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Prologue2,258 words
Doubt6,868 words
The Journey7,132 words
The Proposal9,875 words
The Tour14,216 words

The Tour

Twilight walked through the halls of the hive, her head and ears lowered as she contemplated the words she had exchanged with the queen a little while before. The hall was... well, not quiet really, since she could still her the slight buzzing of wings about her. Normally, such a presence would fill her with dread but her thoughts were stuck on the Queens proposal.

*****

"You want to what?!" Twilight shouted, staring at the annoyed looking Nymph in front of her. To be fair, it was a fair reaction. This had been the third time she'd said those words since the Queen had laid down her request.

"As I said before, at this point, I only wish for an audience with Princess Cadence." Chrysalis repeated, the impatience she felt only barely restrained "Seeing as me breaking in would cause a panic and a possible war if I or an ambassador were to be detained, I figured a peaceful method had to be proposed." She growled, looking reluctant to continue. Again, Twilight's reaction didn't encourage a lot of confidence in the Queen. She had thought that things would be better if she had just tried the breaking in method but Lord Discord insisted that that would only prove to piss the princess's off. Whiny mammals.

"I get what you're saying but you can't expect Cadence to want to see you again." Twilight argued, letting out a breath. She had finally calmed down a bit, though she was still pacing the floor. "You kidnapped her, locked her away for Celestia knows how long, hypnotized her husband-"

"To be fair, they weren't married yet." Chrysalis interrupted, looking bored as Twilight listed her 'crimes'. Changeling laws and Pony laws were quite different. Twilight answered with a glare, in which Chrysalis raised her hooves up in surrender as the young mare continued.

"You manipulated the Princess, my friends and me until you could spring a trap to get rid of me, all so you could take over Canterlot and use it as your own personal feeding ground! How can you expect me to trust you with my sister-in-law? How can I trust you not to hurt them!"

*****

Twilight wasn't sure what she should do. She definitely didn't trust the changelings, mainly Chrysalis, but she also couldn't deny that they attacked not out of malice but hunger. It was their nature. But nature didn't mean they couldn't live in peace, right? Dragons, despite how rude they could be, weren't the enemy of Equestria. Nor were the Buffalo of the west or the zebras. But Changelings though…

"Princess Twilight." A voice called out, scaring Twilight into jumping into the air. Well, more like crashing as her wings reacted to her panic by trying to fly her away only to hit a wall. Lying against a wall, the voice spoke again. "~Ah. How curious a reaction. Was I that frightening, then?"

Twilight looked up to see Apis standing before her, staring down at her from behind his small reading glasses. He was alone.

"Where are my friends?" She demanded, panicking a bit when she didn't see them.

"They have been escorted to their guestroom, as Mother instructed." He replied, not looking the bit concerned by the glow of her horn. She hadn't even noticed that she'd summoned her magic. Neither did he, apparently. No, he just stared at her face. Or her eyes, she wasn't sure. "They are waiting for your return."

"They are? So they're okay then." She sighed in relief before she remembered who she was talking to. "Oh, not to say that-"

"Worry not, princess." Apis assured, his tone displaying no sign he was upset at all. "I do not care if you assumed that I or our subjects intended any harm. If we did, it would have been just. Since we did not, it is but an assumption that turned out to be wrong." He stated, before tapping his chin in contemplation. "How do you ponies put it?... Right, no harm done."

"Still, I'm sorry about that." She replied, bowing her head a bit. "I shouldn't have assumed such a thing. Or tried to use my magic against you. I'm sorry." With her head lowered, she couldn't see Apis. The silence that followed her apology was deafening. Feeling a bit nervous, Twilight looked up to see a stone faced Apis staring back at her.

"How curious." He said, nodding. He turned away, walking a bit before turning to her. "If you would, please follow me. I will show you where you and your companions will be staying." Twilight stared at Apis for a moment before following him. Silence fell between them, suiting Apis but making Twilight a bit uncomfortable. She liked silence as much as the next mare but something about it walking with another pony - or in this case, a changeling - made her try her hoof at talking. If not just to fill the silence.

"Uh... So, um, your majesty?" She started, trotting up beside him. He didn't look at her or reply. She frowned "Hello?"

"Hello." He replied, surprising her. She didn't think he was even listening to her.

"Oh! Uh, sorry." She stammered, feeling awkward.

"For what?" He asked, his eyes briefly falling on her before stopping on something just behind her. Before she could turn to look, Apis continued. "Do you ponies usually just randomly apologize or is it just you and your companions?"

"Huh? Oh, no it's not just us, actually." She answered, scratching her head with a hoof. "I mean, it's not really a pony thing per se. We do it but I think other races do it too. Like... Uh..." Twilight tried to think of any other races that apologized as much but her interaction with other races were way too limited. She knew one zebra, one griffin and 2 dragons. Okay, really just Spike. The other one, she barely spoke to. So, really, what did she know? She only know what the books she'd read on Dragons had told her. She told this to Apis, who seemed weirdly pleased about that. At least, she thought he was pleased. His face didn't change but something about him did. It was just a tad bit warmer around him.

"I see. So there are things that even ponies don't know." He sighed, sounding relieved. "That is... comforting to hear." He continued on, leading her deeper into the hive. The lights from from the gem infused walls were warm and settled over them like a blanket. Twilight was mystified by the sight.

"What kind of gems are these?" She asked, curious. "I've never seen gems glow before." At this question, Apis seemed to get a bit gloomier. The air cooled as the silence fell between them. After what felt like hours, he spoke.

"I don't know..." He muttered, just barely loud enough to be heard. Twilight watched him. His face was stony and something about it told her that she shouldn't ask anymore about it.

"Oh?! Uh, right, of course." She stammered, now nervous. Apis said nothing as Twilight tried to think of a way out of this awkward situation. "Um... Oh! Your majesty?" Apis' ear twitched. She supposed it was his way of indicating that he was listening. "You said you took my friends to our room. You think we're staying long enough to need a room?" She asked, hoping for a response. Luckily, she didn't have to wait as long for a response.

"Most definitely." He replied, leading her up some stairs. "I know for a fact you will be here for at least a few days. As such, I must make sure you are comfortable." This surprised her, since she could have sworn the room was organized by Chrysalis. Especially considering her proposal. But to find out it was Apis…

"You set up our rooms?" She asked, doubting his word but watching him nod. "Why?" Apis, again, didn't hesitate, though his response wasn't comforting.

"To appeal to your generous pony nature." He stated, with not a shred of shame or concern. "If we are to enlist your assistance in our plight, we must then shower you and your companions with niceties." He explained, as if this was obvious. And to be fair, it was. She had read about this kind of mindset, equal exchange and all that but... to hear it said so bluntly before they'd even started…

"You could have lied, you know." She pointed out, still reeling in confusion at the pure candidness of his words.

"About what?" He asked, blinking at her in what she assumed was confusion.

"All of that." She said, staring up at him as he stared down at her. He had reached the landing but had stopped to stare at her. "You could have said that it was out of the goodness of your heart or something. Or that you just wanted to be nice." Apis cocked his head to the side like a bird, clearly confused though his face barely changed save for a growing frown.

"But then that would be a lie." He replied, frowning. He spoke like he didn't think she knew what a lie was. Actually, the fact that he admitted that such a thing would be a lie was a bit more shocking than the fact he intended to use flattery to win them over.

"True but it would work better in your favor." She deadpanned, cocking a brow at him as she joined him on the landing.

"Perhaps but lies only lead to more lies." He clarified, walking ahead. "I don't care to make things more difficult by constantly having to keep track of what lies I have told to everyone."

Interesting. Twilight thought, smiling to herself. It filled her with a bit of hope. "You think lies are bad?" She asked, walking beside him.

"Nay." He answered, not seeing Twilight's smile fall as he continued. "They can be a necessary tactic, as is a changelings nature, but they are mostly just a waste of time. Time I spend keeping track of lies is time I could spend on more important things."

"Like?" She ventured, cocking a brow.

"Many things." He assured, looking past Twilight at some unseen thing. "My research, for one thing. Gathering information and-" He stopped, frowning once more.

