//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 - Creatures from the North // Story: Battleground Equestria // by MangaBro //------------------------------// Neighsay stared in shock and utter disbelief at the creature in front of him. It was very equine with the appearance of a pony, but also had insect-like characteristics such as the blue non-reflective eyes, its blue insect like wings, the numerous holes that were embedded into its legs. Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, suddenly, he heard rustling in the bushes beside him. Neighsay stood still, his heart pounding in his chest as a group of the same creatures emerged from the brush, surrounding him. It slightly flapped its wings as it took a step foward. In response, the Chancellor shivered and took a few steps back. "What are you? What do you want?" Neighsay demanded, trying to hide his fear. "Don't tell me you've already forgotten us, Neighsay..." The creature said, showing its sharp and intimidating fangs, "Besides, the great war wasn't that long ago.." Neighsay thought about it for a moment. These creatures definitely seem familiar, like he's heard or read about them from somewhere. Yet, he couldn't really put his hoof on it. However, after a few more seconds of thinking, Neighsay would remember something he read from a history book not too long ago, that explained the great creature war that happened millenias ago.. On page 156, the first paragraph read.. "There were Bug like creatures from the north, that could shape-shift into any creature if they fully understood the anamoty of said creature. Because of their sinister abilities, they were given the name Changelings, lead by their leader, queen Chrysalis. They used this ability to infiltrate the Kirin and Equestrian army and gather information; thus leading to the fall of the Kirin empire and the first fall of wall Celestia. "..No.. that can't be!" Shouted Neighsay with much fear. "Oh, but it is, Chancellor.." Said the Changeling. "But how?! During the climax of the war, you and your kind were banished to another dimension by the Alicorn Five! No creature can escape such powerful magic! Especially by Alicorns!" Neighsay stated, "So how in Celestia did you escape, and what are you doing here?!" "Bold of you to assume that we escaped on our own.." Said a malicious and distorted female voice. Suddenly, the bushes rustled again, and out stepped Queen Chrysalis herself. Neighsay gasped at the sight of her, knowing well the danger she posed. "Alot can change in a Millenia, Neighsay. I know this nation has." Said Chrysalis, a smirk wide across her face, "But, what hasn't changed is our desperate need for revenge against Equestria, as well as the five nations!" She would then take a few steps closer, and In a state of panic; Neighsay would fall onto the ground and shout: "What do you want from me?!" Taking advantage of his cowardice, Chrysalis would then ask Neighsay to give them information about everything involving the land of Equestria, this includes the following: Weapons, Magic, Military Prowess, Buildings, secrets, weaknesses, and more. Understandable since it has been thousands of years since they saw the Equestrian military in action. The questions weren't too specific, clear enough for any creature to hear and respond; so Chrysalis was quite confused and even angered as to why Neighsay wasn't responding. When it suddenly came to her that Neighsay was too loyal to the nation to give even the slightest information that they needed. That was most apparent when he would suddenly stand on his four horse legs and shouted.. "I won't tell you anything! Not to you repulsive insects!" Neighsay shouted, puffing up his chest to seem brave. With this, Chrysalis knew that she was have to elevate her level of interrogation, and give Neighsay an offer that he couldn't refuse. Luckily for her, she had already seen the heated conversation with Neighsay and Celestia in the throne room, and was prepared. The queen then sighed and gave an order to her troops. Neighsay couldn't hear the command, simply because his fast heartbeat completely clogged his ears of hearing anything. "Oh, Neighsay. You're not fooling any of us with your "brave" act. We can all see that you're as frightened as ever." Mocked Chrysalis. As much as Neighsay didn't want to admit it, she was right. It didn’t matter how brave he tried to act, it didn’t change the fact that he was terrified for his life. Even though he knew it was his sworn duty to protect the nation, the thought of dying, alone and surrounded by Changelings with no one to bid him any farewell frightened him. Not just that, the thought of closing your eyes for an eternity, not being able to see your loved ones ever again, was just too surreal to even think about. It's been a fear that the Chancellor has had for years, even after he became the Chancellor. He's never directly told anypony about it because everyone in Equestria thought of him as a.. soldier. Completely fearless. So, in order to uphold those thoughts, he acting how a soldier is expected to act. "I see, Chancellor.. you're so afraid of the inevitable endgame of your life that you try your best to look brave so that the public recognizes you a pony of higher hierarchy! When in reality, you're just a coward!" Chrysalis said, green nectar dripping