Of Changelings and Elves
(Jenny)
“Where is he where is he WHERE IS HE!?” Twilight franticly galloped down the street, looking around before groaning. “Why did I send him off to play with the Crusaders? What made me think it would be a good idea!?”
Jenny put a hand on the panicking mare’s back. “Twilight! Calm down, I’m sure we’ll find them somewhere. Maybe they’re at one of their houses?”
Pinkie bounced back to the group and giggled. “Or they’re right over there.” She pointed down the street where the CMC could be seen taking a hogtied Spike down the street.
“SOMEPONY HELP ME, PLEASE!” the drake shouted.
Fluttershy flew over to the girls and landed next to them. “Um girls? Would it be alright if we borrowed Spike for a moment?”
“Huh? Oh, ok, just for second, we kinda need him,” Scootaloo answered as they set him down.
“Oh Fluttershy, thank you so much!” Spike thanked.
Fluttershy picked up Spike and put him on her back. “Thank you girls.” She trotted back over to the others, specifically Twilight, and let her take Spike off her back.
Twilight pulled about three different letters out of her bags and put them in front of Spike. “Spike! Quickly, send these to Celestia!”
“Huh? Oh, um ok.” He took a deep breath and the letters disappeared, the smoke heading off towards Canterlot. “Ok, now can you get these-”
“Thank you for the help Spike. I’ll let you get back to helping the girls. I know they’ve probably got you busy.”
“WHAT!?”
Jenny looked at Spike for a moment and just pointed. “Um...”
Spike was then levitated back over to the CMC and put into their wagon. “Thanks Twilight!” They then sped off with a tormented dragon in their wagon, and plans to ‘not’ crusade at Scootaloo’s house.
“TWILIGHT, FLUTTERSHY, HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!? YOU’RE BOTH EVIL! EEEEVIIIIIIIIIL!” He shouted as he was pulled away.
Completely ignoring the drake, Twilight turned to the rest of her group. “Alright girls, I just sent a letter to Celestia explaining about the changelings. Now we can wait for the guard, and find the hive.”
“Uh... Twilight?” The lavender mare stopped and turned to look at Jenny. “Can we stop by the library to get my armor? I’m coming too.”
“Jenny? You’re going to come help?”
Jenny’s posture straightened as she nodded at Twilight. “I just… I just can’t stand by when someone’s in trouble and I can do something about it.” Jenny stated with conviction. Besides... for some reason, it feels like I’m supposed to.
Twilight was hesitant at first, but sighed and looked up at Jenny. “Alright. But stay with somepony. Changeling Hives are easy to get lost in.”
“Speaking of, can you tell me more about these ‘changelings’? I’d like to know what we’re up against.”
Rainbow hovered above everyone and clapped her hooves together. “Tell it as we go, Twi! The longer we stay here, the longer those... whatever they were are in danger!”
Twilight nodded. “Right.” The seven of them took off towards the library and Twilight explained as best she could while running. “Basicly, A changeling is a kind of psychological parasite, that consumes the mind of their victims. Because of how a pony that’s been attacked can become a changeling themselves, they were what inspired the first vampony legends.”
Jenny looked at Twilight in shock. “And we’re just gonna charge in? No plan whatsoever?”
Twilight shook her head. “Of course not. I have some spells that will prevent us from getting harmed by changelings, or at least keep us from turning into one.”
“Ok, well at least there’s that. I’m not going to need like garlic or holy water to stop them, am I?”
Pinkie bounced next to her and laughed. “No silly, they’re bugs, not Dracula! You’ll need some flyswatters and a can of bug spray!”
“‘Bugs?!’ Ugh, that’s even worse!” Jenny groaned.
Rarity grimaced. “On that note, we agree.”
The seven of them got to the library and Jenny ran inside. “Wait here, I’ll be right back. Twilight, where’s my armor?”
“In the spare bedroom.”
“Thanks!”
Jenny quickly ran into the room and stripped out the outfit Rarity gave her, making sure to fold it, before hastily putting on her armor.
Wow. After wearing some normal clothes I realize what a big difference this is. It doesn’t feel as heavy as you’d think. Still chafes though.
After a few minutes she exited back into the library and looked at the ponies. “Alright, where to?”
Applejack tilted her hat back as she whistled. “Somepony came prepared.”
Rainbow nodded. “No kidding.”
“Beatrix was the general and strongest warrior of one of the most powerful armies in the world, so she better look the part. Nice to know I can pull it off,” Jenny explained with a little bit of pride in her tone.
Fluttershy whispered to Twilight as Jenny posed a little. “Um... Twilight? What is she talking about?”
Twilight leaned over to explain. “Jenny was in a costume when she was sent to our world, and it turned into actual armor when she arrived.” Fluttershy paused for a moment before quietly saying okay and slipping back behind Applejack.
Pinkie hopped up next to Jenny and kept bouncing. “So Twilight, where do we go now?”
Twilight lit up her horn and a purple arrow formed in front of her. “I’ll use this tracking spell to see if we can find where the changelings went after we get to Fluttershy’s. I’ll also cast a Mind ward to keep us from getting turned.”
“Okie Dokie Lokie! Come on Jenny! We have bugs to zap!” The pink pony then pulled out an oversized bug zapper and grinned.
“I have no idea where you get those. Or anything, for that matter,” Jenny deadpanned. “But you know, now that you mention it…” She trailed off before drawing her sword, holding it in front of her. Placing her other hand on the flat of the blade, she took a short breath before sliding her hand to the tip.
And nothing happened. “Dang it.”
Pinkie patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I brought a spare.”
Rainbow flew next to Jenny and looked at her curiously. “What was that all about?”
Jenny put her sword away and sighed. “In the game that Beatrix was from, her most powerful moves involved her sending lightning from her blade, or in one exception fire. I thought since I have lightning magic or something according to Twilight, I’d be able to do it.”
Rainbow shook her head and frowned. “That sounded like that rookie last week that thought he could handle a thunder cloud. It takes training for us pegasi to do that, and we do it all the time.”
“Really? I kind of thought you just, you know, made it work. Like it came natural to you or something.”