"Your majesty?" She called, tapping his shoulder, though he was much taller than her. "Prince Apis?

"You seem to have taken a sudden interest in my character." He proclaimed, as if it had just then occurred to him. "Why is that?" Twilight flinched at the suddenness of the question.

"W-well, since we're going to be around each other for a while, I figured I might as well get to know you a bit, right?" She claimed, looking away nervously. Apis stared at her for a minute before continuing down the hallway.

"Perhaps but you seem less abrasive than before." He stated, his eyes straight ahead. "I doubt you've come to trust me in the minutes we've been apart so I'm quite perplexed by your sudden friendliness." He grumbled, probably trying to come up with a solution himself. Twilight couldn't help but smile at that.

"I'm giving you a chance and hoping you'll give me a chance too." She replied, smiling at him. It wasn't her friendliest smile but it was genuine. Apis seemed to note this.

"A chance for what?"

"I guess to get to know you despite our differences in species." She said, feeling confident. Apis stared at her a moment before cocking a brow.

"Changelings and Ponies are capable of interbreeding fertile offspring so I am quite sure we are either the same species or closely enough related to be classified as the same. Then again-" He then started ranting off about speciation and evolution, seeming to have distracted himself with something Twilight only had a passing interest in.

She sighed. I wonder if this is how my friends feel when I go on one of my rants?

*****

Minutes later, they arrived at her room. The door was wooden and had a single violet gem in it. As she looked around, she noted that the doors surrounding hers also had gems in them. Blue, yellow, white, orange and pink. She figured they were for each of them. Twilight turned to Apis, to thank him for the escort, when her door burst open and a poof of confetti blasted beside her. Both she and Apis jumped, shocked to see Pinkie grinning at her with her party cannon.

"Hiya, Twilight! Api!" She cried, hopping out to hug them both. "I'm glad you’re here. We're about to have a super secret sleepover surprise party and you two are invited!" She cheered, hopping onto Apis' back. The prince didn't seem all that bothered by her presence on his back but continued to frown at Pinkie’s Party Cannon.

"Lady Pinkie, I don't think you are supposed to tell me that." Apis pointed out, cocking a brow at her. "If it's supposed to be a secret, I'm guessing it's supposed to be a secret from me." He stated, turning back only to jump at the sudden disappearance of the party cannon that had just been in front of him. Twilight left him to his frantic search for the vanishing artillery. Pinkie jumped off his back to address Twilight.

"Aw, how sad." She pouted. "I wanted Api to join us. He's our friend and we should share our thoughts with him."

"Perhaps but I doubt he considers us his friends yet." Twilight said, patting Pinkie on the shoulder. "We’ve only know him for a little while. Give him time.” Twilight reassured, sharing a smile with her friend.

“Princess Twilight. Lady Pinkie.” They both turned to Apis, his search for the party cannon apparently abandoned judging from his faint scowl. “I must leave you. I bid you a good evening and pray that the endless darkness swaths as you sleep.” He breathed, bowing his head before turning away. Twilight stood there, confused and a bit disturbed by his statement. Swathed in endless darkness? What did that mean?!

Pinkie, however, giggled and followed him up with one of her own. “G’night and let the sun warm you when you wake up!” Pinkie countered, waving at the retreating Prince. Apis stopped, looking back at her in silence.

“...Indeed.” He replied, bowing his head slightly before drifting off into the darkness.

“What was that about?” Twilight asked after a minute of silence.

“Oh, I figured it was a changeling thing so I countered his good night with one of my own.” She explained, hopping past Twilight into the room.

“He seemed to accept it alright…” She said, frowning in confusion.

“I guess I did it right then.” she said with a smile. Twilight followed behind her comrade, wondering if Pinkie understood Apis better than she did. The two seem to understand each other in a way that she couldn't. At the very least Pinkie was doing her best at getting along with him.

Twilight entered the room to find all of her friends were there. I guess this was Pinkie’s super secret slumber party. Twilight thought, looking around. Rainbow Dash flying about, running her hooves over the walls as if trying to find an escape route. Applejack was relaxing near the bed, unpacking her things and seeming to be the most relaxed of the group. Fluttershy was resting on the bed, watching the others as they milled about. Rarity was sitting by the dresser, looking at herself in the crude but functional mirror and brushing her mane. She seemed very melancholy, her brushstrokes lacking their usual enthusiasm. Spike was… running toward her. Twilight barely stopped herself from teleporting out of the way as the purple Dragon dashed toward her nearly tackling her as he embraced her foreleg. Twilight stare down at him, smiling softly just before she reach down to stroke his shaking back.

“Twilight, are you okay?!” He whined as he pressed his face to her chest. “Why did you go with her?” He looked up at her with fearful eyes. “You know what she did before right. Course you do you were there. So why?!”

Twilight's at nothing for a minute looking up and around the room at all of her friends. The question that Spike had asked laid in all of their eyes. They too wondered why it was that she had gone with the queen alone. Though to be fair, she really hadn't had a choice at the time. It's not like she could have actually refused. She understood their hesitation in trusting Chrysalis. Twilight had felt it within herself too. Even now after her discussion with the queen, she still felt nervous and wary.

Still she had to tell her friends what she had heard from the queen and of her… interesting proposal. Twilight took a deep breath and sat down to explain the entire situation.

“Okay so what had happened was that the queen basically wants to live in the Crystal Empire. She says that it would be the best place for her changelings, so she wants us or me to act as their sponsor, I guess. But first she wants us to learn to trust the changelings so we are to live here among them for about a week or so!” She explained with barely a breath between words. There was a long moment of silence as her words fell on the ears of her friends.

All of them were clearly shocked, especially Spike, who stared up at her dumbfounded. After a minute or so of silence, the first mare spoke.

“Wait a second, back up. She wants to do what now?!” Rainbow Dash demanded landing on the floor with a thud. She didn't look mad per se but she definitely wasn't happy.

“I believe Twilight was quite clear.” Rarity's stated replacing the brush on the dresser before turning toward her friends. She looked a lot less frazzled than before. “It would seem that the queen wishes for us to remain here for the time being.”

“That's definitely what I heard too.” Applejack echoed covering her eyes with her hat. She seemed to ponder the notion of remaining here for a while. ”I don't mind so much. It’s just kind of sudden, is all. I mean what are we supposed to do here?”

“Are not we supposed to help ponies?” Fluttershy asked meekly, watching everyone from her spot on the bed. “Besides I think we should stay. We can’t leave yet.”

“What!?” Everyone shouted save for Twilight and Pinkie, who had remained strangely silent throughout the conversation. Twilight had expected her to chime in at some points but the pink mare remained silent, walking around the room with a smile on her face.

Fluttershy let out a soft cough, regaining Twilight's attention. Despite how clearly nervous she was, she continued. “W-we came here to help them, right? So we shouldn't just leave them alone like this. I understand that after everything that's happened between us, things might be hard but I think we should at least try, right?”

No one spoke for a time, their eyes darting across the room as they seem to ponder their own thoughts and weigh their options. Twilight's feelings on the matter were much different than everyone else's. While they had suffered under the Queen's wrath for a time, Twilight had been tricked by her. Twilight couldn't help but feel a little bit bitter toward the queen and her Changelings. She honestly felt like just leaving them but she knew that was wrong. If she chose to leave, they’d starve just as Discord had surmised.

At just that moment Pinkie let out a large sigh. She took a breath to prepare for what was probably going to be an epic speech. Everyone braced themselves. Knowing Pinkie this is going to be a long rant. But Pinkie surprised everyone with her response.

“I agree with Fluttershy.” She said with a smile. “I don't think we should leave, we have a lot of things we have to do.”

“Like what?” Rainbow Dash asked, cocking eyebrow.

“Like apologizing to Zergy, for one thing.” She said, matching rainbows look.

Everyone flinched at the statement, surprised that Pinkie had decided to bring up such an awkward subject at a time like this. While all of them had been thinking about it, no one had had the courage to bring it up. Even Spike was silent, his face pressed close to Twilight's chest.

