* Canterlot Castle, prisoner infirmary*

Shining Armor trotted down the main corridor of the infirmary flanked by two other royal guards, his expression grim and, if one looked close enough, tired and irritated. He wasn’t just irritable because he’d been woken up at an unreasonable hour. As a soldier, he was used to having his sleep schedule disrupted at a moment’s notice.

No, he was irritated because of why he’d been woken up.

Turning a corner, he spotted the room he was heading to. It wasn’t hard to identify it: four royal guards stood at attention by the door, with at least three others inside the room with the doctors treating the prisoner inside.

A prisoner that was delivered to them over an hour ago by Dawn Wings. And suffering from some pretty nasty injuries, most likely gained when the corax subdued him.

As he approached the door, the guards saluted.

“Pass phrase.” One said, his features stoic.

“Winds of change, future opens to those with courage.” Shining said.

“Welcome captain.” The guard said as he allowed Shining past.

Inside the room, Shining saw two of the castle’s finest doctors working their magic on the prisoner, the latter of whom was currently resting on a surgery table under a glowing, blue-tinted lamp that contained a sedative enchantment. The scene in and of itself wasn’t strange. What was strange was that the prisoner. Said prisoner wasn’t a pony. It was a changeling.

Noticing the Captain, Doctor Arnica Poultice’s magic died down as he turned to face Shining.

“Well, Doctor, what’s the prognosis?” Shining said as he regarded the changeling. “I want to question him as soon as possible.”

Looking back at his patient, Dr. Arnica’s face turned into a brief frown, before returning his attention to Shining.

“Walk with me Captain.” The doctor said as he led Shining out of the room.

“I take it there were complications.” Shining said as he and the doctor exited the room to stand in the hallway.

“Of a sort.” Dr. Arnica replied, “When the prisoner was brought in, he was suffering from both a moderate concussion, and severe lacerations to his wing muscles.”

“Were you able to treat him?” Shining asked.

“Well, yes and no. The concussion was simple enough to deal with. A few healing spells and a dosage of anti-inflammatory medicine seems to have cleared up the worst of it. When he wakes up, he’ll have a bit of a headache, but thankfully there shouldn’t be any long term damage.”

“That’s good.” Shining said with an even tone of voice, “What about his wings?”

Dr. Arnica looked uncomfortable for a moment, before sighing and shaking his head.

“That’s where things get strange.” He said with a weary tone. “For some reason, the wounds are resisting treatment. None of our healing spells are having any sort of effect on them.”

Shining raised an eyebrow.

“Go on.” He said.

“I just… I have no idea what’s going wrong.” The doctor continued as he wiped his forehead with a hoof. “Even class 3 healing magic just seems to wash off them. The bleeding stopped on its own, but the wounds themselves aren’t healing. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“Do you know what caused the damage?”

“That’s where things get even stranger. The wounds look like they were caused by some sort of talon strike, like from a griffon of hippogriff.” Dr. Arnica said as he looked back to the room. “It was a precision hit too. Whatever attacked that changeling went directly after his wings and lacerated his flight muscles. Unless we can find a way to treat the damage, he may never be able to fly again.”

Shining considered this new information.

“Can you detect any thaumatic contamination on the wounds?” Shining asked.

“No. Nothing.” Dr. Arnica replied, “After the first spell failed, we immediately checked. But we found nothing. No dark magic pollution. No chaos magic. No wounding enchantment contaminating the injuries. Whatever is preventing us from treating his wounds, it’s nothing we’ve ever dealt with.”

“I see.” Shining said, adding this new information to possible threats that Dawn Wings posed. “Other than his wings, is the prisoner healthy enough to be questioned. We’ve got a limited window of time to do it before Chrysalis figures out we’ve got him.”

Dr. Anrica looked at Shining sternly, his medical training fighting against his need to abide by his C.O.’s needs.

“Yes, he should.” Dr. Arnica said slowly. “The concussion’s been treated, so he should be well enough to answer questions. But, I would advise not aggravating him too much, lest he re-open the wounds on his back.”

“How long until he wakes up?”

“Once the sedative field is removed? 10-15 minutes, max.”

“Good.” Shining said with a nod, “Once he can be moved, have him transferred to interrogation room 7, but keep him sedated. I don’t want any surprises.

“Of course Captain.” Dr. Arnica said with a salute.

Turning to leave, Shining closed his eyes and fought down a groan.

‘Damn you, Dawn Wings. I didn’t need this pile of horseapples on my plate.’

