Camo is second in command of the entire swarm everyone looks up to him, but after the invasion he gets swept off to ponyville were he struggles with his loyalties. His new friends or his queen.
Camo is second in command of the entire swarm everyone looks up to him, but after the invasion he gets swept off to Ponyville where he struggles with his loyalties. His new friends or his queen.
My life was always filled with the need for shapeshifting just to acquire love and in doing so, feeding the hunger of the swarm.
The hive for the swarm was in a mountain just outside Equestria’s borders. Most changelings, the individuals that make up the swarm, that weren't on duty resided here. Furthermore, the lowest ranking changeling went out to fetch love for the newest hatchlings of the swarm.
The next ranking changelings went and fetched love for as long as possible and came back with enough love for the entire swarm. Normally, that's the extent of the rankings but sometimes, it isn’t that simplistic. On rare occasions, our very own Queen, named Chrysalis would look over the entire swarm and pick certain to become the elites or generals of the entire swarm. There were only eight of these generals and even then, there was a higher rank after that.
That's where I come in. Queen Chrysalis herself saw how amazing my abilities were and specifically chose me to become her personal bodyguard and right hand changeling.
Even when I was little my mimicking skills outweighed even the most experienced of changelings, and the instant the Queen saw my skills, I acquired the position.
Usually changelings don't have names only the higher ups. The lower ranks were just called drones. So when I was appointed she named me Camo short for camouflage. Over the years, she continually praised me on my abilities and as well as my ability to handle every situation adequately while maintaining a cool and determined attitude.
Getting back to the present, right then, the Queen requested a meeting of the generals. So, like normal, the eight generals returned to the hive without any hesitation. Each general had a specific town, village, or city to guard as well as trusted inferiors to take over for them in the case of these meetings.
I didn't care who the generals were and what their names were as long as they serve the Queen as best to their abilities, and they all certainly did.
Chrysalis hadn't arrived yet I was there to see to it that everyone was here, and they were.
The room consisted of a giant rectangular table in the middle with a green and black table cloth over it. The room was adorned with posters of queen chrysalis herself looking quite classy and graceful. On the left of where I sat, there was a window that revealed the towering mountains and the luscious forest beneath them.
Anyway, as I sat in my seat I could see that most of the changelings were getting...somewhat antsy, because they were tapping their hoofs on the floor or trying to indulge themselves with the scenery around them.
However, soon the Queen entered the room and quickly sauntered over to her seat next to me.
Once seated, she said, in a strong voice, "Good afternoon, my little changelings. I trust your travels have been well."
All eight of them responded. "Yes, of course, my Queen."
The Queen nodded. "You all know my advisor Camo, correct?"
Most of the responses that came out were audible groans and grunts of dislikes. They didn't like that there was another changeling in charge of them. I rolled my eyes in response.
She continued. "Well, I've called this meeting to inform you all that soon we will strike the heart of those love filled ponies. Yes, we will invade Canterlot soon!"
There was some murmuring amongst the generals. I couldn’t hear most of their conversations, so I just waited until it died down.
Afterwards, the Queen began speaking again. “I know we are not known among many ponies throughout Equestria so I propose that we attack Equestria by feeding off the love of the most loving couple in Canterlot. Once we succeed, no changeling would be hungry ever again!”
Afterwards, there was a brief moment of silence. Subsequently, one general began to clop, and soon all eight put their hooves together. All of them looked ecstatic, and couldn’t wait to carry out the Queen’s plan. Since nopony knew us, the generals never had time to fight which bored them immensely.
I honestly didn’t care about the plan, but if it made the Queen happy, that’s all I care about. When the clopping subsided Chrysalis spoke again. “Now return to your posts! Tomorrow I will send messages to your horns explaining the plan. Go!”
We stood up and proceeded to walk out of the room the guards blocking the doorway allowed us thru and we started to walk down the hall.
“My queen, are you sure this is the right plan of action we should take to survive?” I asked inquisitively.
“Of course. You of all people should trust my judgment, Camo. I have never steered my people in the wrong direction and I don’t plan on starting now!” I chuckled a little to myself at that.
“My children are dying, more and more each day and the thing that is killing them the most is hunger. There screams of pain echo through my mind each day and I feel this is the only way to solve it.”
Suddenly, I began to feel a little guilty and concerned, especially considering her black fur started to look a little pale.
So, I asked, with concern ringing in my voice, “Are you alright, my queen?”
The queen smiled. “Yes Camo, do not concern yourself with me I will be alright.” Subsequently, she rubbed her hoof over the fur on my head.
“Let’s get some rest. Tomorrow, I’ll go over our plan of action.”
With a warm smile plastered on my face, I said, “That sounds fantastic. Good night, my queen.”
We arrived at the doorstep of her room, and after a few seconds, we parted ways. My room was next to hers so I quickly trotted in there and settled into my bed. At last, I allowed the warmth from the covers drag me into eternal bliss as I drifted away.
As I woke from my slumber, I cracked open one eye then shut it as streams of bright light greeted my exposed iris. I repeated this process until my eyes got used adjust to the light, which takes much longer than you would believe. Finally, once I could see perfectly I tossed myself off of the bed and landed on the floor.
I quickly stretched my body to make sure all of my limbs had fully awakened for the day. I also flapped my wings letting out the audible buzzing sound that every changeling had grown accustomed to. After the test flight I headed out the my door and arrived at the queen’s door. Then, I quickly rapped on it after a little while a response came.
“Come in.”
Given permission, I entered into the room which was mostly dark so I had to wait for my eyes to adjust, but once they did, I saw the Queen slowly rising up. She let out a small yawn and hopped off her bed.
“Good morning, my Queen. I trust that you had a good rest?” I asked.
She responded. “Yes. However, now I need to instruct the changelings on what to do on the invasion.”
I nodded. “I understand. Do not let me distract you.”
In a matter of an hour every changeling was gathered around in the courtyard just outside of the mountains. It was a bright and sunny day I took it as a good omen for our invasion.
The queen spoke, again, with a powerful tone of voice. “OK, now that all of the changelings are here, I’d like to explain the invasion plan.”
Instantly, all got quiet and looked upon their queen with fire in their eyes.
“Camo and I will disguise ourselves and enter Canterlot castle we will then kidnap Princess Cadence. She is the bride to a pony named Shining Armor, and they have the most love we can feast on out of all of the couples in Equestria.
Once the kidnapping succeeds, I will banish her to the underground crystal mines. Once she arrives, Camo will make sure that every precaution is made so that she stays down there while I complete the invasion.
Also, the generals will watch and take care of you all outside of Canterlot where you will stay hidden. Finally, once I send you the signal you will attack and obliterate the city. And that’s it.”
After that, all of the changelings let out cheers of joy. Considering this was a full scale invasion I had no doubt in my mind that it would be successful. At last, my race would receive the glory they deserved!
The Queen and I teleported to the outskirts of Canterlot where we discussed our clandestine operation. However, as fate would have it, two ponies, a mare and a stallion, happened to be coming down the road upon our arrival.
I’m assuming that most ponies cannot see changelings, because they failed to detect us until they appeared mere inches from of us.
The stallion was the first to speak. “What revolting creatures! I say, let's move away from them!”
He was talking in a peculiar, somewhat shrill accent. Most of the Canterlot ponies had this accent, according to my fellow changelings.
I gazed at the Queen awaiting her judgement. She merely turned around and winked at me, indicating she had already concocted a brilliant plan. Subsequently, the two ponies stared at the Queen, their eyes revealing they were in quite a trance. I pondered the reason until I saw their eyes flicker green.
Then, I realized that they had been affected by the Queen's mind control spell.
“What are your names?” she asked. “Jet Set.” the gray unicorn responded. “Upper Crust” the yellow unicorn mare responded.
With that established, Chrysalis began interrogating them.
While she did this, I began morphing into Jet Set, copying everything from his ocean blue eyes, to his pitch-black mane and his cutie mark, which was three yellow jets. From what I understand, Jet and his wife were in upper class of Ponyville, meaning that most ponies respected them and they did anything just to improve their morale and popularity.
After Chrysalis finished conversing with them, they collapsed to the floor, in a stupor. Afterwards, Chrysalis transformed into Upper Crust.
She spoke in a voice tinged with panic. “Camo, call for backup. We need to dispose of them before anyone realizes.”
I nodded. “Of course, my queen.”
I sent out a signal through my horn, alerting one of the generals of the situation. So, in a matter of minutes we had the bodies dispatched. Once we finished, I asked the Queen why she left before the dispatching concluded. She explained that the royals were having a grand feast to celebrate the courtship between Shining Armor and Cadence. Considering we both knew we couldn’t miss the chance to go forward with the plan, she waited for me by Canterlot.
I took the form of Jet Set and quickly trotted after her. The streets of Canterlot were mostly deserted. The ponies that were out and about paid no mind to us. We headed down the primary road to the castle, and the light clop of our hooves was the only sound heard for miles around.
When we reached the castle, two unicorn guards were guarding the entrance.
As we approached them, one on the left yelled, with his spear drawn, “Halt! Who goes there?”.
I spoke first. “I am Jet Set and this is my wife Upper Crust.”
Of course, I had to mimic his horrific voice, but it was for my race and it was a tad humorous, so I obliged.
Subsequently, the Queen said, “Yes, we were invited to a party today.”
The guard quickly glanced at his partner, and with a nod from both, they summoned a list of some sort.
The left guard spoke again. “Ah, Jet Set and Upper Crust, you are on the list. Sorry for the delay.” After that, the other swiftly opened the door. Once inside, we slowly made our way into the Canterlot Garden. The view of the garden was marvelous, and I took in all of the beautiful flowers and creatures. The nature here was truly a sight to behold for me, even though the Queen wasn’t curious about the surroundings in the slightest. In fact, I could hear her panting.
This prompted me to ask, out of concern, “My Queen, are you alright?”
She continued panting, but she did respond, “Yes, do not trouble yourself with me, Camo. I am fine.”
Glancing at her, I can see that she looked considerably tired, and even began sweating. I quickly assured myself this was because she hasn't eaten any love since we left, many hours ago. She must be exhausted, not that I blame her. Love truly is our power source.
Anyway, we finally arrived at the party as the sun had finally made its way down the horizon. According to the changelings, the monarch of this land, Princess Celestia rises the sun every day, so it was intriguing to see the sun fade away. A glimpse of the moon was barely visible over the sunset. Getting back to the plan, Shining Armor and Cadence were sitting away from the crowd somewhat, and we needed for them to be separated long enough for Chrysalis to take her place.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t taken that aspect of the plan into account. Sometimes when procrastination possesses me, I leave it to the last second and come up with something to ultimately save my life or the lives of many. So I decided to simply talk to him.
I said, “Excuse me, are you Shining Armor, captain of the royal guard?”
He quickly stopped talking to cadence and walked up to me, saying, “Huh? Yeah, that’s me. And you are?”
I gasped, “I do apologize, sir. Where are my manners? I am Jet Set and this is my wife Upper Crust. I’m sure you’ve heard of me, considering I own one of the most prestige jet companies in all of Canterlot.”
He shrugged, and then shook my hoof. “I can’t say I have, but you must be important to get into this party. Nice to meet you.”
“Yes, I can assure you of that, but I'm here to talk to you. You don't mind if I take you away from your fiancee for awhile do you?”
He crossed his arms. “Why do you want to talk with her?”
“I merely want to ask her some questions. This is such a big event, and I want to hear about it from her perspective.”
He looked a little suspicious. “OK, but only for a little while. Cadence, be careful please.”
Cadence giggled a little. “Don’t worry, I love talking with other ponies!” and she walked up to “Upper Crust.”
I whispered to “Upper Crust”, “I’ll continue with the plan, my Queen.”
Chrysalis POV
As Camo left, I quickly trotted over to the pink alicorn mare and attempted to lead her away from the small crowd of party ponies. Once I succeeded, I transformed into her. She was completely flabbergasted with what she just saw, but before she could emit a cry for help, I proceeded to cast a spell on her. It expelled green flames around her body and sucked her into the ground straight into the crystal mines below.
As she crept deeper and deeper into the ground I started to lightly chuckle to myself. Once she disappeared from my sights, I quickly went back to the party, and made my way to Shining Armor and proceeded to nuzzle him. Ah, the benefits of being a changeling really are quite rewarding!
Camo POV
Once I saw Cadence fall through the ground, I noticed that the Upper Crust look alike disappeared. I looked at the hole where Cadence fell, searching for an explanation when I heard a familiar voice inside my head. ‘The deed is done my faithful companion. You may proceed with the plan.’
I nodded, and then said, “Well Shining, it was a pleasure to get to know you. I should go see where my wife has wandered off to.”
“Goodbye, Jet Set.”
I quickly departed from the party, stopping every once and awhile to admire how the garden looked in the moonlight. I wished I could observe the garden forever, but I had my duties to perform. Such is the life of the changeling! Anyway, once I exited Canterlot castle and was out of reach from any pony, I reverted to my changeling form and teleported down into the mines below.
It was dark so I used an illumination spell from my horn to find my way. I trotted down the extensive, narrow caves of crystal until I found Cadence. I pondered whether I should reveal myself to her and if so as a changeling or another pony.
I decided on the former, and said, “Hello, princess. How are you this fine day?”
She stopped crying a bit before she answered back, fearfully, “Who said that?”
“I did.” I walked out of the shadow the crystal created and stared at her. She looked like she just saw a ghost, another sign that shows no one even knows our race exists. As we locked eyes with each other her face turned from one of sadness to one of hatred.
“What are you planning?”
I rolled my eyes. “Nothing much, just an invasion of Canterlot. Oh, and in here, there is nothing you could do to stop it.”
Finally, I disappeared back into the shadows, while laughing maniacally. Concurrently, her face contorted from one of hatred to one of sadness as she cried throughout the night. I would feel somewhat guilty if this invasion wasn’t going to majorly benefit my race, but since it was, I had no pity for her, or her groom. This day was going to be perfect, and there was nothing anypony could do about it.
After that brief chat with Cadence, I used my magic to create a crystalline barrier around her. Considering that she had just broken into full out sobs, she failed to notice, and probably wouldn’t have cared. Still, it never hurts to be prepared. When I finished, I called my queen to give her a status report. When my horn began glowing, I closed my eyes and concentrated heavily on linking our two minds together. Soon enough, I was able to hear her voice.
She said, “What is it Camo? I am very busy at the moment.”
“ I am sorry, my queen. I just thought that you would like to know what's going on down here.”
“ Yes, please continue.”
“ I have sealed the princess up so she cannot escape.”
“Great job. However, we may have a slight problem. A changeling drunk on love accidentally wandered into the city undisguised and blew his cover, and now the whole city is surrounded by a huge pink force field.”
I growled. “Damn! That’s not good. Do you know any direct solutions, my queen?”
“I believe so. According to my knowledge, Shining armor is the only one that can handle the spell, so I’ll slowly take over his mind until the barrier becomes weak enough for the swarm to invade.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “How fortunate! Great plan, my queen! As always, you have the answers to overcome any obstacle in your path.”
With that, I broke off from our conversation and went above the caverns. Honestly, I wanted to explore Canterlot a little more, because I didn't feel like I took in its beauty enough. So, I took a deep breath and saw the sun rising. However, if I wanted to explore, I would need to disguise myself. And, when went through my collection of ponies I’ve seen over my life, I decided to create my own pony. After all, there was no reason not to.
I transformed into a pegasus with dark yellow fur, a orange and white striped mane, and light green eyes. I flew into the air and landed on a stray cloud. Once there, I had a marvelous view the city, and it was tough deciding where I would like to go. However, the palace, and more importantly the gardens transfixed me, so I slowly glided back down and landed in the middle of the garden.
I slid from the cloud, and walked around, discovering that it was very quiet and peaceful, only adding to the beautiful scenery of the garden, shimmering in the morning light. Subsequently, I heard rustling in a bush nearby. I ran to the bush, and saw was three sets of eyes, one blue, one green, and one red. Unfortunately, once I moved in, the creature it sscampered away.
I continued to walk through the gardens until I came upon the castle. There were two guards by the door doing their job while holding their lances in an X formation, blocking the door. I didn't want to bother them or mess up my Queen’s plans so I decided to leave them alone and walk away with a shrug.
Concurrently, I heard a voice. “Excuse me?”
I turned my head to the sound of where the voice came from and responded. “Are you talking to me?”
“Yeah, did you want to come inside the castle?”
I chuckled a little. “Yeah but I'm sure I'm not allowed inside.”
“Nonsense! Guards can you let him through?”
To my surprise, they nodded, parted their lances, and let me pass unscathed. I walked up to the orange filly who allowed the guards to let me in and said, with a smile, “Thank you.”
She returned my smile. “Heh, no prob. You seemed liked you really needed to get inside. Oh, I’m Scootaloo by the way.”
“Well, Scootaloo, I know I have no place in asking this but...how were you able to get inside the castle?”
“Well you know the Royal Wedding coming up right?
I laughed slightly. “Sure, doesn't everyone?”
All of a sudden, her lips curled into a confident smirk. “Yeah, but I bet you didn't know that my friends and I are the flower fillies!”
I was pretty shocked. “Really? How did you get that job?”
“Well my two friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are the younger sisters of mares who are best friends with the sister of Shinning Armor.”
The pieces were falling into place. “Ah, I see. So they decided it would be you girls because you're the youngest, yes?”
“You bet! It also gives us a chance to finally earn our cutie marks!”
“I see. Has it been fun being a flower filly?”
At this, she blushed slightly. “Well yes and no. It’s fun because we get to try something we have never tried before but it's also not fun because I have to where this stupidly frilly flower dress! Meh, it'll all be worth it once we get our cutie marks!”
I simply nodded. “So can I meet these other friends of yours?”
Sure thing! Follow me!”
We started walking down the corridor towards the right of the entrance. The carpet we were walking on was purple and even from my legs, I could tell it was composed of the softest velvet I’ve ever known. There were windows and pillars to the right of us, and the best part was that the beautiful garden was completely visible through the windows. Not to mention, it was directly above the exact spot I was before I entered the castle.
As I gazed through the window, I heard a voice. “I've been wondering, can you fly?” Scootaloo asked me.
“Sure, been able to for a good while now, why do you ask?”
She frowned. “I still haven't been able to fly yet...”
I returned the frown. “That’s a pity. Maybe you'll learn how to someday.”
“Alright, we're here.”
Concurrent to her statement, she slid open the door and said, “Hey girls! I met somepony outside and he wants to meet you!”
At this, earth pony filly who was yellow with a red mane as well as a pink bow adorning her mane and tail and well as a unicorn filly with white fur and a mix of pink and purple in her mane and tail walked up to me.
Subsequently, Scootaloo said, “By the way you never told me your name.”
Seeing no reason to lie I told them my real name. “Oh, my apologizes. My name is Camo. And yours are?”
The yellow filly spoke first “Ah’m Apple Bloom”
The unicorn followed immediately. “And I’m Sweetie Belle.”
However, these introductions were disturbed by a subsequent noise of someone crying down the hall, followed by different voices saying, “Cadence, Cadence wait, slow down!”
“What was that?” I asked
“Don't know...let’s find out!” Scootaloo said.
I nodded. We opened the door and proceeded to trot down the hall in the direction of the crying. Unfortunately, our walk was swiftly followed by a door slamming, followed by the sound of hooves clopping on marble in the hall behind us.
Five ponies walked in behind us with angry and disgusted looks on their face. I was going to question who they were when I heard the screams of the three fillies behind me. Scootaloo yelled, “Rainbow Dash!” and the other two yelled, “Sis!”
With that, they ran up to their respected ponies. Apple Bloom’s sister was an orange earth pony with a blond mane, Sweetie Belle’s sister was a white unicorn with a violet mane, and Scootaloo’s sister, who she was hugging tightly, was a blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail. The moment was quite touching, but it was quickly interrupted when a familiar sounding voice boomed throughout my head. ‘We have a new prisoner, Camo. Guard her well.’
I nodded, then responded with a telepathic message of my own. ‘Yes, my queen.’
I turned to the three fillies. “Girls I have to go now. I'll catch you later though.”
With that, I quickly flew over them and made my way back to the mines below.
As I returned back into the cavern I started to hear the sounds of crystal shattering and smashing and crashing on the ground.
Then I heard a new voice, “We have to get out of here, we have to stop her!” Oh no, you shall not interfere with my Queen’s plans. I quickly zoomed to the beginning of the cave and immediately scanned the area for something to distract them long enough for my Queen’s plans to take full effect.
I found the closest ponies around me and brainwashed them into attacking Cadence along with the purple unicorn with her. They were a blue unicorn, a green unicorn, and a unicorn with a pink mane and a white body, and they all looked like bridesmaids. I smiled contently, firmly believing that the shock of the enemies would block them from advancing for a while. Unfortunately, Cadence thought fast, luring them with a bouquet and proceeding to throw it away, as the unicorns went to fetch it like dogs. I thought my brainwashing was stronger than that!
I was panicked, but I managed to come up with a plan quickly. Due to her sheer longing for Shining Armor, perhaps I could distract her if I morphed into him. It’s a stretch, but I need my Queen’s plans to succeed. As Cadence and the purple unicorn ran, I suddenly remembered what my Queen had told me earlier; that Shining Armor was the brother of the purple pony. Heh, I’d be killing two ponies with one stone! With a nod, I transformed into Shining Armor, and yelled, “Cadence! Oh, man, I missed you.”
I got just the response I was hoping for. Cadence hugged me tearfully, and the purple unicorn proclaimed that she missed me dearly. Sometimes it pained me a little to build up and break hearts, but it’s my job. After about a few minutes of tears, I waited until they got a slight doubt about my behavior and how I ended up in the caves, and used that moment to expel a green magical discharge from my horn. They were thrown back, but unfortunately, I couldn’t goo them to the ground, so I had to fight them. Fortunately, I had the advantage. I knew how much both of them cared for this pony, so I maintained his form throughout the battle, and even said, “Would you hurt your brother/groom?” a few times just to let the emotional turmoil sink in. Plus, I was already one of the best changeling fighters in the swarm.
Unfortunately, I was on the defensive for this fight, because I couldn’t let them pass me, or else they would get to my Queen before the marriage took place. I started off very well, with powerful magical blasts from my horn weakening them, and one of these discharges ended up knocking both of them off of a cliff. Unfortunately, Cadence could fly, so the fight continued. After about thirty minutes, we were all exhausted, and subsequently, one of the purple unicorn’s blasts hit me directly in the chest, and as much as I tried to get up immediately, I couldn’t. They had won, and dashed past me before the pain eased up enough for me to rise. I had failed. Damn it!
I put my head down, and relayed the message to my Queen. I said, telepathically, ‘My Queen, I sincerely apologize, but I can’t fend off Cadence and the purple pony anymore. They should arrive momentarily. I am so sorry. I tried to stop them by all the means I could.’
She responded. ‘I see. Well, my plan is far enough for me to reveal myself if I have to, so don’t worry. You haven’t destroyed my plan, Camo.’
I nodded. ‘Yes, my Queen. I’m very sorry.’
When I finished, I noticed...wait, why were tears falling from my eyes? Damn it, Camo, you’re a soldier! Don’t fall prey to emotions, as you never had! I breathed deeply, and when I calmed myself down, I discovered that when I arrived at the wedding, as the pegasus, of course, my Queen had already revealed herself, because the purple unicorn and Cadence had already arrived, and pointed out that she was a fake. However, from her confident statements about revealing her plan, and the subsequent breaking of the magical shield that surrounded Canterlot, I still felt like we could win. I may have lost that battle, but we have the advantage in the war.
I flew around the city, watching the drones as they decimated the city. Suddenly, I began to ponder if this was really necessary. Perhaps...if things were different...this could have been avoided. However, that thought process was short, as I landed on a cloud not to far away from me and took down my pegasus form, focusing on the plan once more.
From my vantage point in the sky I saw the purple unicorn and the five multi colored ponies I saw when I was talking to Scootaloo before. They were battling a massive amount of changelings on their own.
They were dominating us but reinforcements were on the way. They quickly retreated to a nearby castle but when they opened the door. Another swarm of changelings were already there waiting to capture them. They were quickly escorted back to the wedding hall where my queen was waiting for their arrival.
As I sat on my cloud one of the seven generals came up to me. “Is there a reason that you're slacking off during the most critical point of the invasion?”
“I'm not slacking off, before the invasion I was distracting some interference with the plan and managed to get damaged in the process. I'm just taking a break from the action is all.”
He skeptically gazed at me for a couple minutes before he finally left with a shrug. I got off the cloud and floated down to the ground. I decided to see what would happen to the six ponies who just recently got captured. We entered the room where our queen was and once we got there she said to go out and feed.
Hearing her say that reminded me of my rapidly growing hunger and my rapidly depleting strength. I quickly sauntered out of there and followed the crowd of drones leading to the prisoners. While overlooking the prisoners most looked depleted of their love, almost bone dry even.
The way you can tell that a pony or any other species are depleted of their love is when there color of fur, scales, mane, etc starts turning into a grayish version of their original color.
The ones that stood out the most were the three fillies tied together. Getting closer, I realized that they were Scootaloo, Apple bloom, and Sweetie Belle.
They were the only ones left that haven’t been depleted of their love yet. Realizing that, I began to drain their love from them.
Soon the sounds of their struggling quickly died down. When I finished their love, they appeared to have fallen into a stupor.
I don't know what happened, but at that point, I started to feel melancholy and began to regret my actions. ‘No!’ I mentally screamed. ‘Stop acting weak, I’m better then this.’ Before I could continue, a powerful pink barrier slammed into me. I was shot so far, Canterlot looked like a diminutive speck seconds after the contact.
I descended to the floor at a rapid pace. I quickly cloaked myself in green flames in an attempt decrease the amount of damage I would have to endure when I would eventually contact the floor.
Subsequently, I slammed into the ground with a booming sound. I tried to get back up but to no avail. My vision quickly became dark and hazy. The last thing I saw was someone approaching me.
“Chr...y...sal...is...” With that, I fell unconscious.
As I finally opened my eyes, I felt myself falling through the sky. There was also fire surrounding my body. Not my natural green flames but the orange painful kind, yet I felt no unpleasant pulsations. Quite the contrary, all was calm, and my mind was at peace. Of course, the tranquillity was obliterated the instant I looked down to see the ground getting closer and closer.
Once I made a cacophonous, yet surprisingly comfortable impact, I decided to just lay there and look up at the night sky. Wow, it was far more beautiful than the one back in Equestria. The peculiar feeling I got from the air told me this was a different planet altogether. How did this happen?
After a while, I finally felt the urge to rise and took a look at my surroundings. Turns out, there was a gigantic forest and lake to my left, and there was a broad grassland in the middle, where I landed.
Off in the distance I saw a silhouette, definitely resembling the form of a male. As he starts approaching, I see a black cloak is draped around him. When he gets about a few inches from me, he takes his hood off, revealing that he’s a unicorn with brown fur, green eyes and a black and white mane.
He utters the words, “Come with me!” and then turns around and starts to trot away. Confused and desperate, I attempt to follow him but my legs get weak and I trip over my own hooves. My head starts to ache and my heart beats powerfully, like a drum.
Subsequently, my vision became tainted with the color of blood until I eventually fell unconscious.. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I slowly open my eyes, I put a hoof to my head to see if it’s still aching. Unfortunately, it’s still pounding, but my hoof lessened the pain.
