This is Home.

Chapters

Prologue.
Chapter 1 - The Wedding.
Chapter 2 - Discussing An Apple.
Chapter 3 - Primrose.
Chapter 4 - Explanations.
Chapter 5 - An Empty Teacup.
Chapter 6 - A Tiny Mistake.
Chapter 7 - Oh Celestia.
Chapter 8 - Familiar.
Chapter 9 - Facing The Crystal Princess.
Chapter 10 - Dangerous To Dream.
Chapter 11 - The Enigma Hive.
Chapter 13 - Picking Up The Pieces.
Chapter 14 - Predictions.
Chapter 15 - The Lunar Lullaby
Chapter 16 - The Declaration of Detestation.
Chapter 17 - Reflection.
Chapter 18 - Books Are A Queen’s Best Friend.
Chapter 19 - Blood Among The Lilies.
Chapter 20 - Above The Everfree.
Chapter 21 - Something's Wrong.
Chapter 22 - This Isn't What I Wanted.
Chapter 23 - But You Were Gone.
Chapter 24 - Sacrifice.
Interlude - Penpals.
Chapter 25 - Death’s Door.
Chapter 26 - We Mourn The Fallen.
Chapter 27 - Queens Carry On.
Chapter 28 - A Farewell.
Epilogue.
Chapter 12 - The Judgement Of Queen Chrysalis.

Prologue.

Author's Note

A/N July 13th 2020, So I've decided to come back to this story. Edits and re-writes should be expected.

Prologue.

~Prologue.~

“Once before known time, in the magical land that would become Equestria, three sisters were born under a cursed moon. Cursed to not be of pony origin rather forever dooming them to feed off of the native pony inhabits’ emotions. The sisters became known as the first changelings in pre-Equestrian history. Queen Ayana, Queen Vendalia and Queen Enid, all of different paths and mindsets.

The first sister, Vendalia, wanted to grow her newly formed hive, The Xenica Hive, a hive of green mountain-dwelling changelings with the ability to cocoon any creature.

Her younger sister, Enid, wanted a singular line of descendants in her own hive, The Enigma Hive, changelings of river and forest with the ability to naturally blend in despite their lavender colouration.

Queen Ayana grew her own Hive known as the Libellua Hive, a Hive of red desert-dwelling changelings, with murderous yet peaceful tendencies.

Both Enid and Ayana’s Hives ended up with a fatal ending to their paths. With the birth of Vendalia’s daughter, Narcissa, the betrayal and cold war between the Hives grew.

Years and centuries past, the biological line of changelings continued until it reached Narcissa’s grand-daughter.

One unfortunate yet unhistorical day for pony-kind, a young Queen murdered her mother, gaining the throne and mounting a civil war against the two other Queens, Queen Rhene of the Libellua Hive and Queen Odonata of the Enigma Hive in Winter of 978 C.E (Celestial Era).

Both Hives fell to the wicked hooves of Chrysalis but not before the only remaining descendant of Enid was smuggled away into the night, vanishing completely. Many theorize that she was placed in cryo-sleep or even given to simple pony farmers in the nearby village. Yet no creature knows, perhaps nopony will never know.

The fractured harmony has been maintained in Equestria since. Where the changelings are now is currently unknown.” The celestial mare snapped the book closed, biting her lip as she ruffled her enchanted mane. The pure white mare stared at the worn leather cover for a moment, lost in thought.

“Tia? What troubles thee so?” A voice echoed beside her,, vibrating through the mare’s ears. Celestia turned to see her younger sister standing in the centre in the library, a frown on her muzzle.

“Nothing of too much interest, Luna. Give me just a moment.” She said, flying down from her perch before levitating the novel back onto the shelf with her golden magic. She trotted out of the library with Luna, leaving the story book behind with a worried glance.

04:52 AM, December 24th, 983 C.E (The Celestial Era)

“Run! RUN!” A terrifying figure screeched, bolting as the structure crumbled. “Where’s Queen Odonata?!” The lavender changeling turned to another, wings buzzing at she scrambled to find their Queen.

“Her chambers-” One shouted, pausing mid-sentence to dodge a green blast of magical energy heading in their direction. “Hurry, Alyssum! The Hive is collasp-” The was a loud squelch as the changeling was crushed by rubble, the other just staring in horror as her brother died. Yet there wasn’t much time to mourn for there was a sudden pulse of fear swarming through the hive mind as it threatened to overwhelm the drone.

The drone in question flew through the collapsing tunnels, landing at one point to dodge enemy changelings that swarmed the entire complex. The wooden and resin structure was threatening to completely disintegrate above the drone as she rushed towards the private area in which the Queen was commonly located.

Suddenly, enemies burst out, blocking her path. Two out of the three charged forward, the third charging up some kind of spell. Dodging, she blasted the closest one in the side with magenta magic, the changeling's side smoking from the contact. “That. All. You. Got?” Alyssum puffed out, already exhausted from the run.

The changeling she had hit snarled, baring her teeth. "You bucking Enigma." She stumbled back, crashing into her friends as she wiped green blood from her muzzle. The one at the back had been interrupted, accidentally firing his spell at the ceiling rather than Alyssum.

"'Bucking,' huh?" With that, she twirled around, kicking firmly back with her back hooves. She heard a crack and a yelp, followed by a scream. Alyssum turned around to see a single black hoof clinging onto the edge. Everyling knew that Xenica changelings couldn't climb walls. Only Enigmas had that skill. She glanced over the edge, the spellcaster looking up with pleading eyes. She moved a hoof forward, planning on helping him up. Yet then there was a sudden jolt of fear and panic buzzing through the hivelink.

Alyssum forgot the changeling, darting up the steps. Her wings lay limp beside her chest, tattered from the rubble yet putting her at a great disadvantage. She glanced up at the ceiling, the once beautiful skylight depicting Enid and the great moon that was made of diaphanous changeling resin was smashed through, shards mixing with the wood as the early morning sky peaked through, stars still in the sky. Flower bulbs flickered on and off, lighting the area in a strange red glow. She continued upwards as fast as she could.

Flying up the stairs as speeds that would rival a Griffin's, the changeling skidded to a halt in front of the doorway to see a fearful sight.

The Queen was attempting to hush the changeling nymph in her hooves, her magic straining to hold the rubble that hovered above her, threatening to destroy them both. “QUEEN ODONATA!” Alyssum shouted, running to assist. She added her own magenta aura to the fray, the splintered wood beginning to move away.

“No! Alyssum, leave me. Take her and run.” Odonata thrust the bundle forward, the sleeping nymph curled up tightly. “Please.” The Queen’s eyes were full of tears, the little bundle warm as Alyssum gripped tightly onto it with holed hooves.

“Ah can’t leave you. You’re too important to-” Alyssum began to protest until she glanced into Odonata’s eyes. The old Queen normally had a wealth of knowledge in her eyes yet now all Alyssum could see was the pleading and begging look that the Queen was giving her.

"Just go. Please make sure she's safe. I'll be fine." Alyssum sadly nodded, fleeing from the rubble as she held the nymph in her teeth.

Alyssum began to climb the wall, heading towards the broken skylight. She clung to the wall, climbing up slowly as she cloaked herself in darkness. She glanced back at the chambers before her blood turned to ice, her hooves shaking where she hung.

Alyssum had seen the formidable Queen Chrysalis of The Xenica Hive numerous times throughout her life, yet she hadn’t seen the Queen like this. There was a blast of green magic, the loud sscccrack echoing through the air as a large cloud of dust bellowed below, the structural integrity of the Queen’s chambers collapsing.

She wanted to scream but withdrew herself when she saw the stocky figure of Queen Chrysalis emerging from the plume of wood dust, splattered in green liquids and grinning wickedly with her fanged canines. The Xenica Queen licked her lips, cleaning them of blood before trotting down the stairs, seemingly satisfied with the outcome of her unexpected and brutal raid.

Alyssum clung to the nymph in her hooves, glancing down at the growing pool of green blood below before looking back at the sleeping nymph in her grasp, the child seemingly unaware of the fate of her mother. Alyssum let out a small sob, climbing out of the Hive with a regretful and sad glance.

There was only one Queen after that.

Chapter 1 - The Wedding.

~Chapter 1 - The Wedding.~

02:21 PM, March 23rd, 2 S.E (The Selenelion Era).

Twilight stared in sheer trepidation, unable to believe what she was witnessing. She wanted to flee, seeing the looming figure that was once Cadance smiling wildly as her translucent insectoid wings buzzed, the creature snaking its front hooves around the cocoon in which Princess Celestia was trapped. Twilight slunk back as far as she could despite the resin keeping her in place. She bumped slightly into Fluttershy who was equally frightened. The lavender mare wasn’t frightened because of the overwhelming amount of changelings that surrounded them. Nor was she frightened because of what she had witnessed.

No. Twilight was afraid of herself. Of what she, herself, was and who the creature was in front of her.

“It’s funny, really. Twilight was suspicious of my behaviour all along. Too bad the rest of you were too caught up in your wedding planning to realize those suspicions were correct!” The Cadance imposter, Queen Chrysalis, laughed. “Although, I wouldn’t expect less from ponies who couldn’t even realize a changeling in their midst for so long.” She burst out into a long spiel of laughter, drowning everypony in it, completely confused.

“She has no bucking clue what she's talkin’ ‘bout.” Twilight heard Applejack hiss, her voice a mere hush.

Despite the distance between Cadance and the others, Chrysalis made her way towards the trapped mare, smirking like Nightmare Moon herself. That raised another question, where was Luna? The creature continued to ramble, waving a holed hoof around as she did so. “ Hmm, I fooled you, didn't I?”

Cadence shifted her hooves, somehow breaking free before she rushed over to Shining Armor.

“Wha– where... huh? Is...is the wedding over?” He mumbled, glancing at Cadence in confusion.

“It's all over!”

“Your spell! Perform your spell!” Twilight screamed, tugging harder on her restraints, feeling them crack a little under the pressure.

The Changeling Queen laughed. “What good would that do? My changelings already roam free.”

“No! My power is useless now. I don't have the strength to repel them.” Her brother lowered his head, a sense of loss hope radiating from him.

“My love will give you strength.” The princess beside him said, a weak smile on her face.

“What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment.” Chrysalis’s grating laughter snapped Twilight out of her thoughts, the mare jerking her muzzle up to see the changeling Queen just hoof lengths away. “Did you really think you could avoid this?!”

Twilight’s attention was jerked towards Cadance who stood by Shining, a warm pink glow coming from their horns. Twilight’s eyes grew wide, the taste of the magic in the air somehow able to reach her. She knew what they were doing. Jerking her horn forward as she created a bubble around herself, the girls moved towards her, the goo holding them captive melting away as pluses of love magic was real eased in bursts. They ran forward, jumping in beside her as all of them shoved changelings out of the circle. “No, no, No, NO!!”

Then the spell hit. The magical wave of love magic propelled all the changelings out of the room, both Twilight, Rainbow and AJ hitting the back of the bubble. Startled by the fact that AJ and Rainbow were shoved against the barrier with her, Twilight’s eyes darted over to the mares beside her, questioning.

The bubble dissipated around them, fading into sparks as the three landed on the messy ground with a thump beside their friends. Luna burst into the destroyed wedding hall at that very moment, shattered glass flew as she angrily glanced around the room, Tartarus blazing in her eyes. The ebony alicorn looked frazzled, sleep-deprived and was coated in small cuts, bruises and green blood.

Celestia stumbled to get up, her legs seemingly resembling jelly as she rushed over to Twilight and everypony else. Thoughts of what just happened flew out of the metaphorical window as Twilight rushed to check on her mentor and her friends.

She levitated a bundle of tissues over once she noticed that Pinkie’s nose was bleeding heavily. Fluttershy was clinging to Rarity who was twitching where she stood, eyes fluttering open and closed. Twilight, Applejack and RD seemed the least harmed of the group, Cadance’s wounds instantly healing from her magic as love floated through the air.

Fluttershy spat out a little blood that dripped from her mouth, desperately trying to clean it from her tongue. Twilight felt odd, an unusual amount of power radiating from her, causing a single thought to dart across her mind. What had just happened?

Chapter 2 - Discussing An Apple.

Author's Note

A/N A second chapter because this was meant to be part of the first but whatever! Enjoy!

Edit: Some plot has been changed.

Chapter 2 - Discussing An Apple.

~Chapter 2 - Discussing An Apple.~

11:37 PM, June 2, 2 S.E.

Twilight felt off, thoughts of that day ever-present despite the few months and Deadly adventures that had elapsed since. She hadn’t slept in a week, visibly noticeable by the heavy bags that hung under her eyes. She just couldn’t understand what had happened.

Staring in the mirror at herself, Twilight couldn’t understand what was going on. She couldn’t understand who she was anymore. Nopony held that answer for the one question that was buried in her mind.

What had really happened during that wedding?

Something in Twilight had triggered that day, telling her to protect herself. And what happened when she did shield herself? Being pushed towards the back of it had never occurred before. Books were scaled high, blocking out the windows. She had been combing through every single account of changelings from the Canterlot Royal Library and The Crystal Empire's library but had yet to find anything. She stood in front of her chalkboard, notes and a miride of information pinned up. Just myths. Myths and ponylore.

She trotted out of her bedroom, lifting up the cup of tea that had sat abandoned nearby. With a yawn, she took another sip of her cold tea.

Knock, knock, knock, knock. Four beats, one after another.

Who would be up at this hour? She thought, glancing at the door.

Twilight opened the door, a magenta glow surrounded the doorknob as she did so. Applejack stood in the doorway. Twilight let out a loud sigh, forcefully making herself smile.”Hey AJ. What can I do for you?”

“Do you have time to spare, Twi? There’s somethin’ I need ta talk to you about.” She responded.

“I’ll go put the kettle on. Come in then.” She ushered the orange earth pony inside, moving towards the kitchen. She levitated the kettle up, filling it with water from the tap before setting it to boil. “What’s up, Applejack? You’re not normally away from the farm at these hours, are you?” Twilight asked, tossing her cold cup of tea aside as she began to rummage through her cabinets in search of some cakes she knew were here somewhere.

“Well, it’s kinda important.” Applejack had sat down at this point, running a hoof along the backside of her neck, an awkward expression on her face.

“Is something wrong?” Twilight paused, frowning as she spoke.

“Not exactly. Look, Twi, forget the tea, just…” The orange mare sighed, glancing away. “Just sit down for a sec.”

The lavender unicorn sat down, concern lacing her face as AJ sighed again. “How do ah explain this? You know that me and Rainbow got thrown against yer shield with you?”

“Well, of course. I was trying to figure that out myself. At first I thought it might have just been the magical force from it as a whole as I do recall Pinkie getting a blood nose but-”

“Twilight, it’s ‘cause I’m a changeling.” Applejack stated.

“-it could have been something relating to the Elements-Wait, what did you just say?” Twilight paused her thought, glancing at her friend.

“Ah… am a changeling.” She said again. Twilight’s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates, her mouth beginning to form a scream as AJ rushed forward, pressing a hoof against her muzzle. “Can ya be quiet, please?” The lavender mare slowly nodded her head as the hoof was slowly moved aside.

The kettle whistled. She had shut her mouth as she poured two cups of tea, stepping aside to gather her thoughts. Applejack; her friend who sat by the table, now sipping on a cup of daisy tea in Twilight’s home, was a changeling.

Applejack was a changeling.

That would explain what had occured, even what she overheard her whisper that day. Twilight rattled her head, trying to think back to any other signs that could have alluded to it. The midnight sky hung in the view just outside the window, half of the curtains drawn. Spike was sleeping over at Rarity’s which she was mildly glad for.

The orange mare took another sip of its cup, the clink of the teacup against the porcelain plate echoing through the silent treehouse for a few seconds. Quietly, Twilight slipped into the chair opposite that of the creature, levitating a lukewarm cup of daisy tea towards her lips. “So.” She muttered, taking a sip before placing the cup onto the table. “Do you mind telling me how long you’ve been… you know?” She awkwardly spat out a question that had been plaguing her.

“All mah life, Twi. Although, I used ta be something else entirely. But before you go askin’, no I ain’t part of Chrysalis’ Hive and I don’t plan on it. She’s one changeling I never hope ta meet again. Ah ta heck with it.” With a shuffle, a cyclone of lavender flames enveloped AJ, revealing black chitin, a pointed horn and silky lavender wings. “Ya see, nothing like them Xenica changelings.”

09:59 AM, January 2nd, 984 C.E.
The changeling continued up the mountainside, pausing to enter a cave and lay to rest. The trek to Canterlot had been painful, gruesome even. But if she was to truly seek help, she’d have to go to a power Queen Chrysalis couldn’t ignore, the Ruler of the Sun, the infamous Princess of ponykind, Princess Celestia. Alyssum pulled a small orb from the saddlebags she was carrying before breaking it open like an egg. She scooped out the almost solid-liquid, shaping it into a ball. She opened the nymph's mouth before squishing the pink substance down the youngling’s throat. It had to be enough. It was all she had.

She repeated it with herself, only a small chuck left when she checked. She sealed it up, slipping back into her bag. Alyssum froze, staring out to the cave entrance. A silhouetted figure blocked the light streaming inside. “Who’s there?!” Alyssum yelped, hiding the young nymph behind her.

A changeling stepped forward, bruised, burnt, battered and bleeding. With a spiked mane and an even spiker horn, the changeling drone collapsed on the ground, beetle-like wings flying up. Dark crimson, armoured plating surrounds the battered changeling. A Libellua changeling.

Chapter 3 - Primrose.

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 4 - Explanations.

Author's Note

A/N As the title of the chapter states, there's gonna be quite a bit of explaining happening in this chapter. The next one will be up soon. Maybe even today.

Chapter 4 - Explanations.

~Chapter 4 - More Explanations.~

01:08 PM, May 29th, 978 C.E.

The Enigma Hive.

“General Alyssum. Come here for a moment.” The changeling in question raised her head, glancing at the changeling who had called her. Queen Odonata stood nearby, glancing over the table, floral designs carved deep into the wood as a map was stretched out across it. Queen Odonata had only been Queen for a few months but the lavender changeling’s abdomen had grown to a large bulge, signs of another future queen already evident. It would be less than a month, Alyssum could asume. The general trotted over, standing at a distance. “You’ve seen Queen Chrysalis from the Xenica Hive before, correct?”

“Yes. Why do ya ask?” The large map before them wasn’t made of parchment; rather, it was carved from wood, each detail hoof-crafted by the builders, centuries of wear evident on the peeling paint. Odonata placed a gentle hoof against the map, pointing to the frozen north of the map. Equestria lay sprawled out, detailed images covering the entire table.

“I’ve heard reports from Rhene that Chrysalis is up to something. Her mother is growing ill, Alyssum. Do you know what that means?” She grimly glanced down at Alyssum. “Chrysalis will be out for blood, General. Royal blood. I can’t have that for my hive. I can’t let what happened between Chrissy and I get in the way either.”

“But yer highness, nothings gonna happen to you anytime soon, is it?”

12:36 AM, June 3, 2 S.E.

“It’s changeling magic, Twilight.” Applejack spoke, Rainbow Dash sitting nearby with an equally sad look on her face. Why she was suddenly so sullen, Twilight didn’t know.

“How come Fluttershy and Pinkie were a bit banged up after the spell?” Her eyes grew wider. “Are they changelings too?!”

“Oh no, they aren’t.” Rainbow said, a guility look appearing on her face. “I mighta, accidently, knocked into them during the blast. And if they were changelings, I’d know.”

“Well there goes that theory.” Twilight tore off a few notes from her chalkboard, tossing them away with her magic. “Can you explain the different colouration for me? I mean, I’ve only ever seen those green coloured changelings. Oh! Do you have different abilities or something? Oh the essay I could write!” Twilight spluttered out, eagerly awaiting answers as she darted around the room, pulling books off the shelf. “Holy Celestia why am I kidding myself, I could write more than one essay!”

“Twi! Just calm down a moment okay?”

“Oh, sorry! I got distracted again, didn’t I?” She sheepishly said, lowering the dozen books in her magic down.

“The only reason I’m telling you is ‘cause AJ said that you, ‘deserved the honest truth.’ or something. I think you should tell her about the Xenica Hive first.” Rainbow heaved a long sigh, staring solemnly out of the window, her beetle-like wings twitching.

“Are you okay, Dash?” Applejack asked, placing a hoof against the changeling’s shoulder.

“Yeah. Just thinking about stuff.”

“The Xenica Hive?” Twilight’s eyes practically lit up, with a flick of magic, a pad of paper and a quill appearing as her smile grew. “Does that mean there’s other Hives?”

“Yes. There were three.” Applejack spoke with an almost whimsical and sorrowful tone of voice, like she was an ancient being who had witnessed something long ago yet the memory left something bittersweet. Perhaps she had. “The Northern Xenica Changelings, migrating east after intense storms almost destroyed their Hive. The Enigma Hive sat in the Everfree Forest. That place has been abandoned for quite ah while. And-”

“The Libellua Hive.” Rainbow interjected. “The Hive of the Desert, the Hive of the Dead.”

2:10 PM, , September 5th, 980 C.E.

The Libellua Hive.

“Nahuh..?” The small nymph waddled forward, the pale white blanket around it forcing the child to crawl. “Waanh?” It cooed out once more.

Primrose glanced down.

Gingerly, she lifted the nymph up as it crawled onto her shoulder. “Primrose,” The mare in question glanced up, spotting another crimson changeling in the doorway, moss curtains parting to allow her to step through. Queen Rhene stepped inside. “I was wondering how you were going with your progress.” Primrose levitated the nymph out of the way, the blood coloured magic fading as the other brood-mother lifted it up.

“They’re almost due.” Pausing, she glanced to the side, pressing a holed-hoof against a nearby clutch of eggs. “A week or two at most, my Queen.”

“Very well. See to it that Anthurium picks up her pace as well.” The Queen said, glancing over at the other changeling who was tending to the nymphs.

“Yes, your highness.” They both responded in tandem. With that, the Queen departed.

“Anthurium, you know what my response is.” Primrose said bluntly before the other changeling could open her mouth. Narrowing her iries at her broodmate as she scoffed, shuffling the nymphs into a corner again. “You’re just jealous that I got to hatch a clutch before you. ”

“Yeah right! Hatching is easy, especially when the closest Hive to worry about is Enigma but we both know that’s at least a week's worth of flight, Prim.” Anthurium seemed exasperated, edging on exasuation. Primrose knew that changeling hadn’t slept in days. Not since her last shift.

“Just get some sleep for once, Ant.” She mumbled back, returning to her busy work.

12:38 AM, June 3, 2 S.E.

“What happened to the Hives?” Twilight muttered, almost wishing she hadn’t. Applejack solemnly lowered her head, Rainbow Dash turning away with a grimce. “Oh, I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s fine.” Dash mumbled, shifting her hooves. “It was such a long time ago. Over a decade.”

“Both Enigma and Libellua were destroyed, Twi’.”

“How did that happen?”

“A war. If you could call an ambush war.” The red changeling spat, irises turning away again. Twilight observed her body language as her wings flicked a little. A pegasus mannerisum she had noticed Dash portraying in the past. Something was bothering her.

