You're Going To Fit Right In

Chapters

Chapter 6
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8

Chapter 6

Hours Ago

As the fragmented moon began to rise over the School of Friendship’s exterior, two seafoam green eyes shot open. Yawning lightly, the black-furred Alicorn sat up in her bed; the frame cast of pure Silver and Osmium. Sliding out of bed onto her hooves, the mare flinched as her hind hooves made contact with the cold marble flooring.

Stretching, the Alicorn reached for a pair of half-moon spectacles which she placed on her snout, staring through them and smiling as the world came into view. She glanced out her window and gave a small wave to the full moon that slowly rose through the sky. It was time to begin her day.

Heading towards her desk, she picked up a royal blue lab coat that had been draped over her chair, sliding it on and grabbing her cellphone, taking a moment to stare at the odd device. Ever since Twilight had brought Pipp back from the future, cell phones had become a rather convenient way for staff to contact one another, though students were not permitted to use the relatively new devices.

Nightmare Moon paused as she thought about the Ponies from the time warp. How Twilight had opened it, nopony really knew. Then again, nopony knew how Twilight did any of the things she promised. Her methods seemed nonsensical but her results were always what she promised.

At first, nopony believed Twilight’s outlandish claims, that is, until one by one all of them came to fruition. Ever since taking the throne, Twilight had made certain every goal was publicized, though not the methods to achieve them. And every time, she made those goals and dreams a reality. Those who had doubted her, eventually all fell silent with admiration and nopony held any more resentment to her coup de ta and her claim to the throne.

Nightmare Moon slid the phone into her pocket, before heading into the bathroom. Walking up to the mirror with a loud yawn, Nightmare Moon gazed at her reflection, thinking about her past. And her first run-in with her Queen Twilight; back when she was Nightmare Luna, centuries ago.

Her vision was blurred as she stood, her legs shaking from weakness and stretched out her sweeping wings. Cracking her neck, she steadied herself and noticed the gaze of another Alicorn staring coldly into her own. She spat out in annoyance at the mare.

“Who are you?”

The purple Alicorn didn’t say a word, simply staring into her eyes, with a harsh soulless glare, as though she was not merely looking at Nightmare Luna but seeing every facet of her very soul.

“Say something, Damn you. Or are you mocking me?”

Still, the Alicorn just stared at her, saying nothing.

“Who do you think you are? Do you know who I am? I’ll have you know I am a big deal.”

It was then Nightmare Luna noticed the scars that resembled claw marks crossing the Alicorn’s face. The ghost of a smile hovered momentarily on the lips of the Alicorn before turning away in a dismissive fashion, completely disregarding Nightmare Luna’s outburst. She spoke quietly in a soothing feminine tone.

“A big deal, huh?”

Nightmare Luna suddenly noticed the various third-degree burn scars, melted flesh from corrosive acid, and what appeared to be some form of necrosis that crisscrossed the Alicorn’s entire body.

“Well you see, I’ve met quite a few ‘big deals’ in my day.”

Nightmare Luna stared in shocked silence while she watched the Alicorn approach a stone statue with a figure Nightmare Luna knew well.

The Alicorn walked slowly around it, even placing her hoof to it and leaning against it with her ear. After a moment, the Alicorn nodded and stepped back, calling over to Nightmare Moon.

“Big Deals don’t mean anything to the likes of me. I’m your Queen, and you will stay your tongue towards me, or I’ll rip it out and make you eat it.”

The Alicorn’s horn glowed with a golden magic before she cast a spell on the statue. The concrete crumbled away revealing another Alicorn, causing Nightmare Moon to gasp in surprise.

“Sister!”

Nightmare Luna watched as her sister, Nightmare Celestia collapsed from the pose she had been in before petrification onto the ground. Slowly Nightmare Celestia stumbled to her hooves, before collapsing again, the atrophy of her limbs quite pronounced. Her breathing was shallow and labored, the tiniest flame visible on her body.

Nightmare Luna watched in disbelief as the Alicorn from before stared fiercely at her sister, before a warm smile crossed her muzzle. Reaching out, she placed a hoof on the dying mare with her horn glowing a bright golden.

Nightmare Celestia was completely enveloped by the golden glow for several seconds, before Nightmare Celestia’s golden eyes shot open and her body erupted in a ferocious hellfire mane and tail. In no time at all she was standing on her fully healed muscular hooves. She stretched them and yawned, before focusing her attention on the purple Alicorn, who stood there, quietly gazing back into her eyes.

Nightmare Celestia silently gazed at her, before flaring her white feathery wings wide. Before any action could be taken, however, Nightmare Celestia rustled her wings before folding them around her and nestling down before the mysterious Alicorn. A form of submission in Alicorns. In a hushed voice, Nightmare Celestia spoke.

“Cadance, Sombra, Tirek, Chrysalis, Discord, even Luna and myself. Thousands of other creatures as well. I can sense it. All of our magic swirls around inside you. Please tell me, how is this possible?”

The purple Alicorn gave a strangely soothing smile.

“You are a lot more amiable than your counterpart, aren’t you?”

“My counterpart?”

Nightmare Celestia followed the direction in which the Alicorn pointed to, giving an amused chuckle.

“That’s not my partner, that’s my sister.”

The Alicorn smirked and stated.

“Well the difference really is night and day.”

In that instant, the ice between Night Celestia and Nightmare Luna along with the Alicorn was completely broken. Nightmare Celestia began to chuckle while Nightmare Luna walked over to her sister. The Fiery body of Nightmare Celestia shook as she laughed, almost a bit maniacally.

“That was pretty good. You’re alright. My name is Nightmare Celestia, and this is my little sister, Nightmare Luna. What’s your name?”

Twilight’s marred wings flared, revealing every fight, every injury she had experienced, carved into her hide; a truly horrific sight.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle.”

Nightmare Celestia and Luna shared a glance while Twilight gave a flourishing elongated curtsy, sweeping her wings before her; an ancient Alicorn introduction gesture, one that hadn’t been used for tens of thousands of years in their world. Cautiously, Nightmare Celestia asked her.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Twilight, how old are you?”

Twilight just stared blankly at her and replied in a soft tone of pure sorrow .

“Couldn’t tell you. The numbers just sort of lost meaning after a while.”

Nightmare Luna and Nightmare Celestia understood pain more than most. They weren’t sure where they were now, but in the world they called home, the two had gone to the extremes to protect the citizens of their Kingdom to defeat the Lord of Chaos.

Unable to find the fabled Elements of Harmony, the Royal Sisters Luna and Celestia had thrown themselves to the mercy of darker magic. Desperate and hopeless both had pleaded to the Abyss, the darkest heart of magic, itself. Anything it took, both would give anything to save their followers. And the Abyss answered. With her children.

The Nightmares are a parasitic race of sentient black magic that possesses unimaginable magical prowess, that infests a host and takes complete control; unlocking the darkest parts of their souls. The hate, malice, and anger the being possessed were brought to the surface; effectively turning them truly evil.

The sisters were able to use the magic of the Nightmares to defeat and banish Discord from their lands and in return, they gave themselves to the darkness. Both were possessed by the two deadly Nightmares; who it turned out were also sisters, with the elder of the two claiming Celestia and the younger, Luna.

At first, neither had turned evil; with neither sister possessing anything but purity towards their followers. And the Nightmares found this rather refreshing. Both of the Nightmare sisters formed bonds with their hosts; becoming somewhat enamored by them, viewing them as bound rather than enslaved.

Luna and Celestia adapted to the change in control as well, and all four got along greatly. The Nightmares took on the names of Nightmare Luna and Nightmare Celestia; with Luna’s body turning blacker than the midnight hour, and Celestia’s erupting with the fury of the sun. Whereas Luna’s Sapphire Blue iris changed to Seafoam Green with snake-eyed pupils, Celestia’s Amethyst iris now burned with golden intensity.

And though the changes to their forms were a physical manifestation of the bond the Nightmares had with their hosts, the citizens did not appreciate the price the two had paid. Contempt filled the streets and whispers of ‘monsters’ had emerged in every corner. Plans were made unbeknownst to the Sisters. And then in the midst of unveiling a new school to teach magic, a coup was raised.

The Nightmares found themselves surrounded by an angry mob armed to the teeth. Both panicked in concern, not for the citizens but for their hosts. Seeing how violent everyone was towards them, both sister’s hearts broke.

It wasn’t fair, it wasn’t right! They had given everything to save, protect and cherish their citizens even having been prepared to offer themselves to oblivion if it would help. And this was their reward? Gnashing teeth, raging screams and violence?

In that moment, the smallest vestige of darkness was planted within their souls, and with every insult, strike, and kick, grew larger and larger. By instinctive nature, the Nightmares sensing this, amplified the maliciousness as it grew, until in an explosive outburst of wicked, cruel energy, the sisters succumbed to the darkness.

The purity within them was completely extinguished as they slaughtered the rioters; leaving nothing but smears on the cracked stone to indicate they were ever there. Standing amongst the wreckage Nightmare Celestia and Nightmare Luna grinned; no longer burdened by morality or empathy. All would heed them or perish. The tyrannical reign of the Nightmares had truly begun.

Yes, both were no stranger to pain but this was strangely deeper and, in that moment, seeing Twilight standing there looking helpless, something awoke in the two Nightmares that hadn’t existed for millennia. Within the smallest crack in their hearts of ice, a sliver of empathy and compassion appeared; its sudden appearance overtaking the malice within, taking the Nightmares by complete surprise.

Nightmare Luna walked over to Twilight and gingerly lifted up her muzzle with her hoof, whispering encouragingly.

“You carry too much weight alone, I can see it in your eyes. Twilight you are unfathomably powerful, and far more wiser in years than my sister or I, but no creature makes it through life alone. Talk to us, let us bear some of that load.”

Twilight’s crimson eyes were glassy as she stared at Nightmare Luna. She whispered.

“Applejack?”

Nightmare Luna shook her head.

“No, I’m not.”

Twilight’s shine returned to those burning eyes of hers as she lifted a hoof to wipe away a tear.

“Sorry, you just- you just reminded me of a close friend I used to have, for a moment there.”

Twilight sighed heavily before elaborating further.

“I’m from a world that was immersed in eternal war. No creature knew why it began or even why it continued, but that’s all there was. Foals and babes of the other species were protected by the bindings of the Equus Convention, but from fillyhood on we were trained to kill.”

Twilight gave a broken laugh that trailed off before continuing.

“Ha…I was quite adept with weapons, runs in my blood you see. My mom was the leader of Queen Celestia’s Sun Guard. Her Right Hoof, as many called her, my mom had a unique talent: Martial Mastery; she could pick up any weapon, ranged or melee, no matter how exotic or complex and instantly know how to utilize it to its maximum. Anything in her hooves turned into a deadly armament. But my mom wasn’t the only powerhouse, her entire squad was famous the world over for their tactics. Each of the six possessing unique talents none could copy.

Wendy Whistles was a Cyan Pegasus mare with a wild mane and tail of natural rainbow hue. Mom told me all the time about how perilous Wendy was in combat. Her weapon of choice was a shotgun-”

Twilight paused to lift up a hoof and her horn glowed Cyan blue, causing a double barrel sawed-off shotgun to appear, hovering above it. The stock was a polished mahogany, with a streak of forked lightning etched along the barrel, and painstakingly enameled with an almost living electric blue.

“She would launch herself at the enemy, dodging bullet fire with ease to blast her target point-blank in the face. The bullets she used were forged out of lightning, like so-”

Twilight’s horn glowed brightly with cyan light once more, this time materializing a lightning bolt that twisted into itself until it formed a crackling shotgun shell, before it levitated into the barrel. Grabbing it in both hooves, she spread her wings, tensing her hind hooves. And like a coiled spring she shot forward towards a stalagmite and placed the tip of the barrel flush against it, squeezing the trigger.

A large explosion of arcing electrical current occurred, blasting apart the rocky formation in a shower of debris, that fell towards the sisters. In an instant, Twilight shot down to land in front of them, touching down before the rubble shower had hit them, with her horn glowing a warm orange.

A radiant shield shot forth and formed a dome over them, with rocks striking the shield and fragmenting into nothing upon impact. Twilight folded her wings amidst the hail of stones while calmly continuing her thoughts. Meanwhile the shotgun vanished.

“Whereas Wendy loved the frontlines with mom, Pear Butter was often stationed in front of Stella Flare and Cookie Crumble in the rear; most often seen chatting with them as she was pelted by bullet fire, not that it bothered her.

Mom swore Pear Butter’s hide was impervious to damage. Acid, fire, lightning, poison, impact, range or melee weaponry, even armor-piercing rounds, none of it had any impact on her. Mom often called her the ‘Living Shield’. Though that shield had spikes; anything that hit her would be returned at twenty-times the destructive power. Ranged, melee, it made no difference. Mom said Pear Butter’s desire to protect her squad was so great that her shield would envelop her teammates sharing her defenses with them.”

The shield faded and Twilight’s horn glowed a crimson red-orange, causing an odd machine of some sort to appear. It possessed many keys and buttons, each labeled with a single letter of the Ponish alphabet. Twilight placed a hoof on it and it began to hum.

“This is the enigma machine, Stella Flare’s choice of weapon; she never fought alongside the others but rather directed their movements. Mom lovingly referred to her as ‘The Chess Master’.

Stella had the talent of seeing the battle playing out; every movement, every pony or non-pony, before the first shot had been fired. Using the enigma machine, she would use her magic to beam tactical information to the various combatants; even implanting misinformation into the enemies heads, sowing chaos amongst them. She saw every combatant of every situation as pieces on a board, to move as she designed. Truly terrifying, though no other creature was said to be able to use the enigma machine, only her.”

With the wave of her hoof, the machine vanished. Twilight’s horn glowed twice, first bright yellow, and then a soft gray; a large chain, with large barbs along it, and metal roses enameled in crimson red scattered on its surface appeared hoving above her left side, and a rather plain-looking kitchen knife on her right-side.

“Meet ‘Rosebud’ and ‘Cupcake’. Posey Shy loved to crack her whip. Though strong enough to inflict much damage, Posey used ‘Rosebud’ for something far more insidious. She was an infiltrator; strolling into the enemy camp as the firelight glowered in the midnight hour.

A buttercream yellow pegasus with a fiery red mane and tail, Posey Shy was best described as a ‘Temptress’. According to mom, she was very dominating in nature and her talent was to completely bend any living creature to her every desire, just by locking eyes with them; referred to as ‘The Stare’. “

Twilight stared into Nightmare Luna’s eyes with pure intensity; placing the Nightmare in a deep trance. Twilight shouted at her with complete confidence.

“Sit, now!”

Instantly, before her mind could even comprehend the words, Nightmare Luna sat down on her haunches. Twilight chuckled at the display, before taking hold of the iron chain whip.

“Taking control of any individual alone was enough to label her a monster by the opposition. However, thanks to Cookie Crumble’s efforts, Posey Shy became downright terrifying as an Infiltrator.

A light pink Unicorn, Cookie Crumble was, in my mom’s words, ‘The Greatest Smith of her generation’. Also the worst cook; never let her cook, mom used to say. She would burn everything, even the water she was trying to boil. But what she lacked in chef skills she made up for in her ability to metal craft. All weapons, armor and vehicles mom’s squad used were lovingly crafted and designed by her. Rosebud was her creation, a chain-like whip of adamantium, designed to resemble a rose vine with thorns and rose blossoms.

