//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Changlings and magic // Story: The Mystic Fox // by Mysticfox //------------------------------// Chapter 5: Changelings and magic. "OW what just happened." I asked with a groan while sitting up. (Ding) I pulled Twinks' note from my bag. "It was a magic barrier that would only let ponies through." I read from the note. "Ok so it pushed me off the train and now Im here. I have a bad feeling about this. "Twink do think there's a way to get into the city from down here." I asked out loud before a ding came from my bag and I pulled the note out. "There's a cave system under the castle and I believe there's an entire point here and behind the castle but I do not know the way. There was no map made and the only ones who new the paths are Celestia and Luna." I read before looking for an entrance and found one just to my right. "Hey Twink is there a flashlight in storage?" I asked while looking into the dark cave. (Ding) "No but you can make one with your magic. You can make anything that doesn't have a magic ability but you can add one once you make the object." I read the note. Then an idea came to mind. I could probably use some help from Twink while I'm in here but always having a letter sent every time I have a question could be a pain. So I came up with something that should work well and I closed my eye and thought about what I wanted to make then set my magic to work. In a few seconds I had two hi tech two-way communication earbuds with a visual camera and 3D projection display. I used my magic to connect the two and put one in the bag for Twink. I didn't take long before I heard her. "Welcome to the matrix Fox." She said with a giggle. "Ha by the way things have been lately I wouldn't doubt it. So you read to do some exploration?" I said, magicing up a flashlight. "Yes. I will help the best I can." She said as I entered the cave system. "So Twink I was thinking, that bubble looked a bit much for just protecting a wedding even if it was a Royal one." I said after a bit of thinking. "I have to agree. I analyzed the barrier when you made contact with it and the magic signature closely resembles that of Twilight sparkle so it's safe to say that her brother made it." She said as the wheels in my head began to turn. "You said that it was set up to only let ponies through so there must be other races in Equestria." I said while climbing up a short wall. "Yes there are many races but the most known are the Diamond Dog, Griffins, Changelings, Yaks and there have been some reports of Hipogriffs along the coast." She said as I reached the top of the wall and into another passageway. "I think its safe to assume that one of these races may want to invade that would explain the barrier. What race would you say would be the most likely invade?" I asked before the path began to incline. "I would say the Changelings. They are a race of bug ponies that feed off love and leaves there victim close to dying." She said as I continued on. "What information do we have on them." I asked before the path opened up to a large cavern when my stomach growled. I'm glad I put the leftovers from lunch in storage. I pulled out the leftovers and used my magic to heat it up. "They have the ability to use magic and can transform into anything they wish. Like many bugs they live in a hive colony in the BadLands and like many hives they are divided into different classes like ants. Workers, gatherers, and soldiers, and there all lead by A Queen. I'm sending you what they look like now." She said before a light came from my earpiece to show two changeling. The one on the right was a small black bug pony with bright blue clear wing like a dragonfly along with blue compound eyes. They also had what looks like an exoskeleton with holes. The one on the left was taller with a sickly blue mane and eyes. It aslo had a longer horn and what looked like a crown so its safe to say she was the Queen. "That big one must be there Queen and if you say that they can shapeshift I'm going to go ahead and say they mostly are already the city and castle." I said as I put away my empty bowl and looked around. There was multiple paths I could take but as this stand I won't be out of her for a while. If I remember right Twilight said that she and the girls had things to do for the wedding so it's safe to say that the wedding will be held tomorrow. I need to find my way out fast. "Twink you said that there was no map made of these caves?" I asked while I looked up at the top of this chamber. "That's correct. Only the princesses know the layout." She said before I smiled at a new idea. "Twink I have a plan. Back in my world I read about a way to map out places like this and it was inspired by bats and their echolocation. Bats use a high pitch screech to help them fly in the dark and find prey by listening for the sound's reflection. This method is similar to that but instead of sending a high pitch sound in the air, it uses low bass in the ground sending vibrations through anything that touches it. I want to try to send out magic pulses and see if I can create a 3d map of the caverns." I said as I placed my hand on the wall and set out pulses magic through the wall and I could feel it working its way through the tunnels. With my other hand I constructed my map and after a few short minutes it was complete. "It looks like it worked Fox. I'm