Hot Chocolate Comes to Town

Chapters

1 A New Mare in Town
2 Fillies in Distress
3 Call Out the Guard
4 Celestia's Dilemma
5 There is a Way
6 The Best Laid Plans
7 Unexpected Guests

1 A New Mare in Town

The sun shone out of a clear blue sky onto Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo who were all talking excitedly amongst themselves and with their elder sisters, or in Scootaloo’s case, honorary elder sister, as they walked playfully down the road to Ponyville Station. Rarity had to go to Manehattan on business; something to do with her shop there. However, nopony else in the party truly understood the detail, but the point was she was going to Manehattan.

As soon as the CMCs had got wind of this, they hurriedly set about concocting an excuse that bore at least some passing resemblance to a legitimate request to allow them to travel along and meet up with their friend and fellow Crusader, Babs Seed. They had finally persuaded Rarity by explaining that because Babs was the Head of the Manehattan Branch of the CMCs, it was time for their Annual General Meeting, and that such an event happened by pure coincidence to be during the time that Rarity would be in Manehattan.

She had been impressed by the sincerity with which the three fillies had put their case and smiled inwardly at how grown up they were beginning to sound. In truth, she was flattered, and needed very little persuading to be the centre of the three fillies’ attention, especially as it gave Sweetie Belle an opportunity to proudly display her big sister’s generosity. There was good natured banter overflowing as each of the mares chipped in with their own recollections of Manehattan and the fillies grew wide eyed in wonder, while in return they regaled their elder sisters about all the adventures they had enjoyed with Babs. The anecdotes were tripping out of the mouths of all six ponies in a chaotic tumble, but somehow everypony managed to get their turn.

By the time they had arrived at the station, the fillies were simply bursting with anticipation and properly wound up for the forthcoming train journey. AJ picked up on how excited they had all become and felt sorry for her friend, offering to accompany the party, but Rarity for her part just smiled and politely refused on the grounds that her friend would probably be more needed on the farm, and besides, she confided that it was fun to be surrounded by such enthusiastic fillies. AJ tipped her hat as a mark of respect for what she felt the fashionista could be letting herself in for, but to be honest, she was happier on the farm anyway. However, her conscience was clear; she had given a genuine offer.

The train could be seen approaching the station and its eager passengers from some distance off, the sight of it winding the fillies up beyond the fever pitch they had already reached. Gouts of steam shuffled off from either side of the locomotive and the clanging of the bell could be heard louder as the slowing train approached the platform, engulfing all those waiting in swirling eddies of sweet smelling steam.

The solid sounding metal latches opened and the passengers spilled out, porters rushing forward to assist those who looked like they needed help or could most afford a generous tip. For a few minutes, the platform resembled organised chaos and in this time Rarity shepherded the fillies aboard while Rainbow Dash had flown over the train and was pulling faces through the window on the far side making everypony laugh. This left AJ stood alone as the platform thinned out around her and she waved a forehoof to her little sister and her friends as they prepared to set off on their adventure.

“All aboard!” shouted the conductor, and once the last doors had been slammed shut, the locomotive made the first deep loud chuffs that signalled its departure and the bell clanged its appreciation. AJ felt a tear start to form in the corner of her eye as Apple Bloom’s waves disappeared from view, but her face soon grew a wide smile when she saw Rainbow flying alongside the carriage the friends were in, continuing to pull more silly faces. The orange farm pony allowed herself a quiet laugh and shook her head at the madcap antics of Ponyville’s favourite Wonderbolt as she turned to leave.

AJ walked slowly up the platform towards the exit and as she looked up, she noticed the silhouette of somepony else on the platform in the fading steam. Little by little she could make out more of the new figure; she carried two bags, one on wheels and a larger valise by her side. As the steam dissipated, she could see that she didn’t recognise this unicorn; her colouring was so unusual, that she would have definitely remembered. Her coat was a combination of two light browns in large patches and her short two-tone tail matched the colour of her long mane, most of which hung freely except for a solitary long braid, giving her an air of casual self-confidence similar to that which AJ radiated.

“Howdy stranger” AJ offered “New to these parts ain’t yuh?”
“Yes. Now the steam has gone, this is the first clear view I’ve had of the town” she replied.
“This ain’t the best part, what with it bein’ a station an’ all” she said with a grin “Who’ll yuh be stayin’ with while yer with us? I know most everypony round here, and if I don’t, then my friend Pinkie Pie certainly will.”
“I don’t rightly know, as yet” replied the stranger “I kind of came here on impulse.”
“Well, first things first; lunch. You’ll be comin’ with me for lunch at Sweet Apple Acres; that’s where I live. The name’s Applejack; friends call me AJ.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind. My name’s Hot Chocolate, and I’d be delighted to share some lunch with you, if it’s not too much bother.”
“Well, shoot; ‘tain’t no bother at all. It’d sure be nice to get to know you better.”
“In that case, thank you.”

Chocolate picked up the bags in the pale blue aura of her magic and AJ caught sight of the monogram on the valise.
“HC” she remarked with a slight snicker “Now I’ve just waved goodbye to a fashion designer friend of mine who would swear blind that these here letters should stand for Haut Couture or somethin’ fancy like that.”
“Trust me, I think sometimes it stands for Heavy Case; if it wasn’t for my magic I probably wouldn’t even be able to lift it!”
“Not exactly travelling light, then?”
“Hey, a mare wants to carry a little something to look at her best whatever she does …” she said with a smile starting to form at the corner of her mouth and beginning to spread.
“You sure you haven’t met my friend Rarity?” replied AJ, mirroring her smile “Some things you say sound a whole lot like her talkin’.”
“Well, in that case I look forward to meeting her too; maybe we’re related?”

The two exchanged small talk and banter as they walked, and were soon relaxed in each other’s company just like old friends, as they walked side by side out of town towards the vast rolling orchards that the Apple family had tended lovingly for generations.

The first signs that they were approaching managed land was the appearance of white painted ranch style fencing separating the track from the orchard beyond; tree after tree bearing the most appetising looking apples for as far as the eye could see; doubly so for those who hadn’t eaten and were looking forward to lunch. Shortly, another white fence joined on the other side of the track, funnelling them towards a welcoming arch festooned with bright red blooms and a sign suspended underneath bearing the cut out silhouette of an apple. Ahead lay a cerise painted wooden construction farmhouse with bright white paintwork highlighting the external timbers.It all looked perfectly idyllic.

“I’m guessing that the Apple on the sign is telling us that this is your home?” enquired Chocolate.
“Sure as hay dust” replied AJ.
“It’s beautiful; I can’t imagine how hard you have to work to run the farm and keep it looking so good too.”
“Well, shucks! You’re welcome here Miss Chocolate” said AJ blushing a little at the compliment “C’mon and I’ll introduce y'all to the family.”

The two ponies followed the path that led up to the kitchen to find a kindly looking old green mare hard at work putting the finishing touches to lunch. As they entered, she looked up from the task she had done thousands of times during her long life and spied the stranger alongside her granddaughter.
“Well, lookee here” she announced in a voice that was at once strong and welcoming despite her obvious age “And who’ve you brought along to lunch with you today?”
“Hey Granny, this here’s Hot Chocolate. She’s new to these parts and just findin’ her hooves here in Ponyville. Would y’all mind if she stopped here a bit?”
“That’s right fine young ‘un. Hot Chocolate you say? Let’s get a proper look at you Missy” she said kindly, stretching her back straight to get a better look at the stranger.

“Oh my, ain’t seen colouring like that for many a year. If I’m not mistaken you’d be a Palomino Tobiano Pinto” said the green pony with a forensic look in her eye, revealing that her mind was as sharp as ever it had been.
“The what now?” asked her startled granddaughter.
Chocolate smiled, nodding slightly to let the old mare know she was right and allowing her to continue uninterrupted.
“Some folks might call it skewbald, but it all kinda comes down to the same thing” the wise old mare continued.
“Nope, still lost me” said AJ looking more confused than ever.
“It’s like her Mom and Dad was two different colours and they decided she would look right pretty if they both gave her a bit of each of them” she summarised.
“With yuh now!” replied AJ with a smile of understanding breaking out across her face.

“Sorry Missy, I got so carried away I clean forgot to introduce myself; the name’s Granny Smith and my grandchildren all keep me in line.”
“Oh, I think that’s more the other way round Granny” said AJ to her grandmother and then to Chocolate “Granny Smith here built the farm in her younger days and makes sure we don’t let things slip.”
“Well its very nice to meet you” said Chocolate “You certainly nailed my colouring perfectly.”
“Told you, young ‘un” preened the matriarch shooting a triumphant grin at AJ “There’s more to the old mare than just a pretty face!”
“I don’t doubt it Granny” said the orange pony giving her a friendly nuzzle.