Thanks to the incorporation of magic forged into it, Posey Shy could channel her mesmerizing stare into the whip, cracking it upon the ground and forcing all who heard the impact to fall under her control. And as soon as they were, Cloudy Quartz would strike from the shadows.

A light gray Earthpony mare, with striking dark gray mane and tail, Cloudy Quartz was the other infiltrator, and partner to Posey Shy; the two were as thick as thieves when behind enemy lines but Cloudy was a bit of an anomaly.”

Twilight placed a hoof thoughtfully to her chin, as the Nightmares watched, completely captivated by the story being told.

“Mom often said that there were three rules that were indisputable in her squad: Don’t argue with Stella’s tactics, don’t eat Cookie’s cooking, and don’t question Cloudy. Cloudy Quartz just couldn’t be observed. Even keeping her eyes on Cloudy, Stella couldn’t follow her movements. Stella told mom once, that it was as if Cloud blinked right out of reality itself before reappearing within it. She could stand beside you one moment and the next, in plain sight mind you, suddenly be yards away, with no actual indication of when she shifted to the new position.”

Twilight stopped to take hold of the kitchen knife, staring at it for a moment.

“Her choice of weapon was this knife. To any observer, Cupcake is just a chef’s knife. The handle is plain Ash, the blade has no noticeable features. When in Cloudy’s hooves, however, Cupcake became far more; a blade that never dulled or broke, cutting through anything in a single slice and though I can’t prove it currently, mom claimed once it never seemed to need to be cleaned as it apparently absorbed all the blood spilled upon it.”

The knife and whip vanished before Nightmare Luna’s eyes as Twilight shook her head, muttering to herself.

“Even after all this time, I still have no idea how she did that.”

Twilight shook her head in frustration, muttering to herself, though just loud enough for the two Nightmares to hear.

“Look at me, all the might of several universes at my beck and call and here I am prattling on like some doddering grandmare telling little fillies about her glory days in the military. Oh, I must be seeming senile to them, aren’t I, girls?”

Nightmare Luna watched as Twilight’s eyes filled with tears. The Alicorn before her broke down in furious sobs as she cried out.

“I don’t know if I can do this anymore, girls. Please come back to me!”

As her shout shook the cavern, Nightmare Celestia slowly rose to her hooves and walked over to Twilight, placing her wings around her while whispering softly.

“It’s alright, Twilight. No need to cry. My sister and I are enjoying your story time. Please tell us more.”

Nightmare Luna watched as Nightmare Celestia shot her a ‘help me out here’ look, and also rose to her hooves. Placing a wing on Twilight she chimed in.

“Oh yes, I am really excited to hear about your fillyhood. Come on Grandmare, tell us two grandfillies about your golden days, we don’t mind.”

Twilight sniffed and lifted her head up.

“You…You really don’t mind?”

Nightmare Luna shook her head, smiling somewhat lovingly.

“No, we really don’t. We sisters have a literal eternity to hear everything you have to say.”

Twilight’s eyes suddenly narrowed suspiciously at Nightmare Luna.

“Your attitude has changed dramatically from just a half-hour ago.”

Before her sister could respond, Nightmare Celestia gave a soft giggle.

“It’s just a Nightmare’s nature; we are drawn to follow great power. If we are not the strongest magical force, and it takes quite a bit to make us cower, we will naturally prostrate ourselves to the will of the higher power, at least until we can overpower them.”

Locking eyes with the fiery gaze of Twilight, Nightmare Celestia said simply.

“When it comes to you, however, it is clear to both of us that even should we practice and hone our might over several eternities, we wouldn’t even scratch the surface of your magical prowess.”

Twilight was silent for a moment and cast her eyes down in thought. Suddenly, her horn started to glow with a bright bubblegum pink magic. Raising her head revealed something that startled the two Nightmares more. Nightmare Luna whispered in shock.

“Sister, look, her eyes!”

Twilight’s burning hate filled crimson eyes had changed to a bright baby blue. Twilight smiled, an act that sent shivers down the sister’s spines; the smile, while perfectly normal, just felt wrong, almost like it didn’t belong to the Alicorn in front of them.

Just then, two immaculate chocolate cupcakes with pink icing materialized before the two Nightmares. Twilight’s eyes flickered, becoming their usual burning crimson while her horn stopped glowing. She spoke with laughter in her words.

“Pinkie always told me, every introduction should start with a cupcake-”

Twilight glanced down and frowned suddenly, as she muttered.

“Knowing her though, she was referring to slicing their neck with Cupcake-”

Turning her gaze back to the Nightmares, Twilight gave a nervous chuckle.

“But I would much rather offer real cupcakes, so, um, enjoy, as a, uh, sign of this budding friendship.”

The two sisters exchanged nervous glances, before Nightmare Luna spoke up.

“We can’t- we can’t eat that.”

Twilight frowned.

“Why not? Do you not like it? Do you not wish to be friends, is that it?”

Nightmare Celestia stepped forward.

“That’s not it at all, Twilight, we’re vampiric.”

Twilight paused in consideration.

“Oh, vampiric, you mean you drink blood?”

Nightmare Celestia opened her mouth wide to reveal upper and lower rows of very sharp, dagger-like fangs, before explaining rather simply.

“Yes.”

Twilight was quiet as she thought about it, before smiling again.

“Why didn’t you just say so?”

It was in that moment that Nightmare Luna realized why Twilight’s smile was so unsettling. At first it had seemed normal, but on closer inspection Luna noticed the fangs scattered among the usual pony molars. There were six of them, three on top, three on the bottom and all of them evenly spaced.

Looking even closer at the sight, Nightmare Luna noticed that her entire smile was stained with what appeared to be rust. Twilight chuckled.

“I can work with that. Here, let’s try these instead.”

The cupcakes vanished, before a pair of crystal goblets appeared. Twilight looked rather pleased with herself as the sisters took hold of and peered down into the goblets. Inside of them, a chilled, crimson jiggling mass sloshed about.

“It’s a recipe I picked up from a civilization in a world I visited. They were vampiric too.”

Twilight sounded positively gleeful as she continued her explanation.

“They were extremely delighted to see me, just like you were-”

The joy in Twilight’s voice vanished leaving only a dark and malicious tone.

“Unlike you, however, they decided to attack me when the night fell. Very unfortunate for them, but I’m sure the bones I picked clean still tell weary travelers of those woods tales about their now extinct race; rattling alone and forgotten on the forest floor for all of time. Anyway-”

Twilight brightened once more.

“It’s known as Crimson Moon Gelatin. Try it.”

The sisters shared a glance before clinking the goblets together and throwing them back, letting the icy jigglyness flow smoothly down their gullet. Both emitted loud squeals of delight as the gelatinous treat fizzed and swam in their mouths.

Twilight watched on looking pleased with herself, before a soft whisper in a gentle, warm tone escaped her lips.

“Tell them.”

Twilight grabbed the sides of her head and shook violently, as if trying to ignore something. Another voice, this one with a slight rasp slipped out, with Twilight’s eyes changing to a deep magenta.

“She’s right, Twilight.”

Once more Twilight’s eyes changed. And again and again. Over and over, her voice changing a total of four more times as the whispers continued.

“Darling, it’s only right.”

“It’s the right thing to do.”

“Might be fun to have new friends.”

“Sweetie, just tell them. There’s no need to hide it anymore.”

Her eyes were a brilliant emerald as she muttered to herself; the two Nightmares now staring at her outbursts in confusion.

“A friendship is built on honesty, Sugarcube. You know this.”

Twilight gave a scream of annoyance as she snarled, her eyes returning to their normal crimson.

“Alright already! I get it! You’re right!”

Tears formed in Twilight’s burning crimson eyes as she hung her head, letting the rivers of her regrets drip down her face and onto the ground below.

“I know that. You’re right, I have to tell them. I get it.”

Raising her head with a loud sigh of resignation and a slight sniffle, Twilight stared directly at the two sisters, shaking her head slightly.

“I owe you two an explanation. My magic isn't mine. Or just mine, that is. It is the culmination of billions of others; their abilities, their talents. It’s not on purpose and yet- Ugh. Applejack always said friendship began with honesty. So maybe I should start at the beginning. This may take a while…bear with me-”

“Huh?

Nightmare Moon’s thoughts were interrupted by something tugging lightly on her lab coat. Glancing down, she noticed the source. With leathery wings, and fangs too small to pierce flesh, a small batpony was desperately trying to get Nightmare Moon’s attention. Bending down, Nightmare Moon smiled lovingly at the little filly.

“What’s wrong, Mango?”

The batpony looked at her, but said nothing, instead gesturing frantically with her wing. Nightmare Moon looked to where she was pointing, and frowned. Starswirl was arguing with what appeared to be a Unicorn clad in a haversack cloak of their own making. Again with this?

Turning back to the batpony, Nightmare Moon conjured up a plump, round Mango; which seemed to mesmerize the now drooling batpony as it stared at the fruit.

“That’s my number one assistant. Here you go.”

Mango pounced on the delectable treat as Nightmare Moon stood up and started over to the two loudly arguing creatures, their words becoming more pronounced as Nightmare Moon got closer.

“Clover, You cannot bring back the Timberwolves. They are evil beasts constructed of dark magic!”

“The mission bestowed on us was clear, Starswirl. We were ordered, we will obey. Our Queen said, ‘Do it.’

“I will not stand for-”

“They are evil, so what?”

Both turned to look at Nightmare Moon who just grinned revealing her sharpened fangs. Towering over the two, she leaned down until she was inches from Starswirl’s face whispering once more.

“They are evil. So what?”

“Nightmare Moon with all due respect-”

Nightmare Moon’s eye twitched, before a soft and silky voice wafted through the air.

“This One will settle this, my Princess.”

All noise in the entire complex ceased with every being watching to see what would happen. The speaker was a gaseous mass of black shadow that appeared to have the form and build of a Unicorn mare with a long flowing mane and tail. The mare possessed no eyes rather, two bright white glowing orbs where they would be. Other than that, the mare’s face had no expression of any kind or any other features.

Nightmare Moon stared at her in silence for half a second before whirling around and heading towards her desk once more.

“Take care of it, Somber, before I take care of them.”

A moment after sitting down, there was the humming of machinery and a bright flash over where Somber had been. Nightmare Moon ignored it and quietly began filling out some paperwork, musing to herself as screams broke out.

“Hm, now then what to name it?”

“Stop it! It’s heading right for Princess Moon!”

“Woody? No, that, that feels wrong. Hm.”

“Stop that-”

Nightmare Moon continued staring at her papers, clearly unaware of the foul beast leaping at her, snarling. In an instant, Nightmare Moon’s eyes narrowed in rage, her horn glowing with the magic of the night.

A loud yelping was heard along with a sickening cracking of timber, meanwhile Moon continued musing to her paperwork.

“Ah, I got it!”

The whining increased and the yelping grew more frantic.

“How about-”

Turning she stared the terrified beast in the eyes, her own dark with an icy gaze of pure wickedness.

“Yeller? What do you think?”

The creature screamed in pain, only for Moon to speak once more.

“Shut. Up.”

Those two words thundered throughout the lab, causing all the commotion to cease instantly.

Every creature present stared; unable to move or look away, shivering in fear as Nightmare Moon lowered her voice and addressed the Timber Wolf again.

“Now, behave or be firewood. Am I understood?”

The mindless beast slowly nodded and whimpered, before Moon lowered it back down onto the floor, where it stood without moving.

“Sit.”

While the Timber Wolf obediently sat, Moon pulled out her cellular phone and spoke to it.

“Fluttershy. Thank you…Fluttershy dear, I’ve got a- Yes, Yes, that’s right! We succeeded in bringing back a new one for you to tame- Timber Wolf. Oh wonderful, I’ll be waiting.- Hm? No, it's been no trouble- Alright, see you soon. Thanks dear.”

Suddenly, a soft buzzing told Nightmare Moon that some other pony was attempting to call her. Checking the ID, she noticed it was her daughter. Quizzically, she answered the call.

“Hello Nightmare, what’s- Did you just say a Changeling? Don’t panic, here’s what to do…”

Chapter 1

BING-BONG

The intercom overhead crackled to life amidst the strobing red security lights in the corridor, giving an unsettling feeling to the small group making their way towards a massive double door- doubly reinforced by massive steel girders.

“Welcome new students, to Queen Twilight’s Friendship University. You have chosen or been chosen to attend this semester’s classes.”

Aside from the strobing lights, the entire corridor was dark and sterile; as cold and lifeless as the metal it was constructed of. The sound of Chrysalis’s own hoof-steps echoed in her ears as she shivered. Like those she walked beside, she wore a magically crafted ring of an unknown material around her midriff and each hoof had cuffs chained to each of the others, forcing her to hobble as she walked.

Glancing to the side, she noticed Cozy Glow in the same entanglements, forced to walk on the ground; the filly pegasus’s wings clipped and shackled to her sides.

“Eyes forward, head straight, *Queen*.”

The voice of the soldier was mocking and cruel, as an electric shock coursed throughout her body. Instantly, she readjusted her eyes. It did no good to resist; to argue or complain. Queen Twilight had made that abundantly clear: Agree to Friendship Classes, or die. And after everything she had done, Chrysalis was surprised she was even given that option.

Once a powerful ruler, she had it all; even the tolerance of Twilight. Her hive had been flourishing, though her own hunger had gotten the better of her; culminating in her decision to wage war on the Ponies. And that’s when she lost it all; her hive destroyed, her reign brought to an end and her title stripped from her as a prisoner of the Queen of Equus.

Even her drones betrayed her, now her own children willingly served under Twilight’s banner. In fact, the very guards escorting the group was none other than her son and daughter, Thorax and Ocellus. And it was clear from their mannerisms there was no love lost for the former Matriarch of the Changelings.

The chitinous black exoskeleton that served as her body ached all over from the harsh conditions of her holding cell in Twilight’s Palace. Moving her equine-like hooves was rough for the Changeling and her magic was sealed from the strange ring around her midriff, so she was unable to transform to move easier. And so she continued trudging forward.

Her emerald green eyes were dull and lackluster, lacking their usual malice. There were no schemes running through her mind. She was beat down, tired of fighting and of arguing. When she had been dragged before the Queen, it had become evident to Twilight as well, who surprisingly gave her and a few others a seemingly benevolent choice.

“Argh!”

Chrysalis cried out in agony as she was tossed bodily in front of the Queen’s throne by Applejack, who dusted her hooves off; the Orange Earthpony flipping her bare mane of braided gold and smiling joyfully at the cold-eyed Twilight with her Granny Smith green eyes.

“I’ve brought Chrysalis as you’ve requested, Twi.”

Twilight sat on her throne staring icily at the sprawled form of Chrysalis, before turning to Applejack and smiling warmly at the ever-cozy southern drawl the Earthpony always used.

“Thank you, AJ. I appreciate it. Now then, Rarity, Fluttershy, prepare this *Queen* for a little chat of *Diplomacy* Please girls, if you would be so kind.”