At that moment, I thought, ‘What a weird dream that was; I wonder if anything prompted that?’
When I concluded my thought, my head was feeling better, so I surveyed my surroundings, and it seemed like wherever I turned my head, there were changelings staring at me. Annoyed, I asked, “Do you guys mind? I need my personal space!”
As soon as I said that, one of the changeling generals came out.
He sighed, and said, with a voice filled with melancholy, “I’m sorry to force this on you...but Chrysalis is gone.”
What?! My brain stopped for a second. “Wait...what do you mean she’s gone, she would never abandon us! I saw her just before I fainted! You can’t be serious!”
With that, the changelings pointed to a light blue orb and next to it was a scroll. I levitated the scroll up to my face, and it said:
“Camo,
Please take care of the hive while I’m gone. I wouldn’t want anyone to see how I look like right now. Also, if you find a blue orb near you, that was there when I found you. I tried touching it but it froze my hoof. I hope to see you soon.
Sincerely, Queen Chrysalis.”
I couldn’t believe it. However, I knew my Queen trusted me, and I knew she was still alive, so I felt more determined than ever to get the swarm back to the hive. With that, I murmured, “I won’t let you down...my Queen.”
However, I knew I had to figure out the purpose of this orb before giving out any orders. So, I picked up the orb, and all of a sudden, a light blue aura seeped out of the orb and swirled around my leg. I was confused at first, but I quickly made the connection between the orb and a recent dream I had. I wasn’t sure if it was true or not, but I firmly believed at that moment something prompted my dream, and that’s probably what it was. Anyway, I used my magic to form a chain around the orb and put it around my neck for safe keeping. With that out of the way, I gazed at the swarm of changelings in front of me ready to be commanded. This is going to be a wild ride.
“Alright, swarm! Our first order of business is to get back to the hive, and then we’ll assess how many changelings are left. We’ll go from there.”
I took to the sky and started to head in the general direction of the hive and fortunately, everyone followed. As an added bonus, we started our grand flight at sunrise, so we were able to see where we were going.
After a couple of hours, we made it back to the hive safely.
Upon entering, I could hear many changelings moaning in pain and starvation, so I stated, “Alright, now that we're here I call a general meeting!” At that, the seven generals appeared out of the swarm of changelings and faced me.
I lead them to the meeting room from before the invasion, and asked them, “Now tell me, what are your names.”
They quickly glanced at each other before one of them was brave enough to speak. “We don’t have names sir, our queen never gave us a name.”
How weird. “Very well. Since our queen didn’t give you guys any names, I’ll give you names.”
With that, I noticed that on their flanks there was a tiny diamond shaped mark on each of their flanks and each one was a different color.
I nodded. “Alright, I’ve decided on what names I’m going to give you. Look at your flanks, for some reason each of you have a perculiar diamond mark there, so I'll call you by the color of that mark.” I began pointing at each one of them, while declaring their names. “Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Purple. Now that I’ve assigned you names, you will all be assigned a town to look over. While there you will have to search for our queen and tend to the changelings who will go with you. Is that understood?”
They all let out a “Yes, sir!”
I nodded contently. “Very well. Red you go to Canterlot, Orange goes to Cloudsdale, Yellow goes to Appleloosa Green goes to Van Hoover, Light Blue goes to Manehatten, Dark Blue goes to Baltimare, and Purple goes to Los Pegasus. Oh and Light and Dark Blue, while you’re there, make sure to keep watch on Fillydelphia, because for all we know our queen could be there as well.”
“But what about ponyville?” Yellow asked.
I smiled. “I’ll go there and search for the queen by myself. Now, let’s go!”
With that, I ended the meeting, walked out of the chamber and gathered the remaining changelings at the throne room.
Once every changeling arrived, I said, “You will all be divided into seven groups, one for each general. You will follow your assigned general to their city or town. While there, you are to sustain yourself with love as well as look for our Queen. Anyone who is weak and injured should come up to me and I will use my magic to heal you up. Understood?” With a strong “Yes, sir!” many of them went up to me.
These changelings came up to get healed. I used my magic to heal each changeling to a hundred percent. I got extremely tired many times, but I felt a wave of energy every single time, and as a result, I quickly recovered.
When I was done healing, I felt extremely tired, but that energy wave helped me recover once more. This time, I looked down at the orb around my neck only to discover that it was glowing, clearly indicating that was what healed me. When it finally stopped glowing I felt better, but not exactly at full strength. Still, I felt relieved to have the orb on me.
With that, I gave each changeling a group and dismissed them to their respective town or city. One by one, the changelings flew out until I was the last changeling left in the hive. Finally, I made my way back to my quarters, opened the door and immediately plopped on the bed, completely exhausted. This day certainly had a lot in store for me, so I wanted to sleep it off and prepare for tomorrow's endeavors.
I slowly get up from my bed; the first thing I noticed is that the hive was extremely silent; It reminded me of what I needed to do. I got up and walked out of my room. I made my way over to the entrance of the hive.
My mind kept drifting over to our queen I know she must of had a perfectly good reason for leaving us but what? I wonder. Once outside I was immediately blinded by the sun I repeatedly blinked to try to get my eyes to adjust. Once I my eyes adjusted I flapped my wings and proceeded to fly in the direction of Ponyville.
It wasn’t that windy today so flying was easy and very enjoyable. I was even able to do a couple of flips and tricks on the way. I landed in the Everfree forest and changed into my Pegasus form. The forest was very dark and spooky even. I can kind of see why these ponies are afraid of this forest, mysterious noises echoed from every side of me.
Every other step I took I could hear the bushes around me shake a little and I could see the three different pairs of eyes that I saw at Canterlot. I wondered why they kept on following me everywhere I go but I decided that's the least of my problems I needed to get out of this forest.
Sure I could’ve flown straight into Ponyville but I didn’t want to get discovered and this was the easiest way I could think of. After a while the forest slowly diminished until I could see a huge field in front of me. It was about 11 o’clock I’d say from the position of the sun traveling in the sky. The field In front of me was beautiful there were small patches of flowers gear and there and all so some animals grazing.
Also headed straight for me was an orange filly on a scooter attached to a wagon with two other fillies, before I could even register what was happening I felt the vehicle slam into me. My head got struck by the scooter and ended up hitting the tree behind me. I was dazed for a moment and could feel my head pounding like it was in a vice. I felt my transformation fade, and I was very lucky they weren’t looking at the moment or I would’ve been found out for sure.
I rubbed my aching head and my back with my hooves; trying to lessen the pain I just felt but to no avail. I tried tapping into the power of the blue orb but for some reason it wasn’t working. So I picked myself back up, then I wiped my body over trying to get all the dirt and other debris from my coat.
“Hey are you alright.” Scootaloo asked with a worried tone. “Yeah I’m fine.” I said
“Hey aren’t you that Pegasus colt we saw right before the wedding.” Sweetie Bell said “Yeah, nice to see you girls again argh.” I immediately put my hoof to my forehead were my skull met with the scooter. The pain was still there and my head kept on hammering with the ongoing pain.
The girls were trying to talk to me but the pain was blocking out any sound that could have possibly came out of their mouths. When it lessened I was able to hear the girls normally. “So you want to come with us?” Apple Bloom exclaimed “I'm sorry what I didn’t catch what you said can you say it again.”
“We were asking you if you wanted to go into town with us?” Sweetie Bell replied “Oh yeah sure lets go” “Ok hop in the wagon and I'll drive” said Scootaloo
I got into the red wagon with them. They all put on their helmets and prepared themselves for the ride while I went helmet less. Scootaloo flapped her wings in a rapid motion, enough that the only noise you can hear was a consistent buzzing noise. Then the scooter sped off on the dusty road headed straight for a town that could be seen in the distance.
I sat in the furthest most point of the wagon with Sweetie Bell in front of me Apple Bloom at the front of the cart and with Scootaloo driving. “Hey where did you get that beautiful necklace?” Sweetie Bell exclaimed. “Oh” I say and look down at my necklace I didn’t know that changing my form would still allow people to see my necklace. “ My mom gave it to me as a going away present.” It was kind of true in theory my queen is my mom and she did give me the orb before leaving. What I like doing is telling lies with a little bit of the truth so that if my covers blown I could say I wasn’t entirely lying.
Also it helps my conscious not get cluttered with all the lies I’m saying. “Can I touch it?” Sweetie Bell asked inquisitively. “Um” I thought about it for a moment before saying “ Sure just be careful it feels extremely cold.”
She turned her whole body so that her back was now touching Apple Blooms and she was facing towards me. She stuck out her hoof hesitantly as If asking for permission again to touch my necklace. I nodded my head and slowly but surely she moved her hoof to the centerpiece of the necklace.
At that moment Scootaloo hit a bump in the road which caused Sweetie Bell to go more forward then she probably initially thought, instead of touching the orb she put her hoof over my shoulder causing both of us to lean forward and kiss each other.
We stayed like that for a few seconds before we broke away. I could feel myself blushing profusely. I can also see that Sweetie Bell was blushing as well I didn’t know what to do next so we just sat there staring at each other blushing until we got to Ponyville.
Authors note: I didn't make this chapter go through an editor so if there are any grammar misstakes or anything that seems wrong tell me in the comments.
We arrived at a house/shop that looked like it was made out of ginger bread with icing caked all over it, it was like the biggest sugar coded dream any 5 year old would dream of. “Why are we stopping here girls?” I asked once the annoying screeching sound of wheels drifting on dirt stopped.
“We figured you’d like to meet Pinkie Pie first to avoid any more confusion later on.” replied Apple Bloom. “I don’t know who Pinkie Pie is though?” I answered back to her Scootaloo opened her mouth and said “Just be cautious you're about to be royally confused.” I stared at her with eyes of bewilderment for a moment before we started to walk inside the delectable looking store. When I stepped in I was immediately bomb rushed by something pink. It was a pink pony and she just kept on rambling about parties and such but I couldn’t understand a word of it. She was way too hyper; it was as if she took a couple of gallons of sugar an hour.
My head hurt so much that I felt that it was quickly becoming a migraine, I held up my hoof as fast as I could to try and get her to stop talking. When I got her attention I spoke to her “Can you please repeat that at a much slower pace so that I may understand you.” She opened her mouth took a huge gulp of air and projected her voice to say “HI I'M PINKIE PIE WHAT’S YOUR NAME?” Immediately my ears started ringing and I had to wait until the ringing died down to answer her question, all the while she was just hoping in place with a big grin on her face. “My name is Camo nice to meet you Pinkie Pie.”
“Well you're new in town right, you have to be because I know everypony in Ponyville, and that means I get to throw you a *GASP* welcome to Ponyville party.” “Do you have to throw me a party not that I don’t mind the great offer but I don’t prefer all the attention.” Though this will help me to survive I’d rather not divert the attention of everyone at a party to me. “Oh that’s ok we can have a smaller party with only my best friends invited.” “By the way do you have any particular flavor of cake that you enjoy the most?” Pinkie asked inquisitively. I thought about it for a moment considering each flavor I’ve tasted over the course of my life. Changelings don’t necessarily have a reason to eat food other than to blend in or try something. But there are times that I do get the strangest cravings for sweets when I least expect it.
“Can you make a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting on it?” As soon as I said this she jumped over the counter and appeared moments later with a cake with my name across the top with a picture of me colored in with green and orange frosting. “Done” she exclaimed proudly beaming a mile a minute. “How did you do that so quickly?" I asked. She didn’t answer and I looked over at the three filly’s a ways from me and tried to coax an answer out of them with my confused gaze. They just shrugged and acted like this happened every day, which I wouldn’t be surprised by considering I’ve already seen more than enough of what this sugar induced mare could do.
“Make sure you come back later for your party" Pinkie announced as we left the shop. “Ok where to now and also why did we go and see Pinkie Pie first?" I asked but before they could answer me a pink filly with a purple and white mane interrupted us. “Hey blank flanks who’s your new friend" she said in a slight mocking tone.
“Diamond Tiara can't you just leave us alone none of us are even bothering you" Sweetie Bell said to her. “But you are bothering me your trying to pollute another pony into joining your little cutie mark crusader group" she retorted back.
"I don't even know what that is the girls haven't mentioned that to me yet." “Wait really?" I simply nodded my head clearly this pony did not like the company I was with and I could see she sought to get me away from them.
"When you realize that there not the friends you’re looking for come find me". After she concluded that sentence she decided to head off in the opposite direction of where we were going. “That’s odd usually she just bullies other ponies she doesn't normally offer friendship to anypony" Apple bloom said. “Really, though she does seem dead set on me not hanging out with you guys, would you care to tell me why?"
"Let me explain girls” Scootaloo said. "The feud between us started at her cute-ceanera when we stood up to her and told her that blank flanks are better than people who have their cutie marks. Since then we kind of have this ongoing rivalry between us."
Now I understood why these fillies didn't get along with her but they still hadn't told me what a cutie mark crusader was so I asked them. “What is a cutie mark crusader you still haven't told me what that is yet ". Their eyes immediately grew exponentially and they said “were the cutie mark crusaders and were on a quest to find out who we are". Now I understood everything and that must be why they noticed that the form I'm in now is a blank flank.
"Care to join us were always looking for new members?" They looked excited about having another addition to their group but I couldn't join its bad enough that I'm not even a real pony as it is.
“Let me think about it" I said. This will at least buy me some time to think on how I can handle it. "Ok just tell us your answer when you’re ready to".
“Alright anypony else you wanted to show me today." “There’s still some time before we have to come back here for the party." “How about we go see my sister Rarity" Sweetie Bell said. "That's fine” I replied. So we piled back into the wagon and Scootaloo sped us off in the direction of a large building. My thoughts wandered until they came to Diamond tiara, she seemed different than normal somehow.
Changelings can sense other beings with their horns to see if they are really changelings or a pony to steal the love out of. The feeling I got from scanning her didn't come out as a pony but she wasn't exactly a changeling either. I pondered on this until we arrived at what I assumed was Sweetie Bell's home.
Turns out it was a huge building that I saw in the distance when we were over at sugar cube corner, there was a sign outside that claimed the building was called Carousel Boutique. I hypothesized the building was a home and a shop just like Pinkie’s was. I've noticed that Ponyville had the weirdest buildings, in other places that I had the liberty of invading; they had shops and homes separated from each other.
We entered the boutique and the first thing I noticed were the mannequins on the left side of the room. They were dressed in extremely exquisite clothing. Once when I had to disguise myself as an upper class unicorn pony I had to wear clothes that resembled the fine worksponyship my eyes were now gazing at. Though none were ever as refined or as beautiful as the ones that is gracing my eyes at this very moment.
“Rarity I'm home" Sweetie Bell announced interrupting my concentration on the clothes In front of me. A white unicorn with an elegantly styled mane and tail with a cutie mark of three diamonds adorned on her flank entered the room. “Sweetie Bell I thought you were off crusading for the next couple of..." she trailed off before finishing her sentence because she noticed me and then said "oh who do we have here a new friend I presume."
"Yeah, he's new to Ponyville so were just introducing him around" Sweetie replied. “Really, she said dragging out the word as long as possible “are you sure he's just a friend Sweetie" rarity said as she looked at the pair of us with a smug look on her face. We both blushed and exchanged glances and I could tell that we both remembered what happened not too long ago on the ride back to Ponyville.
“RARITY" Sweetie Bell cried out. “Oh Sweetie Bell you know I'm just teasing you” Rarity said as she let out a slight inaudible chuckle. "My name is Camo nice to meet you miss" I said to Rarity in the most polite way I could. “Please call me rarity darling, all my friends do.” Also I can't help but notice that piece of jewelry around your neck. “Can I see it if you don't mind that is?"
Seeing no reason to deny her request I relinquished it from my neck and gave it to her. “Please be careful with that Rarity my... mother gave it to me and it's really important that nothing happens to it." That was true enough I suppose in a sense our queen is our mother and she did give it to me. Again I try not to lie to anypony lest it comes back to hurt me one day.
“Of course I'll handle it with the upmost importance". She levitated it up to her face and stared at it, marveling at the beauty of it. Scootaloo looked like she was bored to death and antsy, enough so that she eventually said “guys come on were burning day light" I figured we had spent some time at Rarity's house and that we could go meet somepony else. “Alright I guess we can go, rarity I'll come back for it later." "Good bye". We walked out of the boutique and loaded into the cart again but before we went Scootaloo had something to say.
"How about we go see Rainbow Dash?” You do know who Rainbow dash is right?" "No" I answered I honestly didn't know but I kept wondering why all the mares I've met so far seem familiar. It’s as if it’s on the tip of my tongue but I just can’t remember and whenever I get close it alludes me to no end. I have a feeling that it's very important but I can't quite put my hoof around it. I decided that I'll think about it later along with the Diamond Tiara situation. I then notice that Scootaloo has been talking for the entirety of the time that I was thinking. I got bits and snips of what she said but not everything she said.
She was talking about Rainbow Dash that much I know for certain. I’m pretty sure she said Rainbow Dash is the best flier ever and is the only one to ever do the sonic rainboom. I’ve heard of the sonic rainboom though I was told it was impossible and couldn’t be done. Though there was that day when my queen and I were on the outskirts of Equestria and a wave of rainbow flew passed us overhead. Was that the sonic rainboom?
Eventually Scootaloo had ended the praise she was giving for Rainbow Dash and we started on our way towards her location. This time we didn't go as fast as the first couple of times but we did end up outside of Ponyville and once on the outskirts we were directed in the way of a forest. Not the Everfree Forest mind you but a much more livelier forest. Once inside I could tell that there was an outstanding difference between the Everfree and this forest. For one the forest wasn't as dark or ominous, there were wild animals playing around as if they hadn’t a care in the world. Like bunnies, birds, and ducks all playing and minding their own business.
“Where are we"? I asked. Sweetie Bell answered my question. "We’ve entered the White tale woods". Then Scootaloo spoke up "Rainbow Dash should be here this is where she secretly trains to be a part of the Wonderbolts." I would've asked who the Wonderbolts were but I think they would have thought of me as strange since I’m a Pegasus and since the only Pegasus I’ve met is so interested in them then I guess you’re supposed to at least heard of them. I decided to take to the skies to see if I could see anyone around.
While up there I landed on a cloud and started to try and figure out how to cloud drive. I heard that Pegasus had the ability to do it and since I’m playing the role of one then I might as well try. Surprisingly it was pretty easy and I soon mad my way toward the ground and began zigzagging around trees and pretended that I was running some kind of obstacle course. It was really fun I even managed to pull back on the cloud before colliding with a massive tree and ended up doing a couple back flips before I slowed the cloud down and landed near the cutie mark crusaders.
All of their mouths were gaping; I believe they were astounded by my performance. "That was one of the most awesome things I've ever seen in my life. The only thing that could top that would have to be a sonic rainboom." Before the little Pegasus could speak anymore words a new voice appeared. “Is somepony talking about me?"
I didn't know who the owner of that new voice was but judging by Scootaloo's expression I could tell that whoever it was was very important to her. “Rainbow dash your here" when I turned around I saw a cyan blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail adorned with a rainbow lightning bolt cutie mark. Again this mare had some familiarity to her and still couldn't figure out why.
Then in a flash it all came rushing back to me the ponies that I’ve been meeting harbor the elements of harmony. As long as they don't know I'm a changeling a fight won't break out… right? In truth I don't want a fight I just want my queen returned home safely.
Rainbow Dash started heading my way and once she started to speak to me I immediately came out of my train of thought and concentrated on her words. “Scoots here tells me that you can fly pretty fast on that cloud you’re laying on." I simply nodded and waited for her to continue. “How about you and I have a race around the woods so I can see what you’re really made of."
I thought about it and then decided to decline her offer. I really had nothing to prove from racing her plus any sane pony knows when there at a disadvantage. “Nah I can't race I barely know how to control this cloud plus judging from what Scootaloo has told me about you you’re probably the fastest mare in Equestria." “Yeah that’s right I'm so good that even the Wonderbolts would be begging me to join them soon". Seeing how she lit up at those words I knew that she was a show off and that if I lost I would always get mocked for it in some way or form.
"Though it was nice meeting you, you’re every bit as awesome as Scootaloo says you are." “Really scoots said that". She goes over to Scootaloo nuzzles her and sais " I expect as much from the president of my fan club though come back some time and maybe I'll show you my sonic rainboom."
I now have some sort of idea of what a sonic rainboom is though the last time I saw one I was on the outskirts of Equestria, and even from back there it felt really powerful wouldn’t being in such a close proximity to the sonic rainboom cause some sort of damage to the pony watching. Though when I see the other fillies get excited about this announcement I come to the conclusion that maybe I’m over thinking things and I should instead be a little excited about this announcement. The CMC climbed back into their mode of transport and began driving. I followed them from behind on the cloud I had acquired during our time in the forest; I did this because I figured Scootaloo wasn’t used to driving three ponies in her wagon around and theres no sense in making the trip harder on Scootaloo's part if I didn’t have to.
I made my cloud float near them so that I was able to speak with them without any problems. "What were you guys doing near the Everfree forest this morning". They each looked worriedly at each other before Apple Bloom said “you know we could ask you the same thing Camo". I almost face hoofed at the situation I had just started.
The only real reason I went into the Everfree forest was so that I wouldn't cause a panic in the middle of town and jeopardize my mission. I found a quick way out of the question by saying. “Well I asked you first". Sweetie bell decided to answer the question “well we were headed to our friend Zecora's place because we were curious about something".
Scootaloo then interrupted her by saying “Zecora is a zebra that lives in the Everfree forest". They seemed to be telling the truth though something was telling me that they were lying. It wasn't about Zecora, and because of this my interest had been piqued and I now wanted to know there main reason for entering the forest. Also I've never had the chance to change into a zebra and I started to wonder if it was possible.
It was then that Apple Bloom decided to cut my train of thought short by saying “Now can you tell us why you were near the Everfree forest". I still hadn't thought of an excuse to tell them so I sat on my cloud for a while and pondered on what I should say next. “I can't really say for sure but I felt like I really needed to go there."
They looked at me as if I was crazy and I think they didn’t believed me but they let the conversation die as easily as it had started. They stayed silent for a while and I felt like I needed to change the awkward atmosphere that had quickly descended on us." So ... where are we headed for", I say as I try to get rid of the awkwardness. “Well I’d say were headed back to Sugar cube corner it's almost time for the party" Apple Bloom said.
“Alright I'll meet you guys there, there’s something I must do". They nodded and I steered my cloud away from them and into the blue sky. I needed some answers and I think I knew where to get them from.
The reason I had left the CMC was because I needed to find something out and there was only one pony that I could think of, who could do that for me. I hovered just above Ponyville peering out at the village below. I was trying to spot Diamond Tiara I needed to know if she was truly whom she made herself out to be.
After a minute of searching I found her walking on the main road toward the market. I glided off of the cloud and landed beside her. "We need to talk" I stated bluntly. "Whatever do you mean, blank flank" she said despondently. “Look I just want to talk, how about we talk on the bench over there". There was a bench in the park in front of me and I figured we might as well talk about it there.
We both walked in silence as we approached the bench. As we sat on it I took the liberty of inspecting the bench. The wood looked finely cut and it wasn’t too stiff or to wobbly either, I can tell that whoever made this took the time and effort to make this into a masterpiece. “Did you join those blank flanks yet to find out 'who you are' “she said “no I didn’t but... I wanted to talk about you. I’m just curious but are you... a real earth pony."
She looked at me as if I had injured her "of course I'm a real earth pony and I can’t believe that the likes of you had the nerve to even ask that, I even extended my hoof in friendship in the hopes that you were one of the few nice gentle colts in this town “. She got off the bench and sauntered away, I could tell that she was extremely angry with me and that she may no longer talk to me but, I still had my suspicions of her and seeing as how she left I have to hold off on my theory for now.
During the conversation we had I scanned her to see if what I thought before was true and oddly enough she gave out the signature of a pony, it seems really peculiar but I need to get an update on what’s happening in the swarm and the outer reaches of my forces.
I also can’t let anyone see me because my body may turn back into my real form making it difficult to find information on my queen. To amend this I took to the skies again and landed on another cloud. It was much bigger than the one I was flying on before and it seems that it would stop anyone on the ground from seeing me. I closed my eyes and tried to contact the generals to see what was going on. Each general told me that everything was going well and that slowly but surely they were integrating themselves into the pony population.
The pony's they were replacing were placed in cocoons so that there love would be preserved for an emergency. They also told me that there was no sign of our queen and that they were searching for her as much as they could. I was pleased to hear that everything was fine though I wasn't pleased to hear that our queen wasn't found and I strived to try harder in finding her.
I opened my eyes and shut out the voices of the swarm. I still needed to go back down and enjoy my welcoming party. I glided back down to the ground and tried to find my way to Sugar cube corner. I trotted over the streets of Ponyville looking for the shop from this morning. For some reason the streets were a lot more vacant than before. The rustle and tussle that I heard before were no longer there. It made navigating the streets easier but I could tell that I was lost and there was no pony around to ask for directions.
Although after a 30 minutes and navigating the streets quickly I found Sugar cube corner, but by then my strength started to drain from my body. I realize that I've now wasted my remaining energy reserves. I needed to feed and soon if not I would surely pass out. My legs struggled to take the last couple of steps to the front door. Though I pushed the last remaining strength in my body to my legs and managed to put my hoof on the door knob.
By then I had started sweating profusely and felt like I had run a couple miles. I opened the door slightly and peered into the shop. It was pitch dark in there and forgetting my hunger for a moment I opened the door to its fullest length took a few cautious steps inside. At this moment I began to become curious as to why it was it was dark and to make things worse the door slammed behind me making it completely dark. I couldn't see anything not even the hoof I was waving in front of my face.
‘Where is everyone' I thought, the room started to omit an ominous feeling and I started to wonder what was in the darkness. I took a couple more steps in trying to ignore the lack of energy that kept on pestering. Before I could even think about what I would do next the lights turned on and standing in front of me was Pinkie. “Surprise" she bellowed at me. I was honestly very surprised so surprised that I tripped over my own hooves and fell backwards into the door. I knew that I was getting a party later today and still I got surprised this mare is something else. She put her face up to mine and said “Did we surprise you? I bet we did no pony would trip and fall with that kind of face if they weren’t ".
As much as I hate to admit it she got me pretty good I haven’t been surprised like that since when I was still learning how to change form but that’s a story for another day for now I have a crazy pink mare to deal with “Yes I admit it pinkie you surprised me but you better be careful, next time it may be me doing the surprising.” “I’d like to see you try” She said as she put her face away from my face and hoof bumped me as a sign of her accepting the challenge. ‘May the best pony win’ I thought.
After the challenge declaration with Pinkie I noticed that there were tons of other ponies I didn’t know who were mostly focused on me at the moment. Again I've never been put on the spot like this party has, and I had to say I was really nervous just sitting in front of this crowd. I felt like they were staring at me seeing through my disguise and even into my very thoughts. Although in the back reaches of my mind I knew that wasn't true, but it didn't help how I felt though.
I moved over to Pinkie and whispered to her “Pinkie I thought you said you would make this a small party". “Oh I'm sorry Camo but whenever I throw a welcome party for somepony it's really hard to not get the rest of the town involved". “It’s alright I guess..." I collapsed then my body decided that this was the perfect time to remind me that I needed to feed.