from her fangs. Neighsay lifted his head, "How did you.." "Oh, did I mention that I can read minds too? You can thank our lord for that." Chrysalis said. "Lord?" Questioned Neighsay "Nevermind that." Chrysalis casually brushed off, "Anyways, "I can give you something you've always wanted, Chancellor Neighsay," Chrysalis said, holding up the Alicorn amulet that her minions handed to her, "But you must help us in return." Neighsay's heart raced. He had always coveted the amulet, believing it would give him the power to rule Equestria himself. But Celestia had chosen Twilight Sparkle for that role, something Neighsay hadn't been able to accept. Besides, it had been sealed, so naturally, Neighsay thought there was no way "How did you-" "Spell isn't as indestructible as you think." Stated Chrysalis. "What do you want me to do?" Neighsay asked, his mind racing with possibilities. "Help us invade Canterlot. We know how much you despise the Princess, Chancellor. You could have a chance to overthrow her to put yourself in power, and live a longer life." Chrysalis said, her words dripping with honeyed venom. Neighsay thought for a moment, weighing his options. The thought of betraying his home was indeed dishonorable, but the idea of finally getting what he'd always wanted was tempting, he would finally be ruler and live for thousands of years. And thinking back to how Celestia treated him back at the castle, the offer only became more and more tempting. But the risks were high, and even he wasn't sure that he was capable of maintaining the immense amount of magic it possessed, but there was no way he was going to pass this offer up. So finally, he nodded, reaching out to take the amulet from Chrysalis. "I'll do it," he said, a smug smile on his face. "I'll help you invade Canterlot. And then I'll be the one in charge." "Good.." Said Chrysalis, using her wings to fly into the air. "We'll begin our invasion in four days. Meet us here at this spot tomorrow to give us information. Once the day comes, you'll use the Alicorn amulet to kill Celestia and inject her blood into your vains to become an alicorn. After that, Equestria is yours to conquer." Chrysalis and the rest of the Changelings then flew off into the distance. Leaving Neighsay alone in the forest, smirking as he looked at the Alicorn Amulet. Royal Guards would then arrive at Neighsay's location, they were sent there shortly after searching Canterlot for Neighsay. Neighsay heard the hoofsteps at quickly put the Alicorn amulet into the pouch by his side. After the Royal Guards found him, Neighsay would act disoriented and confused. Like he had just been teleported to the forest and had no idea where he was. The royal guards eventually helped him get back to town, and he would make his way to Equestrian Capital. With Celestia completely unaware of the magical item he possessed. Four days have passed, and the day had finally come for everypony across Equestria to gather in Canterlot for the Summersun Celebration. A holiday in which a pony would explain the history of ponykind. But this time, it would be quite different, as the famous and wealthy family of nobles from Manehattan, the Silvershines, would be coming to Canterlot. The Silvershines aren't just wealthy ponies, however, They have a long-standing history of serving Equestria's royalty as their trusted advisors and allies. They have been influential in political matters and have been rewarded for their unwavering dedication to the crown with titles, land, and riches. Their most famous accomplishment being the founding of Manehattan. They aren't seen much by the public as they're quite busy and don't want to be bothered, so this sudden news received much excitement from the public. Many generations ago, one of the Silvershine ancestors named Chisaki Silvershine, a unicorn with a white skin tone and spiky red mane, along with a cutie mark that had the symbol of a sword, was honored to be selected as the personal advisor to Princess Celestia herself. Not only because of his admirable loyalty and bravery, but also because of being the only pony to be able to lift the legendary magical sword named Excalibur. Which was stuck in a cave in the Everfree Forest, incaved into a rock, said to can only be pulled by a creature with immense willpower and courage. He served her loyally and became one of the most trusted members of her royal court. Over time, the other members of the Silvershine family followed in his footsteps, and they all became close to Princess Celestia and the royal family. With this, the Silvershines have maintained their close association with Princess Celestia throughout the generations, and several members of the family have even been granted the privilege of the magical gift of Crystals, signifying their importance and allegiance to the nation. They have been trusted with some of the most sensitive matters in Equestria, including the most recent war. the Princess values their council and opinions greatly, with their soon to be heirloom, Rarity Silvershine, to further show their family's honor. With such an important family coming to Canterlot after many years, Celestia had spent the four days making preparations and decorations in Canterlot, to make their arrival more at home and welcoming. To Be Continued on the next chapter titled: "Inheritance!"