Tartarus Hath Frozen Over

Applejack stopped and after a few words of departure, she headed toward Sweet Apple Acres. Zembani asked in mild confusion, “Where is she going?” Twilight explained to Zembani that Applejack lived at her family farm. The group continued their tour of Ponyville. Twilight mentioning places of interest as they did so. Slowly the group dwindled until Zembani, Twilight, and Spike were the only ones left, the others having returned home for the day.

“Where am I to stay,” Zembani inquired as they walked through town. “You can stay at my house,” she said pointing to the tall castle ahead of them. Zembani knew Twilight was a princess but the sheer size and intricacy of her castle was awe inspiring. “That’s quite a castle, it must have taken a while to construct it,” Zembani commented.

As they approached the towering double doors Zembani noticed that it was constructed out of crystals. “You must be a very important princess to warrant a castle of crystal,” Zembani said. Twilight could feel a slight blush form from his comment. “Twilight is a very important pony, she and her friends have saved Equestria several times.” “In recognition of this the Tree of Harmony created this castle for her,” Spike stated proudly.

Twilight had never been more thankful then now to have a coat of lavender. The color would effectively hide her increasing blush. Zembani wondered if Spike was exaggerating about a tree constructing a castle. “Oh Spike, I only did what anypony would have,” Twilight humbly replied.

Twilight pushed open the doors which revealed the interior was also constructed of crystal. They silently walked through the castle, Zembani taking in his surroundings as they walked. After several turns, Twilight was greeted by Starlight Shimmer. Starlight was sitting at a large round table, a rather large book was open before her. “Welcome back Twi…” Starlight trailed off as Zembani coming into view.

Quick to recompose herself, Starlight stepped to the floor as Twilight introduced Zembani. “Starlight Shimmer, this is Zembani, he’ll be staying with us for a while.” Starlight approached Zembani, slightly wary of the intimidating dragon. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Zembani,” Starlight held her hoof out. Zembani grasped her hoof and gently shook it.

“You don’t have to worry, not all dragons are hellions,” Zembani replied to Starlight’s hesitant expression. Starlight replaced her hoof on the ground before replying. “I’ve only met two dragons so you can hardly blame my reaction.” “Quite so,” Zembani agreed with a smile before he turned to Twilight. “I would like to rest after our trip,” Zembani stated.

“Of course, if you’d please follow me,” Twilight stated as she guided Zembani to his room. Waiting until she was sure they were out of earshot. Starlight asked Spike why Zembani was staying with them. Spike motioned for Starlight to take a seat as he did so. Spike began with meeting Zembani and his mother Veronica in Appleloosa, Veronica’s request, and Twilight’s acceptance.

Spike withheld most of Zembani’s story, save for Veronica taking him in. He didn’t believe it was his place to reveal Zembani‘s story in its entirety. Starlight leaned back in her chair, mulling over everything Spike just said. A loud repetitive knock echoed throughout the castle, interrupting Starlight. Both Starlight and Spike raced to the main hall of the castle.

The knocking became more desperate by the minute. Starlight lifted Spike upon her back before running as fast as she could. Twilight and Zembani were the first to make it to the entrance, Starlight and Spike soon joined them. A panicked Twilight threw open the doors and screamed. Upon the doorstep, surrounded by darkness was an unconscious Fluttershy and an exhausted changeling.

Starlight, Spike, and Zembani shared a gasp as their eyes fell on the disturbing sight. Twilight instantly turned her charging horn toward the changeling and demanded answers. Zembani’s mind was spinning, what happened when they left Appleloosa. What would cause this changeling to shed it’s disguise or carry Fluttershy all the way here.

The changeling struggled to lift its head, opening its eyes to reveal two orange irises. Zembani’s heart skipped a beat, he bowled past Starlight and Spike. Twilight’s mouth dropped open as Zembani stopped and hugged Chelsie. Too weak to return the gesture, Chelsie rested her head on his shoulder. Starlight and Spike were quite befuddled to properly comprehend the situation.

Meanwhile Twilight struggled to speak yet failed to make any sounds. “What happened Chelsie and why are you two hurt,” Zembani asked feverishly. In a weak and shaky voice, Chelsie replied, “Appleloosa was attacked.. by,” Chelsie went into a coughing fit as her eyelids began to close. “By who,“ Zembani begged for an answer.

A lone grunt and a whispered word were all that was heard before Chelsie fell unconscious. Although it was faint their elevated hearing allowed them to hear the last word. Zembani gently laid Chelsie’s body back on the floor before standing on his hind legs. Twilight’s body began to unexplainable shake, it felt like the air threatened to crush her.

A quick glance behind her revealed that Spike and Starlight were experiencing similar effects. A deep, almost menacing, voice caused Twilight to face forward. “Please look after Chelsie,” Zembani calmly asked. “We can’t do that, she’s a changeling,” Twilight managed to reply. Zembani turned his head to stare at Twilight from over his shoulder.