Beside the crimson-stained golden throne, sitting stoically, a cyan blue Pegasus in gleaming golden armor watched the entire scene, unflinchingly. Her unquestionable loyalty to Twilight was evident from the glowing red crystal star emblazoned on the barrel of her armor, signifying her as the Royal Captain of the Guard. From her centurion-styled helm of golden sheen shone the many locks of her naturally rainbow-colored mane while in her hoof she held a spear forged from a bolt of blue lightning.

The lightning crackled and hissed, as if angry from her grasp on it, but oddly enough, she seemed unbothered by this, handling it with her bare hooves. Raising it up in a salute, she smiled lovingly at the two mares waiting by the door; signaling them to approach the captive.

From the door they stepped, a Alabaster White Unicorn with a dark amethyst mane and a buttery-colored Pegasus, wearing a tanned leather garment on her torso, with metal studs.

Rarity’s dark sapphire eyes twitched as she approached, while Fluttershy pulled a specially crafted metal collar and magically enhanced leather lead from a saddlebag on her side.

Rarity’s amethyst mane was perfectly styled and coiffed as was her tail, without a hair out of place. On one of her sides, a silver dagger hung in a sheathe. And on the other, she carried a large satchel bag, from which she was known to work tailoring miracles.

Chrysalis winced as she stared at the sheathed dagger nervously. Fluttershy, noticing Chrysalis’s gaze falling fearfully upon Rarity’s dagger, swiftly locked eyes with her, and whispered gently as she placed the collar around her neck.

“No no, it’s okay. You were a very naughty Changeling and you must accept your punishment. Mama is here to make sure you behave-”

Her voice changed to a cutesy soft tone as she finished.

“You will behave for mama, won’t you, my little Chrysalis?”

The visual hypnosis completely mesmerized Chrysalis as she muttered in reply.

“Yes…Mama.”

Fluttershy smiled as she connected the lead to the collar and called over to Rarity.

“Good girl…Alright, she’s restrained, feel free to measure.”

Rarity set down her satchel and rummaged within it, calling out to Twilight.

“We’ll be ready in about five, oh- I seem to have forgotten my sewing machine- , I’ll need to stitch by hoof and horn. I apologize Darling, this may take up to an hour.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow in amusement as she chuckled, stretching her wings to their full five hoofs-length in width. As an Alicorn, she struck an imposing figure to all those before her, her friends all bowing before her at the wing flare.

“No worries, take all the time you need. I know you’ll produce wonderful results, you’ve never let me down once, Rarity. As for me waiting? That is really not an issue *Darling* After all, I can wait an eternity if need be. ”

As Twilight folded her wings back in, she gave a slight rustle of her feathers; a sign of nesting in Alicorns. And as she moved and twitched to get comfortable, Twilight’s Amethyst eyes closed to get some rest.

Rarity muttered in annoyance to herself.

“Of all the worst possible days for this to happen. This is the worst…Sweetie Belle would have reminded me, but you took her from me, you incessant insect.”

Dropping the sewing needle, Rarity swiftly drew the dagger forth, her eye twitching in rage as she repeated in a shout.

“You killed my little sister!”

Before she could bring the dagger’s point down on Chrysalis’s skull, an orange hoof grabbed hers, preventing it from moving, while a cyan one removed the dagger from Rarity’s grasp.

“Whoa there, Nelly. Twi wants to handle her personally.”

Rarity screamed and thrashed in the steadfast grasp of Applejack and Rainbow Dash, desperately trying to strangle Chrysalis; shouting over and over.

“She killed her! Just like she killed Applebloom and Scootaloo! How are you okay with this?”

Twilight’s eyes slowly opened to watch the display, but she didn’t say a word, curious as to what her friends would do. Rainbow’s eyes watered at Scootaloo’s name, while Applejack closed her own in a grimace. Applejack swallowed hard before gritting her teeth and smacking Rarity in the face.

“Get a hold of yourself, now, Rare! I want nothing more than to tear her limb from limb, myself, but Twi wants to talk to her. If you want justice, wait for her to dispense it!”

Before Rarity could reply, she found herself gazing into the hollow-eyed death stare of Rainbow Dash’s own magenta eyes. The Pegasus spoke in a gratingly dark voice.

“I get it, Rarity. Believe me. I. Get. It. My little buddy meant the world to me. But AJ is right, Twilight wants to speak to her. Don’t you trust Twilight to issue fair judgment like she always has?”

Twilight slowly stood up as Rarity turned to look at her.

“Twilight I didn’t mean-”

She was cut off by a large feathery embrace from Twilight, who softly spoke to her.

“Rarity, I know how you feel, but I need you to trust me. I can see the pain in your heart, but I want you to be a bit generous and allow me the honor of passing judgment on Chrysalis. You can do that, can’t you, darling?”

“Of course, it’s just-

Rarity felt her cheeks grow hot as Twilight gently nuzzled her.

Alright, alright, already! I won’t interfere.”

Twilight gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek and said lovingly.

“You make me so happy, Rarity. Now do you think you can get her ready for our little tea party? Or will I be having one-”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed coldly as she spoke every word with a chillingly soulless tone.

“-All. By. Myself?”

Rarity was completely flustered now, much to the amusement of Rainbow and AJ, and babbling almost incoherently as Twilight trailed a hoof slowly down her mane.

“Y-yes of course, Twilight. I will get right on t-that!”

Twilight smiled, her eyes becoming warm and loving again, as she headed back to wait on her throne. Though before she closed her eyes after getting comfortable once more, Twilight’s horn glowed with a sparkling light purple magic while she spoke gently.

“You need to stop stressing over such a small thing, Rarity. I’ve got your back, just like I always have. I would never make you stitch anything by hoof.”

A sewing machine appeared, and Rarity gave a grateful smile as she attached a spool of Star Spider silk to it.

“Thank you Darling.”

Twilight gave a nod of acknowledgement and closed her eyes, while Rarity sewed up a storm. All the while Fluttershy maintained her visual hypnosis with Chrysalis; shutting out everything around her to keep the Changeling tranquil and docile and more importantly, immobile while Rarity sewed the dress, fitting it to Chrysalis’s body in real time.

***

An hour later, after much fussing and second-guessing, Rarity called out excitedly.

“She’s ready!”

Twilight’s eyes snapped open and she yawned, stretching her wings out as she did so. Glancing out over her throne room, she swiftly lowered her wings, in slight embarrassment. Her cheeks had a rather fierce red tinge momentarily as she noticed her friends bowing before her in reverence of her wing flare.

“No. No need for…that, girls. Let’s see-”

Her eyes roamed over Chrysalis’s form; a satin black dress with Star Spider silk accents spider webbing across the surface. Around her neck a frilly black choker made of lace, while on her hooves were shimmering heels of electric blue. Twilight clapped her hooves together in excitement.

“Oh I love it, it really gives her a rather regal appearance! Rarity you outdid yourself. Now, let’s set the table.”

Twilight’s eyes twinkled as her horn glowed brightly and a large round table, complete with a flowery tablecloth and a full set of porcelain teaware on it. Several chairs, with thick plush seats of beautiful purple appeared around it. Twilight smiled coldly.

“Fluttershy, release her, and standby, we may need your pacification skills if she…pushes my generosity. All of you, take a seat. That includes you AJ, Rainbow Dash and Rarity.”

Upon hearing Twilight’s command, Fluttershy broke eye contact with a very confused Chrysalis; as the Changeling stared in surprised awe at the dress on her body. Fluttershy proceeded to saunter over to the table, taking her seat next to Twilight in one swift motion. Chrysalis meanwhile, was now examining the heels on her hooves.

Silence fell across all at the table, as Twilight took Rarity’s teacup and poured some freshly brewed Earl Grey Tea. Twilight set down the teapot and picked up a saucer with sugar.

“Would you like one lump or two, Rarity?”

Exchanging a perplexed look with the others, Rarity answered.

“Um…Two please, Darling.”

“Wonderful-”

Twilight’s eyes cut to the left, towards Chrysalis as she continued.

“Chrysalis. Take a seat please.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s faces lit up as the teacups before them vanished and instead a bottle of cold hard cider appeared before each. Twilight chuckled.

“We all know you can’t stand tea. So, here is some hard cider-”

She paused, watching as they clinked the bottles together and popped the tops off in celebration.

“Just make sure you don’t hoofwrestle at my table if you get drunk, okay? Fluttershy one or two-”

Turning away from Fluttershy mid-sentence, Twilight’s eyes narrowed and her horn glowed a bright purple. Chrysalis found herself lifted into the air, only to be thrown bodily into an empty chair at the table. Twilight said coldly.

“I said to sit down, and I meant it. Now sit.”

Turning back to Fluttershy amidst the silence that fell as Chrysalis nursed her tailbone with her hooves, Twilight smiled.

“Was that one or two, dear?”

Fluttershy quickly responded, though her voice was oddly calm.

“Just one, please.”

Passing her the teacup, Twilight turned to Chrysalis and the smile faded from her face. Her eyes narrowed in a burning rage as she spoke quietly.

“I am well aware you cannot consume tea, or cider. Rather you drink something else, don’t you?”

Pulling out a dark glass bottle, Twilight poured the dark, red liquid inside into it, before passing it to Chrysalis.

“Don’t worry though, I’ve got you covered…freshly procured from three particular filly corpses.”

Twilight locked eyes with Chrysalis, whose own were timid and fearful in the hatred-filled gaze of the Queen of Equus.

“I’m not without mercy, Chrysalis. And as much as my friends here, would love to rend your bones from your flesh, I understand the spider-like tendencies of Changelings. You didn’t know who it was you attacked, captured and drained of their lifeforce.”

Twilight swirled her tea with a spoon, glancing thoughtfully down at it, before once more looking at Chrysalis.

“That said, my brother thought that chaperoning that field trip would help him get a feel for handling his own daughter; who is now fatherless. I don’t think my BBBFF deserved any of what you did to him. As for Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash’s sisters, we found their bodies…”

Twilight’s hoof began to shake as she lifted her teacup to her lips, just as it exploded from her anger, spraying hot tea everywhere.

“And how badly I want to remove your head right now after seeing that, cannot be stated in any known words.”

Letting out a growling, throaty sigh, Twilight continued.

“Still, the laws I have penned will be followed by all, including me and my friends. No execution may be performed, until the guilty party is offered a chance at redemption. And I’m sure you noticed the shut down of Tartarus, considering you have been sleeping there for about two weeks now.”

Chrysalis opened her mouth to speak only for Twilight to cut her off.

“I-”

“Shut up and listen to me when I talk.”

Chrysalis closed her mouth and stared in shock at Twilight. Twilight however, continued in a far more pleasant tone.

“That’s because I’m no longer going to be using Tartarus. There will be no incarcerations, too many inconveniences and a waste of MY resources. So here’s the deal Chrysalis. I can let slide your feeding frenzy; you are a Changeling and nature is cruel. You were hunting, and as painful as it is to say, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. However-”

Twilight’s pleasant demeanor vanished in an instant as she snarled.

“You decided to attack MY palace, kidnap ME and usurp MY throne. And we all know what happened to the last fools who tried to remove me from MY throne-”

Twilight gestured at a nearby wall behind her throne.

“-don’t we?”

All eyes turned to the throne wall, where the perfectly preserved heads of Celestia and Luna were mounted, one on each side; their faces contorted in pain and terror for all eternity. Chrysalis began to sweat as her eyes darted back to Twilight, who quietly sipped from a new teacup with the ghost of a smile on her lips.

“So you have a choice: Earn redemption at the School of Friendship, or join those traitors. You have five seconds to decide your destiny.”

Chrysalis’s eyes darted from the heads to Twilight and back again as Twilight cleared her throat.

“Choose. Now.”

Chrysalis swallowed hard and opened her mouth.

“I choose-”

Chrysalis slowly and painfully made her way along the hallway, thinking about how ridiculous the notion was; her learning friendship, what a laugh. Any laughter she may have had however, mentally or physically, died in an instant as her eyes fell on the figure at the end of the hallway.

A mare. That lilac-hued hide, those magenta eyes and that defining seafoam green stripe within her violet mane and tail. Chrysalis swallowed hard as she stared at the dark purple business suit that adorned the mare, who waved and smiled at them; the mare’s eyes narrowed in a sinister leer.

Her. It had to be her. The mare gave a flourishing bow.

“Hello my new students, and welcome to Her Majesty Twilight’s School of Friendship. I’m the Principal here, and my name is Starlight Glimmer.”

Chapter 2

Starlight gave a flourishing bow, before raising her head with a warm, loving smile. Chrysalis noticed the wicked expression on her face had vanished completely, replaced by one of total joy.

“How wonderful to see so many familiar faces-”

Starlight’s gaze wandered over the group, stopping for a moment to stare at Cozy Glow, before glancing away and continuing on.

“So many familiar faces, indeed. As Principal of this school, I must say, the fact that you’ve decided to better yourselves is so wonderful. However, I really don’t like talking to captive audiences, so let’s fix that-”

Starlight’s horn glowed a light blue and a gasp arose from Chrysalis as her bindings fell away; the metal ring sealing her magic crumbling to dust as well. Murmurs arose all around the group as Tirek’s massive muscles were restored, even Cozy Glow’s wings regrew to fully heal as the shackles fell away. Starlight smiled brightly as she addressed several of the group.

“Pegasi were not meant to walk, Cozy. Spread those wings proper. Tirek, I know you treasure your strength, wield it well. Now all of you, your magic is fully functional once again, though I must offer you a gentle warning regarding its use.”

Chrysalis’s horn glowed, as her body shapeshifted into a pony’s form, before returning to her normal form, the scars and wounds from her imprisonment vanishing in an instant. Chrysalis smiled happily momentarily, before noticing how horribly calm Starlight was amidst the presence of several fully powered, magic-wielding super villains.

Something was a bit off about Starlight’s demeanor and Chrysalis’s instincts were screaming at her to watch out. Glancing around her, she saw Tirek admiring his muscles, while Cozy was flying around. Muttering obscenities internally, she gave a secret gesture to Cozy Glow, causing the filly to swiftly fly to her side.

“Why did you signal me?”

Cozy Glow spoke sideways out of her mouth in such a low volume that only Chrysalis could hear her. Chrysalis gave a quick answer in the same manner.

“Don’t try anything. Tell the big red meanie to stand down too.”

Cozy Glow seemed a bit confused as she hissed.

“But we have our abilities again, surely we can overpow-”

Chrysalis whispered back.

“Starlight is way too calm, why give us back our abilities anyway? I’ll tell you why. She isn’t concerned about us attacking her. Quickly, tell Tirek to stand down. Something is about to happen, I can feel it.”

Meanwhile Starlight continued speaking.

“While you all have your ma-”

At that moment, a blast of dark magic struck Starlight clear in the face, knocking her head back. Tirek lowered his arms and tried to look as unassuming as possible while Cozy Glow whispered in his ear Chrysalis’s concern. And not a moment too soon as a cruel and wicked smile crossed Starlight’s lips momentarily as her head fell back down to stare at him. Everyone turned and stared at Sombra as he shouted at Starlight.

“You really are a stupid pony to give the likes of me MY magic back. Let’s see how you deal with your greatest fear!”

