The Badlands. An area known by many in Equestria as a barren wasteland. Dry, and dusty, very few kinds of creatures are able to call this land their home, with any success. But while most creatures avoid this land, there is one species that comfortably calls this land home; The Changelings.
Deep beneath the scorching desert, exists a kingdom, an empire, hiding in the dark underground. The buildings were crafted out of ebony rock, constructing a large city, illuminated by green flames, flickering on torches that lined the city. In the center of the city, lies the largest, and most impressive structure in The Badlands. The cathedral like castle, belonging to the ruler of the changelings, towered over all other buildings, it’s spire like tip nearly reaching the roof of the cavern that the city resided in.
The Changelings went about their business, acting much like ponies in a way, trotting along the streets, while others flew in the air. As most changelings minded their own business, one changeling hurriedly dashed through the street. This changeling quickly made its way, flying in the air, heading for the castle, which housed its ruler.
The changeling weaved past the others, flying as fast as it could. It landed right in front of the main entrance, which was being guarded by two armored changelings. The rushing changeling stopped in front of the two guards, and raised its foreleg in a salute, which was mimicked by the guards with salutes of their own.
“I bring important news from the Crystal Empire. I must speak with the queen immediately.” The guards nodded, before standing aside, letting the other changeling through. He then made his way into the castle’s main foyer. The changeling knew his way through the castle, and quickly navigated through it, before coming to a large set of double doors, being guarded by yet another pair of changelings. The first changeling saluted once again, and repeated its previous actions. The two guards nodded, and allowed the changeling entrance.
The double doors opened, and in walked the changeling. The throne room was decorated with pillars, keeping the roof up, and stained glass windows lining the walls. And in the far end of the room, lay the throne of the ruler of the Changelings; Queen Chrysalis. The sovereign ruler of the changelings sat there, guarded by two armored changelings.
The first changeling ran up the carpet lining the path to the throne, and stopped once it was within proper range. Lowering itself to a kneeling position, the changeling spoke to its ruler.
“My Queen, I bring news from my scouting in the Crystal Empire,” stated the spy.
“Really now,” responded Chrysalis. “Do tell.” The changeling stood up from its bowing position, and began to tell its tale.
“Your Highness, during my time within the Crystal Empire, some major changes have occurred. The most important, is that King Sombra has been slain.”
This news caused Chrysalis’s eyes to widen in surprise.
“Really now? This is quite shocking. So, the Equestrian Princesses finally killed him. It took them long enough.”
“My Queen, it was not the royal sisters who deposed the king. It was a male Alicorn!”
“What? Do you think I’m such a fool, that you can trick me with such a tale?”
“It-it’s true my Queen! It was an Alicorn Stallion! He came from the frozen tundra and defeated Sombra. He’s since taken control of the Empire for himself!”
The Queen now considered the news that she was being told. If this story was to be believed, then it was quite an interesting turn of events. A being stronger than the dark king? And an Alicorn no doubt! Intrigued, Chrysalis decided she wanted to know more.
“Tell me more,” demanded the Queen.
“This new Alicorn leader is proving to be no better than Sombra, possibly even worse! He’s been building up military strength, and I believe he’s even made an alliance with the dragons! He plans to conquer Equestria, and take down the Princesses!”
“Take down the Princesses?” said Chrysalis, somewhat in disbelief. Many had come and gone, all failing to defeat Celestia and Luna. Even her. Her defeat at the hand of the ponies left the Queen angry and bitter. She had failed to secure a prominent source of love for her people, all because of those ponies and their precious love. It sickened her, and not a day had gone by that she didn’t scheme for revenge.
If this new Alicorn truly did exist, and if he was planning to take down the Alicorns, then perhaps allying herself with this new ruler would prove useful. If he already had the dragons under his hoof, then he must be building quite the military force. If she could worm her way into this Alicorns inner circle, and gain his trust, then she could take this army for herself, and get her revenge on Equestria! After all, she was a female, he was a male. She knew how to manipulate stallions. It would be simple, easy.
A grin came to the Queens face as she thought about how her plans for revenge would soon come to fruition. She would drain this new Alicorn of his love energy, and suck the whole of Equestria dry to feed her subjects!
“This is very interesting news,” said the Queen as she stood up and sauntered her way to the changeling spy who had delivered the information. “You have done well my faithful drone. I believe that we as a kingdom could make great use of this information. If this Alicorn is as powerful as you say, with a military force as great as you say, then I believe an alliance would prove very useful to us. Why, with his aid, we could bring Equestria and its precious Princesses to their knees!”
The Queen began chuckling to herself, thoughts and ambitions filling her mind. It would be simple to gain this leaders trust, and once she had him, she’d crush him, and take his army for herself. It was all so simple.
“Tell me, my faithful servant, what does this new leader call himself?” questioned the Queen to her underling.
“My Queen, he calls himself; Lord Megatron.”