Discord, god of Chaos, begs for the help of the Mane 6 to save a former enemy..
Twilight expects a lot from Discord, now that he has been 'reformed'. While he hasn't destroyed all of Equestria by making it a chaos filled wonderland, he does tend to annoy and lie to her and her friends about almost everything. As such, she has learned to take anything he says with a grain of salt. But imagine her surprise when the prideful Discord not only comes to her, claiming he wants to help other ponies but he begs for the her help to do so.
Twilight sat in her home, organizing the shelves with her magic, like she did every morning. Spike was still asleep upstairs, tired from the previous night’s work. Though she had Owlicious to help her, Spike insisted on assisting her when he had nothing else to do. She sighed, wishing she’d realized the time before sending her tired assistant to bed hours into the night.
She was humming a little tune when she heard a faint pop. Spinning around, she looked everywhere to find the source. After finding nothing but herself and her books, she figured it was just her imagination. She turned her head, only to see a bubble in front of her.
“Gah!” She cried, jumping back. The bubble, green in color, grew and eventually popped to reveal… “Discord!”
The draconequus stood upright, staring down at Twilight. He was more than twice her size and the magic he held within him dwarfed her by miles. As such, she was scared at his sudden appearance for a moment before recalling he was reformed. Though she was still wary of him, she relaxed enough to let out a breath. Her heart stopped racing with worry as he strolled past her on his goat and dragon leg.
“Oh, don’t be so relieved yet, Twilight.” He said his tone bland. “I can still turn your home into a peach, if the mood strikes me. In fact, I might even put some talking bugs in with you just to keep things light.” He chuckled, though it fell flat as he went through her library.
Twilight frowned. He sounded different than usual. He didn't sound bored but he wasn't joyfully annoying either. What’s more, his expression made her think he was actually… No, there’s no way Discord, the embodiment of Chaos, would ever be serious about something. He wasn't the type. In the time she had known the creature, he was never anything but joyful.
Twilight went over to the shelf Discord was at. He was skimming through a random book, one on pony history. “What do you want now, Discord?” She demanded, using her magic to snatch the book away and replaced it on the shelf. “You don’t look sick.”
At that, Discord laughed, his joyful demeanor up front once more. “Oh are you still miffed about that?” He chuckled, grinning down at her, using his clawed finger to lift her chin. “I don’t know why you were so put out by that. No one got hurt and you got to spend some oh so precious time with your sister-in-law. I should be the one upset.” He sighed. He gave a theatrically sad expression as a spotlight hit him from above. “There I was, enjoying myself and you and your precious sister-in-law had to ruin things by being such good sports about it.” He looked over his shoulder at her, pouting. “Kill joys.”
“So you were just messing with us.” She sighed, shaking her head at him. She turned away and lifted a book in front of her with her magic. She wasn't really surprised. Discord was that kind of being, a trickster. “I can’t believe you would just admit it like that, though. You’re usually not that honest with me.” At that, Discord guffawed. The words on the page rearranged themselves to look like his deformed face.
“Why should I be honest with you? You're not with me." He stated, smirking " I mean, why else would I bother you? It’s not like you are that welcoming to me anyway.” He said. Twilight grimaced at his words and slammed the book closed, hoping it hurt him some.
"And how I am not honest with you? We barely talk." She pointed out, placing the book on the shelf and looking around for Discord. Somehow, she'd lost sight of him. How anyone could lose track of a being twice ones size was baffling. “Moreover, I thought you wanted to see if we were truly friends? Were you lying?” She retorted, raising an eyebrow at him.
Discord snorted. “The fact I have to at all is a bit sad.” He muttered, so low, Twilight wasn’t even sure he said it at all. Before she could dwell on it any further, Discord's face appeared in front of her, upside down as he stood over her. “Twilight Sparkle.” He said, his tone suddenly fairly serious, though he was still smiling.
“What is it now?” She asked, moving from under him. She walked over to her desk, still carrying the book she had been reading before. “If you want to play around, go bother somepony else. I’m busy with other things.” She still had to figure out what that locked box they'd found was and where she could find those six keys.
“I’m not here to play, actually.” He replied, his tone giving her chills. Even at his worst, he was playful. Devilishly so. Serious Discord was not one she was used to. It made her both wary and curious. What was he up him to now? “I need your help with something… Important.” He said, his voice low as if wary of prying ears.
Twilight turned to him, watching his face. His arms were hung by his sides and his eyes were darting across the room as if expecting someone to show up. His gaze would meet her sometimes before darting away, showing a somewhat annoyed expression. She sat down on her haunches, curious but doubtful. This was Discord after all.
“Important? Really?” She asked, cocking a brow. Discord nodded, looking at her before looking away again with a scowl. “What is it that you need me to do? And where would we be going?”
"I can't tell you where yet but I can tell you what I need from you." He said, looking somewhat relieved. "I just need you to come with me to a place so we can help them. It's very important and I need your help. That's all." He explained.
Her eyes narrowed for a bit. "Them? Who's them?" She asked, laying down her book. Her question was met with silence. She groaned in frustration. "That's awfully vague for an explanation." She pointed out, getting annoyed. "And you can't tell me where you need me to go either? This sounds like a trick. You must know that, right?"
Discord sighed, rubbing his face. “Sorry but I can’t tell you too many details.” He informed her. “I… I don’t know who is listening and I don't want it to get out before we're a safe distance away.” He said, his eyes darting across the room.
Twilight scowled at him. “Safe distance? What in Equestria are you talking about?!" She demanded. Discord shook his head, annoying Twilight more. "So you want me to do something that I have to go in blind?” She asked. “This is sounding less trustworthy by the second, Discord.” She said through gritted teeth. "You can't expect me to-"
“Do you think I am unaware of that?” He interrupted, stomping a hoof. Twilight took a step back as he continued. “I know I am asking a lot from you but can you, just this once, trust me? I know you don’t trust or even like me but all I ask is that you help me with this one task." He looked away, looking ashamed for the first time. Like he'd already failed. "I... I can't do this alone."
Twilight said nothing for a while, watching the creature in front of her. Was he seriously just asking for help? If so, why all the secrecy? “So why not ask the princess to help you?” She asked, getting more and more suspicious by the minute. "Surely she'd be willing to help if the matter is as serious as you say."
“I am asking the princess.” He said, pointing to her wings. “You are a princess, unless you've forgotten at some point in time.” He joked, though his expression was somewhat strained. "Must I bring out the scepter again?" He teased, holding out a claw. Twilight could almost feel her annoyance grow at just the thought of that stupid thing.
Twilight pushed the claw away, scowling “I meant Princess Celestia!” She barked, annoyed. “She is a much better pony for a task as important as you say. Or refuse to. Why not ask her?” She turned to him only to flinch at the draconequus’ expression.
Discord was glaring at Twilight with such rage and hatred that Twilight moved away a bit. As fast as her fear had floored her, Discord's expression softened as he let out a breath. He seemed to be muttering something to himself but Twilight was too busy trying to recover from the shock of his face to hear his words. That was the first time she’d seen anything that scary looking. Even at his worst, Discord joked and smiled. Never had she seen such blatant hatred. Nightmare Moon wasn’t even that bad compared to that.
“Are you still that bothered by that, Twilight?” Twilight looked up to see Discord, smiling sadly at her. “I’m sorry, I just thought of something… bothersome and got upset. I apologize for scaring you.”
Twilight wasn’t convinced though. She knew for a fact that the expression Discord showed was not of one being upset. It was perfectly clear that whatever he had been thinking of, enraged him. She was certainly curious but she decided to let it go. It wasn't like Discord was going explain himself any further.
“I see.” She muttered, letting out a calming breath, “Then at least explain why you won’t ask the Princess for help."
Discord opened his mouth to answer.
"And I don’t mean me.” She added, rolling her eyes at the creature.
Discord snorted, smiling a bit. “I would but this is a personal matter for me and I’d rather have some ponies whom I consider friends to help me.” He explained.
“Ponies? I thought you only needed me.” She said, frowning at him.
Discord shrugged. “I will need the help of your friends as well. It’d be unfair of me to place all the responsibility on you.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.
Discord sighed, looking annoyed as he paced the library floor. “As I said, this is a personal matter. I’d prefer only bringing friends along with me.”
He then seemed to let out all his joy in his next exhale. “And I have long since stopped seeing Celestia as a friend.”
Twilight’s eyes bugged out in surprise. Did Discord just say what she thought he said?
Before she could ask, Discord continued, his joyous personality bounced back with a vengeance.
"Princess Twilight Sparkle, as a friend," Discord jeered, skepticism dripping off his words like sap. "I ask that you come and help me with a very important task."
Twilight glowered at the draconequus. "Where exactly?" She countered, awaiting some trick.
He stared at her for a minute before letting out a breath. "Well, do you recall the place I told you to go to when I was sick with the blue flu?” He asked, smiling a bit guiltily.
"You mean when you were pretending to be sick just to mess with me and Cadence? Yes, I do. Why?" She asked, not getting the connection at first. Then it hit her. “Wait, do you mean the outskirts of Equestria?!" She answered, her tone full of dread and aghast.
Discord waved his wands around aimlessly, almost as if to write off the seriousness of the claim. “Yeah, there. Well, further out actually but...” He answered, looking away. Twilight's eyes narrowed.
“Are you kidding me?! Cadence and I were nearly eaten alive there!” She shouted, standing up. “Do you honestly think I’ll let you drag my friends and I out there without knowing anything? How stupid do you think I am, Discord?”
“Do you think I don’t realize that?!” He shouted back, surprising Twilight again. He snorted again and looked away. “I know that what I’m asking for is a lot. I know you have no reason to trust my word but…" His fist clenched and he looked like he was forcing himself to speak. "But I am begging you to trust me this one time. I need you there or else all will fail. I swear to you, I am not lying to you.” He said through gritted teeth.
Her eyes narrowed, unconvinced. "And why should I trust your word and help you?" She demanded, not wanting to put up with another prank of his. Discord was revealing himself to be a lot like the Colt who cried Timberwolf. It was only now that his past actions were biting him in the ass.
Discord said nothing for a while before letting out a breath and turning back to the Alicorn. For the first time, Twilight saw what she could only assume was dread in the draconequus' eyes. "Because, if you don't help me... thousands of ponies will die."
Soon, Discord and Twilight were walking through Ponyville, side by side. Discord was smiling his usual grin, though it had a bit of manic touch. It took Twilight a while to notice, but every couple of minutes, he'd let out a small giggle or something. When she asked him about it, the being just looked at her with confusion. He denied any giggling, pinching her cheek, but it was immediately followed by another giggle.
Twilight decided to just ignore him since Discord was just generally weird. Besides, she had more pressing matters to focus on. Discord’s words worried her. Thousands? Could Discord really have such information? If so, how had he come to acquire that info? Also, why did he not trust the princesses with that information? Her mind raced, trying to piece together what Discord was up to.
“Twilight?!” A voice called out, though Twilight was too immersed in her own thoughts to truly hear it. She did, however, feel the impact of the pink pony tackling her to the ground. They rolled a couple feet before Twilight found herself pinned beneath her friend. The pink mare grinned and hugged Twilight tightly.
Twilight let herself be hugged, since Pinkie was not going to let go until she was good and ready. Sighing, she looked over Pinkie’s shoulder and saw Discord. He was peeking from behind a pink flowering tree that hadn’t been there before now. He wore ribbons on his horns and was wear a sailor outfit with a pleated skirt. While this sight of Discord, the god of chaos, in a skirt was baffling to Twilight, what confused her more was the text box beneath him.
It was at that moment, when Discord-chan saw the two together, that she realized that Twilight-senpai would never notice her. Her spring love died soon after being born, it read.
Frowning with confusion, she felt the need to reply to such a thing. “...It’s summer!”
“Hm?” Curious, Pinkie looked up and smiled up at the draconequus as he grinned down at the two mares. “Oh, hi Discord! Still making that third wall crumble?” She asked, letting Twilight go.
Discord shrugged, leaning on that same tree that had sprouted in the middle of town. “Meh, I like to keep folks entertained.” He replied, before pointing toward Twilight as she dusted herself off. “That and keep Twily over there fuming.” He laughed.
“I’m not mad.” She replied, fluffing her wings out. “Just confused.”
“So you say.” He countered, doubtful and smirking at her.
Twilight glowered at Discord but otherwise showed no other response to the being. Pinkie, however, was not put off by his words. In fact, she seemed greatly amused by it all.
“Cool!” She beamed, sitting on her haunches. “Oh, that reminds me. Are you excited?” She asked, grinning knowingly. Discord shared her look.
“I always am.” He replied, sitting in a leather arm chair and intertwining his paws as he stared down at the mare. “But I have a feeling that you have something special for me?”
“Oh yeah, I do!” Pinkie exclaimed, jumping to her hooves and grinning as she trotted over to Discord. “I’ve been practicing.”
Discord poofed up a pair of sunglasses and placed them on his face, somehow managing to cover both of his eyes despite them being different sizes. Pushing them up with a single claw, the god smirked down at Pinkie.
“You are strong, young mare, but I am beyond strength.” He gloated, grinning maniacally. “I am the master of masters, the king of kings! What new tricks could you possibly show me?”
Twilight watched in stunned confusion as something seemed to buzz between the two. It was like watching the beginning of some kind of epic battle about to take place. Enraptured, Twilight just watched as the two now circled each other.
“Oh, I see.” Pinkie then stood on her hind legs and styled her mane in such a way that it ended looking like she had a fluffy pink beard. All just so that she could stroke it like some kind of villain. “So! You wish to engage in combat then? Well, I’ll have you know, I’ve been practicing since our last encounter.”
Twilight’s ear twitched as she could have sworn she heard a whip crack somewhere in the distance but chose to ignore it so she could continue to watch Pinkie and Discord compete to be the most dramatic.
“And you think you can defeat me?” He challenged, his mismatched eyes narrowing. “Seriously?”
“Balloon popping serious.” She retorted, her eyes narrowing as well. Discord cocked a hip, pushed up the brim of his cowpony hat and adjusted his belt.
“Then I reckon I can handle anything a novice like you could cook up. Ready?” He asked. Pinkie nodded and then, like she did with everything, she put all of her enthusiasm into her next words.
“Meme war!!”
What proceeded to happen was something Twilight could not even begin to fathom. Literal words were flung at each other as they seemed to do battle. And though she could only guess at the meaning of half the things they flung about, she couldn’t help but smile at the ridiculousness of the situation. It reminded her of the goof-off, confusing but so much fun to watch.
After about five minutes of this, however, both sides stood facing one another. Pinkie struggled to stay standing, wearing a black square around her neck. On the bottom, it read : Pinkie Pie, she rejects your logic. Twilight could not agree more with such a statement. Discord was kneeling, holding a circular shield with a creepy grinning (it more like a shit eating grin) face on it. For some reason, looking at it pissed her off. Despite her feelings on the matter, one thing was evident.