adding the map to my archives." She said while I looked at the map happily. "magic is totally awesome, remind me to ask Twilight to help test my limits after this mess is over. Now let's find the way out of here. Well that odd." I said when I noticed a chamber that was blacked out and one above it that looked like a pony laying down. "Hey Twink! look up close to that mine shaft. There's two rooms, one has a pony but the one below it is blacked out. What do you make of it?" I asked as I took a closer look at the pony and from what I can tell it was an alicorn and it didn't look too good. "Hmm the room below is most likely able to block out magic and its safe to say that that's Princess Mia Mora Cadenza and if that's true then there must be a changeling in her place." She said while I looked for an easy route. "I agree with you on that. It looks like there's a path that leads up that way and it looks like we have to pass through that dead zone to get there. From there we can take that mind shaft out of here. What time is it and when was the wedding supposed to start?" I said as I headed down the chosen route. "It's 8:45 pm the wedding will be right after sunrise and it will take us a few hours to reach the princess and then a few more to get out with her so we must hurry." Twink said as I picked up my pace. After an hour I thought about what I could do with and without magic. "Hey Twink is there anything else beside magic, has changed when I came here?" I asked as I looked to make sure I was going the right way. "Yes. You have greatly increased strength, endurance, speed and reflexes. Also you have a magic resistance and can nullify any spell that's not magic of nature." She said before I stopped to think about that. "What do you mean by the magic of nature." I asked before looking at the map. We're getting close to the dead zone just a few more bends and we'll be there. I started my pace and was back on track while she explained. "Everything in this world has magic from the simplest plants to ponies and the like. Take the Pegasus for instance it is natural magic that helps them fly by making them incredibly light. Plant with nature magic can be used to make potions for any manner of thing." She said and before I could ask more I saw a light up ahead of use where the dead zone was. I ran into the chamber and was met with a soft glow from a large crystal in the middle of the cave roof. When my eyes adjusted what I saw made me freeze in shock. The whole room was crystal and in the center of the room was a small hill with what looked like crystal blue lilies. But that's not what caught my eyes, there on top the hill was two short staffs with a white and dark red that ran along the staffs in a jagged pattern, white on one side red on the other. There was also a white and red Fox kabuki mask hanging from one of the staffs. "So that's where you went to." Twink whispered as I walked closer. "What do you mean Twink?" I asked before picking up the mask. "I told you once that your mother was the last guardian correct. Well these are her weapons. She was very skilled when it came to combat." She said as I placed the mask on the side of my head. "I guess I know why mom trained me for what she called self-defense. I could never beat her though. She kicked my ass so many times." I said with a chuckle before picking up the staffs. "I'm sorry mom but I think I have to borrow these for what's to come." I said as I secured them to the side of my pants. (BOOM) "What was that?" I asked as some dust and rubble came from the roof of the cave. "That was a magic blast and I believe it was Twilight Sparkles magic signature." She said as I began to worry. "Then let's get a move on before she brings the roof down." I before another blast went off and a chunk of the roof fell and I could hear voices calling out. "Well that made things easier." I said as I jumped up to the hole and poked my head out to find Twilight blasting at the walls with an image of a green pony laughing and egging her on. "Twilight stop." I yelled but she didn't her me as she blasted another wall breaking it apart revealing a light pink alicorn in bad shape. When Twilight saw her she jumped at her. "NO TWILIGHT" I yelled and rushed to stop her. "No! Wait! Ugh! Please! Don't hurt me! Twilight, it's me! Please, you have to believe me. I've been imprisoned like you. The Cadance who brought you down here was an imposter." The pink pony said before Twilight jumped on her. " Likely story!" Twilight said before I jump in. "Twilight calm down and think for a second." I said as I gently pushed her back. "FOX YOU'RE ALRIGHT I thought my brother's spell pushed you back. I told him what happened and sent out a search party but they never found you." Twilight said as she jumped up to hug me. "It's alright Twilight I was able to lessen the fall with magic but that is not important right now." I said as I went to help the princess who looked very shocked. "Wait Fox that's an imposter." Twilight said as I helped the princess stand before she walked up to Twilight and did a very weird but funny dance. " Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves..." She sang before Twilight jumped in. "..and do a little shake." Twilight said as they shook their flanks in the air. "You remember me!" Twilight said before giving cadence a warm hug. "Of course I do. How could I forget the filly I love to sit for the