“Anyhoo, it’s coming on time for lunch young ‘un” cackled the green mare “Big Mac’s out in the west orchard, so he’ll be wantin’ somepony to take it out to him. I reckon we’ve got time to feed you two first, and I just so happen to have somethin’ ready.”
“Er, Granny” observed AJ “One of them’s yours.”
“I’ve got time to rustle me up another. You two just go ahead and dig in; you don’t want to be late for poor ol’ Big Mac, now do you?”
“Well, when you put it like that …” said AJ.
“Course I do. Now just you all get stuck in; young Chocolate here looks like she hasn’t been fed in days.”

With that, the two young mares gave their thanks and started demolishing their meals hungrily as instructed, Chocolate acknowledging silently that Granny Smith had been more observant than she had given credit; it had indeed been a long time since she had eaten this well, and was very grateful for her unfaltering hospitality. As she tucked in appreciatively, she thought how different this country generosity was when compared with the cold impersonal nature of the big cities.

Granny Smith looked on and missed little as she forensically eyed up the outsider, rounding off her assessment with an affirmative and unseen nod of her head and then set about preparing her second lunch of the day.

Within a fraction of the time that the meals had taken to prepare, both plates were spotless and there were two happy smiles looking back to the Apple family’s matriarch who smiled back in return.
“Oh Granny Smith, that so hit the spot” complimented Chocolate “Would you like a hand tidying up?”
“No point until I’ve done mine young ‘un” she replied, “But thank you kindly anyways.”
Then she addressed herself to AJ; “Now get along the pair of you and feed that brother of yours.”
“OK Granny” said AJ, rubbing muzzles tenderly with her Grandma and putting on her saddlebags.
“Here, let me” said Chocolate, taking the packed lunch in her magic “No need for you to have to wear your saddle bags just for this.”
Then she stopped herself and put the package back down again, adding with a hint of embarrassment “Unless of course, you need them for something else, that is …”

“That’s mighty kind of y’all” said AJ with a giggle covering her guest’s discomfort “I’m so used to putting them bags on, I just kind of did it as matter of habit is all. I guess we’re not used to having a unicorn round here helpin’ out are we Granny?”
“Nope - you’re a creature of habit and no mistake. Best take up the offer while it’s there.”

With smiles all round, the two young mares left their hostess to finish preparing her lunch in peace and set off to the west orchard; AJ feeling a little naked without her saddle bags, but at least giving her guest an opportunity to feel that she was contributing something in return for the friendship she had been offered since her arrival.

2 Fillies in Distress

The sun was coming up to its zenith and casting the smallest shadows under the two ponies as AJ led them unerringly through paths between the trees that were invisible to non-farming folk, giving the impression that she was using some kind of direction finding magic of her own. Although being guided through an apparently featureless forest of laden apple trees, Chocolate felt complete confidence in her companion and would have followed her to the moon if that was where she had led them.

The conversation was easy as the two swapped stories and anecdotes getting to know a little about each other. All the stories met with at least a ripple of mirth while the funniest resulted in great roars of laughter, and on one occasion Chocolate was left fighting for her breath and sounding more like a pterodactyl than a pony when she was finally able to breathe again, tears rolling down her muzzle.

After a long walk that Chocolate didn’t really want to end, she spied a large red earth pony hard at work and at a call from her companion he stopped and raised his head towards them. As soon as he could see he had company in the form of a new mare, he hurriedly tried to stroke his dishevelled yellow mane into some semblance of order with a forehoof, but his results only created spiky tufts of mane sticking up untidily.
“Oh, Big Mac” sighed AJ “You look just fine as you are. This here’s Hot Chocolate and I’ve been tellin’ her nice things about you.”

Hearing this compliment in front of the new mare, Big Mac suddenly went all sheepish and AJ recognised a blush breaking out across his face. Chocolate couldn’t make it out against his red coat, but immediately caught the sentiment as he tripped over his words and found it difficult to look at her.
“Don’t you go frettin’ now” AJ reassured “I’ve only gone and said you’re the strongest and kindest stallion round these parts.”

“Hello Big Mac, we’ve come to bring you your lunch. May I put it down?” asked Chocolate.
His shyness taking over once more, he giggled self-consciously, even his earlier tentative grasp of words having now completely left him and pointed with a forehoof to a spot on the ground where it was duly lowered into place in a pale blue aura.
“Honestly Big Mac” chided his sister in a friendly voice “Sometimes you’re worse than a filly!”

“I’d be happy to keep you company while you have your lunch if you’d like” offered Chocolate.
At this point, Big Mac looked like he would burst from a mixture of both pride and embarrassment.
“Oh, now what did you want to go and do that for?” asked AJ in mock exasperation “He’ll be so tongue tied he won’t be able to eat nothin’!”

AJ went to her brother’s side and sat down with him, giving him a reassuring hug as he fought a losing battle in trying to muster his composure and just simpered.
“You big ol’ galoot” she teased gently, taking her hat off and draping it over his face, an action that just made him giggle more. Chocolate looked in surprise at what was clearly the biggest and strongest stallion she had ever seen and marvelled at how bashful he was; in truth she found his innocent display rather endearing.

As the giggling entered a lull, AJ’s ears pricked, and she looked up quickly trying to locate the source of something she had just heard.
“Hush now everypony” she said “Did anypony hear that?”
In a heartbeat, Big Mac’s bashfulness evaporated, and he suddenly became alert, raising his head and staring hard in the direction that his sister cued with the rock steady pointing of her muzzle. Chocolate also obeyed AJ’s request and followed the others in looking and listening intently.

The barest wind rippling through the trees sounded like somepony shuffling a deck of cards near a microphone and the song of a rising lark would in that instant have rivalled the loudest siren for its sheer incongruity. After a few seconds of intense focusing – there it was again! It sounded like the desperate cry of a foal. With no further information to go on, the group rose as one and galloped off in the direction it appeared to be coming from, the two fit farm ponies soon leaving the unicorn far behind.

The closer they got, the louder the cries rang in their ears, the trees starting to thin out as they approached the extreme limits of Apple Family land. Finally, from between the tree trunks the ponies caught sight of a young pegasus by the side of a well, screaming loudly and running in frantic circles. The brother and sister jumped over the ranch fencing each with a majestic clear leap and landed with a heavy thump on the other side, the ground beneath them reverberating to the shock of their impact before reverting once more to the steady thunder of their galloping hooves as they continued on.

The yellow and white pegasus filly seemed oblivious of their approach and continued running round screaming, clearly panicked, only taking notice once the farm ponies were right up alongside her.
“My sister!” she cried “She’s down in the well! You’ve got to help!”
Big Mac immediately set to work with the winch and lowered the bucket as fast as he could, while AJ peered over and deep into the well trying to get a better view.

Out of breath and only now having arrived at the fence that the other two had jumped with such ease less than a minute before, Chocolate caught sight of the panicking white pony and forced her panting body to climb over the fencing when something caught her eye and made her stop. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she had seen a flash out of the corner of her eye and stopped midway over the fence. It may have been her exhaustion or how far she was away, but suddenly the pegasus filly didn’t seem to be quite the same as she had been a moment before.

Rueing her lack of fitness, she rested her breathless weight on the top rung of the fence which promptly collapsed under her as she toppled unceremoniously onto the meadow, her gasp of surprise mingling with the crack of the fence, making such a noise that the mysterious pony turned suddenly to face her. She hit the ground face first, but rose quickly, her ears pinned back, trying to focus on the pegasus filly once more. Although she was a little concussed trying to focus on what had caught her eye just a moment before, she could have sworn she saw another flash of green light before the whole scene resumed the normality she had witnessed as she had run up to the fence in the first place.

The whole episode seemed so unbelievable that Chocolate dismissed the idea. She must have mistaken what she had seen. After all, it was a bright day and the other two were way ahead of her in focusing on the priority of helping the filly. She was increasingly certain that the unaccustomed physical exercise coupled with the bright sunshine was playing tricks on her. Also, she didn’t want to say anything out of line unless she was absolutely certain, because she was trying to get accepted and didn’t want to make a fool of herself. She must have mistaken what she had seen.

Chocolate ran up to the well, ensuring that she kept the pegasus filly directly opposite her; just in case. The filly’s young eyes looked up into those of the suspicious unicorn, who suddenly felt an uncomfortable feeling course through her that she couldn’t quite pin down. Whether she said something or not, this felt wrong and she made a mental note to keep the filly in sight at all times. Scarily, she felt that the filly could read these thoughts even without her needing to vocalise them.

She illuminated her horn and sure enough saw a form in the bottom of the deep dry well and aimed her magic aura past the descending bucket levitating the subject of the filly’s concerns and raising it upwards.
“Aw, shoot!” said Big Mac dejectedly “I just ain’t as quick with the bucket as you are with your magic.”
“Come on now Big Mac, don’t you fret” comforted his sister “We was just lucky she was here, that’s all. If she wasn’t, then you’d have been the only way that poor filly would be gettin’ out.”

