The First Changeling-Pony Warby MlpHeroChaptersPrologueIntroductionHomeMeetingFires of InsanitySilent DeclarationPrologueA changeling lay in a hospital bed, his yellow eyes shut as he tossed in bed. He feels a hoof on his shoulder… His eyes open and he sees another changeling pulling him up. “Foresight?! You alright?!” they ask. He nods, looking around; watching the horrors of war unfold around him. Whether it was an RG being shot down or a Lunar Guard beating a changeling with a shovel, he can only stare in shock as death unfolds. Foresight’s ears perk up at the sound of a battlecry from behind him. An RG was charging him with a bayoneted crossbow. He makes haste and counters the attack, killing the pony in the process. He picks his crossbow back up and looks up, staring. The First Pony-Changeling War was the deadliest war in Equestrian history. Around 60 million soldiers fought in the ‘War to End All Wars.’ It didn’t end anything. But it changed the world forever. What follows in frontline combat… The creatures followed are not expected to survive. Cpl. Cata Age: 19 15th Devil Horn platoon Cata looks up to her Captain. “We’re surrounded!” they said, looking at Cata as a Changeling Tank rolls up. “We need to hold this line!” the Captain says, patting Cata’s shoulder before running off. Cata picks up her light automatic crossbow. She runs over to a ruined house and takes cover behind a window. She loads her crossbow as the CT rolls up. Then, an artillery shell destroys the CT as a whistle blows, and the RG’s charge their position. She grits her teeth, hesitates, before squeezing the trigger. A volley of arrows fly from her automatic crossbow, cutting down many ponies. Then, the crossbow clicks, and she pulls the empty arrow clip out and loads another. Then she does it again. And again. And again. She continued until she’d run out of clips, making her crossbow virtually useless. She watches as ponies continue charging. She panics, silently begging for another clip. Unfortunately, her prayers aren’t answered and all she can do is draw her sidehoof and fire. Then, she notices a guard in armor. It sends shivers down her spine. No… A flamer… All she can do is watch as the guard’s horn glows and a flame erupts from it. She fires her sidehoof at the armored pony before the flames engulf her… Corporal Cata Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Flamer “We thought war was an adventure. Our rite of passage. We came from many places, wanting glory and adventure. All I’ll say is that it was no adventure…” Sgt. Striker Age: 21 42nd Lunar Battalion Striker waits on his heavy automatic crossbow, watching as a flamer burns down a few ponies in a nearby trench. “The bugs are charging!” another bat pony yells. “Flamer!” “Pump’em full bolts!” “Shoot’em! Shoot’em!” The Sergeant snaps his head over. “You try operating this! It’s a three pony crossbow ya jerk!” Striker places his wing on the cranker and uses his other wing to hold the arrow belt. He squeezes the trigger, sending arrows flying from the ruined celestial church. He continues firing until… “Hornets! Hornets!” “Aim high! AIM HIGH!” Too late… A dynamite tipped arrow flies into his mounted heavy crossbow, not killing him, however. He raves his scattershot crossbow and fires at a changeling. He grits his teeth and continues fighting on, using his crossbow until it runs empty. His draws his sidehoof and takes out a flamer. His sidehoof also runs empty and he’s forced to use a changeling bolt-action crossbow. As soon he picks it up, he’s shot dead by changeling infantry. Sergeant Striker Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Enemy Infantry “Machines of war dominated the battlefields. From the pesticide bombs and that cleared the trenches, to the Changeling Tanks that dominated the battlefront. Luckily those metal beasts were on our side.” Private Scorp Age: 23 2nd Changeling Tank battalion Scorp climbes into the tank, hopping into the weapons cabin. He smiles, watching as the tank begins moving. “We gotta push forward! Take’em out!” the driver says. They pass by the celestial church, Scorp aiming the cannon over and firing, killing a changeling flamer. The tank moves up to a trench opening. He fires both the automatic crossbow and the heavy cannon into the trench, killing just about anyone. Except those who ran away. They chase after them, killing them with the automatic crossbow. They push on, then… Boom! “Field cannon!” the driver yells. “We’re just one big target for that thing!” another changeling yells. As they break through a ruined house, Scorp aims his cannon over and fires at the field cannon targeting the tanks. They continue pushing on, breaking through rows of barbed wire. “We’re gonna make it!” the driver cheers. As soon as they feel free, they hear a boom from the distance. “Ah crap! Artille—” Boom! Private Scorp Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Artillery “Instead of the adventure, glory we sought for, we found fear, and agony. The war was only an equalizer for death.” Staff Sergeant Mace Age: 21 3rd Iron Sword division Pesticide bombs fall from the sky. Mace watches as they fall, he slides on a gas mask and watches as a few unlucky changelings die to the pesticides. He charges, swinging a shovel into them. He fires his two crossbows, taking out a flamer and a few infantry. He runs out of crossbows, pulling out his shovel and charging. Before he can reach his target, he’s shot down by their crossbow. Staff Sergeant Mace Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Enemy Infantry Lieutenant Chronics Age: 18 13th Widowed Queen Devil Horn battalion Chronics charges ahead. “Come on!” he yells, leading them. He buries his shovel into a pony’s gas mask. He is then hit by a shovel. As he hits the ground, he looks up at the thestral who’s about to hit him when a large explosion rings out. “Artillery!” The Lunar Guard and the Devil Horn can only watch as a bomb explodes right next to them… Staff Sergeant Mace Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Artillery Cpt. Foresight Age: 21 1st Devil Horn platoon Foresight raises up, grabbing his crossbow. He looks around, noticing a bat pony rising up. She grabs a crossbow of her own. He draws his revolver crossbow, aiming at her. She does the same. “General Silverfang,” he said, panting. He feels tired, wanting to rest. “Captain Foresight,” she replies, chuckling. She seems tired as well. They stand in stalemate, tension slowly building. Then, Silverfang lowers her crossbow. Foresight does the same and they walk off in different directions. The First Pony-Changeling War By MlpHero IntroductionChrysalis sat on her throne, watching as several changelings soldiers, the Devil Horns, trotted past her. They soon stood at attention in front of her throne, their faces wearing stone cold expressions. She chuckled. “You boys put on one hell of an act!” she called. The soldiers remained stone cold. But, it was obvious they were trying not to laugh. Chrysalis chuckled, stepping down from her throne, walking up to the platoon. She smiled peacefully, humming. She trotted between the rows, watching as the soldiers tried not to stumble over their own hooves. “Heheh, adorable.” The changelings fidgeted, some trying to hide blushes. Chrysalis soon sighed. Whilst she did love and care for her children, as all mothers should, she felt that something was missing. Variety. Every male and female looked the same. Gray chitin, blue carapace and wings, white fangs, gray tails, cyan eyes. They all were practically carbon copies of each other. Sure, they had different personalities, but there were so many changelings that any two bugs could have the same personality. However, she then noticed someone. A changeling in the third to last row. One with golden eyes. She stared, stunned for a few seconds, before walking over to him. He looked nervous. Chrysalis kneeled down. “What’s your name, soldier?” He straightened up. “Private Foresight of the 1st Devil Horn Battalion, your majesty!” She chuckled. “I said your name, soldier. Not your military information.” The golden eyed changeling blushed. “Foresight, your majesty.” She chuckled, looking around. Most of the other changelings looked jealous. She smiled. “Relax, I’m sucking any of you off.” It was at this point, pretty much the entirety of the battalion burst out laughing. Chrysalis chuckled, looking at Foresight, who wasn’t laughing. Or at least, trying not to. She chuckled and stepped away, leaving the by now sweat covered changeling to breathe. She chuckled. What an odd, but quite adorable changeling. ~~~ Foresight set his helmet on his bed. The golden eyed changeling was able to breathe a bit, then looked at the other soldiers in the barracks. They were eyeing him down, the biggest grins on their faces. “W-What…?” Foresight asked. “Don’t act all modest, Sighty,” Corporal Baxter said. “She was eyeing you down! She’s interested!” Foresight felt his face burn hot with blush. “She does that to every unique changeling she sees… she did it with Stingshot too.” “But she was staring at you for a long time, Sighty,” Lyce said, removing her armor. “But—” “Chryssi likes Sighty~!” The entirety of First Platoon sang. Foresight felt hotter than he did before. “I hate you guys…” ~~~ Luna walked through the castle hallways, looking around at the paintings. She felt… lonely. She did this every night. She wanted a friend. She hummed a bit. “Lonesome…” she mumbled. She noticed most of the paintings and pictures were of the Royal family, but others were of past battles. Many depicted ponies who looked like brethren. They were smiling, singing, and just trying to make the best out of the situation. Luna turned her attention to the few night guards who stood idly. They wore stone cold expressions, trying to hide their nervous demeanors. Luna trotted past, watching as they resumed talking, as they believed the princess wouldn’t hear or notice them. Luna chuckled. Such naive guar— Glass shards erupted beside Luna. She yelped, falling back. She looked up to see a pony run past. Luna had never seen this pony before. They looked like one of her own thestrals. The pony looked over, and upon noticing Luna, immediately jumped back out of the window. The guards ran over, raising their arrow launchers, or as they preferred, crossbows, and began firing. ~~~ The young thestral ran through the Canterlot gardens, dodging the incoming crossbolts. She galloped past the fauna and late night workers, heading straight towards the gates. The actual city was almost in her sight. She removed her cloak, letting it fall to the ground, then burst through the gates and headed for the city’s lights. Behind her, Luna picked up the cloak. She examined it as a few ponies ran up. “Princess Luna!” one of the guards stepped up. “Do you want us to pursue?” Luna shook her head. “No. My guards can handle it,” she said, lighting up her horn. ~~~ The thestral ran through the crowds of ponies. There was a large amount of ponies out at night, and they were seeming to party, something that surprised the thestral. What had she missed? Soon, the skies illuminated with a blue glow. The thestral looked over, noticing a blue magic flare in the air. The thestral