“War’s a relative term, an ambuscade ain’t. It’s just strategy. That’s beside the point. Rainbow Dash is the last Libellua changeling. And well ah dunno about the other Enigma changelings but ah suppose they joined Chrysalis.” Applejack paused, glancing at Rainbow before looking at the lavender unicorn.

“There’s only two Enigma changelings that ain’t part of her Hive. Me.” She raised a hoof towards herself. She removed it, slowly pointing a hole hoof at Twilight. “And you.”

Rainbow Dash placed a hoof against Applejack’s shoulder. “You’re the last Enigma Queen.”

Chapter 5 - An Empty Teacup.

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 6 - A Tiny Mistake.

Author's Note

A/N So many new readers. Well, guess what? Have two chapters in one day!

Chapter 6 - A Tiny Mistake.

~Chapter 6 - A Tiny Mistake.~

5:30 PM, June 10, 2 S.E

Outside Fluttershy’s Cottage.

Twilight Sparkle paused, halting her hoof mid-way through a knock. She knew she had promised Fluttershy afternoon tea the other week but she hesitated announcing her presence. Would Fluttershy notice that she was different? For Twilight, it was still difficult to believe the reality of what she was, let alone what Applejack and Dash were. Despite the week that had passed, it was still jarring and unnerving sometimes.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she noticed a small detail she hadn’t realized earlier. Fluttershy’s home seemed empty, almost forlorn. Not a single animal was seen outside nor through the tightly shut windows. Curiously, Twilight wandered towards the closest window, peering through the tiny gap between the shutters. The entire house was drowned in darkness, nothing but inky blackness on the inside. “That’s strange.” She mumbled, thinking about the scenario. She moved around to the front, finally mustering enough courage to rap her hoof against the door as she shuffled her back hooves. The door eased open, a pale yellow muzzle peaking forward. Fluttershy opened the door just a crack, forcing Twilight to only see half of her friend’s face. “Hi, Fluttershy! I’m here for tea.” Twilight greeted, stepping forward with the intent to go inside. Fluttershy just raised a hoof, signally that the lavender mare couldn’t enter.

“I’m sorry but I’m super busy right now, Twilight.” The mare meekly spoke.

“Oh. Okay. Well, I’ll be in the library if you need me.” Fluttershy slunk back inside as she snapped the door closed. That was even stranger to the unicorn. The only time Fluttershy had pushed her away was during Nightmare Night. Glancing around at the summer flowers, some of which were already wilting in the summer heat, Twilight had no clue why the mellow pegasus was acting so strange.

How unusual.

10:20 PM, June 10, 2 S.E.

Twilight glanced up at the sky, a late spring drizzle falling from the star studded sky. She stuffed her book into her saddlebag, tossing her mane to the side to reattach it’s lock a moment later. The day had been somewhat uneventful. Dinner with Rainbow Dash was different yet manageable.

Street lanterns lined her sides as she glanced up at the moon. There was a tingling sensation growing on her body as she walked through the rain, trotting towards her home. She shut the door closed, shaking her body of the water that clung to her coat before biting her lip. Spike wasn’t home again.

The treehouse radiated emptiness, a vacant and uneasy feeling striking the mare. Twilight rubbed her horn, feeling the same tingling sensation growing. She felt a shiver creeping down her spine as she walked towards the light switch, flicking it on with an outstretched hoof. The lights flickered before shutting off. And then it hit her.

She was being watched.

There was a low creeeek as a floorboard squeaked. A pair of green eyes stared at her through the darkness. Before Twilight could react, a black hoof pinned her against the wall, a swirl of sickly green magic holding her by the throat. “Gahh!” She let out a strange cry, swiftly kicking a back hoof against her attacker. Without warning, a hoof came down against her skull, hitting her against her horn as Twilight witnessed stars. “Ah!”

“Stop it you worthless runt!” A familiar voice hissed. Through the haze and the dizziness, Twilight saw Queen Chrysalis emerging from the shadows.

“Y-You…!” Twilight managed to gasp out through the choke hold.

“Don’t you think I wouldn’t realize when I had another changeling in my midst? Why did you defect from the hive?!” Chrysalis demained, tossing the unicorn to the ground.

Twilight tried to spark a spell to fight back but a sudden spike of pain coursed through her horn when she tried. “Gah!” A painful throbbing followed as she remained on the floor. She let loose a mumble, the pain dulling her mind ever so slightly. “I’m not from your hive!” She grumbled, shivering where she lay.

“THEN WHO’S HIVE?!” Chrysalis striked her against the horn again, the pain doubling.

“Get away from her!” The was a familiar voice hissing above, a pair of hooves bucking Chrysalia in the side. Applejack stood there, completely lavender irises scrunched in anger as she let loose a hiss, baring what fangs she had. A second figure leapt from the ceiling, striking Chrysalis once more, a blur of red flames flying as Rainbow Dash landed behind the Xenica Queen. Wings flaring defensively, Dash stalked forward, razor sharp spikes appearing across her body, dipped in some kind of poison. AJ was equally as defencive as she slowly trotted over to Twilight, eyes not leaving the Queen in the centre of the treehouse library.

“Are yer alright, Twi’?” Applejack asked, eyes darting between her and Chrysalis. Twilight nodded, staring at the Queen who hadn’t moved. Utterly speechless, the still disguise Twilight just stared.

And at that moment, the door to the library swung open and the lights were turned on. An utterly surprised Spike stood in the doorway, mouth ajar with pure shock.

Chapter 7 - Oh Celestia.

~Chapter 7 - Oh Celestia.~

12:00 PM, December 22, 127 C.E.

The Xenica Hive.

“Chrissy! Wait up!” The young lavender coloured changeling shouted, trotting swiftly after a lime sea green changeling.

“I said, quit it, Odonata. I don’t want your company.”

“Oh c’mon. Mother said we had to get along.” Odonata, the lavender changeling mumbled. “Look, Chrysalis, I know we’ve had our differences in the past.”

“Is this the part where you remind me that we’re cousins or something?” Chrysalis sneered, turning into a larger passageway, halting at the entryway. A sprawling courtyard lay before them, other Xenica changelings going about their business whilst the two future queens talked below.

The lavender changeling beside her laughed, placing a hoof against her cousin’s shoulder. “Pfft. As if. Honestly, you act so much like Aunty Leilani.”

“By Vendalia! Don’t you dare compare me to that cow.” She said, laughing.

“Don’t let Rhene hear you say that! She’ll have your head on a spike for it.”

“Yeah, as if. Still friends with those ponies?” She whispered, nudging her cousin in the side playfully.

“You know how Celly gets. Mother says not to bother her too much. And, I quote, ‘Only for diplomatic reasons, Odonata. We wouldn’t want to upset her too much.’” Odonata raised a hoof and her head high, laughter echoing from the two future queens.

“My mother said Aunt Lantana always had a tendency to befriend ponies. Mother thinks that they should just be for love. Honestly, I have no clue where she gets such ideas. Oh and Happy Birthday, cousin.”

“Happy Birthday to you too, Chrysalis.”

10:25 PM, June 10, 2 S.E.

The Golden Oaks Library.

“Change-Changelings.” Spike said, eyes wide and a shaky claw pointed at Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

“Spike! This isn’t what it looks like!” Twilight blurted out, waving her hooves in defence, locking the door behind him with her magic.

Chrysalis stirred awake, letting loose a hiss as flames surrounded her, revealing that she was in fact not Chrysalis, rather just a drone. Applejack twirled around grasping Fake Chrysalis with a magenta aura. “How’d you find us, Xenica!?” Dash hissed, pinning the greenish changeling to the library floor.

“You can’t hide from the Queen forever! She has eyes everywhere! You won’t hear the end of this, traitors!” Fake Chrysalis growled, slipping out of Dash’s grasp before scrambling out the window before they could grab hold of her again.

“Great. We let that Xenica get away.” Rainbow bristled, flicking her translucent wings in frustration. “And the cat’s outta the bag. Great. Just awesome!”

“Changelings!” Spike shouted again.

“Spike, those changelings are Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Just take a deep breath for Celestia’s sake.” The lavender unicorn moved over to her number one assistant, placing a hoof on his shoulder as the baby dragon took a deep breath.

“T-They’re b-both..” Spike stuttered, still in disbelief.

“Changelings, I know.” She sighed, raising a hoof to her head. “And so am I.” She said trailing off before dropping her disguise. It had come naturally, feeling like somepony had dropped a bucket of warm water on top of her. She could honestly say that she wasn’t used to it quite yet, let alone transforming back.

“I don’t understand.” He spoke softly, looking down at his feet with his claws on his head. “When did this happen?” He looked back up at Twilight with sad and confused eyes. Twilight started to grab Spike into a hug yet the baby dragon refused it, the look of betrayal on his face.

“It’s a bit difficult to explain, Spike.” Dash landed beside Twilight, placing a hoof against her friend’s side before the mare moved forward.

“C’mon, I’ll explain upstairs, okay?” Twilight ushered the baby dragon up the steps, a painful look of heartbreak still on her face. She opened the door as she eased him inside, leaving the door slightly ajar. “It’s still me! Just a little different…”

“A little different? Twilight, you’re a-”

“I know. I know. Just hear me out okay?” She tried to grab Spike into a hug once more, the baby dragon finally accepting it. They sat there in silence, hugging for a while. “Applejack and Dash are from extinct Hives. I guess I am too? It’s honestly still rather confusing.”

“You’re a different colour.”

“Uh huh.”

“And you have different wings and mane.”

“Yep.”

“How do I know you aren’t one of those other changelings then?”

“You keep a poem you wrote to Rarity on the fifth book shelf behind my copy of ‘The Magic Chronicles.’” She stated without a second thought, forgoing all forms of mercy as another look of shock appeared on Spike’s face.

“Twilight! It is you!” The baby dragon grabbed her into another embrace, clinging tightly. After what felt like forever, he released her from his grasp as he frowned, looking up at her. “You gotta tell Princess Celestia about this.”

“NO!” Twilight bristled, translucent wings flaring up behind her. “I can’t! And even if I wanted to, I have to ask AJ and Rainbow first. They’re… a lot older than I thought.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, from what I’ve heard, it seems like they were alive long before I was a foal.”

“Twilight, is it okay if we both crash here?! It’s getting pretty late!” Rainbow’s voice echoed from downstairs and through

“Sure! The guest room is all yours!” Twilight shouted out towards her friends in the other room, glancing back at Spike. “Why don’t you go take a bath while I get ready for bed.”

“Yeah, okay Twilight.”

3:02 PM, June 12, 2 S.E.

The Golden Oaks Library.

“Ah, girls, was mah cutie mark always like this?”

“WHAT?!” A trio of voices screamed, Rainbow Dash falling from the ceiling and landing in a pile of books. The lavender changeling whipped her head around, surprise turning into annoyance as the red changeling transformed back into a blue pegasus. Applejack’s flank no longer had it’s trio of apples, rather a trio of diamonds?

“Could it just be a problem with your disguise? I know nymphs sometimes have disguise problems and stuff.” Dash questioned.

AJ let loose a snort of annoyance, frowning. “Are you comparin’ me ta a nymph?” All she got in return was a shrug. Rainbow spared a glance down to her own flank, seeing a trio of butterflies.

“It’s happening to me too!” The blue pegasus shot up, panicked.

Twilight Sparkle became to pace around, transforming back and forth between her two forms, searching around the room for something. Her eyes wandered to the glass case that contained the Elements, realisation setting in.“ This is bad. This is very, very bad.“

“Oh Celestia, she’s gone crazy.” The red changeling stated.

“I’ve seen worst.” Applejack scoffed, setting herself down beside Rainbow Dash.

“Last night when you were taking one of your seven-hour bubble baths, Spike, I got a special delivery from the princess. I cast the spell so I could find out what it was, but nothing seemed to happen. But now I know something did happen. The spell has changed the Elements of Harmony! That must be why everypony’s cutie marks are all wrong!”

“So just cast a counter-spell to switch them back.” The baby dragon said, offering an idea.

“Oh. There is no counter-spell!” She sat down on her haunches, sparing a desperate glance at her two friends.

“Why don't you just use that memory spell you used to fix everypony when Discord was here?”

“It's not their memories, Spike. It's their true selves that have been altered!” Twilight grumbled.

“Zecora's cure for the cutie pox?”

“That won't work either…”

“Well,” Spike simply just sighed. “maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe our friends will grow to like their new lives.”

“No, Spike. They're not who they are meant to be anymore. Their destinies are now changed, and it's all my fault.” Twilight said, swiftly pointing a hoof towards Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

“I'd say she's handling things pretty well, considerin'.”

“I've got it! I know what to do!”

“You do?” Responded the trio, sharing glances.

“I may not be able to remind the others of who they are, it might not affect changelings the same but I can show the others what they mean to all of us. They'll find the part of themselves that's been lost so they can help the friend they care about so much! Come on, guys!”

“DON’T FORGET TO DISGUISE, TWILIGHT!” Dash screamed behind her as she rushed to the front door.

4:16 PM, June 12, 2 S.E.

Back at The Golden Oak’s Library.

After finally restoring everyone’s cutie marks with impromptu musical numbers and a little persuasion. Twilight beamed brightly, bathing in the emotions that her friends emitted. Maybe today was a good day to finally tell them?

The lavender mare trotted over to the centre of the library, an idea suddenly popping into her head. “‘A mark of one's destiny, singled out alone, fulfilled.’” She repeated, glancing at the notebook before glancing at her friends. “Wait a second, that's it! I understand now! I know how to fix the spell! ‘From all of us together, together we're friends. With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end!’

There were flashes of multicoloured lights and the last thing Twilight heard was Fluttershy saying, “What happened?”

????

Peering around the space around her, Twilight Sparkle stumbled a bit. A magically charged field of magic floated around her, moats of pure energy flickering across her sight. “Hello? Where am I? What is this place?”

“Congratulations, Twilight. I knew you could do it.” Princess Celestia appeared, trotting to greet the disguise changeling.

“Princess... I don't understand. What did I do?”

“You did something today that's never been done before. Something even a great unicorn like Star Swirl the Bearded was not able to do, because he did not understand friendship like you do. The lessons you've learned here in Ponyville have taught you well. You have proven that you're ready, Twilight.” Celestia was smiling.

“Ready? Ready for what?” She gulped.

“But first tell me, how long were you going to wait until you finally told me?”

“Tell you what?”

“I knew your mother, Twilight Sparkle. I had once said goodbye to a great friend of mine. Imagine my utter surprise when the daughter of that very friend became my protégé.” Celestia radiated sadness and love, Twilight could taste it.

“You knew and you never told me?”

“Of course I knew, Twilight. Normal fillies don’t climb ceilings just to get a book, remember? Listen,” She draped a wing over her student’s shoulder. Images of Twilight’s life flashed past as Celestia led her through. “I’ve watched you from the beginning, to see how you’d grow and how you’d change. I always knew your destiny was for greatness.”

A mote of magic flew from Twilight’s chest, wrapping around her.

“I’m so proud of you, Twilight.”

5:01 PM, June 12, 2 S.E.

The Golden Oak’s Library.

A star descended from the sky, landing softly inside of the library as Twilight stepped forward, stumbling as she landed on the ground. She glanced at her friends who were wide eyed and staring at her.

“Twilight? You okay?” Applejack muttered, trotting over almost instantly as she helped the stumbling mare back

“Why, you've become an Alicorn. I didn't even know that was possible.” Rarity’s voice cut through the silence, startling everypony else.

“WHAT?” Rainbow Dash and Twilight said in tandem.

“Wow... You look just like a princess!” Fluttershy remarked.

“That's because she is a princess. Or should I say a queen?” Celestia appeared in the library, trotting forward to stand before them. There was a hint of mischief and knowledge in the solar princess’ eyes as she smirked. Rainbow Dash and Applejack shared a wary glance.

“Hold on a second!” Pinkie Pie let loose a long gasp. “Is there something you aren’t telling us, Twilight? Oh can I guess?!” Darting to be beside Twilight as she latched onto the mare’s wings. Oh Celestia, she had wings. Had something malfunctioned with her disguise? Panic coursed through her as she stumbled a little.

“I-” There was an audible gulp. She spared a look at AJ who simply nodded. “We-As in Rainbow Dash, Applejack and I-are, well… “

“Changelings. We’re changelings.” Dash bluntly finished for her, dispelling her disguise with Applejack following in tandem.

“WHAT?!” Her three other friends screamed, startling her to the point of her own disguise vanishing.

“Surprise?” Twilight Sparkle smiled sheepishly.

Chapter 8 - Familiar.

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 9 - Facing The Crystal Princess.

Author's Note

A/N Three chapters in one week? What's going on? You're probably thinking. I got a boost of inspiration recently. It's a win/win situation for all of us. :twilightsheepish:

Chapter 9 - Facing The Crystal Princess.

~Chapter 9 - Facing The Crystal Princess.~

6:00 PM, June 13, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Twilight Sparkle stared at the door in front of her, shifting in the gilded regalia on her hooves. Princess Celestia trotted up towards her, siding by her side from only a moment. “I don’t think I’m ready, Princess Celestia.”

“It’ll be alright, Twilight. I know you’ll do great. You’re more than a princess to others. I know Applejack and Rainbow Dash see you as their queen. Be the leader we all know you can be.” The regent of the sun said before entering the room before her. Oh Celestia, she couldn’t do this. There were so many things that could go wrong.

What if she or her disguise faltered? Rainbow Dash had said that was fine but she was starting to doubt it.

The feathers felt unnatural to her. Ruffling her wings open, she took a shaky step forward as she heard the choir beginning to sing. Glancing behind her shoulder, she could see more of them following her.

She pushed the door open, shoving her doubts all the way to Tartarus. Slow steps, she thought to herself as she opened her mouth into a smile. Slow steps.

When she reached the altar, Celestia stood there with Luna and Cadance by her sides.

“Say something, Princess.”

“Oh. Um…” She coughed a little, clearing her throat as she faced the massive crowd. “A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville.” Twilight spared a small glance at Celestia and then her friends. “She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about. But now, on a day like today, I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I've made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself the luckiest… pony in Equestria. Thank you, friends. Thank you, everypony!”

The crowd roared and cheered, drowning out her thoughts with the sheer volume of it all. There was shouting and crying and celebration all in one place. Twilight could taste the love, joy and every other emotion they emitted. Shining Armor rushed up to her, grabbing her into a hug.

He radiated pride and joy. “Twilight! I'm so proud of you!”

“Are you crying?” She remarked, seeing her parents emerging from the crowd. She flinched a little, already feeling the weight of having to tell them the truth was overwhelming.

“Of course not. It's... it's liquid pride. Totally different thing.” His words distracted her as they both let out laughs, embracing again.

“Way to go, Princess!” Applejack said, trotted to be beside her, Rainbow Dash following in tow.

“Best coronation day ever!” Pinkie was bouncing off the walls already, shouting and cheering.

“We love you, Twilight, no matter what.” Fluttershy emerged from the crowd, grabbing her into a tight hug.

“I love you too, girls.”

9:15 PM, June 13, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

The party was already in full swing and the music could be heard all across Canterlot. Twilight slipped into one of the castle’s many spare rooms, releasing a sigh. She didn’t get a moment of peace as somepony else entered the room. “Who-Mom, Dad? You should be enjoying the party.” Her parents trotted into the room, smiles on their faces before

“We wanted to come talk to you.” Twilight Velvet stated, sitting down on one of the lounge chairs.

“I wanted to talk to you guys as well.” There was a hint of nervousness in her voice as Twilight spoke, shaking in her regalia. “I know that… you’re not my parents.”

Night Light and Velvet looked at her in slight surprise for a moment before her adoptive father finally spoke up. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner. When the invasion happened we couldn’t find the right moment to tell you.”

“How long did you know that I wasn’t… a pony?”

“We’ve known for a long time. When you showed up at our door we thought it was a miracle. We found out that we couldn’t have any more foals after Shining. When you were little. You did unusual things that Shining never did. Imagine my surprise when you started teething, you bit my so hard it drew blood.” Velvet chuckled, a look of nostalgia appearing on her face.

“Despite not knowing who left you on our doorstep or where you came from, we still love you, Twily.” Her father grabbed her into a hug as tears slipped down Twilight’s cheeks. Tears of relief and joy of her acceptance. Silently locking the door with her magic, Twilight Sparkle finally released her disguise, her parents' surprise and shock quickly turned into love.

They may have only been her adoptive parents but they still loved her the same.

9:29 PM, June 13, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Her parents had left her alone with her thoughts. It felt relieving that she had finally told them. They had known, just like Celestia. But they didn’t hate her. No, they loved her the same.

She shifted her wings off of her back and set down her regalia. It had already been straining wearing them already. It felt nice to have nothing but cool night air on her back, although she wouldn’t tell Rainbow Dash that. She’d have to get used to those feathered monstrosities eventually.

She trotted out towards the balcony, flinging her fore-hooves over the railing’s edge with a sigh. “What am I doing with myself?”

“I’ve been asking myself that same question for years.” A voice chuckled. Cadance stepped through the door as Twilight’s blood ran cold. She didn’t think she’d have to talk to Cadance so soon. “So,” The pink alicorn trotted over as she placed her hooves next to Twilight’s. “Either wings are temporary now or there’s something you’re not telling me.”

“Uh-I-Please don’t freak out if I tell you?” The crystal princess nodded as Twilight took a deep breath, releasing her disguise in a swirl of fire. She turned to see Cadance's mouth agape, shock and fear radiating from her. “Don’t freak out!” The changeling screamed. “You know, sunshine, shineshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake?”

Cadence slowly nodded, still shaking like a leaf. “I’m not freaking out. Yep, just really surprised. How long have you been like this?” The mare blubbered out, shifting awkwardly. The undisguised changeling turned away, resuming her disguise as she stood by the end of the balcony, staring off.

“My whole life apparently. Celestia knew before I did.”

“Twilight, you’re not with her are you?” Cadance raised a hoof, beginning to walk in the lavender unicorn’s direction. “She can’t spy on us, can she?”

There was a long pause before either of them spoke.

“No. Trust me, each Hive has its own hivelink. There’s only two in mine and Applejack says ours has been inactive for quite a few years. Oh yeah, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are also changelings. They aren’t with her either. I have a massive bone to pick with Chrysalis. Applejack told me that we’re cousins technically? As I’m the only other queen and there’s this weird system with princesses and-it doesn’t matter, does it?” Twilight sighed again, cutting off her rambling. “Chrysalis killed my birth mother.”

“Oh, Twilight, I didn’t-I’m sorry.” Cadance trotted over cautiously, slowly placing a hoof on her sister-in-law’s shoulder. “You know I have my reservations on changelings but…”

“There’s a but?”

“I know it’s you and I’m willing to… adjust for that.” She smiled genuinely.

“Is that just a nicer way of saying that you’re not gonna kill me?” Twilight scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“Pfft, no.”

“God, what am I gonna do, Cadance?”

“Why don’t we head back to the party. I heard that they were about to serve some cake.”

“I suppose. Let me just fix this.” Twilight was suddenly surrounded by a swirl of flames, wings appearing as the fire dissipated. “I will never get used to this.”

