//------------------------------// // The Calm // Story: History Lesson // by Pun System //------------------------------// Marble Pie paced back and forth in front of her family, her hoofsteps echoing off the marble walls of Manehattan’s spacious town hall. Igneous Rock Pie held Cloudy Quartz close while Limestone Pie lay on the ground nearby. Across the room, Granny Smith had dozed off in a large applewood chair lined with regal-looking red fabric. Together in the next chair lay Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, who looked comically small when compared to the massive chair that housed them. There was a hint of tension in the air, yet nopony said a word. The solitary sound was Marble Pie’s echoing hoofsteps. At last the front doors swung open, and seven ponies entered. Granny Smith awoke, and all the ponies who had been left behind smiled at the appearance of their loved ones. However, when the returning ponies drew closer, their fallen countenances made the smiles of the others evaporate. “Rarity,” asked Sweetie Belle, “where’s Shard?” “And Sidi?” seconded Scootaloo. Rarity paused, but gave no response other than to draw her sister into a hug which seemed to do the talking for her. Instead, Sunburst answered. “We found Spike in Ponyville. Turns out he escaped Queen Chrysalis. He was really upset that we left him behind. Upset that I left him behind. I tried to get him to come back with us, but he said he couldn’t trust us anymore. Shard was standing right next to us, and Spike convinced her to run away with him. We had to tell Obsidian what happened, and she ran away in the middle of the night.” Sweetie turned her head to bury it her sister’s coat and the two began to cry as they hugged. Scootaloo tried to put on a brave face, despite the tears forming in her eyes. “But—but she promised!” “Come here, squirt,” Rainbow urged. Without hesitation, she embraced her idol, throwing her forelegs around Rainbow’s neck. A less mature Rainbow Dash would have been more concerned about her image, but the Rainbow Dash that Twilight, Starlight, and Spike were watching was a few degrees more empathetic than the familiar blue pegasus from their timeline. This Rainbow Dash lifted a foreleg to return Scootaloo’s hug, holding her close against her neck and body. Pinkie Pie needed only to produce Boulder from her saddlebags to incite reactions from her family. Her parents gasped and held each other close as they alternately glanced at the rock and each other. Limestone grit her teeth and closed her eyes as she slowly lowered her head, angry tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. Marble just stood there with her mouth agape and her face frozen in a look of absolute horror. A Blue Changeling approached the Pie family. “Such love is signified by a cold, dead rock,” stated Bon Bon. “You are not alone in your loss,” she said, glancing down at her golden lyre necklace. “‘Loss’?” asked Igneous Rock. “‘Cold’?” asked Cloudy Quartz. “‘Dead’?” asked Limestone. “It’s not just a rock!” Marble whimpered. “It—it’s Boulderrrrrrr!” she cried. She inhaled again before letting out a wail which reverberated throughout the massive hall. Pinkie returned the stone to her saddlebag and extended an embrace to her sister, though it seemed to little avail. Apple Bloom nervously approached Granny Smith. “Granny? Am—am I still grounded?” The elderly mare caught the filly in her grasp and hugged her tight. “I’m sorry, Granny,” Apple Bloom choked out as she began to sob. “I promise you I’ll never go runnin’ off like that again. I just—I just didn’t wanna lose my brother too!” “I know ya didn’t. I hope you see now I didn’t wanna lose you, neither.” “Yes, Granny! I know now! I’m so sorry! I—I know what coulda happened!” “Yes, I’m afraid we all do, dearie.” “Eeyup,” seconded Big Mac as he joined the hug. “Rarity,” Sunburst began, “it’s official now. You’re all I have left.” Rarity sniffed. “At any other time, those words would seem romantic.” “I know. I wish they were,” he said as he picked up her hoof. “It looks like all we can do now is wait out winter. Will you let me walk you back to your home?” Rarity wiped her eyes with a levitating handkerchief before turning her head towards Sunburst. “Yes, love, I will.” Once more, the eyes of the three from the present flashed with light as the potion revealed to them a sort of time-lapse. The trees let fall the few brown leaves they had remaining, and an early snow fell onto the city, dusting the metropolis in a layer thick enough to create a wintery atmosphere, yet thin enough to not impede daily business. The next scene they saw unfold was set in a bustling café on the town at midday. ***** “And what can I get you ladies to drink?” asked the waitress. “Actually, I’m ready to order,” Rainbow replied. “What can I get for you?” “I’ll have the