Rainbow grinned. “It does when it’s your special talent. But even then it’s good to get some practice. How else would you get any better?” She paused for a moment before smacking herself in the face. “Gah! Alright, time for talk over. We need to hurry up!”
Jenny nodded. “I’m with Rainbow on that one.”
“We need to wait for the Guard, Rainbow! We’ve never faced off against changelings before!” Twilight warned. Jenny at that point blinked a few times.
Rainbow shook her head. “We don’t have time to wait! They were getting dragged away and covered in some green goop when I last saw them, and I am not waiting to see what happens next!” She took off towards the cottage, leaving a trail of rainbow in her wake.
Fluttershy nervously took to the air after her friend. “Rainbow, wait!” She covered her mouth with a hoof as she looked back to the others. “Oh dear...”
Applejack sighed as she rubbed her muzzle. “That’s Rainbow for ya. One second she’s thinkin’, the next she’s got nothin’ but air in that head of hers.”
Twilight sighed as well before turning to look at everyone. “Alright, I think it’s best if we wait, but we’ll need somepony to go and make sure Rainbow doesn’t hurt herself. Fluttershy, would you mind if you go?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “No, but, um... Twilight?”
Twilight didn’t seem to hear her. “Alright, then let’s all head inside and wait for the guards to show up. Is that alright with you Je-” Twilight turned to look at the spot Jenny had been standing in, only to find air.
Fluttershy nervously spoke up a moment later. ‘I was about to say... Jenny ran after Rainbow already.”
“Dagnabit!” Applejack shouted. “As if havin’ one Rainbow wasn’t bad enough!”
Rarity looked towards the general direction of Fluttershy’s home with worry. “Oh dear, I hope they don’t do anything to reckless.”
Twilight turned away from the library with a determined look on her face. “Alright, change of plans.”
Pinke snorted. “Hehehe, change. Cause changelings.”
Twilight just rolled her eyes. “We’re going to have to tackle this ourselves, or if we can get to Rainbow and Jenny in time, drag those two back to the library.”
“Well we better hurry! Ah dunno how fast Jenny is, but this Rainbow we’re talkin’ about. Let’s git!” Applejack shouted.
Meanwhile, Rainbow was already at Fluttershy’s cottage and hovering around the area. “There has to be something that can get me closer...” She started to scour through the grass and leaves, only to find nothing remotely useful.
In her frustration, she slammed her hooves into the ground. “Darn it! I know there’s gotta be something I can use.” I didn’t go through five years of filly scouts for nothing.... I did it for Fluttershy.
“Rainbow, hold on!” Jenny called, sprinting towards her. “I’m coming with you!”
The prismatic mare blinked a few times in surprise as she saw Jenny run up. “How did you get here so fast? I was going close to top speed!”
Jenny didn’t answer in words. Instead she keeled over and rested her hands on her knees and raised a finger as she panted. “I... ran...from... library.” My legs are FIRE!
“You… You…” Rainbow still couldn’t formulate a proper thought and quickly gave up with a shake of her head. “Never mind, help me find a clue here, I’m looking for a track or something I can use to find the Changelings.”
Jenny nodded as she kept panting and started to look around. The two kept looking until Jenny noticed something in the grass. “Hey, I found something!” Rainbow flew over and they both stared down at the lump of green goo that was stuck to some grass. “This that goop you mentioned?”
“Yeah, that’s definitely it.” Rainbow quickly looked around and saw more goo trailing into the woods. “Those things probably got covered in it, so if we follow the pieces that were left behind we should be able to track them easy.”
Jenny grinned. “Alright, let’s get-” The sound of hooves getting closer reached both their ears. “Aww come on.”
“Hold it right there, ya hotheads!”
Jenny groaned. “No way, I just ran faster than I ever have before, and I plan on saving whatever Rainbow found!” Even if I can’t really feel my legs at the moment.
“Will you two just wait!? We’re going to go after them too, we just need some extra help! We need to wait for the guard!” Twilight shouted in frustration.
“But if these things are as bad as you say they are, they could be dead before they even get here!”
Applejack paused for a moment, her ears perking up as she looked around. “Girls. Ya’ll hear that?”
Everyone stayed quiet and opened their ears as they looked around. As soon as she heard it herself, Jenny recognized the sound. It reminded her of... “Cicadas?”
“I don’t think so,” Rainbow replied, flaring her wings aggressively.
“No, it sounds similar, but it isn’t. I would know,” Fluttershy explained.
“Then that means those awful creatures are nearby!” Rarity exclaimed.
“Twilight!” Jenny and Rainbow both shouted to the unicorn, their eyes conveying everything they were feeling.
Twilight hesitated for a moment before groaning and lighting her horn. In a flash of violet, six beams fired into her friends and give them a shimmering tint that matched the one that moved over her body. “That will help if we get attacked by a changeling. Just don’t get bit.”
Jenny looked over for a moment. “I thought you said the spell would fix the getting bit part!”
Twilight nodded as she moved to the front of the group. “It did. You won’t turn into a changeling, but it’ll still hurt.”
Jenny winced a bit before drawing her blade. “Well, I guess there’s only so much even magic can do.”
Pinkie bounced up to Jenny and... had a small cannon with her. “It’s time to party!”
Pink one, I will never understand you.
Without another word, they all dashed into the forest and began to search for the changeling hive.
(Invention)
Steve and Ed had split up to find any traces of Boris or Victoria, and I had gone my own way as well. I currently was looking around some shrubberies that were starting to get rather annoying. “Damn foliage, get off!” I kicked past another bush and pulled out my sword. “I always hated when this kind of detour became necessary. This time I don’t even have a path to walk.”
I managed to get clear of the bushes finally before I sighed at the state of my coat. “And that’s three new holes to patch up. I should have stolen some needles and thread. By the time I find those two I’ll look like swiss cheese.”
The world was silent for a moment before I let out a sigh. I knew I was letting myself get distracted, but I needed to remain calm. Thinking about how Boris and Victoria were both missing, the same thing that happened to Alex before he... I needed to find them. I absolutely needed to find them. I already failed one child, I refuse to fail another. Looking up at the sky, and seeing a robin land on a branch above me, I pleaded with whoever was listening. “Please. Let them be safe.”
