> The Dragonfly Hive
>  by Silver Dragon Blade Wing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Awakening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest

Somewhere close to Ponyville

Three Years before Nightmare Moon's Return

The sound of chitin hooves clicking against rock sounded throughout the cave tunnel, a bright but soft light green grow lighting the way for a tall figure. The figure was a Changeling that bore a resembles to Royal but in place of the mane was a large fin with twelve "fingers" that was a foot at the front just behind the figure's horn and shortened by an inch as it when down over the head and back of the neck to just above the shoulders. The tail was also webbed and resembled a Changeling Drone's just longer, ending about two inches above the back hooves. The figure's bulkier body and more angular face showed he was male, and he had red eyes and wings and a silver backplate.

He was wearing a pair of light green saddle bags with a clip in the shape of a black dragonfly with red wings.

The Changeling carefully stepped down a shallow incline as he looked around for something, his mind bringing up why he was here.



Flashback

Two Changelings and one Thestral sat in a small cave in a circle, talking among each other.

"Chrysalis has won, she taken all but our hive. I've already severed our Hivemind and told our Changelings to scatter to the four winds, hopefully that will keep her from finding them." The first Changeling said, a Royal Changeling Mare a good head taller then Chrysalis and far more pretty said, while her carapace was the standard black her eyes and wings were red and her back plate was silver. Her very long mane and tail were the real eye catchers; they were a mix of red, gold, blue and silver, flowing like waterfalls over her shoulders and the ground. The pattern was like that of Celestria's own mane only it didn't wave like her's did.

"I hope so honey, Chrysalis has enslaved most of the Changelings from the other Hives. However I understand that there are a number from each that escaped, so perhaps they might meet up with our Hive." The Thestral said, a Stallion with an ash gray coat, bright yellow eyes and dark blue webbed mane, tail and wings. His cutie-mark was a pair of midnight black crossed sabers. He wore armor that was a mix of the Night Guard armor and Hive Guard Armor.

"Chrysalis will also need a lot of time to rebuild as her army was a near total loss, that and the escaped Changelings will no doubt form Resistance groups to fight Chrysalis, all that will buy time needed for us to rebuild else where." The second Changeling said, he bore a resembles to Royal but in place of the mane was a large fin with twelve "fingers" that was a foot at the front just behind the figure's horn and shortened by an inch as it when down over the head and back of the neck to just above the shoulders. The tail was also webbed and resembled a Changeling Drone's just longer, ending about two inches above the back hooves when standing.

The Changeling Mare and Thestral Stallion looked at each other, then back at the second Changeling.

"Seeker, Saber and I wouldn't be rebuilding." The Mare said.

"WHAT??!!"



Seeker slowly and carefully stepped over ancient Changeling bones littering the floor of the cavern he had just entered, increasing his light to better find his way around.



Flashback

What do you mean you're not going to rebuild?! We need to rebuild to have any chance of taking down Chrysalis, or the Changelings will die out to her enslavement!"

"We know that Seeker, Nebula and I can't because Chrysalis will be searching for us." Saber said putting a hoof around Nebula, who leaned into him. He continued,

"That's also why we have a very important mission for you."

"A mission for me?"



He paused to look at some of the old wall paints, this cave was once a Changeling Burial Den, now long forgotten.



Flashback

"You remember our son Dragonfly Wings?" Nebula asked.

"Of course, the same Young Royal I had a hoof in raising. I thought he was lost to Timber Wolves two years ago."

"He wasn't," Saber said. "That was the story we told to protect him from Chrysalis, as we knew she would not stop hunting him until he was dead."

"We placed him, with his consent, in a special cocoon and hid it in the Everfree Forest." Nebula said.

"Let me guess, my mission involves him?"



Seeker reached the far was and began examining it, running a hoof along the surface.



"Here's where he is, find him and awaken him" Nebula said.



He found the spot he was looking for.



"Guide him and help build a Hive to bring Chrysalis down for good." Saber said.



Seeker closed his eyes and concentrated his magic.



"Good Look Seeker, our son is the Changelings' only hope now. It's time for Dragonfly to take up the Mantle, he is ready." Nebula said.



Seeker released his magic at the spot, the magic hit and spread like water over that section, slowly revealing another room. Once the wall had fully opened he entered the small room, and found what he was looking for.

On the wall opposite of the opening was a green Changeling cocoon, within it was a young Royal Changeling Stallion with a silver back plate, red mane and tail, and six large red dragonfly-like wings. Only the mane was braided and he was curled up with his limbs and head tucked into his body, Seeker walked up to the cocoon and carefully placed the tip of his horn against the cocoon, slowly channeled some magic into it.

"Time to wake up my Prince."

Cracks started to form from the center to the edges until it split open, green goo fell to the floor while the Changeling within slipped into Seeker's waiting forelegs. He lowered the Royal to the floor as the Royal groaned, both from soreness and relief as he took in fresh air for the first time in a long time.

After a few minutes the Royal opened his eyes, showing they were red and were like that of a Thestral instead of a normal Changeling Royal's, part of his father's genes that were passed on to him. Slowly the Royal sat up rubbing his eyes, after a minute he looked over at his company.

"Seeker?" Said Changeling couldn't stop the happy, closed lip smile from spreading over his face.

"Hello Dragonfly, it's been three years since we last saw each other."

"Three years? That's how long I've been in that cocoon?"

"Yes, things are... not good for our kind. Chrysalis won the Civil War, all Hives but Empress Nebula Sheen's are under her control while Nebula's has scattered to the four winds. Fortunately Chrysalis' Hive is rebuilding and will be for at least another four years at best."

"So Mom want's us to build our own Hive to fight and defeat Chrysalis now."

"I figured you would know, are you okay to move?"

"Yes, still a bit sore but I will be alright. Where's Rhino Beetle, Spotter Eye, and Darter Tail?"

"I don't know, I haven't see them in over two years so I don't know if they're even alive."

Dragonfly let out a sign while closing his eyes.

"Let's go, I've been here far too long."

"Then follow me, My Prince. Let's leave those buried here in peace."

The two Changelings turned and walked back out through the cave and into the sunlight, Dragonfly signing in bliss and he stood in the sunlight for a few minutes taking it in.



Mission: Everfree Part One

Main Objectives:

Return to Seeker's First Camp

Dragonfly must survive

Seeker must survive
________________________

Bonus Objective:

Find and retrieve Hive Lore Cocoons (2)
________________________

New Unit(s): None
________________________

Briefing

Seeker: Now that I've found you Dragonfly we need to move out, I have a small safe camp not far from here and a larger camp further away. We need to move to the smaller camp as we won't reach the larger once before dark, and trust me, we don't want to be out of the camps at night. I marked a path as I came through here, it's the quickest way back and we can avoid the more dangerous creatures. The bad news is that it takes us through Timber Wolf territory, so expect some scraps with them. Normally we could just fly but the winds are too strong, grounding all flyers in the region.



Dragonfly and Seeker entered a small clearing and stopped.

"You okay Dragonfly?" Seeker asked, noticing the Royal panting a bit.

"Yes, just my E-energy is a bit low."

"Well we're in luck." Seeker said pointing towards a small, rainbow-colored sphere just a few feet away.

"This here Dragonfly is a E-energy Sphere, they form from small deposits of emotional energy that gathers in areas were life is. Only Changelings can see them and they can prove a boost to our internal energy. Go ahead and grab it."

Dragonfly walked up to the small sphere and touched it with a hoof, immediately feeling a pleasant surge of energy as he absorbed the sphere, letting out a relaxed sign.

"Much better Seeker, let's go and keep an eye out for more of those on the way."

"Got it."

The two Changelings walked along the path, keeping their eyes open for any threats, after a bit they came to a short cliff.

"Our wings allow us to not only fly but also jump up ledges like this one, just remember to stay below the tree line." Seeker said as he and Dragonfly crouched down and jumped, using their wings to help them reach the top of the cliff. After that they continued on, eventually encountering a small group of six Light Timber Wolves, these looked like normal Timber Wolves but were smaller in size and much lighter in color shades.

"Feel up to a little scrap Dragonfly?"

"I do, would be nice to get the kinks out."

The two charged the wolves, making short work of them as the wolves tried to attack them. Once they finished they moved quickly before the wolves could rebuild themselves.

"Our carapace grants us great protection against enemy attacks, our's for example renders us immune to attacks up to a certain level, but remember that even the thickest and strongest carapace can be eventually breached and we still have weak points that are not covered, like our eyes. If you need to protect yourself but can't fight back or escape curl into a ball with your head and limbs tucked it, don't worry about your wings as those will grow back, as long as the roots are intact and those are buried quite deep within our backs. Also note some weapons can bypass the carapace."

They continued on their way, reaching a fork in the path when Dragonfly suddenly sensed something.

"Seeker, do you feel that?"

"Yes, I felt it on my way in but couldn't investigate further as I was looking for the cave. You want to check it out?"

"Sure, might be something useful."

Following their sensing they soon reached what looked like a blue-colored Changeling cocoon large enough to hold a full grown Pony, Seeker's eyes went wide at the sight of it.

"I don't believe it! That's a Hive Lore Cocoon!"

"Oh I know those, they're used to store research data."

"Yes, this will prove useful later. Come to think of it... I sensed something similar closer to the small camp, could it be another cocoon?"

"Possibly, we should search once we reach the zone."

Moving back onto the right path the two Changelings moved onward, getting into scraps here and there with small packs and leaving with only minor scratches at worst. They eventually reach another clearing but this one was full of Timber Wolves.

"That's way too many to fight Dragonfly, time to use our special ability."

"I was thinking the same Seeker, if you please."

"Right, the Disguise Ability allows Changelings to, well, change our appearance to match that of whatever we pick, from creatures to objects. This ability does have a few drawbacks however; one, it slowly drains E-energy as long as we are disguised, should our energy get too low the ability will automatically shut off on its own. Two, creatures with a strong sense of smell, like dogs and Thestrals, can sometimes detect something off and become suspicious, which increases the risk of discovery. And three, certain spells and abilities can overload and drop the disguise."

Changing themselves into normal Timber Wolves, the two Changelings moved quickly but carefully through the wolves and continued on, moving off the path at one point to retrieve a second Hive Lore Cocoon. After sometime they reached the first camp, set up on a ten-story cliff, as night started to fall.

"There's the first camp Dragonfly, let's rest, get something to eat and some sleep so we are ready to pack up and move out in the morning."



Mission: Everfree Part One; Complete

Main Objectives:

Return to Seeker's First Camp; Complete

Dragonfly must survive; Complete

Seeker must survive: Complete
________________________

Bonus Objective:

Find and retrieve Hive Lore Cocoons (2); Complete, +10 Research points
________________________

Debriefing

Dragonfly: We reached the first camp just as night fell and have started settling in, Seeker's getting a fire going so we can cook our supper. Afterward we'll be getting some sleep as Seeker wants to pack up this camp and get moving asap in the morning. It's hard to believe that three years have passed since I went into that cocoon, so much has changed. I'm going to be keeping this journal to document our adventures as they come, so hopefully future generations can learn from the entries. I'd say the day went well for we recovered two Hive Lore Cocoons which, according to Seeker, will help boost our own Hive's research ahead once we set up.

Until next time.

Dragonfly Wings, son of Empress Nebula Sheen and Royal Knight Black Saber. May the First Mother watch over you.



Seeker's First Camp

Both Dragonfly and Seeker had happily tore into their hayburgers and fries with gusto, the former finishing six while the latter finished three. As Seeker rubbed his full belly Dragonfly looked around, the camp had a tent big enough to fit two comfortably and a small camp fire that they now sat around. He spotted his saddle bags close to Seeker, he reached for them. Seeker noticed and gave them over with his magic, smiling as Dragonfly set them down in front of him.

"I kept your personal items safe for you after your parents gave them to me."

Dragonfly opened one, and pulled out his long, wool red and silver scarf, the same one Nebula had given him long ago. Dragonfly smiled wide and bright as he wrapped the scarf around his neck, feeling the familiar softness and warm. He picked up one end and stared at the medal that had be attached to it. The medal was in the shape of a gold Ailcorn head facing to the right with silver edging, the eyes was an emerald, the horn was decorated with tiny sapphires, and the ribbon clip was in the shape of the Royal Place and was decorated with diamonds.

This medal was called the High Royal Order, one of the highest awards in Equestria, award for great valor or outstanding leadership. The one attached to Dragonfly's scarf belonged to Saber, his father.

'I don't know why you gave me this medal Dad, But at least I have something to "keep you close", like the scarf Mom made for me.

Looking up he reached into the saddle bag and pulled out a photo album, opening it two pictures stood out; the first was one of Nebula and Saber in a one-limb hug facing the camera with an infant Dragonfly between them.

"Hope you two are okay, only been awake for a few hours and I'm already missing you. I will do my best to make you both proud.'

The second picture was one of Dragonfly and his friends, Dragonfly was in the center with his right foreleg over the shoulders of Seeker and Rhino while his left was over the shoulders of Spotter and Darter. All of them were covered in mud and plant matter, but the large similes showed they didn't care.

"I hope their alright." Seeker added,

"Rhino's as tough as a Dragon, and one of the best fighters in Nebula's Hive. He was her Hive Commander for good reason, Spotter would see threats long before they even saw him and Darter, no creature could hope to catch him on land or in the air."

He paused, that added,

"Okay... maybe Rainbow Dash could."

Dragonfly closed the album and put it back in the saddle bag, he then looked at Seeker.

"So Seeker, what have you been up to?" Said Changeling shifted to get more comfortable.

"After I parted ways with Saber and Nebula I went into hiding for a few mouths, had to make sure Chrysalis wouldn't find me. I than spend the rest of the time looking for you, Nebula showed me the region but that was it."

"That must have been quite a fun time." Dragonfly said with a smile.

"Fun my long webbed tail, it was awful. The plants, weather, and animals were just a few of the things I encountered in that search. You would not believe how happy I was when I finally homed in on you. Now we can finally leave this pit."

"What Seeker, forest to much for you." Dragonfly said with a bit of playful snark.

"Dang it Dragonfly! I'm an Advisor not a Scout! That's Spotter's job!"

Dragonfly just laughed, only to be cut off half-way through by a huge yawn, Seeker letting out one as well.

"Let's get some sleep, need to be up early tomorrow, night Dragonfly."

"Good night Seeker."

The two entered the tent and crawled into their sleeping bags.

"Good thing Rhino's not in here after he ate his bean burritos." Dragonfly said.

"Heavy on the beans, bean sauce, and garlic, oh First Mother the smell could knock over ten Dragons."

"A bio-hazard on it's own."

"Hence his nickname Fartillery."

"It was just as bad out of his mouth as well."

"Yea no kidding, night."

"Good night."



Early the next morning

The two Changelings had just finished packing up the camp after having something quick to eat and got ready to move out.



Mission: Everfree Part Two

Main Objectives:

Move to Seeker's Second Camp

Dragonfly must survive

Seeker must survive
________________________

Bonus Objective:

Find and retrieve Hive Lore Cocoons (3)
________________________

New Unit(s): Drone, Healer
________________________

Briefing

Seeker: We're at the half-way point, so next we need to make our way to the second camp close to the edge of the Everfree. The good news is the path takes us through a thicker area so we wouldn't need to worry about the larger and more dangerous creatures, the bad news is that it takes us deeper into Timber Wolf territory, so we most likely will run into some of the stronger types. Flying predators in this area means we can't fly above the treeline so we'll need to move on land, hope your well rest, the upcoming fights might be tough.



The two Changelings left the former camp zone and continued onward, they ran into a few small packs of light and normal wolves but made short work of them, they also retrieved a Hive Lore Cocoon. After some time they encountered a new type of Timber Wolf; this type was about twice the size of a normal one and had darker wood shades and darker leaves.

"That's a Brute Timber Wolf, larger and stronger these wolves require more power to bring down. I think this would be a good time for you to test your Leaping Wing Strike ability Dragonfly."

"Alright, let's see what it can do." He said bracing his body and preparing to leap.

"The Leaping Wing Strike sends you to a chosen spot or into a targeted enemy, allowing you to bypass cliffs and pits or deal high amounts of damage."

Dragonfly leaped, his wings glowing like red fog lights as his body was encased in a light green teardrop-shaped bubble. He slammed into the Timber Wolf Brute, destroying it instantly. He landed and had to rest for a minute.

"It is important to keep in mind that abilities like the Leaping Wing Strike take E-energy to use and must recharge after each use, as you level up the amount it uses and the recharge time is lessened."

Once Dragonfly was ready to two moved on, collecting E-energy Spheres as they went and recovering another Hive Lore Cocoon. Eventually they reached a clearing with a good sized pack with a Brute, waiting and ready for them. The two Changelings toke out the normal wolves easily but the Brute was harder, the two Changelings had jumped back to give themselves some breathing room when they heard somecreature shout.

"Excuse me!"

Turning around, they saw a Changeling that looked like a Royal but with the webbed mane and tail like that of a Drone, he wore dark blue armor similar to the Pony Royal Guard with an armored collar with five metal studs and a helmet with mandible-like spikes extensions and two curved short spikes below the horn.

His horn was in the shape of a Eastern Reaches Rhino Beetle, and in his front hooves was a tube with a wood body and stock, on top of the tube was a square sight.

The new Changeling leveled the item at the Brute wolf and fired a small, light green sphere. It hit the wolf and blew it to pieces in an explosion of light green flame and smoke. The new Changeling walked up to the remains, smiling as he reloaded his weapon.

"And that's what you get for attack my Prince."

"Rhino!" Dragonfly and Seeker shouted, said Changeling turned towards them.

"Three years and I'm still pulling your tails out of fire."

Dragonfly walked up and pulled Rhino into a hug, which the Hive Commander returned.

"Great to see you again Rhino, how have you been?" Dragonfly asked as Seeker walked up.

"The usual, hiding from Chrysalis while trying to find reinforcements."

A howl sounded the arrival of more wolves, Rhino smiled as the wolves charged.

"By the way, I brought some friends." 

The wolves were suddenly attacked from the sides from ten Drones, the pack falling before they could react. Rhino spoke as the Drones regrouped and approached.

"Drones; the most common of the various Changeling breeds, making up the bulk of a Hive. While they aren't good at any one job their versatility makes up for it.  They can do any job effectively with the right training and most Changeling variants begin their life as Drones. Most Royals tend to overlook them, but without the Drones the Hive would not survive."

The ten Drones came up to and wrapped Dragonfly in a big group hug which the Royal happily returned, the group then continued onward.



New Main Objective(s):

Rhino must survive
________________________

New Bonus Objective(s):

Complete the Mission with all ten Drones



The group of now thirteen Changelings moved through the forest, following the path and recovering two Hive Lore Cocoons as they went. Fights with the local Timber Wolves happened a few times with a few Drones being injured but still able to fight, it was after the ninth fight that Dragonfly halted the group, looking over the wounded Drones.

"If we get into anymore fights we might lose some Drones, do we have any way to heal them?" He asked, Rhino nodded and whistled, a group of five new Changelings exited with trees.

They were Drone-sized with large red butterfly wings and a long red membrane tail, white collar around the base of their neck, thin white bands around both sides of their back leg knee joints, and a horn spit in two half way down. The wore white helmets with a red cross on the front and a pair of med-sized white saddle bags with a red cross clip.

"Healers: Basically our Medics and Doctors, these Changelings' split horns allow each one to heal tow targets at the same time. Besides the standard healing, Healers also have a number of spells, to of which are Restoration and E-energy regeneration. Restoration removes any debuffs from a targeted ally, while E-energy regeneration allows them to give more E-energy to allies. When off the battlefield they also tend to the young and eggs."

The Healers immediately went to work, quickly bringing the wounded Drones back up to full health and increasing everybuggy's E-energy store up a bit. The group moved on, fighting their way through move wolves and recovering a third Hive Lore Cocoon. As night was starting to fall they finally reached the second camp and entered, half of the Drones laid down to get some sleep with the other half taking watch, the Healers started setting up a fire and some cooking utensils.



Mission: Everfree Part Two; Complete

Main Objectives:

Move to Seeker's Second Camp; Complete

Dragonfly must survive: Complete

Seeker must survive: Complete

Rhino must survive Complete
________________________

Bonus Objectives:

Find and retrieve Hive Lore Cocoons (3); Complete, +15 Research Points

Complete the Mission with all ten Drones; Complete, + 10 Morale
________________________

Units Lost: 0
________________________
Debriefing

Dragonfly: Today was a good day for us, we ran into Rhino Beetle who had ten Drones and five Healers with him and we've recover a total of seven Hive Lore Cocoons. All of this will allow us to get our hive up and running faster. We're going to spend the night in the camp and pack up at first to move to where our new Hive will be, Seeker and Rhino have told me it is close by and was set up my my parents for situations like this.

From what they have told me, our Hive is located underneath the town of Ponyville, the same place were Mon meet Dad, my hometown.

Until next time.

Dragonfly Wings, son of Empress Nebula Sheen and Royal Knight Black Saber. May the First Mother watch over you.



Seeker's Second Camp

The Changelings had eaten their supper and most had gone to bed, leaving only Dragonfly, Seeker, and Rhino awake with a Healer and three Drones keeping watch. Dragonfly looked over at the pile of sleeping Drones and Healers, smiling at their soft snores and twitching limbs and wings.

"I'd say they deserve some rest, they did most of the work to day."

"That's one reason why you're so popular among them, unlike most Royals you care for all of the Hive's Changelings, not just the more powerful Breeds." Rhino said chuckling.

"The more powerful Breeds are good and all, but with out the ones like the Drones and Workers the Hive wouldn't be able to function and thrive."

Dragonfly then looked at his tow friends.

"Just wondering, why is our new Hive under Ponyville? Not complaining, just curious." Seeker answered.

"Nebula loved the town, considered it the best place due to its high levels of E-energy, cheaper prices, open spaces, and friendly locals. She figured it was the best spot should anything like the Civil War happen, giving the survivors a safe place to rebuild."

"Make's sense, think the new Hive will work out for us?"

"Trust us on this Dragonfly, you'll like the new Hive." Seeker said.

The three let out yawns and went to bed.
> The Hive 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Next Day

Somewhere Under Ponyville

After the Changelings had all woken up and ate their breakfast they packed up the camp and moved to a hidden entrance, which Seeker opened, having been here before several times when the Hive was being build. According to him and Rhino, only a select few Changelings in Nebula's Hive, him, Seeker, and Saber included, knew about this hidden Hive so they wouldn't have to worry about Chrysalis finding them.

After walking through the twisting tunnels for a few hours, taking a few wrong turns due to the maze-like passageways, they finally reached the Hive, a massive tower that had either been built like or out of a massive stalactite, hanging in the center of a gigantic cavern with a large light green crystal at the base taking in a constant stream of light green energy. The ceiling around the top of the Hive had been flattened to allow buildings to be placed, and the walls of the cavern had countless light green crystals all over the walls.

"Wow, you guys were holding out on me." Dragonfly said looking around in awe, the two laughed.

"Sorry Dragonfly but we wanted to see your reaction to this place." Seeker said.

"And it was worth it." Rhino said.

The group flew down to the first level of the Hive, which was Dragonfly's new Throne Room. Landing on a large balcony that formed a half-circle around the front of that level of the Hive with a straight extension out the front with a small raised platform At the ends of the half-circle were stairs leading onto balconies that overlooked the Throne Room. Seeker started speaking as the group entered through a short hall opposite of the throne Rhino, the Drones, and the Healers and fanned out went their own separate ways.

"Welcome to the Hive Dragonfly, this room here will be your Throne Room, where you can rule your new Hive from."

Seeker waved a foreleg showing off the large room; The room itself was round with a high raised dais that held the throne on another dais with what seemed to be a pillar of rock with flowing light green glowing energy that traveled pass the sides of the throne, down the dais, and into the floor where it formed several "rivers" about the floor. Dragonfly could feel a comfortable warmth emitting from the streams as he felt his internal E-energy slowly stop draining and start filling up. Behind the throne was a raised walkway with stairs leading up to the upper levels and two others stairways leading from the floor to behind the Throne, the area split into two halls/walkways with a few balconies that went around the room to the entry hall while the front split lead to the Throne Room floor.

In the center of the room were two disks with two thin brown ones engraved with runes on the edges of the largest one, on the largest on were decorative art of Changelings, Ponies, and various other creatures while the smaller one had it's own art in the form of patterns. The very center held a set of layered plates with some sort of glowing rune carved into each. Above the room were numerous empty banner poles hanging from chains attached to the ceiling and a very large clawed object pulsing with light green/dark green energy that Seeker said was a device used for teleporting to chosen locations on the surface, like the outskirts of Ponyville or any buildings that had been purchased. On the edge of the room on the sides were lowered sections were ten (five per side) seemed to homes for the Drones and Healers. 

Seeker lead Dragonfly up the Throne and gestured for the Young Royal to lay down on it.

"It's yours now Dragonfly, your Mother made this Throne just for you, she wanted this to be your Hive when you were ready."

Dragonfly stepped up to it, examining the Throne; The bed-like seat was made of light green lightly hardened and gelled Changeling slime with a six pillows made of the same stuff, the Throne itself was made from black chitin and had a very basic shape (Seeker told him this was so that Dragonfly could change it to what he wanted), the left arm had nothing of note while the right arm held a med-sized Changeling Crystal. Dragonfly stepped onto the Throne and laid down, noticing right away that the gelled slime was very soft, warm, and comfortable, enough to sleep in.

Looking over at the crystal he asked Seeker, who had moved to stand next the the Young Prince, what it was for.

"This Dragonfly is a very important item for you to use." Seeker reached over and tapped the crystal, once he did it glowed and projected a 24 inch, transparent light green, holographic screen in front of the left side of the Throne. Before Dragonfly's eyes the picture on the screen filled out and showed three things; In the center was the Hive silhouetted in red against a silver background, at the top was a round disk with a number within and a extension with four sections on the left and three on the right, under the left sections was a thin bar with the words; Day: First Shift: Blank. Second Shift: Blank. Night: First Shift: Blank. Second Shift: Blank. and the time of day. On the right was a similar bar but with "Day 0" and a tape measure-like section that showed the day's progress and the future days.

On the bottom of the screen was four buttons, two on each side of two long horizontal bars; the outer left one had a vertical line with three horizontals, the center on going through the vertical line, the four ends of the horizontal lines had a hollow square on the ends. The inner left on had two crossed claw hammers, the outer right had a pie chart and the inner right had a drawn map.  The bars themselves were stacked with the words "negative" on top and "positive" on the bottom with the world "morale" in between them.

"This screen is your "Hive Interface", from here you can interact with each level of the Hive and are shown the Hive's available resources, the Hive's current amount of E-energy, what shift is working and what others are free, the number of days the Hive has been active, and any future events on the top. The bottom has the Hive's morale, the research, building, law, and chart sections. Which would you like to start with?"

Dragonfly rubbed his chin in thought for a few minutes, than looked at Seeker.

"Let's start with resources." Seeker nodded and pointed to each one explain what it was starting from the center then moving to the most left and working from there to the most right.

"The first is the most important resource; Emotional Energy or E-energy, without this the Hive will eventually die out. E-energy will very slowly on its own drain over time as each Changeling uses it so it needs to be refilled once in a while, the more Changelings a Hive has the faster it will drain. E-energy is also our most basic resource, everything involving the Hive and its Changelings require it, which also drains it."

"Seeker, I looked at the amount and its not draining, in fact its slowly going up." The Advisor Changeling smiled wide.

"I was wondering if you noticed that, you saw the large crystal on the tip of the Hive?"

"It was hard to miss, with the bright glow it gives off."

"Well that was from something you started."

"Me??"

"You remember your "Gatherer Project"?"-Dragonfly nodded yes-" well after you were placed in that cocoon and hidden away your parents found the notes and basically finished it, so our Hive can now produce them and they are unique to us. Nebula and Saber even went a step further by creating a special crystal that does the same thing, more or less."

"The crystal on the tip."

"Exactly, that's another reason why our Hive is below Ponyville. E-energy has not only gathered in the air throughout the town but had also seeped into the ground, the cavern draws all that energy into the many crystals, which then direct it to a central spot under the Hive."

"And the crystal on the tip draws that energy into the Hive, filling our E-energy stocks."

"Right on the mark. Nebula and Saber both loved the idea behind the Gatherers and wondered why it hadn't been done before. I should note that we can out drain the fill rate if we're not careful so making some Gatherers would be a good idea, as the crystal draws the energy at a slow rate to keep from draining the area too fast, which can have... unpleasant effects."

Seeker than pointed to the section on the most left side, starting there and working to the right.

"This is E-energy infused Cocoons, these cocoons are filled to the brim with E-energy, split into pieces and given to the Hive's Changelings as the basic food rations. While Changelings can live of these just fine they well eventually want other foods as well but we will get to that soon.

Next is Changeling Slime, this is produced by the Hive's Changelings and stored. The slime is our basic building material and like E-energy is used to build everything from basic tools to weapons and armor to buildings. We can also construct certain buildings dedicated to producing the slime.

Next is Hive Chitin, this is made from shed Changeling carapace or from special nodes in the Hive and cavern. It's pretty much our equivalent to metal, and is collected and stored by Changelings during and at the end of the molting cycle.

Next is an important one, Hive Cores, these rare items are used to create certain powerful breeds and advanced buildings. Unfortunately, we are unable to produce them, they must be found."

"Why's that Seeker?"

"The only Hive with the knowledge to create them was lost at some point during Discord's reign, and since then nobuggy has been able to regain that knowledge.

Now on the right is Changeling Crystals, these are used to make advanced building and breeds and are important for the Hive's magic users.

Next is Regular Food, this is basically things like apples, cupcakes, hayburgers, pretty much anything other species eat. As I said before, a Hive's Changelings can get by with just E-energy infused Cocoons they will eventually want other options.

The final resource is Prostheses, made in a special structure, these allow any Changelings who had lost limbs, wing roots, eyes, and the like to function like normal again. 

That's the resources, what next?"

"How about... more on morale."

"Okay, the morale bars show how happy or discontent the Hive is. As time passes the bars will fill with or empty of color, the higher discontent is the more Changelings start to get angry. If the bar completely fills the Changelings will turn on their Royal if he or she is unable to lower it within a small time period."

"Which can destroy a Hive, on their other end?"

"On the other hoof, the higher the happiness is, the more effective and loyal the Hive's Changelings will be. In fact, they might give guests or goals that can result in special benefits of all." 

"Good to know, now let's see... I know the pie chart is for resource management and the tech tree and the Map Screen buttons are grayed out so that leaves only the buildings."

"Alright, open the interface for the buildings."

Dragonfly pressed the button and the bottom section was covered by another one showing the various Hive Structures, though most were grayed out. At the top was a section of taps with different names on the left with two larger ones on the right. One thing that caught Dragonfly off guard was when he opened the interface, the screen zoomed in on the Hive and highlighted all but six of its thirty six levels. He also noticed a small button with what looked like a hollow tube or pipe.

"The Building Interface allows you to pick what buildings to build and on what level, there are two types: Hive Buildings and Cavern Buildings, the former are built within the Hive itself while the latter are built on the ceiling around the Hive. The small button that just appeared is pathways for the Cavern Buildings.

The buildings are the same in both sections, with only their visual appearance and layout being different. The buildings are split into eight areas; Creature, Health, Food, Resource which is split into its own three sections, Tech, Morale, Military, and Miscellaneous."

Seeker took a breath and a drink of water before continuing.

"Creature are builds that serve as homes and entertainment for the Hive's Changelings, I'll get to each individual building for each section later. Health are buildings used for healing the wounded or sick and keeping and hatching eggs. Food is gathering and handing out the various food types. Resource, which includes Changeling Slime, Hive Chitin, and Changeling Crystals, are building for gathering these items and storing them for later use. Tech are for researching more advanced breeds and buildings and some other important ones for the Hive. Morale is for helping keep morale high, though for some reason most Royal ignore and forget this type. Military is for strengthening the Hive's standing forces and providing security. And finally Miscellaneous are buildings that don't fit anywhere else."

Seeker took another breath and a big gulp of water. "I might lose my voice if I keep this up."

"Let's just finish Buildings for now, we can cover the Map Screen later."

"Good plan, anyway-"

Before Seeker could continue, he was cut off by Rhino saying-

"I think you've talked enough for now, you need a rest Seeker. Besides, it's getting late and we need some sleep. I also found these two lurking about in the upper levels."

Two new Changelings followed the Hive Commander down the stairs; the first was Royal-like with two long antenna-like limbs sitting behind the ears, he wore a green vest with several pockets, a brown backpack with a small cocoon on each side and brown messenger saddle bags over his flanks.

The Second was also Royal-like wearing a blue and white flight suit that left the wings, tail, eyes, and lower legs exposed with a pair of goggles with green lens and red frames on his forehead. He also wore a brown aviator hat with a black crown and green domes on the sides covering his ears, and a brown flight jacket with sleeves that reached the forehooves, white fake fur lining and cuffs, a pair of pockets, and a red armband with a silver six-winged Dragonfly on the right upper foreleg.

"Spotter! Darter!" Dragonfly leaped off his throne and tackled the two Changelings into a hug which the two happily returned.

"Good to see you again Dragonfly." Spotter, the one with the antenna, said lightly slapping the Royal's back.

"Three years we waited to see you guys again." Darter, the one wearing the flight suit and jacket, said buzzing his long, cutlass blade-shaped wings and hovering, his wings making a low, gentle humming sound.

"Where have you two been?" Dragonfly asked.

"Darter and I were here the whole time." Spotter started.

"Nebula and Saber ordered us here to look after the Hive and wait for you." Darter finished.

"Imagine my surprise when I found them, they both tackle hugged me. I had to use my wings to keep from falling down the stairs." Rhino said with a chuckle.

The five of them talked for a short time about what they had been up to in the three year gap, afterwards Dragonfly wrapped his forelegs around them.

"Well guys, the bands back together again, you all ready for the road ahead?" Dragonfly put a hoof in the center.

"I sure am." Seeker put his in.

"Somebuggy needs to be there to pull your tails out of the fire." Rhino put his in.

"I'm not missing out on this." Spotter put his in.

"I'm in to the end." Darter put his in.

The five Changelings smiled at each other, then broke.

"Brothers to the end!"



Next Morning

After a late supper the Hive went to sleep, slowly waking up the next morning to a new day. Dragonfly slowly woke up and stretched his limbs, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. As he did this he heard a light knocking at the entryway to his bedroom, covered by two large, banner-like curtains instead of a door.

"Come in."

Spotter enter with a tray of pancakes held in his magic, walking over and setting it next to the bed.

"Morning Dragonfly, sleep well?"

"Better than I have in awhile, thanks for breakfast. I'm guessing you'll be completing the tour while Seeker is taking a break?"

"Yes, you want to start now?"

"Let me have something to eat first silly." Dragonfly said with a small laugh, Spotter adding his own. Dragonfly finished his breakfast and stepped off his bed.

"Okay Spotter, I'm ready."

"Okay, as you already know this room is your Bedroom, from here you have another crystal that can project the Hive Interface like your throne on your bed. You can also rest here to regain health and E-energy, and have some alone time."

He then whispered something that Dragonfly just missed.

"As well as "enjoy some company" and save you progress."

"What was that last thing?"

"Nothing, nothing, continuing on. The bedroom is also were any personal items and effects you have collected over the years are stored." Dragonfly looked around, the bedroom a somewhat large room with a simple, but very large, bed on the left wall from the entryway, a large display case, an armor stand, and a large chest opposite of the bed, and two very large window that were covered by curtains opposite of the entryway. Through the entryway was a large staircase that lead to the Private Quarters.

The bed was made from soft and warm slime gel like the throne's seat and had three large gel pillows and a thick blanket, also made from slime gel mixed with some sort of cotton fabric. The chest, armor stand, and display case were made from dark wood and the display case only had Dragonfly's photo album on it at the moment, and the curtains covering the windows and the door were green with black patterns around the edge and were made of silk. Thin E-energy veins throughout the walls and floor, bathing the room in warmth and energy. Dragonfly had noticed that every room in the Hive had veins like this, almost like blood vessels. Light was provided by several crystals hanging from the ceiling on thin chains.

Spotter lead Dragonfly pass the entryway curtains and down a stairway which consisted of two sets of stairs with a flat section in the middle into the next room.

"This is your Private Quarters." Spotter said gesturing with a foreleg. The Private Quarters large, spacious room with a decent sized hot tub shallow enough for one to lay down with only their head above the water, resting it on a gel cushion. The hot tub sat close to the stairway leading to the lower levels, a large fireplace sat near the hot tub and eight alcoves were scattered about the room.

"The Private Quarters is your personal level of the Hive, from here you have access to your bedroom, the Magic Room and your Personal Archive. The only ones next to you that are allowed access are your commanders like Seeker, Rhino, me and Darter, and your Hive Guard bodyguards. If you chose you can have your most trusted members of the Hive in here as well. The hot tub works similar to the bed in healing you and restoring your E-energy, it is also prefect for relaxing after a hard and long day."

To the left of the stairway was an outer hallway leading to a small interior balcony and then into the Magic Room, a small chamber with a raised walkway taking up the back half. The center piece was a large green, glowing crystal with a beam of light going into a hole in the ceiling, a small path allowed Dragonfly to walk right up to the crystal.

"The Magic Room is where you select which of your current unlocked spells and abilities you want to use, as you are a Young Royal you only have one level of abilities and no spells beyond the standard disguise and levitation which all Changelings know by default. Now each level of abilities has three per level and unlike spells you can only have one ability per level active at once, but you can come and switch them around at any time and no cost. This crystal is also the anchor point for the Hivemind, which at its base level allows us to communicate with each other over any distance instantly. The Hivemind also allows those connected to it to share memories and feelings among other things with each other, like you for example feeling the happiness of your Drones. The Hivemind can be used to control your Changelings but this has numerous weaknesses that can be dangerous to fatal for a Hive so I would advise against it."

"I'm no tyrant like Chrysalis so I wouldn't do that sort of thing."

"Right and that's why we follow you, before we move on I should mention that other Creatures, not just Changelings, can join a Hive and be connected to its Hivemind, like your father Black Saber was to Nebula's. Before we move on let's go over your current abilities;

Besides the Leaping Wing Strike you have the Magic Blast, this deals very heavy damage to a large target or groups of smaller targets, and the the Internal Recharge, which stops your E-energy from draining over time outside of the Hive."

Passing through a doorway opposite the way they came in they stepped out onto a larger outside balcony which was outside where the two bedroom windows were facing out, around to the other side was a small room with another doorway that lead to a small fight of stairs that lead to another interior balcony which had an entry way back into the main area of the Private Quarters. The small room had a small set of three bookshelves that covered with wall to the left of the doorway from the large balcony and to the right was a object consisting of two green glowing crystal tables, one on the floor and one right above it. The tables had a holographic version of the Hive in between them and around the floor table top was a flat desk-like area in a half-circle and a set of four windows looking out into the cavern.

"This small room here is your Personal Archives, this is were you store any books on spells, information and the like that you find on you travels, this holotable allows you to pick and customize certain parts of the Hive like the defenses and your own personal things. The latter includes the entrances of the Throne Room's Alcoves, Banners, your Bed, Lights, Statures, Rugs and Curtains, and your Throne just to name a few. You can also either have the options as a set or mix and match, but only one options can be used in each slot any ant one time. For example, you can't select two different Banner styles at once. Because we only have just started out, we will only have the default options right now."

"How do we gain more?"

"By visiting different locations, like Ponyville or Canterlot, and by interacting with certain Creatures who may give an item to us. From there the Hive will "scan" the item and unlock new options."

They entered the main area to find a few Drones about cleaning or relaxing, and headed down the stairs to a three-level area in the center of the Hive. Dead center of the massive room was a gigantic green crystal with two rings of chitin, one towards the top and one towards the bottom, around it, the rings had four straight beams going to the ceiling and floor and four more going into the walls. Throughout the beams ran many small crystal veins and gel tubes.

Dragonfly looked at it in awe, the crystal was easily the biggest he had ever seen. He figured one this size had to be important, he looked at Spotter of an answer.

"This Dragonfly is the Hive's Heart, the most important structure in the Hive, for without it, the Hive itself would die and became a husk, just a shadow of itself."

"The Hive's Heart? I'm guessing from the name it works like a normal heart."

"Yes, to a certain extent. You've noticed all the E-energy veins throughout the Hive's rooms?"

"Yes, they constantly give us both warmth and E-energy, not to mention the soft glow so their hard to miss."

"Well it works like this; the crystal on the Hive's tip bring the energy up through the Hive and into the Hive's Heart, the heart then "pumps" the energy through the tubes and veins, feeding the Hive and us with a constant stream of E-energy."

"Like a heart pumping blood through a body."

"Right, at the moment the heart is at low power as our Hive is both only at Tier 0 and we only have a few Changelings so we can afford the low level. As the Hive gains more Changelings we will need to up the power levels to meet the energy demands, we will need research the ability to raise each level but for now we'll be fine. It takes about 200 or so Changelings before needing to raise the levels."

"I understand, shall we do buildings next?"

"Sure, let's head to your throne."

The two went down to the Throne Room were they found Seeker laying next to the throne reading a book and most of the other Changelings just hanging about, Seeker greeted them as they walked up. Dragonfly laid down on his throne activating the Hive Interface and bringing up the Building Interface while Spotter sat next to him and Seeker went back to his book.

"The current screen here, zoomed on the Hive, shows each level of the Hive and the flashing sections are were there is space to build."

"Why are some sections not highlighted?"

"Well the bottom is the Throne Room, the three middle is the Hive's Heart, and the second from the top is your Private Quarters, Seeker's Rhino's, Darter's, and my quarters and the barracks of your Hive Guard. The very top level is dedicated to allowing Changelings to work and live in the structures built into the ceiling of the cavern, moving to and from the Hive with pathways also built into the ceiling.

Each section of the Hive has space for numerous buildings, though some spots can only have certain buildings on them, like Resource Nodes. Let's start with the Creature."

Dragonfly pressed the Creature tab, opening it and showing a Simple Burrow.

"As we are only a Tier 0 Hive we will only have access to the basic structures, in order for use to get more buildings and advance the Tiers we will have to unlock them in the Tech Tree. Now because we only have, not counting you, Seeker, Rhino, Spotter, me, and Darter, fifteen Changelings, we wouldn't need to build any more housing buildings until the ten alcoves here are filled."

"I set up a Simple Burrow for our five Healers earlier." Seeker said.

"How many Changelings do these buildings house?" Dragonfly asked.

"It depends on the size of the breed, for Drone-sized its thirty while large breeds can take one by themselves, it really depends on their size."

"Alright, and so far we only have basic buildings?"

"Yes, the Simple Burrow, the Medical Den, the Food Burrow, the Hunter Den, the Resource Den, the Gathering Den, the Slime Den, the Relaxation Den, the Watch Burrow and the Tech Hub. Here's each of these do;

The Simple Burrow is a small den able to house up to 10 Drones, which I'll be using as examples for the housing.

The Medical Den allows up to five Healers to treat up to five Changelings with minor sickness or injuries.

The Food Burrow turns stored food into meals and up to five Workers or Drones can run it. 

The Hunter Den holds the equipment needed for up to fifteen Workers or Drones trained as hunters to venture out into the wild and bring back raw meat.

The Resource Den is a storage unit to expand capacity for a chosen resource.

The Gathering Den allows up to ten Workers or Drones to gather from multiple Resource piles or caches and unlocks E-energy Gatherers.

The Slime Den slowly produces Changeling Slime over time from small nodes.

The Relaxation Den provides The Hive's Changelings with basic items and equipment they can use to help them relax after a long day.

The Watch Burrow provides simple Hive defenses like small traps and unlocks Sentries.

And the Tech Hub allows use to research and lock new breeds, buildings, and Hive Tiers. We have one set up already, the tech tree is split into four tabs and for now we can unlock the Energy Beacon and the Energy Emitter upgrade in the E-energy tab, the Scout Hub in the Exploration and Industry Tab, the Efficient Gathering upgrade, the Slime Pod, the Chitin Shredder, and the Crystal Grower in the Resources Tab, and the Better Hunters' Gear upgrade from the hub. I go into these in more detail when they are unlocked.

And finally, the Hive's prebuilt structures include the Hive's Heart and the Storage Hub, the latter is where our resources are stored until fill, than it goings into any Resource Den that have been built."

Spotter faceplanted into the floor.

"I think he's had enough for now, Rhino wanted to speak to you up in the Hive Chambers. After you're done there we'll finish with the last thing for now, which is the Map Screen." Seeker said.

"We need the Scout Hub first, then we need five free Drones to morph into Scouts." Spotter said from the floor, as if on cue, Darter came into the room.

"Hey guys, Nebula and Saber left a number of Eggs and some Drones for us in Stasis Cocoons! Our Hive just went up from fifteen Changelings to thirdly!"

Dragonfly and Seeker laughed as Spotter lifted his head up with a 'what' look at the timing, Dragonfly selected the in the tech tree, turned off the interface and walked out of the room up to the Hive Chambers on level three. The Hive Chambers was a special area used to change Drones into the various breeds of Changelings. Most Changeling breeds started their lives as Drones, they entered this chamber once certain criteria had been meet. The chosen Drone(s) would then enter special cocoons that would change them into whatever variant that had been chosen over a brief period of time.

For example: If a Drone showed more skill in battle then his or her clutch mates, they could eventually become a Elite Soldier, Shock Trooper or even a Royal Guard if the requirements were met just to name a few.

The chambers were large number of alcoves with a  with a slightly raised platform in front of each dotted the wall from one side of the door to all the way around the other side. With each new breed unlocked bee hive-like structure would grow in each alcove until all breeds were unlocked, a Drone and Healer sat in front of two of the alcoves. In the center of the room was a raised dais with a projection crystal. Rhino sat on the dais looking over the crystal's hologram with his head resting on his hoof, one of his ears twitched when he heard hooves clicking against the floor. Looking up he noticed Dragonfly entering the room, looking around.

"Hey Dragonfly," he greeted, "I've been going over some things waiting for you."

"What to you have for me Rhino?"

"Some upgrades and new traits for our currently unlocked breeds, you can see them on this screen."

He stepped aside so Dragonfly could look, on the screen was a set of tabs with each Hive tier on them off to the far left and several sections filling most of the space. Two of these sections were highlighted showing the Drone and Healer breeds, two buttons were above the with three below, below that was a smaller black screen. Rhino started explaining;

"This is the Hive Breed Interface, it allows you to select each individual Changeling breed and select two upgrades and one of three traits for them. Both upgrades cost resources and if there is enough both can be bought, the Traits work like your abilities in where only one can be active at once but you can change which one from this screen and the smaller black one will tell you what the upgrades and abilities are when up select them."

Dragonfly nodded in understanding and checked the Drone's upgrades and abilities first; The upgrades were Drone Armor and Boosting Crystals while the traits were Charged Carapace, Reflex Boost, and Magic Caster. The Healer's upgrades were Flare Spell and Healer Armor while the traits were Multi-Heal, Defense Shield, and Healing Spheres. The descriptions were as follows;



Drone Upgrades

Drone Armor

A Drone's carapace is tough but is easily outmatched by larger and more advanced breeds, extra armor made from forged chitin and cooled with slime will allow them to take more damage and grant more survivability out in the field.

Effects: +15 Armor and +10 Defense.

Boosting Crystals

By adding a harness with four crystals supercharged with E-energy we can allow Drones to slowly self-heal, allowing Healers to focus elsewhere and Drones would receive a speed boost on both the land and in the air.

Effects: Heals 2 health every second and +20 speed.

Drone Abilities

Charged Carapace

By running a light E-energy-fueled charge through the Drone's carapace, we can grant them better protection from magic attacks.

Effects: +25 Magic Defense.

Reflex Boost

Small E-energy injections to the right spots will allow Drones two react faster to enemy attacks and dodge them.

Effects: +15 Defense

Magic Caster

With a higher magic charge, Drones would be able to have greater range and hitting power and uses some spells other then just the basic magic bolt and levitation.

Effects: +15 Magic Bolt Range, +5 Magic Bolt Damage, Spell unlocked: Magic Blast, a low-yield blast of magic the deals 15 magic damage and stuns enemies. Allies are immune to the blast.

Healer Upgrades

Flare Spell

Healers have no offensive spells which leaves them vulnerable to attack, by teaching them this spell it allows them to cast a small, short-ranged flare that stuns and disorients enemies for a few seconds. Allies are immune to the flare.

Effects: Spell unlocked: Flare, a short-ranged, bright flash of light and sound the stuns and disorients enemies for five seconds.

Healer Armor

Healers are often prime targets for attacks, so modified Drone or Soldier Armor with grant them better protection and survivability out in the field and with a backpack carrying a Healing Beacon would increase their usefulness on the field.

Effects: +10 Armor, Ability unlocked: Deploy Heal Beacon, a small crystal that emits a med-sized area-of-effect healing aura that provides +7 Healing every second.

Healer Traits

Multi-Heal

With a slight horn adjustment, Healers will be able to heal up to six targets simultaneously instead of just two and faster.

Effects: Heal six targets at once, +10 heal rate.

Defense Shield

By using some of their internal E-energy, Healers would be able to passively case a shield around them and allies in a small radius, at the cost of a slightly slower heal rate.

Effects: Ability Unlocked: Shield, passively grants + 25 Defense and +30 Magic Defense, but grants a -5 Heal Rate.

Healing Spheres

By focusing some of their healing magic into a small slime gel sphere, Healers would be able to throw the hardened gel balls at range and upon braking on impact, releases a powerful healing AOE aura that rapidly heals all wound allies within.

Effects: Ability unlocked: Healing Spheres, these small gel ball brake on impact with a hard surface, releasing a AOE healing aura that heals all wounds at a +90 rate. The spheres have a +12 throwing range.



Dragonfly looked away from the screen and back at Rhino.

"You've been busy, we've only been here one day and night and you already have on new things for the different breeds."

"I learned a thing or two in the three year gap, and I observed a number of thing in things in the time, so I have plenty to work with on the other breeds."

"Glad to see you haven't lost your touch."

"You callin' me old." Rhino said in a mock insulted tone.

"Depends, are you telling the nymphs to stay off your law old boy?"

"Not yet, I've still got many years ahead of me.. not sure I can say the same for you though."

The two laughed and playfully punched each other.

"Just like old times, huh Rhino?"

"Just like old Times. Anyway, you looked like you had some questions."

"Right the the point after a bit of joking around, don't ever change Rhino."

"Might be hard to do that, I am a Changeling after all."

"Ha ha, anyway... I have just one question; when are we getting more breeds, upgrades are good and all, but we have many gaps in our Hive's military right now."

"Well as new buildings are unlocked and built and the Hive advances Tiers we gain the ability to create the new and unlocked breeds here from Drones, though some breeds are born like they already are. Once the Scout Hub is up and running we can begin creating the Scout Breed, Through the Scouts we could get lucky to find a Hiveless Changeling, identified by their gray-scale eyes, wings and backplate. If we can convince them to join our Hive we automatically get that breed, regardless of the tier it is normal unlocked on.

This method also allows used to gain more Changelings at little to no cost other then the drain on the Hive's E-energy and allows use have the nymphs or Drones change into something else."

"Good to know, so to refresh my memory, what is a "Hiveless Changeling"?"

"Hiveless Changelings are Changelings of various breed that somehow or in someway were severed from their original Hive, while still sentient like us they became lost, living day-to-day surviving. How they do it varies greatly, but the vast majority try to blend in and live among other species, most commonly, and unsurprisingly, Ponies. Many, though not all, end up living happy lives on their own as they have total freedom to chose how they live, quite a few even starting families with other species."

"Wouldn't them joining our Hive take that same freedom away?"

"In a way yes, but it isn't as bad as you think. Most of the Hiveless eventually start to miss feeling the connection to their Hivemates, with only their own memories. They can live just fine, but they will always have this painful feeling loneliness and longing."

"So them joining other Hive removes those feelings?"

"Yes, we would need to offer a mutually beneficial deal to them and it would be their chose but most would take the offer, especially if the Royal offering treats their own Changelings well."

We'll have to see what comes up in the future for that, is there anything else you wanted to tell me?"

"Why yes, once we get the Scout Hub up and running I might be able to give you something called a "Variant Mission"."

"Variant Mission?"

"Yes, some breeds have different versions other then their default form, like the Ravager, and-."

"Stop, the Ravager? I'm not familiar with that breed, is it a new one?"

"Yes, soon after you went into the cocoon the Ravager was created. Ravagers are a slightly large, a little under a Manticore is size, breed resembling the Pony/Dragon Hybrids. Armed with fangs like that of the Berserker, two wing arms with five fingers tipped with scythe-like blades, a broadsword-like tail-tip blade, and the ability to large the hardened chitin spines that cover their shoulders at a distance, these deadly Changelings are used as heavy assault and shock troopers. While unable to fly the can instead deep tunnel through the ground at rapid speeds, bursting out among enemies to attack and they has lost their Disguise Ability because if their out on the field, the time for staying hidden has passed."

"Sounds like a nasty breed, and you said it has two variants?"

"Yes, the Lurker and the Impaler. Both variants keep most of the same appearance as the Ravager but with one key difference: both lose the ability to launch spines, instead gaining another attack. Lurkers gain a cluster of five long, blade-tipped, multi-segmented tentacles on each shoulder while the Impaler gains a heavier multi-segmented tentacle tipped with a claw consisting of four blades. The Lurker is best against many lightly armored to unarmored foes while the Impaler is best against single heavily armored ones, though both have heavily armored carapace so they can take on other targets then those."

Dragonfly looked a bit shocked at the Ravager and it's variants capabilities.

"Okay what Tier are those?! They sound very dangerous to face in combat, with what they can do."

"They're a Tier 5 breed, and yes, they are very dangerous."

"Okay, might want to keep an eye for those. Back to the Variant Missions."

"Right, Variant Missions appear for whatever compatible breed we have unlocked. Once one is found we launch a small mission to make each of that breed's variant and test it out, then after the mission is complete we come back here were you select which one you want."

"We can't take both?"

"Not at the moment no, we need a Geneweaver first. This is due to the fact that both variants are mutual exclusive with each other, so at first we can pick one and store the other."

"And once we get a Geneweaver, then we can have both?"

"Right," Rhino paused for a second thinking. "All that's left for now is what breeds we have right now, since you already know the Drone and Healer I'll just go over the Worker...

Worker: The caretaker of the Hive, Workers do everything from Hive maintenance, moving eggs and nymphs to safe places, operating buildings, and other such tasks. Due to their roles and the fact they are not fighters they very rarely leave the Hive and each Hive comes with sixty Workers once it is finished being build. One thing to note that Workers will defend themselves if cornered."

Rhino called one up, the Worker looked like a smaller Drone with a shorter horn but looked otherwise the same in appearance. Once the Worker left Rhino remembered something.

"Oh, before I forget, besides the nine, ten if you include Tier 0, Hive Tiers, there is also "Special Tier Breeds". We cannot unlock these breed through research as we will need special items for them."

"And the reason is because these breeds are very powerful and rare."

"Right and that's it for now."

"Thanks Rhino, I'll see you later."

"Later."

Dragon walked back to the Throne Room, on his way he was told through the Hivemind that the Scout Hub was ready and a team of five Scouts had been created and were ready to set out on his orders. Rhino brought up information on the them with their appearance; Scouts looked like Drones but had two long, antenna-like limbs sitting behind the ears, like Spotter's.

Rhino; Scouts: The trailblazers of the Hive, Scouts move about the land finding and searching points of interest, relaying what they find back to the Hive. Their antenna allow them to navigate poorly lit areas, even in almost total darkness and their emotion sense is far more keen then other Changelings, allowing them to gauge another's emotions far better then other Changelings and at a greater range.

Dragonfly entered and sat on his throne, bring the Hive Interface up and selecting the now unlocked Map Screen button. The screen zoomed out very quickly showing a bird's eye view of the surrounding land, Canterlot Mountain easily visible in the distance. Four marks appeared, a green one over were the Hive was located, a black one over the town of Ponyville, another black one over Canterlot, and another black one over a spot in the Whitetail Woods some distance away. Spotter started speaking.

"Welcome to the Map Screen, from here you can direct the Hive's Scout Teams to points of interest, the marks on the map, that the Scout Hub has detected. As upgrades are unlocked we can increase the detection range to find more, the speed the Scouts get there and back to the Hive depends on the distance and what upgrades are unlocked. You can also scout these spots out yourself, but this can be dangerous. So were would you like to spend the Scouts?"

"Mmmmm... let's send them to the mark in the Whitetail Woods, I want to checkout Ponyville myself."

He selected the Scout icon and tapped the mark in Whitetaill Wood, the icon showing it would take three hours for them to get there. After that he selected his own icon and tapped Ponyville, Seeker lead him to the center of the room under the ceiling. Dragonfly watched as it activated, the short claws opening out as the device lowered towards him, light green-colored electricity arcing between the claws and the floor before he was lifted up a few feet, then Dragonfly vanished in a flash of light green light.



Outskirts of Ponyville

A light green sphere of energy appeared within walking distance from the town but was hidden enough to not attract attention, the sphere hovered in place of a second, then burst outward as it vanished, leaving Dragonfly standing in it's place. He rubbed his head as the dizziness and nausea slowly faded, right before;

"Hello testing testing, is this thing on? Testing testing."

"Will you stop shouting into the crystal Darter, you'll give him a headache."

(Rhino and Darter start auguring, Spotter trying to break it up.)

