Login

Change

by tom117z

Chapter 34: 34 - Duty Calls

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Equestria, Crystal Express



The Crystal Express sped along the tracks towards its destination. Over time, the many passengers could see the lush green grass of Equestria give way to the ice and snow of the frozen north. Giant mountains could be seen in the distance, reaching high into the sky as if to touch Celestia’s sun itself. And of course, somewhere within those mountains was an oasis of crystal, where the Crystal Heart kept out the cold and protected the ponies who called it home.

The Crystal Empire.

A former city state which was now home to Equestria’s third ruling alicorn princess. A city displaced in time, its population previously terrorised by the tyrant king himself - Sombra. He was little more than a memory now; the Crystal Heart having turned him into atoms thanks to the efforts of the Element Bearers, Spike the Dragon and the Crystal Prince and Princess, Shining Armor and Cadance.

Twilight was fascinated to discover the Crystal Empire’s past relations with the changeling race, finding that they had made deals with the less hostile queens, who would get a supply of love from the heart in trade for various items of value, as well as protection against other hostile queens. After the Crystal Empire’s return, Cadance had been more than happy to create such a deal with Chrysalis, and with their protection and that of the EUP the other queens hadn’t dared approach the city, aside from the occasional scout or love collector trying their luck.

However, none of that was of particular concern to the three ponies sitting in first class, courtesy of Prince Armor himself.

The first was Captain Vladimir Vespertilio, who sat comfortable in his seat as he watched the distant mountains out of the window, drink in hoof.

Across from him sat the two newlyweds.

Captain Broad Sword of Celestia’s Solar Guard, and Lieutenant Scarlet Snow of the EUP, the latter with her head on Broad Sword’s shoulder as she slept the journey away. Broad Sword himself gently stroked her mane as sleep threatened to claim him as well, dragging him to Luna’s world of dreams.

At least until Vladimir spoke.

“So… how was the honeymoon?” Vladimir asked.

Broad Sword raised an eyebrow to go with his amused smirk. “An entire train journey and you only now ask?”

“Hey, I’ve been busy. You may have had two weeks in Saddle Arabia, on top of your extra week now, but I only started shore leave this morning,” Vladimir pointed out.

“That still doesn’t explain the train journey.” His smirk grew.

“Oh just answer the damn question; just because you’re now Captain of the Solar Guard in Shining’s place doesn’t give you free reign to be a prick!” Vladimir laughed.

“Funny you should say that, I believe Scarlet said those exact words after I pushed her into the pool.”

Now Vladimir raised an eyebrow. “Trying to earn a divorce already, dear Broad Sword?”

“Oh she got her revenge, only it was in the sea. When we were on a boat. A mile offshore.”

Vladimir’s laugh echoed loudly throughout the cabin, stirring Scarlet from her sleep.

“Oh, what did I miss?” She groggily asked.

“Nothing dear,” Broad Sword said, nuzzling the top of her head.

Vladimir shook his head. “Ah well. It’s good to see you lighten up for a change, what gives with that?”

“It’s called being happily married to a wonderful mare,” he replied.

“Aww, you can be sweet sometimes,” Scarlet pecked him on the cheek. “You should still learn how to swim though.”

Vladimir spluttered as he inhaled some of his drink when he heard Scarlet’s words. “Learn? You don’t know how to swim?!”

Broad Sword groaned. “I know how to swim!”

“Splashing about like a foal doesn’t count as swimming,” Scarlet jabbed.

“I was just surprised, I wasn’t expecting to be dumped in the freezing cold ocean quite so suddenly.”

“Uh-huh,” said a very sceptical Scarlet Snow.

Vladimir chuckled. “So, it was a good honeymoon then?”

“Yes,” both of them responded, smiling at the memory of it.

“Well, I’m happy for you, both of you. And at least now Scarlet and Princess Cadance can share the embarrassing bits,” Vladimir said with a sly smile.

“No, no they can’t, nuh-uh,” Broad Sword said, however futile it was.

“We’ll see,” Scarlet smirked. “What I want to see is Broad Sword with Flurry Heart. It would be interesting to see how he handles a foal,” she teased.

“My cousin has a foal and I am great with children, so don’t you worry.”

Scarlet leaned back into her seat, a much softer smile on her face. “That’s… good to know.”

Broad Sword looked over at his wife. “Scarlet? Are you alright?”

“I’m perfectly fine; you don’t having anything to worry about.” She yawned and stretched, removing the last vestiges of her slumber. “How long until we arrive?”

“Only a couple of hours,” Vladimir said. “It will be good to see Shining again, I haven’t seen him since he went off to play prince in the empire.

Scarlet chuckled. “Well we all heard about his daughter’s, erm, magical prowess so… what could-"

Vladimir gave Scarlet a deadpan glare. “If you say ‘what could possibly go wrong’, I’m going to end you.”


