Carbon didn't know what to expect when he set up the apple cart in the Ponyville marketplace. All he knew was that he expected it to be a lot more engaging than this.
The general sighed, listening to the voices of the swarm in his mind to ignore his growing boredom. Business was surprisingly slow despite the crowds of ponies wandering about, so Carbon took advantage of that time to exchange information with the changelings in Ponyville in order to gather knowledge on Applejack and the other five Elements of Harmony he was tasked with incapacitating. Once he had learned all that he could from these changelings, he busied himself with planning the invasion and gathering reinforcements from changelings outside Ponyville that weren’t blindly loyal to Double.
The only bit of excitement that occurred during these hours was news that a changeling had been captured by the guards. He wasn’t completely sure on the details, other than that it involved another changeling disguised as Daring Do, two bearers of the Elements of Harmony, and Yakpony Sax. Carbon wasn’t sure what to make of that last part, though the former ones were worth looking into once he was done with this apple selling business.
“Yes, Transparence, of course we’re going to rescue Reflect.” Carbon said, ducking behind the apple stand as he spoke with a changeling who was close friends with the captive changeling. “We’ll meet tonight to discuss the details. Until then, find out when the guards intend to transport him to Canterlot for trial. Our best bet will be to attack the guards while they are in the process of transporting him.”
“Hi there, you must be Applejack.” A pony spoke from the other side of the cart. Carbon muttered a quick farewell to Transparence and popped his head out from behind the cart to meet his next customer.
“Yes indeed ma’am, that’s me. What can Ah do for-” Carbon suddenly broke off as he got his first look at the pony. She looked like a pegasus, but the small green flames of a changeling crawled erratically over her, and her changeling signature was impossible to discern. Furthermore, her disguise itself, aside from the manestyle, looked exactly like Daring Do.
“That’s her! That’s the changeling who got Reflect captured!” Transparence screamed over the link. Carbon ignored her as he continued to stare in shock.
“Um, is something wrong?” The changeling asked, nervously pawing at the ground. Carbon noticed that her left leg was wrapped up in a cast.
The general shook his head and smiled. “Sorry, ya just… reminded me of somepony, that’s all.”
“Yeah, I get that a lot.” The changeling muttered.
Can she not see that I’m a changeling like her? That would require complete separation from the swarm, and the only way to achieve that is-! Of course! Carbon realized: the changeling before him had a broken horn! Carbon quickly decided to uphold his disguise until he could get a chance alone with her. “Well anyway, yer correct. Ah’m Applejack. Ah don’t believe Ah’ve seen ya around here before. Ya new in town?”
“Yeah, I am. I just got here this morning. I’m Mirror Match.” The changeling responded.
Mirror Match? Really? Carbon frowned, giving her an unamused stare. “Mirror Match, huh?”
“Wh-What’s wrong with it?” Mirror asked defensively.
“Nothin’, it’s just a rather strange name for a pegasus, that’s all. Sounds more like a unicorn name.” Carbon responded. Honestly, you’d think a changeling would know to come up with something more original.
“Yeah, well, it’s my name; can’t do anything about it.” Mirror said.
Carbon decided it would be best to move on to a different topic. “Hey, no need to get defensive, yer name’s perfectly fine. It’s a pleasure to meet ya, Miss Mirror! Anyway, did ya need something, or did ya just come here to chat?”
“Um, well, I was actually looking to buy an apple. It’s for my friend, Fluttershy. You know her, right?” Mirror responded.
Friend? You say it as though you mean it. Carbon thought. He reflected on what he knew of the Element of Kindness. “Oh? Yer friends with Fluttershy? That’s pretty impressive. She’s real timid, ya know? Didn't think she’d warm up to a stranger like yerself.”
“True, but I’d say we get along pretty well.” Mirror said. Her timid yet genuine smile as she spoke only served to confuse Carbon further. “So anyway, I’d like to buy an apple, please? These look really good.”
“Well, ya have good tastes, then. These here are apples fresh from Sweet Apple Acres, bucked just this mornin’. Best apples on this side of Equestria.” Carbon said, trying to imitate the enthusiasm of a real farmer selling their wares.
“Really?” Mirror asked.
“Well… probably.” The general said, not sure if the claim was true or not. “Anyway, yer new in Ponyville, so ya get yer first apple free of charge! It’s a little promotional thing we've got goin’ on.” Again, he didn't know if that was true either, but it seemed like something Applejack would do.
Carbon grabbed an apple and dropped it in a bag, passing it off to the pegasus-changeling. She stared at the contents of the bag almost longingly for a few seconds before looking back up at him. “Um, is it okay if I have one more apple, please?”
“Sure, ah’d never turn down a chance at business. Course, yer goin’ to have to pay fer this one.” Carbon said, “One apple, so that’ll be one bit, please.”
The changeling frowned suddenly. “Um, I don’t… have any money.” She admitted, her ears folding back in embarrassment.
Carbon frowned as well. This changeling was really off her game. “Really? Not even one bit?”
“No… I’m sorry.” Mirror said, staring down in shame.
