Chapter 1

"Sir, these are all the comrades I could muster!" the changeling reported as he entered the tent, a makeshift shelter using raised branches of a thicket. Outside stood five more dark winged creatures with legs like mouldy swiss cheese- by visual, not odor. The four in the tent made the total nine.

On the other side stood another changeling- one whose throat was wrecked after impact against a tree. A small stump in the centre of the thicket cover held up what was left of an Equestrian map. Two other changelings sat around the tiny table. They took turns sighing at the pathetic state of the army they currently had accounted for.

"This won't be enough for an act of vengeance," the Sergeant, the one on the right, commented with a raspy, damaged voice.

"You forget, Sergeant, that ponies have defeated the Rhinos long ago, not through numbers and strength, but resourcefulness," the one on the left replied. "We can learn from that.”

"The only difference is that Elasmotheria still stands. If we're talking about a true conquest-"

"It all depends on how we use what resources we have," the one on the left interrupted, "More of our kin may have survived the blast. Heck, maybe the Queen herself is still alive. We may never know. What we can do is attack not at the heart like last time, but at the foundation."

"You really think we can do that, Captain?"

"Yes." The Captain replied, "We have to."

---

Captain Lahkranaz stepped through the crowd, under the veil of what appeared to be a pegasus pony. The one he copied was a creature of a tiny farm community far on the south side of Equestria. He was certain no pony in the northern Equestrian city of Stalliongrad would have a chance of recognizing the disguise in any way, shape, or form.

His own assigned target was there, a pianist who appeared to put his soul into the music he created and performed for crowds. Such passion seemed strong, and therefore delicious to a changeling. He didn't know if the creature had loved relatives, but he could draw power from the audiences who adored the music until he had a chance to perform proper research.

The problem is: he had no idea who this pianist really was, aside from a name and a general face: Cornelius Foalington. A young stallion with a dull yellow hide and a navy blue mane and tail. Such a fancy name, Lahkranaz thought as he spotted a poster on a dull gray post. It screamed expected greatness. The parents must have cherished this one.

It was then that Lahkranaz noticed that the poster was one of the few sources of colour around the city aside from the citizenship milling about. Come to think of it, Stalliongrad was pretty gray... and dark. Lahkranaz had failed to notice, until now, the humongous tree-shaped structure that covered the majority of the city in its shadow. Such a marvel of architecture rivaled that of the entirety of Canterlot. The captain wondered what mad pony could conceive of such a creation. Who would own such a piece? What would they do with it? What could they do with it? What are they doing with it?

Now that he was in Stalliongrad, most of the intelligence he received from interrogating assorted ponies prior to the first invasion was outdated. The structure seemed new. Lahkranaz continued onward. The poster indicated the show was taking place in the amphitheatre at the top of the tree- which was named the Stallios World Tree. Stallios, that sounded like a pony's name; possibly the one who has the word on such a piece.

The Stallios World Tree seemed even bigger once the disguised changeling finally reached its base- which was saying a lot. The light gray hoof he had been wearing for a while now pushed the doors open.

After a layer of air-lock style doors akin to a mall, Lahkranaz found himself at the lobby. The front desks were fully staffed, and were all rather busy. So many ponies returning to report in their presence, or claiming keys to their rooms. Lahkranaz needed a plan of attack, except he wasn't attacking. He only needed to get in the amphitheatre to see the show. He would need bits... He had bits, but he considered the need for a lot of bits.

Before he could leave, one of the front desk fillies called up the strong-looking farm pony with combed burgundy hair- which was the body Lahkranaz copied. "Are you here on a visit?"

"Um, yes," Lahkranaz replied in the most believable voice he could match with such a body, "I'm new here, and I'm not sure how to get to the amphitheatre."

"Do you have tickets for a show?"

"Well, I actually don't know where to get tickets," The captain replied in an embarrassed manner.

"I see. The amphitheatre is up at the penthouse floor," she replied in an air of friendly professionalism, "You'll need to take the elevator and purchase tickets there."

Lahkranaz nodded with a smile. "Uh- which elevator was it?" The counter filly pointed a polished hoof at an elevator- the one closest to them. Lahkranaz thanked the filly (who wished the disguised changeling a nice day) and entered the elevator after several other ponies.

The elevator ride lasted two minutes and thirty-nine seconds. Lahkranaz kept count. The elevator moved rather fast too. He still felt genuinely surprised at how enormous this building was. Once it stopped and the doors opened once more, The disguised changeling stepped out to avoid getting pushed aside from the other ponies in the elevator. Once he had an opportunity to scan his surroundings, he found that the interior was just as marvelous as the exterior.

He was in the interior of the canopy, a massive piece of artwork- a sculpture consisting entirely of support braces. There was nothing decorative or ornate about it. Everything was functional, but it all accumulated into a beautiful pattern. The entire place looked truly splendid. From above, the sky-view windows had rather effective-looking leaf-shaped framing. The altitude of the place was vastly different compared to Stalliongrad. A ventilation system would be warranted.

Lahkranaz still had no idea how he never saw this until he was right under it. This beast of a structure could probably be seen from half-way across Equestria! Perhaps he never really took the opportunity to look up, because he always kept his eyes on the ground, and thinking about the current state of his entire species.

All he could scavenge since the failed invasion was eight more of his kin. Even when he reminded himself to remain resourceful, his anxiety towards failure remained prominent. After all, that invasion was a disgrace to any dignified living creature who was capable of fighting. Weaponized love... who'd have thought of it?

He decided to search for a directory or something before resorting to asking somepony for directions. The directory was rather easy to find; it was the main landmark that was surrounded by all the other elevator shafts. The map was rather humongous; it implied that the entire canopy level was a whole other city. Lahkranaz still couldn't believe such a piece could exist.

Then again, half of Canterlot overhangs the side of a mountain. Perhaps the same technology was used. The changeling was curious about what was used to keep heavy things airbourne.

Eventually, the amphitheatre was found on the far south side of the canopy. The captain took to the air with his disguised wings, and flew rather calmly towards the location. His speed was on-par with the rest of the pegasi who frequented the canopy, so as to not draw attention to himself.

The place was rather astounding. Potted plants like vines covered every wall that wasn't used for windows or doors. Anywhere a vine didn't cover, burgundy tapestries hung, reflecting warm light to nearly every corner.

There was not a single dark spot in this place, save for the obvious shadows provided by the citizens milling about.

It took a while, but he finally made it to the amphitheatre. The ticket booths were all empty save for one. The one booth housed a young mare who appeared to be in it just for the bits. She looked bored out of her mind. The changeling could see that the pony's aura was just nothing but gray.

"Howdy," Lahkranaz greeted.

"What would you like, sir?" She asked in a feigned friendliness.

"How much is a ticket to the Foalington show?" The captain asked, praying inside that he had enough bits for it. He barely managed to gather quite a few since his travel from the south.

"Ten bits," she replied.

The Captain sighed in relief. He produced all the money he had: ten bits. The exchange was quick. Lahkranaz didn't want to waste any more time. He now had the ticket, and another five hours to spend in a way he deemed fit. As he trotted away, he realized that he, in fact, had a lot of time to waste. With no money to his name, the Captain really had little to do except fly around and explore the rather magnificent place.

The canopy really had everything a city needs. Two sectors on the east and west sides were dedicated to greenhouses, while everything else consisted of shops and homes. The changeling wondered what the homes were like, but he would need to research a new citizen entirely. Maybe a security guard who works at the amphitheatre... Yeah, perfect, he thought as he bee-lined near the amphitheatre once more.

The mare wasn't paying attention; she was bored out of her skull. Lahkranaz remained outside, seated on one of many benches in a crowd of ponies also seated on benches.

He waited for a while before his plan for a new body was side-tracked. "How are you liking the Tree?" one nearby pony asked.

"Huh?" The captain asked as he turned to see the stallion. He had failed to notice the bench already had an inhabitant on the other side.

"You're not from around here. I can tell," the pony replied rather cheerfully, "Isn't it amazing?"

"Yeah," Lahkranaz replied, "It sure is something."

"It was built by Stallios- the mayor of Stalliongrad."

"I can't say I know the pony," Lahkranaz commented.

"Well, he's a great guy, getting this place built."

"What about the rest of the city? Most of it is covered by this tree's shadow," The captain turned his head back to the theatre, watching for the lineup to begin.

"Who'd want to live in the lower city anyway?" The stallion asked.

The Captain didn't respond; he wasn't sure what to say. He lacked enough context to sound natural in such a situation. He could see the stallion's aura, like all changelings could. It seemed conflicted, which Lahkranaz could understand.

"I mean, it's just so dull... and gray... there's barely any colour aside from ponies like you and me," the stallion continued.

"Was it always like that?" Lahkranaz asked as he glanced around at the bold tapestries and assorted potted plants that added colour to the entire place.

"Yeah, actually- but that's why I'm happy this place was built."

The Captain didn't try to absorb the stallion's aura, but it was being fed to him by the proximity and the verbal contact. There was too much negative energy that could contaminate the good stuff he and other changelings require. He wasn't entirely sure why this pony feels the way he feels.

"So what brings you here?" The pony asked.

Lahkranaz never really met a pony like this. The most interaction he ever got was a "Howdy" to a passing apple merchant on the way to the city, and getting sucker-punched in the head by a cyan mare with a rainbow mane. It was such a humiliation, that a soldier of his calibre was knocked in the face before he could even do some damage in that encounter. He was about to strike a yellow mare with a pink mane and PTSD- he assumed- before getting bucked.

"Just catching the show," Lahkranaz replied.

"The Foalington show? There's a talented musician if I've ever seen one," The stallion replied. The changeling captain truly wished the pony would shut his trap. "I mean, really good. I saw a show myself. He's talented enough to be part of Celestia's court musicians. I've got no idea why he's flying solo."

"Maybe it's for the traveling," Lahkranaz suggested.

"Maybe, maybe," the pony said, "But I'm sure it pays better in the Palace, so vacations would be feasible."

"I wouldn't know," the changeling replied, "I don't know the pony."

"Really?" The pony asked, "Didja hear he's got a brother?"

"No," Lahkranaz replied. He seriously wanted to reply and I really don't care. Anything to shut this pony up.

"The brother's a fugitive- been one for a few years, last I heard."

"Why are you telling me this?" Lahkranaz finally turned to the pony.

"Cause that's just what we ponies do up here. We make friendly chat!"

"And gossip?" Lahkranaz asked.

The pony shrugged. "Whatever's in the magazines. Personally I find some of the gossip about the kid's brother to be ridiculous."

"I guess," Lahkranaz replied. After a pause, he decided that he might as well ask, "Who's this brother, anyway?"

The stallion shrugged, "The Guard never posted a name, which seems odd to me. I guess his last name's Foalington."

"Not even a description?"

The stallion shook his head.

"Didn't you say this brother is a fugitive?"

"Hey, I'm only reciting what I read in the magazines."

Lahkranaz chuckled, "Those magazines make no sense. Why read them?"

"It's the Musicians On-Demand Magazine," The stallion replied, "One of the most trusted brands next to the Baltimare Fashion Press."