Badlands Hive



Twilight’s wings buzzed as she flew through the hive, Spike just keeping up a short ways behind her. After one near miss with a wall that Twilight maintained had appeared out of nowhere, they came upon the throne room at last.

Dropping down onto the floor, Twilight looked up at the two large doors before her.

“Are you sure there was nothing on the itinerary about mother’s guest? She did say he was hours early so maybe you looked in the wrong place?”

Spike gave her a deadpan look. “Twilight, I’ve been over the list a dozen times. I even went through a couple of other scrolls I keep around for any note of it. I know every meeting, every visitor and everything else that has to be kept track of around here, it is my job after all. There was nothing, no sign of this visitor.”

Twilight frowned. “It’s strange. She so rarely keeps anything from me, and with her reluctance to talk about it earlier… Something serious must be happening.

“Well, then why are we standing out here? The answers are right through that door.”

“Oh, right. Here goes…” Twilight said as she pushed the two large doors open with a massive creak.

At the other end of the room Queen Chrysalis sat on her throne. If they could tell one thing it was that she was furious about something. A snarl was on her face and her hooves almost cracked the ground with the pressure she was applying to the bottom of her throne.

However, as soon as she saw Twilight she tried to replace that look with a warm motherly smile. An endeavour that was only partially successful.

“Twilight, Spike. I’m glad you’re both here.”

“Mother? What’s going on?” Twilight asked. “Where is your ‘guest’?”

“Gone. Returned to his hive up past the frozen north.”

“Past the frozen north? But how? Nopony has ever been past the frozen north!”

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “You answered your own question. No pony has ever been past the frozen north, at least that we know of. Changelings however…”

“So, there is a hive up there?”

“I have mentioned Queen Draco before, surely?”

“Oh! Of course. She’s an old friend of yours, right? You write every now and then? Or at least you do when it is possible to do so.”

Chrysalis nodded. “Indeed, sadly sending messengers back and forth isn’t always feasible. However, we’ve been friends ever since we met at what was the first Queen’s Council we had both ever experienced, back when we were barely older than nymphs. Well, it would appear we will get to experience some nostalgia.”

“Nostalgia? Wait, you mentioned the Council… has-“

“Yes, Queen Draco’s messenger invited us to the Council, which is due to start in three days.”

“Us? I’m… going to the Council?” Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Oh my gosh! The Council is practically the centre of changeling society! The books I could write from the information gathered there on changeling cultures and policies! I could-"

“Twilight!” Chrysalis broke her out of her ‘moment’. “Priorities please?”

Twilight blushed with a sheepish chuckle. “Right… sorry.”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “Be careful Twilight, you will find the court a dangerous place indeed. And other queens might not take kindly to your… ‘research’.”

“I will… keep that in mind,” Twilight sighed in defeat.

“Good. Now, Spike...” The dragon in question perked up at being addressed. “I want you to prepare for our imminent departure, we leave tomorrow.”

“But, what about our friends?” Twilight asked.

“I’m afraid their visit will have to be cancelled, I’m sure our drones will be kind enough to escort them back to Equestria.”

“Alright, I’ll break the news to them when we are finished here…”

Chrysalis nodded. “Now, Spike, make sure everything is organised and ready to go if you please.”

“Aye aye!” Spike saluted, span on the spot and marched out of the door, closing it behind him.

As soon as he was gone, Chrysalis sighed and slouched in her chair. “Now he is gone, we must talk.”

“Are you alright? You didn’t exactly look happy when we came in.”

“You spotted that huh? It is true I have a lot on my mind.”

“Why?” Twilight walked up and sat next to her mother. “What’s gotten you so worked up? Is it the Council?”

“Partially. It’s more to do with who is arranging it, and why.”

Twilight sat attentively, simply waiting for Chrysalis to continue.

“It’s Crudelis. Crudelis is arranging the council this time.”

“Ah,” Twilight said in understanding. “So she’s got you wound up? I’m not exactly a fan of her, but what has she done? Why has her arranging the Queens' Council got you so worried?”

“She has not done anything, yet. But she has the biggest hive in existence and not once in all her years has she arranged a council. Even when one is set up she was notorious for not attending them, preferring to make alliances behind closed doors away from the sight of other queens. She is a puppet master, it’s how she operates, always has been.”

Chrysalis sighed. “And yet, here we are.”

Twilight looked at her mother with concern. “Something tells me there is more…”

Chrysalis glanced towards her daughter. “Attentive as always. Yes, there is more. Crudelis began to make arrangements for the council two years ago, soon after your return!” The end of the sentence turned into a growl as Chrysalis’ hoof did finally begin to crack the ground.

“She was responsible for your near death! I know it! And now she has something planned, but I would die before I let her take you away from me!”

Chrysalis grabbed Twilight and pulled her into a fearful embrace, refusing to let go. “I will not let her take you as she took your grandmother,” she whispered.