Carbon honestly didn't care about whether or not the disguised changeling paid, but he couldn't help feeling sorry for her. She seemed so lost and vulnerable without her horn. The general sighed and said, “Well, if you really can’t afford ta pay, ah suppose I can let ya have another freebie just this one time…”
“EXCUSE ME…” An amplified voice called out. Carbon hissed softly at the assault on his ears as he turned to see a cultured unicorn wearing a pair of glasses, saddlebags, and a gold necklace approaching them. She bore a striking resemblance to the Element of Generosity, but her identity escaped him.
“Who’s this mare?” Carbon asked the swarm.
“Don’t know. None of us have seen her around here before.” Morph answered through the link.
“There, now that I've got your attention…” The mare said in a normal tone of voice. Carbon directed a suspicious glare toward her.
“Um, who are you?” Carbon asked.
The unicorn put on a look of mock surprise. “Oh, where are my manners? So sorry! My name is Sparkler. Are you Applejack, by any chance?”
Carbon nodded. “Yeah, that’s me. Did ya need somethin’?”
“No, no, just getting to know the locals, as you say. I assume you know my cousin, Rarity?” Sparkler asked.
“Cousin? None of you said anything about a cousin.” Carbon scolded his soldiers.
“We didn't know she had one.” Morph said apologetically.
“I see. It’s fine, though; I can handle this.” Carbon thought. He turned to Sparkler and said out loud, “Yer Rarity’s cousin? Ah didn't know she had one.”
“We don’t exactly get along well. But, I’m staying here in Ponyville for a while, and Rarity has generously offered to let me stay with her during my visit. So in the meantime, I’m getting to know the townsponies better. You understand, right?” Sparkler explained.
“Well, ah suppose so. Ah’ll ask Rarity about ya later.” Carbon said. He couldn't overlook something like this if he was to successfully deceive the Elements of Harmony.
Sparkler frowned slightly at the comment, then turned to look at Mirror beside her. “Hello, dear. What’s your name?”
Mirror visibly tensed up at being addressed by the unicorn. “Uh, I’m Mirror Match.”
“Mirror Match… such a wonderful name.” Sparkler said, earning a grateful smile from the changeling. Carbon resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “So, what are you here for?”
“Oh, I… I’m buying an apple.” Mirror answered. “Though I suppose it’s not really buying, since I don’t have any bits…”
“Ah’m givin’ her a freebie just this once.” Carbon spoke up, “She’s new to Ponyville, so ah’m cuttin’ her some slack, that’s all.”
“Oh, there’s no need for that.” Sparkler said, her horn beginning to glow. One of her saddlebags opened up and two gold coins floated out of it. She handed them to Carbon, then pulled two apples from the pile. “There, I’ll take one for myself, if you don’t mind.”
“Um, sure…” Carbon said, watching the unicorn as she placed one of the apples into Mirror’s bag and took a bite of her own before walking away.
Mirror quickly looked between the bag and the departing unicorn, then swept up the bag and flew after her. “It was nice meeting you Applejack. Hey, wait up!”
Carbon watched the changeling with concern as she caught up to Sparkler. “Do any of you know who that changeling was? Her aura’s too erratic to fully make out.”
“No, not really. Do you have any idea, General?” Morph asked, several changelings echoing her uncertainty. Carbon thought hard about her question for a while before answering.
“I can’t be certain, but judging by the name, I think that might have been scouting drone #721, Mirror.” Carbon answered.
“Mirror? You mean the changeling who always goes off to visit the cocooned ponies in the hive?” Morph asked.
“Yes, her.” Carbon said, “Anyway, it’s not important right now. I’ll try and speak with her later, but for now, we need to focus on the invasion, and on our rescue of Reflect. General Carbon out.”
---
Four nights later, Carbon was standing outside the Ponyville prison with several other changelings, hidden behind a cluster of trees as they looked at a large wagon parked near the building. “Are we ready, Transparence?” General Carbon asked, looking at the changeling currently disguised as a green pegasus mare. He himself had transformed into a caramel-colored unicorn. Transparence looked around at their assembled rescue team, which consisted of eight changelings in addition to the two of them. All ten were disguised as members of the Royal Guard.
“Yes, General. We’re set to go.” Transparence confirmed. “The guards are still preparing for transport.”
“Can you see Reflect?” Carbon asked.
“Reflect is being held in a cage near their wagon, General.” Transparence answered.
Carbon nodded. “Does every changeling remember the plan?”
The changelings all nodded in the affirmative. He pointed through the trees of the forest at the wagon. “Then let’s move!”
The ten changelings rushed forward, galloping the short distance toward the stopped wagon. As they neared, Carbon saw that there were only two guardsponies patrolling around Reflect’s cage. The general smirked; only two guards? These ponies were making this rescue almost too easy.
The stallions stopped and took notice of the squad of fake guards coming toward the camp. One guard trotted over to the disguised changelings, and Carbon stepped forward to meet him.
"Captain Springfield reporting for duty with orders from Shining Armor himself." Carbon recited, using the name of a Canterlot captain.
"Really?" The stallion said skeptically, "No one told us about backup arriving."
"The order was given out just now. Her Royal Highness wanted to make sure the prisoner got back safe and sound to Canterlot for his trial." Carbon paused for a moment, glancing with concern toward the cage holding Reflect. The changeling’s eyes were bright with hope at the sight of his rescuers, and he was struggling to keep a grin from spreading across his face. "He is safe and sound, correct?"
