“And here we go,” the changeling mumbled to himself as he lowered the little black box he was holding onto the cart. He then took a coil of rope and carefully wrapped it around the box and the cart, securing it in place with some simple, but sturdy knots.
“We’re almost set,” he said, turning around. About ten other changelings were there, standing side by side in a line, on a clearing just outside a forest. Some of them were wearily blinking and sniffling, but the others were all awake, despite it being early morning, though the rather thick fog covering the land might be getting to them.
“Cool, #5,” one of the changelings, a lanky female, said. “Let’s get this over with, quickly.”
#5 loudly cleared his throat. “This operation is of the highest importance. I will not accept such a casual tone from any of you.”
The lanky female scowled. “Yes, sir,” she sneered.
“That’s better,” #5 said. “We’ll go over this one last time, so listen up!” He paced back in forth in front of the line of changelings. “You have been chosen by Queen Chrysalis herself for this.” He paused briefly. “For whatever reason,” he mumbled as he walked over to the box. “And this,” he said as he opened the box, “is our charge.”
Inside the box was a shining sapphire, placed in the exact middle of the box, resting on red velvet pillows. #5 closed the box and opened it again. Now, it contained a glittering emerald.
“None other than the Evershifting Stone,” he said. “I hope I don’t have to explain to you dung beetles what that is.”
“Our most precious artifact and the source of the Queen’s power!” one rather dim-looking changeling in line said, raising his hoof and waving it about like he was in a pony classroom.
#5 stared at him for a few seconds, then covered his face with a hoof. “...Yes. Yes it is.” He made a mental note to never leave anything up to these other changelings. Ever. “Since this isn’t just any normal operation, I expect you all to be as alert as possible.”
“But it’s just a walk through the woods from one hive to the next,” the lanky female said. “What could go wrong?”
“Everything,” #5 said. “For example, there wasn’t supposed to be any fog today, according to the weather forecasts for the region. Who knows, maybe some ponies are planning an ambush?”
“Yeah, yeah,” the female said. “But this whole thing is top secret. If any pony knows about this, I’m eating my own legs. Plus, you’re an elite. Even if ponies do show up, you can handle them!”
“That might be true,” #5 said, “but even I can’t take on a squad of their guards.” Though he did defeat a single one of them, once. Which wasn’t easy, at all. “Now stop speculating. The more you talk about ‘if’ and ‘but’, the more likely it is that everything will go wrong.” He scowled. “And don’t make me say ‘I told you so.’”
He double-checked the rope that was holding the box down. It was tied down securely enough that you’d have to rip apart the rope or the cart itself to take the box, so there was no chance of losing it. “Alright!” he barked, turning back to the other changelings. “You pull the cart, you two stick close to it,” he said, pointing at three changelings at random. “The rest of you, spread out and form a wide circle around the cart. Stay hidden.”
As soon as every changeling had taken his or her position, he triple-checked the box. Good, still secure. “Move out!” he shouted, taking his own position at the back of the cart.
The group headed into the forest, keeping a consistent pace. That is, if you considered briefly stopping every five minutes to be consistent. Every sound #5 heard, every single movement he saw made him shout for the group to stop and investigate, only to find out that the source of said sound or movement was something like a squirrel or a small bird.
And every single time, #5 would snort and order the group to continue. One of the other changelings mumbled something about being paranoid, which was ridiculous. He wasn’t being paranoid, he was being cautious. You never know when something is going to jump out, after all.
The fog had him on edge. It wasn’t supposed to be there. Either it was some kind of last-minute weather emergency, or ponies had put it in place for an ambush. #5 assumed it was the latter. He had to prepare for the worst, since none of the other changelings seemed to take this seriously enough.
He wasn’t one to question the Queen’s motives, but he really had to wonder why she picked these changelings to assist him. Some of them weren’t even soldiers, for crying out loud! Then again, it only served to point out how immensely she trusted her own elite, a small squad of changelings #5 proudly counted himself among. She must’ve figured he didn’t need much backup.
“Uh, sir,” one of the changelings said, walking up to him. “I’m honoured that I was chosen for this mission and all, being only a hive construction worker, but...” He hesitated for a few seconds. “Why did the Queen order this mission?”
“How should I know?” #5 sneered. “I’m an elite. I don’t question, I just do. It doesn’t matter what she orders or why she does it. We’re her servants, and we do as we’re told.”
The other changeling mumbled a short “Oh,” then went back to his position, leaving #5 to his thoughts again. As far as he knew, Queen Chrysalis simply felt the Stone wasn’t safe at her side anymore, and wanted it moved to a more secure location. Though #5 really couldn’t think of any location safer than right next to the queen.
