Celestia and Luna flew almost breakneck speed through the night sky as they traveled hastily to Kal Equa.

"Luna we must hurry. I fear that King Centurus and his subjects are in desperate need of help!'' Celestia called to her sister.

"Yes Tia I know, but can we please rest? We've been flying for almost two days nonstop!''

Celestia turned her head to her sister beside her. "There's no time Luna. You've seen the vision. Kal Equa was being attacked, maybe even destroyed. We must aid our sister kingdom at once!''

Luna sighed in defeat. "Celestia can be so stubborn about things like this. I suppose she takes that after mother,'' Luna muttered.

For what seemed like hours, the two regal sisters sped through the cool air, high over a darkened sea. As they flew through the air, they could see a faint greenish light in the horizon ahead as well as a strange smell filled their nostrils that caused them to stop in midair.

"Sister, doth thou smell that. What in Equestria's name-''Luna asked with a disgusted face, inhaling the stench. It was like burning rubber with rotten eggs.

Celestia sniffed and shuddered slightly. "Yes Luna I do. We've smelled this kind of scent only a few times in our lives. It comes when something is either burning, or comes from a decomposing body.''

That's when Celestia's heart sank as she said those words. Lune understood her suddenly silence as she drank in those words. In the vision, they saw countless of ponies being slaughtered by an unknown menace...and that menace fired green magical blasts.

"Tia...that smell and light seem to point to the direction of-''Luna began gravely.

"Kal Equa,'' Celestia finished softly, but with great horror. "Luna we must hurry!'' Celestia said to her sister.

Luna nodded firmly and they both flew off toward the light. As Celestia and Luna flew closer and closer to Kal Equa, the brighter the light became and the stronger the smell rose.

"Please King Centurus...please my friend hold on. We're be there soon,'' Celestia thought desperately to herself as she flew.

After what seemed like forever, they froze midair and stared in sheer horror at the site they saw miles below them. They were hovering over the kingdom of Kal Equa, but one could hardly tell that it was a kingdom. The kingdom was composed of several islands close together surrounded by ocean with the main, largest island protected by a large, stone wall that was partially destroyed, most likely by the invader that caused so much destruction. The geography of the islands were of grassy plains and from the front walls of the main island was a large stone walk to which the stone pathway lead to the other islands. In spaces along the walkways, were rhombus shaped gardens of flowers. In the center of the main, largest, grassy island was a grand city. The infrastructure of city seemed to resemble those of the Victorian era, but most the once beautiful buildings were half destroyed with green fires on the roofs as well as small pits of green fire were scattered along the kingdom.

Celestia and Luna's ears twitched as they heard the distant cries of the ponies that inhabited the kingdom. Some ponies tried to help those that were injured and maybe trapped under debris. Others mourned over the uncountable friends and family that lost their lives during the attack. Smoke came from the scattered fires and filled the sky above the kingdom.

At the edge of the city stood a colossal, tall castle that overlooked Kal Equa. The castle was of a unique design, a bastion which had protruding, angular towers. In reality it was a glorious and shining castle, but was partially destroyed with green flames burning on some of its roof tops.

Celestia and Luna looked down at the kingdom islands with sorrowful expression. "Dear, Chiron,'' Luna muttered as they made their descent, but Celestia said nothing, she was speechless at the site see was seeing.

They landed on the debris filled streets of Kal Equal's capital city and began to walk, looking around at the destruction with weary expressions. Ponies that saw them walking whispered their names in shock, but bowed to them with still dishearten expressions. Unlike the ponies of Equestria, Kal Equian ponies don't appear to have cutie marks. Instead, that have sparkling diamond tattoos along their bodies, many of different colors and designs as well as being taller and lankier, resembling to how Earth's horses looked like but still smaller than Celestia and Luna.

Celestia shook her head. "Please don't bow my friends. Not after this...tragedy,'' Celestia murmured as ponies gathered around them.

Luna agreed. "Yes, there are no need for formalities. More importantly, who did this? Who would dare attack a glorious kingdom like Kal Equa?'' Luna asked angrily.

The ponies looked at each other, distraught with some having tears in their eyes. Celestia looked at them kindly. "We understand. After what you've endured, it could be difficult and reluctant to recall the ordeal. But please tell me...is your king ok?''