The guard looked toward the cage, then turned back with a nod. "Just a little under the weather, that’s all."
"Mind if we see him?" Carbon asked, making a move towards the steel cell. He stopped mid-step when the guard side-stepped in front of him.
"Woah there," He said sternly, "Nopony is going near that prisoner."
"But we're backup!" Transparence argued, "We have as much authority over this matter as you do!"
“Patience, Transparence.” Carbon warned her mentally, “This is a gentle procedure. We want to get out of here without too much trouble, so let’s handle this with diplomacy.”
"That remains to be seen," The stallion said angrily, "Let me run this by my commanding officer..."
“Okay, diplomacy’s failed. Let’s take them out.” Carbon commanded quickly, his horn glowing and firing a stun spell toward the guard. The guard didn't even have time to react before the blast hit him and sent him crashing to the ground, limbs twitching and face frozen in shock.
His partner cried out in shock and rushed to his partner's side. He looked up at the fake captain accusingly. “You!”
Carbon didn't give him the chance to continue, incapacitating the guard with another spell. “Go, quickly!”
The rescue team reacted immediately, running over to the cage and breaking the chains that held it together. Reflect grinned widely, gratitude clear in his expression.
“I knew you’d come!” Reflect said, “I knew you wouldn't let those ponies take me!”
“Of course not, Reflect.” Transparence responded, “The swarm’s got to stick together, after all!”
A blast of amber magic suddenly shot past Carbon’s face, and the general turned to see four unicorn guards running toward them, having heard the commotion. “The reunion will have to wait. We've got reinforcements here!”
Carbon turned and fired off another stun spell, striking an advancing stallion and sending him crashing to the ground. “Transparence, keep Reflect safe; the rest of you, take them out!”
The changelings nodded and ran forward, intercepting two of the guards and leaving Carbon to take on what seemed to be their captain. The two traded blows with each other and tried to hit the other with close-range magic, but while the captain had the advantage in physical strength, Carbon was much more skilled in magic. He suddenly teleported and reappeared behind the stunned stallion. Rearing up, Carbon brought his hooves down on the captain’s back, forcing him to the ground.
“Good night, Captain.” Carbon hissed, blasting him with a burst of magic. The general stepped off the unconscious stallion and turned to the rest of his team, who had taken care of the last two guards. “Take them away, put them somewhere where nopony will find them.”
The changelings nodded and began dragging the defeated guards away toward the forest. General Carbon scanned the area to make sure their fighting hadn't attracted anymore unwanted attention, then turned and grinned at Transparence. “Transparence, I assume you’ll be taking care of Reflect?”
“Yes, if that’s suitable, Reflect.” Transparence said, looking at said changeling.
Reflect nodded. “Fine by me. Can’t go back to being that blue pony anymore, can I?”
“I doubt it. We’re trying to avoid suspicion. By the way, how’s recruitment going?” Carbon asked Transparence. “Once we replace these guards, it should be easier to bring new changelings in.”
“Indeed. I've spoken with every changeling that’s come into Ponyville since the failed invasion, and they’re happy to help get revenge for the swarm.” Transparence answered, “Combined with all the changelings that were already situated in Ponyville, I’d say we've got enough soldiers for a successful invasion.”
“Maybe for the normal ponies of Ponyville, but the Elements are another matter.” Carbons said, “If the invasion is to have any hope of success, they must be eliminated first.”
“Do you have a plan for that, General?” Transparence asked.
“Oh, I’ll come up with something.” Carbon said, smirking malevolently. “By far, the most dangerous is the Element of Magic, but she shouldn't be much trouble to take out. After all, you must be aware of the little mutant she let into her home, correct?”
“Of course, General. Ditto, right?” Transparence said. Carbon nodded in confirmation. “And then there’s Mirror, too. She’s staying with Fluttershy, after all. Are you going to use her as well?”
“Oh, most definitely.” Carbon nodded. “Of course, I have to get her alone first, but there’s a party for her being hosted tomorrow night. That’ll be as good a time as any.”
“By the way, General, I should probably make sure you’re aware of this.” Transparence said somewhat nervously. Carbon looked at her, raising an eyebrow in concern. “One of the changelings that’s come into Ponyville…”
“Yes?” Carbon asked.
“Well, you remember the pony who found our hive before the invasion? The one we put in a conversion chrysalis?” Transparence began.
“Yes, I remember. Golden Harvest, if I remember correctly.” Carbon nodded. “Are you saying she’s in Ponyville?”
“Yes, she is, and she doesn't seem to want anything to do with the invasion.” Transparence said, “You don’t think she’ll be trouble, do you?”
Carbon thought about it. A rebellious synthetic changeling who had not been properly rehabilitated would be nothing but trouble. “I’ll take care of her. For now, though, let’s all return home. You all did a remarkable job tonight; you’ve earned a rest. Attend the party tomorrow, relax. Just leave everything to me.”
“How could this happen?! How could Queen Chrysalis have made her High-General?!” Carbon shouted, furiously pacing the floor of the council chamber.
