As the two separate groups of changelings flew off from Canterlot, green flames quickly encircled each one as they took on the forms of pegasi. Better to arouse less suspicion as long as they could. With their disguises no in place, the seven sped off beyond the boundaries of Equestria, each intent on getting to their respective Hives as fast as possible. They flew over largely populated areas and the few scattered towns on the outskirts, only resuming their true form as they drew closer to their landing-place, far off the Equestrian border.
Though the ultimate destination of each of the small swarms was different, all of them were zooming off toward their homeland, a forested area which was almost swamp-like at some points, a sickly green mist present around it. It was a location that very few ponies ever went to, extending across dozens of miles.
As each member of the swarms was intent on bringing the news back to their ruler, they failed to notice the specks of the other group planning on delivering the same notice. It was as if it were a race, an unknown competition to report the news first. Just as competition had been for the King and Queen when they were younger.
The Forest of Zakelon - in changeling terms, "The Forest of Shifting Life" - was where these two separate Hives dwelled. Like the settling arrangements of many other beings, however, Zakelon wasn't the only dwelling place for changelings, but two separate royal lines had made their homes in this forested realm.
Fortunately for the pair of swarms, the two Hives they were traveling to - the Hive of the Detemus Family and that of the Hrusai Family - were a fair distance from one another. They were the dwelling places of King Metamorphosis and Queen Chrysalis, respectively. And though the monarchs' parents had frequently visited each other's Hives in the past, these days the two reigning changelings seemed to ignore the existence of each other completely.
The changelings of the Detemus swarm were the first to arrive at their home base, hidden from direct view in a rocky outcropping in one of the more densely forested parts of the area. The green-helmed lieutenant entered the cavernous hole that served as the entryway to the Hive, with the other three following suit. With their reflective eyes allowing them to see in the Hive's dark caverns once out of the entryway's light, the group continued on through the descending maze of caverns that every changeling who lived there came to know. The cavern from the entrance continued, branching off into winding pathways, before opening into a large, central chamber, lit by various green torches that dotted the area.
In this stone expanse, there was one distinct feature among the honeycomb-like pathways that led off to different sections of the Hive. It was a large stone statue that stood at about half of the cavern's height, the shape of two beings making up the structure. The first of these was one that was more or less the same in every changeling Hive. It was a being who held the form of an alicorn, but a different sort than what any ordinary pony saw. There was a slight curl to her flowing mane and an elegantly woven band atop her forehead, large mockingbird-like wings poised as if catching a draft as she raised her hooves over the figure beneath her. It was a statue of their goddess, Circe. In changeling lore, it was known that she had granted their race the ability to change forms in her stead.
The second figure, below that of the raised hooves of Circe, was of the Hive's current ruler - this second part of the statue was always reconstructed whenever the monarchy changed hooves. Currently, the figure was a stallion who stood tall and proud, his mane and tail possessing an elegant wave to them, wearing a majestic suit of armor that concealed his wings. This figure was the ruler that every changeling in the Detemus Hive followed loyally - their King, Metamorphosis.
In the tradition of those meant to be Kings and Queens, Metamorphosis was much taller and slender than other changelings, taking a more alicorn-like appearance like Circe and sporting a flowing mane and tail. Due to the nature of their unique appearance, it was believed that the more majestic and complex changelings like him were destined to rule with their stature and power. As shown by the immense structure, the rulers were viewed to be nearly on the level of deities themselves.
This deity-like level on which the rulers were placed also was the reason for another aspect of the changeling culture - naming. Much like the land of the Zebras, the majority of changelings had more exotic names from their race, though there were several that would appear to be "normal" to some others. With the rulers however, it was in changeling tradition for them to harbor a name that would be recognizable to other cultures, always a name that related to the process of changing and transforming to make sure that those of other nations would see them in rule above all else. Hence, Metamorphosis's name
With a passing glance at the large statue, the four changelings sped down one of the caverns, one which held several carvings lining the walls. At last, the group slowed their flight, their bird-like wings folding as they gently landed in front of a large door that rose up to the cavern's ceiling. The half-circle-shaped door was adorned with an emerald green metal with tarnished gold borders, much like that of the changeling's armor.
The lieutenant turned and held up a hoof to silence any interruption from his three companions, making sure that the wedding notice was secured tightly in the hold of his armor. Stepping up to the threshold, he knocked on the door three times, bowing low. "It's Lieutenant Boshrok, Your Majesty," he announced in as clear a voice as he could. "My scouting party and I have an important event we think you might be interested in."
There was a short silence before a click was heard, the lock turning and unlatching to indicate permission to enter.
"Come in, Lieutenant."