Regardless, he couldn’t go back and start asking questions. That would only serve to annoy the Queen, and she already had a lot on her mind. Changelings had started disappearing, following some rumours about being able to live freely among ponies. Absolute insanity. #5 didn’t care about the changelings who vanished because of it. If those changelings really believed something that ridiculous, the hive could do without them.
After about one and a half hours of walking, #5 could finally ease up a little. The wind had picked up, blowing some of the fog away. It was much easier to see through the forest now, to #5’s relief, but he couldn’t let his guard down yet. He wasn’t finished with this job yet. No need to jinx the operation even more.
“Hey, the fog’s clearing!” the changeling pulling the cart said. “The rest of the trip will be easy!”
#5 slapped himself in the face with a hoof. He wasn’t fond of other changelings, even by changeling standards, but this group was pushing it. Hopefully, his next assignment would be a solo thing.
“Keep your eyes open,” he said. “We’re not done yet. Anything could happen, and if I hear someling else say something about ‘easy’, then I’ll—” Suddenly, something slammed into his side, knocking him over. With a smack, his head hit the ground.
Stars spread over his vision, and it took #5 a while to get his bearings. Standing over him was a white pegasus pony stallion clad in golden armour, with a blue crest and tail. The pony’s mane and tail could’ve been the same colour, but as far as #5 knew, those were tucked away under his armour. The pony stared at him with blue eyes, watching his every move, but didn’t do anything else.
#5 looked around as best he could. The other changelings were down on the ground as well, identical guards standing over them, though there were also unicorns and earth ponies. The cart had been turned on its side, with the changeling who had been pulling it struggling in the harness, trying to get out.
To make matters worse, one of the royal guards, an earth pony, reared up and bucked the cart, violently shattering the flimsy wood. The ropes holding the box containing the Evershifting Stone down came loose, and the box clattered onto the ground.
#5 barely managed to choke down a gasp. He turned back to the pony standing over him. While pegasi were fast, they weren’t exactly heavy, and that was an easily exploitable trait. Green flames whirled around #5’s lower body, changing his hind legs into the far stronger, brown-furred legs of a kangaroo. He quickly put his newly-acquired feet on the pony’s stomach and pushed, kicking him off.
#5 scrambled to his hooves, turning his legs back to normal in the process, and jumped towards the box, landing on the ground with a thud and sliding towards his objective. He stood up again and picked up the box.
“S-Stop him!” the pegasus guard shouted, and before #5 could react, he was bowled over again. This time, it was an earth pony, and this stallion was smart enough to hold #5 in place by putting a hoof on his chest.
“Let go!” #5 growled, struggling to get free. No matter how much he squirmed, he couldn’t even get the guard to budge.
The guard turned his head, silently beckoning another pony with a nod. A few seconds later, another pony stood over #5, this one a unicorn. Without a word, he lowered his horn and touched #5’s head while casting some kind of spell.
“I don’t know what you’re doing, but...” #5’s words trailed off. His eyelids suddenly felt very, very heavy. His whole body felt heavy. He tried shaking off the feeling, but any movement only served to make him more drowsy. More sleepy. “The queen will... the queen...”
Before he could even finish his sentence, #5 fell asleep.
#5 kicked as hard as he could, hopefully striking one of the pony guards.
However, he didn’t hit anything, and rolled sideways instead, falling off whatever he was lying on with a surprised shout. He hit the ground for a third time, although this ground was far different from before.
In fact, as #5 stood up, he recognized the ground. It was a bit hard to see in the dim, green light, but this was the uneven, rocky floor of a changeling hive. The room was pretty small, having a single alcove in the wall for sleeping and one torch, burning with green flames.
With a yawn, #5 stretched out. How long had he been asleep? Long enough to be hauled all the way back to the hive, at least. Must’ve been a pretty hefty sleeping spell.
Sleeping spell. Bah. Those stupid, pacifistic ponies couldn’t even resolve a conflict in a decent way. What happened to a good old-fashioned beating? Not that #5 wanted to receive one, but still. He expected at least a little bit of professionalism from the ponies who were trying to steal the Evershifting Stone.
The Stone! #5 frantically looked around, but the box was nowhere to be found. “Where is it, where is it?” he mumbled. It couldn’t have been stolen. It just couldn’t! Who knew what the Queen would do if she found out? #5 ran out of the room to continue his search, but as soon as he set one hoof outside, he was stopped by another changeling, who put a hoof on his chest.
“Get out of my way,” #5 said. “I don’t have time for this.” He pushed the other changeling’s hoof away and headed out.