cucumber sandwiches with a side of hay slaw, and an iced tea to drink.” The waitress levitated a quill along a pad of paper before turning to Rainbow’s companion. “And what can I get for you?” “Just a water,” replied Bon Bon. “Your order will be right up,” the mare replied as she trotted to her next table. “You not hungry?” asked Rainbow. Bon Bon allowed the top half of the newspaper to droop as she smiled at Rainbow Dash. “Oh. Right.” “Your friendship is all the provision I need.” “Yeah but, didn’t you eat food back in Ponyville?” “I was deeper undercover then. Besides, I kind of lost the taste for it over time. Eating became more of a chore than an enjoyable activity. Unless I was with Lyra,” she said with a smile that quickly faded. Bon Bon’s eyes darted upwards to an area of space above and behind Rainbow Dash for a moment, before a look of disgust crossed her face and she returned her attention to her newspaper. Rainbow turned around and looked out the window behind her to behold a billboard depicting two ponies painting each other’s faces with green paint. Bold, capital letters read, “ACCOUNTABILITY” across the top of the billboard. Smaller words along the bottom read, “Changelings Are Among Us.” Rainbow glanced around the restaurant, but couldn’t spot a single occupant without the all-too-familiar green markings on their bodies. “They could have said, ‘Chrysalis’ or ‘Green Changelings’ instead of just ‘changelings,’” Bon Bon retorted. “You know not all ponies are like that,” Rainbow said as she turned to face Bon Bon. “There’s more than enough of them,” Bon Bon said, looking up from the newspaper. “I hear them talking about my kind, though I can’t really do anything about it. And sure, you’re a war hero for your actions in Canterlot, but I was confined to the shadows, helping your raid from the inside. I didn’t even make the papers when I got my Element.” “That was—actually my doing.” Bon Bon put down her paper and raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” “I talked with Mayor Big Apple after the ceremony. We decided it would be best if we kept you and the Order of the Blue Changelings out of the paper. After all, Green Changelings are among us,” she said with a smile. “But seriously, what would have happened if ‘Maud’ had gotten a newspaper with the most prominent disguise of the Blue Changelings on the cover? It was bad enough that you said you were the leader in your acceptance speech.” “I know. But when I said that, I knew that ‘Maud’ wouldn’t be in the building.” “That wasn’t the point,” Rainbow pressed. “I know, I know. I should be more careful,” she said with an air of sarcasm. The mares dropped their conversation as the waitress transferred their drinks from her tray to their table. Once she was gone, they continued. “On the topic of ‘Maud,’ I’m glad you made sure Pinkie didn’t know until after the ceremony.” “She needed to maintain her confidence while she was up on stage. We needed to look like we had morale on our side. We needed to look unified. When you brought up the Blue Changelings like that, you nearly created a mob!” “Listen, I understand where you’re coming from, and I know you’re trying to help by keeping this on the down-low, but I want ponies to know they don’t have to be afraid of us. And I want them to know that we’re not afraid of Chrysalis.” “Fine. I’ll let you make those kinds of decisions from now on. I just, I don’t know—I feel responsible for you and the rest of my friends.” Bon Bon’s tone softened. “Rainbow, we aren’t your responsibility. We’re your friends and we’re your allies. We would lay down our lives for you or—” “That’s not how you win wars, Bon Bon. That’s how you lose them,” Rainbow stressed. “Your objective is to make the enemy lay down their life for their cause. We’ve had more than enough heroes fall since Chrysalis attacked Canterlot.” Rainbow glanced around the restaurant, suddenly aware of the increased fervor with which she had just spoken. She leaned back in her seat, initiating a pause in the conversation. “Sorry. Touchy subject?” Rainbow sighed. “I’m personally responsible for the deaths of two of my closest friends. I took command, and because of my blunders—first, telling the train to leave Ponyville and second, ordering us on solo missions in the Canterlot raid—Applejack’s a Green Changeling and Cheerilee is dead.” “I’m sorry to hear that. I know all too well how events that seem unrelated can force changes you never thought possible. They call it the butterfly effect.” Starlight glanced over at Twilight, expecting her to return the glance with a look of vindication. Instead, Starlight saw a slight, somber frown beneath Twilight’s pleading eyes. “I’m a leader too, you know, Rainbow.” “Yeah. Of the Blue Changelings.” “I’ve had my fair share of shortcomings myself. One time I—Can I just be open