The ‘meme’ war had ended in a tie.
“Ah… You have gotten better, I see.” Discord panted, giving Pinkie a grin. “I’m impressed.”
“You too, old timer.” She countered, grinning back.
“Perhaps, one day, you may succeed me.” He said, relaxing a bit. This made Pinkie pout with frustration.
“But that would kill all the fun!” She whined, stomping a hoof. Discord smiled sadly, for just a moment before his regular smug look returned.
“True.” He agreed, patting Pinkie on the head. He twisted his claw in circles in her mane as he continued. “Being a god is unendingly boring.” He then lifted her by her mane until they were muzzle to muzzle. “It’s why I do so enjoy our little LARPing sessions. Same time next week?
Pinkie showed no sign of discomfort and instead clapped her hooves together with excitement. “Of course!” She chirped, twisting herself until she was released from Discords claws. Landing deftly, she grinned up at the draconequus. “But next time, Space wars!”
Discord tapped his chin, looking greatly amused. “Ah! A retro mare.” He said, nodding sagely. “I can appreciate that.”
Twilight stared at the two, both of whom seemed to have come to some kind of agreement. Frowning, she raised a hoof to get their attention. “Um… What are you two talking about?”
Discord and Pinkie stared at Twilight for a moment, shared a look and sighed before just shaking their head at her like she had missed some obvious fact.
“Nerd culture. Different tier.” They both said, in way of explanation. Twilight was still confused but had not time to ask any more follow up questions, since Discord chose that moment to leave. No goodbye, no explanation, just a wave and poof! Gone.
Twilight was still coughing up a lung when Pinkie walked over to her and hugged her for a second time. She was a lot more gentle this time so Twilight gave her a smile.
“Hi, Pinkie.” She greeted, still coughing a little. What was in that smoke and why was she coughing up sparkles? For some reason, Twilight thought this might be some kind of joke toward her.
“Hiya, Twi!” Pinkie replied, letting her go. She patted the lavender mare on the back. “Are you okay?”
Twilight waved away her concern and smiled. “I’m fine.” She stated. “But, why did you come galloping down the street like that before? You didn’t even try and slow down.”
“Well of course I didn’t, silly billy.” She agreed, unrepentantly. “How else can I give you the mother of all hugs if I don’t gallop?”
“...By just walking up to me and hugging me?” She suggested, frowning.
“True but this way was way more fun!” Pinkie giggled, hopping in place. “Didja see how far we rolled? We were all like, ‘weeeee’!”
“Yes, pinkie, I know.” Twilight deadpanned. “I was there.”
“Were you though?” She questioned, surprising Twilight. “You had your ‘head in the clouds look’ going on.”
“I have a look?”
“Yeah.” She replied, circling her. “It’s not quite like your ‘reading a book’ look or your ‘later, pinkie, I’m doing something right now’ look but true friend can tell the difference.”
Twilight, to be honest, was kind of surprised to learn that she had ‘looks’ that telegraphed her thoughts so well. It figured Pinkie would be the one to notice. Smiling fondly, Twilight pulled her friend into a quick hug.
“I’m sorry.” She said. “I was… I was too preoccupied with my thoughts.”
“You mean the thing with Discord?” She asked, curiously. Twilight turned to her, again, shocked. “I thought so.”
“Huh? He… Did Discord tell you about his plan?” Twilight asked, hoping Pinkie had more information.
“Yeah! He came by the shop to ask for my help. Bought a cake too.” She added. “It was kind of weird, but fun to bake. It had sprinkles and frosting and pencil shavings and-”
“Pinkie, focus!” Twilight interrupted. “Did he tell you about where we would be going?”
The mare shook her head. “Nope, just asked for my help.” She repeated. “But he did say that we’re going to go and help some ponies that need our help. Discord said I might even get to have a party with them.” She squealed. The mare did love her parties.
“I see.”
“Now let’s get going!” She insisted, tugging on Twilight’s hoof. “The others are waiting for us.” Twilight let herself be dragged along for a moment before walking on her own. After a minute of silence, Twilight spoke.
“Pinkie?” She said, turning to the pink mare. “Why aren’t you more concerned about this?”
“About what?”
“About Discord. His plan, everything?”
Pinkie tapped her chin with a hoof before turning back to Twilight. “Why should I be?” She asked. “He said we’d be helping ponies and having fun.”
“But he refuses to tell us any of the details!” Twilight countered, her frustration returning. “Not who we’d be helping or even where we’re going.”
Pinkie just patted Twilight on the head as she continued walking. “Silly willy, details are just going to drag us down.” She giggled, amused. “Not everything we do is planned down to the letter.“
“Not from a lack of trying.”Twilight muttered, grimacing. She hated when her carefully laid plans were destroyed by a plethora of obstacles.
Not hearing her, Pinkie continued on without much breath. “And even when we do plan things out, rarely do they actually work out.”
“Again, not through lack of trying.”
Pinkie pulled Twilight in close for a hug. “So relax!” She insisted with a smile. “If anything happens, I trust you to be there to make everything all ordery and stuff!”
Twilight chuckled at that. “Thanks, Pinkie. That helps.”
The pink mare released her friend, pumping a hoof into the air with triumph. “That's what I'm here to do!” She clapped her hooves together. “Next up, Discord!”
“Disord?” Twilight echoed. “What do you mean?”
Pinkie stopped mid-hop and ran off, looking under every bush and behind every pony walking nearby before running back to Twilight. Even then, she looked around as if expecting somepony to appear out of nowhere. She leaned in close to loudly whisper in Twilight’s ear. “Don’t tell him but I have a super fun party planned for him. It’s just what he needs to cheer up.”
This made her ear prick up with surprise. Cheer him up? “What are you talking about? He’s been bouncing with excitement all day. Giggling to himself randomly.” She muttered the last part, still creeped out by that.
“You didn’t notice how tired he looked?” She questioned, acting like this was obvious. She pressed her face up with her hooves and blew a raspberry for effect as she continued. “He was like a deflated balloon. Fun but only half as so.”
Twilight tried to think back, curious to see if Pinkie was right. Discord did seem a bit down before but that could be explained with the fact that he was trying to convince her to come with him. He knew how she felt about him, so his somewhat sour attitude was expected. But otherwise, he acted no differently than usual. ‘Playfully’ mocking and random.
Apparently, Twilight had a ‘I don’t get it’ look as well, since Pinkie just sigh, patting her on the back. “It’s ok, Twilight.” She assured. “It’s a Pinkie thing.”
“I guess.” She sighed, accepting that, once again, Pinkie was just going to be… Well, Pinkie. “By the way, where are we going?” She asked, realizing that she was just blindly following the mare. Not the wisest of choices.
“To Applejack’s house.” She answered, hopping away. Twilight ran to catch up with her as she continued. “Everypony else is there, setting up for our trip.”
“You seem to be quite excited about this, Pinkie.” Twilight observed, finally catching up with the mare.
“Of course I am. I can’t wait!” She cheered, grinning from ear to ear. “Adventures, parties and new friends! This is going to be amazing!”
Twilight wished she could share her friend's enthusiasm. She really wished she could think things were going to be fine but something told her that there was more to this than anyone of them assumed. And not only because of the lack of information. She wasn’t too surprised about that. After all, Discord wasn’t known to be the most honest creature. He routinely lied by omission. All she could was try and figure out what Discord’s angle in all this was before anyone got hurt.
*****
After a brief detour to the cakes, apparently to pick up Discord’s pencil shaving cake, the duo arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, the sprawling apple farm run by the Apple family. As hardworking and faithful workers, Twilight expected to see at least one Apple’s up and working. Yet, the farm was near empty. Despite being usually filled with the sounds of trees being bucked and apples being loaded, the farm was quiet and void of anypony. Strange.
“Where is everypony?” Twilight asked, watching Pinkie look around. “Shouldn’t the Apple’s be up by now?”
“Yeah, AJ is awake but everyone else is sleeping in.” Pinkie reported. “Something about working really hard this week because of the storm from before. So they’re all super duper tired and decided to sleep in for a day, just to catch up.”
Oh, that’s right, there was a storm the other day. A scheduled one but fierce none the less. She and Spike had holed up in the library that evening, mostly because Spike didn’t like thunder all that much.
“Oh, was there a flood?” Twilight asked, concerned.
“Don’t know.” She replied, in her usual manner. “I just know they’re asleep now.”
Twilight thought about this, thinking it to be a bit strange before just shrugging it off. It did make sense. As important as their job was, working themselves to death wouldn’t help anyone involved. Twilight knew that better than anyone. Moreover, if there was a flood, Applejack would have told them about it. The fact that the Apples felt they could sleep in said a lot about the manner. Besides, it’s not like the farm would be destroyed in one morning due to their absence. Especially since the Vampire Fruit bat problem had been dealt with sometime ago.
Twilight continued with her inner thoughts as she walked beside Pinkie. This time, her thoughts refocused on her doubts about Discord. Shocker. She was beginning to wonder what Discord had told the others, if they were given any more information that she had received. On their way here, Twilight tried to see what Pinkie knew about this whole deal. Apparently, Discord told her that it was a secret and that the surprise would be even more amazing if no one knew the details. Pinkie squealed with excitement, probably imagining a surprise party or something of that nature. She and Discord did seem to share some traits. Still, Twilight still couldn’t shake the feeling that something else was happening that Discord wasn’t saying. But what could it be?
As Twilight walked, her mind preoccupied with doubts and such, she failed to her surroundings. Such as the fact that Pinkie had run off somewhere and the warning directed toward her. So when she was hit on the head by half a dozen apples, Twilight was as shocked as those around her.
"Ouch!” She cried, rubbing her head with her hoof. As she did so, she felt something drip down her muzzle. Apparently, one of the apples had been impaled on her horn. grimacing, Twilight used her magic to remove as she heard the beginning of uproarious laughter.
“Rainbow Dash!” She shouted, looking up to see not only her cyan pegasus friends but her yellow one. Fluttershy hovered beside Rainbow, who was kicking her hind feet as she laughed at Twilight.
“Wow, that was amazing!” She snickered, drifting down to help Twilight wipe the juice off her face. Rainbow looked up at Fluttershy with a grin. “Nice aim there, Fluttershy!”
“Oh! W-was that my fault?” She asked timidly, drifting down to land beside Twilight. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you like that.”
“No, I doubt you did.” Twilight assured, taking the towel from Rainbow, who was still snickering to herself.
“But I-” She was then interrupted Pinkie, skipping toward them.
“Hi, girls! I brought Twilight and… “ She stopped, looking over the scene. “Twilight, why are you wearing an apple on your horn?” This set Rainbow into another fit of laughter as Fluttershy sighed.
“I’m sorry.” She repeated, her ears drooping. Pinkie, apparently bored, had wandered off. After a minute of reassurance that she was going to be alright and that she wasn’t mad, Twilight looked over at Rainbow, who had finally taken a minute to catch her breath. Twilight shrugged, not taking offense to Rainbows amusement. She was used to it.
“You done?” Twilight asked, staring her down. They shared a look and Rainbow smiled.
“Right, right!” She conceded, flying up to stare down at Twilight. “By the way, what took you so long? We sent Pinkie to get you over an hour ago!” She stated, scowling.
“Yeah, but she and Discord started playing around and…” Twilight stopped, watching Rainbow scowl deepen. “What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?! Are you kidding me?” She exclaimed, spreading her fore hooves out. “We’re going on an adventure, for Discord! You can’t say you trust him, Twi.” Twilight said nothing, just staring at the ground. She felt the same way.
Fluttershy, who had been busy picking up the non impaled apples, turned to Rainbow with a disapproving frown. “Rainbow…” She whispered, though she had managed to making that whisper sound scolding.
The pegasus shook her head. “Nuh uh, I’m not going to let you convince me he’s anything but a liar.” She retorted, crossing her forelegs. “He may be your friend but I still don’t trust him.”
“Rainbow!... “ She shouted, though it still sounded too soft be be classified as such. Still, the mare flinched at the echo and took a step back, feeling guilty. “Oops, um… I…” She stammered for a minute, just before taking hold of some kind of confidence within herself. Staring up at Rainbow, she continued. “I just don’t think you should so rude. I mean, no matter how you feel towards him, he is trying to help some ponies and…” Rainbow held out a hoof to stop her.
“Tsk, fine. I’ll be polite.” She promised, looking none too pleased. “I still don't like it but a cool pony doesn’t talk about others behind their backs.”
Fluttershy looked up at Rainbow, sadly, as if a bit disappointed with her friend. Staring at the ground, she whispered. “I just don’t think Discord would lie about something like this.”
“Sure, but you are the only one who believes that.” Rainbow replied. “I still think this is a trick but on the off chance this is legit, I’m tagging along.” Without another word, Rainbow flew off into the orchard, leaving Twilight and Fluttershy alone.
The two of them sat in relative silence after that. Twilight turned to Fluttershy, who was sadly picking up the apple that had hit Twilight before. She briefly debated over whether to bring up the previous conversation, but chose not to. To be honest, she agreed with Rainbow’s suspicions. There really wasn’t any reason to assume Discord was being entirely honest, but she knew Fluttershy would disagree. She wasn’t gullible but she was the mare most willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“What are you girls doing?” Twilight asked, curious. “I thought you were preparing for this trip of ours.”
Fluttershy, apparently relieved at the change in topic, replied with a wane smile. “We are. Applejack said that we would require food for the trip, so she asked us to pick some apples while she organized everything.” She explained, pointing toward the barn.
“I see.” Twilight muttered as Fluttershy turned to leave. Twilight nodded and turned to leave before calling Fluttershy back. “Fluttershy!?” The mare turned back to Twilight. She looked away. She really was going to just let the matter go but… she couldn’t. “What… what do you really think about all this?”
“What do you mean?” She asked, frowning. “About Discord?”
“Well that too but…” Twilight stopped, not sure how to proceed. “It’s just, despite the fact that Discord hasn’t told us anything, you don’t seem that bothered by it. I know you trust him and all but…”
At first, the mare said nothing, just continuing to stare at her sadly. Then she sighed. “I trust Discord.” She stated with no shame. “I know you girls don’t but I do. So I’m not worried about that.”
“But you are worried.” Twilight guessed. Fluttershy nodded. “But if you’re not worried about Discord, what are you worried about?”
“The ponies that need us!” She stated, as if this was obvious. “There are ponies that need us and… I don’t know if we can.” She admitted, curling up into a ball. “We can bring food but that won’t save anypony unless we can find a place for them.”
Fluttershy continued to pour her heart out as Twilight looked on, distressed. Had she been so blinded by doubt that she had forgotten that there were possibly ponies out there, dying? Not once since she heard the news did she even think about the notion that there might actually be those in need. Pinkie had, planning out fun things she would do to cheer up both Discord and those ponies in distress.
