Upon entering, she spotted Luna at her usual seat by the long and ornate dining table in the center of the room, by the side of their parents' seats at the end. The long table spanned either end of the dining area, with many more seats reserved for the castle's hired servants. One door leading to an outdoor courtyard, another leading to a currently busy kitchen. A bright and intricate gold chandelier hung above, and many purple banners spread across the hall's tall stained-glass windows.
Celestia took her place across from Luna, eagerly awaiting her meal. The kitchen door then opened, and a mare stepped out with a cart full of freshly made pancakes and biscuits. The sisters received their plates and meals were also placed before the seats for Aurelius and Lucretia, just as they arrived for breakfast.
"Good morning!" Luna said, looking up at her parents. The cook then placed dollops of butter on their pancakes, humming to herself and placing a small pitcher of syrup in between them.
"Why thank you, dear," Celestia said graciously to the cook, taking the pitcher with her magic. "I wonder though, would it brighten our morning further if our pancakes smiled back at us, perhaps with fruit?"
The cook giggled, sighing wistfully. "There's the filly I remember," she said. "I'm reminded of how excited your were for each sunrise, finding out what face I would make next!" The cook beamed with nostalgia, and started back to the kitchen with her cart. "I would be glad to do it again if you'd like, Your Highness."
"Are you not a little old for that, Celestia?" Aurelius asked, a tender look in his wisened eyes, like two suns illuminating the blackness of space.
"One is never too old to embrace their inner child, dear Father," Celestia said, cutting into her pancakes. The remaining empty seats began to fill as their servants arrived, and their cook emerged once more to feed them.
"Were it not for the beauty of our youth, the world would indeed be a gray and lifeless void," Lucretia said, wiping her mouth with a handkerchief. "As our bodies grow withered and old, our soul remains. You needn't feel shameful, Celestia."
"Indeed," Luna said. "But it will remain all too tempting to forego the world's demands in favor of illusions. Warm your heart with the comforts of an early home, and may it remain soft and content; but brace it as well for the cold contempt of adulthood."
While they spoke amongst themselves, a member of their council entered the dining hall. His garb was decorative, bearing a tie of silky red cloth over his shoulders. A gold brooch fastened together his garments, etched with the seal of Equestria and matching his aureate shoes. He carried with him a velvet cushioning of purple and blue, upon which lay a rolled parchment sealed in wax. "Your duties for today, Your Highness."
Celestia blinked, having before been accustomed to her parents receiving such presentation. "O-oh! Thank you," she said, politely taking the parchment. The councillor bowed his head and left, and Celestia peeled away the wax to reveal the contents within. "So, what am I to do for the day..."
The list was inked in flowing calligraphy, and detailed scheduled appearances in Canterlot and nearby cities. A diplomatic debate between two dignitaries of Manehattan, and most worryingly, reports of Changelings sighted in the town of Coltlumbia by Horseshoe Bay.
This final entry was given no more attention than the other items listed by its writer, but to Celestia it was the only duty written, resonating in the recesses of her mind. "Changelings... Ever present in all forms it seems. Alas, that my first day as ruler shall be darkened by their presence!"
"Was I not correct in what I said the night prior?" Aurelius asked, standing up to approach Celestia. "As with many reported sightings of the world's varying ills, however, it is quite a possibility that this report will lead to a dead end."
Celestia rose from her chair and ventured to the nearby window, bringing into view a courtyard of stone livened by oak trees and rose bushes amid the flowing lawns bowing to the wind, with a decorative fountain as the centerpiece. A hummingbird flitted into view, tapping at the glass before making its perch on the fountain.
"The dark threat of the Changelings had long been a dim warning in my heart," Celestia lamented. "Like a wolf howling in the remote wilderness, cold but far away from the comfort of my fire. These are evil days indeed if we are to be plagued by such troubles."
"Harrowing news," Aurelius said. "I pray to our creators that it turns up nothing. One Changeling is no challenge, but sighting their corruption is like sighting an ant; there will always be many more following behind."
