A Changeling's Heart

Chapters

Defeat
Never Been the Same
Canterlot
Avalanche
The Truce
Reunion

Defeat

Everything had started so hazy.

My eyes had trouble opening at first; my lids felt heavy, and my vision blurry. Unfortunately, it led to a minor headache which seems to be distracting me from my surroundings. All I can pinpoint from that moment was the familiar sound of buzzing wings and the warmth of the dry, desert air—which led me to believe that I was back home.

But something had felt different.

Finally, my vision starts to clear, and I took advantage on what was around me. Turns out I was back home to the Changeling Kingdom--- but I wasn’t alone, and we are very much far away from our dens.

Numerous of changelings—practically our entire army—had been woken up as dazed and confused as I am. All around me, each one of us either checked on each other for injuries of some kind or reason and wander around the desert that surrounded our kingdom in a very idly fashion. It doesn’t make any sense. Why were we lodging around the sand like worms when we should’ve been preparing for---

The invasion.

Now I remember.

The plot to kill Nameless. The invasion to overrule Equestria. The whole battle with the Bearers of Harmony and their allies, including that traitorous Discord. And the bright pink flash that sent the entire Changeling Army—myself included—far from the battle.

That would explain the headache I’d experience upon waking up.

But where’s the queen, I pondered confused. She must’ve been blasted away with us but looking through the sandy dunes and the crowd of changelings looking idly lost, she doesn’t seem to be anywhere. To me, it wasn’t a good sign.

“Gypsum!”

I quickly recognized the owner of the voice which has been calling to me. I turn to see Nabis running towards me with worry before kneeling down to my eye level.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. What’s going on?” I asked so that he could filled me in what happened after the magical impact.

He had told exactly as I expected it had happened, but there was one question that wasn’t addressed yet.

But after an unfortunate pause, Nabis can only reply with uncertainty, “We don’t know. But the General sent scout to Equestria to get answers.”

“Have they come back yet?”

Nabis could only shake his head.

Just for a moment after, the changelings started walking away from the area and towards west, in which Nabis was quick to response, “The General’s leading the colony back to Kingdom. We better catch up to them.”

With that, Nabis helped me up from the ground and lean by me closely as I felt my legs barely trying to stand on my own. Nabis had always been gentle and a bit more rational compared to the other changelings in our pack, which made them see him as unusual. As I still think of him as an annoyance, having him assigned to me at the General’s request, I won’t deny that his sensibility is somewhat useful on a few times during the plot to invade Equestria. It even reminded me of the times back when we were younglings, back when I was nothing but a naïve, strong-willed trainee who serve under the Queen when …

When it came to a certain prisoner…

In an instant, I shook that memory away before I can think of the pleasure of reliving it.

It was a long walk before we saw the sharp outlines of the castle in the distance and bit more reaching to the cave that led to the village that lie underneath the presence of the grand yet daunting palace. All of residents, soldiers included, were ordered to stay within the boundaries of the village before the scout will come with news in regards of their queen and the results of their defeat.

Defeat.

I barely hold that word in process as I took everything else in. We had lost a great battle we’d work so hard and carefully to make sure our Queen’s plan would succeed. It was hard for me to take it in as I was a very strong-willed mare and I believe that, given the right opportunity, we would rise up to take advantage of our current situation to become stronger. The Queen is just as determined as well, so I believe all will be well when she arrives back to her throne.

The wait for the news had been longer than the kingdom expected. A month, if I remember correctly.

Within the first week, the yearning hunger within us was hard to tolerate as we didn’t think on how to survive when we are to stay in quarantine. There wasn’t another civilization miles from us and with our recent defeat, it would be unwise trying to eat from them again, lest we want to be captured—or possibly worst. With the General’s warnings, we could send but a few--less than 4--to venture out of the kingdom and bring back enough substance that would satisfy our hunger for only a day or two. What usually came isn’t enough to feast on a whole day, as they had come from animalistic creatures that aren’t as intelligent or emotional as ponies are. But still, we all could save sparingly with what we had, which came with many struggles.

Though it was just for a month, the wait had been internal. It is so that almost all of us were starting to feel either antsy from the confines within our space or idly losing all hope of a future return to the surface. The hunger from the many half-fulfilled meals didn’t really help as well. From the circumstance we stand in now, fear began reaching to our minds, telling us stories of lies and assumptions that would make us think that maybe the scouts are coming, maybe our queen will never return….and we are all left to die. I never cared to such thoughts, but even then, I could still feel its eerie presence lurking around me. Even within my dreams, I could sense it, coming to dimmish me and the hope for a uprising to reclaim our glory once again.

But then it happened.

Within the distance, a fellow village solider had spotted 3 small dots in the sky. Figures of the scouts the General had sent so long ago. The solider was practically in hysterics as he screams and shouts as to announce their arrival. It was as if he had felt our relief and joy at this sight, which made us all really anxious for the news of our Queen.

But that joy diminished as soon as the exhausted scouts land to the ground crestfallen.

The General made his way to the front of crowd, meeting the scouts concerned.

“Well?” The General asked, “What news do you bring?”

Out of the three of them, only one felt obliged to speak, “Equestria has been recovered from our attack. The prisoner, Nameless, had been relieved somehow and news from the ponies say that she will be reunited with her element in due time. Within a year or so.”

The changelings had expressed confusion on what had happened to the pony who they assumed dead, with the exception for Nabis, The General, and myself. We knew from this that the sleeping death spell Chrysalis has placed upon Nameless had been broken, with a true love’s kiss from Discord no doubt. As surprising it was to think he had somehow escaped punishment from the princesses, I was caught myself stupid as I did not believe that she will be awaken--- well, except for Nabis. Oh, that fool must be beaming himself proud by now.

“And… of the Queen?” General probed, anxiously to find some light news in all of this.

A pause along with a pained stammer from the scout made us think of the worse. “It appears that… from the magic of the element had kept our Queen at bay and….”

The other scout behind him reluctantly shows the General and the crowd the broken shambles of stone, which held details of her armored shoes and her crown. I realized then, with great horrors, that my fears that I had pushed aside with ignorance was coming true.

The scout finished, “….Our queen… is dead.”

Author's Note

Soooo.... it's been a minute :D

This was an idea that stuck with me since I finished 'The Element of Kindness' back in 2018-- in which is the Changeling's reaction to their greatest loss and its history of the 'dark magic' Chrysalis revealed from the story. The task itself was tricky as I was trying plan out the story points and the connections between this and original source material (with a few twists of my making), but once I turned this from a narrative standpoint to a perspective piece from a character, it suddenly unloads a lot of easy paths for me to take and I hope I continue this here.

As it is shown here, the rest of the story will be from the point of view of the changeling private, Gypsum who is going to be main focus as she does eventually grow in the story.

And as to clear this out of the way, this DOES NOT connect with my audio drama adaptation. There are a few elements that I've taken liberty to insert it in the scripts, but they do not follow exactly of how the future episodes will present this mid-quel. Speaking of which, you should check out my audio drama if you haven't already

Due to how busy I've been with my audio drama, art and Real life, there is no schdule for me to publish each chapter like I did with EOK, so what you get is what you get. By the time I'm publishing this here, I already wrote a good 4k worth at the beginning of the year and then took a huge break. Enjoy!

Never Been the Same

Things was never the same since that day. In fact, it still exactly where it was.

