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To Love

By Sunn
Created: 2024-10-29 14:50:10
Updated: 2024-10-31 09:07:03
Expiry: Never

  1. >Be Chrysalis
  2. >Mightiest of the Changelings
  3. >Many are your titles, Queen, Matriarch, Skinwalker, Insect of Insects, Heartbreaker
  4. >Mom
  5. >Hey, they can't all be winners
  6. >Your last and most recently acquired title was given to you by your son, Anonymous
  7. >You still remember the day he crashed into your life
  8. >Well, “crashed” wasn’t the right word, you didn’t even realise he was there until your guards came running to report the situation
  9. >He appeared in the hive, without warning, and began gallivanting around as if he owned the place amidst a clamouring chaos he had caused
  10. >You still never found out how he started those fires despite being so small
  11. >But still, there you found him, a strange, fleshy, bipedal creature, surely no older than a foal from your best guess, though slightly taller than one due to his bipedal stature, garbed in what seemed to be clothes made from either animal skin or animal by products
  12. >Apparently his small size, speed and the unpredictability of his young mind made it difficult for your drones to catch him
  13. >When you had settled the matter and calmed your soldiers, you began interrogating the creature
  14. >Despite your attempts to instil fear in the alien creature, he seemed to almost like you
  15. >You're still not used to that idea
  16. >Whether it was due to or in spite of the naivety of his youth he actually found your transformations amusing, and insisted you continued, as if you were one of those clown ponies that caked themselves in pounds of makeup
  17. >After banging your head on a wall to rid yourself of the headache he had caused, you capitulated to simply talking with the creature, and finally began to get some answers
  18. >From the fantastical tales he told, you could only come to the conclusion that he was from another world
  19. >Outrageous as the idea was, it was only half as outrageous as how he had described his home
  20. >Either way, you quickly found him to be of no use, and decided to do away with him, as you did any wandering vagrant
  21. >A quick drain of his love, then leave him near-ish to civilization, to let the hyenas raise him maybe
  22. >Except the quick drain took longer than you imagined
  23. >Then it took even longer, and longer and longer
  24. >Until you found the creature's use
  25. >He didn't have limitless love, as his penchant to hit any drones that disturbed him too much, before he hid behind your legs for safety, proved
  26. >But his alien emotions simply worked differently
  27. >So, not wanting to waste a bottomless wellspring, you kept the creature, with varying levels of success
  28. >Because it turns out that getting the right nutrients for an omnivore when you lived in the middle of a barren wasteland is actually a challenge
  29. >Over the course of a month you finally got a system set up that would keep him fed and alive
  30. >It was then that you found yourself inadvertently raising the creature
  31. >His independent manner was initially off-putting to the drones, and he had an endless amount of questions that you reluctantly answered, if for no other reason than to ensure your meal ticket didn't run
  32. >If his arrival wasn't the strangest day of your life, the day he gave you the title only he used, was
  33. >It had been after you had pulled out a dusty old book you'd had in the corner of the backend of the hive and read it to him at his insistence to help him sleep
  34. >The word had slipped so carelessly from him that you weren't even sure if he had realised what he'd done
  35. >Either way, it shifted something in you
  36. >You're certain that the foolish masses of ponykind would ascribe to that feeling some idea of affection, but you weren't given to bursts of maternal instinct
  37. >No, what you felt, was a plan brewing
  38. >It had been years, decades even, you can't even remember how many, since your last attempt to cultivate a Royal Drone that would eventually mature into an heir for your throne
  39. >Yet here was this creature, this, Anonymous, with an endless supply of love to feed the hive, an independent mindset and one that could very easily be grown, moulded and cultivated
  40. >That was the first day of your plan
  41. >And that day was years ago
  42. >You and Anonymous had slowly built up what could be called a familial relationship as he grew from the small child he appeared as to the young man he is today
  43. >Though he had, without a doubt, become a Prince of your hive
  44. >You had wondered how he'd manage as a Changeling Prince with none of the abilities, but you quickly found that all his disguises lay in his very body
  45. >During one of your tests for your son, he'd been put unconscious, flown to the nearest settlement, and left to fend for himself
  46. >You couldn’t believe it when, not even a week later, he'd returned
  47. >Despite them full-well knowing the dangers, he'd managed to convince a group of ponies to bring him past the borders of your territory
  48. >You'd had the ponies taken, cocooned and replaced, and Anonymous simply seemed happy to me "home"
  49. >Who needs to look like a pony someone trusts, when the right words and the right face can make them trust you as if they'd known you their whole life
  50. >So it was that his education continued, as did his rise through your hive
  51. >The drones quickly got the idea, and the ones that weren't happy with it were persuaded quite quickly by the Prince
  52. >The ones that weren't persuaded, were intimidated
  53. >And the ones that weren't intimidated, well, he couldn't fight a drone turned into a chimera, but when he'd made so many of the other drones into his loyal subjects, he didn't need to
  54. >Now, the plan that had slowly been building in your mind since you first thought of him as a prince was coming to fruition
  55. >The Canterlot wedding was a bust on the surface level, but it still gave you vital intel
  56. >And the Princesses couldn't help themselves, always wanting to look better than everyone else, despite their claims
  57. >So when you'd sent a letter waving the white flag, and offering to introduce your son to their courts to establish a peaceful connection, they jumped at the idea
  58. >You couldn't help but smile at the mental image of yourself and an honor guard of drones strolling into Canterlot, with Anonymous at your side, and the ponies not even bothering to put up a barrier to keep you out
  59. >Now all you had to do was dangle your son like a piece of meat in front of the Mares of the Court, have him use his literally other-worldly charms to seal a deal with one of them and you'll have your hooves dug into Equestrian soil in a way the Princesses won't be able to stop
  60. >You pause your own thoughts to settle a small boiling feeling in your chest, it always occurred when you thought of giving your son to some random mare
  61. >It was a pointless feeling, you knew the mission, and so did he
  62. >He'd even suggested a similar idea to you before you'd unveiled your plans to him
  63. >You were so proud of him that day
  64. >Again, you silence your thoughts that tried to stray
  65. >The time when you'd be boarding a train to Canterlot was coming soon
  66. >One of the few downsides of having a flightless son
  67. >You expected all eyes and all suspicions to be on you
  68. >But you were confident
  69. >You just needed to double-check your plan
  70. >And maybe assign Anonymous one extra guard, just in case
  71. <>
  72. >Be Anonymous
  73. >Crown Prince and Heir Apparent to the Changeling Hive
  74. >Your titles weren't as numerous or impressive as your mother's, but you had time to gather more
  75. >And potentially a country to conquer to start the list
  76. >Of course, you were aware of your... less than familial similarities to the insectoid queen that raised you
  77. >But that's what mattered to you
  78. >She'd raised you
  79. >Perhaps whatever parents you had before arriving in this place tore their hair out with worry over your disappearance
  80. >But you can honestly say that you couldn't care less
  81. >Whoever they were, wherever they are, and whatever they felt?
  82. >All irrelevant, and had been for over a decade now
  83. >You simply wished the faceless, nameless ghosts would vacate your mind in its entirety
  84. >You'd rather use the room they occupied for something actually productive
  85. >Like whether manticore venom induced fever followed by vomiting or vomiting followed by fever
  86. >You could never remember and mother liked to test you
  87. >Being in such inhospitable lands, with hostile creatures within spitting distance of any direction of the hive left no room for error, especially from those who lead or were expected to lead
  88. >Though now your leadership will be tested in an entirely new way
  89. >It had taken months of correspondence and even a brief venture into the nearby town to meet with one of the diarchs of Equestria
  90. >But your mother had actually done it
  91. >She'd tricked the fools into allowing her, a small detachment of changeling guards and yourself into Canterlot
  92. >"To show our devotion to the creation of a lasting peace" she'd said
  93. >It'd taken all your will and the lessons on concealing emotion your mother had given you to not laugh at that moment
  94. >Of course, it wouldn't be easy, there would be eyes on all of you near twenty four-seven
  95. >You wonder if you'd be given any privacy when you slept
  96. >From what your mother told you of the Equestrian royal guard mares, most likely not
  97. >"Pent up in every way, shape and form" to quote her
  98. >A small scoff escapes you at the thought of having to be surrounded by such mares for an extended period of time
  99. >A bigger scoff escaped you at the idea of having to flirt with one
  100. >But if mother could spend the time she had with that stallion she'd drained during her first assault on the capital, you could stomach being around a mare
  101. >And their forms being easy on the eyes did make the idea more tolerable
  102. >Breaking away from your thoughts, your eyes scanned over the several pages of parchment in front of you once more
  103. >Detailed layouts of Canterlot Castle that mother had provided you to study
  104. >Blind spots
  105. >Abandoned areas to regroup in
  106. >Potential sights for a staging ground
  107. >She would not suffer another failure
  108. >Not even from you
  109. >And you had no intention of allowing that to happen
  110. >The silence is interrupted by a knock on your door and with a snap of your fingers, it opens
  111. >A simple enchantment, courtesy of your mother, and though it didn't keep her out, the privacy it gave you from the drones was a welcome luxury
  112. >You'd heard that most creatures couldn't tell two changelings apart, but for you, the difference between these two drones was like night and day
  113. >Pharynx and Thorax
  114. >Both saluted you and you nodded back
  115. >"My Prince"
  116. >"It's good to see you, Anon"
  117. >You roll your eyes at Thorax's attempted familiarity
  118. “Pharynx, hit him.”
  119. >The other drone happily complies with the order, and Thorax shrank into his salute
  120. "What brings you here, Pharynx?"
  121. >While he was one of the last drones who relented in accepting you in the position your mother had granted you, after that acceptance, he'd done nothing but prove his loyalty
  122. >"The Queen requests your presence in the Throne Room, Prince Anonymous"
  123. >You give him a curt nod and roll up the parchment, ready to leave
  124. >"Is it true that you're going back to Canterlot?"
  125. >A sharp glare from you and a tensing of the foreleg from Pharynx quickly has Thorax snapping another, hasty salute
  126. >"I mean- is it true, sir?"
  127. "Technically, I’m not ‘going back’ as I’ve never been. But yes." You state simply
  128. >"To make peace?"
  129. >You could play at a Craps table with how often Thorax made you roll your eyes
  130. "Pharynx" The one word is enough for the purple eyed drone to silence his brother with a smack
  131. >"No, you idiot. The Queen and Prince are going to wedge our Hive into the pony courts politically to weaken them from the inside out, then we feed!"
  132. "Enough love for all the changelings in this hive and all the changelings to come." You finish with a satisfied smile
  133. >"But... you're already enough, Prince Anon."
  134. "Oh, stop being so pathetic for five minutes, Thorax." Your chastising causes Thorax to lower his eyes to the floor. "Has it ever occurred to you that I tire of having to feed you all day in, day out?"
  135. >The question was sarcastic, and yet, he answers anyway. "But you do it well, and without complaint, my P-"
  136. >Your hand slamming against your desk cuts him off and leaves him shivering in fear
  137. >Actual fear
  138. >He really was pathetic
  139. "It is my duty, Thorax, as your Prince. 'Duty' is something you would do well to learn. Though I fear the lessons would be wasted on you."
  140. >Thoroughly done with this conversation, you secure the parchment and begin making your way out of your room, though you pause as you pass the threshold
  141. "Pharynx, take a squad on a patrol of the southern perimeter, I'd like a report on that chimera that's been roaming there before we leave"
  142. >With a dutiful salute, he puffs out his chest "Who will lead the expedition?"
  143. "You will, of course." You answer lazily
  144. >Briefly taken aback by how casually you assigned him the role, he quickly recomposes himself and gives you a solid nod
  145. >"Um, Prince Anonym-"
  146. "Go check the reserves of Love, Thorax, go- do whatever it takes to get you out of my hair."