"Dragonfly this is Seeker, are you there?

"Yes, I hear you clear and loud!"

"Sorry, alright you two break it up! Sorry about that, anyway, you are now on the outskirts of the town, within walking distance from the town but was hidden enough to not attract attention. Before you head in pick a disguise for yourself, this will be your "Pony Persona" that the townsfolk will get to know while you're there."

"Okay Seeker, give me a minute."

Dragonfly sat down thinking about what his disguise for a minute, when it hit him.

"My old foal disguise, the one Mom put on me when she brought me here for my fifth birthday."

With a flash of green flame, the Royal Changeling was gone, replaced with a silver Unicorn with red eyes with slit-pupils, long red mane and tail with just the mane braided, and a cutie mark of a black dragonfly with six red wings. The newly disguised Changeling walked over to a puddle to examine himself, he was a little taller than normal, about half a head and was a bit bulkier in body. Dragonfly knew he could pass that off as hard work earlier in his life, he frowned as he looked at the disguise's eyes. For reasons he, Seeker, and Nebula could never figure not, the shape of Dragonfly's eyes would not change, their color and type would just fine but they would always have slit-pupils, no matter how hard he tried.

Overall he looked just like he did as a foal, only aged up to match the years that had gone by.

"How do I looked Seeker?"

"Perfect disguise my Prince, this will make some things easier actually."

"How so?"

"I didn't know about this till recently, but Nebula owned a tea shop here in town. It wasn't open too often because of her duties as Empress but she loved the shop, perfect place to relax and gain more E-energy at the same time. After she left the last time she knew she wouldn't be able to come back because of the looming Civil War, so Nebula told the Mayor, a Mare by the name of... well... Mayor Mare that her son, you might come to run the shop in her absence. From what I can tell here, the townsfolk were sad to see her leave, you still know the lessons she gave you?"

"Yes, I'm not as good as Mom was but I will try my best. What other things could we get here?"

"One second, let us send you something."

Another sphere, only smaller, appeared and dropped off Dragonfly's saddle bags.

"You will need the deed for the place as well as some bits for any purchases. We can use the bits to get things we can't at the Hive, such as other food items like apples. The tea shop also opens up new possibles with the tea, which we'll see as they come."

"Understood Seeker, I'm going in. Talk to you guys later."

"We'll watch through the Hivemind, it allows us to see what you see."

"Really, handy feature. Out."

Dragonfly put on his saddle bags and starting walking towards Ponyville, breathing in the familiar air and wondering just how much had and hadn't changed since the last time he was here.

'Welcome home Dragonfly.'
> Ponyville 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville

Dragonfly happily walked through the town, greeting Ponies back when they did so and enjoying the E-energy in the air. Not much had changed at all since he was last here, sure there were new faces and buildings, but he saw several familiar ones as well.

'Not even ten minutes and I already feel home'

He was heading towards the Town Hall to meet with Mayor Mare about his mother's tea shop, he was hoping that he would be able to purchase it as besides providing the town with good tea and his Hive E-energy he would be able to have a teleport spot to travel to and from his Hive.

He was brought out of his thoughts, and almost his skin, when a pink Earth Pony Mare appeared, quite literally, in front of him. Dragonfly fell onto his rump with a yelp of surprise as the Mare let out a big gasp, then started talking a mile a minute.

"Oh my gosh are you new in Ponyville? Because you must be new in Ponyville because I know everypony in Ponyville and I've never seen you before. You don't look like you're from Ponyville. *GASP* That means you're new and I love meeting new Ponies! New Ponies are always interesting, and new and have so many new things to talk about. So hi my name's Pinkie Pie, what's yours?"

Most of the time Pinkie was talking Dragonfly had been floored by the sheer amount of E-energy she was giving off, she could supply a decent-sized Hive with E-energy easily, and that was just what was coming off her. Ponies, in fact all living creatures, gave off E-energy like steam off boiling water. This energy gathered around places like towns and accumulated over time, filling the air and seeping into the ground and objects.

He thankfully recovered enough to answer her question, he stood up and spoke.

"Hello Pinkie, name's Dragonfly Wings, and I am actually from Ponyville but I haven't been here in years, traveling with my mother. So you probably moved here when I was away, but I'm moving back in now and nice to meet you." Dragonfly said holding out a hoof, this was his plan when meeting Ponies; be friendly as that will work much better than not, and it would help in the future. Pinkie shook his hoof excitedly, then gasped again.

"I almost forgot, I need to get going! I'll see you later and here." She gave him a cupcake and took off in a blur of pink, he chuckled.

"She's an interesting one for sure."

Rhino: "And a good source of E-energy just by herself."

Dragonfly took a bite of his cupcake, and got two surprises; the first was was Pinkie somehow knew his favorite flavor, mint chocolate, and the amount of E-energy in it.

"Seeker, do food items normally have this amount of E-energy in them?"

"Not usually no, unless she put more into it as it was being baked."

"Could she know?"

"No I don't believe so... Ponies do have records on Changelings but they are spotty at best and very old, so Ponies have dismissed them as myth, like Nightmare Moon."

"The Mare in the Moon?"

"Yes, I don't think Pinkie knows, but she isn't a threat if she does, her emotions show no hostility at all, just wanting to make friends."

"Understood, headed over to Town Hall, talk to you later."

Dragonfly finished the cupcake and continued on his way, almost running over a Filly with a yellow coat, red mane and tail, orange eyes, and a large pink ribbon tied into a bow. She was carrying a bucket full of freshly picked apples on her head.

"Whoa! Sorry young one, I didn't see you there."

"It's okay mister, wanna buy some apples? We've got the best apples in Equestria!"

Seeker: "She isn't lying about that. The Apple Clan's fruit of their namesake is the best We've ever had, Princess Celestia herself gave them a Royal Seal of Approval, really boosted their sales in the larger cities."

"And ah helped picked em! that means they're extra tasty!"

Darter: "She's got a lot of enthusiasm this Filly."

Before Dragonfly could respond another voice did first.

"Applebloom! Don't run off like that, can have ya go missing with that bucket now." The new Pony was a Mare with an orange coat, blonde mane and tail tied into ponytails with red ties, green eyes, and a cutie mark of three apples. She wore a light brown stetson hat.

"Ah was just tryin' to sell some apples Applejack."

"Well ya don't go up to random Ponies and ask em if they wanna buy some apples." She said gently, then turned to Dragonfly.

"Howdy," She tipped her hat, "Ah reckon ya'll must be new in town, judgin' by those bags ya got there."

"Why yes, I was actually born in town but left with my mother on her travels. Now I'm coming back here and well hopefully be moving in soon."

"Well, welcome back then. What's your name?"

"Name's Dragonfly Wings, and you two are?"

"I'm Applejack, and this here is ma' little sister Applebloom."

"Hi ya." Applebloom said with a bounce, the bucket atop her head shifting a little, and it would have fallen over if Applejack hadn't caught it.

"Easy there Applebloom." She and Dragonfly giggled, then Applejack turned back to Dragonfly."

"So what brings ya into town besides Ponyville bein' ya hometown."

"Well Miss Applejack-"

"Just Applejack please, miss makes me fell old."

"Okay Applejack, would you by any chance be familiar with or at least know of a Mare by the name of Nebula Sheen?"

Applejack thought for a few seconds, then perked up as it came to her.

"Why yes, she was the best tea maker in town, and our Granny Smith loved her tea, said it help with her back and joint pains. Ah was only a young Filly then but ah know Granny was very upset to see Miss Sheen closed down, in fact her old shop is still here, kept in good condition by the townsfolk in case she came back but otherwise as she left it."

Dragonfly eyes brightened upon hearing this.

'Prefect!'

Applejack noticed his bright eyes, tilting her her slightly.

"Why do ya ask?"

"Well Applejack, truth be told;" Dragonfly used his magic to pull a picture out of his saddle bags, it was Nebula Sheen in her Pony disguise: a Mare with a snow white coat and her mane and tail in their own colors like his own. Her cutie mark was a tea cup with a purple nebula coming out of it instead of steam. He pointed to the young Colt on her back.

"I'm her son."

"Well landsnakes! I reckon then ya'll her to reopen the shop." Applejack said, looking quite happy.

"Yes, I'm not as good at making tea as Mom but I'm will to try my best, she did teach me a few thing in tea making."

"Well Granny's gonna be happier the a hog in the mud when she hears this, tell ya what Dragonfly, how about a free sample? A gift from Sweet Apple Aces as a thank you."

Rhino: "Take it Dragonfly, you wouldn't regret it. Trust me.

"Thanks Applejack, that reminds me actually; Would it be possible to set up a deal of some sort once I get the shop open? Some teas require things from apples and the trees that grow them."

"Ah be glad to set somethin' up for ya, ah'll even whip up some brunch when ya visit."

"Great, I'd better get to Town Hall before it get's too late. Talk to you two later."

"See ya 'round."

"By mister Wings."

The three parted ways and Dragonfly went on his way after Applejack gave him an apple, he bit into it and found Rhino was right, it was good.

Looks like these apples have been infused with E-energy, looks like we found the first food item.

Seeker: "Yes, but for now once we start bringing them in let's give the apples out as treats as getting enough for a meal might be difficult."

Dragonfly soon reached the Town Hall, it was rather hard to miss as it was the tallest building in town. He entered the building and asked to see the Mayor, after the Receptionist asked him to wait for a moment while she when to get the Mayor he sat down and pulled out the deed to Nebula's shop. He didn't have to wait long as the Receptionist soon returned with Mayor Mare; she had a light brown coat and grey mane and tail, her cutie mark was a  rolled up scroll wrapped in a blue ribbon. She wore a pair of glasses with a yellow frame.

"The Mayor will see you now, sir."

"Thank you." Dragonfly said as he stood up and walked toward Mayor Mare, who was looking at him closely.

"Do I know you? You seem... familiar."

"Well Mayor, would the name "Nebula Sheen" mean anything to you?"

"Why yes, Nebula and I were good friends, loved her tea as many in town did. Why?"

Dragonfly showed her the picture he showed Applejack earlier, the Mare's eyes widened seeing it.

"That's why you look familiar, you're Nebula Sheen's son!"

"Yep, and I'm here to reopen her shop. Got the deed and all."

"Well that's great news! Many of the townsfolk will be very happy to here the shop's reopening again."

"I'm not as good as Mom in making tea but she did give me lessons and I'm welling to try my best."

"Well follow me and we can get things squared away, that reminds me actually, Nebula Sheen left something for you should you ever came by."

"Oh? What is it?"

"I'll show you after we get though the paperwork."

"Dang, paperwork."

"I know, it sucks but its important."

"Let's get it over with then."



Later

After a few hours with breaks, the paperwork was complete and Dragonfly now owned the tea shop. Besides the shop itself Nebula had left every he would to sell legally, and she also left, much to his surprise, a large amount of bits. From what Mayor Mare had told him that Nebula had left the bits here in his name for when he needed them.

'Mom really planned for all this, thanks ma, I wouldn't let you and Dad down.'

Once all that was down Dragonfly thanked her for her time and left the Town Hall with the keys to the tea shop, finding it, like Applejack had said, in good condition on the edge of town close to Sweet Apple Aces. In appearance it was a three-story building that looked like the rest of the houses in Ponyville but with a shop built into the first level, to the left side going around to the back was a large and well maintained garden with a trellis wall around the outer edge with a trellis gate leading in. The interior included the main area complete with tables, a small counter for snacks on the right wall, a bookshelf lining the left, and the counter with everything one would for tea and a door leading to the kitchen, storage room and stairs leading to the upper levels.

"Quite a set-up Mom had here."

Seeker: "She did, and now you can use it as well."

"It will take a couple of days to set everything up but at least the shop gives us a place in town."

For the next few hours Dragonfly began getting things ready for the reopening, planting seeds, cleaning and taking inventory, during that he got word that the Scouts, who had taken longer due to having to work their way around Timber Wolf packs, had entered the Whitetail woods and had reached the marked area. They found an old Changeling den that had been abandoned for years, forgotten inside was a crate of Slime and another of chitin, along with two Hive Lore Cocoons. He ordered them brought back to the Hive before the Scouts went to the next mark, located in the outer areas of the Everfree Forest.

Once Dragonfly had set up a teleport point in the master bedroom on the top floor he set out to explore the rest of the town. Stopping first at Sugar Cube Corner, the ever popular sweet shop in the shape of a gingerbread house and workplace of Pinkie Pie. He walked in and took in the scents of the baking.

"Ahh... nothing like the smell of freshly made sweets."

The Pony at the counter, an Earth Pony Mare with a light blue coat, a light crimson mane and tail with pale stripes, rose eyes, and a cutie mark of three cupcakes greeted him. She introduced herself as Cup Cake or Mrs Cake, with Dragonfly introducing himself. They talked for a few minutes before she asked him if he wanted anything, Dragonfly looked over the display case.

"Mmmm... I would like about a dozen cinnamon rolls please."

"Sure thing hon, that will be twelve bit please, and will it be here or to go?"

"To go please, and thank y-BWAH!"

Dragonfly had opened his addle bag to get the bits, only for Pinkie Pie to suddenly spring out of it like the old "can of snakes" gag, causing him to let out a yelp in surprise.

"Hi Mrs Cake! Hi Dragonfly!"

"Pinkie, what have I told you about randomly jumping out like that." Mrs Cake lightly scolded her.

"Ooops, don't do it with customers." Pinkie said a little sheepishly.

"Yes, now please apologize."

Before Pinkie could Dragonfly recovered.

"It okay Pinkie, I will say you did get me good."

"Seeker, why didn't I pick her up with my emotion sense before I opened the bag?!"

"I don't know, really."

"Best we keep watch for more of that in the future."

After paying for the cinnamon rolls and talking with the two Mares for a minute Dragonfly left and headed to Sweet Apple Ares to see about getting that deal with Applejack, on his way Applebloom came up to him and walked with him, talking and asking questions.

"So miser Dragonfly, what does your cutie mark mean?"

"Well Applebloom, certain and rare insects, Six-Winged Dragonflies among them, have special magic properties in them that allow them to cast very basic magic. My cutie mark shows my ability to find and study them, I'm actually named after the Six-winged shadow Dragonfly, said to be able to change its appearance to hide from predators."

That actually wasn't a lie, the only thing he had changed was the fact that the insects were Changelings, everything else was true. As the two continued down the path Dragonfly almost bumped into a very large Earth Pony Stallion with a red coat, orange mane and tail that was cut short, green eyes, and a cutie mark of a large green apple sliced in half. Around his neck he wore a brown yoke. Dragonfly was a bit startled by the Pony's size, though thankful the giant turned out to be easy-going, Applebloom introduced him as Big McIntosh, or Big Mac for short, Applejack's and Applebloom's older brother. Dragonfly introduced himself and explained why he was headed to Sweet Apple Ares, Big Mac nodded with a "Eeyup." (He apparently only started speaking in full sentences if things were serous) and lead him over to the farm.

It took some time to work out the details, (Applejack turned out be be the worst at math that Dragonfly had ever seen, Big Mac thankfully handled the math) but in the end everything was squared away and Dragonfly started making his way back to the shop.

That was when something happened.

Dragonfly had just entered the main square, which by this point was empty as most Ponies had gone home for the night, when he, by random chance, glanced at the only other Pony out in the square, who had glanced back at him. It was in that second that their gazes locked together, and Dragonfly's senses told him something was wrong;

This Pony, a Pegasus Stallion with a dark gray coat, short blue-silver striped mane and tail, amber eyes and a cutie mark of a storm cloud with a lightning bolt descending from it, was not a Pony! But another Changeling, and one not from his Hive!

The disguised Changeling, apparently sensing that he was staring a Royal in the eye, starting looking very worried, his eyes showing that, shock and fear, and slowly began to walk backwards, before spreading his wings and taking off, Dragonfly hot on his tail. He didn't know if this Changeling was from Chrysalis's Hive or not, but Dragonfly wasn't taking that risk, so he chased after the fleeing one.

The Changeling manged to keep away from Dragonfly at first but the Royal had a few tricks of his own.

'He's a good flyer I'll give him that, but let's see how he handles this.'

Dragonfly focused his magic and vanished in a flash of green, reappearing right on the fleeing Changeling's back and bringing both to the ground. Once the landed Dragonfly quickly pinned the other Changeling under him, using his magic to hold the other's wings and limbs in place. The Changeling struggled like his life depended on it but gave up after a few seconds, looking at the Royal with a very fearful look, tears starting to slowly come out of the corners of his eye's.

"“P-p-please, d-don’t hurt m-me!” the Changeling pleaded, clearly very scared of Dragonfly, who looked around while keeping an eye on the other one to make sure they were alone. They were, Dragonfly looked back at the other fully and dropped his disguise.

"Who. Are. You." That wasn't a question, that wasn't even a threat, it was a promise.

The other Changeling immediately dropped his own, revealing a Changeling breed that Dragonfly was unfamiliar with, he looked like a regular Pegasus, with the amber eyes staying the same along with the color of his mane and tail, but he had the carapace, fangs, backplate, and holes of a Changeling. The most unique feature was his wings; they looked like a Pegasus's, but the feathers were replaced with membrane like the type that made up a Changeling's own.

"My-my-my name's Thunderlane, and I'm- I'm a Hybrid, I'm not in any Hives, especially not Chrysalis'. I'm a Hiveless!"

Dragonfly's slitted pupils narrowed, a Hybrid, something he had never heard about.

"Rhino, explain, now."
> Ponyville 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Rhino, explain, now."

"This would be easier to explain back at the Hive, and I assure you Dragonfly, this Changeling isn't a threat to you. Hiveless know that attacking a Royal, young or not, is a really bad idea for their welfare."

"Either way, I'm bringing this one back to the Hive."

Seeker: "Understood, we'll be waiting."

Dragonfly looked at the Hybrid, who was looking back fearfully, then slowly spoke.

"Thunderlane is it?" The Hybrid nodded, "Here's what's going to happen; I'm not going to hurt you as long as you don't give me a reason and you're coming with me back to my Hive, from there I'm sure we can work something out. But before I let you up I have one question: are there more of you here in Ponyville?"

"Just one; my little bro Rumble, he's back at my place likely waiting for me. There are also two Ponies that know what me and Rumble are."

At Dragonfly's surprised look Thunderlane quickly continued,

"They walked in on me one day as I was showing Rumble how our Disguise Ability worked, I fully admit that I begged them not to say anything about what they saw, both Pinkie Promised that they would keep it secret."

"Pinkie Promised?" Dragonfly as he let Thunderlane up.

"It a special promise we in Ponyville do; Pinkie explains that once somepony does these motions: Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my ey-ow!" He accidentally poked himself in the eye doing the last gesture.

"Remember to shut your eye first though."

"Yes, basically if one makes this promise they must keep it, the only time it can be safely broken is is very serious situations, like if somepony's life is in danger."

"What happens if it isn't?"

"Nopony really knows, but at the same time they'd rather not find out. Don't get me wrong, Pinkie's a very nice Mare and all that , just..."

"Beware the nice ones."

"Pretty much."

"Got it, let's go get your brother and those two Ponies."

"They're going too?" Thunderlane had a brief look of panic flash on his face.

"You don't need to worry Thunderlane, I promise, Pinkie Promise even," Dragonfly did the motions, "that they will not be harmed. I just want them there as since they already know of you and your brother, they should know about my Hive as well before something goes wrong. My question is are they trustworthy?"

"Absolutely, I've know them for years and they've kept mine and Rumble's secret for most of that time."

"Alright, let's go."

The two replied their disguises and headed to Thunderlane's place, a two-story house with a third level made from clouds. He walked up to the door with Dragonfly behind him and entered, and just as Thunderlane had said, his younger brother Rumble was waiting, along with the two Ponies; Pegasus Mares by the names of Flitter and Cloud Chaser.

Flitter was a little shorter than Cloud Chaser and had a grayish blue coat with a grayish opal mane and tail with a pink bow tied in the former and grayish raspberry eyes. Her cutie mark was three blue and white dragonflies. Cloud Chaser was a little bigger then Flitter and had a Persian blue coat, light blue mane and tail with white highlights and pink eyes. her cutie mark was shooting star.

The three of them were shocked by  what had happened, but agreed to come along. Dragonfly brought them back to the tea shop and the teleport point, activating it and sending them all to the Hive.




The Hive

The teleporter lowered towards the floor spreading its claws and a green flash appeared under it, the teleporter raising again after Dragonfly and his guests and been set on the floor. The two Mares had to lie down for a minute to recover while Thunderlane looked around and Rumble checked on the two.

Seeker and Rhino apporached as Spotter and Darter stood back, Dragonfly looked over at his guests, waiting as they recovered. Once they did they looked around in awe of the Throne Room, soon seeing Dragonfly sit down on his throne with his commanders on the sides. Flitter and Cloud Chaser, perhaps due to habit, bowed with Thunderlane and Rumble.

"You don't need to bow, Flitter and Cloud Chaser, you're not my Changelings. Thunderlane and Rumble, please raise."

The four stood up as Dragonfly continued by asking Rhino to explain what a Hybrid was.

"Hybrid Changelings are the result of a Changeling mating with a member of another species, in this case Ponies. Three are three types; Partial, Half, and Full. Partial resemble their other parent species the closest and are in fact physically indistinguishable, Half also resemble their other parent's species but have the fangs, backplate, horn, and holes of their Changeling perent. Full, like Thunderlane and Rumble here, fully resemble Changelings but with added features from their other parent's species, like in this case the eyes, mane and tail, and cutie mark."

Dragonfly took a quick look at Thunderlane and sure enough, there was the cutie mark, right were it was supposed to be.

"What are their capabilities?" He asked, Rhino continued.

"Well unlike most breeds Hybrids do not require E-energy, rather they emit it like their other parent's species."

"Which provides another source among others, how do they do it?"

"A few ways, the most simple is just being among their Hivemates, another is going to the Hive's Heart, placing their hooves or other limbs on it. and channeling some into it. I should note though that they do consume a little more food."

"And what of their other traits?"

"Depends on the type; Partial only have a basic Emotion Sense and their Disguise Ability doesn't work, though because they are physically indistinguishable from their other parent's species this isn't to big of a problem. But on the other hoof among their other parent's species they are perfect Infiltrators and as they emit E-energy they can really help a Hive if they have a shortage. Half have a better sense, but there disguises are... random at best when active, they only work when they feel like it. However Half are able to take a lot damage and recover from wounds very quickly. And Full combine the best of both; they have the full disguise and sense of Changelings, with the abilities of their other parent's species. In this case with Thunderlane and Rumble they have Pegasus Magic and all it brings."

Dragonfly nodded in understanding, turning to the four waiting guests. He turned to the Mares first.

"Flitter, Cloud Chaser, from what I understand you've known about Thunderlane and Rumble being Pony/Changeling Hybrids for years and have kept it secret all that time. Is this true?"

Flitter spoke first.

"Yes, we walked in on him while he was teaching Rumble about the disguises, I don't think we've seen anypony, or Creature for that matter, that terrified. The first thing he did was beg us not to harm Rumble, we were a little too surprised to respond at first but eventually he settled down and Thunderlane explained what he and Rumble were."

Cloud Chaser went next.

"He told us everything, from about why he was here and the going on back with the other Hives, including the Civil War."

Dragonfly blinked at bit at the last part, he turned to Thunderlane.

"What Hive are you and your brother from?"

"Hive Moth, one of the first to fall. Our parents... I'd rather not talk about it, only that I know they're dead."

Dragonfly nodded and turned back to the Mares.

"You two do know that, by showing you the Hive, we're taking a pretty large risk here; as far as Chrysalis knows, I was killed by Timber Wolves three years ago. I want to keep it that way, for now at least. If she knows I'm alive she come after not just my Hive before its ready, but most likely Ponyville as well and that's something none of us want. Will you two be able to keep this secret?"

Both Mares immediately nodded, doing the motions of a Pinkie Promise.

"Prince Dragonfly, we Pinkie Promise that we will keep this all secret, we've been doing it for Thunderlane and Rumble, both of who are very important to us, so we will do the same for your Hive." Flitter said, Cloud agreeing.

Dragonfly allowed a closed mouth smile to appear, he had been using his Emotion Sense the whole time and could tell to two Mares were genuine in their promise.

"Then I believe we'll get along just fine, and in exchange for keeping this secret, I'll set up a teleport point in your house. Congratulations Flitter, Cloud Chaser, you two are now honorary members of the Dragonfly Hive."

The four looked surprised at what he just said, the Mares looking a bit confused as well. Seeker explained it to them.

"You see, as honorary members you'll be able to access the Hive through the point at anytime, you'll also get a special link that will alert the Hive if you two are ever in danger, and we will help support you in your current and any future jobs."

Flitter and Cloud took it in and smiled brightly while Dragonfly turned to Thunderlane and Rumble, both of whom looked relieved.

"Thank you Prince Dragonfly, we wouldn't let you or your Hive down." Cloud said, he smiled at them then turned to the two Hybrids.

"Now Thunderlane and Rumble, as Hiveless I'm guessing you former Royal severed their Hivemind before they died."

"Yes, before she did she told us to run, run and live. As far as I know, Rumble and I are the only ones who escaped. We haven't seen any others from our Hive since." Thunderlane said.

He let out a sign, looking down at the floor.

"I will admit, I've had this feeling of loneliness and longing since then, Rumble and the girls have helped majorly, but its still there."

"Well Thunderlane, would you and Rumble be interested in join our Hive then?"

Thunderlane's Head snapped up with a look of shocked surprised, and hope.

"Really?!"

Dragonfly smiled, walked down from his throne, and gently touched his horn with Thunderlane's. He was shocked at first, but he soon felt Dragonfly's presence with his mind, asking to connect the Hivemind with him. Thunderlane closed his eyes with Dragonfly and accepted. To Thunderlane he began to feel the loneliness and longing he had held for years fade away as his mind began to fill the the voices of Dragonfly's Hive, all welcoming him in. Everycreature else saw Thunderlane's backplate slowly change from gray to a shiny metallic silver and grow a short spike in the center, something that all of the Dragonfly Hive Changelings had as well.

After a few seconds the two pulled back from each other, both smiling with Thunder very lightly shedding small tears of joy and relief, joy at rejoining a Hive and relief as the pain he had held onto for years had finally faded away.

"Welcome to the Hive Thunderlane." Dragonfly said, pulling the Hive's newest member into a hug, surprising the Hybrid who after recovering returned it fully. Dragonfly then did the same with Rumble, who happily accepted it as well as Flitter and Cloud wrapped Thunderlane into a two-way hug.

Once everything was down the four of them returned to the tea shop and, after making sure their disguises were up, headed into the main area, with Dragonfly in front. He opened the door and...

"SURPRISE!!!"

Nearly jumped out of his skin for a second time that day at the party Pinkie had set up while they were gone, Dragonfly took the laughter of his scare in stride and congratulated Pinkie for the party, saying...

"Good job Pinkie, I'm not one who's surprised too easily, now let's get this party started. Sorry it took us so long."

"No worries Wingy, just made your reaction worth it."

"Wingy?" The smile showing he wasn't insulted at all.

"Okay everypony, let's PAR-TY!"

And party they did.



The Next morning

Dragonfly groaned from the cider-induced hangover he had.

'Just how much did I drink last night? Good thing it wasn't the hard cider.'

The party and ran long into the night, Pinkie had gone all out with many snacks and drinks. During the party he had meet most of the town's Ponies, Many of whom were very happy on the tea shop being opened again. He got up and contacted the Hive.

Seeker, how are things at the Hive?"

"Things are good here, some of the Changelings are a bit upset that they missed the party but they liked the cinnamon rolls."

"Yea sorry about that, how are our new members?"

"Settling in nicely, and the sisters are so far keeping their word."

"Thunderlane did say they're trustworthy but we'll have to wait and see, anyway could you tell me about the locations of note in town?"

"Sure, here are the locations of note; Town Hall: The center of the town, from here you can keep track of local events and where records are keep if you need them. This all so the workplace of Mayor Mare, she can give quests related to town events and news on the outside world.

The Marketplace: This is were you can get various items from food to cooking utensils and soap, the Apple Family has their own stall were you can buy apples.

Barnyard Bargains: This shopping mall is owned by the Rich Family and sells a large variety of goods, including items not sold in the Marketplace.

Sugarcube Corner: The local sweet shop, you can buy many different sweets and pastries from here. Due to this place's popularity it has a large deposit of E-energy making it a good spot for the Gatherers, it is the workplace of the Cakes and Pinkie Pie. They can give quests to help them gather items they need and Pinkie's parties are a great source of E-energy by themselves.

The Day Spa: While this place my not be as important as the other's, It is a great place to relax after a hard day and offers a wide variety of options.

Golden Oaks Library: This place is closed right now but it will offer what you would expect from a Library.

And finally the Train Station: From here you will be able to travel to other locations in Equestria.

"I Thank that's enough for now Seeker, I need to start getting things ready for the shop's reopening."

"Okay, let me know when you want to continue."

"I will, out."

Dragonfly walked downstairs and into the storeroom.

"Time to start gathering what I need."
> Hive 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest

Later that Day

Dragonfly stood with a group of five Drones and two Healers a little ways in past the boarder of the Everfree Forest, earlier that morning he had sent Scouts to a Point of Interest in the Everfree and they had found something of note. The Scouts had reported a small area with plants needed to make some special and powerful teas when they had come across hoof-shaped tracks. Once they reported back Dragonfly took a small group with him to investigate.



Mission: Everfree Two

Main Objectives:

Gather Plants needed for the shop

Dragonfly must survive
________________________

Bonus Objective(s):

Find the source of the tracks
________________________

New Unit(s): None
________________________

Briefing

Dragonfly: Alright my friends, we need to gather the plants I listed for the shop. We're not going very deep so we should be alright as only Light and Normal Timber Wolves have been seen in this area, but the Scouts reported strange tracks close to the plants so keep watch for the owner, the tracks are still fresh so they might still be around. They also reported possible resource deposits in the area so keep an eye not for those.




Dragonfly's group moved along the marked path to the plant's location, along the way they got into a few fights with the local Timber Wolves but it wasn't anything the group couldn't handle on their own. They also found several resource deposits like the Scouts had said, getting quite a good chuck of Changeling Slime, Hive Chitin, and even two Hive Cores.

It didn't take long for them to find the plants and two Drones gathered them with Dragonfly as the others kept watch, once they finished they started walking back. As they did Seeker contacted them;

"Dragonfly, the Workers and Drones here have finished building a Medical Den, Food Burrow, two Hunter Dens, a Gathering Den, a Slime Den, a Relaxation Den, and two Watch Burrows. Our Slime resources are a bit low but the Slime Den will make more and we can now train Sentries."

"Understood Seeker, we're going to take a look at the tracks than come back, out."

After a bit of walking they found the tracks, Dragonfly leaned down and ran a hoof over one of the prints. He frowned, there were two sets of larger ones, quite large in fact.

"Rhino, are you seeing these?"

"Yes, the tracks do belong to Changelings but are too smudged for me to tell which breed, but I think they might belong to Juggernauts judging from the size."

"We'll follow them and see, out."

Dragonfly's group followed the tracks for a bit but they went too deep into the forest and the group couldn't go any further, they did find three Hive Lore Cocoons though.

"Seeker, Rhino, we followed the tracks but they go deeper into the forest, were we can't go right now. We did however find three Hive Lore Cocoons."

"Understood Dragonfly, bring them back and we can start looking over what's next for the Hive."

"On our way, out."

Once they packed them up the group went home,

...unaware that they were being watched.

In the bushes a few meters away two large figures watched as Dragonfly and his group left, the one on the left spoke first.

"Glad to see our Prince is still alive and kicking, huh Titan?"

"Indeed Spartan, like the others we too had thought he was killed by those Timber Wolves. I still remember the Empress showing us the blooded scarf."

"And we hunted that pack down, and made sure they would never harm another creature again. I must ask though, why not just reveal ourselves to him? He would be very happy to see us, after all we did take a major part in raising him,"

"You know the Empress' orders: only do so if we need to, as the False Queen Chrysalis thinks he's dead. She must not know our Prince is still alive."

There as a bit of a pause before Spartan said,

"I feel that there's more then that brother." Titan looked at the ground and let a sad sign out before looking back at his brother.

"We failed to protect him that day Spartan, we're not worthy of being part of his Hive."

"Titan, you and I both know Prince Dragonfly wouldn't care and him "dying" was all part of Empress Nebula's and Emperor Saber's plan. So we didn't fail him, stop beating yourself up over it Titan. Our Prince is still alive and healthy, and so is his Hive."

"I know Spartan, I just... I just can't now."

Spartan carefully walked over and hugged his brother who returned it.

"I know Titan, I remember clear as day how upset you were seeing the blood-stained scarf. You breaking down and just crying your eyes out, but it's time to let it go, our Prince is still alive and well, we never failed him."

They pulled out of the hug.

"Thanks Spartan, let's go."

Spartan nodded and the two Juggernauts walked deeper into the forest, though Spartan paused and looked back in the direction Dragonfly's group had left.

'We'll meet again one day my Prince, and my brother and I will join your Hive.'

With that he disappeared into the dark woods.




Mission: Everfree Two ; Complete

Main Objectives:

Gather Plants needed for the shop; Complete

Dragonfly must survive; Complete
________________________

Bonus Objective(s):

Find the source of the tracks; Complete, +15 Research points
________________________

Debriefing

Dragonfly: We got the plants and returned to the Hive, soon the shop will reopen. I do wonder who or what those tracks belonged to though, Rhino believes it was Juggernauts. My question is why would they be here if that was the case, and what Hive are they from? I don't think they're from Chrysalis' as our Hive itself would have alerted us long before they got this close, could they be Hiveless? If so, why didn't they reveal themselves? At least we found more Hive Lore Cocoons, but I have so many questions, The Hive thinks who or whatever left those tracks know we're here, so I've told the Scouts to keep an eye out for more sightings. Who are they?

Until next time.

Dragonfly Wings, son of Empress Nebula Sheen and Royal Knight Black Saber. May the First Mother watch over you.




Dragonfly Hive

Throne Room

Dragonfly sat on his throne and brought up the Hive Interface, Seeker sat next to him in his usual place next to the throne and Rhino sat next to Seeker.

"Now that we've built Watch Burrows we can now create Sentries, Rhino shall explain." Seeker said as Rhino came forward and a small screen appeared on Dragonfly's screen, the small screen showed a Drone-like Changeling that was a bit bigger and had a horn like Rhino's and a heavy shell-like backplate that covered the wings.

"Sentries: The first line of defense for a Hive, Sentries while not very fast are able to both give and take a good amount of damage and are able to release a powerful alarm-like screech that both stuns enemies and sends the rest of the Hive into alert. Though they can fly the bulky shell on their backs limit their speed and maneuverability but to counter this their magic attacks are powerful enough to knock even a full grown Manticore back."

"Each Watch Burrow can support up to five Sentries at a time, What would you like to do next?" 

Dragonfly looked over the interface, now that at least on of all but the Resource Den had been built he could select new things to research and more buildings to build.

"Well if I'm right about this, the Better Hunters' Gear upgrade allows the hunters to gather more food, the Efficient Gathering upgrade allows the Gatherers to get resources faster, and the Energy Emitter upgrade adds a special crystal to the buildings that gives the Changelings working there purer E-energy allowing them to work more efficiently."

"Right on all three, the Energy Emitter can also be further upgraded down the line, and speaking of the Gatherers."

Another screen came up showing a Changeling that resembled a Drone but stood a little taller with a longer horn, the most eye catching feature was a pair of light green tubes that traveled from the base of the horn down the back of the neck, over the back plate and into two deflated saddle bag-like growths that hang over the Changeling's flanks.

"Gatherer: Unique to the Dragonfly Hive, this breed enters towns and cities at night and finds the spots were the purest E-energy deposits have formed, it then fires a magic tether into it and draws the energy down the tether, filtering through the horn, through the tubes and finally into the bags. Once the bags and tubes are full the Gatherer return to it's Hive and drops off the energy. A single Gatherer could bring in enough to feed 25% of a large hive with no harm to the Ponies or other Creatures this way."

Dragonfly smiled as Rhino finished explaining the Gatherers than turned back to Seeker.

"What does the Energy Beacon, Slime Pod, Chitin Shredder, and Crystal Grower do?"

"The Energy Beacon is like a miniature Hive's Heart, it sets up E-energy zones on the ceiling for the buildings set up there though the zone has a limited range.

The Slime Pod is one of a few that can only be placed on special spots, in this case the spot is called a "Slime Nodes", once placed they make Slime at a steady rate.

The Chitin Shredder is similar to the Slime Pod as it can only be  built on spots called "Chitin Spikes", the workers of this structure break pieces off, melt them down, and than pour the molten Chitin into molds.

And the Crystal Grower, when placed on "Crystal Roots", grows the Changeling Crystals slowly over time and the Workers harvest them once the crystals when they're ripe."

"Ripe? are they fruit or something?"

"I don't get it either. Now these three buildings can be upgraded to Advanced then to Hive, but in order to build and upgrade them we not only need to unlock them but we need Hive Cores."

"Which are rare and we need to save the six we do have for other things right now."

"Yes. Now our Scouts have been to several areas of interest but have only found small amounts of resources, including somethings needed for the shop."

"Okay Seeker, anything else?"

Not at the moment no, it is getting late so let's get some supper and we can go over anything else tomorrow."

Dragonfly nodded and walked with Seeker out of the throne room, when the latter suddenly stopped with his head shooting up.

"Oh! I almost forgot, there is one place we we haven't show you yet."

"And that would be?"

"The Hive's Egg Chamber."

"Well lead the way, that is one of the most important chambers for a Hive."

The two soon reached the level below Dragonfly's Private Quarters, crossing paths with Rhino, Darter and Spotter who tagged along. The Egg Chamber, also known as the Nursery Chamber, was a large mostly empty room with numerous Changeling Eggs lay all over the floor. Moving among the eggs and hatched Larva were several Healers tending to the young, Dragonfly walked into the chamber and laid down, allowing the Larva to crawl over him as he nuzzled some who sat between his front legs. Rhino spoke as he did this.

"The Egg Chamber is were every egg the Hive's Changelings lay are stored and a small amount of Healers look after them, from Egg to Larva to Nymph. While different Royals have different ways of bonding with the younglings Nebula for example would come to her Egg Chamber and spend time with her Hive's younglings at the very least once a week."

Dragonfly happened to look up at the far back wall and suddenly leaped to his hooves, very tense and alert, using his magic to keep the Larva on and close to him from getting hurt.

"Rhino, Seeker, why is there a giant SPIDER over there, in the same room were the Hive's young are kept!?" Dragonfly slowly moved the young in his magic behind him and got into a combat pose, glancing up he noticed there were at least six more of them. The spiders in question looked like an odd mix of a Cat Faced Spider, a Funnel-Web Spider, and a Tarantula. Their cephalothorax (The part with the mouth and legs) was at least the size of Big Mac, the abdomen was easily the size of the carts in Ponyville and the legs were at least ten feet in length.

Dragonfly felt a great pit of extreme primal fear form within but his instinct to protect the young overrode it, the seven spiders, apparently realizing the danger of a protective and sacred Royal retreated into their funnel webs a bit so only their front legs and eyes were visible. Seeker rushed forward, trying to calm Dragonfly down when he saw the Royal's horn light up for an attack.

"Whoa whoa Dragonfly stop! It's alright! Take it easy! These spiders are not a threat." He wilted a bit at the nasty glare his Prince gave him.

"Oh really. What are they then?!" Rhino took it from there.

"They're called Hive Spiders, and this species of spider was domesticated a long time ago to help protect the young from smaller pests and parasites, as well as serving as an early warning system and help guard the Hive from intruders. They're completely docile to Changelings of this Hive along with any allies, if fact they care for the Hive's young as much as a caring mother would."

"Though funny enough, Ponies tend to call these spiders "Nope Spiders"." Darter said, Spotter then added.

"Sorry we didn't tell you Dragonfly, we forgot that you're terrified of spiders."

Unlike most who had Arachnophobia, the fear of spider, Dragonfly actually had a legitimate reason. When he was still a young Nymph Dragonfly got caught in the web of a large Badlands Spider, which could grow to be about the size of a Yak in cephalothorax alone. He had almost been eaten that day and would have if not for the quick reactions of Nebula's two Juggernaut bodyguards, Titan and Spartan.

The spider's fangs were literally just touching his neck when the Juggernauts' magic hit.

Unsurprisingly the experience left Dragonfly with what was perhaps the worst fear of spiders in history, it took at least half a year before he could sleep alone. He spent that time sleeping right up against either his mother, father, one of the two Juggernauts, or any other members of the Hive. He also suffered from nightmares so bad the the Hive grew worried about the young Royal's mental health, Nebula had to actually use a specially modified sleeping spell on Dragonfly so he could even sleep.

Now that he was older he was okay with small ones as long as they weren't on him, larger ones he could tolerate as long as they kept their distance. Spiders that were bigger than him were at the level of what had become known among the Hive as the "Nope Nope Nope so much NOPE!!" level, and that was the level that Dragonfly would attack first and ask no questions.

The spiders above retreated completely into their funnels, understanding that they were triggering a pretty large fear in the Royal. After calming Dragonfly down Seeker suggested some exposure therapy so he could get use to them, for the sake of the young.

Dragonfly grudgingly agreed, but only on the insistence that he would have backup whenever he was with those spiders.

After Dragonfly had gone to bed the four of them met in the Throne Room, Seeker wiped some sweat from his forehead.

"Whew, I think we avoided a Megaspell there."

"No kidding, we completely forgot that Dragonfly is terrified of spiders." Spotter said.

"Considering what caused that fear, I don't blame him." Rhino said.

"At least he is willing, however grudgingly, to allow them to stay." Darter said.

The others agreed before their faces split open from powerful yawns, they said their goodnights and went to bed.
> Ponyville 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville

It took a few more days for Dragonfly to get the tea shop, known as the "Cozy Rest" up and running, but once everything was ready he send out word of what day he was opening. The day came and the grand reopening was a stellar success, almost all of the Ponies in town showed up, happy for the shop being back and they said that while the tea wasn't quite the same as his mother's, it was very close. Dragonfly also reinstated a number of his mother's policies, which included the offers of one free tea to first time customers and ready to buy bags of tea mixtures. Pinkie also threw a "Shop Reopening Party" to celebrate as well, he also set up a deal with the Cakes in where he would have a small selection of treats and the Cakes would get free tea twice a month.

Another thing he added was a small set of book shelves that lined the wall to the right of the door, giving Ponies something to read while they enjoyed their tea. The garden behind the shop was soon expanded around the sides and a bit out front with a little dining nook added to the front, the garden soon filled with a huge amount of herbs, berry bushes, and wild flowers, with various kinds of vines and flowers growing along the trellis wall. Ponies enjoyed siting out in the the nooks and chattered with each other, enjoying the scenery and the nice weather.

Among the regulars was a Unicorn Mare named Rarity, she had a white coat with purple mane and tail, blue eyes and a Cutie Mark of three blue diamonds. She wore light blue eyeshadow. Rarity was a nice Mare but her high-class attitude was a bit annoying, she also tried a few times to use her charms on him but he simply told her that while she was pretty she wasn't his type. She did stop after a bit.

Rarity was owner of the Carousel Boutique, her home and workplace, where she made dresses, suits and other clothing for customers. She had offered to design him table cloths, curtains and other decorations and Dragonfly gladly accepted, not really having a taste for interior decorating. He returned her generous offer with free tea for a month for her help.

She would often invite him to the boutique when he wasn't busy (either at the shop or back at the Hive) and would chat with him while dressing him in fancy outfits, some of which actually looked very nice on him. At the moment she was working on an outfit that Dragonfly had ordered for formal outgoings as a just encase sort of thing, you never know.

"I have to say darling, it's very rare that I get to work with silver, and many Mares and Stallions would kill for this beautiful coat of yours. It's simply stunning."

"Thanks Rarity, I think I got it from my mother."

"Oh yes, I remember chatting with her on several occasions. Such a nice and beautiful Mare, loved her mane and tail. You are very lucky to have her as a mother."

"She treasured me more then anything else, along with my dad."

"Speaking of that, did you get your eyes from your father?"

"Yes, why?"

"Just wondering Darling, silted eyes aren't something I see very often. I never had any Thestral clients so its not something I'm use to. I hope I didn't offend you."

"No no, I was just wondering myself, I can understand why you were asking. Thestrals are a bit rare outside of the Guard and their home the Hollows."

Things fell into a comfortable silence as Rarity finished up the outfit Dragonfly was wearing.

"And done, my you look dashing Dragonfly, do you like it?" She asked pulling a mirror up with her magic.

Dragonfly was impressed, the outfit was a deep purple with dark red and silver accents. It consisted of a suit that more closely resembled a military dress uniform just without the usual items, except for a grey sash with white stripes on the edges over his chest, which proudly displayed a medium-sized pin of his six-winged dragonfly Cutie Mark. Completing the outfit was a large black greatcoat with blue trim, his scarf sitting loosely wrapped around the collar.

"I love it Rarity, its perfect! How much do I owe you?" He asked pulling out his wallet, the shop's grand opening had  brought in far more bits then he knew what to do with. Rarity held up a hoof to stop him.

"No need Darling, consider it a gift." He looked at her with a bit of surprise.

"Are you sure Rarity? I'm willing to pay."

"I know Dragonfly, I don't charge friends. The outfit is a thank you for reopening your mother's shop, and giving me a rare chance to work with silver." Rarity said with a smile. Dragonfly thought on this for a moment, than gave her twenty bits. At her surprised look he smiled and said,

"A donation for your business." She looked stunned for a second than gave him a sly smile, which he returned, before they both laughed. They said their byes as Dragonfly packed up his suit and when back to his shop.





Several days later

Dragonfly was sitting at the counter reading a Daring Do book after the afternoon rush was done and the customers had gotten their orders and were sitting enjoying them, besides the shop the Hive was also doing well; Seeker had reported earlier that day that the Energy Beacon, Slime Pod, Chitin Shredder, and Crystal Grower had been unlocked and now the building called the Barracks Den, which would unlock the "Military" Build Tab, was being researched. The Scouts hadn't had much luck so far in finding anything other then small resource deposits in the area so maybe it was time to send them out further, like to Canterlot, to see what they could find. Canterlot was the Capital however and had a heavy guard presence so he wasn't too sure about sending them there right now, perhaps sometime in the future.

Dragonfly picked up his soda can and started taking a drink, when in walked the last Pony he ever expected to see in his shop. The Pony in question was a tall Mare, with a white coat, purple eyes, a long blue, green, purple and pink mane and tail that waved in a nonexistent wind, and a Cutie Mark of a sun. She wore gold hoof shoes, collar and crown, the latter two decorated with an amethyst.

And she had both large wings and a tall horn!

And she was accompanied by eight Stallions wearing gold armor, two Earth Ponies, two Unicorns, two Pegasi, and two Winged Thestrals.

Poor Dragonfly did a spit-take back into the can, which caused the soda to go up his nose while the other Ponies got out of their seats and bowed, for this Pony was none other than Princess Celestia herself in all her sunny glory.

All Ponies but Dragonfly, who was...

"AAHHH! SODA UP MY NOSE! SODA UP MY NOSE!!"

He rushed to the kitchen sink to flush the burning out of his nose, contacting Seeker through the Hivemind.

"Seeker! Princess Celestia is here! What do I do?!"

"Okay okay, don't panic. Just act casual and play it cool, like any other customer."

"Okay, I hope she's just here for tea."

Finishing after a few minutes he walked back to the counter rubbing his nose with a hoof, the Ponies had gone back to their seats while Celestia was sitting at the counter waiting patiently, her guards spread out the room.

"Sorry about that Princess." Dragonfly said with a small smile, she giggled.

"It's alright my little Pony, I've had soda up my nose a few times in the past so I know the pain."

"Well do you want anything?"

"Yes, I'll have my usual."

Dragonfly looked confused, than remembered a note Nebula had left for him.

"One second, let me check this."

Picking up the note he read it over again, it was a list of each customer and their preferred orders, he didn't see anything regarding Celestia... until he spotted some very tiny writing he would have otherwise missed. Picking up a magnifying glass he held it up to his eye and looked closer, sure enough, it was the Princess and judging from the smiley face at the end Nebula had planed this.

Dragonfly lowered the glass, deadpanning at the note.

"Dang it Mom, a little heads up would have be nice." He could just hear her laughing at the successful prank. Shaking his head he fixed Celestia's order and gave it to her, the Princess placing the owed bits on the counter. Celestia took a few sips than looked at Dragonfly.

"So Dragonfly Wings is it?"

"Yes Princess."

"I was wondering, were did you get the medal on your scarf? I don't remember ever giving a Pony that looked like you one."

He picked up the mentioned medal and stared at it.

"It was my Dad's, I don't know why he gave it to me. Perhaps it was to keep him close, I don't know, I haven't seen him or my Mother in three years." Celestia raised an eyebrow.

"Do you know why?"

"An enemy of my Dad went after him and Mom, my guess is they wanted to make sure that enemy wouldn't come after me."

"Who was your Father Dragonfly?"

"A Winged Thestral by the name of Black Saber."

Celestia looked surprised for a second, but quickly brought back her calm face, her guards also looked surprised.

"He was one of the best Royal Knights, Saber did once tell me he had a son. It's a pleasure to finally meet you face-to-face Dragonfly Wings, your Mother and I were good friends too, loved her tea."

Dragonfly smiled.

"Mom always was the friendly type."

Celestia finished her tea and stood up.

"I'd love to stay and chat, but duty calls. I wish everypony a good day."

She walked out with her guards, everypony wishing them a good day in return, Dragonfly let out a small sign of relief.

'well, that went well."

Outside

Celestia's chariot

'It's him, it's really him.'

Unbeknownst to Dragonfly, Celestia had used a very subtle spell while he wasn't looking, to confirm what Nebula had told her. Celestia pulled out a photo of her and Nebula Sheen enjoying some time together, there was one thing that stood out however...

Nebula was in her natural Changeling form!

Celestia had known Nebula for years and most of that she had known her friend was a Changeling, after Nebula had told her and sworn her to secrecy. Celestia had been very happy to see Nebula and Saber fall in love and secretly marry, with her as Nebula's best Mare. She was even more happy to hear that the two had a foal.

Besides Celestia, only a select few that her and Nebula trusted knew of the latter's true nature, like Saber's twin brother and his wife.

However Nebula had also told Celestia about the threat Chrysalis posed and how to prepare for her eventual attack, she just didn't know when it would come, only that it would.

Celestia put the photo back, wondering what the future held for them all.

'Twilight would probably question the hay out of him if she knew. As for Starlight and Sunset, I'm pretty sure they'd get along just fine." She thought with a chuckle of her personal students.





Canterlot

Royal Palace

Next Morning

The Capital of Equestria was as busy as ever, though in one of the rooms of the palace a young Unicorn Mare was trying to get at least a few extra minutes of sleep.

"Ugd... ten more minutes Aunty." She said as she rolled over and away from the sunlight peeking through the curtain, the peace didn't even last a second before the door opened and an Earth Pony Mare with a dusty grey coat, black mane and tail, and light blue eyes wearing a Maid's outfit entered, along with a taller then normal Pegasus Mare with a snow white coat, long crimson and tail that gently swayed long the floor, and beautiful emerald green eyes wearing the gold armor of the Canterlot Guard Division entered the room.

The Maid walked over and started lightly shaking the lump on the bed.

"Princess, Princess Bluebelle, Time to get up."

"I don't wanna get up, it's too early."

"Princess it's almost nine, breakfast and Princess Celestia with some guests are waiting for you."

Bluebelle just groaned and pulled the blanket over her head.

"Alright, time to get the big cannons." The maid waved the Guard over and they both pulled the blanket off in one stoke, revealing Princess Bluebelle who curled up trying to retain warmth. The maid and Guard shared a wink, then began to tickle the Mare's exposed belly. Bluebelle didn't have a chance.

"S-sto-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-op! youhoo-hoo-hoo-hoo know I'm ha-ha-ha-ha-ha ticklish!" She said while squealing with laughter.

"That's what makes in fun Princess." The Guard said with a playful smile as she and the maid increased their attack, finally Bluebelle shouted,

"All right I'm awake I'm awake!"

The two backed off as the Unicorn recovered, afterwards she got off the bed.

"Rose, just let Aunty know I'm having a quick shower to freshen up then I'll be there.

Rose, the guard, nodded with a smile and left while the maid, Dust Bunny, started cleaning. Bluebelle had her shower and after she finished she went to the mirror to comb her hair, only pausing to take a quick look.

Bluebelle had a pearl white coat with a long and beautiful strawberry blonde mane and tail that was closer to red, pretty sapphire blue eyes that had a comforting warmth in them, and her Cutie Mark was a bundle of hanging flowers with golden stems and every second flower sporting gold and blue petals on the outside. After she finished combing her hair into a nicely coiffed ponytail with a large cornflower blue bow at the top and base, a second even larger bow was tied on the base of her tail.

Bluebelle smiled after she finished, exiting the room to find Dust almost finished and Rose waiting for her.

"Ready Blue?" Rose asked.

"Yep, let's not keep them waiting any longer. Thanks for cleaning Dusty."

"No problem Blue."

With that, Blue and Rose left Dusty to her work and walked towards the dining room.

"So Rosy, how's your brother doing?"

"He's doing great, I think he might pop the question soon."

"Really?!"

"Yes, he and Graceful Petals have been dating for awhile now and both are still as happy as when they first started three years ago."

Blue gave a wide smile.

"Sweet, I've known Petals for years and I know for a fact that she'll make Dusk Storm a happy Stallion."

The two laughed in good nature, Blue couldn't help but think of how lucky she was to have friends like this, with her five closest coming to mind. Rose Silver was her personal bodyguard and closest friend, Rose had joined the guard with her twin brother long ago and had been assigned to Bluebelle soon after she had finished her training. The two hit it off immediately and got along like a wings on a Pegasus, Rose was a bit of a flirt and did just that with both Stallions and Mares, of any race or tribe. Rose had several partners throughout her career though she and each of her partners eventually broke off, however she was on at least good terms with each of them. Heck she had even flirted with Bluebelle once, till Blue told her she didn't swing that way, though she still did it playfully.

Despite her flirty and playful nature Rose was still a well trained Guard, and could kick major flank if she needed to, as Bluebelle's own Twin brother Blueblood had found out... the hard way, and she was lethal with her twin hatchets.

Rosy's twin brother, Dusk Storm, was a Winged Thestral who was also a Night Guard Sapper. Blue had met Dusk not long after she met Rose, to Blue Dusk was a stoic but very sweet Stallion who spoke with a Northern Mountain accent. He and Blue also got along very well and he had told her he was happy to know his sister was guarding somepony he could trust, Dusk had been born blind in his left eye but this didn't bother him at all, he also had the record as the only Guard that could out drink everypony else. A few do come close but just can't quite get there.

In battle Dusk favored the use of explosives, no surprise there, and was very good with them, he also dropped his more stoic stance and tended to enjoy blowing things up.

Next was a Pegasus Mare by the name of Silver Blade, a Pony that had a Eastern Kirin mother and a Western Kirin father, and the combined fighting skills to match. It was well known that Kirin, regardless of their tribe, were formidable fighters, and when one takes the tactical and heavy hitting abilities of the Western Kirin and the speed and precision of the Eastern Kirin and throw them together in a Pony with a love of fighting, you get a Pegasus with a lethal set of skills. That was Silver Blade or Blades in a nutshell, she was perhaps the most capable fighter of the bunch and could be as sneaky as she could be loud, as Shining Armor, the Captain of the Guard, found out the hard way during a training session.

Even though Blades loved to fight, she still had the Pony morals and the loyalty and discipline of the Kirin in her. She could also be very gentle and was actually very good with foals, Blades had even once said she'd love some of her own one day. Blades had also been the one to teach Bluebelle how to fight, a "just in case" sort of thing and the two of them shared many of the same interests, such as pranking Blueblood.

Next was Sparky Gears, an Earth Pony Mare with a soft-spoken, laid-back demeanor, who was an expert at fixing and improving things. Had broken weapons or armor? She'd fix it in a heartbeat and make it lighter. Broken steam engine, up and running in at most and hour and it'd be more efficient. Sparky also had a love for music, heavy metal in particular, and often played for the Guards when off duty, which helped quite a bit with morale.

Sparky did have a few, unusual quirks though, she could be a bit crazy on the battlefield and had a slightly uncontrollable taste for smoked meat, bacon especially, and rum, perhaps due to her Dracony and Griffin parents. Despite that she was a fun Mare to hang out with and knew had to grill, complete with meals that would keep others going for a long time. Bluebelle would happily admit that Sparky got her on smoked bacon covered with dark chocolate.

And last but certainly not least was Indigo Patches, a young Unicorn with a heart of gold and the newest member of the group. He was a bit shy and in the words of the others, "adorkable" and cute. Indigo was the team medic and loved to spend his free time reading almost any book he could, his shy nature caused him to be playfully teased by Rose and Blades but if Indigo was threatened, oohh boy, those two were not merciful if their "little puppy" was harmed.

Indigo was very smart but a bit goofy and clumsy, though his smarts served him well and some believed he could become quite the Battlemage if he wanted with his skill in magic. He was also a bit of a chick magnet as quite a few of the Guard Mares like to playful flirt with him, causing him to blush brightly. His friends hoped Indigo would find a nice Mare to settle down with, and eventually have foals with. Indigo, despite being a medic, had a number of combat spells alongside his healing ones backed up by his medical knowledge and skills taught to him by Dusk and Blades.