"Their minds are individual and yet all collected," Luna piped in, leaving her place at the table as well. "In my ventures to the dream realm, I have attempted to encroach upon their visions. While stunningly similar to the dreams of any pony, they were marred by the blackness of a depraved mind. Make no mistake; if one has seen you, they have all seen you. Take great care, my sister, if you have a chance meeting with a Changeling."
"The needs of this place are grave," Celestia said. "I cannot in any conscience attend to matters of appearance as they lie in worry." Celestia then turned and met her parents. "Forgive my urgency, but I must make for Coltlumbia at once. Father, might I ask you to take hold of the throne for yet one more day in my absence?"
Aurelius came forth and took Celestia into his embrace, hoping to brighten her spirits with a warm hug. "My dear daughter, my dear Celestia... How came you from young carefree filly to responsible leader in so little time?"
"Oh, Father," Celestia replied, returning the gesture with a smile. "At what moment did I end my carefree ways? I do feel, however, that this will harm my chances of visiting Silver today, as I had intended."
"Worry not, my child; you will have an opportunity to see your friend soon enough," Aurelius said, releasing Celestia from his tender hold and placing his hooves on either shoulder. A warm fire lit within her, for all within his sight were made safe and secure. "Just be on your guard for the time being; I need not lose my little sunshine."
"My sister will be fine, Father," Luna said, joining Aurelius' side. "I have seen her inner conceptions and her outward strength, just as you have."
"Thank you, Luna," Celestia said, taking her also into her soft grasp. "I may give you a hard time here and there, but know that you always have my love."
"And mine as well, dear sister!" Luna said, beaming. "I should like to take your side on this venture, but my newfound duties make for wakeful nights and daylight fantasy. Breakfast shall become dinner, dinner becomes breakfast. White to black, black to white. Have a good day, Mother and Father. May your journey be safe and uneventful, dear sister!" Luna yawned and left the dining area.
The sun higher in the sky, Celestia made a soft landing upon the grassy hills beside Horseshoe Bay, now dressed in her golden regalia. A number of loose feathers graced the air around her wings as they tucked by her side, and she observed the lapping shores of the sea down below. They seemed to be escaping the hazy skyline of Baltimare in the distance, its ramparts and masonry obscuring all but the mightiest of its castles and columns.
Celestia scanned her surroundings, and found no fell creatures but instead sighted patches of wildflowers and heard the idle symphony of birds in the trees. A bumblebee then landed on her nose; after grinning softly she shook her head and it continued its journey to the nearest flower.
She spotted a modest village opposite of Baltimare's direction, down by the coast of Horseshoe Bay; unwalled, a loose scattering of homes with a great town hall near the far edge. Many signs of life could be seen from her stance, such as the subtle plumes of smoke from their chimneys and the boats tied to the harbor.
She soon arrived at the edge of the city, and the ponies who took notice immediately gasped. They cleared the way for her as she ventured to the town hall, whispering to each other in between strange looks.
The salty sea air floated in the warm breeze as she continued her way past the shuttered houses. The odd glares and hushed gossip made her feel almost alien; until now she had always been met with adoration and joy. She formed a timid smile and waved, but received no reciprocation.
A lone stallion spotted Celestia and beckoned to her from behind a nearby house, serving as her first sign of welcome in this barren town. She sighed of relief and approached him eagerly.
"Good day, sir!" she exclaimed. "I'm so delighted to finally see a friendly face in this town. Would you perhaps know what's going on? The courtesy of this place is somewhat lessened in comparison to my usual reception."
"Not here," the blue stallion whispered. "Follow me." He led her to a quaint, single-story, half-timbered house near the edge of town. Its lawn was secured by a wooden gate and stone masonry, a small but well-tended garden by the front door. The interior was well-lived, the usual clutter to be found in a house made home. Smoldering ashes in the fireplace, the morning's breakfast plate on the dining table, the smell of toast and coffee still lingering in the air. A loose assortment of parchment could be seen by an ink well on a desk by the window.
