Hole Hearted

by Akashic Brony

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Queen Chrysalis, Other, Romance, Adventure, Dark, Changelings
Length: 36812

Den is a pegasus of the Equestrian Royal Guard. Echo is a high class infiltrator of the reviled changeling race. Can their love flourish in an Equestria under threat? Which bounds are stronger love or loyalty? What dark designs lurk in the backdrop?

Den is a pegasus vice captain of the Equestrian Royal Guard. Echo is a high class infiltrator of the reviled changeling race. Can their love flourish in an Equestria under threat? Which bounds are stronger love or loyalty? What dark designs lurk in the backdrop? Romance, adventure, and the search for universal truth!

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Executive Editor- the awesome BitAcoustic
Editor- the wondrous The 11 Wonder
Art by yours truly!

Character Cast
Dented Armor “Den”
A pegasus with a penchant for reading, an intellectual, he is the new model of an Equestrian officer matching brains with brawn. Love and loyalty compels him however soon he will find the two under conflict.
[img]http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Dented-Armor-Avatar.png[/img]
??? “Echo”
A changeling who survived Canterlot, her role may have been more than that of a simple soldier in the events preceding and those that will come after. She carries the burden of people’s plight and the secret dream of all changelings.
[img]http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Larvi-Echo-Avatar.png[/img]
Blueberry Frost “Blue”
An earth pony whose steadfast resolution and stubbornness won her an officer’s position. She tackles problems and foes head on.
[img]http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Blueberry-Frost-Avatar.png[/img]
Amorpheus
Answering directly to Queen Chrysalis, Amorpheus is fiercely loyal and devoted to his people. Entrusted protector and guardian of Echo he wishes one day to see her fulfill her role.
[img]http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Master-Amorpheus-changeling-avatar.png[/img]
Reagle Hawkmor
Heir to the Griffin Kingdom, he embodies the pride of his people as their warrior prince. His noble inclinations though may come counter to the direction of his nation.
[img]http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Reagle-Hawkmor-Avatar.png[/img]
Zaza Zakar
A Zebra mare, she is Reagle’s partner in battle and outside of it. From the Zerker school of combat, she is deadly opponent. She is the more level headed of the odd couple.
[img]http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Zaza-Zakar-Avatar.png[/img]
Reagle and Zaza have their own story. Zig Zag LoveClick to visit.

[img]http://24.media.tumblr.com/a257ad5165644b1f79354634dfdee284/tumblr_mqo61uYbwk1rj6vd5o1_400.png[/img]

Published 2013-04-26 07:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-11-12 00:28:16 UTC

Chapter 2 A Late Date

1000 years of Celestia's peace. Not since Nightmare Moon's rebellion had the capital come under assault let alone fall to an invader. This was dark mark upon the Royal Guard. All should be done so that such shame should never come to pass again. To that end he would have to study his enemy. There was no more insidious enemy than the changeling. The thought of something assume the form of someone you loved sent shivers to the tips of his wings.

He reached the last of the books on the library table. Den sighed and opened the dusty tome with a flip of his wings.

It was the age of magic… there prevailed the Unicorn Kingdom, a power unmatched by any. King Amethyst the wise and learn-ed, he ruled with benevolence and kindness. With his scepter of light his was a torch for the world.

It was then a mysterious mare was found at the doorstep of his kingdom. Flesh of ebony and eyes of emerald, King Amethyst was be-smitten by the foreign mare. She quickly became his Queen. However the new Queen was mired in melancholy.

Her happiness being his, he offered gems and all material riches of his domain to satisfy her heart. She refused all and instead she asked for his scepter of light. It was her wish every night…

She betrayed his love for her ambition was her lust. As his kingdom's light faded, as his lover plunged a dagger into his heart, King Amethyst declared…

You with emptiness within! I curse you with all my hate! May food and drink never sate! May your children inherit your sin!

The next chapter concerned the rocky turmoil that was Griffin and Pegasus relations. Disappointed Den set aside the dusty tome.

“The Hidden History of Equestria, reference books aren't to be taken from the library…however an exception can be made for a Vice Captain.” The turquois coated mare with glasses fluttered her eyes at Den.

“Thanks but I'm done with this book, it has no more use to me. Have you got more books on the subject?”

The librarian sighed. “You've read them all. I watched you. I never knew a Pegasus that so enjoyed reading.”

“I wouldn't say enjoy this sort of reading. I enjoy Daring Do novels. This is research.” Den chuckled.

“Daring Do, did you read the new?...” the librarian looked about to find Den gone and a window open. She sighed and went about re-arrange the many books he left scattered about. She smiled when she saw a note with some bit coins atop of it.

“Quill Heart, buy yourself lunch, on me.” read the note.

Den walked the capital streets whistling, he had a date. He stared at his reflection in a shop window to make sure his armor was shiny. He saluted with his wings to his own reflection. Walking further he arrived at the Grape Café. There was an obvious purple motif to the restaurant.

He ordered two juice drinks from the waitress to start off. Tapping his hooves together he waited.

There she was the mysterious mare. “Hi, Dent.” said Echo.

Den winced but accepted the shortening of his name. He supposed Den was too casually and Dented was too formal. “Hello Echo.” said Den.

“I am most surprised you are a guard.” said Echo.

“Well how else would I be able to get you into the palace?” smiled Den proud of himself for that.

“A spy might be able to slip past…or a changeling.” said Echo.

Their purple grape drinks were delivered with tiny umbrellas and straws.

“Yeah…Changelings.” said Den nervously. “I know the Royal Guard hasn't been held in the same esteem after the invasion…” said Den taking a nervous sip. “But that was because we were unprepared and didn't know our enemy!” said Den determinately stamping a hoof and causing the table to shake.

“And what have you learned?” asked Echo casually sipping her grape juice through a straw.

“That's classified.” smiled Den smugly.

“I see.” said Echo smiling back.

Den threw up his hooves. “Honestly not much. The most promising lead was that they are the result of curse.” said Den.

“Really? The poor creatures.” said Echo.

“I wouldn't say that, it sounded like their queen really deserved it.” said Den.

Echo frowned. Den was losing her attention, he thought.

“Hey, I'm sorry for boring you.” Den rubbed his mane.

“No, I find the subject… deeply fascinating.” said Echo licking her teeth.

“Really? I guess it is.” Den smirked. “Imagine, monsters hiding amongst us, waiting to pounce!” Den dramatically lowered his head.

“I could be one.” Echo delivered a chilling and hauntingly hallow laugh. The café customers looked at her for a moment. Echo stopped when she noticed them staring.

“No, a sweet mare like you couldn't possibly be.” said Den laughing as heartily as Echo did.

The café customers ignored the two as crazy and resumed their own side conversations.

“You don't know me.” said Echo seductively with half closed eyes.

“But I would like to.” said Den leaning forward. He stared into her beautiful green eyes. The world seem to melt away save the beautiful mare before him.

“How about you come over to my place and we get acquainted?” Echo's voice drowned out all others and seemed like a lullaby.

The sound of porcelain plates hitting the table snapped Den back to attention. Echo glowered at the waitress for some reason. Their daffodil sandwiches had arrived.

Den blinked several times. “Hey, let's get to know each other first.” said Den.

“How is that you know about the myth of the Changeling curse?” asked Echo.

“I read of it in a book.” said Den.

“You read?” Echo laughed lightly.

“Hey Miss Unicorn, the stereotype of the muscle bound Pegasus is unfair and untrue…” Den frowned. “Okay I twisted my wings during training… I kinda became a bookworm in the summer it took for them to heal. It was many years ago.” Den recalled fondly his summer of pure reading. He missed that time.

“I love reading, especially horror fantasy.” said Echo.

“You're a dark one aren't ya?” said Den.

Echo's smile turned.

“I like it! Especially Frankenstallion by the mare Shelly, gave me goosebumps for a week after reading.” smiled Den.

“Made me feel sorry for the monster. All he wanted was a mate. He wandered the world for love, only to be rejected.” said Echo. staring into her sandwich which she had two olives on toothpicks that seemed like eyes.

“The monster destroyed ponies didn’t he?” said Den.

“Don’t you, Mr. Royal Guard?” asked Echo.

Den sipped his drink thinking. “We mostly fight monsters. It was a sad and tragic tale… but some monsters have to be destroyed.” said Den.

Echo pouted. “You did not tell me you were a Vice Captain when we first met. I think an apology is in order, take me shopping.”

“As you wish mi-lady.” said Den smoothly.

Den followed Echo throughout the Canterlot marketplace. He noticed that her stumbling and leading him about was taking them to the most expensive luxury district. Many dresses caught her eyes, each more expensive than the other.

“Wow you're determined to make me pay for that.” said Den whistling at the price tags on the dresses.

“Don't be cheap, I know your pockets are deep, Vice Captain.”

Den shrugged he honestly had nowhere else to put his money. Her habit it seemed expensive but he could afford it… Echo admired a gold lined dress with many flourishes... Den shivered... Echo then turned to diamond encrusted dress shimmering behind a storefront… maybe several times. Den cringed.

Echo after looking at all the dresses she grabbed a simplest outfit there was. It was plain white gown with gold sequins on the frills.

“Huh?” said Den surprised by her choice.

“I like simple; it's easier sometimes to think that way. Purity and clarity of purpose, this dress is functional but with enough flourish as not to be ugly.” said Echo.

“You're anything but simple.” said Den smiling.

“Simple's not bad. My situation is too complex for my tastes.” said Echo.

Echo whimsically plopped her chosen dress onto the counter. “That'll fiv-” The clerk's eyes lit up when he saw Den in his guard's armor walking behind Echo. The clerk coughed. “Fifty hundred bits please. Fifty hundred bits.” said clerk with a smirk.

Den grumbled but gave in under Echo’s and the Clerk’s expectant stare. He reached for his checkbook under his armored chest.

“Don't worry. It's a fine thing you're doing treating your marefriend like this. She'll look stunning in it. I'm sure you'll get something out of it, hehehehe.” said the clerk in a crooked smile.

Echo protested. “Me his marefriend? This is my brother not my lover!”

“I didn’t mean to insult.” said the clerk.

“I'm perfectly single. It's rather lonely, wouldn't you agree?” Echo stared deeply into the clerk's eyes.

The clerk stammered. “Well a pretty miss such as yourself I assumed would already be hitched.” said Clerk.

“And…. Doesn't this tag, say fifty bits?” said Echo. Echo showed the clerk the price tag on the dress.

Behind her, Den noticed a small end piece of the tag spinning in the wind unto the ground. There was a zero on the tag.

“Oh my miss, that must be mislabeled.” said the clerk looking at the tag.

“I think not. Fifty bits, I'd consider a personal favor. Pretty pleasseee.” Echo stared deeper.

“Very well.” said Clerk smiling dumbly.

Den put the bits on the table. He was slack jawed impressed as Echo walked out of the shop with him.

Den threw the dress on his back. “You're a shrewd negotiator; I don't know the price of anything. You sure made a foal out of that shopkeep.” chuckled Den.

“Who was the greater foal? You were willing to pay 5,000 bits for this here table cloth to impress me. They don't pay Vice Captains that much. Do they?” Echo chimed.

“No.” said Den embarrassed.

“It was touching; you think I'm worth a 5,000 bit dress.” Echo arching her neck towards Den.

“I've seen crazy prices in the capital. Canterlot isn't a poor pony's place. I don't like it here too much. Never been to these shops till now.” said Den modestly.

“It is the custom to take any would be suitor to this street and make him buy her the most expensive dress. The ladies here will bleed you dry. I'm content with just a small bite. Never had a Canterlot marefriend?” asked Echo surprised.

Den tripped slightly. “Nope. Not nowheres.”

“You're sweet.” said Echo pecking Den's cheek with a light kiss.

“Um wow.” said Den blushing.

They walked a bit further under the now lantern lit streets.

They were surrounded before Den noticed they'd walked into a dead end street. A group half dozen of rogue types were closing in. One Unicorn and another Pegasus were counted among their ranks.

“We'll be having your valuables now.” cackled a hooded pony.

“Leave and I won't arrest you punks. I'm Royal Guard.” said Den proudly. His bravado faded slightly when the thugs paid no mind to his boast.

“Yeah we saw how well you guards fared against bugs.” scoffed a thuggish stallion.

“Bugs?” said Echo angrily.

“Hand over your purse, we'll be taking that lovely dress too.” said lean thug with a dagger held in his mouth.

“And your date too!” cackled another pony with a dagger.

Den struck rearing up and smacked a thug to the ground. He kicked back another to create an opening. “Run Echo! I'll hold them off!” Den noticed a dagger was magically flung towards Echo, he stepped in front of it. Den bit his lip as the magically wielded dagger plunged into his neck.

There was a flash of green followed by screams. As he lay bleeding, his thoughts drifted of home, a grassy field, a cottage upon a hill, and a smiling family.

Chapter 3 The Horror

The bodies of the thugs lay contorted and twisted in agony. Their limbs had been bent in unnaturally positions by magic culminating in snaps to the neck. The last thug was suspended in the sickly green aura.

“How?” said the trapped piss colored unicorn.

Echo laughed, her unnerving voice echoing through the dead end alleyway. “Amateurs, everyone of you!” In a plume of green flame she revealed herself to her captive. Her black chitin shone in the moon light. Her eyes glowed a cold jade as she glared at her captive.

“Sweet Celestia! You're a chang-” cried the last of thugs. He squirmed trying use his own magical horn but his power was meek and weak to hers. The unicorn’s horn only sparked like a lighter without fuel.

Echo throttled the unicorn for his attempt.

“I have studied the arcane arts longer; my magic is far the stronger. Now beg for your life!” said Echo her eyes alit with green fire.

“Please let me live.” cried the piss color unicorn.

“No. You ruined my date.” glared Echo angrily. Like a rag doll the unicorn’s limbs were pulled back to the sound of snapping sinew and bone. A twist of the head finally undid the unicorn and ended the screams.

The bodies lay there on the ground. Echo turned to her date. He had been a perfect gentlecolt, dying in her defense. The dagger still lay impeded his neck, blood seeped from his body.

“You brave foal, I would have blocked that dagger on my own.” said Echo angrily kicking Den.

There was a slight stirring. Echo's eyes widened. He was merely unconscious but with the amount of blood seeping down he would soon to be dead. She had to act fast but… he was Royal Guard.

Murky mist clouded Den's mind. He found himself standing in a grass field. The wind made waves upon the scene of green.

“Den!” cried a sweet voice.

Den walked towards hesitantly.

“Breakfast's ready!” said the voice.

Den walked further to enter a door. There before him was a table lined with plates and a hearty breakfast of eggs and waffles. The furnishing of the cottage he knew well.

“Eat quickly, son. I'm gonna show you how use a lance today.” a laugh came from an earth pony figure in armor. The face was obscured by a newspaper.

A voice came from the kitchen. It was a pegasus figure in apron. “Dearie, eat before you food gets cold.” said figure. She was turned away polishing some dishes. Her reflection upon the glass window by the sink was absent a face.

Tears trickled from Den's eyes. “No you're both dead. This is a falsehood! I buried you both in the ground and in my mind! Leave me be!!” Den sobbed. Den bounded outside the cottage door.

The visions of the cottage zoomed out.

Den now observed the cottage as a remote viewer. It was the size of a play set. His parents were but dolls that moved within.

There came a voice and the form of the gray mare.  “Usually, the design of this illusion is that it clings to your most recent happy memory. I'm surprised that your happy memory was so long ago.” said Echo stepping beside Den.

“How is this possible?” asked Den.

“You were dying, I thought it be best to let you leave with a happy memory.” said Echo.

“No, I don't want to remember this! This is the last thing I want to think of!” cried Den. He then turned to the figure of Echo. “Only the divine ones can walk amongst dreams.” said Den squinting at her.

“Them… and devils.” said Echo staring off into the blackness.

Den jumped back from Echo. “I'm in a changeling cocoon right now being feasted upon. I read of this! I'm doomed to relive the same day over and over again.” Den cried horrified. “Damn it all, our training told us how to identify it but not escape!” Den stomped his hooves impotently. He groaned angrily at his powerlessness.

“Nope, you're being healed.” said Echo.

Den looked at Echo.

“Okay, I'm nibbling a little. I need energy to heal you so fair is fair.” smiled Echo.

Thoughts of the dagger in his neck shot up in his mind. “That's right, I was down... Not just knocked out. I was dead.” said Den.

“Dead no worky, you were almost dead. I'm bringing you back.” said Echo happily. “Unless there is a fond memory you'd like to stay in?” Echo smirked.

“No I prefer to make more memories. Old ones go stale.” said Den.

“We're in shared dream space; truly there is nothing you desire to see?” Echo asked.

“'I don't imagine anything you could show me would change the past. It wouldn’t save my mom or stop dad from throwing himself off a cliff.” said Den sadly.

“A realist? I feared as much.” smirked Echo. “But you should know that's okay to think of the past, just don't obsess upon it.”

“Echo thank you.” said Den approaching her for a hug.

“Wait no! Stay back you foal! Don't touch me!” It was too late Den found himself in another dream.

Den found himself in an alien body. It was like he was puppeteer but without control. He looked to his hooves which were full of holes. The changeling he looked through carried a spear on its right hoof. Den was among an array of changelings, each of them held dark spears. They were upon a cliff overlooking a town. The morning sun was barely above the horizon. A terrifying visage was before him.

Queen Chrysalis walked down the line inspecting each one of the changelings. None dared to match her gaze save the one changeling he happened to be looking through.

The dark mistress spoke. “My Changelings, children, brothers and sisters, I have taught you the arts of infiltration, now comes combat. With your success you will be ready for your real missions!” She turned to a changeling beside her. “Master Amorpheus are they ready?”

A secondary changeling, of higher stature but lower than that of his monarch, spoke. “Yes, they have trained with their spears for months. Of the worms we started with they are the finest. All weakness weaned from them. They are ready to kill for you, and die for you.” The changeling saluted with pride.

“Why must we do this? We are not soldier caste. We are infiltrators!” Den heard himself speak or rather the changeling he was channeling.

“Insolence!” Master Amorpheus growled angrily his wings buzzing.

Chrysalis strolled towards the changeling with a kindly smile. “Explain child, your reason.” implored Chrysalis gently.

“The village is peaceful, our control is consolidated. It is ours. It could feed us for years to come. Why must we do this?” Den heard the changeling speak again. He admired her for standing so bravely against the two larger changelings.

Suddenly Chyrsalis's face flashed with anger. The obstinate changeling was met by sickening smack of its Monarch's hooves. Den heard ringing in his ears and felt the bloody sore cheek.

Queen Chrysalis turned to her changelings. “To steel your hearts, my children! You are all soldiers! You must remember the enemy! Assimilation is our people's greatest enemy! Remember the ponyfolk, they are but fodder for us! We destroy them because we can! They are the means to our end!” Chrysalis's words were powerful and resonant.

Master Amorpheus stamped his hooves on the ground. “In between larva and fly, where do your loyalties lie?!”

“All hail, Queen Chrysalis!” cried the changelings in unison.

“Attack, leave no survivors!” shrieked their Monarch.

The angry buzzing followed as the locusts took wing.

The platoon of locusts landed in the heart of village. Den wanted out of this memory so very badly however he was knew he could not look away.

“Assume your guises!” cried Master Amorpheus. “They must look upon their loved ones as they are put to our spears! Queen Chrysalis commands it!”

The horde of changelings shifted their forms. Screams could be heard as they busted open doors to homes.

The changeling he rode had different path. She flashed with the emerald fires of transformation but buzzed flying quickly to a particular home. Her flesh became golden and the holes disappeared from her hooves. She still kept her dragonfly like wings and they burned painfully as she overworked them weaving through streets set ablaze. The changeling stopped at door of a small home. She spat out a key and opened the door's lock. She burst through.

A brown stallion greeted the disguised changeling. “Heart my love, what is wrong? I hear screams in the village.?” The stallion had barely dressed himself in armor. He cradled a lance affixed to a war saddle.

“I made… it.” the changeling panted trying to catch her breath.

“Why is it that you have a weapon?” asked the stallion.

The changeling Heart(?) dropped her spear and nuzzled her lover’s neck. She then spoke urgently.  “Constance my love we must leave now! Leave everything!”

“You have wings?” stammered Constance starring at the insectoid protrusions on Heart's back.

“There will be time for questions, we must go now.” said Heart pleading.

She ushered her Constance outside.

The smoke was rising from the center of village. The smoke darkened the morning sun turning the sky gray. More screams punctuated the morning.

Master Amorpheus flew downwards unto the street. The larger changeling was of equal size to the strong stallion Constance.

“Larvi! Do your duty!” cried Amorpheus.

“A demon, stand back my love!” said Constance readying his lance and pushing Heart behind him. Constance charged valiantly. However he stayed his lance. In a flash of arcane fire Amorpheus had transformed into the golden pony Heart.

Amorpheus smiled as he plunged his spear into Constance's chest. The look of betrayal and bewilderment stayed on the stallion's face as he fell onto the ground. “Why?!”

“No!!!” said Heart rushing to the dead stallion. Tears welled up in her eyes. Larvi slumped down, her form reverting back.

“Hurry the Queen approaches. You must meet her gaze. She will kill you if she sees the tears.” Amorpheus transformed back. He licked the tears from Larvi's eyes. He placed the bloodied spear in her hooves. He rushed grabbed the clean spear that Larvi’s had dropped.

Atop a building a dark form towered. Queen Chrysalis landed with a thud. “Master Amorpheus, report. I sense weakness in this one.”

“Larvi, did her duty. She slew the guard herself. She laughed in his face as she impaled him.” said Master Amorpheus smiling.

“Is this true, Larvi my child?” asked Queen Chrysalis skeptically. “The lancer Constance was quite skilled.”

Larvi looked to her monarch. “Yes my monarch I killed him.” she shakily said.

“It.” Queen Chrysalis corrected. “You killed it.” Queen Chrysalis pulled Larvi close. In perverse tenderness she held her like a foal. “You have made me proud.”

A changeling landed, saluted and whispered in Amorpheus's ear.

“My Queen, the operation is complete, all are dead.” said Master Amorpheus.

Queen Chrysalis unleashed Larvi. “Excellent, raze the rest of village to the ground. Burn everything. Plant Griffin Weapons amongst the ashes.” said Queen Chrysalis.

Den shuddered at the memory's intensity. The blackness was beginning to consume him. He wondered which horror he would next witness.

Chapter 4 Love?

Instead of another dream he awoke in a strange green fluid. He gasped and found that somehow he was breathing inside the liquid. He blinked to awareness. He was in a cocoon. He looked outside the translucent bubble a dark form was hunched over the sphere. It too blinked awake with green eyes. Its eyes were alike those of Queen Chrysalis. Den squirmed violently. The creature jumped back from the cocoon. In gush of green liquid Den broke free of the cocoon.

Den coughed the green fluid out of his lungs unto the wooden floor. He looked then at the black insect creature before him. It was a monster from the nightmare. Rage and hate still filled his mind of the burning village and dead villagers.

Den looked a means to defend himself. He snapped a leg from a nearby table. “Die demon!” said Den charge with the splinter of wood. He impaled the creature and watched it squirm in agony as it was pinned against the wall.

A familiar voice called out to him. “Well, I thought you wanted to get to know me first before you stabbed me with your wood.” coughed the creature as it chuckled.

“Echo?” questioned Den his anger relaxing.

“Yup.” hacked the creature spitting out blood.

“Oh Celestia and Luna, what have I done?!” said Den. He pulled the length of wood from the changeling. Blood began spurting out.

“It is fitting, I am the last.” said Echo closing her eyes.

“No, I'll make this right!” cried Den.

Den looked around the small home. It was a small abode. A kitchen and living area connected a bathroom and a bedroom. He needed bandages. He flung open cupboards and drawers. In one cupboard he saw a dozen cocoons with small animals slumbering inside. He ignored that for now. He finally found medical supplies in one of cupboards. He popped open the med kit and its contents fell onto the ground.

“Stay with me.” Den applied gauze and bound the bandage around her. Gently lifting her each time He did the wrap around. Her skin was sort of soft and leathery and not the hard armor it appeared to be. When done, he carried her to the small bedroom of the home. He sat by her side staring at the strange creature as its chest lifted slightly with every strained breath.

Den noticed a slight pain as he arched his neck. He felt for it and found a hairline scar. She had saved his life. He remembered his last waking memory to be a dagger plunging into his neck. Memories not his own also flooded his mind’s eye. The last dreams, they had blinded him with rage. He realized on some part the anger and rage was not his but hers.