Bluebelle, or just Blue to her friends, herself was Blueblood's twin sister, though they couldn't be anymore different. While Blueblood was a spoiled, unlikable snob with no respect to the "Commoners", Bluebelle was far nicer and more popular with the commoners as she would donate a fair amount of bits out of her own pocket to Charity and would often hug depressed or tired Guards as she passed. Though she was technically a Princess she didn't act like a spoiled airhead as one would think due to her rich family, Bluebelle would also often visit schools and orphanages to speak to and play with the young foals. As such, she was well liked by the Ponies and other species, the latter of which often said to Celestia that Bluebelle was a credit to the Ponies.

For her own personal interests she enjoyed swimming, reading comic books, gaming, and hanging out with her best friends. Bluebelle wanted to eventually find a loving Stallion and have foals of her own, but not for awhile yet. Her only real problem was that although she did love her brother, she just barely tolerated him and his attitude, and that was only for the sake of their parents.

Then of course there was Blue's younger sister Diamond Dancer, though only younger by about a year. Like Bluebelle, Diamond didn't get along with Blueblood at all, to the point where if the two of them were in the same room for too long they would come to blows. Unfortunately for Blueblood, Diamond was a surprisingly skilled fighter thanks to training from Bluebelle's friends. On the other hoof Diamond was very close to Blue and her parents though her profession kept Diamond away for half the year. Diamond was, as her name implied, a dancer by trade and she enjoyed it immensely, mostly ribbon dancing but she did do other dances.

Besides that Diamond enjoyed many of the same interests as her older sister, swimming, gaming, and even pranking (with Blueblood being the main target).

Blue was brought out of her thoughts when Rose tapped her side, they had arrived at the doors to the dinning room, the ever present Guards standing on either side.

"Thanks Rose, I'll catch you and the others later."

"See ya then Blue."

Blue only walked a few steps forward when she felt something gently, though still hard enough, slap her flank. with a small "Epp!" She turned her head and playfully glared at Rose, who had a small smirk and half-lidded eyes looking. The two held for a few minutes, before smiles split their faces with laughter, the two Guards adding their own chuckles. This was just how Rose did things, she would playfully do that to her friends then laugh it off with them, though she only did it with her close ones.

After recovering Blue walked though the doors and into the dinning room, where Celestia and two other Ponies were waiting. Blue smiled wide upon seeing the latter two.

"Mom! Dad!"

Both parents were caught in a strong tackle hug from their daughter, returning the hug just as much. Bluebelle's mother, Blue Diamond, was a Mare with a soft white coat, golden blonde mane and tail, and sapphire blue eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a set of three sky blue diamonds on a silver plate. Blue Diamond, or BD to her friends, was a diamond cutter and silver smith. Her father, Gold Bars, was a Stallion with a white coat, short red mane and tail, and blue eyes. His Cutie Mark was a crate with the lid off, showing that the crate was full of gold bars. Gold Bars was a Banker and owner of a very rich gold mine who made sure his employees were well taken care of.

Both of them were very nice and friendly, welcoming Blue's friends as of they were the couple's own children. Both BD and Gold heavily enjoyed Sparky's cooking and had on more then one occasion had the Mare out as a cook during meetings and parties, which worked very well, and Gold payed Sparky well for her services.

BD nuzzled her face into Blue's mane while Gold patted her back.

"Blue, how's our little gem doing?" He asked.

"Great Dad, let me tell you over breakfast."

They sat down around the table, which was packed with many, many plates of pancakes. There was also a large variety of syrups and toppings, including whipped cream, chocolate chips, a variety of berries, butter, and so much more.

Besides pancakes, there were a quite a few plates of waffles, two fruit bowls, a platter piled high with donuts, and a few jugs of water, milk, iced tea, and a massive pot of coffee.

Blue happily dug into a plate of waffles topped with chocolate chips and whipped cream, her parents and Celestia smiling at her enjoyment. They spent a good bit of the morning eating and taking when Celestia spoke up.

"So did you know that the "Cozy Rest" tea shop in Ponyville is open once again?" That got the other's attention.

"Really? Has Mrs. Sheen come back?" BD asked.

"No actually, her son, a Unicorn by the name of Dragonfly Wings, has reopened the shop and is selling tea in her place."

"And he's got everything he needs, license and all?" Gold asked.

"Yes, while his tea isn't quite on the same level as Nebula's, it is very close. I'm sure with time he'll make it even better."

"Wonderful, think the lad would be interested in some business deals, Nebula's tea was very popular at our meetings and parties, I would of course make sure the deals are fair." Gold said.

"I don't see why not, we are due for a short vacation soon. I think Ponyville would be a good spot to relax." BD said.

"I'd love to go, the sweets in Sugercube Corner can't be beat." Blue said enthusiastically. 

"I'm in agreement, we could stop by the Cozy Rest, get some tea, and see if this Dragonfly Wings is interested in doing some business together." Gold said with a smile.

"Then it's settled, once our vacation time arrives we'll head to Ponyville, would be nice to get away from the snobs for a short while." BD said, she then looked at Blue who had just taken a big bite of waffle.

"And maybe Blue and Mr Wings can get together and make me some grandfoals."

Blue choked, thumping her chest. 'Mom sayWhat Now!!??'

Blue tried to swallow-

'Nope nope nope, food is stuck!FOOD. IS. STUCK!!!"

Thankfully Celestia was quick, as a burst of golden magic grabbed her barrel and SQUEEZED, forcing the air and the food out of her windpipe and across the room. Blue sat there gasping for air as her mother put a hoof to her mouth.

"Ahhh... Ooops." Gold facehooved.

"Honey... I love you to pieces, but next time... wait for our daughter to swallow her food first."

"*Gasp*... MOM! I haven't even met the Stallion yet, let alone married him!"

"Well  I'm sorry but you're my only hope for Grandfoals, Blueblood is a lost cause and Dancer has her career, you on the other hoof only have what you've been doing up here and you can still raise a Foal just fine while doing that. So it's up to you to make me a Grandmare, and I'm not getting any younger." Gold grunted his agreement. Blue just faceplanted into the table, not noticing a mischievous glint in Celestia's eye.





Dragonfly Hive

A Month Later

Dragonfly woke up and stretched his limbs, lately he'd been having strange and unexpected things happening with his body. At first it was the Hivemind being suddenly far more vivid then usual, than strong headaches, than weird cravings of things he usually wouldn't eat (like prunes), small bit of swelling on his belly and finally nausea. He had no idea why he was experiencing any of this, he had asked Seeker but he didn't know either.

Shaking his head he went to stand up, and noticed he felt... bloated, why did he feel bloated? He hadn't eaten that much last night. Confused he looked towards his belly, and let out a scream that caused everyone in the Hive to rush into the Private Quarters, the Healers rushing into the bedroom.

After a minute they help Dragonfly out, and his belly had swollen like a large balloon. The Royal understandably had a very panicked and shocked look on his face.

"Seeker! What. Is. THIS?!"

Said Changeling, along with Rhino, Spotter, Darter, Thunderlane, Rumble, Filtter, and Cloud Chaser (the latter four had been visiting) looked over the Royal before Seeker spoke.

"Well now I know why those strange things have been happening Dragonfly; you're carrying eggs."

"WHAT!! Okay two questions: One, how did you not know about this before?! And two, how could I be carrying eggs? I'm a male Changeling and I haven't even done... well that!"

"Well Dragonfly, usually yes, only female Changelings carry eggs. However Royal Changelings, in order to build their Hives, are able to create, carry, and lay eggs without a mate and regardless of gender."

Dragonfly was not amused, but was stopped from saying anything as the Healers told him he need to be the the Egg Chambers before he started laying.

A short time later

Dragonfly had started laying eggs soon after the Healers brought him to the Egg Chambers, unfortunately for him, it wasn't a pleasant experience.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Everyone else, how had gathered in the Throne Room, winced as the Royal let out yet another painful scream. Thunderlane looked over at Seeker with a very nervous look.

"Is... is that Royals only or..."

"Just Royals Thunder, thankfully.

"Seeker I'll kill you! I'll kill you for this!"

"Is... he laying the eggs through... that part?" Spotter asked.

"No, they come out like he's taking a dump."

"I'm going to double kill you! Then I'm going to bury you in a shallow grave, then I'll dig you up and kill you again! That's the beauty of a shallow grave!"

"Somehow I don't think that's any better." Flitter said rubbing her hooves together.

"I'm gonna rip your head off and spit down your neck Seeker!"

"You do have to admit, he is doing a pretty good impression of the Royal Canterlot Voice." Cloud Chaser said.

"Is it always that painful?" Darter asked.

"I'm gonna smash your little head in!"

Another loud, Hive-shaking scream rent the air. Seeker was looking very scared.

"Thankfully no, only the first lay is painful, afterwards the pain fades with each until it is gone. Maybe I should camp out in the Everfree for a few days, until Dragonfly cools off."

Later still

Dragonfly had finally passed out after he had finished laying a clutch of twenty eggs, though the Healers said that was going to be awfully angry when he woke up, so Seeker decided that his plan to camp out in the everfree for a few days was a great idea. After those days had passed he came back to Dragonfly sitting on his throne, far calmer then he had been.

"Welcome back Seeker, the eggs are nice and healthy, Flitter was here earlier gushing over them, and I think I'm cool around the Hive Spiders now."

"Wonderful Dragonfly, sorry about not telling you sooner but with everything going on it slipped my mind."

"Oh really, then how about I jog your memory." Dragonfly stood up with a frying pan held in his magic, Seeker's head fin and tail stood on end in fear.

"Prince I thought you had calmed down!"

"I did, this is so you don't forget to tell me important things like that!" Seeker let out a scream as he ran, Dragonfly hot on his tail.

"Think we should help Seeker?" Spotter asked.

"No, just smile and wave boys, smile and wave." Rhino said.

"Agreed, and I'm not getting involved in that." Darter said.
> Everfree Mission
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest

A few days after the Laying

Spotter slowly moved through the trees and brush, heading towards his destination. Earlier that morning, before Dragonfly had even woken up, one of the Scout teams had reported something unusual happening close to the center of the Everfree Forest. Under normal circumstances none of the Hive would venture that far into the Everfree but the Scouts had been getting very strange readings, which shouldn't have been there.

Spotter, being the Hive's best Scout, volunteered to check it out. While it was probably nothing, Spotter was a bit suspicious, years of scouting and tracking had taught him a thing or two. The fact that what he was going to take a look at was close to the center of the Everfee was a major factor, as far as he knew no one had been there since Celestia abandoned it after banishing Nightmare Moon. While Spotter didn't think there'd be anything left of value, he knew that something or someone near or in the Everfree City ruins was very suspicious as that area was all but forgotten.

Still it was probably nothing.

Right?

He eventually reached the brush covered cliff edge that overlooked the ruins, he slowly pushed a large leaf up a bit to get a better view.

He was not prepared at all for what he saw.

Down below was a massive army of Timber Wolves engaged in battle with an equally large army of Changelings, and not the ones from the Dragonfly Hive! Spotter didn't even need to look at the Changelings' back plates to know what Hive they were from, as he soon saw her.

Chrysalis, standing at the rear of the army.

This changed things completely.

Without pausing Spotter send an alarm through the Hivemind.





Dragonfly Hive

Spotter's alarm came through like an out of control freight train.

"ALARM!!!!!!! Chrysalis is near the ruins of the Everfree City with a large army! Repeat, Chrysalis is near the Everfree city!"

Many of the Hive's Changelings, Dragonfly included, were snapped awake by the mention of Chrysalis. Dragonfly rushed out of the Egg Chamber with two Hive Spiders following him down to the Throne Room.

Dragonfly: "Spotter, keep an eye on them, we're on our way."

Spotter: "Understood, out."

Once everybuggy was gathered Dragonfly took Seeker, Rhino, Darter, ten Drones, five Healers, and two Hive Spiders with him while the rest stayed to keep an eye on things in Ponyville. Dragonfly send Thunderlane a message about what was happening and to keep his eyes and ears open.

Once his group was ready they moved into the forest towards Spotter's position.





Mission: Everfree City Part One

Main Objectives:

Rendezvous with Spotter

Dragonfly, Seeker, Rhino and Darter must survive

Do not engage any of Chrysalis' forces if encountered
________________________

Bonus Objective:

Locate Hiveless Changelings (2 Groups)
________________________

New Unit(s): Hive Spiders, Soldiers, Weapon Teams
________________________

Briefing

Dragonfly: Alright everybuggy, Spotter has seen Chrysalis and her army near the ruins of the Everfree City currently engaged with an equally sized army of Timber Wolves. I don't know why she would try to find and enter the long forgotten place but the fact she's here, on the field, tells us that she wants whatever it is really bad. We must reach it first, whatever it could be it must be either very powerful or important.

Rhino: That's certain, Chrysalis wouldn't ever enter the field unless she wants what she is hunting badly enough. It is also really important that we do not engage any of her forces should we encounter them, Chrysalis can not know of our Hive or Dragonfly's survival yet. Two Scouts will be coming with us to help guide us through, to reach Spotter than the city we will have to cut through deep Timber Wolf territory so the Scouts can allow us to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Dragonfly: Backing down from a fight?! Rhino, don't tell me you've grown soft while I've been away.

Rhino: I said nothing about backing down, we likely wouldn't have that option. Timber Wolves may be mindless constructs of wood and magic but they are relentlessness and bloodthirsty. Spotter also said there might be two small groups of Hiveless Changelings, if we find them they can join and give us some support. I should also mention that because of how deep we will be flying wouldn't be an option due to the winds and predators in the area.





The group quickly moved along the path, jumping, ducking and weaving through the various obstacles in their way. Dragonfly did a once over of the Drones and Healers, with the amount of resources the Scouts had been finding since the Hive was set up he'd been able to buy both upgrades for them. The Drones' new armor consisted of a helmet and chest piece(1) while the Healer's had chest plate that covered their chest, underbelly, back, and flanks while the helmet had a plate added to the front to better protect their heads and horns along with a backpack made of Changeling Slime Gel.

For traits He had selected Magic Caster for the Drones and Healing Spheres for the Healers.

"Okay everybuggy, keep your eyes, ears and Emotion Sense open and your tails covered. Let's move, once we rendezvous with Spotter we'll head to the city." Dragonfly said.

Moving along they encountered several groups of Timber Wolves, mostly light and regular with a few Brutes, which were taken down with ease, though the wolves did land some hit which the healers took care of while the two Scouts helped them avoid both Large groups that were either on their own or engaged with some of Chrysalis' Changelings. As they moved forward Seeker spoke up.

"Dragonfly, since we're out hear would like to learn a bit move about a Royal's "Commanders"."

"Sure Seeker, these wolves aren't really a threat to us right now so go ahead."

"Well like you each commander, in this case me, Rhino, Spotter and Darter, each have their own selection of abilities and levels that, again like you, we can only have one in each level active at any one time though we are able to switch them out. Usually we each will pick which abilities we have active but you can take a look and chose for us if you want to. At the moment we only have one level and like you as we gain more experience we eventually "level up", which unlocks the next level of abilities." Dragonfly smiled as he thought it over.

"I'll have to take a look once we're back at the hive, what are the types of Commanders and your guys current abilities?"

"Well for Commanders there are the Offensive, Defensive, Support, Scout, Armor, Infiltration, Hybrid, and Proto-Royal."

"Proto-Royal?"

I'll explain latter, now I'm a Defensive Commander which I think fits with my Advisor role, my current ability is Dome Shield which not only blocks incoming damage but also heals any friendly units inside the shield, problem is the shield is fixed to one spot once I cast it and it only lasts for a short time before fading out, if not taken out by damage first.

Rhino is an Offensive Commander, his current ability is Blast Sphere Barrage. Using his launcher he can fire up to six Blast Spheres, which are small hoof-sized Slime Gel spheres created to work like explosives, over a small area. These spheres not only damage enemies but also slows them down for a few seconds.

Darter is a Support Commander, his current ability is Mark Target. This ability "marks" a selected target that will than take a bit more damage from attacks and allies will have an easier time hitting it.

And Spotter is a Scout Commander, his current ability is Hide Allies. This ability effectively "cloaks" an friendly from enemy detection for a short time.

As we unlock levels we gain better and more powerful abilities."

The two Scouts stopped suddenly, their antennae waving towards the right down a path that split from the main trail. Dragonfly walked forward.

"What is it you two?"

"Sir, we're sensing a small group of Changelings locked in battle with Timber Wolves, and they're not Chrysalis'." The left one said.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive sir, they're not giving any Hivemind emissions."

"Must be Hiveless than, or Rogues. Let's go find out." Dragonfly said turning down the path with the others following, while Dragonfly was cautious about the possible Hiveless Changelings, he knew he could trust the Scouts. Nebula had long ago made slight modifications to her Hive's Scouts, which was passed to his. The modification to the extremely sensitive antenna allowed them to pick up Hiveminds emissions from Changelings, allowing them to detect ones from other Hives and know which Hive they belonged to as the only creatures Changelings could not sense emotions from was each other. It was also only known to only a select few that Hive Changelings give of faint emissions from their Hivemind that would be otherwise undetectable.

So since only Hiveless or Rogues didn't give those emissions, that would mean they had no loyalty to Chrysalis or her Hive though they might have an idea on why she was here.

The group reached a small clearing where they found a small group of seven Changelings, Drones, fighting for their lives against about ten Timber Wolves, and they were losing. Even though they were fighting back quite well it was clear they were running out of energy and were getting tired, they were also clearly Hiveless by their grayed out wings and backplates. The only one that had color was the one at the front of the group, this Changeling (Male by the body shape(2)) was a slightly larger Drone that had light green wings and a green back plate, Dragonfly shot a hoof forward and barked an order.

"Hive Spiders, web those wolves!"

The two spiders charged forward and arced their thoraxes, unlike other spiders Hive Spiders were very flexible and could bend and twist their bodies like no other spider ever could. As the spiders attacked Rhino spoke.

"Hive Spiders: Our closest equivalent to attack animals, Hive Spiders were domesticated thousands of years ago and serve as guards for a Hive's eggs and young as well as support units on the field. Each of their legs are tipped with a barb which is able to pump a small amount of non-lethal venom that slows their targets down with each hit, their fangs are able to pump a more potent version that slows them down for longer and their webs are capable of slowing groups of enemies."

The seven Changelings were surprised by the sudden but very welcomed help and they quickly pulled back, the colored one leading them towards the Healers who meet them half-way. With the fresh Drones and the webs the Timber Wolves were taken care of quickly and their remains were burned to keep them from rebuilding. One that was done they got a good look at the Changelings they just rescued, when Dragonfly and the colored one locked eyes they both gained shocked looks.

"Thorax?!"

"Dragonfly?! I though you were dead."

"Nope, just badly wounded. Mom and Dad simply took my blooded scarf to make Chrysalis think I was dead, you remember my reputation of never taking my scarf off unless I'm bathing or sleeping right?"

"I do, so by Empress Nebula showing up with the blooded scarf, Chrysalis would believe the greatest threat to her reign was gone."

"While I was healing in safety, still I was very close to dead that day though so I'm surprised I survived that."

Thorax went over and wrapped his forelegs around Dragonfly who returned the hug.

"Either way, words couldn't express happy I am to see you alive."

"Great to see you too buddy." Getting out of the hug Dragonfly asked.

"Where's Pharynx, I thought he would be here with you?"

Thorax's smile dropped as he closed his eyes and looked at the ground, tears starting to flow.

"He's dead, Chrysalis killed him."

That shocked not just Dragonfly but the others as well, while Pharynx was a bit of a jerk he did love Thorax in his own way, and was consisted one of Chrysalis' best Commanders so her killing him was something completely unexpected.

"What?! Why?" Rhino asked, "If I remember Pharynx was one of her most loyal followers."

"He was, she killed him because he was "too good" at what he did."

"She wanted Commanders who were unquestioningly loyal to her, but wouldn't be a threat to her rule." Seeker said, understanding.

"That'll leave her with Commanders who are loyal but incompetent, we can use that to our advantage." Darter said, Rhino nodding in agreement.

"Still we are sorry for your lost Thorax, Pharyns was a bit of a jerk but he was an okay Changeling. Speaking of that though, Thorax, do you have any idea why Chrysalis is trying to enter the Everfree City?" Dragonfly asked him.

"Thanks, He was a bit of a bullying big brother but he did still love me, as for Chrysalis, she said something about "The Founders of Equestria" but that's all we know."

Dragonfly, Seeker, Rhino, and Darter looked at each other in confusion.

"Why would Chrysalis be looking for Founders of Equestria? They've been dead for over a thousand years." Darter said.

"If I remember my history right, did the six of them actually raise Celestia and Luna with Starswirl?" Dragonfly asked.

"Yes, and didn't Chrysalis have a long rivalry with Commander Hurricane?" Rhino asked.

"Could it be she trying to get something that belonged to him?" Thorax asked.

"Maybe, but what? I'm certain there would be nothing left to find there." Seeker said.

"Well we wouldn't found out staying here, let's move out." Dragonfly said.

As they moved on Dragonfly went deep into his thoughts after connecting the new Changelings, Thorax included, to his Hivemind which they were more than happy to.

They soon said it was far better than Chrysalis', at the very least he wasn't trying to force his way into their minds like she did.

Dragonfly couldn't but wonder what she had meant by the Founders of Equestria, the six of them had been dead for over a thousand years so... what was Chrysalis after?

The Founders were well known to the Changelings, after all they were the ones to unite the Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi together first to defeat the Windiego than the Griffin Hordes and than finally the Centaur Empire. Dragonfly knew about them very well and could recall what he knew easily.

There was Puddinghead, an Earth Pony Mare well known for her baking skills and "Pinkie-like" mannerisms including the friendliness.

Smart Cooke, another Earth Pony Mare who was more down-to-earth then Puddinghead known for her smarts and leadership skills.

Princess Platinum, a Unicorn Mare who many believed was a typical spoiled brat but was in fact far nicer to her friends and apparently was the head of a large and powerful spy network in her time.

Clover the Clever, a Unicorn Mare that while she wasn't very strong physically was well known for her intelligence was perhaps the smartest of the six.

Pansy Shy, a Pegasus Mare who while being a bit shy and timid around those she didn't was well know for her kindness towards her friends and troops.

And finally there was the only Stallion of the group; Commander Hurricane, a Pegasus who while know for his combat prowess and was the "leader" of the six and cared for them as much as he did for his troops.

From what Dragonfly knew, the tale of Hearts Warming was actually wrong. But then again, it was easy for things like tales to blur over time. In turth the six of them had actually been outcasts in their respective tribes. Puddinghead due to her less than normal mannerisms, Smart Cookie due to being Puddinghead's only friend, Platinum and Clover had tried to be controlled by the nobles at the time before the two were finally exiled, while Hurricane and Pansy were just unlucky. Hurricane had been born in a noble family but was abandoned and left to die as a foal while Pansy was the "runt" so to speak.

Platinum and Clover had been in exile for over two years and were in deep trouble regarding their supplies when they met Puddinghead and Smart Cookie who had just been exiled themselves the week before, despite the hostile feelings the tribes held towards each other both the Earth Ponies and Unicorns understood that their only chance for long term survival was to work together. They eventually met Pansy who had fled from her tribe to avoid being "culled" and she ran into the four of them, who took her in.

A lot of the story after that point had be lost to history, only the part where the five ran into Hurricane was know to the Changelings. The Pony in question had, not long after being abandoned, found by a Western Kirin scouting party who took the crying and scared Colt back with them to their camp. The Kirins decided to raised the Colt as one of their own, teaching much about their culture and how to fight.

Hurricane shined in the Clans and rose up the ranks quickly, soon leading his own squad. It was during one mission to take out a small advance force of Centaurs that he met the five Mares. Puddinghead, Smart Cookie, Platinum, Clover, and Pansy had been fleeing from two the the creatures from the force the question. Puddinghead, Smart Cookie and Platinum had just had their magic drained and were held by their tails in the hands of one of the Centaurs while the other finished doing the same to Clover and Pansy. The five, too weak from having their magic drained, likely would have been taken into Centaur slavery then, if not for Hurricane being in the right place at the right time.

He had been on a sole patrol when he heard the Mares screaming, the Centaurs, too busy gloating over their victory, didn't see him coming. The Centaur holding Clover and Pansy was beheaded before he even knew what hit him, the other one dropped the other three and tried to drain Hurricane's magic.

Only to discover that Kirin rune magic was immune to that type of draining and Hurricane's rune-enchanted armor and halberd protected his Pegasus magic as well, which left the Centaur too surprised to protect himself. After Hurricane slayed that one he turned back to check on the Mares, who weren't doing well. While they got all their magic back after the two Centaurs were slayed, they hadn't been able to find food for the two days they were chased and they were quite sick to top it off. Hurricane immediately sent a signal through his helmet and within moments his clan brothers and sisters arrived. They quickly brought the Mares to the Kirin's camp they the received immediate medical help, with Hurricane watching them the entire time.

This was another point were a good bit of the story was lost but it is known that the six of them joined forces and raised an army of other outcasts like them and went after who had hurt them first: their original tribes.

After another large gap their was the day Hearts Warming was created, though unlike the more commonly know story where Puddinghead, Platinum and Hurricane had fought with each other, the six of them had really just huddled together waiting for the end, with Hurricane's wings wrapped around the five Mares, shielding as much as he could even if it was in vain.

It was their friendship with each other they had built over those many years that sparked the Warming.

After that it was known that they built what would eventually become Equestria, with Hurricane eventually marrying the five Mares in a herd and the six of them having several offspring. Their ultimate fates were unknown however, the six of them just simply disappeared about two or three years before Luna became Nightmare Moon.

Beyond that the only other known thing was Hurricane's rivalry with Chrysalis, who had only been a Young Queen at the time. From what was known she had hated the Pegasus Stallion for a large number of reasons, one of which was Hurricane's joke flirting with her every time they crossed paths.

The most famous of these was when he had been carrying an artifact in the shape of a ring, Chrysalis had demanded that he give her the ring, Hurricane's response...

"Well Chrysalis, I know you love me but I can't give you the ring, I haven't even taken you out to dinner yet."

Apparently that quote, even in the current times, rreeallyy peeved her off.

Dragonfly was brought out of his thoughts when he heard Rhino Shouted, "Timber Wolves ahead!"

Ahead was a pack of ten of the wooden wolves, four Light, three Regular, one Brute, and two new ones. The new ones looked like Regular but had what looked like many wood spikes on their backs, which they started firing at the Changelings who dove for cover after Rhino yelled, "Don't just stand there and let them shoot you, grab some cover!"

They got behind cover with any a few being hit by the wood spikes, their armor deflecting the hits with ease. The wolves were soon defeated and the group of twenty-five Changelings and two spiders moved on, after a bit of walking and avoiding more large fights Rhino spotted something ahead.

"Look, up ahead. Its a Reinforcement Spire!"

The Reinforcement Spire was a ten foot chitin spike with numerous small green crystals dotting the spike.

"I've heard of those," Dragonfly said, "they're used to teleport in Changelings from the owner's Hive as reinforcements on the field."

"Right Dragonfly, but by the looks of that spire I think we'll only get one, maybe two squads out if it before it becomes too unstable." Seeker said looking closer.

He was right, the Reinforcement Spire had many hairline cracks, many of the crystals glow was almost gone, and the spike looked ready to fall over. The group activated the the spire and Rhino summoned a group of five new Changelings, and as Seeker had predicted, the spire broke apart after the new ones came through.

The new Changelings looked like Drones but with three differences; first was their shape, from a Pony's perspective a Changeling Drone would closely resemble a Mare regardless of the actual gender. These Changelings' shape was much more Stallion, complete with the more angular face. The second was their size, they were about the size of Big Mac, matching the Pony's bulk. The third and final one was the armor the group wore, it resembled the kind worn by the Royal Guard only instead of covering the back and head, this armor was more or less fully enclosed, giving their wearers full protection.

Dragonfly noticed they were armed with halberds with hatchets siting in holsters at their sides, as he looked them over Rhino spoke.

"Soldiers: The true basic infantry of a Hive, Soldiers are Drones had have focused their training solely on combat. As a result their bodies have grown bigger and bulkier to fit their roles, when they first arrive on the battlefield they are equipped with halberds and hatchets and their armor allows them to take a lot of damage before breaking. On the field they can be further equipped with different items to counter different foes, for example; shields to give them better protection, crossbows for ranged combat, heavier armor for further durability, or Blast Sphere launchers like the one I use for armored foes. It is important to keep in mind that they keep their halberds and hatchets along with what ever "upgrade kit" they are given, and a squad can only be given one of these kits during a battle but each squad across a force can have a different kit."

The Soldiers took point with the Scouts, Dragonfly decided to hold off on the upgrade kits for now, not seeing a need for the options yet. For awhile after that nothing else really happened, just some scraps with Timber Wolves. The only other thing that happened was Spotter calling in that the battle he was watching was still a stalemate, but he wasn't for how much longer as it was very slowly starting to turn in Chrysalis' favor. He also told them that the Timber Wolves in his area were starting to get a bit crazy so he needed to move, telling them he would met them at the remains of the south gate of the city

After some more walking the group came up to a small clearing with a half collapsed tower and another Reinforcement Spire in the center, when the Scouts suddenly stopped.

"Sir, we're detecting a large force of Timber Wolves headed this way. We can't get a fix but we think about forty to sixty, mixed group."

"Alright, everybuggy take cover behind those debris. Rhino, grab that spire, you said before we left you had another new unit ready?"

"Yes, that spire can only bring in one unit but that should be enough if we garrison them in the tower."

"Bring them in then."

Rhino activated the spire and the new unit came in, the new squad of three changelings were Soldiers but had a different weapon. The weapon was shaped like a rectangular box with a smaller one on the left side and two tubes sticking out of one end.

"Weapon Teams: Soldiers trained with heavy weapons, these units use their weapons to deal heavy damage to or slow down enemies. These ones are armed with a Chitin Launcher, a weapon that fires chitin shards at a very high rate. While the shards deal little damage on their own they suppress enemies and slow them to a crawl. Weapon Teams can swap their launcher for three other weapons on the field; the Crystal Beam, which deal heavy damage to single armored targets. The Magic Pulsar, which fire a a large ball of unstable magic that deals splash damage in its blast zone. And the Shell Slinger, which lobs an explosive projectile of Blast Gel encased in a chitin cover over longer ranges. Like the Soldiers each squad can only have one of the four weapons at a time, but they are able to switch at any time to adapt to different foes, the weapons also require a brief "set up" time before they can fire or be moved."

Once the Weapon Team had set up on the tower the other Changelings took cover behind the rubble, just as the large force of Timber Wolves arrived. Thanks to a series of water-filled trenches with rubble piled about the wolves found themselves unable to maneuver like they usually would and instead kept stumbling over each other as they tried to the Changelings, it didn't help that the magic attacks and the shards of chitin raining down on them.

The battle lasted fro a short while as more Timber Wolves came by, but the Changelings managed to keep most of them at bay, some did get through and attack but the Changelings' carapace absorbed most of the damage with the Healers dealing with what got through.

It was at some point during the battle that the Changelings heard a strange sound, Rhino's ear perked up while his eyes widened a little in recognition.

"Wait, I know that sound. Berserker!"

A large Changeling, twice the size of Big Mac, came barreling through a group of Timber Wolves, turning many into splinters. Besides the size, the Berserker had two sets of large fangs and a long horn which looked able to spear a Yak but otherwised looked like a greatly enlarged Drone. Its eyes and backplate were grey, showing that it was Hiveless.

As the Wolves tried, and failed, to harm the Berserker, Rhino explained the breed.

"Berserker: A powerful and heavily armored breed used to smash through enemy formations and wreck havoc among them. Their carapace is able to take incredible amounts of damage and they are immune or at least very highly resistant to magic attacks, they are however not very smart. Their attack plan couldn't be simpler; they see their target, they attack it, it goes done, some would see Berserksers as either the best soldiers or the worst as they are smart enough to follow orders and will do exactly what they are told. Out of combat however they make surprisingly productive members and are very gentle, especially towards eggs and young."

Finally after bringing down at least sixty wolves the remaining ones turned tail and fled back into the trees, the Berserker not following.

"They're afraid, we most likely won't have to deal with more on the way to the rendezvous." Darter said.

"We don't have much further to go now, let's say we move before anything else happens." Rhino said.

The Berserker approached Dragonfly, who waited until it stopped a few feet from him. The Berserker shifted a bit and lowered its head and ears, showing submission towards the Young Royal. Dragonfly cautiously came forward and touched his horn against the Berseker's. Said Changeling gave no resistance as Dragonfly reached out with his Hivemind, in the next few seconds Dragonfly saw what the Berseker had seen and been through.

First was the Changeling chained to the floor of what he guessed was Chrysalis' Hive and was being whipped and shocked by what he assumed was her personal guards, than the Berseker being dragged onto the battlefield against the Timber Wolves, the Changeling fighting hard against its handlers. Finally the handlers being "taken out" by the wolves, the Berseker crashing through the wolves then the trees, away from the torment before arriving here.

Dragonfly slowly reached out, carefully soothing the Changeling and comforting it, before opening up. It only took a few seconds before the Berseker joined, the remains of Chrysalis' severed Hivemind being replaced completely with Dragonfly's. The Berserker's eyes and wings changed to metallic red and its backplate to shiny metallic silver and the short spike grew in the center.

Dragonfly pulled back and the Berserker started rubbing against him happy, like a kitten. He reached up with one foreleg and hugged the Changeling.

Once everybuggy had regrouped they quickly moved on, encountering no further wolf packs and eventually reaching the remains of one of the Everfree City's gates were Spotter was waiting for them. They exchanged greetings with Spotter telling them that Chrysalis' forces were very slowly pushing the Timberwolves back, he estimated about two hours before she reached the city.

Dragonfly nodded and lead them into the ruins, saying "Form up guys, still have a bit to go."





Mission: Everfree City Part One; Complete

Main Objectives:

Rendezvous with Spotter; Complete

Dragonfly, Seeker, Rhino and Darter must survive; Complete

Do not engage any of Chrysalis' forces if encountered; Complete
________________________

Bonus Objective:

Locate Hiveless Changelings (2 Groups); Complete, Thorax found, six Changeling Drones found, Berseker Unlocked
________________________





Everfree Forest

Everfree City





Mission: Everfree City Part two

Main Objectives:

Reach the remains of the City's Great Hall

Dragonfly, Seeker, Rhino, Darter and Thorax must survive
________________________

Time Limit before Chrysalis reaches the City: Two Hours





Briefing

Dragonfly: Now that we've reached the Everfree City we need to find what Chrysalis is after and why she would come here. However we are now on a time limit and we will need to get through the ruins to reach the Great Hall, anything of value that is left would have been kept there. Unfortunately we can't go straight there as the wreckage and rubble blocks our path, forcing us to find our way through. Spotter did a scan while he was waiting and discovered that the city's defenses are still working even after a thousand years, so move carefully and Say. Together. I'm not losing anybuggy to a forgotten city! Spotter as also detected strange magic signatures hidden throughout the ruins, they're not Changeling or Timber Wolf so be ready for anything.





Everfree City Gate

The Group consisting of Dragonfly, Seeker, Rhino, Darter, Spotter, Thorax, sixteen Drones, five Healers, five Soldiers, One Weapons Team with three, one Berseker, and two Hive Spiders for a total of thirty two Changelings and Two Hive Spiders sealed the gate behind them and took note of their location.

As Dragonfly and Spotter had said, what remained of the city was rubble overgrow with plants. Any clear paths were gone, blocked by massive piles of debris that would take hours to clears, time they didn't have.

"Let's get moving, I don't want to be here when Chrysalis shows up." Dragonfly said with a sigh.

Getting through the ruins took a fair bit of time, having to weave through the rubble, but they surprisingly encountered no threats. However this did nothing to ease the Changelings, while they were carefully avoiding the still active defenses, they were sensing... something or rather  somethings moving through the rubble staying out of sight and reach but watching the Changeling group from afar.

As a result the group was on edge, they knew that something was watching and following them, waiting... hunting.

They soon reached the remains of the City Hall, the building was actually rather intact though still in ruin. Opening the heavy doors they were met by a dark hallway covered in dust, webs, and other debris. From the looks of things they would be the first to walk through here in a long time.

"Into the darkness," Dragonfly muttered before looking at the others, some of which looked scared. He walked over and gently rubbed their backs, trying to comfort them.

"Alright everybuggy, we're going in more or less blind. Stay together and watch each others backs, no one has been here since it was abandoned so be prepared for anything. We know that something has been watching us and we are on their turf now, so keep your eyes open. If any of you see anything call it out right away, I'd much rather have false alarms than the real thing. We all clear?"

The response was was yes all across.

"Good, now let's find what Chrysalis is after and get out of here, this place is really making my carapace crawl."

They slowly walked on the hall, using their horns to lit their way. They had just moved out of sight of the open door...

when a shadow rushed passed, and it wasn't Changeling.





(1) Like the "Armored Changeling" seen in Canterlot Wedding - Part 2.

(2) Most Changelings have very subtle differences between males and females, subtle enough that most other species wouldn't notice unless they already knew what to look for. Voice and any personal items can help with identifying the gender.
> Everfree City Hall
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree City Hall

The group slowly walked through the ruined but surprisingly intact hallways of the Everfree City Hall, it turned out the building was far larger on the inside than they had expected. From what Seeker knew the city hall was also a back-up castle for the two Ailcorn sisters though it was never used that way. Most of upper levels held nothing of value so the group when lower after finding a stable stairway, after a bit of walking and trying to find something of note they finally reached a large dark purple, armored door with four slots at around head level. Dragonfly turned to the group.

"Any ideas?"

"Well... from the look of this door I'd say this could be what Chrysalis is looking for. If I remember right, this door leads into the Treasure Chamber though I don't think any treasure would be left after the city was abandoned." Seeker said tipping a hoof against his chin.

"Well also according to the records they had to leave in a huge hurry and they did leave a lot of stuff behind. Though this door is sealed shut, the question is... why?" Rhino said.

Thorax raised a hoof. "Could... could what Chrysalis is after be held within the room?"

"He could be right, this is the only room that is even remotely intact enough to hold anything of value." Spotter said, Darter added his own agreement.

"Add to the fact that the door is sealed shut it could very well be the place."

"Well we wouldn't find out by sitting here and we are still on a time limit," Dragonfly said gathering the group to together, "Spotter, how much time do we still have?"

Said Scout uncoiled his antennae to their full six feet and closed his eyes while waving the antennae around, after a few minutes he opened his eyes.

"Chrysalis' forces have reached the outskirts of the city and are in battle with more Timber Wolves and the city's remaining defenses, both are holding for now but they will eventually be overwhelmed. I'd estimate at most an hour and a half before they reach the city hall."

"Then we can't delay any longer, they'll detect us if they reach the hall before we leave and that cannot happen yet." Dragonfly said than turned to the others.

"Now, judging from the indents on the door we need four crystals to open it. Since time isn't on our side so we will need to split up, as much as we don't want to, to find them in time. There's thirty seven of us so Darter, Rhino, Seeker, and I will each take four Drones, one Healer, and one Soldier with us. Darter, you take the most left side passage, Rhino you take the most right side passage. Seeker, you take the closer left side passage. I'll take the closer right side passage and Spotter, you stay here with Thorax, one Healer, one Soldier, the Scouts, the Hive Spiders, The Berseker, and the Weapons Team as back-up if an attack happens. Keep in contact at all times, I want a call-in every five minutes and stay alert. Something was watching us as the moved through the rubble above, it could be very will down here with us so if you see anything call it out. If you need help Spotter will send his group as reinforcements. Any questions?"

"No Sir." Was the response.

"Good, now let's move. Spotter, keep us updated on Chrysalis' forces. Warn us if they get to close or something unexpected happens."

"Will do sir."

With that the group went their separate ways while Spotter sat down uncoiling his antennae again.





Darter's Group

Most Left side Passage

Darter's group didn't have much trouble moving through their passage as it was rather clear of rubble, soon they reached a large, circular room which was mostly barren expect for three statures of the original Pony Tribes; Earth Pony, Unicorn, and Pegasus, each holding a large, glowing crystal in their hooves. In the center was a short podium with one of the crystals sitting on top of it, however the crystal and the podium were encased within a green magic shield. Darter reached towards the shield only to recoil his hoof violently the second he touched the field with a yep of pain, receiving a shock and a slightly smoking hoof for his trouble.

"Ow! That did not tickle." He said lightly blowing on his smoking hoof while the Healers did their job, as they did this the others looked around, with the Soldier spotting something different.

"Sir, there are plates in front of each stature. I think their pressure plates, each one has two plates in front of them."

Darter came over to the Soldier who was standing in front of the Pegasus stature and examined the plates, both looked the same white tiles that covered the rest of the floor only he could see very slight gaps between the sides of the plates and the surrounding area that most would have missed. Curious, he reached forward and gently pushed the left plate down. Once is was fully down the crystal in the stature's hooves changed from a dull grey to a light blue. Noticing this the other Changelings tried the other plates, the other two crystals changing colors as well.

"Darter sir, I have a theory." One of the Drones said, Darter gestured for her to continue. "I think that to disable the field so we can get the crystal, we need to have the large ones colored in the right order."

"That is a good theory, but... how? Is there even a clue to the order?" As Darter finished another Drone called out.

"I think I found something, looks like writing on the wall here but I can't read it."

The group moved over and sure enough there was some writing, but it was in one of the old Pony languages, which none of them couldn't read. Just then Dragonfly called over the Hivemind.

"This is Dragonfly checking in, anything so far?"

"This is Rhino, my group has encountered just puzzles, boring and easy puzzles. Nothing else yet, out."

"Seeker here, nothing of note yet. Out."

"Spotter here, nothing yet. Our window is still good, out."

"Darter here, my group has found one of the crystals but there is a magic field protecting it. We're working on it now, Seeker, can you read this writing here?"

Darter felt Seeker gently shift his vision to Darter.

"Most of the words are to worn but the gist of it something related to the Warming."

"Okay, so now we have something to work with. Thanks Seeker."

"No problem, Seeker out."

Darter blinked as Seeker's presence left his mind, Darter than turned to his group and had them cycle through the different colors of the large crystals.

"What are you thinking sir?" The Soldier asked.

"Well, the writing said something about the Warming, so my guess is the three crystals need to be the colors of the "Warming Flame"."

"Which if we know our history right was different shades of raspberry, so we need to set-up the crystals in the right color order." One of the Drones said.

It took several tries, but the group soon got the right order. The green field hummed for a second, than slowly faded way until it was completely. Darter cautiously approached and reached out, gripping the red crystal, than he quickly pulled back.

Nothing happened after a few minutes, the group let out a collective sigh of relief. Darter looked at the crystal then said over the Hivemind.

"This is Darter, my group and I have the first and are on our way back to Spotter."

With that the group left the room behind.





Rhino's Group

Most Right Passage

Rhino had what could be best described as a cross between a prefect deadpan, incredible boredom, and a look that just said "I am so done with this crap" on his face, so far his group had gone through several puzzle rooms, each with very easy and boring puzzles. In truth, Rhino felt like his intelligence was been insulted.

The next room was mostly empty with a set of statures and a floor with most of the area being a set of white and black tiles, Rhino reached out and pressed a black tile which released poison-tipped darts, he then pressed a white one which ended the barrage. So the group just needed to walk on the white tiles while avoiding the black ones, simple. Rhino frowned, looked at the two statures next to the door they came in, walked over and removed the heavy stone shields the statures were holding.

His group watched as he did this, confusion written all over their faces.

"Aaaa... Sir, what are you doing?" The Soldier asked.

"Just gather around me and stay close."

They did and Rhino used his magic to hover the large shields to the sides, the group moved across the tiles with the shields blocking the darts until the group reached the other side. Rhino discarded the shields after they reached the door.

"This is just getting insulting, *Heavy Sigh* let's just move on."

The next room had a narrow path with a deep pit on either side and seven swinging blades hanging from the ceiling, moving slowly enough that even the laziest creature could get past, they just had to time it right.

Rhino's bored look changed to an angry one before he let out an enraged growl and fired a blast of magic that completely destroyed the blades, sending the remains into the pits and clearing the way. He marched forward with his group following after recovering from their shock.

As they entered a long hallway Rhino went off on a rant.

"This is just stupid! We've only come across easy and boring puzzles, this is a waste of time and our skills. I don't mind puzzles if they at least give a small challenge but this is just insulting! The last time I had to retrieve an item was back in Germaney with my partner, a Mare with great skill. We went to get some important Intel in a zombie infested area(1) and she was at the time carrying a foal, much to my surprise when she suddenly screamed and fell over. I asked her what was wrong and she shouted "I'm have a foal!" so I had to help her through that, while fighting off a massive horde of zombies!

Seriously, were are the spike traps, the flamethrowers, hay I'd even happily take the age old boulder right now. Not these boring as sh-"

*Click*

Rhino's rant cut out as his and his group's heads snapped down hearing the click, Rhino had just stepped on a pressure plate with a Pony skull on it.

"Oh..."

The walls shifted and started closing in, much to the panic of the group while Rhino's face changed to a even more deadpan look.

"Tempted fate, one moment please."

...

A few minutes later the group was standing on the other end of the hall, which was now littered with remains of the walls but still passable.

"Sir," the Soldier, female from the voice asked, "did you have to trash the hallway? I know it was closing in on us but still."

"I know it was a bit overkill, but I've had enough of this trap yakcap."

"By the way, how did that thing in Germaney end? Did your partner and her foal make it out."

"Well it went like this; I had to drop my disguise but she had figured out I was a Changeling so it was no big deal, that and she was in no condition to fight, bringing a foal into the world takes a lot out of a Mare. As for how we got out, funny thing is, the moment the zombies saw the newborn foal, they started clutching their chests and dropping like flies. I think the cuteness was too much even for their unbeating hearts."

The other's looked at him incredulously, finally the Soldier asked.

"Sir, you mean to tell us that a massive horde of zombies was beaten by cuteness!?"

"Never, ever underestimate the power of cuteness, it can in fact be used as a weapon." Rhino said booping the Soldier on the nose, her eyes crossing in response.

"As for the rest; after she had recovered we moved on with her using my jacket as a carrier for the newborn, got the Intel, and made it back to base. She got an earful for going out while carrying, though I think her commanding officer was more angry at not being there for her than anything else, then her fiance proposed to her which she happily accepted by tackling him onto his back, after she asked me to hold the foal first.

Things with the zombies soon ended after that and I came back to Equestria to continue my work with Empress Nebula, though not before she and her now husband named me the foal's Godfather. While I haven't seen them for a few years we still keep in contact with letters, and the last one I got a few months ago said they're doing fine. There was something about about a surprise coming in a few months and she did ask where I was living, so I just sent a letter back that I was living in Ponyville with friends and would be for the foreseeable future."

"What was her name and the gender of the foal?" One of the Drones asked.

"Her name's Schneeflocke and the foal is a Colt."

After a few minutes they found the crystal they were looking for, on a pillar over a pit filled with spikes. Rhino just used his magic to bring it over as any anti-magic wards had long since faded away and become useless. They had just reentered the destroyed hall when they heard another click, they looked up only to see a large boulder coming towards them.

"Fate, why must you fart in my direction. I really need to see Dr. Wolf about my temping fate, RUN!!"

The group took off with the boulder on their tails.





Seeker's Group

Closer Left Passage

Seeker lead the way with his horn providing light, his group sticking close to him as they moved through the dark hallway. The group was on edge as they kept hearing weird sounds around them in the darkness, like scuttling and metal on rock. Seeker paused when they reached a section with an intense beam of light coming from the ceiling and shining on the right wall.

"Stay here."

Seeker got down on his belly and crawled forward, being extra careful not to enter the light. His group watched with confused looks as he stood up on the other side, reached out, and waved his hoof over a small spot of the light. Their confusion turned to fear as the second Seeker waved enough of his hoof in the light a wall of long spear-like spikes shot out from the left wall, had anyone stepped into the light to pass they would impaled by the spikes. It wasn't the spikes that horrified the group other than Seeker however, rather it was the thousand year old Pony skeleton, Unicorn by the horn, impaled on them. Thankfully it was only bones with remains of clothing (the kind worn by High Nobles of the era) on it, the group didn't think any of them could handle a decaying corpse right now.

"Okay, okay."

"Well I'm not sleeping tonight."

"Why would this place have traps like this?!"

"Whatever is behind that door must be more important then we first thought."

"Let's go, leave the bones to rest in piece. Stay out of the light." Seeker said as they moved forward.

That was the only trap they encountered before reaching the crystal, which had been once covered by magic traps but the one thousand year gap had caused the wards to weaken until the magic faded out, now the former traps were now just barely visible black marks on the floor and walls. The group just grabbed the crystal and left, it was too easy but clearly the caster of the traps never made them to last this long without being renewed every once in a while.





Dragonfly's Group

Closer Right Passage

Dragonfly's group moved through a hallway littered with wreckage, so far they hadn't found any traps or threats but they were moving slowly, ready for any surprises. After a while they came up to a door mostly blocked by debris with only a small hole still clear, Dragonfly carefully ducked through the hole. He had just pulled his tail through when the wreckage shifted than fell, blocking the entryway and separating Dragonfly from the rest of his group.

"Prince Dragonfly! Sir, are you alright?!" The Soldier shouted through the debris.

"Yes I'm alright, just a little dusty."

"What now?"

"You guys stay here and try to clear some of this so I can get back through, I'll continue on and get the crystal. I'll alert the others so they can send some help, wish me luck."

"Good luck our Prince, please be careful."

"Will do."

Dragonfly moved from the pile and used the Hivemind.

"Seeker, Spotter, Rhino, Darter, what's your status?"

"Seeker here, we've all retrieved our crystals and are waiting with Spotter, what's wrong?

"I got separated from my group by a cave-in, we're all okay but I'm on my own. Can you guys send my group help to clear a hole big enough for me?"

"Rhino: They are on their way, be careful Dragonfly, whatever we were sensed before my strike now that one of us is one their own now."

"Understood Rhino, Spotter what's our remaining time frame?"

"Chrysalis' forces have the Timber Wolves on the run but they've taken massive losses, I would guess that at least an extra hour has been added as she will have to wait for reinforcements."

"Even she has the brains to know that the city even after so long would still hold threats. Alright, I'm headed towards the crystal. I'll contact you if I need help. Dragonfly out."

Dragonfly looked down the long hallway in front of him, it was mostly clear with some rubble spread along the floor and a few doors leading into other halls that had collapsed.

"Alone, against the darkness. Here we go." He moved on, slowly walking down the hall, his horn casing a light ahead. As he walked passed by a door he didn't notice a pair of yellow, flaming eyes suddenly appear. The eyes were attached to a large, Pony-shaped silhouette which moved out of the door and started following the Changeling Royal at a distance.





Dragonfly eventually reached a large room which was mostly empty, but opposite of the entry was a small podium, with the last crystal on it. Smiling Dragonfly crossed the room, only to stop as he realized something.

"Wait... it's too easy. This has to be a trick."

No sooner had he finished that sentence that the doors he came through suddenly slammed shut, Dragonfly spun around at the noise, only to stop when he saw a large Pony-like shape standing in front of the closed doors.

It wasn't alone either; next to it were two more Pony-like shapes. The one in the center resembled an Earth Pony, the one to the left resembled a Unicorn, and the one to the right resembled a Pegasus. Yellow flaming eyes stared back at him, eyes that told Dragonfly that these were not Ponies, but something else, something left behind when the city was abandoned so long ago.

"Animated Armor, that's what's been following us, what's been wait for me to be alone."

From what he remembered Animated Armor was a form of Golem made by heavily enchanting suits of armor to create a powerful and hard to destroy unit, one that many enemies of the Ponies of the era feared. In current times Animated Armor was not in use as the knowledge to create them was lost with the city, by rights they all should have been piles of armor pieces by now,

And yet three active ones stood before him, through they were not at their best Dragonfly knew from the stories that Animated Armor was very dangerous even if they were so old...

...and he stood alone against three of them.

Dragonfly pulled his weapon, a hatchet on first glance from behind his back as the three armors approached, the Pegasus and Unicorn moving to the sides while the Earth Pony stayed in the center. One the three reached about an equal fifteen feet from each other and Dragonfly they stayed still, as if wanting him to make the first move. Dragonfly brought his hatchet to his side, then with a flick of his hoof the weapon expanded into a halberd.

The four stood there in silence, waiting for the first move.

After five minutes, the armors moved together. The Pegasus and Earth Pony shot forward as the Unicorn fired a magic bolt, Dragonfly quickly reacted by jumping into the air using his wings for a boost. The Earth Pony, unable to stop itself quickly, crashed into the far wall with a force that shook the room while the Pegasus was hit by the bolt. With the Earth Pony busy removing itself from the wall and the Pegasus shaking off the bolt Dragonfly went after the Unicorn, the armor fired off another bolt only to be met with Dragonfly's only. He followed it with a downwards swing of his weapon, now normally the armor would have easily dodged the attack, but alas time had not been kind to it as the armor plating, while still rather durable, was still heavily rusted and wasn't able to move as well as it once could. While the halberd missed the head of the armor, the left foreleg wasn't as lucky. The blade dug two inches into the lower section of the leg before it stopped, Dragonfly quickly pulled it out and shot to the ceiling, dodging the Pegasus as it shot past where he was and into the Unicorn, further damaging the leg.

It was one of the lessons Saber had taught him; When faced with multiple enemies, STAY. ON. THE. MOVE. Do not let them box you in and do not focus on just one target. As Dragonfly flew up and the Pegasus went passed him he swing his halberd down, striking the left wing. While it didn't completely server the metal wing the blow did bend it enough to make the armor's flight unstable. By this point the Earth Pony finally broke free of the wall, the Unicorn tried to stand up but the earlier damage to its left foreleg caused it to break, sending the Unicorn back to the floor. The Earth Pony charged as Dragonfly landed, the Changeling waited until the last moment before leaping off to the side, the Earth Pony unable to stop as it slammed into another wall. The Unicorn shot a bolt that Dragonfly wasn't able to dodge in time, the bolt hit his shoulder. While it did hurt, time had weakened the power of the bolts considerably and his carapace blunted the damage.

Still, Dragonfly knew that while his carapace stopped that hit it wouldn't necessarily stop the next one. Changeling Carapace was very durable, about equal to one inch of hardened steel despite being thinner than that for breeds like Workers and Drones. The protection increased the larger and more powerful the breed, a Juggernaut for example had carapace equal to around seven inches. Besides the carapace there were two extra layers under it; the first was a gel layer with a honey-comb-like structure to absorb and spread out blunt trauma and magic attacks, and the second layer was a membrane-like substance that further absorbed damage, protecting the internals. Now all of this protection, while very good, did have limits. As Seeker had said "Our carapace grants us great protection against enemy attacks, our's for example renders us immune to attacks up to a certain level, but remember that even the thickest and strongest carapace can be eventually breached and we still have weak points that are not covered, like our eyes.", and while the carapace and the two other layers would absorb most damage just fine, hits to spots like the eyes would cause the Changeling to receive full damage. Also weapons like a dagger or sword, if they hit a vital organ like the heart, would still be fatal.

A good blow to the right spot on the head would knock a Changeling out for a time, while this did no lasting damage getting knocked out on the battlefield could get one killed or worse. Beyond that though, if the wounded Changeling had enough E-energy and/or Healers around than they could recover from most other wounds, even the lost of a horn or limb, but those types would still put the Changeling out of the fight for quite a bit, similar to healing a broken bone.

By this point the Unicorn had recovered and stood back up, but because of its missing lower left foreleg its speed was reduced. The Pegasus' speed was also reduced with the damage to its left wing, the Earth Pony had lodged itself into a wall again and was trying to pull free. The Unicorn fired off several bolts while the Pegasus charged again, Dragonfly either dodged or counter with his own as he waited for the right moment than struck the Pegasus in the chest. While the armor would at worst dented against the halberd's blade, time and rust had weakened the chest enough for it to cut through. The halberd struck the Golem's core crystal, shattering it and the Pegasus crashed to the floor as the armor pieces fell apart. As this happened Dragonfly leaped into the air and used the Leaping Wing Strike ability, slamming into the Unicorn before it could react followed by a strike to the Golem's chest and core crystal. Dragonfly stood up not noticing tiny spheres of many colors pop out of the two former Golems and rush into him, his body absorbing the spheres.

'Two down, one to go.'

Unfortunately the Earth Pony recovered faster than Dragonfly had thought, it rammed into him before he could move. Dragonfly's armor took the blow but he did hear carapace cracking, though a quick glance told him it was minor at worst. The Earth Pony followed the ram with a punch, which to Dragonfly's surprise, released a concussive blast against his side that sent him flying across the room and into the wall. While again Dragonfly's armor absorbed the damage he was left stunned by the blows, and was unable to recover in time as the Earth Pony charged again. Just as it got within ten feet of Dragonfly however a barrage of green magic bolts struck the side of the Golem's head, which caused it to veer into the wall next to Dragonfly as it swing its head from the impact. Eight Drones had gotten through the room and flew over to help their Prince up as he recovered.

"Thanks for the help, how did you get pass the blocked passage?"

"We managed to create a hole large enough for us to slip through but it collapsed again after the eight of us got through, we got here as fast as we could." One of the Drones said.