“I don’t know. Queen Chrysalis always did have a soft spot for the empathy-sick hatchling.” Another changeling general said. She was the only one who had stuck around to listen to Carbon’s rant, and she seemed to watch him with thinly-veiled amusement. “By the way, you might want to stop that before you dig a rut in the floor. I don’t think Queen Chrysalis will like that in her council chamber.”
“This is serious, Portrait!” Carbon growled, though he stopped pacing. He slumped down, his voice carrying a defeated tone. “How could Queen Chrysalis have chosen her? She’s not fit for this job. She doesn't care for the swarm; she only cares about that pony.”
“Oh, I know, Carbon.” Portrait said, “And I’m sure Queen Chrysalis does, too. She probably chose Double because she’s crazy powerful and smart. You know what they say about her; all brains, all brawn, no heart.”
Carbon didn't say anything, so Portrait continued. “Empathy sickness is a funny thing, you know? I mean, I like ponies too - or at least I did, before you guys stuffed me into a cocoon and changed me into this! No hard feelings, of course; I’m quite happy with my current lot.”
Carbon looked up at her. With how much like a changeling she acted, it was easy to forget that General Portrait had once been a unicorn by the name of Portrait Art who had been captured and transformed into a synthetic changeling after she wandered too close to the hive. Carbon and Portrait were currently cut off from the swarm due to a spell Carbon had cast on the room, so he couldn't hear her thoughts, but sometimes he wondered if she has really as happy as she claimed to be.
“Now that I think about it, it’s actually pretty funny.” Portrait said, “I’m a pony who lived the changeling life and decided she liked being a changeling, and Double’s a changeling who lived the pony life and decided she liked that better! Isn't that ironic, Carbon?”
Carbon shrugged and looked away, staring at the wall of the cavern. The general was just about to head off to his living chamber to brood in silence when Portrait spoke up to someone that wasn't him.
“Image! Pattern! Come on in, I wanted to talk to you!” Portrait said, smiling at two changelings passing by the chamber entrance. The two young scouting drones exchanged confused glances, then flew into the room. The both suddenly stopped as the spell on the room cut off their link to the swarm, and Portrait smiled comfortingly and motioned toward Carbon.
“His spell. General Carbon doesn't want the whole swarm listening in on his rant, though with how loud he is, I’m surprised they haven’t heard him anyway.” Portrait laughed when the general glared at her, “Aw, lighten up Carbon! I’m kidding, sheesh!”
She looked away from the general and back to the two changelings. “Come on, you two, take a seat! There’s no need to worry; mean old General Switcher isn't here to yell at you!”
Image and Pattern exchanged looks once more before flying over and taking seats at the long table in the center of the chamber. Portrait gave them a sympathetic smile. “How are you two doing? Well, I’d hope.”
“Y-Yes, General Portrait. We’re doing fine.” Image said, looking at her brother out of the corner of her eye.
“I’d hope so. Such a shame about High-General Echo, isn't it? You two were there at the battle sight, weren't you? You saw him die.” Portrait said, frowning sadly.
“Y-Yes, we were there. With High-General Double.” Pattern said, “We didn't exactly see him die; the griffins were keeping us occupied. But we saw the rock slide-”
“Yes, we know about the rock slide.” Carbon interrupted. He stared down at the ground sadly. “High-General Echo’s death has hit us all hard.”
“A true tragedy, indeed. High-General Echo was beloved by all the swarm.” Portrait said, shaking her head. “I know Queen Chrysalis doesn't want the details of that horrific battle to get out to the swarm, but would you care to tell us more about it? After all, they say talking out your traumas is one of the best ways of dealing with it.”
“There’s not much to tell.” Image said, “Queen Chrysalis explained most of it. Our attack on that griffin outpost was exposed and we got into a fight with the griffins, and then High-General Double caused that rockslide-”
“Wait, what?!” Carbon practically shouted, looking at the two drones with renewed interest. He flew over to them, ignoring how they cringed in fear as he got near. “Say that again.” Queen Chrysalis hadn't mentioned anything about Double’s involvement in the attack…
“H-High-General Double b-blasted the cliffside over the outpost with magic. She said that if we couldn't capture the outpost, then we should just destroy it instead.” Image said, stumbling over her words. “S-She gave us all warning about it, but High-General Echo was attacked by that griffin and…”
“I see…” Carbon growled, thinking over the drone’s words. “So that rockslide wasn't a coincidence; Double caused it…”
“What are you saying, Carbon?” Portrait asked, tilting her head inquisitively.
“Think about it. Double always did want to be High-General, and High-General Echo was in the prime of his life; he wasn’t retiring anytime soon.” Carbon said, “The only way to become High-General at this point would be if the current High-General was to pass away…”
“Are you saying Double planned to kill High-General Echo in that attack?” Portrait asked, glaring lightly at Carbon, “That’s a very serious accusation, Carbon.”
“Now don’t assume; I’m not saying anything.” Carbon rebuked, “Still you must admit the circumstances are rather strange. The High-General died in an attack that Double just happened to be a part of, and then she was chosen as High-General by the Queen right after. It could be just coincidence, but you never know…”
Flapping his wings, Carbon flew over the three changelings and landed at the entrance to the cavern, smirking at them. “I’ll be leaving now. It’s been nice chatting with you.”
