> Fool's Gold
>  by Cardinal Dan Productions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Vol 1: Part 1: Embracing Motherhood
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***A Waffen Pony Production***



***Volume 1***


Sergeant Onyx held a hoof over his eyes as he barked his orders over the howling wind to the guards that followed him. "Stay close! If you get lost in this storm, no pony will be able to find your body for another nine months!"

The crystal guards behind the elite officer fell into line, huddling together to fight back against the raging blizzard. Amber, a young recruit under the command of Sergeant Onyx turned to her officer. The blinding snow greatly limited her vision, but she could still make out Onyx's aquamarine tail. "I thought you said it was Summer here in the Frozen North!" She managed to shout her complaint into the blizzard before her mouth filled with snow.

Onyx nodded his head. "I did! This is the tropical season!”

In the farthest reaches of the Crystal Empire, a land existed where winter never ended. It was called the Frozen North, a desolate place shrouded by dark clouds that covered the land in an eternal snow. Many dangers lurked in the Frozen North that constantly threatened the Crystal Empire, mostly changeling marauders that saught to infiltrate and undermine the pony kingdom. In order to maintain security, Prince Armor dispatched patrols every day to guard the empire's northern borders.

The patrols were never dull. Most encountered beasts in the Frozen North while others returned to the Crystal Empire with valuable relics found in the snow.

This is the tale of one such patrol.

Igniting a brilliant glow from his horn, Onyx lowered his head and fired the intense magic forwards. "There's a cave up ahead! Come on, just a little farther!" The intense magic from his horn blasted through the snow and ice, clearing a path to the rocky outcropping. The moment his magic ceased, the path he had created began to fill in with snow. "Hurry! Get inside!"

Amethyst, Onyx’s second in command, ushered the patrol of guards inside before diving into the cave herself. Onyx was the last one inside, backing into the cave just moments before the entrance closed up with snow once more. The cold never relented, but the cave offered the exhausted guards some shelter against the raging storm. They began tending to their armor, shaking away the loose snow and breaking any icicles that had grown on their helmets.

Amethyst approached Onyx, who was studying the entrance to the cave to make sure the wall of snow keeping them safe wouldn't give way and bury them all inside. "Orders?" It wasn't her first time patrolling the Frozen North, and she knew Onyx was a veteran of the ice as well, but being trapped in a cave by a blizzard was a first for them both. No pony knew where they were, and there was no way for them to call for help. Anypony would be afraid in such a scenario, even guards. "What are our orders, sir?"

Onyx turned away from the wall of snow sealing the entrance and looked around the cave. The other guards, the rookies, looked terrified. He briefly wondered to himself if he had a similar look during his first patrol. "Stay sharp." He called his guards to attention. "We're safe for now, but we might not be the only ones taking shelter from the eternal blizzard."

Onyx then turned to his second in command and put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder plating. "Amethyst, take Silvershield and Amber into the cave. I want this whole place secure in case we have to spend the night.”

Amethyst offered the sergeant a short bow before turning to face the guards behind her, and she nodded her head to the rookie guards as she passed them by. “You two, come with me.”

Amber, giddy with excitement, turned to Silvershield and offered him a reassuring smile, which he failed to return. Through deep snow, the three crystal guards forged deeper into the icy cave, leaving Onyx and the rest to hold the entrance.

Tails swished back and forth nervously, but their fears were never spoken aloud. None knew what awaited them in the black depths of the seemingly abandoned cave.

“They sure weren't kidding about the cold, were they, Silvershield?” Amber’s attempt at making small talk with the guard to her right was the only way she could take her mind off of the hoof-shaking fear and chilling shivers running down her spine. “It's my first mission in the Frozen North…”

Silvershield replied with a throaty grunt, keeping his eyes at the snow his hooves kicked up. “Yeah…” His voice was low and toneless. “It's my first time, too.”

Amber silently hoped her ex-coltfriend would offer a little more to make the conversation more conversational, but that was the end of it. Silvershield lowered his head and trudged forward, leaving them both in a cold silence. At last, the three guards came to a fork. The cave split into two different paths, both looking dark and unwelcoming.

Amber looked uneasy. Her eyes darted back and forth between the two paths. “What now, ma'am?”

Amethyst was unsure herself. The question Amber had asked was a good one, to be certain. It wasn't often that Sergeant Onyx placed her in a position of command. She decided to give the rookies a little test.

“I'll take the path on the right.” Amethyst raised her hoof towards the path ahead of her. “You and Silvershield take the one on the left. We’ll meet back here in five minutes. Am I clear?”

Silvershield and Amber both nodded their heads quickly.

“Crystal…” Amber gave the officer a cheeky grin and chuckled at her own joke. “Get it? It’s cause we’re crystal ponies...”

Even Silvershield had to hide a snicker. Amethyst couldn't help smiling back before waving her hoof dismissively and ushering them along. “Remember, five minutes!” Amethyst’s voice echoed after Amber as they ventured deeper into the side corridor. “Don't get lost!”

The sound of the officer’s hooves hitting the thick snow echoed softly until it faded into silence. Now, the rookies were alone in the icy depths of the frozen north.

“What do ya’ think we’ll find in here?” Amber’s voice carried an unusual enthusiasm for their current situation. She wore no smile, but her eyes glistened like a young foal walking into a new class on the first day of schooling. “Cave trolls? Frost spiders? Oh! Maybe we'll get to see a Yeti!”

Silvershield rolled his eyes. How many minutes had passed? He didn't know. It might have only been two, but walking with a talkative pony like Amber made it seem like an eternity. The cave seemed to go on and on, stretching into the darkness forever. Time continued to pass, and the cave didn't get any shorter.

Silvershield let a frosty breath escape his lips. “Maybe we should head back… There's nothing here but snow and ice.”

Amber wanted to keep going, but she had a feeling Silvershield was right. If they were going to meet up with Amethyst on time, they needed to turn around. Reluctantly, she followed him back the way they came. The cave was an easy one to navigate, at least, having only one way to go. Moving a little faster than they had been before, Silvershield and Amber reached the fork in no time at all, but Amethyst wasn't there.

Amber shot Silvershield a worried look. “Hasn't it been five minutes?”

Both guards looked down the corridor Amethyst had disappeared into. The darkness looked back, silently inviting them inside.

Amber took one step forward before Silvershield quickly pulled her back. “Are you crazy?! Amethyst said to meet her back here. We can't go wandering off.”

Amber shook her way out of Silvershield’s grip and gave him a cold glare. “It's past five minutes, way past. Amethyst could be in trouble.” Silvershield opened his mouth to protest, but Amber was quick to speak first. “I can’t beileve you right now. This is why we broke up, Silver... I'm going after her. You can stay here and freeze your ass off.”

With nothing left to be said, Amber took off down the path on the right. Her quickened pace broke into a gallop, her hooves kicking up snow and leaving a cloud in her wake.

Silvershield cursed under his breath before running after her. “Amber, wait!”

She ran forward blindly, literally. Silvershield was the unicorn that could generate light with his horn, but she wasn't about to wait for him. After running for several minutes, a dim light appeared in the darkness ahead.

It had to be Amethyst.

Amber was sure of it. Without thinking, she cried out towards the light. “Amethyst!”

The light shifted, and a head turned. It was Amethyst. As Amber got closer, she noticed the senior guard had a panicked look on her face. She was waving her hooves at Amber to stay away. “Amethyst, what's going… on…” Her voice fell silent as she saw what Amethyst was warning her to stay away from.

“Go back…” Amethyst’s voice was shaky and broken. “Get Onyx… He needs to see this…”

Amber heard the order, but her hooves were glued in place. She couldn't will herself to move. “There's… so many of them… What happened here?”

Amethyst shook her head at Amber’s question. Clearly, she didn't know, but that didn't set Amber at ease, not in the slightest.

Dead changelings littered the floor of the cave, at least a dozen, their bodies frozen and half buried in snow. Dark green spots of blood were splattered across the walls in the most horrific of ways.

“Amber, wait up! What's with… you…” Silvershield too fell silent as he came close enough to see what remained of the changelings. The three guards stood motionless, completely silent. Then, the silence was shattered by an deafening cry.

“Mamaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

The cry echoed through the cave, forcing the guards to hold their hooves against their ears in an attempt to muffle the noise.

“Ma-Mamaaaaa!”

The cry sounded again, wailing like a fire alarm. Amber was the first to see where the noise was coming from, and she pointed her hoof towards the changeling bodies. “There!”

One was still alive. A little changeling, an infant, curled up against the body of one of the dead.

“Mama…” It whimpered now, terrified by the arrival of the crystal guards. The infant changeling nuzzled the motionless body in which it was seeking refuge as though it could wake it up. “Mmm-Ma-Mama…”

Amethyst gasped as she inched closer towards the infant changeling. “It's just a baby…” She extended a hoof, and the changeling cowered away, obviously very afraid. “It's alright… I'm not going to hurt you…” She tried to make her voice as comforting as she could, but the dead changelings around them weren't helping the situation.

Silvershield looked urgent as he slowly backing the way they came. “A baby changeling? Alive? That’s impossible... We should get out of here. Just leave it. Leave it here with the rest to be taken by the snow.”

Amethyst and Amber both shot him mortified looks.

“Absolutely not!” Amethyst took charge, pointing a commanding hoof at Silvershield. “I will not leave this creature to die. Go back, and tell Onyx what we've found.”

Silvershield turned tail and bolted down the cave without a word of hesitation, eager to put distance between him and the bodies. With him gone, Amethyst turned to Amber. “I need your rations.”

Amber quickly opened her saddle pack and pulled out several white cubes. They looked like sugar cubes, resembling the treats in size, color, and texture, but they were really specially made rations for guards working in the field. They weren't the tastiest thing in the empire, but they were packed full of nutrients and protein.

“Here…” Amethyst offered the cubes to the little changeling. “Go on, little one... Take it.”

The changeling looked back at her with wide, pale eyes, no longer filled with fear. Now, they were filled with curiosity. It approached her carefully, one shaky hoof after the other until she reached the offering. The changeling sniffed the cubes and made a look of disgust.

Amethyst cracked a weak smile at the little changeling’s reaction to the food. “I know they're gross, but you’ll feel better if you eat them, I promise…”

She coaxed the changeling, offering the cubes again. Amethyst wasn't sure if it could understand her, but it did recognize ‘food’, even if that food was absolutely revolting. Cautious sniffs turned into hungry nibbled, which turned into starving bites. She let out a sigh of relief as the little changeling ate more and more, quickly finishing Amber’s rations. When her hoof was empty, it looked up at her, then at Amber, then back at her. It began looking for more, sniffing Amethyst’s empty hoof and exploring under the towering guard’s legs, causing her to smile.

Trust had been established.

Using her horn, Amethyst lifted the little changeling into the air, earning little protest, and she set it on her back. “You're coming with me…” She chuckled softly, earning a long yawn from the little changeling. “I'll keep you safe… I promise…” She turned and nodded her head towards Amber. “Let's head back.”

Amber looked back towards the many dead changelings. “What about… them?”

Amethyst bit her lower lip, her gaze shifting between the little foal on her back and the dead in the back of the cave. “Leave them be… The snow will take care of them.”

Amber still felt uneasy. She had so many questions, and none had been answered. Where did the changelings come from? What happened to them? Then, there was the little one, the only changeling still alive, alone in a frozen cave and surrounded by the dead.

So many questions…

Amber watched the little changeling on Amethyst’s back. It stood on all four hooves, occasionally stumbling over due to Amethyst’s walking. On its belly, it peeked its head over Amethyst’s side, reaching a little hoof into her saddlepack.

Amber chuckled lightly at the sight in front of her. “I think it's after your rations, Amethyst…”

Amethyst smiled softly as she let out a frosty breath. “She… It's a ‘she’.”

It took Amber a few moments to realize what she meant, but she was referring to the changeling. The changeling was a ‘she’, a filly. Amethyst reached into her saddlepack with her magic and pulled out a few more rations to give to the changeling.

Amber made faces at the little changeling, grinning and sticking her tongue out. “She must be starving, being in this cave for Celestia knows how long…”

The changeling must have found it amusing, because she sputtered out a series of foal-like noises that resembled laughter. When they reached the entrance of the cave, Onyx was waiting for them with Silvershield by his side. He wore a cold expression with his hooves planted firmly in the snow. “Amethyst, report.”

Amethyst shot Silvershield a hard look. “The cave is deserted, sir. We found several deceased changings, but nothing else of interest.”

Onyx trained his glare on Amethyst. “What about the little abomination sitting on your back? Is that not of interest to the Crystal Empire?”

Silvershield sneered at her, obviously enjoying the scolding. Amethyst glared back at the young guard before turning to her side to show everypony the changeling on her back. “This is what we found, sir, a defenseless infant. I couldn’t just leave her.”

Onyx raised an eyebrow and approached Amethyst, his eyes trained on the little changeling. He circled Amethyst, watching the changeling’s every move, and the changeling watched back, looking at him with her big, pale eyes. “Why did you bring it back here, Amethyst?”

Any other guard might have been intimidated by Onyx’s gruff performance, but not Amethyst. She knew him too well. “I want to keep her, sir.” She spoke with her chest puffed out, bursting with confidence. “I can raise her in the barracks, feed her, and train her. She can be a valuable asset, and…” Her voice trailed away.

The changeling was nuzzling the back of her head, rubbing her face across the cold metal of her helmet. Amethyst then placed the changeling on the floor in front of her, letting her stand on her own little hooves for Onyx and the other guards to see. “… and she needs me. She's just a baby, sergeant. Please, sir, let me keep her.”

Silvershield swallowed hard and stomped a hoof into the ground. “Sh-She can't be serious! It's a changeling!” He raised his hoof, aggressively gesturing towards the infant. “They're savage, love-devouring beasts that are constantly at our throats. Baby or not, that thing, that monster, needs to die…” He lowered his horn, charging a highly concentrated bolt of magic, and he aimed for the little changeling.

Onyx’s eyes widened, and he stepped in between him and Amethyst. “Silvershield, stay your horn!”

It was too late.

The guard was already acting on his own. The changeling’s pale eyes widened with fear at the sight of the glowing horn, and she bolted out of the way just as a magical blast hit the ground where she was standing. Snow exploded into the air, revealing a scorch mark on the ground where the magic had hit. The changeling scrambled for refuge, for safety, but there was nowhere to hide in the cave. She cowered, shaking in fear as Silvershield readied another bolt of magic.

“Stand down, Silvershield!” Onyx’s voice boomed, echoing throughout the cave.

The changeling had nowhere to go, but just before the guard could fire another bolt of magic, a shadow loomed over her. The changeling looked up to see Amethyst standing over her, taking a battle stance and digging her hooves into the snow. “If you want to hurt her, you’ll have to go through me...” She snarled, baring her teeth. “Stand down, private.”

Silvershield fired back, taking a similar stance, showing he was prepared for a fight. “It’s just a changeling, a heartless monster... Get out of the way and let me kill it. What's one little changeling worth to you, anyway?”

The officer’s horn flared to life, challenging Silvershield to make a move. “I said stand down… Right. Now.” There was a menacing tone in her voice. Like a mother defending her own foal, Amethyst stood over the changeling, ready to fight for her.

The entire cave held its breath.

No pony watched the changeling anymore. All eyes were on the magical duel starting before them. The rest of the guards looked back and forth between Silvershield and Amethyst, truly wondering which would give in. After what seemed like an eternity, the light from Silvershield’s horn dimmed until it faded completely. Knowing he couldn't beat his superior officer in magical combat, he stood down, but the scowl on his face remained.

Onyx let out a relieved sigh and looked around the cave at the armored faces around him. Everypony was waiting for him to make the final decisions as to what was to be done with the little changeling. When he was certain the ‘situation’ had cooled down, he turned on Silvershield with a fire in his eyes.

“I’ll deal with you later…” His voice was quiet and dangerous, causing Silvershield to lower his head out of shame. Finally, he turned back to face Amethyst. “That was… an impressive display, staff sergeant. Do you really believe you can raise it… her?”

Amethyst looked down at her hooves, at the little changeling hiding underneath her. The changeling looked back with wide eyes. “Yeah…” Her lips curled into a smile as she watched the changeling nuzzle her leg. “I… I mean… y-y-yes, sir.”

Onyx looked around the icy cave one final time, meeting the eyes of every guard. When his gaze returned to Amethyst’s, he saw a silent pleading in her eyes. Her lower lip quivered with fear at the thought of his rejection.

Then, he opened his mouth the speak. “Alright… I’ll allow this nonsense until we get back to the empire, but once Prince Armor hears about this, he’ll decide what’s to be done.”

Silvershield’s jaw hit the floor of the cave. “Sir, yo-you can't…” He protested with a stomp of his hoof. “That thing needs to be stopped, along with the rest of its kind!”

Onyx raised a swift hoof, causing the guard to flinch. “My word is final, Silvershield. Amethyst is in charge of the changeling for the time being.” He then approached her and spoke in a dangerously low tone. “That means if the little trickster acts out of line, I will hold you personally accountable. Do I make myself clear, staff sergeant?”

Amethyst nodded her head quickly and raised a hoof to her brow as a salute to her senior officer. “Sir! Yes, sir!”

The little changeling cooed with curiosity, and she stepped out from under Amethyst’s legs and into the light. She looked up at Onyx and growled very softly, almost like a pure, earning a small grin from the sergeant. Then, in a brilliant flash of green, the changeling was gone. In its place, sat a small unicorn that resembled Amethyst in every way from her purple coat to her emerald mane. The changeling, obviously very pleased with herself, looked back at Amethyst, beaming with pride.

It was like looking at a younger version of herself. Amethyst almost shed a tear as she picked up her little charge with the magic from her horn. “What can I call you?” The changeling beamed at her and nuzzled her snout against Amethyst’s. “Pyrite. I'm going to call you ‘Pyrite’. My little Pyrite…”

Onyx offered the changeling a warm smile. “That's a fitting name. Fool’s gold, the perfect name for a shapeshifter.” Pyrite cooed at the sound of her new name before shifting back into her natural form. “I think the storm is letting up. We should move out before the blizzard returns.”

The guards nodded in collective agreement. Amethyst set Pyrite onto her back, allowing the changeling to sit firmly on her armored shell. “Hold on tight, little one…” She braced herself to face the wrath of the frozen north once again. “We're going home…”


***The Barracks***


A small gathering of Royal Guards crowded around the doorway leading into the mare’s bunk room. Everypony wanted to hear all about the tales of the most recent patrol in the Frozen North. When Onyx’s team returned to the empire, the guards expected to hear of great journeys through the snowy wasteland, epic battles with fearsome monsters, and uncovered relics that had been lost to the ice for centuries. The crowd received none of those things, but they were far from disappointed.

Packed tightly around the door to the mare’s bunk room, some quietly whispered comments back and forth to each other while the rest stood silent, completely speechless by what they saw. Upon their return from the Frozen North, Sergeant Onyx had told them all about the great blizzard and the icy cave, leaving out a few details… The guards didn't care, and they ignored him completely. They were far too busy watching what was happening inside the bunk room.

Inside, a little changeling explored, jumping from bed to bed with no regard to the things she was knocking over. She had a wide smile on her face as she played, showing off her amazing ‘jumping skills’ to the audience of guards watching her.

“She's… adorable…”

Amethyst took that comment as a compliment, wondering if she really was as cute as the filly Pyrite was portraying. The guards watching didn't know she was a changeling, of course. They could only see a little filly, one with a purple coat and an Emerald mane and tail, like Amethyst.

“I had no idea you had a daughter… She looks just like you, Amethyst.”

That was the idea. Pyrite was an identical copy of Amethyst, except for the cutie mark. Amethyst made sure Pyrite didn't copy her cutie mark. That would certainly raise a lot of unwanted suspicion. She chuckled nervously, brushing her own purple mane out of her eyes. “Ye-Yeah… That's my little pony, Pyrite…”

Just saying those words felt… weird, especially when they were coming out of her mouth. Here she was, introducing a changeling as a pony, as her daughter. At the sound of her new name, Pyrite leaped off of the bed she had been playing on and ran to Amethyst’s hooves.

She ran laps around her before stopping in front of the guard and nuzzling her legs affectionately, prompting a collective ‘aww’ from the guards outside. “Mama!”

They absolutely adored her, but one mare had a concerned look on her face. “Where will she be staying? The rules don't allow foals in the barracks.”

Outside, the guards talked amongst themselves, all wondering the same thing. Amethyst wanted to knock that guard’s teeth out, the one that spoke. She had worked to hard to get Pyrite back to the empire from the Frozen North. Rules were rules, but Amethyst would think of a way around them, just as she always had. She knew the barracks were not designed to be foal friendly, but her mind had long been set.

Pyrite squealed with delight, tapping her little hoof against Amethyst’s, inviting her to play. “Mmmmm-Ma!”

The guards were so captivated by the little filly under Amethyst’s hooves that they didn't notice the arrival of Sergeant Onyx and Prince Armor. Behind Shining stood a princess, Twilight Sparkle. “That's a good question, Amethyst. Where will your daughter stay?”

The crowd of guards immediately dispersed. Armored ponies ran in every direction, disappearing down the corridors and into their respective bunk rooms. Within moments, Amethyst and Amber were the only guards that remained by the door. Shining nodded his head towards Amber. “May we speak with Amethyst alone, please?”

Amber looked at Amethyst and gave her a reassuring smile before backing into the bunk room and closing the door. The prince waited until the echoing sound of her hooves clopping against the floor faded away. Once he was sure they were alone, he cleared his throat. “Amethyst, Sergeant Onyx just told me about this little secret ‘daughter’ of yours.”

The mare flinched. She knew that fact very well. “You know about that, huh... Then, you know she’s really a...”

Shining raised a hoof, silencing her. “Changeling infant? Yes, I’m well aware. I just want to make sure you understand exactly what it is you’ve brought into the Crystal Empire.”

Pyrite watched from the floor, looking up at Shining and Amethyst, at the exchange of words going back and forth between them. She had lost interest in the conversation, and her gaze then fell upon the princess that stood by his side.

Pyrite beamed at Twilight, and the princess smiled back. “Well, aren't you cute…” She babbled inaudible sounds that made Twilight laugh. “Yes… Yes, you are…”

Meanwhile, the conversation between Prince Armor and Amethyst was getting worse by the second. “What do you mean ‘threat’? She’s just a baby! How threatening could a baby possibly be to anypony?”

Amethyst had to convince Shining to she could take care of Pyrite while doing her day-to-day job as a guard. “Even if it wasn’t a changeling, the barracks is not a place to raise a foal, Amethyst. Not only will a foal distract you from your duties, she'll get in the way of every guard in the bunk room.”

His arguments were perfectly valid. Amethyst knew he was right, but her mind was set about keeping Pyrite. In the back of her mind, a small piece of her consciousness prepared her mentally to give up her duties as a Royal Guard, but that was a last resort. She loved being a guard, and she felt it was a part of her duty to care for and raise Pyrite.

Amethyst needed both in her life.

She knew the truth, Shining didn't. She saw the dead changelings in the cave. Abandoning Pyrite now would be the death of her. “Sir, please… I promise I can make this work. I can make sure she's quiet, and when we’re training, she can… she…”

A vicious scowl crossed his features as he stomped his hoof. “Staff Sergeant Amethyst, this is not up for debate! Either you give up the changeling so we can send it back to the Frozen North, or I’ll have you both kicked out.”

Amethyst reacted, pulling Pyrite close to her as the infant changed her form. Her form was replaced with that of Prince Armor’s little sister, Twilight Sparkle, a perfect copy, down to the cutie mark. The worst of it all, Shining actually looked serious.

Amethyst’s panic-addled mind tried to latch onto an counter, something to change his mind, but she couldn’t find one that would even be believable. “I found her in a cave, cold and alone… She has nowhere else to go…” She spoke softly, so softly that it might have been mistaken for whispering. “She has no pony to love and care for her… I’m all she has, and being a Royal Guard is all I have.”

Her voice broke and cracked as she forced the last words out. “She's just a baby… Without me, she'll die…”

Amethyst felt as though she had vented all of her emotions in the span of eight seconds. Shining had seen Pyrite change before his very eyes, a changeling hiding in the empire. He opened his mouth to speak, but the princess beat him to it. “Shining, don't you dare take this baby from her.”

Twilight scolded her older brother with ferocity Shining had never before seen. He was caught completely off guard by his little sister’s commanding voice. “Twili, you just saw-”

Twilight’s eyes burned into his. “I know what I saw, Shining, and I'm telling you to let her keep the baby. It's a baby, Shining!”

“But… Twili, she-”

Now, Twilight was the one to raise a silencing hoof, effectively cutting Shining off. “If Amethyst says she can make this work, let her try. Look at her… She’s trying to protect that changeling like she’s her own daughter. You have a daughter too! How can you even consider taking the changeling away!” Twilight’s words hammered into Shining relentlessly.

Even Onyx was impressed, having never seen anypony beat Shining into submission verbally.

Shining let out a long sigh. “There's no room in the general quarters…”

Twilight let out a snarl that closely resembled that of a bear. “Then, promote her to the rank of sergeant so she can have her own room! One way or another, she is keeping that changeling, Shining!”

For the first time, Onyx stepped forward. After releasing a long breath, he opened his mouth to speak. “Sir, if I may…” Shining nodded his head, prompting Onyx to continue. “Amethyst showed great initiative and courage in the Frozen North. When Private Silvershield threatened to kill the changeling, despite my orders for him to stand down, Amethyst stood between him and the changeling, ready to fight to defend her. Amethyst risked her own safety to save this changeling’s life. For this, I fully support Princess Twilight’s request for Amethyst to be promoted.”

Amethyst looked at him with her mouth hanging open, completely stunned. Never before had he spoken so highly of her.

“Shining, forget about the attack on Canterlot. This changeling obviously isn't a monster or a danger to anypony.” Twilight’s use of reason and logic wore her older brother down. That was how she often won verbal matches with him.

That was it, the last straw. Shining couldn't fight anymore, not against Twilight, Onyx, and Amethyst. Amethyst’s eyes filled with tears as Shining gave in at last.

He nodded his head with great reluctance. “Alright, alright… You can keep the changeling…” His voice was small and defeated. “We… can discuss your promotion later. For now, just move your things into the room across from Sergeant Onyx’s.”

Through the tears streaming down her cheeks, Amethyst turned to Onyx and Twilight and managed to mouth the words ‘thank you’. Onyx’s lips curled into an uncharacteristically kind smile and gave her a nod in return. “Any time… sergeant. You've more than earned it.”

He then turned to face the princess. After giving Twilight a short bow, Onyx turned around and began walking down the corridor at Shining’s side, back the way they came.

Once they were alone, Princess Twilight approached Amethyst and Pyrite, lowering herself and slowly extending a hoof to the frightened changeling. “She's quite the exceptional little filly, isn't she?”

Pyrite seemed instantaneously calmed by the princess’ soothing voice. She slowly emerged from the safety of Amethyst’s legs and curiously sniffed Twilight’s open hoof.

Amethyst chuckled lightly, feeling much better now that Shining was gone. “Hmm… She probably thinks you have rations to give her…”

Twilight looked confused by the guard’s military terminology. “Rations?”

Amethyst smiled at the little changeling. “Yeah… They were the first things I fed her, in that cave. She was unsure of them at first, but once she realized how hungry she really was, she ate them all, finishing Amber’s rations as well as my own.”

Twilight laughed at the thought of the hungry changeling eating the guards’ field rations. “Sorry, Pyrite… I don't have any for you.” When Twilight shifted her hoof, the little changeling flinched and fled back underneath Amethyst. She extended her hoof again, prompting her to come back out. “It's okay… No pony’s going to take you away from your mother now…”

Amethyst cocked her head to the side. “Wh-Why did you call me her mother? I'm not her mother… I don't even know the first thing about being a mother.”

Amethyst told the truth. She really knew nothing. Before she met Pyrite, she had never even once considered having a foal.

The princess gave her a warm smile. “She’s yours now, Amethyst. It's your responsibility to raise her and be the mother she needs.”

The guard didn't know how to feel, having all of this new responsibility thrusted on her all at once. With the promotion to sergeant and then the promotion to motherhood, it was all a lot to take in. Amethyst let out a long, shaky breath. Deep down, she knew Princess Twilight was right. She had fully dedicated her entire life to Pyrite the moment she fed her those awful rations in the cave.

That moment was the tipping point. What began as an act of mercy turned into an adoption. She lifted Pyrite up to her chest and hugged her tightly. Now that the confrontation was over, Amethyst noticed her heart rate. Her chest thundered at an unhealthy speed.

Fear and the thought of losing Pyrite terrified her beyond anything she had ever experienced before. Maybe she had more ‘mother’ in her than she had originally thought. It was like an extra sense, one that brought out a beast in her that wanted to lash out at anything that endangered Pyrite. It was that same beast that came over her when Silvershield tried to murder the changeling in the cave. The motherly beast within her almost returned when Shining saw Pyrite change in front of him. At the thought of Shining, her eyes darted down the corridor the prince disappeared into, as though she was afraid he might return and change his mind.

Twilight noticed her worried look and put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. “Don't worry about my brother. He's just protective of his own daughter. You know, with the changeling invasions, and all that… He’s a really good stallion, I promise.” The princess turned to leave. She had a train back to Ponyville to catch.

Amethyst looked at the little copy of Twilight tucked against her chest and smiled. Pyrite cooed and gave her a wide grin before changing back into her copy of Amethyst. Secretly, Amethyst wondered how they did it, the changelings, how they could become an exact copy of another pony. It was a power that could be very useful in some situations, and very hurtful in others.

“You are really going to get me in a lot of trouble doing that…” Amethyst’s attempt at scolding her new daughter failed miserably as her hard expression cracked into laughing fit. She hugged Pyrite against her chest tighter and tighter to the point where Pyrite struggled to breath. The little changeling cried out, letting Amethyst know that she was squeezing the life out of her. “Oh… I'm sorry… I just… I just love you so much… I hope you know that…”

Pyrite did know that.

She knew it the moment Amethyst fell in love with her in the icy cave. It was the guard’s love that kept Pyrite alive on their journey back to the Crystal Empire. At that moment, the door to the bunk room opened, and Amber poked her head into the corridor. “How'd it go?”

Amethyst laughed nervously as she walked inside with Pyrite on her back. “Prince Armor knows about Pyrite, and I just got a promotion…”

Amber cocked her head, showing her confusion. The younger guard followed Amethyst to her bunk, hanging onto every word Amethyst told her, the entire story. She especially enjoyed the part when Princess Twilight saved the day, forcing her brother to allow Amethyst to keep Pyrite. “That's… amazing! Oh, Amethyst, I'm so happy for you! I'm happy for you both! You're going to be a great sergeant, I just know it.”

Amethyst watched as Pyrite leaped off of her back and onto her bunk, bouncing off of the mattress. She hit the pillow and rolled onto the nightstand, knocking over a small, crystal model of a royal guard. The model hit the floor and shattered, sending colorful shards in every direction.

“Pyrite…” Amethyst’s voice was a low growl as she lifted the struggling changeling into the air using the magic from her horn. “No, Pyrite… No more of that.” The little changeling’s face formed into a sad pout, and her ears folded back.

Amber volunteered with gusto, rushing to find the supply closet. “I'll get a broom.”

She returned just a few moments later and begun cleaning up the broken shards of colored crystal. As hard as Amethyst tried, she couldn't stay angry at Pyrite. Not for very long, anyway. She loved the changeling far too much. She leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on the changeling’s nose, earning a sweet giggle from her. “Just be more careful, sweetie…”

Amethyst set Pyrite back down on her bunk and revealed a large suitcase that was hiding underneath.  “I guess we should start packing, don't you think? Mommy’s a sergeant, now!”


***


That was it, the last straw. Shining couldn't fight anymore, not against Twilight, Onyx, and Amethyst. Amethyst’s eyes filled with tears as Shining gave in at last. He nodded his head with great reluctance. “Alright, alright… You can keep the changeling...” His voice was small and defeated. “We… can discuss your promotion later. For now, just move your things into the room across from Onyx’s.”

Silvershield watched from the shadows, hidden from view. He cursed silently. The thought of Amethyst receiving praise for taking in a changeling made his blood boil with rage. To make matters even worse, she had the support of Princess Twilight and Onyx.

Emerald spoke up quietly from behind. “What are we going to do about them, Silver? I don't feel safe with that changeling living here with us…”

The guards nodded their heads in collective agreement. Something had to be done. The changeling had to go.

Silvershield let out a slow breath, calming his nerves before he shook his head. “Nothing, for now… The changeling is too well protected. Don't let Amethyst fool you, she's an expert in magical combat. That’s the reason I couldn't kill the little brat myself when I had the chance…”

They watched as Amber opened the door to the mare’s bunk room, letting Amethyst and Pyrite back inside. Silvershield let out a beast-like snarl before calming himself again. “Changelings feed off of love, right? We’ll Amethyst enjoy herself… We’ll let the changeling freak feed off of her love for it, and when she's weak and powerless, we’ll make her wish she'd left that thing to the death it deserves.”


***Up Next: The Stowaway***

> Part 2: The Stowaway
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“M-M-Maaaaa… Mamaaaaa!”

The cry of a changeling foal shattered the once quiet and peaceful night. Amethyst rolled over in her bed, tossing and turning.

“Maaaaamaaaaa!”

The cry sounded distant at first, but as the guard awoke from what once was a pretty heavy sleep, she realized that the cry was actually much, much closer. “Oooooh…” She groaned aloud as she sat up in her bed. “Not again…”

The warmth of her bed… The comfort of her sheets… The softness of her pillows… Amethyst didn't want to leave it all behind, especially not at two o'clock in the morning. “Just one night, Pyrite… Just one… Can't mommy have just one full night of sleep?”

For this, Amethyst was especially thankful Princess Twilight suggested that she be promoted in order to have her own ‘officer’s quarters’. The rest of the guards in the mare’s bunk room wouldn't have been able to put up with Pyrite’s crying.

Pyrite shrieked at the top of her little changeling lungs. “Mamaaaaa! Maaaaa!”

Amethyst slid out of her bed and dragged herself over to the crib in the corner of the room. “I'm coming, sweetie… Mommy’s coming…”

When She approached the crib, Pyrite was cowering in the corner with her hooves tucked underneath her body. “Mamaaaaa!”

She cried out into the night, looking around the room for Amethyst. When the little changeling spotted Amethyst looming over her crib, she leaped to her hooves and began desperately trying to climb the bars holding her inside in an attempt to reach the Royal Guard. “Ma-Maaaaama!”

Amethyst cracked a weak smiled as she lowered the gate. Using the magic from her horn, she lifted Pyrite out of the crib, and she held the foal against her chest. “It's alright, sweetie… Mommy’s here… It's alright… Mommy’s here now… Shhhhh…”

Even though she had been taking care of Pyrite for a week, Amethyst still had little heading of what to actually do in a situation like the one she was currently in. The idea she had in her mind was very general. Amethyst had once seen pictures in a magazine of mares holding their foals, and that was the end of her maternal experience, but she was learning. Although a maternal know-how eluded her, Amethyst had developed a keen ear for the different cries Pyrite would sound to alert her that something was wrong.

The baby changeling had a certain cry for almost every contingency. The cry she sounded now was neither hunger nor a need to ‘go’. This cry had a bit of a sad whimper in the mix. Pyrite was lonely and in desperate need of Amethyst’s undivided attention.

“Mmmmm…” Amethyst moaned softly as she hugged the little changeling tightly against her chest. “You just wanted your mommy? Is that all?”

The crying softened and faded until the room was filled with silence once more. Not wanting to risk another fit in the middle of the night, Amethyst decided that Pyrite would spend what was left of the night sleeping with her, and she carried the changeling back to her own bed. Nestled under the sheets, Amethyst tucked Pyrite under her hooves and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “I'll always be here when you need me, Pyrite… Count on it…”

Pyrite purred softly as she snuggled against the guard’s body. Amethyst smiled as her eyes began to close. Within the short span of just a few moments, Pyrite was fast asleep, snuggled tightly against Amethyst’s beating chest.

“Good night, Pyrite…”


***


The next morning, Amethyst shivered as she opened her eyes. Her covers were gone, and she was spooning her pillow. Still tired and very groggy after only just waking up, Amethyst reached around the surface of the bed. “Pyrite… Come here, sweetie…” But the little changeling didn't come, and Amethyst’s hoof was met with cold sheets.

Amethyst sat upright. “Pyrite?” Her bed was empty, and there was no changeling sight. “Pyrite.” Her voice came out stern and commanding. “Come on out, Pyrite. I'm not in the mood for your little games this time.”

Amethyst slid off of her bed and walked over to the crib in the corner. It was clearly void of any baby changelings, but she did have a secret weapon, a way to draw the little trickster out of her ambush position. Amethyst reached into a bag hanging on the side of the crib with her magic. She pushed aside Pyrite’s toys until she found what she was looking for.

“Aha…” Amethyst grinned as she revealed a small, transparent bag of standard field rations. “She can't resist these…”

The guard dropped a single ration cube onto the floor, right in the center of the room. She waited for several seconds, but the changeling didn't come running. “Hmm… Maybe if I drop a few more…”

Amethyst did just that and left two more ration cubes next to the first one. Then, she retreated to her bed. The moment she sat down, Pyrite bolted out from underneath the bed and ran straight for the field rations. Moments later, the rations were gone, and Pyrite was sniffing the floor, licking her lips and looking for any more loose ration cubes. She was caught completely off guard when a purple cloud of magic engulfed her and lifted her into the air.

“Gotcha!” Amethyst chuckled as she levitated the struggling changeling towards the bed before dropping her onto the mattress.

Pyrite immediately jumped to her hooves and charged at the guard. Amethyst laughed as she leaped into her hooves, ‘attacking’ her in the most lovingly adorable way. Using her magic once more, the guard lifted Pyrite into the air and planted a big kiss on her cheek. “I love you so much…”

She giggled gleefully and nuzzled the guard’s snout, obviously enjoying their game. The loving adoration was cut short when Amethyst set Pyrite back down on the bed. “I'm sorry, sweetie. I need to get my armor on. It's almost time for morning drills.” Pyrite gave Amethyst a sad look that broke her heart. “No… Not the face… Please, Pyrite. I need to get ready. I don't have time to play right now.”

Amethyst had to be strong.

She couldn't let Pyrite’s stubborn pouting keep her from doing her job. “Amber will be coming by soon to take you to the commissary for breakfast.”

As if it were rehearsed a thousand times, several knocks pounded on the door. She was on time. “Sergeant Amethyst, Amber reporting.”

Amethyst made a swift, downward motion with her hoof to Pyrite, silently telling her to stay put. She then reached for the door with her magic and opened it for Amber, who wore an unsettlingly cheerful grin for the early hours of the day. “Goooooooooood morning, sergeant.”

Amethyst cracked an uplifting smile and chuckled. “Amber, please… We’ve been over this before. Just ‘Amethyst’ will do.”

She had always felt she shared a special bond with Amber. Despite her higher rank, she always felt she could approach Amber as a friend, rather than an officer. Amber laughed nervously before quickly shaking her head. “With all due respect, ma'am, Sergeant Onyx is standing right behind me.”

Amethyst raised an eyebrow as she looked past Amber and into the corridor. Sure enough, Onyx was standing behind her, fully dressed in armor and ready to tackle the day.

“Good morning, sergeant.” The gruff officer’s voice was a lot softer than it normally was.

It could have been the fact that it was six o'clock in the morning, but Amethyst had noticed a general increase in his attitude towards her ever since the events in the Frozen North. Amethyst gave him a warm smile before nodding her head.

“Good morning to you too, sergeant…”

Now, she understood Amber’s nervousness before. It was proper guard etiquette to address officers by their full title in the presence of other officers, especially a hardened veteran like Onyx. She offered Onyx a short bow before turning her attention back to Amber. “Are you here to-”

Amber answered before Amethyst could finish her question. “Yes ma'am. I'll take Pyrite right away.”

Amber knelt and extended a friendly hoof to the changeling. “Hey there, little thing…”

Pyrite looked at the hoof in front of her and sniffed it out of caution and curiosity. Amethyst let out a frustrated sigh before pushing her forward, towards Amber. “No, Pyrite, she doesn't have rations. Amber is taking you to get some real food. Now, get going.”

Pyrite shot Amethyst a glare, but she kept her protest silent. Just as she was nearing the door with Amber, Amethyst stopped them. “Don't forget to change, sweetie.”

Pyrite let out a soft sigh, but she complied. Green flames engulfed her from her hooves to the tip of her horn. When the flames subsided, a little version of Amethyst stood where the changeling once was. Happy with Pyrite’s work, Amethyst ruffled her mane, extracting a weak smile from her. “That's my girl… Take good care of her, Amber.”

The younger guard beamed at her. “Don't I always?”

Amber did, in fact. She was a great ‘nanny’ for Pyrite when Amethys was unavailable. She volunteered, being the friend she was. When no pony else offered to help Amethyst raise Pyrite, Amber leaped at the opportunity to help. “Come, little one.”

Pyrite bounded after the guard, stopping briefly at the door to look back at Amethyst, who smiled and waved her away. Then, Pyrite disappeared into the corridor after Amber.

When they were both gone, Onyx turned to Amethyst and offered her a soft smile. “You have ten minutes to get dressed. We’ve got a long day ahead of us, sergeant, so hop to it.”


***


By the time Onyx and Amethyst arrived, the practice fields were already brimming with activity. Guards of all types and ranks littered the training area.

The unicorn divisions worked separately from the earth ponies, firing bolts of magic at stationary targets across the field. The pegasus forces took to the skies, dodging and weaving through clouds and other obstacles. Lastly, but certainly not any less important, the earth guards formed sparring matches, facing against each other in brutal hoof combat.

As Amethyst followed Onyx to the unicorns’ training area, he noticed a slight limp in his partner’s step. “Something wrong, Amethyst?”

Amethyst quickly shook her head as she adjusted her saddle pack. “N-N-No… Not really… It must be the heat… My pack is really weighing me down…”

She readjusted the saddlepack again and again until she got a slightly more comfortable fit. Even still, the pack felt much heavier than it had before she left the barracks. Onyx didn't have anything else to say, no words of comfort or encouragement, so he let the subject fade.

As they neared the training area, several familiar faces came into view, one being Prince Armor himself. “Ah… Good morning, you two.”

Amethyst frowned slightly. Shining’s greeting was a simple one, but it lack a sincerity that was noticeable by most ponies, like he was saying it simply for the sake of outwardly appearing friendly to her when he clearly didn't want to be.

Onyx replied to Shining in his usual ‘drill’ voice. “Good morning, sir.”

Amethyst stood behind Onyx and watched him perform. Still being very new to the position of ‘sergeant’, she found it insightful to watch an experienced officer like Onyx, but as his conversation with Shining seemed to drone on, Amethyst found her gaze shifting elsewhere. Her eyes finally fell onto the lines of unicorns ready for their morning training sessions. Most of them smiled at her, but there were several that gave Amethyst cold looks, which the officer found very unsettling.

It was no wonder why they disliked her. Amethyst just wished they could accept Pyrite the way she did. The longer she thought about them, the guards like Silvershield that hated her and her changeling daughter, the angrier she got, and the beast inside of her began to swell.

“What about you, Sergeant Amethyst?”

Amethyst’s anger subsided in an instant, and she became aware that she had been included in the conversation between Shining and Onyx. “Wh-What?”

Several snickers were heard coming from the unicorns watching her. Onyx shot them a mean glare, silencing them, but Shining kept his eyes in Amethyst. “Onyx and I were just talking about last week’s Wonderbolt air show. Didn't you see it?”

It was obvious what Shining was doing. He still didn't support her raising Pyrite even though his little sister bullied him into submission. Shining couldn't go back on his word, Twilight wouldn't allow it, but that didn't stop him from giving Amethyst a hard time.

“No, sir…” Amethyst answered him with exhaustion riding on the breath of her voice. “I was taking care of Pyrite… She got sick after I accidentally fed her old milk…” It was an honest mistake, and Amethyst would have liked to have watched the show with Onyx and Amber, but her little changeling came first.

Shining opened his mouth again as though he was about to comment, but Onyx stepped in between them. “Sir, perhaps we could discuss the show another time. It's time to form practice lines.”

Shining bit his lower lip, but he nodded his head, opting for Onyx to continue before backing down. Amethyst, feeling worse than ever, took her place by Onyx’s side in front of the unicorn guards. She knew not to let Shining or the other guards get to her, but that didn't stop the aching in her chest.

Onyx asserted his voice over the guards. “Line up! I want everypony in pairs for this next exercise. One of you will fill the role of markspony while the other spots the long-range targets.” He looked at Amethyst. “Anything to add, sergeant?”

Amethyst somberly shook her head. “No, not really…”

What else could she add that Onyx hadn't already made perfectly clear? Besides, her saddlepack was really weighing her down now, greatly limiting her ability to think rationally. It felt much heavier than it had before, particularly on her right side. Now, in addition to the hot sun beating down on her armored back, Amethyst wasn't sure how much more she could take.

Onyx faced the guards again. Now that they were in position, they could begin. Amethyst watched from a magical safety barrier that had been projected in front of her and Onyx as the guards began firing deadly bolts of magic at the targets across the field. Most of the first barrage of magic bolts missed. After a brief correction from the spotters, the marksponies took several more shots at the targets, bringing them all down. The targets were quickly reset for the guards to try again.

As the exercise seemed to crawl along, Amethyst’s eyes wondered. To her left, her eyes landed on Onyx. For a brief moment, it looked as though the sergeant was looking back at her, but his own gaze quickly shifted back to the training exercise. It was hard to tell behind his helmet, but Amethyst had seen a definite change in the stallion, ever since the icy cave in the frozen north. He had gotten… softer, it seemed.

Onyx had always been a hard officer, always pressing the ponies under his command to go far beyond their limits, but ever since Amethyst adopted Pyrite, he had lost his razor sharp edge. It was his attitude towards her and Pyrite that Amethyst noticed most of all. She had assumed she had some form of friendship with Onyx before, but now, she wondered if there might be a little more to her relationship with him... Unknowing to Amethyst, her lips curled into a smile as she teased the idea of Onyx asking her out on a date, maybe taking her to a nice restaurant, just the two of them. She was so mentally tied up in her fantasy that she didn't notice the sound of hooves thundering across the field, the sound of a pony running towards her.

“Amethyst!”

The officer turned at last in response to the calling of her name. It was Amber. When Amethyst recognized who the pony was, her heart plummeted and her muscles tensed.

Amber gasped as she neared Amethyst, completely out of breath. “She's… She's gone… Amethyst… I've look… everywhere…”

Onyx met Amethyst’s gaze with an equally worried look. “Pyrite’s missing?”

Amber quickly nodded her head as she broke into tears.

Amethyst placed a firm hoof on Amber’s chest. “Tell me exactly what happened. What happened, Amber?!”

Amber shook her head as she tried to trace her steps. “I… W-W-We… in the commissary… We were in the commissary… Pyrite was… Sh-She ate really fast, and… and then she was gone!”

This was unlike Pyrite. She would never run away unless she was truly afraid, like when Silvershield attacked her in the cave… Amethyst was on the verge of a panic attack.

She stomped her hooves nervously as she spun in circles. Pyrite was in danger, and she wasn't there to protect her. “Did… Did you check my room? Maybe she-”

“I looked there!” Amber cried in a hushed voice, not wanting to raise the attention of Shining. “I've looked all over the barracks and most of the palace. I can't find her anywhere.” Tears were streaming down Amber’s cheeks now.

Amethyst breathed heavily, heaving in and out. Her bag was feeling heavier by the second as she her heart thundered against her chest violently. She couldn't think straight with the heat of the sun beating her down, and the weight of her saddle pack wasn't helping…

Amethyst stopped. Her saddlepack…

She let out a long sigh before throwing her hooves around Amber. “It's alright… I think I know where she is…”

Amber watched with utter disbelief as Amethyst removed her saddle pack from her back. With a loud groan, Amethyst dropped the pack on the ground and opened the right side pocket.

“Mama!” Pyrite squealed with delight as her head poked out of the bag. The changeling had helped herself to Amethyst’s rations.

Amethyst glared at the stowaway. “Now, how did you get in there?”

Pyrite munched happily on a ration cube, completely ignoring her. Amethyst wanted to scold Pyrite immediately for terrifying both her and Amber, but she couldn't let Shining or any of the other guards see that she'd unknowingly brought her changeling to the practice field.

“Mama?”

Amethyst quickly closed tucked Pyrite away and closed the pack before putting it across her back once more. She then turned to Amber, who was still trying to dry the tears that had wetted her cheeks. “Amethyst, I'm so, so sorry I lost her…” Tears streamed down the sides of the guard’s snout. “I… I understand if you don't want me taking care of her again… I'm so sorry… I just thought-”

Amethyst raised a gentle hoof to Amber’s cheek, cutting her off. “Pyrite’s safe...” She had a glistening look in her eyes. “To me, that's all that matters. You did the right thing by coming to get me.”

Amber sniffled back her tears as she managed a weak, prideful grin. “Th-Thank you… Does this mean…”

Amethyst nodded her head and returned Amber’s smile. “Yes, you'll be the mare I call when I need a hoof with Pyrite.” At the sound of her name being spoken, Pyrite poked her little head out of the saddle pack before being hastily stuffed back inside by Amethyst. “I'll hold onto her until practice is over. Get some rest, Amber. You've earned it.”

Amber nodded her head slowly. “Thank you, ma'am…”

With nothing left to say, Amber turned around and began trudging her way across the field, back the way she came. Amethyst snarled at her saddlepack. “I'll deal with you later, you little trickster…”

Pyrite whimpered softly, poking her head out slightly, and Amethyst’s glare faded.

“She's only an infant, a carefree foal.” Onyx spoke softly, turning his head to look at the saddle pack. “You've left such a powerful impact on her that she feels you're the pony she wants to be with.”

Amethyst raised an eyebrow at his last comment. By the way he spoke, she might have thought Pyrite wasn't who he was talking about. She pursed her lips and smiled at her changeling. Onyx was right. She couldn't stay angry forever. “Mommy’s not mad at you, sweetie… I'm just glad you're safe…”

She pushed Pyrite back into the pocket before turning her attention back to the training exercises. Again, she was quickly bored by the unicorns firing bolts of magic. Her gaze shifted, and her eyes fell to her left, on Onyx.

Even under his helmet, she could see his eyes darting in her direction before quickly returning to the field. Amethyst turned her eyes forward, and once again, she teased the idea of going on a date with Onyx. The idea quickly became a daydream, which burned into a lustful and sexual fantasy not all that far from reality.


***The Next Day***


A chilling silence brushed through the corridors of the barracks. Rows upon rows of bunks and lockers lay barren and without attention. Even the bunk rooms were empty. Every Royal Guard in the entire compound was out on the practice fields, training for any and every possible contingency.

Only Pyrite stayed behind.

With no pony around to watch over her, the little changeling ran through the vast corridors, laughing and cheering as she did. After being recently cleaned and waxed by the cleaning staff, the floor made an excellent training ground for the changeling foal.

Pyrite darted from room to room, exploring parts of the barracks that had been previously filled with guards, thus being strictly ‘off limits’ to her. No pony challenged Pyrite this time. How else would she entertain herself? After being banished from the practice fields the day before, Pyrite had been placed under house arrest by Captain Armor and Sergeant Onyx.

Now, Pyrite leaped from bunk to bunk, bouncing off of the mattresses and launching herself into the air so that she would land on the next bunk. From one bunk to the next, she continued to leap, crying out with glee. Preparing to jump again, Pyrite lost her hoofing and fell.

She hit the floor with a soft ‘thud’, bringing some of the bed sheets down on top of her. Being as small as she was, it took the young changeling several tough moments to find her way out of the mountain of sheets she had pulled on top of herself. Her head poked out of the top of the pile of sheets, and Pyrite took in a deep breath.

Her heart pounded in her chest furiously. Now more cautious of the beds, Pyrite stepped out of the pile of sheets and sulked towards the door. If her mother had seen her fall, she would have been furious. Pyrite hoped that Amethyst wouldn't see the mess she had made.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, Pyrite saw a guard’s saddlepack leaning against a bunk. With her curiosity peaked, she turned wayward from the door and approached the pack. A guard must have left it behind by accident. It was certainly possible. The guards were rushed to practice every morning like clockwork.

Amethyst had been so rushed to reach the practice fields on time the day before that she had neglected to check her own saddlepack for her little changeling. Pyrite reached the abandoned pack, and her sharp senses instantly picked something up, something inside. It was a peculiar smell Pyrite was quite fond of, one that made her stomach growl with anticipation. There was only one word that could fit such an enticing description.

Rations.

Found in numerous quantities around the barracks and Pyrite’s favorite snack, the standardized field rations made for the perfect treat. Searching eagerly for the rations she smelled, Pyrite poked her head into one of the saddle pack’s many pockets. Looking deeper into the bag, the little changeling quickly fell inside.

It may have been a minor dent in her grand search, yes, but Pyrite had found what she had been looking for. Without any delay, she opened the bag containing the rations, and she began to help herself. As the minutes passed, the bag was emptied, and Pyrite fell into a happy heap, curled up inside the pocket of the saddle pack. Feeling sluggish and heavy after devouring the entire bag of rations, Pyrite made no attempt to leave the pack. Instead, her eyes began to close, and she quickly fell asleep.


***


The sun stood high in the afternoon sky as the practice fields were emptied for lunch. Dismissed in large groups, the guards fell back into the barracks, all eager to get to the commissary. The training that morning had been long and brutal.

Amethyst had worked up quite an appetite herself, but before she could even think about eating, she needed to check on her little charge.

She looked into her personal quarters. “Pyrite, sweetie… I'm back…” Not seeing the little changeling, Amethyst entered the room and dropped her saddle pack on her bed. “Pyrite?”

Onyx approached her from behind and removed his helmet. “Is something wrong, Amethyst?”

Amethyst pursed her lips as she continued to search the room. She ducked under her bed and scanned the area for any trace of her changeling. “I can't find Pyrite… Onyx, stay here in case she comes back. I'm going to look for her.”

Onyx nodded his head as he stepped into the room. “Should I get more guards to help you look?”

It was an innocent gesture and a helpful suggestion, but Amethyst promptly shook her head. “No, Onyx. That won't be necessary. I'm sure she's just playing one of her little games. There's no need to put the barracks on lockdown.”

Onyx smiled and respectfully nodded his head. “Of course, sergeant. Good hunting.” He turned to place his helmet on her bed and dropped his own saddlepack as well. “I'll find you, if she comes back.” Then, his smile faded, and the guard looked at his hooves nervously. “Perhaps… after Pyrite turns up, I mean… Would you like to join me in the commissary?”

Amethyst cocked her head. “Join… you? With the other officers, you mean?”

Onyx shook his head a let out a sigh. He found it to be increasingly difficult to make eye contact with the mare in front of him. “No, Sergeant Amethyst, not with the other officers… Just me…”

Amethyst’s heart pounded against her chest like a hammer. *He… He isn't really… He can't be serious…* She stood there, completely dumbfounded, and her jaw hung open, quivering slightly.

For a brief moment, Amethyst had completely forgotten about Pyrite. Onyx, on the other hoof, was looking more and more nervous by the silence between them. “Am-Amethyst?”

Amethyst shook herself back into reality. *He is!* Meeting Onyx’s gaze, she nodded her head. She had to maintain a level head… She didn't want Onyx seeing her so excited over something so seemingly little. “Yes… I'd love to join you…” She had a glassy look in her eyes, and she felt a buzzing feeling in her chest and hooves. “I’d really like that…”

Onyx’s face formed into a wide grin. All of the nervousness that was wrecking his body before had dissipated. “Great... I'll be sure to save you a seat, after we find Pyrite, of course.”

Amethyst was grinning herself. It wasn't exactly the ‘date’ she had imagined with the handsome stud, but it certainly was a giant leap in the right direction. “Who? Oh, Pyrite! Of course… Yes, I need to find her right away… Oh, Onyx… If you could find Amber, I think she may be able to help us. She's quite fond of Pyrite.”

Onyx responded with a short nod. With her priorities straightened out, Amethyst turned around and began making her way deeper into the barracks.


***


By the time Pyrite awoke, she had completely lost track of any sense of time she once had. The day no longer felt like morning, but she still felt sluggish after emptying the bag of ration. Now that she had eaten half her weight in field rations, Pyrite desired a something else, attention. More specifically, she craved the attention of her mother. “M-M-Ma? Mama?”

She struggled to find her way out of the saddlepack she had crawled into. Groaning and grunting, the little changeling managed to find her way back to the pocket, and spilled out onto the floor. She looked around her immediate surroundings, dazed and confused, hoping to see Amethyst, or any other familiar face, but there wasn't another pony in sight. Not knowing how to get back to the sergeant’s quarters, Pyrite dared not leave the saddle pack she sought refuge in. “Mama?”

She was answered only with silence. Feeling small, lost, and alone, Pyrite cowered next to the pack. “Mamaaaaaa!”

Her cries echoed through the empty bunk room. Pyrite cried and screamed for Amethyst, desperately hoping she would run to her aid, but no pony came. With no other options, Pyrite came to the conclusion that she had to venture out of the bunk room to find her mother. Amethyst might have been in trouble! Her mother needed her!

Closing her eyes and concentrating hard, she conjured up the outward appearance of a younger Amethyst. When the green flames subsided, she decided it was time to begin her search. Using the magic from her horn, Pyrite opened the door leading out of the bunk room and into the corridor, and a towering guard stood in her way.

Casting a long shadow into the room, Silvershield grinned maliciously as his eyes fell on the baby changeling. “Hello, little brat…” He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “You look lost…”

A wave of pure terror washed over Pyrite as she backed away from the advancing guard, causing her to shake uncontrollably. Silvershield could see her shaking, and he chuckled. “Ah, Pyrite… You should have listened to your mother when she told you not to wonder off…” His horn ignited, closing the lock on the door, and his sadistic laughter continued. “This must be my lucky day. I was beginning to think Amethyst would never let her guard down, and you just happen to walk right into a secluded space where I can finish you off, once and for all…”

Then, he lowered his horn, pointing it straight at her, and he discharged a bolt of deadly magic. The bolt of magic sailed across the room, heading straight for Pyrite.

In her state of fear and panic, she lost her ability to maintain the disguise, and her outer form melted away, revealing her changeling self. She cried out as she dodged the magic. It missed her narrowly, hitting a bed just to her left. The wooden leg holding the mattress up exploded into a shower of splinters that flew in every direction.

Then, Pyrite ran.

She ran as fast as her little legs could carry her, all the way down the rows of beds to the far end of the bunk room. Silvershield was enjoying every minute of it, laughing to himself as he sauntered after her. “There's nowhere for you to hide, brat, and there's no pony to protect you!”

He lowered his horn again and fired another bolt of magic towards her. Pyrite looked over her shoulder as she ran, at the magic bearing down on her. The magic hit the floor just behind her, catching the tip of Pyrite’s tail. She cried out as she leaped into the air. Her little wings did her little good as she flipped over a bunk.

As she hit the floor again, the slippery surface caused her to lose her hoofing, and she spilled into a tumble. “Maaaaamaaaaa!”

She ran for a large pillow that had fallen from a bunk during the scuffle and cowered behind it. Silvershield was getting a more frustrated, now. His horn lit up again, and his eyes burned with a new lust for death. “Oh no… You're not calling for your mommy, brat! You've avoided this long enough!”

He fired another bolt of sparking energy towards her. The pillow erupted into a storm of feathers and smoking pieces of silk. The pillow had dispersed the deadly energy the magic carried, but she received the full force of the blast and flew across the room, hitting the opposite wall, hard.

Silvershield bared his teeth as he approached her. “You surprised me in the Frozen North, Azalea… I thought the snow would kill you for sure.” Using his horn, he lifted her motionless body into the air. “You were supposed to die with the rest of those traitors, but you just had to cling onto life, didn't you?”

Pyrite’s eyes fluttered open as a green flame ignited under Silvershield’s hooves. “Do you have any idea of how much trouble you've cause me and my queen?”

The guard had vanished completely, and a monster stood in his place. He grinned at her, showing off his sharp fangs. “Remember me, brat? Do you remember when I killed your precious caretaker, Phasmid? What did she tell you? What was her last request before I drove my horn through her throat?”

Pyrite couldn't bring herself to respond. She couldn't bring herself to do much of anything. Her vision blurred from the previous hit she had taken, and when she opened her mouth to cry, no sound came out. “She told you to run, Azalea… Phasmid told you to run as fast as you could, as far as you could, and what did you do?”

He brought her closer to his quivering jaw. “You hid in the snow, like the coward you are… How pathetic it is that you couldn't do the one thing that might have saved yourself.” He lowered her slowly towards his hungry mouth, savoring the moment. “You only prolonged the inevitable, and now, you will make a tasty treat…”

Pyrite looked lazily towards the door, too tired to make any attempt to get away. “Ma… Ma…”

The giant changeling chuckled softly. “Oh, don't worry about your precious mother. Once I'm through with you, I'll make sure to make her death as agonizing as possible. Maybe, I'll even save a little of her for my queen to feed on…”

At that he erupted into a fit of menacing laughter. His words bounced around in Pyrite’s head, echoing over and over again. She could see her, Amethyst, her smiling face. She could feel the warmth of Amethyst’s chest as she was held by her. “Ma… Maaaaa…”

She could taste the love Amethyst willingly gave her every single day. Her eyes opened wide, and she stared straight at the changeling and let out an ear-shattering scream.

“MAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

He winced at the deafening screeching and dropped Pyrite, holding his hooves to his ears. Across the bunk room, the lock on the door jiggled, and somepony pounded on the door.

“What's going on in there?! Open up!”

More voices showed up.

“What's going on?”

“The door’s locked, sir!”

“Well, break it down!”

The changeling looked towards the door with a panicked look. He had no time to react as the door was blasted off of hits hinges by a unicorn’s magic. The door flew inward, hitting several bunks as it crashed on the floor. Several guards stormed into the room, including Onyx, and jaws hit the floor as their eyes fell on the changeling standing at the far end of the stallions’ bunk room.

The changeling quickly overcame his initial panic, and he turned to look at Pyrite’s still figure on the floor. “This isn't over, brat…”

Then, he vanished in a blinding flash of light.


***


Amethyst wasn't far behind when the alarms went off. She broke through the crowd the way Onyx had, and at the sight of Pyrite, her face broke into a huge grin. “My baby! Oh, Pyrite!”

She ran forward to Amber’s side to meet the elated changeling foal. Pyrite was just as thrilled to see her mother as Amethyst was to see her. “Mama! Mama!”

She cried out again and again until Amethyst lifted her off of Amber’s back and onto her own. The scene inside the stallions’ bunk room was chaotic. Beds and furniture had been smashed to pieces. Then, there was the little detail of seeing, in full view, a changeling amidst the destruction.

Prince Armor called for an immediate roll call. He wanted every Royal Guard in the barracks named and accounted for. Amethyst, Onyx, and Pyrite watched from Shining’s side as he conducted the search. It took almost an hour, but when the dust settled, he had concluded that Silvershield was missing.

Everypony else was where they needed to be.

Shining stormed into his office, slamming the door shut behind him. “How did this happen?” Amethyst and Onyx both flinched slightly at the sudden and loud ‘boom’. “I can't have changelings running around the barracks, Onyx.”

Pyrite looked up at him from Amethyst’s lap. “Ba… Thbbbbt!”

At that, Shining managed to crack a small smile that Amethyst almost didn't catch. “Besides you, little one. I know you didn't do all of that, Pyrite…” He let out a tired sigh as he sat down behind the desk that separated him from the sergeants. Shining’s horn began to glow, magically lowering the window blinds while locking the door simultaneously. “Everything that is said in here needs to stay between us. Am I clear, sergeants?”

They nodded their heads quickly. Shining looked towards the door one last time, making sure that they wouldn't be overheard.

At last, he spoke. “I don’t know how we could have been so blind not to realize we had a changeling disguised as a Royal Guard…”

Onyx and Amethyst exchanged quick glances. Pyrite could sense the high tensions between the three ponies. She looked back and forth between her mother and Onyx as the mare leaned forward in her chair. “You really think it's Silvershield?”

Shining shook his head. “No, Amethyst, I know it's Silvershield.”

Onyx spoke up. “He was a cadet with Amber. They joined the force together. You don’t think she’s with him, do you?”

Shining shook his head again and managed a weak smile. “No, of course not… I'm telling the two of you this, because I need your help in finding this changeling intruder.” He turned towards Amethyst. “I'm putting you on point, Sergeant Amethyst. You have more experience with changelings than anypony else here.” Amethyst felt her chest grow lighter. She had never been in such a position before, the leader of an assignment as important as this one. “I'm confident the two of you can do this quietly. If the changeling suspects you're after him, he may run, and we’ll never get another chance to capture him.”