Staring at the ground, Twilight listened until Fluttershy stopped, apparently done. After a moment, she spoke. “I should go.” She heard the lightest of flaps as she figured the pegasus floated upward. “Rainbow still needs the basket in order to carry all those apples.” Twilight said nothing in return. Taking that as a dismissal, Fluttershy flew away.
All alone with her thoughts, Twilight tried to think about what Fluttershy had said. She had just assumed Discord was telling the truth, something Twilight couldn’t do. Then again, Fluttershy understood Discord much better than the rest of them. How, she wasn’t sure. Understand Discord? That was impossible. The guy was way too random to get a clear picture of. Just then, she heard a loud clanking sound. She turned around to see Pinkie hopping about, chasing a butterfly with a bucket in her mouth. When she realized Twilight was staring, she stopped, waved happily and went right back to her activity. Twilight smiled even as she shook her head in confusion.
Then again, she thought, walking toward the barn. I used to think the same of Pinkie Pie way back when we first met. She supposed that a Draconequus, who is also the embodiment of chaos, couldn't be so random that comprehension is impossible.
As soon as she could do that, she knew that maybe, just maybe, she could look past her doubts and think beyond them.
*****
Twilight was just getting close to the barn when she heard a loud thud followed by a shout. Worried, she rushed toward the entrance, galloping as fast as she could. Bursting through the barn doors, Twilight opened her mouth to call out to her friends but stopped as she saw what was happening within.
Rarity and Applejack arguing. How shocking.
The two mares stood in the far back of the barn, glaring at one another. Strangely, Applejack looks slightly shinier than usual, like she was glowing. As Twilight crept in further, she saw that, rather than being her usual orange, Applejack was gold. Before she could ask why, their words started to register.
“Again with this?!” AJ complained, looking annoyed but not really all that mad. “Couldn’t ya have saved this stuff for some other occasion?!” She asked, trying to wipe her coat. From the looks of it, the earth pony was covered in gold powder or something. Where the powder had come from, Twilight had no clue. Though she did feel a bit bad for AJ. That must be uncomfortable. Even as she tried to wipe the powder off, the stuff refused to come off. Rarity flipped her violet mane out of her face as she stood her ground.
“I do apologize, Applejack,” she said, her high society voice making her apology sound both insincere and genuine in equal parts. “But I must say, you do look quite exquisite like that. It’s definitely a look you should try sometime.” She suggested, giggling as Applejack glared at her. Worried that this might escalate, Twilight decided to make her presence known.
“Hey, girls.” She called out, coming closer. There was a moment of shock just before the duo smiled in greeting. “Everything okay? I heard a loud noise before and I was worried somepony got hurt.” She explained before looking over at Applejack. She really shouldn’t mention it. She knew what reaction she would get but Twilight couldn’t resist. “So... you look shiny.”
Applejack sulked a bit at the joke before rolling her eyes. Rarity giggled, earning a glare from AJ. “Well, you do.” She pointed out, stepping forward. “Anyway, both instances are my fault, really.” Rarity admitted, always one to take the high road in matters like this. “We were just setting up for our trip and-“ Applejack took that moment to try and shake the golden dust from her fur like a dog. Some of the dust misted around them, hitting Rarity and coloring her slightly golden. “Applejack!” Rarity wailed, seething. Applejack hollered with laughter as Rarity strutted away, off to clean the powder out of her mane and coat.
“Sorry about that, Twilight.” Applejack said, grinning. “Rarity wanted to bring some of this here gold powdery stuff with us for some reason and some fell on me. Ah didn’t mean to worry ya like that.”
Yeah, that sounded like something Rarity would do. Nodding, she watched as Applejack went back to work, still covered head to hoof in gold powder. As she watched, her mind wandered back to Fluttershy and her words. She wondered about how Applejack felt about all this. Was she worried about Discord or was she worried about the ponies? Twilight stood there, unsure of what to say before the earth pony spoke.
“Ya have something to say, right?” Twilight looked up, staring up at her friend.
“How did you-”
“Ya have that look on yer face.” She stated. “Yer ‘ay wanna ask something but don’t know the words’ look.” Twilight stood there, shocked. Just how many ‘looks’ did she have?! Seeing her expression, Applejack came closer and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Ah know ya, sugarcube, ya have something ya wanted to talk about, right?”
Twilight stared at the ground, conflicted but knowing Applejack would understand, she let it go. “I…. I don’t trust Discord. And none of us should at this point.” She stated, confident in her words. “He’s lied to us before! Like with the plunder seeds and when he was apparently sick. They were lies of omission but still lies. I don’t understand what his game is though. He usually has some underlying plan, but I can’t figure out what it is.” She ranted, pacing the floor. “But…”
“But?” She pushed, her expression not changing.
“But, am I wrong for feeling that way?” She asked, staring up at the ceiling. “I… I was so focused on trying to figure out what Discord was lying about that I didn’t even entertain the thought that he might have been telling the truth about these ponies.” She confessed, laying her head on a hay bale.
Applejack continued to watch her friend, sighing softly. “Ah know how ya feel. I felt the same way back when he pretended to be sick. Ah kept thinking ‘he must be lying. Why else would he be here?’” She said, shaking her head. “That just might be a habit we have toward him, being the snake he is.”
“Do you feel the same now?” Twilight asked, staring up at her. The mare looked around, as if embarrassed before speaking.
“A bit, so ah understand how ya feel but…” She let out a long suffering sigh. “I’m honestly more concerned about where we’re going rather than who's taking us. I mean, we don’t know these ponies or why they are out in the middle of nowhere.” She exclaimed, pointing out the barn doors. “Now ah not saying ah don't want to help them, cause ah do. What ah saying is, we don't know what we are getting ourselves into. Ah admit though, ah do think there is somethin' Discord is hiding from us, and ah sure it has somethin' to do with them starving ponies but ah don’t think he’s lying this time.”
“She’s right, darling.” Rarity said, walking over. Her mane and coat were as pristine as ever. How she cleaned herself of powder so fast, was a mystery. But now, here she was, giving her two bits. “These are ponies lives we’re talking about. Surely Discord wouldn’t stoop so low as to trick us with such an outrageous and morbid lie.”
“I suppose.” Twilight conceded, standing up. “I’m guessing that you feel the same as AJ?” She asked, turning to Rarity.
“Um… Not exactly.” She replied, using her magic to fix Twilight’s mane, which was covered with hay. “To be honest, I don’t know how to feel about Discord. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.”
“Why?”
“Because there are more important things to worry about than him, darling.” She claimed, smiling at her work. “As I said, I don’t think he’d lie about this so I’m thinking about the ponies in need.” She said, frowning. “I do wonder if they will even let us help.”
“Why wouldn’t they want help?” Applejack asked, just as confused as Twilight.
“Why would they accept help from us?” She countered, beginning to pace. “I mean, if they are starving, they must know that remaining in one place is dangerous. So why remain away from Equestria? Did they try and get rejected? Or are they so used to rejection that they just figured we would do the same?” The unicorn continued to pace as her friends watched her.
“You’ve thought a lot about this, haven’t you?” Twilight said, walking over. She placed a hoof on Rarity’s back. “Look, I don’t think it was anything like that. Maybe they just can’t move right now or something.”
Rarity turned her gaze to Twilight and let out a breath, looking as if she were trying to compose herself. “Perhaps, but we won’t know that until we look into this.” She proclaimed, looking calm. Looking out the open doorway, she continued. “I do hope they don’t just turn us away.”
Twilight hated seeing her friend so melancholy. “Rarity, I-” She began, but was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Discord.
"So, is everything ready?" Discord called out, standing at the door. He was leaning against the frame and eating an apple. Behind him were Rainbow and Fluttershy carrying in another cart full of apples. Rainbow looked annoyed, so Twilight figured they had a conversation. That and the fact that Rainbow was soaking wet for some reason. She raced inside to grab one of the clean towels lying around.
“What happened to you?” Applejack asked Rainbow, staring up at her. “All ah asked ya to do was buck some apples.”
“I was!” She exclaimed, defensively. “It’s just… I got a bit hungry and decided to have one as a snack. Then it exploded.” Everyone was still confused as to how she got wet.
Pinkie, ever the knowledgeable one when it came to weird stuff, gave an explanation only she could. “Oh, I know what happened!” She cried out, popping out from one of the hay stacks. “Dashie was bucking the trees and all and then tried catching them in her mouth, but Discord turned them into water balloons.” She laughed, smiling as she exited the stack without any of it sticking to her. “So they exploded and made her all wet.”
“Yes, Pinkie, I know.” Rainbow seethed. “I was there.” Twilight then drowned them out as she and Discord stared at each other. His eyes gazed into her, knowingly, as if he knew something she didn’t, which was definitely possible. But there was one thing she did want to know.
”How long have you been standing there?” She asked, walking up to him. She kind of hoped he hadn't heard her talk about him behind his back. While she still didn’t trust him, she felt guilty about talking about him behind his back.
As if reading her thoughts, Discord smiled. "How long? How long do you think, Ms. Princess of Friendship?" He countered, walking past her. “Oh, this is for you.” He said, tossing her a present. The box was purple and green and moving. Catching it in her magic, Twilight rushed to open the box to find Spike within. As soon as the box lid was lifted, the small dragon leapt out and clung to Twilight’s face. He then crawled over her head and hid in her mane, shivering.
“S-Spike!? Are you okay?” She asked, concerned. When he didn’t reply, she glared at Discord. “What is this? Why did you trap Spike in a box.”
“That, is your assistant, I remember correctly.” He answered, not sounding the least bit ashamed. “I figured you’d want him with you, since you might be gone for a bit.” He turned to the others. “I was going to get your pets, so you wouldn’t be lonely, but that was not possible.”
“Not possible?” Rarity echoed, confused.
“Yes, well… Me and Angel have a tenuous truce going on between us, so I won’t touch that.” He explained, vaguely waving his arm about as if the air was supposed to finish his explanation. “Your cat is a bi- bit of a handful. The dog is too loud and Gummy? He’s too philosophical for my taste. If I have to listen to him describe what may or may not be the meaning of life again, I will go crazy!”
Everyone just stared at him, not completely understanding him. Then again, that was pretty much the usual reaction he received. Twilight, not about to let the matter slip, continued.
“And why was Spike in a box?”
“Oh, that!” He said, nodding. “I may have spooked the little guy a bit before, appearing from the folds of his blanket. He fainted so I tucked him in and even put a little roof so the sun wouldn’t wake him.” Twilight didn’t buy that and she knew Discord was aware of that, but he continued anyway.
“We expected you quite a while ago.” Rarity pointed out, watching as he passed them by.
"I apologize that I took so long, but I had something I needed to do before we left.” He stated, lounging on one of the support beams. “If you were so impatient for me to arrive, all you had to do was call. Or, was it that there was something you didn't want me to hear?" He finished, looking down at Twilight, who met his glare with one of her own. So he had heard her. Figures.
Discord smirked down at her. Before another word could be said, Applejack called out to him.
“Hey! Now that you’re here, what’s next?” She asked, sitting on her haunches. The draconequus snapped his fingers, melting himself down and appearing in front of all of them.
“Good question! And one I shall be pleased to answer.” He said, smiling down at them all. “But first, I need something from you.”
“And what’s that?” Rainbow questioned, still a bit wet.
“An answer. And it is one you must answer now." He said, looking about the room. "Do you trust me?"
"Huh?" the group said in almost unison. Twilight wondered why he asked this. He knew she didn’t and she doubted he was ignorant of the others. The only one who didn’t distrust him was Fluttershy and probably Pinkie. So why…?
"I'm asking you all, do you trust me?" He repeated. "Because after this, there is no turning back." He circled the group, his tail extending in length and wrapping around the mares. Soon he had them in his grip, staring down at them with a half serious, half sarcastic grin. "This will be your last chance to get out of this. I need you all to trust me or else this will never work." He dropped them, turning his back on the group. "So... Do you trust me?"
The girls stood up, brushing hay and dirt off them. Not surprisingly, Pinkie pie spoke up first.
"Sure, I do!" She cried, as bubbly ever. "I trust you, Discord, my fellow LARPer!" It took a minute for the rest of them to figure out what she was talking about and even then, only Twilight kind of understood it. Discord chuckled.
"You know I trust you." Fluttershy said softly but confidently. She smiled at his back and Discord made a sound that made it obvious he was happy about that.
"I'm not planning on letting our past get in the way of the present so I'll trust you." Applejack said, stepping forward. Discord shrugged but nodded.
"I, as well." Rarity answered, elegantly stepping forward. Rainbow crossed her hooves over her chest as she hovered over the rest of them.
"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt but-," she started to say but was interrupted by Discord.
"But nothing. Trust me or leave." He countered, staring her down. The two stared each other down for some time before Rainbow let out a huff.
"Fine! I trust you!" She spit out, obviously reluctant. “Happy now?”
"Quite so." Discord chuckled. He then turned to Twilight, who had yet to say anything. "Well, Princess?" Discord pushed, looking over his shoulder at her. "How about you?"
Twilight frowned at him."You already know my answer." She stated. He already knew how she felt. Anything else would be a lie. And he knew that. Discord turned around with a smirk.
"Yes, but I want to hear it from you." He replied.
Twilight shook her head and stared up at Discord.. "... I trust you." She lied.
"Do hurry up, girls!" Discord called from the golden chariot flying through the air. He wistfully waved a handkerchief in the air. "We're losing daylight and I wish to arrive at our destination sometime today."
Rainbow streaked hair whipped through the air as the blue pegasus flew through the air with the harness strapped to her back. She glared back at her back seat driver. "Shut up, you lazy bum! I don't see you helping us any." She countered. "Twilight isn't used to flying with weight on her so back off!" She turned to her partner, a sweating Alicorn princess dutifully trying to keep up.
Twilight gave the blue mare a tired smile. "It's okay, Rainbow. I'll be fine." She reassured, panting. "This is good for me. I can't just stay cooped up all the time. I have wings so I should definitely practice more."
"Besides," The purple mare interrupted. "I don't have the luxury of taking it easy. We aren't flying in a very... safe part of Equestria." She stated, staring down at the surface with dismay. Rainbow looked down as well and looked just as uncomfortable. Below them, laid the desert lands that resided just outside their kingdom. There were no trees or sources of water for miles. Despite that, the surface was teeming with life. Lounging on top of rocks and slithering through the sand, several Tazel worms could be seen by the pair.
Rainbow Dash shook off her initial fear of the sight and focused solely on flying forward. Twilight tried to do the same but couldn't help but think about how they had been placed in this situation.
