Siege of Chicoltgo morning of the 14th day

After 13 days of brutal and gruelling siege warfare, the Heer was nearly tapped out. Running low on: ammunition, food and fuel. Almost half of the Changelings in the city were either dead or wounded, those still able to fight were exhausted after days of fighting. Love ratioing had gotten extreme, some otherwise healthy Changelings were thrown into the makeshift hospitals for lack of love alone.

A few of the most starved Changelings in the city had even started draining the cities few remaining civilians or POW’s for love. Although it strictly went against standing orders, almost nothing could be done to punish the perpetrators. Doing anything against the Changelings responsible would have guaranteed a mutiny among the assembled troops.

Although they were out of ammo and fuel, their tank stockpiles were surprisingly intact, the armoured vehicles holding up incredibly well in the fighting. But without enough fuel to run then, the heavily armed behemoths had been converted into good fixed-fortifications. The tactics had certainly helped prolong the battle.

At most, they could sustain battle until tomorrow. Then, the Heer would throw in the towel. It would be a horrible defeat, the single worst defeat in the history of the Changeling Lands. Gerhardus had done everything in his power, pulling out all the tricks against an enemy he’d taught. They played crafty with underhand tactics and brutal frontal attacks.

The ponies were good, he’d give them that. He’d obviously withheld information and tactics when instructing the Equestrian army, but they’d figured out those lessons all on their own. Against a different enemy, Gerhardus would have been able to stall this siege for weeks; but not here. Whatever came next, at least he’d kept his 13-day promise.

As the morning sun rose in the sky, Gerhardus Omsclaw padded down what was once a very beautiful main drive. He could imagine that it was once filled with vibrant life, flower shops, foals playing and a spirit of community. He snorted in derision, like that idealistic image could ever be true. Those were the same myths griffs told about Skyfall.

Now it was filled with some very large potholes, those made by howitzers. Disembodied limbs covered the ground, pieces lings hadn’t bothered to clear away when they collected the dead and wounded. Blood mixed with ash lay in dried puddles, occasionally joined by spent bullet casings or an abandoned weapon.

Constructed at the far end of the ruined main drive, a barricade blocked off the road. Made of a single tank and a random collection of other materials, the 6ft tall barricade blocked off the road from advancing Equestrian vehicles. Barricades like these were one of the cornerstones of the defence. Tanks heavy guns substituted for AT guns and supporting infantry could hold back any breaching parties.

The Griffons main interest out here was one of the Changelings manning it, Joseph Von Radowitz. He hadn’t seen the changeling for days, yet the tanker had still being doing an admirable job. In the harsh fighting, Joseph had more than proved his mettle. Gerhardus would certainly be passing his praise onto Trimmel when they next met.

Joseph Radowitz meanwhile was tiredest changeling alive, that wasn’t even a word. Over these past 13 days of combat, it felt like he’d gotten only a few hours sleep; that was probably because it was true. Some nights he hadn’t even slept, fighting the whole night.

While he’d officially been eating the same rations as everyone else, Radowitz had secretly been taking half rations. Less food for him meant more for one of the other soldiers in the city, it wasn’t much, but ever little would help here. Even a tiny scrap could make a massive difference, every little piece.

Rubbing his eyes with a dirty hoof, Joseph lit up his magic and picked up a rifle. With practiced efficiency, he cocked the gun and rested it gently next to him. He hadn’t wanted to believe it, but Joseph had to confess that he’d gotten the feeling. Previously that seventh sense had only existed while in a tank, now he felt it watching the shadows in the morning light.

As the griffon padded up besides him, Joseph glanced at the feathery form of Gerhardus. The griffon was a sight for sore eyes, he just made the changeling feel more secure. Just like everyling in the city, Gerhardus appeared more dishevelled now. His feathers and fur were unkempt and bags were visible under his eyes.

Despite appearances, Gerhardus still carried himself properly, head low and body ready to leap into action at a moment’s notice. Reaching Joseph’s position, he lay on his stomach against the barricade. Unslinging his FG-42 rifle, Hardus checked it over and rested it on the barricade before finally turning to look at Joseph.

“How’ve you been?” he asked in a hushed tone.

