Everfree Hideout, A Few Hours After The Attempted Assassination
Serpens was still in good mood, and that mood had remained ever since his successful mission.
Sure it was unfortunate that he had to take things into his own hooves, and that now he could no longer walk around Canterlot with the face of the commander, but that was the beauty of being a changeling, he could just pick a new one. Not that it mattered anyway, Princess Twilight Sparkle was dead, any self-respecting changeling queen would seek revenge for the death of their daughter, revenge on the hive, or in this case kingdom that had spawned the killer.
The fact that he had also been able to lose the Royal Guard so easily added to his contentment. Serpens was in a very good mood.
Now all he had to do was sit back and watch the fireworks as Chrysalis and Equestria tore each other apart. Whoever survived would be easy pickings for Crudelis and her horde, and Serpens’ own hive would get to survive another day.
‘Crudelis may even let us in on some of the spoils,’ Serpens thought to himself.
All that was left to do was to heal the true Broad Sword’s wounds, and make him presentable so that he does not look like he’d been imprisoned for any amount of time. And then kill him. Once that was done, he could just be dumped somewhere for some random pony to find, it would matter little who.
Serpens, in his arrogance, just had to tell his ‘guest’ the good news.
“Greetings Broad Sword,” Serpens said cheerfully as he shifted back to his true self.
The imprisoned Pegasus opened his eyes a little, and managed to look up at his captor. “What do you want? You’ve already taken just about every ounce of information and memories I possess, what more could you possibly need me for?”
Serpens began circling the restrained pony. “Oh yes I have indeed taken all I can from your small pony mind, it is always interesting getting such a unique perspective on an individual’s life, and I’ve got to say you really should have asked her out to prom, missed opportunity there.”
Bending his neck to follow his movement around the room, Broad Sword stopped and snarled. “What has got you in such a cheerful mood?”
Serpens grin grew. “Oh come now Broad Sword, you of all ponies should know the satisfaction that comes with a job well done!”
Broad Sword narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that I won, Twilight Sparkle is dead!” He practically started pronking.
Broad Sword’s eyes shot open momentarily, before he shook his head and snorted. “And why should I believe your word? For all I know you are saying that just to torment me.”
Serpens finished his current lap of his captive, and settled down right in front of him, looking him square in the face. “Oh, I am saying it just to torment you; but that doesn’t mean it’s any less true!”
The full weight of his words hit, and Broad deflated back down to the ground. “You are a sick bastard, you know that?”
Serpens chuckled. “Oh I know, believe me I do. Anyway, I’ve got a few things to finish up. You’ll be seeing me again real soon, one final time.”
Serpens lit up with green flames as he transformed back into his disguise, and began to make his way towards then exit. Before he reached it however, he turned back around and looked at the captive pony.
“Oh, and one more thing, you know that mare you should have asked out to prom? That one who you always lacked the courage to ask out after?”
Broad Sword stared daggers at the changeling infiltrator, he was not exactly pleased at having his mind and the privacy of his own memories violated.
Serpens simply smiled at Broad Sword’s silence. “Well… I didn’t have to make her jump out of that tower… but how could I resist?”
With that Serpens turned and left the hidden cavern holding the pony commander, the smirk he wore not leaving as he went. It only grew larger at the strangled cry he heard coming from behind him.
Serpens passed the perception filter that was hiding the smaller cavern, and proceeded back into the larger cave that held their hidden sanctuary.
“Commander!” one of the ponies he was deceiving approached him and saluted.
Quickly hiding his grin, he replied to his call. “Yes lieutenant, what is it?” the disguised changeling asked.
“Reporting a lot of activity in Canterlot, our attack has definitely riled things up, we will have a more detailed analysis of the situation soon. Also, the survivors are recovering from their injuries and should be back to duty shortly.”
“Very good, now if you will excuse me the hour is late and I grow weary. You are dismissed.”
“Yes sir,” the lieutenant saluted again before marching off to do whatever it was he did, Serpens didn’t really care at that moment, he just wanted to get some sleep.
Past the central platform at the far end of the cave an array of tents had been set up, in true fashion the commanding officer got the biggest. Serpens stepped inside a large white tent decorated with the flag of Equestria in various places. The inside had a rug floor, a table, a workstation with various utensils scattered around it and a double bed in the far corner.
