One Mask Among Many.

by Golden Paw

Chapter Sixteen

Buzz stared at herself in the pool: A changeling queen. She closed her eyes and tried to focus, Buzz was only disguised as a changeling queen surely? Then why did she feel different? Experimentally she tried to alter her form and to her immense relief her magic obeyed.

Buzz had retired to a small chamber after her dramatic ‘coronation’, deeply troubled by this turn of events. “My body changed by itself, I didn’t choose for that to happen. By Celestia’s mane I didn’t even know that could happen without my instruction.”

The tall and imposing figure reflected in the water diminished and Buzz felt the old familiarity of pony senses returning. She looked down at a simple unicorn; cream coated with orange mane and studied her eyes intently. That ‘is’ me right?

Buzz reviewed the last thirty minutes of her life and only found the confusion growing. Normally she had a perfect memory for details, a memory that just happened to let her down just before she became a ‘queen’. All her recordings blanked out, replaced by nonsense static and Buzz ground her teeth in frustration.

A cough from behind Buzz stole her attention and she released a flash of green fire. ‘Queen Grizz’ looked around to see one of the drones bowing before her, “Your highness the brood awaits your orders.” Funny, it was easier this time as natural as breathing.

“Very good?” Grizz prompted before the drone saluted.

“Nizit your highness, we await your command,” Grizz cocked an eyebrow at the drone before she narrowed her eyes.

“Nizit...The same Nizit I encountered in the burrow a while back?” Grizz peered at the drone’s features, “You tried to kill me Nizit, along with Scrund.”

Nizit shook and Grizz felt a dark pleasure at watching him squirm, “That is true your Highness, but had I known who you really were of course I would have never.....”

“Please Nizit don’t even bother, I don’t want to hear it,” Grizz replied as she waved a long hole ridden hoof. “As you said had things been different any drone would have done the same correct?”

Nizit trembled and Grizz shook her head sadly, “Don’t worry, I don’t plan to be like other changelings.” She savoured Nizit’s gasp of relief, “But that also means you will not behave like them either is that understood?”

A simple nod told Grizz all she needed to know and with a final glance at the pool the new queen swept from the chamber. Nizit hurried along behind in her wake and Grizz hated the way he was fawning at her. That’s going to stop for one thing, I’m no tyrant and no monster I’m...I’m Buzz.

The new sensations of her form were far more pressing than Buzz’s previous disguise, the colours brighter and the feelings of her. The drones around her echoed in Grizz’s thoughts like a background murmur. They were desperate, desperate enough to follow this untested new leader with strange ideas. Grizz felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on her, but felt oddly elated by the pressure.

Just as Nizit had said the drones all milled about the nutrient chamber and to Grizz’s amusement some were even wearing clothes. Well clothes may have been a bit strong; for some reason they had draped themselves in whatever rags they could find.

As Grizz entered the whole chamber bowed in submission. Well apart from Chrysalis who sat sullenly in the deepest, shadowy corner of the room. Grizz ignored the angry glare her fellow queen gave her and smiled at the others, “Thank you for your patience with me, I had some things to attend to.”

The drones shrugged to one another and Grizz forced a reassuring smile onto her muzzle, “Scrund do we have enough food for the journey to Equestria?”

Grizz’s heart danced as Scrund, now wearing what looked to be a cooking pot on his head saluted smartly, “Yes your highness, but it will be a close call and we may have to feed on the way.” Grizz’s good mood evaporated, no matter which way she looked at the problem they still needed food.

She was careful not to let the moment of worry show however and instead nodded with approval, “Very good, prepare to swarm then. There is no time to lose.”

The chamber was filled with the humming of over a hundred delicate wings as the drones all around Grizz took flight. There was a convenient hole above, where Spike had forced entry to the hive which looked about right and as her minions swirled around Grizz she spread her own wings and soared into the sky above.

What actually happened was that Buzz leaped into the air, her anti gravity allowing a far greater jump than normal and before she even managed to get half way up Grizz sank back to the floor with an angry hiss.