  147. >"I was just wondering if I might comment on your plan?"
  148. "The Queen's plan." Your bitter tone harshly corrects him
  149. >"Th- the Queen's plan- of course. Speaking out of turn, if I may?"
  150. "You often do. It's an endearing quality."
  151. >"It is!?" He asks with a hopeful smile that withers at your glare
  152. "Spit it out."
  153. >"Well, I was wondering. If we have a chance at peace- a real chance at peace with Equestria and the ponies, then shouldn't we... consider following through on it? That way we could acquire the love we need with as few issues as possible, and the love would be given willingly."
  154. >You allow his words to hang in the air, and you can tell that the only reason Pharynx hasn't hit him is because you haven't let him
  155. >In fact, you haven't so much as glanced at either of them
  156. >His words bang off the sides of your skull like a drum and leave you stiff and unmoving in place
  157. >Until you clench your hand, and you hear Pharynx step back with a hissing intake of breath through his fangs
  158. >Thorax looks ready to burst into flames on the spot as your gaze finally lands back squarely on him
  159. >Your footsteps briefly echo through the hive, and are the only echo, the usual background noise of cacophonous buzzing wings had ceased, indicating how the drones had stopped their work to watch
  160. >Now in front of Thorax, you see him shake like an autumn leaf fighting to cling to a branch against a winter's breeze
  161. >The only reason he doesn't bolt is because he worries how worse it will be when you catch him if he did
  162. >Taking a knee, you place a hand on Thorax's withers and he lets out a breath, desperately sucking in air as his eyes dart to everywhere but you
  163. >So you wait, and wait, until he finally stops shaking, though you can feel shivers reverberating through his chitin as his eyes finally meet yours
  164. >You doubt he sees any anger or hate in your eyes as you gaze down at him, you certainly don't feel any
  165. >You never have felt any hatred toward him, you've only ever felt one thing toward him, and the hope that one day he'd prove your feelings wrong
  166. >Yet today, he's only proven that this feeling is all you'll ever feel towards him
  167. "You're a disappointment, Thorax"
  168. >Without another word, you rise to your feet, turn on your heels, and leave him behind
  169. >As does Pharynx, who leaves for his patrol
  170. >As do the other Changelings, who return to their duties
  171. >Some greet you as they go, which you return
  172. >The winding tunnels of the hive give way to you as you go, the unorthodox architectural structure of your home bending in nonsensical ways as a result of the ambient changeling magic
  173. >You take four lefts and end up closer to the throne room, the comfort of your room far behind now
  174. >Any non-changeling, or anyone not raised within the walls of the hive would find it nearly impossible to wrap their heads around
  175. >They'd also find it difficult to discern differences in noise amidst the clamour of buzzing wings
  176. >Subtle differences between both wing speed and the intervals between buzzing can be the difference between knowing an ambush is coming or not
  177. >Whipping around your hand latches around the small bird that had dive bombed you and slam it into the wall beside you
  178. >In a flash of green fire another drone hangs in your grip
  179. >Her wings buzz slightly as her hooves lightly press on your hand
  180. >Despite the strain, she manages a genuine smile at you
  181. >"Well done, as ever, my Prince." She says
  182. "Gossamer." You say in greeting as you release her
  183. >She flutters down beside you, relaxing from the adrenaline high of your brief scuffle
  184. >"I still remember when I last got you." She says nostalgically
  185. "Yesterday?" You respond rhetorically
  186. >"Exactly." There's no small amount of pride in her smug grin as she falls in line beside you. "Your handling of Thorax today was... unorthodox."
  187. "He is incapable of learning the right lessons."
  188. >"You mean Pharynx is incapable of teaching him correctly?"
  189. "Is that what I said?"
  190. >You cared for Gossamer, as much as you cared for any of the drones, she was one of the first guards your mother had assigned to you, and she taught you how to fend for yourself
  191. >But just because she accepted you quicker than Pharynx doesn't mean you'd let her talk ill of him behind his back
  192. >He did his best, but Thorax was simply... Thorax
  193. >"No, my Prince, but if he can't learn, perhaps he is of no more use to the hive. He should be exiled."
  194. "You talk rather plainly, Gossamer, considering the company you keep."
  195. >"What can I say? You're good company to keep."
  196. "If mother hasn't seen fit to exile him, then we do not question why."
  197. >She nods absentmindedly along with your words as you return to your trip to the throne room
  198. >"Or maybe he's kept himself small enough that she doesn't even remember he exists."
  199. "Are you questioning our mother?"
  200. >While she had grown comfortable speaking casually around you, and, admittedly, you'd grown used to it as well, questioning Chrysalis was the one thing that made Gossamer freeze up
  201. >"Of course not, Anonymous. I don't have the right to question such a thing"
  202. >Wait for it
  203. >"However-"
  204. >There it is
  205. >"If someone... closer to her were to bring up the subject to her, she might give it greater thought. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link after all, and Thorax is-"
  206. "Pathetic?"
  207. >"I was going to say 'ignominious'."
  208. "Look at you, using fancy words, Gossamer."
  209. >"I'm going to be hanging around fancy ponies, might as well speak like them."
  210. Once again, your mind turns towards thoughts of Canterlot. "You were there, weren't you, Gossamer? At the Battle?"
  211. >"First one through the shield when it came down. Carapace will say she was, but she lies."
  212. "We're Changelings, Gossamer, we all lie. What's it like, Canterlot, I mean?"
  213. >"Ugly." She says without hesitation. "Far bigger than the hive as well, but much easier to navigate. Easy to conquer with a large enough force if the serious threats can be handled first."
  214. "Good." You respond. "Good..."
  215. >Silence fills the space between you and the guard until you near the corner that will lead to the throne room, and you stop as Gossamer clears her throat
  216. >Looking down at her, she idly brushes a hoof against the ground as she nervously looks up at you
  217. >"If it's not too much trouble, my Prince, I was wondering if you might..."
  218. >You allow yourself a small smile to tug at your lips and you see a pink mist form around you and waft towards Gossamer
  219. >Like with Thorax, you take a knee, unlike with Thorax, you wrap Gossamer in a hug and press your forehead to hers
  220. >As their Prince, you had to be cold, unfeeling, commanding, but as their brother, you couldn't help but love them
  221. >They were your family, how could you not
  222. >As quickly as the feeding began, you cut it off and Gossamer happily chirps as she takes in the last amount of love that slips from you and, with a salute, leaves you to your meeting with your mother
  223. >You straighten the black leather of your coat, chimera leather, to be exact, you doubt it was as fancy as what you’d see in Canterlot, but your people made do, with incentivised help from the nearby ponies
  224. >Quickly giving yourself a once over to ensure you're presentable for your meeting you round the final corner
  225. >Two royal changeling guards stand on either side of the grand doors, both larger than the average drone, one’s horn split vertically, one with a second, far smaller horn, protruding from the base of the primary horn
  226. >Neither react to your presence
  227. "Announce me." You say to the one on the left.
  228. >With an almost imperceptible nod, he pushes open the door, bowing to the mother you can't see
  229. >"Prince Anonymous has arrived, Your Majesty."
  230. >"Excellent~" Your mother's natural echo reverberates in your ears. "Send him in."
  231. >The guard quickly steps aside as you enter the grand hall of your mother's throne before just as quickly and quietly exiting to return to his post
  232. >"Anonymous!" Your mother's joyful tone sings through the air as her wings buzz to life, lifting her from the throne and landing her in front of you. "You're late." The smile falls from her muzzle like wax off a flame and you bow your head in apology
  233. "Sorry, mother. I was delayed."
  234. >"By Thorax?" She asks, a knowing sneer etching itself onto her features
  235. "I dealt with him." You say simply.
  236. >"Oh I know." A wicked glow flickers through her eyes as she speaks. "I could hear his heart break from here. Many of the drones have expected one or both of us to physically discipline him one of these days." She swiftly raises a hoof to your chin as she lifts herself into the air by her wings, tilting your head up to her. "I'm glad you understand that we do not debase ourselves with such... lower tasks."
  237. >You keep yourself level and give her a curt nod, making her grin widen
  238. >With the topic open, you decide to add something to it
  239. "Some believe he should be exiled."
  240. >"Some?" Your mother enquires, already knowing before you even opened your mouth
  241. "Some."
  242. >A hum reverberates through her throat and echoes lightly off the walls, before she waves a hoof. "No. He stays. For now. He may be weak, but a drone he remains."
  243. >You take pride in your ability to hide your emotions, but even you feel vexed at your mother's continued sheltering of the grub in drone's chitin and you can't stop your eye from twitching
  244. >Of course, your mother catches this and rounds on you, her form towering a full head over yours
  245. >"You object?"
  246. >A blink is all it takes to bring your face back to zero
  247. "Of course not, mother."
  248. >Thorax wasn't worth the backhoof he'd earn you if you pressed the topic
  249. >Chrysalis goes from looming over you to simply standing before you as her snarl is wiped away for a gentler smile
  250. >"Wonderful. Now, enough about him. There is much to discuss for our plan in Canterlot. First and foremost, which mare you'll be seducing."
  251. >You feel your shoulders sag at her words and can't stop the groan that escapes you
  252. "Mom..."
  253. >"Don't 'mom' me, mister, you're not seven anymore, it won't work on me."
  254. "As far as I recall it continued working on you until I was twelve." You say with a smirk.
  255. >"Irrelevant!" She snaps back, without a hint of venom in her voice. "You're a full grown Prince now, and if you're going to seduce a mare, you'll need to know what you're doing."
  256. "I could have learned all this myself if you let me go to that town more freely." You half-mutter the words, but you know she'll hear you anyway
  257. >"And let some common mare sully you? Please don't make me throw up, Anonymous, neither of us want that."
  258. >There it was. She cared. In her way, and a more genuine smile replaced your smirk
  259. >"Now, one of your status and breeding-"
  260. "Not a changeling, mom"
  261. "Irrelevant. You should technically marry into royalty as well, and while I don't doubt your abilities, I imagine Celestia is too dry to entertain the notion." Your mother briefly pauses as her brow furrows in thought. "Though if Luna were in stasis during her banishment that would technically make her a millennium younger than Celestia... Aside from them, there is Dragon Lord Torch's daughter, but dragons reek of sulphur, and while griffons DID once have a royal line, they've all become... well, they're a dirty species now."
  262. "And neither species is replete with love." You decide to finish her diatribe before you're here for hours.
  263. >"Quite. So we'll have to settle for something lower, the nobility."
  264. >As she begins listing off mares and what advantage they'd bring, you already feel your attention drifting, and slowly, it lands on your mother's throne
  265. >You must have been staring at it for longer and more intently than you realised as a low, deep, almost musical chuckle emanates from your mother
  266. >"I do like that look in your eyes when you see my throne, son. The hunger for it. It's very befitting."
  267. >Seemingly forgetting about the banal topic as well, your mother's wings buzz as she moves beside you and a leg half wraps over your shoulder
  268. >"Just be patient son, one day you'll sit on it."
  269. "It wouldn't do well for me to sit on it alone though."
  270. >"True. Our drones do love you, but that will only last so long. You need a strong mare to help you guide the hive."
  271. "And a pony is the right mare to do this?" You already know the answer, but you tilt your head at your mother anyway
  272. >She lets out a noise of disgust as she removes her hoof from you. "Certainly not." With another buzz, her wings carry her onto her throne as her voice echoes through the chamber. "Once Equestria is ours, it will be a feeding ground unlike any other. I was the first Changeling Queen to find this land, but I am not the only one. There are many hungry hives out there who would do anything to get a seat at the buffet."
  273. "Including their queen marrying an alien like me."
  274. >"No!" She chides you, slamming a hoof into the throne before launching herself at you, stopping mere inches from your face. "Including their Queen marrying a Prince like you! And I would dare any of them to question your worth when you stand at my side atop the broken Canterlot!"