Amethyst and Onyx stood up from their chairs. Holding onto Pyrite, the mare offered Shining a short bow. “We understand, sir.”

Shining gave them both a nod of approval. Then, he unlocked the door. “You're dismissed.”


***


When the sergeants exited the office, Celestia’s sun was already setting. The orange streaks of light covered the sky, signaling the fading of the day while casting long shadows in the corridor as they came through the windows. For the first time since the attack on the stallions’ bunk room, the reality that her daughter was almost killed fully set in. Her chest grew heavy at the thought. “Wh… Why would somepony go out of their way to do something so heartless?”

Onyx turned to look at her and cocked his head. Amethyst could tell he didn't understand what she was talking about. “Pyrite, I mean… That changeling, whoever he was, he was trying to kill Pyrite. I just can't understand why…”

Onyx put on a brave smile as he looked over at Amethyst. “I couldn't tell you, Amethyst, but I do know this…” She raised an eyebrow at him. “If this changeling thinks he can lay a hoof on Pyrite, he's got another thing coming, because that little filly has the most determined, headstrong, and protective mother in the entire empire.”

Amethyst grinned, and her cheeks turned red. Pyrite let out a soft ‘squeak’ as she broke into a fit of laughter. She could smell it, the growing love between them, and it smelled good.

“Onyx?” The stallion quickly turned his head to face her. “I'm sorry we didn't get to eat together like you wanted… How does ‘tomorrow night’ sound?”

A wide grin formed on his face, and he nodded his head. “That sounds… great, Amethyst.”

Despite the dire situation they all seemed to be in, she couldn't help smiling as wide as her lips would allow her. As they walked down the corridor, towards the commissary, neither of them noticed the lone guard lurking behind the corner. Pyrite wasn't the only one intoxicated by the aroma of young love.

Like a ghost, the mysterious guard walked in the shadows, gliding after them with a green glow burning in her eyes.


***Up Next: The Hidden Enemy***

> Part 3: The Hidden Enemy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amethyst didn't get a wink of sleep that night. In her bed, she tossed and turned as a thousand thoughts ran through her mind over and over again. Every so often, her eyes would glance towards the door, then to Pyrite’s crib, then back to the door. As hard as she tried to think about something else, she couldn't bring herself to shake the notion that she wasn't safe.

A changeling infiltrating the barracks was a huge deal and a crippling blow to the security of the Crystal Empire. No pony, except for Onyx, knew about her secret mission to find the guard wasn't who he claimed to be, but the entire palace was still on high alert.

Then, her mind shifted to Onyx. She couldn't get the stallion out of her head, and it was driving her mad. Unable to sit still any longer, she rose from her bed and hopped to the floor.

Pyrite stirred in her sleep at the sound of her mother approaching the crib, and she looked up with tired eyes. “Mmmm… Mama?”

Amethyst smiled down at her. “Hey, baby…” She reached into the crib and lifted the little changeling up into her hooves, cradling her affectionately. “You’ve really managed to make my life more exciting, haven't you?”

Pyrite cooed softly in her mother’s grasp, extending her hooves as she stretched. Amethyst slowly spun in circles while bouncing the baby tucked between her leg and chest. She could hardly remember what her life was like before she had Pyrite. She was happy, there was no arguing that point. Amethyst worked with ponies she liked and respected while protecting the empire she loved every single day. Her duties as a guard were her passion, not her chore, but meeting the changeling definitely had a strong impact on her.

Amethyst had been taught her whole life to believe that changelings devoured love, like a parasite draining its host victim. In most cases, that might have been true, like when Shining Armor was under the control of Queen Chrysalis at his wedding so long ago, but Amethyst felt no such drain of love.

This was because Pyrite loved her in return. They shared the love they felt for each other. Amethyst truly loved Pyrite, and Pyrite loved her more than anything in the world. There was nothing parasitic about her. It was the sharing of love that made her feel stronger than she ever had before.

“You're getting so big, Pyrite…” Amethyst laughed softly as she poked her baby’s belly, extracting a fit of giggles from her. “You don't have to grow up so fast… I won't mind if you stay the way you are…”

Pyrite reached up with a chubby hoof and began batting at a lock of Amethyst’s green mane. That was usually her behavioral response to anything the mare said. Amethyst often wondered how much got through to Pyrite when she spoke to her, but her happy thought was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. It startled them both.

The guard quickly set Pyrite down inside her crib and raised a hoof to her lips, silently telling her to stay quiet. Amazingly, she understood and took cover underneath her blankets. Amethyst quietly approached the door, making sure not to alert anypony on the other side. Her horn began to glow, and she tore the door wide open, pointing her horn out into the corridor. When she saw who it was, she raised her horn, and the glow faded.

“Onyx…”

The stallion nodded his head as he rubbed his eyes. The sudden glow from Amethyst’s horn had left him blinded and disoriented. When his vision returned, he glanced around the room inside before meeting the mare’s gaze. “I'm guessing the two of you couldn't sleep either?”

Amethyst let out a long, tired sigh, nodding her head. “Well… Pyrite was sleeping just fine, actually. Me, on the other hoof…”

Onyx smiled sadly. “Yeah, I understand.” His gaze shifted to the floor. He looked deep in thought. “May… I come in?”

Amethyst didn't see any reason as to why he couldn't. Technically, it was strictly forbidden for a stallion to be in a mare’s quarters or vice versa, but that would be just another one of the many rules Amethyst had broken. Needless to say, it was already a long list, and Amethyst didn't mind breaking a few more. She stepped aside, letting Onyx walk into her quarters.

He spotted Pyrite in her crib and smiled at her reassuringly. “It's alright, little one. It's only me.”

Amethyst smirked as she lifted her baby out of the crib using her magical cloud. “Yeah, it's just Onyx. It's not like he's anypony important or threatening…”

His ears folded back as a frown came across his face. Amethyst saw and mockingly rolled her eyes. “By Celestia’s name… I was joking, Onyx. I thought you were tough.”

His smile returned as he let out a light chuckle. “What? I can't be sensitive?”

Amethyst laughed aloud and shook her head. There is was again, that feeling she got in her chest when talking to him. It was like her chest was swelling to the point of bursting open. She kissed Pyrite on the cheek before setting her back down.

The changeling was happy to be back inside her crib, and she quickly found a spot to settle on. In a matter of moments, she was snoring softly. Amethyst wished it was that easy for her. She could tell Onyx was thinking the same thing, but his eyes kept glancing towards the open door.

He sighed softly, not wanting to wake up Pyrite. “Maybe it's time for me to head back… I've held enough of your time.”

A feeling of despair washed over Amethyst. She didn't want him to leave. Not now that he was within her grasp.

“Wait…” Her hoof reached out without her even thinking, firmly holding his shoulder. Onyx quickly spun around to face her, meeting her pleading gaze. “Don't leave me…” Her eyes fell. “I won't be able to sleep on my own…”

The stallion cocked his head to the side. “You… want me to sleep… with you?”

Without meeting his eyes, Amethyst nodded her head. “Yes… If you’ll stay...”

Onyx didn't know how to respond. He wasn't normally the rule breaker, and sleeping with other guards was most certainty prohibited. Amethyst stood before him, shifting back and forth on her hooves, waiting patiently for an answer.

After what seemed like an eternity, Onyx slowly nodded his head. “Al-Alright…”

He closed the door behind him and followed Amethyst to her bed. She climbed in first, opening the covers for him to follow her. Onyx climbed into the bed behind her, carefully positioning himself so as to not touch her inappropriately, but Amethyst nestled against him, pressing her back into his stomach. After overcoming his initial surprise, he draped his left leg over her shoulder, completing the ‘spoon’ position.

The lack of opposition from Amethyst told him he was doing something right. Then, he heard a long sigh escape on the tip of her breath, and her chest slowly began to rise and fall. “Thank you… Onyx…”

The stallion’s eyes also began to close. Surrounded by warmth and the comfort of Amethyst’s company, Onyx realized just how tired he truly was. In no time at all, he too fell victim to his desire for rest, and his eyes closed completely, remembering only the smell of Amethyst’s emerald mane.


***


When Amber came by to collect Pyrite the following morning, she was surprised by the locked door. Amethyst usually left it open so she could take Pyrite off of her hooves during morning drills.

“Amethyst?” She pounded her hoof against the door several times. “Amethyst, I'm here for Py-”

The door cracked open, and the sergeant poked her head out. When she saw it was Amber, her lips curled into a huge grin. “Oh, great, you're here! Hold on, and let me get Pyrite for you.”

Amber wanted to say something, but she was never given the chance. Amethyst ducked back into her room and slammed the door in the young mare’s face. Seconds later, the door opened again, a little wider this time. Pyrite walked through the door and into the hall, stopping just before Amber’s hooves. This time, Amber got a better look at Amethyst.

“Here you go… Have fun, you two!”

She was about to close the door again before Amber stuck her hoof into the door, stopping it. “Hold on… Is your mane wet? I've never seen you take morning showers, Amethyst. You allways take them at night, before you go to bed.”

Amethyst froze and quickly raised a hoof to her dripping mane. “I… uh… Well, you see…”

Her sentence went nowhere as she tried to formulate a believable response, but it was far too late. “Hey, Amy, are you coming back? I got the water temperature just right!”

Amber’s eyes widened. The voice had belonged to none other than Onyx. Her eyes shifted back and forth between Amethyst and the room inside. When her gaze met the sergeant’s again, her lips curled into a sly grin. “Amethyst, you didn't…”

Amethyst let out a quiet sigh of relief. It was obvious her friend wasn't going to tell anypony about her little secret. “I did…” Amethyst looked over her shoulder. “I'll be there in a second, Onyx! Amber is here for Pyrite!”

The stallion behind her turned bright red, eyes wide, before retreating quickly back into the bathroom. Amber caught only a fleeting glimps of him before he dissapeared. She turned her attention back towards Amethyst. “Wh… When did this happen?”

The mare smiled as she recalled the intimate ‘alone time’ she had shared with Onyx the night before. “Just last night… Neither of us could sleep, so he came over, and…”

Amber had to bit her lower lip to keep herself from squealing. “Amethyst, you bad mare!” Then, she broke into a fit of laughter and snorts. “Did… Did he call you ‘Amy’, just now?”

Amethyst firmly planted a hoof on Amber’s chest and pushed her gently into the corridor. “Yes, but we’ll have to talk later… Have fun with Pyrite.”

She gave Amber a wide smile before closing the door, leaving her alone in the corridor with the little changeling. Pyrite looked up at her with a blank expression. Then, she looked back down the corridor, towards the door.

“Mama?” She turned around and took one step in the opposite direction she was supposed to be going before Amber stopped her.

Amber chuckled, shaking her head. “No, Pyrite. Your mother has some…” Her mind entertained the thought of Amethyst and Onyx in the shower together. “She’s got some things she needs to take care of. I'm certain she'll come find you when she's through.”

Reluctantly, Pyrite quietly agreed to follow Amber further and further away from the sergeant’s quarters. Several guards passed them by, some dressed in their suits of armor. Amber kept a wary eye on them. She knew that, by now, most guards in the barracks accepted Pyrite, but there were exceptions. These guards would mostly keep to themselves and offer Pyrite and anypony with her a mean glare, but it wouldn't be long before they would be brave enough to physically harass them. Regardless, it paid to stay alert at all times when it came to Pyrite’s safety.

As Amber turned around a corner, she spotted another guard at the far end of the corridor. At first, she wasn't sure, but as they got closer, Amber became certain that the guard ahead was looking directly at her. A unicorn stood in their path, blocking their way to the commissary. Not wanting to cross paths with any unfriendly guard that might want to harm Pyrite, Amber looked to her left and to her right, searching for any alternate routes to the dining hall, but there were none. To get where they were going, Amber and Pyrite would have to pass by the guard.

“Stick close to me, Pyrite. I don't want to lose you again…”

Her message had been received, loud and clear. Pyrite took refuge under Amber’s legs, walking with the guard with their hooves in sync. They were dangerously close to the guard ahead, now, and Amber was feeling more and more nervous. It looked as though the guard was sizing her up, watching her every move while assessing her.

Then, the guard in front of them removed her helmet, revealing a bright smile as she began walking towards them. “You must be Amethyst!” She had an elated look on her face, like a filly on her birthday.

Amber, having never met the mysterious mare before her, returned only a confused expression and cocked her head. “I… I don't mean to be rude, but do I know you?”

The mare before her quickly shook her head. “No, of course not… I'm new here, you see, but I've heard so much about you. What you did in the Frozen North is nothing short of heroic. Is…”

Her eyes widened as she spotted Pyrite hiding under Amber’s legs. “Is this her? Is this your daughter?”

“Wh-What? My daughter?” Amber looked down at Pyrite, who looked back at her. She quickly shook her head. “You must be confused… I'm Amber, a friend of Amethyst.” Amber raised her hoof and pointed down the corridor, towards the bunk rooms and officers’ quarters. “Amethyst is down that way, uh… talking to Sergeant Onyx.”

The mysterious mare’s look of excitement deflated like a poorly tied balloon. “Oh… My apologies… I saw you with this… young filly, and I assumed you were her adopted mother.”

Diverting her attention away from Amber, she extended a hoof towards Pyrite. “Come out, little thing… I promise, I won't bite…”

Amber let out a light chuckle. “Don't worry if she ignores you. Pyrite is always afraid of strangers, and she won't go near…”

Her voice trailed away until it fell silent. As the words were coming out of her mouth, Pyrite had emerged from the shelter that was Amber’s legs, and she was boldly approaching the new mare. Pyrite looked up at her with big, curious eyes, and the mare looked back at her, grinning from ear to ear.

“She's a remarkable filly, from what I've heard…”

A statement like that could mean anything, and considering everything that had already happened, Amber wasn't ready to take any chances with Pyrite. Amber quickly put a protective hoof around the little changeling, pulling her back. “What… have you heard about her?”

It was no big secret to the guards around the barracks that Pyrite wasn't really Amethyst’s daughter, but Amber didn't want to say more than the new guard needed to know. The guard eyed Pyrite as she put her helmet back on, her eyes never leaving the filly. “I've heard that she's changeling foal a mare named ‘Amethyst’ stole from the Frozen North…”

Now, that was a new word to describe what had happened in the snowy wasteland. Amber had heard ‘found’, ‘saved’, and ‘adopted’, but never ‘stole’. She frowned at the new guard.

“Amethyst stole nothing. She rescued Pyrite from a cave in the frozen north. Without Amethyst, Pyrite would…” Amber looked down at the little changeling, carefully deciding her next words. “She'd be dead…”

The new guard took on a softer expression as she looked back and forth between Amber and Pyrite. “Pyrite? Is that her name?” She extended her hoof towards the changeling once again.

Pyrite, obviously interested by the new guard’s open hoof, tried to reach her, only to be pulled back by Amber. “It was Amethyst’s idea to name her Pyrite, because of her… abilities…”

The new guard managed a soft chuckle as she retracted her hoof. “An appropriate name for such a gifted filly, no doubt.” She gave the little changeling a warm smile before turning her attention back to Amber. “I'd love to meet Amethyst… Do you know where I can find her? Surely, you must be close to Amethyst in order for her to trust you with her… uh, daughter.”

Pyrite was getting bored listening to the two older mares talk, and she began searching for the source of a smell she was familiar with. Lead by her nose, Pyrite approached the mysterious mare once again.

The closer she got, the stronger the scent became. The guard shifted nervously as Pyrite grazed her legs, sniffing the pockets of the saddlepack hanging on her back. “Wh-What is she… What is this?”

Amber was quick to grab Pyrite and pull her away from the new guard. “I'm so sorry about that. Pyrite just loves field rations. Amethyst fed her rations when we first found her in the cave. Now, she can't get enough of the disgusting things.” Amber chuckled softly at the memory. “She probably thinks you have some for her.”

The guard frowned, pursing her lips. “Rations? I'm still learning my way around, and I'm unfamiliar with a lot of the field supplies. If it's ‘rations’ she's after…” She reached into her saddle pack with her magic and pulled out a small, transparent bag filled with a dozen, little cubes. “Are these what you are looking for, little thing?”

Pyrite’s eyes lit up at the sight of the tasteless bites, and she began leaping up onto the air, trying to snatch the bag out of the guard’s grasp. The guard lifted the bag just a little, just far enough to be out of the changeling foal’s reach. “Hmmm… Very interesting…”

She shifted her gaze towards Amber. “Very well, Miss Amber, I'll give them to you. Perhaps, young Pyrite could enjoy them later, once the two of you are finished at the commissary.” The new guard passed the bag along to her, as promised. “I'm, Gemini, by the way. You can call me Gem, if you'd like. All of my friends do, or they would if I had any...”

Amber didn't know what to say. It was an act of kindness, to be certain, but one question still tugged at the back of her mind. Why? Who was this mare, and why was she so interested in Amethyst and Pyrite? “Thank you…”

She slipped the rations into her own saddlepack. “It's been… nice meeting you, Gem, but we really must be going.”

The guard nodded her head and smiled. “Of course, Miss Amber. I hope to see more of you.”

Pyrite looked back and forth between Amber and the mare that called herself ‘Gem’. “Ma… Mama?”

Amber quickly ushered the little changeling filly along, past the new guard. “Yes, Pyrite, your mother will be along soon. I'm sure if it. Now, let's get you some real food, yeah?”

No more words were exchanged between the two mares, and they parted ways at last. Amber took Pyrite by the hoof and lead her away, towards the commissary. All the while they walked, Pyrite kept turning her head to look behind them, quietly whimpering. Amber felt the same way. She too wasn't sure how to feel about her new ‘friend’.


***


Gem walked quietly past the commissary, keeping her chin low and her eyes glued to the floor. After making sure she hadn't been followed by any suspicious ponies, she slipped into the mares’ restroom and dropped her saddlepack. She looked into the mirror and removed her helmet. Letting out a long sigh, Gem began fixing her mane.

“You're a long way from home, Cicada…”

She let out a shrill cry and spun around before stumbling and knocked her helmet off of the counter. Breathing heavily, Gem slowly recovered each breath she had lost in her moment of terror. “Mantis… I should have know it was you… Is this really all the ‘hello’ I get?”

A unicorn emerged from the shadows, clad in guard armor. He wore a look that would send shivers down anypony’s spine. “Queen Chrysalis gave this assignment to me. Why are you here, Cicada?” Gem replied with silence and an innocent shrug, earning a frustrated snarl from the stallion. “Don't play games with me! Our queen’s rule is at risk as long as that little brat is still breathing.”

Gem smirked and caressed the stallion’s chin. “Well, if you had been done your job in the Frozen North like you were supposed to, the queen wouldn't have had to send me to clean up your mess, Mantis. Chrysalis only sends me when things go wrong…” Gem’s eyes narrowed as she leaned in towards Mantis. Her lips were only a hot breath away from his. “Things have gone very wrong, Mantis…”

The unicorn stomped his hoof objectively. “I did my job… That cave is probably buried under a mountain of snow, by now. Phasmid and the rest of those traitors have been permanently silenced.”

Gem rolled her eyes and turned back around to face the mirror. “Yes, you did an excellent job…” Her tone sounded more sarcastic, now. “However, killing an infant whose only word is ‘Mama’ is far out of your reach of abilities, it seems.” She smiled at her own figure in the mirror as she fixed her mane. “Hmm… How does this look? I'm still not sure about this coloring…”

The stallion let out a vicious snarl and spun her around. “Do you think this is easy, parading around as a Royal Guard, non-stop?! I've tried many times to strike, but the little brat is always protected. I was almost caught yesterday, trying to kill her. I think they suspect me of…”

Gem held a hoof to his lips, quickly silencing him. “Shhhhh… Don't speak… The sound of your voice irritates me…” She let out a long sigh. “What matters now is that we kill Pyrite. If Queen Chrysalis hears you've failed again, you'll be joining those traitors in the Frozen North as a mangled corpse.” Gem’s words hit the stallion like strikes from a hammer. “Pyrite cannot grow up to become a queen.”

He nodded his head. “I understand, but…”

Gem raised a swift hoof, cutting him off. “If Shining Armor suspects you of anything, then you must change your look. Now Silvershield, find another guard, kill him, and take his place. We need to befriend Amethyst, if there's to be any chance of getting close to Pyrite.”

The changeling eased a little as Gem lowered her hoof. “Amethyst will not be so easy to fool… Don't underestimate her…”

Gem chuckled menacingly. “She's drunk on love. Can't you smell it, or is your nose getting dull as your brain?” She put her helmet on and gathered her saddlepack. “You focus on finishing off the brat. Leave Amethyst to me…”


***


Amethyst gasped as she fell out of the steamy shower. Onyx stumbled after her, breathing heavily as he reached for a towel. Both guards felt better than they ever had before. No words were exchanged between them. Nothing could be said to describe what they had both experienced. Only wide grins were shared as they dried off before exiting the bathroom.

When the door opened, a billowing cloud of steam poured from the bathroom, and Amethyst and Onyx walked out into the bedroom together, both taking shallow, rapid breaths as they recovered from their exhaustion. As they finished drying off outside the bathroom, Onyx was the first to actually speak.

“Whoa…”

Amethyst raised an eyebrow towards him and smiled. “Whoa? That's all you have to say after… that?”

Onyx raised a hoof in self defense. “Look, it's been awhile for me, Amethyst. My mind’s a bit jumbled right now.”

Amethyst nodded her read respectively and let out a long breath as she sat down. “No kidding… Me too. It's been so long since I've felt so…” Her gaze fell to the floor, and her expression changed drastically. The look on her face was one of hardship and betrayal. It was a look of resentment. “Never mind… Let's get ready for work.”

She stood up and strided across the room, towards a mannequin that held the many pieces of gilded metal that made up her suit of armor. Onyx watched with disbelief as she ignored him. “Hold on, Amethyst… What did you mean by that? What happened?”

She turned her back to him as she applied her armor. “One minute, you were… you, and the next, you just… what happened?”

Amethyst spun around, and Onyx could see the fire burning in her eyes. “I said ‘never mind’, Onyx. It's none of your concern.”

Onyx frowned as he began reaching for his own suit of armor. “Well, it's causing me a lot of concern…”

The fire in her eyes was extinguished, and a meek grin forced its way onto her lips. She could tell that he really did care, that her well being was high on his list of priorities. “I… I'll tell you later, stud… Is that alright?”

The frown on his face had dissipated, but he still shifted nervously on his hooves. “So long as it isn't bad and it isn't about me…”

Amethyst laughed out loud at his innocent response. “No… Of course, it isn't about you.”

Then, there was a drastic shift in her expression. She took on a more ‘serious’ look, and the tone of her voice deepened ever so slightly. “If I was upset with you, Onyx, you would know about it, believe me.”

An awkward silence fell over the two of them like a blanket as the finished dressing for the day ahead of them. Not wanting to leave on such a somber note, Amethyst approached Onyx from behind until she stood next to him, and she gently hit her rear against his, causing the metal platings covering their bodies to clash. “You were pretty good in there… Why don't we come back in a little while and pick up where we left off?”

Onyx turned red under his helmet. “Y-Y-Yeah?”

Amethyst couldn't hold back the sly grin that was creeping along her lips and the red growing in her cheeks. “Yeah…”


***


With the excitement of the day toning down, the guards returned to their normal duties or breaks, while others went to the showers or recreational areas.

In the stallion's locker room, one guard let out an exhausted sigh as he began to remove his armor. Plate by plate, the pieces came off of their straps and fell to the tile floor with a loud ‘clang’. The last piece to come off was his helmet. He set it down on the bench to his left and looked into his locker.

There was a mirror inside, hanging on the back wall. He ruffled his mane and brushed it to the side before grabbing a small bottle of polisher. It was every guard’s best friend, the polisher. Long days added a lot of grime and smudges to the surface of their armor, and the polisher was the easiest solution. It was a guard’s duty to look pristine while serving the Princess Cadence and the empire.

He picked up his helmet and began applying the polisher. With a soft cloth that was hanging inside the locker, he rubbed the paste into the metal surface of the armor plating. The result was a shimmering reflection. Satisfied with the work he had done, the guard set his helmet down and began working on another plate of armor.

“You missed a spot, Emerald.”

The guard let out a surprised yelp and dropped the plate. It hit the ground, causing him to flinch at the loud sound it created. Then, he looked towards the door, and a shocked expression came over his face. “Si-Silvershield? Is that you?”

He stood in the doorway, eyeing Emerald carefully. “Yeah, buddy… It’s me…”

The younger guard let out a sigh of relief before chuckling. “You got me good.” Then, Emerald looked around the locker room, being extra careful to make sure they were alone. “Silver, I don't know about you, but I think something weird is going on. Rumors are floating around that there was a changeling in the barracks. Can you believe that?”

Silvershield remained silent as he approached the guard. “No, I can't… Changelings wouldn't dare come this far south from the Frozen North. The empire is too well guarded.” He pat him on the back. “Ponies like us are what stand between the empire and all of the scary things out in the world.”

Emerald nodded his head and laughed. “You got that right, Silver. I don't know what I was thinking, listening to silly rumors. The Crystal Empire hasn't had any kind of excitement since a baby dragon from Ponyville lit a torch, or something, but hey, that's what friends are for, right? You keep me in line, Silver.” His smile widened. “Hell, my brother in Canterlot sees more excitement than me on a daily basis. He’s one of Princess Celestia’s guards.”

While Emerald’s back was turned, Silvershield lowered his horn, and it began to glow, but he hesitated. He knew what he had to do, what needed to be done, but for reasons he couldn't understand, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Silvershield couldn't bring himself to kill Emerald.

What the younger guard said was true. Even though he was an undercover changeling, Silvershield might go so far as to call him ‘friend’ in return.

“I… I can't… I need somepony else…”

He let out a frustrated sigh, and the glow of his horn dissipated. Confused, Emerald turned around to face him. “What? What are you talking about, Silver? Why do you need somepo- Ach!”

A sickly green cloud of magic surrounded Emerald’s neck. He couldn't even let out a gasp or a cry for help before another green cloud of magic covered his mouth, sealing it shut. His eyes were wide with horror, his legs thrashing wildly, knocking over the bench as he was lifted into the air.

Gem emerged from the shadows, her horn glowing brightly. “You disappoint me, Mantis.” Without effort, she snapped Emerald’s neck, letting his lifeless body fall to the cold floor. “You were supposed to kill this whelp and take his body. That was the plan, and what do I find?”

Silvershield stood silent, completely shocked by what he had just witnessed. His friend, his only friend, laid at his hooves, dead. His mouth hung open, but no words could come out. Mixed feelings of confusion, anger, and disbelief flooded his thoughts.

Gem approached him, stepping over Emerald’s body. “You're getting soft, Mantis. The changeling I knew would never feel pity for such a pathetic pony. I'm beginning to think Queen Chrysalis assigned the wrong assassin to murder the false queen.” She circled around him, like a shark, her eyes burning into him. “Look at me when I'm speaking to you, Mantis!”

Silvershield couldn't meet her harsh gaze. He could only stare at what was left of Emerald. Then, Gem struck him with her hoof, leaving a mark on his cheek. “Listen to my words carefully… You are to assume the role and identity of Emerald. I'll take care of the body. You're next objective is to find and capture Pyrite.”

That got his attention. Silvershield looked up at last and met her gaze. “Capture?” The word fell out of his mouth so loosely that he couldn't believe he was the one speaking. “I thought the plan was to murder Pyrite…”

Gem rolled her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh as though she were a parent dealing with a conversational foal. “The plan has changed. Queen Chrysalis wants to witness the brat’s death herself. Our mission now is to return Pyrite to the hive.” She looked down at the body at her hooves before looking back at Silvershield. “You better change before somepony comes along, Mantis.”

Silvershield felt a wrenching pain in his stomach, but he did as he was told. A green flame ignited under his hooves. Within a few moments, Silvershield was gone, and in his place, Emerald was walking again. He looked back at the body on the floor, a part of him wanting Emerald to ‘wake up’, but he knew that wasn't possible. “What… What will you do with his body, Cicada?”

Gem chuckled menacingly and licked her lips. “He's still warm… I believe he will make a delightful meal.” Then, her gaze turned dark, and she glared at Emerald. “Now, you have a task to complete. Find the brat, and take her to our nest in the frozen north. You needn't worry about Amethyst and Onyx. I think they'll be quite… busy for the next few hours. I don't know how their romance sparked, but they have already begun to have a lot of fun with each other. I'll find you there when it's over.”

Emerald nodded his head as his stomach tied itself in knots. He couldn't bare to think about Gem defiling and devouring his friend’s body, but he was in no position to oppose her. They had a job to do. “Of course, Cicada…”

Satisfied, Gem turned her hungry eyes towards the dead guard’s body, and a bright, green flame consumed her. Standing in her true, changeling form, she leaned downward and sunk her teeth into his neck.

It was a disturbing sound, even for Emerald, one that sent shivers down his spine and caused his chest to ache. He needed to leave. He couldn't stand it any longer.

“Oh, and Mantis, one more thing…”

Emerald stopped at the door and slowly turned
around. She looked ravenous. Cicada’s eyes burned with a lustful hunger, blood dripping from her open jaw. “If you fail me again, it will be you I shall feast on next.”

Emerald gulped nervously and held a hoof over his throat. Then, he darted out of the locker room as quickly as his hooves would take him. He could feel her eyes watching him the entire way. The stallion didn't feel at ease until he stepped into the corridor with the locker room door closing behind him.

Mixed feelings and emotions boiled inside of him. It was as though confusion, loss, and anger were all battling for complete control of his being. He had to focus his thoughts, concentrate on what needed to be done.

“Get Pyrite… Kill Pyrite…” He muttered those words quietly again and again. Then, his hooves began I move again, slowly leading him down the corridor. “Get Pyrite… Kill Pyrite…”

*Why?*

Emerald stopped, startled by the voice that had spoken inside his mind. He was stunned, totally unsure if the voice was his. He stood there, listening for the voice to speak again, but he was met only with silence. Emerald shrugged it off as though it were nothing, and he resumed his march towards his ultimate goal. “Get Pyrite… Kill Pyrite…”

*Why?*

Emerald stopped again. Now, he was certain the voice inside his head wasn't his own. It was his voice, yet…

*Why do you have to kill Pyrite?*

Emerald let out a ferocious growl and pushed onward. “I… I have to do this…” A pair of passing guards shot him strange looks, but they moved on, passing him by.

*Why?*

He shook his head violently. “Shut up! Shut up! Get out of my head!” Then, he collapsed onto the floor, and began to cry. “I… I'm just following orders… I'm following my queen’s orders…” He muttered to himself so quietly. “I'm following orders. I'm following orders. I'm following orders.”

It dawned on Emerald that he didn't know why he was doing what he was doing. What would it matter to Queen Chrysalis is Pyrite was able to live and grow up?

She would never become a queen, not while she was being raised by Amethyst. Why was he going through all of this trouble to murder an innocent filly that couldn't fend for itself? Of all the times he had tried to strike out at Pyrite, he had suffered pain and loss. The more Emerald thought about it, the angrier he became.He had lost his first love, Amber, and his only friend, Emerald. Cicada, on the other hoof, hadn't lost anything, and it made Emerald’s chest swell with unchecked anger and hatred as tears streamed down his cheeks.

*Good guards follow orders.*

Emerald sniffled as he reined his sobbing under control. “Good guards follow orders…” He was repeating himself now, the voice in his head, as though he were in a trance. “Good guards follow… orders…” He blinked twice, squeezing out the last of his last tears. “I… I'm a guard… I'm a good guard.”

The voice inside him was silenced, and Emerald felt a warm wave of relief wash over him. His thoughts had been calmed, and his mind was clear. “I've got to… get Pyrite…”

*Why?*

Emerald got to his hooves shakily, wearing a huge grin on his face. “I've got to get Pyrite… to save her from Cicada…”


***


Amethyst gasped for air. She was completely out of breath and very much out of shape. Most of her body was drenched in sweat. No workout of training session could have ever prepared her for the physical feat she managed. “Whoa…”

Onyx was also struggling to breath. He fell onto his side, landing next to her. “Yeah… Whoa…” He turned his head to face her. A huge smile was plastered across his face. “That was… great…”

Amethyst nodded her head in agreement. “It was… I haven't tried a position like that since…”

Her voice trailed away until it fell silent. The look of joy and pleasure she once had was gone, replaced by a resentful frown. “What do you mean? Since ‘what’?” Onyx wasn't normally one to stick his nose where it didn't belong, but after what he and Amethyst had just been through, he couldn't bare the sight of seeing her upset. “What's wrong, Amethyst? Does this… have anything to do with what you said earlier?”

Amethyst pursed her lips as a smile creeped back onto her face.

She shook her head and leaned into Onyx’s embrace. “It's nothing… Don't worry about it…”

Onyx didn't look convinced. He caressed her cheek, pulling her gaze upward to meet his. “No, Amethyst, you said that last time. Please, tell me. Maybe I can help.”

Amethyst shook her head once again. “I appreciate it, but it’s nothing you can help, Onyx.”

They sat there in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Onyx looked her over before his eyes fell on a dresser across the room. Having nothing else to do or talk about, he focused on the dresser. First, he counted the drawers. Then, he began to analyze what type of wood the piece of furniture was crafted from.

It was a loud sigh from Amethyst that recaptured his attention. Amethyst had tears building in her eyes. That, combined with her messy mane, made her look like an addict that enjoyed sticking forks into magical outlets. “Years ago, before I became a Royal Guard, I worked in a small retail store in the northern province of the empire… There, I met a nice stallion, and we hit it off. We…” She choked on each word as though it burned like fire. “We dated… We went out for two years. I thought I was in love, and when he asked to marry me, I couldn't help but say ‘yes’. While we were engaged, he wanted to have a baby with me…”

She absentmindedly rubbed her abdomen. “We tried, and tried,  and tried… Every time, the results came back negative… It was then that I found out that… that I'm… infertile…” She looked up at Onyx, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I can't have foals, Onyx… ever…”

The story was a complete shock to him. He felt like he had known Amethyst for a long time, but that was something he never knew. “What about the stallion, your fiancé?”

Amethyst’s expression turned dark. Her sad look fell into an angry and bitter one. “He left me… He left me, because of my infertility. I had devoted my entire life to that ass, and when he left me, I had nothing to live for. When I was out of options and out of hope, it was my parents that encouraged me to apply at the academy.” She raised her free hoof and gestured around the room. “Well, here I am…”

Onyx wasn't sure how he should respond to such an eye-opening tale. A small part of him wanted to track down the ‘ass’ Amethyst spoke of an teach him a lesson, but that would be appropriate. Amethyst was in the here and now. She needed him more than anypony else.

The news that she was infertile was a little disappointing. Onyx had teased the idea of one day having a foal with her, but he would never leave her because of it. Then, it finally dawned on him. “Pyrite… That's why you love her so much.” Onyx hated himself for not seeing it before. “You took her in because you couldn't have one of your own.”

Amethyst nodded her head. “I really do love her. She means everything to me…” Then, her gaze shifted to her hooves, and her eyes began to close. “Just like you, Onyx…”

Onyx looked down at her and smiled. “Amethyst, that really means alot, coming from you… Amethyst? Amethyst? Hey, Amethyst.”

She was already fast asleep, snoring softly as she snuggled in Onyx’s legs.


***Up Next: Green Fire***

> Part 4: Green Fire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was setting on the Crystal Empire, and what a day it had been. Shining Armor knew for a fact that he wasn't going to get any sleep that night, not when there was a potentially dangerous changeling on the loose. Looking out over the empire from his balcony, he breathed a deep and heavy sigh, sending a frosty breath out into the darkening sky. The wind shifted his mane and sent shivers down his spine.

Winter would be arriving in the empire, soon.

The weather ponies above had done all but release the intricate barriers that held back the cold temper of the Frozen North. When they did, snow would rain upon the entire Crystal Empire, coating the land in a carpet of white beauty. It was a sight to see, but Shining had more pressing matters on his mind. He looked out across the horizon, at the setting sun, one last time before retreating into the palace.

Inside, his senior officers waited for him, standing around a large, crystal table. All were eager to receive their assignments and missions to continue the ponyhunt for Silvershield. They talked quietly amongst themselves, their voices never rising above a murmur, but when Shining entered the room, they quickly fell silent. Shining took a brief look at all of the guards around the room.

“You all know what's at stake here, the very integrity of our honor as Royal Guards.” After closing the door to the balcony behind him, he approached the large table in the center of the room. On the surface of the table was a detailed map of the Crystal Empire. “That means ‘failure’ is not an option. Our goal is to locate and apprehend the changeling without creating a panic. Now, we have reports of sightings in the Spike District, but the scouts in the area have…”

Shining was distracted by the opening of a door behind him. He turned around and frowned. “Onyx, Amethyst… You're late.”

Several guards in the room shot them strange looks and snickered. One even whistled subtlety while others whispered amongst one another. It was obvious what was happening between them, but nopony said it aloud. Amethyst held her head low while Onyx glared at the other guards, quickly silencing them.

He opened his mouth, preparing to deliver an excuse as to why they were tardy, but Shining had already moved on, diverting his attention back to the map on the center table. The prince let out a long sigh as his eyes scanned over the detailed sketch of the empire. “These locations here, here, and… here. They are what could be this changeling’s most likely hideouts. Guards, it's important that we capture him before he has a chance to make it to the train station and flee the Crystal Empire.”

Every pony in the room was silent. Some avoided Shining’s gaze, and the room held a very somber tone. Shining could sense their uncertainty, but there wasn't much more he felt he could say. It had already been a hard day on all of them. “You all have your duties. You're dismissed.”

Onyx and Amethyst watched as the group of guards slowly exited the room, silently. One by one, they trailed out of the room until only Shining remained. Onyx was about to usher Amethyst out and follow after her when Shining stopped them.

“Not you two.” The prince had a grim look on his face. “There's something very important we need to discuss.”

That didn't sound uplifting, especially coming from Prince Armor. If he was going to grind them about being late to the briefing, then Amethyst didn't want to hear it. She looked at Onyx, silently hoping he would have a braver look than her own, but he looked just as nervous. Unlike Amethyst, Onyx wasn't one to go out of his way to break rules, like sleeping with another guard. With the lust fading and the passion gone, Onyx was left to wonder what had come over him to desire so strongly to climb into bed with Amethyst.

He cared for her, there was no doubt about that, but something about the situation had seemed unreal, almost as though it were a dream he couldn't control. Amethyst approached the table with Onyx by her side. Together, they faced off against Shining from across the table. Using the magic from his horn, Shining rolled the map and placed it to the side.

He stared across the table, his eyes darting back and forth between Amethyst and Onyx’s. He looked tired. Dark rings had formed under his eyes from the hours of work that had kept him locked in the palace. Shining opened his mouth at last, beginning with a sigh. “At ease, sergeants. You're not in trouble.” Then, he shot Amethyst a sly look. “Not this time, anyway…”

He cleared his throat and rubbed his baggy eyes. “This… isn't easy for me to explain to you, but it's time you knew the truth. The rest of the senior officers believe we are hunting a rogue changeling that broke into our barracks for unknown reasons. While this is partly true, I need it captured for a far more serious reason.”

Amethyst looked to her left, exchanging a brief glance with Onyx. “What… do you mean, sir?”

Shining’s horn ignited.

Using his magic, he closed the doors leading into the corridor and out onto the balcony, sealing them inside the room. “Princess Cadence and I are certain now that the changeling is a spy from the hive of Queen Chrysalis and is none other than Silvershield.”

Amethyst had been afraid of that, though it had been a while since she had seen the stallion. At the back of her mind, she knew it was true. “Right... What’s our next move then, sir?”

Shining turned his gaze, looking out the window leading to the balcony. “Silvershield has problably run by now, but we have more pressing issues. We have reason to believe there is another changeling living among us.”

The mare’s eyes narrowed. “Pyrite is different… My baby wouldn't-”

Her argument was silenced, cut off by Shining’s hoof. “I'm not talking about your filly, sergeant. My own spies have overheard conversations between Silvershield and another changeling inside these walls, another spy he calls ‘Cicada’.” The guards’ eyes widened. “We don't know who she is yet, but Silvershield and this Cicada are working together to undermine the empire. After Queen Chrysalis's failed attack on Canterlot, it wasn't hard to believe she might try to invade the Crystal Empire next.”

Shining lifted a thick book onto the table. It hit the surface with a loud ‘thud’, sending a small cloud of dust into the air. It was the barracks’ personal file, a ledger containing the physical and medical information on every guard in the barracks. “We have no tests yet to decide who is a pony and who is a changeling. When a changeling assumes the form of a pony, the change is not skin deep. Blood, bone, and everything that makes you into…. well, you, the changelings copy it flawlessly. Even cutie marks can be copied, as you very well know. That’s why your special assignment needs to be carried out with extreme discretion. Whoever these spies are, they cannot know you are onto them, or they might change forms again.”

It was a lot to take in all at once. Onyx pulled the ledger towards him and opened the cover, each page held the files for a single guard and a mugshot. He flipped through the many pages until he reached Silvershield’s information. “I… I've known him for too long… How could something like this even have happened? It should be impossible for changelings to enter the academy, even under a disguise.”

Shining shook his head. “We don't know. It's possible that after the changeling replaced Silvershield, he had help from inside the academy, his accomplice, perhaps, the one called Cicada.”

Onyx and Amethyst shared a brief glance. Then, Amethyst pointed to the rolled map at the edge of the table. “If you know Silvershield is really a changeling, why are you having every guard scouring the empire, looking for him? Why tell us and not them? They should know the truth.”

Shining shook his head. “It's not that simple, sergeant. This situation is very… difficult. The fewer of us that know what's really going on, the better off we’ll be. I'm telling you all of this because I trust you, Amethyst. You and Onyx have proven time and time again to be the greatest and most resourceful guards I have.”

Amethyst blushed slightly, turning her head to hide the dark hue coloring her cheeks. Such a compliment had never made her chest swell as much as it did just then, especially one coming from Prince Armor. “Plus, you have more experience with changelings than any guard in the barracks.”

Onyx grinned and softly hit Amethyst’s shoulder, a quiet ‘congratulations’. Earning the approval of Shining was an impressive accomplishment in itself. “So… What's the plan, sir?”

Shining cleared his throat and revealed a new map, a detailed outline of the barracks. Several rooms had been crossed off while others were circled. Short notes dotted the gridded sheet, telling the viewer where trails had been found and lost. “While most of the guards are searching the city for Silvershield, you two will be my agents here, in the barracks. Cadence and I believe these changeling spies are still here, keeping a low profile.” Shining looked them both in the eye, his expression told Amethyst just how dire the situation really was. “I'm counting on you two. If you find anything, report it to me, nopony else. Am I clear?”

The sergeants raised their hooves to their foreheads, saluting Shining. “Sir, yes sir!”

Shining smiled. It was a strange sight.

Amethyst was almost certain she had never seen the prince actually smile before. He always frightened her with his gruff exterior and distant attitude towards her. Now, for the first time, she was beginning to like the guy.

“Good. You're both dismissed.”

They lowered their hooves and turned to leave the room. Onyx reached the door first, opening it and stepping out into the corridor. Amethyst was about to follow him before Shining stopped her.

“Sergeant Amethyst…” She turned slightly, looking over her shoulder just in time to see Shining nod his head towards her, a respective bow. “I'm sorry about my behavior towards Pyrite. She's a good filly, and she's lucky to have a mother like you.”

Amethyst’s chest swelled to the point of bursting. She grinned, her smile stretching from ear to ear. “Thank you, sir. I won't let you down.”

Then, she exited the room, closing the door behind her. With Onyx by her side and the support of Prince Armor, she felt like she could take on the entire frozen north, like nothing could stand against her and have a chance of winning. “Let's get going, Onyx. We've got changelings to find…”


***


With every pony Emerald passed by, the more hollow he felt. That was the best word he could come up with to describe himself, hollow. They looked at him. Some smiled and some waved. Some even approached him. Emerald didn't know them, though. They must have been friends with the pony he was pretending to be.

Maybe it was meant to be, to feel as hollow as he looked. The voice in his head was gone, now, leaving him in silence. What had once offered him clarity left him all alone. Emerald hated the silence. It allowed him to think, to reflect on all of the horrible things he had done, all in the name of his queen and the hive.

After all he had done, he had gained nothing. That was the way of the hive. The guards were completely different. They stood by each other, supported each other, and in some cases, they loved each other. Everything Emerald thought he had known about the ponies was completely wrong. They had something the changelings of the hive could never obtain, true love.

Emerald stopped. He had reached his destination.

Standing outside of Amethyst’s personal quarters, he contemplated on how he should proceed. Barging into her room and telling her about Cicada and the changeling’s plan to murder Pyrite wouldn't exactly be ‘subtle’.

No… Emerald needed a plan. He needed a way to earn her trust, to befriend her. Only then would she believe anything he said. At least, in Emerald’s mind, that was how friendship worked.

He raised his hoof a knocked on the door softly. There was no immediate response, but several moments later, the door swung open, revealing Amber.

Emerald blinked, bearing a confused look. “I'm sorry… Isn't… this Amethyst’s room?”

He was certain he was in the right place, but Amethyst was nowhere in sight, causing him to worry. Amber’s eyes narrowed at the stallion. “Amethyst is with Onyx. Last I heard, they were attending a briefing with the other officers. What do you want, Emerald?”

Her tone had a sharp edge to it. That, combined with the dangerous look in her eyes gave off a very unwelcoming feel. It dawned on Emerald that Amber knew him, and she obviously was not fond of him in the slightest bit.

“I… I, um…” He stuttered nervously as he tried to formulate his jumbled thoughts into clear and precise words. “I came to see Amethyst… I was hoping she'd be here.”

Then, he heard the delighted squeal of a little filly from inside the room. Amber looked over her shoulder and sighed. When she turned back around to face Emerald, her expression had changed. Now, she looked utterly worn out, like she had lost a fight several timberwolves. “I'm busy… Get lost, Emerald.”

Though her eyes had lost their razor-sharp edge, her voice cut into the stallion like a knife. With every second that passed, they cut deeper and deeper into him. Memories, happy ones, of the times he had once shared with Amber flooded back into his mind. He remembered the instant he had first met the young mare, in the academy.

That was years ago.

Silvershield, the stallion she fell in love with, was gone. He was ‘Emerald’, now. The door was closing, and Emerald’s chest was beating to the point of bursting. His body moved on its own, and his hoof lunged forward, stopping the door before it could close, locking him out.

Amber gasped and shot him a look of surprise and rekindled despise. “What are you doing? I said ‘get lost’, you ass.”

Emerald bit his lower lip, his eyes glancing back and forth between Amber’s and the floor. “You… You looked like you needed some… help… and… I just wanted to help…”

Amber looked beyond furious. She opened her mouth to let loose a barrage of words that were unfit for young foals to hear, but her voice fell silent as Pyrite ran underneath her, entering the corridor between her and Emerald. Clutched in the little changeling’s teeth was a winter scarf. She dragged it across the floor, the cloth trailing behind her. Running at full speed, she tripped on the scarf and fell on her face, sliding several inches across the smooth floor before coming to a stop at Emerald’s hooves.

Dazed, she stood shakily and looked up at the stallion. “Brrrrrah!” She wore a huge grin and pointed her tiny hoof towards him. “Brah!” Her wide smile was quickly replaced by a look of surprise when hoof grabbed a hold of her, pulling her back towards the room.

“Get back here, you.” Amber’s tone with the changeling filly was soft, but short, as though her levels of tolerance for the rowdy trickster were reaching their limits. She let out an exhausted sigh and returned her attention to Emerald. “Why are you really here?”

Emerald noticed a change in her voice. She spoke softer towards him than she had before, like she was too tired to put up a fight. He cracked a weak smile. “I want to help you.” He saw a definite change in her expression after that. “I mean… Watching Pyrite all by yourself must be… It must be difficult.”

Reluctantly, Amber nodded her head. “Yeah… You could say that again. I do it for Amethyst. She works too hard to have to worry about her job and Pyrite. Besides…” For the first time since she had opened the door, Amber smiled. Her grin was directed towards Pyrite, but the sight of it made Emerald’s chest flutter. “I love the little thing, even if she does drive me insane… She's a special filly.”

Emerald knew she wasn't lying. He could feel her love for the young changeling. “You have no idea…”

Amber cocked her head, giving him a confused look. “What?”

Shaking his head dismissively, Emerald extended an open hoof towards Pyrite. “Nothing… I was only agreeing with you.”

The little changeling, her curiosity peaked, approached the open hoof. She sniffed it carefully. After determining that the hoof was safe, she began to nuzzle it affectionately. Amber and Emerald looked on with surprise and shock. “Huh… I guess she likes you…”

Emerald cracked a silly grin. “You don't sound too pleased. Are you… jealous?”

It was a friendly jab. He didn't expect any particular reaction from her, but Amber’s cheeks burned red, and her expression turned defensive. “Wh-What? No… No, of course not… She greets everypony like that apparently…” Amber’s words stumbled together, and she began to ramble on. “I just… I'm so tired, and…”

Her voice trailed away. Emerald leaned forward, wanting to hear the rest of what she had to say. “… And?”

Amber shook her head. “It's nothing… You just… For a moment, you remind me of…” She shook her head, ridding her mind of those thoughts.

Silvershield.

Emerald’s heart thundered against his chest. She did still have feelings for him. A fire that he was certain had died out was rekindled in an instant. Emerald hadn't even noticed it himself. When he was around Amber, he just… became the pony she needed. He still had a chance, a way to make things right with her.

“Do you remember our days in the academy?” Emerald took a step forward, causing Amber to take a step back. “Do you remember the first time we met?”

Amber backed into the room with Emerald following her inside. “E-E-Emerald… What are you talking about?”

Emerald closed his eyes, and he began to concentrate. A green flame erupted under his hooves, and it began to consume him. Amber watched in awe and in horror as Emerald was replaced by Silvershield. The stallion towered over her.

Amber tried to back away once again, only to run into the wall behind her. “You… You're a… ch-”

Silvershield raised a gentle hoof to her lips, silencing her. “I love you, Amber… I always have, from that first moment when I met you. What we shared… I've never felt anything like it, and it's not something I want to lose. Instead of feeding on love, you showed me how to share it.” His heart was leading him, now. What was left of his melted brain followed along for the ride. “Please, Amber… I've already lost my friend today. I can't lose you too…”

Amber’s lower lip quivered as he caressed her cheek. “You're a changeling…”

Silvershield nodded his head. “I am, and I’ve changed, Amber, for you. I am the same pony you fell in love with. Please…” He leaned in closer until his lips brushed against hers. “Let me help…”

Amber sniffled back her tears and placed a firm hoof on his chest, pushing him back a little. “Show me… Show me who you really are…”

Silvershield winced at the sound of those words, but he'd do anything to convince Amber of his intentions at this point. Pyrite stood close by, watching the scene unfold. He closed his eyes again and began to concentrate. The green fire sparked beneath his hooves once again and consumed him. This time, however, instead of a transition, the fire burned away his skin.

It devoured the form he knew as Silvershield, and in seconds, the pony was no more. He stood in the center of the room as himself, his true self.

Amber observed him with wondering eyes, taking in his jet, black figure and the holes that riddled his legs. His sickly pale wings were torn and tattered, and his pale eyes stared at hers. For what seemed like an eternity, they stood in silence, staring at one another. It was Pyrite that broke that silence, and the awkwardness. “Brah! Brrrrrah!”

Excited by the larger changeling before her, Pyrite too lost her form, turning into the little changeling she truly was. She ran up to him, stopping just short of his hooves. “Brah!”

He looked down at her and managed a weak smile before returning his attention to the stunned Amber. “My name… is Mantis. I was sent here for her.” He nodded his head towards Pyrite. “Queen Chrysalis demands Pyrite’s extermination. She feels threatened by this little one’s very existence.”

Shaking away her surprise at last, Amber found her voice. “Threatened? How in Cadence’s name could Pyrite be a threat to Chrystalis, a queen?”

The towering changeling brushed the explorative Pyrite away, who had begun to climb the holds riddling his leg. “You said so yourself, Amber. She's a special filly, more so than you or Amethyst ever knew. Pyrite is no ordinary changeling… She's a queen too.” Mantis eyed the beaming filly before looking back at Amber. “Queens are born once in an era, and Queen Chrysalis doesn't want to take any chances in letting her grow up to compete with her own kingdom.”

Amber looked at Pyrite, then back at the changeling that used to be Silvershield. “Alright… Let's say I believe you… What now? What are we going to do?”

The changeling let out a long sigh. “Pyrite doesn't have to be the queen she's meant to be. We can hid her from Queen Chrysalis, but we have to move quickly. The empire isn't safe anymore. She'll be coming…”

Amber looked into the changeling’s eyes, and she saw fear, true fear. He was terrified. She could see it in his eyes and hear it on the edge of his voice. “Who? Who’s coming, Mantis? Queen Chrysalis?”

Then, it all went wrong.

Amber gasped as a green cloud of magic closed around her neck. Mantis stumbled backwards, caught completely off guard. He watched in horror as Amber was lifted off of the ground, her hooves kicking wildly. Pyrite screamed and cried, running under the nightstand nearby.

Gem appeared in the doorway, baring her teeth. A green flame ignited under her hooves, revealing her changeling form. She let out a beast-like snarl as she entered the room. “You…” She glared towards Mantis. “You traitor… You're a disgrace to the hive!” Her horn flared, glowing brightly as she threw Amber against the wall, knocking the mare unconscious. “You've betrayed us all… for love?!”

She let out a sinister laugh as Mantis rushed towards Amber’s motionless body. The pony’s chest rose and fell slowly. She was breathing, not dead.

“You think the ‘love’ you feel for her is real, Mantis? She's a pony! She'd never fall for a monster like you!”

Mantis breathed heavily, fuming with anger as he got to his hooves. “I… I'm not the monster… You are!”

Letting out a furious cry, he lunged for Cicada, but she was ready. In one swift motion, she sidestepped his attack and tripped him, causing him to fall to the floor. Mantis hit the ground with a hard ‘thud’. He tried to stand up again, only to be forced back down by Cicada’s hoof. She pressed down, putting her weight on Mantis’ neck. “I'm going to kill you, Mantis. You will die here, just like that pathetic whelp you called ‘friend’. He tasted delicious, you know. I enjoyed every bite.”

Mantis groaned and struggled under her hoof, gargling saliva and blood as she pressed down even harder. His vision was darkening. All he could see was Amber’s body in the corner, slowly fading to black. “Amber!”

Cicada’s hoof fell away from Mantis’ neck, allowing him to breath. He gasped for air and looked up just in time to see the arrival of Amethyst and Onyx. The mare eyed both changelings and lowered her horn. Onyx took his place beside her and lowered his horn as well, preparing to fight.

Cicada backed away, taking a fighting stance, but she knew she was outmatched. Then, she looked behind her and saw Pyrite cowering under the nightstand, and a menacing smile crossed her face. “You lose, ponies…”

She kicked the nightstand over and grabbed Pyrite.

The little changeling howled and cried. “Mama! Mama! Mamaaaaa!”

Cicada’s horn flared to life, and in a blinding flash of light, she was gone.

Amethyst opened her mouth, but when she tried to scream, no sound came out. First, Pyrite was there, right in front of her. Then, Pyrite was gone. She had vanished into thin air. Amethyst stared at the empty space where Pyrite once stood, next to the fallen nightstand. Tears began to build behind her eyes, and her legs began to buckle. As the tears came out, dripping down her cheeks, she found her voice.

Amethyst began to scream.

Crying out, she rushed to the spot where she last saw her daughter, her little trickster. “PYRITE!!! PYRITE, MY BABY!!!” But she was gone. Her baby was gone. Then, she turned on the changeling and let out a blood-curdling yell. “YOU DID THIS!!!”

Mantis groaned and looked up just in time to see her horn ignite. Paralyzed by fear, he found himself unable to move or even attempt to shield himself. Just as she was preparing herself to fire the lethal bolt of magic at the changeling, Onyx threw his hooves around her, bringing her down. Amethyst hit the floor, Onyx falling on top of her. The magic that had built in her horn discharged as her head made contact with the floor. The bolt fired to the other side of the room, scorching the wall it hit.

Then, she broke down completely, wailing as tears flooded her eyes like storm clouds. “M-M-My baby’s gone… My baby’s g-g-gone…”

She cried again and again as Onyx stroked her mane in a vain attempt to soothe her. When Shining arrived, Mantis didn't have the will to fight back as he was tied, blindfolded, and gagged. He could hear the guards’ voices, but they sounded muffled and distant.

“What should we do with this one, sir?”

Amethyst was right… He did this. It was his fault, all of it.

“Take it to the detention block and lock it in a secure cell. Everypony else, secure the area.”

Everything moved slowly around him as he was dragged out of the sergeant’s quarters and into the corridor. Numerous guards watched him, some whispering to each other while others yelled insults at him, some of which are too foul to repeat… Once he had been dragged a considerable distance, his blindfold was torn away.

Mantis squinted as his eyes were once again met with light, but when he saw what awaited him, he wished he was still blindfolded. Several guards surrounded him. All had angry glares on their faces.

One stepped forward, looking Mantis in the eyes. “This must be the one that killed Emerald… Let’s show it what happens to changeling scum that mess with the empire.”

Then, they began to beat him, all at once. In the middle of the corridor, they hit, kicked, and mocked the tied changeling. As they were attacking him, one of the guard’s hooves caught Mantis in the head, and he was out like a light.


***


Onyx nearly had to carry Amethyst out of her room.In the corridor, she began to support herself mostly, but still leaned heavily on Onyx as he walked her over to his own room. “You're doing great, Amethyst…”

It was all he could do, say things that would encourage her to keep moving. Onyx didn't dare say things like ‘It'll be alright.’ or ‘Don't worry.’. Amethyst had every right to worry. He saw the way she turned on the changeling, the murderous look in her eyes. She would have killed him, there was no doubt about it.

At the door, Onyx ushered her inside. “Go sit on the bed.”

Amethyst did as she was told and shuffled inside, sniffling back her tears. She looked over her shoulder, back at her room, just in time to see several medical ponies carry Amber away on a stretcher.

Seeing that only made Amethyst feel worse. Her heart ached in her chest, like it was being crushed. Pyrite was her whole world, and some changeling had stolen her. She felt as thought somepony had torn her heart out of her chest, leaving a gaping void. Her mind was a whirlwind of scenario a showing how it all could have played out differently. Maybe, if she had been quick enough, she could have grabbed Pyrite before the changeling did. Maybe, she could have leaped onto the changeling before she teleported away. Maybe, she-

Amethyst’s thoughts were interrupted by Onyx, who sat on the bed and put his hooves around her. At his touch, Amethyst began to cry. It began softly, but it quickly grew louder and more powerful until she was sobbing into Onyx’s neck. “I… I could h-h-have saved he-her…”

Onyx had no response. As a Royal Guard, he had been trained for every possible contingency, but comforting a mother who just lost her child was beyond him. All he could do was hold her, tightly. He held onto Amethyst, stroking her mane and rubbing her back.

Then, Onyx remembered Amber, and he got an idea. “Hey, Amethyst, we should go see Amber… You know, make sure she's alright.”

It was a long shot, but wanting to see her best friend might give Amethyst the will to live again. To Onyx’s relief, she agreed. Amethyst slid off of the bed, out of his embrace, and she stood shakily on her hooves. Onyx offered her a hoof to hold, which she took graciously.

Amethyst grasped onto Onyx as they walked together out of his room and into the corridor. She tried to look away from her own open door and the wrecked room that awaited her inside. She had to keep her eyes forward and her thoughts on Amber. Amethyst had to believe that Pyrite, her one chance at being a mother, was gone.

Her thoughts inevitably shifted back to the moment the little changeling infant vanished. It had all happened so quickly, Amethyst wasn't even sure if it had really happened. She hoped, deep down, that she would return to her room later to find Pyrite jumping on the bed.

Onyx must have been reading her thoughts, because he cleared his throat. “If there's a chance we can find her, Prince Armor will let us know.” Amethyst looked up at him with teary eyes, and he smiled back to the best of his ability. “We’ll do our best, Amethyst, I promise…”

It wasn't much at all, but it was all she had, and Amethyst wasn't even sure she wanted it, the hope that Pyrite could be found and retrieved safely. Such thinking would likely end with her heart shattering again. Amethyst didn't want to hope, but she could stop herself either. All she could do to combat this was keep her thoughts on Amber, and think about what to say if her friend ever woke up.


***


“Are you awake?”

Mantis let out a painful groan and stretched his hooves. It took him a few moments to realize they weren't bound anymore. Then, it hit him. He was in a cell.

He sat up quickly, only to regret doing so seconds later. His head throbbed and ached something awful, and his vision was blurred and disorientated. Now that he was up, Mantis began taking in his surroundings. The ground, walls, and ceiling seemed to be made out of the same, dark stone. All but one of the walls was solid.

The last one looked like glass, but much thicker, only boasting a few small holes for air and sound. He couldn't see much outside of his cell. Everything was dark. The only light came from outside of the cell, from a candle on a table at the end of the corridor. Mantis wasn't sure if what he saw was real.

If anypony told him this is what the prisons of the Crystal Empire were like, he wouldn't have believed a word of it. The dark, coarse stone was so drastically different from the bright and colorful crystals and gems that made up the empire. Then, Mantis saw a brief glimpse of his own reflection in the glass, and his memory slowly began to return. He remembered being surrounded and beaten. The guards had called him ‘changeling scum’.

Mantis knew they were right, and he hated it. He hated that they were right. He was scum. He was the reason ponies and changelings had been at war for so long, him and other changelings like himself, servants of Queen Chrysalis… Then, he remembered Amber… He was talking to Amber, and… Cicada.

Horrific images flashed through his mind of Cicada strangling Amber. He saw her throwing Amber against the wall and stepping on his neck.

*I'm going to kill you, Mantis…* Her sinister voice echoed in his mind. *You lose, ponies…*

Mantis cried out and charged the glass, hitting it head-on. “DAMNIT!” He screamed as loudly as his lungs would allow. “DAMNIT! DAMNIT! DAMN HER!” He stood on his rear legs and began beating the glass again and again.

“I'd settle down, if I were you. The guards down here are a lot more… rough than the ones on the surface…”

Mantis was still fuming with unchecked anger and rage, but he bit his lip and backed away from glass. “Who…” He panted heavily as he recovered his breath. “Who are you?”

His question echoed throughout the cell and the corridor outside, but there was no reply. Mantis wondered if he really had heard anypony, or if the voice in his head had returned. After several moments of silence, he thought it safe to presume the latter. There was nopony else around. He was all alone.

“You're not alone, friend. I'm here…”

Mantis’ ears twitched as he peered into the dark corridor. He was certain he had heard a voice that time. It sounded clear and coherent. It was a mare’s voice, sweet and soothing to the ear.

“You must really be something special. These cells aren't for common criminals. You have to mess up quite a lot to get thrown down here with me…”

Her voice sounded close, but it echoed. It could have been coming from any direction. Then, he caught a glimpse of her. There was a pony in the cell across from his. It was too dark to see her entirely, but he caught bits and pieces of her shadowy form. She appeared to have, despite the lack of natural light, a silver mane and a shimmering, golden coat. She had a powerful, dangerous feel surrounding her and a shining look in her eyes.

Her words echoed in his mind.

This was no place for common criminals. It was a high-security dungeon. Mantis understood why he was locked away, but the mare across the corridor… What did she do that was so horrible?

Mantis didn't want to know, but at the same time, he did. Being so close to her, he felt his own safety was at risk. “Wh-Who are you?”

The golden mare raised an innocent hoof to her chest and batted her eyes. “Me? Oh, I'm nopony important… What about you, though? I should be asking you the same thing, changeling, a creature of infinite shapes. Who might you be?”

Mantis frowned. She was dodging his question, but there was something about her voice he found relaxing. It sounded so sweet and persuasive that he couldn't help but go along with her. “I… I'm, um… I’m Mantis…”

The golden mare stood up from her cot and approached the glass. “Mantis… Now, that is an interesting name. I haven't met a lot of changelings, you see. Why don't you tell me about yourself, Mantis? Tell me what you did to get yourself in such a rancid place such as this. It’s been so dull around here… You can imagine how exciting it must be to have somepony to talk to.”