was confused. What the… A shadow blocked out the light. The thestral blinked, watching as the shadow got… Closer? Soon, the thestral had to duck to the ground as a blur of grey flew over them. They soon ran into a nearby alleyway, pressing their back against the wall. Their breaths were slow, for they feared the airborne hunters would hear them. Their golden eyes jolted side to side, and up and down. They soon heard a weird ringing in their ears, but it wasn’t painful or irritating. They looked up, noticing more shadows filling the sky, including a larger one. The thestral soon found themself surrounded. ~~~ Luna flew down, along with her guards. She looked around for the pony who attempted to steal from the castle. A few of her guards landed beside her. She nodded to them. Two guards went in front of her, whilst the others stuck close to her. They began walking through the alleyway. They soon heard… Whimpering? Luna, as well as the guards, were surprised. They expected the thestral to be tough. Especially if they had the guts to break into the castle. Luna looked straight down the alleyway. It’s not like they could run away, as Luna had practically surrounded the alleyway. Luna lit up her horn, illuminating the alleyway. They then saw the batpony/thestral. They looked dirty, as if she hadn’t had a bath in weeks, their mane was dirty and unkept, and they looked malnourished. Luna’s eyes widened in horror. How could she let this poor thestral pass under her radar. The thestral final spoke. “N-No food… no water…” the pony spoke, a feminine voice exiting her muzzle. Luna stepped towards her, motioning for the other guards to lower their crossbows. They did so, and stepped aside to let another guard run by. Luna walked over to the thestral, raising a hoof up. She whimpered, but walked over. Luna then wrapped her in a tight hug, stroking her mane gently. Luna noticed a bit of pink underneath the dirt, and it was tangled and full of knots. Luna then placed a hoof underneath her chin, raising her head. Two silver fangs exited her muzzle. “What’s your name, young pony?” Luna asked in a soft voice, as not to frighten the thestral anymore than she already was. A slight mumble escaped her muzzle. Luna leaned in closer. “It’s okay. Speak up,” she said, still stroking through the batpony’s mane. “S-Silverfang…” she muttered. Luna smiled, picking up the batpony and placing her on her back. “Well, Silverfang, we’re going to help you, okay?” Luna replied. “Okay…” Luna nodded and carried Silverfang off towards the castle. HomeLuna watched as Silverfang practically ripped through the fruits she gave her. Luna was impressed. The poor batpony either was really conservative with her food, or just extremely willful. Silverfang then picked up a watermelon. A whole watermelon. Practically gone before Luna could even blink. And don’t even get Luna started on the water. Silverfang could’ve practically drunk the oceans dry. “So… art thou satisfied?” Luna asked sarcastically, a smirk on her face. Silverfang blushed, stepping off the table. The pony’s malnutrition was nearly gone. She was getting bigger, most likely from the fact she was able to shred the watermelon to bits, leaving only the shell and the seeds. “Uh… Y-Yes ma’am,” Silverfang replied sheepishly. Luna chuckled, then walked towards the large doors that separated the dining hall from the other parts of the castle. Silverfang watched her. Luna turned to her. “Are you coming?” Silverfang’s eyes widened and she followed behind the princess. ~~~ Foresight sighed, laying onto the hard bed. Above him, Kater, a female changeling, was reading her book. Gloss looked over. “Hey Kate! I have a feeling your grandchild will be named Ocellus! They’ll have a great time reading books!” She snapped over. “Screw you, Gloss!” “Oh, please do!” The rest of the squad laughed. Kater huffed, turning back to her book. Baxter chuckled, walking over to her. “Whatchu reading anyway, Bookbug?” She looked over. “Why do you care?” Baxter shrugged. “Cause I’m bored! We don’t get to do anything!” He hopped down. “How are we the “Queen’s Finest” when we can’t even prove it!” “Well, you’re not acting like the Queen’s Finest,” a sudden voice scolded. The changelings stood in line as Granite, the squad leader, stepped in. He examined the changelings. He scowled at them. “The Queen’s Finest are an elite branch. As members of First Platoon, and members of the First Devil Horn Divison no less, you must set an example for the other divisions.” The changelings nodded slightly. Granite looked over at Kater. “Kater, put that book down. Twenty laps around the hive. Now.” Kater side, dropping her book and editing the room. Kater was never really his favorite. Although, none of the squad held any rewards either. Granite looked back at them. “You know what, how about you maggots join her.” It wasn’t a question. They looked hesitant, but left the room. Foresight was about to leave, but Granite pulled him to halt. Foresight looked at him. “Sir?” Granite examined him. “Hm… listen here gold-eyes. Just because the Queen took a liking to you doesn’t mean you’re getting special treatment. Thirty laps for you.” “But sir—” Granite punched him in the stomach. Hard. Foresight hit the ground, groaning. Granite scoffed. “Make it forty.” “Yes sir…” Foresight said, struggling to stand. When he finally did, he limped off to join the others. ~~~ Luna walked through the hallways with Silverfang behind her. Silverfang looked around, eyeing the statues, paintings, windows, and, most importantly, the guards. Silverfang loved the Royal Guards. Whenever she’d had the chance to talk about them, she’d take it. She’d read about everything there ever was about them. Who formed them, their history, which battles they’d won and lost. It was her dream to be a part of them. Luna looked at her. “Are you coming?” Silverfang snapped out of her trance. “Oh. Uh… sorry.” She walked over to the princess. Luna opened a door, leading to another part of the castle. Silverfang stepped through, noticing the door closing behind them. She looked up, noticing that the room seemed bigger than the castle would allow. Silverfang’s eyes widened. It was, quite literally, a second castle. The halls and the giant room they led to were beautifully decorated, with lavender hanging from the ceiling. “Wow… this place…” “Beautiful isn’t it?” Silverfang was at a loss for words. The place was Elysium. In the center of the room, there was a medium sized park-like area with a small playground, a pond, and even a small beach near one of the corners. Hanging above it was a giant lavender light that bathed the room, as well as baskets of actual lavender, as well as perches and balconies. Fruit trees grew in most places of the room. The large room connected to three larger ones. Those three appeared to be dormitories. Luna smiled. “Hey guys! I’m back!” It wasn’t long until a swarm of other bat ponies came flying from the dormitories. Most of them found perches on the ceiling or on balconies. Silverfang watched them intently. Luna chuckled. “Everyone, this is Silverfang.” Silverfang suddenly felt… anxious. She’d never been in this type of situation. It wasn’t long till most of the boys started hollering and cheering. Silverfang blushed. “You finally brought us another girl!” one of them called. Luna rolled her eyes. Two bat ponies on one of the ceiling perches looked down with interest. One of them, one with a mohawk, looked down. “Nice rump! I bet it looks nice when you walk!” Silverfang blushed harder. “Buck you!” The two batponies giggled. Luna chuckled and pat Silverfang on the back. “Boys.” “More like dogs,” Silverfang rebutted. “They’d stick their rods in a wall with a rump attached to it.” Luna couldn’t help but laugh. “Heheh, yeah. You’ll fit in just fine.” Luna turned around. “I have some business to attend to. Will you be okay?” Silverfang nodded. “Yes ma’am. And uh… thank you.” Luna smiled. “Of course.” She turned away, walking towards the door. Silver smiled. She walked towards the garden, watching as the other batponies went back to their dorms. She felt nervous, sitting on one of the swings. She looked back at the dorms. Most of the batponies were hanging from their perches, some staring at her intently. “What have I gotten myself into…” she muttered. ~~~ “Left! Right! Left! Right!” The squad of changelings marched through the cold rain, trying not to fall. A lightning bolt shot across the sky, making most of the changelings jump. Kater felt something scratch her leg. “Argh! Buck!” she slowed down, looking at her leg. But her leg became the least of her problems when she felt a blunt pain strike her back. She yelled out and collapsed, holding back tears. She looked up, noticing Granite holding a baton. “Stand up Kater! We do not show weakness in this army!” Kater growled, her legs trembling. Granite stared at her with disdain. “You don’t deserve to be here.” He turned away and kept running. Baxter and Foresight ran over to her. “Do not help her!” Granite yelled. The two changelings froze, looking at her. She was whimpering, covered in mud and shivering. Baxter looked at Foresight, who returned the glance. “Baxter, go,” Foresight said. “Wait, what?” “Go. I’ll take the punishment.” Baxter blinked. “Are you sure? I mean, you know how Granite is.” “I can handle it. Go.” Baxter hesitated, but nodded. “Alright. See you there.” He ran off. Foresight lifted Kater up, setting her on his back. She groaned slightly. Lyce and another changeling ran over. “What’s going on?” Lyce asked. “Kater is injured. Who’s this?” Foresight nodded to the new changeling. The changeling stepped up. “Private Curvature sir.” “Foresight.” Foresight stood. “We need to get Kater to the Infirm.” Curvature nodded, standing beside Foresight, and thus, making sure Kater wasn’t hanging uncomfortably. Lyce stepped forward, lighting the way with her horn. Kater looked at Foresight. “Hey, Gold Eyes?” Foresight turned his head. “Yeah?” “Why can’t you be our squad leader?” Foresight lowered his head. “If I could, I would…” he muttered. They soon approached the hive, where the rest of the platoon were. Granite looked at them, furious. “I thought I told you not to help her.” “We don’t leave a bug behind,” Lyce said, snarling. Granite growled. “Privates Foresight, Lyce, and Curvature, your free time is revoked. Report to my den at twenty one-hundred. Do I make myself clear?” The three looked at each other, before nodding. “Yes sir…” MeetingForesight and his squad stood around Kater’s bed. Lyce and Foresight looked at Curvature. He pushed his glasses up slightly. Foresight didn’t noticed it earlier, but Curvature had a brown mane. “You know Curvature, you’re the first changeling I’ve seen with a mane other than Chrysalis.” Curvature chuckled. “I hear that a lot.” Foresight smiled, before looking around. Lyce sighed, looking at one of the doctors with worried eyes. “Will uh… will she be alright?” The doctor nodded. “Mhm. She’ll be fine.” Lyce breathed a bit easier, before looking at the other two. They didn’t need to hear a single word. They were just about to leave when the door opened. They expected Granite, but instead, a greenish grey hoof stepped through. “General Vertex!” Foresight