//------------------------------// // Black Legion // Story: Invasion // by wadebicorn //------------------------------// Forward Operating base Ninety-Three days after invasion day Soldiers march a large group of changelings to an area within the camp past tents, crates, and many unique things that they never saw before being shifted around like a well-oiled machine operating at full capacity to handle the exceeding workload. they walk and were lead to the other side of the base camp many notice a black dome shape building isolated from everypony else they entered through a door where the guards are posted, and a soothing breeze of energy blows against their bodies removing the dirt and grime off them follow by the cloths on their back restored to their original state being fresh off the presses. They were then lined up single file next to each other unsure about what will happen next, while in the far corner the two bicorns that were sent to receive updates about Bondage Arcana experiments overlook all the Changelings. "Alright every changeling is here shall we begin." "Not yet Arcana isn't here yet. She wishes to see the event and gather data. If there changes in the situation it must be recorded so that we are prepared for the outcome ." A few minutes later Bondage Arcana and somepony wearing a cowl enter with the Changeling Queens in front of the Changeling groups, many of them look up in awe as five new Queens stand before them greater than Chrysalis herself. "It seems to be working...you think they will accept them?." "I don't know, it's been months since they arrived." Three months ago Three weeks after invasion day Four soldiers are being carried to a medical tent with other soldiers drained of their strength laying next to each other with similar ailments, doctors looking after them trying to figure out what is wrong. Seconds later two soldiers entered to evaluate the situation. "You two have arrived." A medical staff member approaches the ponies wearing hazmat gear. "this way." "I must apologize for the chaotic situation, we have been trying to understand what is affecting all these soldiers one moment they're fine the next they're weakened and helpless." "What disease have they all contracted?" "That's where things get strange. All the tests we've done show that no form of diseases exists in their systems." Both ponies look at the medical staff with shock and confusion at her statement. "Can you clarify that?." One of them asked the medical staff member. "physically nothing is wrong but something has drained them of energy." She pulled out a device that displayed all information on all the soldiers that were in the medical tents before they were brought in, after they reviewed the manifesto for fifteen minutes they both stopped to turn to each other. "I found something." "So have I." One of them grabs a bunch of cups and the both of them sort them into two groups "All alright let's see, the cups here represent everypony that was brought in with the same ailments, nothing out of the ordinary except one thing." The other stallion put a ruler between the two groups of cups. "One group got it incapacitated outside the base camp while the other happens within the camp...give me the medical report." Seven minutes later Inside a tent sat in the middle of it a lone mare sat on a chair with two guards watching her until the two stallions entered. "I'm Vice Captain BladeStorm and this is Vice Captain Metallic Thorn you must be Fluorescent Banner. We would like to ask you some questions." "Yes, Vice Captains," she said as the two individuals identified themselves as Vice Captains standing before her. "I'll get to the point why are you unaffected?, your assigned partner was found drained and weakened yet you are in good condition," Metallic Thorn asks. Fluorescent Banner looks at them confused. "I'd found him in that state after I stepped away from everypony view to clear my thoughts." Fluorescent Banner retorted. "That is interesting because many who went looking for our fellow soldiers end up in the same condition." "But that only happens when there is one pony, never a group, and you were by yourself." "Means that you were doing something else and you must have seen something, so what were you doing?" "Why were you behind the tents and why haven't you checked in with your C.O." "Which Province did you originally come from?" "When did you start training?" "When did you attend the academy?" Both Vice Captains attack Fluorescent Banner with wave after wave of questions asking her so many about her past And current status. As they continue Fluorescent Banner starts to feel nervous as she fidgets in her chair from the constant engagement from them, trying to keep her calm and strong she starts to look around the tent to keep herself from breaking down from the pressure of their questions wasn't over. For a while she continued to let her eyes wander until she start looking at the two stallions with a strong hardy stare and strong but silent breathing, looking up and facing the two stallion interrogators with a vile hunger intent. Without warning, Fluorescent