Mantis didn't know why, but felt more than compelled to respond to her. It was something about her voice, the way her words sweetly enveloped him. Then, there was her shimmering eyes. He could see them clearly through the glass, and they looked beautiful. “I… I just…” His cheeks felt hot. “Well, changelings aren't very welcome in the Crystal Empire…”

Then, his chest felt heavy, and his eyes drifted away from the mare as his rotten past spilled out of his mouth. “I… I lied… I killed… and I helped steal a young, innocent filly… all in service to my queen…”

The mare in the other cell frowned. “You… foalnapped somepony’s filly?” The honey in her voice seemed to have disappeared. “I never knew you changelings could do something so monstrous. That's low, Mantis, even by my standards…”

Mantis glared at her and pounded his hoof against the glass. “Well, if the world is gonna see and treat us as monsters, then that's how we’ll act, like monsters!”

The dam burst, and tears began flooding down his cheeks. Mantis sat next to the glass and buried his head in his hooves. “I didn't mean to lose her… I wanted… I wanted to tell Amethyst that I was sorry, but she…”

He could see her standing over him, the look of rage in her eyes. She wanted blood, his blood. At this point, Mantis was almost ready to willingly give it to her. He was locked away, and he had no hope of ever seeing the sun or breathing fresh air again. Mantis wondered briefly if he would be fed at all, or just left to starve to death.

As if she were reading his thoughts, the golden mare chimed in. “Well, monster or not, you're stuck in here. Meals come by twice a day, eight o'clock in the morning and eight at night, and tonight is the night of the pasta!”

She laughed with excitement in anticipation of her next meal, earning a strange look from Mantis. Then, she looked at the glass and began fixing her mane like she was looking in a mirror. “Mantis, if you wouldn't mind, I was wondering… Since you're a changinging, maybe you could help me with something… Just a small favor…”

Mantis wasn't in any mood to do anything for anypony, but she had asked so politely that he couldn't deny her what she wanted. “Yeah? What's that?”

She grinned, her smile stretching wide. “Oh, it's been so long since I’ve seen her… Do you know Princess Twilight? I, uh… I used to know the princess… personally. It's been far too long, and… Well, I’d very much like to see her again.”

Mantis cocked his head. “You… want me to turn into Princess Twilight?”

It was an odd request, but a simple one. He knew what the princess looked like, at least. The golden mare laughed giddily, stroking her own mane with an unprecedented eagerness. “Yes, please… I miss her so much…”

Mantis stood up and faced the mirror, and he closed his eyes. He thought about the princess, her purple fur, dark mane, and bright eyes. Vigorous concentration was required to get every detail right. It was an art, really, copying the look of a pony. Once he’d gotten a perfect mental picture of Twilight Sparkle, sparks appeared beneath his hooves. The sparks flew in every direction, but there was no green flame.

He couldn't change.

Mantis sighed and sat back down, defeated. “I… I can't… This cell… It's blocking my ability to use magic… I'm sorry.”

The mare deflated like a popped balloon. “Oh… I guess I should have seen that coming…” She sniffled as though she was trying to hold back a wall of tears. “Th-Thank you for trying…” She swallows her tears, and her cheeky grin returned, but Mantis could still see a pained look on her face. “Tell me, Mantis, do you like games?”

The changeling shook his head and turned away from the glass and his new friend, falling on his side. He felt too tired to keep talking. He just wanted to rest. Maybe, he could forget about everything that had happened up until that point. Maybe, he could just accept his new life in prison and get to know the crazy, golden mare better. She seemed nice, after all.

“Mantis?”

He wasn't in the mood to talk anymore. Resting his head on the cold, stone floor, Mantis closed his eyes and began to drift away.


***


Amethyst wasn't sure how many times she had fallen asleep at Amber’s side. She must have sat beside her for at least an hour. It was as if every time her eyes closed, an alarm in her mind would sound, waking her up from a power nap. Onyx sat in a chair nearby, watching the door to the infirmary.

For the most part, nothing changed.

Nurses came and went, and Amber stayed asleep. Her chest rose and fell steadily, but that hardly put Amethyst at ease. “I'm worried for her, Onyx… What if she's hurt in more ways than the doctors can tell, and…”

Onyx placed a reassuring hoof on hers. “Amethyst, relax. The doctors here are medical professionals, and they say that Amber is going to be alright. She's taken a beating, but she's a strong, stubborn mare. She kinda reminds me of you…”

Amethyst tried to smile, but it just wasn't in her. Her gaze shifted to Amber, and she lifted her free hoof to the sleeping mare’s cheek, caressing it affectionately. “She's always been like a little sister to me. Maybe you're right, Onyx… Maybe I am seeing too much of myself in her.” She closed her eyes, blinking out the tears that had been building up behind her eyes. “It's my fault. I shouldn't have left her alone with Pyrite. I should have been there…”

“Amethyst…?”

It was a weak, scratchy voice. Amethyst opened her eyes and gasped softly. “Amber… You're awake… Oh, Amber!” She threw her hooves around the younger mare, embracing her tightly. “I'm so happy you're alright…”

Onyx rolled his eyes. “I told you she’d be fine.”

Amber groaned as she sat upright in her bed. With a little help from Onyx and Amethyst, she was able to rest against the headboard. “Wh-Where…”

She coughed furiously, bringing the sheets up to her mouth so as not to cough in anypony’s face. When the fit was over, she fell back against the headboard. Onyx quickly brought her a glass of water, and she accepted it, taking the glass from his magical cloud. It was a tall glass, but Amber emptied the thing in a matter of seconds, exhausting a long sigh before setting it down.

With her wounded throat wetted, she groaned and found the strength to speak. Amethyst and Onyx leaned in, both eager to listen to what she had to say. Then, she stunned them both, asking only a single question.

“Where is Mantis?”


***Up Next: The Fools***

> Part 5: The Fools
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amethyst wondered if Amber might be suffering from delusions due to her injury. It was very possible that being knocked out had caused her to say things that didn't make any sense.

Onyx had similar thoughts. He cocked his head, showing his confusion. “Who is… Mantis?”

Amber looked at them both with a very concerned expression. Raising a weak hoof, she pointed towards the door to the infirmary. “Mantis…” She groaned loudly as she tried to climb out of her bed. “Mantis, the changeling… We need to find Mantis…”

Onyx and Amethyst shared troubled looks, glancing towards each other with wide eyes. They turned back towards Amber, and Amethyst held her down, forcing Amber back into the bed. “Changeling? What changeling? Amber, what are you talking about?”

Onyx had to restrain her, pulling Amethyst off of the wounded mare. Amber began to cough furiously after being shaken by Amethyst. After the final cough, she let out a pained groan. “M-M-Mantis…” Her cough returned, stronger than ever before. It became clear that having her throat crushed for a prolonged time had a serious side effect. “Ma-Mantis was… th-there… in the room…”

Amethyst remembered. There was a second changeling. The one that had stolen Pyrite from her vanished, but one remained, alone on the floor.

Amber coughed again, pulling Amethyst out of her thoughtful state and back into reality. “Water… p-p-please…”

Onyx was quick to oblige her, filling a glass without hesitation and passing it along to her. With the glass in her hooves, Amber drank it all and set the glass down, next to the other one she had emptied earlier. “Mantis, he… he tried to warn me about something… something to do with Pyrite and… another changeling. He-” Amber shielded her snout as she coughed and wheezed. This time, she coughed up blood, staining her hoof. “He said Pyrite was in danger…”

Onyx looked at Amethyst. He could see her mind locked in an epic battle, her emotions fighting for control. “Yes, we know. She's already been… taken.”

Amber’s eyes widened, her expression full of shock and surprise. “We… We have to find… Mantis… He can-” She grabbed the sheets and pulled them up to her snout, coughing into them and leaving a bloody mark. “Mantis… can… help… He promised... he would...”

Then, she fell on her back and passed out. Several nurses swarmed the bedside and began tending to Amber. Some tore away the bloody sheets while another began formulating a mixture of magic and medicine for her to swallow when she woke back up. It was a common practice for unicorns in the medical field. Medicine imbued with the right magic could mean the difference between life and death. In this case, Amber would need all of the help she could get.

Amethyst could only watch, feeling more and more helpless the longer she did. Onyx had to grab her and pull to get her attention. “Come, Amethyst. Let's get going.”

Amethyst looked back towards the bed, at the motionless form of her best friend. “But… But, Amber…”

Onyx cupped her cheeks in his hooves and pulled her face towards his. He pulled her close until her eyes were directly in front of his, looking back at him. “Amethyst, listen to me… Amber is in the best care in the entire empire. I know you care about her, but need to move, if there's going to be any chance of us finding Pyrite. You heard what she said. We have to find this… Mantis.” He let go of her and began walking towards the door.

Amethyst rubbed her jaw before following after him. “If Mantis is the changeling Shining arrested, then we can't see him. He's probably been locked away in the lowest level of the dungeon. We don't have that kind of clearance.”

Onyx sound around at the door, his nostrils flaring. “What's gotten into you, huh?” He hissed, glaring at her. “Don't you want to save your daughter? Ever since she got taken, you've been trying to lock away your emotions and close yourself off from the world around you.” Amethyst’s lower lip quivered as each word hammered into her skull. “You're a guard, Amethyst. You're a guard, and a mother… and a lover. That's the Amethyst I know, a mare that wouldn't accept defeat over something so trivial as ‘clearance’.”

Then, his voice softened, and he wrapped a hoof around her neck, pulling her into a tight embrace. At his touch, Amethyst also began to loosen up. He pulled away, looking her dead in her eyes. “You're not alone in this, Amethyst… It’s time to quit this sad, pathetic moping around, get your head straight, and go save your daughter. Are you with me?”

Amethyst blinked once. Then, she blinked again, and her lips curled into a subtle curl, almost like a smile. She swallowed and nodded her head. “Yes… Let’s go find Shining. He can get us the clearance we need to see the changeling, and if he doesn't, we’ll break our way in.”

Onyx couldn't help grinning. “Breaking into the most secure dungeon in the entire Crystal Empire? Now that is definitely against the rules. We'd be discharged for sure.”

He didn't care that it was against his guard’s oath. Nothing was going to stand in between him and saving Pyrite. Amethyst chuckled as they ran down the corridor. “That's only if Shining doesn't let us in, but when you say it like that, it sounds infinitely more interesting...”

Her heart was pounding, and her blood was pulsing through every vein in her body. For the first time since she'd lost her daughter, Amethyst had something she thought she'd never want again, hope.


***


“Is it… blue?” Mantis let out a frustrated growl as his new friend shook her head.

She looked pleased with herself, having evaded another attempt to guess what she was ‘thinking’ about. “Close!” She laughed gleefully as she leaned against the glass. “It's not blue, though. Guess again!”

The changing shook his head and whales a lengthy sigh. “This is stupid…”

He got to his hooves and walked over to the cot in the corner. Shooting the golden mare one last mean look, he sat down on the cot and fell on his side.

The golden mare pursed her lips, watching him from across the dark corridor. “It's not stupid. You're just saying that because every guess you make is wrong. If you guess correctly, it can be really fun.”

“I doubt that…” Mantis tossed and turned, rolling from side to side. He couldn't possibly imagine spending years in this little cell. He'd only been there a few hours, and he was already beginning to lose his mind. In a matter of months, he could end up just like his crazy friend in the cell across from his, a complete loony.

“I'm not crazy, you know…”

Mantis bolted upright. Could she really be reading his thoughts? That would make his stay in the dungeons all the more terrible. His last realm of privacy would be destroyed. He covered his ears, trying to block out any external thoughts.

The mare cracked a sad smile. “Relax, Mantis… I'm not a mind-reader. I'm just… really good at understanding a pony’s face. It's all in the eyes and cheeks, really.” She let out a long breath and slumped against the glass. “For instance, you look like a pony filled with regret… I know how that must feel…”

Mantis nodded his head slowly as he slid off of the cot. “Yeah, I am. What about you, though? I don't even know your name, or how you got here.”

He approached the glass and sat down, facing her. Memories were powerful things. They could be extremely useful in recalling lost information, but they could also be hurtful, bringing up a past that some would like to forget. The golden mare looked as though she was remembering one of those memories. That was the worst part about the dungeon.

It wasn't the dark or the lack of substantial food, it was the silence. The silence allowed ponies to be alone with their worst enemies, themselves. The silence allowed them to think and reflect, even though they would like to avoid it.

Her eyes dimmed, and her gaze fell. “My name… I've gone by a lot of names, just like you, Mantis. The last name I went by… was… Sadri, I think. I called myself Sadri… It's been so long…”

She began scraping her hoof against the cold ground. Back and forth, the edge of her hoof grinded against the stone. She looked distant, like she was focusing on something else. Mantis tapped his hoof against the glass, getting her attention. “You still haven't told me how you got here. What happened to you?”

It wasn't the most ideal conversation topic, but anything would have been better than their previous guessing game. Her lip was quivering, like she was trying to speak, but thoughts were tripping over each other, trying to reach her mouth. “I… did such horrible things… Twilight Sparkle… I loved her, Mantis. I really loved her, but my desire to exact my revenge on Celestia got the better of me… When I… When I lost Twilight… I lost… ev-everything…” Then, she broke down, unleashing a series of sobs and wails.

Mantis suddenly felt bad about asking her to relive her painful memories. “Twilight was going to be my queen, ruling beside me… Now, she can't stand the sight of me…”

It wasn't much, but from what Mantis could understand, her story must have been far more exciting than his own. “I'm sorry, Sadri… I didn't mean to-”

Sadri shook her head as she dried her eyes. “No, Mantis, it’s not your fault. What I did is my own burden to carry for the rest of my life... Now, I'm paying for what I did…” She looked at him through the glass, her eyes now red from crying. “You will too, you know. Whatever you did up there, whatever brought you down here… You'll pay for that as long as you're alive and breathing.”

Her last words left an icy feel to the deafening silence that consumed the corridor. For the first time, Mantis understood the purpose of her constant talking and silly word games. She, like him, was afraid of the silence. He tried to think of ways to spark a new conversation, something to take their minds off of their past selves. He felt as though he owed her that much.

Mantis opened his mouth to speak, but he was cut off by the sudden and loud opening of the door at the end of the corridor. It sounded like it had been forced open, slamming against the wall and creating a thunderous ‘boom’ that echoed throughout the cells. Several sets of hooves could be heard rushing towards them, clopping against the stone floor. They were guards, and a few of them sounded familiar.

“Open cell thirteen, warden.”

Then, they came into view. Several Royal Guards stopped in front of the two occupied cells. Onyx, Amethyst, and Shining were with them. When the glass gate refused to open, Shining looked down the corridor with a harsh glare. “I said ‘open it’!”

That time, the gate opened, allowing Amethyst and Onyx to enter Mantis’ cell. When the changeling saw the look in Amethyst’s eyes, he was once again frozen by fear. Unable to move or raise his hooves to defend himself, Mantis waited helplessly on the floor as she approached him, but something was different this time. As she got closer, Mantis came to realize that the look in her eyes wasn't anger or bloodlust.

It was the look of a heartbroken mother with nothing to lose, which was just as equally terrifying. She stood over him, breathing heavily. “Where… is she?”

Mantis swallowed the saliva that had filled his mouth. He knew instantly that she was talking about Pyrite. Mantis knew exactly where Pyrite was, in the changeling nest in the Frozen North. “I'm sorry, Amethyst, but she's somewhere no pony should ever be…”

Amethyst let out a monstrous cry and slammed her hoof down an inch away from Mantis’ face, causing him to flinch. “That's not good enough!” She was panting and sniffling as she tried to control herself. “You know where my baby is, and you know who took her. Amber…” Amethyst closed her eyes tight, blinking out the tears that had built up. “Amber trusts you… I don't know why, but she does. Amber said you can help us…”

She looked him in his eyes, pleading, and he looked back into hers. “Help me get my baby back… please…”

Mantis looked up at her, then his gaze shifted to Onyx at the gate and the ponies outside the cell. They were completely silent, waiting in anticipation for his response. Then, he came to realize... They all cared for Pyrite. Every one of them wanted to see the changeling infant returned safe and sound, even Shining.

Mantis looked back up at Amethyst. “If you go, you won't come back… It's a nest, a changeling hive. You'd get lost, captured, and killed… unless…” He looked at the floor thoughtfully. If he was with them, he could actually help them. “… unless I went with you.”

Amethyst looked back at Onyx and Shining. Onyx nodded his head silently and turned to look at Shining as well. “What do you think, sir?”

Shining lowered his gaze. It wasn't an easy decision to make. There was too much at risk and too much that could go wrong. Releasing the changeling and putting his two best guards in his hooves could backfire easily. There was a lot to lose only to get Pyrite back.

Amethyst knew exactly what he was thinking. The idea sounded insane, but it was the best option she had for saving her daughter. “Please, sir… He can help us find Pyrite.” She turned back around to look at the changeling. “If Amber trusts him, so do I…”

Shining groaned softly, rubbing his hoof against his forehead. “Fine… Fine. Make it happen, Onyx, but let me be clear… If this changeling takes one step out of line, you put it down.”

Mantis frowned at that last part, when Shining referred to him as ‘it’, but he kept his mouth shut. He was getting out of prison, and that was something to look forward to.

Onyx nodded his head. “Yes, sir.”

Part of Amethyst wanted to smile. It wasn't the best of odds, but it was all she had to work with. She extended an open hoof towards the changeling. Mantis looked at the hoof, then up at Amethyst. “This won't end well. You know that, right?” Then, he took her hoof, allowing her to help him up.

Amethyst shot him a silly smirk and turned back around to walk out of the cell. “Onyx and I have been through worse.”

Sadri watched all of this unfold from her cell across the corridor. “You're far too generous, Shining, letting the changeling free to help these ponies… Does this mean-”

Shining spun around, glaring at her through the glass. “Quiet, you domina! You're lucky you're even allowed to speak. One more comment from you, and you’ll lose that privilege…”

Sadri rolled her eyes and motioned her hoof across her mouth, a gesture showing she was ‘zipping her lips’.

The guards were moving out. Two were already at the far end of the corridor, waiting patiently for the rest. By the cell gate, Shining turned to face Amethyst. His horn began to glow, and he revealed a small pouch from his pack. It's contents jingled as he passed it along to the puzzled mare. The pouch was full of bits. “This… was collected from guards around the barracks. They're all rooting for you. I can't spare anypony to help you, Amethyst, but you and Onyx can take enough supplies for an extended field mission.”

Amethyst was left speechless as she accepted the pouch. “Si-Sir… Thank you…”

Then, he smiled at her. “As one parent to another, you find Pyrite, and you bring her back. That's an order, Amethyst.” He raised a hoof to his brow, saluting her.

Amethyst beamed and mimicked his salute, raising her hoof. “Yes, sir…”

With nothing left to say, Shining lowered his hoof and gave her a silent nod. He looked towards Onyx and nodded towards him too. Lastly, he looked at the changeling. Shining didn't nod, but he didn't glare either, which was improvement. He turned around and began the long walk down the corridor, to the guards waiting by the door.

Amethyst let out a long sigh and put her first hoof forward, taking her first step towards her baby, towards Pyrite. Onyx followed after her. He briefly looked back at the changeling and motioned for him to follow. “Come on, Mantis. We have a long day ahead of us.”

Mantis nodded his head and took off after them. He took only a few steps before stopping. The changeling looked over his shoulder, back at Sadri, but the mare in gold shook her head sadly.

“Don't worry about me, Mantis. I'll manage by myself… You, on the other hoof, have a chance to redeem yourself. I suggest you take that chance.”

He smiled sadly. “I won't forget you, Sadri.”

Then, just as he was turning to leave, a thought dawned on him. He was out of his cell, meaning he could use magic. He quickly closed his eyes to concentrate, and green flames began to engulf his entire body. Sadri watched in awe as Twilight Sparkle emerged from the flames. Her lower lip quivered, and she began to cry. “Tw-Twilight… just as I remembered her… She's beautiful…” She raised her hoof in an attempt to touch her, but her hoof was stopped by the glass. “I…”

Sadri pursed her lips and smiled. “Thank you, Mantis… I won’t forget what you've done for me…”

Mantis grinned and bowed before returning to his natural form. Once he was a changeling again, he bolted down the corridor to catch up with Amethyst and Onyx, and he didn't look back once.


***


The sun was rising over the Crystal Empire, but a looming darkness rose with it. On any other dawning day, the golden rays of Celestia’s sun would shine over the eastern mountain tops, piercing into the darkness, driving back the night to make way for the rise of the great star, but this was no ordinary day. Winter was arriving in the empire, and snow was beginning to fall at an alarming rate. While the crystal ponies slept, the weather ponies above released the magical barriers that held back the relentless wind and snow of the frozen north.

Now, there was nothing to stop winter from consuming the empire, and a grey overcast blotted out the sun’s morning rays. Deep inside the Frozen North, an unlikely trio trudged through the oncoming winter. In addition to their armor, Onyx and Amethyst wore extra padding, thick cloaks, and winter masks to shield themselves from the howling winds of the frozen north.

Though they offered him a cloak and mask, Mantis had denied both, preferring to face the harsh conditions himself. Already a lengthy distance from the safety of the empire, they marched through the relentless blizzard with Mantis leading them through the snow. Onyx tried to peer at the map in his magical cloud, but it had quickly become useless. All he could do now was make estimated guesses on what their exact location was.

“This area’s been scoured by guard patrols hundreds of times!” Onyx sheltered his muzzle as he yelled over the wind and ice. “How is it that we've never found this changeling nest of yours?”

Mantis stopped and looked over his shoulder. Without saying a word, he raised a hoof to his mouth, the universal symbol for ‘shut up’. Then, he shifted that same hoof forward, pointing to a rocky outcropping that was just barely visible. Onyx and Amethyst shared concerned looks before following after the changeling.

As they reached the rocks, they were granted some slight respite from the eternal blizzard. The outcropping formed an overhang that formed a sort of shield. Mantis gestured for the guards to follow him around the rocks, almost hugging the outcropping, to a thin crack that had been sealed with ice. Puzzled by what they saw, Onyx and Amethyst could only watch as Mantis began to pound the rocks, thrusting the brunt of his body into the side of the outcropping.

“This entrance… Mmph! … was sealed by the queen… Mmph! … after a patrol of guards stumbled inside…” Mantis lunged forward once more, letting out a ferocious cry before smashing his body against the rocks. The loose holders fell inside, and a cave was revealed. “Inside! Hurry!”

Amethyst saw what Mantis was worried about. The cave inside was already filling with snow, and it would soon be buried. She and Onyx rushed inside after Mantis. Once inside the cave, Onyx spun around and fired a beam of energy at the entrance, blasting the mound of snow back and allowing it to melt before quickly freezing once again.

This produced a thick sheet of ice that kept the snow out, but it also kept them inside. Now, they were trapped inside the cave. Onyx turned on Mantis, looking less than pleased about their current situation as he pulled his mask down around his neck. “Great, Mantis… Good job. Now, we’re trapped in here. What's the plan for getting out?”

Mantis kept his eyes on the floor of the cave. “I told you before, ponies… This is a one way trip. I agreed to help you get Pyrite, but once she’s yours, getting out and returning to the empire is your problem, not mine.”

Onyx raised an angry hoof, but Amethyst stopped him, restraining the stallion and stroking his cheek to calm him. “Easy, Onyx… He's right. We came here on our own accord.” Then, she glared at Mantis. “We promised we'd get Pyrite back, so we will get her back. You can bet on it.”

Mantis offered her a weak smile. “You're compassion never ceases to amaze me, Amethyst.” Then, he took several deep breaths, like he was smelling an intoxicating aroma. “You ponies… You got it right from the beginning. Love isn't something to be selfishly consumed… It should be shared with those you love, who you truly love…”

Amethyst and Onyx realized in an instant that Mantis was referring to the both of them. They shared awkward glances before looking away. Thinking on her hooves, Amethyst was quick to change the subject. “You said earlier that this cave was sealed after a patrol of guards found it… Why wasn't something like this ever reported?”

Mantis shrugged his shoulders. “It… was, and it wasn't. You didn't report this as a changeling nest, because you didn't know you had found one.” He paused, letting out a long, frosty breath. “Don't you recognize this place, Amethyst? The snow may have shifted, but look closely. You do know this place, don't you?”

Amethyst didn't, or at least, she didn't think she did… She looked around the immediate area, at the pillars of ice that stretched from the floor to the ceiling and the stalactites above their heads that threatened to fall at any moment. Mantis watched her mind work, and he placed a firm hoof into the snow.

Moving his hoof back and forth, he shifted the snow, revealing a black scorch mark on the floor. Onyx and Amethyst both gasped at the sight of the blackened mark. Amethyst touched the scorched area with her hoof as memories of that fateful moment flooded into her mind. It was the moment where she fully committed to protecting Pyrite. It was the very spot where she stood in defense of the baby changeling.

“This… This is where… where we…”

Mantis nodded his head. “Yes… When you were last here, seeking refuge from the blizzard, you unknowingly stumbled into the entrance to a changeling nest, and managed to save an infant from the wrath of Queen Chrysalis, but now, it will take all of your strength to save her again. Are you ready?”

Amethyst looked past Mantis, into the unwelcoming cave behind him. The pitch black passageway leading deeper into the ground was feeling more and more menacing by the second. Pyrite was in there, somewhere… She could feel it. “I'm ready.”

Amethyst looked at Onyx, who smiled and nodded his head. Onyx placed a firm hoof on her shoulder. “I'll follow you to the ends of Equestria, Sergeant Amethyst…”

Pleased with his response, Amethyst faced Mantis once again. “Take us to her, Mantis. Take me to my baby.”

Mantis smiled and nodded his head. Then, his smile vanished, and a far more serious tone came over him. “We have to move quickly, ponies. The nest will be gathering for the Pyrite’s execution soon. Stay behind me at all times, and don't fall behind. If you get lost in the nest, it will mean your doom.”

Mantis spun on his hooves and took off into the dark depths of the cave. Onyx and Amethyst shared a brief glance. They wanted to say their last words, because they both silently feared this would be their last chance, but Mantis was already far ahead of them. Without saying a word, both guards charged into the darkness after him.


***


At the palace, Shining stood alone in the briefing room. This was not the Crystal Empire’s first winter, not in the slightest, but all of the safety precautions had to be followed all the same. In addition to transferring Royal Guards to aid in maintaining regular services for the empire, extra security would be needed at the empire’s entrance points, like the train station. His eyes scanned the map of the Crystal Empire. All was going well, for the most part.

Aside from the bitter cold and the snow piling on the streets, the ponies below were adjusting quickly to the new season. Shining’s gaze drifted to the local districts around the palace. Even though they were already several hours into the winter, water lines in the Spike and Heart districts were beginning to freeze. Such problems were expected and no issue that the unicorns couldn't fix with a little magic. Shining’s gaze fell on the northern province of the empire, the frozen north, and his heart sank in his chest.

Amethyst and Onyx were out there, somewhere, and they were alone. A gut-wrenching guilt overcame Shining, and he folded the map in a vain attempt to stop the aching pain consuming him.

“Shining?”

He nearly jumped out of his skin at the sudden arrival of a familiar voice. He turned around, placing the map back down, and opened the door with the magic from his horn. Standing in the other side of the door was his little sister, Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight had a puzzled look on her face as she eyed her brother. “Is… something wrong, Shining? You look like you've seen a ghost, which is impossible, since there is no proof of any kind that something like a ‘ghost’ could ever possibly exist. Not to mention, the probability of-” She came to a screeching halt as she caught herself rambling on.

Shining smiled and welcomed her inside. “I'm fine, Twilight… Thank you for asking. If you don't mind me asking, why are you here? Cadence and I weren't expecting a visit from you for another two months.”

This was especially peculiar. Twilight was the most ‘list’ driven pony he knew, and surprise visits were not something she checked off her lists. She shifted her gaze nonchalantly, preferring to eye the table rather than look directly at her older brother. “What… A filly can't drop in on her favorite big brother whenever she wants?”

“I'm your only older brother, Twilight, and you've never dropped in on anything…” Shining was getting a little impatient with her now. It was obvious that she was after something. “… except on me, just now.”

What he didn't know was what she was after. He watched as Twilight’s horn ignited. Her cloud of magic stretched across the table, grabbing the map of the empire. Without looking at him, she opened the map and began to study it. “You went to see her… I want you to tell me why.”

Shining laughed nervously, rubbing his hoof behind his head as he did. It was now clear why his sister was here. “Wha… What are you talking about? I don't know… what you… Um, what you… mean…” Now, Shining wished Twilight had kept looking at the map, because when her cold eyes met his, he shrank in fear. “I-I-I didn't… I did not go to see her… I didn't… I promise, Twilight… It's complicated.”

Twilight didn't look convinced. “No, Shining, it's not.”

Shining had seen that look before, and that was a series of terrors he did not want to repeat. “I've already visited Amber. She told me everything… How could you, Shining?! How could you send them into a changeling nest alone?!”

Twilight unrolled the map, pointing to the two dots marked in the territory that was the frozen north. She breathed heavily as she reached the end of her barrage of weighted questions, each one pulling Shining to the bottom of a fictitious ocean like a sinking ship.

Shining glared at her and tore the map away from her clutches. “If you already knew about that, why did you ask about Sadri?!”

Twilight snatched the map back, flaring her nostrils. “I wanted to hear it from you… I came back the moment I heard about Pyrite and the changeling you threw in the dungeon, and I am very disappointed in you, Shining Armor!”

Shining winced at the sound of his full name. It sounded worse coming from his little sister. “How did you even hear about anything? There’s no way-”

“I have a magical dragon!” Twilight snapped, effectively silencing him. “Cadence wrote me and told me everything.” Then, her gaze turned soft, and she set the map back down, allowing it to unfold on its own. “I'm not mad about Sadri, Shining… I'm upset that you let them go to find Pyrite alone…”

Shining lowered his head. He opened his mouth slightly, but he never got the chance to utter a single word as Twilight interrupted him. “I don't want to hear it, Shining. With the guards at your disposal, you could have sent anypony to help them. In fact, I'm certain anypony would have volunteered if you had let them, but you didn't, did you?”

Shining let out a long sigh, releasing a frosty breath that he had been holding in. “Like I said, Twilight, it's complicated…”

Twilight pursed her lips and extending her hoof, lifting Shining’s chin so she could look directly into his eyes. “You're a good stallion with a big heart, Shining… Please, I know you can do the right… th… thing…”

Twilight’s voice shuddered until she fell silent. She was trembling, now, as she stared into the stallion’s shimmering eyes. “You… You're not Shining…”

Shining’s sad look transformed into a terrified expression as Twilight lowered her horn and blasted him across the room. He hit the wall and crashed on bookshelf, toppling the shelf and its contents over.

When the dust settled, a changeling shakily got to her hooves, coughing furiously. “Uhg… You bitch…”

Twilight cried out, and her horn ignited again as she pointed it towards the intruder. “Where is he?! Where’s my brother?!”

He grinned maliciously as she dusted the shattered remains of the shelf off of her shoulders. “Hmm… By now, I imagine he's serving my brothers and sisters. They will have quite a lot of fun with such a well endowed stallion… before they eat him, of course. Mistress Cicada promised us a feast of love, and now, your pathetic guards are walking right into her hooves…”

“No!” Twilight released another bolt of lethal magic, sending the beam of energy straight towards the changeling, but she was no stranger to magical combat. She ducked, avoiding the bolt and the blast that followed.

Now, the changeling was on the offensive. He fired back, but Twilight raised a barrier around herself, deflecting her attacks. The changeling saw his chance, so he charged the princess. Leaping over the table, he dove straight for Twilight.

The magical barrier was only meant to stop bolts of magic, allowing her to fly through the shield and tackle the princess to the ground. Their horns were locked, and their hooves were exchanging blows. By now, guards outside had heard the commotion, and the door was forced open.

“Princess Twilight!”

One guard rushed forward, distracting the changeling long enough for Twilight to kick the changeling off of her. The guard stopped next to Twilight while another rushed the changeling.

He didn't stand a chance.

The changeling readied his stance, and once the guard was within striking distance, he ran his jagged horn through the guard’s chest.

The second guard watched in horror as he fell to the ground. “Topaz, no!”

A third guard was blocking the door. He reached out for the mare standing over Twilight. “Olivine, get back!”

More guards were quickly arriving, and the changeling came to realize that he was outnumbered and in danger of being overwhelmed. Panting heavily, his horn dripping with blood, he backed towards the balcony, laughing maniacally. “This day… will long be remembered… as the last day of Shining Armor, the false queen, and the Crystal Empire…” Twilight and the guards cringed as his malicious laughter filled the room. “You ponies are all fools!”

Twilight groaned as she got to her hooves, and she leveled her horn, aiming the point at the changeling. “Get out…”

The changeling stopped laughing and shifted on his hooves nervously, but she didn't back down. “You're the biggest fool of all, Twilight Sparkle… You're not stopping us this time. The Crystal Empire will fall, and when it does, the rest of Equestria will follow… I hope you take solace knowing none of this would be possible without you…”

The changeling was licking his lips, enjoying the look of despair on the princess’ face. “That's right… It was you that convinced Shining Armor to spare the brat, and then you gave it back to the hive, saving us a lot of trouble…” He erupted into a fit of laughter once again.

Twilight grew more restless and furious with every passing second. Her horn was sparking now, literally dripping with explosive amounts of volatile magic. “I said… get… OUT!” Then, she let loose the magic that had been building in her horn.

The changeling let out a terrified shriek before he was engulfed by the beam of magic. In an instant, he was gone. All that remained of the changeling was a black mark on the floor and a few ash particles fluttering to the ground.

Completely exhausted, Twilight collapsed to the floor, and several Royal Guards rushed to her side. She brushed them aside as she leaned against the wall. “We… We need to go after them… We need to warn Amethyst and Onyx that…” She coughed several times. “… that they are walking into a trap…”

The guards agreed unanimously. Several medics arrived to carry away the wounded while more examined the princess. Twilight assured them that she was fine, but they insisted that she retreat to the emergency ward. “Please, your majesty, come with us. You're in no condition to-”

“My brother is gone!” Twilight’s sudden outburst startled the medics, cutting them off effectively. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she rose to her full height. “He's gone, and he's in trouble! They're all in trouble! Somepony needs to let Cadence know what's happened here, and we need to go save them!”

She stumbled forward only to be caught by the medics. Against her struggling, they were forced to restrain her. “Your majesty, Captain Adamite will take care of it. You're needed here, within the empire.”

Twilight aggressively shook herself free of their grip, glaring at them as she stood shakily on her own. “I'm needed… there, right now!”

It quickly became clear that the stubborn princess wasn't about to take ‘no’ for an answer. The medic looked over her shoulder, towards the captain behind her, and he nodded his head. “Very well, your majesty. I'll round up a task force for a ‘search and retrieval’ operation in the frozen north.”

Twilight nodded approvingly. “Thank you, captain. Please, hurry… I'm afraid we don't have any time to lose…”

She wiped the tears from her eyes as she look at the guards around her, but nopony looked like they were planning to move anytime soon. Getting more and more frustrated, Twilight bared her teeth. “GO!”

Like foals running from the disciplining hoof of a scolding mother, they fled from the room, one after the other, until Twilight was alone. She looked towards the blackened scorch mark on the floor she had created, and she suddenly felt very sick. She had vaporized a changeling. During her emotion-fueled rage, she had gathered enough energy to wipe a living creature off of the face of the planet.

It was a terrible feeling.

Twilight blinked several times as she tried to push such thoughts to the back of her mind. Right now, she needed to focus on saving her brother, Onyx, and Amethyst, and time was running out more quickly than she could realize.


***Up Next: Where It Began***

> Part 6: Where It Began
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amethyst coughed and wheezed as she tried to sit upright. The howling wind was soaring from every possible direction, blinding her completely in the storm of snow.

“Py-Pyrite!” She groaned as she got to her hooves, only to fall forward. “Pyrite!”

Through the snow and ice, Amethyst crawled forward, following the distant cries of her daughter. She couldn't see through the sheer power of the blizzard around her. Keeping her head low, she crawled forward, one hoof at a time. “Pyrite, I'm coming! Mommy’s coming!”

Amethyst reached forward again, and a sharp pain enveloped her right side. She cried out as she held her inflamed abdomen. Bits of molten rock had seared her fur and skin during the explosion, but Amethyst bit her lip and fought through the pain. “Pyrite, where are you?!”

Through the blinding, white blizzard, she could make out two dark shapes. Rejuvenated by what she saw ahead and fueled by her maternal rage, Amethyst forced herself to her hooves and let out a blood curdling yell. “Pyrite! Pyrite, is that you?!”

There was no response. Instead, one of the ghostly figures turned to look at her, and a flood of tears began to surge, freezing solid against her cheeks. “Pyrite! No!”


***Earlier***


When Amethyst first envisioned the inner workings of a sophisticated, changeling hive, she imagined it would be a lot more… busy. Corridor after corridor, turn after turn, left and right, deeper and deeper into the hive they went, and they had not come across a single changeling. The longer they went without any resistance, the more uneasy Amethyst felt. Statistically, they shouldn't have made it this far without encountering the thousands of changelings that called this hive ‘home’.

Though the eerie silence told her that they were alone, Amethyst count shake the feeling that a pair of eyes was following her. Every turn, she would look behind her, only to find a pitch black corridor looking back.

Onyx wasn't so paranoid, though. Instead, he kept his eyes trained on Mantis, whom he couldn't help distrusting. Amethyst wondered quietly how she got where she was. What could she have done differently to prevent herself from ending up in the heart of a changeling hive?

Onyx must have had similar thoughts, because he slowed his pace slightly until he was walking next to her. “I never thought I'd end up in a place like this…” He muttered his words so quietly, it couldn't have possibly be qualified as whispering. “It makes me wonder what else might be out here that we've missed.”

Amethyst admired his charm and ability to ease her mind. “The Frozen North is a wild place… It can't possibly be tamed by us ponies. The day this place is fully understood by ponies is the day the ice melts.”

She cracked a meek grin as she recalled her very first assignment in the Frozen North. Amethyst had been so unprepared and made the mistake of showering before venturing north with her team. Her mane and tail were still slightly damp when they left the Crystal Empire, and they froze solid in the sub-zero temperatures, earning her the name ‘Snow Angel’ for a short time. Amethyst was so caught up in her memory that she didn't notice the sudden stop of the changeling walking in front of her.

Mantis spun around and swiftly raised a hoof to his mouth. He then opened his mouth and formed the words ‘Don't make a sound.’ without uttering a single word. He had a wide look in his eyes as he sniffed the stale air.

Watching this, Amethyst and Onyx both froze. They stood motionless and soundless while Mantis circled around them, stopping directly behind the guards. Amethyst looked over her shoulder ever so slightly, just in time to see his horn ignite. A wave of fear washes over her, a fear of betrayal, and a fear of death. With no time to react, Amethyst held her ground and closed her eyes, waiting for the worst to come.

Mantis discharged his horn, sending a bolt of magic towards the guards. The magic flashed a brilliant light as it neared them, and Amethyst winced as her death drew near, but the bolt never hit them. Instead, the bolt of magic launched by Mantis flew between the guards, hitting a target behind them.

After opening her eyes, Amethyst looked down, observing her form. She counted her hooves and made sure the rest of her body was safe. Onyx too let out a relieved sigh, but this emotion was short lived. The sergeant bared his teeth and immediately readied himself to attack Mantis.

The changeling took a cautious step back, raising his hoof defensively. “Easy, Onyx… I wasn't trying to hit you.” Then, his gaze shifted to the darkness behind the guards. “We were being followed…”

At hearing this, Onyx raised his horn and turned around. Sure enough, a changeling was sitting on the floor of the cave, twitching as the paralyzing effects of Mantis’ spell took hold. Onyx was the first to reach the changeling, and he placed a heavy hoof on the incapacitated enemy’s body.

The changeling’s eyes widened with horror at the sight of the guard above him. Unable to raise his hooves in self defense, the changeling began to cry. It started out softly but quickly grew louder with every passing second.

Mantis quickly ran towards them. “Shut him up! They'll hear him, and we'll all be caught!”

Thinking quickly, Amethyst summoned a small cloud of magic and placed it over the changeling’s snout, muffling his fearful cries. Their situation had become infinitely more complicated. Amethyst looked back and forth between Mantis and Onyx. “What do we do?”

Mantis shook his head and sighed. “We don't have time for this… Just kill him. We need to keep moving.”

Amethyst fired him a mortified look. Even Onyx looked hesitant to do anything so harsh. At their responses, Mantis pointed an accusing hoof at the changeling. “If we let him go, he’ll warn the hive, and we’ll have no chance of saving Pyrite. It’d be easier for us to get him out of the way while we have the chance.”

Amethyst had heard enough from Mantis, and she turned towards the changeling on the floor. As she reached forward, the changeling flinched, but her hoof never made contact with him. Instead, she pushed Onyx off of him.

Both Onyx and Mantis watched with stunned expressions as Amethyst attempted to calm the shaking changeling. “Easy… I'm not going to hurt you… If I release you, will you stay quiet?” After a few moments, the changeling nodded his head. Shortly after, Amethyst released the magic binding his snout. “There… Now, what's your name?”

The changeling looked up at her and Onyx.

His lip still quivered, but he was quiet, as promised. “I… I-I-I’m Thorax… I-I-I-I've never seen a-a-actual po-ponies this close… I was just c-c-curious…” He was shaking so badly, he could nearly formulate his thoughts into coherent sentences. “I'm s-s-sorry… Pl-Please don't k-k-kill me…”

Amethyst smiled reassuringly. “We won't…” Her gaze shifted towards Mantis, and her eyes hardened. “Right?”

The changeling that called himself Thorax accepted Amethyst’s hoof and was helped to his hooves. With the paralysis spell fading, he was able to shift and stretch his legs and neck.

Mantis approached him quickly. “What are you doing here, Thorax? Why aren't you watching the execution?”

Thorax shrugged, casually glancing at the floor as he shifted his hooves. “Oh… Well, Mistress Cicada doesn't like me all that much… She told me I wasn't allowed to the execution or the feast afterwards…”

Mantis frowned and exchanged worried looks with the guards. “Feast? What are they feasting on?”

Thorax didn't look like he was paying him any attention. “… It's alright, I guess. I don't mind being out here. I'm not that interested in big gatherings… They make me nervous.”

“Thorax!” Mantis startled the changeling with the sharpness of his voice. “Listen to me… What's going on down there? What is Cicada doing?”

Amethyst’s ears twitched as she picked up faint noises from the corridor behind her. She looked at Onyx and silently motioned for him to follow her. He looked uncertain, his gaze switching between her and the two changelings, but he eventually decided to follow after her. Alone, the two guards followed the echoing sounds of chatter and moderate commotion. They walked for some distance along the straight corridor. Then, they saw it, a dim light at the end of the cave.

Amethyst ran to the end with Onyx right behind her. At the end of the corridor, it opened up into a huge cavern. There was a drop, a very far drop. Below them, at the bottom of the vast room, was a sea of changelings. The guards were at their backs, luckily. All of the changelings were interested in the stage before them.

A large, platform rose above the massive crowd of changelings, supporting a sinister-looking throne. Above the throne, two green, cocoon chandeliers descended from the roof of the cavern. Amethyst’s eyes began to water at the sight of the closer cocoon.

“Pyrite…”

It was her baby, suspended far above the empty throne.

Onyx leaned forward, getting a closer look at the second cocoon. Then, his eyes widened, and he jabbed his partner in her side. “Amethyst! Look, Amethyst, it's Prince Armor!”

Amethyst forced her gaze away from her daughter and towards the second cocoon. Her jaw dropped at the sight of the stallion, frozen in place at the top of the tall cavern. “Wh-Wha… How did…”

Onyx shook his head as he slid back. “I don't know… We need a new plan.”

Amethyst agreed. This mission was about more than saving Pyrite. Now, the needed to save Shining Armor too. Her strategic mind got to work. Scanning the dimly lit cavern, she observed the many mouths leading to more corridors along the walls.

They had multiple exits to escape through, once they cut Pyrite and Shining down, but the ultimate problem was the sheer amount of changelings. They would be overwhelmed instantly. “We could use a distraction…” Amethyst muttered incoherently to herself as she eyed the lower mouths leading away from the cavern. “… something to draw them away. Onyx, if we can find a way down there, we can…”

She reached into her saddlepack, revealing a small pouch. The pony opened the top and emptied the sandy substance inside, showing it to Onyx. “I’ve got it! We can light those corridors up, and if we do enough damage, maybe we can bring a few of the tunnles down, making it easier for us to escape.”

Onyx looked at the powder on her hoof. After a quick sniff, he confirmed what it was.

Tannerite.

It was a material used primarily in target practice. Upon being hit by a bolt of magic, the brick of tannerite would explode violently. They didn't have any bricks, but the powder form would work just as well, perhaps even better.

Onyx grinned. “Great thinking, sergeant. Let's light ‘em up, give these changelings something to really worry about.”

Amethyst put the powder back into her pouch, and she stood up, making sure to keep her head low. As she turned around to find a way to the bottom of the cavern, she came face to face with Mantis. Amethyst almost let out a shriek of terror, but the changeling covered her snout, silencing her. She shook her head, breaking free of his grip. “Mantis, what are you doing?!” She spoke in a hushed tone. “Onyx and I were only-”

Mantis took her hoof and pulled her forward. “It doesn't matter anymore. We need to leave, now.”

There was something about the look on his face that troubled Amethyst. He looked afraid, but what was he afraid of? “Let go of me…” She shook herself free. “I'm not leaving until we rescue Pyrite and Shining.”

Mantis’ nostrils flared, and he let out a frustrated snarl. “Amethyst, it's a trap. Cicada knows we're here, and if we don't leave right now, we'll all be caught, and then, we'll be dead.”

At the sound of his last word, a menacing laugh echoed throughout the corridor. The laughter was followed by the faint fluttering of wings as it got louder. “Dead? Do you really think I would kill you? I hardly think you deserve something so merciful, Mantis…”

Cicada erupted into laughter as she approached them. She stood in her true, wicked form with an army of changelings behind her, effectively blocking their only exit. Amethyst, Onyx, and Mantis were backed up until their hooves were at the edge of the drop. Cicada scanned them, licking her lips as she looked them over. “Hmm… Fear tastes almost as good as love… How interesting.” Then, her eyes fell on Mantis, who was trembling. “Your pony friends will feed us well.”

Cicada grinned maliciously, laughing as her lips circled into a sadistic smile. “Thank you, Mantis… You played your role perfectly.”

Her horn ignited, and in the blink of an eye, Cicada blasted Mantis backwards, sending him flying into the cavern. With him gone, she approached the Royal Guards. Amethyst shook nervously as the vicious changeling bared down on her. “So, this is her… You must be Amethyst!” She laughed manically as she caressed the trembling guard’s cheek. “So soft… So tender...”

“Leave her alone!”

Cicada was temporarily stunned by stallion’s outburst. She retracted her hoof and turned on Onyx. “Or what, you pathetic pony?” Onyx said nothing in response, holding his breath as she closed in on him. “What will you do to stop me?”

Again, he said nothing, earning a dirty look from the changeling. “Perhaps…” She brought her hoof up to his face. “… you wish to defend her?” Cicada licked her lips as she leaned in close. “You're a handsome stallion… You'll make a fine mate for the queen…” Then, she closed the gap even further. “… but not before I get a turn with you first…”

Amethyst watched in horror as the changeling pressed her lips against Onyx’s. She moaned lewdly into his mouth. At the touch of Cicada’s lips against his own, a shimmering, green light flashed in Onyx’s eyes, as though he were caught in a trance.

Amethyst couldn't look any longer.

She turned her head and shut her eyes, earning a collective uproar of laughter from the audience of changelings in front of her. “No… pl-please stop…” She whimpered to the point of tears.

Cicada stopped briefly, grinning wildly as she licked her own lips and swallowed Onyx’s saliva. “Does this… bother you, Amethyst?”

She chuckled softly as she moved in on Onyx again. “He's mine, now, and when he's exhausted his usefulness as a mate, he'll make a delightful meal…”

Mantis was gone, and Onyx was under Cicada’s influence. Amethyst backed away until her rear hooves ran out of floor to stand on. She could hear the changelings below her, chanting for her to fall. Everything had gone badly.

“You're all alone, guard...” Cicada left Onyx, meeting Amethyst at the edge. “Don't feel bad… You did the best you could, but Pyrite was never meant to be yours. She wasn't even meant to exist. You could only prolong the inevitable, but now, her time has run out. Queen Chrysalis will be arriving soon, and when she does, she will devour the false queen herself, and you, guard, are going to watch…”

Amethyst looked over her shoulder, at the hanging cocoons. Pyrite looked so peaceful in her suspended state, just like when Amethyst would manage to get her in bed, tucked in her blankets. Amethyst shuddered as a wave of cold air washes over her, but as the wave passed, her fear went with it. Cicada was right… She was all alone.

Amethyst’s eyes fell into a hard glare. “You've made a big mistake, taking Onyx from me…”

She took a step forward, startling the changelings. Cicada stood tall, shooting the guard a smug grin. “Why is that, Amethyst, because you have nopony left to crawl into bed with?”

Amethyst, without taking her glare off of Cicada, reached into her saddlepack and revealed the pouch. “Now, I have nothing left to lose…”

Cicada’s eyes widened as the guard threw the pouch at her, spilling the tannerite all over the floor in front of the changelings. “Wh-What is…”

Then, Amethyst lowered her horn, and fired a bolt of magic at the tannerite, igniting the volatile substance. The entire cave lit up as though the sun itself was inside it. Amethyst, Onyx, and several changelings were blasted into the cavern, where they fell onto a massive crowd of confused, panicked changelings. Amethyst fell on her back, hard.

Looking around her, she groaned as she searched for Onyx. He was there, in front of her, just as equally confused as the changelings around him. They were fleeing in every direction, not bothering to stop for the ponies on the floor. Amethyst reached for him. “Onyx! Onyx, are you alright?”

To her amazement, he nodded his head. “Ye-Yeah! Wh… What happened? Did we…”

“Shut up, and give me your tannerite!”

Onyx was in no position to question anything that was happening or argue with her. Still writhing in pain, he reached into his saddlepack and pulled out his own pouch of the explosive powder. Amethyst grabbed the pouch with her magic and stood up. In one swift motion, she swung the pouch in a large circle, spreading the tannerite all over the immediate area.

Then, she looked up.

The cocoons were swinging back and forth violently from the shockwaves produced by the first explosion. “Onyx, get up, and get ready to catch!”

She didn't know what was driving her at this point, but she didn't dare slow down and stop to ask. Amethyst concentrated, and fired several bolts of magic at the roof, tearing through the tops of the first cocoon. Onyx had just nearly gotten to his hooves when Pyrite’s cocoon fell on his back, causing him to fall back to the floor. The second cocoon fell just as quickly as the first, hitting the side of the throne before sliding down, landing next to the guards.

Amethyst used her magic to slice through the icky substance, and Shining Armor spilled out onto the floor. Before bothering to check on him and make sure he was alright, she rushed towards Pyrite. Letting out an animalistic cry, she sliced the cocoon open, freeing her daughter.

Amethyst grinned widely as she picked the little changeling up, holding her tight against her chest. “My… My baby…”

Her eyes fluttered open, like she was awakening from her afternoon nap, and she looked up into Amethyst’s. “Mmmmm… Mmmmama?”

Onyx and Shining had managed to collect themselves too. The prince looked at his surroundings with a puzzled expression. “What in Celestia’s name is…”

Onyx helped him forward. “We’ll explain later, sir. Right now, we have to get out of here.” Shining agreed without saying a word, nodding his head quickly.

“Ponies, let's move!”

Amethyst gasped as she noticed the changeling by the nearest corridor. It was Mantis, it had to be. He waved his hooves wildly in an attempt to get their attention.

“Come on!”

Amethyst quickly stuffed Pyrite into the left, main pocket of her saddlepack. “Stay here, baby… Mama’s going to keep you safe…”

Then, with Onyx and Shining Armor right behind her, she charged towards the corridor. In the cavern behind them, the panicking changelings were beginning to recover from their surprise. Now that they had a definite target, they began to chase after the escaping ponies. Without stopping, Amethyst fired a magical bolt behind her, igniting the tannerite she had thrown earlier. Several changings went flying into the air while others were blown back against the cavern walls.

Shining looked impressed, but he couldn't bring himself to speak while he ran. Together, they sprinted through the winding corridors, but by the size of the incline, one thing was certain. They were going up.

Mantis took the lead, yelling out directions. “Two more lefts, a right, and another left!”

Amethyst didn't have to see the army pursuing them to know they were furious. Their angry cries could be heard echoing through the corridors as they chased the ponies out of the hive. The farther up they went, the colder it got.

Amethyst’s heart was racing. They were so close. They had done it, and now, they were so close to making it out. She could see the ice ahead, now. It was right there.

“Amethyst!”

Cicada came sprinting around a corner, running straight for the mare.

“You're dead!”

She lunged for her, hooves out and horn glowing. Cicada’s hooves caught Amethyst’s neck, and on the slippery ice, they both went down.

Onyx turned around just in time to see them brawling in the floor. Amethyst kicked Cicada off and tried to make a run for it, only to have the changeling grab her legs from behind. Amethyst hit the ice again, and Cicada was on her in an instant. “You damn ponies!” She hit the guard’s jaw, drawing blood. “You couldn't just leave us alone!”

She hit her again. “You just had to take the little brat for yourself!” Cicada wailed on Amethyst, hitting her again and again. “You can't even fight back! Your love for the little bitch has made you weak!”

“Amethyst!” It was Onyx, he was coming back for her.

Amethyst wanted to yell at him to stay away. Her bag had been torn in the fight with Cicada, spilling a large amount of tannerite next to her. The purple guard grinned a toothy, bloody smile, briefly confusing the changeling on top of her. “My… love for… her… d-d-didn't make me… weak…” She coughed up more blood before pointing her horn towards the powder. “It made me strong…”

“Amethyst, no!”

There was an eat-shattering clap of thunder. Then, it all went white.


***


Amethyst gasped, inhaling the sharp, freezing air that soared around her. She couldn't tell if her eyes were open or not, there was nothing to see but white. It was all white. Her ears tingled as a subtle ringing sound echoed in her mind, and her entire body felt completely numb.

*Am I… dead?*

She turned her head and reached out, touching the snow that surrounded her. Part of her knew the snow was there. It was hard and cold, but she still wasn't certain that she was even alive. Amethyst held her hooves to her face, but even when they were right in front of her, she could hardly see them through the blizzard that consumed her. She brought a hoof closer and clamped her teeth onto her own flesh. She bit into her skin until she drew blood, warm blood.

*I… I'm not dead…*

Her experiment worked. She wasn't dead, but she was going to be unless she moved. She was going to freeze to death within the span of a few minutes. That was the first rule of the Frozen North, never sit still.

Though she had confirmed that she wasn't dead, there remains many questions. Where was her partner? Where was Shining? Where was Pyrite? Her little changeling was gone, and the saddlepack was in tatters. Pyrite could have been blasted in any direction.

Amethyst rolled on her side, brushing off much of the snow that had begun to bury her alive. Then, she let out a feeble attempts at a yell. “Pyrite!” She breathed heavily, preparing her lungs to try again. “Pyrite!!!”

Amethyst cried out over and over again, reaching out for her daughter with her damaged voice. Miraculously, the little changeling responded. Her infant cries and shrieks were carried across the deafening winds until they reached Amethyst’s ears, but they sounded like they were getting softer.

Amethyst coughed and wheezed as she tried to sit upright. The howling wind was soaring from every possible direction, blinding her completely in the storm of snow.

“Py-Pyrite!”

She groaned as she got to her hooves, only to fall forward.

“Pyrite!”

Through the snow and ice, Amethyst crawled forward, following the distant cries of her daughter. She couldn't see through the sheer power of the blizzard around her. Keeping her head low, she crawled forward, one hoof at a time. “Pyrite, I'm coming! Mommy’s coming!”

Amethyst reached forward again, and a sharp pain enveloped her right side. She cried out as she held her inflamed abdomen. Bits of molten rock had seared her fur and skin during the explosion, but Amethyst bit her lip and fought through the pain. “Pyrite, where are you?!”

Through the blinding, white blizzard, she could make out two dark shapes. Rejuvenated by what she saw ahead and fueled by her maternal rage, Amethyst forced herself to her hooves and let out a blood curdling yell. “Pyrite! Pyrite, is that you?!”

There was no response. Instead, one of the ghostly figures turned to look at her, and a flood of tears began to surge, freezing solid against her cheeks. “Pyrite! No!” The figure over Pyrite brought her hoof down, aiming for the helpless changeling. “NO!!!”

Time slowed down, and Amethyst leveled her horn, discharging a fiery bolt of whatever magic she had left. The figure was blasted away into the blizzard. Exhausted of all energy, Amethyst collapsed back into the snow, reaching forward. “Pyrite! I'm coming! Mama’s coming!”

She let out a pained groan with every hoof she set forward. Inch by inch, she crawled a little closer. Pyrite’s cries lead the way, leading Amethyst through the falling ice until her hooves made contact.

Amethyst screamed with delight as her hooves wrapped around Pyrite. “My baby!!!” She laughed and cried at the same time, nuzzling her changeling while holding her tight. “My little Pyrite…”

At her mother’s touch, Pyrite was silenced. She cooed softly at the feeling of being in Amethyst’s warm embrace once again. “Pyrite… It's me… It's mommy… Wake up…”

But the little changeling didn't move. Amethyst caressed her cheek, nudging her slightly. “Pyrite?”

Still no movement.

The guard gentle touched Pyrite again, and her head fell to the side, cold and limp. Then. Amethyst’s heart stopped. “No…” Tears began to freeze as they leaked out of her eyes. “No… No… Pyrite, wake up… Pyrite, please, wake up…”

Pyrite didn't move. There was no sign of any breathing. “You… You can't be… You can't…” Amethyst held her daughter tighter. “Don't do this to me, Pyrite… Wake up… WAKE UP!!!”

She screamed over the howling blizzard before she broke down completely, falling into tears.

“She won't be waking up…”

Amethyst looked up. It was Cicada. The changeling stood over them, limping badly from where the guard’s magic had hit her. Green blood poured from the wound, and the changeling winced as though every breath pained her. “Like I told you before, you stubborn ass… Pyrite was never meant to be yours…”

Cicada laughed before a wave of brutal coughs overcame her. She coughed and coughed until blood came out, hitting the snow at her hooves. “You were… t-t-too late to… sa-save her life…” She wiped her snout. “The Frozen North shows no mercy to the young and weak…”

Amethyst couldn't face it. She couldn't believe that her baby was gone. “I went through so… much… I got her… I got her… She was mine!”

Cicada made a face like a pouting foal. “Yes, you were brave… You risked your life for hers, and you managed to save her, only to have her ripped from you hooves.” Then, her horn began to glow. “Don't fret, my little pony… What you did is nothing short of admirable. You've earned my respect for that, but we both know what has to happen next…”

Amethyst lowered her head. She took in Pyrite’s lifeless form, cradling the little changeling’s body in her hooves. She wanted her to be the last thing she saw.

“Look on the bright side, pony… You'll be reuniting with your precious daughter after all…” Then, she coughed up more blood as she pointed her horn at Amethyst. “Uhg… Hold still…”

Her horn was shining brightly now. Amethyst could feel the energy radiating from the tip of Cicada’s jagged font of magic. “This is your end, Amethyst…”

“NO!!!” As if from nowhere, Onyx came sprinting towards them.

The stallion let out a bellowing yell as he lunged forward, hooves spread outward. He hit Cicada head first, sending the both of them tumbling into the blizzard. Amethyst looked up, surprised by the arrival of her partner. “Onyx…”

She gasped, breathing heavily as she watched him bring the changeling down. Then, she collapsed in the snow. Cicada struggled against the strength of the larger stallion. Using her rear legs, she kicked him in his gut, hard, stunning him long enough for her to roll out of his grasp and get back to her hooves. “You just don't quit, do you?!”

Onyx was back on his hooves in no time at all. “Quitting isn't in the Royal Guard’s manual, you bitch.”

The two of them circled around each other, each sizing the other up. Then, Cicada made the first move. She leveled her horn and charged. Running straight for the guard, she let out a scream so loud and terrifying that it even drowned out the rushing winds.

Onyx could barely see her through the snow. He dug his rear hooves into the snow behind him and braced himself. Ducking quickly, her horn missed his chest. It only grazed his left shoulder, but it left a gash that quickly began to bleed.

A second later, Cicada once again found herself trapped in the guard’s hooves. He had them locked together in a position that might appear lewd at first glance. “Hmm… Does this mean you're reconsidering my previous offer, handsome?” She mocked Onyx by blowing a kiss in his face before stepping on his hooves, causing him to let go and cry out in pain.

Onyx returned the favor, taking a tab at her wound. His hoof hit the bloody mark dead on, and Cicada snarled like an angry beast. They exchanged blows again and again, aiming their hooves for the other's weaknesses. Grinning wildly, Cicada caught Onyx once more on the side of his head, sending him falling into the snow. “Take a shot, guard!”

By the time Onyx’s vision straightened out, she was gone. “Hey! Come back here!”

He quickly climbed back to his hooves and spun in a circle.

“Onyx!”

The stallion spun around. It was Amethyst. She came towards him, limping through the snow. “Onyx, help me! Pyrite is sick! We need to-” She coughed furiously. “We… We need to get out of here!”

Onyx ran forward, but as he got closer, the more he came to realize something was ‘off’. “Onyx, please!” Amethyst was begging him, now. Her eyes were pleading as she beckoned him with her hoof. “Onyx, I need you!”

Then, he saw the subtle flash of green in her eyes.

He stopped in his tracks and lowered his horn as it began to glow. Amethyst glared at him and bared her teeth. “Hmm... The stud has a modicum of intelligence… I can see why Amethyst likes you. Are you this good in bed?”

The pony leaped into the air, changing back into her natural, changeling form mid-flight. Onyx fired the bolt of magic he had ready, catching Cicada in her chest. The magic seared her skin, burning a new hole into her. She fell to the ground, crying in pain.

Cicada looked down at the smoking hole in her chest before shooting Onyx a murderous look. “You… ass…” She got to her hooves only to stumble over. “I… I'm going to rip your throat out!”

Onyx was breathing heavily. He was too tired to keep fighting. That last bolt of magic was all of the energy he had left. He was aiming for Cicada’s heart, but he must have missed, or she didn't have one. Either way, he was in trouble.

As the changeling bared down on him, he tried to swing his hoof, only for his attack to be easily deflected. Cicada hit Onyx as hard as she could manage, which was enough to send him down. Then, she pressed her hoof against his neck, and she began to press down, hard. “Do you know how many ponies I've killed… how many guards I've slain?” She hissed menacingly, her tongue licking his ear. “You aren't the first... and you won't be… the last…”

She pressed down forcefully, cause the stallion to gurgle and sputter. “What's that? You wish to say something?” Cicada lifted her hoof slightly, allowing Onyx a much needed breaths. “Speak, guard… It'll be the last thing you ever say…”

Onyx looked up at her, and he smiled. “I s-s-said… Look… behind you…”

Cicada realized what he meant all too late, and she turned around just in time to see Mantis’ hoof. The changeling’s hoof connected with her jaw, sending her flying back into the snow, where she landed with a hard ‘thud’. Cicada rubbed her muzzle as she stood back up, swaying slightly from side to side. She watched as Mantis helped Onyx up, and the two of them confronted her.

Mantis stepped forward. “It's over, Cicada!”

Cicada began to laugh. “Mantis, do you think this changes anything?! Do you really believe that helping these ponies will… somehow make them forgive you, and… and forget everything you've done?!” She continued to laugh, wiping away the green blood as it poured from her busted jaw. “You've killed guards… just like me… You've stolen their lives, their identities… just like me… Silvershield… Emerald… and so many others!”

Cicada took a step towards them, glaring at the changeling. “You're a monster, Mantis… Just. Like. Me!”

Mantis lowered his head, glaring at the snow. “You're wrong, Cicada… I used to be a monster…” He glanced to the side, at Onyx. “I used to follow my orders blindly, doing whatever I had to do in order to satisfy Queen Chrysalis…” He approached Cicada until he could clearly see the bloodlust in her eyes. “I used to be a real asshole, but the difference between you and me, Cicada…” He raised his hoof, winding it back. “… is I'm actually trying to do something about it! This is for Emerald, and this is for me!”

Then, he let loose his hoof, sending it flying towards the changeling's face, knocking her out completely. Unconscious, Cicada fell into the snow for the last time.

Onyx stared at her for several moments before turning his head to look at Mantis. “Thank you…”

Mantis looked down, and what he saw surprised him. The guard was extending his hoof. He hesitated for only a brief moment before meeting the guard’s hoof with his own, shaking it.

Onyx shook his head, hardly believing what he was actually doing. Then he looked behind them, towards the thicket of the raging winter. He couldn't see Amethyst anywhere. “Hurry, let’s find her and Shining. We need to find someplace to bunker ourselves in until this storm lets up.”