said, surprised. The three changelings threw up a salute as the general stepped through. Vertex, a changeling with a birth defect that left his chitin greenish-grey and gave him red eyes, wings, and carapace, stepped through the door, he’s medals and ribbons on display. He smiled and saluted. “Heheh, at ease, lads.” They eased up. Vertex closed the door, then walked over to Kater’s bed. Lyce smiled. “Well, we should get going sir. Granite’s gonna chew us out.” “Actually, you’ve all been pardoned.” Curvature blinked. “Really? By who?” “By me.” Vertex rubbed a wet towel on Kater’s head. “You three learned the most important lesson about war. Never leave behind someone you can save,” he said confidentially. “After all, it is our motto, right? No Bug Left Behind.” The three nodded. “Heh. You three should head to the messhall.” They nodded and began to leave. “Oh and Foresight? Chrysalis wants you to report to her. Asap.” Foresight froze and nodded. “Y-Yes sir.” With that, the three changelings left, two heading for the messhall, one heading for the throne room. ~~~ Foresight stepped through the double doors of the throne room. Walking in felt like opening his eyes for the first time. It always has been. Stepping into the throne room was practically a blessing. Foresight looked up to see Chrysalis sitting on her throne, reading something off a sheet of paper. He stepped up in front of the throne. “Uh, your majesty?” Chrysalis looked up. “Ah, Foresight! Welcome!” She stood from her throne, walking over. Foresight stepped up, smiling a bit. “You called me here, correct?” Chrysalis nodded. “Oh, right. Come here.” Chrysalis led Foresight over to a table, where a large map sat. The map displayed Equestria, with several changeling figurines and other small items on displaying key points on the map, like fortresses and battalion locations. Foresight looked at it, confused. “What’s all this?” Chrysalis smiled. “It’s a map of Equestria.” She pointed at the grey squares. “This is ours, and the white squares are the ponies.” She sighed, looking at the map. “We’re having a land dispute with the ponies. They’ve built some forts past the border lines…” Foresight looked at the map. True enough, there were some Equestrian forts on the changeling’s side of the borders. Chrysalis looked over to Foresight. “I’m going to Canterlot in a few hours.” He nodded. “He’s ma’am. But, what’d you need me for?” “Well, I might need some extra muscle, so I was wondering if you wanted to come with me and some of the First to offer some protection.” Foresight smiled and nodded. “Y-Yes ma’am!” She chuckled and nodded, then smirked. “Is there anyone you’d like to take with you?” Foresight felt an increase in his heartbeat as she smirked. “Well… my friends could use the extra down time.” Her smirk turned into a sweet smile. “Consider it done.” She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead, before waving him off. He squeaked and blushed, before nodding and trotting out. She chuckled, watching as he left. “The quiet ones are always the cutest.” ~~~ A few hours later… Foresight yawned, his eyes opening. “We there yet?” Lyce chuckled. “Yep. We’re just through the gate.” Foresight looked around the wagon, yawning. Behind their wagon was Chrysalis’ carriage. Vertex was sitting beside her, holding his crossbow. Foresight heard several giggles. “Sighty loves Chryssi~!” Foresight felt his body burn with embarrassment. “C-Can you guys shut up?!” He snapped. The others giggled. Lyce smirked. “Oh come, Foresight. She already kissed you!” Foresight blushed. “She’s kissed all of us at some point. Surprised she didn’t get Chlamydia from Baxter.” “Hey! Buck you!” The group laughed, leaving Baxter to pout. Lyce leaned out, taking pictures. “Poor Kater. She’s missing all the hot guys.” “Yeah, she- wait what?” Curvature looked over. “I mean, yeah. Every stallion here is well bred!” Lyce took another picture, before having to duck, as an apple came flying into the wagon. She squeaked, dropping her camera. However, as she turned, her lips connected with Baxter. Foresight quickly picked the camera up and snapped a picture of the two. They shrieked and lunged at him. ~~~ The wagons finally came to a stop. Chrysalis hopped out of the carriage, walking over to the wagon. She smiled, opening the door, then stared silently. Foresight was in a heap in the corner. Lyce and Baxter were panting, holding a camera, watching as a picture was printed out. Chrysalis took the camera from them, examining it. “No!!” Too late. Chrysalis burst out laughing, before showing the picture to Vertex. To his credit, he tried to stay professional, but he broke as well, laughing. Lyce and Baxter felt their bodies turn red, both from embarrassment and anger. They stepped out, leaving Curvature and Foresight in the wagon. Chrysalis gave Lyce the camera, before letting Curvature out. She then lifted Foresight out and placed him on the ground. It took him a while to stand, but he did eventually. She giggled and walked off. Lyce and Baxter giggled. “See? She’s into you!” Baxter teased. “It’s not like that!” Foresight said. “I’m still unblooded.” “What?” Lyce asked sarcastically. “You mean to tell me she didn’t ride you like a wagon?!” Foresight blushed. “Shut up… I’m unblooded and will stay unblooded.” “That’s what they all say~” Foresight rolled his eyes and followed Chrysalis as she walked towards the castle. ~~~ Silverfang followed Luna as she walked through the hallways. “Where are we going?” Luna looked down. “A meeting. Queen Chrysalis has requested to speak with us.” Silverfang blinked. “Um… why?” Luna sighed, opening the door to the meeting room. “Uh, you see, we accidentally ended up building three forts on her territory.” “Accidentally?” Silver asked, a bit skeptical. “Okay, we deliberately built them.” Luna sighed, turning to the Thestral. “But she doesn’t even use land outside of the hive’s borders. We didn’t think she’d notice a few stretches of barren plains gone!” Silver shrugged. Luna had a point. The two continued walking, stopping at a set of double doors. The two Royal Guards let them in. At the oval table sat Celestia, Chrysalis, and a few changelings. The two sat down looking around. “Well then… let’s begin.” Fires of InsanityThe group sat at the table, looking at each other. The tension between them created a warm vacuum of air. Foresight tapped his hooves nervously, looking at the ponies. They stayed silent. Celestia cleared her throat. “So.” “Yes, let’s get to business.” Chrysalis leaned forward. “You have built forts on my land. I am here to see if they’ll be removed.” The two alicorns stared at each other. “Well um… you don’t use the lands, Chrysalis,” Luna stated. “We didn’t really see a problem with—” “By your logic, I have every right to build on Forever Fields,” Chrysalis rebutted. “I am simply asking that you remove your fortresses from my borders and that we may live in peace.” The sisters exchanged uneasy glances. “Well?” Chrysalis asked, growing impatient. Celestia spoke up. “We will remove the fortresses as fast as we can.” Luna blinked. “Now hold on-” “Perfect! We shall resume as normal then.” Chrysalis began to get up from her chair. “Wait, Chrysalis!” Luna announced. The Queen looked at her, raising a brow. “Yes?” “May we ask what you’re using the lands for?” she asked. “I mean, if you’re not actually going to build anything… What are you going to use them for?” Chrysalis stared at her, as if silently saying, “you wouldn’t want to know”. But, Luna was persistent. “Tell us, or we won’t remove our fortresses.” Celestia looked over, staring at her sister. “Now, Luna, we must comply with her wishes if we are to stay at peace.” Luna sat back down, staring intently at the changelings. There was no use to arguing. Celestia knew they weren’t ready for war. But Luna was still so curious. What would they use the lands for, if not to build? Chrysalis sat back down. “Well, if you’re curious… I could show you the files…” The sisters looked over. Now, they were both interested. Chrysalis chuckled. “There it is…” She murmured, reaching over to Vertex, who handed her some files. She nodded, taking the files from him, before opening it. She then set it on the table, and slid it over to them. They sisters hesitated, before turning it around. Their eyes widened as they saw the files contents. Inside, there were a few pictures. The first few were of a desolate field, completely devoid of life. The trees had been ripped out and sent what seemed like miles from the stumps, and dead animal skeletons lay in some of the shots. The lakes were completely empty, and fires were burning in the distance. The next few showed a massive crater in the ground, it too seeming to be home to several flames. These were labeled “Impact”. However, the last one was what caught their eyes. A giant cloud in the shape of a crude mushroom. It was big, and seemed to produce a shockwave that ripped the trees out of the ground. They stared at the picture, before sliding the files back to the mad Queen. She stood, tucking the files neatly back into the folder. “So, I’m sure we have an understanding?” Luna looked at her sister, then back to Chrysalis. “May me and my sister discuss this privately?” Chrysalis nodded. “You may.” The two stood, leaning the room. They stepped into a seperate room, a study. Celestia sighed, looking at her sister. But Luna got the first word. “Listen, if we kill her now, we can—” “Luna, no,” Celestia cut her off. “This is not our battle to win.” “But… Sister!” Celestia levitated a book over, handing it to Luna. The younger alicorn examined it. “This is the book on Hearth’s Warming that Star Swirl used to read…” Celestia nodded. “If the three leaders before us didn’t compromise, we may not be here today.” She sat down, looking out of the window, watching the ponies outside. “As much as a threat Chrysalis may be, we must obey to her wishes if we want our style of life to remain the same. Otherwise, it may crumble completely.” Luna opened her mouth to argue, but knew her sister was right. She sighed, nodding. “Yes sister.” Celestia levitated the book back to the shelf, leaving her sister. Luna sighed, before falling behind. ~~~ Outside, the changelings had been sent outside. Foresight sat in the wagon. Baxter climbed in beside him, followed by Curvature and Lyce. Lyce stretched. “Do you think Chrysalis will settle this whole thing?” “More than likely,” Curvature replied, adjusting his glasses. Foresight leaned against the wooden wall of the wagon. They waited for the Queen. Foresight sighed, looking over to Curvature. “Hey, I’m gonna take a nap,” he said, yawning. “Wake me when we’re home.” Curvature nodded. “Alright.” Foresight yawned, falling asleep. ~~~ Foresight awoke to the smell of burning ash and flesh. He was laying on the strangely hot ground of the forests that surrounded the hive, although now, they were barren and burnt. The few trees that stood had no leaves, and there was no foliage to be seen. Although, he himself wouldn’t be able to tell, as his vision was pointed up at the sky. Above, he saw a weird circle formation. Possibly smoke? Foresight tried to move, but couldn’t. His head was able to move however, and he