My senses started to grow dull to the point that I could only here hoof steps hurrying toward me. Soon there were ponies crowding my vision each trying to get me to respond to whatever they were saying but I couldn't decipher any of it and I could feel my life force slipping away.
As a last resort I tried pulling any love that was emitting off of anypony around me. To my astonishment there was a large abundance of it and I started to pull it towards me. I guess they were all worried about my well-being, enough so that they emitted it in large quantities. In a matter of no time at all my body returned to one hundred percent and I was able to get up and hear again.
"Are you ok?" Pinkie asks. “Yeah I'm fine just a little hungry is all." Pinkie gave me a condescending look before she accepted my excuse and led me to a table. All the while other ponies where whispering in the background and I was only able to hear fragments of what they were saying “Is he ok?” “Why did he faint so suddenly?” “Maybe we overwhelmed him when we …
I stopped listening as soon as Pinkie pushes the cake in front of me. With closer examination I see that it was the cake that she had created when I first met her. It looked just about the same as she had shown it to me the first time only now it looked even more delicious. Before I could even cut into the cake though Sweetie Bell came over to my table and said “Camo are you ok?" she clearly had concern and worry etched on her face and it made me stop and think. We haven’t been friends for more than one day why is she so worried about me. It took my queen a couple years before she let me even get close to her and for good reason to. To let Sweetie know I’m alright I said “Yeah I just lost my strength before; I'll be fine once I get some food in me".
Wanting to change the subject I said “So where are the rest of the girls." She took a while to answer the question and during that time I cut myself a slice of cake and started to eat. It. Was. Delicious. My mouth was watering from the taste of it. I've never eaten anything that good, well I don't each much food to begin with but still it was amazing.
After my great discovery of the deliciousness that is Pinkie's cake Sweetie Bell began to speak. “They went to go get something they'll be here soon." I should have tried to relinquish some more answers out of her but instead I offered her some cake. “Would you like some cake then?" she smiled and said “sure".
We ate are slices in silence for a couple minutes while other ponies introduced themselves to me. Whenever I looked at Sweetie Bell she would blush and look away. Also I saw that she was acting a lot more nervous than when we were with the other members of the CMC.
Finally she worked up enough nerve to speak to me. “Camo about what happened this morning...." Immediately the memory of us kissing implants itself on my corneas. “Can we pretend it never happened and keep it between us" she said. “Sure it's like it never happened” I said. Almost immediately she perked back up and started to act normal. I guess she just wanted to get that off her chest.
So we started to chat about some things for a while nothing to exciting just an exchange of random bits of information. All the while the cake on the table started to diminish in slices. When the cake was half eaten just a minute after our conversation, Scootaloo and Apple bloom joined us though they had presents on their backs.
“Here Camo we decided to get you something for your party". They plopped it down on the table near my plate. I swallowed the piece of cake that was in my mouth and cleared my throat “girls you didn't have to do this for me." “Of course we had to we wanted our newest friend to feel welcome in our town". What Scootaloo said really touched me in my heart, they called me there friend no one ever had the privilege of calling me there friend before. Well accept maybe Chrysalis but even I don’t know what to call our relationship.
I opened Scootaloo’s present first and I carefully unwrapped the gift. We didn't really have much cause for celebration back at the hive. Chrysalis never gave us birthday presents or even a party for that matter. Well the only way we actually enjoy ourselves is when we conquer a set area and drain the love of the ponies that live there. It's like a feast that normal ponies have on Hearth's warming day.
Once I shredded through enough of the decorative wrapping I looked down into it to see goggles. I picked out of the box and put it over my head. I thanked Scootaloo and this is what she had to say " it's nothing really I just had an extra pair lying around and sense you’re a Pegasus I figured you'd have need of it someday".
I give her my biggest and most sincere smile I could and said “thank you". She smiled and said “your welcome it really was nothing” as she said this she blushed from embarrassment and tried to look away. I then opened Apple blooms present and about halfway of uncovering the wrapping a delicious smell permeated from the inside of the gift. Again we changelings don't get full from eating normal food but sometimes we do eat food simply because we love the taste and smell, and judging by the smell of what's coming out I hypothesized that it would taste good.
Once the wrapping was out I was staring at a perfectly made apple pie, and it was still warm to the touch. “Granny smith and I made that for you we both hope that you enjoy it." To show my appreciation to her I dug my face straight into the pie and started to eat it, and boy was it delicious and I could tell that it was made with tender love and care. I'm a changeling I can sense these things, speaking of which I’m getting a steady intake of love from Scootaloo and Apple bloom. It may not be as good as Pinkie’s cake but it was a close second.
There really happy that I enjoyed there presents so much. “Apple bloom that was the best apple pie I've ever eaten, maybe you'll get your cutie mark in pie making" while saying this I picked up one of the napkins on the table and dabbed the remaining food off of my muzzle. “Nah Granny Smith already has a cutie mark for that, ah wouldn't feel as special if I earned a cutie mark like her."
Her reasoning does make sense though it may be her special talent, and she just doesn't know it. “Camo I'm sorry I didn't get you a present I promise I will make it up to you" Sweetie Bell says as she looks at me dejectedly. “No you don't have to, you've all done so much already". Hearing this her smile returns on her face and I start to feel some love poor into me from her.
“So have ya decided to join us as a cutie mark crusader" Apple bloom asks with hope in her eyes. Well I've decided I can't join them for obvious reasons it could jeopardize everything that I've worked for, I haven't really done anything but it's still my first day here and I already know my way through parts of the town that has to count for something right? Anyway I tell them my decision and immediately there demeanor sours.
"Come on guy's were still friends right and besides I could always help you with your crusades but, I just won't be a part of it". They brightened up a bit but they had a lot less vigor then before. The rest of the party was not really that interesting I did get my necklace back from Rarity and I was able to meet Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack. They were each good friends of Pinkie and also Apple jack was Apple blooms older sister.
Even after I left the party was still going on I guess some ponies like to party hard. I didn't really have a place to sleep so I decided that I would sleep on a cloud since I just recently found out there really comfortable to lie down on. I found a pretty decent sized one and fell into a deep sleep.
When I wake up its dawn and I'm still on the same cloud that I was on before. Though the position has changed it seems that the cloud orbited to the other side of town. My head is pounding it seems someone was trying to contact me in my sleep I close my eyes and connect to the changeling who wanted to speak with me. It was Red the official leader of the council, “why did you want to speak with me" I asked inquisitively.
”I’m terribly sorry my lord it's just that you are the last changeling to be our leader and If something were to happen to you there wouldn't be anyone to lead us."
“Continue" I say to him. “Well the counsel and I have been talking and we've decided that you need at least some protection when you’re on your own."
“You’ve made a decision without my consent" I yell at him feeling my anger start to rise. “You’re the king now my lords there are things that need to be established and this is one of them."
" Don't call me a king" I say to him " our queen is still out there somewhere and once we find her she'll regain her rightful place on the throne, I am only holding down her kingdom until she returns."
"Your protector will be there by the end of the day I’m sorry to go against your wishes my lord but your all we have left". The more I talked to him the more I felt annoyed by him. “Just look harder for our queen" I said and to completely end the conversation I 'hang up' the connection between us.
When I opened my eyes again the sun had risen quite a bit. So I decided to stretch my body and glide down to the ground. Before I could reach the ground however I heard a faint howl. This howl sounded as if something were in pain. When I hit the ground I turned my head into the direction of where the howling came from.
Turns out it came from the ever free forest which just so happened to be right next to me. The cloud probably floated its way over to the Everfree forest. Either that or somepony was trying to play a prank on me. Though it was probably the former I heard that clouds around the Everfree forest move on their own, maybe this one just happened to drift all the way to the other side of town.
Anyway that's not important right now I have to find the source of the howling. With that resolve I charged straight into the forest. The forest was darkening rather quickly until I could barely see what was in front of me. All I could do was follow the sound and hope I could find the source of it.
I transformed out of my Pegasus form and back into my changeling form immediately the darkness lessened a bit. I guess pony eyes don’t come equipped with night vision capabilities. After a while of searching I found a small clearing with a wounded wolf cub howling softly in pain. It acknowledged my existence and looked at me with pleading eyes.
I don't know what compelled me to do so but I went over to it and fed it magic through my horn. The injuries that it adhered were many scratches over the body. It was bleeding profusely and I had lessened it considerably but it still needed to be treated by someone who was an expert in animals.
Immediately after I thought that my brain clicked, I should take the pup to Fluttershy. I put the pup on my back and returned out of the Everfree forest the same way I had entered. During the party yesterday I learned that Fluttershy lived near the Everfree so I quickly changed back into my Pegasus form and traveled around the perimeter of the forest. I did this quickly but carefully as to not hurt the pup even further.
The reason I'm calling it by pup is because I don't know if it's a girl or a boy. I didn't really have the time considering it was left there to die. In no time at all I had found a home near the Everfree and I assumed it was Fluttershy's, why you may ask because there are animals all around this home and the mare in question is flying around tending to these animals.
I trotted up to her and said " Fluttershy" I may have said her name louder than I needed to because once I said her name she let out a small "eep" and hid behind a tree nearby. “Fluttershy I'm sorry I scared you but I need your help." She quickly uncovered her hooves from her face and looked at me. Her eyes immediately grew larger, probably in shock and said “what happened to that poor creature on your back".
So I told her what happened starting with the faint howling and how I had found him like this. Of course I left out the part where I had healed it with some of my magic. All the while she was listening attentively to what I was saying while she tended to the rest of the pup's injuries. She had a rag that she was pressing into the pup’s fur and each time she pulled it off of the pup, it got stained redder and redder with blood.
The pup was unconscious or what I believed to be unconscious its eyes were not opened and it was breathing softly. It may have been asleep but I can't be too sure. Fluttershy excused herself from her newest patient and told me to watch after it while she managed to go get gauze to wrap it's injuries with.
While she went I took the liberty of looking at it to get a better picture of what it looked like. It was a black furred wolf with two red spots and two green spots on its chest, its tail was small and the eye color by what I can tell is a light blue shade. I then remembered the three pairs of eyes that have been following me since I was in Canterlot and I wondered does this pup have anything to do with those three eyes. I mean the eyes that I saw were red, green, and blue and this pup apparently has the same pair on its fur. It can't just be a coincidence though I guess I'll have to figure that out later Fluttershy is returning.
She told me to hold the roll of gauze in my hooves while she unrolled it and wrapped it around the pup’s scratches. When she was done I felt compelled to say something “Fluttershy thanks for your help this really means a lot to me" she looked back at me and gave me a small smile before saying " it's fine taking care of animals is my job after all". My face broke out into smile when I heard that she really does enjoy what she does “Is it ok if you could watch the pup for me until it gets better."
“Of course I'll make sure to take good care of him until he's healthy again." With that said I said goodbye to Fluttershy and headed out I'm sure she had everything under control. While leaving my stomach rumbled and I remembered I still needed to feed for today. I wasn't that hungry but it always does well to make sure you have a steady intake of love each day.
I had reserves of love you could say but love is better when freshly squeezed. So I decided to find out where any members of the CMC were. I decided to head to the apple family's farm, that's where Applebloom lives if I recall correctly. I flew in the direction of the farm enjoying the nice morning breeze. I really should do this more often it takes away the pain that I feel whenever I remember that my queen is gone.
Knowing her though she is probably trying to find another way to dominate Equestria or at the very least get revenge on whoever defeated her. Come to think of it I don't really know who defeated her. I'd assume it was the holders of the elements of harmony but the elements of harmony themselves were nowhere in the room. So that would mean it wasn't them and if it wasn't them then who blasted all the changelings into oblivion.
While trying to ponder on the subject I noticed I was flying over some Apple trees. Judging from the distance I was going I could see that I was in the middle of the orchard. How did I get here without noticing anything?
I decided to land and began to walk through the various trees sprawled around. I didn't eat any of the delicious looking apples because I figured Applejack would be mad at that, plus it wouldn't fill me with any sustenance anyway. I find a break in the trees and through it I see the way to the Apple family's barn and also a tree house.
I headed for the tree house, wanting to know what its purpose was. I got close to the steps leading to the tree house but I didn’t even make one step on them before a voice interrupts " Camo, what are y'all doing here near mah clubhouse?" when I turned around it was Applebloom who was talking to me I quickly answered " Well I was flying over the farm when I saw this magnificent clubhouse and I just knew I had to take a closer look at it."
She looked me up and down before saying “Alright then follow me I'll give you the tour." She went on to tell all the major features of the clubhouse, I wasn't listening I was mainly trying to concentrate on absorbing her love into me. Though one thing she said stood out above the rest. “This is the spot we sit around to come up with good ideas". One of my eyebrows rose up in confusion “you use a spot to come up with great ideas."
“Yeah most of our crusading ideas come to us when we sit and think on that spot." The spot in question was a target complete with red and white circles. My mind couldn't comprehend how one could get ideas from this one spot but I guess it's only crazy if it doesn't work.
"So where are the other crusaders shouldn't they be here with you?" “There on their way here we were supposed to do some crusading today." Suddenly her eyes got huge and she said with extreme excitement “Wanna join us I know you’re not a crusader yet but maybe you could help us find our cutie marks." “Let me think about it for a moment" once I said this Applebloom immediately pointed at the spot in the corner of the clubhouse.
I looked at her confused for a moment before she said “it’s also a good spot for thinking".
I decided to take her word for it and sat down on it. I could go and hang out with them I don't see the problem with it, but will hanging out with them really get me closer to finding my queen.
They treat me as their friends there also one of the first to accept me but if I get too close to them they may find out my secret or worse they may get me distracted from my mission although I do owe them for the presents and for when they allowed me into the castle.
Alright I'll hang out with them for a while and then I'll head for the library there may be something on my queen there. After all we are talking about twilight here and with her affiliation with the princess she’s bound to have something on the location of my queen. “Ok I'll join you on your crusade for today."
Apple bloom gave a "yes" in triumph and proceeded to go outside of the clubhouse, probably to wait for her friends and give them the news. After a while of waiting the familiar buzzing sound of Scootaloo on her scooter got louder and louder until it stopped completely. I went outside to see if my guess was right and indeed it was. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo had just gotten off there transportation and were headed straight for Apple Bloom.
The three of them gave each other a quick hug before proceeding to the doorway of the tree house. Every step they took they looked more and more excited, probably by the fact that they can do crusades they thought they wouldn't be able to do without a Pegasus that can fly. “Camo you’re really going to help us today?" Scootaloo asked with a vigorous tone. “Yeah why not I pretty much have nothing else to do today." Almost immediately after I said this she started jumping around excitedly. “Girls we can finally try sky diving."
“Isn’t skydiving a little dangerous for us I mean were just kids" I said. I should have figured she'd say something like that I mean if her role model is Rainbow Dash then I should've figured that she would want to do something that would rival her apparent awesomeness. “Why does every pony say that, all you have to do is drop us over a lake or something so that we land safely" now that could work and unless they don't know how to swim nothing can really go wrong. “I guess I could help with that I still have a bad feeling though." Scootaloo then nudges me on the shoulder “Aw come on what could possibly go wrong."
The other crusaders looked like they were ok with it so I decided it was fine to do what they wanted. We arrived at a lake that was on the out skirts of Ponyville I immediately went into the lake and swam down. The lake seemed like it was pretty deep and I would have searched longer but I needed air so I quickly swam back up to the surface.
I took a couple breaths of air before I swam back to the shore where the crusaders were waiting for me. “Alright it seems deep enough so who's first?" Scootaloo immediately raised her hoof in the air why did I even need to ask the question of course the only other Pegasus would want to try first. Especially since she told me she couldn't fly yet back at Canterlot. Speaking of which how long has it actually been since that day we were defeated.
That's a subject to ponder later on right now I have a flightless Pegasus to get airborne. I grab Scootaloo just above her wings and wrapped my front hooves around the circumference of her body and began flapping upwards. We were ascending at a slow pace and by the look of Scootaloo's face I knew she wanted me to go faster. I haven't carried anyone while flying before maybe I should consider weight training.
We arrive at the height that Scootaloo said to stop at and I drop her off on a nearby cloud. I did that mostly because I was tired but also because I figured Scootaloo has never been on a cloud before.
“Alright here I go" and with that she jumped off, I laid down on the cloud and peered over it to see how Scootaloo was doing. She was in a diving position headed for the middle of the lake.
She landed with a splash which caused the water in the lake to turn into waves which in turn splashed water all over Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom. Their faces showed that they were slightly annoyed to get wet before there turn. I jumped off the cloud and started to fall towards the lake but before I could even land in the water I spread my wings and glided to where Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell.
“Ok who's next" I said "me" Sweetie Bell replied though when she said it she had a little nervousness in her voice. I picked her up and began to fly again this time Sweetie Bell didn't want to fall as high as Scootaloo did so we went a little lower than the cloud and dropped Sweetie Bell. On the way down she screamed "CANNON BALL" and landed with a big splash in the lake.
The splash only affected the middle of the lake though so the waves didn't have a chance to mess with the other crusader that was left on the shore. By then Scootaloo was on the shore and she checked her flank for what I assume a cutie mark but to no avail. She looked sad but then decided against it.
I flew back down to the shore and waited for Sweetie Bell to arrive back. When she did she also checked her flank for a cutie mark but there was none. “Alright Apple Bloom you ready?" She nodded slowly and I also noticed that she made an almost inaudible gulping noise. "Su... sure let's go". I could tell from the stuttering that she was most likely afraid of heights.
"Apple Bloom you don't have to do this if you don't want to." Her fear was quickly dispelled by what I would guess to be pride. " Nonsense let's get this over with already." and with that I pulled her up though with each passing second she looked more and more frightened. I got to where I dropped Sweetie Bell and released her from my grip. She started to plummet to the water at a quickening pace and she began to flail her limbs around.
I quickly tried to catch up with her so that she wouldn't be as scared but before I could reach her a griffon caught her and began flying away. After I knocked myself out of my stupefied state of mind I began to chase the griffon. I could tell that he was green with a black shirt on and a scarf dangling from his neck. I quickly used my reserve energy to give myself a boost. Green energy began to swirl around as I charged my way toward the griffon. I tackled him and began leading him toward the ground. We crashed landed on the ground and as soon as I could get up I shook my body to get rid of any dust that had clung to my fur.
I then looked at my surroundings we were about a mile or so away from the lake and Ponyville could be seen in the distance. I then remembered why I had to crash land in the first place, the griffon. He immediately got up and held Apple Bloom in one claw while brandishing a dagger in his other. I realized that sense I wasn't in a unicorn form there would be no why for me to defend myself properly. And with my rapidly draining energy supply it was only a matter of time before I reverted back to normal again. “Put the girl down Griffon"
“Or what pipsqueak you’re gonna do something about it". There isn't much I can do at the moment my options are limited I can't just charge at him again I don't think it'll be as effective as last time. If I can just revert back to normal I may be able to overpower him though I may not be able to turn back. On the other hoof I could just run away but that'll lower any of my chances to get Intel on my queen’s whereabouts plus I'd rather not have to go through one of Pinkies welcome party's again.
“Apple Bloom I need you to close your eyes and don't open them till I tell you." "Why?"
“Just trust me." And with that she closed her eyes allowing me to revert back to my original form. “What you’re a..." I didn't give him the time to complete that sentence because I charged up an energy beam and blasted his claws. The shock of it made him release Applebloom and drop his dagger. With another blast I shot him in the chest. He landed on the ground a couple feet from where he last stood and Apple Bloom landed right next to the drag marks his feet left on the floor.
He then charged at me and was able to scratch my forward making me wince and bleed a bit. My body has a natural regenerative process so the gash on my head will eventually heal back before long. I then slammed my head into his stomach making him stagger back ward I then began to punch his face until he fell unconsciously on to the floor. I wasn’t the queens second in command for no reason. She made sure I was trained by the best to be the best.
When Applebloom landed on the ground she waited until she couldn’t here anymore signs of conflict before she opened her eyes. When she noticed that the gryphon was unconscious right before her eyes. She screamed and started to hyper ventilate, she then saw my hooves and since I didn’t transform back she must of thought something else was going to attack her. She then closed her eyes and said “Camo where are you I think a changeling is about to attack me.”
For a second I thought my cover was blown but she hadn’t looked up to see that Camo wasn’t a Pegasus but a changeling disguised as one. I then turned back into a Pegasus and said “Apple Bloom are you okay?" As she looked into my eyes she saw that it was me but she also gasped and then said “Camo your head is bleeding". I rubbed my hoof over my head and sure enough there was still blood on it. “Yeah I guess your right"
“Did you get that from fighting the gryphon?”
“Yeah but it’s nothing serious just a scratch”
She learned over towards my head and kissed me beneath my wound and then said” when we get back to Ponyville promise me you’ll get it looked at.” I nodded but for the moment I was stunned that she would do that to me and I could feel my cheeks flush.
What’s the matter with me I’m supposed to be the elite of all elite how can such a little filly bring out this much feelings from me. I wonder what my queen would say about this situation I don’t think she would be completely displeased; she may tease me under the circumstances and I would probably never hear the end of it. I gotta retain the training I learned, this friendship is an illusion that I created for the greater good of my queen and the hive nothing more and nothing less. If I get too attached I may corrupt my decisions and thus allowing the hive to fall and that is not what I want. If I’m going to inherit the kingdom I must make the best decision possible to ensure that our race doesn’t go into extinction.
“Come on Camo let’s get back to the girls they must be worried about us. I nodded and we were on our way towards the lake.
We managed to walk back to the lake where this whole mess started. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo weren't there and that kind of made me... nervous I guess you could say. “Maybe they went to Ponyville for some help" Applebloom suggested " I guess we should head back there and see if we can find them" I said, she nodded and we began to walk to Ponyville. Along the way back to Ponyville we saw Applejack carrying an empty cart load of baskets back towards her home. “Hi Applejack” I said to her, she stopped herself from going any further and turned towards us. “Hi Camo, Applebloom what are ya’ll doing this… *gasp* Camo what happened to you?”
“What do you mean Applejack?” She pointed towards my head and I told her what had happened to us. I also told her how I had to fight the griffons off, and of course I excluded the part where I turned back into a changeling. “You must be very strong for your age Camo thanks for protecting my little sis.” “It was no problem Applejack after all she is my friend.” “Why don’t ya’ll come on back to Sweet apple acres so that I can dress that wound and give ya something to eat.”
With no reason to deny the offer we went with her although I did tell her that Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell may be getting help for us. She then said that she’ll send Big Mac to look for them. I took her word for it and we continued to go to her home. At her home she told me to sit on the couch while she got Big Mac and the med kit. Applebloom on the other hoof went into the kitchen and brought me a plate of pancakes. She also got herself a plate and sat next to me on the couch. “Its times like this that I wish I was a unicorn” I said as I began to eat my pancakes. “Why is that Camo?”
“Well look I got hurt protecting you for one thing, I also hate trying to use my hooves to eat like this”. “Well you could always eat like I eat” the way applebloom eats is by shoving her mouth towards the plate and munching on the pancakes that way. When she came back her mouth was covered in syrup and pancake bits. “I could do that but then I’d have to clean my face afterwards and that just takes more time off from the day plus it doesn’t seem like the proper way to eat.” “You’re starting to sound like Rarity” Applebloom said, that got my attention “how so?” “Well she always goes on about how things should be done and how nice you have to look; it gets kinda annoying after a while.” I suppose it could get kind of annoying, to think that Sweetie bell lives with her on an almost constant basis, I think Sweetie bell just earned a bit of my respect.
A little patter on the stairs made me turn my attention towards it; it was Applejack and Big Mac. AJ headed toward me with the med kit on her back she told me to lay down and that what she was about to do my hurt a bit. She put some medicinal cream on the four jagged marks on my face and admittedly they really did start to burn but I think the reason for that is because pony medicine may have adverse effects on changelings. Either that or I’m thinking this so that I don’t feel like a wimp when the pain starts to make my eyes tear up.
I try my best to hold back the unnecessary tears but it was no use. At this point I was sure that I looked pathetic I guess I’m just glad that none of my kind were here to witness this. I would probably never be able to live this down especially since I’ve had worse injuries then this before and have never flinched or gave thought to it. I looked so pathetic in fact that Applebloom began to put her hoof on my back and rubbed it to comfort me. I just wanted this to be over and to get on with the day.
When she was done with dressing my wound I took the liberty of washing my plate along with Applebloom’s. “Applebloom do you want to go look for the other crusaders” I said she nodded and said” I don’t think they’ll stop trying to look for us until we show them that were fine. With that we told Applejack we were leaving and went outside. After a while I thought that maybe what happened this morning was just a dream, the grass was green and felt lush under my hooves the sky was a beautiful shade of blue and the sun was shining brightly.
I felt happy even though there was a lot going on. I never had the time to just walk peacefully or even enjoy my surroundings. When I find my queen I’ll have to ask her if I could get time off once in a while to view the scenery. Hopefully she doesn’t joke about how soft she thinks I’m starting to become. By the time we got back to Ponyville we noticed that there was a supreme lack of ponies in the area. “I wonder where everypony went off to" I voiced out loud. "Me to" Applebloom chimed in, “Let’s keep going there has to be somepony around here. We continued to walk along the path passing empty buildings and stalls as we went.
Ponyville started to give off an eerie feeling and it started to get to me. There must be some reason why this town is so empty, almost as if someone knew what I was thinking I started to hear voices nearby. " Applebloom do you hear that?" "Yeah it sounds like somepony is having a conversation." “Let’s see if we can find them". We continued on the path that held the voices. I noticed after a while that the closer we got to the voices the louder they got and the closer we got to the mayor’s office.
We turned a corner to find the embodiment's of the elements, Twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity talking to Mayor Mare. Fluttershy may be taking care of her animals and didn't have the time to come over here. My thoughts wandered back on the wolf pup I saved I wondered how it was doing and I hoped that it was making a speedy recovery; I'll have to visit him later on today. Most of them looked worried about something while Pinkie was bouncing around happily as if nothing was wrong Twilight was pacing back and forth as if something was troubling her and Rarity looked scared.
“Twilight is something wrong?” I asked she answered back without even looking at me “Yes something is very wrong theirs a couple griffons heading this way and they each are wanted by the equestrian guard for a high price of bits and we don’t have any means to stop them… Oh Camo I didn’t see you there you should go home or stay at someone place it’s not safe to be out right now. Also please try to forget what you just heard.”
Deciding not to push the awkward situation even further we decided to go to Sweetie bell’s house since hers was probably where she and Scootaloo would go. We knocked on the door and waited for a response after a while the door opened to reveal a white stallion with a brown mustache and blue eyes. He's attire consisted of a teal shirt with flowers adorned on it and a straw hat placed on his head. Judging from how old he looked I assumed he was Sweetie Bell's father seeing as they both had white fur covering their bodies.
“Applebloom is that you? You've grown so much since last I saw you." “You only saw me last week..." "Who's your friend, I haven't seen you or the girls hang out with a colt before." I couldn't see Apple blooms face but judging from the feeling I sensed from within her I knew she was embarrassed and might even be blushing from it. “Is Sweetie Bell home?" Apple bloom said weakly. "Sure come on in" as we were walking inside I said” nice to meet you sir" we shook hooves and proceeded to enter the household.