A blue coated stallion spoke up. "W-We don't know Princess. We've haven't seen or heard from his since the attack.''

"Yeah, and rumors are going around that his wounded and his injuries are fatal,'' a yellow female pony said.

"What?!'' Celestia gasped loudly. It wasn't in her character to raise her voice, but the thought of her good friend dying was understandable reaction.

"Quick children, where is King Centurus now?'' Luna asked hastily.

"He's...he's in the castle we believe,'' sniffed another female pony. "My God why did this happen?''

"Don't worry my friends, we will get to the bottom of this,'' Celestia said with a mixture of sadness and anger.

"Yes, whoever did this WILL be found and they will face the maximum punishment!'' Luna declared, almost using her Royal Canterlot voice, startling the Kal Equian ponies a bit.

Celestia and Luna quickly galloped toward the damaged castle, the Kal Equian ponies moving aside as they did so. The two galloped passed the castle gates and up the steps to the bastion until the finally reached the massive doorway. As they approached the door, two guard ponies in dark slate grey armor. One of them were pure white with a yellow mane and the other was brown with a black mane. They took an intimidating stance with swords in their mouths as they prepared to fight to the death if needed.

"Halt, who goes there?!'' one guard called out.

"The castle is off limits to civilians now. Go back to-'' the other guard began, but when they saw who they were talking to, both guards eyes widened, the swords fell from their mouths, and they dropped into a respectful bow.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna of Equestria! Please forgive our impudence!'' a guard pleaded.

"It's alright we understand. But please, we must see your king at once,'' Celestia said gently, but hastily.

The guards nodded. "Yes Princess of course. King Centurus will greatly appreciate your company. Please follow us,'' a guard said.

Celestia and Luna nodded and followed the guards inside the castle. Even damaged, the castle still boasts a beauty and brilliance that the scars of invasion couldn't conceal, but the regal sisters had no time to observe the interiors. They ran through the entrance hall and up the stairs and deeper into the castle. Everywhere they went, castle guards and servants tended to the injured and attempted to clear any wreckage that was about. Finally, they came to large majestic door, clearly to the king's room, which were guarded by two unicorn ponies, both with the same colored armor.

The guards that led the two princesses took their helmets off and put them under their arms. As the two guards saw the regal sisters, they lost their firm glances motioned to bow. "Please, there is no need for that. We must see King Centurus!'' Luna said before they bowed.

"Yes, of course Princess Luna!'' one of the guards said in a deep voice and he and the other door guard proceeded to open the door.

The sisters nodded graciously to the guards and walked into a very, spacious and magnificent bedroom fit for a king. The room's color scheme was mostly purple and white and was furnished finely to the highest degree. The floors were tiled with polished purple and white. There were steps that led to a high level of the room, a window that led to a spacious balcony with a perfect view of the city and kingdom. Resting on the king sized bed with purple drapes was King Centurus.

King Centurus seemed to be slightly larger than the other ponies of Kal Equa and was a unicorn as well except he had a more muscular build. He had a goldenrod coat with a long, flowing orange mane. He had orange sideburns that connected to his mane and down the side of his face to form a pointed goatee. Protruding from his forehead was a unicorn horn the same color as his coat and was a bit shorter than Celestia's. Like the rest of the ponies of Kal Equa, Centurus had a couple blue, diamond shaped tattoos on his coat, but were more stylized along with a blue diamond tattoo with two small rhombus shaped markings beneath a small V shaped mark and a larger V shaped mark on his left cheek.

However to Celestia and Luna's worry, his had numerous bandages over his body including one on his left cheek. Some of the bandages had blood stains on them. He shifted in his bed, his eyes closed tightly and gritted his teeth a little. Who knows what pain he was going through? One of the guards walked forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, forgive me for disturbing your rest, but you have some guests.''

Centurus peered through his eyes and saw the worried faces of Celestia and Luna. Immediately he smiled. "Celestia...Luna...my friends so good to see you,'' Centurus said.

Celestia and Luna smiled sadly as they approached the wounded king.

"Yes, and it's good to see you again Centurus,'' Celestia smiled relieved, softly nuzzling him.

"Agreed, how are thee faring Centurus?'' Luna asked with concern.

Centurus just smirked. "Luna, you've looked like you haven't aged in a 100 years. Not all of us are that lucky you know.''