Her home was sparsely furnished and very neat. There was however a bookcase in her room that was filled to the brim. He recognized many of the titles to be classical works… mostly tragedies. He smiled slightly when he saw a Daring Do novel with a bookmark wedged inside of it. It was one the bedside table. It was still the darkest chapter of the series but it was comforting to know she read some modern junk. He opened the book, the bookmark inlaid on the chapter where Daring had leave Saddle Arabia and her coltfriend for a greater mission. Carefully Den set the book back onto the bedside table.

He looked outside her window. Somehow it was night again. A calendar upon the bedside table was dutifully maintained. He had spent a day dreaming. Again it was night, and the pale moon lit up the room through the curtains. He examined the strange creature, thoroughly. Holes seem to perforate hers hooves. Dragonfly like wings sprouted from her back. Den fell asleep with his head leaning on her bed. He hoped she would wake in morning.

Echo grumbled at the morning sun. It still stung her eyes; darkness was her home however part of her infiltration involved learning the habits of the enemy. She stumbled sleepily out of her bed, not noticing Den.

Echo telekinetically opened a cupboard. She took out a small cocoon with a bunny inside it. The rabbit was slumbering in the green fluid pouch.

Echo smacked her lips. “Huh, I'm not hungry.” She didn't feel a ravenous hunger that normally persisted. Somehow she was full. “A light breakfast then.” said Echo sleepily as her green magic sapped small spark of energy from the rabbit. She set the sleeping bunny back into her cupboard.

Den stumbled groggily out of her bedroom.

“Epp!” cried Echo.

“Echo you're awake, and healed!” said Den happily hugging her.

“Den, you're in my home? It wasn't a dream!” said Echo stammering.

“Wait, if you the dream walker is questioning reality where does that leave me?” asked Den.

“A dream within a dream.” smiled Echo pointing hoof at his chest. She noticed the holes. She was not disguised. “Look away! I have to change!” cried Echo pushing Den back.

“What?!” said Den. “I've already seen your true form. I had to touch you to fix your bandages.” smiled Den.

Echo face flushed red. She felt her chest where she had been wrapped in bandages. “Scoundrel!” Echo shouted. She immediately flashed to her pony form.

“You can blush?” asked Den arching his head towards her face. “Show me your true form. Please, I don't mind.” said Den.

“You won't stab me again will you?” asked Echo softly.

Den scratched his head. “I'm really sorry about that… You saved my life. You can't be bad as they say.”

Echo flashed back to her changeling form. She was like a miniature version of Chrysalis with the same demonic eyes. Holes covered her limbs. Her hair and mane were like thin ghostly sheets. Her torso or thorax was a dark blue. Insect dragonfly wings sprouted from her back. In whole she appeared the like the nefarious depictions that appeared in stained glass windows of the palace.

“I'm disgusting, aren't I? Demonic?” She nervously backed away as Den inspected her closer.

Den jumped forward and hugged her again. “I could get used to it.” said Den.

Echo’s eyes were wide in shock. “What’s wrong with you?” Echo looked to Den’s eyes in confusion.

“I sort of like mares, with a mean misunderstood streak.” said Den.

“This whole thing started with you trying to hug me.” said Echo in Den's arms.

“I'm sorry for entering your memories. You've had a rough life, haven't you?” said Den.

“Yours doesn't seem to be any more pleasant, your happiest memory was when you were a kid. That's sad.” said Echo.

“Let's drown in each others' misery.” said Den.

Echo said nervously. “Wait, I'll shift forms-”

“No, I want you.” Den kissed passionately.

Den and Echo looked into each other's eyes.

Den and Echo slept on the small bed. Echo was wrapped around by Den's right wing. Their combined warmth filled the little room. There was a large pillow and they lay facing one another as their heads rested.

“That's the second time you stabbed me.” Echo cooed affectionately.

“You're not going to let the first time go huh?” Den chuckled.

“Your love healed me. It's already forgiven you saved my life first remember.” said Echo. “Then you took that dagger for me.”

“Well me stabbing you sort of makes us even for the dagger.” said Den.

“Let's not count favors. Also you were my first in another more important way.” said Echo blushing.

“Huh? First, I don't believe it. You're too good.” said Den.

“No, I meant in this form.” said Echo gesturing to her black carapace.

“Echo, what's your real name?” asked Den.

Echo grimaced and turned her head away from Den. “It's Larvi, but I prefer Echo it's my favorite alias.” said Echo.

“In your memories I look a lot like your coltfriend Constance. I'm not just a replacement goldfish am I?” asked Den.

“It is scary, but I've forgotten what he looks like. The image could have been a projection. Please don't read into it.” said Echo turning to Den.

“This Constance, you were really ready to run away with him?” asked Den.

Echo looked away into the far off again. “Yes, I was... deny my duty even… but that was so long ago… He was my first… I am not the person I was before… I've become colder…”

“I just realized we've known each other only for four days.” said Den looking up at the calendar at Echo's bedside.

“Seems much longer huh?” said Echo at the ceiling.

“Yeah, how do I know you haven't … you know magicked me into this?” said Den thoughtfully.

“Brainwashy?” Echo smiled. “It's high level magic, takes incredible focus and power. I tried at the café but the waiter distracted my attention.” said Echo.

“Hold on, you tried?” said Den alarmed.

“Yeah, sorry you made me angry by indirectly calling me a monster.” said Echo.

“You are one in bed.” smiled Den.

“Shush, I'm not done with you yet.” chirped Echo happily.

Den awoke again, the clock by Echo's bedside read two.

“I have to get to work.” said Den sitting up on the bed.

“Huh?” said Echo. “Take a day off.” Echo murmured.

“My schedule's flexible but not that flexible. I have to make a report to my Captain.” said Den.

“On what?” asked Echo.

Den gritted his teeth. “The changeling threat…” said Den.

“Oh. There isn't any.” said Echo.

“Huh?” asked Den.

“I'm the last one.” said Echo her voice mixed with sadness and relief.

“How can you be sure?” asked Den.

“I was sort of important… they'd have contacted me by now.” said Echo.

“Important how?” asked Den.

Echo cringed. “…I planned the attack.”

Den jumped out of the bed. “You what?!”

Echo sighed. “I'm sorry.” Echo pleaded.

“How?” demanded Den.

“City layout structural plans… guard shifts.” said Echo.

“That's how they knew exactly where to hit us. You planned the most devastating attack on Canterlot since Nightmare Moon?!” cried Den.

“I'm sorry Den.” said Echo sniffling. “I felt so guilty afterwards. If it's any consolation I made that anonymous threat that put the guard on alert…”

Den lifted a hoof to hit her.

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry. I deserve death.” said Echo closing her eyes.

Den relaxed his hoof. “It would have been a total loss if we weren't the least bit aware…” said Den thoughtfully. Den sighed. “You just might have saved Equestria.”

“I put it in danger in the first place. Your father committed suicide because of me…” sobbed Echo.

Den held her close. “No, some other would have done your job. My dad died when mom did. Anyway, you were a soldier. The war is over.”

“Now presenting, Vice Captain Dented Armor.”

Den walked into the small throne room and bowed. Princess Cadence smiled softly and motioned that he stand. Shining Armor was less welcoming.

“Den, Quill Heart tells me you've been practically living in the archives for nearly a month. I'm interested in what you have to report.” said Shining Armor.

“Our soldiers scouring the lands have found small disorganized pockets of them. The last cell discovered was months ago. They shouldn't pose a viable threat any longer. In my research, I have discovered little.” said Den handing Shining Armor a long scroll.

“Hmmm, we still should be wary. Chrysalis is still at large. We should have more screenings.” said Shining.

“Dear, wasn't she destroyed in the blast?” asked Cadence.

“She defeated Princesses Celestia in single combat, I'm not taking any chances.” said Shining.

“That's only because she fed on the love you had for me.” said Cadence smiling.

“You're right…. the Griffin Empire is the greater threat anyhow now. Their new War Balloons place their Hawkers in striking distance of Canterlot. We can't count on the Eastern Sea to protect us.” said Shining rubbing his forehead.

“Griffins?” asked Den.

“Yeah, you missed the briefing yesterday. Your lieutenant Blueberry had to collect notes for you.” said Shining angrily.

“I'm sorry, I was…” said Den.

“No excuses.” said Shining.

“Dear, he looks positively exhausted. He's been working on this report for a while. It's very detailed. He's also lost a father.” said Cadence unfurling Den's scroll.

“I'm sorry, Den. I know it must be rough for you. You father was a good Captain.” said Shining.

“My promotion, I don't deserve it.” said Den lowering his head.

“Hey, you're not just filling your father's shoes! You're a damn fine officer. I wouldn't have promoted you otherwise.” said Shining.

“Yes-sir.” Den saluted.

“You can go get some rest now.” said Cadence kindly.

“Yes, I've also recently discovered that changelings might have been the result of a curse. In the future finding them… It might be more kind to capture them. The curse might be broken.” said Den.

“This beginning portion recommends extermination.” said Shining looking over his wife's shoulders.

“I may have been too harsh. I just lost a father. The changelings aren't mindless monsters. We're just as cruel if we treat them like they are.” said Den.

Cadence raised an eyebrow. “That's very compassionate of you.”

“We will take your new thoughts under advisement but we can't risk our guards trying for live captures if the changelings aren't willing.” said Shining.

Den walked down the white marble palace steps.

“How was it?” asked Echo waiting.

“I recommended live captures if anymore of your people are found.” said Den.

“Den, you didn't have to do that. Not for me.” said Echo.

“No, you just put things in perspective for me.” smiled Den.

“We should get you dinner.” said Echo.

“Whoa, I haven't eaten in a while.” said Den surprised.

“The cocoon I made sustained you. But it'll soon wear off. When it does you'll really feel it if you're on an empty stomach.” said Echo.

Den and Echo found a fancy restaurant open. They sat by the candle lit tables in an open area. Again the moon watched over the proceedings.

“So Echo, what will you do now?” asked Den.

“Huh?” said Echo.

“The war's over. Chrysalis is gone, you can live your life.” said Den.

“What will I do?” Echo pursed her lips. “Hmmm maybe a certain stallion.”

“You're getting two dinners tonight? Won't you get fat?” chuckled Den.

“Never, I'm forever cute.” said Echo.

“Seriously, what do you have planned? No more playing on the edge of cliffs okay?” said Den worriedly.

Echo lowered her head. “Honestly, I don't know… My life has always been missions and orders…” said Echo staring into her wine glass.

“That's it, you're becoming a guard. I'll give you plenty of missions and orders.” said Den.

“No way! That would be too ironic.” said Echo laughing eerily again.

“I need a second helper Blueberry's nice but she's not book smart.” said Den

“Your lieutenant she's a she.” said Echo with a pang of jealousy.

“Um yeah. Hey we're just friends. I wouldn't do the stuff I do to you with her… She'd kill me.” said Den shuddering.

“Maybe I will join the guard… I could show you lance jockeys a thing or two. But what if I'm discovered…” said Echo.

“Umm…” Den looked worriedly. “We'll out you. I'll tell the world.”

“I'm just joking… I can't be a guard. The things I've seen and done…” said Echo.

“Let that go.” said Den.

“You don't  know me as well as you think.” said Echo.

“I've seen your memories.” said Den.

“You've seen some…” said Echo.

“You healed me.” said Den.

“If you hadn't discovered the illusion, how would you know that I wouldn't have kept in you in that cocoon?” asked Echo.

Den looked away from her.

Echo smiled. “The love I've received from you is the most intense I've experienced…. I suppose because it's direct. It's touching… However Den, I don't think I could feel the same way about you… I don't think I can… I'd only hurt you. Even now the temptation to stick you in a cocoon and drink you dry is with me. You're prey in my eyes.” Echo lowered her head.

“Who said anything about love? Maybe I'm just a hunter like you.” Den tried to smirk.

“I can feel these things. You don't have to even say, it's transparent.” said Echo sipping the last of her wine.

“I want to say… Echo or whoever you are, I love you.” said Den.

Echo shook her head. “I need time to think.” she got up from the table.

Den reached out. “Don't shut me out… Let's meet again at the café tomorrow lunch.”

Echo looked back but gave no confirmation.

Echo wrenched open the door to her small home. Her smiled had wilted and she stepped slowly into the small lonely home.

A gray stallion with a fedora sat waiting in the shadows. “In between larva and fly, where do your loyalties lie?”

Echo gasped and instinctively recited the accompanying phrase. “All hail Queen Chrysalis.” she whispered. “Master Amorpheus.”

Chapter 6 Invasion!

Across the Eastern Sea… A ship of metal defies gravity. Slicing through clouds the craft leaves in its wake smoke and ashes. Emblazon on its metal hull is sigil of the Griffin Kingdoms, a golden hawk wreathed in a dark circle of feathers.  The invention is the antithesis to the magical, it is a mechanical answer. Gears churn and hum in metronome as great propellers to the sides of the craft turned. Inside two figures walk through corridors of the airship.

Walking proudly was a Griffin with a white feathered head and golden brown body. He was handsome, the very idealized archetype of his people. “The new advisor of his, she shakes her tail feathers and my father bows to her every whim like a slave.”

A female Zebra followed him. She was magnificent as well with toned musculature hidden behind her monochrome coat. “Reagle, It is my fault.”

“No Zaza, stop thinking like that.” said Reagle.

“Our marriage will bring your father no heirs, so he desires to sire another son.” said Zaza calmly.

Reagle stopped walking pulled Zaza’s head to face him. His predator’s eyes relaxed. “Your parents were none too happy about me either. I care not now, you are my chosen. Zaza you are mine, and I am yours.”

“I thought you just liked me for the Zebra King's armies.” the zebra blushed.

Reagle kissed Zaza full on the mouth with his beak. “If power was what I was seeking by your logic shouldn't I marry a dragon?”

Zaza chuckled. “A dragon? She’d have to fight me to get you.”

Reagle looked away from her and stared outside a porthole window. He saw his own reflection. “Anyhow it is not our union that upsets my father. It is the Equestrians's monopoly on magic. The black feathered witch has promised him the mages to wage war. An egg is incidental. She awakens the worst in father, his ambition and his lust for power.”

Zaza leaned against Reagle. “Where to now my prince?” said Zaza wiggling under his wings.

“I go to show my father we needn't magic to conquer simple ponyfolk. Our technology is our people’s power. I will assemble my Hawkers and War Wing.”

“I’ll prepare our Zebra Zerkers for deployment.” said Zaza confidently.

“Onwards we shall conquer Manehatten!” Reagle gestured grandly with his wings.

From hatches of the great ship poured Griffins in numbers that blotted out the sun. In the cargo holds hundreds of Zebras tapped their spears rhythmically against the metallic floor of the hull. In the horizon was a city upon the coast.

Den and Echo awoke to heavy pounding on the office door.

Blue finally broke through. Blueberry thought she saw a black horn. Echo reappeared from under the sheets in her disguised form. Blue blushed.

“I’m sorry!” said Blueberry looking away.

“I thought I locked that door!” said Den angrily at Blueberry.

The blue coated mare replied swiftly. “Den, Emergency meeting. No one can miss this one.” said Blueberry.

In main council room the Princesses sat. The room was a massive auditorium with concentric circle of tables with Guards of varying ranks sitting on the level rings. Den sat on the second row along with other Vice Captains.

“The Griffins should have no reason to attack us. Not now at least.” said Shining scratching his chin with his hoof.

A wounded Royal Guard pegasus was there to testify. Part of his flank appeared scorched by fire. “It is true. I flew here after I saw that the battle was lost.”

“We should send another diplomatic envoy. Surely this is a misunderstanding.” said Celestia sadly.

“No sister, we should send our full force! This insult cannot stand!” cried Luna in her booming voice.

“It could be a diversion. It’s warfare 101. We should send a third of forces.” said Twilight.

“Twily’s right. They can reach Canterlot with their new War Wing Balloons. We can’t leave the capital undefended.” said Shining.

“A decades ago, we were all friends. How did it come to this?” asked Celestia.

“I’ll go and meet our enemy.” said Shining.

“I’m coming with.” said Cadence and Twilight simultaneously.

“No, you must shield the capital as I shield our troops.” said Shining turning to Cadence.

Celestia turned to Twilight. “Twilight, we need you here to use the elements of harmony if it comes to that.”

“Yes, Celestia.” said Twilight.

“Shining Armor, take with you how many guards you need. Bring to the Griffin commander terms of peaceful resolution if they withdraw. Go with my blessing.” Celestia then became disturbingly severe in her expression and tone. “If necessary liberate Manehatten from Griffin claws by force.”

Den, Echo and Blue walked with Shining Armor through the Canterlot gardens.

“Just like the academy, huh Captain?” asked Den.

“Den, this isn’t like the academy.” said Shining grimly.

“Yeah. We always trained in case but I never thought it be happening for real.” said Den rubbing his hooves.

“I want you and your troops to be in our reserve guard.” said Shining.

“Reserves?! We’re going to bench warmers? I know we’re the newest division but...” Blue protested.

Shining Armor stopped walking. “I’m going into the thick of things, and I not sure if that’s smart. I need backup just in case things go sour.”

Echo raised a hoof. “Captain. Shouldn’t you send more scouting parties first? You don’t even know fully the strength of your enemy. It’s foolish then to launch an attack.”

“Who is this?” asked Shining kindly.

“She’s Echo my marefriend, and lieutenant.” said Den.

Blueberry coughed loudly.

“Second lieutenant.”  Den corrected.

“Um yeah.” said Echo.

“Echo, you’re completely right however time spent scouting is time they have to dig their hooves in. It’s a tradeoff.  If the Griffins get a claw hold it’ll be harder than ever to oust them. Mobilize we move out immediately!” said Shining.

The Royal Guards gathered. Other soldiers crowded into cramped passenger carriages and even cattle cars; Den, Echo, and Blue sat in the officer’s carriage of the troop train.

“The officer carriages are nice.” remarked Echo feeling the fine red cloth upholstery with her hooves.

“These here luxury cars, we sort of borrowed dem.” smiled Blue.

“I still can’t believe we’re going to… war.” said Den thoughtfully.

“Shucks, those Griffins might even go peaceful like seeing our forces.” said Blue.

“That is surely not to happen.” said Echo somberly.

“Then we’ll drive those feather brains back to the sea!” cried Blue.

“Have you ever been to war?” asked Echo.

The train jerked forward as it began rolling.

“I fought off five of dem damn changelings in the Canterlot invasion!” said Blue proudly. Blue hushed her voice. “Before I was captured.”

“I wasn’t stationed at Canterlot we were out in patrol in Everfree.” said Den.

“Canterlot does not count anyway, there was no real battle. You were taken out before you could even send a Pegasus off a runaway.” said Echo coldly.

Den flexed his wings. “I understand, this time we can expect a fight. Our foes know we’ll be coming and we know they’ll be expecting us. We need to get some sleep so we’ll be ready in the morning.” said Den yawning.

The train stopped just as the city came barely into view as silhouette shapes. The train engine steamed to a halt. The Royal Guard force disembarked from the troop trains. Assembling the Royal Guards got into line formations.  Their golden armor and steel tipped lances gleamed in the morning sun.

Shining Armor, Den, Echo, and Blue stood at a hilltop observing the city in the distance. A vast field separated the city and the hill.

“Thank you Twily.” said Shining Armor. A large telescope was put in place with some help from a couple of other guards.

Each took turns looking through the telescope. On the outskirts a group of Griffins were uprooting metal beams.

“They’re destroying the rail lines.” said Den.

“They’re smart, they know our railways as troop transports. Manehatten is central rail hub.” said Shining. “No sign of their new War Wing balloons, I wonder if sent them to attack elsewhere.”

Den stared at pony shaped forms in the distance however he noticed that the ponies had striped coloration. “I don’t believe it. They have Zebra Zerkers.”

Echo looked at squads of Griffins patrolling above in a circle. “Griffin Hawkers?”

“Zebra Zerkers and Hawkers?” asked Blueberry confused.

“Zerkers are Zebra soldiers who drink brews that numb their pain in battle.” said Echo.

“The Hawkers are Griffins infamous for dive bombing.” said Den.

“Arghh how come you guys are always in the know?” said Blue shaking her head.

“Combined arms tactics, the Zebra serve as ground infantry and the Griffins as air support.” said Shining Armor.

“It’s a lethal combo.” said Echo.

“They’re missing a card.” said Shining Armor send a spark of magic through his horn.

The army of Royal Guards had finally set themselves in a fighting array. Earth pony and unicorn troops marched while Pegasi flyers secured the skies.  Muscled earth ponies wheeled forth massive wooden and metal contraptions from behind the infantry.  Den and his friends stood on the same hill they were observing before. Griffin and Zebra battle lines were forming in opposition of the Royal Guards.

“Attention soldiers of the Griffin Kingdom and Zebra Confederation, this is Captain Shining Armor. We seek peaceful res-” Shining Armor was cut off by a horde of Griffins flying towards them.

All at once the Griffins veered from the troop formations of Royal Guards but not before releasing small black balls. The bombs exploded against a magical barrier made visible by fire.

The wheeled contraptions brought by the earth ponies were aimed upwards.

“What are those?” Echo looked to Den for an answer.

“This is something I know! Those are Ballistae they’ll puncture holes in Griffin war balloons. Those chickens are toast.” said Blueberry proudly of her people mechanical genius.

Powerful earth ponies pulled cranks that drew the strings to the ballistae. Other earth ponies with miniature versions of the ballistae readied as well.

“Fire!” cried Shining armor.

The majority of the Griffins flew upwards out of range of the arrows. The slower Griffins were pelted by the deadly barrage and dropped from the skies. The remaining arrows landed into the Zebra troop formations. The Zebras turned to their flanks that bore shields. Many arrows impacted harmlessly against shields. The few arrows that did hit flesh however did not cause the dying Zerkers to bray or scream at their deaths. Stoicism was uniform amongst the ranks of monochrome Zebras. Even wounded zebras did not flinch at the arrows stuck to their flanks. The Zebras calmly brushed off the arrows stuck to their shields after the barrage was over.

The frontline of Royal Guards gulped nervously at the undaunted Zebras.

A single zebra in golden armor shouted to her compatriots. “That shield we cannot defeat. My warriors, retreat!”

A Griffin in golden armor and a red cape flew above the Zebra line. “Pull back, Hawkers!”

The enemy ranks seemed to disperse. The Royal Guards were now confident. “They’re retreating, advance!” cried Shining Armor his horn glowing.

“I guess Shining Armor was right, without magic they can’t do much.” said Den.

“No, I’m girl. We like to play coy. I don’t like this, they should have put up more of a fight before running. The Zerkers are famous for standing their ground.” said Echo.

“You think it’s a trap?” asked Den alarmed.

In the middle of field before the Royal Guard lines tangled with the Zebras and Griffins all stopped to hear a loud humming. From the fog behind a cluster of buildings emerged the massive metal ship. Massive propellers hummed as the ship cast its shadow across the battlefield.

“Ballistae and mages fire! Take down that war balloon!” cried Shining armor.

The earth ponies fired their ballistae. Unicorns in the royal guards discharged elemental bolts of fire, lightning, and ice.

Arrows and magic bolts bounced off the metal structure.

“Our intelligence was wrong! That is no balloon!” cried Shining Armor.

From beneath the airship, doors opened. Tons of barrels were dropped from the craft. They exploded against the shield. As the onslaught continued the shield finally failed. Royal Guard ranks were blown apart by the explosions.

Amidst the chaos, the Zebra and Griffin lines had reformed. The Griffin Commander flew to the Zebra leader’s side. They gave each other an affectionate nuzzle.

“Attack!” shrieked the Griffin.

“Okay, we’re humped!” said Blueberry panicking.

“No we’re not, we’re Shining Armor’s only hope now.” said Den.

Echo stared at the airship circling around. “We need a plan, quick. A second bombing run and the Guard is finished.” said Echo.

Den scanned desperately about the battlefield through the telescope. The battle was turning into a brutal melee. He saw there was a small opening in the lines as overzealous Zebras Zerkers charged into the weakening right flank of the Royal Guards. There was a clear shot to the Griffin and Zebra commanders.

“We will capture their commander. It’ll be a reckless run.” said Den.

“Don’t you mean suicide?” asked Echo.

“We don’t have another choice.” said Den frantically swapping his attention to his friends and the view of the battle.

“You’re not leading alone.” In a green flash Echo’s insect wings appeared.

Blueberry saw that Echo had a pair of wings dragonfly like wings. “Neat spell, do me!” said Blueberry.

“Umm… too little time. I’ll carry you.” said Echo.

“Royal Guards, affix lances!” cried Den to the troops behind him.

The Royal Guards shuffled to comply placing their lances in the loops of their war saddles.

“Flanking speed!” cried Blueberry as she was carried by Echo.

Den took flight. “Follow me!” Den shouted as he beat his wings.

Prince Reagle and Zaza observed the battle.