*****

Some twenty minutes later, Shining found himself in a large, sterile room sitting at a table. Stationed in the corners of the room were four of his mist-knights, each one cloaked by their armor’s enchantments. Sitting opposite him at the table was the changeling, all four of his legs and his neck shackled to the ground by sturdy chains, each one etched with magic-suppression runes. Attached to the ceiling was another sedative field emitter, which Shining had turned off moments ago, but could have reactivated at a moment’s notice.

Pulling on his magic, Shining cast a simple “wake-up” charm on the changeling. With a confused snort, the changeling opened his eyes. Moments later, he laid eyes on Shining armor, and his expression went cold.

“Good. You’re awake.” Shining said as he regarded the changeling. “You probably know who I am, but in case you don’t, my name is Captain Shining Armor of the Canterlot Royal Guard. And I have some questions for you.”

The changeling said nothing. Instead, it looked around the room, and then down at its restraints.

“Don’t bother trying to use your magic. Those suppressors were specifically designed to contain changeling magic. You won’t even be able to change form as long as they’re on.” Shining said. “Now, lets get down to business…”

Shining took a small sip of coffee before regarding the changeling.

“Let's just get the basics out of the way. You were captured under Ponyville. We’ve determined that you and your fellow changelings kidnapped and held nearly a dozen of our citizens hostage to drain of their love. We also know of at least one pony that was killed by you and your kind, one…” Shining pulled open a folder with his magick, looking at the report he’d received from Dawn Wings on her first visit, “…Spearmint Frost.”

The changeling simply regarded Shining with barely veiled loathing. Shining continued on.

“We also know that you’re one of Chrysalis’s High Reavers, meaning you’re a fairly important changeling, and have been in charge of the… occupation of Ponyville.” Shining said as he looked through the folder again. “And from everything that you’ve done, you’re looking at a potential lifetime in the dungeons of Canterlot. Not a fate I’d be enthusiastic about.”

The changeling narrowed his eyes as a low hiss escaped his throat, but still said nothing.

“Look, we know most of you changelings don’t like Chrysalis. So, here’s the deal. You tell me where she’s hiding, and maybe I can be convinced to reduce your sentence.”

The changeling remained silent, his glare continuing to bounce off Shining’s stoic bastion.

“I see.” Shining said as he regarded the prisoner. “Well, I think it only fair to tell you that we’re currently raiding your little nest under Ponyville. As we speak, one of my lieutenants is storming the caverns you and your kind have been using to ferry out the love you’ve been draining from our citizens. Make no mistake, my subordinate will reclaim our ponies, and capture all of your cohorts.”

The changeling narrowed its eyes, and a small smile worked its way up the edges of his mouth.

“Don’t believe me eh? Think I’m bluffing? Well, here, look at this…” Shining said as he pulled out a piece of paper from the folder and slid it in front of the changeling, causing his eyes to go wide with shock.

On the paper was a map of Ponyville, individual houses marked with locations for changelings, as well as detailed drawings of the primary disguise each was using, and the collaborators that had been working with them. Spring Leaf’s General Store had been marked as well, with at least a dozen ponies noted to being held in the basement. Flipping the page, Shining revealed a detailed map of the underground tunnel network, that led from Ponyville to the Whitetail Woods.

“Believe me now? Your subordinates are being apprehended as we speak, and will be brought to Canterlot for interrogation. We’ll be offering them the same deal as you. But, we’re not going to show leniency on everychangeling we capture. Only the first two that give us the information we want. I’m sure you’d rather it be you than any of the others, now wouldn’t you?”

The changeling’s face returned to cold, impassivity.

“Still don’t want to talk?” Shining said with an exaggerated sigh. “That’s too bad. I didn’t want to resort to this, but you’re leaving me no choice.”

Pulling out a third photo, Shining slid it up to the changeling. Where seeing the complete map of changeling occupancy in Ponyville had led to shock, what the changeling now saw prompted outright horror.

“How did you…!?” He exclaimed.

“Oh, so you can speak? Well, how we got these doesn’t matter. Just know that we have those ledgers in a safe location, as well as the vessel containing the love you ‘skimmed off the top’ from your shipments to Chrysalis. I just want you to know, that if you should decide not to cooperate, those ledgers might just find their way into the hooves of one of your subordinates, who will just so happen to be in a cell with a faulty lock and suppressor runes…”

“You wouldn’t dare!” The changeling wailed in horror.

“I don’t know what you mean. After all, it wouldn’t be my fault if somehow a changeling escaped with evidence of your treason. Evidence that they would be oh so willing to give to your queen in exchange for your position. We know how cutthroat the swarm can be.”