Chrysalis glanced behind her at the guards. Oddly, her children hadn’t moved a muscle. She grabbed Cozy Glow and held her tight to her frame, just as a massive blast of light blue magic shot from Starlight and enveloped Sombra, spider-webbing across his body in ever growing cracks before he exploded in a scream of anguish. Starlight spoke quietly.

“You should have listened. Sombra, for the crime of attacking your Principal, you’ve voided your chance at redemption. By the power given to me by the Queen herself, I hereby expel you…from life.”

As the corridor fell into utter shocked silence, Starlight sighed and hung her head.

“This…is unfortunate. Not how I wanted to welcome the next batch of students. Alright let’s get this over with.”

She stood there in complete silence as Chrysalis stared curiously at her. Why wasn’t she moving? Her question would be answered within the next second as a flash of violet light heralded a familiar sense of imminent doom.

The light faded and standing there, with her wings spread, was an Alicorn; the one and only Queen of Equus, Twilight Sparkle. Starlight had lowered her head in submission seeing Twilight’s wings flared. Twilight glanced around at the scene before turning to face Starlight and leaning down, inches from the trembling Unicorn’s face.

“You killed a student.”

Starlight nodded and answered immediately.

“Yes, my Queen, I did.”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed in anger, though her voice remained calm and gentle.

“Starlight, explain. Now.”

In complete reverence, Starlight addressed the Ruler.

“I returned their magic and powers back to them, and I was in the middle of informing them of the enhancements you gave us when Sombra decided to attack me in full view of all here, my Queen.”

The anger left Twilight’s eyes as she sighed in annoyance.

“Is that so? Perhaps if I said it to them, it would have more impact.”

Turning around to face the students, with her wings flared, Twilight watched as a few bowed before her. Making a mental note of who, Twilight folded her wings and spoke softly, but the power of her words thundered throughout everyone in the hall.

“You may possess great and terrible abilities, but I am warning you now, you will find the staff within this institution are more than capable of handling one or even all of you at once. If you provoke them, just know lethality has been authorized. I advise you to follow the rules of Starlight from this point on, your life will be so much easier that way.”

Turning back to Starlight, Twilight whispered to her.

“I would rather no one else die, if it can be helped. The goal is to redeem them, not eliminate them, after all.”

Before Starlight could respond, the intimidating presence surrounding Twilight vanished and she looked rather panicked, as if she just remembered something.

“Right, I almost forgot, Spike asked me to give Trix a message.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, he’s gonna be joining Sunset in the Mirror Realm for a little surrender negotiation with the humans there. He asked me to let Trixie know that the Ogres and Oubliettes game would have to be rain checked until he returns. Could be a while.”

Starlight nodded and gave the embarrassed ruler a warm hug, whispering to her.

“Twilight, we stand by you. Please try to relax, I know how nerve-wracking this dimensional-shift has been for you, but we were with you when you took the throne, and we will always stand by your side, love. I’ll let Trixie know. You are doing fine.”

Twilight eyes twinkled with admiration.

“Thanks, Star.”

Chrysalis watched the interaction as Twilight, seemingly ignoring the new students' existences, nuzzled Starlight lightly. And that is when Chrysalis noticed the strange scar running down Starlight’s neck, one that she was pretty sure the Starlight she knew never had. While that was a bit odd, what her ears picked up next was a bit stranger.

“Like it or not, this is our world, my world now. Though why am I always the one cleaning up those wretched Sister’s messes? Anyway, I gotta go. Much to do.”

“Of course, my Queen. At least now they can’t cause any more issues.”

“True, at least not in this dimension.”

In a flash of light, Twilight was gone, leaving Chrysalis with more than a few questions. Though judging from the icy stare of Starlight, she would be better keeping those questions to herself. Glancing to the side, she noticed Cozy Glow and Tirek looking at each other, just as confused.

“Don’t say anything, let’s just play along for now.”

The two looked over at her, only for her to hiss her sub-vocal warning once again.

“Trust me. Don’t. Do. Anything.”

Starlight’s ear twitched slightly, though she continued on as if she hadn’t heard a word.

“Alright, so without further ado-”

The massive doors swung open to reveal the largest building interior Chrysalis had ever seen. Chrysalis was stunned at the sight as she looked upwards. One, Two…Twenty Staircases? Glancing around she was at a loss. Why were there several dozen food stands? The first floor looked like an entire city. Restaurants, stores of all kinds, and was that her window shopping and holding a gem-studded purse? Hold on, there she was again, reading to… Was that Cozy Glow by that giant fountain? What was going on?

Starlight chuckled at the reaction.

“Welcome to the School of Friendship; housing over seventy-five formerly villainous students from various parallel universes, with more arriving daily. There are currently twenty-five floors, each with its own purpose. Please pay attention and stay with the group, otherwise you may never reach your destination. It’s very easy to get lost. Now follow me.”

As the small group moved in awe at the tremendous sights, Starlight gestured to her left at various restaurants and food stalls.

“This is the left-side of the first floor. Also referred to by students as the Food Court. Here you will find every food you could imagine or want. Students are allowed to visit the Food Court only during designated breakfast, lunch and dinner periods. Trespassing after hours will not be tolerated. Over here we have-”

Chrysalis heard everything being said, as Starlight gestured at the shops, but her mind was still focused on what Starlight said a minute ago: students from various parallel dimensions. What exactly did she mean by that?

She watched as a large Unicorn, nearly as large as a full grown Alicorn approached them at Starlight’s beckon. With midnight black fur and long flowing amethyst mane and tail, perhaps most curious was the triple diamonds on the mare’s flank, the Unicorn looked disturbingly familiar to Chrysalis. And apparently not just Chrysalis, as Cozy Glow hesitantly spoke to her.

“Rare..ity?”

The Unicorn’s eyes narrowed in a cold fury as she snarled back.

“How dare-”

Suddenly, she stopped mid-sentence, cocking her head to the side as though listening to something only she could hear. The mare muttered to herself.

“Hm. Yes, yes I suppose you have a point. Maybe they are like us.”

Whipping her head around to stare at Starlight, the mare asked a question.

“Principal Starlight, are they also victims of the two who shall not be named?”

Starlight held up a hoof which had some sort of odd device on it. Chrysalis watched in surprise as she said suddenly.

“Notebook. Student Roster. Student Files. Tirek, Cozy Glow, Chrysalis. EOU 1420.”

Instantly, a large holographic screen appeared in front of Starlight. On that screen several images appeared, that she seemed to interact with, using her hoof. Humming to herself, as everyone watched in silence, Starlight scrolled the screen, before announcing.

“Yes. Freshly cracked, approximately two weeks ago. Enrolling in the school at this very moment. Initiation.”

Chrysalis blinked in confusion. Cracked? What exactly did that mean? Starlight lowered her hoof and the screen vanished, as she glanced coldly at the Unicorn.

“So now that you know their situation, tell me, what do you think you should do next?”

Starlight’s voice took on a sinister tone.

Think carefully, now.”

The Unicorn’s brilliant sapphire-hued eyes went wide in nervous shock momentarily, before clearing her throat.

“I should probably welcome them to our school and maybe be less rash and more considerate in the future?”

Starlight suddenly broke into a bright smile and nodded happily.

“Yes, very good. I’m glad your classes have been helping you. But how about you start with an introduction. After all, as Pinkie teaches: Friendship begins-”

The Unicorn stiffened and finished the sentence.

“With a smile.”

Starlight clapped her hooves happily.

“Very good.”

Once again a horribly wicked expression crossed Starlight’s face as she spoke in a tone that felt as cold as the north winds.

“Now go on, make some friends.”

Chrysalis watched the Unicorn turn back to them, a rather painfully forced smile on her face. The mare was sweating bullets as she slowly, and with a slight tremor in her movements, crossed her forehooves and gave a low bow.

“My name is Nightmare Rarity. N-nice to meet you, Darlings.”

Chapter 3

Chrysalis stared at Nightmare Rarity, as her mind tried to process the events unfolding. Noticing the elevated heart rate as it reached her overly sensitive ears, as well as the trembling of the Unicorn’s form, it dawned on Chrysalis. She’s nervous.

Chrysalis was known for her cautious perceptive nature and even now she was analyzing her surroundings in an instant. Glancing over at Starlight, Chrysalis noticed she seemed very relaxed and just quietly observing the scene. Why is she nervous? If Starlight isn’t scaring her, then what is? Chrysalis glanced back to Nightmare Rarity, scanning her for any possible indication. Suddenly, she noticed it.

That shaking hoof, her pleading eyes. She’s scared of…me? No, not me. Socializing. Chrysalis hated the thought of being friendly, she had forged her way through life on her own might, her own magic. But staring at the mare before her, clearly mighty in her own right, attempting to introduce herself even though she was having a panic attack, somewhat touched her. Damn it all. Gesturing to herself with her hoof, Chrysalis gave a curt bow.

“I am Chrysalis, she-”

Chrysalis pointed to Cozy Glow, who was hovering at her side.

“Is Cozy Glow. And the big red oaf over there-”

Chrysalis gestured to Tirek, who had been striking a pose to show off his muscles.

“Is Tirek.”

Lowering his arms in annoyance, Tirek crossed them before grumbling.

“That’s Lord Tirek.”

Chrysalis snorted.

“Lord of being an annoying brute.”

Turning towards her, Tirek balled his hands into fists and shouted.

“You want to go, you insect?”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes.

“Scathing.”

However, his shout caused Nightmare Rarity to look around nervously before whispering to Chrysalis.

“He really shouldn’t be yelling here.”

Chrysalis glanced over at Starlight, who much to her surprise had sat down on her haunches as if waiting for something. Looking back over to Nightmare Rarity she whispered back.

“What’s about to happen?”

“Security is coming. Whatever you do, don’t fight them.”

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow.

“Security?”

“That would be us!”

Whirling around, Chrysalis found herself staring into the face of an overjoyed purple Unicorn with frizzy blue mane and tail. What an odd place to stick a tennis ball. Chrysalis stared at the tennis ball stuck on her horn before letting her eyes roamed over the black vest on the Unicorn that said in bright white letters, ‘Security’. The Unicorn mare waved excitedly at her and spoke in an almost singsong voice.

“Hi, I’m Izzy! Izzy Moonbow! You must be new here. I don’t recognize you! Let’s talk later though, okay? I’m going to have to ask you to stay quiet and let Sunny work her magic~”

Sunny? Who is Sunny? Turning around Chrysalis watched an adolescent-sized, orange-furred Earthpony mare with a magenta mane that was braided to the side, approach Tirek calmly. On her back was a black vest that read ‘Security’ in bright white letters. She was tiny in comparison to the massive centaur, yet she wore a smile on her face; warm and inviting. Her voice carried a sunny disposition of optimism.

“Sunny Starscout, Captain of Campus Security. I can see tensions are high right now, but why don’t you unball that fist and relax. Let’s discuss this like reasonable adults.”

This seemed to have an adverse effect as something in Tirek seemed to snap, while he stared at Sunny in silence for a moment. Suddenly he threw his head back and screamed in anger.

“I am sick of being subjugated by these…these ponies! And now a child wishes to preach to me about friendship and harmony and all this nonsense?”

Izzy leaned over and whispered.

“Sunny isn’t a filly, she is a fully grown Alicorn, she just suffers from dwarfism.”

Chrysalis’s eyes went wide in surprise.

“What do you mean…Alicorn?”

Izzy chewed thoughtfully on some popcorn she inexplicably materialized before swallowing and nodded.

“Yeah, that’s just her powered-down form. Sunny can’t control her immense power of an Alicorn yet. Twilight sealed her magical form and is currently training her to wield it properly.”

Chrysalis stared in awe as Sunny calmly danced around each blow; moving just enough to avoid each and every blow. Sunny called out to Izzy as she continued to dodge.

“Izzy, honey, I know you are busy making a new friend, and I am happy for you, I really am, but do you think you could focus on the task at-ugh.”

Tirek’s fist finally landed square in Sunny’s face at full force. As Tirek pulled back his fist in expressed victory, Chrysalis gasped. Not a hair was out of place in Sunny’s mane, nor a tuft of fur on her face. Her muzzle was perfectly intact, with no trace of blood or wounds to speak of. In fact, Chrysalis realized that blow hadn’t even budged the small Earthpony from her position. Only one thing had changed, Sunny’s expression.

It no longer portrayed that warm smile, instead it seemed almost sorrowful in nature as she spoke to the enraged Centaur. Her voice carried a bit of hope mixed into a gathering sadness.

“We don’t have to do this. I still want to be friends. I understand you are frustrated but please unball your fists, talk to me. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Tirek wasn’t listening and another blow of his mighty fist slammed into Sunny, who didn’t bother to dodge. Instead she tried again, her voice, Chrysalis noticed, carried just a little more sadness than before, though a minute bit of hope was woven in and becoming less and less so with each passing blow.

“You are angry at being forced to be here, and that is fine-”

*BAM*

Go ahead, let all your frustrations out-”

*BAM*

“I’ll give you ten hits, hit me with everything you are feeling-”

*BAM*

“But after that I will be forced to retaliate-”

*BAM*

“Please-”

*BAM*

“Don’t-”

*BAM*

“Make-”

*BAM*

“Me-”

*BAM*

“Do-”

*BAM*

“That.”

*BAM*

Chrysalis held her breath as the tenth blow struck Sunny. She didn’t know why but she felt a sort of admiration as to how far Sunny was going to attempt a peaceful resolution, but Chrysalis knew there was no way Tirek was going to ‘just talk’ things out. Then as Tirek threw an eleventh punch, Sunny’s hoof shot up and grabbed his fist.

Chrysalis marveled at how she didn’t seem to be struggling at all. In fact, the only one struggling was Tirek as he tried to wrench his hand free of her grasp. Sunny then spoke, her words echoing across the entire first floor in a booming voice of pure melancholy. A tone Chrysalis had heard many times before: the Canterlot Voice.

“I thought we could be friends, you know. I wanted to be friends, I thought if I reached out an olive branch you would have realized-”

Chrysalis watched as magic swirled around the Earthpony, forming the distinct outline of large wings, while her forehead boasted the golden outline of a Unicorn’s horn. The outline, though solid, was very faint as though suppressed; still onlookers gathered around the spectacle gasped in excitement and surprise .

“-Just what you were doing. That we could talk things out but I guess Twilight was right, sometimes you can’t be gentle. Sometimes creatures require a display of force to help them understand. And that seems to be how you feel. So I’ll give it to you, just the smallest fraction of my might, if that is what it takes to open your eyes. Just remember, you brought this-”

Sunny twisted her hoof sharply, causing Tirek to scream in agonizing pain as he fell to the ground writhing in agony. All around the crowd various screams were issued forth. A few faint-hearted individuals fainted dead away at the sight, while Cozy Glow screamed bloody murder at the sight.

“-On yourself.”

Chrysalis felt sick to her stomach, wanting to vomit as she stared at Sunny. The Alicorn still held Tirek’s hand, and the arm it was attached to. The arm that had been ripped out of its socket, torn from the shoulder. Tirek’s bone protruded from his shoulder, broken and fragmented. Quickly, she covered Cozy Glow’s eyes, using her magic to erase the memory of what just happened from the filly’s mind, before anyone noticed. Tirek continued to howl in pain as he thrashed on the ground and Sunny sighed regretfully before looking over at Izzy.