“The Queen wants to see you,” the changeling said, causing #5 to freeze up.
Uh-oh.
“Why?” #5 asked, even though he already knew the answer.
The other changeling shrugged. “Dunno. But you shouldn’t keep Her Highness waiting.” He turned around and beckoned for #5 to follow.
#5 hesitated for a moment, then decided to head to the throne room. Silently, he followed the other changeling. He didn’t know where in the hive he was at the moment, as he’d never seen rooms as small as the one he’d just been in. The main hive was pretty big, and most of it was featureless, so someling getting lost wasn’t unheard of.
A few minutes later, they reached the throne room. It was a fairly large chamber, with rather minimal decorations. Large torches hung from the walls and ceiling, bathing the whole chamber in green light. In the middle of the room was the queen’s throne, which was made from the same stone as the rest of the chamber. It wasn’t as fancy as anything ponies made, but it didn’t have to be. Queen Chrysalis herself, sitting on her throne, was already impressive enough.
#5 swallowed a lump and stepped in front of her. He gave the deepest bow he could. “You wanted to see me, Your Highness?”
The Queen lounged on her throne. She was as magnificent as ever, standing twice as tall as any other changeling, her carapace a beautiful, bright green. She idly played with her dark blue mane as she glared at #5 with her green, serpentine eyes. It was the kind of glare that was so intense, #5 felt he would be better off on the other side of the world. But only very, very slightly better off.
Both of them were silent for a while. “Your Highness?” #5 repeated.
“Report,” Queen Chrysalis spat.
#5 took a deep breath. “The assignment...” He stared at the Queen for a while, trying to find a way to bring the news in the best way possible. “We failed,” he said. There was no ‘best’ way to bring this news.
“There were unforeseen weather issues. A thick fog covered our entire route. We were ambushed by ponies. Royal guards. They...” He paused again, and swallowed a lump in his throat. “They stole the Stone. We all failed you.”
“Saying you failed is an understatement,” the Queen said. “Do you realize the consequences?” She stood up and walked towards #5. “Do you understand what this means? My most precious artifact, and you lost it!”
#5 took a few steps back. “B-But the—”
“Silence!” Queen Chrysalis shouted, the sound echoing through the hive. “You were the leader of this operation! I thought one of my elite could be trusted with this!”
“I’m sorry! I-I can get it back!” #5 pleaded. “Just give me another chance!”
Queen Chrysalis snorted and went back to her throne. “I have been the queen of changelings for a long time. I have never seen one of you fail this badly, and you should be punished.” She sat down on her throne and sighed. “Though you are one of my valuable elite. It’d be a shame to... get rid of you. Permanently.”
“They were royal guards,” #5 said. “They answer to the princesses. I’ll find them, and I’ll retrieve the Stone.”
“Ah, yes,” Queen Chrysalis said. “And I suppose once you’ve left the hive, you’ll turn tail and run, never to return?”
“O-Of course not, Your Highness,” #5 said. Though the thought had crossed his mind. It just didn’t seem like a very good thought. A life on the run didn’t seem very appealing, especially because it’d be spent on the run from the changeling queen. If #5 did that and ended up captured, there was no telling what her reaction would be. This was already bad enough as it was.
“Well now, I’d almost call that noble,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Or plain stupid, if you’re trying to trick me. No, I need to make sure you get the Stone back, even if it’s the last thing you do.” She rubbed a hoof over her chin for a few seconds. “Ah. Of course. Exile.”
“What?!” #5 shouted. “Exile?!”
“Yes. Exile,” Queen Chrysalis said. “I believe you’re familiar with the concept. And I’ll even throw in a little extra insurance.” She leaned forward, narrowing her eyes. “I’ll have my servants watching your every move. If you even so much as think about abandoning me, I will know. And then, I’ll come for you. Personally.”
#5 nearly choked. His jaw flapped up and down, but he couldn’t get a single word out. Exile? On such harsh terms, too?
“Well then. Let’s get you started as soon as possible.” Queen Chrysalis stood up. “Advisor!” she shouted.
The changeling who had escorted #5 earlier stepped forward. “Yes, Your Highness?” he asked, giving an exaggerated bow.
#5 raised an eyebrow. This was her advisor? This was Her Highness, Queen Chrysalis’ most trusted servant, who occasionally assisted her with important decisions? Who was basically her right hoof? He looked like... Just like any other changeling, really. Average height, average build, average everything. #5 had at least expected something a little bit more impressive, like a scar or two.
“I have decided to exile him. Go get the required things,” Queen Chrysalis said.