  275. >Her words echo out throughout the room, and you hear them dim as they echo through the rest of the hive
  276. >As the echo fades, you allow silence to fill the vacuum
  277. >Slowly, your mother's heavy breathing settles and her wings snap to her sides as she lands on her hooves, her eyes drifting to and away from you, as if expecting a response
  278. >But you give none, you simply stand in the silence before slowly wrapping your mother in a hug, your arms encompassing her chitin completely
  279. >She doesn't even open her mouth as a wellspring of pink blooms from you and seeps into her, and slowly, ever so slowly, she places one hoof halfway around you
  280. >It's time
  281. >You pour over the written reports that have slowly been trickling in over the last few days from your spies that have been stationed in the nearby town
  282. >Reports of sudden deliveries of various grains, hay and oats, along with more unique and exotic goods were chief among them
  283. >Clearly a consolation for the small inconvenience the town will go through as you travel through it
  284. >Your mother was right
  285. >The princesses really did care about their ponies
  286. >Something that would be so very easy to exploit, you simply needed to find the right place to apply pressure
  287. >You were no fool though, such a venture was secondary at best to your plan, more likely tertiary though, as such a gamble would risk too much hard work
  288. >Along with the deliveries though, the town was in a small economic upswing from the sudden influx of "tourists" into the town
  289. >The guard ponies really were as subtle as a brick to the face and just as undisciplined
  290. >In your hands were several written accounts of different spies getting the "tourists" drunk and extracting information about the security measures being taken on the Equestrian side from them
  291. >Many of the drones took this to mean you were already ahead of the ponies in terms of espionage
  292. >You, on the other hand, were not so sure, and though she didn't show it, you knew your mother had the same thoughts
  293. >Was it truly incompetence, or was the leaking of information from the guards intentional?
  294. >Either way, your mother and you had spent a sleepless night or two creating contingency plans just in case
  295. >You would have spent more nights with your mother, but she had insisted you rest
  296. >"Sleep will help you look the best for those feckless mares in Canterlot" she had said
  297. >The brief buzzing of wings reminds you of Gossamer stood behind you, the very picture of the perfect guard, stiff as a statue, appearing as firm as stone, gaze sharp
  298. >While the written reports were useful, you had been ensuring that regular reports were brought to your attention as often as possible
  299. "What news from the frontier scouts, Gossamer?"
  300. >"The train stopped at the town's station one hour ago, my Prince. The scouts report growing discontentment at you and the Queen's delay."
  301. "Excellent." You can't stop the smile that spreads across your lips. "Let the ponies sweat. They know that if they leave without us, their princesses will be angrier at them for jeopardising a chance at peace, than if we're late to arrive."
  302. >While you were happy to make the guards stand in the blistering heat you'd become accustomed to until they collapsed, and you knew your mother would take even greater delight at the idea, you both knew that would be a difficult thing to explain to the princesses
  303. >You briefly crouch down and flip open the pack you'd prepared for the journey, various dried and salted meats were wrapped for you within
  304. >Certainly not the best meal you'd have, but if what your mother said was true, it'd be gourmet compared to the "apple treats" that the ponies are apparently fond of
  305. >Along with that were some other essentials, what few clothes you had to your name, water, various glass jars of both venoms and their antidotes, and last but not least, a large portion of binding goo, courtesy of your mother, just in case any of the ponies get any funny ideas
  306. >Satisfied with the pack, you seal it again and sling it over your shoulder
  307. >With a nod, Gossamer falls in line with you as you begin marching through the hive
  308. >The buzzing of changeling wings could almost be called harmonious on a normal day, like a grand orchestra, the buzzing would rise and fall as the drones went about their duties in perfect synchronisation
  309. >Today was not such a day, the harmony had turned into a cacophony as the drones rushed from one task to another
  310. >It was to be expected, considering they'd be truly without a ruler for the first time in decades
  311. >During the attack on Canterlot, more than half the hive had left with your mother, transforming into local fauna outside the barrier around the city, waiting for word to strike
  312. >You'd been left with the remaining forces, ready to march up through southern Equestria to sew confusion and force whatever pony forces remained, or any resistances that rose up, to either spread themselves thin against you both or let one of your run rampant through their country
  313. >You still remember your mother and the rest of the hive's heads hung low as they returned in shame
  314. >She hadn't let you speak with her for weeks after that, forcing you to take command of the hive briefly to ensure you wouldn't be caught unaware by a potential counterattack
  315. >Now though, not even you would be here to help keep the hive organised, the two of you leaving command in the capable hooves of a select few drones that had distinguished themselves
  316. >A single buzz amidst the cacophony grows slightly louder as it approaches before landing on your other side, mirroring Gossamer as they too fell in line with your stride
  317. >You immediately recognized Carapace, both from how she held herself, and from the death glare she thought she had subtly shot at Gossamer, who had returned the glare in kind
  318. >Both drones were of a similar build, their chitin was sleek and slender, the females curved where the males had rougher, more jagged edges, the only things of note that differentiated them were that Gossamer's eyes were green, whereas Carapace's were blue
  319. >It was lucky that they had such a distinction to them, normally you had to separate drones from the width of their hooves or the angle of the curvature of their horns
  320. "Anything to report, Carapace?" You don't bother looking down at her, simply continuing your pace towards the entrance to the hive
  321. >"We've gotten a full count of the number of guards stationed near the train. Forty strong, it's a full platoon."
  322. >You can't help but furrow your brow and let out a small whistle at the number
  323. "They did all that for us, and we didn't even get them a... uh... what do ponies like as gifts?"
  324. >"Fruit?" Gossamer seemed no more certain than you so you simply shrugged
  325. "We didn't get them anything for all that trouble, what a terrible first impression we'll make."
  326. >"Many of us have already made our first impressions, my Prince. You still have a chance to win them over though."
  327. >"Hey, Gossamer, you've got a little brown on your muzzle, right here." Carapace's droll sarcasm clearly irritates Gossamer as the drone's wings twitch slightly as she gives a small hiss in retort "Of course, if you want to get them something truly unique, my Prince, we could always... invite some of the guards to come take a tour of the hive-"
  328. >Your sudden halt and turn to Carapace stops her own suggestion dead in its track
  329. "No infiltrating the guard, Carapace, we've been over this."
  330. >Your gaze leaves no room for argument as she simply gives a meek nod in compliance
  331. >Not seeing a reason to reprimand her further, you continue on through the hive, winding your way through the various passages until sunlight began to become a more common occurrence, flitting and flickering through the growing number of holes around the hives outermost shell
  332. >A small smile finds its way onto your face as you see your mother arriving to the entrance almost at the same time as you, flanked by two of her royal guards, Beetle and Exoskeleton, or Exo for short
  333. >Out of the dozen or two royal guard drones in the hive, you were familiar with them the most, their horns helped them to stand out amongst the rest
  334. >Beetle's horn that split vertically into two prongs gave him an appearance not unlike the insect he was named for, whereas Exo's smaller horn that protruded from the base made her easy to pick out from a crowd of drones, even without their difference in size
  335. >Taking only four guards with you was, quite frankly, insulting
  336. >Your mother had made as much clear to Celestia on the day when they were negotiating the logistics of your arrival
  337. >Many times during that meeting had you found yourself wanting to interject in the proceedings, but you kept silent until your mother allowed you to speak
  338. >Alas, it was the price you had to pay in order to be allowed entrance into Canterlot
  339. >"Are the forces prepared?" Your mother's commanding tone brings all eyes to her
  340. >Beetle brings up a salute as he speaks "Guard rotations are set with shift rotations in place to be repeated until our return your majesty. The local beasts have been driven away from the Hive's borders, and the reservations of Love are at full capacity. Pharynx, Chitin and Mandible have fully implemented the rationing system to your exact specifications. Even if this takes a year, the Hive will have enough Love to endure."
  341. >Your mother lets out a groan and rubs a hoof against her temple at Beetle's words. "Damn it all, I hadn't even considered that we'd need to be there that long. Even the week I spent there before was a week too long."
  342. "Perhaps we'll get lucky and find a mare amongst the Canterlot court that has an... inclination towards the strange." You offer half-heartedly, in a small attempt to life your mother's spirits
  343. >It seems to do well enough as a smile flickers across the edge of her lips as she hums to herself
  344. >"That would certainly be helpful, it's true."
  345. >With a buzz of her wings, she makes her way fully out of the hive as you follow behind her, the four guards taking up positions around you
  346. >While Gossamer takes a bird's-eye-view from above, Exo, Beetle and Carapace form a triangular guard behind you
  347. >"Not to mention that such a mare might have more than a few dirty secrets beyond what she finds alluring."
  348. "Secrets that we could hold over her, to ensure a closer cooperation to the union on her part."
  349. >As your mother gives you a pleased smile for knowing her own mind so well, her eyes simultaneously flash with a hint of danger for interrupting her
  350. >The walk to the pony's frontier town is long, you'd left the hive an hour after you were supposed to be at the station, and getting there took about three hours more, and the sun had visibly shifted across the sky
  351. >Luckily the extra sweeps of the area had made the journey uneventful, save for a small cluster of no more than a dozen parasprites that were easily scared off
  352. >When the border town finally came into view, you could already make out various colourful ponies making their way to meet you
  353. "I think they're angry with us." Your sly grin doesn't go unnoticed as your mother chuckles besides you
  354. >The midday sun gleams off both the armour and the sweat of the guards as they form a line in front of you, effectively blocking you
  355. >Or rather, trying to block you
  356. >"Queen Chrysalis, you and your compa-"
  357. >The guardmare's attempt at taking command of the situation is quickly squashed as you and your mother simply continue your march towards the town, undeterred
  358. >While you didn't loom over them the same way your mother did, your truly foreign stature caused the various guardsmare to freeze in place, and simply staring down at them as you passed was enough to cause them to stumble out of your path
  359. >Of course, they only forget themselves for a brief period of time before they scramble to catch up with you and form their line in front of you again
  360. >"Halt!" The mare's words go ignored, again. "Queen Chrysalis! You are ordered to halt!"
  361. >Your face hardens into a glare at the pony who spoke and she briefly pauses, her eyes flicking between you and your mother, clearly thinking carefully
  362. >But after the long walk, this disrespect has not left you in the mood to allow her time to think
  363. "Are you the Commander of this unit?"
  364. >"The Lieutenant-"
  365. "Is not present?" You see the slightest shift in the mare's posture as you press her
  366. >"She left me-"
  367. "Then this conversation is pointless."
  368. >With a simple hum of agreement you and your mother continue your stride, not stopping even as hooves move towards weapons as your guards quickly rush to stand hoof-to-hoof with the ponies and hiss at them
  369. >The sudden movement from your guard leave the mares agitated, their stances tightening as they harden their grip on their weapons, and unsheathe them half-way
  370. >With a flick of her horn, your mother pushes a pair of ponies to the side, and the drones return to guarding your flank as you move past the guards
  371. >Clearly unsure of how to handle the situation, the guard ponies simply form a crescent flank around your group of six
  372. >With the town now no longer a mere speck on the distance, but actually within reach, the various buildings begin to come into focus
  373. >If you hadn't visited this town a few times in your youth, and scouted it a dozen more in recent years, you'd believe it were abandoned with the state of it now
  374. >The only signs of life aside from the guards were the brief flash of eyes in the windows, the cracks in doors or the holes in the walls
  375. >A pony adorned in similar, yet slightly altered armour compared to the rest rapidly approaches your group, a harsh glare on her face
  376. >"Corporal! Front and centre!"
  377. >The pony who had previously attempted to give orders to you and Chrysalis rapidly breaks away from the other guards and stands at attention
  378. >"Lieutenant, ma'am!" She addresses the officer with a swift salute
  379. >"Why isn't your squad leading these bu- the Changeling Delegation!? I thought I made my orders clear!"