“Do you think he would even accept an apology?” Rarity asked, shame falling on her shoulders like a heavy rain. Twilight couldn’t help but wonder if she was talking about Zerg Rush or his partner, just then. Either way, Pinkie was right on it.

“Of course, Rarity!” Pinkie assured, jumping on the bed. “Zergy is a nice buck… Changeling? Eh, whatever.” she shrugged.

“She has a point.” AJ said, nudging Rarity out of her slump. “Changeling or not, Zerg don’t seem the type to hold a grudge. Besides, we can’t get anywhere with how things are now.”

“True, but how are we supposed to do this?” Rainbow asked, walking over to the bed. “I mean, it’s one thing to apologize to Blitz and Z but how are we supposed to get along with the other Changelings?”

“...I guess, the usual way.” Twilight said, with a smile. “We just have to get to know them.”

******

That night, everyone slept together in Twilight's room. None of them felt like leaving just yet and it was soon decided that the sleep over would be more ‘proper’ if everypony slept in one room.

Their conversation soon drifted from their impending week with the changelings to more amusing topics. Rarity was enamored with the gems she had spotted on their way to their rooms. Apparently, the gems within the hive were unique to this part of the continent and she was eager to collect a few. Fluttershy was looking forward to meeting the native animals that lived out here in the desert. She was curious if these creatures were self sufficient like the animals in the Everfree forest or not. Apparently, Apis had mentioned that some of the changelings took care of some animals for some reason, though he had failed to elaborate.

“That sounds like him.” Twilight laughed, joining in with her friends as they too chuckled. They all ate some of the apples they’d brought with them, figuring they’d be the only ones eating them on this trip. They all refrained from asking about what the changelings would be eating, knowing how that conversation would go down.

There were many subjects that night that held too much mystery for the group to talk about. Not that it didn’t bother any of them but they knew little of the Changelings and their ways. They didn’t know if they were being spied on or tested so they all silently agreed to keep things light. Except for one subject.

“Has anyone seen Discord anywhere?” Applejack asked after a jovial laugh about Fruit punch. “I just noticed that he hasn’t shown up in a while.”

“Hey, you’re right!” Rainbow cried, jumping to her hooves. She scowled down at her blanket that covered the floor. They were all sitting in a circle on the floor, resting on individual blankets. Rainbow’s, of course, was Wonderbolt related. “Now that you mention it, where has he been?”

“The prince did mention him speaking with Chrysalis.” Rarity stated, tapping a hoof to her chin. She turned to Twilight. “Was he with her when you two talked?” Twilight shook her head.

“No, she was alone.” Twilight said, frowning. “I doubt he could have been hurt by them but for him to not even visit us is a bit strange.”

“You don’t think he ditched us here, do ya?” AJ suggested, though even she looked doubtful.

“No way, Discord wouldn’t do that.” Pinkie assured. “I bet he’s around somewhere. Maybe…” She crept over toward the wall and slammed her hooves against it. “He’s hiding in the walls.” She screamed, narrowing her eyes at the uneven surface. Silence met her assault and she soon trotted back over the to group. “Or not.”

“Anyway,” Applejack yawned, resting her hat in front of her. “I reckon he'll show up sooner or later. We can go looking for him tomorrow. We’ll be gettin’ a proper tour of the hive and can look for him then.”

"So lets get some rest then, darlings." Rarity yawned, placing her eye mask over her eyes as she laid her head on a super fluffy looking pillow.

“Fine, but Spike has already beaten us to it.” Rainbow teased, cocking her head at the sleeping dragon curled up against Twilight’s side. He’d been fast asleep for a while, though he insisted that he’d stand guard over the mares. Everyone chuckled as they laid their heads down to sleep.

Twilight was the last to close her eyes, questions rushing to and fro in her mind just before sleep finally claimed her.

Minutes later, the wall shifted and wavered as a figure fazed through the surface. It's tall willowy form hunched over as it held its stomach.

"Boy, that mare is stronger than she looks." Discord groaned, rubbing the sore spot where Pinkies investigative hoof stomp had hit him. How he'd remained silent was a mystery to even him. Letting out a breath, he looked around the room, walking over the sleeping form of the mares on the floor. The room was too small for him to stand upright but he didn't need to stand.

Looming over the mares, he reached down and plucked a single strand of hair from each of them. None of them noticed, though Pinkie did jump to her hooves with a shout. Her ecstatic "Peek-a-boo" had startled the draconequus into clinging to the ceiling like a lizard. After a sleepy giggle, Pinkie slithered back down into her blanket, her shout waking no one in the room some how.

Discord let out a breath, feeling his heart race just before he let himself float above the sleeping mares. With all of their hairs in hand, he twisted them together along with one of his own. A little magic and soon enough, he held a single golden thread, as thin as a strand of hair and as long as his arm. He looked down at the mares and sighed.

"I hope you girls didn't plan on dreaming tonight." He whispered, his voice fading as the creature disappeared into the dark of the night. The only thing that was left behind was the golden thread that now floated over the group. It's faint glow keeping from the mares, the dreams they may have had that night.

*****

“Wakie wakie, Twily!”

“Oof!” Twilight cried out as she was launched out of bed. Luckily, her wings seemed to realize she was about to fall and unfurled themselves to ensure her safety. She wasn't really flying so much as falling slower. Looking down, she spotted a grinning like mad Pinkie staring up at her.

“Oi, Twilight, get down from there!” She called, jumping on the bed to reach her. “The sun is up and you are missing out on the fun!”

“Fun? What fun?” She asked, landing on the floor beside her bed. Spike, surprisingly enough, was gone. She usually had to drag him out of bed every morning but he had managed to wake up before her? That was new. “Pinkie, what time is it?

“Not sure.” She answered as she continued to jump on the bed gleefully. “It’s still morning but you definitely overslept. Even Rainbow’s up and ready.” She giggled, hopping down beside Twilight. “Plus, you’re about to miss our tour of the hive!”

The hive. Oh, right, she was still here. The day before had almost felt like a dream but looking around, she saw that her room wasn’t her usual room. It was more enclosed and a lot less roomy. There was no large window beside her bed so that the sun’s rays would warm her. There were no books littered about the floor awaiting her perusal. It was… it was just a guest room.

Sighing, she moved toward the door, ignoring Pinkies rant about how she’d told the others that there was no way Twilight would be oversleeping because she was so responsible and stuff. Twilight couldn’t really make much of an excuse though. Even now, she felt tired, as if she hadn’t gotten any sleep at all. All she could recall about her dreams were the whispers of somepony. Their words were too faint to hear but it felt warm.

The door slammed open before they’d reached it. The rainbow maned Pegasus standing there frowned at the duo.

“There you are, Twilight!” She complained, flying in to push them both through the door. “We’ve been waiting for you guys for almost an hour.”

“An hour!?” Twilight cried, turning to Pinkie who let herself get pushed as she made whooshing sounds.

“Hm? Oh yeah!” Pinkie recalled, grinning. “You were really out of it, Twi. Like sugar crash out of it.”

“I tried waking ya before but you didn’t even twitch.” Applejack added, standing outside. “And here I though big mac was a heavy sleeper.”
I didn’t know you were such a deep sleeper”

Twilight didn't think she was one either. Then again, it was hard to tell time down here so perhaps she had gone to sleep later than she'd thought. She did have a lot to think about. Her expression darkened as the queens words echoed through her mind. Guilt worked a sigh out of her that was soon noticed by Applejack.

"You okay, sugarcube?" She asked, frowning with concern. Rainbow and Pinkie hadn't noticed Twilight's mood change but AJ sure did. Twilight blinked at her and smiled softly.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine." She assured the mare. "Just a bit sleepy. A bit of walking will fix that, though." Applejack nodded and turned away, missing Twilight's silent sigh of relief. She should learn to hide her emotions more. I guess Pinkie was right about my 'faces'.

"Hey, Twilight!" She looked down to see Spike smiling up at her. He looked a lot less frazzled than yesterday. Then again, he was super wary considering where they were and who Twilight had gone off with. Who wouldn't be frazzled.

