to have dinner somewhere tomorrow night? Ah promise it won’t be too fancy, just a simple cafe or diner.”
I blushed realising what she was asking, I replied nervously “Um, sure that sounds great, Sugarcube.”
Cara shouted “Great, see you there.” I watched as she finished her plate quickly and dashed off for a shower. I sighed before continuing my meal in silence, to think she would ask me out on a date. I bet Applebloom put her up to it or at least convinced her to take action.
I finished my meal and watched as Cara bounced down the stairs like Pinkie usually would. She must be really happy about our date tomorrow. I’m a little unsure, what she said about her family unnerved me. I got in the shower and started to wash off the stresses of the day. I looked at myself, you are going on a date with a mare who has had bad experiences with love, I just hope I ain’t using her.
I got into my bed and fell into a deep sleep. I woke to see Luna standing before me. I asked “Why are you here?”
Luna replied “I just wanted to see you, Cara is doing well I presume?”
I nodded as I asked “Do you know she repelled a minotaur attack?”
Luna replied “Yes, I did, I had a bad opinion of her at first but that changed when she protected my little ponies from minotaurs.”
I asked “Why did you have a bad opinion of her?”
Luna sighed “That is something she will tell you sooner or later. She cares for you a lot, I’m surprised she hasn’t asked you out yet.”
I said “Umm, she has and I’m uncertain. What if her family comes for me.”
Luna said “Your safe in Equestria, don’t forget that. Enjoy your sleep.” Before I could reply I fell into a dream about Cara.
Author's Note
I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
I woke up and gallop out of the barn. I don’t actually know much about Ponyville I spent most of my time on the farm. I know, maybe the Crusaders know something. I went to their clubhouse and knocked on the door. Applebloom asked “Who is it?”
I replied “It’s me, Cara.” Applebloom opened the door and let me inside.
Scootaloo asked “Why are you here? We were in the middle of a crusader meeting.”
I watched as Applebloom glared at Scootaloo before she asked “Can we do anything to help ya?”
I replied “Um, Ah am taking Applejack out for dinner and Ah don’t know where to go. Ah want it to be somewhere plain but comfortable. ”
Applebloom said “Well there is the Cafe Hay and the Hay Burger. I can’t think of else anything towards the less fancy end Ponyville has quite a few fancier places.”
Scootaloo said “Well there is the Steel Arm’s omnivorous diner.”
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle gasped “There are carnivores there, they won’t appreciate a pair of herbivores there.”
I laughed “Relax, you girls Ah am an omnivore, Changeling remember. I have been aching for some bacon now that you mention it.”
I then asked “Actually do you find it weird Ah’m dating Applebloom’s sister after only knowing her for a few days ?”
Applebloom and the Crusaders burst out laughing. I blinked before Applebloom said “Ah’m sorry but things move fast around here. Applejack became good friends with 5 other ponies in less than a day, most of them being very different from her. Besides this is just a simple first date.”
Sweetie Belle said “Yeah, we support you no matter what.”
Scootaloo said “You have even helped Braeburn and beat a minotaur in a duel. You’re the coolest changeling I’ve ever met !”
Applebloom replied “She is the only changeling you ever met, that wasn’t trying to put you in a cocoon.”
Sweetie Belle said “The reason we’re doing this Scootaloo, is because she’s our good friend. We would all be at the bottom of that ditch with our cart.”
I smiled as I said “Thank ya all for ya support, Ah am going to help Applejack with her chores.” I galloped over to Applejack who was busy feeding some of the animals.
Applejack smiled “You gonna help me, Sugarcube?” I nodded and helped to feed the animals. Applejack looks to the Orchard and asked “You gonna help me with that?” I saw so many trees that needed bucking.
I asked “Ah thought we would have been done with the harvest, why are there so many trees with apples on them?”
Applejack replied “Our farm is much larger than Braeburn's due to the location.”
I replied “Well we better get going, we have a lot of apples to collect.” Applejack nodded and we bucked trees for hours. I smiled when we were finally done. I asked “Can we have a shower before we go ?”
Applejack said “Sure, I need one.” I watched as she got herself ready. I however. had my own plan.
I waited for her to go into the shower, then I stepped into the shower and put my hooves on her withers and started to give her a massage. I said as she moaned “You have a lot of tension in your withers.” I keep massaging until the last of her muscles were loose.
Applejack asked after she recovered “How did you do that?”
I said “I had some practice several years back.” I realised just how toned she was the water trickled down her back. We cleaned ourselves up and got ready to go.
3 young fillies ran up to Applejack and said to her in a quiet voice I could barely make out “You hurt her and we will be quite angry.” I was confused, I was the one that should been on the receiving end of that.
Applejack asked nervously “Where are we going?”
I was worried but I knew how to get her mind of it. I responded as turned around and let my hips sway slightly “It’s a surprise.” I could feel her embarrassment at the scenario as well as the love she was emanating or maybe it was lust.
We arrived in front of the restaurant when she realised where we were. She asked “Why are we here, this is an omnivorous restaurant?”
I smirked “Ponies can eat meat too and Ah’m craving some bacon.”Applejack looked confused at my statement. We entered to several strange looks from Diamond Dogs, Griffons and Minotaurs. Me and Applejack took a seat.
Applejack looked at the menu while already I had my meal idea in my head. I smiled as the Griffon waitress walked over. Applejack asked “Ah’ll have a cucumber and tomato salad.”
Many of the carnivores smiled as they murmured something, I could feel it. I would give them something to think about. I said “I would like to have a large plate of bacon and eggs.” The waitress gasped and several of the carnivores stared at me for a whole minute.
Applejack asked “Why did you order bacon?”
I replied “Ah lived on a largely meat diet when Ah was little, Ah have a taste for it.” Applejack smiled at my answer, she said “Ah’m glad you honest with me, Ah have something to tell ya.” I could feel the love emanating off her.
I said “Please tell me.”
Applejack blushed “Ah have a crush on you Sugarcube.” I blushed despite already knowing.
I replied “So do Ah, this has been great.” Our food has been placed on the table and I shove my face into the plate while Applejack eats with a little more tact.
A Diamond Dog shouted “That’s how a true carnivore eats, you’re an impressive pony.” Applejack finished off her meal quickly as I glared at the Diamond Dog. I never liked Diamond Dogs, always trying to steal nymphs.
Me and Applejack walked up and paid Steel Arms, he said before we left “You put on quite a show, come back again.”
Applejack asked “You have been acting strange, if we’re going to make this work we can’t keep secrets.”
I replied “Ah was planning on telling ya but can we do it back at Sweet Apple Acres?" When we arrived back at Sweet Apple Acres we heard the sound of screams. The Crusaders were surrounded by several Timberwolves. Applejack charged at them and bucked 1 in the head, I fired 2 small fire spells at them and they backed away from the Crusaders.
Applejack stared at me as more turned up from out of the forest. I said “Applejack time for ya to know the truth about me.” I burst into flames revealing my true changeling form. Applejack stared at me shocked and horrorified. I cast a huge fire spell incinerating all the Timberwolves.I asked “Applejack, are ya okay?”
Applejack cried as she stared at my large jagged horn “You're a Changeling Queen.” I watched as she galloped away from me. The hate and betrayal I felt from her, brought me to tears. I reassumed my disguise and cried as I galloped to the train station.
I said crying “Ticket to Appleloosa please.”
The stallion said “You broke up with somepony, take the ticket, I have rarely seen a pony that upset unless it’s that.” I cried myself to sleep in the train as it left Ponyville.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoy the revelations chapter.
Chapter 9: Family's Anger
I sat there I can’t believe I was that stupid, a changeling under my muzzle and I didn’t know it. I heard a small but loud knock on the door. I watched as 3 fillies trotted in with a dark look on their faces. Applebloom shouted “What in Discord’s name was that Applejack?!”
I asked nervously “What do you mean?”
They asked with a hint of malice in their voice “Cara ran off crying and likely will never come back, may we inquire as to why?”
I replied “She was a changeling, what was Ah supposed to do?”
The 3 of them shouted “We knew she was a changeling, we knew not long after we first met but she saved our lives. We are not happy.”
I blinked they knew and were still giving her advice. I felt a fire in my belly, I was about to shout when I saw Applebloom give me a cold glare. The look screamed 'don’t you dare blame this on us.' Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle left without looking back. Applebloom said “Ah’m really disappointed in you, Applejack, she has done nothing but shown you kindness.” Applebloom trotted away.
Something Cara said echoed back to me. (Please don’t force me to tell you, it is very personal. My past is dark and cruel in spite of my attempts to be kind to others. I was always given hate and malice in return for kindness no matter how much I kindness I had given to them).
I realised what I had done. I sat there, I can’t believe what I had done I rejected a mare who cared for me, just simply because she was different. I mean she did hide it from me but considering how I acted I understand why she did. I got into my bed and fell into a restless sleep.
The next morning I pulled myself out of bed and went down to have breakfast. I saw Applebloom eating with Big Mac. Applebloom said after eating her fifth pancake “Ah have had enough food, Ah’m going to hang out with my friends before school.” She stared at me coldly before leaving.
Big Mac asked “Did something happen between you two?”
I said “Cara is a changeling.” Big Mac’s eyes widened at what I said, I continued “I reacted particularly badly and Applebloom wasn’t happy. It turns out she knew she was a changeling for a while.”
Big Mac said “Ah understand why ya did what ya did. The changelings hurt ya badly at the wedding.”
I replied “Ah can’t say that, Ah forgave Thorax ,why not her? She did so much for me and Ah repaid that kindness with hate. It doesn’t matter whether she is a queen or not Ah shouldn’t have acted that way.” I went to work for the rest of the day desperately trying to get my work done. I just keeping getting thoughts of what I had done. I quickly ate my meal and went to bed, I couldn’t face Applebloom like this.
I woke up to a loud knocking. I got up slowly, wondering who it could be. I opened the door and saw a very angry Braeburn staring at me. He snarled “Ah was expecting ya would be okay with Cara, you told me about Thorax in one of ya letters. Ah am surprised that you would behave this way.”
I backed away from my cousin as he stomped into the room. I was backed into the corner when I heard a voice asked “What are ya doing, Braeburn?
Braeburn said coldly “Ah wasn’t expecting find Cara crying at my doorstep. Is that what ya think of her, what would ya think about me then.
He stared at me before bursting into green flame. I watched in horror as a my cousin was replaced by a changeling. He said “Well, cous, is this what ya expected. I have been a changeling all mah life, I have been so well disguised no queen knows of mah existence, will ya reject me too ?”
I sat there, shocked for several minutes before I heard a voice “Braeburn, you're a changeling. I bet we could have some fun.” Applebloom glared at me and then Braeburn followed suit.
Braeburn said calmly as he reassumed his pony form. He said “Ya have an apology to prepare for Cara when she returns, Ah have to head back to Appleloosa, Ah can’t leave Cara to do all the farmwork.”
I saw him off at the station. I arrived back at the farm and sat under my favourite apple tree. I started thinking about what I should say when I felt a hard blow to the back of my head and all went black. I opened my eyes and saw a green cocoon around me, I tried to move but I couldn’t I saw a changeling walk up to me and inject some liquid into my cocoon, I felt tired and fell into a deep sleep.
Author's Note
I hope this chapter wasn't too rushed.
Chapter 10 : Changeling's Second Invasion
I was watching the sunrise as I took a small break, I knew Braeburn would be back soon. I was truly surprised to find out he was one of us, maybe there was room to make this work. I sighed as I started preparing the next field, Braeburn has been wanting to expand the farming area, maybe one day it will be as big as Sweet Apple Acres.
Somepony shouted at me “CARA, WE HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM.” I turned around to see Braeburn barrel into me.
I asked “What’s wrong?”
Braeburn shouted “CHANGELINGS HAVE INVADED EQUESTRIA AND HAVE CAPTURED EVERYPONY, AH SAW CHANGELINGS FLYING INTO TOWN, THOUASANDS OF THEM.”
I roared “Ah’m going back to Ponyville.” I got on the next train, I noticed the conductor was behaving strangely. I decided to say nothing, I needed to discover what was going on. When the train arrived in Ponyville I noticed how dark it was.
I arrived in the town to see everypony walking around doing what seemed to be normal but then I noticed a flicker of green every now and then. I frowned, there was no doubt in my mind changelings had taken Ponyville, I saw “Applejack” and “Rarity” talking to 2 ponies I eavesdropped on the conversation.
Applejack and Rarity laughed at the mare. Applejack said in an unusually jolly town “You freaked out and ran away from a festival, ha that’s the funniest dang thing Ah’ve heard all day.”
I muttered “Mother is going to pay dearly for this.” I hid in a bush and continued to watch, I didn’t make out the rest of the conversation but I stared at the 2 mares who I didn’t know, I realised they weren't changelings and were behaving normally.
I followed one of them who had galloped to Twilight’s castle. I sat outside and listened carefully. I fell asleep outside the castle. The sound of galloping woke me up, I followed the sound. I saw the mare knocking on a caravan she asked “Trixie are you awake?” Some incoherent mumbling came out of the caravan.
I watched as she banged on the door and much to my shock several fireworks went off in the caravan causing it bounce off the ground. I watched as the mare I assumed was Trixie opened the window. Trixie then after saying a few words went back into her caravan. I watched as Trixie was pulled out by her friend’s magic. I stepped into the clearing and said “Good to know there are 2 non-changelings in Ponyville.”
Trixie asked confused “Changelings, Starlight what is she talking about?”
Starlight said “The changelings that have captured Princess Luna and Celestia.”
Trixie shouted “What, we have to inform Twilight!”
I facehooved as I told her “Ah just said that ya are the only non-changelings in Ponyville, the Element bearers have been captured as well.”
Starlight asked “What about the crystal empire, can’t they help?”
A voice called out “I’m afraid that is impossible, the changelings have taken the Crystal Empire and everypony in it.”
I frowned as that limited our option, I hate to have to rely on him, he scares me. My thought were broken Trixie’s shriek “Ch-ch-changeling.”
Starlight said “Thorax, we are in...” I jumped at him, discarding my disguise, I gave him a big hug. Starlight shouted her horn glowing “You’re a Changeling Queen, why should we trust you?”
Thorax said as I let him go “Cara Pace is my big sister, she was the only changeling in the whole hive who liked me.”
Trixie in a full blown panic shouted “We are in so much trouble all the strongest ponies are gone, what can we do?!”
I said “We can call on certain Draconequus, Ah’m certain the Lord of Chaos has plenty of power.”
A voice said “My, my finally somepony or in this case someling recognises my talent for magic.” I shuddered as Discord approached me.
Discord asked “Well, what’s the drama?”
Trixie asks “How do we know he is not a changeling in disguise?”
I said “No changeling could take him, imagine if ya took Celestia’s level of power combine them and then multiply it by 100 then ya have Discord’s level of power.”
Discord puffed up his chest as he said “You flatter me.”
I said “The princesses plus Twilight and her friends have been kidnapped by Chrysalis.”
Discord roared “They took Fluttershy, tell me where!!!.”
I replied “The Changeling Kingdom.” Discord telported us to a random field. I said “Oh, Ah totally forgot the magic negation field, no non-changeling magic can be used within even yours, Discord.” Discord cast his magic and it failed as I said it would.
Starlight asked “What’s the plan?”
I replied “Ah’ll leave that up to you, although Canterlot I think it’s time for Regent King Discord to take over in the Princess’s stead.”
Discord smiled darkly as he said “Well then, I’ll making those changelings regret hurting my friends.” His fur turned a darker black and his small goatee was replaced with a large black beard.
Starlight asked angrily as he disappeared “Why did you send him away?!”
I said “He couldn’t help us much, his main trait is magic without it, he is just a goofball who will draw attention.” Starlight nodded and lead us towards the hive. I followed her until we reached the hive, I knocked the wall and we all entered.
Thorax asked “How did you do that?”
I replied “Changeling Queens can open the walls whenever they want, how do ya think we escape our hives in the event of an invasion?” Thorax looked down, I said “Ah understand Thorax, Changeling drones really should be better informed, we are a swarm but we’re family and family cares for one another, or at least they should.”
Trixie asked “Where do we go now?”
I said “The throne room, that’s were Ah will stop my mother and free our friends.”
Starlight said “Right, we go this way.” We continue into a secluded corridor, we heard several changelings approaching. Starlight nodded to me and Thorax. I transformed into a changeling Captain.
3 changelings asked “Why do you have these ponies with you?’
I barked in a guard’s voice “I found them snooping around, we are going to take them before the Queen, now get back to patrolling before I kick your flanks.” The 2 changelings scurried down the corridor. We entered another room.
Starlight asked “Why are we travelling through the walls?”
I replied “Getting in the front was impossible it’s always heavily guarded, Chrysalis will know we’re here as she feels a forced wall opening, she may have excused one as an accident but any more and she will get suspicious.” Starlight nodded at me as I discarded my changeling captain disguise.
Trixie said with smirk “You're pretty cool for a changeling.”
I replied with a smirk “Ah’ll have ya know that I already have mare I love, flirting won’t work on me.” Trixie blinked confused as Starlight stared at her.
Trixie asked “How did you know?”
I replied “Don’t ya remember, Ah’m a changeling I can feel your emotions. Ya can’t hide that from me.” We all let a small chuckle before we heard a patrol race past. I said “We need a distraction.”
Trixie said “I have plenty of smoke bombs.”
Starlight and I looked at each other, we said “Trixie and Thorax take half of these smoke bombs each, and use them to distract the changelings.”
Trixie turned to look at Thorax to see a spitting image of herself, her eyes open with realisation and she smiled. The 2 of them ran off to distract the changelings.
10 minutes past and both of them returned. Starlight asked “Did it work?
The pair said “Yes, they are in total disarray.
I said “We should head towards the throne room, it’s this way.” We galloped quickly towards the throne room. I heard a loud rush from behind us. I asked “That didn’t last long did it?.”
Trixie said “You 3 go, I’ll distract them.”
I said “Be careful, we don’t want to lose ya.”
Trixie smirked “I am the Great and Powerful Trixie, I won’t lose.” I smiled at her cocky attitude. We continued on until we found ourselves in the throne room.
I said “We need to take out mother’s throne.”
A voice asked snidely “What makes you think you can?” I watched as Chrysalis stepped out.
I roared “Mother don’t ya get in mah way or else Ah’ll buck ya to Tartarus.”
Chrysalis asked “Why are you so angry, what could I have possibly done to you?”
I snarled “It's not about what ya have done, it’s about what ya haven’t done. I was alone out there I couldn’t rely on anypony but mahself for so long.”
Chrysalis replied “I didn’t know where you were and... What’s with the accent?” She turned around to see one of the pods.
I snarled “Hurt her and Ah will tear ya heart out, I am no longer the young ling Ah was.”
Chrysalis smirked “I won’t she is an asset, still I have to dispose of you 2 traitors and put that one in a pod.” I watched as thousands of changelings swarmed the room. I felt 20 changelings grab me, I tried to escape but against this many, it was just too much. Chrysalis said “Traitor, I will drain you dry. You are not a queen therefore you are useless to me.” I watched in horror as she started draining the love out of him.
Thorax cried “I feel the love in me slipping away, I can’t hold onto it much longer.”
Starlight shouted “Then don’t! Sharing love is what made you different, you should share your love with Chrysalis, give her all of it!
I watched as a tremendous amount of energy surge out of Thorax which pushed Chrysalis away. I stared at Thorax, he was as tall as me, he had a green coat ,orange pincers, his hooves were now solid, his wings were glowed with luminescent light.”
Starlight shouted “This is what happens when Changelings share their love instead of stealing it.”
The changelings asked “Why should we turn our back on our Queen?”
I shouted “Because she is an egomaniacal bitch who doesn’t give too damns about what happens to you.”