“Prince Reagle, your father will be proud, this battle is yours.” said Zaza.

“Zaza, I did not expect so much bloodshed. War is a terrible thing. We should leverage this victory for resource rights to the Chrystal Mines. I do not want to push further if it means more of this…” said Reagle his beak lowered.

“We should offer them surrender before the second bombing.” said Zaza.

Their attention was distracted as Royal Guards crashed through to them. The few bodyguards they had were instantly alerted.

Den speared a Griffin with his lance as he dove from the sky. Echo dropped Blueberry into several Zebra warriors knocking them out. Other Royal Guards charged into the fray surprising the enemy from behind.

Den faced the enemy Griffin commander.

“Clever tactic flanking me. So you are Shining Armor?” asked Reagle impressed.

“Nope, Dented, Dented Armor!” cried Den charging at the Griffin.

Before she could help Den, Echo was squared off against the Zebra Commander.

“Kneel!” shouted Echo as she sent a bolt of magic towards the Zebra.

Zaza deftly avoided the strike. “Your magic won’t save you!” said Zaza confidently. Zaza wore spiked horse shoes that gave her extra traction. Zaza zig zagged towards Echo dodging deadly beams sent from Echo’s horn.

Prince Reagle had metal gauntlets attached to his to his hands.

“I am Reagle, son of Hawkmor, you stand no chance, surrender!” Reagle got in close and punched Den back.

“No way, I was going ask you the same.” said Den.

“Dented Armor, I shall etch Broken on your tombstone!” claws extended from Reagle’s gauntlets. He slashed at Den with startling speed.

He grabbed and snapped Den’s lance in half. Den jumped back dropping his war saddle. He managed to kick Reagle’s helmet off but not before sustaining a deep slash across his flanks. Reagle reeled back slight but returned another strike.

“Why are you attacking us?!” asked Den.

“I don’t have a choice!” cried Reagle swiping again.

Den picked up Zebra spear to block Reagle’s strike.

“Everyone has a choice!” cried Den jumping back.

“I must show father magic is not the way or worse will come. You wouldn’t understand!” said Reagle.

“What?!” said Den as Reagle slashed him again. Den fell to the ground his left feet did not listen as he tried in a futile effort to rise.

“I am sorry. It is over, you and your army.” said Reagle moving to finish Den off.

The battlefield was again shrouded by the shadow of the looming airship. Once more its bomb bay doors began opening.

Echo saw Den fall. “Get out of my way!” she cried to the Zaza using telekinesis to throw her sideways.

“Den!” cried Echo.

“Echo?” said Den on the ground.

Echo eyes flashed hellish green. “Stay away from my stallionfriend!” cried Echo her horn pulsating with magic. The air became choking as the pressure increased. The grass under hoof began swaying away from Echo.

Reagle stepped backwards fearfully from the green magic. A beam fired towards him.

“Reagle!” Zaza blocked it from hitting Reagle.

However the beam soon intensified and seared through her. Zaza jumped at Echo as the beam sliced a chunk of her flank off. Zaza punched Echo in the chin. Echo’s horn was redirected upwards. Zaza fell swiftly after.

The shaft of light pierced the airship above. Throughout the battlefield, the fighting stopped as ponies, Griffins, and zebras stared at the sky with awe. The beam dispersed the clouds and extended into the heavens. Explosions followed as the airship began imploding. Griffins screeched as they evacuated the airship.

There was a shower of fire as the airship sunk. The battlefield became a blur as Den saw Echo fall. The light from her horn flickered then died.

A tearful voice frantically cried.  “Zaza! My love! Retreat! Retreat! The battle is lost!”  Reagle flew picking up his fallen lover.

The sounds of clanging weapons faded as the enemy began withdrawing.

Den despite his bleeding and numb left side, he crawled his way to Echo. Dragging himself, Den felt like collapsing as his nerves screamed in agony. Echo’s disguise disappeared in a puff of weak green fire. Even Echo’s eyes seemed to dim in their brilliance.

“Echo, how did you?” asked Den as he sat above.

“I guess I used all my magic. Death comes…” said Echo smiling.

“Wait, you stupid changeling! I order you to live!” Den shouted.

“I was afraid to say, but now I know.” said Echo.

“Shut up!” Den’s tears dripped onto her face.

Den’s tears mixed with Echo’s. “Den, I love you.” said Echo closing her green eyes.

Den smiled kissing Echo as darkness swallowed them both.

Chapter 7 Flight

Prince Reagle is brought before his father by two Griffin soldiers. A female black feathered Griffin stands beside the sitting king.

“King Hawkmor, the Prince.” said a guard throwing Prince Reagle onto the red carpeted throne room.

“Prince Reagle, you disappoint me beyond measure. You launched a premature attack against the Equestrians and you lost a War Wing. Now the enemy knows of our new weapon, which will blunt our assault when strike at Equestria proper. Only your past successes prevent me from banishing you from this court.” said King Hawkmor. The brown Griffin seemed weary and tired. His crown hung loosely on his head and seemed on the verge of slipping.

“Father, we can defeat the Equestrians without the aid of whatever wicked wizardry this creature has devised!” said Reagle pointing a claw at the shadow beside his father.

The black feathered advisor spoke. “Evidently your failure has proven not. Magic has beaten your technology.”

“Your magic has corrupted father’s sight!”

“Silence!” cried King Hawkmor. “I want peace between you two. We will soon be of one nest. I am to wed Grimfeathers, she is my chosen. When you chose Zaza, the princess of a so recent enemy, I recall I respected your choice.”

“I am sorry father. I know I have been impetuous…” said Reagle.

“My head aches!” cried King Hawkmor slumping in his throne.

“Father!” cried Reagle.

“My king, I shall tend to that in moment.” said Grimfeathers kindness too sweet.

King Hawkmor was helped away to his private chambers by his guards.

Grimfeathers and Reagle remained in the throne room.

“Black feathered witch, you’re doing this to father.” said Reagle drawing a hidden dagger from under his wings. He charged at Grimfeathers with the bodkin.

He was suspended in air by a green aura. Grimfeathers did not flinched at the dagger barely at her throat. The black feathered guards hissed at Reagle with their lances pointed at him.

Reagle sighed. “Now I know your true loyalties lie.” Reagle sneered at the shadowy Griffins.

“Foolish bird.” said Grimfeathers wrenching the dagger from Reagle’s claws. “Kill him.” said Grimfeathers nonchalantly.

The shadowy Griffins smiled.

“Stand back even at this range magic will not avail you! Attack me at your master’s peril!” Reagle revealed a black sphere in his other claw. He wore finger flints, rubbing two claws together he created sparks. Reagle held out the grenade for all to see, it had a fuse shorter than an eyelash.

The shadowy Griffin guards backed away slowly.

Grimfeathers chuckled. “Prince Reagle, you are most talented. Why don’t you join me?” She released Reagle from her magical hold. “I have seen you take a lusty look.” Grimfeathers turned around and flicked her tail touching Reagle’s nose.

Reagle hit his head with the grenade shaking himself of the feeling. “So even your love for father is a lie?”

“Why is it that you hate me so? I’m taking your people to greatness. My mages will give your father the power to conquer all that he’s ever dreamed.” asked Grimfeathers

“There is no history of magic amongst Griffin kind. I do not believe that you have rediscovered some secret in that.” Reagle turned to the shadowy Griffins. “Nor do I believe you or those dark feather crows are a lost noble line of Griffins.”

“Ha, you are correct. But I am not a Griffin.” said Grimfeathers tossing Reagle backwards with her magic. “Do you want to know what I am?” smiled Grimfeathers with murderous intent.

“No.” said Reagle.

“No?” said Grimfeathers surprised.

“I will not question your nature, if you perform for me a service with your arcane arts. I will tell father nothing… and I will accept banishment to the White Wastes for my failure.” said Reagle tearfully.

“What is this you ask of me?” asked Grimfeathers.

“My wife, Zaza is upon her deathbed. She soon will be taken to Valhalla. Bring her back to me.” said Reagle bowing.

“That will take great amounts of magic.” said Grimfeathers in feigned disinterest.

“Witch, I know you can. Bring her back to me!” said Reagle pleading.

Den awoke. The hospital lights were bright and oppressive. The events of the battle instantly flood his mind, the burning airship, the screams, and then Echo lying beside him. He turned to the left of his bed Blueberry was sleeping in a chair.

“Blueberry!” cried Den.

“Den, you’re alive!” cried Blue.

“Where’s Echo?” asked Den urgently.

Blueberry frowned.

“The changeling!” said Den shouted. Den jumped out his bed. He nearly fell from the pain that shot through his body.

“Easy, there.” said Blue concerned. “I’ll take you to her.” said Blue softly.

Blue let Den lean against her as they walked through the hospital.

They arrived at a door with two Royal Guards standing by. The Guards carried lances and crossed them to bar Den’s entry.

“Let me through.” huffed Den.

“No can do sir. The changeling is to be contained.” said one of the guards.

“I am a Vice Captain of Celestia’s Royal Guard, I order you to let me through.” cried Den.

“This comes through a higher authority.” responded Guard.

Shining Armor walked up to Den. “Den, we have a lot to talk about.” said Shining.

“Let me see her first.” growled Den.

“She’s a changeling. We haven’t been able to locate the real Echo.” said Shining.

“I know she’s a changeling! She is Echo!” cried Den.

Shining Armor blinked. “You knew?”

“Yes, she’s been a changeling all along. She saved us all during the battle. The shaft of light was hers!” said Den.

“We’ll speak but not here.” said Shining Armor.

The hospital cafeteria was unpopulated. Blueberry helped Den take a seat.

“Dent.” Shining Armor addressed formally. “Are you aware of changeling mind control?” asked Shining.

“Yes, the report I wrote you included a section on it.” said Den.,

“Then you must know your close contact with it-”

“Echo.” sad Den correcting Shining.

Shining grudgingly spoke. “Yes, Echo.” Shining resumed. “Your contact with Echo makes your opinions and thoughts suspect. Anything you say in Echo’s defense is invalid.” said Shining.

“I collaborate with Den’s testimony, I saw it… I mean Echo cast the spell it saved us all. Echo is mah friend too.” said Blue.

Den smiled at Blue. Blue smiled meekly back.

“You are Den’s subordinate officer that also makes your word negligible.” said Shining.

“What then? She’ll die if I don’t see her. If our academy days have any meaning, you’ll let me see her.” said Den.

“I knew you would pull that out.” smiled Shining Armor. He relented. “Okay just a short moment, and you will be watched.”

Den entered the room. Echo was strapped to hospital bed.

“Den?” cried her voice faintly.

Den limped over to her bed. “I’m here.”

“I’m glad. I feel so light headed.” said Echo.

“Why’d you do that?” asked Den.

“You mean save yours and everyone’s lives?” smiled Echo.

“Silly, why didn’t you cast a shield of something?” asked Den.

Echo looked thoughtfully then laughed. “That didn’t occur to me… My training is in destruction. I could only think of destroying the thing that was about to destroy you.”

“You burned through a lot of energy, can you sustain yourself for while? We might be separated for a bit. Please take as much energy as you need from me.” said Den.

“No, you need it more. This is enough.” said Echo gesturing with her eyes at Den’s bandaged limbs. “Already I feel stronger in your presence. The rest will take time.”

“I’ll see you freed.” said Den.

“Hey, while I’m tied up here, wanna have fun?” smiled Echo playfully.

“We’re being watched.” said Den blushing.

When Den left the room Shining Armor had Cadence with him.

“Den, please don’t struggle.” said Cadence kindly. Cadence touched her horn against Den’s forehead. Memories flashed before him: meeting Echo upon the windy cliff, their café date, the dream space, and the battle.

“So is it a spell?” asked Shining Armor.

“His love for the changeling, is genuine. There are no magically made memories or signs of an influence spell.” remarked Cadence.

Den couldn’t helping sighing himself at the revelation. Den however quickly snapped back to hide it. “I told you. Now can you let her go.” said Den.

“We can’t release her without Celestia’s word…” said Cadence.

“Den, you still have to recover in the hospital. Promise me you won’t do anything foolish bro. The guard on… Echo has been tripled.” said Shining.

“Doesn’t it count for anything that she saved the lives of a third of guard?” said Den grumbling.

Cadence put a hoof on Den’s shoulder. “We’ll put in our opinion to Celestia. Don’t worry love shall prevail.” said Cadence confidently.

“Alright thanks.” said Den with worry.

Several Days passed Den was restless in his hospital bed. His wounds had begun healing with the regular magical treatment. Blue entertained herself with a crossword puzzle book, a children’s version. It was amusing to watch her sweat to figure out the words.

“What’s a creature that have three heads? Grows more as you cut them. Starts with h.”

“Hydra.” replied.

“H-i-d-r-a.” said Blue writing it down with her pen gripped in her mouth.

Den rolled his eyeballs. Den then remembered Blue’s testimony.  A lingering question he wanted to ask came to him. “Hey, Blue thanks for backing up my story with Echo.” said Den.

“Story? I reckon it was da truth.” said Blue playing with the pen in her mouth.

“No I meant, you could have lied and had her executed.” said Den.

Blueberry gasped. “Seriously Den, you think I’m that petty?”

“No?” said Den meekly.

Blue frowned. “I saw what happened at the battle. Both of you were unconscious, I dragged both of your bodies away from the falling wreckage of that airship.”

“I’m sorry Blue for second guessing you.” said Den.

“The thought had crossed mah mind of leaving Echo. I’m still crushing on ya hard but part of loving someone is respecting their choice. ” Blue sighed.

“That was mature, thoughtful, and nice. Thank you for staying with me.” said Den.

“Shucks, you helped me passed those written exams at the academy.” said Blue scratching her head.

“I’m glad to have you as a friend, Blueberry Frost.” said Den hugging her.

Blue returned the hug. “You too, Dented Armor.” smirked Blue.

A black feathered male Griffin lead Prince Reagle to the hanger of a War Wing.

“So the black feathered witch has taken over my father’s entire Honor Guard.” Reagle sneered at the Griffin.

“That is none of your concern. You’re to be banished to the White Wastes.” said the black feathered griffin.

“Yes, after I am given my due.” said Reagle snarling.

Another group of black feathered Griffins wheeled in a crate.

“As our per our mistress’s agreement…” said the black feathered Griffin prying open a crate with a spear.

The zebra mare Zaza stepped out of the crate. They both embraced.

“Zaza!” cried Prince Reagle.

“Prince Reagle!” cried Zaza.

“I thought I had lost you.” said Prince Reagle tearfully. However as Prince Reagle hugged her, he drew a dagger and pressed it to Zaza’s throat.

“Reagle, what are you doing?! It’s me!” cried Zaza.

Reagle eyes watered. “Our honeymoon we had a fight, what was it about?” asked Reagle angrily with his dagger shaking in his claws.

The zebra mare laughed eerily. Reagle shoved her aside. Reagle turned around to the black feathered Griffins. “Where is she, you demons!? The real Zaza!”

A voice spoke. “I could not resist. How smart of you.”

Reagle turned around again to see Grimfeathers in place of Zaza.

“Witch! We had an agreement!” said Reagle.

“Indeed, her healing has just finished.” said Grimfeathers snapping her claws.

Another crate was wheeled out. It was opened to reveal a Zebra mare in a cocoon. A black Griffin cut open the cocoon with a lance. The mare spilled out with a gush green fluid. There was a visible scar upon her flank.

“Prince Reagle?” said the voice faintly.

Reagle picked up Zaza in his arms. “Our honeymoon we had a fight, what was it about?” asked Reagle looking into her eyes eagerly.

Zaza thought for a moment. “You featherbrain, you were looking at the waitress serving our drinks.”

Reagle laughed. “So says you.” Reagle pressed his beak against her muzzle affectionately.

Grimfeathers coughed. “Heartwarming however it is time for you to depart.”

The War Wing ship doors opened to the tundra. The cold blast hit everyone.

“Come Zaza, we must go.” Reagle helped Zaza gain her footing.

The two walked out into the snows.

Grimfeathers stood for a moment watching the two shapes grow distant. Her eyes were envious.

“My monarch?” questioned a black Griffin.

“I felt it. His love for her is strong.” Grimfeathers with a voice laced with longing.

“Shall we pursue?” asked a black griffin readying a lance.

“Of course, wait until they are half way to the horizon… then kill them. They deserve a moment together.” said Grimfeathers.

A Griffin and a zebra ran alongside one another. The winds of the tundra buffeted them.

“So you accepted banishment for my sake? I do not think the black feathered witch intends to let us live.” questioned Zaza.

“In mere moments she’ll send her agents to dispatch us.” said Reagle sighing.

Zaza smiled. “You have a plan then?” asked Zaza.

Reagle drew a compass. “Hidden to west is a flotilla of your father’s warships, we must make it there.”

“The Zebra king, my father hates you greatly. How did you talk him into helping you?” exclaimed Zaza.

“I appealed to our common ground.” said Reagle.

“What is that?” asked Zaza.

“We both love you.” smiled Reagle.

Dark shadows buzzed behind them.

Evening fell and the hospital was dimly lit by low lights. The dozen of the Royal Guards passed a yawn through the ranks. They were snapped from their stupor by a dark figure loomed over the hospital hallway.

“Who goes there!?” cried a Royal Guard.

Lights flickered off as he walked towards the guards.

A dozen guards drew their lances. “Cease and desist!”

The figure was revealed to be a gray stallion. “Prepare for a nightmare you can neither define nor defend! I’m Amorpheus!” The stallion took off his fedora. A horn glowed with malign magic.

The hallway disappeared in a black void. The guards screamed as eyes appeared everywhere. The guards stabbed at the walls but to no avail. They turned their attention to where the gray stallion was. A hooded figure with a scythe was now advancing upon them. The rest of the guards screamed in utter panic.

The gray stallion secures his fedora and walks through the corridor; trail of unconscious Royal Guards is left behind. Shadows followed in his wake. A squad of dark armored changeling soldiers followed up spearing the Guards.

“Quickly now, before they gather their courage! We have a princess to save!” cried Amorpheus looking back slightly.

The changelings dispatched the last of the guards.

Den was awoken by several screams. He looked to find Blueberry sleeping in a chair beside his bed.

Den prodded Blue with his hooves. “Blueberry! Wake up!” said Den in hushed shout.

“But mommy, I don’t like waffles.” murmured Blue drearily.

More screams caused Blue to jump up. “What’s up?!” cried Blue.

Two changelings rammed at a door with their shoulders.

The gray stallion sighed tipping his fedora. The door was seared through with green fire.

Echo gasped as the stallion with the gray Fedora entered. “Master Amorpheus?!”

“Larvi.” smiled Amorpheus.

Changelings entered the room and began cutting through Echo’s restraints.

Echo turned her head the squad of changelings. “Thorax? Coxa? Husk? My old unit? I thought you were…” said Echo recognizing some of the changelings that cut her restraints.

A changeling nodded gleefully. “Yes, it is us, Commander Larvi… I mean Princess Larvi.” said Thorax busily snapping the buckles that held her.

“Princess?” questioned Echo.

Amorpheus smiled. “It is time, the truth be revealed to you. You are not simply a daughter of her highness but the daughter. Now that our Queen’s plan is coming ahead, she wishes you to join her. During the battle of Manehatten, your demonstration of power was not unnoticed. It is time that is applied properly.”

“You all came to rescue me…” said Echo.

“Aye, who knew all those years Commander; you were our Princess!” said Thorax chirpily.

“You risk much coming here.” said Echo.

“This operation is risky yes, but riskier still to do nothing.” said Coxa.

“What is with the delay?” demanded Amorpheus.

The changeling Coxa was still cutting through the restraints. “Forgive me Master Amorpheus, these last bindings are magical. It will take a little longer.”

“Stay here, I sense something approaching.” said Amorpheus.

Den and Blue came upon the grisly sight. A dozen or so Royal Guards lay dead in the hallway. The guards were curled up in fear. The floor was awash with red blood … and yellow urine.

“What did this?” gasped Blue dropped down inspecting guard.

Den looked at the precise nature of the wounds, throats, and chest. “They were executed.” said Den growling.

“Whoever did this they’ll pay!” Blue bit angrily.

Den and Blue mounted up the lances and war saddles from the fallen guards.

A grey stallion with a fedora greeted them. His face was obscured by the brim of his hat. Green eyes glowed. “You best flee. Unless you wish to share their fate.”

“Royal Guards never turn tail!” cried Blue charging.

“Prepare for fear.” grinned Amorpheus taking off his fedora.

Den saw Blue crumple over, her charge skidding to a halt. Blue was curled up in a fetal position Den had seen foals take up. Blue shook holding herself, nearly immobilized.

“What did you do to Blue?!” Den steadied his lance. Den noticed the broken door behind Amorpheus. “You’re after Echo aren’t you?”

Amorpheus’s eyes lit up. He cackled revealing his fangs. “You’re Larvi’s Lover?” Amorpheus flashed to his true intimidating changeling stature.

“Echo told me you were all gone. She said there was no more changeling threat.” said Den surprised.

“Oh, you seem to be mistaken. Let me dispel you before I destroy you. Such despair you’ll feel knowing all your memories are a lie.”

A flash hit Den harmlessly. “Is that all, you got? You’re not going to get to Echo.” said Den fiercely.

“You’re not under the influence of mind magic… what is this?” Amorpheus recoiled then recovered. “Interesting.” Amorpheus bowed. “I am Amorpheus Master of shapeless nightmares.”

“I am Dented Armor.” said Den cautiously.

“Armor is of no defense! You face my unstoppable offense!” Amorpheus horn sparked.

Den saw the room disappear into dark void of shadows. In before his eyes visions of bones, rotting, and death flashed. The corpses of the dead Royal Guards stood up. The ghouls had sunken eyes and their flesh was the white ghostly pallor of death. In before him was a hooded figure carrying a scythe gesturing towards him. All instincts commanded Den to run. Nothing earthly could defeat such foes. The pressure on his mind was immense. Den shook his head. He remembered Echo and his reason. He recognized the sensation, he was in dream space.

“Reaper! I do not fear death!” Den stepped forward head held high.

The ghastly visions stepped backwards. Den began sprinting towards. He ran through the apparitions however his lance was blocked by something solid. The illusions ended.

The moonlight shone through the hospital windows sending the shadows scurrying to their corners. Den was locked weapons with Amorpheus.

“You saw through it?!” Amorpheus snarled and pushed him back.

“Den?” it was Echo’s voice. She exited the doorway to her room. Echo stood in her changeling form amongst others of her kind.

“Echo?!” cried Den.

Echo’s face was frozen.

“He offends you? Princess, I shall slay the pitiful pony!” the changeling Thorax charged with a spear.

The squad of lesser changelings charged past Amorpheus with their spears.

“Wait this is not an opponent you can-!” cried Amorpheus.

Den readied himself for the onrush.

“Stop!!!” Echo’s voice resonated through minds exerting a similar if not stronger that pressure Amorpheus had projected.

The squad of changelings instantly ceased movement at the order. Thorax the lead changeling stopped mid charge. He was skewered by Den’s lance.

Thorax looked upon the weapon that had gone through him. The changeling returned a look of confusion at Echo. “My Princess? My Commander? Larvi?” The changeling slid to the ground.

As the blue glow from Thorax’s eyes faded, Echo winced with pain that was both psychic and physical. “No.” stuttered Echo.

“Larvi, what have you done?!” questioned Amorpheus.

Echo eyes watered but she stamped her hoof striking the ground. “We leave!!!” said Echo her voice ringing in both Den’s ears and mind.

“Vengeance must be had this pony has slain one of our own! Blood for blood!” cried the changeling Husk.

“It saved my life once, I shall spare it now.” said Echo.

“Echo!” Den called out.

Den was slammed against a wall by a sheath of green magic.

Larvi’s eyes glowed intensely. “The name is Larvi. You do well to remember that my little pony.” said Larvi coldly. “We leave!!” cried Larvi turning her back upon Den.

The other changelings looked questioningly to each other.

“That was not a request, it was a command from your Princess!” cried Amorpheus.

The rest of the changelings bowed lightly.

Den could only watch as Echo-Larvi led the rest of the changelings away. He lost consciousness soon after as his the pain of his injuries caught up with him.

Chapter 8 Despair

A ship cruises through the sea waves. Its captain stares blankly his hooves holding to the steering wheel. In his eyes is the green signature of magical mind control.

Echo stood on the bowsprit of the wooden ship.

Amorpheus approached Echo. “Soon we will be in Griffin control skies. Your mother, your queen will then greet you as her daughter. We must speak of what happened before.”

“I do not know what there is say.” said Echo.

“You killed Thorax one of our own.” said Amorpheus bluntly.

“No I… Thorax …” said Echo weakly.