“What’s the matter your Highness? All that new power weighing you down?” Grizz felt fresh fire burn in her core as the mocking chuckle of Chrysalis sounded out. “Very impressive, a queen who can’t even fly. Oh woe is her, whatever shall she do?” Chrysalis’ words bit deep and Grizz had to use all her self control not to zap her for good measure.

Taking a deep breath Grizz thought things over for a moment before grinning in return, “Improvise of course.”

Chrysalis’ frowned as Grizz allowed her horn to glow and sent a thin beam of light skywards before it detonated in a bright flash. The look of astonishment that covered Chrysalis’ face would keep Grizz warm on cold nights as reacting to her flare Spike swooped down into the chamber.

Her drones scattered in fear as the monstrous dragon landed gracefully before staring at Grizz with fascinated eyes, “Er....”

Grizz smiled warmly as she activated her communicator, “It’s me Spike. It will take a while to explain and I’ll tell you all about things on our way home.” Her uncle opened his mouth to reply but Grizz wasn’t finished, They all think I’m their new queen called ‘Grizz’, please play along.

Spike glanced warily at the surrounding drones who all watched the interchange with mounting awe and Grizz was worried he'd do something stupid. Her fears were unfounded though as with great theatrics Spike bowed to Grizz, “You called your highness?”

“I did yes Lord Spike, one wishes to fly to Equestria in style. Would you be so good as to carry me?” Deep down Buzz was loving this, the chance to play a royal was just too good to miss. Who said we’re playing? The thought was so sudden that it caught her off guard and she had to stop herself looking around to see the speaker.

Shaking off the sudden chill she felt, Grizz mounted Spike and with a wry smile looked down at Chrysalis, “Coming?”

Chrysalis snarled but trotted forwards the jealousy pouring off her. Grizz watched as Chrysalis blurred her own tattered wings and drifted into the air towards the back of the formation. Grizz shook her head, “No Chrysalis I meant what I said, please lead on.”

The look Chrysalis gave her could have burned cities as with cheeks glowing she assumed a position just in front of Spike. Grizz felt the drones all silently laughing at such a cowed display, all except Scrund that was. You’re not going to be like other changelings remember?

Grizz frowned before addressing the swarm, “Chrysalis is still a queen. You will show her proper respect. I want her treated well even if I am forced to keep an eye on her.”

The look of surprise Chrysalis spared Grizz was matched only by the response from the drones. Many of them shook their heads and Grizz was pleased to see Scrund smiling at her from out of the swarm.

“Okay Spike we’re all ready to go, in your own time!” Grizz yelled to be heard above the roaring swarm and he moved to obey. She felt his powerful muscles bunch under her and with a lurching motion that nearly unseated Grizz Spike took off.

Rolling with the bouncing motions Grizz watched as the dank walls fell away: Layers of rock dropping downwards past them as Spike pounded his wings. Her drones flew around Spikes huge bulk and Grizz felt a sense of immense pride. She was going home and she’d be bringing some new friends too.

---

“But your majesty, If we deactivate the S.D.F then that will leave Ponyville vulnerable to changeling incursions!” Zip felt sorry for the guard, he really did. His job had just become far more complicated and it was set to become more so.

Princess Cadance sighed and rubbed her temple with a hoof, “That’s the point soldier, with the incoming delegation we need to switch off Twilight’s machine. We have taken extra precautions during this unusual time and I have two whole regiments of my own Crystal Ponies to sure up any loss of protection.”

Zip hadn’t left Cadance’s side since Heart Strong had introduced him and so he had a front row seat to the unfolding drama.

The guard scrunched up his muzzle in uncertainty, “I’m sorry your highness, but without proper written authority from Twilight herself I cannot allow the S.D.F to be turned off.”

Zip took this chance to stare around the main control room and marvelled at such technology. Sure Twilight had often had him sit in on her work, but never had Zip seen such complicated machines.

The whole chamber thrummed with arcane power. Cables and technical readouts surrounded the sprite and it caused his antenna to tingle with the force of it. Zip had only felt his excitement growing as Cadance and Shining Armour along with Heart Strong made steady progress into the S.D.F tower.