As anyone could imagine, every changeling was devastated by the loss of our queen and the downfall of our kingdom. Without her giving us an heir to her throne or a permission for someone to rule over us, we were all lost. The General naturally volunteered himself to lead us just like in the beginning, but even he doesn’t have the authoritative, daunting strength that all the Queens in the past were born with. I admire his efforts as I’d always had for his character, but since then hardly anything in our situation was improving.

We had remained hidden in the cavernous village for our safety while the grand castle that casts its shadow over us was left empty and abandoned, as to preserve the memory of our Queen and its greatness. The hunger within us still overrules our willpower, had been tripled in strength considering all the grief and hopelessness we all seem to embody in our daily lives lately. Luckily, The General had announced that the process of collecting love from the outside world would change. Instead of a mere three going off, he would send at least 20 a week and to destinations, some even farther from the country borders. Equestria is of course included, as they are thriving more prosperous which doubles the amount of their love, but we were given strict rules to ensures our safety. First off, we must always stay within a pony disguise and must limit our use of magic so that the ponies won’t feel weak in an instant. But with that rule withstanding, it would mean that our missions would make us stay within the field until the specific quantity of love has been collected and then return to the kingdom. That rule goes for the same for the other kingdoms with different species, though change ‘pony’ to whatever creature they are and wait around 3 months or so.

Well, I couldn’t really say ‘Kingdom’ anymore. I kept on forgetting that what we are living is anything but that.

Anyways, most changelings don’t usually return within a week. Most of our journey now can take up to almost a month. And with the restrictions on those, all the love that we have collected—from countries like Equestria, Griffnstone, Abssysianin, or even the islands across the seas—is hardly enough to satisfy the hunger. Thus, we are always in a state of discomfort and misery.

For me….well I would be lying if I say I was disappointed. I was way beyond that. And why shouldn’t I be? I failed.

I have failed my queen. I have failed on my mission, my pride, my kingdom…. I had failed so hard to a level I never thought I would stoop to. And because of that, I never cared much for anything even more. Not even on love. Perhaps it was better this way since we’re all going to disappear from existence soon enough. Our legacy on fear and conquest would fade into the new centuries, all because of the ponies and their cursed magic jewels that would forever uphold this world.

Most changelings like me all kept themselves away others now. But Nabis had always stood my me since the start. And it was annoying how persistent his kindness has been. Once he noticed that I wasn’t taking care of myself the way I used to, he insisted on moving out of the military quarters and into a new hut within the village. Though I would think moving wouldn’t be our top priority, it was rather nice to have some space away from others, especially since our quarters tends to be overcrowded with fellow changelings in our rankings. Nabis has taken upon himself to be responsible over me like some lost larvae—making sure I was feed, active and still alive. As much as the thought degrades me, I did not care much to go against it. Nabis turned out to be a good company when he wasn’t talking and he is a pretty decent caretaker, despite the fact that all his efforts towards me are going to be ineffective. Still he would never think about abandoning me—he is too soft for that.

He cared enough to give me space whatever I needed to, brought me books from his previous missions to accompany me and try to lift up my spirits sometimes. Even at times where my thoughts had been somewhere dark, he would bring me back by shedding some light-hearted drivel that his sensitive mind can write up. There was always an occasion ‘Things will get better’ or ‘Take one step at a time’ or my favorite, ‘Look at the bright side’. But I remember a few times where he took a different approach.

The other night, I just walked inside the hut from a meeting with the General and several other village soldiers. As it was late, Nabis saw how tired I was and offered me a cup of warm milk he had made. Changelings don’t usually indulge in food as it would leave a bitter aftertaste that would make us sick. But Nabis found earlier that most food don’t cause it as he experienced way before the downfall. So, when he came home from his first mission, a pony he came to know gave him a bottle of milk, bread and cheese for the trip home and he thought about sharing them with me. I’ll give it that, it was mostly useful as it gave us substance from our hunger, though I warned myself not to make it a habit in case other changelings had heard about it. But I do enjoy the warm milk that he steamed for me—it would soothe my thoughts and calm my senses after a tiring day.

Nabis, unfortunately, sensed my gloom expression, “I thought you liked steamed milk?”

“No, I do, Really,” I calmy reassured him.

“So what’s wrong?”

“I’m set to go to Equestria tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? But you just got back.”

“Apparently, Xenus’ trip to the dragonland was more challenging than we thought that it send him back to another month or so. And Millis was able to find the hidden kingdom of Kirins before she realized that they can’t talk while they avoided her. Someone has to take double shift for their mistakes.”

Nabis took a pause, “Where is it in?”

“Canterlot.”

“Canterlot?! That close to the princesses?!”

“It made sense. Right now, those ponies are thrilled about the upcoming event.”

“What event?”

I sigh, as I was about to open a hard wound, “Turns out Nameless and Discord are going to be married soon.”

With all the solidarity living we’ve been doing; it was hard to believe that it has been exactly a year and nine months years since the battle for Equestria happened. We all heard about Nameless’ Coronation that reunited her to her element, but I didn’t hear anything about her impending marriage until that meeting brought it up.

Nabis however took it as happy news, “That’s great. And the General wanted to use the ponies’ anticipation to drain their love?”

I nodded as he was correct, but that was the least of my concerns. “Yes, but Magna was actually the one who suggested I go.”

Nabis finally took the hint with a pause, “You’re not planning to hurt Fluttershy again, are you?”

“I promised I won’t. The General thought of that possibility as well.”

Nabis sits down beside me on the table, trying make himself heard.

“It’s been over a year since we lost. When are you going to let this grudge go?”

“It’s more than that, Nabis. It’s our purpose.”

“A purpose is meaningless when it has no value to it. Gypsum, I am sad about all this just much as you are. But there’s nothing we could do to change that. You need to let this go before you make any damage to yourself.”

I had heard this kind of talk before so many times and from so many changelings. So far I’m just sick of it and the fact that Nabis would be the one to initiate that.

I scoffed, “I said I’m not going to hurt Nameless, so there’s no telling me otherwise. Besides, it’s all past and done now, nobody going to remember it.”

“This isn’t about the kingdom, is it?”

My eyes flinch for a moment, “What exactly gave you the idea that it isn’t?”

“You seem upset when you heard about Fluttershy.”

“Maybe it’s because I wasn’t the one who finished her and made sure she stays dead.”

Nabis took a bold, foolish move to what he says next, “Maybe it’s because you’re upset that she has a happier life than you.”

My focus snapped at this direction, fury building up inside of me, while he stood his ground with composure.

“And you wish you would’ve known about it sooner.”

“Why would I ever want to hear such news about her?!”

“Maybe you still care.”

I froze within an instant. Of all nonsense that I could’ve heard through this entire ordeal, this was something I didn’t need to hear. Of course Nabis would know about my association with Nameless back when we were all foals, but he doesn’t have the right to call out such memories to me! Not when he has no idea what I went through from the time since I ended that silly acquaintance with that small, weak, little….. nobody.

Quickly I regained my consciousness and stood up before him in defiance, making myself look threatening as possible to give the hint that he has crossed a line.

“You, of all changelings, don’t get to talk things like that around me. What was then is the past, and I don’t want to hear any more about her again. Understand?”

Nabis sighs, “I’m sorry. I didn’t think—”

“I’m tired right now. I’m heading to bed.” I slowly trot away from Nabis to put away my cup that had grown cold and to the small room I’ve build for myself on the second floor. But just as I was about to open my wings to fly up, Nabis had the mind to speak again.