The light blue aura seemed shockingly bright within the tight confines of the dark well and Chocolate couldn’t make out too much detail of the victim she was retrieving, but brought her carefully up the narrow shaft, the bucket coming to rest gently on the inert form as it ascended, until eventually she leaned back as her load approached the lip of the well. While Big Mac and AJ fretted over the motionless yellow pegasus filly, carrying her down onto the ground, Chocolate instead looked towards her white companion who just stared wordlessly straight back at her. This was most unnerving and she felt a shudder inside, but was determined not to show it.

In an instant, the white filly broke away from boring into Chocolate’s mind and suddenly became the caring sibling worried about her sister, making a fuss and trying to crowd past the farm ponies to get in. Something was wrong here, quite badly wrong she mused, grateful for the numerical advantage that she and her new friends had over the two strange pegasi.

Under the continued fretting of the white filly, her sister came gradually round, smiles of relief breaking out over the earth ponies.
“Hey, will you look at that” said AJ, visibly relieved “She’s a bit groggy, but it looks like everything’s where it should be!”
“Eeyup!” confirmed her brother

“You could probably use a little somethin’ right about now to make y’all feel better” fussed AJ
“We have some food with us over in the orchard back along, but I guess the only thing we’ve got with us is some Chocolate!” she joked, looking in the direction of her new friend “Ain’t that right, sugar cube?”
“Chocolate?” enquired the white filly.
“See, right there on her flank” giggled AJ pointing a hoof.
“What’s chocolate?” asked the white pegasus.

By now both pegasi were staring unblinkingly at their rescuers and the two earth ponies exchanged glances, AJ thinking fast.

“So where is it you two are from then?” she enquired conversationally.
“Canterlot” replied the white filly.
“Oh, I’ve got pegasus friends from there too. I wouldn’t mind bettin’ that y’all attended the same flight school at Dodge Junction on the outskirts of Canterlot?” said AJ giving her brother the slightest nudge.
“Yes of course” came the reply.
AJ gave her brother another nudge. No pegasus would ever give that answer and they both knew it.
“Hey now, let’s get a closer look at those wings of yours” said AJ “We’d better be sure you’re safe to fly before we leave you all alone out here. That would never do.”

At this, she and her brother moved forwards, pretending to show concern towards the yellow pegasus, then suddenly both leapt, AJ pinning the yellow one to the ground while Big Mac grasped the white one round her middle, lifted his forehoof and brought it down hard on her head.

Chocolate could not believe what she was seeing; one second they all looked to be getting on and next the two earth ponies had assaulted the young pegasi. Something told her that her new friends knew what they were doing, and once the white filly had been knocked out she witnessed it transforming into a sinister looking black creature with big featureless blue eyes and holed legs like it had crawled out of a nightmare.

Its yellow colleague was struggling hard now, and AJ held it firm while her brother delivered another hard blow to its head, causing it to reveal itself in its true form, just like the other one.
“Chocolate” would yuh go fetch the rope from the well please, sugar cube? We’re goin’ to tie these varmints up while we think what we’re goin’ to do with them.”
Chocolate did as she was bidden and unwound the rope from the winch on the well, returning quickly to watch the farm ponies hogtie the two changelings.

“So anyways Big Mac” said AJ taking a pride in her knotwork “I can’t say as I remember no well over here, can you?”
“Nope!” came the answer “Water table’s too low. It wouldn’t work.”
“What I thought too” she re-affirmed “Somethin’ mighty fishy goin’ on round here, but let’s get back and tell somepony before others come lookin’ for our ‘friends’.“
“Clever the way you found out they weren’t real pegasi” said Chocolate.
“Was fun really” replied AJ getting back to her knots “See, two of my best friends are pegasi and it weren’t none too difficult to ask them a question that was a load of nonsense. Can’t go assumin’ that just cos I ain’t a pegasus don’t mean I don’t know about them.”

“I hope you know about fences too” said Chocolate a little bashfully “You see, I kind of broke one a bit …”
“Don’t worry yourself none, sugar cube” she reassured “Big Mac ain’t goin’ to be jumpin’ over no fence with these two on his back, so we’d have to be makin’ a hole anyways. Besides, looks like you put it in just the right place.”
Much relieved for her new friend’s tact, Chocolate felt happier.

"You know” she said, feeling that as the changelings had now been unmasked “I thought I saw a green flash around one of the changelings earlier, but wasn’t sure so I didn’t say anything.”
“Yep, that’d be them alright. That’s what they do when they shapeshift. Anyhoo, we’re ready now; what say you and I follow Big Mac and keep an eye on these two varmints so they don’t cause us no more trouble?”

Big Mac set off and strolled unhurriedly to the broken fence, stepping daintily over the remaining bar and then heading unerringly back to the tree where his packed lunch still lay waiting faithfully for his return. He picked up his lunch and then set course for home, the two young mares following along behind, sharing more stories and keeping a watchful eye on their prisoners, AJ taking delight in giving a casual thwack over the back of the head of any that showed signs of waking up.

3 Call Out the Guard

When the happy trio arrived back at Sweet Apple Acres, Granny Smith heard their laughter and came out to meet them, a little surprised to be seeing them back so early. This surprise was however as nothing compared to what she felt when she saw what her grandson was carrying.

“Looks like them bugs are growin’ bigger over in the west orchard” she commented dryly.
“Eeyup!”
“Hey Granny” chipped AJ “Mind if we leave the trash here while we get Twilight? Only I don’t really want to cause a ruckus draggin’ them all through Ponyville, if you know what I mean.”
“Only so long as Big Macintosh is here” she replied.
“What, to defend you Granny?” enquired her granddaughter, concerned.
“No; to defend them from me, you cheeky young ‘un!” she snapped playfully, giving them a taste of her indomitable spirit from days gone by “Now get on your way!”

The two mares made the walk back towards town and instead of turning off for the station, pushed deeper into the bustling conurbation. All the ponies they met were friendly and most wanted to stop and chat to the new arrival, especially given her unusual colouring and unique cutie mark, but AJ had to take an increasingly firm line with them as now really wasn’t the time for socialising; there was no doubting that Pinkie Pie would see to that as soon as she found out.

Exercising all of her tact, AJ finally extricated the two of them from the hordes of inquisitive and welcoming ponies and navigated them to the Golden Oak Library. She knocked the door and there was a theatrical creak that betrayed the time since the hinges had last seen any oil. Chocolate had to look down to see who had opened it for them, and staring back up at her was a pair of bright green reptilian eyes set in a lilac head. She didn’t mean to, but nonetheless jumped back involuntarily as the baby dragon frowned slightly.

“Hey AJ” he said with a distinct male edge to his juvenile voice.
“Howdy Spike” drawled the farm pony “This here’s Hot Chocolate, she’s a friend. Hey, to cut to the chase, is Twilight about? It’s kinda urgent …”
Spike showed them in and looked over the stranger, then stared back into her slate blue eyes.
“Unusual cutie mark” he observed, then giggled “I generally have my hot chocolate in a mug with marshmallows!”

“Spike, don’t be so cheeky!” chastised a more refined female voice from further inside.
“Only saying …” muttered the baby dragon and made to turn away dejectedly.
“Oh, that’s fine” consoled Chocolate raising a forehoof gently to hoofbump, shake claws or whatever a pony was supposed to do when they met a dragon for the first time. Everything she had ever heard about dragons suggested that the first time a pony met one was generally the last, and ended up with the dragon enjoying lunch.
Spike obliged and gently gripped her hoof with his claw.

“Don’t worry, it is a little unusual, but at least you didn’t try to lick it – seriously you’d be surprised how often that happens!”
“Hey, does it really taste of chocolate?” he asked expectantly.
“Spike, no!” came the refined voice again “We don’t go round licking friends. Like, really - urgghhh!”

Chocolate looked up to see a lilac pony trotting over towards her.
“Hi, I’m Twilight Sparkle; it’s very nice to meet you” she said cheerily, then turned her head slightly “Hi, AJ what’s up?”
“You got to come quick Twi, we’ve got some uninvited guests over at Sweet Apple Acres.”
“What, like a vermin infestation?”
“No, Twi” said AJ, nodding towards the baby dragon.
“OK, OK, I’m off!” grumbled Spike, trudging grumpily across towards the kitchen.

Twilight looked expectantly to her country friend and waited for her to speak.
“Changelings” she whispered conspiratorially “We’ve captured a pair of them over at the western orchard!”
Twilight’s jaw dropped and she stared momentarily before resuming her composure.
“Elements – Elements of Harmony!” she chanted to herself; then “NO! Rarity’s gone to Canterlot and won’t be back until tomorrow!”