They searched through the blizzard, but their battle with Cicada had taken them far from Amethyst. “Onyx!” Mantis yelled through the wind, trying not to open his mouth too far to prevent it from filling with snow. “Onyx, I found her, and she doesn't look good!”

The stallion sprinted forward, huffing and puffing as he followed the sound of Mantis’ voice until he found him kneeling next to Amethyst. The changeling had been telling the truth. She did not look good at all.

She was already mostly buried in the snow, her body curled in a fetal position around Pyrite. “She's not moving!”

Mantis brushed the a lot of the snow off of her, revealing the ruined armor that had melted to her side during the tannerite explosion. “What do we do?!”

Onyx didn't know what to do. No amount of training, no preparation of any kind could have readied him for a situation like this. He was completely lost, and he had no idea of what to do. His legs buckled, and Onyx collapsed from exhaustion, falling right next to Amethyst.

“Onyx!” Mantis sounded like he was a thousand miles away.

The stallion kept his eyes trained on Amethyst’s peaceful expression. “Amethyst…” He groaned as he reached for her. His hoof cupped her chin, and he caressed her cheek. “Amethyst… I… I've al-always… wanted you to know… that... I… lo-love… y-y-you… I always… have…”

His final breath escaped his lips as his last word drew to a close. Then, his eyes fell closed, and his hoof fell limp. Mantis couldn't believe what he was seeing. “No… No, No, No! Onyx! Amethyst!” He spun in a circle, looking frantically in every direction. “Damnit! Shining! Anypony!”

It was a pitiful attempt. Mantis knew deep down that nopony would be coming. Nopony even knew where they were.

“Help!”

Mantis fell on his rear, next to Onyx. Looking up hopelessly at the winter storm, he charged his horn. It was all he had left. Mantis closed his eyes, and as the wind billowed around him, he fired brilliant bolts of magic into the sky. He sat there for several minutes, firing magical flares into the air as snow piled up around him.

Amethyst and Onyx were almost completely buried now, and he was tiring quickly. Using magic would constantly would drain him until he was too weak to keep his eyes open. Then, he would fall, just like the guards.

Mantis was already beginning to feel worn out. He was just beginning to lean when he heard voices in the distance.

“This way!”

“I saw the signals coming from over here!”

Mantis’ ears perked up. Those voices belong to Royal Guards. He couldn't believe it. A fresh wave of energy surged through the changeling, and he forced himself to his feet, moaning painfully as he did.

“Here!” He yelled into the wind. “Over here! Help us!”

Several guards appeared through the blizzard. Mantis saw their helmets first. Shining was with them! Standing behind him was… Twilight Sparkle?

Mantis was briefly confused by the arrival of the princess, but he quickly overcame his shock, and he began waving a hoof towards them wildly. “We’re over here!”

More guards were arriving through the veil of snow, and they quickly surrounded him, leveling their horns towards the changeling. Shining quickly called them off, earning a smile from his little sister.

“Stand down! He's with us.”

Uneasily, the guards raised their horns.

Mantis pointed towards Amethyst and Onyx. “Shining, we have to get them out of here, now!”

The guards agreed unanimously, and several medics rushed forward. Within moments, the bodies of Amethyst, Onyx, and Pyrite were uncovered and placed on sleds. Amethyst and Pyrite shared a sled while Onyx got his own. They were secured with straps, and thin covers were placed over their frozen bodies.

Mantis looked concerned. Shining noticed the worried look in his eyes, and he approached the changeling. “There's nothing we can do for them here… We have to get them back to the empire before anything can be done.”

It wasn't exactly the words of comfort Mantis had hoped for, but it was all he had. With nothing left to say, he collected himself and began following after the guards as they dragged the sleds behind them. They were finally leaving the Frozen North, and that was good enough for him.

He walked forward several steps before coming to a stop. Mantis looked over his shoulder. He could have sworn he had seen something through the thick downpour of ice. It looked like a tall, shadowy figure, probably a frost troll, or another beast native to the icy region, but the figure vanished in a muffled flash of green. A wave of chills and shivers traveled down Mantis’ back, and he bolted forward to catch up with the guards. “That tears it… I am so damn sick of this place…”

He ran, and he didn’t look back once.


***Up Next: New Beginnings***

> Part 7: New Beginnings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Can you hear me, pony? I hope you can, because we have much to discuss…”

The voice echoed slightly, like the speaker was at the end of a long corridor. It sounded like it belonged to a mare.

“After recent events, I have come to realize something about you… Your love and compassion for each other forms bonds stronger than any other, and when you stand with your friends, united through a common love, you ponies can actually be a great threat. Because of this, I will do everything within my power…”

There was a slight pause as she drew on a deep breath.

“… to utterly wipe it out… You may think this is over… You may think you're safe in your empire, but let me make one thing clear… I will not stop until I have devoured every morsel of love… There is nowhere you can go, nowhere you can find peace, and when you are in my grasp, I will make your death slow and agonizing…”

The voice sounded sinister and menacing, like sharp nails against glass.

“For now, enjoy your little victory… You and your friends may have bested Cicada, but I have many more agents, more than you can imagine… Her failure has taught me that you aren't as weak as I once thought. That is a mistake I will not make a second time…”

The voice chuckled softly.

“Rest, my dear Amethyst, for when you awaken, I will be coming for you…”


***


Amethyst opened her eyes, at last, and what she saw spun her head in circles. The changeling hive… The Frozen North… It was all gone.

She was in an emergency room, one of many in the infirmary within the barracks. Her eyes glanced to her left and right, looking for anypony to talk to, but she was alone. Confused even more, Amethyst shifted on her side and tried to sit upright. She could have sworn she heard somepony talking a few moments ago, but there was no pony around to speak.

Her entire body felt numb, except her right side. She couldn't feel her right side at all. Amethyst groaned again as she opened her mouth. Her throat felt like it had been cut in a thousand places. She tried to form a word, any word, but all that came out was a painful sound. Amethyst tried again and again to speak, moaning as her throat burned like fire.

At the sound of her cries, a nurse from the corridor outside quickly rushed into the room. Seeing that Amethyst was up, a huge smile broke onto her face. “Doctor! Doctor, she’s awake! I'm going to find Prince Armor!”

The nurse bolted down the corridor, out of Amethyst’s field of view, but she was quickly replaced by the doctor that she had called. A stallion with a white coat entered the room. In his magical cloud were several sheets of paper and a glass of water. He approached her bedside and passed the glass along to Amethyst, prompting her to drink it. “You've been out for quite a while, Sergeant Amethyst… Drink this. It'll help.”

She eyed the glass carefully before taking several small sips of the what she thought was simply ‘water’. The clear liquid didn't taste like water at all. It tasted like a rich mixture of chocolate and honey. It was warm, too. The liquid slid down his throat, soothing her immensely.

After swallowing the smaller sips, Amethyst quickly gulped down the rest of the glass, letting out a satisfied sigh as he finished it all. She could feel it traveling through her body, warming every part of her being. “That's… good…”

The doctor chuckled. “Do you like it? That's a special elixir created by Princess Celestia herself. It's impossible to come by unless you have special permission from the princess. I don't know how, but Princess Twilight convinced her to give us some to aid in your treatment and recovery.”

Amethyst stared at the empty glass with disappointment. She was almost sad that there was none left. The doctor must have figured out what she was thinking, because he reached out to the nightstand beside her bed and revealed a large pitcher, showing Amethyst the clear elixir with a smile. “Don't worry, sergeant. We have more.” He poured her another glass, which she quickly began to drink. “Now, how do you feel?”

It was wonderful. Just like the first glass, the water-looking liquid soothed her throat the moment it made contact. With every gulp, she began to feel a little stronger. “Much better… Thank you…”

Amethyst unleashed a quiet ‘burp’ as she set the second glass down, but the warm feelings the elixir provided her subsided quickly, leaving her with the soreness she knew before. Using her magic carefully, Amethyst set the glass back down.

She looked around the room, taking in more of her surroundings. There were several more beds lined along the wall, but they were all empty. “Where… Where’s Onyx? Where’s Mantis?” Amethyst felt hopelessly lost, having no recollection of her friends and their whereabouts. “Where is Pyr…”

Her voice fell silent. She almost said her name.

*Don't say her name… Don't even think her name… She's gone, and there's nothing you can do about it…*

The doctor made a concerned face as he shifted through his papers. “Uh… I don't know any ‘Mantis’, but Onyx was released from the emergency ward several days ago.”

Amethysts ears perked up at the sound of her lover’s name.

*He’s alive…*

The doctor noticed her interest and smiled. “Yes, Amethyst, Sergeant Onyx is alive and well. He did suffer severely from the cold, though. His prolonged exposure to the frozen north’s subzero temperatures damaged much of the muscle tissue in his legs. We've incorporated him into a physical therapy program to help him repair his muscles.” The doctor’s eyes never rose from the papers in his grasp. “Your friend, Emerald, volunteered to oversee his recovery.”

That last part peaked her curiosity. Amethyst had never once spoken to Emerald. She hardly knew the stallion. Why the doctor was referring to him as her ‘friend’ was beyond her. Then, the doctor cleared his throat as he prepared himself to continue. “As for Pyrite…”

Amethyst heart fell in her chest. She closed her eyes and looked away. She tried to raise her hooves to cover her ears, but she could only move her left hoof. She didn't want to hear it. She didn't want to hear anything.

It was just more bad news that would make her feel even worse than she already did, but the doctor continued anyway. “I'm a little embarrassed to admit that we don't know a lot about changeling anatomy, so operating in her was a real challenge. Pyrite, being so small and young, suffered catastrophic failures to most of her important bodily functions…”

Amethyst shut her eyes, blinking out the tears that had built up. She couldn't bare to listen, but she still couldn't move her right hoof to cover her other ear.

“The cold temperatures of the Frozen North completely shattered much of her nervous system, but it also slowed her heart rate to the point where she was suspended in a state of eternal rest.” The doctor lifted the papers to show Amethyst, despite her attempts to block him out. “Her nervous system will heal with time, but we needed changeling blood that was a match to hers in order to… restart her body.”

Amethyst heard that part, and she opened her eyes, meeting the doctor’s gaze at last. “Yo-You… What?”

The doctor was grinning like crazy. “We saved her, Amethyst. Emerald came through and delivered us the changeling blood we needed. I don't know how he could have possible gotten the blood, but we didn't care to ask at the time. We took the blood and transfused it into Pyrite, restarting her heart. That was… about six days ago. Pyrite is still recovering, but… it looks like she's going to be just fine.”

Amethyst couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe a thing she was hearing. Pyrite was alive. All of the emotions that had been building inside of her, everything she had been keeping to herself… They came out, all at once.

Amethyst sobbed as tears of joy flowed from her eyes like summer rain. Her mind was no longer in control, and Amethyst threw the covers off of her as she pulled the doctor towards her in an iron embrace. Her left hoof was wrapped around the laughing doctor's back, but she still couldn't feel her right hoof.

Then, she looked down and saw why.

Her joyful cries fell silent, and her tears dried in an instant. The doctor too stopped laughing as Amethyst pulled away, looking down at what remained of her right side. All of her fur was gone. What was left was an ugly patch of bloody and pink flesh. The blood had dried, forming discolored scabs surrounding gaping scars. Then, there was her front, right leg…

Almost nothing remained.

Only a small stump protruded from her body. Suddenly, Amethyst felt very sick. She couldn't stand the sight of her body, so she quickly turned her head. Her heart pounded against her chest, thundering in her ears as her breathing quickened.

The doctor set his papers down and placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Easy, Amethyst… You need to calm down before you-”

“CALM?!” Amethyst’s swift outburst silenced him instantly, causing him to recoil. “MY LEG IS GONE! A PIECE OF ME IS MISSING! HOW IN EQUESTRIA DO YOU EXPECT ME TO STAY CALM?!”

“There was nothing we could do…” The doctor spoke meekly as his gaze lowered. “The damage caused by the explosion was too great… Your leg was completely destroyed, so removing it entirely was the best option we had.”

Amethyst was beginning to feel dizzy and lightheaded. Her breathing slowed and became deeper. “Wha… What am I going… to do?”

The doctor filled the glass with Celestia’s elixir once more before prompting Amethyst to drink it. “It'll be a long and difficult road, but this is something you'll be able to overcome, Amethyst. With practice and time, you'll master walking, running, and doing all of the other things required of a Royal Guard in the field.”

Amethyst released a long sigh. That was the answer she was afraid of. “Prince Armor has barred you from any missions until you are back up to full strength. If it makes you feel any better, you'll be joining Sergeant Onyx in your physical therapy courses.”

Amethyst finished the glass a third time, and she let out a satisfied moan as the celestial drink sent waves of warmth, pleasure, and comfort throughout her entire body. She even managed a weak smile at the thought of seeing Onyx at a physical theory session. “When… When can I leave? I want to see Pyrite and my friends…” She made a face like a pouting foal. “Come on, doctor… I've feel like I've been in bed for weeks…”

The doctor shrugged. “You have, actually. Two weeks, to be precise.”

Just hearing that made her feel even more stiff. Amethyst groaned as she struggled to slide out of the bed. “I want out… now.”

The doctor didn't look too convinced, but he offered her a helping hoof. “Alright… but take caution. The elixir may make you feel stronger, but that's only an effect of the pain being dulled.”

As soon as her three remaining hooves hit the floor, Amethyst knew instantly what he was talking about. A sharp pain shot up through her hooves, like needles sticking in her legs.

*I can do this…*

Step by step, with the doctor standing very close by, Amethyst hobbled towards the door. First, she moved her rear legs, then, once she had the energy, she took in a deep breath and lunge forward, landing on her front leg.

*I can do this… I can-*

She stumbled at the door, hitting the wooden frame. The doctor rushed to her aid, but she waved him away. “No… No.. I can do this…”

“Can you?”

Amethyst shot him a mean look before turning her attention back to the door knob. Her horn ignited, and with her magic, she opened the door and stumbled into the corridor outside. Outside, an audience of guards and nurses waited for her, filling the entire corridor. At the sight of seeing Amethyst walking out of the emergency ward, they erupted into a hellstorm of cries and cheers.

Some had flowers and others stomped their hooves in celebration. “What… What is this?”

Amethyst looked to her left and right at the mob barraging her with joyful screams. All around her were faces she knew.

“I'll tell you what this is, Amethyst.”

Everypony fell silent in an instant. At the end of the corridor, standing before them was Princess Cadence, Princess Twilight, and Prince Armor.

Cadence stepped forward. “Everypony in the empire has heard about what you and Sergeant Onyx did in the frozen north… The two of you foiled a changeling plot to destroy the Crystal Empire, you destroyed a changeling nest, and you saved my husband’s life…”

Shining blushed slightly at that last part, looking a little meek and embarrassed. Then, she did something completely unexpected. Amethyst watched with wide eyes as the princess of love kneeled before her, bowing her head to the floor. “Thank you, Sergeant Amethyst, for your service to the empire…”

Shining shot her a subtle ‘wink’ before bowing like his wife, and Twilight bowed after him. Then, everypony in the corridor lowered their heads, bowing towards Amethyst. Her legs began to shake violently. The effects of the elixir must have been fading, because Amethyst wasn't sure how much longer she could stay standing. “Y-Y-You're welcome, your majesty…”

Then, she collapsed, causing everypony to gasp, but she never hit the floor. Onyx arrived as if from out of nowhere and caught her at the last possible second, hoisting her up. Amethyst beamed at him before cleared her throat and rose to her full height once again. “Falling for me again, are you?”

Amethyst had no time to react as he pulled her into a deep kiss. Everypony in the corridor cheered and whistled as the two guards shared a loving kiss. Then…

“Mama! Ma-Ma-Mama!!!”

The crowd of guards shouted in celebration at the top of their lungs as Pyrite galloped towards Amethyst, effectively evading the team of nurses that were in charge of her care. “Pyrite!”

Amethyst shook herself free from Onyx’s hooves and lurched forward, meeting her daughter in the center of the corridor. She lifted the little changeling into the air with her magic and spun in circles until they both collapsed on the floor, laughing and grinning wildly. Amethyst nuzzled her little changeling at last, showering Pyrite with dozens of kisses, extracting shrieks of laughter from her as she tried to squirm free.

Onyx smiled, watching from a distance before Amethyst looked over her shoulder at him and motioned with her head for him to join them. “Get over here, you…”

He hesitated for a brief second, but he succumbed under the deafening cheers from the ponies around him that were demanding him to join Amethyst. Onyx knelt beside her on the floor, tucking his hooves under his body. Amethyst smiled up at him as she wrapped her hoof around his neck, pulling him closer so her lips grazed against his ear.

Expecting her to say something sweet or romantic, Onyx was surprised when she said: “Help me up, moron.”

He grinned at her and shook his head. “No… I think I'm fine right here…”

Then, he pulled her into another kiss, this one lasting much longer than the first. Amethyst was surprised, at first, but she melted in his hooves, and her eyes quickly closed as kiss enveloped her. Everypony, especially Princess Cadence, lost it completely. They were cheering so loudly, neither sergeant could hear themselves think. Pyrite, trapped between the kissing guards, squirmed to free herself.

“Woo! Go Amethyst! Get some! You go, mare!”

That was enough to distract her. She broke the kiss with Onyx and looked up. Amber stood over them, wearing the biggest smile possible on her lips. She looked a thousand times better than she had the last time Amethyst had seen her. “So, when are you two gonna get married or somethin’?”

Amethyst’s cheeks turned bright red, and she looked at the floor to avoid Onyx’s gaze. “Well… we…”

It was a little early for such talk. Onyx and Amethyst both stumbled over each other as they tried desperately to stand back up. No longer being squeezed between them, Pyrite saw her opportunity to escape and jumped to freedom.

“Amber, you can't just ask couples when they are going to pledge themselves to each other.” Emerald appeared by her side, bumping his flank against hers. “You have to be a little more subtle than that.” Then, he turned to face Onyx. “You need a ring, right? Isn't that how you ponies do it?”

That time, it was Amber who hit Emerald, jabbing her hoof into his shoulder. Emerald rubbed the sore spot while grinning mischievously.

By now, the crowd of ponies watching them had begun to disperse. Some came by to congratulate and thank the sergeants for their valor and bravery. Others delivered flowers until Amethyst had a full arrangement in her magical grasp. Onyx stood by her right side, allowing Amethyst to lean on him for support. Amethyst let out a long breath as she watched Pyrite nuzzle against her front leg.

“Well… Neither of us are going to be seeing active duty anytime soon…” She looked back up to face Onyx. “I could really use an extra pair of hooves to... move into my quarters and help me with Pyrite…”

Onyx’s cheeks flushed red. She was asking him to move in with her. It was only across the hall, but still… That was a big step for the time they have been together, which is not that long. Both of them knew that, but after what they had been through together, neither cared. They loved each other, and they loved Pyrite, and that was what really mattered.

“I… I'd be honored, Sergeant Amethyst…” 

They smiled before sharing another kiss. Emerald leaned in closer to Amber so he could whisper. “Can they do that?”

Amber shook her head and laughed. “Who’s going to stop them? Come on… Let's leave them alone for a little while.”

Emerald didn't want to. He was enjoying the taste of all of the love in the air, but he was no match for his new fillyfriend. She grabbed onto his hoof and pulled him down the corridor, disputed his silent protests.

“Mantis!”

They stopped and turned around. Amethyst was hobbling towards them. “Mantis, wait…” She stopped in front of them, out of breath. “I… I mean… Emerald… I know what you did, Emerald…” Amethyst leaned forward and planted a small kiss on his cheek. “You saved Pyrite, and you saved me… Don't think I'll forget that anytime soon…”

Emerald blushed and smiled. “Hey… We’re friends, right? I'd do anything to protect my friends…” Then, he eyed Pyrite. “… and my new queen…”

Amethyst laughed as he bowed to Pyrite, who thought it was some sort of game, so she hit him on the nose. They said their ‘goodbyes’ and went their separate ways. Amber and Emerald went to the commissary while Onyx and Amethyst began the long walk to their quarters with Pyrite at their hooves, and they didn't look back once.


***Weeks Later***


Amethyst frowned and blew her mane out of her face for the third time. It still wasn't right. Balancing on her hooves carefully, she placed her front leg on the rim of the sink in order to lean closer towards the mirror before her. She had gotten much better, balancing on three hooves. It was something she had to be good at, after all. In situations like hers, ponies would either learn and adapt, or they would be left behind.

Onyx was beside her the whole way, though. He always was there to support her, physically or in spirit. Frankly, Amethyst wondered where she would be without him.

A knock on the door startled her. “Are you almost done in there, Amy? Amber is here, and we need to get Pyrite dressed.”

There it was… his new nickname for her. To tell the truth, hearing him call her ‘Amy’ made her heart soar and her stomach fill with butterflies, but she didn't dare let him know that. There was a pause as she looked towards the door. A grin formed along her lips as she dropped down from the sink. “I'm coming out, Onyx. Hold on.”

She levitated the comb by the sink into her pack and turned to open the door. With her magic, she pushed the door open and stepped into the living area where she was met by a small audience. Onyx, Pyrite, Amber, Emerald, and Shining all stood around a coffee table in the center of the room, talking amongst themselves.

As Amethyst approached them, their conversation fell silent, and all eyes fell on her. Emerald was the first to acknowledge her. He bowed his head towards her. “Good morning, captain.”

Amethyst winced at the sound of her new title.

Sure, it was an honor and all, being the new captain of the Crystal Empire’s guards, but with that title came more responsibility than she had ever had to deal with before. Not only was she re-learning how to walk, she also had a daughter to raise, a fiancé to marry in less than a year, and an empire to protect. Needless to say, her plate was pretty full.

“There's no need for that, Emerald… I'm still the same ‘Amethyst’” Then, her attention shifted to Shining Armor. “Prince Armor, you're in my quarters… on a weekday…”

Shining smiled and rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, I know my visit isn't normal, but I have some great news I thought you'd want to hear right away.”

Amethyst gasped, and a huge grin came over her face. “You don't mean…”

Shining nodded his head. “It's here and ready for you to try on, Amethyst. Come by the armory when practice is over, and you can give it a proper test run.”

It wasn't good news. It was awesome news. Amethyst had been waiting on her prosthetic leg for weeks. It was supposed to be a beautiful combination of mechanical genius and magic, the very latest in imperial technology. Supposedly, it would feel just like her old leg.

Amethyst could hardly contain her excitement. “Oh, thank you! Thank you, Prince Armor!”

Shining wasn't ready when she lunged for him, throwing her one hoof around his neck and locking him in an embrace. After a second, he hugged her back. “Hey, you've more than earned it. You're a hero, Amethyst, remember?” Then, he looked around the room. “You all are.”

Emerald shuffled his hooves. “I didn't get a cool leg…”

Amber smacked the back of his head, causing him to recoil and rub the sore spot with his hoof. “You didn't lose a leg. We should be going. Practice is going to be starting soon.”

Shining nodded his head in agreement with the new sergeant. “Amber’s right. Let's get going, guards.”

Pyrite let out a delighted squeal as she followed Amethyst towards the door. Amethyst smiled at her. “Yes… You too, my little trickster.”

But before she could reach the door, Emerald stopped her. “Hold on, Amethyst. We need to talk quickly. Can you stay for a second?”

Onyx and Amber cocked their heads, but Amethyst waved them along. “It's alright. I'll be there soon.”

Onyx didn't look reassured, but he didn't object. Soon the entire room was emptied except for the two of them, Amethyst and Emerald.

When he was certain that the others were out of earshot, Emerald walked to the door and motioned for her to follow. “Come on. There's someplace we need to go.”

Amethyst cocked her head as she followed him out. “Go? Go where? What's this about, Emerald?”

She looked over her shoulder, down the corridor the others had went. “Practice starts in a few minutes.”

“We won't be long, I promise.”

Amethyst became less and less sure of that as they headed for the main doors. The two guards exited the barracks, entering the chilly wonderland that was the Crystal Empire. Despite the cold, no snow fell from the grey clouds above this time. Only a frigid breeze ruffled the plumage of their helmets. Together, they traveled down the steps and across the street.

Clad in full armor, nopony paid them any mind as they strolled down the sidewalk, but several ponies did glance towards the three-legged captain. They walked for several minutes. Just when Amethyst was about to ask again where they were going, Emerald came to a stop in front of a dark building. “We’re here.”

Amethyst looked up at the sign and frowned. It was a bar. “Emerald, my promotion was last week. There's no need for more celebrations…”

By the street, Amethyst could still hear the thundering music. Flashing lights pulsed, changing hues through the windows, and Amethyst could see a crowd of ponies inside, likely having a good time.

“We’re not here to drink.” Emerald didn't meet her eyes as he walked towards the bar. “We need to meet somepony.”

Amethyst was even more confused. She had no clue of what was happening, and her hooves stayed put. When Emerald realized she wasn't following him inside, he looked towards her and sighed. “I know you have questions, and I'll do my best to answer them, but you have to trust me, Amethyst.”

She frowned at him. “Tell me who were meeting.”

Emerald shook his head. “I can't. If I do, you won't agree to come inside, but you must.” Amethyst held her ground, extracting a frustrated snark from the stallion. “I'm serious, Amethyst!” Emerald hissed as he approached her. “Your life is in danger. Pyrite’s life is in danger. Even Onyx is a target. You're all being hunted by the hive.”

That got her attention. Amethyst had already lost Pyrite once. She wasn't about to lose her baby a second time. “You really pissed Chrysalis off when you destroyed her nest in the frozen north. She's coming for you, Amethyst, and you won't be able to stop her this time.”

He stormed into the bar with Amethyst trailing close behind. The loud music was deafening, but Amethyst kept a level head, eyeing the floor as she navigated through the crowd of ponies after Emerald. She finally caught him by a door, a private room. “How do you know this? What's Chrysalis planning? What are we-”

Emerald held up a hoof and shook his head, cutting Amethyst off. “I said I'd answer what I could. She'll have to tell you the rest…”

*She?*

Before Amethyst could ask him what he was talking about, Emerald opened the door, and she looked inside. Her jaw dropped.

“Hello, captain. Congratulations on your promotion. It was well deserved…” Cicada grinned as she stepped forward, showing off her fangs. “You're looking pretty good for a dead mare.”

Amethyst looked back towards Emerald. Her heart felt heavy with disbelief. When he said nothing, she looked back towards the changeling. “Don't worry, my dear. I'm not here to kill you. At least… not this time, anyway.”

Amethyst bared her teeth and prepared herself to battle the changeling. Cicada smiled at her, like it was what she wanted. “Yes, little pony, attack me. Exact your revenge! Kill me, and there will be nothing to stop Queen Chrysalis from devouring you all alive.”

Emerald placed a firm hoof on her back. “Listen to her, Amethyst. Cicada is with us now. We’ll need her help.”

He sounded like he wasn't happy about it either. That counted for something, at least. Amethyst complied and raised her horn, but she kept her glare trained Cicada. “What do you want? Why would you help us, and why should I listen to a thing you say?”

The changeling sighed. “That is a good question, pony. After what you did to me, I should let you die by the queen’s wrath, but…” She took a deep breath. “… you're my only means of getting my life back.”

Amethyst didn't care. She wanted nothing to do with Cicada. “Why should I trust you? You stole my baby. You tried to kill me!”

Cicada winced as she rubbed her bruised leg. “Yeah… I did, but things have changed. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right? A wise pony once said that, I think. After I failed to defeat you and kill the brat, Chrysalis tossed me away. She discarded me like trash. After all I had done for her, she abandoned me…”

Amethyst didn't know what to think. Trust was far from what she would give Cicada, but the threat was real. She could understand that much. Then, Amethyst saw something she thought she'd never see. Tears began to form in Cicada’s eyes.

The look on her face was one of pain, sorrow, and regret. “Chrysalis ruined my life… I have no loyalty to her anymore.” She looked Amethyst dead in the eyes. “The target on your head is just as big as the one on mine. If you want to make it through the next year alive and take her down, you're going to need my help.”


***Amethyst Will Return***



***The End: Volume 1***

> Vol 2: Part 8: Darkness Falling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***Volume 2***



***One Year Ago***


Night had fallen across the Frozen North, a desolate wasteland bordering the Crystal Empire, and the already subzero temperatures plummeted as the moon rose high into the night sky. Buried deep in the ground by rock and ice, a single changeling stirred in the nest.

“Shhhhh… Don't wake, little one.” She grunted softly as she hoisted an infant changeling onto her back. “Sleep, my little Azalea… We haven't much time.”

Phasmid treaded carefully as she navigated her way through the endless corridors and tunnels that made up the greater nest. It was imperative that she didn't wake any others that weren't a part of what she was about to do.

“Phasmid… What are you up to, now?”

She quickly spun around, looking for the source of the voice, and when she saw who had snuck up on her, she smiled with uncertainty. “Aphid, how many times have I told you not to do that…” Phasmid let out a sigh as her breathing began to recover from the sudden fright. “Why are you here?”

The changeling called Aphid lowered his head. “You know exactly why I'm here. Queen Chrysalis’ last egg, the infant you've been caring for, is queen…”

Phasmid shut her eyes. That was exactly what she was afraid of. It was the duty of the hive to care for and raise the next generation of changelings birthed by the queen, and over the past few weeks, Phasmid had done the unthinkable and grown attached to her charge. Now, she knew why.

She opened her eyes again, and more changelings appeared in the dark tunnel. She was surrounded. “Aphid, you know if Queen Chrysalis finds out that there's another queen, she'll kill her.” It was a hopeless attempt to plead with Aphid, but she had no other options.

He nodded his head. “I know.”

The look on Phasmid face was one of desperatation. “I… I can't let that happen, Aphid.”

He raised a gentle hoof and placed it against Phasmid’s shoulder, catching her by surprise. “I know, Phas… That's why we're going to help you.”

Phasmid looked around the tunnel, at the faces of the changelings around her. There had to be at least a dozen of them, and all wore sad smiles on their faces. “Aphid…” Phasmid struggled to hold back the tears of joy that had been building behind her eyes. “You don't have to do this.”

He nodded his head. “I do…” Then, he gestured to the changelings around him. “It's no secret that Queen Chrysalis is leading is all down a hole. After we lost the battle at Canterlot, things have gone from bad to worse. This new queen may be the only hope we have left.”

Collective nods were shared amongst the changelings. Phasmid looked over her shoulder, at the little changeling on her back. Azalea was sound asleep, snoring softly.

Hope…

That was something none of them had felt in years. Phasmid raised a hoof and pointed down the tunnel. “Alright… Let's get moving. We need to get out of here before the queen’s agents suspects anything.”

Together, the coalition of rogue changelings ventured up through tunnel after tunnel. To any outsider, the caves would swallow them whole, and they would never see the light of day again, but the changelings navigated the maze with ease. Marking certain corridors with certain pheromones only detectable by changelings, they could determine which tunnels lead deeper into the hive, which tunnels lead to the surface, and which ones were dead ends or traps. The air began to get noticeably colder as they got closer to the surface.

Eventually, Phasmid began to see her own short and rapid breaths, and the dark rock was replaced by a pale sheet of ice. They were almost out of the caves, out of the hive. Aphid turned to Phasmid as they walked and shot her a silly grin. “This is great… We can go far away from here, far away from this cold wasteland. We can find some nice caves in Equestria and start our own hive, and when our new queen comes of age, she can lead us to a brighter future…”

Phasmid blushed and gave him a shy smile. “That's a lot to think about…” She shivered slightly as the cold washed over her. “I do believe the next generation of changelings will thank us, though.”

A chilling laughter echoed throughout the frozen tunnel, stopping the group of changelings dead in their tracks. The already freezing air seemed to drop drastically in temperature as the amused laughter sent fear down the changelings’ spines, causing their torn wings to flutter nervously.

“Well… Isn't this something.”

She appeared in front of them as if from out of thin air.

Phasmid’s eyes narrowed, and she bared her teeth at the changeling blocking their path. “Cicada…”

The changeling grinned menacingly and spread her wings in an intimidating manner. Her eyes looked wild as they glanced over each and every one of the escapees. “What's that smell?” She sniffed the air, her nose twitching restlessly. “It kind of smells like… treason.” Cicada’s eyes fell on Phasmid and the infant on her back.

Aphid stepped forward, putting himself in between Phasmid and Cicada while taking a defensive stance. Her grin grew even wider, and her horn began to glow a sickly green color. “I’ll tell you what… Give me the little brat, and I won't kill every last one of you.”

The group of changelings exchanged horrified looks, but Aphid stood tall. “No deal, Cicada. We're done listening you you, and we're done starving of love in this… frozen hell!”

Cicada’s smile vanished. Her eyes narrowed as a slow breath escaped her lips. Then, there was a bright flash of light. Her horn discharged, releasing the concentrated energy that had been building up, and Aphid’s lifeless body fell to the ground. Phasmid’s eyes widened with terror, and her mouth quivered. A gaping hole occupied the middle of his chest, and green blood poured out onto the snow at an alarming rate as his open eyes stared blankly up at the roof of the cave.

Phasmid let out a shrill cry and lowered her horn. Cicada only had a split second to react before a bolt of magic came sailing towards her head. The bolt missed its target, only grazing her shoulder, but it left a blackened mark.

Cicada howled with pain. She glared at Phasmid before vanishing in a flash of light, but not before issuing a final order to her partner, who had been hiding in the shadows. “Mantis, kill them! Kill them all!”

The larger changeling that had been waiting revealed himself, and a bloody massacre ensued. One by one, he tore through the rogue changelings, ripping them down in the most gruesome ways imaginable. Legs were snapped in two, and throats were torn from necks as terrified screams filled the cave. Not even the blizzard outside could drown out the sounds of fear and death.

The moment Mantis attacked, Azalea had been thrown from Phasmid’s back, and she landed in the snow that carpeted the cave floor. Carnage ensued as the monstrous changeling agent tore the rogue escapees down one after the other. Azalea scampered through the snow, trying desperately to avoid the mangled bodies falling around her.

“Come here, you little brat!”

She was terrified beyond all belief. Then, a wild hoof caught her in the side, and she was sent flying across the cave, hitting the wall with a soft thud before falling into the snow again.

“Azalea! Azalea, run!”

It was her caretaker, Phasmid. The little changeling looked around for her before a mound of snow was pushed on top of her, burying her almost completely. Azalea could just barely see outside of her icy tomb. The cave was almost silent now, except for the desperate, painful cries of Phasmid. Mantis let out a beastly growl before throwing her onto the ground.

Tears swelled in the little changeling queen’s eyes as she watched her caretaker try to crawl towards her. Then, the changeling agent’s hoof came down, crushing her outstretched leg. Phasmid cried out, writhing in agony.

“Call for her, traitor…” Mantis pointed his horn towards her throat. “Call for the brat… Lurer her out…”

Phasmid gulped hard as she nodded her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Az-Azalea…” She sobbed, glaring up at Mantis. “Azalea… I want you…” Mantis’ eyes darted around the cave, scanning the area for the slightest movement. “I… want you… to run and hide! Run, and never come back!”

The changeling agent yelled ferociously before driving his horn into her neck, silencing her forever. With the last escapee dead, Cicada appeared before him, holding onto her wounded shoulder.

She looked around at the death and destruction around her. “That… was quite an impressive display, Mantis.” She walked forward until she reached Phasmid’s lifeless body, and she looked down, shaking her head with disappointment. “Such a shame… Queen Chrysalis won't be happy about this, but she will be pleased to know the false queen is dead.” She looked up, and her eyes met Mantis’. “She is dead, right?”

Mantis looked at the numerous bodies around him, very much trying to avoid making eye intact with Cicada. She was an expert when it came to telling lies, and she could just as easily tell if another was lying to her. That’s what made her so frightening and intimidating when on the job.

Mantis bit his lower lip, and he nodded his head. “Yeah… It's over. Tell the queen she doesn't have to worry any longer.”

Cicada smiled at last, and Mantis exhaled a breath of relief. She bought it. It wasn't her usual, menacing grin, but a genuinely happy and uncharacteristic smile. “That's wonderful. I'm glad you were able to handle this little… crisis so well.”

Then, something changed in her expression. Her eyelids fell, and her mouth formed into a very seductive grin. She batted her eyes as she raised a hoof to his cheek, caressing him gently. “Come, Mantis, I know of a few things we could do to… celebrate…”

Mantis liked the sound of that. Wiping a hoof across his forehead, just at the base of his horn, he followed after her, eager to see what ‘celebratory’ activities she had in mind. Walking in front of him, Cicada swayed her flanks from side to side in a sort of ‘come and get it’ fashion.

As the snow began to disappear and the caves became dark again, Mantis looked over his shoulder. Maybe Azalea wouldn't die by his hooves, but she was young, right? The cold would kill her in a matter of minutes. Then, she would join the rest of the traitors in their shallow graves. Satisfied by that thought, he turned back around and rushed after Cicada.


***


Azalea didn't dare poke her head out of her hiding place until she was certain the changeling agents were gone. She struggled to stand. The cold was already getting to her, and her movements became slow and sluggish. As she reached for the hole in the snow that was her way out, the mound above her collapsed, burying her completely.

In an act of survival instinct, her horn glowed and began radiating a tremendous amount of heat. The snow liquified around her, and Azalea emerged from the pile, cold and shivering, but free. The energy expelled from her horn had left her completely drained, and she collapsed.

Phasmid’s body lied before her. It had already begun to be buried by the incoming snow from the mouth of the cave so far away. The tears that fell from her eyes froze almost immediately, freezing against her cheeks as she crawled forward. “Mmm… Ma… Mama…”

She managed to stand up as she circled around to find Phasmid’s face. “Mama?” Azalea nuzzled her cheek, lifting the elder changeling’s head before it clumsily fell back over. “Ma-Mama…”

After Phasmid failed to wake up a second time, Azalea broke down completely, falling into a fit of wails and shrieks as she took in the sight of the bodies around her. “Mama! Mamaaaaa!”

She cried and screamed until she was once again drained of energy. Without food or water, the crying left her feeling very lightheaded and dizzy. The frozen tears on her cheeks had begun to build up, and after a few moments, she could barely see. Azalea remembered what Phasmid had told her.

She told her to run and never return, but she didn't know where to go. The hive was her home, and the Frozen North would mean the death of her for sure.

Instinct told her to run deeper into the caves where she would find familiar faces, but fear of the queen’s agents told her to take her chances in the wild blizzard. Not knowing what she should do, Azalea fell on her rear and cried until her eyes had frozen shut. Then, she curled up next to her caretaker’s motionless body and cried herself to sleep as the snow continued to creep into the cave, ever so gently encasing them.


***


Azalea didn't know how much time had passed when she woke up again, but it must have been quite a long time. As her eyes opened, she realized that she had been completely buried by snow. The cold felt numb to her, like it didn't bother her as much as it might have under different circumstances. Azalea quickly figured out that she was still able to move her legs, and she stretched them out in an attempt to find the way up and out of the snow.

Her horn began to glow softly, melting a little of the ice around her. Then, she saw them. Little droplets of water from the melting ice were falling. Mustering as much strength as she could, Azalea tunneled upward. Her right hoof broke through the surface of the snow first.

She pulled her head up and took in a deep breath of the cold air. Azalea breathed heavily as her lungs filled with oxygen before exhaling again. Exhausted after climbing out of the snow, she collapsed in a heap on the surface, and she began to shiver.

Azalea look in her surroundings carefully.

The cave was dark, much darker than it had ever been before. It was as though a shroud had fallen over the entire Frozen North, blotting out the light of the sun. The darkness marked the age of the eternal blizzard, an eleven month period where the snow never stopped pouring from the sky. To make things even worse, great winds from the far north would ravage the the landscape, kicking up massive clouds of snow that would blind anypony foolish enough to venture into them. The eternal blizzard made the Frozen North, already a treacherous place, into a land of nightmares.

Azalea’s horn was the only thing granting her light, the ability to see in the dark cave. “Mmmm… Ma?”

She turned her head, and the light from her horn came over the lifeless face of her caretaker, causing her to flinch. Azalea shut her eyes as she fought against the urge to cry. Phasmid’s body was all but completely buried, now. Only a little of her face and horn remained above the creeping snow.

Azalea opened her eyes and nuzzled her affectionately. “Mama…”

When she couldn't look any longer, she turned her gaze, looking inward. The changeling nest to her left looked inviting. Somewhere in that nest, there was warmth and food, her two greatest needs, at the moment. Azalea wanted so desperately to run back into the nest, a place she knew, but that would mean running into the agents that had tried so hard to kill her.

She looked to her right, towards the certain death that was the Frozen North. In the cave, she had at least some protection from the howling winds, but outside, she wouldn't last more than a few short moments. To her left, death. To her right, certain death. Out of options, Azalea fell on her rear and tried so very hard not to think about the overwhelming feelings of hunger that caused her stomach to roar like a yeti, or some other beast of the frozen north.

She was starving, literally, starving of love and of nutrition. She had no idea of when her last meal was, or when she last felt any kind of affection from another living being. Since Azalea last fell asleep, it could have been a few hours, or a few days. Perhaps a week or two had passed since she curled up next to Phasmid’s body for warmth.

Hungry beyond all belief, she began to think irrationally. Phasmid would never let her go hungry. She would always have something to give the little queen, but not this time. Azalea rolled back and forth, holding her hooves across her stomach.

She wanted relief from the pain so badly. She wanted it to end.

Just as she was considering running head first into the Frozen North, a faint glow appeared far up ahead. Azalea squinted her eyes as she peered into the darkness, towards the dim light. It appeared to be getting closer, growing brighter and brighter by the second. A wave of fear washed over the little changeling, and she ran for cover.

It must have been Queen Chrysalis’ agents. They had come back to make sure she was dead. The muffled sound of hooves hitting the snow grew in volume as the being approached. Azalea waited in the shadows, cowering behind the mound of snow that covered Phasmid’s body. It was too dark.

The light coming from the being’s horn obscured the changeling’s view, but she could make out a few key details. It was an outsider, a pony. The being was covered from head to hoof in metal, but that didn't stop Azalea from catching brief glimpses of its purple fur and emerald mane. It walked slowly, taking in the horrific sight around it. Shortly after, the pony in armor was joined by another.

“Amethyst, what's going… on…”

The first pony, the one Azalea assumed was ‘Amethyst’, turned her back and pointed towards the mouth of the cave. “Go back… Get Onyx… He needs to see this…”

Azalea watched the outsiders out of curiousity, but she kept quiet. Still frozen by fear, she couldn't will herself to move. “There's… so many of them… What happened here?”

The two ponies continued to stare with mortified looks at the slaughtered changelings. Azalea wasn't sure of how much longer she could stay in the shadows. The ponies were coming closer and closer, and soon, she would have nowhere else to hide. Then, the two ponies were joined by a third, and Azalea felt her heart stop.

“Amber, wait up! What's with… you…”

As he came into the light, Azalea recognized him instantly. His outer appearance may have been changed, but she would remember the smell of the changeling agent that murdered her caretaker.

She didn't know how or why, but the third pony was none other than Mantis. Fear caused her to shake violently. Her lower lip quivered. Images flashed through her mind, images of the moment he plunged his horn into Phasmid’s throat, causing her to drown in her own blood. Then, Azalea let out a horrified scream.

“Mamaaaaa!”

The cry echoed through the cave, forcing the ponies to hold their hooves against their ears in an attempt to muffle the noise.

“Ma-Mamaaaaa!”

Azalea cried out again and again, wanting her caretaker to save her. The ponies spotted her.

“There!”

Azalea curled up in a fetal position next to Phasmid’s body in an attempt to make herself as small as possible. “Mama…”

She whimpered now, terrified by the arrival of the crystal guards. Azalea nuzzled the motionless body in which it was seeking refuge as though it could wake it up. “Mmm-Ma-Mama…”

The pony called ‘Amethyst’ gasped as she inched closer towards the infant changeling. “It's just a baby…” She extended a hoof, and Azalea cowered away. “It's alright… I'm not going to hurt you…”

The pony spoke so softly. Her voice almost soothed Azalea, giving her a fleeting sensation of security, but Mantis was still there, standing right behind the kind pony. “W-W-We should get out of here. Just leave it. Leave it here with the rest to be taken by the snow.”

The two mares shot him mortified looks. “Absolutely not! I will not leave her to die. Go back, and tell Onyx what we've found.”

To Azalea’s relief, Mantis turned tail and bolted down the cave without a word of hesitation. With him gone, Amethyst turned to face the other pony. “I need your rations.”

She quickly opened her saddlepack and pulled out several white cubes. They looked like sugar cubes, resembling the treats in size, color, and texture. Azalea’s curiosity, and desire for food, was peaked at the sight and smell of the little cubes.

“Here…” Amethyst offered the cubes to the little changeling. “Go on, take it.”

She looked back at her with wide, pale eyes, no longer filled with fear. Azalea approached her carefully, one shaky hoof after the other until she reached the outstretched hoof. Once she was close enough, she gave the white cubes a cautious ‘sniff’ before turning her head and retching with pure and utter disgust.

The pony cracked a weak smile at the little changeling’s reaction to the food. “I know they're gross… You'll feel better if you eat them, I promise…”

Amethyst coaxed the changeling, offering the cubes again. Azalea didn't have any other options. If it really was ‘food’, she had to eat it. Cautious sniffs turned into hungry nibbled, which turned into starving bites. The more she ate, the better they tasted, and the more Azalea wanted to eat them.

With every bite, she felt herself growing a little stronger, and her mind cleared a little more. Amethyst let out a sigh of relief as the little changeling ate more and more, quickly finishing the rations. When the pony’s hoof was empty, she looked up at her.

Azalea didn't know who these ponies were, but she liked them immensely. She began looking for more, sniffing Amethyst’s empty hoof and exploring under the towering pony’s legs, causing her to smile. Then, she felt a warm glow envelop her before she was lifted into the air and placed on Amethyst’s back.

“You're coming with me…” She chuckled softly, earning a long yawn from the little changeling. “I'll keep you safe… I promise…”

After eating all of those rations, Azalea was feeling a little bloated, but for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, she felt at ease. Mantis was gone, and she had been rescued by a stranger clad in shining armor. The pony’s gentle words echoed in her mind.

*I'll keep you safe… I promise…*

Like a record on replay, her words looped again and again.

*I'll keep you safe…*

*I promise…*

For what it was worth, Azalea believed the pony. Perched on her back, she could feel the mare’s emotions, and she liked what she felt. It didn't take long for Azalea to fall in love.


***Current Day***


Emerald shook violently and bolted upright. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead. He looked to his left and to his right, at the other guards around him in the stallions’ bunk room.

Everypony else was fast asleep.

As the seconds passed, Emerald became more and more aware of his racing heartbeat and his shallow breaths. There was somepony he needed to see. Moving quickly and quietly, Emerald threw the covers off of his body and slid out of the bed. His hooves hit the floor softly, and he began to navigate his way through the dark towards the bunk room door.

The door opened up into one of the many grand corridors that made up the barracks of the Royal Guards, a small extension of the larger palace of the Crystal Empire. Emerald shuffled down the dimly lit corridor towards the mare’s bunk room. He opened the door and slipped inside. The mares’ bunk room resembled the stallions’ in almost every way, but the sides of the rooms mirrored one another, and the general theme differentiated to meet the needs of the opposite sex.

Shrouded in darkness again, Emerald walked quietly down the aisle that separated the two rows of bunks until he found the mare he was looking for. “Pssst! Amber, wake up…”

He tapped her shoulder gently, causing the guard to shift in her sleep. She came to and rolled from her side onto her back, and her eyes fluttered open. “Emerald?”

Her voice was hoarse and groggy, and the look on her face told Emerald that she did not appreciate being woken up. There was no going back, now. “I… I needed to see you…” Emerald rubbed the back of his head. “I had that dream again…”

Amber’s gaze fell, and she slowly nodded her head. “Alright… Alright, Emerald, I'm coming…”

With a great amount of difficulty, she crawled out of her bed and threw a light coat over her shoulders. Together, they walked out of the mares’ bunk room and into the corridor where they could talk and not risk being overheard.

Emerald’s eyes fell to his hooves, and he let out a shaky sigh. “It… It keeps getting worse, Amber… All of those horrible things I did… It's as though it gets a little clearer every time I have that dream. Every night, I can see a new detail I couldn't before.”

Amber sighed and ran a hoof through her mane. Out of all of the rigorous and dangerous tasks she had been trained to handle, therapy was not one of them. She didn't even know where to begin with helping her coltfriend. On any other night, she might have tried to kiss him a few times and coax him back to bed with sweet and reassuring words, but she knew immediately that it would take a lot more than that tonight.

He was visibly shaking, and he sounded as though he might break out into a panic attack at any moment. “That… sounds awful. Have you talked to Amethyst or Onyx about this?”

Just as she suspected, Emerald shook his head. “No, and I don't want them to know. This is my problem, Amber, mine.”

Amber rolled her eyes and blew her messy mane out of her face. “Hey, you come talk to me, don't you?”

Emerald shrugged his shoulders as his neck sagged forward, hunching over. “I need to vent sometimes… Besides, I know I can talk to you. Onyx and Amethyst… They just wouldn't understand…”

Amber cracked a weak smile. “You'd be surprised by what Amethyst will understand. If there's anypony in this place you can put your absolute trust into, it's her.” She raised her hoof and planted it on Emerald’s chest. “You shouldn't think about the things you did in the past, Emerald… You're a different pony, now.” Amber leaned forward, gently rubbing her muzzle against his. “You're proud, brave, and you're a great guy. There isn't another stallion in this empire that I can honestly say I love with all of my heart.”

Emerald couldn't help smiling after that. A cheeky grin forced its way into his lips just before Amber’s made contact with his own. They kissed again and again, parting their lips only just long enough to take a short breath before their mouths came crashing back together. Distracted by the oral attack from Amber, Emerald lost focus. His mind went numb, and his ability to keep his disguise up went with it. A green fire sparked beneath his feet, and in an instant, Emerald was gone.

When Amber opened her eyes, she found herself staring into Mantis’ face, and a huge grin formed along her lips. Totally embarrassed, the changeling turned his head, but nothing could hide the burning red on his cheeks. “S-S-Sorry… That doesn't happen often…”

Amber said nothing. Instead, she threw a hoof around his head and pulled him into a deep kiss, moaning ever so softly into his mouth. The kiss lasted for what seemed like a lifetime, but when their lips finally parted, a thin strand of saliva continued to connect their mouths. “I don't mind kissing a changeling…”

Amber fired him a subtle ‘wink’. “After all, we've done much worse together… Don't you remember that time in the mares’ shower room? Mantis nodded his head as the hot feelings returned to his burning cheeks. He was beginning to feel a lot better. “Now, get changed and get your butt back to bed. I'll see ya’ in the morning, sweetie…”

She gave him one last kiss, a peck on his red cheek, before returning to her bunk room. Maybe a little kissing did help after all… After changing back into his pony form, Emerald took off down the corridor towards the stallions’ bunk room. Once his mind had cleared, and his heart had settled, he came to realize just how tired he really was. At last, he found the door he was looking for, but as he reached out for the handle, something stopped him.

A chilling presence filled the air.

Emerald felt that he was being watched, and he quickly turned around. “Oh…” His initial feelings of fear were dismissed, but he didn't lower his guard. “It's just you…”

A mare clad in silver armor emerged from the shadows and mockingly held a hoof to her chest as though she were offended. “Just me?” She batted her eyes at the stallion as she took another step closer. “You know, we used to be much closer, Mantis. Don't you remember when you kissed me like that?”

Emerald winced, and his cheeks turned red. How long had she been watching? “Whatever happened to kinder greetings such as ‘hello’, my dear Mantis?”

The mare’s name was Gem, but Emerald and his closest friends knew her better as Cicada. Emerald found himself swelling with anger at the sound of her arrogant and cocky voice. “You should count yourself lucky Captain Amethyst even allowed you to stay in the barracks. If you want greetings like ‘hello’, you go grovel at her hooves and beg.”

Gem rolled her eyes. “Ah, yes… Our dearest friend, Captain Amethyst…” Then, her gaze fell, and her lips curled downward into a frown. “I've told her time and time again that my attempts to kill Pyrite were not personal in the slightest, but she refuses to believe me.” Now, it was Emerald’s turn to roll his eyes.

“That's because it was personal, Cicada. It’ll be a day far from know when she is ready to forgive you for all of the trouble you caused her and her Pyrite.”

Gem removed her helmet and shook her mane around, freeing it from the metal enclosure that held it down against her head. “I seem to recall you causing her much of that trouble yourself.”

Emerald bared his teeth. “I helped her in the end! I made an attempt to right all of my wrongs, and in the end, I earned their trust…” He took a deep breath. “You, on the other hoof, continue to be a nuisance and a constant reminder of everything they went through to save Pyrite.”

Gem’s eyes narrowed as tears began to build up. “Was I the cause of her injury? Did I rip her leg off? No! She blew herself up, like the fool she is!” She raised a hoof and jabbed it towards Emerald’s chest. “And don't you dare talk to me about righting past wrongs…”

The tears came at last, flooding down Gem’s cheeks in a cascade of water with every blink. “I didn't have to warn her about Queen Chrysalis. I could have found a place to hide and live the rest of my life without having to so much as look at another damn pony!”

She was sobbing, now. Emerald was shocked when she fell forward, throwing her hooves around his neck. “H-H-How do you… do it?” She cried into his neck, just behind his ear. “How do you block out all of the faces and voices? It's torture…”

Emerald shook his head as he pulled away, looking Gem in her eyes. “I don't, Cicada. I have nightmares every time I close my eyes. They haunt me, every waking moment of my life…”

She frowned at him as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “You… You're supposed to say something to make me feel better, Mantis… Isn't that how this ‘friendship’ thing works?”

Emerald held up a hoof, silencing her. “There's a point to this, I promise.” Gem pursed her lips and nodded her head, silently promising to stay quiet as he continued. “We can never forget the things we did in the past, and I certainly don't expect us to ever be forgiven, but our pasts don't have to define who we are now.”

Emerald smiled at her. “You're a new mare, Cicada. Show our new friends love and kindness, and not only will you never go hungry, but you will earn their trust and respect. You don't have to be a monster any longer. What you do today is what defines you.”

Gem blinked once, then twice. Then, a weak smile creeped across her lips. “Th-Thank you, Mantis… I needed to hear that, I think…” Her eyes were tearing up again, but not as a result of her pain. “I should get moving. I need to patrol the eastern courtyard soon.”

Emerald nodded his head as she took a few steps in reverse backing away.

“I’ll… see you later, uh… Emerald.” She fired him a subtle ‘wink’ before turning around and walking down the dark corridor.

He managed a simple wave as she walked away. “Yeah… See you later… Gem.”

He turned to reach for the door again. At last, he was ready to climb back into the safety and comfort of his bunk and finish the last few hours of the night in the restful state that was sleep. He opened the door and slipped quietly inside. Not wanting to disturb the other guards that were still fast asleep, a glided across the floor, almost like a ghost, until he fell gently onto his bed.

It took a bit of skillful maneuvering, but he managed to get himself back underneath the covers and tuck himself in. For the first time in a long time, Emerald couldn't wait to close his eyes and dream, knowing good and well that he would dream of Amber and the intimacy they shared. “Tomorrow’s a whole new day…”

Then, Emerald closed his eyes, and he was out like a light.


***


“I don't get it… I just don't get it… Onyx, help me!”

The sun was rising over the empire, meaning only one thing. It was time for breakfast.

Amethyst threw down the spoon and let out a frustrated growl, baring her teeth as she shook her messy and tangled mane out of her face.

At hearing her cries for assistance, Onyx rushed into the room. His eyes darted around the immediate area, searching for any sign of trouble, but all he found was his fiancé seated at the dining table, trying to feed Pyrite a green, creamy substance. As he got closer to the table, he began to gag himself. He couldn't stand the sight of the stuff, much less having to eat it. “Hmm… Is she refusing to eat again?”

Amethyst’s inaudible sounds translated roughly into an answer he assumed to be ‘yes’. A grin broke along his face, and he managed a hearty chuckle. “Well, I don't blame her. Maybe, that's her way of telling you she's old enough for something with a little more taste and a little less vomit.”

Amethyst frowned and looked down at the jar of foal food. “The magazine experts say fillies love this stuff… They charged fifteen bits for it at the market.”

Experts or not, Pyrite was not impressed with the sick, green mud her mother was trying to feed her. Onyx wrapped a hoof around her from behind and planted a quick kiss on her cheek. “I warned you about those magazines, Amy. Those ponies don't know the first thing about raising a foal.”

Amethyst raised an eyebrow as she looked at him over her shoulder. “Oh, and you do?”

She had him there.

Onyx let her go and circumnavigated the table until he was behind Pyrite. “Well… No, but Pyrite and I are getting along.” He smiled at the little changeling who beamed back at him, showing her rows of sharp, developing teeth and fangs. “More or less, anyway.”

He leaned forward and until his lips made contact with the side of her cheek, extracting a fit of giggles and squeals from her. “Besides, she gets most of her daily fill from the love we share with her.”

Amethyst shot him a silly smirk as she reached into a bag by her hooves, and she revealed a smaller, transparent bag filled with half a dozen white cubes. “Don't forget about the rations.”

Onyx nodded his head quickly. “Yes, plenty of rations.”

Pyrite’s eyes lit up at the sight of the bag, and an adorable ‘gasp’ escaped her lips. Amethyst teased her with the bag of rations, holding them in the cloud of her magic just out of the little changeling’s reach. She squirmed in her chair, eagerly reaching out with her hooves only to have her mother raise the bag just a little. “Ah-Ah-Ah… Finish this last spoonful, and you can have the whole bag… How does that sound?”

It was the best bargaining chip she had over Pyrite. Secretly, Amethyst dreaded the day when the promise of rations wouldn't be enough to convince the changeling to do what she wanted. Pyrite considered the deal, her eyes darting back and forth between Amethyst and the bag of rations overhead. Her mother already had another spoonful of the green mush ready to feed her. “Come on, baby… It's just one more spoonful…”

It truly was a battle of wills, and watching from the sidelines, Onyx truly didn't know who would give in first.

Luckily, it was Pyrite.

After several moments of silence, she closed her eyes and opened her mouth. A second later, the spoon of mush flew right into her mouth, and Pyrite closed, cleaning the spoon completely. She winced with pure disgust as she swallowed the foal food, and when her mouth was empty, she made horrendous gagging noises. Amethyst smiled and rolled her eyes. “Drama queen…”

Then, she emptied the rations onto a napkin and surrendered them to Pyrite, who gobbled them up ravenously. As she continued to eat the rations, Amethyst raised her front hoof towards Onyx, signaling to him that she needed help getting up. Onyx was quick to get by her side, and he grunted as he hoisted her out of the chair.

By the time Amethyst was on her hooves, she was out of breath. “Th… Thank you…” Her eyes shifted to her prosthetic leg leaning against the wall across the room. “Can you…”

Onyx smiled at her. “Of course.” He didn't even wait for her to finish her thought before he retrieved the leg. “Here you are, Amy.”

The prosthetic was a gift from Shining Armor after she lost her leg blowing up the changeling nest in the Frozen North the previous year. The thing was a marvel of modern technology and magic. It almost felt real.

Amethyst was immensely grateful for the new leg, but every time she looked at it, her chest felt heavy with grief.

It was a constant reminder of her recklessness.

It was her choice to go to the Frozen North to infiltrate the nest and rescue Pyrite, and her actions nearly killed her and everypony she loved most. Amethyst closed her eyes as her stump slid smoothly into the top of the metal leg. She could feel it whirring to life, and after a few seconds, it felt as though the leg was her own. She let out a sigh of relief as she stood firmly on her hooves without Onyx’s support. “Ahhhh…”

Onyx cracked a smile. “Better?”

Amethyst returned the smile and nodded her head. “Very much, yes…”

She leaned in slowly in an attempt to kiss him, but there was a knock at the door, startling the two guards. Amethyst looked back and forth between Onyx and the door.

“Were you expecting anypony?”

Onyx promptly shook his head. When no pony answered the door, whoever it was knocked again.

Amethyst sighed and shook her head. “Come in!”

Then, the knocking ceased.

There was a brief moment of silence before the door was suddenly and unexpectedly broken in. The door was ripped from its hinges before it flew across the room, hitting Onyx and pinning him against the wall. Amethyst had no time to react before Cicada charged in, her horn lowered and ready to fight.

“Ci-Cicada?!” The mare’s eyes widened with shock as she ducked to avoid the changeling’s first attack. “Cicada, what are you doing?!”

The changeling said nothing as she spun around, turning to charge again, but she had a murderous look in her eyes. Pyrite screamed and bolted for cover, running straight into the next room and under the bed like Amethyst had instructed her a hundred times before. “Onyx! Onyx, get up!”

The guard didn't respond.

He was unconscious underneath the ruined door.

Cicada grinned sadistically as she bared her fangs. “No pony can help you now, captain…”

She leaped into the air, horn first, aiming straight for Amethyst. The guard rolled to the right, just nearly missing Cicada’s jagged horn. “What… What's gotten into you?! I thought you were on our side!”

Cicada lowered her horn as it began to glow, and she fired a bolt of concentrated magic towards the guard. Amethyst quickly conjured a shield which deflected the magic, sending it towards the opposite wall where it left a blackened scorch mark. She let out a vicious snarl as the shield dissipated, and she charged Cicada, catching her by surprise.

For a brief moment, she almost looked impressed. “Now, that's what I'm looking for…”

The surprise was short lived, and Cicada quickly countered the charge. She quickly extended her hoof at the last second, catching Amethyst’s neck and pulling her down, hard. Amethyst hit the table as she fell, knocking it over and smashing the two chairs. When she hit the ground, she had the breath completely knocked out of her.

As she laid on her back, gasping for air, Cicada stood over, shaking her head pitifully as she pressed her hoof into the guard’s throat. “Pathetic…” Her eyes drifted towards the prosthetic leg. “How can you hope to win in a fight against Chrysalis or her agents when you can't even beat me?”

Then, she removed the metal leg with the magic from her horn before tossing it across the room. “You're hopeless…”

Emerald and Amber appeared in the doorway. “We heard- Wh-What is going on?!”

Cicada looked up from her prey and frowned. “I'm trying to help her, Mantis, like you said.” Then, her gaze shifted back to the pony under her hoof. “Amethyst is sloppy, undisciplined, and unprepared for a real assassination attempt…”

The mare struggled underneath the changeling’s hoof. She bared her teeth and managed to let out gurgling noises. Emerald stepped forward, looking at the ruined quarters around him. Chairs were smashed to splinters, and the table had been flipped on its side. Then, there was the scorch mark Cicada had left with her magic.

“Cicada, I think this might be overdoing it…”

Cicada released Amethyst at last, and the guard gasped as her lungs filled with air. “Do you think Chrysalis is going to show her mercy, Mantis? If Amethyst wants to survive, she needs to know how to defend herself at a moment's notice!”

Amber and Emerald shared awkward glances.

“It's been a year, and nothing’s happened to us, Cicada. This…” Emerald looked at Amethyst and Onyx, who was only now starting to move from underneath the door. “This isn't the way to help our friends.”

Pyrite emerged from her hiding place at the sound of familiar voices. “Mmm… Mama?”

Amethyst coughed and wheezed violently as she reached for her daughter. “I… I'm here, baby…”

Then, she looked up at Cicada and glared at her.

The entire room was silent except for Amethyst as she wrapped her hoof around Pyrite, pulling her close. “I'm here… Mama’s alright…”

All eyes fell on Cicada, and the changeling looked back at them with a hard glare on her face. “You're all fools…”

There was a blinding flash of green, and Cicada was gone. Gem stood in her place, but she looked equally angry. “If you ponies want to sit around like a bunch of helpless asses with giant targets on your backs, then go right ahead!” She let out a frustrated growl as she stormed past Emerald and Amber. “See if I care when you're all dead!”

Everypony stayed silent until the sound of her hooves clopping against the floor had faded away. Amber rushed to help Amethyst up while Emerald used his magic to lift the broken door off of Onyx. When Onyx saw the state of the room around him, his jaw hit the floor. “Wha… What happened?”

Emerald managed a smile as he helped the sergeant to his hooves. “Good to see you're alright, sir. How's your head?”

At hearing the word ‘head’, the throbbing pain became much more noticeable. Onyx raised a hoof and rubbed the back of his head where it had made contact with the wall. “I… I'm not sure… What happened?”

This time, Emerald looked to Amethyst for help. With Amber's assistance, Amethyst had gotten her leg back on. She noticed Emerald’s silent cry for aid in explaining what transpired moments before. “Uh… I think Pyrite had an accident.”

The little changeling looked up at her with a confused expression. “Mama?”

Amethyst grinned at her and nodded her head. “That's right… We were playing a game with Pyrite and she got a little too excited. Her magic got out of control, and… Well, we might need some new furniture.”