  380. >"You did, ma'am. But you se-"
  381. >"I don't want to hear it! It's bad enough we've had to bake under the sun for so many hours, but now you're making us look like foals!"
  382. >With an annoyed scoff, you see your mother head towards the train, and you quickly follow her lead
  383. >"You better hope to Celestia tha- Hey! Queen Chrysalis!" The voice that had slowly been fading behind you rapidly grows loud again as the sound of flapping wings pulls your attention to the pegasus lieutenant who lands in front of you. "Queen Chrysalis, protocol dictates that you be questioned before we continue to the train."
  384. >"Question me on the train." Your mother finally speaks to the ponies for the first time, and she makes no attempt to hide the contempt and vitriol she feels for them. "Don't waste anymore of my time."
  385. >She attempts to disregard the lieutenant, but the mare proves to be made of firmer stuff than the rest, as with a single hop she places herself firmly in front of the queen again
  386. >You almost find her staunch unwillingness to allow you to pass admirable
  387. >Your mother simply finds it annoying as she rolls her neck to give it a satisfying crack, a way to relax herself before she looks down her muzzle at the mare
  388. >"Queen Chrysalis, you are four hours behind the time of arrival that you agreed upon with Princess Celestia herself. Not only that, but you have disregarded the authority of one of my officers, and attempted to disregard my own. I need your assurance that this is the last of the transgressions before we proceed, Ma'am."
  389. >This mare at least had the awareness to put her personal feelings aside when addressing your mother appropriately, unlike that corporal
  390. >You turn your head and flick your eyes across the ponies before they land back on her, and you see her posture stiffen as she feels your focus zero-in on her
  391. >Briefly you hold the gaze with her, memorising what you can about her
  392. >White coat, coconut brown mane, and the slightest wisp of blue peeking out from the edge of her armour at her flanks, the full extent of her cutie mark covered
  393. >Breaking your gaze away from the mare, you look back to see that your mother hasn't moved since she was addressed by the lieutenant, who has been holding her stare with the Queen
  394. >Finally shifting, your mother leans down towards the mare, her face unassuming and bored
  395. >"What authority?" She says simply
  396. >You see the offence in the lieutenant's eyes before it spreads to her face
  397. >Not bothering to entertain the guardsmare any longer, your mother marches with firmer steps towards the train, and again, you follow behind, only briefly flicking your eyes down to meet the lieutenant's before you make your way into the train
  398. >You and your mother have to duck your heads to make it past the small door frames, but once inside, you find it spacious enough
  399. >You briefly hear hoofsteps following your group, but as Exo makes sure to slam the connecting door shut, the steps stop and are replaced by a muffled, frustrated groan
  400. >"Buck this! Tell the conductor to get this train moving NOW! I want those bugs and- whatever the Tartarus that thing with them was- in Canterlot as soon as possible. The sooner they're the princesses' problem and not mine, the better."
  401. >Hooves stomp across wooden floors briefly before several dozen hooves echo through the train, and you watch the guards through the windows as they fill in the cars behind you
  402. >Subtly clever as ever, your mother ensured you all moved into the very front train car, meaning the ponies had no way to surround you, as they most likely wanted to, or even intended to, as they'd most likely file you into a specific segment if you'd listened to the lieutenant
  403. >The echoing thuds of hoof on wood slowly fade to silence, which only last a moment before the train's engine hums to life and begins to chug away, with the click of steel wheels on polished rails fill the ambience
  404. >The train slowly pulls away from the station, then gains speed, going faster and faster until the scenery begins to speed past you
  405. >With the silence having hung around long enough, you decide to break it
  406. "Gossamer."
  407. >She's in front of you almost before you get her name out, focus and determination on her face as she awaits your orders
  408. "Go talk to that lieutenant." She salutes you, and without question, turns on her hooves, marches towards the door, and makes her way out into the rest of the train
  409. >The commanding mare needed someone to blow up at, and Carapace was more likely to start a fight rather than take it
  410. >But the true advantage to it would be learning the names of that lieutenant and the corporal you had met
  411. >With a heavy sigh, you finally unload your pack and store it under one of the seats as you sit across from your mother who stares at the wall with a thoughtful look on her face
  412. >You decide it's most likely best not to disturb her, and let your own thoughts begin to focus, now that you're out of the desert heat and away from the ponies
  413. >Multiple thoughts flick through your mind, vying for your attention, the one that snags on your focus is the matter of which mare of the nobility you should pursue, something you’d been contemplating for days, if not weeks
  414. >There were multiple different sections that the various nobility held some sway over in one way or another
  415. >Food production, land ownership, exports, imports, all these and more were potential avenues that you could exert influence over if you played your cards right and got the right mare
  416. >Of course that wasn't to mention the Bearers of Harmony
  417. >While not nobles, they had power in a different way, a more literal, magical way
  418. >If you could somehow seduce one of them, they would be easy to remove from the equation, and the removal of one Bearer would be enough to nullify the Elements all together, cutting Equestria off from one of their most powerful assets
  419. >"It will be rather difficult to make allies during this attempt at peace. Perhaps we'll be able to encounter ponies who weren't present in Canterlot at the time, or at least one who managed to avoid most of the conflict." As if reading your mind, your mother draws your attention to her
  420. >Her words do not match the look on her face, and your eyes briefly flicker to the door, the only thing separating you from a platoon of guards who no doubt are under orders to report everything they hear you say and see you do to the princesses
  421. >Just as quickly, your eyes flick back to your mother as you sit back and relax your body, feigning a casualness with her as you talk
  422. "True. But we should strive to make peace with the Elements and the Princesses. We should seek to make amends for our transgressions if we're ever going to have a hope of making friends with the rest of Equestria. Perhaps they'll be curious enough about me to hear me out at least."
  423. >She simply hums in thought, easily parsing through your words to the meaning beneath
  424. >"That would be advantageous, but the memories of my... mistakes will still be fresh. I doubt they'll even meet us until we've made this peace official. Perhaps you should focus on making friends with one of the mares of the court first. You could think of it as a practice run."
  425. "Hopefully they'll be willing to be patient with me."
  426. >You both take a deep breath as you share a glance, and silently share your disgust at what you're having to say so that the ponies won't have any real evidence to use against you
  427. >You sit in silence again, distracting yourself by watching the Equestrian landscape pass by
  428. >The desert stretches on and on, your attention finally pulled away from the tumbleweed that had managed to follow the train a fair distance by the door opening again
  429. >While your mother simply shifts her eyes to the side, you and the drones turn to see and relax at the sight of Gossamer returning
  430. >Professional as ever, her face appears calm on the surface, but you can tell by the slight tremor in her legs that she is struggling to suppress her barely contained rage
  431. >You'll be sure to reward her when the day is over for putting up with the ponies for so long
  432. >Your attention shifts from Gossamer to a new pony entering behind her, pushing a small trolley of food and drinks with them
  433. >"What do you want?" You're almost surprised as your mother addresses the pony, and they immediately seize up, their eyes going wide with terror at the sight of her
  434. >"I- wh- well- we- um- food? For the... prince?" The mare just barely manages to stutter out the half-comprehensible sentence as she eyes you curiously, her head tilting to the side
  435. >"That won't be-"
  436. "What do you have?"
  437. >You can feel the small glare your mother shoots you as you turn to the mare
  438. >Clearly a decade in the hive has made you more comfortable with your presence in this world as the mere act of shifting your body seems to put the mare on edge
  439. >You imagine that you'll have to deal with that a lot as the ponies of Canterlot are forced to share a city with an alien that towers over them
  440. >She attempts to squeak out an explanation of what food and drink the princesses supplied the train with for you, though she quickly goes quiet as your mother's sickly green magic takes hold of the trolley and pulls it away from her
  441. >As your mother watches the mare who has shrunk into herself, you're reminded of the time you saw a timberwolf hunt a jackalope
  442. >With a small scoff your mother nods towards the door, dismissing the mare. "Leave us."
  443. >Seemingly grateful for the excuse to leave, the mare all but turns and bolts out of the door, though you attempt to give a small thanks as she leaves
  444. >Like it or not, it was better if at least one of you minded your manners, even around the gentry
  445. >Your mother's magic slowly picks through the various fruits and vegetable on the cart, each one earning a scoff, though her face shifts slightly as she pulls a container of cold-cut meats from amidst the various foodstuffs
  446. >"It seems Celestia was paying attention when I mentioned you were from an omnivorous species." She comments idly
  447. >With a small curiosity, you pluck the container from her magical grasp and eat one of the cuts of meat
  448. >Chrysalis briefly watches as you eat, most likely intending to make some subtly snide remark on the quality of the food to the princesses if you didn't like it
  449. >Yet, you find nothing to critique about the meat, aside from the fact you'd prefer it hot and fresh
  450. >You'd feel sorry that you can't give your mother any ammunition to use against them if it didn't have such a pleasant taste to it, clearly the princesses had gone out of their way to have it prepared by someone who understood how to handle meat
  451. >With half of the container emptied, you offer it to Chrysalis, who shakes her head, it wasn't often, but every now and then she'd partaken in meat along with you
  452. >Placing the container back on the trolley, your eyes roam around it until you find a bottle of champagne tucked away in the lower compartment of the trolley, a small curtain hiding its contents
  453. >This, you can tell, your mother will share with you as she lets out a pleased hum at the sight of the bottle
  454. >It wasn't love, but it was something at least
  455. >Besides, what was coming was certainly something worth celebrating
  456. >She pulls the bottle from your grasp and pulls the cork, eliciting a resounding pop from it
  457. >You grab two glasses from the lower compartment, which she happily fills
  458. >"To... peace" Your mother says, almost carefully
  459. "To love?" You offer as an alternative
  460. >A wicked grin crawls up her face as she chuckles deeply at your words
  461. >As she always said, it was their weakness, and your strength
  462. >"To love." She echoes as she clinks her glass to yours
  463. >The ride to Canterlot would take several hours more, but you already couldn't wait to get your hands on it
  464. >You weren't sure if it was the small amount of alcohol flowing through your system, the distraction of letting your mind run through the plans and strategies you'd discussed with your mother, or the almost hypnotic sight of the landscape slowly shifting outside the window, but your wait wasn't long lived
  465. >Sand turned to plains with small smatterings of flora, which turned into grassy knolls, rolling hills and verdant fields, which slowly changed again to add trees to the landscape, which began to change to hills and finally, mountainous cliffs as your train began to ascend
  466. >All thoughts of the mission stopped as you looked up the towering spires and the vast expanse of Canterlot
  467. >Though she was descriptive, your mother couldn't do the sheer scale of Canterlot justice, and you felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety mix in your stomach which you quickly crushed as you focused back on the mission
  468. >The midday sun had begun to descend into evening, the bright yellow fading to a more subdued orange
  469. >Despite the lesser light it still glinted off the distant gold
  470. "Mother."
  471. >Her own window view showed her nothing but mountain wall, but hearing your voice pulled her away from whatever thoughts she had lost herself in as she came to stand beside you
  472. >"We expected them to welcome us, son." She says dismissively
  473. You hum in agreement, but keep your voice low. "Yes, but how many will meet us?"
  474. >"It doesn't matter." Pulling herself away from the window and back to her full height she briefly stretches her legs and neck. "It changes nothing."