The bird, to my surprise, actually looked down towards me and chirped before flying away. It was as if the little song bird actually answered my little prayer. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought that a robin was what had come to sing.
That smile faded rapidly as I focused once more on my goal, and what had led up to a similar predicament. If my children are not alone, and whoever has my children when I find them has any ill intent, they would feel anguish like no other, I would assure it as their father.
I began to cut through more foliage and eventually found Steve and Ed in a clearing talking amongst themselves. Steve was looking down at a stream as it flowed by. “I hate this Ed. I can’t help but feel guilty about all of this. I mean they both ran right past me...”
Ed stood just behind Steve and had his arms crossed. “Same here Steve, but we have to find them. If we leave Boris and Vicky out here they might end up like Al.” Ed scowled up at the sky as he looked at the sun. “And that one was all my fault. We got lucky that the ponies Boris and Vicky met the first time were just kids themselves. We might have had an exact repeat if that wasn’t the case.”
I scowled at that thought. That was the moment everything had gone wrong all those years ago. Alex getting out of the cave, heading to Canterlot, and getting treated lower than garbage. The pain I felt when I managed to find him was nothing compared to what he must have had. It was what I had feared would happen ever since I had managed to create Boris. I knew the ponies of the time had no love for me, and were as racist as any species could get. So, my original plans were to keep them away from the rest of the world, until they had a chance to be accepted, or I passed.
I had never expected that Alex would...
I snapped from my thoughts and shook my head. I needed to focus on the present more than the past right now. If I dwell on those days any more, Boris and Victoria are in possible danger for that much longer. I moved away from the clearing where Steve and Ed had taken pause from their search, and delved further into the woods. “I swear I will find you, my children.”
As I made to leave, Steve got up and readied his rifle towards some trees across the stream, checking the sight before putting it over his shoulder once more. “Anyways, you see any signs of that black fire ghost?”
Ed shook his head. “Nothing. Though I have to ask, what makes you think it’s a ghost?”
Steve shrugged in response. “Well, most stories that depict ghosts have them as floating fireballs, or have fire somewhere on or relating to them. Figured that they had to draw inspiration from somewhere.”
Ed nodded a few times. “I guess ya got a point, but we should split back up so we can cover more ground. I want to find Boris and Victoria ASAP.” Steve gave Ed a brief nod before he started to walk away. Before he could get far though, Ed called out again. “Hey Steve?”
“Hmm?”
Ed was looking at the sun again, taking in how it was close to the horizon. “Do you ever wonder... if there might be a way to get Alex back?”
Steve paused before shaking his head. “Those are some darker thoughts Ed. I’d stay away from them if I were you.”
Ed gave Steve a tired smile. “Yeah, they are pretty dark.” Ed looked towards the ground and sighed. “It’s just that he... always came up to me like I was a big brother. Sure Boris and Vicky call me big bro, but they act more like I’m something else... it just doesn’t feel the same.”
Steve walked back over to Ed and put a hand on his shoulder. “I know Ed, but we have bigger problems to fix right now.”
Ed was silent for a while before he nodded with a grim frown on his face. “You’re right. Let’s get back to work.”
The two ran in opposite directions and delved back into the woods, continuing their searches for Boris and Victoria with renewed vigor. One that I shared as I left in my own direction.
(Highwind)
Highwind was, as usual, not happy. He thought that with two rooms he could at least have one to himself. True, he was able to convince the idiots to share a room, but then they insisted on going over the files in his room instead of him heading over to theirs. And of course, the two couldn’t stop talking about their respective desires.
Celestia, smite me now.
“I say we go after this one first.”
“You know she’ll still has a chance at being a changeling, right? It’s not like you’re gonna hook up with it.”
“Still gives me something to look at.”
Highwind groaned as he looked over another file. “It doesn’t matter which we look into first, we’ll have to check them all eventually.” He flipped through another file and saw it was a less important pony than the rest. “I suggest going for lower profile cases first. That mare you’re looking at? That’s Suri Polomare, a rather well known and respected fashion designer. If we went to her first, it would draw attention we don’t need seeing as the investigation is meant to be discrete.” He handed over the file he had in his magic over to Whirlwind and tapped the picture. “We should go after a lesser known, like this street punk here.”
Ironsides looked over Whirlwind’s shoulder and nodded. “It sound like a good idea.”
Highwind nodded. “Then it’s settled. In two hours we’ll go on night watch and see if we can find him. When we do, we tail him until we find a hive or proof he isn’t a changeling.”
The room was silent as Whirlwind and Ironsides started to leave. Highwind got up and trotted over to the side of his bed and removed the cloaking spell from his spear. A small smile wormed it’s way onto his face as he looked over the blade. The same blade his father had used, and his father’s father. Of course... both of them were pegasus ponies.
“Hey, uh... sir?” Highwind quickly hid his spear and turned to see Whirlwind and Ironsides standing in his doorway.
“What is it? You should be getting ready.”
“Well sir, it’s just that I realized that me and Ironsides hardly know anything about you.” Highwind actually had to pause at that and blink. “I mean, we know enough about each other that we could be called brothers. But when it comes to you, you’re a mystery.”
"Why do you need to know? You should be more focused on your job," Highwind curtly answered.
"Well, yeah, but come on, sir. It's not like you're nothing but a Guard. You're a pony, and everypony has a story. Thought maybe you'd like to share yours," Ironsides explained.
"I'm sure you'd like to hear it over a nice meal, huh buddy?"
"Of course! Dinner is the second best place to have conversations, second only to bars."
Highwind shook his head and groaned. “Okay, let’s get one thing clear. I am not going to talk about my history, got it? Now get ready to head out.”
“You kiddin’ me? Come on, Highwind, there’s gotta be something you can tell us,” Whirlwind Pressed. “Like your name. Highwind’s more a pegasus name, don’t you think?”