Carbon flew off, and the spell on the chamber shattered, allowing the thoughts of the swarm to flood into the minds of the three changelings once more. Portrait, Image, and Pattern exchanged confused looks as they stared after the general.
---
Sure enough, the rumor spread like wildfire through the swarm’s link. Within days, every changeling in the hive was convinced that Double had purposely killed High-General Echo in order to become High-General herself. Double was ostracized by the swarm to the point where the only ones who would approach her were Photo, the other generals, and Queen Chrysalis herself, who magically cut Double’s connection to preserve the poor changeling’s sanity. Furious with the rumor and obvious sabotage of her High-General, Chrysalis ordered a meeting of the hive in the main chamber.
The main chamber was an enormous cavern that could hold every changeling in the swarm. Every changeling currently in the hive was there, and Queen Chrysalis stood above them on a large ledge, Double and Photo beside her, the High-General curled up in panic with her friend trying her best to comfort her. Queen Chrysalis slowly turned her withering glare on the assembled changelings, her gaze resting on Carbon for several accusing seconds. The Queen’s thoughts were closed off to the swarm, which many considered to be a blessing given how upset she was.
Chrysalis held up a hoof for silence, waiting until the swarm quieted down before speaking. “Since the beginning of our changeling kingdom, we changelings have always been connected, sharing every thought, every memory. So with all that, I was quite certain that the one thing we’d never have to worry about within the swarm would be lies and false rumors. Obviously, I was mistaken.”
The Queen stamped her hoof on the ground, sending out a wave of magic through the cavern to scare the changelings assembled before her. “I am very disappointed in all of you. I had thought that we would have enough trust in each other to not accuse each other of conspiracy and murder based on mere rumor!”
Chrysalis’s anger faded somewhat, and she shifted into a more relaxed stance. “Now, this is partly my fault. I should have told the whole truth of Echo’s death instead of hiding a part of it. But hear me now; the reason I withheld that information is because I saw no need to reveal it. High-General Echo’s death was an accident, nothing more! High-General Double did indeed cause the rockslide, but it was merely an unfortunate effect of her initial intent to simply bring down part of the cliff to destroy the outpost. Echo would have escaped the larger collapse had it not been for that griffin dragging him down into it. His death was not conspired or planned, and I am appalled that you could possibly think otherwise!”
The cavern remained silent, and Carbon could feel the collective shame of the swarm at their foolish assumptions. Queen Chrysalis surveyed them all for a few moments longer before speaking. “Now, let’s put this incident behind us. I don’t want to hear another word of this again. You are all dismissed.”
The changelings slowly fled from the main chamber, and Queen Chrysalis flew over to Carbon, stopping and glaring down at him with venomous anger. “I know you were the cause of this, General. I am not known as the Queen of Lies among my enemies for nothing; you cannot keep anything a secret from me.” Her eyes narrowed further. “Do not let this happen again.”
Chrysalis flew off toward her chambers, and Carbon stared after her, feelings of shame and anger warring within him. An amused giggle from behind broke him out of his thoughts. “That could have been a good move, General. Shame you didn't plan it out further before executing it. It really was an accident, after all; no lies there.”
Carbon turned around to see Double hovering before him, a smug grin on her face. “What are you talking about?”
“Our game, General. Don’t tell me you've forgotten.” Double said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Carbon rolled his eyes. “ Isn't that game over? You’re High-General now, aren't you?”
Double shook her head, making small clicks of disappointment. “Tut tut, General. That’s not what our game was about. True, that was an essential part of it, but our true game is something much bigger.”
“Will you stop being cryptic and just tell me what you mean?!” Carbon growled. The High-General’s thoughts were still blocked off to him, so he had no way of telling her true feelings or intent.
Double just continued to smile, shaking her head once more. “You’ll find out when the time comes. Just know this: the Generals’ Game has barely begun. You've made your move, and in time, I’ll make mine. Look forward to it, General.”
“What is that crazy changeling doing, Morph?” Carbon growled, watching Mirror run through the crowd of ponies in a panic through the eyes of his subordinates. This party Pinkie Pie threw was supposed to be in honor of the changeling, but she sure didn't act like it. Carbon couldn't help feeling concern for her once more; from what he remembered, Mirror had always been a rather confident changeling amongst the swarm.
“I don’t know, she just- ooh, that had to hurt!” Morph said, cringing as she saw Mirror crash straight into Twilight in her blind panic.
“You don’t think she’s got brain damage in addition to a broken horn and leg, do you?” Carbon asked, taking a bite of an apple cupcake at the desert table. Hmm, not bad.
“Possibly. I’m pretty sure she was a lot less jumpy before.” Morph said. The changeling listened in on the conversation for a few more minutes, with Carbon listening as well. At one point, Carbon felt Morph freeze in fear at a comment of Twilight’s.
“Well, it’s getting a little crowded in here. I didn't realize so many ponies lived in Ponyville; it feels like there are more here than usual.” Carbon heard over the link.
“She’s onto us…” Morph said.
