Chapter 9: Party and Changin'

As I have mentioned many times, I don't like the Grand Galloping Gala.

Between canon-related reasons and some of which stems from personal irritations, the event was something that I saw no point in entertaining... before now. Admittedly, I still retained a degree of disdain for it as I wandered through it, becoming part of it.

The nobles and the high society of Canterlot were an obnoxious bunch of ponies that were particularly ignorant of the many issues their status quo is leading to, and they were very stubborn in upholding what they perceived the 'just enough' situation which had them richer, and the 'peasants' poorer.

While right now there was nothing that could warrant them any immediate concerns over that mindset, they definitely were going to feel the heat at the end of a conflict with the Changelings. After all, I wasn't stopping my plans to just the war itself and I looked at the post-war period with some unease.

The ponies were going to wake up as 'hard times breed tough folks', and most of the nobles were going to do 'absolutely nothing' in the eventuality of the first 'shots'. That was going to lead to riots, strikes, and changes. Some of which may be either moderate or radicals. Reform was, nonetheless, needed.

It is too early to make a call on all these future events, but the general view was enough to make it needed for me to regain a more public appearance to the outside world. And as I arrived at the Gala, I could feel numerous eyes on me as I had warranted a lot of interest as a 'rare breed' of noble.

I wouldn't say I was a hermit to social events, but the whispering of my name and the many rumors regarding my discipline and dedication to my job painted a rather mystified view most of the nobles had towards me. Most of it was positive, but I could sense that malicious 'neutral tone' used in some instances as they saw me as an 'agent of change' that could possibly threaten a 'small portion' of their livelihood.

I cared not, especially when publicity was not my main goal here. It was part of the plan, but not the plan itself. The gala was, after all, an 'important event' and 'one which disruption could demoralize the country'. And it was for that reason that I glanced to the side where I found a familiar face in the crowd.

Bon Bon spared me a nod while distractedly rolling her eyes at her friend Lyra, the green-furred mare chatting about 'humans'. I was a bit surprised by this fanon element, but I was still focused on Bon Bon... or, Agent Sweetie Drop.

Sweetie was one of the long-standing members of S.M.I.L.E. from a time when the agency was only geared to hunt monsters within Equestria, but as the organization was given a bigger budget and new duties, Sweetie had turned into a formidable spy in tracking down Changelings.

Which is why she was assigned to the Gala, having been told to verify if the event was clear of any infiltrators. Knowing our lucks, there were definitely some 'cheeselegs' around in this place. Still, I wasn't meant to personally look for those. I was too 'dangerous' of an element for any infiltrator to ignore if I started to act suspiciously, which is why 'Bon Bon' was to act as the 'weed-catcher' while I 'enjoyed' the party.

That being said, it wasn't exactly that simple as it sounded when-

"Come on, nephew! It's time to stick around with our family!" Luna chirpily said as she yanked me around. One thing I had not planned was for Luna to have me by her and Celestia's side from the get-go. I understood Twilight's presence as she was a co-ruler with the previous Diarchs, but I was a prince by 'relation' rather than genuine royal succession.

I was also not the kind of pers- pony that enjoyed this sort of 'spotlight'. Celestia and Luna were revered as deities due to their powers and longevity. For me to stand 'between them', felt like a statement that only heightened my importance in society and... made some potential enemies very nervous of handling me too directly while plotting of indirect ways to 'remove me'. So, for me to be in that close group was both frustrating and confusing.

I could almost tell this was a trap of sort, especially with how 'restrained' Auntie Tia sounded through this conversation. She made an effort to invite at a few tea ceremonies along the month, and I accepted out of grace and... perplexity. I could tell she was being honest, but I could tell somepony told her to do this.

It was a strange mental exercise, which paled before Twilight's more down-to-earth offer to tag along during those times. Aunty Lulu admitted her schedule wouldn't allow to be there all the time, but promised to make an effort about it.