“I can’t tell you anything! Chrysalis will kill me!” The changeling screamed.

“And she won’t if she somehow learns about your little thefts?” Shining said.

The changeling’s demeanor shifted rapidly to terrified. In his agitation, he tried to use his wings to fly away. The instant he did, he let out a sharp, piercing scream of agony as the muscles connected to his wings tore even further, causing him to double over in pain.

“Right, I should have warned you.” Shining said evenly as he pulled the documents away from the changeling and put them back into their folder. “We don’t know who brought you in, but whoever they are seems to have damaged your wing muscles, so I wouldn’t try that again.”

“You…bastards.” The changeling whimpered.

“Don’t blame us. We tried to treat the damage, but something about those wounds resisted our magic. I’m sure, in time, they might heal, but you’d better not use them until then.” Shining said, his voice lacking any sympathy. “Now, getting back on topic; are you going to cooperate? Or are you going to end up on Chrysalis’s hitlist. It's your choice.”

“If I’m dead either way, why would I betray my kind and help you, pony?” The changeling spat as he glared at Shining through pain laced eyes.

“Why not? You’ve already betrayed them by stealing that love. And, if we’re being honest here, we know you hate her.” Shining said as he watched the changeling’s eyes go wide again. “Don’t bother asking how we know. But we know. So, if you’re dead either way, why not help us? Think about it: helping us means that you and your kind will be free from Chrysalis’s control. What better revenge against a ruler you hate than making sure her enemies can bring her down.”

Shining could see something shift in the changeling’s expression. He knew he was trapped. Now, all Shining needed to do was land the finishing blow.

“Tell you what. I might be able to convince the princesses to grant you limited amnesty in return for your cooperation.” Shining said as he got up from the table. “You won’t be allowed to go free, but we’ll ensure that your living conditions are comfortable, and we’ll keep you safe from Chrysalis’s wrath. And, once Chrysalis is taken care of… who knows? You might be allowed to go free.”

Shining trotted up to the door, using his magic to unlock its seals.

“Think on it. But, think quickly. I expect my subordinates to be bringing in the other changelings from Ponyville soon, and if you haven’t made a decision… well, one of them might take the deal to save their own carapaces, and you’ll get nothing.”

And with that, Shining walked out the door and closed it, sealing the changeling inside.

*****

Consciousness slowly intruded on Dawn Wings’ mind, forcing her back to reality and away from her dreams of snow-capped peaks and tasty lizards. Cracking her eyes open, she sighed through her nostrils as she slowly rose from her bed.

‘Her bed.’ She thought ruefully. ‘Ugh. Never in a million years.’

Her late night trip to Canterlot had taken more out of her than she cared to admit, but the price had been worth it. The princesses had the lead tick in custody, and if Moon-ass had kept her word, the tick’s nest had been raided sometime in the early morning hours after she’d snatched their leader.

That was going to make going through town so much more entertaining this morning. With her luck, the ponies would be panicking over the whole thing. Hopefully Ropeman’s soldier’s didn’t botch it and let the changelings get away. Gaia only knows what sort of panic that might cause.

Groaning, she decided to get up and prepare to greet Bridgid. After all, it was out of her wings now. And with that taken care of, maybe she could actually get to spend some time learning Equish and maybe get herself settled.

‘Getting settled.’ She blanched as the thought crossed her mind. ‘There’s no fucking way I’m going to end up one of these docile, domesticated ponies. Not now. Not ever…’

Pushing the unpleasant thoughts out of her head, she stretched her back and wings out, before hopping out of the bed and heading out the door and downstairs. As she passed the kitchen, she spotted Maeitechusho and Retelo Cameta sitting at the dining table, eating breakfast. Seeing their guest, Maeitechusho gestured for her to join them. Looking out the window, Dawn Wings could tell that the sun would rise soon.

Raising a hoof, she tried to convey that she’d be back in a moment, which only prompted the two ponies to look at her with raised eyebrows. Huffing through her nose, she turned and walked out the door. Once outside, she flew to the hill she’d chosen for her morning oaths, and waited patiently for the sun to rise.

Soon, the glowing orb had begun to crest the horizon, prompting Dawn Wings to spread her wings out and present them to the firey orb.

“To Bridgid, I offer my thanks for your life giving light, your fire to fuel my strength, and the bounty your power provides.”

Looking to the sky, she spoke again.