  475. "Of course, mother." You briefly think on her words as you see the glint of gold slowly grow closer as the train finally begins to slow
  476. >Your four guards are stood at attention as you wait for the train to pull in to the station
  477. >Annoyingly, the steam from the train's chimney obscures how ever many guards are waiting to escort your group to the Castle, so you begin to make your way out of the train figuratively blind
  478. >Gossamer, Carapace, Beetle and Exo leave the train before you, standing at attention on the platform as they announce your arrival
  479. >It takes a few moments for the steam to fade, and your mother sees clearer through it quicker than you do, and the wicked grin that splits upward and across her jaw gives you pause
  480. >Stepping out of the train beside her you peer through the fading steam and your eyes widen at the sight
  481. >While it was unexpected that Celestia and Luna would meet you at the station, it wasn't out of the question
  482. >Seeing the unicorn responsible for your mother's defeat, Twilight Sparkle, along with her friends, was a far more unlikely outcome, and yet, there they were, all six of them switching between glaring at your mother, staring curiously at you, and then being unsure whether to glare at you or not
  483. >But what you and your mother had never expected to see, was Princess Cadance and Shining Armor coming to meet you as well
  484. >"Oh now this is truly a Royal Welcome." Your mother all but purrs out the words, revelling in the tension in the air that grows thicker and thicker with each second that ticks by
  485. >As you look out over the gathering that's been brought to greet you, you feel the smallest sensation of a pit forming in your stomach
  486. >All three of the princesses, the prince, the bearers of harmony and what seemed to be the entirety of Canterlot's guard emptied out of the city streets and castle to meet you, then, of course, there was the platoon of guards now flanking you from the train
  487. >You mentally crush the unease in you and present yourself in the way your mother had taught you to present yourself
  488. >Back straight, shoulders squared, head held high, legs close but not together, feet shoulder-width apart
  489. >You already towered over most ponies, the only exceptions being your mother and the Princess Celestia
  490. >Your eyes briefly meet the solar princess’ and her stare briefly holds your gaze
  491. >She's reading you, like she tried to when you met during your all too brief meeting to negotiate the terms of this visit
  492. >Her eyes flicker minutely, almost imperceptibly, tracing up and down your form for the slightest sign of weakness
  493. >Like when you met before, you give her no such satisfaction
  494. >She is the first to break the stare, as she casts her eyes over to your mother, though you can tell she won't receive the same courtesy
  495. >It wasn't often that you were able to get her to speak of her time in Canterlot before, but out of your peripheral vision, you see the tell-tale signs
  496. >Though her eyes were calm, you could see that her jaw was set, her fangs most likely grit in a barely suppressed snarl behind her lips, with the slightest twitch of her wings
  497. >She was staring at the one responsible for everything going wrong
  498. >The unicorn, Twilight Sparkle
  499. >You allow your gaze to sweep over the six mares and take in more of their features as you do
  500. >The mare in question seemed close to bursting into flames with the sheer vitriol behind her glare, to the point that she seemed to either have not noticed you, forgotten you, or simply chosen to have ignored you
  501. >You don't know which one you find more insulting
  502. >Her friends are a slightly different story
  503. >The cyan pegasus and orange earth pony alternate their glare between the six of you, though they focus on you more than the other changelings
  504. >The white unicorn seems mostly interested in your attire, without shifting your gaze, you trace a hand down your outfit
  505. >Easily played off as simply straightening it, but checking for stains from the food and drink you partook in
  506. >None, as far as you can tell
  507. >Then there's the pink one
  508. >She's been waving ecstatically at you ever since you stepped off the train
  509. >It's incredibly distracting
  510. >So you elect to ignore them, and turn your gaze to the next princess
  511. >Once banished, twice beaten by the elements, and flanked by thestrals
  512. >The diarch of the night, Princess Luna
  513. >You find it rather novel that she's eye-level with you
  514. >She doesn't seem to find it as interesting as you do, she simply hardens her glare at you
  515. >Can't be helped, you suppose, you would be angry as well if someone attacked your home and you slept through it
  516. >Her previous shortcomings aside, her glare gives you pause, while their was a warmth underlined with suspicion in Celestia's gaze, Luna's is different
  517. >Sharp and cold
  518. >There is no room for suspicion in her judgement of you
  519. >Either you are an enemy, or an ally
  520. >For a brief moment, you wonder if she'll lunge at you
  521. >But it never comes, she simply regards you harshly, ignoring your mother, curiously enough, you note
  522. >Again, you can't blame her, out of your group of six, you are the unknown
  523. >As your eyes lock, you keep your mind empty
  524. >You'd heard of her abilities from your mother
  525. >She'd almost had her dreams invaded by the mare while she was undercover
  526. >From what you'd been told, it had taken a fair bit of convincing to assuage the worries of the lunar princess and to keep her from entering her dreams "until after the wedding and the stress was over"
  527. >Without a doubt, you won't be given the same privacy
  528. >Though, if she can gauge what's in someone's mind, why not have some fun, and you let your mind wander to words your mother said days ago
  529. >About how she might be a suitable candidate for you
  530. >Your eyes break the stare, and you let yourself take her in, in more detail, trailing your eyes down her neck to her tail
  531. >She had an appearance that was certainly befitting of royalty
  532. >A flawless deep blue coat, her ethereal and star-dotted mane and tail almost hypnotic in how they swayed, the apparent softness of her body belied the lithe muscle beneath that occasionally flexed and shifted, and wings with feathers that had been honed and preened to a point
  533. >Her regalia matched her perfectly, almost melding with her
  534. >Though you found the colour of ponies to be a bit of an eyesore when compared to your home, even you had to admit, she was beautiful, easy to look at
  535. >As your eyes trail back up to her face, the glare from before had fallen away to curiosity, clearly taken aback by your wandering eyes and interest
  536. >You shoot her a small, victorious smirk at breaking her stone cold glare, and you see her brows furrow as you turn your eyes away to the last point of interest
  537. >Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and Prince Shining Armor
  538. >They take turns alternating between shooting glares filled to the brim with loathing at your mother, who continues to ignore them to continue her staring contest with Twilight Sparkle, to shooting less hate-filled, curious glares at you
  539. >Just as Shining Armor shifts his gaze to Chrysalis, so too, does Cadence change her gaze from your mother to you
  540. >She blinks and her eyes widen for a split second as she realises you've finished with the other ponies and have turned your attention to her
  541. >Her wings ruffle beside her, and her hooves shuffle slightly across the floor
  542. >It takes only an instant for your eyes to bounce over to Celestia and back to confirm it
  543. >The smallest alicorn is trying to emulate Celestia's demeanour
  544. >It would be intimidating if it wasn't so disgustingly adorable
  545. >She only came up to your shoulders because of her horn
  546. >After a moment, Shining's gaze turns to you again, and he realises that the two of you are locked together by the eyes
  547. >He tries to back up his wife by shooting a glare at you, but you hardly acknowledge the stallion
  548. >Though, of course, when this little charade is all done, and the tension is broken, you'll have to
  549. >If his title of Captain of the Guard didn't demand your respect, his title as Prince did
  550. >You owed him a cursory acknowledgement, at least
  551. >One prince to another
  552. >Then a thought suddenly hits you, he rules over a frozen, barren wasteland with his wife, you rule over a scorched, barren wasteland with your mother
  553. >The fact that the two of you have more in common than you initially thought is enough to draw the faintest of chuckles up from the depths of you
  554. >That alone is enough, finally, to shatter the silence that had hung heavy over you all
  555. >The couple take offence to it, and seem ready to finally speak, angrily, from what their glares are telling you
  556. >But it is Celestia who wrests control of the situation for herself as she addresses you and your mother
  557. >"Queen Chrysalis." She starts with a practised smile, though you can see the slightest strain at the edges of her lips before she turns to you and the smile seems to relax as she addresses you. "Prince Anonymous."
  558. >She dips her head in an ever so slight bow to the two of you, while Luna and Cadence do the same
  559. >The former, begrudgingly so, the latter, only after Celestia clears her throat
  560. >Then, it's your mother’s turn to speak, and she keeps it simple, but courteous. "Princesses." She doesn't even give the small bow that Celestia did, simply nodding once to the three
  561. >Then all eyes fall on you
  562. >Keeping yourself back, you place an arm softly over your chest and give the princesses a proper bow as you greet them
  563. "Your Majesties."
  564. >While Luna raises a brow at you, Cadence openly lets her bewilderment and surprise show
  565. >Celestia simply gives you an appreciative smile and a nod
  566. >Of thanks? Of approval? You're not quite sure
  567. >You return to your former posture, and allow your mother to step forward, now wasn't your time to speak beyond greetings
  568. >That came later
  569. >"We are, of course, honoured that you would welcome us back into your city, Celestia, and humbled by the swiftness of your forgiveness"
  570. >You do wish your mother had allowed you to do some of the speaking at least, you can't imagine how torturous it must be for her to spout such drivel
  571. >"'Tis always prudent to forgive thy enemies, yet to remember their names, Queen Chrysalis"
  572. >You already know your mother would wish to remind Luna that she was speaking with the other diarch, but she could not speak her mind so plainly anymore
  573. >Not now, not here
  574. >"Wise words indeed, Luna-"
  575. >"Princess Luna,” the moon diarch corrects your mother, though she holds herself to her own standard, “Queen Chrysalis"
  576. >The slightest fluttering of wings was all the reaction your mother gave to being corrected
  577. >"Come now, Luna, there's no need for formalities here. We gather here today as the first step towards a lasting peace for our ponies and her... ponies"
  578. "Drones"
  579. >You can not bite your tongue before the correction slips past your lips
  580. >"Of course. Her drones. And yours too, I presume, Prince Anonymous"
  581. >Quick to correct yourself, you keep quiet and simply nod to the princess
  582. >This seems to arouse the suspicion of Celestia, but Luna speaks first
  583. >"Tell me, Queen Chrysalis, does your..." her words trail off as she glances at you and, similarly to how you did before, her eyes drift across your form, taking in your features as she tries to find the words "...son, not speak?"
  584. >Your mother turns fully away from Celestia to Luna and dips her head slightly to be closer to eye-level with her
  585. >"Do you need to catch your breath, Princess Luna?"
  586. >"No?"
  587. >"Then do not insult my son by pausing in-between your words... your highness."
  588. >Stepping in with a wing, partly to shield her sister, partly to separate the two, Celestia steps back into Chrysalis' path
  589. >"I can assure you, my sister intended no offence to your son, Chrysalis"
  590. >"I'm also quite sure that she is old enough to have told me that herself, Celestia"
  591. >You feel the tension beginning to build again and decide to cut through it before it can become a problem
  592. "Mother." A word, just one word, but it's enough to draw her attention, and the look in your eyes is enough to tell her everything you're thinking, and she recomposes herself in an instant
  593. >"I... apologise. For any brashness. My son, as you can imagine, is rather dear to me." As she speaks, she moves away from the princesses, back to your side, and presents you, like a piece of finery.
  594. >The cyan pegasus speaks up, having flown above the rest to get a clearer view. "I thought you changelings weren't going to be disguised while you were in Canterlot?"
  595. >"Rainbow!" Twilight's chastising tone seems to confuse the pegasus as a lavender glow engulfs her tail and gently pulls her down
  596. >Celestia turns to the six ponies and indicates to you with a wing "This is the Prince that I met in the far-south of Equestria that I spoke to you girls of. Chrysalis has elected to reveal little to me, other than he is alien to our world. But she assures me that this is his true form"
  597. >"I suppose it would be difficult for a changeling to take the form of anything that wasn't native to this world" Twilight deduces
  598. >"So that's an ACTUAL alien!?"
  599. >"Apparently so, Rainbow"
  600. >"Twilight, this is kind of cool"
  601. >"I know right? Imagine all the parties we can throw after this? Do you think he knows alien party games?"
