//------------------------------// // Chaos Insurgency(UNEDITED) // Story: Innocence Once Lost // by Scorched Earth //------------------------------// The last few days had been hectic. Someone had stirred up the hornets nest and now everyone was gearing up for a fight. Ponies were moving around, the humans had transports flying everywhere, even the zebras had moved an entire legion to the northern border That meant that the hive would in danger, again. It had been bad enough when the humans accidentally uncovered an outpost between Dodge City and Baltimare. The backlash from so many deaths had really hurt. Still, she was Queen Chrysalis. She would take care of her hive. She had beaten all her 200 sisters for a right to rule. She would NOT allow it be destroyed. Generations of Queens watched over her, judging all the time. She would not be the failure. She would not be the weak link that would cause the dynasty to fall. So she had decided to join this gathering. Someone calling himself “The Lord of Chaos” had convinced a group of dragons to join him. Now, he had used those dragons as emissaries, to call all changeling queens to gather. She wasn't sure what this was about, but the invitation was pretty clear. Attend to the meeting, or your hive is torched. She needed to protect her hive. She arrived at the designated spot, a small cavern in the side of a mountain. For this trip, she had taken some of her personal guards, just to be sure. Whenever two queens met, they would fight over the dominance over the hives. Loser would be exiled, while the winner would claim the hive as her own. Her personal guards were unique in that sense, that they would not change their allegiance if she would lose. They were perfect for such meetings. She looked around. She counted about twenty queens, each one ready to strike each other down. If it weren't for the dragons looking over them, they would do so. Fight until only an one queen would stand, who would then claim the psychic connection to rule over the other hives. It was something she would occasionally allow herself to imagine. All hives under one queen, herself. Her guards were getting anxious, but she kept them close to herself. No need to stir up trouble until she had heard what this was all about. Finally, the main actor of this farce appeared. A draconequus, that was a surprised. They were a rare sight. “Greetings all you lovely ladies! What a wonderful night we have here! I hope you don't mind that this wasn't for you only and that I called all my other friends here.” “Cut the chase, freak, why have you invited us here?” One of the queens asked. Chrysalis recognized her as Queen Sectoid. Damn upstart, she had barely won the Battle for Dominance of her own hive. “Invited? My poor little queen. This wasn't an invitation, this was a summon. An invitation implies you had a choice in the matter.” “Bah, clearly coming here was a foolish decision. I'm leaving!” Queen Sectoid turned to leave, only to be suddenly pulled back a green aura. Dragons moved slightly, making it clear that anyone leaving would get face full of dragon fire. “Now now, let's not be haste my dear. I have a business proposition for you.” “Hah, and what would that be?” Chrysalis asked. “You see, right now all the nations on this world are on the high alert. Infiltration is nearly impossible for your kind and food is rare, isn't?” The queens looked troubled. Getting food was very hard now days, especially since the humans were quite trigger happy. “I thought so. However, I am offering you an endless supply of food. I am The Lord of Chaos, Discord, and I am offering the entire Equestria for you!” “Okay, now that's a load of goob. Chrysalis over there tried to take over the place and got her flank kicked. Now they got a twice meaner Royal Guard, with actual combat experience. No way they could be taken out.” Queen Fractal said. Chrysalis didn't like she reminded her of her failure. Why couldn't it be just buried and forgotten? “Ah, but here's the thing. All of your hives should join up. You queens should ally with me. Then, with the help of these nice dragons here and some diamond dogs mercenaries, we could overrun them. Of course, there is an another way...” “Oh, and what would that be?” Another queen said. Chrysalis didn't recognize this one. Must be a new queen from some far away hive. “We destroy the Anti-Magic field that is over the human lands. I can absorb all that chaos that is in the land. With that power, I can easily defeat anything this world has to offer. In exchange of your help, you get Equestria and all the ponies you want.” “Yeah, right... I'm out of here.” “Did I mention that any queen who doesn't agree on this is a free game for those who join me?” “You, know I might be interested in this, all things considered. I mean, he has dragons on his side. Kinda hard to beat that argument.” Queen Fractal said. “Hah, then have fun. I'm out.” The unknown queen said. Few other muttered their agreement on that sentiment. Some decided to join this new 'alliance'. Chrysalis decided she would not join it. It was too risky. Sooner or later, queens would turn on each others and whole thing would collapse. Besides, humans were too strong in her opinion. She turned to walk away. “So we got our teams.” Discord said. “Teams?” One of the queens who joined the alliance said. “Yup. Those who join me, and those who are about to give their hives to you.” Suddenly all exits closed without a warning. Chrysalis found herself trapped. She turned around just in time to see a strange light engulf the queens who had joined the alliance. A flash later and they stood upwards and turned towards the queens who had rejected