Carbon rolled his eyes and sighed. “No, she’s not. Be serious about this. Just keep watch on her for now and-” Carbon paused as he saw a flash of bright blue out of the corner of his eye. “Hold on. I’ll be right back.”
Carbon turned to see Rainbow Dash land in front of him. “Yes, Rainbow?”
“Hey, Applejack. I just wanted to come talk to you… you know, about yesterday.” Rainbow Dash said hesitantly, “I’m sorry if I made you mad. I didn't mean it.”
Carbon sighed, recalling the incident she was talking about. The pegasus had tried to goad him into participating in some insignificant contest, and he had lost his temper and shouted at her. He had managed to cover it up with an excuse about Applebuck Season, but the incident, along with some suspicious signs of tampering around the old apple cellar and an unexpected rain shower courtesy of an overcurious Mirror, had left him in a rather sour mood that day.
Still, Carbon put on a friendly smile. If he was going to uphold this charade, he might as well make an effort to be kind to these ponies. “S’okay, Rainbow. Ah know ya didn't. Ah was just feelin’ a bit stressed yesterday, that’s all.”
“Right, so then, do you want to hang out here?” Rainbow Dash asked, visibly relieved.
“Sure, Ah got nothin’ better to do.” Carbon muttered, “So, how’s life fer ya? Anything interestin’?” He asked in a louder tone.
“Nah, not really.” Rainbow shrugged, “Although, there is one thing. You know that new pony, Mirror, right?”
“Yup, Ah know her. Saw her yesterday at the farm when she was tryin’ ta get a raincloud, apparently on your orders.” Carbon said, giving her an accusing stare at the last part.
“Heh, yeah well, did anypony tell you about what happened at the library when Pinkie and Fluttershy brought her over?” Rainbow Dash asked, trying to change the subject.
“…Nope, Ah don’t believe anypony has. Why don’t ya tell me?” Carbon asked, genuinely curious. Ditto’s connection to the swarm was still out for some reason, so he had no one looking into what was happening inside the library.
“Wait… is that Golden Harvest?” Morph’s voice inquired in his head, and Carbon turned his attention away from the talking pegasus.
“What?” Carbon asked.
“G-Golden Harvest! She’s talking to Mirror by the dessert table. Can’t you see them?” Morph answered.
Carbon looked away to see Mirror and an earth pony wreathed in green flames a short distance away. The earth pony was glaring at her and saying something to the frightened changeling, but Carbon didn't have time to listen as Rainbow Dash spoke up.
“Hey, are you listening?” The annoyed pegasus asked.
“Of course Ah am!” Carbon said a little too quickly, “Somethin’ just caught mah eye, that’s all. Continue.”
Rainbow Dash stared at him for a little while longer before breaking into a smile. “Well, if you say so!”
As Rainbow began speaking once more, Carbon looked to see Golden Harvest walking away with Mirror staring after her in stunned silence. He was only half-listening as he tuned into the link once more. “What happened?”
“I-I don’t know, General.” Morph said, sounding very nervous. “H-Her thoughts were blocked off!”
“What?!” Carbon shouted mentally, feeling Morph cringe over the link.
“I swear she wasn't like that when she first came in. Granted, I didn't pay much attention to her thoughts; they were so full of anger and hate, I was worried I could get hate poisoning from them. But I guess she cut her thoughts from the swarm afterward and we just never noticed.” Morph hastily explained.
“But how did she do it? Only the changeling generals know how to hide their thoughts, so who could have taught…” Carbon trailed off as a chilling thought came to him. “Double… nevermind. Just keep watching her. I’ll deal with this later.”
Ignoring Morph's flux of concern toward him, Carbon turned his attention back to Rainbow Dash just to hear the end of her sentence. “…and then she just kicked Twilight right in the face!”
“Really? She just bucked her fer no reason?” Carbon asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, I don’t think so. I wasn't actually there for it; Pinkie Pie told me what happened.” Rainbow Dash said. “She said Twilight was getting a little too up-close-and-personal about the whole Daring Do thing.”
“Ya mean like how ya were around her?” Carbon asked smugly, unable to resist riling up the pegasus.
“Hey, she looked exactly like her! You can’t blame me for getting excited! But still, I wish I could have been there to see that! Twilight’s an egghead, sure, but she doesn't need to be bucked in the face for it!” Rainbow Dash laughed.
Carbon was about to respond when a loud bump and a cry of pain came from underneath the desert table. The two stopped talking, and Carbon turned around to stare at the ground, seeing something beneath the tablecloth. He lifted it up to see Mirror laying on the ground, rubbing her head and whimpering softly.
“Mirror? What are ya doin’ down there?” Carbon asked. Rainbow Dash looked under as well to see what Carbon was talking about. “I thought I told you to watch her, Morph!”
“You told me to watch Golden Harvest! I can’t pay attention to everything at once!” Morph defended herself.
“I…uh…” Mirror said, crawling out from under the table and standing nervously in front of the two ponies.
“Were ya eavesdroppin’ on us?” Carbon asked, frowning at her. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in wordless confusion.
“I-I just overheard you, and I wanted to find out what you were…” Mirror trailed off uncomfortably, and Carbon took notice of how some ponies were being drawn to their commotion.
