I had found a small group of Ponies in the forest. Apparently they were enjoying my brand of humor, even if what they were looking for was just a Pony to love them. What I had failed to realise is that they are Changelings in need of a Queen. Me?
I had stumbled upon a small group of Ponies, in the forest as I was out, walking. I had failed to notice that they were; in fact Changelings.
What I did realize, they seem to enjoy my brand of humor, something I could enjoy and appreciate.
Once they had followed me home, they explained part of the situation; they need a Queen, and they figured I would be perfect for the position.
I was on my way home from Zecora’s hut as I stumbled upon a small group of Ponies. Since they were in a solemn mood, I started out making a few funny faces; which resulted in making them brightening up.
“Hiya, my name is Pinkie Pie; but call me Pinkie!” I greeted them.
“Hi, Pinkie!” they responded; looking intently at me, almost as if they had been expecting me to turn into a monstrous beast; like a Timber Wolf at any moment.
“I am Breezer!” the off white stallion started out.
“Breezer? Hi, hi!” I responded, giggling.
“These are my friends and companions, Constellation, Pie Chaser, Cherry Fillings, Daisies’ Treat and Clover Treaties; I hope they will be your friends as much as mine in the near future!” he pointed out in a more cheerful voice.
“If I can bring a smile to your faces, I know you will be!” I offered.
“A smile is a small price in acquiring friends, isn’t it?” said Constellation, the light grey Unicorn mare with an indigo mane and tail.
“I guess it is, but you can never buy true friends. If you need to pay, they leave once they think your resources are running thin!” I pondered.
“I have heard that a smile is supposed to be good for you. Although I guess I need something to smile at, or some Pony?” Clover, the green mare earth Pony with minty mane and tail responded, chancing a smile towards me.
“In my presence, it is. On the other hoof, I just may treat you to Muffins too. Speaking of which, I will have to throw you a welcome to Ponyville party by tomorrow, at the very latest!” I pointed out, in no uncertain terms; even though there was a giggle sneaking into my voice as I pronounced it.
“Since it is our first time in Ponyville, I guess that could be appropriate?” Constellation suggested.
“You say that, as if it was your personal responsibility? Are you the party committee, or is it because you happened to be the Pony meeting us?” Cherry inquired, her curiosity peaked by the direction the conversation was starting to take.
“I guess you could say that. Most Ponies love my parties. Besides, it feels so rewarding for me, to see Ponies smile; not that a Donkey, Mule or Zebra is any less rewarding. What the hay, I could go as far as to a Dragon, if he is nice!” I pondered.
“A Dragon? Aren’t they supposed to be rare around the neighbourhood?” Pie Chaser inquired, in a more worried tone.
“Yeah, they are. We commonly chase them off if they move in, too close to the village. With the one exception named Spike. He is quite helpful; from time to time, when we need his help!” I put forth.
“You mean to say that you have chasing Dragons off from your homes?” Constellation inquired, with an air of disbelief on her voice.
“We have managed to chase a Dragon off, on the rare occasion, when one came too close to the village, for our comfort. Just having one Dragon sleeping close to your village is bad enough, having one or more living there is simply intolerable. Naturally, my friends help me, when I need them, including chasing off a stray Dragon!” I put forth.
“I have the feeling I want to live near you, not just for the chance of a life free of Dragons, but I have the feeling there is more to you, aspects one can never ignore!” Pie Chaser, the Deep purple earth Pony with a leafy green mane and tail suggested.
“I make sure every Pony smile happily, otherwise, I can be found at the Sugar-Cube Corner, selling pastries too!” I pondered.
“I have this strange feeling from you, Pinkie, a feeling I never get when I am around Ponies in general. This is a feeling I can’t quite put a hoof on or wrap my mind around. Why do I keep seeing a crown on your head, one you usually associate to royalties?” Daisies’ the pale yellow earth Pony with vibrant blue to cyan mane and tail enquired with a reverant look on her face, looking up at me as she pronounced the words carefully.
“Royalty? I may be a Princess of Ponyville, but that can’t be what you see?” I put forth.
“We associate royalty with wisdom and authority. If these comes together, it is very special. if it is a Pony who isn’t dour solemn and bitter, it is very rare, where we come from!” Constelation offered.
“You are the most vibrant Pony seen in ages. I have a strange feeling you are balancing between agelessness of wisdom and the youthful vibrance. There is something rare yet highly desired about you, balancing off on something only too familiar, yet unavoidable to you!” Cherry pondered.
“If you are, what I think you are, I would be asking Zecora to attend my iminent Coronation?” I offered.
“Wait. Are you by any chance referring to the local Zebra, when you said Zecora?” Constellation enquired with a peaked look on her face and an eyebrow raised as she heard me speak the name.
“It is a Zebra’s name from the nation of Zebras, for all I know. yes, we do have a Zebra by the name, living in a hut close by. She is a friend of mine, on the other hoof, there are few who are not friends of mine, Ponies, Donkeys, Mules, Zebras or others. She is known to help us on occasion, when none other is capable of helping!” I put forth.
“That sounds like the Zecora we know of. As a matter of fact, she is the reason why you found us here in the first place!” Breezer clarified eagerly.
“Then you would approve of her as the Seremony master of a Coronation? I hope this could be a joyous event, spreading love and joy from the village of Ponyville and well beyond the realm!” I pronounced in no uncertain tones.
“Her wisdom would seal the deal. There could be none more suited for such an honour. All ceremonies require a leader, or they can not stand!” Constellation put forth.
“Twilight, Twilight. Pinkie Pie needs your help, summoning Zecora for a special Ceremony!” Scootaloo pronounced as she faced the Princess of Ponyville in her new castle, after Spike had escorted her to the Royal library.
“Pinkie Pie needs a Coronation? Who or what for?” Twilight inquired.
“I do not know, she never said. Yet, if she said it, it is bound to mean something and be hilarious; once we have seen it play through?” Scootaloo offered in a bewildered tone of voice.
“What baffles me is just that she asked for Zecora, I could have Celestia, Luna and Cadence here within a day, if it was that urgent. She knows that. Yet she is promptly asking for Zecora. A Coronation?” Twilight pondered.
“If Spike sent a message, they would have it in the same instant. We all know Alicorns are fast, when they need to be some place!” Scootaloo pondered in response.
“Yes, we can move very fast, if and when it is required. Since she didn’t give me much to go on, there is little to nothing to prepare. I’d better be going to invite Zecora. You tell Pinkie Pie that I am off on her request, would you?” Twilight responded, as she left the library in haste.
“While you are out, I will let Pinkie Pie know!” Scootaloo responded.
At this point, Twilight Sparkle was cantering towards my hut; while Scootaloo trotted to Pinkie Pie at the Sugar-Cube Corner, in order to announce that she had explained what little Pinkie Pie had given her to go on, as she sent Twilight towards me.
For some reason; it was an enjoyably, calm and quiet day in my hut in the wild forest of Everfree. I had set off to enjoy it this way. Apparently I had nothing special I had to do. All the herbs I could think of were currently plentiful in my supply cabinets; where I commonly keep them for later use, in remedies and potions.
All of a sudden, a Pony came bursting in, knocking eagerly on my door; though quietly waiting for my response in a more polite than normal, manner. I had a feeling it was Twilight Sparkle. Not so much in how she knocked on my door.
As I had gotten to the door and opened; I could clearly see my premonition confirmed as I saw her face in the doorway, as I took a step back and to the side; thus inviting her in.
“Greetings!” I merely uttered, as she closed the door firmly behind her.
“Greetings, Zecora. Thank you. I have been given a most urgent and very important invitation. Pinkie Pie delegated to me to hold a Coronation. For some reason, most if not all details has been withheld, so I can’t really go into any further details at this time!” she explained carefully, in her politest voice.
I had to consider what she had brought before me with great care, which may be why she had been sent to me in the first place. Information withheld was no excuse to deny her what she had asked of me. Whatever the reason, from what I know, this one pink mare had a knack for venturing out on many an unknown and thus unpredicted path.
Ponies had never been required a Zebra to be present at any event before, not an outcast in exile like me. Never for a coronation either. From what she had stated, the details may be given on arrival; when they could be delivered directly. That would be when I was to be told.
For some reason, something told me; I couldn’t deny her the requested services. As silly as their initial fear had been; they had soon realized the error of the unfounded fears they had made up, around what they had initially perceived about me.
“A Coronation for you I will perform as desire, when you call to inspire. I will be there, the request is fair. Just let me know when I am needed where!” I put forth in rhyme.
“I thank you, Zecora. I know you will manage to handle it magnificently. Ponies will talk about the event and remember you for times to come!” Twilight pointed out.
How was I to react, what could I possibly add. Not that I care much for the attention it may bring, regardless of the outcome of what she had proposed. I am honour bound to stick to my promise, either way.
“Princess of Ponyfolk I trust, I will be there and do what I must. Your thanks is all I need, since I harbour no greed!” I then uttered in afterthought.
Since I had told her what she wanted to here, what I knew I had to do, she was eager to leave me in pease to continue my business. With that, I saw her to the door, following her with my gaze for a moment and closed the door. I followed her moves from within the safety of my hut for moments longer, before I turned my attention to my own, knowing her to canter back to her village, to Ponyville and announce the happy news of my cooperation.
Once I had seen Twilight Sparkle canter out, I knew she was to be home at her castle and the safety within. I harbour no fear for her sake, for her person. I had known her as much too capable a Pony to warrant fear for her, particularly on a day like this.
As Twilight reached the castle, a surprise was soon to hit her. Pinkie Pie had already arrived with a small group of Ponies she did not know of, or know. Yet, there was no cause of alarm. If they had come with the pink mare, everything was safe.
“Hiya, Twillie!” Pinkie greeted her friend as Spike slammed it shut behind his purple friend.
“Greetings, Pinkie. I found her at her hut. She promised to perform your ceremonies for you!” Twilight put forth with no further ado.
“Great, great!” Pinkie burst out, beaming.
“You are quite welcome, Pinkie. For you, I would go much further, and you know it!” Twilight responded.
“These are my new friends; Breezer, Constellation, Pie Chaser, Cherry Fillings, Daisies’ Treat and Clover Treaties!” she pronounced, nodding at the ponies in turn, from the Pegasus, to the light grey Unicorn mare, the deep purple Pony with leafy green mane and tail, the red mare with green mane and tail, the pale yellow mare with vibrant blue to cyan mane and tail, green mare with blond main and tail and the green mare with minty mane and tail.
“Greetings, Breezer, Constellation, Pie Chaser, Cherry Fillings, Daisies’ Treat and Clover Treaties. I hope you will feel welcome in Ponyville. This is after all a very friendly little village!” Twilight added.
“We have only seen friendly Ponies this far, although you are the second Pony we’ve seen, Twillie, second only to Pinkie!” Clover responded with a slight giggle to her voice.
“Pinkie Pie is among the nicest Ponies you could possibly meet, always ready to throw a party and spread joy to any and all. She has the habit of using Pet Names or diminutive forms of names. She could be quite the hoof-full and can be something to get used to, if you haven’t met such a bright and lively Pony before!” Twilight pointed out cheerfully.
“Twillie, you think you could let them stay over at your castle for a few days? They would need somewhere to stay and would need to rest. You have any spare room where they could sleep?” Pinkie Pie asked Twilight.