Highwind glared at him. “I said....” a tired sigh escaped Highwind, “Alright, fine. You want to know why?” The two nodded and trotted further into the room. “The reason my name’s Highwind was that both of my parents, and their parents, were all pegasus ponies and expected me to be one, so they planned to name me after my father. Happy?”
“Whoa, so you were expected to be a pegasus? That’s unexpected. So, why didn’t they just name you something different when you turned out not to be?” Whirlwind asked.
“Because the spent the past year bragging about they were going to name their first son Highwind to carry on a family tradition. They weren’t exactly happy I was a unicorn.”
“Ah, I see. You’re family was a bit ‘purist’, huh? Don’t see many of those outside the Canterlot nobles, especially the unicorns.”
Clearly you’ve never met a military pegasus clan. Of course, they tend to be easily ignored unless you’re part of one. “So you’ll understand that I would rather not talk about it.” Highwind finished as he pointed to the door “Now go get ready. We leave in fifty.”
“Sure thing, sir. Glad to have this talk with you,” Ironsides said with a smile. “Hope to hear more about you in the future.”
That makes one of us.
Ironsides and Whirlwind both saluted before exiting the room.
Highwind waited till he was certain that the two were out of the room, before he pulled his spear out again and looked it over. The purple metal glinted in the dim light of the hotel room, barely making out the intricate carving of winds and wings on the head. “I swore I’d bring my family name honor. If only to prove to that conceited bastard that I can.” The time then began to pass slowly for Highwind. He hid his spear with another cloaking spell, Checked his appearance to ensure he looked like a civilian, and headed to the lobby to wait. After waiting in the main lobby for thirty minutes Whirlwind and Ironsides finally arrived. “You two ready to go?”
"Absolutely, sir! Work mode engaged!" Ironsides proclaimed with a salute.
Highwind felt a small headache begin to work it’s way in behind the first one. "'Work mode engaged?'"
"Yeah, it's our little joke. Means we're not goofing off anymore," Whirlwind explained.
I'll believe that when I see it.
Highwind nodded his head to the door. "Good to hear. Let's move out." The three of them began to head out of the hotel and after about forty minutes, spotted the pony in question. The periwinkle stallion was hanging around in an alley, his muzzle covered in a bandana and was clad in a leather coat. Highwind motioned over to the pony. “Alright, as I pass by, I’ll fake sneezing and light up my horn. Follow after me as I do, and if any of this guy’s shadow is missing, report it to me after we pass so we can tail this guy.” Whirlwind and Ironsides nodded.
Highwind turned back round the corner and for a moment he froze at what he saw. At the end of the street, was a tall bipedal figure wearing a black leather coat and tophat. It seemed to be trying to flag down any pony who would bother to listen. “Excuse me... If I could just... A moment of your time...”
Feeling his eye twitch, Highwind shook his head and continued with his original plan for the street thug they were trying to identify. As he passed the alleyway, he lit up his horn as he sneezed, flashing the street thug and causing him to be disoriented slightly. He then left past the alley as Whirlwind and Ironsides followed. “So, what was the result?”
“Negative. He’s got a shadow. Want to go straight and hit the next one on the list or report back to HQ?”
Before Highwind could respond, the tall figure from earlier was walking up to him. It was close enough now for him to see that it wasn’t the same one that stepped on his face earlier. This one’s face was thinner and paler, and the hair coming from under it’s tophat was pearl white. There were also pointed ears coming from under the brim of the hat. “Excuse me, but could you spare a moment?”
“Actually we’re kind of busy, if you don’t mind,” Highwind replied.
It waved a hand and looked around. “Yes, yes, I understand, what with you being members of the Guard and all.”
“Whoa, wait a sec, how’d you figure that out?” Whirlwind asked in disbelief.
The taller being pointed at the formation the three had entered unconsciously. “Well, you look rather organized for some civilians. Anyway, my name is Sterling Mind, I-I’m the Luonto Ambassador.”
“The elven ambassador? What the hay are you doing out here? Shouldn’t you be, like, in the embassy or something?” Ironsides asked.
Sterling blinked a few time before nervously looking around. “Oh, yes. Um, I suppose I should have headed there first. Oh dear, I hope I haven’t made a mistake. Oh that would be just terrible if-”
“Excuse me,” Highwind interrupted, stopping his rambling. “Sterling Mind, right? What do you need?”
Sterling cleared his throat and straightened himself up. “Oh, yes. I am here to request an audience with Princess Celestia. It’s dreadfully important that I speak with her immediately.”
“Celestia? Why do you need to talk to her?”
The elf started to twiddle his fingers as he looked at the suddenly interesting sign across the street. “Well, quite frankly, I’m not at privilege to tell you until this message reaches Princess Celestia. The Prince specifically said it needed to reach her first...”
Whirlwind looked over to the west and noted how low the sun had gotten. "Well, unfortunately all the trains are done for the day. We could take to the Guard Station and have a message sent out."
Sterling bit his lip slightly and adjusted his hat. "Oh. Oh dear, that is not what the Prince requested. Then again, I suppose expediency is most important in this situation.” Sterling bowed slightly to the trio. “Very well, my good sirs, please lead the way."
Highwind sighed as he turned around and headed back towards the guard station. Now with not only two airheads, but a nervous elf who kept reminding him of a certain someone with the feeling he kept getting from the ambassador. Regardless, He lead the dignitary to the guard station and silently prayed that all would go well.
(Jenny)
It was late by the time the tracking spell had lead them to their destination. The sun was beginning to set over the horizon, and everyone was getting tired of being in the woods. Jenny peered over a bush with the others soon following. “Alright everyone. According to Twilight’s magic compass-”
“It’s a tracking spell.”
Jenny waved a hand dismissively. “That’s what I said. Now according to her magic, the changelings are holed up in there and so are whatever Rainbow saw.” She pointed upwards to a large cave that dominated a cliff face that the tracking spell had taken them to. Surprisingly enough, not a single changeling could be found, nor were there any lurking in the woods.
“So how do ya reckon we do this? We can’t rightly go chargin’ and screamin’, but we can’t waste too much time neither,” Applejack asked.