"My name is Comet Mustang; I was the one who sent the message about the Changelings," he explained. "I had seen one of the beasts not five days past, as I collected firewood for the night. I'll never forget its eyes; their bright green glow and their soulless predatory stare. I haven't slept well since I saw it, knowing it's still out there. I ran as soon as I saw it, but it didn't follow."
Celestia nodded in acknowledgment, taking in every bit of his retelling. "Worry not, dear, for you are safe with me. And what of the inhospitable villagers?"
"They never leave the sanctuary of this town, not even to visit Baltimare," Comet said. "They have heard some very bad news about you as of late, propagated by our mayor, Maverick. Terrible things, rumors that you had intended to separate the earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi from each other. Claims that you are incapable of fulfilling your duties and that your family have more talk than show. All nonsense, I know; I'm the only one who really leaves town to see the world."
Celestia gasped and flushed, and her stomach knotted at the sound of such nauseating claims. "I-What? No! I would never! The very idea of- I am more than capable of-"
"I know, Your Highness," Comet said. "But that's not the worst of it. After seeing that Changeling, I suspect that there are more in town, disguised as ponies. I would definitely consider it worth looking into. Changelings feed on love, and none are more loving than ponies."
Celestia took a slow breath to try and relax her nerves, feeling the slight rush of adrenaline from her defamation alongside the seemingly imminent Changeling attack. "Thank you, Comet," she said. "I will find these phantom Changelings, and I will put a stop to your mayor's lies." As she started to exit the home, she turned her head around to see the decor and fixings. "You have a lovely home."
She returned back outdoors and resumed her walk to the town hall. As she approached its large double doors, she saw that some of the villagers had gathered behind her. She turned to face them, her look of concern met with bitter resentment. "Is there something I could help all of you with?"
"One of my best friends is pegasus, I hope you know that," a mare said.
"Why do you care if your subjects have horns, wings, or neither?"
"Exactly what year do you think it is? Are you trying to make the windigos come back?"
Celestia made an exasperated sigh. "I know not who told your mayor such lies, but I have absolutely no intention of separating my subjects," she said.
"Yeah? Then how do you explain this?" another pony asked, presenting the town newspaper. The headline read 'Newly Crowned Princess Celestia Seeks Separation Of Her New Kingdom,' complimented by a tintype of Celestia from her coronation.
"You would sooner believe what this says about me over what I say?" She handed the newspaper back. "I shall speak with your mayor shortly about both this matter and another more pressing issue. If any of you have received word of unnatural beasts in the area, please let me know now. If not, you may take your leave."
The gathering remained silent aside from scant grumbling, and they dispersed. Celestia sighed through her nose, and spread apart the doors of the town hall.
Inside could be seen an expansive warmly lit chamber supported by wooden pillars, with latticed windows lining either side of its half-timbered frame. Two long wooden tables stretched across the side walls, and a fire pit glowing with ashen coals lie in the center leading to a chimney above. A stallion could be seen lazily seated in a large elaborately detailed chair in the center of the back wall, decorated with knotwork patterns and red velveteen upholstery - this was surely Maverick. The stallion was furbished with a dark blazer and white collared undershirt, a red ascot extruding from around his neck. His mane was auburn and well-kept, his coat like sandstone. His emerald eyes glimmered with hubris as he took notice of Celestia's approach. He was accompanied by six other ponies, likely councilors, all dressed in similar cloth.
Celestia was greeted by more hushed whispers and stone-faced glares; an advisor could be seen murmuring in the mayor's ear, who then nodded in acknowledgement and straightened his posture in his elaborate chair.
"Princess Celestia," Maverick said. "Tell me, what reason do I have to welcome the fool's heiress into my halls?"
Celestia blinked and raised her eyebrows, stumped into momentary silence by the blatant cruelty. "Well... Word has reached my ears of Changelings spotted by your villagers, and I sought to investigate this worrisome bit of news. With your blessing I wish to look further, lest it be a sign of attack."