Luna blushed a little. "Thank you Centurus, but we're the ones worried about you.''

Centurus chuckled softly. "Well a few cuts, bruises, burns, and a few fractured ribs. But other than that, I'm fine,'' he joked.

Celestia and Luna winced uncomfortably at his description, but couldn't help but chuckle. "It's just like you Centurus to joke at a time like this,'' Celestia said gently.

Centurus gave a faint smile, but then frowned. "Leave us, I wish to talk with the princesses alone,'' he commanded his guards.

"Yes your majesty!'' the guards said in unison, giving a salute which involved placing a hoof curved against their chests. The guards left the room and closed the door. In the silence of the room, Centurus attempted to sit up in his bed, wincing in pain as he did so. Celestia and Luna quickly rushed to his side.

"Centurus you mustn't strain yourself, especially with injuries like those!'' Celestia said with concern.

"I'll be fine Celestia, I've dealt with worst,'' Centurus replied, wincing a bit.

With the help of Celestia and Luna, Centurus successfully sat up against his pillows. "Thank you my friends, your faces eases the pain that I feel,'' Centurus smiled softly but then frowned. "However, my well-being isn't what I'm worried about. It's my subjects that fill my thoughts with worry.''

Celestia and Luna looked at each other sadly. "We've talked with your subjects before we came to the castle. They seemed to worry greatly about you,'' Luna spoke.

Centurus shook his head solemnly. Celestia gazed at the king with sad eyes before speaking. "Centurus, what happened? Who...are what did this to you and your kingdom?''

At this Centurus frowned with anger. "'What' isn't even the first word to describe that, that...creature,'' he snarled. Celestia and Luna listened on.

"It was a peaceful night like any other, until… SHE came to Kal Equa with her army and attacked us.''

"Who attacked you Centurus? Please we must know!'' Luna urged firmly.

"I-I don't know how to explain it. She seemed to be an Alicorn like you too, but of a different sort,'' Centurus said, his eyes closed tightly as he recalled the events.

The two sisters' eyes widened in shock. "An Alicorn?'' Are you certain Centurus?'' Celestia asked, as if she had never heard of such a thing.

Centurus nodded. "Yes, but she was nothing that I've seen before, her army was the same way. She was black with holes on her legs. Her horn was twisted and had venomous green eyes with slits. Her wings, the strangest I ever seen. Her wings were translucent, like they belonged to an insect, and she had strange, red, glowing gem with her. In fact, she greatly resembled an insect as did her army like they were equine and insect hybrids.''

Celestia and Luna looked at the king in shock and horror as he described the invader. "That description...it sounds familiar,'' Celestia thought to herself.

"Centurus, can you tell us anything more about this...Alicorn like being?'' Luna asked.

Centurus nodded. "Yes, as I watched from the castle, as my guards did battle with the army, I could have sworn that some of those...things took the form of my guards...as if they were doppelgangers.''

"I knew it!'' Celestia said aloud while Luna had a slightly disgusted look on her face.

Centurus looked at her blankly. "Knew what? Do you know what those things were?''

Celestia nodded. "Yes Centurus. Those creatures that attack your kingdom are called Changelings.''

The Kal Equian king looked at her as if she was making it up. "Changelings? What in Chiron's name are Changelings?''

Luna spoke with a frown, "They are dark creatures that feed on love and have the ability to take the form of anypony they see.''

"And that 'Alicorn' you spoke of...was their queen,'' Celestia finished, with a slight glare.

"And I'm guessing, you've once waged war with these...Changelings and their queen?'' Centurus asked.

"Yes, not too long ago, they tried to take over Canterlot and Equestria by consuming all the love they could find. But they failed thanks to the very love of our niece Princess Cadence and her new husband Shining Armor,'' Luna explained.

Centurus nodded understandingly and looked down, but then quickly gazed up at the two. "But wait, I've never sent out a distress message about Kal Equa. How was it that you two knew about it, and came here so quickly,'' Centurus asked, furrowing his eyebrows in bewilderment.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other uncertainly before looking back at Centurus. "We knew about Kal Equa's attack and responded so quickly was because...we saw a vision of this terrible attack,'' Celestia admitted sorrowfully.

Centurus looked at the princess of the sun in disbelief. "You saw a vision?! You can see into the future?!'' Centurus asked loudly, but winced in again as he grabbed his sides, which were wrapped around with bandages

"Please calm down Centurus, but no we've never had the ability to see in to the future,'' Luna responded gently, trying to help Centurus.