Lahkranaz sighed. This guy was spoon-feeding him some crappy, schizophrenic energy. It wasn't doing him any good. He had four hours left... This was going to be a long wait.

---

Lahkranaz entered the theatre, feeling weak from having that one pony feed him some less than optimal energy. There was too much negativity; it wretched the captain's stomach like a poison. He knew he was too deep in enemy territory to display the pain he was in. He was forcing every bit of acting experience he'd ever acquired to hide the agony.

He was finally in the theatre, in a seat near the middle. It was the best place to scope out good auras to recover the energy that one pony took away, and then some. Ponies poured in along with him. He was among the first ones there. That was to be expected, he waited outside the door for five hours.

He could taste the auras that began to surround him. They all seemed... anxious... no, excited is more the term. That's much better, thought Lahkranaz as he mentally focused on the positive auras. As he absorbed the positive energy, the pain subsided. He didn't want to absorb too much, or else the pony he's targeting would be left with mostly negative energy- and would no-doubt visibly display that energy. That would be very strange and out-of-nowhere.

Lahkranaz sighed in relief amidst the chatter in the audience. He had gotten rid of any trace that the stallion ever poisoned the changeling. Now he had to wait for the show to begin, and he'd have a more excellent time sapping auras.

It all began simply. The theatre manager walked up to the front of the stage with a single spot following him. Lahkranaz could detect the aura of a youthful colt up in the rafters making sure the light panned smoothly. Until he reached the center, the manager did not speak.

"Welcome," said the manager, who then delved into a rather stock speech about how the show would function for the evening, namely a few pre-show acts prior to the main event, plus the time for intermission.

Lahkranaz sensed bottled-up excitement. The captain truly wasn't sure what was in store for this audience.

"Thank you," the old stallion concluded. He trotted off the stage amidst a round of applause. The curtains raised, and there was an orchestra ready for music.

The changeling had heard classical orchestral music before. His company had their own military choir and musicians. He had doubts that ponies would like the beautiful-sounding Changeling music. It was very different in sound to this Pony stuff.

This pony stuff, Lahkranaz found, was simply... smooth. It wasn't artistically chaotic, and the performers did not look overly disciplined. They looked remarkably relaxed. Heck, even their auras were nothing but positive. His temptations to sap one or two of them were set aside. If one lost their zone, it would probably wreck the whole damn show... and then maybe the show would be cancelled. No, Lahkranaz, he thought, concentrate on the audience.

Concentrate he did. As he listened to the rather alien music, he carefully chipped away whatever delicious positivity he could get from the audience without indirectly causing a commotion. The show went on. Lahkranaz paused to watch for especially plentiful auras as the music went on. Eventually, the songs ended and applause erupted.

This repeated one more time before the intermission. Most ponies left for catering, but Lahkranaz got all he needed. He didn't need food or water- though he could consume them like any other creature. The only required nutrient changelings needed was positive energy.

He remained waiting, trying to listen in on conversations around him. Subjects he eavesdropped on included the aftermath of the Royal Wedding, the release of recent films, and something called the Broncos. Something about a, Exegesis and Frozen Waters... Lahkranaz could've sworn he heard the name before.

At last, the audience returned in full. The house lights dimmed, and the curtains rose once more. The orchestra was there, but near the front of the stage was a grand pitch-black piano. Onto the stage trotted a cream-hide, dark blue maned young stallion. Lahkranaz recognized the face from the posters he saw along the way.

Cornelius Foalington. He appeared to be in his early twenties. His aura looked... conflicted. The colt looked fine and dandy, but Lahkranaz wouldn't touch that aura with a ten-metre stick. Something seemed very wrong with the young one, something Lahkranaz wouldn't have expected to see in a creature as young as that one. He's seen stallions that age on his way to Stalliongrad, none had such an aura.

The pony bowed to the audience before taking his seat at the grand piano. One key was tapped, making a pure sound that Lahkranaz found totally alien. These ponies are weird, he thought.

He didn't think to expect the show to begin like it did. The changeling captain noticed that the young pony's cutie mark was a keyboard overlapping a music sheet. His understanding of pony history included knowledge of the mysterious cutie marks. Cutie marks amplified talents- provided they were discovered. They're considered an Equestrian symbol of maturity. Lahkranaz felt a little envious at that.

The foal had that cutie mark for a reason. What followed the single key was some of the most beautiful-sounding alien music Lahkranaz had ever heard. At-first, he thought he was hallucinating. After a while, he realised that the music was in fact doing something he didn't think was possible.

The music itself was projecting an aura of pure joy that fed into every living thing in the theatre. Lahkranaz watched as the pink energy only he could see seep through the audience. The changeling felt an immense boost in power as he felt the aura absorb through his disguised skin like water into a root.

He had never felt this powerful before, even when he did pull off a year undercover as the husband of a truly loving gryphon. There was only one reasonable thing to do about this situation.

Assemble the rest of the team... assemble every changeling in existence. If they got the power that came from this universally lovable music... Nine changelings by themselves with this power... Lahkranaz really liked the prospects. He wasn't sure how he was going to find his comrades. He hasn't seen another changeling- disguised or otherwise- throughout his campaign back into Equestria. Wait, that won't work, he thought, How would I contact my comrades?

The plan fell through almost immediately. Still, he needed to find out how he could get as much of this incredible energy as possible. He had to gather the bits for one show, and if anypony noticed a group of nine coming to every show in Equestria. What if this Cornelius finally did take a spot in Celestia's court, like that annoying stallion said? How long- or short- would that be? How would he and his comrades get into the shows them?

As the most intelligent of the nine he had before, he determined there was only one option: Maintain the current course alone. This music was power... such power... He needed this power. In the absence of the Queen, he was the only one who had the brains to use such power. Equestria must fall, and this power- this music- will be the iron in the hammer that dislodges the keystone.

Chapter 2

The show was over. Lahkranaz's stomach shivered in glee. Never before had he felt so alive. This energy would last him for a long time... but it would not be enough for his objective. He needed more. He absolutely needed more. On his way out of the auditorium, he spotted a poster advertising the tour of shows. According to it, there were three more shows he could reach.

Would that be enough? The changeling captain questioned as he tapped on the poster to memorize the locations. Trottingham, Chargerton, and Ponyville were the last towns on the list. Whether or not it would be enough didn't matter right now. He might as well get as much of this awesome energy as he can. That meant he needed to reach every show. That meant he needed bits to go to each show. He got the previous ten bits by taking advantage of the hospitality of a farmer. He had doubts such a twist of luck would happen again. Even if it did, the captain didn't want to rely on generosity. At the same time, he couldn't try for a job. That would anchor him to a spot in order to avoid suspicion.

Lahkranaz looked back to the auditorium, then scanned his surroundings for anypony watching. Eventually, he spotted a restroom- which he entered.

Once inside, he took a stall and pretended to do his business. There were two other stallions using the facilities.

Eventually, he heard two sets of hooves vanish out the door. Lahkranaz shape-shifted into a stagehand he spotted on his way into the theatre and pondered if this was a good idea. It was risky, shifting into an immediately familiar face. What if he came across the very one he copied? The Changeling captain breathed deeply to calm his nerves. He was about to leave the restroom stall when he heard a single set of hooves enter. Lahkranaz peeked carefully over the stall door, and thanked his lucky stars.

It was the very stagehand he copied. A strong-looking pegasus who appeared used to menial labour. What were the chances? Lahkranaz asked. At last, he would bring out his military training to dispose of this creature. The stagehand's aura was remarkably positive. The captain slowly and silently opened the stall door, and moved up close to the oblivious stagehand. As he neared, he noticed that the back of the pony's black shirt contained a schedule for Cornelius Foalington's tour.

After getting into a more proper striking position, Lahkranaz grabbed the pony by the mane and mouth. The pony tried to shout, but was muffled to near-perfect silence by the changeling's arm. Lahkranaz's blue pupilless eyes glowed as he began to sap the pony's energy. All of the positive energy he could possibly get. The poor pony cringed in agony as every inch of positive energy was being removed.

The pony eventually tried to resist, so Lahkranaz thrust the pony's head into the porcelain wall. The force of the blow scrambled the creature's senses, but it did not damage the wall in any way. Lahkranaz repeated until the pony went limp. He checked the entrance in case another civilian arrived, then hoisted the stagehand over his back.

After stealing the stagehand's clothing, Lahkranaz disposed of the body by stuffing it in the back of the bathroom closet- which would normally be used by the janitor. After hiding the body appropriately, he cleaned himself up, put on the clothes, and left the bathroom. As he walked down the hallway, he checked the khaki trousers for anything in the pockets. Amidst the dirt and lint, Lahkranaz was fortunate enough to find a pouch containing money.

"Just like Gryphos all over again," he muttered as he trekked down the theatre hall toward the backstage rooms. The corridors were ornate and expensive-looking, such is to be expected from an establishment in this giant, expensive tree. Eventually, he found a black industrial door that was labeled "BACKSTAGE".

"Grip, where were you?" Another stagehand asked as he popped out of the door Lahkranaz was about to enter.

"Oh, bathroom," Lahkranaz replied. He wasn't sure if he copied the pony's voice properly. "Sorry."

"Well let's go. Cor's piano needs to get moved to the carriage so we can make the next show."

"Got it," Lahkranaz replied as he followed the creature to the stage. Along the way, he spotted other stagehands in different uniform. Lahkranaz then realized he copied a personal stagehand. His nervousness spiked.

He wanted to ask questions, something to get him more information, but he couldn't figure out how to word such questions without sounding suspicious. The stagehand and disguised changeling arrived at the stage, where a third pony was waiting.

"I'll take this end," the first stagehand said as he trotted to the back of the piano, "You and Gaffer get those ends."

"Got it, C-Stand," Gaffer confirmed.

Lahkranaz reached down to get a good grip on his end. The other two stretched their wings, ready to flap. Following their cue, Lahkranaz stretched his own stolen wings- which easily disguised his rather powerful changeling wings.

Together, they lifted the piano into the air.

"This way," C-Stand called over the sound of the rapidly flapping wings. The trio of stagehands carried the piano off the stage and toward what appeared to be a hanger. A large carriage lay in wait with all doors opened and ready to take the piano. Loading the carriage was rather simple. After the moving was all said and done, Lahkranaz was not sure what was going to happen next.

"Come on, newbie," Gaffer beckoned Lahkranaz to follow. The two stagehands in the black shirts with the cream and navy blue logos took flight out of the hangar, followed closely by the carriage.

Lahkranaz panicked and shot off after them. He couldn't count his lucky stars enough. He didn't plan to take the lucky streak for granted, however. He knew he still needed to be careful. Still, what were the chances? he thought, The great changeling goal seemed ever closer now.

He was quite fit to fly. He had been practicing for the invasion of Equestria for a good few months, and he spent the majority of the mission flying and waiting for the barrier to fall.

"You se... ener... usual," C-Stand called.

In the sound of clouds whizzing past, the disguised changeling didn't hear much at all. "What's that?" Lahkranaz asked.