It took everything Twilight had to refrain from bolting. Staring into Zembani’s wide eye, Twilight’s anxiety increased exponentially. It felt as if the very depths of hell clashed and fought to escape the containment of Zembani’s eye. “Chelsie carried Fluttershy here despite her injuries and possible consequences.”

“Yet you deny her treatment because she’s a changeling,” “Is this how a Princess of Equestria repays a debt,” Zembani replied. Twilight began to fidget under his scrutinizing stare desperately thinking of a reply. Despite Zembani’s calm demeanor, his tone could cleave meat from the bone. “Disregarding the fact that Chelsie is a changeling, we know nothing about their anatomy,” Starlight indicated.

Zembani was about to answer Starlight when a hoof touched his hind claw. “Zembani… don’t leave,” Chelsie groaned as she tossed and turned on the floor. Zembani’s death glare and murderous aura dissipated as he put a knee to the floor. After carefully scooping both Fluttershy and Chelsie up in his arms Zembani looked at Twilight.

Twilight exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized was being held. It appeared that Zembani’s rage had faded as he looks at her with caring eyes once again. “Do you have an infirmary or a bed I can lay them down on,” Zembani asked. Almost ecstatic that the demon moments ago was gone. Twilight ran down the hall, closely followed by Zembani.

Spike’s shaking legs could no longer hold him up causing him to fell to his knees. “I never realized that dragons could instill that much dread,” Starlight stated. “They can’t,” Spike began, “however I know of one creature that could.” Simultaneously the same name came to both of their minds. “Spike, take a letter to Princess Celestia,” Starlight said apprehensively.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour but we have a situation at Twilight’s castle. An hour ago a wounded changeling arrived carrying an unconscious Fluttershy. Before the changeling fainted it told of an attack against Appleloosa by a group of dragons. We’ve also learned that a dragon Twilight brought to Ponyville might have connections to Chrysalis.

Starlight Glimmer

Spike attached a red band with a golden medallion, a “C” was engraved into the medallion. Holding the scroll up with a claw, Spike gently breathed a stream of green flame. The scroll was quickly transformed into a wisp of green smoke before flying away. Meanwhile, over Canterlot, the green wisp zoomed over the sleeping populace as it headed to Princess Celestia.

Upon reaching Canterlot Castle, the wisp dived as it flew toward Celestia’s balcony. Within a matter of minutes, it had ducked into Celestia’s bedchambers. Stopping inches above the slumbering Princess, the smoke rematerialized into a scroll. Soon the scroll fell, gently bounced off Celestia’s shoulder with a soft crumple sound.

Slowly Celestia opened her eyes and began to stir in her bed. from her sleep. Noticing the scroll laying beside her, Celestia encased it in her magic. Throwing the covers off her she sat up in her bed before unrolling it. Celestia’s drowsiness was quickly chased away as she read the letter.

Not wasting any time Celestia teleported to Twilight’s castle, dropping the scroll to the floor in her haste. Both Fluttershy and Chelsie were resting comfortably in a bed. Twilight gave Zembani a First Aid Kit for Chelsie before heading to treat Fluttershy’s injuries. Starlight and Spike were in Fluttershy’s room when Twilight reentered.

“So what do you make of all this Twilight,” Starlight asked. “I don’t really know Starlight, they both are indeed burnt by fire.” “I even tested to see if it was conjured fire but the results were negative,” Twilight said. Removing a tube of ointment, Twilight began to gently apply some to Fluttershy’s burns. “Fluttershy is lucky that she didn’t sustain any broken bones,” Twilight spoke in a relieved tone.

A sudden flash of white light followed by a quick poof filled the corridor close to their location. “Starlight Glimmer,” came a gentle familiar voice. “We’re in here Princess Celestia,” Starlight called out. Following Starlight’s voice, Celestia soon found the room they were in. Poking her head around the corner her gaze fell upon a disheartening sight.

Fluttershy laid motionless on a bed with bandages covering most of her body. “How did this happen,” Celestia asked nopony in particular. Twilight replied in a melancholy voice, “It’s my fault, Princess Celestia.” “I allowed Fluttershy to remain in Appleloosa, “I should have stopped her,” Twilight finished. Celestia raised an eyebrow in confusion as she addressed Twilight. “There wasn’t any way that you could have predicted this.”

“However, I am curious as to why Fluttershy would want to remain behind,” Celestia finished. Satisfied with her level of care she had given Fluttershy, Twilight turned to tell to face Celestia. Twilight relayed the day’s events in great detail leading up to their current situation. After a moment to assimilate all the given information, Celestia asked to see Zembani and Chelsie.

Twilight lead the way as she showed them to Chelsie’s room. Zembani was sitting in a chair next to Chelsie’s bed when he heard a voice call to him. He turned around to see a tall white Alicorn in the doorway. “Can I help you, princess,” Zembani inquired as he looked at the Alicorn. “My name is Princess Celestia and I’ve come to investigate a changeling sighting.”