“The shapeshifting?”

“Celestia, no. The wings!” Laughter echoed from the two mares as the tension became non-existent. The two mares returned to the party as Celestia shouted something out and cake went flying across the ballroom.

9:38 PM, June 13, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

The party was still in full swing as countless ponies danced across the room. Celestia sat by Luna near the edge of the room, watching as Pinkie darted across the room. Things were wonderful, the music and joy glowing across the room. Streamings and banners lined the walls, servants passing out refreshments to the party goers. Twilight could even see Blueblood in the mix of ponies.

Sitting by the window, the alicorn mare took a slip of whatever concoction Rainbow Dash had thrust into her hooves earlier. Perhaps everything was okay now. Maybe it was safe enough to dream about what the future could bring.

There was one thing she knew for certain. Nothing could ruin this moment.

There was a sudden tingling sensation behind her horn as Twilight’s eyes darted towards Applejack, the orange mare perking up as she suddenly trotted over to her. “Twi. Did you just try to connect to the hivelink?”

“I thought I was already in it?”

“By Enid.” AJ looked at her with surprise. “That means-Oh no.” There was a sudden explosion, the left side of the ballroom exploding in a shower of rubble and chaos. Tables were flipped and glass was shattered. Twilight saw her parents in the fray, rushing out as more screams echoed from the crowd. Ponies screamed and shouted as they fled. The girls rushed over to Twilight instantly as the other princesses hoofed it to them. Rarity’s dress was already torn at the hem, Applejack and Rainbow Dash standing protectively around their friends.

Blasts of magic were fired off as Shining Armour held up a shield, guarding the many ponies fleeing. “I’m getting the guard!” He shouted, rushing out of the ball room. Emerging from the dust stood a mare who looked as if she had seen better days.

Queen Chrysalis stepped forward, a snarl on her face, eyes ablaze with rage and vengeance. “I know you’re here, you traitor!” She snarled, horn alight with emerald magic.

Chapter 10 - Dangerous To Dream.

~Chapter 10 - Dangerous To Dream.~

9:39 PM, June 13, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

In a matter of seconds, the party had been upturned. Cadance cast a spell, a light blue bubble appearing around them. Chrysalis stalked forward as countless drones swarmed in, attacking the bubble around them. Twilight had to do something. They couldn’t get to the Elements in time. They were all the way in the Canterlot Vault where Celestia had stored them after the events of yesterday.

Luna and Celestia spared each other glances. “Sister, get the Night Guard. Cadance and I shall get the Elements while you girls hold Chrysalis back.” The regent of the sun declared. Luna darted out of the bubble and into the night sky.

“Hiding behind ponies? Now that’s just cowardly!” Chrysalis snapped, blasting the bubble herself.

Twilight knew what she had to do. Looking at Applejack before Celestia, Twilight lit her horn, teleporting out of the bubble. “TWILIGHT!” Her friends shouted.

“I’m the one you want, Chrysalis.” She took a deep breath as her disguise dispelled around her, opening her eyes to stare into Chrysalis’s green ones.

There was an eerie silence as the two changelings stared at one another, the attack halting for a moment as confusion marred the green changeling queen’s face. “How are you alive?” Chrysalis’s voice was but a mere whisper before her expression shifted to anger. “I thought I crushed you along with that pathetic mother of yours.” She spat.

Shaking slightly, Twilight opened her mouth again but before she could speak Chrysalis charged towards her, tackling her to the ground. The younger changeling struggled until she bucked upwards, flinging the queen backwards.

“Well, you were wrong, Chrysalis! Dead wrong!”

And then she heard it, the sound of a magical bubble popping.

There were shouts as a brawl broke out.

Celestia flew out of the room, rushing to get the Elements as Cadance knocked others back with her wings, following after her aunt. Applejack dodged through the fray, bucking a couple changelings in the process as she shifted back into her changeling form, using her magic to blast them back. The General felt a rush of nostalgia of battles past as she charged her way through with utter fury.

Transforming in a swirl of green flames, Rainbow Dash came down on a pair of changelings, red beetle wings flared out as she let loose a hiss. A couple changelings let loose shouts, scrambling away as their friends were pounded into the ground.

Rarity withdrew ribbon and lace, wrapping them around changelings, tripping them up with Pinkie Pie blasting them back with her infamous party cannon. Fluttershy had crouched down, occasionally catching stumbling changelings by surprise as they tumbled around, tripping over the shy mare.

In the centre of the battle were the two changelings, one a queen, the other just a princess. “Tell me, Chrysalis, did you ever regret murdering my mother?”

“Your mother was nothing but a disgrace to the changeling kind!” Chrysalis gritted as she charged again. “And the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Twilight dodged another blast, attempting to fly up shakily, inexperience working against her, before being torn down by the queen, landing roughly on her back. Gasping out a weak gasp, she stared up at the murderer who was now pinning her to the ground, readying her horn.

Chrysalis’s breath was hot on Twilight’s neck as she leant down, whispering into her ear. “You’re the reason your mother is dead. She died to protect you, a worthlessnymph that will never amount to anything.”

Closing her eyes as she awaited the inevitable. Twilight took a final gasp of air.

But death never came as she heard Applejack screeching something, Chrysalis forcefully being pushed off of her. “GET AWAY FROM HER!” Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes to see Applejack standing defensively over here, hissing as she bared her fangs.

“Ah.” Chrysalis stood a little bit away, hoof wiping away green ichor as she let loose a snarl. “General Alyssum. You survived too? Just wonderful. Nata always did pick the most worthless of her Hive to protect her. Remember where that got her?” The queen reared her head again, charging towards Applejack.

“NO!” Twilight shouted, darting up as she pushed Applejack out of the way, blocking the blow with her own elongated horn. “You shall not hurt my friends, Chrysalis!”

“Friends?” The other spat. “Friends will get you nowhere.”

“Yeah, well, you should shut your muzzle!” Rainbow Dash could be heard yelling as a hoof descended onto Chrysalis, Twilight spotting the opportunity and grabbed one of green changeling’s back hoof in her magenta magic, the mare tumbling to the ground from the impact.

Twilight Sparkle pinned the queen to the floor, letting loose a hiss, translucent wings flaring behind her. “Friends, will give you more power than you could dream of, Chrysalis!”

Twilight found herself aiming a hoof towards the mare below her before she struck downwards, again and again and again. She flew into a haze, nothing but rage blinding her. She felt hooves tugging at her, trying to pull her away yet she ignored them. Green ichor splattered her hooves as she kept pounding the creature who had ruined her life and her chances at ever knowing her true mother.

“Twilight! Stop!” Celestia’s voice shouted above the haze. Blinking, Twilight glanced up at her alarmed friends, glancing down at her stained hooves with a gurgled cry of surprise before she darted upwards.

She crumpled back to the ground and onto her haunches before sobs began to rack her body.

The fighting around her had ceased as the changeling drones began to shrink away but not completely fleeing. Above the eerie silence, the only sound that filled the room was the mare’s sobs and cries of apology as Celestia eased herself down beside her.

Chrysalis was escorted out of the room by Luna and the arriving Night Guard, the changeling queen bruised and battered but not majorly wounded. Blood followed like a gruesome wedding trail behind her as she let loose nothing but a hiss and a scowl.

But Twilight wasn’t paying attention to that, nor were her friends. Celestia had rested her wing over the hysterical mare as she muttered small words of comfort.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood there without their disguises, looking of concern and worry on their faces.

6:00 AM, July 27, 49 C.E.

The Everfree Forest.

Crouched low in the underbrush, ears perked as the young changeling scanned the horizon. Lieutenant General Alyssum flicked her wings a little, slowly trotting through the foliage, followed swiftly by the still young Princess Odonata.

Crack.

The small noise echoed around her as she motioned her small fleet of changelings forward. A few changelings sat high in the trees. There was a moment of silence before pandemonium broke loose.

The small group of changelings leapt into the clearing, ambushing a group of unaware ponies. But instead of simple travellers, a group of guards reared their heads towards the group. A battle broke out as changelings and guards alike fell to the ground.

One guard charged her, slicing her side with his spear as he attempted to defeat her. His fall was rapidly achieved as the changeling kicked him back with a firm kick as Princess Odonata flipped him with magic.

Lieutenant General Alyssum, Princess Odonata and a few others were the only ones standing. She stood proudly beside her broodmate, a mark in her chitin a firm memory of the ambush despite the blood flowing from the small wound.

9:57 PM, June 13, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Applejack idly traced a hoof across an old jagged scar across her chitin, frowning.

What had occurred felt eerily familiar as she stared in Twilight’s direction. She shouldered past her friends, lowering herself down beside Twilight. The younger changeling glanced at her friend with tear-stained eyes. AJ could sense the sheer terror, confusion and sadness that flowed from her friend as she extended a hoof. “Princess, may ah?”

Celestia looked confused, simply nodding. She lifted her wing to allow Applejack past. Hey, Twi’. It’s me.”

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault.” The lavender changeling mumbled through tears, latching onto her friend in a tight hug. “I’m so sorry, Applejack. I-I don’t know what happened. I was just so angry. Please don’t let Shining know about… me.”

“Ah know and ah promise you that ah won’t let him know till yer ready.” Applejack slowly stroked the changeling’s hair.

It took her a while to notice that something was different about her friend. Twilight Sparkle was somehow larger. Her horn had grown in length and so had her limbs. A sense of longing and loss filled the older changeling as she sat beside her friend, gently tending to her.

10:03 PM, June 13, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

After a while, Twilight had dozed off in an exhaustion induced sleep and carefully carried into her old bedroom. Luna and the Night Guard had eventually escorted all the other changelings down to the barely used dungeons.

Shining Armour had been found in a nearby broom closet, having no recollection of the party. He had been there almost the entire evening. And as Twilight had requested before her subsequent nap, Shining was being kept out of the loop, at least for now.

Rainbow Dash stood defensively by Twilight’s bedside, her crimson wings fluttering around sporadically. Slowly, Applejack rose to her hooves from the nearby seat, flicking her tattered wings for a moment before she began to pace around the moderately sized bedroom. “She tried ta get inta our hivelink, Dash.”

“That’s odd. Although, I haven’t been in a hivelink for at least nineteen years. It’s been nineteen years, right?”

“Yeah.” There was a moment of silence.

“Do you think she’s angry?”

“Who? Chrysalis?” AJ turned to look at Rainbow Dash who scoffed, transforming into her pony form as she tucked her wings to her side.

“No. Twilight. She seemed pretty angry when she was attacking Chrysalis. Have you ever seen that much anger in one changeling?”

“Once upon a time ah did.”

11:46 PM, October 31, 31 C.E.

The Everfree Forest.

“SOMEPONY HELP ME!” A mare’s voice screamed into the night. It was Nightmare Night and Major General Alyssum stood with Princess Odonata at the edge of the Ponyville, just in what the locals were beginning to call The Everfree Forest. Disguised as teenagers, the two watched drunks pass by. A bag of candy sat by the princess’s hooves, overflowing with chocolate and other treats. The Princess frowned, hearing the screams once more, a sudden look of determination appearing on her face.

Following the curves of the shadows, the princess darted off. “Princess! Come-Ugh” Alyssum halted by an alleyway, something or somepony grabbed hold of her hoof. A large looking stallion with a dirty brown coat and a baseball bat for a cutie mark sneered down at her. “Let go of me.”

“It’s rather late to be going around gettin’ candy? Why don’t I show you somethin’ nicer than candy, little mare?” The stallion smiled creepily, tugging Alyssum closer to himself.

“Ah said let go of me.”

“Aw, why not, sweetie?”

“‘Cause she doesn’t need some creep like you around her.” A third figure emerged, baring fangs as Odonata leapt from the shadows, shedding her disguise.

The stallion yelped with a high pitched scream swiftly following, Odonata pinning him down as the princess swung her hoof down in rapid succession until the creepy stallion was nothing but a bruised and battered mess on the compact dirt ground. Alyssum would have tried to stop her if not for the fear coursing through her at the sight.

“P-Princess?”

“Don’t worry, I got the other stallion that was harassing that mare. She gave me some candy. She was quite lovely.” Odonata removed herself from the stallion, wiping her mouth of the crimson mess that had gathered there. She was levitating another bag of candy with her, opening her mouth into a wide smile before frowning at the sight of Alyssum.

“Are you okay, Alyssum? He didn’t hurt you did he?” She gingerly placed a hoof on top of Alyssum, worry evident through her voice and the hivelink.

“I-I’m fine.” She found herself squeaking out.

Chapter 11 - The Enigma Hive.

~Chapter 11 - The Enigma Hive.~

9:57 AM, June 14, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

The sun had already risen by the time Twilight stirred awake, her own body working against her as it urged her back into her old bed. She shifted, suddenly feeling highly uncomfortable as the bed below had seemingly shrunk since her last visit to Canterlot. Easing her eyes opened, she yawned, stretching her hooves and her wings. Oh, she thought, pausing and glancing downwards at her holed hooves.

She was still undisguised.

Her head was buzzing with new thoughts, some of them were so overwhelming it was beginning to give her a headache. “What time is it?” She groggily mumbled, sitting up completely at this point as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

“Almost ten. You’ve been passed out for a while.” Rainbow Dash’s voice answered back as the mare dropped from the ceiling with all the grace and stealth of a yak. Dash was also undisguised as she stretched her wings, letting loose a loud yawn. “Yesterday was awesome. We were all awesome, but I was the most awesome.”

“Okay, I get it, Rainbow. Can you be quiet for just a second? My head hurts.” She gritted.

“You want me to get somepony?” Dash said, frowning.

“No, no. I think I’ll-Ouch!” She let loose a sharp gasp, clutching her head again. Buzzing, there was nothing but buzzing as it threatened to become even more overwhelming. Multiple voices and sounds echoing through her head.

"Is everything okay, sugarcube?” Applejack had entered the room, her voice echoing above the buzzing.

“She said-hurts-don’t know-on” Twilight could only hear parts of what Dash was saying at this point. She screwed her eyes tightly closed, placing her hooves against her ears in an attempt to silence the countless voices around her.

“Twi’. Ah think ah know what’s wrong.” Applejack had crouched down beside Twilight, a hoof being placed against her shoulder. “Rainbow, do you remember what happened when Queen Rhene was crowded?”

“Sort of. She went-like an hour-her mother’s-chambers.” She said, tapping her hooves. “Oh.”

Twilight let loose a grumble and a groan. “What the hay are you saying? Why are there so many voices in my head?!”

“Twi’, ah think yer body is going through the final stage of being a queen. It happens when another queen dies or a princess defeats another queen. Ah think yer fight with Chrysalis triggered it. And there shouldn’t be anypony else. It’s just you and me in the hivelink.”

“Ugh!” Twilight dragged a pillow from her bed, stuffing her muzzle into it as she groaned again. There was a rapid knock on the door as somepony rapidly shouted something through the door. “What is it?” She shouted out.

“Princess Twilight, some of the changelings in the dungeon have grown restless. We’ve separated them from the rest of them but they keep demanding to see all the princesses. Princess Celestia has sent me to get you.” It was a guard, she was politely asking through the door.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash resumed their disguises in a swirl of flames, Applejack carefully lifting Twilight from the ground. “I’m fine. I’ve got it.” She rapidly said.

Shutting her eyes closed for a moment, Twilight willed herself to maintain a disguise, pushing the many voices away from her mind. Shakily, she stepped forward, peeking her eyes open once more. Stretching her feathered wings before opening the door, she stepped out to face one of the day guards. “Take me to her.”

10:03 AM, June 14, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Stepping down the echoing stairway, Twilight ruffled her wings as cold and musty air permeated the air. The headache had dulled to a slow throb, just a minor annoyance now. Applejack stood by her side, mouth shut as she frowned a little in concern. “I wonder why they’re asking for all of us. All the princesses I mean.”

“Who knows, sugarcube. Ah have no idea why you’re suddenly bein’ crowded either. This has never happened before.” Applejack muttered, hooves clopping against the ground as they continued to descend downwards.

Eventually, the stairway opened up to a large hallway, cells lining the walls. They looked ancient and old, somewhat unused. Celestia stood a little further down the hall, engaged in discussion with one of her guards. The regent of the sun nodded her head as the guard left before approaching the two mares waiting for her. “Are you alright after last night, Twilight?” The princess addressed her.

“Yes. I’ll be…” She paused, frowning. “I think I’ll be alright.”

“That’s good. As Officer Stone Sword has probably informed you, some of Chrysalis’s changelings have become rowdy, to say the least. Luna’s asleep and Cadance is helping to tend to Chrysalis' wounds so they are currently unavailable. I am also glad you are here, Applejack.”

“That would make sense. Love magic and all.” Applejack commented.

“Princesses! Another group of changelings are at the main gates. They’re demanding to know where their Hive is as well as somepony called Queen Enid.” A guard had rushed up to the group, pausing shouting out his information before pausing for a breath. Applejack’s eyes widened, nudging Twilight in the side.

“What colour may I ask what colour may these changelings be?” Twilight asked, tapping a hoof against her lip for a moment.

“Uh. Purple, Princess.”

“Bring them to the throne room. Not down here.” The lavender alicorn ordered. With that, the solar princess dismissed her guard almost instantly.

“Why would they be asking for Enid?” Applejack whispered, a questioning look directed towards Twilight and Princess Celestia.

“She hasn’t reigned over your hive since before Luna’s banishment. We shall deal with that shortly but first, we must find out why only a few of Chrysalis’s changelings have become aggravated. Follow me please.” Celestia led them down the corridor, passing a few cells with other changelings inside them.

Chrysalis wasn’t with them.

After trotting through musty stone hallways for a few minutes, Celestia halted them with her wings, ushering the guards away. “These three were the loudest. The others are just a bit further down.”

In the cell at the end of the hallway sat a group of three changelings, each shuffling on their hooves. Their eyes darted towards Twilight the moment they spotted her. Applejack had paused, dropping her disguise. “Bee? Nova and Midge?” Applejack spluttered out, three of the changelings seemingly instantly recognizing Applejack. They darted up to the bars, one of them climbing on top of the others. “Is it really you?!”

“We thought you had died, Alyssum.” One of them said.

“I mean, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t know, Midge said she saw you running from the hive but I kinda didn’t wanna believe it.” Another voice said, the one on top seemingly a male.

“I told you she was alive! To Enid and above, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” The third chuckled, Midge.

“Applejack, do you know these changelings?” Celestia asked, eyes glancing at Applejack.

“APPLEJACK?!” All of the changelings shouted.

“You changed your name? To Applejack? Really?” The male one narrowed his eyes, crossing his forehooves.

“Ah happen to like it.” The mare stated, grumbling a little. Twilight nudged her friend slightly, holding back laughter.

“Where were you guys during the fight between Chrysalis?” Twilight asked, tilting her head a little.

“We were posed as guards, uhm. Sorry Princesses. We’ve never wanted to be involved in Xenica Hive stuff. Nor did the others.” Midge awkwardly said, shifting a little.

“Princess Celestia. Bee, Nova and Midge are my brood mates. They were Odonata’s Lieutenant Generals.”

“Actually, I was still Major General Bee when everything happened. But I guess I’ll never get that promotion, huh?” Bee, the first one stated, frowning a little. “What happened to the princess? Chrysalis said that she had been crushed with Queen Odonata but we couldn’t find-” Her voice had become a whisper. “-the body.”

Applejack glanced at Twilight who shifted nervously, raising a hoof. “About that-”

“You didn’t do anything to her did you?” Nova, the male, suddenly shouted, rattling the bars. “She was our last chance. Some of the others said they saw another queen during the fight in the ballroom, is that true?!”

Twilight let loose a small yelp, pulling back a little in surprise. The suddenness caused her disguise to falter slightly. She still hadn’t gotten the knack for maintaining them when frightened it seemed. Celestia remained silent, simply watching the events unfold before her.

“You-” “You’re the-” “Oh my.” They said at the same time, staring intently at her, undisguised and shuffling awkwardly back and forth.

“Uh… surprise?”

“Oh my Enid, this explains everything!” Bee shouted, pulling back from the bars slightly. “This explains why you vanished!” She shot a hoof forward and towards Applejack who was rolling her eyes, a stern look appearing on her face.

“You’re so pretty.” Midge was titled her head, smiling widely as she gazed in Twilight’s direction. “You look a lot like Queen Iris, at least from what I've seen of her painting.”

“Applejack? Twilight? Some guard got bothered by me hanging around the steps and told me to head down here-By Ayana, what’s going on here?” Rainbow Dash had shed her disguise as she was trotting towards them, seemingly distracted until her eyes glanced at the trio of changelings near AJ and Twilight.

“A Libellua?!” Nova and the other changelings gasped. “But your Hive is-”

“Gone? Destroyed? Yeah, I know.” Dash flicked her wings a little, looking over at Twilight before trotting over to her. “I’m just that awesome I survived.”

“How many others joined Chrysalis’s Hive?” Twilight asked.

“Six, nine if you include us. She didn’t give us much choice. Join or die, I think were her exact words.”

“Oh yeah, she was pretty brutal about that. She stripped us of our ranks and then forced us to work our way back up. We were only up to basic guard status until now. We can’t go back to her, you have no clue what she’ll do to us all if she finds out that we know you're alive.” Midge looked desperate, the air around them thick with tension. “We need our queen back. You’re our only chance at restoring the hive.”

“I-” Twilight glanced at Applejack before turning to look at Celestia. The ancient mare nodded in approval. Rainbow Dash placed a reassuring hoof against Twilight’s side. Her two friends nodded, almost as if they were saying that they’d be there by her side and that she could do.

She could be the mare her destiny said she could.

She could do great things. She could be somepony great.

“I’ll take up my mother’s mantle. I’ll accept the position of Queen.”

Chapter 13 - Picking Up The Pieces.

~Chapter 13 - Picking Up The Pieces.~

03:01 PM, June 19th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“You gotta really flap 'em hard. They’re a bit different from your normal wings though.” A disguised Rainbow Dash shouted from above, watching her friend below trying to fly while in disguise.

It had been almost a week since the hassle that was the second changeling invasion. If you could call it an invasion at all. The changelings, the Enigma changelings, had taken up residence in the castle, much to the elite of Canterlot’s disapproval. Twilight still hadn’t been officially announced to the rest of Equestria as a changeling queen but rumours of another changeling queen that wasn’t Chrysalis had already taken root in the staff and among the residents of Canterlot. Only they just didn’t know it was Twilight yet which was somewhat a relief to the adjusting mare.

Twilight tried again to go up but struggled, shakily hovering in the sky. “Whoa!” She shouted, tilting a little to the side and almost crashing into Dash.

“Uh, maybe not quite that hard.”

“This is frustrating!” She shouted, flapping her wings again before landing on the ground.

“Lookin' good up there, Queen Twilight.” Was the first thing Applejack said when Twilight saw her.

“Applejack, you know you don't have to call me that, seriously.”

“Why do you protest so? You've already given up wearing your crown all the time. The least you can do is embrace your new title.” Rarity commented, trotting over with the rest of her friends.

“If other ponies or changelings want to address me that way, I suppose it's fine, but... not my friends. It just doesn't feel right.” She let loose a sigh, ruffling her wings a little. She still wasn’t used to them. “And neither does all this flying business. The Summer Sun Celebration is only two days away, and I'm never gonna be ready to perform my part.”