“To command is to kill. Your decision or indecision stopped Thorax from doing his duty. You killed Thorax, the same Thorax that was among your first guards.” said Amorpheus bitterly.

Echo’s face contorted but she held firm biting back the tears. Echo turned her face toward the sea to hide the turmoil written on her face.

“I fear that in sheltering you from the worst rigors of our monarch’s training, I have done a great harm. This is my weakness as well as yours. I have spoiled you.” said Amorpheus.

“Master Amorpheus, the pony, had saved my life once, my honor demanded repayment. Nothing more.” said Echo.

“Larvi, the affection that pony had for you was real. I tested him in combat. He loved not your mask but you… I have never seen the like. Do you reciprocate such feelings?” said Amorpheus.

Echo turned backwards. “Are you questioning my loyalty?” asked Echo fiercely.

“Yes.” said Amorpheus looking down. Amorpheus then faced Echo forcing her to stare into his eyes. “Swear to me now that you will never lead me to think so again!”

“I swear it by the monarchs of old, dead and cold.” said Echo.

Den awoke Blue was with him.

“Den, I’m sorry. I just froze up.” said Blue.

“Blue, it’s alright it was illusion magic of the highest degree.” said Den.

“You overcame it.” said Blue looking her hooves helplessly.

“I’m not sure how.” said Den.

Shining Armor entered their hospital room. “Here read this.” Shining shoved Den a sealed letter.

Den and Blue took the letter and opened it.

Dear Dented Armor,

A panel has reviewed the circumstances regarding the changeling known as Echo. At the insistence of Captain Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, we have decided at this time there is no sanction against changelings in the Royal Guard. We have no right to prejudge a being who wishes to join so long as its intentions are sincere. We shall permit it then changeling known as Echo, for her service in the battle of Manehatten, be allowed to continue under supervision. Dented Armor her superior officer will report regularly her progress.

Princess Celestia of Equestria

“A dozen more letters will have to written for families of the Royal Guards that died because of that changeling.” Shining Armor said with scorn.

“Echo wasn’t responsible. Other changelings-” said Den.

“Don’t defend that creature. She’s corrupted you.” said Shining Armor.

“Den was tested for mind magic.” said Blue.

“I love Echo…” said Den.

Shining Armor placed a hoof on Den’s shoulder. “Den, what I’m going to say you mustn’t repeat to anyone.” said Shining Armor with a severe expression.

Den and Blue nodded.

“When I was under the control of Queen Chrysalis, it wasn’t entirely mind control. If it had been just that I would have noticed immediately when my love Cadence was replaced. Mind manipulation isn’t just about magic. Spies without mind magic are still just as dangerous. The deadliest poisons taste… sweet. I love my Cadence with all my heart, I still feel guilty…” said Shining Armor.

“You couldn’t have known…” said Blue.

“…” Den looked downwards as the words sunk in.

“We don’t expect a follow up attack so soon after hitting the Griffins as hard as we have. This is the first time in 1000 years Equestria faces the prospect of war. There will be a lot of discussion between the higher ups. I need a Vice Captain with a clear head. Den, I want you to write those letters for the families of the fallen guards. I’m giving you a week off.” said Shining Armor.

The yellow glow of the sun was fading behind the blinders of the office windows. Den sat behind his desk and looked at the dossiers of the fallen guards that were given to him in a folder. ‘Lance Corporal Cobalt Blaze’ was the name of a particular dossier that caught his attention.

“Nearest Kin, wife Cherry Blossom, children two…” Den wept as he looked at the piece of parchment.

Blueberry stood by Den’s doorway. “You need help?” she asked tenderly.

Den wiped the tears from his eyes. “Blue, you can’t write.”

“I can fold the envelopes. I can stay by you.” said Blue.

“Sure.” said Den.

Den and Blue sat in the office. Den wrote each letter carefully, sometimes his tears stained the letters. Blue sat silently and patiently waiting with an envelope as he finished. The ritual continued late into the evening until a neat stack of a dozen letters was completed and sealed with hot wax.

“At least, you don’t have to deliver them.” said Blue sighing.

“I want to visit at least one… Cobalt Blaze his address is here in Canterlot.” said Den.

The snows became worst, as the White Wastes lived to their name. The blinding blizzard blasted two figures as they are pursued by dark flying shadows.

Spears were telekinetically thrown at them by the pursuing enemy.

The wind worsened.

“In this blizzard we either lose our pursuers or we lose our lives!” Zaza shouted over the howling of the winds.

The lead shadow caught up with Reagle and Zaza however noticed too late it was too far from its kin.

Reagle turned and grabbed a spear in mid air. “We stand and fight.” He flung the spear striking down the lead shadow.

The black Griffin fell near their feet. In green fire it reverted to its true self.

Zaza examined the insect like creature. “Cursed creatures, they are not Griffins nor Zebra. They are the enemy of truth.” Zaza pounced and smashed one of the shadows to the ground.

“Zaza, you know of these creatures?” asked Reagle fighting off one of the shadows.

“Yes, the cause of your father’s illness is now all apparent. They are called harpies in lore.”

A ship docks with a pier. The great coastal city is under Griffin occupation, airships hover overhead. Pony sailors walked timidly under the shade of the mighty airships.  A procession of Griffin guards greeted them. Echo and Amorpheus walked off the boarding ramps in their disguises. Echo recognized the green gleam in some of the Griffin soldier’s eyes. Amorpheus followed after Echo.

“So mother is behind the Griffins.” said Echo surprised.

“Listen our Queen shall test you again. You must look into her eyes as you did for your first test.” said Amorpheus.

“I know, what will be asked of me. It is customary.” said Echo.

“No this is different…” said Amorpheus.

Reagle and Zaza stood amongst a dozen dead changelings. The blizzard was intensifying.

“We must find shelter!” shouted Reagle back.

“Prince Reagle, look!” Zaza gestured with a hoof to a small cave outcropping in the distance.

Reagle and Zaza stepped into dry cold cave. The Zebra mare and Griffin hugged each other close for warmth.

“I have abandoned my father to the black feathered witch…” said Reagle despondently.

"We can return, I shall marshal my Zebra Zerkers. We’ll show your father the truth when we kill the witch.” said Zaza.

“That would end the pact between our two nations war would follow. The Equestrians will then destroy our divided peoples.” said Reagle.

Zaza huffed in frustration. “This war is a contrivance! Shortly ago there was no talk of war. This Celestia is not a monster. Neither are those she commands. My exiled sister  has studied amongst the ponyfolk. Her letters tell only of compassion and kindness in their company.  Why don't we speak to them?” said Zaza.

“Is peace possible? They will remember Manehatten.” said Reagle touching his forearms nervously.

“War is worse, we have met the Equestrians in combat it will not be the easy victory as we imagined.”

The morning sun was bright and welcoming. The Canterlot streets were bustling with workers. In a small house nestled in an alleyway Den and Blue stopped at their destination. Den tapped his hoof against the plain unpainted wooden door.

“Coby, you’re home!” a pink mare greeted them. Her smile evaporated as she saw Den and Blue in their Royal Guard Armor.

Den sputtered out his words. “You must be Cherry Blossom. Co-Could we come in?”

“Sure.” said Cherry.

“Mommy is daddy home!?” two small pink and teal fillies bounded towards their mother.

“No, it’s time for you two to go to school. You’re going to be late. Run along now.” said Cherry kindly.

“Yes mother.” said the two fillies filing past Den and Blue.

“Come in.” said Cherry smiling.

Den and Blue sat in a living room that was connected to the kitchen. There were two couches and Cherry sat opposite Den and Blue. There was a fireplace with a sword that hung by the mantle. Loving pictures adorned the walls of a teal stallion and a pick mare. The night curtains were still drawn and the home was dimly lit by sunlight.

“Can I get you two anything?” asked Cherry gesturing to a tea kettle on the kitchen stove.

“No, we…” Blue looked downward unable to say anymore.

“No thank you.” said Den nervously. Den spoke softly. “Your husband… he’s Cobalt Blaze?”

“You two don’t need to say anymore, I can read what you’re going to say from you faces. He’s fallen. Hasn’t he?” Cherry spoke calmly.

“Yes.” said Blue gritting her teeth.

Den placed a letter on the table. “You and your children will be taken care of. The Royal Guard will pay compensation.”

“I heard the Royal Guards liberated Manehatten, I’m glad Coby could have helped in a noble cause. The fool I loved him so. He’d always go spout about fighting for Equestria and the future of our children.” Cherry’s disposition was collected. Cherry looked to Blue. “Tell me how he died... was it like the poems?”

Blue cobbled together her words. “…Yes I reckon he Coby defeated a dozen of dem buzzards...” Blue coughed.

Cherry then leaned toward Den with bated breath. “Tell me my Coby was glorious. Tell me he died defending the Equestria he loved.” Cherry’s eyes were wide and expecting.

Den choked on his words. “No, he died defending a changeling… it was my fault…I’m sorry.” said Den bowing.

“Den.” Blue looked at Den with her mouth open in shock.

Cherry fell back onto the couch with a despondent blank expression. “Thank you for telling me the truth…” Cherry said softly.

“…” a moment of silence was held.

The tea kettle began whistling angrily.

Cherry’s face exploded with anger. “Now, get out!!!” Cherry jumped from the couch. She grabbed an ornamental sword on the mantle and swatted at Den and Blue.

Den and Blue ran from the crazed mare.

Cherry spat out the sword as Den and Blue were driven out of the home. “Never come here again!” Cherry screamed.

As the door slammed shut behind them Den and Blue could hear heavy sobbing.

They walked back into the main streets.

Blue punched Den in the stomach with her forelegs. “You dumb dolt! You wanna tell her that her husband pissed himself before they slit his throat too?!” She shouted in Den’s face.

Den reeled back. “I couldn’t lie to her.”

“You idiot.” said Blue with tears in her eyes.

Both Den and Blue hugged each other as they wept.

In the throne room Queen Chrysalis sat disinterested on the golden chair. Undisguised changelings flanked the carpet way to her. Each of the changelings wore sleet dark armor and could be counted as a commander of more. Echo and Amorpheus walked towards the throne in between the columns of changeling officers.

“My Queen, I bring you a Princess worthy of the colony.” said Amorpheus stepping backwards and bowing.

“I shall judge that.” Queen Chrysalis arose from her chair. She circled Echo and began pacing about.

Echo stood motionless looking ahead and allowed her inspection.

Queen Chrysalis scoffed. “You call this pitiful nymph a Princess? Master Amorpheus have you gone blind? I do not believe she took out a War Wing.”

Amorpheus spoke quickly. “Larvi has completed her training. She is-”

Queen Chrysalis raised a hoof calling for silence. “If she is to be my daughter than she can speak for herself.” Chrysalis turned to Echo. “Answer me, the ‘S’s in infiltration what are the three?”

“Seduce, supplant, subvert.” responded Echo determinately.

“Be not proud, that was simple.” Chrysalis spoke. “It is greater than stars above and the strongest love. The highest noble wants for it. The lowest peasant has it. Yet it does not sustain or support.”

Echo thought for a moment. “Nothing comes to mind.” replied Echo.

Chrysalis mused. “You have no answer child?”

“The answer is ‘nothing’.” said Echo.

“Clever.” smirked Chrysalis. Chrysalis’s tone became severe. “Now comes your real test. Do not succumb or it will destroy you.  Do not look away or I will destroy you.”

Chrysalis stared into Echo’s eyes. Echo matched her gaze. Chrysalis’s pupils became emerald embers that burned away consciousness. The bleakest black surrounded Echo. Visions of starving colts, a battlefield laden with corpse, and towns stricken with plague flashed through Echo’s mind. Life times of such visions coursed through her mind’s lens. The weight of the world threatened to crush her soul.

However Echo tried to fight back with her own memories. The happiest shards were swiftly swallowed by the visions. The sweet nectar of Ambrosia wine, was a blink. Master Amorpheus giving her a plush pony doll, several seconds. Even her first love, the lancer Constance was devoured by the all consuming emptiness. Echo shook violently hugging herself. She was at the Canterlot cliffs again. The wind was beckoning her to step forward. A voice cried about behind her.

“Echo!”

It was Den…

Echo blinked her eyes. She was blinded by tears. The room returned to focus as she wiped her eyes. She was shuddering from cold that touched from within.

Queen Chrysalis stepped back from Echo. Chrysalis’s expression gave no hint of approval or disdain.

“My Queen, Larvi can still be off some use! Soldier caste or even… banishment.” pleaded Amorpheus.

“Silence, Amorpheus! My daughter has passed her test.” smiled Chrysalis proudly.

“What?” said Amorpheus stammering.

“That was not feeble fear. She survived pure despair! I hereby acknowledge her as my heir. There is none more so worthy!! Anyone to challenge this claim challenges me!!” Chrysalis’s voice boomed throughout the chamber.

Amorpheus bowed. All at once so did the other changeling commanders.

Chrysalis hugged Echo from behind turning her towards the rows of changeling soldiers. “My daughter, kings will kill for you, the foundations of nations crumble before your feet… and even the living goddesses will cry as they die!”

With tears still in her eyes and shivering uncontrollably, Echo’s coronation began.

The changeling guards cried out lifting their lances. “All Hail Princess Larvi! All Hail Princess Larvi!”

Chapter 9 Shadow Valley

Three striped small airship were pursued by four larger Griffin War Wings. Bow mounted cannons of the War Wings fired upon the smaller striped Airships. Cannonballs whizzed through the skies. The large ships slowly were catch up to the small ones. Aboard the striped airship in front.

A Zebra engineer peered through a mounted spy glass and spoke to Zaza. Looking at the left striped airship’s glints he interpreted the signals.  “Commander Zaza, Captain Nokimbe signals that their ballast tanks have been punctured and… good fortune.”

“What?!” Zaza turned to the left window.

A striped airship bleeding smoke veered violently and crashed itself into the lead Griffin War Wing. The two ships exploded. Shards of fire and metal fell into the sea.

“Nokimbe you idiot now you choose to be brave!!??” Zaza struck the metal floor with her hooves with such strength the metal was bent. “Why?! We started with four ships… now two! Are not the specifications of ship engines the same? Why do they gain?” asked Zaza to a Zebra Engineer.

Reagle gripped his forehead ashamedly. “When, the Griffin Kingdom gifted airship technology to the Zebra Tribal Confederation they left a few holes in the schematics. It was a security measure, the Griffin nobles wanted still wanted to own the skies.”

“You knew of this?” asked Zaza.

“I am sorry Zaza, I spoke out against it but at that time mistrust still was too great.” said Reagle.

Zaza stomped her hooves angrily. “Argh, it matters not our engineers figured most of the flaws.” said Zaza. “Our gifts were tokens too. The secret instructions for our healing poultices require herbs grown only in Zebra lands. I am ashamed of my people too.”

“I did not expect our union to resolve the differences between our people.” sighed Reagle.

“It was a first step that you first took.” smiled Zaza.

“We took.” said Reagle.

A cannon ball ricocheted across their ship.

A Zebra engineer ran into the bridge. “Commander Zaza, enemy flyers!”

Black griffins pour from the War Wings.

“Fire the flak cannons!” cried Zaza.

“Flak?” asked Reagle.

Den and Blue bowed before the dual Princesses in the throne room.

“Dented Armor for your service in the battle of Manehatten, it is my pleasure to promote you to a full Captain of the Royal Guard. Arise.” said Celestia.

“I am honored.” said Den.

“Blueberry Frost it is my pleasure to promote you to Vice Captain. Arise.” said Luna.

“May your allegiance be firm evermore.” said Celestia.

“Omigosh.” said Blue hopping slightly.

“We are sorry, we have cut festivities short however there is a war to tend to.” said Luna.

“Of course.” said Den.

All four of the princess assembled in the council room.

A small purple dragon the size of a pony interrupted the proceedings the council room. “Everypony, another Griffin Invasion force! Five ships total.”

“Spike, which Guard Tower?” asked Twilight.

“Twenty.” said Spike.

“That’s not far from Canterlot. Scramble all pegasus forces!” said Twilight turning to central table covered with maps.

“Five ships is impressive however I expected more for a full attack.” said Celestia thoughtfully.

“Is the Cloudsdale project complete yet? If not I am not sure how spears would fare against their warships of metal.” asked Luna.

“In the battle of Manehatten wasn’t it proven a concentrated magical beam can beat the hull of those warships?” Shining Armor asked Den.

“Yeah.” said Den.

“How much magical energy?” asked Twilight.

“Too much, it’d kill the user.” said Den.

The purple dragon raised a claw. “What about the Elements of Harmony, Twilight?” asked Spike.

Twilight planted her hoof on her face. “Applejack is visting a sick relative in Appleloosa. Captain Rainbow is running a sortie to Manehatten… We won’t be able to recall any of them in time.” said Twilight.

“Then we’ve got no choice, I’ll volunteer to cast the beam. I swore an oath to protect Equestria with my life.” said Shining Armor standing up.

“Dear, we can split the burden, my love.” said Cadence warmly leaning against Shining Armor.

Shining Armor blushed in embarrassment. “You’re right, we can concentrate beams.”

“Between the three of us.” said Twilight.

“Thou art mad. I shall join and the fun shall be quadrupled!” said Luna.

“Dearest Luna, I’m joining too the enemy has five airships.” said Celestia.

Luna smiled at her elder sister.

“If we’re lucky we can get more than one ship in a single shot.” said Shining Armor.

Twilight pointed her hoof at a mountain range on the map. “From guard tower twenty the straightest path to Canterlot is through the Foal Mountains. We can set our defenses in Foal’s Valley. That’ll force the enemy into single file for a beam.” said Twilight.

“Twily, that’s brilliant. We’ll skewer them like a kebab!” said Shining Armor.

Cadence jumped up with realization. “The Pegasus weather patrol can generate thunderstorms and force them into the valley.”

Luna trotted agreeably. “Clover the Clever, could not have devised a better plan! Huzzah, victory is within our hooves!” said Luna boldly.

“After the first shot they’ll focus their firepower on us. We need some diversion.” said Celestia.

A yellow pegasus with a fiery mane and an academy officer’s uniform stepped forward. “I believe my Wonderbolts can run distraction.”

Den and Blue exited the council room however Spitfire and a blue pegasus confronted them.

“So you’re that little pony that saved Shining’s flank during Manehatten, huh?” said Spitfire.

“Yeah, nice to see you too Spitfire and Soarin.” said Den with a mixed tone.

“Wonderbolt dropout.” Soarin smirked.

“You still throw up after a couple of laps?” asked Spitfire.

“Hey, Den’s a Captain too! You can’t talk to him like that!” said Blueberry defensively.

“Of the Royal Guards, he could have been a Wonderbolt.” said Spitfire. Den grimaced. Spitfire laughed.

Blueberry angrily eyed Spitfire.

“Don’t get your blood up, I’m just bustin’ your chops. It’s the drill instructor speaking.” said Spitfire.

“So can you really run distraction against five airships?” asked Den.

“Yeah, me an’ Soarin got this covered.” Spitfire gestured a wing at her partner. “This operation will be a cooperative effort between the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts. But we’ll be doing the heavy lifting here.” Spitfire put on a pair of aviator glasses and coolly left.

“Prepare to eat humble pie.” said Soarin following after Spitfire.

Blue spoke up. “Soooo Wonderbolt dropout?”

“Yeah, my long list of failures.” chuckled Den.

The aft cannons of the Zebra airships fired cannons balls at the mass of dark Griffins encroaching on their ship. The cannon balls exploded spraying pellets. The enemy soldiers like flies dropped from the skies.

“Anti Griffin weapons?” questioned Reagle.

“Yes, it’ll keep them from sending out boarding parties. The time though hopefully will be enough.” said Zaza.

“Commander Zaza, Equestria in sight.” shouted an Zebra Engineer.

“Flanking speed! We must make it!” cried Zaza.

“Let’s hope that the Equestrian Air Forces are competent.” said Reagle.

A mountain pass is fortified. Den flew overhead observing the preparations. Ballistae are wheeled into position. Den noticed that the bolts for the war machines were tipped colorfully. Den flew down to where Blueberry was.

Blue directed a group of Royal Guard earth ponies. “Argghh! The angle is wrong we need those to fire into the sky.” said Blue correcting some workers.

“Hey Blue, what do you have there?” said Den looking at the strange bolts being loaded into the ballistae.

“Weaponized fireworks. I stole dem big ones they use in the Grand Galloping Gala, should be able to do some damage.” smiled Blue proudly.

“I’m glad you figured it out. I have to get in position.” said Den.

“Hey Den, be careful up there.” Blue shouted to Den above.

“I will. You too!”  said Den shouting back.

Den flew further through the pass. He looked at the cliff where the Princesses and Shining Armor were positioning to fire. Den then flew to where the Royal Guard pegasus divisions were arrayed in the sky. The blue uniformed Wonderbolts formed the tip of the formation. Pegasus units were moving clouds to cover their position in the sky. Den flew beside Spitfire and Soarin has they held hover just looking over the cloud cloak.

“So are the Royal Guards Ready? The traps are set?” asked Spitfire in her flight uniform.

“Yeah.” said Den.

Dark dots in the sky approached quickly. Explosions were heard by all.

“What’s going on the battle hasn’t commenced yet?!” shouted Spitfire.

“Something is up.” said Soarin slapping on his goggles.

Den squinted to see that two striped ships were ahead of the three Griffin War Wings. One of the striped ships was glinting a signal.

Den recognized a pattern in the shines. “It’s horse code. A request for help.” said Den.

“What?!” said Soarin mouth agape.

“We have to change the plan.” said Den.

“We can’t it could be a trick. If we fail, Canterlot is defenseless!” said Spitfire.

“They’re flying into a trap.” said Den.

Spitfire looked down at her hooves.

Den looked shocked. “We’re just going to kill them all?” Den grabbed a shiny shield from a Royal Guard pegasus flier. He began flashing a reply to the signal.

“Stop that crazy pegasus!” shouted Spitfire.

Several Wonderbolts tackled Den and held him there in the air.

“You just revealed our location idiot!” Spitfire spat.

“We can’t just murder them.” said Den.

“You’re not authorized to make that decision!” cried Spitfire.

“We don’t have time to fly to Princesses and back.” said Soarin.

“Don’t attack the Zebra ships!” cried Den as he was hauled off.

Aboard the lead Zebra airship Reagle and Zaza were anxiously staring at the view of the horizon through the glass windows. Reagle looked through a spyglass and held another with his claws for Zaza.

Zaza saw a flashing pattern in a cloud formation. “That’s it we have confirmation. Signal back. Pull into that mountain pass.” said Zaza.

“We can’t maneuver in there.” said Reagle reservedly.

Another cannonball from the pursuing War Wing racked the Zebra ship sending vibrations throughout the entire hull.

“We can’t turn around so forward is our only option.” said Zaza.

“If the Equestrians are planning something then it would be there. I would do the same. We’re flying into a trap.” said Reagle alarmed.

“Reagle, we have to show them they can trust us. Signal the second ship. We’re filing into the valley pass!” Zaza ordered a Zebra engineer.

Shining Armor and Princesses waited on a cliff that had a clear line of sight from one end of the valley to the next.

“Wait until all their ships are in then we begin the spell.” said Shining Armor.

The first two airships entered the valley, their shadows seemed to project onto grass. However below were Royal Guard unicorns diligently projecting the illusionary curtain of greenery. The hum of the airship engines above frightened the Royal Guards below. Blueberry ran through the lines.

“Hooves off triggers. Come what may we don’t fire until all dem eggs are in the basket!” said Blue in a hushed whisper at several nervous ballistae operators.

“Yes ma’am.” said the operators stepping off the triggers of the wooden war machines.

Blue turned to a group of sweating unicorns. “Keep up that magical cloak.”

The Three Griffin War Wing airships followed the Zebra ships, firing their cannons. Forced into single file the large War Wings barely slid through the most narrow parts of the pass.

“Maybe Dent was right.” said Soarin observing the War Wings continual assault of the Zebra ships.

“Argh, send a flyer to the beam team! Tell them not fire on the striped ships.” said Spitfire.

“It’s too late now.” said Soarin.

“Send the messenger anyway!” shouted Spitfire.

Den was tied up and ushered into a small crevice of the valley. A single pegasus Royal Guard was left to watch him as the Wonderbolts left.

“You’ve got to let me go.” said Den.

“No, sir.” said the pegasus guard.

“Then, I’m sorry about this.” Den curled up his entire body like a spring and jumped up. His impact smashed the Guard’s head against the rocky wall knocking the guard unconscious. Den took the guard’s lance and began cutting through his ropes.

“Fire!” cried Shining Armor’s voice magnified by the valley’s cone shape.

“Now!” shouted Blueberry.

The front of the pass was blocked by an avalanched caused by Royal Guard unicorns.

