A steam ship cruised through the sea waves. The paddle-wheel of the vessel rotated as it pushed the ocean. Its captain stared blankly, his hooves holding to the steering column. In his eyes lay the green signature of magical mind control.
Echo stood on the bowsprit of the wooden ship.
Amorpheus approached Echo. “Soon we will be in Griffin-controlled skies. Your mother, your Queen, will then greet you as her daughter. We must speak of what happened before.”
“I do not know what there is say,” said Echo.
“You killed Thorax, one of our own,” explained Amorpheus bluntly.
“No, I… Thorax …” said Echo weakly.
“To command is to kill. Your decision or indecision stopped Thorax from doing his duty. You killed Thorax, the same Thorax that was among your first guards.”
Echo’s face contorted, but she held firm, biting back the tears. Echo turned her face toward the sea to hide the turmoil written across her facial features.
Amorpheus looked at her with concern. “I fear that in sheltering you from the worst rigors of our monarch’s training, I have done a great harm. This is my weakness as well as yours. I have spoiled you.”
“Master Amorpheus, the pony saved my life once. My honor demanded repayment, and nothing more.”
“Larvi, the affection that pony had for you was real. I tested him in combat. He loved not your mask, but you. I have never seen the like. Do you reciprocate such feelings?”
Echo turned backwards. “Are you questioning my loyalty?”
“Yes,” said Amorpheus, looking down at Echo, forcing her to stare into his eyes. “Swear to me now that you will never lead me to think so again!”
“I swear it by the monarchs of old, dead and cold."
Den awoke in his hospital bed again. He groaned at the now very familiar ceiling of that hospital room. Blue was with him.
“Den, I’m sorry. I just froze up,” said Blue.
“Blue, it’s alright,” said Den. “It was illusion magic of the highest degree.”
“You overcame it,” said Blue, staring down at her hooves helplessly.
“I’m not sure how,” said Den.
Shining Armor entered their hospital room. “Here, read this,” he said, shoving Den a sealed letter.
Blue opened the letter for Den and placed it on his blanket for him to read.
Dear Dented Armor,
A panel has reviewed the circumstances regarding the Changeling known as Echo. At the insistence of Captain Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, we have decided at this time there is no sanction against Changelings in the Royal Guard. We have no right to prejudge a being who wishes to join so long as its intentions are sincere. We shall permit it then that the Changeling known as Echo, for her service in the battle of Manehatten, may continue serving under supervision. Dented Armor, her superior officer, will regularly report her progress.
Princess Celestia of Equestria
“A dozen more letters will have to be written for families of the Royal Guards that died because of that Changeling,” Shining Armor said with scorn.
“Echo wasn’t responsible,” said Den. “Other Changelings—”
“Don’t defend that creature,” said Shining Armor. “She’s corrupted you.”
“But, Den was tested for mind magic and passed,” offered Blue.
“I love Echo,” said Den.
Shining Armor placed a hoof on Den’s shoulder and, with a severe expression on his face, said: “Den, what I’m going to say, you mustn’t repeat to anyone.”
Den and Blue both nodded.
“When I was under the control of Queen Chrysalis, it wasn’t entirely mind control. If it had been just that, I would have noticed immediately when my love, Cadance, was replaced. Mind manipulation isn’t just about magic. Spies without mind magic are still just as dangerous. The deadliest poisons taste… sweet. I love my Cadance with all my heart. I still feel guilty."
“You couldn’t have known,” said Blue.
Den looked vacantly at the wall as the words sunk in: Echo could have played him for a fool even without magic.
“We don’t expect a follow-up attack soon, especially after hitting the Griffins as hard as we did,” continued Shining Armor. “This is the first time in one thousand years that Equestria faces the prospect of full-on war.” His face was racked with worry. “There will be a lot of discussion between the higher-ups. I need a Vice Captain with a clear head. Den, I want you to write those letters for the families of the fallen guards.” He placed a hoof on Den’s shoulders. “Aside from that, you have the next week off.”
The yellow glow of the sun was fading behind the blinders of the office windows. Den sat behind his desk and looked at the dossiers of the fallen guards contained in a folder. “Lance Corporal Cobalt Blaze” was the name of a particular dossier that caught his attention.
“Nearest kin: wife, Cherry Blossom; children, two…” Den grew teary-eyed as he read the piece of parchment to himself.
Blueberry stood by Den’s doorway. “You need help?” she asked tenderly.
Den wiped the tears from his eyes. “Blue, you can’t write.”
“I can fold the envelopes,” said Blue. “I can stay by you.”
Den smiled wearily. “Sure,” he said.
Den and Blue sat in the office together for some time. Den wrote each letter carefully. Sometimes, his tears stained the letters. Blue sat silently and patiently waiting with an envelope ready as he finished each one. The ritual continued late into the evening until they had made a neat stack of a dozen letters sealed with hot wax.