"Looks like we got here in time." Another added.

The Earth Pony pulled itself from the wall and attacked again, but now that Dragonfly had backup the Golem wasn't able to pick a target as the Changelings attacked from several different directions. It took a few minutes but the Earth Pony's armor began to break apart from the repeated hits, Dragonfly charged forth and brought his halberd down on the Golem's torso, breaking through and severing the core crystal from the rest. As the intact core fell out and the armor fell apart Dragonfly felt a powerful surge of magic flow through him, it didn't hurt but at the same time it felt like the magic in him was trying to break out. Too the other Changelings they saw their Prince's body get covered in so much green energy that completely covered his body for a few seconds.

As he recovered from that the others arrived.

"Dragonfly! You alright?" Seeker said as he walked up to the Royal.

"I think so but... what just happened? I slayed the Earth Pony Animated Armor then felt a power surge of magic, I also feel... heather, stronger, and more magically powerful." He said as Seeker smiled.

"What happened Dragonfly is that you "Leveled UP", as you slay enemies minor or strong like the Animated Armor you gain small energy spheres. Once you have gathered enough your body adapts to it, changing to fit your new abilities. As a result the durability of your carapace along with the strength of your muscles and magic have increased as well."

As Dragonfly processed this Rhino walked up to and picked up the core crystal, turning it about as he examined it.

"I think I can use this to increase the effectiveness of our gear but I'll need time before I'll have anything solid."

Dragonfly retrieved the last crystal and they regrouped with Spotter who gave them an update.

"Chrysalis' forces have gotten reinforcements and have reached the city, but they are encountering very heavy resistance from the city's defenses but I don't know how much time we will have left now."

Dragonfly nodded and placed the four crystals into the door slots, they glowed for a few seconds than the door slowly opened. The group of thirty eight Changelings and two Hive Spiders quickly moved through the door, which shut after the last one got through and the crystals lost their color, show they had been one-time-use only, and into a long hallway. After moving through the hall for a time they entered a chamber about half the size of the Royal Palace's throne room. The room was mostly empty expect for six statues that sat in the center of the room. It didn't take long for them to see that each one was of the Founders; Hurricane stood at attention with his Kirin halberd held in his right hoof, to his left was Clover the Clever and Princess Platinum, to his right was Pansy Shy, Smart Cooke, and Puddinghead. Each stature had them in various poses that seem to radiate their glory.

The group spread out as Dragonfly and his companions walked up to the statues.

"Is this what Chrysalis is after?" Rhino asked incredulously, "Just a bunch of statures of the Founders?"

"I agree with Rhino on this, I've known her the longest out of us. First Mother I hated those meetings. These are the only things here that would be worth anything, so why would she waste so many of her Hive to get these? It doesn't make sense." Seeker said rubbing his chin.

Darter, Spotter and Thorax voiced their agreement as Dragonfly walked closer and began examining Hurricane's statue, running a hoof along the surface he noticed something off right away.

"Somethings wrong here..." His voice catching the others attention.

"What is Dragonfly? They look normal to us." Seeker asked.

"Two things; One, these statues are too smooth. Even the best of the best sculptures will level some rough spots, no matter how small. The second is these feel warm, almost like a living creature sort of warm." The others walked over, wondering what he was talking about.

Dragonfly looked the statues over than closed his eyes while lighting his horn, his magic running over them. He must have done something as the statues suddenly began to crack as his eyes snapped open.

"Dragonfly what did you do!?" Seeker shouted.

"I don't know! I felt some sort magic link and brushed against it with mine, just to take a look. I had no idea it would to that!"

Before the Changelings' eyes the statues began to fall apart as pieces, but that wasn't what had their attention. As the pieces fell away they started seeing fur, actual fur along with mane and tail. The statues had been the actual Founders the entire time!

Once enough pieces had fallen the fully alive but unconscious Founders fell over, or would have if the Changelings hadn't caught them. Gently laying the six Ponies down the Changelings looked at each other, shock very clear over their faces. Dragonfly stared, unable to believe that all this time the Founders had been frozen in stone. Had they been aware all this time, watching as time flowed, as they were abandoned here, for over a thousand years?

Seeker, Rhino, Darter, and Spotter stood next to him, their reactions the same as the Healers check the Ponies life signs, all six were fine. They stood their for several long minutes, finally Seeker spoke, saying what was on everybuggy's minds.

"To think, they were here all this time." The others stayed silent, unable to believe it themselves.

As the Healers had said the six of them were only unconscious, their breathing had been heavy for a few seconds but that was most likely due to not taking in air for so long. Dragonfly leaned closer to get a good look at them.

Hurricane was a head taller than most other Stallions and very well built with a dark blue coat with his grey hooves uncovered, a tri-colored mane and tail of dark blue, light blue, and ice blue and a Cutie Mark of a hurricane with mirrored lighting bolts within visible under his armor. He wore armor of the era which was dark grey with gold rivets, markings on the chest piece on each side of a large lighting bolt, and trim around the edge of the helmet and under the helmet plume. Wrapped around the base of his tail was a gold band, standard on military Ponies of them time and even in modern times. Lifting up an eyelid they saw that his eyes were yellow.



Pansy Shy was also well built with a light red coat, pink and orange striped mane and tail, and yellow eyes. He Cutie Mark was hidden by her armor which was the type worn by Mares of the era and was dark grey like Hurricane's but with light grey instead of gold trim.



Princess Platinum had a lilac coat with lavender-silver and white mane and tail and wine red eyes with the eyelids being covered with purple eye shadow, her Cutie Mark was hidden by a purple cloak rimmed with white fake fur with purple chevrons and tied around the base of her neck with a silver clasp with a purple gem in the center. Along with that she wore silver shoes and a ring studded with purple gems. Pictures had shown her wearing a crown but it was missing here, though Dragonfly remembered seeing it or at least a replica sitting on display in Canterlot's Museum.



Clover the Clever had a white coat with green and light green mane and tail and purple eyes. She wore a brown cloak held around her neck by a short length of rope with four pockets stitched to the sides, the back ones held scrolls while front ones held a single leaf of a different color, the one in the left pocket was red and the one in the right was blue. Her Cutie Mark, judging from the marks on the spots over her flanks, was a set of three green four-leaf clovers with four white diamonds around them.



Puddinghead had a pumpkin colored coat with brown mane and tail and turquoise eyes. She wore a chocolate brown outfit with pinks sleeves and cream trimming which hid her Cutie Mark, a pink bow around the base of her tail, a white collar commonly worn by important Ponies of them time, and a wide-brimmed butterscotch hat with a dual-colored top of very light shades of blue with an attachment of chocolate pudding on top. Wait, that was real pudding if the smell was anything to go by.



And finally Smart Cookie had a yellow coat with orange mane and tail and light blue eyes. She wore a short chocolate brown coat with white collar and front patching, a chocolate brown hat with a butterscotch band holding a white feather completed her outfit. Little white freckles dotted her face and cheeks and her Cutie Mark was a cookie with a small portion bitten or broken off.



As the others stared, Dragonfly slowly realized something, his eyes at first widened but than narrowed as his lips pulled back into a small snarl.

"That's why she came here."

Everybuggy turned to Dragonfly, who had muttered that out while in thought.

"Dragonfly?" Seeker asked. 

"Chrysalis knew they were here, all this time, she knew." He turned around and walked a few steps, his back facing the others, starting at the floor. Seeker walked over and stood next to him.

"Dragonfly?" He asked again bit warily, his Prince's posture told the Advisor that something was wrong.

"Chrysalis knew, she lived during their time, she and Hurricane had a power rivalry with each other. Those Traps; they were installed to protect them. Chrysalis likely had spies here, but was unable to act until the city was abandoned after Nightmare Moon was banished, even then she had to deal with other matters. She knew they were trapped here, trapped in stone, so she could wait. Now, after taking control of the Changelings but our Hive, she came back here, to finish the job."

Seeker, Rhino, Darter, and Spotter took a step back from the Royal, while Changelings couldn't sense each other's emotions they could sense the shift of magic in their Prince. Dragonfly was normally a very relaxed Changeling and it took a lot to get him angry(2), but when he did it was best to give him space til he calmed down. Spotter noticed something out of the corner of his eye and turned to it, only to do a double take at what he saw; the six Ponies were now conscious and standing up, watching as Dragonfly continued. Spotter opened his mouth to say something but Hurricane raised a hoof, signaling him not to.

"Chrysalis brought her army here to break open the ruins, to reach this chamber. She has never cared about the lives of her subjects, only power. The things she would have done to the Founders if she reached them first." Darter noticed the awake Founders, followed by Rhino and Seeker. Hurricane just signaled them t stay quiet as Dragonfly continued.

"She would have forced Hurricane to watch as she slowly drained the five Mares of their emotions for years until they were nothing but husks, knowing how much he loved and cared for them. All the while using him as a breeding stud, creating generations of strong and loyal Changelings that would follow her every whim, even after she had fully broken him."

He brought up a hoof to his chest and let out a breath slowly, moving the hoof away from him like he was moving the anger away from him.

"But now that we reached them first, that fate wouldn't happen. Chrysalis is as much our enemy as Hurricane's, and dad once told me; Son, remember that in most cases, the enemy of your enemy is your friend. We are not leaving them here."

He felt a hoof gently rest on his shoulder, he lifted his head expecting to meet Seeker's eyes, only to find himself looking into Hurricane's yellow ones.

"Your father spook true son, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. As Chrysalis is my enemy, that means you and your Hive are my friends, our friends."

"How long have you..."

"The whole time, we heard every word." Clover softly said.

"What's your name lad?" Hurricane asked taking his hoof off Dragonfly's shoulder as the latter turned towards the Ponies.

"Prince Dragonfly Wings, you can leave out the "Prince" part though. I'd rather my friends known me as an individual, not by title. This here is part of my Hive; Seeker, My Advisor and second in command. Rhino, my Hive's Military Commander. Spotter, the Hive's lead and best Scout, Darter, our faster flyer and commander of the Hive's air wing. And last but not least Thorax, a Proto-Royal and former member of Chrysalis's Hive." 

"It's a pleasure darlings, and Hurricane is right. We know you're not our enemy." Princess Platinum said with a light smile. "And just call me Platinum, I'm not really a Princess anymore."

"Speaking of that," Smart Cookie spoke up, "How long have we been frozen? We were more or less asleep the entire time."

"A little over a thousand years." Seeker said.

The Founder's eyes all went wide in shock, than they looked at each other and the floor as they processed this. After a minute Smart Cookie spoke.

"A thousand years, everything we once knew is gone." Platinum looked towards the Changelings and asked, "Are Celestia and Luna still around?" Her voice held worry and sounded like she didn't want to know yet at the same time just had to know.

"Celestia is and she rules Equestria from Canterlot, Luna... She turned into Nightmare Moon a few years after you disappeared, Celestia had know choice but to banish her to the moon or risk an eternal night." Dragonfly said, remembering what his mother had told him. Platinum and the others each let out a sign of relief, happy that at least the two Ponies they raised were alive.

"Speaking of disappearing; How did the six of you end up frozen in stone?" Darter asked, Hurricane answered.

"It was our choice, Chrysalis had nearly gotten Clover so we decided to "disappear" for a time. We wanted her to think we had died so she would no longer come after us, we asked Celestia and Luna to freeze us in stone for a few years. Once those few years had passed we would unfreeze and hopefully catch Chrysalis off-guard." Clover spoke next.

"But from the fact that we're were talking to you, something went wrong."

"In a word; yes." Seeker said, "While we don't know all the details, we do know that when Luna was banished something caused the Everfree City to be abandoned and they left in a huge hurry, leaving a lot of things behind, including the six of you. It is likely that Celestia, in between the pain of banishing her sister and leaving the city, forgot about you down here."

"Well at least we're out of the rock, even if it is about a thousand years late." Smart Cookie said.

"By the way, we only just met and the six of you are wiling to trust us?" Rhino asked.

"Well, the fact that we didn't wake up chained to the floor of a Hive with Chrysalis bragging about her victory above us is a huge point in your favor." Hurricane said, Platinum went next.

"Dragonfly's speech also told us you weren't on her side, and speaking of that: Why are you her enemies? The way you spoke Dragonfly sounded like you have a personal grudge against her."

"She tried to kill me three years ago by sending a large pack Timber Wolves after me, had it not been for my mother's bodyguards I would have died that day." Seeker spoke next.

"Chrysalis saw Dragonfly as the greatest threat to her plans so she tried to get rid of him, we did however turn her plan against her." You see the scarf Dragonfly's wearing?" -The Founders nodded yes- "Well he is know to only take it off when bathing or sleeping, his parents simply used the blood covered scarf to fool Chrysalis into thinking he was dead while Dragonfly healed in a special cocoon." Hurricane smiled.

"Nice plan, and it worked? She has no idea?"

"Not a clue." Rhino said with a laugh. Puddinghead suddenly jumped up in between Dragonfly and Hurricane, pulling both into a hug.

"Well now that we're friends this calls for a party? Which starts-"

Puddinghead was cut off as a muffled boom sounded from above and the room shook, Spotter extended his antennae which Clover watched with an inquisitive look. After a minute Spotter's eyes shot open.

"Chrysalis' forces have reached the City Hall! They haven't detected us but we need to leave now!"

"Let's have that party else where." Thorax said.

"Like ah... back at your Hive." Pansy said.

Before they could move the ceiling of the hall the Changelings had come through earlier collapsed, followed closely by the ceiling of the room they were in! Seeker manged to deploy his Dome Shield in time but told them it wouldn't last for long. Clover ran to a small section of the wall opposite of the door.

"This room was built with another secret entrance long ago, only we know about it as we were the ones to install it." She said pushing the hidden door open, everycreature had gathered around when the shield lost its fight, the force of the wind from the rubble crashing shoved them all through the open door and down into a fast flowing stream. What followed was a round of yelling and screaming of terror and joy as they traveled for a while before they were spat out into a good sized spring. Everycreature picked themselves up out of the shallow water as the two Hive Spiders got out and shook themselves dry. Dragonfly moved his now loose hair out of his face and took a look to make sure they were all there, once he saw everycreature was there and fine, just soaked, he looked around the area to get his bearings.

it was a clearing that held a gorgeous oasis: the carpet of grass was dotted with a whole rainbow of flowers. A small grotto housed a river source that fed into a pool a little down below and it was the holes the water flowed out of that they came from. All around them dozens of animals drinking and bathing in the water together. Rabbits, foxes, bears, even a cockatrice, all of then offered a moment of truce to enjoy it. They had been startled by the group's sudden appearance but after seeing that the newcomers weren't a threat the animals went back to what they were doing.

"This is incredible..." Clover said in awe, the other agreeing as they climbed out onto the shore.

A sudden movement caught their attention, then a giant purple serpent with orange mane and mustache surfaced from the deeper portions of the pool, frightening the group, who jumped in surprise and readied to defend themselves but were caught off guard when the creature suddenly spoke.

“Oh, pardon me, I’m sorry I spooked you,” the serpent said politely. “I’m Steven Magnet the sea serpent, what’s your names?’

Dragonfly did a quick interdiction of the group, he told Steven how they had ended up here, leaving some parts like the Founders being frozen in stone and anything related to Chrysalis. After hearing the story the serpent invited them to relax in the spring for awhile, the group enjoying it quite happily.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” Steven asked, diving into the water himself. “The river source flowing into here has incredible healing effects, wounded creatures from these woods come here all the time to heal and rest peacefully,” he explained. “They respect this place as a safe ground, so you don’t need to worry about predators.”

As the group processed his words, they couldn't stop wondering why he was bathing in the pool. “Why are you here, then? Are you hurt?” Platinum asked.

The serpent laughed. “Me? Oh no, darling. You see, these waters do wonders for my complexion! It’s not easy to keep these scales so shiny and gorgeous, you know?” Steven winked at the end, making Platinum and Clover giggle and the others just smile with a shake of their heads. After some time had passed the group said goodbye and when back to the Hive, entering and gathering in the Throne Room.

"I must say Dragonfly, this is a pretty impressive place you have here." Platinum said as she looked around the room. "A bit on the plain side though."

"We only set up a few mouths ago and things have been a bit busy so we haven't had the time to liven the place up yet." Dragonfly said.

"And now we can have that party." Puddinghead said with a huge smile.

"Did somepony say Party." An extra voice suddenly cut in behind Rhino, Darter and Spotter, the three of them nearly jumped out of their carapace and did not scream like fillies. Standing behind them was none other than Pinkie Pie.

"PINKIE!!!" Spotter shouted.

"That's me!"

"How did you get in here?!" Darter asked.

"And more importantly... how did you even know the Hive was here?!" Rhino demanded.

"Well... *deep gasp* When Mrs. Sheen came to Ponyville to build the Hive she told me and made me Pinkie Promise not to tell anycreature about it and to keep an eye out and greet you when you finally came home. As for how I got down here I installed a slide in my Party Planning Cave that leads down here. *deep gasp*"

Everycreature stared at her in silence for a few minutes, before Smart Cookie said, "And she said all that in one breath."

Pinkie looked over towards the Founders, with a huge smile she jumped in front of them and started talking.

"Oh my gosh are you new in Ponyville? Because you must be new in Ponyville because I know everypony in Ponyville and I've never seen you before. You don't look like you're from Ponyville. *GASP* That means you're new and I love meeting new Ponies! New Ponies are always interesting, and new and have so many new things to talk about. So hi my name's Pinkie Pie, what's yours? Wait you six look familiar."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was Puddinghead that answered.

"HI Pinkie the reason we look familiar is because we are actually the six founders of Equestia."

"*GASP* That's way, your Chancellor Puddinghead! How are you here? Are you time travelers?"

"Actually we were frozen in stone for the last thousand years."

As the two continued to talk Platinum's eyes widened than she shouted,

"Oh dear Faust there's two of them!"

Dragonfly, Hurricane, and the others started laughing at her reaction when suddenly a loud growl sounded through the room, startling everycreature. Another one sounded, shortly followed by a third. It was the third one that caused them to look at Hurricane who looked at his stomach, which let out a loud growl. The five Mares he had married giggled causing him to blush.

"Even after a thousand years of sleep he still had as big of an appetite as he did before." Platinum said, only for her laugh to be cut off as her stomach released its own growl. In rapid succession the others' stomachs also started growl, which caused everycreature to start laughing. Pinkie, Puddinghead, and Smart Cookie make a large meal which they all happily enjoyed, after the party all of them retired for the night. Pinkie headed back home to Sugar Cube Corner, the Founders were given a room for the night, Hurricane bringing the Mares in for a little "cuddle time" while Dragonfly laid down on his bed.





Mission: Everfree City Part two; Complete

Main Objectives:

Reach the remains of the City's Great Hall: Complete

Dragonfly, Seeker, Rhino, Darter and Thorax must survive: Complete

Find What Chrysalis is after; Complete
________________________

Time Limit before Chrysalis reaches the City: Two Hours: Complete





Debriefing

Dragonfly: I'm still having trouble believing that all this time the Founders of Equestria were frozen in stone, at least it was by their own choice and they were asleep for the entire time. We kept them out of Chrysalis's hooves which is a major victory for us, I talked to Hurricane during supper and he and the others agreed that saying hidden for now would be the best course of action as if she finds out she will come after them hard and we can endanger Ponyville and our Hive. The six have decided to stay with us in the Hive and help out. We will be going over the details tomorrow as today was quite enough for all of us.

One another note; Pinkie Pie knows of our Hive, I guess she knew who I was went I first met her. Thankfully she knows the importance of keeping our Hive Hidden.

Until next time.

Dragonfly Wings, son of Empress Nebula Sheen and Royal Knight Black Saber. May the First Mother watch over you.





(1) The Germanes don't like to talk about it, the only thing they will say is that it involved a powerful artifact, necromancy spells, and a madstallion's crazed vision with a last resort plan code-named "Plan Z".

(2) Seeker forgetting to tell him about the whole egg laying was one of those times.
> Hive 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Next Morning

Dragonfly got off his bed and looked around as he stretched his limbs, while is room was still mostly empty other than what was there before the head of the Earth Pony Armor Golem sat on his shelf next to the photo album. Dragonfly hadn't known at the time but the Drones had collected it and had placed it their after they got back, as a reminder of his very first "Boss Battle" as they others called it. Picking up an apple he began munching when he heard a knock behind his banner door.

"Dragonfly, you up?"

"Yes Seeker, come in."

The Advisor Changeling did and walked up as Dragonfly finished his apple.

"So what do you need?" The Royal asked wiping some left-over juice from his mouth.

"Well first the Founders are settling in nicely, Platinum said our Changelings were perfect gentlecolts and mares to her and the others. Darter also wants to talk to you in the Archives now that they've been cleared out and are ready for use, something about special breeds and other things. Oh, and Hurricane and Platinum wanted to talk to you."

"What about, and where are they?"

"I don't know, they just said they wanted to talk to you. Hurricane and Pansy are with Rhino in the Hive chambers, Platinum is in the Throne Room, Clover's looking for the Archives, and Smart Cookie and Puddinghead are in the Egg Chamber."

"Alright, I'll go see what they want."

The two of them left and went their separate ways, Dragonfly going to talk to Hurricane who was in the Hive Chambers while Seeker headed back to the Throne Room. Entering the Hive Chambers he saw Rhino and Hurricane chatting like old friends, both were looking at the Hive Breed Interface occasionally pointing at it. Pansy sitting off to the side, just watching. Their ears perked and they turned their heads around as Dragonfly walked up.

"Morning Dragonfly." They both said, Pansy gave a small wave.

"Morning guys, glad to see you two getting along so well. What are you up to?"

"Hurricane here was giving me some ideas on upgrades for some of the breeds, along with some things I hadn't though of." Rhino said.

"I figured since I might be staying here for the foreseeable future I though I should help out where I can." Hurricane said.

"Seems you are fitting in nicely, Seeker told me you wanted to talk to me about something?"

Hurricane nodded and lead Dragonfly over to the far side of the room.

"So what did you want to say Hurricane?"

"I've been thinking about how much time has passed since we were frozen, things aren't the same as it was a thousand years ago. Equestria is at peace with its neighbors so I'm not entirely sure if it does has a place for an old soldier like me, so would you be alright with me staying here for the long term and help Rhino train your Changelings along with Pansy? I know you said that me and the others can stay here for as long as we want but I feel like I needed to be sure"

"Of course Hurricane, we will have to face Chrysalis one day and having somecreature who knows her fighting style would be great, and I'm positive that Rhino would love to have other military creatures to talk too. As I said last night; You're welcome to stay here as long as you like, your Mares are as well."

Hurricane smiled and placed a hoof on Dragonfly's shoulder.

"Thanks lad," taking his hoof off he continued, "if you don't mind me asking, who was your father?"

"A Winged Thestral by the name of Black Saber, he's a Royal Knight. Or was as he and mom disappeared three ago."

"A Thestral huh? I've fought along side Thestrals before, they're very capable and very loyal fighters, second only to Kirin. What happened to them after Luna turned into Nightmare Moon?"

"After she was banished to the moon the Thestrals fled, fearing that they would be hunted down due to the fear around them, which only increased after Nightmare Moon. I'm not sure the exact date but eventually Celestia found them and they came back, though outside of their home the Hollows and the Guard they are a bit rare."

"Well I'm glad to hear they weren't wiped out, back in my time they weren't very liked at all because of they're nature."

"They're much more accepted today thanks to Celestia but there are still some who don't like them, thankfully those ones are few and they're only really found among the Nobles."

Hurricane snorted, "Why am I not surprised, though that's Platinum's turf, not mine."

Dragonfly smiled, "Hated having to deal with them?"

"In a word: Yes. There were plenty of times I had wanted to knock a few heads in, how Platy manged to deal with them every day is beyond me. She actually had to hold me back a few times."

"You and dad would have most likely gotten along very well, he to hated most of the Nobles. There were a few he respected and got along with but they were in single digits. By the is something wrong with Pansy?"

"No, she's just very shy around those she doesn't know very well, a bit of a quirk from her foalhood."

Dragonfly nodded his head in understanding, the two of them talked for a few more minutes than walked back over to Rhino, Dragonfly looking at the Hive Breed Interface for the upgrades and traits for the new units.





Hive Spider Upgrades

Web Cable

A few small changes to the Hive Spider's abdomen would allow them to fire a single rope-like strain that would be able allow the spider to pull things towards it in a similar way to the Bola Spider, this could be used to grab objects that would be out of reach, pull enemies out of cover, and even help allies across large gaps.

Effects: Ability unlocked: Web Cable, This allows it to pull allies to safety, or pull enemy units out of position. The ability can pull units up and down cliffs and enemy units are unable to attack while pulled.

Symbiosis

The Lesserblack Tarantula lives peacefully with the Dotted Humming Frog in a mutualistic relationship; The tarantula provides the frog protection from predators and a food source from insects feeding on the remains of its prey. The frog's foraging protects the tarantula's eggs from ants. Wild Hive Spiders have a similar relationship with the creature referred to as the "Changeling Toad", a species of small toad around the size of a Pony foal. By raising our own the mutualistic relationship between the two would be the same and we would get extra protection for our own young.

Effects: Each Hive Spider gains a group of five Changeling Toads that protect it's eggs and serve as extra eyes on the battlefield.

Hive Spider Traits

Charged Webs

Hive Spider webs, while great at slowing enemies, do not last very long and their stun effect wears off the moment the web does. So by running a light electrical charge through the web, we would increase the stun effect to at least double its life span.

Effects: Stun from Hive Spider webs will continue after the web has dissolved, keeping targets down for longer.

Egg Pods

Wild Hive Spiders sometimes made small egg sacks that hatch tiny spiders that latch onto any targets in the impact zone, crawling over them and biting to inject tiny amounts of their venom which has a slowing effect though the spiders themselves have very short lifespans and they die and dissolve into nothingness. While the tiny spiders only live for a few minutes at best I think we can make use of them on the battlefield to draw attention from other units.

Effects: Ability Unlocked: Egg Pods, these small egg sacks are launched from the Hive Spider's mouth in an arc to a selected spot, once these pods break open any targets within that zone would suddenly find themselves covered in tiny spiders that start biting them. The venom grants a +5 slowness on them for 10 seconds and has a 25% chance to send them into a panic.

Web Cloud

By combining the Hive Spiders web with a special potion mix that it drinks before battle the spider would be able to launch a cloud of dissolving web that would give any units under it cover from air attacks.

Effects: Ability Unlocked: Web Cloud, provides immunity to all air attacks for 30 seconds but prevents the spider from launching its web for a full minute.

Soldier Upgrades

Chitin Plate

Soldiers have great armor by default but the addition of extra plates to certain areas would effectively double its durability.

Effects: +30 Armor.

Dragonfly Partner

Dragonflies have been common companions to Changelings for as long as recorded history, by breeding the giant Eight-Winged Dragonfly our Soldiers would gain a second set of eyes, a scout to detect stealth units, and a second attacker. These Dragonflies are equipped with a tiny pulse magic cannon that deals small amounts of damage.

Effect: Dragonfly Companion: Eight-Winged Dragonflies that follow each Soldier in a squad, gives a +15 sight radius and 10% detection radius. Weapon deals 5% magic damage.

(This upgrade is not a pun on your name Dragonfly, I swear.)

Soldier Traits

E-Energy Stimpack

A small needle filled with supercharged Emotional Energy that massively boosts a Soldier's attack and movement speed along with their defense but comes at the cost of damaging them with each use, while having Healers around renders this moot for safety reasons Soldiers will only carry one per battle

Effects: Ability Unlock: +50 Attack and Movement speed, Defense and Magic Defense but each use deals -15 self damage.

Combat Shield

A basic tower shield made from forged chitin and cooled with slime and attached to a special crystal mounted on the Soldier's back increases their defense while allowing them to focus on other things. The shield's mounting point also give the Soldier more armor.

Effects: Shield grants +20 Defense and Magic Defense and +10 Armor

Improvement Kits

Soldiers carry weapon kits allowing them to counter different enemies, by giving these kits new upgrades we would increase their effectiveness on the field. Note that each weapon has a different effect.

Shields Effect without kit: +30 Magic Defense and +15 defense. With kit: +45 Magic Defense and +30 defense.

Crossbows Effect without kit: +20 Range. With kit: Five bolt types unlocked: Stun, Regular, Armor Piercing, Fire, and Explosive.

Heavier Armor Effect without kit: +20 Defense and -5 speed. With kit: + 30 Defense and -10 speed.

Blast Sphere Launcher Effect without kit: Single-Shot with Regular, High Explosive, and Cluster Spheres. With kit: Six-Shot with the same shot types plus goo and stun spheres.

Weapons Team Upgrades

Quick-Deploy Tripod

Modifications to the weapon's tripod would allow the team to deploy their weapon faster, meaning they would be able to attack targets and/or move in half the time.

Effects: -50 Setup time.

Weapon Shield

By installing a E-Energy powered crystal to the weapon we would be able to create a half-dome shield that would grant the members of the Weapons Team better protection.

Effects: +20 Defense and Magic Defense.

Weapons Team Traits

Ambush Camouflage

Weapon Teams often have to stay in one place in order to use their weapons properly, which can leave them vulnerable to enemies. By giving them special cloaks we can allow them to stay hidden until the right moment, surprising enemies and granting the Weapons Team a "First Shot" Bonus."

Effects: Ability Unlocked: Ambush, passively shrouds the Weapons Team in a cloaking field that keeps them hidden from detection until they attack or an enemy gets to close, Ambush also grants a "First Shot" Bonus that deals double the damage for the first minute.

Guard Drones

Weapons Teams are generally defenseless when their weapons are packed up, by giving them four Drones as guards their survivability on the field.

Effects: Four Drones protect the Weapons Team from enemies, these Drones benefits from the regular Drone Upgrades and Traits.

Weapon Kits.

These work the same way as the Soldier's Improvement Kits.

Chitin Launcher without Kit: Small Suppression Field. With Kit: Larger field with charged rounds that deal double damage.

Crystal Beam without kit: High Armor Piercing. With Kit: Faster rate-of-fire and supercharged beam.

Magic Pulsar without kit: Large blast radius with small stun and knockback. With Kit: Added armor stripping with more powerful projectile.

Shell Slinger without kit: Single barrel able to launch Regular, High Explosive, fire, and Cluster Shells. With Kit: Quad-Barrels with greater range.

Berseker Upgrades

Berseker Armor

Bersekers are tough creatures, so armor may seem unnecessary. However, I've learned from long experience while working for Empress Nebula that "unnecessary" can sometimes end with many dead. I've seen many a Changeling fall due too them thinking that extra armor was "unnecessary". On the battlefield it is better to have extra armor and come back alive than not have it and not come back at all. The fact the armor gives the Berseker some form of defense against magic is also a plus.

Effects: 25+ Armor and +15 Magic Defense.

Booster Pack

A harness with a special E-Energy mix delivered into the Berseker's bloodstream through surgically attached tubes would allow the Berseker, if in extreme danger, to quickly recover from most wounds as well as increasing their Endurance, Armor, and Defense for a short time.

Effects: Ability Unlocked: Surge Boost, grants +15 Endurance, +20 Armor, +10 Healing Rate, and +15 Defense for a short time.

Berseker Traits

Ultra-Dense Carapace

With E-Energy mixed with certain magic spells injected to the right spots we could make the carapace of the Berseker almost invulnerable to most forms of damage. Some magic spells, like those involving fire, would still harm the Berseker and weaken the carapace enough for other attacks to deal damage.

Effects: The Berseker's carapace becomes immune to most attacks, only certain magic abilities, like fire spells and very powerful ones, will have any effect.

Slime Spit

By carefully altering the slime producing glands the Berseker would be able to fire a large gob of slime that acts as a constrictive agent. As newer layers are added with each attack, the old layers harden and tighten thus debilitating the target, Leaving them more vulnerable to attack.

Effects: Ability Unlocked: Slowing Smile, passive ability that allows each hit with a slime gob to slow the target down by 20%.

Supercharged Crystals

By grafting E-Energy-charged crystals to the Berseker's carapace it would be able to trigger a powerful surge of energy that would greatly increase its Speed, Heal Rate, and Magic Defense. However, there is a small chance the Berseker loses its mind for a few moments, in this case it wouldn't be able to tell between friend or foe and would attack anything near it until the effects wear off. Thankfully this would only last for about ten seconds. Still, use with caution.

Effects: Ability Unlocked: Supercharge, when activated the Berseker gains +30 Speed, +25 Health Regen, and +50 Magic Defense but has a 15% chance risk of losing its mind for ten seconds and attacking anything around it, regardless of if it is friend or foe and this cannot be interrupted until the effects wear off.





Dragonfly pulled back and looked at Rhino and Hurricane.

"Glad to see you guys have been busy, get up the good work."

"Thanks Dragonfly," Rhino said while Hurricane smiled, the former continued. "By the way, a Variant Mission has come up for the Soldier."

"Really?"

"Yes, but I need to go through a few things first before its ready."

"Alright, I'm headed down to the Throne Room. Before I go, I'd like to ask you something Rhino."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Didn't we once have a breed called the Supercharged Berserker?"

"We did, but I removed it as they would just be a liability. Supercharged Berserkers, while powerful, had to be kept in Stasis Cocoons as they were a danger to the Hive. So I removed them from our Breed List and turned their ability into a Trait for our regular Berserkers."

"Oh, that makes sense, okay I'll talk to you guys later."

"Later."

"See you then Dragonfly."

Dragonfly left giving Pansy a nod as he passed her, the Pegasus returning the nod. Dragonfly walked through the passages of the Hive, watching as Workers and Drones moved about. So far the Hive had a total of two hundred Changelings, Nebula had left more eggs than they had first thought and Spotter had been wrong about having to up the power levels on the Hive's Heart, turns out they wouldn't need to until they had a thousand Changelings first. Dragonfly reached the Throne Room and saw Seeker speaking with Platinum about something, he walked towards them, the two looking towards him as he approached.

"Morning Dragonfly, Seeker and I were just discussing what has changed over the years we were frozen."

"Morning Platinum, I trust my Changelings have been treating you well."

"They have indeed, prefect gentlecolts."

"Good to hear that, Seeker here said you wanted to talk to me about something."

"A few things actually, first; Seeker was telling me about your lessons in the political fields." Said Changeling spoke up.

"Since you're a Royal Dragonfly you may eventually need to met with other leaders at some point, so knowing the ins and outs of how politics work should something like that happen."

"I can understand that Seeker, while I hate politics with a burning passion I do understand why I would need them. Would want to end up in something nasty now would I."

"Well, I was wondering if I could help out on those lessons? As a former Princess I would be able to help show you the ropes along with what Seeker knows."

"I'd be glad for the help Platinum, the more I know on that front the better. What else did you want to ask?"

"Then I'll be glad to teach you alongside Seeker, the other thing I wanted to ask is since my companions and I are staying for the long term, do you intend for us to say in the Hive?"

"No, that would be just cruel to keep you guys here all the time, Spotter is working on a bracelet that will allow you and you companions to use a form of our Disguise Ability."

Platinum's eyebrows shot up as a surprised look came over her face.

"Really? How would that work?"

Dragonfly gestured for Seeker to speak.

"These bracelets would be enchanted to allow you and your companions to change your colors and Cutie Marks, at least on the surface, therefor allowing you to walk among today's Ponies without any of them knowing." Platinum thought about this for a second than smiled.

"Us going incognito? Just like old times, back in the day when we wanted a break for our work we would do just that. Though... does the changed Cutie Marks effect anything?" Seeker answered.

"No, the changed marks do change but they stay close enough to your real one that your special talent remains unchanged."

"Okay good to know, Dragonfly, the last thing I wanted to ask was about adding some decorations. As I mentioned last night, this place, while impressive, is rather plain."

"Like I said before, we haven't been here that long, but I understand your point." He turned to Seeker. "Remind me, how do we unlock customization options?"

"By visiting different locations, like Ponyville or Canterlot, and by interacting with certain Creatures who may give an item to us. From there the Hive will "scan" the item and unlock new options." Platinum reached up and undid the clip on her cape.

"Would this work?" She asked holding it out, Dragonfly saw her Cutie Mark which was a bar of Platinum with six purple gems around it. Before Seeker could answer Dragonfly suddenly flinched as he felt a strong and very strange energy surge through his horn.

Everfree City customization options unlocked

Dragonfly rubbed his horn, looking at Seeker and explaining what just happened.

"Yes, that would work. You can put your cape back on Platinum."

"So now that that's done, I'll go take a look after I visit the Archives. Also Seeker I need to ask you something."

Platinum bid them good day as she left to head up to the Egg Chamber, saying she wanted to see the Nymphs, as Seeker turned to Dragonfly.

"What did you want to ask?"

"I was wondering about Changeling reproduction, how the Hive grows, and how many more of those "Egg layings" I have to go though."

"Well it works like this; All members of the Hive, regardless of their breed, are able to mate between a male and female and lay eggs, which in most cases will become Drones once they reach adulthood. Only a few breeds, like the Berserker, will have young like itself. All Changelings can also mate with a partner of another species, like Ponies and either have one of three offspring: A regular Changeling, a regular member of their partner's species, or a Hybrid."

"Okay, but what happens if the breed is bigger or smaller then their partner?"

"Well... our appearance isn't the only thing we can change."

Dragonfly blinked for a second, then promptly shook his head.

"A little too much information Seeker."

"Well you did ask. As for the egg laying, generally a Royal will have four egg clutches depending on the number of current Changelings, the amount of E-Energy, and how healthy the Royal is. I should mention that as a Royal, when you pick a mate your first offspring will always be a Royal as well, regardless of you partner and their species."

"I kind of figured that, it's that way so the Hive will always have a Royal in case something happens. Though do I need to find a mate?"

"No, another way to get another Royal is by giving a chosen Changeling something called "Royal Jelly". It's a special fluid produced in very small amounts from the Hive's current Royal, once the chosen Changeling, which has to be a Drone, don't ask why I have no idea on the matter, has swallowed some they enter a cocoon for a time. Transforming into a young Royal over about I'd say... two years, give or take, and eventually emerge as a new Young Royal ready to lead the Hive should the current one be unable to."

"I'm guessing that's a backup option."

"For the most part, especially if the Current Royal can't find a mate, though few have to pick that option. In most cases the Royal finds a mate either from another species or in their own Hive."

"Wouldn't that latter one be... well you know?"

"Actually no, Changelings can temporary alter their DNA enough to avoid that outcome. Changelings can also temporary change their gender if the situation calls for it, but they will default back after a time, though only after the egg is laid."

"Good to know, though that gender change sounds like it would be quite awkward. But I think I'll stick to finding a mate when I'm ready." Dragonfly didn't notice Seeker's smile.

"Well... if your unable to find a mate, I could always change my gender and you could mate with me." The smile Seeker had showed he was clearly joking, but Dragonfly didn't notice as he recoiled from the mental images before releasing a growl that would have sent a pack of Timber Wolves running with their tails between their legs. Seeker's smile dropped like a hot potato the second he heard it and he sank to the floor.

It was at that moment that Seeker knew, he'd bucked up.

"I was kidding!!!" He all but shouted as he rapidly backed away from the peeved Royal. "Yes that was a bad attempt at humor and we didn't need the mental images and please don't kill me!"

Dragonfly held his growl for a few more seconds than settled into a more neutral look.

"You really need to work on your humor Seeker, do you want to get hit over the head with a frying pan again?"

Said Changeling slowly stood up rapidly shaking his head.

"Didn't think so, anyway moving on; On the Royal Jelly, what would happen if a member of another species or a different breed ate some?"

"Well on the breeds they wouldn't have any effect, as for another species... the only one that I'm aware of to actually try Royal Jelly is your father after he came back from a difficult mission. After having some Saber said he felt rejuvenated, with all his stress and fatigue vanishing and feeling like he could move a mountain."

"So it restores stamina?"

"Couldn't tell you, Saber is the only one to try any as far as I know. It might have the same effect or it might be different for each individual, I honesty don't know."

"Okay, so that requires further testing. In regards to the egg laying, you said around four clutches right?"

"Yes, depending on a few different things."

"How long until I go through my next "laying", and well it be as painful as it was before?"

"I can't really say when you next one will be as it's a bit random but it shouldn't happen for awhile yet. As for the pain, only the first is painful, your body will be more use to it now so you will only feel minor pain on your second and afterwards there wouldn't be any pain."

"Good, I really don't think I could take that level again." Dragonfly shuddered at the memory, not wanting to go through that again. Seeker rubbed his head, also remembering.

"I think that's all the questions I have for now Seeker, I'm headed for the Archives."

"See you later Dragonfly, I need to see Rhino about something."





It took a bit for Dragonfly to find the Archives, on his way he came across Clover who was also looking for the Archives. They chanted as they walked with Clover asking if she could help out, Dragonfly told her that she would need to ask Darter first but he was sure that Darter would appreciate the help, as they finally reached the Archives they took in the room.

"Wow." Clover said looking around.

The Archives was a massive Heptagon-shaped room around the size of the library in Canterlot and went up seven floors. The Lobby took up the middle of the room with rows of bookshelves towards the edges, the levels above had balconies with bookshelves covering the walls from top to bottom with several staircases leading up each level. The books themselves had black covers with red and silver decorations.

In the center of the Lobby was a large desk the same shape of the room with raised dais with a projection crystal in the center, and spread around the Lobby were several tables with gel cushions around each. Darter was at the crystal looking at the projection with a hoof on his shin, he looked up as Dragonfly and Clover entered, hearing Clover's wow.

"Like it Clover?"

"I love it! Reminds me of the Library at the Castle of the Two Sisters."

"Well we Changelings are quite well read, and Empress Nebula Sheen, Dragonfly's mother, made sure we have everything we needed here."

As Clover looked around, Dragonfly walked up to Darter.

"Seems everything to be in order here Darter, good job."

"I do pride myself on my work, so I'm guessing you're here to know what the Archives are for?"

"Indeed I am, if you would please."

"The Archives is were you can find information on many different subjects like a normal library, everything we know of from the first Changeling to current times can be found here. All you need to do is find the book or books on the topic you want and start reading, the tables and cushions in the Lobby and on each level provide a nice place to sit and relax. This crystal here shows the "Special Upgrades and Breeds Screen", this has two "tech trees" have additional units and upgrades sperate from the rest of the Hive. Progression up through them is by accumulating "research points" which are gathered in missions through the collection of certain special items, an example of that would be the Hive Lore Cocoons you and Seeker found some time ago. Another one would be the Golem Core we brought back from the Everfree City. Here, take a look."

Dragonfly walked up to the screen as Darter stepped back, the screen had two vertical stripes with ten icons per stripe, five per side on each. He noticed the left stripe had four of its icons from the bottom lit up with the stripe glowing which was level with the icons and the right stripe was similar only with just two icons glowing, he looked over at Darter.

"The stripe on the left is for Hive Special Breeds and Upgrades while the Right one is for Other Species Special Breeds and Upgrades. The four glowing icons on the left are as follows: E-Energy Shards, which increases the speed and reflexes of all Breeds by 5%. Charged Chitin, which increases the armor of all Breeds by 5%. Burrow Node, which allows you or the other Leaders to summon a small group of reinforcements once per battle. And the E-Energy Filtering, which boosts efficiency and allows us to get 25% more E-Energy from sources, for example a Gatherer would bring 25% more E-Energy from a full load then normal.

The two glowing icons on the right are as follows: Chitin Turret, which is two Chitin Launchers twin-linked on a small body, this can be deployed on the battlefield as support but remember that these have limited ammo and retreat back into the ground once they run out. And Fortified Chitin, this infuses all Breeds carapace with strong fibers that increases their durability by 15%, these fibers also act as a conduit for healing spells, improving the effect of Healers."

Dragonfly nodded in understanding and asked how this thing worked, Darter continued.

"As we gather special items like the Hive Lore Cocoons and the Golem Core these bars will fill up, unlocking new icons as they reach those levels. For the time being we are only able to select one of the two icons on each level, for the other one we will need a Lore Keeper. Also note that the items we need for this are rare and can be very hard to find, which is why these options are separate from the rest of the Hive's Breeds and whatnot."

"Okay Darter, I'll hold off on making any decision on this for now, until I think it over. By the way, Clover here was wondering if she could help out in the Archives."

Said Pony had walked up to and sat next to Dragonfly when Darter was explaining things.

"Well sure, I'd be happy for the help. Plus I'll teach you Clover on this so when the Hive gets a proper Airforce I can focus on that as my work in the Archives takes up most of my time."

Clover smiled happily and said, "Thank you Darter, I wouldn't let you guys down." Dragonfly stood up.

"As much as I'd like to say and chat, I need to get back to the Cozy Rest. We were lucky it was Sunday yesterday, but now I need to open it for today, see you later."

"Later Dragonfly."

"See you later."

Dragonfly walked down to the Throne Room, stood in the center under the teleporter and activated it, disappearing in a flash of green.





Train to Ponyville from Canterlot.

Bluebelle smiled watching the scenery pass by, she always enjoyed leaving the city to see the country side. In true, while she and her family lived in Canterlot her parents had met in Ponyville and she had been born there, so Blue saw the cozy town as her hometown. She also preferred the town folks' friendly demeanor to the snobs of Canterlot. Now, that been said, there were Ponies there she got along with just fine besides her friends, among them being Fancy Pants, Fleur de Lis, and a few others. Most others in Canterlot she had problems with, for various reasons. Blue remembered that one time one of her dad's rivals tried to set her up in an arranged marriage, that didn't end well. As it turned out, Aunty Celestia had outlawed the practice a long time ago, Blue's family also had a lot of influence in Canterlot's politics and her father had used that influence to shame that rival.

It wasn't that her family were against her marrying, quite the opposite in fact, her family wanted her to chose on her own and to be happy in marriage. While several other political rivals had tried, they didn't get far. As much as Blue didn't like it, she knew how to use her beauty to her advantage and to manipulate the Nobles to get her way. She didn't like doing it, but it was a necessary evil. It also helped that she had good friends among the Royal Knights, some of who the Nobles would not dare mess with.

Shaking her head slightly she looked around the car she, her family, and two of her friends were riding in, her mother was knitting what looked like a shawl, her dad was reading one of his signed copies of Twilight Velvet's books, and her two friends Sparks and Blades were talking among themselves.

Sparks was an Earth Pony Mare with a royal blue coat contrasted nicely by a red mane and tail, green eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a large brass gear. She wore a pair of welding goggles on her forehead and a hardhat with a string of yellow, green, purple, and red Heatswarming lights wrapped around the hard hat and powered by an attached magic battery pack on the back of the hat.

Silver Blade was a Pegasus Mare with her Kirin parentage quite clear through her larger than normal Pegasus wings, the fingers of a Western Kirin on her front legs, horns from the same kind of Kirin, and the long tail of an Eastern Kirin in place of a regular Pony tail. Her coat was an emerald green with yellow mane, hair along the top of her tail, and thick tuft at the end of her tail. Her Cutie Mark was a pair of sliver broadswords with black handles crossed in an 'X' shape. Her fangs just barely stuck out from her upper lips. Blades wore two brown leather pouches on a brown leather belt over her chest and a long black and silver scarf wrapped around her neck. From what Blades had told Blue, scarves were something of a cultural thing for Kirin, regardless of their race, and any Kirin worth their salt wouldn't be caught without one.

Sparks was a tiny bit shorter than the average Mare by about two inchs, Blades stood about two heads taller than the average Stallion, shorter than most Kirin, making her the tallest of their group while Blue herself stood in between the average Mare and Fleur de Lis.

"Enjoying the ride there Blue?"

Blinking Blue looked over at Sparks and Blades, who were looking at her curiously, Sparks was the one who asked.

"Yes I am, it'll be nice to finally spend some time back in Ponyville away from the so called "Nobles"."

"I hear that one," Blades said, "and knowing Pinkie she already knows we are on our way."

Sure enough, as the train pulled into Ponyville Station and the passengers got off Blue's family and friends were greeted by the party planner herself, Blue getting one of Pinkie's hugs. Once Blue got out of the hug they greeted Pinkie and headed into town, BD and Gold split off for Town Hall, something about the Town Budget and why there was never enough for when it was needed. Blue and her friends when into town.

"So Blue, when you said to your brother "Back off Blueblood before I do something we're both going to regret." I couldn't believe it." Sparks was saying, Bluebelle laughed.

"Either could I, I mean I'm not vain but he really angered me that day when he ruined my coat and mane after the spa trip. I'm sure that if Aunty Celestia hadn't stopped us I would have beat him to a pulp. I like different colors but hot pink is not my color, took hours to get that paint out."

"Would have been an improvement to him, and if I remember didn't your parents force him to pay for the extra trip." Blades asked.

"Yea, and they grounded him for five mouths, keeping him under house arrest. My father even said and I quote "Blueblood, if you're going to act as a colt, you're going to get treated as one. Both your mother and I are sick and tired of your attitude." From what I understand, he made Blueblood sit in a corner for three hours."

"At least he got some punishment. I mean, I do respect Princess Celestia but her "off-hoof" method just doesn't work in cases like that." Blades said.

"Oh Faust don't even get me started on that, mom already give her the earful. I swear mom was somehow using the Royal Canterlot Voice, how is beyond me." Blue said with a shrug.

"Indeed, she scares me sometimes." Sparks said with a shudder.

"I know what you mean, I've never have my parents angry at me but I have seen more then enough in regards to my brother."

"Mind you Blue, you weren't that bad, even in your teen years. I mean, you're not miss perfect but the most rebellious thing I remember you doing was swimming all the time in your family's pool when your parents told you not too." Sparks said.

"Considering what they had to deal with during Bluebloods teens, that was perhaps a good thing. Plus I loving swimming, I find it helps me relax."

"Not to mention you look very hot in your red swimsuit." Blades said with a teasing smile, Sparks getting her own as Blue's face was covered in a large red blush.

"Stop that Blades! You know I'm straight!" Blue stammered out, Blades' smile just grew bigger.

"Are you sure. Then why haven't you found a nice Stallion yet?" Sparks asked, her own smile just as big.

"I told you before, all the nice ones in Canterlot are taken and the rest are ego filled pigs. Actually no, that's an insult to pigs, and I haven't found one yet because I haven't met one that would love me for being me, not for my tilde, wreath or other such things. I want a Stallion who wouldn't keep me as a trophy wife, I want one that would genuinely love me for who I am. I swear, you two are just as bad as Ros-Ooff!"

Blue's rant was cut of when she bumped into a Unicorn Stallion coming from the other way with his nose in a book, both Ponies were knocked onto their rumps rubbing their heads from the hit. The Stallion recovered first.

"Sorry miss, I wasn't paying attention."

"It's okay, I wasn't eit...her."

"Are you ok...ay."

Both trailed off as they looked at each other for the first time, taking in each other's appearance.

For Blue the taller then normal Stallion in front of her had a well toned body, while no beefcake, it was clear he took good care of himself. His beautiful coat was silver complemented by a long red mane and tail, his mane along the top of his head resembled three greatly enlarged teeth from a circular saw while the mane hanging from the back of his neck was braided into four long braids tied off at the ends with black mane ties that reached down to his chest. His tail was quite long and split into three "spikes" with the shortest one on top and the longest one on the bottom*, the bottom spike was angled to point towards the ground when he was standing. His eyes were red with the slit pupils that Thestrals are known for and his Cutie Mark was a black Dragonfly with six red wings.

Loosely worn around his neck was a long, wool red and silver scarf that matched his mane and coat respectively, at one of the ends a High Royal Order medal hung proudly.

For the Stallion the Mare in front of him had a toned body with a gorgeous pearl white coat with a long and beautiful strawberry blonde mane and tail that was closer to red and were very long, perhaps even longer than Fluttershy's, tied into a nicely coiffed ponytail with a large cornflower blue bow at the top and base, a second even larger bow was tied on the base of her tail. Her sapphire blue eyes had a comforting warmth in them and sparkled like gems, and her Cutie Mark was a bundle of hanging flowers with golden stems and every second flower sporting gold and blue petals on the outside.

Both of them stared at each other, lost in each others' eyes. Sparks and Blades watched the scene in front of them, unsure how to react. They had been ready to defend Bluebelle when the Stallion bumped into her but now saw that it wasn't needed, as the watched the two Ponies just stare at each other Sparks' face suddenly changed into a grin, leaning over to Blades she whispered.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"That Blue just found her Stallion? Then yes."

After a few minutes both Ponies recover and the Stallion stood up.

"Sorry about that miss, I was to focused on my book." He offered a hoof to help her up.

"It's okay, I wasn't paying attention either." Blue grabbed the offered hoof and stood up.

"Hey, you're Princess Bluebelle right? My mother was a heavy supporter of the charities you run."

"Yep that's me, what is your name sir?"

"Oh how rude of me, My name's Dragonfly Wings."

Bluebelle's eyes widened at the name.

"Dragonfly Wings? Aren't you the son of Nebula Sheen?"

"Yes I am, you know her?"

"I do, she's an old friend of my family. Such a sweetheart, loved her mane and tail."

"Well, glad to meet a friend of her's, and who are your companions here?"

"Oh the Earth Pony is Sparky Gears, nicknamed Sparks, and the Pegasus/Kirin hybrid is Silver Blade, nicknamed Blades."

The two came over and chatted with Dragonfly, with him guessing Blades' parents by her appearance. As they talked Blue suddenly remembered something.

"Oh I forgot, Dragonfly?"

"Yes?"

"Aren't you the owner of the Cozy Rest tea shop?"

"Yes I am, it belonged to my mother and she gave it to me. Why?"

"My parents were wondering if you would be interested in some business deals, Nebula's tea was very popular at my parents meetings and parties, my dad would of course make sure the deals are fair."

"Well, I think I would be, but I want to hear all the details first. Where are they now?"

"At Town Hall, something about a meeting for the Town Budget and why there was never enough for when it was needed."

"Which means they might be there for awhile, in the mean time would you fair ladies like some tea over at my shop?"

"Sure Dragonfly, my parents will be head over there after their meeting so they can meet us there."

"I'm not much of a tea drinker but if you have other options I wouldn't mind." Blades said.

"I think I might have something you would like, what about you Sparky?"

"I wouldn't mind at all, and please call me Sparks, all my friends do."

"Okay, follow me."

The four Ponies headed to the Cozy Rest and entered, Dragonfly going behind the counter to get their orders ready. As he did this Bluebelle couldn't help but stare at his flanks as he walked, blushing a bit but keeping her gaze. Blades snickered.

"See something you like?" She whispered into Blue's ear. Said Pony snapped into a ramrod stance with a huge blush on her face as Sparks and Blades fell over laughing and Dragonfly peaking form the kitchen wondering what was going on.





*Pretty much like the mane and tail of my avatar picture, just with only the top part of the mane.
> Hive 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville

Cozy Rest

"If you don't mind me asking Dragonfly, why do you have that medal on your scarf?"

Dragonfly, Bluebelle, Blades, and Sparks were sitting at one of the tables enjoying the free tea (Dragonfly had told them that with the amount of bits he got from the grand reopening along with what he got during business hours offering the free tea wasn't a problem) and snacks. Sparks was the one who had asked the question, looking at said item. Dragonfly picked it and stared at it.

"It's my dad's, I don't know why he gave it to me, perhaps as something to keep him close. I really don't have an answer to that, I haven't seen him or my mother for three years."

Blue looked up  after taking a sip of her mint tea. "Who was your father Dragonfly? I've seen the medal awarded enough times to know that one is a genuine one. I'm friends with many of the Royal Knights so I know what I'm talking about."

"You might know him then, his name's Black Saber."

Blue's, Blades' and Sparks' eyes widened in surprise. "Uncle Saber is your father?!" Blue said.

"Yes, from your reactions I guess you know him, and "Uncle Saber"?"

Blue giggled, "It's a nickname I have for several of the Royal Knights, due to how close I am to them I came to see them as family. We're not related in any way but they tend to think of me of a niece of sorts."

"It's also why Blue is left alone by the snobs," Sparks said, "none of the nobles dare cross some of them."

"How so?" Dragonfly asked.

"They only answer to Celestia, and only she can revoke their badges." Sparks said, Blades adding, "Which means they can to almost whatever they want and get away with it. The nobles can't do anything to them." Sparks laughed.

"And after what happened to that one noble to cheesed off Black Death, well... they know to keep their heads down."

"Do I what to know?"

Blue spoke, "It wasn't pretty, all I'm gonna say is that noble was hospitalized for a long time afterwards. Not that he wasn't asking for it, that noble was a total flankhole. Tried to blackmail my family and force me to marry his son." Blue snorted bitterly. "I'm not going to lie, I took a lot of pleasure in seeing that noble taken down a few pegs."

"Helped by the fact that the same noble had his title stripped after that." Blades added.

"Sounds like Black Death isn't one you would what as an enemy." Dragonfly said, "What does he look like?"

"He isn't, and you'll know when you see him. Just look for a giant of a Winged Thestral Stallion with an ink black coat, a broken fang, and a black gem over his left eye." Blades said.

Dragonfly nodded, making a note that if he ever met the Stallion to not become his enemy. The four of them continued to chat, learning more about each other. He had learned that Blades had been born in the Eastern Reaches and her parents still lived there while she had chosen to move to Equestria and become a guard after completed her Rite of Passage, the belt she wore over her chest being her item from that.