“Well? What did ya want?” Carbon asked again, dismissing the onlookers.
“I…” Mirror squeaked, practically shaking with anxiety. “I…have to go water…the…sun…well, look at the time! I gotta go! Bye!”
Without warning, Mirror turned and rushed out the bakery door, flying so fast that the resulting wind knocked several ponies over. Rainbow Dash and Carbon stood there in silence, staring at the spot where she once was.
“…One day, I’m going to challenge that pony to a race! I wonder if a thundercloud going off next to her will be enough to get her going…” Rainbow Dash said. Carbon gave her a deadpan stare in response. “…What?”
“Nothin’.” Carbon muttered, shaking his head.
“Um, General? We have a problem…” Morph said through the link.
“What sort of problem?” Carbon growled. He was not in the mood for this right now.
“Golden Harvest is gone. I've spoken with the other changelings, and she’s not in the building anymore.” Morph explained, “One of them said that she just left, right after Mirror did. Sir, you don’t think Golden Harvest has a grudge against Mirror, do you?”
“Anything’s possible.” Carbon said. “I’m going after them. Stay here; this could get ugly.”
Looking back at Rainbow Dash, Carbon made up a quick excuse to leave. “Ah’m gonna go out and check up on her, make sure she’s okay. Ah’ll be back soon.”
Without waiting for a reply, Carbon barged through the crowd of ponies and changelings to emerge into the cold night air of Ponyville. He transformed and flew off, tracing Golden Harvest’s signature out into the outskirts of the town, near the border of his thought-concealing area spell. Carbon reached it just in time to see Mirror and Golden Harvest, both in changeling form, engaged in a fierce battle; one in which Mirror was clearly losing.
Carbon watched the battle from afar, hovering in the air. Golden Harvest was clearly bent on killing Mirror, and that was something he couldn't tolerate. The general tuned in with the rest of the swarm. “Can you all see this?”
Thoughts of confirmation answered his question. “Yes, General. You’re not going to let this stand, are you?” Morph asked.
“Of course not; that synthetic changeling will pay for this. On my orders, you will all attack her at once. Understood?” Carbon asked.
“Yes, General!” The swarm chorused.
Carbon continued watching until he saw Golden Harvest lunge and pin Mirror to the ground. The smaller changeling made no effort to escape as her attacker began charging up a spell. “It’s now or never. Now!”
At his command, every changeling within Ponyville collectively aimed their anger at Golden Harvest. The onslaught of thought broke through the barriers created by her spell and exposed her fully to their fury. The synthetic changeling began screaming in pain, stumbling off of Mirror and landing on the ground, where she continued screeching and holding her hooves to her ears in a futile effort to block out the furious shrieking in her mind.
Much to Carbon’s surprise, however, Mirror got to her hooves and ran over to Golden Harvest, trying to help her. She screamed the changeling’s name, first crying out “Golden Harvest,” and when that failed, she shouted “Carrot Top” instead. Carbon didn't understand why, but that got her a hoof to the face as Golden Harvest somehow fought through the swarm’s attack to get on her hooves. The insane changeling lunged at Mirror once more, and Carbon readied his magic to attack.
But someone beat him to it. A blast of purple magic shot out of nowhere to strike the synthetic changeling and knock her out of the air. Carbon looked down, only to see the last of a purple bubble popping out of existence. Someone else was here! That was teleportation… could that have been the Element of Magic?
Carbon pushed it from his mind for now as he flew down to land on the ground before the two changelings. Mirror stared at him in shocked recognition. “General Carbon?!”
Carbon ignored her, watching as Golden Harvest picked herself up to continue fighting. He couldn't help feeling impressed by her determination, but the synthetic changeling needed to be taken care of right now. Narrowing his eyes, Carbon immediately charged up a powerful blast of magic and shot it at her. Golden Harvest, too hurt to dodge, let out a scream of pain as the magic coursed through her. As the light faded, she fell to the ground and laid still.
“Is…is she…?” Mirror asked, clearly shaken by the brutal attack.
“No, just unconscious.” Carbon answered. He quickly brought up his thought barrier again to speak privately with the changeling. “It’s good to see you again, Mirror. I was worried for you.”
“You were?” Mirror asked, breaking into a smile. “I’m so glad you can recognize me!”
“Yes, well, it was difficult to tell exactly who you were thanks to that,” Carbon said, gesturing to her broken horn. “But I was able to make the connection easily enough. My apologies, though; when I figured it out, I spread the information to every changeling in Ponyville’s range. Golden Harvest must have picked up on it.”
“Wait, the rest of the swarm knows I’m here?” Mirror asked, “Why hasn't anyone said anything to me?”
“We knew your horn was broken. You wouldn't have recognized anyone, and could have jeopardized our cover if we had tried anything.” Carbon said. He gave her a somewhat accusatory look, recalling the incident with Reflect. “Well, you would have jeopardized more changelings’ covers, anyway.”
“Th-That was an accident! We didn't know!” Mirror stuttered. “What happened to him, anyway? I heard he escaped.”
Carbon nodded. “Reflect? Yes, he escaped. We helped him. I organized several changelings together, and we attacked the guards and rescued him while they were getting ready for transport.”