with you for a minute?” “Sure,” Rainbow replied. “It’s just—if anyone ever knew how bad I screwed up…” “Your secret’s safe with me, Bon Bon.” Bon Bon smiled, then cleared her throat. “Immediately after the fall of the Blue Changeling Kingdom and the rise of Chrysalis, I approached Princess Celestia for help. Equestria was in no condition to finance a war or field an army, so she signed me on as Special Agent Sweetie Drops; that way, I could use my old name Bon Bon as a cover name. She promised to help us get our hive back, and we in turn promised to do espionage work and other… sensitive jobs for her on the side. I managed to pull in a number of the blue changelings, thus creating the Order. I hadn’t counted on the fact that Chrysalis would infiltrate our organization. In hindsight, I probably should have seen it coming. I had so many opportunities to do things differently… I just didn’t. Anyways, our missions started seeing lower and lower success rates, culminating in a botched bugbear capture. After that, Celestia disbanded our organization and for our own protection, she—she ordered us not to contact one another.” She hung her head as put a hoof on her napkin roll and began rolling it back and forth. “And, you’ve been out of contact ever since?” “Since we’ve regrouped, some former members have been reached. They make up most of the current Order. Technically, it’s the Second Order. Most of the others’ fates are unknown. A few are confirmed dead. I’m sure they were easier to pick off once they were isolated.” “Anypo—changeling you know?” “Some, yes. I was closer to some of them than others. There was one changeling we found who had apparently been cast out of Chrysalis’s hive. Claimed that when he was just a larva he saw a rainbow shockwave in the sky and felt something like he’d never felt before, and he just had to share it with everyone else. King Chitin tolerated him and his ideas, but Queen Chrysalis outright exiled him. We signed him on as an agent, but that was only a month and a half before we were disbanded. I don’t know where he is, and with Chrysalis on the move, the chances of ever finding him again are pretty slim.” “Did he have a name?” “The only name he ever gave us was his codename, Giver.” Rainbow frowned and gave the name careful thought before shaking her head. “And you never saw him again?” “No. And I’ve come to learn that no news is generally bad news.” “Gee, Bon Bon, I’m really sorry. Were you close?” “I mean, I don’t know. Not really. Not like me and Lyra.” Bon Bon dropped her gaze. There was a pause as Rainbow processed the story so far. “So, you said you regrouped?” “Several other Blue Changelings contacted me, against their orders, with word of a threat against Equestria.” “Queen Chrysalis?” Bon Bon nodded. “I told Princess Celestia, and she reinstated my oath. That’s where things really fell apart.” “Sounds like they started getting better.” Bon Bon shook her head. “It was my oath—I had a mission! I had a loyalty that I swore to uphold, but instead of standing with the Princesses when they needed me most, I went to save Lyra. By the time I got to her, Chrysalis already had her under a mind control spell. I got her free of the spell, made sure she and I got out of Canterlot on the train, and then—then after all I did for her, she—I—” Bon Bon trailed off as tears began to form in her eyes. “I made the wrong choice,” she choked out. “Celestia took me in—took all of us in—when had nowhere to go and no one to turn to. I let her down. And what do I have to show for it now? Not even Lyra!” She laid her head on the table atop one of her forelegs and began to sob. Rainbow reached out for Bon Bon’s hoof with one of her own, and she looked up into Rainbow’s face. “You’re not alone, Bon Bon. I had to choose between Applejack and everypony else.” The disguised changeling smiled weakly, and a nearly imperceivable blue aura glowed around them as the changeling passively fed. Rainbow waited until Bon Bon had dried her tears with her napkin before returning her hoof to her side of the table. “I miss Lyra,” she said with a sigh. “I know you do. I miss my two friends, too.” I’m sorry, Rarity. Maybe someday you’ll understand. The last words Shard had spoken to Rarity still lingered in her mind, rang in her ears, and hurt in her heart. Secretly, she hoped her adoptive sister would someday see the cold and calculated, even if heartless, logic present in her actions that day; but in her mind, she had her reservations. As she led the other two dragons out of the forest and into a clearing, she leaned with one arm against a tree while staring at a town atop a hill. “It’s no good. That’s King Sombra’s flag flying over the city.” “Great,” said Sidi as she crossed her arms and leaned against a tree. “You brought us all the way out here just so we can turn around and find