Serpens trudged over to the bed while removing the gold armor he had been wearing, and flopped down onto it, falling asleep almost immediately.
…
Serpens attacked the training dummy with brutal efficiency, imagining it to be his greatest potential foe. He swung the broadsword down onto the dummy’s head and split it open like a melon, he retracted the sword and examined it. It wasn’t his usual style of weapon, but it would do, and he would need to become proficient with it for the mission ahead of him.
“Are you sure about this, your highness?” a voice asked. Serpens recognized it as the changeling sent to represent the interests of Queen Crudelis while arranging the mission’s details. As Serpens continued to train he decided to eavesdrop on their conversation.
“Yes, tell Crudelis she has nothing to fear,” another voice, the voice of his queen, Queen Vespula spoke. “He will get the job done; he has an advantage that my other infiltrators lack.”
“And what might that be?”
The voices sounded as if they were moving towards him down the entry tunnel.
Vespula smirked. “A conscience.”
“Be that as it may, his methods seem a little… robust. He may not be able to stay incognito as well as some of the others.”
“Perhaps not, but he is manipulative and completely loyal to me, not to mention our best fighter. He could down a queen given the chance.”
By this point, the two changelings had entered the training cavern. But Serpens kept his eyes on the dummies, going through training movements.
“I imagine that will help,” the representative pointed towards the bright red rune embedded within Serpens’ blade.
“Yes, give Crudelis my thanks for that little contribution.”
The representative examined Serpens for a moment, before turning back to Queen Vespula.
“I assume you have come up with a plan to replace this ‘Broad Sword’.”
“Of course, your informants have already detailed Chrysalis’ plan to retrieve her daughter. He will use the chaos of the conflict as a shield for his activities, and he will take part in the city's defense when the deed is done. We ourselves have also identified several individuals within the guard who may be easily manipulated by Serpens with enough honeyed words from their ‘commanding officer’.”
“Well it fills me with confidence that you have done your homework, but I still wish I could say the same about your choice in infiltrator.”
Vespula slammed her hoof into the floor. The noise was loud enough to make Serpens lose decorum and look upon the pair. Vespula was glaring at the smaller changeling. “My decision is final, do not question me again.”
The changeling was not daunted by the threat. “Threats, Vespula? In your position, do you think that is wise? I will forget about it this time and will deliver my report to Queen Crudelis, as I have been instructed. I wish your infiltrator luck, and I truly hope he isn’t going to be your undoing, Queen Vespula. You know the price of failure, my Queen isn’t as forgiving as I am.”
...
Serpens slowly opened his eyes, his dream, or rather memory, was still fresh on his mind.
“Commander!” a panicked voice called out.
Groaning, Serpens got out of the large bed and quickly placed his armor back on. Marching out of the tent he was met with the same lieutenant from earlier, but this time he was looking rather frazzled. He motioned the pony to follow him as he made his way up onto the central platform.
“What is it? What in these early hours could have gotten you so panicked?”
“I-it’s Princess Twilight sir, I have news!”
The disguised changeling raised an eyebrow. “News? She is dead, what news could you possibly have of that creature?”
“That’s precisely it though sir, our reports have just come back and apparently she isn’t! She’s alive and being treated at the hospital in Canterlot!”
“What!?” His impression of the Canterlot Royal Voice was commendable.
Panicked, the guard stumbled backwards. “I don’t know how but she has survived our attack sir, our reports confirm it. Sir wh-"
The pony stopped as his commander glared at him murderously.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Serpens spoke again. “Everypony off the platform, I need to think. And prepare the golems. Just in case we have company in the near future.”
The pony gulped, before quickly vacating the area before he had to face more of the commander’s ire. All the others who had been standing on the platform shortly followed him off.
Serpens propped himself up against the war map as he tried to stop his incoming rage. Twilight Sparkle had somehow survived, and what was the last thing he had said to her?
--“Queen Crudelis sends her regards.”--
Serpens gritted his teeth, plans would need to be made. Even if she was alive there was no way she could possibly be conscious after having the poison befoul her body. Twilight Sparkle needed to die before she woke.
‘Why couldn’t that mare just die?!’ Serpens thought bitterly.
