A figure glimmered in the early dawn light as it soared up through the trees in the forest to the south of Canterlot. For a moment it took on the sight of the beautiful gleaming city before descending to the ground. An insectoid looking quadruped, it stood for a moment and removed a document from a small saddlebag. It’s brow furrowed as it read.
“Brown coat, black mane. Pegasus. Name: Oakseed. Improvise as needed.” The document instructed on an assumed identity, probably taken from a pony that lived in another city. The rest of the document was written in a different style of handwriting.
“Your target is Twilight Sparkle. Infiltrate and, if possible, dominate. Target is known to be twitchy. Intelligence reports she will take breakfast in the Canterlot Gardens in the morning. Approach and insert as such. Equestrians increasingly hostile to changelings, do not lose cover. Avoid the Royal Guard.”
It was signed by Eta-Eta, second in command to Queen Chrysalis. Her seal also adorned the document.
The changeling folded the document back up and, with a flash, it was consumed with flame. The only evidence of it’s mission destroyed, it set out to assume the identity it had been given. The changelings horn glowed and a shimmering green field of energy flowed down from it to cover the creatures body. Once covered, the field turned a deeper shade of green and then glowed brightly as the changelings form changed into that of it’s assumed identity.
Changeling Eta-Gamma was now, as near as anypony could tell, Oakseed. Just another ordinary pegasus, one of hundreds. He could slip in, accomplish his objective, and if needed slip out again without anybody knowing he was ever there. Just another pegasus in Canterlot, nopony would think otherwise.
What the ponies didn’t know about the world around them could fill a library.
Eta-Gamma spread his wings and flew towards the city looming across a wide field. The sun was just barely peeking over the horizon, and if the intelligence gathered was correct then the reigning monarch of the land was away from the capital on some royal business. This left her supposed equal; and protege, Twilight Sparkle, open for influence. If he could befriend her, and siphon off enough magic to dominate her mind, then he could make her try to take the city for herself. While this plan was ultimately doomed to failure- Celestia was far too powerful for such a coup to work- the chaos created would make Equestria ripe for an invasion. With the magic of the ponies at their disposal, the Changeling Hive would have nothing to fear from the Griffon Kingdoms- or anybody else. Coming up on the outer walls of the city Eta-Gamma was noticed by one of the flight patrols of the guard and approached. Eta-Gamma knew the guards would have no reason to suspect anything, nonetheless he was anxious to get inside and find his mark before.
Eta-Gamma hovered in place over the city walls and allowed the guard to fly up to him.
The pegasi's armour glimmered in the dawn light as it flew towards Eta-Gamma “Good Morning stranger, what’re you in town for?” The guard addressed Eta-Gamma as he flew to a stop a few feet away.
Eta-Gamma’s orders did say to improvise, so he took a casual tone and replied. His wings beat the air behind him as he spoke. “I’m here on vacation, finally got some time off from the…” Eta-Gamma paused for a second, where did he work? Name’s Oakseed, cutie mark of a tree… “Tree… farm. Time off from from all that wood harvesting.” He smiled at the guard at he said this, hopefully he wouldn’t notice the pause.
“A tree farmer, ain’t seen many of those around. I suppose wood has to come from somewhere right?” The guard joked. “You seem a little tired from your journey, so I’ll let you go. Welcome to Canterlot.” He added.
Eta-Gamma was about to reply when the guard seemed to notice something below and dove down to the ground. Watching as he did Eta-Gamma could see a griffon arguing with a unicorn. Eta-Gamma ignored this and flew into the city, even if the guard had no reason to suspect him of anything it wasn’t wise to loiter. He had a mission to accomplish.
Once over the city walls Eta-Gamma was almost overcome by the emotional aura of the city as it woke up to begin it’s daily routine. Collectively the haggard mass of ponies left their homes below and moved through the streets as if in a daze towards their places of work. Eta-Gamma thought it looked similar to how the mindless drones of the hive went about their work. Day in and day out they awoke, worked, and slept when their work was complete. The ponies are like a hive, in a way, Eta-Gamma thought. Celestia was their Queen, the Royal Guard the warriors, and these ponies the workers.
As he pondered this he was almost run down by a pegasus moving fast from behind him.
“Move it along blank flank!” The flying pony yelled as he dodged around Eta-Gamma. Before he could respond the pony disappeared around a bend.
Eta-Gamma swallowed and fearfully looked back at his flank. He was horrified to discover he had forgotten to display his cutie mark, had anybody other than that tired pegasus noticed that it could have been disastrous. With a slight shimmer of his body the problem was solved however, and Eta-Gamma continued on.
Flying between the buildings that surrounded the stone streets of the city he peered down at the collective citizenry moving about below. Intelligence suggested that Twilight Sparkle always took her breakfast in the Canterlot Gardens, but the information was months old and nobody was that predictable. As he scanned the streets he found no sign of his mark, he knew she would stand out as soon as he spotted her, but down there was nothing. He spent several minutes flying through the streets to no avail. Finding himself getting lost, having gone past the same cafe several times, he flew up and over the rooftops to get his bearings.
