Canterlot was dark and silent. Shadows jumped from building to building, waiting for the night's activities. Nightshade, Tree Tops, Bruiser, and Reddling had all slept through the day, making sure they were well rested for what was about to happen. The hope was that everypony would be in minimal danger.

After having set the sun, Celestia should retire to her quarters-- the tower that had not had it's roof blown off. Reddling planned to sneak his group in through one of the palace's service entrances and position them on the roofs around Celestia's room. Reddling, meanwhile, would move through the hallways and approach the room. If they were lucky, they would find Chrysalis there, keeping up appearances for her subjects just as Mantidae had done before her. If they were unlucky, then Reddling would exit out of a window and resume scouring the castle with his friends.

A second issue had arisen as they had begun setting up their plan-- the issue of locating Princess Pupae. If she was not eliminated, then this would all be for nothing. She could bide her time and launch an attack from the shadows at her own whim. Additionally, they did not know where Celestia was being kept-- obviously, she couldn't be housed somewhere out in the open-- so they would need to confront Chrysalis and hopefully gain this information from her before killing her.

If they failed, there was no telling when or if they would ever find Princess Celestia, or if they had any chance of locating Princess Pupae before she rebuilt an army.

Shades were pulled across the front of the store. Reddling had located three large duffel bags in the store and helped his friends pack their armor and weapons inside of them, and then selected coats, hats, and sunglasses for all of them to wear. It was a little hard to find fitting clothes for Bruiser, what with how big he was, but they were able to make it work. Reddling adjusted his own sunglasses on his face, looking back at his friends as they shouldered their armor. Reddling himself had remained in his armor-- He wasn't sure he'd have the chance to change into it like his friends would, and Chrysalis would be expecting him to be armed normally when he was intentionally found.

---

"This day has been just perfect." The Celestia imposter said to herself as she gazed out over the entryway to Canterlot Castle. The moon had risen and another day of her ruling had passed. There had been no coronation for her- not yet. Although she had been given the personal pleasure of seeing Cadance and Celestia fall, the enigmatic Princess Luna had evaded her. This was without a doubt due to the Lunar Guards, and Chrysalis had been unable to sleep well. There had been a thought that never left her mind; if she had attacked the bat ponies that were taking her to Canterlot-- would this then all be over?

No, it could never have worked that way. Chrysalis was not content to split up Canterlot with any other queen-- and she suspected that they all would have felt the same way, were they still here. The Night Guard had served her well, and the red one especially, despite his initial hostility to her. In the game of chess his role was played and spent. Only but a token resistance hiding somewhere in southern Equestria remained. When Chrysalis had them defeated, she would have four queens-- Pupae, Celestia, Luna, and Cadance-- forced to accept her rule, and she could be the queen of all Changelings.

Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings. Queen Chrysalis-- of all Equestria! Chrysalis turned with a grin on her face from the entry hall of Canterlot and faced her two "guards." They were in actuality her advisors who had helped her make each and every play from start to finish. No matter what, they had possessed undying cunning in victory or defeat. Chrysalis had been the leader, but they had been the brains of the operation. They were her masterminds.

Chrysalis gave a nod to her guards and began to trot down the hallways, heading for Celestia's bedroom. The sky outside was dark and unforgiving-- somehow, it felt like the moonlight outside could be blotted out at any moment. Something felt-- off, about tonight. Chrysalis could not shake this uneasy feeling as she settled down in Celestia's bed, curling up under the blankets. She had no need to sleep like this, but-- it felt nice to have creature comforts for once in her life.

"You must rest, my queen." one of her advisers ordered in the darkness. Queen Chrysalis gave him a nod, still stirring like a restless storm in her bed.

"I cannot shake this-- feeling. Something is not right." Queen Chrysalis said, looking outside at the moonlight. She could swear she saw shadows go past it, but it was only for a second.

"You worry of the Night Guard." The adviser said, stopping for a few seconds before continuing, "--No, Something far more evil. You fear Them."

"Do you not fear Them?" Chrysalis asked.

"History tells us that every time Changelings have almost succeeded, They will come and destroy all we have worked so hard to achieve. They are only an old tale, as meaningless as the old stone that holds the stories. Were they real, they would have struck us by now."

"But 'm not wrong to think that the Moths-- curse them-- will appear?" Chrysalis asked.

"If there is an agent of our downfall, Queen Chrysalis, I do not think it will be at the hooves of the Moths-- curse them." Her advisor gave an uneasy but sure nod.

Chrysalis let out a sigh, trying to drift off into an uneasy sleep in her bed.

She did not get but a few minutes of sleep before she was disturbed. There was a loud knock at Chrysalis's door, followed by a drone's singing.