“Not if you spend all your time down here, you won't! Now get up there and show everypony the big finish!”

“Alright, alright.” She tried to take flight again, a moment of peace as she steadied herself. “Woo-hoo! I did it! I did-Whaaaa! Oof! Oof!” The wind working against her as she plummeted back down, letting loose a scream. She crashed headfirst into a bush before tumbling out and landing awkwardly.

“Wow! That was a big finish!” Pinkie bounced over, helping Twilight back up.

She let loose a grumble, transforming as the leaves burned away in the magic before resuming her disguise once more.

05:45 PM, June 19th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Twilight Sparkle trotted around her bedroom, thinking as Spike spoke in the background. Her friends had gone back to Ponyville. Even Rainbow Dash and Applejack were heading back to Ponyville.

“Check, check, check, check, and... check! Huh, whaddaya know? We're way ahead of schedule! I credit your extremely competent assistant.”

“So do I,” Twilight mumbled. She dropped her disguise, running a holed hoof along her face as she let out a sigh.

“The Celebration isn't until the day after tomorrow. We could still fit in a quick trip to Ponyville and be back in plenty of time to finish off these last few things before the main event!” Spike suggested.

Twilight turned to look at Spike. “That would be nice, Spike, but what if something else came up while we were gone? What if we were delayed getting back and I wasn't able to finish everything on that list?” Her nerves had suddenly grown as she began to pace around the room.

“What if we lost the list on the way to Ponyville and then couldn't remember which things we'd done and which things we hadn't done, and then spent so much time trying to figure out what we hadn't done and what we had done, and we ruined the entire Celebration by not doing the one really important thing that we were supposed to do?!

Her wings began to buzz a little as she paced and paced.

“Uh... so that's a 'no' then?”

“These are the first royal duties Princess Celestia has given me. I can't risk letting her down!”

“And I'm sure you won't.” A voice in the doorway said as the door itself was shut. Startled by the sudden presence of another, a disguise found its way onto Twilight.

“Ah!” Twilight instantly bowed down, brushing her bangs out of her face.

“Your highness!” Spike yelped.

“No need for that now, Queen Twilight.” Celestia stepped forward, smiling. She was always smiling. Twilight jerked up, awkwardly shuffling on her hooves.

“Sorry. I’m guessing they told you about that, huh?” She sheepishly chuckled.

The regent of the sun let loose a small laugh. “No need to apologize.”

“Sorry!” Twilight found herself saying.

“I must admit that it is wonderful to actually be looking forward to the Summer Sun Celebration.” The alabaster alicorn said, trotting over to the window before glancing outside.

“What do you mean?”

“For my subjects, it has always been a celebration of my defeat of Nightmare Moon. But for me... “ She let out a sigh. “It was just a terrible reminder that I'd had to banish my own sister.”

“I guess I never really thought about it that way.”

“But now it has become a wonderful reminder of her transformation back into Princess Luna, and our happy reunion. I am so pleased that you will be playing a role in the festivities. I know it must have been difficult to see your friends return to Ponyville without you." She was smiling again, resting a wing across Twilight’s shoulder.

“Maybe a little. I just so used to having them around for all this. Especially Applejack and Rainbow Dash.” Twilight Sparkle mumbled.

“I know. You may no longer be my student, Twilight, but I hope you know that I will always be here if you need me. Just as I hope that you will always be there when I need you.”

“Do you ever miss her? My mother?” She glanced upwards at Celestia, biting her lip a little.

“Every day. Just as with Luna’s banishment, I regret that I couldn’t help her sooner. But unlike Luna, I cannot help her anymore. I can only remember who she once was. Odonata was brutal at times, yes, but she was a kinder soul than I could ever be. She was one of my greatest friends.” Celestia muttered. “I think I’ll leave you to your evening.”

With that, the solar princess left the room.

????

It was dark. A void of nothingness that stretched out endlessly. There was no light and no noise. There was nothing. The inky blackness was what Twilight opened her eyes to. Taking in a gasp of air, Twilight found nothing but liquid as it swallowed her from the inside out. She tried to scream, to scramble, to escape but it was futile.

The abyss had swallowed her up, tossing her out on the other side as if she was nothing more than a ragdoll. She lay there for a moment, eyes closed as she breathed in laboured breaths. It was cold. Utterly cold.

She opened her eyes to see light. Black and shiny walls that gave off a subtle lavender shine. Plants were easing their way inside through the holes in the ceiling. There was rubble, broken glass and even skeletal remains. It was musty and there was dust everywhere.

She heaved up some of the shadow liquid as it spilled out of her mouth, splattering onto the shattered tiled floor below her.

And then she saw it.

An ornate balcony that sat on shiny black columns with dead plant life weaving in between them. Moonlight shone down upon it, glowing with ethereal light. Shakily, Twilight stood up. Glancing back up at the ceiling, she saw the moon through the shattered stained-glass. Trotting carefully, Twilight headed up the corrode steps. Her hoof trailed along the railing as silence, her own steps and the occasional drip of water filled her ears.

“Mommy! Higher! Higher!” The voice echoed around her, childish laughter causing her to halt in her tracks. She had reached the top of the balcony. There were two doorways, one more ornate than the other. The large one was blocked by boulders and rubble, some of it spilling outwards.

She trotted towards the smaller one, shifting back the dead vines to see a small bedroom. A small bed sat in the centre of the room, layers of dust coating the ratty old sheets. On the right side of the room sat a dresser and a bookshelf, the left side had a spotted mirror and a dead potted plant. What caught Twilight’s attention where the faded drawings that were etched into the walls.

She trotted towards one, placing a hoof against the childish drawing of a large purplish changeling with long flowing hair and a smaller one with bangs.

Realization hit her like crashing into Rainbow Dash at high speed.

“Oh, Celestia. This is… “ She breathed out, disturbing the two decades of dust.

“Mommy. I drew us!” A childish voice said, echoing around her like a ghost.

“Oh, Twilight. That’s wonderful.”

Memories began to flood back to her. Countless memories of her first few years of life.

And then she heard it. The screams and shouts.

Twilight bolted from the room, skidding to a halt in front of the blocked off room. Examining the surroundings, Twilight with unknown desperation tugged at one of the loose rocks until it all tumbled away. When the dust cleared, another room was presented to her.

It was another bedroom. It looked equally undisturbed, dust and cobwebs filled the room. In the centre of the room was a crown covered in dust, a brownish stain on the floor.

Twilight felt tears welling in the corner of her eyes, falling to the ground. “Mother…?”

“Don’t worry Twilight. I won’t ever let anything happen to you. Ever.” Odonata’s voice echoed in her ears as Twilight stared forward.

“Mommy? What’s going on?”

“Just go to sleep, sweetheart. May Luna give you good dreams. I’ll always love you, you know that right?”

“Uh huh. I love you too.”

Sitting there on the ground, staring at the remains of a mother she barely got the chance to know, Twilight wept.

06:45 PM, June 19th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“Princess Luna! We need your help!” A changeling shouted, entering the throne room where Luna was currently presiding over the Lunar Court. The two nobles mid-quarrel paused, turning to see the group of changelings following swiftly behind the first. “Our Queen has gone missing! And we cannot find Princess Celestia!”

“WHAT?!”

Chapter 14 - Predictions.

~Chapter 14 - Predictions.~

10:15 AM, June 20th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“Your highness! News from Ponyville! The Everfree Forest appears to be... well... invading!” A royal guard shouted as he entered the throne room to encounter a pacing and frustrated Luna.

“Invading? Thou must be jesting. Tis simply just a jest that thou are all playing on us, correct? Tia shall appear any moment and thou shall all be in on it. Our sister was always good at jests.” Luna mumbled out, staring out the window at the unmoved moon. It was the middle of the morning. Goodness knows how Celestia could have moved Luna’s moon. No matter how much the lunar princess tried, for some reason, she couldn't raise the sun. It was almost as if Celestia herself was stopping her. It made the joke even worse. Needless to say, that had begun to stir up some panic among the citizens. It had taken Luna a few hours to quell them and to assure them that she was not Nightmare Moon again.

“Princess, it’s true. One of our scouts just reported back. The Everfree is wreaking havoc in Ponyville.” Thorax, one of Twilight’s changelings, standing nearby commented.

"Princess Luna! Where’s Twilight?!” Twilight’s young drake assistant ran into the room. “Bee said that she was missing!” He was panicked, rushing towards the regent of the moon.

“Thou must accompany us to Ponyville. If what these guards and these changelings state is true, Ponyville is under attack. Come, we must go at once. We shall retrieve the Elements.”

11:23 AM, June 20th, 2 S.E.

Ponyville.

“Oh, thank goodness!” The alabaster unicorn stated upon seeing Princess Luna and Spike enter the library. All of the Elements had gathered in the library, seemingly digging through books for information.

“Oh, I hope you know we wouldn't normally go through Twilight’s books without permission…” Fluttershy pushed the book she had been reading aside, a shy smile on her face.

“I dunno if you've noticed, but the Everfree Forest is just a teeny-tiny bit out of control, Princess.”

“But perhaps you already know what's causing all of this calamity. Have you come to dispel it posthaste?” Rarity trotted up to the princess immediately.

“Not quite. Celestia and Twilight Sparkle were both declared missing last evening. We apologize for such a delay for the news.”

“They're missing!” Spike shouldered his way past.

The girls let out a collective gasp.

“We know not who has taken them, but thou shan’t worry as we shall get them both back safely. We suspected that it may have to do with the Elements.”

“Now we just gotta figure out who took ‘em so we can get Celestia and Twi’ back and keep the rest of Equestria from becoming plant food! Any ideas?” Applejack glanced at her friends.

“I haven't found squat in any of the books I've been looking through! Oopsies! Missed a spot!” Pinkie was darting around the room, tossing a few books around as she did so.

“We have seen these accursed vines before. Before Equestria was what it is. Tis Discord whom is to blame. He shall get his punishment in due time. Thou must bring the Elements back to the tree. The Tree of Harmony. Tis a tree Celestia and I found in our youth.” Luna stated, dropping the box she was carrying with her magic.

“Then let’s get our friends back!” Rainbow Dash declared, raising a hoof in the air.

????

Twilight shifted her weight to the side, staring. Just staring at the object in her hooves. It was stained with dried ichor, a small dent on one side. The crown she held was etched with suffering and history.

Odonata had died here.

It was difficult for Twilight at that singular moment to understand what she was feeling. There was anger, grief, longing, desperation and sorrow. A whirlwind of emotions as they seeped into her very being. She let out a cry of misery, collapsing in her tidal wave of emotions and dropping the crown with a small clatter.

It was painful to remember and even more painful to know that she would never have those good memories again. Not with her birth mother. Twilight Velvet had tried to fill that roll in Twilight’s life and even succeeded at it at one point in her life. But now, with the sheer reality of never getting to know her birth mother was heartbreaking.

Twilight, so caught up in her grief, didn’t notice the figure standing behind her.

“It is awfully tragic.” It said, stirring the changeling queen from her thoughts. Twilight Sparkle turned her head to see the shadowy outline of an alicorn before it formed in an inky black shape. It spread its wide abyssal wings, a mane of inky darkness flowing around a sharp and curved horn. It stood regally and upright as it looked over at her.

“Who are you?” Twilight’s wings bristled as she pulled back a little, knocking the crown astray. “What are you?”

“Simply a friend. You know, if it wasn’t for me, you’d be where the sun is.” It trotted over, making hoofsteps as it towards Twilight. ”Trapped.” Its voice was distinctly female and so was the shape of its body.

“That doesn’t answer my question.” The changeling retorted.

“I am a creature of myth. A forgotten myth from a legend that only your kind can ever recall. Ponykind has called me many things but the mare in the moon simply overshadowed my tale. I am what changelings would call Death.”

“What do you want?” She had jerked upright and to her hooves, a frown appearing.

“I crave nor need anything. I simply provide knowledge to those when they need it. I must warn you of what is to come. One you trust greatly shall betray that trust and a great evil that shall rise up in them. I cannot determine if you win but you shall face one you trust in a battle so great that many shall be harmed. There shall be many more evils to attack this realm but you must remain strong, Twilight Sparkle.”

“That sounds… dire.”

“Alas, that is how it is. This place has seen death that is unimaginable. I have witnessed such a tragedy before but not as great as this. Do you weep for a mother you didn’t know or the life that you lost, young immortal?” Death said.

Twilight didn’t respond. She just turned to stare at the ground.

“I know the pain must be difficult to bear. Your own grand-mother wept as you do now but for another reason.”

“What are you talking about?” Twilight gaze darting up at the creature called Death with confusion.

“Ah. She has yet to tell you, has she? All in due time, Twilight Sparkle. Now, as time draws nearer to when the time is right, I must ask you this. Do you wish to remain here or do you wish to return to where the sun resides?”

“Can I ask you one more thing?” Twilight turned to face Death as it nodded. “Why now? Why wait to show me this? Why wait to tell me all this?”

“Because where you have been, I cannot wander, Twilight Sparkle. I cannot walk the same path of friendship as you. It is only now that the harmony has been weakened can I step hoof outside the bounds of this abandoned Hive. I am trapped in this graveyard of your kind. Bound to never leave until it is restored.” Death paused, shaking its head. “What ties me here is a curse that you could never comprehend, Twilight Sparkle.”

“What do you mean with harmony? Do you mean the Elements?”

“The Elements having been removed from their original home for centuries has caused a seed that was sown long ago to finally grow. It has been weakened but if my assumptions are correct, it all shall be restored shortly.”

“What.”

“I think it should be time for you to go, unless you wish to remain here?”

“I’m..” Twilight closed her mouth, seemingly taking in the information that had just been present to her. She began glancing around the still dusty room before her eyes landed onto the crown lying on the ground. She lifted it with her magenta magic, quickly dusting it off and scrapping some of the ancient ichor off before gently placing it on her head behind her crooked horn. “I’m ready to go back home.”

12:03 AM, June 20th, 2 S.E.

The Everfree Forest.

“Oh, poo.” Discord grumbled, appearing beside the crystalline tree. Luna stood there, the Elements behind her as the vines around the tree began to dissipate, two other figures tumbling out in a flurry.

“That was unpleasant,” Twilight grumbled, shifting back into her disguise with another grumble. Celestia helped her upright as they turned to look at the strange tree. “What did I miss?”

“We went on a super cool adventure where we fought monsters and stuff.” Rainbow Dash declared, flying above the group as she held up her hooves in a combat stance.

“Oh darling, Rainbow Dash is simply exaggerating. Princess Luna brought us here to fix some things. Unfortunately, we had to return the Elements to this beautiful tree.”

“You gave it the Elements, just like that? Without me?”

“That’s a plot-hole I dunno how to solve.” Pinkie Pie piped up, withdrawing a sheet of parchment from her mane before staring off into the distance for a moment. “And don’t you question it.”

“Okay?” Twilight took a step back from her friend, returning her attention to her other friends.

“We know how difficult it must have been for you to give up the Elements. It took great courage to relinquish them.” Celestia trotted over, resting a wing over Luna.

“And it gave us this super shiny box.” Pinkie held this strange crystalline box in her hair, resting it on a pedestal made of vines. Twilight walked over, shifting the odd box around in her hooves.

“What's inside it? How am I supposed to open it?”

“Six locks, six keys,” Luna stated.

“I do not know where they are. But I do know that it is a mystery you will not be solving alone.” Celestia was smiling again.

“Bravo, ladies, bravo! However, did you save the day this time? Blast the beastie with your magic necklaces, I presume? Where are those little trinkets of yours? You know, the ones you use to send me back to my extremely uncomfortable stone prison?” Discord reappeared, a smile appearing on his crooked face.

“Gone.” Applejack sighed.

“Gone? Gone?”

“But our friendship remains.” Fluttershy flew up until she was at eye level with him. “And if you want to remain, friends, you'll stop thinking whatever it is you're thinking and help us clean up.”

“Fine. But I don't do windows.” He grumbled.

“One thing I don't get. Why did all this happen now?” AJ said, narrowing her eyes at Discord.

“I have no idea. Those seeds I planted should have sprouted up ages ago.”

“What did you say?!” Twilight’s wings flared out, gabbing a hoof in Discord’s chest. “Explain yourself!"

“Well, obviously things didn't go according to my original plan all those years ago. My plunderseeds should have stolen the magic from the Tree of Harmony and captured Princess Celestia and Princess Luna thousands of moons ago. Alas, it seems the tree had enough magic to keep the seeds from growing up big and strong. Until now, that is. And for some odd reason, it went for you instead of her.” Discord waved a claw around, rolling his eyes.

“Discord,” Celestia said sternly. “You are in a great deal of trouble.”

2:30 PM, June 20th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Twilight Sparkle stood on a balcony, hooves rested over her arms as she let loose a long sigh, lowering her head. There was so much to process. So much to unravel and to understand. Could she ever truly understand what was going on? She glanced at the crown sitting on the railing beside her. She hadn’t told anypony about it yet. Part of her didn’t want to.

She could hear the hivelink abuzz with activity as her changelings went about their days. She could even sense Rainbow Dash and Applejack at the edge of it all. She tried to think about something, anything else than the current situation but one thought bugged her more than leaving a book half-finished.

That creature’s ominous prediction was still plaguing her mind.

‘One you trust greatly shall betray that trust and a great evil that shall rise up in them.’

Who would betray her and why?

Staring out into the afternoon sky, nopony could answer that question but fate.

Chapter 15 - The Lunar Lullaby

~Chapter 15 - The Lunar Lullaby.~

9:45 PM, November 6th, 982 C.E.

The Enigma Hive

“Twilight! Get down from there this instant.” Queen Odantata snapped, levitating the youngling off of the nearby ledge.

“But Mommy, I wanna explore!” The young Twilight mumbled, pouting.

“But it’s your bedtime dear. You mustn’t keep the others up with your racket.” Her mother chided, lifting her closer before settling the child onto her own bed. The nymph crossed her stubby little arms with another pout.

“Nu! I don’t wanna.” She grumbled. Odonata rubbed her forehead, lowering herself down beside her child.

“You’ve got to go to sleep eventually. Would you like to hear a lullaby?” Odonata pleaded, exasperated. The little nymph nodded, smiling as she showed her tiny fangs. “Okay then.”

“Little Moon, Little Star, far from home.
Your kind are waiting, but not alone.
We will watch, we will wait,

Little Moon, Little Star, all alone,
Though in the moon’s embrace,
We won’t erase the history you made.

We will meet again, Little Moon.
Little Star will help you,
Help you come home,
So you’re not alone.”

Odonata hummed the tune, stroking Twilight’s mane as the little nymph fell asleep. She glanced up at the nearby portrait depicting her own mother, a small frown gracing her face. “I won’t erase the history you made, mother.”

7:30 PM, June 20th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

There was a knock at the door, Twilight Sparkle knew that much. Lowering the book she has been burying herself in, Twilight paused.

Another knock, followed by another and another. And then the knocking stopped.

“Twilight? Can we talk for a moment?” Celestia’s voice echoed through the door. Staring at the door once more, Twilight took a deep breath before opening it.

Celestia trotted in with a pensive silence as she closed the door. The alabaster alicorn was lacking her usual regalia which caused the lavender mare some surprise. “Princess, you’re not wearing your crown.”

“Twilight, I’ve come here as a friend, not a princess.” Celestia sat down and Twilight followed suit. The changeling in disguise shifted her hooves back and forth. “Is there something you’d like to talk about?”

Twilight hesitated, lowering her head slightly. “I… no. Not at all.”

“I’ve heard that you were going to move your Hive, correct?”

“Uh, yeah. Thorax said the older changelings were uncomfortable with Canterlot and Applejack said it would be a good idea to go and restore the old hive. I mean, it would be nice to get out of Canterlot for a while.” She mumbled, shifting more. Celestia’s concerned look bore into the young changeling as she simply remained quiet. “You’ve been there, haven’t you? What was it like?”

There was a moment of silence, Celestia seemingly processing the question before opening her mouth to speak.

“It was a wonderfully beautiful place. Changeling architecture has always been a wondrous thing.” She sighed, pausing. “The Enigma Hive used to pride itself in its murals and titlings. There was a majestic stained glass window in the centre of the hive that depicted Enid and Luna’s moon. Your ancestors used to be quite close with Luna before her… banishment so it wasn’t too surprising that they used her moon in many of their murals.”

“Who was Lantana? Luna mentioned her once... why?“ Twilight’s gaze wandered towards her dresser and a closed draw where she knew the damaged crown was residing.

“Queen Lantana was your grand-mother, the ruler before your mother. She and Luna used to be close, but like I, we were both too late to help her.”

9:30 AM, January 1st, 0 B.N.M

The Castle Of The Two Sisters.

“Luna, step down.” A young Celestia trotted forward, stamping her gilded hoof against the ground firmly.

“Not-Not... another step!” Luna spluttered out, bearing her newly acquired fangs as her leathery wings were spread into the air. “Did thou really expect us to sit idly by while they all basked in thy precious light? Did thee?!” She seemed frantic as she spoke, titering on the edge of insanity. “There can only be one princess in Equestria! And that princess... shall be us!

“Luna, I shan’t fight thee! Thine must lower the moon! It is thy duty!” Celestia said calmly, lowering her wingtips.

“Luna? We are... Nightmare Moon! We have but one royal duty now: to destroy thee!”

“Luna!” A third figure bolted into the throne room, skidding to a halt in front of the two princesses. In a swirl of purple fire, a changeling revealed herself. Her purple and silky hair was hastily pinned up in a bun as it spilled in tendrils around her panicked expression. Queen Lantana shouted again. “Luna, why art thee doing this?!”

“Lana… I-I..” Nightmare Moon paused, panic and guilt flicking across her face before she scowled. “We are doing what we must for a better Equestria!”

“How does any of this better Equestria?! My kind has practically worshipped thine moon for centuries and thou think we’ve forgotten thee?” Lantana yelled back, flaring her wings.

“Thine worship does not change anything! Mine own sister has spread blasphemy!” Nightmare Moon retorted, narrowing her eyes. “Art thou joining her or me?”

Lantana glanced between the two sisters, lowering her head. “Art thou making me choose?”

Nightmare Moon scowled, charging her horn with archaic magic before letting it blast, striking the changeling queen as Celestia let loose a shriek. Celestia flew upwards with a start, her previously calm expression fading as she took to the skies. A battle waged overhead as the changeling queen stirred awake and glanced towards the fighting sisters.

Celestial fell with an ear-splitting scream, crashing back into the throne room was a crunch. Her wing jutted out at an odd angle as she raised her bleeding head towards the changeling.

“I believe she shan’t see reason, Lantana.” She said with a grimace as she heaved herself upwards. Lantana rushed over, assisting the pony princess upright.

“I was afraid this would happen.” The purple changeling whispered, sitting down as she watched Celestia trotting towards the centre of the throne room. “My little ones noticed signs of corruption moons ago. I should have come to thou sooner. I should have-” She paused, watching as the solar regent withdrew the Elements, the mythical artifacts glowing in the moonlight that filtered through the shattered ceiling. “Thou can’t! My mother told us of tales of them and how they turned the mighty Discord to stone! Thee can’t be serious.”

