The Sinister Plot

Amethyst couldn't see.

She couldn't breathe.

The pouring rain and blinding wind blew her mane with a ferocity she had never experienced before.

All around her, Royal Guards and changelings were locked in a ferocious battle, on the train or in the sky. Occasionally, one would be hit with a bolt of magic and fall, plummeting towards Equestria.

She struggled to roll on her side and stand up, only to realize that her leg was missing.

“Onyx!”

Amethyst cried as she felt blindly for her missing leg.

“Onyx, help me!”

But Onyx didn't come.

He was too far away, locked in a struggle with several changelings, desperately trying to reach her.

Instead, a hoof came down in front of her, stopping the guard in her tracks.

She looked up at the shadowy figure standing over her, her tattered wings and shining fangs glistening in the light of the sun overhead.

“Gem… please…” Amethyst whimpered sadly, sobbing almost. “I know you're in there, and I know this isn't who you are…”

The changeling snarled viciously, raising her hoof to strike.

“Shut up! My name is not Gem! I’m not a f*cking pony!”

Tears streamed down her cheeks from her pale eyes.

“You know nothing about me!”

Amongst her tears, Amethyst cracked a bloody smile, startling Cicada.

“I know…” She coughed violently, spitting blood all over her chin. “I know you're my friend…”

The changeling raised her hoof even higher.

With the raging storm beating down on her, and the sound of the roaring wind fading to silence, Amethyst prepared herself for the end.

***Earlier***

When Amethyst woke up the next morning, she felt a warm pair of hooves wrap around her.

A smile crossed her lips, but her eyes didn't open until she felt somepony’s mouth brush against her neck.

Soft, gentle, and slightly wet, the kisses on her neck grew more passionate with every passing moment.

He spoke at last.

“Good morning, captain…”

Amethyst turned to look at the stallion and saw that he had a huge grin on his face.

She narrowed her eyes and gave him an ‘unimpressed’ look, catching Onyx off guard.

“Why’d you stop?”

Then, they both fell into a fit of laughter, and the kissing resumed.

This time, their lips made contact.

Again and again, they kissed hotly, swapping tongues and saliva back and forth between their respective mouths.

The sudden surge of love and passion woke a very hungry changeling filly from her crib in the corner.

Not noticing this, the ponies continued their foreplay, becoming more and more ‘aggressive’ as passion turned into a burning desire for physical pleasure.

“Mama?”

Amethyst let out a scream and thrusted her hooves outward, pushing Onyx off of the bed and onto the floor.

She bolted upright, and her eyes scanned the room.

In her crib, Pyrite stood on her rear legs with her front hooves hanging over the railing.

In her changeling form, she watched her mother and Onyx as they struggled to recover from their initial fright.

“Amy…”

The stallion groaned as he climbed off of the floor and back onto the bed. He held a hoof across his chest where Amethyst’s kick left its mark.

“That wasn't necessary…”

As her own breathing slowed and grew more steady, she fell back onto her pillow and let out a long sigh.

“Pyrite doesn't need to see us doing… those kinds of things…”

Onyx rolled his eyes at her paranoia.

“I've told you before that she needs her own room. She's a big filly, now.”

Onyx regretted saying what he said almost immediately, because Amethyst turned on him with a fire in her eyes.

“Pyrite is my baby.” Her voice was rigid and cold. “She could need me at any moment.”

Onyx knew it was a lost cause to argue with her.

In situations like this, which happened quite often, he'd change his tone and agree with her.

He loved her with all of his heart. There was no arguing that, but he couldn't stand the mare when she got overly protective of Pyrite.

There was being a parent and being a guard, and Amethyst often forgot she was a parent and became Pyrite’s personal guard.

“If you're really so concerned about her, why not train her?”

That got Amethyst’s attention.

Her glare softened, and she cocked her head.

Onyx could tell that she was suddenly interested in what he had to say.