"I said," C-Stand flew in closer, "You seem more energetic than usual."

"Oh!" Lahkranaz replied, "I guess it was the music!"

"Yeah, Cor's a hell of a talent, isn't he? You know, his sister works in the Canterlot Garden."

"Oh really?" Lahkranaz asked.

"Yeah, I've never seen her, but she must look fine if she's working at the Palace. Know what I mean?"

Lahkranaz forced laughter, but it sounded believable, even alongside C-Stand's laughter.

Gaffer came close to join in the conversation.

C-Stand continued. "I know he's got a brother, but I never heard much about him."

"You ever try asking Cor about it?" Lahkranaz asked.

"No way, dude," Gaffer replied.

"Why not?" Lahkrnaz asked. There was no immediate response, so he asked again, "Seriously, why not?"

"The Guard's not keen about the brother. That's all I know," Gaffer replied.

"So a fugitive," Lahkranaz said, wondering if the stallion who wouldn't shut up was actually right.

"I don't know, dude. It just seems weird. I'm not sure if we should mention it around Cor."

"Then we shouldn't," Lahkranaz replied, "I mean, there's that option, right?"

"Well, I'm a curious stallion, I am," Gaffer said.

"How about we just concentrate on flying?" Lahkranaz said.

"Yeah, Grip's right," C-Stand said with an air of disappointment, "Let's just not bother the guy about it. We've got a tour to pull through."

The conversation went silent from there. Lahkranaz was rather surprised that he was managing such a cover. He wondered when the body of the real Grip would be found, or what would happen from there.

"What was his brother's name, anyway?" C-stand asked. "I'm not going to ask Cor about it, but I'm just wondering."

Gaffer didn't reply, neither did Lahkranaz. C-stand physically displayed disappointment."He sounds like a guy I'd like to meet," he said.

"What makes you so sure of that?" Lahkranaz asked.

"Well, Cor's a hell of a talented musician- especially at his age," C-Stand replied, "His big sister's a gardener at Canterlot Palace. I can only imagine what his big brother's good at."

Lahkranaz kept his nervousness to the back of his mind. This older brother character was currently a wild card. At least, it would be safe to assume as such. Such little information was available about this one. Heck, even the older sister was a greater public figure that intel on her seemed more readily available.

He pondered how he was going to get this Cornelius to play for more than just the next three shows. By his crude estimations, he would need more than twice as many shows-worth of this wonderful power in order to do anything substantial by himself.

Suddenly, he and everything around him seemed to shudder from some unseen force. The clouds suddenly rushed past faster than before. Lahkranaz identified this as the westerly wind stream- which seemed to be curved sharply south- a semi-rare occurrence. He had studied the map of Equestria long before the first invasion. He knew that the wind stream would take them straight to their next destination. There was only one town that would logically hold such a prestigious show: Trottingham.

It was big enough and it had the population. The only other town anywhere within the area that could try to rival its size was one of the larger settlements in Buffalo Territory.

Buffalos. Lahkranaz refrained contorting his features. The ponies continued to move in and settle on Buffalo land. He despised the displayed greed. He remembered many of the briefings from scouts that were sent into Equestria, how ponies seemed to live in such a utopia that it generated such positive auras the mere mention made his mouth water.

And yet... these ponies, with their perfect little society, felt they don't have enough. Lahkranaz's stomach turned in disgust. He felt for those buffalo; they were nomads like his hive. The Changelings moved all over the world, searching for little pockets- pockets laden with an overabundance of positive energy. As Equilibrium commanded, this was for balance.

At least... that's what his old history books said when he was learning how to be a changeling. Lahkranaz read every book the Changelings ever created, all ninety-three, and he never forgot a word. The books were the foundation for their society. They contained their objective, their purpose, their entire reason to exist. Eighty of them were detailed instructions from their God. The other thirteen contained hymns, songs, and stories of Changeling legends past. Lahkranaz loved the legends more than anything.

"Grip, you okay?" Gaffer asked.

"Huh?" Lahkranaz said.

"You look like you spaced out."

"Oh, I was just thinking."

"About what?" Gaffer asked.

"The Buffalo," The captain replied.

"Yeah, a lot of us think about the Buffalo," the pony said.

"Really?" Lahkranaz asked, "I always thought I was the only one. Never figured out why we started building settlements."

"Me neither. I mean, it was very clearly their land."

The captain blinked. He wasn't expecting such a response from a pony of all creatures. He wasn't expecting remorse, but Lahkranaz could see Gaffer's aura. There was remorse... real remorse.

"I feel... what's the word, ashamed?"

"Ashamed?" Lahkranaz repeated.

"Ashamed," Gaffer confirmed.

There was a pause. Lahkranaz was expecting a continuation, but it never came. He wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't sure if there was supposed to be anything to say. This pony just up and contradicted everything he received from any of his briefings, or from any of the reports the Queen's scouts divulged.

Too much positive energy on account of ignorance? The reports lied. Lahkranaz was shocked he had come across as many waves of negative energy at all as he did. It couldn't have been another changeling at-work either. He was the only one who went North toward Stalliongrad. He assigned himself to the musician, and everyone else around all corners of Equestria.

Maybe there were other survivors, who made their own rag-tag squad and decided on the same plan of action. That would be damn coincidental. Lahkranaz felt conflicted on that manner, as he would have all his plans ruined if another changeling got into the mix.

Who'd have thought? The Captain thought, the worst wild card in the bunch is my kin.

The flight continued with no more conversation. The Captain took the time to enjoy the wind in his synthetic mane, between the ears he technically didn't have. His insect wings were shielded by the false pegasus feathers he copied. Trottingham materialized into view beyond the clouds. They seemed a lot fluffier than the ones the convoy zipped passed along the way. The pegasi in the area seemed to take pride in their clouds.

Those abominable, perfect-looking clouds... Lahkranaz hated them. They weren't natural. They weren't beautiful. He hated everything ponies did to their surroundings. Looking at the obviously artificial clouds reminded the captain of why he almost immediately returned for another round with Equestria. He wanted to get back at that rainbow-maned one who humiliated him, and the insult to nature these ponies posed.

No, he told himself, Now wasn't the time to be angry or resentful. Such emotions slowly drain my energy. Such emotions are costly, and therefore useless in this assignment. I must be collected.

The carriage lowered through the clouds and found a landing zone outside of the theatre. The streets were empty of other carriages. As Lahkranaz landed with the two other dedicated stagehands, C-stand said, "After we unpack everything, why don't we hit that salt bar?" The stagehand pointed a hoof at a pub across the street from the theatre. "I heard Trottingham's got some classy stuff."

"Classy stuff, more like the source of some Trottingham wine," Gaffer added.

Lahkranaz simply shrugged in acknowledgement. Pubs are places to go and be merry. Positive auras would be plentiful there. He wasn't sure what salt or wine were.

The team unpacked the gear and piano and quickly set up shop in the theatre's greenroom. Lahkranaz didn't care to admire the massive amounts of custom platforms and costumes that remained in storage for future performances. Lahkranaz never familiarized himself with popular pony culture, so he didn't recognize anything.

"Gaffer, C-Stand," Cornelius called as he entered the greenroom, "Grip."

"Yeah Cor?" C-stand asked.

"Heard you guys were hitting the salt bar," the pianist replied, "Got space for one more?"

"Tell that to the Pub, sir," Gaffer said.

Cornelius smirked. "You dabble in salts often, Gaffer?"

"Why? Think you can outlast me?" the stagehand challenged.

Cornelius didn't reply. Instead, he asked, "When are you going?"

"Right now," Gaffer said as the trio gently placed the piano on the secure concrete floor.

Chapter 3

Gaffer and Cornelius were almost chewing through the blocks of salt they were given. C-Stand and some strangers were chanting "Chew, Chew, Chew, Chew, Chew!" Lahkranaz tried his best not to show absolute horror toward this completely alien concept. What the hell was this? He truly wanted to ask.

Eventually, near the last quarter of the block, Gaffer coughed and collapsed. Every pony cheered as Cornelius lightly slammed a hoof onto the table.

"Son of a foal, Cor. I never took you for a salty stallion," C-Stand said.

"My bro and I grew up on the stuff," The pianist bragged, "Whatever Dad tried to hide at home, Kurt and I always managed to find."

Kurt... Kurt Foalington... Lahkranaz had a name now. He looked to C-Stand, who managed to avoid a visual indicator that would've suggested that Kurt was the subject of a conversation not even an hour ago.

Every pony was occupied with laughter and cheer. The captain felt comfort that this apparent horror still had good feelings behind it. He didn't want to try salt, though. The stuff looked like it would ruin your mind.

Cornelius chuckled, reached over and patted Gaffer on the shoulder. "Oh man, I should've drank something first," Gaffer complained.

Cornelius picked up the last bit of his own salt block and popped it into his mouth. He then reached for a large mug of water, "I'm always open for a rematch, Gaffer."

Lahkranaz felt better, now that he had access to these sources of positive energy. He didn't want to take too much, as usual.

"Who's Kurt, anyway?" one pony asked- one of the carriage pilots, Lahkranaz recalled.

He looked at C-Stand, who stared back. Both seemed to know where this was going.

"My brother?" Cornelius asked, "Didn't I tell you?"

After a pause, C-Stand shook his head, "No, you haven't."

Cornelius's head wavered. Lahkranaz had the feeling that whatever happened to Gaffer started showing with the pianist.

"He's a great brother, Kurt," Cornelius' positive aura began to weaken. "Mum and Dad were rarely there on account of work, same with Kaia. He and I did everything together. At least, everything when he and I weren't at school... or in his case, training."

"Training?" the same pilot asked.

"The Guard saw potential in him, so they got him started early. He still hanged with me, helping like a father should've. Then Guard duty became full-time."

The auras had become rather stale. Not negative, but there was nothing substantial either.

"Is he still a guard?" Lahkranaz asked. He wasn't sure what relevance to his mission the answer would have, but he was curious about the rumors. He hoped the pianist would say "yes," so the rumors could be proven false right off the bat.

"No."

Damn.

"It's hard to talk about him, to be honest." Cornelius said, "Who wants another round?"

Reluctantly, everyone's auras booted up again. "Yeah," C-Stand said as Gaffer finally pulled himself together to take a long drink of water from his own mug, "We've got a day before the performance. Let's make the downtime count!"

Lahkranaz remained seated at the table whilst everypony else spread across the bar- possibly to meet mares, or mingle with residents of Trottingham. Lahkranaz overheard one of the pilots say something about "attractive accents." Cornelius also remained seated at the table. It was only a matter of time before the pianist really noticed the other stagehand was there.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't see you there," Cornelius said as he downed the rest of the water, "Did you want any salt?"

Lahkranaz held a hoof up, "Not my tastes."

"Pity," Cornelius replied, "It gets your mind off things. A clear mind perfects music."

"A clear mind perfects a lot of things," Lahkranaz commented.

"Yeah, my brother especially."

"How so?" Lahkranaz asked. Even with the obvious desire to avoid the subject, the pianist turned right back to it.

"Ever hear of Kurgan Indrik?"