“To Raven, I hope my words are reaching you, and that you’re enjoying my suffering you cagy old bastard. I’m sure all of this has been very entertaining for you and Gaia.”

Looking to the ground, she said her penultimate oath.

“To Equs, I offer my insight, so that you might know what is happening on your body, and my solemn oath that I will do what I can to ensure that the agents of the Wyrm do not poison you like they’ve poisoned Gaia.”

Rising to her hooves, Dawn Wings completed her morning oaths.

“To the spirits of the Sun, World and father Raven, I swear to serve as your eyes for as long as I live.”

Folding her wings and turning back to the house, Dawn Wings was only slightly surprised to see Maeitechusho and Retelo Cameta standing outside the house, watching her as she did her morning ritual.

Taking to the air, she flew over to the house and landed by the two ponies, both of whom were looking at her with curious eyes.

“What?” Dawn Wings asked with a shrug, knowing that the ponies couldn’t understand her.

Snapping out of their confusion, the two of them gave her an odd look, as if unsure what to make of what she’d just done, before turning and walking back inside, with Dawn Wings following behind. Soon, all three were seated at the kitchen table, a large plate of apple and straw filled flapjacks being shared between them. For her part, Dawn Wings only ate a few of the thick, heavy pastries compared to the other ponies at the table. Too much to eat would slow her down when she was flying.

Finishing her flapjacks, Dawn Wings rose and, after bowing to her hosts, made her way outside and took off, heading towards the Golden Oak Library. Hopefully, Vinemana would be up and about, and ready for another day of drilling Equish into Dawn Wings’ poor brain.

*****

A steady pulse of spiritual energy repeatedly emerged from Dawn Wings as flew through Ponyville.

And she was happy to find that her gifts were detecting no active threats in town.

‘Looks like Ropeboy managed to actually not screw things up.’ Dawn Wings thought as she flew. ‘Good for him.’

As she flew, she saw that dozens of ponies were making their way towards the general store that the ticks had been using as their hideout. Suspecting what was going on, but not wanting to look like she was already in the loop, Dawn Wings feigned confusion as she landed and watched the ponies rushing towards the west end of town. Taking a short look and shifting her expression to confused curiosity, she took back to the air and flew in the direction the ponies were all headed.

As she drew closer to Spring Leaf’s store, she saw the large crowd of ponies gathered round it, with the silver-armored guards holding the crowd back. On the ground, there were over a dozen pods, each being slowly cut open and split in half. As each pod was opened, the soldiers extracted an emaciated, hollow eyed pony. These ponies, once free of the ensnaring slime, were carried to a makeshift medical tent by the soldiers and handed over to ponies wearing medical scrubs.

Making sure to keep her expression unsure what she was seeing, Dawn Wings was internally smirking. Hopefully they hadn’t just grabbed the tick’s pods, but managed to grab the ticks themselves.

‘Well, enough sightseeing, let's get to Vinemana.’ Dawn Wings thought as she turned away and flew towards Golden Oak Library.

*****

The first thing that Dawn Wings noticed when she arrived at the library was the distinct lack of guards. It was a sign that either they were confident that they had cleared the town of ticks, or they were all needed for the raid. Regardless, it would be nice just to be able to walk into the library as usual, and not have to deal with any… surprises…

Dawn Wings furrowed her brows as she approached the door to the library and heard a trio of voices within. It wasn’t that there were three speakers inside. Two of the voices were familiar, but the third was not, at least not immediately, though there was something subtly familiar about it. No, that could have been expected. What she didn’t expect was to understand one of them through her ability to understand Spirits.

Standing on the outside of the door, Dawn Wings swiveled her ears to listen.

“Yes, Twilight, from what we’ve been able to get from the changeling, they were just here to observe you and the other elements.”

“Camaleta co amavelana lathus paemeta.” Vinemana said, “Velamus patamala cho laete.”

“Opportunity, would be my guess.” The unknown speaker said. “Hopefully, they won’t be back any time soon.”

“Meala ticheba ulamenate leteme ves panemo ieveta.” Dawn Wings heard Tlectalae say.

“We’ve got a plan in motion, but we need Dawn Wings before we can proceed.” The unknown pony said, “Speaking of… Dawn Wings, I know you’re outside the door! You can come in any time now!”

Dawn Wings raised an eyebrow as she heard Vinemana and Tlectalae both express surprise at the third pony’s exclamation. She had a feeling she knew who the third speaker was, but she’d have to get a look at her to confirm.