The advisor gave another equally over-the-top bow. “As you wish.” He flew out of the room, and not a minute later, he returned, holding a dusty, white box in his hooves. He set it down in front of #5 and opened it.
Inside was one of the worst things a changeling could imagine. It was hideous, it was horrible, and worst of all, it was completely white. It was no more than a long, white piece of cloth, but any changeling could tell you this was the last thing they ever wanted to see.
The advisor removed the cloth from the box, sticking out his tongue in disgust. “The Garb of Shame,” he said. “I’ve never touched this before. There’s a first time for everything, but I don’t think I’ll ever feel clean again.”
With a sigh, #5 allowed the advisor to wrap the cloth around his upper body. It made him feel dirty. #5 hated the colour white, just like every other changeling. The reason behind it was long, complicated, absolutely disgusting, and something #5 didn’t like thinking about. Being forced to wear this was already major punishment on its own.
“Aaand... Done!” the advisor said, taking a step back. “I think you know the deal. It’s magically attached to you until the Queen permits you to take it off, but at least you can move it around. Plus, it’s always visible, whether you’re disguised or not.” He took a critical look at #5 and nodded. “But hey, at least it looks good on you!”
“Shut up,” #5 growled. “When I get the Stone back, I’ll show you who looks good in white.”
“Whoa, hey, no need for threats now,” the advisor said, stepping closer to #5. “That won’t earn you any approval points,” he whispered, subtly nudging a hoof in the Queen’s direction. “If you know what I mean.”
“Advisor,” Queen Chrysalis sneered. “Enough chatting. Escort the exile outside.”
The advisor turned around and bowed. “Naturally, Your Highness.” He turned back again and walked out of the throne room. “Follow me.”
#5 went after the advisor, glancing at the Queen over his shoulder. Her intense, vicious glare made him shiver, so he decided to look ahead instead. Not that it made him feel any better. Exile was better than any kind of painful punishment, but that didn’t mean he was looking forward to it. Sure, he’d been alone for long stretches of time, but all of those times were a set length. But exile? It was a do or don’t thing. And if he couldn’t do it, he could kiss his holes goodbye.
After a few minutes of silent walking, they reached the hive’s exit, a rock-laden path leading to a small forest. “Well, good luck!” the advisor said, ushering #5 outside. “And show those white pill bugs who’s boss, okay?”
Showing those ponies who’s the boss was definitely on #5’s list, all right. But... “Hold on,” he said, turning towards the advisor. “I never said those royal guards were white.”
The advisor tilted his head. “Huh? Aren’t all royal guards white?”
“No,” #5 said, narrowing his eyes. “A lot of them, but not all. How’d you know?”
“Lucky guess,” the advisor said, shrugging. “No need to start pointing hooves. If I really was involved, would I make such a stupid, obvious mistake? I’m the queen’s advisor. Give me at least some credit.”
#5 bared his teeth and growled. He wasn’t angry at the advisor, but more at himself. Not even the dumbest changeling would make a mistake like that. What was he even thinking?
“Besides, I know better than to taunt an elite,” the advisor continued. “I mean, you’re one of the best! I’m sure Her Highness didn’t exactly enjoy kicking you out. You’re pretty valuable, after all.”
#5 answered with a frustrated snort.
“Well, look on the bright side. I don’t know what it is, but it oughta be there somewhere. I, on the other hoof, will see you later,” the advisor said, turning back to the hive. “With the Stone, hopefully.” He casually strolled back in, leaving #5 alone.
He took a few moments to gather his thoughts. The situation was quite simple: he was alone, he had to retrieve his race’s most important artifact, and the only thing standing between him was... Well, anywhere between a few royal guards to the entire Equestrian government.
Joy.
The Garb of Shame wasn’t going to make it any easier on him. He tried taking on a few random disguises, from a simple pony to several different animals, but every time, he felt the Garb’s fabric on him. Sure, other changelings could easily spot him with it, but it made him stick out like a sore thumb among ponies.
#5 carefully unwrapped the Garb. It came off without any problems, until the very last bit. As soon as he tried pulling it off, it stubbornly stuck to his skin. No matter how hard he tried, the obnoxious piece of white cloth just wouldn’t let go.
It wasn’t surprising, but still frustrating. He’d just have to deal with this some other way. After wrapping the cloth around his neck a few times, he left the end dangling just out of reach of the ground. It’d have to function as an improvised scarf for now. At least it made a lot more sense for him to walk around with a white scarf, instead of being wrapped in cloth like he had just escaped from the loony bin.