“I do believe that I said is true. But just in case…. I’ll always be here if you would like to talk.”

Once again my body froze, and I felt a strange feeling stirring inside. At first it was like a quick flash of heartbreak that instantly follow with melancholy, then nostalgic. And then….warmth. I was most surprise by this reaction, I’d never felt like this before. The warmth usually comes for most changelings when we would feed from our victims, that familiar sense of warmth and joy that would come from its emotions for that specific pony or creature that they’d cared for.

But this was different… I was neither feeding or near a complete stranger related to an enemy. This was coming from someone I’d known my whole life, who had shown me sympathy in a time when I didn’t need it. And still acted upon that to help me. And I wasn’t making an effort of draining him of this emotion.

Could it be from me? From what source?

I shook the thought away, but I still kept silent as I finally up with the space and into my own cot. I didn’t want to think about the small warmth coming from my cheeks.

Canterlot

Those month-long missions outside of the cave proved to be a modest distraction for me. It gave me enough things to focus on other than the depressing memories of home and its slow decline to nothingness. And pretending to be someone to drain love from those around you is the closest thing to normalcy a changeling like me can get in these hard times.

Though, ever since the downfall, as I travel alone for these missions, my mind began to wonder freely on… other things. A lot that had nothing to do with my culture or my mission. A certain… fantasy, if I can call it, that I play over in my head. Reason why, I have no idea—either I was bored, or my mind has really turned into mush.

This fantasy came back into mind once again as I arrived to Canterlot.

I had already changed to my pony disguise before I could even walk a hill from the entrance. It was a simple design of my making—dark lavender coat, curly dusty rose mane, emerald-green eyes and a unicorn horn for practicality if I ever need to use my magic for a distraction or escape. And to complete the façade, I quickly conjured an illusion spell to have a fake cutie mark appear on my flank—a green shield that seems to glimmer in some sort of artificial, non-existent light. This disguise has always been useful to me, as to far as I know, no pony knew someone that had looked like this. Some ponies approach me but that’s usually based on a one-sided conversation or attraction towards me. They would hardly remember me in the future, so I see no reason to change this disguise.

I make my usual business as I casually walked into town with a small pair of saddlebags on my back (they are normally packed with equestrian currency for necessities). I slowly surveillance my surroundings and its civilians. Right on the spot, I can certainly feel the ponies’ anticipation and excitement in the air. Through the sounds of the city, among the ponies’ usual chatter, I can hear them speculating about the wedding coming and their expectations on how the wedding would precede in a few weeks. I would have considered this useful information for the feeding, it is rather annoying how frequent I would come across a individual groups of them reciting the exact same sentence, almost to word! It’s as if they don’t have anything else to gap about.

It took a good chunk of time before I found exactly where I needed to go. In the far corners of town, a dark and seedy street with apartment complexes and small shops owned by middle-classed/poor ponies, lies an old-fashioned motel that I and the past changelings seek refuge for their missions. It’s not that nice compared to the other motels in the cities, as it was shabby on the outside and the inside. But it was affordable and have fewer ponies that roam inside it.

As I trot to the door, I was greeted casually with a nod from the owner, a large yet surly pony with a facial shadow and a greasy apron. I caught a green glimmer in his brown eyes confirming that the memory spell we’ve casted before still has its hold on him. Usually, the spell is temporary and alters its memory of us, but so far from what I heard from the others, it hasn’t faded yet. My guess is that he must’ve been older and messy enough that his brain got infected by some illness and it tempered with his memory.

Without even saying a word, he searched within his desk and brings out a room key for me to take. I took it and walked slowly to the sturdy yet noisy stairs. For a moment, I’ve wondered how the spell will last him or if his condition will grow worse because of it. But before I could think of it further, I avert my attention into finding my room.

Just because you’re disguising as a pony doesn’t think you have to think like them!, I scolded myself in thought.

I finally reach to my room on the top floor and open the door. While the room itself is as shabby at its building, it was still sufficient as long it has a bed, a washroom and privacy. I placed my saddlebags down by the side of the bed and sat on the bed, resting from the long travel from home. So long, in fact, that the sun had just begun setting down the horizon. As much as I would like to start my harvest during the dark, I am better getting some rest before starting onto business. The bed was close to the window, so the view that I was given seem to oversee all of Canterlot other than the palace hanging above us aside a cliff. I have to admit, the view is nice—even peaceful.

I sat up from the bed as I move towards the window and just… look. Look at anything that comes to my attention. The sun setting, the ponies that roam in the street—some reaching to their homes inside, retiring for the day and preparing what’s to come.

At the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a small family coming to the street. It was a single mother, a unicorn mare using her magic to carry a bag of groceries, guiding their two small fillies to a building I assumed was their home. I couldn’t help overhearing them.

“Hurry up now,” The mother spoke out, “We’re almost there.”

“And then we can eat,” One of the fillies asked excitedly.

The mother giggled in response, “Yes, then we’ll eat.”

A cry from the background caught the attention of the filly, who just turn behind to see her sister had tripped and hurt her knee. As if out of instinct, the filly rushed to her sister’s side. The mother stops in her tracks to overlook her daughters.

“You alright, Windy?” the filly asked.

The little sister nodded, as she sat on the streets, checking on her knees. There seem to be bandages around the filly’s appendages, some of them hanging loosely on her coat. There was also a pair of… shoes with skates on them? I have no idea what purpose is serve with a strange pair of shoes like that, but I didn’t care much of pony society to question it.

“Looks like you need new bandages,” the filly chuckled, “those ones aren’t so good anymore.”

The little one nod once again but seem despondent. Her sister knew the answer right away.

“You’re not still upset on what happened at practice, aren’t you?”

The little one finally spoke out, with disappointment in her voice, “I just wish I could’ve made that finish line quicker.”

“Hey, cheer up. Everypony makes mistakes. I even saw Stormy falling on his face several times—”

“That wouldn’t matter!” the little one yelled, coming frustration with a few tears falling her eyes, “What if that happened during a tournament? In front of everypony? I would make a fool out of myself and…. And let my team down.”

The little one sniffed, trying to best to not cry again. And then her sister rubs her arms in comfort.

“I know it seem hard for you, but it will get better. With enough practices, you will know better than not to fall on your face. And even if that happens, just shake it off! You’ll learn from that,” The big sister encouraged, “You got to trust me on this. You’re a tough pony—and soon, in the future, you will be the top champion of Roller Derby!”

The little sister giggled, “Don’t be ridiculous, Cinnamon! I can’t compete with the top best!”

“Not while I’m around,” the older sister smirks, making the two of them laugh from their fantasy.

“Girls, are you coming?” Their mother calls out for them.

The older sister helped her sister on her hooves before responding back, “Alright, mom! We’re coming!”

And with that, the two fillies gallop to their mother. Then I watched them walking down the street, their silhouettes growing smaller by the distance. It only took a moment for me to chuckle at that display.

As entertaining as those pairs are, I inaudibly scoffed at their fantasy. That small filly—becoming the very best at their feeble sport? I even doubted this filly could complete the training back at the changeling kingdom if given the chance.

But then something stood out in the back of my mind—I was like her.

I remember the times where I admired the army from afar as a young foal. When I was given permission to join, I worked so hard and ruthlessly to climb my way to become a good soldier—serving my queen and my kingdom. But it wasn’t always so easy. I still remember all the taunts and ridicules I suffered through. All the fights I’d initiated to defend my self-worth and my honor.