Jenny hummed for a moment before snapping her fingers. “I got it. Quick, hand me a rock.”
“Um… ok,” Twilight complied, levitating a fist sized rock to her. “What are you going do?”
“Shake the nest and see what comes out,” she replied before hurling the stone as hard as she could into the cavern before they all ran and hid behind some trees and bushes and waited. After a good two minutes, nothing was heard aside from the echo of the rock going down. “I guess they’re not there.”
“Or maybe they’re just deeper inside,” Twilight considered. “Nevertheless, we can’t just stay out here. Let’s head in, but slowly. Nopony get separated.”
The group of seven headed inside, Twilight and Rarity lighting the way with their horns, and Jenny with her hand constantly on her hip. They kept this up for at least an hour before Jenny spoke up.
“Why’s it so empty in here? And does anyone else hear Queen?”
“How can you hear a queen?” Rainbow asked.
Jenny just sighed as they kept going. “Where I’m from, there’s an old rock band called Queen. What I meant, was can anyone else hear that music?”
Pinkie grinned as she listened to the song. “Oooh, I like this one!”
A moment later, the seven were nearly blown back by the volume of the music.
“HAVIN’ A GOOD TIME!”
The music continued to play and Jenny looked over at the others for a moment. In a bout of wordless debate, they unanimously agreed to head in as fast as possible. If only to find out just what the hell that was.
(Boris and Victoria)
For a long while, Boris couldn’t see anything but green. Whatever the changelings had used to restrain him had dried and receded, leaving him with some room inside, but it was some gross stuff to have that close to your face. It had been like this since the insects had left him wherever they had taken him and Victoria. All he knew, was that he wasn’t being moved around anymore, and he was up off the ground. “Come on.” So Boris did the first thing he could think of, and started to push against the green prison.
Come on. Come on. Just a little more. He thought, hearing the material start to crack under his strength. With a final shove, his arm burst from the cocoon he had been placed in. “Ha!” He began to reach up and grab at whatever edges he could, pulling until they began to break. Strangely, it was easier to do from the outside, and in minutes, he had managed to pull himself out. “Free!”
“Great, now how about you get me out of here, huh?”
Boris turned to find his sister in a similar situation to what he was just in, but her head was all that was freed from the green matter that kept her pinned to the wall. “Need a hand?” He walked over and started to pull away at the gunk and caught his sister as she fell forward. The duo paused to look around at where they were, looking for a way out, but seeing only blackened walls and tunnels in the upper walls. “Now how do we get out?”
The two looked around the room, searching behind other green pods and in some cases steering clear of the ones holding more creatures in them.
“I guess we just have to take some chances. Let’s choose a way and get out of here,” Vicky answered.
“Really? I’m surprised you’re not trying to do some brainy thing to help us find our way out,” Boris teased.
“And I’m surprised you haven’t suggesting just smashing through walls,” she snarked back. “I didn’t get a good look at how we got here, and it’s not like we can just ask for directions.”
Boris blinked a few times before rubbing his chin. “Huh... why didn’t I think of that?” He leaned against one of the walls and kept scratching his chin. “I mean... If we found a thin enough spot we co-WOAH!” It was that moment that the wall he was leaning on gave way into a different room. This one was filled not with pods, but had several doorways on every wall. Boris got up from the debris before blinking a few times and looking at the wall. “Well... that happened.”
“Your clumsiness and stupidity should be it’s own superpower,” Vicky groaned. “Well, might as well go this way.”
As they both headed into the room, a rumble shook the area and the hole that had been made quickly sealed itself. This not only blocked the way back, but all of the light coming from the cocoons, leaving the two in pitch darkness.
“Hey, Vicky, I know you aren’t good with magic yet, but couldn’t you make a lightbulb, or a small fire, or something? I can’t see my hands, and they’re pressed against my face.”
“I guess I could try.” Victoria started to focus on her hands, trying to picture the light that had engulfed them earlier moving into a small ball in her palm. When she opened her eyes, she and Boris were both staring at a small mote of light hovering in her right hand. “I did it.” They were both silent for a moment before Victoria grinned. “I did it!”
“Hey, cool! I guess we’ll show dad when… we… whoa.”
Both of the children gawked at the ceiling above them, as several hundred changelings clung to the rock. They seemed to be asleep, or at the very least, unaware of the two. “Boris... let’s get out of here. As quietly as possible.” Victoria whispered as she began to slowly walk to one of the large sets of double doors.
“Right behind ya.” Boris quietly made his way over as well, before the two came to a dilemma. “How are we going to get this open?”
“I… I don’t know. It looks pretty sturdy.”
“Well… I could… you know.”
“Are you nuts!?” she hissed back. “Why is your first instinct to smash things!?”
“Hey, I’m just saying, I don’t think there’s another way to open it. Besides, do you want to just wait for them to get up instead?”
“You… ugh. Ok. Just hold on a second.”
Boris nodded and started to back away from the door. Victoria moved away just enough not to get rammed by her brother, and Boris charged forward. When Boris did collide with the door, however, it swung open and he tumbled forward onto the ground. “Omphf!” Unfortunately, the sound of the doors slamming against the walls echoed down every possible corridor. “Oh no...”
“Running time!” he shouted, motioning for his sister to follow as he sprinted down the dark halls.
Victoria quickly ran through the doorway as several blue eyes gazed down at her and slowly advanced. “Wait for me!”
Like in the forest before, the two ran from the oncoming waves of Changelings. Ducking through doorways, and charging past the occasional rock formation. Eventually the two came across a larger door than the rest. “There! It’s the biggest door here, it has to be the exit!”
Boris pumped his arms as hard as he could before bashing into the imposing doors, only to be met with a lack of natural light.
“Or it could lead somewhere else,” Victoria half-groaned, half-shouted in frustration.
The two of them jumped as the doors slammed shut, and were illuminated in an eerie green. “So... the children have finally arrived.”
Boris looked over and saw a larger changeling than before sitting across the room. The massive emerald in the wall behind it glowing brightly as it seemed to churn something within.
“W-What? Wh-Who are you?” Victoria asked, scared that this creature seemed to know them.