After checking his surroundings, checking his newly acquired scarf, and checking his surrounding again, #5 realized he was stalling for time. He didn’t know why. Maybe he subconsciously hoped the Queen would come outside and forgave him.
#5 sighed. No, that’d never happen. There was only one way he’d ever be allowed back in, and that was if he retrieved the Evershifting Stone. He turned away from the hive, and started on his long trek to the Equestrian capital, Canterlot.
With a snort, he had to admit the advisor was right concerning one thing. There was a bright side to this.
At least he got that solo assignment he wanted.
To quote Twilight.
Oh, I can tell this is going to be good!!!
3145551 Aww yeah!!!!
Hmm!
Let's see what will happen, sure that if a great treasure was stolen are trouble.
Seem like the opening is shorter than most of your usual chapters.
Freak eating accident?
I don't get the joke.
I already like him. Can´t wait for more, espacialy a meeting with Rarity (hope there will be one). His Garb of Shame and hate for white vs her fashionsense and generosity. The battle will be hilarious!
That advisor of yours is mighty suspisious. He´s up for no good I think.
Sounds like a setup of some kind
Yep, it's a setup.
3145671
hmmm... ponies in royal guard armor who weren't white? or bat ponies? hmm.... secessionists? Unlikely, ponies are happy with Celestia/Luna ruling, wouldn't secede unless extremely upset, but Celestia or Luna would try to reason with would have been brought up at some point if that is the case.... possibly anti-Changeling extremists dissatisfied with the recent integration of changelings into pony society seeking to create an incident to bring more people onto their side? likely noted in previous stories final chapter that some ponies and a number of nobles weren't happy at all that changeling were being made citizens, headed by noble previously mentioned, High Mighty? Perhaps Blueblood, does strike me as pony supremacist... again unlikely.... Entire incident engineered by fellow changelings? Extremely likely, Changeling society based on deceit and focus of self, willing to sacrifice much to gain ranking in matriarchs court, possibly planning to use the stone to increase their power and preform Coup against Chrysalis? again extremely likely.... or perhaps not, likely over thinking it to some degree.
anyway eagerly awaiting more.
Amazing as always
Chrysalis is banishing another changeling for a botched operation that was in many ways her own fault (one soldier and a few random heads guarding her most important relic?). Granted at least this one was in some way responsible for the operation, but that worked out so well for her last time, even before there was an active movement to integrate immigrant changelings who were fed up with her horsecrap.
I'm going to love seeing his reaction when certain ponies inevitably think he looks really good in a white scarf
3145958
We've seen plenty of gray guards.
3146313
It was supposed to be botched... #5 was set up to fail. It's made abundantly obvious. :)
- Stone was safest at Queen's side, but ordered taken away for unknown reasons.
- Given ordinary workers instead of trained soldiers.
- "Ponies" immediately put him to sleep... so he couldn't see what was going on?
- Awoke back in the hive with no explanation of how he got there.
- Queen is quick to pronounce a sentence that he finds doesn't seem to fit.
- Advisor knew guards were white-colored despite not being there.
I suspect the guards were changelings and the stone was returned to the Queen. #5 was made to think he failed and was exiled... perhaps as a ruse to turn him into an unwitting spy among ponies (eg something to do with Suncloak) or something along those lines.
That advisor couldn't have made his involvement more obvious if he had a neon sign hanging from his neck that said, "I'm the traitor."
I look forward to the day that Abigail Lincoln gets to punch his face in.
...
I just realized how badly I'm trying to force two completely different jokes into this comment.
3146446
Well yeah, it seems obvious that it was some kind of setup, and I doubt the stone was even present -- though the reasons behind the setup could go in any number of directions. My money's on Chrysalis scoping out the integration by injecting a soldier she still trusts (and stuck with a seemingly huge failure to guilt him into continued loyalty) rather than a disgruntled deserter, and possibly spark a false incident with Canterlot to sow distrust and retard the exodus.
That said, it doesn't seem like a very good plan unless she's changed her mind since the meeting with Suncloak and is actually open to the idea (doubtful). It pretty much hinges on #5 not talking to anyone, ever. When #5 inevitably runs into Suncloak, he's going to find distressingly common ground, the Canterlot guards are going to be a lot more open and helpful than he's expecting, and Chrysalis will as likely as not lose a trusted captain.
I love it. I really like #5 as a Changeling. Keep up the good work and I cannot wait for more!!!!!!!!
Once again, you leave me with a flawless work of writing... No seriously, you have absolutely NO grammatical or spelling mistakes. How do you do it?! Everyone else I've seen has at LEAST one in each work...
I digress.
...