leaped up from her chair attacking both Bladestorm and Metallic Thorn but was stopped by the Two guards that were watching her. "Well, this is an unexpected turn, never seen your kind before." Metallic Thorn said as he looked at Fluorescent Banner as her physical form changed, her coat turned black followed by her eyes turning solid blue and a finned of her mane. "What is it, a native in this land?" Metallic Thorn said after rolling back from her sudden attack. Metallic activates a holographic image on his wrist and looks up information collected during the first wave blitz from libraries and other educational institutions, it took him a few seconds to do his search and find the race that matches. "Found it." Metallic Thorn said as he showed the holo image of the Changelings at first they were skeptical but they continued to look closer at the information to find anything that matched. "Here original black and hole on parts of their bodies Changelings used to disguise themselves to steal love from others." "If there is one then there's more." Blade looks up back at the Changeling and walks up to her. "Where are the rest of your kin hidden." Blade demanded an answer from the Changeling but instead of an answer she only hissed at him in response to his demands refusing to give what he wanted, he then snapped his fingers twice signaling four soldiers carrying large transport cases. "If you won't answer my question then you'll answer this." The soldiers open the case, and Changeling's eyes widen as she sees what is inside them. Changelings hidden camp One hour later Explosion echoes throughout the forest as soldiers throw stun explosive devices as they advance further into the forest incapacitating Changelings left and right using nets and spells to hinder their movement so they wouldn't escape. As Changelings are being captured left and right within the forest a group hidden behind rough brush looks on as their comrades were taken. "We can't stay here much longer, we need to leave." One changeling said to the others fearing the soldiers would catch them hiding in the brush "hurry and stay silent." The group of Changelings scurries through the underbrush and into the forest Avoiding the sentry patrols searching for any that escaped the camp, they soon met up with three other groups and made a mad dash out of the forest while leaving the patrol unaware of their presence. After a grueling three hours of running the Changelings made it out of the forest to a paved road surrounded by fireflies where they stopped for a moment of rest for constant moving to escape the patrols. "Are we all here?" One Changelings said as she looked at the group trying to see if everypony was accounted for. " We're all here." The Changelings decided to rest up for a bit to reclaim the energy they lost running from the enemy forces, while a few of them keep a lookout for more enemies, the others take the time to rest while being surrounded by fireflies. After a short while, The Changelings gather what little they had with them preparing to leave meanwhile the fireflies numbers gradually increase around them illuminating the area. "Did you make sure there's nothing following us?" The Leading Changeling asks one of her companions who had returned from the forest to ensure that no enemy presents were located. "I searched the area not one soldier for more than a mile from here." "Good, let's keep moving." As soon as they took their first step a shriek of pain from one of the other group members. Ran over to them, and noticed her forearm up to the shoulder has been burned, and another Changeling had his leg burned down to his shins. It wasn't long before many Changelings screamed and got burned, a few tried to escape but got burned on their legs and wings while the mass hysteria continued to spread throughout the group as they were being burned and forced to huddle close to each other. "What the shit is going on here, who's attacking us." A sudden burn came on her arm, she pulled her arm away and noticed a firefly flying away from her arm. " It's the fireflies that are attacking us." Before she could lead other Changelings away from the swarm, the fireflies start flying until they become a typhoon of fire trapping everything that was inside it. In the brief moment, they were lost in the confusion they failed to notice they were floating in the air unable to run or fly anywhere while the typhoon they were trapped in transformed into a giant spare. "What the heck is going on.?" The Leading Changeling retorted as a clanging sound was heard. "The shit??." Feeling her neck and looking down at her hands and feet, shackles have appeared binding her and preventing her from taking action. similar shackles appear on the other Changelings binding them together with a seal that appears in front of them and then disappears as there were lowered to the ground while the flames that surrounded them dissipate, standing before them and on treetops a group of bipedal foxes some with multiple tails with weapons drawn. Forward Operating base Changelings Holding Area After what felt like an eternity the captured