Maverick glowered and jumped down from his seat to face Celestia, a look of sharpened daggers piercing into her soul. "Death and terror, wrath and ruin! Once more the House of Magnus, in all of its dotage, moves to beguile their naive populace," said Maverick, circling Celestia. "I sensed your vile desires the moment you made your presence known. You would proclaim to extend your hoof as a shield against some imagined menace, however I would suspect a more self-serving motive. You wish to sway the masses in your favor" - Celestia huffed in wide-eyed offense, mouth agape - "to supplant the freedom of our people... As if to delay the death rattle of your crumbling castles, and remain relevant in an age where the impotent sons of a weak legacy are no longer admired."
Celestia began to speak, but stopped. She could not believe what she was hearing - such poison seeping from the venomous mouth of a single arrogant stallion. Her look of shock shifted to that of scorn, and she stared down into Maverick's eyes. "How dare you!?"
In an instant he pressed his nose against hers with a look of intense hostility. "How dare you!?" Celestia in that moment caught a peculiar flash in Maverick's eyes - subtle, but suspicious. "I have too long suffered this new world of ruins left in the wake of your deceit, and I tell you now, I will not bow to the bright lord's dimwitted damsel!"
Fueled by impulse, and clouded by rage, Celestia struck the stallion across his face, and he yelped in pain. She felt momentary remorse, but then saw his eyes: bright green, glowing, pupils like that of a serpent's.
Her face fell frigid, and every breath was stolen from her. Before her stood the darkness of her childhood nightmares, and her heart raced with primal terror. She attempted to form words, even consonants, but could not speak. Terrible fangs extended from its mouth, and it sneered at her as if spitefully relishing her fear.
Before Celestia could react further, the clamor of screams and cries could then be heard outside. Growls and hisses, booms and crashes, a chaotic symphony. She looked back at the Changeling, then unveiling its true form; an insectoid creature with the gait of an equine, yet covered with many armored black plates and leering with brightly glowing green eyes, resembling those of a snake. Upon its carapace bore a pair of transparent wings, its legs riddled with holes as if bored by termites. The creature slowly made its advance as Celestia backed away, slithering its forked tongue and growling with its bright narrow eyes focused on her.
"Go ahead, softling," the creature hissed. "Lay waste to my hive, as I have laid waste to yours. Your world will burn, your love shall be mine, your despair shall be yours to hold sacred. Before the Changeling Empire, there lies only horror and desolation!"
Celestia backed into the doors to the hall, and she looked beyond to see that the council members and advisor had been Changelings the whole time as well. She cringed and cried in fear, and a percussive force expelled from her horn, launching the foul creatures across the hall. Celestia panted and took advantage of this moment of respite to run outside, slamming the doors shut behind her.
Her eyes then beheld a scene of tragedy; Coltlumbia had been plighted by an onslaught of Changelings. Its inhabitants fled in all directions, their cries echoing into the sea. The pestilence in all of its contempt made their hissing war cries as they made prey of the poor ponies. Many were enraptured by their unhallowed spells; a pale green aura stealing away the life within them and leaving behind catatonic shells. Many still fell victim to the creatures' fangs, spilling their blood upon once peaceful homes and roads. Their sanctuaries were violated by the beasts, who were content in smashing their doors and windows to invade and attack.
Celestia watched in utter horror as the destruction ensued, her eyes wet with tears. Desperate cries for help filled the air, and in all her anguish Celestia tightened her face and wept. She was not ready for this, so soon and without the aid of her family.
Breathing heavily, she made her best effort to calm herself, as every second left more of her subjects deceased and they were calling for her salvation. Celestia concluded that her best move would be to collect all surviving villagers and deliver them to Baltimare's refuge, where the city's guard could help with ridding Coltlumbia of the Changelings.