All of this felt a bit too shallow for my tastes, but I decided against calling it out as it didn't seem like the organization of a trap. I was still unsure on what kind of conversation Luna gave her sister, but it was clear it was working mostly well for her as some of her lewder tones tended to come out randomly as Celestia would chalk it out as 'silly jokes' under the smoldering glances from her younger sibling.

"Truly sister?"

"Is it not fine among youngsters to be a bit more open about their sexuality in jesting?" Celestia had rebuked, yet a flinch from the ever-present frown on Luna's face suppressed any interest to make it a hill to die on.

"Auntie, there's such a thing as sex jokes, there's also lusting after family."

"Distant family." She argued, but it really felt like a clutch attempt than a genuine solid reason.

Twilight was just ecstatic about doing 'her part', and even then she was careful enough to not latch herself onto me too much. It didn't stop some from gossiping about us being in a relationship, although I was confused by the fact ponies would create rumors out of merely two of those standing one beside the other.

Was this a result of an internet-less society yearning for shipping in a rather vitriolic way? I had nothing to confirm this, but it was good to keep an eye for this sort of troublesome rumors. Also, the Princess of Friendship was keen to 'accept' her friends wouldn't come due to their previous experiences, and I was glad that I didn't have to deal with anypony worthy of my concerns.

Such as Pinkie Pie.

I was unsure what kind of version I was facing. Was she just the goofy party pink pony, or something 'more' than that? This could range from a multidimensional entity that existed on all versions of MLP and had awareness of that, to actually her being a eldritch entity. I was more inclined on the former than the latter... and I was sure that the Rainbow Factory isn't a thing, so that's one less worry to concern myself about.

Looking around mid-dragging by both Luna and Celestia, I saw Vivienne enjoying herself while talking with some fellow 'exiled' Aquileans. Some had already reached out to try and have her invested in a restoration, but she admitted to have 'given up the title' out of 'unwillingness' to pursue a 'poisoned throne'. I couldn't fault her as Aquilea had suffered too many coups and civil wars, adding another was only going to leave a throne over dust for her to rule, and bunch of radicalized citizens that would mostly hate her guts for even 'daring' to return.

This very circumstance broadened the Gala as one of the first few that had started to include various foreign diplomats and politicians. Griffonia had its fair share of pro-Equestrian government, especially with the Griffonian Republic, the Kingdom of Vedina, and the Skyfall Trade Federation. Most were Harmonic in nature, with just a handful entertaining authoritarianism with Harmonic characteristics.

There were hardly any Socialists or Communists due to the noble-esque air at the Gala, but I did get approached by some... unusual fellow of the Griffon kind: the Katerin Federation. Diellza had made some intriguing efforts after my latest visits, having 'mustered' her best behavior, altered the composition of her Regency council with Technocrats and forced some reforms to revive her country's agrarian industry.

Months later, the Katerin Principality had reformed to a less Autocratic government, but it had also taken steps to acquire lands from Longsword after it fell in a Civil War, and then the Order of Hellquill when her cousin had taken over with his pseudo-Nazi group.

The overall process 'expanded' the Herzland with new land that was soon tended by a mix of technocrats and moderate socialists that worked under the leadership of Diellza and Heinrich Duskfeather. Katerin was rising, and it definitely frightened the increasingly wary watch of the Archons in Griffinheim as it would lessen their chances of expansion and restoration for the empire.

The meeting was mildly surprising, especially since the representatives merely asked for a batch of officers to 'expand their military prowess', and I saw no issue in having some of the younger officers sent to learn how to fight in Griffonia. A full agreement would have to wait until after the Gala, especially when Bon Bon passed by me with a 'happy' smile.

"Prince Blueblood, right?"

"That would be me... you are Bon Bon, the famous candy-maker from Ponyville."

A bit of a 'artificial' exchange, but it did well in keeping away any unwarranted rumors of closeness. Her approaching me implied something had come up which demanded my attention, something that made any 'playful' approach towards family and the party itself falter at the potential issue of a caught infiltrator.