“Hey,” Twilight said softly. “It will be alright, she would be stupid to try something at the council. From what I’ve studied unprovoked attacks on other queens at the council is a grievous offense. The other queens would tear her apart.”

Chrysalis sighed, reluctantly releasing her daughter. “Yes. I suppose you are correct. Nevertheless, we must be cautious while we attend.”

“You know, we could always not attend,” Twilight suggested.

“No. The other queens may have important subjects to discuss. It is our duty as royal changelings to attend.”

“Duty Calls,” Twilight muttered. “Then we will just have to be careful. Plus maybe my ‘research mode’ could figure out her plans?” She smiled.

Chrysalis snorted. “The mighty Queen Crudelis, brought down by book smarts. That would be the day.”

Twilight giggled. “It has worked before! Besides, Carduus will be there. You know how seriously all the drones take our safety.”

“True,” Chrysalis admitted. “But I’m your mother, it’s my job to worry about you.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Between you, Velvet and Celestia it’s a miracle I can get anything done.”

“Oh hush you,” Chrysalis playfully pushed Twilight away. “Come, we best help Spike prepare. And you need to talk to your friends.”

“One last thing,” Twilight held up a hoof. “Where exactly is the council?”

“Ah, one moment,” Chrysalis’ horn lit up a bright green.

In front of the two mares a giant green map of Equestria came to life, bathing the whole room in a green glow. The map scrolled to the east, moving across the ocean and into the Griffon Empire, further it moved until it came to a rest on the border of the Griffon Empire and the very outer edges of Zebrica. The map zoomed in to a large dome-like building in the middle of a dense forest, a small clearing separated the building from the treeline.

“That building, it looks ancient,” Twilight noted, seeing the foliage seeking to reclaim the building for nature.

“The first known changeling hive, it’s been there since before the pony hearthswarming event, and possibly even further back. It may even predate the lost alicorn you call Faust.”

“Older than the princess’ mother? The history that building must contain…” Twilight’s inner scholar was screaming like a filly.

“Drones from various hives keep the forest from reclaiming it, and give the structure repairs when they are needed. They also make sure the perception filter masking it is maintained, we don’t want a certain Daring Do raiding the place like some lost ark. Or some overexcited former protégé of the sun princess,” Chrysalis jabbed.

“I promise to behave when we get there,” Twilight chuckled.

“Good, some of the other queens have likely already arrived.”


The First Hive, On The Edge Of Zebrica



The large dome structure of the first hive lay before Queen Draco as she and her escorts approached. She could see sentries from various hives working in unison to protect the many queens that would be attending the council.

“Queen Draco…” a voice called out, one Draco was not particular thrilled to hear.

“Queen Crudelis.” She turned to meet the queen with the blood red mane. “What do I owe the pleasure?”

“Do I need a reason to greet another Changeling Queen to such a coveted occasion,” Crudelis stated as she approached, only to be stopped by two drones in red armour blocking her path.

“Control your drones, Draco,” Crudelis snarled.

“You always have some agenda Crudelis. As for my drones, they are performing their duties as they should be performed, keeping me away from threats.”

Crudelis glared at Draco spitefully, bearing her fangs slightly.

“If that is all, I will be on my way. Have a pleasant day,” Draco nonchalantly said as she continued to walk past the other queen.

“Very well Draco, but tell me, you did invite my niece did you not?

Draco stopped in her tracks, before turning to glare at Crudelis.

“I will take that as a yes.”

“What is it to you?” Draco asked.

“I am organising the council am I not, it is useful to know the attendees. Besides, I am keen to finally meet that little daughter of hers, she is family after all.”

In but a second Draco was in Crudelis’ face, fangs bared. “Don’t you even think about touching Twilight Sparkle. Chrysalis is a friend, and I will be damned sure to protect her daughter from the likes of you.”

Crudelis smiled innocently. “Harm Twilight? Oh Draco I would never dream of it, I would never lay a hoof on her!” Suddenly, her smile turned into a smirk, “Not here anyway.”

“I’m warning you Crudelis, stay away from them both. Understood?”

“Perfectly.”

Draco backed off, and briefly glared at Crudelis in disgust. She then turned away and continued to walk towards the building, her guards following shortly after.

Crudelis didn’t lose her smirk.

“My Queen! Preparations are proceeding as planned.”

“Very good, we don’t want anything to ruin Chrysalis’ homecoming gift now, do we?”

“No, my Queen.”

Crudelis chuckled. “Now, what is it my niece so loves saying?”

She considered for a moment, before it came to her. “Ah that is it…” The ancient queen’s smirk widened.

“This day is going to be perfect, the kind of day of which I’ve dreamed since I was small...”

Next Chapter: 35 - The Crystal Empire Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 55 Minutes
Return to Story Description

Login

Facebook
Login with
Facebook:
FiMFetch