"Good morning, Spike. You seem chipper." She noted, following her friends down the short hallway. Despite the hall having no windows, the walls were aglow with a warm orange light. The gems embedded in the walls were small but numerous enough to mimic natural light. It really was quite fascinating.

"Yeah, I was way too uncool last night." He grumbled, pouting. Twilight gave his a affectionate nuzzle, which had him grumbling about her being 'embarrassing' and 'girly'. She giggled at his bravado as he continued. "I'm going to do better today. I have to make a good first impression."

"On the changelings?"

"Yeah! I mean, they don't even know me." He complained, tossing his arms in the air. "I'm the hero of the Crystal empire. Twice." He added with a smirk, to which Twilight rolled his eyes.

"You're also the first dragon they've probably met too." She added, watching the young dragons eyes glow with excitement.

"Awesome! So I can be an ambassador for dragons too!" He pumped his fists in the air as they turned to walk down the stairs. The stairs were steeper than Twilight remember them being but that wasn't what had her frozen in place along with her friends. It was the two changelings standing at the bottom. One was pacing in circles while the second seemed to be talking to him in some other language. Twilight recognized it as the same jargon Chrysalis had used before. Perhaps Changelings didn't speak pony naturally. The second changeling caught sight of them and glared at them. The first one noted this and turned, smiling brightly at the group.

"Ah!" He (she assumed this one was male by his voice) beamed up at the as he met them halfway up the stairs. "Good awakenings, honored guests. Was your slumber satisfying?"

"Uh, yeah, it was fine." Applejack replied, being polite. The changeling didn't look any different than the other one so it was hard to tell if they'd met this one before. He seemed to act like they had.

"That is quite good to hear, Lady Applejack." He said, buzzing back down the stairs to land beside his companion. "We have been chosen to act as your tour guides. I hope we will be of help to you." He said with a bow, the slight tuff of violet in his mane made Twilight frown. Did she know this drone?

"Uh... who are you?" Rainbow asked, frowning. She too knew that they had met this changeling but for some reason, couldn't place him. The first drone frowned as his companion snorted derisively.

"Oh, I guess you can't recognize us yet. My apologies." The first muttered, hiding his mouth with a punctured hoof nervously. He turned to his companion with a worried look. "P-perhaps we should change, Blitz?" Blitz rolled his eyes.

"Tch, do what you want." He snorted. "I'm not wasting any energy on that." The first drone pouted.

"Come now, Blitz. It's just to make things simpler."

"Fine, but I ain't doing it." He stated with finality. His cold eyes landed on the group. "Our 'honored' guests can figure who is who on their own. They're smart." He mocked.

"Oh, dear..." The first sighed, sending the mares an apologetic look. He opened his mouth to say something, probably an excuse for his companion before Rarity spoke.

"Z-Zerg Rush?" Everypony cringed, feeling guilty for not recognizing the stallion(?) who had welcomed them the day before. Zerg, however, seemed to be overjoyed.

"Ah, so you do recognize me!" He said, his wings buzzing with joy. "How delightful."

The mares looked at one another nervously. They had all decided that they'd apologize to Zerg once they saw him but none of them expected it would be this soon. Sure, apologizing now would be best but no pony seemed to want to be the first. Until Spike came in.

"Heya!" He called out, pushing past the other mares. "I'm the great and glorious Spike the brave and glorious!" He introduced, breaking the tension instantly. Blitz was frowning, probably trying to figure out how that title worked grammatically as Zerg stared at Spike with awe.

"Wow! You're great, glorious and brave?!" He gasped, looking legitimately awestruck. "That's amazing."

"It's amazing that the title could be said with a straight face." Blitz muttered, ignoring to kick Zerg gave him in response.

"Don't be rude, Blitzkrieg." He scolded. "We have a great and brave dragon here. You should feel honored."

"Don't forget glorious." Spike offered, smirking with confidence and pride. Zerg nodded with agreement as Blitz facehoofed. All the while the mares watched with amusement and ease. Everyone was enjoying their little exchange, though Twilight was a bit surprised. The day before, Zerg Rush was super meek and withdrawn. Now he was all smiles. Perhaps he was just more comfortable in his natural form? Or perhaps it was his companion.

"Anyway!" Blitz called out, scowling still. "Zerg Rush and I are to escort you around the hive. If left alone, you'd just get lost."

"Yes, and we are quite happy do so, right, Blitz?" Zerg turned to his companion who remained silent. Zerg nodded and turned back to the group. "He's excited."

"Uh, before that, Zerg Rush, I... We have something to say." Applejack said, stepping forward. Zerg frown but remained silent as she continued. "We owe you an apology.” Applejack, holding her hat to her chest, let out a breath. “You were nothing but kind to us-”

“After the whole near fight to the death!” Pinkie interjected, only to be pushed aside by an eye rolling Rarity.

“But,” Applejack continued, letting out a breath. “We treated you badly. I admit it was partly due to the suddenness of the situation but that's no excuse to have called you such a terrible name.”

“We really are sorry, Z.” Rainbow reiterated, landing beside him. “You’re a nice guy, despite how much of a wimp you are.” She gave him a comforting smirk, making him relax somewhat as she draped a foreleg over his back. “Though you were pretty tough when we fought.” She said, earning a warm if not kind of creepy grin from Zerg. Those fangs were a bit disturbing despite how sweet Zerg was.

Blitz stepped between them, glaring daggers at Rainbow. The mare frowned, confused by the drones look.

“Of course we are!” He proclaimed, gently pushing Zerg aside as he stood between him and Rainbow. “We are her excellency’s guard, hatched to protect the hive from any and all threats. Zerg may be a Moony but he is as strong as he needs to be.” He proclaimed, standing tall and proud.

"N-now now, Blitz, there's no need to get all defensive." Zerg assured his companion a bit nervously. "I'm sure she meant it as a compleme-"

"We can't just let some pony question our abilities." He interrupted, stomping a hoof. "Especially you. You're a moony but your'e also my partner. Your strength is mine too." He went on about strength and pride as the group just watched Blitz rant. Looking at the two, it made Twilight wonder how they got along at all seeing as Blitz seemed to dominate the conversation. Even as he defended his friend, though it wasn’t as if Rainbow was trying to insult him, Zerg stood behind Blitz, hunched over and withdrawn.

“B-Blitz, you shouldn’t be like that.” Zerg reassured, tapping his partner on the back. The two shared a look and through some kind of changeling telepathy or something, they came to an understanding. Though Blitz remained scowling and sullen, he moved aside to let Zerg step forward. “Lady Rainbow, I thank you for your kind words.” He said, with a smile. Rainbow flinched, her wings twitching at her side as she grew nervous.

“O-Oh, sure dude.” She replied, smiling as she took a step back. She was feeling really nervous. Not that she’d admit it. She was the Rainbow Dash. But even the greatest flier in Equestria would feel somewhat nervous as the changeling behind Zerg glared at her with blatant disdain. With a nod, Zerg led them down the hall. Blitz remained close beside Zerg, as if wary of the ponies following them.

Zerg led them down a different pathway than before, eventually leading them to a large stone overpass. The path was solid and looked almost completely natural. There were even railing carved out to prevent anypony from falling. Below them, dozens and dozens of drones milled about, flying and trotting around the hive. The noise within the room was near deafening. Hisses and clicks echoed throughout the hall so loudly that the mares actively covered their ears. They were shocked that the noise hadn't escaped the room.

"Where are we?" Twilight asked, looking down at the masses. She used her magic to muffle some of the noise around them. It wasn't enough though they could at the very least hear Zerg's reply.

"The community room." Zerg answered, smiling down at the mass. He let out a strange series of clicks and hisses, before waiting a moment. While it was hard to tell, it seemed like someone replied back as he turned to the group with a smile. "We changelings are a social species so we are always trying to keep connected. So every few hours, we come here to talk and... maybe bond?" He frowned, apparently unsatisfied with his answer. Blitz smiled wistfully as he turned to the mares.