“Well that’s easy to solve,” Cadance announced as she produced a data pad and held it up for the guard’s inspection, “Here you go, one hoof print authentication from Princess Twilight.”

Zip wasn’t surprised by such levels of security, Twilight was a complete stickler for thoroughness and procedure. Much to the annoyance of her fellow rulers it seemed.

The guard studied the pad for a moment before nodding slowly, “Very good your highness.”

Cadance smiled happily and Zip watched the crews at their work stations begin the process of shutting down. “I want nothing to cause friction when the Changelings arrive, this is too much of a unique occasion,” Cadance announced solemnly.

“It’s going to be a life changing event princess, make no mistake about that,” The guard agreed and Zip rolled his eyes. I miss Twilight she’d have taken control of shutting down the tower personally, ah well.

Seeing all was in order Cadance bowed thankfully and trotted out, Zip and the others following close behind. Shining was first to speak as the group made their way towards the ground floor, “So you think they really want to talk?”

“They’re desperate dad, Twilight’s S.D.F has cut the changelings off from their food source. They will have to negotiate now,” Heart Strong added with a predatory grin.

“Now, now Strong you know just as I do how untrustworthy those things are. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if they tried something even now.” Cadance cautioned and Zip was inclined to agree.

“Still we can hope huh?” Shining added with a sad smile and Cadance reached out to hug him warmly.

“Of course dear, it will be good to finally put this whole changeling problem to rest. I have great faith in Twilight’s daughter to bring them to the negotiating table.” Cadance looked deeply into Shining’s eyes and Zip couldn’t help but feel humbled by the affection shown.

Strong rolled her own ice blue eyes and laughed, “Oh come on mum, not here. It’s embarrassing when you two do that.”

“Well I think it’s wonderful Strong, if your mother hadn’t given me that look all those years ago you may not have even been here,” Shining Armour chuckled playfully.

“Well if what you told me about these changelings is true then I almost wasn’t,” Strong pouted and for the first time since Cadance had arrived and the princess looked angry.

“Enough Strong, I don’t want you taxing your father with such things,” The sharp change in Cadance’s demeanour caught Zip off guard. For a moment Cadance looked darkly at her daughter with such venom that Zip could almost have..... no he was just imagining things.

Soon enough Cadance’s happy smile was back, “I’m sorry dear, it’s all the stress. I don’t want to overwork your father.” Cadance smiled warmly and touched Strong gently on the cheek, “Don’t worry about anything dear I’ve thought of everything and these negotiations will go exactly as planned.”

Strong smiled weakly back, “Sorry mother, it’s just you always treat me like a kid.”

Shining laughed with warmth, “Oh my little Heart, it’s just you’re my only daughter and my youngest. It’s our job to fuss over you.”

Zip watched as the three embraced and felt everything calm down again: The three royals were just another family walking along and talking about the worries of the day. Their progress had taken them to the exit of Ponyville’s S.D.F tower and as they stepped outside he heard the gentle thrumming overhead begin to die back.

Looking up Zip saw the spinning nimbus that usually surrounded the building’s peak gradually slow down and he became aware of a high pitched whine slowly growing louder. For a brief moment all present had to cover their ears as the noise only grew in intensity.

Zip felt as if his whole brain was shaking from within and soon the only thought in his head was for the sound to stop. Finally this too died away and Zip shook his head and saw the others doing the same.

“And that’s the S.D.F deactivated,” Cadance announced with triumph. She lifted a hoof to her ear and began speaking, “Okay Captain we are now unveiled, please ensure all your units are in their assigned positions. Remember check everypony coming and going and I mean everypony.

There was a brief pause as Cadance listened to the reply, “No captain I don’t believe they will, I am counting on it being a certainty. I want you to stop Celestia herself if she comes by, do you understand?”

Shining chuckled, “We used to use runners and scrolls, when did the world change so much?”

Cadance grinned back and tapped him playfully on the nose, “Well mine started when I met you.”

Zip saw Strong gag and was forced to agree, there was only so much 'lovey-dovey' he could take as well. It seemed Cadance wasn’t finished embarrassing her daughter yet and gave Shining Armour a long kiss. Zip coughed and the two drew apart, “So um, your highness what’s the plan now? Is Twilight coming back to Ponyville?”