“Either the basement or the second floor would work, if these arrangements work with you?” Twilight suggested.
“Anywhere warm with room for a bed is fine by us!” Constellation confirmed.
“The basement would most likely be preferable, if you don’t mind, Twillie?” Clover added.
“Then I could follow you there right now, so you could all settle in comfortably well before the night?” Pinkie offered.
“Thanks, Pinkie and Twillie!” Constellation pronounced.
“What? I didn’t know they built these cosy little rooms, these days!” Pie pronounced in an excited voice as we stumbled across the small rooms at the end of the hall just under the library.
“All the comforts of home. There is a bed and the room is lit up, if and when I like to!” Cherry continued.
“If you don’t wear clothes and have a Unicorn at hoof to make your bed, this would be all the room you need for a bed!” I pondered.
“If she offers us quarters like these, I feel an urge to serve her!” Constellation pointed out.
“We are in Ponyvile, this is the centre of importance, even if the castle currently is on the rim of the village!” Breezer pondered.
“Since you were homeless, you had no idea I would take you here and offer you somewhere to live. So, why didn’t you attack me?” I put forth.
“No, we had no idea where you would take us or what you had to offer. Yet, we can’t eat meat of Pony or anything else. I would like to see you as a mother, who has an invested interest in my well-being. As such, hurting you would only hurt me in return. I am just grateful for anything you have to offer me. We certainly can’t survive without you, Pinkie Pie!” Daisies’ explained.
“Since you elected me as the most qualified prospect to be your Queen, I guess I knew who you are. There is just too much we never knew about you. There are a few hidden, scattered clues that hints towards you having an origin among us Ponies. From what you have just explained, you suggest there is more substance to it, than we were lead to believe?” I put forth.
“Then it would be safe to say that this is equally mysterious to both of us. The event was never known widely, there are those who prefer to hide the facts that were known for their own reasons. If it was a grab for power, misunderstanding, fear or shame, who is to say? This was so far back in history, for both of us!” Constellation confessed.
“That seems like the safe bet in this case, without going into the sticky details, with no joy but only grief in any event. I like the way you likened it to the Mare and Foal relation, Just not sure how to sell the image to the general Population on either side of the divide here. So much to learn about the other side, for both of us!” I concluded.
“Details are important, but in this case most of them would merely muddle the water for all of them. If you are our Queen, you could reunite us. If we could sell the story to either side, right away may be less important. What is important, is that you are personally saving us. If your friend Princess Twilight Sparkle writes a book on her findings on the subject, maybe Ponies will read it for what it is in the future. For now that would be the best we could hope for. I, we would need the Queen right now in order to unite us and keep us going!” Constellation pointed out.
“As a scholar, Twilight would love such a challenge and dive into it head first, not giving up before the well had been exhausted and write the most conclusive essay she is capable of producing. As a Princess, she is bound to write a report on her findings as she is directed towards the problems. If we can find sources on the matter, she could be most appreciative towards us for doing so!” I pointed out.
“Your connection to her could prove must fortunate and convenient for us. Yet, it is your capabilities that we need the most, both right now and in the future!” Breezer put forth.
“As a mere accessory to a Princess, your importance to us would be transitory at best. We need a capable Queen who can lead us forwards, to support and preserve us throughout time!” Clover expressed.
“If we are looking for protection, Ponyville just may be the best, or the worst place we could possibly find. On the matter of support, as long as you are with me, you would have that base covered. As my Friends, or Subjects, you would be as safe as Ponyville could possibly allow any Pony to be. They wouldn’t take lightly to return to the time when I was prevented to perform my duties!” I pondered.
“I didn’t choose to be a Unicorn. In a sense I was born to it, just as much as Rarity. As much as you would like to doubt it? Just like Twilight Sparkle was destined to become Alicorn and Princess of Ponyville, you were born to the earth Pony and destined to become our Queen!” Constellation explained.
“You mean that behind that hard mask, you are just like the rest of us?” I pondered.
“Does that sound so outlandish, if you stop to think of it?” Breezer responded.
“If you ask me, I guess not. If you ask any other Pony, I fear most would find it so!” I put forth.
“Funny, when I see you, when I look upon you, I don’t particularly see a Pink Pony, I just see the Queen we need. Intelectually, I still know you are a Pink Pony, but that can’t quite block out what you are!” Pie put forth.
“Since you are a Mare, you can become a Queen, our Queen. You could easily be our salvation. In return, we will serve and protect you in every way possible, you need but ask. If it can be done, we are doing it!” Constelation confirmed.
“There is no turning back, once the ceremony, the Coronation is concluded. Although, if this truly is what you need, what you want. Zecora is coming, then we can work out the details. I take it, this is a ceremony with fairly few observers, partially since we have so few of you. There wouldn’t be any Changelings from other Hives. Even if we add a few local Ponies from Ponyville, this will be an intimate ceremony!” I pointed out.
“Normally, it is mainly for the upper crust of the Hive. No, this is a family matter, as you put it, it would be intimate. Aside from you and Zecora, we need just a few more, while the rest of us just observe the ceremony!” Constelation explained.
“Then it is mainly the Ceremony and a small banquet with food and chat after the ceremony?” I enquired.
“That sounds just about right. We have very little time for complications in the Coronation. Our Hive needs to establish itself, before we could afford more!” Breezer put forth.
“I have a few duties as it is, but I should manage. Maybe this could ev
en benefit both sides!” I pointed out.
“Since we are safe right here with you in Ponyville, we have neither need not use of enmity to Ponyfolks. I would be pleased if we could set our differences aside. A life in such a Hapy and Locing community as Ponyville, I doubt any outsider would even notice us or realise we are here!” Breezer put forth.
“Then you propose it as a joint effort to keep the villagers Happy and Loving?” I pondered.
“You certainly do have the Happy part well in hoof, for all I could see. Isn’t Happyness the seed of Love?” Constelation put forth.
“I wouldn’t know, but Love flourish in a Happy environment!” I responded.
“Maybe that is why we need you? Smiling is such a low price for Happyness!” Pie pondered.
“We are responsible for the well-being of our queen, thus we need you to remain happy!” Breeser declared.
“If you have my well-being as your responsibility, I need to keep you happy!” I explained.
“Then you just need to address certain details in our laws. Although I guess it would be easiest if we merely follow the local laws of Ponyville, aside from a few details within our court. Any of us could find a copy of these laws and have a sample for all to see?” Breezer pondered.
“They should be available for reading, both at the Mayors office and at Princess Twilight Sparkles Castle. I could ask her to make them available, if need be. I could have it available well before the Coronation!” I pointed out.
“Since we have secured our future Queen, a few days of waiting is expected. Maybe a celebration is in order?” Breezer proposed.
“A celebration is always in order. I think that is something you will have to get used to and adapt to. I need a good set of halls for throwing various Parties, you know. Since you are new in town, that alone is enough for me to throw you a party. Then we need a new party for the occasion. After the Coronation, we need yet another Party!” I exclaimed.
“This will be exhausting, but with you around, we are going to make it!” Constelation concluded.
“Parties are dead serious. You are going to learn all about it since you chose me to be your Queen!” I pointed out.
“Your friends are happy with the rooms on my castle?” I enquired.
“Yeah, they are thrilled. Not so much about the rooms being in a castle, but more the homey feel to them. Little more than closets, but they have room enough for a bed!” she pointed out.
“The castle is all I have. Even if I still had the old library, there would have been no room for a single Pony!” I put forth.
“I know. Apparently, these tiny rooms are perfect for them. It is on the far end of the hall in the basement, you know!” she pointed out.
“Why would any Pony be satisfied, let along thrilled about a room barely holding the bed, at the far end of a hall in the basement? The inn wouldn’t even rent a room with that low standard!” I pondered.
“To a point, it is a matter of what you are used to. They have been living in the rough, no roof over their heads for a good while, by what I have gathered, this far!” Pinkie explained.
“I guess I can follow your reasoning, Pinkie, but there is more to their reasoning behind desiring these small rooms at the end of the hall, down in my basement, isn’t there?” I enquired.
“There is. In your case, it may be more convenient to have them where they are, than one may suspect. The hall is practically a Prison, or Dungeon, if you choose to. Considering what you know of them up-to-date, a Dungeon is the ideal place of all possible places. Now you can keep tags on them in a way you never could have before!” she pointed out.
“When you put it that way since I know nothing of these individuals. Are they truly Ponies, such as we know them? From what you have said, and how you said it, the only possibility is that they are Changelings. If they are, I certainly would keep them in a Dungeon, alright. Now, why do they act so cosy around you, all of a sudden?” I pondered.
“They are, and now they need a Queen, which is where I come in!” she blurted out with a slight hint of a giggle.
“You mean to say they wanted you as their Queen? How could you possibly serve them in that capacity? Unless you are a Changeling yourself, which would be unprincessed in the history of Equestria!” I pointed out.
“That is exactly what they are expecting out of me. Now, if they follow their Queen as we follow our Princess, or Princesses as of late, I could point them anywhere and they would do what I told them!” she pointed out, and now the giggle is obvious to an extreme.
“I am not sure I like the sound of it. Yet, if they do follow you and do what you tell them, there is a chance we could rid Equestria of a Plague that has riddled us for centuries!” I suggested.
“Most Ponies follows you just as happily and diligently as they would follow Celestia, Luna and Cadence, from the day you were Crowned. We all know you proved yourself just as much as any of the previous Alkicorn Princesses of Equestria, even if most Ponies has no clue as to how much you have done for them. They still follow you. Personally, I just follow you as a friend, but what’s the difference?” Pinkie blurted out, still giggling.
“Yeah, I guess they do. I, we have done a few things for them. I don’t really care all that much for the attention, but it could prove convenient from time to time!” I put forth.
“Yeah, it could. Today may be just such a day!” she blurted out.
“I don’t even want to know how long, or how many times it will take for you to prove yourself, once and for all. It was way too painful, each time you had to do it!” I pointed out.
“On the count on my Pinkie Sense, that was just too literal. That is exactly what you have friends for, to help you avoid these things and to help you in general!” she pointed out with a wide grin.
“You really have to be everywhere for every Pony, even every Changeling now?” I put forth.
“For now, there are very few Changelings in the Hive that chose me for their Queen. On the other of, I have to see just how well they can blend into a crowd and how well they could imitate me in the open!” she pondered.
“If it is merely the once you invited to our castle of Friendship, I guess that would be a small feat on your part. I guess that would be interesting to see. I still do recall the day you had yourself in multiple copies, that certainly was a pain. Although I guess some of us were allowed to see a new side of you we never had expected to see!” I responded with a smile.
“If they want me to carry their foals, it will take forever, before the Hive can get anywhere. They are bound to have a more efficient means of reproducing, in order to replace the once who die, for whatever reason!” she pondered.
“We know they do have magic we know little to nothing about, like the spell to take the form of any other Pony of choice. Although I suspect they could take other forms as well, if the need arises. How well they could imitate a Zebra, or any other form, other than Equines is well beyond me. We simply don’t know enough about them to say. Maybe you could let me in on a few secrests along the way? If for nothing else, this could give both us and them an edge over other Hives, less friendly towards us, Pinkie!” I proposed.