The Royal Guards revealed themselves. Ballistae fired upwards at the airships’ bellies. Minor beam teams of unicorns concentrated their magic in focused blasts. Firework fuses were lit as the ballista bolts they were attached to were shot.

The Zebra ships shook as fireworks and heavy magic exploded against their hulls.

“The Equestrians are attacking us!” shouted Reagle. “Damn they’re actually getting through the armor. I’d rather die fighting.”

Zaza placed a hoof on Reagle’s claws. “Wait! We can’t strike back otherwise we’d given no cause to doubt our peaceful intentions. Give them a moment more, this could be a test.” said Zaza nervously.

The Zebra ships passed by the barrage without retaliation. However the War Wings behind them opened their bomb bays.

Den had gotten himself untied. He saw that the ground barrage had begun. With a powerful thrust of his wings he became airborne.

Spitfire, Soarin, and the pegasus divisions were now above the center of the battlefield below.

“Open your smokescreen packets!” cried Spitfire.

Pegasus with saddle bags strapped to them dove towards the airships.

Den zoomed above the lines past lines of the Royal Guards. Smoke was now shrouding the battlefield. Explosions flashed through the smoke behind him where the War Wings had begun to bomb.

“Den?!” questioned Blue as she saw the pegasus blur by. “Pull back the forward positions!” shouted Blue as she saw the War Wings begin dropping their payloads.

The lead striped ariship was now spewing smoke from the barrage. Alarms were ringing through the ship. Zebra engineers where panicking and running about.

Reagle grabbed Zaza’s face with his claws. “Zaza, I’m going to kick Odin’s feathery ass if he doesn’t let a Zebra into Griffin Valhalla.” said Reagle tearfully kissing the striped mare.

“Oh, Reagle.” said Zaza smiling.

The two lovers embraced as their airship shook.

The Wonderbolts and Royal Guards had nearly covered the Airships in smoke. From the vantage point of the cliff the beam team readied itself. An arcane circle had been drawn on the ground complete with a five point star that touched the edges.

“Arghh!!” said Twilight shouting.

“What is it Twily?” asked Shining Armor.

“I remembered in my readings on Advanced Magics. The Unicorn that focuses the magic in this array feels the most drain. A three pony magical array can put the caster in a permanent coma. With five of us channeling one, we have no idea what will happen.” said Twilight.

“The smokescreen is nearly up. We have one shot! Make ready!” said Luna stepping up front.

Celestia pushed Luna aside. “I shall be the conduit for your magical energies. It is the biggest burden. I am the strongest.” said Celestia.

Luna’s voice reverted to her gentler tone. “No dearest sister.” said Luna.

“No, Luna. I must do this.” said Celestia determinately.

“No, sister we’ve just re-connected!” shouted Luna.

Celestia stomped her hooves onto the ground causing fissures of energy. “This isn’t a Republic! I give the orders!” said Celestia sternly assuming the center of the magical array.

“Celestia!” said Twilight.

They were interrupted when a pegasus crashed onto the ground in front of them.

“You mustn’t shoot down the Zebra ships!” cried Den.

Two squads of Wonderbolts began flying in a swirl. Griffins protected the open bomb bay doors with a torrent of arrows.  Arrows and dropping bombs from underneath the Griffin War Wing withered the ranks to but a few pegasus flyers.

“We can’t do this!” cried Soarin flapping his wings furiously.

“We’re almost there! Keep at it.” cried Spitfire gritting her teeth as she flapped harder.

Spitfire and Soarin finished creating the tornado as a few more of their comrades were felled. The tunnel of wind smashed into the Griffin War Wing causing it to turn right into a mountain of pass.

Royal Guards and Pegasus flyers whooped triumphantly. Their smiles and cheers were ended when a magical green shield appeared on the side of the airship. The magical barrier cushioned the War Wing and prevented it from hitting the side of the valley. The War Wing rebounded instead back into position.

Spitfire and Soarin were panting heavily where they had crashed atop a mountain plateau.

“They have magic! All is lost.” said Soarin.

“No we’ve got one hope now!” Spitfire looked towards the end of the valley.

The white bright cutting beam seared through splitting the smokescreen. The first War Wing presented a green magical barrier. The barrier was penetrated in a splash of green sparks. Explosions ruptured the hull of the ship.

The beam then reached the second War Wing. The energy struggled to breach the shield in white and green sparks. Seconds later the barrier of the second airship was broken. The second War Wing imploded.

The beam continued onwards to third airship. Again it sparked as the opposing energies fought for dominance however this time the beam flickered. The light faded and the green shield remained with the airship intact behind it.

Some earth pony troops ran hopelessly as the shadow of the airship swallowed them up. Ballistae were abandoned as their crews threw aside ammunition they were loading. Soldiers under her command shoved past Blueberry, their discipline lost to abject fear. Unicorn beam teams gave up their fire and began meekly casting shields in which they cowered under.

“Celestia save us!” Blueberry cringed as she stared upwards at the third encroaching War Wing.

The War Wing’s bomb bay doors were opened. The angry humming of the War Wing’s engines drowned out all screams.

The humming stopped. Then it resumed. The last of the War Wings began reversing its propellers. Surviving Griffins shrieked scurried to board the retreating ship.

The specter that the War Wing projected began to shrink back. In its wake was a valley devastated by death’s shadow.

Chapter 10 Gathering Storm

Luna’s eyes seems still freshly redden from tears as she entered the council chamber through the moon roof access. All eyes were upon her, and side conversations silenced in respect. It was past noon and many had been waiting past the point of eagerness into desperate anticipation.

Her words were halting and deliberate. “Dearest subjects let us speak in all candor. My sister Celestia is in a coma expected never to awaken. The 1000 years of peace she worked so hard to maintain has now come to pieces. There is no question we are at war.”

Den panned around the room, he recognized many notable names. The Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight flanked Luna. The Wonderbolt Captains Spitfire and Rainbow stood to the side.  Royal Guard Captain Shining Armor stood next to him.

“I have gathered you all here because you all were among her most trusted council. I wish you to become mine in the difficult times to follow.”

Everypony murmured in agreement.

“I have taken time to study to make up for my absence. However I am inexperienced. My sister she spoke of Republic. It was something she’d joke about in fleeting moments of fancy. This is not because she did not trust you all, but rather my sister felt the nature of all ponies was not ready.”

Many ponies lowered their heads in shame.

“I am not my sister. From here on forth, I declare a Republic. Members of my council, let us all speak equally. All willing, Equestria shall prevail!”

All ponies in the council chamber trotted in place giving thunderous applause.

A Griffin male and Zebra mare were led to the council chamber under guard.

“I’m glad we were able to prove our peaceful intentions before you killed us all.” said the male Griffin.

Blue stepped up as they walked in between the rows of tables. “You two!” said Blueberry.

Den joined Blue. “Prince Reagle of the Griffin Kingdom, give us a reason why you shouldn’t be sent to the stockades.” said Den disdainfully.

Reagle scratched his beak. “Ah Dented Armor, I remember. Our last battle didn’t end with you so…well.” Reagle smirked.

Zaza jumped in front of Den and Reagle. “Cease this squabbling. Reagle be nice, we come in peace.”

“No fighting in the war room!” one of the council mares, a pink pony spoke out jumping in.

An addition to a  great castle floats inconceivably upon the air. Clouds support the stonework adjunct. A gray male Griffin with a fedora and black female Griffin walked through the garden. Between the fine stone tile pathways the banners of the Griffin Kingdoms’ flanked them.

The gray Griffin with the fedora spoke. “Our host King Hawkmor wishes to meet you. Be mindful of your words, Princess Larvi.” said Amorpheus.

“I wonder if he is as fierce as they say.” said Echo.

In the middle of the garden there was a clearing surrounded by a small grove of trees. On a simple chair behind a drinks table sat King Hawkmor. Queen Chrysalis disguised as ‘Grimfeathers’ stood by the Griffin rubbing his shoulders and whispering in his ear. The shade of a parasol made dark where Chrysalis stood.

The brown Griffin smiled his beak lifting slightly. “So you are Grimfeathers’s daughter?”

“Yes King Hawkmor.” said Echo.

“Leave us.” said King Hawkmor turning to Chrysalis.

“My King?” said Chrysalis whispering in Hawkmor’s ear.

“It is alright. When we are wed she will be my daughter too. I would like to at least carry on one conversation with her.” smiled King Hawkmor.

Chrysalis left with two guards. Amorpheus bowed and left Echo’s side.

King Hawkmor leaned his head to the left and right taking a good look at Echo. The curiosity of the bird sated he leaned back on his chair.

“It is a pleasure.” said Echo nervously.

“Indeed, I’ve recently lost a son… to gain a daughter might offset that pain. Tell me of yourself.” said King Hawkmor.

“There’s not much to tell.” said Echo.

“You folk are so secretive.” said King Hawkmor.

“My folk?” asked Echo.

King Hawkmor waved his claws. “Nevermind, what hobbies do you have?” asked King Hawkmor attentively.

“I enjoy fencing, ambrosia wine, and reading.” said Echo.

“A reader, huh? I shall have library brought to you. What genre do you prefer?” chirped King Hawkmor.

“I used to like reading romantic tragedies. It seems that now living in one, I am not so fond of them…” said Echo.

“What ails you child? Anything you wish, I can grant.” asked King Hawkmor.

Echo sighed lightly. “I do not believe you could help me… It so happens that I love someone who happens to be my enemy.”

King Hawkmor chuckled. “You sound very much like my selfish son and his fixation with that Zebra mare… I weep that he has turned… traitor. I heard he destroyed three war wings in his escape. I am saddened and relieved.” King Hawkmor then stiffened. “As rulers at times we must sacrifice our personal happiness for the greater benefit of our subjects. The one that holds the chains of command is also bound by the same chains as a solemn oath. Do you understand my child?”

“Yes, I understand. I know what I must do but… I still…” said Echo with her head lowered and frown that split her face.

King Hawkmor scratched his beak evidently guilty for making Echo sad. His eyes relaxed.  “I’m sorry child. Who is this foe of yours that cause you such pain? He must be an absolute fool to reject a sensitive and beautiful lass such as yourself!”

“Thank you but I do not think I am worthy.” said Echo.

King Hawkmor grandly stood up and drew his massive claymore sword. King Hawkmor in his full height was impressive and imposing. He swung his sword comically. “Perhaps he can brought to his senses or to my blade. I’ll teach him what’s what!” King Hawkmor pounded his chest chuckling heartily.

Echo smiled slightly at the King’s oafish demonstration.

King Hawkmor’s claymore sword clanged falling to ground. He felt his forehead as searing pain lowered his stature making him bow.

“My King are you alright?!” asked Echo.

King Hawmor forced a smile. “Arghh, I’m sorry I must cut this short as of late I’ve been getting these headaches. Only Grimfeather’s company seems to soothe the pain… she’s been so caring.”

Brought to the center of council room Reagle and Zaza finished explaining their situation to eagers ears.

“So these harpies are controlling your father?” asked Twilight.

“Yes, in particular Grimfeathers. Her harpies have taken over completely the Griffin Honor Guard. My father is a prisoner in mind and body.” said Reagle.

“Harpies we call them but in your tongue I believe they’re called changelings.”  said Zaza.

There were gasps in the council room chamber. Den himself became wide eyed.

“Changelings, this is a fearsome enemy.” said Shining Armor.

“How can we believe any of what you say? You could be a spy.” said Captain Rainbow Dash.

“Hey, we almost got killed bringing you this info. Take it or leave it.” said Reagle.

“We’ll have to test you for magical mind manipulation.”  said Cadence.

“Test away.” said Reagle.

“It would explain how the Griffins attained mages of such skill.” said Twilight.

“We can check the battlefield for changeling corpses to confirm dere story.” said Blueberry.

Echo left with a tear in her eye. Amorpheus waited for her outside the grove.

Echo wiped her eyes. “King Hawkmor, he is kindly. To see one so mighty cowed and bowed… Mother’s mind magic hurts him greatly. In time it will kill…” Echo turned to the gray Griffin with the fedora.

“It is not our place to question. As host it is his role. Both the predator and prey have parts to play.” said Amorpheus.

“We are not animals. We can reason and think. I wonder if there might be a better way. Might they be brought to our cause naturally if they knew our plight?” said Echo in protest.

“The world hates our kind. Who would accept us knowing what we are?” said Amorpheus.

“I knew of one.” said Echo sadly.

“Princess Larvi, the personal feelings of one does not change the history and destiny’s course.” said Amorpheus.

“You speak and my mother’s voice comes out!” Echo angrily stomped her hoof. “What then of our people’s secret dream? Substantiation? It goes against everything we’ve been taught. Following history or destiny, do we do nothing?” asked Echo.

“I…” Amorpheus for lack of an answer pulled his hat hiding his eyes.

Echo reached out and hugged Amorpheus. “Master Amorpheus, I am sorry. You have always worried for me. I should not have yelled at you as I did. Can you forgive me?” Echo pleaded.

“Princess, you will be Queen one day. Never ask for forgiveness it is unbecoming of a monarch.” smiled Amorpheus.

“There is a question I have been meaning to ask you. Are you-” Echo’s question was interrupted.

With guards by her side, Queen Chrysalis strolled towards them.

“Come. It is time to show our people’s power.”

Reagle and Zaza still took the floor in the council chamber.

“When Grimfeathers ‘proved’ to my father that she and her crows were from a lost line of mage Griffins, she was allowed a choice of whichever territory she coveted. She chose the Prison Castle of Anavrin. Since then prisoners through the Griffin Kingdom have been sent there ne’er to return.” said Reagle.

“Most likely it is a changeling hive now. They’ll have hundreds of prisoners providing them magic.” said Twilight.

“It is there then time we shall strike back.” said Luna.

“If you can help repair our airships, you may use them in your assault.” said Zaza.

“Even that won’t be enough.” said Den.

“How many War Wing airships does the Griffin fleet have? We estimated twelve.” asked Shining Armor.

Reagle scoffed. “Try tripling that and adding a whole host of support ships.”

Everypony stepped back.

Reagle smiled at their fear. “No need to soil yourselves. The 36 airships are divided amongst the noble houses of the vast Griffin Kingdoms. Most houses also keep a few in reserves to guard against each other. For the occupied territories they are necessary for regional stability. The Prison Castle of Anavrin at all times is only guarded by four.”

“Two Zebra airships tackling four War Wings is crazy.” said Blueberry.

“It is a good thing then the Cloudsdale Project is complete.” Captain Rainbow Dash spoke coolly. Her voice had a daring to it, bravado but with the substance to support any claim. “Examining the wreckage we’ve found some interesting results. The Griffins have solved the ballast issue that Cloudsdale has been struggling with for years. We manage to reverse engineer and improve their designs. It was no biggie.”

“We have airships now?” asked Blueberry.

“We have an airship, the Thunderhead. It should be able to tangle with two of their War Wings, no problem.” said Rainbow.

“Then you must use this opportunity to strike.” said Reagle.

“We’re not risking our only airship, on a feather brained attack.” said Spitfire.

“No, now is the time to show them we are not weak foals. I authorize it. Do we have a majority?” said Luna raising a hoof.

“Aye!” a great many hooves were raised.

Den and Blue got ready in the equipment room of the barracks. Den and Blue took equipment out of the lockers and sat on the benches. Den helped Blue into her war saddle.

Shining Armor stepped forward into the room.  “Den, now that we know the changelings are behind the Griffins. I need to know that your heart is in right place.”

“…” Shining Armor’s question caused Den to stop and drop his lance. Den quickly picked it up. “Do you mean that if I can kill her?” asked Den coldly.

Shining Armor spoke steadily. “Yes, can you fight and kill knowing one of your foes could be her?”

“Yes.” said Den evasively.

“Do you know what is at stake?!” said Shining Armor staring Den down.

“Yes! I resolved myself when I wrote those letters to the families of those dead guards!” said Den angrily.

“Good.” said Shining Armor leaving.

Reagle and Zaza peered curiously behind lockers.

“Hey feathers and stripes! I see you!” Blue shouted.

The Griffin and Zebra recoiled then revealed themselves.

Reagle scratched his beak. “Our apologies. Allow us to introduce ourselves, formally that is… outside of combat. I am Reagle Hawkmor, Prince Heir to House Hawkmor and the Griffin Kingdom.” Reagle offered his claw.

“I am called Zaza Zakar, Commander of the Zebra Tribal Confederation.” said Zaza offering her hoof.

Den and Blue shook claws with Reagle and tapped hooves with Zaza grudgingly.

“I’m Blueberry Frost, just a vice Captain.” said Blue simply.

“I’m Dented Armor. Call me Den. Sorry for the hostilities during meeting.” said Den.

“It is of no worry. Old grudges are hard to let go.” said Zaza.

“Reagle, Zaza, you seem well traveled.” said Den hesitantly.

“Aye, we’ve seen many skies and lands.” said Reagle.

“Do you know the best tactics when fighting magic users? I’ve had training but I don’t think its enough.” asked Den.

Reagle scratched the bottom of his beak. “Mage killing, eh?” Reagle smirked drawing a black ball from a side pouch. “Your best bet is to get them with a close range grenade in the face. They can’t focus their shields so finely. They often form their shield bubble with the grenade inside.” chuckled Reagle.

“A melee method?” asked Den.

Reagle drew two fine blades and spun them expertly before placing them back into the sheaths under his wing. “Two daggers, force their magical shields to block two points then cut through.” chirped Reagle.

“I was hoping for something that didn’t require magic or claws to use.” said Den.

“Haha, my husband forgets that others have hooves not claws.” said Zaza.

“Husband? You two are married?” asked Blue.

“Yeah.” said Reagle proudly wrapping Zaza in his right wing.

Zaza rubbed her flank against the Griffin in return.

“Back onto the subject…” said Den.

“Try team tactics. One should distract the mage while the other attacks.” said Zaza.

“Zaza is right, two is better than one.” said Reagle.

“We could work on that together. Right Den?” said Blue tugging Den slightly.

Den ignored Blue. “How about one on one?” asked Den.

Blueberry turned towards Den surprised.

“I may have the answer you seek.” Zaza produced a small black bag of powder from her saddle bag. “This Dispel powder can disable unicorn magic for a short minute or two. It is hard to deploy in combat.”

“Thanks.” said Den gripping the powder bag.

“A word of warning, it can paralyze you too if you are exposed to it.” said Zaza.

Four War Wings cruise towards a destination unknown. Echo entered the observatory deck she found Queen Chrysalis staring at the sinking sun. Beautiful amber light bathed the compartment. Chrysalis’s intimidating presence seemed to wane slightly in the warm light.

Echo looked to see that there were no guards or even Amorpheus she was alone with her mother for the first time. Echo timidly walked towards her Queen. “King Hawkmor, he was kind.” said Echo.

“Yes, a weakness that was easily exploited.” said Chrysalis still staring at the sun as it submerged itself in the horizon’s waves.

“Is that all you feel towards him?” asked Echo looking away from.

“Child, speak with strength and authority. You are now a Princess.” said Chrysalis.

“Have you ever felt anything towards any your targets?” asked Echo.

Chrysalis spoke in monotone. “…That is a perverse topic. We do not play with our food.” Chrysalis sighed. “Yes.”

“Huh?” Echo blinked.

Chrysalis smiled. “Daughter you have always questioned me. I respect that determination. It is what makes officers, commanders, and monarchs.”  Chrysalis turned towards Echo. “However if you’re probing me for weakness, you’ll find none now. I removed all that when I accepted my crown.” said Chrysalis with warning.

“No!” said Echo vehemently. “I just wanted to know. So?”

“I have felt something for each and everyone of my marks… even as I destroyed them.” said Chrysalis.

Echo gasped. She prepared herself. “Mother… I always thought… you taught us to never feel. You taught us that we should detach ourselves.”

“To be so immersed in your role that you feel as they do, this is the secret to true infiltration. The reason we do not teach this is the danger. You can lose yourself and forget your purpose.” Chrysalis walked towards a window pane and stared into her reflection. “One or two of our agents in the past, have so foolishly forgotten themselves they revealed their true natures. Tell me daughter what became of them.”

Echo stared at the reflection of her mother that glared at her, even by the proxy of the glass Chrysalis’s eyes burned with intensity. “They were killed by the ones they thought would accept them.” Echo replied from memory.

“You must always keep a part of yourself reserved. Do not forget this.”

“Mother, you have the charted the destiny of our people yet only you hold the map.” said Echo.

Chrysalis looked back to horizon. “I will show that map when you are ready.”

“Ready when?” asked Echo.

“I have watched you from that very first day. I felt pride when you slew your first target. I felt the same pain as you when I subjected you to pure despair. Now you are all grown up… but there much more for you to learn.”

Only dimly did the setting sun illuminate the small office. Den’s head was slumped against his desk as he sat staring at the dark powder bag. His lance was also propped up on the table.

Blueberry walked in. “Den, you’re ummm… planning to use that Echo aren’t you?” Blue spoke nervously as she sat down with Den.

“Yup.” said Den casually and coldly.

“Den, maybe there could be another way…” said Blue.

“Nope.” said Den.

“Maybe a live capture. There are magical restraints and stuff like that.” suggested Blue.

“Then what? I keep her locked up in a cage?! The Royal Guard will execute her…” said Den. Den touched his lance, the cold metal stung against his flesh. “There’s no other way.”

“Okay, even forget the how now. After you’ve killed her, what do you plan to do?” said Blue.

Den returned a blank look. “…I didn’t think that far.” Den chuckled nervously.

“Damn it Den! You’re supposed to be the thinker.” said Blue. “What are you going to do?!”

“Sightseeing, there’s a cliff I really want to visit.” said Den.

Blue smacked Den in the face. “Where does that leave me!?” said Blue tearfully.

Den bit back bitterly. “Blueberry, I’m not in love with you!”

“You bastard! You’re still my friend… and more. Your family took me in when I had nothing and was nothing. You’re da only family I got now! If you die I might as well be nothing once more!” Blueberry’s eyes welled up.

Den looked up and his eyes relaxed. “I didn’t know you felt so strongly about it…” Den hugged Blue.

“You meanie, you think about everything and everyone except for me…” said Blue sniffling.

“Blue… The only reason I didn’t want to date you was because I thought of you as a sister. Even though you came to us so late, you brought joy to our family after mom died. It was just what we needed.” said Den.

“Sister?” Blue smiled.

“Yeah little sis.” said Den rubbing her mane.

“Brother!” smiled Blue hugging Den harder.

The two stayed together like that for moments more.

“Den, don’t go face her alone. I can’t see you hurt.” said Blue.

“I understand.” said Den.

Sparks flew into the evening as unicorns helped Zebra engineers repair the damaged plating of the striped ships. Reagle and Zaza walked about the gangways that overlooked the workers.

Zaza admired a group of sweating unicorn workers. A worker fainted when her magic gave out. An earth pony team with a stretcher carried away the exhausted worker that was swiftly replaced.

Zaza chewed on her words. “Such resolution in these ponyfolk… to think if we had invaded we would have faced a spear in every corner like the blades of grass.”

“We Griffins were never too good at occupations.” said Reagle.

“Prince Reagle, perhaps you would like to occupy me tonight?” Zaza smiled.

“Umm mi lady, again? You spoil me.” smiled Reagle.

“As you do me, my love.” said Zaza snuggling under Reagle’s wings.

Reagle pecked at Zaza with light kisses. Reagle tried to maintain his enthusiasm but faltered. He turned away.

“What is it my Prince?” asked Zaza.

“Not tonight. A terrible thought, plagues me. I need to brood upon it. My father, I will have to face him. Should we be unable to lift the curse…. or worse his intentions genuine… I don’t know what to do.” Reagle beak was lowered.

“Reagle, your father cherishes you. A terrible fog clouds his mind, your light beacon will make him see through it.” said Zaza.

“You always make me see things more clearly by taking me away with your metaphors.” chuckled Reagle.

Zaza threw her head back and walked away flicking her tail. “Now my Prince, invade me deeply tonight. I want to regret nothing for coming fight.”

Waves lapped against a castle upon a mountain jutting from the sea. The main War Wing airship docked with a castle spire. Other three airships circled the fortress in a vulture like pattern. Echo and Amorpheus followed Chrysalis as she exited the boarding ramp.

Winding down the spire tower, they spoke. Tapestries on the walls told of victories in the Griffin Kingdoms’ past.

“The Griffin Kingdoms’ warring nature was boon to us. The hawks hungrily expanded their borders… but they feed us now.” said Chrysalis.

“How?” asked Echo.

At last they stopped at a large sealed door. Chrysalis let magic flow through her horn and unlocked it.

Rows and rows of cocoons were set in the main chambers. From the vantage point of the above walkway, Echo could see innumerable green cocoons glowing.