looked down at his body. His body was intact, but it just wouldn’t budge. He felt… tired. Between his legs, he could see remnants of the trees, only now, they were engulfed by small flames. Foresight wished he could move his forehooves, if only to cover his nose as the smell of ash and burning flesh almost made him vomit. He hadn’t even smelt burning flesh. He wasn’t present in the megaspell tests either. However, when he looked to his right, he almost felt his heart fall to his stomach. The hive, the grand tower of the Queen, up in a raging fire. He stared, not being able to react at all. He then heard hoofsteps. “Help me! Help me— augh!” He heard something fall to the ground a few meters to his left. He looked over, noticing a changeling crawling along the ground. Behind them, what appeared to be a pony followed behind. They rolled the changeling over. “No! No—” Foresight watched as the pony’s bolt thrower sent a bolt into the changeling's head. He tried to close his eyes, but couldn’t. The ground beneath him began to tremble. “We got a live one!” “Torch the bugger.” Foresight looked over, just as the flames engulfed him. It was at last, he began to scream and flail as the fire melted away at his chitin. It burned. He began scratching everywhere on his body, trying to put the flames out. “Ahhh! Arghhh!” “Foresight! Wake up!” ~~~ Foresights eyes immediately opened and he panted. He was staring at the wagon's roof. Above him, the others stared in a mix of shock and worry. “Foresight? You okay?” “I… What happened…?” Curvature helped him up. “Well, you were mumbling in your sleep… then you all of a sudden began screaming and thrashing like you were being swarmed by a colony of fire ants.” Foresight panted, standing. “I’m uh… I’m fine… bad dream.” He sat up, rubbing his head. They stared at him, before the wagon came to a stop. “Is everything alright back there?” Vertex called. “Sounded like someone screaming like they were on fire.” “It was me sir!” Foresight replied back. “Had a bad dream!” There was silence. Then Vertex called back, “Alright! We’re almost at the hive, meet me in the nursery after dinner! And bring those military toys you used to play with!” Foresight blinked, but answered. “Uh… Yessir!” The wagon began moving again. Foresight sighed, leaning back against the wooden wagon. He was afraid to close his eyes this time. ~~~ The wagon finally arrived at the Hive, which, to Foresight’s relief, was still intact. Foresight felt the air pass through his lungs safely again. “Alright, everyone out,” Curvature said, hopping out of the wagon, the rest following. Foresight sighed. “I’ll see you idiots later,” he said. “I guess I’m going to see Vertex.” Lyce chuckled. “Good luck.” “Yeah. Real damn encouragin’.” Foresight rolled his eyes and left, heading for his room. Silent DeclarationVertex watched as Foresight dragged his old toy chest towards the nursery. He chuckled, before hopping off the rock he had been sitting on, trotting over to greet the private. “He there Prive, how’s it going?” “Oh, just swimmingly,” Foresight replied sarcastically. “I’m fine. Just a bit shaken.” He stopped dragging the chest to take a breath. “This thing is heavy… like, really heavy…” Vertex chuckled and flew down, helping Foresight pull the chest along. They soon approached the entrance of the nursery. They tugged the chest in. Foresight looked around. The dark corners of the nursery soon bloomed to life with blue eyes. Vertex chuckled, opening the toy chest. “Nymphs! Private Foresight has come to share his old toys.” The blue eyes soon moved closer, revealing the small nymphs. Some of them had been dressed as Equestrians and Zebras. Vertex chuckled, using his magic to start the plant lamps in the nursery. Under the light, the nymphs became even more visible. They looked up to Foresight, who gave them a smile, before opening the box. Inside, there were small wooden soldiers, soft, foam-like swords, rubber balls, dolls made from rocks, and a mix of other random toys. The nymphs started giggling and whispering amongst each other, before drawing the box away into the darkness. In almost an instant, the box was emptied. Vertex chuckled, turning to Foresight. “As you can see, they’re a hoofful. But it’s nice to watch over nymphs who don’t have families.” “I can tell.” Foresight looked around. “I remember this place. I grew up here till I got that den.” Foresight sighed, before looking over to Vertex. “Hey, sir?” “Hm?” Foresight looked around, before leading the General outside. Foresight leaned against the lean, looking up. “So… you’re five years older than me. Have you ever seen my parents?” Vertex seemed a bit surprised, but sighed. “Well… I’ve seen your mother… Clairvoyance, her name was.” Foresight’s eyes widened. “She was a pretty changeling… you could’a sworn the Queen herself fell hooves over head for her.” Vertex chuckled. “She dabbled in the art of… well, clairvoyance. I guess she was born with it.” “Wait, really?” Foresight looked up. “Yeah…” Vertex looked up, a smile slowly spreading across his face. “Heheh… Granite wanted to hook up with her. Probably why he’s so hard on you.” Foresight frowned, but tilted his head. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to be mad at my father?” “Well, Clair, as we called her, volunteeringly mated with a breeder. And no one really knows who said breeder was.” Vertex sighed. “Clair died while laying you… and since no one knew the father, Granite didn’t really like you.” “Because he blames me?” Vertex nodded. “It would appear so… but Clair was a good ling. She would’ve loved you to death.” Foresight chuckled. “Heh…” Foresight looked around. Suddenly, his eyes widened. “Hey sir?” “Yes, Foresight?” “You said mom had clairvoyance, right?” “Mhm. Why?” Foresight looked down. “That dream I had… it was of the hive burning down… do you think…?” Vertex’s eyes widened as well. “I… I don’t know.” Foresight sighed. “I hope it was just a dream…” “I’m sure it is.” Vertex rubbed his back. “Come on, I could use some help with the nymphs.” Foresight looked up and nodded, before following him back in. ~~~ Luna looked around the fields that the fortresses stood upon. Just across a nearby river, the changeling hive stood high and mighty. Luna felt uneasy, as a good chunk of their defense were these three forts, and there was something about tearing them down that made her nervous. She turned around, looking down at the soldiers who were clearing the fortress of anything that held value. Munitions, medical supplies, injured ponies, weapons, etc.. She sighed, placing a hoof to her chin. There was still something bothering her. But she couldn’t place what it was. “Your majesty!” someone called out, snapping the mare out of her trance. Luna looked down, noticing a Thestral, Vampyre, looking up. “Is everything alright?” She stared for a bit, before shaking her head. “I-I’m fine! Just thinking.” She hopped down, using her wings to slow her descent. The Thestral saluted her, before trotting away. Luna watched as he left, before looking back at the river. “...Hey Vamp!” ~~~ Vampyre, along with two other batponies, Scrapper and Irrate, moved silently through the forest. They had been sent across the river, equipped only with hoofheld bolt-throwers, four bolt magazines for each of them, a few grenades, and a pair of binoculars. Irrate sighed, looking over to Vampyre. “Do you know why Luna is sendin’ us into changeling territory? This seems like a suicide mission.” “Probably because it is…” Scrapper replied, before yelping and flinching. The others looked over. He chuckled nervously, a sheepish smile forming. “Sorry… a thorn pricked me…” Vampyre shrugged, before continuing to walk, the others following behind. “Luna must have her reasons… I doubt she’d send us here for nothing.” Irrate huffed, stopping to survey the area. The jungle was dense, only a few beams of blue moonlight piercing the leafy canopies. It was strangely calming. Irrate chuckled, sitting down on a rock. “And to think I thought this place would be ugly…” Scrapper looked around nervously. “I think we should get out of here… Nothing this beautiful could be unharmful.” “Ah, cut the crap, this place is nice.” “No no, I don’t like this!” Scrapper seemed to start panicking, looking around. With each turn. He seemed to get more and more worried, as if someone or something was watching him. “Scrap…? You good?” Irrate asked, now starting to worry. Scrapper seemed to stop, before letting out a shriek and running away. Vampyre flinched, before trying to give chase. “Scrap, wai—” There was suddenly a snapping noise, instantly followed by the whipping noise of fast moving wires. Before Vampyre could react, an explosion sent him to ground, and Scrapper flying into a nearby bush. Vampyre stared, not needing visual confirmation that Scrapper was gone. His ears rang, and he looked over. Irrate was running towards him, yelling something that Vampyre couldn’t hear. Vampyre groaned, dragging himself towards a tree. His hearing soon returned, just in time to hear, “There they are! Kill them all!” Vampyre turned to see Irrate standing in a bipedal stance, attempting to fire his sidehoof at something. However, he soon jerked as bolts struck him, sending him to the ground. He turned to Vampyre, pulling out a grenade and pulling the pin. “Run! Get the fu—” A lightning strike of bolts struck the injured thestral, causing him to drop the grenade. Vampyre’s eyes widened and he turned to run, galloping away from his attackers. He just ran, avoiding whatever he could. From afar, the sound of an explosion rang out. He ignored it though. He just kept running, praying that he could find a way out of this damned forest— The ground disappeared from beneath his hooves, and he tumbled an incline, landing on a mud patch. He groaned looking around. His head spun. He couldn’t tell where he was, or what was happening. He just rolled over, now facing what appeared to be a shoreline. He chuckled, spitting out blood as he did. He was close. So very close. ~~~ Chrysalis stared at the two thestral corpses. One of them had their forehooves blown off, courtesy of a tripmine. The other was…. Well, barely intact. Chrysalis was hesitant to even approach the body. However, she didn’t need to be told twice that these weren’t just hikers that got lost. Vertex looked at Chrysalis. “What do you think?” He asked. “We have Equestrian blood on our soil… they’ll surely retaliate for this…” Chrysalis wondered for a bit. “Well then… we’ll have to attack first.” She turned towards the door. “I believe this is declaration enough,” she murmured, leaving the morgue. Vertex followed. “Are you sure our soldiers are ready? We haven’t had a war in a good decade. Not any big ones, anyway.” Chrysalis looked around. “Maybe we could use the bombs?” “The Megaspells? Isn’t that a bit… much…?” Chrysalis shrugged, her personality seeming flipping from a rational leader to a somewhat sane madmare. “We might as well test them on live targets. Mobilize the Hornets. Devil Horns cross the river on my command.” Vertex shivered, though not from the cold. Nevertheless, he saluted. “Yes my Queen.” Chrysalis nodded, watching as he left. She sighed, heading towards the throne room. She sensed that tonight could change the world. And not for the better.
