Chapter 2: The Princess and the Queen
Equestrian Camp, South of Canterlot, Equestria, Gaia, Summer, 56 C.E.
The scents of sweat, blood, fire, metal, and wood moved through the air as the Doctor and Twilight were led through the camp of the Equestrian army. The camp was large, about half the size of modern day Ponyville, and was filled with yellow and white tents that flapped in the hot summer breezes. Twilight didn't like being in the camp. Every other pony she came across had some injury of sorts ranging from bad bruises to lost eyes and limbs. She felt her heart skip a beat as she came across a group of unicorns who had their horns nearly sawed off. Some were groaning in pain and were being tended to by nurse ponies.
"I'm glad we don't have wars in my time," Twilight whispered to the Doctor. "I don't think anypony back home would be able to stomach a lot of this."
"You're lucky. Back in my universe, there's always a war going on somewhere in the universe," the Doctor whispered back.
"Here we are," said the stallion soldier leading them. The Doctor and Twilight looked to see that they had been brought to a large, golden tent in the center of the camp. Equestrian flags hung from it. The stallion walked forward and stuck his head through the front curtains. A moment later, he brought his head back out. "You may enter. The Princess is ready for you."
"Thank you," said the Doctor as he led himself and Twilight into the tent.
The Doctor couldn't help but feel impressed as he entered the tent. The tent was much bigger on the inside than it was on the outside. On the inside, the tent was at least the size of a gymnasium.
"Looks like you ponies can pull the same tricks," the Doctor said with a chuckle.
"It's a very difficult spell to pull off, though," Twilight added.
"Forward," ordered a commanding voice. The Doctor and Twilight stepped forward. As they walked, they examined the objects inside the tent. The interior of the tent contained a massive war council table, several shelves of weapons and books, ingredients for potions, a massive bed, a kitchen area, a lounging area, and a large throne. The Doctor and Twilight approached the throne. Sitting in the throne was none other than Princess Celestia herself; however, Twilight couldn't help but note that she looked much different when compared to the Celestia that Twilight knew. Her eyes were dark and cold, her mane refused to magically flow and instead fell down like any other pony's mane, a pointed and golden war helmet was perched on top of her head, and she had an expression on her face that filled Twilight with an overwhelming sense of fear. Twilight couldn't believe what was happening. She was scared of Princess Celestia! No, scratch that, she was terrified of Princess Celestia! The Celestia sitting before the Doctor and Twilight looked she would snap somepony's neck just for talking with bad grammar. Celestia turned to the soldiers standing next to her throne. "Leave us." The soldiers nodded and quickly made their way out of the tent. Celestia then proceeded to glare at her visitors for a few, tense seconds. The Doctor proceeded to awkwardly clear his throat.
"Well, your majesty, this is certainly a new look for you. I've yet to come across you looking like this. It's an interesting change," the Doctor said, wondering whether she would take it as a compliment or an insult.
"Cut the smalltalk, Doctor. You certainly took your time getting here," Celestia snapped. The Doctor gulped. The Princess's voice was sharp and demanding. It had a tone that resembled that of a dictator. Celestia let out a long sigh before continuing to glare at the Doctor. "Do you know how long this war has been going on, Doctor?"
"I've only just arrived, your majesty. I was not even aware that a war was happening until my companion and I were led into your camp."
"Two years. Now, considering the normal length of wars, that isn't quite as long as one would expect. However, we are dealing with a dangerous and ruthless enemy. Perhaps you've seen some of my injured soldiers on your way to my tent."
"Yes. I did see them."
"Could you be a little bit more explicit about the dangers to come when you go to visit my past self in your future?"
"Hmm?"
"Nearly three years ago, I was talking a walk through the Silent Forest. You appeared there and approached me. You warned me of the events that were to come about and that you would be there to help me. However, you left a few details out. You didn't tell me what I was to be fighting against, you didn't tell me how long this conflict would last, and you didn't tell me how long I'd have to wait for you to show up."
"Your majesty...I-"
"Two years goes by much slower than you think, Doctor. Especially when there's a war going on."
"You can't blame the Doctor for this!" Twilight snapped suddenly. Celestia stood up and Twilight instantly shrunk back. Celestia smiled and took a few steps forward.
"I don't believe we've met. What's your name, unicorn?"
"Twilight."
"Twilight...you're brave, Twilight. Nopony's snapped at me like that in a long time. I see potential in you." Twilight wasn't fond of this Celestia but she couldn't help but feel a bit happy about hearing those words come from Celestia's mouth. "Do not fear, Twilight, I do not hold any anger for the Doctor, despite my appearance. War does a lot to a pony. It makes them wish for more clues as to how to overthrow their enemies."
"I've never been particularly fond of wars," said the Doctor.
"Nopony is," said Celestia. "Nopony except for those changelings. A few years ago, changelings were nothing more than little tribes. Then they went and formed their little nation in the south and decided to come up here and invade us. I've spent the last two years trying to drive them back...but they just won't give up. They're relentless."
"Princess Celestia...two of our friends have been captured by the Changelings," said Twilight. "We could really appreciate some-"
"In order to help your friends, you've got to help me end this war. There is simply no other option."
"But...what will happen to them in the meantime?"
"I cannot say, Twilight. Few who are taken by the changelings live long enough to recount their experiences to the rest of us."
Changeling Camp, South of the Silent Forest, Equestria, Gaia, Summer, 56 C.E.
Donna's heart raced as she and Derpy were led through the camp. The camp was located in the middle of a massive cave that had been blasted into a mountain next to the forest. Donna couldn't help but feel intimidated as all of the strange creatures stared at her.
"What are they?" Donna whispered to Derpy.
"Changelings. They're not really nice," Derpy replied.
"I can see that." Donna took another look at the changelings before looking back at Derpy. "What I can't see is why they all look like walking slabs of Swiss cheese."
"Silence!" snapped the changeling leading Donna and Derpy. They came to a sudden halt and the changeling pushed Derpy and Donna to the ground. "Bow to the future Queen of the World!" Derpy and Donna looked forward to see to fairly large, female changeling approach them. She had long, blue-gray hair; sharp, green eyes; and a long, red, serpentine tongue.
"I'm surprised. This one doesn't have any holes," Donna whispered to Derpy.
"SILENCE!" snapped the female changeling. Donna jumped a bit. "I am Queen Esmeralda, this is my army, and...I am curious to know who you are." Donna could tell that Queen Esmeralda was talking about her.
"Donna. Donna Noble."
"Interesting name, I must say, but what are you?"
"I'm a human."
"I've never heard of your kind. You must be quite rare."
"From the look of things, I think I'm the only one of my kind here."
"Even better. You shall make an excellent pet."
"Hold on! I'm nobody's pet!" Donna yelped as several soldiers pointed spears at her.
"Please, soldiers, lower your weapons. I'd rather that you'd not damage my property." The soldiers lowered their weapons and took a few steps back.
"Why are you invading Equestria?!" Derpy snapped. Esmeralda rolled her eyes and took a few steps towards the pegasus.
"A pegasus, I see. I've seen many of your kind come through here. I've enjoyed pulling their wings off." Derpy gulped. "Does that frighten you?" Derpy took in a deep breath and sighed.
"No. It doesn't. I've seen far worse than you." Esmeralda looked at Derpy before letting out a loud cackle.
"You've got a lot of spirit in you. Good. That means I can have fun breaking you. Take them to the cages. I'll have my fun with them later. First, let us all prepare for our plans for tonight." The changelings nodded before grabbing Donna and Derpy and pulling them away. Esmeralda continued to speak to her soldiers. "Yes, tonight we shall crush the Equestrians once and for all."