He was not in a good mood.
haha suck it up noob
Welp, that's for telling who send you Serpens.
Not so smart now are you Serpens. Your plan has failed!
Hah! Ya done goofed up, Serpens! Now you're going to (hopefully) die to Chryssie's perforated hoof!
...did I mention how much I want this SOB to die a very slow and painful death? Well, Crudelis may do just that for his failure, as well as the rest of his hive.
Ha! In your face space roach! Now I just hope the real Broadsword manages to escape so he can be the one to avengethe mare he had a crush on... also all the other ponies that were needlessly murdered... but yeah. I'll see you at the next chapter.
Serpens, Serpens, Serpens. Always remember The List! You broke a critical rule not once, but twice in just a few hours!
It is so hard to get good henchlings these days…
7004051 Seriously, isn't that first required reading for any henchling?
Also, I foresee Broad Sword breaking free at some point... And when he does, I smell the mother of all beatdowns coming at Serpens.
Ha, it's all backfired on you, Serpens! Your bad karma is going to fall on you like thirty tons of concrete blocks!
Vespucci?! ANOTHER Changeling Queen? Dear me, that is worrying.
7004076
Henchlings, Evil Queens, Dark Sorcerer Kings, prospective Presidents of the United States of America: the list of those who should (have) read it just goes on and on.
It makes sense that Crudelis would have her own Vader.
*Shakes his head* Seriously, he must be the worst assassin ever. Doing it in the open, gloating, telling the target your employer and not even making sure the job is done.
Good chapter =3
Yep you fucked up not only did you fail to kill Twi but you also reviled who you work for. sloppy very sloppy becaues when she wakes up she going tell both princessis and her new family who set this whole thing up and geuss what your right any self respecting changeling will want revenge for that but instead of taking it out on Equestria. she is going to get her revenge of Crudelis and she's also going to have both the princessis, the Elements of Harmony, and most of Equestria backing her up. Lol thats what you get for getting cocky you punk.
7004112 More this changeling is a diplomat, like ones Chrysalis sent to Twilight to help with negotiating. And the reason for her confidence is probably that Vespula's hive is better in infiltration, but Crudelis has more brute force, and she knows where Vespula lives)) Not to mention that when both queens are OK with killing Sparkle, Crudelis is the one issuing the assasination.
7004115 7004077 7004139 If there wouldn't be Celestia near, Serpens's plan would be foolproof. I am sure that the poison he used on sword was one of that which kill the target changeling almost immediately, and it was tested a lot of times in action. The only reason Twilight is still around is that a) Celestia most likely teleported immediately into intensive therapy, and b) unicorn magic and extensive amount of antidotes and other cures that changelings don't have, and ponies do because science.
So there was no reason to check Twilight's status, and "regards" are because he is not a husk, but an intelligent person, and takes pride in his abilities.
But, another advantage of a husk is that it can be ordered not to say a thing and kill itself on capture. On the other hand, Serpens knows who ordered to kill Sparkle ... and he feels pain. A pity for him.
Don't forget Serpens, you also have the hordes of angry readers who hate you crying for your blood!
We're still gonna give this bastard to Pinkie... Right?... Changeling flavor cupcakes, yaaay!
You done fucked up
7004115
Attacking Twilight in the open was part of the plan to manipulate Chrysalis into war with Equestria; most of its success hinged on eyewitnesses identifying "Broad Sword" as her killer. And the Princesses were trying to maintain Twilight's survival as a secret; that it took several hours for word of her survival to reach Serpens indicates just how few were in the know in Canterlot. Gloating, though, is another matter.
Now, the really sneaky thing to do would to have set up a Xanatos Gambit with Serpens as a cut-out/pawn, rather like the way he's using Broad Sword. That way if the plan backfired and Serpens were captured, anything he could divulge would point at Queen Crudelis, while the real mastermind, Queen Vespula, would claim innocence. If Serpens succeeded, Chrysalis' Hive and Equestria would both be weakened by war, benefitting Vespula as well as Crudelis. If Serpens failed, then Crudelis would be weakened by war with Chrysalis and Equestria, still benefitting Vespula—probably even more so than if he succeeded!
So, two queens want Twliight dead. I wonder what Chrysalis did...