"But how can you not know if you saw-''Centurus began but was stopped by Celestia.

"I know it doesn't make sense, but for the past few days I've experienced these cryptic visions,'' Celestia said as the king listened. "I don't know why we are seeing these, but I know that something bad is going to come out of them. So that is why we've left our kingdom of Equestria to figure out what these premonitions mean.''

Centurus just looked at Celestia as Luna spoke. "Centurus, in our vision of Kal Equa's attack, we saw a glowing green gem. Do you know anything about it?''

Immediately, Centurus's eyes grew wide as a look of fear came across his face. "Oh no...THE GEM! I completely forgot about the gem!'' Centurus cried, sharping lifting himself up before a sharp pain shot throughout his body, causing him to winch and grunt loudly.

"Centurus please, you mustn't strain yourself,'' Celestia said with concern, but Centurus was defiant.

"No you don't understand. My kingdom could be in grave danger without that gem!'' Centurus argued, struggling a little.

"But how? What significance could that gem possible have?'' Luna asked with a perplexed gaze.

Centurus sighed deeply, sadly as he calmed down. "That gem was the sole reason how Kal Equa could thrive for all these years.''

Celestia and Luna looked at him in puzzlement. "I don't understand,'' Luna responded.

Centurus closed his eyes and continued. "Thousands of years ago, when Kal Equa was just forming, the land was lifeless and desolate. Every year, the ponies would struggle just to find food and keep themselves alive. One harsh season when Kal Equa was on the brink of dying, my ancestor prayed for a way to keep the kingdom and those that lived within it alive. It seemed that the Great Stallion heard his prayer, for out of the sky in a blazing ball of green fire, a mysterious green gem fell from the heavens and landed a mere feet away from him. Fearlessly, my ancestor approached the gem and when his touched it, it gave off a light that enveloped the entire kingdom. When the light subside, the inhabitants were shocked to find the land flourishing with life. The island wastelands were now flowing with green grass and flowers, the waters were purified, and the withered trees bloomed like spring. It was a miracle, and through this new wealth, they were able to trade with other nations and the subjects of Kal Equa basked the blessings the gem gave them. Because of this miracle, my ancestors guarded the gem deep within the castle where the gem would continue to give its life giving power to the land. This precious stone became known as the Jewel of Kal Equa and became the cornerstone of my kingdom's flourishing.

Centurus finished his story with Celestia and Luna looking on with awe and amazement. "Centurus...I had no idea,'' Celestia finally said softly.

"Yes, that is truly an amazing story,'' Luna agreed, however, Centurus mood didn't change. He was overcome with grief.

"So you know why we must get the gem back. Without the Jewel, I fear Kal Equa might not last long. And my beloved subjects...I fear for them most of all,'' he said softly, his voice dismal.

Celestia and Luna looked at their friend sympathetically. "Don't worry Centurus, your kingdom will continue to thrive,'' Celestia said adamantly before continuing. Kal Equa is our sister kingdom, our ally. We will stand by you always until Kal Equa and its citizens are once again bathed in happiness.''

Centurus looked at the beautiful Alicorn of the sun and she smiled kindly. "Celestia's right. We will NOT allow Kal Equa to fall. And that wretched Changeling queen will not get away with this!'' Luna added, determination in her voice.

Centurus looked at the regal sisters whom both were smiling comfortingly at him. "Celestia...Luna...thank you. I feel blessed to have friends like you two,'' Centurus smiled, giving a slight bow.

Celestia and Luna smiled. "Of course Centurus. You never have to thank us,'' Celestia said softly.

Centurus smiled and winced again in slight pain. Luna's face fell slightly. "You should get some rest Centurus. You deserve if after bravely fighting off the Changelings.''

Celestia nodded. "Luna's right, you must rest. Is it ok if we stay the night here?''

"Of course, you and your sister are always welcome here, but I must tell you,'' Centurus said, frowning seriously.

"What is it Centurus?'' Celestia asked, intrigued as she and Luna listened intently.

"This...Changeling queen. If you've faced her once, then odds are you might face her again. So I must warn you, be careful,'' Centurus warned.