As they chatted Blue couldn't help but look over at Dragonfly, who was sitting next to her, and start admiring him. Blue wouldn't admit it out loud, but she had a thing for silver coats, and long tails. Both of which Dragonfly had, there was also his personally, his laughter at Sparks' jokes and his smile was beyond any doubt genuine, unlike the fake ones the nobles almost always had. Blue couldn't explain it, but she just felt some sort of connection to him. Dragonfly didn't notice as he was talking to Sparks but Blue was blushing up a storm, which both Sparks and Blades noticed.

Any further thoughts on the, to her, hot Stallion were cut off when she felt the call of nature.

"Ah, Dragonfly?"

"Yes Blue?"

"Where's the little Filly's room?"

"Just down that short hall there next to the counter."

"Thanks, I'll be right back."

Blue tore from her seat like her tail was on fire, down the hall Dragonfly had pointed out, and into the restroom. The other three sat there watching a bit surprised, Finally Dragonfly broke the silence.

"Guess she had to go real bad." Blades frowned a bit, while she could tell that the Unicorn Mare did have to go, she also knew something else was up from that blush on her face. She stood up.

"I'll go make sure she's alright."

Dragonfly raised an eyebrow at that but shrugged, thinking it was a Mare thing. Sparks waited until Blades enter the restroom before she turned her head about so see if they were alone and no one was in earshot, seeing that there wasn't she lowered both her head and voice.

"Dragonfly, the three of us know that you're a Changeling."

It was a good thing said disguised Changeling wasn't eating or drink because he would have choked or did a spit take. In its place he looked very surprised for a second, then slowly looked around himself, making sure they were alone. Once he was sure he also lowed his head and voice.

"How much do you know?" He asked, his tone serious.

"We know enough, we found out a few years ago."





Flashback

Five Years Ago

Bluebelle wasn't in a good mood, she had just finished a meeting with some of the nobles about her charity work. It... didn't go as well as she had hoped and would rather not talk about it. Indigo and Sparks were her guards at the time and were keeping their distance from the enraged princess, not wanting to be on the receiving end of her temper.

They had entered Celestia's personal chambers, the Alicorn in question was on her afternoon tea break so it wasn't a problem, so Blue could snuggle into Celestia's mane and tail, something Blue would do when she needed to cool off, the feeling of the flowing hairs gently tickling her did wonders for Blue's mood. They had stopped after closing the door to find their Alicorn Princess laying down in front of another creature they had never seen before;

The creature, a female from her shape, was mainly covered in black chitin with a red stilted eyes, tall insect-like wings that were also red, and a shiny metallic silver with a short spike in the center. The real eye catchers were her very long mane and tail; they were a mix of red, gold, blue and silver, flowing like waterfalls over her shoulders and the floor. The pattern was like that of Celestria's own mane only it didn't wave like her's did.

The five of them stood there, unsure of how to react to this, then Blue...

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

One moment she was next to Indigo and Sparks the next she was next to the new Mare rolling in her mane and tail like a cat in the middle of a catnip high.

"Oh sweet Faust I love your hair! It's so soft and feels so good!"

Blue stopped hearing laughter, she looked up to see Sparks on the floor laughing her lungs out, the normally shy Indigo  trying to maintain his stance but his shaking sides said he was trying to hold back his own laughter, Celestia was snickering behind a hoof, and the creature had a look that was a mix of surprise, holding back her own laughter, and motherly affection. Blue looked at the creature and gave a sheepish smile, a "Squee" sounding off.

The creature finally let out her laugh. "Of all the reactions I thought would happen, that wasn't one of them."

Celestia took in a breath, "Blue does that with me when she needs to cool off after meetings with the nobles, though even I wasn't expecting that." She cleared her throat. "Bluebelle dear this is Empress Nebula Sheen, she's a creature called a Changeling."

Blue's, Indigo's, and Sparks' ears perked. "Changeling?" Blue asked.

Nebula smiled and a green flame covered her for a second, when it cleared the three found themselves looking at an exact replica of Bluebelle, just bigger. The flame appeared again first into Sparks, then Indigo, then finally Celestria before Nebula went back to her natural form. The three stared in amazement.

"That's why we're called Changelings." She said with a smile. A sixth laugh suddenly sound throughout the room.

"Just one of the reasons I married her." A Thestral Stallion with an ash gray coat, bright yellow eyes and dark blue webbed mane, tail and wings emerged from a darkened corner of the room. His cutie-mark was a pair of midnight black crossed sabers and he wore heavily customized Night Guard armor.

"UNCLE SABER!!"

"OOOHFF!"

Blue jumped up and rammed into the Thestral, wrapping her forelegs around his neck in a tight hug which he happily returned.

"Great to see you too Little Flower."





"Saber and Nebula told us everything, from the Civil War to you to why you would want to keep the fact that you were a Changeling hidden." Sparks finished explaining to a rather shocked Dragonfly. He stared for a few seconds, then faceplanted into the table.

"I Knew there was something fishy about that visit, just the Princess of Equestria stopping by for a random visit, I just knew it."

Lifting his head up with a sigh he asked, "How many know?"

"Besides the three of us and Celestia; most of the Royal Knights, Blue's parents, Fancy Pants, and the rest of out friends. All of us understand the need for you staying hidden and have all agreed to keep it secret."

Dragonfly took this in for a minute, and let out another sigh.

"At least it's only a few and they're trustworthy." A ring suddenly sounded, startling the two.

"Oh, time for me to open the shop for the morning rush." Dragonfly stood up.

"Go ahead Dragonfly, I'm going to see what Blue and Blades are up to." Sparks said as she stood up.





At the Same Time

Bluebelle finished her trip, washed her hooves, and was now splashing her face with cold water trying to cool the hot blush on her face. She stopped when she saw Blades behind her through the wall-mounted mirror.

"What is wrong Blue? you're acting rather... odd right now."

"I know Blades, I have no idea what's going on. I just... I just feel something for Dragonfly. But I don't know what."

"I do." Blades walked over and sat down next to Blue, laying a wing over her back. Blue leaned into Blades' side, letting the wing cover her. "You're in love."

Blue looked at her in surprise, "I am?" Blades nodded slowly.

"You are, I saw the way you were looking at him Blue, checking him out. Those were looks of attraction. Either me or Sparks have ever seen you do that with any other Stallion.

"But I've only met him today, how could I be attracted to him so soon?"

"Love works in mysterious ways Blue so I can't really answer that, but I think it might be due too these factors: One, he is the first Stallion besides the Royal Knights, Fancy Pants, Nightlight Sparkle, and our dear Indigo, to treat you like another Pony, even after he found out that you're a Princess."

"Honorarily."

"Same rain, different cloud. The point is that he didn't panic or start bowing before you. He just treated you the same way we treat you, and Changeling in disguise or not, I could tell he was being genuine with you."

Blades took her wing off and shifted so she and Blue were facing each other.

"Two, you have a thing for silver coats and long tails, both of which he has. Don't deny it Blue, I saw the way you were looking at him. And three, from the blush you had you think he's hot."

Blue sighed as she looked at the floor.

"You see right through me Blades."

"Blue, we've known each other for years, and Kirin are just that good at reading others. Besides, Dragonfly was checking you out too."

Blue looked at her in surprise. "He was?" Blades nodded.

"He looks were only glances unlike your full stares, like seriously, he actually caught you checking him out at one point and blushed himself."

"When was that?"

"You were lost in your own world for awhile Blue, right up until you ran to the restroom. But back on point, I think he's attracted to you as much as you are to him."

"Are you sure Blades, what if something goes wrong? What if-" Blue was cut off when Blades pressed her tail tip against Blue's mouth, the hair tickling her nose.

"Blue, relax, breath." Blades held her hand to her chest and moved it slowly out. "Like Cadance showed us."

Blue did so and relaxed after Blades moved her tail away.

"I'm just scared Blades, I've never felt like this before so I have no idea what to do."

Blades placed her hands on Blue's shoulders.

"I'm not saying you have to marry him right now Blue, not even saying date him right away either. What I'm saying is take it slow, get to know him. You can't deny that you're attracted to him Blue, and I know he's attracted to you, so just give it a chance, you're not going to find another Stallion like that in a long time Blue so you can't just let it slip by. Changeling or not I can tell Dragonfly's one of those very rare gems in the deepest parts of the cave."

"Kirin saying?"

"Yep, and another thing," Blades' mouth turned into a teasing smile. "if he blushes like he did when you stared at him, I wonder how'll he'll react to you in your red two-piece swimsuit."

"BLADES!!!"

Blue slugged the Pegasus/Kirin Hybrid in the shoulder, said Pony laughing at Blue's embarrassment. The Unicorn soon stopped glaring at her laughing friend before she let out a sigh.

"Your right Blades, I'll talk with him later about this and see where it goes."

Blades calmed down and said, "That's all I'm asking Blue, who knows... Dragonfly could very well be your soulmate."

A third voice spoke from the doorway, "I do agree with Blades but I think it's time for you two to come out now, you've been in here for fifteen minutes and the morning rush has started."

The two turned to see Sparks standing there looking back.

"Sorry about that Sparks, just making sure Blue was okay."

"I know Blades, come on let's move."





After the morning rush

Dragonfly wiped the sweat off his brow, glad for the rush to be over, he had always hated the morning rush.

'Maybe I should hire some of the Drones to help run the shop, would take some of the pressure off and keep the place open if I'm not here for whatever reason.'

He filed that away for later, focusing on his next thing, which was his attraction to Bluebelle. He knew he only just met her today but he felt... he didn't know how to describe it. Dragonfly was familiar with the concept of "soulmates", where two individuals just clicked together and lived happily with each other for the rest of their lives. He didn't doubt the idea, after all, his parents were soulmates despite being a Changeling Queen and a Thestral Royal Knight.

'I need to talk to her about how she was staring at me, let her know I'm willing to try. Who knows, she might be my soulmate.'

Blue and her friends sat at a table off to the side, watch the chaos die down. Sparks couldn't help but think, 'And I thought Inspection Day was crazy. I wonder what holidays will be like here.'

It was sometime after things had calmed down that Blue's parents entered and talked with Dragonfly about setting up a few deals, spending a few hours (pausing so Dragonfly could serve customers) going over the details and making sure everything would go smoothly. Blue's parents had tried some of his tea and said that while not as good as Nebula's was quite close so it was no problem. Gold Bar said they would be in town for a few days on vacation before they needed to head back to Canterlot. They were just leaving when Dragonfly approached Blue.

"Blue," Said Mare turned to him, "I... feel something towards you, I know we just met today but, I don't know how to explain it." He said rubbing the back of his head. Blue however knew what he was trying to say.

"You feel a connection to me?" He nodded slowly, Blue let out a small sigh. "Truth be told, I feel a similar thing to you Dragonfly."

He was surprised at that but spoke. "Well I know we just met so how about we take it slow, start off as friends and work our way from there. Sound good?"

Blue smiled, "Yea, that'll work fine." The two of them smiled softly at each other before their gazes shied away with blushes on their faces. Blades and Sparks smiled and winked at each other while Blue's parent's watched, Gold had a firm look on his face and opened his mouth, only to let out a yelp of surprise and pain when his ears were encased in blue magic, courtesy of BD who then dragged her yelping husband out the door by his ears. The others watched this with giggles.

'Mom, she wants her grandfoals and she ain't letting dad try to intimidate Dragonfly because she wants her grandfoals darn it.' Blue though with a smile, while it was still way too early for that, she wondered about that outcome for a brief moment.

The following few days passed by far more quickly and before they knew it it was time to return. Blue was a bit upset for their vacation to be over but she knew they had to return to Canterlot.

'And just when we were having fun.'

Blue and Dragonfly had gotten to better know each other over that time, she hadn't been to the hive yet but he promised to take her there next time she visited. Dragonfly also started calling her Belle, which after a moment of thinking, Blue decided she like the name and only he would be allowed to call her that.

As for Dragonfly, his Hive and the Founders lightly teased him but also encouraged him about this growing relationship. Hurricane had said "What til you "sleep" with her, you'll enjoy it." He ended up on the receiving end of a barrage of items from the five Mares he married for that remark, though his smirk said he took it in stride.





Several Days Later

Dragonfly Hive

Seeker lead Dragonfly into the latter's Personal Archives and to the holotable.

"Now Dragonfly, time to show you how the Hive customization options work, step up to the holotable and tap the projection sphere."

Dragonfly did so and sat down as Seeker sat off to the side, after tapping the sphere he watched  as the holographic Hive grew in size and a number of different option icons appeared, most of them were grayed out with a lock in the center but seven were highlighted; the Throne Room's Alcoves, Banners, his Bed, Lights, Statures, Rugs and Curtains, and his Throne. He looked over at Seeker, who started explaining.

"Many different parts of the Hive can have their appearance changed based on what you want, along with other parts like defenses. Most of the options are locked right now and I'm afraid I don't know how to unlock them, Nebula only managed to teach me a small bit of this part before we had to leave. As for the Highlighted icons, each time a new option is unlocked its icon lights up to let you know and it will stay that way until you tap it to select it. Go ahead and try it."

Dragonfly looked over the options for a minute than tapped the Banners icon, it up-sized itself until it covered the other icons. At the moment it only show one option which was from Platinum, the banners were styled just like the ones in the Everfree City and Castle of the Two Sisters, just intact and brand new and they were red, silver, and black with what looked like a Changeling Royal rearing up towards the bottom. Dragonfly tap it as it was the only option right now.

Down below in the Throne Room the once empty banner poles had the rolled up banners appear which then unrolled to their full length, waving a little from the force. Back in Dragonfly's Personal Archives he tapped out of the hologram and turned back to Seeker.

"That's it for this one I take it?"

"Yes, I do wish I knew more about this one but I don't. So let's just move to the next thing."

The two of them walked around the outer balcony and into the Magic Room where Dragonfly stood in front of the large crystal while Seeker stood on the walkway behind the crystal.

"Now that you have leveled up a new level of abilities has unlocked, the abilities are as follows; Chain Beam, which allows you to fire a beam from your horn that chains from it to up to four other targets, though the damage is lower for those four. The Stun Blast, this ability is an Area-of-Effect blast released from your horn that deals minor damage to enemies and stuns them for ten seconds. The final one is Magic Sprint, this allows you to dash forward, dealing heavy damage to any enemies in your path, it can also be used to dodge attacks and reposition if you need to."

Dragonfly nodded, looking over his unlock abilities. He decided to stick with the Leaping Wing Strike for now and selected the Stun Blast. Seeker continued after he was done.

"Besides what I told you before, this crystal also allows you to see the abilities of your Commanders. As I said in the Everfree we usually each will pick which abilities we have active but this crystal allows you to take a look and chose for us if you want to. As I said at the moment we only have one level and like you as we gain more experience we eventually "level up", which unlocks the next level of abilities.

Besides Dome Shield I also have Point Defense Beetle, where I summon a flying beetle that intercepts ranged attacks like arrows, crossbow bolts and even spells. However it has no effect on melee attacks. And Stun Shockwave, which allows me to release magic that reduces enemy energy normal used for their own abilities by a great amount and stuns them for five seconds, be warned however this can also effect allies if used carelessly.

For Rhino; besides Blast Sphere Barrage he has Hyper E-Energy Stimpack which is similar to the Soldier's E-Energy Stimpack but without the harmful side effects. Only he can use this and he also can't produce it for Soldiers due to how expensive it is, and Kinetic Gel which boosts his durability by 25%.

For Darter: besides Mark Target he has Blast Charge which equips him with disk-shaped gel pucks an inch thick that act like explosives, dealing some damage and knocking enemies in the blast radius back. And Wing Boost which increases his already considerable speed even more.

And for Spotter: besides Hide Allies he has Sensor Antenna which allows him to expose enemy movements within a great radius around him, adding onto his normal abilities as a Scout Commander. And Scanner Pulse which allows him to reveal hidden enemies within a ten meter radius around him."

Dragonfly nodded in understanding when Rhino spoke to him through the Hivemind.

"Dragonfly, Hurricane and I have the Soldier Variant Mission ready for you."

"Understood Rhino, I'm on my way."

Dragonfly and Seeker walked out of the Magic Room and Private Quarters, going their separate ways as the former when towards the Hive Chambers while the latter headed down to the Throne Room. Dragonfly entered the Hive Chambers to find Rhino and Hurricane standing in the center as usual with two new Soldier variants on twin platforms in front of the dais, both closely resembled their normal counterpart but several new features stood out;

The one on the left was a normal Soldier with an skeleton-like attachment implanted on their armor while the one on the right had different armor that bore a passing resemblance to Changeling Juggernauts with six smaller "eyes" placed above the helmet's eyepieces, thicker armor with heavy plating all over with a large silver backplate that covered with wings, and a long multi-segmented lizard-like tail that covered their own. Dragonfly spotted an extension on their shoulders that had a folding arm mounted on it.

Rhino and Hurricane looked up from the Hive Breed Interface and smiled seeing Dragonfly enter.

"So Dragonfly, ready for your first Variant Mission?" Rhino asked.

"Indeed I am, what have you two got for me?"

Hurricane spoke next, "The left one is the "Combat Rig(1) Soldier" and the one on the right is the "Plated Soldier". Pansy is already on the field with some of the two variants awaiting orders."

"Then let's get started." Dragonfly said with a smile and walked up to the Interface, noticing the new button that said "Variant Mission" and tapped it.





Soldier Variant Mission

Location: Everfree Forest
_________________________________

First Test: Combat Rig Soldier

Second Test: Plated Soldier
__________________________________

Briefing

Rhino: Okay Dragonfly since this is your first Variant Mission I'll walk you through it. You watch and guide your units from here as they show what they can do and their abilities, keep in mind that as they are variants of the Soldier Breed they still benefit from their upgrades and can still use their traits. Pansy has taken a few squads of both variants with a few Healers into the Everfree where we think will be the best spots to test them.

Dragonfly: Quick Question, how are we seeing what is happening?

Rhino: Scouts, they are connected to the Interface, allowing us to see what we see. As the Royal of the Hive you are able to use this and the Hivemind to direct them during the mission. First up are the Combat Rig Soldiers, their objective is to take out a pack of Timber Wolves that have been causing problems for Sweet Apple Acres for the past week.





Dragonfly watched as the screen changed to show the eye view of a Scout overlooking a decent sized pack of fifteen Timber Wolves; one Brute, 2 Rangers, and 12 Regular.

Rhino: This pack has been raiding the apple farm for the past week, stealing apples, scaring livestuck, and just casing general havoc, we've dispatched some of our new Combat Rig Soldiers to deal with them.

The view switched again to show two squads of ten Combat Rig Soldiers followed by two squads of ten Healers enter the area.

Dragonfly: Alright, let's see what they can do.

Dragonfly pressed the tip of his hoof against the screen and dragged it along, forming a box that selected the two CRS squards. once that was done he send them forward, having the Healer squads following behind at a close distance. The Changelings ran into a small group of several Timber Wolves which the two CRS squads attacked.

As Dragonfly watched the first few leaped into the air and landed on the front few wolves, crushing their heads under the Soldier's hooves. The CR Soldiers than jumped up again to avoid the incoming wolves.

Rhino: The Combat Rig Soldiers' armor attachment increases their physical abilities, boosting their movement and attack speed by 25%, the attachment is also equipped with numerous abilities, allowing for various tactical attacks as well as strategical superiority.

The abilities are as follows;

Stim: Temporarily boosts the Soldiers' health by 15%, allowing for a higher chance of survival as well as quick recovery.

Overclock: Increases sprint speed by 10% for a brief period.

Shield: Deploys a hoof-mounted shield that blocks enemy attacks, granting 10% armor and defense and -3% speed as long as it is active.

And Mute: Makes the player completely silent and works for about ten seconds.

The Changelings moved on, soon reaching the main pack. Six of the CR Soldiers pointed their hooves at the Brute and launched some sort of cable from their forelegs that latched onto the surprised Timber Wolf's face and pulled themselves onto it, launch themselves past the rest of the pack.

Rhino: The CR Soldiers also have Grappling Hooks installed on their forelegs, allowing them more options for movement in the field and they can use them to either pull themselves into to out of a fight and do the same for allies.

It wasn't long before the wolf pack was destroyed, the Changelings looking none the worse for the wear.

Applejack will be very happy to know that this pack wouldn't be raiding their farm again(2), now for the next variant, Hurricane will take it from here for this one.

The screen changed to overlook a squad of ten Plated Soldiers with a squad of five Healers.

Hurricane: According to the reports the Scouts have detected a large pack of Timber Wolves massing a little too close to Ponyville, they believe the pack might be getting ready to launch an assault on the town. We well not allow this to happen so we have sent a squad of our new Plated Soldiers supported by a squad of Healers to deal with the pack.

Dragonfly selected the two squads and send them forward, it didn't take long for them to encounter the large pack of around forty wolves. The wolves attacked right away as the Healers took to the air, there were no Rangers so they would be out of reach, as the Plated Soldiers met the charge. as the battle raged the Plated Soldiers tanked hit after hit as they took down wolf after wolf.

Hurricane: Rhino and I put all we have on our current armor upgrades and such into the armor the Plated Soldiers wear, which gives them a whooping +90% Armor and Defense with +60% Magic Defense, with the Shield Kit installed all of this makes the Plated Soldiers very tough nuts to crack but their speed is lowered by -15% They also have their own special weapons mounted on their shoulder slots along with their standard Soldier weapons (the special weapons aren't ready yet so the current squad doesn't have them), the special weapons are as follows;

Rail Crossbow: A limbless crossbow-like weapon that uses magically-charged "rails" to launch a hardened Chitin spike at incredible speeds, deals very high single-target damage and is long ranged but has a slow rate-of-fire and deals no splash damage.

Magic Beam Cannon: A large and powerful magic beam canon-type weapon that tracks enemies, drains enemy armor, defense, and magic defense quickly but can only focus on one target at a time and only has a limited charge before it shuts down to recharge.

And Charged Bolt Launcher: Fires volatile magic Bolts that explode for extreme splash damage but only has three shots before it must recharge which takes a short while.

The Plated Soldiers barely suffered any damage as they continued to take the large pack down, soon finishing the pack off with one of the Plated Soldiers crushing the Alpha Wolf's seed heart.

Hurricane: Tests are complete and Ponyville is safe, now Dragonfly time for you to chose which one you want.





Soldier Variant Mission: Complete

Location: Everfree Forest
_________________________________

First Test: Combat Rig Soldier: Complete

Second Test: Plated Soldier: Complete
__________________________________

Dragonfly moved away from the Interface and looked at the waiting Soldier variants, Rhino speaking up.

"Now remember Dragonfly, for the time being we can only chose one, the other will be stored for after we get a Geneweaver so chose carefully."

Dragonfly nodded and placed his hoof on his chin in thought as he looked over the two variants.





(1) I was going to call them Exoskeletons but because Changelings are insect-like it would likely cause some confusion. Besides, Combat Rigs sounds more awesome.

(2) The Apple family would find the Brute's seed heart on their step the next morning with a list of what they could use it for and a note that the threat was taken care of.
> As Time Passes Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dragonfly rubbed his chin thinking his choice over, looking up at the two variants again.

'Let's see, the Combat Rig Soldier is faster, able to move about the battlefield with ease, and has a few abilities to add them while the Plated Soldier is able to get into the thick of the fighting and emerge unharmed with the option of three different weapons for their shoulder slots but are slower moving.'

After several minutes he make his choice.

"I chose the Plated Soldier."

Said variant stood taller and straighter while the Combat Rig variant nodded in understanding, both Soldier variants saluted. Rhino speaking up.

"Alright Dragonfly, the Plated Soldiers will now be available for deployment while the gear for the Combat Rig Soldier will be put into storage." The Combat Rig Soldier removed its gear and carefully packed it up as Rhino came up to collect it.

"Is that everything?" Dragonfly asked.

"That is, Rhino and I still have some things do finish up but nothing that needs your attention." Hurricane said.

"Okay, I'll see you guys later."

"Later Dragonfly."

"Later."

Dragon walked out of the Hive Chambers, hoping he made the right choice in variant. He made a mental note to get a Geneweaver ASAP once he learned what unlocked them.





Canterlot

Royal Palace

Same Day after Bluebelle and her companions left Ponyville

Bluebelle, Sparks, and Blades walked through the palace corridors, talking about their time in Ponyville and Blue's new love interest. As they entered the Throne Room they were surprised to find it empty with only Celestia, Rose, and a second, shorter Alicorn waiting inside.

This Alicorn had a pinkish coat, tri-color mane and tail of moderate violet, moderate rose, and pale gold. Her eyes were light purple and her Cutie Mark was a multifaceted light blue crystal heart between gold laces. She wore gold hoof covers, necklace, and small crown, the last of which had two amethysts on it.

This Alicorn was Princess Cadance, her full name was Princess Mi Amore Cadenza but she preferred to be called Cadance and she was known as the Alicorn of love. Blue's face brightened when she saw the Alicorn.

"Cadance!"

"Blue!"

They wrapped each other in a hug, after they pulled away from each other Cadance's eyes suddenly narrowed and she looked closer at Blue with a raised eyebrow, the Pony in question suddenly looking nervous.

"Um... Cadance?" Blue squeaked. 'Oh crap! please don't...'

"A Stallion..."

Cadance's eyes widened and her face twisted into a happy and excited looked.

'Oh no...'

"You met a Stallion!" Rose was next to them in an instant, looking ready to start squeeing loudly and start hopping about the room.

"Blue met a Stallion!?"

'Oh... nuts.'

Blue suddenly found herself gripped tightly by and nose-to-nose with Rose, who had far to large of a smile.

"Tell us everything!"

Before Blue could get a word out, Sparks sealed her fate with too large of a smile of her own.

"She did, a Unicorn by the name of Dragonfly Wings." Blades then added, "Blue here was quite taken by him, blushing up a storm."

Blue turned to scold them but yelped in surprise as a flash of silver light appeared next to her, the light faded to reveal who just teleported in; A Unicorn Mare with a pearl white coat, curly gold mane and tail with a red and blue stripe running through it, and pink eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a diamond surrounded by spiraling red and blue ribbons. Like Bluebelle, this Mare also wore a large bow at the top and base with a second even larger bow was tied on the base of her tail, only her's were ruby red rather than cornflower blue.

The Mare was Diamond Dancer, Blueblood's and Bluebelle's younger sister. Like Bluebelle, Diamond didn't get along with Blueblood at all, to the point where if the two of them were in the same room for too long they would come to blows. Unfortunately for Blueblood, Diamond was a surprisingly skilled fighter thanks to training from Bluebelle's friends. On the other hoof Diamond was very close to Blue and her parents though her profession kept Diamond away for half the year. Diamond was, as her name implied, a dancer by trade and she enjoyed it immensely, mostly ribbon dancing but she did do other dances.

Besides that Diamond enjoyed many of the same interests as her older sister, swimming, gaming, and even pranking (with Blueblood being the main target).

Shaking to clear her head from the teleport she turned to Bluebelle with a wide smile.

"Hello sis!"

Blue, forgetting about the others for a second, smiled wide and jumped up to all fours, meeting her younger sister in the middle and doing their greeting dance.

"Stagelights stagelights Diamonds shine Flowers wave and Shake your tail."

"Stagelights" was done by a springing on all four hooves, "Diamonds shine" by lighting the tips of their horns and waving them around, "Flowers wave" by waving their bodies left and right, and "Shake your Tails" by crouching down and shaking said hairy limb in the air.

The two sisters laughed as they hugged each other, after pulling back Blue spoke up.

"Great to see you again sis, but I thought you were still on tour."

"Tour's over for the rest of the year and I just got back this morning. I wanted to see you, how are things.

Before Blue could answer Rose did for her.

"Blue met a Stallion!"

"WHAT!?" Diamond grabbed Blue and began talking a mile a minute.

"What was he like? Is he nice? Is he handsome?"

Her happy face suddenly changed to an angry one.

"Did he try anything?"

Blue was left stuttering trying to form a response then yelped in surprise as she was suddenly lifted into the air by Cadance's magic.

"Come on Rose, Diamond, let's head to my room to get the whole story with all the details!"

"Right with you Princess!"

"Oh ya! This I got to hear!"

The three of them ran out of the room in a full sprint, Blue shouting, "SPARKS! BLADES! I'LL GET YOU TWO FOR THIS!!!!" The said two were laughing hard as the door shut. Celestia was chuckling behind her hoof, after a minute she looked up shaking her head with a smile.

"That worked very well."

Sparks and Blades looked up at her, Sparks speaking first.

"Wait... worked very well?" Blades went next.

"Did... did you plan Blue meeting Dragonfly and then what just happened Princess?"

The Alicorn of the Sun just smiled and said, "Not telling, but... maaaayyyyybe."

The three stood there, then all three started laughing.





A month passed as the Cozy Rest continued to make good business, both in and out of town thanks to Gold Bar giving Dragonfly some advice. At some point Dragonfly discovered he had a natural talent making not just tea but also potions, and after buying some equipment and a license for selling them he started working on them in his spare time. As for the Hive they had run into a snag, while they had reached the point to unlock the next tier they had discovered that they were missing an important item needed to do so, understandably the Changelings were rather annoyed at this. On the plus side though the Scouts had reported that there had been no sign of Chrysalis since the Everfree City Mission, both Seeker and Rhino had said that with the lost of so many of her Changelings it would take at the very least another year on top of the first four years from before, the Dragonfly Hive was determined to use this time to ready themselves, they all knew that they would face Chrysalis eventually and they wanted to be ready for when that time came.

Dragonfly was currently sitting at the counter in the Cozy Rest cleaning some glasses, it was Sunday so the shop was closed and he was catching up on some cleaning he hadn't been able to do during the week.

'Yep, definitely bringing some of the Drones up to help me run this place.'

He had just placed the last of the glasses back in their cupboards when he heard the bell above the door ring, curious on how it was, Dragonfly exited the kitchen and entered the main area to see who came in. His eyes brightened and a smile appeared on his face when he saw who.

"Belle, great to see you again."

"You too Dragonfly." Came the cheerful response.

Bluebelle walked up to Dragonfly and gave him a hug, the Changeling in disguise gladly returning it, enjoying the feeling of the Unicorn's very soft fur and mane against his body and her sent of lilac and strawberry that tickled his nose in a pleasant way he liked. While the two of them hadn't been able to see each other much due to Blue's duties in Canterlot (Though from what Belle had told him those "duties" where just small ones that Celestia didn't want to do) and this was only her second visit, the two of them had been communicating through letter at least once a week and had become rather close despite having only seen each other twice now.

Pulling out of the hug Dragonfly noticed that Bluebelle wasn't alone, she was accompanied by another Mare and a Royal Guard Stallion. The Mare had a pearl white coat, gold mane and tail with a red and blue stripe running through it, and pink eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a diamond surrounded by spiraling red and blue ribbons.

The guard was slightly shorter than the average Stallion but it was barely noticeable, he had an indigo coat which had several decent-sized brown patches, yellow mane and tail, and blue eyes. His Cutie Mark was hidden by his armor. Blue introduced them.

"Dragonfly, this is my sister Diamond Dancer and Indigo Patches, one of my personal guards and a good friend of mine. Diamond, Indigo, this is Dragonfly Wings, the Stallion I told you about."

Dragonfly smiled and offered a hoof, Diamond shook it energetically while Indigo shyly shook it, a small smile on his face. Belle and Diamond giggled at Indigo's shyness.

"He's rather shy meeting new Ponies, but once he gets to know you he'll open up." Blue said.

"No rush, I understand that. I used be be rather shy myself when I was a colt. Since you guys are here can I get you three anything?"

"No thanks." Belle said while Diamond and Indigo shook their heads, Bluebelle continued. "We're here to visit and because we want to see your Hive. Don't worry, Diamond knows about your secret and has also agreed to keep it secret."

"Sure, follow me."

Dragonfly lead the three Ponies up to the master bedroom, this room had what one would expect but Dragonfly didn't really use this room, or most of the upper levels in general, preferring his own room in the Hive. After closing the door Dragonfly brought them over to the center, Belle spoke up when they got there.

"Dragonfly, before we enter the Hive, could we see your true form?"

"Sure, one sec,"

With a flash of green flame, Dragonfly stood in his Changeling Form before the three Ponies, who stared in awe. From their point of view Dragonfly closely resembled a Pony Stallion just instead of a coat his body was covered in black carapace, his back had a shiny metallic silver plate which had a short spike in the center, and (to Belle and Diamond) cute fangs stuck out from his upper lips. a long horn somewhat bent in a few places jutted out proudly from his forehead and six tall and large red dragonfly-like wings sat with three on each side of his back plate. His eyes had stayed the same along with his mane and tail, the latter two had several holes of various sizes appear, a closer looking showing that the holes were formed from the hairs shifting to the sides like they were holding invisible water drops. Beyond that his height was also unchanged.

"Wow, you look rather cool Dragonfly." Indigo said in a quiet tone.

"Thanks Indigo." Blue then asked.

"By the way, what are the holes on your legs for? I meant to ask Nebula but never got around to it."

"Well Belle, as Changelings are covered in hard and dense carapace we Changelings don't sweat to cool off. We are warm-blooded like Ponies so the holes in our legs work like heat sinks, in that they release built-up heat while drawing in the cooler air close to the ground."

"Ooohhh, makes sense. What if you're in cold weather?" Diamond asked.

"In that case we just us our internal supply of E-energy to make our bodies produce more heat, though that can only be down for a limited time."

"E-energy?" This time Indigo asked with a head tilt.

"Emotional Energy. You see, Changelings require food and water like you do but they also require Emotional Energy or E-energy as well."

"How do Changelings get E-energy?" Belle asked.

"There are a few ways; we can drain it right from a creature but this can have serious effects if done for too long, over a length of many years, such as insanity for the Changeling and the victim permanently becoming just a hollow shell."

The three Ponies eyes when wide at this, then they shuttered at the thought. Dragonfly nodded grimly.

"That's why this way is forbidden in my Hive, a crime around the level of High Treason. Another way is by passive feeding."

"Passive Feeding?" The three Ponies asked.

"Passive feeding means we take the energy we need from the air around us. Here's how it works: All creatures release E-energy like steam is released from boiling water, from many thousands of years of research Changelings found that Ponies give off the most so Changelings would often set up shop close to Pony settlements, Like Ponyville in this case, and draw the E-energy they needed from the air. The energy released from creatures gather around the air in those locations and seeps into the ground, and as time passes this energy builds up as long as there are creatures around the area. As far as I know there is no limit to how much energy can build up."

"And the passive feeding brings no harm to others?" Indigo asked.

"That's right, as Hives tend to set up in areas that have been inhabited for a while, again like Ponyville, the E-energy will never run out as long as there are creatures still living in the area, with no harm to them at all."

Dragonfly took a breath.

"A third way is by a creature giving a Changeling E-energy willingly."

He noticed the three Ponies' ears perk up, showing that he had their undivided attention. Chuckling he continued,

"For example; Belle, when you hugged me after coming in you gave me a small amount of E-energy."

"I did? I don't feel any different, well now that I think about I do feel a slight bit rejuvenated."

"That's because as you were giving me E-energy I was sharing some of my own with you."

Belle rubbed her chin in thought, "So a creature and Changeling sharing it grants possible benefits?"

"I couldn't tell you, we know very little on that front." Indigo then asked.

"What happens if a Changeling was to run out of E-energy?" Dragonfly frowned.

"At first they would suffer similar symptoms to malnutrition, starvation, and other weakening sicknesses at the same time, this lasts for awhile but eventually the Changeling enters what we know as Dry Hibernation, something we Changelings consider far worse than death."

"Why's that?" Diamond asked.

"Imagine being unable to move at all, your body completely frozen, unable to even blink or breathe. Yet you remain fully aware for what's happening around you, only able to watch as time slowly crawls forward. While in this state the Changeling's carapace has more or less become invulnerable, but no Changeling would dare enter this state willingly for the reasons I mentioned."

The three Ponies looked horrified by the description, Indigo shuttered like a leaf in the wind for a second at the thought while Blue and Diamond paled. Dragonfly nodded grimly.

"I know, scary thought. Though thankfully it's not permanent."

"It isn't?" Blue asked.

"No, all a frozen Changeling in Dry Hibernation needs to unfreeze is some E-energy and they are able to move again, but they still suffer from other problems until they get enough energy, not to mention the possible mental problems if they were frozen for a long time. Anyway, I thank we've spent enough time here and on that. You three ready to see the Hive?"

The three Ponies, glad for the change in subject, nodded eagerly.

"Here we go, just a heads up you might feel a bit unwell the first time." Dragonfly lit his horn and hidden markings appeared and glowed green, magic of the same color quickly covered the four creatures and in a small flash of light disappeared from the room.





The Hive

Once again the teleporter lowered towards the floor spreading its claws and a green flash appeared under it, the teleporter raising again after Dragonfly and his guests had been set on the floor. Blue, Diamond, and Indigo sat down recovering from the trip, the former two rubbing their heads while the latter worked to stead himself.

"You three okay?" Dragonfly asked.

Yea, just give us a minute." Blue said.

The three soon recovered and looked around the Throne Room, taking in the sights and Blue complementing the banners. As they looked around in awe Seeker approached, Blue, Diamond, and Indigo shifting their attention to the tall Changeling.

"Greetings Dragonfly, I see you brought some guests."

"Indeed I did, Bluebelle, Diamond, Indigo, this is Seeker, my Advisor and second-in-command of the Dragonfly Hive. Seeker, this is Bluebelle, her sister Diamond Dancer, and one of their friends Indigo Patches."

Seeker walked forward and offered a hoof to them. "Pleasure to meet you three, welcome to the Hive."

Blue, Diamond, and Indigo shook Seeker's hoof, Indigo a bit shyly, and greeted back. Dragonfly spoke again.

"Seeker served my mother long before me and he is the oldest of my commanders by a wide margin."

"I've still got plenty of time left." Seeker snarked at Dragonfly, who gave a sideways glare.

"Not if you keep forgetting important details like the egg laying." Seeker winced at that.

"Egg laying?" Blue asked, Dragonfly grimaced.

"I'll explain later, it's a bit of an... uncomfortable subject for me."

The three Ponies nodded and Dragonfly continued.

The room we're in now is my Throne Room, the main area from where I guide my Hive. What do you think?"

"I like it, reminds me in someways of Canterlot's Throne Room, only without the whiny Nobles and I think a bit more roomy. Could use some decoration though, besides the banners." Belle said looking at Dragonfly, Diamond nodding her head in agreement.

"Plenty of places for guards to hid out of sight, looks more defensible than the one in Canterlot." Indigo said looking around. Dragonfly chuckled.

"We've only be here for a few months and have been busy with other things so we haven't been able to spruce up the Hive yet. We are working on that though."

"Speaking of guards though," Seeker spoke up, "Dragonfly, Rhino and I have something to discuss with you."

"Oh, what would that be?" Dragonfly asked, head slightly tiling to the left.

"A few things regarding a Guard Force." Rhino said as he entered the room, he walked over to the three Ponies and introduced himself, Indigo giving a respectful salute which Rhino returned with a smile. He then turned back Dragonfly and continued.

"As you might already know, rulers generally have their own guards for protection. As you are a Changeling Young Prince you should have your own personal guards, like how Celestia has her own." Seeker continued.

"Besides protecting you they would also guard the Hive's Throne Room from attackers." Dragonfly nodded in understanding, then asked.

"So how would I get my own guards? And would they follow me everywhere?"

"The first we'll get to in a minute, as for the second one, no." Rhino said, "They would only follow if you ordered them, otherwise they would stay and stand guard at the entry hall or outside your bedroom."

"As for your first question..." Seeker looked up and gestured with a hoof for some of the Drones above them to come down. As ten did so Belle, Diamond and Indigo looked around, seeing that the room was actually crawling with Changelings, mostly Drones but they could see several other breeds, all over the place except for the floor they were on, the three realized that any attackers wouldn't get far as the Changelings around the room would have swarmed over the attackers before they reached even half-way to the throne.

Dragonfly meanwhile recognized the ten Drones as the first ones he met back in the Everfree Forest, eight of them having helped him in the Everfree City, and the first Drones of the Hive. The ten landed in front of the group, lined up side-by-side and stood at attention.

"Empress Nebula left us a special crystal that is able to turn up to ten Drones into Hive Guards, which are normally a Tier 6 Breed, Rhino..."

Said Changeling cleared his throat.

"Hive Guard: The Hive Guards are the personal bodyguards of a Hive's Royal, sworn to protect them even at the cost of the guards' lives. When not protecting the Royal they guard the Hive's Throne Room and Private Quarters, along with if and the Hive's Royal gets one or more mates and their offspring. The Hive Guard is considered the Elite of the Elite in the Hive."

Rhino then reached into his armor and pulled out a small greenish-blue crystal.

"This Crystal is what turns the Selected Drones into Hive Guards, here's what needs to be done: First, the Royal and the selected Drones place one hoof each on the crystal, then the Royal says an oath and the Drones repeat it. After the the crystal then dissolves into energy than changes the Drones into the Hive Guards."

Rhino gave the crystal to Dragonfly who took it and looked at the Drones.

"Are you ten sure you want to do this? Once we do this there is no turning back." He asked, The ten nodded.

"Yes our Prince, we talked about it for awhile now and we have all agreed. We are Clutchmates and had chosen to go through with this together." One of them said, the others nodding their agreement.

"Alright then, let's do this."

Dragonfly set the crystal down with a tip pointing upwards and a hoof on it, the ten Drones quickly placed their own hooves on the crystal. Dragonfly then started the oath.

"Do you swear to protect me, my family, and the Hive against all threats, even to your final breath."

All ten Drones spoke as one, their eyes locked on Dragonfly's.

"We swear to protect our Royal, his family, and the Hive from all threats, even to our final breath."

"That you will follow my orders from this point forth."

"We will follow our Royal's orders from this point forth."

"Then become the first Hive Guards."

The crystal glowed brightly as it dissolved into energy and flowed into the ten Drones, before the others eyes the Drones transformed. They grew taller until they were only a head shorter then Dragonfly but they otherwise looked similar to him with silted eyes and all, through instead of hair they had webbed fins and tails. Heavy armor similar to that the Pony Royal Guards wore formed over their bodies with the addition of a heavy and thick collar that split in two spikes half-way up with the sides and a cape-like cloth split down the center to allow the tail through covering their rumps. On their heads a helmet like a Royal Guard's that covered the eyes and horn leaving only their lower jaw exposed and in place of the plume was a webbed mane. The armor was silver and oriental studded with red and black gems, bearing a resemblance to Neighpon warrior armor.

On their backs crossbow-like weapons and halberd-like weapons similar to Dragonfly's appeared and attached to the spot were the armor and cloth met on the left side was a quiver holding bolts for the crossbow.

The ten newly transformed Hive Guards stretched their longer limbs and necks, looking over their bodies. After spending a few minutes, they were satisfied and stood at attention. Dragonfly saluted them as they returned it and Rhino brought them to their posts.

"That, was rather amazing," Belle said, the three Ponies had been in awe of the whole transformation.

"Indeed it was, now shall I show you the rest of the Hive?" Dragonfly asked.

The three Ponies agreed and followed the Young Royal, with both Belle and Diamond staring at his flanks at some point. Dragonfly only chuckled and asked if the two liked what they saw, causing both Mares to blush heavily.

The first place Dragonfly brought them to was the Egg Chamber, leading them through the entryway Dragonfly explained its role.

"The Egg Chamber is were every egg the Hive's Changelings lay are stored and a small amount of Healers look after them, from Egg to Larva to Nymph. While different Royals have different ways of bonding with the younglings my mother Nebula for example would come to her Egg Chamber and spend time with her Hive's younglings at the very least once a week."

As soon as Belle and Diamond laid their eyes on the larva and Nymphs they began lightly squeeing.

"Dawww, they're so adorable!" Belle said as she walked into the gathered younglings.

Diamond had to hold a hoof over her mouth to keep her own squeeing down as she joined her sister.

Indigo also "Dawwed" but held back with Dragonfly, letting the two Mares have their fun.

Belle and Diamond laid down in the center and allowed the younglings to crawl over them like Dragonfly had before, Belle nuzzling any in front of her with love while Diamond laid her head gently on a group that had gathered between her forelegs, signing happily with her eyes closed. the Larva and Nymphs curling up to them, chirping happily, playing with the girls' manes, tails and bows, and just taking in the love the two were freely giving. All the while Dragonfly and Indigo watched with large smiles on their faces, some of the younglings even went up to the Guard Stallion and cuddled with him, which he enjoyed as well.

At some point Belle happened to look up at the far wall and spot the Hive Spider, blinking surprise as Diamond also noticed it, along with the group of large toads close to the size of a Pony Foal around it.

"Dragonfly, what it that large spider?" Belle asked.

"And why is it in here with the Hive's young?" Diamond asked, as the two Mares looked up above themselves to see at least six more of them.

"They're called Hive Spiders, and this species of spider was domesticated a long time ago to help protect the young from smaller pests and parasites, as well as serving as an early warning system and help guard the Hive from intruders. They're completely docile to Changelings of this Hive along with any allies, if fact they care for the Hive's young as much as a caring mother would."

"Really? And the Toads?" Diamond asked.

"They're called Changeling Toads, you would have to ask Rhino more about them since he breeds them. But the Toads have a mutualistic relationship with the Hive Spiders: The spider provides the toad protection from predators and a food source from insects feeding on the remains of its prey. The toad's foraging protects the tarantula's eggs from ants. Through that we also gain extra protection for our own young." Dragonfly explained.

Belle looked at him with a confused expression.

"Spiders and toads guarding what is essentially the young of an insect-like species?" Diamond continued, "Isn't that rather ironic."

Dragonfly laughed.

"The irony isn't lost on use either, in fact I was rather scared of the Hive Spiders myself when I first met them. Almost attacked them too." He said sheepishly as he rubbed the head of one Hive Spider that came up to him. The three Ponies watched this, then Indigo asked,

"How so?"

"Believe it or not, I actually suffer from Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders." He then told them of his very near fatal encounter with a Badlands Spider and the effect it had on him. The three Ponies agreeing from his tale on why he would have it after.

"But then how are you so calm around them now?" Diamond asked. Dragonfly then told them of the "Egg Laying" he had gone though, the Ponies wincing at his description of the experience.

"And I woke up after a few hours to find several Healers making sure the eggs were okay and one of the Hive Spiders standing over me like a mother spider over her egg sack. Since then I haven't had a problem with them, and I will say this; if that pain I experienced is what Mares go though during labor, they have my respect and sympathy."

The three Ponies were a bit freaked out by the tale but nodded in agreement, with both Belle and Diamond wondering if their own experience would be as painful.

"But looking at the eggs and realizing that I brought them into the world made all the pain I suffered during that time worth it, I guess that is what parents feel upon seeing their own offspring for the first time."

Belle smiled at that as she looked at Diamond and remembered seeing her for the first time despite only being a year younger, her sister smiled back. Dragonfly then stood up.

"I'd hate to pull you three from the young but we still have the rest of the Hive to go."

Both Belle and Diamond signed in disappointment and slowly stood up, using their magic to carefully set the younglings on their backs down. The four walked out of the room, though not before the two Mares gave a loving nuzzle and kiss to each of the Larva and Nymphs, and continued on their way.
> As Time Passes Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leaving the Egg Chamber behind the group of four went to the next place; the Hive Chambers. Entering the group found Rhino in his usual place on the raised dais in the center of the room looking over the crystal's hologram, with a hoof on his chin and his elbow resting on his other hoof. Rhino's ear twitched and he looked up to greet his guests.

"Hey there Dragonfly, I see you brought our guest, showing them around?"

"Yes I am, still looking over some upgrades?"

"Well actually I'm trying to find what we are missing to upgrade the Hive from Tier Zero to Tier One. Me and Spotter have been working together on this but so far not much luck."

"Well just do your best, and try not to strain yourself, you'll give yourself a heart attack." Dragonfly's smile showed he was messing with Rhino, who gave a playful scowl back.

"I'm not that old."

The two Changelings laughed as the three Ponies looked around the chamber, eventually finding themselves talking to the other Changelings there.

"If you'll excuse my bluntness, what are you?" Belle asked the Plated Soldier.

"Well miss, I'm a variant of the Soldier Breed called the "Plated Soldier". Think of us like a version of the Equestrian Military's Earth Pony "Ironclad unit" just Changeling rather then Pony." The male Soldier Variant said

"Oh, Okay." Indigo spoke next.

"That would explain the armor, though I feel it was designed to invoke something from its shape."

"Well you would be right on that, the armor was designed to resemble the appearance of other Changeling Breed called the "Juggernaut". In terms of statics our armor grants us a whooping +90% Armor and Defense with +60% Magic Defense."

The three Ponies eyes widened in surprise at that.

"Wow, most of the weapons and spells used by the Equestrian Military wouldn't be able to get passed that." Dancer said.

"I would not want to encounter you in a dark alley." Indigo voiced his thoughts.

"Agreed." Belle spoke.

"Well I see you three are already getting to know the other Changelings in the Hive." The four looked over to see Dragonfly and Rhino smiling at them, the former having spoke.

"We were wondering what sort of Breed he was." Belle said.

"So Dragonfly, what is this chamber used for?" Dancer asked.

"This place is the "Hive Chambers", The Hive Chambers is used to change Drones into the various breeds of Changelings. Most Changeling breeds start their lives as Drones, they enter this chamber once certain criteria had been meet. The chosen Drone(s) then enter special cocoons that would change them into whatever variant that had been chosen over a brief period of time. Like for example: If a Drone showed more skill in battle then his or her clutch mates, they could eventually become a Elite Soldier, Shock Trooper or even a Royal Guard if the requirements were met just to name a few."

"Really, interesting way of creating troops. And you said that most Changelings start out as Drones?" Indigo asked.

"Yes Rhino, if you please..."

"Of course. Drones are the lifeblood of a Hive and the most numerous Breed, without Drones the Hive would not last. Although most Royal Changelings tend to forget that fact. Anyway, nobuggy really knows why most Breeds start out as Drones. I think it might be so when their new Breed is chosen they can take what they learned as Drones into their new life, at least that's my theory. Only a few Breeds are hatched as their type for one reason or another."

The three Ponies nodded in understanding, then Dragonfly spoke up.

"Sorry to drag you guys out but there is still more to see."

Rhino waved them off as the group left, as they did he chuckled and waited until they were out of earshot before speaking.

"Think the Hive might have two Queens in the future?"

There was a laugh as Hurricane came out of hiding, Dragonfly had asked that the Founders stay out of sight for the time being, he wanted to surprise the three Ponies at the end of the tour.

"From the way the two Mares were looking at him I would think so."

Rhino chuckled as Hurricane joined him on the dais.

"The question is how long, we Changelings could quite easily sense their attraction to him."

"Well from what I've seen Dragonfly isn't dense."

"No, I think they're just taking it slow for now, get to know each other better."

"Make's sense, it took a long time after I met my wives before I married them."

"To be fair you guys were dealing with a lot at the time."

"True, but it was worth it."

Hurricane leaned towards Rhino and asked.

"Has Dragonfly ever, well... "bedded" a Mare before?"

"No... but he is familiar enough with the subject so I'd say their first time will be awkward but if the love I was feeling from the two is as strong as I think it is, it will be a night the three with remember for the rest of their lives."

Rhino paused rubbing his chin.

"I do wonder how he will react to the two in swimsuits though." Hurricane raised an eyebrow.

"What makes you say that?"

"Dragonfly has a thing for swimsuits, though he prefers the full coverage, high-waist style ones. Don't ask me why as I don't know, but I do know that if he sees the two in swimwear, he's going to get turned on quite badly."

Hurricane smiled

"Funny enough I was, and still am, the same way. If I walk into the bedroom and see my girls in swimwear I know that they are in the mood for a fun night."

The two shared a laugh as the other Changelings in the room just rolled their eyes with a smile.





The next place Dragonfly showed them was the Hive's Heart Chamber, The three Ponies could only stare in awe of the gigantic crystal that dominated the three-level area. Dragonfly smiled at their wide eyes and dropped jaws.

"Impressive isn't it? What you see before you is the "Hive's Heart", the most important structure of the Hive."

Belle recovered and turned to him, Dancer and Indigo following soon after.

"The Hive's Heart? You mean the Hive is alive?!" Her shock was rather clear, as was the others.

"In a way; The Hive's Heart is the place raw E-Energy is purified and for lack of a better word, "pumped" through the Hive with the veins you've seen around the rooms."

"I was wondering what those were. How does this tie into that?" Dancer asked, Dragonfly cleared his throat and explained.

"it works like this; as I mentioned before, areas were creatures live have E-energy gather in the air and after a certain point it seeps into the ground. In the case of Ponyville, which our Hive is underneath, the crystals spread around the cavern the Hive is built into gather the energy in the ground. These crystals then directs that energy to the bottom of the cavern where it pools into what I would call a liquid form, and from there the crystal on the Hive's tip at the bottom since its either built like or into a massive stalactite hanging in the center of the cavern brings up that energy through the Hive and into the Hive's Heart, the heart then "pumps" the energy through the tubes and veins, feeding the Hive and us Changelings with a constant stream of E-energy."

Dragonfly drew in a breath as the others looked back at the Hive's Heart. Dancer then walked up to it.

"It's beautiful." She reached out with a hoof but stopped before touching it and turned her head to Dragonfly.

"Is it safe to touch it?"

"It does have a defense system within where it will shock somecreature if they try to harm it, but as Belle asked the heart is alive in a sense and it knows you are not a threat to it Dancer. I wouldn't call the heart sapient but there is some sentience in that crystal."

Dancer nodded and turned back to the crystal, hopping Dragonfly was right, she reached forward and gently touched her hoof to the surface of the crystal. Instead of a shock like she expected, she felt a comforting warmth travel through her hoof as a faint light green energy gently crested her foreleg.

"How does it feel Dancer?" Belle asked her sister.

"I... I'm not sure how to describe it. It feels warm, like laying next to a fireplace on a cold winter day with a mug of hot chocolate, and I can feel energy flowing through me. It doesn't hurt, in fact it feels nice."

Dragonfly spoke up then.

"That's because as the heart knows you mean no harm to it, it is gently feeding you with E-energy."

Dancer removed her hoof and stared at it for a second, then looked back at Dragonfly while setting her hoof down.

"Do you know what pure E-energy will do to a Pony?"

"I don't, I know it wouldn't harm them but as the only Pony I know of to be exposed to pure E-energy of any length of time would be my father, and since I have no clue where he is..."

"We can't ask him if anything happened, what about Seeker?" Indigo asked.

"Seeker wouldn't know either, he only saw my dad once in a while both due to dad's job as a Royal Knight and Seeker's own work." Dragonfly said with a shrug, he then gestured for the three to follow.

"Come on, time for the next location on the list."

Dragonfly showed them the Archives where they met Darter and Spotter, Dragonfly's Private Quarters (Belle and Dancer getting excited on the fact he had a hot tube) with his Bedroom, Personal Archives, and the Magic Room. After some time they when back to the Throne Room. Watching out of sight of them was Platinum and Clover, neither wearing their cloaks.

"What do you think Clover, think that Bluebelle and Diamond Dancer are going to be Dragonfly's mates?"

"Maybe, its still early so we would have to wait and see, but I do think that the three of them will become mates from how will they're getting along with each other."

What the two Unicorn Mares didn't know was that Hurricane was coming down the steps behind the throne, not wearing his armor, and stopped once he spotted the Mares with their backs to him. He soon gained a large smile as a thought came to him, he carefully crept up behind the Mares and slowly leaned forward. Once he was close enough he playfully nipped Platinum's rump just behind her left Cutie Mark then quickly did the same to Clover on top of the base of her tail.

"Wah!!!"

"EEP!"

Both Unicorns, startled by the sudden bites, teleported down to the Throne Room floor, in full view of the three Ponies, and turned to Hurricane who had a very large, shameless smile as he flew down.

"Hurricane! What the hay?!" Platinum shouted at him with a nasty scowl and a large blush appearing over her face while Clover's face also had a large glowing blush which she covered with her front hooves. She knew that Hurricane knew that she loved have her tail pulled and nipped.

"Well sorry girls but when I see you showing me your pretty flanks I can't help myself."

"We were not showing our flanks to you, we just weren't wearing our cloaks!" Platinum all but shouted at him, her own face turning even redder.

"Well I believe our guests would like to met us." Hurricane walked between them, his wings stretching out to brush playfully against their Cutie Marks as he passed by them. Both Mares gave a cute squeak at the touch, and batted at him with their tails, though he just chuckled as he dodged out of the way.

Speaking of the three guests, they just stood there with their eyes as wide as they would go and jaws on the floor. Indigo recovered first.

"Co... Com... Comman... Commander Hurricane?!?!"

"Princess Platinum????" Belle said unable to believe her eyes.

"Clover the Clever???" Dancer breathed out, in complete shock.

"Yep, in the flesh." Hurricane said smiling, the three Ponies just stared before Belle turned to Dragonfly, who had a large smile of his own.

"Dragonfly, how in the name of Harmony do you have the very Founders of Equestria here??!!"

Dragonfly chuckled.

"That has a bit of a story to it; you see..." Dragonfly recapped the Everfree mission for them, explaining how they had got to the city to get whatever Chrysalis had wanted first, which had turned out to be the Founders. How his group had found and freed the six of their stone prisons, and how they were now living in the Hive, wanting to wait until the time was right. At some point during this explanation the other three Founders joined the group along with Rhino, Darter, and Spotter.

Belle, Dancer, and Indigo recovered from their shock, taking in the story. Finally Indigo spoke.

"You have a talent for attracting the interesting company, do you Dragonfly?"

"That I do, though I do have to admit that you are taking this better then I had expected." Belle spoke next.

