“Soooo......Something happen?” Mark asked nonchalantly as he, Crystal and Sugar walked together through the forest.
Crystal let out a sigh but didn’t respond making both Sugar and Mark looked at the pegasus in worry.
After setting up their destination and taking a night’s rest (under Mark's insistence), the three had been traveling at a steady pace and were almost to their destination now. During that time, Crystal and Mark stayed relatively close and enjoyed silence in each other’s company. Sugar stayed a few feet behind the two, guarding the rear and where she could observe the pony since she didn’t know what to expect given his likely military affiliation.
‘Something’s wrong.’
‘I’m aware.’
‘Then do something about it. Crystal hasn’t been acting like herself. First she was overly cheery yesterday after your nap, then she’s like this, all....Depressing. Did you do something?'
‘That’s the problem. I remember our landing and walk, but then blank. Just... blank.’
‘So I’ll take that as a yes.’
‘NO! She’d be mad at me if it was. So would her friend. Like you said yesterday, something doesn't add up.’
He thought, taking a side-glance at Sugar.
‘Something happened while I 'napped'.’
‘Something she thinks is worth hiding and Sugar's either an accessory or an accomplice.’
'What's the difference?'
'No idea.'
Deciding it was time for some answers, Mark stopped, causing Sugar to almost walk into him. It took a couple of seconds for Crystal to register that he was no longer at her side, before she looked behind her.
'You're really going to go about this directly?'
'It's Crystal. I trust her.'
'And yet you have suspicions.'
'For her sake I have to.'
“What’s wrong?” Crystal asked trying to read Mark's expression.
“What are you two keeping from me?” Mark asked seriously, getting straight to the point.
Crystal kept her cool and gave the unicorn a coy smile with her reply,“I don’t know what-”
Mark stomped his hoof, “Crystal, don’t lie to me. Since yesterday, you and Sugar have been keeping something from me. You’re not acting like yourself which implies that something happened. Now I'll ask again, What. Happened?” Mark said more forcefully than he had originally intended. It did however have it's intended effect as Crystal frowned and locked eyes with Mark. She only broke eye-contact once to look behind him before returning his stare again.
‘Don’t.’ She ordered sternly through the hivemind.
Sugar silently ceased her preparations to snap the unicorns neck and backed off, still ready to kill him if he was going to become a problem.
Crystal took a deep breath. Since reuniting with Sugar, she had been sorely reminded about how her subjects fared under her brother's rule. It was painful knowing that she couldn't help them immediately, but if she wasn't careful she'd never be able to help them at all. “We all have our secrets Mark.”
“Yes and I can usually respect them. However, whatever it is, is big enough that you’re acting like this. I care and worry for you and I don’t know enough to help. Celestia, I don't even know if I even know you anymore given all that's happened.” Mark vented.
The pegasus looked away from him, guiltily biting her lip. Seeing that Mark was going to persist, she needed something to satisfy him for now. “Can this wait until Hoofington?” She asked.
Mark opened his mouth to make another demand but caught himself upon seeing Crystal's despondent look. He tried again, but still couldn't bring himself to demand anything more. “Fine. But no more games. Please.”
“Sure.” Crystal said with a sad smile. After she left him in Hoofington, a part of her wanted to see him again if she didn’t die rescuing her troops and her hive. That part however was quietly crushed by the part of her that knew better and needed to make sure that after all this was over, "Crystal Orchid" disappeared for good this time.
Mark's ears suddenly perked after he heard a brief, but all too familiar clang of metal in the distance. “Did you two hear that?” He asked, searching for the direction of the sound.
Sugar and Crystal immediately tensed, looking around as well, although they were expecting an ambush and unfortunately, they were currently unarmed. Crystal, because the sword she had used in Ponyville she had left there, and Sugar because she had dropped her bow during her escape.
“I think I hear fighting... we should go check it out.” He said, lifting his hood over his head as he began playing situation after situation through his mind.
“Why? It’s none of our business.” Sugar said. She and her queen had a mission to complete and the sooner she got her queen to safety and rid of the unicorn, the better.
Mark nodded, “You’re right, but if it’s somepony in trouble then the least we could do is see what’s happening. Who knows, they could be getting attacked by changelings and I would like to know why.”
Sugar snorted at the claim, “That’s a little far-fetched don’t you think?”
Mark gave Sugar an arrogant smirk as he shook his head and simply pointed to a nearby tree. Hanging on one of the branches was a dead changeling, it's green blood still dripping from the killing blow to the side. His hoof then lowered down to the fallen bow and quiver of arrows at the base of the tree. "If you're proficient, you might want to use that."