Looking around his jaw dropped as he realized how close he was to the palace. Even a changeling found it a beautiful sight. A great structure of gold and white marble that seems to dominate the city with it’s many towers. Perhaps Twilight was in there, but it was suicide to try and get in this early on in the mission.
Perhaps one day, infiltration wouldn’t be necessary. Perhaps it would be their home.
For now he turned his back on the palace and saw the gardens just outside in the distance, just beyond the city proper. Spreading his fake pegasus wings he flew straight at it, weaving through flagpoles and feeling the crisp morning air through his holed body. It was good to be able to fly, he almost felt sorry for the other species that could not.
They however, could generate their own magic, and did not need to siphon it off others as the changelings did. It was an evolutionary give and take.
Eta-Gamma preferred wings.
Flying low and fast on approach to the Canterlot Gardens, Eta-Gamma was somewhat surprised to see Twilight Sparkle in the exact place, and the exact time, that intelligence had reported she would be. Apparently somepony was that predictable.
Quietly landing a hundred meters away Eta-Gamma closed his wings and took one last look over himself to ensure his disguise was complete. No more stupid mistakes like forgetting his cutie mark now, it would be disastrous. Swishing his mane in the air he ran a hoof through it. His disguise was tailored precisely to be the sort of stallion that could have any mare he wanted, and this stallion had his heart set on one especially. It would be hard to earn her love, but easy to earn her trust. From there, the changelings would have their opening into Equestria.
Taking a deep breath Eta-Gamma trotted to Twilight, who was laying under a tree reading some arcane looking tome. There was an uneaten and somewhat dry looking daffodil sandwich beside her. Eta-Gamma, his chin held high in confidence of his disguise, addressed her.
“Good Morning, I-” Eta-Gamma noticed he was totally ignored despite standing only a few feet away.
Pawing at the ground with a hoof he cleared his throat and tried again “Good Morning…” He said, a little louder.
Whatever Twilight was reading was intensely engrossing, she didn't even seem to notice his existence.
Cautiously, knowing that if he was discovered it would blow his cover, he magically levitated the sandwich that sat beside Twilight. Gently it lifted into the air and then dropped back onto the plate.
Twilight’s head darted up from the book, and Eta-Gamma took this opportunity to finally introduce himself. He was unable however, when Twilights wings flew open and bowled the surprised changeling over.
Twilight leapt up and hovered a few feet over the scene, spinning around frantically.
“Who did that?” She yelled frantically “Is somepony trying to play a trick on me? I’m a Princess you know!” She added.
Furrowing her brow Twilight squinted in the distance, slowly spinning as she looked for the disturbance. Eta-Gamma got up and Twilights gaze darted towards him as he did.
Twilight stared Eta-Gamma down.“Who are you?” Twilight demanded as she looked him over.
Eta-Gamma would have to play it cool, Twilight was… twitchy. “Name’s Oakseed.” He said, in a deep voice befitting a stallion. He stuck out his chest to complete the impression, and gave a small bow.
“Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said as she lowered to the ground. “Nice to meet a new face, Mr. Oakseed. ”
“That’s right, I have some vacation time so I decided to come to Canterlot.” Eta-Gamma said, smiling. “I wanted to pay my respects to the newest Princess.” He gently grasped her right fore hoof and kissed it. Looking up with a smirk as he released it.
Twilight blushed as she tried to think of a proper response. “I.. uhh.”
Twilight cleared her throat and stuck up her chin. “We appreciate your patronage… most kind citizen,” She smiled with a slight blush as she spoke with regal authority.
Eta-Gamma could sense it, the friendliness of this pony was astounding, her heart was truly open. This was perfect, and he used this openness to begin slowly siphoning off magical energy, careful not to reveal himself as he did.
The sheer amount of power in this pony was astounding however, and he was almost overwhelmed. If he could dominate her mind… he would be unstoppable. Canterlot would fall like a deck of cards under him, and he would return to the hive a conqueror.
Buoyed by his initial success Eta-Gamma pressed forward.
He looked her in her eyes and smiled warmly “It must get lonely, being the one of so few Alicorns, and with so much responsibility.” He said.
Twilight shook her head at this and her smile faded.
Sitting back down and levitating the book back up she replied “No, not really. I have my friends, and there’s always Celestia to look up to. I always have my books to keep me occupied too, always more to learn.”
Eta-Gamma felt her interest fading, he would have to try another approach.
“Always more to learn, tell me then- have you ever left the borders of Equestria?” He asked.
Twilight furrowed her brow and paused to consider. “No, no I haven’t. I suppose I’ve just been busy saving Equestria, or my friends.”
She was intrigued now, Eta-Gamma found his beachhead. “And you have then?” Twilight asked.
Eta-Gamma sat and looked out at the horizon. “I have, there’s dozens of nations outside your borders.” He swept a hoof over the horizon.
“The Griffon Kingdoms to the south-east, over the ocean; independent pony states west of the Badlands, and the Changeling Hive south of there.” He explained as Twilight took a seat beside him, levitating her sandwich over.
Realizing how old it had gotten by this point she tossed it away. “Changelings,” she said with an air of disgust, “after what they did, I’m surprised Celestia hasn’t driven them off the continent.”