Changelings were brought to the base camp and moved to the isolated area so they could be properly watched by the guards to prevent them from escaping. They were soon put in prison cells while those with special traits and appearances were taken to a different part of the facility, as the last of the Changelings were put into their cells BladeStorm and Metallic Thorn entered the prison block. "Welcome, all of you to Kallen, your new home for now. As you stay here you will be given food, treated with respect, and clean clothes" BladeStorm said as walk through the cell block "but know this if you try to fight, escape, or disrespect us and there will be punishment for everyone." Bladestorm said as he walked back toward Metallic Thorn unaware that a Changeling broke from his restraint and shifted through the crowd as a prowling beast stalking its prey until it was aligned with its line of sight. As soon as BladeStorm was close enough he lunged out from the crowd and attacked him throwing three punches and a kick but all of them missed their mark. "Sloppy, can't even lay a hand on me, you should try your luck shutting mud." BladeStorm's comment infuriated the Changeling and then he tried to transform but for a few seconds, he realized he couldn't change forms. "Realize it already, we drain you of all the love in you so no kiss, kiss, no bang bang."In that instance, the Changeling was knock-out with a swift punch from BladeStorm. Laying on the ground motionless Metallic Thorn walked over to the Changeling to ensure he was unconscious some of the others looked upset and looked like they are about the attack without hesitation Metatic Thorn stood up and move away from the down changeling while walking up next to them facing multiply opposition with eyes filled with unbinding rage focusing on them from all sides ready to strike without a minute delay. MetalicThorn and BladeStorm's demeanor was different than the Changelings have, Metallic emitted serious but focused energy around him while on the other hand BladeStorm had an immense and yet very provoking aura around him both of them seemed to be emitting a large quantity of energy in the entire room suffocating every weak being within the room with their presents causing a majority of them to pass out from the immediate pressure of their power, the remaining changeling that hasn’t pass look at each other with complex looks on what happens to their comrades now laying on the ground motionless not moving an inch. Seeing their only chance to escape is a hand reach is in front of them the Changeling stop hesitating and charge straight to attack both Metallic and Blade in groups of four and five trying to overpower them but within a few seconds, the first ten groups fall against then twenty to sixty more group of changeling had fallen to their onslaught until finally the remaining two Changelings were laying on the ground defeated in front of their hooves. Not too long after they contact somepony through a communication device after the brawl security and a medical unit enter the prison block tending to the injured changelings that were laying on the floor due to the confrontation with BladeStorm and MatalicThorn while those who were still unconscious from earlier were moved back to their cells each one of them put into their bed by the end of the day all of the Changelings were put in their cells for recuperation after today's events While BladeStorm and metallic Thorn overlooked all of the occupants from the security oversight area. “While today was a flop, the assessment of their fighting abilities was not a complete fail out of the five-hundred test with only a sixth of them couldn’t handle a fraction of our combine without falling unconscious.” Metalic Thorn said as he went over the current and updated information, at the same time BladeStorm sat in front of overseer monitors looking at every changeling he then turned to Thorn with a look of disappointment as he was expecting more of a challenge. “ I thought I would have a challenge fight Changelings but I guess overestimate my expectations." BladeStorm said as he showed disappointment and boredom draped across his face. "Even if you fought them in their full strength, you would have still beaten them." Metallic Thorn lamented "Let's put that aside and focus, the CO wants the Changelings to be tame and ready for combat used he is even calling Bondage Arcana for help with the use of the current Information to gain control over the Changelings."Metallic Thorn said dismissively. "You're saying it can't be done 'cause from what I see…" Blade said before turning to Metallic. Forward Operating base Changelings Training Regiment Week 2 "Come on get your ass running you punks we have runners fast than you so get moving or you'll be getting a lot more penalties after this." A single tricorn yell out as she watched over all the many Changelings currently made to run long marathons to force all participants to spend most of their energy on long-running instead of fighting back against those who capture them. This would cause everyone to lose their right to three meals