most?" Cadence as she returned the hug. "Um not to kill the mood or anything but we have a wedding to crash." I said before getting a questioning look from Cadence. "Twilight is he a friend of yours?." She asked Twilight and before she could answer I introduced myself. "It's a pleasure to meet your princess. My name is Fox Lilly and I will be your guide of this place so if you and Twilight would follow me I will lead you out of this place." I said with a short bow. "Oh I like you." Cadence said, making me blush a bit. "Wait how do you know the way out." Twilight asked, tilting her head. "I use my magic to make a map." I said as I helped my hand up and made the 3d map appear giving the two mares a quick surprise. "But how. This map is very detailed." Twilight asked as she poked her hoof through the map. "I'll explain on the way. We don't have much time." I said as I put the map away. "He's right we have to stop the wedding." Cadence said before we headed for the exit. "Ok so if I'm correct to assume that this is a changeling innovation and that there Queen was the one that replaced you right princess." I asked as we made our way to the mine shaft. "Yes. She wants to take over and use the ponies as a food source." Cadence said with a hateful glare. "Wait Fox, how did you know that. You just came here less then a week ago." Twilight asked as we entered the mind shaft and found a mine cart. "It was thanks to your brother's pony only shield and some information from Twink that helped me. I just looked into all the possible races that would do something like this but until I found you two, it was just theories but now I know." I said as I inspected the mine cart. "Wow that was kind of smart." Twilight said with a surprised look. "I don't know if that's a compliment or insult. Kinda sounded like you thought I was stupid." I said with a smirk cause Twilight to blush and Cadence giggled. "If I may ask Mr. Lilly but you're a Mystic Fox right?" Cadence said catching me by surprise. "Yes I am but how do you know that?" I asked as I helped her and Twilight into the cart. "My aunt Nova was a Mystic Fox. She was also my foal sitter before she disappeared." Cadence said as she looked down in sadness. "I'm starting to feel like I never really knew my mother with everything that's been happening." I said with a sigh. "Your mother was Nova Lilly?" Cadence said with wide eyes. "Yes but we can talk about this later right now we have an invasion to stop." I said before I pushed the cart down the tracks and after a short song moment we came to the end of the line literally. The tracks ahead had fallen and there was a stopper on the tracks. Then we hit it. With the help of Cadence and her wings she was able to get Twilight and herself to safe ground. Me on the other hand went flying and passed them. "Weeeee (CRASH)…ow. Note to self learn to fly." I said before dusting myself off. "Fox are you alright?" Twilight asked as she looked me up and down while I did the same. The only thing that was damaged was my clothes. "Man I liked this shirt." I said as I removed the ruined shirt and looked up to find a blushing Twilight. "Um Twilight your staring." I said with a smirk as Cadence giggled. "Hehe sorry. You can probably get Rarity to make you a new one." Twilight said as she tried to compose herself. "It's alright, I think I came to make something work. Just give me a second." I said as I closed my eyes and focused on my magic. I pictured the style I wanted and fabric I wanted and when I had it all together. In a flash I was ready to go. "Oh wow." Said both the mares. I looked down to inspect my work and I was pleased. I had on a dark ruby tight fit dress shirt with black button and the sleeve rolled up to my elbow. Over the shit I had an Onyx black color tight fit vest and matching slacks and shoes. After a bit of moving around I was happy with the way it felt. It was tight but flexible and comfy. "Well how do I look? We are going to a wedding after all." I said before I looked around for an exit. "Amazing…I mean nice. You look nice." Twilight said making Cadence giggle. "Thanks Twilight and look there's the way out." I said pointing to a ledge above us with light coming from outside. "Come on I'll teleport use up there." Twilight said as she charged her magic and in a flash we were at the exit. "You won't be going anywhere." Said three mares in fancy dresses as they came out of the shadows. I noticed that they all had the same green glow in their eyes. The pony in the middle I recognize as Lyra Heartstrings. "Aw man, I think there under some sort of control magic. I'm sorry girls but I'm going to have to put you to sleep for a bit." I said as I readied my magic but before I could use it a small bouquet of flowers flouted in front of them before being thrown down a cave with the mares following. "Well that works. Lets go." I said before we made our way to the castle. It wasn't long before we made it to where the wedding would be held. I slipped the mask over my face and we burst through the doors shocking everyone. "STOP!" Twilight shouted as I walked in behind her. " Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother? Why does she have to ruin my special day?" The imposter said with fake tears. "Because it's not your special day! It's mine!" Cadence said with a hateful glare making the ponies gasp. "What? But how did you escape my bridesmaids?" Queen