The following morning I awoke to nothing special, the day seemed to be going on just about the same as any other. I was even pondering returning to sleep beside Chrysalis until one of the changelings informed me a pony was looking for me at the cavern's mouth. With a heavy sigh I stood and stretched my massive form, careful not to step on or disturb any of those around me as I made my way to the caverns entrance. As I drew near to the entrance I could feel the changelings temper rising and hear shouts coming from ahead. When I turned the final corner I saw a changeling holding a unicorn stallion, at bay baring access to the hive, only to have him stun her with a spell and walk past her unconscious form and deeper into the caverns though he didn't get far. A deep growl resonated from me and down the corridor to the stallion making him stop and blanch under his dark coat.
"You have assaulted one of my people, pony." I said menacingly my voice bouncing and echoing through out the tunnel seeming to come from everywhere. "You will be subdued and punished for theses actions." The pony's head spun every which direction trying to find me as he shouted in return.
"I have been sent by the princesses to retrieve you beast, they require your presence in the throne room." Nothing stirred as the pony stared nervously at first into the darkness ahead of him gaining confidence as time passed.
"Well are you coming beast or must I come fetch you?" He shouted going so far as to start forward into the darkness only to have the light that once shined behind him blink out and leave him in darkness. Seconds later the cave was filled with the sound of terrified screams and sinister laughter as the pony was punished for his miss deed's.
Shortly there after the doors to the princesses throne room was blown open and the unconscious form of the pony flew through the room to land at the princesses feet. All eyes were on the pony on the floor as Chrysalis and I entered the room, Chrysalis still fuming and very upset. Nothing was actually said until Chrysalis and I reached the thrones and I reached out with a clawed hand to brush the pony aside with no lack of force, making his head bounce off the wall on the other side of the room.
"You should truly be careful of whom you send to retrieve your allies." I said my voice heavy with aggravation as I lay down and glared at the princesses on their thrones. "Were I any other creature I might take offense to one of your subjects assaulting one of mine and then out right insulting me." The room grew cold as the princesses stared at us, their mouths agape in surprise.
"I had known he didn't think highly of Changelings" Celestia said as she stood and began to make her way to the unconscious pony. "But I never imagined he would do anything like this, rest assured he will be reprimanded for his actions." I chuckled darkly to myself as Celestia tried to rouse the pony only for him to remain unresponsive.
"That wont be necessary, Princess when he does wake he will never come anywhere near me or any changeling." Both Princesses head snapped towards me as I spoke before they glared at me making me chuckle once more.
"What have you done to him." Luna said as her eyes began to glow and she let out a shocked gasp and began blinking her eyes dispelling the glow only to glare at me menacingly. "His mind is in ruin focusing only on a fear of you, Thomas what have you done?" A heavy silence spread as the princess glared at me and I just gave them a tired glare before bursting into maniacal laughter scaring everyone, even Chrysalis.
"That damned fool assaulted one of my subjects" I said my eyes smoldering in anger. "He came to those caverns looking for a monster, looking for trouble so, I gave him what he was looking for."
"If he doesn't wake...."
"Truly, have you learned nothing" I said in exasperation, interrupting Celestia and glaring at her. "I have yet to kill anything without good reason, and I don't intend to start now. He will wake given time, and like I said he will never come near me or mine again. Now what was so important that you had to send that poor bastard to find me in the first place."
"You come in here with an unconscious pony and then bat him across this hall like he is nothing." Celestia began her voice calm and controlled but overflowing with anger and reproach. "Then you tell us you have taken matters into your own hands and punished said pony cruelly. And expect to change the subject just like that, when we first met Thomas I was willing to believe you weren't the monster you seemed but now I'm not so sure." The room became deathly silent as Celestia finished her tirade, her front hooves on my snout and glaring into my eyes. A few tense moments passed as the two of us stared into each others eyes, both brimming with barely contained rage. Then I took one deep breath and snorted blowing Celestia off my face and back into her throne with a resounding thud on impact.
"Well forgive me Celestia, but a lot has changed since I came here." I roared jumping to my feet and towering over the thrones, bathing them in shadows. "Its not every day a man finds himself to be sharing his body with the very embodiment of fear. And then to top that off, I am the literal bringer of the end, forever stalked by the horsemen of the apocalypse, raining destruction on all I meet." Another tense silence followed this declaration, broken only by the sound of someone shifting uncomfortably on there feet. Then we were snapped out of our stare down as two sets of wings took to the air, Chrysalis blocking my view and, Luna blocking her sisters. My anger and rage focused on Chrysalis the moment she blocked my view, making her visibly cringe and I could feel a sense of complete terror radiating off her. And this startling realization snapped me out of my unusual rage letting me collect my thoughts and sooth a still frightened Chrysalis. I quickly shrank to my human form with Chrysalis following me down to floor level but keeping her distance, her eyes still wide in fear. The fear and terror I felt off of her destroyed me utterly, as tears began to flow freely down my face as I slowly approached her and wrapped her in a fierce hug, whispering apology's between sobs. For what seemed like hours, I sat there crying into chrysalis's shoulder begging, her to forgive me. Just as Chrysalis forgave me and returned my embrace the sound of someone clearing there throat made us look over to see Luna and Celestia standing there. Luna with a sad smile and Celestia with a troubled expression as a uncomfortable silence stretched on between us.