a day to have it reduced to two and increase exercise time, this causes many of them to have disdain toward their capture, many of them were given chance to fight back but few accept the chance and lose more privilege after being defeated. “Come on, put some more steps into it unless anyone wants to give up.” No other Changeling said anything as they continue running a torturous run knowing that they could be punished for not winning a match against one of their soldiers is enough to put them in their place so they reluctantly continue their run for rest of the day. Halfway through the day many of the had slowdown due to running since the early hours and having little rest given to them. “HEY, WE GOT A FEW ON THE GROUND.” A bicorn called out to the other overseers who came running too few downed Changelings were on the ground passed out and exhausted from the running the soldiers came and took the exhausted Changeling anyway while the others continue unknown to them that a few of their kind was taking away. Forward Operating base Changelings Training Regiment Week 3 Changelings were made to fight in a mock battle and a free-for-all to see their combat strength in action as they are not familiar with the physical capability of their race they try to get them to fight each other in a controlled location but none of the Changeling wanted to fight many of them just stand around looked at each other unsure what they want to “what the heck is going on, why aren’t they training as I expect.” a mare wearing a cowl with a bright red cape looked down from the catwalk looking at the Changeling, she has faded yellow mane with red highlights, a sleeveless cross-top with an overbust corset, fingerless bicep length gloves, and shin high pants with shin guards came from the other side of the catwalk looking at the mock battle from the top of the training ground “specialist RedMerrow we didn’t expect you to come here.” two overseers saluted her as she walked closer to them raising her hand given them a sign to be at -ease “So any progress in their physical assessment.” RedMarrow inquired about the Changelings training status. "no changes ma'am." "And why not." RedMerrow said In a disgruntled tone of voice with annoyance." It's because they don't want to fight each other, they're hesitant. RedMerrow turns her attention to the overseers for a minute then she turns back to the Changelings. "Have our soldiers fight them." One of the overseers send a message through a communication device, and a few minutes later soldiers came rushing in and combating the Changelings. Forward Operating base Changelings Holding Area Week 5 A group of soldiers pushed nine carts through the hallway each one armed with a weapon along with escorts for added security for unseen circumstances. As they were close to the door of the holding area a call came through the communication device forcing the escorts to run ahead of everyone towards the holding area where a riot was taking place, Changelings tried to overpower their capture and escape but were subdued with the aid of the escorts unit. Some Changelings saw the door where the escorts came through and took the opportunity to escape through it only to encounter the reminding soldiers that were with the carts, assuming they were just food cooks they attack them only to be subdued and brought back tied up. "Congrats you all just lost some of your privileges starting with three meals a day, now being two meals a day shower to once a week." an overseer stated to the Changelings after their attempted riot. Forward Operating base Training ground Week 10 Changelings were forced to carry a heavy weight on their backs while some weights were on their backs, arms, and legs crossing an obstacle course. A few Changelings had to crawl flat on the ground pulling weight tethers to their bodies across the hundred-yard field five times until they couldn't continue moving, as the majority had to crawl a great amount of distance three Changelings that have the least amount of distance were laying on the ground motionless, a group of overseer walk over to them and evaluate their condition. "Look more dead weights alright, you know what to let get to it." The group of overseers picks up the exhausted Changelings off the floor while two of them start to struggle out of the arms of their captors unsure what they would do. "Look like these two still have some fight in them no matter let's move." Despite the Changelings' attempt to fight back all three were carried and dragged off the training ground to who knows where. The rest of the Changelings look from a distance as more of their race are being taken away as they continue training unable to do anything for them but continue as they were. Forward Operating base Medical Area Week 13 Changelings lined up side by side in a pseudo squat position with their arms stretched out forward holding a leaf in each hand making them stay in position for minutes or longer to see who would last longer than anypony else and who would fall next. "Maintain that position, keep those arms out, don't drop those arms and those leaves. You