As the door was opened, the scouting party stepped through the threshold, entering into the King's chamber. In this larger portion of the room, green torches lit the room on all sides, a bookcase lining the right wall. Some of these tomes were of changeling history, others about the geography of the surrounding area, and even a manual or two on military tactics. One could never be too prepared if the Hive needed to be defended.
Another tunnel along the back wall led off to where the King slept at night, but the group did not need to go back there to search for their ruler. He was off to the left of his chamber, mulling over several scrolls that were placed on his worktable as he removed the armor he was wearing, metal of a bright silver sheen with a green wisp of flame adorning the front sides. The top of his crown - the traditional crown that all higher-ruling changelings wore - appeared to glow in the dim light of the torches.
To some, he would at first appear to be simply a dark gray unicorn with a bright blue mane and tail, perhaps a general of some sort. However, the appearance of his blue-green eyes clearly showed his changeling origin, and the removal of his armor revealed a set of powerful wings that, like his subjects, held the appearance of a bird of prey.
There were only a few scrolls on the table - it wouldn't do to approve every order of business if the request seemed potentially worthless, and those that Metamorphosis did find important were not put into effect without careful scrutiny.
It was hard work being a ruler of an entire Hive, but it was a position of great power and and respect. And if there was one thing that King Metamorphosis genuinely loved, it was power.
The King's green-blue eyes glanced over to the four scouts who entered his chamber, noticing the scroll that Lieutenant Boshrock had tucked into his armor.
"You have some business to discuss with me?"
"Oh yes, Your Majesty," Boshrok affirmed, raising his head and using magic to levitate the scroll out for the King to see. "A notice from Canterlot." There was a slight pause. "A wedding notice, sir."
Metamorphosis blinked, appearing to take an interest at the word wedding. He used his magic to take the paper from Boshrok and have a look at the notice himself. His gaze fell on the bride and groom to be married, and his eyes briefly widened, a thoughtful spark appearing in his gaze for an instant.
Boshrok continued. "I heard somepony in the city say that the mare has love as her special talent, sir."
"Her talent is... love?" Metamorphosis's voice grew softer in interest, ears pricked forward as his gaze now focused on the pink alicorn. To have love be her power, the most powerful emotion known to changeling kind...
"Uh huh," said one of the other scouts. "And if you ask me she's kind of attra- ow!" He was interrupted by a cuff from Boshrok. The one who had spoken was the changeling from before who had claimed that the young princess was pretty.
"Shut up, Screnar," the Lieutenant hissed with a scowl and a fierce glare. Quickly, he regained his composure and addressed the King again. "We figured that since love is a source of energy for us, you might, you know... find it interesting?"
Screnar looked like he was about to comment about another reason why their King would take an interest in the matter, but he had enough sense to keep silent.
Metamorphosis's eyes narrowed at the paper, glancing over the full text of the notice. "This does seem that it could be a very interesting opportunity for us," he said after a moment. "I will have to consider it at first, but... I do believe it's worth looking into."
"Of course, Your Highness," Boshrok agreed, sensing that the King was finished talking to them for the time being. He had been around long enough to know when their ruler had something on his mind. "I suppose we'd better head off then."
"Thank you, Lieutenant," Metamorphosis said with a nod.
With that, Boshrok and the other changelings departed from their King's chamber, leaving him alone to ponder on a potential course of action.
But what Boshrok and the others didn't know was that there was something else their King was thinking about. Certain events that he had tried not to think about in a very long time.
---
Meanwhile, those of Queen Chrysalis's Hive had arrived to report the very same news, moving swiftly through the moss-covered entryway which lay in the heart of the swampland. The layout of this Hive was similar in appearance to the misty green Hive of King Metamorphosis, though the cavernous pathways in this one were more interconnected, much like that of a beehive. Every changeling, however, as was customary, knew exactly where to go.
Due to this familiarity, the scouting party quickly weaved through the maze of caverns and past their large central chamber, easily finding their way to the navy blue door of their Queen's room. It was similar in shape to that of Metamorphosis, but the lock was a more traditional rectangular plate. The Lieutenant of the group knocked on the door twice.
"Queen Chrysalis? It's Lieutenant Shaydra," she announced. "We have a message for you."
The Queen did not give a verbal answer, but simply allowed the rectangular lock to move out of its holding place, allowing Shaydra and the others to pass through to her chamber.
Chrysalis's room wasn't quite as neatly furnished as that of Metamorphosis, possessing a darker flair to it. Like Metamorphosis, she had a bookshelf in the larger space of her chamber, though her collection was smaller, and several covered topics of powerful enchanting herbs. Enchantments, after all, were one of her specialties.