The changelings stared at their Queen and seemed to be deep in thought. Then they all copied Thorax and transformed into new forms, the energy output overloaded Chrysalis’s throne causing it to explode. I smiled as all the ponies were released. Cadence and Shining Armour teleported away, not that I could blame them. They have had bad experiences with Changelings.
Thorax asked “Why haven't you transformed yet.”
I replied “Ah’m waiting for somepony.” I smiled as I saw Applejack slowly walking towards me, she was about open her mouth when I kissed her. I felt my form shift. I got a gasp from many of the changelings around me. Rarity produced a mirror form somewhere I was shocked to see that I had a coat of white fur and a green mane. My horn was straight, my wings were a luminescent blue.
I felt better than I ever did, I was pushed aside. I turned round to see Applejack pushing me. I watched as a green spell slammed into her neck. I turned to see my mother flying away, I looked at Applejack, she was bleeding heavily. I felt the tears welling in my eyes. I knew I could save her but does she want to be saved. A young filly shouted from behind “Applejack!”
I saw Applebloom staring at her sister, she was crying. In that moment I shouted as I pointed at 2 changelings “Get me a pod ready now.” I started to secrete royal jelly, I knew she wouldn’t be happy with me for doing this but Applebloom needs her big sister, she is not ready to understand the pain to lose a loved one.
Celestia and all of Applejack’s friends asked “What are you doing?”
I replied “There is only one way to save Applejack, she has to be converted into a Changeling.” They all stared at me in shock. I said “Ah’m not doing this for me, Applebloom needs her big sister and Ah’m not going to let her down.” I watched as the 2 drones brought in a ready made pod. I put Applejack inside the pod put my Royal Jelly inside the pod.
Twilight asked “How long is it going to take?’
I replied “Six months, at the latest, usually it’s done with a young nymph which takes about 3 days.”
Rainbow said with a cocky grin “I’ll be happy to teach her how to fly when she gets out.”
Pinkie said exictedly “This will give me time to plan a happy you're a Changeling Queen party.”
I said “Pinkie, please don’t throw it immediately it will take her a little while to adjust to the changes.”
Pinkie replied in her cheery voice “Okey Dokie Lokie.”
I need to head back to Ponyville for a little bit to explain Applejack’s condition.”
Author's Note
I hope you enjoy this chapter I just hope it ain't too rushed.
Chapter 11:Equestria's First Hive
We had arrived in Ponyville at last, with all of Ponyville returned, the changelings quickly dispersed. I said “Well Ah will have to send a letter to Thorax later about all of them.”
A few days past and things finally settled down after the incident, I realised just how resilient Ponyville's residents were. I was holding a letter Twilight gave me it told me I was to meet with Celestia and Luna in Canterlot. I looked at Applejack recovering in the pod, I sighed. Applebloom ran up to me, she asked “Um, since my sister is becoming one of you, um could Ah become one too?”
I said “Ah can’t make that decision alone, Ah will need to tell Applejack before Ah tell ya.” Applebloom sighed and trotted away. I galloped over to the train station, I must admit it feels good no longer having to hide myself from ponies. I bought a ticket and boarded a train to Canterlot. I got a few strange looks but most ponies ignored me.
When I got off in Canterlot though I got many stares and received a few sneers. I sighed I guess this is because of mother’s invasion. I arrived at Canterlot Castle, this is the first time I’ve actually seen the castle up close. It’s grandness still astounds me as much it did the first time I saw it. The new captain of the guard, Silent Sentinel said “The princesses and several Nobleponies are awaiting you.”
Silent Sentinel lead me to the meeting his red coat and black mane stood out amongst the guard, his cutie mark was a statue guarding a doorway. I entered the room. Celestia motioned for me to take a seat opposite herself and Luna. She asked “You wish to start a hive in Ponyville I assume, may I inquire as to why?”
I replied “Firstly Equestria has no defence forces excluding the royal guard which haven’t performed any near well enough, mah Hive could provide a secondary defence force. Secondly, changelings are much less likely to attack a land that has its own hive.”
One of the stallions shouted “You changelings have invaded us twice ,why should we trust you?”
Another stallion said “We are here for a diplomatic meeting Fiery Shimmer, let her explain, we don’t want a repeat of our meeting with the Zebras.”
Fiery shouted “Back off, Sir Lulamoon I am in control.”
Sir Lulamoon retorted “You haven't been in control since your daughter ran away.”
Fiery roared “Well at least my daughter isn’t some 2-bit illusionist.” I frowned at Fiery, he was clearly a hot head I couldn’t tell what made that more obvious his fiery cutie mark or his blazing red coat and mane.
Sir Lulamoon flicked his light blue mane as he said “Trixie helped rescue the princesses.” I was slightly shocked, that Trixie was related to him, still it helped me understand where Trixie got some of her colours from, he shared her coat colours but with a darker mane, furthermore his flank had a suit of armour on it.
Luna and Celestia looked they were about to use their Royal Canterlot Voices when a mare said “Stop arguing, all of us have had bad eggs in our families at some point, we should be glad our daughters have found happiness.”
Fiery roared “My daughter is trapped in a world that doesn’t have magic, Herald Glimmer? How can she be happy?” Herald was nothing like her daughter had a green coat with a pale white mane, she had a mark of a banner of the sun on her flank.
I shook my head as the arguing was ridiculous, a voice shouted “Enough, I may have been late to this meeting but Griffin diplomats are quite stubborn. Let the Changeling Queen speak.”
I said “Thank you Prince Blueblood, now let’s get down to business. Ah am planning to build a hive under Ponyville that will stretch into the Everfree Forest. Ah however have no drones to help me in my hive, Ah was planning to give a voluntary choice if a pony wants to become a Changeling, the only conversion being undertaken is one for a medical procedure, she will die if the conversion doesn't happen.”
Fiery scoffed “You can’t tell me anypony would wish to become a changeling drone, you are crazy.”
Blueblood said with conviction in his voice “Well then call me crazy, I’ll gladly volunteer for the program.”
Fiery Shimmer, Sir Lulamoon and Herald Glimmer shouted “Are you serious Blueblood?” Celestia and Luna frowned at that. They have been trying to remain silent during all of this, they must have wanted the nobleponies input.
Blueblood replied “I’m no prince, at the Gala I acted horribly and that has gotten worse since then, I’m a terrible pony. This is a second chance for me, a chance to right the wrongs of my past and become something more. Maybe I can be a better changeling than I am a pony.”
I said “Well, that’s a start. Blueblood, welcome to the family.”
Celestia and Luna smiled. Celestia said “I’m proud of you my nephew.” I could feel the love given off her for her nephew.
Blueblood smiled as he said “You don’t know how much that means to me.”
I asked “So is this proposition acceptable?” I watched Celestia, Luna and Blueblood put forth their support.
Celestia asked “So those against?” Fiery Shimmer and Sir Lulamoon put their hooves up. Herald was thinking carefully.
Herald said “I’m for it, my daughter put her life on the line for this peace.” I smiled as an enchanted book was placed in front of me. Celestia summoned three other books, she cast a simple spell on all four books. I watched as a changeling mark appeared on mine, I looked up to see the three other books, two of them had the symbols of the sun and moon. The third however had a symbol of Twilight’s cutie mark.
I asked “What are these for?”
Celestia replied “These will allow you to keep contact over vast distances even across worlds.” I blinked at that statement across worlds. Celestia said “I created a version for me and my former student, she still has her copy while Twilight has it’s counterpart .” I felt her sadness, this was clearly a tough topic for her.
I said “I’ll make sure this gets to Twilight and also make sure Blueblood’s conversion starts as soon as possible.” Celestia nodded to me as Blueblood and I left for Ponyville.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
I said “Cara, I’m glad for the chance to reinvent myself.”
Cara replied “Blueblood, why did ya want this, ya a powerful noble. Ah mean Ah knew ya said that ya wanted to be useful but where did this come from?”
I sighed “My father, he always told me our responsibility was to serve the crown and defend with our lives I learned how to fight with a sword using my hooves rather than magic. Even after all these years of being a prince I thought despite being rusty I thought I could still defend myself but when the changelings attacked I ran like a coward, if my father saw me today he would climb out of his grave and kick me out of the family!”
Cara responded “Ah see, ya respected ya father a lot.”
I told her “I did when a small group of Griffins raided Canterlot he gave his life fighting to defend the foals in the school. By the time the guard arrived he had already drawn his last breath.”
Cara said morosely “Ah’m so sorry for bringing up bad memories.”
I smiled slightly as I said “It’s not your fault, I am the one who has damaged our family’s reputation and now it’s time I take responsibility.”
Cara smiled “Ah’m glad to see ya conviction, ya will make a fine member of the hive.”
I replied “Thank you Cara, I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity.” Cara smiled as the train stopped. I nodded as we both walked through Ponyville. We walked up to a huge crystal castle. I asked “Why are we here?”
Cara replied “Ah’m heading in to give Twilight the book, we need to keep in contact remember.”
I said embarrassed “Oh I forgot, sorry about that.”
Cara smiled as she said “It’s fine Blueblood.”
I sat there for hours thinking (Father I’m sorry, I’ve failed you and everypony else.) I closed my eyes for a few moments
A familiar voice said “Don’t worry, you’ll do fine I’m glad you're making a change.” I woke and I saw the moon in the sky.
Cara said “Come on sleepy head, we got to set up the conversion.”
I asked “Why didn’t you wake me up?”
Cara told me “The conversion is easier if ya are not tired and ya it seems like ya were exhausted. Are ya well rested now?”
I said “I am let’s get this done.” We arrived in Sweet Apple acres and I saw a small staircase made out of a strange material in the ground. When we entered through it was quite large. I asked “How did you get this done so quickly?”
Cara replied “Ah asked Thorax for help, his hive helped set this up for us.” I nodded as I looked around only to see Applejack floating in a pod. I saw a different one in front of me.
Cara asked “Are you ready?” I nodded as I jumped in and felt the warm liquid matte my coat. Then all went dark .
I woke in a strange looking arena. A voice said “Hello son.”
I gasped “Father, how are you here?”
My father said calmly “I have unfinished business here my son and since when did you forget to call me by my title, you need to prove yourself to me again, you have 2 weeks before this pod opens.”
I said “Head Captain Blueblood, sir does this mean you're a ghost ?”
He said with a smirk “Yes I suppose it does” then his smirk vanished “I have 2 weeks to kick you into shape.” I nodded and he tossed me a sword I caught it with my hoof and got into the stance my father taught me.
He said “I’m glad you haven’t forgotten everything, maybe there is hope for you yet.” I watched as he beckoned for me to start. I charged at him only to be kicked backwards.
He said “Sloppy, I trained you better than that just because I’m old and my speed is hampered even further by my armour is not an excuse to be complacent and charging is foolish if you are not capable of landing the first strike.” I watched as he gripped his sword and rushed me, I couldn’t even blink before I felt a blade in my gut. I blinked for a few seconds before blacking out.
I woke to see my father standing over me, he said “Well that’s one day down. I will teach as much as I can in the day, on the last day you will face me.”
I asked “Sir, how am I alive?”
My father replied “This is not real, your body is a construct of your mind which is rebuilt every day.”
He said “I’m going show you how to parry and counter.” He held his sword out, I swung only for his blade to block mine. He said “Parrying is all about speed and attentiveness, you are distracted, focus completely. You will try now.” I watched as he swung and I was drew my blade only for his sword to stop in front of my face. He shouted “Try again.”
After 10 tries I blocked his first strike. I said “Thank you sir, I think I’m getting it.”
He said “You have a long way to go, let’s see if you can parry a barrage of my swings.” I nodded and after the best part of 3 hours I finally managed to succeed. He said “Good that is the first stage, tomorrow dodging.”
The next day went horribly even as he showed the techniques from jumping and rolling to complex techniques such as moving slices, I had failed each one. I snarled “Why am I failing?”
My father smiled “I know you can do this or else I wouldn’t be here. Your mind is clouded by doubt and fear.” I nodded as I prepared for the next day. 1 week passed and I was still stuck. I snarled “This is ridiculous, I am trying as hard as I can.”
My father asked “Remember what was said in that movie we watched, Lights of the Stars Episode 5.”
I said “Yeah, Lightning Startrotter was mentored by Master Stormeye.”
My father said “I think you need to take the guiding words he said ‘Do or do not, there is no try.’”
I asked “What do you mean?”
My father replied “You are trying but you are not believing in yourself, don’t tell yourself to try, tell yourself to do.”
I nodded and over the next few days it finally clicked I said “You were right sir, I shouldn’t have doubted myself.”
My father nodded and said “The final lesson is hoofwork, where to stand and how to move.”
I nodded as I watched his movements and copied his movements to the best of my ability but I stumbled often. He said afterwords “You have stumbled a lot today but keep pushing never give up and never surrender, that is the way of a fighter, soldier and a leader.”
I nodded and after 3 days of practising the time had come, a duel between me and my father. I swung several quick blows to test his guard before slamming it with a large swing only to be pushed back. He said “That was impressive you tested my guard and then struck at a weak point, you made it too obvious and I played along.”
I realised I was off balance as his sword swung against my guard with impunity. I delivered a sharp blow to his chin before slamming him back. I realised there was no way to meet him from the front, his defences were good and his armour was formidable.
An idea formed in my mind and darted sideways before launching a strike at his side knocking him down and swinging my blade at him only for him to parry at the last second. I took jumped backwards the charged forwards. I smiled as he tried to pulled the same manoeuvre he did in our first fight and I ducked under to swing my sword at his from behind knocking it out of his hand.
I put my sword to his neck and said firmly “Yield.”
He nodded and said “Very well, I yield you proved the point, you are ready. Here is one last gift a heirloom of our family.” I watched as a sword materialised in my hoof it read “The Soulblade of the Blueblood family,” It was engraved underneath “Made by Blueblood the 1st.”
I cried “I don’t deserve this.”
My father smiled as he faded away “The fact you said that is exactly why you are worthy of it.” I woke in a room and looked at my hooves to see white fur but underneath I could see blue chitin.
Cara said “Prince Blueblood, come with me.” I followed her into a large cave building covered in maps and weapons.
She pointed to the end of the line and I stood besides several other changelings. She said in what appeared to be in my head “(You are the ones who wished to join the hive’s military and for those who perform well will get promoted.)” I heard the lings next to me cheering eagerly.
Cara trotted over to me and said “Prince Blueblood you are looking good, those white wings suit you.”
I said “Blueblood is the family name,” I paused for second to look at my flank, my Cutie Mark had changed “My name is Iron Compass and I will protect this hive with my life.”
Cara smiled as she said “Well Prince Iron Compass, it’s time to put your words to action.” I nodded as I ran into the training room summoning my family’s sword.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoy this chapter. Also Texus thanks for giving me this idea for a chapter.
I frowned as I hit the ground, I moaned “Urghh, what happened?” I remember I threw myself in front of Cara and then all went blank. I noticed my hooves were larger and covered in goop. I realised I was in my bathroom, I got into a shower and quickly turned the water on. I rubbed soap over my body and I touched my forehead and realised I had a horn. I screamed as I was unsure of what had happened to me.
Cara galloped in and asked “Are ya okay Applejack?”
I asked trembling “What happened to me?”
Cara replied “Ah had to convert ya or else ya would’ve died.”
I opened my mouth to shout when Applebloom galloped in. She gave me a big hug as she said “Applejack, Ah’m so glad your back.”
I stared at Cara and asked trembling “Why?”
Cara replied “Ya were dying and Ah wasn’t about to leave Applebloom without her big sis.” Cara then said “Applebloom you can ask her later, we have many important things to discuss.” Applebloom left the room silently as Cara sighed.
I wondered what that was about but I knew I had to say something about what happened. I said looking at my hooves “Ah'm sorry sugarcube, not just about this misunderstanding but Ah also reacted poorly to your true self Ah’m sorry.”
Cara said “That’s alright, mah Sweet Apple. Ah won’t let ya go again.” I blushed at her pet name for me. She then said “Since ya a Queen Ah’ll have to show ya around plus ya have a lot to learn about leadership.” I frowned being a changeling was one thing but a Queen.
I asked “Why a Queen?’
Cara replied “Ah hoped for ya to rule beside me, also Ah didn’t want to have any advantage over ya in our relationship. A drone has to obey the Queen, Ah hate it but it’s a part of our biology.”
I felt a voice in my head “(Applejack it’s Cara, this is our hive mind, it allows the hive to communicate across great distances. Ah have much to show ya.)”
I blinked as we arrived at a hole in an empty orchard. I said “This is a lot for me to take in.”
Cara said “(Please try to use the hive mind, it will be important as my Co-Queen).
I focused and started exploring the hive mind. I found Cara’s mind and asked “(Did that work?)”
Cara said “(Yes but it should happen much faster, Ah do it instantaneously. Practise with me as we continue on.)” We arrived in a place in the middle of the hive, it was amazingly well lit.
I asked “(How long have Ah been in that pod?)
Cara replied “(Six months.)
I shouted (Six months, how is that possible?!)”
I then got a huge roar back “(BE QUIET!)”
Cara stared at me before she said “(Ya shouldn’t shout every changeling will hear ya. If ya shouting ya must do it for a good reason, at the same time, EVERYLING, APPLEJACK IS MY CO-QUEEN THEREFORE AH EXPECT YA NOT TO SHOUT AT HER!)” I felt the hive mind go quiet.
We entered what appeared to be a military room. I looked down to see a large changeling training with several drones. I watched as the training stopped. Cara said “This is Prince Iron Compass, he is the general of the hive, in the past six months after his conversion he has become a formidable warrior, he has even taught me swordsmareship.”
Applejack knew this changeling, she stared at his cutie mark. It was a shield shaped compass with a sword instead of a needle. I was about to ask when Applebloom ran up to me, she begged “Ah want to become a changeling like you, can Ah? Can Ah?”
Cara said frowning at Applebloom “Ah’m sorry she has been bugging the hive ever since ya went into ya pod, Ah had make it clear she was not to be converted until Ah got permission from ya.”
I asked “But 6 months in a pod, that is such a long time for a filly, won’t that be bad for her education?”
Cara said “It won’t take that long, even for a Queen a filly will take 3 days to become one, adults have a lot more permanent developments that need to happen in order to be fully developed the most complicated being the egg laying organs.”
I turned to Applebloom and asked “Are you 100% sure you want this, Ah need to know?”
Applebloom responded with a serious look on her face “Ah am, Ah'll be happy to be a changeling, are you worried?”
I sighed “Ah just wanted to make you were 100% sure of your decision and all it will entail, you won’t be a pony anymore. You may be bullied, your friends may turn on you.”
Applebloom didn’t even flinch at my words, she said “If their truly my friends they won’t care what Ah am, they will like me for me.”
I said sadly “Fine Cara, Ah give permission. It’s better than the alternative tried to do it herself.” Cara nodded and set up a pod in front of me. I watched as she put some strange substance around the sides. I asked “What is that substance?”
Cara replied “Royal Jelly, the same stuff Ah used to make ya a Queen and not just some drone.” Applebloom jumped in without the slightest bit of hesitation, I stared at the pod as it closed.
I asked “(What are we doing now?)” She was about to speak when I screamed as I felt a huge burst of pain coming from inside.
I heard a Cara shout across the hive mind “(WE NEED TO GET APPLEJACK TO THE NURSERY, SHE IS LAYING FOR THE FIRST TIME.)” I was lifted up, by the time we were at the Nursery I couldn’t open my eyes.
I was placed down on the ground and was told “(Push hard, this will hurt.)” I pushed and felt my body scream at me as pain tore through my body. I kept pushing even as the pain, grew and grew. I felt several things come out of me. I turned around to see several eggs covered in blood.