"We commune with one another to ensure we remain stable. A changeling can't work alone and needs constant assurance they aren't alone." He explained almost gloatingly, before making a clicking sound to the crowd below. Again, none of them seemed to notice them but Blitz's call was soon answered and his face relaxed.

Twilight was confused. While the noise was deafening to them, Blitz and Zerg seemed completely content. They spoke no louder than they had in the hallway, so either the noise didn't bother them or it wasn't noise at all to them. Twilight tried to make sense of their explanation in her head while the others just gave each other mystified looks.

"That's weird." Rainbow muttered, though it was mostly drowned out by the sounds below. Twilight agreed though it seemed to be another changeling thing. Perhaps it was like a wolfs howl. An assurance that there are others around. Pinkie seemed really interested and tried making clicking sounds herself. Her attempt made Blitz glare at the mare as Zerg cringed and assured her that her contribution would not be needed though it was appreciated.

After a minute of their two tour guides reveling in their 'community', they led the mares out of the room to lead them down another hallway. The hall was long but wide enough that the mares could spread out some. All the high ceilings were chock full of gems that glowed various different colors. Spikes eyes widened at the sight as his stomach rumbled loudly.

"Is something wrong, Lord Spike the brave and Glorious?" Zerg asked, turning his head to look behind him. The fact he chose to call Spike by the title was a bit surprising. But Spike put an end to that.

"Just call me Spike." He assured, missing Zerg nod as he stared at the ceiling. "And I'm just... I really want one of those gems."

"Spike!" Rarity scolded, though her eyes had been on them too. They glimmered in a near rainbow of colors. The light they emitted seemed to dance through the glimmering surface and show off a rainbow of colors as they walked.

"Would you like one?" Zerg asked, a bit confused. "I'm sure her majesty wouldn't mind."

"Zerg, what are you doing?" Blitz argued, watching his companion fly up and dig a few gems from the dirt.

"Lady Rarity and Lord Spike want a gem." He stated simply. "Why not give them one?"

"Because we have places to go..."

"We can spare a minute." He assured Blitz, landing gently with a few gems in tow. Rarity beamed, pushing past her friends to take a closer look. Like she'd thought, the glowed with a glint of rainbow. It wasn't like a diamonds glow but a gem that held all the colors of a rainbow.

"Is... Is this a Rainbow Quartz!" She squeed, snatching the gem with her hooves. Apparently, she was so excited that she didn't even bother to use her magic to examine the them. "Oh, my, I've only read of them in books! They are as lovely as I imagined!" She turned to the two changelings, who watched her with a strange look, and beamed. "Thank you, darlings! I love it!"

Blitz didn't seem to know what to do in response while Zerg seemed to be smitten by Rarity. He looked so happy until Blitz nudged him, cocking a brow at him. Zerg blinked out of whatever trance he was under, pouting. He again spoke in changeling jargon, sounding as if he was apologizing for something. Blitz continued to give him a look that said he was not convinced. Zerg then pulled out what one could call puppy dog eyes, if a changeling did it. It was strange but definitely cute. Blitz rolled his eyes.

"Don't bother, Zerg." He retorted, placing a hoof on his partners head. "I won't tell if that's what you want." Zerg sighed in relief while Blitz smiled warmly at his companion. It was only when somepony let out a cough that the spell over Blitz left him and he glowered at the mares as if they'd ruined something of his. "Oh, right... You're still here."

"There's no need to be rude, sir." Rarity stated, placing the gems in her saddlebags. "While we may have started things a bit roughly, we all want to get along with you guys." She said, offering a hoof. "How about we start over. Hello, darling, my name is Rarity. What is yours?" Blitz stared at the offered hoof for a moment before turning away.

"Blitzkrieg, now lets get this over with." He grumbled, leaving them behind. Zerg stared at his companions retreating back for a moment before giving the mare an apologetic smile.

"Please, excuse him. He's... um... Nervous! Yeah, nervous." He tried, though no one believe him. He knew it and they knew it but what could be done? Blitz didn't like them for some reason and he refused to meet them halfway. For now, there was nothing that could be done.

*****

About an hour later, the mares had quickly realized that Zerg, despite his enthusiasm and assurance that he wasn't lost, was not the best tour guide. Other than the community room, he apparently didn't know much about the hive other than that they existed in some part of the hive. And the hive was huge. Twilight soon realized that Blitz had been right. If they were alone, they'd get lost very quickly. The whole hive was just a series of long hallways leading to rooms of various sizes, much like an ant farm. Every hall looked just like every other hall, dark green rock walls with gems embedded in the walls and ceilings. While the changelings didn't seem to have a problem with finding their way around, the mares were still trying to figure out if they were being lead around in circles or not.

"UGH! This is going nowhere!" Rainbow shouted, her voice echoing throughout the hall. Zerg stared up at her, shocked at the sudden shout.

"I-I'm sorry! I... I know I'm supposed to be a tour guide but I..."

"Don't know the hive very well?" Spike finished, standing on Twilight's back, staring down at Zerg from above Twilight's head. He'd been munching on a blue gem for a while now and seemed fairly content. Zerg nodded, his face a bit purple with embarrassment. It was kind of interesting to learn that changelings could blush at all despite not being mammals.

"Sorry..." He repeated, looking down right heartbroken. Fluttershy walked up and placed a gentle hoof on his back. While the others comforted the changeling, Blitz stood away from everyone, watching them with blatant disdain. Curious, Twilight walked over the the drone.

"Blitz?" She called, watching the drone turn to her. She noted how changelings didn't seem to move their eyes like pony's. They didn't have pupils so it was hard to tell when they were looking at anyone. But Twilight knew he had been watching her approach. She could feel it.

"What?" He grumbled, grimacing impatiently. He really didn't like them.

"I know things are awkward between us, being former enemies and all but I wish you'd at least meet us halfway." She said, offering a hoof. "I really want to get along with you guys. We want to help." Blitz stared at them blankly, not saying a word. Twilight frowned, unnerved by his lack of expression. Zerg was so much more animated than his partner, it was scary.

"Tch." Blitz snorted, looking elsewhere for a moment. "You really don't recognize me, do ya, princess?" He asked mockingly, walking past her and Spike. "Figures." Twilight and Spike watched him walk back toward the group. Spike stuck his tongue out at his retreating back, clinging to Twilight's mane as he did so.

"Spike!" She scolded, giving Spike a chastising look.

"What?! That guy was totally rude to you just now." He retorted, sitting back down with a huff. "You were just trying to be nice all and he went and brushed you off."

"Granted but he might be right." She said, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. Blitz seemed to know them but why couldn't she recall when? She tried to place him as she began walking back.

"About what?"

"Me not recognizing him." She answered, reaching the group just in time to hear Blitz address them all.

"Oi, Zerg, how about we just show them some of the bigger rooms rather than trying to show them around and leading them in circles?" He suggested, drawing everyone's eye. Zerg seemed to ponder this as Pinkie jumped up, tossing some confetti in the air.

"That sounds super fun!" She cried, landing beside Blitz. "What kind of bigger rooms are there? Are they super fun? Maybe a room full of mirrors? Oh, maybe something cool like a batcave or-" A gurgling sound interrupted Pinkie mid-rant. Everyone turned toward the sound, several pairs of eyes landing on a slightly red Applejack.

"S-sorry, ya'll." She stammered, blushing a bit. "I haven't had a bite to eat since last night so..."

"Ah, then I can lead you to the farm!" Zerg suggested, shocking everyone.

"You have a farm?" AJ asked, confused and a might bit concerned. Zerg read the look on her face and waved his hooves defensively.

"O-oh, no! Not that kind of farm." He assured. "We don't harvest food quite like that anymore. It's hard to maintain, I heard." His words didn't reassure anyone there.

"But you have food, right?" Rainbow asked, her eyes narrowed. "Like food food, like apples and stuff?"

"I don't know what an 'apple' is but you can ask the changelings in charge of harvesting the food." He stated, tapping his chin with his hoof. "I know some changelings would love to talk to you about it, Lady Applejack."

"Really? Why's that?" She asked, cocking her head.