  602. >"No asking the alie- I mean, the prince, about party games, Pinkie"
  603. >As the group devolves into the various different topics that your mere existence apparently brings up, you finally spot the last of the bearers, who had hidden herself behind the other five
  604. >She looks at you, eyes hidden behind her mane covering her face, with idle curiosity mixed with fear
  605. >Hoofsteps break your concentration and pulls your attention to the prince and princess
  606. >Chrysalis seems all too pleased to address them, as Celestia seems distracted talking with the other six, while Luna seems content to simply watch everything unfold, like a silent sentry
  607. >"I must say, Chrysalis, I'm impressed."
  608. >"By what, Cadence?"
  609. >"You should refer to me as Princess"
  610. >"And you should refer to me as Queen." Your mother shifts herself forward the smallest bit, to loom over the Princess of Love. "Did Celestia not teach you manners, or did you simply refrain from learning them?" Before Cadence can respond, your mother tuts, as if disappointed before patting you on the shoulder. "My son, meanwhile, has been a paragon of etiquette. Just as I raised him."
  611. >You can imagine what the pink princess was most likely going to say, some comment about how she was surprised your mother hasn't been sick yet
  612. >Because you were wondering how she's holding her stomach after apologising of all things
  613. >"He’s only been polite in what he's said so far, Chrysalis," the prince says, interrupting the conversation, "which has been next to nothing."
  614. >Briefly, your mother and you share a glance, and she nods towards the white stallion and you give her a nod in return as you approach him
  615. >He briefly steps back before craning his neck back to meet your gaze
  616. Your hand moves up from your side as you offer it to him. "Prince Anonymous, of the Changeling Hive."
  617. >He's silent for a moment, as if processing your words before realising you're fully introducing yourself, seemingly forgetting that, despite what you already knew of each other, you through Chrysalis, and him through Celestia, you'd never actually met until today
  618. >He plants his hoof in your hand and you give each other a firm shake. "Prince Shining Armor. Of the Crystal Empire." As you separate you feel the strength of his muscles briefly
  619. "Empire." You allow the word to hang in the air briefly. "Wouldn't that make the two of you an Empress and an Emperor?"
  620. >"It's merely a holdover. The area is millennia old, though recently emerged." All things you and your mother already knew, word travelled even as far as the southern town that bordered your territory. "Declared an Empire by the pony Sombra, who strangely enough, did not declare himself Emperor."
  621. "Sombra... Sombra..." The name makes the knowledge in the back of your mind from your studies rattle. "Mad sorcerer, correct? Well versed in dark magic as I recall."
  622. >"That's... correct. How did yo-"
  623. "We Changelings are not as uneducated as you may have led yourselves to believe"
  624. >"Wait, 'we changelings'?"
  625. >The implication of Shining Armor's question is not lost on you, and while not technically incorrect, it is a slight and an insult against you and your subjects
  626. >Your mother seems most insulted by this as you can feel the air around you shift slightly
  627. >Though your mother’s demeanour never shifts from the calm she’s shown since stepping off the train, you suddenly feel the need to put some distance between yourself and Shining Armor
  628. >Her jaw clicks lightly as she chuckles as the very edges of her horn buzz with emerald magic and she pulls you back to her
  629. >”Of course. He is Prince and Heir to my Throne. The pride and joy of my Hive. Perhaps you ponies might struggle to understand such things.”
  630. >Her words are intended to both warn and get under the skin of the stallion, and you can tell its working
  631. >"Shining..." Before the stallion can respond, Cadence clearly catches the shift in mood, and bumps her husband gently
  632. >"I'm just wondering-"
  633. >"You can ask him later, Shiny."
  634. "Yes, ask me later. Prince." The tone you speak the word 'Prince' with is not lost on Shining Armor, and your glares briefly clash
  635. >"Now that we're all acquainted," Princess Celestia begins, drawing your attention, "I believe that this meeting calls for more pleasant accommodations than a train station. If everypony will draw near, the sixteen of us can be moved to the Castle."
  636. >The other princesses and her student are quick to offer their aid in casting the spell, though they are brought to pause as your mother steps forward
  637. >"I would be happy to lend my magical assistance to lighten the burden of this spell, Celestia. After all, I do have an intimate knowledge of the layout of your fine castle"
  638. >Your mother grins as Twilight and Cadence's expressions immediately sour at the idea, but Celestia simply raises a hoof to stop them
  639. >"That would be most appreciated, Chrysalis. I believe the throne room would be the best choice of location. From there, the servants can take you and your family to the guest suites while dinner is prepared."
  640. >"Excellent." While your mother can’t consume the looks on Cadence and Twilight's faces at the prospect of entangling their magic with hers, she does an excellent job of drinking them in anyway
  641. >Magics of gold, blue and green flash to life and mix, the three magics hold for a moment before a pink and purple glow begrudgingly mix in and the world melts around you for an instant, the world stretching and thinning before snapping back into focus as you warp through space
  642. >The cold air is replaced by the pleasant warmth of a regal interior as you take in the throne room
  643. >Marble pillars, velvet carpets that seem to stretch on forever down the halls, intricately crafted stain-glass windows and banners emblazoned with gold and silver
  644. >It's as grand and ostentatious as your mother described it to you
  645. "You have a lovely home, your highness. Your eye for finery is immaculate." Your compliments bring a small chuckle to the sun diarch
  646. >"Thank you, Prince Anonymous. Though you may feel free to simply refer to me as Celestia, or Princess, if you insist on being formal. And in truth, most of these halls were decorated by the talented ponies I've had the honour of having in my employ. Perhaps when this is over, I could come visit your Hive."
  647. "Perhaps, Princess."
  648. >Celestia's horn briefly glows before the doors open, and a small number of servant ponies and guards enter the room
  649. >"Please, allow my little ponies to escort you to where you will be staying. I have prepared six rooms for you all that you might enjoy some privacy and-"
  650. >"Two rooms will do just fine, Celestia." Your mother interrupts
  651. >"Well, the suites aren't necessarily suited to hold more than two poni-"
  652. >"We will manage. Your offer is appreciated, Princess. But we Changelings are a social species. We thrive together, even at rest."
  653. >"Of course, Chrysalis, arrangements will be made by the end of the day."
  654. >For the second time, your mother gives the solar princess a nod before turning away from the group, with you quickly following behind, your guards just as quick to flank you
  655. >The guard ponies eye you all nervously before hurriedly making their way out of the throne room and through the castle
  656. >You're led to an unassuming hallway, each wall lined with three doors
  657. >The guard gives you all a salute, one you can tell she did on instinct, but regrets having to give to you at all, before she departs from your company
  658. >With another glance, you take note that each door is separated by a great distance, and you wonder how big the rooms are briefly before you are forcibly shoved into one by your mother before she kicks the door shut behind her
  659. >Your guards, presumably taking the one across the hall from you
  660. >A shiver runs across the length of your mother's body as she lets out a scoff of disgust and the smarm and confidence that had dominated her face before devolves into a snarl
  661. >You feel a wave of nausea all your own wash over you as you rub your eyes, wincing at how overly colourful and bright everything is, a far cry from what you're used to back home
  662. "That was thoroughly unpleasant"
  663. >"For more than one reason" The disdain in your mother's voice is the only warning you get before her hoof connects to your cheek
  664. >It wasn't the hardest you'd been hit, you hadn't been launched off your feet after all, nonetheless, it was always jarring
  665. >You glance at your mother, and the sneer she gives in return forces your eyes to the floor
  666. >"You bowed too low to those princesses." Your gaze is pulled up and away from the floor to meet hers as she rests her hoof under your chin and pulls you up. "Do not think this peace so important that you need to embarrass us like that again."
  667. >Her hoof moves up from your chin to where she'd struck you, and she rubs the area soothingly
  668. >You place your hand over her hoof and a small plume of pink rolls off you and onto her
  669. "Of course not, mom."
  670. >"Good boy." She says briefly ruffling your hair
  671. >For however brief the time you spent with those ponies was, it was far too long, as you pull away from your mother, you briefly wonder if there is a bathroom connected to the room for you to wash the feeling off yourself
  672. >You see and quickly approach a door and just as you reach for the handle, a sickly green glow pulls your hand back and pushes the door open
  673. >"Dibs" is the only thing you hear as your mother walks past you and shuts the door behind her
  674.  
  675.  
  676. >>41566529
  677. >"I can't believe that we're actually letting that filthy creature be in the same building as us! Let alone four of her... drones- or whatever they are- not to mention that freak she calls a son!"
  678. >Cadence's words are coupled with the sharp back and forth of her shoes hitting the tiled floor as she paces back and forth
  679. >You loved your niece dearly, and you fully understand her anger, but you do wish she'd at least not judge someone she didn't even know so harshly
  680. >"Honey, I know this isn't great but-
  681. >"But what Shining!? I know you're trying to help, but right now, the only thing that'd help is getting to blast her back to where she came from."
  682. >"I'm with Cadence. Nothing good can come from this so-called peace talk with Chrysalis, she's planning something, again. I suggest we abandon all pretence and send her back to her hive. If not that, we should investigate, find proof, and then send her away. Though I'm still not sure why you let her come back here in the first place, Princess."
  683. >Twilight Sparkle, whom you had hoped to be the voice of reason, if not pragmatism in this situation, also seems to have judged the situation before even a day has passed
  684. >"Sister? You are... unusually quiet"
  685. >You allow yourself a fond smile at Luna, her concern warms you better than your sun ever did during the millennia you were without her
  686. >You are Celestia
  687. >But right now you wish you weren't
  688. >You'd been sat in front of the vanity in your room, watching your family through its reflections, occasionally bringing your eyes back to yourself to smooth out a bit of fur, or tuck away a stray strand of mane
  689. >The tension had been strained from the moment Chrysalis had stepped off the train, and surprisingly, had gotten even worse when her son had followed
  690. >You'd described the... whatever his species was, to everypony when you'd first returned from your initial meeting with Chrysalis and her son
  691. >Clearly nothing you could have done would have prepared them for the reality of coming face to face with an alien species
  692. >One that was not only allied, but raised by such a loathed enemy
  693. >Admittedly, you had initially dismissed Chrysalis' letters out of hoof
  694. >But as they continued to come to you, for months, each one different from the last, but retaining an intention for peace, you couldn't help but respond
  695. >Then, when Chrysalis eventually mentioned a son, your curiosity peaked
  696. >A pride and ego like hers was hard to come by, thankfully, so your brain began to race with thoughts
  697. >Why wasn't this son of hers at the invasion?
  698. >What was he like?
  699. >Why is she revealing him now?
  700. >You knew that going to visit her in the far-south was a risk, but it was one your nagging mind insisted you take
  701. >In truth, the meeting was disappointing
  702. >You'd spent the entire time talking to Chrysalis, exchanging witty, subtle barbs disguised as compliments, discussing plans
  703. >All very boring
  704. >The draw of your attention remained silent for nearly the entirety of the meeting
  705. >Prince Anonymous had merely stood behind his mother, trying and, from your own guards constant tension, succeeding at being an intimidating presence
  706. >While you couldn't deny he was imposing, it was so very rare to find anything outside of older dragons that were nearly as tall as you, you could tell there was more to him
  707. >Chrysalis had done an excellent job in teaching him, he hid his emotions well, but you could see the occasional tell in his body language
  708. >There were times he wanted to interject into your conversation, but discipline held him back
  709. >Even your attempts to subtly pull him into the conversation, to have a more active role, went unheeded
  710. >If anything, he seemed to retreat into himself
  711. >Your curiosity hadn't been sated from that meeting
  712. >If anything, it had only heightened it
  713. >You weren't willing to risk your little ponies
  714. >But if letting a hooful of changelings back into Canterlot meant you could speak with the Prince again, well, you hoped you were ready to face the consequences
  715. >"Princess?"
  716. >Your attention snaps to Twilight, her head tilted slightly at you
  717. >Did she ask you something?
  718. >Did you zone out?
  719. >"Auntie?"