Joseph shrugged “Well the locals keep trying to kill me, I haven’t slept for days; we’re running short on ammo and the men are on the verge of starvation. Other than that, the suns shining and it’s a been lovely”

Surprised by the sarcasm, Gerhardus let out a smile and let out a few breathy laughs “That’s the kind of professional understatement Equestrians have. You pick that up while undercover?”

“Good ear.” Joseph complimented “I was undercover for a while in what used to be the EPU. I saw its transition into the army before being recalled. Picked up a few mannerisms, comical understatement being one of them.”

“I was in Equestria around the same time.” Gerhardus pondered “Don’t suppose we ever met?”

“Unless I suffered some horrible head trauma and completely forgot about you, then no.” Joseph sighed “Shame really.”

“Yeah…” Hardus lazily responded.

Placing both paws on his back, the griffon tried to bend his body backwards. Several bones and muscles popped as he stretched out awkwardly. Unfurling his wings, the griffon tried to stretch them out. Reaching a paw around, he tried to scratch at the base of his wings before letting out a sigh. An uncertain look in his eyes, he looked at Joseph.

“I need a favour.” Hardus said, not meeting Josephs eyes.

“Sure, anything.” The changeling replied, not really understanding what he was about to ask.

“Listen, this is very awkward for me and I wouldn’t ask you if there was literally any griffon around; don’t ever talk about this.” Gerhardus explained quietly.

Nodding in acceptance, Gerhardus continued “I’ve got a wing cramp, right at the base of my wings. Just massage it for a minute until it goes away. Be carful because it’s a very…” he hesitated “well its very sensitive spot…” as he trailed off, a look of realisation grew on Josephs face.

“Yeah I’ll do it. Don’t worry, I used a Pegasi’s disguise in Equestria so I know about… that spot.” Joseph coughed before lifting his hat off with magic and placed it down next to him. “So are you going to take your shirt off or…?”

“I’m not taking my fucking shirt off!” the griffon exclaimed as he turned around and presented his back to the Changeling “This is awkward enough, just get it over with.”

Joseph watched as Gerhardus slowly unfurled his wings. If he was being honest, the changeling was kind of obsessed with avian wings. Spending time living as a Pegasi had made him very jealous about their wings, flying just wasn’t the same with insect wings.

From what Gerhardus knew about griffons, their wings were distinct from Pegasi wings. While the ponies could fly faster than griffons, the avians wings had far more endurance. Griffons were also stronger in general, able to fly longer with heavier loads. They also didn’t use magic to fly, so weren’t affected by rare magic dampening spells.

“Are you just going to stare at me, or are you going to get on with it?” Hardus grumbled.

“Yeah sorry.” Joseph mumbled quietly.

Placing both his hooves on Gerhardus back, Joseph gradually started to rotate his flat hooves in small circles. The skin of the griffon folding beneath it and sliding back into place, Joseph could feel the tense muscles flexing back and forth underneath the skin. The hard fabric of Gerhardus shirt also moulded under the movement.

Gradually making his way up, the Griffons back, Joseph kneaded his back. Finally reaching the base of his wings, the Changeling gently massaged the area. Gerhardus meanwhile cocked his head slightly and muttered something in his native Skyfall tongue. Whatever Joseph was doing obviously hit the exact right spot. Rather hilariously, the avian even cooed a few times like a pigeon.

“Alright that’s good.” Hardus coughed.

Joseph quickly withdrew both of his hooves. The griffon meanwhile gave his wings an experimental flap. Satisfied with the result of the massage, Hardus shook off his wings before folding them up and resting them on his back. “Thanks Joseph. I’m getting too old for this.” He grumbled.

“Getting old? You only look about 25.” Joseph sputtered.

Hardus let out a squawking laugh “Thanks, I really needed to hear that; wish I was still 25.”

“Well how old are you? You can’t be beyond your mid 30’s can you.”

“If only.” The griffon snorted “I’m 42”

Joseph laughed “You’re practically ancient, you ever meet Grover I?”

“Shut your beak or I’ll send you to your room young man.” Hardus replied chuckled.