I watched as what seemed to be several hundred nurse drones cleaning the eggs. I asked “Is it suppose to hurt that much?”
Cara said “Trust me the first time is always like that, it is the breaking of your fluid membrane from when queens are young lings, it forms on every queen even those who are converted. It is the equivalent of an umbilical cord for ponies, trust meit needs to break.”
I asked “Will it hurt that much next time?”
Cara said “No, It won’t. Ah suggest ya get some rest, ya, me and Prince Iron Compass are going to be attending a meeting with the Princesses in 2 weeks.” I sighed as I went to have a shower, then I jumped into my big bright green bed and fell into a deep sleep, today had been a long day.
Chapter 13: Hive's Inner Workings
I asked Cara “What are we doing today?”
Cara replied “Ah am going to show ya the hive and explain to ya how things work in the hive.”
I asked nervously “Sooo, how many eggs did Ah lay?”
Cara said “Ya laid twenty and ya will lay twenty every week for the next 6 months. These are ya starter clutches, they mature faster than ya later clutches. They are there to help the hive start up, they mature fully within 2 weeks and help ya take care of later clutches.”
I said trying to hid the panic in my voice “Thanks for telling me, Ah don’t think Ah’ll ever get used to laying.”
Cara said “You will, it will come as easily as breathing in time.” I felt conflicted part of me hoped she was wrong and another part of me hoped she was right
We trotted past several changelings discussing duties and a few cracking jokes. I blinked at that, all Chrysalis’s drones did was snarl.
I asked “Our drones seem a lot more friendly than your mother’s, why is that?”
Cara chuckled “Do ya really think Ah am as boring as mah mother?” she then got serious “Ah’m trying to promote peace between ponies and changeling races that mean teaching tolerance and respect for pony culture as well as respecting ponies themselves.” I smiled as I nodded at her statement, it was good to know that progress is being made towards peace. Cara said “Ah have something to show ya.” I nodded and followed her into a large cavern. Changelings were watering all different kinds of plants.
I gasped in shock “This is a farm! HOW?”
Cara said “Because we farm produce that doesn’t need light, we farm Night Pumpkins, Shadow Plums, Shade Berries and Nevershine Apples, we couldn’t grow them in the Badlands and had to forage for them but Equestria provides us with all we need to grow them, good soil, plenty of water.”
I smiled as I said “It’s beautiful, I love it.”
Cara said “Ah knew ya would , part of the reason Ah set it up actually.” I blushed as I felt her lips on my cheek, I followed as she shook her hips seductively in front of me. By the time we got to the sleeping quarters, my face felt a hot as the sun.
Cara said “These are the sleeping quarters.” I stared at the sleek domes carved into the rock, they were all well furbished and had large structures made of our goo and what looked like chitin.
I asked “What are those beds made out of ?”
Cara said “They are made of chitin and changeling goo, we make them out of our recycled carapaces once we shed. Our first shedding happens 3 weeks after we hatch with exception of the starter clutches, they have it on the first day.”
I said “That’s weird, you use your own shedded chitin to make furniture !?”
Cara replied “We couldn't afford to waste anything back in our old home, wood was scarce and brittle and rock was too steadfast, we wanted our bed frames to be able to bend under a bit of weight rather than snap in two.” I nodded, that made a lot of sense.
Cara said “Ah hope that we can get some nymphs into the local schools, it may help increase our acceptance in the neighbourhood.”
I said “That isn’t a bad idea actually, Ah think that should be our next call. We should bring that up with the princesses to see if we can get that arranged.” Cara smiled and she beckoned me to follow her again.
We arrived at a huge complex full of books. I said “Twilight would love this place.”
Cara chuckled “She’s actually in there right now, last time I checked on her she had 50 books levitating around her as she scribbled notes.”
I laughed heartily “Good old Twilight, always reading, always studying. Anyway I would like to speak with her.”
Cara nodded as she said “Of course, come see me later. I have a lot of work to do particularly with Iron Compass, he wants input on who he should give promotions to.”
I entered the library and looked at my purple Alicorn friend sitting at a table with very tired eyes and twenty pages of notes. I asked “Are you okay, Twilight?”
Twilight shouted “Applejack!" and gave me a big hug. I realised I now stood a head or 2 above her.
I returned the hug and said mockingly “Come on Twilight, you know you're not supposed to shout in a library.”
I watched as she started to panic “Oh no, I shouted in a library.”
I nudged her “Relax noling or pony is in here, you can calm down. I was only joking.”
Twilight said as she calmed down “Thanks, it’s good to see you. We were all so worried about you and...”
We both were suddenly in a mess hall and a pony shouted in a super excited voice “Surprise, I hope you enjoy your APPLEJACKISSAFENOW and APPLEJACKISACHANGELINGQUEEN party !!!”
I sighed “Pinkie, Ah’m really grateful but...”
A tomcoltish voice shouted “Come, on Applejack, it’s all just a little fun.”
I spotted Rarity who said “Of course, Rainbow Dash is right and we were all so worried about you, we’re all glad you're safe, right Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy said quietly “Yay.”
I smiled come here girls “Ah’m big enough to give ya all a hug.”
Five of us were about to hug when Rarity said “Come on Rainbow Dash, you were asked.”
Rainbow Dash said “But it’s too mushy for me to do that.” I watched as a purple aura pulled Rainbow Dash closer and I wrapped all my friends in a big hug.
Twilight said “Umm Applejack, it’s a little tight.”
I replied as I let them go “Ah’m sorry, all will be fine.”
***************************************
Meanwhile
A bug on the wall said across the hivemind (“My queen we need to do something about this.”)
The Queen replied (“We will, I already have a great plan. I bet she will be enthusiastic to see her famous singing friend.”) She transformed into Rara and smiled.
Chapter 14: Meeting with the Princesses
I sighed, 2 weeks had passed since Applejack woke. She has been struggling to the adaption, she is still scared of laying eggs. Our dinner dates have been going well despite that, our relationship is stronger than ever and our hive is starting to take shape. Braeburn has been sending me regular letters on how his farm has been improved thanks to my hive’s assistance. Applebloom woke up 11 days ago, she still has good relations with her friends, which has helped put my mind slightly more at ease. She hasn’t gone back to school yet due to a few reforms I need to discuss with the princesses.
I was already on the way to Canterlot with Iron Compass, Applejack was a little busy with the farmwork. I frowned, I swear sometimes she forgets that she is a queen of a hive. We arrived at Canterlot, I still get odd looks from time to time but with the help of Twilight things have settled down. The last 6 months have been huge, I went from being abandoned to running my own hive of very pony-like changelings. In fact some ponies don’t even distinguish the difference between us, I am proud of that, we fit in really well.
Prince Compass asked “Do you have an idea of the what we were called here for?”
I replied “No brother, Ah don’t.” I didn’t feel like he was one of my children but like a brother, he has helped clear many doubters of our hive. I wonder how Applejack will react when she finds out who he used to be.
Silent Sentinel awaited us, he said “The princesses are awaiting you.” We followed him into the throne room. I felt a flare of hate emanating from one of the princesses. I stared to see Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armour in front of me. I sighed, they had a problem with my mother and outside of Thorax they had no experience with good changelings. I guess because I’m a queen they worry I will conquer Equestria.
I was quickly proven right. Shining asked angrily “Are we really letting a hive in Equestria, they almost conquered us, twice?!”
I thought (I should have known this would pose a problem.)
Prince Compass said “I would say this changeling endeavour has given many ponies a new lease on life.”
Shining snapped back at him “Converting ponies into changelings, that should be outlawed!”
A voice came from outside the door “Sorry, Ah’m late.” I smiled as Applejack trotted in. She nuzzled me as she asked “How’s my favourite Love Bug?” Prince Iron Compass smiled slightly.
I replied “Ah could be doing better, mah Sweet Apple, all this running of a Hive has hit me hard, Ah have no idea what Ah’m doing half the time.” Applejack stared at Cadence as their glare intensified.
Cadence snarled “More of them, Changeling Queens can’t be trusted.”
Celestia frowned as she asked “If Queen Applejack can’t be trusted who can?” Shining Armour and Cadence gasped at Applejack as they noticed her Cutie Mark.
Applejack asked “What have Ah missed?”
Luna said “We were discussing the voluntary changeling conversion program, it has been going quite smoothly I hear.”
That snapped Shining Armour out of his stupor. He shouted “Nopony would want to become a changeling willingly.”
Prince Compass roared breaking his usually calm demeanour “BEFORE MY CONVERSION I WAS A UTTERLY USELESS STALLION! THIS CONVERSION HAS GIVEN ME A NEW LIFE!” He then turned to Celestia and bowed “My apologies, Aunty.”
Cadence asked confused “He is your nephew?”
Celestia said calmly “Prince Iron Compass is Prince Blueblood.” I watched as Applejack, Shining Armour and Cadence's jaws dropped.
Applejack stared at me for several minutes. Shining Armour asked in complete shock “When, how, why?”
Prince Compass said “I told you this has given me a new life, the arrogant prince is gone, I am the General of the Changeling hive’s military force.”
Applejack said “No offence but Ah’m surprised you of all ponies decided to do this.”
Prince Compass said “None taken. I wouldn’t have done this except for the fact I was achieving even less than I usually did, my life was falling apart. I had lost all purpose, I had realised after the Changelings captured me I learned the truth I was an arrogant spoiled brat. I couldn’t even cast a single spell that took out even one Changeling. I only hindered the effort, several guards were caught trying to protect my sorry flank.”
Cadence said “I still don’t like Changelings, they caused us great harm. Thorax had our influence in order to change his perception.”
I snarled “Are ya saying Ah didn’t. Ah’m sick of this toxicity between us, ya emotions are literally poisonous. Ah have been doing good work here for the past six months. Canterlot still hates us because of both invasions. Ponyville and Appleloosa are the places where we are the most accepted, Ah was hoping Ah could add the Crystal Empire to that list but Ah guess not.”
I asked Celestia “Ah was hoping to bring up another matter actually, Ah would like some of our hatchlings to go to Equestrian schools in order to improve relations between our races.
Cadence snarled “No way, I won’t allow it.”
Celestia and Luna said “That is a great idea, I give you permission to start in Ponyville, in the meantime we’ll discuss it with the nobles of Canterlot, hopefully we can get them to agree on this.”
Cadence said “You can’t, they are not...”
I decided to end this meeting before it got too nasty in here. I asked “Well, Ah think we know Cadence’s stance on this matter. Do we have anything left to discuss?”
Celestia said “No, we don’t. I will adjourn this meeting.”
Cadence shouted “We aren’t finished, you can’t…!”
Applejack interrupted Cadence with a snarl “Well, Ah don’t really need to hear this and neither does Cara. Prince Iron Compass will inform us of what you have to say.” Prince Iron Compass nodded to us, then we stormed out of the room slamming the door on the way out.
I sighed “Damn it, this was supposed to go well.”
Applejack said “Ah know this is hard but we’ll get through this. You know, on my way here Ah saw a restaurant for Griffin's selling a lot of meat dishes. Ah say we go there and have a nice meal.”
I smiled “Ah hear ya, let’s go. Ah need to get mah mind off that meeting.” Applejack then groaned realising what kinda restaurant she had suggested.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Me and Cara walk to the Canterlot Griffin restaurant. It has been quite difficult for me the last couple of weeks. Eating meat and the prospect of laying eggs scared me, on top of that I have the position of royalty, I’m just a simple farmpony, I can’t do this. I am only trying for Cara’s sake. I was so cruel to her, I dismissed for what she was rather than who she was. Cara said “Mah Sweet Apple, are ya okay? Ah’m here for ya no matter what.”
I replied “Ah’m sorry, it’s just this whole Queen thing is over mah head. Ah’m just a simple farmpony, Ah can’t keep this up.”
Cara smiled as she spoke “Ah know it’s hard, mah Sweet Apple but we will work thought this but for now let’s get something to eat.” I sighed as we approached the restaurant. I looked up to see the name of the restaurant, the Golden Wing. I sighed as this meant there was Griffin running the place, Gilda is the only griffin I have really spent any time with and the experience wasn’t great, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie insist she’s changed but still.
We entered and Cara asked “May we have a seat for 2 please?”
A female covered in silver feathers Griffin stepped up and said exictedly “I’m Silver Wing, my father was Golden Wing and he opened this restaurant years back, he passed away a year ago. I know he would be ecstatic to know royalty would be eating here.”
Cara said “There are very few places that serve meat in Canterlot, thank ya Silver Wing.” We proceeded to sit down and look over the menu.
I asked “What am Ah supposed to do, what if Twilight hates me for what Ah said to Cadence?”
Cara said “Ah’m sure she won’t she is ya friend, I’m pretty she she would shout at Cadence for this and give her a piece of her mind.”
I said “Ah hope your right.”
Just as Cara was about to reply a waitress came by, she asked “I’m Bronze Flight, what would you like to eat?”
Cara said “Ah’d like some bacon and eggs.”
I quickly added “Ah’ll have the same.”
Bronze Flight said “Of course, your royal highnesses.” I fidgeted slightly at the use of my new title.
Cara said “Ah know ya new title is hard to adjust to but stop worrying about it, we will keep everything fine and dandy.”
I replied “Your right, it’s just Ah don’t want to let anypony down.”
Cara said “Of course ya won’t, Ah’ll be by you side.” I smiled slightly as we sat there. Cara asked “Are ya looking forwards to seeing ya first eggs hatch?”
I said “No, I’m nervous, Ah have never raised children before.”
Cara replied “Ya do care for Applebloom and spent a good amount of time helping her.”
I replied “It’s not the same, she’s my sister, raising a foal is a lot harder, Ah have no idea what Ah’m going to do.”
Cara smiled as she said “Ah will help ya, don’t worry about it. Also the proper term is hatchling, please try to use proper changeling terminology for changelings.” I rubbed my head at that with a slight smile, I never was very good with words.
A voice said “Here’s your meal I hope you enjoy.” I watched as Bronze Flight walked away. I stared at my food as Cara heartily devoured her meal.
Cara asked “What’s wrong?”
I replied “Ah’m sorry, Ah’m not used to eating meat, Ah was herbivore before and despite my now omnivorous nature Ah have been to scared to eat meat.” Cara smiled as she grabbed my fork and shoved some of my food into my mouth. At first I felt sick from the food but then as the flavour rolled over my tongue I realised how good the meat tasted.
I smiled after swallowing and said “Well, that was really good, Ah had known how good meat had tasted Ah would have tried it before.”
Cara said “Ya wouldn’t have liked it, as a herbivore it would have tasted like dirt but now as an omnivorous changeling ya can enjoy meat.”
I said “Ah’m glad something Ah’ve been worrying about to be so foolhardy, oh boy Dash will be so jealous that she can’t taste this.”
Cara smiled “Ah have a feeling, speaking of which Ah haven’t spent a lot of time with ya friends, Ah need to get to know them better.” I nodded and we demolished our meals and paid the restaurant before leaving despite Silver Wing’s insistence on us not paying.
We arrived back at the farm late at night just as we were about to go toe go to the bedroom, I saw a letter at my doorstop my eyes widened as it read “It’s your childhood friend Rara, I have a concert coming up tomorrow in Ponyville, I hope you’ll be there.”
I sighed as I said “Ah wonder how she is going to react to the new me.”
Cara asked “What could possibly go wrong?”
Meanwhile
Several different Pinkie Pie’s, facehooved/palmed, one the personal student of princess Celestia hiding in her library after all of Ponyville want one of the Galloping Gala tickets from her, another an Alicorn flying alongside her romantic partner Discord while another a Changeling Queen escorting her friends through her hive and the last one in spar with Sunset Shimmer, they all said in unison “Oh come, you shouldn’t tempt fate like that.”
The Pinkie Pie that Cara knew said “I believe somepony I know did something stupid that caused some alternate versions of me to facehoof and/or facepalm.”
Author's Note
Due to the fact my editor is currently unable to edit my stories I decided to put up my chapters up as they are so they may please note the next several chapter may have some errors.
I said “Spike, can you go to get me some more quills from, Quills and Sofas. I have so much zoning paperwork to do involving Cara and Applejack’s hive.”
Spike said “I will, I also got to deliver this ruby to Rarity. I have been careful purifying over the past month.”
I smiled “Wish you luck Spike.”
He smiled back “Thanks Twilight.” I decided to head to the library, a good book to help me relax. I trotted down the corridors to the library, I thought (Hmm, what to read?) I looked over the massive shelf I smiled (Starswirl’s Book on transmutation perfect.) I began reading.
Starswirl the Bearded
The basics of Transmutation is fairly simple, the first step is too make sure you have the resources to transmute. You can’t make something without the required ingredients for example if you have a broken clock, you can’t make a larger clock using that broken clock, you can only make the same one you had. The final warning is trying to create a living thing is highly dangerous. You can try but it may kill you or turn you not a monster.Others…
I heard a familiar voice shout “Twilight!” I put the book back and galloped out of the Library.
Twilight saw Cadence standing there. Twilight asked “Cadence, what is the matter?”
Cadence shouted “Changelings are in Equestria, we need to do something.”
Twilight frowned “Why?”
Cadence shouted “Because they are going to take over Equestria, they already got Celestia and Luna.”
Twilight sighed “There is nothing wrong, they are not causing any harm.”
Cadence eyes widened “They already got you, I need to get to the Empire and warn them.”
Twilight slapped her “Get a hold of yourself, the Changelings are no threat. Now calm down will you.”
Cadence said “But they have caused us so much harm.”
Twilight told her firmly “Applejack is one of the Queens, she is the bearer of Honesty and my good friend, I have faith in her, you should too.”
Cadence stammered “B-but…”
Twilight snarled “Where is the Cadence, the kind loving mare I knew? When did she get replaced by a mare whose so prejudice against another because of who they are?”
Cadence eyes widened at the statement. She sighed “Twilight, I’m sorry. I’ll leave now.”
Twilight frowned “No I will show you the glory of their hive and what they have produced.”
Twilight teleported the pair to the entrance of the Hive. Twilight smiled as she entered the hive. Cadence shuddered as she entered a place she always feared. She was shocked came by what she saw, changelings and even a few ponies were running shops. Several ponies were chatting to changelings, a changeling smiled at Twilight.
Twilight said to the changeling “Good morning Filthy Rich.”
Filthy Rich smiled “Good Morning Twilight.”
Twilight asked “How’s your daughter going?”
Filthy Rich smiled “Good now that she’s amongst her own kind.”
Twilight said “Well I wish you a good day, I am just showing my sister in law around.”
Cadence asked as they trotted further into the hive. “Filthy Rich one of the mots successful Earth Pony business ponies is actually a changeling.”
Twilight said “Not originally, Diamond Tiara was always a changeling, she was left on their doorstep as a filly.”
Cadence asked “How did they not notice?”
Twilight replied “Filthy Rich did, why do you think she always wore that tiara?”
Cadence said “It was enchanted.” Twilight nodded as they arrived at the hatchery.
Several hatchlings smiled as they ran up to Twilight. They said “Twilit please tell us a stowy.”
Twilight smiled “Well let’s start, long ago there was two sisters, one who raised the sun and the other who raised the moon….”
Cadence watched as the young hatchlings soaked up Twilight’s story with the same energy Twilight had when she told her stories. Cadence thought (This is nice, I have to inform Shining. I think we have made a mistake.)
Cadence said “Twilight I need to inform Shining, this place is beautiful and I was wrong. These young hatchlings remind of you when you were younger.”
*****Later that Afternoon in the Crystal Empire****
Shining Armour was sitting there listening to another Crystal Ponies’ petition when a messenger arrived. The messenger said “A message from you wife sir.”
Shining Armour said “Very well, I need to read this in private it may be important.” He returned to his room, Shining opened the letter.