AJ stood back and Chocolate followed her lead as Twilight lowered her head and started pacing furiously, mumbling to herself all the while. Abruptly she stopped and raised her head “I must contact Princess Celestia at once!” she deduced fixedly.
“Spike!” she sang out towards the kitchen. The kitchen door opened just a crack, and a lilac face peered round, his green eyes looking expectantly towards his mistress.
“Spike, I want you to send a letter, but I’ll write it myself if that’s OK?”
“Sure thing Twi” he said, basking a little as he resumed his place at the centre of events.

While Twilight scratched away on the unfurled scroll, a silence fell over the others in the room.
“So ...!” exclaimed the baby dragon, with so much enthusiasm that the ponies jumped. Spike offered an embarrassed giggle and started to blush.
“So that cutie mark” he began again, this time at a less strident volume “It looks like a chocolate bar with, like, steam coming off it. Am I close?”
“Yes, yes you’re right” said Chocolate, recalling her senses from the place they had wandered when she hadn’t been paying attention.

“We’ve got some ponies here in Ponyville with sweet cutie marks a bit like yours – Mr and Mrs Cake, Bon Bon, and of course, all the Apple family. My favourite is Rarity - she’s got three blue diamonds. Hmmmmm”
“Easy now Spike” reined in AJ “I don’t know if you’re all thinking of Rarity or her cutie mark.”
Spike went bright red at that comment; both statements being equally true.

“Tell me Spike” asked Chocolate, throwing him a social lifeline “Do dragons get cutie marks?”
Before he could answer, Twilight interrupted “OK Spike, ready. This is really important; would you send it to Princess Celestia right away please?”
Spike took a deep breath and then there was a gout of green flame as he exhaled, sending the scroll to Canterlot while Chocolate stared open mouthed at what she had just seen.

***

Princess Celestia was at a formal working lunch that she was starting to find a little trying. Well, if she was honest, it had probably been dull from the outset. She found herself wishing for some form of diversion that would enable her to make excuses and leave, and next thing there was a flash as a scroll appeared.
“Oh my; I am working well today” she thought.Then she started to read:

Dear Princess Celestia,
Two changelings have been captured near Ponyville and are currently being held by Granny Smith and Big Mac at Sweet Apple Acres.
Please come soonest.
Your faithful student
Twilight Sparkle

Immediately she rose from the table and proffered excuses to the assembled dignitaries before departing, issuing orders as she trotted down the castle’s corridors to rouse both the Royal Guard and the Night Guard, ready chariots, wake her sister and then reeled off a list of names rapid fire of teachers and academics from the School for Gifted Unicorns, and do it all NOW!

She strode into a large briefing room and accompanied by only a pair of aides reached for a scroll and wrote:

Twilight
We will be with you this afternoon with full support.
Prevent the prisoners from escaping until we arrive.
Celestia

She reviewed its simplicity and directness just one more time before sending it. This was not the normal communication with her faithful student, following the expected frills and artistry from a ruler versed in tact and blessed with a gift for expressing herself through the medium of words. No, these were instead the words of a general; a leader.

She paced the stage, fragments of plans spinning around in her consciousness, then starting to take root in her head, coalescing into a coherent plan while she waited for those who had been summoned to arrive.
First to her side was a blue alicorn.
“Good afternoon Luna, I am sorry to have disturbed your sleep.”
“Sister, it would not be without a good reason. What has happened?”
“The changelings are back” she said with unvarnished determination seizing her voice.
“Where and in what numbers” she replied, her mind sharp and focused despite it being the middle of her sleep cycle.
“Ponyville; only two so far.”
“There will be more” she echoed the warning evident in her sister’s intonation.
“I agree” said Celestia “They will be unlikely to travel too far from their hive.”
“Diligence suggests we would be wise to assume that they are present in numbers, Sister.”
“And that because we have two of their number, then they will by now be aware that we know they are there.

Celestia turned to one of her aides and requested her battle armour; Luna giving a gentle nod to confirm that her sister’s request went for her too.
“We have faced worse, Sister” said Luna
“Agreed; but there is never room for complacency. The changelings beat us last time until Cadence and Shining Armor’s love magic sent them packing. This time we don’t have them to rely on.”

The room started to fill with military officers, intelligence specialists and a slow trickle of miscellaneous unicorns, mostly greybeards from the School. When Celestia was happy that those she had summoned were in attendance, she outlined what she knew and proposed a strategy. Once her briefing was complete, she threw the table open to discuss the options she had laid out and the attendees entered into a discussion, weighing up the merits of different approaches.

During the course of these discussions, four Royal Armourers came in carrying battle armour for the two Princesses and without pausing were directed to their Diarchs onto whom they proceeded to strap the various items of practical yet stylish protection that were required.

All present could sense that time was short and mercifully avoided going down paths of needless conjecture, sticking to the necessary facts and developing a military response to the clear and present danger being ranged against Equestria. By the time the two sisters had been kitted out in their battle armour, everypony in the briefing room knew it was time for the Princesses to agree and announce their plan.

“Thank you for all your informed debate” announced Celestia “We will fly to a farm known as “Sweet Apple Acres” just outside Ponyville where the two prisoners are being held and see what we can learn about our enemy’s location and strength. We will fly directly with pegasi from the Royal Guard who will lead in daytime engagements and Princess Luna’s Bat Ponies who will lead in night time operations and low-light underground combat. Furthermore, we will be travelling with the most able unicorns who can land a magical punch as strong as the brute strength of our brave guards. In parallel, a contingent of earth ponies and unicorns of the Royal Guard will make their way down by train to support the advance force and provide reinforcement. In this way we will be ready for the challenge that faces us.”

The instant the briefing was dismissed, the highest ranking officers began barking a succession of quickfire orders to their respective entourages, apportioning their forces between those that would be stepping up their alert status to protect Canterlot, and those that would be embarking on the mission. This was quickly followed by another round of orders that concerned what equipment they would carry with them, and what would be taken by train with the reinforcements. To the untrained ear it sounded like a jumble of unrelated commands being shouted at random, but to the highly trained guards it was like looking inside a clockwork watch, every little piece apparently doing different and unrelated jobs, but all coming together to deliver the desired result with finely tuned precision.

While this had been unfolding in the briefing room, the guards had all been mustered for full inspection and were awaiting orders; they did not have to wait long.Celestia and Luna appeared on the balcony overlooking the courtyard where the assembled army stood expectantly. Many of the seasoned professionals waited eagerly, aching for an opportunity to prove themselves once more, while some of the more recent recruits could be seen to be shaking slightly at the first sight of their leaders in battle armour.

Row upon row of ponies wearing highly polished metal armour and many more of midnight blue stood to attention to hear their leaders’ address. There was not more than the slightest breeze rippling across the assembled display of military might, not enough even to tease the crests that adorned the helmets of the Royal Guard.

“Ponies of the Night Guard and the Royal Guard, defenders of Equestria!” began Luna “It has not been long since our borders were invaded by Queen Chrysalis and her changeling army. On that occasion we were caught by surprise and were only saved by Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. Today we have received word that changelings have been captured near Ponyville and we cannot allow such an incursion to pass unchallenged, for the sake of all of us who live in peace in Equestria; our families, our friends and all those of many different races who live and work happily alongside us. We have the advantage; any attempt at a surprise attack has been unmasked and we are ready; ready to act, ready to defend ourselves and free ourselves from the threat of their attack.”

“Time is of the essence” roused Celestia “We must strike before they have had a chance to react to being discovered, before they can muster their army to full strength. I do not know what we will face, but I know we have the bravest fighters and the most able unicorns with us, so we will rise to any challenge and we will prevail!”

Her last words had no chance to die away peacefully, but were pushed forcefully aside by loud cheers from everypony present.

They were motivated.

They were ready.

4 Celestia's Dilemma

The diverse appearance of the hoofpicked unicorns from Celestia’s School clashed in stark contrast to the polished metal and blue uniforms that dominated the courtyard as the ramshackle looking bunch of misfits was escorted into the waiting chariots.

Luna and Celestia shared a last few words with their generals and then Luna came down to conduct a brief inspection of the guards, exchanging the odd words of banter and adding to the esprit de corps, while Celestia checked on the personally appointed unicorns, some of whom looked a little unsteady at the prospect of flying to Ponyville when they would clearly have much preferred to take a train.

From across the courtyard, the two Royal sisters exchanged a look and nodded to each other, then issued the command that everypony, except possibly for a few of the unicorns, wanted to hear and sprang into the air, displaying to everypony present the sun glinting majestically off their battle armour as they led their armies to their destiny.

Citizens of Canterlot looked up in awe as wave after wave of Royal Guards and Bat Ponies appeared over the city, all following their steadfast aim towards some point in the distance. The sheer might of the display sent shivers of both pride and fear through those who saw it and sparked many a speculation as to what was happening, but most believed it to be just an exercise. Meanwhile, back in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, a number of substitute teachers had been drafted in to give lessons that afternoon without being given a reason as to why.