“I still…can’t control it, Iz. Can you-?”

Right before Chrysalis’s emerald green eyes, Izzy’s playful demeanor suddenly vanished. Izzy reached up and removed the tennis ball on her horn while her voice took on that of an older, mature mare with a hint of seduction.

“Well, lucky for you, your partner-”

She gave Sunny a wink of knowing, before continuing.

“-Is always looking out for you. Let’s see what we have here. Hold him still for me, Hon.”

Sunny held Tirek with one hoof while he struggled and screamed in pain, meanwhile Izzy peered at the wound. After a moment though, Chrysalis saw her shake her head.

“Sunny? I can’t fix this. Your Alicorn magic is woven into the wound, it’s interfering with my own.”

Sunny balked at this.

“What? Twilight is going to kill me! Starlight what should I do?”

Starlight was still sitting there, watching the entire scene while eating the popcorn Izzy had. She chuckled.

“Don’t know. Have you tried killing him for hitting you?”

“That’s not funny, Princess!”

“I told you never to call me that again!”

Chrysalis listened to the back and forth growing increasingly agitated. She was angry at Tirek, she was angry at Sunny for maiming him, and worst of all, she was angry at herself. It was her fault this even happened. Her words had been the catalyst. As the back and forth continued, her guilt grew until Chrysalis just couldn’t take it anymore and suddenly she snapped.

Her body began to change; her exoskeleton became enhanced, the holes in her hooves filling in, while her mane and tail vanished. Her horn grew thicker more like a rhino beetle’s, while her eyes grew narrower and changed to lime green, with several more bright lime green ones appearing on either side of her head. Her wings split into four beneath a shiny shell, while her jaw split into fours, with sideways fangs; mandibles within her mouth.

She spoke, in a voice that boomed like thunder.

“Enough of this nonsense!”

Across the floor, all the students that had gone back to shopping and dining froze as the forceful shout was heard. Chrysalis stepped towards Tirek with her horn glowing with a sickening, acidic green magic.

“We have been here for not fifteen minutes and Sombra got himself blown up for attacking our host, and you, you big red idiot decided to measure up against the security.”

The green glow grew bigger as Chrysalis continued her shout.

“This is a new start! Or it was supposed to be, for us, the wickedest creatures in all of Equestria. I told you to stand down and do nothing.”

A glowing green magic washed over the severed arm as Chrysalis roared her fury at the hapless Centaur.

“Look how great and powerful the great Lord Tirek is, you are a literal legend of fear amongst Ponies; brutal and terrifying and look at you now! Did it ever occur to you after the first blow when you did nothing to Sunny, that you stood no chance? Why do you always have to be so macho, so thick-headed? Did you even consider how Cozy Glow, how I, would feel if you got yourself killed?”

The severed arm rose up and from it, the skeletal bones of the arm ripped themselves free of the muscle mass, before aligning themselves to Tirek’s shoulder. Chrysalis blasted them with a burst of magic and from the bones ligaments formed, binding them together. Arteries, veins appeared as well as a network of ventricles, nerves and capillaries. These were soon encased by tendons and muscles and in no time bright red flesh was creeping over the surface to seal the arm. Tirek stared in awe as the fingers moved.

“Of course, I’m no better with my insults, I’m sure. And I’m sorry for riling you up like that. Still, you’ll be apologizing to them for losing control.”

Tirek opened his mouth to protest, before Chrysalis grabbed his throat and opened her jaws to their terrifying full width.

“I don’t care. You will apologize to Sunny, Starlight and Cozy Glow, for frightening our filly, this instant-”

Chrysalis’s mandibles dripped venomous saliva onto the floor, melting a hole in the enchanted stone flooring.

“-Or I will find out what Centaur tastes like. Do it now!”

Staring into his terrified expression, Chrysalis threw him to the side, causing him to slam into the stone in front of a very startled Sunny. Izzy gave a low whistle of approval while placing the tennis ball back on her horn.

“Rough, but effective.”

Chrysalis stomped past them, growling and muttering angrily in a language none had ever heard with incoherent hissing mixed in. As she moved, other students quickly scurried out of her way. Starlight sat there, looking rather intrigued at Chrysalis’s behavior before turning to see Tirek furiously groveling before Sunny.

“-My anger got the best of me, forgive me. For the love of the crown forgive me!”

Starlight chuckled as she tilted her head to listen to something, something only she heard.

“True. She is interesting for sure, my Queen.”

Sunny directed Tirek over to Starlight who watched in amusement as he expressly apologized to her. She smiled warmly.

“Friendship is about forgiveness. If Sunny has no intention of ending your existence for your direct assault on her, then I suppose I can forgive your interruption of my tour-”

Her eyes narrowed and Tirek found himself staring into the soulless, callous eyes of the Principal.

“Do not mistake Sunny’s kindness for weakness. If this happens again, she may not be as gentle. I’ll make sure of it.”

Sunny looked at Starlight.

“What about Chrysalis? Should I stop her?”

Starlight shook her head.

“She isn’t a threat to anyone right now. She is simply following her nose. Do you see where she is going?”

Sunny glanced up at the sign: The Dragon’s Fire. Looking at Starlight she inquired.

“She eats meat?”

Starlight nodded looking thoughtful, as she watched Chrysalis revert to her more recognizable form while heading towards the smell of fresh meat.

“She’s from a race of predatory beasts that desicate their prey. Somewhat Spider-like in nature. They even spin webs made out of a mucus formed within their own bodies. My guess is what we just saw was her natural body and returning to that form caused her to become unbearably hungry.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing, what kind of creature does that?”

Starlight smiled at Sunny.

“Right, I forgot. They were extinct by the time Twilight decided to mentor you. Sunny, that is a Changeling. A shapeshifter by nature. More specifically the First Changeling, the Queen. Let’s leave her be for now, she needs to cool down and feed. It’s best not to disrupt the process.”

Starlight watched as Nightmare Rarity followed Chrysalis into the restaurant.

“Besides something tells me, she will learn more on her own than she will learn from a tour with me.”

Starlight looked at Cozy Glow who was confusedly staring at Tirek as he asked her forgiveness for upsetting her; Cozy Glow remembering none of that but accepting the apology anyway using it as an excuse to ask for an ice cream cone later on at one of the many sweet shops dotting the area. Starlight nodded, raising her hoof and saying simply into the device on it.

“Student Roster, Student File, Chrysalis, Notes. Record the following-”

On her throne in Canterlot Palace, Twilight sat, staring at the flashing red letters of Chrysalis’s file. Just one word, blinking brightly in a dark crimson:

Selected.

Twilight’s eyes reflected the red glow of her screen, before a bone-chilling smile crossed her lips. Show me what you can do. Chrysalis the Changeling Queen.

Chapter 4

Chrysalis staggered through the door to the restaurant, her vision swimming. She barely noticed the sudden shift of atmosphere from the bright lights of the cityscape of the first floor. The interior of the restaurant was dark and dreary. The walls resembled that of a massive cave with sharp, jagged and roughly hewn stones. Within a few niches sat glowing flames, just enough to provide silhouettes of the various diners, but not enough to actually light up the room.

Chrysalis’s body shivered violently, as though afflicted by chills, stumbling over to an empty stone table before losing her balance and falling into a seat. She could barely hold her head up as she muttered.

“Used too much energy…on that…stupid…oaf.”

Chrysalis’s head fell forward onto the table as the light left her eyes, and her body grew completely still. All around her, the diners continued their meals completely unaware of Chrysalis and the peril she was in as she faded into oblivion.

A large orange scaly hand reached out to tap Chrysalis on the head, as a somewhat gravelly voice groaned.

“Oh get up already, it’s closing time, you drunk.”

The large orange dragoness failed to notice Chrysalis’s mouth slowly opening and hundreds of needle-like teeth slowly sliding down from the top, as she reached out to give the Changeling a shake awake. Just as her clawed hand was about to touch her, an angry voice behind called out rudely.

“Get your hand away from her mouth, you idiot!”

Pulling her hand away the dragoness whirled around and found herself gazing into the glaring eyes of Nightmare Rarity. Meanwhile, Chrysalis’s teeth retracted as the mouth closed once more with the Dragoness completely oblivious.

“Who do you think you are to order me around?”

Nightmare Rarity flipped her mane and replied in a dismissive voice as she held up her hoof, revealing a golden device similar to Starlight’s silver one on it, only this one was emblazoned with a crimson crest that was identical to Twilight’s cutie mark.

“I’m the one who just saved your life. Be grateful, Darling.”

The dragoness glared in anger at Nightmare Rarity with glowing magenta eyes.

“What do you mean ‘saved my life’?”

Nightmare Rarity ignored her, pressing a hoof to her ear, speaking to someone.

“Alright, I prevented the idiotic waitress from dying, now what?”

In her ear, crackling to life, a microphone conveyed the words of an overly excited female’s voice.

“Alright, if what you are saying is true, and that is actually a Changeling, according to the historical texts, Changelings weren’t compatible with healing magic. So if my guess is right, she has utilized her own life energy to perform it, which is why she resorted to the form you saw earlier. Tell me, what is she doing right now?”

“Nothing. she is just laying there, still as a tomb.”

“An apt description, as she may very well be dying from starvation. A Changeling isn’t alive in the same way as you or I are. This is quite fascinating-”

Nightmare Rarity growled.

“Focus mom!”

“Right, right, sorry, it’s just no one has witnessed a Changeling sighting in centuries. Pretty exciting stuff. According to these records, Changelings are completely hollow; no organs, blood or muscles. Like a tank to store biomatter. What they eat becomes their lifeforce. When it runs out they enter into a deep hibernation state until food is presented but it’s a last resort and unfortunately short-lived; maybe an hour at most. Alright, found it. So here is what you need to give her-”

“Uh-huh…Right, got it.”

Turning to look at a flabbergasted Dragoness, Nightmare Rarity asked her.

“I know you serve parts of ponies, but can I get a fully replicated corpse, freshly dead within ten minutes, raw and unprocessed preferably a full-grown mare, and could you make that a Unicorn as well?”

Angrily the waitress retorted.

“Look, we are closed right now, if you are that hungry I can have a to-go made up, but that is a very expensive-”

Cutting her off, Nightmare Rarity snarled at her.

“I don’t give a flying feather about cost. I need that order and I need it now!”

“Why?”

Pointing at Chrysalis, Nightmare Rarity yelled.

“Because she is going to die if you don’t!”

The waitress squinted one eye in doubt.

“A drunken student needs a one hundred thousand point order? Enough of this. Take your friend and go.”

“She isn’t drun-”

Grabbing the Dragoness’s wrist, Nightmare Rarity practically spat as she shouted.

“Listen here, Smolder. This is not just some student; she is a Selected for Operation: Princess and I am her sanctioned teacher! You will save her life, or I will take yours!”

Releasing a very stunned Smolder, Nightmare Rarity threw up her hoof and spoke into the golden band.

“Display ID. Code N-1-g-h-t-M-4-r-3.”

A holographic display appeared of Twilight speaking.

“Nightmare Rarity. Rank: Private Tutor. Status:Chosen to teach Student ID 80427-E, Student Name: Chrysalis. Restrictions: None. Do not detain, do not impede.”

Smolder glanced from the display as it vanished to Nightmare Rarity, who glared murderously at her. Slowly she raised her wrist and spoke into a green band on her arm.

“Replicator power on. Order: Fresh Unicorn Corpse. Mare. Unprocessed. Raw.”

Nervously staring at the Unicorn before her, Smolder muttered.

“Sorry, it’s usually just some student trying to get free food. It’ll be five minutes.”

“So the little brat who enrolled in this school nearly twenty-five years ago, finally became a bigshot, huh?”

Sitting at a nearby table, waiting for the order to be made, Smolder and Nightmare Rarity sat talking about the past. Laughing, Nightmare Rarity shrugged.

“Nah, I’m still the same little brat that pestered you. Truth be told, I’m not even sure why I was made a Chosen. My grades were mediocre, my arrogance is immense and my ego can barely fit in my parent’s home, according to them that is. Plus, we both know if more than one creature is talking to me, I just fall apart.”

Smolder grinned and nodded.

“Don’t forget to add quick to violence to that list, as well.”

“Well, I am a Nightmare, after all, Darling.”

Chuckling, Smoulder glanced at her wrist.

“Yes you are. Three minutes-”

Gesturing to Chrysalis’s still body, Smolder sighed.

“So what makes her so special for the Queen to take notice- You still drink AB Negative, right?”

Nightmare Rarity shook her head dismissively.

“No, no blood for me, not anymore. My host refused to cooperate as long as I drank it, so we switched to some red grape juice a couple months before graduation. Been drinking it ever since. It’s actually not that bad and it keeps my Rarity happy as well. And as for her-”

Leaning close, Nightmare Rarity’s voice dropped to a secretive whisper.

“You won’t believe this Smolder. She is a Changeling.”

Smolder’s eyes lit up with excitement for a moment, but a lingering doubt remained on her face.

“Her?”

“Yes, her.”

Smolder cast her eyes downward as she lamented.

“I want to believe that. I really do, but I was there when the last Changeling died. I was there when those…those sisters…those monsters…eliminated all non-ponies in this dimension.”

Nightmare Rarity reached out a hoof and placed it on Smolder’s shoulder, speaking in an almost caring tone.

“Smolder, we’ve known each other for just over twenty-five years, and well, you know the details of my entombment within my statue. But, I’ve never asked about how you and your partner Spike survived that…well, that experience.”

Seeing the stony stare from the Wizened Dragon, as Smolder sat there lost in thought, Nightmare Rarity added quickly.

“I mean you don’t have to share, if you don’t want to!”

Smolder was quiet for a moment before shaking her head.

“No, no it is fine. It happened centuries ago, after all. Maybe…Maybe it would do me some good-”

Smolder smiled lightly.

“- to tell someone what happened.”

Nightmare Rarity’s eyes sparkled like brilliant sapphires as she gave an encouraging nod.

“Well there are a few minutes until the corpse is ready, so We are all ears.”

“Spike had been forced by Princess Twilight Sparkle to take a vacation for a few weeks and escort me to the Dragonlands. Having been born there, I had decided to go home to see my family for a couple months, and Twilight claimed Spike could do with learning some more about Dragon Culture as well. Though personally, I think she just wanted him to take a relaxing break. He’d been working so hard. Little did we know that was the last time we would ever see her-”

“Spike, can you get the stone ready for dinner?”

Smolder watched, as urged by her sister, Spike picked up the so-called immovable stone table that was sitting inside the cave and carried it outside without complaint. Spike had been staying at Smoulder’s cave for about two weeks, and had his strength tested since day one.

For Spike and Smolder this was nothing more than staying at a friend’s. However, in Dragon Culture, in the Royal Family, a dragon could only stay in a dragoness’s cave if they received approval from the family of said dragoness. There was just one problem.

Smolder’s family consisted of five members: her brother, Garble, her sister, the current Dragonlord, Ember; her father, Torch and finally the Dragon Broodmother, who Spike had yet to learn the name of as she refused to speak to him. Smolder’s family cared about one thing: Strength.