One of the fell beasts then took notice of Celestia and charged at her with a hissing roar. Celestia looked into the Changeling's eyes, devoid of all compassion or empathy, and despite her nagging fear and urge to run held firm. She envisioned herself splintering the creature into fragments and scattering it into the wind, and another burst of yellow light fired from her horn directly in the Changeling's path. When the light dissipated, all that remained of the monstrosity were scattered debris. Emboldened by this move, Celestia felt a new courage and used this destructive magic on many more nearby creatures, as well as the Changelings who busted through the town hall's doors.
Now knowing how to fight these fiends, Celestia set off to rescue the inhabitants of Coltlumbia, slaying all evil in her path. In her search for survivors, she heard the sound of a mare's cries for help from inside of their home. Sprinting through the felled doorway, she spotted the pony caught by a Changeling's dark spell. She obliterated the creature with her magic, and the mare collapsed to the floor, unmoving but eyes wide open. The mare's face was contorted to an expression of terror. Celestia nudged the mare, but got no response. After pressing her ear against the mare's chest she neither felt nor heard a heartbeat, and noticed no sign of breathing.
"I'm so sorry... I came too late. Be at peace," she whispered, and closed the mare's eyes and mouth. Celestia kissed her forehead, and then returned outside to continue her search for any surviving villagers. She eventually amassed a small grouping of ponies and escorted them away from the devastation, banishing any Changelings who tried to stop them. They made their way to the top of a hill a few hundred feet from the town, clouds forming above as if trying to hide the calamity from the sun's gaze. The survivors wept and hugged each other in woe.
"We're so sorry for doubting you, Your Highness," a mare among them said, "We'll never forget your heroism today."
"You must make for the city of Baltimare," Celestia said. "Tell them of the attack, let their guards know that Princess Celestia sends for help."
Celestia then felt something grasping her leg, and looked down to see a teary-eyed young filly hugging her. She sat down and wrapped her fair and delicate wing around the young pony, but then her attention was captured by the distant sound of screams echoing from the burning village. She stood, and the filly returned to her parents.
"Quickly!" she said to them. They nodded, also hearing the sounds, and took off in the direction of Baltimare.
Celestia returned to Coltlumbia and sought the source of the screaming, but amid the ruin and bloodshed she could find no life, no warmth. Only the Changelings remained, who snarled and lunged at her like droves of starving wolves. Jumping out of the way of their assault, she once more resisted them with her magic, taking off into the air and assailing them with bright bolts.
They spread their crystalline wings along with her and returned fire with their own jade magic. Celestia managed to pick off many of them, but they continued coming, an aerial skirmish with seemingly no end. She swooped and rolled through the air to out-maneuver their attacks, but soon began to tire. Her wings grew sore, her lungs breathed fire, her mind growing numb. She landed on the roof of the town hall, struggling to keep her footing, as the Changelings made their hungry advance.
Out of breath, her sides stinging, her fur matted with grime, she tried her best to continue repelling the waves of admonition and malice. Celestia panted heavily and moaned, as the swarm of Changelings showed no signs of mercy and slowly advanced to her position.
As Celestia quickly became surrounded, she closed her eyes and submitted to defeat; before the creatures could make their move, however, hope was then kindled as they began one by one bursting into smoldered fragments. Bolts of magic showered them from afar, and they fell from the building. Celestia could hear the sounds of struggle and the screeching of the angry beasts, and the war cries of many stallions. She stood once more, knees wobbling, and looked below to see the commotion; the numerous armored guards of Baltimare had arrived, and were slaughtering the Changelings as they came.
The few remaining Changelings eventually relented and retreated, and once out of sight the guards spread out to comb the wreckage for survivors. Celestia attempted to spread her wings and fly down to the ground, wishing to meet with them, but as she descended her strength ran out and she collapsed to the ground. The nearby guards spotted her and shouted her name. They gathered around her, speaking among themselves of her condition, and lifted her up onto the guard captain's back. As they carried her away from tragedy's wake, Celestia's vision grew dark.