“Well, I mean… We train our own Royal Guards every day. We could train Pyrite to be a guard herself. That way, she could guard… herself…”

Only after speaking did he realize the redundant structure of his idea.

Still, Amethyst didn't seem to hate the idea, by the look he was getting from her.

She had a very subtle smile, almost crooked, like you only notice it from a specific angle.

“You really think Pyrite could be a Royal Guard one day?”

Both ponies looked towards the crib, at the changeling looking back at them.

Only let out a long sigh.

“If she learns from the best, she could be a captain, just like her mother.”

Amethyst’s chest felt lighter, and her cheeks turned red.

“Oh, Onyx… That's so nice of you to say…”

He fired her a confused look.

“What? I was talking about Amber.”

Onyx didn't have time to laugh or explain his side of the joke before he ended up on the floor once again, this time with a stinging hoof mark on his rear.

***

It was early.

Really, really early.

The sun hadn't even risen, and the royal family of the Crystal Empire, along with their escorts, was boarding the train that would take them to Canterlot.

Flood lights illuminated the platform where over a dozen guards stood in front of their respective cars, ready and waiting with their bags to board the train.

Amethyst stood with her officers and Gem, huddling for warmth as they prepared to embark.

“Why?” Gem looked to her left and right, at the rest of the guards who were about to board. “Why must we all be out here before the crack of dawn while Mantis and Pyrite sleep in? This is most unfair…”

Amber didn't always agree with their former enemy, but in this instance, she most certainly did.

“The train looks like it won't be leaving any time soon.”

She sounded cold and bitter, and Amethyst could perfectly understand why.

It wasn't ideal for them to be up so early.

“It'll be a long ride.” Onyx pointed towards the edge of the city where the railway stretched far into the dark horizon. “We’ll be traveling all day, if we're going to reach the gala on time.”

Gem looked like she was going to collapse right there and go back to sleep.

“But… I thought the Grand Galloping Gala was tomorrow…”

Shining and Princess Cadence had finally arrived. Their daughter, Flurry Heart, was with them.

Luckily, the little princess was still sound asleep, or the tired guards might be far more aggravated.

Shining and Cadence stopped several cars away from Amethyst’s.

He turned and waved, managing a weary grin, and Amethyst waved back.

“It was Prince Armor and Princess Cadence’s idea to arrive a day early. I imagine they want to spend some time with their friends in Equestria before the gala.”

At long last, a loud whistle sounded across the platform, signaling to everypony that it was time to board the train.

The guards quickly and eagerly gathered their bags and climbed into the car, one after the other.

Amethyst, Onyx, and Amber filed into their own car with Gem following close behind.

Once inside, they were immediately greeted by a blast of warm air. A soft, yellow glow illuminated the entire car from the lights overhead.

The train car was split into two parts.

On the end they entered was a comfortable-looking arrangement of sofas and tables, in addition to a small fridge.

Gem looked impressed by the setup.

Having spent most of her days living in a dark cave or inside the barracks, she wasn't used to traveling so luxuriously, but what was on the other end of the car captivated her attention.

There were three small rooms, each housing a bed and a dresser. An even smaller room housed what she believed to be a bathroom.

Amber set her suitcase down on one of the sofas and too noticed the sleeping quarters.

“Wait… There's three beds and four of us.”

Gem realized this as well and looked towards the door, perhaps wondering if they had entered the wrong car.

Amethyst didn't seem fazed by this as she approached the first room.

“That's alright, Amber.” Then, she turned to look at her fiancé. “Onyx and I can share. Isn't that right, babe?”

The stallion’s cheeks turned bright red as he nodded his head, following her into the room with his suitcase in tow.

That left only two rooms, the one next to Amethyst’s and the one at the end of the car.

Amber took her things into the middle room while Gem settled into the farthest one.

As the changeling sat down, she heard the muffled cry of train’s whistle, signaling the beginning of their great journey from the Crystal Empire to Canterlot.

The train lurched forward, causing her to stumble as she neared the bed.

As speed increased, the car became stable once again, and the disorientation began to wear off.