Apple bloom went up the stairs and I followed after her. As we were going down the hall way I saw pictures hanging from the wall and decided to look at them. From what I could tell from each picture it was from when rarity was born leading to her age now and Sweetie Bell's birth to her present age. It got me thinking, no one in the hive has this kind of relationship with anyone, as far as I'm concerned we act like soldiers doing whatever were asked of by our queen. Although there are times when we have breaks and are allowed to do whatever we want as long as we show up again at the appointed time, but that doesn't come close to ponies and there family relationships.
As I stopped to look at a picture of a younger looking Sweetie bell hugging Rarity my time to gaze at it dwindled when Apple bloom waved me over to what I assume is Sweetie Bell's room. We knock on the door and a waited for someone to open the door. Finally Sweetie Bell opened the door and immediately hugs us. “You guys are ok we were so worried." Soon Scootaloo then came out of the room and hugged us as well. She then quickly pushed herself away from us I guess it isn’t cool to hug other pony’s “You guys almost had me scared almost." She emphasized to an extreme degree so that we she could get her point across. I never knew how good it felt to be hugged. It's an odd feeling but it felt nice.
“Were fine Camo took care of the griffons he won't be bothering us anymore." I rub my hoof on the back of my head embarrassingly and I could feel heat rushing to my cheeks. “It was nothing really I had to protect myself and others a lot before I moved to Ponyville. So do you girls know how long were supposed to stay inside yet?" They shook their heads. “No my parents didn't say anything and Rarity hasn't told me anything so far either" Sweetie Bell replied. “Even Rainbow dash hasn't said anything yet" Scootaloo said sighing and looking dejected.
“From what twilight told me they’re going to talk with a pack of griffons that are worth a lot of bits for catching. There hoping that they will leave our town alone since there aren’t any guards pony’s around. “Well since I can fly I could see what happens when they confront them." They lit up at the thought of knowing information sooner rather than later and quickly pestered my ongoing.
“Alright I'll go take a look just don't follow me." I opened the window, stretched my wings and headed off. I would check out where the griffons were and what the elements were up to but I need to start gathering information on the whereabouts of my queen, and I may know where to find it. If I remember correctly Twilight owns a library and the information I need might be there.
I land in front of the library and await a response, it really is quiet out. Makes you almost one with nature itself the peace and serenity of it all is really quite beautiful. Spike opens the door of the library and Sais “your Camo right?" “Yeah" I answer back. “What are you doing on the floor?" “I’m not on the flo..." Before I could even finish the sentence I realize that I am on the floor and quickly get up and dust myself off. “Sorry, the quietness of Ponyville must have gotten to me". It’s fine come on in and I’ll make us some tea." "Ok"
We got inside the library and Spike headed in the direction of the kitchen, while I on the other hoof looked at the books they had in stock. I need a clue of some sort to tell me where our queen has gone. Knowing her she would like to come back to us feeling like she accomplished something. My guess is she's aiming for more power something or someone that may help her turn the tide in defeating the elements and overthrowing Celestia.
Spike sauntered back into the room with a tray of tea, biscuits and gems. He ushered me to the table and we sat down and ate in silence until Spike said "So Camo what did you come here for?" “Nothing much I just wanted a book to read is all." "I guess that's no surprise there so what book were you looking for, something about the crystal ponies perhaps?" My mind stopped on crystal ponies “wait what about crystal ponies."
“I guess you haven't heard yet the crystal empire has returned and with it came the crystal ponies." “Really what happened when they returned?" “Well the elements and I had to help Shining Armor and Cadance stop King Sombra from taking it over." Hmm interesting this might be useful information. “So what happened to Sombra" " Cadance used the crystal heart to banish Sombra away and he hasn't been seen since. His horn did seem to be intact as it flew away but I’m sure that’s not important .”
“Spike can I see a book on king Sombra?" “Sure thing I think Princess Cadence sent us volumes of the crystal empires history a couple days ago. He handed me a purple book embroidered with what I assumed was king Sombra's face and crystals around the edges. The title said king Sombra and his tyrannous reign. I opened it and began reading, what I was hoping to find is whether he could've survived something of that caliber. What I've read so far is that many of his citizens despised him and they were too scared of him to do anything about it. It also says he was trained in dark magic and knew how to control it magnificently.
Aha here's something it says that king Sombra can break his horn into pieces to Influence other pony's or merely infect a land. Also it talks of him once disappearing for a long period of time in which they call the grace period. During this time Princess Cadence ancestors came into power and led this time of peace using the crystal heart for protection. After a couple centuries he returned and tried to plunge the crystal kingdom back into his power at this time Celestia and Luna stepped in and managed to stop him at the cost of putting the crystal kingdom in a thousand year slumber.
If my queen was looking for an ally Sombra would be someone she'd set out to find. His dark magic may be beneficial to us and if we were able to help him capture the crystal kingdom we'd have an endless supply of love its beneficial for both sides I don't see why an alliance couldn’t form between us. The problem is where would his horn be and even if she found it she would return to the hive afterward. “Camo are you ok you've been staring at that book for a while now." “Hmm… yeah sorry about that I was just thinking about something. Thanks for the help Spike". "Anytime"
I'll have to assimilate what I've learned later maybe I can even come up with a plan of action. For now though ill check to see how the pup is doing back at Fluttershy's cottage. I took to the skies and guided myself back to Fluttershy’s home near the Everfree forest. Fluttershy was taking care of other animals making sure they had enough to eat and they had not wandered to close to the forest. I dropped down at the fence and said “Hey Fluttershy" she yelped into the air and proceeded to hide behind a nearby tree. I made my way to her and put my hoof reassuringly on her back. "I'm sorry If I scared you" she stopped shivering and turned to look at me” no it wasn't your fault I just wasn't expecting anyone till later what with everypony worried about the griffons."
"Any particular reason why your here and not with the other elements." “Well... I had a bad run in with the last one she made me cry after I accidentally bumped into her." Some tears started to form in her eyes and it was starting to make me sad. “I’m sorry I brought it up I just came by to see how the pup was doing." She took a moment to compose herself before she said “sure follow me". She led me into her cottage and to the couch where the pup was resting soundly.
He had bandages over his torso and paws and he wasn't bleeding as bad as I first found it. “It took a while to get him bandaged up but once I did he fell asleep soundlessly on the couch. Even though he's a wolf his actions is more like a dogs than a wolf’s." “Thanks Fluttershy for taking care of him on such short notice." "Its fine every now and again there’s an animal in danger in a much similar way he was so it was nothing at all really." Despite what she said I thanked her again and she proceeded to leave the room and take care of the other animals. I on the other hoof decided to stay near the pup for a little while longer. I put my hoof on his dark fur and stroked it affectionately after a while it opened one eye and licked my face before slowly going back to sleep. Might as well let him rest I have other things I need to attend to.
"I wonder what's taking Camo so long it's been an hour already" Sweetie Bell complained. “Yeah you'd think him being a Pegasus would cause him to be here quicker" Scootaloo chimed in.” Girls we must give him the benefit of the doubt he is our friend after all" Apple bloom said trying to make her friends stay positive about the situation. “I have an idea why don't we sneak out and go see the gryphons ourselves" Scootaloo thought out loud.
“Scoots that's a terrible idea we just experienced a gryphon up close and personal today why would we try to do something like sneak out" Sweetie Bell said smartly. “Because what if those gryphons are better than the last one plus were in town nothing bad can happen to us when other ponies are watching." The white and yellow filly thought about what she had said and started to think that maybe it was a good idea. “I guess it wouldn't hurt to go take a look" the red maned filly spoke warily. “Great let's go" Scootaloo said with joy.
After I left Fluttershy's cottage I looked around Ponyville for signs of other gryphons unfortunately I couldn't find any. I landed in the center of Ponyville and started to walk, hoping to hear them talk to the elements. I turned a corner and smacked face first into Diamond Tiara “ow" she said, we were both on the ground in a sitting position rubbing our foreheads. “Hey Diamond Tiara what are you doing out?" I said as I stopped rubbing my forehead and stood up. I helped her get back on her hooves and she said “I was looking for you actually, and thanks". “You’re welcome, what did you need me for?"
She dusted herself of as did I and afterward she said " I need to show you something follow me" she walked down the road and headed into an alley, if I was a normal foal I probably would have thought twice about entering but since I'm not I followed in without giving it a second thought. Halfway in she told me to look at the other side of the alley and see if anypony was on the streets. Of course there wasn't because of the gryphons and I started to wonder what she wanted to show me that was so important and secretive.
I walked back to her and told her there was no pony there. “You’re the temporary king of the changelings aren't you" I managed to keep a straight face and acted as if what she said didn't faze me. "I have no idea what you’re talking about" I said making sure that my voice held no indication on anything. “It’s ok my lord I'm a changeling as well you don't have to act so secretly." "If you’re a changeling then prove it revert back to normal." “You ask and you shall receive." Pink flames covered her body and turned her fur from pink to black, wings that weren't there before sprouted from her back a horn protruded from her forehead her mane and eye color stayed the same as if she were still in her disguised form crystal blue, and purple with a streak of white in it.
I've heard about changelings like her but I thought they were myths, legends, stuff that no one thought were true but here's one right in front of me. Legend has it that Chrysalis was originally a pony who had been corrupted by her desire for everyone to love her. Angered by what she had become she vowed to get revenge on her sisters blaming them for her transformation but also thanking them for a way to increase her powers beyond that of her siblings. At the height of her power she corrupted the hearts of other pony's turning them into the original changelings. They had pony like appearances but were better than that of changelings, they didn’t need love to survive and they could easily fit into a crowd of pony's without ever getting caught.
These original changelings eventually died out causing chrysalis to create the changelings she governs now. Any way to ensure that she would almost always have the upper hand she planted egg chambers of the original changelings in each town. The release of one would happen when the previous one died ensuring constant watch of the town without having one of us normal changelings kidnap someone. “Are you the one the council sent to guard me?" She nodded and said “Yes I am they also told me you would need some help trying to locate the queen so I nominated myself to join you." I reverted back to my original form so that we can talk as equals and also if anypony saw us I wouldn't blow my cover with my disguise.
“What information do you have at the moment king Camo?" “Please don't call me that I’m not a king and I have no intention of being the king as long as there's a small chance that our queen is out there." “Ok my lord but please tell me the information that you have gathered so far so that I may better understand our position." ”I believe that our queen is searching for more power and I believe the power resides in king Sombra and his crystal kingdom. Think about if we had the crystal kingdom under our control we'd have an endless amount of love, an ally, and somepony who wants just as much of revenge on the princesses as we do. The problem is she probably has to find Sombra first and that may take a while and I assume she will contact us to donate our power to allow Sombra to return to his original state. Until then though we have to make sure that we prosper so that when she returns she will have a powerful army to pay the princesses back tenfold."
DT sat there in awe for a moment before saying " you came up with that in how long?!" “In about an hour after I read up on what happened to Sombra though the whole thing is speculation and I could be wrong but it’s the only explanation I can think of with the information I've acquired." “I can see why our queen thinks so highly of you and even appointed you to second in command." “How do you know this if you were in Ponyville for the majority of your life?" I asked baffled. " The queen keeps us informed while were in our pods so we know just as much as you do when were sent out, what do we do now my lord wait for our princess to contact us?." “Precisely she can't stay away from us for too long and when she returns well welcome her back with open hooves but until then we lay low and wait."
“Since you’re going to be staying In Ponyville for a while you’re going to need a place to stay how about you stay in my house my dad won't mind." "Wait a minute you have a father?" " As Diamond Tiara I do as a changeling I don't come on I'll show you to the manor." She reverted back into her pony version as did I and we made the journey to her manor but before we even left the alley way I heard a trash can tip and fall and the soft clopping of hooves on the dirt. It dwindled until whoever was there was long gone. Someone was spying on us we have to be more weary of where we meet up next time.
Back at Sweetie Bell's house the three crusaders we're going frantic about what they had just seen and heard. “I can't believe there are changelings here in Ponyville we have to tell somepony" the white filly said. “No" both Scootaloo and Applebloom said” who will believe us were just children" Scootaloo said. “I can't believe there going to emprisonate the crystal empire after all my sister and her friends did to save it" Apple bloom said. Both the white filly and orange filly nodded in sad realization, they all loved the crystal empire and would have given almost anything to go and visit it.
“We have to find out who the changeling is, maybe that will give us the advantage over them. But who can it be?" Said Sweetie Bell now deep in thought, the other fillies were thinking as well but no pony came to mind. “Since we can't think of anypony right now how about we look to see who is acting different and suspicious" Apple bloom said” That's a great idea and we might get our cutiemarks out of it to" Scootaloo said happily. “Yeah we could get our cutiemarks in uh... changeling capturing." “Is that even a real thing?" “It could be no one knew about changelings until the wedding and if we get our cutiemarks from this will be the very first ponies ever to show of changeling capturing cutie marks."
"Alright all in favor for catching this changeling say I" All three filly's gave an excited "I" and started to make plans on who the changelings were disguising as and how to capture them effectively.
" How are you enjoying the manor so far Camo” we were currently walking down one of the many extravagant path ways in the manor from what I’ve seen so far everything is so posh and looks very expensive. It must have taken awhile to earn enough money for the rugs and the intricate detail displayed on the pictures on the walls. “I have to admit it's pretty nice but I can't live here for the remainder of my time in Ponyville it just wouldn’t feel right." Honestly I'm doing this for our own good if anyone gets to suspicious of diamond tiara they may discover that she's a changeling and that'll make things even more complicated. “I’d prefer to sleep on a cloud those things are extremely soft." Diamond Tiara shrugged and said” Suit yourself just know that you are always welcomed here." "Thanks diamond now if you don't mind I have something to investigate."
I traveled down the flight of steps in the living room and exited through the front doors and took flight into the sky. I wonder if the rest of the elements had confronted the griffons they must of by now. I landed on one of the clouds and began to circle the circumference of Ponyville hoping to find them. I did eventually find them but I was surprised with what they were doing. From what I could see they were directing four griffons toward the Everfree forest.
One of the griffons was notably younger probably about the same age as the crusaders she was also very sick and the one holding her looked to be the leader he was the second tallest and his feathers were light gray and contrasted with his black claws and black outlines over his eyes, he had two others with him the bigger one had completely jet black feathers and yellow eyes he was definitely the scariest looking in the group. The last gryphon was a female with red feathers and crimson eyes.
The place they were leading them to was the Everfree forest and I was wondering if they were leading them to the forest so that they could wander endlessly and die. That would be one way to get rid of them. Although knowing them their trying to help or at least steer them in the right direction of what they want. I followed slowly behind them to not rouse suspicion of why a cloud is following them or getting myself seen.
They stopped at the entrance to the forest and I saw Twilight point at it and talk to them. I couldn't hear what they were saying but judging from her sullen expression and how the leader Griffon looked at the younger in his claws I could tell that it wasn't good. The leader nodded and he began to walk in with the bigger griffon slowly walking behind. The female griffon followed behind the elements as they went back towards Ponyville. I followed sue and began to follow them in my original form. After all if spotted I don’t want my pony form to singled out because of it, it would only hinder the search for my queen.
I stayed about fifty paces away and tried to blend into the surroundings which was easy enough considering that top level changelings can change their features to mirror their surroundings instead of just ponies or maybe I’m the only one that can, it would explain why Chrysalis called me Camo after training. Before I could think about it further my train of thought was interrupted by a pack of timber wolves, they were surrounding the leader griffon and co. The leader gave the sick griffon to his towering companion, he pulled out two daggers from his leg straps, I could tell they were embed with some kind of power by the way they glowed but I couldn't make it out much from my current position. One second he was standing there and the next he disappeared before reappearing a second later behind the wolves. Afterward he slowly slid the daggers back into the leg straps and as soon as it the hilt hit the strap all 7 of the timber wolves were instantly cut into pieces quickly bursting into flames as there remains hit the floor.
There was nothing left but small piles of ashes that blew into the wind, I could tell that he meant business and that he really cared for the sicker griffon. His companion returned the sicker one to him and they continued but after about a couple steps they stopped and the leader turned in the general direction that I was in. He couldn’t see me if he did he probably would of attacked by now known the less a small sweat started to trickle down my fore head. Finally he said " whoever is following us just know that if you do anything to harm us I will get you and you'll be begging for mercy by the time I'm through with you."
As the bushes covered them from me I began to shiver and more cold sweats came over my body I've only felt like this once in my entire life and that was only when I disobeyed my queen. That’s a long story and I might tell it over later but for now I need to regain my composure and continue following them.
They stopped at a hut and were allowed entrance by a zebra and. From what I could tell they were talking about the sick griffon I couldn't make out the details so I put my ear on the side of the hut and used my magic to amplify the sound of what was coming through the hut into my ear. "... I may be able to help your sis as long as something doesn't go a miss." There was a small silence as what was being said connected into their minds.
" No matter what the cost I'll do anything for my sister she's the only family I have left I'll gather the ingredients myself while Aggrod stays here and watches her with you." " While out for the ingredients I need can you look for my friend Specter if you please. “ “No problem it’s the least I can do for your generosity. “ Take care my old friend keep the only family ive ever had safe, oh and make sure you take care of Talik for me you know how she is about my well being.” “May you do well in your travels dear Glifex it is an honorable task to do something that many of your kind would let loose when it is within their grasp.”
Seeing as the conversation was nearly over I jumped into the bushes and watched as Glifex headed deeper into the forest. Now that I know what there up to I guess I could tell the crusaders what's going on and save them the trouble of waiting.
........................ As I returned to Ponyville there was a considerable amount of ponies out and about. I'm sure they were all given the all clear and were allowed to go about their daily lives. Hopefully the crusaders are still at Sweeties house but if not there probably making their way over to the clubhouse. They weren’t at Sweetie’s house, her father did tell me however that they went out before they were given the all clear but he tried to assure me that they were fine and probably hanging out somewhere else. Maybe they got curious about what was happening and decided to leave. I'll still check there clubhouse just in case.
As I was walking through Sweet Apple Acres Applejack decided to stop her work to see how I was doing. We conversed about random subjects for a while until I asked where her sister was. “Her and her friends have themselves hold up in there clubhouse, when I tried to talk to them they said they were busy. " I think they might be planning on doing some more crusades later on today, I bet if you asked them though they'll let you in on their schemes."
" Thanks Applejack see you later" she waved her hoof at me and I continued to the tree house. When I got there I knocked on the door and Applebloom answered it “Camo can you give us a minute" "sure" I said as she closed the door and I could hear fragments of their conversation, the gist of it was that they were wondering about letting me in. After a couple of minutes Scootaloo let me in and said “promise that you won't tell anypony what you hear in here" I promised and she led me toward were the other crusaders were.
"Alright girls tell him what we found out" Apple bloom and Sweetie bell both nodded and the rights to speak were passed to Sweetie bell. “When you left we snuck out of my house because we thought you were taking too long” “while we were sneaking about the streets we saw somepony enter the alleyway and when we looked through we saw two changelings talking to each other.”
So they were the ones spying well if they're going around looking for changelings there isn't much for me to worry about. ”We tried to hear more of what they were saying but we accidentally tripped over the trashcan and we quickly left after that. We don't think they saw us but they definitely heard us so we know that they may think someone might be unto them but they'll never guess that were tailing them."
Honestly I would have never thought they would be looking for trouble with us or maybe they were just going to find evidence of changelings and then take it up with Twilight and the other elements. “Were you planning on telling Twilight that there may be changelings wandering the streets of Ponyville?" They all looked nervously at each other before Scootaloo said “No we were going to catch the changelings ourselves to try and get changeling capturing cutie marks." I face hoofed of course they were doing this for their cutie marks and it's obvious they are no stranger to danger seeing as how they were willing to sky dive.
"Would you girls be willing to add a fourth member to this changeling investigation?" "You'd really help us" Scootaloo said. " Sure it's the least I could do for you girls considering what you've done in the small time we've been friends." Scootaloo was the first to run up to me and hug the feathers off of me. She then realized what she was doing and pushed herself off of me she turned her head away and tried to hide a small blush beginning to form on her cheeks.
"Thanks Camo yer one of the best friends we could have ever asked for, any other pony would have told a grown up or would of said we were crazy" Applebloom exclaimed. As far as I'm concerned they are a bit crazy but there just young, they'll understand when they're older for now I'm going to keep absorbing the love there giving off. “I have an idea Applebloom said "how about y’all ask your parents if you could spend the night at my place to celebrate and kick start this pact to catch the changelings". The other crusaders liked the idea and I went along with it because it just meant I wouldn't go hungry in the middle of the night.
"Alright how about we meet up at my place at about 6:00pm" we nodded our heads and then broke off to our respected "homes", since I didn't have one I just flew into the clouds and decided to wait until about 6 pm. “ A slumber party eh? this will be interesting”.
Before I decided to go to the slumber party I contacted the swarm so that they could give me an update on the happenings of the hive. Most of the council stated that there was a brown stallion going around causing trouble in there designated towns. I had asked if they thought the brown stallion was on to our plan of increasing our forces, but L blue told me that he created some sort of commotion in other towns that I didn't designate anyone to occupy.
I asked them if they could give me more detail on the brown stallion, they said that he had green aura coming out of his eyes a black and grey mane and a star for a cutie mark. I would have to address this problem directly if it continued to be an issue, but judging from the description and the fact that he's going through towns and destroying them means that he's looking for something possibly Sombra I mean he obviously knows dark magic but I’d have to confront him for sure.
From the description of Sombra I got from Twilights library he also had aura coming out of his eyes. If he had fangs then I would say that he was in league with Sombra in some way, there's no way that this isn't just a coincidence. " Tell your forces to watch out for this stallion and to not to engage him, next time he is sighted somewhere tell me and I’ll head that way."
"Of course our king" they all chorused, I sighed and said “I told you before I'm not your king I am only advising until our queen is found." None of them said anything and I thinking the conversation was done was about to disconnect when “what if she doesn't return to us what if she died or simply doesn't want to be with us anymore." My eye began to twitch involuntarily as anger started to take over my body " our queen will return if I have to I will spend the rest of my life searching for her she is our queen the beginning of all changelings and how dare you say something so slanderous, if you ever say something like that again I will strip you of your title and you’ll be banished do I make myself clear.” After another long silence I heard " yes sir sorry about that" I disconnected soon after that I then connected to every changeling I could and told them that everything was going to be ok that I would find our queen and stop the brown stallion from destroying us all.
I felt exhausted after I disconnected from the hive mind, all I wanted to do was fall asleep but I knew I couldn’t what with my new form having a social life. I almost decided against going and apologizing tomorrow but that didn't sit well with me what with them helping me feel welcomed and allowing me access to the castle. I let out another sigh and guided my cloud over to Ponyville's clock tower, apparently it was 6:15 I'm 15 minutes late oh well I'll just tell them I had family troubles or something.
I arrived at sweet apple acres and immediately made a bee line towards the door. I knocked gingerly on it until I heard hoofsteps getting louder as they approached the door. Applejack opened it and said " I bet your hear for the slumber party right?" I nodded and she said “Alright come on in there up in Apple bloom’s room just go up the stairs and make a left."
" Thanks Applejack" I said to her and I made my way to Apple bloom's room, I could hear faint talking through the door and not wanting to barge in haphazardly I knocked on the door and waited for someone to allow me in. Apple bloom opened the door and allowed me in, from what I saw I knew that they had experience in slumber parties before. I did attend one before in another form but none of the ponies knew how to throw one leading to disastrous results.
“Wow you guys really made an effort to have a good sleep over" near the left wall of the room was a table that was lined from each end with candy punch, chips and marshmallows. " Of course what did you expect" Scootaloo stated indignantly " I don’t know I've never been to a slumber party before" Sweetie bell gasped and said " how about we do a slumber party straight from the book like Twilight did" Scootaloo and Applebloom both said "no" making Sweeties head and ears droop down. Sweetie remembered what her sister had told her about the day twilight had her first slumber party. She thought her friends would have enjoyed it but hearing no from the both of them shot that idea down.
"Why don't you girls just do what you normally do and you can just teach me as we go?" They all nodded and Scootaloo gave out a gasp of realization and said “why don't we play truth or dare first" "Sure that sounds like an easy one to start out with but no hard dares or truths yet" Apple bloom said. Scootaloo crossed her hooves and said to Applebloom "sure take all the fun out of it why don't you." “Scoots were trying to give our friend a fun first slumber party can't you respect that enough to bend the rules a bit?"
Scootaloo thought about it for a moment before saying “fine but next time we play there will be no holding back." Applebloom seeing as her friend would play even if the rules were bent a bit smiled and quickly gathered us around in a circle. Sweetie Bell took out four straws and said “To decide who gives out the first truth or dare we will draw straws". Everyone nodded and drew a straw mine ended up being the longest of the four and Applebloom had the shortest of us all.
"Camo truth or dare" To play it safe I decided to do truth, Applebloom sat in a thinking position and looked at me, at one point her eyes shifted toward the bandage still covering part of my face. “How did you beat the griffon that attacked us?" I began to sweat a bit and began to rub my hoof over my forehead to try to conceal it. I hadn't thought that a question like this would arise. " I fought the griffon until I tricked him into knocking himself out." "Alright then" I gave out an exasperated sigh I have to be more careful of what I do around these fillies they may jeopardize my mission more then I originally thought.
“I’m guessing it's my turn now" I said they nodded and began to think who I should ask and what the question would be. " Sweetie Bell truth or dare?" " Truth" “What were you and the crusaders doing at Canterlot before Princess Cadence's wedding?" " That's easy princess Celestia told applejack and rarity if they knew anypony who could be flower fillies and they both recommended us and we spent the days before the wedding learning what to do." I nodded at least that's one mystery solved for now. The rest of the game went smoothly I went for truth most of the time and almost regretted it. They asked why I wanted to be in the castle, why I wouldn't join them and where I lived.
Each time I had to come up with a semi decent truth until I finally decided to choose dare. This particular dare was from Scootaloo she had asked for me to bring a cloud into the room. It was easy enough and I figured I would need to bring my own cloud into the room at some point so I basically killed two birds with one stone. Everything was peaceful until one red maned filly did something bold. This time Applebloom dared Scootaloo to kiss me on the cheek; you can bet that no one in the room expected this, especially since she herself had said no hard dares until later which I guess this technically qualifies as later.
“I’m not kissing him" Scootaloo cried out indicatively. “why not is it because you’re chicken?" at that moment Sweetie Bell began to make chicken noises which made Applebloom make chicken noises which led to them acting like chickens completely. I clearly didn't know what was going on but I had a slight feeling that there was more to this chicken comment then meets the eye.
"I'm no chicken I’ll do it" she said as she hesitantly walked my way and kissed me on the cheek. It was a quick peck nothing to it really but when I saw her face she was blushing and trying to look at anything but me. I must have been blushing as well because then Applebloom and Sweetie bell both began to say “Scootaloo and Camo sitting on a cloud K-I-S-S-I-N-G" we both blushed a bit more furiously and Scootaloo began to tell her friends that there is nothing between us and were both just friends.
“We know were just teasing ya Scootaloo." In the end we all had a good laugh so I ignored it and continued to have a good time. Just before it hit 11 Applejack made sure that we were all tucked in and ready for sleep. Since I was a foal and couldn't just up and leave I took the cloud that I had brought in earlier and made it go down to ground level and decided to sleep on that. We all said our goodnights and drifted off into dream land.
