A chance to talk
Some were more reluctant than others. The element bearers didn't approach the Changelings right away, but some of the braver guards did. They weren't willing to do more than greet the shapeshifters, still being cautious.
The first thing Rarity and Applejack did once they were freed was run over and make sure the other was alright. Celestia and Luna stepped back to observe, muttering to each other under their breath. Rainbow flew over to Twilight.
"You okay Twilight?" She sounded more concerned than she'd usually allow herself.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks Rainbow."
"I saw that thing bite you. Are you sure?"
"It didn't bite me, look." Twilight tilted her head to one side. Rainbow leaned in and looked at her neck, tracing a hooftip over it to make sure there were no punctures.
"Good." Rainbow tried to sound brusque, but she couldn't hide the subtle notes of relief in her voice.
"Do you think we can trust them? One spoke to you, right?" Rainbow asked.
"I'm not sure. There doesn't seem to be any apparent danger though. They're outnumbered, and we could probably overpower them if we needed to."
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow exclaimed. "What happened?"
"Hi girls." The pegasus said as she walked over. "Oh I was so scared at first. Everypony fell asleep, and then the Changelings came in and I thought we'd lost, but Cadence explained it all to me, and... I think I agree with her. The Changelings aren't all bad."
"Huh." Rainbow said. "Okay, but I wouldn't get too comfortable." Rarity and Applejack walked over to the group next.
"I'm not sure what to make of all this. What an unexpected turn of events." Rarity mused. "Twilight darling, are you alright?"
"Yeah. It wasn't bad at all, actually. Changelings are very gentle nuzzlers." Twilight said, giggling.
"Just like RD here, then?" Applejack said. She poked the pegasus playfully, earning herself a glare. Rainbow felt herself blush, but thankfully, Rarity had chosen that moment to notice Pinkie Pie.
"What in Equestria is Pinkie Pie doing?!" They all looked. There were two Pinkie Pies standing next to the Changelings. They both seemed to be mimicking each others' movements, doing all sorts of contortions and dances. Pinkie Pie—what they all assumed was the real one—was giggling madly. She looked like she was having the time of her life. Rarity called for her, and she bounced over to the group.
"Hey, the princess is coming over!" Pinkie pointed out.
"Hello Twilight and her friends." Celestia said sweetly. "I hope that none of you are hurt in any way?" The six mares bowed before her.
"We're all fine princess. Are y-" Celestia cut her off with a raised hoof.
"Twilight, I'd like you to take your friends and go back to your room. Can you do that for me now?"
"But princess!" Twilight exclaimed. "What about Shining Armor an-"
"The Royal Guard has the situation under control. There's nothing for you to worry about. And besides, if something does go wrong, it would be wise to keep the elements of harmony on hoof, yes?"
"Oh, okay! Should we go get the elements now princess?"
"No, that won't be necessary Twilight." Celestia said, indicating that the conversation was over. Twilight and her friends glanced at each other, then slowly walked out of the ballroom. Rather than returning to their room, all six unanimously agreed that they'd rather wait outside in the garden.
As soon as the doors closed, Celestia whirled around and paced towards Cadence and Chrysalis. She rose to her full height and flared her wings aggressively, glaring down at the pink alicorn.
"I would have you courtmartialled."
"Aunty, I-"
"You compromised the security of the Royal House. You brought a known threat into Canterlot, and you have betrayed our trust. If I had sole responsibility I would banish you from the kingdom instantly."
It wasn't the harsh words or the threat they carried that terrified Cadence. It wasn't even Celestia's stabbing glare. It was the calmness with which she spoke. Cadence had seen Celestia get angry like this once before, and it had scared her to the core. Now, this fury was being directed squarely at her. She could feel her pulse race. The edges of her vision faded to black. She felt as though the ground were going to open up and swallow her whole. It wasn't until then that the gravity of the situation truly hit her. She trembled. Her legs felt weak. Celestia's wrath was absolute; she showed no mercy.
"This is unforgivable." She said. Shining Armor and Luna gasped.
Chrysalis had been uncharacteristically silent ever since she had entered. She sat on one side of the room with a swarm of content, fed Changelings behind her. She had been perfectly happy to sit aside and watch the proceedings, but seeing Celestia tear apart what she considered to be her sole friend spurred her into action. With a buzz of her wings, she shot over and put herself between the two alicorns.