And I knew all the while who was keeping me back--- Nameless.

The brat that I was assigned to guard and watch over her ever since she was brought to the kingdom. It had to be the only explanation for all of my trials. After all, she always watches the training from the sidelines and kept cheering me on—which would always distract me and making me a fool. She was always the subject for those other trainees’ torment over her, leading to all my fights to protect her. She would always get me into trouble.

But then…..ever since I’ve stopped guarding for her after the…. Incident—I’ve improved. I just I would have to thank for queen for helping me set my head straight to the right direction. Even if that would lead me along with the rest of my clan to the lowest we’ve ever felt.

I left Nameless behind. I’d tried to leave all of that behind me—I was even assigned to kill her! And yet, even when I’m far away, she would still come back to haunt me. Nothing good ever comes from her!

But then…. Why do I feel so…. Guilty? Like I… missed her?

Before I could think further, my head suddenly hurts. Then, I could hear this faint voice inside my thought… a voice instantly familiar.

As long as we exist, the ponies will not rest until we are wiped from Equestria. Unless we do something about it. If you, as well as the rest of the clan, listen only to me and follow my commandments, I will guarantee you—Equestria will be ours for the taking.

As when the voice faded, the headaches was gone along with the complex emotions I had moment before. But I could only focus on this one fact that had me confused.

My Queen?! That was her voice. But… how?

Author's Note

I am still in the progress of writing the next section so this is so far I wrote now. But I still plan to continue this on my own pace.

Avalanche

My head was so wrapped up from last night that I never had a chance to get enough sleep. Nevertheless, a new day arrived, and I must be set for my mission.

At the crack of dawn, I already left the motel and roamed around the streets to search for any signs of love or any soul that I can trick into giving it to me. Unfortunately, my focus had been distracted and I kept thinking back to that voice.

That voice in my head… My queen.

It wasn’t something that was recurred in a memory, or anything related to that. It was involuntary—it felt I was being forced to stop and listen. Almost like a spell. But I don’t remember a time where I was placed a curse, any that I was aware of. Somehow a piece of her had lodged its way to me. Was this a sign? Is this an omen? Or is insanity finally coming up to me, to bring my end?

Before I could think any further, I bumped into a pony that I failed to see was walking in front of me. I caught both of us by surprise and left me embarrassed.

“Hey, watch where you’re going,” a masculine voice called out, from the pony I bumped into. I took notice of the stallion—he was a very thin yet lanky pegasus with teal green coat and a blonde, messy mane wrapped into a top bun. He dusted himself off before picking up a long scroll he seemed to drop.

“My apologizes, sir,” I quickly excused myself, “I didn’t see you and I’m not at my best right now.”

I swear, as soon as I opened my mouth and he finally took a good look at me, his whole attitude change.

“Oh, no- pardon me, miss”, he replied in a smooth tone, “I was too distracted to notice you gracing in my way and giving you a bad impression.”

He leans towards me with a smirk and a suggestive look. Already I can sense what he felt towards me. It had the same waves as love, but it leaves a vile and bitter taste—what he was feeling was lust. Like love, it feels great, but without genuine meaning behind it, it leaves us almost nothing to drain in. Most changelings would usually welcome it for the pleasure it gives, but the notion makes me sick to my stomach.

it was clear now, with this stallion leaning closer to me, that this morning is going to be grueling.

I try my best to brush him off as bluntly as I can, “Oh, no need, sir. You gave me plenty of an impression.”

But before I can walk past him, he quickly blocked me.

“Oh, you wound me,” he stated dramatically, “Surely there must be some way that I can repay you. You know, I am currently residing in the palace temporarily—”

“Don’t care.” Once again, I slip past him before he starts following me.

“Oh, you are persistent—I like that.”

I rolled my eyes in disgust and stop him at the spot before he can resume driveling.

“Look, mister. I have things to do—much more important things to focus on than to hear you drooling and groveling over me. So I must ask you to back off before I do something much worse to you.”

“ZEPHYR BREEZE!”

Both the stallion and me were caught surprised as a blue, rainbow maned pegasus mare coming in our way. I instantly recognized her as one of the current bearers that fought in the battle for the element. It was then I noticed that the stallion grew nervous as I was as the mare trotted closer to him irritated.

“There you are!” the rainbow-maned mare exclaimed, “you really think you would escape my sight for a second?”

“Whoa, Rainbows- it’s not what you think,” the stallion turn his smooth, laid-back tone onto the mare. “I was just looking for the quickest route we need to go.”

The mare only gave him a deadpanned look, “Uh-huh, sure. If that’s the case, then why did I see you creeping up on this mare?” She pointed towards me.

“We were just getting acquitted,” he puts his arm around me and glanced at me with a wink, “Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”

Resisting a bile building up my throat, the only response I care to give him was using my magic to grab his ear and forcefully drag him away from my body. I was satisfied to hear a muffled cry of pain from the stallion.

As soon as I let him go, he quickly recovered and his smug smile returns, “Ya see?”

The mare only groaned at his response, giving me a feeling that she hated his guts as much as I do. And then she shifted her focus towards me. “Whatever Zephyr has done to you, I’m really sorry.”

As nervous as I was with a great, specific enemy whom I fought before, I can’t let her see my fear—not unless I want to blow my cover and risk capture. I quickly gulped a large bump into my throat, before I could talk, “No, it’s alright. That ear-tugging actually made me feel better.”

For a moment after, I saw that my comment made the pegasus smirk.

“Heh, I like you. You’re not afraid to defend yourself from creeps like him.” She pointed to the stallion to prove her point.

The stallion called out, “In my defense—she bumped into me first!”

“Just go and follow the list we gave you before I sent another lightning cloud after you!”

Finally taking a hint, he shifted his direction to the road with a scroll in his hoof and began trotting down the path. We both chuckled at the satisfaction of his defeat.

“Well, I better go babysit him some more,” the mare started following after him before she turned to hoofbump me on the side, “You take care of yourself, alright?”

I stood there, motionless, as I saw the two ponies walk further into the distance. It was only then I started to feel…. Good. Which was odd. I wasn’t draining anything, and I didn’t sense any love to steal there. Unless it was that touch the mare gave me. Once I concluded this to be a sufficient supplement for my mission, I shrug it off.

But... I dare to admit… it was also odd to be in face with an enemy and all they did was treating me like I was one of their kind—with friendship and goodwill. It was sense because I was disguised as one, but not even the changelings—with the exception of Nabis—had ever experienced this.

Back home, it was always everyone for themselves—we salvage what we take, and we hold ourselves in pride, not allowing any weaknesses to uphold us. The only thing we had ever had in common is that we exist for our queen and our hunger. We had given everything we had for her, so that we help her rise for power and her goals to conquer Equestria. But once that is over, we hold no more purpose than to survive.

Every changeling had followed this life, even back to the changeling war where our past queens would sacrifice everything and everyone just to win over the ponies and their land. That cycle had always continued with each generation.

Still… it doesn’t seem to be the life that the ponies had live in. No feuds, no schemes and practically no resentment towards each other. There might be a few disagreements—a few questionable ones like this Zephyr there--but it’s nothing more than a slight annoyance. Maybe it was through my time hiding amidst the enemy that the experiences has already messed up my sanity. But for some reason, it reminded me of Nameless. Not as a nuance for the changelings to bear. But as someone I knew…. Like an old friend.