Amber caught onto the lie and grazed a gentle hoof across the black mark wall. “You'll need a lot more than that, Amethyst… I'm thinking three coats of paint, just to be safe.”

Amethyst didn't feel good about lying to Onyx, the stallion that would very soon be her husband, but she didn't want him becoming enraged and going after Cicada. Deep down, she knew the changeling was right. Had she really been under attack by one of Queen Chrysalis’ agents, she would have certainty been killed.

Luckily, Onyx bought it, and a silly grin broke out into his face. “Pyrite, did you do all of this?”

Knowing full and well that she had nothing to do with it, she frowned up at her mother, but because she wasn't very fluent or able to say much of anything, there was no way for her to verbally defend herself. Onyx chuckled before approaching Amethyst and helping them both up.

Amethyst now addressed the challenge that was fixing her ruined quarters, but luckily, she had her friends by her side to help her. “Alright… Let's get to it, shall we?”


***Up Next: The Invitation***

> Part 9: The Invitation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the skirmish in Amethyst’s quarters, Gem stormed away. She didn't know where she wanted to go or what she wanted to do. All she knew is that she needed to get as far away from the ponies as possible.

Stomping down the palace steps in a huff, she found herself in a secluded courtyard and stopped in front of a large tree in the center of the garden. Gem glared at the tree with disgust before throwing her hoof into the stubborn, wooden colossus.

She was angry. She was furious at… everything, and she needed to vent. Letting out a sadistic cry, she tore her helmet from her head and tossed it at the tree, creating a loud crash and ripping some of the bark away. Piece by piece, Gem ripped her armor off and threw it in a heap at the base of the tree.

Now wearing nothing but her fur, she kicked her helmet, sending the protective headgear flying across the courtyard. Having nothing left to rip from her body, Gem fell on her rear, huffing and puffing as she struggled to regain her breath. After yelling for so long without taking so much as a single breath, she felt light-headed and dizzy. Her vision was disorientated, and things around her seemed to blend together and pulse. At last, she fell on her back, looking straight up through the branches of the tall tree.

The sun’s rays shined through the shaking leaves above, creating a stunning effect that could only be described as ‘beautiful’. As the minutes passed, Gem’s breathing slowed, and the rising and falling if her chest became more shallow. The silence was welcomed by the changeling outcast, and for a brief moment, she felt a sense of peace she had never felt before.

Her vision had cleared, and Gem sat up.

No pony was around to see her, so she decided there was no harm in losing her pony form. Gem vanished in a bright blaze of green fire, and in her place, Cicada rested on her back. With her hooves behind her head, she looked up at the blue sky through the branches of the tree as they swayed in a gentle breeze. Everything around her contrasted immensely to the dark cave she had grown used to for so long.

All her life, since the moment she had hatched, Cicada had been taught that the ponies were selfish and ruthless conquerors that drove the changelings from the surface world in order to govern it themselves. That was the history lesson all changelings were told, and she believed it. The ponies looked down on everything that wasn't equine, and in doing so, they created a world where two national powers, Equestria and the Crystal Empire, ruled most of the continent. Even the dragons, with all of their might, were too afraid to challenge the power of the ponies.

Here she was, a changeling masquerading as a Royal Guard.

What an incredible sight…

She let out a long sigh, completely oblivious to the armored mare approaching her from behind.

“Cicada?” Amethyst cleared her throat, startling the changeling. “Cicada, you there?”

At hearing her true name, she spun around and quickly resumed her pony form, Gem. Her eyes glanced around the courtyard, making sure that no other ponies had seen her acting so carelessly. When Gem realized she was alone with Amethyst, her eyes narrowed at the guard. “You again… I came here to get away from you freaks!”

Amethyst’s gaze fell, and she removed her helmet, gently placing it on the ground next to her hooves.

“Did you want me to kick your ass again, or are you here because you can only feel good by showing off your authority?”

The captain walked forward until she was standing right in front of Gem. She took a deep breath before looking up and meeting her former adversary's gaze again. “I'm here to apologize, Cic… I mean… Gem.”

That took Gem by surprise, and for a moment, she lost her razor-sharp edge.

“You're right about… everything. I don't know what's going on, and I don't know why Queen Chrysalis hasn't made a move, but someday soon, she will, and I need to be prepared to do whatever it takes to protect my friends.” Amethyst reached out with her hoof, taking Gem’s in her own. “You asked me once why I did it, why I blew myself up in the Frozen North…” Gem’s eyes shifted towards the prosthetic leg and the scars that made up the right side of the pony’s body. “I did it because I love my friends, and I love my daughter, and I'll give my life if it means they get to see Celestia’s sun rise again.”

Their eyes met again, and under the large tree, a warm wind swept through the garden, blowing their manes.

Gem shook her mane away and retracted her hoof. “Why are you telling me this?”

Amethyst took another step closer, shortening the gap between them. “I'm telling you this, because Princess Cadence and Prince Armor have tasked me with a very important assignment, and I want my closest friends by my side.”

*Friends…*

The word echoed in Gem’s mind, and she glared at Amethyst. “We… are not friends, pony…”

Amethyst shot her a sly grin. “Is that right?”

She pointed her hoof towards the pile of assorted pieces of armor by the tree. “You're a Royal Guard, Gem. You watch over Pyrite for me when I'm not around. I’ve even seen you talk and laugh with Mantis and Amber in the commissary. Even Onyx is warming up to you.” Amethyst’s grin widened. “Face it, Cicada, you like being a pony. You're practically family, now.”

Gem scowled at her. “You're delusional, Amethyst…” This earned an obvious eye-roll from the captain. “What is his ‘assignment’ you so desperately need me for?”

Amethyst’s smile faded as she took a step back. “Canterlot is holding the Grand Galloping Gala, and I am going to attend alongside Shining and Cadence as their personal guard and guest, but in my current condition…” She raised her prosthetic leg for Gem to see. “I don't believe that's something I can do alone.”

Gem looked at the ground, like she was deep in thought. “Canterlot is a long way from the safety of the Crystal Empire… If Queen Chrysalis is going to strike, she will surely do it there.”

She nodded her head slowly. “Alright, pony, I'll go with you, but only because I want to make that bitch pay for what she did to me…” Gem turned around to begin reassembling her armor. “Don't think this is because I like you or your friends…”

Amethyst couldn't stop herself from smiling as she picked her helmet back up and put it over her head. “Whatever you say, Gem. We leave by train in the morning.”


***


They walked back into the palace together. Side by side, they made their way into the barracks and the commissary inside. Amethyst could see Emerald and Amber inside, sitting at a table while talking to Onyx. They laughed and cheered in each other's company.

Pyrite was with them, looking lost and very much not apart of their conversation. She looked towards Amethyst and Gem as they stood under the archway leading into the dining area and waved. Amethyst beamed at her and waved back. She began to walk in but noticed Gem was standing still. “Are you coming? You're welcome to join us, you know.”

Gem shook her head. “No… You've given me a lot to think about, Amethyst.” She turned her head, looking away from the pony’s gaze. “I want to be alone while I… get my head straight.”

The purple mare gave her a kind smile. “Alright, but I want you to join us for dinner, later tonight. We’re meeting at a little place on the Palisades Strip.”

Gem managed a weary smile. “I thought that place was only for the wealthiest of the Crystal Empire.”

Amethyst pointed to the grand plume extending from her helmet. “Hey, when you're a captain of the empire's Royal Guards, you can pull a few strings.”

After a few moments of silence, Gem agreed, nodding her head. “Yes… Yes, fine…”

Amethyst’s extended her hoof, and when Gem took it, expecting a shake, the pony quickly pulled her into an embrace, shocking her. The disguised changeling couldn't bring herself to say anything as the pony held her tight. “I've forgiven you… It's time you forgave yourself…”

Then, Amethyst pulled away and turned around, walking into the commissary and leaving Gem alone under the archway. Gem’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched the pony retreat to the table with her friends. It felt like nothing she had ever experienced before. She had grown numb to the feeling to stealing love from a victim, but never before had she been given love willingly. Her heart raced involuntarily, filling her body with the desire for more, the desire for love.

Gem quickly shook her head of the thought and bolted down the corridor as quickly as her legs could carry her. She ran until she finally came to a stop outside of the mares’ wash room, and she pushed the door open, rushing inside. The guard made a dash for the sink and pulled her helmet off before turning the faucet on ‘high’. She splashed the cold, refreshing water on her face again and again in an attempt to numb the feeling that was shaking her to her very core.

“Is something wrong, Cicada?”

Gem froze. The air around her dropped drastically in temperature. She looked up, into the mirror, as a thin layer of frost began to cover the glass. She turned around just in time to see Queen Chrysalis emerge from the shadows.

Like a monster from an inescapable nightmare, the queen towered above her, looking down at her with green fire in her eyes. “You look… confused…”

Gem bit her lower lip as her eyes met the queen’s. “No, your majesty… I'm just… nervous…”

Chrysalis’ horn glowed, and the wash room door locked. “There is no need for such fear, my child.” She raised a hoof towards Gem’s cheek, caressing her softly. “If anything at all, we should rejoice.”

Gem swallowed hard and flinched at the queen’s touch.

“You have played your part excellently. Not only does Captain Amethyst trust you, I believe she has come to… love you…” Chrysalis reared her head back and roared with laughter. “This will most certainly give you an advantage when the time comes to kill her. Wouldn't you agree, my loyal servant?”

Gem’s eyes fell, and she nodded her head slowly. “Y-Y-Yes… Of course, your majesty…” Then, she looked up with malice and hatred burning in her eyes as she met the queen's gaze. “Amethyst will never reach Canterlot or the Grand Galloping Gala alive.”


***


Being a ‘spy’ is never easy for a changeling. There's the threat of being found out and captured looming over them at all times. At any moment, a pair of guards could break down the door to Cicada’s quarters and arrest her on charges of treason. Needless to say, tension and stress levels were high, but that wasn't even the worst of it, not by a long shot. No, the position she was in was far worse than that of a normal spy.

She was an agent, serving her queen and her nest, the very same nest Amethyst destroyed, but she wasn't just any agent. Cicada was a double agent. Working alongside Amethyst and the other ponies to foil Queen Chrysalis’’ sinister plot was only a performance, and Cicada considered herself to be quite the actor.

She dressed herself, looking in the bathroom mirror that showed her who she really was, a black beast with a jagged horn, riddled with holes. Cicada closed her eyes and concentrated, thinking about her pony form, the form of Gem. She had been masquerading around as a pony for so long that it hardly took any effort for her to change. In the blink of an eye, the changeling had been replaced by a beautiful mare.

Tilting her head from side to side, she observed her face, even raising a hoof to brush her messy mane out of her eyes. Gem leaned into the mirror, staring into her own eyes. She got so close to the point where each hot breath left a cloud of steam on the reflective surface. Satisfied with her look, she took up a brush and attacked her mane, combing the thick bristles through the tangled forest behind her horn. It took some effort, but Gem knew she needed to look her best. Earlier, she had been invited by Amethyst herself to accompany her and her friends to the Palisades Strip, the ‘flashiest’ place in the entirety of the empire.

Having never been there herself, Gem wasn't sure of what to expect. Silly ‘pony’ things came to mind, though. By the way Amber talked about it, she could foresee shopping in her near future. Being a changeling from the Frozen North, Gem internally felt she was above such things, but Amethyst personally requested that she go with them.

Then, there was that hug…

As Gem stumbled out of the bathroom and towards her bed, she replayed the moment in her head again and again. Each time, her heart ached in her chest. Before she and Amethyst departed, the mare had hugged her and told her she had been forgiven. That was the moment Gem felt something she had never once felt before, and that was self-doubt. The true affection shown to her by Amethyst made the changeling doubt in her ability to carry out her mission.

She had never had this kind of trouble, not once.

Time and time again, she had done what needed to be done. She had lied, cheated, stolen, and killed to serve her hive, her queen, and herself. “What has she done to me…”

Cicada held a hoof to her head as she began to sway. Her thoughts shifted to her mission, to her duty, but they always seemed to return to Amethyst and the hug they shared. She remembered pushing the mare away and storming off in a frenzy of conflicting emotions. Even Queen Chrysalis was beginning to suspect the truth.

If the queen ever came to the conclusion that she had formed an attachment to a pony, she'd be cast out of the hive, just like Mantis. “Amethyst, you wretched mare… I am not in love…”

Then again, Mantis was doing quite well for himself. He seemed to have everything going his way and more. “I… I'm not…” Cicada fell on her bed, looking up at the ceiling. Her eyes became fixed on the dim light glowing above her. “I'm not… in love…”

A soft breath escaped her lips as she sank further into the sheets. Cicada kept her eyes glued to the light, repeating herself over and over again like a mad mare. “I’m not in love… I'm not in love… I'm not in love…”

A loud knock on the door alarmed her, causing the mare to jump out of the bed. Quickly clambering to her hooves, she looked towards the door.

“Gem? Gem, are you in there?”

It was Onyx.

Relaxing slightly, she approached the door, and using her magic, she turned the handle, opening it for the stallion. “Y-Y-Yes?” She brushed her fallen mane out of her eyes as they met the sergeant’s. “Is there something I can help you with?”

Onyx gave her a concerned look. His eyes rose from hers and shifted around her room before coming back to meet hers again. “I… just came by to remind you about our evening plans. Amethyst wanted me to make sure you'd be ready in time.”

Gem glanced over her shoulder at a clock on the nightstand by her bed. “Time? What time?”

The clock read fifteen past eight. By now, the Palisades Strip would surely be teeming with activity.

She quickly turned back to face Onyx, her cheeks turning red as she realized how quickly time had escaped her grasp. “Yes, of course… I was just getting ready.”

Silently, Gem wondered if he had heard her rambling. She already felt like her grip was slipping. The last thing she needed was other ponies thinking the same thing.

Onyx expected more of a response, but after several seconds of awkward silence between them, he came to the conclusion that it would be best for him to wait with the others. He nodded his head, taking a step back. “Right… I'll leave you to it, then.”

He turned to leave before stopping with his back turned. “We’re leaving in ten minutes. Amethyst is having us meet by the steps just outside the palace.” Then, he began to walk down the corridor, the clopping of his hooves on the floor growing softer with each step.

Gem bit her lower lip as she watched him leave. Then, she raised a hoof and called out after him. “Onyx, wait!”

The stallion spun around, half expecting some kind of danger to jump out at him, but no such thing came. Instead, Gem approached him. Her head was low, and her eyes kept to her own hooves. “Onyx, I… I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier today… Attacking you and Amethyst like that was wrong of me.”

*I’ve forgiven you…*

Amethyst’s words echoed in Gem’s mind as her gaze rose to meet the stallion’s eyes.

*It’s time you forgave yourself…*

For a brief moment, Gem wasn't even sure why or how she was doing this. It was as though her mind was no longer controlling her movements. She screamed internally. Gem wanted to run back into her room and slam the door shut. She wanted to run far away to the cold and desolate wasteland she knew so well. She wanted things to be the way they used to be, when life as a changeling was simple, before she discovered love.

Frozen in place by her conflicting emotions, she was unable to resist as Onyx placed a firm hoof on her shoulder. “Hey, it's alright, Gem.”

Then, everything stopped.

All of the shouting voices in her mind ceased at once, and everything was quiet. She felt still and at ease, all except for the thundering in her chest, her beating heart. “You were just testing Amethyst, making sure she was ready for a surprise attack.” He retracted his hoof, raising it and rubbing the back of his head. “I mean… You did break the door down and ruin the wall, but it's not like anypony got seriously hurt.”

Gem blinked, cocking her head to the side. “I… I knocked you unconscious… How can you be so quick to forgive me?”

Onyx managed a weak smile. “It was just a bump on the head… Besides, you've done worse to me before.”

That made Gem laugh. She couldn't stop herself from bursting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. In a way, she knew he was right. She had done worse, and she found his simplistic way of viewing things to be hysterical.

Gem had forgotten everything she was supposed to do, regarding her mission. All she could think about was her new friends and the joy they caused her. She had never laughed so hard in her entire existence.

“Right…” Onyx was backing away now, smiling politely as he turned to leave once again. “Well, don't forget that we're leaving very soon. We'd hate to miss you.”

Gem nodded her head quickly as she began to recover. “Yes, yes…” She waved her hoof dismissively as she fought to suppress the ‘snickers’ that were slipping through her lips. “I'll be there.”

Then, she turned and bolted down the corridor, back towards her room, not to get away from the ponies, though. She needed to find her fatigues, the ones Amethyst gave her. As Royal Guards on a night out, they'd be wearing what they called ‘soft armor’. The most decorated guards had their fatigues covered in badges and medals. It was essentially a way to show off in public when off duty.

Gem threw the clothes on, stepping into the coat, which boasted a royal ‘purple’ color. The finishing piece was a beret of the same color. Using her horn and the magic within, she carefully placed the cap on her head, just behind the base of her horn. Looking into the mirror on top of the dresser, Gem smiled, baring her teeth.

Then, her eyes fell, and she found herself looking not at herself, but at a small vial just to the left of the mirror. It was filled with a clear liquid and topped with a black cap. Like a distant memory, Queen Chrysalis’’ instructions came trickling back.

*You are to give her this…*

Cicada looked at the vial, then back up at the queen. *Will this… kill her?*

Chrysalis shook her head. *Not immediately, my child. This will weaken Amethyst and drain her life slowly to the point where she will pose no threat. Her death will be agonizing slow, and by the time she realizes something is wrong, it will be too late.*

She grinned maliciously, causing Cicada to back up against the stall. *No pony will be able to stop it, and Amethyst will pay for what she did to us with her life.* The mares’ restroom seemed to grow much colder as Cicada took the vial. *And Cicada... If this vial is not empty by the night’s end, I will personally hold you responsible...*

*Of course, my queen…*

Gem stared at the vial. She raised a hoof, reaching for the poison, but her hoof stopped short.

“No…”

Her eyes narrowed and her hoof lowered. “Not this time, my queen…”

Gem checked herself in the mirror one last time before storming out the door, slamming it shut behind her.


***


When the guards saw Gem running towards them, they grew delighted looks. Like her, they all wore their off-duty fatigues. Amber and Onyx, the two sergeants, both had a considerable amount of shining badges and medals decorating their uniform. Amethyst, being the captain of the Royal Guards, nearly blinded Gem as she got closer.

She was out of breath as she came to a stop in front of the officers. “I… I'm here…” Gem took a moment to gather herself. “Are we leaving?”

Amethyst grinned at her, nodding her head. “Yeah… We’re just waiting on Shining.”

Gem looked around them, searching for the prince, but he was nowhere in sight. “I wasn't aware Prince Armor would be joining us.”

Amethyst realized she had been misunderstood, and quickly shook her head. “Oh, no, Shining isn't coming with us. He's promised to look after Pyrite for the night. I suggested to him that he let my baby and his own daughter have a… ‘play date’.” She smiled at the memory of that particular conversation. “He didn't exactly jump at the idea, but Princess Cadence was all for it.”

Gem noticed too that the little trickster was among the group. Pyrite, who was hiding behind Amethyst’s legs, came out and stood in her favorite place, the center of everypony’s attention. “Ma!”

She seemed determined to let everypony know how much fun she'd get to have that evening. “Mama! Fwury Ha!”

Onyx smiled down at her. “Yes, I know, sweetie. You've told me many times.”

Gem pursed her lips and frowned slightly. “You aren't at all worried? A queen her age can have great influence on other foals around her, even though she may not mean to. That's why Chrysalis was so desperate to…”

She stopped herself, not wanting to remind everypony of her checkered past.

Amethyst placed a gentle hoof on her daughter’s back and rubbed her affectionately. “I know what you mean, Gem, but Princess Cadence promised me she'd watch them the whole night. I trust her completely.”

Gem nodded carefully as her eyes fell on Pyrite, and Pyrite looked back at her with wide eyes. The ponies said nothing as they waited for Shining. Luckily, they didn't have to wait long.

Moments later, Shining appeared with Emerald by his side. Emerald took his place by Amber, and Pyrite, enthusiastic as ever at the promise of a play date, ran after the prince as he began walking back towards the palace. Ready to get their night underway, the guards left the palace behind them and headed into the city.


***


Gem had never seen the Palisades Strip at night, and the beauty of the culture-saturated district dazzled her. Lights flashed wherever she looked. Mantis looked equally impressed. Amber had to drag him by his hoof, because he'd stop every few steps to stare at whatever captivated his attention like a moth drawn to light.

Everywhere they went, ponies smiled and waved, some even approaching them directly to thank them for their service.

After a while, the smiling began to hurt. Gem felt like her lips were glued into position, and she couldn't feel her cheeks. Pony after pony came up to her just to shake her hoof or wish her a good night. She felt unworthy to receive such praise, after all she had done in an attempt to topple their empire.

She wasn't a guard.

She was a liar.

“Gem? Gem, are you alright?” Emerald shook her shoulder to get her attention, and Gem realized she had been glaring. She still showed her teeth like she was smiling, but it looked more like a snarl. “Is something wrong?”

Gem shook her head, quickly correction her outer appearance. “No… I'm fine. It's just…”

Then, she realized just how much her cheeks hurt, her jaw too. Emerald wrapped a hoof around her as they continued to walk. “Hey, it's alright… We're here to enjoy ourselves. Let's have a little fun with our friends without thinking about the past.”

Gem scoffed at him. “They may be your friends, Mantis, but to them, I'm just an asset.”

Emerald shrugged his shoulders. “That's not what Amethyst told me. She seems to think the two of you are great friends.”

Gem shook her head, trying to keep her voice low. “No… Friends care for each other. I don't care for her.”

Emerald retracted his hoof. “Mmm Hmm…”

She shot him a weird look. “What?”

He shook his head as a smile came across his lips. Gem kicked his hoof with her own. “What? I demand you tell me.”

Emerald didn't say anything. He just laughed as he left her behind to join Amber up ahead.

Gem felt very annoyed, but she kept walking. Eventually, the guards got hungry and found a place to settle down. It was an outdoor salad bar at the farthest end of the strip. A large patio rose from the ground. Tables and chairs covered the platform, and the bar itself resided towards the back.

As the guards stepped onto the patio, a server immediately greeted them and lead them to a large, round table.

“Thank you for joining us tonight.” The server, a pretty mare, bowed graciously. “It’s a rare privilege to serve our Royal Guards. I'll return soon to take your orders, but may I start you with anything to drink?”

Amethyst and Onyx shared a quick glance, both thinking the same thing. “We have a big day tomorrow… We’ll both just have water.”

Mantis threw his hooves in the air.

“Not me. Give me something with a buzz, please!”

The server chuckled and nodded her head as she jotted down the request. “Of course, sir… For you, miss?”

Amber nodded towards Amethyst. “I'm with them. I'll just take a water, please.”

The other guards were talking amongst themselves now as the server circled the table, coming to a stop behind Gem. Not waiting for her to ask, she gave her order anyway, hoping the server would thank her for being decisive and not difficult. “I'll have a water as well.”

The server didn't write down her request like she did with the others. Instead, she reached into the pocket of her apron and revealed something small.

“Actually…” The server leaned in close, almost breathing down Gem’s neck. “I have just the thing you might need for a fun night out…”

Gem wasn't interested in anything special. She only wanted water.

“Thank you, but I think I'll just stick with…”

Her voice trailed away until it faded completely. It was the vial, the one she had left behind.

“It'll make any night one to remember…”

Gem looked up at the server and saw a fleeting glimpse of ‘green’ shimmering in her eyes. At a loss for words, she could only hold her breath as the server placed the vial in front of her.

“If Amethyst doesn't drink this, you will pay the price, Cicada… Do not fail me again, or I will kill you and her myself.”

Gem quickly hid the vial in her uniform, but when she turned around to spot the server, the pony had vanished. No pony else seemed to notice. Her heart pounded against her chest. She could hear it thundering in her ears, drowning out everything that was happening around her.

“Gem?”

Her night had completely turned around. What was supposed to be a carefree night with the other guards turned into a nightmare.

“Hey, Gem?”

She didn't want to do it, but she had to. It was her duty. Her queen demanded it, and she had to obey. A gentle hoof shook her shoulder. It was Amber’s. “Gem, what's wrong? You're sweating.”

It dawned on her that Amethyst was trying to talk to her. Snapping back to the reality around her, she grabbed her napkin and wiped her forehead. “I'm… I’m sorry. I'm just a bit nervous about tomorrow…”

It was a lazy and unbelievable excuse to explain her problem, but it was the only one Gem could pull out of thin air. Amethyst cracked a silly grin. “What… Are you talking about the gala? Come on, Gem, it'll be fun. We’ll dance, sing, and eat the best food Canterlot has to offer, all while protecting Shining and Cadence, of course.”

Gem put on a fake smile. “Right… I shouldn't be nervous about something so trivial…”

Onyx joined in. “Exactly. It's a huge responsibility, but it's also a great privilege. Amethyst had three guards to choose, and she chose you.”

Her fake smile began to waver.

*I wish you hadn't…*

The thought of hurting Amethyst brought pain to her chest. She could feel her heart sinking lower and lower. Amethyst reached across the table, placing her hoof on Gem’s. “The gala isn't until the day after tomorrow, but it will be a day to remember, that's for certain.”

She looked at the vial tucked away in her coat.

*If Amethyst must drink this tonight, then that's what she'll do…*

Another server came with the drinks. Being the closest, they came by Gem first. Amethyst tried to reach for a glass that she assumed to be hers, but Gem stopped her. “Wait, Amethyst…” Thinking on her hooves, Gem took the first glass, which was hidden from the other ponies’ sight by a dessert menu. “I think mine is the one without ice…”

Everypony gave her a strange look, but she brushed them off. “Wh-What? I don't like ice…”

Amethyst waited patiently for her to finish, and after just a moment, Gem passed her glass along. The captain accepted it graciously. “Thank you, Gem.”

Gem couldn't even bring herself to smile back at the pony. “You're welcome…”

The vial was now empty in the inside pocket of her uniform. Her job had been done.

*Amethyst, forgive me…*

Amethyst raised her glass into the air, followed quickly by the other guards. “Tonight, we celebrate our companionship. This one is to the Crystal Empire.”

Everypony murmured in agreement before turning the glasses towards their mouths and letting the drinks fall.


***Up Next: The Sinister Plot***

> Part 10: The Sinister Plot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amethyst couldn't see. She couldn't breathe. The pouring rain and blinding wind blew her mane with a ferocity she had never experienced before.

All around her, Royal Guards and changelings were locked in a ferocious battle, on the train or in the sky. Occasionally, one of the dark creatures would be hit with a bolt of magic and fall, plummeting towards Equestria.

She struggled to roll on her side and stand up, only to realize that her leg was missing. “Onyx!” Amethyst cried as she felt blindly for her missing leg. “Onyx, help me!”

But Onyx didn't come. He was too far away, locked in a struggle with several changelings, desperately trying to reach her.

Instead, a hoof came down in front of her, stopping the guard in her tracks. She looked up at the shadowy figure standing over her, her tattered wings and shining fangs glistening in the lightning crackling across the storming sky overhead.

“Gem… please…” Amethyst whimpered sadly, sobbing almost. “I know you're in there, and I know this isn't who you are…”

The changeling snarled viciously, raising her hoof to strike. “Shut up! My name is not Gem! I’m not a stupid pony!”

Tears streamed down her cheeks from her pale eyes. “You know nothing about me!”

Amongst her tears, Amethyst cracked a bloody smile, startling Cicada. “I know…” She coughed violently, spitting blood all over her chin. “I know you're my friend…”

The changeling raised her hoof even higher. With the raging storm beating down on her, and the sound of the roaring wind fading to silence, Amethyst prepared herself for the end.


***Earlier***


When Amethyst woke up the next morning, she felt a warm pair of hooves wrap around her. A smile crossed her lips, but her eyes didn't open until she felt somepony’s mouth brush against her neck. Soft, gentle, and slightly wet, the kisses on her neck grew more passionate with every passing moment.

He spoke at last.b“Good morning, captain…”

Amethyst turned to look at the stallion and saw that he had a huge grin on his face. She narrowed her eyes and gave him an ‘unimpressed’ look, catching Onyx off guard. “Why’d you stop?”

Then, they both fell into a fit of laughter, and the kissing resumed. This time, their lips made contact. Again and again, they kissed hotly, swapping tongues and saliva back and forth between their respective mouths. The sudden surge of love and passion woke a very hungry changeling filly from her crib in the corner. Not noticing this, the ponies continued their foreplay, becoming more and more ‘aggressive’ as passion turned into a burning desire for physical pleasure.

“Mama?”

Amethyst let out a scream and thrusted her hooves outward, pushing Onyx off of the bed and onto the floor. She bolted upright, and her eyes scanned the room. In her crib, Pyrite stood on her rear legs with her front hooves hanging over the railing. In her changeling form, she watched her mother and Onyx as they struggled to recover from their initial fright.

“Amy…” The stallion groaned as he climbed off of the floor and back onto the bed. He held a hoof across his chest where Amethyst’s kick left its mark. “That wasn't necessary…”

As her own breathing slowed and grew more steady, she fell back onto her pillow and let out a long sigh. “Pyrite doesn't need to see us doing… those kinds of things…”

Onyx rolled his eyes at her paranoia. “I've told you before that she needs her own room. She's a big filly, now.” He regretted saying what he said almost immediately, because Amethyst turned on him with a fire in her eyes.

“Pyrite is my baby.” Her voice was rigid and cold. “She could need me at any moment.”

Onyx knew it was a lost cause to argue with her. In situations like this, which happened quite often, he'd change his tone and agree with her. He loved her with all of his heart. There was no arguing that, but he couldn't stand the mare when she got overly protective of Pyrite. There was being a parent and being a guard, and Amethyst often forgot she was a parent and became Pyrite’s personal guard.

“If you're really so concerned about her, why not train her?”

That got Amethyst’s attention.

Her glare softened, and she cocked her head. Onyx could tell that she was suddenly interested in what he had to say. “Well... I mean… We train our own Royal Guards every day. We could train Pyrite to be a guard herself. That way, she could guard… herself…” Only after speaking did he realize the redundant structure of his idea.

Still, Amethyst didn't seem to hate the idea, by the look he was getting from her. She had a very subtle smile, almost crooked, like you only notice it from a specific angle. “You really think Pyrite could be a Royal Guard one day?”

Both ponies looked towards the crib, at the changeling looking back at them.

Only let out a long sigh. “If she learns from the best, she could be a captain, just like her mother.”

Amethyst’s chest felt lighter, and her cheeks turned red. “Oh, Onyx… That's so nice of you to say…”

He fired her a confused look. “What? I was talking about Amber.”

Onyx didn't have time to laugh or explain his side of the joke before he ended up on the floor once again, this time with a stinging hoof mark on his rear.


***


It was early.

Really, really early.

The sun hadn't even risen, and the royal family of the Crystal Empire, along with their escorts, was boarding the train that would take them to Canterlot. Flood lights illuminated the platform where over a dozen guards stood in front of their respective cars, ready and waiting with their bags to board the train.

Amethyst stood with her officers and Gem, huddling for warmth as they prepared to embark.

“Why?” Gem looked to her left and right, at the rest of the guards who were about to board. “Why must we all be out here before the crack of dawn while Mantis and Pyrite sleep in? This is most unfair…”

Amber didn't always agree with their former enemy, but in this instance, she most certainly did.

“The train looks like it won't be leaving any time soon.”

She sounded cold and bitter, and Amethyst could perfectly understand why. It wasn't ideal for them to be up so early.

“It'll be a long ride.” Onyx pointed towards the edge of the city where the railway stretched far into the dark horizon. “We’ll be traveling all day, if we're going to reach the gala on time.”

Gem looked like she was going to collapse right there and go back to sleep. “But… I thought the Grand Galloping Gala was tomorrow…”

Shining and Princess Cadence had finally arrived. Their daughter, Flurry Heart, was with them. Luckily, the little princess was still sound asleep, or the tired guards might be far more aggravated. Shining and Cadence stopped several cars away from Amethyst’s.

He turned and waved, managing a weary grin, and Amethyst waved back. “It was Prince Armor and Princess Cadence’s idea to arrive a day early. I imagine they want to spend some time with their friends in Equestria before the gala.”

At long last, a loud whistle sounded across the platform, signaling to everypony that it was time to board the train. The guards quickly and eagerly gathered their bags and climbed into the car, one after the other. Amethyst, Onyx, and Amber filed into their own car with Gem following close behind.

Once inside, they were immediately greeted by a blast of warm air. A soft, yellow glow illuminated the entire car from the lights overhead. The train car was split into two parts. On the end they entered was a comfortable-looking arrangement of sofas and tables, in addition to a small fridge.

Gem looked impressed by the setup. Having spent most of her days living in a dark cave or inside the barracks, she wasn't used to traveling so luxuriously, but what was on the other end of the car captivated her attention. There were three small rooms, each housing a bed and a dresser. An even smaller room housed what she believed to be a bathroom.

Amber set her suitcase down on one of the sofas and too noticed the sleeping quarters. “Wait… There's three beds and four of us.”

Gem realized this as well and looked towards the door, perhaps wondering if they had entered the wrong car. Amethyst didn't seem fazed by this as she approached the first room. “That's alright, Amber.” Then, she turned to look at her fiancé. “Onyx and I can share. Isn't that right, babe?”

The stallion’s cheeks turned bright red as he nodded his head, following her into the room with his suitcase in tow.

That left only two rooms, the one next to Amethyst’s and the one at the end of the car. Amber took her things into the middle room while Gem settled into the farthest one.

As the changeling sat down, she heard the muffled cry of train’s whistle, signaling the beginning of their great journey from the Crystal Empire to Canterlot. The train lurched forward, causing her to stumble as she neared the bed. As speed increased, the car became stable once again, and the disorientation began to wear off.

“Whoa! You all need to see this!” It was Amber.

Gem poked her head out of her room to see Amethyst and Onyx doing the same. At the other end of the car, Amber was investigating the fridge. “It's fully loaded!”

Gem realized that she hadn't eaten since she woke up, and she could see the same sparkle in Amethyst’s eyes. The captain tried to reach the fridge, but she was stopped before she could leave her room.

“Oh, no you don't.” Onyx held his hoof across the door, blocking her path. “I packed us healthy snacks, Amy. You're not going near that fridge.”

Amethyst let out a muffled snarl as she tried to push her way through. “Let me go, Onyx. Don't make me pull rank on you, ‘cause I’ll do it!”

Gem laughed quietly to herself before stepping out of her own room, closing the door behind her. She walked across the car, passing Amethyst, who had a very sad and defeated look on her face. She stopped, looked towards the captain, and leaned in closely. Onyx had his back turned as he set up the bed and was out of earshot. “I'll get you something…”

Amethyst smiled and mouthed the words ‘thank you’ before returning to Onyx’s side.

Gem walked on to join Amber on one of the sofas. As she sat down, her body sank into the soft cushions, enveloping her almost completely. The feeling was so pleasing that she couldn't help letting out a satisfied moan as the silky texture rubbed her fur coat the right way. “Ahhhh… The luxuries of the pony lifestyle are truly… breathtaking…”

Amber had already devoured one chocolate chip cookie and was working diligently on her second. Curious and hungry, Gem too peeked inside the fridge. Dozens of cookies, muffins, small cakes, fruit bars, seasoned oat bars, and many fizzy drinks stocked the gently whirring appliance. Interested by the oats, Gem took one and eagerly tore away the wrapping. It smelled deliciously enticing.

Unable to help herself, she devoured the snack whole, causing a shower of crumbs to rain down on her chest. Amber snickered softly at Gem, before passing her a bubbling bottle with her magic. “We've come a long way, huh, Gem?”

The changeling frowned as she accepted the drink, removing its cap. “What do you mean? We've only been moving for a minute, maybe two.”

Amber laughed again, shaking her head. “No… I mean, you’ve changed so much since we first met. Any changeling can shift their appearance to mask themselves, but it takes somepony special to change who they really are.”

Gem blushed slightly as she brought the bottle to her lips. She took a long sip before lowering the drink, savoring the feeling of the fizzing substance as it traveled down her throat and into her stomach. “Mantis was like me, but he changed his ways… I figured I could do the same, if his actions were redeemable.”

Amber knew she was referring to her coltfriend, Emerald.

“In the Frozen North, when we last fought, he told me that he was better than me, because he was trying to make things right. Even by the act of trying, he could atone for all of the wrong he did…” Her gaze fell. “… to ponies and changelings alike.”

Amber reached towards her, placing her hoof on Gem’s. “Doing right is only half of the battle, Gem. To be the new you, it's also important that you let your past go.”

Gem shook her head. “Amethyst says the same thing. She says she forgives me for everything I did to her. She says I need to forgive myself, but it's not that simple.” She could feel tears build behind her eyes. “I hurt so many who didn't deserve it, and there are many I will never have the opportunity to apologize to. I've forever silenced so many voices, but now it seems I can't stop hearing them in my mind and my nightmares.”

Amber shook her head as she scooted closer towards the changeling. Gem was startled by the mare’s hoof as it fell across her back.

“I get it, Gem… You're haunted by your past, but thinking about the old you will drag you down like an anchor. You'll never be free unless you cut those chains.”

*Free…*

The word echoed in Gem’s mind.

Freedom. Total and utter freedom. Freedom to go her own way and to make her own choices. Freedom from a tyrannical and ruthless queen. Free from her past. Free from the hive. Free from all she once knew.

*You’ll never be free…*

Gem winced as she heard the voice of Queen Chrysalis in her mind. She shut her eyes in an attempt to shut her out, but it didn't work.

*You forget, Cicada… You're mine. You belong to me.*

“No…”

*My most loyal agent… My most loyal servant… My most loyal slave…*

“No!”

Gem cried out, opening her eyes. Looking around the car, she realized Amethyst was standing over her. Onyx watched from the door of their room. “Are you alright, Gem?”

The changeling quickly shook her head as she realized she had been sweating. “No… I mean, yes. I'm fine, really…”

She took a swig from the bottle in her magical grasp before setting it down. She knew she'd regret it. The sugar would never allow her to sleep, now.

Luckily, Amethyst appeared to have bought her fast response, and a smile came over her. “Alright, tough girl.”

Gem smiled back as the captain sat down beside her, opposite to Amber. In between the two mares, Gem’s rapidly beating heart began to slow down and relax.

She felt warm inside, the feeling of being loved by her friends brought her a great sense of comfort. She'd never admit it to Emerald, but she loved them too, especially Amethyst. The warm feelings grew hotter until they began to hurt.

Gem winced.

The poison was beginning to take effect in her system. Slowly, it would drain her until her body gave up, shutting down forever. She didn't know how much time she had left. Gem had never used it on anypony, let alone herself. She could have a few hours to a few days before she closed her eyes, never to open them again.

Despite the unavoidable, her smile didn't waver. Gem knew she had made the right decision. Amethyst’s life would be spared, the queen’s sinister plot would be foiled, and she would at long last know peace.

Lost in her own thoughts, Gem was brought back to the train car by the laughter of Amber and Amethyst. Realizing the conversation had gone on without her, she opted to jump back in.

“… and your first idea was Emerald? Really, Amethyst? There are much better foal sitters out there.”

Amethyst smirked as her eyes rolled. “He's a trusted friend, Amber. He's your coltfriend.”

Amber didn’t look convinced as she folded her hooves across her chest. “That's exactly what I mean, Amethyst. I spend a lot of time with the guy, and let me tell you, he is not ‘daddy’ material.”

Gem nodded her head slowly. “I can confirm that. When I had a… relationship with Mantis, or tried to insure one, he always seemed to care more about his mission than me.”

Amethyst leaned back and glanced her way, looking her in the eyes. “Gem, can changelings… can they mate?”

It was a simple question, but Gem knew she was really asking. She knew that Amethyst wanted to know if changelings ever got intimate with each other and if they could reproduce as a result.

“Yes, and no…” Gem shook her head. “It's pretty common for changelings to engage in those kinds of activities, the ones you might call ‘mating’. Since the females outnumber the males twenty to one in a single hive, a male like Mantis might have a dozen mates at a time, but only a select few changelings can ever reproduce, and I am not one of them.”

Amethyst’s smile faded. “You mean Pyrite, don't you?”

Gem nodded her head. “She is a queen. Queens are born one in a million, and when she comes of age, it will be her time to take males, as many as it takes to begin her own hive. It's… an internal desire. You can try to prolong it, but stopping it from happening is… unlikely.”

Amethyst put on a brave smile, but Gem could tell it was only to mask her true feelings. “Don't worry about my little baby, Gem. No colt is going to lay a hoof, or anything else, on her while I'm around.”

She sounded confident enough. Besides, Amethyst was a good mother. Maybe she would be able to raise Pyrite against her natural desire to mate and start her own hive.

Their gazes shifted, towards Amber. “What about you? Have you ever considered having foals?”

Amber’s eyes fell, and she lowered herself to her drink. “Like I said before…” She took a long sip. “Enerald’s not exactly ‘daddy’ material…”

That pretty much butchered the conversation, and the mares sat in silence. After a while, Gem’s discomfort began to fade. She stood, quietly excusing herself to her quarters. She entered her room and closed the door behind her. That's when she felt the chill riding up her spine.

Gem didn't know how, but she could feel Queen Chrysalis’ presence. The changeling queen was on the train.

*Amethyst will never reach Canterlot or the Grand Galloping Gala alive.*


***


The train hummed and shook gently as it roared down the tracks towards Canterlot. On board, the royal family of the Crystal Empire and just over a dozen guards, as well as a few more passengers, enjoyed the luxuries the train had to offer. Gem didn't know how long she had been asleep, but when her eyes opened, it was still dark outside. She had failed to brush her teeth before she climbed into her bed, and as a result, a bad taste lingered in her mouth. In need of some water and a quick stretch of her legs, she rose from the bed, quickly brushed her mane and grabbed her toothbrush and paste before opening the door to the rest of the car.

At the far end, Amethyst and Onyx too were awake, sitting on a sofa and talking. Gem could only overhear a little of what they were saying, something about a storm scheduled by the weather ponies later in the morning, but they didn't seem to notice her.

Amber must have still been asleep in her room. Quietly, she glided across the car towards the door and opened it, stepping into another car. This one resembled her own car. Several guards were sitting on a sofa, drinking what she assumed to be coffee.

At her arrival, they looked up at her.

Embarrassed, Gem sheepishly took a step back and lowered her head. “I… was just looking for the mares’ restroom…”

The guards shared a quick glance, and one pointed towards the other end of the car. “The bath car is just through that door, two cars down. It's not far.”

Gem nodded her head appreciatively, showing she understood. “Thank you.”

With nothing left to say, she stepped past them and went on her way. To the rest of the guards, she was just a pony.

Not even Shining knew, though Amethyst considered telling him several times. The captain figured it would be best to let him fully trust Emerald before telling him about the second changeling to join their ranks. Only Amethyst, Onyx, Amber, and Emerald knew who and ‘what’ she really was. Then again, did her closest friends even know her?

She entered the next car and found it full of ponies. It didn't look like the special car she and the other guards had been issued.

It had a more traditional feel to it, with rows upon rows of seats lined by the windows. Gem shut her previous thoughts out of her head. She didn't want to think about the mission or her treasonous betrayal. As she walked down the aisle, she got a good look at some of the regular passengers traveling to Canterlot from the Crystal Empire. Some ponies leaned back in their seats, snoring softly, while others read or talked quietly.

As Gem walked up the aisle, she passed by a mare holding her sleeping foal, a little unicorn. His horn glowed softly as he slept. The mother saw Gem staring and smiled towards her. “He does that sometimes when he's dreaming.”

Gem smiled back. “Your son is a precious one. I can tell he loves you with all of his heart.”

The mother cocked her head, but before she could ask what Gem meant, she had already moved on. Gem left the car behind and entered the bath car. The guard’s directional advice had been sound. It was like a public bathhouse.

Several, compact showers lined the walls in addition to toilet stalls and sinks. The air was hot and steamy from a shower already in progress. The sound of running water and the feel of the steam against her fur tempted her.

Gem figured a shower wouldn't hurt as long as she was here. It would feel good to relax underneath the cascade of hot water and let her troubles melt away, if only temporarily. Her teeth came first, though.

She stopped by the first sink to her right and set her brush down. With her magic, she opened the toothpaste and squirted an ample amount onto the bristles of the brush and went to work, scrubbing the brush against her teeth. The mint was a refreshing change to the foul taste that had accumulated earlier. As she continued to brush her teeth, savoring the minty taste, the sound of running water behind her stopped.

The squeaky handle turned, cutting off the flow of water from the shower head. Looking at the mirror in front of her, Gem could see the shower curtains part behind her. She didn't mean to peak, but her curiosity got the better of her.

A unicorn mare climbed through the curtain with a towel in her grasp. As she came to a stop in front of the sinks, Gem looked towards her and gave her a gentle nod. “Good morning…”

The mare looked back at her and frowned. She said nothing, but she raised her towel towards her mane to dry as she looked back at the mirror. Gem figured the mare wasn't interested in talking to a stranger. Completely understandable, but still rude.

She bit her lip and rinsed her mouth, spitting out what was left after she had finished brushing. Next, she set her eyes on the shower behind her, the one the mare had just stepped out of. She was about to step into the shower when she heard a chilling voice.

“Was she worth it?”

Gem stopped, her hoof outstretched as she reached for the shower. The voice had belonged to the mare behind her. “Drinking that poison yourself so Amethyst could live was pretty brave, but was she really worth it?”

Gem spun around.

The mare faced her, and for the first time, Gem got a clear look at her. Her features seemed like that of any pony, but one detail stood out. A jagged scar, previously hidden by the towel she wore, carved a path across her lower neck. A green flame flickered in the mare’s eyes.

Gem’s eyes narrowed. “You're a changeling…” She bared her teeth. “What do you want?”

The mare smirked as she stepped forward, closing the gap between them. “Our queen is disappointed in you. You betrayed your own kind for the ponies you call your ‘friends’.” She brushed her wet mane out of her eyes as she backed Gem into the shower. “You were the best of her agents, but in your absence, Chrysalis has needed a new, more loyal servant to maintain order inside the hive.”

Gem’s back was against the cold, tile wall. The mare turned the water on, releasing the cascade to drown out their voices so they would not be overheard. “What do you want from me then? Just kill me and get it over with. I'm a dead mare, anyway, but if you think you can lay a hoof on Amethyst, you're in for a surprise…”

Was she bluffing? Maybe, but Gem knew that Amethyst was surrounded by her closest friends and some of the best guards in the empire. Chrysalis wouldn't be able to get close without a fight.

The mare nodded her head as she raised a hoof to Gem’s cheek. “Oh, I will… Believe me, Cicada, I intend to kill you myself, but before you die, I also intend to make you suffer, in return for all the suffering I have endured at your hooves.”

Gem flinched at the sound of her real name. “I… I don't know what you're talking about… I don't even know you. What did I ever do to you?”

The mare snarled and forced Gem against the wall, pressing her hoof against the guard’s head. “If you're truly so blinded by this false love of the ponies that you can't recognize me, allow me to jog your memory…”

A spark ignited beneath the mare’s hooves. Despite the raining water, the flames grew, consuming her, seemingly burning away her fur and leaving behind blackened skin, riddled with holes.

The changeling revealed her true form.

Gem saw her, and a sharp gasp escaped her lips. “It… It can't be… That's not possible…” Her eyes widened. “Phasmid?”

The changeling gave her a malicious grin, showing off her razor sharp fangs and leaving Gem’s head spinning more and more.

“You died…”

Phasmid pressed her hoof against Gem’s head, causing her to groan under the pain and pressure. “You left me to die at the hooves of Mantis, but I survived. The snow saved me, freezing me in time until Chrysalis could revive me.”

Gem struggled to breath under her hoof. “What about the others? What about Aphid? Is he…”

Phasmid glared at her. “Don't you dare speak his name… I was the only survivor of your ruthless attack. You took away my friends… You took Azalea… You took everything from me!”

With the changeling’s hoof crushing her, she couldn't bring herself to speak. Only a garbled mess spilled out of her mouth. “You will know true pain before you die, Cicada, and after I kill you, I'll be coming for Mantis… I'll tear him apart, just like he did to my friends. I’m her majesty’s new favorite, and when I bring her your heads, she’ll reward me richly.”

Phasmid lowered her hoof, setting Gem free. The guard collapsed onto the shower floor, gasping as her lungs filled with air once again. When her eyes opened again, Phasmid was stepping out of the shower.

Gem crawled after her, throwing one hoof out in front of her after the other. “Ph… Phasmid, wait! I'm sorry!” The changeling had disguised herself again, as the same mare she had been before. “You have to listen to me!”

She stopped just before she reached the door that would take her into the next car. “Phasmid, please… I know you'll never forgive me for what I did to your friends. I won't even forgive myself, but…”

She groaned as she climbed to her hooves, standing up behind her. “Azalea is alive.”

The mare’s ears twitched, but she refused to turn around. Her whole body seemed to be shuddering at the sound of Gem’s voice. “Liar…”

Gem shook her head. “It's the truth, Phasmid. Her name is Pyrite, and she's a beautiful and kind filly under the care of a beautiful and kind pony.”

Finally, Phasmid turned to face her. “You speak only lies, Cicada. Queen Chrysalis would have told me if my little Azalea survived.”

Gem frowned and narrowed her eyes. “Would she? The queen is the one who wanted her dead in the first place. Chrysalis is the real liar…”

Phasmid looked at the floor, then back up at her. Then, she wound her hoof back and hit Gem in the face. The guard saw a bright flash of light before she hit the ground, knocked out cold.

She could still hear her and the running water. It all sounded so far away and echoey.

“A dark sun will rise. Amethyst will not escape us this time, and you, Cicada… you will watch her die.”


***


Amethyst and Onyx kissed quietly, so as not to disturb Amber, who was sleeping in her room just a little ways away. Onyx beamed as the kiss broke just long enough for them to catch their breaths. “We should do this more often…”

Amethyst wiped a hoof across her mouth, cleaning away any saliva from her lips. “What? Make out?”

Onyx shrugged. “Well, yeah, that too, but I mean ‘this’.” He gestured to the train car they were sitting in. “We should travel more. I don't know about you, but it feels really exciting going somewhere warm. You know, getting out of the Crystal Empire for a change.”

Amethyst smiled and nodded her head. “I agree. From what I have heard, Canterlot actually has four seasons, and only one of them has snow.”

Outside, the sky was beginning to grow lighter. The once blackened picture had become a dark blue, revealing the countryside rushing by as the sun gradually rose in the distance.

“Aren't you worried at all about Pyrite?” Amethyst’s ears twitched at the sound of her daughter’s name. “I don't want to set off any maternal alarms, but this is the first time you've really left her alone for a lengthy period of time.”

Her gaze shifted towards the window. “Pyrite is in good hooves. I'm sure Emerald has everything under control.” Her eyes shifted towards Onyx. “You did give him the instructions I wrote out, right?”

Onyx knew what she was talking about. Amethyst had left Emerald a very detailed list of things to do and not to do when caring for Pyrite, but now that she mentioned it, he wasn't entirely certain if he gave the instructions to him or not.

“Um…”


***At The Barracks***


“Alright, Pyrite! Who's ready to start the day!”

The little changeling looked up at Emerald, completely disinterested in everything he had to say. She turned her back to him and rolled over on her side. “Mmmmm… bed…”

He let out a soft sigh, realizing now that that might be harder than the originally anticipated. “Come on, Pyrite. Up and at ‘em!”

Her horn ignited, raising the gate on her own crib to lock Emerald out, causing him to let out a startled cry. She looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out.

Emerald’s eyes narrowed, and he reached into the crib. “Oh, no you don't. Amethyst left very clear instructions, and she says you have a strict, time-based diet. Right now, it's time to get up and find you some breakfast.”

Pyrite made no attempt to move.

Emerald was losing patience now. He was about to go in after her when several knocks thundered from the door.

“Hey, Emerald! Are you up, buddy?”

He let out a soft groan. “Uhh… Not now, Shale. I'm pretty tied up, right now.”

The door opened anyway, and a fully armored guard stepped inside. “What's going on? Can I help?”

Emerald gestured towards the crib. “I can't get Pyrite out of bed. She needs to eat, but she isn't cooperating.”

Shale observed the situation thoughtfully. “Have you tried-”

Emerald nodded before he finished speaking. “Yes.”

“Well, what about-”

“It didn't work either.”

Both guards were stumped. It looked like Pyrite might win and get her way, but Shale had one more idea they could fall back on as a last resort. “You know, I saw some cuffs a little while ago…”

Emerald shook his head. “No! We are not binding her to force cooperation.”

They're voices must have been pretty loud, because they were starting to attract more attention.

“Hey, guys! What's going on?”

Shale looked towards the door as another guard stepped through and waved him over. “Hey, Thallium. Come over here for a second.”

Emerald raised his hoof towards his face and groaned aloud. The situation was progressively getting worse with every moment that passed. How many clueless guards did it take to feed a baby changeling queen?

That was a question the world might never get an answer to. “This shouldn't be this hard… Guys, I just need to get her to the commissary for some breakfast.”

Thallium help up his hoof in an ‘I got this.’ motion and proceeded to approach the crib. “Ye of little faith, just you watch. When my baby sister didn't want to get out of bed, my mama always rocked the crib so she'd want to get out on her own.”

He placed his hooves on the edge of the gate and began pulling and pushing the crib, tipping it back and forth on its legs. Amazingly, it worked. As Thallium began rocking the crib a little harder, Pyrite shot up to her hooves, but things went south real quick.

The little changeling had a murderous look in her eyes as her horn ignited.

All three guards panicked and scrambled for the door as bolts of magic sailed towards them. “Run, Shale! Run!”

Pyrite had leaped from her crib, and now she was in full pursuit, chasing the three guards out of the room and down the corridor.


***Back On The Train***


Onyx dismissed the idea and felt more confident that he had left Emerald the right instructions. “You're right, Amethyst. What am I thinking? I'm sure everything's fine.”

Amethyst smiled as she fell into his embrace. As his hooves closed in around her, a soft sigh escaped her lips. They sat in silence for several moments, both looking out the window at the rising sun and the landscape far below. As it became lighter outside, it became clear that a low overcast had set in.

A blanket of dark gray clouds settled over the land, and thunder gently rumbled in the distance.

Amethyst didn't realize the weather ponies in Equestria had scheduled a bad storm that morning. just some scattered showers were reported. She hoped it wouldn't last too long. “Onyx?”

The stallion looked down at her, meeting her gaze as she looked back. “Yeah?”

She craned her neck back and kissed him on the cheek. “I'm ready to get married…”

Onyx smiled and returned the kiss, pressing his lips against her forehead, just next to her horn. “We don't have too much longer, Amy. When we get back to the empire from the Grand Galloping Gala, we'll be together with all of our friends, and…” His voice trailed off as he realized how intensely she was listening to his every word.

“Why'd you stop?”

Her voice was almost at a whisper. Each breath that escaped her lips gently brushed against his chin. “Keep going… Tell me what it'll be like…”

Amethyst readjusted herself, nestling her body tightly against his. With his train of thought broken, Onyx struggled to piece his words back together.

“We… We’ll be with our friends, and we'll meet at the palace. You'll be in your gown, and I'll probably wear something nice. The entirety of the Royal Guards is going to be there, for sure. Princess Cadence will administer the ceremony, and not too long after, we’ll be… married…”

Amethyst closed her eyes and dreamed of a bright future with Onyx and Pyrite. “You know, Onyx… I sometimes try to think about what it was that got me here, what I did to arrive at this moment in time…” She looked back up at him and raised a hoof to caress his cheek. “… but as long as I can remember, ever since I became a guard, you've always been there, by my side.”

She lowered her hoof and shifted herself so her head rested on his chest. “I guess what I'm trying to say is… I never could have imagined, back then, that I'd be here with you. I love you, Onyx…”

Onyx smiled and nuzzled his snout against hers. He opened his mouth like he was about to speak, but the door at the far end of the car opened, and a weary-looking Gem stepped through. Amethyst turned her head to look at the approaching mare and grinned. “Well, good morning, Gem. We didn't see you leave.”

Then, she noticed the water dripping from her mane and tail. “Why… are you soaking wet?”

Gem looked down and observed herself. “Huh? Oh, yeah… I, uh… was taking a shower, three cars that way.” She pointed back the direction she came.

Amethyst looked at the growing puddle of water accumulating under her. “And you didn't think to dry yourself off?”

Gem shook her head. “They were out of towels.”

Amethyst frowned, but she let the conversation drop. Amber must have heard the commotion, because she too emerged from her room, looking quite tired and unkempt. “Hey, gals… Onyx…”

They said their hellos, and Amethyst got up to brew them some coffee. Amber joined Onyx on the couch, blatantly ignoring his attempts to suggest that she should brush her mane and make herself look ‘presentable’. Gem opted to follow after Amethyst. As she joined the captain by the coffee machine, she caught a glimpse of the outside work through a window.

The clouds had grown darker, it seemed. They looked violent and volatile, like they might unravel and unleash a monsoon on the land.

*A dark sun will rise.*

Gem’s heart fell in her chest. Whatever had been approaching for so long had arrived, and there was nothing she could do now to stop it.

*Amethyst will not escape us this time, and you, Cicada… you will watch her die.*

She closed her eyes, holding back the tears that had been building up. She couldn't cry, not now. Her friends would need her.

“Amethyst, there's something I have to tell you…”

The purple mare turned and smiled. “You can tell me anything, Gem. What is it?”

Gem said nothing, but she threw her hooves around Amethyst, pulling her into a tight embrace. The captain was taken by surprise, but after a second, she began to relax, and she put her hoof around Gem in return. “I'm so happy that you're my friend, Amethyst, and no matter what happens, I'll be there for you.”

They stood like that for several moments, enjoying the feeling of each other’s company, but the happy moment did not last.

That's when heard it, a screeching cry outside the car.

The changelings had begun their attack on the train.


***Up Next: Selfless Love***

> Part 11: Selfless Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first explosion to hit the side of the train sent a shockwave throughout the cars that caused everypony inside to stumble. Amethyst fell to the floor as a second explosion rocked the entire train, threatening to tip the car over the edge of the tracks. Considering how high up they were, twisting through the mountainous regions of northern Equestria, falling off would certainly mean the end for everypony on board.

Amber was halfway inside her room, reaching for the suitcase that housed her armor. “What's going on out there?!”

Panic could be heard in the neighboring cars as guards and passengers alike scrambled from their once comfortable positions. A third explosion thundered throughout the car, shattering their eardrums. It became plainly obvious that this was an attack, and that it wasn't about to stop.

Onyx and Gem rushed to the windows. The clouds had split open, and a downpour rained from the sky. Sparks of lightning streaked across the black clouds, followed by claps of thunder. Outside, dozens of changelings flew beside the train, each taking shots at the cars using magic from their horns.

“This is no pegasus weather…” Gem pointed towards the clouds. “The changelings made this to mask their approach…”

Every time a bolt of magic hit, the train would shudder and groan. Sensing the imminent danger, Onyx quickly turned around and leaped into his and Amethyst’s room to find his armor.

The captain was already dressed in her own suit. She quickly finished by placing her helmet over her head, allowing her plumage to rise to its full height.

“Amber!” She pointed a hoof towards the young guard. “I need you to get to Shining, Cadence, and Flurry Heart. Protecting them has to be your top priority.”

Amber nodded her head before donning her helmet. In an instant, she was running out the door, into the next car.

Now, only she remained with Onyx and Gem. Both guards had dressed and readied themselves to fight. Gem put her helmet over her head and stepped forward. “What about us, captain?”

Amethyst glanced towards the window, at the swarm of changelings outside. They were getting closer and more bold, some going so far as to get close enough to hit the train and bash the windows with their hooves. They were breaking into the train. “We hold this train, no matter what. There are a lot of innocent ponies on board, and we can't afford to let them down.”

Gem thought back to the mother with her little colt. She wondered how scared they must feel. She was a guard, now. She was here to protect and serve them.

Onyx took off towards the door Amber had left through. “I'm going rally as many guards as I can and see if we can establish some defenses up top.”

Amethyst saw understood what he meant, on top of the train. Holding the line up there would definitely give them a fighting chance in holding off the changelings. They needed to keep the enemy’s attention on them and away from the passengers.

She nodded her head. “Do it, Onyx. Go!”

Now, only her and Gem remained. Gem stood by her side, awaiting orders. She didn't want to leave Amethyst, but whatever the captain wanted, she would make sure to deliver. “What's the plan, Amethyst? What do we do?”

Amethyst said nothing.

Instead, she turned on Gem and lowered her horn. Before she could react, the captain’s horn ignited and fired a beam of magic that threw her back across the car. The magic wasn't lethal, but it packed a punch that knocked the wind out of Gem.

She hit the far wall with a loud ‘thud’ before sliding to the floor. Her breathing was rapid and shallow as she blurry vision came back into focus. She had no time to register what was happening as a metal hoof found its way onto her chest.

“You had something to do with this…” Amethyst snarled as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I know you did… Tell me the truth, now!”

Gem swallowed, hard. She could see the pain in Amethyst’s eyes, the confusion, rage, and sorrow.

“You knew this was coming… All along, you knew, and I let you play me like a fool…”

Amethyst was crushing her, pressing forcefully on her chest and limiting her air.

“Amethyst, please… I…”

The captain pushed down on her chest, silencing her. “I believed you! I actually believed that you had changed, that you had become a new mare, but you lied to me!”

Gem could only make desperate gurgling sounds as saliva fell from the corner of her mouth. “P-P-Please…”

Her eyes were rolling backwards. Her very life was fading. Losing the will to hold her form, a green fire consumed her, revealing the pony to be who she really was. A changeling in armor laid under the guard’s hoof, quietly gasping for air. Just as her vision was about to fade completely, Amethyst’s hoof raised off of her chest. Cicada coughed and wheezed furiously as her lungs filled with air once again.

“Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you, Gem… Give me one reason, right now!”

The changeling’s breaths were deep and dramatic, and she held a hoof across her broken chest. When she could bring herself to speak again, she looked up, her eyes meeting the guard’s. “I can't…”

Amethyst’s hoof was already raised, poised to strike again, but she hesitated. “Wh-What?”

Cicada shook her head as she struggled to stand, only for her legs to buckle. She collapsed again. “I can't… give you a reason… After all I've done, this is what I deserve.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she began to sob. “I'm so sorry, Amethyst. I'm so sorry I lied to you. At first… it was just orders. I was just doing my queen’s bidding, but then, I fell in love…”

Cicada cried out as she dragged herself to her hooves, forcing herself to stand and meet Amethyst’s gaze at eye level. “I fell in love with the pony world, with you, Amethyst. I love you with all of my black heart. I would move the sun and moon for you, for your friends, for Pyrite, and for all of the ponies in the Crystal Empire…”

She removed her helmet, tossing it aside and letting Amethyst see her face. “You're my best friend, and you've never stopped showing me kindness… and generosity… and selfless love… I don't deserve your mercy, and I don't deserve to live… If I'm going to die today, I want it to be by your hooves, Amethyst.”

Cicada stood before Amethyst, her head bowed. She closed her eyes, waiting for it all to end, but the end never came. She felt the guard’s hooves, but not in the way she had anticipated.

Amethyst threw her hooves around the changeling’s neck, hugging her tightly. “I never knew…” She cried into Cicada’s neck, wetting the changeling’s skin with her tears. “… that you’d grown to love.”

She pulled away, wiping the tears from her reddened eyes. “Why didn't you say anything?”

Cicada sniffled as she nuzzled Amethyst’s neck. “I was scared… I was afraid of my own feelings and how I might fit into this new world… I didn't mean for all of this to happen…”

The train shook violently as another blast erupted outside. Things weren't going well for the guards. Through the walls, they could hear the cries of desperation as they fought to defend the train and its passengers.

Amethyst pulled away, staring Cicada down. “We can stop this, right? We can beat them back, right?”

The changeling sniffed as she shook her head. “I… I want that more than anything, right now, but Queen Chrysalis is here. I can feel her presence on board. I don't know if we're powerful enough to stop her…”

Amethyst gently smacked Cicada’s face, taking her by surprise. “Hey! That's not how a Royal Guard thinks! We've stopped her before, at the wedding. We can do it again!”

Cicada’s jaw dropped.

The look of pure determination in Amethyst’s eyes scared her. Then, she remembered that this was the mare who stood in between a baby changeling and certain death. This was the mare who sacrificed so much for those she cared about most. This was the mare who traveled into the frozen north to save the love of her life when all hope seemed lost and gave up her own leg in the process. This was a mare who would not stop until her friends and family were safe from harm.

“Now, are you going to help me save this train, or not?”