"My Queen?! A visitor, with urgent business. You are in danger!" Queen Chrysalis did not let the drone's cry wait. She magically opened the door, throwing back her covers and sitting up. She was disguised as Celestia in case there was a pony with the drone, and she had been right to do so. Behind three of her drones-- disguised as guards-- trotted the last bat pony she wanted to see. His face was low and shadowed, his expression unreadable.

"No need for the disguise." Reddling said quietly. "We've met before, you remember." His words were not questioning, but rather deliberate statements.

"What is this? Danger?" Queen Chrysalis demanded, locking her eyes on the pony in front of her. "You! What is this? What is happening?"

Reddling simply waved a hoof, taking a breath before talking, "Terrible things are happening. You don't have a lot of time, I had to come and warn you."

Chrysalis felt her groggy mind scrambling. Although she was awake now, the cloudiness of sleep still clung to the edge of her vision. "Warn me? Warn me?" Chrysalis scoffed, "You have come to warn me?" Surely this pony had lost their mind or...

Reddling gave a little nod, his expression still traceless.

... Perhaps he was not mad. Chrysalis relaxed and could feel her lips turning up in a sly smile that had greeted her many prey so many times before. "Why?" Chrysalis asked, her question was simple and unassuming.

"Because I'm not an Equestrian, and I can do what other ponies won't do. Luna escaped from Everfree and fled to Silverfield. Unless this place is very welcoming when the bat ponies arrive, they're liable to destroy all of you. I couldn't allow that." Queen Chrysalis could see her drones give jumps of alarm, buzzing and talking amongst each other in ways that the pony could not understand. They were quite panicked.

"They're sending an assassination attempt later tonight, and they have a new weapon." Reddling said after a pause. "I don't know what it is, but they found some odd ponies and mentioned that they didn't need poison anymore."

The smile faded from Chrysalis's face, but she was not yet alarmed. These bat ponies could be dealt with, now that she was aware they would be here. "When? When tonight?" Chrysalis asked.

"They didn't tell me-- probably a few hours. I came here as soon as I found out." Reddling said quietly.

"There isn't much time then." Chrysalis nodded to her drones and advisers. "Come! This spire is too exposed, we cannot stay here." She turned her attention back to the bat pony, continuing with her questions, "And what of Luna? What of her?"

Reddling did not bother to answer her question. Instead, he shot back with one of his own-- a very odd word, one that had crawled to Chrysalis from every dream. From every dark page of Changeling history.

"Does that word mean anything to you? Anything at all?" Reddling asked. The drones all let out alarmed yelps, backing away and looking about frenzied.

"That is enough! Drones, warn the hive immediately!" Chrysalis said, letting them run past. Reddling watched as he was left alone with Chrysalis and her advisers-- who no doubt to him appeared to just be tall guards.

"Moths? Moth ponies? are you-- absolutely sure?" Chrysalis asked.

There was a flick of confusion across the bat pony's face for a few seconds, but he then nodded. "That's-- what was let slip. I wasn't supposed to know. I just heard they had help from moths."

"Damn it all!" Chrysalis said, glaring at her advisers. Wicked flame kicked up in her eyes as she tossed her mane back, hissing in an incredibly unponylike fashion. "I knew it. How many, what-- what are they doing?"

The expression Chrysalis now wore was a new one to her. One of worry, one of-- fear. She stood and walked away from bat, putting her hoof on the wall and staring at it as she thought. Yes, Moth ponies in Silverfield. It all made sense now. Why Drones came back sick, why no hive dared to make a home there. The place was infested with old monsters, creatures that claimed they were slaves to a god older than Equestria itself.

"I don't know how many. Enough that the Night Guard is only sending three ponies. It must be quite a few. I don't know- what are these things?" Reddling asked. "Why does everypony just whisper about them?"

"All but demons." Chrysalis snarled. "Whatever ill you think of our kind, they are-- they are another beast altogether."

"Something has to give." Reddling said, positioning himself in the doorway. "If they're that terrible, do not make Princess Luna bring them here."

"My queen." One of the advisers spoke carefully. "If legends are true, moth ponies would best be dealt with by ponies. Equestrian forces will prove an asset."

"No!" Reddling said, stomping a hoof. "You-- you have to stop it. Chrysalis, please."

Chrysalis raised a hoof. She had collected herself now, and her adviser was no doubt trustworthy-- with her newfound forces, there was no reason she could not weather this assault. "It matters little. First and foremost we must weather this assault-- and even if I fall, if Luna is dealt with, there is nopony who can claim Canterlot's throne."

Chrysalis smirked to herself. If she couldn't have the throne, then no one would. "There will be only Changelings."

"You're wrong." Reddling said, his voice echoing around the room. "They cured Cadance."

"--What? That is not possible!" Chrysalis felt the blow hit her in the stomach. This news-- could not be.

"Why else would they have had us break into the castle? We stole things from here that Princess Luna needed to perform a ritual to purify Cadance. They aren't afraid of Changeling bites because they can cure them with-- well, a good deal of work, but they can be cured.