Without a warning, my head buzzed with a ache. It was the exactly feeling I’ve felt the night before, but this has grown with intensity. It was like it was punishing me for thinking such things. And once again, I hear the Queen’s voice:

The pain is so great that I kneel to the ground, my whole body suddenly not willing to stand anymore.

“Are you okay?”

Through my blurry sight, I can see that the rainbow mare had return back to me, this time with worry etched on her expression, along with her male companion.

“You don’t look so good. What did you do to her, Zephyr?!”

‘N-Nothing—I swear!” He raises his hoof, afraid of this mare’s rage.

My head continued pounding as I try my best to brush off the mare’s concerns, “I-I’m okay. I—”

BOOOOM

I didn’t time to finish as a loud, sonic boom echoed through the air that than transitioned to a violent tremor underground. But as soon as it happened, it stops right after, leaving me, the rainbow mare and the surrounding ponies near us confused.

“Uhhhh….. what was that?” Zephyr asked rather anxiously.

Neither one of us had a time to response as another booming sound echoed once again, though this time from high behind us. Soon everypony realized with horror that the top of the mountains had exploded, and the remains are rolling down to an avalanche.

The screams of the ponies started to mix with the looming sound of rolling rocks. Not within a moment, there was already panic throughout the streets. The rainbow mare jumped into action as she grabbed the arm of her male companion.

“Come on, we need to get back to the castle!” she turned to me before she can unfold her wings, “You need to get somewhere safe and stay there until further notice! Come on, Zeph!”

“Quit pushing, I’m coming!” he shrieked, following the mare cowardly at her tail.

My instinct pushed me into listening to the bearer, even if this isn’t the most ideal situation to comply for the enemy. Otherwise, I would be dead. I quickly bring myself to my feet before I start running—didn’t care where though as I was trying to emerge myself with the panicked crowd.

What was once a quiet, peaceful morning had been turned into chaos within a second. My senses can immediately taste their fear and anxiety every second they ran aimlessly throughout the city. Not only that, but the small boulders that was able to roll through the building first had created a dire threat among them as it endangers the citizens either with the rocks or with building piece falling to the street. It was only a matter of time before the massive pieces that was imbedded in the mountain base can crash its way to here.

At the corner of my eye, I then noticed a few streams of light and two winged figures flying among the rocks and holding them back. I recognized them being the rainbow mare from before and the alicorn princess Twilight Sparkle. It seems that the bearers finally came out to take care of the situation.

I instantly froze when I hear only one voice within the crowd—hers.

I stop on my track and quickly instinctively to pinpoint where it was coming from. I was finally able to see her long pink mane within the crowd. She seems to be on crowd control, guiding and urging the troubled crowd, young and old, to where they can hide in safety. It has been a while since I last saw her—back when I was determined to kill her while Ponyville was still busy handling their random encounter with some magical vines.

I am not entirely sure what caused me to freeze over her. Maybe it was because I wasn’t expecting her to be here in all places with her own kind. Maybe it was my soldier instinct to finish what I started and kill her on the spot here. The latter seems to be really tempting, but I don’t think that was why. Something was missing…. Almost like I missed her?

The Queen’s voice then came back to me, the headache shaking me violently than before. My helpless cry must’ve alerted the pink and yellow mare as through my blurred vision she is now rushing towards me.

“Miss! Are you hurt? Do you need help?” The same bell-like voice of Nameless entered my ears more clearly than the screams that filled the air. I almost flinched looking back at those teal eyes, but something huge entered my sight. A large boulder must’ve jumped away from the stampeding pile as it comes crashing from the sky like a comet.

“Look out!” I push the pegasus out of the way as the ponies who noticed the boulder coming scrambled way from its impeding impact. But an magical glow encase the boulder before it can fit the street and a few ponies who didn’t move quickly enough. It hovered for a second until a flash of light transforms it into bubbles. An act from Discord, no doubt.

I must admit though, upon seeing Discord in the sky like that—it made me think back of how he threatened to kill me with the rage on his face and the strong grip against my neck. It was lucky that Nabis acted quickly to save me. Though I know that, once that monster recognizes me, nothing can save me now.

Then I realized that Nameless is right next to me—along with the fact I just saved her from that boulder. Once I saw Discord’s shadowy figure coming near us, I push myself away from her and ran away into the crowd.

I can hear Nameless’ voice calling for me before the draconeqqus’ voice joined into her.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, that mare pushed me out of the way!”

I tried pinning my ears shot as I focus making my way to the edge of the city’s cliff. That area must be deserted from all the panic—I can easily make my escape while the citizens and the bearers are distracted. I just need to enter through that alley and--!

“LOOK OUT!”

That rainbow mare’s voice called to me as I turned to see a huge shadow looming over me. I was too slow to see another flying boulder falling towards me. The actual mare stood in front of me as she zooms into the boulder, shattering it to pieces upon impact.

THUD

Everything went dark without a warning as a large piece from the boulder hit me in the head, the force of it causing me to collapse. The avalanche must’ve come to a stop as soon as I regain consciousness.

But I wasn’t at the same place as I was before.

Then I realize with horror that my disguise was gone, and I am now in some dungeons. I must’ve lost focus on my spell once I fell.

Well, damn. I’m done for.

The Truce

After that lovely reunion, nothing much happen here.

Being stuck within a cell doesn’t give someone much room or choices to do anything. A testimony I had learned for being Nameless’ guard keeper from her old prison back at the kingdom. Thinking to it and my situation now, it is very hard to think this is not a coincidence that this happened to me.

The small, barred window near the ceiling is the only view I have of the outside world, though it may be difficult to see through it clearly due to its narrow structure. Still, I would hover for a moment to see how the ponies are dealing with their “losses”.

From my first day here, everything seems where I was left off last time. Guards and civilians working together to pick up the pieces and fix whatever was left from that avalanche. Building inspection, checking for injuries, damage cleanup, etcetera, etcetera. I would often catch a small glimpse of the purple alicorn flying up the sky with a purple and green baby dragon riding on her back.

The second and third day is about the same. Though, there was an occasional emergency that the guards will rush across the fields. I couldn’t imagine what it could be, but I didn’t mind it too much. It could probably be a helpless filly trapped underneath a crushed building or a weak animal stuck in a tree. That’s what most ponies are concerned about, right?

The fourth day, however, seem more alerting. The guards who would rush in and out from the field become more wary in a rather unexpected pace—it was as if something dire has become of the town square. I could squinch my eyes to see the purple princess expressed in stress and terror.

The next few days become crazy as almost every second on the field, pony civilians had been brought forth to the palace in an alarming size. Everywhere I could see, the guards were having difficulty navigating where to put the ponies, whether it be on the same area to wait or to be escorted inside. From only seeing on the ground and partly sky level, it was hard to see how the ponies be in so much trouble.

But from pushing my face near the bars, I could see the ponies are only being carried by stretcher with one end held by nurses. One of the stretchers was put down near the little window, as well as the others that were ordered to stay within the field until instructed otherwise. I gasp at the sight before me.

The ponies’ skin are not only dull, but were covered by a long series of green, glowing lines that grow within their skins with their hooves turning black as ash. Their eyes seem to have the same effects that the veins also glowed green. The pony within my view can only lie there, staring into nothing as if it had always been lifeless. No pony is any different. The size of the group continues to increase by the hour. This has cause me alarm.

What is going on?

I heard some voices coming near my little window outside. Judging from their hooves, I instantly recognized these voices as one of the palace guards.