I look forward to seeing where this road leads... as well as the appearance of our beloved changelings from MLC. *cough*Suncloak and Nova*cough*
Also, with all these changelings running around, I feel like it's hard to know who's real and who isn't.
...What if... no one's real...?
P.S.: This was a great way to finish my summer vacation. I start my senior year in under 12 hours... I thank you, sir.
I did, and didn't expect that....
If the Princesses are involved with this(Is Twilight a Alicorn in this story?) wouldn't this attack be an act of war.
So I clicked read later... then saw that this was part of the Suncloak series and immediately took it out of my read later and favorited it.
#5 will be the equivalent of Mad Eye Moody.
Several people here are already on the right track... Good, but you're not there yet!
3145647
Only when compared to MLC, really. On that note, every chapter of MLC was a story on its own, so all of them were a bit more complex. This'll be one whole story again, so the chapters are a little bit shorter. Expect chapters to be about 4k words on average.
3146167
I don't mind, not at all!
3146663
I'm not totally sold on the idea of common ground with Suncloak, should they encounter one another. For one, Suncloak was irrationally blamed for the failure in Canterlot. #5's blame, while not entirely fair, is at least rational. After all, he could have ordered the Stone moved to a location off the route they were taking and waited for the fog to lift. He could have had one of the changelings with him scout ahead and report back every five minutes, and sending one off to investigate sounds he heard instead of stopping every five minutes; it might not have stopped the attack, but it would have at least given them some warning when one didn't check in.
Now, we know that there was probably nothing he could've done to change the outcome; he's a patsy, plain and simple. But he might feel like there was something more he could've done, so even if he thinks his punishment isn't totally fair, he feels he deserves to be punished. And unlike Suncloak, he's been offered the possibility of returning to the hive.
If anything, he's more likely to treat Suncloak as an enemy than not.
I hope you get back to whatever Suncloak's doing right now at some point, but I like the introduction of #5 and his story so far...
The third story! Yes!
Okay, this entire mission is suspicious as hell. Either the changelings are just incompetent as a species, or this mission was designed to fail.
Looking forward to seeing what the integrated pony/changeling society looks like.
This whole theft of the crystal seems suspicious on a whole number of levels. The biggest reason being: why would the ponies even want it? Stealing it like this seems weirdly out of character for them.
I have a couple hunches as to what's up, some of which I think are pretty good, but on the off chance that I might be right, I'll keep 'em to myself for now.
Anyway, looking forward to more.
3150170 The Changelings are still a dangerous underground government, despite the rumors of Equestrian Changeling citizenship. If the Equestrians have the Stone, they essentially have control of the Changeling Hives through the Queen, and can blackmail their way into a nonaggression treaty. This kind of thing would have been planned by the Lunar Guard, though. The Solar Guard's better trained, but the Lunar is more likely to do black ops like that.
That, and djthomp suggested that the mission was designed to fail, suggesting the use of spies in high positions. The Ponies can keep the stone and enforce the treaty on both ends, and with Celestia's logevity, combined with Chrysalis's, they have a few thousand years to work things out, the cultures assimilate, and eventually, the Changelings and the Ponies are the same culture. I believe that's what happened with the Griffons. You see them in Equestria all the time, apparently, and given enough time of peace, cultures merge.
3150750
Exactly what I find amiss about it. I don't see Celestia condoning this unless she felt she had no choice, which clearly wasn't the case here. As you said, Celestia is more of the one to let things fix themselves. Luna, maybe, but only if she felt she had just cause to, and I'm not certain of that (not enough facts as of yet). And of course there's the fact that whatever Luna does, she's likely to okay it with Celestia first, and then we get back to the whole Celestia not having adequate justification. I admittedly don't buy the "blackmail their way into a nonaggression treaty" idea because that's not the pony way, and seems contrary to the fanfics portrayal of the universe. So unless the guards were acting without authorization, which is possible (though currently I think not), it all seems out of character for Equestria.
Which is why I don't think the ponies that stole the crystal were ponies at all. I think they were changelings, but of what allegiances and what their reasons were for stealing the crystal, I can't say for certain at this point.
I wouldn't put it past Chrysalis to falsely stage something like this so to manipulate others into getting something she wants, though (the fact that Chrysalis seems entirely too composed about the failed mission when she has a past history of being short-tempered doesn't help). Again, I have hunches as to why she might want that, but I'll keep them to myself for now, just in case.
Aw man... We've only just met #5, and already I feel like giving him a hug.