The Queen, bearing the same hole-filled limbs and wings as her subjects as was characteristic of her bloodline, turned her gaze to the trio of changelings as they entered her chamber, giving her low bows of respect.
Her eyes hardened in curiosity. Shaydra was a strong commander though somewhat demanding, and thus she only approached the Queen with a request when it was something she considered a serious manner, whether good or bad.
"What is it you want?" Chrysalis inquired, voice laden with curiosity. "It must be something important if you are delivering the message." Her gaze lingered on Shaydra as she spoke.
The Lieutenant gave a nod of confirmation as she and the others straightened themselves upright. "It is, Your Highness," she said as she removed the paper from where she had secured it in her armor. "It concerns a wedding."
There was a noticeable glint in Chrysalis's eyes, the words taking a hold on her attention. "A wedding, hmm?"
A bright green glow formed around the wedding announcement as Chrysalis levitated the notice over to herself, looking at the picture of the two ponies to be wed.
She had to admit that the stallion was... kind of attractive. But there was no way she was going to say that to her subjects.
"Weddings do involve love, after all," one of the other changelings pointed out. "Love brings us power, right?"
A small smirk played on Chrysalis's mouth. "Right... I could indeed find a use for this announcement..." A chuckle. "Thank you, for bring this... opportunity to my attention."
"Of course, Your Highness."
With that, the trio set out from the Queen's chamber, the large door closing shut behind them.
Chrysalis let out a sigh in the silence of her chamber, focusing on the paper once again. The stallion did look rather alluring to her.
In fact, he reminded her a little of...
Chrysalis shook her head firmly, letting out a slight snarl of disgust. No, no, why had her thoughts turned to him, even if briefly? Things were different, they were apart, they had been so for ages... Better to let all those memories stay suppressed...
Yet, she felt her mind traveling back to her early days, those that she had buried deep with in her mind long before.
And the same thoughts were burning in the head of King Metamorphosis as well.
It was in the days that the two of them were younger. Much younger...
---
Chrysalis herself was about 7 years old at the time, just getting a hang of some of the more advanced maneuvers of flying. At this point, she was hovering in the air with her parents, slowly gliding over part of the forest. They were heading toward one of the sparser sections of the landscape for the meeting that they had planned, to make for an easier landing for both of the young royals who were to meet for the first time.
Chrysalis looked up at her parents, then down at herself, turning her head to gaze at the cavities present on their bodies, manes, and wings. "If I get laughed at, can I blast him?" Her eyes narrowed into slits, an eager grin forming on her face at the thought.
"Nonsense, Chrysalis," her mother said gently. "You remember why we're like that, right? Our ancestors were resistant to any parasitic infection that might affect other ponies and changelings. The way we are has made us immune. It's why our family has an insect-like appearance, remember? The poisons of an insect are rarely - if ever - directed toward its own kind, and for us that is our real safeguard."
Chrysalis looked more confident at that, holding her head high as she glanced at the rest of the Forest. "So can I brag to him that we're-"
"Chrysalis..." her father said in a warning tone. "This isn't a competition. The fact that you and Prince Metamorphosis have the Royal Blessing is an honor that you two should be proud of, not bickering over."
The young princess sighed, a slight glare in her cat-like eyes. "Fine."
"And in any case," her mother pointed out, "our family isn't immune to all infections, only the various forms of parasitic-"
"Okay, okay, Mother, I get it!" Chrysalis huffed, turning her head to ignore the reprimanding look her mother directed at her.
A sigh. "Just try to get along."
But despite her parents insisting that the matter was not something to be competed with, Chrysalis vowed to herself that she wasn't going to he straight up calm and polite. She'd show this Prince Meta-what's-his-name who was the better changeling.
She'd show him alright.
Metamorphosis, too, was flying over to the clearing with his parents, having a similar discussion.
"If our family has stronger power in us," the 8-year-old prince inquired, "then does that mean I can challenge the Princess to a fight and beat her?"
"No fighting, Metamorphosis," his father scolded lightly. "We aren't here to pick a fight. We're here to let you two meet each other."
"You were extremely lucky to gain the Blessing of being next in line, you know," his mother reminded him. "The two of you ought to respect that."
The young prince rolled his eyes in irritation.
Eventually, the two families landed in the clearing, arriving at about the same time. The ruling parents looked quite pleased to see each other again, but the younger changelings were an entirely different story. They simply stared at each other as if they were of a completely foreign species.
"Go on, Chrysalis," the young princess's mother said, nudging the small changeling forward. "Say hello."
Chrysalis's insect-like wings buzzed in slight annoyance as she stepped forward, watching as Metamorphosis was coaxed forward as well.
"... Hello Prince Meta-whatever."