I had thought that I would have a peaceful sleep but it turns out that my subconscious had other things in store for me. I was back at the hive and we were rejoicing over the return of our queen. It appears that after the party we immediately attacked Equestria taking over everything and finishing it off with destroying Canterlot last. It was finally done Equestria was now or queens domain but all was not as it seemed.
" Camo may I see you in my chambers for a minute" she said as she casually walked toward what used to be Celestia's throne room. “Of course my queen" I said as I trotted with her to her newly acquired chambers. She sat on the throne making sure that she felt comfortable before she began to speak. "Camo I've been reviewing your performance records and it shows that you've been leading my children astray, I blinked and she continued on “all you've done is split my people up to defend themselves while you make your life comfortable in Ponyville." The light from the room started to drain and fade until all I could see was chrysalis. I began to sweat profusely and started to give an explanation of what I've been doing " Yes it's true I divided them but only because..." "Enough" she yelled in what I could only describe as being on level with the royal Canterlot voice. She quickly got of her throne and walked slowly toward me. Every hoof step felt like it was resounding around me the echoing hoofsteps drowning any rational thought from my mind.
It ended when she stopped in front of me and stared at me with malice in her eyes. For your punishment of defying my orders to protect the kingdom you will now live with the ponies you call friends and will no longer have any affiliation to the swarm. Her horn lit up powering a spell that would seal my fate and in the end I just resided to it. If his is what my queen thinks I deserve I will gladly take it. Tears began to flow freely out of my closed eye lids. Before I could even say the three words no changeling has ever said to our queen I felt a powerful blast of magic come upon me, altering my very being, changing my physical make up until I was a full-fledged pony.
I gasped as I had just awakened from my nightmare all wet, trying to remind myself of where I was. The memories of the slumber party came flowing back to me and I calmed down considerably. I noticed how cool the air was around me and noticed that I had been sweating in my sleep something I had never done before, and when I put my hooves up to my eyes I felt two tear drops. Only after all this I noticed the warm body mass beside me. It was Scootaloo sleeping soundly beside me, the cloud we were both on was a bit larger than the clouds I had brought in, maybe she mashed them together?
‘I need a break’ I thought to myself as I got up from my cloud. Too many things are happening to quickly this nightmare, these three fillies, my queen, ruling a kingdom in her stead; I need a break from the craziness that has been shoved upon me. I jumped off the cloud open the window slowly and just enough for me to fit through before flying away into the night hidden from any passerby's that may be looking.
It has been a week since I had last been in Ponyville, my mind needed a break from the constant worrying and planning and nightmares so I resided to just lying on a cloud to rest. I've been on this cloud ever since I left the slumber party. Over this week I've seen the crusaders look about for what I can only assume is for me or changelings. At one point during the week Rainbow Dash found me and told me that the three inseparable fillies were looking for me.
I told her not to let them know I was here and to tell them that I was safe, since the crusaders haven't found me yet I can only assume that she hasn't told any pony. Watching has been peaceful enough and I was able to come to terms with the nightmare I had encountered a week ago. Although about mid-way through the week I saw a multitude of Pinkie Pies all saying fun decimate town. They were able to rebuild their town and somehow they got rid of all of the Pinkies and just in time to because there was a parade coming soon.
I didnt know much of the details about it but I knew it was important enough for a lot of town ponies to start to build floats for it. Before I could return to lying about an aching feeling came upon my forehead someone must be trying to contact me. The aching feeling isn't bad it's just mildly there so it reminds me that someone wants to speak with me. I connected to the hive mind to see who it was when a familiar voice resounded through my skull “Camo are you there?" It was Diamond Tiara " Yes I'm here what is it?"
“What that's all I get after you disappeared for a week you know I'm responsible for your wellbeing don’t you?” I did know that and I knew she had been contacting me throughout the week but I didn't want to talk with anyone including members of my own kind. “I had to keep Red off my back for almost the entirety of the week but I’ll let it slide this time, I have something I want you to see come by the Everfree forest." Seeing as I had no choice in the matter I told her "sure" and drifted toward the forest. I landed off my cloud at the front of the Everfree and waited for her. She arrived a couple minutes later and she led me into the forest, not too far from the entrance we stopped “were here" she said as she returned to her changeling form. I returned to my natural form and said "what are we doing?" "you'll see" was all she replied to me; the pink maned changeling used her magic to lift a boulder from the ground. I have to admit at this point I was slightly intrigued as to what she wanted to show me.
We went through the hole and down a flight of steps until we reached the edges of what I could only describe as a lake. “This is the mirror pool, pinkie used it a couple days ago to create copies of herself" “and how do you know this?" I asked a bit intrigued “I heard her say it" she replied. I looked into the pool and at first all I saw was my reflection but then a pink hoof pounded on the other side of the water. It appeared to be pinkie or at least her clones I stepped back a bit and said “so what are we going to do with this mirror pool?" She rolls her eyes and said “well obviously were going to clone the infants so that we have a never ending supply of changelings." I thought about the possibility of doing that and while technically we could have a large army of changelings eventually using the mirror pool may cause them to mentally challenged or something along the lines of that. I saw what the plethora of Pinkies did to Ponyville they all seemed to be a bit different than the original Pinkie, what if when we cloned changelings they just became a hassle and more of a nuisance.
"Look Tiara were not going to use the mirror pool their can be serious repercussions if we did, I mean look at what they did to the town." she put her hoof up to her chin and nodded " yes your right well at least it's here for when we may want to use it but without our queen we won't be able to create more soldiers." I knew we were in a tough situation without our queen but using the mirror pool would take up a lot more of our resources and if most of us die there wouldn't be any way to revive our race, will just die off. As we walked out of the dark cave that housed the mirror pool I thought about the situation at hoof. Without a queen it means no more infant changelings and since I haven’t found our queen in Ponyville I think it may be time for me to leave.
I think it's time to check up on red and the other council members and see how their progress is going. Although I’ll have to tell Diamond though she is my protector after all, I wonder if I was seen as a protector for the queen. I mean I was a normal changeling before she found and raised me to be second best. I guess that makes Diamond second best now although this situation still doesn’t feel right. For the entire time we have been walking closer and closer to Ponyville and I was so deep in thought that I hadn't noticed until I saw some of the buildings come into view.
Where we were going I didn't care as long as Diamond was there to protect me I wouldn't be reprimanded later. " While you were away I made a new friend her name is Babs seed and she's the cousin of that half pint Apple bloom" " why isn't she hanging out with her cousin then?" " Because we tricked her into abandoning her" she said smugly. “Wait we?" I asked confused she looked at me with realization plastered on her face. “oh yea I haven't introduced you to Silver spoon yet, come on there at the crusaders club house." Wait a minute they took the crusaders club house that isn't good why do I foresee bad things happening. Without much problem we reached what used to be the crusaders club house there were some ponies that waved their hoof at me while we walked by although I think they were at my welcome party and just wanted to acknowledge that they remembered me.
We walked up the steps and diamond knocked on the door, quickly afterward a gray colored earth pony opened the door, followed by a brownish tan filly. ”Hey girls this is Camo he's an old friend of mine." They both said hello and we entered the club house. “So Babs what are you going to do next to the crusaders?" Diamond asked. “Don’t know yet but whatever I do it'll be a douse." "Babs Diamond here told me that Applebloom is your cousin and if that's true why you are terrorizing her and her friends." She looked away somberly before saying “I’d rather not talk about it." I felt sadness emanating from her but I also felt sadness deep within Silver Spoon. I couldn't just out right talk to them about past problems so I decided not to bring anything up.
“Camo I couldn't introduce you to Silver Spoon before because she has spent most of her time with Specter. He's a family friend of Silver’s; he spent some time with her before he ended up disappearing about a month ago." Silvers face darkened when she heard her friends name again. "Well whoever he is he must have meant a lot to you Silver and I'm sorry he's disappeared." She let out a barely audible "thanks" and smiled a bit making me smile back. “ He used to take care of me before my parents came back to Ponyville he left because the Princesses had sent him to the crystal empire but no pony has seen him sense.” Wait a minute he went missing after going to the crystal empire a month ago the same month Sombra attacked the empire? Something is fishy here. “What’s the color of his fur?” “Brown “ “What’s his cutie mark?” She hesitated a moment before saying “… A star” So Specter is the stallion that’s been going around and messing with the hive. He’ll pay dearly for this although judging from how Zecora and Silver have spoken about him he must have been a good pony I guess will have to find out the details after we capture him and find out his purpose for doing what he’s been doing for the past month. “Is there a reason you asked?” “No I was just curious”
I checked my love reserves and it turns out that I was almost on empty I'm going to have to talk to the crusaders at some point why not now. “I’ll see you girls later I'm need to go find something to eat" Diamond raised one eyebrow at me and I motioned to my none existing horn, she seemed to understand the gesture and I left the club house. I wandered back to Ponyville and walked around the streets, my mind set on not really doing anything. I knew I needed some form of love to replenish myself but I didn't want to talk to the crusaders yet. I wonder what they thought of me, now that I left without saying anything. Although they did look for me according to Rainbow Dash and they did say I'm one of their best friends. I sighed without my queen I feel like I'm nothing, I never noticed this before but she was the only being to give my life meaning.
I only am what I am today because of her teaching and training. My deepest wish is that I can repay her in some way when the time comes. “Camo is that you?" I looked up to see Scootaloo staring at me a little ways away. The look on her face was a mix of emotions I couldn’t decipher what she was thinking at all. I rubbed my hoof sheepishly on the back of my neck and said " hey Scootaloo how have you been" her face immediately turned to anger and she ran towards me, I tried to turn and run but before I could even turn she pulled me into a tight hug. I heard her crying softly probably trying to hide it and said " where have you been this entire week don't you think we care about you she wailed " you had us worried sick when you weren't on your cloud the next morning and we spent the whole day looking for you." Her tears were now flowing freely and I felt a pang of guilt which was odd because I haven’t felt guilt for anyone before let alone for a pony.
" and to make matters worse that mean old Babs seed has been tormenting us since the day she got here" I rubbed my hoof affectionately through her purple mane I was glad that we weren't on a busy street or it would have been more embarrassing than it actually was. Eventually her tears subsided and she was able to pull herself together." Scootaloo I said apprehensively I'm sorry about leaving you guys without saying anything I just had something on my mind and then there was some family problems so I couldn't come see you guys, but I thought Rainbow Dash told you I was fine." She sniffed a bit and said "yea she did say you were fine but she wouldn't tell us where you went." She punched my shoulder albeit pretty hard and said “you better not do something like that again alright" I nodded but apparently it wasn't enough for her “no you have to Pinkie promise me you won't do that again." I felt my face scrunch up into a confused look noticing my confused expression she explained how to do it and the words that go with it. After a couple tries I was able to do it correctly and she smiled thinking that it was good enough and that was the end of it. It was one of the most embarrassing things I have ever done and I was glad that no one else saw it but her.
"So after I left you've girls have had a bad time?" She nodded and said “yea things have been a rough ride this week but it doesn’t mean we can't handle it, plus we think we have a plan to beat Babs” she said this while rubbing her hooves together maliciously. They definitely have something evil planned to do to her but I'm not gonna be involved. “Well I gotta go do something I'll see you later as I made my way to leave she jumped in front of me. I have to say she did surprise me on her jumping ability. “Hold it you have to see Sweetie Bell and Applebloom it wouldn't be fair if you only saw me and not the others" I gotta admit her logic behind it was reasonable. I sighed and said "fine" “Ok I'm going to lead you to Sweetie bell and then I gotta go get the thing at the place." I had no idea what this 'thing at the place' was but I assumed it was for their plan and left it at that.
We walked to carousel boutique and Scootaloo left me at the front door. Upon entering the boutique I was met by Rarity who had glanced at who came in when the doorbell rang. She had to do a double take and then stopped what she was doing and said " Camo dear is that really you?" " Yes its really me, I came to apologize to Sweetie Bell about what happened a week ago" " Well it looks like nothing happened to your figure this past week but I love the new necklace you have." My confused look probably told her that I didn't know what she was talking about, she motioned downward towards my neck and I saw that the orb was replaced by a necklace of tiny blue beads. How did I not notice it sooner but can you blame me I've been going through some tough times. " Sorry Rarity I haven't noticed it's been a long taxing week of thinking." " You’re sure you’re alright I could make you some tea if you'd like" not wanting to sound rude I accepted the offer.
As I sat on the sofa in the living room waiting for the tea Sweetie Bell entered into the room. She had this determined look in her eyes but it was hidden beneath the innocence of her smile, although once seeing me her face went from determined to confusion then to happiness. She ran towards me and gave me one of the second best bear hug I've had in my life (the first belonged to Scootaloo). " Camo we were so worried when you weren’t on your cloud the next morning".
“I came to apologize Something's have come up and I had to leave town for a while, still friends" I said as I held up my hoof, she bumped it with her hoof and said “yea still friends". She got up from the couch and headed up the stairs returning shortly afterward with a saddle bag on her back. Rarity had just set the tea on the table and I began to stir some sugar into mine.
Sweetie Bell headed towards the door and said " I'll see you later Rarity I have to go get something before I go back home." She nodded towards Sweetie bell and sat across from me drinking from her own cup of tea.
"Rarity if you don't mind me asking aren't you a little worried about what Sweetie Bell is up to?"
" I don't mind at all and of course I'm worried about what she's up to but she is a child after all so I let her have her adventures." I nodded my head sagely and began to drink my tea. “Rarity this tea is delicious" I said as I continued to drink. " Thank you Camo I was able to get the recipe from Canterlot the last time I was there."
" Camo may I ask you a question?" " Sure" " I've never met such a nice gentle colt at your age you must tell me who played a part in your upbringing." " My mother took care of me I never knew my father." Her face turned into a dour expression "Sorry for bringing it up but it would take a woman's touch to teach their son to be like this." Once we finished the rest of the tea I thanked her for it and said bye to her after which I made my way to Sweet Apple Acres. Just one more apology to make and I will complete one of the promises I made to Scootaloo. I entered into the barn of Sweet Apple Acres to find that Applebloom was arranging supplies and pushing destroyed wood away. Maybe there plan has something to do with a float? Well whatever the case I need to apologize. “Applebloom" as soon as her name left my mouth she dropped the wood she had in her mouth and turned around. " Camo?" I chuckled nervously and said “Yeah it's me." She walked towards me slowly and then punched me in the leg. I wasn't expecting to get hit so when she hurt me the pain made me jolt. “Ow" I rubbed my hoof on my leg “What was that for?"
"That was for leaving" she then pulled me into a tight hug” and that's for coming back". I merely stood there shocked; I don't think I'll ever understand these ponies. " I'm sorry I disappeared on you girls I can only imagine what you girls were feeling when you woke up the next morning." " Don't ever do that again" she said as she broke the hug “I won't I already pinkie promised Scootaloo that I wouldn't abandon you girls like that again."
“You better not no pony ever breaks a Pinkie Pie promise." I was about to ask her about the supplies she had when a brown collie burst through the barn doors and began to lick Apple blooms face. She began laughing and said " Winona stop" Winona didn't stop until a little while later, that dog must of loved her very much. “Camo this is Winona, Winona this is Camo" she began to sniff at me when she stopped her face scrunched up into confusion, she probably didn't know what to make of me. I mean I'm not a pony but I'm disguised as one I must have the scent of a changeling but since she's probably never smelled one before she probably doesn't know what to make of me. “That’s weird usually after Winona sniffs someone she begins to like em."
" That is strange, well I'll be taking my leave now hope whatever plan you girls got cooked up works" I rubbed my hoof behind Winona's ears and then continued out the barn.
“Winona has never acted that way to any pony before I'll have to get to the bottom of this soon."
I didn't do much until night fall I just walked around town and enjoyed the sounds of pony’s preparing for their fair. After that I took a nap on a cloud, the next morning I contacted the hive and told them that I got enough information from Ponyville and will be leaving to explore their factions and how there holding up. Most of the changelings were happy to hear that there 'king' would be visiting them. I’m also glad to revisit my kind after all I think these ponies may be affecting me. Today would be my last day in Ponyville for a while at least, I don't plan on coming back here but fate does have a way of twisting things.
Ponyville was bustling with activity a lot more than its usual early morning activity. From what I’ve heard it seems that parade is today what was it called again? Before I could continue on that train of thought a pink hyperactive pony halted anymore thought on the matter. "Camo" before I could register who said my name I was immediately swept into a tight hug. “Oh Camo thank goodness you’re ok after I haven't seen you in a while I decided to ask everypony about where you had been but when the cutie mark crusaders said that you had gone missing I thought that you had left Ponyville because I hadn't given you a good welcome party and..." The pink party mare couldn't say words any longer and had resulted to crying.
Yet another pang of guilt I felt for my small absence, I didn't think anyone would care that much about me. Damn these pony's they cause me to feel guilt "there, there, Pinkie I said as I returned the hug “you didn't do anything wrong I enjoyed the welcome party you gave me believe me the reason I was gone was because I had my own personal problems to deal with." She stopped crying for a moment to say “really" I smiled and said "yes Pinkie really". She let go of me and dried her tears "well now that there's no reason to feel sad we can enjoy the summer harvest parade." Oh that's what it's called.
"Camo this is your first Summer Harvest Parade right?" Pinkie asked with much more happiness then she had before "yup" I answered to her. "You've got to try the hot carrot crepes they are delicious." She said this as she began hoping in the direction of main event. The main event consisted of floats made to look like various fruits and vegetables. The rest of the elements of harmony including Pinkie and Spike were gathered around the floats run way waiting for the spectacle to begin. I questioned how she got there so fast but decided that wasn’t important as a delicious smell wafted into my nostrils.
It made my mouth water which can only mean one thing, whatever it was, was very delicious. My body began to follow the smell ignoring almost anything else as all I could think about was what could smell so delicious. The smell came from a pony walking around selling food on hoof. When she saw me float over to her she assumed that I wanted some and hoofed me over something that looked like pancake. “Here you go little one a carrot crepe straight from the oven." I forgot that when you take the form of a foal adults treat you differently than if you were their age. Gotta pat myself on the back for choosing such a form back in Canterlot
" Thank you" I told her as I began to take a bite out of it. IT WAS DELICIOUS. It was incredible I had never tasted anything like it, Pinkies cakes were still number 1 but this was a close second. Speaking of Pinkie she and Spike are on their way over here. Spike was running while Pinkie on the other hand chose to float over kind of like how I did except I had wings to help me there’s no explanation for how she is able to defy the laws of physics. “Hey Camo” Spike said to me as he rushed over to get a crepe of his own. He licked his lips in anticipation and I was going to ask if his biology allowed for him to like that kind of food but before I could he pulled out a pepper shaker and sprinkled small bits of crystals on the crepe before taking a big bite out of it. When I looked to see how many Pinkie got I was astounded to see that she was balancing a tower of them on her back. “Oh my gosh I have to get my float ready for the parade" she zipped away faster than I could believe possible for anypony before quickly coming back and gobbling the once airborne crepes in one gulp and zooming away again.
My mouth fell open as I saw this occur Spike laughed and said "when you’re around Pinkie for a while you get used to her antics". I took his word for it but seeing how that mare is so random it'd be a challenge to get used to something like that every time you see her. While finishing up the crepe the parade had started and leading the floats was Babs in a golden brown apple float. " Oh that's nice the girls must of let Babs use there float and made her the guest of honor."
"Yeah that is nice, wait did you say the girls let them use that float?"
"Yep I'm kind of surprised though considering every time I see her she was doing something mean to them." Soon after saying that I saw the crusaders run towards it with panic stricken on their faces. "Oh this won't end well" I say. “Why do you say that?" Spike was too focused on his crepe to see what the CMC was doing and how Babs float was starting to lose control. “oh just a hunch" ”ok" Spike was completely into eating that crepe I'm kind of surprised he doesn't see what's going on.
Even if I tried to help I wouldn't make it in time to stop the apple floats decent into the murky part of the river. The CMC did try their best however to try and stop the float, going so far as to commandeer Pinkie's float and destroying it to stop what was happening. I ran to check if Pinkie was ok but as I approached I heard her say something about a leaves and began to roll around in the pile of leaves that was once her lettuce float. “Pinkie are you alright?" She stopped rolling and said “yea what’s not to be alright about" before rolling again in the pile of leaves. I can't believe how much of a foal she could be at times.
The float did crash into the lake where upon crashing began to sink with the three filly's now swimming out of the water caked with mud. They managed to get Babs out in time effectively saving her at the price of themselves. The whole town gathered to see what the commotion was about and seeing as it was the crusaders began to leave, although some decided to stay and see how this turned out. The elements and Babs each approached the three mud caked filly's helping them out and leading them to Sweet Apple Acres to get washed. Only Applejack and Babs stayed to see to that the crusaders were ok and cleaned.
I was there as well because I have to break the news to them that I won't be around for a while or maybe ever again, we don't want a repeat of yesterday's events. The crusaders and Babs talked amongst themselves and seeing as there was no hostility between them I assumed that they were settling their differences once and for all. When everything seemed to die down and it wouldn't be awkward for me to jump in I decided to make my presence known. “Hey girls how are you today?" I asked pretending to feign ignorance of the string of events that occurred to them. " Were doing alright now Sweetie Bell said excitedly " Babs decided to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders" I wasn't all too surprised but hearing it did come as an initial shock for me. "That's great I said with enthusiasm “but there’s something I've got to tell you" they each stared at me waiting for the oncoming news.
"I'm leaving Ponyville for a while"
" What" they each shouted in unison. "But you just came back and now your leaving again" Scootaloo said despondently. They were starting to make me feel sad about my decision but it has to be done are queen has been gone for too long. 'Note to self don't stay anywhere you don't have to for long periods of time if you do you will become attached to the pony's you socialize with'.
“My family has run into some problems and they've decided that the best course of action would be to move...again". I looked sad while saying this and I'm sure some part of me felt sad to leave them but becoming too attached to pony's leads to anarchy I should know that better than anyone after all I had to put my best friend down because of it. A story for a different time perhaps but enough self-recollecting there are bigger things at stake.
" Ah understand Apple Bloom said " there are times when Big Mac has to leave Ponyville for a while to help out our cousins in Appleloosa he always comes back though so I think nothing of it but no matter how long it takes you return to us safely you hear." She said that in a slight demanding tone showing that she was serious about my wellbeing “will do Apple Bloom". ”Hey how about you stay for Babs initiation" I saw no harm in saying no so I nodded and we made our way into the club house. They set up the club houses main room for the initiaton Apple bloom was on Sweetie Bells right while Scootaloo was on the drums on her left.
The initiation started with Scootaloo playing the drums hitting the drum slow and powerful making the ground reverberate with power. She stopped and then pounded on it as if she was doing a drum solo making everypony in the room wobble. I enjoyed the drum playing and bobbed to it and was pretty sad to hear it end. Scootaloo noticed that I enjoyed it and I mouthed "good drum playing" and she mouthed back "thanks" before putting on a serious face and returning to the initiation.
"We the Cutie Mark Crusaders elect Babs seed to join us as a sister, friend, confidant, ally, bosom buddy, gal pal, compadre, chum of chums…” The list would have dragged on but Scootaloo cleared her throat trying to tell her that that was enough, but apparently she wrote it. They skipped most of it and ended with Scootaloo deciding to edit it later and Babs being fully recognized as one of them. They gave her the signature cutie mark crusaders cape and tossed confetti over her. I felt happy for them they finally gained the new member that they wanted but what happened next surprise even me. “Camo will you take Babs place in front of the podium" I obliged and took Babs place in front of them. “For being such a good friend and dealing with are sometimes crazy antics and crusading ideas, as well as not giving you a present for your welcome party I commemorate you with this". Sweetie Bell stepped off her podium and gave me a cape that looked just like theirs but with a golden H embedded next to the shield with the filly on it.
I began to tear up at this point I don't know if I'm faking it or being sincerely genuine but I said "Thank you this is one of the best gifts I've ever gotten". Sweetie blushed and said “I would have given it to you sooner but you disappeared and then Babs appeared and I just didn't have the time". I hugged her and everypony else in the room hugged us making a group hug. I had to remind myself to take the love from them while I still could because something tells me the road ahead will be a little rough.
Turns out the next day Babs had to leave as well so we all saw her off. She stood up to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon threatening to tell their mothers of what they've done. By doing so it made them trip into a pile of mud that was near the end of the station. I thought that was a little excessive and I went over to make sure that the two rich fillies were ok. They were but they had to quickly go home and wash the mud out of their fur before it dried over.
I waited at the front of Diamond Tiara's manor; I needed to talk to her about my departure as well. It's up to her to decide whether she wants to go with me or stay here and spy on the Ponyville a little longer. When she finally did notice that I was outside she came down to meet me. “Did you come to speak to me my liege" I sighed she was now calling me king did no one believe that we would find our queen. I remember when everyone used to address me by my name and I wasn’t saddled with ruling an empire single hoofed. I hesitated a bit before saying "yes I did want to speak with you I'm leaving Ponyville and I'm wondering if you wanted to come with me or stay here" her response was almost immediate. “Camo I was born to spy on Ponyville its only right that I stay here and fulfill my purpose, you on the other hoof should fulfill your purpose by finding the queen." Finally someone else who believed our queen was still out there "will do" I said to her as I turned to leave "Just between you and me I turned to hear her better “the council believes that the hunt for our queen is going nowhere and that we should do anything in our power to completely take over Equestria." "How do you know this." "I'm not just a spy for Ponyville you know" she said as she smiled. I'm glad to have met Diamond throughout my excursion here in Ponyville I smiled back to her and left the manor.
The crusaders Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie were all here to see me off. Twilight and Spike were apparently summoned to Canterlot by the Princess for something urgent. I gave a final hug to the crusaders with Scootaloo taking note of what I was wearing. “You’re wearing the goggles I gave you." Indeed I was wearing the goggles they were in a slanted position on my forehead because I thought it looked cooler that way. I was wearing the goggles because I had stored it in a cloud a while back and it took me a while to find it again, I'm certainly glad I did though because I want to remember the fun times I've had here. Next I hugged Applejack and Rainbow who both told me to take care of myself on my travels.
I hugged Rarity next and she told me to tell my mother that she raised a great colt and that she couldn't wait to see me grown up. Next was Pinkie and Fluttershy who gave me a hug with Pinkie saying she doesn't want me to leave again and tearing up a bit. Fluttershy said " I'll take care of the wolf pup you gave me you can come visit him at any time." I nodded and began to walk off west in the direction of Van Hoover Green would be the first of the council I will meet up with.
The path I took to Vanhoover was pretty bland nothing exciting really happened, I did get a glimpse of the Smokey Mountains but they didn't appeal to me because the badlands are full of rocks and mountains. I changed my form into an older version of my pegasus form the crusaders knew and approached the city. It wasn't as big or grand as Canterlot but it was a lot more developed then Ponyville.
The residents probably thought I was an adventurer by the way I looked. The crusaders cape looked more like a small scarf around my neck while the googles covered one of my eyes making me look intimidating to any who didn't know me. I chose a back alley to contact green and attempt to find out where he was. He didn't answer though and I was instead answered by a female changeling. “Hello I'm sorry to inform you that Green is unable to reach you at this time if you would like I can get someone else for you to talk to." “This is Camo speaking I would like to know the location of the Vanhoover changeling Base and I would also like to speak with green personally."