Mid-way through sharing a laugh, Hardus suddenly shot up. Reaching for his rifle, the griffon took aim down the street. Following his lead, Joseph lit up his magic and similarly grabbed his own rifle. Turning his head around, the Changeling looked at the soldier resting just beyond the barricade “get up here!” he whispered.

The barricade suddenly became a flurry of activity. As quietly as possible, the riflemen galloped around grabbing their guns from the rifle pyramids. Being a Vrakian unit, most of these Changelings also carried blades of some kind; they fixed scabbards and grabbed sharpened shovels.

Over these past few days, Gerhardus had really come to appreciate the Vrakians. While he always knew about their reputation in battle, their random obsession with bringing antiquated swords into battle was certainly helpful. There was a reason they made up almost a third of the army, a disproportionately high amount compared to their relative size.

Taking up positions on the barricade, the Changelings readied their weapons for the fight. Dozens of pairs of eyes stared down the street, trying to find whatever they were supposed to be shooting at. With his better avian eyes, Gerhardus tracked movement in a building on a street corner; a machinegun nest.

Something wasn’t right however, it was pointing down the intersection away from them. On the corner of the crossroads, the machinegun was pointing right down the road out of the city. Almost like they were trying to keep something out…

The machinegun crackled to life, spraying fire down the road, not at them. The tracers disappeared behind the buildings, the bullets aiming for some unseen target. Raising their own rifles, Gerhardus and the Changelings began to fire at the machinegun nest. The well shielded position absorbed the bullets well, the concrete and sandbags taking the fire well.

After a few moments of trading fire, a PanzerFaust flew from down the road. Coming from the direction of the tracers, it flew through one of the windows and detonated inside the building. Smoke and flame billowed out of the windows as the entire corner of the building exploded. Fragments of brick and concrete showered the area as the machinegun nest was neutralised.

“Hold your fire” Joseph ordered the riflemen.

Despite the order to hold their fire, the riflemen continued to aim their weapons down the road. Constant fighting with the Equestrians over the past weeks had steeled their nerves, they were ready to open fire on anything that moved. Even other Changelings made fine targets, the Thoraxian Free Army had worn Heer uniforms and tried to sneak through the lines enough times for even Changelings to be valid targets.

Watching road carefully, the avian eyes of Gerhardus scanned the road. His eagle hearing tracked the drumming of hooves on cobble. Closing his eyes, he focused on the sound and pictured it in his mind. Equines of some kind, advancing in 2 columns; moving at a regular trot on either side of the road. At least 100 of them, beyond that, it was impossible to determine anything else.

When a group of Equines galloped across the open street, a machinegun on the defenders side tracked them and fired. The bullets stuck the group and filled the air around the Equines but failed to hit them. “Hold your fire!” Joseph shouted again.

The Equines taking fire dived into cover and silence fell again on the road. The vague outline of a head scanned the barricade before a voice shouted in Hertzlandic “Changelings?”

Glancing at each other, Hardus and Joseph shrugged before the tanker shouted back “Who?”

After a quiet moment, the same voice returned again “Its Jachs you fucking arseholes!”

Surprised by the sudden outburst, Hardus began laughing. The mood among the Vrakians had suddenly improved, a few light chuckles and a general sense of hope welled among them. Except for a single machine gunner who swore quietly, much to the amusement of the other defenders.

“Sounds like Jachs.” Joseph murmured to his griffon friend “Dude we almost killed you! Come to us.” He shouted across the road.

“Fuck you come to me!” the voice shouted back.

Dropping the rifle from his magic, Joseph Von Radowitz let out a pained sigh “Definitely Jachs.”

Brazenly standing up into the open air, the Changeling pointed a hoof at two of the Vrakian riflemen “You two with me, you as well Hardus.”

Without missing a beat, the tank leader began trotting down the barricade and down the road. Slinging his rifle around behind his winds, Gerhardus also quickly followed. His talons clicking on the cobbled road. The two lucky riflemen also quickly made their way down, flanking the griffon mercenary. The two quietly checking their bayonets were secure.