"Considering the stories Nebula told me about Chrysalis, the fact that you got to the Founders first is what I'm sure Aunt Celestia would call a major victory and for me personal; I know your Hive would treat them as friends so no worries on that front." Dancer voice her own agreement.

"Then I hope you three understand why this needs to be kept under wraps for the time being." Dragonfly said.

The three Ponies nodded their heads, though they did ask why they needed to keep Celestia from knowing. Dragonfly chuckled as he answered.

"I want to surprise her when the time is right."

After hanging out for a short while Dragonfly showed the three Ponies the Hive Interface, the three watching in amazement as Dragonfly pointed out each feature. Belle soon mentioned that Celestria would have absolutely loved something like this. Soon however the time came for them to return to the Cozy Rest. Dragonfly, Belle, Dancer, and Indigo gathered under the Teleporter.

"Thanks Dragonfly for the tour." Belle said as she and Dancer hugged the Changeling who returned it.

"No problem Belle, what do you want to do next?"

"Well... is that offer for tea still available?" Dancer asked.

"Sure is, how about you Indigo?"

"I could have some."

"Okay, here we go." Dragonfly activated the Teleporter, as he did the three Ponies turned to the others and said their farewells and soon the energy from the Teleporter washed over them and the four were gone from the Throne Room.





A few months later

Dragonfly let out a light sign as he watched the scenery pass by, Belle had invited him down to Canterlot to meet the rest of her friends and just hang out. She and Dancer had been visiting more now that Celestia had relieved a number of Belles duties so she could have more free time to hangout with him. Dancer had told him that once the season came and she would have to go out on tour with her group, but Dragonfly understood that and had told her he wouldn't dare try to take that from her.

He bit back a yawn as it was pretty early but he did't mind, he had gone a few days without sleep before.

He leaned back in his seat, thinking about his relationship with the Mares. It had been at least four to five months since he had met them and he was wondering if they should take the next step. That was something he would need to talk about with them first. Now, he wouldn't be the first Pony (or Changeling rather) to be in a relationship with more than one Mare, far from it actually. While Ponies forming Herds wasn't as common in current times as it was long ago it was still fairly common, the only real requirements were that each Pony consented with each other and that each had the option to back out if they wanted to. Herding had in fact been used in older times after the first Heart's Warming because at the time the Ponies had lost many Stallion to the point that there was around seven Mares to one Stallion, thankfully as time went on the ratio evened out so now most Ponies went into relationship with just one partner though again Harding was still fairly common.

That wasn't the only thing that had happened in the passed few months; Seeker, Rhino, and Spotter believed they had found a lead on the item they needed to upgrade the hive to Tier One. The Founders had also been given their new disguise bracelets and now the six had a house in Ponyville and had adapted well to the town, Hurricane had gotten a job on the town's weather team handling the more dangerous things like lightning, Pansy found herself working with a Mare by the name of Fluttershy, Platinum was working in the Town Hall with Mayor Mare, Clover was teaching in Ponyville's School house, and both Smart Cookie and Puddinghead were working at Sugercube Corner. Dragonfly had also brought up a few Drones to help around the Cozy Rest, allowing him more free time like now to visit Canterlot.

His ears perked as he heard the Conductor call out that Canterlot Station was coming up shortly, he adjusted his scarf as the train slowed to a stop and once the initial rush had slowed he stepped off the train and looked out to the city. Dragonfly had only been to Canterlot a few times back when he was colt, the city was beautiful in its own right but the emotions he could sense here didn't feel right. Most of the city was fine, it was towards the richer parts that "False Emotions" as they came to be called appeared. Dragonfly hated that area as False Emotions were not as good as the real thing and they tasted like old chocolate, one hundred year old chocolate.

Dragonfly was brought out of his thoughts as he heard a voice call his name, turning his head to the left he saw none other than Sparky Gears coming towards him, dressed in her Royal Guard armor. He smiled seeing her.

"Hey there Sparks, come to collect me." His smile showing he was joking. Sparks laughed lightly.

"Why yes, Belle sent me to met you and bring you up so you wouldn't get lost, or have trouble getting in the palace with the guards."

"Well thanks, let's not keep them waiting, lead the way."

The two walked though the streets talking about various things.

"So Sparks, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself? I would like to get to know you better as a friend."

"Sure Dragonfly, what would you like to know first?"

"Well... how about some of your family, if that's alright."

"Sure, as Blue might have already told you I was born to a Dracony Stallion and a female Griffin, how we don't know but I did have a good Foalhood, bearing the usual bullying though that was actually rare. I think it had to do with my dad being a Royal Knight and my Mother being a former Squall."

That surprised Dragonfly greatly.

"A Squall?! Griffin Special Forces?!"

"Yep, she retired and settled down after she met my dad."

"If you'll excuse me for asking but, how did that happen, aren't Griffins rather mean and cranky?"

"I understand where that's coming from, most Griffins are that way though not all. Mom is actually very friendly, more Pony-like then Griffin-like if you know what I mean."

"Oh... okay, sorry if..." Sparks merely held up a hoof to stop him.

"Don't worry about it. You are hardly the first one to ask and mostly like not the last either, you are however one of the kinder ones." Her face formed into a scowl. "I've heard more blasted jokes and insults about my parentage in guard training then I can count, especially from the Nobles. I cannot tell how close or how many times I've come to throttling them through the face from their remarks."

Sparks let out a sigh as she calmed down.

"Good thing for my parents training me when I was old enough, that helped more times than I could count."

"I hear you on that, my dad hated most of the Nobles." Dragonfly said.

"Come to think of it, so do most of the Royal Knights." Sparks added.

"So what about your dad?" Dragonfly asked, wanting to change the subject, with Sparks was happy with.

"Well Dragonfly he's an engineer, that means he solves problems. Not problems like "What is beauty?" because that would fall within the purview of your conundrums of philosophy. He solves practical problems." She reached up to adjust her helmet.

"Fr'instance... How would he stop some big mean mother hubbard from tearing him a structurally superfluous new tail? The answer... use a crossbow. And if that don't work... use more bow."

She smiled as she looked at Dragonfly.

"Like his little heavy bolt, tri-shot, little ol' number designed by him... Built by him... and you'd best hope... not pointed at you." Sparks finished by booping Dragonfly on the tip of his snout with a large smile. Dragonfly rubbed his nose and smiled back.

"Sounds like he and a friend of mine, named Rhino Beetle, would get along just fine."

"Most likely, from what Blue, Dancer, and Indigo told the rest of us."

Dragonfly blinked as he noticed Sparks emotions flare slightly as she mentioned Indigo, he focused on it for a second then a sly smile appeared on his face. Sparks raised an eyebrow at his expression.

"Dragonfly? Why are you smiling like that?"

"You have a crush on Indigo." It was more of a statement then a question. Sparks blushed.

"I forget you can sense emotions, but yes... I do have feelings for Indigo, so does Blades. The two of us have talked and we are willing to form a herd with him but we're not sure if he would be okay with it."

"Hmmm... you two really like him that much?"

"Yep... he's our group's "Little puppy", great medic but his shy nature drew me and Sparks to him. We do tease him but we are careful not to take it too far."

She and Dragonfly looked up to see they were at the palace gates, Sparks lead Dragonfly through and into palace, moving through the rooms until they reached the main dining hall where breakfast was being served. Belle was sitting with her friends though Dancer was no were to be seen, he spotted Indigo and Blades just fine but the other three he didn't know. The group looked over as Sparks slowly maneuvered them over to their table, making sure to not bump into anypony. Once he was close enough he got a good look at the new three Ponies;

The first was an Earth Pony Mare with a leaf green coat, rose red mane and tail tied up with blue ribbons, and yellow eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a bundle of roses. As Dragonfly sat down next to Belle this Mare give him a friendly smile. The next one was a taller then normal Pegasus Mare with a snow white coat, long crimson and tail that gently swayed long the floor, and beautiful emerald green eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a bunch of silver roses. She gave Dragonfly a wink and a flirty smirk. The last one was a Winged Thestral Stallion a good head taller than most Stallions and had an dark grey coat, the trademark deep blue webbed mane, wings, and tail and a dark yellow eye. His Cutie Mark was a picture of a sunset with a large dust devil in front of it and over his left eye was a black eyepatch. He gave Dragonfly a slight nod though the Stallion's face remained neutral.

Once Dragonfly and Sparks sat down a maid came over to the former as the others already had their meals.

“Sir, would you like anything?” He gave her a gentle smile

“As much as I would love some food, take your time. I know you're busy, and I don't want to overwork you.”

“Oh, it's no problem, sir. What can I get you?”

“Just some oatmeal, maybe an apple. And some tea, too. And please, call me Dragonfly. I never was one for formalities.”

“Oh! O-of course, Dragonfly. My apologies.” She dashed off before he could get a word in, next to him Belle chuckled.

"She's new, still has those first day jitters and wants to make a good impression."

"Well I can understand that, when I reopened the Cozy Rest I was having the jitters as well." The snow white Pegasus spoke up.

"So Blue, are you going to introduce us to this handsome gentlecolt?"

"Oh right. My friends, this here is Dragonfly Wings, the Stallion I told you about. Dragonfly, you already know Blades, Sparks and Indigo. The others here are Graceful Petals," Belle pointed at the Earth Pony Mare. "Rose Silver," She pointed at the Pegasus Mare, "And Rose's twin bother, Dusk Storm." She point at the Thestral, who had a wing over Graceful Petals' back as she was leaning into him.

"Pleasure to met you all." Dragonfly said. Each gave their own greeting as the maid from before came back with Dragonfly's meal, he thanked her and the group started on their meals. Some of the other creatures, mostly Ponies but some others like Griffins, watched the new Pony in Bluebelle's group, curious about him as his manners, kind attitude, and respect towards the staff seemed to be right out of a fairly tale.

Once they were finished and another maid took their dishes Dragonfly turned to Belle.

"So were is your sister Belle?"

"She got called into her dance group last night, something about a show coming up in a month's time. That reminds me, Dragonfly, would you be interested in going to see that show?"

Dragonfly looked at the table a rubbed his chin for a moment, he then asked.

"What sort of show is it?"

"It's a mix of different types of dance with Diamond Dancer performing the ribbon dance with her group."

"Well... sure. I'm curious about this show and I would like to show Dancer my support." Belle smiled widely.

"Oh she will be so happy to hear that. Thanks so much Dragonfly."

Said disguised Changeling blushed and rubbed the back of his head bashfully, the others chuckling with Dusk giving a slight smile. Suddenly, the doors to the room were flung open as a certain Stallion strode through. Blades, Dusk, and Sparks instantly tensed as the former slowly bared her teeth and the latter two reached for their weapons.

"Good morning, peasants! Where is my breakfast?" Blueblood demanded, trotting over to the table the group was at and sat on the other side of Belle, who looked ready to blast him through the wall.

“Just look at this terrible service, am I right? Nobility such as us shouldn't have to be kept waiting. I'm surprised Auntie Celestia hasn't fired every last one of them.”

Dragonfly just stared slack-jawed at Blueblood, not wanting to try and sense his emotions. He noticed that the others looked ready to pound the Stallion into the floor and they certainly wanted to if their own emotions was anything to go by, Blueblood then noticed Dragonfly when the latter spoke.

“You do realize you just came in completely unannounced, right? Nopony, or creature for that matter, could cook that fast, not even you.”

“Hmph! And who are you supposed to be? Some commoner my sister pulled of the street.” he replied. Belle and the rest of her friends bristled at that remark, Belle jumping to Dragonfly's defense.

"I didn't pull him off the street! He is a successful business Stallion and my friend!"

"Oh really? Well what business is it then? Selling rocks."

"Tea actually." Dragonfly calmly said, not at all fazed by Blueblood's insults.

'No wonder Belle and Dancer can't stand this guy, I know Rhino would have beat this guy to the curb.'

"Ha! A commoner's drink, nothing like the fine wine we Nobles have!"

Dragonfly glanced around; Sparks, Blades, Rose, and Dusk looked ready to attack Blueblood in half a heartbeat while the others were glaring at him with a mix of disgust and hate. Dragonfly decided to do something before something really bad happened, he had a idea after all.

"How about a simple deal?"

Everypony around him looked at Dragonfly in surprise, Blueblood arcing an eyebrow.

"What sort of deal?"

"You go make your own breakfast, and if you can have it done five minutes I'll leave Canterlot." Dragonfly laid out his part, but before he could layout the other part Blueblood smirked.

“Fine, I'll take that deal! I'll go make my own breakfast, and if I can't have it done in the five minutes I expect my incompetent staff to have it done by, which I certainly will, I'll give you some of my stocks in a few wealthy businesses!”

That really surprised Belle and her friends, Dragonfly meanwhile just smiled.

"We have a deal then."

"I look forward to sending you out." Blueblood said haughtily as he turned and stormed off into the kitchen, the cooks yelling something about him not being allowed in after a pudding incident of some sort. Belle rounded on Dragonfly.

"Are you crazy?! If he wins-"

"He wouldn't." Dragonfly said calmly, belle and the others blinked at him.

"What do you mean?" Graceful asked, Dragonfly just smiled.

"Just watch."

The group looked at each other then Sparks shrugged and they waited, Five minute passed with smoke starting to come from the open door, then ten followed by the smell of something burning, then twenty…

BOOM!!!

Everycreature in the room nearly jump out of their skins as a large fireball shot out of the kitchen followed by panicked screams to put fires out, crashing of objects and the sound of an extreme angry Head Chief roaring at Blueblood.

"YOU BUCKING moron!!! I don't care if you're Princess Celestia's nephew! You were told to stay out of the kitchen after the pudding incident! I only let you in for that deal you made, and I jut knew you @#!$% would trash the place you &*#%^!" That round of the Head Chief roaring at Blueblood lasted at least another ten minutes before Blueblood stomped back out of the kitchen, thoroughly humiliated, covered in black sot and bits of his mane and tail of fire, summoned a few papers of stock ownership in his magic, and indignantly tossed them to Dragonfly before trotting off.

Belle turned to Dragonfly who had a large triumph smile on his face.

"Dad told me that Blueblood couldn't cook to save his life, even if he had an hour to do so." There was a slap as Belle's hooves met her face.

"I completely forget about that, even if he was successful he would have poisoned himself."

Their company just started laughing, Sparks giving Dragonfly a slap on the back.

"You clever lad! You tricked him into a deal that you knew he couldn't win." Dusk added his own thoughts.

"Aye, and ya're walking out quite a bit richer." He turned to Belle, "I like this lad."

Dragonfly got up and offered to help clean the kitchen up, which the chief were happy to accept, it took close to an hour to fully fix up the place but the kitchen staff appreciated it none the less. Once Dragonfly was done he washed up and met back up with Belle and her friends, as they were leaving two guards approached.

"Dragonfly Wings is it?"

"Yes."

"Princess Celestia wants to see you, don't worry it isn't about Blueblood. Bluebelle, the Princess wants to see you and your friends as well."

"Did she say why?" Belle asked.

"No, just that it was a private meeting. Please come with us." The group fell into step behind the guards, leaving quickly. As soon as they had left the room, a few visiting nobles began chattering among themselves again.

“He knows the Princess well enough for a private meeting, and he got Blueblood to humiliate himself? Just who is he?”

"While I'm not sure about his name, he did say he sold tea."

"And he knows Princess Bluebelle well enough to be invited to sit with her, perhaps Gold Bar or Blue Diamond know him."

"From the way they were sitting, do you think they might be attracted to each other?"

"It's possible, though we would be wise not to interfere in that."

"Especially considering what Black Death did to the last one who tried to force her into marriage."

Every single Noble in the room shuddered at the thought, they did not want to get on that Stallion's bad side.

"Perhaps I ought to offer him a share of my stock too, as a gesture of goodwill!”

“Perhaps we should show him around the city. I could offer him dinner at my restaurant, it has a five-star rating!”

“Not if I invite him first!”





"You do realize Dragonfly that by humiliating blueblood like you did, you're going to be fairly popular with the Nobles." Belle was saying.

"Really? I thought they wouldn't care."

"Believe it or not, most of the Noble are actually pretty decent folk. It's only a few of them that are bad, like Jet Set and his wife Upper Crust. Now those two are some of the worse ones though thankfully they don't have as much power as they think they do."

"Along with Blueblood?"

"Yep, speaking of that. Dragonfly, I'm deeply sorry about how he acted towards you, he is my and Dancer's brother and we do love him, but we only barely tolerated him and his attitude, and that was only for the sake of our parents."

"I can understand that, I can't guess what it was like growing up with him." Belle looked at the floor in sorrow.

"He... he wasn't always like that."

"Really? What was he like?" Dragonfly asked, genuinely surprised. Belle looked at him sadly.

"He was once a very sweet colt, until Grandmare got to him. Dad's mother wasn't a very nice Mare, and Dad hated her. She passed away about six years ago, good riddance, but the damage had been done."

"I'm sorry, about your brother I mean."

Belle Just walked up and hugged Dragonfly who returned it. They soon reached Celestia's private meeting room. The group sat around the table as Celestia dismissed the guards, Dragonfly and Belle told the story of what happened with input from the others.
"And then your guards brought us here." Dragonfly concluded, holding out his new stock papers to Celestia. “Think you can lend me a hoof with these?”

“Certainly, my little pony.”

"Speaking of that, Princess... you know what I actually am." That was a statement, not a question.

"I do Dragonfly, I've known since you hatched. When Nebula and Saber married I was Nebula's Best Mare, she also made me your godmother if it ever came to that. When Nebula told me you had died, I was horrified at the news. After three years passed, I heard that Nebula's shop the Cozy Rest had reopened again so I had to see for myself."

"I knew there was more to that visit then what appeared."

"Indeed, as you were looking at that list I carefully cast a spell that would allow me and only me to see your true form. Once I saw it was really you, it took all my self-control to not start jumping all over the place."

Dragonfly stared at her, taking all she had said in.

"Did... did Seeker know about this?" He slowly asked, anger slowly rising at the fact that his Advisor had withheld information again.

"Please don't be mad at him Dragonfly, it was my wish he didn't tell you."

"Then... if you are my Godmother, then I can't I..." Dragonfly's head shot up and his eyes widened as the memories came back.





Celestia smiled down at the Royal Nymph in her forelegs, Nebula had an arm around her shoulders.

"Beautiful isn't he?" Nebula asked Celestia.

"He is Nebula, I'm so happy you and Saber were able to have a foal." Celestia said as she nuzzled the nymph's head, who giggled at the touch.

"The Celestia, I was wondering if you would like to be his Godmother?"

Celestia's head shot up to look at her friend in shock.

"Really?!" She asked, hope shining in her eyes.

"Yes, with the threat Chrysalis poses Saber and I fear she might try to kill us. We want somecreature we know we can trust to look after and raise him should something happen to us. So what do to say?"

Celestia hugged Nebula, mindful of the Nymph, and replied,

"I would be honored to be his Godmother, what's his name by the way?"

"Dragonfly Wings."

Celestia smiled with a few tears in her eyes, she leaned down and nuzzled his head again.

"A great name for him."





Dragonfly blinked as the memory ended, finding the others looking at him in concern.

"You okay Dragonfly? You were out of it for a few minutes." Belle asked.

"Yea... I remember now," He turned to Celestia, "you were there, the day after I hatched. You held me in you forearms, my mom asking if you would be my Godmother." Celestia nodded, tears starting to fall.

"Yes, when I though you had died I had to close court for several days, I had truly thought that another one I loved was gone. I was so happy to know that you were alive Dragonfly, and I'm sorry I wasn't there that day-" Celestia stopped as she felt a body press against her and two forelegs wrap around her neck as a head rest on her shoulder.

"No need to apologize Celestia, it was for the best that you weren't there for if Chrysalis found out who knows what could have happened."

Celestia stood stock still for a second, then returned the hug as happy tears fell down her cheeks. Belle and the others watched with smiles and soon joined in on the hug.

New bonds had been made today, and old ones had been restored.
> As Time Passes Part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dragonfly smiled as he watched Ponies mingle about in the Cozy Rest, happily chatting with each other and enjoying their afternoon tea and snacks. The Drones brought up from the Hive made the work, especially the morning rush, much easier and gave him more free time, which he was using to work on his potions. So far on that front he had tried various ways but nothing had worked well enough until Clover had suggested growing plants to make the potions better. On that suggestion he had set up a greenhouse to do just that, Dragonfly had tried several different types with the help of some of the Earth Ponies in town until he had grown peppers which not only worked perfectly but also gave the potions a likable kick. At the moment the potions weren't ready for sale just yet, still had testing to go through first.

Looking closer to the counter he smiled at Belle and Dancer who smiled back, Dancer's group was taking a break before the upcoming show in a about two weeks and she was hanging out with her sister and their friends at the Cozy Rest. The Mares and Dragonfly had grown closer or the passing time and the latter was thinking of taking the next step but wanted to wait until after Diamond's show first.

At the moment Dusk was telling a story about how he had jumped up a few ranks during a fight with his former commanding officer.

"So after finding out I was passed on another promotion yet again by my commander for his son, who I want to note wasn't close to being qualified for the rank, due yet again to the blasted racism against Thestrals, that and him being the flankhole he was. At that point I just lost my temper and began to yell at him."

"What did you say to him?" Dancer asked.

"Well I can't say the whole thing lass as we have wee ones in 'ere and Dragonfly has a rule about swearin' in the shop. But I can tell you that it boils down to me telling he was so incompetent that he couldn't "cuddle" with a Mare who needed it if you know what I mean." Dusk said with a fond smile.

It took a second for it to sink in, but when it did there was a round of laughter with the loudest being Blades and Sparks.

"Wow Dusk, I'm half-Western and Eastern Kirin and I know other's who don't have stones that big." Blades said once she calmed down.

"Or made out of hardened steel." Sparks added with a large smile.

"How did you managed to stay on the guard after that?" Indigo asked with a raised eyebrow as he took a sip of his tea.

"Well lad, the General and the Princess somehow found out about the 'hole thing when I went to Graceful's place to cool off, I had the day off tomorrow anyway so I decided to hang out with my Marefriend." He reached out with a wing and wrapped it around said Earth Pony who hummed softly as she moved closer and nuzzled his chin affectionately. Graceful, or Grace for short, continued.

"Imagine my surprise when I heard a knock on my door late that night and when I opened it to find Dusk waiting for me, he told me what had happened and asked if he could stay the night. I said yes and let him in." Dusk picked up next.

"About two or so 'ours later another knock came and Grace opened the door to find both the General and the Princess there. Long story short; my former commander got demoted back to the bottom for nepotism and had a long talk with the Princess while I got promoted the ranks up as the General looked for a new Commander and my record was cleaned."

The group continued their chat when the bell over the door rang, Dragonfly lifted his head to see who came in and his eyes widened and went bright as a large, happy open-mouthed smile appeared over his face.

"Grandmare!!"





Ponyville's population mostly consisted of Earth Ponies with Unicorns and Pegasi mixed in, along with a few members of the other Pony races. Living next to the Everfree Forest meant that the population was use to the unusual and strange, but that didn't mean that they were unfazed by those. Such was the case as many Ponies found their heads turning to watch a newcomer walk through the Marketplace.

The newcomer was a Mare from a Pony race Ponyville's population didn't see every day; a Mountain Kirin. She was taller than most others and was built much like Celestia. She had a light grey coat with darker ear tips, gold scales on her back, nasal ridge and hoof tips the same color, a long branch-like dark crimson horn with two crimson chevrons, a short-cut dark silver mane and tail hair with a short tuft on both back knees, blue eyes, and a long whip-like tail swaying gracefully behind as she walked. There was a few spots on her mane and tail that were a brighter silver indicating her advanced age though she was clearly still as spry as she was in her prime.

What really had their attention however was what she wore on her torso; an Equestian Military Veterans dress uniform.

The Mare walked slowly taking in the sights with a small smile on her face as she noticed the Ponies watching her curiosity. She gave them friendly smiles back as they went back to their business, after a second look she spotted what she was looking for and walked up to the shop.

"The Cozy Rest, let's see if he's here."

She reached up and pushed the door open, the bell ringing above in a cheerful tune. Stepping in she didn't have to wait long at all.

"Grandmare!!"





One moment Dragonfly was behind the counter, the next he was wrapping his forelegs around the neck of the new Mare who happily returned the hug.

"Dragonfly my dear Grandson, how have you been?"

"Been doing well, got the shop up and running and been working on potions." Dragonfly said as he pulled away. Dust jumped out of his seat and snapped to attention with a hoof raised in a salute, surprising everycreature else at how fast he moved.

"General Autumn Flame Ma'am!" He spoke with more respect in his voice then his group of friends had ever heard before. The Kirin, Autumn Flame, just chuckled and waved off the salute.

"At ease Sergeant Dusk Storm, you know I'm retired now." She said smiling gently at him.

"I know ma'am, but you did help me long with my former commander. I just feel I need to show respect, the Guard hasn't been the same- wait..." He paused as what Dragonfly had said sunk in, he looked at Dragonfly incredulously.

"General Autumn Flame, one of the most decorated Ponies in Equestia and the same one I once served under, is your Grandmare?!"

"Yep." Dragonfly's smile couldn't have gotten bigger. "On my father's side of the family."

Dusk only stood there, a little to shocked to respond while Autumn walked over to the group, who greeted her warmly with the Mountain Kirin Mare receiving a hug from each. Autumn pulled back from Grace when she narrowed her eyes and leaned down to look at Grace's belly, said Mare looked at her with a confused look.

"Mrs Flame?"

"Dear me Grace you're looking a little thin." The Kirin said poking the Mare in the belly, causing Grace to giggle. "Isn't that Coltfriend of yours feeding you." As she said this a small smile appeared over her face.

Dusk snapped out of his shock at that to try and speak but he could only make stuttering and squeaking noises as he tried to talk, before blushing in embarrassment and covering his front with his wings. Grace could only look at him with a knowing smile and trying not to laugh, which the others were lightly doing. Dusk eventually recovered and just gave a small smile while gently hugging Grace as she moved to him and nuzzled his neck, nuzzling her head in return.

Autumn Flame stayed for awhile after, catching up with her Grandson and listening to what the group had been doing lately. Eventually she had to leave to head home but she did promise to visit again soon.





Canterlot

The night of Diamond Dancer's show

The night had finally come, Dragonfly stood in front of the Grand Auditorium in Canterlot, wearing his dress uniform-like suit Rarity had made for him. He wasn't sure what exactly kind of show he would be seeing, or if he’d even enjoy it, but he’d give it a chance, he was here to support Dancer after all. Next to him Belle wore a simple but beautiful sapphire blue dress with gold trimming and rubies spread over it.

"Dragonfly? You Okay?"

Blinking he looked over at her.

"Ya, this just... I don't know, feels strange? This is the first I've ever being to Canterlot's Grand Auditorium, so I'm not entirely sure what to think. I mean, I don't know if I'll even like the show but I am here to support Dancer, and there is no way I'm backing out now."

Belle gave him a gentle smile as she reached up and rubbed his shoulder.

"Just relax Dragonfly, I know my sister will be very happy to see you watching her show. Come on, let's head in now."

They went inside with many other fashionably-dressed ponies, Dragonfly feeling a little underdressed among them, Belle spitting off to meet with her sister before the show while Dragonfly went to the marked seats for him and Belle, and soon he sat down in a box seat that gave a clear view of the stage. As he relaxed and settled in another Pony come up next to him on his left, looking over he sat the Pony was a larger-then-usual Stallion with a white coat, light azure mane, tail and small mustache, and eyes the same color but a lighter shade. His Cutie Mark was three golden crowns each with a single purple jewel within and he wore a dark blue business suit with a black tailcoat which had what looked like an ID tag pinned to the collar and a purple bowtie. On his left eye was a monocle.

Accompanying him was a Unicorn Mare with a similar build to Celestia, only not as tall, and she had white coat, pale pink mane and tail, and light purple eyes. Her Cutie Mark was three fleurs-de-lis.

"Excuse us dear," The Mare said, "don't mind us, just taking our seats."

Dragonfly just gave them a polite smile. 

"No worries."

The two Unicorns sat down and got comfortable before the Stallion turned to Dragonfly who looked back curiously.

"Yes?"

"I must say there sir, I don't believe we've met but you do look familiar." The Stallion said using his magic to adjust his monocle, Dragonfly raised his eyebrow in confusion.

"How so sir? I don't think I've ever met you before, I know I would remember."

He would too, Changelings, thanks to their Hivemind, had prefect photographic memories.

"Well Mr, I think it has to be your eyes."

"My eyes?" Dragonfly asked with a surprised and confused look.

"Yes, they remind me of an old friend, perhaps you've heard of him. A Winged Thestral by the name of Black Saber?"

Dragonfly blinked in surprise but answered.

"I do know him; he's my father."

Both the Stallion and Mare startled sightly, clearly surprised but recovered quickly, both giving him friendly smiles.

"Well that would explain it then, what's your name old chap?"

"I'm Dragonfly Wings, I'm a tea seller and Potion maker in Ponyville." The Stallion smiled fondly hearing that.

"Ponyville, a charming little town. Oh excuse me, I'm Fancy Pants. This here is my friend Fluer de Lis."

"Hello dear, just wondering but... why do you have that metal on that charming scarf of yours?"

"It's my dad's, not sure why he gave it to me though. Maybe to keep him close, I haven't seen him or my mother in three years so I couldn't tell you. An old enemy of his went after him and the two disappeared to keep that enemy from me." Dragonfly said with a shrug. Fleur gave him a sympathetic smile while Fancy gave an understanding nod.

"So Mr Wings, what brought you here?" The latter asked, Dragonfly smiled.

"Well just call me Dragonfly and to answer your question; I'm here with Princess Bluebelle to support her sister Diamond Dancer." Fancy and Fleur gave him an approving smile and nod then Fleur asked.

"Aren't you the same Stallion who knocked Blueblood down a few pegs?"

"The one and the same, and I don't regret it." Dragonfly said with a fond smile at the memory. The two Unicorns lightly laughed too.

"It was good to see him taken down a bit, but anyhoo; Where did you get the nice suit you are wearing?" Fancy asked.

"A friend of mine, a Unicorn named Rarity, made it for me. She's a tailor in Ponyville that makes custom suits, dresses, and the like. She wants to build more shops like her boutique in other cities but she only has the one right now."

"Hmm... We'll have to visit her shop next time the visit Ponyville, huh my dear sister." Fancy said to Fleur.

"Indeed, and if you are wondering," She said noticing Dragonfly's confused expression. "Fancy and I aren't blood related but we are close enough to consider ourselves siblings." She then snorted in a surprising lady-like fashion. "As much as the gossip would say otherwise."

Fancy reached over and rubbed her shoulder, at that point Belle came back and greeted them as she sat down.

"Fancy, Fleur, great to see you again."

"Hello Blue, I must say you do have a charming Stallion here." Fancy said gesturing to Dragonfly who blushed and rubbed the back of his neck, Belle giggled at the sight.

"How did you two meet, it has been quite awhile since you lasted dated Blue." Fleur said.

"Well it went like this..." Belle told them about her family vacation in Ponyville and how they had bumped into each other, literary, as she was finishing everypony had sat down and the curtains opened a few minutes after the Director did his open speech, and the music began to play as the dancers appeared on stage, all wearing either unitards in the cases of the Stallions and leotards in the case of the Mares.

In the center of the group was Diamond Dancer herself, wearing her bows along with a blue leotard with a black belt that had a gold buckle, three gold stripes on each side of the torso and two more below the belt, and a gold ring around her neck holding the torso piece up. Held in her silver magic aura was twenty ribbons of various colors.

The show began and Dragonfly quickly found that show was a type of interpretive dance, where the dancers seemed to attempt to tell a story with movement instead of words and combined with several different types of dances mixed in to make the whole thing unique, and it all really fascinated him.

There were a dozen dancers in the back, moving in perfect harmony with each other, and Diamond stood in the front with a few other dancers, doing their own routine together. From what he could see they were playing out some kind of  story about an apparently forbidden relationship between a mare and a stallion on two opposing sides. Diamond's horn was aglow the entire time, her ribbons flowing around in a graceful dance of their own and over her and her fellow dancers' bodies like water, somehow not disrupting their movements at all. Diamond herself, Dragonfly just couldn’t take his eyes off her, watching her every graceful move and sensual pose she made as she performed on stage. Even from the box seat he could easily feel her love and passion for dancing, adding to the way her leotard hugged her body and really showed her beautiful figure.





On the stage Diamond was beyond overjoyed to see Dragonfly up in the box seat with her sister, watching her dance. While she hadn't known him as long as Belle did, she felt a strong connection with him like Belle had. Throughout her career she had gotten so used to dealing with the upper-class that she had almost forgotten what it was like to talk to the simple, honest Ponies (she knew Dragonfly wasn't a Pony but that was besides the point).

Part of her irritation with said high-society types was the fact that most of them put on an air of indifference, specifically when it came to her performances. She loved to dance, to work with the choreographer and her fellow dancers to turn song into story and make the show something unique. But even as she gave her best the high-society audiences only fixed her with polite smiles and quiet applause; never was there any real excitement that she could see, and both she and her fellows wondered just how many of them simply came to these shows because of social obligations, and how many actually came because they enjoyed these performances.

Because of this, she was quite surprised and rather self-conscious of herself when she saw the look of awe on Dragonfly’s face as he watched her dance, even at the distance that the stage was from the box seats. Unlike most of the upper-class Ponies, she could see his genuine excitement for the show in general, and her performance in particular. She felt overjoyed that she could bring such excitement to anypony, or any Changeling in his case, that she could appear so beautiful to anypony or creature, and she had to focus so that she wouldn’t stumble during her dance, so flustered was she.  So Diamond did what her mother had taught her from her own days as a dancer and put her emotions into her dancing, somehow making the performance even better as the other dancers seemed to pick up on her emotions and channel their's in their own.

She couldn’t help but wonder what he’d think about her upcoming solo…






Dragonfly couldn't put words into what he was feeling, Diamond was an utter joy to watch as danced, her passion shining through each and every movement. It wasn’t too long before the Mare got her chance to really shine as she began her solo performance, and Dragonfly was treated to the sight of a beautiful dance with her in the center of a storm of ribbons as they moved around her like wind or water, cresting her body gently like waves of silk.

More then once did Dragonfly find himself having to blink back tears as his emotion sense was overcome by the sheer power that flowed from her passionate performance. He could feel the heartache, loneliness and fright that the character felt as Diamond did her best to portray those emotions in every graceful move. Belle looked over and gently rubbed his hoof, smiling happily at his enjoyment. Unknown to Dragonfly, Belle and Dancer wanted to ask him something after the show, but it could wait until then.

Eventually the show ended and the curtains fell after the dancers gave a bow as the applause of the audience filled the theater, Dragonfly giving loud and passionate one himself alongside Belle. Just before the curtain fell Dragonfly gave Diamond a happy grin as she smiled bashfully and blinked back tears of joy.

As everypony else began to slowly leave the auditorium, he and Belle, accompanied by Fancy and Fleur, made their way backstage. The four of them soon came up to Dancer's dressing room and Belle knocked on the door. It was only a moment before Dancer, still dressed in her leotard, opened up and let the four inside. Once they were in and Belle shut the door Dancer turned to Dragonfly.

"What did you think Dragonfly?" She asked bashfully, her sister rubbing her shoulder.

"I have no words to even begin saying how much I enjoyed it Dancer, all I can say is that was easily the best dance I have ever been to." His smile was wide and bright, practically glowing, Dancer looked at him and had to blink back tears as she tired to respond.

"Thank you Dragonfly, you have no idea how much that means to me." Belle spoke next after asking Fancy and Fleur to back up a bit and give the three of them space, they did so and Belle looked at her sister who nodded and then both looked at Dragonfly who was watching them curiously.

"Dragonfly..." Belle began, "the three of us have know each other for awhile now and, we greatly appreciate having you as a friend." Belle smiled softly as Dancer spoke next, Dragonfly's warm smile encouraging them to continue.

"We’ve both enjoyed every minute we’ve gotten to spend together with you over the past few months and after the two of us talked for a bit we, well..."

Belle paused to take a breath, Dragonfly had a pretty good idea what she was trying to say but he didn't say anything back, wanting to hear her say it. Instead, he gave them his most encouraging smile.

“It’s alright, girls. Take your time.”

Belle smiled and nodded, then closed her eyes and took a deep, soothing breath, before her eyes opened again to gaze into his.

“The thing is… both Dancer and I really like you, Dragonfly, and if you’re willing, then..." She and Dancer spoke softly at the same time.

"Dragonfly... will you be our special somepony?" They asked with hope in their eyes, Dragonfly gave them his biggest smile and said,

"I was hoping you two would ask, truth be told I was waiting for a good time to ask you two the same question. To properly answer though, yes, I will be more then happy to be your special somepony, if you two will be mine as well."

Both Mares looked surprised, then tears of joy fell from their eyes as they walked forward, Dragonfly meeting them in the middle as their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss. the three stood there, locked in a world of pure bliss as Dragonfly returned the kiss as eagerly as the Mares give. He could feel and taste the love that flowed from them, it was the purest E-energy he ever had and he made sure to share his own with them. Fancy Pants and Fleur, who had smiles on their faces at the sight of young love, watched in awe as a bright multi-colored field of energy appeared and flowed over the three, much like Dancer's ribbons had during the show.

After awhile the need for air became too much for just their noses to handle and the three slowly pulled apart, panting slightly as Dragonfly had hearts in his eyes and a lovestruck smile on his face and the girls were blushing. Nopony noticed that for a moment after pulling out of the kiss Belle and Dancer's coats, manes, and tails looked shiner and heather before they returned to normal.

"Wwwooowwww..." He droned, Belle and Dancer giggled softly at him. Fancy cleared his throat and spoke.

"I'd hate to break this up but... what was that energy field we saw?"

Dragonfly snapped out of his trance and looked at him confused.

"What field?"

Fancy and Fleur explained what they saw as the three had been kissing, Dragonfly rubbed his chin before it came to him thanks to Rhino over the Hivemind.

"I know what it was, but..." He trailed off. To his surprise, Fancy gently smiled at him and said,

"Dragonfly, Fleur and I know that you are a Changeling." Fleur nodded her head as he continued. "And we know why it must be keep confidential."

Dragonfly stared at the two incredulously, then after a pause asked,

"How? Wait... let me guess: My mother, Nebula Sheen?" Fleur nodded.

"Yes dearly, her and Saber told us. We were there at her secret wedding."

Dragonfly stood there for several minutes, then looked at the floor saying,

"How many Ponies know what I actually am?"

Nopony said anything for awhile, then Dragonfly looked at Belle and Dancer with a smile.

"Anyway, girls how about tomorrow I take you two out on a dinner date." Both Mares' eyes lit up and Dancer answered.

"We would like that very much." Belle nodding her agreement.

"Alright then, by the way Dancer, you look very good in that leotard." Dragonfly said getting in between the two and putting a foreleg around each Mares' shoulders, Dancer blushed up a storm while Belle started giggling as they both nuzzled his neck and chin, Fancy and Fleur smiled at the sight.





Time passed for them surprisingly quickly, Dragonfly had taken his new Marefriends on many dates as the rest of that year and the next two passed. His potions had began selling and were doing well, along with his tea business. a few days after the show Belle and Dance had properly introduced him to their parents who had welcomed him, and a few days after that he alongside Belle and Dancer found themselves outside the Palace Throne Room, waiting to be called in. They had arrived a few minutes ago and would be the last ones before Court closed for the rest of the day.

They didn't have to wait long before they were called in, Celestia was sitting on her throne as usual with Cadance sitting next to her, along with BD and Gold, Belle and Dancer's friends, and three other Ponies; all Unicorn Mares.

The one in the center had a lavender coat, dark indigo mane and tail with two stripes, one raspberry and one purple, and violet eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a pink six-pointed star surrounded by five small white sparkles. She had her nose in a book and was deep in studying the book's contents.

The one to her right had a Pale, light grayish heliotrope coat, moderate purple mane and tail with lighter purple and pale light, grayish aquamarine highlights, and moderate persian blue eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a purple and white star with two-tone blue glimmering streams above it. And the one to the center Unicorn's left had a brilliant amber coat, brilliant amaranth mane and tail with light apple green stripes and moderate cyan eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a red and yellow shimmering sun.

The latter two Unicorns lifted their heads as the three entered and gave them smiles, the center one giving them a quick smile before returning to her book. Celestia chuckled and turned to address Dragonfly, Belle and Dancer.

"So you three wished to tell us something?"

"Yes, mom and dad already know, but we think that you, Cadance, and our friends know." Belle said.

"And what would that be, Belle?" Rose asked, Dancer smiled at her and spoke.

"Princess Celestia, Cadance, our friends, it had been a bit of time since the two of us met Dragonfly and bonded with him but now he isn't just our friend, as of my last show of the season for this year, Dragonfly is now officially Blue's and my Coltfriend."

There was a long pause as they took in what she had just said, before the room was filled with two loud squeals from Rose and Cadance, both leaping around the room like Pinkie drinking a lot of coffee with Rose shouting YES!YES!YES! at the top of her lungs and Cadance going "EEEEEEEEEEEEE!" with the pitch increasing as it went on. Celestia had a smile of pure joy on her face as the rest of their friends came up to congratulate them, the girls getting hugs while Dragonfly got a few back slaps. As they were all doing this, they didn't notice that a certain Unicorn Stallion had been watching and listening to the whole thing. He walked away before the group noticed, a tiny smile on his face.

The thing was that it held no malice or anything of that nature, instead it was a smile of genuine happiness.

"Take care of them Dragonfly, my sisters deserve their happiness. I may fight with them, but they are still my sisters and I do love them."





Celestia had introduced the three Unicorns as her personal students; The center Mare was Twilight Sparkle, the right one Starlight Glimmer, and the left one Sunset Shimmer. The three Unicorns had caught Celetia's attention when they each had done something unexpected.

Twilight had hatched a though-to-be-dead dragon egg and grew the hatchling to adult size, Starlight had shown great creatively with taking spells and modifying them to do different things, and Sunset had created a massive fireball after accidentally setting a building on fire though nopony was hurt. She was rather embarrassed about it.

Twilight was a bookworm through and through, always studying though Starlight and Sunset had to remind her to take care of herself several times. Starlight was more down-to-earth and was good with handling the more mundane things while Sunset seemed to be the most mature of the three and kept the other two from getting too deep into things.

As for the Hive they had found out the name for the item to upgrade the Hive and what it did but their was still no sign of that item itself.

The Item in question was called a "Structure Brace", according to Seeker the Hive's Heart as actually incomplete and the crystal was only the first piece of the structure it could become. To upgrade the Hive they would need to find the Structure Brace though where it could be was unknown at this time.





Two months before the one thousandth Summer Sun Celebration

It was a Sunday as Belle, Dancer, and Blades walked through Ponyville, on their way to the Cozy Rest to visit Dragonfly. They stopped at the door to find a sign that read;


I'm around back in the Greenhouse



Dragonfly


They looked at each other and shrugged before moving around the back and to the Greenhouse where Dragonfly grew the plants he needed for his potions and teas.

It was a large two-story greenhouse four times the size of the Cozy Rest with the bottom floor holding the larger plants and his lab as he called it while the upper floor held the equipment and other things used for growing. On the door was another sign;


Warning!



I might be handling volatile containers and objects, please knock.


Belle reached up and knocked on the door, the three heard a "Just a Minute!" and soon the door opened to reveal Dragonfly wearing a white level C hazmat suit, he pulled the hood down and removed the mask.

"Hi guys, come to visit?" He asked cheerfully.

"Yes, but... why the hazmat suit?" Blades asked, looking over him in confusion as she gestured to the oufit.

"It's to keep the fluids off me, while teas are no problem, the potions are a bit more... explosive if not handled with care and the wrong things are mixed. Trust me, been there done that, took three weeks to change my coat back to silver after a mishap turned it hot pink."

That had been incredibly embarrassing for him, as the hot pink carried over to to his natural Changeling form so his black carapace was that color. His Hive had wanted to laugh but were too scared of his wrath after he turned at least forty training golems to many small pieces of armor as he vented his rage. The Hive had lost count after he blew apart several at the same time.

Belle, Dancer and Blades stared at him as what he said sank in, before Blades fell over laughing and holding her stomach while Belle and Dancer couldn't stop their own laughs and smiles as the the mental images hit them. Dragonfly for his part just covered his blushing face with a foreleg, though he was taking it in stride now if his smile said anything. After the three had recovered he let them in, besides the closed-off room that was his potion lab at the back of the greenhouse, there was a staircase up to the second floor and all around the room were rows of various plants he used in his teas and potions, all labeled. Moving about were some of Dragonfly's Drones in their Pony disguises, who greeted the three as the entered.

"Quite the set-up here Dragonfly, reminds me of the one Grace's family owns up in Canterlot." Dancer said.

"While this place was being built I asked Grace over to give me some pointers, her mother also came by and they both lent a hoof setting this up and I brought these Drones up here to help manage the place."

"How's business then?" Belle asked, Dragonfly gave her a huge smile.

"Great, since word got out I've been selling potions by the bulk, another reason I have the Drones up here. Come on, I show you were I work."

He lead them over to the lab's door and let them in after he unlocked it and let them in. To the three it looked very much like a science lab in a school with chemistry equipment, Dragonfly spoke as he showed them around.

"In here I test ideas for potions and their effects with some volunteers, though when I have them testing I do have a medical team on standby, just in case. Most of this is pretty simple stuff so I don't think it needs any explanation."

"Then what's that Dragonfly?" Dancer asked pointing towards the left far wall, sitting there was a mini-greenhouse with several types of peppers the three didn't recognize. Dragonfly looked towards it.

"Oh, that's were I grow my own special peppers."

He lead them over and the three got a better look at them; the plants on the right were short and had bell-shaped peppers colored gold with lush green leaves, the ones in the center were taller with long, thin pointed blue peepers with dark green leaves, and the ones on the left were the tallest with the tops hitting the ceiling and growing on them were peppers that were easily the size of a Pony's head colored a mix of red, orange and yellow with black saw blade-shaped leaves. The thing that disturbed them however was the fact that these peppers with pulsing with light in the rhythm of a heartbeat.

"Dragonfly..." Belle started.

"Just what are these?" Blades finished, pointing at the peppers.

"The right ones are my "Sweet Bell" Peppers, these give the potions a pleasant taste and makes them enjoyable to drink. The middle ones are my "Blue Fire" Peppers, these add flavor but are apparently pushing the scale in terms of heat as these are HOT. I learned that the hard way after I tasted one, and the left ones are my "Dragon Core" Peppers, now these ones I know for a fact are not safe to eat on their own. You know the Scoville Heat Unit, used to measure the heat? This pepper broke it."

The three stared at him in shock, then eyed the Dragon Cores warily.

"Ya, I use this peppers to give the potions a nice kick to them. Don't worry, I use other things in the mixing that take out the spiciness to make them safe to consume."

"Why are they glowing like that?" Dancer asked.

"Honestly I have no idea, magic maybe. Now let me show you the potions I've made."

Happy to get away from the Dragon Cores, the three of them followed Dragonfly over to a large table that had four clusters of differently shaped bottles and some other equipment. The three walked over and took a closer look at the bottle clusters. The first were shaped like a soda bottle with a clear liquid inside, within the liquid were many small spheres like frozen bubbles. Dragonfly smiled as Belle asked what it was.

"That is my first success and best seller: The Chillwater Potion. This potion doesn't have one flavor, rather each sip, swig, or drink is a different flavor with each one being something the drinker likes. It also triggers the tongue's taste buds and makes each time the liquid touches them very pleasurable, along with a nice cooling and calming effect."

"Really?" Dancer asked, she looked at the Chillwater potions then back at Dragonfly.

"Could... could I try some?" She asked softly.

"Go ahead Dancer, my policy is the first one for each customer is free." He said gesturing to the cluster, Dancer nodded and picked up a bottle. Unscrewing the cap she sniffed it, getting a nice sent, and took a cautious sip. The second the liquid hit her tongue, she got the taste of her favorite chocolate and a very nice cool feeling sweeping through her body. Dancer moaned in pleasure as the liquid ran down her throat and her muscles relaxed, Belle and Blades watched in surprise before they picked up their own, getting the same effect only their flavors were different.

"Wow Dragonfly, this is absolutely delicious! No wonder this is your best seller." Dancer said happily, the other two agreeing with her.

"Thanks, Celestia even gave it a Royal Seal of Approval, surprised me but hey, it worked out great. She even bought six cases of the stuff"

Moving over to the next cluster the bottles were shaped like a lightning bolt and filled with a red/orange liquid.

"This is my new "Booster Potion", despite the fact that I've only began selling this one a month ago and it's already almost as popular as the Chillwater."

"Really, how so?" Blades asked.

"This potion temporarily helps the body fight of fatigue, allowing the drinker to keep going for longer periods of time. For example; one of its main buyers, the Wonderbolts, drink it for longer shows so they don't have to swap out flyers mid-show because they are to tired. The Booster Potion is also gaining popularity in spots and even in the Equestrian Military."

Blades blinked at the last one, a look of understanding appearing on her face.

"So that's what some of the off-duty guards were talking about, I had heard stories about some kind of new drink coming out for them."

"Yep, the guards who have tried it like it for those extra shifts. It is also gaining traction in the medical fields for doctors and surgeons who find themselves working long hours."

The next cluster of bottles were shaped like shampoo bottle.

"This one isn't for drinking, rather its for rubbing into the mane and tail." The three looked at him, confusion on their faces.

"What's the story on this one?" Dancer asked, Dragonfly smiled and spoke.

"Well it was originally a prank I pulled on Rainbow Dash and Pinkie, I had swapped their shampoo with this potion. What it does is an hour after being applied, it causes the manes and tails to temporarily gain a metallic sheen with many crystal-like spots that sparkle in the light for a few hours. Rarity saw the effect and practically begged me for the secret. Her and I have been working together and the potion is making a small but growing splash in the fashion industry. She even been trying to apply the effect on clothing."

Like everypony in Ponyville, Dragonfly had been the victim of a few of their pranks. Mostly just small ones, and they knew not to touch his equipment as some of it was very expansive and he would have their hides if they damaged those things. He did get back at them a few times though.

"Now that you mention it, I think I saw Fleur at her last fashion show with those effects on her mane and tail, I had wondered were that came from." Belle said, Dancer looked at the potion then back at Dragonfly.

"Could I have a bottle for my next show? I know that my dance group would love something like this."

"Sure Dancer, truth be told I'm curious about what effect it could have in that area. In fact, I've been working on variants that apply the effect to coats, eyes, and all of the body."

"How did that prank end by way?" Blades asked.

"Pinkie loved it and Dash actually found it pretty cool."

The last cluster of bottles were shaped like a sphere with a thin and tall neck.

"This one I haven't got working right yet, its suppose to tap into the internal magic of a Pony and temporarily change their tribe by shifting their magic."

"So... for example, An Earth Pony could turn into a Unicorn or Pegasus for a time." Dancer asked, Dragonfly nodded.

"Yes, but like I said, it's still in testing and Celestia has a science team helping me with this one to avoid any... unwanted effects."

They left the lab then Greenhouse and went into the Cozy Rest to hang out and catch up on the latest news.





The day of the one thousandth Summer Sun Celebration

Dragonfly was going over his inventory, checking to make sure he had everything he needed for the Summer Sun Celebration today. Belle, Dancer, and Indigo were helping him. Dragonfly had wanted to make sure he had enough tea for the Summer Sun Celebration later one, he went over his crates of tea bags counting how many he had. Smiling once he found their were enough, he turned to the others, who had also finished going over their sections.

"Everything looks good here Dragonfly." Belle said.

"Right, thanks for helping me do this, it would have taken me much longer to take inventory with how big my business has grown."

"No problem Dragonfly." Dancer said as she and Belle came up and gave him kisses on the lips, which he returned happily. Pulling away Dragonfly thought about how much had happened in the last three years; his Hive growing to around nine hundred Changelings, his relationship with Belle and Dancer, and his business expanding from Ponyville to sending his products to Canterlot, Manehattan, and Fillydelphia. He had made so many bits he had no idea what to do with them.

He chuckled as one of the memories he made came back to him, when he first intorduced Darter Tail to the group.





Flashback

Canterlot

Half-way through the second year

"Are you sure this is a good idea Dragonfly? What if they don't like me?" Darter asked, wearing his normal gear as usual but was now disguised in his Pony form: A Pegasus Stallion with a dark blue coat, a sky blue mane and tail, green eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a dart flying through the air with a sound cone forming around it.

"Relax Darter, they know of our secret and you already know Belle, Dancer, and Indigo. You'll be fine, trust me."

"Okay..."

Dragonfly shock his head good-naturely, while Darter was the fastest Flyer in the Hive he was very shy when it came to meeting new creatures. He had never said why and Dragonfly never asked but he did have a few thoughts, one of which was maybe that Darter had been abused by his former Royal before he joined Nebula's Hive then later his.

Looking up he saw they were coming up to the place Belle said to meet her group, sure enough there they were doing their own things as they were waiting. Belle and Dancer were chatting, Dusk was laying down on his back with Grace laying on top with her head on his chest, sleeping peacefully as Dust stroked her mane. Sparks and Blades were close by play fighting or sparing from the way they were wrestling with each other as Indigo and Rose sat off to the side watching them. Dancer looked over Belle's shoulder to see Dragonfly and Darter coming, smiling as Belle called it out.

The two Stallions walked up to the group as they gathered together after Sparks and Blades brushed the dirt off themselves and Dusk gently woke Grace up. Dragonfly greeted them and introduced Darter, who shied back slightly. The group smiled and gently greeted him, with Sparks mentioning that Darter's behavior reminded her of Indigo when they first met. Rose however had a different reaction; a flirty smirk appeared over her face as she walked over in a saucy way.

"Hello handsome." She purred as she rubbed her head then body against an incredibly flustered Darter, ending with her long tail brushing the heavily blushing disguised Changeling under the chin as she looped around to do the same on Darter's left side. Darter tried to speak but his mouth wouldn't work, causing him to just emit squeaks, which Rose seemed to find cute as she continued to flit with him.

The others could help but chuckle seeing this, Blades speaking as she remembered an earlier time.

"Reminds me of when Indigo met her for the first time, he was so flustered he couldn't even move." She said with a laugh as said Pony blushed as he remembered that time.





Dragonfly smiled widely as the memory came to an end, Darter still got pretty flustered around Rose, which made it funnier as the two were actually dating. Rose was very gentle with him as she apparently understood his shy nature and was supportive of him, with that help Darter was slowly coming out of his shell around her.

He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard the bell above to door ring, signaling that somepony had come in.

"That's strange, we're closed today for inventory for the celebration, who could that be?" Dragonfly said as he walked to the front with a confused looked as the others followed him, entering the main area from the kitchen he found none other than Twilight Sparkle, with her ever-present "Number One Assistant" Spike riding on her back. Spike was a young Dragon hatchling, the same one Twilight had hatched as a filly, with Light mulberry scales, light spring budish gray underbelly, light lime green ear fronds, Moderate pistachio Eyes, and Moderate harlequin Spikes. Held in his claws was a scroll and a feather quill.

Dragonfly walked up to the counter and greeted them

"Hey Twilight, Spike, what brings you here? Shop's closed for inventory for the celebration."

"Hey Dragonfly, that's why we're here actually." Spike said.

"Princess Celestia send us here to oversee the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, and your shop was closest to where we landed so we'd figure we would start here." Twilight said, then added,

"So how are thing coming along for the tea?"

"We just finished going over what we need and were just starting on bringing the items to Town Hall." Dragonfly said, he then turned to Belle, Dancer, and Indigo.

"Think you guys got this or do you still need me?"

"I think we got it Dragonfly, I come get you if we run into trouble." Dancer said, Dragonfly nodded and turned back to Twilight and Spike, who were looking at him curiously.

"Why would you ask that?" Twilight asked.

"Well, seeing as you're here to oversee the preparations for the celebration, I thought you would be interested in a tour guide to assist you, as if I recall correctly; this is the first time I've seen you in Ponyville."

Twilight smiled sheepishly.

"Ya, it is my first time, and a tour guide would be most welcome, I do need to get through these preparations as quickly as possible."

"Well follow me, see you three with the others at Town Hall." He called back as he, Twilight and Spike left the Cozy Rest. As they were leaving Twilight turned to Dragonfly.

"Just something I'm wondering, we tired to talk to a Pony earlier but she looked at us, gasped, and shot off somewhere. Amy idea who that was?" Dragonfly chuckled.

"Pink coat, puffy mane and tail."

"Yes.

"That would be Pinkie Pie, she's the town's party thrower and a new Pony, and Dragon, in town means that you two are going to have a welcome party at some point."

Twilight groaned and rolled her eyes while Spike looked excited.

"I don't have time for a party, I have a lot of work to do."

"Just embrace it when it comes Twilight, as it could happen at any moment. Just me, I know."





Before long, they were making their way to their first stop, Sweet Apple Acres. Dragonfly led the way onto the farm, knowing the place well form having been there many times to collect the apple-related items he needed for his teas and potions. He had a fairly strong bond with the Apples and had even been invited to join in on a few reunions in the past.

Dragonfly was explaining this when the three of them heard a loud "Yee-haw!"

They looked over as Applejack galloped to a tree, giving it a good buck, and apples fell into the baskets she’d set below, and beamed with pride. Dragonfly just smiled at the sight.

Twilight however just sighed, "Let’s get this over with."