Chrysalis said with anger "She through the bouquet and they wanted it." I said as I stepped forward. "Hmph. Clever. But you're still too late." Chrysalis said with an evil cackle. "I-I don't understand. How can there be two of 'em?" Applejack said in confusion. "She's a changeling. She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them." Cadence said pointing her hoof at the fake. "Queen Chrysalis to be exact." I said before a ring of green fire rose around the fake and when it faded Chrysalis stood tall. "Right you are, Princess and whoever you are. And as queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!" The queen said with a sinister smile. "They'll never get the chance! Shining Armor's protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!" Cadence said before Chrysalis chuckled. "Oh, I doubt that. Isn't that right, dear?" Chrysalis said as she stepped next to a white unicorn with a blue mane and glowing green eyes. "Mm-hmm." Shining armor said mindlessly before Cadence ran toward them. "Ah, ah, ah. Don't want to go back to the caves, now do you? Ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armor's love for you. Every moment he grows weaker and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it." Chrysalis said before looking up at the Changelings rammed into the shield. "He may not be my husband, but he is under my total control now. And, I'm sorry to say, unable to perform his duties as captain of the Royal Guard." Chrysalis said getting a gasp from Cadence and Twilight. "Not my Shining Armor!" Cadence said with worry "Soon, my changeling army will break through. First, we take Canterlot. And then, all of Equestria!" Chrysalis said with a cackle before Celestia stood in front of her. "No. You won't. You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!" Princess Celestia said before she shot a magic beam at Chrysalis who met it with her own beam and was pushing Celestia's back. In a flash of light Celestia was blasted back with a burnt and smoking horn. I froze not in shock but anger. I lost my mom and found out that I still had a family. I will not sit here and watch them get hurt. I pulled the staffs from my side and threw one into the ground cracking the ground in front of the Queen. "I will tell you once. Take your swarm and leave." I said as my eyes glowed a bright ice blue. "HAHAHA. How about no." Chrysalis said before shooting a green magic beam at me. Time seemed to slow down as I raised my free hand stopping the beam and held the magic like a ball. "Wrong answer." I said, throwing the ball of magic back at her and sent her through the wall. As I walked up to the hole I heard the sounds of glass breaking and I looked up to see that the shield had broke and the Changelings swarmed the city. "Twilight help Celestia and Cadence can you help get shining's shield back up?" I asked as I went to help Celestia but before I could I was hit in the back by a beam as a pissed off Changeling Queen walked through the hole. "I don't know who or what you are but you will pay dearly for interfering." Chrysalis said before picking up large rubble from the wall and through them at me with her magic. I quickly took the staff I threw from the ground and began to smash the rubble. As I smashed the last one Chrysalis charged at me with her horn pointed at my chest but before she made contact I sidestepped and kicked her in the chest sending her to the back wall. I could hear the ponies in the city screaming in fear. "How's that shield coming?" I asked not taking my eye from the rubble Chrysalis was in. "Almost ready we just need a little bit more time." Cadence said with hers and shinning horns touched at the tip as they charged their magic. "Aunt Tia are you able to shield the ponies here for just a bit. I'm about to try something and I don't know if I can control it." I said as I jammed my staves in the ground and took a stance to brace myself. "Yes I think I can do that but what are you about to do?" Celestia asked before the rubble began to shake. "Oh something from one of my favorite shows back home." I said as I brought my hands to my side and charged a ball of purple magical energy between them before Chrysalis burst from the rubble charging her magic. "YOU WILL NOT STOP ME!" Chrysalis screamed before firing a large beam at me. I smirked under my mask. "GALIC GUN FIRE!" I yelled firing off my blast that overtook the Queens and blasted her through the castle walls and out of the city and shortly after a pink light flashed behind me as the shield rushed passed me and pushed the Changelings from the city. I looked around and saw that everypony was safe and the Changelings were gone. "It's over. Is everypony alrig-." I said before I passed out from exhaustion. When my back hit the ground my mask slid off to reveal a happy smile while I snored. "He must have used up his magic with that last blast. Even I don't think I could have withstood it." Celestia said with a smile as Twilight and the rest of the group with Shining Armor and Cadence. "Princess what exactly is he?" Twilight asked, as she put her hoof on my chest. "My faithful student, he is a Mystic Fox King, protector of Harmony, guardian of the world library, and son of my lost sister Nova Lilly. Your mother would be proud of you Fox Lilly. Sleep well my nephew." Celestia said before picking me up in her magic and taking me to a guest room for me to rest