somewhere else to go.” “I figured maybe Fillydelphia would have been liberated by now,” Shard replied. “Fillydelphia!? Even if it had been liberated, guess who would have been there?” said Sidi. “We never should have come this close to Manehattan!” “Why?” asked Spike. “What’s in Manehattan?” “Not what. Who,” Sidi blurted. “Sunburst, Rarity, and everyone else.” Spike glared at Sidi. “Well if that’s where he is, then I want to be going in the opposite direction,” he said, pointing a thumb over his shoulder. “Let’s get going, Shard,” said Sidi. “We can’t be caught out in the open at night. I’m a lava dragon and Spike’s—” “I know, I know. Just let me think.” She began pacing back and forth in the inch-deep snow on the ground. Can’t go to Manehattan. Now, the second-best option is out, too. But they are going to liberate Fillydelphia, right? Best to stay close then… Do you think they suspect me? asked a twinge of doubt. Shard looked up at the other two. “Well?” asked Sidi. I don’t think so, she replied. Just remember, these things take time. “Why settle among ponies at all?” asked Shard. “What do you mean?” asked Spike. “What if all ponies treat dragons like Sunburst and Rarity did? Remember that cave we saw a while back? Maybe we could find shelter there. I know it’s not ideal, but…” “You mean back where we thought we saw hoofprints?” asked Spike. Introduce them to one pony at a time, her intellect suggested. Start small. Shard stroked her chin. “Well, I’m pretty sure it was only one set of tracks. Maybe… maybe that pony doesn’t trust other ponies either.” “I can’t really blame them,” Spike said. “I don’t have any better ideas,” added Sidi. “Then let’s get going,” Shard said. “We’ve got to get there before sundown.” The phrase “Weapons Laboratory” was spelled out on a door in a repurposed Fillydelphia building. On either side of the door stood a crystal pony. They jerked to attention as two unicorns approached. “Show me what you’ve come up with, Acolyte, and make it quick,” Sombra growled. “Yes, of course,” Trixie replied. She opened the door and ushered in the King. A table was spread lengthwise in the middle of the room, and three crystal ponies stood in front of it with their backs facing towards the door. Each crystal pony had two objects lying in front of him on the table, their uses unknown. On the far side of the room, a unicorn stallion and a pegasus stallion were both held against the wall by their four hooves, which were spread out so their limbs resembled x’s. The pegasus’s wings were also held against the wall. Trixie approached the table and magically picked up the two objects resting in front of the first crystal pony. The first object had a long metal tube which flared out at one end like the bell of a trumpet. At the other end, it had a stock and a trigger like a crossbow might have. A knob with no apparent purpose protruded from the top of the handle. The second object looked to be a curved bull’s horn sealed and capped at both ends. The cap on the pointed end was tied to the rest of the horn by a short strap. “A little something Trixie came up with while she was, as you put it, ‘playing with fireworks.’ You see, those fireworks rely on black powder to produce their explosions. Trixie has reverse-engineered some of her ‘toys’ and harvested the powder,” she said as she uncapped the pointed end of the powder horn. She pulled the knob on the first object towards the handle, revealing a small chamber. Into this chamber, she poured a measure of the powder. “The ammunition for these weapons varies based on the situation,” she said as she drew a black crystalline sphere from her saddlebags. “First, Trixie tried using spherical Dark Crystals. However, she found them too brittle to survive the short distance to the opening of the barrel in one piece, let alone the distance from the barrel to the target,” she said as she rolled the crystalline ball down the barrel and pressed it down with a ramrod. “Not to say that they aren’t effective.” She gave the loaded weapon to the first crystal soldier at the table, who was standing in front of the pegasus. “Ready!” The soldier cocked the weapon. “No! Please don’t!” protested the pegasus. “Aim!” The soldier raised the weapon. “No! No no no no no!” “Fire!” The weapon produced a loud bang and a significant puff of smoke. The pegasus produced a shrill shriek followed by a series of low moans. “At ease,” Trixie commanded. The soldier laid the weapon back on the table. The cloud of smoke gradally dissipated, allowing the unicorns to inspect the effectiveness of the weapon. “As you can see,” Trixie began as she and Sombra walked towards the pegasus, “the target is still very much alive.” “Some weapon,” Sombra grunted. “However, the target’s limbs, especially the wings with their delicate feathers, have taken considerable amounts