“Whoa! You all need to see this!”

It was Amber.

Gem poked her head out of her room to see Amethyst and Onyx doing the same.

At the other end of the car, Amber was investigating the fridge.

“It's fully loaded!”

Gem realized that she hadn't eaten since she woke up, and she could see the same sparkle in Amethyst’s eyes.

The captain tried to reach the fridge, but she was stopped before she could leave her room.

“Oh, no you don't.” Onyx held his hoof across the door, blocking her path. “I packed us healthy snacks, Amy. You're not going near that fridge.”

Amethyst let out a muffled snarl as she tried to push her way through.

“Let me go, Onyx. Don't make me pull rank!”

Gem laughed quietly to herself before stepping out of her own room, closing the door behind her.

She walked across the car, passing Amethyst, who had a very sad and defeated look on her face.

Gem stopped, looked towards the captain, and leaned in closely. Onyx had his back turned as he set up the bed and was out of earshot.

“I'll get you something…”

Amethyst smiled and mouthed the words ‘thank you’ before returning to Onyx’s side.

Gem walked on to join Amber on one of the sofas.

As she sat down, her body sank into the soft cushions, enveloping her almost completely. The feeling was so pleasing that she couldn't help letting out a satisfied moan as the silky texture rubbed her fur coat the right way.

“Ahhhh… The luxuries of the pony lifestyle are truly… breathtaking…”

Amber had already devoured one chocolate chip cookie and was working diligently on her second.

Curious and hungry, Gem too peeked inside the fridge.

Dozens of cookies, muffins, small cakes, fruit bars, seasoned oat bars, and many fizzy drinks stocked the gently whirring appliance.

Interested by the oats, Gem took one and eagerly tore away the wrapping.

It smelled deliciously enticing.

Unable to help herself, she devoured the snack whole, causing a shower of crumbs to rain down on her chest.

Amber snickered softly at Gem, before passing her a bubbling bottle with her magic.

“We've come a long way, huh, Gem?”

The changeling frowned as she accepted the drink, removing its cap.

“What do you mean? We've only been moving for a minute, maybe two.”

Amber laughed again, shaking her head.

“No… I mean, you’ve changed so much since we first met. Any changeling can shift their appearance to mask themselves, but it takes somepony special to change who they really are.”

Gem blushed slightly as she brought the bottle to her lips.

She took a long sip before lowering the drink, savoring the feeling of the fizzing substance as it traveled down her throat and into her stomach.

“Mantis was like me, but he changed his ways… I figured I could do the same, if his actions were redeemable.”

Amber knew she was referring to her coltfriend, Emerald.

“In the frozen north, when we last fought, he told me that he was better than me, because he was trying to make things right. Even by the act of trying, he could atone for all of the wrong he did…” Her gaze fell. “… to ponies and changelings alike.”

Amber reached towards her, placing her hoof on Gem’s.

“Doing right is only half of the battle, Gem. To be the new you, it's also important that you let your past go.”

Gem shook her head.

“Amethyst says the same thing. She says she forgives me for everything I did to her. She says I need to forgive myself, but it's not that simple.”

She could feel tears build behind her eyes.

“I hurt so many who didn't deserve it, and there are many I will never have the opportunity to apologize to. I've forever silenced so many voices, but now it seems I can't stop hearing them in my mind and my nightmares.”

Amber shook her head as she scooted closer towards the changeling.

Gem was startled by the mare’s hoof as it fell across her back.

“I get it, Gem… You're haunted by your past, but thinking about the old you will drag you down like an anchor. You'll never be free unless you cut those chains.”

*Free…*

The word echoed in Gem’s mind.

Freedom. Total and utter freedom. Freedom to go her own way and to make her own choices. Freedom from a tyrannical and ruthless queen. Free from her past. Free from the hive. Free from all she once knew.

*You’ll never be free…*

Gem winced as she heard the voice of Queen Chrysalis in her mind.

She shut her eyes in an attempt to shut her out, but it didn't work.