*Before*
"You want us to do what?!" Rainbow dash cried, hovering above her friends. Discord stared at her as he leaned against the golden chariot he had created. Interestingly, it looked less like the one he'd made back when he was sick, Twilight noticed. She didn't recognize it but Rarity did. It was almost an exact, if not considerably larger copy of the one she had created when under the influence of the Inspiration Manifestation spell. But how did Discord know about it? Before she could ask, Rainbow continued on with her complaints. "We are not going to pull the stupid thing!" She stated, glaring at Discord.
"I don't see why you can't." He retorted, rolling his eyes. "We need someone to pull it and the only ones with the strength to do that is you and Twilight. Do you not want us to get there anytime soon?" He countered, raising an eyebrow at the Pegasus. "Are we to walk there? It is quite far." He pointed out.
"No, but can't you think of a better way to get there?!" Twilight cried, wanting to speak as well. "I know you chose this method of transportation just to mess with Cadence and I before but I know you have a better means." She argued.
"Do I?" He challenged, starring the two down. After a short glaring match, Discord held his hands up, smirking. "Okay, okay, relax, my dears! I will admit that there is a better way to get there." He looked away, looking doubtful. "Kind of..."
Rarity was the first to grab at his unspoken words. "In what way is this other method only 'kind of' better?" She asked, confused.
"Well, we could go there by land but you all would still have to pull the cart." He answered, laying back on the chariot. "Or I could just make something that doesn't have to be pulled or pushed at all." He provided, staring up at the ceiling. "Or I could try a teleport us there but I'd rather not go by land if it can be avoided. It's not safe."
The mares looked at each other, wondering about the device he spoke of. A cart that didn't need to be pulled or pushed? Like a train? But there would need to be railroad laid out first. Or, was he speaking of a train without rails? Was such a thing possible? But before any of them could ask, Twilight spoke up.
"You mean the Tatzel worms, don't you?" She guessed, scowling. Discord grinned, rolling over onto his stomach.
"Oh good! You do remember!" He chuckled, smiling despite the fact that said worms had nearly killed her and Cadence. Or perhaps because of that. Either way, he continued on. "Yes, those worms litter the outskirts of Equestria. Traveling by land is suicidal with those things crawling about. Though, traveling by air is by no means entirely safe in itself, it is safer than going on hoof." He explained, showing off a hand puppet version of the Tatzelwurm, its mouth moving to match his words.
The mares looked at one another, weighing their options. Though only Twilight and Cadence had experienced the attack, all the more felts at least a little fear at the thought of dealing with such creatures. Two Alicorns had nearly died from just one of them. If a whole herd of them attacked their group....
"Why in the hay are these ponies you want us to save living in such a dangerous place!?" Applejack demanded, stomping her hoof in annoyance. "I get that they can't come to us but who in the right mind would live in that place?" All the mares turned to discord, who was stealing playing with his puppet. Noticing the scrutiny, he tossed the toys aside and smiled.
"They have always lived a... nomadic lifestyle, these ponies." He explained, picking his teeth with a claw. "But they can no longer migrate due to the loss of their main food source. That and the predators in the outskirts makes migrating difficult.” He opened his mouth to continue but stopped, staring into space. The mares waited for him to continue but he remained silent. After a minute, Rainbow opened her mouth, about to demand that he finish before he let out a sudden and loud sneeze, blowing the mare out of the air and into the cart.
“You…” Rainbow growled just as Discord conjured up a hankie to wipe his nose.
“My apologies, I always get the sniffles when around hay.” He stated, snapping his fingers to summon a giant brush and pushed the hay away from him. As he pushed the hay surrounding him every which way, Applejack ran up to him, complaining about how much of a mess he was making.
“Discord! Don't go sweepin them hay around like that, yer creating a huge mess.” Applejack shouted, stopping in front of Discord who kept sweeping. “Discord…” She growled.
“Oh fine,” Discord said, puffing the broom away only to summon two large wind-up screw. Tossing the screws to either side, the screws landed on the floor in the middle of a large hay pale. Discord watch with glee as the screws started to spin at high speed, sucking in all the hay in the surrounding. As the screw spun, the surround hay whirled with it. Once it was done, there was now two large hay bales left in it place. “Ah, much better if I do say so myself. So Twilight, Rainbow, about our transportation?” Discord asked with a raised brow, smiling. Rainbow only look at the chariot before groaning loudly.
*Present*
Twilight flew, sweat dripping down her brow from the heat. She had realized before that the desert was hot but flying in this heat was torture. She couldn’t imagine anypony, nomadic or otherwise, being able to stand this heat. Maybe a dragon, actually, now that she thought about it.
Looking back, she saw her assistant waving a fan toward them, trying to cool them off. Smiling, she turned back to study the area. Sand, a couple rock formations and more sand. Riveting. There was the odd Tatzelworm that could be seen from above but they didn’t remain on the surface long enough to worry about them. The one thing that did stick out was the fact that there were a lot more of those things that she had expected. The one she had seen with Cadence was huge but those… they looked even bigger, despite being so far below them.
Shivering at the thought, Twilight turned her attention to the conversation going on behind her. Good call on her part, since their conversation been steered in a direction she liked.
“So...” Spike began, sounding a bit tired still but alert enough to speak clearly. “Um, would anyone mind explaining what is going on? So… Like, where we’re going or why!?” Twilight could feel his grumpiness even without looking at him. Waking up a dragon, even babies like Spike, tended to get them in a bad mood. Luckily, Spikes favorite pony was there to cool him off.
“Oh, right, you weren’t around when we were discussing this, were you?” Rarity stated, doing something that sounded like she was messing with some fabric. Was she sewing? Despite her desire to look, Twilight kept her eyes forward as she listened in. “Well, don’t worry. I’m sure Discord would be more than willing to explain himself in detail, especially since we have finally gotten rid of that pesky hay he’s allergic to. Right?”
“Subtle.” Discord snorted, slightly amused. He yawned before continuing. “But yes, we’re… far enough away, so ask away.”
And with that, a plethora a questions was let loose. Apparently, her friends had just as many questions as she did. But that meant that their words kind of started to blend into each until one could barely tell one question from another. All except for Fluttershy and Spike, apparently, since she heard them talking just behind her. From the sound of it, her friend seemed to be explaining the situation to Spike. That was good. Despite all noise, Discord waited until they had exhausted themselves, which took a minute or so, before addressing them.
“My, you girls are really impatient, aren’t you?” He chuckled, snagging a small piece of cloud as they past. “Well, since you girls can’t do things like proper ladies, I’ll have to take over this question and answer game.” He exclaimed, his words followed by a weird clanking sound. Curious, Twilight turned her head to look behind her only to see Discord dressed in a suit and tie while standing in front of a large spinning wheel. She could vaguely see the faces of her friends on the wheels segmented parts. The wheel stopped and landed on Applejacks face. “You first, AJ.”
Applejack rolled her eyes and leaned against the side of the chariot. “Okay, then. Where are we going?” She asked simply.
“To the ponies shelter, of course!” He stated, smirking at the unamused (save for pinkie, who was leaning her head over the edge), mares staring him down. Chuckling, Discord relaxed and coiled his body around Fluttershy and rested his chin on his paw. “Oh, alright. Since you girls have been so understanding, I’ll be frank. The place has no name. It’s some makeshift shelter the ponies made to keep safe from predators. They’ve been there for some time, so maybe the place has a name but i can’t think of it now”
“If the place they’re staying at is so dangerous, why live there?” Spike asked as he stared up at Discord. “Why not go to one of the other countries?”
Twilight had wondered the same thing. While Equestria was a wonderful place, the other nations surround them were just as nice. The Zebra’s with their amazing though strange magic, the Griffins and their vast history. Even the bulls and their generous nature were better than staying out in the desert.
Discord shrugged. “They are very disliked by most ponies.” He explained, pulling a cloud out of the sky and playing with it like clay. “Apparently, they have some history and needed some neutral ground to rest. Something like that.”
Rarity cocked a brow and raised a hoof. “You don’t seem to know much about these ponies, yet you want us to go there?”
“I know it’s not safe, hence why I want us to go.” Discord sighed, looking over the edge.
“That doesn't make much sense.” Pinkie Pie chimed in, not turning her head from the sky. “What are we supposed to do there?”
“Hm?” Discord turned to them, blinking at them innocently. “Did I forget to tell you girls what our objective was?”
“There's a lot of things you ‘forgot’ to mention about this mission.” Applejack deadpanned.
Discord laughed, blowing his cloud sculpture toward Applejack. It was a apple and as expected, it couldn’t be touched by Applejack. “My bad. I’ll explain things better.” He was back in his suit and tie but now he had some glasses perched on his nose. There was no way he could see through those. “Ahem. A couple weeks ago, while I wandering the wastes, playing jump rope with licorice and piggy backing on hydras, I came across a pony in need of help. Of course, reformed as I was, I did. Eventually. Anyway, that pony told me all about the strife their tribe was going through and I thought I should help them.” He explained before adding. “Eventually.”
“Uh huh.” Twilight said, unconvinced. “And what were you doing before those ‘eventually’s?”
Discord waved her away, both figuratively and literally, for her head was pointed forward again despite her not moving. He continued on. “All that is important is that I didn’t harm anypony. I may be ‘good’ but I’m still allowed to have some fun without some princess breathing down my neck.”
“Discord….” Fluttershy warned, in the way that only she could. Gentle but scolding.
Discord sighed but sat back down. “Anyway, after meeting their leader, we came to an agreement. That I would help them.”
“Then why ask us?” Rainbow questioned, her gaze firmly on the ground but apparently still paying attention to the conversation. ”What are we supposed to do that you can’t?”
“There are a lot of things you girls can do that I can’t, but that's a conversation for another day.” Discord chuckled before continuing. “As for why I need you currently, I just need you to help them for a while. Feeding them, treating the sick, maybe adopt a pony or two. You know, normal charitable stuff you ponies are always going on about.”
“You sound doubtful.” Rarity asserted, her tone a bit annoyed. “Do you think we don’t want to help?” Discord remained silent, possibly picking his teeth or something. After a minute, he snorted, effectively annoying Applejack and Rarity, who glowered at him.
“What? Did ya think that because we’re nice, we’d just blindly walk into any situation you pointed us at?” She questioned, cocking a brow at him as he looked elsewhere. ”Especially with you.”
Discord was silent for a moment before letting out another laugh. “You do when it’s princess Celestia doing the pointing.” With a snap of his fingers, his head changed into a creepy, though slightly accurate imitation of Princess Celestia’s. Even his voice matched hers as he mocked her tone. “Go here, go there. Go and deal with a some vague problem over yonder. Oh, what? There was a wildebeest that tried to kill you. Oopsie. Well, you’re fine so whatever.” He said, his head returning to normal as he deadpanned at the ponies around him. “At least act as trusting with one god as you do with another.”
No one said anything. There was nothing to say. Despite that, Twilight felt like she should say something, anything, to respond to Discords words. But just as she opened her mouth to speak, Rainbow suddenly veered radically to the left, taking Twilight completely by surprise.
“Rainbow, what are you-” Her words were cut off as she saw a giant rock fly past them, right where they just were. “What’s going on-”
“Right!” Rainbow screamed as she shoved Twilight to the right as another rock flew past them. “Everypony, hold tight!”
Twilight struggled to keep up with the mare but was always just a second behind. She’d gotten better with her wings but Rainbow was an athlete. She fast, strong and flexible. Unfortunately, she was also greatly weighed down by the chariot. If she was by herself, dodging would be easy but now...
"Don't give me that look, Twilight." Rainbow scolded, smirking at her. "A pony as awesome as me won't be beat with just this." She assured, just as she pulled their cart sharply upward, eliciting a series of grunts from their passengers. Twilight looked back at her friends who clung to the chariot, side, concern and pain flashing across their faces. Discord, however, was nowhere to be seen. Had he abandoned them? Twilight's thoughts briefly entertained the thought of Discord watching them fly about eating popcorn before she heard a ‘boing’.
Beside them, Discord was blocking some of the rocks with a trampoline, redirecting them all over the place. Some of them nearly hit them and was always followed by a brief ‘my bad’. Distracted, just for a second, Twilight failed to follow Rainbows movements and ended up pulling against her just as a rock was about to hit their cart.
What followed was a single loud crack as the rock broke the bridle holding the two wings equines to the cart. In that single moment, Twilight saw the fear in her friend's eyes just before gravity regained control and forced them to the ground. Panicked, Twilight flew down after her friends, their screams echoing in her ears.
Could she catch them all? Rainbow could get at least two and she could perhaps catch spike and one other. Was Fluttershy flying or was she too shocked by the sudden impact that she too plummeted. All these thoughts and more raced in her head as she flew as fast as she was able.
Snap.
A clear bubble surrounded Twilight, surprising her into halting in place. Testing the surface, she frowned at its resilience. It was like a soap bubble but wouldn’t pop. Looking around her, she saw her friends sitting in similar bubbles, all colored to match their coat.
Discord, Twilight thought, using her magic to pop the bubble. Landing softly on the ground, she looked up at her friends. Everyone except for Rainbow was relaxed and waiting.
“Let them down.” Twilight ordered, scowling at Discord. She really should have been thanking him, not only for saving them from falling but for defending their cart. However, she couldn’t let go of the dread she felt seeing her friends like that. Something about that sight filled her with a kind of apprehension.
Seeing this, Discord let them down, making sure to drop Rainbow rather than lower her as he did with all the others. Smirking at the glare he received, he pointed to the hills around them. “It would seem that we have a bit of a problem.”
*****
“I cannot believe this!”
Applejacks exclamation was loud and filled Twilight with a sudden fear of Tatzelworms hearing them but she couldn’t deny that she felt the same as her friend. What had Discord suggested was crazy!
“I understand how you feel, Applejack but we have to trust him.” Rarity insisted, patting her on the back. She too look uncomfortable in the heat but hid it well with her smile. Spike had been the only one among them who looked completely fine with being in the heat but he was a dragon. He probably didn’t even feel it.
“Yeah, but asking us to wait out here is way too dangerous!” Rainbow stated, gesturing all around them. While the terrain had been clear of any creatures, the slight rumbling the mares had felt under their hooves every once in awhile made them highly aware of how dangerous a place they were. Though remaining in place seemed to make it difficult for their would be predators to locate them.
Their fall had not been without drawbacks. Other than the loss of their cart, they had also lost the food they had brought with them. While spreading out to find them would be a good plan usually, out here, it wasn’t. Discord had insisted on taking a few of their group out to find the missing food supply and return. He, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Spike had left almost a half hour ago while the rest of them waited out here for their return.
Twilight disliked the plan, not wanting them to get separated but weighed their options before agreeing. Her feelings toward Discord were complicated but in this, she trusted his word. Discord may be a trickster but he wasn’t going to risk their lives if he could help it.
“I say,” Rainbow exclaimed, drifting beside their small group “we find those punks who attacked us and teach them a lesson!”