the offer. “Let the games... begin!” Discord said through a mask that muffled his voice. “Oh, we are going to enjoy this!” Before she could react, Chrysalis found herself flung in to the air and against the cavern wall. Same thing was happening all around, with newly empowered queens throwing Chrysalis and her peers around like they were rag dolls. How in the name of Brood Mother had Discord managed to power them up that much? She telepathically ordered her guards to dig a way out and be fast about it. She was getting tired of having her body thrown around. “Okay, that does it, you're DEAD!” She cast her own spell. A magical arrow sped through the cavern, aimed at the queen throwing her around... only to hit a shield and disperse harmlessly. “Hey! NOT FAIR!” “Hehe... you should have joined us, little queen.” Her horn started to glow and Chrysalis found herself once again thrown against the wall. She felt magic grip on her throat and she was raised in to the air. “Impossible... you're... not... capable... of this...” She said, trying to get some air. Her magic refused to work for some reason. “Oh, yes I am now. Lord Discord has very good contract benefits. You should have joined us while you could.” In distance, Chrysalis saw as one queen lost her connection with the hive. She suddenly had very bad feeling of what was about to happen. “You realized it, didn't you? I'm taking your hive and children.” She felt something foreign pushing between her and the hive. She fought to maintain the connection, but the lack of air and constant beating had taken her strength away. She felt as one by one, she lost her connection between the workers, the warriors, the scouts... one by one each changeling disappeared from her consciousness. “Hehe, and now for the final act...” The usurper didn't get further has she was tackled by one of the special guards Chrysalis had brought with her. “My queen, the escape route is ready.” “*gasp*, yes... I need to escape...” “Where do you think you are going?” The usurper said, while ripping the offending changeling into pieces. “Slow her down... and then... retreat...” Chrysalis struggled with the words as she entered the hole dug by her minions. Inside, her guards engaged the usurper who had just stolen her hive. “Is this all?” Chrysalis asked from two changelings who had returned. “Yes, my Queen.” This was bad. She had tried to enter her hive, only to be driven away as an intruder. Now she was down to two minions. What was she going to do? She couldn't get her hive back, not like this. She couldn't oppose these new queens. Not without the full might of hive behind her. She couldn't believe this was happening. She had heard of queens losing their hives, but she had thought those queens were weak, unfit to lead. Now she herself was in the same position. She needed to save her hive and reclaim it. There were two ways. Sever the connection between the usurper and her hive... or kill the usurper, upon which the connection would be naturally reformed. However, she needed plan how to do it. Furthermore, she needed to act fast. No doubt the usurper would send her hive on the front lines, before her own children. She needed to act fast before her entire hive would be killed in an useless attack. First things first, she needed to hide. A place where Discords minions wouldn't find her. Until the usurper queens would stabilize the connection, she could move without fear. Discord would most likely want to keep the dragons hidden for now. If he revealed them, he would also expose his plans way too early. Right now she needed to head north and fast. It might be pony territory, but at the moment it was better than nothing. Maybe she could hide and do quick hit-and-runs on outlying farms to get food. Even if she could feed herself through other means, they were not even nearly as nutritious as love. Not to mention the amounts she would need to digest. “Let's move. We need to get out of here.” “Dragons... and I swear I saw a changeling queen too.” Trixie was hating this mission already. She was thirsty, tired and she hated the heat. San Palomino Desert was not the most hospitable location in Equestria. However, Princess Celestia had personally asked her and thus, she was obliged to follow orders. Her honor as the Captain of Trixie’s Raiders demanded it. Right now they were approaching Los Pegasus, their mission complete for now. It was official now, the dragons were up to something. Her squad had been watching the area for a few days now, trying to figure out what was going on. Someone had suggested that Discord was the one behind it all, but from what she knew, idea of Discord working with others was not likely. It didn’t made sense, since it would need order and organization, which went against his very nature. Their point pony suddenly raised his hoof. “Changelings. Straight ahead. A Queen and two others. Looks like a new breed of warriors.” He whispered as the group laid down. Trixie crawled to the guard and peeked over the dune. Guard handed her binoculars. “Hmm... that's weird... they look like they hadn't eaten for days... look, that queen is as weak as human without a suit.” She said. Changelings were laying down on the ground, in a shade provided by a dune. “Besides, why is a queen on surface? They are normally subterranean species, only surfacing to capture ponies. Whole thing smells suspicious.” “Maybe it's a raid?” “Doesn't look like. Too few changelings and they are just laying there. Furthermore, raids don’t involve queen. Alright, spread and surround them. We are going to capture them.” Troops nodded and started to move out. A live changeling queen would a valuable source of information. Changelings