“My sister hast given me no other choice, Lantana.” Celestia glanced up at the moon with forlorn, avoiding eye contact with the changeling.

There was a moment of silence before either of them spoke.

“Lantana, leave.” She said with a resounding boom, her eyes pleading for the changeling queen to listen.

“CELESTIA!” Lantana shouted as a black projectile descended from the stars, shattered the window behind the mare. Celestia turned around, lighting her magic as Nightmare Moon charging towards her with murderous intent. There was a deafening boom as rainbow lights streamed around the two sisters, the Elements swirling around the eldest.

When the light dissipated, Celestia let out a wail, eyes glued to the surface of the moon as the realization set in. Lantana stared upwards, legs buckling beneth her. “What have thou done, Celestia?”

8:02 PM, June 20th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“So… Lantana and Luna were friends?” Twilight hesitantly spoke, interrupting Celestia’s recount of past events. The princess nodded, relinquishing a small smile.

“They were quite close. Things between me and Lantana didn’t clear up for many years. Not until your mother was born, at least. I think part of her despised me for what happened that evening whilst another part blamed herself. She designed a wing as memoriam to Luna. She even wrote a lullaby you might have heard.” Celestia explained, unfurling her wings as she draped them over her former student. “And even though she’s gone, I’m glad I get the chance to see Lantana in you as well as your mother.”

“She sounded wonderful, Princess.”

“She was. She was.”

Chapter 16 - The Declaration of Detestation.

~Chapter 16 - The Declaration of Detestation.~

7:02 AM, June 22nd, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“Princess Celestia, Do you know where Twily is?” Prince Shining Armor trotted into the throne room, frowning as he continued walking towards the regent of the sun. He unfurled a newspaper with his magic, holding it forward. “And what’s this of some changeling queen taking residence in Canterlot?!”

Princess Celestia sighed, shifting from her throne as she trotted down towards him. “Your sister, Captain Shining Armor, has returned to Ponyville to be with her friends.”

Shining nodded before scrunching his face together. “Not to question your judgement, Princess, but why is there rumoured to be a changeling queen in Canterlot?” He said firmly. “You know they can’t be trusted. They’re a threat.”

“I admire your concern, Captain, but the so-called threat has also left this morning to return to her hive in the Everfree Forest.” The princess calmly responded, halting in front of him.

“But that’s near Ponyville! That where Twilight is! That queen needs to be-” Shining Armor stated, forgoing formally for his sheer will to protect his younger sister.

“Captain, for your safety I suggest you leave the changeling queen alone. Enigma changelings can be extremely protective of their queens and princesses. They’re like siblings.” Celestia smirked a little. If Twilight decided not to tell her brother, that was her decision, not her’s, the solar princess thought, watching as Shining Armor frowned yet again.

“But-”

“If I didn’t think your sister could handle herself, do you think I would send my favourite protégé into danger, Shining Armor?” Her voice had become stirn as she raised an eyebrow at him.

The stallion shut his mouth, pausing. He opened it a moment later. “No Princess, I don’t believe you would. I apologize for doubting your judgement.”

Celestia smiled, dragging a wing over the white unicorn. “I think nothing of it, Shining Armor. Now, Cadance has told me some amazing stories about things in the empire. Perhaps you’ll enlighten me with some more?”

7:10 AM, June 22nd, 2 S.E.

The Everfree Forest.

Twilight Sparkle shifted on her forehooves, watching and waiting. A few changelings disguised as royal guards shifted through the bracken in front of her as they led her through the forest. The forest was surprisingly peaceful as they headed towards their destination.

Thorax trotted at her left side along with Applejack, who was still maintaining her usual disguise, and Midge walked on her right. The two changelings on her right were engrossed in conversation, chatting idly as they walked. “-And then the nymph fell off the balcony, tipping the bucket over!” Midge chortled, letting loose a loud snort. Applejack laughed too, smiling for the first time in a while.

“Ah remember that. It took days for them to clean out that paint outta the titles.”

“Tell me about it! They made me scrub for ages!” Firefly, one of the changeling’s Twilight hadn’t officially met, spoke, trotting forward with Bee in tow.

She knew the other six’s names due to the hivelink but she had yet to speak with them personally. Firefly, like the other five, were simple drones, either harvesters or builders. She knew Firefly, Skitter and Dune were harvesters of some kind and that Glider, Webby and Dune were builders. Twilight felt it would be rude to learn anymore through the hivelink than she needed.

Did her mother feel the same way? Was it normal for her to feel uneasy about things so minor like this? She hadn’t felt this panicked since Celestia’s last big test. Applejack seemed to notice her displeasure, nudging the disguised queen in the side. “You alright, Twi’?”

“Yep! Perfectly fine.” Twilight squawked out. Multiple eyes darted towards her, seemingly unconvinced.

“Seriously? I leave for like a second and you’re already lost.” Rainbow Dash stated, descending from the canopy with her hooves crossed.

“We are not!” AJ snapped.

“Yeah, ya did!” The rainbow maned pegasus retorted back. This continued on for a few minutes, some of the other changelings turning their attention towards the scene.

“Are they normally like this?” Thorax questioned.

“Yes.” Twilight, Midge and Bee all responded, turning towards Thorax.

“Alright you two, enough fighting or I’ll get you to help Spike sort books back at the library.” Twilight pouted, crossing her hooves. Applejack raised an eyebrow and so did Thorax.

“That ain’t much of a punishment Twi’.”

“Ugh. No. Nerd stuff is boring.” Rainbow Dash grumbled, landing among the bracken. “Fine.”
Twilight and Applejack let loose a laugh, much to the confusion of the other changelings. There was a rustling in the bushes as a pair of figures emerged from the underbrush. A few changelings instantly got into defensive stances. A striped mane peaked out as Zecora made her presence known. “Why hello miss Twilight, what brings you at dawn’s light? Have you come to see me, changelings I think you three?” Zecora questioned as the second figure stepped out of the shadows. Fluttershy’s eyes grew wide.

“Oh my! Hello girls.” She meekly chirped, eyeing the defensive stances of what she presumed to be royal guards. “I thought you were in Canterlot, Twilight.”

“Do you know these ponies, ma’am?” Thorax whispered. Twilight nodded and her changelings stood down.

“Uh guys, I think I found the tunnel.” Rainbow Dash popped back up, Twilight letting loose a startled yelp. When had she gone off?

“Tunnel? What tunnel?” Fluttershy tilted her head, shifting her hooves.

“A changeling tunnel you see, hidden by an oaken tree,” Zecora stated, directing a smile towards Applejack. “My ancestors were friends, and I wish to make amends. For no past actions, gives me great dissatisfaction.” The zebra stepped forward, pulling back the ivy to reveal a dark tunnel deep into the ground. “My mother did not bother. She did not assist, merely wanting to co-exist. My mother, I am not, for I will not forget.”

Twilight took a hesitant step forward before stepping into the tunnel, sparing a final glance at Zecora and Fluttershy as they waved goodbye. The other changelings followed swiftly behind her and into the darkness. Dust was the first thing that greeted her as it assaulted her lungs. She let loose a cough, the decades of grim flying up around them. She lit her horn with its usual magenta glow, bathing the walls with an eerie light. The sconces lined the tunnel, old beeswax candles frozen in time. Plantlife and moss had taken root in the many cracks and crevices of the tunnel, whatever had been there before coated in grime and filth.

She closed her eyes, casting a spell as the candles burst to life once more. A warm, greenish glow lit the tunnel as the full expanse of the tunnel was revealed. At the end was a large courtyard. And then she saw the rubble. “A lot of the tunnels collapsed when it happened,” Bee whispered, the other changelings that were there, grimacing and frowning.

“What happened to cause so much destruction?” Twilight heard Thorax mutter in the silence.

“An attempted genocide.” Applejack said bitterly, Rainbow Dash placing a wing over her AJ’s side for reassurance. The group split off, seemingly to go do repairs or to simply guard the entry. Twilight silently continued to walk through the tunnels and into the courtyard, Applejack following swiftly behind.

Decrepit and destroyed homes and shops lined the courtyard, glancing upwards it spiralled up for three more stories. A large archway led into the next room where more homes and shops lined the walls. She glanced down at the shattered tiling below and saw a large depiction of Luna’s moon. Rubble lay everywhere, changeling’s belongings scattered around the area and covered in decades worth of dust.

Carved into homes and shops were the same crescent moon symbol, a fountain in the centre of this courtyard. The statue standing on the fountain was chipped, half the stone changeling’s face lost to time. Four large wooden beams supported the mismatched buildings, flowers and magical bulbs hanging limpy from them. The tunnels continued, opening into a collection of large rooms.

Peering into one of them, Twilight saw that it looked like a storage room, boxes and cobwebs scattered around the room. As she walked, she discovered more and more rooms were blocked off until she reached a large blockage, debris filling the tunnel completely. “What’s through here?” She whispered.

“That’s the Royal Wing.” Applejack said hesitantly, flinching a little. “It’s where… yer mother died.”

“Oh.” Was all Twilight said, staring at the rubble.

“My Queen, we’ve discovered that the Lunar Wing is almost completely unscathed. It seems the enchantments and runes are still intact as well.” Skitter, one of the harvesters, said as he bowed slightly.

“The Lunar Wing? Oh. Oh!” Twilight questioned before Celestia’s story came flooding back to her. “I know this one! It’s the wing Lantana made when Luna was banished to the moon.”

“Well, yes, but Twi’, it’s also a-”

7:20 AM, June 22nd, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

“-LIBRARY! Oh my Celestia! This is incredible. It’s as big as the collection in Canterlot Royal Library, perhaps even bigger than the one in the Crystal Empire!” Twilight was beaming from ear to ear, undisguised wings buzzing wildly as she trotted up and down the gantry that was etched out of rock and resin.

“By Enid, she’s an odd one,” Thorax mumbled, watching the changeling queen dart back and forth between rows of books, levitating some with her magic as she went.

“Oh, you should have seen what Queen Odonata was like.” Applejack chuckled, earning a small laugh from Nova. AJ frowned a moment later, shaking her head. “Ya know what, Nova?”

“What?”

“Twilight ain’t nothing like her mother. She sure ain’t as brutal for no reason like Queen Odonata was.” Applejack lowered her haunches, sitting down on the dusty floor. “Twi’s better than that. Much better than that.”

“I mean, we grew up during Celestia’s early days of peace, right? It was only like twenty-seven, thirty C.E wasn’t it? Things weren’t too peaceful until, like, two-hundred C.E.” Nove responded, waving a holed hoof around. “How can you talk to her so easily, Alyssum?”

Applejack sighed, rubbing a hoof under her chin. “Twilight’s always been mah friend first, not mah queen. And ah’ll stand by that statement till the end.”

10:02 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

A white hoof came crashing down against the papers pinned against the wall, the owner of the hoof in question frowning further. His mane stood on end, untamed and neglected. Shining Armor turned to stare at the door as it was opened, hastily closed. “Ah, Blueblood! About time!” He frantically mumbled, ushering the other stallion closer.

“What is this about, Captain? You seem… unhinged.” Prince Blueblood hesitated, narrowing his eyes at the other stallion.

“You’ve heard tales of that changeling? Right?!” The other rambled, nodding his head up and down.

“I’ve heard the staff talk, yes. Aunty says it’s nothing to worry about.” Blueblood responded.

“She’s saying that because she’s been brainwashed! See!” Shining Armor slammed a hoof onto the corkboard beside him, a few photographs falling down. Slightly startled, Blueblood took a step backwards.

“Are you insinuating that Aunty is…?“ Shining nodded. Blueblood raised a hoof to his chin. “I can see what you mean, Captain. I have heard of what happened during your wedding and what these things are capable of.”

“Yes, exactly!”

“What do you require me for? I can hardly convince Aunty to do anything about it.” Blueblood pouted, crossing his hooves together.

Shining chuckled insanely, pointing another hoof towards the board. A crudely drawn picture of something that remotely resembled Queen Chrysalis but pink. “We’re gonna kill the source.”

He laughed again. “We’re gonna go murder a queen.”

Chapter 17 - Reflection.

~Chapter 17 - Reflection.~

5:54 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

Twilight Sparkle stared up at the ceiling, shifting in her sleeping bag. Moonlight filtered through the large skylight in the room, Luna’s moon watching softly over them. Dawn would be upon them soon.

She sighed, rubbing a holed hoof through her mane. The others were fast asleep, each having found their own place to sleep, be it on the ground or in the sky. Twilight’s gaze flittered over to the tunnel leading to the Royal Wing, sitting upright on her haunches before slowly moving towards it.

Using magic, she silently shifted the ruins away, a draft of light streaming through her small entryway. After a few minutes of movement, she had cleared enough to freely move into the tunnel.

Sparing one last glance at the sleeping changelings, she trotted into the Royal Wing.

5:45 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“You have been gathered here to help conduct a raid on a growing threat in the Everfree.” Shining Armor spoke as he stepped onto one of the platforms that dotted the royal guard barracks. He wore his armor but his mane was still unkempt, dangling over his eyes as he continued his speech. “We’re going to kill some changelings before they take over Ponyville!”

The platoon below him frown, some of them letting loose murmurs and grumbles. One of the stallions, a pegasus, stepped forward, raising a hoof. Shining Armor nodded, granting him permission to speak. “Uh, apologies Captain but... didn’t Princess Celestia say that they weren’t a threat during last night’s speech?”

“She only said that because she’s being brainwashed by those bugs!” Shining snapped, stamping a hoof against the wood underneath him. The group of royal guards began muttering again, frowning further.

“Now who’s with me?!” The Captain questioned, a smile adoring his face.

The crowd glanced at each other before letting loose grumbles and dispersing, leaving Shining Armor standing there. When the guards had vanished, Blueblood made himself known by trotting up to the suddenly unresponsive stallion. “Well, I do believe they think you’ve gone insane.”

“I have not gone insane! They’re… they’re just wrong.” He fell to his haunches, staring at the ground.

“Does your wife know what you’re doing, Captain?” Blueblood questioned, raising an eyebrow at the alabaster stallion.

“No. Can’t. She could be brainwashed as well.” He muttered. “Maybe even Twily. Maybe that’s why she was avoiding me… “

“Then why trust me? If you believe they’ve been, couldn’t I be?”

Shining remained silent for a moment, tapping a hoof up and down against the wooden floor. Blueblood sighed, running a hoof through his mane. “Shining Armor, I think you’re just being paranoid. I understand where you’re coming from but you certainly can’t think that this queen or whatever bug it is, has brainwashed Aunty Celestia, Aunty Luna and my cousin?”

“It’s the only logical explanation! Changelings are dangerous! Why would the princess send Twilight into danger?!” Shining shouted, jerking himself upright. He turned in attention to Blueblood. “You know what? I don’t need your help! I can do this by myself!” Shining Armor trotted away, leaving a slightly concerned Blueblood behind.

6:00 AM, June 24nd, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“Your highness, Captain Shining Armor left this morning to visit Princess Twilight Sparkle.” One of Celestia’s messagers spoke as the regent of the sun lowered her morning paper.

“Did he say why?” Celestia questioned, glancing up at the young stallion.

“No ma’am. He did not. Prince Blueblood has also requested an audience with you, he says it’s urgent.” The stallion said as the princess levitated her fork upwards with her magic, a chuck of maple syrup drenched waffle hovering with it.

“How urgent?” She said with a disgruntled sigh, dropping the fork with a clutter. “And what about?”

“He did not say, simply that it was extremely urgent.”

“I do hope it isn’t one of his tax ‘problems’ again.” She rolled her eyes, picking up her silverware again.

“Hopefully not your highness.”

“AUNTY!” A voice echoed down the hallway as a hooves could be heard approaching the door. “AUNTY! THIS IS URGENT!” The door burst open, an out of breath and panicked Blueblood skidding to a halt in front of the royal dining table. “I fear it might be too late! Shining Armor, he’s left to-”

6:04 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

Twilight continued to trot forward, the dusty old hallway coated in over a decade worth of dirt. There was water somewhere as she could hear the drip drip of droplets. Something in the hallway caught her attention as her gaze moved upwards and towards the paintings on the wall. They were old, centuries old. Old oil paint was cracked on some of them, a row of portraits.

A row of queens.

Twilight’s eyes gazed across the paintings of the former Enigma queens, her ancestors, the ones before her. Each had a small little placard at the base of their frames. Each frame was a dark ebony, different flowers carved in each one. Each queen had purple hair, some of it straight, some of wavy. Not one had the same holed hair or holed horn she had seen in Chrysalis.

And then she saw the final painting.

It wasn’t as worn as the others, with delicate little poppies carved into the frame around the twisted branches. Her hoof rose up to meet the canvas, a tender hoof stroking the painting of her mother. Twilight bit back tears, turning away for a moment. The dusty placard below said, ‘Queen Odonata, crowned February Twentieth, Nine-seventy-eight Celestial Era.’

Staring at the painting, Twilight Sparkle frowned a little. Why poppies? She thought. Shaking her head, she trotted further down the ancient tunnel. She froze seeing movement, shafts of sunlight streaming through the other end of the corridor as it bounced off of the black and spotted mirror in the middle of the hallway. Twilight let loose a sigh, shaking her head before moving forward.

She paused, staring into the mirror, a pair of slitted purple eyes staring back at her.

She hadn’t seen her own reflection in a while. And it was different than she remembered.

Running a hoof through her mane, it had maintained her bangs and usual style, although now a lilac colour. Her bangs parted around her elegantly curved horn, no visible holes to be seen, similar to what she had seen Sombra’s horn to be like. But unlike Sombra’s it merely had a small dent in it, curving upwards instead. The mare in the mirror frowned, sitting down on her haunches and running a swiss-cheese like hoof through her lilac mane.

Shaking her head, she rose, trotting further down the corridor. The small tunnel opened up to a large courtyard, the tiles shattered here and there. It was like she remembered. The ornate balcony that sat on shiny black columns with plant life weaving in between them, the shattered stained-glass.
Trotting carefully, Twilight headed up the same steps. Her hoof trailed along the railing as silence, her own steps and the occasional drip of water continued to fill her ears. Rubble lay where she had previously tossed it, the entrance to her mother’s old chambers fully visible.

“I did not think you’d return, young immortal.” Death emerged from the shadows, stepping forward to greet the young changeling queen. Twilight recoiled slightly, her flank brushing against some rubble. “Now imagine my surprise when a group of changelings slept in the graveyard of their kin. Tell me, why are you here?”

“We’re here to restore the hive.”

“Ah.” Death hummed, smirking. “I knew you were the smart one.” It trotted over to her, draping an abyssal wing over Twilight. “I’ve come to give you another warning.”

“Another warning? I still haven’t figured out your last one!” Twilight snapped, narrowing her eyes at the being.

“You will figure it out, in due time, Twilight Sparkle. But I must tell you of this. When all is said and done, your Hive will thrive but at an unspeakable cost. A cost so great it could unbalance all of harmony.” It gravely stated as the lavender changeling stared at it. “Be careful, young immortal.”

And then death was gone.

Chapter 18 - Books Are A Queen’s Best Friend.

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 19 - Blood Among The Lilies.

Author's Note

A/N Sorry for that, I accidentally uploaded and unedited chapter, so here it is.

More chapters. We're also getting pretty close to the end. But does anyone remember what Death said again? :twilightsmile:

Chapter 19 - Blood Among The Lilies.

~Chapter 19 - Blood Among The Lilies.~

6:20 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

Applejack shifted away, letting loose a yawn as she stretched her hooves out. Her eyes darted towards where Rainbow Dash slept as her wings flicked open and closed when she snored.

AJ’s hoof went to the side, trying to wake her up but only to find the sleeping bag completely empty. And then panic ran through the hivelink. Darting upright, Applejack went to wake Rainbow Dash. Grasping the mare’s tail between her teeth, the old changeling yanked down. RD let loose a hiss, grumbling as she turned to see a concerned Applejack.

“What’s up?”

“Twilight’s missing. And she’s panicking about something.” The two adored their usual disguises as Rainbow Dash instantly caught onto what was going on.

“Uh oh.”

6:21 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

“So you know who I am, bug?” Shining Armour scowled, stalking forward. His armour clunked as he walked. He levitated his sword forward, seemingly preferring it over holding it with his mouth.

“I didn’t tell you did I?” Twilight muttered, taking a step back. “Shining, it’s me. It’s Twilight!” Her legs were trembling as her brother stepped closer.

He narrowed his eyes, hate and rage radiating off of him. “Liar! How dare you pretend to be my sister, you vermin! You may be brainwashing the princesses but I’m going to stop you.”

“Shining, it’s me! What are you talking about?!” He swung the sword forward. She dodged it, the sword lodging itself deep into the nearby bed frame. “What are you doing?!”

“Destroying you!” He dislodged the sword. Why was Shining doing this? Twilight thought as she dodged another blow. She began to ignite her horn but there was a loud thunk as the hilt of the sword bashed her skull. The changeling stumbled back, raising a hoof to her now spinning head.

Her flank bumped into the bed as she tumbled back into the moth-eaten sheets. She was grabbed by her throat as magic lifted her up, slamming her body onto the floor in front of him repeatedly. “Why…? BBBF, it’s me.” She croaked, tears running down her cheeks. His expression shifted for only a moment before rage took over once more.

“Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you? Why shouldn't I erase you from Equestria?!” Her against her chest, he glared down at her.

“SHINING ARMOR, STEP DOWN!” A loud voice boomed, hooves clattering against the ground. Celestia strutted into the room, glaring down her Captain.

“No no no! Stand back! I’m trying to help you, Princess!”

“I order you to stand down, Captain!” Celestia snapped, flaring her wings. “I SAID STAND DOWN!”

“No no no no! Can’t you see, that thing is-is manipulating you! It’s making you say these things!” Shining Armour spluttered out, raising his sword toward Twilight. The regent of the sun levitated the sword out of Shining’s grasp, glaring down at him with utter disappointment radiating for her. Her expression shifted upon seeing the battered and bruised Twilight.

“I TOLD YOU NOT TO ENGAGE! WHO GAVE YOU AUTHORITY TO DO SUCH A THING?!!” The air around them became hotter as Celestia glowered at the stallion.

“It’s-It’s telling you to say these things!” He shouted back. “I-I’m right! I’m right about this!”

Celestia stood protectively over Twilight, wings arched menacingly. She turned slightly, glancing down at the changeling beside her. “Twilight, are you alright?”

“Shining, it’s me. It’s Twilight. Not one of Chrysalis’s changelings. They went back to her hive. We-” She spluttered up some blood as it spilled onto her hoof. “We used to make forts out of my textbooks and when I’d come home for the holidays, we’d make cookies shaped like our cutie marks.”

Shining Armour became confused, eyes darting between the two mares. He stumbled back, emotions shifting so fast, she couldn’t discern what he was feeling. “What… No. It can't be.” Shining stared at her before glancing at his hooves. The sword clattered to the ground, the sound echoing around them. “Twily…?” He choked out. “Is… that-? Are you-?”

She nodded.