In some ways, his punishment seems less harsh than Suncloak's (since he has a chance to come back and such), but in some ways, it only seems so much more brutal. He had high status in the hive, was given an impossible task, and then punished with an even more difficult one, plus having humiliation thrown on top of it!
I also feel like that "advisor" changeling was just mocking him when he talked about how elite #5 was. I'm willing to bet he's in on whatever plot there is against the poor guy...
I can't wait to read the next chapter! o3o
(By the way, when do we get to see Suncloak again? I miss him. xP)
Ni, you know you've written a really good story, with proper characterization and setting elements if you have people speculating and pondering things, as with the 3/4 comments below this one.
Been watching the story unfold since the first story, and I must say, congratulations man, not many people can pull it off.
How can anyone dislike this series? I bet this is going to be one of my favorite stories on the internet, assuming it is as good as the previous two.
We of Dark Aeon take credit for the theft. Even I, third in command, don't know all the agents. But I'm pretty sure it was us. although I want an explanation from the pony who did this on why he/she thought this would remove a threat to Equestrian national security.
>>>Either it was some kind of last-minute weather emergency, or ponies had put it in place for an ambush. #5 assumed it was the latter.>>
At that moment, one of the other changelings suddenly went rigid. "My head! Something's trying to get into my head!" he screamed, clutching at his temples. He fell to his side and flailed frantically at his throat, croaking and jerking spastically as if fighting for control of his own body. "Www...ggg...wwwwwhhaaaaa..." the twitching changeling garbled.
"What is it?!" cried another of the bug ponies (Who are evil, since they're bug ponies.) in horror at the sight of one of their own apparently being mentally controlled (Oh, so it's only ok if you bugs mind control ponies! But not when it happens to youuuuuu! Hypocrites!) *Will you cut that out, Helix? This isn't your troll segment! Keep it up and I'm going to let Chrysalis have her way with you!* (Hmph, fine.)
Anyway... where were we... oh yes! The changeling gasped and choked, rolling about wildly on the ground while his his fellow changelings drew back, uncertain if they should help, or even if they should risk being near him.
With a great cry of agony and anguish, the changeling seized violently, and then fell still.
The others, terrified and yet insatiably curious like all cast members in a cliche horror movie, edged closer. One poked him with a stick. "I think he's dead!" it said in a quavering voice.
But then the body rose to its hind hooves in an unnatural manner, as though drawn up by a pupetteer's strings. A demonic grin spread across its jaws and the remaining changelings hastily scrambled back as they saw its now inky black eyes dripping black liquid (Cuz that's always creepy, no matter how completely overused.) *Shut... UP!*
It's mouth began to move, noiselessly for the first moments, and then a hollow, distant voice which grated upon their very souls in intonations of pure horror and dread began to sound... whether in their ears or in their minds they never knew..
"wwwHHHHHaaattTTT... Ccc-ooouuuld.. PoSSSSSSSiiBbbllyyyyyy... gGGGooOoOoO... wRoooonnnnggg..."
They barely had time to scream and turn to flee before the evil spirit of Murphy's Law destroyed them all by dropping the HMS Titanic on top of them.
So, here we go again, Niaeruzu.
I have been waiting for this.
For so.
Fucking.
Long.
While we seem to have an obvious conflict, be it major or minor (leaning towards the former), I can't wait to see how the story unfolds
3151077 "I wouldn't put it past Chrysalis to falsely stage something like this"
Not likely, though possible. What could she gain from exiling an elite because of an incompetent squad? Chrysalis may be loud, but I haven't seen her short tempered. She's cold and calculating and a zerger. Not a rage combatant.
Oh another sequel? I am pleasently suprised to be honest.
SUNCLOAK!
Calling it now: Those guards were probably other changelings, the Evershifting stone was a decoy, The advisor is actually Rasputin and Soylent green is ponies.
3153104
All right, I'll just come out and say it, so here's a few theories on what I figure is happening...
1: The most obvious one is that the ponies, for reasons not entirely clear, stole the crystal, either on orders from their respective princess or on their own and the changelings were just simply caught off guard. What their motives might be for this act are unclear, and how they knew Chrysalis was moving the crystal in advance is also unclear unless they have a changeling spy or other insider in the hive, OR they just stumbled across the party moving the crystal by chance and accident. If so, then its possible they might not even know what they've stolen. But I STRONGLY suspect there is more going on than this though, but I guess we'll see in due time.
2: The "ponies" were actually rogue changelings in disguise, probably from the changelings that have since integrated with Equestria, and stole the crystal most likely in a move to try and destabilize the changeling nation and to expedite the exodus of changelings from the hive into Equestria. If so, if they had orders to do so, or were acting independently is again unclear, but I'd lean more towards them acting independently. I find this theory one of the more likely ones.