Metamorphosis's eyes narrowed at the Princess's response, and the rulers of the Detemus Hive didn't look too pleased either.
"Chrysalis!" her parents spoke sharply.
The changeling princess sighed, looking directly into Metamorphosis's eyes. "Hello, Prince Metamorphosis."
"Hello, Princess Chrysalis," the prince muttered, eyes looking back and forth from Chrysalis to his parents.
Both sets of rulers looked somewhat uneasy. This first meeting wasn't going at all the way they had hoped.
Chrysalis stepped forward, staring at Metamorphosis with a challenging gaze. "You look like you're nervous or something."
"Me? Nervous toward you?" the prince scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Why should I be?"
Chrysalis smirked, nudging Metamorphosis's study horn with the indent in her own. "Because I'm the better changeling, that's why!"
"Dream on!" Metamorphosis extended his wings slightly to show them off. "My family has extra-powerful wings, and you have those flimsy insect ones!"
"Metamorphosis, that is uncalled for," his mother said with a stamp of her hoof.
The changeling princess's wings buzzed rapidly at the insult as she stepped back from the prince, hovering in the air. "I bet you can't even fly!"
Are you scronaut?!" Metamorphosis snapped, using the changeling word for "crazy". "How do you think I got here?!"
"Well, I bet you can't fly well!"
Metamorphosis rose into the air to be level with Chrysalis, eyes narrowed. "I can too!"
"Can not!" Chrysalis countered, moving closer so they were nearly nose to nose.
"Can too!"
Chrysalis smirked, deciding to outsmart the prince. "Can too!"
"Can not- ARGH!" Metamorphosis groaned, having been tricked by Chrysalis defying the pattern.
"Ha!" Chrysalis mocked, eyes glimmering in triumph.
For a second, there was a tense silence as the two of them stared at each other. Then, as if beckoned by an unspoken signal, the two darted off in a sharp line, zooming off toward the edge of the thicker trees before the adults could stop them.
"First one to that knotted tree over there wins," Chrysalis challenged, pointing at a large, gnarled tree that marked the marked the edge of where the forest grew more dense.
Metamorphosis huffed, flapping his wings faster to give him a burst of speed. But while the lack of holes in his legs and the strength of the wings of his royal line aided in his speed, the prince seemed a bit clumsy in his flying.
While the young changeling's were neck and neck, Metamorphosis flew past Chrysalis, turning his head to look at her in a taunting, triumphant manner. "Ha, I am a much faster changeling than you! I can fly better" He laughed, starting to turn his head forward again. "Take that Princess-"
Metamorphosis's taunting was cut short as he crashed headfirst into a bush of thick brambles, causing him to crash to the ground just in front of the tree which the pair had set as the goal.
A second later, Chrysalis zoomed by, one hoof touching the large tree as she smirked down at the fallen prince. "I win!"
Metamorphosis glared up at her, steadying himself as he spat a bramble out of his mouth, shaking the fragments off of his body. "Only because I looked away!" He stood up, trying to appear dignified. "I'm not hurt at all!"
"You still lost."
"Why you-"
Metamorphosis's retort was cut off as an aura of magic lifted him into the air. He looked over at his mother and father sheepishly - his mother was the one who had a magic hold on him.
"That's enough, young man," she chided, hoisting her son out of the brambles with a firm glance. "We're going to have to have a little talk when we get home."
Metamorphosis glanced over and saw that Chrysalis was being lifted up in the same way, her parents looking just as stern.
The King and Queen from both Hives exchanged quick apologies for their children's reckless behavior, with the young prince and princess expected to apologize to one another as well.
"Sorry, Chrysalis," Metamorphosis mumbled.
"Sorry, Metamorphosis," Chrysalis muttered back.
Just before their parents took off with the two of them into, the pair managed to exchange a glare at one another and a few parting words.
"I'll show you that I'll be the best and strongest of us someday."
"Not if I get to that goal first, Princess."
Their eyes narrowed.
"Bring it on."
---
The two changeling rulers forced themselves back into the present. From their very first meeting when they were small, it had just been one competition after another.
Though there had been times later in their lives... when the two of them weren't in fierce brawls like that...
But the recollections of the past were shoved out of their minds. A spark of an idea had hit both rulers.
This wedding was their chance. They each believed that this could prove that they were truly the best and strongest changeling. No one would be able to argue if they ruled a whole country, could they?
And who knew - they might get something else out of the deal.
Unbeknownst to each other, the two smirked at the notices and whispered to themselves.
"This will be perfect."
Metamorphosis brushed aside the other scrolls on his table. Chrysalis gazed at her notice and let a seductive smile grace her lips.
The changelings had a wedding to investigate.