"Allow me to be the first to apologies." I said stepping past Chrysalis and towards Celestia. "I can honestly say I don't know what came over me and I regret acting on my anger as I did." Celestia gave me a long cold stare, so long in fact my prior rage threatened to boil over once more. Only to be stopped and relieved when Celestia let her head drop and her eyes soften in regret as she spoke.
"I am sorry as well, Thomas. I let my temper get the better of me, it wont happen again. And in the future I will be more mindful of those I send to our allies."
"Good. Well now, that's out of the way." Chrysalis said giving me a confused glance before continuing. "Would either one of you care to explain why that fool was sent to fetch us too begin with?" Both Princesses blinked there eyes wide like deer in the headlights until realization dawned on Luna.
"Oh, that is truly a simple matter." She said waving her hoof dismissively as she spoke. "My sister and I wished to inform you both that more delegates will be arriving later today and we will be hosting a gala tonight to commemorate this gathering. And as the rulers of the changeling nation you both will be expected to attend this gala." Chrysalis and I stared at Luna for a long moment before I burst into laughter.
"Ohh that's a good one princess throwing, a gala at a time like this. Now please, what is the real reason you needed us?" I said, though my mirth quickly vanished to be replaced with irritation when I saw the serious expression on the princesses faces.
"You can't be serious." I said in exasperation as I stared at the princesses. "Surely, with your combined age and wisdom, you would know hosting a event such as this in times like these is foolish."
"We are indeed aware that this event could be a prime target for any enemies of Equestria." Luna said stepping forward as she spoke. "But rest assured that we have taken the necessary precautions to hopefully prevent any form of tragedy from striking this night."
"And what, pray tell are these precautions you have taken princess?" I said giving her a annoyed glare as I spoke. "Please tell me it is more than simply placing the guard on high alert, because we all know how that worked the last time they were on alert." The cold, angry stares I got were the only answer I needed and I had to fight the overwhelming urge to face palm. With a mental command the hive mobilized, dispersed and blended perfectly into the castle staff and citizens of the city.
"This will be a mistake ladies mark my words." I said forebodingly and began to try and plan for the worst. "As we speak changelings are integrating themselves into every aspect of the castle and the surrounding city. They will be our eyes and ears as a little added security to help your guards." Both princesses stiffened and then glared at me as I spoke. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "They shall do no harm to any of your little ponies and will only reveal themselves if need be." I said trying to reassure the princesses, though judging by Celestia's expression it didn't work. "And no we will not call them back. Think of this as a condition Chrysalis and I require you to allow for forcing us to attend this gala." Celestia and I stared each other down for a long second before Luna stepped between us. and said.
"That is acceptable, Thomas now, I suggest you go and prepare for the gala. My sister and I can handle the delegates." Luna said. I gave her a respectful nod and smirked at Celestia as we turned and left. Chrysalis and I walking in silence, Our minds a whirlwind of thoughts coordinating, our changelings in the city.
The rest of the day was spent organizing the changelings throughout the castle grounds and pondering how best to go about attending this fools gathering. We both decided to instead of trying and fitting in, we would go as ourselves. It would leave both of us at the ready should the worst happen, plus it would cut down on the amount of talking we would have to do. So as night drew near and the gala began, Chrysalis and I made our way out of the relative comfort of the hive and made our way to the castle gardens, where the gala was to be held. And as we walked I couldn't help but marvel at the immaculate beauty of Luna's night and the stars across the sky. As we drew near the soft sound of classical music could be heard , and the general din of an upper class gathering. Then I caught sight of the gala hidden from my view by a small group of trees, but as soon as I saw the party All, the ponies and other various creatures saw me. Most of the ponies and other creatures jaws hung open, all except the dragon and gryphon representatives, for obvious reasons. Though I was quickly forgotten when Chrysalis and I arrived at the clearing proper, all the ponies staring at chrysalis in fear and rage. And as far as the world new Chrysalis was cold and uncaring of those around her, though I could tell different. She was a mix of anxious and excited to be here, even after all my warnings that tonight wouldn't end well.
A long, awkward silence filled the air around us as Chrysalis and I stood there waiting for something to happen. Which thankfully, we didn't have to wait long as a voice called out of the crowd.
"Fear not friends they are here for the same reason as the rest of us." Luna said coming through the crowd and wearing the most beautiful dress. The dress was just a few shades darker than her coat, the top part hugging her chest and belly snugly before poofing out like a Victorian ball dress. With constellations all over the dress that seemed to move all on there own, just like in the sky above. I was snapped out of my revere by Chrysalis kicking one of my legs. It wasn't enough to hurt but was enough for me to notice the thoughtful look she was giving me and Luna as she got closer.