Pushing the door open, the corax stepped into the library, a pleased smile stretched across her face. Looking the other occupants of the room over, she recognized her tutor and her lizard, but she didn’t recognize the rose fured, magenta maned pegasus with a sunflower buttoo standing next to Vinemana. At least, she didn’t recognize her face. But, pushing spiritual energy into her eyes, her sight pierced the magick around her, and revealed the radiant form of princess Celestia.

“Hello, princess Celestia. This is… unexpected.” Dawn Wings said before dropping into a respectful bow. Unlike with Luna, the corax didn’t need to feign respect to Bridgid’s incarna. “To what do I owe the privilege of your company? I trust there was nothing wrong with the gift I brought you last night. I'd have wrapped it in a bow, but, y'know, they were out at the store.”

Both Vinemana and Tlectalae starred in nearly slack jawed surprise and mild horror as Dawn Wings spoke. Dawn Wings realized that this was probably the most verbose they’d ever heard her being, and it was probably freaking them out a little.

“Somehow, I can’t even pretend to be surprised that you knew it was me.” The disguised incarna said as she smiled at the corax. “No. Nothing specifically was wrong with it, but it did set some things in motion.”

“Really? Well, I’m all ears.” Dawn Wings said as she rose from her bow. “What can I do for you, your highness?”

“I’ll explain in just a moment. Twilight? Spike? Will you come a little closer? You’re going to be in on this too.” Celestia said, snapping pony and lizard out of their shocked stupor. Lighting her horn, Dawn Wings saw the familiar magick of the translation spell manifest and settled down onto the floor of the library. “Much better.”

“Princess, what’s going on, and what did you just do? I’ve never seen a spell matrix even remotely close to as complicated as this.” Twilight said with awe as she stared at the runic circle, trying to decipher the spell matrix.

“Well, my guess is she wants us all on the same page, Sparkle.” Dawn Wings said, taking a great degree of satisfaction in the shocked look on Vinemana and Tlectalae’s faces.

“What the…!” Tlectalae exclaimed.

“I can understand you!? Princess, is this circle translating for us?” Vinemana asked in rapid succession.

The disguised princess lifted a hoof to her mouth and tittered lightly.

“Yes, Twilight.” Celestia said, smirking even wider as Vinemana’s eyes became enormous and she began to happily trot in place, a giant, manic grin spreading across her face as her head whipped back and forth around the perimeter of the circle, trying to take in everything in the spell matrix she was seeing.

“Oh my gosh, this is incredible. How does this work? Is there a trigger rune that’s deciphering our thoughts and altering the sound we’re picking up? Wait, I think I see a universal binding glyph on the third tier circle. How is that not shorting out the fifth integration tangent angle of the other two?…”

The other occupants of the circle continued to watch as Vinemana had a Vinemana-moment. Looking at the other two, Dawn Wings could see Tlectalae all but facepalm at the unicorn’s nerdgasming. Looking at the princess, the corax noticed that there was a hint of mirth under the incarna’s mask.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you, princess?” Dawn Wings asked as she trotted up to the princess.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Dawn Wings.” She said, though there was an amused smile in her eyes.

“Sure you don’t, your highness. Sure you don’t.” Dawn Wings said as she regarded the still rambling unicorn. “So… do we want to let her work this out of her system, or get her back on track?”

“We should probably get things back on track. I can’t stay for much longer.” Celestia said with a tiny smirk on her face.

“Right, right. So, do you want to snap her out of it? I’m not sure she’d enjoy me doing it.” Dawn Wings said as she regarded the unicorn, still lost in her own little world, but had somehow, inexplicably, managed to grab a quill and scroll, upon which she was taking furious notes as she rambled.

“I suppose I should.” Celestia said, before turning to the unicorn. “Twilight… test.”

In an instant, Vinemana’s irises shrunk to pinpricks and she snapped to attention, tossing the scroll to the side and staring directly at the incarna. Yet, upon seeing the look on Celestia’s face, she relaxed slightly, even beginning to scowl a little.

“Princess…” Vinemana said with a little bit of hurt. “That wasn’t very nice…”

“I’m sorry, my faithful student, but it was the fastest way to get you out of the Twilight-zone.” Celestia said with a little regret in her voice.

“Still…” Vinemana began.

“Look, star-butt, I don’t know what your deal is with tests, but as funny as it was to watch you have your little meltdown, I think we should probably get back to why princess Celestia’s here.” Dawn Wings said as she walked up to the unicorn. “Which I’m pretty sure isn’t to watch you nerdgasm over a translation spell. Unless it is, in which case, I could use some snacks before we get back to the show.”