“This is crazy. Almost half of the city is turning up here!”

“Yeah, can’t believe we have to bring them here after the hospital’s all full.”

“I wonder what is going on here.”

“Well… I may have a theory.”

“What?”

A pause came between them before they start with a whisper. They probably looked around to see no one is eavesdropping on them.

“I bet it was that changeling the Bearers exposed back at the East side of the city.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Well, you know Princess Twilight has been investigating the mountain site and discovered dark magic. Maybe that explosion was a distraction for the changelings to sneak into the city. They might be snatching the ponies’ love right from under our noses!”

I scoffed at this stallion’s ridiculous and incredibly biased judgement. If the changeling were planning to attack, we would’ve done something more strategized than that—not to mention not too bloody (Many will get caught in the crossfire if we plan to transport our soldiers and drones into the city areas where they can get crushed). Plus, if they hadn’t noticed, the side effects when draining of a pony’s emotions is usual on the psychological terms as it weakens them of their magic and their free will.

The foolish stallion and his companion continued.

“Yeah, but their magic usually drains ours with the love we have. I’ve never seen any changeling doing this to them.”

“I wouldn’t be so hesitant. King Sombra was connected to dark magic and look how that turned out for him—enslaving the crystal ponies and turning into some shadow demon!”

“Umbrums,” the second stallion corrected, getting very annoyed with his companion’s allegations, “Sombra is part umbrum. The Bearers found this when they saved the crystal empire.”

“Whatever! The point is that changeling is here for a reason. And I think it’s high time that the princesses do something about her before it affects any more ponies!”

My body grew frozen for a moment. As I didn’t give a crap of my life before, this gave me more reason to think otherwise. It’s one thing to have me as a prisoner within a foreign country—but to be one now accused of a crime I or any from my kingdom never commit….

Even if the ponies truly listened to me or the kingdom for once, they would never show us mercy.

The stallions spoke up again.

“Uh-oh, looks like another dispatch is coming with the patients. But you,” he points to his delusional friend, “better keep your crazy theories to yourself! We don’t want to cause even more panic.”

“Fine,” he sighs begrudgingly, “but don’t cry to me when you find that I was right!”

The stallions trotted away from my little window, leaving me with the feeling of dread and uncertainty—the kind I’ve never felt since our kingdom’s downfall.

I didn’t have much time to think over my thoughts as the sound of the entrance to the dungeons echoed through the hallway, along with the hoof steps of several ponies.

The usual two guards took pose on both sides of the cell, as my visitors came to view. To my surprise, it was both Nameless, the Princess Twilight and the Lord of Chaos, Discord. Nameless could give me soft, uncertain glance as Twilight and Discord gave me hard stares. I also noticed for a moment that Nameless stood very close to Discord, as if he was providing her protection from me.

Twilight took a step towards the bars of my cell with the regal grace the Equestrian princess usually shows, “Your name is Gypsum, isn’t it?”

I was hesitant to respond to that question, even with such a feared royal in front of me, but with one pitiful glance from Nameless, I yielded, “it is?”

“Fluttershy has been telling me about you. And if you don’t mind, though unorthodox as this for now, we need to talk.”

“You mean like an interrogation?”

Twilight sighed as I immediately sense the guilt the princess has. Can’t hardly blame her as I imagine this being a difficult situation for her. Would’ve felt bad for her if I knew already that she is going to accuse me anyway.

“I’m afraid so. But I can assure you that you are in no less danger here.”

“Not until you give us reason to.” Discord bluntly stated.

I bitterly scoffed at the draconeqqus, “I’m surprised you remembered me.”

“How could I forget the bug that ambushed and tried to kill my Fluttershy?” his eyes glowed brighter with such intensity.

Nameless touches his shoulder, and the tension from the creature’s body seem to lessen.

“Calm down, Discord,” she gently tells him before she turns her attention to me, “We just need to ask you questions.”

“Is this about the ponies outside?”

The princess’s eyes glanced upward, noticeably behind my back, “You saw that, didn’t you?”

I nodded, “I also heard the guards talking about me…. And dark magic. Is that true?”

It took the princess a moment before she could explain, “There is an epidemic of ponies falling ill with sign of dark magic… consuming them. In my research so far now, there is no direct cause to it. But—”

“You’re asking if I am causing it?”

“Ahh,” the draconeqqus scoffed, “So you’re admitting this now?”

“Discord!” Nameless shamed her fiancée, “She hasn’t admitted anything yet. Gypsum?”

I sighed, “I told you before, Nameless—and I’m going to say it again,” I turn my attention to the princess, “I did not cause that avalanche. And as for the ponies’ ailments, I did not cause that either. I was only on a field mission to harvest love for the kingdom when it happened.”

“I appreciate your honesty,” the princess assured me, even if I am less than assured with their situation. “But what about the dark magic? Is there any way to help them now?”

“I… don’t know a lot about dark magic. I’ve hardly known about its existence until recently when…”

“When?” Twilight asked curiously.

I hesitated for a moment. I shouldn’t reveal such secrets about my kingdom as I fear the princess would use this to bring us to an end. But seeing no other option that would guarantee me safety, I am just standing on thin ice.

With a growling sigh, “I can’t believe I’m sharing this…. The night before the invasion—when Nabis and I discovered Nameless in Ponyville—”

“Her name is Fluttershy,” Discord blurted in defense.

“Discord—” Nameless tried to calm him before I glowered to his direction, “You call her your way—I call her mine.”

“Anyway,” I tried to continue, “When we told our queen about Nameless, she brings us and the general to a secret room in the palace—behind the hallways to our dungeons. It was full of potions and books of Dark magic—something she told that something the past queens had pasted down to her. She also told us… that we were born from dark magic.”

The visitors widen their eyes and stand back in shock. Even the guards let out a small gasp. Twilight stood there motionlessly before she leans towards the bars.

“You mean to tell me that changelings are not only know dark magic for generations, but that you were BORN from it?!” The princess gasped with excitement. It wasn’t something I wasn’t expecting to see a princess like her be gleeful to this news, like it was some unknown land waiting to be discovered. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm she showed was making me uncomfortable.

“Uhhh… yes?”

“I can’t believe this,” the princess exhaled from exhilaration, finally giving me space away from here and then started pacing around in a small space. “This is just like when we found out Sombra was part umbrum! This opens more question about the dark magic and how it functions in Equestria! And you’ve only known this recently?”

I nodded, “Our queen never told us why we became this way. Only that the first clan have discovered it in the beginning of time and that we were… evolved. The past queen had only kept centuries worth of the books and studies when the princesses stopped King Sombra on his first rule over the Crystal Empire.”

Nameless spoke out, “And you never tried asking her why?”

I glanced down in shame, “She said it was best to forget it.” I paused before I spoke out, “I may not know how we are involved with it, but I can safely say that I’m not so sure if the ponies can be saved from it. I’m sorry for your situation, Princess, but I’m afraid there’s nothing you can do to change what’s happened.”

The princess seems to be out of space for a while until I can see a small glimpse of light coming through her eyes. She quickly turned to me, her eyes bright and eager, “You say that room contains books and studies worth centuries of dark magic?”

I paused confused, why does she need to know that? Nevertheless, I answered, “Yes?”

The princess then asked me, “And you still remember where that room is?”

“I… guess?”

The princess' smile grin grew with such a newfound interest. I don’t like where this is going.

“Twilight?” Nameless thankfully shares my thoughts, “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking we should go on a road trip.”