Cadance looked up at Zip as if she only just remembered he was there, Probably just did Zip thought sadly as Cadance smiled warmly before winking at Shining, “Yes Zip, all the princess's plan to meet the changeling delegation at the Tree of Harmony. It’s hoped that such a symbol of unity will help smooth things over.”

Zip nodded, “Do we know how Buzz and Spike are getting along? I heard they dropped off the map for a while there.”

Heart Strong was next to answer, her gaze looking to the distant skies over the Badlands, “Well evidently they must have met with some success or there wouldn’t be a swarm of changelings heading this way right now.”

Zip followed Strong’s pointing hoof and quickly saw that she was right, The ebbing light was alive with darting shapes which seemed to be surrounding a central mass. “Oh sweet Celestia, that’s a lot of changelings.”

Cadance raised her hoof upwards once more and began speaking into her communicator, “Captain we can see our ‘guests’ now, remember I want no hostile actions taken. We need them to truly believe we mean them no harm.”

Zip found his gaze drifting to Shining Armour who had beads of sweat running down his face. The unicorn looked terrible and his eyes darted back and forth like a trapped animal’s. Zip wasn’t the only one to notice as both Cadance and Heart Strong placed a hoof on his shoulders, “Come on dad, you’re tired and need some sleep. It’s been a long day.”

Shining nodded thankfully to his daughter and allowed himself to be led towards the city hall, his legs shaking. Zip couldn’t help but notice the pained look on Cadance’s normally cheerful face, “Your highness I am sure he will be fine.”

Cadance didn’t answer for a moment and Zip was afraid she hadn’t heard him. Slowly she turned to look Zip right in the eyes and he saw the sadness deep within, “I know he will be. I’m doing all I can to keep him safe.”

Zip gently tapped Cadance on the shoulder and she smiled appreciatively at him, “Thanks Zip, Twilight’s done an impressive job on you little guys, you know that?” He bowed in mid air at such a compliment from Cadance.

“Why thank you princess, she’s something special that’s for sure,” Zip said as he grinned happily.

Cadance laughed, “Oh we all know that, but that’s not what I meant.”

Zip raised an eyebrow, “Really then what did you mean,” He coughed, looking a little sheepish, “If you don’t mind me asking you highness. Twilight always lets us ask anything we want, I’m sorry if....”

A little of the warmth returned to Cadance’s face, “Of course you can,” she then winked at Zip, “I don’t promise to always give you an answer, but you can always ask.”

Zip waited expectantly, but Cadance didn’t seem to be planning any reply. Finally Zip couldn’t wait any longer, “So what did you mean, or is that one of those times?”

Cadance gently patted Zip and nodded, “I’ll have to keep that secret to myself for now.” She began trotting after Shining and Strong and Zip shrugged before following after.

---

Chrysalis fumed as the lands of Equestria were spread out before her, long had she pictured flying over these rolling hills and green trees like a conqueror of old. But now she was limping here like some wretched refugee.

She glanced at the surrounding drones and only felt her anger rise, they were all wearing scraps of cast off clothing now; some even had makeshift helmets on. This was not what a swarm of changelings should look like.

They were meant to darken the skies and strike terror into their prey, but now they looked like a hodgepodge band of peasants. The very idea that her underlings would ape the foolish Equestrians in wearing apparel....it made her blood boil.

That wasn’t the element fighting for Chrysalis’ attention either, sustained flight was taxiing. They had been traveling for hours and hunger was setting in. Oh if she’d been in charge then they would have simply descended on some hapless town and fed. Chrysalis was under no illusions that Grizz would allow any such act. Bide your time, wait for your opponent to let their guard down.

Chrysalis felt the old smile returning. Let this upstart fill the rabble’s heads with ideas of freedom and choice. When she had hundreds of hungry mouths all clamouring for Grizz’s leadership, begging to be unleashed upon the ready food source Equestria was, then we will see what was really in charge of a hive.