“If I learn something that could benefit us or you, I would let you in on the secrets, you know that. Maybe you could help me supply my Hive with somewhere to live since it would be convenient to have them in more personal quarters in time. Though I guess it could be convenient to have them where they are for now. The rest of the village would feel better, for one. You can keep tabs on them for the comfort of us as well as keep them happy since they enjoy the rooms!” she responded.
“We have the Laws pinned down, including the articles for your Royal court. Most of this seems quite straightforward to me. Besides, if the law is the same for all who live in Ponyville, this would include us. You did get confirmation on Zecora, I heard, then we can proceed with our plans. I take it you have the festivities down since this was your speciality in the first place!” Breezer pointed out.
“Yes, the laws are pinned down, every last detail, though there may have to be a few minor adjustments in order to smooth the interaction with Ponies, particularly the once who are not of Ponyville. Thankfully, we do have a good working relation to the Zebra in question. I know you will love to work with her, if and when it is required. We can as well explain a few things beforehoof since she is likely to know most of it, one way or the other. A good relation is built on trust and loyalty. Keeping the coronation here at the castle seems the best option. We will keep all the festivities in the same hall, of course. The few invitees would be there as it begin, but no others. There are a few details of some future importance I would be curious to know!” I put forth.
“I have read through the entire text. You are quite correct, some minor adjustments may be required, but we can go over that in the weeks to come!” Constellation responded.
“Zecora will be critical to our success here. I am pleased to know you are friends!” Breezer pointed out.
“Once we got to know her, we learned, just what a nice and friendly mare she is. She has lent a helping hoof on occasion, when we needed it. In turn, we help her with a few things. She likes to purchase some of the herbs she needs in our local shops. I guess you find it interesting to know, she knows her ways with Magic, in ways few if any Pony I know of could!” I put forth.
“We are fortunate to have a qualified Zebra close by, they are not native to these lands. Maybe we know even less about them than you do. For some reason I have not been told of as of yet, her brand of magic could also prove most beneficial to us. Without her, we would have been forced to ask Twilight Sparkle for assistance, and she just may be capable to pull it off. Yet, it is preferable to have Zecora, since she is considered neutral to all concerned!” Constelation pointed out.
“Zecora is a mystery to all, we have little to no idea where she came from or why she came to this part of the forest, of all places. She certainly is a master of her magic, it is far from that we Ponies know of as well. She has used it in our service on occasion as well. As to magic, Twilight Sparkle certainly is a very capable Pony, apparently, it is part of who she is. I know she will grant me the hall we need for our coronation!” I pointed out.
“Personally, I have no problems with mysteries, or riddles, so far as they are not in the way of must be done. If she can and will help us, that is all I care about, all I need to know!” Constellation pointed out.
“Sounds reasonable. We have much to prepare. I know you don’t go on all that many coronations, even if I have been to two, myself. Very important occasions!” I responded.
“You have been to two coronations? That is rather impressive, considering your age. Few of us live to see more than one coronation in a lifetime!” Breezer put forth.
“I was at Princess Cadence Coronation before I was at Princess Twilight Sparkjles Coronation, so that would make two coronations!” I recounted.
“We know of them. The elements of Love and Magic respectively. You truly do have connections in important and high places. This could prove most fortunate and useful. Ponyville will raise to prominence never foreseen. We are here at the middle of all things!” Breezer pondered.
“I suspect it is also very fortunate, that neither Ponies, not Changelings knows what is taking place here at this moment. Unforeseeable and unpredictable events are at hoof. What will come out of it is resting heavily and squarely on our shoulders. What if what we are doing right now is leading to an all-out war between Ponies and Changelings, or the doom to all of us? Although, it could as easily lead to the salvation, or nothing at all!” I concluded.
“Ponyville is the place it has to be. We are at a hidden nexus. If we hold the coronation here, we connect back to roots deeper then the divide. This is as close to the origin of modern Equestria as we can go. To the time before what we became!” Constellation pronounced.
“If we can never become Ponies ourselves, but we could take the first step towards closing the divide for the both of us!” Breezer continued.
“It may be the time to step into the light and approach the hall chosen for the purpose of my coronation!” I suggested.
“Sounds prudent. We can as well see the hall now as any time later. Once Zecora is at the door, we need to be there, waiting for her. We can’t let her wait, now can we?” Breezer proclaimed.
“Since we summoned her, it is rude to have her waiting!” Constellation pointed out.
“Very true, let us be on our way!” I responded.
As expected, Twilight Sparkle had met up at the top of the flight of stairs, leading us to the hall intended for the ceremony. A short walk, it is after all inside a castle, not out in the village.
“Here is the hall I have set aside for your coronation. I hope it will be suitable, if not, just let me know!” she pointed out as we stepped over the threshold of the hall.
“Looks just about right, we haven’t planned for a very large crowd, anyway. Just a few decorations for the ceremony, and it will be just right!” Constellation responded.
“The only physical objects we need, is a dias and the crown that can be recognised as the symbol of power from both sides. In a strange way, this could be seen as doubling as a wedding between our two sides. You would be the Pony most qualified to create the crown, although I guess you would like some assistance from a certain friend of yours. Her input could be quite valuable, we do prefer a crown that will remain the symbol, not a mere temporary item for a show with now long lasting value!” Breeser explained.
“I could throw up a set of illusions for the decorations, if that is what you meant? A plain dias, like an altar for a religious ceremony, I could have one made for you just in time for your ceremony. I will just have to go through a few dusty old tomes in search for the details on your Royal crown, but after that, I should have it ready for you shortly!” Twilight sparkle pointed out.
“I guess some Ponies truly are more than other Ponies, commendable. I am looking forwards to see the result of your work, Twilight Sparkle!” Constellation pronounced as Twilight turned and trotted out of the room.
“Spike, Owlowiscious!” she exclaimed, just as she passed the doors.
“This is the moment none had foreseen and none had been looking forwards to, yet I am excited about this. Maybe it is merely the party, but still!” Pinkie, soon to be the Queen of this still very small and insecure hive stated.
“You can never predict who the new Queen is, Pinkie Pie. Once this is finalized, you have duties to attend to. We need to affirm and secure the hive as soon as possible. Thankfully, most of your duties are merely formal. Yet, there is the one thing we will need from you, the reason why we need you so desperately, but we can go into that after the ceremony, the time is almost upon us!” I proclaimed.
“Holding court, ceremonies and making laws seems simple and straightforwards enough, even if I could make use of help from you as advisors!” she pointed out.
“Aside from the standard day-to-day duties, you also need to manage the hive on a few other levels, but we will help you when you need us. There will be a Prince by your side, more will be made available as time goes as you see fit!” Breezer pointed out.
“Zecora will be here shortly!” Twilight proclaimed as she stepped into the room, looking over the decor she had so recently put into place.
“Excelent, we are just about done here. Everything is in order and looks perfect this far!” I responded.
“This is a very small ceremony, for such an important position. I could easily squeezed in several times as many in a smaller hall, but I am merely the host of the party. Zecora will carry the crown, just as you specified!” Twilight Sparkle continued as she scanned the room, the remainder of the group gathered in a corner, while all decorations hung from the walls, short of the dais that stood on the floor, strategically placed conveniently for the occasion.
A few more Ponies entered the room, a mere minute before Zecora was spotted approaching the hall.
“Twilight, Zecora is approaching!” Spike whispered from the door, not sure if he should enter, or not.
“Thank you, Spike!” Twilight responded, finally looking up, only to see the Zebra walking into the room, crown in hand, slowly making her way in a stylish measured gait, befit a person in her role.
To the right of the room, Rarity, Applehjack, Fluttershy and Spike stood, watching the event play before their eyes.
“Hoo!” Owlowiscous exclaimed as she flew into the room, landing on Twilights right shoulder, just before Twilight took her place amongst her friends as the Pony representation to observe what was to come to pass.
To the left were the Changelings, now in their natural form, standing solemnly, merely watching the event unfolding as designed.
Under the watchful eyes on the right and left, Zecora took the final steps to the dais, before she turned around, facing the minimal crowd, looking the room over and meeting each and every pair of eyes in turn from the left to the right. Slowly, quietly, as if the time stood still and nothing in this world had been of any consequence. What she saw, no Pony or Changeling knew, assuming the saw merely the decor and the gathered Changelings and Ponies.
Zecora blatantly ignored the wooden panels from the native land where this particular group of Changelings hailed from. This tiny detail is of no consequence, it merely made the Changelings feel at home, reminding them of where they came from, their origin. Comfort is important, even if you need to use details like decoration to aid you in the pursuit.
Pinkie Pie, the Queen to be stands on the right side of the Dais, while Breezer, the Prince to be stands on the let side, both waiting for the signal, the time, to hear Zecora pronounce the words written into the joint ceremony.
For a moment, the room had fallen into silence, each and every Pony and Changeling standing quiet, quietly awaiting what was to come.
“Approach, Pinkie Pie!” Zecora pronounced.
Pinkie Pie took one step forwards, turned towards the middle where Zecora is standing, then walks seven steps forwards, stopping five feet from the Mistress of the ceremony, quietly waiting.
“Approach, Breezer!” Zecora continued.
Breezer took a step forwards, then turned to face Pinkie Pie, with Zecora clearly standing in the middle, before taking his seven steps, stopping his five feet from Zecora. Looking, waiting in awe for what had to come, what could no longer be avoided. The ceremony that was to signal a success, or a failure for both him and his entire hive.
“Pinkie Pie, element of Laughter, Queen to be, a position to accept, or reject the offer of what you could be?” Zecora pronounced in a voice not quite hers, probably due to the question at hand, unaccustomed and unfamiliar.
“I am Pinkie Pie of eternal Laughter and Queen of Ponyville!” she responded.
A sigh could be heard from the Changeling part of the crowd. The gathered Changelings did look as if a heavy burden had been lifted from their shoulders, placed squarely on the shoulders of the newly elected Queen. Yet, there was still an obstacle that could ruin everything. The one who was to be the Prince, what if he for some reason gave the wrong answer or simply refused? There was currently no alternative Prince and a Prince is essential to the Hive and its wellbeing.
“I am Breezer, the eternal Provider and Prince of Ponyville!” he filled in as response on the cue from Pinkie Pie.
Faint sounds or noises could be heard from the Zebra, Zecora, Mistress of the ceremony as she chanted a blessing under her breath. It had been agreed that she should pronounce it in her native tongue, in part for her convenience and comfort, but also for the effect the chant in the ancient tongue of the tribe of Zebras Zecora hailed from. If it had been to appease the spirits of the land or spirits from far-flung plains of zebras since long past, what was the difference, the effect is here and now. Yet, the blessings did carry power, to those it was intended for, as it did to all gathered in the room, as few as had been gathered in the royal hall of Ponyville castle.
From a niche under and behind the dais, Zecora now brought forth a goblet, filled to three quarters with a brew she had concocted for the occasion. The brew had been handed down from olden time, Shaman legends and ancestry had been carried all the way into the Everfree forest, now to be called upon in this special time, for a ritual of import.
“Then, drink from the fountain and unite in common cause, free your spirits for the good of all for the better of hive and community, for better and for worse!” Zecora pronounced after she had momentarily placed her lips on the small mark barely visible, between the right and the left of the goblet.