"You!" She snarled. "What kind of monster are you?!"
Celestia didn't even bother to turn her head when she glanced over at Chrysalis. Her horn sparked threateningly.
"You will hold your tongue."
"No. You're going to listen to me, princess. I won't allow you to speak to her like that! There is no threat to Canterlot, and Cadence has both explained and justified her actions. Only you could see this as a betrayal. You would disown her simply because she consorted with somepony you don't like? She risked everything for my species, and she did so of her own accord! I have the right to diplomatic negotiations on behalf of my people, and you must give me an audience."
"You lost any rights you might have had when you invaded Canterlot." Celestia said.
"And I reveled in every second of it." Chrysalis spat. "You don't deserve your perfect little pony kingdom Celestia. If not for that unicorn lackey of yours, I would have succeeded! Just imagine what Equestria would be like without you."
Celestia's eyes narrowed. "Captain!" She barked. "Assemble a two-unit detail immediately."
"Yes Ma'am!" Shining Armor replied. "Spearshot, Bolt Cracker, on point now! The rest of you are dismissed." Two unicorn guards took their place next to the captain, leveling their horns at the Queen. The rest filed out the door hurriedly. The air in the ballroom was thick with venom, and most of them were glad to be out of there.
Chrysalis scoffed. "What are you doing now? Threatening my subjects? Threatening me? I wouldn't be surprised. Do you still think you hold the moral high ground Celestia? I suppose it's okay for you to threaten my subjects, you are the princess. I wonder what you'd say if I were to threaten your little unicorn pet?" Celestia's facial expression remained unchanged.
"Kill her."
Chrysalis's eyes widened. Shining Armor's military register cracked slightly as he issued the order to his soldiers. The two unicorns fired a volley of horn bolts at the Changeling Queen, blasting her backwards. Her body cut a swathe through the Changelings behind her, and she slammed into the far wall with a sickening crunch.
"No! No! What are you doing!? Cadence shrieked. She galloped over to her fallen friend and hugged her protectively. "No! Don't hurt her!! Please!"
"I'm alright Cadence." Chrysalis groaned. The impact had stunned her, but she was otherwise unharmed.
"Captain. Have you mastered the anti-brainwashing spell?"
"Uh... yes princess."
"Perform it."
Shining Armor was torn. He approached his wife tentatively, paralyzed by indecision. His wife or his monarch? Cadence's eyes widened.
"You don't trust me?" She asked, bewildered.
"Cadence, I trust you. I'll always trust you but I... I have to do this." He replied solemnly.
"Shiny, it's me! This is me!" She exclaimed. Shining Armor just sighed. "I know." His horn glowed, and he touched the tip to Cadence's head. She stared at him, waiting for whatever would happen to happen.
Nothing happened. The captain finished the spell, then turned to Celestia.
"There's nothing there ma'am." He reported stiffly. "Princess Cadence is not under any kind of influence, and is acting of her own free will."
"Then there is no excuse for her actions." Celestia stated.
"Sister! I shall request your consult in private." Luna requested sharply. Celestia stood still for a second, then calmly walked over to the Moon pony.
"I understand your feelings, but I implore you sister, please take some time to decide upon your actions. Cadence is royalty! She has taken a sworn oath pledging allegiance to Equestria. I do not believe she would turn on us so quickly. I would prefer if we discussed this prior to any action being taken. May I suggest that you issue your decision tomorrow morning?" Celestia considered for a moment.
"Very well." She walked back over to Chrysalis and Cadence.
"Mi Amore Cadenza and the Changeling beast will be incarcerated. Luna, I trust you will escort them to the dungeon safely?"
"Of course, my sister." Luna replied. Celestia disappeared in a flash of golden light, teleporting back to her chambers.
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i love this i truly do believe that clestia would be xenophobic keep up the amazing work
Celestia is a bitch
Third chapter is up! This story is on the popular stories list! YAY!
I decided to split this chapter in half. I'm working on the next right now, and it'll probably be up sometime tomorrow.