PrologueA changeling lay in a hospital bed, his yellow eyes shut as he tossed in bed. He feels a hoof on his shoulder… His eyes open and he sees another changeling pulling him up. “Foresight?! You alright?!” they ask. He nods, looking around; watching the horrors of war unfold around him. Whether it was an RG being shot down or a Lunar Guard beating a changeling with a shovel, he can only stare in shock as death unfolds. Foresight’s ears perk up at the sound of a battlecry from behind him. An RG was charging him with a bayoneted crossbow. He makes haste and counters the attack, killing the pony in the process. He picks his crossbow back up and looks up, staring. The First Pony-Changeling War was the deadliest war in Equestrian history. Around 60 million soldiers fought in the ‘War to End All Wars.’ It didn’t end anything. But it changed the world forever. What follows in frontline combat… The creatures followed are not expected to survive. Cpl. Cata Age: 19 15th Devil Horn platoon Cata looks up to her Captain. “We’re surrounded!” they said, looking at Cata as a Changeling Tank rolls up. “We need to hold this line!” the Captain says, patting Cata’s shoulder before running off. Cata picks up her light automatic crossbow. She runs over to a ruined house and takes cover behind a window. She loads her crossbow as the CT rolls up. Then, an artillery shell destroys the CT as a whistle blows, and the RG’s charge their position. She grits her teeth, hesitates, before squeezing the trigger. A volley of arrows fly from her automatic crossbow, cutting down many ponies. Then, the crossbow clicks, and she pulls the empty arrow clip out and loads another. Then she does it again. And again. And again. She continued until she’d run out of clips, making her crossbow virtually useless. She watches as ponies continue charging. She panics, silently begging for another clip. Unfortunately, her prayers aren’t answered and all she can do is draw her sidehoof and fire. Then, she notices a guard in armor. It sends shivers down her spine. No… A flamer… All she can do is watch as the guard’s horn glows and a flame erupts from it. She fires her sidehoof at the armored pony before the flames engulf her… Corporal Cata Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Flamer “We thought war was an adventure. Our rite of passage. We came from many places, wanting glory and adventure. All I’ll say is that it was no adventure…” Sgt. Striker Age: 21 42nd Lunar Battalion Striker waits on his heavy automatic crossbow, watching as a flamer burns down a few ponies in a nearby trench. “The bugs are charging!” another bat pony yells. “Flamer!” “Pump’em full bolts!” “Shoot’em! Shoot’em!” The Sergeant snaps his head over. “You try operating this! It’s a three pony crossbow ya jerk!” Striker places his wing on the cranker and uses his other wing to hold the arrow belt. He squeezes the trigger, sending arrows flying from the ruined celestial church. He continues firing until… “Hornets! Hornets!” “Aim high! AIM HIGH!” Too late… A dynamite tipped arrow flies into his mounted heavy crossbow, not killing him, however. He raves his scattershot crossbow and fires at a changeling. He grits his teeth and continues fighting on, using his crossbow until it runs empty. His draws his sidehoof and takes out a flamer. His sidehoof also runs empty and he’s forced to use a changeling bolt-action crossbow. As soon he picks it up, he’s shot dead by changeling infantry. Sergeant Striker Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Enemy Infantry “Machines of war dominated the battlefields. From the pesticide bombs and that cleared the trenches, to the Changeling Tanks that dominated the battlefront. Luckily those metal beasts were on our side.” Private Scorp Age: 23 2nd Changeling Tank battalion Scorp climbes into the tank, hopping into the weapons cabin. He smiles, watching as the tank begins moving. “We gotta push forward! Take’em out!” the driver says. They pass by the celestial church, Scorp aiming the cannon over and firing, killing a changeling flamer. The tank moves up to a trench opening. He fires both the automatic crossbow and the heavy cannon into the trench, killing just about anyone. Except those who ran away. They chase after them, killing them with the automatic crossbow. They push on, then… Boom! “Field cannon!” the driver yells. “We’re just one big target for that thing!” another changeling yells. As they break through a ruined house, Scorp aims his cannon over and fires at the field cannon targeting the tanks. They continue pushing on, breaking through rows of barbed wire. “We’re gonna make it!” the driver cheers. As soon as they feel free, they hear a boom from the distance. “Ah crap! Artille—” Boom! Private Scorp Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Artillery “Instead of the adventure, glory we sought for, we found fear, and agony. The war was only an equalizer for death.” Staff Sergeant Mace Age: 21 3rd Iron Sword division Pesticide bombs fall from the sky. Mace watches as they fall, he slides on a gas mask and watches as a few unlucky changelings die to the pesticides. He charges, swinging a shovel into them. He fires his two crossbows, taking out a flamer and a few infantry. He runs out of crossbows, pulling out his shovel and charging. Before he can reach his target, he’s shot down by their crossbow. Staff Sergeant Mace Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Enemy Infantry Lieutenant Chronics Age: 18 13th Widowed Queen Devil Horn battalion Chronics charges ahead. “Come on!” he yells, leading them. He buries his shovel into a pony’s gas mask. He is then hit by a shovel. As he hits the ground, he looks up at the thestral who’s about to hit him when a large explosion rings out. “Artillery!” The Lunar Guard and the Devil Horn can only watch as a bomb explodes right next to them… Staff Sergeant Mace Status: K.I.A. Cause of Death: Artillery Cpt. Foresight Age: 21 1st Devil Horn platoon Foresight raises up, grabbing his crossbow. He looks around, noticing a bat pony rising up. She grabs a crossbow of her own. He draws his revolver crossbow, aiming at her. She does the same. “General Silverfang,” he said, panting. He feels tired, wanting to rest. “Captain Foresight,” she replies, chuckling. She seems tired as well. They stand in stalemate, tension slowly building. Then, Silverfang lowers her crossbow. Foresight does the same and they walk off in different directions. The First Pony-Changeling War By MlpHero
IntroductionChrysalis sat on her throne, watching as several changelings soldiers, the Devil Horns, trotted past her. They soon stood at attention in front of her throne, their faces wearing stone cold expressions. She chuckled. “You boys put on one hell of an act!” she called. The soldiers remained stone cold. But, it was obvious they were trying not to laugh. Chrysalis chuckled, stepping down from her throne, walking up to the platoon. She smiled peacefully, humming. She trotted between the rows, watching as the soldiers tried not to stumble over their own hooves. “Heheh, adorable.” The changelings fidgeted, some trying to hide blushes. Chrysalis soon sighed. Whilst she did love and care for her children, as all mothers should, she felt that something was missing. Variety. Every male and female looked the same. Gray chitin, blue carapace and wings, white fangs, gray tails, cyan eyes. They all were practically carbon copies of each other. Sure, they had different personalities, but there were so many changelings that any two bugs could have the same personality. However, she then noticed someone. A changeling in the third to last row. One with golden eyes. She stared, stunned for a few seconds, before walking over to him. He looked nervous. Chrysalis kneeled down. “What’s your name, soldier?” He straightened up. “Private Foresight of the 1st Devil Horn Battalion, your majesty!” She chuckled. “I said your name, soldier. Not your military information.” The golden eyed changeling blushed. “Foresight, your majesty.” She chuckled, looking around. Most of the other changelings looked jealous. She smiled. “Relax, I’m sucking any of you off.” It was at this point, pretty much the entirety of the battalion burst out laughing. Chrysalis chuckled, looking at Foresight, who wasn’t laughing. Or at least, trying not to. She chuckled and stepped away, leaving the by now sweat covered changeling to breathe. She chuckled. What an odd, but quite adorable changeling. ~~~ Foresight set his helmet on his bed. The golden eyed changeling was able to breathe a bit, then looked at the other soldiers in the barracks. They were eyeing him down, the biggest grins on their faces. “W-What…?” Foresight asked. “Don’t act all modest, Sighty,” Corporal Baxter said. “She was eyeing you down! She’s interested!” Foresight felt his face burn hot with blush. “She does that to every unique changeling she sees… she did it with Stingshot too.” “But she was staring at you for a long time, Sighty,” Lyce said, removing her armor. “But—” “Chryssi likes Sighty~!” The entirety of First Platoon sang. Foresight felt hotter than he did before. “I hate you guys…” ~~~ Luna walked through the castle hallways, looking around at the paintings. She felt… lonely. She did this every night. She wanted a friend. She hummed a bit. “Lonesome…” she mumbled. She noticed most of the paintings and pictures were of the Royal family, but others were of past battles. Many depicted ponies who looked like brethren. They were smiling, singing, and just trying to make the best out of the situation. Luna turned her attention to the few night guards who stood idly. They wore stone cold expressions, trying to hide their nervous demeanors. Luna trotted past, watching as they resumed talking, as they believed the princess wouldn’t hear or notice them. Luna chuckled. Such naive guar— Glass shards erupted beside Luna. She yelped, falling back. She looked up to see a pony run past. Luna had never seen this pony before. They looked like one of her own thestrals. The pony looked over, and upon noticing Luna, immediately jumped back out of the window. The guards ran over, raising their arrow launchers, or as they preferred, crossbows, and began firing. ~~~ The young thestral ran through the Canterlot gardens, dodging the incoming crossbolts. She galloped past the fauna and late night workers, heading straight towards the gates. The actual city was almost in her sight. She removed her cloak, letting it fall to the ground, then burst through the gates and headed for the city’s lights. Behind her, Luna picked up the cloak. She examined it as a few ponies ran up. “Princess Luna!” one of the guards stepped up. “Do you want us to pursue?” Luna shook her head. “No. My guards can handle it,” she said, lighting up her horn. ~~~ The thestral ran through the crowds of ponies. There was a large amount of ponies out at night, and they were seeming to party, something that surprised the thestral. What had she missed? Soon, the skies illuminated with a blue glow. The thestral looked over, noticing a blue magic flare in the air. The thestral was confused. What the… A shadow blocked out the light. The thestral