//------------------------------// // Chapter 29: Back On the Ground // Story: Equestria’s Changeling Queen and the Abyssal Empress // by vren55 //------------------------------// Alternia put the report down on the newspapers on her bed and sighed. “Considering our casualties, I think you both made the right decision.” “That’s what we hoped. What do you think of Blueblood starting that committee for military reform?” asked Luna from her hospital bed, which the hospital staff had rolled into Alternia’s room. “I didn’t expect we’d form it so quickly, but I agree. We need to rethink about what our military can do and what it role should be, and equip them properly to fulfil that role.” “Without provoking our neighbours, new and old,” said Celestia from her chair. Alternia nodded, leaning back into her bed. “I personally am worried about the risk of rising militarism, but I see no other options. At least from what you’ve told me about Typhon’s visits to Vanhoofer’s libraries, he seems very interested in finding areas of common ground between Aquestria and Equestria.” She turned to Celestia. “By the way Celestia, I had a long talk with my sisters. Thank you for arranging for their hives’ inclusion into Equestria.” “Your welcome, Alternia. Luna and I thought that it would be for the best, especially since the queens have shown their true colors,” said Celestia warmly. “I still can’t believe it came to that. It was an option that came up in the conference for the Non-Aggression Pact ages ago, but we never thought we’d have to do this…” Luna frowned. “I take it that changeling hives value their independence?” “It’s unprecedented for any queen to willingly cede their autonomy to any non-queen. Granted, as leaders of their respective Dominions, my sisters and Murmillar essentially rule over their own hives. However, it is the fact that they have tied themselves to Equestria that shocks the queens and frightens them.” “Frightens them?” Celestia asked. “My sisters and Murmillar have just tapped themselves deeper into Equestria’s economy, and more importantly, a way to gather love without the difficulty of infiltration. There’s also the matter that all four of them have done so simultaneously and will be bringing their daughters in.” Celestia and Luna opened their mouths, but quickly realized the other was going to interrupt. “You first, Luna,” Celestia said. Luna, dipping her head to Celestia as thanks, spoke, “So you’re saying that the queens are worried about you, your sisters, and their relatives forming a faction?” “Yes. There are factions in the Council. Sarar and Kagura’s partnership, which includes that of their daughters.” Alternia pursed her lips. “Technically our faction existed at the first Council Meeting I attended. Already then, they were wary about my ability to call upon Equestria’s resources to help my sister. So when my sisters and Murmillar declared that they would distance themselves from the Council and become Equestrian Dominions, the queens saw their worst fears realized.” Her hoof idly rubbing circles into her blanket, Alternia continued. “There’s also the matter of my sister’s daughters. Murmillar has had no other daughters other than Retariusil. Simulacris had children, but unfortunately those of her daughters eligible for queenship have passed on. However, Chrysalis has two other daughters who survived through the years and lead their own hives, Queen Atarane who has a hive in the Dragonlands, and Queen Scelus who has a hive in northern Equestria. Belladonna also has two queen daughters, Grennel, who rules a hive in Yakyakhistan and queen Hoppolitya in Saddle Arabia. As they will probably join their mothers in Equestria, they’ll be adding their changelings to the Equestrian population.” “Adding changelings who are even more detached from the council. No wonder they are worried,” Luna said wryly. She turned to her sister. “What was your question, Celestia?” “I was wondering the names of the queens, but I suppose you’ve answered that. What do their hives specialize in though, and why do your sisters have such few queen daughters?” Celestia asked. “Bad luck and circumstance. We’re not sure because no wide-scale studies have been conducted, but it seems that the amount of love a queen receives is a prerequisite for the birth of a new queen. Simulacris hasn’t had a queen daughter because her hive is small. Belladonna and Chrysalis did, but only six in total, and of that only four survived. This is mainly because queens have to set out and establish their own hives, which often leads to them coming into competition with other queens, or getting killed trying to find a good hive spot,” explained Alternia. “Ah. That makes sense,” said Celestia, sipping her glass of water. And