Silence overtook them as she shifted upright, placing a hoof against her bruised abdomen. Her nosebleed was slowly stopping, her own magical reserves working overtime to heal her. She’d heal physically but there was no doubt their relationship would recover.

Celestia helped her, glancing around the room in search of gauze. ““I’ll go get somepony to help.” The princess mumbled. She spared them both one last glance before exiting the room to search for help.

Twilight felt betrayed, upset, at this attempt at her life. He wasn’t thinking rationally, she knew that. She knew he must have been going off of what he knew. How he found the hive, that part she didn’t know.

“I… I didn’t want to tell you because I was afraid of how you’d react…” Twilight muttered, glancing away from him. “I didn’t think this would be the outcome of that…”

“How…?”

“I’ve… always been a changeling. I didn’t find out until a month or so ago. Hehe… according to this, it’s actually my birthday… “ She sighed, lifting the book up before placing it down beside her. “It’s a long story.”

“I tried to kill you… I wanted to kill you. Oh, Celestia!” Shining spluttered out. “Blueblood was right… I wasn’t thinking rationally.”

Twilight closed her mouth, listening to her brother’s statement as a million thoughts ran through her head, some of them not even belonging to her. “I’m fine… I’ve been through worse.”

“Don’t say that! I still hurt you… “

“I mean it, Shining. I’ve been through worse. You and I both know what happens when we don’t think rationally.” Twilight let loose a shutter, remembering past incidents. Silence overtook them again, neither knowing what to say now. She could have fought back against Shining like she did Chrysalis yet what would that have achieved?

More bloodshed in a room already stained with ichor?

“How’d you find… the hive?” She rasped, coughing up some dust.

“I… heard it was in the Everfree so I just followed the trail.” He mumbled, turning his gaze away from her. “I… don’t know what to think right now.”

“I completely understand…” Twilight nodded. “You thought I was controlling Celestia, didn’t you?” It was his turn to nod. “I get where you’re coming from. But I assure you, that is a skill only Xenica changelings have.”

“What so there’s different kinds now?”

“Yep. Three actually.”

“That’s so confusing!”

“I know, but it’s like tribes, I suppose. Ponies have different races, remember?” Twilight closed her eyes and with a burst of magical energy, an object landed in her hooves. Her mother’s crown. “This hive, my hive, almost went extinct about twenty years ago. Let’s just say, Chrysalis is a lot worse than a wedding crasher. And there’s only one Libelula changeling alive currently, which is another hive. And this one,” She motioned a hoof around them. “Is what’s left of the Enigma hive.”

“And I tried to kill you. By Celestia, I’m so sorry, Twily.”

“I’d be glad Applejack or Rainbow Dash weren’t here. It would be much worse for you.” She coldly responded. She could sense her friends at the edge of her consciousness, awake and running. They were running and looking for her. A moment later, they found Celestia.

Hooves echoed up the steps as three figures appeared on the landing. Applejack and a panicked Rainbow Dash skidded to a halt outside the room. AJ hesitated but was shoved forward by the cyan pegasus. Their gaze instantly darted over to Shining Armour and then to the wounded Twilight. “By Anyna, what the bucking hell did you do?” RD questioned, crossing her hooves.

Twilight glanced over at Shining who mumbled something under his breath. Applejack sighed. “Ah knew ya should’ve told him.”

7:08 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

Rainbow Dash wrapped more gauze around the nicks and bruises on the changeling queen’s body. Twilight flinched as she did so, grimacing. Applejack silently sat nearby, seemingly in thought. Celestia was dealing with Shining Armour in another room.

Death’s comments ran through her head, faster than the Friendship Express.

‘One you trust greatly shall betray that trust and a great evil that shall rise up in them.’ and now ‘When all is said and done, your Hive will thrive but at an unspeakable cost. A cost so great it could unbalance all of harmony.’

Could Death be talking about what had just occurred with Shining? Was that what was first predicted or was it something else? Maybe an even greater evil?

Would she be able to pay that cost Death warned her about?

Chapter 20 - Above The Everfree.

~Chapter 20 - Above The Everfree.~

7:15 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

Princess Celestia trotted into the old store room, completely calm as Twilight glanced up from the old little diary in her hooves. She closed it swiftly before quietly greeting the solar mare. “You… didn’t hurt him did you? It was an honest mistake, a misunderstanding.”

“I did not harm Shining Armour in any way. He is simply suspended from his duties until he gets a proper mental assessment.”

“Are you saying he’s gone crazy?”

“Not in the slightest, although his soldiers seem to think so. It’s merely reassurance. He did disobey orders despite the fact he thought he was protecting me.” Celestia draped a wing over her former student, sitting down beside her.

“I see… “ The changeling mumbled, tapping a hoof against her chin.

“Since I’m here, would you like to see something?” Celestia smirked, smiling mischievously.

“I mean sure. Why not?” With that, the alicorn shot up, grabbing ahold of Twilight as she pulled her out of the room and into the corridor.

Trotting down the hall, they halted in front of the paintings as Twilight got another look at the painting of her mother. There was a slight green hue that surrounded the painting before Celestia’s golden aura grabbed a hold of the frame. “When I was younger, your mother and I got up to a lot of things. I suppose she reminded me of Luna when we were fillies. The best thing we ever did was-” Smiling, she tilted the frame, a clicking sound echoing forth. “-make our tunnels.”

7:28 AM, June 23nd, 2 S.E.

The Everfree Forest.

“Happy Birthday, by the way.” Celestia sighed, as they stared out at the forest before them. They sat on the old wooden platform that sat above the trees as the morning summer air blew around them. Twilight, now disguised, stared out at the grand view with slight surprise.

She turned towards Celestia, startled. “You knew? You knew my birthday wasn’t in January?”

“Yes. I knew.” The regent of the sun hummed, nodding her head. “I was there, you know? When you were presented to the other queens. And when that was over, we came up here. Your mother loved this view.” A faint smile graced the pony monarch’s face. “I had centuries of fun with her. She would have been nine-thousand and forty-five this year.”

“You miss her don’t you?”

“As much as I missed Lulu. I’ve seen plenty of friends die, Twilight. But plenty of their memories have stayed with me.”

Silence overtook them, birds fluttering around the trees. This side of the Everfree Forest was much grander and stretched for miles, vanishing into the hills. Twilight could smell the floral scent of Celestia’s soap, her fur radiating heat like a warm summer’s day. After all the turmoil, there was finally some semblance of peace.

“I knew your real father as well. We had met only once but he was more polite than any of my guards.” Celestia murmured a frown appearing. “He was one of your mother’s guards. He died just after you were born.”

“What was his name?”

“His name was Vida. Odonata told me once that your father loved to read, unlike his fellow soldiers. I know where you get it from at least.” She ran a hoof through Twilight’s mane, letting loose a chuckle.

“How’d he die?”

“That is a question I never asked. Your mother never told me how he perished, only that he did.” Another frown. “I have something for you.” Celestia levitated a small box towards Twilight. “It is your birthday after all.”

“But-”

“Just open it.” Twilight held the box between her hooves, lavender wrapping paper tied up with a silver bow. She unfurled it, stripping the paper away. Using her magic, she opened the cardboard box, dropping it with a slight clutter as she realized what was inside.

She gently levitated the crown upwards, the black metal shining in the sunlight.

“Every queen needs a crown.” Twilight glanced upwards at Celestia, beads of tears forming in her eyes before she grabbed her former mentor in a deep embrace.

“Thank you.”

Silence gripped them again before Twilight hummed a small tune under her breath. A tune she couldn’t quite recall where she had heard it from. She spared Celestia and glanced before lifting the crown back up with her magic, setting it on her head.

“You look lovely,” Celestia commented, tapping her hooves together.

“It feels weird wearing it, taking up my mother’s mantle and all.”

“I assure you, Odonata felt the exact same way when her mother passed and she had to become queen. She sent me so many letters about how to manage things because she was afraid to ask the other queens for help.”

“Why was she so afraid?”

“She was afraid she wouldn’t be as great as her mother or her grandmother. And she was afraid she’d fail as a mother to you at the same time.” Celestia looked away for a moment, the alabaster alicorn shifting her stance.

“But she didn’t fail.” Twilight whispered, raising a hoof up towards her new crown. Celestia didn’t respond, merely remaining quiet. “You know there’s something wonderful about this forest. It’s eerily beautiful.”

“Indeed.” The alicorn of the sun sighed. ”It’s seen two kingdoms rise and fall. It’s seen creation and destruction. It’s seen death and it’s seen life. Yet it continues to bloom and grow despite that. Some myths have said that we could tame the Everfree, befriend it and its creatures.”

“What, like some kind of master of the forest?”

“Perhaps,” Celestia said with a knowing smirk. “Or perhaps we are simply meant to co-exist with it.”

Twilight stared out at it again, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding in. “I’ve read in books that changelings have a connection to nature similar to how earth ponies have a connection with the earth. We tend to it, help it grow. But the Everfree…”

“Grew beyond and without the help of its inhabitants. Unpredictable and wild.” Celestia removed her wing, tucking it to her side. “And that’s not always a terrible thing.”

“Sometimes it can provide you with something unique, right?”

“Exactly.”

Chapter 21 - Something's Wrong.

~Chapter 21 - Something’s Wrong.~

????

Twilight Sparkle bolted down the hallways, translucent wings flaring out behind her. She was running as fast as she could, hooves scraping across ancient resin as she ran and ran. Something hot breathed down her neck as Chrysalis’s laughter echoed through her ears. “You worthless nymph! You’ll never be as great as your pathetic mother!”

Her breath was ragged as she skidded out into the open, eyes gazing across the misshapen and almost nonsensical shapes around her that made up the landscape. She rubbed her eyes with her hoof as the hot sun bore down on her unforgivingly. “Twilight Sparkle! I’m extremely disappointed in you.” Celestia’s voice echoed and suddenly she was back in Canterlot, standing beneath Celestia’s throne.

“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” Celestia hissed. Twilight grew wide-eyed, ears folding against her head.

“I didn’t-I didn’t do anything!”

“It’s all your fault!” The alabaster alicorn snapped, pointing a hoof towards the moon. The mare in the moon stared down at her as her stomach dropped.

“No!” She screwed her eyes closed before opening them when she heard herself gasp. The scene had shifted again as Twilight’s hooves landed against a hard crystalline surface, the room spinning around her. Rapidly taking in her surroundings, Twilight’s eyes darted towards the map surrounded by chairs made of white crystal.

“Where-?”

“What are you doing here?” A voice questioned, echoing out from the shadows. “You’re not supposed to be here, changeling. You’re in the wrong timeline.”

“Wrong timeline? What are you-”

The origin of the voice stepped out the shadows, a billowing cloak of fur over her shoulders. A gilded chest plate adorned her chest. Her striped mane was curled into a tight bun, a silver crown upon her head. Twilight stared at an eerily similar version of herself, taking a deep gulp as she stared into mare’s green-tinted eyes. “You need to go back before you upset the timeline, Twilight. I don’t know which version you are but you’ve got to go.”

“What is going on!?”

“The balance here, it’s… wrong. But I’m going to fix it. You aren’t the first one to appear. You need to leave!”

“I don’t know how! One minute I was in my hive, the next I’m here!” Twilight spluttered.

“Twilight? Where are you?” An eerily deep voice echoed from the hallway.

The other Twilight became startled as hooves approached the door, repeating her statement. “Go! Just go before he finds me-you!” The other version pushed Twilight back as magic swirled around her. The last thing Twilight saw was a dark stallion enter the room, a sinister grin on his muzzle and the glint of a silver sword.

10:15 AM, June 30th, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

Twilight jerked awake with a start, panting as her hooves gripped the sheets tightly. What a terrible nightmare. Her body coated in a sweety sheen, hooves shaking as her eyes darted around her newest room. Slowly, she took deep breaths. “You’re in the hive. You’re in your room. Applejack’s outside with Rainbow Dash. They’re sleeping down the hall. Everything is fine.” She muttered to herself, lighting a nearby candle with her magic, a cool purple hue bathing her face. She could see the morning light peeking through the lichen curtain, a green and yellow hue drawing her eyes towards it.

She had missed sunrise. With a yawn, her wings buzzed as she shifted out of her mossy bed, setting the sheets down as her eyes scanned the room again. The old vanity and dresser, her mother’s old desk and bookshelf, all in their individual places. She gazed across the ancient spines on the books, coated in nineteen years worth of dust.

She felt a shiver run down her spine before she stepped outside the room. Her eyes gazed up the repaired ceiling. That was the first thing they fixed, the ceilings, blocking off every entry but the main one. ‘It allows us to funnel any enemies into one area,’ Thorax has said when he explained it all to her. Most of the tunnels had been repaired, but the titling and mosaics still needed working on.

Twilight was startled from her thoughts by Rainbow Dash, who landed with a crash in front of her, her saddlebags flying off and crashing into the wall. “AAAAah! Rainbow Dash!” She breathed, butterfly wings jerking out behind her. “Don’t startle me like that!”

“Sorry, Twi’. Didn’t mean ta scare you or anythin’, I just got news to give you.” She trotted over her saddlebags, withdrawing two scrolls of parchment. “I have no clue what it’s about, but one of them is sealed with Luna’s seal thingy.” The disguised pegasus held them forward as Twilight’s eyes darted towards it.

Delicately, the lavender changeling levitated the unsealed upwards, unfurling it. Her eyes darted across the pages, a smile adorning her face. “The girls are coming for a visit. I’m surprised Pinkie didn’t come by sooner and try to throw us all a party.”

“Yeah, she’s been off with Rarity doing something. No clue what. I think they’re dating.”

“Since when?!”

Rainbow Dash merely shrugged. Twilight scoffed, prying the seal off of the second letter before her eyes grazed across the paper. Her smile shifted a grim frown. “This isn’t good.”

“What is it?”

“Did she even ask Celestia about this?!”

“What is it, Twilight?”

Shakily, Twilight read out what was written. “‘In the name of Princess Luna, all ponies are required to be checked for changeling blood if the mayor deems it fit to do so. Those who do not comply can be subjugated to arrest or even…’ Twilight paused, taking a gulp. “Execution.’ Why would Celestia, let alone Luna, allow this to pass?! It doesn’t make sense!”

“My Queen, there are ponies at our door, they’re panicked and looking for you and Miss Rainbow Dash.” Bee rushed into the room, Twilight dropped the scroll in her grasp, turning her attention towards the changeling. “Alyssum is with them now.”

“Take me to them.”

10:24 AM, June 30th, 2 S.E.

The Enigma Hive.

Twilight Sparkle emerged from the tunnel to hear shouting, pleading even. “Applejack! You must inform Twilight about it, darling!” Rarity’s voice echoed forward.

The first thing she saw was her panicked friends, Rarity having an intense shouting match with a disguised Applejack. In a swirl of fire, Twilight stepped out of the shadows, her old self. “What is this about telling me something?”

“Oh, Twilight! Thank goodness! Those ruffian guards came to town and started pulling innocent ponies from their homes! It was simply rude of them and then they started testing us before sending out those dreadful scrolls.” Rarity huffed, her hair swaying around as she spoke. “They took Pinkie Pie, dear.”

“They took Pinkie Pie in for questioning.” Fluttershy shakily muttered.

“Who else did they take?”

Rarity glanced away for a second before speaking up. “They took Sweetie, Big Mac, that doctor fellow, Miss Derpy, and Spike.”

A grim silence gripped them before there was a loud magical crack, screaming echoing from nearby. A single thought ran through Twilight’s head. They found us!

A pair of hooves flew into the clearing, a charred and wounded changeling collapsing as the group let a collective grasp. “MIDGE!” Applejack shouted, rushing over to the changeling. “GET INSIDE NOW!” Applejack snapped as Twilight carefully levitated the wounded drone on her back. The group hurried inside, Applejack shifting back to her normal form.

Bee and Applejack raised their horns as their hooves touched the entrance to the hive. A black, resin-like liquid flowed out from the sides, wrapping together under the door was sealed and the group was plunged into darkness.

Chapter 22 - This Isn't What I Wanted.

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 23 - But You Were Gone.

Author's Note

A/N Okay so I know I promised this chapter to be out last night, but unfortunately, things popped up. Have it now, okay? Enjoy.

Chapter 23 - But You Were Gone.

~Chapter 23 - But You Were Gone.~

01:29 PM, June 30th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Twilight took a step backwards, hooves clinking against the marble. “What have you done, Blueblood!?” She muttered.

“Oh, isn’t it obvious, Twilight? I’m not Blueblood.” In a swirl of flames, a figure as tall as Celestia with a tightly curled crimson mane pulled up into a bun. Jagged and deep scars marred her body, chitin cracked and ruined. A dented and rusted crown rested on her head. Tattered and ruined beetle wings folded against her sides.

“You’re-You’re…” She gasped out.

Queen Rhene stood there in her mighty and ancient glory, sacred, full of hatred and titering on the edge of insanity.

“But they said you were dead!” Twilight sputtered out, her disguise faltering. The lavender changeling was revealed, her butterfly wings flying out behind her.

“Oh, I was! I was more than dead! But I survived!” Rhene let loose an insane chuckle. “I survived! I heard! I heard what your own brother did! I heard how you punished Chrissy! You didn’t punish her enough!”

“We couldn’t leave her hive without an heir, Rhene!”

“Her hive deserves to die!” Rhene spat. “She’s nothing but-but scum!”

“That doesn’t mean her hive deserves a fate such as that.”

“She took everything from both of us and yet you stand there idly with your friendship and your ponies!” Rhene paced back and forth, her head darting forward every time she punctuated a word. Twilight turned her gaze to the floor, wings dropping slightly. “She murdered my hive, she murdered your mother! She won’t stop and you know that! No matter how much she talks of peace!”

Her gaze darted up, wings twitching. “And is this the solution? Poisoning the princesses and their minds before making a law to hunt down changelings?! You’ll get us killed before it does any harm to Chrysalis!”

“It’s for the benefit of our kind, Twilight! You know nothing of the hardships our kind has had to face! You know nothing.” The lavender changeling lowered her head, frowning further.

“You right, I don’t know anything about the hardships of being a changeling. But I do know the hardships of fixing things. This isn’t the way to do things, Rhene. Stand down and release the princesses.”

“Over my dead body.” All three echoed, the enraptured Princesses jerking upwards and flaring their wings.

The door burst open, both Applejack and Rainbow Dash rushing into the room. Rainbow Dash froze, staring at Rhene. “You’re alive?!” She screamed, her disguise falling away in a swirl of flames. The other changeling queen paused, tilting her head as she stared.

“How are you alive, Primrose?” Luna questioned, mirroring Rhene’s movements.

Rainbow Dash remained silent, shutting her muzzle closed as her wings flared up behind her. Rhene’s emotions shifted until a frown appeared. “You… you left the hive.” She whispered.

“You died. I felt you die over the hivelink!” Dash’s ears folded over, a sombre feeling radiating from her.

“Hehe! But I didn’t! I almost did, but I didn’t!” Rhene chuckled, eyes twitching as she lowered her stance. “And if you don’t get out of my way, so will you!”

Twilight silently ordered the two of them to subdue to the regents of the celestial bodies, non-violently before she stepped forward. “Stand down, Rhene. There is no need for any more bloodshed.”

Queen Rhene had no more words to say, charging forward as a spell gathered in her curved and chipped horn.

Twilight dodged, casting her own shielding spell as the red changeling’s horn split into the shield. Arcane energy sparked around them as Twilight held her stance, using her magic to blast through the shield and towards the psychotic changeling.

The shield cracked as Rhene slammed another hoof against the barrier, a spider-web fracture splitting the magic. An eerily red mist began to seep through the cracks, filling the small bubble.

And then she saw nothing.

????

When reality came flooding back, Twilight was surrounded in darkness, her hooves echoing around her as if she was trotting on marble. There was a sweet, almost sugary, taste to the air, like sugared almonds. And then a voice whispered in her ear. “How pathetic. The mighty Twilight Sparkle, saviour of Equestria, beaten by me?”

Red mist swirled to one spot, revealing Rhene. She was no longer scared, the air around her glowing with magical energy. “I’d have thought you’d put up more of a fight. It’s a shame really.”

“What have you done to me? Where am I?”

She laughed, her voice like a thousand tiny bells. “I was looking forward to our partnership, reforming our hives, youngling but it seems I have to take a different approach. Tell me, where is Chrysalis?”

“I don’t-”

“Don’t lie to me, Twilight. I know she’s been sending you messages and letters these past weeks. Her drones swear loyalty to her, but you! You have no loyalty for her.”

“How do you know that?” Twilight stared in horror, her wings wrapping around her defensively.

“Oh Twilight. The stallion you knew as Blueblood-” Rhene snaked around the lavender mare, slitted red eyes staring at her. “-never existed.”

“You… you egged on my brother!”

“Oh no, but a small dose of hallucinations certainly made him think that way. It’s amazing what a little thing can do to a population of creatures that are willing to maul a loved one if they think said pony is a monster.” The red queen smirked, an insane giggle emanating from her mouth.

“Why?! Why would you do this!?”

“Because it wasn’t just Chrysalis that took everything from me.”

11:06 PM, December 23rd, 983 C.E.

The Libellua Hive

Queen Rhene paced back and forth, another explosion rocking the hive. The order had just been given, there was no hope now. Her eyes grazed up to the paintings of her ancestors, tears brimming in her eyes.

A scroll lay abandoned on her desk, unfurled. A warning for this, a warning she had neglected till now.

Celestia hadn’t responded to her letters. To her cries for help. There was another boom as a nearby chamber collapsed. She heard hooves running down the hallway. She should run, run far from the Hive and insure her safety for the sake of her Hive. But it wasn’t worth that, anymore. She had given them her order of extinction and like a captain with his ship, she would go down with them.

Hooves in her doorway now. “Hello, Aunty.” Queen Chrysalis stepped into the room, flanked by a squad of her own changelings.

“Chrissy, it has been a while.” Queen Rhene sighed, turning her head towards the Xenica changeling. “You’ve come to recruit me, have you? To fight against young Odonata’s brood?”

The green changeling nodded.

“I’m afraid to say that you’ll find it incredibly difficult to have any of my children on your side, Chrysalis, that is, if any survive.” The invading queen gave a smirk, trotting closer to Rhene.

“You’ve ordered the destruction of your own hive, haven’t you? What happened to your beloved daughter, Aunty?”

“Star’s whereabouts are none of your concern.” Rhene snapped, wings flaring as she turned her body towards Chrysalis.

“She’s dead, Aunty. I saw it with my own two eyes, dead as a doorknob.” She hissed into the Libeulla's ears. “The so-called innocent ponies massacred her and hung her body out for the ravens. For the kingdom of the sun, they declared and yet, you still support Nata’s pathetic attempts at peace with them?”

Her stomach dropped. It couldn’t be true, could it? The crimson changeling lowered her gaze, staring at her hooves. “Celestia-”

“-allowed them to get away with it, Aunty. Either you side with me, or you’ll suffer the same fate as your brood.”

“I have no quarrel with dying, Chrysalis. If my hive dies, so shall I.” Rhene stood firmly, raising her head proudly.

“So be it then.”

????

“Those-Those ponies took everything from me!” Rhene snapped.