Intelligence was right, the attack certainly didn’t win any friends in Equestria.
“They aren’t that bad, I’ve traded with them once or twice. Tree farming might be my business, but there’s plenty of off-time and I need to keep food on the table somehow.”
Eta Gamma knew this was a lie, nobody was willing to trade with the hive. However if information was what Twilight lusted for, then he could tell her of the Hive. That, nobody else could give her.
“Aren’t that bad?” She stood and turned to face Eta-Gamma “Their ‘Queen’ cast a spell on my brother, tried to steal him from Cadence, and invaded the city! They can’t possibly get more bad then…” She trailed off for a moment “...that,” she finished.
She looked at his flank “You’re cutie mark is missing.” Twilight stated.
Eta-Gamma’s heart skipped a beat and he looked back at his flank, just as she said it was blank.
He stood and started to protest“Now hold o-”
Twilight jumped to her feet as her alicorn lit up and held Eta-Gamma in a magenta field of energy. “It was you! You’re the one that levitated that sandwich! You’re a changeling!” She yelled angrily.
Eta-Gamma knew he was doomed now unless he found a way out of this, his heart raced as his gaze darted around looking for any way out.
“Guards!” Twilight shouted, she turned her head for an instant allowed Eta-Gamma a split second to react.
He released his disguise and loosed the built up energy he managed to siphon in a blast of green energy that shattered the field and knocked Twilight over. Not pausing for an instant he opened his wings and took to the sky. As he soared for the sky he dodged magical bolts fired behind by Twilight, thankfully for Eta-Gamma she wasn’t a very good shot.
The two pegasi guards approaching with crossbows probably were not however.
Eta-Gamma saw them coming in the distance by the gleam of their armour in the morning sun. In the open sky he would get run down and filled with more holes than he already had by these guards. He dove to the ground; avoiding a hail of bolts, and flew low over the grass towards back towards the city proper. With his objective a total abject failure he had only one thought in his mind now.
Escape
Coming on the outlying buildings of the city he saw the people below scatter, the amount of fear he felt was intense. Most of it was himself, these ponies weren't playing games, they were out for blood.
A few guards took potshots at him from the ground which zipped around him. Darting through the streets he looked for a place where he could hide for a moment and disguise himself. The sound of wings beating the air behind him grew louder as the pegasi caught up to him. His doom was a feathered pony with a crossbow.
“Stop that thing!” One of them could be heard shouting.
Thing. Eta-Gamma wasn’t even a person to them.
Pondering this could wait, Eta-Gamma spotted an open window- but it was in the palace itself. It would have to do, there was nothing else nearby that wasn’t either a guard or a scared pony.
Eta-Gamma darted through the window and dove under a nearby bed as the pegasi flew in after him.
Landing inside together they swung their weapons around. “Search the room!” One of them shouted. They spread out and turned over the rest of the furniture in the room looking for their quarry.
Eta-Gamma’s horn lit dimly as the door open just enough to make a creak, he had hoped to fling it open but his magic was limited.
One of the pegasi turned towards the door and aimed his crossbow. “It might have gone into the hallway, you stay here I’ll check it out,” it said. Dashing towards the door the pegasus flung it open and peered down the hallway with his weapon still drawn.
Ducking back inside the pegasus turned to his comrade. “There’s nothing out there.” the pegasi said, closing the door.
The pair looked in unison towards the bed. “Well that leaves one place.” The other said, they both pointed their weapons and slowly approached. Eta-Gamma tried to think of some disguise to escape this, but there was nothing that could get him out of this.
He was doomed.
“Come on out changeling, I’m sure the caves aren’t that bad,” one of the pegasi sneered
“You’re already full of holes, what’s a few more?” The other mocked.
There was a commotion outside and the guards momentarily glanced to the side.
“...so then Fancy Pants put a bet on...” The door creaked open and the silhouette of a pony stood in the doorway.
Seeing the overturned furniture the pony became distraught “My room!”
Using the distraction Eta-Gamma flung himself out from under the bed at the nearest guard, and used the momentum to spring towards the other and bowl him over.
Galloping for the window he dove out as his accidental savior shouted “Changeling!” Once out he spread his wings and dove down towards the city streets. Feeling a sharp pain in his ear as he did Eta-Gamma grimaced, but there was no stopping now.
Diving down into the street and weaving just above the heads of dozens of frightened pedestrians he flew towards what he assumed to be the edge of the city beyond which was the Unicorn Range. If he could escape the city he could make his way to Ponyville and take a train to the badlands.
First he had to make it over the wall of armed guards standing before the cliffside overlook ahead.
They pointed their pikes at him, one of them shouting “Stop!” Eta-Gamma had no intention of following that order however, and flew right up and over them. He dove quickly when over the wall to dodge the spears tossed at him, feeling an odd tug on his leg. Looking down it appeared one of the spears had lodged itself in one of his leg holes. He also noticed a train of green blood trailing from a hole in his ear. He made it out, but only barely.
Chrysalis and Eta-Eta would not be happy about this defeat.