"Well, they only recently started growing stuff and don't know much about agrial... agricun... Whats that big word for planting stuff?"

"Agriculture?" Fluttershy offered. Zerg nodded.

"Yeah, that! Augmen and Auctus could probably use the help." He said, smiling at AJ. Applejack, seemed to ponder this for a minute before replying.

"Well, we are here to help so I don't see why not." She said, shrugging. "Plus, I'd love to see what kind of crops you can plant underground. And in the desert."

"Yeah, I don't really get it but they grow a bunch of stuff there." Zerg said, leading them down another hall, though this one lead upward rather than downward. "But where can I take the rest of you..." He muttered to himself. At that moment, Twilight recalled their conversation from last night.

"Oh! I know, how about we all go to different rooms?" Twilight suggested, shocking all of her companions including the changeling pair.

"You want to split up?" Rainbow echoed, doubtful she heard that correctly.

"Are you sure, darling?" Rarity echoed, a brow cocked high on her forehead. "I have no issue exploring but it's a bit daunting to do so alone."

"We won't be alone, though." Pinkie stated with a smile. "Zergy and BK are here too. And all the other changelings."

"BK? Who is... You know what, forget it. I don't care." Blitz groused, letting out a huff. "I have no issue with this plan. In fact, I prefer it. I can then get back to my duties rather than wandering about with you lot."

"Careful, Blitz, we might mistake your words for kindness." Rainbow mocked, earning a glare from the male. She glared back.

"Yes, well, I think this might work..." Zerg interjected, standing between the two. "But where would you like to go?"

"I'm guessin' I'm gonna head to the farm place." Applejack said, adjusting her hat.

"I want to see more of the gems here." Rarity gleamed, looking excited. "I've never seen some of these types before and I would love to see more."

"I want to see something cool." Rainbow demanded, grinning. "Someplace with lots a room to spread my wings and fly."

"I.. see." Zergy frowned thinking about what to do. "Um... Well, the farm and the Geode are in the same quadrant so you two can go together." He muttered, pacing the small space. "Something cool? With a lot of space.... Ah, how about I take you to the training grounds, Lady Rainbow?!"

"Training ground?" She echoed, just as Blitz interrupted.

"Oi, what do you think you're doing?!" He shouted, looking pissed. "The training ground isn't a tourist spot, Zerg!"

"But its the best place for her." Zerg retorted, blinking slowly. "Its big and just 'cool' enough to satisfy her desire."

"Yeah but-"

"And, you have been complaining that I haven't been there in many moons." He continued, giving Blitz a look Twilight could swear was cocky. "Like you said, Blitz, I have to keep my wits sharp since us Moony's are fairly 'unreliable'." The two stared at each other, the silent argument burning between them. After a minute, Blitz let out a huff.

"Fine, but I expect to see you there training, not wasting time with small talk." He grumbled, looking away. Zerg smiled victoriously.

"Fine, but I will at least socialize a bit." He said, looking mischievous. "Fortitudo was telling me about something interesting the other day about you and-"

"Shut up!" Blitz growled, though it had a lot less bite than when he addressed any of the mares. "Anyway, how are we doing this? Three on one?"

"Yeah, you can take Lady Applejack and Lady Rarity while I take Lady Rainbow." He turned to the other's. "Where would you like to go?"

"Fluttershy, you wanted to check out the animals down here, didn't ya." Applejack asked, shocking the timid mare a bit.

"U-uh... I- yes, please." She squeaked, looking like she wanted to fade in the shadows. "I-If you don't mind."

"As you wish." Zerg replied with a smile. "Then you are with Blitz, Lady Rarity and Lady Applejack. That means I have Lady Rainbow, Lady Pinkie and Princess Twilight."

"I don't have anywhere I really want to go to..." Pinkie informed, frowning a bit. "Maybe I'll see something on the way?"

"Well, the training grounds will be the last stop so perhaps you will find someplace that will interest you. There are a lot of places between here and there."

"Sounds fun." She cheered, clearly excited. She almost shook from it. "What about you, Twilight? Where are you going?" Twilight stopped to think for a moment. Where could she go? There was a place but she wasn't sure if the hive would have it. She might as well try, she supposed.

"Uh... Do you perhaps have a... library anywhere here?" She asked, her ears drooping as her friends let out a collective groan.

"Of course! Twilight would have to choose a library." Rainbow teased, giggling at Twilight's pouty face.

"Now now, girls, no need for such things." Rarity scolded. "Twilight is Twilight. Where else would she want to go?" She defended, though Twilight wasn't sure that was a complement entirely.

"I want to learn more about the changelings and I figured they might have some information that might help us negotiate." She explained, deadpan as her friends smiled affectionately at her.

"I get that, but they might not even have a library, Twilight." Applejack countered, looking over at the faces of their guides. Neither seemed to know what the mares were talking about.

"You want information about us?" Zerg asked.

"What's this about negotiations?" Blitzed demanded, his eyes narrowing. Twilight flinched, just barely keeping herself from face hoofing. The other mares looked at one another before one opened their mouth to reply. But before they could utter a word, twilight pulled them together into a huddle with her magic. The mares frowned at their friends action, immediately complaining and asking why she had done that.

"I don't want you to tell the other changelings about our negotiations." She hurriedly whispered, looking over her shoulder at the two drones staring back at her. Zerg looked confused while Blitz continued to glower at her. "It wouldn't do us any good."

"Neither would lying!" Applejack protested, stomping a hoof. "We're trying to become friends with the changelings. We can't do that by lying to their face."

"We're not lying." Twilight reasoned. "We're just... not telling them at all. Really, it's omission at best."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Twilight." Fluttershy muttered, her eyes darting toward the drone some feet away. "They'll know we're lying if we tell them we don't know."

"Then we'll tell them a sort of truth." She retorted. "Just tell them that we can't tell them."

"And why can't we tell them the truth?" Pinkie asked, grimacing.

"Because it would ruin everything!" Twilight insisted.

"Ruin what?" Rainbow grumbled. Twilight looked at all the faces of her friends. They all looked doubtful and she couldn't blame them. She was asking them to lie by omission for her, on her word. She didn't want to but it was for the best.

"In order for our negotiations to go well, we have to become friends or at least be on friendly terms with the other changelings. We can't do that if the sword of our negotiations hang over everyone." She explained. "They know we're here to help but they don't know to what extent or how we plan on doing so. If they know, it might sabotage our chances at legitimate friendship."

"No more than we have already, darling." Rarity countered, cocking a brow. "The changelings here don't seem keen on making friends with us."

"Yeah, but we have found some hostility from them as well." Rainbow retorted, sending a look toward Blitz.

"True but-"

"Look, girls, I know what I'm asking you is strange but you have to trust me." Twilight pleaded. "You can't tell anyone else about the negotiation. It will ruin everything in ways you can't imagine." She stared into the eyes of each of her friends for a moment before letting out a breath. "It is the best option we have."

The mares were silent, their eyes landing on each other in silent deliberation. Spike remained silent on Twilight's back, though she knew he had things he wanted to say. Twilight figured she'd hear from him later. Twilight waited the minute they stood in silence before Rainbow let out a deep sigh.

"Fine, Twi." She rolled her eyes, not looking pleased but apparently agreeing to her terms. "If that's how you see things, who am I to tell ya otherwise."

"I don't like it but I'll do it, Twilight." Applejack grumbled. Fluttershy mumbled something that sounded like a 'I'll do it.'

"I don't like these kind of political maneuvering either but sometimes, distasteful things are for the best for everyone." Rarity said, her tone understanding but with a hint of resentment. Twilight knew that of all the ponies with her, Rarity would understand her the best. So all that was left was Pinkie.

She was grimacing, her brow furrowed deeply as she seemed to contemplate everything that was said. She looked into Twilight's eyes for a moment before grinning.

"A super secret, eh?" She guessed, continuing without waiting for a reply. "Then Pinkie Pie will make sure that secret stays super secure until the surprise is ready, am I right?" Twilight frowned, not sure that Pinkie understood. Then again, Pinkie's thoughts were strange so perhaps she did understand in her own way. Probably more than even Rarity.