It let out a laugh that chilled the two kids. “Why my dear Victoria, our name is Queen Chrysalis.” The queen began to walk closer to them as green flames engulfed her and changed her form. “We also are Cadence,” She was engulfed again, “Or Luna,” A final time she shifted and returned to normal. “Or whoever we wish to be.”
“I’ll be honest, I’d probably say that was pretty cool if I wasn’t so terrified right now,” Boris commented.
The queen gave the boy a predatory smile. “Why thank you for the compliment young Boris, but we are certain you two are wondering why you’re here in our domain.”
“Cause you kidnapped us,” Vicky replied, trying to mask her fear with anger.
Chrysalis laughed as she looked at the young girl. “Now Victoria, there’s no point in trying to hide how you feel. Even with that metallic body of yours, We can still see the fear it shows.” She trotted around the children, circling them as she continued. “As for the kidnapping, yes, that is a way to describe it. We prefer harvesting much more.”
“‘H-Harvesting’? What do you mean by that?” she asked, unable to keep the fear from leaking through completely.
“Y-yeah! I mean... really, we don’t even have any meat on us! Nothing but metal all around! Hehehe...” Boris nervously moved between Victoria and the Queen.
Chrysalis looked at him in amusement as she stopped at the double doors they had entered in. “It seems that you two know little about Changelings. We don’t feed on meat or metal. We feed on something more nutritious than those paltry substances ever could be.”
“Uh… minerals?” Boris asked, chuckling nervously.
Chrysalis’ smile grew as her fangs gleamed in the light from the emerald. “Your minds.” She started to come closer to the children as they backed away. “Over the centuries, We’ve come to enjoy the taste of ripping apart the consciousness of those who amuse us. And you two are oh, so amusing. In fact, you’re the most amusing pair of meals we’ve come across since our existence began.”
Boris felt Victoria bump into his back and glanced over his shoulder to find that they were pressed against the wall. He jabbed a finger at her and shouted pitifully. “S-stay back!”
Chrysalis licked her lips as she got closer. “Now why would we do that? We’d miss the most delicious meal of all.” A menacing chuckle escaped the queen’s throat as she lit up her horn. “We’d also miss the chance at sweet revenge.”
Victoria was trembling behind her brother, gripping onto his gloved hands in fear. “Please... someone help.”
As if to answer her plea, a bright light flashed above the three and a gaping hole formed in the ceiling of the room. Gazing into it in looked like staring into oblivion and heaven at once. And descending from the portal with the grace of-
“Aaaaaah!” Smack. “Ow.”
-a lead weight being thrown from an airship was a large armored figure that landed flat on it’s face.
Everything was silent for a moment, as not even the queen knew what to make of what just happened. When she did regain her wits, however, she turned to the figure and glared. “What is the meaning of this!?”
“Ugh… first I get sent away after helping, now I get pulled through a portal. This must be how Kat felt,” the figure muttered as it got to its knees.
Chrysalis growled as her horn lit up and lifted the figure into the air. “INTERLOPER! ANSWER OUR QUESTION!”
Boris’s jaw dropped at the size of the man. “Woah. Where can I get that big?” His sister then elbowed him in the gut.
“Huh?” The large man turned to survey his surroundings before catching sight of the two siblings and the Changeling Queen. “Oh hey, Chryssi, how ya doin’?”
The queen slammed him into the ground and growled more. “Do not degrade our name! Now answer our question! What is the meaning of this interruption!?”
“I guess that would be one of you two,” he answered, turning to Boris and Victoria. “Which of you has my gauntlets?”
Boris just blinked a few times before looking at his hands. “I made a man fall from nothing...” He looked up and grinned. “Awesome.”
“Technically you called me here. You didn’t just make me come into existence or anything. I’m guess old jitterbug here is the reason you called me?” he asked motioning to the increasingly furious queen. Boris and Victoria looked at each other before nodding furiously.
“Uh... yeah, she was kinda about to... eat us.” Boris looked at Chrysalis and shuffled along the wall with his sister to put the large warrior between her and them.
“I see,” he replied before sighing. Chrysalis’ aura disappeared off him, something that surprised her, and then he quickly hopped to his feet. “Honestly this feels weird, attacking a Chrysalis after being able to hang out with a different version of her, but I guess things just don’t work the same in every dimension. Should’ve internalized that by now.”
Chrysalis froze at the moment the warrior mentioned dimensions. “You... you are from outside this realm? Just like that tartarus forsaken inventor?”
“‘Inventor?’ Oh so this is that universe, is it? Huh, maybe I can finally get some info on him.”
Chrysalis began to tremble in rage. “First he comes and ruins our lands... then that worthless woman shows her face again, and now... some pathetic armored imbecile!?” The doors leading out of the room were encased in an emerald glow. “Enough of this foolishness!” The doors swung open and the horde of changelings waiting outside began to chirp their wings in anticipation. “KILL HIM!”
“Wow, not even giving me the chance to give you a warning? You are certainly not like any of the Chrysalis’ I’ve met. Oh well, it won’t matter because-”
Music began to play and he began singing along with it.
“Tonight I’m gonna have myself a real good time.
I feel aliiiiiiiiiiiiive
And the wooooooooooorld
I’ll turn it inside out, yeah!
I’m floating around in ecstasy so
Don’t stop me now
Don’t stop me
‘Cause I’m havin’ a good time”
He pulled out his spear.
“HAVIN’ A GOOD TIME!”
As the music surged he dashed into the swarm of changelings, smacking them back and forth, sending them in every direction… while still singing.
Boris blinked once before slowly moving to go hide behind the throne, and taking Victoria with him. “This is oddly reminding me of when dad tried to rock out on his piano.”
“Less talk, more hide.” Victoria pushed him further behind the throne. The two of them started to peek around the edge of the obsidian throne as the warrior continued to attack the horde, and was winning.
Chrysalis watched as changeling after changeling were knocked through the air. “Damnable...” She charged into the fray herself shortly after, lighting her horn and sending a blast into the ground next to the warrior. A moment later a spike of earth shot out and hit him in the back. Though it didn’t pierce his armor it did cause him to stumble, giving a chance for the other changelings to swarm and begin biting him. Chrysalis smiled as he lost underneath the horde… only for it to waver when she noticed the music hadn’t stopped and a rumbling was coming from under her horde.