  720. >Now Cadence is looking at you, you definitely zoned out, her ranting seems to have been long done, as was her pacing
  721. >Your eyes focus on her as you tiredly rub a hoof over your face
  722. "I do wish you'd refrain from insulting my guests, Cadence. Even if they are Chrysalis and her drones."
  723. >She rubs one foreleg over the other as her head turns downward slightly "Sorry, auntie"
  724. >Oh, now she thinks you're mad at her, or at least disappointed
  725. >You should talk with her later
  726. >This situation is probably the worst on her
  727. >Maybe you could take her to that café she always liked
  728. >It had been a while since it was just the two of you
  729. >She probably needed it
  730. >Dealing with Sombra almost immediately after Chrysalis couldn't have been good for her
  731. >With the smallest flicker of your magic, your regalia and tiara find their way back on you as you stand
  732. "I understand it must hurt to be near Chrysalis again, Cadence. But you don't need to be here." As you turn to her, you see her open her mouth to protest, and silently ask her to let you finish by gently bringing a hoof up to her chin in a feather-light touch. "I couldn't be happier to have you in Canterlot. But I knew this situation would be... tense, to say the least. I was more than happy to send you daily updates so you wouldn't have to leave the Crystal Empire. You have your own subjects to look after now, they need you to protect them."
  733. >"But who will protect you?"
  734. >Her words bring a smile to your face
  735. >How an old fool like you ever raised such a fine princess, you'll never know
  736. >She brings a hoof up to wrap around your leg, and you use it to pull her into a hug
  737. "I still have Luna, and we can't forget Twilight"
  738. >A small, embarrassed scowl crosses Luna's face at your words
  739. >It's that look
  740. >The one she's had ever since she learned she slept through the invasion
  741. >Opening a wing, you pull your sister into the hug, and Twilight and Shining Armor quickly joins in
  742. >"Hey, don't forget me"
  743. >You can't stop the small laughter that the sensation of such love brings you, and it seems contagious, as small chuckles, or amused huffs through the nose in Luna's case, spreads through the five of you
  744. >While you want nothing more than to remain in the hug for days on end, you eventually pull away
  745. "I know that these next few days are going to be difficult. I also know that it's entirely possible that this peace is false, and will collapse. But I have to hope, in my heart of hearts, that somewhere, somehow, there's some part of Chrysalis that will see the merit of a real peace. I'm not asking any of you to trust her, just..."
  746. >"Give her the benefit of the doubt?"
  747. >You smile down at Twilight and give her a small, appreciative nuzzle
  748. >When words fail you, her keen mind would always know what you wanted to say
  749. "Precisely, Twilight. I won't let Chrysalis catch us off guard again. While I will allow her and her drones the proper courtesy of at least some privacy, she will be monitored heavily."
  750. >"Meanwhile, I shall observe them whilst they sleep, discreetly, of course. Though I do regret it may leave some nightmares untended too, it is necessary, for now."
  751. >"I've taken preparations too. The Elements of Harmony are just a spell away."
  752. >"And I've got my magic ready to go. Even if a swarm twice as large as the one Chrysalis had before arrived, I can keep them out."
  753. >"We won't let you down, auntie."
  754. >While the responses weren't as geared towards peace as you'd like, they still made you glad to hear them
  755. >Twilight, Cadence and Shining Armor make some brief goodbyes as they go to prepare for dinner, leaving you alone with Luna
  756. >It was a rare treat to have her with you at this time, with how your duties all too often separated you
  757. >As the door to your room clicks shut behind the three, she gets straight into the heart of the matter, without missing a beat
  758. >"The alien fascinates you."
  759. >She always could read you like a book
  760. >It was both infinitely comforting, and infinitely annoying
  761. "Yes, the Prince does." You correct
  762. >She rolls her eyes playfully at you
  763. "He doesn't interest you?"
  764. >"I'm more wondering what he and Chrysalis are planning." You nod along to your sister, slightly agreeing. "He most certainly interests young Twilight Sparkle though, doesn't he?"
  765. "Oh, I'm certain she's tearing her mane out trying to figure out how to both keep an eye on Chrysalis and bombard him with the several dozen questions she's already thought up."
  766. >"We may find out sooner rather than later, we imagine dinner will be ready soon. We shall prepare to raise the moon."
  767. "Actually," you halt Luna as a thought crosses your mind, "if he's spent his life in Chrysalis' hive, do you think this Anonymous has ever seen the sun and moon change? Up close?"
  768. >"You want to give our visiting dignitaries a show?" Luna seems equal parts bemused and surprised by the idea
  769. "Well, why not?"
  770. >Your sister considers your words for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh
  771. >She gives no answer, her horn simply flares to life, and she teleports away with a rush of magic, leaving a small trail of deep blue arcane energy in her wake
  772. >She'd wait
  773. >You give yourself one more onceover in the mirror before you depart
  774. >It was always a good idea to make good impressions
  775. >Even with guests you were uncertain of
  776. <>
  777. "But you don't even eat food, mom"
  778. >"Just because I choose not to eat common food, does not mean I am incapable of partaking, son"
  779. "So I eat common food?"
  780. >"Oh please, it's not common food when royalty eats it"
  781. "But it is common food when royalty chooses not to eat it?"
  782. >"Exactly. See, I knew you'd get there in the end."
  783. >You only give a half-hearted attempt to bat away the hoof she used to ruffle your hair
  784. >Luckily it's easy enough to fix back to where it was
  785. >You never would have guessed that Beetle had a knack for styling-hair as well as cracking manticore knees
  786. >Again your eyes are drawn to your clothes
  787. >Turning back and forth, there's nothing as far as you can see that's wrong with them, but still that white unicorn's gaze is on your mind
  788. >"What's wrong?"
  789. >Oh, that tone
  790. >You hate that tone
  791. >With a sigh, you know it's better to just grit your teeth and bare it
  792. "My clothes," you start, "that white unicorn- what did you say her name was?"
  793. >"...Chariot?"
  794. >Her tone was both a statement and a question, meaning she had no real idea, and it would be a bad idea to press her
  795. "Well, she was... she was looking at my suit-"
  796. >"Admiration, no doubt."
  797. >And there it is
  798. >With that, your conversation was sunk
  799. >A grunt escapes you as you move over to your pack and flip it open
  800. >Briefly you go through your various other options
  801. >Unfortunately, this is the best you had
  802. >All the rest have stains you'd prefer not to explain to the ponies, or holes that you can't explain
  803. >From what you remember from your mother's stories, that unicorn made dresses for her
  804. >Dresses she despised, but dresses nonetheless
  805. >If that unicorn knew fashion, and she didn't approve of what you wore, would any mare?
  806. >Isn't that the whole point of this? To appeal to some vanity-laden court mare?
  807. >Your hand drags down your face as you try to collect your thoughts
  808. >It's only the first night and it seems like you've already got something to worry about
  809. >You wince slightly as your hand goes over the cheek your mother struck
  810. >Through years of trial and error she'd learned a long time ago exactly how much punishment you could take
  811. >There was no swelling, no bruising, just a dull ache
  812. >A far cry from when she'd first hit you
  813. >What you wouldn't give to have some protective chitin like your siblings
  814. >Three resounding knocks puts you and your mother on guard immediately
  815. >Her, with back arched, wings flared and fangs bared, you, with your hand over one of the various toxins your brought
  816. >"Queen Chrysalis, Prince Anonymous, dinner is ready to be served, and your presence is requested in the Dining Hall."
  817. >The guard gave neither of you any time to respond as you quickly caught the sound of hoofsteps marching back down the hallway
  818. >Your mother lets out a scoff as she combs a hoof through her mane
  819. >"Who do these princesses think they are? A Queen does not get summoned."
  820. >Her frustration at the reminder for food is heightened as her mane refuses to stick, any attempts she makes to control a stray strand failing
  821. >Before she smashes the mirror in frustration, you step in behind her
  822. >It always amused you when she was sat, and you stood, your differences in height changing
  823. >A small smile creeps up the edges of her lips as your fingers gently align the stray hairs with the rest of her mane and tuck it behind her ear
  824. >Something just as easily done with her magic, but she seems to prefer when you do it for her
  825. >With a more pleased hum, she rises to her hooves and you two make your way to the door
  826. Taking the handle in your grip, you simply lean to her and whisper "Showtime" as you pull the door open and step outside
  827. >Gossamer, Carapace, Beetle and Exo are quick to fall in line behind you two as you make your way through the winding castle hallways
  828. >It was easy enough to navigate, none of the intended confusion of your Hive
  829. >Within a minute your mother is engulfing the double doors in her magic and pushing them open, the creaks and groans acting like a grand announcement of your arrival
  830. >Fashionably late of course, as you just catch sight of the last pony seating themselves as you enter, and draw all attention to you
  831. >The seating arrangement is about what you expected
  832. >Neither of the far ends of the table have chairs set at them, nopony to sit at the Head or Foot of the arrangement
  833. >Instead, the ponies, with ten seats, are seated at one side, while the other, only has two
  834. >Celestia and Luna are sat across from the two chairs that have been set out for you and your mother
  835. >Cadence and Shining Armor are to the right of Luna, and Twilight and her friends are to the left of Celestia
  836. >Your guards need no guidance, immediately bringing their wings to life with a buzz as they fly to stand guard at the pillars behind your chairs
  837. >You and your mother briefly share a glance, and no words are needed when her eyes tell all
  838. >How exactly can you make this dinner as uncomfortable as possible?
  839. >With a practised stride, you both walk over to the chairs, and quickly lift them
  840. >Your mother, taking her in her magic, you, hefting yours over your shoulder
  841. >What were these chairs made of, metal and solid rock?
  842. >As Chrysalis move over to the left, you go right
  843. >You easily see the table tense as you so nonchalantly disregard the princesses intended seating arrangement
  844. >But you were guests, so there wasn't much they could do if you wanted to sit somewhere else, other than leave
  845. >With an echoing thud, you and your mother let your chairs drop as she sits herself across from Cadence, while you sit yourself across from Twilight
  846. >The purple unicorn does nothing to hide the glare and flare of her nostrils at you
  847. >It was a good thing she wasn't nobility, she'd be terrible at court politics with a lack of emotional control like that
  848. >The tension slowly begins to build again, so, before it can cause any problems, you decide to break it and the silence as you give Twilight a toothy-grin
  849. "Hi."
  850. >The simple greeting seems to catch her completely off-guard as she awkwardly attempts to return the greeting, her friends all giving varying greetings of their own, from outright growls and glares, to a meek whimper, to a cordial introduction, to a blast of confetti that nearly throws you back
  851. >"HI!" As the pink pony disappears and reappears quicker than you've seen your mother teleport, she causes your chair to rock back
  852. >She's quickly seized in a purple haze and put back in her seat as you push your weight forward, and your chair lands again with a thud
  853. >"Pinkie! What did we talk about literally just before they got here?"
  854. >"I dunno, I was busy colouring on the kids menu"
  855. >Your ears briefly catch Luna whispering to Celestia, "Sister, the Castle does not stock 'kids menus' do they?"
  856. >As you leave Twilight to get into a back and forth with her friends, you keep your focus on her as you speak
  857. "So, Princess Celestia," your eyes briefly flick to the sun princess to keep her attention, "this is a lovely dining hall you have. Is this real silk?" You spread your hands over the cloth laid over the table, noting the simultaneous softness and strength of the material
  858. >"Why yes, actually. It's over two hundred years old, it was crafted by an old friend by the name of-"
  859. >As Celestia gets lost in retelling of some long dead pony that time had long since forgotten, the idle chatter seems to be a cue for the dinner to be served
  860. >A simple salad for all as a starter, to be expected
  861. >Less expected was the show of wines you were given
  862. >Lazily pointing to what you're sure is a storied vintage, the drinks are poured and ponies begin cautiously picking at the food
  863. >"-but I'm sure you didn't come all this way to hear me regale you with some old tales of days gone by. Please, you're my guest, I would love to learn more about you. Our previous meeting was cut tragically short before I could learn much of anything about you."