blinked, watching as the shadow got… Closer? Soon, the thestral had to duck to the ground as a blur of grey flew over them. They soon ran into a nearby alleyway, pressing their back against the wall. Their breaths were slow, for they feared the airborne hunters would hear them. Their golden eyes jolted side to side, and up and down. They soon heard a weird ringing in their ears, but it wasn’t painful or irritating. They looked up, noticing more shadows filling the sky, including a larger one. The thestral soon found themself surrounded. ~~~ Luna flew down, along with her guards. She looked around for the pony who attempted to steal from the castle. A few of her guards landed beside her. She nodded to them. Two guards went in front of her, whilst the others stuck close to her. They began walking through the alleyway. They soon heard… Whimpering? Luna, as well as the guards, were surprised. They expected the thestral to be tough. Especially if they had the guts to break into the castle. Luna looked straight down the alleyway. It’s not like they could run away, as Luna had practically surrounded the alleyway. Luna lit up her horn, illuminating the alleyway. They then saw the batpony/thestral. They looked dirty, as if she hadn’t had a bath in weeks, their mane was dirty and unkept, and they looked malnourished. Luna’s eyes widened in horror. How could she let this poor thestral pass under her radar. The thestral final spoke. “N-No food… no water…” the pony spoke, a feminine voice exiting her muzzle. Luna stepped towards her, motioning for the other guards to lower their crossbows. They did so, and stepped aside to let another guard run by. Luna walked over to the thestral, raising a hoof up. She whimpered, but walked over. Luna then wrapped her in a tight hug, stroking her mane gently. Luna noticed a bit of pink underneath the dirt, and it was tangled and full of knots. Luna then placed a hoof underneath her chin, raising her head. Two silver fangs exited her muzzle. “What’s your name, young pony?” Luna asked in a soft voice, as not to frighten the thestral anymore than she already was. A slight mumble escaped her muzzle. Luna leaned in closer. “It’s okay. Speak up,” she said, still stroking through the batpony’s mane. “S-Silverfang…” she muttered. Luna smiled, picking up the batpony and placing her on her back. “Well, Silverfang, we’re going to help you, okay?” Luna replied. “Okay…” Luna nodded and carried Silverfang off towards the castle.
HomeLuna watched as Silverfang practically ripped through the fruits she gave her. Luna was impressed. The poor batpony either was really conservative with her food, or just extremely willful. Silverfang then picked up a watermelon. A whole watermelon. Practically gone before Luna could even blink. And don’t even get Luna started on the water. Silverfang could’ve practically drunk the oceans dry. “So… art thou satisfied?” Luna asked sarcastically, a smirk on her face. Silverfang blushed, stepping off the table. The pony’s malnutrition was nearly gone. She was getting bigger, most likely from the fact she was able to shred the watermelon to bits, leaving only the shell and the seeds. “Uh… Y-Yes ma’am,” Silverfang replied sheepishly. Luna chuckled, then walked towards the large doors that separated the dining hall from the other parts of the castle. Silverfang watched her. Luna turned to her. “Are you coming?” Silverfang’s eyes widened and she followed behind the princess. ~~~ Foresight sighed, laying onto the hard bed. Above him, Kater, a female changeling, was reading her book. Gloss looked over. “Hey Kate! I have a feeling your grandchild will be named Ocellus! They’ll have a great time reading books!” She snapped over. “Screw you, Gloss!” “Oh, please do!” The rest of the squad laughed. Kater huffed, turning back to her book. Baxter chuckled, walking over to her. “Whatchu reading anyway, Bookbug?” She looked over. “Why do you care?” Baxter shrugged. “Cause I’m bored! We don’t get to do anything!” He hopped down. “How are we the “Queen’s Finest” when we can’t even prove it!” “Well, you’re not acting like the Queen’s Finest,” a sudden voice scolded. The changelings stood in line as Granite, the squad leader, stepped in. He examined the changelings. He scowled at them. “The Queen’s Finest are an elite branch. As members of First Platoon, and members of the First Devil Horn Divison no less, you must set an example for the other divisions.” The changelings nodded slightly. Granite looked over at Kater. “Kater, put that book down. Twenty laps around the hive. Now.” Kater side, dropping her book and editing the room. Kater was never really his favorite. Although, none of the squad held any rewards either. Granite looked back at them. “You know what, how about you maggots join her.” It wasn’t a question. They looked hesitant, but left the room. Foresight was about to leave, but Granite pulled him to halt. Foresight looked at him. “Sir?” Granite examined him. “Hm… listen here gold-eyes. Just because the Queen took a liking to you doesn’t mean you’re getting special treatment. Thirty laps for you.” “But sir—” Granite punched him in the stomach. Hard. Foresight hit the ground, groaning. Granite scoffed. “Make it forty.” “Yes sir…” Foresight said, struggling to stand. When he finally did, he limped off to join the others. ~~~ Luna walked through the hallways with Silverfang behind her. Silverfang looked around, eyeing the statues, paintings, windows, and, most importantly, the guards. Silverfang loved the Royal Guards. Whenever she’d had the chance to talk about them, she’d take it. She’d read about everything there ever was about them. Who formed them, their history, which battles they’d won and lost. It was her dream to be a part of them. Luna looked at her. “Are you coming?” Silverfang snapped out of her trance. “Oh. Uh… sorry.” She walked over to the princess. Luna opened a door, leading to another part of the castle. Silverfang stepped through, noticing the door closing behind them. She looked up, noticing that the room seemed bigger than the castle would allow. Silverfang’s eyes widened. It was, quite literally, a second castle. The halls and the giant room they led to were beautifully decorated, with lavender hanging from the ceiling. “Wow… this place…” “Beautiful isn’t it?” Silverfang was at a loss for words. The place was Elysium. In the center of the room, there was a medium sized park-like area with a small playground, a pond, and even a small beach near one of the corners. Hanging above it was a giant lavender light that bathed the room, as well as baskets of actual lavender, as well as perches and balconies. Fruit trees grew in most places of the room. The large room connected to three larger ones. Those three appeared to be dormitories. Luna smiled. “Hey guys! I’m back!” It wasn’t long until a swarm of other bat ponies came flying from the dormitories. Most of them found perches on the ceiling or on balconies. Silverfang watched them intently. Luna chuckled. “Everyone, this is Silverfang.” Silverfang suddenly felt… anxious. She’d never been in this type of situation. It wasn’t long till most of the boys started hollering and cheering. Silverfang blushed. “You finally brought us another girl!” one of them called. Luna rolled her eyes. Two bat ponies on one of the ceiling perches looked down with interest. One of them, one with a mohawk, looked down. “Nice rump! I bet it looks nice when you walk!” Silverfang blushed harder. “Buck you!” The two batponies giggled. Luna chuckled and pat Silverfang on the back. “Boys.” “More like dogs,” Silverfang rebutted. “They’d stick their rods in a wall with a rump attached to it.” Luna couldn’t help but laugh. “Heheh, yeah. You’ll fit in just fine.” Luna turned around. “I have some business to attend to. Will you be okay?” Silverfang nodded. “Yes ma’am. And uh… thank you.” Luna smiled. “Of course.” She turned away, walking towards the door. Silver smiled. She walked towards the garden, watching as the other batponies went back to their dorms. She felt nervous, sitting on one of the swings. She looked back at the dorms. Most of the batponies were hanging from their perches, some staring at her intently. “What have I gotten myself into…” she muttered. ~~~ “Left! Right! Left! Right!” The squad of changelings marched through the cold rain, trying not to fall. A lightning bolt shot across the sky, making most of the changelings jump. Kater felt something scratch her leg. “Argh! Buck!” she slowed down, looking at her leg. But her leg became the least of her problems when she felt a blunt pain strike her back. She yelled out and collapsed, holding back tears. She looked up, noticing Granite holding a baton. “Stand up Kater! We do not show weakness in this army!” Kater growled, her legs trembling. Granite stared at her with disdain. “You don’t deserve to be here.” He turned away and kept running. Baxter and Foresight ran over to her. “Do not help her!” Granite yelled. The two changelings froze, looking at her. She was whimpering, covered in mud and shivering. Baxter looked at Foresight, who returned the glance. “Baxter, go,” Foresight said. “Wait, what?” “Go. I’ll take the punishment.” Baxter blinked. “Are you sure? I mean, you know how Granite is.” “I can handle it. Go.” Baxter hesitated, but nodded. “Alright. See you there.” He ran off. Foresight lifted Kater up, setting her on his back. She groaned slightly. Lyce and another changeling ran over. “What’s going on?” Lyce asked. “Kater is injured. Who’s this?” Foresight nodded to the new changeling. The changeling stepped up. “Private Curvature sir.” “Foresight.” Foresight stood. “We need to get Kater to the Infirm.” Curvature nodded, standing beside Foresight, and thus, making sure Kater wasn’t hanging uncomfortably. Lyce stepped forward, lighting the way with her horn. Kater looked at Foresight. “Hey, Gold Eyes?” Foresight turned his head. “Yeah?” “Why can’t you be our squad leader?” Foresight lowered his head. “If I could, I would…” he muttered. They soon approached the hive, where the rest of the platoon were. Granite looked at them, furious. “I thought I told you not to help her.” “We don’t leave a bug behind,” Lyce said, snarling. Granite growled. “Privates Foresight, Lyce, and Curvature, your free time is revoked. Report to my den at twenty one-hundred. Do I make myself clear?” The three looked at each other, before nodding. “Yes sir…”