of punishment. He’ll be unable to walk or fly, and therefore unable to fight. This ammunition type is a good crowd control or anti-air weapon, especially since a direct hit is not required as it would be for a bow or crossbow.” Sombra inspected the wounds and nodded his approval. “This ammunition has a… special effect against unicorns,” Trixie stated as she approached the unicorn stallion. “I’d put up a shield if I were you.” “B-but I can’t do shields!” “You’ve got about thirty seconds to figure it out!” She turned to the third soldier at the table. “Load your weapon. Crystal ammo.” The crystal pony immediately set to loading the weapon while the unicorn struggled to produce a shield. “Ready!” Panic began to set in for the unicorn. “Aim!” The time was up, but the unicorn still remained without any form of magic shield. Trixie sighed. “Well, the moral of the story appears to be, ‘If Trixie wants something done right, she must do it herself!’” With a flick of her horn, the unicorn across the room was encapsulated in a purple shield.” “You’re not using Dark Magic?” asked Sombra. “I thought I trained you to use Dark Magic exclusively.” “Respectfully, my King, it is necessary to test the weapon against the type of magic our enemy will be using. Now, fire!” Another bang, another puff of smoke, and another round of shouts and screams. When the smoke cleared, the shield looked like Swiss cheese. A visible look of surprise crossed Sombra’s face. “How?” Trixie smiled again. “Trixie thought you would like that. It’s a side effect of forging ammunition with crystals produced through Dark Magic. Even better, should a fragment hit the unicorn’s horn, the entire shield will go down. The horn will also likely be damaged to the point that the unicorn can no longer cast magic,” she said as she negated her shield spell. “So in a way, I was using Dark Magic.” Sombra nodded again. “Impressive.” “And that’s not even the deadliest ammunition type. Trixie has found that pellets formed from lead are able to survive the trip from the weapon to the target in one piece,” she said, as she nodded at the center soldier, who immediately began loading his weapon. “The lead pellets require a direct hit, but hurt a lot more. Even when they don’t kill, they pierce deeper than an arrow or bolt, increasing the chances of the target bleeding out.” “How many of these weapons do we have?” “Currently, only enough for a personal guard for the two of us or a few commando squads. The weapon is still in the experimental stages of production, after all. That’s why Trixie requested that you come and witness a live demonstration.” Trixie collected the loaded weapon from the soldier. “Would you like to do the honors?” Sombra smiled and accepted the firearm. “It would be a pleasure.” He stood behind the table, the weapon levitating in front of him. He took aim at the pegasus's head, cocked the weapon, and fired. When the smoke cleared, the pegasus’s head was hanging limp as the unicorn stared over in horror. Sombra transferred the firearm from his magic to his hoof and smiled. “Very well. You have impressed me. I’m giving you clearance to put this weapon into production immediately. Congratulations,” he said as he extended a hoof to his acolyte. “Thank you, my King,” Trixie said as she accepted Sombra’s hoofshake. Rarity stood before a large rectangular piece of fabric spread flat on a table. She tilted her head this way and that, eying the material critically as she held a hoof up to her chin. She didn’t look away from her work even to acknowledge the door that opened behind her or the two ponies who entered through it. “Hello, Rarity,” Sunburst called. “Are you doing any better today?” “Y-yes, at least I think so,” she replied without breaking her stare. “Applying my mind to something artsy has taken my mind off of recent events. Why, it’s been so long since I’d used a sewing machine, I’d nearly forgotten how. What do you think of it?” Sunburst move to Rarity’s side to get a better look at her work. The large rectangle was divided vertically into three distinct regions; the left third was white, the middle third was navy, and the right third was pink. “What is it?” “It’s going to be my contribution to the New Equestrian flag design committee. Do you think I should add their cutie marks as well?” “Whose cutie marks?” asked Pinkie Pie, who was now standing on the opposite side of Rarity as Sunburst. “Why, the Princesses’, of course.” “Each third of the tricolor flag symbolizes one of the three Princesses, then,” Sunburst deduced. “Simple, yet symbolic.” “Indeed,” Rarity said, finally turning her head towards Sunburst. “Do you like it?” “I can’t think of any better way to immortalize our fallen Princesses, Rarity. You know, when you put your mind to it, you can come up with some truly inspirational work.” “Oh, Sunburst, do