Whilst the aerial armada looked impressive from the ground, it was even more awesome to be part of. The guards very rarely conducted exercises on this scale and being part of such a massed force brought a glow of pride to everypony involved. At the front, the two sisters were pleased that morale was so high; it would mean that they would be all the more effective when they faced what was waiting for them. Both knew to treat their adversary with the greatest of respect; the changelings had captured both of them and subdued the Royal Guard last time they met, and although it had turned out alright, there was no room for complacency.

They made good time considering that they were encumbered with armour and weapons, but although none would dare to admit it openly, they were all looking forward to a rest by the time they approached their destination. The sisters had routed their flight path around all major towns on their route, and as such approached Sweet Apple Acres from an unfamiliar bearing over the orchards rather than from over Ponyville.

The Royal sisters made their approach side by side and flared by the end of the path that led to the front door of the Apple family’s farmhouse. Next to come in were the chariots that needed a longer runway than the guards who circled protectively overhead while the precious cargo beneath them could line up for their approach. With the unicorns safely down, the guards descended in a seamless and perfectly synchronised procession with the ground attack companies and platoons landing first, leaving the combat air wings and squadrons in the air until last just in case of surprise attack while they were particularly exposed during landing.

Granny Smith’s interest had been aroused when she had first seen the silhouettes of pegasi flying low overhead and come out to greet her guests, although she had been taken aback by the numbers arriving which was so much more than had attended even the biggest ever Apple family reunion.
A little behind her followed Big Mac, who was also amazed by the army that had descended into their farm.
“Granny Smith” said Celestia walking up the path with her sister behind “It’s been a long time.”
“Well Howdy Princess, you don’t look a day older than when we first met.”
“The farm has flourished under your husbandry” the immortal Sun Princess complimented.
“I’m guessin’ it’s those two bugs you’ll want to see” she replied, getting straight down to business “You’d best follow me then.”

Granny Smith showed the two Princesses in to the parlour where the hogtied changelings were under the closest scrutiny of three young mares. At the arrival of her mentor, the lilac pony gave one final check of the prisoners, then bounded over to give her a nuzzle, but was thwarted by the battle armour and just rubbed muzzles instead.
“Hi Princess” she greeted casually “I guess you haven’t come alone?”
“Hello Twilight. No, Luna and I have brought some friends along with us, some of whom you may remember as teachers from your school days.”
Twilight’s eyes grew wide with anticipation.
“Not only are they the best teachers, but they are also conveniently on hand should I require magical support at any time too. It’s an intrinsic side of their tenure that we don’t discuss openly.”
“Oh, I can’t wait!” bubbled Twilight, before changing the subject “Do you want to come and see what bundles of joy we’ve been looking after this afternoon?”
Celestia nodded and walked closer, Luna now pulling forward by her side. Her face rapidly lost the happy expression she had worn meeting Twilight and developed into a frown.

Just then, the door opened again and four unicorns walked in, all of whom Twilight knew from her school days, but now rather than wearing the persona of friendly teachers, their demeanour was more business-like. Twilight’s initial wide smile sagged as she realised that out of the closeted context she had known them in the past, they were here now in a fundamentally different role, that of protectors of Equestria. She still received smiles of recognition, but the cheery words of greeting she had intended died in her throat.

“Can you wake them?” asked Luna.
“No problem Princess” said Twilight, her voice taking on an air of authority, subconsciously trying to show her former teachers how her worth had increased since she had last known them. Her pink aura reached out from her horn, removing the enchantment that had kept the prisoners inert for hours and as she turned back, her eyes ran quickly over the unicorns, seeing a proud smile on one. She couldn’t help but smile back and for some reason began to blush a bright red colour.

The changelings’ big blue eyes flicked open and their first vision was of the Royal Princesses just a few feet away in full battle armour and recoiled immediately. They instinctively reached out for love to feed off, but there was none in the room to be had and they both hissed in a mixture of frustration and fright.
“Let me make it clear” said Celestia, authority dripping off every syllable “We want information from you; we can tell if you are dishonest and we can tell if you withhold anything. Would you like me to clarify what will happen to you if you do not comply?”
Both changelings shook their heads quickly as best they could, given their predicament.
“Good” said Celestia levitating the two prisoners, magically unwrapping them in her yellow aura and retying each separately.
“Nice knots, by the way” she added as an afterthought.
“Aw shucks Princess” came a country drawl from an orange pony nearby.

“Luna, please take the one of your choosing into another room and seal yourself in so that neither sound nor psychic communication can transfer between them. Then do as you will to find out what it knows.”
Celestia looked at Granny Smith who gestured to the scullery, and next thing, a hogtied changeling was being levitated in a blue aura into the adjoining room, followed by a very focused Princess and two unicorns.

Celestia cast a quick sideways glance towards the two unicorns who had stayed in the kitchen with her and confirmed that they were both prepared with scrolls and quills at the ready; nothing that came out of this interview was going to be missed. Then she cast a similar spell the one Luna had just done in the next room and sealed off the kitchen.

“Well then” said Celestia with an overt hint of menace in her voice “To start with; tell me about the location of your hive, where its entrances are, how many of you there are, what tactics are employed to defend against attack, who your queen is and why you are here.”

The changeling, now utterly isolated from its companion knew what happened to those that failed to perform as required in the hive and had to assume that ponies kept order in their communities in much the same brutal way, and that their leaders probably meted out even harsher punishments to their enemies. It could only guess what fate awaited it here at the mercy of Equestria’s rulers and concluded that it was right now facing a life changing or life ending experience, and so began reluctantly to tell what it knew.

When Celestia had learned all there was to know and scroll upon scroll had been filled with writing and diagrams, she returned the changeling to the same enchanted state that she had received it and pushed against the spells that isolated the scullery, just enough to let her sister know that they had finished. Shortly, the spell dissipated and the door opened, a grim-faced Luna leading the unicorns through with the changeling floating along behind.

“Sister” she said darkly “It is indeed fortunate that our young friends have been able to secure us such willing informers.”
“Yes Luna, if left undetected this could have been disastrous. Summon the generals and let us plan our response.”
One of the unicorns excused herself while her fellows from the school unfurled their scrolls and compared maps, pointing excitedly at specific details of interest. Meanwhile, Celestia and Luna looked on in grim silence.

Within only a few minutes, the unicorn returned with four senior looking military types; two resplendent in their shining Royal Guard uniforms and two similarly distinguished looking Bat Ponies.
“Thank you for attending so promptly” began Celestia “Our two guests have independently volunteered a great deal of information which we will now draw together and share with you as we go to save time, for time is undoubtedly of the essence. Luna, would you like to start?”

“Thank you, Sister. Following the defeat of Queen Chrysalis in her attempt to invade during the wedding of Princess Cadence to Shining Armor, she retired to regroup. Apparently, she has released more queens to set up their own hives and thereby create a number of independent changeling armies, any or all of which could rise up once their numbers are strong enough.”

“Our two friends are members of a hive that lies underground to the west of this farm; land that is sparsely populated and has allowed them relatively free access without being seen until now. The well where they were found on the boundary of the farm is in fact one of the entrances to the hive; they are that close to us!”

“Apparently, when they were spotted, they were returning from a reconnaissance mission, but the hive entrance was blocked and they were caught in the open, so while one tried to clear the blockage, the other pretended to be a filly in distress, and who among us would not want to help in such a situation? Their plan had been to lure the unsuspecting ponies close to the well and while they were looking over the edge, tip them in, but they were thwarted by a third pony turning up after the others and raising the alarm.”

“The queen of this hive does not yet have a name and she is referred to only by a number. Apparently, names are issued as recognition once the hive has established itself, in this case through earning victory against us. They are still building strength and are not yet ready to mount an attack, but it is clear that this is their eventual aim. Does this accord with your information, Sister?”

“Yes Luna, all too clearly. We are facing an unknown number of hives in locations known only to Chrysalis and if we can act decisively against this hive, then we may be able to deter and dissuade her from her plans.”
“Whilst there are a number of entrances to this hive, the main one appears to be over a line of hills hidden by trees to the west of the farm. Oh, and one last detail; I also have to inform that even with the reinforcements currently on their way here by train, our forces will be outnumbered by a ratio of about 3 to 1.”

“As a matter of top priority, I request the Royal Guard mount a reconnaissance of the hive entrances to determine what threats and opportunities each affords us as we build up a common operational picture. We will need to know how close we can get without being seen and the rate at which we can mount an incursion through each of the entrances.”

At this, one of the Royal Guards rose and accompanied by a pair of scholarly unicorns, each carrying a cluster of rolled up scrolls with rough maps of the changeling hive in their magic, headed out the door for the ad hoc briefing room that had been set up in the barn.

Still holding the attention of the remaining military officers and scholars alike, Celestia looked each in the eye as she gave them one further point to dwell, upon:
“One question for you all to consider before the reconnaissance pegasi return is how we should attack and whether our aim is to kill or simply rout the changelings. I will expect your opinions when we reconvene.”