Chrysalis turned to her advisers, who looked as perplexed as she was.

"Queen Chrysalis, if these-- the moths, fail..." Reddling stepped forward, still blocking the door but reaching out a hoof to comfort her, "You'll be facing the dark powers that undid the Changeling Queen that Cadance became. If you stand and fight you will be unmade, literally. Please, let me help you."

Chrysalis swallowed. "I have-- the might of Equestria at my back. All I need is-- is time. With your aid, I am sure-- we can discover some solution."

"There is a solution. Stop fighting." Reddling put his hoof down. "You've lied to me, stabbed me in the back, and given me no reason to trust you. I have still come here to help you. I didn't bring any superweapons. How can I prove to you that I want to save both your life and the life of every Changeling in your hive? Chrysalis..."

Reddling took a few steps back, glancing out the windows.

"Your actions-- have proven that you are trustworthy." Chrysalis nodded to him.

"Then trust me now-- you have to surrender. Give up! You can share Equestria!" Reddling finally let an emotion show on his face. Glassy eyes, which looked like they might leak.

"Give up?" Chrysalis scrunched her muzzle.

"Stop the fighting. You're burning Equestria alive, and there isn't going to be anything left if you keep fighting. Ponies are an asset! Drones are an asset! if you just-- kill them, they're not coming back. Please surrender. Please stop."

"And then what?" Chrysalis shook her head. "What assurance do I have that we won't be-- slaughtered?"

"My assurances. I can make the bat ponies stand down, but you have to surrender-- and-- and you also need to open a window." Reddling added in the last part nervously.

"I will-- negotiate. We have-- settled somewhat, any action we would take needs time. Talk them down, you have my cooperation."

"No negotiation." Reddling demanded pointedly. "The terms remain the same. Unconditional surrender, like you faked before. If you really mean this, get on the ground. Just like this, lay down and surrender." Reddling had backed through the doorway now, and was laying on the ground, ready to roll away at moment's notice.

"Wha- what?" Chrysalis asked, blinking at this odd behaviour.

"Get on the ground and surrender." Reddling repeated. "Words are for lying, show me action.

Chrysalis frowned. "I may have my back against the wall, but I will not grovel on my belly like a worm." Chrysalis trotted to a dresser and pulled it open, poking around for a few moments before pulling out a familiar knife-- a familiar, blue knife. Reddling stood as she tossed it to him. There was a green wave of fire and Chrysalis dropped her form, emerging as the great and terrible Queen of Changelings.

"Please open a window." Reddling said solemnly, "Before it's too late?"

"Advisers, open the windows." Chrysalis ordered. The guards horns lit up and the windows swept open, allowing the gentle breeze of the night to fill the room.

Chrysalis understood the odd behaviour now. "If your fellows are within earshot, please. Talk them down."

---

"Night Guard, halt!" Reddling stuck his head out of Chrysalis' window, staring out at the night. He still kept one eye on Chrysalis as he looked up at the top of the spire, glaring at Pegasus guards he had seen when positioning his comrades. "You up there, let them in! It's over!"

"Drones, to me. It's alright." Chrysalis called. Reddling payed the drones no heed as they flocked inside, confused looks on their faces. Reddling turned his gaze towards the rooftop of the palace, waving to his allies who had taken low key positions. They were all ready to ambush the tower at a moment's notice-- a quick and brutal hit on whatever was living inside, and then a swift escape into the night.

"Nightshade! Tree Tops! Bruiser!" Reddling motioned to them. "Come here, it's over."

Reddling rounded on Chrysalis, a tiny smirk on his face. "Where are Pupae and Celestia?"

"Pupae is no doubt in her hive. Celestia is being kept to herself." Chrysalis said.

"Well, we're going to go talk to them. Your drones have to stop hiding and reveal themselves to the guard. I don't know what is wrong with the guards that keeps them from mindlessly fighting ponies they used to stand beside, but you will have to stop all of this magic. The castle has to be made ready for-- ready for when Web arrives. Reddling blinked, just for a moment, and felt the world spin.

"Reddling." Nightshade's voice came from the window as she ducked inside, beholding the multitude of Changelings in front of her before nervously continuing, "Reddling, what happened?"

"Luna found some sort of weapon with those weird ponies. I don't know what they do and I don't want to know, but it has the drones scared to death. Whatever danger is in in Silverfield, it should stay there. The Changelings have surrendered. And this time I hope they mean it, for their sake." Reddling explained, shaking his head a bit to clear the images from his eyes, "I can give you the play by play later."

"Fine, so-- what now?" Nightshade asked.

"Now- we prepare for Web's arrival!" Reddling waved a hoof towards the room and the castle proper. "Get this palace awake! Set up a table in the throne room with -- bowls of fruit."