Pinkie Pie accepted the goblet and managed to swallow a fair amount of the goblet’s contents. About as much as either had expected, yet leaving the goblet full as Breezer accepted it from Pinkie Pie’s hands. Now Breezer drank his fill from the reminder of what the goblet had been filled with. Had it been mere liquid, Pinkie Pie had easily emptied it on her own. What the goblet contained could have been explained as a bridge for spirits, yet none was listening to that line of reasoning. How or why such a bridge could have been built and established out of the cold water-like liquid ruined such explanations. Yet it is what the magic did accomplish.
“The hive has been accepted and established. Pinkie Pie, Queen of Ponyville!” Zecora pronounced as she placed the crown on her head.
“The hive has been confirmed, awaiting its consummation. Breezer, Prince of Ponyville!” she then continued as she placed the second crown upon his head.
As predicted, both sides had recognised the crowns and accepted them as the symbol of the Royalty that wore them. Rarity had done an excellent job, creating them.
“You are now Queen and prince of Ponyville. The laws set down by Queen Pinkie Pie will hence forth be recognised and respected by all. Go forth and consummate after the banquet!” Zecora finished her ceremony and moved out of the spotlight.
Once the final word had been pronounced, the light started to dim slowly. Once the light had reached the lower setting of more intimate sentiment, Ponies and Changelings alike found it in order to enjoy the party Pinkie Pie had prepared for them.
Pinkie Pie and Breezer, Queen and Prince respectively wore their crowns, as was prudent at any and all official occasions, of which this was merely one. In private is an entirely different matter, but that was for after the banquet.
“Thank you, Zecora. You did a great job!” Twilight Sparkle told the Zebra as she approached her just as she had left the dais after the ceremony had been completed.
“Thanks, Rarity. You created the perfect crowns for the ceremony!” Pinkie Pie complimented her old friend as she approached her after the ceremony, once the banquet was in swing.
“That was my pleasure entirely. for you, I would have done considerably more, you need but ask!” Rarity pointed out.
“Yeah, but the recognition was due. I have to play the part, you know. I still have more than enough time to ask you for other favours since you enjoy doing it and are performing admirably!” Pinkie responded.
“We all play our parts, just different duties. some we choose to take up and some we are chosen for. I know you will be the best of Queens, Pinkie Pie!” Rarity continued.
“Thanks for hosting this coronation for us, the party was a blast!” Pinkie Pie told her friend, Princess Twilight sparkle.
“Yes, it certainly was. I was uncertain as to what was to entail and how this would go down at first, but it seems as if my worries was for naught. Yet, I am still glad it isn’t something we are going to have all that often, once is enough for my lifetime. However long or short that may be. We could go tomorrow, or I may as well live unchanged over millennia, like Celestia and Luna. I guess I am happy it was you who got this honour, it is more than enough for me to be an Alicorn Princess. One more duty would have been too much right now!” Twilight responded.
“One coronation in a lifetime is fine and okay, I am the Queen. Although the party or banquet could be fun. I am a bit curious as to what this will be like. It isn’t as if any of us has done this before!” Pinkie Pie pointed out.
“Oh, parties and banquets and the like, these I could enjoy. I still do love your parties, Pinkie, you know that!” Twilight responded.
“Queen Pinkie Pie, the night is ours. I just hope it will be as enjoyable as the banquet. For both of us, that is!” Breezer offered as Twilight had moved over to another pony.
“Yes, Prince Breezer. The night is ours and I guess we better get to it right away!” Pinkie Pie responded.
I followed them out of the hall and all the way back to our little cells in the basement. We still do feel more comfortable there. Besides, a bed doesn’t require more space.
The other Changelings had all gathered outside the room where we had chosen to complete the consummation. Awaiting the duty that came with this. They would have to wait outside, while the Queen and Prince enjoyed the night.
As I woke up I noticed my mane was tightly curled up, a clear and definite sign of happiness, as opposed to the straight mane I had when I was feeling sad and blue. My friends knew of it, just as they had learned to recognise several other signs like my Pinkie Sense.
I had placed my crown on the night stand the other day, before I went to bed. My memory of the night before is as clear as ever, I certainly had enjoyed it, both the ceremony and the party, not to mention the event that followed it.
Of course I knew where I am, I don’t forget these kinds of things, as exciting as I guess it could have been, not that I mind where I woke up this morning.
I noticed the glistring pair of panties and top I wore the night before. I like how they shimmer in the sparse night light of the room and how bouncy they make my jigglies and mound feel. Then I noticed how much the top made my nibbles stand out, it isn’t purely an effect of the light, they are excited, large and sensitive.
Exciting images of moments past flooding my memory as I slip my hooves to the side of the bed and raise to my hooves. Everything from the moment of the ceremony to the moment I finally did close my eyes and fell asleep. I guess I didn’t mind, it had after all been a very special day, and not just for me.
Once I stand up, I slip my panties to the floor and kick them up into my right hand, finding the panties dry and as fresh as they had been the moment I slipped them on, as if they had never been used, which I imagine they had not been before last night. I pick up a pair of fresh pink panties Rarity had crafter for me earlier and slipped them on.
I pull the top up over my head and allow it to fall into the pile of clothes previously made up by the panties and pick up the top matching the pink panties and slip it down over my chest. Now I gave both the panties and the top a tentative tug in order to ascertain them to be on properly. Finally, I step into the skirt and walk to the door.
Now fully dressed up I was ready to approach the door, thus walked the final steps, opened and left the room before I closed the door behind me. Apparently my hair refused to straighten out in the least, not that I mind, I am used to my mane in curls since the day of my first party when Rainbow Dash performed her first Rainboom. I rather dreaded the moments of a fully straight mane and what it represented.
On my way to the dining hall, I walked past Breezer, who is back to his Pony form, once more. I could clearly see a smile plastered all over his face as he closed the door behind himself, before he turned towards the direction of the dining hall too, slowly walking.
“Good morning!” I exclaimed as I passed him.
“Good morning!” he responded, continuing on his way to the hall.
“Yesterday was a blast!” I pointed out as I continued on my way.
“Yes, it certainly was!” he responded as I left him behind to his own, personal thoughts as he continued on his way.
“Good morning!” I greeted Constellation as I came up beside her.
“Good morning!” she responded.
She was back into her Pony form as well, the Unicorn she had been since the first time I saw her.
“The ceremony went just right!” I added as I walked.
“Certainly. I am most pleased. I just have to get used to all the changes here. To see you as Queen is one of the minor changes, as delightful as it is to have a fully functional hive to be a part of. We are social creatures, just like you, even if I guess it may be more pronounced in your case. You see, I am pregnant, expecting your and Breezers Foal within about eleven months. The same goes for all my fellow Mares of the Hive!” she revealed.
“It certainly is true, I do thrive on being the centre of attention. Pregnant, I guess that is promising. We’ll see what the result is in about a year, once they are all on their hooves. Then you can enjoy guessing what traits is from which parent. From what I gathered, I hope we get at least one colt, we need at least one prospective Prince for the hive!” I responded.
Naturally, I knew what I had chosen to take part of. Not just because they had explained most of it, but I have the tendency towards predicting the outcome of certain things well before it came to pass. I didn’t even need to predict this line of event, it was out in the clear even before I was told.
“These foals are our future. This is a great step towards securing our still weak hive. yes, I do look forwards to seeing the foals and trace their parentage lines. Sometimes, there are special reasons behind one of us to become one type or the other, maybe I have more in common with Twilight Sparkle then most Changelings would be comfortable in knowing!” she pointed out.
“Yes, the foals are the future, without them, we would merely wither away and starve to death since we couldn’t care for ourselves at the end. Not a very promising prospect. I have a special love for the foals, though, they are so curious and full of life. They are ready to enjoy life and laugh at anything silly most of us adults doesn’t even notice!” I put forth.
“There is of course another linage to trace in your foals, as a Queen, your subjects will carry your foals in order to increase our numbers without burdening you with either the physical challenges of carrying the term and giving birth, as well as the care for the foals. This is a great honour for each of the mares who are selected to carry your Royal foals, to us. These foals will carry resemblance with the mare giving birth as well, Still, they are all your foals first and foremost!” she put forth.
“Good thing I don’t need to understand the magic behind this. Yet, it is convenient to have an entire litter of foals next year. I take it one of the mare subjects will feel honoured for caring for all my foals. Since I do have other duties to attend to, it is very convenient that the mares carry this burden for me, even if I think I I’ll choose to carry a foal myself at one point in the future. Well, at least once or twice, but I do have more than enough time to plan ahead on this matter. Just not on an empty stomach!” I pondered.
“As to the burden of the magic, I assure you, you can rely on me and Twilight Sparkle to handle these matters. She could be an invaluable asset to us in that respect. I dare say, you are bound to be the most popular of Queens in history. Not just because all of Ponyville love you, but your hive and Ponies well beyond the borders of both hive and village. It is your privilege to choose if and when you desire to take up the burden of carrying a foal of your own, you are our Queen, how could we question or challenging your choices? You certainly do have the time, and there are certain advantages of this choice, if and when you choose to go for it. That is why we are heading towards the dining hall, breakfast. it may be one of the less known details about us, but we do need to consume food in the same way as Ponies, we merely have this additional strain to feed off of Ponies love, which is inconvenient to us, as unavoidable as it may be. As our Queen, we will have to inform you of these things and explain as much as required!” she continued.
“Twilly’s understanding and abilities in Magic has proven an advantage on more occasions than the average Pony care to remember, even if she may have made a few mistakes on the way. She loves to learn magic, even from unexpected sources, I know she will revel in the knowledge you have on this subject. As my friend, she is bound to use it in our service as well. In time, I could find some Pony to stand in for me, if and when needed, at least for a short period of time. That would be the perfect opportunity. We all need a good breakfast!” I pondered.
I had enjoyed my breakfast with Pinkie Pie and her new friends. Of course the other friends were there too. I had invited them to share my breakfast.
At the moment, we are in the Royal dining hall. Had I been alone, I would have preferred to have my breakfast along in my Royal chambers with Spike and Ouwlowiscous. Only today, this time I am sharing my breakfast with my friends, and Pinkie Pie’s newly acquired hive. Apparently, they had chosen her to be their Queen.
I don’t even try to understand, not just because I am still on an empty stomach, but I basically gave up on understanding Pinkie Pie, more than a year ago, even as one of my few closest friends. To try to understand why the Changelings chose her, when I know next to nothing of them. The little I do know is from the event at Cadences wedding, which was a formidable disaster, even if I, or we managed to save her wedding at the very last instant.
Maybe Pinkie Pie chooses to fill me in on the details along the way, if I ask her kindly? I think I will ask her to explain a few things along the way as the days go. She always was the Pony closest to them with all the nonsensical antics we couldn’t understand. To the best of my knowledge, she was the first to even have any positive interaction with any of them in the first place.
Since this is a royal business, I had opted for the chef to serve the meal for us. Pinkie Pie had filled her in on what would be appropriate for a Changeling’s Breakfast. The rest of us merely enjoyed the meal royally.
Only now, a guard hastened in to stand on my right side with a stern look on his face.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle. I have a last minute guest to your breakfast waiting. A Dr. Whooves, Time Turner Whooves, if you have heard of him? Shall I let him enter?” he whispered in hushed, but reverent tones on his voice.