“And how would you propose we do that, darling?” Rarity asked, humoring her. She fanned herself with a fan she had apparently had in her saddlebag. The mare was prepared for everything, wasn’t she? “We don’t even know where they are.”
“I do.” Rainbow replied, smirking. “I saw them while we were flying. The rocks came from this hill kind of thing but the top wasn’t all pointy. It was flat.”
“So it was a plateau.” Twilight guessed. Interesting. So there were ponies, or at least some kind of sentient creatures, living out here? So why attack? Did they think they were enemies? But why be pointed at the sky rather than the ground?
“I don’t know about this, girls.” Applejack muttered, looking around. “While I want to keep going, what will we do if Discord and them come back and don’t find us?”
“All we’re doing is finding shelter and possibly the ponies we were looking for!” Rainbow insisted. “Besides, it's not that far from here. They can figure things out from there.”
The three mares looked at one another, weighing their options as their companion stared down at them expectantly. Should they go? Like Rainbow said, it wasn’t that far from here and the others could easily figure out their destination. Moreover, staying out in the open like this was just asking for trouble, especially without any supplies.
Rarity and Applejack looked to Twilight, clearly waiting for her to pitch in. Twilight knew they wanted to stay put. She kind of did too but Rainbow was right. They couldn’t stay here. They had to investigate, if for no other reason than to get to a safer place.
*****
The small group walked through the desert, wary of the dangers under their feet. Soon, the plateau came into view. The formation was a lot bigger from the ground than from the sky. It loomed like a great colossus, yet natural in its enormity. The mares stood there, gazing up at the structure in awe.
"This is the place, right?" Applejack asked, feeling a strange sense of trepidation at the structure. It felt off. All the mares could feel it but, knew they would have to go forward. There were ponies who needed their help and friends to wait for.
Twilight sighed, shielding her eyes with her hoof. "Yes, and we can't delay any further." She stated, taking a step forward. "We can't wait any longer for Discord. We'll meet him here." She stated, pointing to the cave.
"Huh? I think I see somepony over there." Rainbow Dash observed, shielding her eyes from the sun with her front legs. The figures were blurry from the heat but they were definitely there. Their shapes seemed to shift a little, as if they were just mirages but stopped, solidifying into a two single shapes.
"Excellent, then let's go and greet them." Rarity cooed, eager to get out of the hot sun. "It's rude to keep anypony waiting." The group nodded. Galloping toward it, they were met by two strange looking stallions, guarding the entrance. One was a grey with bat wings, black armor and green and gold eyes. His wings twitched and jerked at the his sides, as if nervous. His jet black mane was short and wild, like he had just fallen out of bed.The other was a gold unicorn with a navy blue mane and wearing similar armor to his companion. As the mares approached, the pair of bucks took up an offensive stance. Glaring, they ran at the mares.
The unicorn powered up his horn, looking quite fierce, though all he did was rush at the four mares. The girls scattered, taken by surprise. Rainbow Dash recovered first, flying up and diving down to tackle the unicorn who had yet to use any magic. But before she could touch him, the Pegasus stallion hit her from the side, knocking her to the ground. As the stallion stood over the disoriented pony, Applejack's lasso wrapped around the stallion's neck and jerked him back.
Applejack felt no pity for the now struggling stallion. Anyone who dared to hurt her friends would receive no remorse from her. The stallion soon recovered, rolled onto his feet and used his teeth to tug AJ forward with his superior strength and kick her in the face with his hind legs. AJ was knocked out cold by the strike but Rainbow had regained consciousness just in time to save Applejack from any further harm. The stallion was about to stomp on her head when Rainbow raced to her friends rescue by tackling the stallion to the ground. The stallion extended his bat wings out, pushing her away and stood up, glowering at her. Razor sharp teeth glinted in the sunlight as he snarled at her,
Meanwhile, Twilight and Rarity tried to stop the charging Stallion with their magic. Rarity used her magic to lift everything and anything that was solid and threw it at him. None of the projectiles managed to hit him as he zigzagged around the projectiles. Just as he got closer to Rarity, Twilight's energy blast hit him from the side, knocking him a couple of feet away. He skidded against the ground but stayed upright. Shaking it off, the stallion glared at the two mares and ran at them again. Both Twilight and Rarity used their magic to throw rocks and magical blasts at the stallions but missed. This time, the stallion used teleportation magic to dodge the attacked.
"Teleportation? But how?!" Twilight cried. But before she could question it any further, the stallion teleport right in front of her. She only had enough time to move out of the way. His horn cutting her cheek but otherwise missed.
Stallion fell over, hitting the ground hard. He must have not expected to get that close so fast. From the look of the sloppy way he used that spell, Twilight figured he wasn't very good at it or was new to it. But how did he know the teleportation spell in the first place? The two mares waited for anymore attacks but saw that he wasn't moving. He must have hit the ground harder than than either had thought. They carefully walked closer, wanting to be sure he was out cold. Just as they drew close enough to see that his eyes were close, his eyes snapped open, revealing eerie green eyes. He hissed at them, slowly getting up and moved to attack them once more but-
“What is going on here?!” Everyone turned around to see Discord, looking annoyed. Well, he was cocking a brow at a the four mares. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy stood beside him, staring at the mess in front of them with concern in their eyes. Spike was the only one to approach the mess, bee lining straight for Twilight as he weaved past the fallen stallion. Some of the ponies were bleeding. “I leave for a few minutes and everyone gets into a fight? Who knew you girls could be so violent.” He mocked, snickering. Rainbow dash was the first to confront him, glowering at the draconequus.
“Us? These jerks are the ones who attacked us!” She exclaimed. “What were we supposed to do? Let them?!”
Discord shrugged. “I suppose not, if you are already here but I told you to wait for our return.” He started, pinching Rainbow’s cheek. “Is it my fault that you refused to listen to my instructions?” The mares scowled at Discord, clearly very angry about how he just brushed off their treatment. The only ones who didn't seem mad were Fluttershy and Pinkie. The two stood back, watching everything happen. Actually, Pinkie was bouncing in place, a curious smile on her face. She seemed to be quite amused by the conversation.
Twilight stepped forward, wiping the blood from her cheek as she glowered at Discord. "You couldn't have expected us to stay where we were." She stated. "As you said, Tatzelwurm are littered about the desert and we didn't want to be sitting ducks. We had to find shelter. From both the predators and the sun."
"Oh, were you too hot?” Discord pulled out a parasol and placed it on Twilight's back, smirking mockingly. “I apologize, I should have known better than to expect a princess to suffer a couple of minutes in the sun. Whatever was I thinking?" He derided, lifting the sack on his back onto his shoulder. "Here we are, carrying this heavy weight in the same hot sun and I had the gall to forget that poor Princess Twilight Sparkle can't stand to wait a couple of minutes in the sun doing nothing. The audacity of myself." He said, in mock distress.
"But..." She tried to speak but was stopped by the sudden appearance of a mirror before her eyes. Twilight stared at her haggard expression. She was covered in dirt and there was a bit of blood on her cheek from the being cut by that stallions horn. Twilight looked away, looking contrite as her ears flattened in shame. He was right. She should have done what he asked. Not only had she endangered her friends by walking into an unknown situation, but even her excuse sounded weak. They hadn't been attacked the whole time they had remained in one place. If the Tatzelworms were underground dwelling creatures, them staying still would probably have kept them away.
Rainbow growled and rushed over to Discord in a rage. "Don't mock us, Dipcord!" She shouted, indignant. "We aren't so spoiled as to think anything like that!" She defended.
Discord raised an eyebrow at her, crossing his arms over his chest. "Are you so sure? Cause based on what you said before, I am having quite the hard time believing you." Rainbow glared daggers at the smirking Discord before anyone stepped in.
With a pout, Pinkie jumped between Rainbow Dash and Discord and screamed. “Stop it!” The two stared down at the earth pony, curious and confused. She let out a breath, her expression more childishly annoyed than actually annoyed. “Stop being all quietly mad and hurtful! All is well so I see no reason to worry about it.” She claimed, looking confident.
Applejack, having recovered from the fight, stepped forward, limping slightly. “Pinkie, I don’t think you understand.” She claimed, her tone motherly. “You can’t expect us to just calm down after all this. We were attacked by them stallions over there.” She said, pointing at the two Stallions, whom were staring between Discord and the mares with some confusion.
Pinkie rolled her eyes. “Applejack, you really need to relax.” Pinkie said, shaking her head. “I don’t see any reason to worry about it. We made it out fine so I say we put it behind us.” The four mares looked at each other, noting the injuries they all had. Granted, they all mostly had only bruises and a cut or two but they couldn't help but feel some anger toward the stallions. "Besides, you girls are at fault too."
This drew everyone's eye. What was pinkie saying now? "How was this our fault?!" Rainbow demanded. "They attacked us!"
"Of course they did." Pinkie replied, rolling her eyes. She looked at them as if they had missed some important fact. "Why wouldn't they? They were the one who shot us down before. It's not like this place is all that safe considering." She explained, like this was obvious and they should have figured this out themselves. The four mares stared at their pink mare friend in shock. They knew pinkie was astute but...
Discord burst out laughing, greatly amused by this. "It never ceases to amaze me how it is almost always Pinkie that figures things out the fastest among you mares." He howled with laughter. "Maybe it should have been her that became an Alicorn instead of the spoiled princess Twilight."
"Discord!" Fluttershy scolded gently. "Don't be rude now. Twilight was just tired from flying the whole way here. You can't expect her to want to sit out in the sun even longer." She explained, looking a little annoyed on Twilight's behalf. Discord sighed and raised his hands in the air in defeat.
"Fine, fine, I'll let it go." He said, snapping his fingers and a producing a small tiara and tossed it to the side. "But I think the princess should apologize to the bucks over there." He stated, walking past Twilight and her three companions. Rarity was about to give him a warning about the bucks as the chaotic being moved closer but noticed that the bucks weren't attacking anymore. In fact, they looked absolutely contrite as they bowed their heads toward the draconequus.
"Are you bucks alright?" He asked, sounding concerned but looking bored. The stallions looked up at Discord in utter reverence, as if he had hung the moon and dotted the sky with stars. The two nodded, smiling up at him. "Good. Then help with the luggage. I'm tired of carrying this stuff." He stated, holding the sack of apples in front of him and letting them fall. Just as the bag left his claw, a green magic field surrounded the sack, lowering it gently onto the unicorn's back.
Again, both stallions bowed their heads toward Discord, clearly revering him as somepony worthy of such treatment. “But of course, My Lord. Anything you wish we shall strive to fetch for you.” The bat pony said, looking up. “We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival for quite some time, Lord Discord.” He said, smiling in relief.
The mane six froze, completely taken by surprise by the two stallion’s reverence of Discord. “L-Lord Discord?!” They all exclaimed, clearly shocked but curious enough to let the conversation continue.
“I know. My bad.” Discord replied, scratching his horn. “Things took much longer than I anticipated and changes had to be made post haste. It couldn't be helped.” He explained. "I did manage to get some food for you ponies. Is that enough?" He asked, sounding more concerned.
The unicorn nodded, looking staring up at Discord with a look of contentment. He hadn't even looked into the bag yet. "It shall serve us well, my lord." He replied. "I... I pray to the goddess that it shall last us until your plan can be fulfilled."
"Speaking of which, was your trip successful, Lord Discord?" The bat pony asked, looking up slightly concerned. "Did you manage to convince the princess to help us?! The Tazelworms are getting more violent as their mating season grows nearer. We... I don't think we can survive another season with how dire things have gotten." He said, taking a step forward, his ears drooping contritely. “W-we apologize, my lord. Had we known it was you entering our airspace we wouldn't have dared-" Discord waved it off, silently excusing their actions. They looked away, still feeling ashamed but saying nothing more.
“How is she doing?” He asked, looking concerned. "Is she doing any better than when I last came by?"
“H-Her majesty? She..... She grows weaker by the day.” The unicorn sadly reported, raising his head once more. "We feared you wouldn't arrive in time to save us, my lord but...." He stopped, seeing the mares walking toward them. He stared at them inquisitively as if only just then remembering they were there. “Who are they? Are these the ones you claimed would help us?” He asked. Discord nodded.
The two stallions flinched, looking at each other with dismay. They galloped over to the mares and bowed their head to the ground. No, that wasn't right. It was more like they collapsed onto the desert floor and groveled before them. The mares took a step back from the prostrating pair. “Please forgive us, my ladies.” They both said in unison, their tone a bit urgent.
The unicorn rose his head first. “W-we didn't realize you were the ones Lord Discord spoke of.” He explained, looking guilty. “H-had we known, we would have never dared to attack you as we did. Please forgive us.” He pleaded desperately, as if their lives depending on the mares forgiveness.
The bat pony looked away, digging into the dirt with his hoof. “We beg that you don’t reconsider helping us.” He muttered, staring at the ground. “We realize that we have no right to ask this of you after all we have done but you are our only hope for survival. Please!” The group turned to one another, silently weighing their options. They could easily just leave now. No one would blame them seeing as they were greeted so harshly. But to abandon a group of starving and desperate ponies....
“Why did you attack us anyway? When we flew over.” Pinkie asked, always the odd one out. No one complained since it was a valid concern.
The stallions looked at one another and then back to them. “This land is very dangerous, as you must have noticed since coming here.” The unicorn replied. “We are the sole defenders of our kingdom's gate. As such, we are to attack anyone in our air space since we have to assume every outsider is a threat." He explained. He slowly rose to his hooves, staring out toward the waste land. "The Tatzelworms are not the only threat in these parts."
"Kingdom? But all I see is a plateau and a cave.” Rarity noted, looking around. “Where's your kingdom's castle?"
"Castle?" The bat pony echoed, clearly confused. "What's a 'castle'?" The mares stared at him in shock, wondering how it was that he didn't know what a castle was.
The unicorn nudged a hoof against the Bat Pegasus' shoulder and explained. "Remember that large building where the queen lived for a time?" The Pegasus nodded. "That's a castle. In Equestria, a castle is where their ruler lives."
"I see." The Pegasus whispered, nodding in understanding.
Rarity looked around and raise a hoof to her muzzle in confusion. "I'm sorry but you are just protecting a cave entrance. Surely you are not saying your kingdom is a simple cave, are you?"
The two stallion stared at her with a mix of annoyance and hurt. "Are you saying that since we lack a castle, what we are protecting is not worth it?" The unicorn demanded, looking furious.
"W-what?" Rarity stammered, confused at the sudden outburst. "N-no, that's not at all what I was-" But her words were cut off as the unicorn continued.
"I apologize, My lady, but this 'simple' cave, shelters my friends and family as well as my queen." He growled, glaring at her. She took a step back. "So I humbly ask that you stop insulting my home just because it isn't as fancy as your precious princess's castle is!"
"Blitz!" The bat pony growled, regaining the attention of his companion. "Stop it. I'm sure she wasn't saying anything like that." He placed a hoof on the unicorns shoulder. "You should apologize."