“About to oh, oh, oh, oh, oh EXPLODE!”
A burst of wind sent them flying in all directions, hard enough to embed them into the walls. The warrior simply continued to sing and dance as he approached the Queen.
“YOU DARE TREAT US LIKE SOME SORT OF JOKE!?” she shouted before firing several blasts into the cavern floor, walls, and ceiling, causing spikes to extend from several directions. He responded by quickly cutting them to pieces. She then ripped out boulder sized rocks from the wall before hurling them at him only for him to easily punch them into oblivion. She then resorted to simply blasting him with magic, which for some reason simply disappeared when it made contact with him. He then extended his hand and fired a magical beam at her, the same color as her own aura. It was then she realized he had somehow been absorbing her magic.
“Whoa. He’s totally got this in the bag!” Boris whispered excitedly.
“I’ll admit, he is pretty good,” Victoria agreed.
The queen rose and growled before noticing her changeling were stirring. “DO NOT FALTER! KILL THEM ALL! MAKE THEM SUFFER!” she shouted.
Just after she spoke those words a green light flashed from behind the siblings. They turned and saw the large gem they had seen earlier pulsating brightly in time with the attacks from Chrysalis . “Wait a second...” Victoria looked at the gem, then over to Chrysalis before her thoughts clicked. “The emerald! She’s getting power from it!”
Boris looked at her as the song started to die down. “I don’t think it’ll be too important. I think that the bug queen’s down for the count.” He peeked around the side of the throne as a beaten and battered Chrysalis was panting heavily. Her eyes glaring fury at the warrior as her magic began to pick up again.
“Worthless cur.” One of the changelings on the wall flew over to Chrysalis and she bit into it’s neck, draining it dry in a matter of moments. The injuries on her body healing at a visibly rapid pace before she stood tall and reignited her horn. “We will not fall to one who disgraces themselves!”
Boris gulped. “And now we are dealing with a full blown vampire.” He looked up at the emerald on the wall and frowned. “Alright, lets see...” He started to look around the area away from the battle and found a spike of rock that had been sent over their direction. It was just big enough to use as a club, and Boris ran out to grab it. “I got it! Vicky, I’ll need a boost!”
“You’re going to break it, aren’t you.”
Boris grabbed the stone and ran back over with a grin. “Yep! It’s what I do best!”
Victoria just nodded as she ran to the front of the throne and started to help Boris up to the top. Boris grunted as he got up on the back of the seven foot tall seat, and lost his balance for a moment. As soon as he recovered, he pulled his arm back, and swung the rock club into the edge of the emerald. I sure hope this works.
The moment of impact sent a small wave of stillness over the changelings.
Chrysalis looked over at the young boy and saw him pull back for another swing. “NO! GET AWAY FROM THAT!” The second impact caused a small crack to form on the emerald, and a similar crack to form across the barrel of the changeling queen as she stumbled.
Boris pulled back a third time and swung as hard as he could. His stone club embedded itself into the emerald before a spiderweb of cracks formed and light began to pour out of the gem. “Oh boy.” He jumped down just before the gem shattered and sent a shock wave of magic out over the room. When the magic reached Queen Chrysalis’ body, which was covered in lines of light, it erupted into a cerulean inferno and she let out a tremendous wail of agony.
The flames quickly spread to every smaller changeling in the area and burned them away to ash. Strangely though, Chrysalis’ body remained as it collapsed onto the ground, wreathed in the blue flames and obscuring her from view.
Boris and Victoria looked at the spectacle with dropped jaws before glancing at the warrior and pointing at each other. “His/Her idea.”
“Whoa. Definitely not the Chrysalis I know,” the warrior quipped.
“You… I will… yet have my revenge…” Chrysalis seethed as she rose, still bathed in flame. “I will-!”
“Boop,” the warrior said before he flicked her on her snout, somehow producing enough power to send her tumbling across the ground. “Take a nap, your majesty.”
Boris and Victoria both looked at the warrior in silence before the young boy cleared his throat. “So... how are you?” He got smacked upside the head by Victoria a moment later. “Hey what was that for!?”
“For being you and causing a magical explosion.”
“Sounds fun,” the warrior quipped. “Anyway, let’s get out of here you two.”
A groan from the general direction of Chrysalis drew their attention. It sounded... different. Boris looked over at the queen, only to find the fires had died out, and a pony was laying there. “Oh... my head.” The pony started to get up, her emerald coat covered in soot and her blue mane ragged and parting only for the horn on her head. She paused when her hoof reached her view and trembled at the sight of it. “I’m.... I’m not...”
Victoria’s eyes widened as her jaw dropped. “No.... it can’t be.”
Boris and the mare locked eyes and if it were not attached, the boy’s jaw would have fallen off.
“ROBIN!?” The mare clumsily stood back up as the two children rushed over to her. Before she could even get a word out, she was tackled to the ground and hugged by Boris. “Robin!”
VIctoria was next to him, hugging the mare as well. “How?... Who?... What?”
The tired mare slowly got up and smiled at him. “Please, Boris, Victoria, let us get out of this place before I explain.” She looked over at the warrior who she’d been fighting not moments ago before smiling. “I would like to give you my thanks.”
“Uh… not sure what’s going on here, but you’re welcome. Honestly, I’ve had very few thank me after getting beaten to a pulp,” he replied. “Can you move on your own, or shall I carry you, your majesty?”
The mare scrunched her face in disgust at the title. “Please don’t call me that. Being forced into experiencing all of those years... has left a bad taste.” She stood and while her legs shook, managed to hold herself up. “As for walking, I should be fine.”
“Quickly this way!” An echo could be heard from the distance. “It came from over here!”
“Um… do we want to risk meeting whoever that is or should we just amscray?” the warrior asked.
Robin shook her head. “I would have to meet them eventually, but it is best if we don’t draw their attention for now. I have information they need to know, even if I can’t tell all of it immediately.”