Lahkranaz paused. Cornelius could tell the disguised changeling knew.

Kurgan... The Hive has met the guy before... A monster, but a required monster. Equilibrium needed a perfect avatar of the primal natures of old- before the level of sapience that allowed for such technologies that even ponies had. He also heard that the rhino met his end when he was previously thought immortal. "History books," Lahkranaz lied, "Why?"

"Well, he threatened to invade Equestria. Kurt... was ordered to kill him."

Lahkranaz strained to avoid an unrealistic level of shock. Not even the Queen would've been able to take on such a beast- even with a viable source of positive energy. "How?" He asked in disbelief.

Cornelius shrugged, "Not sure. Honestly, it was at a time when I didn't believe there were such things as ponies like Kurt."

"Yeah... I mean, since the Gryphon conflict and all." Lahkranaz knew about the gryphon conflict. It was the gryphons who informed her majesty about the ponies. It took a time before the first invasion was planned out. He was also at least familiar enough with popular culture to know that most ponies remember it well. Lahkranaz remembered this one video store that had an entire section dedicated to films based on fictional and non-fictional accounts of ponies who were in that conflict.

"Yeah," Cor said, "The last vet passed away years ago."

Pause. Lahkranaz wasn't sure if this was a natural pattern, or if he just sucked at conversations.

"Yeah, I'm not proud of the fact that my brother is able to do that, but damnit," The pianist's aura flashed with a strong positive energy. The facial expression changed almost as suddenly. "If it weren't for him I wouldn't be able to salt Gaffer right out the door."

Lahkranaz smiled a legitimate smile. He liked this pianist's humour.

"C'mon," Cor said as he stood up, "Let's see if we can't find ourselves some mares. You can be my wingcolt."

The captain decided to play along and followed suit. After all, this reminded him of the good times he spent with his old squads while on leave. "You sure, sir? Mares' views on good looks differ."

Cornelius grimaced. "Smart guy, eh?"

"Here's a challenge: try it without mentioning you're Cornelius Foalington," Lahkranaz subconsciously felt at the pockets of the pants he wore. He felt bits, "I'll buy if you can do it."

Cornelius grinned, "You're on."

---

Lahkranaz awoke in the green room. He was lying on a long sofa in one alcove of the large warehouse room. The vague taste of salt tickled his senses. He examined his surroundings to spot a half-finished water bottle labeled in large, bold, black letters, "GRIP." The water bottle sat atop a small platform that was purposed as a makeshift end table.

The changeling helped himself to the remaining water. He didn't remember how he even had the opportunity to get salt. He barely remembered anything. As Lahkranaz's memory of his purpose in Equestria kicked in, he became very afraid. What had happened? Nothing bad could've happened, else he'd be in jail... or someplace worse. He checked his hooves to find he was still very well in disguise.

He then heard music... beautiful music that energized the changeling.

"No wonder you don't eat salt," Cornelius called from around a neat pile of custom platforms, "You hold your salt like a hot coal."

Lahkranaz coughed from the dryness of his throat. "What happened?"

"You joined in a game of Sociables," C-Stand said.

"Oh, and you also won the bet," Cornelius added.

The hell is Sociables? The changeling asked to himself. The desire to ask that question faded as his headache vanished. That music was a drug- a very medicinal drug to the changeling. Lahkranaz really really liked it.

Even though it was obviously practice, the powerful energies it produced were as good as the full-blown show. There was something about that instrument- or the pianist using it. Lahkranaz wondered if there were other ponies who were able to create such beautiful energies. Did they even know they could?

Lahkranaz stretched and stood from the sofa. He stepped around the organized pile of platforms to see the other two stagehands were eating... what was it, breakfast? Lahkranaz wondered what time it was, so he asked.

"It's morning," C-Stand replied.

"Damn," Lahkranaz muttered, "Salt really knocked me on my flank, didn't it?"

Gaffer laughed.

"Anyway, we got you breakfast," C-Stand said, indicating a sandwich wrapped in paper. "You're probably gonna need it, since we never had dinner."

"Agreed," Lahkranaz replied. Although he was capable of eating, he didn't need it. His body could process it like any pony, but the nutrients were minimal compared to the power granted by the auras. He liked the sandwich, though.

The group was silent as Cornelius continued his practice in-between bites of his own sandwich.

"Ever hear of Floyd Gilmare?" Gaffer asked.

"I've met the stallion, yes," Cornelius replied as he paused his music.

"Hell of a guitarist, right?" Gaffer grinned.

Cornelius nodded before getting back to practice. "An old one too," he added. "But age doesn't..." He paused for a second, both in his speech and his music. "... Diminish that kind of skill."

"Ever think of playing alongside Floyd?"

"I never really met the guy," Cornelius replied, "Well, I met him, but I wasn't a musician at the time. I'm thinking of calling him once this tour's done."

Ah, excellent, Lahkranaz thought, potentially more music to give him power. While not confirmed, there was a goal in sight. All he needed to do was stay the course.

Hours passed, and then the crew set the stage and instruments. The show came and went in a similar fashion to Stalliongrad. Lahkranaz felt the power that was granted to him by the time Cornelius finished his bit in the show.

He wondered just how strong it made him. He didn't want to test out this power, lest he waste the energy he craved like a drug.

---

The next show came and went. All the while, the changeling spent the time building chemistry with C-Stand and Gaffer and Cornelius. He was certain one more show would get him enough power to try something for real.

The convoy soared through the sky to the East. Lahkranaz spotted Canterlot far to the right of their current path. The humiliation happened there, he grimaced at the reminder.

"So there was this movie that won a lot of Broncos," Gaffer sparked a conversation.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, it's got this weird title with big words like... Exeh... Eggsegeesis?"

"Exegesis?" Lahkranaz corrected.

"I don't even know what that means, Grip," Gaffer replied.

"Isn't it a fancy word for interpretation?" C-Stand asked.

Lahkranaz nodded.

"Anyway, it's like this fantasy movie where this pony is immortal, and he's lived through some crazy made-up version of Equestrian history."

"Made-up?" Lahkranaz asked, "Like what?"

"Eh, none of it was really that cool. Almost all of them showcased ponies as ignorant monsters. Mostly it showed the old Queen as some evil pony who stole from zebras, gryphons- most every one of our neighbors."

Lahkranaz stifled laughter. If only they knew, he thought. Equilibrium was killed by the Queen Galaxia. His ancestors felt it happen. He saw the crater that remained before he was through Basic.

"I know, crazy, right?" Gaffer responded to the stifled laughter.

"I'm not sure," C-Stand said, "I heard one of the Princesses endorsed it."

"Well, it was a thought-provoking piece, I guess,"

"Aren't all films that try for the Broncos?" C-Stand laughed.

"Yeah, but this one seemed different," Gaffer stuttered a little in his response. "It wasn't like the annual Birth of Equestria adaptation, or some war film about the Gryphon conflict."

"What are you, a film geek?" C-Stand chuckled.

Gaffer bumped into C-Stand jokingly. "I'm serious, the movie was pretty emotional. It was speaking to me in some way."

"You mean the film had an aura to it?" Lahkranaz asked.

"Yeah, an aura!" Gaffer replied, "That's the word I was looking for."

"Hell, Gaffer. Next thing I know, you'll be saying that Exegesis movie really is true."

"What's to say it isn't?" Lahkranaz asked.

"It can't be, dude. It's just..." C-Stand paused for a bit. Lahkranaz allowed the co-worker to collect the right words for a response, "I mean, look at us now. I mean ponies in general. There's almost no poverty that I know of. Even in Manehattan or Baltimare, there is not a single pony who lives out on the streets unless they're some kind of hippie who chose that sort of lifestyle."

"And?"

"How could we live in such a utopia without anyone finding out about such a horrific past?"

Lahkranaz slowed down a bit; his wings stopped almost automatically. He was quick to pick up speed again and catch up.

"It's the conspiracy, dude," Gaffer replied with a laugh.

C-Stand joined in the laughter. Lahkranaz simply blinked.

"Hey Grip, what's wrong?" C-Stand asked when he noticed the disguised changeling wasn't laughing.

"I want to see this movie," Lahkranaz replied, "I mean, I can't really judge it unless I've seen it, you know?"

"Really? I think there might be one in the video store in the next city," Gaffer replied, "Or the city after."]

"Yeah," C-Stand added, "It was distributed to the public a few months ago."

The rest of the flight was spent with them discussing card games- which Lahkranaz realized was the only hobby he had that was in any way familiar to ponies.

Chapter 4

The next town was a place called Chargerton. Lahkranaz wasn't familiar with the medium-sized city, so he asked Gaffer. "It's only home to the Chargerton Stampede- the biggest outdoor show in Equestria," Gaffer replied in excitement.

"Well, the past two years, they were moved to Canterlot due to renovations," C-Stand said.

"But now it's back!" Gaffer giggled. "Oh, there's no place like home."

"Canterlot was nice," Cornelius called as he hopped from the carriage he rode throughout the flight, "But the cleanliness and spires do no justice to the grime and dirt of the Stampede."

"Would it be possible to see the show?" Lahkranaz asked.

"Yeah, we can when it begins next month."

Damn, Lahkranaz thought, by then I'd have enough power to crush this place... Hm... maybe I could just hold off the revenge and check out this outdoor show.

Maybe...

---

They arrived at the theatre. It was the least ornate one yet, whereas Stalliongrad looked fresh, like a brand-new coat of paint, and Trottingham looked like old, preserved architecture.

This theatre in particular looked aged, but not preserved, though when Gaffer tried testing some of the seats, there was no squeak.

"Eh, I guess that's one thing this dump has going for it," Gaffer quipped as he stood up in the currently empty theatre.

"And the acoustics. That's still well-designed in this place," C-Stand added.

"Well what the hell's going to damage the padding on the walls?" Gaffer asked.

"Moths? Fire?" Lahkranaz suggested.

"Changelings?" C-Stand said, which almost made Lahkranaz flinch, "Nah, if there was a fire, I doubt there would've been enough care to rebuild the place at all. It's like they're doing the bare minimum for maintenance."

"It still works, and that's good enough for me," Cornelius commented as he rose his head from the inside of his piano. He was checking to make sure it still played like an instrument should, as flight and landing could potentially cause damage.

"Not much care for acoustics, Cor?" C-Stand asked.

"Eh, I do care about it, but any amount is good enough for me- especially compared to bare concrete walls," Cor replied, "It's like the difference between digital and vinyl records. I've heard ponies rave on about how old records are way way better, but I just don't get it."

"Yeah," Gaffer said, "Why care about the difference of music storage when you're the source of the music?"

"Yeah," Cor chuckled, "That's probably what makes me the most useless opinion on that sort of thing."

"Although speaking of Changelings," Gaffer continued, "I never really heard the story on that thing that happened in Canterlot."

Lahkranaz tried so hard to refrain any emotional reaction to it, aside from what might be understandable on pony terms. In this case, he couldn't think of anything.

"It was a Royal Wedding," Cornelius replied, "I was in town at the time. I was told I was considered for musical provision, but they brought in a DJ and this lovely mare from Ponyville."