Dear Shining, the love of my life
We were wrong, Twilight took me to Applejack’s and Cara’s Hive and they were so similar to us, they had a fully functioning town square with ponies and changelings living in harmony. I even got to see the Hatchery, they reminded me so much of young Twilight. We have let the past blind us.
From your loving wife, Cadence
Shining Armour scowled at the mirror “So they got you too have they, I will make them all pay!” He smashed the mirror, he however didn’t notice the faint purple trails coming out of his eyes.
Author's Note
I've read so many stories where Cadence went bad becasue of Changelings so I thought I'd do the opposite.
Me and Applejack had gotten ready, her childhood friend Rara was due to perform in a hour and we were going to watch. Applejack asked “Are you sure this a good idea?”
I said “Like Ah said, what could possibly go wrong?” I blinked for a few seconds as I heard a loud groan.
Applejack asked in confusion “Did you make that noise?”
I said “No, Ah didn’t.”
Me and Applejack jumped as Pinkie Pie jumped out of the sink, she said in a serious and dark tone “Stop tempting fate, I just yelled at by four other mes to tell you to quit tempting fate. In fact one of them threatened to kill me, so unless you want me dead you better stop.” Pinkie then dissapeared back through the sink.
I blinked for a few seconds, confused. Applejack stared at me darkly “You better stop saying what could possibly go wrong, Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever seen Pinkie that serious. When she is this serious you better not mess with things.”
I gulped “Ah promise, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in mah eye.”
Applejack said “Good, as for what Ah’m worried about, well it’s not the right time. Rara told me her schedule for the next year not long before we met and she is not due to visit here for another 5 months.”
I asked “Do ya think something's wrong?”
She replied “Ah’m not sure but we should keep our guard up.” I nodded as we headed to the open air concert hall.
I asked as I caressed her transparent yellow wings “Why don’t you use your wings, Ah’ve never seen ya use them?”
She replied “Ah don’t know how, Ah have tried to do what the other lings do but it doesn’t work.”
I said “Ah will have to teach ya then, Queen’s wings work differently than normal changeling wings.”
She said “Thanks, it would help” She then asked “Could you also help me with magic, Ah’m still not getting it, Ah can lift a basket and nothing more.”
I said “Of course mah Sweet Apple, now let’s take our seats.”
We watched as Rara has started singing, I smiled her voice was incredible. I kissed Applejack half-way through which caused her to blush slightly, I was amazed at how little the ponies reacted to us during this event. We even started to cheer as the concert went on, hours past quickly and the music died down.
Just as we moved towards Rara she said “It’s good to see you two.”
I asked confused “How do you know me?”
“Rara” laughed as she said “Forgive me, it seems I given up something a little to easily.” I watched “Rara” transformed into a changeling queen with red eyes and chitin.
Applejack roared “How dare you capture my friend?’
The Changeling Queen said “It wasn’t easy, she took knocked most of my drones multiple times but it was well worth it to lure you two into a trap, she escaped unfortunately but no matter I got you two.” We watched in horror as the crowd turned into changelings. She said “It was very easy to capture the crowd,” she then shouted “Kill th!...”
We watched as a hooded earth pony cut her head off with a sharp blade. She said “Unlike Chryssi, you are not smart enough to knock your opponents out with gas.”
I asked “Who are you?”
She removed her hood and Applejack shouted “Rara what happened?” I stared at the mare, her left eye had a large scar over it and she was holding in her hoof a longsword, her muscles were similar in size to Applejack’s. I was most surprised by her armour, it was made of hemp and looked very durable.
The Changelings shouted “You killed our Queen!” They were all about to charge when a much larger cloaked pony cut through thirty changelings with a single well timed swing of her scythe. The changelings gasped and flew out of there scared of the new threat.
Applejack frowned as she asked “Who are you?”
She said in a mocking tone “I would have to be a real monster to let my daughter and my soon to be daughter in law get hurt.”
I gasped instantly while Applejack was still trying to figure it out, I whimpered sadly “Mother.” Applejack looked at me and my mother removed her hood as she smiled at me with her toothy grin.
Applejack turned around and I felt the anger coming of her as she shouted “CHRYSALIS, HOW DARE YOU RETURN!”
Rara said as she kicked the Dead Queen’s head with her boots “Relax Applejack, she saved me and we have been freeing ponies from these Changelings.”
Chrysalis said grinning “Yeah and we’re getting along well, real well.” Our jaws dropped as Rara kissed her on the cheek.
Rara said “I think we broke them.”
Chrysalis replied “Oh we definitely broke them, once they snap out of it we will go and have a double date, it will be fun.”
Rara asked “But she’s your daughter isn’t that going to be embarrassing?’
Chrysalis said “Not really my mother did it with me.”
Rara replied “Oh okay, we’ll do it.”
I blinked as my mind had just returned to the conversation and turned what I heard into actual information. I said “Well Ah do know a decent place around here, it’s where Ah took Applejack on our first date.”
Chrysalis said “Well let’s go.” I nodded as I shook Applejack and informed her of the situation.
She said trying to keep calm“Ah’m not sure about this but for Rara’s sake.”
I then asked “Actually before you go, how about you tell of how you two met?”
Chrysalis smiled “Very well, we’ll tell you.” We struggled to maintain our composure as Rara and my mother kissed again.
Author's Note
I understand this came a little out of left field, so there will be 3 Interlude chapters to explain this.
I snarled for the thousandth time this month “Where are you taking me?”
The Changelings said “Shut up, you stupid pony.”
I said “That’s uncalled for, I didn’t kill any of you, I just knocked out fifty of you, you lucky bastards captured me.”
They shouted “Shut up” then suddenly they shouted “to ...”
I watched as a scythe tore through the door, the voice had an buzz to it as if it was a bug. I watched as a Changeling Queen putting her scythe on her back as she entered the cart and asked “Are you okay?”
I responded “I’m fine, you are a different changeling from those, right?” She nodded at me. I said “Well then I will trust you” I stepped out and grabbed my blade which was covered in jewels around the hilt then I said harshly “If you try anything I will kill you.”
The Changeling Queen said calmly “I promise not hurt you in any way.”
I replied “Good,with that out of the way I guess introductions are in order, I’m Rara.”
The Queen replied “Well I’m Chrysalis Ex-Queen of the Badlands Changeling Hive.”
I frowned as I asked “Why should I trust you?”
Chrysalis replied “Because I have so little power left, I am no threat to you.” I stared at her for several minutes and realised she was right, she was sick and frail, her chitin was covered in cracks and her holes were almost the width of her hooves.
I asked “Um where do you live” and the I saw the unfamiliar stalls and inhabitants, some where like sharks, lizards and fish creatures as well a cat having some troubles with a mole rat “where are we?”
Chrysalis said “Klugetown, in the Storm King’s realm, it’s fairly safe for me as the Storm King will only allow each hive to have 5 changelings in the premises or else there would be an issue. I will take you to my place.”
When we entered it was a modest place, she had a small fridge. I asked “Can I make myself something to eat?”
Chrysalis said “Sure, go on.” I grabbed several vegetables and and ate them within a minute. Chrysalis said “You must be really hungry.”
I said “Those changelings had no idea what to feed a pony, we are not carnivores. Still it’s better than what I used to do during my old bard days, eating dung isn’t pleasant trust me.”
Chrysalis gasped “Dung, even changelings wouldn’t dare.”
I said smiling “When your hunting dragons, bandits, timberwolves, changelings or even the odd pony and have no time for finding food things can get desperate.”
Chrysalis asked confused “Why would a bard do any of that?’
I asked “Have you ever impersonated a bard?” Chrysalis hook her head. I then said “Bards learn how to fight because often we get attacked by bandits, kidnappers and the odd changeling. As years past we became renowned for our combat skills we started taking requests for hunting monsters or bandits, thus bard guilds also have a board full of marks.”
Chrysalis shouted in amazement “Wow, I’m glad I didn’t face any bards during my second invasion of Equestria which failed or else it would have been over.”
I asked coldly “Tell me everything?” Chrysalis shivered at the cold gaze in my eyes as she told her story.
I said “I guess you saved me to get in your daughter’s good graces.” She nodded at me. I said calmly “I am not happy about what you did but you saved me and I owe you for that.”
I gave her a light hug which caused her to ask blushing “Why did you do that?”
I smiled “You're a changeling aren’t you and you feed off emotions, I gave you some of mine, I thought some of my gratitude may help you.” Chrysalis noticed her holes shrunk slightly and some of the cracks in her chitin disappeared.
Chrysalis showered her with praise “Thank you so much, I haven’t never been shown such kindness.”
I said “I’m not that kind.”
Chrysalis scoffed “You said ‘you only knocked out fifty changelings of those changelings that were trying to capture you, you are a good pony.’”
I blushed at the praise “I just did what anypony would do?”
Chrysalis laughed “I wish, most ponies I know will strangle them.”
I asked “How do you know?”
Chrysalis said “Have you been to Canterlot or Manehatten or Fillydelphia, the rich lord over everypony and those who have little are starving in the streets, do you know how many converts came off the streets of the big cities, thousands of them.”
I gasped “Thousands of them.” Chrysalis nodded, I made a mental note to bring this up when I returned.
I said “Chrysalis how about this, on behalf of Equestria and all it’s ponies I will be you friend.”
I saw the tears cross her face as she asked “Really?”
I gave her another hug “Really, you need to learn how to be loved by others and the start is friendship.” I asked “Do you have a bed for me to sleep on.”
Chrysalis blushed “I only have one bed.”
I smiled “Well you need to eat don’t you, I could make sure you are nice and well fed by morning if we just cuddle in the same bed.” Chrysalis turned her head away, trying to hide her blush.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
I woke to see Chrysalis’s hooves around me. I smiled at the changeling mare beside me, I carefully extracted myself from her hooves, she looked much better than she did last night, the holes in her hooves and mane had shrunk considerably. Her body was no longer cracked but smooth like polished obsidian.
I quickly trotted out and opened her fridge I noticed a few eggs, some flour and butter, I entered the modest kitchen, I grabbed a worn apron. I decided to make pancakes for the two of us, after 1 hour in the kitchen I heard a groggy voice “That smells good.”
I said “I thought I’d make something for us to eat.”
Chrysalis said “You know I don’t need to eat food, right.”
I smiled “Trust me you’ll enjoy this.” I finished up the pancakes and put them on the table. I grabbed a fork in my hoof and began cutting as I watched her levitate her knife as she cut the pancakes. I stared intently as she put the first piece in her mouth.
She gasped “Wow, how did you do that, I could taste the love in the pancakes.”
I smiled “It’s an old family recipe, from centuries ago and the main ingredient was to cook with love in your heart.”
Chrysalis said “Well, thanks I feel like a queen in a palace with how well you've been treating me.”
I said “You saved my life, changeling or no you have my thanks.” Chrysalis was about to say something when a cat barged through the door.
I grabbed my sword and asked “Who are you?”
Chrysalis asked “Capper, why are you here?”
I asked “You know this rude cat.”
Capper said “Hey.”
I ignored his complaints as Chrysalis sighed “In exchange for keeping his debtors off him until he can pay them back he makes sure I have enough funds to keep myself well cared for.”
I watched as a Mole Rat with 2 large sharks behind him. Capper hiding behind us said “Verko, we can work this out.”
He said “No, we can’t Capper you owe me money and I demand you to pay up.”
I snarled “You three leave before things get nasty.”
Verko looked at me and Chrysalis who I noticed had grabbed her scythe while the exchange went on, he said “You get out of my way and there will be no trouble.”
I shouted “No, you will leave before I make you.”
Verko said “Get them.” I slammed one bodyguard with my left hoof before cutting the other’s hand off with my sword.”
I said “Get out of here, and take you friends with you.” They scrambled out of the building as fast as they could.
Chrysalis shouted angrily “Capper, why did you run in here?”
Capper said meekly “Because I, uh needed help.”
I said calmly “Look, you need to get that debt of yours under control.”
Chrysalis said “He never will, he’s a chronic gambler.”
I told him “Capper you better leave before they come back.” He nodded as he left in a semi-dignifed manner.
Chrysalis asked me after our uninvited house guest left “What would you like to do today?”
I said “Well, I would like to scout some of the changelings who kidnapped me and discover what they are up too.”
Chrysalis winced as she spoke “I’m not keen, they want me dead.”
I said sternly “Well, I gotta do this.”
Chrysalis sighed “I’ll come, I haven’t a friend before and I’m not going let my first friend wander into danger.” I gave her a big hug, I noticed the blush on her cheeks.
I asked “Is there anywhere secret in this place?”
She replied “We have a basement.”
I said “Good, we need to get some maps of Equestria and use them to chart Changeling movements as we investigate.”
Chrysalis said “I brought a few maps from my hive in case I needed to find a place to mooch some love from other couples, it is hard to get love around here, before you got here I barely survived on the sorrow and misery but it made me really sick.”
I said “I’m sorry about that.”
Chrysalis smiled “It’s not your fault, anyway we should get started. Where do you think we should look.”
I said “Manehatten, it was where I was captured.”
Chrysalis replied “That’s a 3 month journey by hoof, I will need to make preparations for this trip, we will need a good deal of food, water and drinking supplies.”
I said “That’s good, we will at the first light of Celestia’s sun.” Chrysalis shivered at my statement. I asked “Are you okay?”
Chrysalis sighed “I’m sorry, just after all I’ve done, I am worried at the mention of her name she will turn up and turn me to ash.”
I said “She will have to get through me first, I have fought things worse than her.”
Chrysalis asked intrigued “What creatures/”
I replied “Tatzlwurms, Ancient dragons, Dragon zombies, a Festering Fowl.”
Chrysalis gasped “A Festering Fowl, when how? Those creatures are older than Discord and at ten times as powerful, my mother told me those tale when I was a mere nymph. I thought Celestia wiped them out.”
I said “Not all of them, they still exist just they rarely get close to civilisation. Horrid things they are, a chicken’s head, the body of a Wendigo, the claws of a Dragon, the tentacles of a giant squid and they smell like rotting flesh, they bring famine and death wherever they go.”
Chrysalis asked “How do you know so much?”
I smiled “Bard’s Guilds have access to information that even Celestia and Luna don’t. It is very top secret and only revealed to those on a mission to destroy such things, you however already know so I can speak to you about it.”
Chrysalis said “Well, that’s interesting. I really need to to prepare for the trip, you should rest. We have got a long day tomorrow, you better sleep.”
I asked “Are you sure you want to do all the preparations?”
Chrysalis said “I can go for day with out sleep, I’ll be fine.” I was still concerned the lack of sleep is the least of our worries. How long could she go without the lack of clean water.
Author's Note
I hope it isn't too rushed
I stared at Chrysalis who was carrying two saddlebags filled with food. I was carrying all the water in my 2 saddlebags. Chrysalis whined “Come on, just a sip of water please?”
I said firmly “Chrysalis, we have only been travelling for 2 hours and you finished an entire bottle of water, we only have 10 left excluding the one I’m using now.”
Chrysalis whimpered “But I’m thirsty.”
I snarled “Do you want to drink urine? I have had months of drinking urine during my bard days. Do you know that I could make a a 250 ml bottle last for a week, you used an entire litre in a day, we only have 6 left excluding the one I’m currently using and I haven’t even taken a sip of it yet.”
Chrysalis looked down at her hooves and said “I’m sorry, it’s just I’m not used to this climate” she then asked “Why are we travelling in the sun?”
I said “Because I can’t see in the dark, the moon and the star’s can’t reach the Storm King’s domain.”
Chrysalis asked “I could use my magic...?”
I interrupted “No, light spells require too much magic in the dark night. When did you travel here, because light magic take a lot more power if there is no light at all? You should have experienced it?”
Chrysalis said “2 months ago, I arrived in a cart disguised as a cockroach, the most embarrassing thing I know.”
I said “Well then know this, your magic won’t last an hour in the dark. You have enough light in your caverns that you can see in the ‘dark’ but there is no light at night, it is dark and cold in this desert at night.”
Chrysalis said “Oh, I didn’t know. Klugetown is always filled with lamps and other light sources even at night.”
I said “Well I’m glad I taught you something, we have a long trek ahead of us and I would like you to please stop complaining about the water.” Chrysalis nodded quietly and we continued our trek through the desert.
Hours later night fell and I blushed slightly as she used her light spell to prepare our bedding. I heard many ponies call changelings ugly but I didn’t see it, her horn even though it was crooked was polished to perfection, her chitin reminded me of polished obsidian, I turned away as she looked at me. I tried to hide my blush, she didn't say anything so I assumed she hadn't noticed. I quickly snuggled with her under the blanket, we shared our body heat in the cold dark night and as her horn light faded, we quickly fell into a deep sleep.
1 week had passed since then, Chrysalis only consumes a bottle of water every 3 days, thank Celestia, still I have been filling up the spares with my urine in case we run out. I looked at Chrysalis who was trotting in front of me, I knew I was blushing as her flanks swayed side to side, the light of the sun causing her well polished flanks to shine. Chrysalis turned around and sighed “Stupid flank, stop trying to seduce ponies urghh.”
She then looked up at me and saw me blushing. I saw her grin wickedly at me, we trotted for several hours as her flank continued to sway as she smiled at me, I was sure my face was as red as a tomato. I finally blurted out “Yes, I’m attracted to you alright”, she then smiled at me as I calmed down, I said to her “You are a beautiful mare, you are tall, slim and your eyes glow like emeralds, you chitin shines like polished obsidian.” I smiled as she blushed back at me.
She said sadly “Thanks Rara, you are too kind, but I’m just an ugly changeling queen with no hive to call her own.”
I wrapped a foreleg round her, giving her and told her “Listen to me, you are beautiful and an attractive mare, don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”
Chrysalis smiled as she said “Thanks, no-one has ever called me beautiful.”
I smiled as I said “Well, I’m the first to say it and I’ll keep saying until you believe it.” We sat there smiling as we watched the sun set.
******Present Day*******
Applejack asked “So that’s the story, huh?”
I said “Yes, that’s how me and Chrysalis met as well as how we headed on the path to love we now share.”
Cara then said “That seems too convenient and you only knew each other for a week.”
I pointed out “Sometimes life doesn't always make the most sense, beside from what I’ve heard from Chrysalis you two fell in love after 2 days and I didn’t fall in love until a month later and didn't tell her until we arrived in Manehatten.”
Just as Cara was about to reply a bunch of royal guards and Twilight barged into the abandoned concert hall looking for a fight. I reached for my sword as they approached. I glared at Twilight who was glaring at Chrysalis, the mare who I loved.
I said seething with rage “Twilight, don’t make me do this.”
Twilight snarled “Put down your weapon, Chrysalis is an enemy of Equestria.”
I snapped “I love her and if you want to hurt her you will have to get through me.” Twilight continued to glare at me until I heard hooves crashing outside, I snarled as several hundred Royal guards charged in as well as the Princesses of the Sun and Moon.
Twilight smirked “Looks like I won’t have to do anything.”
I snarled “Fine, I could beat all of you before breakfast.” I thought to myself (Don't hesitate act, it’s all or nothing.) I let flames cover my body as my sword crackled with lightning. The first rank of guards charged only to be knocked with a few decisive strikes. I watched as Princess Luna smiled at me, I shifted to a flame sword and had my body coated in rock, as the next wave charged, I darted through burning them with a single slice knocking out the whole rank.
Luna boomed “Enough, I have a test for you and if you pass, Chrysalis won’t be harmed.”
Celestia shouted “Sister, what is the meaning of this?” Luna smiled knowingly as she stomped a hoof on the floor, causing a field to appear. Twilight, Cara Applejack and Chrysalis blinked in confusion at the events unfolding.
I gasped as I bowed and said “Grandmaster, I have long awaited this moment.”