====Somewhat close by====
“Get the hell away from me you bugs!” Shouted the griffin as she slashed her sword at the group of changelings. The ones that had gotten close backed off.
It had been a couple of days since she left the griffin capital and everything was going smoothly up until a few hours ago, when six bug-ponies attacked her. She managed to kill one and injure another, but they had actually managed to hit her wing with an arrow. It wasn't her finest moment to be sure, but she was able to get away long enough to perform some first aid on it before they found her again.
“Come on! I can take all four of you!” It took her a moment to realize that there was one missing when suddenly something tackled her from the side causing her sword to fly from her grip.
With a surprisingly quick cut, the changeling cut the strap to her messenger bag with a knife. He didn't stick around though as the griffin tried to slash at him with her talon.
“Alright, we have it. Let’s regroup at the town. And leave no witnesses.” One of the changelings said before fleeing with the bag holder.
“SHIT!” The griffin yelled as her meal ticket got away. She backed away from the three remaining bug-ponies, looking frantically for her missing sword. She still had her talons and beak but against the two with lances and the last one with a bow, she was screwed.
“Oh COME ON! Can’t a pony find a bush and some privacy without something like this happening!” Yelled a hooded yellow unicorn mare in a green cloak, as she walked out from behind a tree.
All heads turned to the unicorn.
“What. The. Hell.” The griffin gaped.
One of the lance holding changelings recovered from the surprise and pointed at the unicorn. “No witnesses. Kill her too.”
For a brief moment the mare scowled before quickly replacing it with a smirk.
“Hey you three don't need to kill anyone. Or didn’t your mothers tell you to stop being assholes?” The mare said antagonistically, successfully pissing off the changelings.
The changelings growled and one of the lance wielders lunged towards the unicorn while the one with the bow shot an arrow towards the griffin. Her reflexes still sharp, the griffin managed dodge, using the forest to her advantage. The unicorn on the other hand just over-exaggerated a yawn and checked her hoof as if it were just hooficured, somehow ignoring the changeling about to impale her on an iron lance.
A squelch was heard as a black pegasus waiting in a nearby tree, jumped and impaled the changeling with a sword. Before the others could react, a beige pony revealed herself behind another tree and with a flourish, shot the other bow user directly in the eye.
This left one lone, confused, and surrounded changeling which the griffin quickly decided to dispatch, by ripping it’s throat out with her talons. A grim and satisfied sneer on her face as she did.
“Well...That’s an image I don’t need to see again.” The unicorn said as she watched the griffin unceremoniously drop the changeling to the ground.
The griffin began wiping her talon of the green blood, eyeing the three ponies suspiciously. She doubted they were changelings but bandits weren't too uncommon near the outskirts of griffin territories given the damn economy. Still, she'd never seen or heard of pony bandits before but why take the chance. “Who are you dweebs?”
“That’s a bit ungrateful. Not to mention rude.” The black pegasus responded.
The griffin glared at her, “And that’s my sword.”
“It’s only an iron sword. They're cheap so go buy yourself a new one.” The pegasus retorted, returning the glare.
“It’s still mine. Now hand it over before I make you!” The griffin threatened, more annoyed than angry at this pegasus' guts.
Deciding it was a good time to intervene, the cloaked unicorn stepped between the two, and lowered her hood. “Ladies, we can discuss swords, manners, or who here's got the biggest dick after we've introduced ourselves." She said casually, shattering most of the tension and receiving awkward stares at the same time.
Ignoring the stares she continued, "I’m Mark, that’s Crystal and that one over there is Sugar. Crystal here will gladly return your sword, right?” Mark said, giving Crystal a disapproving look before she could refute the statement. To the pegasus' annoyance, it was the same look a mother would give a child with their hooves caught in the cookie jar.
'Good job stopping that cat fight.'
'I don't think it counts as a cat fight when they're about to literally kill each other.'
'That makes it more fun to watch.'
'..........I'm starting to really wonder about my mental health.'
With a roll of her eyes, Crystal tossed the sword to the griffin, adding just enough spin to get her to back off when the sword hit the ground. It never did though as the griffin caught the sword in it's sheathe causing the three to gape at the skill.
“That’s a pretty lame name for a mare.” The griffin said, feeling nothing short of proud at what she just did even if it was accidental. She had meant to knock it away with the sheath, but doing something as awesome as catching the sword like that was even better.
“And you have a better one?” Mark asked, getting closer and offering a hoof.
“Gilda.” She responded simply, giving the hoof a shake.
Mark smirked, “Nah, that name wouldn’t fit me at all.” He said, causing both of them to chuckle.