"Yes, yes. I do remember your order for... a small muffin, lots of chocolate cream and... a sprinkle of cinnamon?"

We found a young Changeling. She is soft - young and inexperienced - and has a lot of information.

I nodded. "That would be the case. It was indeed a most sweet food, and I sure hope your clients know how lucky they are to have such a hardworking mare with quite the talent."

She nodded and beamed... and then she was off. Two hours later, as it was time to leave and I bid goodbye to all those that had to linger for the party, I decided it was high time to...

Check on the newest guest in the dungeons.

----------d-d-d-d------

The cell was dark, and the little drone was ready to spill the beans on everything.

It was embarrassing how she was quick to fold, but she also knew that she didn't believe to Queen Chrysalis. She missed Thorax, the dum-dum would be so nice to her and he had been around since she was a little larvae.

Yet now he was gone because he was nice and kind, hiding from the scary Queen that wanted to rip the love out of the ponies and other creatures, and sent her on a mission to 'prove her loyalty' by poisoning any of the princesses.

And Ocellus was deeply frightened by what was to come next as she was easily caught by the ponies.

The little drone had been sitting by one of the corners of the cell, the furthest from the door, glaring at the sole entrance and hating the loud silence that was within this part of the castle. It was so quiet... because she was the only prisoner. She was the only failure in many years.

Still, her silence didn't last forever as hooves stepping by the cobblestone ground got her attention, the approach growing louder with each step getting closer to her cell. She tensed up, her carapace hardening as if preparing to get hit but... the door swung open with a soft lull. There was no harshness, only drive that pushed the white-furred unicorn into her cell.

Her eyes widened astronomically as she recognized him as the biggest threat at the Gala. It wasn't Celestia, it wasn't Luna, and it wasn't even Twilight Sparkle- it was Prince Blueblood, the one in charge of the military efforts in Equestria as he prepared to face her kind's invasion.

He spared her a quick look, the stallion taking long steps as he circled around the shuddering Changeling. And he... sighed, relaxing his posture.

"I had been told I was dealing with a young drone, I didn't expect to face quite the little one."

She bowed her head instinctually. "S-Sorry."

"Hm? For having been caught or for being too young to dare such a dangerous infiltration?"

Ocellus didn't answer, merely unsure on how to handle this. She wanted to give up the truth for her own survival, but she felt compelled by a strong sense of... unease to do so.

"I see," Blueblood hummed, smiling as he sat down. "Tell me, what's your name?"

...

"O-Ocellus."

His eyes widened in... recognition? No, it couldn't be. As much as it felt like it, there was no way the noble pony would recognize 'her'. In fact, not even the queen called her by her real name, but his immediate response made (little) sense.

"That's a cute name."

She couldn't back a blush, ignoring her previous thought. "T-Thank you."

"Still, it's nice to meet you, Ocellus," Blueblood spoke up again. "I have to ask... if this assignment of yours was given to you with the intention of seeing you fail. After all, forgive me for saying this, I feel like this may have been above your abilities."

"It was," She numbly said. "Q-Queen Chrysalis said that... that I had to show my best and- and prove I was loyal by..."

"Dying for the cause?"

Gulping nervously, Ocellus nodded as she remembered the many shouts she got for speaking up against being assigned to this post and yet told that 'she will do what she had to do for the sake of her Queen', and the unicorn sighed at her meek response.

"Chrysalis has always been the paranoid tyrant. She can't stop seeing the bad in others, especially those that somewhat oppose her view of the world. Like Thorax."

Ocellus perked at this. "You know Thorax?"

Was he hiding in Equestria? The Queen had tried to say that he had been slain, but this was disproved mere months later. Still, if he was there, Ocellus wouldn't have minded speaking with him and... asking so many questions about her own doubts as those matches his.

"Only by passing. He has been making a lot of noise in the Badlands, but I doubt he can cross over to Equestria. Chrysalis' guards are constantly patrolling the border, so he can't make that crossing unscathed."