just like that, silence descended on the three princesses. They didn’t stare, they just sat in their respective beds and chair. “It’s really over isn’t it?” Alternia asked, her voice tentative and tremulous. “Yes. And we’re all still alive, remember that, Alternia,” Celestia said, a little more firmly. The changeling nodded in response, but she still looked somewhat downcast. “Tethys is still here,” Luna pointed out. “We have a few things we need to work out, but after that, she’ll be returning to Aquestria,” said Celestia. Luna smirked. “So, what will you be up to when I leave?” Celestia clamped down on the bittersweet feelings that sprang up and managed to return her sister’s smirk. “Well, Alternia has a handsome suitor that is asking for her hoof.” “Celestia!” exclaimed Alternia in mock irritation, her attention back on her co-rulers. “Well it’s true. I’m surprised you haven’t used your hive link to try to contact him,” said Celestia. Alternia sighed. “About that… I… well…” She forced her eyes to meet that of her co-rulers. “My hive mind seems to work, but my mind… I get flashbacks. If I focus too much on my memories, on my thoughts… I… I start going back.” Celestia’s eyes widened. “Are you seeing a counsellor?” “Belladonna has some experience with the changeling aspects of thing, but yes, I’ve had Cyndra book an appointment. But that’s not the only reason I need to talk to you about this.” Alternia took a deep breath. “Celestia, Luna, I’m going to need your help to block parts of my memory.” “Are you sure, Alternia?” “Yes. Most of the memories Shi-Nihalar gave me are complete fabrications, and if I remember them… I’m more likely to go insane simply by thinking about them,” she said. “We’ll do that before I go to Aquestria.” “Thank you,” said Alternia. A few days later, Alternia was able to leave the bed, though she was confined to the hospital. Walking with her… altered body was a rather strange experience. She nearly tripped over her hooves a couple of times. At this point, anything would be better than sitting in her bed. Plus, she had one place that she needed to visit. In one of the larger wardrooms, twenty-five beds had been laid out for the ten ponies and fifteen changelings of the Mirror Guard that had survived the last battle. As Alternia trotted through, she thanked every one of her guards personally, whether they were conscious or not, and if they were changeling, gave them a slight boost of love. When she finally reached the last bed, she found the last changeling sitting up, trying to smile, but not quite able to do so. “Your highness,” said Harlequin with a wince. Bandages were wrapped around his chest. His wings were gone and his face was covered in several places with more gauze patches. “Captain Harlequin. The guards you trained and led performed against impossible odds,” said Alternia, her voice somewhat strained. “Thank you, your highness. Um, you look, different,” said Harlequin frowning. Alternia laughed softly. “The Empress had to reshape my physical body to help me resist Shi-Nihalar when I was captured.” She quickly stymied Harlequin’s alarm and that of her guards with a quickly raised hoof. “I’ll have a briefing sent to you all later, but I have some other business to attend to first.” Alternia took a deep breath, and looked Harlequin in the eye. “Harlequin, do you remember our agreement?” The changeling blinked, taking a moment before his lips formed a perfect “o” and he nodded quickly. “I expect an invitation once you recover fully from your injuries,” said Alternia in a prim voice. As the rest of the wardroom exploded into catcalls and woops so loud, it threatened to send doctors running, a grin split Harlequin’s features and he managed a mock salute with a trembling left hoof. “Of course, your highness, if you still want the affections of a flightless chevalier.” Alternia arched one eyebrow, but she couldn’t help but chuckle. “You won’t disappoint me, Harlequin. Just be yourself,” she said kindly. Harlequin somehow knew his crush would say something like that, but it touched him anyway. So as she turned and trotted toward the exit, he couldn’t help himself. “Um, your highness?” he asked. Alternia glanced over her shoulder. “Yes?” “Would you mind, um, staying a little longer? With all of us? I mean… not just me. We’re kinda bored just minding our own business in here and well we’d appreciate the company, and well… maybe a story?” Harlequin said, a bit quickly. Alternia glanced at the tired, but eager looking guards around her and nodded. “I’d be glad to,” Alternia said, levitating a chair over, she turned it so she faced down the ward to the rest of her guard. “Why don’t I tell you all about my negotiations with king Ironwing, Last Viking King of the