//------------------------------// // 30 - Act 2 Prologue // Story: Change: Queen of The Hive // by tom117z //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle is no longer the hero to save them, but a villain who may yet destroy them. Ponies and changeling alike stand on the brink, death is coming… **** Canterlot The day dawned anew; it was Princess Celestia favourite part of the day, but today it was one that brought little comfort. She let out an exhausted sigh, her thoughts still remaining with Twilight Sparkle, alternating with that of her still very silent hive. “The captains will be here soon,” Luna assured, she and her sister both sitting in the elder’s tea room. “They will discover what lays beneath.” “I’m worried what they’ll find,” Celestia admitted. “Even if we save Twilight, how could I tell her that her hive was destroyed?” “We don’t know that,” Luna retorted. “The chaos of recent days has been felt far and wide, the Equestrian Hive would be no different.” “But to hear nothing? And no ponies ever returning from it? Lulu, we should have sent a force there a week ago.” “There was a lot on all our minds,” Luna pointed out. “There still is. Afflicted changelings are showing up all over Equestria with increased intensity. You know an invasion is coming.” “I know. And I fear where it may take us,” the older alicorn stated. “So quickly the joy has been sucked from Canterlot’s streets.” “Didn’t stop you and Twilight Velvet the other night,” Luna teased. “I shall forever remember the sight of you two on your backs, drunk.” “A momentary respite, much like our conversation yesterday,” Celestia rebuffed. “But not lasting.” “Yet still joyful, in their own way,” Luna maintained. “Hold onto them Celestia, you know the importance of not letting these things get to you. We alicorns most of all.” Celestia sighed. “I know, Luna. But for every moment of peace, reality seems to rush back in soon after.” “You’ve been like this for over a week now.” “And what do you expect?” “Twilight wouldn’t want you to be so distracted,” Luna argued. “I fear what she wants now is my death.” “That would be the thoughts of the one behind all this,” Luna retorted. “Not Twilight.” “And what if I must go to certain lengths to prevent Twilight from hurting somepony? What if I am forced to strike down my daughter? What lengths must I go to face all the queens?” “You must remain in control of your emotions, sister!” Luna said in a steely voice, her tone understanding but harsh. “You know what happen if you lost control. You know that path leads down a path of darkness, to Daybreaker.” Celestia narrowed her eyes. “Is that the pot calling kettle black, dearest sister?” Luna stamped a hoof on the table. “I need not reminding! But we must remain objective in this situation! I know you have a personal connection to this crisis, but you must face it like all the others.” Celestia shot up from her seat and stood towering over her younger sister, her wings flaring aggressively. “The last time this happened, I lost you for a thousand years!” The door to the tea room suddenly opened with Vladimir, Shining Armor and Broad Sword peaking in, slightly concerned about the Royal Canterlot Voice they were just subjected to. Shining Armor coughed into a hoof. “Er, are we interrupting anything?” Celestia huffed in irritation and then sat down again, ignoring her sister’s concerned glance. “No, thank you for coming. Please, sit.” The three ponies did as they were told, taking seats around the table and watching the princesses expectantly. Celestia took a moment to collect herself, and cool the flames within her. When she was ready, she released a breath and addressed the three. “You are of course aware of what has been happening with the changelings. And now we have a mission for you three.” “Anything you need, your highness,” Broad Sword dutifully stated. “Where are we heading?” “The Equestrian Hive,” Luna picked up. “We are concerned for their wellbeing, we want you to ascertain their current status and report back to us. If they are well, or as well as they can be, make sure whoever is currently leading them knows to be in contact with us. If not, help any changeling or pony you can but don’t risk yourselves unnecessarily. We’ll need you in the times to come.” “Will we be taking anypony with us?” Vladimir asked. “No, just you three. A small group to get in and out, without stirring the bee hive as I believe the modern saying is.” “Was that a joke?” Shining asked with slight amusement. “You know, bugs and hives.” “Oh,” Luna muttered, slightly embarrassed. “That… was not intention. But it is irrelevant, Prince Armor. Do not be distracted.” Shining shook his head. “Alright, sorry. Small group, got it.” Celestia nodded. “Take whatever you need for the job, and come back safe my little ponies.” “We intend to, Princess.” “There is something else I would like to discuss with them, alone,” Luna stated. “Oh?” Celestia questioned. “And what might that be?” “Nothing too important, sister. It won’t take long.” Celestia was a little suspicious at her request, but did not argue it. She just didn’t have the patience at that moment to argue about it. So, after bidding her ponies a good day and good luck, she departed the room to get on with the rest of her daily duties. Shining Armor, Vladimir and Broad Sword watched her leave, before turning to look at Princess Luna with perplexed expressions. “OK, what is this about?” Vladimir asked. “You seem extra serious all of a sudden.” “It is a serious matter,” Luna replied. “I am worried about my sister.” “Worried?” Broad Sword questioned. “What do you mean? She seemed fine, if a bit stressed.” “It is more than mere stress,” Luna stated. “She has been preventing my access to her dreams, but I have been able to catch momentary glimpses. What I have seen is… disturbing.” The three ponies shared concerned glances, before giving the Princess of the Night their full attention. “Twilight’s situation has affected her more than the rest of us, even you Shining Armor. Perhaps even more than Twilight Velvet and Night Light.” “She’s my sister,” Shining deadpanned. “I would beg to differ.” Luna’s features darkened. “Well, you would be wrong. Twilight is at its centre, but this entire crisis is getting to her. She has not been this emotionally strained since my fall, and the only time she has come close to that since was when Queen Twilight was injured by Serpens all those years ago. You remember how that ended for the imposter’s followers.” They all knew the answer to that. No survivors. “I recall that she was angry, she had every right to be back then and even now,” Vladimir stated. “How is it worse?” “Ever since they admitted how they felt about one another, they have been closer than ever,” Luna pointed out. “What has happened hurt her more, and arguably her fate is one potentially worse than mere death. Combine that with the death and destruction that has already occurred, and what is yet to come. My sister’s anger is growing by the day, there have been moments where I can talk her down and return her to the calm princess we all know. But those moments of respite are all too fleeting.” “So… what?” “With our power, being emotionally compromised is a VERY dangerous thing,” Luna explained urgently. “I would know. I want you all to be aware of this, just in case it becomes a problem.” Broad Sword didn’t seem convinced. “All due respect, but do you honestly believe this would turn Princess Celestia against Equestria?” “I never said that,” Luna rebuffed. “We are not the focus of her anger, quite the opposite. But a raging fire is hard to control. Should she be pushed far enough she may lash out, and there may be collateral damage. If that happens, I must stop her, and I may need your help.” “Have you talked to Cadance about this?” Shining Armor asked. “I intend to. But I hope we solve this crisis soon, and allow my sister time to heal emotionally. Saving Twilight could be key.” “I had every intent of saving my little sister,” Shining Armor pointed out. “Don’t you worry about that.” “It’s my job to worry,” Luna remarked in a deadpan. “But for now, you have something that urgently requires your attention. I wish you luck.”