That made sense, and yet displeased Ocellus a bit. Such a sad revelation, but at least she knew he was still around and... well, she could hope to eventually met him.

"Is he a friend of yours?"

She nodded. "He- he took care of me when I was young."

"And Chrysalis knew this."

Ocellus nodded again, this time with a softer edge which implied what the young ling had been suspecting too. She was 'unreliable' by this relation, and thus had been set up to face a suicidal mission. One that could have ended with her death... by now. Blueblood was quiet for a moment, eyes darting away as he seemed to think about something for a moment and then the stallion held a strange look in his gaze.

"Tell me, Ocellus... do you know about Greneclyf?"

The name had some sort of hollow meaning to her. Where did she heard of it? Thorax? No, it was... someone else. And that didn't sound like a creature, but a... place? The name was Changeling in nature, but surely that didn't meant that- that there more like them away from Chrysalis' reach.

"I-I think I heard of the name once."

"I can see that. I doubt Chrysalis would be pleased to let the other hives know that there is a group of Changedling in Griffonia."

Ocellus nodded at those words, but then something caught her attention. Blueblood had not said Changeling but 'Changedling'. Something like this was not done out of mistake- it was rightfully pointed out to draw attention. And it succeeded as Ocellus' eyes widened in confusion.

"Hm? Something got your attention?"

"C-Changedling... why did you call them that?"

"Oh, that's the name they use. You see, there are a few tales about Greneclyf that not many are aware of in regard to their unique nature. They were once Changeling just like yourself, but they starved a lot due to their inclination to harmony and freedom. It wasn't until they were found by Farbrook and their expedition. The Chieftain of the time shared his love with the queen of the time, solving the love famine and strengthening the bond between the two countries," Blueblood started to narrate, instantly hooking Ocellus within a tale that went beyond what her hive was familiar with. A tale of love, and yet more. "A few centuries later, Queen Diedre tried to court the chieftain of Farbrook at the time, Albar, but failed to get in a relationship with him- despite this, the event is celebrated because that's when the Changedlings were born."

...

"W-Why? How? What- What does that mean?"

"...Can Changelings share their loves?"

She nodded. "Yes, but it has no point..."

Ocellus paused, then frowned, then looked once more at Blueblood.

"You- you mean that-"

"Queen Diedre shared her love. All of it, and she lived. The same unfolded for all Changelings in Greneclyf and... it goes without a saying that they do love to eat apples."

The implication wasn't lost to Ocellus, yet she couldn't fully trust it. Surely it couldn't be that simple... right? A world where she would not need to starve for love, and a world where she could eat the same things ponies did.

I have very little love anyway... and it's not like I have much of a chance after this meeting.

Closing her eyes, Ocellus felt her tight knot by her chest warmly expand all over her body. She felt the love manifest in a form of a cocoon that suddenly wrapped around her and made her feel warm and- and better. She felt her tired body engulfed in a blanket of care that carried her to a new situation. A new Ocellus.

As it vanished, she was still in the cell but... Blueblood had conjured a mirror beside him. The little drone peered into it, and gasped momentarily at the sight. Gone was the dark carapace, replaced by her light-blue frame. Her eyes glowed with renewed bliss and delight and... and her smile was so strong and bright!

"Would you like to tell me more about Chrysalis somewhere brighter? Maybe you wish for a snack?" The Field Marshal asked, and the newly-reborn Changedling offered a shy smile.

"A-Apples," Ocellus blurted out with glee, a strange hunger filling her with eagerness as she seek not love... but food like the fruits that once tasted merely sweet and hardly gave her sustenance. "I would love to try apples."

She was taken out of the darkness, and... she told the full truth. Her life changed as she was taken in as a ward of the Equestrian Military to serve right under Blueblood's nice assistant and...

And she had a feeling that she was the first of a new revolution for her kind.

Author's Note

AN

Mascot caught! Lil' Ocellus joins the battlefield, and she may trigger more mutinies for the smug queen herself.

Next time... the first lood scene! Have fun guessing who gets Blueblood's attention!