I love it when a little idea takes off and turns into something awesome. Please give a thumbs up if you like this!
dun dun dunnnnnn
Cadance had this coming to her. I just can't believe that she would think that would work. Drugging ponies and stuffing them in cocoons isn't the best way to state your case after all.
And Chrysalis just makes matters worse
she's vastly outnumbered after all and what forces she has are malnourished so they wouldn't last in a fight. And requesting an audience after what they just did?
Anyway, I'm interested to see how this will develop because right now Cadance and Chrysalis are just making matters worse for themselves. Upvoted, favorited, the whole shebang.
Woah, harsh. You're doing a good job of making me dislike Celestia (or at least this one.)
keep up the great story
I'm on Luna's side. Even if they do have to be... Killed... The decision should not be rushed and Celestia should think it over properly.
Is Luna up to something? Or am I being too suspicious?
All I wanna know is what the mane six think of all this.
Celestia is completely in character which to me means she would, as I see it, over react. Keep up the good work.
Everyone is remarkably quick to side with the Changelings over Celestia, despite the facts that Cadance just drugged everyone (probably treason) and that the Changelings were levying war upon them a week ago. Combined with Celestia's uncharacteristic harshness and the accusations of Celestia's xenophobia, it seems as if you wanted to make Chrysalis the victim and didn't put in enough of an effort to preserve canonical characterization where it conflicted with this goal.
Where did Cadance even get roofies in such bulk on such short notice?
While I am enjoying this story, I wish to note for the record that the characters as portrayed here don't line up with my headcannon. Now that that's firmly established, I can sit back and watch without commenting on every update with perceived out-of-character moments.
With the way it's going now, I revise my estimate: Twilight's either going to discover and reveal the corruption and convert the Elements, or redeem Celestia. OR, Twi's gonna be wrong and everypony's gonna believe her this time. It'll be interesting to find out which one happens "for real".
This is great; nobody has the moral high ground: Celestia is very execution happy, Cadance drugged the entire court and let in a known security risk, and Chrysalis invaded literally a week ago. I can't wait to see how this plays out.
There is always a catch. Always. What of Celestia? We need to know if her xenophobic nature is correct. On the other hand/hoof we also know that Chrysalis is an ultranationalist nutcase who would have all of Equestria thrown into breeding pens. Whatever Chrysalis says, she is not to be trusted, and the best course of action would be an independant investigation into the corruption(?) of the courts.
Of course, if we were sensible, this story would be over in ten minutes so...
Massive custom swear alert in 3... 2... 1...
CELESTIA IS A MOTER FUCKING CUNT LICKING COCK SUCKING SON OF A BITCH! SHE TAKES PURE PLEASURE BY FUCKING UP SHINING'S WIFE! WHAT A FUCKING WHORE!
Rant over.
Totally on Celestia's side. The Griffons are, from most depictions, violent, and generally a very belligerent nation. Although I disagree with second-rate citizen status, I believe a diplomatic stalemate is necessary. Additionally, The Changelings enacted war upon the kingdom not too long ago. When you enact war on a state, the only diplomatic negotiations you get are negotiations for a surrender.
And don't even get me started on the changelings themselves. They're parasitic beings who feed off love. Not only is that a failure of evolution, (apparently there is no back-up source for food.) but I bet you anything were multiple changelings to suck your 'love' you'd be feeling a little more than dizzy. Yes, they are sentient, however they are a clear threat to the kingdom, and would only suffer if allowed to prosper in any form. They must be removed.
As well, Cadence committed high treason, period. She's lucky Luna convinced Celestia to consider her punishment - it hasn't been until recently that Great Britain stopped using capital punishment (execution) for high treason. She is highly manipulable, and is actively endangering the state, as well as hinting at attempting to dethrone the monarchy. She should be removed immediately, and with no mercy.
Politics are not nice. They are efficient.
1156344 according tot he story she had requested audiences before....
Repeatedly.....
and was denied for little reason.
honestly, I'm liking this story but i'm NOT enjoying this take on Celestia...
I m on cadence side, in this story Queen tryed to negotiate only to be pushed away, and if you as leader of the country treat other country leaders badly, and refuse when they ask for assistance, it is part your fault that they declarate war, and even if it was not the case, in the show Queen herself said that it is her duty to find food for her subjects, as much as her action seems more like a bad than evil decysions, it seems more like a desperate opeation.