'This pony might not be as lame as I first thought.' Gilda thought to herself while the mare went and started picking up the changelings' lances.
“So why did these changelings attack you?” Crystal inquired. It didn’t make sense for a group of changelings to attack a single griffin without good reason. Unless they had become lost.
Gilda clenched her beak, “How the hell should I know? I’m was just doing a job and then those asswipes thought I was easy prey and took my bag.”
“A job?” Mark asked, strapping the lances across his back. He then picked up a nearby rock with magic and gave it to Lizzy who returned the gesture with a satisfied hiss before taking a large bite.
“Courier. I would have gotten away or killed them all but one was lucky enough to shoot my wing before I killed it.” She said, pointing to her bandaged wing.
“On the bright side, you didn’t get shot in the head or buried in some desert with annoying factions wanting your support. That would just suck.” Mark said off-handedly yet also oddly specific.
“It was supposed to be an easy job. Especially for someone as awesome as me.” Gilda sighed.
'That's how it always starts isn't it?'
Sugar who was testing the iron bow’s string became curious, “What was the package exactly?”
Gilda looked at the pony, annoyed at the question, “How the hell should I know? I don’t read someone else’s mail. What do I look like?”
“A griffin with an attitude.” Mark said in a joking tone.
“In my experience that’s all griffins.” Crystal said flatly with Sugar nodding in agreement.
Gilda flipped off the two ponies while Mark just rolled his eyes. “Did they say where they were going?” He asked.
“To a town. Probably that one near here. Hoofton I think.” Gilda said, tapping her beak in thought.
“Hoofington.” Mark corrected.
“Pffft, whatever. You ponies need to stop naming your towns like that.”
Mark shrugged, “We’re good at a lot of things. Creatively naming towns and cities just isn’t one of them.”
'I'd like to see a cutie mark for that though.'
'What the hell would that even look like?'
'No idea.'
“Anyways, thanks for the assist but I’ve got some bugs to catch and a bag to get back.” Gilda said as she turned and left the three.
Turning to Crystal, Mark decided now was a good time to ask the question that was bugging him since the fight. “I know I said to hide somewhere and to strike when I distracted the changelings, but, well.....You know, with your wing and all that, how did you get in the tree?”
===Roughly ten minutes later===
“Why are you following me?” Gilda asked, bringing the tip of her sword away from Mark’s throat and sheathing it.
‘Yah, jumping out of the bush and yelling surprise definitely wasn’t my best idea.’
‘No worse than asking Discord for a different method of travel. Besides, leave that stuff to Pinkie.’
Mark wiped the small beads of sweat from yet another near-death experience. “Sorry about that, we were on our way to Hoofington too. And it's not following if I sent Crystal and Sugar ahead to scout.”
“Then scram and go another way.” The griffin grunted before resuming her walk.
Mark trotted up beside her and matched her pace, “But this is the quickest way and if there’s more trouble then you’re around to help.”
“Who says I’ll help?” Gilda snorted.
“Because you'll probably get involved whether you like it or not and I’ll pay you for the help and time.” He said, trying to sound as reasonable as possible.
That answer however did not have the intended effect as her face contorted in anger. “I’m not a mercenary!”, she said defensively.
‘That struck a nerve.’
‘Why, is the question.’
‘Pro~bably shouldn’t push it.’
‘...for now.’
“Alright. Fine. But it still doesn’t change the fact we’re heading the same direction and since you can’t fly you’re stuck with us.” Mark said in a matter of fact manner.
The griffin gave the unicorn an irritated look knowing that she(Mark) was right. Taking a better look at the unicorn, she began comparing Mark to the other ponies that had killed those changelings. While they were slim in a muscular way, Mark was just slim and didn't seem all that reliable in a fight.
“You know I could probably knock you over with a flick, right?” She said raising her brow.
Mark nodded in agreement, “Yah, I'm sure you really could given how strong you look.”
Gilda smirked lightly at the compliment before giving the unicorn a curious look. "If you can't fight, then what are you doing going after changelings?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa....whoa! I never said I can't fight. I just...kinda suck at it is all. And besides I have my own place in battle." Mark said, trotting in front of her and walking backwards so that they were face to face.
Having literally nothing better to do, Gilda decided she might as well ask, "And what place is that? Last I checked, last place in battles are reserved for the dead."
“Tactician.” Mark responded proudly.
The griffin stopped and stared at him, giving Mark the opportunity to pose heroically at announcing his job on the battlefield. His swagger rapidly deflated though, when Gilda snorted and burst out laughing. Her laughter quickly became hard enough to send her rolling on the ground, pounding her fist against it. Because she was part eagle it sounded like she was laughing and screeching at the same time.