With this ethical dilemma forefront in their minds, the meeting dismissed and everypony departed leaving the two sisters alone. Shortly, orders could be heard being barked outside.In the artificial calm of the farm kitchen, Luna turned to her elder sister:
“Sister, if their intent is to invade” she said in an objective voice free from any trace of malice “Then we must kill them.”
“It’s not that straightforward Luna. When they invaded last time, they never sought to kill. I cannot in all conscience demand pre-emptive wholescale slaughter.”
“But what of the threat to Equestria if we allow them to live; and what also of any future hives we may discover? If we spare them all, soon we will be outnumbered and unable to defend ourselves.”

“I know Luna, I know” sighed the Sun Princess massaging the space between her eyes “But at what point do we cross the line and become the monsters?”

5 There is a Way

The first reconnaissance pegasi started returning in quarter of an hour due to the closeness of the hive, but others had taken longer, a lot longer as they had to keep their distance from the entrances they had gone to see due either to guard activity or lack of cover.

While they waited, Granny Smith had allowed the assembled army access to the orchards for a supply of food, and the barn bustled with activity as guards were briefed, Twilight busying herself with every aspect of logistics to ensure that everything went smoothly.

She was also acutely aware that the influx of platoons of guards in smart uniforms was going to be a big attraction to the inquisitive young minds at the school and did not want the exercise marred by some foals going missing, so ventured to Chocolate that they might go to the schoolhouse to alert Miss Cheerilee.

When they arrived, the teacher had the foals in a semicircle and was reading a book to them. Whilst the arrival of a librarian would not ordinarily have caused her to stop in her duties, this librarian had taken on Nightmare Moon and if she felt it necessary to call during school hours, it would be worth stopping to listen to.

As Twilight began telling the teacher about the forthcoming event, Chocolate caught Miss Cheerilee’s eye and motioned to the open book. Absent mindedly, she nodded ascent and Chocolate picked it up in her magic, resuming from where they had left off. Her reading style was very animated, enhancing the story by giving each of the characters strikingly comic accents and quickly had the class enthralled. By the time she neared the end of the book, she looked up and noticed that her audience had increased by two more.

Twilight immediately picked up on her empathy with the foals.
“You know” she probed “Miss Cheerilee is going to have her hooves full this afternoon. I don’t know if you would care to stay and help her out?”
The foals who had all been listening intently stared imploringly at their teacher, their expectant faces each silently willing her to say “yes”.
“Miss Chocolate” enquired the teacher “Would you be prepared to stay with us this afternoon? I can’t promise these little monkeys will stay this good for long though.”
“It would be my pleasure. I come from a large family and am used to foalsitting. If Miss Cheerilee will allow, perhaps I can teach you some new games you haven’t played before?”

The teacher beamed her approval and watched as Chocolate set up the classroom for a game of bean bag toss. Twilight shared a parting smile with the two mares and then set off back to oversee and organise the pegasi and Bat Ponies who had become the unexpected guests of the Apple family.

As the afternoon had worn on, the train carrying the earth ponies and unicorns arrived, and it had been difficult to mask the numbers alighting at Ponyville Station as the rumour mill geared up. Only personal intervention by Celestia to the Mayor had managed to seal off the routes to Sweet Apple Acres before the actual scale of the troop movement could be discovered and reported.

It was almost dark when the last of the reconnaissance flyers returned to the kitchen which was serving as the field headquarters. Finally, the last few pieces of the puzzle could be put together and Celestia summoned her key military staff and unicorns once more. Within a few short minutes, the four military officers from the earlier briefing returned along with the highest ranking earth pony and unicorn Royal Guards who had arrived on the train and the most senior unicorns from the school to hear the news and consider the way forward.

As they filed in, they saw Celestia and Luna sat at the table, waiting for them, a unicorn just behind them putting some feverish finishing touches to a large drawing that nopony could quite see from where they were. One of the first in was Twilight, an honour bestowed by the others due to her size, and Celestia recognised her faithful student immediately, summoning her to the head of the table with her sister.

With space at a premium in the kitchen, the sisters waited as they jostled into any spare space they could find. Once everypony was in and had a view of the Princesses, they began by inviting a unicorn to raise a large map of the hive that drew tighter the two changeling accounts along with the intelligence gathered by the pegasi that afternoon. It was a comprehensive and accurate drawing only just finished with the return of the last pegasi, and gave the first proper understanding of what they were up against.

As it was now dark, Luna took the lead and rose to narrate the features on the map, providing a clear picture of which exits and entrances led to what, why they were there, what defences could be expected at each, and where the changelings could be expected to be and in what numbers.
It was clear that most entrances were too small to process the troop movements fast enough to support the large scale assault that the operation demanded, except for two; one of which being the main entrance.

Luna handed back to Celestia who now rose, commanding even greater respect within the confines of the kitchen:
“I asked you to think about the ethics of our forthcoming operation. May have your opinions please?”
“We must attack before they get any stronger, that much is clear” said a military officer “And kill them to remove the threat and send a strong message back to Queen Chrysalis.”
Luna nodded imperceptibly at the sentiment being expressed, but Celestia remained inscrutable.

“No, I must protest” chimed in a scholarly unicorn “We cannot simply kill every being with whom we disagree, otherwise we would have torched the Everfree years ago. No; just because we disagree with other races does not give us the right to simply kill them when we disagree over something, at least not until they start killing our kin, then, and only then, should we even begin to consider using lethal force.”
The argument batted to and fro, the army mostly favouring deadly force whilst the scholars generally favoured a more ethical standpoint. As Celestia had hoped, the two views were evenly split and once the different opinions had been aired, she called for calm:

“Thank you all for your contributions; it is not an easy issue to grapple with, but the solution is not necessarily binary.”
Everypony was quiet with respect for Celestia anyway, but the prospect of an alternative solution gripped their attention. She knew she couldn’t afford to have a split across her forces as this would only serve to weaken commitment and resolve, but she had something, and everypony waited expectantly.

“There is a way” she said, scanning her eyes over everypony, all of whom had their eyes fixed on her “Luna, with your permission?”
Luna nodded and Celestia spoke again:
“Chrysalis has made a mistake, and one that has the potential to thwart any more of her invasion plans if we play this right. If we can catch the changelings from this hive and round them up, we could send them to the moon.”

Gasps of surprise and snorts of approval were raised and Celestia continued:
“There is a strong psychic bond across the changelings and Chrysalis will not want the psychic shock of a whole hive dying being shared amongst them all, especially if it is at her hoof. Changelings live off love and there is none to be found on the moon, if you excuse my observation Luna.”
Her sister nodded her ascent.

“Since she does not have the power to bring them back herself, she will be forced to listen to the plaintive cries for help being radiated down to her and every other changeling in every other hive, wherever they all are; no leader, not even Chrysalis, can afford to tolerate that for long. Consequently, she must enter into a commitment that we find satisfactory before they are returned, or the cries of her changelings will continue. Further, time is totally on our side, for as long as they are away from Equestria, the immediate problem is removed, and we will only allow them back if we are convinced they will not present any risk to us.”

Murmurs of approval rang around everypony present; from those who had advocated leniency and those who had preferred extermination. Luna also gave her sister a nod of respect for her suggestion.
“Shall we work on this as the basis for a plan?” she asked.
“Yes, your Majesty” replied one voice “This approach has the support of the Royal Guard.”
“And the Night Guard” interjected another.
“I believe that I speak for those of us from the school when I say that it offers a good compromise solution” supported an academic voice.

“Very well” said Celestia “We will infiltrate the hive using non-lethal force except for when absolutely necessary to defend ourselves. If we could use insertion parties of guards to force their way into the hive protecting a unicorn at the centre of their party, then in short order before they can muster their defences, the unicorns could all link magic and blast them with a love spell like Cadence and Shining Armor did in Canterlot, but use the power to stun rather than banish them. Once we have done this, then we gather them up and simply send them to the moon. OK with everypony?”

Sounds of approval were evident from everypony and so Celestia continued:
“Luna, would you like to take charge of planning the assault whilst I gather the unicorns together to develop the spell?”
The blue mare agreed and led the senior guards to the barn leaving the unicorns in the kitchen.

“Twilight” she said, turning to face her protégé “I have counted the number of chambers in the hive and the number of gifted unicorns available and noticed that we are one short.Would you like to be part of this attack?”
Twilight’s eyes grew large with pride “You mean work alongside my former teachers as an equal?”
“Yes Twilight, you have already taken on Nightmare Moon single hoofed and Chrysalis too; I think you are more than ready to play your part.”
“Oh Princess!” she squeed, wrapping her forehooves around her mentor’s neck and giving her a big hug. Those unicorns who saw were touched at the sight, but all tactfully looked away. They all knew the young unicorn was up to the task and was glad that Celestia had given her a chance to prove herself.