Cicada closed her eyes and concentrated. A spark ignited under her hooves and rose to consume her entire body. In a fraction of a second, Gem stood tall, and a weary smile formed along her lips. “I told you before… No matter what happens, I'll be there for you.”

They heard a loud ‘thump’ over head, followed by the sound of hooves running up and down the top of the car. Both guards looked up, and Amethyst spotted the access hatch in the corner over the sofas. “We need to get up there.”

Gem agreed, but she knew Phasmid would be waiting for her. Amethyst was already underneath the hatch. Even on her hind legs on top of the sofa, she wasn't tall enough to reach it. “Come on, Gem… Give me a boost.”

The mare ran to the sofa and climbed under Amethyst, allowing her a jumping-off point from her back. The captain hit the lever on the hatch, sending it flying open. The hole in the ceiling allowed the storm to enter the car. Rain and wind flooded inside, causing the lights to flicker and clothes from open suitcases to fly around. Using all of her might, she hoisted herself through the hatch and onto the roof of the train car.

Once she was outside, she quickly turned around, lowering her hoof down into the car. “Jump, Gem!” She had to scream over the howling wind and rumbling thunder. “Jump, and I'll pull you up!”

Gem lifted herself up onto her rear legs and leaped into the air, catching a hold of Amethyst’s metal leg. The captain groaned as she pulled the mare up and through the open hatch. At the top, they fell over, breathing heavily, but there was no time to rest.

The changelings overhead had spotted them, and several dove for the train, firing a volley of magical bolts towards them.

“Amethyst, run!” Gem pushed her forward as they both began sprinting along the top of the train.

The three changelings landed in front of them, stopping the mares in their tracks. They advanced slowly, baring down on them.

One changeling, the one in the middle, laughed, showing his fangs as the got closer. “Look, brothers and sisters! Mistress Cicada has already captured our prize! What luck!”

Amethyst was no pony’s prize. She took a defensive stance, preparing herself to fight, but Gem calmly walked out in front of her. She looked back at the confused guard and fired her a sly grin.

Then, she turned her attention back to the changelings. “Not today, Stag… This mare is mine…”

When they saw that she stood in defense of the guard, they hesitated. Amethyst saw it in their eyes. They actually feared Gem.

The one she assumed was ‘Stag’ quickly overcame Gem’s threat and narrowed his eyes. “So, Phasmid really was telling the truth… You’ve betrayed the hive…”

Gem lowered her horn, causing the changelings flanking Stag to take nervous steps backwards. “This is your last chance, Stag… Back off!”

A dark shadow flew over them, causing them all to look up. The shadow disappeared into the swirling clouds, but Gem didn't need to see who it was to know.

Stag must have been thinking the same thing, because he lowered his horn. “That's not possible, Cicada. I'm more afraid of Queen Chrysalis than I am of you.”

Then, the changelings charged.

Amethyst prepared herself to fight, but Gem kicked her in the chest, sending her onto her falling onto her rear. “Stay back, Amethyst! I'll handle them…”

The guard sat where she landed, completely stunned as she watched Gem run forwards to meet the changelings.

She caught Stag first, using her weight to slam into him, knocking him off balance before kicking his disoriented body into the other changelings. They landed in a heap, struggling to stand as they fell over each other. One raised her horn at Gem and fired a bolt of magic towards her.

Gem’s horn flared to life, forming a shield that deflected the magic, sending it back towards the changeling. She cried out in terror, choosing to leap over the side of the moving train to avoid the bolt of magic. She opened her tattered wings, but the turbulent winds caused by the raging storm sent her spiraling into the distance.

The other changeling tried to rush Gem and catch her by surprise, but the guard was waiting for him. She quickly spun around, startling the changeling before throwing a hoof into his jaw. He reared back in pain, but it wasn't enough to stop him. He returned in kind, hitting Gem beneath her armor, causing her to wince.

At the same time, Stag had recovered, and he circled the fight, looking for an opening to jump into. Amethyst saw it, but Gem didn't. She was too busy with the other changeling.

“Gem! Gem, look out!”

But Gem couldn't hear her over the wind and rain. She was locked in a struggle with the changeling, and Stag had found his chance. With Stag at her back, Gem couldn't see as his horn began to glow.

Gem let out a vicious snarl and bit into the changeling's neck, causing him to scream before she snapped one of his legs, ending the stalemate. He fell to his hooves, desperately crying out in pain as he struggled to stand on his broken leg with green blood leaking from his neck.

“You bitch!” Gem spun around and gasped, finding Stag’s horn pointed between her eyes. “You may have been on top in the hive, but out here, you've met your… you…”

His glowing horn faded, and he fell over, motionless and lifeless. Gem was shocked, but then, she saw it, a smoking hole in his chest where green blood poured out. She turned around to see Amethyst standing behind her, her own horn glowing bright purple.

Gem let out a soft sigh. “Amethyst… I… I don't know what to say…”

Amethyst managed a weary grin as the glow surrounding her horn faded. “You could start by saying ‘thank you’. It looks like I've got your back now, Gem.”

Gem looked down at Stag’s dead body. “Indeed… You have my thanks, Amethyst. Stag was always a bit of an ass…” Then, she looked up ahead. A band of guards was locked in a struggle with more changelings several cars ahead. “We should hurry and help the others.”

Amethyst saw what she was talking about. Through the pouring rain, she could make out the colored plumage on a guard’s helmet marking the status of an officer.

Onyx was among them.

“Right… Come on!” She took off, sprinting across the top of the train car.

Gem ran after her, following the guard through the wind and rain as they leaped over the gap that bridged the next car, but she was struggling to keep up. With every step, Amethyst got further ahead, leaving her behind. Gem’s muscles were growing tired. Her fight with the changelings had left her without much of her energy, and the poison was beginning to have a serious effect on her.

She knew what would soon happen.

First, her muscles would give up completely. Then, most of her internal organs would shut down. Finally, her heart would stop, and she would die a slow and painfully agonizing death as her body stalled. Gem was running out of time, and Amethyst had no clue.

She kept on running, only thinking about reaching her lover, Onyx. “Come on, Gem! We're almost there!”

Then, the shadow returned.

Out of the corner of her eye, Gem caught a glimpse of an angry-looking changeling. Phasmid was in the air, flying alongside the train, and she was diving straight for them.

“Cicada!”

With her wings spread, she let out a furious cry before plowing into Gem, sending both of them tumbling across the top of the car. Amethyst turned around just in time to see Gem sail over the side, disappearing into the void below. She looked over her shoulder, back at Onyx and the other guards. They were too far away still, too far away to help.

When she turned to face Phasmid, the changeling had vanished. Amethyst was alone, spinning in circles as she looked for any sign of her friend. “Gem!” She screamed as loudly as her lungs would allow, but the storm drowned her out. “Gem, where are you!”

Then, she heard it, the muffled whimper of a struggling mare. Through the rain, she followed the sound towards the edge of the car and looked over. “Gem!” Amethyst immediately dropped to her stomach and reached out, extending her prosthetic hoof towards the guard as she held onto the side of the train.

The mare struggled to reach. “Help me up!”

Amethyst groaned as the weight of the armored mare put a lot of strain on her leg, but she managed to pull her up and onto the train. Exhausted beyond all belief, the captain fell on her back, gasping for air as she recovered.

Gem rolled onto her side and climbed to her hooves.

“We… We make a… great team… right, Gem?”

The mare smiled at her, but something was off. Her lips were curled upward, but there was nothing happy about her expression. Then, Gem drew back her hoof and threw it towards Amethyst’s face.

The captain reacted solely on instinct and her training, rolling out of the way to avoid the hoof as it hit the very spot she once sat. Adrenaline flowed through her, and Amethyst jumped to her hooves. “Gem, what… what are you doing?!”

She dodged every hoof the mare sent her way, but she was growing tired. Her sudden burst of energy had been expended. The wind and rain weren't helping, and the storm had only grown more volatile since it started.

“You destroyed my nest!” The mare grappled onto her neck, holding Amethyst down long enough to hit her in the face with her hoof. “You tried to make me believe I'm something I'm not!”

She brought her hoof down a second time, hard. The force was so intense that it knocked Amethyst's helmet off, sending it flying over the edge of the car. “Gem, please…”

The mare let out a furious cry as she wailed on Amethyst, slicing the edges of her hooves across the guard’s cheeks and pummeling her face. “Shut up! Shut up, Amethyst! I'm not a pony!”

When her hoof came down again, it landed on Amethyst’s prosthetic leg, tearing it away from the guard’s body. She threw the leg behind her, over the edge of the train, never to be seen again.

The captain’s mind went blank as indescribable pain pulsed through her body. Amethyst couldn't see. She couldn't breathe. The rushing wind blew her mane with an unseen ferocity. All around her, the swirling storm raged, and lightning cracked across the sky, followed by deafening booms of thunder.

She struggled to roll on her side and stand up, only to realize that her leg was missing. “Onyx!” Amethyst cried as she felt blindly for her missing leg. “Onyx, help me!”

But Onyx didn't come. He was too far away, locked in a struggle with several changelings, desperately trying to reach her.

Instead, a hoof came down in front of her, stopping the guard in her tracks.

She looked up at the shadowy figure standing over her, her eyes glowing bright green. “Gem… please…”

Amethyst whimpered sadly, sobbing almost. “I know you're there, and I know this isn't who you are…”

The changeling snarled viciously, raising her hoof to strike. “Shut up! My name is not Gem! I’m not a stupid pony!” The captain’s eyes filled with tears as her vision blurred. “You know nothing about me!”

Despite her tears, Amethyst cracked a bloody smile, startling Cicada. “I know…” She coughed violently, spitting blood all over her chin. “I know you're my… my best friend…”

The changeling raised her hoof even higher. With the rain beating down on her, and the sound of the roaring wind fading to silence, Amethyst prepared herself for the end. She heard the charging of a horn and closed her eyes. The horn discharged, expelling concentrated magic, but Amethyst didn't feel a thing.

The mare standing over her let out a pained wail as she flew back several feet before landing on her side. When Amethyst opened her eyes, the Gem standing over her was gone, and another Gem stood in her place, offering her hoof to the captain. “It's me, Amethyst… It's really me…”

Amethyst grinned, showing off her broken and bloody smile. Then, Gem looked down and saw the state of her leg, where a terrifyingly large puddle of blood had pooled, despite the rain washing it in every direction. “Amethyst, you're hurt… I have to get you to a hospital…”

The captain could hardly understand her.

Blood loss was having negative consequences on her abilities to function. “Hold on, Amethyst… You're not going to die today…”

She was about to pick the captain up and carry her inside, but a monstrous bellow sent shivers down her spine.

“YOU WHORSE!”

Gem spun around and took a defensive stance over the wounded Amethyst. The captain didn't know if what she was seeing was real or not, or if it was just the loss of blood, but she could have sworn there were two Gems facing off in front of her.

“I've had enough of you, Cicada… First, I'm going to kill that stupid pony. Then, I'm going to tear your fucking throat out!” She lowered her horn. “Queen Chrysalis will reward me when I deliver to her the head of a guard and a traitor…”

Gem panted heavily. Under the downpour, she struggled to stand upright as the poison ate away at her very life. “Phasmid, please stop this… I’m sorry… I am so, so sorry for what I did to you and Aphid, to all of you. Don't hurt Amethyst for my wrongdoings… If…” She sniffled as she stepped forward to meet the other ‘Gem’. “If you kill her, you'll be taking away Azalea’s mother.”

The other Gem paused, and her glare softened. “Wh… What?”

Gem nodded her head. “That's right, Phasmid… Amethyst found Azalea in that cave, and she rescued her, taking her in to raise as her own daughter…”

The other Gem had a blank expression on her face. Unable to concentrate, her disguise fell, revealing her to be the changeling she really was.

“You can come with us, Phasmid. Come with us and live in the empire. You can be free of Chrystalis. You can see Azalea again.” She looked Phasmid dead in the eyes. “I’ve learned the meaning of forgiveness, but if you kill Amethyst… Azalea will never forgive you…”

Lightning streaked across the sky, lighting up the entire world.

Phasmid looked completely stunned by Gem’s offer, like she might actually be considering it, but a dark shadow fell over them. The temperature of the air around them dropped, and a menacing laugh shook Gem to her very core.

Queen Chrysalis herself descended onto the train car, landing next to Phasmid. “I have to give credit where it is due, Cicada. That was an excellent display, but it was little more than a futile attempt to stop the inevitable. You see…” She raised her hoof, caressing Phasmid’s cheek gently. “Phasmid is my loyal servant.”

The changeling’s gaze lowered, and she looked to her hooves as Chrysalis continued to stroke behind her ears. “Unlike you, a miserable traitor to your queen and your kind, she is obedient, and she does whatever I tell her.”

Phasmid winced with every word.

“You cannot promise her something as useless as freedom…”

The changeling warrior closed her eyes, remembering the night she tried to escape the hive with Aphid and Azalea.

“Phasmid is mine, and she will never be free.”

Her eyes opened, and she stepped forward, shaking away the heavy hoof of Chrysalis. “No…”

The queen’s eyes widened, surprised by the sudden act of defiance. “What… did you just say?”

For a moment, all that could be hear was the sound of rain pouring onto the top of the train and the low rumbling of thunder. Phasmid turned around, facing the changeling queen. “No… I said ‘no’. I am not your slave…”

Chrysalis’ eyes narrowed.

“And you, my queen… You are a tyrant! You're the one who lied to me! You told me my Azalea died by Cicada’s hooves!”

The queen bared her teeth. “Watch your tone, Phasmid… It would be unwise for you to forestall my judgement…”

Phasmid shook her head. “No more… I'm done listening to you. I will be free!”

Then, she charged the queen, only to be swept away by magic from Chrysalis’ horn.

Phasmid cried out horrifically as the wave of green magic pushed her back, sending her flying towards the edge of the car. She held on before falling off, but the queen was on her in seconds.

“Treachery…”

Then, she stomped her hooves, causing Phasmid to fall towards the Equestrian landscape so far below.

Gem’s eyes filled with tears as she watched her disappear. Chrysalis turned on Gem, and her horn began to glow. “Two traitors in one day… This has been most disappointing…”

Already drastically weakened by the poison, Gem crawled towards the critically injured Amethyst.

Her will to move was failing her, and a green flame engulfed her body, burning away the pony Gem.

Cicada reached Amethyst and collapsed next to her. When she got a closer look at the wound, she realized it was worse than she originally thought. She needed to stop the bleeding, or Amethyst would die in minutes. She could use her magic, but that could only work for as long as she could keep her horn active.

No… She needed something that would hold, something like…

Cicada’s eyes landed on her back, on her own wings, and she knew what she had to do. Out of love and desperation, Cicada bit into her own, insect-like wing, and in one swift pull, she tore it off. She howled through her teeth as she took the wing with her magic and began applying it to Amethyst’s stump.

“You will live, Amethyst… I promise...”

She tied off the wing, putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the gaping wound. Cicada didn't have any time to admire her work, because a chilling laugh came from behind her. “Marvelous, Cicada… Now, you and that wretched pony can die together…”

Chrysalis stood over them, spreading her massive wings. “I treated you well, Cicada… You were my favorite subject, my best agent…” Her horn began to glow a sickly green color. “… but I have no sympathy for those who hold a false love for ponies…”

Cicada looked up at her, meeting the queen’s eyes, and a sly grin formed along her lips. “You… You call it false…” She wheezed something terrible as her lungs struggled to work. “… but I can say, with… no doubt in my mind… that I love Amethyst with all of my heart…”

Chrysalis snarled, growling like a beast as she pointed her horn towards Cicada. “My love for her… and her love for me… makes me stronger than the fear of your disapproval ever did.”

Cicada threw her hooves around Amethyst, embracing her tightly as they awaited the end. As Amethyst wrapped her one leg around Cicada, she brought the changeling’s ear towards her lips. “I love you, Gem…”

Cicada closed her eyes as tears spilled down her cheeks. “I love you too, Amethyst…”

Then, as Chrysalis’ horn grew bright to the point of discharging it’s deadly strike, a spark appeared between them, and their horns began to glow. Instead of the normal colors that represented their magic, Amethyst’s horn and Cicada’s both flowed a soft, pink hue.

Chrysalis took a nervous step back. “What… What is this…”

Their horns lit up, glowing brightly as heat and pink magic expanded, growing wider and wider by the second. Chrysalis’ eyes widened. “No… No, this can't be happening! Not again! This love cannot be real!”

It was real, and the cloud of pink magic exploded violently, sending a wave of pure energy that carried Chrysalis and the other changelings far, far away, out of sight. The wave of energy arched across the sky, driving back the storm and breaking through the clouds, letting the rays of Celestia’s sun shine down on the land.

Cicada beamed as she felt the warmth hit her face, and the last thing she saw, before her vision faded to black, was the look of content on an unconscious, but very much alive, Amethyst. “You will live, Amethyst… I promise…”

A long breath escaped her lips before she fell silent, at last.


***


*Gem! Gem, come back! Please, Gem, you have to come back!*

Cicada’s eyes fluttered open, and a lengthy yawn escaped her lips, as though she had just awoken from a satisfying nap. As her vision began to clear, she took in more of her surroundings. She rose to her hooves and stood at the end of a vast, white corridor. The ceiling was invisible, reaching high into the air to the point where it couldn't be seen, and the long, white walls that made up the hall seemed endless as they stretched as far as the eye could see.

Her ears twitched slightly. She thought she had heard somepony speak, but the air around her was quiet and still. Cicada looked down at her hooves and the floor beneath her.

It wasn't a floor.

It moved and shifted like a fluffy cloud, constantly changing shape. They were clouds! She was standing on clouds!

Puzzled, she pressed her hoof into the floor. Despite the flurry appearance, it was firm and very much solid. Cicada was growing impatient. She didn't know where she was or how she got there, but she wanted somepony to talk to.

“Hello?” Her voice echoed in the vast corridor. When her call was met with silence, she opened her mouth again. “Hello? Is anypony there?”

“I'm here!”

Cicada let out a terrified scream as she nearly jumped out of her skin. She spun around and came face to face with a tall mare. The mare had a ghostly appearance, having white fur and a light gray mane with a tail to match.

Cicada then caught a glimpse of her cutie mark, a stringed instrument.

She made a mad dash past the changeling and bolted towards a podium in the center of the walkway that the changeling hadn't noticed before. “I'm so, so sorry I was late to meet you, uh…” The mare fumbled through a massive book with the magic from her horn, turning page after page as she tried to find what she was looking for. “… Cicada, is it? You've also gone by many other names, it seems. There's Opal, Sapphire, Adamant, Rune, and… Gem.”

The mare looked up from her podium. “Do you have a preference?”

The changeling had recovered from her initial shock and approached the podium. As she got closer, she noticed the mare had a unique set of wings to compliment her horn. She was an alicorn.

She cocked her head to the side as she observed the mysterious greeter. “Who… are you?”

The alicorn frowned, but her expression was quickly replaced by an apologetic laugh. “Oh… How silly of me… I forgot to introduce myself. You run late after one meeting, and suddenly, your mind is a jumbled mess…”

She cleared her throat. “I am Serenity, princess of death.”

She wore a huge, bright smile. “You may call me Sarah, if you like. All of my friends do. At least, they would, if I had any…”

Cicada’s ears folded back. “The princess of… death? I'm… I’m dead?”

It was all beginning to come back to her. The train… The attack… She didn't feel dead. In fact, she never felt better. Cicada looked over her shoulder. Strangely, she had both of her wings again.

Serenity pursed her lips and nodded her head. “I'm afraid so, Miss- Ah, you still haven't given me a ‘preferred name’. Is ‘Cicada’ alright?”

The changeling waved her hoof dismissively. “Wait… Hold on… Are you telling me I've died?”

Serenity looked sympathetic towards her. “I’m just going to write ‘pending’...” Then, she nodded her head again. “Yes, I'm afraid. All who die pass me on their way to their paradise, the ones who were good enough in life to achieve a paradise, anyway. The bad ones pass through my sister, Distress.”

Cicada’s eyes widened.

She tried to look past the podium in an attempt to catch a glimpse of what might await her. “I get paradise? Seriously?”

Serenity beamed, nodding her head. She had a look on her face like a school filly on a field trip, but the look didn't last long. Cicada remembered all of the horrible things she did and all of the ponies she wronged. “I… I mean no disrespect, princess, but I don't think I should be here…”

Serenity frowned and leaned over the podium. “What do you mean by that, Miss Cicada?”

The changeling shrugged as she gestured to herself. “Well… I mean, look at me. I'm a monster. I've done so many terrible things to ponies who didn't deserve it, and for what?” She tried sniffed back her tears, but she was unable to stop the them from rolling down her cheeks. “I've lied… I've cheated… I've stolen, and I've killed… I learned too late that love is not something to be selfishly devoured, but something to be cherished and shared with those you care most about…”

She heard the sound of pages turning, then Serenity cleared her throat. “I am well aware of your… extensive resume, Miss Cicada, and if you truly believe you don't belong here, I can arrange for you to be sent to my sister, but I want you to listen very carefully to what I have to say…” Cicada blinked the tears out of her eyes and looked up, meeting the princess’ gaze. “You and I would not be here right now, having this conversation if you didn't deserve to be here.”

The smile on her face resembled that of the mother’s on the train as she held her infant son. “You, my little changeling, have done more in the service of others than give yourself credit for, and to top it all off, just as you said yourself, you discovered what it truly means to love.” She reached forward, raising Cicada’s chin. “You gave your life so that somepony you truly loved can live. There is no greater act of love.”

Cicada dried her eyes and wiped a hoof across her wet snout. “Amethyst is... alive?”

Serenity smiled and nodded her head. “She is, thanks to you.”

That was enough to set Cicada’s mind at ease. She felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted off of her back, and she shifted her wings so they fit more comfortably against her sides. Her death was not in vain. Just like Phasmid, she died so Amethyst could live to see another day.

Cicada eyed the book on top of the podium. “Does that thing have the all the names of ponies that have died?”

Serenity nodded. “Yes, why?”

Cicada shifted her weight on her hooves sheepishly. “I was just wondering if another changeling came through here recently, a mare by the name of ‘Phasmid’.”

She really wanted to know if Phasmid received a paradise as well. Maybe, she'd get to see her again and personally thank her for what she did.

Serenity pursed her lips as she flipped through the tens of thousands of pages. Finally, she came to a stop and closed the book. “Hmmm… Nope. No pony or changeling with that name has passed through me. I can check with my sister and see what she has on file.”

Serenity materialized a scroll and quill out of thin air, and she began writing. “That's ‘Phasmid’ with a ‘Ph’, right?”

Cicada nodded her head.

Moments later, the scroll was gone, vanishing in a flash of light. “It may take her a minute to respond. Do you know this changeling personally?”

Again, Cicada nodded, but her lips fell into a frown. “Yeah… There's so much I want to say to her. She died so I could have a chance to save my friend.”

Serenity opened her mouth like she was about to respond, but she was interrupted by the arrival of a scroll. “Ah… That's my sister.”

She opened the letter and read its contents. “Hmm… That's interesting…” Serenity looked up from the letter, meeting Cicada’s eyes. “Are you certain this ‘Phasmid’ is really dead?”

The changeling gave her a puzzled look. “I… I saw her fall. She fell off of the train in the mountains north of Canterlot. There's no way she could have survived, is there?”

The princess set the scroll down. “Well, according to Distress, Phasmid hasn't passed through her realm either. The only explanation is that she’s alive.”

That last word echoed in Cicada’s mind.

She remembered watching Phasmid fall. She had seen it with her own eyes, but if there was really a chance that anypony could survive such a deadly fall, it would be her.

Serenity circled the podium, meeting the stunned Cicada face to face. “Are you ready, Miss Cicada? Your paradise is just at the end of this corridor. Once you enter, you'll never return… Of course, you'll never want to return. That's the whole point…”

The princess laughed at her own joke, and Cicada couldn't help smirking along with her. She liked the sound of having her own realm of eternal peace and happiness.

“However, should you chose to leave now, you will return to the world you died in.”

Cicada froze.

“Wait… What?!” She looked completely dumbfounded. “I can… I can go back?!”

Serenity held a hoof to her face and let out a long sigh. “Yes… I am so sorry I forgot to mention this. It's not every day I get to meet a hero.” Cicada was getting more and more confused by the second, and the princess could tell. “Let me start over. You see, not only did you die having done good deeds in service to others, but you died a ‘hero’s death’, as I like to call them.”

She materialized a new scroll and unrolled it to show the changeling. It was a list of names, some of ponies who died centuries ago or longer. Then, she spotted her name at the very bottom, along with the date and time that she died.


~Cicada~


“All who die hero’s deaths are given the option to have a second chance. As you can see, many of them wanted to accept their fate and walk onto their paradises, leaving the world of the living behind for good.”

Serenity rolled the scroll and put sent it away in a flash of light. “It is very rare for a hero to chose another chance at life, and for good reason.”

Cicada cocked her head. “Why is that? Wouldn’t anypony choose to love again if given the choice?”

The princess placed a gentle hoof on her shoulder. “You were in a lot of pain when you died, my little changeling. You tore off your own wing, if I recall correctly. If you go back, you'll feel all of that pain again. You'll be alive, but in a world of despair, wishing you'd stayed with me and gone to your paradise.”

Cicada didn't give it a second thought.

“I want to go back.”

Her quick response startled Serenity. “Are… you certain? If you do, I won't see you again until you… well, you know.”

She nodded her head. “I'm positive. I can deal with the pain. I always have before…”

Serenity smiled sadly. “You really want to see your friends, don't you?”

Cicada beamed up at her. “More than anything… My paradise can wait.”

The princess nodded her head slowly as she rose to her full height. “Very well, Miss Cicada. If you will follow me…”

She watched as the princess walked past her, towards a door that she hadn't noticed before. It was white, like everything else in the corridor, with a shimmering, gold handle. Using her magic, Serenity turned the handle, opening the door. As it opened, Cicada was met by a blinding light shining through the other side. “Step through, and you will awaken, Miss Cicada.”

She walked up to the door, shielding her eyes from the light. Standing next to Serenity, she prepared herself to walk through. If any of what the princess said was true, she would face a world of pain, and she wasn't sure if she was really ready, but she needed to see her friends again. She wasn't ready to leave them behind just yet.

Cicada looked at Serenity. “Thank you, princess, for everything.”

Serenity waved as Cicada leaped into the light. “Farewell, my little changeling!”

Cicada fell through blinding curtain. Warmth engulfed her entire body as the light began to fade. It grew hotter and hotter until her skin began to burn. Her muscles tightened, and she let out a pained scream.

She felt like she was on fire.

Then, everything around her became dark. The fire and pain were replaced by a cool, gentle breeze, and she something firm, landing flat on her back.


***


Cicada gasped as air filled her lungs, and her eyes opened wide. She stared straight up. A warm glow from a light shined down on her, and an air vent blew a cold wind against her face. She looked around the room and realized that she was on a sofa back in her train car, facing a window.

Outside, familiar mountains passed by quickly. They were nearing the city of Canterlot. Then, she heard it, the sound of soft snoring.

Cicada looked to her right and saw Amethyst sleeping on the sofa opposite to hers. That sight was enough to put a weak smile on her face. She extended a hoof towards the purple mare, but every fiber of her being felt stiff to the core. “Amethyst…”

Cicada was startled by the sound of her own voice. It sounded rough and scratchy, nothing like herself. She waited until saliva built up in her mouth and swallowed, wetting her throat. “Hey, Amethyst…”

She stirred in her sleep and rolled on her side, facing Cicada. Her stump had been properly bandaged, but she still held the changeling's torn wing tight against her chest. Cicada mustered as much strength as she could, filling her lungs with air and causing her chest to swell.

“Amethyst!”

The captain let out a shrill scream as she fell off of the sofa, hitting the floor with a hard ‘thud’. Her head swung in every direction until her eyes finally fell on Cicada. Amethyst stared at the changeling for several seconds. Then, her jaw dropped.

“Gem… You're awake…”

A huge smile broke across Cicada’s face as Amethyst crawled towards her. Using her three good legs, she rose shakily and hobbled over to the sofa. “I don't believe it… I thought… I thought you were gone…”

Cicada reared her head back and laughed. It caused her entire body to hurt, but she couldn't help herself. “Ha! You would wish that, Amethyst, but…” She groaned as she hoisted herself upright, meeting the captain at eye level. “… it's going to take more than what Chrysalis has to kill me.”

Her gaze fell to Amethyst's stump, and her smile faded. “I'm… sorry, about your leg.”

Amethyst shook her head, dismissing her apology. “There's no need for that, Gem. I can get a new leg, but you…” She held up Cicada’s tattered wing, which was now mostly red after being soaked by the pony's blood. “… you did this for me. You did this to save my life, and I am forever grateful.”

Cicada eyed her wing.

She knew that she’d never be able to fly again, but Amethyst was alive. To her, that was all that mattered. “You better be. I only have one wing left, and I can't afford to lose it.”

Both mares shared a light-hearted chuckle before the far door at the end of the car swung open. Amber hummed as she backed through the door with a silver tray in the cloud of her magic. “Hmmm… Hm, Hm, Hmmmmmm! Hey, Amethyst, I brought you some-”

She turned and dropped the tray. Words failed the young mare as she saw Cicada sitting on the sofa.

Cicada wondered how long she must have been gone. She hadn't considered how everypony might react to her sudden coming back to life.

“Um… Hello-”

Amber bolted out the door, running through the next car cheering and screaming as loudly as she could. “SHE’S ALIVE!”

More guards came, poking their heads into the car to see, sharing brief glances and wide grins. Cicada felt uneasy. She wasn't used to the attention, and she certainty wasn't used to so many Royal Guards smiling at her.

Amethyst placed her hoof on the changeling's. “They've all heard about what you did, Gem. They’re even calling you a hero…”

In the span of a few moments, the whole car was packed with armored guards. Even Onyx was there, though he had a slight limp. One by one, the guards approached her to thank her.

Cicada was star struck.

She couldn't keep herself from smiling as her cheeks turned red from all of the praise. Eventually, they all filed out of the car, mostly being pushed out by Onyx and Amber until only Shining Armor and Princess Cadence remained.

Shining approached her first. He looked cross, causing Cicada to descend from the high of praise she just received. “So… You're the ‘secret’ Amethyst had been hiding from me.” Then, he did something Cicada couldn't have predicted in a thousand years. He bowed to her. “You saved this train from a disaster that would have crippled the Crystal Empire. I hope you understand that means you can't remain a private in the ranks of the Royal Guards.”

He turned towards Amethyst. “Isn't that right, captain?”

Amethyst nodded her head, her smile stretching from ear to ear. “That's right, sir. I can't have her as anything less than my first lieutenant.”

Cicada’s eyes widened. That was quite the promotion. Before she had any time to react, she was approached by the princess and her daughter.

“That was an interesting display of love, Cicada… Your selflessness saved the day. We are honored to have you…” She too bowed to the changeling.

When Cadence rose to her full height again, an announcer overhead announced their imminent arrival. They were nearing Canterlot and would soon be disembarking.

Shining and Cadence excused themselves, and Cicada’s gaze shifted towards the window. In the distance, the sun would be setting on the greatest day of her life, her new birthday.

The whole world and her entire life was ahead of her. However long that was, she had no idea, but she had to make it worthwhile.

Feeling stronger, she summoned her green fire, and became the pony she was always meant to be. Gem rose from the sofa and stood upright before her legs buckled. She would have fallen, but Onyx and Amethyst caught her.

“Easy, Gem…” Onyx let her lean on him, since Amethyst couldn't bare anyone's weight but her own. “You look like you're starving. When we get off the train, we're getting you a meal.”

Amethyst smiled and nodded her head. “Yes, a big one. I think we all need to try out some of these Canterlot restaurants. Then, we have a gala to attend tomorrow.”

The idea sounded like a good one.

Leaning on Onyx and staying close to Amethyst, Gem walked on. Quietly, she hoped the rest of their trip would be uneventful. She didn't need any more excitement, but an event as big as the Grand Galloping Gala can attract the most interesting of guests…


***Amethyst Will Return***



***The End: Volume 2***

> Vol 3: Part 12: Breaking Free
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***Volume 3***


The table was quiet except for the sounds of muffled chewing and satisfaction. Freshly showered and dressed in their fatigues, the guards settled down in a restaurant in Canterlot, the Solar Royale. Amethyst and Onyx shared a salad, Amber enjoyed a seasoned pasta plate, and Gem watched while sipping from a glass of water.

The gala wouldn't take place until sundown of the following evening, so the Royal Guards of the Crystal Empire were given the night off and let loose into Canterlot to rest, relax, and enjoy themselves. It was their night, Shining had told them. A few other guards were scattered across tables in the restaurant, but most had disappeared into the city and likely wouldn't been seen again until the morning after.

As she set her glass down, after taking a sip, Gem noticed a guard several tables away looking at her. She would catch him looking, and he would quickly look away, turning his attention back to whatever was on his plate in front of him.

“Gem?”

The call of her name startled her. She turned and realized it was Amethyst who was trying to get her attention. The captain had a concerned look on her face. “You look troubled, Gem. Is something wrong? Are you still hungry? We can order more food, if that's what you-”

Gem quickly shook her head, cutting her off. “No… That's alright, Amethyst. I'm fine, really.”

She held a hoof across her stomach. After having consumed so much earlier, nearly making herself sick, Gem didn't have the stomach for another ‘big’ meal. Canterlot had treated her well enough. Everypony had, actually, unlike her first visit to the capital of Equestria.

Gem was deep in thought as memories of the changeling attack resurfaced. She was there, rounding up and subduing the Royal Guards, leaving the innocent ponies defenseless against the onslaught before coming face to face with a wingless Twilight Sparkle and her friends. The battle was a confusing cluster of changelings and ponies. As the changeling army disguised themselves as the mane six to distract them, they ended up screwing themselves over.

Gem figured there was no mystery to their defeat. The leadership of Queen Chrysalis was flawed from the start.

“I'm just surprised at how different this city is to our own empire.” Gem wanted the topic to be away from her. “I mean, it's still grand, in every aspect of the word, but it's a lot less… shiny.”

Amethyst cracked a smile, and a gentle laugh escaped her lips. She looked like she was about to say something in response, but her gaze shifted towards something behind Gem.

“Excuse me…”

The low, gruff voice came from behind her. Assuming it was the waiter, Gem politely shook her head without turning around. “I'm good on water, thank you. I don't need a refill.”

Amethyst pursed her lips and shook her head. “Gem, honey, that's not the…”

Gem turned at last and looked over her shoulder, and her eyes widened. It was the stallion from earlier, the one sitting across from them. He was in his fatigues as well, and by the medals across his uniform, she could see that he was a corporal, just above the rank of a private first class. His hooves shifted nervously as he tried to bring himself to speak, and his eyes darted back and forth between Gem and the table she was sitting at.

Gem was growing impatient of the long silence. “Yes?”

Finally, the corporal swallowed and solidified himself in place, clearing his throat. “I… Uh… Well, the gala is to t-t-tomorrow…”

The entire table was silent, staring up at him.

Amethyst and Onyx were dead silent and Amber held her breath. They knew exactly what was happening, but Gem, being new to the social norms of the pony world, was completely clueless. “Yes, I know.”

The young stallion’s cheeks flushed bright red as he tried to keep his eyes trained on Gem. “Well, I was… I was wondering if… It's a big event, you know, a big party, and I was just wondering… if you'd like to go with…” He swallowed, hard. “… with me.”

The other mares at the table, Amethyst and Amber, were doing everything they could not to jump up and scream with joy. Onyx had to hold his wife-to-be back in her seat to stop her.

Gem, on the other hoof, was still lost in the dark and unaware that she was being asked out by the stallion in front of her. She frowned. “I assumed we were all going together, as guards. What difference does it make if I go with you?”

That last part visibly deflated the corporal. His ears dropped, and his gaze fell. He looked like he was about to turn around and return to his table.

Amethyst couldn't take it any longer. She couldn't sit still and let him get away.

“Gem!” Her voice hissed like any angry snake’s, carrying across the table. “Gem! He's asking you out on a date!”

Gem heard her, and her eyes widened. She looked up at the young stallion, and her cheeks began to turn red. “You… You want to take me on a… a date?”

He blushed and nodded his head, managing a weak smile. “Absolutely, Miss Gem. If you want, I mean…”

The mare was speechless. She couldn't bring herself to respond due to the shock that had overcome her.

Across the table, Amethyst was still trying to whisper directions to her. “Say ‘yes’! Just look at him and say ‘yes’!”

Gem slowly brought her gaze to meet his. She could see a silent plea in his eyes, hoping she would accept. The mare felt her lips beginning to move, forming the words to respond, but everything around her seemed muffled. She couldn't even hear herself think. “Yes… I would like to go… out with you…”

The look of pure joy on the young stallion’s face made her heart swell in her chest. Amber let out a soft ‘squee’, and Amethyst nearly fell back in her chair. For the first time in her life, Gem had a date, and it was the most bizarre thing she had ever felt. This didn't feel like the love she felt for Pyrite and her friends. It felt so… childish and carefree, and she liked it. A smile forced its way along her lips as Onyx welcomed the corporal to the table, help him pull up a chair next to Gem’s.

He smiled at her, extending his hoof. “I'm Nickel, by the way.”

Gem was still feeling the buzz after the surge of love felt. She let him take her hoof into his. “I… I'm Gem…”

Amethyst was still trying to instruct her, mouthing words and making motions with her hooves, but Onyx held her back, wanting to let things play out naturally. Gem found herself giddy with excitement and filly of pure, unfiltered joy.

The moon climbed high into the dark sky as the night grew longer. By that time the following evening, Gem would be on her very first date, and she couldn't wait to get started.


***


The day was still early.

Inside the Crystal Empire’s deepest depths, the deafening silence that covered the lowest dungeons like a shroud was suddenly broken by the loud opening and closing of door leading into the detention block. A guard walked through the door, carefully balancing a tray on his back. The contents on the tray were sealed in small, plastic containers, each with a white label on the side to limit confusion and mistakes. He looked nervously to his left and right, at the dark, stone walls as he walked down the dim corridor until he reached a checkpoint.

Another guard was was waiting for him, sitting at a desk by the wall. “Ah… Good morning, private. You must be new here. Welcome to the only pit deeper than Tartarus.” The private with the tray gulped nervously as the guard at the desk eyed the tray on his back. “So… What's on the menu for today?”

The guard carrying the tray looked over his shoulder. “Uh… For the prisoner, I've got rice, greens, soup, and a brownie, just some leftovers from yesterday’s lunch in the commissary.”

The lieutenant at the desk frowned as he eyed the tray. “She gets chocolate? No way… They don't even let me have chocolate down here. Let me see that.” His horn lit up, and a cloud of magic enveloped the tray, removing it from the young guard’s back. “By Luna’s moon… I can't believe this…”

The private shrugged as he looked back towards the door. He was looking more and more uneasy, like he wanted to bolt at any moment and run for that door. The dungeon was not a place he had ever envision visiting when he signed up to be a guard. “I don't know what to tell you, sir. I'm just bringing her what I was ordered to bring her. Even prisoners have to eat, right?”

The guard picked up the small container holding the brownie. “Psychotic criminals like the golden domina over there don't deserve things this nice.” He pushed the tray back towards the guard before him, keeping the brownie. “Have you heard the stories, private? Have you heard anything about what she did?”

The guard shook his head. “N-N-No, sir…”

The lieutenant let out a sigh and waved his hoof dismissively. “Ah… That's a story for another day. The mare in gold over there is a seductive lass. Move along, private. Give the domina her meal and get out. I'll just hold onto this and leave you with a word of advice… Don't let her say anything to you. Got it?”

The private frowned, but he nodded his head and balanced the tray on his back once more. Clearing the checkpoint, he walked further and further down the dark corridor, passing numerous empty cells. The air seemed to get colder the further he went to the point where he was nearly shivering.

At last, towards the end of the corridor, he arrived at his destination. He stopped in front of Sadri’s cell and tapped the glass with his hoof.

There was no response.

He tapped the glass again, harder and louder. “Um… h-h-hello?”

The mare revealed herself, shifting on her cot as she looked up at the guard. A smile came over her as she stretched her legs high into the air before sliding off of the cot. “Mmm… Hello, indeed…” She approached the glass, and her smile faded as she got a closer look at the trembling private. “I don't believe I've seen you before… and I've met every guard down here. Are you new?”

He nodded his head, beads of sweat trickling down his cheek. “Ye-Yes… Well, sort of… I'm a transfer from…”

He lost his train of thought, and his words quickly followed the train. Sadri’s eyes sparkled like a glittering lake, dazzling the young guard. He even found her to be kind of cute.

“… a transfer… from…”

She forced a sweet smile as she inched closer towards the glass. “Yes?”

A drop of water fell from the ceiling, splashing the guard’s face. He blinked and shook his head and was suddenly aware of the cold, damp air around him. “I… Whoa… I'm sorry… I don't know what came over me. Um… Here’s your eight o'clock chow.”

Sadri frowned, but she accepted the tray as the guard slid it through the appropriate slot in the glass. “Thank you, I suppose…”

Taking the tray in her teeth, she set it down on the floor and sat next to it.

The guard turned to leave, but he stopped. Looking back towards the glass, he pointed towards the tray. “There was a brownie too, but…”

He looked back towards the desk, far up the corridor. Sadri waved her hoof away as she eyed her meal. “It happens all the time around here… Besides, it's not like I deserve anything sweet… I'm only a psychotic criminal, after all.”

The guard winced. “You heard that?”

She smiled sadly as she fumbled with the container of assorted greens. Without her magic, Sadri had to resort to using her hooves, which was far from easy. “I hear everything that goes on down here. The lieutenant takes what he wants every day, and I get the rest…” She gestured to the tray. “Stale… dry… leftovers…”

The guard wanted to leave. The cold was driving him crazy, but the longer he stood there, the harder it felt to move his hooves. “I'm… I'm sorry they treat you this way…”

Sadri’s ears perked up, and she glanced towards the private. “You're sorry? Now, that is an interesting thing to say…” She stood back up and approached the glass, keeping her eyes trained in the guard’s. “Do you have a fillyfriend or wife, Private… um…”

“Diorite…” The guard lifted his helmet and quickly brushed his mane out of his eyes. “I'm… I'm Private Diorite… and no, I don't have a fillyfriend…”

Sadri chuckled softly as she leaned against the glass. “Really? I find that so hard to believe… You aren't lying to me, are you, Diorite?”

The guard shook his head. He was sweating nervously. He didn't know why, but he felt compelled to appease her. “N-N-No, of course not… I would never lie to you.” She had been treated so poorly, and he felt as though he needed to make it up to her.

Sadri beamed at him as she ran a hoof through her silver mane. “That's shocking… It’s not every day that I meet a stallion that has it all… Royal Guard, kind, and excitingly handsome… I find it quite amazing that you're single, Diorite.”

Even though her magic was being suppressed by the cell, the domina’s words poured from her mouth like honey, sweet and enticing. Diorite melted in her hooves, and he found himself being pulled towards her. “You're a nice-looking stallion… I'd bet you'd like to go on a date with me, wouldn't you?”

He never stood a chance against the domina.

“Open the door, Diorite… Then, we can be together…”

Diorite quickly nodded his head, and he reached for the keys. The sound of the opening door alerted the lieutenant at the end of the corridor.

“Private, what's going on down there?”

It was too late.

Sadri smiled at him, so sweetly and so kindly, as she took her first steps out of the cell. Then, she wrapped a hoof around Diorite’s head and pulled him into a sloppy kiss.

“Private!”

The kiss was broken by the firing of a magical bolt. It missed, hitting the wall next to them. Sadri turned on the charging lieutenant and raised her horn. Outside of her cell, her horn ignited, and she lifted the guard into the air. “Well… Hello, my dear warden…” Sadri bared her teeth as she brought him closer to her face. “I've dreamed of this moment for a long time…”

The lieutenant was trembling. “P-P-Please don't hu-hurt me! I have a family! I have two foals, one beautiful little filly, and a-”

“SHUT UP!” She threw the lieutenant into the open cell, sending him crashing down on top of the tray.

Sadri closed the cell, locking him inside, before storming up the corridor towards the exit with Diorite following her closely behind. “Wa-Wait! What about me?! What about… us?! What about our… our date?” He looked like he was about to break down into tears any moment. “Don't leave me, please…”

Sadri smiled sadly at him and raised a hoof to caress his cheek. “I’m sorry, my lovely stallion… You've been a wonderful help, but my heart already belongs to another…”

Then, she lowered her horn and blasted the guard back down the corridor. He hit the wall and fell unconscious instantly. With no pony left in her way, Sadri let out a ferocious cry and with her magic, she tore the door from its hinges. She threw the door behind her, sending it crashing into the desk by the wall. Something fell from the desk, and Sadri reached out for it with her magic.

It was the brownie, half eaten.

Savoring the rest of the treat, she began to ascend the towering case of stairs. “I’m coming, Twilight Sparkle… Your wife is coming home…”


***


Sadri stumbled out into the streets of the Crystal Empire, and she took in a deep breath of fresh air.

The sun was creeping above the horizon, slowly but surely lighting up the dark sky. Dawn would be arriving soon.

The golden mare shielded her eyes from the blinding light coming from nearby street lamps. After being secluded in a dark dungeon for over a year, it would take her eyes some time to readjust to the light. Then, there was the cold. Winter from the Frozen North had arrived not to long ago, and a thick layer of snow already covered the ground.

Sadri was out in the winter cold with nothing but her own fur.

Alarms began to blare behind her. The guards had discovered her escape. Sadri needed to make herself scarce and fast. She looked up and down the bustling street, at the dozens of crystal ponies going about their business as they prepared for the day ahead. Then, she began to walk.

Looking over her shoulder, Sadri could see several guards running down the steps of the palace. The hunt had begun, and she didn't have a good head start. Sadri stopped to take a moment to observe herself, and she cursed silently.

Her golden fur would giver her away pretty quickly in a crowd of crystal ponies. What she would give for a changeling’s transforming abilities… Thinking quickly, she eyed a mare standing at the corner of the street. The mare wore a long coat that covered most of her body, leaving only her hooves and traces of her mane and tail exposed.

Sadri smiled and approached the mare. “G-G-Good morning!”

The mare shot Sadri a strange glance. “Uh… Yes, hello… Can I help you?”

Sadri nodded her head, and her eyes began to glow, ever so slightly. “You can, actually… Your coat is very lovely… May I, uh… May I have it?”

The mare held a hoof across her chest like she was clinging onto her coat. “I beg your pardon?”

She looked less than willing to give it away.

Sadri took a step closer and raised a hoof to her cheek, caressing her gently. “I insist that you give me your coat…”

The cold was starting to get to her, making her sound more and more agitated. Despite her best attempts to persuade the mare, she was still reluctant to give up her clothing. “Yo-You must be out of your mind…”

Sadri frowned and retracted her hoof. She had never failed to seduce a pony before.

*Have I lost my touch?*

Maybe she was out of practice, or she couldn't concentrate in the cold, but the guards were closing in, and she needed a place to hide. The only thing she could think of now was to offer the mare ‘favors’ in exchange for a warm place to stay. “I can be fair… Please, help me this one time, and I can make it worth your while…”

Sadri’s red eyes burned into hers, and this time, she noticed a definite change in the mare’s expression. The mare’s gaze softened, and she began removing her coat. “That's not necessary… Take it.”

Sadri’s chest swelled with joy as she held the coat in her hooves. Without wasting another second, she threw it on, letting it drape over her entire body. In an instant, she felt warm and concealed.

She watched from behind the mare as the Royal Guards charged by on the opposite side of the street. Sadri had avoided recapture, for the time being. She glanced towards the now shivering mare, and her joy she felt quickly faded.

“I don't know why you're hiding from the guards, and I don't wish to be involved…” The pony let out an icy breath. “Take my coat, if you must… Just leave me out of whatever crime you've committed…”

Sadri briefly considered the idea. It would be easy to take the coat and run. She could cast a spell on the mare to make her forget she ever saw her, but Sadri couldn't bring herself to steal, not from a pony that had helped her in her hour of need, even though that ‘help’ was out of fear. The golden mare let out a long sigh as she removed the coat, returning it to the shivering mare. “Thank you, but I won't be needing this any longer. I don't believe I asked you for your name…”

The mare looked down at the coat in her hooves and managed a weak smile. “I'm Gypsum…”

Sadri cracked a smile and leaned forward, planting a quick kiss on the mare’s cheek. “Thank you, Miss Gypsum…”

Then, she took off down the street, leaving the mare dazed and a little confused, rubbing a hoof against her cheek where she had just been kissed.

Her eyes tried to follow Sadri through the crowd, but she had already disappeared. “You're… welcome…”


***


A chilling wind fell over the city of Canterlot, but nothing more. Unlike the Crystal Empire, already buried in snow from the Frozen North, Canterlot and the rest of Equestria had not yet received winter at its fullest. As the sun rose over the mountain tops, its light burned away the mist and dew.

Amethyst watched the arrival of the morning from a balcony jutting out from her room. She leaned against the carved railing and closed her eyes as the light from the rising sun hit her face. The day she had been looking forward to for so long had finally arrived. Later the following evening, she would be attending the greatest of all Equestrian parties, the Grand Galloping Gala.

She could hardly contain her excitement just thinking about the dancing, eating, and drinking with her closest friends. Nothing would be able to stop her from enjoying herself, not even the loss of her leg.

Again…

She looked down at her mutilated stump and let out a sad sigh. Her prosthetic leg, the one Shining spent weeks developing for her, was lost. It was somewhere in the valleys miles below the train tracks, deep in the mountains north of Canterlot where it fell. Perhaps a squirrel or some other creature made a home out of it. The thought of her prosthetic leg in some tree amused Amethyst, and she managed to crack a smile.

“What's so funny?”

She spun around, startled by the sudden break in the quiet.

It was only Onyx. The stallion stood in the doorway leading inside, smiling back at her. When Amethyst didn't answer his question, he stepped forward, meeting her by the railing. “You weren't thinking about that lame joke I told at dinner last night, were you?”

Amethyst smirked at him and rolled her eyes. “Ha! You have the audacity to call that a joke? I could court martial you for that. I should, in fact.” She waved her flanks in his direction, catching his gaze. “… but, you did pretty well after dinner, when we got back to our room. I had never felt so full, and I'm not talking about the food…”

Onyx’s cheeks turned bright red as he realize he was staring at her rear, but it was what she wanted.

Amethyst opened her mouth and laughed, gently swatting her tail against his face. “I meant that as a compliment, honey. You're always so sensitive… What happened to the gruff, stoic stallion that would yell at me during morning drills?”

Onyx turned his head and shrugged. “You happened…”

That made Amethyst grin.

Onyx took his place by the captain’s side, and she leaned against him, resting most of her weight on him. Together, they stood in silence, watching the sun climb higher and higher into the sky. It was hard to believe that one alicorn princess could posses the power to move such a celestial object.

To them, it almost seemed unreal.

Onyx subtly cleared his throat. “I suppose everypony has the capacity to change.” He glanced towards her. “You became a leader, Amethyst. Amber grew more mature. Then, there's Emerald and Gem. A year ago, I never could have imagined working with them, let alone calling them ‘friends’.”

Amethyst nodded her head, keeping her eyes fixed on the horizon. “Yeah… Gem is somethin’ special. After everything that's happened, she needs close friends to support her.” She turned her gaze at last, meeting Onyx’s eyes. “That reminds me… How is she doing, anyway? I mean, what is she doing with Corporal Nickel?”

Onyx looked puzzled by her question. “Doing? I don't know if they are really ‘doing’ anything. They only met last night. After dinner, they went off alone to have a few drinks, and that's the last I saw of them.”

He could see the gears turning in Amethyst's mind. Even without her morning coffee, her inner thoughts were coming together to form ideas about what her friend was up to, and she could only draw one conclusion. “Onyx…” She spoke in a hushed tone, as though she was afraid of being overheard by somepony that wasn't even there.

Excited by her tone and intrigued, he leaned in. “Yeah? What is it, Amy?”

Amethyst looked towards the door and into the room inside, confirming once and for all that they were alone. “What if…” She paused. “… they had se-”

Onyx rolled his eyes and let out a long sigh. “I'm gonna stop you right there, Amy. You're obviously not thinking straight. I'm going to find you some coffee.”

Amethyst’s jaw fell as she watched him walk back inside. “Don't… Don't you walk away from me, mister! I am thinking straight, and I don't need coffee!”

Then, her gaze fell. “I mean… I want coffee…” Her glare resumed, and she faced Onyx again. “… but I don't need it!”

Onyx was already preparing two mugs, filling both with a steaming, black liquid from a pot that had been cooking since the sun rose. “Here, sweetie.”

He passed her a mug, which she took unhappily before taking a long sip, no added cream of sugar, just the black coffee. Onyx chuckled as a disgusted look came over her face, but she kept drinking, determined to prove to her fiancé that she was capable of thinking rationally. When she finished the mug, Amethyst set it down next to the brewer that made the stuff. “I’m serious, Onyx, and you know that I could be right.”

Onyx took his coffee slow. After adding a little sugar, he sipped on the scalding hot beverage carefully.

“You said it yourself. The last time either of us heard from Gem, she had wandered off with Nickel. Who knows what they did together!”

Onyx smirked and shook his head. “Amy, they just met. I don't know Nickel all that well, but I don't think he would be so quick to jump on a mare like that. Plus, this is Gem we're talking about. She can hardly stand a simple hug, let alone kissing or… whatever you're implying.”

Amethyst looked cross. “I seem to remember her kissing you. She seemed like she was pretty into it.”

Onyx remembered too, and his cheeks flushed red. “That was different. I was in a trance, and she wanted to use me before eating me.”

Amethyst tilted her head, but she didn't look eased by his explanation.

“If anything at all…” Onyx continued as he rubbed the back of his head. “… I'm more worried about Nickel. Gem’s a tough mare, and if anypony did try to make a move on her, they'd regret it.”

They stood there in silence for several moments. It ended when Amethyst exhaled a long sigh, closing her eyes and expelling a frosty breath. “You're right, Onyx… I might be overthinking things. They only met last night, and Gem would never do something so irrational.”

Onyx smiled. “See? Once you wake up and get a little caffeine in your system, it's easy to make well thought out and calculated assessments.”

Amethyst fired him a sly grin. “I said I'm ‘awake’, babe. That doesn't mean I've had enough coffee to deal with you or your smart words.”

The lovers shared a brief embrace, holding each other tightly and letting out soft moans.


***


The lovers shared a brief embrace, holding each other tightly and letting out soft moans.

When Gem opened her eyes, she found herself face to face with a stallion. His eyes were still closed, and his chest rose and fell slowly. She could tell he was still asleep. Each breath that came out of his nostrils brushed against the fur on her neck. It tickled a little, but she didn't mind.

It was strange.

That's the perfect word she would use to describe it all. She was warm and comfortable, which was not something she was used to. Then, there was the stallion spooning her. Part of her wanted to push him away to regain her personal space, and the other part wanted to remain in his hooves. She quietly decided that staying where she was would satisfy her.

His eyes opened at last, and a smile formed along his face as he saw her. “Good morning…”

Gem saw his smile and couldn't help smiling back at him. “Indeed…” She rolled over so she could fully face him. “I can't say I can remember a time when I've had so much fun, Nickel.”

Her compliment was honest, which made the stallion’s chest swell. Gem noticed and pursed her lips. “Hmm… Don't let it get to your head, though. You were good enough to meet my needs.”

Nickel smiled and rolled on his back, staring up at the ceiling as he laughed. “You're welcome, Gemini, anytime.” On his back still, his eyes met hers. “You were pretty good yourself.” His eyes fell, drifting over her body briefly before landing on a wall ornament. “I didn't think this would happen, but I’m glad it did.”

Gem scoffed as she slid closer towards him in the bed. “I don't believe that for a second. You're a stallion, and you knew exactly what you wanted.” His gaze shifted again, and their eyes met. “What I want to know is what you intend to do right now…”

Nickel fell silent and hoisted himself upright so he sat with his back against the headboard. “I suppose we could talk a little. After all, we didn't get much of a chance last night before you kissed me.”

Gem rolled her eyes once more but wore a silly grin. “You kissed me first, idiot.”

Nickel shook his head. “No… I seem to remember you kissing me first. You had finished a few drinks already, so you were a little buzzed.” He recalled the details accurately, like the picture was still clear in his head. “It was almost ten o'clock, we were leaving the tavern, and you pulled me aside as soon as we walked out the door. You held my cheeks with your hooves and…”

His voice trailed off, and Gem could see why. He had the widest smile on his face she had ever seen. At last, she let out a defeated sigh and snuggled up next to him, wrapping her hooves around his body. “You have an impeccable memory, stud… Perhaps I did have a few drinks too many.”

She held a hoof to her head, like she was trying to suppress a minor headache. Then, she looked up at him, batting her eyes in a seductive manner. Still holding onto him, she nuzzled his chest, breathing deeply into his fur. “Why don't you exact your revenge? Do to me what I did to you. Punish me, if you must…”

Nickel’s body twitched with excitement at her words. He knew what she was asking for, and he was happy to oblige her. “Oh, I will, believe me...”

Looking down and meeting her eyes, their mouths drifted closer and closer until their lips connected at last. Nickel pressed his lips against hers tenderly again and again, and as the seconds passed into minutes, the kisses grew deeper and more passionate. Saliva and spittle passed back and forth between their mouths as they shared lips and tongues. After a while of kissing, both ponies needed a break to catch their breath.

Gem breathed heavily as she wiped the saliva from her mouth and chin. “What… ever happened to wanting to ‘talk’?” She wore a sly grin as she eyed his twitching excitement beneath the covers.

Nickel shrugged happily as he fell back into the bed, resting up against the mare. “I'm fine with this too, honestly.” Then, he looked at her. “Besides, you asked for it.”

Gem snarled, climbing on top of him as she bared her teeth. For a second, Nickel didn't know whether he should be afraid, aroused, or both. “I did ask for it, and you delivered, my dear stallion, but now that I have you in a position I can control you from, we can use the time we have to learn a little more about each other…” She sighed deeply. “You did me a great service last night, so I suppose I could share my secret with you…”

Gem looked towards the door.

She knew it was locked, but part of her wanted to make sure that there was no chance of anypony walking in at the worst possible moment. There was no putting it off any longer. Nickel was a nice pony, from what she had seen so far, and not telling him who she really was would feel like lying, and the last thing she wanted to do was hurt the stallion.

Still straddling him, Gem bit her lower lip as she tried to formulate the right words. “Though I'm a guard of the Crystal Empire, I'm also a-”

“Changeling?”

Silence filled the room. Gem’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Nickel. The stallion beneath her shrugged his shoulders and smiled innocently. “Yeah, I know… The other Canterlot guards and I have heard about you.”

Gem’s look of anger fell apart, and she began to blush. “Indeed… I have been called a ‘hero’ more than once, even by the princess of death.”

That last part made Nickel frown.

“Wait, what?”

Gem quickly shook her head, dismissing her previous words and quickly moving on. “Don't worry about that, my sweet.” Then, her causal, sly grin returned. “Now, if you are so ‘at ease’ with my true identity…”

A green fire engulfed her body, causing Nickel to cower and wince under the sheets beneath her. The fire felt hot, but it didn't burn him or set the bed ablaze. It seemed to cling only to her body as it burned away her fur and mane, slowly revealing her true form. Cicada smiled sheepishly from above, baring her razor-sharp teeth.

“Do you still feel the same way?”

Once Nickel was sure she wasn't going to hurt him, he began to relax. “Ye-Yeah…” He cleared his throat before meeting her eyes again. “Yes.” Speaking more confidently this time, he placed his hoof on hers, gently grazing over one of the many holes that riddled her legs. “I do.”

Nickel caught a glimpse of her back.

She had only one wing. Where the other should have been, an ugly scar took its place. “I didn't ask you out because of your appearance. I found your bravery and dedication to your friends to be… charming, I guess.” He held a hoof to his head. “I'm sorry, I'm terrible at this.”

Cicada beamed and shook her head, ever so slowly grinding her body against his through the sheets. “I disagree… Keep going, please…”

Nickel managed a weak smile as he stared into her pale eyes. It was difficult to concentrate on anything other than what she was doing to him. “I… I just saw you last night, at the restaurant…” He gasped as her legs wrapped around his waist, forcing her lower body against his. “I couldn't help myself… All I wanted… was… a chance to talk to you…”

Cicada bit her lower lip as she continued to grind the stallion. “Oh, Nickel, I'm so glad you did… I've never been so happy…”

There was a brief moment of silence between them as they stared at each other. Both were thinking the same thing.

“So…” Nickel’s eyes drifted south, along her neck and down her body. “Do you want to go again?”

Cicada made a face like she was considering his offer. “Now, that is a wild idea.” She leaned forward, gliding across the top of his body until her mouth was only a breath away from his. “I might be interested, if you think you can handle me… Us changelings are known for our stamina.”

Nickel managed a light-hearted laugh as he nodded his head. “Show me what you've got.”


***


Amethyst and Onyx sat at a table in the kitchen. The coffee was gone, and now, it was a race to the shower. Onyx was on his hooves in an instant, but Amethyst was ready too. Her horn ignited, and her magic grabbed a hold of his legs. Onyx let out a shrill cry as he fell to the floor, landing on his side with a hard ‘thud’.

Amethyst laughed as she ran past him, hobbling along on her three legs. She seemed to move almost effortlessly. The stallion on the floor was amazed by her display of agility, despite her missing leg. She reached the door to the bathroom, but Onyx was beaten yet. After collecting himself off of the floor, he reached for the bathroom door, using the magic from his horn. He closed the door, locking it and holding it shut.

Amethyst let out an angry snarl as she pounded her hoof against the door. “Damnit, Onyx! Let me in!”

She spun around to face him and lowered her horn. What came out was a harmless bolt of magic, but it packed enough of a punch to send Onyx flying back across the room, towards the kitchen area. His connection to the door had broken, allowing Amethyst to enter the bathroom. “Thank you, sweetie! I'll be sure to leave you some hot water.”

Onyx nodded his head slowly as he sat up, dazed and stunned. She closed the door behind her, and the sound of running water began. Steam could be seen seeping through the cracks of the door. After a few seconds, the door opened again, releasing a thick cloud of steam into the room.

Amethyst, slightly wet already, poked her head through the door and gave Onyx a ‘get over here’ look. “Oh, come on, you big hunk.” She wore a huge  grin and fired him a subtle wink. “You know I don't mind if we share…”

Onyx beamed and shot to his hooves. He definitely liked the sound of that, mostly because he knew that showering together usually meant very little focus first on cleaning themselves and more focus on physical intimacy.


***Up Next: Fitting In***

> Part 13: Fitting In
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It wasn't easy for Sadri to sneak onto the train. Royal Guards were posted everywhere, and they knew her face. To her current disappointment, she was pretty, so it was hard to forget her. Sadri found an unguarded boarding platform where several ponies that worked on the train as cooks and maintenance staff were loading supplies for the voyage. Using her charm and the persuasive power of her voice, she sweet-talked the ponies into letting her on the train, and that was the end of it.

Now, she was walking through the different cars, just looking for a place to sit. It was going to be a long journey to Canterlot.

Sadri didn’t expect the ride to be comfortable, but she was relieved to find an empty seat. She sat down, choosing to remain next to the aisle, rather than the window. If she needed to make a quick escape, she wanted to be able to run without having to jump over anypony or push them out of her way. As other passengers passed her by, she kept her head down, keeping her eyes glued to the floor and sinking in her chair.

Sadri hoped no pony there would make a big deal over her golden fur. She already stood out enough as it was, having no clothes to cover herself with, but her shimmering coat of fur made her stick out like a shining star. Other ponies around her were bundled up in their winter attire like overcoats and hats, making the golden mare more and more jealous. Sadri had neither, making her look even less inconspicuous.

Outside, she could see guards running past the train, and she sunk further in the seat. The train’s whistle sounded, and a feeling of relief washed over the her. The whistle meant the train would be departing soon, allowing her to put the Crystal Empire behind her for good. To her delight, the train groaned as it lurched forward. It began to crawl along the tracks as it pulled out of the station, leaving the platforms and city for the more open country. Within moments, they were out of the city completely and barreling through the snowy wasteland, down south towards Equestria.

Everything was finally going her way, and Sadri began to relax a little. Her thoughts turned forward, towards the gala and Twilight Sparkle.

She longed to see her ex-wife again, to explain to her how terrible she felt about the things she did. The ponies were wrong about her, she felt. They accused her and her race of feeding off of lust. That wasn’t true at all. The domina race fed off of passion. Sometimes, that might have included sex, but they preferred intimate passion over the animalistic behaviors associated with lust.