"Exactly." She replied with a smile. Pinkie nodded as the group dispersed. Zerg and Blitz didn't seem willing to repeat their questions. Twilight was sure they could hear their conversation, but it was hard to tell since they both looked expressionless at that moment.

"Shall we get going?" Twilight asked, looking them both in the eye. For a moment, they said nothing. Then they both bowed.

"We shall lead you on your way, then." They said in unison. Guilt crawled up Twilight's back as she saw the sadness in Zergs eyes and the emphatic anger in Blitz's.

*****

Twilight, Rainbow and Pinkie walked with Zerg in silence for some time. Zerg was probably hurt by Twilight's decision but it was for the best. For everyone. But that didn't stop Pinkie from trying to ease the tension. She tried making jokes but the drone didn't get any of them. He didn't know what a 'chicken' was or why it crossing the road was something that needed an answer. It was only when she raised a hoof that Zerg actually responded in any meaningful way.

“Question!” Pinkie called out, hopping closer. “What a Moony?”

“A what?” Rainbow echoed, confused.

“A moony. Blitzy called Zergy a Moony.” She clarified before frowning. “Hm. That was a lot of ‘y’s, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, a bit. I liked BK better.” Rainbow retorted with a smile. She looked down at Zerg from above him “Hey, Z, what's a Moony, anyway? BK kept calling you that.” Zerg seemed to perk up a bit at the mention of his companion, seeing as he actually turned to look at Rainbow.

Zerg cocked his head to the side. “A Moony? That's me.” He stated, pointing to himself. “And them and them and them too.” He pointed to various changelings milling about the cavern below them as they walked. The overpass was similar to the one in the community room though the path was considerably wider. That and the room was a bit quieter. The changelings below were all violet where only a few were turquoise. As they walked, Twilight had noticed that there were very few turquoise drones when compared to violet. Which pushed Twilight into asking:

“Why are only a few of the changelings turquoise?” Zerg temporarily forgot his silent treatment of Twilight as he stared at her blankly. “Uh, why are they not all purple?” She tried again, figuring he might not know what the color turquoise was. This seemed to be the issue for Zerg as he nodded in understanding.

“Ah, for the same reason I’m a moony.” Zerg stated. “They are loyal to the Mother Queen. Blitz and I are loyal to the Prince and Princess.”

"Mother Queen?" Rainbow echoed, frowning. "You mean Chrysalis?

"I cannot imagine he is talking about anyone else." A voice said, shocking everyone into looking around. Ahead of them stood Prince Apis, looking as cold and emotionless as before. As they watched his approach, Twilight soon noticed that the room had become somewhat quieter. Twilight frowned at this, looking around and seeing why.

The changelings below, who had been milling about noisily upon arrival, now were staring up at them. No, not them. At Apis. The turquoise one still walked around, seemingly unaware of the Prince's entrance. A few of the violet ones stopped momentarily before continuing on their way. But the violet drones who remained, stared up at Apis, none looking away from him for a moment, as if they were feeding on just the sight of him. Like he was the sun, though he was cold as ice.

"Api!" Pinkie called out, running over the give Apis a hug. Apis, while clearly confused, didn't fight her embrace. "Good afternoon, did you sleep well?"

"...I suppose." He replied, staring down at her before walking around her. She slipped from around his neck, lying on the ground as he walked toward them. "Princess Twilight. Lady Rainbow. I see you are doing well."

"Eh, I'm kind of bored, so Z is taking us somewhere fun." Rainbow replied, smiling easily at Apis. Apis didn't share the look, choosing to instead nod.

"I see. And where did you plan on going then?" He asked, looking them over. He looked at Twilight, cocking a brow at her frown. "Is something wrong, Princess Twilight?"

"...No, I-" Before she could continue, Pinkie decided to make herself known once more by jumping on Apis's back.

"Api, you forgot to greet me back!" Pinkie playfully scolded. "And here I was being all polite and stuff. I held back a lot in my greeting, just cause I know we aren't 'friends' yet but you have to meet me halfway." She said with a pout. Twilight snickered behind her hoof, earning a confused look from Apis. Apis didn't know Pinkie. He had no clue what her 'good mornings' usually were like so he must be raking his brain trying to figure out what more a pony could do as a greeting.

"Just say hi to her, your majesty." Rainbow suggested, chuckling to herself. "I doubt Pinkie will let you go otherwise."

"I see." He grumbled, looking back at the mare. "Uh... Good afternoon, Lady Pinkie. Did you sleep well?"

"Yeppers!" She answered, beaming. "I had a fun dream that I was swimming in a sea of sugar candy but then a walrus had to go home so we all decided that in order for him to leave, we had to scare him since the land was made of black licorice. So we played peek-a-boo until he got scared enough to leave." She explained, seeming to miss all the subtle shifts in Apis's frown.

"...I see." He replied slowly, as if his mind was still trying to make sense of what she was talking about. Twilight was with him but then again, dreams were weird in general, not just Pinkie's. Twilight's dream was nothing but a white void and echoes of something she could no longer remember.

"Don't sweat it, your majesty." Rainbow assured, patting Apis's shoulder. "Pinkie might be a bit... annoying at times but you'll get used to her."

"I don't sweat but I think I understand your analogy." He replied, looking back at Twilight. "So where are you going today? Are you meeting with Mother?"

"No, we're getting a... kind of, sort of tour." She answered, looking to Zerg, who hadn't moved or said anything in a while. She was surprised to see him staring at Apis with wide focused eyes. His body was stiff and he didn't even look to be breathing. "So Zerg Rush here was going to take us to some specific places that interested in."

"Zerg Rush?" Apis echoed, turning his gaze to the drone who then jumped at the attention and bowed his head. No, bowing left some distance between the ground and ones chin. Zerg groveled, his chin pressing against ground and his body lying flat as if offering himself as part of the path itself.

"Y-yes, your excellency!?" He stammered, his eyes darting from Apis's hoof to his face and back.

"You are guiding them?" He asked, paying no heed to the drones prostration. "To where?"

"L-Lady Pinkie has no destination, so she seeks to find something 'fun' on the way." He hurriedly explained.

"Fun?" He turned to the mare who still sat on his back. She seemed fairly content there, choosing to poke and prode at his mane. The fact there were holes in his mane was fascinating to her. "You have no set destination, Lady Pinkie?"

"Nope, I just want to go somewhere where there's a lot of ponies - or in this case, changelings- and show them a good time." She proclaimed, beaming at the stone faced prince.

"You could then go to the Community Room and-

"Oh no, Please not that, your excellency!" Zerg begged, before immediately covering his mouth. He looked like he wanted to ground to swallow him up.

"No? Is she disruptive?" He asked, unconcerned about the interruption. Zerg said nothing but the grimace on his face probably spoke volumes as Apis then continued onto say. "I see. Then would you like to accompany me someplace?" Rainbow's grin shifted into a smirk.

"Oh, a date! And it's only been a day." Rainbow teased, drifting back toward Twilight. "How daring!"

"This is not courtship, it is an important task, or so I'm told." He explained, apparently missing Rainbows joking tone. "I've been called to the nursery for some reason and Mother is too busy to handle it herself, so I must go."

"Why not send Princess Cicada?" Twilight asked.

"Cicada is... not the most motherly queen." He stated. "She would just yell at the hatchlings."

"Oh, I'm game!" Pinkie cried, tossing some confetti. "I'm great with foals! I can help foal sit with you!"

"Pinkie..." Twilight started, remembering the last time Pinkie tried foalsitting but Apis beat her to it.

"I doubt it will be quite like your idea of 'foal'-sitting." He said, turning around and walking down the hall. Rainbow followed after them as Twilight used her magic to help Zerg up off the ground. After a moment, he relaxed and slowly followed after the prince. As soon as the prince cleared the entry way, the noise that had filled the room returned surprising Twilight just a bit.

As she looked between the milling drones and the retreating back of the prince, she couldn't help but gape at the power the prince had. To quiet a room just by walking in. She'd seen the princesses do it too but she only now noticed, because she realized it had never happened to her.