“Sorry my liege I didn't know that you were in Vanhoover yet I will have a squad of changelings escort you just tell me what you look like and they will be on their way." “I’m a green Pegasus with light green and orange hair wearing a scarf and goggles on my head." “Ok four unicorns will be looking for you they will look like the royal guard so take notice of that." I disconnected from the hive mind and tried to decide what to do next. Maybe a walk around the city will help me think of something. There was nothing special about Vanhoover I decided as I continued to walk throughout the streets. There were however destroyed buildings which piqued my curiosity somewhat I tried to ask somepony what had happened to it but many were too scared of my appearance to answer me.
Eventually several unicorn guards with lances approached me "are you Camo ace detective?" I had no idea where they got the ace detective thing from but seeing as how there was now a crowd of Pony's encircling us I said "yes I was called here on a recent assignment do you happen to know who called me?" "That would be our Mayor Sir we will take you to him." I followed him and most of the Ponies who had surrounded us looked happier as if I was some ray of hope to end their problems. I expect a full status report on everything that has happened in this town.
When we reached city hall the guards stayed at the door as I entered, apparently a crowd of ponies were trying to get in to see what was happening. There was a blue colored unicorn mare at the counter, when she saw me she stopped what she was doing and bowed. “Lord Camo it is an honor to finally meet you." I decided to get right down to business instead of hearing the drawl pleasantries that come with being a leader. "I’d like a status report". "Yes of course she answered before clearing her voice and straightening up in her seat “there was a brown stallion a couple weeks ago that destroyed a few buildings and because of it the town is now asking the mayor to spend money on rebuilding that section of town, Master Green hasn't done anything about it and I'm beginning to worry about his judgment if we don't do something soon the ponies of Vanhoover will rebel and thus ending the Vanhoover branch of the changelings.
Sadness was clearly etched on her face and I couldn't stand to see a member of the hive sad "Don’t worry I said as I rubbed my hoof through her hair "everything will be alright I'll have a talk with green and set him straight ok". She nodded seemingly shocked as the next king to be to time to council her. When the initial hesitation wore off she leaned into my hoof, it was if I was helping a foal in her time of need.
When she perked up a bit, I decided what better time than now to take care of the problem "take me to Green" she led me upstairs to the mayor's office. I knocked on the wooden door and waited to get an answer, none came so I knocked harder. This time an answer did come "leave me alone I'm doing important business" "More important than meeting your leader" I replied back. The voice elicited a surprise shock and I heard a couple locks turn before the door opened.
Green was disguised as a dark green earth pony with a chestnut mane and tail with a document as a cutie mark. He looked surprised and shocked to see me here he probably thought that I'd announce where I'd be going so he could clean up his act, he was always the slacker of the council and almost everyone knew it. “I thought you would announce where you were going my lord" he said, his voice was stuttering probably out of fear of what I would do to him.
"Green do you know why your one of the seven members of the council?" "Yes...no" "You were chosen because your one of the best and I trust our queens judgment in allowing you to be a member in it but I'd hate to have things get ugly and I hope you know what I mean when I say that." He shook his head so fast that I thought it might come off. " Good now get this town's Pony's to trust and love you and if you fail you will be demoted and replaced by someone who can handle this position understand. He let out a weak “yes sir" before he quickly ran out of the room.
I sighed "I'm very disappointed in him" "As am I, I had to cover for him to help ease the citizen’s tensions." "What of the other members of this section of the hive are they doing alright?" “Yes everyone has infiltrated at least one home and has encased the pony they replaced in a cocoon in the basement of city hall." "All seems to be good what of our queen have you heard any word from her?"
She shook her head "No Queen Chrysalis has not been found we don't even have any information to give over my liege." "It's alright it’s mostly a wait game any way she did say she would contact us when she wanted to be found."
“I’ll be off exploring the city if I’m a detective pony’s will want me to get to work quickly” “Yes of course I’ll leave you to it my lord.” I exited the Mayor’s office and was astounded to see that what I can only assume as many of the towns residence were gathered there. Before the door could close behind me I was bombarded with questions. Most of which revolved around whom or what did the damage to the town because most of them hadn't seen who had done it. Before the crowd could get out of hoof I raised my hoof allowing silence to befall the crowd.
Since they thought I was the savior to their problems I might as well act like I am “Citizens of Vanhoover I understand that this has been a great time of grief for you all and I understand that you may of lost some loved ones because of the atrocious circumstances that befell your town, now I won’t tell you that I will magically fix your problems but, I will try my best so that the Vanhoover of today can have a better tomorrow.” The clopping of hooves started with one pony and quickly escalated into the entire crowd cheering and stomping for someone who may save their problems, those fools.
“Now would anypony like to take me to the scene of the crime”? Many raised their hooves and as I was about to choose one a small pink filly broke through the crowd and tried to make her way to me. She was stopped by the royal guard of course but the fact that she even attempted to try and reach me is a feat in itself. The way her eyes looked, filled to the brim with determination reminded me of the crusaders when they had set their sights on the next goal for crusading.
“Guards let her go let’s see what she wants” by my command they set her down allowing her to come to me. “If it’s no trouble sir I would like to lead and accompany you to your destination” when I looked her in the eyes she averted her gaze and even began shaking in what I could only assume is fear. “Sure just don’t get in my way” I told her as the crowd began to dissipate around us and back into the city. She led me to a district of the town that had streets upon streets of destruction, the buildings were in complete shambles and some that were standing looked like they would topple any minute.
“What could have possibly done this I asked out loud as I began to look through the debris. “Isn’t that what were here to find out?” “That’s what I’m here to find out, you decided to tag along remember.” She hoofed at the ground nervously before saying “We haven’t properly introduced ourselves yet I’m Blossom what’s your name” she said as she held out her hoof. “I’m Camo nice to meet you” I said as I shook her hoof and began to walk over to the next building.
“So what made you decide to tag along I’m sure this isn’t an extra credit assignment from your teacher” she hesitated for a moment before saying “For a while now I’ve dreamed of becoming a detective it’s what I really want to spend my the rest of my life doing.” “That’s a good job to strive for, come on its time to gather some evidence”. We spent the rest of the day talking to ponies about what they saw and most if not all of them described the figure they saw was a pony but with the power of nothing they’ve ever seen before.
They say he struck down ponies that got in his way silently as if he was a ghost, but when not in the shadows he had power that might have even rivaled an alicorns power. These citizens were definitely scared of whoever did this to the point in which I almost felt like helping them. I took a mental note to remember that whoever did this is definitely a danger to the hive. Before ending the day’s excursion we took the liberty of asking one more pony on the events that took place, but all he could do was repeat the same statement over and over again “Silence shall fall when you least expect it”
After a couple of days Van Hoover returned to its once pristine state and green didn't lose his position within the council. It’s a pity really I was hoping to replace him with the unicorn clerk she would have been a great addition to the council. To alleviate the town’s fears I told them that I would eventually be going back to Canterlot and once there I would tell my boss of my findings. I told Blossom that she would grow up to be a great detective and that I hope to work with her again in the future and with that I began my journey to Los Pegasus.
Upon leaving VanHoover I traveled to LosPegasus where Purple was. Needless to say I hoped that he had done a much better job with the changelings under his rule. Before I could even do that however I need to travel through the Smokey Mountains and south east along the coast to reach LosPegasus. After a day of flying I reached said mountains and decided to reside within a cave.
The reason these caves are called the Smokey Mountains is because there is a wide population of dragons living deep inside the caves. The first pony's who discovered the mountains described that they could see smoke seeping out of the mountains as if it was smoking. With much more research others discovered the source of the smoke and it turns out that the cause of it was sleeping dragons.
Fearing for her little pony's Celestia banned passage near the mountains for fear of casualties. I can understand why the passage was banned even without the ban normal pony's wouldn't even try to get near dragons but going through them is a quick way to LosPegasus so I'll have to hope that no bad confrontations happen. This was the last thought I had as the crackling embers of my make shift camp fire lulled me to sleep.
When I woke up the first thing I noticed was that I wasn't in the front of the cave anymore. The next thing I noticed was that my hooves were tied together, and my wings were tied to my torso. I struggled against them to see how tough they were and apparently they were pretty sound. Something stirred off in the distance and stepped into the light "I see you’re awake". It was a red dragon he wasn't fully grown I’d say he was a teen if spike was about the crusaders age. "The Chief says you’re going to fight against the strongest of us I hope you’re ready to feel pain pony." "Do I get to use my wings or will I have to fight like an earth pony" I asked. "Your wings will be bound to your body so you won't have an advantage." "But I'm guessing your kind is allowed to use your wings and fire breath." "Yep" he said with a smug grin.
Figures the weak always try cheap tactics to win their battles not to say that they're all weak since I'm apparently going to fight the best of the best and I'm sure if I had a horn they'd break it so I couldn't use magic. Although I bet none of them has ever faced a changeling before which will make the fight interesting in itself. I began to laugh it started off small but escalated until it reverberated off the walls. "What's so funny" he asked I didn't answer him I just continued to laugh for I will be victorious by the end of the day.
The coliseum that I would be fighting in was deep into the mountain near lava level. The platform for doing battle is suspended over a sheer drop to lava and the only thing holding it back from gravity's call was the chains that fastened into the walls. They unbounded me and threw me onto the platform where I crash landed on my face. The crowd of dragons all laughed at my pain and I rightfully ignored it. My first opponent was a dragon that was about the size of the red dragon from earlier.
This must be a coming of age sort of thing to reward the strong and single out the weak and from what the crowd was doing I could tell they thought I was the weaker one. With the ringing of a bell the dark brown dragon charged at me upon which I quickly spun around and bucked him in the face making him fly towards the other side of the ring. He would have crashed on the wall on the other side but he used his wings to stop his momentum.
At this point he knew that he would have trouble in hoof to claw combat so he decided to attack from above with a flamethrower. I figured now was the time for my ace so as the fire seemed to flow over me I put up a shield and dropped my disguise leaving me in my original form. I made my body grow the extra armor that captain level changelings knew how to do and waited for the flames to die down. During this time I unbounded my wings so that I would be able to properly fight. When the dragon finally stopped his onslaught of flames there was a gasp from the entire crowd a mix of shock and fear on their faces.
I hissed at them all and flew straight into the brown dragon the force of my blow to caused him to wheeze and a couple of his scales to crack. I threw him down onto the platform below and flew higher to do a drop charge. A drop charge is when changelings use a mix of magic and flight to literally dive bomb an enemy. Some changelings did it at the royal wedding causing much destruction. When I figured I was high enough I began my descent the brown dragon hadn't completely hit the ground yet so this would make him feel pain like no other.
The initial blow to his body caused him to cough up blood as well as some more scales falling off and bones cracking. I wasn't through with him yet his body then collided with the platform causing the rock underneath him to crack as well as him tumbling into the lava below. The platform decided it had taken enough abuse and fell along with him into the lava he didn't come back up so I assumed he was incinerated. "Would anyone else like to fight most heads shook no while others mostly from younger dragons just glared at me. Maybe that was there friend I don't really know it wouldn't matter much now.
"Alright I'll be taking my leave then" I informed them as I flew into a cave but something in my subconscious told me that I had to stop them from doing something like this again. The only way to do that though would be to destroy their home but I don't have enough power to... Wait I have an idea, if I charged up enough power I could cause the lava to erupt leaving them homeless. That kind of power would drain me close to empty though but if I used the power of the necklace my queen gave me I may just be able to do it.
I decided to do it after all when is the next time I can get revenge on something without all the fuss it will bring. I began to charge up the necessary spell as I channeled most of my power into my horn as well as the power from the necklace. In a matter of a couple of minutes the spell was completely charged and ready to be used. I peered back over into the coliseum and saw some dragons rebuilding but I saw a familiar red dragon flying near the lava as if waiting for something. There was some bubbling near the surface of the lava and finally a face came out. When the lava receded from his face I saw that it was the dragon I had fought before.
It appears dragons don't sustain damage in lava, interesting discovery I've got here but I bet there home isn't lava proof. I shot the spell into the lava pool when no one was looking and ran for my life. They may not be affected by lava but I certainly am. I managed to just reach the outside when I heard a big boom and the sound of lava rushing through the caverns. 'Say goodbye to your precious gems' I thought as I flew out of the cave.
It was a small eruption considering the lava barely made it out of the mountain, that's good though there's forest all around it I'd be a shame if the forest caught on fire. Although my goal was reached many dragons filled the sky as they fled from their home. They won't be causing anyone trouble for a while at least. With that done I continued to walk to LosPegasus.
After about 30 minutes of traveling the effects of the spell finally took a hold of me. My body was getting progressively weaker at one point I was flying and now I'm walking by hoof very slowly I might add. I didn't think I would be this weak I just thought I wouldn't be able to fly for a while. Maybe I got too used to having constant love poured into me by the cutie mark crusaders. I felt myself fall to the ground I was now very tired nothing wanted to move anymore. Off in the distance I could hear a whistle it was faint but it was still there. I listened to it as my body succumbed to tiredness.
The four earth pony's who hauled the train from station to station stopped when they saw a small filly collapsed on the ground. They slowed themselves down to stop near the filly's position. They each removed their harnesses and approached her “hey, are you ok" one of them asked her as he shook her body with his hoof. There was no response from her so one of them placed her on his back and opened the passenger coach to drop her off. When the conductor asked why they had stopped they motioned to the filly and returned to pulling the train.
The intercom buzzed as the conductor tried to talk through the speakers "sorry for the delay folks we will be arriving in LosPegasus right on time as scheduled so don't worry".
When my body finally decided to bring itself back from the clutches of tiredness I was able to open my eyes again. I yawned taking notice of how my yawning sounded it wasn't my normal voice let alone a male's voice. When I looked at my body it seemed I took the form of a foal also I'm in a bed, I'm certain I wasn't in one last I recall. "You've seem to have awakened little one" a nurse said as she trotted into my room “you gave us all quite a scare."
I have no idea what she's talking about but I'm sure she will explain. "A couple of train pony's found you unconscious and brought you here do you remember how you ended up their?" Of course I know how I ended up their... I think but I haven’t come up with a cover story for this filly yet so I shook my head no. “Do you have any parents that live here in LosPegasus?" I shook my head no and she nervously walked around the room reading a clipboard. She then left the room and not wanting to stay here any longer, as well as find Purple I opened the window changed into my older looking version of my Pegasus form and flew out.
LosPegasus was a much more glamorous place than VanHoover, it was much more developed and I would even go as far as to say that it rivaled Canterlot. I landed on a cloud and contacted Purple he unlike Green actually answered me. "My liege is that you?" "Yes purple it is." "Simply fabulous if you’re in LosPegasus come to Sapphire Shores penthouse I'm currently disguised as her and the guards should let you through they'll scan you to see if you’re a changeling."
After a bit of searching I was able to find Sapphire Shores penthouse, it was much bigger than Diamond’s manor and it seemed to be filled with changelings. The front was guarded by unicorn royal guards but the inside was simply a hangout for changelings. I should be glad that they found a hangout spot for our kind but to the point of not being in some form of disguise that's just asking for trouble. When I undisguised myself and some noticed who I was they bowed others didn't pay attention at all and continued to do what they were doing. I assumed that Purple would be at the top floor so I took an elevator all the way to the 30th floor.
When the door opened I was met by purple trying on a dress in a pony disguise I haven't seen before. "My lord it’s so good of you to join us in the LosPegasus faction of the hive." "Purple I want you to explain this to me why would you choose a form that isn't a pegasus or unicorn and why is our kind just lazing about when they should be out there collecting love for themselves?"
"Sir please you’re looking at this all in the wrong way I mean just look at yourself." I looked at myself and saw that the strap that held Scootaloo's goggles to my face had a tear in it and the cape Sweetie Bell gave me was torn in places and burnt in others. "You simply must relax for a while for all we know you’re really stressed out and haven't taken a much needed break from leadership." He is right, in some ways I haven't had a break in a good while.
"Ok Purple I'll take you up on your offer."
"Splendid, now choose a suitable disguise to walk around in." I transformed into my usual pegasus form and allowed, Purple to lead me out and into the city. We only walked a couple of blocks to arrive at a spa. I was thankful that Purple had chosen a famous disguise because it allowed Purple to get extra perks like only having to pay 2 bits for both of our full treatments.
The treatment did wonders on my body, I felt like I was finally able to relax. Apparently the feeling of relaxation was so powerful that I fell asleep sometime during the middle of the treatment. I was awakened by Purple as he tried to get us both out of there before paparazzi showed up. One of the backlashes of being famous is to keep up an image, and although Purple knew how to handle it well it's a hassle to explain what the famous Sapphire Shores was doing with a pegasus no one has heard of.
Once we returned to the penthouse Purple gave me a status report on the up and comings of what's been going on. From what he said they haven't found any trace of our queen but he and his faction has had a great time of blending in to the population. I was going to leave early seeing as how Purple was a lot better off in his duties then Green but he insisted that I spend the night at the casino.
I awoke the next morning to find that I had fallen asleep on one of the machines. My fur was a complete mess and I couldn't remember much of what went on last night. We played a couple of games of poker, to which I can rightfully say I can’t play well and I broke off from the main group to play the slot machine. I guess I just played that until I passed out.
After lying on the machine for a couple minutes I got up and dusted myself off, I didn't look any cleaner but I thought I might as well give it a shot. A small thud resounded in the room and when I looked around I noticed there was a small bag near me. I picked it up and shook it allowing for a small jingling of coins to be heard. I faintly remember Purple giving it to me I should return it to him the next time I see him.
When I felt my body's strength return I found the elevator and took it to the top floor. Purple was sleeping in his bed at the far end of the room still disguised as Sapphire Shores. I wondered how after last night he could sleep so soundly as if nothing had happened, then again he's been living here longer than I have maybe he's already gotten into the routine of things.
I took a shower and prepared a saddlebag full of food and water for a couple days, it was going to be harsh weather in the desert and I wanted to make sure I had everything prepared. When I was finished packing Purple had just awoken from his slumber. "My liege are you going to be leaving us today"? "Yes” I answered back "it's time for me to continue checking up on the others."
"Before you go here's the scarf and goggles you arrived with" he reached inside one of his many drawers and pulled out the gifts I got from the crusaders. They looked almost as if they were brand new, the crusader cape's golden side shined as bright as the sun while the rest of it complemented it completely. The goggles although were given used and mildly damaged were now in pristine condition, the lenses sparkled with cleanliness and was completely freed of cracks as well as the strap felt stronger and more sturdy. "Purple what did you do, these are in better condition than when I gave them to you." "I had my personal fashion designers fix them up as well as enchant the lenses for you now they will allow you to see things from a far distance and give you night vision while disguised as a pony after all it’s the least I can do to repay you for taking responsibility of the hive while our queens away." "Of course I'd fill in for our queen I've been with her for a long time and I have the hives best interests at heart." "My apologies for not believing in you but to be truthful each of us council members quickly disliked you when the queen took a you under her wing, you were a runt the worst of the worst from the litter yet she chose you, can you see why we loathed your very presence."
I closed my eyes and pondered on this for a moment it would explain why I wasn't liked but even then I knew I didn't belong but over time I grew into a great warrior loyal only to our queen. "No hard feelings Purple, and if there’s nothing more to say I'll be going now." Before I could continue walking Purple put his hoof on my shoulder and whispered "Not everyone has changed their opinion about you and I swore to secrecy about this but I will tell you this watch out for Red he despises you the most and feels he should be the next ruler if our queen doesn't return." "I'll remember that thank you Purple for everything you've done" "of course anytime".
After saying my goodbyes to the changelings I flew east toward Appleloosa. It was a good thing that I had Scootaloo's goggles because they kept the sand out of my eyes. I also tied the CMC cape around my muzzle making me look like one of those bandits in the western movies. All I need now is something cool to fight but I'd like to skip that if I could. Although for some reason the universe didn't want to accept that request. A giant snake like creature erupted from the ground about 10 feet away from me and I was barely able to avoid flying into it. Furthermore this creature was definitely not a snake, that fact came apparent after I looked at it a little longer.
Its scales were shaped differently than a snakes and it didn't use its tongue to locate things. Its eyes as well were very ominous looking and just staring at it made me feel like my life was getting sucked out. I decided to try and avoid it after all I don't need another fight. Cautiously I tried to fly around it but as soon as I was halfway around it, its head collided with my body sending me back a far distance.
That blow completely knocked the wind out of me and I needed a minute or two to catch my breath. With this time the serpent like creature began to observe me. By the way his body moved I could tell that he saw me as prey an easy one at that, if he attacked again I would have to fight back. As quick as a cheetah he lunged for me, I didn't think a being of his size could go that fast but I guess I was wrong and I almost paid the ultimate price for it, I was barely able to dodge his attack.
I made an attempt to put distance between myself and him by flying higher but it followed me by traveling upward. At the speed he was going he would eventually catch up with me so I decided to attack. I turned back into a changeling and prepared for a dive bomb, I wanted it to be effective so I charged as much energy as I could and released it as I fell toward him. He opened his gaping maw to try and catch me.
I kept on falling toward it after all my trajectory couldn't be changed, that's one of the downfalls of our dive bomb you can't change directions once you use it. Our collision was imminent but at the last moment the serpent screeched in pain allowing me to slam my dive bomb onto his face causing us both to crash on the sand. Luckily I took no damage but the same couldn't be said for the serpents his face was badly injured so much so that his scales cracked and fell of as of it was chipped armor.
It took a moment to hiss at me before trying to attack me again but before he could reach me something began to stab him on his face distracting him. To my shock the offender was none other than the gryphon who I had seen back in the Everfree. He attacked relentlessly with his daggers on the serpents exposed face. The serpent tried with all his might to shake the gryphon off but to no avail. This went on until the serpent began to lose strength and crash back on the sand with a loud thud dead.
The gryphon stared at me with murderous intent and I returned his gaze with equal force. He said nothing as he strode up to the face of the serpent and gauged its eyes out. I don't know why he needed the eyes of this beast but I'm just glad it can't move anymore.
I began to walk away from the corps when I heard “you’re the one from the Everfree Forest right, the one who was spying?" His question made me hesitate, it was only for a moment but it was enough for him to catch it. “You are the one; I figured I saw you before, just had to match up your face with the place." He put the eyes into a bag and began to walk away “by the way the serpent you just encountered is a Basilisk in case you didn’t know, if you looked into its eyes you would of died but if you looked at it indirectly you may have come out of that fight with some form of paralysis but judging by the look of you, your fine just make sure to get to town quickly so that they can take a look at you." With that said he left, I began to test out my body and I felt at 100% but just in case I took his advice and headed to town at a quicker pace.
“Water" I yelled as the river that led into Ghastly Gorge appeared on the horizon. My wings flapped on their own as I flew towards the cool sparkling water. I didn't just stop on the side of it to drink; I plunged into the water taking deep gulps before rushing to the surface for air. In that moment I wanted to rest their forever but I knew that was just my heated mind talking and I was so close to Appleloosa anyhow. It had been a couple of days since I defeated the basilisk and since then my thirst for water increased and my limbs have felt heavier than ever before. No matter how many breaks I took my body felt like it was getting progressively weaker.
Forcing my hooves out of the water and onto the other side of the stream I opened my saddle bags and prepared a small lunch. It was the last of the food as well so if I didn't make it to Appleloosa before nightfall I would be in trouble. My Lunch consisted of two sandwiches a bag of chips and fresh water provided by the stream. After cleaning myself up and getting a final drink from the stream I continued on my way. Although this time the ache in my hooves was increased tenfold, it felt like I was stepping on fire and when I tried to fly my wings began to cramp up mid-flight causing me to crash back onto the sand.
My vision began to fade in and out and my head began to feel heavy and soon enough I fell onto the ground panting barely able to keep my eyes open. A figure appeared on the horizon it looked like a pony but with my vision obscured I couldn't make them out and my body finally had enough making me close my eyes and go into a deep slumber.
Our leader Camo has arrived in Appaloosa, not safely but definitely alive.
He arrived here with a terrible fever, stiff limbs, and a small case of petrification. When I saw him faint in the desert I quickly made my way over to him only to find that his wings were turning to stone.
The doctor came to take a look at him recently and he said he would die in a couple of days due to the petrification if left untreated. As far as he knew no one in Appaloosa has ever had to deal with petrification and he had no clue on how to make him feel better.
I've sent our best warriors to find someone who may have a cure to what ails him but so far there hasn’t been any luck. I fear the worst for him, he has shown no signs of getting better since taking him in.
For now he resides in my guest bedroom. I’ve also taken the supplies he arrived with and put them on a chair nearby; hopefully he’ll wake up soon.
*Camo's Pov*
As I woke up I felt my body completely drenched in sweat. Too add to my uncomfortable awakening my wings felt really stiff, it was as if I could no longer move them.
When I tried to pull myself up pain erupted from my forehead causing me to lie back down.
"Where am I?" I spoke out loud.
I could've sworn I fainted in the desert. I turned my head to the left and saw a chair with my saddlebags on it. To my right was a wall with a window that showed the outside world. I opened the window hoping that the air that blew in would cool me off. It did, for a little while but the heat from the sun outweighed the coolness of the wind leading me to close the window.
I felt terrible everything hurt with an unbearable pain and I was extremely tired but for some reason I didn't want to sleep.
Soon after staring out the window for a while I heard rummaging from down stairs. At least that’s what I thought the sound was coming from. I didn't know if the house was only 1 story or 2 but considering that the noise sounded close but not on the same level as me I deduced that the sound came from downstairs.
I wanted to call the pony from downstairs but my voice felt hoarse so I couldn't say anything.
For about an hour I heard a lot of things moving downstairs but eventually the clip clopping of hooves began to ascend the stairs and began getting closer to my room. The door opened to reveal a green pony with blue eyes and a red mane and tail adorned with a cowboy hat and a green bow. She gasped and almost dropped whatever she was carrying on her back.
Apparently my being awake surprised her although what happened next definitely surprised me. One second she was shocked and standing in front of the door to my room, the next she was hugging me tightly.
"Oh Camo I'm so glad you're awake I was so worried that you wouldn't wake up or even worse die before we even found our queen."
Where have I been in this situation before? It seemed familiar but I couldn't put my hoof on it
"Yellow is that you?" I said through my dry throat.
"Yes sir." She said as she stopped hugging me.
I noticed that the soup she was carrying on her back didn't spill at all but she was leaning on me so at least some of it should have spilled out. To stop myself from going too far on that thought I said.
"So you must be the one who saved me once I fainted."
"Yes that's correct it was also decided that you would stay with me until you felt better, by the way I made you some soup to eat."
She set the bowl on the chair but I couldn't bear to move much in my state so I said.
"Can you feed it to me please I'm not in the right condition to move yet."
She looked apologetically at me and said. "Of course sorry for my indolence."
I felt like a foal as she spoon fed me the soup which by the way was delicious. The soup did wonders on my body the pain lessened considerably and moving my limbs didn't feel as much of a chore as before.
When the bowl was finished I said. "The soup was delicious Yellow but for some odd reason I can't feel my wings."
She hesitated for a split moment before saying "your wings and the rest of your body is in the process of petrification".
My face must have let on what my voice couldn't say. How am I in the process of petrification? I took a moment to think on how this situation could have occurred when I remembered the aftermath of the battle with the basilisk.
“By the way the serpent you just encountered is a Basilisk in case you didn’t know, if you looked into its eyes you would of died but if you looked at it indirectly you may have come out of that fight with some form of paralysis but judging by the look of you, your fine just make sure to get to town quickly so that they can take a look at you."