Luna said “As have I, many failed to master this art because of my actions, it’s time for me to make this right, prove your worth and you will to earn the Grandmaster’s title.” I channelled my magic into my body, I felt the earth around me, the fire burning within and the lightning surging over me. I gritted my teeth as pain shot through me, I felt my bones cracking but I pushed through the pain.
Luna said encouragingly “Good, the first part is done now flow that magic into your blade, let it fill you with power.” I growled as the pain increased the magic holding my body together leaving into my blade. Luna said “Now slam it into the field and achieve true strength.” I slammed my sword into the ground and as I did I felt a huge surge of magic rush through me before all went black.
******
I blinked as I woke, I remembered completing the trial and falling unconscious. I was pleasantly surprised to be feeling no pain, in fact I felt better than I had in years. I pushed my self to my hooves and notice just how much smaller the room seemed. I watched as Princess Luna entered the room with a smile, I noticed she had to look up at me to see my head. I asked “Um Princess Luna, why are so small?”
Luna chuckled “Please call me Luna, we are equals after all, as for size you are about the same height as my sister, I’m kinda jealous actually. You need to see yourself.”
I followed Luna into a room full of mirrors. I looked in one and in my shock I was really tall, I also and a long white horn sticking out of my forehead as well as pair of wing sticking out of my back, furthermore my mane and coat where flowing as if they were in the wind.
Luna said “Well, how are you liking being an Alicorn?” My mind froze, Alicorn, how, it didn’t make sense. Luna said “It’s the reward for becoming a Grandmaster of the Mighty Mystical Blade style.”
I then felt terrible, I asked “Is Chrysalis alright?”
Luna said with a wicked smile “Well, she has committed many crimes I could protect her but that could cause a lot of trouble for Equestria and you have to consider the consequences of angering the hives.”
I asked “Is there another way?”
Luna said her smile growing more wicked “There is one way, you had these in your saddlebags.” I looked down to see a pair of boxes, both containing rings, one on a necklace. I knew what to do, I just hoped she would accept.
Chrysalis was being stared at by 7 mares, 5 ponies and 2 changelings. I knew them, the Elements of Harmony plus Chrysalis’s daughter.
Twilight frowned as she said “You should leave there will be serious repercussions for Equestria if you stay, Equestria can’t protect you without declaring war with the Changelings.”
I said “There is one way, Twilight. I didn’t want to do this so soon but I have no choice.” I got onto one knee pulling out the box and said “Chrysalis, will you marry me?”
I noticed the stares of the others but Chrysalis gave me a hug as she shouted “Yes, of course, I will.”
I put a ring, white and indigo ring on her horn as she removed the other ring, which was a shade dark cerulean mixed with black, she placed it on my horn. We kissed passionately for several minutes.
We stopped and looked at all of the mares around us, they were staring with their mouths gaping open. I asked “My precious gem, are we always going to break ponies every time we kiss.”
My fiance replied “My special star, we will turn quite a few head but this won’t be common I’m sure.”
I said “Good, but we better find ourselves a place to stay.” Chrysalis nodded at me as we desperately tried to rouse our stunned audience.
Luna said “I will organise you a place to stay in the castle.”
Author's Note
Yeah things are going to kick off from here.
Me, Chrysalis and Luna entered a large bedroom, Luna said “Rara, I will be working all night to make sure you coronation happens tomorrow.”
I said “Yes, we better get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
Luna said “I agree see you tomorrow.” Luna left the room leaving me and my fiance alone.
Chrysalis asked “So what are we going to do, we are going to be at the centre of conflict?”
I panicked “I don’t know, I’m singer and a fighter but I’m no politician.”
Chrysalis hugged me wrapping her forelegs around me, she said “It’ll be fine, all you need to do is give some big inspiring speech.”
I replied “I don’t know, what if I screw up I can cause a war.”
She gripped me firmly “You’ll be fine, we have fought through hoards of changelings trying to kill us and freeing thousands of ponies. This is nothing.”
I sighed “Maybe your right, but let’s get some sleep.”
Chrysalis nodded in agreement “Goodnight my precious star.”
I smiled “Goodnight my precious gem.” I woke up with my fiance wrapped around me, I knew I couldn't escape. Wait hmm, maybe I can, my glowed and with a pop I was in the kitchen.
Celestia asked as she wolfed down a piece of cake “Rara, why are you here?”
I said “Um, teleportation accident.”
Celestia giggled “Oh, I remember my first time, I bumped into my parents making Luna.”
I blushed “Oh.”
Celestia sighed “Those were the days, I could just be a normal pony.”
I asked “Am I going to be treated the same way?”
Celestia said “No, it takes time to earn a reputation like mine or Luna’s. You will probably be met with ponies tyring to get on your good side or those who will boycott you for your romantic partner.”
I said “Well they can go and get bucked for all I care.”
Celestia laughed “I like your attitude, I was worried you would pander to them but I’m glad I was wrong.”
I said “Urghh great, now I’m going to surrounded by thousand of ponies like Svengallop.”
Celestia asked “Who?”
I sighed “He managed my singing career before I realised he was using me for his own ends.”
Celestia nodded “The Nobles are very similar, I’m glad you will not fall their hollow word sand false promises, speaking of which we need to get you dressed.”
I asked “Who could make me a dress in such a a short time, we have 6 hours.”
Celestia smiled “I’m sure you know her, your friends with Queen Applejack after all.”
I blinked Queen Applejack, she never gets called that but I suppose running a hive, oh I’ve been terribly rude haven’t I. Celestia guided me to a spare room in the castle, I opened the door to see Rarity writing up din a notepad.
I asked “Um Miss Rarity?”
Rarity said “Forgive me darling, just coming up with some design ideas.”
I said “It’s alright Miss Rarity.”
Rarity smiled “Just Rarity please, your going to be Princess now there’s no need for such formality.”
I said nervously “I just hope I don’t screw this up, I can understand how AJ feels , we’re both two former Earth Ponies in way over our heads.”
Rarity gasped “Don’t say that, you are quite capable, you wowed entire crowds with you music, your a celebrity.”
I said “Not anymore, after meeting Chrysalis I actually panned on a more combat focused career, I wanted to help others from the creatures that went bump in the night” then it hit me I said “I’m going to form a special ops force to fight what goes bump in the night, that is my first objective after my coronation.”
I left the room after Rarity finished the measurements. Applejack bumped into me, I asked “How are you handling all this?”
Applejack sighed “Well, Ah had a fight with Cadence, she spoke to Twilight the day after that and well it ended badly.”
I said “Oh, that isn’t good.”
Applejack said “No it isn’t and things are only going to get worse now that Chrysalis is here.”
Rarity galloped out “I need you to try on the dress.”
I said “Well, looks like duty calls.”
Applejack sighed “Ah know that feeling, Cara wants me to draft up some new rules for the hive, Sweet Celestia Ah have no clue about any of this political business.” Just I was about to reply Rarity dragged me away to the fitting room.
Rarity said “I’m sorry dear but we need to get this done, you have a coronation in an hour.”
I sighed “I know I know, how’s Chrysalis doing anyway?”
Rarity said “I had made her one as well, it is not as fancy as your though.” Th dress was long and covered my flank thank goodness, still it was beautiful the colours remind me of Chrysalis. I gasped (This is a couple’s piece.)
I asked confused “Why?”
Rarity said “Darling, it will help a sign of your bond. It will show a sign of solidarity, a commitment a married couple will share.”
I snarled “Fine but I want to see her in hers.”
Rarity backed away slightly “Okay, I’ll go get her.” I sighed as she I shouldn’t have snapped, urghh I hate today.
Chrysalis came in wearing a much simpler dress than mine, it was mainly a light ray with several shades of purple, hinted with a moderate opal colour spread throughout. Chrysalis said “You look beautiful, it fits your fame perfectly.”
I blushed “As does yours.”
Rarity said “I’m glad you like it.”
I sighed “I’m sorry about earlier, I should have kept my cool.”
Rarity smiled “It’s okay, you have a lot on your plate, I understand.”
Celestia barged in “We’ve got to go, we have 10 minutes.”
I said as I nuzzled my fiance “Let’s go.” She smiled and we walked out to face the public.
I looked over the crowd. Celestia said “I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours about a new Princess, I hear to confirm those rumours. I present Princess Starsong, first of her blood line and her Fiance Chrysalis.” She placed a black and purple crown on my head as I stepped forward.
The crowd gasped one shouted pointing at my fiance “She’s a monster.”
Another roared “She’s brainwashed her.”
A voice all too familiar me shouted “She thinks she’s better than us.”
I roared my voice booming across the landscape “Enough.”
Celestia gasped “Wow, I thought our Royal Canterlot Voices were loud.”
I ordered “First, guards take Svengallop to my quarters , that’s a personal problem for me to deal with.” After several guards dragging him kicking and screaming away. I continued “I understand you concerns, I don’t expect to be accepted for my choices but no mater what happens I will give my blade to the Equestrian cause, I am not Celestia or Luna, I am not a politician I am a fighter and I will protect Equestria with my life.”
The crowd asked “How do we know you not brainwashed?”
I glided down to the crowd with my Fiance, I said “Look into my eyes, do I look like a I’m mind controlled. During Shining's Mind Control he experienced headaches, besides would Chrysalis really use her true self in public if she was mind controlling me.” The crowd murmured. I looked at Chrysalis and she nodded teleporting the pair of us back up to the balcony. We walked inside leaving the crowd with those final words.
Celestia said “That was well played, direct but effective.”
Luna smiled “I liked that, I wish I could have done that in my coronation.”
Chrysalis said “I agree that was a great way to get the nobles on side, still I would have murdered them but that is Changeling rules are quite hostile.”
I said “Yeah, I’m not doing that.”
Chrysalis smiled sadly “I know, your better than me.”
I said “Don’t worry that will change with time but for now we need to organise that double date.”
Chrysalis said smiling “Of course, Applejack and my daughter will love it.”
Author's Note
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
I wake up to the sound of buzzing. A voice called (Queen Applejack, if it is not too much trouble could you join me in the barracks.)
I said (I’ll be right there.) I arrived in the barrack, I asked “Prince Compass, what was Ah called for?”
He snarled “We have an enemy in custody, Chrysalis.”
I frowned “How much do you keep with news outside the hive?”
He said “Not much.”
I sighed “She is the fiance of Princess Starsong and Ah don’t …”
A loud explosion was heard from above. A voice boomed “Where is my Fiance!!!”
I snarled “Prince Compass release Chrysalis before her angry fiance decides to drop the sun on our hive and my family’s farm.” He nodded shaking, after we let Chrysalis, me and Chrysalis galloped up the stairs to find a 100 Changelings lying unconscious on the ground.
Starsong slammed a Changeling into the wall she boomed “Where is my Fiance?! TELL ME! NOW!”
Chrysalis said “I’m right here.”
Starsong grabbed her “Oh sweet Celestia your safe.”
Chrysalis replied “It was a misunderstanding, they still thought I was evil.”
I said “Yeah, it was a long day. Ah had planned on telling the hive today but Ah overslept.”
Chrysalis smirked “Well then to pay us back we definitely have to go on that double date today.”
I sighed “Fine, but Ah need to see Cara first, she might be really busy.” I galloped through the hive.
Cara asked “Do you want to start flight or magic training, so much has happened we haven‘t had time?”
I sighed “No, we have to go on the double date.”
She asked “Why?”
I said “It’s to compensate for the accidental locking up of your mum by Prince Compass.”
Cara grumbled “Let’s go, in the name of the Sky Mother this is going to be embarrassing.”
I asked confused “Sky Mother?”
Cara said “She commanded the very skies, able to increase and decrease how much air was available to breath.”
I said filing that away foe later discussion “Well anyway we’ve got a date to attend.”
Cara sighed “Right, lead the way.” We galloped up to the top level of the hive.
Starsong asked “Are you ready?” We nodded and we left the hive heading into Ponyville proper. We arrived at a fine restaurant, The Lightning Skies.
I asked “What is this place?”
Cara sighed “This is the top restaurant in Ponyville, never went here because of all the snotty noble ponies that come here.” I looked around to see the sneers of several unicorns. I felt the ground shake and they all turned away, I saw the crack in the flooring beneath Starsong’s hooves.
A green pegasi mare with a gold and amber mane said “I will take you to your table.”
I growled internally (Lightning Dust.) We arrived at our table it was large and covered with a bright white tablecloth.
A blue stallion with a gold mane trotted to our table, he said “Thank you for visiting our proud establishment Princess Starsong, it is a great honour.”
Starsong said “Please call me Starsong, I am not one for formality.”
He stammered “Bbb-ut that would be innnaa-appropriate.”
Starsong said in a cold tone “I was an Earth Pony as was before I ascended as was AJ before her change, the both of us prefer being treated as another member of the public. Even during my singing days I didn’t like the attention, the only thing I valued was smiling face of children during my career.”
I scowled “Ah agree Mr Dust, Ah want to be treated as an equal, especially after my encounter with your daughter at the Wonderbolts Academy you owe me that much.” He blinked confused, I snarled “Remember the balloon that got caught in in that makeshift hurricane.”
He gasped “You were on that….” He then said grimly “Very well, may inquire about your order.” We made our orders, I ordered a Manehatten Style Salad while Cara ordered a Fruit Bat Burger. Chrysalis and Starsong ordered a Storm Salad with Fruit Bat Wings.
I asked “Why are you comfortable eating meat?’
She laughed “It’s better than what I have had to eat, besides I might take a liking to it.” She pecked Chrysalis on the cheek causing her to blush. She asked “I notice you don’t kiss often.”
I said “Well we don’t often because we are too busy with our own things as well as running a hive is a lot of work, this is our first time out since Ah woke.”
Chrysalis sighed “I’m sorry about that.”
I said “It's in the past.”
Chrysalis smiled “Thank you for being forgiving.” Cara sighed. I frowned noticing how out of it she is.
I asked “Chrysalis, Starsong, give me a moment with my marefriend?” The nodded and I dragged her into the restaurant bathroom. I asked “What’s wrong, you’ve been dead silent since we got here.”
She sighed “Ah just don’t feel comfortable around mother after the incident.”
I said firmly “Well then you two need talk this out as adults, I have forgiven her for it, it’s your decision whether to forgive or not.”
She said “Ya right Applejack, it’s just all this is getting to me, the running of the hive and on top of that Cadence doesn’t like us and now mother is here doesn’t help our cause.”
I said “Let’s go out there and make this dinner enjoyable.” We returned to the table to see our food in front of us. I smiled as Cara ravenously devoured her burger. I then asked “Starsong, where did you get that scar?”
She said “I had a fight with a unicorn missing a horn, she was very strong. I broke several of her ribs and all 4 of legs and she still didn't stop. She called herself Tempest Shadow.”
I asked “Where did she get that kind of training?”
Starsong said “The Storm King, a Tyrant who controls a large amount of Kingdoms. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to take Equestria by force.”
Cara gasped “No way, no-one would dare.”
Starsong then whispered “Oh he would, his armies consist of thousands of loyal soldiers who have trained their entire lives. I would expect him to attack within the next year, I just hope he doesn’t crash our wedding.”
I said “We need to tell the Princesses, we need backup.”
Chrysalis said “Me and Starsong will handle that, you two should make sure you hive is ready, the last thing we want is a panic.”
I laughed “Since when did this become a business meeting?”
Cara said with a smile “I don’t know wasn’t this supposed to be a double date.”
Starsong laughed “Well as the saying goes business before pleasure.” I watched as Chrysalis whispered something in her ear. Starsong smiled seductively “Of course milady.”
I asked confused “What?”
Cara smirked at Starsong “You two better get going, this is not the place for that kind of activity.” They both smiled as they left.
I asked “What was that?”
Cara asked as she smiled wickedly “Did you ever get the talk?”
I blinked for a few moments before my eyes widened. I snarled “That’s not proper public conversation.”
Cara laughed “Changelings talk about it all the time, you really need to get used to our culture, Starsong has and she isn’t even one of us.”
I sighed “Fine, fine anyway we better get the lessons underway.”
Cara said “Of course, you I am not letting my Co-Queen flounder through the air or fail at magic 101.” The pair of us returned to the hive.
Author's Note
Yeah accidents happen and cause consequences.
I said “Applejack, watch and learn.” I flapped my large wings and soared through the sky, I must admit I missed doing this. I haven’t really done a lot of flying since leaving mum’s hive. I then landed next to Applejack who looked nervously at her wings. I smiled knowing what will give her a push “Come on, Twilight figured out how to fly and she was a librarian, don’t tell me that you can’t.”
I smiled as she darted into the air in anger her wings flapping perfectly. She scowled “That hurt you know.”
I smirked “Look at you, ya flying.”
Applejack looked around and gasped as she saw she was in the air. She screamed “How do Ah get down?!”
I said “Um, look uh….” I flew up net to her said “Just follow my lead.” I flew down adjusting the angle of my wings landing on the ground. She tried to match my technique but ended up crashing into the ground, I gasped “Are ya alright?”
Applejack replied “Ah’m fine, just a little sore.”
I said “Hmm, maybe we should do some magic. Ah don’t want ya to hurt yaself.”
Applejack shouted “No, Ah’ll get this!”
I said firmly “No, your not, it take time, ya not going to immediately learn everything in one day. Ya did well but only because Ah made you angry, if ya really want to do well ya need to do it consciously to the point it becomes like breathing that takes time, now we’re going to continue onto magic.”
Applejack scowled as we trotted over to the target range. I said “Now, ya will try to hit a target.”
Applejack said “That can’t be that hard.”
I said “Focus the magic in ya horn and line it up with your target.” She quickly picked up on it hitting the target with ease. I smiled “Ya aim is pretty good but let’s teach some control.”
I levitated a few hay bails over I said “Now you are to try to levitate one.”
Applejack said “Ah could levitate 12 easily, Ah have the power.”
I snarled “Applejack this a control exercise, just levitate one.”
Applejack snarled back “Fine, Ah will.” She attached her magic on one only for it to burst into flames. Applejack shouted “How, Ah have the power?”
I asked “That’s the problem, imagine if Celestia and Luna used the same amount of they used to raise the celestial bodies to levitate a teacup, then what would happen to the teacup?”
Applicant said “It would explode…” she took a few seconds to realise “oh.”
I said in a deadpan tone “Yes oh, now let’s get ya levitating some hay.” I watched carefully trying to correct Applejack the mistakes she made but after an hour she was still setting hay on fire.
She snarled “How am Ah supposed to do this?!”
I said “Ya anger is not helping, ya need a clear head.”
Applejack snarled “Ah’m perfectly fine, Ah can do this.”
I shouted “No, ya aren’t doing it right!”
Applejack shouted back “Ah’m wrong am Ah, Ah’ll show you wrong!”
I felt her sock me in the jaw. I slammed my hoof into her jaw. I gasped as her horn glowed, the next minute I was lying in the dirt in Central Ponyville, I looked up to see a purple shape, I smiled “Hiya purple glob, how’s you day been? Mines’ pretty bad, Applejack blasted me here.”
I then felt a hoof slam into my jaw, I think my jaw was broken by that. I opened my eyes to see Applejack's outline, I levitated her and threw her into a building. I coughed up some blood I guess that landing hurt more than I thought, I then screamed as the pain finally hit me. I sighed thinking about the pain made me feel the pain.
I saw the orange blur run towards me only to be levitated in a light blue aura. I then screamed as I felt my wound closing, I swear they hurt more healing than they did hurting. I looked up to see my mother smiling at me, she asked “Are you okay my precious daughter?”
I said “Yeah, me and my partner got into a fight, it’s our first one.”
I heard Starsong’s voice shout “Applejack, this is not the proper way to behave. You’re a Queen, you have to set an example, rein in your temper.”
Applejack snarled “Well pardon me but Ah was born a simple Apple Farmer, Starsong you know this.”