Celestia leaned to the side to glance at Chelsie laying on the bed. “Has it regained consciousness yet,” Celestia demanded. Zembani stood up from his chair and turned to speak to Celestia. “Her name is Chelsie and I would appreciate it if you didn’t refer to her as it, princess.” Celestia maintained her stoic composure a similar occurrence came to mind.

“My apologizes Zembani but a changeling having a name is quite rare.” “May I ask you some questions about her,” Celestia concluded. Zembani agreed, hoping that Princess Celestia would leave Chelsie alone afterward. Celestia cleared her throat as she began her questioning, “how do you know Chelsie?” “I met Chelsie three years ago and we’ve been friends ever since,” Zembani replied.

“Ok, next question, is Chelsie a puppet of Chrysalis?” “No, Queen Chrysalis would never do that to Chelsie or any of her children,” Zembani retorted. Zembani could feel his temper beginning to rise. Celestia was shocked to hear Zembani refer to Chrysalis’ drones as her children. “Next question, does Chelsie still serve Chrysalis?”

“Yes, Chelsie has mentioned that she serves Chrysalis,” replied Zembani, wondering if these questions had any actual relevance. Celestia’s face shifted to a frown as she announced the end of her questions. Channeled her magic into her horn, Celestia lowered her head until her horn was pointing at Chelsie. Zembani leaped in between them, protecting Chelsie from Celestia‘s magic. “What do you think you’re doing,” Zembani shouted at Celestia.

Not letting Zembani’s disrespect get to her, Celestia calmly replied. “Chelsie is a changeling that is still loyal to Chrysalis and must be dealt with.” “You will do no such thing, as her friend I won’t let you,” Zembani growled as he took a fighting stance. Annoyed now, Celestia snapped, “your loyalty is admirable but do you think she would risk her life to save you?”

“Perhaps you could ask Fluttershy when she wakes,” Zembani countered. Celestia narrowed her eyes as she attempted to intimidate the dragon. Like-wise Zembani glared back at Celestia, both trying to stare down the other. A poof sounded to the side of them yet neither averted their eyes to look.

“THAT IS ENOUGH,” Twilight shouted in her Canterlonian voice. Both Starlight and Spike covered their ears from the sheer force of the shout. Unfortunately, it appeared to have no effect on Celestia or Zembani. Out of options, Twilight just sat on the floor as Celestia and Zembani continued to act foolishly. After several more silent minutes, Celestia spoke up. “It’s obvious that neither one of us is going to back down, so how about a draw instead?“

“I’m listening and if your suggestion is reasonable then I’ll consider it,” Zembani answered. They continued to negotiate even as they refused to concede the staring match. Celestia’s horn lit up again and with a quick flash, a small gold ring hovered beside her. “I can’t allow a changeling to roam free and continue to give reports to Chrysalis.”

“This ring would block her transformations and her connection with the hive so long as she wears it,” Celestia stated. Zembani thought about it, on one claw his friend would be able to stay. While on the other the effects wouldn’t be permanent and she’d be able to return to the hive anytime. Zembani took the ring from the air and held it in his hand.

“If the ring is removed it will shatter while signaling me of its destruction.” “If I catch Chelsie without the ring, I’ll dispose of her and you if necessary,” Celestia warned. Zembani didn’t reply, instead, he turned and slid the ring onto her horn. The ring emitted a few sparks then fell silent. “Now that’s settled, I’d suggest that everypony gets some sleep,” Starlight chimed in.

It was Starlight’s intention to change the subject while everything was currently calm. Starlight gave a sigh of relief as Celestia agreed to the suggestion. “Good night everypony,” Celestia declared before vanishing with a flash and poof. Once Celestia was gone, Twilight got to her hooves. “That was intense, for a moment there I thought they were going to fight,” Spike said.

“You must really care for her Zembani,” Starlight added. Zembani responded, “Chelsie was my first friend after my mother found me.” “Even though Chelsie is a changeling, she certainly doesn’t act like one,” Twilight commented. “Indeed, the ones we’ve encountered before all seemed empty,” Spike mused. “Well lets all head to bed no sense in standing around tired,” Twilight said.

As she gently ushered Spike and Starlight out of the room. Twilight called from over her shoulder, “you need to get some rest as well Zembani.” Zembani explained that he would rather remain by Chelsie’s side. The ring and her conditional stay needed to be explained when she woke up. Twilight understood and suggest that they relocate to a room with two beds.

Zembani gently picked up Chelsie and the First Aid Kit before following Twilight. It wasn’t long before Twilight opened a door and motioned Zembani to enter. Zembani stepped inside the room and looked around. There were four beds in this room, Zembani strolled over and placed Chelsie on one. Taking the covers from another bed, Zembani covered Chelsie with them.

With an exchanged good night, Zembani got into a bed for the night. Twilight doused the candles with her magic before closing the door. Zembani laid there for a while, still worried about what happened at Appleloosa. Hoping that Fluttershy and Chelsie would be awake and able to tell them what happened. The events of the day were finally catching up as Zembani felt himself slip further into a deep slumber.