Without either, Sadri felt starved. For over a year, she had been kept in isolation with no passionate connections, and as a result, she felt weak and deprived of her former strength. She’d feel better once she was reunited with Twilight. All of that would change once she managed to explain everything to her dearest love.

There was a gentle tap on her shoulder.

Sadri jolted slightly and looked up, coming face to face with the pony she met on the street, Gypsum. The mare scowled and narrowed her eyes at the sitting pony. “It is you…”


***


When Phasmid came to, she had an aching in her chest and all over. Her body felt broken, but after how far she had fallen, she was amazed she was still breathing at all. Covered from head to hoof in mud, twigs, and leaves, she let out a loud groan. It didn’t feel like normal pain, but it hurt just as deeply. The pain felt like it was coming from within her.

Her little changeling, Azalea, was out there somewhere, and so was Cicada. Phasmid knew she needed to find them both. There were quite a few things on her mind that she needed to share with Cicada…

With her full strength returned, Phasmid looked up towards the the train tracks high above, and she stretched her tattered wings. She took a step forward, preparing to take off towards Canterlot, but there was something else on her mind too. Phasmid needed to find Amethyst, the pony she fought on the train. The changeling stretched her tattered wings and gave them a few ‘test flaps’.

Without taking a running start, she leaped into the air and began to climb. Dodging through tree limbs and overhanging branches, Phasmid broke through the thicket and fire out of the forest, climbing higher and higher into the blue sky. Up in the air, she took in a deep breath, savoring the feeling of the cold wind as it engulfed her body. Then, she looked south, towards Canterlot.

Squinting her eyes, she could just barely make out the grand city on its mountainside perch. It would be a long flight, several hours, but Phasmid felt like a new mare, reborn. For the first time since she was hatched, she felt free of Queen Chrysalis and free of the hive. After she spoke to Amethyst and Cicada, she would be flying to the Crystal Empire to find her filly, now known as Pyrite, and this time, nothing would get in her way.


***


Sadri looked up at Gypsum, her eyes wide with horror. She’d been caught. All the pony had to do was yell to alert any guards that were on the train.

Gypsum glared at the mare in gold before reaching into her saddle purse and revealing a ticket. “That is my seat.”

Sadri’s heart was racing, but she managed to focus on the ticket, conforming that it had the same number as the seat she was currently sitting in. “Y-Y-You… You’re not going t-t-to turn me in?”

Gypsum looked to her left, down the aisle, and to her right, up the aisle. Then, she faced Sadri again before nudging towards the window. “No… Now, move.”

Sadri complied, taking the window seat and allowing Gypsum to sit by the aisle. Silence filled the void between them as the train hummed along. The silence was eventually broken by Gypsum, who let out a frustrated sigh. “I can’t believe this… Of all the trains, of all the cars, of all the seats, you had to be here.”

Sadri folded her hooves across her chest and fired the mare a cold look. “How was I supposed to know, huh? I just want to get to Canterlot…”

Gypsum rolled her eyes. “Everypony here wants to get to Canterlot, you golden fool. That city is this train’s only stop and final destination. The gala is tonight, and no pony wants to miss the party.”

Sadri’s ears began to burn, and her face turned red. The pony beside her had gone from cold, to rude, to outright insulting. “‘Golden fool’?!”

Gypsum wouldn’t even meet her eyes. The mare kept her gaze fixed on the mountains outside of the windows across the aisle. “Careful, darling. The guards might hear you if you’re too loud.”

Sadri’s ears folded back, and she shrunk visibly. Her chest swelled with anger at the pony’s condescending tone. She had called her ‘darling’, of all things. Part of Sadri was beginning to seriously dislike the mare. In the back of her mind, she considered moving to find another seat, somewhere on the train that was far away from Gypsum.

“Why don’t you just turn me in, if you hate me so much?”

Gypsum finally looked towards her, meeting her gaze. “Believe me, I’d love nothing more than to set the guards on you and see you apprehended for whatever crime you committed, but I don’t want any trouble, and…” She let out a long sigh. “… it seems to follow you everywhere you go.”

Both mares looked towards the door up ahead as it opened suddenly. A staff member of the train entered the car, slowly walking through the aisle as he checked the passenger’s tickets. One by one, the ponies revealed their passes to the pony as he checked them off a list in the cloud of his magic. “Tickets, please.”

With each moment that passed the pony got closer, and Sadri realized she didn’t have a ticket. She would be found out as a stowaway, and the guards would surely catch her then. Gypsum must have been thinking the same thing, because a sly grin crossed her lips. Sadri figured that was what the pony wanted all along, for her to get caught by the ticket collector.

Then, something happened that Sadri could not have possibly anticipated.

Gypsum turned to face her and placed a firm hoof on the golden mare’s upper leg. “I have an idea, but you have to play along and do exactly as I say.”

Sadri was beyond confused. “I don’t understand you, Gypsum. Are you helping me now?”

She didn’t answer. Instead, the pony held hoof to Sadri’s lips, cutting her off and frustrating her even more. The staff member was almost upon them, just a few seats ahead. Gypsum fumbled through her saddle purse, looking for her own ticket.

As the staff member approached them, she pulled the ticket out and held it up for him to see. “Ticket, pl- Oh, thank you.”

He sounded pleased by her quick response, but his eyes then turned towards Sadri. “Ticket, please.”

Sadri couldn’t believe she was putting her trust in Gypsum. Before she could open her mouth to say anything, Gypsum addressed her own ticket a second time, showing the staff member the silver seal in the top, left corner of the ticket. “Actually, sir, mine is a double, for myself and her.”

Sadri cocked her head but kept her mouth shut, only managing to nod quietly as he looked over Gypsum's ticket again. “Madem, this seal is for married couples.”

There was doubt in the tone of his voice, but Gypsum didn’t break character. She took Sadri’s hoof in her own and pulled the golden mare in close. “We’re engaged, actually. We were just on our way to Canterlot to visit my relations to share the good news. The nice stallion that sold us the ticket was happy for us and told me it didn’t matter that we weren’t quite yet married.”

Sadri couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The mare was a fool to think the staff member would fall for it.

He looked at his list and the ticket, his eyes darting back and forth between them both. Then, he scribbled something on his list and passed the ticket back to Gypsum. “Alright, madam. You two enjoy the ride. We should be arriving at Canterlot within six hours. Feel free to enjoy the dining car.”

Just like that, he was gone, continuing his rounds as he checked everypony’s tickets.

Sadri quickly retracted her hoof from Gypsum’s grasp and eyed the ticket she held. “What was that about?!” She spoke in a hushed voice. “We’re engaged, now?!”

Gypsum pointed towards the seal on the ticket and bared her teeth. “I’m the one who’s engaged, fool. At least… I was before today…” Her hard glare softened, and her eyes fell to the floor. Gypsum sniffled as she fought back the tears that were trying to escape her eyes. “It doesn't matter anymore… Once I get to Canterlot, I’m going to stay there. The empire has nothing left for me.”

Sadri was still right next to Gypsum after being pulled closer during their encounter with the staff member. She gently touched the mare’s hoof, startling her. “Maybe you can talk to me about what happened?” She wasn’t any good at counseling heart-broken mares, but after having her own share of emotional distress, she felt sorry for Gypsum. “Did your fiancé cheat on you?”

Gypsum sniffled as she shook her head. “No… I cheated on him…” Sadri was surprised by her response. “I was a terrible mare… I cheated on my fiancé and when he found out, it shattered his heart.” Her eyes were already red as the tears ran down her cheeks. “He gave me back his ring and took everything he owned out of our house in the span of an hour. I haven’t heard from him since… I can still remember the look in his eyes… all of that anger and sadness…”

Sadri didn’t know what to say. She could only hold onto Gypsum’s hoof and let the mare vent. Her tears trickled down her cheek and fell onto Sadri’s fur. She cried softly into Sadri’s shoulder before falling asleep in her hooves. The golden mare simply sat there, unable to move as she stroked Gypsum’s mane.


***


Amethyst longed for her daughter, but she was too far away, somewhere in the Crystal Empire with Emerald. She wasn’t worried by any means. Emerald would take care of her and keep the little trickster out of trouble. She just missed her baby.

Amethyst briefly thought about how far they had all come. From the moment she had found the little changeling in that cave to now, so much had happened. They had defeated Queen Chrystalis twice and changed the hearts of two ruthless changelings, showing them the magic of friendship and love and just how powerful it could really be.

She smiled at the thought and made a mental note to thank Princess Twilight, if she ever saw her. It was the princess that let her keep Pyrite when Shining found out, after all.

“I’m sure she’s perfectly fine.”

Amethyst jumped and looked over her shoulder. Onyx was standing behind her, still drying hisbmane with a towel as he stepped out of the shower.

She looked at him with disbelief. “How could you possibly know what I’m thinking about?”

The stallion smirked as he pulled her in for a quick kiss, planting his lips on her cheek. “I know that look, Amy. Your nose scrunches up whenever you’re thinking about Pyrite. It’s kinda cute, but super obvious.”

Amethyst’s nose twitched as she became aware of her actions. Onyx was right. Was she really that easy to read? She held her hoof up and wiped her damp mane out of her eyes. “Alright, stud, you got me. Are you gonna arrest me?”

Onyx shook his head. “Nah, I didn’t bring any cuffs.”

Amethyst beamed at him, earning a silly laugh from the stallion. Other than the impending party at the palace, all she cold think about was the wedding, the greatest moment of her life that would permanently cement her relationship with Onyx. She loved him with all of her heart, and it took rescuing a baby changeling and blowing herself up to realize it. When Amethyst realized she had been staring, she quickly turned away and hobbled towards the sofa.

Onyx joined her in time to help the crippled mare sit down. Without her prosthetic leg, every mundane task was a struggle. “We have the day to ourselves.” He took her hoof in his as they sat together. “Until the gala, we can do anything. We could see more of the city or find a show to see with our friends. I’m sure Amber would be game.”

Amethyst nodded her head in agreement. “That sounds like a good idea. Are you going to carry me?”

Onyx chuckled as he held her close. “You can still walk and you know it.”

Amethyst was about to say something witty in return, but she was interrupted by a knock on the door. Somepony outside pounded their hoof into the door vigorously.

“Housekeeping!” It was a stallion’s voice. He announced himself again. “Housekeeping! Is anypony home?”

Amethyst and Onyx shared awkward glances. Neither one expected to be disturbed. “Did you call anypony?”

Onyx shook his head. “No… Did you?”

After Amethyst shook her head, he stood up and left the sofa, striding towards the door. She could see the door from where she was sitting, but she could hear it open, followed by a short conversation between Onyx and the stallion at the door.

“I have a delivery for a… Captain Amethyst.”

The mare’s ears twitched. Something about his voice sounded strange, almost familiar, but Onyx wouldn’t let him inside. “Amethyst didn’t order anything either. You must be mistaken.”

Amethyst looked over her shoulder, craning her neck to see the stallion at the door. He looked back at her and smiled. “It wasn’t Amethyst’s order, it was Pyrite’s.”

Then, she heard it. It was as though the entire room had lit up.

A little changeling filly came sprinting into the room, right under the stallion’s legs. “Mamaaaaaaaaa!”

At the sound of her daughter’s voice, Amethyst’s eyes widened. She opened her hoof as Pyrite came storming around the sofa, stopping briefly in front before leaping onto her. “Mama! Mama! Mama!” Amethyst cried as Pyrite nuzzled her neck affectionately.

Onyx was completely stunned. “I… I don’t understand…” He turned to face the stallion. “Pyrite was under the care of another guard, Emerald. Why isn’t she with him?”

Then, a green spark appeared beneath the stallion, and flames consumed his body, revealing Emerald himself. “She never left my sight, sir.”

Amethyst was so overcome by joy that she broke down completely. Tears poured from her eyes as she held her baby in her hoof, tight against her chest. Pyrite was equally thrilled to be reunited with her mother. Onyx and Emerald watched in silence from the door as the scene unfolded. Without any form or disguise, Pyrite huddled aghast her mother and began to calm down.

Amethyst dried her cheeks and played with the changeling’s messy mane that was beginning to grow more and more. Her little queen was growing up.

By the door, the silence was broken when Emerald cleared his throat. “I got on a train this morning, after I heard about what happened to you guys. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when Chrysalis attacked.”

Onyx smiled sadly. “It’s alright, Emerald. You did nothing wrong, but I’m glad you’re here.” He kept his eyes forward as he spoke, at Amethyst and Pyrite. “Amethyst is without her leg, and Gem can’t fly. Having another able-bodied guard is just what we need right now.” He turned to face Emerald. “Does Amber know you’re here?”

Emerald shook his head. “No… Not yet, anyway. I want to surprise her at the party. I can go, right? I can go to the party?”

Onyx nodded his head. “Of course… I’ll talk to Shining and see to it that you get a pass.”

The stallions walked into the room and sat with Amethyst and Pyrite. When the captain saw Emerald, her smile expanded. “Thank you for bringing her to me.”

The changeling felt his chest swell with fulfillment as he gave her a short bow in return. “What can I say, captain? She has your fire.”

Amethyst knew what he meant. He was talking about the fire in her heart. Ever since she had adopted Pyrite, the two of them became inseparable. Because of the bond they shared and they love they felt for each other, nothing would ever keep them apart.


***


Sadri kept her eyes on the city of Canterlot as the train pulled into the station. Next to her, Gypsum fished a comb out of her bag and began pulling small tangles out of her mane. When they came to a complete stop, a loud hiss escaped the train as clouds of steam drifted by the windows.

They had arrived.

Around them, ponies were collecting their things as they prepared to disembark. Sadri has no belongings, but as she tried to stand, she realized she was blocked in by Gypsum. The crystal pony was still trying to fix her mane, regardless of the fact that it looked flawless.

Sadri tapped her hoof gently. “Um… Excuse me…”

Gypsum looked up, meeting her gaze before turning red and quickly putting the comb away. “Oh, I’m so sorry…”

The mare stood and entered the aisle, allowing Sadri the room to follow her. Together, they walked down the aisle until they reached a set of steps that lead to a boarding platform.

Once outside the train, Sadri was able to stretch her legs to their full extent, and it felt good. It wasn’t until she had shaken the soreness off of her that she realized Gypsum was still standing beside her. Surrounded by the steam, the mare she had met in the Crystal Empire suddenly threw a hoof around her and pulled her into an embrace.

Sadri was too stunned to protest, but as the seconds passed, she allowed the hug and raised her own hoof, patting Gypsum’s back. “Thank you for listening…” When she pulled away, she sniffled softly as she looked into Sadri’s eyes. “I’ve been bottling that story up, and I just needed to let it out.”

Sadri understood her all too well.

She had her own fair share of relationship problems, though hers might have been a little more diabolical than ‘cheating’. Sometimes, sharing your problems with somepony could make all the difference in the world, but Sadri couldn’t bring herself to tell Gypsum about her own past, how she married Twilight Sparkle to dominate the other princesses and take over all of Equestria and the Crystal Empire.

That was only the short version, anyway. The longer version was so much worse.

Sadri extended her hoof towards Gypsum, who took it quickly. “I guess I’ll see you around…”

Gypsum nodded her head as she shook the golden mare’s hoof. “Yes, perhaps…”

Sadri felt she had nothing left to say to her new friend. She retracted her hoof, and began to back away. The guards of Canterlot would certainly recognize her, so she still needed to find some clothes, maybe even a wig, if she was going to get anywhere close to Twilight.

“Rather... If you don’t want to leave it to chance, maybe we could agree to see each other again at the gala?”

Sadri stopped and spun around. When her eyes met Gypsum’s she saw something stirring inside. It wasn’t her own work… It couldn’t have been. Sadri knew what a pony looked like when under a domina’s influence, and for Gypsum, this was not the case. In her emotionally vulnerable state, Sadri could tell that the pony had become attached to her, of her own free will.

Gypsum was a wreck, and in her deprived state, she had sought after the first pony to show her any kind of affection. Sadri pitied her. That pity wasn’t enough to stop her from backing away from Gypsum, though. She had her own problems, and she didn’t need some lovesick mare holding her back.

Sadri needed to find Twilight, and to her, that was all that mattered. She shook her head as she turned away from Gypsum, showing the mare her back. “I’m sorry, but this is where our paths end.”

Then, without so much as a ‘goodbye’, she took off, leaving Gypsum alone by the train. Sadri didn’t look back. She couldn’t. The longer she stayed with Gypsum, the more she might find herself becoming attached, and that was something she couldn’t allow.

Her heart belonged to Twilight.

As she ran through the city, no pony paid her any attention. She passed by numerous restaurants and galleries. Even though the day was still young, the entertainment district of Canterlot was buzzing with activity, especially one well-lit building with great, flashing lights. As she passed the building, Sadri could hear the low beats of music playing inside. It must have been a dance club of some kind, but after catching a glimpse inside through the open door as the bouncer allowed a pony to enter, Sadri realized it was much, much more lewd of an establishment. The place peaked her curiosity, but she silently reminded herself that she needed to keep moving to avoid being spotted by a vigilant guard.

Up ahead, Sadri spotted a tailor. The building was just as crowded as the club she had passed before. Ponies like her must have been rushing to get their outfits together for the gala at the last minute, minus being a fugitive criminal. Sadri felt her luck had come at last.

The crowd would give her cover from the authorities, and she might be able to make off with some clothes to help her sneak into the gala. It was as good of a plan as any. Sadri was running on fumes at this point. She didn’t even know what to do when she actually confronted Twilight. All she knew at the moment was that finding her ex-wife was her top priority.

As Sadri approached the tailor, she began to rehearse. Muttering to herself, she repeated what she assumed would be the start to a good apology. “Hey, Twilight, I… No, that’s too informal… Hi, Twili… No… This is hard.”

Sadri stopped and looked towards the sky. “My love? My dearest?” She didn’t expect a response from the clouds. “I’m sorry for… everything…”

She had a lot to apologize for, and for the first time since she broke out of her prison, she began to wonder if Twilight would even forgive her. The longer she thought about it, the more doubt began to creep into her mind. Sadri couldn’t even forgive herself for doing the things she did.

Her hooves were moving on their own, leading her closer and closer towards the entrance of the clothing store. With her magic, Sadri opened the door and walked inside. A blast of warm air hit her, and she immediately began to melt. All around the golden mare, ponies talked happily amongst each other as they shopped and tried on the vast arrangement of dresses, gowns, and suits.

Sadri wasn’t picky. Anything would do. All she needed was a single dress, and without any money, she would have to steal one. She hated the idea, but it was the only one she had. She began to eye the dress closest to her and she calculated how quickly she could run once she grabbed it.

“Excuse me…”

The golden mare jumped as she spun around, coming face to face with a tall stallion in formal, black attire. It became aware to Sadri that he worked at the place. “I just noticed you looking around, and I was wondering if I could help you find something.”

The tone of his voice was sincere, and there was no evidence that he was suspicious of her. Sadri began to relax a little as she brushed her mane out of her eyes. “Yes, um… I’m actually looking for a dress for the gala.”

The stallion laughed, earning a light frown from Sadri. “Ha! You and everypony else in here, m’lady.” He saw the look on her face and quickly cut his laughter. “I… don’t mean to tease, but I’d be happy to help you.”

The gears in Sadri’s head began to turn, and she thought of a way the stallion could help her. She lost the frown and gave him a sweet smile. “Yes, you can…”

Sadri reached to her left and pulled the closest dress off of the rack. It was nothing special and inexpensive, but it would cover her nicely and, to Sadri’s liking, it looked kinda cute. “I’ve already picked out the dress I want, but…” Her eyes flashed subtly, dazzling the stallion. “… perhaps you’d like to help me… try it on?”

Lost in her shimmering eyes, the stallion could hardly formulate words or complete sentences. “I… Um, well… Th-The… The fitting room is…”

Sadri stepped closer, closing the distance between them. In the crowded store, no pony paid them any attention. “I’ll put it on for you… If you like the way it looks on me, would you consider buying it?”

The stallion was in her clutches. He nodded his head before leading her to the closest fitting room. Part of Sadri felt satisfied knowing that she was still a powerful domina and skilled in the art of seduction. The other part of her wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible.

As nice as the stallion looked, males were not in her preferential taste. Inside the fitting room, with the door closed, Sadri made no attempt to put on the dress. Instead, she bit into the fabric in preparation to keep herself from moaning aloud as the stallion mounted her from behind. The whole time, she kept her eyes toward, glued to the wall with her mind on Twilight.

Twilight was all that mattered.


***


Phasmid landed in Canterlot completely out of breath and a broken mare. Never before had she flown so far without so much as a bite to eat. Needless to say, the changeling was starving, but a disguise was her priority. The local authorities wouldn’t take too kindly to a changeling waltzing around the city.

After following the tracks for miles, Phasmid had landed on the train station. Below her, dozens of ponies shifted around as they boarded and disembarked their trains. The crowd and the noise it created gave her an abundance of ponies to copy. She only worried if she would have the energy to change her looks. Using any kind of magic was difficult on an empty stomach.

Then, there was the scar on her chest. That would be impossible to cover up, no matter what she did to change her appearance.

Her gaze drifted towards the city before her. Azalea, her little charge, might have been out of her reach, but she could still find Amethyst. If Cicada had really been telling the truth, which Phasmid found unlikely, then Amethyst was the one pony she could trust to reunite her with Azalea. Phasmid wasn’t a fan of the ponies, but at this point, she was out of options. She had no money to ride a train, and flying was out of the question.

She had to find Amethyst.

Luckily, her nose worked just fine, and she quickly picked up the scent of the pony she had encountered on top the train. Amethyst had the stench of a wounded animal. Phasmid leaped from the top of the station down onto the platform. Staying close to the wall, in the shadows, she inched forward.

A mare stood up ahead with her back turned.

Phasmid watched the pony for a few seconds before closing her eyes. In an instant, she assumed the form of the pony that stood before her. The freshly disguised mare then made her way past the pony that had unintentionally helped her and towards the city.


***


Sadri didn’t know how much time had passed, but she was certain that the stallion behind her was finished. It had been ages since she gotten intimate with anypony. She’d be lying if she denied enjoying it in the heat of the moment, but hooking up with kind stallion’s wasn’t her reasoning for being in Canterlot. The store associate fell off of her rather clumsily, apologizing over and over again. He seemed as though he had just come out of a trance, but in his case, it was Sadri’s influence.

The golden domina was just happy to give something in return for taking the dress she needed for the gala. “Don’t worry about me, my dear... I just need this to be paid for. Can you do that for me?”

She batted her eyes sweetly as she turned to face the stallion. In the close quarters of the fitting room, their exhausted breaths hit each other as they recovered from the session they had endured. “I... Of course, m’lady, anything you say. Will... Will I see you again?”

Sadri planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, but I won’t be coming back. I can’t explain, but you’re not the pony for me.”

The look on his face caused her chest to hurt. She couldn’t think of anything else to say, so she quietly slipped past him, leaving the stallion alone in the fitting room. All the while she walked towards the exit of the store, she kept reminding herself that it was all for Twilight.

Everything she did was for Twilight. All of the crimes she committed and the hearts she broke were for Twilight. Then, for the first time, she did something completely irrational.

Sadri doubted herself.

For so long, ever since she had been defeated and thrown in prison, she had been longing for Twilight Sparkle, and now, she wondered if her ex-wife was even worth all of the trouble she was going through. What did the princess even mean to her? Sadri shook the thoughts out of her head. She couldn’t give up, not now, not when Twilight was so close. Everything she was worked for was finaly coming together.

The palace was almost within sight. Memories began to resurface, ones Sadri would have preferred to forget. She would never forget, though. Her past would haunt her forever, but she knew that didn’t have to stop her from having a future, one that included a happy ending. Still...

Sadri didn’t want to run into any princesses on her way to Twilight that might resent her return to the palace she once tried to overthrow. Up the grand steps she climbed, straight towards the palace. The gala hadn’t yet started, but a large gathering of ponies had formed around the entrance, making it easy for her to slip inside without being noticed by the guards. Her gown fit better than she had originally anticipated, and thanks to the time she spent with the stallion in the fitting room, her mind was a little clearer.

A few ponies stopped to stare in awe at Sadri’s beauty, mares and stallions alike, young and old. The golden mare blushed with a sense of pride and modesty as she brushed past them quickly, not wanting to draw too much attention to herself. After walking around, investigating ballroom after ballroom, Sadri came to the conclusion that Twilight had not arrived yet. She figured the princess would show up eventually, but waiting was not her strong suit.

It’s what nearly drove her insane during her time in prison. Sadri was out of options, though. It looked like she would be forced to enjoy the gala a little before she could have a chance to confront her former lover. As she glanced towards the tables full of food and sweets, part of her believed it wouldn’t be too bad.


***


The gala was only a few hours away now. Amethyst was on the edge of her seat, both literally and figuratively. Onyx, usually the voice of caution and reason in their relationship, was also giddy with excitment and unable to control himself. Like the rest of his fellow guards, he had never attended the Grand Galloping Gala. They had only heard stories, tales of the magic that happened when thousands of ponies gathered in the capitol of Equestria for the biggest party of the year.

Emerald was in the bedroom resting with Pyrite. The both of them needed their naps after the long journey from the Chrystal Empire.

Sitting on the sofa in the common room, Amethyst tried hard not to look towards the clock on the wall to her left. Her dress was sitting on the coffee table in front of her, and she wanted nothing more than to put it on.

Onyx warned her against it, though. By dressing herself too early, she ran the risk of messing up the gown before the party even started.

“What are you thinking about, Amy?”

Amethyst shot him a weird look, not even realizing she must have had a pained expression on her face. She let out a gentle sigh and held a hoof to her forehead. “I... a lot of things, Onyx... There’s the gala, our wedding, getting Pyrite to start school...”

Onyx rolled his eyes and smirked. “It’s a daycare, Amy, not school. It’s like magic kindergarten. She’ll be learning her shapes, colors, and a little magic, of course.”

Amethyst smiled at the thought. Here she was, being the mother she never though she’d be a year ago. “Do you think she’ll show off in front of the other foals?”

Onyx raised an eyebrow. “Who, Pyrite? Absolutely. She’s your daughter, after all.”

Retaliation was swift, and the mare’s hoof connected with his ribs, hard. Onyx groaned as he rubbed the sore spot. “Ohhhh... Well, don’t ask questions if you don’t like the answer you get...”

Amethyst grinned mischeviously as she leaned into his personal space. “It was just a love tap, babe... Look, we’ve got a little time to kill. How about you and I...”

With one hoof draped around Onyx’s neck, the other fell slowly down his chest. The sergeant glanced quickly towards the closed bedroom door, confirming that the coast was clear. By the time he turned his gaze back to Amethyst, her hoof had already reached its target. “I... I, um... Amy, we already showered earlier...”

It was a pitiful attempt at a protest. They both knew there wasn’t anything he could do to stop her from getting what she wanted. Just as Amethyst was started to get a little more aggressive with her hoof, she was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Visably annoyed, Amethyst shot up from the sofa. Onyx stood and followed her to the door.

More bothered than ever, the captain swung the door open. “What is it?! What do you want?!”

It was a mare, one much shorter than the towering guard.

She shrunk at the sound of Amethyst’s angry tone. “Is... t-t-this the room of Captain Amethyst?

She looked like a concierge. It was probably a routine checkup, a means of refitting the room with fresh sheets, clean towels, ice, and other commodities. Amethyst suddenly felt bad for taking her frustration out on a pony only trying to do her job.

She was about to let the mare inside, but Onyx stopped her. He saw something, a faint flicker in the mare’s eyes and a hint of green. Then, the mare at the door bared her razor sharp teeth. “Amethyst, get back!”

Onyx grabbed her from behind and yanked the startled captain inside. The mare leaped through the door as he guards retreated to the opposite wall. A spark at her hooves roared into a green flame that burned away any trace of the pony, leaving behind the blackened form of a horrifying changeling. She had a deep and jagged scar across her chest and fury in her big, pale eyes.

The guards prepared themselves to fight, but without her leg, Amethyst was unable to stand. She leaned against Onyx for support as they stared down the advancing changeling. “You... have no idea, pony, what I have been through in order to find you.”

The changeling stopped at the sofa. It was then that the guards realized she wasn’t there for a fight, but Onyx didn’t raise his horn.

Amethyst cocked her head to the side as she met the changeling’s cold gaze. “You’re... here to see me?”

Then, the insect-like mare looked over her shoulder, and with the magic from her horn, she revealed something long and metal.

Amethyst gasped, and Onyx’s eyes widened. “Is that...”

The captain shook her head. “It can’t be...”

The changeling threw a prosthetic leg at Amethyst’s hooves. It was battered, scratched, and filthy, covered in mud, twigs, leaves, and who knows what. It was a prosthetic leg alright. It was Amethyst’s leg.

Onyx was speechless, but Amethyst found her voice. “I don’t... I can’t beileve this... I lost that leg on the t...” Her voice trailed away as she put two and two together. “You! You’re the one who ripped my leg off!”

The changeling rolled her eyes. “So ungrateful... I brought it back, didn’t I? It’s payment.”

Amethyst wanted to scream. She wanted to punch the smug changeling right in her snout. Luckily, Onyx was there to hold her back. “What are you talking about? Payment for what?”

The changeling didn’t make eye contact with him. She kept her gaze fixed on Amethyst. “You have something of mine, pony, and you’re going to take me to her.”

Amethyst stood defiantly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t even know you!”

A door opened, and everypony was dead silent. Emerald stood in the door leading into the bedroom with Pyrite by his side. The little changeling looked up at Amethyst and the larger changeling, her eyes full of confusion.

“Mama?”


***


In another wing of the same building, Gem was fixing her mane. Her eyes were situated on herself as she stared down a mirror. Nickel approached her from behind, having just emerged from the bathroom.

Gem caught a glimpse of him through the mirror. “Are you ready for tonight, Nick?”

He smiled sheepishly and nodded. “Yeah... This is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. It was always my dream to attend the gala, my brother’s too.”

Still focusing on her mane, Gem raised an eyebrow. “Brother? I think you mentioned him once. How is he, nick?”

The stallion shrugged. “We only met last night. I figured it wasn’t really that important. Besides, he died last year. It’s not exactly something I like to share on the first date...”

Gem frowned but kept her eyes forward. “I... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up something like that. You don’t have to continue.”

Nickel shook his head. “It’s alright, Cicada. You’re my fillyfriend, so you deserve to know.”

Gem winced at the sound of her real name, but Nickle knew about her and who she really was, so she let it slide. In all honesty, she didn’t want to know about Nickle’s family if it brought him pain and discomfort, but she kept her mouth closed.

“He was a guard at the Crystal Empire. The guy always looked up to me, his big bro, so he enlisted and joined the Royal Guards, but he died not long after.”

The room felt a little colder. Gem set her comb down and turned to face Nickel. “Nick, I’m really sorry to hear about your brother, but I just don’t-“

A powerful bolt of magic hit her square in the chest, sending Gem flying back and into the wall. The mirror shattered against her back, causing her to cry out in pain, but she couldn’t yell. A cloud of magic covered her mouth, silencing her as Nickel closed in with a fire burning in his eyes. “You don’t remember him, do you Cicada? You don’t remember what you did to my brother?”

His magic closed around her neck, squeezing tightly. “You broke his neck, just like this...”

He choked her harder, causing Gem to lose her pony form. “You murdered my brother, and then you ate his corpse... leaving me nothing to bury!”

Her mind was a mess. Cicada couldn’t think or breath, but she did remember. She tried to spit out the word as she gasped for air. “E... Em... Emerald?”

Nickel let out a roar and slammed her back against the wall, causing the broken pieces of glass to cut into her back. “Don’t say his name! Don’t you dare say it! You don’t deserve to...”

The stallion dropped her, hard. On the floor, Cicada coughed and wheezed furiously. “I’m going to kill you, Cicada, and when I’m through with you, I’m going to finish off Mantis, the fool masquerading around as my brother.”

The changeling’s eyes widened with horror. “No! You can’t!”

Nickel looked down at her with disgust. “This is the end of the line, Cicada.”

Then, his hoof connected with her head, knocking the changeling out cold.


***Up Next: The Greatest Night***

> Part 14: The Greatest Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cicada felt a chill crawl up her spine and surround her as she slowly began to come out of her sleep. To say she felt terrible would be a gross understatement. Her throat had been crushed to the point where every breath hurt tremendously, and she had a head-splitting pain behind her horn. When her eyes fluttered open, Cicada quickly realized where she was, and she opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out.

High in the air, she was suspended outside of a window, just below a great clock overlooking the city of Canterlot. Rope had her hind legs bound and handing from the massive chronometer.

“Are you comfortable, my dear?”

Cicada was in no control of her movement as the volitial winds blew her in circles, but she recognized that the voice was Nickel’s. When she saw him sitting in the window, her eyes narrowed, and she bared her razor-sharp teeth. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words were caught in her throat. All that came out was a fit of raspy coughs.

“Ah, wonderful. You’ll have plenty of time to think about your past mistakes up here, changeling, though I wouldn’t move around so much. It’s a long fall, and without your other wing, well...” Nickel cackled sadistically as he tapped the rope. “I think you get the idea. The highlight of the gala tonight is a speech by Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence at midnight, something about the alliance between Equestria and the Crystal Empire. When the clock strikes, you’ll finally pay for everything you’ve done, and my brother will know some semblance of peace...”

He took one last look at the clock above, then back at Cicada. “Take a good look around, changeling, because this sunset is the last you’ll ever get to see. No pony is coming for you. I’ll make sure of it.”

Tears formed in Cicada’s eyes as Nickel climbed down from the window, closing it as he retreated inside. As the sun set in the distance and the sky began to turn dark, all she could hear over the roaring wind was the deafening ticking of the clock counting down the time she had left to live.


***


Silence had fallen on the room, and something that could only be described as ‘awkwardness’ filled the void between everypony. Amethyst and Phasmid sat on opposite sides of the room. Both mares looked the other in the eyes, both unrelenting and unwavering.

Emerald and Onyx stood by the door, ready to make a quick escape if things got out of control. Pyrite, with a blank expression on her face, sat between her mothers, new and old. She glanced in either direction, first at Amethyst, then at Phasmid.

When her eyes met the elder changeling’s, Phasmid cracked a saddened smile. “Azalea... I can’t believe it... It’s really you...”

Amethyst cleared her throat, and the changeling’s smile vanished. “Actually, her name is Pyrite.”

At the sound of her given title, Pyrite turned her head and looked back at Amethyst.

Phasmid waved her hoof dismissively and made a face of disgust. “You may have given her a pony name, but my queen was hatched with the identity that I gave her, Azalea. She was meant to lead us to a new age of prosperity for changelings.”

Amethyst’s eyes formed a hard glare, and she picked Pyrite up with the magic from her horn. “Pyrite is no queen, and she’s not going to be leading any changelings. She’s my daughter. Tell her, Emerald.”

The guard’s face went white as both mares turned on him. He looked at Onyx for support. “What do I do?”

The sergeant shrugged and prodded him forward. “I don’t know... Just tell Amethyst what she wants to hear.”

Phasmid’s horn ignited, and she ripped Pyrite from Amethyst’s grasp. Thinking she was in the middle of some sort of game, the little changeling laughed as she floated across the room.

Not wanting to set Phasmid off, Emerald cleared his throat softly and stepped forward. “A-A-Amethyst has legal d-d-documents proving her guardianship of Pyrite...”

Amethyst beamed. “Ha! See?” She caught Pyrite and pulled her back. “Pyrite is mine.”

Phasmid chuckled, flashing her green eyes as a show of force. “Legal documents? That’s funny, pony. I almost died for Azalea’s sake.” By the door, Emerald coughed nonchalantly. “If anypony deserves to raise her, it’s me.”

Amethyst rolled her eyes as she held Pyrite close, hugging the little changeling tight against her chest. “Oh please! Get in line, Phasmoid.”

“It’s Phasmid...”

“Whatever. If you haven’t noticed...” Amethyst waved her newly attached prosthetic leg in the air thrusting it into the changeling’s face. “I also risked my life for her. So did Onyx. We all rescued her from Chrysalis’ nest in the Frozen North. If Mantis hadn’t switched sides and helped us, we never would have made it out.”

Emerald went cold as Phasmid’s eyes trained directly on him.

“That smell... I knew it!”

She was on her hooves in an instant. The changeling leaped over the sofa in the middle of the room, landing in front of the guards by the door. She pointed her horn at Emerald, who was shaking uncontrollably. Paralyzed by fear, his hooves felt as though they had been cemented to the floor. His form melted away, revealing a second changeling.

“You tried to kill me!”

Onyx put himself in between the two of them and held up a hoof towards Phasmid. “He’s tried to kill all of us, but he’s changed.” He glanced back at Mantis. “Isn’t that right, Emerald?”

The fear-stricken changeling managed a nod.

Amethyst climbed to her hooves and made her way to Onyx’s side, in between Mantis and Phasmid. “He’s telling the truth, Phasmid. Emer... I mean, Mantis is with us now. Even Pyrite adores him. I know he’s done terrible things, but killing him for his past wrongs will only stop him from doing any good from here on out.”

Phasmid was beginning to foam at the mouth. “I don’t care what good he’s done for you ponies. He still killed my friends, him and Cicada both.” Pyrite watched the whole scene unfold from the floor. By Amethyst’s side, she approached the impending eruption as her nose picked up the volitial tensions in the air. “Mantis is our friend, now. If Pyrite can learn to forgive and love him, maybe you can too.”

When Phasmid saw her standing by Onyx and Amethyst in the defense of Mantis, her glare softened just a little, and she raised her horn. “I... cant believe this...” She looked Pyrite in her eyes. “Is this true, Azalea? Do you really prefer them over me, after all I’ve done for you?”

Pyrite’s gaze fell, refusing to meet the larger changeling’s. At last, the room was silent.

It was so quiet, it was almost deafening. The void that formed in the absence of violence and threats lasted for what seemed like forever, only being broken by the gentle steps of Phasmid’s hooves as she stepped forward.

“I see...” The guards watched as she walked past them, pausing briefly by Mantis to fire him a glare. “I’ll be going, then. I’m sorry I couldn’t be the guardian you needed, Az- I mean...” She let out a gentle sigh. “... Pyrite.”

Mantis and Onyx exchanged glances but said nothing. Amethyst caught Phasmid at the door, just before she could make it into the hall. “What about you? Where will you go?”

Phasmid shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know... I have no queen to direct me and no home to go to. I have nothing... What does it matter to you, pony?”

Amethyst bit her lip, quickly looking over her shoulder at the stallions behind her. Then, she turned back and looked at Phasmid. “You could stay with us and attend the gala tonight... Perhaps, when this is all over, you could even come back to the Crystal Empire, and-“

“And ‘what’, pony? You want me to join your little band of friends, to be a Royal Guard?”

Amethyst cracked a sly grin. “Why not? I saw you on the train, you know. You were kicking ass, my ass mostly...” Phasmid raised an eyebrow, realizing that the purple mare was speaking sincerely. “I think you’d be a great addition to the empire’s guards. Plus, Pyrite would miss you if you just walked out.”

The changeling looked speechless. Her eyes darted around the room, meeting those of each pony in the room, even Mantis’. She looked over her shoulder, at the closed door behind her. Phasmid took a deep breath rubbed a hoof against her eyes, sniffling softly. “Yeah, okay... Fine...” Amethyst looked relieved, and so did Mantis. “I’m only staying for this party, for now... When it’s over, we’ll see.”

The changeling walked with Amethyst to the windows, and the two began to talk.

After accepting the fact that he wasn’t about to be ripped apart by her, Mantis closed his eyes and changed back into his favorite form. Within no time at all, Emerald was standing tall again, but he kept his distance from Phasmid, choosing to stay with Onyx and Pyrite by the door.

The sergeant chuckled, glancing towards Emerald. “Well, this afternoon sure has been full of surprises. If today’s events are any indication of how exciting the future will be, I can’t even begin to imagine what the gala is going to be like.”

There was a gentle knock on the door, startling them both as a mare’s muffled voice came through. “Amethyst? Hey, captain, are you in there?” Before anyone of them could answer, the door opened anyway, and Amber’s head appeared. “Oh... Hello, Onyx.”

Then, she glanced at Emerald, and her eyes widened. “Babe?! What are you doing here?!”

From the window, Phasmid made a disgusted look. “Babe? Uhg... Don't tell me the two of you are in a relationship...”

Amethyst waved her hoof dismissively before turning her attention back to the changeling before her. “Hello, Amber. It’s a long story...”

Amber approached Emerald, and before he could muster a response, she threw her hooves around him and pulled the stallion into a hot kiss.

Onyx rolled his eyes and covered Pyrite’s. “Amber, that’s unprofessional. Cut it out.”

There was a loud ‘smack’ as the kiss broke, and Amber fired him a silly look. “You don’t outrank me anymore, Onyx. I’m a sergeant too.”

His ears folded back. “Yeah... quit reminding me, kid... Amethyst, tell her to stop. It’s unprofessional.”

Amethyst smiled sweetly at him, brushing her mane out of her eyes. “If you’re jealous, honey, I can kiss you later.”

Phasmid’s eyes widened, and she pursued her lips. “Hmm... If it means so much to him, I’ll kiss him right now.”

Onyx went white. To his left, Amber and Emerald struggled to hide their snickers.

Phasmid had taken half a step towards the stunned stallion before Amethyst stopped her. “No! I mean... You can’t.”

The changeling cocked her head to the side and gave Amethyst a puzzled look. “I don’t mind, pony. He’s not bad looking either “

Amethyst bursted our in a fit of snorts and laughter. “No, wait, you don’t understand... He’s my fiancé. We’re getting married pretty soon. Isn’t that right, Onyx?”

Still frozen by Phasmid’s proposal, Onyx could only managed a stiff nod. “Yeah... Yes, that’s right.”

Phasmid’s turned cheeks turned red, and she absentmindedly rubbed her hoof against the back of her head. “Of course... I apologize, pon- I mean, Amethyst.” With that sorted, Amethyst glanced towards a clock on the far wall. “Oh! We better be getting ready. The gala will be starting before we know it.”

She then looked at Phasmid one last time, shooting her a kind smile before retreating towards the bedroom. “I’m going to change. Onyx, you find Prince Armor and make sure Emerald gets in without any trouble.”

Phasmid waved after her. “Wait! What about me?”

Amethyst shrugged. “Beats me, Phasmid. You’re a changeling. I’m sure you can figure something out.”

Then, she closed the door behind her.

Pyrite had gotten bored with the grownups talking and made herself comfortable on the sofa, lounging out and stretching her little hooves. Her moment of bliss was interrupted when Onyx picked her up in his cloud of magic. “Come on, little one. Now that you’re here, you need to look nice for the party. Get changed.”

She had no dress to get into, but with no effort, she copied Amethyst from head to hoof before giving him a ‘happy now?’ look.

“That’s better. Everypony else, move out!”


***


Sadri has been standing for hours. Her hooves were killing her, and her jaw hurt like crazy from the constant smiling she was forced to show to everypony around her. She had no idea how ponies could stand being so friendly all of the time. Needing a break, she found her way to a nearby punch bowl at the far end of a great ballroom that had just been set up for the impending party.

A young stallion in royal raiments stood by the bowl as he offered each guest a glass. When it came to be her turn, she thanked him quickly and moved on with her punch. Sadri sipped the beverage as she walked. It was sweet to the taste, and she couldn’t help letting out a small moan as the dark purple liquid traveled down her throat.

She didn’t bother finding a chair to enjoy the rest of her drink. Though it hurt her hooves to stand, it would hurt elsewhere to sit. Sadri was ready to forget the whole day. In her exhausted state, the golden domina had nearly forgotten why she was even there in the first place.

Then, she saw her.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sadri caught a glimpse of a purple princess in a blue gown that flowed from her rear like a river of tears as she descended a grand staircase. It was Twilight Sparkle.

It had been over a year since she saw the princess with her own eyes. Her eyes began to water as the glass fell from her magical grasp. It shattered on the floor, startling several nearby ponies. The young stallion serving the punch was at her side without a moment to lose.

“Are you alright, miss?”

Sadri looked at the mess she had made. “Yes, I think so...”

The stallion ushered her away from the broken glass and spill. “Don’t worry about a thing, miss. I’ll clean this up. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

Sadri nodded her head and, glancing back and forth between Twilight, who was coming closer, and the spill. “Yes... Thank you. I hope to...”

When she turned back around, Twilight’s back was facing her. She looked to be engaged with one of her friends. Sadri didn’t remember them all that well. It looked like the pink one. The memories were unclear, and she was unable to retrieve the pink mare’s name.

No matter.

This was the moment Sadri had been waiting so long for. She took a deep breath. Her body was on autopilot now, slowly shifting her hooves towards her final destination. Pumping blood thundered in her ears, growing louder in volume with each step she took closer to the princess.

Then, she came to a stop.

“Tw-Tw-Twilight...”

The purple mare’s ears perked, and she turned around, coming face to face with her. It had been so long since Sadri had been in close proximity to her former wife. Her breaths shortened and became dangerously rapid and shallow. “Twilight... Twilight Sparkle...”

The princess’ eyes widened, but she said nothing.

Sadri had no clue, no idea of what to do or say. She had rehersed this exact moment a thousand times in her head, but all of that preparation left her. “I... I’ve broken out of prison, and I’ve crossed great lengths to see you... I know how you must feel about me, and... Well, I’m here to say that I understand. The things I did to you were terrible and unforgivable and evil and...”

She felt as though she was about to cry. Her eyes were closed shut as she tried to blink back the tears that were building. “I just have to say that... that I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry for everything... I took you, your friendship, and your love for granted, and I can never make up for the pain and suffering I caused you...”

Her throat was closing as she resisted her tears. “What I mean is... I’ve had a lot of time to think, and I know you won’t take me back, but perhaps I can beg for your forgiveness, and just maybe, you can find some in the loving heart I first fell in love with...”

Sadri opened her eyes at last and, to her surprise, found an audience surrounding her. Worse than that, though, was the presence of Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence. She felt very small, smaller than she had ever felt before amidst the very mares she had once tried to seduce and conquer.

Celestia stepped forward first, flexing her majestic wings before returning them to her sides. She eyed Sadri down her snout, causing her to shrink even further. Then, she glanced at the princesses to her left. “Well, Cadence? What do you think?”

The princess of love kept her eyes trained on the domina. Sadri felt as though she had the weight of the world on her back, and it didn’t feel great. “I can’t say I’m pleased, personally, but... her words sound sincere.”

Luna nodded her head gently. “I agree. It seems time in captivity has changed this young mare’s mind, as well as her heart.” The princess of the night offered her a weak smile.

After listening to the verdict of her sister and niece, Celestia let out a long breath. “Sadri, if you can agree to stay out of trouble, I can absolve you of your crimes against Equestria.”

Every inch of her body was shaking so violently, Sadri wasn’t sure if she was responding accordingly. “Of... Of course, your majesty...”

Then, even Celestia cracked a sly grin. “Very well. Enjoy the gala.” The white mare began to turn, taking Luna and Cadence with her. “Oh, Twilight, my sweet, come find me by the dessert table later. We have much to discuss.”

Twilight eyed the elder princess and nodded, still not saying a word.

With the departure of the princesses, the crowd that had surrounded them also began to disperse. Soon, Sadri was alone with her former bride once again. Able to stand on her hooves again, she rose to her full height as the silence between her and Twilight grew more and more awkward. She knew she had to say something, anything. Any topic at this point would be better than the horrible quiet.

“So...” Sadri cleared her throat. “You and Princess Celestia tied the knot, huh?”

Twilight broke her statue-like form, moving for the first time since she laid her eyes on Sadri as she raised a hoof to brushed her mane out of her eyes. “I’m... Yeah, Celestia and I are... hmm... closer than ever. We’re not married yet, but we’re getting there.”

Sadri put on a brave smile, the widest she could muster. “You really love her, don’t you?”

Twilight’s purple cheeks turned red, and a chuckle escaped her lips. “More than anything. I want her to ask me to marry her, but she’s been too afraid to ask. I was kinda hoping tonight would be the night she pops the question.” Once she realized she had been rambling, she caught herself. “Oh, but what about you, Sadri? Have you found anypony special?”

Sadri gently shook her head. Behind the princess, at the farthest end of the room, were the great doors of the palace. A sea of ponies was beginning to flood into the ballroom. Just over Twilight’s shoulder, to the right of her ear, Sadri saw a stunningly beautiful mare enter the palace.

It was the mare she had met earlier on the train, the mare who had helped her get to Canterlot. In an opal-colored dress with a flashy head-piece that branched outward like antlers, Gypsum made her way into the ballroom. She looked to be alone, her eyes darting all around her as she took in the sights. A well-dressed stallion approached her, offering her a drink, but she politely declined.

Sadri suddenly realized that she had been staring, and her ears felt hot. She also realized that Twilight had continued to talk even though she unintentionally tuned her out.

“... and you’ve been in prison, of course, so I can see how that might hamper your progress towards finding somepony.” Twilight saw that Sadri was no longer looking at her, but past her. She looked over her shoulder, following the golden mare’s gaze. “Oh, I see...”

Sadri snapped out of her trance. “Tw-Twilight... I’m sorry, but I need to go.”

The princess of friendship waved dismissively. “You don’t have to say anything. We’ll talk more later, alright? By the look on your face, you have a lot you need to say to that mare over there. Do you know her?”

Sadri nodded hesitantly. “Yes, we met on the train here from the empire.”

Twilight smiled. “Well, I won’t stand in your way. She looks like she needs some company about now, anyway. Go get her, Sadri.”

That was all the encouragement she needed. With a spark of courage in her heart, she set out towards Gypsum. Twilight had spoken the truth... There was a lot she had to say, but most of all, she only hoped Gypsum would return her sentiment.

“Oh, Sadri!”

The domina spun around a final time, meeting Twilight’s eyes. Sadri couldn’t hear her over the chattering of hundreds of ponies, but she could see the princess mouth the words ‘I forgive you’. An explosion of warmth erupted inside her chest, quickly consuming her and spreading throughout her body. Then, as quickly as the feeling came, it vanished.

Twilight too was gone, probably to see Celestia by the dessert table as requested. Now, there was nothing in between her and the mare in front of her.

Gypsum appeared to be eyeing the punch to her right, not noticing Sadri. The golden mare swallowed hard and approached her slowly. Then, she cleared her throat. “Um... Hello, Gypsum.”

The pony looked startled, but having overcome her initial jolt of surprise, her eyes fell on Sadri’s. She frowned at her. “You again... What do you want? I’m done doing you favors. You’ve made it clear you want nothing to do with me...”

Each word hit Sadri in the chest like a bolt of concentrated magic, but she didn’t back down. As Gypsum tried to turn away, she extended a hoof, stopping the mare in her tracks. “Wait, Gypsum. Just let me explain, please...” The pony didn’t look thrilled at the notion, but she agreed as she swiped Sadri’s hoof away. “I think I’m all burnt out in terms of apologies, but I’m sorry I didn’t take your feelings seriously when you helped me on the train.” Gypsum’s frown remained, but her eyebrows raised ever so slightly. “I guess I’m officially divorced now, so I’d like to return the favors you showed me by devoting myself to you tonight... If you’ll allow it, I mean.”

Sadri gaze fell to the floor as she kicked her hooves timidly. “It’s... It’s the least I can do...”

All around them, ponies were beginning to indulge themselves in the festivities and enjoy the party, and soft music from a live orchestra played in the background. Gypsum looked surprised by Sadri’s proposal. “I... Um, well... I don’t know what to say...”

Sadri beamed at her. “Come on, Gypsum. It’ll be fun. I’m a free mare, and tonight, I’m all yours. Have you ever danced with a domina?”

Not to her surprise, the pony shook her head. “No, I can’t say that I have, to be honest...”

Gypsum looked like she had more to say, but she wasn’t able to finish her thought as Sadri took her by the hoof and pulled her onto the dance floor.


***


Emerald whistled in awe as he stepped into the ballroom with Amber and Amethyst. “Whoa... This place looks way better when it’s not under siege.”

Amber swiftly kicked his leg, causing him to let out a muffled cry. “Quiet, you. You’re a guest of honor tonight, so behave yourself.”

“You didn’t have to kick so hard...”

Amethyst stood close to Onyx with Pyrite standing between them. Her eyes were full of awe and wonder as she looked around the titanic ballroom. Everything from the slick floor to the dazzling chandeliers above captivated the little changeling. Amethyst was equally impressed with the look of the party. “I have to say I’m impressed, Onyx. Canterlot sure does know how to throw a party.”

Her fiancé agreed, nodding his head as he scanned his surroundings. “Yeah... I know what you mean, Amy. This place has the Crystal Empire’s ballrooms beat. We should have our honeymoon here instead of Ponyville.”

Amethyst hit her rear against his, and the two shared silly looks. “We’ll talk about that later. For now, let’s do what we came here to do and enjoy ourselves.”

That was an order from his captain Onyx was happy to follow. “You got it, Amy. Would you care to dance?”

She nodded her head, but looked hesitant. “Of course, honey... Later, though. I want to wait here for Gem. Why don’t you take Pyrite to get something to drink?”

The stallion was happy to oblige her, and he ushered the little trickster away. Amethyst spun in a circle, noticing that Amber and Emerald had already didsapeared into the crowd. That only left her and Phasmid, who was disguised as a pink pegasus with a snow-colored mane and tail. The only way the captain could tell it was her was the jagged scar across her lower neck and chest. It was slightly visible through her revealing dress.

“This is the gala? It doesn’t seem so grand to me...”

Amethyst raised an eyebrow towards her. “What’s wrong with it? Everypony seems to be enjoying themselves.”

Phasmid rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue. “Bleh... It’s boring, pony. There’s no excitement in the air, and the music is dull. Who is that entertainer in Ponyville, the one with the large speakers and electronic music? This party could afford to liven up a little...”

Amethyst chuckled softly and shook her head. “It’s a gala, Phasmid. It’s all about high class and society.” Then, she caught herself. “I suppose I shouldn’t call you that around here... You’re supposed to be a pony.”

The pink mare gave her a surprised look. “What do you suggest?”

Amethyst thought for a moment but quickly came to a great idea. “How about ‘Azalea’?”

Phasmid looked deep in thought and but her lower lip. A few moments later, she nodded her head as a smile creeped its way across her lips. “I like it. When like this, you can call me Azalea.” She sounded excited now, like a filly on her birthday. “I... I need to find the others. They need to know my new name.”

Before Amethyst could bid her a ‘farewell’, she had vanished into the crowd.

Now, she was alone with her thoughts as she waited by the entrance of the ballroom, patiently looking out for Gem and her date. Every so often, a pony or two would approach her and recognize her as a Royal Guard. They would exchange friendly greetings and thank her for her service before excusing themselves.

The minutes began to drag on.

At one point, she saw Onyx and Pyrite through the crowd. They appeared to be having a good time. Pyrite was running up to everypony she could see and saying ‘hello’, her newest word.

Then, Amethyst continued to look around and caught a glimpse of Amber and Emerald. They talked and laughed as they stood in eachother’s embrace. It warmed her chest, seeing them happy together. It amazed Amethyst to see how far Emerald and Gem has come since she first met them.

The captain cursed silently.

She had forgotten that she was supposed to be looking out for Gem, but her friend was nowhere in sight. Almost twenty minutes had passed since she started waiting, and the feeling of worry began to creep over her. The gala was in full swing, and Gem was nowhere to be found. Amethyst stomped her hoof, deciding to swallow her pride and search for the missing mare herself.

She took another look around the ballroom. Onyx, Amber, and the rest would be fine without her. She knew they could handle themselves. Amethyst readied herself to leave the ballroom, and she walked towards the entrance. It felt like she was swimming upstream though as a flood of ponies walked against her.

One stallion held his head low, looking at the floor. Amethyst didn’t see him in time, and he following collision sent them both stumbling to the floor. Her prosthetic leg buckled, threatening to fall off, but the stallion caught the captain and helped her up.

When Amethyst saw his face, a wave of relief washed over her. “Oh, good! Nickel, it’s you...”

The guard in front of her went white as she said his name. “Oh... Yeah. Yes, of course... I’m sorry about that, captain. I wasn’t looking where I was going. Please forgive me.”

Amethyst dismissed his apology with a smile. “Think nothing of it, Nickel. I was just coming to find Gem. She was running late.” She looked over his shoulder. “Um... Is she with you?”

Nickel looked uneasy, like he had just been given a test he wasn’t prepared for. “I... Uh... No, ma’am. Gem told me she had a few things left to handle in our room.”

Her smile faded, and she cocked her head. “Things to handle? Like what?”

Nickel was beginning to look more and more nervous. Amethyst could even sea little beads of sweat forming along the base of his horn.

Something felt wrong.

“Nickel... Where is Gem?”

He bit his lip and frowned. “I’m sorry, Captain Amethyst, but something had to be done.”

Amethyst didn’t like what she was hearing. “Nickel, you better start making sense, or you’ll watch the gala from a hospital window.”

Nickel sighed and turned his head from side to side, popping his neck. “If you insist, captain...”


***


Amber had never had so much fun in her life. Though the party wasn’t the most exciting in all of Equestria, just being able to unwind and cut loose with her coltfriend was enough for her. She hadn’t never seen Emerald dance, and she was loving every minute of it. Emerald was moving his hooves like he was trying to impress a mate.

Though it was entertaining, it certainly didn’t make Amber want to have sex with him. She had to give credit where it was due, though. He looked like her was really trying, exhausting himself to the point where he has struggling to breath. “Ha! You’re doing great, babe... Hey, uh... Azalea? Hey, Azalea, come on! You’re missing out on the fun!”

The pink mare promptly shook her head. “No, pony. I think I’ll decline. I don’t dance.”

Amber made a cute, pouty face. “Oh, please? You have to! Emerald doesn’t dance either, but he’s giving it his all. There’s something about it that you have to admire.”

Azalea looked him over and frowned. “Hmm... His form could use some work.”

Amber and Emerald glanced towards each other and back at Azalea. “I thought you didn’t dance.”

She shrugged innocently.

“I never said I didn’t know how dancing should be done. There are plenty of changelings who can dance. It’s usually the females performing for the males in order the gain their sexual favor, being so few in number as they were compared to us. There was a lot of competition for males in the hive.

Amber’s eyes widened as she looked back at Emerald, who turned away blushing. “Ah... That explains a lot...”

Azalea looked like she had more to say, but before she could open her mouth, a sudden cry echoed throughout the ballroom. Everypony’s head spun towards the source of the sound of distress. Their night had taken a turn for the worst as they watched Amethyst fly through the air, flailing her hooves as she soared across the ballroom. She landed on her back with a hard ‘thud’ and cracked her head against the tile floor.

Everypony began to panic, some dropped their food and drinks while others hugged the walls as tightly as the could. The orchestra came to a halt, and all eyes tuned in on Nickel as he approached Amethyst from across the ballroom. “Mares and gentlecolts, we have traitors among us!”

Amethyst wheezed as she struggled to stand. A staff pony who had been serving snacks tried to reach her, but Nickel turned his horn on the pony and fired, hitting the ground in front of his hooves.

He then closed in on the fallen guard, baring his teeth. “Captain Amethyst and her friends are traitors to all ponies... She has chosen to ally herself with monsters, liars, and murderers, the changelings!”

There were hushed gasps around the room pointed and whispered amungst themselves. Amber broke through the wall of ponies surrounding them, her eyes wide and full of terror. “Amethyst!”

Nickel turned on her and let out a ferocious snarl. Lightning sparked from his horn, and a bolt arched out, hitting the ground just in front of her. She cried out and stepped back.

Amethyst raised her hoof weakly. “Amber, stay back!” Then, she glared at Nickel, her eyes full of rage. “Don’t hurt them! What’s gotten into you?!” Amethyst mustered all of the strength she could and pulled herself up. “If you’ve laid one hoof on Gem...”

His horn lit up and shut all of the doors leading out of the ballroom, trapping himself and everypony else inside.

Amethyst coughed as she stared the stallion down. “You’ve made a serious mistake, Nickel... There’s no way out of this.”

He arched his head back and roared with laughter. “A way out?! Ha! Do you really think I want to escape from this?! There is no escape for me, Amethyst...” He painted heavily as he pointed his horn towards her. “You can kill me, throw me in jail, or do whatever your conscience will allow, but I will have justice for my brother’s murder.” He looked like a wild beast, saliva dripping from his jaw as he bared his teeth. “First, I’m going to kill you, Amethyst. You protected Cicada when she should have been held accountable for her actions! Then, when I’m done with you...”

His bloodthirsty eyes landed on Emerald. “... I’ll be coming for you, Mantis...”

Emerald swallowed hard.

“Amethyst, please stop him...”

The captain brushed herself off. A quick look around told her the entire room was holding its breath. Everypony was waiting for one of them to make a move. Then, she saw Pyrite in the crowd, standing beneath Onyx’s legs, and the look on her daughter’s face filled her with despair.

Scenarios flashed through Amethyst’s mind, scenes of Pyrite growing up without her. If she died here, Amethyst realized she would never get to see her baby grow up, graduate school, find a coltfriend, or get married. The more she thought about it, the more her feelings of despair turned into raw, unchecked anger.

“You...” She turned her attention back to Nickel, who had taken his battle stance, showing he was prepared to fight. “You want to take me away from my family?”

Nickel, briefly looked at Pyrite before turning his murderous gaze back to Amethyst. “Yeah, I do, and when I’m done with Mantis, I’ll kill the brat too. Don’t you worry though... I’ll make her death quick.” His horn lit up.

Amethyst only had a second to act before a bolt of magic came sailing straight for her. She raised a shield, and the magic deflected towards the ceiling. The blast shook the palace and caused the bystanders to panic. Amethyst looked up and nearly screamed herself, quickly rolling out of the way to avoid a falling chandelier.

The ceiling decoration crashed behind her, sending debris in every direction. Nickel was on her in an instant. He ran forward, letting out a blood-curdling cry as he aimed his horn for her throat, but Amethyst was quick on her hooves.

She sidestepped the stallion and brought down her prosthetic leg, hitting him in the back of the head with such for that his horn pierced the ground. This only angered Nickel further, and he ripped his horn from the floor before firing another bolt of lightning. The zap hit Amethyst square in the chest, sending her flying across the room and sliding to a halt on the tiles. Her ears were ringing, and her vision was blurry from the shock.

Looking up, she could barely make out the figure of Nickel running straight for her. She was too tired. Amethyst was one of the best fighters in the Crystal Empire, but her strength was slipping.

A golden unicorn broke through the crowd next to Amber and saw the raging right in the center of the ballroom. “What’s going on?!”

Emerald saw her and waved. “Sadri, is that you?” He pointed to the fight before them. “This crazy stallion showed up and started attacking Amethyst!”

Azalea was beaming. “I take back what I said about this party. This is way more excitement than I expected.”

Amber waved her hoof, getting their attention. “Come on, we have to help her!”

With one hoof in front of the other, Amethyst tried to crawl. Memories came back in flashes, brief glimpses of her in the snow as she crawled after Pyrite.

“Mamaaaaaaa!”

Amethyst’s eyes widened, and she rolled over.

Nickel was mid-flight, diving straight for her as he roared.

She closed her eyes, and her horn ignited brilliantly. It wasn’t her usual, purple color, but a blinding, white glow. As he fell towards her, Nickel cried out in pain and covered his eyes. Even her friends had to look away.

Amethyst saw an opportunity and took it. She raised her rear legs and kicked the stallion as hard as she could, cracking several of his ribs. Nickel hit the ground, gasping for air. “Ah! You bitch!”

The captain didn’t relent. Her horn was glowing hot and starting to burn. Bits of concentrated magic sparked in every direction. The entire ballroom felt as though the sun itself was inside it. Amethyst’s shining horn clashes with Nickel’s. They parried back and forth, alternating between thrusts and kicking with their hooves.

She caught him in he chest, and Nickel howled with pain and retaliated by throwing his hoof at her face. He connected with her jaw, cutting down Amethyst and sending her to the floor, but she quickly rose back up.

Outside, hooves were thundering against the doors as Canterlot Royal Guards tried to break them down.

Horn clashed with horn as shining light clashing with lightning. The electricity cracked and thunder boomed throughout the room, shaking the walls and everypony within them. Amethyst broke away from Nickel and opened her hooves, letting out a terrifying scream that sent out a wave of white magic in every direction. The windows shattered, sending bits of broken glass flying outward, and several of the grand chandeliers fell from the ceiling, crashing around Nickel and stunning him.

The glowing was gone, but a trail of smoke seeped from the tip of her horn. Amethyst breathed heavily, ready to collapse at any moment. She saw that Nickel was still, and she looked around. Everypony stared at her with jaws dropped. Never before had they seen such a display of power from a unicorn.