Starsong sighed “I was not that different from you, an Earth Pony doing what many Earth Ponies do. My father was a labourer nothing more, he dug holes for Ponyville’s construction industry, I became a bard to pay for his medical bills after her was injured during a Timberwolf attack. I was 16 then, I had a talent for singing and put it to use.”
I said “It must have been hard.”
Starsong said “Yes, and it was rough. It was worse that my father died a day after my first concert and I didn’t even get to go to the funeral. My older sister told me not to come, I was not wanted.” It tore my heart out, I was 22 and my sister was 18 then.” I watched as a tear dropped from her eyes.
Chrysalis trotted over and hugged her “Don’t be afraid to cry, let it out, trust me holding in pain only makes it worse.” I watched as Starsong burst into tears as my mother simply held her. I smiled the love they had was true and strong. I stared at Applejack who was still held in Starsong’s magic, she was upset.
After Starsong stopped crying, Applejack said “Ah’m sorry Starsong it’s mah fault for saying that.”
Starsong said firmly “Don’t worry about it, I’m not the one who deserves an apology.” I blinked as Starsong turned to look at me.
She lowered Applejack down said as she rubbed the back of her head “Ah'm sorry Ah lost my temper, Ah hope my precious Love Bug will forgive me.”
I smiled “Of course Ah will, Ah’m sorry too. Ah understand ya wanted to keep practising but Ah was worried.”
Applejack said “It’s not your fault, Ah push mahself too hard.”
Starsong said “I think Applejack should come with us to Canterlot where we can teach these things in a more stable environment.”
Applejack shook her head “But Ah have work to do on the farm and Ah have to help the hive.”
I said “Ah’ll be fine, Blueblood can cover for ya and Ah can have someling to fill in for ya.”
Starsong said “Great, come on Applejack you got to grab your stuff and then we go.”
Applejack gasped “Right now.”
Chrysalis said “Yes, now get going.”
Applejack looked at me sadly. As we walked to her room I gave her a simple green necklace. I said “This will connect ya to the hive mind even from Canterlot.” I blushed as we shared a long kiss. After that she left to get ready, I sighed “Ah’m going to miss her.”
Author's Note
Yeah the training caused some problems for the pair.
I stared at Applejack, she was nervously rubbing her hooves together. I asked “Applejack, you seem nervous, can you tell me why?”
She replied “Ah don’t want to talk about it.”
I asked “Is it because you are afraid of the responsibility.”
Applejack asked “How do you handle all this, Ah mean you’re a princess?”
I looked at one of my saddlebags “I have learned to be adaptable, part of my training as a bard.” I pulled out a long sharp stick , a bottlecap and a toothpick.
Applejack asked “Why do you have those?”
I smiled “They are mementos, they are replicas of items I used to slay a dragon.”
Applejack gasped “You killed a dragon with those 3 tools but that’s insane.”
I said “It was a job where a griffon lord had a mission for his 3 sons, they they or a champion of their choosing had to slay a dragon. They had to use a set list of items, the eldest had a greatsword and armour forged by the swordsmith in the empire enchanted with the finest enchantments. The middle brother had been gifted a enchanted longbow and a lightning spear. The youngest however wasn’t given any thing besides what I have in front of me.”
Applejack asked “So he contacted you guild and you were sent there, is that what happened?”
I smiled “Yes and I was the only who would go, my guild mates said to me ‘Your crazy, a toothpick, a bottlecap and a sharp stick it is impossible’. I simply told them ‘Well then I’ll just have to improvise.”
Applejack blinked “You really did this?”
I smiled “Yeah I was hanging off the stick and I threw the bottlecap to get it’s attention while it was fighting the other 2 champions, I then used the toothpick to damage on of it’s eyes for long enough for it to slam into a pillar made of solid diamonds, it’s skull cracked on impact.”
Applejack said “That was creative.”
I smiled “No, it just required me to think quickly and concisely in a tough scenario. Every one was shocked at my success even my boss, I scared him out of his chitin.”
Applejack asked “Wait your boss was a changeling?’
I said “Yep, the Bard’s Guilds are equal opportunity, we have griffins, dragons, zebra changelings, vamponies, wereponies, and even a wendigo working in the guild. I even have my old communicator.” I pulled out a blue round orb to show her.
Then a voice said “We have arrived at Canterlot, wish you all a good day.” Applejack and I trotted out of the train. I heard ponies whispering about us.
Applejack asked “Really a Wendigo, Ah find that hard to believe.”
Chrysalis said “I believe it.”
Applejack jumped, then said as she tried to regain her breath “I forgot you were even there.”
Chrysalis smiled “Good, I’m glad I didn't disturb your conversation.”
I smiled “I knew you were there and I’m grateful you didn’t butt in, I think that deserves a present.” I gave a kiss, not a peck but a real kiss. Our tongues met and it was another minute before I finally pulled away.
Chrysalis smiled “We are so going to do it tonight. It’s too bad we couldn’t do it here.”
Applejack gasped “Are you crazy, you in public?”
I smiled “I’d show you crazy.” Let’s just say we had intimate moment on that road, when we stood up I saw the look of shocked nobleponies. Applejack was trying to hide under her hat. I said “Chrysalis we should shower at the castle.”
She replied “I agree.”
Applejack asked “Did you two really think that was a good idea?”
I smirked “Yes, it’s changeling tradition to have sex in front of your subjects and I like the idea. I think I’m going to turn into law.” Applejack’s eyes widened to the size of basketballs. We arrived at the gates to see the guards, they stared at me and Chrysalis.
I laughed “You better get used to seeing us like this. Beside I hear rumours of what goes on in the guard barracks.” The guards blushed as we trotted into the castle, there were ponies running around everywhere.
Applejack asked “What’s all the commotion?”
I said “Wedding preparations, Chrysalis and I are getting married.”
Applejack asked “Isn’t it a bit soon.”
I said “We have known each other for 6 months, we fought through changeling hives, had arguments and made up a whole lot. We are more than ready. Anyway we better get cleaned up, see ya Applejack.”
After cleaning ourselves up a maid trotted into the room, she said “Princess Celestia requests the pair of you in the meeting room.” When we arrived, we saw several angry nobles sitting at the table along with two amused Princesses.
Celestia smiled “Please take a seat, we have a lot to discuss.”
One of the nobles snarled “They had sex in the street, that is against everything we stand for.”
Chrysalis laughed “Considering how you ponies don’t need to wear clothes, I’m always surprised by how prudish you can be.”
Another one snarled “You shut up, you invaded us twice, you should be rotting in a jail cell.” I was about to deck him when Chrysalis per her hoof on my wither. I sighed.
Celestia boomed “Enough, we are getting off topic.” She then asked “What is they complaint?”
A Stallion answered calmly “They had sex in the street, it goes against all decency to do that.”
Chrysalis said “It’s a changeling thing we indulge in, It’s a custom that our changelings watch us in bed during sex.”
The first noble snarled “We are not changelings, we don’t do that.”
I smiled “Well actually I’m going to make into a law allowing royalty to have sex in public and if the populace agrees enough then I will allow it to include all ponies.”
The Nobleponies shouted “Princesses she can’t do this, it is wrong.”
Celestia and Luna smiled “We don’t have a problem with it, it has certainly made things more exciting around here.”
A voice said “I agree, it has caused quite a bit of chaos.”
Luna rolled their eyes, Discord come out here.”
Chrysalis gasped “Discord, what’s he doing here.”
Discord said as he slithered behind her “I’ve been reformed just as you have, don’t be afraid.” Chrysalis shuddered.
I frowned “Discord, do you want me to beat you up again.” He shook his head fearfully. I said “Then leave my fiance alone.” He nodded as he took a seat on the roof.
The nobles looked at me fearfully. Celestia said “Well I’d say all is in order, let’s call it a day.”
We exited the room only to see Cadence walking by. Cadence asked “Do you mind if I spend so me girl time with you fiance, I felt it would help me if I could spend some time with her.”
Chrysalis trembled, I gave her a peck on the cheek “You’ll be fine, she won’t hurt you or else she’ll hear from me.” I trotted away to find Applejack.
****Meanwhile in the Crystal Empire****
A pony galloped into the throne room. He said “Report for Prince Armour of the Crystal Empire.”
Shining Armour said “Tell me, my good sir.”
The messenger said “We have seen a small airship with a Lightning Bolt on it
He said “Hail them down, I would like to speak with them.” He thought (Maybe they can help me with the Changelings.) He smiled not noticing his eyes had turned green.
Author's Note
Yeah I'm setting up some things for the future. Also do you want want the next chapter to involve Shining Armour or Chrysalis and Cadence?
Chapter 23: Shining Armour and Tempest
I smiled as a black and purple ship with a blue glowing lighting bolt landed at the palace. A a tall unicorn with a broken horn stepped out, she had a look of indifference on her face “Why did you hail us down? We have an invasion to plan.”
I smirked “Does this invasion per chance involve Canterlot?”
The unicorn frowned “Yes it does.”
I said “Then I believe I can offer you assistance as I was the captain of the guard there before I became prince of the Crystal Empire.”
She smirked evily “Well I am interested but what is it you want in return for the information.”
I smiled as we sat at the diplomacy table, there several of her guards and as well as several of mine standing around the table “Well first I want the changelings in Equestria to be wiped out completely and I want my wife and sister, Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadence in my care.”
Tempest frowned “That’s a high price but you will give us aid in the attack as well I assume?”
I smiled “Of course, no pony, changeling or any other creature will stop me. You also will have full access to our armoury and supplies in the Crystal Empire.”
Tempest nodded “I will have to talk to the Storm King but I will advocate for you, having a forward operating base would be very useful.”
I grinned “It’s settled then, give the Storm King my thanks.”
Tempest said “I will.” She then shouted to her guards “We are leaving!” They followed onto her ship.
I trotted out of the castle, I headed to the barracks. I stood there before them “As you know the Changelings have infiltrated Equestria, we are going to wipe them out. I have recruited allies to save Equestria from the monsters who hide amongst them. It’s bad enough they allow those weird ones in but know they have one of our worst enemies marrying a Equestrian Princess. As allies Equestria we can’t let this stand any longer. I have gained some allies who will help us take over Equestria and restore it to it’s glory.”
A guard shouted “What about Princess Cadence?”
I scowled “They got to her but they will not get to me, now get yourselves ready for our guest to arrive, I want this barracks in tip top shape.”
Meanwhile
Flash Sentry was heading towards Canterlot Castle, his squad pulling the Crystal Cannon, a weapon designed by King Sombra to utilise the power of the Crystal Heart. Flash Sentry knew Shining Armour had turned to the darkness of the King of Shadows himself and was planning something nasty for a long time and has been pushing his men through exhaustion.
When they arrived, the guards growled “Flash Sentry what are you here for and what is that?”
Flash scowled “My squad have been travelling for days and this is a weapon designed to be powered by the Crystal Heart. Shining Armour’s strange behaviour had me concerned enough to bring this here.”
Cadence burst out with Chrysalis by her side, she shouted “What happened to my husband.”
Flash bowed “Princess I’m afraid he has succumb to the same hateful magic that once gave Sombra his power.”
Cadence cried “No your lying!”
Chrysalis frowned “He’s not, I can feel the conviction coming off him.”
Cadence ran off crying into the castle, Celestia and Luna landed with several members of the guards, Luna commanded them “Take that weapon into the Royal Vault!” She then turned to Flash “Tell me everything.”
Starsong, Cadence, Chrysalis, Applejack,Cara, Twilight, Luna and Celestia are sitting in the throne room. Cadence was being hugged by Chrysalis as she cried, Twilight frowned “What should we do?”
Starsong said “We wait.”
Twilight snarled “What, this is my brother we’re talking about.”
Celestia frowned “She’s right, we need wait until they move.”
Applejack frowned “How are we going to make them move.”
Chrysalis said “I’ve got an idea, they’re coming after me and Starsong…”
Starsong nodded “We hold our wedding and bait them out, also Flash deserves a promotion for his actions, he made a good call.”
Chrysalis nodded “We will need 6 months of preparations so they don’t catch on.”
Cara said “Mah wife and Ah will prepare our forces being disguised as guests. That way we will be ready to strike at a moments notice.”
Celestia said “Very well we better get our plans underway.”
Twilight nodded “For my brother.” Twilight headed for Ponyville to make sure her friends were ready to plan a wedding.
Author's Note
Yeah I decided to give Flash something to do other than existing.
I was glaring at one of my blueprints I made during my mercenary days, an artificial horn stupid idea. They would all just end up like me, a horn but without no real magic to funnel through it. I smashed the prototype I had built in half, I blinked as I looked at the cracks, of course Tempest, she can’t be the only unicorn to suffer from this.
I smiled as I began modifying the blueprint, I blinked as I realised I needed a book on unicorn anatomy to complete the blueprints. I trotted out of my room, I frowned as I trotted through the hallways. I looked around as I saw ponies running around trying to figure out where to put things for me and Chrysalis’s wedding. I blinked as I felt a kiss on my cheek, I turned to see Chrysalis smiling at me “What are you doing my love?”
I smiled back “I am doing some research for a modification of an old project of mine and I need a book on unicorn anatomy.”
Chrysalis smirked “I’m curious now and all this wedding prep is quite tiring, a break would be fitting.” I rolled my eyes as we trotted through the hallways of the castle, Chrysalis smiled “I can’t believe this I never thought I’d get a wedding in a grand castle like this, I always thought it would be in a dirty outhouse before running as the guards stormed in.”
I giggled “It would have been more a bloody battle through the guards to escape together and then create our own hive to take over Equestria.”
Chrysalis blinked “You would have joined me in that endeavour?”
I grinned “Of course I love you, I had already written up the plans with us taking over and creating an empire for both ponies and changelings that would strike fear even in the demons of Tartarus itself. We can read them later if you like.”
Chrysalis smiled “You’re going to make me a very happy changeling.”
I smiled back “I’m glad to hear that my dear.” I entered the library, I saw the Librarian who was a pale blue stallion with a spell blook on his flank surrounded in a magic circle.
I asked “Which way is the anatomy section?” The stallion was to busy reading and pointed in a direction, I smiled as I thought about his reaction when he realised he snubbed a Princess. Me and Chrysalis trotted down to the anatomy section we found a book on pony anatomy, I skimmed through it confirming it had what I needed. We walked back up to the desk, “Excuse me sir but we would like to borrow this book on pony anatomy.”
He looked up and gasped “Princess Starsong when did you arrive.”
Chrysalis grinned “About two minutes ago asking for the anatomy section.”
His eyes bulged out of his skull “I’m so so so sorry Princess, I shouldn’t have…”
We burst out into raucous laughter as we fell to the floor. We were like that for about 10 minutes before recovering. I smiled “We just need to borrow this book.”
He smiled “Take it, the Princesses have free reign over the Libraries.” I nodded and we left.
I blinked as Rarity ran up and grabbed Chrysalis “I need to fit you for your dress, we have to go now!” Chrysalis mouthed help me as she was dragged off by Rarity I chuckled as I headed back to my room. I began reading over the book picking up details and modifying the blueprint.
Days past and through all this between Rarity’s dress fitting and my work I had little spare time. Finally the blueprint was completed only a month before the wedding, I trotted down to the head manufacturer in the castle named Iron Hammer what I knew as he a gritty old stallion with a rusty hammer for a Cutie Mark.
I frowned as entered his office “I have something I want done before my wedding.”
Iron Hammer asked “Wut iz it mildy.”
I frowned at his accent “I want your crew to create me prototype of this blueprint.”
He blinked “Blimey, dis iz some fancy handiwork if I do say so mself, I’ll happily have a few prototypes designed for ya.”
I smiled knowing that everything was coming together.
Author's Note
This will be important later
The day had finally come the wedding and the trap, I groaned as Rarity fidgeted with hems on my dress. She picked out green and blue hoping to creat a stunning appeal while using one of my wife to be’s colours. I frowned “Rarity you have been modifying this dress all day.”
Rarity said exasperated “This is you wedding, the most important part of a pony’s life.”
I chuckled “This is much better than I expected for my wedding with Chrysalis. I expected a dirty outhouse where we threatening an officiant to marry us before the guards arrived to take out head as I was aiding a known criminal.”
Rarity's jaw dropped as she just finished her seam. She fainted on the spot, I shouted “Twilight we have a problem!”
Twilight barged in “What’s wrong!” I pointed a hoof at Rarity who was unconscious on the floor.
Twilight groaned as she levitated her friend “Don’t worry, I’ll fix her up. Your dress looks amazing by the way, still you have 5 minutes to get into position.” Twilight frowned “Who is giving you away at the altar.”
I smiled nervously “Um Applejack is.”
Twilight’s eyes narrowed “Why?!”
I frowned “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Twilight frowned “It should be your father that gives you away at the altar.”
I took a deep breath “I will tell you what happened to both my parents providing you don’t tell anypony, especially Chrysalis about it, it will break her heart.” I glared at her “If you do tell her not even Celestia, Luna or even Discord will be able to protect you from me, am I clear!”
Twilight gulped “Yes Starsong.”
I told her the story “During the invasion of Canterlot my father was at a business meeting in Canterlot when the first invasion happened and well he was killed during an altercation with the changelings.”
Twilight asked “And your mother?”
I frowned “She was killed during the second invasion of the changelings where she was in Manehatten. I found out after I returned to find her.”
Twilight asked “Why would that bother Chrysalis?”
I deadpanned “Miss Scholar, figure it out.”
Twilight thought for a few minutes before her eyes widened “Your parents died in Chrysalis’ changeling invasions! Wait why aren’t you mad at her?”
I scowled “It wasn’t her fault, it was just an accident. I moved on as I always have.”
Twilight sighed “Fine.”
Twilight passed me over to Applejack, I smiled “Thanks for doing this for me.”
Applejack’s wings buzzed slightly as she smiled “Don’t worry, Ah’m happy for you, after all what are friends for?”
I smiled “Thanks Applejack.” Applejack simply nodded, I heard the sound of music start and I slowly trotted forward, I saw the room was decorated in green and white, I saw Luna standing there in a pretty blue dress. My heart almost stopped when I saw Chrysalis, her mane was done up in a nice bun unlike mine which was loose, she wore a beautiful green and blue dress that showed just enough her flank to be risky, her green slitted eyes gazed upon me . She was beautiful in all measure of the word, I smiled blissfully “Wow.”
I barely heard Luna speak as she gave the usual wedding speech. Chrysalis began reading out her vows “You are the most precious possession to me, when I was at my lowest you showed me kindness and love when no-one else would. You pulled me from the depths of despair and gave me true happiness of the first time in my life.”
Luna turned to me “Your vows please?”
I smiled “You understood me as none else truly has, you stayed with me when you didn’t have to. You supported me even when times where tough, you helped through the loss of my mother, you are the love of my life and I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Luna’s voice boomed “If there are any who object to these being wed speak now.” A silence fell over the building. Luna smiled “I now declare you married, you may kiss the bride.”
I grinned as I pushed my tongue down her throat. I pulled out with a smile to hear the cheers of the crowd. Chrysalis smiled “Wow.” We trotted out of the castle to what was a huge after party.
I sighed as I knew it was going to be interrupted. I grabbed two pieces of cake one for me and the other for Chrysalis, my wife. I watched as a huge fleet of airships approached, I scowled as a tall unicorn without a horn stepped off the airship. I growled as I saw a white coat with a shield, his eyes filled with green light.
I trotted over to them, I watched as Celestia, Luna and Twilight began to trot forward, I frowned “Stay back I will handle this.” Chrysalis was watching cautiously from a distance. I trotted forward “Commander Tempest it’s pleasure, Prince Armour I see you’ve been acquainted with our uninvited guest.”