were a pretty unknown species, with little to no knowledge of them beyond basics. This was too easy however. Nopony had detected any sentries. Changelings in front of them didn’t even react anyway. It was like they were dead or dying. As soon as everyone was ready, she stood up, readying her magic for an attack. “In the name of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, you are under arrest!” She shouted and prepared to strike against the queen. However, to her surprise, the queen didn't move. However, an another changeling raised it's head. “Ponies? Please help queen?” It said in tired voice, which in itself was a surprise. Furthermore, it speech seemed broken, as if it couldn't remember the words. She gestured for her troops to move forwards. Whole thing seemed even more suspicious now, but from another angle. This weak changelings were not normal. Something had happened to them. “Alright, what the hell is this? This queen looks like it's half-dead.” One of the troopers said, poking the queen. The queen didn’t react anyway, apart from weakly trying to wave away whatever was poking her. The guard pulled back. “Hey, I think I know this one. What's her name... Queen Chrysalis, I think? What's she's doing here?” Another guard said. That peaked Trixies interest. As far as she knew, Chrysalis was a wanted criminal. That mean two things: Firstly, one less threat to the Kingdom and secondly... another success under her record, most likely careering her towards the unwanted generalhood. “Who wants the glory for this one? I have no interest in becoming a general.” She asked quickly. Guards looked each others before shaking their heads. Damn it, she would need to find a good excuse to turn down the promotion that would follow. “Fine. So... what's wrong with the queen here?” She asked the changeling who was still conscious. “Weak. The hive stolen. Need food.” It replied in the same broken voice, now attempting to move closer to the queen to protect her from the ponies. “Oh Tartarus no, I am NOT giving a trooper to be fed on.” Trixie said. No matter how valuable asset this queen could be, she was NOT going to sacrifice any of her guards. “Then. Other emotions or normal Food. Eat, yes? An apple?” “...Anyone got extra supplies? We need to keep them alive at least until we got them under lock and key, then they are somepony else problem.” “Captain, are you sure? I mean, this is a queen changeling. Can we trust it, or it's minions?” “Not really, but that thing just said that the hive was 'stolen'. I want to find out why is that. Tie them up and give them something to nibble on. Make sure they don't feed on you. Everyone takes turns to carry them. Me included.” “The First Citizen Korhal, glad you could join us.” Celestia said to the human leader. Korhal simply nodded. He had chosen to wear the combat gear, for three reasons. It had two backup talismans, could be sealed in case of an emergency and it was intimidating as hell. He had, however, decided to remain without the helmet and faceplate for now, keeping them hanging from his belt. “Pleasure is my, Princess Celestia. I hope I am not too late.” “No, the other have just arrived. This way, please.” Celestia lead him into a conference room, where the other leaders waited for them. The High King Blackwing of Griffin Kingdoms, Councilor Zeetas of Zebra Union, Ambassador Barkin of Diamond Dog Protectorate and of course, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Korhal saluted each one, who gave their own form of greetings in return. “On behalf of United Nations Security Council's Emergency Committee I greet you all.” After empty stares from each of the representatives, he shrugged. “Or in other words, greetings from The Human Refuge.” Everyone had the expression of dawning realization upon hearing the much more common name. Korhal wondered why he had even dug up the ancient name, nobody used it anymore. What the hell was United Nations anyway? He took a seat next to the table, sitting on on the other side of the DDP representative. “Right, now that we are all here, I wish to draw your attention to a matter that threatens each and every of our nations security. Discord is free and he seems to be amassing an army. I have called you here to discuss a possible alliance to deal with this threat.” “An army, you say? What makes you think so?” The High King asked. He was personally ready to work with Equestria, each successful foreign venture strengthened his position back in home. However, without a strong enough reason to summon the army the damned barons would start stirring up trouble, which in turn would aggravate the population. Last thing he needed was a peasant rebellion. “Based on reports so far, last time Discord was seen he was heading towards south. After that, a group of dragons started to move. Reports from out scouts so far also speak of sightings of changelings.” “Changelings?” Korhal asked. Dragons were a familiar to him, but changelings were a different thing. “A species of insectoid ponies. They resemble ponies on a quick glance, but they are closer to insects that ponies in the end. They are pretty rare here in Equestria, but they are pretty common back in Savannah.” Zebra Union representative said. Changelings were a real menace to them. Idea of them teaming up with the dragons was... unsettling. “Question becomes... are these connected to Discord or just happening at the same time? Most importantly... how much threat they are?” Korhal said. “Do not get me wrong, if this 'Discord' really is threat you paint him to be, we would gladly join forces and fight him. However, if he isn't, humanity has little interest in wars that are no