Vinemana turned to Dawn Wings and narrowed her eyes.

“Are you always like this?” Vinemana said, irritation creeping into her voice.

“Only when it’s amusing. Or I’m bored.” Dawn Wings replied with a half smirk. “So, eh, 80% of the time, give or take.”

“I’m starting to think teaching you Equish is going to be detrimental to my sanity.” Vinemana said with a huff.

“Aw, don’t worry. You’re already completely crazy, star-butt. Functionally crazy, sure. But crazy nonetheless.” Dawn Wings replied, her half-mouthed smirk never leaving her face.

Before Vinemana could reply, the corax turned to the princess.

“So, now that we’re all back to reality, I take it that this little visit has something to do with the ticks you just yanked out.” Dawn Wings said with a serious tone of voice.

“You’re quite right Dawn Wings.” Celestia said. “To get straight to the point, from what we managed to get out of the changeling High Reaver you captured, and with independent corroboration from the other changelings, we believe we’ve managed to pin down where Chrysalis is hiding.”

“What!” Tlectalae yelled. “You know where she is? And you haven’t dropped a solar flare on her yet?”

“Spike’s right.” Vinemana said, her face twisting into a scowl. “If we know where she is, I say we take her out now.”

“Don’t worry about that, my faithful student, we will.” Celestia said, “It's for that very reason I’m here to collect Dawn Wings.”

Dawn Wings could only raise an eyebrow at that.

“And what do you need little old me for?” She said with barely veiled interest.

“You’ve proven yourself more than capable of scouting out the changelings without being detected.” Celestia said with a knowing nod. “If I send pony scouts, they’re bound to be found out, and Chrysalis will know we’re coming.”

“Ah, I get it. You want me to confirm that the ticks you interrogated weren’t selling you a plate of ‘dish towel’-tempura before you commit to a full scale attack.” Dawn Wings said with a satisfied smirk. “Sounds fun. And if I find the tick-queen, do you want me to see if I can put her down, or…”

“No. We intend to take her alive.” Celestia said sternly.

“That’s a surprise.” Dawn Wings said.

“I agree.” Vinemana added, “Princess, why do you want to capture her? At best, she deserves nothing less than to be added to the statue garden.”

“Indeed Twilight, but our plan is to remove Chrysalis from power without regicide.” Celestia said, “Killing her would just make the changelings fight that much harder against us to avenge her death. But, if we take her, and show the changelings that without her poisoning them with her hate, perhaps we can make peace. Even coexist in some way.”

Dawn Wings let out a loud, humorless laugh.

“I’m not sorry to say this princess, but that’s bullshit. The ticks are wyrmspawn, and wyrmspawn exit only to destroy.” Dawn Wings hissed, her contempt on full display. “It’s really cute and admirable in some deluded sort of way that you want to save them, but from where I’m sitting, I say if you take the queen, use her as bait to lure the rest of them in, and burn them to ash like the roaches they are. Your world would be better off for it.”

Both Vinemana and Tlectalae balked in horror, while Celestia regarded Dawn Wings with a scowl, but the corax didn’t flinch.

“Dawn Wings, I appreciate your input, but that’s not how we do things. In Equestria, we believe in redemption, harmony, and friendship, not genocide.” Celestia said, “Make no mistake, Chrysalis will be removed from the board. But by doing so mercifully, we hope to show them that despite all she and their kind have done to us, we still are willing to hold out the hoof of friendship.”

Dawn Wings scowled at the princess. She didn’t like this. Not one bit.

“Alright. Fine.” Dawn Wings said with a huff. “But, for the record, I think this is a terrible idea. You don’t know Wyrmspawn like I do.”

Celestia’s face morphed into a warm smile.

“Perhaps, Dawn Wings.” The incarna said with a maternal tone, “But you don’t know how the game is played on Equs like I do. You said so yourself not too long ago. So, I ask you to play by my rules for the time being, and see if maybe you learn how our game is played.”

Dawn Wings looked Celestia in the eyes, and saw nothing but determination and hope. It was madness. This crazy pony incarna thought she could she could turn Wyrmspawn away from their very nature? Naive. But, she was right about one thing: She knew how the game was played on Equs.

‘Maybe it’s time I start trying to learn the rules too.’ Dawn Wings ruefully thought.

“Okay, you win. I’ll play by your rules. For now.” Dawn Wings conceded. “So, where am I headed?”

Author's Note

So, we've cleaned up one problem. Now onto deal with the next.