On the other end, a Changeling officer in a long grey coat and sporting an officers cap trotted towards them. He was likewise flanked by three Jaegar riflemen. The elite troops were part of the 96th independent mixed division, reorganised into the 96th Infantry division during the retreat. Easily some of the best and well-equipped troops in the Heer, although they lacked the signature gas masks of the regular Jaegar Korps.

Garhardus himself noticed that the 96th division troops actually carried the same weapon as him, the FG-42. Although there did appear to be several visual differences he could discern from the distance, probably because they were the licence model built in the Changeling lands. Gerhardus meanwhile carried the Reich pattern and manufactured version. He’d have to ask about getting a better look at theirs, compare specs maybe.

“Jachs” Joseph stated holding out a hoof.

“Radowitz.” The other changeling replied as they shook hooves.

After dropping their hooves, Joseph cracked an ear-to-ear grin and pulled the other Changeling into a hug “thanks you old pirate.”

After returning the embrace, the two parted. Lighting up his horn, Jachs levitated a hip flask and box of cigarettes out of his coat pocked “I think this calls for a celebration!” the Infantry commander chuckled.

Around them, the escorting Vrakian riflemen and 96th division troops introduced themselves to each other. The troops trading cigars and chocolate with each other. One of the Vrakian troops even drew their broadsword and used it as an improvised cigar-cutter, an immediate sese of comradery with their rescuers had developed.

“You know I don’t smoke.” Joseph stated before laughing “This seems like the perfect time to start!”

“I’ll second that.” Hardus interjected “Gerhardus Omsclaw, pleased to meet you.”

Standing in the middle of a ruined street, a collection of Changelings from 5 different Hives and a Griffon shared a meagre amount of tobacco and alcohol. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. They laughed and joked, sharing a few stories and anecdotes. News quickly spread throughout the city, Changelings cheered as the Equestrians withdrew.

Despite the odds, despite the defenders teetering on the verge of defeat and the ponies nearly breaking through more than once, they’d done it. The city had been defended and the troops in Chicoltgo had survived.

One hour later

Standing in the commanders hatch of a Queens Guard King Tiger tank; Chrysalis, Queen of all Changelings, surveyed the city. Chicoltgo was in ruins, the constant fighting over almost two full weeks would have that effect on any city. The level of destruction still surprised her, the Equestrians were certainly desperate if they were willing to do this to their own city.

Her tank rolled down the ruined road, Changelings lining each side of the path and cheering her on. The defenders of Chicoltgo would see that their Queen had made good on her promise, and they would love her for it. While Oberst Jachs 96th infantry division were the first troops in the city, the fact that Chrysalis was here within the hour would certainly boost her reputation.

Following in two lines along her column of tanks were the black armoured lings of the Queens guard. The gleaming armour was polished to perfection, the great Queen would have it no other way. Despite them muddying themselves at the battle just west of here, they’d gotten everything polished on the march.

Chrysalis had avoided battles ever since Canterlot, leaving the business of war to the much more capable Trimmel (not that she’d ever admit it). The battle was certainly exciting, it was good for Chrysalis to finally see what all the Hype around Trimmel’s leadership was. The way he commanded those scores of soldiers was mystifying.

The victory wasn’t as complete as either of them would have liked however, it wasn’t the truly decisive battle they’d hoped for. Shining Armour’s Crystal Imperial Army had taken a beating against Marshal Synoval’s forces and were falling back to cover the Crystal city, although they were badly mauled.

Field Marshal Bluebloods Equestrian army was different. Despite fighting well, the Equestrian Marshal had withdrawn his forces and was now retreating east. The Equestrians retreated in good order, Blueblood keeping his army intact and able to fight another day. Chrysalis didn’t understand it really, he could have kept up the battle, but chose not to; Trimmel however thought it sound strategy, and she wouldn’t disagree with Trimmel on military matters.

Speaking of Trimmel…

Chrysalis swivelled her head and glanced at Trimmel. The HivesMarshal wasn’t happy to being relegated to second in line and following her into the city. After only a few minutes of arguing and a mild exchange of threats, he’d begrudgingly conceded and let her proceed at the head of the group. Unlike the pure white and stainless uniform of Chrysalis, Trimmels grey uniform was also dirtier. Mud stains and the general wear of constant use had given him a more rugged appearance.