Boris frowned in confusion as he looked at Robin. “Who’s coming? Is it dad?”
Robin smiled as the group of ponies came into the room. Due to all the debris, they would not be immediately seen. “No Boris, it’s six, very important mares.” She paused for a moment and eyed Jenny as she came into the room panting. “And an early arrival it seems.” She turned to the warrior and nodded. “Let us be off.”
“Gotcha. Is the Everfree Forest a good destination?” he asked.
Robin nodded as she noticed Jenny looking over towards her. “It will suffice for now.” She smirked and met Jenny’s gaze for a moment, long enough for the message to be clear. I see you, and we will meet again.
“Then hang onto your hats!” he exclaimed.
Boris looked confused for a moment as he patted his head. “But I don’t have a hat.”
“Wow really? Ah forget it,” he said before using his spear to cut a hole in the air itself. The inside looked somewhat similar to the portal he fell out of, but it had less light coming from it. “All aboard the Gilgamesh Express!”
Robin chuckled as she calmly stepped through the portal and was quickly followed by the two kids and warrior.
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Gilgamesh is in like every one these stories I've read, I just got used to having him show up.
This chapter was awesome.
boy, that Gilgamesh guy sure gets around the multiverse.
Dang it. I am constantly losing this story and finding it again. Now I have three chapters to read.
Oooh, Gilgamesh is here to play? This aught to be interesting!
*sigh* At this point I feel like just calling it Deus ex Gilgamesh as the solution to all your multiverse problem's needs.
Gilgamesh makes everything 20% more awesome! He's like a big thing of Accent seasoning salt for LoHAV fanfics.
You know your LoHAV fanfic is top quality when Gilgamesh makes an appearance.
Just you watch. Pretty soon most comments for LoHAV fanfics will be "Needs more Gilgamesh".
Finaly Gilgamesh on the Gilgamesh Gilgamesh-seption baby
Finally I am caught up.
img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130427224144/finalfantasy/images/a/ac/FFV_iOS_Gilgamesh.png
Gilgy Ex Machina.
If Gilgamesh isn't in or on The Gilgamesh in the next chapter...
Is there a group with all the stories about the Displaced, or whatever this sub-genre of HiE is being called? This is actually pretty interesting.
I have the feeling that Alex is 'nightmare.' Just as Invention was still in stone as Nightmare Moon was 'born' if i am not wrong. This nightmare character in this story at least has Anger appointed or officiated at one person or a group more or less the THIRD part of the 7 stages of grief. Seeing as Alex was deeply connected to Invention, this manifestation of 'nightmare' and appearance of bipedal nature or a 'obsidian fire' form, this 'fire' form would also mean that the 'nightmare' could change as it chooses, then why would it choose a bipedal creature in front of Invention or the very man ALEX was so deeply connected to!? This also shows one of two things... 'nightmare' is rather trying to not give fear or showing that he is not only Alex but remembers the bomb as the message he put "The world will burn!" this could mean he is going to napalm the world (not likely), OR he is merely saying that he will burn the world with the very bomb Invention used so long ago. Also this obsession with celestial THE very person to imprison Invention... showing that ALEX is NIGHTMARE... but hay that's just a theory.
well Gilgamesh is every where and is the most hammiest character in lohav also one of the most heroic and 2nd most musical but he is every where I mean dam dude has become a major player even when not in the war
Robin is alive???!!!
now lets find Batman
I just can't express in words how I like this Gilgamesh, Shinigamisparta really came up with a funny and nice character, I'm talking about what's left of the characters human self.
You won't find a displaced that is more sympathetic and amusing.
It also fits him being summoned, seeing as he was a GF in FF8 and a Bestia in FF9.
Background music for calm or lazy scenes in Son of Invention:
5177692 Check out Lohav/Lohah, they have most of 'em.
Huh. So I've caught up and am now wondering what's going to happen next, but now I have to wait!
...I wonder how Jenny will react to seeing ANOTHER Final Fantasy character...Especially one that is canonically shown to be able to jump universes....
AND APPEARED IN FINAL FANTASY IX.
5179126 Who the hell is more musical? Zante?
5195101 yep he gave Gilgamesh his power of music
Well, i forgot to mention this..
Robin..It's time to tip the scales!
5195122 Yeah but I feel Gilgy uses it more
5195101 It is spelled with an X not a Z, just be glad it was not the author of the story who noticed it.
5175690 indeed.
Aha. Now things are getting interesting.
Who's Jenny again? Or more specifically, who's she dressed up as?
5198011 General Beatrix from FF9
5198034 ah yes... Thank you
Gilgamesh's is a GREAT story.
And this one's getting pretty good too.
5198034 If Gilgamesh doesn't meet her at some point then I WILL BE VERY ANGRY.
Came here for Gilgamesh. Not disappointed. Boris ended the fight that Gigly probably would have won anyways without too much effort. Waiting to see Gilgamesh on the Gilgamesh joke.
Then read the story so far. A few things that I'm not sure how to resolve.
First off, personal preference makes it so I dislike too many POV jumping within a single chapter. Not to bad in this story. But then you threw flashbacks into the mix. So now I'm having to make a sticky-note chart to keep the story and possible theories straight in my head.
A tad confused about the inventor though. There's having a pre-Equestria backstory that's coherent, and then there's being able to do everything Invention has been able to do, which unless he has a walking encyclopedia with him, seems a bit too pressing for my suspension of disbelief.
Don't stop righting though; those are just a few things that bug me about the story.
Gotta thank Gilgamesh for helping me find another great story to read.
Seems like the plot got a significant kick in the pants, can't wait to see what comes of this.
5195061 I wonder how Gilgamesh will react when he learns that Invention named his ship after him. XD
5217129 Gilgamesh on the Gilgamesh.
The likes on this story are almost at 1000, the number 999 is just sitting there.
5225734 NUMBER 1000!!!
5227843 :D
5229640 GIGLAMESH!
If this is not just a trick then i am more than happy
...Knew it.
i feel like this line was inspired by a certain DC character (probably not but still)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SDVWr93Z9Yc