The two sisters nodded. Celestia knows all too well the power Queen Chrysalis is capable of. The last time they faced each other, she had absorb so much love that she was even able to overpower Celestia herself.

"Believe me Centurus I know. But the queen will-'' but she was cut off by Centurus.

"No, you don't understand. She may have had an army with her, but she did most of the attacking, destroyed most of the city.''

Celestia and Luna looked alarmed at this. "She...caused most of this destruction? By herself?!'' Luna asked in disbelief.

Centurus nodded. "Yes, it was like she herself was army. She took out my guards effortlessly. I put up a Tartarus of a fight, but she defeated me like I was a novice. At one point, I even thought of her as invincible.''

Celestia looked at her sister firmly. Could Chrysalis really have gotten that powerful? Did she and her Changelings found another place where love was bountiful? They both looked at Centurus and nodded.

"We...understand Centurus, thank you. But no matter how powerful she maybe, she was defeated before and she will be defeated again,'' she said adamantly.

Centurus smirked. "I almost forgotten how radiant you determination was Celestia and Luna.''

Celestia and Luna just smiled at the friend and he called out,'' Guards!'' Almost instantly, two of the guards came into the room.

"Yes your majesty?'' one of them said, both giving a salute.

"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will be staying the night. Please escort them to the guestrooms and make sure they have anything they may need,'' Centurus told his guards.

"Yes King Centurus!'' the two said in unison and turned to led them out the room.

The three royals said their goodbyes and Celestia and Luna followed the guards out the room so Centurus could get some rest. As the door closed behind them, they followed the guards down the corridor. As they walked, Luna frowned at her sister.

"So, it's that Changeling queen that's causing us grief again,'' she snarled. "What could she be planning this time?''

Celestia shook her head, she too frowning. "I don't know sister, but whatever she's planning, it pretty clear that she probably wants to try to take over Equestia again,'' Celestia said, but then lowered her head in thought.

"But the question is, why would she need the Jewel of Kal Equa? It doesn't make sense.''

Luna nodded. "Yes it's puzzling, but maybe you should write a letter to Twilight Sparkle and her friends, to warn them to have the Elements of Harmony ready in case the queen and her Changelings decide to attack Canterlot?''

"You're right Luna,'' Celestia nodded in agreement. "We must send her a letter to have the Elements ready. At least…the six they have.''

Luna widened her eyes with slight shock before frowning solemnly. "Yes Tia, you mean…''

Celestia nodded, a weary, regretful expression upon her face. "The final fruit of harmony that he told us about. The Seventh Element.''

Luna just looked at her sister of the sun drearily. "I remember very well Celestia. That itself is an entire mystery on its own. A mystery that we haven't even begun retrieve the truth to.''

"I know Luna, but remember what he said,'' Celestia replied, but then sighing deeply as she closed her eyes. "I just hope it will reveal itself in time before something even more disastrous happens. Even though the current Elements of Harmony have saved Equestria numerous of times on their own, I can't shake the feeling that this time finding the Seventh Element is crucial to averting this crisis.''

Luna just nodded somberly. Celestia turned to Luna and spoke with a serious frown. ''As disheartening as it may be and even though we may not have completely solve the mysteries of these visions, this is definitely a great start.''

Luna nodded in silence and the two continued to follow the guards to their rooms, thoughts swirling around in their heads as if a fierce maelstrom were ravaging their minds. Somewhere in Changeling Castle, Chrysalis laughed with malevolent glee in her throne room.

"I've found it...the second of the Cosmic Gems!''

She used her magic to levitate the red gem and the green gem so that they were floating in front of her. She gazed at the glowing gems in front of her as Chrysalis grinned venomously.

Those fools of Kal Equa have been using the power of the green gem to rejuvenate their land, blissfully unaware of the gem's true power!''

She then looked at the red gem and grinned evilly. "And the red gem lived up to its legends perfectly, as it gave me the power of a hundred Alicorns!'' Chrysalis smirked wickedly as she thought of the power that she now had.

"And if one gem could give me this much power, imagine the power of all six of the Cosmic Gems will grant me. And when I find the other four gems, nothing with rise above my power and every living thing on this planet will bow before my will!''

Chrysalis laughed wickedly with that distorted voice, lightning flashing outside the castle, and the mysterious red gem and green gem glowed with an eerier red and green light in the darkness of the evil queen's lair.