Spotting Trimmel light up his magic, the Queen saw him levitate a radio up to his mouth. Using a free hoof he gestured down into the commanders hatch. Scanning down, she spotted a radio in her own tank and picked it up in her green magic. Clicking it into life, the radio linked to the vehicle behind her.

“Chrysalis you rotting swamp monster!” Trimmel greeted over the radio “Your tank appears to have been taken over by a water bloated corpse.”

“Trimmel” Chrysalis rolled her eyes “Did you just want to insult me or do you have something important to say.”

“I do actually, just overheard on the radio that General Lucinidea Antax just took Yakistown.” The HiveMarshals voice crackled over the speaker.

“Oh excellent.” Chrysalis smirked, the first of her enemies capitals to fall “Antax you say? Make him governor!” she proclaimed.

If Chrysalis turned her head, she’d have seen Trimmel facehoof and groan “You sure? That sets the precedent that the Changeling who gets their hoof through the door first becomes governor.”

“That’s exactly the precedent I want. Obviously they’ll be exceptions, but it can’t hurt. Make sure it happens, The Queen of all Changelings demands it.” Chrysalis cackled.

“Sure, I’ll see to it. I don’t suppose you’ll accept a dibs on the Crystal Empire?” the HivesMashal asked over the radio.

Laughing, Chrysalis waved a hoof at some cheering Changelings before continuing her conversation with Trimmel “I’ll get that dibs in writing.”

“While I’m at it, isn’t Queen of all Changelings a stupid title?” Trimmel chastised.

Frowning for a moment, she lifted the radio up “How so? seems accurate enough to me.” It was a question which genuinely confused her.

“Does Grenclyf not count?” Trimmel hit back.

Ah that made sense, the status of Grenclyf was a strange one in the changeling world after all. “Officially, Queen Gytha recognises my crown as ruler of the Changelings. In practice, I have zero power there and they’re heavily leaning into the Thoraxian camp.”

“Why pay lip service to you then, seems like a waste of time. If they’re Thoraxian leaning, then why not openly oppose you?” Trimmel asked.

“You can lead an army Trimmel, but subterfuge and politics fly right over you don’t they?” a noncommittal grunt was the reply “Paying lip service to me puts them in the Vesiopolis economic sphere, they get better tariffs on imports and exports from us. It also keeps her options open, recognising me while funding the Thoraxians lets them back whoever wins. For me meanwhile, I get the recognition of being Queen of ALL Changelings. I also keep my enemies close, having the Changelings funding the Thoraxians in our sphere makes tracking the rebels a lot easier.”

Trimmel paused for a while “I’m assuming there’s more you aren’t telling me?”

Chrysalis smirked, Trimmel probably wouldn’t ever know the full extent of her operations. No offence to him, but he was perhaps her most direct and blunt weapon to wield, the fine dagger of Vaspier would always be her go-to weapon. Despite the Heer being the largest jewel in her crown, she had other diamonds. “Always Trimmel darling, and there’s plenty I assume you don’t tell me.”

“I always have a card to play love” Trimmel replied with more snark than any other Changeling alive could get away with.

The conversation between the two Changelings was quiet for a moment. With nothing to entertain herself with, Chrysalis turned back to the long tradition of smiling and waving. Appearing graceful and present to her subjects and soldiers, it was a noble task. Her previous tactic of ruling through tyranny wasn’t sustainable, styling herself as a Celestia like ruler should be better in the long run.

Chrysalis was content with the smile and wave arrangement until a question burned into her mind. Grabbing the radio in her magic again, she sought answers “Wait Trimmel, how are you talking to me through the radio? Aren’t you deaf.” With his impeccable ability to perfectly lip read and emotion sensing magic, Trimmel being deaf was something Chrysalis often forgot.

“I’ve got ling for that. Hopper down there translates it for me, say hi Hopper.” There was some minor shuffling on Trimmels end before a different Changeling nervously greeted her “Hi.”

“Hello to you as well Hopper.” Chrysalis politely replied.

After a couple seconds of silence, Trimmels voice once again came through the radio “Hold up, remember that bird we came here to save?”

“Yeah?” Chrysalis replied.