"How lovely are we talking here?" C-Stand teased.

"That yellow coat, that flowing pink mane, dude," Cor explained, "I dunno, I've got a soft spot for long manes, I guess. 'Specially ones that are used to hide the eyes."

C-Stand and Gaffer looked at each other, then they both started laughing. Lahkranaz couldn't help but laugh as well.

"Oh come on!" Cor shouted as his face flushed red, "I'm being humble about this. She's a hell of a composer. She got birds to do the music! I don't know anypony who could do that."

"You do realise she's probably older than you, right?" C-Stand asked.

Lahkranaz suddenly thought about the flowing pink mane... could it have been that one pony he was about to capture before the Rainbow one kicked him in the face?

He remembered that aura. It was conflicted, tied back so not even he could see it easily. He wanted to tear that aura out just to see what it was like. The shyness piqued his curiosity something fierce at the time... but she was out of her element in that fight. He didn't want to see that mare again, neither on the battlefield, nor in peacetime.

"Cor and Pink-Mane, sitting in a tree," Gaffer cracked.

"Shut up, Gaffer," Cor chuckled before continuing his scanning on the piano.

"So what happened?" Lahkranaz asked. "At Canterlot, I mean."

"Well, there were a couple of Changelings that came along my place- my parents own a spire there, of course they do- and they took one long look at me... and then just moved on."

"Wait, they just moved on?" Lahkranaz asked, "I... I heard changelings were rather savage."

"Yeah, I've heard that too," C-Stand added, "They just tackled anypony they saw."

"Well, maybe my lunch had garlic in it. I dunno," Cor said.

Lahkranaz deep-down knew why the changelings didn't go after the pianist. First off, they didn't experience this pony's music. Secondly, he wouldn't want to touch this pianist's aura with a stick.

The doors were opened by the working ushers. Everyone glanced at each new source of light and air being opened.

"Well, it's getting close to showtime. You guys go do what you do best," Cor commented."

"You too, sir," C-Stand replied, "Break a leg."

"I think that's only for actors," Cor said, "But thanks anyway."

Together, Lahkranaz, Gaffer, and C-Stand left through the backstage.

C-Stand and Gaffer stopped when they noticed Lahkranaz remained close to the stage, and they asked "There's this great bar two blocks away, aren't you coming?"

"Nah," Lahkranaz replied, "I can't take my salt well, remember?"

"Oh right, don't want to be joining any games of Sociables, eh?" C-Stand jabbed, much to Gaffer's amusement.

Lahkranaz sarcastically laughed in response. "Anyway, take care, eh?"

"Always do, man," Gaffer replied. At that, the two stagehands left the greenroom.

Lahkranaz walked to the greenroom to wait for the show to start proper. Once he began hearing the introduction, he gripped at a chair with his teeth and carried it to the backstage area behind the curtains.

From there, he sat down and watched... and listened... and relished the power.

---

If Lahkranaz could use one word to describe Ponyville, the word would be "Expensive." Nearly every building looked custom-designed and built by the most artistically inclined architects. Every one of them reminded the changeling of the overabundance of ponies who seemed to take everything for granted. They didn't seem to know what sacrifices were made to make their society what it is. They didn't even seem to care.

They lowered, and Gaffer was the first to pipe up.

"Wait, there's no theatre in Ponyville. Where are we supposed to set up shop?"

"An interesting interrogative!" Cornelius jokingly shouted as he left his carriage. Being an Earth pony, the pianist was not bestowed with the gift of flight like the three pegasi stagehands, "The answer is yes."

"Yes?" Lahkranaz asked.

"Yes," Cornelius almost broke down from there. "I'm sorry, you're right, Gaffer. There's no theatre like the others. However, there is a stage near the foal school- and I like the acoustics of an open field."

Gaffer and C-Stand exchanged glances. Lahkranaz could tell by the pianist's aura that there was something else about Ponyville.

He had to assume the brother had something to do with it.

They arrived early, as the hotels at Chargerton had no vacancies, and there was another show to perform soon after Cornelius and his crew. As a result, they left for Ponyville early. That left them with a full day to waste on whatever there was to do at Ponyville.

There appeared to be a lot to do, given the expensive-looking status of almost every building. It was like they were large-scale models of doll houses fillies would play with, except with working plumbing.

"Hey Grip," C-Stand said, "There's a video store over there. Let's see if that Exegesis movie is there."

"Actually, I met the writer of the screenplay about a month ago. He said Kurt had a hoof in its production.

"If you're volunteering to go, then go for it. Gaffer and I are eyeing some mares over there," C-Stand replied with a grin.

"Make sure they're single," Cor said, "I don't want to have to bail you out."

At that, the two teams of two went their separate ways. Cor and Lahkranaz entered the rather small video store and greeted the clerk at the desk- who appeared to be watching a movie.

"Do you have the Exegesis of Frozen Waters in stock?" Cornelius asked.

"It'd be under Documentaries over there," the clerk replied as he pointed a hoof toward one of the shelves so obviously labeled 'DOCUMENTARY'.

"Thank you kindly," Cor said as he and the disguised changeling headed for the section.

"I've been meaning to ask, actually," Lahkranaz said as he and Cor searched the shelves, "Why is he called C-Stand?"

"The C stands for Cob," Cornelius replied, "That's really it. You didn't know?"

Lahkranaz shook his head. After two beats, he tapped a hoof on one of the film cases. "Got it," he announced.

He pulled out the case. The front cover had what appeared to be a crystalized- or frozen- droplet of water. Aside from the title in an old-timey-looking font, there was nothing else to make of it.

"Interesting cover," Cornelius said.

"You know what your brother did for this film?"

"Silver- the writer, that is- said he was a source and a bodyguard."

"Really?"

"Well, I guess it's all Kurt's ultimately good at," Cor muttered.

Lahkranaz's eyebrows perked up at the comment, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"He got his cutie mark from fighting bullies," Cornelius confessed, "The Royal Guard made an exception with him and trained him almost immediately after that. They planned to give him a career on a silver platter, in a way."

"What happened?"

"Well, he just vanished one day, and I never saw him for a few months until he was called back to take care of a problem for the Princesses."

"Kurgan Indrik?"

Cor nodded, "It was then that I wanted to feel ashamed, actually. I mean... a killer for a brother, you know?"

"Why isn't he in jail if he's a killer?" Lahkranaz asked, "No offense intended, but..."

"The guards never explained it properly. Frankly, they always wanted to avoid the subject. First they're trying to arrest him, next they're avoiding all contact, then they want to take him down for good. Nothing ever happens."

Lahkranaz didn't know what to say. These ponies, he found, weren't that terrible.

"Can Changelings see our souls?" Cor asked, "I mean, I doubt any pony would know, but I just wonder."

Lahkranaz nodded, urging the pianist to continue.

"We know changelings take the form of friends and loved ones and absorb that love, right? Kurt's the greatest brother a guy could ask for, really. Why didn't those changelings attack at the time?"

Lahkranaz knew the answer even before he officially met the pianist, but he couldn't say. Some insane part of his mind wanted him to say.

"I'm not sure if I'm the best pony around to play 'therapist', mind you," Lahkranaz commented.

Reluctantly, Cornelius smiled, "No, but thanks for taking the rant. I mean, I know I just hired you before the Stalliongrad show, but you taking the heat means a lot."

"Hey, what are friends for?" Lahkranaz asked as he raised the movie case. Somehow, he meant it. "Come on, let's get the others and watch this movie.

---

Lahkranaz woke up early in the morning. He had fallen asleep almost immediately after the film was over. He knew everything that was shown there already- except for the whole situation with the Wendigos, and the madness of the old Queen of Equestria.

He wanted to meet this Frozen Waters someday. A real immortal, with real memories of times long past. What kind of aura would this creature have?

He rose silently from the sofa in the Bed & Breakfast in Ponyville, only to find that he was the only one who dozed off on the sofa. Every pony had retired to their rooms instead.

It would be an hour or so before anyone would reasonably wake up, so the disguised changeling left the building.

The smell of morning dew reached his snout. He figured the water came from the nearby mountains.

With a deep breath, Lahkranaz took to the skies. He then silently and lazily soared around the clouds.

It was good to fly. At the moment, Lahkranaz realized that he had taken such a gift for granted. Pegasus ponies comprise a measly third of the entire Equestrian population. Few changelings also seemed to survive the blast from that humiliating defeat.

He had taken his continued ability to live for granted. As far as he knew, his proud, beautiful Queen was dead. All of this humiliation and loss were caused by ponies, he thought, so why am I having second thoughts?

The actions of few shouldn't penalize many. Only the Queen seemed to do any real damage. It's all the ponies that had their unnaturally positive auras. They had those auras because of ignorance. They didn't know that everything in the film was true. Hell, some don't even want to believe it's true.

Lahkranaz suddenly wondered who the real Grip was- what his ambitions were. He wondered if they had found the unconscious body yet- or even if the body was unconscious.

He felt regret. At the time, he enjoyed snuffing that pony's positive aura, but now... now, he felt like he should've tried things differently. Maybe disguise himself as another potential stagehand that Cornelius could've hired. No... he, C-Stand, and Gaffer were plenty enough... but there had to be another way...

The changeling's thought process ceased when a blur shot past his field of vision. His head twisted as he flew to try to spot whatever flew like a bullet.

He spotted the source... and he couldn't believe his terrible luck.

It was that rainbow-maned pegasus who kicked him in the face.

"Hey," the pegasus said as she almost instantly shot to the disguised changeling's side, "Early fly, huh?" She asked.

"Yeah," Lahkranaz replied as he tried not to try to strangle the mare where she flew.

"Name's Rainbow Dash, You look like you're not from around here."

"I'm Grip," Lahkranaz replied, "I'm a stagehand for Cornelius."

"Oh, the pianist?"

"Yeah, him."

"I heard he's good," she said.

"Oh," Lahkranaz replied. "The best."

"Eh, piano music isn't my kind of thing," Rainbow-mane said.

There was a pause as they flew over what appeared to be a pond. Lahkranaz really really wanted to strangle the rainbow-maned one.

"... But," she continued, "I did knock on something I hadn't tried before. Maybe I'll check it out."

"It's an outdoor show," Lahkranaz said.

"Really?" Dash asked, "I thought it was a ticket show."

"I guess the Mayor or someone paid for it."

Lahkranaz really really really wanted to strangle the rainbow-maned one.

Shockingly, he managed to resist any signs of resentfulness by the time Dash said "Well, here's my stop," and flew down to a large hollowed-out tree. By the time she was out of sight, Lahkranaz sighed in relief.

"Damn, that was close," Lahkranaz muttered.

He slowed flight and reared to land in the middle of a park. The golden hour was in effect, with the sun above the horizon, but hidden primarily by the mountains to the East. The effect made a sharp, but beautiful contrast between the sky and the earth.

"Asylum," he whispered as he watched the marvel.

"What is Asylum?" A voice asked.

"Gah!" Lahkranaz flinched and spun around to see who asked that. There was a white mare with a curly purple mane. At least, that's what he could catch in the relative darkness. She appeared to be geared with a clear-canopy umbrella.