you really mean that?” she asked as she stared deep into his eyes. He returned her stare with a smile and a nod. “Well, now that you mention it, once I started sewing, I—Why, I can’t explain it. I instantly knew what I should do and I had—I had a vision, an idea, of a finished piece. And though I was out of practice, using a sewing machine somehow just came naturally to me.” “Like a hidden talent you didn’t know you had?” offered Sunburst. “Yes, something like that.” Rarity then turned her head towards Pinkie. “You’ve been quieter than usual, Pinkie P—AAAAAAAAHH!! Pinkie Pie, whatever happened to your hair?!” She ran her hoof down Pinkie’s straight mane, which now barely came to the middle of her neck. Her tail was also a bit shorter than usual. “I—got it cut. It reminded me of somepony I don’t think I can be anymore,” she said as she dropped her gaze and nervously crossed one foreleg over the other. “Besides, with Maud gone, I’ve been trying to get back to my roots.” “Back to your roots?” asked Rarity. “I’m not emotionally capable of being happy, cheerful Pinkie Pie the Ponyville party planner anymore. Now, I’m just boring, drab Pinkamena Diane Pie, the rock farmer.” “Ohhh, Pinkie,” Rarity moaned as she gave Pinkie a hug, “but we’re all going to miss the old you.” Pinkie returned Rarity’s embrace. “Me too, Rarity. But don’t worry. Maybe after all this fighting is over, I’ll be a little bit better. At least I’ll know the changelings will have gotten what’s coming to them. Until then, I’ve signed up to do my part.” Rarity stepped backwards. “You what?” “Signed up?” asked Sunburst. “For what?” “The New Equestrian Infantry.” Rarity gasped. “The army!? But Pinkie, darling, why?” “Because baking cakes won’t win the war, Rarity.” “But, Pinkie,” Sunburst protested, “we need you as the Element of Laughter!” “I’m not giving up Laughter. I’m just—giving up my own ability to laugh in the hopes that one day, everypony else will be free enough to laugh. And play. And party. And have fun. And do other peacetime things ponies used to do.” “Pinkie, why don’t you reconsider?” Sunburst asked. “We still have unfilled spots in leadership positions. As the Element of Laughter, the Minister of Morale would be a good fit—” “I’m sorry, Sunburst. I can’t let you talk me out of this. I owe it to Maud.” “Well, if that’s really how you feel…” Rarity began. “But we have all six Elements and six Bearers again. We can’t have you running off into the fray with the front-line troops!” “I’ll be an officer. A pretty high-ranking one at that. I’ll see some action, sure, but I’ll be commanding a bunch of soldiers of my own.” “We’ll need you to be mobile, Pinkie. You can’t be tied to your troops if we need you across the battlefield to join the other Elements.” “I’ve already talked with the three joint Chiefs-of-Staff. They’ve made arrangements for that.” “The Joint Chiefs-of-Staff?” asked Rarity. “Shining Armor, Spitfire, and Rainbow Dash,” Pinkie replied. “Please, Sunburst I have to do this. For Maud,” she said as she stepped towards the table. “We all are helping in our own special ways.” “Right. We’re all Elements.” “I meant in individual ways. Bon Bon is infiltrating Fillydelphia with agents and serving as the Minister of Propaganda; as the Minister of Agriculture, Big Macintosh is helping to improve farming methods to supply the troops with rations; Rarity is helping make a new banner and advising the Minister of Propaganda, mostly on the art and design side of things; and you’re a Tactical Advisor to the Joint Chiefs. Me? I’m a commander and a soldier.” Sunburst sighed and softened his tone. “Pinkie Pie?” He paused and took in a deep breath. “Be careful out there,” he said as he put a hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder. Pinkie put a hoof on Sunburst’s foreleg. “I will. If I’m not careful, then my parents, and especially Marble… No. I can’t let that happen.” “Spring is right around the corner, Pinkie—if we can still call you that,” Rarity said. “Best get some practice in before then.” “I will. Exercises start tomorrow.” The three from the past donned bittersweet smiles as the three from the present moved on. Chrysalis and Dragonbane stood side by side in front of a caged yellow unicorn. “What do you mean, you can’t adapt the machine for us?” Chrysalis demanded. “I’ve always operated it with the help of my brother Flam,” said the mustached unicorn. “I’d need him here if I’m to modify the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 for your purposes. Why, in fact, I do believe I’ve never (No, never!) done anything of the sort apart from my brother. The magic drawn from a single unicorn is simply insufficient to power the device. We need each other. Even our very cutie marks are a testament to this!” he said as he gestured to the apple-with-a-missing-slice on his