Mark could feel his eye twitch ever so slightly but kept his face relatively neutral as his anger rose.
“I’m guessing you don’t have any respect for my profession then.” Mark said flatly, not looking amused in the slightest.
Wiping a tear from laughing so hard, she picked herself back up. “Not at all sweetheart. Not at all. Oh my god, I haven’t laughed this hard in forever. HAHA that’s so lame!” She said, still struggling to regain her breath.
“So glad you found amusement.” Mark voiced dryly as he took a moment to calm his anger.
'Calm down Mark. Deep, relaxing breaths. Just like Bastion taught you.'
'Calm? I'm as calm as anypony else would be if their talent and profession was being laughed at!'
'Remember that one lesson by Bastion? Not everyone realizes how useful a tactician is.'
'Griffins have tacticians too.'
'No, they have strategists. There's a difference.'
'Well I'm trained as both, so either way I'm irritated.'
'Then quit acting like a whiny bitch and earn her respect.'
'Well quite being such an ass and help out.'
'Then stop thinking I can physically do shit when I'm stuck in you're head.'
'I meant with ideas. Prick.'
'Jackass.'
'Bastard.'
'Churro.'
'Fu...Isn't that a food?'
'Yes. A cinnamon thing of goodness to be exact. Feel any better?'
Mark briefly closed his eyes and took a large deep breath, waiting a few seconds before exhaling.
Now thinking quite clearly again, he of all pony's knew that respect should be earned rather than assumed by a title. Especially since that was one of the main and many things that separated him from Blueblood. Gilda on her end had nearly caught her breath again, wiping the water from her eyes.
'Oh, you're good.'
'You better damn well believe it.'
Mark's lips curled into a smile when a new idea quickly came to him. “How’s this then? A favor for a favor. We’ll help you find your package and you’ll help us with something." Mark said.
“And you think you can find it, then get it from changelings that can kick your ass?” Gilda asked skeptically but still amused.
'That's not a no.'
'Also not a yes either.'
'Stop ruining the moment.'
Confidently, Mark looked the griffin directly in the eye, “You’d be surprised of what I’m capable of.”
“Yah right. I’m better off on my own.” Gilda dismissed, though taken aback by the mare's attitude.
Crystal, who had returned while Gilda was laughing, cleared her throat grabbing Mark and Gilda’s attention. Sugar was there as well, staying attentively at her side while she spoke. “Unless these changelings are absolute fools, I can guarantee that neither of you will find them.”
“Why not?” Gilda and Mark asked in unison.
“For three primary reasons. First, they’re obviously going to be in disguise, likely as an inconspicuous group who'd get you run out of town if you got too close. Second, they're waiting for their comrades and would only reveal themselves to another changeling. And third, once they see the griffin still alive they'll know that nobody's coming to regroup.”
“So how would we lure them out then? Go back and bring a changeling body? I don’t think so and I don’t see any changelings who would willingly help.” Mark said, not noticing Sugar’s wince.
‘Well damn. And I was so looking forward to recruiting Gilda.’
‘Is recruiting really the right word? It sounds like your making an army or something when all you really want to do is get her respect and/or prove her wrong.’
‘Can’t think of a better one. And in this case it would be more like small band of mercenaries.’
‘Still whatever that package was, those changelings wanted it so it must be important to them or valuable. We need to find a way to get those changelings. A diversion, a trap, or something-’
“Sugar and I should be able to make something in town that will draw them out.” Crystal said, responding to Mark's question.
‘-like that.’
‘That’s suspiciously convenient.’
‘Wouldn’t be the first time. Let’s hold out on that suspicion since that's likely our best chance to get the package back.’
‘Agreed.’
“Then let's do it!” Gilda exclaimed, not hiding her anticipation for some payback.
“What are you talking about? You never agreed on our deal.” Mark said with an arrogant smirk.
Gilda looked to Mark, shocked but then narrowing her eyes“ Are you trying to blackmail me?”
“I think the proper word is extort.” Mark responded in a sing song voice.
Gilda clenched her beak as she considered her options. Then with a reluctant and angry sigh she gave her answer. “Fine.” She muttered, stomping past the ponies and heading towards town.
‘Are you sure pissing off the griffin is a good idea?’
‘No, but judging from how she handles herself, her assistance couldn’t hurt, right?’
'It might if you piss her off enough. Besides is there a point to doing this?'
'Learning what she likes and doesn't like so that I can stay on her good side.'
‘.....Now you're starting to piss me off.’
‘See. Learning what will and won't piss you off.’