“At least you don’t have to deliver them,” said Blue, sighing.
“I want to visit at least one: Cobalt Blaze. His address is here, in Canterlot.”
The snow was like a thick wall; the White Wastes lived up to their name. The blinding blizzard blasted two figures as they ran from the pursuit of dark, flying shadows.
The enemy used telekinesis to launch spears at them.
The wind worsened.
“In this blizzard, we either lose our pursuers, or we lose our lives!” Zaza shouted over the howling of the winds.
The lead shadow caught up with Reagle and Zaza, but noticed too late it was too far from its kin.
Reagle turned and grabbed a spear in mid-air. “We stand and fight.” He flung the spear striking down the lead shadow.
The black Griffin fell near their feet. In green fire, it reverted to its true self.
Zaza examined the insect-like creature. “Cursed creatures. They are not Griffins; nor are they Zebra. They are the enemy of truth.” Zaza pounced and smashed one of the shadows to the ground.
“Zaza, you know of these creatures?” asked Reagle, fighting off one of the shadows.
“Yes, the cause of your father’s illness is now apparent. They are called harpies in lore. I believe the Equestrians know them by a different name.”
A ship docked at a pier on the waterfront of a great coastal city under Griffin occupation while airships hovered overhead. Pony sailors disembarked timidly under the shade of the mighty airships. A procession of Griffin guards greeted them, lining the pier. Disguised, Echo and Amorpheus walked amongst their ranks. Echo recognized the green gleam in some of the Griffin soldier’s eyes. Amorpheus followed after Echo.
“So mother is behind the Griffins,” said Echo.
“Listen, for our Queen shall test you again,” said Amorpheus. “You must look into her eyes as you did for your first test.”
Echo nodded. “I know what will be asked of me. It is customary.”
“No. This is different.”
Reagle and Zaza stood amongst a dozen dead Changelings. The blizzard intensified.
“We must find shelter!” shouted Reagle.
“Prince Reagle, look!” Zaza gestured at a cave entrance below an outcropping in the distance.
Reagle and Zaza stepped into the dry, cold cave. The Zebra mare and the Griffin hugged each other closely for warmth.
“I have abandoned my father to the black-feathered witch,” said Reagle despondently.
“We can return,” said Zaza. “I shall marshal my Zebra Zerkers. We’ll show your father the truth when we kill the witch.”
“That would end the pact between our two nations. War would follow. The Equestrians would then destroy our divided peoples.”
Zaza huffed in frustration. “This war is a contrivance! Shortly ago there was no talk of war. This Celestia is not a monster. Neither are those she commands. My exiled sister has studied amongst the ponyfolk. Her letters tell only of compassion and kindness in their company. Why don’t we speak to them?”
Reagle rubbed his forearms together nervously. “Is peace possible? They will remember Manehatten.”
“War is worse. We have met the Equestrians in combat. It will not be the easy victory we imagined.”
The morning sun was bright and welcoming, and the Canterlot streets were bustling with workers. Den and Blue arrived at their destination, a small house nestled in an alleyway. Den tapped his hoof against the plain, unpainted wooden door.
“Coby, you’re home!” a pink mare greeted them. “Oh.” Her smile evaporated as she saw Den and Blue in their Royal Guard Armor.
Den sputtered out his words. “You must be Cherry Blossom. C-could we come in?”
“Sure,” said Cherry.
Two fillies, one pink and the other teal, tugged on their mother’s apron. “Mommy, is daddy home?” they both chimed.
“No. It’s time for you two to go to school,” said Cherry kindly. “You’re going to be late. Run along now.”
“Yes, mother,” said the two fillies, filing past Den and Blue.
“Come in,” said Cherry cheerily asked.
Den and Blue seated themselves in the living room which adjoined the kitchen. Cherry sat opposite Den and Blue. She smiled at them pleasantly. Den noticed Cobalt’s sword hanging above the fireplace mantle. Pictures of the teal stallion, pink mare, and their two fillies adorned the wall around the sword. A subdued mood permeated the room, due in part to the day curtains filtering out the sunlight.
“Can I get you two anything?” asked Cherry, gesturing to a tea kettle on the kitchen stove.
“No, we…” Blue looked at the carpet, unable to say more.
“No, thank you,” said Den nervously. He spoke softly:“Your husband—he’s Cobalt Blaze?”
Cherry remained calm. “You two don’t need to say anymore. I can read what you’re going to say from you faces. He’s fallen, hasn’t he?”
“Yes,” said Blue, gritting her teeth.
Den placed a letter on the table. “You and your children will be taken care of. The Royal Guard will pay compensation.”
“I heard the Royal Guards liberated Manehatten. I’m glad Coby could have helped in a noble cause. The fool—I loved him so. He’d always spout about fighting for Equestria and the future of our children.” Cherry’s disposition was collected. Cherry looked to Blue. “Tell me how he died. Was it like the poems?”