Nickel had blood pouring from his nose and chest. He glanced to his left and right, at the ponies surrounding them. Amethyst whipped a hoof across her bloodied snout. “It’s over, Nickel... I am ordering you to stand down, now.”

Then, he looked back at Amethyst, and an evil look came over him. “Never...”

He lashed out, leaping over a broken chandelier before charging straight for her.

Amethyst couldn’t raise her horn in defense. She couldn’t even stand.

Nickel yelled as he jumped into the air, diving right at her.

Amethyst tried to hold up her metal leg as a last ditch effort, but the final strike never came.

Nickel was caught mid-air, held in a cloud of sickly green magic. Everypony in the room gasped and followed the trail of magic to it’s source. They were speechless, all of them. Even Amethyst couldn’t find the words to describe what she was seeing.

Pyrite’s eyes were closed as she poured all of her concentration into holding Nickel at bay.

“No...” He groaned as he kicked and flailed above the floor. “No... No... No. No. No! No! NO!” He tried to reach her but found no success. “My brother is dead because of them! They killed Emerald! His death is on your hooves!” Pyrite dropped him abruptly before Onyx moved in with leather bonds. “They killed him! They killed him! They- Mmmmph! Mmmmm!”

Amethyst’s heart was racing. She looked down at Nickel, then at her daughter. “Pyrite... You... You saved my life...”

Her little changeling grinned at her and held her head high. Onyx managed a light chuckle as he rubbed Pyrite’s head. “Well, you saved hers. I guess she thinks she’s returning the favor.”

The Royal Guards outside finally managed to break one of the doors down and filed inside, securing the room. While Onyx and Amber went to talk to the guards and tell them everything that happened, Amethyst went to a window. She could feel that her friend was in trouble. She just didn’t know where...

Then, her eyes fell on Nickel, and she fell on him with vengeance burning in her eyes. She stormed over to him and ignited her horn. “Gem... Where is she, you monster?! Tell me!”

She tore away his gag, and Nickel began to laugh. “I’m not the monster, captain... Not like the changeling that consumed by brother...” His psychotic laughter escalated. “Oh, right about now, our precious Cicada is very close to running out of time... When the day ends and night falls, so will she...” He cackled maniacally before she forced the gag back down his throat, silencing him for good.

Sadri, Emerald, and Azalea appeared by Amethyst’s side. Onyx was the first to reach her. “Amethyst, are you alright?”

She quickly brushed her fiancé away, choosing to stand on her own. “I’m fine, but I won’t be if we don’t save Gem.”

Emerald looked deep in though. “He... He said that when night falls, Gem would fall too.”

Sadri looked out on of the broken windows, at the mountain side. “We’re perched on a cliff. That’s no help.”

Amethyst ran through Nickel’s final words again and again. “She’s running out of time...” Then, the great clock overlooking the city began to chime, signaling the impending stike of midnight. One strike hit, then another one. Amethyst gasped and bolted back over towards the window. “The clock! Gem is out of time!”

Everypony in the ballroom felt helpless as they heard the strikes chime through the night. Amethyst’s throat began to close, and tears swelled in her eyes. “We can’t reach her...”

Azalea flexed her wings and took a several steps back. “I can...”

Then, before anypony had the chance to move out of the way, the pink pegasus fired off like a rocket, straight through the remains of a shattered window before climbing up through the night sky. Amethyst stood speechless as the clock continued to chime, counting down the seconds until Gem fell to her death.


***Up Next: Glitter and Gold***

> Finale: Glitter and Gold
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cicada wasn’t feeling great. The rope around her hooves was beginning to burn and itch, and hanging from her rear legs caused all of the blood in her body to fall to her head.

“Amber... Onyx... Emerald... Amethyst...” She spouted her friend’s names aimlessly as she drifted in the wind. With every shift of the clock’s second hand, the ledge shuddered, and the rope threatened to snap, but Cicada felt no fear at this point. She couldn’t feel anything, now.

Suddenly, the clock struck twelve, and the bell inside began to chime. The sound shook Cicada to her very core, both literally and figuratively. She looked up between her legs with wide eyes as she watched the minute hand slice through the rope.

It was over.

Cicada let out a horrified scream as she began to plummet towards Canterlot. Her one wing flapped helplessly, but it wasn’t enough to slow her down or stop the buildings and lights below from rushing up to meet her. The changeling’s life flashed before her eyes. She saw it all, from the moment she hatched in a dark cave in the Frozen North to the day Amethyst forgave her.

She then realized that she would soon die for the second time in the span of a few days and became very annoyed, despite the imminate crash. Her new friends were causing her more grief every day, but deep inside, she knew she still loved them.

The changeling had been falling for quite some time. Surely, she should have it the ground by now.

When Cicada opened her eyes and looked down, she was surprised to find two pink hooves holding her up. “What in the...” Then, she saw the pretty mare the hooves belonged to. “Whoa... Who are you?”

The pegasus’ wings were flapping furiously to keep them both in the air, but she managed a silly grin as she held Cicada against her chest. “My friends call me Azalea, but you may know me as Phasmid.”

Cicada peered at the mare, studying her closely before coming to the conclusion that the pegasus wasn’t telling the truth. “Nah... Phasmid would’ve dropped me.”

The pink mare rolled her eyes. “Well, that could be quickly arranged if you really feel that way...”

The changeling felt her grip begin to slip, and her eyes widened. “No! Please!” Her own sudden outburst surprised herself. “I... I mean... Can we go down now?”

Azalea chuckled softly and nodded her head, and the two began a slow decent towards the palace.


***


In the trashed ballroom, Amethyst paced the floor nervously. Her friends made sure to give her plenty of room. They knew that when their captain was upset, it was in their best interest to stay out of her way.

The princesses, who had been outside of the room during the attack, probably greeting new ponies to the party, had arrived to survey they damage. Twilight and Cadence approaches Sadri and her date, Gypsum.

At seeing the looks on their faces, the golden domina’s ears folded back, and she recoiled a little. Cadence opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Sadri blurted our first. “This wasn’t my fault...”

The princess of love was stunned, and she cocked her head to the side. She and Twilight shared a quick glance before returning her attention back to Sadri. “That... wasn’t what I was going to say. I only meant to ask if you two were alright.”

Sadri’s ears perked up, and she rose back to her full height. “Oh... Um, yeah... I suppose we’re fine. I can’t say the same for that unicorn the guards took away.”

Gypsum nodded her head in agreement. “I’ll say... That crystal guard pony kicked his butt. I’d certainly love to meet her. This has been the most exciting gala I have ever had the pleasure of attending.”

Cadence smiled kindly. “Well, the gala isn’t over. Despite the state of this room, I imagine everypony will find a way to make the most of the party.”

Sadri, utterly relieved that the pink princess wasn’t livid at her, began to completely relax for the first time in over a year. She turned to Gypsum and hit her flank against the unsuspecting mare’s. “What do you think, Gypsy? I think I still owe you a dance...”

The pony straightened her headdress as she looked at her with a baffled expression plastered across her face. “What in the world did you just call me?”

Sadri beamed at her. “Gypsy! Is that a problem?”

Gypsum tried to fight the red growing on her cheeks and the smile creeping across her lips, but it was pointless. “Um... No, not al all...” Then, she shook her head and cleared her throat. “... and about that dance, you owe me more than that.”

Cadence and Twilight gave each other subtle nods and began to back away. As they walked towards the door, Twilight leaned towards her sister in law so as not to be overheard. “I saw what you did there, getting Sadri and her date to fall in love... That was sneaky, Cadence.”

The pink princess chuckled under her breath, and shook her head. “I agree that hey make a cute couple, but I had nothing to do with it, Twilight. They came together on their own.”

Twilight’s eyebrows rose, and she looked back at Sadri and Gypsum, who were happily talking next to the fallen chandelier. They were so immersed in each other that they hadn’t noticed the princesses were even gone.

Sadri looked cross. “Oh really? So, what would you say is the appropriate charge for what you’re due?”

It was obvious to Gypsum that the golden mare was leading her on, but the pony liked it. “Hmm... The dance is a good start, but I think I’d like...“ She leaned in close, brushing her lips against Sadri’s neck and ear. “... something gold and sweet for dessert.”

Sadri’s eyes widened, and she felt a spark at the tip of her horn. Gypsum laughed gently at her reaction. “Gypsy, you bad mare... I mean, are you sure?”

She nodded her head, confirming what Sadri had suspected and making her chest swell. “Yes... I’ve bought an apartment here in the city. We can meet there after the party, and-“

Sadri cut her off with a kiss, pressing her lips against Gypsum’s and moaning softly into her mouth. She didn’t care who saw. She didn’t care what anypony thought. Gypsum was a lovely mare, and Sadri vowed never to take her for granted. Several long seconds later, she pulled away, separating their lips and breaking the kiss.

The pony whistled softly as she looked into Sadri’s shimmering eyes. “Wow... That was great...”

Feeling unstoppable, the golden domina drew her tongue along Gypsum’s lower lip, causing her to gasp out of excitement. “Indeed... Now, why don’t we-“

“She’s back! She’s back!”

Sadri and Gypsum looked towards the other end of the ballroom. Emerald was jumping up and down like a colt on his birthday as he pointed towards the window. Together, they traveled across the floor and met the others just in time to see Azalea fly through the shattered window with a changeling in her hooves.

Amethyst was on the verge of tears as she stood over her fallen friend. “Cicada... Gem, please talk to me...”

The changeling’s eyes fluttered open. “Amethyst...”

Her voice broke, and she let out a pained groan. “Yes? Yes, Gem, what is it?”

Could it be her last breath? Could it be the last thing her friend would ever say to her?

“You’re standing on my hoof... Get off.”

Amethyst frowned and looked down. Sure enough, she was indeed pressing down on one of the changeling’s legs. “Oh, m-m-my apologies. Are you alright?”

Cicada looked at all of the ponies surrounding her, all looking down at her with concerned looks. Then, she saw the ballroom, half destroyed and in serious disarray. “I’m fine, thanks to...” Her eyes drifted towards Azalea. “... thanks to you.” Then, her gaze shifted back to the room around her. “What about you guys? What happened here? I feel like I missed out on one wild party...”

Amethyst’s eyes fell as she kicked her hoof nervously. “Nickel happened. He trashed the party and tried to kill us.”

Still on the floor, the changeling’s expression turned sour, and she bared her teeth. “That’s all my fault. I wronged him in a way that I can never amend. I put you all in danger. I... I’m so sorry...”

Amethyst extended her hoof, pressing it against Cicada’s lips. “Shhhh... It’s over, Gem. Nickel was insane, and he’s going to remain in prison for a long time. I don’t want you beating yourself up any more. You’re not the mare you were before.” The captain’s hoof grasped Cicada’s and she hoisted her up. “You and Emerald... I mean, Mantis... You are changelings who changed what no other changelings could, your hearts.”

Azalea ruffled her wings and stomped her hoof objectively. “Hey, what about me? I saved her, didn’t I?”

Amethyst cracked a silly smile and nodded towards the newest addition to their team. “Of course, you two, Phasmid. I’m proud to call each of you my friend.” Using the magic from her horn, she grabbed everypony and pulled them close, nearly crushing Cicada in the center. “I love you all...”


***


Sadri slipped away quietly with Gypsum. Together, they made their way to the garden outside. They weren’t the only ones, though. Everypony else who didn’t want to hang around in the ruined ballroom was also there, enjoying the cool air and starry night.

Luna was also there, mingling with the guests and laughing heartily at everything she heard. Sadri figured the dark princess might have had a little too much to drink. Despite everything that had happened, no pony’s spirits were dampened.

“Hold on...” They stopped under a large willow tree, and Gypsum held up a hoof. “I’ll go grab us some drinks. Wait here for me.”

Sadri beamed at her and nodded her head. “Good thinking, but hurry back.”

Alone by the tree, she slumped to the ground and let out a long sigh, looking up at the stars. Looking up reminded her of home, her village, and tears began to form behind her eyes. Sadri’s thoughts turned to the village she was raised in, deep inside the Everfree Forest. It was called the Blackstar Tribe, a group of semi-civilized ponies that worshiped Princess Luna.

She wasn’t a Blackstar herself.

Sadri was a powerful domina and a descendent of domina royalty, but the village chief raised her as his own daughter after finding her as an infant, lost and abandoned. The golden mare realized just how closely her story sounded like Pyrite’s. If it weren’t for her father, the chief, she never would have become the mare she was today. In her heart, she knew Amethyst would do he same for her own adopted daughter and raise her to be a kind and wonderful mare, just like herself.

The longer Sadri looked at the stars, the more her heart longed for the Everfree, to see her family again and beg for them to accept her and take her back. Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Gypsum as she carried two tall glasses in her magical cloud.

“Here you go, darling... They didn’t have Chris Daniel’s, but I found this stuff called White Lightning. It’s supposed to be great.”

Sadri eyed the glass Gypsum passed to her with caution. A careful sniff sent her eyes to watering and nose to burning. “Lovely...”

They sat in silence for a while as the sipped from their glasses. Each shot that traveled down Sadri’s throat burned, but the pain didn’t last long, quickly being followed by a warm, fuzzy feeling. Then, there was the mare beside her. The pony tried her hardest to be subtle, but Sadri noticed Gypsum scooting ever so slightly to get closer to her.

The domina smirked before taking another sip of her drink. As she lowered the glass, a gentle laugh trickled from her mouth and floated through the still air. “Are you after another kiss?”

Gypsum blushed bright red, realizing she had been caught. She tried to play it off cool, but the effect fell short, and she ended up fumbling over her own words. “Well... I, uh... I enjoyed the last one. I had never kissed a mare before, but I was hoping you’d like to kiss me again...”

Sadri looked to her left, then to her right. Unlike before, when they were in the ballroom, she was suddenly aware of the hundreds of ponies around them. None paid them any attention, but she hated to think what would happen if they were caught kissing and moaning under the tree. At the same time, the idea seemed to turn her on.

Finally, Sadri gave in a offered Gypsum a quick smooch on the lips. “There... Are you satisfied?”

The pony nodded her head as she wiped the saliva from her mouth. “Very... To be honest, though, I’m quite interested to see what a domina can do in bed...”

Sadri’s ears perked up. “You know about that?”

Grypsum grinned wildly and fell against Sadri so her head rested in the golden mare’s lap. “Yeah... I overheard the princesses talking about you. I thought dominas were a myth, but you must be the real deal...” Sadri noticed the pony’s glass was now empty and figured it must be having an effect on her. “You’re just so... sexy. There’s no other way to say it.”

Looking down at the mare resting between her legs, Sadri pursed her lips. “So you like me only because of my looks?”

She was only teasing the pony, but Sadri wanted to see her reaction. Gypsum shook her head a raised a hoof to the golden mare’s cheek, caressing her gently. “No, of course not... I might have cheated on my fiancé, a mistake I will never forget, but I’m not shallow.”

Sadri leaned over her, allowing her silver mane to fall and surround the pony’s face. “You can forget... I now know the true meaning of forgiveness. If I can be forgiven for my crimes, then you can too for a mistake.”

Gypsum looked up at her with sparkles in her eyes. “Do... you really mean it?”

She nodded her head. “I do... I don’t know who you were, but I know who you are now. You’re Gypsum, a sweet, kind, and compassionate mare, and...” Sadri bit her lower lip and swallowed hard. “... and I love you.”

She sealed her words with a tender kiss, gently pressing her lips into Gypsum’s. After several seconds, their lips parted, and her tongue slipped into the pony’s mouth. The longer the kiss endured, the more excited both mare’s felt. As quickly as the kiss began, it ended.

Gypsum let out a sharp cry as her head hit the grass beneath her. When she came to, she saw that Sadri had stood up abruptly and was walking back towards the city. “Wh-What? That’s it? Where are you going?”

The mare in gold looked back at her and made a ‘Come with me.’ motion with her head. “To your apartment, Gypsy. Didn’t you say you wanted to see what a domina can do in bed? If we hurry...” She swished her silver tail, allowing Gypsum a quick glimpse of her rear beneath her dress. “... I’ll show you what a domina can really do...”


***


Amethyst had finally gotten what she wanted, a nice, gentle slow dance with the love of her life. They looked inseparable as they circled around one another, swaying from side to side. The aroma was so strong, it made every hidden changeling in the room long for some themselves.

Emerald held Amber tightly, nuzzling her neck, and the mare reciprocated his affections. Pyrite sat at their hooves, watching her mom and dad dance across the ballroom. Then, there was Azalea and Gem. They sat together in silence, watching the dancers as lovely music played overhead.

Gem stared around the room, watching everypony and smiling, but no matter where she looked, her eyes always came back to the mare beside her. “You know...” Gem cleared her throat, getting Azalea’s attention. “I don’t think I ever got to formally thank you... You know, for saving my life.”

Azalea’s gaze fell to the floor, and she let out a low grunt. “Don’t push it, Cicada... Gem, whatever... Amethyst is a kind and smart mare. I trust her judgment, but I still don’t know how I feel about you. I...” She choked up a little. “I miss my friends.”

Gem’s ears folded back, but she didn’t shy away. “I know, and I’d do anything to get them back. I died on that train, Azalea, and when I did, I met the princess of death.” The pink pegasus raised her eyebrows at her. “She was such a kind mare, full of joy and passion. I’m certain that they are with her, enjoying the paradises they so desperately deserved.”

It was an unusual sentiment, but Azalea let out a long sigh and sniffled softly. “Will they accept me?”

It took Gem a moment to realize that she was talking about the crystal ponies, Amethyst, Onyx, and Amber. “Of course they will. You heard Amethyst earlier. You’re one of us now, a friend. You’ll never worry about starving of love again, because these ponies will love you every waking moment of the day.”

At last, Azalea cracked a smile. “Love... I think I could get used to this...”

Gem chuckled as she stood up from the bench and faced her. The pegasus has a surprised look on her face as she extended a hoof towards her. “Come on, Azalea. We look kinda silly over here by ourselves. How about a dance?”

Azalea looked at the extended hoof before her, then up at Gem, then back at the hoof. “Dance... with you?”

Gem shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t see why we can’t. Everypony else is.” Azalea looked hesitant, like part of her wanted to, but the other half wanted to refuse. “Come on...” Gem urged her with a sweet smile, batting her eyes. “It’ll be fun...”

At last, she nodded her head and took her new friend’s hoof. Together, they walked out onto the floor and made their way to the center of the ballroom. With her hoof in Gem’s, Azalea found herself giddy with excitement as her chest fluttered.

Her mind tuned in sync with the flow of the music, and they too began to sway. “Is... Is this all there is to it?”

Gem look a quick look around, and shrugged. “I’m not sure, but it’s what everypony else is doing.”

Azalea leaned in a little closer so her cheek brushed against Gem’s. “Well don’t stop. I think I’m starting to like this...”

Even though she wasn’t dressed properly for the gala, Gem still couldn’t help staring at her. Under the moonlight shining through the broken windows, she looked stunning. Drunk on the love that surrounded them, she couldn’t stop herself from leaning in.

“If you like that, then you’re going to love this...”

Then, Gem kissed Azalea full on the lips.

The passionate act surprised the pink pegasus, but she didn’t fight it. Five seconds went by, then ten. After nearly a minute passed, Gem finally pulled away, breathing heavily and unsure of what she had just done.

Azalea looked equally confused, but neither mare let go of the other. “That... was unexpected.”

Gem’s gaze fell. “I’m sorry. I just don’t know what came over me, I-“

Azalea tapped her shoulder gently, stopping her. “I didn’t say I didn’t like it. You were right, Gem, I did love it... Is this what ponies do with their friends, kiss and things like that?”

Gem, relieved that she wasn’t upset with her, let out a hearty laugh. “Only with special friends.”

That logic seemed to pass with Azalea. “Understandable. Does this mean we are... special friends?”

Gem looked her in her eyes. She looked like she was longing for another kiss, to feel a pair of lips against her own. “It could just be the love talking, but... I think we could be, if you want...”

Azalea looked happy with that answer. “I do... I like kissing you.”

Gem’s heart was racing in her chest. Her feelings had taken control, leaving her mind and rational thoughts in the backseat. “I have a room, if you want to do more than just kiss...”

Azalea beamed. “I’d like that a lot.”

Hoof in hoof, they quickly slipped away, exiting the ballroom.


***


Amber and Emerald watched from the dance floor as Gem and Azalea left the ballroom, both with jaws dropped. “Did you see that, Emerald?”

“How could I have missed it?”

Amber licked her lips hungrily as her mind replayed the image of the two mares kissing. Emerald shrugged and scratched his head. “Stranger things have happened, I suppose. Where do you suppose they’re going?” Suddenly, he was swept off his hooves as Amber yanked him towards the door. “Ah! Amber, what’s-“

“The same place we’re going. Let’s hurry back to my room. That’s an order, private.”

As he realized what her intentions were, shock and surprise turned into interest and eagerness, and Emerald gladly trotted after her. “Ye-Yes, ma’am! Lead the way, ma’am!”


***


Far away from the party and happy ponies enjoying the company of their friends, families, and loved ones, one stallion was dragged by his hooves down a dark hole. Further down he went into the darkest depths of Canterlot, deep inside the mountain. His armored escorts said nothing and kept their faces hidden behind the helmets that masked them. All the while, he muttered incoherently to himself.

By now, the only source of light in the dark tunnel came from dim touches mounted on the rock walls. With every step they took, the air grew colder and heavier with darkness. On either side, rows of cells passed them by as they walked. They were empty cages made from the same stone that made up the rest of the tunnel. Some had occupents. They looked and cast hard glares at the Royal Guards, but they never stopped in front of any cell.

Instead, they walked on.

After a while, the rows of cells ended, and the walls became stone again. Eventually, the guards came to a stop as the tunnel opened up into a wide, circular room. Unlike the walls before, these were completely smooth to the touch, and the floor fell into a great pit. Nickel stared into the pit, and the darkness looked back.

“Get in there, you maniac!”

When he didn’t comply immediately, one of the guards shoved him in. Nickel cried out as he fell into the pit and slid to the bottom. Several meters above him, the guards looked down with disgust. “Get comfortable, Nickel! These walls are made of polished obsidian, so don’t get any ideas of climbing out. You get two meals, one in the morning and one at night. You’ll stay here until Princess Celestia figures out what to do with your despicable hide.”

Nickel smirked and fell on his rear as the guards turned and began the long walk back up to the palace. “You haven’t seen the last of me, Amethyst...” He began scrapping the edge of his hoof against the hard surface of the obsidian, getting a feel for his surroundings in the absolute darkness. “I’ll be out of here, one day, and when I am, I’ll make you pay for what you did to me...”

A low chuckle erupted out of the black shadow that surrounded him, startling the stallion. “Well, isn’t this interesting... The ponies on the surface treat their own kind with the same respect as they treat mine...”

Nickel rose to his hooves and spun in circles, but the voice seemed to echo and come from every direction. Then, he saw them, a pair of glowing green eyes, followed white, jagged teeth as the creature of darkness emerged from the shadows, towering over the stallion. “Do not fear me, my little pony... I am not here to harm you.”

Nickel flared his nostrils and narrowed his eyes at the tall mare. “Wh-Who are you? What do you want from me?”

She was as black as night, except for her tattered, green mane and crystal-like shell that covered her back. “I am Chrystalis, but you are to address me as your queen.” Nickel’s heart raced in his chest, threatening to burst out, and his eyes widened tremendously at the sight of the changeling queen. “I saw your little display at the gala and have come to the conclusion that you are an enemy of a pony called Amethyst.”

The stallion found a sliver of courage and stood his ground against the queen. “Yeah? What does any of that mean to you? What she and her friends did to me was personal!”

Chrysalis raised her hoof to strike him, and Nickel flinched, but instead of hitting the pony, she lowered her hoof and caressed his cheek, bringing his eyes upwards to meet hers. “Amethyst has been the source of many of my problems as well, my dear. She destroyed my nest in the Frozen North and turned my own children against me.”

Nickel shivered at the queen’s touch. Her hoof continued to rub his cheek, but he felt powerless to stop her. “Wh-Why are you telling me this? What do you want from me?”

She leaned in until her face was right in his. Every hot breath from her mouth hit his, and her lips curled into a big, toothy grin. “That’s very simple, Nickel. I want revenge, and so do you. Together, I think we can both get what we want. I get Amethyst’s head on a plate, and you avenge your brother’s murder...”

The stallion shook his head. “No deal, Chry-“ Her eyes narrowed. “I... I mean, my queen... It was a changeling who killed my brother, Cicada. Killing Amethyst isn’t good enough.”

Chrystalis’ cold stare bore into Nickel, making him regret his outburst, but the queen’s expression quickly changed, and she began to laugh. “Is that all? My dear, I plan on killing them all. Cicada, the one you speak of, is a wretched traitor who chose to love Amethyst over remaining loyal to me. I long to see her and Mantis suffer before I feast on their flesh.” Her hysterical laughter continued, echoing throughout the cavern. “Then, I can at last finish off that brat that has eluded me for so long. So...” The laugher faded, and she turned on Nickel, extending her hoof. “Do we have a deal?”

Nickel felt himself being drawn closer her. The shadows that surrounded them were closing in, pushing him towards the changeling. He couldn’t even feel his hoof as it raised to meet hers, but as they touched, he nodded his head. “Ye-Yes, my queen... Are you going to get me out?”

Chrystalis beamed at him and licked her lips. “I will, in time... First, you must prove your loyalty to me.” Nickel watched as she retreated to the far end of the pit and faced the wall, presenting herself from behind. “Come, my loyal subject... Serve your queen.”


***


The morning after the Grand Galloping Gala was brutal. Amethyst was sore from top to bottom, and she had a splitting headache. Behind her in bed, she felt a pair of hooves pressing against her back, and a smile curled along her lips. “Mmmmm... Are you ready to go for another few rounds Onyx? How about some breakfast and coffee first?” She rolled over onto her other side and came face to face with her little changeling. “Pyrite?!”

On the other side of her daughter, Onyx was sound asleep. Amethyst groaned and shook her head as she sat up. She figured Pyrite must have crawled into bed with them in the middle of the night. A gentle knock at the door got her attention.

As quickly and quietly as she could, she slid out of bed and stumbled out of the bedroom, making her way down the short hall to the door. There was another knock as she reached for the handle with her magic. When Amethyst opened the door, Emerald was standing in the corridor with his hoof raised. “Oh! Good morning, captain.”

Amber was with him. The both of them were clean and dressed. “We’re all packed, captain. How are you and Onyx doing?”

Amethyst was still a little dazed. “Doing? Uh... I’ve only just woken up. If you’re already good to go, find Gem and Azalea. I haven’t seen them since last night.”

Amber and her coltfriend exchanged quick glances. “Oh, they’re here too. You slept in, captain.”

Sure enough, the other mare’s were in the hall too, just out of sight. Amethyst poked her head out into the corridor and saw them, prompting Gem and Azalea to wave. Amber leaned in to Amethyst, lowing her voice to a whisper. “Confidentially, ma’am, did you and Onyx go... four to the floor?”

Amethyst smirked and shook her head. “No... We were too tired after the party. Plus, Pyrite was in the room. What about you and Emerald?”

The sergeant blushed and nodded her head. “Yeah, he was something special...”

Back inside the room, Onyx and Pyrite were up and about, and the little changeling made her way to the door with her mother. “Well, I’m glad at least one of us got lucky.”

Her words were sincere. Amethyst was truly happy for her friend.

“Between us...” Amber nodded towards Gem and Azalea. “... I think Gem and the new mare had something going on last night too...”

Her eyes widened. “That’s incredible... I mean, I knew I was good at bringing ponies together, but not that good.”

They shared a laugh as Amethyst welcomed everypony inside. “Onyx, let’s get ready. We have a train to catch.”

The stallion looked worried for a second, but hesitantly agreed. “Yeah. Forgive me for not being so eager to ride another train...”


***


They all met at the station with the rest of the ponies that would be making the long journey back to the Crystal Empire. Without a doubt, there would be mountains of snow and ice waiting for them, and after everything they had been through since they left, Amethyst was looking forward to it. As the others boarded the train, Emerald saw a shimmer out of the corner of his eyes.

“Sadri! Hey, Sadri!” He waved at her as the golden mare approached.

Sadri beamed and galloped towards him with another mare following close behind. “Mantis!” She came to a stop in front of him and flipped her mane out of her eyes. “I, uh... I saw you last night, at the party, but I didn’t really get a chance to say ‘hello’.” Then, she gestured towards the mare beside her. “Oh, and this is my fillyfriend, Gypsum.”

The other mare smiled politely and offered the guard a short bow. “Greetings, sir...” She then turned to Sadri. “Remind me, darling... How do you two know each other?”

The domina waved her hoof dismissively. “Ah... We were cell mates in prison for a short time. Nothing serious happened between us.”

Emerald looked towards the train and began to back away. “Yeah... Please, never bring that up again. I’ve got to get to my car, Sadri. Are you and your fillyfriend coming back to the empire with us?”

Sadri shook her head and smiled sadly. “No, Mantis. I’m afraid our paths end here. I’m going to stay with Gypsum. We... We talked a lot last night and decided to move to Ponyville.”

Emerald’s eyes widened. “Really?”

Gypsum shook giddily. “Yeah! Just as soon as I find somepony to buy my apartment, we’re going to try and find Sadri’s village in the Everfree Forest.”

The two mares held each other tightly and shared a quick kiss. Emerald could feel the love between them. It was real, and he couldn’t feel happier for them. “Right... Well, I wish the both of you good luck, but I must report to Captain Amethyst and find my car.” He turned and dashed towards the train as the mares waved.

Sadri and Gypsum both waved. “Goodbye, Mantis! Farewell!”

With everypony onboard, the majestic machine whistled and lurched forward. Inside, Amethyst had hardly gotten a chance to sit down before the moving train forced her down, causing her to fall onto Onyx. The stallion looked surprised, but he quickly overcame his shock and wrapped his hooves around her.

Azalea saw them and cringed. “Gross! Are you two going to mate here out in the open, or are you going to find a room?”

The train they were on now was the same that took them to Canterlot from the empire. It had the same luxurious cars and bed suites, so finding someplace secluded was certainly an option. Amethyst chuckled as she rose to her hooves and helped Onyx up. “We just might take you up on that, Azalea...”

She turned to her fiancé and grinned. “What do you say, stud? Want to get busy?”

Onyx smirked and raised an eyebrow. “Is that an order, captain?”

Amethyst nodded her head and shoved the stallion to the end of the car to find a bed. “You bet your ass it is. Move it, sergeant!”

Pyrite watched them with wide eyes as the stormed past her. “Mama?”

She took a step to follow after them, but Gem stopped her. “No, little one... Your mommy needs some well deserved ‘alone time’ with daddy. Why don’t you sit with Amber and me?”

The train hummed gentle as it raced across the tracks suspended overlooking Equestria. Outside the windows, the stunning landscape flew by. The guards could see everything the light touched, and it was beautiful. In the distance, the sun was rising higher into the sky, givIng the heavens a bright, yellow glow as they raced north, back to where their journey began.

“Just wait until you grow up, my little Pyrite...” Gem stroked the filly’s head as they looked out the window together. “When you’re older, you can see the world for yourself.”

Pyrite wasn’t ready to see the world just yet. In fact, she was already tired, and her eyes began to close as a desire to sleep took her. Within no time at all, she was sound asleep in Gem’s hooves.

The mare smiled down at her, and Azalea joined them. “Precious, isn’t she?”

Gem nodded her head. “Indeed... The impact Amethyst had on this little filly is something to be admired.”

Azalea scooted a little closer, closing the distance between them. “The impact she’s had on all of us is something to be admired. We owe everything to her...”

Gem blushed and turned her cheek to hide it. She found herself looking at the rising sun. For the first time since she was hatched, the changeling felt like she had a real future. She had friends by her side, a lovesick crush for Azalea, and a new queen to watch grow and flourish under her care. “I agree... Now, we’re fools, just like her, and I couldn’t be happier.”


***The End***

> Epilogue: The Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***Eighteen Years Later***


“Onyx!” Amethyst stomped into the kitchen, her eyes darting in every direction in search of her husband. “Onyx, what’s taking you so long? They’re going to be here any minute, and none of the food has been moved to the table!”

Her horn began to glow, and she lifted several bowls and serving plates from the counter. As she carried them out of the kitchen and into the dining room, Onyx decended from the staircase that opened into the entertainment area.

“Sorry, Amy... I was still getting dressed. Is Pyrite here yet?”

Amethyst frowned and shook her head as she looked wishfully towards the front door. “No, but she promised she would be.”

Onyx gave her a sad smile and planed a quick kiss on the mare’s cheek. “She’s a busy queen, Amy. You can’t fault her for not being able to visit all the time. She has kids of her own to take care of, you know, hundreds of them.”

Amethyst cracked a smile and let out a chuckle. “When she wrote to me last year, she told me she was in the thousands. Don’t you remember that letter?”

Onyx thought about it for a second and nodded. “Yeah... You’re right, I don’t know what I was thinking.”

The doorbell chimed, signaling the arrival of the first time wave of their friends. Onyx opened the door, and a wide smile came over him. “Hey! Come on in, Emerald! You too, Amber!” They weren’t alone either. A little colt trotted after them, staying close to the taller ponies. “Is this who I think it is? It can’t be...”

The little colt looked up at Onyx and beamed. “It’s me, Uncle Onyx! I’m Halite!”

Onyx frowned and shook his head. “No... You’re far to big to be Halite. He was just a little fella when I last saw him.”

“I’m seven, now!”

Emerald laughed and hoisted his son into the air with the magic from his horn. “You sure are, Hal. You’re getting bigger every day!”

He set the little colt back down, and Halite ran to the kitchen to see his Aunt Amy.

Emerald grinned and turned back to face Onyx. “If anything at all, he needs to slow down. Amber likes him just the way he is.”

Onyx agreed with a gentle nod and chuckled. “He’s a good lad. He’ll make a strong guard some day, just like his parents.” Then, he turned to Emerald’s wife. “Well, Captain Amber, how’s maternity leave treating you? When are you expecting?”

Amber smiled kindly and looked at her expanding belly. “The doctor says I’m about three months away. He thinks this one’s going to be a filly.”

Onyx glanced back and forth between the two of them. “Well, congratulations! I’m happy for you both. Having a baby filly is pretty exciting.”

The doorbell chimed again. Onyx exused himself and and made his way back over to the door to open it. “Gemini... Azalea... Come in!”

Amethyst poked her head out of the kitchen. “Is that Gem?!”

The pony at the door broke into a sprint as she saw her friend. “Amethyst!”

The one-winged mare raced to meet her friend inside, and they met by the dining room table, throwing their hooves around one another in a tight embrace. Amethyst swayed from side to side as she held Gem. “Oh, I’ve missed you...”

Gem couldn’t stop grinning as she broke away, landing back on all four hooves. “I feel the same, Amethyst. Azalea and I took an airship from the empire. A train simply would have taken far too long, and we couldn’t wait to see everypony.”

Amethyt’s eyes darted to a clock on the the all. “Well, I’m happy you’re here. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. We’re expecting more guests to arrive, and as soon as everypony is here, we’ll eat.”

Gem nodded her head. “That sounds wonderful. I’ll let Azalea know, and we’ll get settled.”

By the door, Onyx was talking to Azalea, catching up since the last time they had gotten to talk face to face some years earlier. “I see... So you and Gem are working for the empire as... mercenaries?”

Azalea nodded her head proudly. “That’s right, Onyx. Shining hires us out to private companies to explore the Frozen North and find valuable artifacts. I do miss being a guard at times, but working alongside my wife in the snow is a far more enjoyable experience.”

Onyx smiled. “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. How long have the two of you been together now?

The pink pegasus pursed her lips and made a thoughtful face. “Hmm... I think it’s been about three years since we got married. Oh, that reminds me, our anniversary is coming up!”

Her eyes darted towards Gem, who was walking their way. “Don’t tell her I almost forgot!”

Onyx made a motion with his hoof like he was sealing his lips.

Gem motioned for her to follow. “Azalea, Amethyst says we can get settled. It might be some time before the others arrive.” The two mares then found a nearby sofa and sat down.

Halite came out of the kitchen a little while later with a cookie in his mouth as Amethyst watched him from then archway. “No more until after we eat, alright, Halite?”

The little colt agreed with a mouthful of cookie as he chewed thoughtfully. After he swallowed, he looked back and waved. “Thank you, Aunt Amy!”

The doorbell rang for a third time, and Amethyst’s heart jumped in her chest. In her mind, she hoped to Celestia it was who she thought it was.

Emerald opened the door this time. “Sadri! I didn’t know you and Gypsum were coming. Come on!”

The golden domina and her partner bowed graciously as the stepped inside. Gypsum laughed as she hit her rear against Sadri’s. “Ha! We wouldn’t miss this gathering for the world. Isn’t that right, love?”

Sadri pulled her wife closer. “That’s right, Gypsy. Amethyst told us Pyrite would be here. I haven’t seen that little changeling in over... thirteen years.”

Emerald nodded his head. “That’s right... You’ve been in the Everfree Forest all this time. How are things there?”

Gypsum gestured to the domina and pushed her chest out with pride. “Sadri has just recently been made the new chief of the tribe. Her father stepped down last year to retire, leaving all of the duties of running the village to her.”

Sadri looked bashful, and her cheeks turned red. “Gypsy, I thought we agreed not to tell them...”

“Why not, darling? They deserve to know.” She faced Emerald again. “She’s just being modest. You should have seen Sadri strutting around in her ceremonial gown. She looked just like a princess!”

The table was set, filled to the brim with a variety of delicious goods that were filling the entire house with mouth-watering vapors. The longer everypony stood around and talked, laughing and sharing stories, the hungrier they all became. Onyx slipped away from Gem and Azalea to find Amethyst standing by the archway leading into the kitchen. She had a sad look on her face as she slumped against the wall.

He walked up to her and nuzzled his face against hers. “What’s wrong, Amy? You should be out there enjoying the company of our friends...”

Amethyst let out a long sigh as she wishfully watched the door. “She’s late, Onyx. I want to see her so badly, but what if she doesn’t show up?”

Onyx knew she was talking about Pyrite again, and his eyes met hers. “She will, Amy... I know she will, but right now, we have a bunch of hungry ponies on our hooves that are ready to eat.”

She nodded her head and stepped out into the dining room. “You’re right. We can’t keep them waiting forever. Let’s call everypony to the table.”

The dinner table was large, the biggest one Amethyst and Onyx could buy. It had to be, in order to seat so many guests. All of the couples sat together. Gem sat beside Azalea and Sadri beside Gypsum on one side, and Halite sat on the other side between Onyx and his parents.

Amethyst was the last to sit down, and she took her place at the head of the table. “Well... It’s been a while since we’ve all been together like this, and I’m so happy to see each and every one of you again.” Her horn began to glow, and she raised a glass with her magic. “To the empire, and to the friendship that brought us all together.”

Everypony else with a horn did the same while those without tapped their glasses with their hooves. As they began to settle back down and divide up the banquet before them, a gentle tapping at the door stopped them. Amethyst turned her head and rose from her chair. She hastily walked across dining room and to the front door. Her horn ignited, she turned the handle, and a wide smile came over her as a tall creature came into view.

She had the physical form of a pony, but her body consisted of several blended color variants, some parts being bright green, others being purple or even pink. She had large, majestic wings and a horn flanked by large, antler-like appendages. Amethyst beamed at her, and the creature beamed back.

“Hello, mother...”

Amethyst cried and threw her hooves around her daughter, pulling her close. “Pyrite... You’ve grown so big...”

Pyrite reciprocated the hug and embraced Amethyst. “I couldn’t stay your little baby forever, now could I? I’ve missed you so much, mother...” Then, her chin rose, and her eyes scanned the rest of the ponies at the table across the room. “I’m not late, am I?”

Amethyst pulled Pyrite by her hoof to the table. “No, of course not! You’re just in time. Your seat is at the other...” Then, she noticed the two little changelings that had been hiding behind Pyrite’s legs. “... other end... Um, sweetie, who are... they?”

Pyrite looked back and saw what Amethyst was talking about. She picked one of them up, extracting a fit of giggles from the little colt, and held him against her face. “Isn’t it obvious, mother? Can’t you see the family resemblance?” She set the little changeling back down. “These are my children and just two of your many grandchildren. I couldn’t bring all two thousand of my subjects.”

She gestured to the little filly, who hid behind her mother as all eyes in the room. fell on her. “Everypony, I’d like you to meet Cicada...” Then, she pointed to the colt she picked up earlier. “And this little trouble maker is Mantis.”

He wasn’t nearly as shy, and he began running laps around the table to meet everypony he could see.

Gem and Emerald’s jaws dropped at the sight of the little changelings. “You... named them after us?”

Pyrite laughed and nodded her head as she joined them at the table. “Of course! You two have had such a lasting impact on my life that I couldn’t resist naming at least a few dozen of my children after you.” Then, she looked towards Azalea. “There’s about eighty Phasmids running around the hive as well. I can’t keep up with them all.”

Amethyst eyed the little changelings curiously, and they looked back at her.

“Two thousand grandchildren, and I’m not even forty years old... Who’d have thought?” She looked at Pyrite. “Now, I’ve got to know. Who’s the father?”

Pyrite blushed and poked at her glass. “Well... I do really like that changeling king down south, Thorax. He’s the one who helped the Equestrian ponies defeat Chrystalis and made us they way we are now. He heard about my hive and paid us a visit. One thing lead to another, and now, we’re thinking about having another few thousand children.”

Sadri cleared her throat. “I can vouch for the character of Thorax, Mrs, Amethyst. The Blackstar Tribe is well acquainted with King Thorax and his hive. We trade with them occasionally.”

Pyrite grinned at her, silently thanking her for the support.

Onyx reached across the table and placed his hoof on hers. “One step at a time, sweetheart. You’re here to eat with your mother, remember?”

She nodded her head, but her rosy cheeks and wide smile remained. “Yes, father...”

Amethyst let out a content sign smiled at everypony around the table. “Alright, everypony. We’ve put this off for long enough. Dig in and enjoy!”


***

> Untold Stories: 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***All Hail The Queen***


Nothing could stop the flow of time, and the aging of Pyrite. When she finally grew up, natural changeling instincts kicked in, and she came to become the queen she was always meant to be. Saying goodbye to her family, she left the Crystal Empire and ventured into the Frozen North, but she wasn’t alone. Other changelings followed her, those who once followed Chrysalis.

Pyrite settled in the old queen’s former hive, the very system of caves she had been held prisoner in some eighteen years earlier. Then began the building of her own hive, her own empire. As her follower base grew and her subjects gathered around her throne, Pyrite began to have changeling foals of her own, taking numerous mates to satisfy her queenly urges and expand the population of her domain.

Unlike her predecessor, she ruled with kindness and compassion, loving her subjects unconditionally like her own mother loved her. Pyrite loved them all, and they loved her in return, feeding off of the mutual bond they all shared.


***


A changeling approached the grande throne, trotting but keeping his head low and humbled in the presence of his queen. “Yo-Your highness...”

From atop her throne, Pyrite cocked her head to the side and smiled kindly at him. “Yes, Mayfly? Lift your head and speak.”

The changeling guards at the base of the throne stood down and allowed him to pass. Mayfly climbed a few steps, but didn’t rise any higher out of respect. Keeping his eyes on Queen Pyrite, he gestured behind him and opened his mouth to speak. “You have some visitors, my queen. They’ve come from the Crystal Empire, and... and they have...”

His voice faultered and trailed away before he could complete his thought. Pyrite’s smile faded and a puzzled look replaced it. “What is it, Mayfly? Who is it?”

Before the changeling could answer her, Pyrite’s eyes shifted past him and landed in the entrance to the throne room. Standing at the mouth of the cave were three figures. Two of them appeared to be ponies clad in armor, and the third was tall, dark, and bound by chains. Clearly, they were guards from the Crystal Empire, and Pyrite beamed at the sight of them.

“Never mind that, Mayfly... Leave us alone, please. I’d like to talk with these ‘visitors’ alone.”

By her command, the throne room was emptied within moments, leaving Pyrite alone with the pony guards. As she approached the ponies, towering over them, they removed their helmets to reveal familiar faces. “Aunt Gemini and Azalea... To what do I owe this pleasure?”

Gem grinned at the queen and hit her armored flank against Azalea’s. “You don’t owe us anything, Pyrite, but we were in the neighborhood looking for lost artifacts to bring back to the empire when we found her...”

Their smiles vanished as they revealed the tall figure in chains. To Pyrite’s astonishment, it was the former queen, Chrysalis herself. With her wings bound and mouth gagged, the black-hearted changeling turned her gaze away from Pyrite’s with shame. Chrysalis looked horrifying, almost skeletal in appearance. Likely on her own for so long and without any love or subjects to lead, it was no wonder how she had gotten into such a malnourished condition.

Pyrite figured the chains weren’t even necessary considering Chrysalis was unable to run, fly, or do anything else to escape. Azalea looked back and forth between the two queens, past and present. “We all know Chrysalis has been the source of our troubles for as long as we can remember, but Gemini and I thought you might like to be the one to decide her fate, since she was the one who ordered your death so long ago.”

Pyrite nodded her head, keeping her eyes on those of former queen. “You’re right, Aunt Azalea... It was so long ago.”

Her gaze shifted to the irons that bound Chrysalis in place. “Would... Would you two remove the chains and step outside for a few moments?”

Gemini and Azalea exchanged worried looks. “Are you sure about that, Pyrite?”

The changeling queen nodded her head and offered the Royal Guards a reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine, Aunt Gemini. Just take the chains off.”

After a brief moment of hesitation, they did as Pyrite commanded and released Chrysalis. As they turned to leave the throne room, Azalea stopped and looked back. “We’ll be right outside, should you need us. You need only call.”

Pyrite nodded and waved them away.

Now, she stood alone in their throne room with Chrysalis. Free from the chains, the former queen stretched legs and fluttered her wings. Silence filled the void between them. Pyrite hadn’t even seen Chrysalis before, making this first meeting all the more surprised.

Amethyst would always be her real mother, but standing before her was the changeling queen that actually ‘made’ her. Pyrite felt like she had to say something, anything at all. Asserting her dominance, she towered over the starved changeling and looked down at her. “I see you never metomorphisized like the rest of us.”

Chrysalis looked up at her with a harsh glare in her eyes. “Why should I?”

Pyrite took a nervous step back, and her ears folded down. However bad Chrysalis looked, her voice sounded a thousand times worse. It was dry and cracked, like a desert with not water or life. Chrysalis sounded like she was dying, if not already dead.

Pyrite cleared her throat and swallowed her initial shock. “You... You’re a changeling, aren’t you? We all changed.”

Chrysalis’ frown turned into a vicious sneer, and she cackled painfully before falling into a fit of coughs. “I’m a changeling... I’m still queen... You were supposed to die...”

Pyrite glared at her. “I didn’t, clearly, and you’re not queen anymore. These changelings are my children, and they follow me. Whoever used to follow you out of fear now follow me out of love.”

Again, Chrysalis let out a dry and pained laugh. “Fear kept them in line...”

Pyrite beared her teeth. “Fear made them hate you!” Chrysalis seemed to be taken aback by Pyrite’s snap. “Don’t you get it? Fear drove away everypony that was even remotely close to you. You’re destined to die alone, starved of any love and affection!” She was fuming now. “They want me to decide your fate... They probably expect me to kill you, and I’m tempted to, even if it’s just to put your pitiful ass out of its misery!”

Chrysalis didn’t blink. She stared at Pyrite with eyes wide with fear.

Pyrite, with her eyes narrowed, took several deep breaths and a step forward, closing the distance between them. “That’s not what I’m going to do, though...”

Then, she extended her hoof, stretching it towards Chrysalis. “Wh-What is this?”

The new queen’s glare softened, and her ears perked up. “An offering...” She took another deep breath, keeping her hoof extended towards Chrysalis. “This is what my mother would want, to extend an offering of friendship, like she did with Aunt Gemini and Uncle Emerald.” Then, she cracked a weak smile. “Why have enemies when you can have friends?”

Chrysalis looked at the outstretched hoof, then at Pyrite, then back at the hoof. She licked her lips as though somepony we’re giving her a delicious meal. “Somepony once offered me their hoof... After Throax betrayed me and took my hive. I didn’t accept her hoof then...” To Pyrite’s surprise, tears began to build in Chryalis’ eyes. “... and now, I can’t help regretting what I did to her, refusing to take her hoof...”

Pyrite held her hoof forward. “You still can, Chrysalis... Take my hoof here and now. Join my hive and you’ll never go hungry again.”

The old queen looked hesitant, but she also inched forward ever so slightly, like she wanted desperately to accept. “I... I don’t deserve this... I don’t deserve anything from you, let alone forgiveness...”

Pyrite shook her head. “That’s just it, Chrysalis. No pony deserves anything. It’s up to you to give and accept what little kindness there is and make the world all the better for it. I didn’t deserve to survive and become the new queen, but my mother found and raised me anyway.” She put her hoof forward a little farther. “Now, I’m giving you that same chance.”

Chrysalis sniffled and closed her eyes, blinking out her tears. Then, she nodded her head slowly, raising a weak and frail hoof to meet Pyrite’s. As their hooves connected, Pyrite brough Chrysakis into an embrace, throwing her legs around the former queen. “I’ve forgiven you, Chrysalis... It’s time you forgave yourself and let go of the past...”

Inside Pyrite’s hooves, the dark changeling began to glow. She brightened until it was as though the sun itself was inside the throne room. When the light subsided and Pyrite could see again, she saw the Chrysakis had metamophasised. Like Pyrite, she boasted a variety of blended colors and great antler-like horns protruded from her mane.

She was still incredibly thin, but Chrysalis took several steps back to observe and awe at her new form. “I... I don’t believe it...”

Pyrite beamed at her. “You better believe it. Welcome to the hive, Chrysalis... You’re home now. Let’s meet the others.”


***The End***

> Untold Stories: 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***Hail to the Chief***


“Are you alright, Sadri? You look nervous...”

That was an understatement. School foals moments from taking their final exams got nervous. Sadri wasn’t a school foal, and she wasn’t nervous.

She was shaking visibly in her hooves. “Is it that obvious?”

Gypsum nodded sympathetically towards her wife and offered her a reassuring smile. “I just don’t know what he’ll do, what he’ll say...”

Sadri looked up at last, meeting Gypsum’s eyes. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen him.”

Gypsum raised a hoof to Sadri’s cheek and guided their lips together. The kiss seemed to settle the golden domina a little. “He’s your father, Sadri. There’s nothing for you to fear. If anypony should be afraid, it’s me. How will I know he’ll accept me as your wife?”

Sadri shook her head. “He’s my adopted father. I’m a domina, remember? He found me as a filly, after my people were driven from Equestria or killed off by Princess Celestia. He raised me like his own daughter, never realizing what I really was...”

Gypsum smiled at her. “It still sounds like he loved you.”

Sadri opened her mouth to speak, but she was interrupted by village warrior. The pony poked his head through the curtain that draped over the door and cleared his throat. “Lord Mond will see you, now.”

Gypsum shot Sadri a weird look. “Mond? You never told me his name.”

The mare in gold ushered her after the warrior. “This village worships Princess Luna and her moon. Every chief changes his or her name to something related to the moon.”

Accompanied by the village warrior, they exited the hut and crossed the settlement grounds. Gypsum’s head was like a swivel as she took in everything her eyes could see. All around them, ponies stared in awe, some even whispering amongst themselves as they watched Sadri. All the mares could hear were the crackleing flames from torches that illuminated the dirt floor.

The warrior in front lead them past open center of the village, a sacred place Sadri hadn’t set hoof in many years, not since she began her sinister plot to marry Twilight Sparkle and conquer Equestria. Memories came flooding back to the party where she proposed to the purple princess. They sang, danced, and laughed the night away. Tears came with the memories, but Sadri sniffled them away, not wanting her new wife to see. Twilight was a thing of the past, and Sadri had Gypsum to love and cherish.

At the edge of the village center, a large hut stood tall, towering over the rest of the forest settlement. It was the point of village government, the home of the chief. Sadri knew he was waiting for her, her father. The last time she had heard anything from him, she was being placed in the custody of the Crystal Empire for the crimes she had committed against the princesses. She had been told by Princess Cadence that her father condemned her actions and disowned her, casting her out. Her heart ached knowing how he must have felt about her, the sheer amount of grief and disappointment must have shattered his image of her.

The village warrior turned to them both. “You may enter, but mind yourself in the presence of Lord Mond.” His eyes fell directly on Sadri. “Any hoof that falls out of line will result in your immediate execution.”

Sadri’s eyes narrowed. “Noted...”

Two more warriors emerged from the grand hall and lifted the curtains, allowing Sadri and Gypsum to walk inside. There was only one room, though it was a very long one at that. Rows of burning touches stretched all the way down the hall until they reached a throne at the other end, and a great dinning table occupied the center. Then, the golden mare saw him, her father, sitting on his throne. Even across the great hall, she could see the scowl on his face, the look of seriousness that was enough to put the fear in anypony that disagreed with him.

Sadri let out a low breath.

Then, she began walking forward, leaving Gypsum by the door. As she made her way around the table, every step she took grew heavier and heavier. The torches burning all around seemed to be glowing brighter, and the heat radiating from their flames caused the domina to sweat. When Sadri finally came to a stop in front of the throne, she kept her eyes glued to the floor and bowed graciously. She bowed before her father so low that her snout almost touched the ground.

Without lifting her head, she spoke, her words coming out shakily like she was on the verge of tears. “Father... I... I’ve come home...”

When she finally looked up, Lord Mond had stood from his throne. He now towered over her, displaying a powerful presence throughout the hall. Sadri sniffed back her tears. It took everything she had to hold them back.

All around her, village warriors were ready to take action at a moment’s notice, but Sadri was powerless in her father’s shadow.

Without saying a word, the scowling chief lunged forward.

Sadri’s eyes widened, and she winced, expecting the worst to come. Her father’s hooves fell over her, pulling the golden mare into a tight embrace. When she felt her father’s chest pressed against hers, Sadri let out a sharp gasp.

“My child... I’ve never been so happy to see you...” She was paralyzed, and words she tried to form simply got caught in her throat. “The day you left us broke all our hearts, but now you’re home again and our village is restored...”

Tears were streaming down her cheeks now, and Sadri began to sob into his neck. “Y-Y-You st-still love m-m-me?”

The chief pulled away, looking her in the face while wearing the biggest smile she’d ever seen. “My child, I never stopped loving you...” Then, he noticed Gypsum standing by the door, who had tears in her eyes as well as she watched the reunion. “You, outsider! Approach!”

Gypsum looked timidly at the warriors who prodded her forward, but she did as Lord Mond commanded. “Father, this...” Sadri left his embrace to stand by the shaking mare. “... this is my wife, Gypsum.”

The look on his face changed in an instant. “Well, the mare who has encapsulated the affections of my daughter is welcome in my village any time!”

Then, he took Gypsum into his hooves the same way he had done to Sadri, hugging her tightly and earning a snicker from the domina.

When the chief released her, Gypsum returned to Sadri’s side dazed. “Whoa, what a grip...”

The chief was circling the hall now, like he was trying to find some outlet to expend his energy. “This is wonderful, my daughter and her wife... Sadri, you and Gypsum must stay for dinner.” He turned to a warrior. “Quick, get cooks and have them prepare a feast, something worthy of Princess Luna herself.”

Sadri pursed her lips as she watched. “Father?”

He didn’t appear to be slowing down, though. “Round up all of the villagers. Everypony must attend the welcoming ceremony.”

“Father.”

“Tell the gardeners to prepare floral crowns for my daughter and her wife.”

Sadie stomped her hoof hard, startling everypony in the hall. “Father!”

They all turned to face her. Now that she had gotten his attention, Sadri approached the chief with Gypsum by her side. “Actually, father, we were actually hoping you would allow us to stay... forever...”

Lord Mond looked puzzled. “You... wish to stay?”

Sadri nodded her head. “Gypsy and I gave it a lot of thought, and I’d youre willing to have me back permanently, we’d both like to stay...”

The chief blinked once, then twice.

Then, he reared his head back and roared with laughter. “Of course you can stay, my child! You and your wife are both welcome members of the Blackstar Tribe. Now, come! There isn’t a moment to lose! The moon is high and the night is young, so let’s start this celebration before the sun rises.”

He dashed past them and exited the great hall, leaving Sadri and Gypsum alone by the throne.

Gypsum turned to her wife and smirked. “Well, I can certainly see where you get your charm and humility from.”

Sadri bumped her flank against her wife’s and let out a sweet chuckle. “Quiet, you... Let’s make sure he doesn’t hurt himself running around like that.”

Together, they too exited the great hall, not as outsiders, but as family. Sadri and Gypsum were finally home.


***The End***

> Untold Stories: 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***The Grand Matriarch***


It had been many years since Amethyst had set hoof in the Frozen North. Ever since she rescued her little Pyrite from the clutches of the then evil Queen Chrysalis, she vowed to stay as far away from the icy hell as possible. However, the massive changeling hive that once dominated the uninhabitable landscape was now under new management, and Amethyst now stood at the entrance of the hive alongside Gemini at the request of its queen.

She was bundled up and completely covered but still shaking in her frost-walker boots, wonders of fashion and technology that kept her from sinking in the dozens of feet of snow that covered the ground. Through her chattering teeth, Amethyst turned to Gem and let out a groan. “I th-th-thought y-y-you said th-this was the F-F-Frozen No-North’s Spring season...”

Gem had no such problems. The Frozen North was once her birthplace, her home. Also, it helped greatly that changelings had a natural resistance to cold temperatures. “I did, Amethyst. Summer doesn’t get much warmer either.”

Amethyst wanted to say more. She had a snarky response that she’d been saving, but the opportunity was lost when two armored changelings emerged from the black cave in front of them.

One approached them, and the other readied his horn. “Outsiders, state your business here.”

Before Amethyst had the chance to say anything, Gem cleared her throat. “My name is Gemini. We’re here to see her highness, Queen Pyrite, at her request, so you better not keep her waiting.”

The first changeling looked back at the second and both shrugged. “Whatever you say, outsider. I have strict orders not to let anypony in. This is sovereign land under the protection of Queen Pyrite, and you are not welcome.”

Gem frowned and turned to look at the mare beside her. “Didn’t your daughter tell her subjects that she was expecting company, Amethyst?”

At hearing her name, both changeling guards looked wide-eyed at her and dropped to the ground, throwing their hooves out in front of her. “The All Mother! The Grand Matriarch! A thousand apologies, Lady Amethyst! We were unaware of your impending arrival!”

The second changeling guard looked equally as fearful as he too groveled at Amethyst’s hooves. “Please spare us of your wrath, oh great mother! You and your companion are most welcome anytime!”

Amethyst fired Gem a confused look and raised an eyebrow, but she just shook her head and chuckled. “Hey, don't look at me, All Mother... They’re your grandchildren.”

Together, they helped the changeling guards to their hooves before being escorted inside. In a way, it was almost like coming home for Gem, but at the same time, she couldn’t recognize the network of caves that was once her hive. So much had changed under the rule of Pyrite.

Caves had been expanded greatly to support a rapid rise in population. Judging by what little of the tunnels she could see, Gem estimated that the hive could support many times more changelings than Chrysalis’ ever could. It warmed her black heart to know that her people were not only surviving, but thriving, full of life and love.

For Amethyst, the experience was entirely new. It wasn’t every day that a pony got to be welcomed into a changeling nest as an honored guest. Everywhere she looked, changelings bowed in her direction, some whispering amongst themselves eagerly about the arrival of ‘the great one’. Not quite sure how to feel about this new reverence, Amethyst simply smiled and waved towards the changelings, which in turn caused them to explode with excitement and joy.

Their escort of changeling guards lead them through the network of tunnels that eventually opened up into a grand cavern, the throne room. The room was so magnificent that Amethyst wanted to look in every direction at once and get a closer look at the glittering rocks that protruded from the black, obsidian walls. What ultimately captured her attention, however, was the towering throne that protruded from the cave floor, made entirely from polished gems and obsidian.

A tall figure rose from the throne and spread out her majestic wings. “Mother!”

Amethyst almost screamed out of fear as the massive changeling charged down from her throne before hoisting her up into the air with her magic. “Pyrite, Amethyst can’t breathe. You’re squeezing her too tight.”

The changeling queen quickly set her down and brushed her mane out of her eyes. “Indeed... I’m sorry, mother. It’s just... It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. The letters you and dad have been sending me are great and all, but to actually see you again... oh, mom...”

Amethyst let out a yelp as her daughter threw her massive wings around her, holding her in a warm embrace. Pyrite’s chest was hot and comforting, and she actually felt at ease.

After several seconds, Amethyst needed to breathe again, so she pushed herself away and out of the queen’s grasp. “It’s good to see you too, Pyrite. You’re clearly doing better out here than I ever could have imagined. I’m proud to be your mother.”

Pyrite beamed at her. “You’re approval is all I ever wanted, mother. I’ve told my children stories of your heroic deeds, about all those times you saved the Crystal Empire, Equestria, and befriended your enemies. That’s why I’m modeling my government off of you.”

Gem whistled in agreement. “She’s right, Amethyst. Pyrite’s way of ruling things has done wonders for the place.”

The changeling queen looked so excited that she could hardly contain herself. “That’s not even the best part! Aunt Gemini, do you recall capturing Chrysalis and bringing her to me?”

Amethyst’s ears perked up. She hadn’t heard of his. “Gem, you did ‘what’?”

The mercenary made a dismissive motion with her hoof towards Amethyst, keeping her attention on Pyrite. “Yes... Why do you ask?”

Pyrite was grinning wildly, completely unaware of her mother’s baffled expression. “Well, I didn’t execute her. Instead, I asked myself what my mother would do if she were in a similar situation, and I-“

Amethyst gasped as a shadow fell over them. She spun around and came face to face with a second tall changeling, a second queen.

Gem looked just as stunned as the pony. “Pyrite, you didn’t...”

“Gem, get back!”

The second queen looked puzzled at them. “Amethyst and Gemini, I mean you no harm.”

Amethyst looked at Pyrite with disbelief. “Sweetie, is this really-“

Pyrite nodded her head. “Yes, mother. Chrysalis has changed for the better and is now a valued member of my hive. I learned from you to forgive my enemies. Isn’t that what happened between you and Aunt Gemini after she tried numerous times to kill you?”

Amethyst and Gem exchanged awkward glances. “Yes, but...” Her eyes finally fell on Chrysalis again, and she let out a sigh. “I guess I really don’t have much to say. Is it really possible you’ve changed?”

Pyrite narrowed her eyes towards Amethyst. “Mother...”

Chrysalis held up a hoof to calm the queen. “It’s alright, mistress. Amethyst is right to not trust me. I have caused her more harm than anypony should have to endure, and I can never earn her forgiveness, but please listen and understand that I am a changed mare.” The former queen let out a long, shaky sigh. “I have had many years to reflect on my past mistakes, and I now see the power in sharing love rather than devouring it. I am no queen, not anymore, and I have sworn absolute loyalty to your daughter, a wonderful, kind, and strong leader.”

Pyrite stepped forward. “Chrysalis is telling the truth, mom. I trust her.”

Gem shrugged casually and hit her flank against Amethyst’s. “Come on, Amethyst... Pyrite is the most powerful changeling who ever lived. If anypony could convince Chrysalis to metamorphosize, it’s her.”

The throne room was silent, and all eyes were on her. After a few moments, Amethyst let out a chuckle and looked up at Pyrite. “I never thought you’d take after me and do something like this... You continue to surprise me, Pyrite, but I’m proud of you.” Then, she turned to Chrysalis. “I lost a leg because of you. That can’t be replaced, and I don’t think I can ever forgive you for that...” Chrysalis winced with every word, but her eyes closed in on Amethyst’s prosthetic hoof, outstretched and waiting. “... however, you have my thanks. For supporting my daughter and sticking by her side.”

Chrysalis seemed to pause for a moment, but she quickly took Amethyst’s hoof in her own and shook. “I should be thanking you as well, pony. We’re it not for you and the actions you took to stop me when I was in the wrong, the world would be a darker place.”

Pyrite beamed with pride, obviously happy with her work. “I guess that’s as good of a ‘make up’ as we are going to get. Come, mother, you and Aunt Gemini must be tired from your journey through the snow. Hot baths are waiting, and a great meal is being prepared in your honor.”

Gem looked genuinely excited. “Awesome! Azalea is going to be pissed when she hears what we did today. I can’t wait to rub this in her face.”

Amaethyst chuckled as they followed Pyrite and Chrysalis our of the throne room. “I dunno... Onyx isn’t the jealous type, and he hates the cold. Now, where are these hot baths? Mama needs to get out of these clothes and unwind...”


***The End***