“By all means, let him in. This would be the safest of all times to see him. Between my friends, Pinkie Pie and the Changelings, this should prove to be very interesting. Besides, it could save some time on my social calendar, while being interesting!” I responded.
“As your Royal Highness commands!” the guard whispered in return before slipping out of the hall, passing the doors on his way out.
“Funny, these guards are merely convenient errand colts when I have as competent friends as I have by my side. All the guards of Equestria would have been chance-less and useless against both Nightmare Moon and Discord. I guess I can enjoy them, while ignoring to enlighten them of their standing at my court!” I pondered, quietly, never parting my lips or making a single sound to let on what was on my mind.
“You are absolutely right, Twilight. Never let them know, it would merely dampen their spirits, something I can’t afford!” Pinkie Pie bursts out, giggling uncontrollably for a full minute.
“These guards are painfully formal, at moments like these!” Rarity pointed out.
“They sure are. Ah reckon they need to lighten up, even if it may be tradition?” Applejack suggested with a dour face.
“All these Royal traditions suck. Just dead stiff. Good thing, both Celestia and Luna are both alive and openly friendly, as opposed to these statue guards!” Dash muttered.
“Yes, both Celestia and Luna are alive. I have enjoyed them for most of my life!” I responded.
“You are most fortunate, Twilight. To be the privileged protege of Princess Celestia herself, living in the Royual castle in Canterlot. If only I had been lucky enough to live in Canterlot at least, but thanks to you, at least I was permitted to attend to the Grand Galopping Gala and make friends with a few of the Elite!” Rarity responded.
“The only thing that saved that experience, is that we got to enjoy the company of Celestia. The party was as dull and lifeless as these guards!” Pinkie Pie whined, before giggling at the entire debacle.
“Make room for Dr. Whooves!” a guard broke in, a few minutes after the first guard had enquired if he had been permitted to take part in the Prnicess’ Royal breakfast.
A medium brown Stallion with dark mane and tail, blue eyes, he is apparently wearing a green tie and bright white, stylish collar. For an Earth Pony, he is definitely a high class, which shoes in his bearing and manner as well. The good Doctor carried himself, almost as if he had been a Unicorn of Canterlot, from all I could see and his accent was going fairly well with it, even if there were a few notes that spoke of a story very different indeed.
“Good morning, Dr. Whooves!” I addressed him.
“Good morning, Princess Twilight Sparkle!” he responded.
“Greetings. Would you care to share breakfast with me and my friends?” I enquired in a light tone.
“Well, thank you, Twilight. I would love to!” he responded in his strange dialect.
“Have a seat. Right here on my right!” I offered, indicating a seat that had been placed there for him.
He slowly moved to the chair and sat down, momentarily looking around the table, giving eye contact with each and every one of the guests at my table.
“I would suggest the tea, Early Grey!” Rarity suggested, finding a friend of her sense of style in the newly arrived Stallion.
“Thanks, Rarity, and the salad does look prime and fresh!” he responded, as he laid eyes on a bowl of salad.
“It is, thank you, Doctor, I have always enjoyed a fresh salad, and this is one of my favorites from before I ascended!” I put forth.
“The reception makes me think back to olden days when I was truly respected. The cloak of nostalgia makes me feel old in a very unfamiliar way I just can’t put a hoof to!” he responded with a strange grin on his face.
“Some of us know these feelings all too well. I may not be old, but I have been around, seen things. Just as I know a certain friend, who would love nothing more than to wipe that nostalgia off of your face and plaster a wide grin all over your face!” I offered in sympathetic tones.
“I certainly could enjoy one of these old time refreshing smiles right about now!” he put forth.
“I just so happen to be the Queen, now. Besides, a great ball is in order. A celebration and a feast. Smiles will be as free as the punch, of course!” Pinkie Pie declared.
“You had better prepare yourself, this will be a marathon. I have no idea as to what she will put us through this time. Although I guess you can write to your grand children, or whoever is coming after you and describe, what she is to put you through!” Rainbow Dash suggested with a mild smile, hiding the implied, impending pun in the understatement.
“Thank you, Dash. I have been through a few things in my day, What could you possibly put me though, to rival the weight of my past?” he put forth.
“I am not certain, but I doubt I want to know. There will be cake and pastries, there will be punch and cider. Then there is dancing and games. She will expect you to be up and about the entire night. Besides, I doubt you can believe what she is capable of consuming!” Rarity stated with a weak, tentative smile.
“I guess a slice of her cake could be enjoyable. I have all the time in the world, in the most literal of senses, if you like the pun, Princess Twilight?” Time Turner expressed.
Pinkie Pie enjoyed a bright smile on the Time Lord’s face, in her usual manner, returning a smile of her very own in his direction.
“Literal puns littered my former home, the Oak tree library our Princess granted me for the duration, although she did extend my stay there, until a Lord Tirek ended that lease. Shortly there after, I moved over to this castle with my assistant librarian, Spike the Dragon. I soon had to promote him to Royal Librarian since my duties as Princess claimed too much of my time to manage the library duties, while I maintain my friend ships and my own life!” Twilight responded with a silly grin.
“This seemingly insignificant rural little village certainly did gain in importance and status in short order. I feel this place has more importance than is yet realised. Not just a garrison on the rim of an inhospitable forest and a Princess in a royal castle. This is a nexus of things to come, maybe it is in order to have me close by for a while longer!” Dr. Whooves pronounced in a thoughtful voice as he looked at the gathered Ponies, Changelings and Dragon.
“I merely organise the group into a coherent force. Our Mayor keeps track of the day to day formalities and ceremonies. Rarity makes certain we are clothes, as fashionable as any Pony could wish for, while Applejack keeps us fed and Fluttershy manage our wildlife and Rainbow Dash manage the weather. There are yet others, but the list gets boring if I have to point at every Pony with relevance, who isn’t here right now!” Twilight pondered.
“I have the feeling Pinkie Pie, as the new Queen of Ponyville can and will advance and extend her influence farther than ever before. This will be a royally jolly place in short order, then Ponies may travel here, just to experience Ponyville and the parties!” Time Turner suggested.
As serious as his statement was, he made as serious an effort to smile and keep his straight face away as he looks at the pink mare known as Pinkie Pie.
“I think Pinkie Pie is the first ever Pony to become a Queen for a Changeling Hive. On the other hoof, few Ponies have even attempted any interaction with any Changeling while knowing full well it was a Changeling, meaningful or otherwise!” Constellation pointed out, trying to beam as bright a grin as she mustered.
“On the few occasions we did know they were changelings, they were under order from their respective Queens, they left very little options, but to fight them. If their orders were benovelent or hostile at the time didn’t change the situation, at least that is what our records stated. Although records are written by our side and could have been altered after the fact to cover up things, for all I know!” I conceded.
“Since I don’t have these records before me, and how no idea of which incidents you may have read, I can’t confirm or deny any of what your records said. I have to conceded, however, the records on our side could easily suffer the same inaccuracies. Which means we have the best opportunity to set the records straight, once and for all, right here and now!” Breezer put forth.
“Very few records from as far back as when the Changelings entered Equestria are actually available. We have a few very serious conflicts on our hooves. If there is any chance we have a common history or ancestry, Now may be the best time to reconnect to these common bonds out of the past?” I suggested.
“Since the roots to the conflict is so deep in the past, yet, the solution so close at hoof, I feel very privileged to be at this table right now!” Timeturner pointed out.
“If you don’t mind, I think I have a position and a few services to ask of you, Dr. Whooves?” Pinkie declared.
“You do? When you put it like that, you make it hard to impossible to refuse you, my Queen!” he responded.
“In this particular case, I may have special services to offer. Certain means to get at some of these problems. I may be able to retrieve information, inaccessible to any other Pony!” Dr. Whooves proposed, in a generous offer.
“You mean to say that you can access the records of what actually did take place, all these centuries back?” Princess Twilight inquired, her curiosity clearly piqued.
“That is exactly what I was saying, my dear Princess!” he responded.
“The information may have waited for centuries, but if you can get to them, I would love to be there with you and see what was, as opposed to what we are told!” she responded.
“I think I can take a few passengers with me, even if I had to point out that that would be at your own peril. Going where I have to go, in order to get in touch with the information we are interested in, may come at a risk. I can never promise a safe trip for either of you. As a matter of fact, even I can’t be entirely safe on a journey such as this!” Whooves pointed out.
“Even if there is the chance that going together increases the risks, there is a chance that we can protect one another as well. All depending on where we go and the conditions where and when we arrive!” Twilight responded.
“In this case, when we arrive may be the critical point, for both the risks, and what we actually can learn from going there!” he put forth.
“Either way, I would still love to go, even beyond the chances and risks we may encounter!” I declared.
“I can’t make a Lady, a Princess or a Queen insist, I am too much of a gentle-stallion for that. If you want to go, you need to make certain preparations, both for the trip and the possible eventualities!” he pointed out.
There had to be more Changelings out there, Changelings more or less out on their own. Changelings in search for a Hive they could call their own.
I want every Pony to be smiling happily, now this is extended to the Changelings, right along with the others in my village. In order to achieve the goal, I ask my friends for help, in this case it is Rainboe Dash.
“Dash, I have a special mission for you. I need you to find lost friends. The problem is that I can’t explain exactly how they look, or anything else about them. Yet, they are l9ost, searching for a home, most likely. If they look like Changelings, it would be much easier, but they may be in disguise, either traveling in small groups, or stranded in unfamiliar surroundings. I relay on you to find them. Feel free to ask any Pegasi you trust, if and when you feel the need. Once you find them, make certain they find their way to me. They are most likely to be grateful, once they get here, but before that, I can’t know how they are to react!” I instructed my friend.
“Changelings? Now I guess that is a first. Even if I recall you did interact with one in particular Changeling at the wedding at the Canterlot Castle. I take it your new friends here have something to do with this?” she responded.
“Yes, Changelings. I believe you are the one most capable to gather them. You were by my side when we encountered Changelings before. I expect you to recognise them. Some may feel content in seeing them whither away in solitude, spread out on the countryside. They would most likely feel better, if we know where they are. Yet, the true reason is that I was chosen to be Queen of a Hive. It is too early to go up against their High Queen, but when the day comes, I need as many loyal Changelings as I can have on my side. This would be the once who see me as their Queen!” I pointed out.
“There is an utterly senseless logic that only you could contrive, Pinkie!” she returned.
“I know, I have my moments. Even Twilight Sparkle is baffled by how my mind words. I guess I was the first to give up on understanding these things. I am merely happy they work out. Since they chose me, I guess I am happy to see a few more smiling faces. I failed to make your former friend, Gilda the Griffon smile, even with my signature Party!” I continued.
“That was her doing, you did everything a Pony could do for her, she still walked out!” she responded with a crooked grin as she thought back at the event.
“Yes, she did. Her loss. I hope you are confident and able to help me with this, Dash!” I responded.
“At least, I am the Pegasus who can cover the most ground. I can’t promise I will recognise and pick up every Changeling, but who could promise that?” she pointed out.
“That makes you the best Pony for the job. Both in your speed and your attention to details, while in flight. You explained this perfectly, crystal clear, when we tried to help you study for the test when you wanted to join the then newly formed Wonderbolt reserves. You aced the test, as I recall, even if it wasn’t my personal performance that cleared the grounds for you!” I put forth.