Blue cobbled together her words. “Why, yes, I reckon Coby defeated a dozen of dem buzzards.”
Cherry then leaned toward Den with bated breath. “Tell me my Coby was glorious. Tell me he died defending the Equestria he loved.” Cherry’s eyes were wide and expecting.
Den choked on his words. “No, he died defending a Changeling. It was my fault. I’m sorry.”
“Den.” Blue looked at Den, her mouth agape.
Cherry fell back onto the couch with a despondent, blank expression. “Thank you for telling me the truth.” Cherry said softly.
They sat silently for a moment.
The tea kettle whistled threateningly.
Cherry’s face exploded with anger. “Now, get out!” Cherry jumped from the couch. She grabbed an ornamental sword on the mantle with her mouth and swatted at Den and Blue.
They ran from the crazed mare.
Cherry spat out the sword as Den and Blue were driven out of the home. “Never come here again!” Cherry screamed.
As the door slammed shut behind them, Den and Blue could hear heavy sobbing.
The two returned to the main streets. Blue punched Den in the stomach with her forelegs. “You dumb dolt! You wanna tell her that her husband pissed himself before they slit his throat too?”
Den reeled back. “I couldn’t lie to her.”
“You idiot,” said Blue with tears in her eyes.
Both Den and Blue hugged each other as they wept.
In the throne room, Queen Chrysalis sat apathetically atop her gilded throne. Undisguised Changelings flanked the carpeted aisle. Each of the Changelings wore sleek, dark armor and could be counted as a commander of more. Echo and Amorpheus walked towards the throne in between the columns of Changeling officers.
“My Queen, I bring you a Princess worthy of the colony,” said Amorpheus. He stepped back and bowed.
Queen Chrysalis rose from her chair. “I shall judge that,” she said, circling Echo and pacing about.
Echo stood motionless, looking ahead solemnly and allowing the Queen to inspect her.
Queen Chrysalis scoffed. “You call this pitiful nymph a Princess? Master Amorpheus, have you gone blind? I do not believe she took out a War Wing.”
Amorpheus spoke quickly. “Larvi has completed her training. She is—”
Queen Chrysalis raised a hoof, calling for silence. “If she is to be my daughter then she can speak for herself.” Chrysalis turned to Echo. “Answer me, the S’s in infiltration, what are the three?”
“Seduce, supplant, subvert,” responded Echo determinately.
“Be not proud; that was simple. It is greater than stars above and the strongest love. The highest noble wants for it. The lowest peasant has it. Yet it does not sustain or support.”
Echo thought for a moment. “Nothing comes to mind.”
Chrysalis mused. “You have no answer, child?”
“The answer is ‘nothing,’ ” said Echo.
“Clever," said Chrysalis with a smirk. Her tone became severe. “Now comes your real test. Do not succumb or it will destroy you. Do not look away or I will destroy you.”
Chrysalis stared into Echo’s eyes. Echo matched her gaze. Chrysalis’s pupils became emerald embers that burned away consciousness. The bleakest-black of voids surrounded Echo. Visions of starving colts, a battlefield laden with corpses, and towns stricken with plague flashed through Echo’s mind. Lifetimes of such visions coursed through her mind’s lens. The weight of the world threatened to crush her soul.
Echo tried to fight back with her own memories. The happiest shards were swiftly swallowed by the visions. The sweet nectar of Ambrosia wine was a blink. Master Amorpheus giving her a plush pony doll, several seconds. Even her first love, the lancer Constance, was devoured by the all consuming emptiness. Echo shook violently, hugging herself. She was at the Canterlot cliffs again. The wind was beckoning her to step forward. From behind, a voice called out to her.
“Echo!”
It was Den.
Echo blinked, blinded by her tears, and shuddered from a cold that touched her from within. She wiped her eyes and the room returned to focus.
Queen Chrysalis stepped back from Echo. Her expression gave no hint of approval or disdain.
“My Queen, Larvi can still be off some use!” pleaded Amorpheus. “Soldier caste, or even… banishment.”
“Silence, Amorpheus! My daughter has passed her test.” Chrysalis smiled proudly.
“What?” Amorpheus stammered.
Chrysalis’s voice boomed throughout the chamber. “That was not feeble fear. She survived pure despair! I hereby acknowledge her as my heir. There is none more worthy. Anyone to challenge this claim challenges me.”
Amorpheus bowed. All at once, the other Changeling commanders followed his lead.
Chrysalis hugged Echo from behind, turning her towards the rows of Changeling soldiers. “My daughter, kings will kill for you; the foundations of nations crumble before your feet; and even the living goddesses will cry as they die!”
Echo fought the tears as she shivered uncontrollably. Before she was able to process everything that was happening, the Changelings looked up at her and lifted their lances, crying out: “All Hail Princess Larvi! All Hail Princess Larvi!”
The coronation ceremony had begun.