Shining Armour growled “You filthy changeling lover, I should rip you horn off and shove up your…”
Tempest smashed him in the stomach with her hoof “How do you know who I am?”
I grinned “You remember that Earth Pony who beat your flank.”
Tempest said “So you’ve ascended, well I guess you know why we’re here so let’s cut to the chase shall we.” She shouted “Troops to arms!” I growled as her troops bolted out of the airship, I blinked as she through a weird orb which began to glow before erupting covering me with magical crystals. I grinned, those fools really think they could trap me with this, I moved my legs and the entire crystal construct shattered.
I shouted as I took my dress off “Rarity, catch I would hate for my wedding dress to get damaged!” I turned to see her catch mine before catching another.
Tempest growled “How did you break through.”
I laughed “Those crystal bombs were an invention of mine, they made so earth ponies can fight powerful unicorns and powerful pegasi, they absorb the active magic of the pony and fuel the crystal, it has no effect on the completely passive magic of an Earth Pony.”
Tempest growled “So, you're an Alicorn that makes no difference.”
I rolled my eyes “I’m more just a glorified earth pony with a horn and wings, I can’t fly and can barely teleport but my earth pony magic is really strong to compensate. Now I will bring you two down, changelings charge.”
I smiled as changelings poured out of every building striking at the invaders. Tempest growled “Armour, shield now!”
I blinked as pitch black shield covered the two of them, I roared “Do you think that will stop me?!” I galloped up and smashed my hooves breaking the shield completely.
Tempest growled at the writhing Shining Armour “Get up!”
I picked her up with one hoof and smashed her with the other knocking her unconscious. I groaned I just hope I can get some answers for our retaliatory attack on the Storm King. I nodded to the changelings who put high level magic inhibitors on their horns and took them to the prison along with their guards.
I blinked as Chrysalis pushed me over, she pecked me on the cheek with a smile “That was amazing!” She then frowned “I’m still angry you put yourself at risk on our wedding day.”
I rubbed my had “I’m sorry. I didn;’t really think too much I just did what I thought I should in the moment.” I frowned “I think I’ll need to interrogate them after this incident.”
Chrysalis nodded “I’ll come with, I’m not leaving you with a hostile prisoner.”
I said “Alright just be careful.”
It was 2 more hours before the prisoner awoke. I watched as I heard Tempest groan, I said “Since you’re awake I hope to ask a few questions.”
Tempest spat “I’ll tell you nothing.”
I scowled “Do you want me to hurt you.”
Tempest shouted “I won’t bow, do you’re worst!”
I was just about to attack when Chrysalis intervened “I’ll get the information from her don’t you worry.”
I sighed “Fine.” I trotted out of the room hoping she could get me some answers.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoy thio chapter, also the next chapter will have mind manipulation in it.
I watched as Tempest glared at me “Changeling why did you stop her from interrogating me?!”
I sighed as I cast a simple soundproofing spell “Because I am about to do something much worse than she ever could.” I slammed my crooked horn into the broken horn of Tempest. The unicorn screamed as I let my spell do it’s work, she screamed “Mum, Dad don’t…”
After about an hour I removed the spell. I frowned “Are you going tell me where the Storm King’s Castle is?”
Tempest growled “Never.”
I shouted “Let’s see how you go after three hours of the spell!”
I watched she writhed on the floor, yet despite her screams of pain after 3 hours “I will never give in, I will outlast you.”
I sighed “I know which means I will do it the hard way!” I slammed my horn into hers. I could see her memories, I found the information on the Storm King’s Castle and then left her mind I frowned as I saw the unconscious unicorn lying on the floor. I turned around and left the cell, I locked the cell behind me as I trotted out of the prison.
A arrived in the throne room which had a large table with several maps as well as miniatures of ponies. Celestia, Luna, Starsong and Twilight who was fidgeting. A large stallion with a fiery mane and red coat was also present, I noticed his cutie mark was two swords, one crossed over the other. I approached “I found out the location of the enemy.”
Starsong frowned “How, you prevented my brutal method of interrogation.”
I frowned “I got it from her mind.”
Starsong grimaces, Celestia frowned , Luna sighed. Twilight however was not content to remain silent to the implications of that, she shouted “You used mind magic on her, how could you?!”
Starsong growled “Yes Twilight we get it it is a major breach of a pony’s privacy! I’m not sure how to punish her but I’ll find a way later! For now though we are going to make use of this and defeat the Storm King!”
Twilight was about to interrupt when Celestia spoke “Starsong is right, this is a war Twilight. We haven’t one in over one thousand years and I am eager to see it ended quickly and decisively.” She then turned to me “What do you know?!”
I said “Well the Storm King’s Castle is far beyond the Bone Dry Desert and all areas around the location are under his control.”
Celestia scowled “I will have the airships prepared” she then turned to me, my wife and Twilight “You three will report to the armourer and you’ll get you fitted for some proper armour.” I watched as Celestia and Luna left the room before Twilight could respond.
We trotted silently to the armoury, Twilight glared at me the whole way. We arrived to see several ponies. They ran up to us “We’ll take you measurements come with us.” They dragged us into separate rooms, I blinked as several stallions and mares began measuring every part of my body including the holes in my legs. I shook my head as I tried to maintain my balance but after they left I collapsed to the floor.
I woke to a hoof poking me, I looked up to see one of the mares holding a suit of armour, I stood up and asked “How long was I out?”
The mare said “One Hour.”
I shouted “How did you make a personal suit of armour in one hour!”
The mare smiled “Well there was one hundred of us workmen on it. Now please try it on princess.”
My eyes widened, (Princess! What oh I married a Princess that makes me one too, I didn’t even think about that.) I turned to the mare and levitated the armour onto my body. I smiled as the pitch black obsidian matched my chitin and covered me head to hoof save my wings, not to mention the bright green emerald on the chestplate. I took off the helmet “This armour is fantastic!”
The mare smiled “I’m glad you liked it, I just hope you enjoy what we did with the other two.” I stepped out to see Twilight wearing a purple suit of armour with a gem similar to her cutie mark on it, she was glaring at me.
I looked around confused, there was a pitch black suit of armour but no other ponies in sight. I frowned “Where is Starsong?”
Twilight snapped “I don’t know, there is the creepy armour here!”
We both spontaneously gasped as the suit of armour began to move, it’s eyes glowing red as it stood up on it’s hind legs. A deep voice spoke “Twilight, Chrysalis like my new armour.”
I shouted “Who are you?!”
I blinked as a hoof pressed the back the helmet, I gasped “Starswirl’s beard!”
Starsong smiled sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head, I frowned “What the buck Starsong?”
Starsong smiled “It was just a joke” She then scowled “Besides you need a punishment for what you did and I can’t put you on the couch because you live off love.”
I sighed “Your right but that was really scary.”
Starsong said “Anyway we need to head out to meet Princess Celestia.” We trotted out to see several massive airships full of guards, Luna and Celestia were wearing full armour which matched their coats have their Cutie Marks on the chestplate.
Celestia shouted “Come on! We are going to end this.” I noticed Luna looked at her sister with concern. Twilight reluctantly trotted onto the ship with the me and Starsong behind her. I blinked as I saw Applejack shouting out orders to changelings, I blinked as I saw her wearing a suit of orange armour, I frowned wondering were my daughter went as the ship took off.
Author's Note
So yeah Chrysalis did some interogating.
I was standing there with Cara. I frowned “We are going to war, Ah never thought Ah’d see the day, Ah only heard the stories from Granny Smith.”
Cara smiled “Ah know mah Sweet Apple but we will get through this as we always have together.”
I heard a knock on the door, I opened the door with my magic. Iron Compass trotted in he asked “Are you two okay?”
I sighed “We have never fought a war before. Ah’ve heard the horrid stories about them though.”
Cara scowled “Damn this Storm King for dragging us into war!”
Iron Compass sighed “Yes but he must be stopped, redemption may not be an option here.”
Cara growled “It's not fair!”
I frowned “Ah think Ah better go and see Twilight she probably ain’t handling this very well.” I trotted out of the room and headed down the corridor, I asked one of the guards “Where is Twilight?”
The guard replied “Top floor next to Celestia and Luna’s rooms.”
I trotted up to the top floor and found a room with Twilight’s Cutie Mark on it. Applejack opened the door only to see Chrysler talking to Twilight, Chrysalis said “Twilight, don’t worry you shouldn’t do any fighting today.”
I stepped in “Ah’m surprised you’re here, you two aren’t exactly friends.”
Chrysalis frowned “I am trying to put my best hoof forward, me and Twilight aren’t going to see eyes with one another for a long time if ever but I will do my best to not make it a burden on others and the start of that is trying to be nice.” She pushed past me leaving Twilight and I in the room.
Twilight frowned “She was only trying to help.”
I sighed “Sorry.”
Twilight shook her head “No it’s okay I still feel uncomfortable around her but still she was a big help. I may have paced through the floor into the cabin below if she didn’t come to help me.” I turned and gasped as I saw the heavy grooves in the floor easily a pony deep.
Twilight blushed her face turning a bright shade of pink, I asked “Are you okay?”
Twilight nodded “I’m still nervous, I mean I’m gong to see killing.”
I grimaced “Lucky, Ah’m going to have do some of the killing.” Twilight’s eyes widened. I slumped “Ah’m a Changeling Queen and that means as a leader of the hive Ah must see combat or be cast out by the hive.”
Twilight gasped “That’s horrible.”
I shook my head “No it’s not they are mah family, some of them are mine after all.” I felt my insides began to move “Ah’ll be right back.”
I galloped back to Cara and I’s room. Cara gasped “Are ya okay?”
I grimaced “Just laying, don’t worry.” She wrapped her hooves around me as I slowly pushed out two large eggs.
Cara frowned “Ah’m going to speak to the Princesses.” Before I could say anything Cara teleported out of the room. I took a quick shower in the bathroom before coming out. I levitated the two eggs into the bathroom and gave them a light clean before setting them on a towel.
Cara, Chrysalis, Twilight,Starsong, Celestia and Luna all arrived in the room. Applejack smiled sheepishly “Ah’m sorry Ah made a mess.”
Chrysalis smiled “Don’t worry about it, I understand the struggle.” she then sighed “I only wish I was a better mum.”
Starsong gave her a hug “It’s alright, what happened happened and now is time to move on. We have a new bad guy to beat down after all.”
Celestia and Luna chuckled “Relax, don’t worry we can always clean the floor.”
A guard rushed into the room “We are currently over Klugetown, we should prepare for an assault.”
Celestia nodded “Very well” she then shouted “Everypony and ling prepare for battle!” I nodded to Cara and we flew to the top deck to be ready for battle.
Author's Note
Next chapter is the assault on the Storm King's Castle
I frowned as we approached as massive castle surrounded by storms.I turned to my partner “Are ya okay Applejack?”
Applejack frowned “I’m as okay I will ever be about this.”
Starsong’s voice boomed “Today is the day you remember that we are not weak, we are not prey! Today we are the Hunters, today we are the survivors! So who’s with me!”
Me and Cara smiled as the loud crowd roared “For Equestria!” We smashed hoof first into a pair of guards , I shoved one of the Storm King’s troop into a wall before striking my sword through his skull. I tripped as I felt a huge shockwave shatter the ground, I turned to see several of our enemy flung into the air as Starsong grinned at me, I chuckled “Show off.”
Celestia and Luna in full armour landed beside me, Celestia asked with a grin “Sister are you ready to cut loose?”
Luna grumbled “I’m not using that again, I will not be the monster anymore!”
Celestia shrugged “I’m not holding back for you” she then echoed a chant as she raised her glowing golden sword above her head “by the light of the sun and the power of it’s flames I will shine brighter behold my might Daybreak.” Her eyes slitted her mane and tail burst into flames. She grinned as she rushed in to the battlefield, I blinked as she tore several hostile troops head off before incinerating another group with a huge flame spell.
Luna grimaced “I hope she can maintain control, she hasn’t used her full might as much as I have.”
I frowned in confusion, Applejack frowned “Come on, we need to keep fighting.”
I nodded “Right.” I flew into a massive building and with a single strike cut down several opponents. I gasped as I heard a scream in the hive mind and I felt the hive mind dim, one of my children just died. I screamed in anger and pain, I burst forth, all I could see tall bipeds fighting equines. I swung my sword left and right tearing every biped to shreds.
I grinned as the smell of blood filled my muzzle, I roared “Come at me all of you!” I watched as the figures stared stunned at me. My horn glowed as I let rain a hail of magic slamming around at all of them, I screamed louder and louder I could no longer distinguish the shapes. I felt a hoof smash into my face, I shook my head and my vision cleared.
Applejack scowled “What was that?! Who were you even aiming at!”
I whimpered “I’m sorry.”
Applejack frowned “You almost killed everyone, we managed to disarm all of those Storm Beasts as they call themselves and put them in brig tired up.”
Starsong galloped up to us “Come with me now!”
I asked as she dragged me after her “Why?”
Starsong scowled “I saw Twilight following Celestia into the throne room, what Luna said is bothering me.”
Applejack frowned “Well then let’s go.” The three of us galloped towards the pitch black castle, I frowned as I saw a few skulls on the pillars. I frowned as we entered the dark castle. I heard shouting from the top floor, we galloped up a set of ornate stairs we then looked to see several rooms. I charged up my horn and busted through several floors, I looked down to see Applejack struggling to lift Starsong, I flew back down to assist her in flight.
Starsong sighed “I’m sorry I can’t use these useless wings. ”
I shook my head “Don’t worry about it.” We landed in what appeared to be a throne room four floors up. We landed on the other side of the whole, I gasped as I saw Celestia frowning as Twilight shook violently. I realised she was holding a bloody blade.
Starsong and I galloped over, I shuddered as I saw the corpse. Celestia smiled “Twilight you have done well.” Twilight burst into tears as she dropped the bloody blade.
Applejack and I galloped over and gave the crying purple Alicorn a hug, I grimaced as I frowned at the Storm King’s corpse. I gasped as I heard a pony shout “You piece of…” We turned around as they heard a crash, our eyes widened in horror as we saw Celestia pinned to the wall by Starsong.
Celestia’s horn glowed as she roared “How dare you touch me, you fake Alicorn!”
Starsong screamed “You made your precious student cry and for that I’ll buck you to pieces!” We grabbed the crying Twilight as the building shook from the clash of the Alicorns, we flew out of whole in the building just as a blast of flame filled the room.
We watched in awe as Celestia flew back out of the flames holding her sword as Starsong galloped out of the rubble with a scratch. I felt the panic through the hive mind and sent calming thought through it. I smiled as I saw my calmed children helping to clam the panicking ponies. Luna grimaced as she flew up “I want you two to get all ponies and changelings to a safe distance and then I’m going to stop my sister.”
We nodded as we sent a message through the hive telling the changelings to get onto the ship, we then shouted “Luna’s got this just get on the ship!” We watched as the royal guard followed suit boarding the ship.
We watched as Luna flew there, Luna grimaced “I guess I have no choice now, thanks sis” she then rose her sword into the sky “by the will of the night and the power of dream fear my might, Nightmare.” I blinked as I watched her transform, her coat turned pitch black, her eyes slitted and her body grew in size.
I felt Applejack’s fear as she spoke “Nightmare Moon…”
Luna shouted “Sister, enough of this.”
Celestia who was flying above Starsong “What?!” Luna teleported in front of her sister with her sword drawn Celestia scowled “So that’s how it’s going to be.”
Luna frowned “Only if you don’t stop.”
Celestia growled “She attacked me first.”
Luna sighed “Well you should know better than to rise to the bait.”
Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she got her sword ready and swung it at her sister. Luna shook her head and knocked Celestia away with a wave of dark energy as pitch black orb of energy surrounded her, Luna sighed as she cast a spell “Dark Star.” The dark orb engulfed Celestia and we watched as the Alicorn of the Sun writhed in pain as she tired to escape the dark prison. The spell dissipated as Celestia’s flaming mane vanished and she collapsed to the ground.
Author's Note
The Storm King lost his head and hopefully you will enjoy the finale.
I jumped onto the airship, Chrysalis frowned “Why couldn’t I go down there?”
I scowled “Consider it partial punishment for using mind magic!” She lowered her head and trotted backwards, I nodded to Applejack and Cara as they took the sleeping Twilight into her room
I heard ponies scream “Nightmare Moon!” The changelings looked at me, I nodded and the changelings slapped them. Luna landed holding her unconscious sister.
I frowned “We’ll discuss this with her once she wakes up, in the meantime I have to check on Twilight.”
Luna nodded “I agree, I will join you once I make sure my sister stays put.” I trotted out of the room, I felt the ship lurch. I looked outside to see the Storm King’s ruined Castle growing smaller in the distance.
I turned around and trotted to Twilight’s room, Twilight was crying in centre of the room. Chrysalis was wrapped around her in a hug “It’s not your fault.”
Twilight wailed “I killed him!”
Chrysalis shook her head “You made a mistake under extreme pressure, many have done much worse, I tried to take over Equestria and enslave all ponies twice, Discord tried to turn Equestria into the chaos capital of the world and sided with Tirek to take over Equestria, Luna tried to cause eternal night. What you did was not your fault, you didn’t want to do it and your hoof was forced by another who has groomed you into the perfect weapon, one who who will never oppose her or question her.”
Twilight shouted “How could you know that?!”
Chrysalis frowned “I was watching you closely all the time you were in Canterlot but I forgot about you after you were sent to Ponyville, I thought you were kicked out of her life, also after Discord I called my spies back to my hive and then turned my attention to Cadence. I saw you feed off her every word, you adored her like she was the goddess of all creation.”
Twilight turned to us quietly “That’s not true is it?”
Applejack frowned “Ah’m not sure about adoring her but you cared about so much that she was almost like a second mother to you.”
Luna frowned as she trotted in “Celestia told me several times you adored her too and she was trying to get you to break off from her.” Twilight shuddered at Luna’s words.
Chrysalis frowned at the Moon Princess “Then why did she make us of her here?”
Luna sighed “She has never been in very good control of Daybreak, it’s why I could face Sombra while she could not, she lost control of herself due to the overwhelming might of the sun.”
Chrysalis frowned “Well we must have words with her.”
Luna frowned “Only you, Starsong and I will be in in there, Cara and Applejack are not quite in the position to handle what needs to be handle by us princesses and Twilight is emotionally compromised.”
Applejack scowled but Cara frowned “She’s right this is Princess business and no just because Chrysalis married Starsong it would make me a princess it would be really bad if that were the case because then Equestria would have another one thousand princesses and princesses.” Applejack sighed as she realised the implications.
Luna’s horn glowed, I blinked as Chrysalis, Luna and I appeared in the room. I growled “You give us some warning first next time you decide to teleport us, I still get dizzy when I do my singular daily teleport!”
Luna frowned “Right now how are we going to wake my sister.”
I turned around and blinked as I saw a massive gong sitting next to me where Chrysalis was. I slammed my hoof into it, Celestia jumped her horn glowing “Are we under attack?!”
I helped my wife who was still dizzy from me banging her so hard. Luna frowned “We need to discuss some thing with you.”
Celestia blinked “What?”
Luna sighed “There was a reason you shouldn’t use Daybreak.”
Celestia cried out “I just wanted to support you!”
Chrysalis frowned “Well trying to kill my wife and traumatising Twilight is not a good way to do that.”
Celestia’s eyes widened in shock, Luna nodded “You made Twilight kill the Storm King and after Starsong got on your case about it you resorted to violence.”
Celestia tried to leave “I need to apologise.”
I held her back with a hoof “No, she will accept your apology and say no harm done. She needs some time to let our words sink in before your reconciliation, in the meantime I need to discuss with you something other than your misconduct today.”
Luna scowled “She needs to face punishment.”
I told Luna “She will keep away from Twilight from now on, that is punishment enough, you two will be separated until Twilight can function without you, you are only allowed in each other’s presence during meetings and other important functions.”