“With your memory, you would easily be the captain of the Wonderbolts, the instant you sprouted wings. You certainly are witty enough, and I doubt they could complain about your speed, or your spirit either!” she responded.
“Funny you would put it quite this way. I just may have to match wits with a Changeling Queen, sooner than any Pony, or Changeling may wish for. You had better find all my support troops. Though, there may be more in this deal, than just challenging the Changeling High Queen. At least, I have the bestest of friends on my side, we managed to teach them a lesson, back then!” I pondered.
“Then I had better be going. Destiny awaits, as you said!” she responded as she turned around and trotted out of the room on her way out.
“Best of luck on your new commission, then I will see you, when you are back!”I exclaimed, before she had managed to leave the room.
I was looking at where the Pegsus mare had just trotted out. I knew she was going to make me proud, she always made a good job out of what was put before her. She had proven herself, at many a time, like when she saved not just Rarity, but the entire troop of Wonderbolts.
Hoof-steps soon reveled a Pony coming up behind me, it is Twilight Sparkle. She moved with unaccustomed grace and reverence to my person. She had been a good friend, modest to a fault. She is also a warm Princess whom I consider a very close and dear friend. Even if I consider the entire village as my friends. She momentarily stopped just a few steps behind me, waiting, before she finally stepped forth, standing beside me.
“Greetings, Pinkie Pie, Queen of Ponyville’s Changeling Hive. That was a very beautiful ceremony. Your Coronation went of flawlessly. I am proud of you, and how your new position may further our goals for Ponyville, Ponyland and Equestria!” Twilight pronounced in her most Royal voice.
“Greetings, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Thank you, it was a delightful ceremony, alright. In part, thanks to Zecora, as well as all my friends. You do know I count you as one of these closest friends!” I responded.
The etiquette felt strange and unfamiliar, something I couldn’t change. I never had been holding any position of my own, nothing like this. The responsibilities. Yet, I will always keep my friends and my village close to my heart and in my thoughts. I can never abandon them, more than Rainbow Dash could.
“Yes, Zecora certainly did perform admirably. Now you will have even greater obligations towards Ponyville, but the rewards could be at least as great. I know you will keep our little village and state happy, even more now, than you ever could before. I foresee a boon in Ponyville. Once the word reach out to Ponies all around Equestria, Ponies are going to move here, just for the joy of see you. The forest and the Changelings are no longer going to scare them, the way they once did!” Twilight conceded.
“For that, we are going to honour and reward her as best we can. The question is; what is the best we could do for her? We already welcomed her into the village, most all Ponies recognise her as a friend and enjoy her presence these days. She is no longer confined to her lonely exile, even if she only sees us Ponyfolk. Maybe that is an idea, aside from the official title she probably wouldn’t care all that much about. If you could find out if she has any living friends or next of kin? I foresee a happy rejoining, if you could find them for her!” I suggested.
“I could write a message to Princess Celestia and enquire deeper, then I could ask Spike to dig through our archives after any information on her, her tribe and people. I guess this is as good an excuse to read up on the Zebras as any I will ever get. I could as well confess, I am curious about her and her people. Then I could ask Fluttershy to ask her in person. There is bound to be something she left behind. Something we could dig up for her. Finally, I can always ask Whooves to see what he knows, or could find out!” Twilight pondered in a fairly long rant.
“Then you certainly do have your hooves full. I can see you digging through these texts, just for the love of learning and the curiosity to see more of what she is. I should wish you the best of luck!” I responded.
“Thanks, Pinkie Pie. Yes, I fear I will have my hooves full. I do have a few Princess duties as well to take care of, as much as I would love to dig into these issued!” she responded as she trotted off to deal with the issue I had pointed her towards.
“Spike! Owlowiscious!” she exclaimed, just as she was out of sight.
An idea struck me, like a lightning bolt from a clear sky, or a Smith’s stead from the top of a very tall building. I felt a shiver down my back as I pondered what I was to say. To approach my Queen with such a Proposition.
Every Quen deserves a Parade in her Honour, that much was obvious. I just did not know how my new Queen would take it. I guess this is a problem with a new Queen, we all face these anxieties.
At first, I had considered to have a song written in her honour, but on second thought, I soon changed my mind. There is a song for the occasion already. They had referred to is as the Smile Song, which kind of sounded off in a ridiculous manner. Yet, it reverberated frighteningly well with our Queen.
If we are to celebrate our Pink Queen, how better to do it, than with the theme she is beaming around herself. The smile is what made her special to every Pony in the village of Ponyville. Then, the feeling of Joy and Happiness is close to the Love we feed on in the first place. With that said, my choice is made. I knew what we had to do.
“Breezer, we are going to have our very own, and very first parade in honour of our Pink Queen!” I told him.
“That does sound right. Now you just need to plan for the parade, so that we can all perform our respective parts!” Breezer responded.
“The first part is easy, almost too easy. I want for all of us to beam of the brightest smile you are capable of!” I responded.
“Just smiling? Yes, Constellation, that does sound too easy. We have our new Queen to keep us safe and happy. If smiling could make her day, then I would be proud to smile for her!” he responded.
“Yes, we do have our very own Queen. Now it is up to us to honer her, as tradition demands of us. The first part is to respect her, to keep her happy. In this case, keeping her happy isn’t just a matter of etiquette, but a matter of survival. Our joy is what drives her forwards, what powers her up and keeps her alive. I feel it, every time I notice a Pony smiling in her presence. Only in her case, it isn’t limited to the Ponies. The effect is there, whenever she sees a smile!” I concluded.
“I noticed that she loves the entire village, every single citizen. Not just a few friends, like all the others. There are similarities to the reason why Queen Chrysalis invaded the Royal wedding at Canterlot Casle, in order to live on the Love of Shining Armour!” Breezer suggested.
“I recognise the notion, but we don’t have to do anything of the sort. All we need to do, is to keep her happy, to smile at and for her. She can manage all her duties as Queen for us, while she lives her life, doing everything she did for her Village. Though, there is something more we could do for her!” I pondered.
“What if we organised a Townwide Parade for her, at some point? She would love that!” he suggested, with some added confidence.
“Yes, she certainly will enjoy that. We just need to set a date, when it will do the most good. There is one small problem on our side. You do know what happens if we feed too much, I take it!” I prompted.
“A happy Queen was good for a Hive, even before we chose Pinkie Pie as our Queen. Pinkie Pie is a much better option then the one Chrysalis chose. I guess it can be too easy to fall for the obvious, while missing the better choice. I may not have the best of perspectives, we were starved, up until the moment we set eyes on Pinkie Pie, and I never was close to either Shining Armour or Cadence. Yet, I still do prefer the option we chose. All I want is for our Hive to flourish. Why do I need to desire Invading, Controling or Infiltrating, when I could as easily get it all for free? We merely give her everything she ever dreamt of, and in return, she grants us everything we ever need!” he added.
“Candence was too obvious a target, but not a good one. As a matter of fact, Ponyville is the ideal home for us and our new Hive. The only dark cloud on my horizon is that we may have to go up against our High Queen at some point. In a few years, we can have the strength and the numbers to cast her down. Then we can share our blessings with all the brethren out there!” I put forth.
“You mean the Ponies doesn’t have to fear us? I fear it is certain Queens that will be fearing us. With the strength of Equestrias smiling Ponies behind us, they will see reasons to fear. Although I do sense another cause of fear in their eyes. Our location is a nexus. If we have Pinkie Pie on our side, we have the Ponies since their High Princess is on her side. Since we have Zecora behind us as well, she did after all conduct the ceremony, there is something more behind her, I just can’t put a hoof on what. What the Everfree and Discord can and will do, when put to the test, I can never predict. Yet, their positions can never be ignored, even less so, if we are put to the test!” he concluded.
“There is a reason why we went of in this direction. The reason is still every bit as relevant and correct now as it ever was. There is no going back on it, we chose a Queen. Turning our back on her is High Treason. It’s merely unthinkable to do such a thing. We are committed to this course. I am just happy for being her, I stand by my choices and my Queen!” I pronounced.
“If we knew the reason, or not, but as you said, the reason is more valid than ever. I can’t turn my back on my Queen. No more than I could live in vacuum, with neither Love nor food. She is the centre of our hive and our lives!” he responded.
“Since Pinkie Pie is loved here in Ponyville, we can rely on her friends and allies’ support, but only to a point. We could make certain preparations. Maybe we could take an example from the Ponies? What if we create an equivalence to their Wonderbolts? If we set up our very own forces in order to be prepared. Besides, if we are allying ourselves with the Ponies, we could strengthen their defences, in order to ensure their support when we need them in return. We did alley ourselves with the Ponies, the instant we chose Pinkie Pie as our Queen!” I reasoned.
“Yes, she is the most loved Pony in the entire village of Ponyvile. There isn’t a single reason not to love her for any Pony in the village. I had the strange notion, not even Princes Twilight sparkle or Celeste is held in the regard, but I may be mistaken. On the other hoof, Pinkie Pie spends her day selling sweet and delicious pastries, when she isn’t throwing parties. All her effort is focused on making every Pony laugh and smile, she has no capacity that could tear her position amongst the Ponies down. It is in their best interest to love her, to smile at her and laugh at anything around her. How could you not love her, when you think of it? She is the very essence of joy and happiness personified. Abandoning her could be the same as abandoning joy. Who is dumb enough to consider such an act? She practically made us protect her since we protect ourselves and out interests, just by protecting her!” he responded.
“Even so, she does a very good job at everything she does. She is a natural leader. She makes them invest in her success. She can afford to be generous, knowing full well they give her more back at every turn. It is easy to be loving, when they all will love her more. With her, we simply can never lose. If we happen to be Changelings, what’s the difference? To her, all smiles and laughter is equal. Of course, it is easy to be happy and smile in her presence, even focus. That only makes her an even better Queen. Her only goal, preference and purpose is joy. We can easily afford ourselves happiness. I just hope her Pegasus mare finds all our lost brethren. Each and every one of them will share in the joy she spread, and in so doing, improve her life and make her all the more powerful. I want to share this with her!” I continued.
“Yes, our Queen did send out a Pegasus mare, in search of our brethren. Yet, since we are now her loyal subjects, they are her subjects too. She sent out a search and rescue in our name, yet she is merely retrieving more friends and subjects. It is a closed loop, when I win, she wins, when she wins, I win. It is a fools errand to calculate the true or final winner. There is no end to this loop. The only answer is that WE win. In this, she is one of us, and with her, all of Ponyville. Now we just need to find the candidates to take their part in her Pink Honour Guard For when the day comes, we will be standing side by side, protecting Ponyville and our Hive against whatever comes our way!” he responded.
“Your conclusions and reasoning is flawless. We are going to gather every Changeling proper for her Honour Guard. Then we stand with her, side by side, shoulder to shoulder. I am ready to face, whatever foe comes our way, with her. If it is a monster like Tirek, a Tyrant like Sombra, a horde of monsters from the Everfree forest, or even the High Queen of the Changelings herself. We will stand firm and protect our Queen to the very last. If I die, I will die with a smile on my face, laughing like crazy, happily giving my life for our Queen. Is there a higher goal? If so, I fail to see it!” I pointed out in lyrical terms of Joy and Logic!” I pointed out.