And while Smolder was herself a bit of a tomboy, she watched in transfixed awe at the emerald flame Spike blew forth onto the rock. She could never see herself with such a scrawny dragon, but perhaps if he had some muscle. Smolder considered what such a Spike would look like, find herself growing flustered-

Nightmare Rarity stared in abject horror as Smolder described a steamy whirlwind of adolescent heat, wishing she was anywhere else. Nightmares by their very nature abhorred the ideals of love and romance, and even her host, Rarity, was grimacing at the description.

As Smolder went into agonizing details complete with sounds of lust, Nightmare zoned out and found herself conversing with her host about Chrysalis.

Rarity, What are your thoughts on Chrysalis?

She’s dangerous.

How so?

Being near her makes me feel…cold. Like all the joy and pleasure of life is being ripped from my very soul. Like I’ll never feel anything again.

Nightmare visibly frowned. Nightmare Rarity was a union of two entities: A Unicorn, once known as the Element of Generosity, Rarity and a strange parasitic life form known by the name of Nightmare. Though Nightmares cared not for romantic affiliations of others, they were well documented for doting on and cherishing their hosts, often going out of their way to make their host happy.

Hearing Rarity’s bleak and desolate tone made Nightmare feel sick, to the point where she might actually throw up. Nightmare hated Rarity being anything but content. Swiftly, Nightmare delved into Rarity’s mind and pulled forth a list of her desires. Scanning the list, she settled on a proper offer to console her.

How about after work tonight, we take a long luxurious bubble bath and enjoy some of those delectable chocolates you admire so much?

Bonbons?

Normally bonbons would be easy to get, but Nightmare knew exactly what Rarity meant; she wanted to indulge in some custom Bonbons from Lyra and Sweetie Drops’s Candy Shoppe. Considered the ultimate in luxury, the custom-swirled bonbons were sculpted of decadent chocolate, while the center was filled with one of hundreds of choices of sickly-sweet syrups; everything from chocolate, to more exotic and somewhat deadly varieties such as cactus juice or even viper’s venom.

Just getting one was considered nearly impossible as they always sold out an hour after opening. Yet there was nothing Nightmare wouldn’t give her Rarity.

Yes. Those bonbons.

A wave of euphoria coursed through her body, letting Nightmare know that Rarity was excited. And for Nightmare that was all she cared about. Luckily, she had managed to get ahold of some bonbons ahead of time.

Then it’s settled, now let’s see where we are with that order.

Allowing herself to focus on her surroundings, Nightmare became aware that Smolder was still going, much to her terror.

“- And that’s when he threw me down on the stone bed, pulling my tail and shoving his giant-Beep, beep!”

Nightmare Rarity’s eyes grew as wide as dinner plates, just before Smolder’s wristband began to beep, cutting her story off. Nightmare Rarity breathed a sigh of relief, thankful for the interruption.

“Oh, looks like your order’s up, I’ll be right back.”

Nightmare watched as Smolder got up from the table and headed to the kitchens, Rarity chiming in. Dodged a bullet there, didn’t we, darling?

And where did you hear that word?

Remember when we watched Rainbine and Brutalight’s Hoofball match? Rainbine pulled out that machine gun thing.

Oh, yeah, forgot about that, hold on, let’s continue this conversation later, Mom’s calling.

Nightmare Moon?

The one and only. Hold on.

The device in her ear crackled to life as the same sultry voice from before began to speak in a surprising flurry of emotion.

“Come in, can you hear me? Damnit Nightmare, answer me! I swear if you are dead, I’ll go to Tartarus and bring you back so I can kill you myself.”

“Mom, chill. I’m not dead. What’s going on?”

“Oh thank Twilight. Nightmare I’m glad you’re okay.”

“What’s wrong? Why do you sound so panicked?”

“I was going through Daybreaker’s historical records , trying to learn more about Changelings. I stumbled on a study by one Clover the Clever about a Queen Chrysalis, sound familiar?”

“Mom, Clover the Clever was-”

I know, but that isn’t important right now. Chrysalis isn’t just any Changeling. If what I’m reading is right, you are in terrible danger. Honey, Chrysalis is Grogar’s first creation. The Primal Evil!”

“Mom, calm down and speak Ponish! I can't understand you. What are you even saying?”

“Shut up and listen to me Nightmare. Chrysalis isn’t the only one that is hungry. Her body is. Make sure that once the corpse is in front of her, you and every other creature stand back ten hoof-lengths. Otherwise, you might be devoured!”

Nightmare Rarity watched as Smolder came out from the kitchen carrying a rather grisly looking dish on a large platter. Glancing over at the still form of Chrysalis nervously she whispered.

“Mom why does it sound like you are describing an Eldritch Horror?”

Smolder approached Chrysalis’s unmoving form as Nightmare Rarity's earpiece crackled to life once more when Chrysalis’s mouth began to open wide, hundreds of needle-like teeth slowly sliding into view. And moments later, another mouth appeared in Chrysalis’s neck; its teeth slowly sliding down as it eagerly opened wide dripping corrosive acid onto the tabletop, with a wet hiss of steam.

“Because I am.”

Chapter 5

Just as the fangs were about to plunge into Nightmare Rarity’s flesh, a bright flash of light filled the room, revealing Daybreaker. An Alicorn of pure white fur, her mane and tail were ablaze with a wild inferno. Taking in the situation at a glance, Daybreaker threw out her forehoof and screamed in pain and rage as the fangs bit deep into her foreleg, taking the blow meant for her daughter.

“Arrrgh!”

Nightmare Rarity screamed in panic when Daybreaker’s horn glowed brightly with the intensity of the sun itself.

“Mom don’t-”

“Hungry for a Changeling, aren’t you? Alright then, take it!”

Much to Nightmare’s surprise, Daybreaker sliced off her own foreleg, chuckling. Unsteadily standing on three hooves, Daybreaker sighed in annoyance as she muttered.

“Moon’s gonna kill me for this one.”

She laughed at her own joke. As if an immortal like her could die. The very idea was so ludacris, she couldn’t help but smirk.

“Mom what are you-”

An instant later, Nightmare Rarity found herself flung back, pinned to the wall by Daybreaker’s magic, who was no longer smiling. She looked panicked as she cast her magic on not only her daughter but also Smoulder.

“Honey, Don’t move! Neither of you!”

Nightmare froze in place, watching in horrid fascination as the gaping jaws that covered Chrysalis’s unconscious form opened and closed slowly as though confused. This went on for a few gut-wrenching minutes until the mouths vanished entirely, and Chrysalis yawned, sitting up and stretching out her hooves.

Smacking her lips, she looked around in groggy confusion at the destroyed furniture all around her.

“Urgh, my head. What-what happened here? Where am I?”

Tilting her head in confusion, Chrysalis’s eyes fell on the white Alicorn before her, muttering groggily.

“Celestia?”

Daybreaker chuckled at the reaction.

“No, I am not.”

Daybreaker’s horn began to glow with the light of the sun as she added gently.

“You should get some rest, young one.”

Chrysalis was suddenly overcome with a desire to close her eyes, her head falling forward onto the remains of the table. Her tongue lolled to the side of her muzzle as she quietly snored, peacefully at rest.

Daybreaker sighed looking at the wreckage.

“Phew, glad I got here when I did.”

Limping over to Nightmare Rarity, Daybreaker gave her a gentle nuzzle before whispering.

“Are you alright, honey?”

“Yes but. Mom why are you here?”

Daybreaker laughed haughtily.

“Moon woke me up, worried about you, so she sent me. Now hold on, I’ve got to take care of this before Moon sees.”

As Nightmare Rarity watched on in awe, Daybreaker’s horn lit up and from the stump on her foreleg erupted flesh, muscle, bone and hide; rebuilding the entirety of Daybreaker’s forehoof as though it was never missing. Daybreaker admired her spell crafting, slowly bending the limb, testing it out. Smoulder stared opened mouth in utter disbelief.

That level of magic was something only a graduate of the Princess Initiative could perform. But Princess Graduates were hailed as more than flesh and bone, for not every candidate graduated, or survived the training. For every hundreds that perished, one survived.

“Excuse me but are you-”

Smoulder was cut off by Daybreaker just laughing.

“No one special.”

Daybreaker’s horn glowed once more and all the broken, splintered furniture started to rebuild itself, only it was much different. The rickety tables and chairs were now framed in bright silver with amethysts inlaid with the center of each table and the back of each high-rise dining chair. The chairs now sported a luxurious cushion of purple velvet, and a framed certificate with Twilight’s royal seal appeared on the wall. The certificate indicated that the establishment was highly recommended by the Ruler of all Creation, herself.

Daybreaker gave a roguish wink flashing her bracelet, a gold and amethyst studded design worn only by Twilight’s advisors. Smoulder gasped.

“-And I was never here because none of this ever happened. Understood?”

Smoulder just stared in disbelief at the new upgrades within her now much bigger restaurant. Tables, machines for cooking, even the new carpet on the floor of the cavern, it all sparkled and gleamed. Unable to formulate words, much less sounds, she just meekly nodded.

Daybreaker yawned and nodded, her fangs sparkling in the light as she gave a sleepy grin.

“Glad that’s settled. Alright, well, I better get these two home. Past my bedtime and all that.”

Now at the home of Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon, Nightmare Rarity stood beside Daybreaker’s bed, as the Alicorn slowly scooted down under her covers; Daybreaker’s flames slowly extinguishing as she did so.

“Hey mom? What exactly is Operation: Princess?”

She muttered rapidly as though it had been hammered into her.

“P-R-I-N-C-E-S-S: Protect, Revive, Introduce, Name, Care, Encourage, Species, Survival.”

Nightmare Rarity blinked in surprise, opening her mouth to ask more, only to notice Daybreaker’s gentle breathing as her barrel slowly rose and fell; the Alicorn fast asleep.

“Hrm, where am I?”

Nightmare Rarity left the room, observing Chrysalis sitting up on the couch in the living room and looking very well-rested and confusedly looking around her. Nightmare Rarity slowly walked up to Chrysalis and sat next to her, an awkward silence falling over the two.

“So um, you’re probably confused, right now.”

Nightmare thought about what Daybreaker had said. Operation Princess was about species survival. But what exactly did that mean? And why was she chosen as the mentor for a candidate; particularly a candidate of a long extinct species, The Changelings.

“Yes, actually. Where am I?”

“In the living room of Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon, Ambassadors of Harmony and Advisors to the Queen, personally.”

“And why is everything on fire?”

“Mom is a bit of a firecracker, her mane and tail are on fire, well except when she sleeps.”

“I see. Alright, one more question.”

“Yes?”

Chrysalis narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“Why am I here?”

“Well, you’ll be living here while you attend class.”

“Huh, so I’m living here now? Just like that?”

Nightmare Rarity chuckled.

“Houses are assigned based on species, but you are actually one of a kind, so you’ve been placed with us Nightmares.”

Chrysalis blinked in confusion.

“One of a kind? But the hive, my my children-”

Nightmare Rarity sighed.

“I’m not sure how to tell you this, but they were wiped out, along with the Dragons, griffons, and every non-pony.”

Chrysalis was surprised.

“But Twilight would never have let that-”

“The Twilight you know died a long time ago. She was betrayed by the Sisters when she discovered their disgusting hobby.”

Still unsure of what to think, Chrysalis waved a hoof dismissively.

“Sure. And what hobby would that be?”

“They collected statues. “

“Statues? Why would that be disgusting?”

Nightmare looked Chrysalis in the eyes, her voice full of hate and pain.

“We were the statues.”

Chrysalis sat there in mortified silence, listening as Nightmare explained further.

“They, those sisters, they went into other Universes and turned beings into statues to bring back and decorate Equestria with. In fact, every statue in Equestria was revealed to be their doing.”

Chrysalis contemplated when she, Cozy Glow and Tirek were turned to stone. Still she stayed silent, listening to Nightmare continue.

“I myself, was placed near the entrance to Tartarus. But the sisters messed with the wrong world. No creature knows where she came from or how, but Twilight descended on them like a bolt of dark Friendship taking the throne and even more than that, subjugating all of reality. She makes the rules, but they seem to be balanced more to fairness, where there is no villain or hero, instead every creature has equal suffering and profits for just as equal efforts.”

“That sounds wonderful and all, but what happened to my children?”

Nightmare shook her head.

“I don’t have the full information on that to give, I’m afraid, but tomorrow in your Princess Class you’ll find your answer. What I can tell you is-”

The next morning, Daybreaker yawned and opened her blazing yellow eyes, shining with energetic vigor. Her mane and tail ignited in a bright nova of fiery explosion. Unlike Moon, Daybreaker would never be caught dead in any outfit; stepping into the living room, her horn aglow with Solar magic.

Outside, the sun slowly rose into the sky, with Daybreaker speaking to it.

“C’mon hun, time to wake up. There we go.”

Her ears picked up sound coming from the couch behind her, Daybreaker spoke softly.

“Still awake?”

“Yeah.”

Chrysalis’s words were quiet, and Daybreaker noticed something was on her mind.

“Worried about the Princess Class, today?”

“Yeah.”

“I see.”

Daybreaker sat down next to the snoozing form of Nightmare, and began talking to Chrysalis; her words gentle and somewhat heartwarming to Chrysalis’s ears.

“You shouldn’t worry about losing your life in any of the classes. You’ve got a good head on that neck of yours. My best advice, well that I’m allowed to give, is to make allies. You’ll be venturing to new worlds and the key is to know when a simple word is as good as a hoof to the face and vice versa. Having allies can really ease that burden.”

Chrysalis sat in silence, considering what Daybreaker had said as Daybreaker continued.

“I want you to know something, this body gave birth to the very sun in the sky every day, and Moon’s daughter is the Moon. We’ve been around a while and we are far older than even you or even Queen Twilight. Now you may ask yourself why I am saying this-”

“Yes, I am, actually.”

Daybreaker smiled and gave Chrysalis a gentle hug, pulling her close.

“The reason is, Chrysalis, we are old enough to be your mothers-”

“I never knew my mother. Or father.”

“Well, as long as you live here, you are a Nightmare through and through. You are one of our family. Now then, daughter, would you like mom to help you get ready for class?”

Chrysalis gave a very uncharacteristic giggle, a sense of relief and gentle warmth washing over her for the first time in a long while.

“I’d love that.”

“Alright, one more time, you see a creature of unknown origins, resembling one of your classmates. Only, they are armed to the fangs with clearly lethal weaponry, and it is pointed at you. They seem to be hesitating and you can easily take them out, but fear is written on their face. What do you do?”

“I disarm them. They clearly aren’t used to combat, and are waiting for a reason to attack, but are so high-strung that they may mistake words for that reason. After disarming them, I would consider how best to approach them, without the threat of harm.”

Daybreaker and Chrysalis sat on the couch discussing hypotheticals that Daybreaker had assured Chrysalis she might encounter in her first class. Right beside Chrysalis, Nightmare slept soundly, a blanket delicately draped over her.

Daybreaker nodded.

“Very good, remember, sometimes the best solution is only a piece of the entire puzzle. And these are all real individuals with real lives. It may not be as cut and dry as it seems at first.”