“That doesn’t mean you punish others for their actions!” Twilight begged, watching as the other queen darted around the abyss. “Please, just stop!”

“Because Equis must suffer as foretold by our ancestors, youngling. It was foretold by Anaya that this world would die by our hooves!” She said back, growling.

“And what of our survival? If Equis is to die, then where shall we gather food if all the sources are dead? How can you think this would be a good thing?” The lavender changeling muttered, recoiling slightly.

“It is the punishment our ancestors foretold! You know nothing of our tales and prophecies, do you youngling?! If you must stand on this hill, you shall die on it too.” She charged her horn with arcane magic again, a sickly red glow framing her stilted eyes.

“As long as I live, there will be peace between changeling and pony kind. And as long as I live, I shall not let you harm those I care for.” Twilight planted her hooves onto the blackened ground, a look of determination marring her face.

“So be it.”

Chapter 24 - Sacrifice.

~Chapter 24 - Sacrifice.~

01:49 PM, June 30th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

A pair of holed hooves trotted forward, verdant magic tossing any guards aside with ease. Queen Chrysalis was angry. Despite her reservations on Twilight, and her continued hatred of Celestia, the now pregnant queen pushed her way through and towards the throne room.

One of her soldiers and one of Twilight’s flanked her sides, spears thrusting towards any approaching enemies. She halted in front of the grand doors before tearing them off their hinges.

The scene before her was grisly.

The two pony rulers lay slumped on the ground, wings splayed and ruffled but visibly unharmed. Twilight was lying prone on the ground nearby, eyes closed and breathing heavily. She twitched, her wings flickering with her movements.

General Alyssum and that surviving Liberulla changeling were locked in battle with none other than Queen Rhene herself. “Why am I not surprised you live?” Chrysalia muttered, rolling her eyes as the fighting changelings turned their attention towards the new arrival.

Rhene’s confusion instantly shifted, pure rage streaming through the former Queen. “You!” She hissed, baring her fangs. Twilight’s little friends took a hold of the opportunity, darting over to their fallen queen.

“Yes, me.” She smiled. “One of cousin's little messengers alerted me of what was going on. What goal do you wish to achieve like this, Aunty? You know what happens when we threaten the balance, I certainly know that now.”

Chrysalis held her head high, narrowing her eyes at the rouge changeling. “I suggest you stand down and leave, for the sake of peace.”

“How can you come here and proclaim peace after everything you’ve done?!” Rhene snapped back. “After all the bloodshed and murder! After you let your best friend die for the sake of some twisted sense of power?!”

“I have…” She paused, eyes darting over towards Twilight. “-repented since my punishment. I have come to terms with what I’ve done and it’s horrible results. I have worked to repair what I’ve destroyed. Is that not satisfactory enough for you, Aunty? Or do you wish for more ichor to stain our history?”

Rhene remained silent, eyes flicking between the prone queen and Chrysalis. “How can she forgive you for such a thing?”

Chrysalis shook her head with a knowing smirk. “Not even I forgive myself, what makes you think she’ll forgive me? Now the question is, why would you expose your own kind?”

“I have my reasons. It’s not as if we’ve already been revealed to the world, you’ve made sure of that, I hope. I was there, you know, during your raid on Canterlot. What a magnificent failure. What happened to the warmongering changeling you used to be, Chrissy? Did you lose that over the decades as well?” It was Rhene’s turn to question the Xenica changeling, snapping back with over a decade's worth of hatred.

“That’s not who I am anymore.”

“Oh, but you were a few weeks ago. What changed?”

“She… made a friend.” A small voice gasped as the previous unresponsive Twilight rose her head, letting out a raspy laugh. Darting over almost immediately, the green changeling queen helped Twilight Sparkle to her hooves, her butterfly wings reminding Chrysalis so much of Odonata. General Alyssum stared at the two queens, confusion darting across her face.

“Are you alright, Twilight Sparkle?”

“More than I can say for the princesses. I think she laced the hallucinogenic gas with poison, possibly cyanide. Ugh… that was horrible.” She rubbed her forehead with a hoof, leaning against the other queen.

Rhene was not content about this, charging her horn with a crimson colour as she let loose a scream. She unleashed a powerful blast towards the two queens, lighting arching and sparking as spellwork energy soared through the throne room.

Twilight’s eyes grew wide as Chrysalis threw herself in front of the younger queen, a surprisingly calm smile on the former tyrant. “I’m sorry for everything, Twilight.”

A body fell to the ground, the deadly spell finding a mark.

Twilight let loose a screamed, raising one of her hooves to her face as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Interlude - Penpals.

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Chapter 25 - Death’s Door.

Author's Note

A/N Oh I planned this from the beginning. :twilightsmile:

Chapter 25 - Death’s Door.

~Chapter 25 - Death’s Door.~

02:01PM, June 30th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Twilight Sparkle stared in disbelief as the cracking beam of arcane energy darted towards her. Chrysalis, whispering as a tear ran down her cheek. “I’m sorry for everything, Twilight.”

But the magic never connected to the Xencia queen as Applejack let loose a loud shout. “NO!” Her disguise melted away as she jumped in front of the deadly attack.

Twilight let loose a scream, watching her close friend collapse to the ground with a sickening thud.

Applejack didn’t move.

Panic, fear and sorrow instantly tore through Twilight’s soul, Chrysalis let the younger changeling cling to her. Raising one of her hooves to her face, Twilight let tears roll down her cheeks.

She moved over to her friend’s unmoving body, whispers of Applejack’s voice in the hivelink, assuring her it was alright. Chrysalis moved forward, sitting down beside her and letting the other changeling hug her again.

Rainbow Dash’s undisguised form bristled, a look of shock and anger radiating off of her. “HOW COULD YOU?!” She screamed, stalking towards her former queen. “HOW COULD YOU KILL HER?!”

Rhene growled, rearing her head again as she charged another spell. Rainbow Dash leapt forward, fangs wide as she latched onto the changeling. Twilight didn’t see anymore as Chrysalis bent down and blocked her view. Screams and shouts echoed in her ears. A hoof ran through her hair as Chrysalis attempted to comfort the younger queen.

“Applejack-” Twilight choked out, sobbing.

“It’s okay, everything will be okay, Twilight,” Chrysalis murmured.

Who’d have thought the formidable Xenica changeling queen would become friends with the likes of Twilight Sparkle. Things had changed these past few months, hadn’t they?

“She-She-She…” Twilight sobbed out next. The changeling holding her rubbed a hoof across her back.

“I know. She saved you and I. Applejack was a worthy changeling.” She said. There was nothing much she could say to assure Twilight that Applejack’s sacrifice was in vain. Rainbow Dash came back into view as she pinned Rhene to the floor with a hiss, screaming as tears rolled down her cheeks. Ichor stained the throne room as she slammed the changeling queen into the ground.

“I ALREADY DIED ONCE BEFORE! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I WON’T COME BACK!” Rhene shouted hysterically, one of her wings lying limp against her side.

02:11PM, June 30th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Chrysalis watched as the princess stirred awake, eyes darting around in surprise at the battle around them.

“What’s going on?!” Celestia spluttered out, eyes glancing towards the still body of Applejack, Twilight and Chrysalis and then to the pinned down Rhene. Silently, the Xenica queen nodded towards Celestia who flew over to her grief-stricken student, wrapping a wing around her.

Queen Chrysalis trotted towards the pinned down Rhene, a look of disgust marring her face. “Let me handle this.” Rainbow Dash’s eyes flittered between the two queens, green liquids staining her face. She spared Rhene one last look before moving over to her fallen friend.

“What makes you-” Rhene paused, spitting out blood as it drooled down her muzzle. She was battered and bruised, one eye closed as her scars split open to reveal deep cuts. Rhene didn’t move much, shifting on her broken forehooves to snarl at Chrysalis. “-think I’d die again.” She just laughed.

“Oh, I don’t intend to kill you.” Rhene’s demeanour shifted, a frown appearing on her face. “Why didn’t you attempt to re-build your hive, Rhene? You could lay the eggs, you know that. But why didn’t you?”

Rhene remained silent.

“Yet instead of re-building, you waited all these years to have your revenge and yet you can’t even face me, instead killing an innocent mare? Why take the same path as me when you could take the path Odonata wanted?”

“You are worse than her. Who are you to preach the morals of the one you murdered?” Rhene jutted a bent hoof towards Twilight.

“Do you want to know what she said to me before she lost her life, Rhene?”

04:56 AM, December 24th, 983 C.E

The Enigma Hive.

“Nata.” Chrysalis stepped into the collapsing room, watching as Odonata struggled to hold the ceiling upwards. “I wish it didn’t have to come to this.”

“It doesn’t have to. You can-” She flinched, watching as Chrysalis lifted some of the rubble upwards.

“Nata, I didn’t want to be the villain. My brood are starving yet you sit here with your surplus of love.” The Xenica snapped.

“Yet you let your own sister die for this? You could’ve asked, Chrissy. You could have asked for my help!” Odonata shouted, tears running down her cheeks.

“Just join me! We can unite our hives and-and we can conquer Equis!”

“Conquer Equis? Why would I want to do that?!” The Enigma Queen cried, tears splattering against the ground. “It would only bring destruction, Chrysalis! What of my daughter? Would you want her to be raised in a world wrought with death and loss?!”

“Do you know how my mother died, Nata?” Chrysalis's voice was quiet, small as she raised her head upwards. “I didn’t kill her.”

The room became silent, eyes darting between the ceiling at each other. “Then what did?”

“Herself.” Chrysalis sat on her haunches, hooves scraping the ground.

“Oh Chrysalis.”

“Just join me, Nata. It would be so much easier and I don’t have the blood of my closest friend on my hooves.” She pleaded, begging the other queen.

“I can’t join you, Chrissy. I’m sorry that I couldn’t save you. And I’m sorry that I neglected to see how far you had gotten.” Odonata shook her head. “I’m sorry, cocoon.”

And then the rubble collapsed, the green changeling becoming splattered with ichor as she stepped backwards. A tear ran down her cheek before she trotted out, wings folded against her side.

“I’m sorry too, dragonfly...”

02:13PM, June 30th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“You… you let her die?!” Rhene snapped, blood pouring out of her wounds as she spluttered out ichor from her muzzle. “You-you!”

“I wasn’t the one holding the ceiling up,” Chrysalis murmured, smirking slightly. “She forgave me, Rhene. But you’re so blinded by your hate of me and my past actions you can’t even see how you’ve ruined your chances at having a new hive.”

“Hehehe, you think I care?” The red queen laughed. “If you kill me, you’ll just have more blood on your hooves!”

“I’m not going to kill you. But I doubt she’ll let you live.” Chrysalis’s gaze turned towards Celestia and Twilight, the solar regent, staring at the red queen with a look of utter fury.

“By Ayana.”

Chapter 26 - We Mourn The Fallen.

~Chapter 26 - We Morn The Fallen.~

02:13 PM, June 30th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

The air became heated as Princess Celestia, regent and the embodiment of the sun itself, unwrapped herself from the sobbing Twilight Sparkle. She slowly trotted towards the injured Queen Rhene, each step carefully calculated. “Queen Rhene was it?” Her voice was eerily calm. “We’ve met before, haven’t we?” Chrysalis took a step back, watching with caution.

“Hehe… you never responded.” Rhene spat out, laughing. “You left me to die!”

“You and I both know why I didn’t come that morning.” Celestia narrowed her eyes, her scowl deepening. “You’ve committed both treason against the crown and murder. Why shouldn’t I kill you, Rhene?”

“You can’t kill me! Hehe.” She laughed. “That traitor nor her dead ally deserve my sympathy. Nor does that pathetic excuse for an Enigma queen.” Rhene bristled, more blood gushing from her lips as they curled into a smile.

“She is not pathetic,” Chrysalis muttered as she watched Luna sit down beside Twilight, tears falling from the ebony mare. “She’ll be a better ruler than you ever will, Rhene. Celestia-” The green changeling turned to Celestia, placing a hoof on the other mare’s side. “-I do believe you should let me and Twilight Sparkle handle this one. She did after all break our rules. You may punish her however you see fit but I do believe we should consult Twilight first.”

“Yes, that would be a suitable cause of action. I’ll have guards take her to the infirmary.”

“I think Skitter and Crystal here can do that.” Chrysalis motioned to two changeling drones standing in the doorway, one lavender, the other green. Skitter was hesitant, eyes glancing over to Applejack’s still form before finally walking forward. They nodded, picking up the battered Rhene in their magic.

“You haven’t heard the last of me, Celly! You’ll regret this, Chrissy!” She laughed once more, hacking and coughing as she was dragged out of the room.

Finally, there was quiet.

Twilight glanced up at the two sombre rulers, her cheeks stained with tears as they rolled down her cheeks. “What will the girls say?” Her voice was hoarse, a painful tone echoing forward. “They-” She sobbed again. “They didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.”

Rainbow Dash was uncharacteristically quiet, eyes glued to the floor as her wings grazed the ground beside her. Streaks of tears stained her chitin, red eyes portraying little emotion.

“Twilight…” Celestia bowed her head, sitting down beside her former student. “It’ll be alright. That I can assure you.”

6:54 AM, July 3rd, 2 S.E.

Ponyville.

The sun just peaked over the horizon, morning light bathing the ponies and changelings gathered. Twilight Sparkle sat with Chrysalis as she watched the grieving Apple family give Applejack a final goodbye.

Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity sat by the family, crying. Pinkie’s usually poofy pink mane had lost its colour, limping falling in front of her face. Fluttershy had her face buried in her hooves as Rarity rubbed a comforting hoof along her back. Rarity was fairing no better, her mascara was running down her cheeks, staining her white fur.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t here.

Applejack’s tombstone sat at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres, near the Everfree. Her broodmates sat quietly, some in mourning, others simply being there for support. The air tasted sweet, like apples and cider. Summer was gone, replaced with the time of harvest.

It would be apple-bucking season soon.

Chrysalis draped a hoof around Twilight, letting the other queen silently sob. There was a heartbreaking cry as Applebloom cried, clinging to her older brother. Celestia and Luna stood nearby, without their regalia and heads bowed. Celestia seemed equally as sad as Applejack’s family, a regretful frown on her muzzle.

Flowers and other precious objects were placed over the loose dirt, Granny Smith shaking her head in disbelief. Her aged eyes turned towards the lavender queen at the edge. She shakily trotted over. “Miss Twilight Sparkle. I must thank ya.” She croaked in greeting.

“Why? I-” Twilight’s gaze jerked upwards, staring at the older mare. “Why are you thanking me?”

“If it ain’t fer yer mother, ah wouldn’t have had Applejack in mah life. The day she came ta us telling us of what happened and seekin’ refuge, ah can’t say ah’ve been happier since Buttercup and Bright Mac passed. Time passes us all, we all hav’ a time ta die.” Granny Smith smiled curtly, patting an ancient hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “She’d be proud of ya.”

With that, the elder waddled back to her family, taking Applebloom into a tight hug.

“But it’s my fault she’s dead.” Twilight found herself whispering.

“It isn’t your fault, Twilight. We all die eventually, even us. We may have centuries of life but we all die in the end. Be it illness or some other means.” Chrysalis bluntly muttered, holding the younger one tighter.

The lavender changeling queen glanced up at Chrysalis. “I’ve… neglected to ask this but… how did you know I was a changeling, or at least there being changelings that weren’t yours in Ponyville?”

Chrysalis hesitated, opening her mouth before closing it. “I always sort of knew that you lived. I… I’m sorry about sending one of my brood that night, Sparkle.”

“It’s okay.” Her voice was quiet, sorrow radiating off of her. “‘When all is said and done, your Hive will thrive but at an unspeakable cost. A cost so great it could unbalance all of harmony.’ Death told me that. I know what she means now.”

“Rhene will have her judgement in the end, you know that right?” The other queen scowled.

“I know.” She whispered. “Queens carry on, right?”

“Queens carry on.”

Chapter 27 - Queens Carry On.

~Chapter 27 - Queens Carry On.~

09:58 AM, August 5th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Twilight Sparkle watched as Celestia, Luna and Cadance stood at the end of the balcony, speaking to the crowd below. Chrysalis sat near Twilight, a fanged smile gracing the former villain’s lips. “You’ll do great.”

“But what if I mess up? What if they boo me off? What if I-” Twilight spluttered, pacing back and forth as her undisguised wings twitched.

“You’re over-reacting. By Vendalia, you panic so much, Sparkle.” Chrysalis let loose a laugh, watching her.

“I can’t help it! What if I mess up, Chrissy!?”

“You won’t mess up because I’ll be out there with you.” The green changeling queen moved her hair to the side, rapidly fixing it.

“Right. Yeah, everything will be fine.” She took a deep breath, glancing down at her holed hooves. “Everything will be fine.” Her heart still ached, but despite that, the reassurances from the rest of her hive rapidly soothed her.

“-Introducting Queen Chrysalis of the Xenica Changelings and Queen Twilight Sparkle of the Enigma Changelings.” Luna’s voice echoed forward.

“That’s our queue,” Chrysalis said as she rose up, smiling as she led the younger one out to the balcony. Twilight flinched a little as the sunlight shone in her eyes before her jaw dropped. The crowd below was massive, some of Chrysalis’s changelings transforming amid the crowd as they cheered. A smile rose on her face, a single tear slipping forward. Twilight raised a hoof and waved.

The Xenica queen stood next to her, also waving to the crowd. Although slightly hesitant, a smile appeared on the elder changeling’s face. A genuine smile.

12:58 PM, August 5th, 2 S.E.

The Engima Hive.

Magic dissipated around her, the long-distance teleport runes dimming as she stepped forward. Twilight sighed, translucent wings folding against her sides. Celestia and Luna appeared in a swirl of light a second later, joyous laughter echoing from them. “Tis a good day to see thine Hive, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Let her have her rest, Luna. It has been an interesting morning.” Celestia scoffed, trotting down the small stone steps that led to the platform.

“An interesting morning? Those nobles wouldn’t leave me alone. Maybe I should act like Chrissy every once and a while.” Twilight snorted, smiling as she rolled her eyes. They stepped into the hallway, the portraits of the former queens lining the walls.

“When are you getting yours painting, Twilight?” Celestia asked, using her wing to point towards the paintings.

“Well, tradition states that we make a painting once the queen produces her first clutch of eggs. Once we fix up the nursery, Thorax says I’ll be laying in a few weeks. Nova is wonderful at portraits.” Twilight held up a hoof, Luna standing in front of her as Celestia stood in front of Odonata’s painting.

“Maybe I should have mine painted. Tis always an honour to have thine painting made by changeling hooves.”

“Oh! I’m sure Nova will make you one.”

“That would be wonderful, Twilight,” Celestia said, her warm laughter echoing forward.

“Why don’t I show you the Lunar Wing?” Twilight offered, tilting her head with a slight smile.

“Ah, the wing Lantana dedicated to me after mine banishment. Yes, we shall see it!” Luna declared, a smirk on her face.

1:02 PM, August 5th, 2 S.E.

The Everfree.

Rainbow Dash sat alone, glancing out at the wild forest before her as afternoon light flickered through the trees. Her wings were folded against her side, her head hanging low.

It had been over a month but that day still haunted her memories like that infamous December had. Her ears flicked as she heard somepony joining her. Bee trotted up the rickety steps that Twilight had added, their hooves drawing her attention. “What do you want?”

“To talk.” Bee simply said, sitting down beside Dash.

“I don’t want to-”

“I lost my sister, Rainbow Dash, I’m grieving as much as you.” The lavender changeling sighed, flicking her wings. “You were close, weren’t you?”

“We were best friends.” Rainbow Dash quietly muttered, staring out towards the horizon.

“The Queen won’t speak about the matter and Skitter-well, Skitter has put himself into his work even more than normal.” She sighed. “What happened that day, Rainbow Dash?”

“Queen Rhene showed herself and she wasn’t right. She wasn’t acting like she used to act. She-“ The red changeling paused. “She tried to kill Twi’ but… AJ jumped in front of it. Applejack-” A slight sob. “Applejack sacrificed herself.”

“Sacrifice… is a thing ingrained in our heritage. We can’t take back what we lose but we can move on. Come, Midge made cake with the pink one, why don’t you join us?” Bee got up, nudging Dash in the side.

“Okay.”

1:02 PM, August 5th, 2 S.E.

The Everfree.

Celestia sat beside Twilight as the fireplace crackled. Luna was sitting upside down, hanging from the railings as levitated books around her. The solar regent sighed, wrapping a wing tightly around her former student. Glancing upward, Twilight released a small smile before frowning.

“I know we’ve talked about this, but what are the possibilities of another huge threat? I doubt the elements will work anymore, not without… her.” Twilight whispered.

“Highly unlikely. Although I recently discovered Tirek, one of the many threats Luna and I locked in Tartarus centuries ago, tried to escape. Luna dealt with the problem swiftly last night. We also confiscated a few letters from a Miss Cozy Glow.”

Luna let loose an unroyal snort, chortling.

Celestia laughed, continuing. “Luckily, she had only sent a few, mistaking her for one of her family members. We intervened before he could send any letters.”

“Well… that’s reassuring at least. There’s no other centuries-old threats, right?” Twilight shifted in place, levitating over a cup of tea.

“Not unless Tia sent somepony else to Tartarus whilst we were on the moon.” Luna flew down from her perch, landing with a stack of books in hoof.

The candle beside Twilight which glowed with an unnatural purple colour suddenly shifted tone, a bright green sparking as a rolled-up scroll appeared. The lavender changeling instantly diverted her attention to it, grasping it in her magic as Celestia cocked an eyebrow. “Practicing telecommunication spells are you?”

“It’s from Chrysalis. We set these up last week. It’s so much easier than sending a messenger.” Twilight sheepishly smiled, earning a light-hearted sigh from Luna as she flicked through the books she had procured.

“Speaking of messenger, how is Spike?” Celestia asked.

“Good, yeah. Spike’s been running the library without me. Apparently, he’s been doing pretty well. He visits once every week or so.” Twilight absentmindedly said as she unfurled the letter, eyes grazing across it. “Now that is interesting.”

“What is it?”

“Chrysalis is popping in for a visit tomorrow to discuss the red queen problem. I do believe she’s relishing the fact the treaty went so well.” Twilight chuckled.

“If she has redeemed herself in your eyes, she is more than welcome to stay on her throne. As long as she behaves herself that is.”

“Oh don’t worry, Princess. I’ll keep her in check.” She puffed her chest proudly, her smile growing.

“I know you will.”

6:15 AM, August 6th, 2 S.E.

Ponyville.

Twilight stood at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres, a bouquet of flowers from the Everfree firmly clutched in her magic. The sun hadn’t risen yet. The air was cold and crisp, her breath misting around her. She set the bouquet of lilies and roses down, resting them against the cold soil beneath her hooves.

Applejack’s gravestone was a looming reminder of what happened. Etched into the grey stone was both Applejack and Alyssum. Her ancient date of birth forever marking the stone.

General Alyssum ‘Applejack’. December 23rd, Twenty-seven Celestial Era. - June 30th, Two Selenelion Era.