will start over from scratch if one of you drops even one leaf. All the Changelings started to sweat as the thought of starting over made them want to try hard and not drop their arms or collapse to the ground. "Look at them sweating, how long till they give up and hit the floor, my money on twelve in the first hour.” one overseer said looking over from the catwalk while Six others including RedMerrow watch on expecting the Changelings to break after weeks of Constance drills, running, and combats engagement throughout the past weeks have made the Changelings weaker in spirit and mind all have lost their rights to shower and have been given only one meal per day, this made them consider before rebelling as the thought of lives taken or worse by the hands of the overseer race through their minds some Changelings urinate and defecate themselves in pure fear of theirs. As their days are coming to an end many have already given up on fighting back and accepting the fates that were given to them many believe that their current predicament was karma for all the times they try to take over Equestria many times in the past and now their given a taste of true retribution for their deeds they have done in the past. Forward Operating base Holding Area Presented Day Changelings sat by quietly in their cells waiting for their next round of harsh routine that would be given to them, some were shaking in fear that they would go through another malicious event as they were doing so throughout the past three months of grueling torment in their captivity including mental fatigue many Changelings became afraid of what will happen to them if they fail just like some of their brethren who had failed and was taken away never to be seen or heard from by anyone, anxiety started to cloud the minds of some of the Changelings sitting in the far ends of their cells scared to incur their wrath any further. “I can’t take this anymore I got to get out of here.” one Changeling says rocking back and forth in the middle of the cell trembling in fear after experiencing three full months of captivity and anguish. “Hey keep it together.”. “Why are we here forced to run, fight, jump, crawl and swim under their command until we all fall and die? It's only a matter of time.” The other Changeling stood up, walked over to the one in the middle of the cell, and grabbed the Changeling by the arm, “I SAID TO KEEP CALM AND SHUT THE BUCK UP PINCER.”. “Why Harrow because you say so, we've been here suffering day in and day out only to entertain our captors with our suffering and pain until they had their laugh then excuse in one go." Harrow in a blind fit of rage turns to Pincer and punches him in the face, it doesn't take long for them to end up fighting with Harrow having the advantage over Pincer beating him to the ground until blood starts splattering all over the floor, his face and body cover in bruises as Harrow continues in beating his opponent senseless until he couldn‘t move. This violence horrifies every Changeling in the holding seeing harrow beat a fellow Changeling to near death causing them to step in before he kills. “Stop it harrow...I SAY STOP HE HAD ENOUGH YOU'RE GOING TO KILL HIM." The female changeling said grabbing hold of Harrow's arm to keep him from beating Pincer even further. Harrow look the female Changeling and then at every Changeling that was looking at him petrified with pure terror bundling close to each other unable to move due to the scene in front of them, confused by the fear they were showing Harrow look around him than his hands covered in blood as anxiety rush through his body as the sight of blood made him worried. But his anxiety and worry quickly soar to shock and fear, lying on the ground bloody, beaten, and near death lies Pincer who is hardly recognizable due to the blood and bruises covering his face anypony would have a problem recognizing him. Realize what he has done Harrow's hand tremors with guilt for beating his fellow Changeling, meanwhile, three Overseers and a platoon of soldiers were walking through the hallway heading straight to the holding area and noticing many of them were gathered around looking at a scene wondering what was happening they move through the crowd of Changelings to find Harrow stane in blood standing over Pincer beating and laying on the ground. Five soldiers subdued Harrow while two tended to Pincer healing some of his injuries and moving out of the area all three of the Overseers walked over to Harrow one with a look of disappointment while another had anger focusing their attention towards him for his actions. "I hope you're happy with your bash because you're going to confinements for a long time." One Overseer said. "We have a very special dark chamber with your name on it." The other Overseer said. As the soldiers that were holding down Harrow were about to take him away the last overseer stepped in and stop all the soldiers and pull the two Overseers to the side for a brief moment, soon after the two Overseers and the soldiers carry Pincer out of the holding area while the last Overseer move closers to Harrow showing