Her mood lightened by such thoughts Chrysalis hummed to herself, it was a catchy little tune her mother used to sing Chrysalis to sleep with. The words were long lost to her, but it did conjure up memories of brighter days.

They flew on in silence for a while longer, crossing the mountains and finally sweeping out over the rolling grasslands of Equestria proper. Chrysalis could sense the shift in the swarm’s feelings: Food and lots of it was below, the simpering ponies were fat with love and good cheer and that was like nectar to a changeling. Looking left and right Chrysalis saw the underlings begin to salivate, their eyes glinting greedily.

Yes let Grizz think she’s won for now, let her believe she’s in control of the swarm with a few fancy tricks. The rising hunger would soon show her just what a real queen needed to do. Chrysalis glanced back at Grizz and her mind boggled. A changeling queen riding a fully grown dragon, it was impressive she’d give Grizz that.

How had she bewitched such a mighty beast Chrysalis wondered, never in all her life had she heard of anyone managing such a feat. Then again she’d never seen a queen who could fool drones so completely into thinking she was their kin.

Ponies, they were behind it. All their technology and crazy ideas had ever been a thorn in her side. They even allowed other races into their lands, that would only lead to trouble too Chrysalis had no doubt.

Then again, who was on the verge of starvation? Not Equestria that was certain. Chrysalis also thought back to Grizz’s commands upon leaving the hive, Chrysalis her rival was to be treated with respect and dignity? Such an idea was beyond madness, Grizz must know that Chrysalis was going to turn on her again surely?

Chrysalis saw that Scrund (curse his hide) was ever flying close to Grizz, her own gifted child doting on this usurper. That thought alone was enough to make Chrysalis grind her fangs until she felt her gums bleed. Yes there would be a reckoning between Grizz and herself.

Even as Chrysalis studied the pair she saw the tender bond of emotions flowing between them. Grizz obviously had feelings for Scrund and to Chrysalis’ own shock he seemed to be forming a growing attachment to her.

That was nothing out of the ordinary it was true. Queens often took a favoured mate from another hive in more prosperous times: Keeping the gene pool in good order and all that, but the idea that her son liked such an aberration curdled Chrysalis’ scent glands.

The more she watched them, the more Chrysalis was convinced that something unnatural was happening here, “We’re not what Grizz is trying to turn us into, we weren’t created to be the noble creatures she seems to think we can become.” If any of the drones heard Chrysalis’ musings then they didn’t show it.

The swarm’s mood shifted again and Chrysalis snapped her head around to see its reason, Pegasi and other flying beasts wearing the armour of Equestria were fast closing on them. Their glinting helmets glowed bronze in the failing light.

At their head Chrysalis saw a sight that chilled her to the core. Celestia, Luna and the meddling Twilight Sparkle were leading the formation. The presence of three such powerful beings shone in the gathering gloom, like three stars plucked from the heavens and Chrysalis felt the first pangs of fear rising within her heart.

There was no going back now, they were in this for good or ill. For the first time in nearly two hundred years Chrysalis prayed. She didn’t pray to a being from the unseen world, or the world itself. None of them held any love for Chrysalis or her kind.

She simply wished fervently that things wouldn’t get any worse and realised what she was thinking, How could things get any worse?

Chrysalis was dethroned, flying with possibly the last few members of her species into a land which was only two steps away from exterminating them. They were being led by a mad creature who had unknown powers flying on a dragon and about to be confronted by demigods who all had very good reasons to see her (Chrysalis) blasted off the face of the world. Yes look on the bright side, you just need to find it, ‘haha.

The cloud of drones slowed before keeping a comfortable distance from the approaching Equestrians and Chrysalis tensed, if this really was some big trap to eradicate the last of the changelings then they would very soon find out. Where's the pink one Cadance? Ah well it’s probably a trap, it’s what I would do. Chrysalis reasoned with a grim finality as Celestia with her fellow rulers closed in on them.

Comments

[Cyana Flame]

woooo!, can't wait for the interactions with Buzz's new form

[Golden Paw]

5929202 Thanks for your continued interest cheers me up to see people enjoying themselves!