"Oh, I apologize," she said, "I didn't mean to startle."

"No, it's alright," Lahkranaz replied.

"What is Asylum, though, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Oh, uhm," Lahkranaz wanted to come up with a good enough lie, "It's this place I... came up with."

"Oh?" The mare asked, obviously curious to know more.

"Yeah, I'm uh... writing a story. It's ah... about a pony who's looking for a land beyond anything- and he's calling it Asylum."

"Why mention it now then?" The mare asked.

"Because I'm starting to believe that Asylum does exist," Lahkranaz replied. Wow, he thought, I managed to come up with that much trite?

"I'd like to read this story when it's done," the mare commented, "Oh where are my manners? I'm Rarity."

"La-" Crap, almost spilled my name, he thought. "Sorry, My name's Grip."

Rarity gave a confused expression that even Lahkranaz could see in the darkness, who shrugged in response.

"What brings you here, anyway?" Rarity asked.

"I'm a stagehand for Cor."

"Oh, Cornelius Foalington?" Rarity asked, "I've met his brother, but not him."

"Ah," Lahkranaz said, "Yeah, I know of Kurt."

"A brutish stallion to be sure," she gossiped, "But he really cared about his brother when he went missing."

"I never heard about this," Lahkranaz commented, "The 'gone missing' factoid."

"Well, I shouldn't be one to judge. I don't know Kurt well enough beyond what I have seen of him. Anyway, when is the show?"

"This afternoon," Lahkranaz replied, "Seven, to be exact."

Wait a second, he thought as the golden hour began to end and sunlight began to pour on the town. This Rarity mare was among the six that he had tried to fight.

Do they all live in Ponyville? Oh Chrysalis, I think I need to get out of here... No, I can't abandon this power... I can't abandon Cor.

"Howdy, Miss Rarity," came another voice, "I hear you two talkin' about one Cornelius Foalington."

It was a dark red pony with a graying mane and beard, and a burgundy fedora. On his back, an old- yet well-preserved guitar was slung.

"How do you do?" Rarity asked.

"And to you," the old grizzled stallion replied with a gentlemanly tip of his hat. He then noticed the disguised changeling, "Ah, a stagehand. The most valuable of ponies in my books." The elder held a hoof out. "I'm Floyd Gilmare, pleasure to meetcha."

Lahkranaz reluctantly accepted the hoof and shook it. In the back of his mind, he wondered why this pony arrived at that point in time. It seemed to be a damn miracle- let alone a coincidence. "Grip... I've heard of you, actually, from my coworkers."

"Oh really? Nothing bad, I hope," the guitarist laughed.

"Actually," Lahkranaz said, "They were suggesting a joint concert with you and Cor."

Floyd blinked as if he heard one of the most outlandish ideas in the history of existence. A second blink, and he began to move again. "Two completely different styles, two completely different instruments, and two completely different musicians. I'm not sure if that would get a good audience."

Rarity took the stagehand's side on this one. "Well, that is what cooperation is about, right?"

Floyd nodded, "Yeah. It's not like I'm going to join in the show I was plannin' to watch anyway. Maybe I can meet with the guy and see if he and I can build a song list to play for an audience without sounding... off-key... or schizophrenic."

"Well, good day to you, gentlemen. I must see Fluttershy about something urgent," With that, Rarity left the two to their own devices. Floyd with the guitar, and Lahkranaz with whatever the hell he was still wearing.

"She's a real flirt," Floyd said, "Way out of my league, though."

"What kind of mare would be?" Lahkranaz asked.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Floyd looked almost insulted.

"Uh... Exactly what the words say?" Lahkranaz replied after a nervous pause.

Floyd's grin returned as quick as lightning. "I'm jus' messin' with you, buddy. See, my kind of lady would be one around my age. Princess Celestia, maybe. I remember seeing photos of that Changeling Queen from the invasion," Floyd nodded slowly as if he was digging the hell out of what he was imagining.

Lahkranaz smiled. He didn't feel insulted that this old codger pony even saw the beauty of Her Majesty, Queen Chrysalis. Every Changeling at least once in their lives thought about how beautiful the Queen was.

"Oh, You saw the pictures too?" Floyd asked with a knowing grin.

Lahkranaz simply nodded. This was responded by Floyd lightly punching the disguised changeling in the shoulder.

"Don't be tellin' any Royal Guards or Canterlotians I said that, though," he replied, "In fact, best not mention it around the Elements of Harmony wielders either."

The Elements of Harmony? Lahkranaz thought. He was unaware that he was making a confused expression.

"Elements of Harmony, as in the six elements?" Floyd asked.

Lahkranaz remembered the claim- sorry, truth about how the Elements of Harmony came to being. He didn't remember anything about wielders, however.

"Rarity over there, she's the mistress of Generosity," Floyd explained, "Hell, all six of the users live here in Ponyville. Common knowledge across Equestria, you know?"

"Well, I guess I've been living under a rock."

"Or under Cor's piano. Anyway, I'll be staying at the Bed & Breakfast if you want to talk about other things. I need to go buy a room from Patty and Stell."

Lahkranaz nodded and gave a casual salute as the old stallion trotted off. The salute was returned in-full by the geezer. Now, Lahkranaz officially had nothing to do until the late afternoon... except maybe explore the town.

He spent that time exploring. He met a good-hearted pink mare who bounced around the place like she was made of rubber. A good kid, to be sure, but Lahkranaz didn't like her. There was a fine line between ignorance and trying too hard. There was also this small purple dragon who seemed to have a lot to say about Cornelius's brother.

"Didja know he fought a Manticore?" The baby dragon asked.

Lahkranaz blinked in disbelief, "A Manticore?" he asked. It would take an entire platoon of changelings to bring one down- which happened more often than not. Manticores are attracted to the scent of the food Changelings process.

"What, by himself?"

The dragon nodded. Lahkranaz pondered how it was possible.

"I don't believe you," the stagehand plainly said. This resulted in the dragon giggling like a maniac.

"Well, ask him about the scars if you ever meet him," the dragon replied with a grin. "Scared Fluttershy pretty badly the first time she saw him, though."

Amidst the conversations he was dragged into, he made a stunning realization: These ponies were a people- just like gryphons, zebras, sea ponies, rhinos, and changelings.

He felt nervous about his plan to destroy the land the more contact he had with the Equestrian citizens. He instead tried to avoid unneeded conversations until the show.

He did manage to meet this Fluttershy the baby dragon mentioned. It was that same pink-maned mare Cornelius talked about, and the changeling almost attacked before the rainbow one knocked him out.

Instead of finishing what he started, he dropped a line that Cornelius was interested in meeting her. The reaction was... well, it didn't contradict what he had already seen back in Canterlot.

"Yeah, I think I just blew Cor's chances," Lahkranaz muttered as he crossed the stream to head back to town. While he laughed to himself, he also felt kind of bad for potentially ruining an interesting match-up.

Ah well, he thought, I'm a soldier.

After a fair number of hours, it began. The show was- as always- fantastic. Surprisingly enough, the lack of walls on the outskirts of town really served in Cor's favour. The soft echo of the sound escaping into the distance seemed to add to the flavour of the music. It was a kind of salt for the changeling; a taste additive, in a way.

Once the show ended, Cornelius rose and bowed to the audience. Poor Lahkranaz couldn't stop bobbing his head to the music that had only stopped playing a minute ago. Eventually, he forced himself to stop, and planned to rendezvous with the team at the Bed & Breakfast after putting the equipment away.

Floyd was there, talking with Cornelius. "Good news," Cor said, "Floyd and I are thinking of doing a charity show at Stalliongrad."

---

The next day was spent waiting at the Bed & Breakfast. The one called Rainbow Dash darted off to deliver a message to Stallios of Stalliongrad, informing the big cheese of the charity idea.

While waiting, everyone gathered to talk with Floyd. Apparently, the geezer's mind was one that seemed worth tapping into. Lahkranaz could understand why. Elders are valued for their stories of experience and attained wisdom.

The discussion very quickly turned to the invasion. It was the only thing still worth talking about, apparently. Lahkranaz was used to it at this point, so he didn't feel as nervous as he did before. However, he wasn't expecting the conversation that came from when C-Stand asked if the guitarist ever saw a Changeling prior to the invasion.

"I've met a changeling before," Floyd said, "A long time ago, when I was visiting a hospital in Gryphos on an international tour."

Lahkranaz's heart stopped at the mention of 'changeling'. Part of him was scared to death that he had been found out.

"The changeling was in the hospital among other patients. The characters there never seemed keen on turning anyone away. Great place, truly." Floyd twisted open his water bottle and drank a few gulps. "I volunteered there until it was time for my show. Great time to practice, and I see music as a medicine for the soul."

Lahkranaz nodded. He saw everyone else seemed intent on listening.

"So during recreation, the doctors let me put on a private guitar show for the patients. As I played, I noticed the changeling began to look healthier and healthier."

Lahkranaz's heart stopped again. This might blow his cover.

"I learned that there are creatures who physically react to music," Floyd said, "I've met ponies, gryphons, even a rhino who seemed to have a deeper reaction to the music than most others. It was like they were being healed by the tunes I played.

Good, non-changeling examples. Lahkranaz felt a stress get pulled off of his mind. He also couldn't help but notice that the auras of his companions changed only to awe.

"So what you're saying is you're so good with that guitar that you can heal creatures with it," Gaffer said.

"Is that the only thing you took from that? The hell's wrong with you?" Floyd laughed. C-Stand and Lahkranaz laughed, while Cornelius lightly punched Gaffer's shoulder.

"What I meant to say is my sister's got the flu," Gaffer replied in a pseudo-annoyance, "I was thinking you could do your witch doctor business."

C-Stand continued laughing. Lahkranaz seemed confused at the mention of "Witch doctor." He wasn't sure what the specific title meant.

"A gift of the listener, I guess," Floyd replied. He didn't seem to care for the retort now. "But this thing's a double-edged sword. The music energizes you, but that stuff's got to go somewhere... Most creatures I met were able to jog for an hour, but the changeling weren't able to expel that excess... energy properly."

"What happened?" Gaffer asked with a dopey half-smile on his face. Floyd didn't respond. Gaffer's smile slowly vanished. "Oh."

Lahkranaz looked at the other three, and noticed C-Stand was the only one staring back.

"Grip, is it?" Floyd asked, "You also have this gift?"

"I guess," Lahkranaz replied, "I felt like a million bits when I heard Cor play in Stalliongrad. That's where it started, actually."

"Yeah," C-Stand said, "You also seemed to push through a salt hangover in record time during Cor's practice in Trottingham."

Floyd slowly nodded, and leaned closer to Lahkranaz. The grizzled one planted a hoof on the disguised changeling's shoulder. "You'll want to be careful, Grip. I'd prefer to see that poor changeling be an example of the worst-case scenario."

Lahkranaz nodded, "I'm not hospitalized. I should be fine."