“Enemy soldiers, mal-contents, and criminals, there is no shortage in this lawless land.” said Chrysalis.

“Never before, truly this is indescribable.” said Amorpheus taking off his fedora.

“Such power.” Echo gasped.

“My daughter, this power we have marshaled. It is the war-chest that will fund our renewed invasion of Equestria!” said Queen Chrysalis.

Chapter 11 Ill Met in Moonlight

The onset of evening had already cast its dark curtain upon seas below. The cloudless sky was lit by a full moon. The still water was suddenly disturbed by a coming wind. Clouds above seemed to move. Behind the clouds however was a sight to behold. A massive ship, more a fortresses, glided silently. Gun ports and landing bays covered the ship's flanks. Platoons of pegasi pushed the fog forward covering the advance of the battleship. Two far smaller striped ships followed in the wake.

Aboard one of the smaller ships Reagle and Zaza stared in awe of the vessel in front of them.

“The Equestrians when they build airships, they build them big.” Reagle chirped.

“A Cloud Carrier they call it.” said Zaza.

Den and Blue joined the Zebra and Griffin on the bridge. “Actually clouds carry the Thunderhead. We Pegasi have built a cities in the clouds using the same.” said Den.

“Most impressive, this operation has a chance of success then.” said Reagle.

“It will succeed.” said Blue.

Luna sat on the bridge.

Twilight Sparkle looked at a clipboard. “Princess, all readings are normal. The cloud generators are functioning perfectly.”

“We shall avenge my sister's sacrifice here.” Luna's voice became disturbingly cold.

Twilight looked on worried at the moon princess. “Luna this isn't about vengeance. This is preemptive strike to ensure the safety and security of us all.”

Luna caught herself. “You are right Twilight Sparkle...”

Captain Shining Armor entered the bridge and saluted. “We are in range.”

“Excellent. Now is the time! They shall taste the fury of our barrage!”

The gun ports of the thunderhead opened. Flashes exploded into the night. The cloud cover dispersed as cannon balls ripped through them.

Through rows of green cocoons Chrysalis walked with Echo and Amorpheus. Wingless Changeling workers tended carefully to the pods.

“With so much power, what do you intend to do?” asked Echo.

“This is enough magic to teleport entire armies. We could be at the doorsteps of our enemies in but a blink.” said Amorpheus.

“Never mind the minor magic. What of substantiation?” asked Echo.

“… Even this is not enough for that.” said Chrysalis dismissively.

A Changeling officer stumbled towards them. “My Queen, we are under attack! The Equestrians have airships! We've already lost a War Wing!”

A War Wing was ripped asunder by the combined cannon onslaught of the Thunderhead and the Zebra ships. The other three War Wings were alerted by the explosions. Quickly green magical energy shields were cast from the War Wings. Stray cannon shots exploded harmlessly against the auras. The cannon gun ports of the War Wings quickly opened to retaliate.

Shining Armor and Cadence stood together on the coning tower of the Thunderhead.

“Now, my love.” said Shining Armor.

“Let our love be an unbreakable shield.” said Cadence.

They touched horns enveloping the Thunderhead and Zebra airships in a powerful pink shield wall. Flying cannon balls peppered the barrier.

Sweating from their brows Shining Armor and Cadence looked at each other and smiled as blasts behind them resonated against the shield.

A teal colored Pegasus in black and silver armor she sported a gleaming silver javelin. She flew in front of innumerable of Pegasi flyers. Even the bat ponies of Luna’s personal guard with the leather wings and menacing forms were martialed. Hovering the flight the ponies awaited the word.

Captain Rainbow Dash smirked. “For Equestria!” she shouted to the cheers of thousands. “Follow me!”

Zaza and Blueberry stood in hanger of the Zebra airship along with a multitude of Zebra Zerkers and Royal Guards.

“Prepare your equipment, when they breach those walls we’re the first ones in. Okay!?” said Blueberry.

The Royal Guards nodded checking their lances.

“@%#?????!” Zaza spoke in Zebra. Blueberry leaned her head to side trying to decipher the dialect and tone. Zaza’s speech sent the Zerkers stamping their hooves and rearing upwards in enthusiasm.

“And what she said!” cried Blueberry to the Royal Guards.

Pouring from the War Wings came dark clouds of Changelings flyers with ebony spears. Den and Reagle flew to meet them.

“I suppose it would make sense they have only Changeling guards at their hive. I am glad I don’t have to kill my brainwashed comrades.” sighed Reagle.

“I’m glad too, you guys are tough. I wouldn’t want to fight you.” smiled Den.

“Indeed.” chirped Reagle.

The lines collided. Flyers on both sides fell as they were impaled by lances. Soon it became a brutal dogfight as each Pegasi and Changelings flew circles around another trying to impale each other.

Den saw a Changeling with a lance chasing after Reagle. “Got one on your tail!” cried Den flapping hard. He caught up with the Changeling.  He was about to spear it when he thought of Echo. Den instead ran his spear through the Changeling’s right wing taking a chunk of it. It buzzed still able to fly but lost altitude and spun downwards.

“Amateurish work, go for the kill.” Reagle scolded.

“You owe me one!” Den spat back.

Reagle drew his sword and deflected a spear away from Den. As his sword skidded down the length of the enemy spear he angled the blade and beheaded the Changeling using its own momentum. “And the favor is returned!”

The Zebra ships fired their cannons in directed volleys. A section of wall was finally chipped away. The ships came alongside the hole. The boarding ramps came falling down.

“Charge!” cried Blueberry! running down the boarding ramp into the castle. Royal guards poured in after her.

“@%#!” Zaza yelled a similar order with her Zebra language. Her Zebra Zerkers trotted forward.

Queen Chrysalis and her officers assembled in the war room of the castle. Magical blue flamed torches lit the cavity. The chamber was a massive dome shape however all the Changelings crowded around the center and their Queen. A mini model of the fortress sat upon the main table. The brick and mortar shook as the castle came under cannon fire.

A near breathless Changeling soldier entered the War Room bowing. “My Queen, they breached the western walls! The equestrians have deployed ground troops! The worker caste is defenseless!”

Another Changeling nearly crashed as he flew into the room. “The enemy airship is defended by the Canterlot Shield, our cannon fire is ineffective! Our third airship its shields were taken down. It bleeds smoke!”

The Changeling officers’ mouths were agape.

“We were so close. Now nothing.” said a despondent Changeling officer.

“My monarch we must make our escape while the War Wings distract them!” said Amorpheus.

Chrysalis began laughing hysterically. “They're attacking here!?”

“My Queen we need commands.” pleaded a Changeling.

Chrysalis was still absorbed with her laughing fit. “They're attacking here!”  Chrysalis reiterated.  Her green eyes had a crazed look as she cackled.

The Changeling officers looked to themselves with fear and doubt.

“Princess Larvi?” suggested one voice. It was Amorpheus.

Echo was snapped from her stupor. Echo stood up. “Mother has gone mad, I am your Princess! I shall organize the defense! We need to get to the control tower and signal our ships. Move!”  Echo' s wings began buzzing.

Inside the castle the ground battle was waged. Blueberry lunged avoiding a Changeling spear strike. Zaza jumped and smashed the Changeling against a stone wall. She kicked the Changeling in the head finishing it off.

“That seems to be all of them in this part of the castle. We’re gaining lots of ground. I’m surprised.” said Blue her chest heaving.

“We are where they least expect us.” Zaza panted. “However we can be sure to expect more.” said Zaza.

Blue’s attention was diverted. Pausing she noticed the green cocoons around them. She looked at one cocoon that had an armored Pegasus inside of it. “These are Royal Guards… their armor… they are from the Expeditionary forces into the White Wastes.”

A Zebra Zerker pointed a hoof at a cocoon that contained a Zebra. He pointed at the swirl pattern on the Zebra’s flank. “These here are warriors from the Anazazi tribe.”

“So many, we’ve passed so many. There’s a city here at least. Maybe two cites!” said Blue.

“We can free our friends later. Come we must advance!” said Zaza.

Echo and Amorpheus arrived at the control tower. The structure had large glass windows. Changelings manning large beacon lights turned and saluted.

Echo took a deep breath then shouted. “Signal the War Wings to rally on the eastern side of the island. Have them blast a hole through the battlements! We will retreat from there and evacuate the flightless worker caste!”

“Those are some complex orders to relay in horse code.” said a Changeling operating the shutters for a signal spotlight.

“Best get on it!” snapped Amorpheus.

Echo saw the Thunderhead unload another volley of cannon fire. The assault collapsed one of the War Wing’s shields. The last rounds exploded against the ship’s hull. The ship began bleeding smoke.

“That enemy ship has so many more guns. Our shield teams cannot withstand them.” stammered Amorpheus.

Echo turned to the signal operators. “Signal the War Wings! Have them use each other as cover! Rotate so that when one shield is broken, the others will protect it as its shield team recovers!”

“A genius strategy.” said Amorpheus looking at Echo with astounded eyes.

“It will buy time.” said Echo.

The battle in the skies intensified. Flyers meshed in the air while the airships dueled trading volleys of cannon fire.

Den and Reagle were both blinded when a flickering spotlight beamed past them.

Den noticed a winking of the spotlight shutter in that formed a pattern. “That’s code they’re flashing!” shouted Den barrel rolling to avoid a Changeling.

“That's the Air Control tower then!” said Reagle pointing with his sword.

“Let’s take it out!” said Den.

“Great minds think alike!” said Reagle.

A Changeling officer scrambled up the stairs of the control tower. “New orders from the Queen we are to withdraw immediately every Changeling that is able. Those who cannot are to be abandoned.”

“What's going on!? We are going to withdraw without our workers? Belay that order!” said Echo.

The beacon operators shook their heads. “Orders from the Queen supersede that of the Princess.” said a beacon operator.

The spotlights began broadcasting the new orders.

“Amorpheus help with the evacuation of the workers. Fly to one of the airships and see if we can’t convince a captain to stay longer.” said Echo.

“Princess Larvi, I am not leaving you.” said Amorpheus planting his hooves on the ground.

Echo snarled. “Yes, I am a Princess. I order you to do as I bid.”

“…Now you’re speaking like a Princess.” smiled Amorpheus tipping his fedora. “Very well.”

“I'm going to see mother. She's still in the castle. Maybe I can talk sense to her.” said Echo placing her hooves on Amorpheus’s shoulders.

“Good luck Princess. I will wait for you.” said Amorpheus.

“Do not wait for me. If I fail you will lead our people! You are wise and kindly, with you they will survive.” shouted Echo hugging Changeling with the fedora.

“But…” Amorpheus gave a pained expression.

Echo pushed Amorpheus back. “That is an order!” said Echo fiercely as tears dropped from her eyes.

“Yes.” said Amorpheus flying down the stairway of the tower.

Aboard the bridge of the Thunderhead, Luna looked through the windows at the battle waging. She was on the edge of her seat.

Luna smiled as she saw the War Wings begin to turn away. “They’re retreating, glorious! Pursue them!”

Twilight countered. “Luna! We should be more conservative with our forces!”

“Nay I say, now is the time to advance! Deploy our reserves, seize their fortress!” said Luna her voice booming.

The shattering of glass shocked the Changelings in the control tower. Reagle had impaled a Changeling with his lance. Den spun around knocking out a couple of Changelings with the length of his lance. In the brawl he noticed the tail of a ghostly green mane near the stairway. The small flash disappeared just as quickly.

“Echo!” shouted Den chasing after the tail.

Reagle cut back a couple of Changelings with his sword. “Hold a bloody tick! Don’t get too deep!” said Griffin chasing after the Pegasus.

Den was soon lost in the maze like hallways of the castle. The gray stonewalls all seemed all alike.

From the darkness of a corner a Changeling attacked Den. It was a flightless worker; its attacks were wide and clumsy. It rasped angrily as it attacked with a spear.

“Get out of my way!” said Den ducking the attacks.

“Begone invader!” hissed the persistent worker as he fought on.

“Run or die!” cried Den dodging the slow strikes.

Den in frustration finally rammed the lance into the Changeling’s chest. The creature squirmed for moments before falling. Den’s lance was wetted by the Changeling’s life liquid. He gasped at the dead changeling.

“Echo will be harder.” said Den grinding his teeth.

Reagle joined Den.

“There you are! Odin’s odors, and they call me rash!” said Reagle.

“I saw her.” said Den lost in his own thoughts.

“Who?” asked Reagle confused.

They looked to see shadows cast from figures around the corner.

“The enemy.” whispered Reagle.

Den was snapped back. “Right, we’ll ambush them.”

Reagle and Den charged however stopped when they saw a familiar blue coated mare and female warrior Zebra. They turned their weapons away embarrassed.

“You oafs aren’t you supposed to flying air support?!” shouted Blue.

“Where are we?” asked Den.

“Near the center tower and the castle keep, but it is crazy we have not encountered much resistance.” said Zaza.

“Come let’s go together.” said Blue.

Echo entered the massive war room chamber. She found Chrysalis calmly staring at the mini model of the castle fortress.

Echo jumped in front of Chrysalis and pushed her face almost against her mother’s. “Mother, what is wrong?! Why did you not take command until now?! Your orders also make no sense!”

Chrysalis smiled patting Echo on head and rubbing her green mane. “Little one, I wanted to see, if you’d take charge.”

Echo shook her head and mane. “Now is not the time for a test.”

“My daughter, you have studied the higher magics haven't you?” asked Chrysalis.

“Yes.” said Echo dismissively.

Chrysalis gestured hoof at the small model of the castle.  “Tell me what shape is this fortress? Look here at the positions of the five main towers. See how they are so perfectly distanced from the center and each other. Look here where the center tower is. Where we are.” said Chrysalis gleefully pointing her hoof at the small toy tower.

Echo’s eyes became wider than they ever been. “This is a magical conduit array…” She gasped. “You’re going to kill everyone! The worker caste, they’re flightless! We haven’t been able to evacuate them all!”

“Sacrifices to keep the Equestrians guessing and further ensnared! They will be remembered in the annals of our history.” Chrysalis declared of the workers. Chrysalis pushed the main war table over to the side. The toy pieces and models flew about. Using her magic Chrysalis caused a cylindrical spiral stairway to appear.

“…” Echo stood still in shock. “There must be another way!” Echo protested.

“Daughter, defend this chamber to the death. Our people’s future is at stake. If we lose this fortress and our harvest, all will indeed be lost.” said Chrysalis descending down the stairway. The stairway disappeared and the façade of stonework took its place.

Den, Blue, Zaza, and Reagle reached an enormous chamber lit by blue torch flames. The gothic Griffin statues that ringed the walls were foreboding and ominous.

“This is appears to be the war room, where is their support staff?” questioned Reagle looking at the empty seats and tables.

“Where are their officers?” asked Zaza.

Den staggered forward. In the middle of the chamber was the Changeling with the ghostly green mane and emerald eyes… Echo.

“De-De-Den?!” said Echo stammering.

“Echo, you’re behind this?” said Den tensing his body.

Echo winced however she steeled herself. In a commanding tone she spoke. “All of you must leave! The castle and the grounds, it’s all a trap! It’s a massive magical array designed to leech life! You may save some of your army!”

“Holy hell!” said Reagle his beak agape.

“Go!” cried Echo emanating pressure that made her words carry physically and mentally.

Den stepped forward. “I may stop this. You three go back and warn everyone else. Reagle, Zaza, take my sister Blue to safety.”

“You’re not facing her alone!” cried Blueberry about to spring.

“Leave him, we have to escape!” cried Reagle pulling Blueberry back.

“Come Blue one.” said Zaza pushing Blueberry back.

“Den!!!” Blueberry shouted as she was pulled back.

The door closed behind them.

Under the unnatural blue light of the magical torches, Den confronted Echo.

“Why did you stay? I gave you a chance.” asked Echo her words chilled to icicles.

“So Princess Larvi is it?” asked Den walking closer.

Echo gestured to Den's chest. “Your armor, so you're a full Captain now?”

“What is it that you think you're going to do with that lance?” said Echo casually. Echo’s walk was a stalk. “You won't hurt me. You love me.”

Den snarled and swiped his lance cutting Echo's cheek. “Do I? Or do I love the hallow mask?!”

Echo snarled flying back. “You killed Thorax! Your lance now is dripping with Changeling blood, my people’s blood!” She fired a beam that scorched Den's shoulder.

“Twelve guards were killed by your friends! And now all these people will die!” Den bit angrily grinding his teeth.

Echo paused. “Leave now, or I will kill you. You cannot best me in combat.” said Echo callously. Echo’s horned glowed with green energy.

Royal Guards and Zebra Zerkers ran frantically to board the Zebra ships.

“Hurry everyone! Drop everything, your weapons even!” shouted Zaza.

Blueberry was hogtied next to Zaza. “Den!” she murmured with tears in her eyes.

Aboard the Thunderhead Reagle crashed through into the bridge. Princess Luna and Twilight gasped in surprise.

“It’s a trap! It’s all a trap!” shrieked Reagle as he was brought and held down by Luna’s night guards.

The entire war room was devastated; chairs and tables were blasted apart with magic. Craters marked where Echo’s magic had fired. Stonework was chipped or melted.  Both Den and Echo were panting deeply. There was wordless silence between them as they looked at one another's tiniest movements. They locked eyes. Den’s eyes were intensely focused. Echo winced slightly.

Den saw his chance he charged while drawing the powder bag. He flapped his wings back in the last second pulling back and sending the powder bag flying. Echo blasted the powder bag midair. The white powder spread itself against her.

Echo coughed. “What was that?” said Echo shaking herself free of the powder.

Den lunged with his lance. Echo smirked confidently however noticed her horn sparking. Echo jumped away from the strike.

“You blocked my magic!” gasped Echo.

“Yeah, you rely on magic too much.” sneered Den.

“Ha, you think I wasn't trained to fight without it!” said Echo drawing a spear from a Griffin guard statue.

Den charged again. Echo blocked the lance tip however Den flapped his wings. Rearing upwards he kicked her back with his back leg hooves. Den smacked Echo's spear away from her. He stood poised over the Changeling with lance pointed at her chest.

“I wonder if I stab you there I'll hit your heart? Do you even have one?” snarled Den. Den stared a moment into Echo's eyes. Echo's eyes were resigned and sadly serene he was reminded of the mare he saw at the Canterlot cliffs. He relaxed slightly holding the lance just above her chest.

A spark came from Echo's horn. “You missed your chance to find out. Magic's back on.” Echo said coldly.

Den gasped as he was suspended telekinetically in the air. His war saddle was undone and ripped from him.

Echo now looked him over floating Den's own lance pointing to his heart. All at once she dropped Den and the lance. Den fell onto the stone floor. He got up but was assailed by Echo jumping and wrapping her forelegs around him.

“I… ugh.” Den sputtered in a choking hug..

The castle began shaking from vibrations greater than mere cannon fire. The foundations themselves shook with a low rumble.

“You foal, embrace me as if it were the last as it surely will be!” said Echo holding Den.

The two lovers gripped each other. Echo pulled back her head and kissed Den deeply in the mouth. They closed their eyes. Demonic green arcane energy surged through the chamber.

The pale emerald energy began to penetrate everything. The tendrils sprouting, it jumped. Potted plants in the castle garden withered to husks. The tendrils chased Pegasi and Changelings using one body to arc to another after another regardless of race. From the skies dots began dropping. There were metallic clangs as pieces of armor hit the castle stone. Their wearers were mummified shells with expressions of pure despair sunk upon their faces.

The tentacles extended towards a retreating War Wing. It strangled a small Changeling in flight then jumped onto the ship. That small connection was enough to spread the green glow throughout. The ship pulsated with lines like blood veins spread across a gripping claw. As the line reached the Changeling captain, he fell dead clasping onto the steering wheel. The War Wing veered into the ocean exploding.

Blue and Zaza stared at the second Zebra airship through the rising boarding ramp. Green energy engulfed the second ship that was still docked with the castle. Zaza pushed Blue back as demonic tendril reached through the boarding ramp almost grabbing them in its clutches. Pony and Zebra hugged one another in fear.

The Thunderhead was assaulted by a great many tentacles. Shining Armor gasped as Cadence collapsed on the ground beside him. The pink shield absorbed barrage after barrage of the lashing before imploding in pink spark. Shining Armor fell atop Cadence to protect her however before the tentacles reached him another shield was deployed this time purple in color. A lavender mare ran to the coning tower. The ponderous airship barely pulled away before that shield too collapsed.

The tendrils reaching their maximum range, the energy pulsated further. The area of affection was absorbed in white. Even the evening full moon was trumped by this brighter light. In the deepest part of the fortress in the chamber of pure light was a dark being. Diabolical laughing echoed through the chamber. Its eyes opened emerald green.

Chapter 12 Shapeless Dream

Den and Echo shared a bed. They both gasped from the conclusion of heated passion. They cuddled next to one another looking into each other’s eyes.

“Den why did you spare me?” asked Echo.

“There's always this sweet sadness in your eyes even when you're happy. I can't seem to place it. It's always like you're holding back. You're afraid to be happy. I would one day like to see that darkness disappear.” said Den looking at Echo’s eyes.

Echo laughed her voice again ringing in her hallow melody.

“What's so funny?” asked Den.

“That's it you couldn't kill me because of a look in my eyes? I can change my eyes to any color.” Echo stared into Den's eyes.

Den looked turned away. “It's more than that. I am sorry; I am not the perfect knight. Echo when I said I'd choose Equestria over you… that’s changed.”

“You'd fall for me?” asked Echo.

“You know, I already have. If you asked it of me I would be your Captain.” said Den.

“You love your country and people still though right?” asked Echo.

Den looked nervously. “Yeah.” said Den.

“I could ask you to be my Captain, however I fear in accepting that it may destroy you.” said Echo.

“Huh?” said Den pained.

“I'm deeply touched that you would betray everything you are for me… but by my side the thought would linger in you. In time you may resent me for asking.” said Echo.

“This is the same conflict you have as a Changeling right? You sent that warning before the Canterlot Invasion?” asked Den.

“Yes, I have seen your land. I know why you fight for it. Would you bear with me still, as your people are used a crop farmed in cocoons trapped and fed false dreams?” asked Echo.

“I don't believe that's your people's true goal. I understand survival, enslaving all of Equestria goes beyond that. That's just pure greed. You would fight for a cause so despicable? That's not the Echo, I know.” said Den.

“You've read of my people's curse haven't you?” asked Echo.

“Yeah…” said Den.

“The versions of the fable differ… in ours there is mention of a cure… Substantiation it is the secret dream of my people. With enough magic it may be possible to free me and my people of the curse… We could feel real emotions and love in return.” said Echo.

“What we have between us is that not love? Haven't we dispelled doubt? You mean so much to me…” asked Den sadly.

“Knowing now what you know… Den, could you ask me to betray my people?” said Echo.

“I couldn't be happy with you suffering…” said Den.

“Den, I could make you forget about me. I have the magic.” said Echo.

“No!” said Den shouting. “You would remember me and suffer alone.”

“You’re so thoughtful. I love you so.” said Echo hugging Den.

“I love you more than I know.” said Den.

The council chamber was darkened by shadows that hung above everyone’s heads. The sky was cloudy and only gray light entered through the moon roof. The members sighed sadly at the empty seats in the room. Injured officers nursed their limbs. There were still several officers still in shock their eyes glaring into the distance.

Cadence and Shining Armor leaned against one another their legs were weak and only by each other could they stand.

Captain Rainbow Dash wings dangled from her body, her energy was sapped. “More than 20%.” she gasped looking at some papers and the empty seats.

“A third of our forces lost…” murmured Shining Armor with a faced thinned.

Luna looked at the missing and broken ponies around her. In the center of the floor, her legs gave out. “I’m so sorry everyone! This is my fault, if I wasn’t so zealous more could have been saved!” Luna cried into her legs.

Twilight Sparkle hugged the moon Princess. “No, this was no one’s fault.”

“No Twilight Sparkle this is my fault. I ordered our reserves out…we couldn’t pull everyone back in time.” Luna wept.

“It’s the unicorns they should have sensed something was up! My beloved Rose is dead now!” cried an earth pony Royal Guard.

A white unicorn mage gasped. “It’s the Pegasi! If they hadn’t worried about saving their own feathers they could have carried more ponies out of range!” she pointed a hoof at the Pegasi officers.

“Don’t pin this on us! It’s the Earth Pony infantry, if they had gotten to the center of the array faster they’d stop the spell!” cried Captain Rainbow Dash defending her flyers.

Reagle gave a shrill shriek that silenced everyone. “It is my fault! I gave you the information.” said Reagle shaking.

“It is our fault.” said Zaza bowing.

Angry looks were shot at the Griffin and Zebra.

“It’s their fault! They must working with the enemy!” shouted a wounded Guard in anger.