“You know, even if she wasn’t even hatched as a Changeling, she has all the best qualities a Queen could wish for. If ever you see another Queen with these qualities, I would see you as lucky and fortunate!” he offered.
“Just the fact that greed can never compute in her world alone is a good sign. Only with our new Queen, we will be struck down and dumbfounded in delirium, if we try to take on too much Love. She simply has too much to offer!” I subjected.
“That makes for the best defence of getting our Hive larger. We need not hide or cower behind her and her friends for fear of starvation. She can easily provide all we need. By standing up for ourselves beside them, we can help them and give back everything we were ever given. Even if this is the greatest threat to the High Queen; Chrysalis, the one thing that will scare her more than anything else in this wold. Even more than Tirek himself!” he committed.
I had just followed the cyan mare Pegasus back to the new Hive and our Queen Pinkie Pie. Though the first I actually met, is a Unicorn by the name Constelation, who apparently is the High Advasor of our young Queen.
Just to have a Hive and a Queen made me feel relief flowing through my entire body, from the horn to the very edge of my tail. The sensation saturates my entire body, all the way out to the tips of my wings and my hooves. It is a joyous sensation.
What initially shocked me, isn’t the delirious joy of coming home, it is the flow of love instantly emanating from our Queen, the very instant she sensed and recognised my joy. I never had felt this reaction before, although I never had a new Queen either. Maybe this is how the new Queen rewards her loyal subjects, or just the first to submit and join her still vulnerable Hive? Either way, if this was the case, I could find support in the old scrolls from ancient times.
“I am her Royal Queen’s High Advisor, Constelation. Let me welcome you all to the new hive. Our Queen Pinkie Pie will be happy to see you all as her loyal, but happy subjects, she is going to enjoy to see you happy. Now I need to pick out the first of her Honour Guard. In order to pick out the Guard, I need to see your Pony form, as opposed to what you may have used as disguise for any Infiltration post in the past!” she stated.
What Ponies did not know, we all have a natural Pony form, it is magic, not too different from what gave them their precious Cutie Mark, that made us look like the Hideous black insectoid creatures they see. The very same genetics that give them their coat and mane colours is still hidden within us, just as the seed to the Personality with a specific type. Some of us are still Earth Ponies, while others are Pegsi or Unicorns. Then we do have a few other forms, Flutter Pony, Bat Pony, Sea Pony and Alicorn. These are just progressively less common.
Why had our Queen chosen to have a Unicorn for her High Advicor, and why did Constellation mention the colour Pink? I had no idea, it puzzled me no end. Yet, when I finally were free to allow my true self out of the black, chitinous insectoid shell that had protected me, I realised something unforeseen. My coat is a bright pink, as is my mane.
I may not be the only one of us who sprouted out in pink. Yet, others are purple, white, black, or about any colour of the Rainbow.
For some reason, a Pink mare with a tightly curled up bright pink mane trotted into the room, stopping in the Honour spot, before she turned to face us.
“Is that her? Is she our Queen?” a deeply Purple mare to my right inquired in bewildered wonder.
Apparently, that was the one question, the question placed foremost on the lips of us all, yet none had dared to breathe life into. If it was a sign of respect, or just the fear of reprimands or ridicule, but now it had been pronounced, finally.
“May all the blessed mares step forwards and move to my right!” Constellation pronounced with a highly Authorative voice.
I found myself taking a step forwards. Pink mares with pink main and tail by my side. On both sides, that is.
“Just laugh as much as you like? I never got to know your old Queen, or just about any Queen, except Chrysalis. Yet, I think I can promise you. There is the one thing I will demand out of all of you, as strange or insane as it may sound, but please. Smile!” our new Queen Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
“Smile? Why? What good are smiles?” asked the mare on my right, pink, of course.
Only, as she threw off a tentative smile at the pink mare on the Queens place, she was struck by a shock, feeling the one thing she knew she could never live without. Love. For a moment, she fell to the floor, dumbfounded, confused.
“Why? Because it fires up our Queen, that is why. Just as she is Pink, so are all of her newly formed Honour Guard!” Constellation proclaimed.
“This is bound to be the most festive and happy Hive I have ever been in, even if I have not been in all that many, including the one we just left in search of a site for the Hive of our new Queen. But wait, that isn’t how it feels when our Queen channel love to her hive. She is actually emanating it all by herself. For what, that littile smile?” I thought.
“There are cells for all of you, compliments of the local Princess. Twilight Sparkle. She is hosting our fledgling Hive!” Constellation declared.
“Did she just say that we are given cells to sleep in?” Dawn inquired.
“That is what I heard. If the Princess does have that many cells available, she is bound to be a very close friend to our Queen!” I pointed out.
“Oh silly. Of course I am the bestest of friend with Princess Twilight Sparkle, she has been my bestest of friends from the instant she set hoof in Ponyville. Only she wasn’t a Princess or an Alicorn at the time, just a regular, if bright Unicorn at the time. On the other hoof, every Pony are my friends in Ponyville, but that is extended to any Donkey, as cranky as he may be, or mule, Zebra or Changeling. How could I turn my back on a smile?” Pinkie Pie blurted out in a torrent of words soon saturating my head with the mood behind her statement.
Now, that was promising, while it is confusing and scary, all in the same time. Our Queen apparently did have several tight connections with high places. How a Queen of Changelings got such connections is the confusing part, even if it is the Duty of her Highness to care for and protect her Hive, which is us, in this case. This merely confirmed why I am not the high ranking Changeling, but an Honour Guard. All are important in the Changeling Hive, or it is what I had been taught. Who am I to challenge these teachings, I have seen nothing to counter their words.
To protect the Queen, that is indeed a very important duty. I will gladly lie down my life in the service and protect our Hive and Queen. Is there any higher purpose? Of course, I would much rather live out my life happily, seeing our Queen and Hive safe. Yet, if our Hive and Queen are challenged or threatened, what good is my life if our Queen falls, and then the Hive shortly thereafter? Matters I shy away from, hoping them never to be relevant. I merely take up the burden of the responsibility, in hope to keep both Hive and queen safe.
“Wait, do you mean to say that she was not born an Alicorn and princess?” I inquired sceptically.
“We all have a destiny to full-fill, even if it isn’t written on your forehead when you hatch. We all have to struggle to find out who we are, and what our destiny is!” she giggled.
Apparently, anything could set her off, sending her into a fit of giggles. She is anything but the looks of a Regal arch type, but if she is our Queen, then I follow her to Tartarus and back.
Since a smile can fire her up, I am honour bound to keep smiling, not just when she is close by and in clear sight, but at all times. I enjoy the feel she gave me, emanating the much needed love to any and all of her subjects and friends. In this regard, if not in all other aspects, she still is my perfect Queen. She keeps me safe and well-fed. She provides everything a Changeling like myself could ever wish for.
There is a glimpse of something else, something very different. Not just from Changelings and Queen. Exactly what it is, I have no idea. Maybe it is just the restless energy or the constant smile and giggles. Oh yeah, the giggles and smiles, that is very much unlike any Chageling or Queen or regal anything.
Then it hit me, like a load of bricks from a clear blue sky; she is different from the Ponies she is so energetically mingling as well. On the other hoof, some of her closer friends are also very different from the fellow Ponies around us. The Princess named Twilight Sparkle wield magic of a magnitude with such ease, there is the Pegasus that carries the essence of a rainbow, not just the symbol of it in her mane. There is the other Pegasus in her group, the one who stare down the opponent, once her charges are threatened.
Of the once I had seen, there is not just the great power, but the potential for true greatness. Woe is the friend of those opposing her and her friends. Woe is not my friend, she is not one I like to keep as my company.
I like the bubbling joy and happiness that surrounds and shrouds our new Queen. I can but smile at her, in and out of her presence. There is the feeling, she knows far more than the mere Pony her age. If it is just not forgetting the lessons learned, or if there are sources yet unseen behind the knowledge and wisdom to her. Who am I to say?
Why am I here, simply because I am Pink? Why is being Pink of such import? Colours never mattered to us before, but we never had a Queen quite the likes of her either. Of course, smiling and happiness really never had any place amongst us Changelings either. Yet, now it seems to be the uttermost priority and import. It is what our Queen commanded, thus we follow her words. To us Changelings, the word of the Queen is Law, and one does not even contemplate disobeying these. Simple as that.
“In your case, it is clearly written all over you, my Queen. Yet, destiny is not revealed upon hatching. At least; that is what the Tutor told us. Of course, I can only hope to serve you well, my Queen!” I responded.
“I started out as a grey little filly, living on a Rock Farm. Then one day, Destiny spirited me out of that life and made me throw my first party, by inspiring me to sense the first spark of Happiness, personified by the rainbow, or Rainboom on the sky, ignited by my friend Rainbow Dash. Apparently, she is the only Pony capable of performing it. It is so rare, Ponies ridicule it as an old mare’s tale. They were forced to eat these words, as they all saw it in plain sight over Cloudsdale, home of the Pegasi pride. With a few episodes, I found myself here, not just the Princess, but also Queen!” she put forth.
“Wait, you started out as a grey filly, but now you are Pink. Grey is merely a lighter shade of the black we were all as little hatchlings. If any one of us could be half as lucky as you, your Hive will thrive and reach greatness never heard of. Had it been my choice, these would have been the words to sway me. Yet, I merely follow, where I am lead, and it did take me to you. My only fear is to have too much of your love since failure isn’t even contemplatable in our world!” I responded, feeling lightheaded in her mare’s presence.
“Yeppers, deppers. I lived several years, as that little grey filly, never knowing the warmth of joy or smiles. One instant, the rainbow was on the sky with the loudest of booms, and the smile was plastered all over me. A moment later, I threw a party for my family, in order to share the joy with them. That’s where my destiny was revealed, and the mark appeared. My bestest and closest friends found the same joy, through the same rainbow. It united us. Only now, the entire Village is my friend; every last Pony and Citizen, that is. I, or we are going to make Ponyville into the greater Capital Parties of Equestria in no time flat. Then the joy will flood the lands like a tidal wave, unstoppable!” she merely declared in her common torrent of words, making the point in the pure flood of her words.
“That event has been recorded throughout the lands, even amongst us Changelings and most likely by the Zebras as well; we just never saw the effects of it, just as we have no clue as to how others reacted upon the events as they unfolded, back when it happened. Once we have established ourselves here in Ponyville, we can move forth and spread your glory throughout the lands. There can be no stopping us as we have you behind us, our most glorious Queen!” I responded.
“That is bound to have been seen far and wide, should have been more surprised if none actually saw it, even given the time it did take place. With you by my side, it is time to step forth!” she merely declared.
“Yes, Queen. We will do as you command!” we all responded in chorus.
A command had been delivered, we have our orders. What more would we need? Tradition had it, you follow the commands of your Queen to the letter, this is what I had been told. It is the life I had been hatched into. Who am I to rebel against my very nature?
“It is a special honour to have the royal Adviser by my side!” she blurted out.
“It is, commonly. Now I need to keep track of so many unexpected little details. This does include overseeing the first new Hatchlings. Our Queen needs to see the numbers rising. We are weak and vulnerable at this early sages in the Hives’s time!” I responded.