6 The Best Laid Plans

Bat Ponies from the Night Guard used their unparalleled night vision to guide their respective insertion parties over the moonlit fields on their way to one of the various hive entrances. Luna led one of the biggest parties to the rear entrance while a Bat Pony guided the other bid group led by Celestia to the front. Every entrance was to be assaulted in a synchronised plan that reflected who had to be where by when for unicorns to link together to overwhelm those stationed inside.

There was a slight breeze, sufficient to cause a ripple through the trees and the long grasses, conveniently masking the sounds of advancing ponies from the guards that were bound to be posted, maintaining the element of surprise.
One by one, each of the groups got into their positions. Each of the access points looked sinister and foreboding, doubly so without the benefit of night vision, every shadow, every hole appearing to harbour some unseen demon waiting to gobble up any who dared venture too close.

They waited.

All were in position.

High in the sky, a slow shooting star traversed the nocturnal sphere. Its path took it across the sky in such a position that it could be seen by all of the Equestrian forces, but hidden from the guards at the front entrance by the hill in which the main tunnel to the hive had been bored.

Flying over the darkened landscape was a Bat Pony carrying a large bottle of fireflies, each of which flickered on and off creating a most beguiling and unmistakable sight. On this signal each of the groups began a countdown calculated with Twilight’s help to ensure that each started to move at exactly the right time so that all would be in place poised to break into the hive at precisely the same time.

All ponies in their turn prepared to move forward or down as the case was for each of them, then once poised in position everypony just had time to swear an oath to Celestia, to Luna or to whichever deity they believed in before beginning their part of the assault.

Unlike most of the other access points, the front entrance had no appreciable cover and as the time counted down, Celestia surveilled the interminably long wide open expanse in front of her. Everypony, whether battle hardened or not would be feeling the same tension, a weight that would only be lifted once they began their run in and the adrenalin rose to drown out all other sensations.

They waited.

Then, at a time precise to the second, the order was given and Celestia rose into the air, eyes fixed ahead on the guards at the entrance. She did not look either to her side or behind, but could feel the combined might of Night Guard and Royal Guard pegasi escorting her closely. She could feel their determination as a palpable entity, but knew not by which sense this was being delivered; sound, smell, she didn’t know, but its presence was unmistakeable and she allowed herself to relish briefly the tingle that ran through her.

The changeling guards raised their weapons and Celestia had no doubt they were being pointed at her, but she kept on wringing every ounce of power she could from her magnificent white wings. Her horn glowed yellow and streams of magical energy shot forward, disarming the guards who stared stupefied for an instant before each felt the uncushioned force of a full grown pegasus slam into them, ending their defence.

The force led by Celestia swooped in through the entrance line astern, only to emerge a few seconds later into a large chamber from where they came under attack from the air and from the ground, individual dogfights breaking out while the outnumbered attackers held their enemy until the earth ponies and unicorns galloped in behind, pitching in to help out as soon as they were able.

One of the smaller groups containing Twilight burst in through waste disposal; the startled changelings staring in surprise for no more than two seconds before turning to face their attackers, hissing menacingly. The Bat Ponies, and earth ponies allocated to provide the muscle in this group spilled through the entrance, literally smashing their way through anything and everything in their path, the changelings being steamrollered or thumped as they were encountered, one even being drop kicked into the wall by an earth pony practicing his apple bucking skills.

Twilight’s calculations had been so accurate, that each insertion party burst into the unsuspecting changelings at a time separation synchronised to no worse than ten seconds; all except one.

Luna led the other major assault force, that which took on the other major entrance at the rear. The approach was concealed by trees and shrubs so allowed them to get quite close, and superficially it looked to be quite an easy assault. At the allotted time signal, Luna led her force in and overpowered the guards, washing over them like a tsunami and then drove on deeper into the tunnel only to find her way barred by piles of debris.

The headlong momentum of the forces rushing in behind couldn’t stop in time and there was a pile up along the tunnel as the attack foundered. Seizing the opportunity, changelings emerged from holes in the sides and the ceiling of the tunnel, mounting a series of attacks along the disarrayed column, picking off individuals wherever they could.

They were under attack and Luna’s first duty was to her guards with whom she was fighting alongside at this very second. Her sister’s much vaunted ethics may have had their place in diplomatic negotiations, but this was the fog of war and her guards were being cut down around her. Immediately, she switched into deadly force; too much was at stake to risk losing by showing restraint. She promised she would apologise to her sister if they survived, but that was for later – for now it was a fight for survival.

The insertion party could not afford to be stuck here, exposed to asymmetric attacks along the column and had to break free before mounting casualties became an issue; not only that, but Luna as one of the key spellcasters had only a limited time to get in position to ensure that the spell would reach maximum coverage within the hive.

Cornered, she ordered her forces to break through the walls using magic, hooves or anything else they could marshal to find a way out. After some desperate efforts, holes started opening up around where the changelings had been mounting their sneak attacks. Bit at a time, brave ponies fought their way through into the reality that awaited them on the other side, with no prior knowledge of what it would be; only that it was not the killing field that they were in currently, and that was a good enough reason.

One at a time ponies found their way through, widening the holes as they went and taking their revenge for what had been done to their colleagues; Luna had been the less forgiving of the two sisters from the outset, and now with a red mist descending, she was venting her wrath in a truly frightening display of sword skill and magic in her quest for retribution.

Abruptly, she felt her bloodlust begin to falter, not out of any fit of conscience, but instead of a magical summoning demanding her attention and dragging her away; the others had started and she wasn’t ready!

“No! No! No!” she cursed, feeling increasingly helpless as the magical vortex gained momentum. She needed to add her alicorn magic or there would not be enough power to perform the task that they had set out to achieve, and then they would be overcome by the changelings’ superior numbers. She just had to get free to focus and quickly!

Her horn began to glow, not with the usual blue, but instead with a combination of all the other auras that were reaching out to her at that moment. She was acting as a conduit and beginning to absorb all the power being generated by the others! She could feel the individual auras of her sister, of Twilight and many more that she recognised but could not name. They were waiting for her, they needed her and she had to start transmitting her aura too before she became overpowered.

Luna’s breathing became rapid and she started to hyperventilate as her eyes suddenly flashed white. Unicorns around her could feel the aura, but were not attuned directly; they could however see what was happening and shouted a command to protect the Princess. Luna was now powerless to decouple from the rising magical power and had to either start transmitting or absorb the power overload on her own. She had no choice and focused her power to join the others, although she was nowhere near where she should have been and she and her group were dangerously exposed.

Those nearest to the Princess fell as more changelings piled in, but her Bat Ponies and Royal Guards remained unswervingly loyal even in the face of such danger, buying her time that she desperately needed. Her aura shook off the multicoloured hue it had carried and instead turned its rightful shade of blue as Luna gasped with the force of her concentration.

Finally, all synchronised, the linked unicorns with their two alicorn leaders set about weaving the love-based spell that they had planned. As one at a time, the pieces drew together, the power being created changed form until a humming could be heard and then felt. Something caused the changelings to suspend whatever they were doing in mid-action as they all braced expectantly for something, but they didn’t know what. If their faces could have shown confusion, now would have been the time.

Suddenly there was a blinding pink flash and the changelings were bowled over, coming to rest in untidy heaps as so many discarded rag dolls.

The spellcasters lost the strange luminous moonstone glow from their eyes and returned to their normal forms, although physically and mentally exhausted.

While the guards took a moment to tend to their injured and fallen colleagues, the Princesses each made for the queen’s chambers at the heart of the hive. Celestia arrived first and composed herself before walking in to survey her defeated enemy, but before she could take in the scene in front of her, a bolt of green magic crackled through the air and hit her in the heart. Her eyes opened wide in surprise and her mouth fell open in shock as her forelegs buckled and she fell heavily to the ground, completely unable to shield herself.

Still the evil energy poured into her body, directed from the horn of the black changeling queen who looked just like Chrysalis and was staring at her malevolently as she kept her magical grip tightly around Celestia’s stopped heart. The Sun Princess gasped for breath while she felt the magical grasp like icy fingers clenched around her heart squeeze ever more tightly as her adversary began a maniacal cackling laugh, throwing her head back in triumph.

Suddenly the grip was released, but the barely conscious Celestia was unaware as to why, feeling that the coup de grâce could not be long from being delivered, ending her reign, even her immortality. She struggled to face her adversary for what she expected to be the last sight she would carry into eternity, but instead saw the familiar dark blue coat of her sister.

Luna was angry. She had lost brave and loyal guards and now this evil queen was trying to kill her sister. When she had been Nightmare Moon, she had merely sought recognition, now she felt a much stronger motivator; revenge. She braced her forehooves into the floor, lowered her head and shot a beam of purest blue from her horn, channeling a rage that exceeded any she had ever displayed during her time as Nightmare Moon.