Chrysalis bit her lip, but nodded to her drones. "You hear him, go prepare a table in the throne room, and bring something to eat! Actual food, not like for our other guests. if you see others, tell them that their-- assistance is no longer needed."

"What other guests?" Nightshade and Reddling said at the same time as Tops and Bruiser squeezed through separate windows.

"The palace has many guests, here for many reasons. I can't know what each and every one needed, so they spend a few hazy days in the guest wing before leaving. Come, we have business to attend to."

Reddling motioned for his friends to follow him, keeping their eyes on Chrysalis as she and her advisers trotted in front of them. As the group entered into Canterlot castle proper, Chrysalis resumed her disguise, trotting towards the throne room.

"Where is Celestia?" Reddling asked. He couldn't even be sure she was still alive, but Chrysalis had given no hints that Celestia had perished. "She and Pupae should be here to greet the bats when they arrive.

"Celestia... of course, Celestia. I will-- fetch her." Chrysalis said. "You will however, have to send for Pupae. She could probably be here in two days."

"We will fetch her." Reddling determined. "Where's Pupae? She's not here?"

"She is at her hive. You know where. As I have left, she has inherited it."

Reddling nodded as Chrysalis took them past the throne room and towards an all to familiar room that had once held a wedding. Chrysalis tested the waters before tending to several locks on the door, looking uneasily back at the bat ponies following her. "Yes, Celestia... You would agree that this situation would be... worse if we had simply killed her, yes?""

I poisoned her. I'm sure she remembers that whatever has happened to her, it's my fault. "No, I should have killed Celestia when I had the chance. That would probably make this a lot simpler. I have this maddening habit to show mercy when I should not, Chrysalis." Reddling grunted, tapping the ground impatiently.

Quickly, he shut his for a few moments again. Something did not feel right.

"Welcome to my hive, ponies of Silverfield and Equestria." Chrysalis looked curiously at Reddling from her throne. "You were the one who challenged me at the wedding, weren't you?"

"That's is correct. I see you have recovered."

"Quite." Chrysalis responded. "So, tell me. How has Canterlot been faring since we last met?"

Ponies weep openly for their dead.

"Yes, mercy." Chrysalis twitched. "I am sure Mantidae would have preferred to kill her, but I felt that was a bit too much."

"You know where Mantidae's lack of mercy got her..." Reddling spoke under his breath so that Chrysalis could not hear him.

"But! we couldn't simply leave Celestia free to act as she wished, nor Cadance, nor Luna... though she proved a bit too much to-- well, no matter. So we changed them, so that they would be more amicable to our cause, and continue our legacy even if us Queens would fall."

"She's chained up in the room, isn't she?" Reddling already knew the answer.

"You must understand, that Queens do not often work together. Even with a Queen and a Princess, inevitably one will end up exiled from the hive or killed-- and regardless of what else has happened, Celestia no doubt does not appreciate what has been done." Chrysalis undid the last lock. "As such, she has been kept apart and away from any of my drones."

"Your drones are vicious when threatened, I know that. What can we expect from Celestia and her drones?"

"Her drones are... special, you could say." Chrysalis moved a hoof on the ground uneasily. "They do not follow directions well. We refer to them as wasps. This is-- all a necessary measure, I'm sure you understand."

"So these locks, you're telling us we need to be ready for a fight." Reddling said, pointing to the multitude of undone locks on the wedding room door.

"No, no, at worst, they will try to feed off you. There are only half a dozen or so with her." Chrysalis still had not opened the door.

"We're soldiers, not a soup kitchen. Let's get this over with, because if Web has her way, she'll kill both of you before the night is through." Reddling motioned for the door to open, and Chrysalis nodded begrudgingly.

"Advisers, please go and clear the main hall. I do not want any ponies present there or the throne room." Chrysalis nodded for her advisers to leave her as she pushed open the door.

Reddling stared inside. There was grime and darkness everywhere, and even with his bat eyes it was difficult to see more than what the moonlight was illuminating through a window.

"Perhaps while we are here, your friends could tend to talking to Canterlot's guards?" Chrysalis offered. "A more formal statement can wait until the day.

"Let's do that. Tops, Bruiser, can you go the barracks and talk to the guards there? Take some drones with you." Reddling looked at Chrysalis, who gave a nod, motioning for them to go with her advisers and do what was said. Reddling motioned for Nightshade to come over to him.

"Nightshade, you should go and fly to Silverfield. Bring news to Princess Luna of what has transpired here." Reddling ordered.

"...You're kidding." Nightshade balked.

"Do you want Web getting here without any way to rein her in? Luna's the only one that can keep her on a leash for certainand the sooner she's here, the better."

"All the more reason..." Nightshade let out a huge sigh. "When has splitting up ever been a good idea?"

"I can assure you, no harm will come to your friend." Chrysalis said to Nightshade.

"I'm not concerned about-- ugh." Reddling gave a shrug, looking in the room for movement.