The gryphon’s warning ran through my head as I thought about my current condition. He had actually tried to help me, why? He knows for a fact that I was spying on him so why would he give me any information at all.
After a small mental debate I decided to stop and try to think upon that later.
"Yellow since I won't be going anywhere for a while why don't you tell me about what your faction has done since I last saw you."
"Of course during our time here we've integrated into the community greatly despite the size of the town and its occupants, we had to be extremely careful with mimicking the likeness of our disguises so as not to raise suspicion..." a loud boom was heard from outside causing Yellow to stop what she was saying.
"What was that?" I asked her.
"I don't know” she responded “this has never happened before."
"Let's go check it out" I said as I tried getting up.
The moment I did however Yellow sprang into motion. She laid her hoof on my body and pushed me back down onto the bed.
"No my liege you’re too weak and in your state you could be seriously injured."
"Nonsense I'm fine" I said as I forced a smile hoping she would buy it.
By the way she looked at me I knew she didn’t.
"I order you to take me to where that sound came from."
She sighed knowing that no matter what I was going to find out what happened, plus it was a direct order she couldn't say no… right?
"Alright I'll take you there but you need to be careful at the nearest sign of danger were coming back okay? “
I nodded. When she saw that i accepted the her terms she became less worrisome and helped me get up. I left my stuff back in the room as I put my hoof around Yellow for support.
Once outside we could see that most of the town’s residents were running around and screaming blindly as if it was the end of the world. The path we had to go was obvious all we had to do was just go the opposite way of the town’s residents. It wasn’t as clear as I thought it would be, they were all running in different ways.
Eventually we arrived at the scene to witness a dark shadow like figure walking over a diamond dog and making his way to what I assume was the town's library. It had a sign that had a book on it so I assumed it was so, but what had started this whole battle in the first place? Diamond dogs are known to travel in groups but this one was all alone. It could just be that his pack decided to ditch him but even so what about that pony.
He was obviously up to no good considering he looked as if he wasn’t completely there. Maybe he was using some kind of magical spell that I’ve never hear d before.
We went over to the diamond dog and yellow said "Sparky are you alright?"
His eyes opened and he looked at the both of us and said "run"
He quickly succumbed back to silence afterward.
I didn't know who Sparky was but he obviously had a good heart if he was friends with a pony in this town.
"I want to get closer" I said to her.
Yellow looked at me as if I was crazy.
"Didn't you hear what Sparky said we need to go away from it."
I shook my head.
"We need to see this pony."
Although Yellow was apprehensive about it she brought me closer to where the stallion went. He hadn't gone into the library yet he just stood there as if searching for something.
As we neared he seemed to have heard us approaching, because he began to speak.
"Ah, Camo the king of the changelings what an honor to be here before you and with a member of one of your council no less I am deeply moved."
We both could no longer move we were stunned by the fact that he knew who we were even though we had disguises. We had no reply for him he had completely stunned us into silence.
He then turned around and we were able to look at his eyes they were green and unlike most pony’s eyes his looked like a dragons.
"You should look at your faces right now I mean really what are you so stunned about?"
We still couldn't reply the fact that he was talking nonchalantly as if this was common knowledge disturbed me.
"You’re probably wondering how I know about you, let's just say I acquired the information."
The way he said acquired didn't sit well with me so when I found my voice I said "what do you mean you acquired it?"
"Simple really I just took control of some of your changeling allies. From there I was able to access their memories from their heads. By the way do you know how highly the changelings regard you as? You’re their symbol of hope; I wish they could see you now cowering in fear of my very presence, and weak beyond comprehension."
It took me awhile to process what he said 'I’m their ray of hope?'
I haven't done much since becoming the leader if anything my only goal is to look for our queen. Then my mind was able to process the second thing he said, I am not weak. I hissed at him making sure to show my fangs and he did the same oddly enough with his own pair of fangs.
"You've just become an enemy of the changelings I hope you're prepared to face the consequences."
He chuckled and then replied "with my power I could easily defeat you in my present shadow form but seeing as how you're barely able to stand on your own I assume you’re in a weaker state and would rather fight me with your full power I'll be waiting at your so called changeling hive, see you then king of the changelings."
With that said his shadow form disappeared leaving us with our thoughts.
I couldn't believe what I had just seen. That stallion although I've seen nothing but his shadow form he seemed familiar and the entirety of what he said was true.
Yellow found her voice and said "Camo can you walk on your own I should take Sparky to a hospital."
I nodded and she was on her way helping sparky onto his paws and getting him to move in what I could only assume was the direction of the hospital. I returned to Yellows house shortly after seeing them go. I laid down on the bed and thought about what had just happened.
I couldn't possibly beat him even at full strength and it was obvious that he was serious. That look in his eyes haunted me. Those eyes haunted me until I fell asleep and even within my dreams they haunted me until the next morning.
Over a week has passed since the town was visited by that dark figure and during that time I spent all of it recovering physically and mentally.
I couldn't wrap my mind around it this stallion instilled fear in me like no other. I felt weak a broken form of the changeling I once used to be I wanted nothing more than to be in the reassuring arms of my queen but of course she's not here either which leaves me to deal with it by myself.
The petrification that I was experiencing stopped sometime during the week and my body was recovering from the shock till the end of it. During the time Yellow or Peachy sweet as her disguise was called took care of me. Whenever I would be asleep and having a nightmare she was there to comfort me. I greatly appreciated her efforts into making me feel better.
Today my body felt like it had returned to normalcy and I decided that today was the day that I would start traveling to the hive I needed answers and that stallion was going to give me some one way or another.
When Yellow arrived I told her that I was going to the hive, she insisted that she go with me to make sure that I was safe but I told her that she needed to protect the Appaloosan faction of the hive. I also told her that if I didn't return to break the news to everyone. She hugged me and I hugged her back I told her that I would be back soon and headed off.
Nothing eventful happened on my way to the hive but oddly enough my brain kept repeating small insignificant things. One was in my time in Ponyville where Silver and Zecora mentioned a brown stallion named Specter and then that crazy pony's words back in Los Pegasus "Silence will fall when you least expect it."
I decided to put those out of my mind as I entered the changeling hive, it seemed empty no changelings had returned since I had dispersed them across Equestria.
I figured the stallion would be in the throne room and indeed he was. He was sitting on the throne with his hoof propping his face up, he was a brown colored stallion with a grey and black mane with a purple star cutie mark but instead of a black triangle within it, it had a black triangle with lines stretching from the black triangle to the 5 corners of the star.
"So you've finally arrived I was wondering when you would show up I've become awfully bored within the confines of your home."
I returned to my changeling form and began to charge up a spell.
"Eager aren't we?" he said as his horn lit up with a green glow.
He didn't move though which struck me as odd but then a green aura seeped out of his eyes. He reminded me of Sombra in some ways and this intrigued me.
"Before we begin tell me where did you learn your magic?"
He wasted no time in answering me.
"Princess Luna and King Sombra taught me all I know."
So I was right he does have some connection to Sombra.
"Is it true that your name is Specter?"
"Yes my name is Specter although I'm curious to know how you came across my name."
"Silver Spoon and Zecora mentioned you during my time in Ponyville."
He closed his eyes for a moment probably reminiscing on something.
"Yes I knew those two well although that’s not why we’re here. I challenged you to a fight so let's see what you’re made of."
A shadow version of himself took form as he sat on the throne in the same position as when I entered here.
"Are you going to fight or are you just a coward who needs shadows to do his dirty work?"
"Didn't I tell you once before, you won't even be able to beat my shadow but if by some luck you can or even damage me while I'm sitting here I'll fight you for real?"
He's toying with me? I don't like to be toyed with. I charged up a light spell and hurled it at the shadow; the shadow disappeared and then reappeared as if nothing happened.
"Here's a little tip, if you don't use the right amount of light magic my shadow will keep reforming."
I don't have enough power to keep wasting on his shadows I'm going to have to find a way to get around it and attack him directly. I checked my surroundings for anything that may help me accomplish this.
My eyes landed upon the stalactite on the ceiling it was at just the right angle above him that it could cause a decent distraction. I shot a laser blast at it and after some crumbling it toppled down towards him.
As he began to levitate it away from him it gave me just enough time to charge up a laser beam and aim it at a vital spot. Once released it began to travel towards its destination, (his heart) just as it was about to hit him he moved his hoof to block it.
I thought that his hoof would of been blown to bits but imagine my surprise when he redirected it into the wall. Needless to say I was in awe a pony redirecting magic with his hoof instead of their horn was unheard of.
"Congratulations you managed to try and fail to hit me."
He said as he lowered the stalactite unto the floor.
Stepping off the throne he continued "Now is when the real fight begins."
One second he was standing near the throne and the next he was gone.
"Are you ready to see why back in school they used to call me The Silent Specter?"
After that all was silent but then out of nowhere a blast of magic zoomed by me.
"That was a warning shot the next one I shoot won't be so lenient."
His voice sounded like it was coming from everywhere at once. There was no real way to pinpoint his location so I did the next best thing to protect myself.
"A force field? That won't last against me the only pony who was able to defend himself against me with a force field was extremely skilled with that style of magic. A changelings won't even stand a chance against me."
He began to fire magic from all sides leaving cracks in my shield whenever one hit.
'I won't be able to last any longer' I thought to myself as pieces of the shield began to crack away into nothingness.
I quickly dispelled the shield and ran for the exit.
I didn’t get far, before I could even reach the exit the floor opened up and I fell into the newly formed crevice.
I spread my wings and used them to fly out of the crevice.
He was waiting for me at the top. He wasn’t in his shadow form and he seemed to just be standing their unamused.
“I would of thought that the new king of the changelings would put up a better fight than this, maybe a little incentive would help you fight better.”
As soon as he finished speaking I heard footsteps stomping in unison coming closer to what remained of the throne room. The stomping grew louder until I was finally able to see what it was.
To my horror it was the dead skeletons of my fellow deceased changelings.
“You dare defile the graves of my ancestors.”
“Oh I do dare its not like you can do anything about it.”
“That’s where you're wrong.” I said as my horn began to light up.
“Then show me what you’ve got I’ve grown tired of this battle.”
With a battle cry I charged towards him and his army of skeletons. Before the first skeleton could even reached me I teleported behind all of them into the hall. The reason I did this was because the odds were stacked against me. I wouldn’t have been able to fight them all, not without help of some kind.
I racked my brain for anything within the hive that could help me accomplish this but none came up. The more I thought about it the closer the skeletons were closing in on me.
Eventually after running about the halls an idea struck me. It would be risky and dangerous but it was one of the only ways I stood a chance at defeating him.
After running for a little while longer I found the room I had been looking for. The Warriors chamber is what most of the hive have grown accustomed to calling it, this room was where changelings destined to become warriors were housed.
As I walked in I noticed how the cocoon's that they were placed in hadn’t been disturbed. It looked like Specter hadn’t messed with any of the pods, to make sure I checked all of them.
Once finished I began to detach the pods from the ceiling and place them on the ground one by one. These were the spare warriors, Chrysalis told me that unleashing them from their coma like state would be done in extreme emergencies and this was an emergency. I didn’t need to awaken them all so I left some of the pods hanging on the ceiling in the event that something came up later.
I charged up my horn and with a small burst of magic I unleashed each from their cocoon. They stumbled about at first but after adjusting to their surroundings they stood at attention.
When a changeling is out of their pods their first instinct is to connect to the hive mind. Once the connection is made they learn the basic information needed to carry out their goal.
“My fellow changelings I have awakened you from your slumber for one reason and one reason only.
“ Your task is to apprehend the threat known as Specter. He is dangerous and armed with vasts knowledge of magic and at this moment he is leading a skeleton army of our own deceased this way.
“I need you all to fight with everything you’ve got and hopefully at the end of the day we will be able to face our queen and tell her that we vanquished a powerful threat.”
They all nodded and began to march out into the hall.
“That’s a nice speech it’s a shame that they won’t survive that battle however.”
I turned my head to see that Specter was leaning on the doorway watching the changeling warriors march into battle.
I immediately shot a green beam of energy at him. It had no effect however, at the last second he became a shadow and reappeared in front of me.
Talking to him any longer would be a futile endeavor I decided. With this decision set I began to fire a torrent of laser blasts at him. All of which he dodged and returned with his own fire.
All throughout the fight I grew weaker and oddly enough Specter did as well. We both grew so weak that we were able to land blows on each other. I made every attack count leading to me having the upper hoof.
Eventually I was able to put the rest of my energy into one attack, I charged my horn with every ounce of love I had left and fired it with all my might at him. He was unable to dodge it but he did try to weaken it with his own force field.
We were both panting and for awhile none of us did anything but stare. After a couple more minutes of panting he spoke.
“I can’t believe i've been pushed this far but this is the end of you Camo the Changeling.”
His horn glowed with a brilliant green light and aura began to pour out of his eyes. Not wanting to stay their any longer I ran away from him.
My body was on autopilot, all I knew was that I needed to escape the confines of the hive. Along the way I heard bones break and when I looked down at the floor I saw that it was my own hooves steeping on the bones of the changeling skeletons that were previously animated.
That wasn’t the only thing I saw however, as I was running by I saw the dead bodies of the changeling warriors. I wanted to grieve for them but I knew that I had to reach the outside of the hive quickly.
Eventually I saw a light at the end of the tunnel and this made me go faster. My hooves were aching excruciatingly but I ignored it and drew closer to the light.
As soon as I could see the scenery outside it was blocked by a black smoke forming into my worst nightmare. It condensed into the form of a pony and knowing only one unicorn that could use this I began to plant all my hooves on the ground.
Somewhere in the back of my mind my brain was telling me that this wasn't going to work but I ignored it hoping that I would not have to come face to face with this stallion. Unfortunately for me that wasn't the case he had manifested back into his normal form and I had managed to stop right in front of him.
His dragon like eyes stared at my pure blue and green changeling eyes. I dreaded every moment of looking at him and as much as I wanted to get away from him I couldn't. His eyes were holding me in place as if I had no will of my own.
Then unexpectedly he said "thank you for running you've given me just enough time to charge a deadly spell of mine."
Right then my body decided to work again. I turned around and began to run back into the hive. The ground began to shake as I tried desperately to get away from the stallion. As I got further from him he kept on talking.
"I've been working on this spell for a couple of years and even now it still doesn't work exactly like I want it to but it should be more than enough to finish you off."
Everything became silent no longer could I hear the clip clopping of my own hooves on the floor. It was as if everything was in slow motion and out of curiosity I turned around. There was a massive amount of energy headed my way and there was nothing I could do about it. It was too quick to teleport away from and my force field would never be able to block it.
"I'm sorry fellow changelings, my queen but... I've failed you all."
Specter's attack connected with my body and with a loud scream I felt my life fade into nothingness.
With a jolt I awoke from my slumber the sound of my breaths was the only thing I could hear. Hearing that my breaths were rapid I began to try and calm myself down.
Once I was finally able to get my breaths under control I tried to remember what had happened to me. My body was all bandaged up as if I had been in a fight of some sort.
After trying for a couple of minutes to remember my predicament I couldn't come up with anything. I felt sore all over but since I could feel I was sore I deduced that nothing was majorly broken.
I took a look around and noticed that my surroundings looked familiar. There were crystals everywhere of every size, shape, and color. This is the crystal mines that I had kept Princess Cadence confined in. What was I doing here?
Just as I was about to try to get up and look around a familiar brown stallion entered the chamber. Immediately everything came back to me.
"You."
My horn began to charge up with energy.
"You did this to me."
Pain flared from my body causing the spell to cancel out leaving me to collapse onto the floor out of breath.
He rushed over to me and put my body in a more comfortable position.
“It's best not to over exert your body too much I did do a lot of damage to you after all."
"So you admit you did this to me.”
The amount of malice I put into every one of those words was excruciating.
What he did next caught me off guard he had a look of complete sorrow on his face.
"Yes I admit that I did do this to you but I would like to explain how and why this happened if you’re willing to listen."
The last thing I wanted to do was listen to him but, he did seem different. For one thing his eyes were no longer dragon like and they didn't hold the darkness that I saw within them before. In fact I would even go so far as to say he was a different stallion but that still isn't an excuse for what he did to me and the other members of the hive.
"Fine I'll listen to what you have to say you obviously went through the trouble of healing me when you didn't have to it would be a waste if I didn't."
"That's where you're wrong I had an obligation to help you but I'm getting ahead of myself let me start at the beginning."
He then took a seat in front of me and began to tell his story.
"I was assigned by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to go with Princess Cadence and Captain Shining Armor to the crystal empire. Once there I took care of the crystal pony's who had mild injuries and was charged with making them feel comfortable.
“One night as I was patrolling the halls I felt something calling me. After searching for it for a couple of days I found a door and when I opened it my greatest fear lied beyond it.
“That fear was I, turning evil and destroying everything in my path. Of course I was shocked and horrified at what I saw. That’s when a figure approached me a unicorn that was just about as tall as the princesses; he had regal attire and a curved horn.
"He told me 'You shouldn't fear the darkness that lies within you come with me and I'll teach you how to control it so that you won’t be corrupted by it' he was very charismatic and what he said did appeal to me at the time. I had been going through some problems back then so I figured learning from him would help better myself.
"I was under his tutelage for a couple weeks and within that time I grew darker and darker becoming more like Sombra with every passing moment. My eyes became dragon like and my cutiemark changed from a star with a dark triangle in it, to a star with 5 lines connected to the dark triangle.
"Soon after my own transformation Sombra was defeated by the element bearers and the crystal heart once that happened I felt the need to revive Sombra. I saw his horn fly off into the horizon. So I went around searching for it causing destruction almost everywhere I went.
"I almost turned an old friend into a great threat through my travels; luckily the elements took care of her and have forgiven her for her past and have even started to become friends with her.
"Then one night I saw a changeling wondering around I assumed he was trying to find a pony to impersonate but I wanted to know the purpose of it being there. So I used a spell to bend it to my will and it told me all I wanted to know.
"This inevitably led to me coming into confrontation with you and I assume you remember the final moments of the battle correct?"
I nodded.
"Well that spell I used was an experimental spell that I created to attack my enemies but it has a large probability of doing anything so even I didn't know what it would do to you once I released it. When it did hit you it did some damage to your exoskeleton and trapped you within a crystal.
"I then decided to hide you in a place no pony would ever think to visit and it was the crystal caverns. Once that was finished I met a changeling by the name of Red and he had heard of my exploits through other changelings and so one thing led to another and we had a truce."
There was a pause and I took this time to think. Purple did tell me that Red hated me maybe he thought Specter could help overthrow me but that would then mean he had no intention to save our queen in the first place.
Specter reached into a saddlebag for a canteen and took a drink of water.
He then said"are you ready for me to continue?"
I nodded and he continued.
"It turns out all along he had with him Sombra's horn and I assumed that the horn would need a lot of power to reconstruct his body but to my surprise the horn got absorbed into me.
"I think you can imagine the pain I felt as my body began to change. For thirty minutes this went on and my body was about to let Sombra have complete control of it but then at the last moment I fought back and was able to reject Sombra completely from my body.
"When I did I noticed that I had complete control of my body and my conscious. No longer had any thoughts of doing bad things to others occurred, but in the midst of all the happiness I felt I remembered the pain I had caused to everyone within my darkened state.
“I then noticed that Sombra stood in front of me, Red was standing right next to him and the both of them had evil grins plastered on their faces. Not wanting to be in the presence of them both I fled to the only place I could down here.
“I figured I would need help with taking out Sombra so I found where I had stashed you and released you from your crystal prison; I then began to heal your wounds.
"While I was taking a quick walk around the mines to check if the coast was clear I returned to find that you were awake."
He finally finished and he stayed silent for a while as I processed all the information he had told me. He does seem to have changed and if all that he’s telling me is true then he truly regrets what he has done. It would explain why I'm still alive and why he's healing me.
"I believe you."
"You do? Thank you so much..."
"But that still doesn't mean I forgive you for what you’ve done, in the end you still caused all of this."
His face turned into one of sadness.
"I understand but will you help me restore order to Equestria."
"No I only care about my fellow changelings safety once I'm assured that their safe our alliance means nothing."
"Well it's a start at least but even if you’re not going to be helping me forever I still have some wrong doings I want to fix."
He then walked over to one of the many crystals. Looking at it closer I could see that something was within the crystal.
With a small burst of magic it cracked open. He then levitated the contents of what was inside to my side.
My jaw was wide open I couldn't believe who he had just put next to me. It was none other than Queen Chrysalis herself and from what I could see she looked perfectly healthy.
Tears flooded from my eyes as I hugged my Queens slumbering form.
"Thank... you."
My voice was barely audible but it was enough for him to hear.
"It's the least that I could do to make amends for all that I've done. I'll leave you two alone to catch up."
He then left the room allowing me to cry in peace with my queen.
After a couple of minutes of crying silently, my queen began to stir. With a small yawn she woke up and began to look at her surroundings. Once seeing me however she began to speak.
"Camo what are we doing here? "And why are you crying?"
I sniffed and dried my tears before answering.
"It's been so long since I've seen you before me, I've really missed your presence at the hive."
She wrapped me in a motherly hug and said "I'm sorry it's my fault I was thinking about myself when I decided to leave you in charge but now I see I've made a grave mistake. Look at you you're such a mess what have you got yourself into sense the last time we've met?"
I began to recount on everything that happened leaving out smaller details like the accidental kiss between me and Sweetie Bell. If I had told her that I'd be mocked about it for the rest of my life. I also told her about Specter and his role in what was to come. When I was through she closed her eyes.
"Camo have you connected to the hive mind recently?"
"No I haven't is something wrong?"
"Their isn't a single conversation going on it's completely silent."
I then connected to the hive mind and realized that she was correct, it was completely silent.
"So what Specter said must be the truth their all being used by Sombra and maybe even Red."
"I always had a strange feeling about... Wait, you named the council members?"
"Yes did I leave that part out?"
"Well considering that this is the first I've heard of names being used to define a changeling other than you yes."
"I'm sorry my queen but yes I did name the council members they each had a small color shaped diamond on their flanks so I named them by that."
"I'm the one that gave them the marks it's the insignia of a council member."
"I'm sorry my queen you never told me but let's get back to the topic at hoof, this means that Specter isn't lying to us?"
"Why would he judging from what you said about him he seems resentful he would do anything to feel whole again, plus it seems he was under Sombra's control since meeting him, I will not hold a grudge against him for that.
“He also managed to save you even if indirectly he did manage to save my favorite changeling."
I smiled at this I had no idea I was her favorite out of the entire hive.
"Were still going to need a plan of attack to reclaim what's yours my queen."
"Yes once Specter comes back we will discuss a plan of action with him."
Eventually Specter returned looking a bit more confident than the last time I had saw him. He also had many broken shards of crystals on his fur and in his mane.
He bowed to Queen Chrysalis and then began to speak "Chrysalis I see that you're awake have you had time to speak with Camo about recent events."
"Yes I have, first thank you for saving the both of us even if you did so indirectly in the state you were in."
"Your welcome."
"Second what do you advise we do now to counteract all that has happened?"
"We should wait until Camo's completely healed before we try any kind of attack also I'm sure the both of you need to restock on love so we must make arrangements for that as well. Until then you can do whatever you want, I've just made an interesting discovery and I wish to learn how to use it before the upcoming battle.
"If you need me for anything come find me it won't be that hard I'll be somewhere within the cavern if you hear crystals shattering most likely it's me."
With that he left the room and went deeper into the caverns. "Camo I will go up to Canterlot and fetch us some love just be careful while in here." She kissed my forehead and left the room.
Having nothing more to do in the confines of my chamber I began to test the limits of my magic. I levitated small pieces of crystal into the air and tried to see how long I could keep them afloat.
It didn't last long however because I heard a massive roar come from the deeper part of the cavern. It sounded dragon like in nature but that's all I could deduce from it. Can a dragon possibly be living down here?
It's not impossible I mean their are gems everywhere enough for any dragon to hoard for his lifetime but if so then why would Specter willingly go down there I guess I'll ask him if he ever does come back up.
My eyes fell upon his saddlebags. I wondered what’d he kept inside them. I knew it was wrong to look at other creatures belongings but I figured it would be alright so I levitated his bag's over to me.
When I checked the contents there was some food containers a bag of bits and a purple sweater. I looked a little deeper and found Scootaloo's goggles as well as the cmc cape I owned. These must of fallen of me when I was fighting him but why would he take the time to go and fetch them?
The last thing I found was a pearl necklace it was made of mostly silver pearls with 2 golden pearls and 1 black pearl as the center piece. It looked beautiful and costly I wondered how much it costs to have a necklace made like that.
After rummaging through Specter's saddle bags I decided that I needed to stretch my body out. Getting up was a bit of a challenge but in no time I was standing on my four hooves. I took a few tentative steps forward making sure that my muscles remembered how to walk.
I felt like I was a foal again learning how to walk for the first time. Inevitably I ended up face planting after a few more steps. I hoped that I was the only one to have witness myself do that but I then heard the sound of my queen laughing.
"How much did you see?"
"Not much... All of it" she said as she continued to snicker at my expense.
"You're acting like a complete foal"
"It isn't my fault I got beaten so badly that my body forgot how to walk."
"Of course it is Camo you're to soft everyone in the hive knows that."
I turned my head away from her "Yeah right."
"Of course you are, how do you explain going out of your way to help changelings who look sad?"
"I've no idea what you're going on about"
"Looks like someone is in denial."
"Am not."
"Alright, I guess someone isn't getting some love today."
"Fine I can go weeks or even months without it."
"Camo you know perfectly well that as your queen I have the right to order you to do that so don't push me."
I always hated it when she pulled that.
"Plus in your weakened state you need as much love as you can get, so turn your head towards me."
I obliged but only because I was hungry and hadn't eaten all day. She touched her horn to mine and transferred her love into me. Once the feeding was over with I felt extremely tired.
As my eyelids began to creep closer and closer Chrysalis sat next to me and allowed me to use her body as a pillow. She then began to sing a small lullaby that's been passed down to pony's for generations.
"Hush now quiet now it's time to lay your sleepy head, Hush now quiet now it's time to go to bed..."
Her singing voice is so beautiful. Whenever she used to sing to me I would always acknowledge and praise her for her magical singing talent.
I yawned and began to fall into a deep sleep but not before I heard Chrysalis say "Good night my sweet prince." I felt her lips press against my forehead just underneath my horn.
"I'm not a..." I couldn't even finish what I was going to say, slumber had finally taken it's hold and that night I had the best sleep I've had in what felt like a long time.
After my full recovery I was given a couple of days to train with my queen. Specter assumed that a fight to the finish was the most likely probability so he told us to prepare ourselves however we pleased.
We had just completed a training session when Specter found us. He had a grim look on his face and I could only assume that he had brought bad news with him.
"Chrysalis, Camo come here I have some bad news for you."
"What is it? "Will it interfere with the plan?"
"To answer the last question yes and to answer the first, Sombra has unleashed infant changelings from your pods in the hive."
My queen looked visibly shaken but she composed herself enough for Specter to continue.
"He is using dark magic to transform them into highly skilled and deadly weapons.
"From what I've seen their mindless zombies with no purpose other than what Sombra tells them. Also they are no longer in Canterlot their building their forces in the ruins of the hive."
Chrysalis was shaken so much that she had to take a seat to absorb the information for awhile.