Suddenly, the front door flew open with a thunderous bang, causing Chrysalis to jump in surprise. In the doorway stood a disgruntled mare of ebony black fur and seafoam green eyes. Her voice was like crashing thunder as she grumbled.

“If one more pony tells me they can’t decipher the Yak’s genome biodata, I’ll rip-”

Pausing, Nightmare Moon stared at Chrysalis for a moment of awkward silence before glancing at Daybreaker. The Eternal Night’s eyes showed signs of fatigue, and she didn’t really seem to notice any of them. She grunted short utterances with a deadpan tone.

“Changeling?”

“Yep.”

“We adopting her?”

“Yep.”

“Huh. Dinner?”

“On the stove.”

“Perfect.”

With that Nightmare Moon walked past Chrysalis into the kitchen where moments later a shout of pure ecstasy rang forth.

“Bloodmoon Pancakes! Thanks, Day!”

Daybreaker chuckled.

“Anytime, Moon.”

Chrysalis looked a Daybreaker.

“Is she okay?”

Daybreaker nodded.

“She’s fine, just tired from a stressful shift.”

Nightmare Moon sauntered in, looking much more lively and levitating a can of ‘carbonated blood’. Cracking open the pop top, Nightmare Moon took a quick swig of the red liquid inside, before putting her hind hooves up in Daybreaker’s face. She whined softly.

“Day, rub my hooves.”

Taking it in stride, Daybreaker got down on her knees, and began rubbing Nightmare Moon’s aching hooves, gently asking.

“Long Night, Moon?”

Taking a long sip of her beverage, Nightmare Moon started in.

“Ah it was the worst! Miss Great and Powerful spilled a particularly rare tube of Yak hemoglobin. On me! Clover and Grogar got into yet another fight, and I swear, if Somber hadn’t stopped me I would have killed them then and there.”

Daybreaker spoke ever so gently.

“Moon, you know they do their best.”

“Yeah, but I hate them all.”

“I know, I know.”

Nightmare Moon sighed in silence for a moment before turning to Chrysalis.

“So, you’re the Changeling Queen-”

Her tone suddenly changed to one of happiness.

“It’s great that you’ll be joining us.”

Chrysalis just stared in disbelief at the shift in tone. Unable to come up with any actual words she just sort of stammered out.

“Th-Thnvrx”

Daybreaker chuckled while Nightmare Moon furiously stated.

“I’m not that scary! Daybreaker, tell her!”

Daybreaker just laughed.

“Nope, she’s actually much scarier.”

Hours later, In a long hallway, Chrysalis and Nightmare Rarity stood in line; neither sure what to really expect, and both going over what Moon and Day had told them. Never be afraid to solve a dilemma one piece of the puzzle at a time. In front of them others took their class assignment before moving to a nearby doorway.

When you find yourselves out of options, defiance can be better than compliance. Another student went through the door. A door that led to nowhere. The door had nothing on the other side of it. Yet, those the entered it vanished. Your class will not conclude until either you are victorious or until you perish. It was almost their turn. Your teacher will be experience, the instructor is there to judge you, not guide you. You must rely on each other in order to succeed.

Stepping up to the counter, Chrysalis noticed a strange creature at the counter. It stood on two legs and talked basic Ponish. It wore a pearl necklace and was clearly feminine in nature. The female stood there, with a forced smile, the odd mane on her head flowing down with Strawberry Blonde locks, and beside her was a mug of some brown liquid. She spoke with a sweet- almost comatose inducingly so- voice.

“Next! Ah, the fabled Changeling Queen. Looking forward to what you can do. Let’s see, oooh are you in for a treat, looks like your first assignment is the Universe of Insanity. Your instructors will be Brutalight Sparcake and her partner Rainbine. Just walk through that door over there, have fun~ Next!”

Chrysalis stared at the ordinary looking oak door, reaching for it. What awaited her and Nightmare Rarity? Could she handle it? And for what purpose was it necessary? Turning the handle, Chrysalis slowly pulled it open and stared in awe at the swirling portal before her.

Taking a deep breath she turned to Nightmare Rarity and saw her smiling.

“Let’s do this, Darling.”

Nodding, Chrysalis stepped into the portal and vanished in an instant.

Chapter 7

“Good day, Moon.”

Daybreaker stepped away from her sister’s bed and turned on the light, slowly closing the door as she did so. Though she never understood why Nightmare Moon slept during the glorious day, she never really questioned it, either.

Heading to her personal bathroom, she prepared to head to work. Unlike her sister, who was formal and in her opinion, extremely stiff, Daybreaker would rather die than wear clothing. And dying for her was not an option. So she stood there, a free spirit, brushing her fangs, just looking in the mirror at herself; at what she had become.

Razor sharp fangs graced her jawline, a carnivore’s maw. Far from the Unicorn’s molars she had once possessed. They were stained with rust from the oxidized remnants of prey long devoured.

Her eyes, once a glistening magenta, now blazed with the fury of the sun, itself. The bright yellow orbs, the snake-eyed pupils of obsidian that stared back at her, made her chuckle. The remnants of the pact, made long ago; the pact that saved her people. The same pact that caused their betrayal. She laughed at the thought.

Daybreaker regretted none of it, not one moment. She did what she did to save the world. And they turned on her. Que sera sera, she decided. About to turn away from the mirror, she also saw that small speck of gentleness hidden amongst the wickedness that had appeared that day centuries ago; the fabled day she first met Twilight in Tartarus, back when the statues started coming down.

Ugrh where- where am I?

“Sister!”

Nightmare Celestia, hearing her sister’s shout, was instantly on alert, whipping her head to the side to look around her. Or at least, she tried to. Overcome by sudden weakness, her legs gave out and Nightmare Celestia crashed to the ground.

Mentally panicking, she was unable to move. Had she been attacked? Some kind of spell? She didn’t know. She just knew, try as she might, the Queen of Daymares was immobilized by something. That’s when she saw the hoof enter her line of sight.

A purple hoof attached to a purple-furred foreleg. Nightmare Celestia weakly tried to see what the leg was attached to, but her body refused to answer her commands. Weak and helpless, she lay there waiting, at this being’s mercy or condemnation.

Suddenly a face appeared in her line of sight as the being leaned down, those burning crimson eyes alight with infernal rage, but oddly softened as they met Daybreaker’s gaze. Moments later, the being’s horn glowed brightly with a golden light and energy flooded into Nightmare Celestia’s body. She felt her strength return to her, no, not just her strength but tens times her own power coursed through her very core.

Slamming her hoof down, she used it to lever herself off the ground and stared at her savior? Captor? Only time would tell. And what she saw filled her with awe. Power in its purest form stood before her, a being from which magic flowed. Nightmare Celestia could see magic from thousands, hundreds of thousands, too many to count, within the Alicorn before her.

Staring at her for a moment, Nightmare Celestia lowered her head in a bow, before fluttering her wings and lowering herself back down onto the ground. She had committed atrocities by the thousands, ruled as a wicked tyrant alongside her sister. And all that was nothing in the presence of this monster. She lowered her head and prepared for the worst.

“You are a lot more amiable than your counterpart.”

“…”

What did she just say? Counterpart? Like a partner? Glancing in the direction of the being’s hoof to see that the mare was pointing at Nightmare Luna, Nightmare Celestia blinked in surprise. Her sister? Not just that, but given the differences between the two, what in her sun was this mare on about? The very thought of such nonsense made her chuckle as she blurted out.

“That’s not my partner, that’s my sister!”

The mare before her broke into a smile.

“Well the difference really is night and day.”

Nightmare Celestia blinked. Had this mare been aware all along about the two of them? Was this all just a way for her to break the ice? The Alicorn mare, though fearsome in appearance, seemed to not be afraid of either or both of them. Was this a chance to break the ice, to have a less formal interaction? Alright then, you win.

“Heh, that was pretty good, I’m Nightmare Celestia, this is my sister Nightmare Luna.”

The Alicorn smiled in approval and gave a flourishing elaborate bow, an ancient Alicorn greeting.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle.”

Daybreaker’s golden eyes flew open as the portal shimmered into view, revealing a floor of enchanted glass. The glass hovered over what appeared to be a sea of molten fire; the surface of the Sun. Stepping through the portal, it closed behind her and a cheerful voice called out.

“Oh, Princess! Over here.”

Turning towards the speaker, Daybreaker stared momentarily at a couple of Unicorn mares, each in a reflective orange thermonuclear hazmat suit. Both wore see through helmets of tempered enchanted glass, and both seemed extremely cheerful. Again, the one that called out to her, waved a hoof at her.

“Princess! Princess!”

Daybreaker walked over to the two, smiling gently.

“Well if it isn’t my favorite young mares. Good morning Sunset, and to you as well, Stella.”

The smaller one, a young mare with a mane of red and yellow seemingly glowing within the helmet, nudged the larger one playfully. The mature one, Stella Flare, rolled her eyes.

“C’mon Cassanova, let’s get that flirtatious flank of yours enchanted.”

Chuckling, Daybreaker leaned down and grinned.

“I thought you found my flank enchanting already.”

Stella blinked, her orange furred muzzle turning bright red with embarrassment. She muttered sullenly.

“I’m free at 5. Until then, the ritual is ready to go.”

Daybreaker smirked in victory, walking over to a ritual circle decorated with black candles. The two Unicorns cast their spells, activating the circle and the flames of Daybreaker were immediately suppressed. The Alicorn hated this part of her job, but Twilight’s word was law. And it would be followed. Daybreaker winced, she always felt so weakened when her flames went out, but it was necessary; the enchantment having been made specifically for her.

She watched as the lovely flames of her mane and tail were removed from her and stored in the sun, making her look for all intents and purposes like a giant white Unicorn. The sun being the only thing hot enough to contain her fire.

Though she hated it, she thought about how necessary it was, since she worked at a library. But not just any library, the library. A portal appeared before her and Daybreaker stepped through it.

She found herself in front of a giant limestone building, a building so massive it took up the entirety of the 17th floor. It looked somewhat ancient and burned, though no creature aside from Twilight knew where it came from. Within its walls it housed every word, song, thought and media ever made or would be made with new things appearing on mysteriously constructed shelves daily. And not just from their universe but from every known universe. A large carving above the massive double door boldly proclaimed in a long-forgotten language:

Alexandria

On either side of her, two portals appeared, through which Sunset and Stella stepped. Both immediately began to shed their hazmat suits, while students ran to and fro from the library. Once out of their suits, both mares shone beautifully in the sunlight that streamed in from who knew where.

Sunset Shimmer was a young mare with orange fur and a mane and tail of red and yellow. On the Unicorn’s flank was the image of an exploding fireball, which she insisted was a tattoo, not a cutie mark, though nobody really understood what a tattoo even was. They all just assumed this meant she was a more powerful Unicorn than most. Sunset was believed to have hailed from the same dimension as the Library of Alexandria, but even she wasn’t sure, claiming it to have burned to the ground.

Stella Flare was a mature Unicorn with unique white markings on her orange fur. Most notable however, were the scars that ran across her midriff almost as if she had been ripped open by claws at one time. She had a fierce thousand yard glare, and her stance was reminiscent of past Equestrian military regiments. Daybreaker always had a sneaking suspicion that given a reason, Stella could break her in half with little to no effort, though she couldn’t really explain why.

Sunset wondered out loud.

“I wonder where-”

“She’s already waiting for us and she arrived exactly four point six minutes ago, during the enchantment ritual.”

Stella’s rigid voice cut through Sunset’s musings, as the doors to the library opened wide to reveal a gray Unicorn with a periwinkle mane and tail with white stripes. On her flank, three purple stars were clustered. Twilight Velvet’s sky blue eyes were warm and buttery as she cheerfully waved to them.

“C’mon, you slow pokes!”

The words and demeanor were playful enough, but Daybreaker could sense how tense Velvet’s muscles were, like a snake coiled and ready to strike at any given moment. Her military training showed, with how polished her every motion was. And Daybreaker knew exactly why. Velvet was Queen Twilight’s mom and the world they grew up in was one of unforgiving brutality.

“...This may take a while to explain. Let’s start from the beginning.”

Twilight waved her hoof in front of her, causing a swirling vortex of magic to appear in which a young purple Unicorn filly sat on a couch watching an odd box with moving pictures. Around her, various black objects, some plastic, some metal, and some rubber, lay scattered on the floor.

Twilight watched the television as a well-toned mature gray Unicorn mare with white striped purple mane and tail shouted orders to a group of mares; all of them fighting for their lives as firearms discharged. Meanwhile an announcer was exclaiming excitedly.

“...And there it is! The Shadowbolts’s legendary Velvet Whistle Formation! Wendy Whistles is coming from behind with her shotgun, lightning raining hell upon the enemy, while Twilight Velvet cuts them down with a dancer’s finesse! This is for all the marbles! What can the Diamond Dog Commandos possibly do against this onslaught?”

The little filly shouted excitedly as Velvet’s twin sabers liberated a foe’s head from their neck in a sudden flash of steel.

“Go momma!”

“Twilight!”

In an instant, the little filly whirled around in surprise; the many pieces scattered about her suddenly coming together in the shape of a fully-loaded handgun which was then aimed at the speaker.

The mare standing there chuckled and threw her hooves up.

“Very good honey, but-”

Before her daughter could even comprehend the words, the mare was beside her in a flash, her hooves easily disarming the little filly and picking her up, rocking her gently in a levitation spell. She tickled Twilight, who giggled happily.

“Mommy! Hee-Hee”

“-You’ve got to be faster than that to stop the likes of me, sweetie.”

Walking over to the couch, Velvet set down her daughter who exclaimed happily.

“Momma’s home early!”

Velvet gave Twilight a loving nuzzle.

“I took leave to see your admittance into the Equestrian Elementary Bootcamp. Are you excited for tomorrow?”

“Uh-huh!”

“And have you thought about what branch you’ll be enrolling in?”

“Yes! I’m gonna be Infantry, like mommy!”

Velvet gave a bittersweet smile. The Equestrian Military had two branches, Infantry and War Medics. Infantry was generally for Colts and Stallions. Though Fillies were permitted to try out for the front-line, the majority of them simply found it impossible to keep up with the strenuous conditions the Colts lived in. And so they were moved to the War Medics, where Colts had the hardest time on average.

Velvet was famous not only for her brutality and calm head in combat but also for being the only mare to ever be promoted to the rank of Commander. Her squad of pure mares was the first and only team to ever be formed in such a way in nearly 1000 years of Equestrian History.

Twilight would have her work cut out for her, and Velvet knew her daughter had a hard time learning and adjusting to new regulations. Even with how fast she had used her magic to assemble her firearm, a standard issue for all foals, it was still slower than nearly every other her age.

Velvet knew it wasn’t her fault, Twilight always tried her best, but how could she tell her, her proudest accomplishment, that Twilight had no chance to achieve her dream? She couldn’t. Of all the battles she won, of all the foes she toppled, this fight with herself was the one she couldn’t win.

“You are going to do just fine, honey.”

“Name?”

“Twilight S. Sparkle.”

The clock on the wall ticked ever so slowly as Velvet watched her daughter being interviewed by the recruiter for admittance. Sitting in a chair by the wall, Velvet was on the edge of her seat, silently pleading for her daughter’s performance.

“Age?”

“Um…”

Twilight nervously looked at her hooves before remembering.