MeetingForesight and his squad stood around Kater’s bed. Lyce and Foresight looked at Curvature. He pushed his glasses up slightly. Foresight didn’t noticed it earlier, but Curvature had a brown mane. “You know Curvature, you’re the first changeling I’ve seen with a mane other than Chrysalis.” Curvature chuckled. “I hear that a lot.” Foresight smiled, before looking around. Lyce sighed, looking at one of the doctors with worried eyes. “Will uh… will she be alright?” The doctor nodded. “Mhm. She’ll be fine.” Lyce breathed a bit easier, before looking at the other two. They didn’t need to hear a single word. They were just about to leave when the door opened. They expected Granite, but instead, a greenish grey hoof stepped through. “General Vertex!” Foresight said, surprised. The three changelings threw up a salute as the general stepped through. Vertex, a changeling with a birth defect that left his chitin greenish-grey and gave him red eyes, wings, and carapace, stepped through the door, he’s medals and ribbons on display. He smiled and saluted. “Heheh, at ease, lads.” They eased up. Vertex closed the door, then walked over to Kater’s bed. Lyce smiled. “Well, we should get going sir. Granite’s gonna chew us out.” “Actually, you’ve all been pardoned.” Curvature blinked. “Really? By who?” “By me.” Vertex rubbed a wet towel on Kater’s head. “You three learned the most important lesson about war. Never leave behind someone you can save,” he said confidentially. “After all, it is our motto, right? No Bug Left Behind.” The three nodded. “Heh. You three should head to the messhall.” They nodded and began to leave. “Oh and Foresight? Chrysalis wants you to report to her. Asap.” Foresight froze and nodded. “Y-Yes sir.” With that, the three changelings left, two heading for the messhall, one heading for the throne room. ~~~ Foresight stepped through the double doors of the throne room. Walking in felt like opening his eyes for the first time. It always has been. Stepping into the throne room was practically a blessing. Foresight looked up to see Chrysalis sitting on her throne, reading something off a sheet of paper. He stepped up in front of the throne. “Uh, your majesty?” Chrysalis looked up. “Ah, Foresight! Welcome!” She stood from her throne, walking over. Foresight stepped up, smiling a bit. “You called me here, correct?” Chrysalis nodded. “Oh, right. Come here.” Chrysalis led Foresight over to a table, where a large map sat. The map displayed Equestria, with several changeling figurines and other small items on displaying key points on the map, like fortresses and battalion locations. Foresight looked at it, confused. “What’s all this?” Chrysalis smiled. “It’s a map of Equestria.” She pointed at the grey squares. “This is ours, and the white squares are the ponies.” She sighed, looking at the map. “We’re having a land dispute with the ponies. They’ve built some forts past the border lines…” Foresight looked at the map. True enough, there were some Equestrian forts on the changeling’s side of the borders. Chrysalis looked over to Foresight. “I’m going to Canterlot in a few hours.” He nodded. “He’s ma’am. But, what’d you need me for?” “Well, I might need some extra muscle, so I was wondering if you wanted to come with me and some of the First to offer some protection.” Foresight smiled and nodded. “Y-Yes ma’am!” She chuckled and nodded, then smirked. “Is there anyone you’d like to take with you?” Foresight felt an increase in his heartbeat as she smirked. “Well… my friends could use the extra down time.” Her smirk turned into a sweet smile. “Consider it done.” She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead, before waving him off. He squeaked and blushed, before nodding and trotting out. She chuckled, watching as he left. “The quiet ones are always the cutest.” ~~~ A few hours later… Foresight yawned, his eyes opening. “We there yet?” Lyce chuckled. “Yep. We’re just through the gate.” Foresight looked around the wagon, yawning. Behind their wagon was Chrysalis’ carriage. Vertex was sitting beside her, holding his crossbow. Foresight heard several giggles. “Sighty loves Chryssi~!” Foresight felt his body burn with embarrassment. “C-Can you guys shut up?!” He snapped. The others giggled. Lyce smirked. “Oh come, Foresight. She already kissed you!” Foresight blushed. “She’s kissed all of us at some point. Surprised she didn’t get Chlamydia from Baxter.” “Hey! Buck you!” The group laughed, leaving Baxter to pout. Lyce leaned out, taking pictures. “Poor Kater. She’s missing all the hot guys.” “Yeah, she- wait what?” Curvature looked over. “I mean, yeah. Every stallion here is well bred!” Lyce took another picture, before having to duck, as an apple came flying into the wagon. She squeaked, dropping her camera. However, as she turned, her lips connected with Baxter. Foresight quickly picked the camera up and snapped a picture of the two. They shrieked and lunged at him. ~~~ The wagons finally came to a stop. Chrysalis hopped out of the carriage, walking over to the wagon. She smiled, opening the door, then stared silently. Foresight was in a heap in the corner. Lyce and Baxter were panting, holding a camera, watching as a picture was printed out. Chrysalis took the camera from them, examining it. “No!!” Too late. Chrysalis burst out laughing, before showing the picture to Vertex. To his credit, he tried to stay professional, but he broke as well, laughing. Lyce and Baxter felt their bodies turn red, both from embarrassment and anger. They stepped out, leaving Curvature and Foresight in the wagon. Chrysalis gave Lyce the camera, before letting Curvature out. She then lifted Foresight out and placed him on the ground. It took him a while to stand, but he did eventually. She giggled and walked off. Lyce and Baxter giggled. “See? She’s into you!” Baxter teased. “It’s not like that!” Foresight said. “I’m still unblooded.” “What?” Lyce asked sarcastically. “You mean to tell me she didn’t ride you like a wagon?!” Foresight blushed. “Shut up… I’m unblooded and will stay unblooded.” “That’s what they all say~” Foresight rolled his eyes and followed Chrysalis as she walked towards the castle. ~~~ Silverfang followed Luna as she walked through the hallways. “Where are we going?” Luna looked down. “A meeting. Queen Chrysalis has requested to speak with us.” Silverfang blinked. “Um… why?” Luna sighed, opening the door to the meeting room. “Uh, you see, we accidentally ended up building three forts on her territory.” “Accidentally?” Silver asked, a bit skeptical. “Okay, we deliberately built them.” Luna sighed, turning to the Thestral. “But she doesn’t even use land outside of the hive’s borders. We didn’t think she’d notice a few stretches of barren plains gone!” Silver shrugged. Luna had a point. The two continued walking, stopping at a set of double doors. The two Royal Guards let them in. At the oval table sat Celestia, Chrysalis, and a few changelings. The two sat down looking around. “Well then… let’s begin.”
Fires of InsanityThe group sat at the table, looking at each other. The tension between them created a warm vacuum of air. Foresight tapped his hooves nervously, looking at the ponies. They stayed silent. Celestia cleared her throat. “So.” “Yes, let’s get to business.” Chrysalis leaned forward. “You have built forts on my land. I am here to see if they’ll be removed.” The two alicorns stared at each other. “Well um… you don’t use the lands, Chrysalis,” Luna stated. “We didn’t really see a problem with—” “By your logic, I have every right to build on Forever Fields,” Chrysalis rebutted. “I am simply asking that you remove your fortresses from my borders and that we may live in peace.” The sisters exchanged uneasy glances. “Well?” Chrysalis asked, growing impatient. Celestia spoke up. “We will remove the fortresses as fast as we can.” Luna blinked. “Now hold on-” “Perfect! We shall resume as normal then.” Chrysalis began to get up from her chair. “Wait, Chrysalis!” Luna announced. The Queen looked at her, raising a brow. “Yes?” “May we ask what you’re using the lands for?” she asked. “I mean, if you’re not actually going to build anything… What are you going to use them for?” Chrysalis stared at her, as if silently saying, “you wouldn’t want to know”. But, Luna was persistent. “Tell us, or we won’t remove our fortresses.” Celestia looked over, staring at her sister. “Now, Luna, we must comply with her wishes if we are to stay at peace.” Luna sat back down, staring intently at the changelings. There was no use to arguing. Celestia knew they weren’t ready for war. But Luna was still so curious. What would they use the lands for, if not to build? Chrysalis sat back down. “Well, if you’re curious… I could show you the files…” The sisters looked over. Now, they were both interested. Chrysalis chuckled. “There it is…” She murmured, reaching over to Vertex, who handed her some files. She nodded, taking the files from him, before opening it. She then set it on the table, and slid it over to them. They sisters hesitated, before turning it around. Their eyes widened as they saw the files contents. Inside, there were a few pictures. The first few were of a desolate field, completely devoid of life. The trees had been ripped out and sent what seemed like miles from the stumps, and dead animal skeletons lay in some of the shots. The lakes were completely empty, and fires were burning in the distance. The next few showed a massive crater in the ground, it too seeming to be home to several flames. These were labeled “Impact”. However, the last one was what caught their eyes. A giant cloud in the shape of a crude mushroom. It was big, and seemed to produce a shockwave that ripped the trees out of the ground. They stared at the picture, before sliding the files back to the mad Queen. She stood, tucking the files neatly back into the folder. “So, I’m sure we have an understanding?” Luna looked at her sister, then back to Chrysalis. “May me and my sister discuss this privately?” Chrysalis nodded. “You may.” The two stood, leaning the room. They stepped into a seperate room, a study. Celestia sighed, looking at her sister. But Luna got the first word. “Listen, if we kill her now, we can—” “Luna, no,” Celestia cut her off. “This is not our battle to win.” “But… Sister!” Celestia levitated a book over, handing it to Luna. The younger alicorn examined it. “This is the book on Hearth’s Warming that Star Swirl used to read…” Celestia nodded. “If the three leaders before us didn’t compromise, we may not be here today.” She sat down, looking out of the window, watching the ponies outside. “As much as a threat Chrysalis may be, we must obey to her wishes if we want our style of life to remain the same. Otherwise, it may crumble completely.” Luna opened her mouth to argue, but knew her sister was right. She sighed, nodding. “Yes sister.” Celestia levitated the book back to the shelf, leaving her sister. Luna sighed, before falling behind. ~~~ Outside, the changelings had been sent outside. Foresight sat in the wagon. Baxter climbed in beside him, followed by Curvature and Lyce. Lyce stretched. “Do you think Chrysalis will settle this whole thing?” “More than likely,” Curvature replied, adjusting his glasses. Foresight leaned against the wooden wall of the wagon. They waited for the Queen. Foresight sighed, looking over to Curvature. “Hey, I’m gonna take a nap,” he said, yawning. “Wake me when we’re home.” Curvature nodded. “Alright.” Foresight yawned, falling asleep. ~~~ Foresight awoke to the smell of burning ash and flesh. He was laying on the strangely hot ground of the forests that surrounded the hive, although now, they were barren and burnt. The few trees that stood had no leaves, and there was no foliage to be seen. Although, he himself wouldn’t be able to tell, as his vision was pointed up at the sky. Above, he saw a weird circle formation. Possibly smoke? Foresight tried to move, but couldn’t. His head was able to move however, and he looked down at his body. His body was intact, but it just wouldn’t