“Spies!’ shouted somepony.

“Stop this!! A Zebra ship went down. They lost good people too. We all have lost.” A cerulean mare spoke. Her eyes were puffy and dry from crying. “It’s everyone’s fault. We’re a Republic now aren’t we? Didn’t we vote for this attack? Wasn’t it u- nam -animous?” Blueberry gave up pronouncing the complicated word. “Y’all voted for it! I remember no nays!” Blueberry’s tirade stopped the attacks on the couple.

Silence and shame filled the room.

“The whole castle was a conduit array. They were waiting for us to attack. They knew we couldn’t afford not to either. We would have eventually have had to stop them. This was unavoidable, at least we had some warning.” said Twilight.

Luna had risen again. Her head was held high. “Our enemy hath dealt a strong blow however they have blundered, we remain. It would be insult to memory of the fallen if we were to surrender now. My sister, she had dream for our nation that all ponies could live in harmony and peace. Now under threat we must pull together to make that dream happen!”

“Equestria prevails! Hail the Lunar Republic!”

Locked in their embrace thoughts then flashed into Den’s mind. It was their final moment before the white light took. He remembered the fortress. “Hold on, this is dream space!” cried Den in realization.

“Our dream space! Only in dreams can males last so long. I’m dreaming with you.” Echo nuzzled Den.

“You’re with me? Not an illusion right?” asked Den blinking.

“Yeah, I’m not sure but I think we’re both sleeping. We could be dead.” said Echo throwing her hooves up.

“Heaven is here with you.” said Den.

Den and Echo awoke. Den scurried back, they were surrounded by changelings. It was a throne room and they were on floor of the red carpet.

Chrysalis towered over the lovers, her body emanated energy.

“Mother?” questioned Echo.

Chrysalis’s voice crackled with power that influenced minds. There seemed no volume control now. “Daughter, I heard your traitorous words echo from above the stairwell. So it was you who warned them. I had hoped to net the Equestrian Princesses in my snare also. Your interference cost me complete victory! Explain yourself daughter!” Chrysalis’s eyes burned.

Den rose to defend Echo however she moved him aside.

“Mother, I love this pony named Dented Armor. He is flawed but he loves and accepts me.  I could not let him die nor that which loves.” said Echo.

“What other treasons have you to confess?!” Chrysalis blasted.

“I also warned them of Canterlot.” Echo sneered.

“Traitor!” screamed Chrysalis.

“There’s a better way. Den, helped me find it. We can find love naturally! We don’t have to kill or hurt others! There are ponies out there that can look beyond what lies skin surface! Even if we achieve our dream what worth would it be if we become monsters in the process?” said Echo standing up resisting the mental and physical pressure.

“You would betray me!?” Chrysalis absolutely seethed with anger.

“Madness! Stop this!” said Amorpheus to Chrysalis.

“My daughter, must taught a lesson!” Chrysalis scowled. Her horn glowed white hot.

“That is too much!” Amorpheus shouted. “Chrysalis, you would kill our only daughter!!!??” Amorpheus jumped in front of Chrysalis’s beam. The beam seared through the changeling. His fedora fell from his head floating onto the ground.

Echo grabbed the fallen changeling. “Amorpheus, you’re my father?! I always thought your wanted-”

The changeling coughed spewing blue blood onto the carpet. “Princess Larvi, my daughter I love you. Chrysalis… I love you also. You two have given shape to my dream. Please peace between you two….that which in the wide world I most cherish.”

“No… no… no.” Chrysalis’s face was agape.

More blood spurted out as he spoke. He turned toward Chrysalis. “Chrysalis, I’m sorry for disobeying that order you gave so long ago…” The final torrent of blood flowed out as Amorpheus spoke his last breathe. The blue glow his eyes faded into black.

Chrysalis shoved Echo aside. “Heal!” She fired magic into Amorpheus’s lifeless body. “Heal! I ordered you not to die!” Beam after beam she fired into the body. “How dare you disobey your Queen! I will kill you!” Chrysalis sobbed as tears streamed from her eyes. “I’ll eviscerate you!” she fired again. “I’ll destroy you!” she fired again.

Chrysalis in dark comedic routine continued the death threats against the corpse. She stopped firing after several more shots.

“Mother! He’s dead.” said Echo with tears in her own eyes.

“Look at what you made me do!!!” Chrysalis shrieked in rage.

The mental and physical pressure caused the other changeling officers to withdraw.

She fired a beam at Echo.

Echo formed a shield that countered it.

“So you leeched off some power yourself? Clever!” Chrysalis smirked. “However it is still no match for mine!” Chrysalis increased the pressure.

Echo’s shield began to falter.

“Den hold me close!” cried Echo.

Den complied grabbing the Changeling for dear life.

In spark and blink they were gone.

Den and Echo were upon a cliff. Echo fell down sobbing.

“He was my father… all along. How could I not have seen it? He suffered so much to protect me.”

“…” wordlessly Den wrapped Echo in his hooves.

There for a while Echo continued until their shadows moved with the sun’s motion.

Echo continued crying. “He was there from the beginning, I took him for granted! I used him like I would use a target! I never told him…”

“No, I’m sure he knew even at the end.” said Den.

Echo rose up resolutely. A windy gust swept the cliff where they stood. “Den, be my Captain!”

“I thought you didn’t want that?” said Den.

“You will not be a captain of the Changeling Soldier Caste or your Royal Guard, you will be my Captain. I will fight for peace between the two.” said Echo.

Den smiled and bowed. “I am yours mi lady. What’s plan?” said Den.

“With that much magic, mother has enough to invade Equestria…. no more than that. She’s got to have a bigger better plan than just a conventional assault.” said Echo.

“How much magic did you absorb? You teleported us I don’t know where. I heard that takes epic magic.” asked Den.

“You and I were near epicenter, I absorbed quite a bit. I feel as if I have lightning running through my body. It’s so much energy to concentrate, when I use magic my horn feels like a backed up spigot. I teleported us so far, I don’t even know where. Who knows what Chrysalis is capable of?”

In a massive auditorium Griffins grumbled. No common folk each these Griffins wore the vestments of nobility, rich colored capes with the sigils of many great houses.

“This war is too costly; we’ve lost five War Wings already! What is King Hawkmor thinking?” asked a grey feathered Griffin.

“We should seek peace with Equestrians.” said female noble.

“Nonsense now is time for total war! Send more ships! Send the whole fleet!” said a small Griffin who seemed to compensate for his size by voice volume.

“Idiot, what will secure the frontier if we send out all our War Wings?!” said an older wizened male Griffin.

“Prince Reagle was our best General now he’s been exiled to the White Wastes.”

“I heard rumor Prince Reagle has shifted to fight for the Equestrians. Was King Hawkmor fever high when he banished the prince?” said a female griffin with a battle scar upon her cheek.

“Don’t joke of the King’s health.” said a worried meek male Griffin.

In the center of the auditorium black feathered Griffins entered from behind the red and gold curtain. “King Hawkmor, has taken ill. In his stead and vested with his authority we hereby present to you your Queen Regent Grimfeathers.” declared a shadowy Griffin reading from a scroll.

“Queen Regent?” was the whisper that carried through the auditorium.

A female black feathered Griffin walked to the podium.

“It’s that witch.” whispered a Griffin cuffing his claws over his beak.

“Things have gone crazy since she and her house stepped into the picture.”

Chrysalis disguised as Grimfeathers spoke her voice imposing and terrifying. “The sorcerers of science have failed us. Now it is time to place our trust in true sorcery! The house Grimfeathers has monopolized Griffin magic for too long…. it is time that this gift be spread to all the houses and wings of Griffin Kingdoms!”

“Finally!” chuckled a Griffin noble hungrily.

“Hail the Queen Regent!” said a noble with battle armor.

A Griffin noble shouted. “Stop this you fools! This is Loki’s trickery! There is no Griffin magic! This crow lies! Prince Reagle was right!”

There were murmurs of agreements amongst some of the nobles. Chrysalis fired a beam of that killed the obstinate Griffin. The thick armor of the knight was no defense and lay smoldering. Fear spread amongst the nobles.

“Hail the Queen Regent she has proven Griffin magic, if I ever did see it!” a fat fearful noble began clapping his claws nervously.

More clapping ensued.

A gray Griffin donned in dark armor smiled greedily. “Such power, House Ironclaw eagerly supports the Queen Regent! Grant us mages and magic!”

“House Bloodtalon supports the Queen Regent! Give us power!”

Chrysalis smiled. “There shall be enough magic and mages for everyone. A glorious age for your people awaits! All that I ask for is your cooperation…. and your complete obedience.” Emerald eyes burned that erased all opposition.

“All hail the Queen!”

A small Griffin War Balloon sails into the sky. The crew moved about listlessly working from routine. In their eyes were green twinkles.

“I’m still shocked how easily you controlled them.” said Den rubbing his mane.

A cute black Griffin with green eyes rubbed herself against Den’s neck. “Mind control is greater magic, usually mass mind control is out of the question however I have enough to spare.” Echo chirped.

Den looked at a Griffin bump into another painfully. “It won’t hurt them will it?”

“Nope, I’ll dispel them once we’re done.”

“We’re not headed to Equestria are we?” asked Den.

“No, I must visit upon the old hive. I will enter the chamber of the First Ones and take the Ascendency Rite. To combat mother I must learn true sorcery, spells of the ancients.” said Echo raising a talon.

“I’m with you.” said Den.

“It is also said that therein is the spell that will grant my people’s dream. Amorpheus… my father would have wanted me to go there. When I was a nymph he told me the secret dream of our people. I don’t think he dared to believed it himself however he still told it to me true. I will set into shape his dream of a dream.” said Echo.

The small War Balloon sailed onwards towards the horizon of doubt. The setting sun cast a long shadow.

Chapter 13 Ascendency

Den and Echo had disembarked their ship. They walked through a dark valley that narrowed slowly. Steep rock walls had the smooth texture of being carved by magic. A  giant stone gate blocked their path.

“Echo why was the old hive abandoned?” asked Den.

“Wait, I sense something approaching.” said Echo.

A platoon of changelings landed in front of them. Their ebony armor gleamed in the morning light. They snarled revealing their fangs.

“How did they follow us here?” asked Echo.

“They’re not going to hurt you.” Den stood in front of Echo and readied his lance.

A changeling commander directed his troops out front. “Kill Thorax’s murderer, capture the Princess! Beam teams fire!”

Several squads of changelings shot lines of magic at them. Echo generated a shield.

“Damn, they’re converging all their beams on single spot.” Echo strained to maintain the shield.

“Surrender!” cried the changeling commander.

“Echo, fire where my wing tips are pointing.” Den knelt in front of Echo and motioned with his wings.

“Smart.” chimed Echo.

“You roll left, I’ll roll right.” said Den.

The shield exploded in green sparks. Echo rolled left and fired her into the canyon walls. The falling debris created a wall of rubble tumbling down. The changeling commander ran forward and was separated from his troops. He grimaced but charged at Den.

“Vengeance!” cried the commander.

“Husk stop this! We’ve all lost people!” cried Echo holding the changeling in a telekinetic sheath.

Husk squirmed. “Larvi.” replied Husk.

“Husk, did my mother order you to track me down?” asked Echo.

“Larvi?! Why did you betray our Queen for this wretched pegasus?” said Husk.

“Den is my Captain sworn to me. I betrayed the Queen but I did not betray our people. How many of our own did my mother kill when she activated the conduit at Anavrin Prison?” said Larvi.

“Still… I… Huh?” said Husk confused.

“Substantiation I seek it.” said Echo softly.

Husk stopped struggling. He noticed his own soldiers having flown over the debris and were preparing a charge.

“Soldiers, stand down!” Husk shouted.

Changelings landed softly on the ground with their weapons still cautiously raised.

“Princess Larvi, explain.”

“I will take the Ascendency Rite and attain the secrets from the First Ones.” said Echo.

“That is a foal’s errand. It is impossible. The trials are death. Several Queens have lived out their reigns without ever daring it.” said Husk.

“I will and I will return.” said Echo.

“If you do… Princess Larvi, your old unit and those of us who served Amorpheus may support your bid. Our Queen has become different… a day ago she killed Coxa for expressing doubt. Also my wife was worker caste…she was sacrificed in the Anavrin.” said Husk his head lowered.

“Coxa…and your wife I’m so sorry for you.” said Echo sadly hugging Husk.

The Changelings eyes opened wide. “Princess Larvi?”

“Thank them, could you tell them I will return. When the time is right have my supporters transform to Royal Guards with black armor so that I might know them.”

Past the gate and through a long tunnel Echo and Den entered the common chamber of the hive. The underground cavern was vast. The hive’s layout was foreign to Den. The alien architecture twisted and turned in unnatural patterns. Little honeycomb shapes formed living quarters that were open to the public. From the ceiling dripped water that collected in pools. A friendlier warmer green glow emanated from the honeycombs. Den looked closer to see that the cells were smeared with bioluminescent paste.

“You were born here?” asked Den.

“Yup.” Echo nodded.

“Your homes have no doors. I can’t imagine a society that open. Don’t you worry about theft?” said Den looking at the multistoried honeycombs.

“Everything belongs to everyone else. We raise our children as a community. I can’t imagine stealing from your brother or sister.” said Echo shrugged.

“Ha, Blueberry stole the desert from my lunch boxes all the time.” smiled Den.

“Ohh, I played with the others near there when I was a nymph.” said Echo pointing to some honeycomb huts.

“You’re still a nymph in way. A nymphomaniac.” Den nibbled on Echo’s ears.

Echo squealed. “Tempting lover, but we could lie in bed for eternity. Let’s do that later.” said Echo smirking.

Echo strolled through the maze with ease. She cast a small ball of light with her magic. Den stared at some paths that lead forever into the shadows. From the darkness a low growl and snarl made Den jump. The sound continued reverberating past them.

“There are monster in the deep. Time was we fought them for territory. My ancestors were worn to shadows of their former glory in those long wars.” Echo shivered.

Den walked closer with Echo.

Continuing onwards deeper into the abyss, they entered a hall there were many columns.

“These archways look Unicorn. The columns are classical Pegasi. The stonework seems to be Earth Pony.” said Den.

“The First Ones were said to have been all three races once. I’m not sure, they could have even have been Alicorns.” said Echo.

At the end of the hall, a grand door stood before them. Echo opened the door with her magic.

“Here it the Chambers of Trials.” Echo took a deep breathe.

“Shall we?” said Den.

Den and Echo entered. The door instantly snapped shut behind them and sealed itself with green fire. Echo pawed at with her hooves. She to summon magic but her horn fizzled out.

“My magic doesn’t work here! We can’t teleport out.” said Echo.

“Maybe it wants us to go forward.” said Den.

“It?” asked Echo.

“I don’t know, maybe your ancestors.” said Den.

Lines of light illuminated the ceiling and directed their path. They passed the first chamber into the second. Again the doors sealed behind them. Den looked at sandy floor littered with bones. In the middle of the room was a single small stone coffin that had hinged open lid. A skeleton lay inside.

“This is obviously a quicksand trap.” said Den.

“Why the open coffin the middle of the room?” asked Echo.

They flew above the sand and past the coffin and to the second door. Pressing a hoof on the next door, the trap was sprung. Metal spikes jutted out of the side walls. The walls slowly closed in.

“Okay, this is out of a Daring Do novel. Some sicko must have been a fan of villains.” Den chuckled nervously.

“I didn’t read that one. How’d Daring escape?” asked Echo.

“A hole that collapsed in the ceiling. It was a cheap deus ex machina. I think one of the writers got lazy.” Den planted his hoof on his face.

“Den, I don’t think we’re meant to escape.” Echo pointed at the coffin shaped outline in the spikes.

“Inside the coffin, that’s the only safe place. How ironic.” said Den.

“There’s barely room for one.” said Echo grimly.

“…There must be another way.” Den looked frantically around the room. Den then removed the corpse from the coffin. “Echo, get in while I find a way.” said Den.

“No.” said Echo sternly.

“We don’t have time to argue!” shouted Den.

“Two pairs of eyes are better than one.” said Echo looking around. “Maybe there’s a tap pattern.” Echo put her hooves on the door trying to tap out a pattern.

The crawling advance of the spiked walls continued. The room was two thirds of its original size. There were punctured skulls attached to some of the spikes.

“Magic?” questioned Den.

Echo face soured as her horn fizzled impotently. “Still nothing.”

“Can’t you transform into a mouse?” questioned Den.

“Transformation takes magic. Even with magic on that’s impossible, there’s conservation of mass.” said Echo.

“Maybe under the sand! I’ll check this end.” said Den feeling his hooves through the particles.

“There’s nothing but bones.” said Echo feeling through the sand.

The room was now half its size.

“Echo get in the coffin.” said Den desperately.

“No!” said Echo crossing her hooves.

“Don’t make me force you, you stupid changeling.” Den growled. Den pounced.

Echo flew back. “No!” cried Echo.

Den shouted jumping after her. Den pushed Echo onto the sandy ground. He pinned her down pressing his forelegs on her wings. “You can’t overpower me without your magic!”

“No! You bastard!” cried Echo struggling angrily.

Den spoke softly. “Live for me will you?”

“Respect my wish, Den.” said Echo softly and sweetly. “I would like to die with you. Be it when time takes us or right now.”

Den looked at the spikes now but hooves away. “This will hurt.”

“It would hurt more living without you.” said Echo her eyes streaming.

The tip of the spikes entered Den’s shoulders. He screamed in pain. “I love you, Echo!!!”

“I love you, Den!!!” cried Echo.

Blood oozed from his sides. However the spikes advanced no further. The walls retreated slowly and the spikes pulled of Den’s shoulders. The spikes retracted back into the walls.

“How?” asked Den.

The doors in front opened with a flash of green fire.

“It was another test!” said Echo.

“They cut it close didn’t they.” said Den feeling his bleeding shoulders. The wound was only an eyelash deep.

“I guess the builders didn’t expect you Mr. Wide Shoulders.” said Echo licking some of the blood from Den. Echo helped den apply bandages from his saddle bag.

Den inspected the coffin lid. There were hoof scratches inside. “The selfish partner is suffocated.”

“A fascinating mechanism.” said Echo.

“Not so fascinating.” said Den feeling his shoulders. “What death trap is next?”

The next room they entered was painted by many murals. Dark pony shaped forms fought against creatures of ever increasing ugliness and horror. The paintings showed may fallen ponies outlined by red. Most striking was the monsters depicted. Instead of the minimalistic style of the ponies they were drawn to realism. One particular monster caught Den’s eyes. It was monster that was almost a mouth with legs and long sharp horns that were shown goring ponies to death. It seemed cartoonish but the serious manner in which it was drawn made all the more terrifying.

“Your ancestors lived fighting monsters?” asked Den.

“And died.” said Echo gesturing to some bones in the ground. The chamber was littered with skeletons and weapons.

Den felt a tingle run down his spine. “Something tells me we should be prepared.” said Den picking up a spear and affixing it to his saddle.

“Right.” said Echo doing the same.

The lines of light in ceiling suddenly flickered off.

“Stay calm.” said Den.

“Okay.” said Echo meekly.

There was a scream.

“Echo!?” cried Den.

The lights popped back on. Den turned beside him to see the mouth monster. Rows of jagged shining fanged teeth were revealed when it opened its maw.

Den chuckled. “Very, funny. I know you’re a changeling!”  Den was nearly killed when the creature lunged at him with its horns.

“Wait, Echo can’t change in here.” Den gasped.

The mouth monster attacked again. This time Den dodged the attack. He countered sidestepping it and lunging. The creature jumped back avoiding his spear. The creature charged again. Den flew backwards. He rolled avoiding another of the creature’s horn attacks. Den hit a skeleton. He noticed that a rib bone was broken. Den jumped back from another attack he looked at another skeleton with two broken ribs.

“Stop!” cried Den at the creature. “Echo?” he questioned looking at the monster.

Den dodged several more attacks. The creature was on the other side of the room, it seem to be readying another charge.

Den dropped his weapon and sat calmly.

The creature continued charging however stopped with its horn a hair away from Den’s eye.

The lines of light flickered off back on. Echo was holding a spear against Den.

“Argh, how did we get tricked here?” said Echo tossing the spear angrily.

“These monsters would have been very real to your ancestors, their first instincts would have been to attack.” said Den. Den pointed to skeleton that had neat puncture holes in it. “I noticed something was up when there weren’t chew marks on the bones. The mouth monster would have turned these bones to powder.”

“I’m sorry I attacked you. Since you weren’t a changeling I thought there was no way it could have been you.” said Echo.

“I thought it couldn’t be you because you can’t perform magic here.” said Den.

“I asked whether it was you though why didn’t you respond?” said Echo.

“Huh? I asked you the same question.” said Den.

“Sound muffling charm that’s why we couldn’t hear each other.” Echo nodded.

“We would have figured it sooner, if I didn’t strike back.” said Den.

“I’m glad you figured it out. Let’s continue. There are three tests according to lore. The final one is said to be impossible.” said Echo.

The final chamber had no bones in it. It was as big as the entrance hallway. There were massive columns like before but decorated by writings. Den and Echo walked through.

“Changelings are incapable of feeling love from one another why then are all your ancestor’s tests designed around testing devotion?” asked Den.

“Maybe love doesn’t have to be an energy source. You ponies have no sensation of it do you?” said Echo.

“Unicorns maybe but for me I don’t feel like energy. I do feel that I love you but I couldn’t use that to blast someone.” said Den.

Echo’s horn sparked. “Hey the magic is back on!”

They stood at the final door.

Echo blasted at the door again to no affect. “How is this possible!? I’m sure I have enough power.”

“Well when did your mother take this test?” asked Den.

“It was before my time. Some Queens don’t even take it.” said Echo. “Time!” Echo jumped up and down. “Time!” she smiled hugging Den.

“I’m missing something aren’t I?” said Den.

Echo turned towards a wall. She felt the etchings upon it. “The times of each Changeling Queens Reigns are meticulously recorded for posterity. I can go back to when my mother took this test. These here are my mother’s markings.”

“What? Time travel, you can’t be serious?! That Celestia tier magic! Plus it’s told that going back changes nothing. It’s also a onetime shot.” said Den.

“I agree there’s fatalism in fate however I don’t want to change the past I want to learn from it.”

Den cocked an eyebrow. “Can you do that spell?”

Echo “I researched it once in the Starswirl wing, when I was posing as librarian at the Canterlot Royal Archives.” Echo smiled.

“Wait a moment you posed as a librarian?!” asked Den his face blinking in realization.

“Of course I got a job the library.  Information is power. How else I did you think I planned the entire Canterlot Invasion?” smiled Echo.

“Hold up which librarian were you?” asked Den.

“You bought me lunch twice in a day. I was Quill Heart.” giggled Echo.

“I was a total mess sleeping in that library for a month. Argh I must have done a hundred embarrassing things. How come you never told me about that?” asked Den flushed with embarrassment.

“You never asked, silly.” Echo grinned. Echo snapped back to the door. “Hold me Den, we’re going back. Also be careful, we can’t go back and kill our past selves but we can be killed in the past.”

Den gulped.

Chrysalis paced urgently through the hall, by her side was changeling with a fedora. The walls shook as if under attack.

Echo and Den watched the scene from behind one of the many pillars.

“Why is Master Amorpheus here?” asked Echo whispering with a tear in her eye. “Father.” said Echo reaching out.

Den pulled her back. “He’s not your father yet, you haven’t been born.”

Chrysalis spoke to Amorpheus. “Amorpheus, I am unsure.” her voice was gentle there was no rasping.

“I believe in you my love, my Princess, my Queen.” said Amorpheus

“The revelation my mother gave unto me as she died…” said Chrysalis with her eyes inundated with tears.

Amorpheus placed a hoof on her mouth. “That was for you alone. You should not have told me. However I will be glad to share this burden.” said Amorpheus.

“We’ve tried battering rams, magical bolts, and even prayer nothing opens it. My mother said nothing of how to pass the trials and of the impassable door. She was not strong enough to open it. It has been for so generations.” said Chrysalis with desperation in her eyes. Chrysalis threw herself at the door despondently hitting it.

“Our people need a true Queen chosen by the Ascendency Rite. The army is devastated, the enemy encroaches, never was a need so great. My love, if we cannot open this door then the hive is doomed.” said Amorpheus.

The foundations of the hive shook as some unknown bombardment resumed.

Amorpheus kissed Chrysalis on the mouth. He pulled back. “I know of no Changeling more suited, passionate, and strong.” said Amorpheus.

“Should this chamber of the First Ones be the chamber of the lasts ones…should I fail still… what would you think of me?” asked Chrysalis.

“My thoughts and feelings will be the same.” said Amorpheus hugging Chrysalis.