Chapter 5

A charity show at Stalliongrad. Lahkranaz was stunned that ponies had such a word as 'charity'. He thought about everything he had ever been told about ponies. Everything about how they're greedy, power-hungry monsters that upset the balance.

They're just... not. They just don't know a thing about what happened in the past. That Bronco-winning film only served to prove that to Lahkranaz's previous education about pony greed was inaccurate. These are innocents- no, these ponies are children. This isn't like a juvenile youth who deep-down knows a crime is wrong, but commits such an act anyway. These ponies are just simply unaware that anything is wrong, and there has never been a leader who taught them of the way the world works.

Even Celestia, Lahkranaz would have to assume. After all, the film did show that the Queen was assassinated, and the Royal Sisters seemed to endorse any kind of representation for that crime. Their own mother. The changeling wondered if there was much of a relationship between the mother and the daughters. In fact, he wondered if he really wanted to know.

A magnificent tree- that Stallios building. Lahkranaz even met the creature who owned the tower when they arrived again. "So glad to see you again so soon, Mr. Foalington," Stallios said with a swift bow of the head. "And Mr. Gilmare. What brings you two here again?"

"We want to run a charity gig at your tower, Stall," Floyd replied in a manner that harshly contrasted with the tower owner's fancy attitude.

"Really? You two playing a show together?" Stallios asked with extreme interest.

Even when he was hearing the plan for the third time, Lahkranaz still found it unbelievable. He couldn't have been so lucky, being in a position with two providers of such intense power.

---

Cornelius was a damn good musician in his own right. The aura he created was calming and beautiful. Floyd, on the other hand, played the sounds of legends. The colours of the grizzled guitarist's music were immensely powerful. Lahkranaz felt both at once. He began to uncontrollably shiver.

"Hey, you okay?" Gaffer whispered.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just..." Lahkranaz gulped, "This music... It's... mythical... but it's real."

"Oh crap," Gaffer muttered as he glanced to C-Stand.

"I feel the p-power of th-this music," Lahkranaz growled.

"Dude, you need to get out fast," C-Stand hissed urgently, "You're kind of changing."

What? Lahkranaz thought as he glanced to his coworker. The changeling then looked at himself.

His disguise was warping with an intensity akin to nuclear radiation. This was not good. He did not know this was possible. If this were the Queen, maybe she could store this amount of energy, but Lahkranaz could literally feel his essence begin to tear apart.

"I-I h-h-have to g-g-go," Lahkranaz stuttered as he attempted to dash to the door. Even for a changeling, something was terribly wrong.

There were armoured guards at the door.

"There he is!" one guard shouted as he pointed a hoof straight at the shivering changeling.

The music stopped as Cornelius shot his gaze backstage. The audience began to applaud for a split second before they too realized something was wrong.

The only word on Lahkranaz's mind was: How?

"N-No!" Lahkranaz's mouth foamed. "Not n-n-now! I need t-t-to g-get out-t!"

"The hell's happening?" The same guard asked.

"I don't know, but take him!" Another guard, the Captain, shouted.

"What in the world is happening?" Cornelius called as he hopped off his stool and marched towards the backstage.

One of the other two guards lunged, and Lahkranaz wasn't expecting a full-body tackle.

"NO!" Lahkranaz shrieked. "Please stop! I need to get out of here!"

"He's resisting arrest!" The captain called. The tackling guard accepted the note as code for "Knock him out." and swung a hoof aimed right at the warped changeling's temple.

Scrambled senses and pain, but that subsided almost instantly. The changeling lost consciousness.

The body, however, did not follow.

After the hit, Lahkranaz's white, faded pupils went black, and widened to cover the entirety of his blueish changeling eyes. Time seemed to slow down for everyone. Then the entire backstage area exploded from a massive surge of expelled energy. The audience saw Cornelius launched backwards into his piano while Floyd panicked and hit the floor. C-Stand and Gaffer flew, landed, and rolled across the stage as well. The audience was then full of a variety of reactions, from gasping to screaming. The changeling couldn't hear it. He wasn't conscious anymore.

Lahkranaz's body slowly stood up, now disguise-less, and covered in what was left of the guard who took the full force of the blast. "EQUESTRIA WILL FALL TONIGHT," Lahkranaz announced in a downright demonic voice. His immediate vicinity began to magically decay as the immense power stored in the changeling seeped out slowly, but surely. Whatever took Lahkranaz's place was a mutation; all the pent-up energy was no longer positive.

Lahkranaz's shivering body looked at C-Stand and Gaffer. Their faces were painted with nothing but fear. He saw Cornelius, who lay limp atop a destroyed piano. "NO!" Lahkranaz bellowed as his glance shot back at the other two guards, "YOU DID THIS! WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!"

The Guard captain tried to stand up, but Lahkranaz's hoof shot forward. The Captain's limbs shot outward like a starfish, only for the bones to bend like the curves of a pretzel. The agonizing warping of bone was complemented by screaming, followed by sudden death.

The last guard scrambled for the door. The psychotic changeling grabbed the guard with his telekinetic magic and threw him across the amphitheatre. The audience's shrieks then synced. The psychotic breakdown turned to blood lust in general.

---

Cornelius saw Grip as the stagehand... the Changeling... hovered lazily through walls that warped open with Grip's proximity. All this time, the one who worked as an excellent stagehand, who went to the pub with them and got knocked out by salt, who wanted to see the Chargerton Stampede and watched the Exegesis of Frozen Waters. The one who reminded him of his brother in some strange way.

A changeling.

No, not just a changeling. Cornelius groaned as he pushed himself out of the wreckage of his piano. Changeling or not, Grip was a friend. The face was false, but the attitude was real. The demeanor was real.

He finally stood and turned to Floyd- who was still lying flat on the ground. "Floyd," Cornelius said.

The guitarist looked up at the pianist. "Did you see that?" He asked, "I saw that once... The pictures..."

Cornelius helped Floyd onto his feet, all the while thinking about the implications that Grip was a changeling all along. It didn't matter, he thought, the Changeling was a friend. That explosion was not from him. There was something alien involved; something monstrous. Gaffer and C-Stand also pushed themselves up with their respective groans.

The entire building shuddered, and a duo of guards barged onto the stage. "Floyd, Cornelius!" One guard called, "We have a carriage and orders to get you out of here!"

"What about everypony else?" Floyd asked as he slipped his guitar onto his back.

"Others are taking care of the evacuation. Don't worry about them," the guard replied.

Reluctantly, Floyd, Cor, and the two stagehands followed the guards and evacuated on a small chariot.

---

Stallios sipped on some expensive tea, leaning back in his office chair and reading over some reports that required his attention. He was also in the middle of a call with another pony.

"So he's on his way to eye replacement surgery?" Stallios asked, "That's troubleso-"

The entire tree shook, and Stallios was thrown out of his chair. The phone flew out of his magic focus and swung along the edge of the desk like a pendulum. "The hell just happened?" Stallios called to no one in particular. He reached for the phone once more with his magic and checked to see if the call was still operational. "Hello?" he called before realising that the line was dead. "Oh no, they couldn't have believed that lunatic. They couldn't have..."

Another explosion. Stallios scrambled to plant his back against the wall. His eyes were suddenly wide as dinner plates. They're not actually trying to demolish his masterpiece with him inside it... Celestia wouldn't allow that, even if she knew what he did to that bumbling architect. Stallios tried to whisper these truths to himself, hoping he would believe them.

Before paranoia could consume him entirely, a powerfully glowing presence tore the floor in the center of Stallios' office open like an orange peel. Up from the hole, a changeling with pitch-black eyes and a poisonous aura that could be seen by anything rose.

"I see you," Lahkranaz said, "I feel what you did. There's one who can't see now because of you."

"What?! How?!"

"You disgust me like all ponies, I'll succeed where my Queen has FAILED!" Lahkranaz raised a hoof, and then left. Later, when the clean-up crew arrived in the very same office, the only thing left of Stallios was half of a torso and plucked eyes.

This tree was ugly... UGLY... UGLLLYYYYYY!!!

---

The Stallios World Tree's trunk buckled as the entire canopy leaned until it was perfectly on its side. From there, it slid and smashed into the downtown area below. The impact instantly demolished multiple buildings and kicked up tonnes of dust. The now far-gone changeling hovered above the almost effortless destruction like a floating ape. His face- despite the emotionless pitch-black eyes- had a curious demeanor to it.

Lahkranaz's aura had rend the fabric of space itself. He could feel the presence and auras of other creatures aside from ponies. He saw creatures that had never been seen before. He could feel through time and space, and he loved this power... rather, what was possessing him at this point was loving it.

His consciousness was almost non-existent at this point. There was only the immensely strong craving of revenge. He wanted to crush everything after the humiliating defeat at Canterlot. Given that he already destroyed one of the greatest marvels of Pony history with a single strike, he knew he could crush everything.

He didn't care about the death toll. It wasn't his job. Deaths are a statistic when they reach a high enough level.

It would only get higher, and the guards posted in Stalliongrad knew it.

It was time for Equestria to fall.

Lahkranaz could hear everything in Stalliongrad. Mostly blood-curdling screams of panic, and strident voices barking orders. The latter were definitely guards. Lahkranaz wanted to snuff those unpleasant souls. He wanted to snuff everything.

Among the voices he heard, one stood out among the rest: "Pink and Cream have been evac'd."

Cream was Cor's codename. The thing that possessed Lahkranaz knew that because Lahkranaz himself knew that. He would have to die later.

"What about the civilians?"

"We have teams trying to secure the Stallios Tower."

"Sir! We have an emergency!"

"Hail Sergeant Obvious! Are you looking at the same damn Stalliongrad?!"

"No! It's The Manticore Killer! My squad spotted him!"

Lahkranaz noticed that all the strident voices ceased. Manticore Killer, eh?" his violence-craving controlling self growled, "Let's see how tough he really is."

"Can we worry about him once we take care of that... whatever that is?"

"WHERE IS HE!?" Lahkranaz shouted across the city, "THIS POWER... IT BURNS... IT'S GLORIOUS!!!"

The thing that possessed the changeling demanded a challenge. With both hooves pointed down, Lahkranaz focused, and the remainder of the tree trunk began to flatten.

Windows exploded into raining shards, while metal warped and split as the trunk's height got lower and lower. Eventually, Lahkranaz had forced the trunk to about two stories above the second-tallest building in Stalliongrad.

The giant disc dropped to the side- having previously been held up by the trunk. Lahkranaz roared in victory as the giant disc slammed into the buildings, flattening it all.

"Celestia-Damnit!" many voices shouted amidst the constant screaming and announcements of things that are infinitely undesirable.

These ponies and their greed. They ruined this world. They killed Equilibrium. It was time the world took itself back! Lahkranaz lazily motioned, but the force in which he darted off was unheard of.

---

Lahkranaz floated down toward the ground level to a rapidly milling crowd of ponies moved southward- away from the tree, and hopefully from Stalliongrad. They saw the changeling and the rippling energy field that was held around him. They screamed.