“I think we just found him, check you 11 o’clock.” Trimmel stated.

“My what?” she asked, confused. Trimmel often spoke in military jargon she didn’t understand, just one of his many joyous traits.

“Front left you uneducated hack.” He helpfully explained.

Choosing to ignore the ever-helpful HivesMarshal, Chrysalis slowly rotated her head and scanned just to the left of her tank. Standing by the side of the road waited a Griffon, standing on either side of the avian were two Changelings in officers uniforms. While she didn’t recognise either of them, it could be assumed that one of them was Jachs, and the other was the garrison commander.

“Stop us here driver.” The Queen ordered “and summon my cameraling.”

As the tank halted on the spot, Queen Chrysalis lit up her horn and teleported out of the tank. Appearing on the pavement, Chryalis began to slowly walk towards the trio. Seeing her approach, the two Changelings bowed before the Queen, it was the typical response after all. Gerhardus meanwhile raised a claw and removed his obsidian-coloured beret and nodded.

The fact that he’d even reacted at all surprised the Queen, most mercenaries she’d met never respected royal authority. They were a rude and undisciplined lot, only particularly interest in the local currency. Chrysalis was starting to see why this one came so highly recommended, respectful without being a bootlicker, and skilled enough to potentially have saved tens of thousands of changelings.

Trimmel certainly thought that this Gerhardus Omsclaw was worth the money they were paying him. That reminded Chrysalis, she needed to figure out exactly how much money they were paying him; perhaps he’d appreciate a bonus after all the good work of these past weeks.

Stopping in front of the three beings, Chrysalis smiled “I suppose I have you three to thank for holding this city. You may rise.”

Daring a glance up, Jachs spoke interjected “Not me your majesty, I only arrived within the hour.”

“Hush Oberst, your division braved a lot of fire to get here. First in the door always counts for something.” Chrysalis chuckled “Oberst Radowitz, Mercenary Radowitz, you two have amassed quite the reputation these past days.”

“I already had a reputation,” Gerhardus Omsclaw blandly stated as he replaced his beret.

“Now its known continent wide” a new voice broke into the conversation. Having spent some time getting out of his tank, Trimmel arrived alongside Chrysalis “A lot of the Heer was quite mistrustful of you, what with your past contracts in Equestria and Crystal empire. As for you Oberst Radowitz, you can expect a promotion in the immediate future.”

“Thank you very much sir.” Radowitz nodded stiffly “Just doing my job.”

“No you didn’t” Chrysalis told the Changeling with a smile “You went above and beyond the duty of an officer of the Heer.”

“I meanwhile, actually did just do my job.” Gerhardus told Radowitz as he nudged him.

“Yeah you did, what do they call you again?” Trimmel pondered.

“Griffonias firegriff.” Jachs joined in “They say he’s fought in every war on the continent since 1000”

“Oberst Jachs, I wasn’t aware that you were so well educated on our mercenary here.” Trimmel said.

“Pays well to keep informed sir.” He told the HivesMarshal.

Quietly nodding in approval Chrysalis leaned in on Trimmel and whispered “I like that one, keep an eye on him.” straightening up again, Chrysalis smiled at the trio “I hope you won’t mind indulging me in a few pictures, perhaps an interview or two?”

“I’m sure we can manage a few your Majesty.” Radowitz said before yawning.

Smirking, Gerhardus sat back on his haunches and raised both his paws. Catching Trimmels eye, he raised the hooves and used them to speak in standard sign language “He’s not slept in days” being positioned at the back of the group, neither Jachs of Joseph saw it. Joseph was busy profusely apologising to the Queen anyway, yawning in her presence, how horrible!

Nodding in understanding, Trimmel put a hoof in the air “I’m sure the Queen understands that you’re just tired after days of fighting, don’t you.” Shooting a glance at Chrysalis next to him.

Catching the gaze and her HivesMarshals tone, she nodded. Despite appearances, Chrysalis was very well educated and actually spoke several languages. She made a show of only speaking her native Changeling tongue and Hertzlandic, it lulled ambassadors into a false sense of security around her; it was staggering how often they’d reveal secrets in talks. In this case, her ability to understand standard sign language had come in helpful. Only Trimmel and her nephew knew she understood it.