a calm demeanor. "You're lucky, if it was any other time and day you'd be in the hole but right now you and everypony else are being transferred, today is your big day." The Overseer says in an annoyed tone. "Time to be fed and clean, follow those soldiers' instructions, and don't try anything funny, but if you want to make our day more exciting go ahead nopony is going to stop you." The Overseer said while giving a small grin. Doing what they were told the Changelings follow the soldiers through the camp to a large black structure on the other side of the camp, fearing a dreaded fate that awaits them within Some Changelings try to run or fly away only to be caught while others become hesitant to make another step forward but are forced inside and those who didn't run or are hesitant accept their fate and walk through the entryway. As the first hooves steps enter through the doorway a embiggen amount of in-love energy restored their body to a more healthy state, their clothes that were in near shambles were restored then changed into soldier's uniforms, dirt and grime disappeared from their bodies, and glowing tattoos place on parts of their bodies. All the Changelings were escorted to the main area lining up side by side in a single file mean while Changelings that were taken in the past three months had been brought in and lined up with the other Changelings each one had a slight difference between them and the rest of the Changelings with the only similarities is the holes on their arms and legs are gone, their wings are shiny, some even grown hair. Fluorescent Banner was the last to enter along with Pincer to line up with all the Changelings waiting for the next step. "Harrow looks over there isn't that luminous… the Changeling that was scouting in the western area for a food source before disappearing three months ago." Harrow turns his head to see in the back of the group luminous standing with the group of Changelings that recently separated from the rest of the Changelings during the three months death march training episode are now standing with them in formation before he could go into deep thought he was suddenly hit on the arm forcing him to look forward his eyes met with a single tricorn armed with a riding crop she directed Harrow to look then walk away. A few minutes later a RedMerrow and Bondage Arcana enter with five Changeling Queens, one has a dry blood color coat, a scarlet mane wearing a form-fitting black cutout dress while another has a cobalt coat, a sky blue mane wears a gray crop top with fingerless arm warmers and dark green multi-pocket pants with three belts, the dark yellow, cream mane queen wears a dress that looks as though it was made a single white scarf wrapped around her body with golden jewelry on her arms and neck, the forth queen a pale orange coat, green and white mane wears a sleeve tube top and hot pants, and the last queen a pure white with red eye wearing a navy slit skirt, with a frilly shirt, a corset, and high collar tailcoat. All of them start in front of the Changelings with authority and awe as five new Queens stand before them greater than Chrysalis herself. "Who are they? I have never seen them before, " One changeling said, looking at the Queens. "Are they new Queens who would have believed?" Every Changeling in the area starts talking about the Queens with glee and curiosity but Harrow looks at them with disgust and contempt seeing them as a mockery of the race he steps forward and shouts vulgar language at them as if they were vile vermin. Soldiers try to subdue Harrow for his outburst but swiftly pass them attacking the nearest Queen with a raised fist in pure fury as he closes the distance but stop a foot away by Cobalt Queen grabbing hold of Harrow's wrist causing him the hesitant, twisting it to preventing him to continue and forced him to his knees while draining the love him leaving him weak, powerless, and defeated. "Anypony else would like to fill his shoes," Arcana said as guards came in pointing their weapons down at Harrow ready to execute him but the female Changeling Harrow was talking to before use her body to shield him, Arcana was about to take a step but the cobalt Queen stop her Arcana turn to her seeing her place a hand on her shoulder while she gives a slight jester to convince Arcana to tell the soldiers to stand down. All the Changelings at each other wondering who will take on the challenge but none step forward knowing too well they are outmatched, Harrow unable to fight against them alone lay down his arm and surrender, and return to position conforming to the new leadership. “All right now that is done it is time for a new era for us and it starts with our new leadership and our allies…we’ll be given a large amount of love as long we don’t betray them and when this is all over we won’t need to hide no more… endless love.” The scarlet Changelings said rallying every Changeling in the area as roaring cheers fill the full dome. Arcane walks over to Vice Captain BladeStorm and Vice Captain Metallic Thorn with a smile on her face “call the archon and tell him we have his Legion."