budge. He felt… tired. Between his legs, he could see remnants of the trees, only now, they were engulfed by small flames. Foresight wished he could move his forehooves, if only to cover his nose as the smell of ash and burning flesh almost made him vomit. He hadn’t even smelt burning flesh. He wasn’t present in the megaspell tests either. However, when he looked to his right, he almost felt his heart fall to his stomach. The hive, the grand tower of the Queen, up in a raging fire. He stared, not being able to react at all. He then heard hoofsteps. “Help me! Help me— augh!” He heard something fall to the ground a few meters to his left. He looked over, noticing a changeling crawling along the ground. Behind them, what appeared to be a pony followed behind. They rolled the changeling over. “No! No—” Foresight watched as the pony’s bolt thrower sent a bolt into the changeling's head. He tried to close his eyes, but couldn’t. The ground beneath him began to tremble. “We got a live one!” “Torch the bugger.” Foresight looked over, just as the flames engulfed him. It was at last, he began to scream and flail as the fire melted away at his chitin. It burned. He began scratching everywhere on his body, trying to put the flames out. “Ahhh! Arghhh!” “Foresight! Wake up!” ~~~ Foresights eyes immediately opened and he panted. He was staring at the wagon's roof. Above him, the others stared in a mix of shock and worry. “Foresight? You okay?” “I… What happened…?” Curvature helped him up. “Well, you were mumbling in your sleep… then you all of a sudden began screaming and thrashing like you were being swarmed by a colony of fire ants.” Foresight panted, standing. “I’m uh… I’m fine… bad dream.” He sat up, rubbing his head. They stared at him, before the wagon came to a stop. “Is everything alright back there?” Vertex called. “Sounded like someone screaming like they were on fire.” “It was me sir!” Foresight replied back. “Had a bad dream!” There was silence. Then Vertex called back, “Alright! We’re almost at the hive, meet me in the nursery after dinner! And bring those military toys you used to play with!” Foresight blinked, but answered. “Uh… Yessir!” The wagon began moving again. Foresight sighed, leaning back against the wooden wagon. He was afraid to close his eyes this time. ~~~ The wagon finally arrived at the Hive, which, to Foresight’s relief, was still intact. Foresight felt the air pass through his lungs safely again. “Alright, everyone out,” Curvature said, hopping out of the wagon, the rest following. Foresight sighed. “I’ll see you idiots later,” he said. “I guess I’m going to see Vertex.” Lyce chuckled. “Good luck.” “Yeah. Real damn encouragin’.” Foresight rolled his eyes and left, heading for his room.
Silent DeclarationVertex watched as Foresight dragged his old toy chest towards the nursery. He chuckled, before hopping off the rock he had been sitting on, trotting over to greet the private. “He there Prive, how’s it going?” “Oh, just swimmingly,” Foresight replied sarcastically. “I’m fine. Just a bit shaken.” He stopped dragging the chest to take a breath. “This thing is heavy… like, really heavy…” Vertex chuckled and flew down, helping Foresight pull the chest along. They soon approached the entrance of the nursery. They tugged the chest in. Foresight looked around. The dark corners of the nursery soon bloomed to life with blue eyes. Vertex chuckled, opening the toy chest. “Nymphs! Private Foresight has come to share his old toys.” The blue eyes soon moved closer, revealing the small nymphs. Some of them had been dressed as Equestrians and Zebras. Vertex chuckled, using his magic to start the plant lamps in the nursery. Under the light, the nymphs became even more visible. They looked up to Foresight, who gave them a smile, before opening the box. Inside, there were small wooden soldiers, soft, foam-like swords, rubber balls, dolls made from rocks, and a mix of other random toys. The nymphs started giggling and whispering amongst each other, before drawing the box away into the darkness. In almost an instant, the box was emptied. Vertex chuckled, turning to Foresight. “As you can see, they’re a hoofful. But it’s nice to watch over nymphs who don’t have families.” “I can tell.” Foresight looked around. “I remember this place. I grew up here till I got that den.” Foresight sighed, before looking over to Vertex. “Hey, sir?” “Hm?” Foresight looked around, before leading the General outside. Foresight leaned against the lean, looking up. “So… you’re five years older than me. Have you ever seen my parents?” Vertex seemed a bit surprised, but sighed. “Well… I’ve seen your mother… Clairvoyance, her name was.” Foresight’s eyes widened. “She was a pretty changeling… you could’a sworn the Queen herself fell hooves over head for her.” Vertex chuckled. “She dabbled in the art of… well, clairvoyance. I guess she was born with it.” “Wait, really?” Foresight looked up. “Yeah…” Vertex looked up, a smile slowly spreading across his face. “Heheh… Granite wanted to hook up with her. Probably why he’s so hard on you.” Foresight frowned, but tilted his head. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to be mad at my father?” “Well, Clair, as we called her, volunteeringly mated with a breeder. And no one really knows who said breeder was.” Vertex sighed. “Clair died while laying you… and since no one knew the father, Granite didn’t really like you.” “Because he blames me?” Vertex nodded. “It would appear so… but Clair was a good ling. She would’ve loved you to death.” Foresight chuckled. “Heh…” Foresight looked around. Suddenly, his eyes widened. “Hey sir?” “Yes, Foresight?” “You said mom had clairvoyance, right?” “Mhm. Why?” Foresight looked down. “That dream I had… it was of the hive burning down… do you think…?” Vertex’s eyes widened as well. “I… I don’t know.” Foresight sighed. “I hope it was just a dream…” “I’m sure it is.” Vertex rubbed his back. “Come on, I could use some help with the nymphs.” Foresight looked up and nodded, before following him back in. ~~~ Luna looked around the fields that the fortresses stood upon. Just across a nearby river, the changeling hive stood high and mighty. Luna felt uneasy, as a good chunk of their defense were these three forts, and there was something about tearing them down that made her nervous. She turned around, looking down at the soldiers who were clearing the fortress of anything that held value. Munitions, medical supplies, injured ponies, weapons, etc.. She sighed, placing a hoof to her chin. There was still something bothering her. But she couldn’t place what it was. “Your majesty!” someone called out, snapping the mare out of her trance. Luna looked down, noticing a Thestral, Vampyre, looking up. “Is everything alright?” She stared for a bit, before shaking her head. “I-I’m fine! Just thinking.” She hopped down, using her wings to slow her descent. The Thestral saluted her, before trotting away. Luna watched as he left, before looking back at the river. “...Hey Vamp!” ~~~ Vampyre, along with two other batponies, Scrapper and Irrate, moved silently through the forest. They had been sent across the river, equipped only with hoofheld bolt-throwers, four bolt magazines for each of them, a few grenades, and a pair of binoculars. Irrate sighed, looking over to Vampyre. “Do you know why Luna is sendin’ us into changeling territory? This seems like a suicide mission.” “Probably because it is…” Scrapper replied, before yelping and flinching. The others looked over. He chuckled nervously, a sheepish smile forming. “Sorry… a thorn pricked me…” Vampyre shrugged, before continuing to walk, the others following behind. “Luna must have her reasons… I doubt she’d send us here for nothing.” Irrate huffed, stopping to survey the area. The jungle was dense, only a few beams of blue moonlight piercing the leafy canopies. It was strangely calming. Irrate chuckled, sitting down on a rock. “And to think I thought this place would be ugly…” Scrapper looked around nervously. “I think we should get out of here… Nothing this beautiful could be unharmful.” “Ah, cut the crap, this place is nice.” “No no, I don’t like this!” Scrapper seemed to start panicking, looking around. With each turn. He seemed to get more and more worried, as if someone or something was watching him. “Scrap…? You good?” Irrate asked, now starting to worry. Scrapper seemed to stop, before letting out a shriek and running away. Vampyre flinched, before trying to give chase. “Scrap, wai—” There was suddenly a snapping noise, instantly followed by the whipping noise of fast moving wires. Before Vampyre could react, an explosion sent him to ground, and Scrapper flying into a nearby bush. Vampyre stared, not needing visual confirmation that Scrapper was gone. His ears rang, and he looked over. Irrate was running towards him, yelling something that Vampyre couldn’t hear. Vampyre groaned, dragging himself towards a tree. His hearing soon returned, just in time to hear, “There they are! Kill them all!” Vampyre turned to see Irrate standing in a bipedal stance, attempting to fire his sidehoof at something. However, he soon jerked as bolts struck him, sending him to the ground. He turned to Vampyre, pulling out a grenade and pulling the pin. “Run! Get the fu—” A lightning strike of bolts struck the injured thestral, causing him to drop the grenade. Vampyre’s eyes widened and he turned to run, galloping away from his attackers. He just ran, avoiding whatever he could. From afar, the sound of an explosion rang out. He ignored it though. He just kept running, praying that he could find a way out of this damned forest— The ground disappeared from beneath his hooves, and he tumbled an incline, landing on a mud patch. He groaned looking around. His head spun. He couldn’t tell where he was, or what was happening. He just rolled over, now facing what appeared to be a shoreline. He chuckled, spitting out blood as he did. He was close. So very close. ~~~ Chrysalis stared at the two thestral corpses. One of them had their forehooves blown off, courtesy of a tripmine. The other was…. Well, barely intact. Chrysalis was hesitant to even approach the body. However, she didn’t need to be told twice that these weren’t just hikers that got lost. Vertex looked at Chrysalis. “What do you think?” He asked. “We have Equestrian blood on our soil… they’ll surely retaliate for this…” Chrysalis wondered for a bit. “Well then… we’ll have to attack first.” She turned towards the door. “I believe this is declaration enough,” she murmured, leaving the morgue. Vertex followed. “Are you sure our soldiers are ready? We haven’t had a war in a good decade. Not any big ones, anyway.” Chrysalis looked around. “Maybe we could use the bombs?” “The Megaspells? Isn’t that a bit… much…?” Chrysalis shrugged, her personality seeming flipping from a rational leader to a somewhat sane madmare. “We might as well test them on live targets. Mobilize the Hornets. Devil Horns cross the river on my command.” Vertex shivered, though not from the cold. Nevertheless, he saluted. “Yes my Queen.” Chrysalis nodded, watching as he left. She sighed, heading towards the throne room. She sensed that tonight could change the world. And not for the better.