Griffons?” Lieutenant Hydrangea, in a nearby bed, frowned. “Wait, isn’t it rumoured that you and him were an item?” Alternia’s smile took on a sly quality as she glanced meaningfully at Harlequin who stared at his queen obliviously for a moment before he caught on. Wait, seriously? Take notes, Harlequin. I do have expectations after all. Weeks later, Alternia’s personal diary... Ponies tend to think that for me, for Celestia and Luna, another crisis is simply “another day at the office.” The fact is, it is never that simple. This crisis has further embedded that lesson into me, and reminded Equestria that we are simply not invincible. The return to Canterlot was not celebratory. We were victorious, but by now everyone knows how costly that victory was. There was a crowd to welcome us back to the capital, but it was quiet. Many carried photos of their loved ones; others, flags of remembrance. I suppose the best way to explain what we felt was a solemn relief. As expected, the agreements we’ve reached with the Aquestrians have held so far. Additionally, as a boon to us for our assistance, Queen Murmillar and Retariusil were reunited. There were much tears between Murmillar and Retariusil when they saw each other again. Murmillar is famished, but she’s in better health than we expected and will recover. I should know, I’m providing the love. Both have since returned to their hives in Old Venecia, and New Venecia. Speaking of which, we finally decided New Venecia would be on the east coast. The Unknown West is still a bit too dangerous for settlement, at least until we’ve examined the creatures that live within. That all being said, New Venecia is one of the most exciting projects I’ll be witnessing in the next few years. Retariusil and Sebastiana are working together to make it a colony fit for both changelings and ponies. No longer will changelings live underground any longer. It’s also designed for future Aquestrian commerce. Typhon suggested that, given the state of pollution on the east coast, it would be a good idea to have a trading post that would enable Aquestria to trade a bit more directly with Equestria. We initially were considering Sable Island off the eastern coast, but the citizens of Venecia didn’t want to live on an island again. Tethys solved that. Diary, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The Empress raised new land from the ocean. Magma from underneath the sea rose and rose until this massive land bridge of obsidian was formed, connecting the island to the mainland. It’s done a lot to easing the fears of the Venecians and construction on the first homes and the market have begun already. It’s an interesting little thing we’re calling a shallow-water market, where seaponies can float up to sell their wares, whilst ponies can actually talk to them either from platforms going into an area of shallow water, or in the actual water itself (albeit, submerging about half of themselves). The diplomats Tethys sent are competent and tactful. They’re adjusting well and having many meetings with the representatives of other nations to negotiate their rights to the seas and New Venecia. However, there have also been some less favorable implications with this crisis. With warship development rendered pointless, there has been renewed interest in airships, which had been started in the Venecian crisis. Moreover, the severe losses we suffered because of the Primal God and the kelpies, the changeling invasion, the return of Discord and of Nightmare Moon, has infused our military and our public with a sense of martial urgency. Independent weapons designers have started to submit new ideas and test things at an unprecedented rate, to say nothing of some of the studies conducted by our larger military industries. I worry about the effect of this militarism, and while I will encourage this renewed focus on protecting Equestria, I will need to make sure to restrain it when need be. Introducing new weapons without fully considering the implications is something we cannot do lightly. This is especially since the Griffon Kingdom is feeling incredibly insecure thanks to the shift in the world’s power dynamic. Besides, with the Western Seas finally calming down as Tethys sends in colonists and seaponies to reclaim the currents, Equestria finally has an opportunity to expand its borders into uncharted, unsettled territory for the first time in years. Sadly, many families in Equestria are still in mourning. Luckily feelings to the kelpies are mixed due to their contributions to the defeat of Shi-Nihalar. More still are suffering from the wounds in the various battles we fought, though they are being assisted by the Equestrian Crown’s medical facilities. As for my friends and