"Come, join the party friends, there is much fun to be had this night." Luna said either missing or ignoring the little exchange between Chrysalis and I. Though I thought I saw a pleased smirk on her face as she turned and led us deeper into the party, completely ignoring the gawking faces around us. Though I was having no such luck, all the staring was beginning to wear on my already tired nerves. And then to make matters worse, Lightning lit up the sky in the distance followed by a ominous crack of thunder as it began to rain a gut washer. We all quickly scrambled for the castle's interior and shelter from the rain, many complaining about ruined clothes or makeup as we all settled into the castles grand foyer.
Chrysalis and I quickly made our way to a far corner of the room, laying down and watching carefully, and listening for anything out of the ordinary. And for a few hours we sat like this, doing little as we waited to see what would happen next, and as time continued to pass with nothing happening, I could feel my patience slipping away to the point I was shifting and growling quietly to myself. I was so wound up and aggravated that when I was a startled by a voice beside me I almost attacked it without thinking. Though when I looked to see who it was I thought it would have been better, for right there at my feet were all the six ponies who attacked me when I first got here, all with ashamed expressions on there faces. Save the white unicorn Rarity, I think her name was. Her expression I couldn't read as I glared down at the ponies.
"What do you want? I have more important things to worry about than you trying to assault me again." I said coldly as I began to look around once more.
"We came to apologies about that actually, we are truly sorry." Twilight said stepping forward and looking up at me hopefully, though the hope left her expression when I turned to face her once more.
"So you think an apology is going to change the fact you all assaulted me? For no good reason mind, you." I said my voice rising slowly with my temper. "And then threaten to get rid of me simply because im a little scary and darker than things around here. If you think a simple apology is going to be enough, you are sorely mistaken." I finished yelling down at the little ponies absolutely fuming in rage, until the rage left me. Leaving me feeling light headed and wondering where it came from only to look down and see two of the ponies crying, the pink earth mare, and the pegasus that tried to help me. With a disappointed sigh I stood and began to make my way towards the doors, and the gardens beyond.
"And just where do you think you are going after that stunt, mister?" Twilight yelled her voice quivering in rage as I turned my head to face her, knowing full well that I deserved this. Though just as she started her little tirade I was distracted by a odd yet familiar sound.
"Twilight be quite please." I said quietly as I began to move towards the door again.
"Excuse me, im not done with you..."
"God damn it Twilight, shut up" I yelled as the noise grew louder and recognition dawned on me just as my mind was flooded with a chorus of voices screaming "Incoming"
"Everyone, away from that door now!" I roared as I began to run for the door, Chrysalis hot on my heels. Then there was a thunderous boom and the doors were blown apart and something struck the floor. The impact sent dirt and debris flying in all directions, including any creature who was still too close filling the room with terrified screams. When the dust finally settled it revealed a huge crater with something moving, the sound of metal scraping on metal echoing up from the bottom. Faster than I could blink all the guards in the room circled up on the edge of the crater be they pony or otherwise. Then laughter resonated from the crater, sending chills down my spine as I whispered in terror.
"War"
And as soon as the word left my mouth all the guards let our fierce battle cries and swarmed into the crater. Only for their cries of war to turn to screams of agony, despair, and pain. As they were torn apart, random body parts flying out of the crater in a geyser of blood. And then as quickly as it started everything became silent and all looked on in completed horror, too stunned to even try and move. Then the silence was broken by the sound of metal moving as something made its way to the top of the crater and stood at the edge for all to see. It was a human, roughly seven ft tall in black, demonic armor that was stained red with blood, bits of flesh hanging from all the spikes and horns on his armor. Slowly he leaned his head back and took a deep breath, letting it out and saying in voice rough like stone.
"Ahh nothing like the smell of carnage in the evening to get the blood pumping."
All was silent as he scanned the room until his gaze stopped on me and he took off his helmet revealing a youthful face, scared all over with a bright smile and solid black eyes.
" It has been to long, Timor. Why have you left us with nothing to do for so long?" He said flashing me a smile as the majority of the party goers turned to look at me. At first with fear and then rage as War continued. "But no matter, you have released us, and my family will be following me here in the weeks to come. Until next time Timor." With that, he simply vanished in a geyser of flame, leaving the crater and what was left of his opponents in his wake. The next few hours passed in a blur. First, all rallied and tried to attack me. Only for me to stop them cold in fear and then show them who and what I was to avoid the stress and confusion of explaining it. Then I somberly walked to the crater and burned what was left of the corpses until all that was left was a black hole. The guests quickly left afterwards pledging vengeance on war and any who follow him as they left. Finally when all had gone and only the Princesses, the Elements, Chrysalis and I were the only ones left, I trudged past them, my head hung low as I tried to absorb exactly what had happened tonight.
"There will be no more nights like this one ladies, all gatherings will be war planning only. And it only gets worse from here, so I suggest you prepare yourself for the worst." I said dejectedly as I made my way out and back to the hive, doing my best to lose myself to the bliss of sleep. But it was for not, what little sleep I did get was plagued by nightmares, and when I was awake my mind was plagued with fear and depression.
"This was only one." I said to myself my voice hollow and lifeless. "Just Imagine how all four will be."