They approached the farmer, Twilight moving forward to introduce herself, "Good afternoon, my name is Twilight Sparkle-"

And no sooner did she say her name did AJ give her hoof a welcoming yet rough shaking.

"Well howdy-doo, Miss Twilight, a pleasure makin' yer acquaintance! Ah’m Applejack, and we here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin' new friends!"

"Fr-r-riends? Actually-" Twilight tried to say but the farmer’s strength left her shaking as Applejack let go, ignoring the shaking she asked,

"So! What can Ah do ya for?"

Twilight's hoof continued to shake so Dragonfly used his magic bring her to a stop, Spike giggled to himself as Twilight gave him a look. Recomposing herself, she cleared her throat and started speaking,

"Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, and you're in charge of the food?"

"We sure as sugar are!” Applejack replied, “Wouldja care ta' sample some?"

"Say yes, Twilight.” Dragonfly whispered into her ear, "trust me, their apple fritters are the best I've ever had."

"Well, as long as it doesn’t take too long," Twilight gave in but Applejack had already started ringing the triangle.

"Soup's on, everypony!"

Twilight, Dragonfly, and Spike heard a galloping behind them and turned to see a herd of earth ponies stampede over them, and they somehow wound up seated at a table beneath a gazebo, Applejack popping up beside them as Dragonfly readjusted his scarf.

"Now, why don’t Ah introduce y’all to th’ Apple Fam’ly!"

'On colt... here we go.' Dragonfly thought, remembering the time he was first introduced.

"Thanks, but I really have to-" Twilight tried to excuse herself but Applejack proceed introduce the entire Apple Family there, listing off names. As she when on more and more earth ponies approached the table, leaving their own special apple dish, Applejack introducing each of them in turn.

"Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apple, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp…!"

'One could almost think the Apple Clan as a Changeling Hive in hiding.' Dragonfly thought to himself as AJ went on.

Chuckling nervously, Twilight finally said, "Okay, I can see the food situation is handled! I’ll just be-"

"Aren'cha gonna stay fer brunch?"

She looked down to see Apple Bloom giving her the most mournful puppy-dog eyes she’d ever seen. Instantly, she felt guilty to say, "Sorry, it’s just we have an awful lot to do!"

"Aww!" Everypony sighed sadly.

Twilight looked around, feeling bad, when Dragonfly leaned over and whispered into her ear again, "They won’t cheer up until you say yes…"

Sighing, Twilight said, "Fine…"

At once everypony cheered and the sampling began.





Soon the three were on their way to the next task, Spike saying, 

"Food’s all taken care of, next is weather."

Behind him, Twilight moaned from an overstuffed belly, Dragonfly looked over at her shaking his head

"Ohh, I ate too much pie…"

"I told you not to eat so much." She glared a him.

"And how is it you don't have an overstuffed belly?! You ate twice as much as I did and you don't look like you gained a pound!" Twilight snarked.

"I have a very high metabolism, and I paced myself. You ate only the pies, one after another, with in a short time span. I had the smaller things like the fritters." He snorted. Twilight just groaned and asked Spike about the weather step. Looking closer at the list he said,

"Hmm, there’s supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds," Spike looked skyward, the two unicorns following his example. They all saw the sky was dotted with clouds all over. Dragonfly could only shake his head as he let out a sigh.

"Typical Rainbow Dash, gets the job done on time but waits til the very last minute."

Dragonfly knew the Pegasus Mare after living in Ponyville for about to weeks, after she crashed through one of the windows of the Cozy Rest. He wasn't to happy with her but they got that sorted out. Now while he and Rainbow were on good terms, they had a bit of a rivalry with each other. Rainbow saw tea as a "fancy frufru" drink  while her pranks tended to drive him crazy.

Now, Dragonfly had no problem with pranks. Quite the opposite actually, he used to be quite the prankster as a colt, and it looked like Rainbow was bringing that side of him out again. Fortunately, Dash knew to leave his gear alone as some of it was very pricey and Dragonfly had made it clear to both her and Pinkie that if either of them damaged his equipment they would be paying for it.

Twilight heard him and turned to asked what he meant.

"Rainbow is Ponyville's Weather Captain, now she is a good reliable Mare, the problem is she is lazy and has a ego that reminds me of some of the Nobles in Canterlot. Having said that now, she does have the skills to backup her boasting. She also titled herself the "Fast Pegasus in Equestia"."

"And is she really?" Twilight asked, looking a bit skeptical.

"She is, to an extent." At Twilight's raised eyebrow he continued.

"I can say for certain that she is the fastest flyer in Ponyville, though I don't know just how fast. Never been able to get a recording of her max speed. I'm not sure about the fastest in Equestia however, a friend of mine could possibly outfly her but he is away on business right now."

Twilight opened her mouth to say something but Dragonfly's ears perked up as he heard something coming, it only took a moment to realize what it was and that it was coming towards them!

"Hit the dirt!" Dragonfly said as he dived to the ground, Twilight wasn't fast enough however and something rammed into, sending her into a mud puddle with a splash. She stood up with a grunt and glared at the hovering Pegasus Mare who was giggling sheepishly as she said, “Uh, `scuse me?”

The Mare had a cyan coat, her mane and tail colored as her namesake, and moderate cerise eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a cloud with a red, yellow, and blue lightning bolt.

"Rainbow Dash, nice of you to "drop" in." Dragonfly said as he stood up, his quote getting a facehoof from Twilight, Spike and Rainbow. The last one groaning.

"Really Dragonfly, really. That was one of the worse puns I've heard, and I've heard some bad ones."

"Not my fault you have no control doing tricks." Rainbow was in Dragonfly's face in a blink of an eye.

"I do so have control!" Despite the nasty glare Dash was giving him, Dragonfly just gave a calm smile.

"Then why do you keep crashing into things, like my greenhouse." Rainbow backed up, looking sheepish.

"That was due to my wing cramping at a bad moment, and I did pay for the damages." Dragonfly just smiled as he reached over and patted her shoulder.

"Relax Dash, you know I'm just teasing. Anyhow." He gestured to the mud covered Twilight, who had sat down with a deadpan expression. The moment Rainbow got a good look she started laughing.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha, Lemme help you." She took off and came back a few moments later with a small rain cloud, Dash moved it til Twilight was under it and then Rainbow jumped up and down on the cloud. Water came pouring down on the Unicorn, washing the mud off but leaving her soaking wet and shivering.

"Oops! Heh-heh. I guess I overdid it." Dash chuckled.

"Ya think?" Twilight snarked.

"Um, how 'bout this?" Rainbow offered and suddenly, she was zooming around Twilight, creating a rainbow-colored tornado that sucked up all the water.

“My very own patented "Rain-Blow Dry"!”

She came down, saying, "No-no, don’t thank me, you're quite welcome!"

But then she saw the result of her handiwork; Twilight's mane and tail had puffed out like wet hair in a cartoon suddenly being dried, same with her coat. Rainbow tried to keep her cool but let out a bolstering laugh, keeling over, Spike joining her in laughing at the unicorn’s messy conditions. Dragonfly, who had moved to stand off to the side, merely just smiled while shaking his head.

"Lemme guess," Twilight said with narrowed eyes, "you're Rainbow Dash."

"The one and only!" Rainbow Dash replied with a pose. "Why, ya heard of me?"

"I heard that you’re supposed to be keeping the sky clear," Twilight corrected. Sighing, she said,

"I'm Twilight Sparkle and the princess sent me to check on the weather."

"Yeah, yeah, that’ll be a snap," Rainbow waved off the concern while lounging on a cloud.

"I'll get to it in a jiffy, just as soon as I'm done practicing."

“Practicing, for what?” Twilight asked.

"The Wonderbolts!" Rainbow declared while pointing out the poster featuring her idols.

"They’re gonna be performing at the celebration tomorrow! And I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!"

Dragonfly rolled his eyes, Darter had actually been a Wonderbolt before everything when down, but had left due to... "disagreements" with the current captain. Loonngg story.

"The Wonderbolts?" Twilight asked.

"Yup!" Rainbow replied.

"The most talented fliers in all of Equestria?" Twilight went on with a raised brow and smirk.

"That’s them!"

"Please," Twilight scoffed, "they’d never accept a Pegasus who can’t even keep the sky clear for one measly day!"

"Hey!" Rainbow bolted up, failing to see Dragonfly chuckling at the look on Rainbow's face. "I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!"

"Prove it…" Twilight challenged.

Rainbow’s eyes furrowed, she turned to Dragonfly who pulled a stopwatch out of his scarf.

"I'll time it: One, two, three, GO!"

Twilight and Spike watched as Rainbow shot off the moment Dragonfly said go, jaws dropped at the speed.

All the while, Rainbow Dash was zooming and zipping to and fro, knocking out every cloud with incredible speed! Not one move was wasted, she seemed to know where every cloud was without even pausing to look around.

"…Loop de’ loop around and…!" Rainbow yelled as she got the last cloud, "Wham!"

Twilight couldn’t believe it, Dash laughed as she landed.

"What was time?" She asked Dragonfly who looked at her.

"Twelve seconds." Dash's jaw dropped with a look of horror.

"WHAT!? How?!" She went to a panicked rank about what had happened, failing to notice Dragonfly's smirk.

"Gotcha!"

Rainbow stopped, looking at Dragonfly, he turned to stopwatch around.

"Nine point five seconds."

It told a second, then Rainbow started laughing.

"HA-ha-ha! Okay, you got me there Dragonfly." Dash then turned to a stunned Twilight.

"What’d I say?" Rainbow boasted as she puffed out her chest. "Ten. Seconds…Flat! I’d never leave Ponyville hangin'!"

Twilight continued to gape at the open, clear skies, unspoiled or besmirched, almost like a blank canvass were a canvas colored sky-blue. Dragonfly chuckled as he came over and gently closed her mouth.

"Ha, you should see the look on your face," Rainbow Dash bragged, "priceless!"

She calmed down and said "Ha! You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to hang out some more."

With that she took off into the sky in a blur of color.

"Wow." Spike said as he tried to follow her. "She's amazing."

He then turned and laughed as he saw Twilight's new hair do, causing Twilight to scowl and walk off. "It's really nice once you get used to it!"

"Spike, buddy." Dragonfly said, placing a hoof on Spike's head and turning it so the two were facing each other. "You're just digging yourself deeper. So stop before you get too deep."

They some arrived inside the town hall to check off the third item on the list, "Decorations." Spike said as he looked up from the list. "Beautiful."

Twilight found herself agreeing; There were many pretty streamers and ribbons around the hall, coupled with an assortment of flowers. "Yes, the décor is coming along nicely. This ought'a be quick. I'll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed."

"No, not the décor." Spike answered as he began pointing at something, "Her." Turning the two saw a white Unicorn. She had a flowing purple mane and tail along with three light blue diamonds for her Cutie Mark.

The Unicorn then levitated a bunch of ribbons around her, quickly dismissing them as she kept switching to other decorations. "No, no, no, oh goodness no."

"How are my spines?" Spike asked as he started patting himself down. "Are they straight?"

Dragonfly smiled.

"That's Rarity, she owns the Carousel Boutique, her home and workplace, where she makes dresses, suits and other clothing for customers. Her and I are also business partners." Twilight looked over at him in confusion.

"What would clothing have to do with tea?"

"Well Twilight, I also sell potions and one of them creates a temporarily metallic sheen with many crystal-like spots that sparkle in the light for a few hours on the mane and tail of the Pony that rubs into into theirs." Spike looked impressed.

"How does it effect spines?"

"Don't know, haven't had a Dragon to test it yet."

Twilight just rolled her eyes and walked up to Rarity. "Good afternoon”

"Just a moment please," the Unicorn said politely, not looking at Twilight, "I'm in the zone as it were." she replied as she concentrated on a glittery red ribbon that she soon tied around a column.

"Ah yes, sparkle always does the trick. Why, Rarity, you are a talent."

"Impressive as usual Rarity." Dragonfly said in a slight deadpan tone.

"Oh don't be so modest." she then turned around saying,

"Now, um, how can I help yo-" The gasp and yelp she let out would make one thing that she saw something truly horrifying.  "Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!

"Oh, you mean my mane? Well, it's a long story. I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your hair!" Twilight said, suddenly having a bad feeling.

"Out of my hair? What about your hair?! You can't be walking around like that!"

Before Twilight could react, she found herself held in the air by Rarity's magic.

"Come now darling, we are headed to my boutique to set that mess right."

"Wait! Where are we going?! Help!"

Dragonfly facehoofed, "Should have seen that coming. Come on Spike."

Said Dragon was right behind them as they ran to catch up. They entered the boutique to find that Rarity was currently squeezing Twilight into a tight corset. The latter not paying attention as she went through several items.

"No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too... shiny. Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from." She said with a gleeful grin.

"I've.." she replied in a whisper as the air was constricted from her lungs as Rarity unknowingly pulled the corset even tighter, "been sent from Canterlot to-" Rarity let go of the string in shock, causing the corset to snap open to Twilight's relief as she took in a huge gasp of air and started heavily panting.

"Canterlot?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I...Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" She walked into the next room.

"Quick!" Twilight almost yelled as she noticed Rarity leave the room, "Before she decides to dye my coat a different color!"

Agreeing with her, Dragonfly grabbed Spike who was still staring at Rarity in a love filled trance. Once they had finally reached a safe enough distance, Twilight slowed down enough for them to catch up.

"That was an experience, huh Twilight." Dragonfly asked as he carried Spike by his tail in his magic aura.

"I'm sure you wouldn't have minded staying longer." Twilight said with a slight glare.

"She's not my type." Dragonfly replied with a deadpan stare aimed at her.

"She better not be." Spike warned, having been woken up from his daze. He was suddenly dropped onto his face as Dragonfly's magic released him. Spike stood up quickly, only to wilt at the nasty glare Dragonfly was giving him.

"Listen very carefully Spike because I'm only saying this once: Rarity and I are friends and business partners, nothing more, nothing less. I am already dating two Mares: Bluebelle and and Diamond Dancer and I love them both very much. So if you're implying that I'm cheating on them for Rarity..." He didn't finish his threat, he didn't need to. For one, Spike was rapidly nodding his head very intimidated by the glare he was getting and the fact that he could see short fangs in Dragonfly snarl. For another, Twilight stepped between them, realizing the Dragonfly had felt threatened and tried to stop what was coming.

"Easy Dragonfly, easy. Spike didn't mean it that way." Twilight knew from Celestia that Dragonfly's father was a Thestral, and Thestrals were both hunters and very loyal to their mates. Implying that one was cheating on their mate was a good way to enrage them, so Twilight knew she needed to calm him done before something nasty happened.

That and she did see Spike as a her son/little brother so she wanted to protect him as well.

Dragonfly stopped growling but continued to glare at them with his slitted pupils, which had narrowed to the point that they had almost disappeared. Finally, after a few nerve wracking seconds, Dragonfly's pupils filled out again as he took a big, calming breath.

"Let's just get to the next thing, but Spike." He looked the Dragon straight in the eye, then pointed the tip of his hood to his eyes before turning and pointing at Spike. Said Dragon nodded as Dragonfly turned and started walking. Twilight looked at Spike.

"What's next on the list?"

Spike checked, relived that he had avoided a bomb.

"Oh, uh, music! It's the last one!"

The trio walked for a bit towards the outer areas of Ponyville with Dragonfly leading them.

"So Dragonfly, why are we going this way?"

"Well the one in charge of the music is a Mare named Fluttershy, who as her name implies, is super shy around others. now I'm no expert, but I personally I think she may suffer from avoidant personality disorder but I can't confirm that."

"Avoidant personally disorder? What's that?" Spike asked, it was Twilight who answered.

"Avoidant personally disorder is one of a group of conditions called anxious personality disorders, which are marked by feelings of nervousness and fear. Ponies with avoidant personality disorder have poor self-esteem. They also have an intense fear of rejection and being negatively judged by others. It is rare but there are a few cases."

As Spike took this in, Dragonfly was deep in thought. He wasn't really close to Fluttershy, he had met her a few times but mostly knew her through their mutual friends; Pansy who worked with her, Rarity who had spa dates, and Rainbow who was Fluttershy's best friend (though truthfully Dragonfly believed that Dash's nature party contributed to her shyness).

His ears perked as a sound filled them, the sound of birds singing. Moving though the grass they soon popped up to see a yellow Pegasus with pink mane and tail hovering around some birds who where singing in unison. They soon saw that her cutie mark was three pink butterflies. Sitting close by was another Mare with a cherry red coat, light pink and fiery orange striped mane and tail, and yellow eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a bundle of pansy flowers.

Dragonfly smiled seeing her, unknown to the others this was in fact Pansy Shy in her disguise. As it turned out, the colors of the coats only had to be changed to different shades of the same colors so the only major change was the Cutie Marks which was also fairly simple, Pansy's real mark was a large flower of the same kind that had purple and yellow petals. He noticed Twilight started to walk forward and he placed a hoof on her shoulder to stop her and his other one over her mouth when she tried to talk.

"Let me handle this one Twilight, as I said before Fluttershy is very... well, shy. She knows me enough that she can talk to me somewhat. Okay?"

Twilight thought for a second then nodded, understanding. Taking his hooves off her he carefully moved into the clearing. As he walked slowly Pansy heard him coming and turned to face him, giving Dragonfly a soft smile which he returned. After living in the Hive for three years Pansy had opened up to the Changelings though she was still shy around them, but the others were very understanding.

Pansy turned to Fluttershy as the birds stopped singing.

"Fluttershy, we have company." Pansy said gently, Fluttershy turned to see Dragonfly smiling softy at her.

"Oh, hi Dragonfly."

"Hello Fluttershy, how's the music coming along?" He asked gently.

"it's coming along nicely, it should be right for the Celebration. Umm... if that's okay with you."

Before Dragonfly could respond Twilight came out, going back into hurry mode.

"Hello. I'm Twilight Sparkle. The Princess assigned me to watch over the music preparations." Unfortunately, her sudden appearance scared Fluttershy, causing Dragonfly to facehoof as Pansy went over to the cowering Pegasus. Letting out a frustrated sign Dragonfly turned to Twilight who was smiling sheepishly.

"Twilight, I said that I would handle this one. Why did you come out like that?"

"I need to get to the library as soon as possible."

"Have you ever heard of situations that "Calls to be Delicate"?!"

Before Twilight could respond Fluttershy noticed Spike, and her personality did a complete 180.

"A BABY DRAGON!" Fluttershy suddenly exclaimed as she shot next to Twilight, accidentally slamming her away. "I've never seen a baby dragon before, he is so cute!"

Spike smirked back at Twilight, puffing up his chest. "Well, well, well."

"Wow! He talks! I didn't know dragons could talk." Fluttershy gasped as she put her hooves over her mouth. "That's just so incredibly wonderful, I-I just don't even know what to say."

"How about 'Hello, my name is Fluttershy.'" Dragonfly said in a gentle tone, Pansy giggling behind him.

"Yes! Yes, you're right." Fluttershy replied, all of her timidity gone as she turned back to Spike. However, it was this moment that Twilight picked him up with her magic and flew him onto her back.

"Well, we'd better get going." she groaned, walking away.

"Wait!" Fluttershy exclaimed, following them as she kept getting closer to Spike. "What's his name?"

"I'm Spike." the purple dragon replied, happy for attention.

"Hi Spike! I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon...so, what do dragons talk about?"

"Well, what do you want to know?"

"Absolutely everything." she replied as her eyes shined with glee, Pansy smiled at Dragonfly as he walked to catch up with them, as she stay behind to work with birds.

Twilight just groaned again as Spike went on a long speech about his life. This continued all the way through town until they reached a large oak tree shaped building.

"And that's my whole life up until today." Spike finished, causing Dragonfly to chuckle. "You wanna hear about today?"

"Oh yes, please!" Fluttershy replied with a nod.

"I'm so sorry. How did we get here so fast?" Twilight interrupted as she pointed towards the library with a sarcastic glare, "This is where we're staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep."

"No I don't." Spike tried to argue before Twilight bucked him off of her back.

"Oh, look at that." she said with a fake smile at Fluttershy. "He's so sleepy, he can't even keep his little balance."

"Seriously Twilight?" Dragonfly said with an arched eyebrow. However, Fluttershy believed her and picked Spike up.

"Poor little thing, we simply must get him to bed." she replied as she flew inside the Library, followed by Twilight who pushed her back outside.

"Yes, yes, we'll get right on that. Well, good night." she said as she shut the door, Dragonfly smirked and started counting down.

"3... 2... 1..."

"SURPRISE!"

Dragonfly laughed as he entered the Library, Twilight and Spike looked stunned at the amount Ponies inside, a certain pink Earth Pony in front of them sating,

"Surprise! Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you!" she said in a super fast tone. "Were you surprised? Were you, were you?!" she jumped around them as she talked. Looking around Dragonfly saw that everypony in town today was there. The inside of the library was decorated for a party, streamers and everything.

"Very surprised. Libraries are suppose to be quiet.: Twilight said in an angered tone as she wanted to facehoof.

"Well that's silly!" Pinkie Pie replied with a cheeky grin. "What kind of welcoming party would it be if it were quiet?! Duh! It'd be boring! You see I saw you when you first got here remember? You were all like hello and I was all gasp, remember? You see, I never saw you before and if I never saw you before that means your new, cause I know everypony and I mean everypony in Ponyville and if you're new, that means you haven't met anypony yet, and if you haven't met anypony yet, that means you might not have any friends and I know you two have each other, but that's only one friend each and that's not enough friends! So, I thought to myself, what's the best way for the two of you to make friends and than it hit me! A party! So, now you have a whole bunch of new friends, isn't that fantastic?!" she said as she finally ended her rant. In that moment, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy appeared next to her.

Dragonfly just chuckled as he walked over to where Belle, Dancer, Blades, Sparks, Indigo, Grace, Rose and Dusk were gathered. As he walked up Belle and Dancer smiled as nuzzled his neck, Dragonfly purring slightly as he returned the nuzzles.

"Hello Dragonfly." Belle said as she pulled him into a deep kiss, Dancer doing the same once they pulled apart.

"Hey Belle, Dancer."

The group chatted for awhile, watching as the party was in full swing. Spike was having a blast, Twilight... not so much. At one point she went up stairs after drink hot sauce. Eventually Dragonfly went up to check on her, as he approached the bedroom he heard Twilight speaking.

...the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night." I hope the Princess was right... I hope it really is just an old pony tale..."

Dragonfly paused, that sounded familiar.

"Seeker, what is she talking about?"

Seeker: "It sounds like the legend of Nightmare Moon.

"When was she banished?"

Seeker: "That was a thousand years ago to-night..."

Rhino: "Is it just a story? We know for a fact that Nightmare Moon was Luna."

"Seeker, Rhino, put the Hive on alert. If it is true, I want to be ready.

Seeker: "We're on it, out.

Dragonfly knocked on the wall, alerting Twilight and Spike to his presence.

"Mind if I come in Twilight?"

"No, come on in."

He did so to find her looking out the window and Spike with a lamp shade on his head for some reason. He walked up to Twilight and sat down next to her.

"Twilight, be honest with me, what has you so uptight?"

Twilight sign and began to tell him of her findings regarding the return of Nightmare Moon, eventually ending with how She had brought it up to Celestia who had brushed it off and sent her to Ponyville.

"And you think that Celestia isn't taking the whole thing seriously?" He asked.

"Princess Celestia, and yes." Twilight corrected, Dragonfly rolled his eyes and gave her a deadpan look.

"Twilight, Celestia is my godmother." At Twilight's surprised look he continued.

"My mother and Celestia were very close, and the latter actually held me in her forelegs as a foal. Anyway, about Nightmare Moon?"

"Oh, well... Nightmare Moon planed to bring eternal night, that would have horrible effects on the world and I need to find a way to stop her. I think the artifacts known as the "Elements of Harmony" are the only way she can be defeated."

Dragonfly rubbed his chin then looked at the time.

"We have about an hour before it's time, I'm going to head to my shop to get a few things in case she does come."

Twilight looked surprised at the fact that he believed her, but she was also a bit frustrated as she didn't need help.





Later

Dragonfly arrived at Town Hall with a pair of saddlebags filled with items he might need if Nightmare Moon did come, meeting with his friends. To make a long story short: Nightmare Moon did come, trapping Celestia somewhere and declaring that the night would last forever. Twilight had rushed to the Library followed by the others, eventually finding themselves at the entrance to the Everfree Forest.

"While I do I appreciate the offer, I'd really rather do this on my own." Twilight was saying.

"You are not going in there alone Twilight!"

The Mares turned to find Dragonfly, with his own group coming up to them.

"Really, I don't need any help."

"Twilight..." Dragonfly spoke in a tone that immediately silenced any more protests, he continued.

"Going into the Everfree Forest at night is signing you death warrant, the creatures that come out at night here are far more dangerous then the day time. Besides, do you even know you're way around this place?"

Twilight tired to answer but soon shook her head no.

"Then you are going to need a guide, I know this area of the forest well enough to get us to the castle."

"We are coming as well," Sparks said, "there is safety and power in numbers." Blades spoke next.

"And have trained guards with you will makes things easier." Dancer then asked.

"Why are you so scared of the Everfree?"

Applejack answered "It ain't natural. Folks say it don't work the same as Equestria.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Rainbow spoke next.

"Nopony knows. You know why? 'cause everypony who's ever gone in has never come out!"

Dragonfly stared at her with a deadpan look.

"Rainbow, I've been in there many times and I've come out find." Dash slightly paused as she tried to say something, Belle spoke next.

"And you still didn't answer the question."

Applejack spoke, "The plants grow..."

Fluttershy added "The animals care for themselves..."

Rainbow Dash finished "And the clouds move..."

"All on their own!" The three said at the same time. There was a long pause as Dragonfly's group were unfazed and gave them a deadpan stare.

"What?" Rainbow asked, "You're not freaked out by this?" Belle signed.

"Take a trip to the homeland of the Western Kirin for a week, then come talk to me about scary."

The group of fifteen walked into the forest, Dragonfly taking point with Blades and Dusk while Indigo and Rose watched their six.
> The Nightmare of the Moon Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest

A few minutes later





Mission: Hunt for the Elements

Main Objectives:

Reach the Castle of the two Sisters

Everypony must survive
________________________

Bonus Objective:

None
________________________

New Unit(s): None
________________________

Briefing

Dragonfly: Alright everypony, we know that the Elements are somewhere in the Castle of the two Sisters. I know the area well enough that I can get us there, never been to the castle itself but I have been close enough to get visual on it. Stay close, the Timber Wolf packs get more bold and dangerous at night along with other predators. It's not just them either, I have my doubts that Nightmare Moon is going to leave us be either so stay alert. We have a far distance to cover so we'd better get moving.





The group was gathered around Dragonfly who had laid a map he had made of this area of the forest, following his hoof as he traced over it.

"As I said, the walk to the castle is fairly long and I have no doubts that it will not be easy."

Dragonfly looked up to find the others looking at him, waiting for anything else he had to say.

"Now, to the guards here, who will be leading?" Dragonfly asked as he rolled the map up and placed it into his saddlebag. The guards looked at each other, then back to him.

"You, Dragonfly." Rose said, Dragonfly blinked at her in surprise.

"Me? Why, I'm a civilian while you guys are military."

"True," Dusk began, "but you know this area better then us and we need you as our guide." Blades spoke next.

"We also trust you not to lead us astray."

Dragonfly frowned, he was pretty sure this wasn't standard operating procedure. Then again, this wasn't standard to begin with.

"Okay... I'll take point, Guards... I want you to make a circle around the others. Expect you Indigo, as you are the medic I want you in the center. Belle, Dancer, do you know any offensive or defensive spells?"

"We do, a light shield spell and the basic magic bolt between us." Belle said.

"Alright, Twilight?"

"Not really no, never studied any as they were in my lessons." She said sheepishly, Dragonfly facehoofed. He then asked the rest of the six Mares if they had any combat or at least self defense training. Applejack did while Rainbow had a little though not much. The others... not so much.

"Okay good to know, right let's move out."

The group moved deeper into the Everfree; Dragonfly, Blades and Rose at the front, Sparks at the rear, Dusk took wing and flew just above them, and Belle and Grace at the sides with the rest in the center with Indigo. For the first little while they didn't encounter anything but trees, eventually a small pack of regular Timber Wolves appeared but quickly fled when the saw Dragonfly.

"Why did they flee?" Twilight asked, "Timber Wolves are mindless constructs of wood animated by spirits, and their bloodlust is overpowering. So why did they flee?"

Dragonfly smiled smugly as he pulled out one of his Dragon Core peppers, those who knew of it recoiled away.

"Dragonfly you cruel, cruel Pony." Blades said glaring at the pepper, she had tired to eat one about two and a half years ago. Two words: NEVER AGAIN!!!!

"Indeed, pop one of these around those wooden wolves and their noses burn to the point were they are rolling on the ground. This pepper makes great Timber Wolf repellent." Fluttershy's face shifted in a glare that she leveled at him.

"How coul-"

"Stop! I've told you before Fluttershy and I'll tell you again: One; Timber Wolves are not animals in the sense that we know. Two; The only thing they care about is killing. And three; I'd rather not have my face bitten off." Dragonfly shook his head. "I know how you are about creatures Flutters, but you need to learn that some are too dangerous and have to be fought off."

"Sorry, I just can't help it."

Dragonfly smiled softly and rubbed her shoulder in a comforting way.

"I know Flutters." Any further talk was cut off as the ground below them suddenly gave way into a rockslide, the flyers consisting of Rose, Blades, Dusk, Rainbow and Fluttershy, took wing but the others weren't so lucky. The flyers didn't pause before they charged after the others. Dragonfly pulled a survival knife out of his saddlebags and stabbed it into the ground, while it didn't stop his fall it did slow him enough to grab hold of a root. Coming to a stop he reached out and grabbed Belle's hoof, Dancer grabbing hold of his tail. Rainbow grabbed Pinkie, Fluttershy bit down on Rarity's tail, Applejack manged to grab a root, Blades caught Indigo while Dusk and Rose caught Grace and Sparks respectively.

Applejack then noticed Twilight just barely grab hold of the edge over the steep down below, she let go of the root and slid down to Twilight.

"Hold on, ah' ma comin'!"

Carefully shifted her body so she was facing Twilight and grabbed the Unicorn's hooves, Twilight's back hooves her kicking and flailing around as they tried to find anything to grab.

"Applejack, what do I do?!" Twilight said, panic in her voice. Applejack was unsure what to do, while she was strong she couldn't pull Twilight up and even now both were very slowly sliding over the edge. Then her ears twitched and she glanced up.

"let go."

Twilight looked at her as if she had lost her mind.

"Are you crazy!?" She snapped.

Applejack gently squeezed Twilight's hooves.

"No Ah ain’t!" Applejack said gently but firmly. "Ah promise you’ll be safe."

"That’s not true! You just wanna save yourself!"

"Twi, ask anypony in town and they will tell you that ah couldn't tell a lie to save ma life. what Ah’m sayin’ to you is the honest truth.” Applejack said with a reassuring smile. "Let go and you’ll be safe."

Twilight looked into her eyes, and saw nothing but the honest truth, no lies or deceptions. Steeling herself and putting faith in Applejack's words, she let go. Twilight screamed for a few seconds, only to find herself in the safe hold of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Her relief was very visible as she sheepishly smiled. 

They dropped for a sudden moment, but stilled themselves, as Fluttershy said, "Sorry girls, I’m not used to holding anything heavier than a bunny or two."

Twilight watched as Applejack leaped from ledge to ledge downwards while Dragonfly self-levitated himself down with Belle and Dancer safely in his magic, and she saw the others were already at the bottom too.

Unknown to them, a dark presence zoomed off towards the darkness, and a roar shattered the forest silence.





The group of fourteen Ponies continued their trek through the forest, only encountering more small packs of Timber Wolves as they went which were easily defeated or driven off. Dragonfly was getting concerned, it had been too easy so far, he had expected Nightmare Moon to have made this harder. He wasn't the only one; while Rainbow was bragging (much to Blades' annoyance who's patience was running thin) about how she and Fluttershy had saved Twilight, the other guards along with Belle and Dancer felt something was off.

Dragonfly stopped and raised his hoof for the others to do so as a scent hit his nose, Rainbow was too busy bragging to notice, at least until Blades' patience run out had the Kirin grabbed hold of the Pegasus and pulled her to the ground. Dash was about to yell at Blades but stopped at the glare in the Kirin's eyes that promised great harm if she didn't shut up. As this exchange was happening Dancer walked up to Dragonfly and whispered to him.

"What's wrong Dragonfly?"

"Manticore, up ahead. Everypony keep low."

Dragonfly lowered himself into a crouch and moved forward, soon seeing a creature that resembled a large lion with dirty orange fur, a red mane, wings like a bat, and a tail like a scorpion. Dragonfly watched it for a few minutes as the others came up next to him. The Manticore was giving small roars as it walked around, the group noticing that it was trying to keep one of its paws of the ground and gave a pained growl each time it set that paw down.

"From the way that Manticore is moving, I'd say its paw is hurt but I can't tell from what." Indigo said. Flutter then tapped Dragonfly on the side, causing him to look at her.

"Yes Flutters?"

"Um... I think I could take a look, this wouldn't be the first time I've helped a Manticore."

The others looked at her in surprise, Dusk leaning down to her.

"Be careful Miss Shy, we'll stay here but if that Manticore makes any move to harm you we will attack."

"Okay..."

Fluttershy slowly walked out of their cover, the Manticore noticed her and growled. She held up a hoof as she spoke softly to it.

"It’s okay…" Fluttershy gently said, giving the Manticore’s paw a kiss. The Manticore looked distressed and held it out, revealing the true source of its pain. He had a big thorn in his paw.

"Aw, you poor little baby."

"Little?" Grace echoed incredulously.

"Now this might hurt for just a moment," Fluttershy said, reaching out and grabbing the thorn with her teeth, then ripping it out. The Manticore picked Fluttershy up and roared in her face.

"FLUTTERSHY!" Twilight, Belle, and Dancer yelled out as the guards moved to attack and Dusk aimed his crossbow, leveling it with the creature's head. They all stopped however at the sight in front of them: The Manticore was giving Futtleshy grateful licks as he purred loudly.

"Ha-ha, oh you’re just a little baby cutie, aren’t you? Yes you are!" She said giggling at the licks.

The guards looked a bit surprised but shrugged and taking that as a cue, everypony quickly hurried past the Manticore. Twilight stopping to wait for Fluttershy to catch up.

"How did you know about the thorn?" She asked.

"I didn’t," Fluttershy admitted, her mane now slicked by Manticore slobber. "Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness."

Twilight puzzled Fluttershy’s words, not sure what to think. Deciding to just take what she was given, Twilight smiled and hurried to catch up, not noticing the thorn spin into a swirl of shimmering haze.





As they all carried on, Rarity shuddered.

"My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck!"

No sooner did she say so did the moonlight fade from the thick canopy above them.

"Be careful what you wish for lass." Dusk grumbled.

"I didn't mean that literary." Rarity said.

"That ancient ruin could be right in front of us and we wouldn’t even know it!" Twilight worried.

Everypony else expect for Dragonfly started to complain, unable to see the malevolent haze seep into a nearby tree. He rolled his eyes, trying to see his way forward, stopping when he felt something soft and wet under his hooves, Lighting his horn slightly he looked down and saw that his hoof was covered in a brown sludge.

"Hold up everypony, I think I just stepped in something." Fluttershy squealed when she saw the brown sludge.

"Relax, its only mud, not droppings. Please don't ask how I know that." He looked up... to see a tree… with a horrifying face.

"Jumpin' Jellybeans!!"

Hearing his shout as he jumped back the rest of the group turned to him, only to a horrifying face, ugly ,with sharp teeth, soulless eyes, and they began to scream as they huddled together. The guards formed a circle around the others, their weapons drawn and ready. Blades held her halberd in front of her, Rose had her twin hatchets in her wings, Sparks had what looked like a modified pipe wrench with a spiked knuckle guard and a sharp metal spike on the top. Dusk held his crossbow at the ready, and Indigo had, of all things, a worn, large-toothed medical saw with a thick grey handle, similar to those that were once used during operations and amputations.

Dragonfly meanwhile had pulled out a launcher similar to the one Rhino had used when they first met up. He and the guards were ready to start attacking when they heard laughter.

"Huh?" was the collective response.

They looked over to see Pinkie Pie laughing at one of the faces, and making faces back at it.

"Pinkie, what’re you doing?! Run!" Twilight yelled to her.

“Oh everypony, don’cha see?” Pinkie said as a shindig tune started up. Dragonfly facehoofed.

"Oh here we go."

Pinkie started singing.


When I was a little filly and the sun was going down….


"Tell me she’s not-" Twilight started to say, but Pinkie kept going.


The darkness and the shadows , they would make me frown...


"She is," Rarity confirmed as Pinkie hopped around them as she carried on!


I’d hide under my pillow
From what I thought I saw
But Granny Pie said that wasn’t the way
To deal with fears at all


"Then what is?!" Rainbow Dash demanded, the song irritating her, only for Pinkie to hop over next to her.


She said, “Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall
Learn to face your fears
You’ll see that they can’t hurt you
Just laugh to make them disappear.”

Ha! Ha! Ha!


In response to the laughter, the horrid face vanished, revealing it was nothing more than a tree! Everypony gasped, Indigo saying, "She’s right!"

And Pinkie raised her head to say:


So giggle at the ghostly

Fluttershy giggled along with Belle and Dancer.

Guffaw at the grossly

Rainbow laughed with a skip.

Crack up at the creepy

Rarity raised her brow and laughed.

Whoop it with the weepy

Dusk gave a small smile as he gave Applejack a lift as she whooped by.

Chortle at the kooky

Pinkie pushed Twilight and Rose up to a face, and they laughed it away.

Snortle at the spooky

Soon everypony laughed together.

And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he’s got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna hahahaha… heh…

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuuugh!


Almost at once, all the scary faces vanished in pink poofs, revealing nothing more than barren trees, everypony falling onto their backs and letting out life-enriching laughter.





It wasn’t long later when they were all laughing and carrying on, Pinkie hopping ahead when she stopped at a riverbank, everypony bumping into the pony ahead of him or her. Everypony looked past Pinkie, as she said, "How’re we gonna get across this?!"

The river before them was very turbulent, and looked too treacherous to cross, and without any idea how deep it was, it was just too risky. But at that moment, they heard a mournful sobbing, making them all, "Huh?"

They followed the sobbing upriver and peered through some bushes. They found the source of the river’s turbulence in the form of a large purple sea serpent thumping his tail in the water (why he was called a sea serpent for one that lived in a river was anypony’s guess). The serpent had a slicked back orange mane and mustache and appeared to be in distress.

"What a world, what a world!"

Dragonfly blinked in surprise.

"Steven Magnet!?"

The sea serpent looked up and smiled slightly upon seeing him.

"Dragonfly, glad to see you're doing well, unlike me."

"What's wrong? Wait... what happened to your mustache?" He asked, pointing to the the missing half of the serpent’s mustache, now just a mere messy tuft on the serpent’s nose.

"Well! I was just swimming along, minding my own business," Steven explained, "when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just… zipped past me, and tore off half of my beloved mustache clean off! And now I look simply horrid!"

The serpent cried as he just fell over, unintentionally sending a wave to splash the group of fourteen ponies, which would have left them all soaked if Indigo hadn't raised a shield to stop the water.

"A cloud of purple smoke? Wait a second..." Dragonfly said tapping his chin, he wasn't the only one how picked up on that.

"Oh gimme a break!" Rainbow grumbled.

"That’s what all th’ fuss is about?" Applejack asked with a tone one might use to say 'are you serious'.

"Why of course it is!" Rarity spoke up, her nose pointing up. "How can you be so insensitive?"

They all watched in bewilderment as Rarity approached the serpent, resting his head on the bank.

"Why just look at him, such lovely luminous scales!"

Sniffing, Steven said, "I know!"

"Your expertly coiffed mane." Rarity complimented the serpent.

"Oh I know, I know!" Steven ran his hand through it.

"Your fabulous manicure."

Gasping, Steven whisper-squealed, "It’s so true!"

"All ruined by your beautiful mustache," Rarity lamented.

"It’s true! I’m hideous…!" the serpent wept.

"I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!" Rarity swore, and she quickly plucked one of Steven’s scales.

"Ow! What’d you do that for?!"

Rarity held the scale out, Twilight asking, "Rarity, what’re you-"

They all gasped as the scale slit through the air, Steven moaning as he fainted, and they all saw Rarity had slit off her own tail!

Her horn shined as her magic levitated her cut tail to Steven’s nose, and with her magic, Rarity replaced the lost half of the mustache with her tail, much to his joy.

"Oh! Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! My mustache…!"

"You look smashing!" Rarity beamed.

"But Rarity, you’re beautiful tail!" Belle worried.

"Oh it’s fine, darling!" Rarity waved it off. "Besides, it’ll… grow back, eventually."

Dragonfly smiled, but heard Dusk mutter, "So would the mustache!"

They heard Twilight gasp, "Look, everypony, the river's still enough for us to cross now," and she was starting to wade through the river, which no longer posed a threat. But she found herself lifted up by Steven’s tail.

"Allow me!" he said as the serpent formed a bridge of his coils, allowing all the ponies lacking wings passage over.





After they passed the stream they continued on their way. It was after awhile of walking through the woods that Dragonfly noticed something wrong.

"This isn't right..." He sat down and pulled out his map. "we should be able to see the castle by now."

Dusk walked forward and looked at the map over Dragonfly's shoulder.

"Lad, are ya sayin' we're lost."

"No... unless we took a wrong turn the castle should be right there." He said pointing ahead of them but all that was there were trees. as the others started complaining Dragonfly started getting an ominous feeling, one he hadn't had in a long time, not since...

Dragonfly looked around, ears straight up and swirling in every direction and eyes wide open. His nose moved like mad as he took in many different scents, his emotion scenes picking up only rage... pain...

Hunger...

Everyone noticed his sudden change, Belle spoke to him.

"What's wrong?"

It was a few minutes before he answered, causing Belle to think he didn't hear her at first.

"...We are not alone, something else is here with us." His tone was dark.

"Nightmare Moon?" Grace asked nervously.

"No... something else... something... primal."

Everpony else started looking around, noticing for the first time that the trees appeared black and twisted though not like the ones Nightmare Moon had changed with her magic. These ones looked like they had been like that for a long time, a fog covered the ground, thin enough that they could see the ground and their hooves but just thick enough to give that feeling of dread.

"Maybe we can make a run for the castle then." Rarity suggested.

"No we can't." Dragonfly said, his eyes locked into the distance ahead of them.

"Wh' not?" Applejack asked.

"Because we are being hunted..."

That caused a wave of fear to shot through everypony but the guards.

"By what?" Twilight asked, her voice stuttering a sight bit.

Her answer was a long, ghostly howl that tore through the air like a Banshee's wail.

"Them..." Dragonfly said, pointing in front of the group. In the distance they could see shapes appear and slowly take form against the fog, feral red eyes staring back at them with nothing but deep insanity and unending hunger. Low growls slowly filled the air.

Wolves... big ones... and not the Timber Wolves the Ponies knew. Genuine flesh and blood wolves, their black and silver/grey coats somehow shining in the weak moonlight.

Ant there was over a hundred of them.

"Run..." Dragonfly said, there was no argument as the group turned tail and bolted. Howls and growls filled the air as the wolves gave chase.

The chase was on!





The group ran as fast as they could, the howls of the wolves filling the air as the creatures chased them. As time passed more and more howls were heard as more wolves joined, soon surrounding the group. That might have been the end if they hadn't found a short rocky cliff that they started climbing, the flyers taking wing as the other climbed the somewhat loose rock. Some of wolves manged to get a grip and followed them up.

The group had just reached the top when they heard a loud...

"HELP!!!"

They looked to see that one of the wolves had reached Grace, grabbed hold of her tail in its jaws and was puling her back, Grace screaming in fear.

"Grace!!"

With a screech that would have made even the most terrifying of creatures shake like a leaf, Dusk had spread his large wings and like an angel of death swooped down. With a rage born of love in his eyes he used his sword to slash the wolf across the eyes, blinding it. The wolf recoiled but didn't let go as it started to fall back down. It would have dragged the Mare with it had Dusk not followed up with a slash to the jaw, severing something as it opened and freed Grace's tail. As the wolf fell Dusk grabbed hold of Grace and flew back to the others. The wolf wasn't so lucky as when it landed it was set upon by its former pack.

Once he had landed Grace threw her forelegs around Dusk and hugged him as tight as she could, sobbing heavily into his chest. Dusk didn't pause at all as he wrapped his own forelegs and wings around her, holding her tight. He was not even fazed by the pain from her hug, for it reassured him that she was alive and in his embrace.

As the others tried to comfort her Dragonfly read over the map, wondering how the heck they went off course. It was after looking at the path they had been traveling that he saw it. There had been a fork in the path, one leading to the castle... and one deeper into the forest. Thinking back he realized to his horror that the path to the castle hadn't been there and they hadn't been paying attention and just walked deeper into the forest.

Nightmare Moon had covered the path they were suppose to take, sending them almost into the wolves' jaws.

His eyes widened as tears started to flow and his mouth fell open as the gravity of what had happened hit him.

"What have I done."

They had trusted him not to lead them astray and he had done just that. Now they were more or less lost with the only known way back to the castle through the wolves.

"I've doomed us all."

He was so lost in what had happen that he jumped when he felt hooves gently wrap around him, to his surprise it was Grace.

"It's okay Dragonfly, we're still alive." She said softly, nuzzling his neck.

"It will be alright." Belle said as she and Dancer hugged him too.

"How can you say that, because of me we'e lost and Grace was almost a wolf pack's meal."

"But I wasn't Dragonfly." Grace said hugging him tighter, "I'm still here."

"We're not done yet Dragonfly," Blades said gently. "We still need you to lead us to the castle."

"After I almost lead you into the maws of wolves, how could-"

"Dragonfly! We trust you." Sparks said firmly but gently, Rainbow put her hooves on his shoulders while  adding,

"It wasn't you that lead us here, it was Nightmare Moon."

Dusk reached over and gripped Dragonfly's shoulder.

"Lad, somepony once told me "When you've fallen to the bottom, the only way left to go is up."

"Who told you that?"

"A Thestral by the name of "Black Saber"."

Dragonfly paused hearing his father's name, before lifting up the medal attached to his scarf, staring at it for a long while. He then closed his eyes and pressed it to his chest, over his heart as he drew in a large breath.

"You're right," He said releasing that breath though a heavy sigh. "we're not done yet. A friend of mine, a former Royal Guard and Germane Twin Blade, named Rhino Beetle, once told me "Never give up, never surrender. Fight on and on, to the last drop of blood, to the last breath of air. To the last beat of the heart." He stood up.

"If Nightmare Moon thinks we're done, let's show her how wrong she is."

The Ponies around him smiled as Dragonfly calmed done.

"Let's get moving, time isn't really on our side right now."

With that they moved on, leaving the wolves below them behind.





They had been walking for a short while when they came across the broken limb of a large Timber Wolf covered in sap. Leaning closer they saw that the limb had been chewed on then just left.

"What happened? Timber Wolves normally rebuild themselves, for this to be left here." Twilight said.

"Maybe I can help." Indigo said as he pulled out a device from his armor. the item in question was a rectangle-shaped pad. 

"What is that Indigo?" Rarity asked.

"This is a new tool that came out for the Guard around two weeks ago for testing. It's called a "Mobile Scanner/Database", a device from Germaney. It allows its user to scan objects and learn all about it from details of that object cross referencing with data from Canterlot. It is suppose to make crime scene investigations or just investigations in general easier and help medical Ponies treat their patients better and more effectively. So far it has been highly successful and is quickly gaining ground throughout the Equestrian Military and Law Enforcement."

Twilight's eyes brighten as she grabbed Indigo and pressed her nose against his.

"I want one, can I have it?"

"I'm sorry Twilight but no." He said as he pushed her away, Twilight pouted.

"But way not? I could do so much research with something like that."

"For one, I would get in very serious trouble if I gave it to you, enough that I could very easily end up in the brig. These devices are Military, Law Enforcement and Medical only, at least for now. Two, these devices are very, very costly; a single one costs anywhere from eight thousand to one million bits apiece as only a few of these could be from Germaney at once. And three, you would need special training for these and full trust of your commanding Officers to even be considered for it. Not even Princess Celestia could get you one as only a few of these are in Equestria, about five."

Twilight nodded, understanding. Indigo held the device with both hooves and pointed it at the Timber Wolf limb, the others watching as things they didn't know flying all over the screen.

"From the scan this is about... six hours fresh. Okay give me a moment... the wood  and sap are oak in origin, I'm also detecting... concentrations of mineral salts, urea, and amino acids... it looks like saliva."

"Saliva?" Dusk asked.

"What would attack a Timber Wolf to eat? As far as anypony knows they have no natural predators." Twilight said.

"Give me a second..." Indigo said twisting a small dial on the device, he blinked in surprise as something came up on the screen.

"Okay... this is unexpected."

"What is?" Blades asked.

"This device is picking up concentrations of formaldehyde."

"Formaldehyde? uh... non-egghead please." Dash said, Dragonfly spoke up.

"Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in making building materials and many household products. It is used in pressed-wood products, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard; glues and adhesives; permanent-press fabrics; paper product coatings; and certain insulation materials."

"So basically Pony-made items?"

"In a sense."

Indigo frowned, this didn't make sense.

"Why would formaldehyde be on a Timber Wolf limb? Their made of raw wood and magic." Twilight said.

"Should be interesting then." Grace said.

"let's get moving, we've stay here too long." Dragonfly said and the group moved forward, Indigo carrying the device in his magic. As they were moving they started hearing faint roars somewhere in the distance, they group cluster together as they warily moved on. Finally after a short while and several roars Indigo spoke up.

"Now this is very unusual... I've found elevated traces of arginine vasopressin in the saliva."

"Now why would it be picking up that?" Rose asked.

"Don't know... give me a minute... arginine vasopressin is an amino acid that naturally occurs in mammals, and is typically triggered by dehydration."

"Dehydration? Water is overabundant in the Everfree." Fluttershy said.

"Well... Dehydration can also be caused by disease... kidney failure, dysentery, hydrophobia..."

"Hydrophobia? What's that?" Rainbow asked."

"The fear of water." Dancer said.

Indigo blinked, then said, "Hydrophobia is also the later stages of... rabies..." He finished sheepishly, fear in his voice.

That caused everypony to stop in their tracks and look at him.

"Rabies?" Grace asked, fear noticeable in her voice.

"Stay sharp." Dusk said, "If whatever tore that Timber Wolf apart has rabies then the creature will be very dangerous and it could very well still be around."

"Rules of Engagement Sarge?" Sparks asked.

"Shoot to kill, if it has rabies that are in the later stages death is the only mercy we can give it."

The group kept moving, on full alert now. There was no talking as they scanned their surrounds for anything that might be a threat. At some points one of them would swear they saw something but it would vanish too fast for a good look. Finally, after a bit of time walking they found a long abandoned building; an old dilapidated lodge that had clearly been left for at least decades if not longer. Entering through a hold that lead into the basement they stopped, immediately finding the remains of the Timber Wolf the limb had belonged to.

Whatever had attacked it had been very thorough: the only thing even remotely intact was the head but it was still missing the jaw, the rest of the body was just torn to pieces and sap was everywhere.

"What could have done this?" Fluttershy asked, shocked at the damage.

"I could think of a few things, but that doesn't explain why it didn't rebuild itself." Twilight said.

"Here's why." Dragonfly said holding up fragments of what looked like a seed. "The Seed Heart was destroyed, that's why the Timber Wolf couldn't rebuild."

"What ever did this was not just thorough but also savage." Dusk said, thinking. "It could be whatever might has rabies."

"Right... we have to get through the lodge too continue on... Keep your eyes and ears open and your flanks covered. If that thing is still here we don't want to be surprised by it." Dragonfly said, his tone very serious. Everypony nodded in agreement.

They started moving through the basement, walking through the twists and turns, all the time hearing heavy thumps, soft growls, and heavy breathing somewhere above them. They also passed by another torn apart Timber Wolf, before they saw a large shadow pass through the light shining from above through a decent-sized hole in the ceiling.

"What was that?" Dash asked.

"Ah don't know, maybe whatever killed those wolves?" Applejack said.

They continued on, stepping carefully so to not alert whatever was above them. They weren't sure if it was hostile but they didn't want to take any chances. After several minutes they finally found stairs and climbed up to a room with several splashes of sap on the floors and walls. They were just climbing up another set of stairs when they heard the panicked yelps of Timber Wolves... and the roar of another creature. Up ahead they heard a loud crunch of wood and saw sap fly through a decent-sized hole in the wall. The group rushed forward...

And quickly wished the hadn't.

A massive bear leaped onto a Timber Wolf as it tried to fight back and was mauled for its efforts. Pieces of wood and sap flying everywhere. The bear itself was easily twelve feet tall on all fours and had to have been around 2,110 pounds with a fourteen foot reach, it was just caked in sap and what could only be blood especially around the front legs and mouth, stings of drool hanging from its jaw.

The bear finished off the Timber Wolf by crushing the Seed Heart in its insane mauling before turning and moving away fast, the magic in the see vanishing into cracks in the walls and floors. The group could only stare in horror, they now knew what destroyed the wolves and from the drool this bear was clearly rabid. 

"Oh. Dear. Faust." Fluttershy whispered in fear.

The others could only agree, things just got Real!!
> The Nightmare of the Moon Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dragonfly could only stare at the spot were the bear had been, he wasn't one to scare easily but a rabid bear was among those things that raised his fear up all the way. He wan't the only one either... Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, even Dash and Pinkie were in a tight huddle while the guards Rose, Blades, Sparks, Dusk, and Indigo had their weapons held tightly in their hooves. Grace was pressed against Dusk, wrapped in his wing shaking in fear while Belle and Dancer were hugging Dragonfly. As much as they wanted to get out of here and out of the forest they knew they had to find a way out of the lodge and reach the Castle of the Two Sisters.

If they got out of this alive.

Dragonfly gently pushed Belle and Dancer off him as he turned to the rest group.

"Okay guys, we have no choice but to get through the lodge and that means getting past the bear."

"And how are we suppose to do that?!" Blades asked, "That's a rabid Short-Faced Bear! One of if not the largest of the regular bears."

"Not to mention that bear might already know we're here!" Twilight said.

"I know... I'll try and lure it away while you guys rush past and find an exit." Dragonfly's words caused eveypony to start and looking at him with shocked faces.

"Dragonfly are you loco in the cocoa?!" Pinkie said, uncharacteristically serious.

"Not even Kirin would take on a rabid bear of any kind, let alone a Short-Face Bear, on their own!" Blades hissed.

"I know, but I lead you guys into this and its my job to get you out. If I can keep that bear focused on me you guys can get out safety."

Seeing that Dragonfly would not change his mind on this the others looked at each other then slowly and reluctantly nodded their heads. Dragonfly nodded back and after reapplying his scarf so there were no loose ends he turned around and started walking away, as he did he heard Belle softly call out.

"Dragonfly..."

He turned his head back to look at her.

"Be careful, and please come back alive." She said with worry clear in her and Dancer's eyes. He nodded back at them.

"I will."

Dragonfly then turned and walked away, the group watched as his long tail disappeared into the dark hallway. Finally a few minutes later Dusk spoke.

"The lad's got stones, that's for sure."

"Let's just hope he doesn't get himself killed." Indigo said softly.

"If he does, we're going into the afterlife to drag him back. Let's go." Rose said taking the lead with Blades covering their six, grunts of agreement to Rose's statement following.





Dragonfly

'I really hope I know what I'm doing.'

Dragonfly walked through the halls and passed a few turns before coming to a hole in the floor that dropped into what had to be the main area of the lodge. Sticking his head through the hold he saw that it was clear, and carefully lowered himself to the floor of a small bar area. He slowly stepped into the main area, he could see stacked tables, scatter chairs, crates, and other odds and ends. From the dust it was clear to him that he was probably the first creature other than maybe that bear that had been here in a looonnnnggg time. From the looks of things who ever had build this place had left in a big hurry if the opened boxes and crates that were only half unloaded said anything.

'Then again... who said they actually left in the first place.'

Why somecreature would even build a lodge, let alone even a shack, in the Everfree Forest and this deep in was beyond him. It was very well known that the Everfree was marked as a "No Entry Zone" for good reason due to how dangerous the place was, only those with special permits were even allowed past the outer zones. And even then they were not allowed to go past the castle ruins, which this was past for certain.

His best guess was it was set up by those "hunters" that wanted the creatures here for profit, though from the sate of the lodge he could tell they didn't even have the chance to finish setting up, let alone actually start their work.

As for what happened, he wasn't sure if he wanted to know or not.

He had stepped forward when his hoof landed on a weak board and the sound of wood creaking tore though the silence like a clap of thunder, and no sooner did that happen when things went done. Opposite of him was a doorway leading to a hall that was blocked with metal shelf pieces (Dragonfly's best guess was that it was hastily put up to either keep something out or in), said barricade was blasted apart as the Bear crashed through, the remains of the shelves crashing to the floor.

"OH SH-!" Dragonfly didn't even finish the curse as he turned around a corner and bolted down a side hallway, the bear behind him.

"Hooves, don't fail me now!"

