//------------------------------// // Troubles // Story: For Evermore // by PhoenixFeather-101 //------------------------------// The room was filled with noise. Chatterings, the flapping of transparent wings, the scuffling of holed feet. Out of the shiny black figures, one was most noticeable. It was horribly tall, with huge, pointed fangs emerging from it's mouth. It was covered in holes, leading up to the twisted black horn on it's forehead. The most horrible feature out of all of these, however, were the creature's eyes. They seemed to stare into your soul, burning into your own eyes. The figure screamed. The noise bounced off the cave walls, causing the other figures to stop. They all turned to look at the tallest member. "Changelings! This is the time we have been waiting for! Equestria has no idea what we are planning, now that we have let them gain a false sense of security. "They believe they are safe. So now is the time to strike! We will feast on their love, as the kingdom slowly crumbles. WE WILL SUCK EQUESTRIA DRY!" it screamed. All the other figures in the room raised their hooves and chanted. "QUEEN CHRYSALIS, QUEEN CHRYSALIS , QUEEN CHRYSALIS!" The queen laughed maniacally as they chanted her name. "Yes... Soon, we shall be the rulers of Equestria... FOR EVERMORE!" A small black unicorn was walking down the path toward Canterlot Castle. Her green mane spilled over her shoulders as she trotted. As she entered the castle to speak to Princess Celestia, the guards murmured quietly to one another. "Doesn't she look familiar?" one said to another. The unicorn took no notice. She was used to that. She bowed to the princess, her nose touching the floor. "Hello, my princess. I have come to ask your advice." she said. Her voice was calm and clear as she spoke. Celestia took in her visitor with her eyes. She looks very familiar, where have I seen her before? she thought. "What is your name, and for what do you seek advice?" Celestia asked the unicorn. The unicorn rose to her feet. "My name is Evermore." she replied. A huge stab of pain went through Celestia's head at the name. She raised a hoof to her head. "Is something wrong, Your Majesty?" Evermore asked. Celestia looked up. "Oh no, just a headache." the princess replied, rubbing her forehead. Evermore looked a little anxious, but continued anyway. "People keep reporting me to the police, saying I'm not a pony... A spy for the enemy..." she said sadly. Celestia raised an eyebrow. That was not hard to believe. "But I'm not! I'm perfectly loyal! Do you have any ideas?" Evermore asked. "Well, you could always stay at the palace for a few days." Celestia replied. "You have my utmost permission." Evermore nodded greatfully. "I'd love to, Your Majesty." As these words passed Evermore's mouth, another stab of pain hit Celestia, and an image of a certain pony went through her head. It can't be... Can it? A pegasus guard was running down the hallway, towards Celestia's chambers. Her orange mane spilled out behind her as she ran. She panted a little as she reached her desired location. Princess Celestia, who was currently talking to the new unicorn, Evermore, turned her head to stare at her guard. "General?" she murmured. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" Celestia was obviousy quite startled at this interruption. The pegasus guard was panting, her primary feathers spread out in awkward angles. "We have sighted a changeling in the palace! She was last seen- Your Majesty!" she gasped, pointing a wing at Evermore. "The changeling! Get back!" the general exclaimed, stepping in front of Celestia and drawing her spear at Evermore. "What are you doing, General? This is our honored guest!" Celestia gasped. Evermore cowered at the end of the spear, trying to get as far away as possible. "How can a changeling be our honored guest?" the general asked. Her spear wavered, making Evermore squeak. Celestia frowned. "Put that weapon down now!" she ordered. Straight away, the general put it down. Celestia rose from her throne, walking inbetween Evermore and the General. "General Flare Sparks, this is our guest, Evermore. She shall be staying for a couple of days. You, and some guards of your choice, shall be looking after her." Celestia explained. Flare frowned a little, but nodded anyway, her golden armor clanking slightly. "Whatever you wish, your majesty..." she said slowly. Celestia smiled. "I would also like for you to show her to her room." Flare groaned, but turned to Evermore none the less. She was still slightly shivering in the corner. Flare was tempted to prod her with the spear. "Get up. Your room is this way." she said. Evermore looked up at her. She got up slowly, a little afraid. "O-okay." she murmured. "Lead the way." Flare grunted and walked out of the room, followed by an anxious Evermore. Celestia snorted with amusement. "It's just over here." Flare said, turning down the corridor. Evermore looked around. "So, what's it like? Living in the castle, I mean." she asked, her eyes wandering along the walls of the corridor. There were splendid tapestries of Celestia and Luna covering them. Flare cast a sideways glance at her. "It's okay. As guards, we don't get the luxuries the guests and royalty do." she explained. "Our priority is to defend, not to enjoy." Evermore frowned, but kept walking. Flare stopped in front of a door, but Evermore kept walking past. Flare chuckled. "Uh, Evermore?" she said, laughing. The unicorn froze mid-walk, and slowly trotted back. "Sorry..." she said sheepishly. "Anyway, so this is my room?" Flare nodded. "I'll leave you to sleep." she replied, bowing slowly. Evermore nodded, not used to being treated so highly. She slowly opened her room's door. She trotted over to the bed, and pulled the sheets. The unicorn got in, making herself comfortable. When she was done, she sighed contentedly. "Goodnight, Canterlot." she murmured to the ceiling. And with that, she fell asleep.