I jumped at this, and so did the chaotic couple behind the princess.

“What? You don’t mean going to the Changeling Kingdom, do you?” Discord exclaims, “I know you’re not crazy, but you’re reaching to my levels here!”

“That room may be the only and last place in Equestria to find sources and practices of dark magic!” The princess explains her plans out loud, “If we can find that room and search through them, we may find the answer to cure the ponies! This is the only chance we got!”

This peak my interest a little. There may be a plausible plan to save the ponies—if they do enough careful research along the ancient writing and not to mention the load of potions to detect. Though I doubt the others back in the kingdom would be accepting enough to let powerful enemies into our border.

I scoffed loudly for them to hear, “Good luck with that! We left that castle alone to honor our queen’s memory. There’s no way the others are going to let you into there by yourself. And there’s the fact that they could easily attack you without hesitation.”

“Even when it is a peaceful mission?” Discord asked in offense, “You see, that’s the reason why you can’t trust them! And why they landed where they are now.” He said the last remark with a smirk, adding injury to the wound.

“She’s right though,” Nameless stated, “No matter how manipulative and cunning the changelings are, they are a proud race.”

I was honestly amused on how she came to my defense. This is still very useless if it was meant for me to forgive her.

“They will attack if they see any sign of a threat. Which is why, I think, only a few of us can go…. If being escorted by Gypsum.

“Wait, what?” I didn’t expect her to come up with a plan like this and already I was against this.

“And I think only Twilight and I should go.”

“WAIT, WHAT?!” I also didn’t expect her to say that, along with the princess and the draconeqqus joining in this exclamation.

“Fluttershy, you can’t be serious,” Discord instantly came to her side, “You want to go back to the very place that kept you prisoner for twenty years?! And with the same bugs that tried to kill you?! No! No, no, no, no, no—I refuse to let you go to this! No chance in Tartarus!”

“I'm the only one outside of the changelings that is familiar to the kingdom,” Nameless defended to her case, “Twilight needs me to show her the way around and to keep her safe.”

“I’m kind of on Discord on this, Fluttershy,” Twilight chimed in with concern, “I appreciate the offer, but you were treated badly there, and you almost died because of them. How can we be sure you’ll be safe too?”

It was then Nameless turned to me with determination, “Because we will make a truce with her. If she acts as our guide through the kingdom and let us search through it safely, we will not attack the changelings and they will not attack us."

“A Truce.” I bluntly said. “No. No, no, no! There is no way I will let you waltz into our home! I’ll be branded as a traitor! And we’ll let lending you our secrets so that you can attack us in the future—not unless we do it first!”

Nameless, calmly and surely to my concern, walks towards my cell and looks at me with her wide, sad eyes that are filled with sympathy. I’ve always hated seeing this look on her.

“Gypsum, I hate the thought of going back there and I know this isn’t ideal, but you need to think about what will happen to you and the others if we don’t do this. If those ponies die and that magic spread onto the rest Equestria, your kingdom won’t last.”

That struck me to the core as I never thought about the consequences from this. My hard sneer started to soften with each word coming from this pegasus’ mouth.

“I also don’t want the changelings to be blamed for something they never did. You’ve been through hard enough as it is—let’s not make things worse.”

As I hate to admit it, especially from someone like her—she is right. With no love to hunt and feed for, our existence would surely come to an end like I predicted. And then Nabis comes to mind. Despite that he can’t help being born the way he is, he doesn’t deserve such a cruel fate. And neither do the rest of the changelings who had worked hard for the past year and a half to survived with what we had and scraped for.

It may go against everything our Queens has taught us for centuries, but we also can't risk another downfall on what dignity we have left. We may not have any other choice, though I have a feeling this will take a lot of convincing to get the rest of the kingdom on the neutral side for this one time.

Still, just to sure, I need to bring in some kind of leverage.

Reluctantly, I sigh, “Very well. I agree to your terms."

Nameless reaches her hoof through the bars until I stop her, "AND.... so that I can make the others agree with this too-- we expect something in return. New hunting grounds for us to feed on, pony sacrifices, whatever you may have."

Princess Twilight intervenes as soon as she hears my proposition. I can still she looked uneasy by the suggestion but tries to remain neutral and compromises the best she can, "I'm sure we can work something out. But it can't endanger the ponies-- I draw the line there."

"Fine-- it's better than nothing. But I expect all of you to keep your end of the bargain-- otherwise, if you catch my drift."

“You think we wouldn’t?” Nameless asked as she attempts to reaches her hoof through the bars again for a shake in agreement.

“You’d be surprised,” I replied as I shook her hoof back.

“I’m coming, too,” Discord exclaims, “I’m not leaving Fluttershy alone there.”

“No, Discord,” Nameless objects, “With Twilight gone, we need someone to supervise Canterlot with Celestia and Luna and look after the ponies while she’s gone.”

“But there needs to be some way I can do to make sure you’re alright,” Discord whines until a thought came to him. He snaps his fingers, and a flash of light conjured an odd square that had a gleaming, pink cover and a large screen. He hands over the device to her an instruct, “This is an old digital phone I carried back in my dimension-hopping.”

I exclaimed in confusion, “Digital? Phone? Dimensions?”

Discord smirked in my direction, sensing he is satisfied by my reaction, “I’d rather not think too much if I were you.”

With that, he focused back to Nameless, “There should be only one number that directs the lines to me.” He instantly flashes to see another device, only the cover had a silver and red color. “Whenever you want to talk to me or if you need help, just press the button on the side and it will ring me. And don’t worry, I made it simple enough for your hooves to handle.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Nameless held the phone in inspection before looking up to Discord, “Thank you.”

“Anytime, darling.”

Through the exchange and the longing stare they have now, I feel the immense love coming out of those two. Not only did it give me a light snack to feast on, though not intentionally—it also reminded me of the same feeling the other night when Nabis tried to comfort me. I tried pushing this thought away, as it seems stupid to me. But I wonder…

A slight tremor of a headache forces its way to me and I shook it off before I think of anything else.

It’s then that the purple princess chimes in, “Well, I think we got it figured out. We better pack and plan for the trip and get some rest. We can leave tomorrow morning.”

The Princess turns to leave along with the guards and Discord following her. Nameless lingered long enough to glance back to me, “Try to rest, Gypsum. We’ll be out soon.”

She gallops to catch up with her companions, stopping to be beside her fiancée. As they are far away from my sight, I can hear the couples’ small conversation from the echoes.

“I don’t know how to feel about this, Shy,” Discord stated confused, “I’m proud of you for your stand your ground but I’m also worried for you. Plus, there is that rage I have for those changelings!”

“I wouldn’t worry about that, honey,” Nameless said in reassurance.

“How can you be so sure? After all this time?”

“Because I know Gypsum.”

The doors to the dungeons slam shut after them, leaving me alone with the challenge of getting some sleep for tomorrow.

Author's Note

I know it's weird seeing a cell phone in this before G5, but since Discord is seen using them in "Discordant Harmony" in Season 7, I thought it would be fun using them.

This chapter will expect some writing/editing changes as I realized how rushed and out-of-place it is in some areas. I have to thank Doctor_Den who brought this detail to my attention.

Reunion

This dungeon was almost the same as the one back in the Changeling kingdom. Same, dark cold stone walls, iron bars and the calm quiet air. It brings back the narrowing atmosphere of being buried alive under the earth and trapped within a small space—just enough to make any prisoners reflect on their life-long regrets or cause them to go insane. The only difference that is didn’t the moist green slime that bind the dark bricks of the castle and form wet moss on its walls. That and the fact that my mistake of being landed here is well justified.