"What?! But I-"
"I agree." Discord stated, tapping a hoof. "These girls might not be perfect but they don't deserve to be shouted at before they can explain themselves."
The stallion looked between the two, pleading with his eyes for them to side with him. He apparently found no alliance with them so he turned back to Rarity. Scowling, he mockingly lowered his head and rolled his eyes. "I apologize, My lady." He growled.
The mare in question reached out, opening her mouth to speak but the stallion stood straight once more and turned to trot back to the cave. Within seconds, he was out of sight. Rarity grimaced, feeling bad for the stallion. She had wanted to apologize herself but perhaps later, when his ego had recovered some.
The silence that followed was stifling. Even Pinkie remained quiet, probably trying to think of a smooth way to transition to a lighter mood. After a moment, the bat pony coughed, drawing everypony's attention.
"U-um... We should probably get inside now." He muttered, his gaze drifting from the mares to the ground. "It will be dark soon and it isn't safe out in the dark."
The group entered the cave, passing by some other ponies who stood in the shadows. Whether they were earth ponies, Pegasi or unicorns was hard to tell as they remained out of the light, but they did all seem to have glowing green eyes. Weird, Twilight thought, following after the Thestral pony. Behind her, Applejack and Rarity were pulling the carts of apples while Fluttershy and Pinkie walked beside them, returning any apples that rolled off. Rainbow flew above them, seeming to wary about something. It might have been the eyes watching them or the weird sounds echoing off the walls. Either way, the mare was wary. And at the end of their little parade, Discord walked behind them all, looking about and waving at the hidden ponies.
Twilight wasn't sure what to think anymore. Despite her feelings toward Discord, he had been right about her. She had been elevated to princesshood and yet still acted like a foal. Like she was more important than others. He had told her as such when the plunder seeds had nearly destroyed Ponyville but somehow, with all this new stuff happening, she had forgotten.
Looking up, she caught their guide staring back at her, but as soon as their eyes met, he turned away, looking as if he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. By his side, his bat wings twitched nervously. He was clearly still feeling awkward from his companions outburst. She couldn't imagine how weird it must be to left in that situation.
"U-um.” The stallion stammered, finally filling the silence in the cave. His voice echoed softly, gaining the attention of the mares following behind him. “I-I'm sorry about all this. Blitz isn't usually so... quick to provoke.”
“Now, don't you worry about that there, sir.” Applejack assured, looking back at the somewhat sullen Rarity. Both she and Rarity seemed to want to make up for their violence by helping with the carts. “We owe him an apology too. And you too, Mr...” She pressed, watching as the stallion jumped, his wings twitching with embarrassment.
“M-me?! You want to know my name?” He asked, looking shocked and strangely pleased. His small smile kept falling and reforming as his thoughts circled about. “My name isn't... as cool as Blitz's but I like it all the same. It's nice to have a name.” This caught Twilight's attention.
“Why wouldn't you have a name?” She asked, drawing closer ahead. The stallion, flinched, moving away from Twilight, as if scared to touch her. She realized things were still awkward between them, since they fought each other only minutes before, so she distanced herself as well. He relaxed as the gap between them grew.
“We... There are a lot of us down here. Mostly, we are born together in groups so we tend not to get individual names, just designations.” He explained, his eyes darting to and away from Twilight as he spoke. “I used to be called P7-098. Blitz was R8-532, because he was younger than me.”
“What else can you tell us about yourselves?” Rainbow asked, the impatience in her voice evident. She wasn't the only one fishing for information but the bat pony with his wings tucked close to his sides was not the best source. Especially after he replied.
“I... I only know about the guards. Mainly just B-Blitz and a few others.” He said, looking back at Rainbow before his eyes fell to the ground. He was very nervous for some reason. Whether is was because of their introduction to each other or because he was all alone now (he didn't seem comfortable being alone), Twilight chose her only solution. Friendship!
"Well, now you know us, don't you?" She proclaimed, holding out a hoof. The stallion looked at it then back to her. He didn't look sure but eventually took it. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, and these are-"
"You are princess Twilight Sparkle!?" He suddenly cried, his gaze now directed at Twilight. "You are... not what I expected, though the wings and the horn... are a bit of a give away. An Alicorn..." He sighed, circling her yet still keeping his distance. "His majesty will be so pleased!" He smiled openly for the first time, clapping his hooves together.
"His majesty?" Rarity spoke up, her first words since entering the cavern. She still looked disgusted at all the dirt and grime but seemed to cheer up at the mention of royalty. "I thought you only had one ruler?"
"We do, my Lady, but his majesty is the prince." He explained, his excitement waning slightly as the conversation worn on. "He will be very pleased to meet you. To meet you all. He loves ponies... I think"
"You think?" Rainbow retorted, drifting closer as the cavern started to stoop downward.
"Well, the prince is a bit... strange perhaps?" He replied, shrugging as if unsure. "I've never spoken to him before and... Um..."
"Guard." Discord called, watching as the stallion bowed his head immediately, despite not even facing the draconequus. "You forgot to introduce yourself." He yawned, shrinking himself down and resting on top of Applejack's cart. When an apple rolled toward him, Fluttershy quickly scooped him up, placing the now tired looking mini draconequus on her head. "That was quite rude..." He drifted off, his high pitched snores echoing.
"Ah, yes, my lord!" The Stallion said, bowing to Fluttershy and Discord. "How very rude of me. My name is Zerg Rush. My companion, who isn't here now, is named Blitzkrieg. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, my lady's." He said, walking backward to bow to the group. The mares just stared at Zerg Rush, confused.
That was a weird name, they all thought. One was a arcade game term and the other a battle strategy that Griffins used when fighting wars. Why were these the names they chose for themselves. At least, that was Twilight's reasoning. Rarity thought they sounded quite regal, AJ just didn't get the meaning and as such just thought they sounded weird the way any word would after saying it a bunch of times. Fluttershy didn't mind it, though they sounded a bit aggressive, Rainbow thought they sounded cool and Pinkie... Pinkie was imagining what kind of party she could throw for ponies with such cool names. Maybe something space themed.
"Well, howdy, Zerg rush!" Aj greeted, the name sounding weird to even her ears. "I'm Applejack. This here is Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and you already know Twilight Sparkle." She listed, pointing to each of her friends. Zerg Rush bowed his head, continuing to walk.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all, My ladies." He replied, smiling as the cave got narrower and darker. Despite how far into the earth they had traveled, the air was still fresh. Twilight wanted to ask Zerg why that was but considering his job, he probably didn't know.
Still, the cave was surprisingly well kept. The ground was steady and she couldn't feel any rumbling. Soon, they entered a massive room. They all walked along a fairly wide ledge while far below them was a underground river. Despite how dark it should have been, the water glowed with luminescent creatures. Their glimmer reflected off the fishes below, their scales creating a beautiful mini light show as they swam freely. The steady flow of water filled the cavern with the rush of fresh water. Even more amazing was the walls. From beneath the earth, small pockets of gems shined through, illuminating the darkened cave slightly, as if they stood under a night sky. The ceiling had risen, making the hall seem vast and never ending.
"Whoa..." Rainbow sighed, her eyes gleaming. "Now that's something you wouldn't see in a normal cave!" She cried, her voice bouncing off the high ceiling. Twilight was about to tell her to be careful just before the cry of bats filled the cavern. Crying out, all the mares ducked just as bats swooped down from the ceiling, their number effectively carrying Rainbow off.
“Awk! Somepony, hel-” She cried, just before she found herself in a butterfly net. Too shocked to respond, she sat there as the bats flew around her, quickly escaping into some other cavern to sleep in peace. Discord rested the butterfly net on his shoulder, smiling as he presented the caught Pegasus to the others.
“A-ah… L-Lady Rainbow, are you alright?” Zerg asked, stepping forward, clearly concerned. Rainbow remained silent, her eyes wide from shock.
“Maybe she’s in shock?” Pinkie suggested, poking Rainbow’s back. “We should help her!”
“But how?” Spike asked from Twilight's back.
“Good question.” AJ sighed. “Though I’m more concerned as to why she was so shocked. They were just bats.”
“They weren't just bats!” Everyone jumped as Rainbow shouted. Her eyes turned to them as she moved to climb out the net. “Those were those fruit bats from before! The vampire fruit bats.”
“But that’s impossible! They don’t live in deserts.” AJ protested, looking toward the hole the bats had flown through. She frowned. “At least I don’t think they do…”
“Perhaps they use the caves as a shelter during the colder times in Equestria?” Rarity suggested. “Bats do that, don’t they? Fluttershy? Twilight?” Twilight flinched, not expecting a question to also be directed at her.
“Uh…” She looked around, trying to think about that. She had read a bit about the vampire fruit bats before but that had been a while ago and she hadn’t gotten to the part about their migration patterns. She had been mostly focusing on their feeding habits at the time.
“They didn’t look too good though.” Fluttershy muttered, looking sad. “They might be sick.”
“Sick?” Rainbow echoed, resting a hoof on the net rim. “They seemed healthy enough to me.”
“Still! I really think we should check on them!” She insisted meekly, staring up at her friends earnestly. After a moment, they sighed, smiling at their friend.
“If thats what ya want, sure thing, sugarcube.” AJ nodded.
“Absolutely, darling.” Rarity
“It’ll be fun, seeing those bats again.” Pinkie cheered. “We’ll sing a welcome back song rather than our last one.”
“True, but first we must get to our destination.” Discord stated, dropping the net. Rainbow flew out of the net just before it hit the ground, frowning at Discord as he walked past them. “Our welcome party might not be happy with us taking so long.” He said with a yawn.
“That is true.” Zerg agreed, stepping back to let Discord pass. “I-if you wish, you can go and talk to Ouium. He likes studying the animals down here. He knows more about this than me.” He explained, turning away.
“Thank you.” Fluttershy sighed, smiling as she continued to follow the stallion. The rest of the mares fixed up what had been dropped in their panic, which wasn't much. Rainbow, however, was pouting.
"Rainbow, what's wrong?" Twilight asked, staring up at her friend. The blue mares face puffed up as she grew more annoyed.
"I... I'll have to thank Discord, which I'm totally cool with!" She said, quick to defend herself. "It's just..."
"Just?"
"Why a butterfly net?" She asked, confused. Twilight shared her confusion. Though, for some reason, she felt she had an answer that would be appropriate. And probably the answer Discord would give.
"I suppose... if it has wings and flies, a butterfly net can catch it."
*****
Their walk had reached its end when their group had reached the entrance of a large room. This one was miles bigger than the previous one. The scale could be felt despite how dark the room was. Frowning, Twilight and Rarity used their horns to illuminate the path, just so they could at least see each other.
"Aw! Where is that welcome party you were talking about?" Pinkie asked, pouting. "I expected something grand. Like a firework show or something!"
"Underground?" Rainbow retorted, looking around. The room was fairly silent.
"You could do it!" Pinkie insisted. "If you can have campfires underwater, you can have fireworks under ground."
"Perhaps, dear, but one of those things are impossible." Rarity stated, smiling despite how disturbed she was by the silent darkness. "The other is probably very dangerous."
"It would be kind of cool though." Spike chipped in, smiling as he rested on Twilight's head. "A firework show underground."
"It would most likely cause a cave in though." Twilight informed them, rolling her eyes. "Or worse."
"Thanks, princess positivity." Rainbow sighed, rolling her eyes.
"But it's true!" She retorted, her wings puffing out in indignation.
"Yeah, but so unfun!" Pinkie sighed, patting Twilight on the shoulder. "Can't you let a mare dream?"
"What?" Twilight stood there, confused just before her friends burst into a fit of laughter. Her face got red as she realized what had happened. She'd walked into a joke trap. She smiled, chuckling with them. Behind them Zerg was smiling, trying to hid his amusement behind his hoof. When he saw that he'd been seen, his face became red and he turned away.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" He looked away with shame. "I shouldn't have-"
"Don't sweat it, Z." Rainbow assure him, smirking. "It was joke. Jokes should be laughed at."
"Especially among friends." Rarity continued.
"Friends?" He echoed, his eyes wide with shock. "A-are we... Friends?"
"Of course we are, silly!" Pinkie proclaimed, popping up from behind the stallion. "We shared a laugh and spent a whole hour together! That makes us friends."
"Uh, Pinkie?" AJ raised a hoof. "I think there was a bit more than just that."
"Ah, yes. We fought before..." He recalled. "I thought you hated us... Me."
"Oh no, darling. We don't hate you." Rarity assured him with a smile. "I admit, that wasn't the best way to meet but such unpleasantries should be forgiven and forgotten when forming friendships. It does no one any good to bring up such things."
"That might be pushin' it a bit but I do agree." Aj cut in. "Despite how we met, yer a good pony, Zerg Rush. A mite bit quiet and strange but you ain't a bad pony. That makes you worthy of friendship." The unspoken part about him just defending his home was clear in her eyes as they stared at each other. Zerg looked at everyone, his face one of uncertainty. Then his eyes fell on Twilight.
"P-princess?" He said beseechingly, as if asking for her permission to believe their words. Did he really think they were still mad about that? That he wasn't allowed to think of them as friends? Twilight opened her mouth to speak but a voice echoed.
"Ah, how magnanimous of you." A voice, female, called out, drawing their eyes toward the unlit darkness. As they searched for the source of the voice, they group notice how the room had changed. Before the room was unendingly dark with no light at all. Now the room was littered with small glowing dots on the walls, some blinking in and out of sight. The mares huddled together, wary.
"Show yourself!" Rainbow shouted, looking around frantically. Twilight notice how Discord had disappeared from sight. She hadn't noticed until then but she was sure he had been beside them when they entered to room.
"Oh? So you can't see me?" The voice replied, chuckling. Twilight ears twitched, a frown forming as she listened. That voice... "I forgot that you ponies can't see in the dark like we can. Very well then. Let there be light."
The room exploded with a sudden burst of light, the room being filled with the eerie green glow of some kind of light source. After blinking the white dots from their eyes, Twilight looked up to see a enormous green gem, similar to the small ones that littered the cavern, embedded in the ceiling. Its light illuminating the room and bringing to light what Twilight and her friends were in for.
The room was filled with changelings, all of them resting in honeycomb like holes in the wall. Their unblinking eyes watched the mares, though none moved. Twilight turned to warn Zerg but the stallion was gone, his body bursting into green flames as he showed his true form. A regular changeling with... violet eyes? She was about to question why his eyes were a different color than the rest but the voice from before spoke up again.
"It is quite a pleasure to have you here with us, little ponies." Out of what little darkness remained, an old foe appeared. Tall, graceful and eerily beautiful, Queen Chrysalis walked forward, her smile as confident as the day she'd taken over Canterlot. "Welcome, Princess Twilight and friends, to my hive."