While she was desperate for some pictures and interviews for the press, Chrysalis also knew that parading a changeling who looked like they were about to drop dead around wasn’t a great idea. It’d make a good picture of the first meeting, but she needed Radowitz in better health for interviews and TV appearances.

“Oh I understand completely.” Chrysalis said, gently placing a hoof on Joseph’s shoulder “It’s been a tiring and trying few days for us all. After a few pictures, I’m sure some rest would do us all good.”

Chrysalis could see Oberst Radowitz sag in relief at the thought of some sleep. She could appreciate that, she was no stranger to late nights from the early days of the Hives unification. Since the situation stabilised however, she’d gradually delegated more and more responsibilities of governance away.

Although she could still feel for the Changeling, Chrysalis still needed those pictures, and she wasn’t above forcing someling to do it. Fear and force used to keep them in line, and sometimes a good old iron hoof helped; the many purges and death squads combing rebel hotspots and the mass executions of Thoraxians certainly proved that. However, the gentle hoof had been working out well the past few years.

Conveniently arriving at that time, was Chrysalis cameraling. The changeling she tasked with making everything look as good as possible, and who regularly succeeded at it. While she didn’t make the very short list of changelings Chryslis actually trusted, Ms Flash was certainly afforded more liberties and leeway than other changelings.

Holding up a flash camera in her magic, the cameraling looked at the group “Everyling get together”.

The changelings and griffons all stood together in a line, the defenders of Chicoltgo stood in the centre, Gerhardus and Radowitz. On their left was Jachs and on their right stood Chrysalis and Trimmel. Towering over everyone else in the picture, the Queen of all Changelings stood regal as ever. She even draped a hoof gently over Oberst Radowitz’s back.

After a few pictures, the Queen decided that those were enough. “Alright that’s enough Ms Flash.” Instantly the camerling lowered the camera “You know the drill, walk around and picture whatever seems interesting.” Nodding, Flash began to trot away looking for whatever would make a good picture.

Chrysalis meanwhile needed a private conversation with their native Griffon mercenary. Details of which even Trimmel wasn’t privy to. “Oberst Radowitz, I’m sure you can oversee to your troops getting some rest.”

“Yes your highness.” Radowitz stiffly responded, on the verge of collapsing.

“Then by all means.” She raised a hoof, Radowitz saluted and trotted away “HivesMarshal Trimmel, Oberst Jachs, I believe you two have a war to oversee?”

“Yeah we’ll get right on that.” Trimmel confessed “The drive to the Crystal City isn’t going to lead itself. Come on Oberst, let’s go end an empire.”

Trimmel raised a hoof and tipped his hat at Chrysalis then trotted away. Jachs just saluted and followed hot on the HivesMarshals hooves. The Queen of all Changelings could certainly see big things in both of their futures. The sky was the limit for her ambition, and the world was the limit for Trimmels skills.

“I assume this is where you try to lather me up or kill me.” A voice interrupted her thoughts.

Turning her head around, Chrysalis looked at her Griffon mercenary. Now alone, he stood on three legs and held his Reich FG-42 up in the air, claw on the trigger. He was alert and ready to fight, she could see that he was ready to defend himself. A good instinct, he knew that she wanted him alone and was prepared for the worst.

This Griffon had given her a great triumph, holding down significant chunks of the Equestrian and Crystal armies, denying them a vital railway hub for the great and unnamed battle earlier today. In all honesty she’d love to keep him around, but life had other plans. While the letter she had seemed unopened, she’d already read it over several times. A letter from the Griffon Reich, addressed to the mercenary she employed.

“Good instincts, but no. Trust me if I wanted you dead I wouldn’t do it myself, and if I did then I would have incinerated you already.” Chrysalis said, her sinister smile showing that she was fully serious “I’ve actually got a letter for you, I understand its private.”

Lighting up her magic, she lifted a letter from the insides of her coat and levitated it over to Gerhardus. Frowning, he slung his rifle over and extended a claw over to grab the letter. It was a letter from the Kaiser, written in his handwriting and stamped in gold with his own seal in gold wax. Turning it over a few times he examined the exterior before looking up at her.