Chrysalis nodded “That is a fitting punishment.” She smiled “I’ll go check on Twilight, she needs my support.” I nodded.
Celestia cried “Anything but that.”
Luna nodded “We are in agreement sister, it must be done. She is suffocating under your wings.”
I frowned “Anyway I wish to implement a guard as you and Luna have.”
Luna asked “Who do you wish to be captain of your guard ?”
I smiled “Tempest.”
Luna shouted “Why her, she is our enemy?!”
Celestia who said her near-perfect mask on again asked “Agreed sister, it is an odd choice, I would like an explanation.”
I said “Simple, she is loyal to her leader and a powerful unicorn, I wish to have her join us as she is a powerful asset to have on side and I know just how to convince her.”
Luna frowned “Fine, but if she messes up it is on your head!” I nodded to the Moon Princess and smiled all was going well for once.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this Chapter.
I was sitting at the table, I frowned as Luna was busy tapping the table. I growled “Can you stop that?!”
Luna sighed “I’m sorry I’m waiting for your wife to arrive, she has yet to inform me of what her plan is just that she has one for the unicorn in the dungeons.”
I frowned “You mean Tempest, right?” Luna nodded, I sighed, I knew I had to apologise to her after all this was over. I heard the sound of heavy hoofsteps I turned around to see Starsong carrying a small box on her back.
I frowned “What is that your carrying?”
She smiled as she nuzzled me “I’ll tell you later my love.” I welcomed her embrace, she then said “We are going to event hall.”
I raised an eyebrow “Why?”
She smiled “To appoint my captain of the guard, she has proven herself very capable.”
She stood up and exited the room with me and Luna behind her, Luna scowled ‘You know there are going to be repercussions.”
Starsong frowned “We are Princesses, we don’t things because their easy but because it’s what must be done.”
Luna’s scowl turned to a smile “Wise words, I’m glad I might the right decision when giving you the grandmaster’s test.”
Starsong smiled “I’m glad to hear that.” Luna and I followed my wife into the throne room. I blinked as I saw Pink Earth Pony floating in the air unassisted putting up some decorations.
I heard groaned as I heard familiar voice “Hello everypony, are you ready for chaos?!”
I blinked as the floating Pink Pony grabbed him “Where in Equestria have you been it’s been over 6 months!”
Discord rubbed the back of his head with a claw “Pinkie, I was trying to figure out away to prevent my powers from being sealed by powerful artefacts like her throne.” I scowled as he pointed at me.
Pinkie smiled “Okie Dokie, come on help me with the decorations.”
He blinked in confusion as she floated over to the wall “How are you flying.” I burst into laughter at his confused expression. He teleported down, he growled “What’s so funny?”
I stopped laughing and grinned “Discord, what did you say about there is no fun in making sense, if there was a chaos pony it would be her, even little Miss Bookhorse gave up on understanding her so how do you think you can.”
Discord’s jaw dropped to the floor, he turned to the pink mare who was busy looking through a reality hole as she shouted “I found the cake dimension!”
I frowned “That is actually a little concerning, I didn’t know she could do that.”
Rarity trotted over “She figured out to do that a few days ago when we found her talking to Sunset Shimmer.”
Starsong stomped “What about the floating thing?”
Rarity blinked “She always could do that, she just doesn’t do often, she said ‘it ruins the surprise when she does it to often so she only does it rarely for shocking ponies or for planning out a really massive party which she often does in secret.”
Luna frowned “Is she going to be a threat.”
Rarity scowled darkly at the Luna Princess “Not unless you maker her, trust me she showed me more than a few worlds where her counterpart caused complete genocide of Equestria because she was mistreated, so let’s keep on her good side shall we.”
Rarity frowned as the rest of us including Discord gulped as we stared at the cheery party pony who was busy putting up decorations. Celestia entered and frowned “ Is everything ready.”
Twilight flew in “Yes, we just need to make the cerebration of the Storm King’s defeat start.”
Luna smiled “Well let’s get started.” We all got into our positions, I watched as Nobleponies entered the room, I frowned as some gave me slight glares. I knew there were some who hadn’t forgiven me. I watched as guards entered the room escorting Tempest Shadow. I was not sure why my wife was planning but it better be good.
I watched as the guards brought her before Starsong. Tempest frowned “What did you want with me, why am I here?!”
Starsong smiled “You are a capable unicorn and the Storm King is gone along with his castle, so I was hoping you would serve me.”
Tempest growled “Why would I trust you?”
Starsong continued to smile “Close your eyes and all will be revealed.”
I heard her grumble “It’s not like I have much choice anyway.” I watched as she stood there, I watched as I saw the box open and some strange looking pointy thing was brought out. I blinked in confusion she lined up with the unicorn’s broken horn. My eyes widened as it fit perfectly.
Starsong smiled “It’s done.”
I frowned as Tempest grimaced “Why does my held feel heavy?”
I gasped as I heard Starsong’s request “I want you to be captain of my guard?”
Tempest growled “Why.”
Starsong said “You are an asset and I will not waste a mare of your talents.”
Tempest nodded “Very well, I’ll take the offer.”
Starsong held out a scabbard, as Tempest reached out with hoof, Starsong shook her head “Use your horn, I believe you can do this.” I watched as Tempest scowled and tried to focus, I watched as the artificial horn point glowed and the sword was surrounded in the same glow.
Tempest’s eyes widened as the sword glowed “My horn, it works.” I smiled as the mare started to cry tears of joy “My magic, you gave back to me.”
Starsong smiled “I don’t want you to just work for me but I want you to join me friendship.” I looked around the room, I saw ponies jumping up and down, I even saw a Changeling and Pony kissing in the background. I then turned to see my daughter and her partner huddled together and to think this all started with those two. I joined my wife as we went off to enjoy the night long festivities.
Author's Note
I just hope this Finale isn't too rushed.
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Chapter 6: Final Days in Appleloosa and The Minotaur Raid
I wake in my bed and I look to my side and sighed. Applejack had been my only friend when I arrived. Thanks to her I have more friends than ever such as Braeburn, I also have the crusaders who are aware of who I am. She has given me a new life. I jump out of my bed and smile to see Braeburn eating his morning meal. I asked “How ya doing, Braeburn?”
Braeburn smiled as he said “Good. It seems ya picking up a bit of the accent.”
I replied “It seems that way, doesn’t it.” Braeburn stuffed the remaining food in his mouth. We galloped out to begin feeding the animals and then start applebucking.
Braeburn asked “What do ya think of Applejack?”
I frowned as I asked “What do ya mean by that?”
Braeburn smiled “Ya murmur her name in your sleep ya know.”
I sighed “Yes I know, I just wished ya didn’t find out. I have had a bad past with family and crushes. My family tore my last crush’s heart out and forced me to eat it.”
He roared “What kinda family does that!”
I replied “The monstrous kind, trust me when ya have thousands of siblings it doesn’t make it easy to go against the grain.”
Braeburn blinked as he said “Thousands? we Apples are a large family but that many siblings alone, wow.”
I sensed the confusion in his voice. I said “They abandoned me, I have been alone for 5 years.”
Braeburn said “Sorry about bringing up bad memories.”
I replied “Relax, Braeburn I have been through a lot but I’m happier now. Let’s get Applebucking, what do ya say?” He nodded and we pushed ourselves throughout the day.
As we headed back Braeburn “Applejack when we were little, she and Ah played timberwolf and the pony. It was a game where one is the timberwolf and has to chase the other. Ah won every time and she was very upset. Of course she always got me back for every joke Ah made about being slow with a prank, one day she turned my mane and coat pink using dye.”
I laughed as I responded “She really did that?” He laughed with me as he nodded. We were smiling until we saw several stallions glaring at us.
The one at the front said “You are making us look bad, we are going to make you regret that.” They approached us trying to look large and imposing. I laughed at these stallions, they had no idea what they were in for. I delivered several blows to their vitals causing them to stagger.
I roared “Ya should get out of here before I am forced to hurt ya’ll more!” I watched as they galloped away. I said “I didn’t think this happened in Equestria, I thought the nation was at peace.”
Braeburn sighed “Look, we have our own problems, that Friendship is magic ideal may work for the Elements of Harmony but many ponies aren’t like that. Anyway I think we have done all the work we need to do for this year’s harvest, tomorrow you can go see your crush.”
I blushed and then sighed as I realised why I could never act on it. We ate dinner quietly and then I got into my bed and quickly fell into my slumber.
I woke to see myself standing there in my changeling form. I heard a scream it was Applejack who was staring at me, she shouted “Get away from me monster!”
Then I heard her scream “Help!” I galloped over to find her lying there with a bloody hole in her chest.
I looked up to see my mother standing there. She laughed “It’s time to eat.”She approached me with Applejack’s heart. I galloped as fast as I could with her right behind me. I saw my brothers and sisters in front of me. Chrysalis said “Nowhere to run.”
She stepped towards me only for a loud roar to fill the room “Be gone Nightmare.” I saw my Nightmare fade away. I stared at the princess who looked at my undisguised form with distaste. She spat “So Changeling what do you want with the Element of Honesty?”
I cried “I don’t want anything other than a place to stay, honest.”
Luna stared “I will be the judge of that, I will visit you tomorrow in Appleloosa. I know where you are from Applejack’s dream.” I fell into a dreamless sleep.
I woke up to the sound of screaming, I saw Minotaurs running outside. I galloped out as the Minotaurs had half the town captured and Braeburn and a few other ponies were cornered. I asked angrily “Why are you here?”
The Head Minotaur said “We need supplies in order to get home, therefore we are going to take this town.”
I roared “Alright if ya want this town, then you are going to have to fight me for it.”
The minotaurs laughed at me “You are joking right pathetic unicorn?” I frowned as I released my unicorn form was quite frail looking.
I said “Sorry Braeburn but I hope ya’ll understand.” Braeburn looked confused at the statement. I burst into flames revealing my true form.
The Minotaur’s leader said “So the Changelings want to finish what they started. Well I’m going have pleasure of ripping the wings off you bug brain.”
I said “I’m guessing ya have dealt with my mother’s changelings.” I frowned at the trouble my family was causing me. I continued “I will take a form which will make this fight fair for both sides.”
I burst into flames again. My opponent said “An Earth pony, of course no magic or flight. You have a concept of honour it seems, well then as honour dictates my name is Fiery Brass of the Bloodred tribe.” He bowed to me
I replied returned the bow “I’m Cara Pace, Changeling Queen and a proud Equestrian, I will protect my friends.”
Brass swung his heavy fist at me, I dodged and gave 3 swift blows. He collapsed to the ground. I said “Well that was anti climatic.”
I heard a familiar cheery voice “Yeah it was. ” I shook my head, I thought I heard Pinkie Pie.
Brass stared at me as he asked “How does a changeling fight like that?”
I replied “Changeling Queens in addition to the basics, get to pick the fields to specialise in. I picked medicine and martial arts, this makes me very dangerous in a hand to hand fight. I know exactly where every weak point is on every species in the world and my martial arts skills allow me to exploit that in a fight, after all for every one way you can heal a wound there is 1000 different ways to cause a wound.”
I asked “So why did ya invade other than supplies.” He pointed back to his group who were carrying a Minotaur with a huge broken blade stuck in his gut. I shouted “Somepony get me a butter knife and some paper towels.”
I made a small incision to the side of the huge blade, it had embedded his stomach and intestines. I had to carefully remove the blade, I increased the size of the incision. I put my hoof inside and felt the blades edge, it was in quite deep. I allowed magic to course into my hoof as I slowly removed the blade. I finally got the huge blade out after 30 minutes. I wiped my clean hoof over my forehead, I said “That was the hard part.” I cast a few advanced healing spells that put his organs back together and then closed the wound. The Minotaur was up and running within minutes.
I heard a voice land “It seems I misjudged you, Changeling.” I bowed as Princess Luna landed. Princess Luna chuckled “You can rise, I am not such a stiff despite my time in exile. You have impressed me.”
I smiled at her, then asked nervously “Um could please not refer to me as changeling, It makes me feel uncomfortable, I would prefer if you called me Cara.”
Luna replied “Forgive me Cara, I still have some old habits. I used to call ponies, pony instead of their name even with nobles.”
I smiled as she left. Braeburn put a hoof on my wither, he smiled “Thank ya Cara, Ah’m surprised to know you’re a changeling but you protected our town and we are all mighty grateful.”
The others members of the town shouted “Yeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaahhhhh, Go Cara!”
Braeburn said “Go back and tell Applejack how ya feel.”
I panicked as I said “But what if she gets hurt because of me, I can’t bare that.”
Braeburn said seriously “Our ancestors who formed this town knew how hard it would be, isolated from everywhere, there was no train here back then. Yet we stand strong, this is what it means to be an apple, we go for what we want not because it’s easy but because it’s worth it.”
I asked “Do you really think I can?”
The town roared “Go for it, you have our support!” I smiled knowing that I had been accepted by Applejack’s cousins raisedmy spirits. I reassumed my disguise as I boarded the train and headed back to Ponyville. I watched as Braeburn’s green eyes glowed for a small moment.
Author's Note
I hope Luna's portrayal is not too far off the mark.
Chapter 22: Chyrsalis and Cadence
I asked nervously “Um Cadence, why do you wish to speak with me? No offence but this is coming a little out of the blue.”
Cadence blinked “What’s wrong with wanted to get to know you?”
I frowned “I have done horrible things to you and we haven’t even spoke about the wedding yet alone the latest incident.”
Cadence sighed “You’re not wrong, I do want to get to know you but also I have a few misgivings about all this and I need an outside opinion.”
I frowned “On what?”
Cadence replied “There are too many of us, damn Alicorns must be Princesses is becoming a problem, think about it when it was me and Celestia things were simple, Luna came back and then there were 3 fine, Luna protected ponies dreams and raised the moon. Of course I ended ruling the Crystal Empire, of course then Twilight ascended, she didn’t even have a castle until after Tirek, now there’s Starsong and of course there’s my daughter Flurry. The question is what are we supposed to do with new Alicorns, your Fiance doesn't have a fancy title, she’s just Princess.”
I frowned “Yes, I do realise having so many ponies in charge could become a problem but at the same time Starsong would appreciate being in the background, lacking a title or a castle would draw less attention, as for your daughter, well she is your heir should something go wrong.”
Cadence sighed “I’m glad you listened.”
I smiled “The Alicorn situation will be fine as long as we don’t have any more ascensions.”
Cadence asked “Why does Starsong want to say out of the limelight?”
I sighed “Her reason is that she is an Earth pony at heart and all this attention is aggravating for her, even is she does her best to hide it. My reasoning is that her magic and flight lessons have been scrapped.”
Cadence gasped “Why?!”
I whispered “Cadence, you know how Alicorns specialise in one type of magic or another.”
Cadence whispered back understanding the need for secrecy “Yes, I do.”
I whispered back “Well then as you know you are more like a pegasi, having stronger pegasi magic and the other two aren’t as strong as you were a pegasi, well it’s the same for all Alicorns, Twilight is more like a Unicorn as is Celestia.”
Cadence frowned “Isn’t Celestia a natural born Alicorn.”
I nodded “Yes but even then they do still specialise in one race’s magic or another because it is impossible to achieve a completer balance between all three, Luna is more like you while Celestia is more like Twilight. Still Starsong’s problem is that hers is very different. Most Alicorns are weaker they are still far stronger than the strongest ponies of each race in their weaker traits.”
Cadence nodded “Does that mean Starsong has weaker Pegasi and Unicorn magic?”
I frowned “It means Starsong probably is barely above the middle ground for unicorns and pegasi, she can teleport and levitate objects, as for her pegasi side, she barely hover. Her Earth Pony strength is insane to compensate, we’re still unsure of her limits, she could lift a mountain with her hooves without even flinching.”
Cadence gasped “That’s quite strong.”
I frowned “We’ll discuss this back at the castle, let’s go and have lunch.” Cadence nodded, we arrived at the local donut shop. I asked “What is this place?”
Cadence smiled “This is Donut Joe’s he sells the best donuts in Equestria.”
I smiled “Well lead on.”
A stallion trotted out in front of us, he asked “What would you like?”
Cadence smiled “I’d like a regular platter Donut Joes, I brought somepony who hasn’t been here before.”
I watched as Donut Joe trotted back into the back. I asked nervously “So, um how has life been?”
Cadence smiled “Um life has been good, Flurry has been doing well. Urghh this is tough.”
I sighed “Yeah, urghh this whole trying to get along stuff, doesn't work.” Then something clicked “I think I should start teaching you combat, you have very little skill in combat and let’s be honest you put no resistance to me or my changelings during both invasions, I think it’s time to change that.”
Cadence asked “Are you sure this would be wise?”
I said “Well I suspect the Storm King is going to invade soon and Celestia has been planning for their invasion for 6 months with Twilight.”
Cadence blinked in confusion “What do you mean?”
I smiled “I’ll show you after we eat come on.” Donut Joe trotted out with a huge platter. I grabbed a plain donut, it tasted heavenly. I smiled “You certainly are amazing at this.”
He grinned as he went into the back. After we ate I was stuffed “Cadence, it’s time to show you. Follow me.”
I staggered to my hooves Cadence sighed “You ate too much.”
I whined “But it was so good.”
Cadence frowned “You were going to show me something right.”
I nodded and I guided her to the training grounds, we were both shocked as to what we saw, my fiance was shouting at Twilight whose coat was mated in sweat as she had a huge heavy box on her back. Starsong roared “Get up bookworm, you have been neglecting you Earth pony side for too long now back to the start, you will not stop until you reach end of this field am I clear.”
Twilight nodded and slowly trotted back to the start. I frowned this wasn’t right “Starsong!”
She frowned “Why are you shouting at me?”
Cadence had trotted over beside me, I shouted “You are pushing Twilight too hard!”
Starsong frowned “But she needs to be ready, the Storm King is coming.”
I snarled “Proper training is about knowing the limitations of the trainee, anymore and she is going have some serious injuries, she is was dangerously close to her limit.”
Starsong sighed in resignation“Twilight stop, we’ll take a break for the day.”
I heard a shout “Come on Applejack, focus you are barely concentrating.”
I sighed “Well anyway, me and Cadence are going to do some standard drills since she needs practice for oncoming threats.” Twilight mouthed thank you as she followed my fiance out of the training grounds..
Cadence smiled “I’m surprised.”
I rolled my eyes “Did you really think I could get Starsong’s attention by being the old me? Let’s just say starvation does a lot of things to anyone regardless of species.”
Cadence nodded “Fair enough, anyway what are we doing?”
I lifted a sword in my hoof and tossed her another one which she caught in her magic.
I shook my head “There is a reason why sword fighting is a Earth Pony thing when it comes to actual combat, Unicorns use magic and Pegasi use spears.”
Cadence frowned “You mean I need to use my hooves.”
I nodded “Yes Cadence, I’ve seen unicorns try to use swords with their magic and fail epically, weapons require stances, magic fails to compensates for that and often leave the fighter overexposed.”
Cadence sighed as she fumbled with blade in her hooves. I shouted “Cadence, stop trying to force it, swords fight for you because they are an extension of your will, never forget that. Let your will flow into your blade.”
Cadence began to concentrate but even as she poured her magic into it, nothing happened. I sighed “Cadence stop thinking of the sword as a tool to be used, watch.” I trotted over to a dummy and I lifted my practise sword into the air, I swung clipping the top of the dummies scalp off. I said “You can perform godly feats simply be respecting the blade, how do you think Starsong could use Unicorn and Pegasi elements without being one, her sword converted the magic for her, because she showed it respect.”
Cadence said “I see, well then let’s keep going.” I nodded and we trained all day straight.
Author's Note
I did think these two needed to interact.