Carved in the stone were a trio of apples, her stetson resting on the headstone where somepony had left it. A stray tear slipped down her cheek as she fell to her haunches. “Miss Twilight?” An accented voice muttered. “That you?” Applebloom stepped forward from behind a nearby apple tree. The young filly trotted forward, tilting her head. She was missing her signature bow.

“Hey, Applebloom. How are you?” Twilight quietly asked.

“Ah’m fine. But Granny says ah should take a break this year for apple-bucking season. Is it true that mah sister was a changelin’?” The young filly sat down beside her, glancing at the tombstone.

“Yeah… she was.”

“Ah always kinda knew. But Big Mac told me not ta ask her ‘bout it. Said it was rude ta pry inta ponies business and that ah had no reason ta worry ‘bout it. Was she really that old, Miss Twilight?”

“Yep. She grew up with my real mother. And she was the best general my mother ever had.” Twilight shakily smiled, patting Applebloom on the head.

“Really?”

“Absolutely. I heard she once fought a whole army just to save me when I was a nymph.”

“Nymph? Is that like a foal or somethin’?” Applebloom looked up, slightly confused.

“Yeah, something like that.” She sighed.

“Oh.”

Silence gripped the two of them, an autumn breeze blowing past as it stirred some of the fallen leaves up. The sun peaked over the horizon, bathing them in morning light. “I should head back. I’ve got a guest coming over today.”

“Alright. Granny said yer always welcome back, Miss Twilight.” Applebloom smiled slightly before frowning again.

“I’ll take her up on that offer sometime in the future. Goodbye Applebloom.”

“Bye Miss Twilight.”

6:56 AM, August 6th, 2 S.E.

The Engima Hive.

“Have you laid any yet, Sparkle?” Chrysalis questioned as they trotted through the tunnels throughout the hive, the younger of the pair grimacing slightly.

“No, not yet but Thorax predicts I’ll lay in about a week or two. We’re still repairing the nursery. We’ve been a bit short of changeling power right now.” She led the other queen towards the Royal Wing, passing the paintings before entering the large courtyard. “How have things been in your hive?”

“Oh you know, the usual. Now I do believe we need to discuss our little problem, don’t we?” They trotted up to the balcony, taking a set at the edge of the ornate thing on a few cushions that lay there.

“We can’t kill her.” Twilight sputtered out. “I know she did some horrible things but-”

“I wasn’t suggesting that we kill her, Twilight Sparkle. I was planning on suggesting we banish her instead.” Chrysalis calmly stated, shifting her hooves.

“But won’t that allow her to re-build a hive and take us down in the future? It’s not like we have the Elements of Harmony to lean back on in case of an emergency.”

“Unless you’ve got a better idea, I think banishment is the best option.”

“I think I have an idea,” Twilight said with a slight smirk, already grabbing parchment and a quill in her magic.

8:23 AM, August 6th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“I hope you know what you're doing, Twilight.” Chrysalis huffed, following swiftly after Twilight. Celestia, Luna and Discord waked in front of her, heading deeper into the Canterlot dungeons. At the end of the musty hall, was a single cell. Using their horns, the two princesses lit their magic alight, the runes glowing and unlocking with a click.

The door creaked open to reveal Queen Rhene, asleep and bound in chains. An inhibitor ring was slipped around her chipped horn. She stirred, blurrily peering at them through the darkness. Her mouth stretched into a wide smile as she jerked upwards. “Hehehe. Celly’s brought a little pet, has she?” She sneered, fangs shining in the hallway light.

Discord frowned but refrained from speaking. Even he had been affected by Applejack’s death, no longer making random jokes at the expense of others. “I’m not a pet, you bug.” He hissed a moment later.

“Hehe. Come to talk with little old me, Princesses?” Rhene spat, torn wings flaring behind her. “Or is there something else?”

“Twilight, care to tell her?” Rhene followed Celestia’s gaze, the red queen’s eyes pining on the two other changeling queens.

Twilight nodded, stepping forward as she took a gulp. “Q-Queen Rhene of the Liberulla Hive, under the jurisdiction of the hives and under the laws of Equestria, I, Queen Twilight Sparkle of the Enigma Hive, declare you rouge and a threat to others. Your punishment, eternal imprisonment in stone.” She shakily stated. Discord flinched at the last part, a scowl appearing on his face.

Rhene’s previous mood shifted, a look of surprise, rage and shock marring her face. “No! You can’t do that!” She spluttered out, tugging desperately on her chains.

Chrysalis stepped forward, a frown on her face. “I’m sorry it had to come to this, Aunty. But you leave us little options.”

Twilight turned away solemnly as Celestia and Luna lit their horns. Beams of light struck Rhene, the chains vanishing as she screamed. “NO! YOU CAN’T DO THIS! I DON’T WANT TO! STOP IT!” Discord raised a paw, and in a snap, discordant magic streamed forward, joining with the other magic.

When the light dissipated, the permanent look of panic marred Rhene’s stone face. Twilight buried her face into Chrysalis’s barrel as the older changeling shared a sombre look with Celestia, tears rolling down both the ruler’s cheeks.

The Red Queen was gone, and in her place a statue.

Chapter 28 - A Farewell.

~Chapter 28 - A Farewell.~

8:01 AM, August 17th, 2 S.E.

The Everfree Forest.

Twilight sat on the wooden platform as Rainbow Dash kicked clouds away. Though the days had shifted to colder nights, the morning still held the same wonder it always did. The young nymphs clawed among her hooves, their tiny little bodies blending in with Twilight’s own. Her first clutch, her first children.

Knowing she was going to birth an entire hive wasn’t as intimating as it would have been months ago. Her strongest, Dragonfly, flittered upwards with a fanged smile, trying to fly on his meager wings. Twilight Sparkle let loose a laugh as he knocked her crown off, tumbling to the planks below them.

Hooves sounded as they trotted up towards the platform, the new arrival easing herself down beside the lavender changeling.

Queen Chrysalis sighed, stretching her wings. “By Vendalia, I’m exhausted.”

“Have you moved everything out yet?” Twilight questioned, turning towards her.

“Almost. I’ve sent some drones down into the old Liberulla hive to gather archives and at least get those paintings. Preserving history and everything.” Chrysalis muttered, leaning backwards and against her haunches.

“I think this is a good decision.”

“Well, there aren’t three hives anymore,” Twilight smirked, nudging the other queen. “So why not unite our hives? It’ll benefit the both of us.”

“I assure you, things are terrible in the Xenica hive. We were invaded by moles and the summer snowmelt flooded a large chunk of the hive. Fortunately, our most valuable documents and objects are stored by my chambers.” The elder queen grumbled, rubbing a hoof against her forehead.

“That’s unfortunate. See it as a blessing in disguise. New hive, new future!” Twilight raised a hoof, pointing it towards the sun in the distance, a smile adorning her face.

“Yes, a new future,” Chrysalis said quietly, eyes gazing across the treetops before they landed on Rainbow Dash as she rested on a nearby cloud, her usual pegasus disguise blending in with the blue sky. “How is she?”

“Better than some changelings. Midge hasn’t done much and Skitter hasn’t stopped working.” She sighed, running a hoof through her mane. “At least she enjoys looking after these little ones.”

Twilight levitated up the nymphs with a slight smile.

“You remind me so much of her, you know that?” Chrysalis smiled, a genuine smile, at Twilight’s confusion. “Your mother. You remind me of your mother.”

“Oh? How so?”

“You have the same sense of wonder and intelligence as her. I always regretted that day, you know. I should have stopped myself. I was narrow-minded and that led to my closest friend, my sister, dying in my brutal attempt at convincing her to join me.” Chrysalis paused, lowering her head.

“I wanted us to join forces, take over Equis so every creature was under our control. It was a vain attempt at repairing what I had lost. I lost my mother to herself. The hive watched her lose her sanity and will. I wasn’t thinking straight, I certainly wasn’t thinking straight when I attacked your brother and his wife. And I wasn’t thinking straight when I attacked you again.”

“We all make mistakes, Chrissy. It’s if you atone for them or not, and you have. You’ve fixed your mistakes, you’ve helped me bring peace between our hives.” Twilight said sternly, placing a hoof against the other.

“But is it enough?”

03:29 PM, August 17th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Twilight Sparkle, draped in one of Rarity’s designs, disembarked the long-distance teleporter, Chrysalis, who was also wearing a dress, stepping off with her. The two queens were greeted by Ink Well, Celestia’s assistant.

“Good evening, your majesties, if you would follow me.” The pair of changelings nodded, following swiftly after the beige mare. Classical music could be heard as they were led to the ballroom.

Twilight let lose a small laugh. “Remember what happened last time we were both in here?”

“Ah yes, I recall you punching in my face because I insulted you,” Chrysalis smirked, nudging the other.

The doors opened as they were presented to the crowd. “Introducing Queen Chrysalis and Queen Twilight Sparkle of the Everfree Hive.” One of the guards shouted.

They bowed before trotting into the party. Nobles with glasses of the finest wines in Equestria stared at them as they walked over to Celestia and Luna who were engaged in a conversation with one of the many stuffy nobles. “Princess!” Twilight chirped, gaining the solar regent’s attention.

“Twilight! Chrysalis! What a pleasure! Thank you for coming.” Celestia smiled widely, joy and love radiating off of her in waves.

“Well, I had nothing better to do.” Chrysalis slyly stated, earned a rough nudge from Twilight. “What? I was just telling the truth. Isn’t that what you good ponies do?”

“What a jest, Chrysalis! I see you hast earned a sense of humour.” Luna chuckled.

“How have things been in the hive lately?” The alabaster alicorn asked, taking a sip from her champagne flute.

“Chrysalis has been retrieving things from the other two hives and bringing them over to the Everfree. It’s been nice to have some company other than my changelings.” Twilight shifted in her gown, her smile reappearing.

“Oh, I whole-heartily agree with that. I can only handle my brood for so long before they get tiresome.” The former Xenica grumbled, levitating over a glass of water before taking a sip.

“How have things been with you, Princess Celestia?” Twilight tilted her head, her magic grasping ahold of a nearby waterjug before pouring herself a drink of water.

“Oh, you know, the usual. Day Court and such.” Celestia rolled her eyes, stretching her wings. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say someone’s watching you.” She pointed a hoof towards one of the nobles amid the crowd who then vanished among the bright colours. “How have things been in terms of the public?”

“Ehhhh… “ Twilight said, grimacing. “Not so great. Ponyville has been good but whenever one of our-” She waved a hoof between her and Chrysalis. “-changelings are seen in public elsewhere, it’s not been pleasant.”

“It’ll be a rough start.” Celestia chipped.

“Yeah, I know but it’s still… “ She trailed off, sighing.

“Exasperating?” Muttered Chrysalis, taking another swig of her drink.

“Exactly.”

10:52 PM, August 17th, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

Celestia trotted down the corridor, the young changeling queen leaning against her. Twilight, half-awake and tired, yawned as her fangs peeked out. Chrysalis had already returned home, retreating back to the Everfree before darkness had struck. Wrapping a wing around her former student, Celestia let loose a small giggle, watching Twilight stumble a little. “Are you alright, Twilight?”

“Hmmm? Yeah. Just a bit tired.” She responded with a yawn, stretching her insectoid wings. “And stressed. We’ve rebuilt everything but now we need to extend it to accommodate Chrissy's brood. It’ll take a while before my brood population catches up to hers though.”

“It’s a big move for you, isn’t it?” Celestia guided her further down the hallway, passing maids and guards alike.

“Yeah, but it’ll be worth it for us to combine our hives. It’ll be the first of its kind but we’re preserving history in the process. After what Rhene did, we can’t go back to the way things were during Mother’s time.”

“Have you talked to Twilight Velvet recently?”

“Not muzzle to muzzle but we’ve been exchanging letters. She just published a new book.” Twilight was slurring her words, yawning once more. “But, uh, she said she wrote about changelings. I haven’t read it yet.”

“That sounds nice.”

“Yeah… “ She trailed off, blurrily glancing out the nearby windows. “I should get back to the hive. It’s late.”

“Would you like me to escort you to the teleporter? Or perhaps arrange a chariot?” They had stopped as Twilight nuzzled into the folds of Celestia’s wings, the soft feathers draping over her.

“Hmmm? A chariot would be nice.” Twilight leaned against Celestia further, yawning again.

Celestia motioned to a passing maid, an ivory mare with a feather duster as her cutie mark. “Miss Duster, could you ask some of the guards to arrange a two pony chariot for me?” She glanced up and nodded before trotting down the hall, vanishing around the corner. “Hey, Twilight?”

“Hmm?”

“There’s something I’d like to show you before we leave.”

“Hmm, okay.”

Celestia led her down the corridor and towards her private chambers. Using her magic, the regent of the sun opened a small door, setting alight to the candles inside as they bathed the room in a warm glow. Shelves engraved in the wall that reached the ceiling, packed full of Celestia’s personal copies. Books from across the millennia, many in perfect condition. She eased Twilight down into a nearby armchair, flying upwards to grab a book with her magic. “When your mother passed, her last letter to me came with this. A book documenting changeling history. It’s one of a kind, I’d like you to have it.”

Twilight looked at the book, running a hoof along the engravings in the corner, a poppy, a rose, a sprig of rosemary and a daisy, all embellished with gold. “Our entire history?”

“The last few pages are blank but yes, your entire history. It dates back from before the formation of the pony tribes.” Celestia nodded.

“Thank you.” Twilight held the book close to her chest, a smile adorning her face. “Thank you.”

01:04 AM, August 18th, 2 S.E.

The Everfree Forest.

Twilight Sparkle stepped off of the chariot, the guards in gold watching as she did so. “Thank you for the ride, Princess.”

“It was my pleasure, Twilight.” Celestia laughed, a cheerful smile on her face.

“I’ll send you updates through letters.” She chirped, the tunnel opening with a swish of her magic. Flowers lined the entryway now, alive and thriving. Chrysalis stood in the doorway, a smirk on her face.

“About time.” She said, leaning against the wall.

Twilight turned and glanced back at the solar regent, a smile on her face. “Goodbye, Princess Celestia.”

“Farewell, Twilight Sparkle.”

Epilogue.

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Chapter 12 - The Judgement Of Queen Chrysalis.

~Chapter 12 - The Judgement of Queen Chrysalis.~

10:30 AM, June 14, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“I’ll take up my mother’s mantle. I’ll accept the position of Queen.” Twilight had declared, the changelings before looking at one another before they suddenly bowed. They were quick to stand back up though as Twilight Sparkle shifted a little. Celestia withdrew some keys, unlocking the door as the trio of changelings exited the cell, grappling Applejack in a hug.

Twilight wondered what it must feel like for Applejack after all these years thinking those she loved were gone. Part of her wished she knew more, had experienced more. There was always going to be a bittersweet feeling when discussing her birth mother. She couldn’t change the fact that her mother was gone, destroyed by a monster with an unknown vendetta.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Celestia unlocked the cell further down, six more changelings bombarding her with questions. They didn’t swarm her, they just stood back, questioning her. Asking her about what happened. Asking her about who she was. Asking her to take back her supposed throne.

It became overwhelming as their voices echoed around her head, her headache from earlier breaking away from being a dull thud to thunderous storm clouds battling in her head.

“JUST GIVE ME A MINUTE!” She found herself screaming, collapsing to her haunches once again as she fastened her eyes closed. She heard hooves shuffling, changelings and perhaps even Celestia recoiling slightly.

And then something clicked in her head, some switch that had been left forgotten there. And suddenly the voices became clearer, more distinct. She could sense the emotions from the changelings around her. Their thoughts, their ideas, everything. They were no longer intrusive, rather just on the edge of her mind, sitting there and waiting for her to have need of them.

“You just-you just connected them back ta the Hivelink.” Applejack said above the silence.

Twilight Sparkle slowly opened her eyes to see that they were all staring at her. All the changelings but Applejack and Rainbow Dash in deep bows. “You can stop bowing. Seriously.” She raised a holed hoof to her forehead, rubbing it a little. “Okay, that explains the headache.”

‘Why are we here? Where’s the Hive? Where’s Enid?’ Those thoughts made Twilight frown, the young changeling shifting on her hooves. She lit her horn, summoning the magic around her and with a flash of purple light, the group of thirteen were in the throne room, much to the guards and gathered changeling’s surprise.

“What the-” One guard muttered, almost dropping his spear.

“I think I’ll let you handle this one, Twilight. I need to attend to something else for a while.” Celestia gave Twilight a smile before trotting out of the throne room.

The new group of changelings stared at her in confusion, some even mumbling under their breaths. There were a dozen of them, increasing the group of new changelings from nine to twenty-one “Um. Applejack, do you wanna handle this?” Twilight whispered to her friend who nodded, trotting forward.

“Before you ask, Queen Enid hasn’t been alive for over two thousand years.”

“What?” “How long-” “When?!” The group shouted and said, looking at each other while they spoke.

One changeling stepped forward, hesitating before speaking. He seemed as unsure as the others. “We were in the Crystal Empire before it vanished. We’ve been trying to find the Hive for over a month.”

“Well, that explains it.” Rainbow Dash mumbled.

“The Enigma Hive has been destroyed for about two decades after a second civil war.” Applejack continued. “Enid’s great-granddaughter, Queen Odonata, was murdered by the Xenica Hive’s queen, Queen Narcissa’s granddaughter, Queen Chrysalis. And Twilight Sparkle here is the last Enigma queen.”

“What about the Libellua Hive?”

Rainbow Dash glanced at the changeling, flicking her beetle-like wings with slight irritation. “They’re gone. There is no Libellua Hive.” She bluntly responded. “I’m the last one.”

“I’m sorry. Even I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know how to rule and I certainly don’t know what else to tell you. I-we-lost my mother a long time ago and it caused a societal collapse and-” Twilight took a deep breath.

She could do this, she was amazing at speeches. The fact that she didn’t have cue cards was slightly concerning but she continued away.”-I will make this promise to you all. No matter what, this Hive will survive. I won’t go down without a fight. I will never let anything ever happen to my family’s legacy. This is what I was born to do, to rule, to fight, to survive. This is what we do, we live.

“We cannot let one changeling change what we are again. The last thing I want is history repeating itself. Because this time, we’ve got friendship and with friendship, you can achieve anything.”

The changelings stared at her for a moment, seemingly digesting her speech. The changeling from earlier nodded his head. “We trust you.”

The door was suddenly pushed open, Cadance bursting through.

“Twilight! Chrysalis has woken-oh my.” Cadance paused, wings flying up a little in response. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Wait, did you say that Chrysalis just woke up?” Twilight dodge the question, eyes becoming wide. She resumed her disguise as an angry look appeared on her face. “Applejack, you deal with this. I need to have a chat with my cousin. Wait,” Mid-way through walking out, she turned to look at the changeling that had spoken before. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Thorax, ma’am.” The changeling, Thorax, responded. She nodded, seemingly taking that small bit of information in.

And with that, Twilight Sparkle bolted from the room, being swiftly followed by Cadance and leaving behind a group of very confused changelings.

1:51 PM, September 24th, 45 C.E.

The Enigma Hive.

“I don’t understand, Mother. What did she do wrong?” The young Princess Odonata questioned her mother, chasing after her and further into the Hive.

“She killed her own kind, Nata. That is an evil beyond you and I. You should never resort to murder one of your own kind, be it from your own Hive or another’s. I thought Leilani told you of this.” Queen Lantana responded, scowling. They trotted into the royal chambers, the titled mosaic below their hooves clinking beneath them.

“But-”

“There is no ‘but’ Odonata!” Her mother snapped. The anger vanished as quickly as it had come. “We have always been a species that has been viewed as monsters. Never let yourself or others become what they expect of us. Never be the monster they portray you as. Otherwise, you’re just justifying their horrid beliefs even more.”

“Why are we monsters to them?”

The Enigma Queen frowned, a look of regret tightening her face. “Because ponies will never understand, let alone appreciate the better things in life. We are as unknown as the night. That is a very difficult thing for them to understand and when they don’t, it can be dangerous to both us and them.” Lantana glanced up at the stained-glass window, staring at the moon that shone above them.

The mare in the moon stared back down at them, listening.

10:41 AM, June 14, 2 S.E.

The Canterlot Castle.

“Oh look, here’s the other one.” Queen Chrysalis weakly chuckled as Twilight and Cadance entered the room. Celestia and Luna turned when they entered, the regent of the sun trotting over instantly. Luna stared at her for a moment before frowning.

“You and I need to have a little chat, cousin.” Twilight stalked forward, dropping her disguise with a scowl.

“Twilight, think rationality. I know Chrysalis has done extremely horrid things to-”

“She caused the mass eradication of the Libellua Hive and endangered my mothers! Horrid isn’t enough of a word, Princess Celestia!” Twilight was bristling.

She couldn’t quite handle the flow of emotions around her. She knew she wasn’t thinking rationally. She knew she needed to calm down for a moment but something angry was driving her, pushing her.

She knew Chrysalis deserved judgement. And that statement alone made her restrain herself somewhat.

“Thou did what?” Luna snapped above the silence, narrowing her eyes at Chrysalis. “How dare thou besmirch Lantana’s family with thy blasphemy! Thou art a cur!” The regent of the moon seemed equally angry, if not more, as she reverted back to old ponish. Her hooves collided with the infirmary’s tiled floors. Celestia recoiled slightly, surprised by Luna’s outburst.

Twilight felt Cadance placing a hoof against her shoulder, love radiating off of the pink princess along with the unusual flavouring of hate. Twilight had never known Cadance to despise anyone but it seems that Chrysalis had pushed her beyond her own limits.

“Tis against thine own law to kill thy own kind. Why did thou do it?” Luna questioned. Celestia remained silent, possibly stuck in her own thoughts.

Chrysalis let out a slow and long laugh before speaking, a crooked smile. “For survival. Mother was leading the Hive to starvation. She was the pathetic one. So I simply… “ Chrysalis tipped the glass of water by her bedside over as the glass shattered on the floor. “Made her step down.” The queen said, her smile growing.

“Is there a crime you have yet to commit against your own kind?” Cadence narrowed her eyes, more hate and anger radiating from her.

“Aw, did I piss off the pink one? Still upset that I was snogging your husband?” Chrysalis let loose another laugh.

“Why I-” Twilight held out a hoof in front of Cadance, blocking her advances.

“Just don’t. She’ll get her punishment.” The lavender changeling said. Cadance sighed, nodding. “You don’t have an heir, do you, cousin?”

“I’ve had no need for one.” Chrysalis spat.

“I think I know what a suitable punishment for you could be.” Twilight trotted up the Celestia, whispering into the mare's ear. The regent of the sun nodded, thinking about the statement that the younger royal had said.

“Queen Chrysalis of the Xenica Hive, as judgement for your crimes against both changeling and pony kind, your punishment shall be to-” Celestia paused, staring directly at the bedridden Chrysalis who’s smile had suddenly vanished. “-return to your Hive where you shall recover before we open up diplomatic relations.”

“WHAT?!” Luna and Cadance shouted.

“I haven’t finished.” The solar half of the diarchy stared back down at Chrysalis. “You shall gain an heir and once they are prepared to rule, you shall step down as their queen and face our judgement once more. I cannot leave a kingdom without a ruler, that is too cruel even for me.”

Queen Chrysalis, a decade after her crimes, she was finally punished.