*****
"Queen Chrysalis!" They cried out, glaring at their former enemy. The Nymph stood alone, smiling serenely at them as she stepped forward into the light. She looked the same as the last time they'd met. Tall, strangely beautiful and so foreign that Twilight jumped at the holes in her legs still. They were just plain weird.
"P-princess Twilight!" She heard Zerg call out, clearly concerned but also warning her. She looked back at the stallio- no, the changeling. His mane was slightly different from what she remembered the grunts looked like. His mane actually looked like a mane, though it was still as dark as others. His eyes, wings and back were violet though. His wings buzzed, almost as if he was warning her not to move. Even without a weapon, he looked dangerous.
"You planned this, didn't you, Z!" Rainbow accused, glaring at the male. His shy nature made him flinch slightly at her shout but he stood firm, his stance showing he was ready to fight if need be. He was a guard after all.
"I-I did only what I was told to do." He answered. "Guide you to our queen... So you c-could help us."
"Help you what? Feed off as like parasites?" A mare shouted, stomping a hoof. Zerg jumped.
"I... Uh..." Zerg's ears fell as he looked at them, confused.
"My oh my! Is that anyway to treat a new friend, girls?" A voice chastised, one they all recognized. Discord slipped past them, like mist, forming as he walked over to Zerg Rush. "The poor boy must be heart broken, being called a parasite by those who called him friend just moments before."
"I... I don't know that word, my lord." He stated, staring up at the draconequus as he circled him. "Is that a bad word?"
"Who knows." Discord shrugged, resting a paw on the males head. "I mean, what kind of friend would call another a bad word?" The girls, mostly Twilight, flinched at the silent accusation. She knew how true those words were. From the look on Zerg Rush's face, he really didn't have a clue as to what the word 'parasite' meant. How confused he must have felt.
"I think it's fine." Chrysalis defended, drawing the mares attention once more. She looked annoyed at Twilight but only in her eyes. Her face was the perfect mask of civility. "Considering the last they saw of us was the invasion of Canterlot, it would be strange if she thought of us as anything more than parasites. Worry not, my child." She assured Zerg as she walked around their little huddle. Zerg jumped at the sight of her, frowning as he lowered his head.
"T-thank you, your majesty." He muttered, his eyes falling on the mares once more. "I... I don't understand what is happening but, uh... M-may I be excused?" He asked, his eyes not leaving the ground. "I have to find Blitz."
Chrysalis smiled, much like a mother, as she rested a hoof on the guards head. "Yes, go and defend our gates, my child." She ordered. Zerg nodded turning on his hoof to leave. He looked back at Twilight and her friends, his eyes burning with confusion and insecurity. They begged for an answer to the question resting within those violet eyes.
Are we still friends?
Twilight looked away, not wanting to look at the sadness in which that question was asked. How strange it must be for him. To just be accepted as a friend only to be called a parasite. To be shunned and accused of ill intent due to someones rash conclusion. For their words to fall on deaf ears. The looks she got from her friends were scolding, but soft, as if they knew why her words had been said but felt just as guilty for staying silent.
"Feels familiar, doesn't it, Princess of Friendship?" Chrysalis mocked, sneering down at the shorter mare. Twilight flinched at the jab. That was twice now that her title had been thrown back in her face. But she knew, just like the first time, she deserved it. She had hurt a friend. A stallion who looked to need one.
"What do you want with us, Chrysalis?" She growled, turning to the nymph. Her will was a little bruised but their main concern was staring them all in the face now. Zerg... Twilight wasn't sure how to feel about him just yet. She definitely owed him an apology but... He had hid himself from them. Lied to them by omission. Had led them into a place that could lead to the death or imprisonment of her friends. Yet, he was kind to them. He wasn't a bad pony. His smiles, few in number, were genuine. If not, she was sure Pinkie would have noticed.
"Straight to business, hm?" She turned to them with a sneer, watching them closely. "Alright then, Princess, thats what we'll do." She walked passed them, meeting a waiting Discord who on a rock, yawning. When did he-
"Discord!" AJ called out, stomping over. "Is this what you planned for us? To lead us into a changeling den?!"
"You have a problem with that?" He countered, smiling as he curled his body around the rock. "I thought you wanted to help."
"I do, but you should have warned us." She argued. "It's because you didn't tell us that things went sour so fast."
"Oh? Would you have acted differently had you known?" He asked, resting his chin on his claw. "Or would you have refused because they were your enemy?"
"We would have helped." Applejack insisted, not looking back at the others. Twilight looked at her friends, most of them looking somewhat unsure. Fluttershy just looked scared. Pinkie said nothing, instead looking down the path in which Zerg had run down. Rainbow had a mixed expression, one of shame but stubborn pride, as if she wasn't sure how to feel just yet. Discord snorted, seeing all of the mares expressions.
"You might be the only one who feels that way, Applejack." Discord snickered, hissing as he turned to the Changeling Queen standing beside him. "Chyrsy? Your proposal?" He pushed, though the nymph scowled at him.
"I do have a proposal but seeing how you have had a long trip, I suggest we discuss business later." She stated, surprising not only the mares but Discord. He frowned at her, appearing before her as she tried to walk away.
"Chyrsy, I thought you were running out of time." He stated, glowering down at her. "Lay out your proposal so we can move on to the next step."
"And what step is that?" Twilight demanded, though they two continued on as it she had said nothing.
"I can't do that, Lord Discord." She replied, nonplussed by his order, though the buzzing within the room increased in volume. "The way things have progressed, I must make changes to my... our plan. While I appreciate your concern, I have everything under control." She then turned to Twilight and her friends. "I would hope you would feel free and safe in my hive. My children will not harm you."
"And how do we know that for sure?' Rainbow growled.
"You don't." She answered. "Not for absolute sure but my word will have to tide you over. I will discuss our proposal later this evening, after you girls have settled in." She explained, before turning to the grumbling Discord. "For now, I must depart so Lord Discord and I can discuss... important matters."
"Hm? But I thought we already worked out ever-" Chrysalis' magic pulled Discord close, though Twilight could tell he let her.
"Now, Lord Discord." She snarled, glaring into his eyes before Discord sighed. With a roll of his eyes, he gathered her magic around his claw like a thread and crushed it, fine green mist slipping from his hand.
"As you wish, Chrysy dear." He said, walking past her into the darkness. The queen watched him, clearly still mad but allowing him to leave. With a sigh, she turned back the Twilight and her friends.
"As I said, I must discuss something with Lord Discord." She repeated. "But in the mean time, I will have someone show you around." Her next words were some other language, probably that of the changelings. It sounded like words mixed with hisses and buzzes. After a moment of waiting, Chrysalis scowled. "Cicada!"
"Yes, mother?!" Another voice called out as the buzzing of wings drew closer. From the shadows, another changeling came forth, though this one looked more like Chrysalis than the others. She was tall and beautiful, though her mane was purple rather than the Queen's turquoise. That and her mane was a lot fluffier as opposed to Chrysalis' flat mane. It was wild and fluffy and messy. Her eyes were also different. Her eyes, while fierce, weren't as old as Chrysalis'. This one, Twilight figured, was young. And apparently, chrysalis' daughter. Cicada's eyes only briefly met the mares but the look of disgust there was clearly evident. "Did you need something from me?"
"Yes, you are to show Princess Twilight and her friends around the hive while I settle a few matters with Lord Discord." She stated, turning back to the group. "My daughter, Princess Cicada will be your host. I thank you for your patience." Twilight and her shared a look, Chrysalis being stoic as Twilight glared up at her. She was clearly still a bit distrustful and opened her mouth protest but Cicada beat her to it.
"Mother, I must protest!" She cried, stomping a hoof. "I don't know why you invited these... Ponies here," She gave them a look of pure disgust before turning back to her mother. "but I will not let our Hive be subject to their curiosities or whatever. Our hive isn't some gallery to show off!"
"Cicada!" Chrysalis snapped, glaring at her daughter from the corner of her eye. "I will not have you show our guest such rudeness. You will do as I have said. Understood?”
“But mother, I-”
“I am your Queen first and foremost and I will not have anyone question my orders, Cicada.” She said, her voice calm but firm. She truly did sound like a Queen just then. Even Twilight felt the impulse to lower her eyes at that tone. “Now, have I been clear, daughter? Or am I to repeat myself?”
Cicada’s ears fell, her confidence fading as she was confronted by her mother. She clearly was reluctant but after a very brief battle of wills though stares, the young changeling backed down, bowing her head to her Queen.
“As you wish…” She grumbled, scowling at the ground.
“Excuse me?” Chrysalis pushed.
“I mean… As you wish, my Queen.” She said, her eyes firmly on the ground. Chrysalis nodded, turning away to walk into the darkness.
“I shall meet with you all at a later time then.” She promised, her form fading into the darkness. The eyes that watched them slowly faded out, blinking out of sight until the only light was from the large green gem glowing above them.
Silence brewed between the group and Cicada, the nymph clearly displeased by the development. Pinkie was the first to speak up, apparently getting over whatever held her attention for so long.
"So, your the Queens daughter? Princess Cicada?" She asked, hopping closer. Rarity reached out to stop her but she slipped past. "How cool. I'm Pinkie Pie and I-" The mare stopped as the princess stomped a hoof, nearly hitting Pinkie, who scrambled away.
"Do not come near me, Pony!" She snapped, the revulsion in her words clear to even Pinkie, who took a step back as the nymph continued on. "I don't know why mother decided to invite you filthy mammals in our sacred hive but do not think I will allow such rudeness." She shuddered, looking as if she was looking at something disgusting.
"Oi, who are you calling disgusting, bug princess!" Rainbow countered, landing between Cicada and Pinkie. "All Pinkie was trying to do was be nice and this is how you treat her?
"Oh, how amusing." Cicada shook her head. "A pony defending her friend. I wonder how long it'll be before you call her some hurtful word." Rainbow's wings twitched at that. "Surely, that's what friendship is to you ponies." Twilight opened her mouth to defend both her friends but another voice spoke.
"Cicada, you're being rude to mother's guests." The voice chastised as another Changeling walked into the light. Twilight briefly wondered just how many changelings were hidden around them before she caught sight of this one. He was... Different.
He was as tall as Cicada and Chrysalis but male. He was built like one of the royal Changelings but this was the first time Twilight had ever seen a male. Was he a prince? Did Changelings have princes. Whats more, he looked very much like Cicada. Though his mane was much shorter and more controlled than Cicada's and was pulled into a short ponytail. The small pair of reading glasses perched on his muzzle glinted in the dim light of the cave. His eyes, though, they were what caught Twilight's eye. They were cold. There was no warmth within. Unlike Cicada's fiery eyes, his was stone cold. It scared Twilight.
"Who is that?" Rarity asked, whispering to Twilight. Twilight shook her head, instead watching the two Changelings talk. Cicada looked over at the male, rolling her eyes.
"I can be as rude as I want, Apis." She argued, scowling. "They aren't our guests!"
"They are." He countered, his tone leaving little room for argument. He walked up to her, looking her in the eye as he continued. "Mother has decreed that they are to be treated as guests and her word is law. You know that, sister."
Cicada scowled, looking from her brother to the mares in front of her before letting out a short shout of frustration and flying off. "Fine, if you want to treat them like guests, you act as their 'tour guide' or whatever!" She screamed, fuming as she glared down at them. Apis seemed unconcerned, not even flinching at her scream.
"As you wish." He replied, watching her fly off. After a moment, he turned to the mares, all of whom flinched at the sight of his cold changeling eyes. He stared at them for a full minute before speaking. "Ah, so it is you that mother invited to our hive."
"W-what of it!?" Rainbow challenged, her wings extended fully. Everyone else just watched, though they were all ready to back up Rainbow if need be. Apis just stared at them for a full minute before responding.
"How curious. You are ponies." He stated, still staring at them weirdly. It wasn't just his stare though. His voice, so monotone and listless, made all the mares uncomfortable. All Except for Pinkie, who smiled at the prince.
"Yeah, we're ponies!" She cried, trotting over to him. "And you're a changeling prince, right?!" She asked, leaning in close though she barely went past his chest. Apis stared down at her for a minute before nodding.
"Yes, I am Prince Apis." He stated, cocking his head to the side. "You are... an Earth pony, yes?" He asked out of nowhere.
"Yea, she is." AJ answered, stepping closer. "So am I. What of it?"
"I see." He muttered, his horn glowing to reveal a book from behind the rock Discord had been resting on. "And you have a unicorn and two pegasi as well." He observed, though his eyes were now glued to his book.
"Uh huh! That's Rainbow and Fluttershy." Pinkie replied, jumping onto Apis' back to get a better look at what Apis was holding. Apis froze, looking back at the smiling mare as she tried to take a peek at his notebook. After a moment, he just shrugged and continued reading, unconcerned. Everyone else jumped, calling out to pinkie, though Applejack's voice rang out the loudest.
"Pinkie, you can't be going and jumping on ponies you don't know." She scolded, trotting over to give Pinkie a stern look. "I'm sorry about that, Prince Apis. Pinkie is a bit eccentric and-"
"I am a changeling, not a pony but I appreciate your concern, Miss Earth pony." He replied, really not looking at all bothered by the pink pony on his back. "With this, I've learned the weight of a pony mare. So I have no problem with this."
"Miss? I'm Applejack." AJ informed him, frowning. "And I suppose there is some reason you are so interested in us ponies?"
"Interested?" Rarity echoed, walking closer. "How do you figure?"
"Don't you remember? Z said the prince wanted to know about ponies or something." Rainbow replied, reminding everyone of the Stallions strange interest in Twilight.
"Though it was mostly Twilight he said he was interested in." Fluttershy mumbled, speaking for the first time since entering.
"Princess Twilight is here?" Apis interrupted, his eyes finally lifting from his book. Apparently, he was willing to let everyone else talk around him until they said something that interested him.
Twilight looked up at the male, grimacing as his eyes fell on her. Still, she was a princess. She had to act like one. With a unsteady breath, she took a step forward and stared up at the prince. "That's me." She proclaimed, staring him in the eyes.
"You are princess Twilight Sparkle?" Apis asked somewhat doubtfully, staring down at her. That was the second time today she'd gotten that response. Why?
"Yes..." She answered, frowning up at him. There was a moment of silence (again) as Apis stared down at her with questioning eye before nodding.
"I see. You are not what I expected but that is not a problem." He sighed, turning away. "Now, if you would follow me, I shall escort you to your room." He stated, walking off as he stared into his book that he floated before him. Pinkie remained on his back giggling as she bounced.
"Room? Shouldn't we get down to business first?" Rarity asked, following after him as the rest of the mares did so too. Twilight chose to remain silent, trying to think of what reason they had been brought here. Discord had said that they were meant to save them but how could they do that? What could they do that the princesses couldn't.