"Do you really want to be here all alone?" Nightshade asked Reddling. the latter bit his lip, but finally gave a nod, giving in.

"Fine, fine, you're right. Let's get this over with." Reddling trotted forward, pushing open both doors. The left door swiveled for a few moments before falling off it's hinge, landing with a crash onto carpeting. Moonlight shone across the room, revealing green goo that had grown over many surfaces, and where it was absent, black obsidianesque stone instead of glorious Canterlot white.

It was a dark and filthy place, with a foul stench rising up from everything. Reddling coughed as he looked around, trying to see any movement. After the crash had finished resounding, a half dozen pairs of eyes opened up, glaring at the entrance. Each eye was bright and milky, locked on those who dared to disturb their horrifying sanctuary.

Chrysalis stepped past Reddling, moving deeper into the chamber. She did not flinch as the the Changelings with white eyes hissed at her, and stopped short of a large figure that had yet to rise off the ground. Nightshade and Reddling approached, staying behind Chrysalis and looking at the horrid thing on the floor.

Her mane was a light pink, lying flatly on her back. Her hooves were dirty, and most of her body was caked with dried changeling goo. She had her legs were bound together, and chain locks were strung through the holes in her hooves, locking her to the ground.

"Yes, I'm sure she will love talking to us like that. Can you unchain her? Get her a bath or something?" Reddling pestered Chrysalis. This is how ponies look when the church captures them.

"One thing at a time." Chrysalis began removing the bindings as she spoke, smirking down at her captive. "You have visitors, your majesty."

Reddling closed his eyes and took a few steps forward, so that he was right in front of the solar princess. Although she looked truly pitiful, he was not sure if he pitied her. When he opened his eyes, he could see Celestia looking back up at him. Her eyes were pale and nearly white, with faint traces of yellow in the irises. She simply stared up at the ponies from the floor, her wasps unmoving, but ever watchful.

"You've looked better." Reddling said to Celestia, glaring down at her.

"You-- you are! -- My sister, where is she?" Celestia's voice was quiet, almost as if she was afraid. She no longer spoke as herself, but like a Queen, with her voice baring a strange pitch and buzzing, akin to music.

"Both princesses, Cadance and Luna, are fine. They are in a small keep in northern Silverfield. It's not comfortable, but it is safe, for now."

Celestia sighed in relief. "Thank goodness--"

"Twilight Sparkle is with her." Reddling told Celestia, still staring down at her. Celestia had briefly slumped over, but picked her head up again at the mention of her student's name.

"Twilight?" Celestia asked.

"You and her are close are you not?" Reddling asked.

"Close-- yes... we were close." Celestia's voice was sad as she put thin, gnarled hooves under her body. They struggled to support her as she rose up, stumbling twice as she got to her hooves.

"You don't know who I am, do you?" Reddling asked, just a little disappointed.

"You-- you are one of my sister's guards--" Celestia stumbled again, looking more closely at the pony in front of her. Reddling stepped forward, letting the moonlight explore his features.

"How about now?" Reddling asked her.

"You-- yes, you do look familiar, somehow..."

Reddling bit his lip. "You didn't get a good look at me. I came to Equestria to kill you, and gave you a little nap while I talked with Chrysalis. I hope your nightmares weren't too awful."

"-- The wedding! That was you!" Celestia exclaimed. Her wasps all buzzed aggressively, narrowing their eyes at possible prey. They were not alone in their fury-- Reddling could feel Nightshade glaring daggers into his back, but she remained silent.

"Now now, this pony is here as an envoy from Luna. He wishes to talk. things-- are changing." Chrysalis obviously seemed to be delighted in the conversation almost as much as Reddling was-- it was not everyday that one got to talk down to somepony who had kept their kind in virtual poverty for a millennia.

"Web Weaver. You know about her, maybe? She's on her way here, and when she arrives, there won't be any mercy. If you can walk, please get up. You won't be safe unless you're with a bat pony." Reddling did not bother to offer Celestia help as she finally stood up. her form was frail and weak, like she had not eaten since she had been taken captive. Celestia gave a nod to Chrysalis, Nightshade, and Reddling, making her way towards the door with her wasps following her.

"Chrysalis, is it safe for her drones to be coming along?" Reddling asked. I wonder if they were ponies at one point? This mess is never going to be totally cleaned up...

"Let them come..." Celestia's voice was bleak.

"If they get out of control, I will cut them down. We need to get the castle ready for Web and your sister. You're supposed to be wise, what can we do to make the palace look welcoming?" Reddling asked Celestia.

"My sister? She is coming here? Celestia said, both excitedly and fearfully.

"Yes. it will take some time, but she will be able to restore your... your figure. All it takes now is time-- that, and ensuring you aren't assassinated before Luna arrives."

"My-- she can?" Celestia stumbled a bit in her excitement. "Ah-- Luna...