‘Do tell. So anything else about her you've "observed".’
‘Young, brash and doesn’t like mercenaries. She’s dedicated to either the jobs she does or the money she gets. Finally she's bitter towards ponies for some reason, probably a falling out with an old coltfriend.’
‘Good thing you’re a mare. Unless she's into that, then watch your flank.’
‘I'm only like this temporarily. Besides, I'm not into griffins.’
‘As long as you know where you stand. Watch out for that-’
“What the- AAAHHH! PHFPFHTTHPF! SHIT! GET THIS OFF ME!” Mark exclaimed after walking into a spiderweb in some low hanging branches. This elicited another fit of laughter from Gilda, a giggle from Crystal, and a questionable look from Sugar.
====Somewhere in the Badlands====
Morphos gazed from his perch at the mass of changelings toil at their new jobs. His anticipation was growing for the era he would create.
Once enough weapons were made, his army would be ready. No longer would changelings have to disguise themselves as those other upstart races. Those that looked down on them and treated them like roaches. But with the subjugation of nations had other benefits. He grinned somewhat perversely at the thought of forming a harem crossed his mind. Not that he needed it, but it would be a nice touch for the new ruler of the world.
His fantasies could wait until later though as he felt a familiar dark presence appear behind him.
“It’s just as you said, everything is going accordingly.” He said neutrally without turning around. He knew who his visitor was after all.
“You’ve yet to take care of your sister.” Sombra said, glaring at the nearby guards who pointed their lances at him.
Morphos laughed cruelly, “She’s not a threat now.”
Sombra’s eyes flared, causing the changeling guards to back off a bit, “And I say she is. Take care of it.”
“Who do you think you are to order me around?” Morphos said, a smile at finally having no more fear to say that. He still refused to turn and face the king.
“The one who gave you power. The one who allowed you to become king! When I met you, you were pathetic. Resentful and jealous but too afraid to take what was yours.” Sombra said, gritting his teeth in anger and preparing for the inevitable betrayal.
He had originally thought that Morphos would remain his subordinate. His tool. He hadn’t counted on the changeling’s ambition growing from just taking over the hive to taking over the world by any means necessary. Nurturing him from the weak willed changeling he once was, Sombra was almost proud at his progress. Now he was a detriment and unfortunately, a detriment that could literally take power from his people. Being in the hive meant thousands of subjects for him to use.
“Now I’m one of the most powerful beings alive.” Morphos began, his horn glowing as he turned to the dark unicorn. “Even more powerful then YOU!”
With a sneer Morphos released a giant beam of raw magic towards Sombra. Leaving massive burn marks, a large hole in the wall, and two dead changeling guards. The shadows shifted from around the hole, reforming into the mass and shape that was Sombra.
“All that power and still scared of my shadow." Sombra mused mockingly, a little impressed at the size of the hole. "When everything comes crashing down, I’ll be there to laugh over your corpse.”
With a malicious smile, Sombra's form then disintegrated into shadows, which then disappeared out of sight.
Morphos roared at his failed attempt, stomping his holed forehooves onto the floor. He held his frustration however when he heard a sinister cackle emanate through the room.
Dropping from the ceiling, the spider-pony hybrid known only as Puppet-Master landed next to the changeling king. “You are definitely an ambitious one.” He said before laughing again. Puppet-Master never liked Sombra. In fact he never liked anyone except for his master and creator.
Morphos knew what Sombra was capable of, however his other benefactor was still unknown and not one to be trifled with if whoever they were, were able to revive the crystal king in the first place. He’d deal with them at another time. “What are you doing here?” Morphos growled.
The hybrid’s eyes gleamed, “You have more use to my master now then some washed up king so I’ve decided to observe you until further notice.”
“I don’t care for useless baggage.” Morphos said charging his horn for another blast.
Just as he released it though, one of the hybrid's legs moved and Morphos' head was forcibly jerked up, causing the blast to hit the ceiling.
"How-?!"
“Neither does my master. But the only thing I believe he cares less about is a hindrance. And I love dealing with hindrances. They make such great snacks. Now are you useful or a hindrance.” He said with a smile, revealing the fangs underneath his spiderlike mandibles.
Morphos didn’t bother hiding his rage, however, he didn’t know the extent of the spiderpony’s abilities and was in no position to fight back. “Just stay out of my way and I'll be useful.”
“E~xcelent. Remember, I’m always watching and always have room for another snack, little bug.” The hybrid said before before shooting a web back onto the ceiling and disappearing through the newly made hole. It wasn't over however as another web shot out, grabbing one of the changeling corpses and pulling it up as well.