family, Luna has left with her guard and other hostages (though some prefer the term residing dignitaries) to Aquamaris. There was a tearful goodbye that was slightly cheered up by the Pinkie Pie Party we held. Then Twilight and co. returned to Ponyville for some long deserved rest. Sunset still works with Celestia, but both have hired additional administrative staff and researchers to assist them in running Equestria. I am worried about leaving Luna in Aquamaris, but Tethys has kept to her oaths and I doubt she would break them. After all, if she had wanted to destroy us now, why wait? Tethys had even mentioned to us before taking Luna to Aquamaris that she might be able to heal her leg, which is nice of her. My sisters have returned to their own hives. Chrysalis was apparently the most eager as Lamia, while a good leader, still lacks the experience of her mother. Meanwhile, Cyndra has admirably filled the role that Raven has left. She has different habits and is perhaps less capable, but she’s learning fast. Diamondshell is back on her feet and going through therapy to help her deal with her injuries, and I have ordered a militarized prosthetic to be designed for her. I believe she’ll be helping lead my Mirror Guard in no time. Harlequin has recovered, but ordered to take it easy. From what I’ve heard from his compatriots, to take his mind off of the loss of his wings, he seems to also be resuming work on a side-project of his. Something to do with finding the long-lost wreck of the Admiral Sky Titan. I believe I can give him insight into this. As for me, according to my doctors, it seems I will be struggling with what happened in that last battle for years. I suppose it is a small price to pay after the Old God nearly killed me, but… I… Stop. There are ink blots on the paper as if the quill was held there for a minute. It’s been painful dealing with it. I’ve never… never experienced such spats of weakness before and it’s infuriating and terrifying at the same time. Yet, I don’t know why, but I looked out of my balcony today, saw Celestia’s sun rise, glanced at Diamondshell who was awake, though exhausted from watching over me as usual, and I felt oddly satisfied, though sad. I am expecting an invitation to a date. Most of my friends and family survived. It still hurts to remember Buzz and Raven, but I know I cannot obsess over their deaths, and the deaths of so many. They wouldn’t have wanted me to, and while I will remember, I cannot sit still. More importantly, Equestria endured and we have not a friend, but not an enemy either. We were bloodied, forced to concede and change, but what is important about it, my subjects and friends, survived. I know that without our attempts at reconciliation and de-escalation, it would never have happened and we’d still be at war. Perhaps we couldn’t find friendship with the kelpies, or with Shi-Nihalar, but our friendship which bound us together and ensured our survival in this crisis, continues and hopefully will continue, past my death and until the stars wink out. Until then, I believe it is back to work. Harlequin and Diamondshell want to speak to me about something they think is rather urgent. Apparently— Writing ends here as a line seems to be drawn across the page. It’s briefly interrupted by a rough scratched out word with an exclamation point at the end that starts with “C” Oh. Well, until next time, diary. I will have plenty to write on this later. A few minutes earlier… Paperwork was terribly boring, but for now, Celestia was enjoying it to the fullest. Her horn had finally regrown itself after numerous treatments. And she couldn’t help but enjoy the full benefits of fine magic control it granted her. Petitioner’s court was mercifully empty this week, and so Celestia could just spend time just signing documents. “Celestia, I’ve noticed something strange in magical storage that I might want your help checking out later,” Sunset said, looking up from where she was also reviewing Celestia’s correspondence and signed agreements. “Continue,” said Celestia, looking up from her work. “It is a mirror. I’m unsure of its properties. None of my tests have revealed anything. I even consulted Archmage Meringue and Mage Moon Dancer, one of our best researchers on artifacts, and she had no idea. Given that, it is too dangerous to be examined alone,” said Sunset. “Huh. I’ll have a look once we finish—” Celestia frowned as a Royal Guard tore down the hallway, breathing heavily and stopped in front of the foot of the three thrones. “News from Northern Equestria!” Lowering her quill and drawing herself up in her throne, Celestia asked, “What news, private?” The Royal Guard bowed low and took his helmet off. “Your highness, the Crystal Empire has returned.”