Reddling was far less excited. "Queen-- Princess, whatever, Celestia, please stay focused."

"--Perhaps we can continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable? there is a table setup in the throne room, if you would." Chrysails said, turning and looking at the talking behind her. One of her drones gave a quick and nervous nod, trotting off hastily back towards the throne room.

"Web could be here at any moment. She's bringing two other assassins with her. Are there any safeguards we could put in place to keep you safe, Celestia?" Reddling asked.

"Yes-- of course! The captain of the guard can raise shields around Canterlot. If nothing else, that will keep them out."

"I don't think-- that is going to work. Shining Armor isn't here right now. Are there any other safeguards?" Reddling asked.

Celestia frowned. "Aside from the conventional guard, there are the elements, but we will need to call upon Twilight and her friends, and this doesn't seem an appropriate use of them by far."

"You have to be kidding me. You don't have any safeguards here then, do you?" Reddling said angrily.

"I don't-- without knowing what has happened, I can't-- I don't know." Celestia looked at the ground as they trotted towards the throne room.

"You know, I'm her to help, but I almost feel like Equestria deserves to have Changelings running the show." Reddling snarled and slid his sunglasses on as he stepped into the brightly lit throne room with Nightshade and Celestia. Even the latter and her wasps were dazed by the lights. Celestia tripped, falling over and landing on the short steps leading up to the throne room.

"What is wrong with you?" Reddling asked her bitterly.

"Look at me." Celestia responded weakly, struggling to get up.

"You clearly need a bath. Otherwise, you look fine. Chrysalis, make sure all these lights stay on. Web cannot sneak in without shadows." Reddling rounded on Celestia, Nightshade staying at his side as Chrysalis trotted freely into the throne room.

"I am tired, hungry, exhausted. I have been locked away for who knows how long, left to languish. What-- what do you expect of me?"

Reddling thought about that for a few moments. Slowly, he stepped forward and put his hoof on Celestia's chin, forcing her to look up at him for his answer. Celestia could have made so many things better in Silverfield, or even Equestria. Her ineptitude over centuries destroyed former allies, and left her country woefully weak so that it could be exploited. Undue hardships plagued the land, and Reddling reasoned that if it was not for a decree of some forced facade, Equestria would be as desolate as Silverfield. Reddling knew what he expected. " I expect you to get up the stairs. We have a lot of things to talk about.

There was a clap as Nightshade's hoof smacked the back of Reddling's head. he stumbled, letting go of Celestia and doing his best to not trip and fall down the stairs.

"Show some respect." Nightshade cursed and glared at Reddling as she put on her own sunglasses and stepped into the bright throne room.

"She's not my princess." Reddling said, cursing at Celestia.

"I can't believe you." She rolled her eyes. "And, you're not my friend. I should have left you to those ponies in Silverfield."

"Celestia is the reason that those ponies were there in the first place! If it wasn't for ponies like you-- we wouldn't even be here now."

"Shut up." Nightshade said pointedly, trotting over to Celestia and very hesitantly offering a helping hoof. Reddling simply stared at them, stunned and without a comeback. Celestia and Nightshade managed into the throne room, leaving Reddling to bring up the rear.

Inside the throne room, Chrysalis's advisers and several drones were posted all around the room. Chrysalis motioned for the drones to leave her, and they exited out the doors, closing them and disappearing so that it was only the two bat ponies, Celestia, Chrysalis, and her advisers in the room. A bright table had been laid out with many fruits in baskets, a cold juxtaposition to the situation at present.

Nightshade helped Princess Celestia take a seat before disengaging, noticeably shivering as she took her own seat one chair removed from her. Redding took a seat as well and looked around the room. This place was-- very open. they would need to board up the windows if they wanted to stay here, or post a guard to watch every single exit-- which with all the windows and doors, was a lot of entryways.

Reddling didn't touch the fruit, watching as Chrysalis cleared her throat and began to speak. "Your sister has discovered a-- weapon of sorts. With it, she would be able to completely incapacitate us, for that reason, we can no longer stay here. Consider this whole ordeal over."

Celestia looked up, quite surprised as Chrysalis continued, "If Luna decides to use her weapon we will be helpless. We cannot defend Canterlot. We have no choice but to leave. We'll be making preparations to leave as soon as possible."

"Won't running away just set the stage for future conflicts?" Reddling asked.

"Equestria knows of our presence. They have the assistance of moth ponies. It is closed to us, and will remain so for a very long time. Any future conflicts won't be with Equestria." Chrysalis ' was struggling to get the words out-- all of her conquest had been snatched away in an instant-- and yet, there was no clear winner or loser. So much pointless conflict and she was just going to-- leave?

"Then we haven't changed anything." Reddling slammed a hoof on the table, leaning across it and staring in disbelief at Chrysalis. "A bunch of ponies and changelings have all suffered for absolutely nothing. That's so senseless!"