“What happened to the guards?” Mirror asked.
“…It’s better that you don’t know.” Carbon said simply. Granted, being cocooned in the Everfree Forest probably wasn't as bad as whatever she was imagining, but he couldn't resist messing with the skittish changeling.
“…What happened to her?” Mirror asked, looking towards Golden Harvest’s unconscious body.
“The swarm doesn't take kindly to rebellion. Any changeling that tries to rebel or desert the hive is severely punished through mental assault.” Carbon answered, “As for what led to this, well, some ponies just can’t handle being part of the swarm. This is a common result of conversion.”
“What? That’s horrible!” Mirror gasped, “Being part of the swarm is supposed to be a good thing! The best thing that could possibly happen! Why would conversion end up like…this?!”
Carbon rolled his eyes. This was the problem with most common drones; they were too blindly loyal to understand that the swarm’s way wasn't completely perfect. “You’re too young, too idealistic; you wouldn't understand.”
Changing the subject, he then smiled down at Mirror. “Would you like to meet the changelings here in Ponyville? I’m sure they’d all be happy to see you again.”
“Really?!” Mirror asked, her eyes lighting up with joy.
“Of course. You’ll be able to finally stop hiding from that Element of Harmony wielder you’re living with and stay with us!” Carbon said, “You’ll finally be amongst family again!”
Mirror’s smile fell suddenly. “What? Why? There’s no harm; she knows who I am!”
That stopped Carbon cold. Frowning, his eyes narrowed in anger and disbelief. “What?”
“Fluttershy! She knows I’m a changeling! Pinkie Pie, too!” Mirror explained, breaking into a smile. “They know, and they’re okay with it! They’re my friends, sir!”
“Friends?” Carbon repeated, his voice full of distain. “Changelings can’t be friends with ponies! It’s impossible!”
“What do you mean?” Mirror asked, looking genuinely confused. “They like and accept me despite what I am, and I care about them! I like being with them, and they like being with me. The three of us are friends. How is that impossible?”
Carbon kept his steady glare on her for several moments. A horrifying thought suddenly came to him, and his eyes widened in realization. “You have the empathy sickness.”
“The…what?” Mirror asked, tilting her head in confusion.
“The empathy sickness!” Carbon repeated, “Every so often a changeling returns to the hive with the ability to feel emotions towards non-changeling species. It’s called the empathy sickness.” The general was beating himself up on the inside. Stupid! I should have realized this as soon as she brought up that pegasus at the market!
“How is that a sickness?” Mirror asked.
Carbon stared at her in disbelief. Did she really not understand? “It hurts our ability to survive! How would we be able to feed if we felt compassion for our food sources and guilt every time we took love from them?”
“That doesn’t mean anything! I can feed just fine! There’s nothing wrong!” Mirror protested.
“…Would you choose them over the swarm?” Carbon asked suddenly. He had to know how far gone she was to the sickness.
Mirror was taken aback by the question. “What? No! I mean, I love the swarm, but with my horn broken, aren't I just a liability? Aren’t I better off just staying with one of the Elements? And what of Queen Chrysalis’s orders? She said that we’re supposed to blend in and stay hidden in the event of her absence, so isn't it better that I stay with ponies that know me and can help me?”
She was making excuses, and Carbon knew it. “…I suppose so. Though I have to wonder if the Queen’s orders still hold up in the event of her death.” Mirror looked horrified at the thought of Queen Chrysalis being dead, but he brushed it off. “Come on, we should get back to the party before any guards show up.”
“But…what about her?” Mirror asked, pointing to the unconscious Golden Harvest.
“She’ll wake up soon enough. Hopefully she’ll have the sense to go back to the hive.” Carbon lied. The synthetic changeling knew about the invasion; there was no way she would be allowed to return to the hive. Looking at Mirror, he realized that the sick changeling would never agree to the invasion, and would likely alert the Elements if she found out.
With the empathy sickness, he couldn't even let her see that he had replaced an Element of Harmony. He shifted forms to a brown earth pony stallion with an hourglass cutie mark. This would likely keep her from asking questions. He began walking back towards Ponyville. “Are you coming?”
“Um, yeah. Hold on, I’ll be there soon.” Mirror answered. Carbon left the changeling and began the slow walk back, allowing himself to become lost in his thoughts.
Double. It has to have been her. What other changeling would teach that spell to a synthetic changeling? Even General Portrait wouldn't do that. Carbon thought, Is this what she was talking about? Is this her move? It’s not a very good one. What could she have possibly hoped for a newly-converted changeling to accomplish?
Another thought suddenly came to the general. Does this mean she knows? How could she? I’ve blocked us all off from the swarm, and I’ve made sure no changeling’s exited Ponyville since my arrival. Perhaps she just recognized the shield around Ponyville and realized it must have been my spell…
This revelation brought up new worries for the general. If High-General Double was aware of the invasion, or at least that something was up, then perhaps the invasion should be postponed? Or maybe it would be better to speed up and launch it before Double has the chance to mobilize. Carbon let out a loud sigh as he walked, old anger returning.
Regardless, you will not win, High-General. You may think you’re in control, but believe me: I will not go down without a fight…