“You’ve opened this.” It wasn’t a question.

“Mr Omsclaw I assure you…” Chrysalis began indignantly.

“Don’t even bother, I can tell by the way its folded that it’s been resealed.” Gerhardus said cracking the seal and starting to read the letter.

“Good eye then.” Chrysalis confessed, impressed that he’d spotted the details.

What she couldn’t know was the real way Gerhardus had spotted it being opened. While the gold seal was accurate and followed all the written instructions and laws for the Kaisers letters, that was exactly why it failed. Known only to the Kaiser and a few trusted individuals, was that the wax seal must always be imperfect. Deformities in the seal and impurities in the wax such as some very minor colour mixings were the most common ways.

The fact that this seal was perfect and his general suspicion on Chrysalis confirmed to the Griffon that she’d opened it. Not that he’d let it slip, making up some utter bollocks about the folding paper was far easier.

With a growing smile on his beak, Gerhardus cackled and folded the letter up again. Tucking it gently inside his jacket, Gerhardus wore a victorious grin “Can I borrow a plane? I have business on Griffonia.”

“Of course.” Chrysalis nodded, already having given the order for a plane to be prepared “Though I must ask, why are you so desperate to overthrow the Republic?” Chrysalis all but confirming she’d read the letter “I wouldn’t take you for a hardcore monarchist.”

The contents of the letter explained that the Reich invasion of the Griffonian republic to its north and Aquelian Republic to its south was imminent. Highly classified information, even if the whole world knew it was coming. The letter informed Gerhardus in simply terms to return to Griffonia and help lead the invasion of the north.

“I frankly don’t care about the republic or its ideals.” Gerhardus confessed with a chuckle “It’s the leader I’m after. I’ve got a personal grudge with Kemerskai that needs settling.”

“Lovely, I hope that goes well for you.” Chrysalis said “Oberstleutnant Lilac!” she shouted.

Turning around, a well-dressed Heer officer had suddenly appeared next to Chrysalis. Wearing the signature grey uniform of the Queens Guard, Oberstleutnant Lilac was the picture-perfect member of the Queens Guard. Her glowing blue eyes and long blue hair differentiated her from the other changelings of the guard.

“Yes your majesty?” she asked with a salute.

“See to it that we pay Mr Gerhardus, then make sure he gets to the plane I had you arrange yesterday.” Chrysalis commanded.

“Yes ma’am.” The Changeling saluted “Follow me Mr Gerhardus.” Oberstleutnant Lilac said as she turned and trotted away.

Gerhardus nodded at Chrysalis “I have a feeling we’ll cross paths again.” Then turned and followed Lilac away “Also don’t call me Mr, makes me feel my age.”

Watching the Griffon and one of her best guards leave, Chrysalis smirked. Despite this war having been reduced to two exhausted countries punching each other seeing who’d go down first, everything was coming up Changeling! Soon enough, she’d have her victory, soon enough the era of the Changeling would begin.

But first she needed a drink, and a smoke. Just a few pictures, maybe an interview or two, and she’d be right back in her nice comfortable tower. Perhaps it was finally time to open the ‘emergency caviar’ when she got back.

Author's Note

And thus the siege of Chicoltgo ends, at last. Next stop, the Crystal empire.

This chapter ended up being way longer than I originally intended, the Chrysalis and Trimmel section of the story ended up becoming quite a bit bloated unfortunately. I've said it before and I'll say it again, those two are my absolute favourite characters to write thus far and I just can't stop once I've started.

So far, the Crystal Empire should just be one chapter long, although I'm not ruling out splitting it up if it becomes bloated (again). After that its Canterlot then I'm FINALLY heading over to Griffonia with Flurry and Grover.

The relief of Chicoltgo was originally going to be this big grand battle with Jachs storming in and saving the day, styled after the film 'Gettysburg'. But I decided to take more inspiration from the siege of Bastogne and the film Black Hawk Down for this one. I preferred the quieter ending, not all wars end with one big decisive battle (although this series is hopefully going to have a lot of that).

If you've got any questions or complaints feel free to drop those in the comments and I'll get right back to you.