“Seven.”

“Alright. And where do you want to enroll, Miss Sparkle?”

“Infantry. Front lines! Like Momma.”

The Recruiter didn’t look up from her paperwork, stating in a monotone, bored voice.

“Like your mother? And who would that be?”

“459 Bravo Infantry Commander Twilight Velvet.”

The recruiter didn’t so much as blink as she replied, in a dismissive tone.

“Sure, sure. You're Velvet’s daughter. Like I haven’t heard that several times this week.”

“But I am.”

“Of course you are, tell you what-”

The recruiter tossed a military grade handgun onto the desk with disdain.

“-Disassemble and reassemble this, and I’ll enroll you.”

Twilight stared helplessly at the foreign firearm, unsure of what to do. She had never seen this make or model before nor had she heard the strange words the recruiter had used. The recruiter stared at her.

“Well?”

Twilight stared blankly at the weapon, when suddenly Velvet’s voice rang out from her chair.

“Twilight! De hut!”

The recruiter shouted out in alarm.

“No outside assistance, Miss-”

The recruiter’s eyes went wide with awe seeing Velvet for the first time.

“Velvet?”

“It’s alright, I’m her mother.”

Suddenly and much to the surprise of the recruiter, Twilight’s horn glowed for several seconds before the gun rose off the desk and fell to pieces. But Velvet wasn’t done yet, shouting out sternly.

“Ar Hut!”

Suddenly, with her horn still aglow, Twilight snapped the weapon back together within two seconds, with the safety cocked and placed within her holster. The recruiter rubbed her chin thoughtfully before glancing at Velvet, smiling softly.

“She’s a bit slow on the uptake, Miss Velvet, but there’s potential. Not many at that age can disassemble that gun, fewer still can reassemble it. Hm, what to do?”

Glancing into Twilight’s big hopeful eyes, the recruiter sighed.

“Alright, a deal’s a deal. Welcome to the Infantry, Miss Sparkle.”

Velvet chuckled, seemingly carefree, standing there on the steps as she called out.

“Hurry up, we’ve got worlds to save! Stella, who's next on the list?”

Stella Flare’s horn glowed with a golden light, causing the enigma machine to appear. She began pushing levers and buttons before frowning and muttering.

“That can’t be right, we aren’t supposed to interfere with those. Is this thing broken?”

“Stella?”

Looking up from her machine, Stella shook her head in confusion, before snapping back.

“Commander, get the girls. We’ve got a mission.”

Velvet looked concerned as she addressed Stella.

“Mission? What kind of mission?”

Stella and Velvet’s bracelets suddenly went off as Stella raised her eyes to give Velvet a startled look. Velvet looked down at her bracelet to see a red light flashing on and off, while a figure was being projected from the holographic display.

It was a black chitinous equine, with gossamer wings and gentle, envious green eyes. Daybreaker froze seeing the being. It was her adopted daughter.

Stella spoke quietly.

“A rescue mission-”

Daybreaker’s heart raced in panic as Velvet suddenly cut off Stella.

“We have to rescue Chrysalis.”

Stella pondered out loud.

“Chrysalis? Who is this Chrysalis?”

Daybreaker’s pupils dilated as her blood boiled. My daughter. They had just met last night. There was no reason to care so deeply. That’s what Daybreaker told herself. But all she could think of was sitting on the couch, the two of them bonding. “I’ll protect you. You are one of us now.” I’ll protect you. Daybreaker’s eyes burned with the intensity of the sun itself; burning in rage. She felt her body growing hotter and hotter as her pulse quickened.

Velvet shook her head.

“I don’t know. But whoever she is, she must be important for the Queen to request us.”

My daughter. Daybreaker heard the words echoing in her mind. My daughter. My daughter. Daybreaker’s muzzle opened and two words slipped out in a whisper.

“My Daughter.”

The other two looked at her in confusion.

“Huh?”

Daybreaker’s wings flared as her entire body erupted in a raging hellfire of fury, screaming in absolute rage.

“My daughter needs me!”

Before any creature could react, Daybreaker’s horn glowed with a celestial light and a portal opened, through which she leapt. Watching as the portal vanished, Velvet looked at Stella.

“I thought you and Sunset drained her magic.”

Stella nodded, Sunset’s jaw still hanging open from the display.

“We did. We left her the bare minimum for her to function.”

Velvet gave a low whistle staring at the scorch marks on the indestructible stone floor, now cracked from the extreme heat.

“That’s her bare minimum?”

“Yeah.”

Velvet sighed and held up her bracelet, staring pensively at the spot Daybreaker vanished from.

“Contact Queen Twilight…Hey Honey, We...We have a problem.”

Chapter 8

Queen Twilight sat on her throne, shivering as her body was wracked by unimaginable pain. Several hours ago, she had felt the magical essence of the Timberwolves ripped from her very soul. Another one gone, Twilight thought bittersweetly to herself. One step closer to seeing you again, girls.

That’s all she wanted, to see them again. The six that were stolen from her. The six she had loved more than any other. The six, those two had murdered before her eyes. Even if it cost her own life to do it.

“Hi, my name is Pinkie Pie!”

A pink furred earth pony stood before Twilight excitedly waving in her face, though where she came from, Twilight couldn’t actually say. One moment she wasn’t there, and the next, there the pink filly was giggling and laughing at her surprised reaction.

“What’s your name?”

“My name is Twili- Hey where’d she go?”

Freezing, Twilight became aware of a rubber K-Bar pressed against her Jugular. A cheerful giggle behind her whispered chillingly in her ear.

“You need to be more alert, if this was wartime, I would have slit your throat before you could even know why you died.”

Twilight blinked and then jumped in surprise; Pinkie was now standing right in front of her. Twilight shouted out in surprise.

“How-What?”

Pinkie just grinned, clearly proud of herself. Just then another voice called out, causing Twilight to look up.

“Don’t mind her, she does that, sometimes.”

Glancing up, Twilight stared in awe at a group of six pony fillies approaching her, led by a unicorn filly with lilac-pink fur with a satchel on her side. She gestured to herself.

“My name is Starlight Glimmer, I’m the leader here, are you here for trial week?”

Twilight found herself suddenly tongue-tied before the oddly shining Unicorn. Where was that choir that was suddenly singing, anyway? She stumbled out.

“My name is Brightlight Starkle- er- Twilight Sparkle! Yes, I am.”

Starlight stared at her for a moment, before chuckling.

“I like you. You’ll fit right in here.”

“What?”

The Staff Sergeant pointed at Twilight.

“Your scores are the lowest we’ve ever had; you are being moved to the nursing branch starting tomorrow.”

Twilight was at a loss, she did her absolute best, and yet it was to no avail. Always last in the daily trek, always last in push-ups, sit-ups. Always last. She hung her head in shame. Was this it? Was her dream dead?

“Wait.”

Twilight raised her head in surprise. The stallion glanced up from his clipboard.

“What is it, Private Glimmer?”

Starlight stood in front of Twilight, as if to shield her, stating.

“Sir, please give me one week with her. I promise to have her in the top 10, easy.”

“You really think you can do that?”

Starlight grinned.

“Sure as my mom’s name is Stella, sir.”

Three days later, Applejack stood next to a barrel of caustic acid, dipping her hoof in it, before withdrawing it with a wince, only to repeat the process again. Next to her, Rarity furiously beat a wrench against a metal framework in frustration looking at a blueprint, before using it to quietly turn another bolt, her focus absolute.

Fluttershy stood in front of Pinkie Pie, her eyes narrowed like a hawk. Pinkie smiled lovingly, before slowly drawing her rubber K-Bar from its sheath, licking the edge of the rubber blade.

“First to three, okay?”

Fluttershy stood completely unarmed and smiled coyly back. Her soft words barely carried on the wind.

“Sounds good to me.”

In an instant Pinkie rushed her, with Shy drawing two training pistols strapped to her sides and locking onto Pinkie with seemingly the greatest of ease. Unloading round after round of rubber bullets, Shy watched as Pinkie dodged effortlessly, weaving in between rounds and getting closer.

Just as Pinkie was in striking distance, Shy tossed aside her pistols and drew her own K-Bar clashing against Pinkie’s in a surprising shower of sparks. Pinkie cackled, while Shy just smirked.

Colts nearby panted in disbelief, having just finished one hundred sit-ups; twenty minutes behind the fillies.

“Monsters. They’re just monsters.”

Over on the track, panting and wheezing, Twilight collapsed to the ground. Next to her, shouting, stood Starlight.

“Are you a quitter, Sparkle? Is that you? Don’t you dare give up on this!”

Struggling to rise, Twilight shouted out.

“I-I can’t!”

Starlight leaned down and roared.

“You can and you will! Or I’ll be cutting your rations in half for a week, now rise and get back to running, soldier!”

Swiftly, Twilight rose to her hooves shouting out.

“Sir, yes sir!”

Seven days soon passed, and Twilight stood nervously before the Staff Sergeant as the Stallion went over her mental aptitude test results. Much to his surprise, they were good. No, not just good, they were phenomenal. To see such a turn around in one week was completely unheard of.

Little did he know that Twilight had gotten non-stop advice, commands and assistance from all of the fillies for the past week, each specializing in a different aspect of physical and mental training. And all that was left was the physical exam. The final exam, the last chance to prove herself worthy of being in artillery.

“Alright, Sparkle, your test results are in order. Head outside immediately to test your physical qualifications-”

“Honey!”

Twilight woke up from her daydream in a panic, snapped from her memories back to the present, shouting out.

“Yes, sir, ma’am, I mean- sir!”

Velvet broke through her confusion.

“Honey- we have a problem.”

Instantly snapping out of her fog, Twilight spoke out, sitting up on her throne.

“What do you mean by ‘problem’?”

Velvet detailed the outburst of Daybreaker and the moments leading up to it. Twilight mused pensively.

“Her daughter? I see, so they already developed such a bond. How wonderful…Well, Daybreaker has always cherished unwavering loyalty-”

Glancing over at the spear-wielding Rainbow Dash standing without so much as a flinch, by her throne, Twilight smiled.

“Like another pony I happen to know. Alright, Mom, take the Shadow Bolts and do your best to de-escalate the situation; this mission has just become a crisis. Daybreaker’s rage will eliminate all in her path.”

“What are your orders, my Queen?”

“Mom. I am tasking you to stop the on-coming genocide of Brutalight’s Dimension. By any means necessary.”

3 hrs earlier

Chrysalis stepped cautiously out of the portal and looked around nervously. She seemed to be in a warehouse of some kind, stacked with odd wooden crates. Outside the building, the sounds of gunfire filled the air, and to make matters worse, she was alone without any sight of Nightmare Rarity. Desperately she whispered out.

“Sister?”

Nothing. No sound, no hoofsteps or anything. Chrysalis sat down to think about her situation. Her sister was gone, she was stranded on an alien world, in a dimension she was unfamiliar with. And she only had one thought.

Mom’s gonna kill me if I get Nightmare killed. I need to find her.

“I’m telling you I heard something!”

Chrysalis’s blood froze. Stiffening, she felt her heartbeat rapidly. That voice sounded off, distorted as though two were speaking at once. Just then a more joyful, somewhat carefree voice chimed in.

“Shimmycakes, there’s no one here.”

A moment of silence, before the first voice answered.

“Alright, let’s go then.”

The sounds of what Chrysalis could swear were bipedal creatures leaving the building were heard, along with a metal door sliding shut. Chrysalis breathed a sigh of relief. She used her hooves to grab the boxes and leverage herself up off the ground, only to slip and down came all the boxes in a loud clatter all around her. Gasping in panic, she heard the sudden opening of that metal door, and then silence.

Chrysalis waited quietly in the pile of boxes and hearing nothing else, silently pushed them off. Standing up, she took a step when suddenly, the sounds of sparkling magic all around her, along with two glowing eyes. A joyous feminine voice called out, along with a male’s flamboyant sing-song tone of introduction.

“Oh hi!”

“Magic Mare!~”

The eyes became a head, and a body soon followed; a bipedal, blue-skinned creature with white and pink hair. A female that wore a magical cloak, and a t-shirt with stars and moons on it. Swiftly, she reached out a blue hand and grabbed Chrysalis by the neck.

“And what have we here?”

Struggling, Chrysalis found herself being lifted off the ground to stare into the cold eyes of the joyful stranger, who tickled her chin playfully with the other hand.

“Aren’t you a cute one, wait until Shimmycakes sees you. And off we go!”

In an instant, both vanished from sight.

At a window in a small wood-paneled room stood Painset Shimmercakes, her heterochromatic eyes of red and blue twitched in annoyance. Whirling around in fury as a flamboyant voice sang the announcement of Magic Mare, Painset prepared to lay into her for abandoning her, when she noticed Chrysalis.

“And who is this?”

Chrysalis blinked at the blatant jealousy dripping from her voice. Magic Mare however, took it in stride and sauntered over to Painset, wrapping her arm around her in a loving embrace from behind and whispering silkily.

“One of Brutalight’s girls.”

Painset’s eyes widened, with the rage fading from them, and they twinkled with excitement.

“Her squeeze? You got Brutalight’s squeeze?”

Chrysalis opened her mouth to object, only to find a rope suddenly wrapped around her muzzle, preventing her from uttering a single sound. Painset cackled.

“Oh, this is just perfect! We kidnap her, and Brutalight will have to come rescue her. And when that happens, we can finally kill her. Magic Mare! Find a spot for our little guest.”

Nightmare Moon snorted peacefully into her pillow both Nightmare and the host fast asleep. A light knocking on her door jamb caused the Nightmare’s eyes to twitch beneath her closed eyelids.

“There better be a damned good reason to disrupt my slumber.”

The air grew as cold as the arctic, and Velvet suddenly found herself having trouble breathing as the air grew thinner. She choked out.

“Princess, we need your assistance.”

Nightmare Moon slowly sat up, her bright seafoam green eyes snapping open, the coldness in the air vanishing in an instant. She gestured towards Velvet and the others with her.

“And what could the Shadowbolts and my queen’s mother need with my unparalleled might?”

The sun shone brightly into the bedroom as Nightmare Moon listened with growing irritation at the situation described to her. Rising majestically to her hooves, Nightmare Moon’s horn suddenly glowed midnight blue and on her body appeared a platinum and silver armor plating. Her eyes narrowed as a domed horned helmet appeared on her head. She growled in fury.

“Let’s go.”

Walking past the stunned group of mares, Nightmare Moon thought angrily about Chrysalis being taken hostage; her sister losing her calm was nothing new to her, but she understood. Nightmare Rarity was well-able to defend herself, but Chrysalis was an infant in comparison to her sister.

The two sisters had adopted Chrysalis. And neither would willingly let her go. As far as the sisters saw it, she was now their baby, and she had been taken.

The air itself turned to ice and an unholy darkness enveloped the hall. Nightmare Moon’s rage swirled around her, though she seemed determined to control herself. Daybreaker had once joked about how horrifying Nightmare Moon could get to Velvet. Only now, Velvet saw as she shook in abject terror, it had been no joke. A chilling breeze blew through the hallway as Nightmare Moon spoke, her voice crashing like thunderous waves against jagged rocks.

“My daughter is waiting. ‘Tis Death on the wind.”