*You forget, Cicada… You're mine. You belong to me.*

“No…”

*My most loyal agent… My most loyal servant… My most loyal slave…*

“No!”

Gem cried out, opening her eyes.

Looking around the car, she realized Amethyst was standing over her. Onyx watched from the door of their room.

“Are you alright, Gem?”

The changeling quickly shook her head as she realized she had been sweating.

“No… I mean, yes. I'm fine, really…”

She took a swig from the bottle in her magical grasp before setting it down. She knew she'd regret it. The sugar would never allow her to sleep, now.

Luckily, Amethyst appeared to have bought her fast response, and a smile came over her.

“Alright, tough girl.”

Gem smiled back as the captain sat down beside her, opposite to Amber.

In between the two mares, Gem’s rapidly beating heart began to slow down and relax. She felt warm inside, the feeling of being loved by her friends.

She'd never admit it to Emerald, but she loved them too, especially Amethyst.

The warm feelings grew hotter until they began to hurt.

Gem winced.

The poison was beginning to take effect in her system.

Slowly, it would drain her until her body gave up, shutting down forever.

She didn't know how much time she had left. Gem had never used it on anypony, let alone herself. She could have a few hours to a few days before she closed her eyes, never to open them again.

Despite the unavoidable, her smile didn't waver.

Gem knew she had made the right decision. Amethyst’s life would be spared, the queen’s sinister plot would be foiled, and she would at long last know peace.

Lost in her own thoughts, Gem was brought back to the train car by the laughter of Amber and Amethyst.

Realizing the conversation had gone on without her, she opted to jump back in.

“… and your first idea was Emerald? Really, Amethyst? There are much better foal sitters out there.”

Amethyst smirked as her eyes rolled.

“He's a trusted friend, Amber. He's your coltfriend.”

“That's exactly what I mean, Amethyst. I spend a lot of time with the guy, and let me tell you, he is not ‘daddy’ material.”

Gem nodded her head slowly.

“I can confirm. When I had a… relationship with Mantis, or tried to insure one, he always seemed to care more about his mission.”

Amethyst leaned against her, looking her in the eyes.

“Gem, can changelings… can they mate?”

It was a simple question, but Gem knew she was really asking two.

She knew that Amethyst wanted to know if changelings ever got intimate with each other and if they could reproduce as a result.

“Yes, and no…” Gem shook her head. “It's pretty common for changelings to engage in those kinds of activities, the ones you might call ‘mating’. Since the females outnumber the males twenty to one in a single hive, a male like Mantis might have a dozen mates at a time, but only a select few changelings can ever reproduce, and I am not one of them.”

Amethyst’s smile faded.

“You mean Pyrite, don't you?”

Gem nodded her head.

“She is a queen, and when she comes of age, it will be her time to take males, as many as it takes to begin her own hive. It's… an internal desire. You can try to prolong it, but stopping it from happening is… unlikely.”

Amethyst put on a brave smile, but Gem could tell it was only to mask her true feelings.

“Don't worry about my little baby, Gem. No colt is going to lay a hoof, or anything else, on her while I'm around.”

She sounded confident enough. Besides, Amethyst was a good mother. Maybe she would be able to raise Pyrite against her natural desire to mate and start her own hive.

Their gazes shifted, towards Amber.

“What about you? Have you ever considered having foals?”

Amber’s eyes fell, and she lowered herself to her drink.

“Like I said before…” She took a long sip. “Enerald’s not exactly ‘daddy’ material…”

That pretty much butchered the conversation, and the mares sat in silence.

After a while, Gem’s discomfort began to fade. She stood, quietly excusing herself to her quarters.

She entered her room and closed the door behind her. That's when she felt the chill riding up her spine.

Gem didn't know how, but she could feel Queen Chrysalis’ presence. The changeling queen was on the train.

*Amethyst will never reach Canterlot or the Grand Galloping Gala alive.*

***Up Next: Selfless Love [2]***