flank. Chrysalis scowled. “Dragonbane, is that so?” “Nnope. He’s lyin’. I know it.” Chrysalis lit her horn. “I ordered you to make that machine into a weapon of war for the changelings, and to tell us how to make more of them! You’re going to do it whether you want to or not!” She shot a blast of magic at him, and his eyes turned green and rolled back. For a moment, he collapsed and began to struggle, but the struggling only lasted a moment. Chrysalis smirked as Flim got back to his hooves. “What’s the matter? Sudden change of mind?” “Y—yes… my Queen.” “Good. Now begin telling me how we might—” A set of large double doors at the end of the room burst open and a half dozen changelings entered, a lanky red-and-black centaur held aloft among them by a green aura. The centaur’s hands were shackled together, as were his front hooves. “Your Highness,” a changeling began, “this centaur was draining the magic from unicorns here in Canterlot. He attacked some of us as well, but we were able to subdue him. What are your orders?” Chrysalis approached the centaur as he was lowered and set in front of her. “What business do you have attacking my subjects? We need them alive if we are to feed off them!” “I never thought I would see the day when Equestria was ruled by a changeling queen,” he said with a weak, pitiable voice. “Tell me, how did you manage to rid the throne of its fell Princesses? How long has it been since your victory?” Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “Should I know you?” “I am Tirek. Forgive me for attacking your subjects, my Queen. My intended targets were the unicorns. Your changelings merely happened to be wearing unicorn disguises. You should consider yourself fortunate that I am not yet powerful enough to steal changeling magic, or else we would be having this conversation on far more hostile terms.” “Hostile indeed,” she said, growing wary of the newcomer. The centaur shook his head and waved his hands. “Oh, no, your Highness, that was not what I meant at all. I merely meant that you would be more upset with me had my attacks been successful. I did not mean to attempt to steal the magic of your subjects. Truly this is a testament to the perfection of your subjects’ disguises.” Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “Then what did you mean to do?” The centaur clenched his fists. “Years ago, my brother Scorpan betrayed me. I need all the magic in Equestria if I am to seek my revenge on him for what he has done to me.” “Ah, a sibling rivalry and a struggle for power. That reminds me of my younger years.” A smile crossed Chrysalis’s face, and Tirek mirrored her a moment later. “I, too, had to take what I wanted by force.” “Then perhaps our goals are aligned. Perhaps we could—” “I cannot allow you to use my new subjects as a means to your end. They are our new primary source of sustenance.” Tirek shook a finger in Chrysalis’s face. “You do not know who you are crossing, changeling!” “Perhaps I don’t. But I know who I’m sentencing to solitary confinement in the Canterlot dungeons. Take him away!” The changelings levitated Tirek out of the room and closed the door behind them. Chrysalis then turned towards Dragonbane. “Thank you for your assistance with detecting Flim’s lie. You are now free to resume your previous orders.” “Actually, Your Highness, there’s something I’d like to ask you.” “What is it, Dragonbane?” “I—I’d like to request a transfer to the spy ring in Fillydelphia, ma’am.” Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “Why the sudden request?” “I have a—contact close to Sombra. She wants revenge on one of my old friends. If you allow me to help her get it, I might win her over.” “What?! You became friends with a crystal pony?!” Chrysalis roared. “Not a friend! An ally, Your Highness!” Dragonbane said as she bowed in fear. “It—It’s Trixie, Sombra’s lieutenant and acolyte. She’s second only to Sombra himself. If I can get on her good side, I might be able to get her to focus on the remaining Free Equestrians holed up in Manehattan. Sombra would leave us alone then. You already know what he did to our forces out in Las Pegasus.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “Very well, Dragonbane, I will reluctantly grant your transfer request. But don’t get any closer to that disgusting slave of Sombra’s than you have to.” “Thank you, my Queen,” she said as she rose to leave. Applejack felt Dragonbane put a smile on her face. What’s she thinkin’? she wondered. Why Fillydelphia? Why team up with Trixie of all ponies? I mean, the only advantage I see for her is that Fillydelphia is only a stone’s throw from Manehat— Suddenly, Dragonbane’s motives became clear. Sunburst! No! Applejack fought for control of her faculties, but try as she might, she was powerless to stop her changeling half. She was a prisoner in her own body.