Chrysalis looked into the blue eyes of her confidant. “Amorpheus, I love you.”

Amorpheus nuzzled her. “Chrysalis, I love you too.”

The two embraced in front of the door. Magical fire coursed through the lines of the door forming a heart. An unseen magical mechanism pulled the open.

“How is this possible?” asked Amorpheus.

Chrysalis shouted angrily. “Now it opens?! What is going on?! What is with the design of this damned door?!”

Before they could see what was behind the door, Den and Echo were blinked back to the present.

“Whoa, that was crazy.” said Den.

“I saw dad. I wish I could have said something…” said Echo sniffling.

Den hugged Echo. “It’s alright.” Den wondered for a moment. “What sort of enemy though threatened your hive in the past?”

“I’m not sure. Being the longest lived only they would know.” said Echo.

Den looked at the door in front them. “Let’s do it.”

Den and Echo moved to in front of the door inside the circle pattern on the floor. They hugged each other closely.

“I love you.” they said to one another.

A circle of green fire wreathed them then travelled in lines towards the door. The door opened.

“Shall we go in?” asked Den.

“Wait!” Echo jumped to wall etchings and she fired her horn. She wrote ‘Echo + Den’ and circled it in a heart before writing the date.

Echo skipped back next to Den. “Now let’s go!” Echo smiled.

“Eight War Wings!?” said Twilight stammering.

The council room was filled with gasps. A Royal Guard drinking coffee didn’t even spit out his drink rather he let it flow out of his open mouth.

The pony sized purple dragon nodded. “Guard tower twenty again.” said Spike.

Several Royal Guards set eight red pieces on the map of Equestria.

“They’re aiming for Canterlot.” said Shining Armor.

“They’ll have to go through Foal’s Valley.” said Twilight.

“Captain Blueberry Frost a report in the defensive upgrades?” Luna turned to a blue mare.

The blue mare bowed and spoke. “The cannonry emplacements we have ordered should be set by now. They will set the valley afire.” Captain Blueberry then spoke with resolute strength. “The Royal Guard will defend it to the last pony.”

“We need all weather teams to create thunderstorms and force them into the bottle neck again.” said Twilight.

“They’ve already been sent.” said Captain Rainbow Dash.

Reagle raised a claw. “Hey, we can’t count of them funneling all eight ships through. They’re not that stupid.”

Blueberry poked the Griffin with her hoof. “You know better than anyone about those War Wings. Hey how now would you attack Equestria with eight of dem ships?”

Reagle rubbed his beak. “I would try a trident formation. Two would attack the pass as a distraction. Three would flank from the north and three from the south.” Reagle moved the pieces on the map.

“We’ll keep the Thunderhead in reserve. We can move it to counter them.” said Twilight.

“Shining Armor and I can project our shield again to protect the ship.” said Cadence.

“They could also simply halve their forces, the bull’s horns. Four War Wings would easily overwhelm the great ship now that surprise is not on our side.” said Zaza.

“Aye, they could do that but bunching them up after seeing magic pierce two of them wouldn’t be smart.” said Reagle.

“Indeed so we will have expect to contend with their trident. Covering one, it leaves still a flank exposed.” said Luna.

“Me and my friends can cover that. The elements of harmony can stop them.” said Twilight.

“Twily, without support infantry or flyers you’ll be exposed!” said Shining Armor.

Reagle sighed. “We will support them. Our last airship, still flies.” said Reagle.

“Thank you, your help has been invaluable.” said Luna.

Echo and Den entered into the final chamber. A large tome lay on a stone table in the center. The book was easily the size of a pony.

Echo magically flicked through the pages. They were blank.

“You gotta be kidding me.” said Den.

“Hold on.” Echo sent some energy into the book. “Argh!” she disconnected immediately when it began pulling on its own. “Greedy little thing.” Echo commented.

Words and pictures began appearing on the page they were on. They seem to be more illusion than printed text.

Den moved a wing to flick to the next page.

“Stop!” cried Echo. “Something lives in the book. It hungers.”

Den recoiled back. “It’s all you then.”

Echo began magically flicking the pages. They looked through many pages that were wonderfully illustrated and some that were illustrated wonders.

“There’s that leech life spell.” said Echo shuddering. A page showed a pictogram of dying ponies being sapped by a single changeling.

“This spell book, it’s full of forbidden and forgotten magics.” said Den looking past Echo’s shoulders at some grisly artistic renditions.

“Whole cities even civilizations were destroyed discovering some of them.” said Echo.

“Anything about curing the curse?” asked Den.

“My mother and Amorpheus they took these trials together. If that is not love, what is? Why then can our people gain no sustenance from each other?” Echo said. Echo flipped to near the last pages. “Here it is. Substantiation.”

They flipped the chapter cover to find nothing. There were the paper frills where a page had been before being ripped out.

The banners of the Equestrian Royal Guards wavered defiantly in the coming wind. Peering through telescopes they saw the eight dark ships spewing black smoke behind them.

“How they split their formations will determine ours.” said Luna.

Suddenly the entire fleet of War Wings veered.

“What are they doing?!” Twilight shouted.

“They’re heading north, all of them.” said Reagle.

“Damn it they tricked us by going the long way about!” shouted Blue.

The War Wings opened their bomb bays and began dropping explosives into what appeared to empty fields. Streaks of fire were left in the ground.

“What are they doing bombing empty land?” asked Blue.

“They’re bombing our rail lines to the Crystal Empire.” said Shining Armor.

“They’re after the Heart!” cried Cadence.

Chapter 14 Sun Swallower

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Chapter 15 Doubts

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Chapter 16 Forging Through Fear

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Chapter 17 The Whole Truth

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Chapter 18 Dream's End and Beginning

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Chapter 1 First Encounter

Months to study the enemy, it took months more to infiltrate their ranks. Vanquished now were the dreams of her people, unimaginable success and then came unfathomable failure. She despaired that she had not been there, even if only to be cast off with her sovereign. She had been in the outskirts when in flash it was all over sparing her to a greater cruelty. Isolated now, she was now alone. Without purpose, without mission, without orders, what was there left?

The wind whipped her black hair about. It was an illusion, her hair was actually green but she did not care.  A city upon a hill indeed, the sheer drop would surely kill. She stepped tentatively closer to the edge. With a hurl she flung herself from it. Her body fell limp as she gave herself to gravity. Closing her eyes she accepted death and darkness.

A caramel blur hit her.

“You're so light.” said a gentle voice.

She opened her eyes. “Let go of me!” she cried.

“I will once we're on the ground. What were you thinking?!” said he, a Pegasus.

She looked at her rescuer. She noticed the illusion of gray fur upon her hooves; she still was wearing her disguise. To him she was still among his kind. He set her down gently unto the ground.

“Playing on the edge is dangerous. I swear I talked to them a dozen times about a security rail.” said the light brown pony with a reddish mane.

“Playing?” she asked.

“…” he looked at her severe expression. He shook his head of the thought. “Yeah that's right, playing!” said he insisting.

She struggled to challenge him. “I wasn't-”

“Hey let's get some lunch, my treat.” said he.

Grabbing her by the hair he pulled her away.

“Wha?!” as she was led by the insistent pegasus.

They sat in the quint little café with an open eating area. The ritual of eating, it did not sate her. It was only done for the pretense of maintain normality. Yet something was different today as she imbibed the tiny pieces of yellow cake.

“Didn't get your name?” said he looking at her pouting expression.

“What's yours?” she countered.

“Dented Armor… friends call me Den.” said Den. Upon his flank was a shield with a dent in it.

She couldn't help but laugh. “Hahaha, Dented? Why not broken armor?” asked she.

“Well, dented isn't perfect but it's still good. My dad thought so when his armor saved him from a Griffin lancer. I'm honored dear dad thought me something worth his life.” said Den.

“Names are but labels. Your kind always attributes such meaning to them; where there is none.” said she.

“Okay, Miss unicorn. I still would like to know yours.” smiled Den.

“My name is… Echo.” said Echo chewing on a piece of cake.

“Echo?” questioned Den.

“Yes Echo.” said Echo.

“Echo?” said Den again.

“Echo!” she now shouted. She looked around as the other patrons of the café now focused on her. “You're doing that on purpose!” snapped Echo.

Den snickered. “Yeah, at least you're not pouting now.”

Echo caught herself. “I must really get back to… whatever I was doing… this has been a delightful diversion.” She stood up wiping the yellow cake crumbs from her mouth with a napkin.

Den smiled turned. “Hey, why don't we do something else? You like scenery? I know the best views in all of Canterlot.”

“I'm not interested in views.” said Echo.

“It's better than whatever you were doing at that cliff.” said Den kindly.

“I…don't know.” said Echo.

“I know of secret passages. I could get us into the palace if I wanted.” said Den.

Echo's ears perked. “The palace you say? Where the Princesses sleep?”

“Yup.” said Den.

Echo followed Den through to a dead end alleyway.

“So Dent, do you have ill intentions for me?” Echo mused.

“What?” said Den looking back.

“You’ve led me to this closed off area, one can only assume.” Echo smiled.

“Not all dead ends are as they appear.” Den stopped at a white wall he tapped his hooves upon it twice. “Old engineering.” murmured Den.

Echo looked at him unimpressed.

Den shoved the wall. “Sometimes you’ve just got push on.” The mechanism behind the door finally opened to a staircase.

“Follow me.”

Vengeance at least, in day this hapless fool was to take her to the enemy's keep, how perfect. Even for her sovereign, it took months of the masterful malice to do the same. She would know the path to revenge.

The winding maze of passages took them to an alabaster tower.

“What is this tower?” asked Echo.

“Princess Luna's tower, she sleeps during the day.” said Den.

“Ah yes.... nice and defenseless.” said Echo. The invasion of course had counted on that. Her sovereign was mighty but the combined might of the sun and moon might have thwarted even her…

“You coming?” asked Den walking up the steps.

Echo arched her about looking around. “What of the guards?” asked Echo.

“They're trading shifts and posts, we got a short opening come on!” said Den leading on.

At top of the tower, the sublime beauty of it hit her. The entire lands of Equestria could be seen grander than any map. From the white frosty Chrystal mountains to the redden wastes of the Badlands. Echo's eyes became wide with wonderment. Den held a hoof out when she walked too close to the edge.

“Like it?” said Den.

“Yes, I do.” Echo was still mesmerized by the sight.

“Perhaps there is still beauty in this world to make it worth living?” Den suggested.

Echo found herself smiling. She saw Den try to wrap his wing around her. Echo jumped back.

“I'm sorry too forward?” said Den nervously.

“No you're not. I just don't like to be touched…” said Echo.

“Sorry.” said Den.

“No, it's okay.” said Echo warmly.

“Come on, we got to go the Sun's setting, Princess Luna will be awake soon.” said Den.

“Wait where does she sleep?” asked Echo smiling nefariously.

Den motioned with his head at the door behind them. “Come on, her Guards will soon be here.” he tugged Echo by her hair.

Den escorted Echo through the streets now illuminated by dim lanterns.

“Thank you for this…” Echo paused then spoke his name out loud. “Den.”

“Hey no problem, Echo. I thought you needed it.” said Den.

“No before at the cliff… I was…” said Echo.

Den put his hoof to her mouth. “I know. We've all been there at some time or other.” said Den.

“You have?” asked Echo.

“Yes, when dad died…” said Den.

“I'm sorry, when was this?” Echo said slowly.

“The invasion…” said Den.

Echo gasped. “No.”

“Afterwards it was. Dad was a guard captain, one of the last to be captured, but the Royal Guard was never considered in the same prestige. The failure shook him up; it was just another weight upon his back. He got drunk and threw himself off the cliff. He was an earth pony you see…” said Den bitterly.

“I'm sorry, I'm missing a mother so I can relate. She died during the invasion…” said Echo. Echo had seen the motions somehow they felt right. She leaned against Den. They both stopped walking and stood a moment.

“I thought you didn't like to be touched?” Den chuckled lightly.

Echo jumped back again. She coughed. “This is my house over there.” She trotted up to the door. “It's been nice meeting you Den.”

“Likewise, Echo.” smiled Den.

Echo was surprised by her words and more so that she hopped towards him. “When can I see you again?”

“We could meet again at the Grape Café during lunch. They're famous for their juice.” said Den.

“Why not in the morning?” asked Echo.

“I have morning duties.” said Den.

“What duty?” asked Echo.

“Guard duty, I'm a Royal Guard, a Vice Captain in fact. Today was my day off.” smiled Den.

Chapter 5 Loyalty?

The gray stallion with the fedora shifted his form in a plume of green fire.

The changeling smiled. “Larvi, it's been many moons since.” said Master Amorpheus.

“Master Amorpheus.” Echo bowed. “I thought you were destroyed.”

“So long as my monarch needs me I am not permitted to die. It was an order she gave.” Master Amorpheus looked fondly into the distance. He returned his attention to Echo. “I see you've seduced a Royal Guard, most impressive. It may yet be the framework for another invasion.” said Amorpheus smiled his fangs shining in the light.

“Our Queen lives?” asked Echo unsteadily.

“Yes, but our army is a shadow of its former glory… We have had to promote workers to soldiers.” said Amorpheus scowling. “However all is well. In soon enough time we’ll have a greater force than when we first invaded. I will tell you our plans later, but our Queen has secured us another source of love.”

The word love stung in Echo's mind. “Master Amorpheus, can we changelings even feel love? Does our Queen?” asked Echo.

Her face was met with a smack of Amorpheus's hooves.

Amorpheus snorted angrily. “Before your birth when our people were banished to the badlands. Our monarch sustained them. The hungry hordes she fed them all, spreading herself thin. She gave love when there was none to give. She hid it well, but I saw her legs quake and shake from exhaustion. She fed them from her life essence when he reserves had run dry. If that is not love, then I do not know what else is! I resolved then to serve her unto death.”

“I am sorry.” said Echo.

“The whimpering of worms! So she does not give you tokens of affection as oft as you like, that is because her love is greater.” said Amorpheus softening his.

“You alone have done so much for me. I will believe in you.” said Echo.

Amorpheus sighed. “Believe in our Queen.”

“Tell me the secret dream of our people again…” Echo pleaded.

“…” Amorpheus looked uncomfortable at the request. “Larvi, it is a tale told to fresh maggots not to fully trained soldiers of her majesty.”

“Please.”

It was the age of magic… Our people were fair of hair and love lit our streets in abundance. Our Queen Chitinia(Ki-tan-nia) was a vision to behold, splendor beyond compare for she bore the Scepter of Light. However the light is not without shadow.

The Unicorn King Amethyst covetous of all things, he sent all many envoys and gifts to our Queen hoping to seduce her. Clever and wise, she was not tricked with trinkets. It was only with the encroach of his armies and threat of war did she acquiesce to be his.

It was not enough that kingdoms were joined. King Amethyst desired even greater power. He in hubris stole the Scepter of Light, wishing to wield it as a weapon. Our Queen did battle against him, but in shattering the scepter darkness consumed all.

In the absence of light creeping shadows took hold, they became the first ones. No longer the fair forms we once were, they drove us underground. Queen Chitinia though did not abandon her children. She led our people to survive and in time thrive.

We inherit the curse. However hope is not lost, for it was foretold with enough magic we might become complete. So we gatherers collect so that one day we may be free. If not for us then those thereafter. So changelings small and tall, listen all, one day we will become whole.

By the end of the story, Echo had curled up alongside him and Master Amorpheus was uncomfortably stroking the ghostly mane on Echo's changeling head.

“I'm sorry Master Amorpheus, I lost sight of our goal.” said Echo.

“Larvi, I must relay orders to our other contacts. The Queen shall be glad to hear of your safety. The guard he's in your power, no?” said Master Amorpheus gently setting Echo back.

“How long did you listen at the restaurant?” asked Echo nervously.

“I noticed your disguise when you were leaving.” said Master Amorpheus.

Echo sighed in relief.

“The way he called after you was all telling. You've got the foal eating from your hooves, haven't you? He has no idea you'll be his doom.” Master  Amorpheus said deviously.

“Yes.” Echo winced.

“Truly a master work. Playing hard to get only makes you more desirable but reel the line in. Get closer to him. A Vice Captain is useful to us.”

Den entered his office in the barracks. A stack of crudely written notes were piled atop his desk. He recognized the misspelling and grammatical errors to be the hoofwork of his lieutenant Blueberry. For the word Griffin she tried many variations “Grifen, Griffin, Griphin” finally scratching all out and drawing a picture of an angry bird. He didn't have time to decrypt her scrawlings. Den pulled out his bed from the wall. He fell asleep wishing Echo was beside him.

The rays of light glared through the barrack windows. He woke up to the glorious morning. That Echo was still on his mind. A haunting and beautiful sight, the night might have been a dream. His messy office came into view.

“Vice Captain!” a voice was followed by a knock on his office door.

Den sprung up from his bed. “What wrong, Blueberry?” he asked his lieutenant.

An azure colored earth pony busted through the door. “You! Lazy bum! Ya've been gone five days!” Blueberry poked him with an accusatory hoof.

Den recoiled. “Hey easy now I had that report due.”

“Well, I talked to Quill she said you were only at the archives for a day. That there still leaves some days.” Blueberry said smartly.

“I have weeks' worth of leave days. I haven't taken a break. My vacation days are probably up to a year now.” said Den.

Blue tried to raise a hoof to object. “Argh! At least, why didn't you go with me to submit the report?!” Blue pouted.

“I wrote it. I still credited you even though you didn't pick up a pen to help.” said Den crossing his hooves.

“Still...” Blue looked at her hooves furtively.

Den smiled at Blue's loss of words. “Let's go we got a batch of new recruits to inspect. I'm sure you'll be wanting to beat them in yourself.”

The courtyard was alive with activity. Guards and trainees had crowded to see the conclusion of sparring match.  A single unicorn was the focus.

“One the newbies challenged the instructor and won!” said an astonished guard.

Den and Blue looked at each quizzically and walked through the crowd.

“What's going on here?!” cried Blue.

It was Echo affixed with a war saddle and a practice lance. She proudly loomed over a beaten orange pegasus.

“Echo?!” said Den flabbergasted.

“Hi, Den!” Echo waved a hoof.

Her familiar tone with the vice captain turned everypony's attention towards Den,

Blueberry's attention especially.

“Come on show me you're as good fighter as I've known a lover!” Echo rearing to go.

Den blushed however it was Blueberry that arose to the contest.

“That newbie needs to be cut down a notch!” Blueberry had already pulled a war saddle from a recruit and lined herself for a charge.”

“Who are you?” said Echo challengingly.

“I' m his lieutenant!” Blueberry lunged.

Echo sidestepped her but was wide eye by her speed. Blue smirked as she whipped her pole around. Echo laughed as she ducked. Echo was able to block Blueberry's second strike with the training pole. Echo got in close and prepared a back kick. Blue jumped back. The two mares stared each other down.

“Where'd ya learn the pole, hussy?! At the club, I'm betting?!” snarled Blueberry.

Echo bit back. “You would know you, you blue tart!”

Blueberry ran ferociously towards Echo. Even with the dulled pole tips she might have skewered her opponent at her insane speed. Echo in a flash of green pulled Blueberry's mane across her eyes.  Echo then with her hooves redirected Blueberry's lance tip into the ground. Blueberry was catapulted helplessly into the air as her harness snapped.

“Ha, you are utterly destroyed! Is there any other willing test their skill against mine!?” Echo boasted.

Blueberry flew and bowled over a squad of recruits. On the ground Blue looked back at Echo with eyes sharpened. The recruits scuttled away from Blue as her rage boiled to steaming.

“Up for a rematch? Huh?” said Echo planting her feet into the ground.

Then Blueberry surprised everyone by bawling. “No fair she cheated!” Blueberry began crying. The show was over and the crowd dispersed in awkward silence.

“Wha??” said Echo completely taken off by her opponent's sudden breakdown.

“I win.” Den bopped Echo softly on her head with a practice lance. “That wasn't nice.”

“Hey, she started it.” said Echo .

The three of them sat together in the mess hall. Introductions had been made albeit grudgingly. They ate from a shared large tray of hay fries.  Blueberry's tears were stifled as she consumed copious amounts of ice cream from a tub.

“Echo, I'm glad you joined the guard but was there way that you could have done so without be so showy?” said Den.

“Nope.” said Echo simply.

“You're still a cheater.” Blue sniffled slightly as she inhaled another glob of chocolate ice cream.

Echo stuck her tongue out like a snake. “I could have done more with my magic than just that.”

“You could have held back, the purposes of those exercises is to train just your lance work.” said Den.

“Is this how you train? No wonder why you were beaten. In combat the only restriction is your imagination. Isn't that why you have begun to integrate the Royal Guard units with all three races? Of course you have race specific units like the pegasus Wonderbolts when shock troops are called for but generally most threats aren't so specific.” said Echo coolly.

“That is a very analytical and detailed summary of modern Equestrian military philosophy.” said Den impressed.

“You're super serious and smart. You're like Den.” said Blue mouth agape. “I'm supposin' that's why he chose you.” said Blue sadly.

“I'm sorry. No hard feelings?” said Echo in a conciliatory tone.

Blue smiled licking the ice cream from her lips. “I have plenty of hard feelings. Did I mention I like mares also?”

Both Echo and Den nearly choked on their hay fries.

“Blue!?” questioned Den.

“That's right, if you don't treat her right, I just a' might take her from under ya wings Mr Pegasus!” smirked Blue.

The ice warmed over, they left Blueberry on good terms. Den and Echo strolled through the barracks.

“Lovely Lieutenant of yours.” said Echo.

“You have to be on all four hooves for that one. She develops a crush on everyone who defeats her.” chuckled Den. “I can't believe you're here with me though.” said Den.

“Of course… Commander.” said Echo wistfully.

“But I want you to quit if I'm your only reason.” said Den.

“What? Didn't you want this?” said Echo stammered.

“Yeah, but this isn't about you or me. Equestria is a beautiful land, we've got our problems but love flows here. I'm willing to defend that. You spoke of missions… that is my mission.” said Den.

“What matters of a nation? Couldn't it just be you and me? All else be damned?” asked Echo.

“… The war is over. Save for the Griffin incursions, there's no real threat. I think you could find a home in Equestria.” said Den.

“Hypothetically if you had to choose…” asked Echo.

Den considered the question for a long moment. “Equestria.” answered Den painfully. “Because, I couldn't have you without it.” said Den.

“…” Echo paused. “I will believe in you Den.” said Echo.

Den gave her a concerned look. “In time I think you'll understand.”

Echo spoke slowly. “There's something I must tell you.”

“Yes?” said Den.

Echo looked into Den's kind eyes then surrendered the thought. “I'm hungry.” said Echo.

“We just ate.” smiled Den.

“My other hunger.” smiled Echo.

Den was panting deeply he flexed his wings and lay exhausted beside Echo. The office bed creaked as he lay down. Echo buzzed happily her insect wings almost chirp.

“Hey you can take any form…” said Den with a mischievous grin.

Echo laughed. “I thought you'd never ask. Tell me do you have a request?”

Den touched his head. “Well… I don't mean to be profane… but maybe on a special occasion…”

“Yes lover?” said Echo rubbing her nose against Den.

“…Luna…” squeaked Den.

“You're positively naughty!” Echo laughed in her usual hallow devilish reverb.

“How does love energy work? I won’t get sick from you taking it? Will I?” asked Den.

Echo sat up and looked over Den. Her ghostly mane dipped down touching his head. She licked her fangs. “You ask me now after the fact you’ve climbed into bed with me?”

Den nodded nervously.

Echo fell back besides Den. “Silly, it’s called making love for a reason. There are other methods such as absorbing it from ambient spaces or directly just drinking you dry to a husk.” Echo giggled.

“I do feel sleepy after we-” Den gave a wry smile.

“Dear, that happens to all males.”  said Echo. “Anyhow, love as energy is quite powerful, one could get high over it.”

“How come your people can’t just form natural relationships or love one another?” asked Den.

Echo turned away from den. “… It is not so simple. Remember your first reaction was to stab me? Concerning loving ourselves... changelings unfortunately can’t seem to generate love… Maybe we can but can’t for some reason feed off it… I don’t know.”

“So what is all this then? I’m just food?” asked Den.

“You get spectacular sex don’t you?” Echo nibbled on Den’s ear.

“I’m serious.” said Den rebuffing her advance.

Echo sighed. “I know the motions well, have rehearsed many times. I’m not sure if I’m acting. I’m scared to say which.”

“Echo, you just joined the guard surrounding yourself with tons of ponies trained to hunt you. You’re even worried enough to be scared about your emotions. I’d say that’s genuine.” smiled Den nuzzling her neck.

Echo could not look him in the eye and simply kissed Den on the forehead.