"I do not know why mother brought you here, if that is what you wish to know." He replied, leading them down a hallway. Like the caverns, the walls were littered with glowing green gems. The only difference was that these halls were much wider and have various doorways leading down further hallways. As the group passed them, they could just barely make out the glowing eyes of other changelings. While the mares were noticeably nervous, they did their best to remain calm. The best out of them was Applejack.
"You aren't even a little curious, yourself?" Rainbow asked as they followed him.
"I figure that when I need to know, mother will tell me." He replied. "Besides, now that you are here, things are much more likely to get interesting. Cicada's reaction to you was to be expected, if not a bit louder than predicted."
"So you don't mind us bein' here then?" AJ asked walking up to trot beside him. His longer legs made keeping up with him a bit difficult.
"I do not see why I should mind." He answered, still reading his book. "It is not often I get to meet ponies so I appreciate the chance."
"You've never met a pony before?" Fluttershy ventured, stilling hanging close to Rarity but speaking up.
"I've never left the hive before so no, the opportunity has never come up." He answered, his tone implying he felt neither sadness nor joy at the statement. But Pinkie showed just how distraught she was.
"What!?" She cried, grabbing his head and turning it to face her. "So you've never seen the outside of the hive before? That's terrible!"
"...Is it?" He retorted, his face not really changing except for a slight frown of discomfort. "We reside in a desert. There is probably very little to see in terms of value."
"Says who?" She countered with a wry smile.
"Says I." He replied, his frown deepening. He was probably getting confused.
"Well, you had better tell 'I' that the desert can be a whole bunch of fun!" She declared, standing on her hind legs and pointing to the ceiling. "Trust me, Api, when I say that fun can be found anywhere!"
Apis stared at her, very clearly confused. "...Api?" He echoed. Pinkie nodded, smiling happily.
"Uh huh, that is what I'm gonna call you from now on." She declared, hugging him. "Since we are probably going to be friends soon enough, I figure we should start off with nicknames."
Everyone face hoofed, feeling bad for the changeling prince who was clearly confused by the mares logic. He even looked to Twilight, the question of 'what is she talking about' was evident in his eyes. At least his eyes were less cold than before. She thought as she just gave him a shrug in response. Apparently, it was enough of an explanation for Apis to recover and continue on with the conversation.
"I see. So this friendship thing you speak of starts with nicknames, then?" He muttered to himself, nodding. "So that guard's nickname is now to be 'parasite', then? How fascinating."
Everyone remained silent. Even pinkie with her smile strained somewhat, sat back down on Apis' back, letting the silence brew. The prince didn't seem to notice the change as he continued to mutter to himself about something. The words were unclear but whatever conclusion he came to was 'fascinating' and 'in need of more research'.
"You don't seem all that bothered by the word, though." Aj said, breaking the silence. "I woulda thought you'd be mad, like your sister."
"Cicada is always mad about something." He replied, twirling his notebook in circles with his magic. "Believe me when I say that no matter what was said, her reaction would have been the same. She dislikes everyone quite equally."
"Why?" Pinkie asked.
"She is to be a queen someday, as I am to be a king. A mother to her hive. It is in our nature to value the well being of our hive over everyone else." He explained. "To be honest, I do believe she just used your words as an excuse to be mad."
"Then why aren't you upset?" Fluttershy asked meekly. "You have good reason to be." Apis frowned at this, looking confused.
"I don't see why I would. We changelings are parasites." He answered easily. "Calling us parasites is as insulting as calling you ponies herbivores. It's a fact."
"It still doesn't excuse our rudeness to Zerg Rush." Rarity mumbled, her ear drooping.
"Perhaps but I doubt he understood the context you were trying to insinuate." He assured, almost as if he were trying to comfort us. It didn't help. "Though I do have one question to ask you all."
Twilight frowned. He had questions too? "What is it?"
"Why do you all speak as if you personally said these words. Only one of you did." He pointed out, looking over all of them. They all stared back, unsure of why he'd asked at all. While it was true that only one mare said the word, none of the others had scolded her. They had all remained silent as the insult was flung and none of them spoke against it. They were all guilty.
"We might as well have all said it." AJ explained, removing her hat and holding it against her heart as she walked forward. "While we may not have said it ourselves, we all thought the same thing. We all hurt Zerg with our silence."
"We were super mean to Zergy, so we all have to say we're sorry." Pinkie concluded, staring down at her friends. She didn't look at the culprit but she knew who she was. "And you too, Api."
"I have no need of such things... Lady Pinkie, correct?" He asked, continuing to lead them. The mares followed. "Hm... It would see that I misunderstood some things about ponies. You are very strange. I will have to do much more research into your kind as your visit continues.
"Perhaps we could get the matter of introductions out of the way first." Rarity suggested, smiling serenely. "Being called 'pony' is a bit more... formal than I'd like."
"Yeah!" Rainbow agreed, flying over everyone else. "We do have names, y'know."
"I agree." Twilight nodded, smiling at her friends though it was a tired one. "You already know me and Pinkie but behind me are Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and this little guy is my assistant, Spike." She stated, pointing to each mare and dragon. Spike had been hiding behind Twilight's mane since they'd arrived and just stared at Apis with a very clear sense of fear. While he may not have gone through what Twilight had, he knew from the stories that Changelings were generally scary.
"Spike...?" Apis echoed, looking back at Twilight. He eyes met Spikes and as the silence brewed, his horn glowed. Spike glowed green as the changelings magic lifted him swiftly off Twilight's back and into the air. The dragon tried to fight it but was no match for the prince's grip. Apis looked just as deadpan but his eyes glowed with fascination. "Ah! How interesting. A real life dragon. However did you get one, Princess? Did you catch him? Steal an egg? What are his feeding habits? His mating habits? No, no, he looks to be too young for such things. Very small." He went on and on, twisting and turning spike like a toy as he circled the poor thing. His questions went on, unanswered though he looked not to care. Twilight's horn glowed, about to tear her assistant away from the possibly dangerous prince when a voice rang out.
"Apis!" The prince stopped mid tirade, turning toward the voice. Chrysalis was walking down the hall, alone. Where was Discord? Hadn't he been with her before? "What are you doing with our guests?"
"Mother... I was studying their dragon friend." He explained, not looking all that bothered by the appearance of his mother. He hadn't been bothered by Spikes pleas for freedom so this fact wasn't all that surprising. "It's not often one meets a dragon."
"Yes, but this one is our guest so release him." She ordered, standing beside her son. Apis carefully replaced Spike on the ground, who then ran to cling to Applejack's leg. As the mare comforted him, Chrysalis turned to Twilight. "Princess Twilight, if you would follow me."
"What?!" She gulped, staring up at Chrysalis. After a moment of silence, Twilight stiffened her back, looking the queen in the eye. "And what about my friends?"
"They will remain with Apis. They still have a hive to tour." She stated simply. "If my dearest son can keep himself from getting distracted..." She grumbled, her gaze falling on Apis now writing something in his book while muttering to himself.
"I'm not leaving without them." She said, glowering up at the Queen. It was her best glower but the older and probably more powerful nymph didn't even flinch.
"You are our guest, Princess, but do not forget where you are." She hissed, leaning close. "This is my hive and I am it's queen. For as long as that is the case, my word is law. But if you wish to fight me on this, just know I have a bit more backup than last time." She threatened, the sounds of hisses surrounding them as the changelings made their presence known. The mares huddled up, ready to defend themselves if needed while Pinkie clung to Apis' neck. The tension was high and no one moved for fear of what result would come about. It was at this moment that Apis sighed as if bored.
"Mother, you are wasting time." Apis said, unfazed by the atmosphere. He hadn't even lifted his gaze from his book as he spoke. "Night has fallen outside and the guests must be tired. Perhaps the threats can wait for tomorrow?" Everyone just stared in shock at the prince. Did he really just say that to Chrysalis?! His mother? The Queen?! Chrysalis just scowled at her son, looking more tired than angry.
"You grow more rebellious every day, my son." She sighed, as if this was nothing new. Apis gave her a confused look.
"This is rebellion? Hm, I would have thought it'd be more... loud. Like sister. Oh well..." He shrugged, turning away. "If you mares would follow me then, I must show you to your room."
"But-" Rainbow started to protest but Twilight shook her head. They couldn't argue with Chrysalis. She had the home field advantage as well as an army. Much more than she did in Canterlot. Plus, Twilight had a feeling she would finally learn the queens motive for bringing them all here. Twilight shared a look with her friends, fear evident in their eyes but much less than before. Perhaps it was because of Apis. While the prince was fairly hard to read, he didn't seem keen on hurting them... maybe.
"I'll go with you." Twilight proclaimed, trying to look as dignified as possible. "But I refuse to stay away from my friends for long."
"Fine. I don't care." Chrysalis replied, rolling her eyes. "This will be quick anyway." She assured, directing Twilight down a separate hallway. The hall lead to a large set a double doors, fairly unimpressive other than their size. Twilight followed the queen as her friends were lead down a separate hallway. She kept them in sight the whole trip, giving them a friendly wave as the double doors slammed shut.
*****
The room was.. not what Twilight expected. It looked like a normal office. Well, not normal, really. Normally, offices didn't have cave-like walls and the light source wasn't a large green gem embedded in the ceiling. The lack of windows were also a dead giveaway. In fact, the only reason one could conclude that this was an office was the wooden desk in the room and some worn looking chairs placed in front of it. Behind the desk, to replace what would have been a window in a normal office was a mural. Not one of paint or even glass, but one made of gems. Various colored gems glimmered as it displayed a rather strange sky. It was various shades of blue and the sun was red rather than yellow. Why red though?
"Do you like it, princess?" Chrysalis asked, walking behind the desk to sit in the large couch like chair behind it. "One of my children made it. Though I told her the sun wasn't red, she insisted that it must be. The Princess of the sun tends to sound very... malicious in my tales of the surface."
"So you lied to them." She growled, stepping forward toward the desk.
"Lied? No, I told the truth." She replied with a smile. "Your truth might be different from mine but it is the truth none the less."
"There's only one truth!" Twilight argued. "You invaded Canterlot and tried to take over, intending to feed off its citizens."
"To feed my hive, my children." She retorted. "Do you think I did it for fun? That I pretended to love that oaf of a brother of yours because I was bored?" Twilight clenched her teeth and anger at the jab at her brother but kept herself from voicing her feelings on that. She had others things to rage about.
"I don't care why you did it, only that you did!" She cried, stomping a hoof. "You would have locked us away, feeding off us like we were nothing! Like we weren't living creatures!"
"True, but this is why we have different truths, Princess." Chrysalis sighed. "You may not like my methods but I don't regret it. I did what I had to. It staved off starvation for a while but now I find that we're back where we started..."
Twilight stared at her, scowling but curious. Chrysalis' had said that she needed her help. But why would she remind Twilight of her past deeds? Even going so far as to state how she doesn't regret them. This wasn't the way to ask for help but now Twilight had to know how she planned to get the help she apparently needed.
"So why are we here?' She asked, sitting in the worn but surprising soft chair in front of the desk. "Discord said that we were to help some starving ponies."
"Hah! That's what he told you!?" She snickered, slapping a hoof against the desk. "No wonder you were so panicked when I revealed myself. Lord Discord truly is as cruel as I had heard."
"He's been reformed." Twilight insisted, frowning at the realization of how much Discord had lied. She knew he had been hiding something but this was much more than she thought. He had to know how they'd react. He hadn't given them even the barest hint of a warning of what they'd be doing. He knew they'd react as badly as they did.
"You really think so?" Chrysalis argued. "Because I can taste the doubt you feel. It's sour and sweet all at the same time. Have you told him how much you doubt your 'friend'?" She pushed, smirking as Twilight glared at her. It was true Twilight didn't trust Discord all that much but how could she? After everything he did. How much pain he'd caused. How much he didn't trust them enough to tell the truth...
"Hm? Is that..." The queen licked her lips, as if the air itself held the emotions Twilight felt. "Sadness? No, not sour enough... What is it?"
"Never mind that! Tell me what you want from us, Chrysalis!" She interrupted, not liking the look on the queens face as she questioned herself. Already, Chrysalis was feeding off her.
"Fine, I'll be blunt." She deadpanned, yawning as her horn glowed. In her magic grip was a crystal, blue and pure. Where she'd gotten it from was a mystery but Twilight stayed quiet. "As you know, we changelings feed off the emotions of sentient beings such as you ponies. We can feed of other creatures like Griffins and Zebra but they aren't as... welcoming as ponies are so we prefer ponies." She explained. Twilight knew this. While changelings could easily get into Equestria and replace a pony, Griffins were a bit more suspicious by nature and Zebras... well, not much was known about them so it must have been difficult to blend in with them. Chrysalis continued. "While I did say that we feed on love, that isn't entirely correct. We can feed of any emotion, which is why we can read ponies so well but we prefer love. It's much stronger and lasts a lot longer. The only thing that last even close to as long is rage but that isn't as... desirable as love." That Twilight didn't know. She had assumed that Changelings only fed on love. But this new fact did explain how they could manipulate others so well. They would sense emotions and change accordingly.
"That doesn't explain why you need us here." Twilight grumbled, getting a bit impatient. Chrysalis rolled her eyes, waving a hoof dismissively.
"I'm getting to that." She assured, twisting the blue crystal in her magical grip. "As I was saying, things have been harder for us. Since our failed attempt at Canterlot, it's been harder to get my children in to harvest love. Your Princess has been finding my children and deporting them faster than they can harvest, which has made life here harder than we can recover from on our own. We were too weak to travel to some other country but we also couldn't live here with the plethora of predators that could kill us in moments if caught. We were near death... But then something happened in the last few months." She said, placing the crystal on the desk. From it, an image appeared. One of a vast city in the shape of a snow flake and a single tall tower like castle in the center.
"The Crystal Empire!" Twilight cried, shocked that the queen even knew about the recently uncovered city of the north.
"Yes, we were just as surprised at its random and sudden appearance as well." Chrysalis commented, staring down at the slightly green tinted image. "Soon after it was revealed, it let out a burst of energy that not only spread across Equestria but somehow managed to reach a few of my children out here." She explained, smiling somewhat serenely. "For the first time in months, we had enough love to feed most of the hive without having to ration it out. It was wonderful and amazing but... Temporary."
"So what does this have to do with us?" Twilight pushed, narrowing her eyes. "If you think you can keep us hostage here to somehow-"
"Oh, please! If I wished, I could just replace you and your friends and take over if need be." She Interrupted, resting her hoof on her cheek. "It isn't too hard. Celestia is vigilant but only in Canterlot. For the most part, Equestrian security is lax. No, what we need from you is a chance to talk."
"Talk? To who?" Twilight asked, though her mind had already come up with the answer already.
"To princess Cadence." She replied, looking a bit nervous for the first time as she stared at the immaterial city gleaming on her desk. "I want for you to allow me an audience with her to... request refuge in the Crystal Empire."
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."