concern to itself.” “Indeed, to join a war or to start one without a reason is not a good idea. Furthermore, what would this 'alliance' provide to us? How can we be sure we would not be dragged into a war that is no concern to us?” The Zebra representative asked. Zebra Union wasn't interested in fighting, but if situation would call for it they would be ready to fight. The Zebra Volunteer Corps had shown the world that Zebra Unions martial arts were extremely deadly, to point where humans preferred a fight with ponies, rather than zebras due to skills involve. “Hrmp. Dogs ain't interested in this fight, as long as it does not concern humies. Ponies haven't been good for dogs, so why should we join with you?” DDP representative asked, clearly not interested. “Discord killed one of your leaders!” Luna pointed out. “We take care of it on our own, dogs don't need ponies to watch over them.” “That's pretty much humanity's stance. We do recognize this threat and are ready to cooperate, but... we simply can't abandon our own defenses to help someone else on the other side of the world.” Celestia sighed. This was going to be a long day. The discussion devolved into a fight between the leaders, each one arguing for reason to stay away, while blaming other for cowardice. It had been a long day. After lots of arguing and disagreement they had not gotten anywhere. Best they had gotten was to agree to meet again in two days. Korhal was simply glad that the day was over and he could finally relax. Princess Luna had agreed to walk with him, showing the city along the way. “I wonder if this thing goes anywhere. I do think that the best course of action would be to form the alliance, but I'm afraid my reasons are quite different from what Princess Celestia thinks.” He said. “True... She doesn't fully understand how important it is to humanity to keep itself safe. I understand that you don't want to bait the only force in the world that can fight you to standstill.” Luna said. “Thank you for your understanding, your Highness. It's not that we don't care what happens to others, it's just... I can't just have us march all over the world, beating up perceived enemies. That is not our way.” “You don't need to justify yourself to me, The First Citizen.” “Just call me Korhal.” “I know what you face, Korhal. Humanity does not have the most... stellar reputation at the moment. You don't want to ruin it anymore. Unless others join up too, it would seem like another quest of war to others.” “Indeed, Princess.” He looked up, watching as the moon rose to the skies. “I never realized how much I could miss the stars, but now that I am here, where the lights of the city outshine them... I do miss them. At least the moon is still visible.” “Oh? You too like my night?” “How could I not? During day you can't even gaze upon the sky without risking of burning your eyes! But with night... At night we see everything that the galaxy has to offer. Each one of those stars is another sun. Humanity's greatest desire has always been to reach those places, to see new worlds. Night allows us to peek at that dream. How could we not prefer the night over the day?” Lune hid her proud smile. Even if today ponies walked during her night, only few appreciated her night like humans did. A lot of them actually spend extra time watching over the sky. It was more comforting to them, having grown up in an environment where the stars were barely visible. They arrived at the embassy, from where Korhal would continue to his hotel. He just needed to drop copy chip at the embassy and everything would done for the day. However, as they approached the embassy, he noticed that the guards, alongside with few ponies, were gathered around a small screen and shouting. “OH FUCK THAT SHIT! It was clearly an illegal punch!” “No it wasn't, he come from his side of the field! You're just angry because your team is losing.” “Hah! Moon Raiders got nothing on Solar Runners! Come on! Crush that guy!” “He got the disk! He is moving towards the goal!” “Tackle him! I need my 50 bucks!” “Yes yes yes don't stop!” “Take him out! YES!” “NO!” “That was a foul! He was in the safe zone!” “No he wasn't! He was in the attack zone!” “You want me to show you an attack?” “BRING IT ON SUCKER!” “Ahem.” The group fell silent and slowly turned to face Korhal and Luna. “I take it that you are fans of grav-ball?” “Yes Sir. The semi-finals are going on.” “I see. Although I appreciate your enthusiasm, I expect you to behave in good fashion. After all, it just a sport.” “Yes Sir, sorry Sir.” Humans looked ashamed, while ponies tried to hide themselves from Luna's gaze. “Good. Oh, one last thing. Solar Runners rules!” He said before ducking inside the embassy. “WHAT!? Moon Raiders for life!” Luna shouted after him, gaining a cheer from assortment of ponies and humans. Grav-ball was serious business. Sure, from outside it looked like adults beating up each others just to throw a disk into opponents goal, but it was much than that. It was a lifestyle. She had gotten familiar with the game during her time on Luna Aeternal. At first she had dismissed the game as irrelevant, but soon found herself cheering at District 21's Moon Raiders. Which had gotten her into an argument with her doctor, who was a supporter of District 9's Red Streakers. Especially after Moon Raiders won the match against them and broke Red Streakers chain of victories. “Want to join us, Princess? The game is still on and betting is still open.” One of the humans said. “I don't gamble, but I do enjoy a good game.” She said and sat down with others. Few minutes later she was equally complaining how referees were blind and cheering at her chosen team.