“Oh, I see. It has bothered me to see how long it takes for us to produce Hatchlings. She keeps insisting on referring to them as Foals, maybe this is why we have to wait? At least, in the middle of Ponyville, we can relay on the Ponies to shield us from rivaling Hives. I predict they haven’t even realised that we even have a Queen yet!” she pondered.
Scattered Changelings had been spotted and brought into the village. Disguises put on before they entered. As easy as a Changeling is putting on a disguise, some had been easier than others. Even after all this time, apparently there is a natural form.
Stallions and mares. They came in all colours and every known type; Earthern, Pegasi and Unicorn. Usually, these aspects had been ignored, overlooked and mostly forgotten. Only now, they came well in hoof.
The first thing to be in use is the Pegasi look outs. Then came the pink Honour Guards. More is certain to follow. Yet, every mare is going to be pressed into service, for the most obvious of reasons.
“A Queen isn’t just a mare like any other. She is required to provide for the entire hive, not a mere herd. With that said, she may be required to have more than just the one stallion. It is great sacrifice and as great a burden on her part, but it is for the sake of the hive!” she pointed out.
“That is why the second stallion, an uncommon as he may be is asked to give his contribution. We will have to pick a third, but I guess we have to wait and see, just to find that one stallion to complete our hive!” I responded.
“Of course, we can not let them know before the time!” she mouthed in elaboration.
“On the other hoof, the final stallion will be found among her first generation of Hatchlings!” I admitted.
“She is bound to give us at least one colt with the first generation. As uncustomary as it may be, not to wait for eggs to hatch!” she explored.
“How do we recognise our nannies?” she enquired.
“She is most likely going to have a black mane. I am speculating on her having her mane braided, unless her hair is all curled up!” I put forth.
“I would care for her little foals, until I drop dead, if it pleases her Highness, our Queen. It isn’t just because it is a special honour to be near her Hatchlings. It is what I was hatched to do!” the black maned mare pondered, her name curiously Foal Sitter.
The mares mane braided tightly, as the hair reaching down her forelegs on her right and left.
“I would gladly lay down my life for our queen at any time. Yet, I would still be more happy, tending to her foals for as long as I am able. Even to the extent, I am carrying them through full term. I will spare no effort towards this end!” she then continued.
In one newly occupied cell a small green Earth Pony sits, pondering her situation, and her future. What was the future to hold out to her in the present situation? Of course, she was not blind, she could see and hear what was going on around her.
“I am fully prepared to perform any and all the duties set aside for me, what ever her Queen could possibly be needing her to do; including the latest, carrying a foal for her. After all, my newly discovered Earth nature does promise extended nurturing capabilities beyond what I had been dreaming of, what I had been groomed to perform as a Royal Gardener. If it is within my range of capabilities, and it pleased her Queen, then I am doing it happily for her!” the mare currently named Gardener thought quietly within the confines of the cell of Twilight Sparkles Royal castle.
Of course the situation was new and unaccustomed. A queen had been found, which is good, beyond words. Just that the Queen was no Changeling, not even a Unicorn or Alicorn. Maybe the later was for the better, despite anything. It just felt so strange to see the pink mare, with her tightly curled up mane, smiling at any and every one in her presence, Changeling, Pony or any other unthinkable creature who came into view.
What had been discovered, aside from her being capable and compatible to her new position, is that she had a range of capabilities never seen in any one Pony or Changeling before. Aside from Changelings, only an Alicorn could truly match in the capabilities of both flight and magic. The magic wielded by the Queen was not exactly common or orthodox by any means, yet she performed.
According to our records, Earth type Ponies had all but abandoned magic, and had no means to actually fly, lacking wings. They were earth-bound, tending the land, seeding, growing and harvesting the food; selling all the food they would not need themselves off to the other Ponies, or any others who came by, eager to buy what they had in stock.
As opposed to their Pegasi and Unicorn brethren, they were said to be simple folk. Not prone to burst out. they may take pride in their respective land, but this is the limit to what they did. Naturally, they would defend and protect their land and their folk to great length, who wouldn’t?
From what could be discerned, we had fond the hardiest bunch of the entire lot, the garrison at the Everfree forest of all places.
Of all the places, why here? Where the Ponies who had defied not just the High Queen Chrysalis, but anything and everything fate had managed to throw at them. This would include the Prince of Chaos, and the late Queen of the night, aside from a few other threats from beyond the Equestrian borders.
Some of the threats they had faced down, would certainly have hit us just as hard, regardless of if they even knew of our existence in the fast place. An eternal night, not a thing we were prepared to stand up against.
“Keeping these records had been assigned to me, now I have to live with it!” a gray mare pondered.
“It feels wrong to have her to perform all these things. We should be doing them or her. As her subjects, we are expected to serve her. She is after all our Queen!” Starlight, the black Unicorn with the seven radiant stars in the colours of the rainbow.
“Such is our tradition, but can we openly contradict our Queen, even if it goes against our tradition?” the High Advisor put forth.
“Of course, you have me there. It isn’t my place to contradict her. I am merely the teacher. I am to teach our Hatchlings, or Foals all they need to know for their future lives. All they need to learn from the elder generation, that is!” the teacher responded in a humble tone of voice.
“We chose her, first and foremost. Even if she sought us out and accepted, what we proposed to her!” the junior Adviser interjected.
“Indeed. Our obligation is to the Hive, our Hive, but under her rule. What ever comes our way, we will face it in her name, even when we have to face the ultimate consequences and lay down our lives. There is nothing to regret in that moment, other than that we could serve her no more!” the High Adviser prompted.
“It seems we have more in common with the Ponies than we dared to admit, even to ourselves!” Starlight, the scholar Unicorn Expressed warily.
“Of course, we have a shared history and linage with these Ponies; just like with the Crystal Ponies of the Empire. Tradition has told us not to look upon the fact, it defy who we see ourselves to be!” High Adviser prompted.
“Are you saying that we are basically returning to our roots or our old ways, then?” Starlight inquired.
“From where I stand, it seems to be the only way remaining to us. Not just that we chose the earth Pony Pinkie Pie. On the other hoof, we may have to reevaluate our vocabulary. While we are now amongst the Ponies, can we still refer to our young as Hatchlings, then the Queens consorts as Drones or Kins?” the Adviser pondered.
“Depending, but these cases may be more correct to say Foals and Princes?” Starlight proposed.
“It will put us at odds with the old guard, and some of the other Hives, particularly the once loyal to the High Queen Chrysalis!” the Adviser responded.
“Do we even have a choice on the matter?” Starlight inquired.
All the first eight Hatchlings had just been born the other day. They all came out, looking like glistering black Pony foals. Complete with the short black mane and tail.
Predictions on this matter can be a fast hit and miss. With characteristics so utterly different and mixed in a bowl for a mix and match. Things tends to go this way and that.
Black looking Ponies sounds like the best possible reaction on the situation. Yet, it remains to be seen, just what they are. They have to grow up, before you can know.
I had been assigned to be the wet nurse and take care of her Foals, or Hatchlings as my mind keeps telling me. Yet, since they were born in a more Pony fashion, I guess it is still right and correct to refer to them as Foals.
As newly born, they don’t have solid food, but require me to be the wet nurse and feed them on the hour. Not each hour, but every time I see them giving signs of the hunger. It is new and uncertain to me. Yet, I had been told to take the shape, the form of the Queen in order for them to identify me as their Mother.
These are all the daughters of our new and highly beloved Queen, Pinkamena Diana Pie; otherwise known as Pinkie Pie. Odd name for a Changeling; particularly the Queen. Yet it is not my place to question her name.
What I care about is the safety of the charges I had been entrusted with, and to follow the lead towards my goal. I have my orders, the task is simple, as curious as it may feel to me. I am to see the charges safe in order for them to grow up and develop. It is the highest of honour to see to her Majesty’s first clutch.
I wake them up at first light and deliver their meal. One by one, I feed them. Line by line I approach them, stepping up and offer the spot at the nibble for them to feed.
Feelings conflicting, the castle is strange and very unlike the setting of the Hive I came from. As Royal as it feels, it is not a Hive of Changelings. Yet, it is the Home we had been granted, the home we had chosen.
I see another take the place to educate my charges, she is apparently a light purple and is addressed as Princess Twilight. Old habits die hard, as they say, and that is all too true. Maybe the Pony posing as teacher is the most eye yaring of them all. She is putting the hoof down on exactly everything I have problems to reconcile. She is no mere Pony, but the Princess and an Alicorn. She feels like the apex of magic. Yet, she is friendly and patient like few.
I am entrusted and thus I keep a close eye on each and every one, Foal or Hatchling, but they are mine to see safely through the day.
Then I was told to introduce a small group of foals to see to their development in a few weeks. Of course they are Changelings in disguise, but these guises are said to help us to foster them into the mature Changelings she desired them to be. The foals in question are; a yellow Earth Pony by the name of Apple Bloom, a white Unicorn by the name of Sweetie Belle and the third, a Pegasus by the name of Scootaloo. I expect to see them over in due time. By then, I will know what they will do for my charges. Since they are all fillies, I can but assume it has something to do with sharing their experience from growing up.
Now, after a few days in this guise, the persona had started to grow on me in an unexpected manner and with great intensity. Maybe it is her hyper personality and bright view on her life and life in general. Besides, I guess it is beneficial to me, the task set before me and the charges themselves. I can’t help but smile, even without actually trying. Maybe it is in how she would have reacted on the situation? I see the Foals smile and hear them laugh.
Is it who she is? She is not a clown. Yet, she manages to keep the entire village smiling. Now memories are starting to pop up unbidden. Situations and scenes out of her life. Situations that may be relevant to what she was like in the situation I am in, or what I am thinking.
Taking on the persona of her nurse had seemed strange and hard; yet now I see the wisdom in the choice, I had not been selected randomly. I know who I am and the place I had set before me; just as I know the friends around me in an uncanny and sometimes scary manner I could not deny.
Day by day; the once around me are growing closer to me, and I enjoy sharing in their joy and happiness, even when I am the cause of how they feel. Knowing they are feeling the same way, just with a very different perspective, with eyes different than mine. They are the friends of our Queen; Pinkie Pie, and they are now my friends as well; if in accepted guise, or in person. Now I know my friend Twilight Sparkle, for her genuine love of books and learning, just for the pure joy in learning of and by itself; no expectancy towards praises or other worldly rewards. I myself am enjoying my work, just to see the smiles on their faces.
Of course, the yellow mare known as Fluttershy; coming and going, caring for any and all; just as the genuine Pony who is kind and care for her charges and critters.
I rarely see Rainbow Dash; but know who she is and what she means to me and my friends, nonetheless. She is representing the Loyalty; towards friends, Queen and Hive.
There is also the generous Rarity; who is decorating our Hive, crafting beautiful clothes and accessories.
Applejack; the honest and hard-working Earth Pony whose work ethics is never wavering in the least, even when she herself is challenged.
Thinking of it, just as much as I had enjoyed to serve the breakfast to my charges; I am enjoying to serve them lunch, dinner supper and the final night meal. Not to say that I mind serving any of them an extra snack in between their scheduled meals either.
I am prepared to give them all they need, to see them drink their fill in the common manner of how a foal is enjoying her first meals. I imagine myself, giving a meal as I draw my last breath. The one true regret, is when I can not be there for them; for which ever reason there may be behind it, if it is by order or by my very own death.