The queen tried to redirect her magic, but it was so wrapped up with torturing the white mare in front of her that she couldn’t extract it in time. Before she could react, Luna drew upon the power of the darkness, a power as infinite as the universe and directed it into the queen, where she began ripping all the evil magic from every part of her body, even out of her very soul. She writhed in agony, screaming at the intensity of the pain wracking through every fibre of her existence, even calling for mercy as for the first time in her life she felt real fear.

Her body was smouldering where Luna continued to focus the infinite power under her control with forensic precision to rip her entire being apart, and her screams had now transcended from those of extreme torture to the incompletely formed gurgles emanating from her throat. Still Luna’s rage was not sated, and she focused more and more power into the smoking body that now only twitched before her and started to distort under the intense heat, the beam of blue magic relentless in its pursuit of her utter annihilation.

Celestia, still unable to move, begged her sister to stop; she had beaten her opponent, there was no need for this gratuitous display. Luna heard, but was in no mood to comply.
“Restraint be damned!” she thought to herself.

She left the queen’s eyes untouched as the rest of her body was destroyed piece at a time, just so she could stare upon the face of her nemesis; the last thing she would ever see being the pure unforgiving hate in Luna’s eyes.

Behind her, somepony else entered the chambers and Celestia directed the lilac pony to Luna with a weak wave of her forehoof, desperate to stop the carnage before it was too late. Twilight’s eyes grew wide in horror as she instinctively raised a forehoof to cover her gaping mouth. Sensing the urgency, she shouted at the top of her voice “STOP!”

Twilight, the brave little unicorn who had challenged Nightmare Moon and restored Luna to her rightful place in Equestrian society, was the only pony whom she would even entertain listening to at the moment. Exasperated by the interruption, she stomped her forehooves indignantly and abruptly terminated the power that coursed through her body, contemptuously surveying the incinerated remains of the queen whose terrified eyes remained fixed sightlessly towards them, her body twisted in a distorted parody of what she had been only a few minutes before.

Luna turned to face Twilight still wearing the look of pure hatred and gave her a sustained evil glare of the kind that would have made the most battle hardened guard run under the nearest table whimpering. Twilight crumbled inside but kept her gaze fixed on Luna, not betraying how close she was to breaking herself.

“Sometimes Twilight” scowled Luna with barely supressed anger “Being a Princess is not just about knowing how to smile and wave.”

Twilight stood resolutely staring the much larger mare down, a fixed frown on her face staring back into the most frightening sight she had ever seen and didn’t say anything; she couldn’t.

Luna turned and stomped off to organise the recovery of bodies. Once she had gone, Twilight’s knees buckled and she collapsed, shaking as the adrenalin bled out of her and she started to cry. What had she just witnessed?

Celestia struggled over to her protégé and despite the pain that wracked through her, draped a wing over the lilac unicorn and snuggled her trembling body. Luna’s actions had frightened her too, but for now she was grateful for Twilight’s intervention and knew her duty was to comfort her.

Behind them, the charred remains of a changeling queen stared into space. She never would get a name now.

Luna knew why the changeling queen had not been subdued. If it wasn’t for the blocked tunnel, she would have been able to get into position before the spell was cast, thereby providing the complete magical coverage of the hive as planned, but because she had failed, her sister had almost been killed. As she berated herself, she thought about what she had just done; she questioned whether she had been right, then saw a pony from the Royal Guard being wrapped up in a body bag and felt fully justified. She may not have done right by her sister, but at least she felt she had done right by her guards, and by herself. Doubtless, words would be exchanged at a later date.

She summoned the senior officers and issued orders for all ponies to be put to work gathering the changelings into the main chamber once they had taken care of their own. It took time, but the military and academic unicorns worked well together in clearing the hive. The next step was to have been Celestia’s to take; sending them to the moon. Luna mused how this was a spell that had been first used a little over a thousand years ago, but felt no bitterness towards her sister now, just the strength of an immortal sibling bond.

Celestia was unable to provide any magic to help out, so Luna enlisted the most talented unicorns present, including Twilight to assist. If the lilac pony felt any residual animosity towards the Princess, she kept it to herself and focused on the challenge at hoof. At Luna’s command, they formed a circle around the pile of changelings and lit their horns, their auras combining to levitate their captives before Twilight’s pink aura shone in prominence to release the changelings from their enchantment, followed shortly by Luna’s that initiated a bright blue flash, and suddenly the chamber was empty.

Luna went back to check on Celestia, her heart feeling lighter than it had at any time since the start of the attack.
“It is done, Sister” she said simply.
“Thank you, Luna. It won’t be long before we hear from Chrysalis and can broker a deal.”
“I suggest that the negotiations are best handled by you, Sister.”
“Yes, I think you’re right there” said Celestia, looking at the burned remains of the young changeling queen “Diplomacy really isn’t your strong suit.”

7 Unexpected Guests

A Royal chariot drawn by two white pegasi descended at the main entrance to the hive and Celestia was carried out to be loaded aboard, accompanied by one of her most trusted teachers from her school. After having secured the vacated hive, the guards withdrew; pegasi flying in formation while the earth ponies and unicorns waited for the train. Although some of the more sensitive unicorns in nearby Ponyville had sensed something happening, the inhabitants were mostly unaware of the dramatic struggle that had played out on their doorstep.

Pinkie Pie had finally gotten wind that there was a new pony in town and was busily pulling together a belated welcome party for Chocolate, but before any of that could happen, Twilight extended an invitation for her to catch some rest and recover at the Golden Oak library.

Spike kept the library respectfully quiet during the day, even by library standards, and it wasn’t until evening that the two mares awoke.

“Hey, Chocolate” greeted Twilight warmly “Come have a look at the moon.”
Intrigued as to why the moon should warrant such interest, she walked over to a window and saw a new shadow had been formed, that depicting the head of a changeling.
“Takes me back to when there was the head of a unicorn on the moon instead” said her guest.
“Oh, yes” said Twilight with a wistful twinkle in her eye “I know all about that little incident, trust me!”

***

The party was one of Pinkie’s finest, everypony eager to find out not only about their new arrival, but also her role in having saved Equestria from the recent changeling threat.
“All I did was trip over a fence, honest!” she would say, but this modesty just endeared her further.

Rarity had returned from Canterlot with the CMCs and Chocolate demonstrated her talent for getting on with the fillies, earning the respect of big sisters, and honorary big sister alike.

As the evening drew on, there was a knock at the door and two ponies stood silhouetted against the moonlight, the revellers stopping abruptly when they saw the large white alicorn and her slightly smaller dark blue sister enter.
“Good evening everypony” announced Luna “We are delighted to be here and join your celebrations.”

Everypony was stunned, and immediately stopped what they were doing to kneel down in front of the two most powerful ponies in Equestria. Occasionally, they may have seen Celestia come to town on a Royal visit, but coming to an informal party was unheard of, and to compound matters, Luna was with her, and she was barely ever seen in public outside of Nightmare Night.
“Please be upstanding” said Luna “We do not intend to stop your celebrations but add to them.”

“News of the changeling conspiracy has travelled quickly “said Celestia “Along with word of three ponies here tonight, without whom such a positive outcome could not have been achieved. Do we have Applejack, Big Macintosh and Hot Chocolate here please?”

The three ponies tentatively stepped forward to receive personal thanks from both Princesses and then a Royal aide opened a box within which were three golden medallions each on a dark blue and white ribbon trimmed with gold and silver, representing the personal accolade from the two Princesses.

“On behalf of the grateful ponies of Equestria” announced Celestia “Please would you accept this award for having played your part in defeating the changeling invasion.”
Big Mac got shy and tried to hide his face as it went even redder than usual and AJ responded with an eloquent “Eeyup!” while Chocolate tried to suppress a giggle and snorted loudly, raising a hearty laugh among everypony present.

With medals awarded, Celestia asked if she may have a glass of punch before she left and Luna joined in too, the two sisters mingling informally with everypony present until late. As the evening drew to a close on Pinkie’s best party ever, Luna looked to her sister to confirm she was ready to depart and leave the ponies to get to their beds.
“That was a good evening” observed Celestia “I don’t know anything about the background of this Hot Chocolate, but I am so glad she arrived when she did. Speaking of whom, did you ever find out the significance of her cutie mark?”
“No Sister, ‘tis a question I did not ask, but I believe she will be lodging with the Apple family for a while, so we may learn more through your student’s friendship reports.”

As they turned to leave, she shot Celestia an enquiring glance.
“Sister, there was a particularly extravagant looking chocolate gateau I saw on the way in and had been rather looking forward to a slice. Dost thou know anything of the disappearance of the entire cake?” accused Luna reverting to her olden tongue for emphasis.

“I honestly have no idea what you are talking about” said Celestia, eyes swivelling in any direction other than her sister and licking the chocolate surreptitiously off her lips.