"Life is senseless. We work to make our lives better. When things fall down around us, we regroup and rebuild." Chrysalis was dry about her truth.

"... after everything you've done, you are just going to walk away, without consequences?" Princess Celestia said, looking out from under her pink mane and glaring daggers across the room.

Reddling paused for a few moments, then turned to Chrysalis. "Life is never senseless. You're as much a guest here as you are a prisoner. I can just as easily let those bats storm this place as I can stand them down. You're not leaving, Chrysalis."

"And what would happen if I stay then? Would you turn me over to Luna? I may as well let you kill me now." Chrysalis smirked, glaring right back at Celestia. "Whatever consequences she would dole out would result in my death, and the death of my hive."

"Princess Luna is not like you. Genocide and mass enslavement aren't solutions, they're symptoms of a problem. You aren't going to leave, you're going to have to stay." Reddling stood up, pushing his chair back and standing ready. Celestia had risen up from her chair and was barely leaning over the table, almost snarling at Chrysalis.

"You aren't leaving you-- you monster." Celestia gasped, struggling to stay upright.

"I'm afraid you really don't have a say in this." Chrysalis mocked.

"Sit down, Celestia." Reddling said, watching as she jumped to her hooves. even in her weakened state, she was still ready to be defiant to the end. "Chrysalis will knock you over with two hooves tied behind her back right now."

"Listen to your sister's guard." Chrysalis chided at Celestia, before turning to Reddling. "Do you know anything about the creatures your Princess is employing?"

"Only what you've confirmed. Silverfield is the most xenophobic country in the world and they love to send monster hunters out. These creatures-- I've never heard of them-- so they have evaded all patrols for some time if only Changeling lore knows about them. It has me very puzzled."

"So you know nothing." Chrysalis smirked. "Imagine an Equestria ruled over by Changelings. Changelings working the fields, changelings working the mines, hauling lumber and all the menial labor. We want to see the ponies fat and happy. Free to flourish, free from worry, free to pursue whatever their heart desires. Equestria would have been something wonderful--"

"But moth ponies, they are beasts without motivation. Without drive or purpose. They laze about and contribute nothing, hanging on like leeches. If Equestria was ruled by them-- as it may be, one day-- it would fall to squalor. There is only one thing that rouses these monsters, and it is their hate for us. They would go to any length to spite us, and destroy us."

Chrysalis turned to Celestia briefly at the end, adding, "And your sister has employed them to hunt us down."

I wonder what Changelings did to make these creatures hate them so much. Reddling thought. Opening his mouth to talk, Reddling leaned over the table again, "These creatures are not what matters. What matters is the fate of Changelings. You've left out an interesting clause so far in all this. Your hive carries out orders on your behalf, but we cannot hold them accountable for your actions. Drones are free to choose another hive, or even live hiveless. You are not as important as you think you are, and we aren't dooming many, if any, by cutting you down. You can try to run-- and don't worry, we will stop you-- or you can stay and hope that the Princesses have some mercy on you."

Reddling turned to Celestia, questioning, "What are your plans to punish them?"

"After everything she's done-- it's-- I cannot forgive her." Celestia said. "She-- she deserves death."

Maybe I need to leave after this is all said and done. Celestia is liable to hang me. Reddling shook his head. I should have killed you at the wedding, Celestia. You're not any better than Chrysalis-- hell, you two even look the same.

"It seems we are at an impasse." Chrysalis waved a hoof to the room.

"Then I guess that we'll wait for Web to roll in here. Her favorite past-time is playing with food." Redding said.

"Yes, I am sure-- if you're excuse me, I have something I really must see too." Chrysalis froze, tracing her eyes to Reddling. he had produced Ausfall from under his coat, simultaneously revealing many rows of throwing knives vested onto his sides.

"You should really sit down." Reddling said quietly, playing with his knife as Chrysalis took a few steps away. Reddling gave a small glance over at Nightshade, hoping she was ready for what was about to happen. Nightshade gave a little nod, a hoof resting on her sword and an unhappy expression on her face. But then, she was always unhappy...

Chrysalis' narrowed her eyes at her prey. While they were short and small compared to her, she and her advisers-- now with their guises dropped-- were tall and lanky, the latter two having large horns but lacking wings. Reddling knew these creatures-- he had seen one in his bloodlust back in Everfree-- and he had brutally slaughtered her.

Reddling opened his eyes, grinning at Chrysalis. "Chrysalis, I killed your third adviser personally. I ended Mantidae, and with my friends we ended Balefly. Please sit down."

"Take care of them." Chrysalis ordered to her advisers. Their horns lit up in the room, and Nightshade wasted no time in jumping onto the table. In an instant, all the lights in the room went out. Reddling quickly drew one of his throwing knives and aimed it for Chrysalis's chest. Chrysalis deflected the knife, taking a running start through a door and into one of the hallways.