You can't kill those who are just to stubborn to die once. You poisoned her body, yet she still lives. What in hell makes you think you can attempt to kill her twice?
7004251 Well, technically it said that Crudelis wants her hive to reign supreme over the others and Vespula's hive is hinted at being slaughtered by Crudelis's if they didn't help her in the assassination of Twilight. Crudelis probably wants Chrysalis out of the way, seeing as so far, she seems to be the 'different' one in the species.
But I'm not entirely sure about that, just speculation and analyzing.
7004115 Not especially.
Having played countless games where you are an assassin or otherwise contract killer (you can say i have a creed about it..) Sometimes the contractee especially wants the killin' to be high profile, to instill terror, or to make it symbolic that "no matter where you are, you're unsafe".
Considering the reasoning behind the assassination here, and what the end goal was, both terror and unsafe would be subgoals.
7004112
It was rather obvious. Chrysalis hive have 10000 changelings, when Crudelis hive have some hundreds of thousends. Even if proportions queens-drones are lesser in such big hive than in small ones, i can expect 3-5 additional queens on Crudelis site. Also there is a trouble about military forces of Crudelis. In Chrysalis hive 30% of population are soldiers of some kind, in such tyranical bi**h hive it may be more. So it's possible that Crudelis have 100000 soldiers commanded by multiple queens! Remember, feeded Chrysalis beat Celestia.
Stupid head.
Hate only destroys. Although I want Serpens to face justice, we can't pretend we know justice if our first move is to demand a punishment that is not allowed by law.
The worst moment was knowing that the mare Serpens forced to commit suicide was the real Broad Sword's old flame
I try every day see. BANG. And I my body heals the bullet wound and I live just like the last two thousand twenty three times I have tried.
7004333 OMG I just realized this now I am sad, and sadly being a spirit doesn't mean bringing back the dead.
Someone is gonna get rekt hard...
broadsword is alive......
luna could simply find his dreams.
facepalm imminent.
It was at this moment that Serpens knew... He fucked up
Evryone asked the obvious questions abaut the assasin. Now I ask the unobvious question abaut Twilight.
Why did she survive? A Royal Chageling shouldn't live. Conclusion is that she isn't a Royal Changeling - I belive she's an Alicorn Ascended Changeling Royal. That's obvious.
Serpens done fucked up big time
Also conscience isn't always a good thing, he's arrogant self absorbed and overdoes everything a mindless drone would get the job done and not give that bullshit performance
Lol he jus got f@#*ed . And he is about to get even more f#@$ed. lol. Really get chapter. Next on please.
6973557 well played.
On the plus side, with Serpens ever so slightly distracted right now, there's hope that Broad Sword lives through all this after all!
Hah, looks like Serpens just goofed big time!
We shall double our efforts.
Serpens simply smiled at Broad Sword’s silence, “Well… I didn’t have to make her jump out of that tower… but how could I resist?”
YOU BASTARD! I hope you have horrible death!
7004897 depends who finds him first equestria or crudelis crudelis would be very very very very brutal with his punishment
7004196 Yes, we shall give this poor excuse for a changling to Pinkamena to do as she pleases.
Basically,
PINKIE MAKE THIS BASTARD INTO CUPCAKES NOW!!!
You've poisoned Twilight. You've tried the stabby stabby with the guards..... Either you suck as an assassin, Serpens, or Twilight is the newest Rasputin.
Even some one walking in and just start attacking has a better chance
7004511
Dun Dun DUNNN!!!
7004251
Idk? Killed Crudelis' daughter? Or got blamed for it?
7004112
7004897 Here's to hoping Broadsword gets to deliver some comeuppance!
So who's the infiltrator with a conscience? 'Cause it certainly isn't Serpens...
Update soon I'm really liking this story.
7004297
Then why isn't this a done deal? Why bother with all this scheming and sneaking about when she can roll right over everyone? People who have ludicrously overpowered armies at their disposal don't skulk around whispering in the dark; they rule openly in broad daylight.
7004796
They fall further down the list, plus that wouldn't cover those aspirants with no prior political or military experience, like Wendell Willkie and at least one of the current ones.
7006551
And who is that at the Generalissimo for Life's ear, always lurking in his shadow and guiding his steps? You don't need an army if you start and end the takeover at the top with a figurehead of one's own choosing.