"THE EXEGESIS OF FROZEN WATERS IS NOT FICTION!" Lahkranaz screeched as he held a hoof out. A building was ripped from its foundations and dragged along the street, effectively blocking off the crowd. "YOU ARE, ALL OF YOU, A PLAGUE ON THIS WORLD. OUR PRECIOUS ASYLUM!"

The ponies continued screaming.

"EVERYTHING HAD AN ORDER BEFORE YOU CAME ALONG! YOU FILTHY, RANCID EARTH PONIES, YOU VIOLENCE-CRAVING PEGASI, YOU PRISSY, GREEDY UNICORNS!"

"Changeling!" bellowed a voice.

"IT'S NAME IS LAHKRANAZ!!!" The Changeling interrupted. The boom of his voice reached across the city.

He was then tackled by a humongous creature. It was a blur of Burgundy and dark blue. Lakhranaz' consciousness would have identified the streak immediately.

Whatever was controlling the changeling didn't identify that Kurt Foalington had entered the carnage.

The duo hit the ground and tumbled until the pony got his hind hooves dug onto the concrete and threw the changeling into a wall. The hardened bricks buckled on the impact, but most of the damage was dealt by the space-tearing aura.

Lahkranaz glared intently at the creature- who already showed signs of tear on his flesh. The monstrous creature appeared unphazed by the wounds. Before the changeling could wonder why, he noticed the wounds rather rapidly sealed up again.

"A CHALLENGE," Lahkranaz said, "I ACCEPT."

Kurt smiled, but still flinched when the changeling lunged.

At the last second, Lahkranaz stopped when Kurt's head darted out of the way from an incoming tackle. With the sudden stop, Lahkranaz threw a new punch that connected with Kurt's jaw.

The power was enormous. The blow sent Kurt flying across the street and through the window of a flower shop. Lahkranaz cackled maniacally at the superior show of strength.

The cackle ceased when Kurt rose from the damage, ready for another hit. The force should've easily dislodged the creature's skull from its spine, the thing that possessed Lahkranaz thought.

"IMPRESSIVE!"

"Got a mean swing there," Kurt retorted, " But I've taken harder hits than that."

Lahkranaz growled and charged, rearing for another energy-filled punch. As Lahkranaz swung, Kurt shot to the side. Before the changeling tried to repeat the same action, a hoof slammed into the changeling's ribcage, and was followed by another one right into the jaw.

It then felt two more hooves smash into his gut with the force of twin cannons. Lahkranaz back-flipped as his wings instinctively flapped about to mitigate the launch. he still landed onto the street.

The changeling was quick to get back on his feet. Lahkranaz pushed himself out of the way as Kurt charged to slam a hoof into the back of his head.

From there, it rose both its forehooves, aimed right at Kurt.

"Bang," Lahkranaz grinned.

From an unseen force, Kurt was launched down the street, over the crowd, and into the third story of the recently-dragged building from an explosion of energy. Lahkranaz calmly stood up onto his hind legs and cracked his neck.

The crowd was the last thing on the changeling's mind now. He wanted to have a look at what he did to the stallion. With a bend of his hind legs, he launched himself after Kurt Foalington- into the same window he last saw the burgundy one crash through.

There were holes through almost every wall on the third floor. The very last one- a solid concrete slab like the first wall Kurt hit, was heavily cracked. The stallion appeared to be lifting itself up and shaking his head. "That all you got?" Kurt asked as he turned his head toward the changeling.

Lahkranaz snarled at the opaque eyes that gave no indication of pain or even acknowledgement that anything was happening. The stallion's eyes were dead, and there appeared to be no aura to speak of. The possessing... thing... hated that. He wanted everything to fear him.

"Stop trying to kill me and kill me!" Kurt taunted.

Lahkranaz shot both his arms out again, and the side of the building burst outward. Kurt was sent flying further down the street on the other side. Lahkranaz wasn't through. He hovered quickly after the stallion, rearing for another attack.

Kurt tumbled and rolled down the street until he flipped himself back onto his feet. "The hell did I just say?" Kurt yelled, "No one lives forever, come on!"

Lahkranaz hit the ground with a force that caused the immediate road around him to crack in a circular pattern. He then lunged at Kurt with a flurry of hooves.

Kurt was definitely an expert in close-quarters fighting, Lahkranaz would have thought if he were still conscious. With swift, incredibly trained movements, Kurt had pinned the changeling's arms around each other, and reared a hoof to slam into one elbow. Lahkranaz tried to pry himself out of the situation, but the hoof connected, and a sickening crack was heard.

The creature shrieked in agony, and the spacial rend flared out in an overflow of power. Kurt's body hovered as his hide was being torn apart at almost every pore of his body. However, the surge did not last long. Lahkranaz felt at the now-useless foreleg and shrieked again. The remaining hoof thrust forward, and the resulting blast sent Kurt farther away.

"EQUESTRIA MUST FALL! HOW DARE YOU!!" Lahkranaz bounded after the pony- whose wounds from the more serious tearing still showed signs of healing.

"You're not yourself today, are you?" Kurt asked. He appeared to wince from the agony of everything trying to heal at once.

"HOW ARE YOU STILL STANDING!?" Lahkranaz demanded like a foal who had their favourite toy taken from it.

Kurt choked on blood, but he remained smiling, "It's a kind of magic."

"MAGIC THIS!" Lahkranaz shouted as he held his good hoof forward.

Kurt's body twitched and rose in the air. His limbs forcibly spread out like a starfish. Lahkranaz tried to focus, but for some reason, the pretzel effect wouldn't happen like the previous guard. Lahkranaz screamed as his planned action wouldn't work.

"Out of juice, eh?" Kurt laughed. "I thought you'd last longer!"

"THIS IS NOT FUNNY!!"

A squad of Pegasus guards dropped from the sky and landed around the duo. They all had weapons drawn. Lahkranaz glanced at the newcomers, and noticed that civilians also took a stupid risk by being an audience for this fight. He did not see Kurt look at one of the guards- who was positioned behind the changeling- and wiggle an arm.

"Very well, I'll find another way to kill you," Lahkranaz grumbled as he threw his hoof toward the ground. Kurt was pulled face-first onto the asphalt road. Lahkranaz raised his good arm, concentrating an immense build-up of energy into the flat of his hoof. The space-rending aura began to vanish as the energy reached incredibly dangerous levels.

"Now!" Kurt shouted to the guard behind the changeling as Lahkranaz reared to swing.

Lahkranaz turned to see the Guard get ready to throw a blade to Kurt Foalington. Before the blade left the guard's hoof, Lahkranaz swung his hoof back toward the guard. He planned to vaporize the guard with the pent-up energy instead. The energy sparked, but vanished in a pathetic puff. The changeling felt something cold enter his stomach.

The completely darkened eyes began to lighten up as Lahkranaz turned to the front once more. He looked at Kurt- who was gripping a Guardspony's blade- and then to the present Guard Captain- who appeared suddenly unarmed. He then looked down at the blade. By then, the pupils retracted back to the original white fade atop a light blue iris.

---

Lahkranaz could see again. The first thing he saw was what appeared to be a blade in the center of his abdomen. The changeling looked up, his eyes now back to the normal green iris with snake-like pupil. "What happened?" he asked the one who was holding the blade. "What... what did I do?"

It was Kurt Foalington with the present Guard captain's weapon. The massive beast softly placed a hoof on the changeling's shoulder.

That was him, Lahkranaz thought as he stared at the burgundy stallion's eyes. Those eyes didn't look opaque like before; there was transparency in them. The changeling could peer through those tiny windows and see what the pony really was.

Kurt is one thing: a warrior. No pony the changeling has ever seen had eyes that contained such a violent fire. Lahkranaz thought ponies like that were extinct in pony society, yet here one was. This wasn't some hoof-swinging militia pony like the rainbow one who bucked the changeling in the face. This wasn't just one of the many guards Lahkranaz had taken down for his kin to feed on during the invasion. This Kurt Foalington character has killed, and liked it.

Judging by the wounds that hadn't healed yet, the pony was incredibly hard to kill.

The aura, which now was visible to the changeling, served as the nail in the proverbial coffin. This pony was a murderer, a cold-hearted killer, and the brother of one of the most beautiful musicians the changeling has ever met. There was a fear that brewed in Lahkranaz's core; fear of that variant of juxtaposition.

What has caused such a phenomenon to occur? He wondered.

But then, the pony's aura slowly vanished to one of regret. Lahkranaz didn't understand why. The changeling tried to speak, but his lungs started to expand and contract as rapidly as his heart beat- which had spiked at that point. His personal aura diminished like an upside-down water bottle.

He felt fluid in his throat- the cause of his hyperventilation. He knew what the fluid was. It was warm, and almost cozy, and the sudden overabundance made him unable to breathe.

"Look... It's too far-gone, Changeling," Kurt flatly whispered, "Ponies have ascended too high. If you make them fall, the impact would have consequences we can't imagine."

Lahkranaz wanted to ask how, but his suffocation prevented such actions. The blade retracted, and Lahkranaz dropped to the ground.

"I saw the Sea Ponies, there's only one thing we can do now," Kurt added.

Kurt glanced around the witnesses and fear-stricken guards, and swiftly bounded over one and vanished into the shadows of the buildings.

"You five, after him!" the Guard captain barked as he and the last two ponies approached the downed changeling. The five pegasi took to the air and darted after Kurt Foalington.

Lahkranaz felt his body being turned. The two guards appeared to be examining his wound. Somehow, his consciousness maintained structure.

"Grip!" the familiar voice of Cornelius called, "Grip!"

The one guard in Lahkranaz' field of view turned and raised a hoof in defiance. "No, Mr. Foalington, it's not safe."

"Who did this?" Cornelius manically asked.

"Your brother," the guard replied. As Cor began to tear up, the guard whispered "He did what he had to do, Cornelius."

Cornelius didn't respond. Instead, he poked his head into the changeling's field of view.

"Listen to me, Grip. You're going to be fine," Cornelius sounded serious, but the changeling knew it was futile. Kurt's stab was true. There was too much for two guards to hold down before real medical experts came around. Besides, what pony even understood the biology of a changeling?

"You just had a bad dream!" Cornelius barked, "Stay with me!!"

Lahkranaz raised a hoof. He now saw that his form was flickering like a television screen. Static in between forms. Changelings young and old knew what those symptoms meant.

"I can't, sir," Lahkranaz coughed. He felt the same fluid blast out of his mouth as he tried to speak. "I'm sor..."

"Don't horse-apples me! Changeling or not, you're a good creature! I know you are! You were with us the entire tour!"

The guard tried in vain to get Cornelius away, but the pianist held his ground.

"Look at me!" Cornelius barked, "You're going to get fixed up! We're going to watch the Chargerton Stampede! Gaffer, C-Stand, and everypony! We're gonna see the Stampede and everything will be fine!"

Lahkranaz shook his head and pointed his good hoof around the large amounts of property damage he had caused in the rampage.

"I... I'm so... sor... sorr..."

He never got to finish his sentence. Everything in the changeling's field of vision blurred before becoming consumed by darkness. Lahkranaz' raised arm went limp, and the already weakened aura faded completely.

There was nothing, like some have expected and others refused to accept.