Not wanting to lose track of her, Reddling ducked and slid under the table to follow her, a magical ball of green fire smacking into the table and setting it ablaze. Reddling was almost in the hallway when he felt another searing pain on his side, his armor growing heated and part of his longcoat simply evaporating into the flame. Nightshade had her blade out and was clashing with the advisers, dodging their flames and firing back some of her own.

A beam of golden light passed over Reddling's shoulder, illuminating the castle for a few brief moments. Celestia had fired one shot at Chrysalis as she took flight into the hallways. The shot missed by a mile, striking out a window and firing somewhere into the castle courtyard. Celestia slumped over into her chair, utterly spent.

"Nightshade, c'mon, we have to kill her!" Reddling yelled back at her before ripping off down the hallway, chasing after Chrysalis. he could see fire in his own eyes as he chased Chrysalis into the catacombs below the castle-- Celestia had lit her garden outside on fire, and the flames from the advisers and Nightshade were melting expensive tapestries and rugs in the throne room.

None of that mattered in a few moments, however. Reddling could see Chrysalis escaping into the shadows, slipping away into the darkness. The world twisted and moved, and then Reddling could feel the breath knocked out of his chest as a puddle of shadows jumped up from the ground. The familiar feeling of shadowstepping overtook him as he landed in the catacombs, not but a few yards behind Chrysalis. Struggling to catch her, Reddling beat his wings furiously as he tore over the ground, trying to close the short gap that Chrysalis had. Despite how heavy changelings were, they could move quickly, and Chrysalis was able to keep her gap.

Unfortunately for Chrysalis, these catacombs were not her territory, but that of the Night Guard. Reddling tore himself off her bath and ducked to the right, sliding through a shortcut and coming out nearly right onto Chrysalis. She was only feet away now, and if he could just get her to stumble a bit, he would be on her.

"Stop, now!" Chrysalis gasped, her pace slowed as she came to a stop, rocks jutting out from the wall like sharpened spears. Ducking and rolling, Reddling passed under them and came to a stop, looking up at Chrysalis. The entire catacombs could have been lit up with that green light, and nopony would have noticed. Chrysalis had taken up all the air in the room, and was now pillaring above her attacker. Her horn glowed as orbs of green energy danced around her. Darkness swirled in and out of her figure, marking her terrible power.

Reddling kicked back his hoof and dived forward, not wasting any more time with her. Ausfall landed with a hook into the queen's shoulder, cutting a clean gash down her arm. Green blood stained the blotted landscape, cutting into the magic swirling around the place.

"I thought you wanted to-- ah--what!" Chrysalis doubled over, staring at her wound as it began to hiss and foam angrily. Ausfall had done it's job of cutting through her chitin, and Web's poison was working it's own magic now.

Reddling grabbed onto Chrysalis's mane, wrapping it up in his hoof and then puling back his blade so he could chop down on her again. Chrysalis snarled and prepared a blast of magic, but it was cut off as the second swing hit her, cutting into her other shoulder. Chrysalis pushed Reddling off, bleeding and hissing in pain.

Reddling made a few more advances, swinging with his knife and aiming to sever her leg or cut her neck open, but all were blocked by the ground cropping up and blocking Ausfall. While Ausfall had no trouble cutting through the rock, it did give Chrysalis the chance to back away.

She could stall, yes, but there was no longer anywhere for her to run. Chrysalis slumped back, feinting before lunging forward to gore her foe using her horn. Reddling dodged to the side, letting the horn hook his armor but leave him unharmed. Chrysalis fell backwards against a wall, her vigor fading as she began to slip. The two had one final clash, Chrysalis lunging forward and attempting to bite at Reddling, her envenomed fangs trying to close on anything.

She struck nothing but air. pivoting her head, she fired off another magic blast, and even though it smacked Reddling in the chest, he continued approaching her. This had to end.

"Reddling-- it is Reddling, yes? I-- I thought you were different." Chrysalis gasped. Her body was oozing from her wounds, leaking out painful blight.

"You're the one that's always the same, Chrysalis." Reddling glared down at Chrysalis as she chuckled, edging out a few more words.

"What do you think will happen if--"

In the darkness of the catacombs, Ausfall flashed once more. Chrysalis caught the blade with a hoof this time, holding it still and she lunged in for another bite. Reddling barely ripped his hoof away, feeling her fangs brush along his fur.

"if I die-- there is nothing here for my hive." Chrysalis slumped onto the wall, her energy finally spent as the green light and energy began to die. "You would damn them all. If not Luna, or the ponies of Equestria, then the moths will kill them. The two eyes met, dark emeralds mixing with grey diamonds.

"They'll be fine." Reddling promised.

Next Chapter: Nightshade's Sacrifice Estimated time remaining: 29 Minutes