"How will we be able to battle them there's three of us and so many of them?" I asked him.
"I'm not sure but what I am sure about is that we need help and although I'm afraid of what may happen to you two I believe that we will need help from Princess Cadence and Captain Shining Armor."
"What are you trying to get us killed?" I asked him.
"No of course not, I know Shining Armor and Princess Cadence personally, I'm sure if I talked to them they would be willing to help."
"No absolutely not."
"This isn't about just you if Sombra masses and army and we don't let anypony else know, what will stop him from taking over Equestria."
"Can't you see that we don't care about Equestria we only care about our hive what will happen to them if..."
Feeling my queen's hoof on my shoulder I stopped talking. The look in her eyes told me that I had said enough.
"Specter thank you for telling me this if you believe that we should see the current royalty of the crystal kingdom then by all means I trust you."
"Thank you I promise that you won't regret it.
"I bought each of us tickets for the next train to the crystal kingdom it will be leaving in an hour so make sure you're prepared, once you are meet me at the entrance of the mines."
Once he had left I turned my attention to my queen and said "why are we following what he's saying for all we know he's leading us into a trap that'll meet both of our demises."
Chrysalis shook her head and then said "Camo were you looking at Specter's eyes in that brief conversation with him?"
"No but what does that have to do with..."
She cut me off and began speaking again.
"If you've lived as long as I you notice certain things, for one when I saw him deliver us the news he had one emotion that spoke loud and clear."
"What was it?"
"Regret, he regrets everything that he has done over the past couple of months he's adding this to a list of things he should hate himself for."
"Have you not been sensing the emotions that radiated from him during your little dispute."
"No my queen I'm sorry I should be more observant."
"It's alright Camo, you have every reason to be wary of meeting Princess Cadence she was the one who scattered us in the first place but despite that I trust our friend to see us through."
What she said baffled me. Friends with someone who isn't within our race? That's unheard of.
For the longest time I thought it was impossible for anyone in the hive to become friends with a pony but if my queen trusts him that much to consider him a friend than I will trust her judgement.
However this made me think over my relationship with the crusaders. They've done so much for me in the short time that I knew them. They called me their friend and even searched for me when they thought I was missing.
Half of my mind wanted to consider them as true friends but the other half knew that they only liked me because I didn't have a cutie mark and looked normal. In my heart I wanted to consider them my friends but in order to do so they would have to accept me as I truly am, and after what happened to them in Canterlot during the invasion I'm sure that they wouldn't want a changeling as their friend.
My mind continued with the pattern of thinking that they were my friends and they weren't my friends until we met Specter at the front of the cave.
He had his purple sweater on with the hood covering most of his face.
"You both should put on a disguise we're going to leave now."
We changed our forms into Pegasi and looked at Specter expectantly.
We were at the bottom of the mountain that Canterlot was on, he would need some form of transportation if he was going to get up there in time for the train.
"Would you like a ride?" Chrysalis asked.
Unexpectedly enough he said "No I have my own ride."
He then turned his body into black smoke. The only thing that didn't make us think he had vanished completely was his green eyes that could clearly be seen in the dense smoke. Oddly enough his white freckles was also visible where they would be if his gaseous form had face
We landed in an alley that was near the train station and after Specter finished turning back into a unicorn we began to walk the rest of the way.
As we were walking we saw a peach colored mare walking around with a picture of some sort. She was asking anypony that would give her the time of day if they had seen the colt in the picture.
She then appeared before us and said "excuse me, do you happen to be know the colt in this picture his name is Specter and he’s my only son."
We all took a look at the picture and it depicted a younger looking Specter hugging the mare before us.
"No I'm sorry ma’am we haven’t seen him."
“Is this true.”She said while looking at Chrysalis and I. We both nodded and she sighed.
“Thank you for your time.”
She walked away with a little less pep in her step.
If that mare knew Specter why didn't he tell her that he was right in front of her just then. Is he hiding from her? Maybe he doesn't want to see her now. I resolved to ask him about her later. Luckily she didn't notice his cutie mark that was hidden behind his saddle bags.
She then walked away and we continued to the train station. After getting in the train and finding our seats I asked Specter who that mare was.
"That was my mother."
Chrysalis and I both gasped.
“If that was your mother why didn’t you show yourself to her, she obviously cares about you a lot to be going up to random strangers and ask if they’ve seen you.”
A small tear escaped his eye and instead of wiping it away he let it fall.
"I'd love to see my mother again but I'd like to fix up the problems I've caused first and that means helping you two get your hive back."
I smiled at him and left him to his thoughts. He truly was a kind pony at heart .
The train ride was uneventful and soon enough we were at the train station in the Crystal kingdom.
I didn't think that the Crystal kingdom would look so beautiful. I only got a glimpse of it from the book Spike showed me and it was a 1000 year old photo of the crystal kingdom. It depicted Sombra on top of his palace with Pony's in chains strewed about. At the time I didn't think anything of it because I was just focused on seeing my queen again.
"Camo are you alright?"Chrysalis asked me.
"Yes I'm fine sorry I was just looking at the scenery."
She chuckled and said "I will admit its a change from the look of the hive."
"Come on you two we need to get going."
As much as I didn't want to continue going I did so anyway. If everything does end up going back to normal I definitely need to spend some time in the crystal kingdom.
As we made our way to the palace I saw many crystal Pony's running about. They looked like they were enjoying their time despite the fact that they were sealed away for 1000 years.
It made me happy to see that they were doing alright despite their time away.
When we finally made our way to the palace there were two guards blocking the entrance and when we approached they said "halt state your name and reason for entering the palace."
Specter removed his hood from his face causing the guards to gasp.
"Specter, we haven't seen you in months where have you been all this time?"
"You know them?" I asked.
"Yes I got to know the royal guards here during my stay.
"Its kind of difficult to explain fellas but I need you two to do me a favor I've come to tell your princess some news can you escort me to her."
"Yes of course but are these Pony's you brought with you safe."
The both of them looked at us suspiciously.
"Yes this news revolves around them as well."
"Very well we shall escort you to the princess." they said in unison.
Once inside the castle I looked over all the architecture around us. Everything looked beautiful and well constructed.
As I was looking around I didn't notice that we had arrived at our destination.
We arrived at the throne room where Princess Cadence was sitting on her throne talking to some other Pony's. When she saw us however she quickly ended her conversation and put all of her attention to us.
Specter bowed and so did we.
"Nice to see you again Princess Cadence."
"Specter is that you?"
"Yes it is."
She came off her throne and hugged him to which he returned as well.
"What happened to you no one in the Crystal kingdom has seen you since Sombra's attack."
That look of regret came upon his face as he answered her.
"These last couple of months I've been controlled by Sombra only recently I've been able to think on my own."
"I'm so sorry to hear that but just wait until everypony here's that you've returned they'll be so happy."
"Unfortunately that will have to wait I've come back to the crystal kingdom to bring you important news."
"Can't it wait until after your welcome back party? I can even get Pinkie pie to..."
"Princess you don't understand what I have to tell you is of utmost importance."
"Alright what is it?"
Specter then looked back at us.
"You guys can lower your disguises."
Cadence looked at us with confusion and I looked to my queen for reassurance. She nodded as if to say trust him. She then turned back to normal as did I.
Cadence gasped at us and began walking away from us with a mix fear and anger on her face.
"Specter why would you bring changelings here?"
"It's about what I need to tell you, when I was controlled by Sombra I did some terrible things one of them was allowing Sombra to regain a body and take control of the changelings."
"Sombra's back?"
"Yes and currently building an army as we speak. Chrysalis has agreed to help me fight him as well as her second in command Camo but we all know that the three of us can't stop him that's why I've come to you for help."
"How do you know that the changelings will not stab you in the back for your kindness, they deceive Pony's all the time."
"Although that is true I believe them and trust them. If we don't give anypony a second chance to redeem themselves how can we truly trust one another."
She seemed to think about it for a moment before Specter spoke again.
"If the changelings do double cross us I promise that I will do everything I can to make it right."
"That won't be needed." My queen spoke. "I promise that we won't harm any of you in anyway."
Cadence then said "Specter are you sure we can trust them?"
"I swear it on my life, I wouldn't bring any harm to the Princesses."
After about a couple minutes of thinking she said "I'll have to think it over with Shining Armor but for now you three are guests in the crystal palace so long as the changelings stay disguised at all times."
Specter bowed and said "Thank you Princess."
As did we.
"I'll show you all personally to your rooms."
Cadence then led us out of her throne room and into the hallway.
Along the way Cadence was talking to Specter for almost the entire time. I couldn't hear what they were saying but I'm sure it ranged from various things along seriousness and none seriousness.
"Here are the guest bedrooms I hope that each of you will find comfort in them. As you are guests in i'll allow you all to roam the kingdom without any guards following you."
We nodded and Cadence went on her way. Specter told us that he was going to he in the library just a bit of walking distance from the palace he said he didn't want to be bothered.
This just left me and my queen and since the both of us hadn't seen the crystal kingdom and what it had I decided that we should act like tourists and explore.
"My queen we should explore the crystal kingdom we don't know when we'll be able to have a moment of peace like this to see the kingdom in all it's splendor."
"That's a great idea Camo let's go."
(Write about stuff they did in the crystal kingdom.)
The first thing we did was head over to the petting zoo’s. Ewes were simply adorable to look at and pet. The next thing we did was look at a jousting match. Clearly it was for sport and none of the contestants had gotten hurt in anyway but I wondered how something like jousting could be seen as a sport considering its nature.
“What she we do next I?” I asked my queen.
She was about to say something but she stopped as she closed her eyes quickly and held a hoof to her forehead.
“Is there something wrong my queen?” I asked as I got closer to her.
“I don't know all of a sudden this headache came out of no where, I think we should get back to the castle.”
“Good idea.”
When we arrived back at our rooms her headache had worsened into a migraine and I didn't have any idea on how to stop it.
As she lay on the bed suffering I couldn't help but stay with her. She's been through so much for us changelings it would be rude to not see her through in her time of need.
With this in mind I stayed by her side for the rest of the day and the following night.
I woke up to find that I had fallen asleep next to my queen. She didn't look as if she was in pain anymore and for that I was glad.
I felt her forehead in case it was still hot but I found it to be warm. I quietly sighed in relief and went to look for Specter. I checked his guest room and sure enough he was their but completely knocked out on a desk next to a book.
I shook him awake and he gasped in shock before realizing it was just me.
"Hey Camo sorry I didn't notice you come in."
"It’s fine you've been overdoing yourself since yesterday."
"Heh, yea I should be a bit more careful. So how's your queen I took a look at her last night when you were asleep and her head was burning hot."
"She seems fine now her head feels fine and she's breathing normally again."
"That's good..."
He then stopped talking suddenly and closed his eyes. He seemed to be in thought by the way his posture was.
After a couple of minutes he opened his eyes and said "we need to talk to Cadence."
His voice was one of complete seriousness as well as urgency. He quickly got up and stashed something in his sweater before walking out of the room.
I followed after him wondering what could have possibly made him change his demeanor so quickly.
"Should I wake up my queen?"
He shook his head.
"No it'll take too long plus she needs to save her strength for the coming battle." I nodded in understanding as we quickly made our way through the halls to the princess’s chamber.
Once there the guards let us in without much complication. Cadence was sitting on her throne with a long scroll of paper.
Specter cleared his throat allowing for Cadence to notice both of our presences.
"Oh, Specter, Camo what brings you to my throne room?"
"It’s about Sombra."
The pink princess’s face turned into one of seriousness before allowing for him to continue.
"What about Sombra?"
"It appears Sombra is mounting his stage of attack sooner than I anticipated. He and his changeling forces are in the snow lands not too far from here."
Both I and Cadence gasped in surprise.
"The snow lands are only an hour away from here how are we going to defeat him before the crystal ponies catch wind of it?"
"I have a plan princess but you have to trust me."
"Specter of course I trust you Shining holds you with such high esteem it would be dumb not to."
"Thank you."
He then pulled out a piece of jewelry I've never seen before. Judging by the look Cadence gave it I could tell that it was something she had hoped she would never see.
"Where did you get that? Every book in the royal archives say that the Alicorn Amulet was lost never to be seen again."
"I got it from an old friend of mine a zebra named Zecora from Ponyville."
"How? You were with us since you got freed from Sombra's control?" I asked in confusion.
"Yesterday I sent a clone of myself over to Ponyville more specifically the Everfree where she lives."
"How did she come across it?" Cadence asked.
"When darkness took over me one of the things I did was lead another pony down my dark path an old friend of mine named Trixie. I promised her a way to get back at those that mocked her and she said she would do anything. So I lead her to a merchant who had the Alicorn Amulet and she used that to get her revenge. To make a long story short Twilight and her friends stopped her and recided to stow away the amulet for good luckily I was able to talk Zecora into letting me use it for the plan."
"And what is the plan?"
" I Camo and Queen Chrysalis will battle Sombra and his army alone while you Shining armor and your will keep a force field over the entire kingdom all the while any unicorn guards that you can spare will make it invisible. While this happens you beef up the security around the perimeter of the kingdom so that you'll be warned of Sombra in case we are defeated. In the event we are defeated you will use the crystal heart on Sombra."
"Specter we can't do that we can't let you or the changelings die."
"It's alright I won't let anything happen to them if anyone is going to die in this fight it'll be me I swear it on my code as a soldier."
"Specter don't overdo it remember I and Chrysalis are with you as well as Cadence and Shining.
"That may be true but in the end all of this only happened because of me so it's only right if I'm able to make it right again."
With a sigh and a sad look Cadence said "Specter we will follow your plan but make sure you come back safely I would like you to be rewarded for all that you are doing."
"I'll try my best but I don't deserve any reward for what I’ve done."
He then looked at me.
"Camo make sure Chrysalis is awake and able to fight once she is debriefed on the situation."
I saluted and said "will do."
With that I returned to my queen’s bedroom to find that she was still asleep. I gently shook her to try and wake her up but to no avail. The only thing I resulted in doing was managing to get myself caught in between her hooves as she cuddled me close to her chest.
Back home in the hive she usually slept with a bear from one of her past disguises. Maybe she thought I was that bear it would explain why she grabbed the first thing she could over to her in her sleep.
I wiggled out of her grip and shook her again a bit harder.
"My queen you need to get up this is urgent."
"Just five more minutes Camo the council can wait a little while longer." I chuckled a bit and said "My queen this is serious you must get up NOW."
She sat up and rubbed the sand out of her eyes before saying "fine I'm up what is it?"
I explained to her the current situation and the plan Specter came up with. She progressively grew more unhappy as I continued to deliver the news.
"I see this is some troublesome news indeed."
"Are you feeling any better? I felt your head this morning and it was at normal temperature."
"I feel fine I'll be able to fight."
"That's good I'll tell Specter that you’re ok."
As I was about to leave Chrysalis stopped me.
"Camo promise me that you won't kill any of my children. When any of our kind die I feel despair usually it's small but if many die at once I don't know how I'll be able to handle it."
"I'll try to subdue instead of kill as best I can."
"Thank you."
I then went to Specters bedroom and told him that all was well.
"Perfect now all we have to do is go out and fight."
The howling winds of the snowy biome before us chilled us all to the bone. I never thought it was this cold just outside the crystal kingdom.
Specter began trotting out into the horizon and we both followed him.
After a while we could hear the sounds of hooves marching towards us. Then as if by fate the weather cleared to the point of where we could clearly see Sombra and his forces.
When I looked at the changelings before us I could tell that there was nothing left within them but darkness. Not much was different from what I could tell but through my experience i've learned that looks aren't everything. I then noticed a black diamond shaped mark on each of their flanks. It pulsed and radiated dark aura from within it.
When he noticed us he raised his hoof effectively stopping his advancement.
"So the former queen, her second, and my old protege are here to try and stop me. You do know that these Changelings are stronger and faster than what they previously were right?"
"It's not going to stop us from trying to stop you." Specter said as he stared Sombra down.
"I applaud you for your courage but sadly I must crush it until it is no more.” He then raised his hoof and pointed at us. “Changelings Attack."
His army of changelings advanced on us. Specter quickly turned into his smoke like form and made a beeline for Sombra leaving me and my queen to fend of the changelings.
"Camo are you ready?" Chrysalis asked.
I nodded and we charged toward what were formally our compatriots.
Right away they split I and my queen apart, leaving the both of us to fend for ourselves. I resorted to hoof to hoof combat so that I wouldn't waste all my magical energy completely. So far it seemed to work, I was able to dodge most attacks and block others that got a bit too close for comfort.
True to my word I tried my best to knock out our kind without killing them. This prolonged the fight heavily and for every moment I knocked one out another took their place. I figured at this rate if I didn't stop holding back we would be overwhelmed.
As I was thinking this a changeling caught me off guard with an uppercut to the face. I flew through the sky dazed and slightly confused and I didn't even get a chance to land before I was attacked again by a hoof to my side. I then felt myself being juggled by punches and jabs between a few changelings before inevitably being punted towards the ground.
When I finally did land on the snow covered ground I felt very weak. Pain was the only thing I felt and it only grew worse as I tried to do anything other than just lay their doing nothing.
Soon six of the seven council members strode up to me covering each side of my form. For a moment some of their faces held sadness and regret but as soon as I noticed it, it disappeared. For a while I thought that it was just my eyes playing tricks on me but I stopped thinking on it when I felt a swift kick on my side.
I wailed in pain and as I did all six of them decided to kick and stomp on me. I could feel natural armor breaking with every hit and no matter what I tried to do I couldn't escape from under them. They kicked without mercy without breaks and soon enough I began to cough blood.
Finally I decided I had enough. My horn glowed with energy as I blasted each one of them off of me.
Using my magic I healed my wounds as best I could and then took a fighting stance. They did the same as they walked slowly around me as if I was the prey and they the hunter. I knew for a fact that I couldn't fight all six of them without getting outmatched but I decided to see if I could at least outsmart them.
I charged at Light Blue who was in front of me, with a punch but he blocked it with a hoof. I then quickly used my other hoof to punch at him which he caught as well. Using his wings he kept himself and I from falling as two other council members punched me in the stomach.
I wheezed as I fell to the floor gasping for breaths. They didn’t let up as they all did a changeling dive bomb on me. I was able to block it with a force field and with much effort I was able to empower it enough to make each of them bounce off.
I took this moment to try and get away but before I could move on I heard screams of pain from the changelings around me.
I quickly made my way to the fallen council members and said "what's happening to you?"
Apparently whatever spell Sombra had casted on them to make them mindless warriors had disappeared because they were able to answer me back.
"King Sombra put a curse on all of the changelings he had under his control." Purple began.
"If for any reason Sombra is defeated in battle all changelings will die a terrible death." Yellow finished.
"You can't our queen will feel so devastated."
They all smiled despite the pain they were feeling.
"She has you and although that won't make up for thousands she will lose today you'll be there to take care of her."
"I'll miss you all I'm sorry your lives had to end this way."
"We do to."
No words were spoken afterward the lives of my former comrades soon left their body's leaving a hush to come over everything. Snow began to fall again but a lot softer than it had previously. After mourning for a while near the fallen council members I looked for my queen.
I found her near a large body of dead changelings. As I approached her I took notice of how many changelings were directed towards her way. I reasoned that she had been with them before their final breaths left them.
I silently approached her side and sat down next to her. She turned her head slightly to acknowledge my presence and then continued to look at the dead changelings around her. No words were spoken between the both of us. I put my hoof on my queens back letting her know that she wasn't alone.
After a while tears began to flow from my queen. They were slow at first but quickly became more abundant as time passed.
"All of my children gone on one instance all because of 1 unicorn."
"Sombra was an evil mastermind he did somehow make an entire kingdom forget what he did to them after all."
She dried her tears and stood up.
"My queen where are you going?" I asked as she trotted away from the seen displayed before her.
"Away, the world no longer needs our kind plaguing the world so as of today the hive is no more."
I was stunned.
"My queen you can't what I'm I supposed to do without you."
"I..."
She never got to finish what she had to say because Specter appeared before us.
"What happened to Sombra."
He then held up the Alicorn Amulet and smiled.
"He's sealed within the confines of the amulet. No more trouble will come out of him when I'm through with hiding it."
"Is the crystal kingdom safe I saw you and Sombra fighting near the gates?"
"Yes their citizens are fine luckily we didn’t breach the force field that surrounded the kingdom."
He saw they look on my queen’s face and the dead changelings around us before he said in a softer tone "I'm sorry for your lost and I know nothing that I say or do will ever amount to what you've felt but I can talk to Princess Celestia and Luna about letting you live within her borders."
The brown stallion said this with sincerness clearly etched in it. He really wanted to help her feel better.
"You have some time to think about it, your guest rooms in the castle will be ready for you, for now though I'll get rid of this amulet once and for all."
He then disappeared in a green flash and I and my queen returned to the castle. She never got out of her room once since we got back. I checked up on her for the next couple of days but each time I did she simply said to go away. So after a while I simply left her alone and awaited the day she decided to come out willingly of her own accord.
Finally after a week of Isolation my queen finally emerged from her room. She looked ok for the most part but just by looking at her eyes i could tell that she hadn't completely gotten over our lost.
“My queen how are you feeling?” I asked when she exited her room.
She gave a weak smile and said “I’m doing fine Camo thank you for worrying about me.”
“I just need some time to think about recent events.”
“That’s good Specter says that we have to leave for Canterlot in a couple of days if you want you can rest in your room until i come for you.”
She smiled softly and said “I would love that thank you Camo.”
After a couple of days I told my queen that we were leaving and without so much as a ‘yes’ or any kind of acknowledgement at all we left the palace for the train.
When we arrived Specter lead us straight to the princesses throne room. Throughout the way their my mind kept shifting from hope filled to grief. I knew now that I could trust him and that he only wanted the best for us especially after recent events but the image of his darker self haunted me every time I looked him in the eye.
My queen seemed to be in disarray herself she tried to pretend that coming to the castle was something she had done numerous times before but I could tell that she was nervous as well. It didn't help that that wherever we went the guards were broken from their stoic faces by just seeing our unicorn friend, in fact it made me even more nervous.He did tell us that he had been in the royal guard and had been labeled AWOL since his disappearance at the crystal kingdom but I didn't think that his presence would shock the guards.
At last we arrived at the princesses throne room and after talking to the guards at the door we were allowed entry. The princesses were both working on some paper work but stopped once they noticed that somepony had entered the throne room. Their eyes immediately focused in on Specter with a mix of emotions plastered on their face
"Good afternoon Princess Celestia, Princess Luna" he said as he bowed.
"Yes how art thou Specter we haven't seen you in many moons." Princess Luna said with a smile.
"I'm doing fine but before we go into details of what's happened since my disappearance I would like to issue a request."
Celestia nodded and said "what is your request?"
"They regard the two Pony's behind me one of them is the queen of the changelings and the other her second in command I've brought them in front of you to request your permission in allowing them to be accepted as citizens."
They looked at us briefly, Celestia's face was unreadable but Luna's held some signs of anger towards us.
"Why should we allow them to become citizens they have done nothing but cause our little pony’s harm in fact they should be banished from our land forever."
"Luna I understand your resentment towards them but their species and their home are gone."
Luna had a mixture of shock and sadness plastered on her face for a moment before saying "what do you mean?"
Oddly enough my queen spoke up.
"What Specter says is true we lost our hive because of Sombra, he destroyed all of my kind except us two." She then looked straight at the princess with seriousness "I wouldn't appear before you unless I had nothing more to lose and all I have to lose is Camo." She then bowed "I promise no harm will come upon any of your little pony's I only wish to live in peace with Camo for the rest of my days."
Celestia then looked at Specter "what say you Specter can she be trusted?"
He nodded and said "they both can be trusted I swear upon it, I'd trust them both with my life if it came down to it."
She then smiled and said "Queen Chrysalis and Camo I hereby decree that you will live the rest of your lives as pony's."
I was happy that all had gone well, so much so that I hugged my queen with all I had she was still sad but she put on a fake smile and hugged me back.
"Now as for your living arrangements do you have a place in mind?"
My queen shook her head, but I had an idea of where we should live.
"How about Ponyville? I already have some friends there from the last time I visited."
Celestia's smile widened even further and she said "I couldn't have chosen a better location if I tried, will you be returning there as well Specter?" "Yes but I will be spending some time in Canterlot I haven't seen my mom in ages plus I need to catch you both up on my exploits. I’m sure you’d like know more about what happened to Sombra."
"That's a great idea how about all of you return to Specter's home and tomorrow the changelings will report to Ponyville while Specter reports here to catch us up on his wellbeing."
With that all decided we said our goodbyes and headed to our green eyed friends home.
"My mom will be a bit surprised to see me let alone two guests but all should be fine" he said as we continued to walk.
His home wasn't very far from the princesses castle, it was about a 30 minute walk.
"Welcome to my humble abode" he said as he approached the door and knocked on it a voice was heard saying "just a minute" before some locks were unlocked and the door swung open.
The mare who opened it was the same pink unicorn mare that we saw earlier and she seemed shocked to see what I could only assume was her son.
"Hey mom " he said as he rubbed his right hoof on the back of his mane "long time no see".
Tears began to form in her eyes "son is that really you?"
"Yeah it's me mom" he then hugged her with which she returned.
"After all this time I thought you were dead Princess Luna told me that you went to the Crystal Empire and then mysteriously disappeared but now you're here right in front of me."
"I promise to explain everything to you later but I need you to do me a favor, behind me are two friends of mine who took care of me for the last couple of days they're going through some hardships right now so I was wondering if they could stay the night"
"Of course they can any friend of yours is a friend of mine." She then introduced herself to my queen who feigned the proper emotions to which the pink mare bought and then turned her attention to me.
"Oh you're such a cute colt" she exclaimed as she began to pinch my cheeks as if I was a long lost grandson of hers.
"Mom I'm sure he doesn't like that" Specter said in my defense.
"But he's so cute I just can't resist." She then proceeded to pinch my cheeks excessively much to my disgust.
Specter mouthed an "I'm sorry" at me to which I mouthed back "it's fine", the only good thing that came out of it was my queens slight happiness at seeing me being pinched. After she had her fill on the pinches she went into the kitchen to prepare dinner, by now it had gotten pretty late. Once finished with our meal my queen and I took the guest bedroom while Specter told his mom what had happened to him since the last time he saw her.
I felt happy that I would be going back to Ponyville . I hadn't seen the crusaders or the town in what felt like forever. My queen however did not share in my enthusiasm she just stood at the window staring out at the stars.
"What's wrong my queen?"
She sighed and said "I miss my kingdom Camo. I don't think I'll ever get used to the thought that were the only changelings left."
"But we aren't my queen have I not told you of the changeling Diamond Tiara?"
"The half breed? Yes you have but she is not a pure changeling like the both of us are."
I couldn't argue with her on that so I stayed silent. Eventually we both fell asleep and prepared for the next day.
The train ride to Ponyville felt like years when in actuality it was only about an hour. Once off the train my queen led us to our home. It was a small home near the shopping district and it looked just about the same as every other home. The only difference was the number plastered on the front of it.
"Camo you go have fun with your friends I'll be inside, don't bother me if you don't have to I'd like to be left alone for a while."
I nodded and she entered in the house I followed after her to place my saddlebags down. Before leaving I took out my CMC cape and ran out ready for what the day had in store for me.