*****

When Twilight caught up with the group, She found quite the sight. Pinkie still sitting on Apis's back, though the prince didn't seem to notice as he continued to converse with Rainbow.

"You wish to go to the training grounds? Why?" He seemingly asked no one in particular. Rainbow picked up the drifting question, though it was clearly for her.

"I want to see where you guys train!" Rainbow called, stepping forward. "Z and that other guy was super tough and I really want see how. Plus, Z says that's the only place spacious enough enough for me to stretch my wings." She pointed out, extending her wings only to hit a wall. She glared at the walls for a moment before letting out a huff.

"I see. Do you enjoy flying then?" He asked, his gaze landing on Twilight briefly before turning back to Rainbow.

"Of course! Flying is awesome!" She proclaimed, barely stopping herself from showing off in the enclosed space. "It's fun, and freeing and totally amazing!"

"It's true!" Pinkie echoed, raising a hoof. "Flying is a lot of fun, especially when you do it with friends." Apis' ear twitched, possibly a sign of his confusion.

"You have flown in the sky before, Lady Pinkie?" He asked, looking back at the smiling mare as she nodded. "I thought only Pegasi and Alicorns flew. Earth ponies are capable of flight as well?" Both Twilight and Rainbow let out a quickly muffled chuckle at the princes very clear confusion.

"No, silly but you can fly if you have enough balloons!" Pinkie explained, pulling out a spare balloon and blowing it up. As she did so, Apis used his magic to pull out his notebook and started writing something down. Where it had been hidden just before then would forever plague Twilight.

"How curious. You are filling the 'balloon' with Carbon Dioxide, which is heavier than air so it shouldn't float." He stated, stopping to watch pinkie's balloon float to the ceiling. "Or perhaps it can. I... I must look into this." He concluded, staring at the drifting balloon with determination. Twilight decided it was time to step in.

"Your majesty, as much as I understand how... frustrating Pinkies abilities are, trust me when I say, its not worth it." She warned, stepping past Zerg to stand beside the taller prince. "I've tried and... Celestia help me, I don't want anyone else to go through that. It's better to just accept that Pinkie can do things that other ponies can't."

Apis didn't look pleased with that explanation but he must have seen something in her eyes, cause he nodded in understanding. "I see." He looked ahead at the path before him. There was a fork in the road. "You are a researcher in mysterious things too, then? Then perhaps you'd prefer to spend your day in the library. I was jus-'

"You have a library!?" Twilight squealed, her wings lifting her off the ground so that she and Apis were muzzle to muzzle. Apis was unfazed by this.

"Yes, that's where I spend my mornings and evenings." He replied, pointing at the fork with a hoof. "It's to the right of the fork. It's the only room down that way so I doubt you can get lost." Twilight beamed, looking ready to burst with excitement. A library filled with books that would teach her all about the changelings. She was literally shaking with joy.

"Twilight!?" Spike called out, regaining the alicorns attention. She blinked, looking down to see her assistant hanging from her tail. "Please put me down!"

"Oh! Sorry, Spike." She muttered, blushing as she gently landed so Spike could effectively hide behind her. Just as she was about to ask why he was hiding, Apis spoke.

"Ah, Sir Spike!" He said, giving Spike that look that said he was already devising ideas for experiments in his head. "I was wondering where you were. Have been here the entire time?" Spike shivered, peeking past Twilight's hind leg at the prince. Considering that the last time they'd met, Apis had treated him like a rag doll, such a reaction was to be expected.

"Y-your excellency!" Zerg stammered, daring to walk up though he didn't dare move past his prince's hind leg. "If you would allow, I could properly introduce Lord Spike the brave and glorious."

"...Brave and glorious?" He echoed, cocking a brow at Spike now blushing behind Twilight.

"Yes, Lord Spike is a hero, I heard. Right, Lord Spike?" He asked, looking to Spike like he'd raised the sun and stars himself. Spike was silent for a moment before jumping out from behind Twilight.

"O-of course, I am!" He boasted, though his knees shook staring up at the Changeling Prince. "I'm the great and glorious Spike the brave and glorious! Hero of the Crystal Empire and the crystal ponies." He puffed his chest out, trying to look brave. Zerg clapped his hooves, basking in the glory that was Spike. Rainbow snickered behind her hoof but quickly followed after Zerg. She was impressed he managed to keep his cool somewhat. Apis just frowned.

"There are many mistakes in the form and structure such a title. For one thing, the entire title is redundant. It would be better to stick with either 'Spike, the brave and glorious' or 'the great and glorious Spike'. To have them both shows a great lack of knowledge when it comes to grammar." He pointed out, seemingly missing the dragon deflate as he dissected that one title. "Whoever came up with such a ridiculous name really needs to learn more about language. Moreover, the title is too long and cumbersome. I doubt- ow!"

"Api!" Pinkie scolded, tugging on his mane. She was pouting at him "Stop overthinking things. It's no fun and your hurting poor Spikes feelings! Apologize." Apis frowned, looking back at pinkie with a frown.

"I am just pointing out the grammatical mistakes in the title." He explained, possibly pouting as he rubbed his head. "Surely that was understood as I-"

"Api..." Pinkie said, staring him in the eyes. After a long staring contest, Apis relented.

"As you wish, Lady Pinkie." He sighed, inclining his head to a shocked Spike. "I apologize for... overthinking your title, Lord Spike. As redundant as some of the words are, they are probably worthy of a magnificent creature such as you."

"Laying it on a bit thick there, don't you think, Your Majesty?" Rainbow interjected, cocking a brow.

"I am required to apologize to ease tension, am I not?" He countered, watching the mare sigh.

"No, you are supposed to give a sincere apology to show how bad you feel for hurting someone." Twilight explained, sighing. "I understand that you think it's fine to nitpick but sometimes it's unnecessary."

"...I didn't lie, though." Apis pointed out, walking past Spike and Twilight. "Anyway, we all have more pressing matters to attend to." He walked to the end of the hall and pointed to the right. "The library is that way, Princess Twilight. Perhaps you will learn that which you need to complete whatever task Mother has given you."

"I assure you, that I just want to know more about the changelings." She stated, clearly excited at the notion. She trotted toward him hearing Rainbow and Zerg follow her. "My research has nothing to do with Queen Chrysalis." She said, rounding the corner. Despite not looking behind her, she could feel the Princes gaze on her back as she slowly walked down the hall. Her steps were loud as she walked but she could have sworn she heard him speak.

"I never said it did." Twilight spun around, only to see a waving Pinkie and Rainbow following after Zerg and Apis. The prince didn't look to be paying too much attention to either of them. Twilight's frown deepened. Had she heard wrong?

"Twilight?" She looked down to see Spike staring up at her. He looked concerned. As she looked ahead, she could see why. Even though the hall before them looked like every other one, she could tell the path was smoother than the others. It was a well traveled path. There were also a lot more holes in the walls, making the walls look like honeycombs rather than hallways. Swiftly, Twilight and Spike moved forward, bee lining for the large doorway at the end of the hall. Their steps echoed loudly as hooves hit stone. Why did it sound so much louder now? Were the holes making the sound travel more?

"Twilight... can I ask you something?" Spike whispered as they drew closer to the doorway. Twilight was only half listening, the darkened paths making her feel like she was being watched. It was like when one stood in the dark and swore they saw figures when none were there. Except here, there might be.

"Later, Spike." She retorted, sighing as they reached the sparsely covered doorway. It towered above them and the light from within was hidden behind a tattered curtain. It was hard to tell what color it was in the dim light. It looked opaque but shimmered as if it were translucent. Rarity would love it.

"But it's important and I don't want you to get distracted by books before you answer me." Spike pushed, scowling as he tapped his foot. Twilight looked from him to the sheer curtain with a sigh. She felt a lot safer near the light so she figured she might as well answer his question.

"Well, if you say it's important, then shoot." She offered, reaching a hoof toward the curtain.

"It is." He replied. His face was strangely serious. "I want to know why you've been lying to everyone."

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