  864. >"For example, what are you?" Twilight interrupts, pulling your still smiling face to her
  865. >She clearly doesn't like the fact you're smiling, if her glare is anything to go off of
  866. "I'm a Changeling, Twilight Sparkle. Much like how you are a pony."
  867. >"Yes, but as well as being a pony, I'm a unicorn. So, just as you... are a changeling, what are you?"
  868. >You briefly scratch your chin in thought, and your small smile turns into a smirk
  869. >Your mother was right, she was clever
  870. >One good turn deserves another, her wordplay was good enough that she deserved a real answer
  871. >Precious as it was, with how few true answers she'd ever get from you
  872. "I'm-"
  873. >The sound of metal ringing out pulls your attention to the far end of the table
  874. >There your mother sat, a mouth daintily filled with salad, while across from her, the picture of composure and grace, Cadence smiled back at her, with a knife slammed into the table beside her plate
  875. >You quickly reach for your wine and sip at it to hide your laughter
  876. >Tonight was truly promising to be something to remember
  877. <>
  878. >You didn't think it was possible, but these ponies have actually found a way to make this food even worse than it was last time
  879. >Still, you simply grin and bare it
  880. >After all, while the food was foul, the looks on Cadence and Shining Armor's faces were to die for
  881. >You'd half expected them to simply get up and leave in a sign of protest at your being here at all
  882. >But here they are
  883. >Sitting across from you, forced to make polite dinner conversation
  884. >Well, as polite as can be when there's a knife in the table
  885. >You had intended to sit across from Celestia after these two left, but you're so glad they've decided to stay
  886. >While the food was awful, the good company, and good wine made it worth it
  887. "So... how is the Crystal Empire treating you two?"
  888. >Snagging briefly on the wood, Cadence wrenches her knife out of the table and begins cutting through her salad with all the practised manner of a Castle raised noble
  889. >Honestly, she surprised you, you can't imagine how difficult it must be for her
  890. >You could taste the sheer volume of seething hatred whirling around in her, yet she hid it all behind the mask of genteel courtesy
  891. >"It's just fine, now that the Crystal Heart has been returned to where it belongs"
  892. >You wrack your brain for references to the Crystal Heart
  893. >The far-north of Equestria was admittedly somewhat of a blind-spot for you
  894. >Then something clicked, an old legend your own mother had shared with you ages ago
  895. "Ah, yes, the Crystal Heart..." your words seem to pull their suspicion, clearly not expecting you to be in the know, "my mother once heard legends about it. Such a fascinating little artefact. When this peace settles between us, I'd be honoured if you'd allow me to visit your Empire to see it."
  896. >You drink down the bile your words bring up your throat with another polite sip of wine
  897. >"I'm sure you would, Chrysalis." Shining Armor says with a scoff. "But we're not exactly eager to bring you to a buffet any time soon."
  898. His words bring you pause. "Oh do you not-?"
  899. >Of course they don't
  900. "You don't know, do you?" Your smirk shows the faintest hint of ivory white fang behind your black chitin, and the two look genuinely nervous now
  901. >"Know what?" Cadence asks, almost demanding
  902. >Oh this was too good an opportunity to pass up
  903. "Exo, Beetle, Gossamer, Carapace, to me."
  904. >The drones are beside you within a second, their heads bowed low to listen to your every word
  905. "Have you eaten today since breakfast?"
  906. >"No, my Queen." Gossamer responds. "We intended to wait until-"
  907. "Nonsense, I won't have my guards starving."
  908. >Turning your head, you see your son engaged in conversation with that purple menace, the annoyance on her face brings you almost as much joy as Cadence's annoyance did
  909. "Anonymous!" You call across the table, and your son's attention lands squarely on you. "Your siblings are hungry. Be a dear?"
  910. >He playfully rolls his eyes, but beckons the four over to him
  911. >As the drones surround the Prince, you see the whole of the room turn their attention to the scene and wait with baited breath
  912. >Meanwhile you finish off your glass of wine and begin another, looking forward to the show
  913. >The four guards initially stand stock stiff, and a pace away from your son, but he slowly pulls Gossamer closer, a hand on her cheek, and beckons the other three closer
  914. >He rubs up and down her chitin before pressing his head against hers and pulling the rest into a hug
  915. >Then, it happens
  916. >A plume of pink energy blossoms off of him and swirls around the four, being drawn into the drones
  917. >Cadence almost lunges out of her chair, held back by Shining Armor, whose horn has flared to life, ready to shield any of the ponies who might need it
  918. >The guards have their weapons half-way ready to be used
  919. >Luna and Celestia are dumbstruck, watching the scene with a mix of shock and curiosity
  920. >Finally, the six mares at the other end of the table are all slack-jawed and wide-eyed
  921. >Eventually the plume dies down and Anonymous pushes the drones away, dusting off his clothes and returning to his meal as though nothing happened
  922. >While he savours the food, you savour the looks on everypony's face, it was everything you'd hoped for and more
  923. >While you perhaps might have wanted to keep that under wraps for longer, it was inevitable that one of them would have found out eventually
  924. >Either by some random pony catching Anonymous feeding his guards, or by him simply informing the ponies of his duties as the Prince
  925. >This was much better
  926. >The shock made the air electric, and almost added a spice to every bite of the meal you returned to
  927. >Turning your attention fully back to Cadence, it takes her a few moments to realise you're looking at her
  928. "That is why I have no need of your... buffet. My son's love is just as sweet, if not more. Plentiful, easy-access, and never-ending." The crunch of the salad seems to echo through the room. "Can you imagine it, Cadence? Endless love... for me, and all my family."
  929. >Your dozen words spoke a hundred more, but her silence spoke a thousand
  930. >Her mouth twitches, the calm control she'd pretended to have shattered at the revelation that you didn't need to slink in the shadows anymore
  931. >The realisation that she didn't need to worry about her or anyone in this room being drained of love
  932. >The horror that you had everything you needed in the son you'd brought with you
  933. >Quickly realising that her so-called "niece" is panicking, Celestia tries to pull your attention away
  934. >"I must say, this comes as a surprise, Chrysalis"
  935. >You're half-tempted to keep your eyes on the pink princess
  936. >Every fibre of your being wants to see how long it takes for your mere gaze on her to compound everything else and make her break
  937. >But, you need to keep up the guise of peace, so you turn your head towards Celestia, and pretend not to notice the shaking breaths that come from Cadence when your attention is no longer on her
  938. "Whatever do you mean, Celestia?"
  939. >She does a good job of hiding her annoyance at your faux-ignorance
  940. >"Your son. His... differences aside, this development regarding his love is rather unexpected."
  941. "We are his family. Is it any wonder he would love us?"
  942. >"Of course we would never assume he did not care for you, Queen Chrysalis." Luna begins. "But there is somewhat of a precedent set by you on what your species' draining of love does to the target."
  943. "A unique trait of his biology. No magic. It allows the love to flow more freely."
  944. >"Interesting." Celestia's eyes narrow in a look full of curiosity. "Your species and their abilities are fascinating, Chrysalis, I would love to be able to learn more about you and your drones."
  945. >"Mother?"
  946. "And I would be delighted to educate you on such things, Celestia, you won't find a more learned being on the subject than I."
  947. >"Mother!?"
  948. "Of course, I too feel woefully uneducated about your own species. Your pony infrastructure is rather fascinating to me, and I'd love to learn it's ins and ou-"
  949. >"Mom!"
  950. >Your mandible clicks shut as you grit your fangs and glance over at your son
  951. >You really didn't like hitting him
  952. >You especially hated hitting him twice in one day
  953. >He had such a good face, and he'd need it to charm whatever hapless mare was needed
  954. >But sometimes he was simply asking for it
  955. >Bowing so low to the princesses he may as well have been grovelling, and now referring to you so casually in front of others
  956. >But you needed to wait
  957. >These ponies no longer saw the virtue of more archaic disciplines
  958. >When you all retired to your chambers
  959. >That way, he could sleep off whatever damage you did
  960. You blink away the thought and tuck it into the back of your mind as you turn to him. "Apologies, Anonymous, I was distracted by my delightful conversation with Celestia. Did you need something?"
  961. <>
  962. "How old was I when you found me? Six? Seven?"
  963. >"Five. As I recall. You certainly acted like a five year old."
  964. >You are Anonymous
  965. >And you are so screwed
  966. >With a slip-up of that magnitude, you wonder if you’ve had too much wine
  967. >A part of you hopes your mother's had too much as well
  968. >If she has, she'd simply pass out when she got to her room and forget your transgression
  969. >Then again, if she only had enough to get drunk and not pass-out, that would be worse
  970. >She lost her self-control when she was drunk
  971.  
  972. >Your thoughts do nothing to shift your face as you turn back to Twilight
  973. "There you have it, Miss Sparkle. I've been here since I was five. Five years as a human, and many, many more as a Changeling, are you really so surprised I'd remember so little about my own species?"
  974. >"I... suppose that when you put it like that, it's not so surprising."
  975. >Twilight's endless questions seem to have finally slowed with the constantly worried looks she was shooting at Princess Cadence
  976. >You knew that the reveal of your bottomless reserves of love would shock these ponies, but you honestly expected better from the alicorn
  977. >Slowly, the starters are finished, the pink pony having gone through five helpings, and the plates are replaced with the main courses
  978. >Various sandwiches, apple-based meals and an entire cake are brought in
  979. >A simple pasta dish is put in front of you, and while you can tell the chefs have done an excellent job from the smell alone, you do silently wish there was some meat to go with it
  980. >It does pair excellently with the wine you chose though, you note, and wonder if that was intentional
  981. >Seemingly noticing your slight disappointment, Celestia speaks. "I do hope you'll forgive the lack of meat, Prince Anonymous. While we were happy to provide some on the train, some of my ponies are... less suitable to handle an omnivore's diet."
  982. >Your eyes briefly drift over the ponies, while most simply stare back at you, any previous glares faded to curious stares, tinged with an annoyance at not being able to fully figure you out
  983. >You can't imagine any of them having the stomach to watch you eat meat, so you simply let the matter be and begin your meal
  984. >"So, Anonymous, right?" A scratchy voice pulls your attention.
  985. >"Rainbow. Manners?"
  986. >"What? You really think he cares?"
  987. >You sit back a little, only slightly surprised by the prismatic mare
  988. >Her reputation truly did proceed her
  989. >She was as flippant as your mother had described
  990. >Your eyes briefly glance back at Carapace, from what you recall, she'd briefly brawled, and lost, with the cyan pegasus during the invasion
  991. "Yes, Rainbow Dash?" You address the pony and she smiles at Twilight, silently using your casual tone to dismiss Twilight's worries
  992. >"So, you're not a changeling- well, you are- but you're not. You can't change, right?"
  993. "No. No, I do not share the same abilities as my mother and siblings."
  994. >"And you've been Chrysalis'... um- kid, for years?"
  995. "Yes?"
  996. >"So you also knew about the invasion?"
  997. >You notice the rest of the table has gone silent, and can feel your mother's gaze on you the most
  998. "...I did. Why?"
  999. >"Well, I'm just wondering. Nopony saw you, or anything like you at the invasion. So where were you?"
  1000. >You take your time chewing through your mouthful of pasta as you slowly look at the ponies around the table, with your eyes finally landing on your mother
  1001. >She had warned you before of what kind of things these ponies would want to talk about
  1002. >This was one of them
  1003. >As you wash the food down, only one thought comes to mind
  1004. >You were gonna need more wine

The First Day

by Sunn

Last Immortals

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Breaker of Day

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The Eris Plan

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A Lifetime of Dreams

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