3: The theft was staged by Chrysalis herself, so to pin the blame for the theft on the apparent guilty party of the supposed "theft," thus falsely justifying a tactical move against them. The obvious choice would be Equestria, but since it doesn't seem like Chrysalis really needs much excuse to attack Equestria, I would instead suggest that Chrysalis seeks to pin the blame on the rogue changelings, her reasoning likely being that this would give her just cause to properly crack down on them, discourage more changelings from leaving her hive and going rogue, and even possibly, if she played her cards right and proved the rogue changelings acted without Equestrian sanction (since it seems they currently are under Equestrian protection), get Equestria to side with her on the matter (though that could be a stretch). Banishing the elite guard would then be done either to just keep up appearances and to keep #5 out of the way should he happen to figure out something was amiss, OR, if we want to take this all a step further, that Chrysalis intends to use #5 in some way to further her agenda in this plot, perhaps through the laying of some false trail of evidence, but I would doubt Chrysalis would have taken it quite THAT far. Either way, IMO, I find this theory one of the other more likely ones.
4: The theft was staged by some other changeling acting without Chrysalis's knowledge, which case the most likely candidate for that would be Chrysalis's adviser, since it's already been implied he knows more than he's let on. There are several possible motives as to why. He could have had the crystal stolen in an attempt to basically hold it for ransom and force Chrysalis or her subjects into doing his bidding, possibly as a personal bid for power over the changeling nation. Or he supports the rogue changelings and had the crystal stolen to again expedite the changeling exodus from the hive. Or he did it simply to get #5 banished, because he had some grudge against him or wanted his job, or some like reason (but I find it unlikely).
5: Both Chrysalis and Equestria (or some party representing Equestria or part of it) are in on the theft of the crystal due to some kind of hidden alliance between them for motives yet unclear, but given the past history between them, AND Chrysalis's reaction to discovering that she had changelings abandoning her in the last story, I find this highly unlikely.
6: Some yet unknown third party not previously mentioned in these theories is behind the theft. Their motive would then, obviously, be unknown at present.
There, I think that pretty much covers all the possibilities. So...everybody pick the one you like best.
Personally, I'm for either 2 or 3, but to each their own.
3155194
Wow, that is a very long and theory-crafty comment. I love it.
Also, none of your theories are correct, though one of them is in the right direction.
3155958
Really? Well, color me impressed then! I was actually starting to worry I had the story too figured out already, so to hear I wasn't as close as I feared as I was is definitely a good thing. It makes the story that much more enjoyable.
i was hoping for suncloak but im eager for this one to continue! <3
omg i love it so far and the best thing is....he is FABULOUS! :D
lol XD
3156215
If I had to hazard a guess, I'd pick door number 2.
Sound like a great story can't wait for more.
3155194
Those are quite interesting, and I'm curious to know why you think the Changelings that are integrated with Equestria would want to do this to bring the Hive Changelings in when they seem fine as is.
OMG YES!, FINALLY!
3158776
It was really more of covering all of the possibilities that I came to it. I am fairly certain that the ones that stole the crystal were not truly ponies, so, assuming that was true, then what changelings would want to preform such an act?
I figured the rogue changelings could be capable of doing it, simply because they would stand to gain from it, either from getting more changelings to see hive-life wasn't necessarily the ONLY life, OR the best life, or by making a statement to Chrysalis to basically back off. That said, I also figure that if the rogue changelings ARE in any way responsible, I figure they aren't all united behind it. It'd just be a group acting independently of all the other rogue changelings. Maybe they have a personal grudge against the hive.
Either way, it feels kind of moot to discuss it, because apparently only one of my theories is on the right track (dunno which per say), and beyond that, none of them are correct with the direction the fanfic is apparently going to go in real life.
3159843
I don't know, I think it's interesting to discuss it since I had that same thought, though I couldn't imagine Suncloak to be to happy about it since he wants them to come of their own free will and at the time it seemed that Chrysalis and the hive were leaving the Equestrian Changelings alone.
3159960
Yeah, I can't see Suncloak being thrilled about it either, which is why I find it more likely that, should this be the case, it was a group acting independently, without the knowledge of other 'lings like Suncloak.
Looks interesting so far! I think Chrysalis might just want to see how another changeling (a more trusted one) reacts in the same situation as Suncloak. Or something like that. Nonetheless, looks like another great story in the making!
I just spent an entire day reading all of these, and I can't wait to see where this new turn leads our new protagonist
I think Chryssy is a little confused about how exile tends to work.