IN show Changeling Queen was ready to steal love by forces what do not work to well on the long run, and she was ready to change or get rid of those who control sun and moon, or Chrysalis action were out of greedy and foolishness, or from desperation.
However in this fanfic changelings did not had much of a choice since they lifes were on stage, and almost entire race was murdered, ( it was not just a war casualitys, not just killing soldiers by defending your country, it was more like killing cyvilians as well by pushing tham out of your terytory by force ).
I dissagree that Celestia would even be so cold hearted like she is in this fanfic, but I say she is a villan here.
Here's the thing.....even if there are different sections, if the changelings are about to be wiped out and willing to cooperate then Celestia needs to give them a chance here......there should have been better ways to get here but we're here now.........also is this a closed world or would you allow us to work with it, this would be a really fun situation to write a side story for.....you are doing a great job keep it up
I am completely on Celestia's side. Cadence, a member of the Royal Family, brought the leader and surviving soldiers of an army that attacked Canterlot, and attempted to murder it's sovereign leader. Cadence is obviously in over her head. I mean, drugging government officials? Lying to the government that she is sworn to protect? She is supposed to be protecting Equestria, yet she let public enemy #1 straight through the doors of the Royal Palace. She is lucky Celestia hasn't already had her executed for treason.1258341 Chrysalis took a huge risk invading Canterlot, and she lost. She must pay the price of failure, instead of playing on the emotions of someone Celestia holds dear. I hop Celestia has her executed.
Hm(
), no leader of that caliber should as like such a bitch.
Is anyone else on Celestia's side?
1156344 I agree.
1429671
No.
Given the backstory this fic provides, there is no way to really see Celestia other than as a racist villain. It is stated that the changelings tried for peaceful diplomacy many, many times before the invasion became necessary. They were only refused because Celestia is a racist. Celestia has no good points to make.
In this fic, I like Chrysalis more than Celestia... That's rare.
1159018 Ha! She's incredibly out of character, mate. She's acting nothing like canon Celestia. If anything she's being set up as a straw racist, with no good points. Also known as horrid characterization.
1228364 you are just as bad as the inquisition(minus the random collateral damage,exterminatus,and murdering everything in sight)
1610810 I agree....I would smite her in the name of the emperor,but the imperium is worse....
1742202 What do we really know about her though? Considering her part in the show wasn't very big she could have been a racist all her life.
1429671 not me
Ok, I'm going to lay down a critic of this story so far. It is going to be a little harsh, but please bear with me. Your writing style is decent. Hopefully you can use what I'm about to say to improve your storytelling.
While your central conceit is interesting this story just doesn't work.
I find it hard to believe that Cadance would think it was a good idea to stage a palace coup and declare the end of Celestia's tyranny and then just let everyone out of their bonds and expect anyone to take her seriously.
That would be like getting invited to dinner with your uncle the President of the United States and his family and then using the occasion to help smuggle in jihadi terrorists and lock down the White House. Then you explain that the jihadists that you have helped are really just misunderstood and desperate. After which you let the President and Secret Service go and now expect everbody to play nice with each other.
Now, there may be something to the argument about the terrorists just being desperate poor men with no other alternative, but do really think that the secret service isn't imediately going to arrest those guys and the traitor that let them in?
Also, Celestial is totaly out of control here and totaly out of character. Even if she was driven by petty revenge and xenophobia (which is a bit of a stretch) she is the consumate statespony. She wouldn't just just have Chrysalis summarily executed. If she wanted to retain any legitimacy at all she would bring Chrysalis to trial at the very least.
Also, if Celestia was convinced that Cadence was under mind control to the point that she would have Cadence's own husband run a deprogramming spell on her, why would Celestia start accusing her of being a traitor before she was "deprogrammed"?
I get what you are trying to do here and your prose is not bad. Please don't take any of this personally. I am going to continue reading to see if you can bring the story around, but right now it all seems way rushed and out of character.
I dunno. A lot of this seems... Rushed and out of character for them...
Not saying it's bad... But, still.
~Skeeter The Lurker