Since birth, our Queen would make us believe of the ponies’ ill intention to over-slave us and the way to stop them was to overrule them. And through that, we would always fear of being captured by the ponies if it meant giving them information that would brand us as traitors or torture us for the sake of revenge. My mistake of staying at that place and being myself caught seems like a fair excuse to punish me to act so bewildered and stupid.

Nighttime had come after a long strand of time and the moonlight was creeping through the barred window that held just an inch below the ceiling. I was only conscious for a few hours- long enough for me to experience the late noon and the setting of the sun. Nothing much you can do within a cell other than to sleep and think. I might as well get used to it if they decide to keep me here forever—or until they gave me a sentence of some kind to seal my fate.

The creaking of the door interrupted the silence and my thoughts, and I could hear the sound of the hoofsteps coming near my cell. Two white guards came in first, each one posting on each side of the cell—probably as a precaution for my possible escape.

I was caught surprised by the third set of hooves that now made herself known and stood in front of my cell.

“Nameless,” I bluntly said. The Pegasus flinched as she noticed my use of her old name in such a bitter tone.

She breath slowly before she can respond, “Hello, Gypsum. You still remember me?”

I scoffed, “How can I forget, after all these years?”

“I never forgot you too.” She tried putting up a weak smile, even though I can sense her fear and uncertainty towards me.

“I never doubted it. If you’re going to mock me in my failures, I suggest you make it quick.”

“N-no, actually—I came to… ask you some things?”

“You mean to interrogate me? Did the princesses bring you up to this?”

“No!” she cleared her throat, “No. Nopony knows I’m down here actually. I just need answers from you.”

I raised my eyebrow. I thought I would never see the day where Nameless would do something with discretion, as she was the most open pony I know—well the only one, I corrected. I still doubt she would do this without some benefit to win from—though I can let her play her game first.

“What about?”

Nameless grew nervous as she gathers the strength to speak out, “Twilight and the others—they believe you had something to do with that avalanche today. Is that true?”

I raised my brow in confusion, “Why would they think I did it?”

“T-Twilight investigated the mountain base where the avalanche started. She detected that the explosion was created from dark magic. And since we learn from the curse Chrysalis put on me that you all used dark magic, she made a convincing conclusion.”

I didn’t exactly see the explosion in perspective as I dealt with my own personal problems. But hearing this, it seems that I was in more hot water than I thought I was. I did remember that night that our Queen showed the General, Nabis and I the dark room containing generations of potions, books and tools of dark magic and how our existence was created upon it. She never cared explaining why it was so as she was very persistent to answer my questioning about it. Even now, I still think about it—to which I realize now it always pushed aside by a small headache. Why am I suddenly thinking it now--!

A quick ping of pain flash by my head and I groaned loudly. Nameless took notice in concern, “Are you alright?”

I shook my head clear before I can give her any more reason to share some pity—not that I needed it.

“I’m fine,” I stated rather bluntly, “anyways—Why would you care about it? Even if I do tell, how could you be sure I’m not lying? Or better yet— what if I were planning to kill you right here and now? Those guards look weak enough to be pushed around.”

At the corner of my eye, I saw the backside of the guards’ head turn to each other in fear. Nameless, however, stood her ground.

“I could easily call out for my fiancée,” Nameless stated in defense, “He’s not exactly happy seeing you again. Or maybe I can call the princesses for a real interrogation.”

My eyes grew wide in surprise before I resorted into a smirk, “Ooh, Discord has certainly grown on you. You were never this confident back at the kingdom.”

“Well, time can change. You did.”

My smirk turned sour as the subject of our past relationship comes up. Rather to stay in an uncomfortable silence than what we need to be, I decided to tell straight up my view. Besides, it’s better than facing that monster’s wrath again.

“No, I did not cause that avalanche.”

Nameless seems to relax a bit after hearing it, though I didn’t care how she thinks.

“I was only here for a field mission. After the… invasion,” I added as I didn’t want to think of our queen’s death, “The general enforced new strict rules on how we would feed on any creature from then on. We can only send out one changeling to one location at the time to stay and collect the amount of love we need without using too much of our magic. I’ve arrived here last night, so I can safely say that I was at the right place at the wrong time.”

“I thought you were a private?” Nameless asked confused, as she knows that some enranked forces aren’t allowed to initiate a field mission without the queen.

“No matter what rank, we still have to participate. These new missions can keep us occupied a few months at the time. Not only that, but with recent incidents, we’re forced to look into other lands. It’s been hard keeping us feed since you were awake.”

Nameless looked away for a moment, her eyes filled with shame with a slight hint of pity. “I’m sorry things had been hard on you.”

I said nothing on that. I don’t need her pity, especially since she is the one who caused our misery in the first place.

Nameless spoke out again, “How’s Nabis?”

After a side glance from me, I reluctantly replied back, “Same as always—naïve and foolish.”

Another silence came over us, “Is that all you need to ask me? Because this pause and answer tactic is getting old.”

“Sorry. Umm…” Nameless stammers for a moment before she can ask again. There goes that confidence she had before. “The princesses had been talking about you.”

“Have they decided what they want to do with me?” I sneered.

“N-not actually. We’re still trying to recover from that avalanche and Twilight plans to investigate the site even further. But until then, the princesses will have to keep you here until they can give you a hearing.”

“Hearing? But I didn’t do anything wrong!”

“It’s not that simple.” I can see that Nameless is trying her best to stay neutral over the situation and trying to be a mediator on both sides. A rather foolish thing for her to do. Even if she is on ponykind, she doesn’t know the pony conditions like the changelings do. I am not willing to believe any of their lies.

Nameless continued, “The ponies are still traumatized from the invasion last year. Any rumor or news of another one would cause a panic and they will start accusing you and the kingdom. And Twilight wants to approach this peacefully.”

“Peacefully? I think it’s a little too late for that,” I scoffed, “You have me locked here already. Why not go ahead and declare war on us again?”

“That’s not what we want,” Nameless pleaded desperately, “I know you and the changelings haven’t done much against Equestria since then. It would be unfair for us to fight you with no reason.”

“Even if it is the rational thing to do? After you had denied what is ours?”

“Chrysalis wanted to enslave the ponies for their love!”

“Because it is our birthright!”

“GYPSUM, STOP!”

Nameless’ cry soared through the halls and echoed until it was only a whisper. I hardly see Nameless this frustrated or mad from any of my time with her. It was hardly enough for me to have a taste, but it was an interesting sight, nonetheless.

After a short, few breaths, she spoke again. “Look, I’m sorry—but the only way you can step out of this cell is to listen to us and not to do anything rash. Please. As soon as we can get this cleared, you can go back home safely, and we won’t bother you again. As long as you don’t give Twilight or the princesses any reason to hold against you.”

“And what about your hubby?” I asked sarcastically.

“Don’t worry about Discord—I can handle him well. You just take care of yourself.”

Nameless slowly steps away from the bars as the guards took the signal to stand around her for protection. She turned back with a small smile, “I’ll visit you whenever I can.”

She finally made her leave along with the guards. The hoofsteps echoed the hallway until it was ceased by the loud slam of the door shut and locked. I can only look with a sneer as I say under my breath, “Don’t even try. I don’t need you.”