He sprinted down the rather long hall, at the other end he saw a large mirror and wished it wasn't there, for because of it he saw the Bear not that far behind trying to snap at his tail, way too close for his liking. Dragonfly quickly used his magic to pull his tail next to him and then released a Flare Spell. That bought him a few seconds as he came to the end of the hall and had to stop to pick a door as the Bear crashed into walls, temporary blinded from the flare. Quickly finding the right one he bolted through what was likely an office once and into an L-shaped closet which was a dead end. Dragonfly pressed himself into the corner as far from the door as he possibly could.

It was only a few seconds later that the Bear's head came through the door but it didn't go any further, the walls, despite the lodge being abandoned for who knows how long, held strong as the Bear shoved with all its might. The light above the door broke and the shelf opposite of the door collapsed, the Bear getting sprayed with hot glass shards and what was either a large bag of flour or some other kind of white powder. The Bear stopped shoving and licked the air a few times before pulling back.

A few seconds later he heard the Bear huffing and puffing then charge again, Dragonfly pressed into the corner as the wall at the other end of the L-shaped closet burst open as the Bear crashed through a weakened spot but it retreated again as a heavy metal beam fell onto its shoulders and than its head as it retreated. Dragonfly didn't waste any time as the second the Bear pulled back and the metal beam and other debris fell, blocking the hole the Bear had just made. Slipping through another hole ahead of him he found himself in another room that had once been possibly a lounge area.

In the room he saw to his right a set of windows looking out into the night with three old couches and two chairs clustered around a small coffee table, two doors to his left that lead into a decent-sided kitchen and a staircase ahead of him going up to the next level. Now that he had a chance to catch his breath he wondered something.

'How does this place still have power?'

The sound of something crashing from the way he just came reminded him it was best to not stick around. Ducking into the kitchen he found an old logbook.

'maybe this can shred some light on way this is even here to begin with.'

After picking up the logbook and storing it away in his saddle bags he peeked out the further door closer to the stairs and let out a sigh of relief that the Bear wasn't around, he could still her the crashing from where he came as it tried to burst through so that told him the Bear was still after him. He looked around and saw the only way forward was the stairs, shrugging he starting going up, pausing only to tuck his long tail into the strap on his saddle bags.

'Best keep that out of the way so the bear can't grab it.'

He had just reached the top when he heard a very loud crash down below, he didn't even pause to look as he bolted.

Dragonfly quickly came up to a spot that was partly blocked by a shelf though thankfully there was enough space to squeeze through. He stood up on his hind legs and began to shuffle sideways through the gap, that was when he saw the Bear climbing the stairs.

"Crap a brick! This Bear ain't givin' up!"

Dragonfly tried to move faster as the Bear continued to climb, hoping the Bear would have trouble. Perhaps the First Mother was watching over him as the stairs under the Bear kept breaking and falling, taking the Bear down with it each time though Dragonfly knew it wouldn't be long before it got passed that. Still, it bought Dragonfly a few more seconds to get out of the gap and bolt. He turned to the left and ran into a bedroom, only to find a dead end. The First Mother seemly answered his pleas as he saw a hole in the wall just big enough for him to get through. He had just gotten through into a bathroom and moved to the right passed a tub leaning against the wall that the Bear's head came through the hole, though thankfully the wall somehow held.

Dragonfly on the other hoof nearly had a heart attack, if he'd been a second slower or had not tucked his tail into his saddle bag straps the Bear would have gotten him. Going through another hole and into a closet he enter another room with the door blocked by a cabinet, using his magic he moved the cabinet enough to open the door and used his magic to pull the cabinet back and shut the door. Dragonfly knew that it wouldn't last but even a few seconds could mean the difference between life and death.

And he was as sure as his black plate was silver that he did not want to die here, not to a rabid bear.

Dragonfly turned and ran down the hall, but it wasn't long before he reached the end and turned into a large room. He paused only to slide another cabinet in front of the door to buy a few more seconds then ran down another hall across from the door.

He didn't get far.

Dragonfly quickly found himself at a dead end and this time he could see no way out, he was trapped.

He heard the sounds of the Bear crashing through things as it came closer, it had his scent and was following it.

'Crap crap crap!! What do I do now?! Why haven't I learned that Teleport Spell yet??!! It would be really helpful right now and none of my other spells are powerful enough to take down something like this. I hope the others got clear okay. If only I had a weap- wait..."

Dragonfly pulled out the launcher he had shown the others, if the Dragon Core peppers worked on Timber Wolves then maybe it would work here... at least, he hoped it would. Loading the launcher with one DC pepper he pressed the stock into his shoulder and aimed at the door just as the Bear crashed through the cabinet, stopping as it sniffed the air and looked right at him.

It growled with rage and insanity as it started to slowly walked towards him.

Dragonfly started squeezing the trigger.

"Stick this in your pipe!"

The launcher fired and the pepper flew true, popping into a cloud of juice and powder just before it hit. The next thing the Bear knew as pain; horrible, burning pain as the juice splashed into its eyes and mouth and powder when up its nose. The Bear roared in pain as the burning only grew stronger, thrashing as it tried to stop the pain to no avail. Dragonfly would admit that he wasn't one for animal cruelty but this Bear was too far beyond saving and this was a life or death situation.

The Bear roared as it slammed into the wall and crashed to the floor, that was when Dragonfly felt the floor under them start to quake.

"Oh-no."

That was all he could say before the floor gave out, the last thing he felt was the impact with the muddy ground before he blacked out.





The Others

Getting through the lodge without the bear chasing them was a whole lot easier for the group of thirteen Ponies, the hard part was actually finding a way out as all the doors were either jammed or blocked. Eventually though they did find a way out, only to hear the sound of breaking wood as a raised section of the lodge collapsed. Rushing over they saw two figures fall with it.

"DRAGONFLY!"

Belle and Dancer shouted as they ran to the spot their love had landed, the others behind them. Reaching were Dragonfly lay they saw the bear too, and knew that it was no longer a threat. While Dragonfly had been throw clear and landed on muddy ground, the bear had been in the center of the collapse and it had landed on several long poles of rebar. There was no need to check, they knew just from a glance that it had moved on, finally free of the rabies that had plagued it for who knows how long.

As Blades went to burn the body so the disease wouldn't be able to spread the others run over to Dragonfly who was laying on his side, Belle and Dancer beside themselves with worry. Indigo quickly brought out his device and scanned Dragonfly, hoping that he was alive and okay. After a few seconds that were far too long for them Indigo let a huge sigh of relief.

"He's clear, the only wounds are from the fall and that's just bruising at worst. The bear never touched him."

There was a groan from the disguised Changeling as he opened his eyes and slowly stood up.

"Ow... that didn't work as I would have liked." Dragonfly said rubbing his head then pulling his tail out from the saddlebag straps.

"Dragonfly!"

He turned around only to be tackled hugged by both Belle and Dancer, the force of them combined knocking him onto his back and the two Mares tried to hug him to death. Then they started hitting him.

"Don't. You. Ever. Do. That. To. Us again!" Belle said, each world being followed by a punch from both Mares at once.

"Ow! Ouch! A little help please!" Dragonfly called, the hits didn't hurt that much but it was still embarrassing.

"Sorry Dragonfly but you're on your own there." Sparks said, her smile showing that she was enjoying this.

"I've been there once lad, and I ended up sleeping on the floor for a month." Dusk said, frowning as Grace giggled at the memory.

The others were either smiling, or trying not to laugh, expect Rainbow who was flying upside down laughing hard.





Eventually Belle and Dancer let Dragonfly up and the group of fourteen continued on, leaving the lodge and the ashes of the bear behind. It was about ten or so minutes that they had been walking that they suddenly heard familiar growls, just at the edge of their light they saw the shape of a large wolf appear as eyes glowed in the dark further way.

"Round two 'ey." Dusk growled back.

The guards readied their weapons as the others got ready to fight, the wolves started to advance, only to stop cold as they started sniffing the air. Then they started panicking and whimpering as they turned and fled, tails between their legs. The group of fourteen watched in bewilderment, unsure how to react, Dragonfly had first sensed their rage and hunger, which turned to extreme fear as they fled.

"Well, get we showed them." Rainbow said smugly.

"Miss Dash, predators like wolves don't suddenly flee like that. When they do..." Rose began.

"There's a bigger and meaner one around." Blades finished, adding "I would know from my time in the Kirin homelands."

Dash and the others looked at each other worryingly, a predator that even a large pack of insane wolves were terrified of was not something to take lightly. The group quickly decided that they didn't want to find out what scared the wolves so badly so they quickly moved on. It was after several minutes that Dusk, who was on point with Dragonfly, suddenly stopped and lifted his nose into the air, taking a few sniffs.

"What is it?" Dragonfly asked, walking up next to him.

"I smell blood, Hydra blood. And it's fresh, I'd say maybe an hour old at most."

"You sure?"

"Yes lad, I've hunted a few with my clanmates when I was a wee one so I know the smell."

By this point the others had joined them.

"What could take a Hydra down?" Sparks asked. "There aren't many creatures able to do that."

Any further talk was cut off as a sound like a cross between a bellowing roar and a shrill screech that seemed to be made of screams filled the air around them, causing everypony to jump and huddle together. Dragonfly's mane and tail stood on end as he rapidly started looking around.

"Stay quiet! I know that roar!"

"What is it Dragonfly?" Twilight asked.

"A Toxicshadow Wyvern." Dragonfly said, his wide eyes focused on their surrounds.

"What's a Toxicshadow Wyvern?"" Grace asked fearfully.

Her answer came with a second roar came and a large shape landed in front of them, far enough that it might not see them but it was close enough for them to make out details in the moonlight.

"That's a Toxicshadow Wyvern."

The creature in front of them had to be at least twice as long as the train from Ponyville and Canterlot and stood half as tall as the former's Town Hall. It was a large, bipedal Wyvern with a dark spiny, exoskeleton-plated armored hide covering the body. The talons upon its feet were long and razor sharp, same as its four long horns which were tipped with purple. Fanged jaws that are actually parts of its external armor plates were visible along its mouth, its massive wings were covered in jet-black fur that resembled a tattered and ragged cape. On the spot were the the wing thumb would be were clawed four-fingered hands that gripped its shoulders, cloaking its body with its wings and its eyes were purple with black sclera And finally, its long, thick tail which made up most of its length featured a row of angled spikes on the top and bottom with a heavy spiked club at the end.

The group watched as the Toxicshadow Wyvern looked around before looking in their direction.

"Don't move, Don't. Move. A. Muscle!" Dragonfly whispered to the group.

None of the group moved as the Toxicshadow Wyvern stared their way for a few minutes before turning and walking away. They waited for several long seconds before Dragonfly and Dusk gave the all clear. They all let out a collective sigh of relief before turning to Dragonfly for answers.

"How did you know it wouldn't see us?" Twilight asked.

"And how did you know the roar?" Rose asked.

"A year ago, I was gathering plants I needed for my teas and potions when I came across a dead Hydra, then I saw the Toxicshadow Wyvern feasting on it. I didn't stick around but once I got back home I started looking it up. The reason it didn't see us because when they hunt at night their vision changes to a "movement tracking mode", meaning that as long as one kept still the Wyvern wouldn't see them. If the sun was up then it would have seen us, we should be glad it didn't as Toxicshadow Wyverns are both solitary and very territorial, attack anything that enters their domains. The only time you will see more then one in any place is when two are mates. In that case they are always together."

The group didn't say anything but nodded their heads, understanding. They moved on, feeling that they hadn't seen the last of the Wyvern. They were soon proven right as when they were passing by a cliff the Toxicshadow Wyverns suddenly appeared from the air, roaring at them.

"Run for it!" Dragonfly shouted, the others hot on his tail. They ran down various paths as the Wyvern dive-bombed them, firing blasts of purple flame as it went. Twilight manged to block some of the fireballs with her magic but it didn't let up, Grace yelped as a blast landed in front of her and she jumped back into Dusk's forelegs. Rainbow at some point got the "bright" idea to fight the Wyvern so she flew up and gave it a right hook, the Wyvern's head didn't even move an inch. Slowly, it turned its head to glare at Dash, who was having second thoughts.

"Maybe that was a bad idea."

The Wyvern roared in her face, revealing a black maw filled with dark purple teeth and a purple mist came out, washing over her. Immediately Rainbow turned green and almost threw up.

"Augh... sweet mother of Celestia! When was the last time you brushed?!"

Then she remembered that she was in front of a maw big enough to swallow her whole, Dash screamed in fear as the Wyvern roared again, two long fangs popping out of the roof of the mouth like a viper. These fangs released streams of a purple fluid that emitted purple steam. Rainbow flew away as the Wyvern tried to chomp down on her, eventually biting into a large tree and completely destroying it in one bite. It was after a time of running and hiding that the group finally lost the Toxicshadow Wyvern. As they relaxed Dragonfly glared at Rainbow, who wilted.

"Rainbow Dash, what the buck were you thinking?!"

"I didn't know that wouldn't work." She said sheepishly.

"Dash, nothing we have would be able to so much as scratch that thing, let alone harm it." He let out a sigh, facehoofing. "Rainbow, Toxicshadow Wyverns are known as "Dragon Hunters". In fact they are one of the few things that Dragons fear."

The others, even the guards, looked at him in surprise.

"Really? Why?" Dancer asked.

"Toxicshadow Wyverns hate Dragons with a burning passion, apparently due to a group of young ones destroying several nests full of Toxicshadow Wyvern eggs a long time ago. Now, I don't know if that's the case for sure, all I know is that Toxicshadow Wyverns will attack Dragons on sight with no mercy at all. I've heard stories of fully grown Dragons being ripped to pieces by one. Their venom, while actually harmless to Ponies, is very dangerous to Dragons as it is not only toxic and poisons their blood but it has something in it that reacts to Dragon scales like acid.

The Wyverns also have something called "Frenzy", once a Wyvern enters this stage they gain a dark purple hue all over the body, their eyes become a bright red and they begin to huff a dark purple smoke from its mouth as it exhales. This "Frenzy State" as it is known, causes massively heightened aggression, speed, and strength Toxicshadow Wyverns, making them dangerously short-tempered and ferocious, even more so than usual. The Frenzy State also seems to affect their vocal cords, rendering all vocalizations shrill and harsh in sound. This Frenzy State also causes their skin to become more rigid and harder to damage, making them far more durable and they also become far more brutal and relentless than they would normally would be."

Everypony stared at him, shocked.

"Are... Are they really that dangerous?" Fluttershy asked, fear filling her voice.

"Yes, though I only saw the Frenzy state once, back when I was a Colt. That poor Dragon never had a chance, it barely even screamed as the Wyvern shredded it like a paper through a shredder."

He looked back at the group, who were looking at him with shock and fear at what he had said.

"Let's go, the map shows that we're getting close to the castle now."

Twilight smiled sheepishly.

"Well nothing else bad should happen right?... right??"





Twilight had tempted fate, as the group was currently running for their lives again. They had been walking back to the castle and and even got a few sightings, they had thought that they were home free, until they ran into an Animated Armor Golem, a bucking Alicorn one! And unlike the others before, this one was somehow still in more or less prefect shape.

Green magic bolts the size of a blowing ball slammed into things around them as they dodged and weaved around trees and rocks, jumping over roots and ducking under branches. They jumped down a rock and took cover in a small alcove, the guards in front as green magic exploded around them. Dirt and bits of rock and trees raining down.

They listened as the sound of magic exploding died out as it was replaced with the sound of heavy hoof steps.

"We're close to the castle now, but we can't move there with that pile of scrap after us." Blades hissed.

Dragonfly opened his mouth but whatever he was going to say was cut off as two hooves from two different Ponies covered it.

"You're not volunteering to distract it Mr." Belle said firmly.

"You already gave us a heart attack with the bear. You are not scaring us like that again." Dancer sad with a glare. Dragonfly just smiled sheepishly, giving the two a hoof version of thumbs up. Dusk looked up than towards the Castle.

"I'll engage."

"Dusky no." Grace said grabbing his foreleg, he reached over and gently cupped her check, rubbing it.

"I need too lass, that thing will kill us all if I don't lead it way."

Grace gripped his foreleg tighter, then reluctantly let go as tears flowed down her cheeks. Dusk looked at Dragonfly.

"Lad, since you seem to know about these things, do the Alicorn ones have any weak spots?"

Dragonfly thought about it for a second, then nodded his head.

"Yes, at the base of the neck, were the shoulders met the base." He tapped the base of his own neck to show him. "There is a gap in the armor plates, right about the Core Crystal. If you shoved something explosive in there it would shatter the Golem in pieces."

Dusk nodded, understanding as he pulled out a small black crystal.

"This should do it than."

"What's that Dusk?" Belle asked.

"A Blasting Gem, an... Anti-Dragon weapon. As Dragons eat gems this was made to destroy the lining of their stomachs and let the acid do the rest. Thankfully there hasn't been any wars with the Dragons that would warrant their use so they are in very low numbers and only trained experts are authorized to equipment them."

Twilight looked at the black gem warily, when they got back she was going to make sure that Spike never ate one.

Thumps above them signaled that the Golem was coming, Dusk stood up and got ready to run to draw it away, only for Indigo to suddenly grab his foreleg.

"No sir."

Dusk blinked looking at the young Unicorn, who looked back with an expression he couldn't read.

"I'll be the decoy." Indigo said,

"Indigo no!" Sparks said, shocked. Indigo ignored her as he continued.

"You hit it from behind."

Dusk blinked, surprised by the normally shy Unicorn's sudden bravery.

"Indigo?"

Said Unicorn stared straight ahead, a determined looking on his face.

"Indigo?" Blades asked, worry in her eyes.

The Unicorn let out some heavy breathes, before bolting into the open.

"Over here you pile of scrap!"

"INDIGO!!!" The rest of his squad shouted.

Indigo's hooves beat the dirt below him as he ran, hearing the Golem stop and charge its horn. Then the ground behind and to the right of him exploded in a blast of green energy and heated debris. He was clear of the blast but the shock wave was enough to knock him off his hooves, as he hit the ground his training kicked in and he rolled over to the side into some bushes were he had more cover. He looked up, seeing the Golem looking back.

Indigo swallowed hard, whoever had built this one had done a very good job. Its armor was silver with what he guess were some kind of power lines running all over the body colored blue, the same as its eyes. After a few seconds the Golem's horn lit up as green energy formed around the tip. Indigo's eyes widened as he moved, the Golem dissipating the energy around its horn as it moved forward and jumped down, slamming down into the ground and sending dirt flying.

Dusk stood up and ran towards the Golem, ready to active the Blasting Gem and shove it into the weak spot. But as he got ready to jump onto the Golem's back it kicked him in the chest with a back leg. Dusk's armor protected him from any damage but the impact send him flying back, hitting the ground and letting go of the gem as the Golem refocused on Indigo and charged its horn. Dusk quickly recovered and stood up, he turned to grab the gem but a clawed hand got it first. He watched as Blades, gem in hand, charged the Golem.

She leaped up, using her wings to give her a boost, and landed on the Golem's back. The weight of a Kirin threw its aim off as it fired and the magic bolt that would have hit Indigo missed, hitting the ground next to him instead. While Indigo was unharmed by the blast the shock wave sent him flying off to the side. The Golem meanwhile was trying to throw Blades off as she held on tight. She saw the weak spot Dragonfly mentioned and clicked on the gem's detonator, as the Golem reared back on its hind legs Blades shoved the gem into the spot and jumped off. The Golem landed back on all fours, stood still for a second, then...

BOOM!

The Golem went up in fire, smoke, and pieces of metal as the gem exploded. Blades brought her arm up to shield her eyes as pieces of metal bounced off her. Once the barrage stop Blades lowered her arm and stood tall over the remains of the Golem, looking no worse for the were. The others rushed out of their hiding spot towards Indigo, who was laying on his side and not moving.

"Indigo!" Sparks shouted as she rushed to the Unicorn's side, it was a few long seconds before the Stallion coughed and opened his eyes looking into Sparks' worried ones.

"Did we win?"

Sparks let out a relived sign and hugged indigo around the neck, the Unicorn blushing but quickly returned the hug. Blades gave him a hug as well and after the group made sure everypony was alright they moved towards the castle, there was a delay with a rope bridge over a ravine that Rainbow took care of though she did have an encounter with a small group of Ponies that called themselves the "Shadowbolts" that offered Rainbow a place among them if she would leave her friends but while Dash had a huge ego, one of her best traits was that she would never leave those she called friends hanging.

It took a few minutes to reach the entrance of the castle, a thousand years had not been kind to it. The roof in most areas had fallen leaving wreckage everywhere and the walls weren't in much better shape either. The group stepped into the entrance hall, Dusk and Blades leading the way. In front of the group was a main hall that even seemed to be bigger than the current royal castle in Canterlot, with large doors on the side walls that went through a huge number of interior rooms to which the main corridor was connected, however, what caught the group's attention the most were the two large banners that hung at the end of the corridor, in front of the stairs that connected to the upper floors, banners that despite the weather and the time that had passed, were still in pretty good condition despise some damage. Both banners showed the figure of an Alicorn, one was white, on a golden background, under a huge sun, symbolizing the day; the other was a light blue Alicorn, with a dark blue background, which was under a large moon with stars, obviously symbolizing the night.

"What beautiful banners." Rarity said, running her eyes over them. "Nicely crafted, certainly works of art. Do they symbolize princess Celestia taking care of the ponies in the day and in the night?"

"No..." Dusk said, his tone serious as he glared at the banners. "the one under the sun is Princess Celestia, the other..." He paused, letting out a sign through his noes as he stared at the blue banner, a hard frown on his face.

"Dusk?" Grace asked as she came up to him, gently taking his hoof in hers. He didn't say anything for a few seconds, but gently pulled Grace's hoof towards him and wrapped his wing around her, taking comfort in the warmth that slowly flowed into the limb. The others watched this, not saying a word as they waited.

Finally, after a minute passed, Dusk drew in a breath and slowly let it out again.

"What I'm about to tell you all is not widely known outside of the Thestrals, as those of you who have known me long enough would also known, me family are lorekeepers alongside Military." Dusk gently pulled from Grace as he turned around to face the others.

"And the things I 'ave learned, some of them are a might dark."

He looked at the blue banner again before continuing.

"I'm not sure 'ow you don't know about this, being the Princess' student and all. But... its time you all learn some Thestral history, that blue banner... He waved his hoof at said banner. "Shows Princess Luna, Princess Celestia's sister."
> The Nightmare of the Moon Part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest

Castle of the Two Sisters

Most of the group blinked and stared at Dusk, not sure they had heard that correctly.

"Princess Luna?" Twilight asked, "I thought Princess Celestia was the only one, besides Cadance."

"Doesn't surprise me lass that you wouldn't know, it's not something she likes to talk about." Dusk drew in a breath and slowly released it before looking at Dragonfly.

"Tell me lad, what is it they say about 'istory?"

"That it is written by the victors, and so it is full of lies."

"Exactly," Dusk turned back to the group. "A thousand years ago, Equestria was a very different place than today; Even after the 'Earth's Warming the three original Tribes barely got along and a war between them was always a very real threat, it was only through the efforts of the six Founders that kept it from ever breaking out. Things changed when they disappeared; Soon after, disaster struck. The first was the Griffin 'ordes, lead by a Warlord that wanted to wipe Ponies out completely. Celestia and the original tribes tried to settle it peacefully." He snorted. "Problem is; That only works on those who are willing to listen, and this Warlord was bent on our extinction and would not 'ave stopped otherwise. This is were my kind, the Thestrals, come in. From the very beginning we realized that the time of talk was over, that violence was the only option, that or extinction."

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing.

"It was one of the darkest time for the Thestrals, we stood shoulder to shoulder, 'olding back the 'ordes as best we could, by the time it end over twenty million Thestrals had died. But we 'ad succeeded, the 'ordes had been 'eld back as the Warlord than made a grave mistake: He killed a Western Kirin 'atching that had been visiting one of the attacked villages, beating it to paste. Those of us that know the Kirin would also know that they consider the killing of their young an act of war. To the Kirin, killing one or any other young that live with them and they raised, means that the enemy will show no pity or remorse, so the Kirin will give none in return. That was what ended that threat, the four Kirin races moved as one showing no mercy, until the surviving Griffins fled beyond the reach of the Kirin at the time."

Blades blinked, a look of understanding coming over her face.

"That's why the Griffins have never attacked Equestria since, they fear the Kirin finishing what they started."

"That's right Blades, even though the Kirin are more inclined to peace now they are still very strong and will protect Equestria as despite living in separate lands, they still it as part of their homelands. That and they 'ave never forgotten what started it."

"But where do the Thestrals fit in this?" Sparks asked.

"I was just getting to that next lass: Even though the Thestrals had 'eld the line, we were still not viewed in a good light. At the time Ponies would avoid eatting meat entirely, seeing it as wrong and unnatural. We Thestrals consumed it on a regular basis, we 'ad to. But I'll get to that soon. At the time due to the 'orrors Ponies had seen at night, it 'ad become seen as something to fear and 'ate, and the same for creatures of the night as well, Thestrals included. This is were Princess Luna comes in; as the Princess of the Night she saw us as beautiful and events led the Thestrals swearin' an oath to her. That was when things went downhill, badly."

He paused, taking in a few breaths.

"The first was when Luna turned, Celestia was a far different Pony to the one we all know today. She was no better than the worse Nobles, she was blinded by the praise and love while Luna was shunned. That went on for years, until something in 'er snapped, and she became Nightmare Moon. I wouldn't go over what 'appened but I will tell you that another war, one that lasted for two years, 'appened, ending when Luna was sent to the moon. That was only the start, the next thing was the rations for those in the Guard, they 'ad to switch to these blood packs so as to not freak out other Ponies. It took sometime, but we began to see something was wrong. At the time the Thestrals 'ad sworn off eating meat, instead consuming those blood packs, at first things were well, but after a few years things changed."

Dusk paused again as he looked at the floor, teeth shown as he let out a low growl.

"The first thing we noticed was that we seemed to be weakening, that we couldn't do things we used to. Then we were told that we suffered from a "Blood 'Unger" that was 'ighly addictive and it would turn us into savage beasts if we ate meat. Three generations when through that, than the stillborns came."

The group's jaws dropped in shock, while Grace placed her hooves over her mouth and Dragonfly closed his eyes with a deep frown.

"That was the point we started to look into it, Celestia was in morning over Luna so we couldn't take it to her, so we did our own investigations, and what we found... I don't even 'ave words. That whole thing about the Blood 'Unger, was a lie. In fact, it was found though later investigations that Thestrals were no more likely to turn that other Ponies. And those blood packs, nothing but SWILL! Not even half of the vital essences of real blood or meat, and mere traces of those... stirred in with a potion to suppress the appetite. it was nothing but colored water that would not nourish a starving weasel! Sure it proteins, vitamins, amino acids... And sawdust, vegetable fiber! We had been betrayed, Malnourishment had started to kick in, those lying SOBs would have doomed the Thestrals to slow extinction."

It was clear that even though he hadn't been born during that time, Dusk was still effected. Grace was immediately at his side wrapping him in a tight hug, which he returned by wrapping a wing around her as he continued.

"That was the breaking point, we Thestrals chose right then and there to just abandon Equestria. It 'ad do nothing but 'arm us, so why should we stay to protect it if the Ponies there would not welcome us. We fled to the only place we could still call 'ome: 'Ollow Shades. A mountainous region that was easily defendable and full of creatures for us to 'unt."

He than let out a bitter laugh.

"At first the Equestrians were 'appy to see us go, the Nobles of the time telling all sorts of lies. But than, The Great War happened. After 'olding the Griffins back we Thestrals gained a reputation of being great warriors and soldiers, second only to the Kirin."

There was no doubt to that, among the group that were Guards, they had seen Dusk fight and knew that it was true.

"But after we left, the Yetis attacked. Now at the time, they were the savages, for they would no problem with eating the dead, theirs or others. They have abandoned those ways nowadays, so they have a different mindset. The Ponies of Equestria found themselves unprepared to fight such a war, and even though the Ponies won in the end their victory 'ad come at a very great cost; over a hundred million had died, most them being eaten by the Yetis so their bodies couldn't even be recovered. During the war the Ponies came to the Thestrals, begging for us to come back. We sent a single message: "Why should we defend those who 'ave done nothing but 'arm us? Including trying to doom us to slow extinction." In the aftermath the Ponies suffered something else, as in their defeat the Yetis inflicted one final blow; a terrible famine that last for years. Most of the eatable plants quickly died and no matter now 'ard the Earth Ponies tried they could not grow anything, the plants that did survive became more valuable than any riches. Thousands starved and soon they 'ad no choice but to 'unt and eat meat to survive, all of that served as a gigantic wake-up call to Equestria and Celestia, who started to change into the Mare we know now. It took six 'undred years but eventually she got us Thestrals to come back, but we 'ave not and will never forget what 'appened."

It was quiet for a few minutes as what Dusk had said sank in, finally Grace spoke.

"That's why Thestrals are rare in Equestria, they don't trust that things wouldn't go back to that."

"Indeed me lass, even the ones 'ere will only take rations from 'Ollow Shades, not trusting the ones from 'ere among others."

"Considering there is still some racism towards Thestrals, it makes sense." Blades said, Grace spoke again.

"But wait... you've been over at my parents' place many times and you ate everything my parent's gave you." She looked at her coltfriend with her head tilted to the left. Dusk gave her a small smile.

"That's because of a number of reasons; One, I trust them as they trust me with you. Two, you 'ave a Thestral as your Grandfather on your dad's side of you family. And three; I know from the smell and taste alone that they are giving me real meat."

Grace nodded her head, now understanding. Twilight then spoke up

"That... is a lot to take in Dusk, but I don't understand something; I've looked at the reports and archives and never found anything regarding this Blood Hunger."

"That's because lass after everything 'ad 'appened the ones who came up with the whole thing were greatly discredited and all their work was labeled as nothing but ego-boosting lies and removed and erased from all records."

"Now-a-days Ponies don't even bat an eye at others eating meat as while it still is not very common, it still is eaten once in awhile and it is well known now that it actually has health benefits, for example Unicorns getting healthier horns." Dancer said, tipping a hoof against her own to emphasize as Belle added something of her own,

"There was a group a few decades ago, the name escapes me, but they were like the Ponies of that time. It was a group of supremacists and racists that hated any creature that wasn't a Pony and by that I mean the three original Tribes. At least they now completely gone and will never come back."

"How so Belle?" Dragonfly asked, curious as he had never heard about this group.

"They would make repeated efforts to get themselves in trouble near the borders between Equestria and other lands, and then make themselves out to be the victims. While they had done it a few times before, they shot themselves in all four hooves by making the mistake of trying it with the Valley Kirin. Most of that group had falling to truly agonizing deaths within a month from the poison in their systems."

It was well known that the land the Valley Kirin called home was a breeding ground for many highly toxic plant life and other poisons not found anywhere else. The Valley Kirin were immune to these and were masters at Jungle, Marsh, and guerrilla warfare, making their home all but impossible to invade and hold. There had been only one try by the Yaks long ago but the land had never seen anymore afterwards. Belle continued.

"The group itself soon after died out after the Eastern Kirin took out their backers."

"I'm gonna assume that doesn't mean talking them down." Sparks said, a frown on her face.

"One thing to know about the four races of Kirin, if they are threatened, they wouldn't stop until they have made sure that threat will never come back." Dragonfly said, it went unsaid but it was well known that Eastern Kirin, while peaceful, had a well earned reputation of being the world's best assassins and special operations units, even Celestia had use their services more than once. That reputation had lead to Eastern Kirin military units being call "an army of ghosts", and for very good reason. He than clapped his hooves.

"But we need to move on now, we have some elements to find."



They started walking deeper into the castle, staying close to each other. The castle's dark halls and corridors gave a sort of feeling of hopelessness and it didn't help that there had been no sign of Nightmare Moon which put all of them on edge. Dragonfly was at the front with Sparks at the rear, the others slightly spread out, the horns of those who had them lighting up the area as they walked. It was clear to them they were likely the first creatures to walk these halls in a thousand years, the fact the castle was still as intact as it was had shown that the magic here was still strong. Glancing behind over his shoulder Dragonfly noted that the Guards were on full alert, walking with their bodies full erect and their heads constantly turning like that of an owl, searching for any threats. With his Emotion Sense he could tell they were quite unnerved by everything around yet at the same time they didn't show it as they walked, the normally shy Indigo Patches included. Dragonfly allowed a tiny smile to appear over his face, he knew that Rhino would have been proud.

A small wimpier reached his ears and he glanced at Grace, who had made the sound and had pressed up against Dusk, who didn't even pause his watch as he lifted a wing and placed it over her back, then pulled her right next to him, shielding most of her from the outside world.

Before Dragonfly could dwell on that however he sensed something ahead, it wasn't Nightmare Moon. Rather... it was something else. He slowed to a stop as the others noticed and stopped as well.

"What is it?" Indigo asked.

"I sense something... hold on..."

He looked around, quickly spotting some exposed pipes sticking out of the wall of the ruined corridor they were in. Walking over to them Dragonfly paused for a second, as if waiting for something, he then leaned down and pressed an ear to one of the pipes and stood there for a few seconds. The others watching with clear confusion, with Rainbow asking;

"Dragonfly... what are you doing?"

He didn't say anything for a second, then pulled back and stood up.

"They know we are here..." He looked back at the group, who looked more confused than before.

"Come closer to the pipes and listen." He said waving a hoof at said objects. "Just don't stay for too long."

None of the group moved, not sure if they should or think he had gone crazy. Then Indigo trotted forward, hesitantly leaning down and pressing his ear to the pipes as Dragonfly had. He listen for a few seconds before suddenly leaping away, shock visible on his face.

"Indigo?! What's wrong?! Rose asked, the others staring at the young Unicorn is surprise.

"I... I... I heard... laughter. Foal laughter! But... that's impossible!!" Indigo said, his voice shaking from shock.

None of the others were sure what to make of that, while Blades and Sparks went over to Indigo to try and calm him done the others looked at Dragonfly for answers.

"I've encountered that before, not here though, in another long abandoned place, back when I was a Colt."

Indigo looked at him and asked what was that sound.

"No creature really knows for certain; some say its the "Voice of the Pasted", others consider it to be a form of "psychic influence".

"Like... ghosts?" Fluttershy asked, shaking like a leaf. Dash and Applejack shook their heads with a light laugh as Twilight spoke.

"There's no such thing as ghosts Fluttershy."

Dragonfly merely raised an eyebrow at her.

"Are you sure about that. Let's move."

Before Twilight could answer Dragonfly turned and walked forward, gesturing for the group to follow. They looked at each other, then collectively shrugged and did so. As they walked Dragonfly turned back to them.

"Be careful here, this is a dangerous area. Keep you lights on and stay close, or else we might stay here forever."

Dash as about to sarcastically say "You don't say." When Dragonfly suddenly stopped so fast that Belle bumped into him with Dancer bumping into her sister, either got to say anything before said;

"Freeze! And look forward."

Right after he said this a bright white flash suddenly appeared, blinding them for a split second. Once it cleared the group followed his hoof to where it was pointing, and saw something they couldn't believe or explain;

Sitting ahead of them in the middle of the hall, next to the web-covered skeleton of a Unicorn Stallion, was a black and slightly transparent shape that on a closer look resembled that of a Unicorn Mare. They couldn't make out any other features, just the shape. They could hear faint but definitely audible sobbing, like the silhouette was morning the skeleton.

"I don't think the word "who" is applicable here." Dragonfly said, his tone grim.

Nopony said anything, too shocked at what they were seeing. As they watched the silhouette, still sobbing stood up with its head lowered. It stood like that for a few seconds, then its ears and head shot up, apparently looking deeper into the dark hall ahead. It stood like this for a second, then let out a fearful scream as it quickly backed up to the wall opposite of the skeleton, the group's eyes following it. A second split second white flash appeared and disappeared with no sign of the silhouette. The group wasn't focused on that however; in the spot were the silhouette had backed up to was another web-covered skeleton, one that they had missed the first time.

A skeleton of a Unicorn Mare!

Dragonfly started walking forward again, saying as the group warily followed;

"We need to go around it. Don't touch the silhouettes."

They past the spot where the silhouette had sat, feeling a very cold chill and hearing a faint whispering to quiet to make out any words. Sparks looked back trying to wrap her head around what they had just seen when she heard the sound of metal snapping under her. Her head snapped to look at the floor, the broken handle of a badly rusted spear under her hoof. Looking up Sparks saw more rusted-far-beyond-use weapons and skeletons wearing rusted and broken armor. She looked over at Rose who was standing next to her, and met a look of unease that matched her own. The group continued on, carefully stepping around the minefield of bones, weapons, and armor.

It was a few minutes later when Dragonfly suddenly said quietly "Concentrate."

The group stopped as another flash filled their vision, when it cleared they heard yelling and bats attacking something. Then another silhouette, one of an Earth Pony Stallion, appeared running towards them, stumbling and falling several times as small silhouettes of bats swarmed around him. Right as the silhouette reached the space in front of Dragonfly the flash happened again and the silhouette was gone, but the group had been following the path it was taking and saw a skeleton sitting on its flanks, leaning sideways on a pile of rubble. A shudder ran through the group expect for Dragonfly, they didn't know what the hay was going on but they didn't like it at all!!

They moved onward, stopping as they reached a set of large doors the were stuck open enough for them to get through one at a time. Dragonfly walked up to it and poked his head in, looking around. He soon pulled back and looked towards the group.

"This isn't a good place... stay close to me and do whatever I say."

"Dragonfly, wait." Belle said placing a hoof on his shoulder, he looked at her.

"Yes Belle?" He asked gently.

"What's going on? You clearly know something about this so why haven't you said anything?" The others voicing the same question. Dragonfly gave a nod.

"I do, but we need to move through this part quickly. I promise I will tell you all about this when we reach a safe spot. For now just trust me, alright?"

Belle paused, looking back at the others. It was true they all wanted answers, but with the exception of Twilight, they knew him well enough to know that Dragonfly wouldn't hold information unless it was for a good reason or if it would take too long to explain in a dangerous area. So Belle took her hoof off his shoulder and nodded.

"Alright, but once we reach a safe area you will tell us, or you sir are sleeping on the couch for the rest of the year after Dancer and I move in." She said firmly. Dragonfly nodded his head and even Pinkie Promised. It had been decided awhile ago that it was time to take the next step in their relationship by having Belle and Dancer move-in with Dragonfly, to all but a certain number this meant the two Mares moving into the Cozy Rest, but to those that knew Dragonfly's secret it meant the Mares moving into the Hive. Now, while they had made some plans they still have several things to go over that thanks to the Summer Sun Celebration had to be put aside for now.

Dragonfly than moved through the gap, the others following behind him.

"And so it hits the fan..." Blades muttered.

"Like it didn't already..." Sparks added.

Once they were all through they moved on, walking in silence for a bit with only the sound of their hooves, or in Blades' case claws, clicking against the dust-covered stone floor. As they entered a room that was once a crossroad of four hallways for lack of better word, though the hall to their right had collapsed and the one to their left was flooded. They continued walking down the only mostly clear path, small splashes sounding off from the thin layer of water on the floor. Sparks, who was at the back of the group, looked around uneasily. While nothing had attacked them yet her Guard instincts were giving off all kind of warnings, it didn't help that the dark halls reminded her all to well of a traumatic Foalhood experience back when she was nine years old. It had started as a simple shopping trip with her second mother (we'll get back to that in a second), a Unicorn named Flame Flower. While they had been walking through the Market District a sudden minor riot had kicked up and in the chaos Sparks was separated from Flame, and the next thing she knew Sparks had been suddenly grabbed from behind and before she could scream she was hit by a Stun Spell.

Sparks didn't know how long she had been out but when she had woken up Sparks had found herself locked in a small cage, a heavy iron shackle around her neck. It hadn't been long until she found out what had happened: Sparks had been Foalnapped by Unicorn Purists. Even though most of these types of Ponies had been "removed", there were still a few groups around Canterlot, particularity among the Nobles. Sparks had been targeted because her birth mother was a Griffin and her father was a Dracony Wyvern, both married to each other and her second mother Flame Flower. Sparks had been very terrified at the time, as the Unicorn Noble who had done this when on and on about "maintaining purity".

With him was a second Unicorn who just stared with an impatient frown, soon asking if the others were coming as they needed to finish this as it wouldn't be before the Royal Knight came down on them. The Noble had turned to him saying it was just them, the Royal Knights known as "The Nine" and Black Death had already caught and "took care of" the others, finishing by saying it was just the two of them. The Noble then turned to Sparks, saying that now they had to make sure that, in his words; "This abomination's genes will not corrupt any more of the Pure." before readying a spell. Sparks had shut her eyes and covered her head with her hooves while crying out in fear, screaming for her parents as the Noble gave a sadistic smile as he prepared to fire the spell at her.

Before he could however, there was movement behind him.

Next thing Sparks knew, there was a scream that was not her's, and a thud as something hit the floor. She had opened her eyes to see the Noble lying on the floor in pain, his horn sliced clean off!

And behind the prone Noble was the other Unicorn, with a red partially serrated, double-edged butterfly knife held in his hoof, blood dripping from the blade. Roses were engraved along the blade, and a symbol of an encircled rose was imprinted on the handles. He walked over the side of the Noble how was both in shock from having his horn cut off and raging about something Sparks didn't catch, though she did hear the Noble call the standing Unicorn a traitor. In response the standing one just smiled, than a green-colored flame went up from his hooves, fully covering him for a split second. When it disappeared it revealed that the Unicorn hadn't been one at all; rather he was a Pegasus with a Congo brown coat, blue eyes, and temptress (color) short mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was a  butterfly knife similar to the one he was holding. He wore a dark gray cavalier hat with red ribbon, edging, and large feather on his head with a red ski mask with diamond patterns adorning the sides and neck of the mask and a light red/pinkish pom-pom on the top (though that was hidden by the hat). Over his left eye was a single-lens magic night vision goggle attached to black strapping under the hat, each ear had a small red earpiece with a coiling cord of a lighter shade going down into his outfit. Gripped in between in his teeth was a straight red and white candy cane.

Around his neck was a long, red and dark red striped scarf with fringes at each end over a red turtleneck, a small black microphone visibly sticking out on the left side of the chest under his dark red overcoat which had an upturned collar, eight buttons on the front, and red belt with silver buckles around his waist and forelegs. On his left shoulder hooked on the overcoat's epaulet has a black magic-powered device with red wires attached to the battery, a small switch, and a small red dome in the center of the device. The dome was emitting a red hologram of a Mare. A red rose bud was worn on the left lapel of his overcoat and his rear half had a pair of dress pants the same color as the overcoat with a pair of knee high black leather boots with red belts held on by dark silver buckles.

The Noble's eyes went far wider than Sparks ever thought possible and he tried to stand, only for the pain form his horn stump to fare and he fell again. The Pegasus then said; "I'm no traitor, after all and truth be told: I never really was on your side."

The Pegasus than stuck the Noble in the head, the pain flaring to the Noble passed out. The Pegasus then looked up at Sparks, sympathy filling his eyes yet there was also relief. He reached up and pressed a button on his left earpiece, saying: "Mission Accomplished, the target is down and captured." He paused as he listened to an unheard voice, "Yes Flame my dear friend she is safe, scared out of her wits but alive and more or less unharmed."

After that Sparks had been freed by the Pegasus who was very gently with her, telling her he was an old friend of her parents, even pulling out a picture of her dad and Flame together with seven other Ponies. Sparks was soon reunited with Flame Flower who immediately took and hugged her, both of them crying their eyes out. It was then that Sparks learned that the Stallion who saved her was named "Hidden Blade" and indeed was an old friend of her parents. Hidden had been working undercover for several months, bring down this Purist group from within. After that Sparks found out she had been targeted not just for her mixed parentage but also because the leader of this group had, through a leak by a double agent, found out that Sparks was the daughter of two of The Nine, the same Royal Knights that had been dismantling his group and he wanted revenge.

It was decided that it was not safe for Sparks to stay in Canterlot until they were absolutely sure she wouldn't be targeted again. The Western Kirin Ambassador had offered that she stay with a friend of his, who was taking care of his own foal alongside his wife. Through very reluctant, Sparks' parents agreed and gave her over for their daughter's safety. That was how Sparks met Blades and the rest was history.

Sparks shook her head, burying those memories back down. Taking a calming breath as she looked ahead, hearing Dragonfly say; "These bones have been here since the Nightmare War." He told the others gesturing to the armor-clad skeletons around them. Sparks looked uneasily at them as Dragonfly continued.

"This place is filled with despair. Do you smell it? Do you sense the evil lurking about? It is always were suffering is."

Twilight spoke up, her voice trembling.

"What happened here? What happened to these Ponies?"

"From the armor, at least what I can tell, these Ponies were Nightmare Loyalists." Dusk said examining the rusted armor closely. "Best guess is that the 'alls collapsed, trapping them 'ere as they waited for 'elp. Waited for salvation that never came. These poor lads and lasses probably never even knew that Nightmare Moon was banished and the Castle abandoned, and them with it."

Indigo spoke up next, his voice shaking as he talked.

"Looking at the bones, I can see marks. Teeth marks, I think they must have turned on each other as their rations ran out."

"A truly terrible fate for anycreature, evil or not." Blades said, stepping carefully around broken weapons, pieces of armor, and bones.

The group moved on quickly but carefully, not wanting to disturb the bones any further than they already had. It was awhile after that, with Dragonfly telling them that they were getting closer to a safe spot. They moved down the only they could, walking carefully around and over skeletons and broken weapons and armor as they went, trying not to disturb their rest. Dragonfly at the front could easily feel the unease and tension from the others, we wanted to tell them what was going on but he knew that it wasn't safe here, for Nightmare Moon was not the only threat down here. The Castle of the Two Sisters had been abandoned after Nightmare Moon's banishment from the damage the battle had inflicted on it, the Everfree going out of control, and Nightmare Moon's final blow; Dark Magic.

And the castle was filled with it, which was why he wanted to get the group to the safe spot he had detected, and there he would tell them everything. He was debating with himself if he should reveal what he actually was to those of the group that didn't know, he knew it had its risks but if it did happen during the battle with Nightmare Moon it could be disastrous.

Sparks looked around, staying close to Blades as they moved. Her fear was starting to kick up as the memories refused to stay down, along with some tears. She jumped as something gently brushed her cheek, which was Blades' tail as she looked back at her friend and fellow guard.

"It's okay Sparks, you're not alone. We're here." She said with a gentle smile, Sparks gave a small one back, after which Blades nodded her head and turned to face forwards. Sparks took a calming breath, trying to cool her fear, when her vision went dark for a second. Sparks blinked as it returned, only for her eyes to go wide and her ears to fold back against her head.

She was alone, there was no sign of the others. Fear in her voice she called out.

"Guys?... Blades?... Dragonfly?... Dusk?... Somepony?... Anypony?...
> The Nightmare of the Moon Part 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sparks stood there, horror firing through her. She was alone, the others had just... disappeared. While she was a trained Guard the effects of her foalnapping when she was nine had left her with a fear of being alone, which was part of the reason she was almost always paired with Blades. Sparks trusted the Pegasus-like Kirin very deeply and Blades was her closest friend, to the point that they were rarely seen apart. Right now her fear began to increase, with no idea what happened to her group or where they went Sparks was now entering panic mode.

"Okay Sparks... deep breaths. You're a Guard, you can't let fear control you."

Sparks slowly pulled out her sword, holding onto the hilt tightly as she started walking forward, her eyes scanning her surroundings like she was trained to do. Things escalated quickly as her vision flashed again and she saw her surroundings change again, to something that was far too familiar to her: The crowd that she had gotten lost and foalnapped in. Only this time the Ponies looked... wrong, like misshapen ghosts silhouetted by a blood red light that surrounded her on all sides. Sparks fear was really starting to overpower her training as the trauma from that day struck back, she started hearing whispering and low but deep growls all around her.

As much as she tried, Sparks couldn't hold the fear back any long as from the silhouettes a large shape emerged. Sparks took a step back in horror as features began to form.

"I..im...impossible! You're dead!! Burned alive to ashes by my second mother!"

In front of her was the very same Unicorn Noble that tried to kill her all those years ago, only he looked like something out of a horror movie: He body was covered in burns, some severe enough to expose the spine and some ribs in places, his teeth looked like they had grown out to become a maw of fangs, his horn was lopsided to the right and was bent and cracked and his front hooves were replaced with four-fingered hands with each digit tipped with a long scythe-like claw.

Despite her fear Sparks couldn't help but think: This is some Nightmare on 12th street bulldung right here.

The worst part was the Unicorn's eyes: They. Were. Gone! only the holes remained, just empty voids that stared back at her.

Sparks tried to raise her sword, only to find she couldn't lift it. She turned to see why and found that she was somehow her nine year old self again! Sparks looked up as the Unicorn opened its mouth, showing more teeth than what should be with what looked like pieces of bones stuck in between them.

Sparks tired to run only to find a heavy iron shackle around her neck, keep her in place. Trapped, Sparks did the only thing she could; she covered her eyes and screamed.

Something struck her face from the right hard as a voice shouted "Sparky Gears!". Reeling from the blow she opened her eyes, vision burred by tears, to see the familiar and very welcome faces for her friends, all staring back at her with worry. In front of her was Indigo, who had slapped her trying to wake her. Sparks blinked.

"I... In... Indigo??" She asked, her voice shaky from what she had just seen.

"Yes Sparks, its me." Indigo said gently, worry in his voice. "What happened? We heard you call out and noticed you weren't-"

He didn't get to finish as he was suddenly wrapped in a bear hug from the trembling Earth Pony Mare, despite the sudden grab Indigo didn't pause as he returned the hug as strong as he could while Sparks sobbed heavily into his neck. Blades walked over and wrapped her wings around the two as Sparks let out her fear through her sobs.

Blades rubbed her friend's back as she leveled a nasty glare at Dragonfly, who was looking at Sparks with deep sympathy.

"Blades, can you carry her?" He asked, Blades stood up and growled at him.

"Yes but I will not move until you tell us wh-"

"Blades unless you want the rest of us to suffer what Sparks just did we need to move now!"

Blades, and everypony else, flinched back at the tone of his voice and the fear in it. Blades didn't say anything as she picked up both Sparks and Indigo and placed them on her back while the latter used his magic to retrieve Sparks' sword. Dragonfly nodded and gestured the others to follow him as he picked up the pace, going from a walk to a trot. It wasn't long before the reached a spot that Dragonfly stopped at, before any of the others could ask why he had stopped their vision flashed white again. When it cleared there were more silhouettes clustered together in front of them.

Only these ones were different: While the shaped resembled that of Ponies, the group could clearly see holes in the legs, both wings and horns, and webbed tails. Before anypony voiced their thoughts Dragonfly spoke up.

"A battle raged here, one separate from the Nightmare Moon battles, long, long ago. The defenders still man their stations." He turned back to the group, his face serious. "Form a line, grab hold of each others' tails and then grab mine and do not let go until I tell you."

Everypony did so and once they were ready Dragonfly nodded and turned back to the silhouettes, then did something none of the others had ever seen or heard he do. Dragonfly started to chant in a series of clicks, hisses, chirps, squeaks, and buzzes as he walked forward, the silhouettes moving aside to let him and the others through. It was only once the others were all through and another flash of white filled their vision for a split second that Dragonfly stopped and said they could let go of each others' tails.

"We're in that safe area I told you about earlier, now I owe you all some explanations."

"Like hay you do." Blades snorted after punching him in the jaw, sending the disguised Changeling to the ground. Both Belle and Dancer opened their mouths to shout at Blades but Dragonfly held up a hoof as he stood back up, rubbing his sore but he didn't complain.

"It's alright, I deserved that, now I suppose I'll start with what's going on around us and what happened to Sparks." He took a deep breath and started.

"The reason I wanted us to hurry to this spot was as soon as we entered the hall past those voice-making pipes was because I sensed Dark Magic." The eyes of everypony went wide, now understanding. "This Dark Magic, from what I could tell, has been here since Nightmare Moon's first defeat. Since we had no choice but to go through it I wanted us to get here as fast as we could, before it started effecting us like it did to Sparks..." He paused, swallowing hard. "and before we ended up like those who came before us."

There was a long pause as the group took this in, finally Belle asked,

"How come you didn't just say this before? Back went I asked?"

"Because we had already been exposed to it by then and time was running out. I'm sorry Belle, I wanted to tell all of you right then and there but it was only a matter of time before the Dark Magic started taking hold, which is what happened to Sparks."

"What did happen to her?!" Blades asked, wrapping her wing around said Earth Pony.

"Dark Magic, at least this particular type, causes past trauma to flare up and take hold of the mind. From what you told me Blades, Sparks was foalnapped at nine years old and was almost killed."

This was news to the Mane Six while the rest of the group knew the story, Twilight turned to Sparks.

"If its not too much, what happened?" Sparks slowly let out a breath, and told the story; starting with how she was separated from Flame, waking up in the cage, the Noble, Hidden Blade saving her, the tearful hug she and Flame had, and finally meeting and befriend Blades. Twilight looked completely stunned, horrified at the fact that somepony would go as far to kill a nine-year old foal over "maintaining purity". Applejack had her hat over her chest, looking at Sparks with deep sympathy. Pinkie and Fluttershy had tears flowing from their eyes, while Rainbow Dash looked like somepony had told her the Wonderbolts were being disbanded. Rarity slowly reached up and rubbed her horn, utterly floored that a Pony would to that.

"The thing is..." Sparks continued, "I know that Unicorn is dead, my family made absolutely sure of it. But that vision, it was him alright. Only he looked... I can't even begin to put it in words. It has also been years since that day, I thought I was over it."

Dragonfly walked up and put a hoof on her shoulder.

"My guess Sparks is that you still had some lingering issues that you never noticed, its alright though." He gave her a hug, which Sparks returned. "I know I still have issues with spiders."

Pulling out of the hug Dragonfly was asked about the silhouettes, he sighed sadly.

"Those my friends, are literally the souls of those trapped here by the Dark Magic, doom to repeat their final moments over and over again. The only way to free and allow them to pass into the afterlife would be to purge the Dark Magic from the area. That would however take some very powerful Light Magic, to a level that only Celestia would have."

The looks of horror on the faces of the group spoke great volumes, just now realizing why Dragonfly was so serious on avoiding them as much as possible, then Rose spoke up.

"You mean, if we died here, we would join them?" The fear in her voice was unnerving for those who were use to Rose's normally cheerful and carefree demeanor. Dragonfly only nodded grimly, what he hadn't told them was that those trapped Ponies were fully aware of what was happening, unable to do anything but watch as time passed around them. There were fates worse then death, and that was one of them.

He didn't want to tell them that either, they were scared enough as even Dusk and Blades, normally the ones who weren't fazed by much, looked very frightened. Then Dancer asked,

"What about those silhouettes we just encountered? They didn't look anything like Ponies." She had guessed that those were Changelings, but she didn't say that out of respect for keeping Dragonfly's secret. Said disguised Changeling frowned and looked at the floor, thinking about how he wanted to answer before he turned to address the Mane Six.

"Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy. What I'm about to tell you must remain between us for the time being, it would take me too long fully to explain why here so I Pinkie Promise once this is over and we are back at the Cozy Rest i will tell you five everything. The others of the group plus Pinkie as well as Celestia know already know about what I'm going to show you, all I ask is that you trust me for the time being."

The five Mares looked at each other for a minute, then looked at Dragonfly with Applejack speaking.

"Alright Dragonfly, we're willing to listen so what is it ya have to say?"

"It would be easier to show you first; while it is true I'm half-Thestral, my other half isn't a Unicorn." Before the five could ask a green fire flared around Dragonfly for a second, scaring them until faded away and revealing Dragonfly's true form to them. The five stared as they took in Dragonfly's form, noticing right away how it closely it resembled a Pony Stallion just instead of a coat his body was covered in black carapace, his back had a shiny metallic silver plate which had a short spike in the center, and little fangs stuck out from his upper lips. a long horn somewhat bent in a few places jutted out proudly from his forehead and six tall and large red dragonfly-like wings sat with three on each side of his back plate. His eyes had stayed the same along with his mane and tail, the latter two had several holes of various sizes appear, a closer looking showing that the holes were formed from the hairs shifting to the sides like they were holding invisible water drops. Beyond that his height was also unchanged.

"Girls, I know this likely comes as a shock but I only hid what I was, never who I was. I'm still the same Dragonfly the five of you met and befriended all that time ago."

There was a long pause as the five stared, their expressions ranging from suspicious to curious. Applejack and Rainbow looked ready to attack but Blades and Dusk grabbed hold of their shoulders, the looks the two gave the Mares stopping them. Finally Twilight, her eyes sparkling with wonder, asked the question.

"Then what are you Dragonfly?"

"I'm what's know as a Changeling. More specifically, a Royal Changeling."

Twilight walked up to him looking closely at his new features with great curiously, already thinking of many questions she was going to ask after this was over. She didn't notice that Dragonfly was looking uncomfortable until Belle grabbed her shoulder and pulled her away.

"Sorry Twilight, but he is mine and Dancer's."

"Oops, sorry." Twilight smiled sheepishly as Grace asked the next question.

"What was that chanting a few minutes ago? We get that those silhouettes we just encountered were Changelings, but the chanting?"

"It's a long forgotten Changeling language, only very few still remember it. The chant itself is an ancient mantra for dismissing negative energy from a body."

There were a few blinks from the group as they took that in, then Rarity spoke.

"Excuse me darling, but why would Changelings stay hidden like you and your mother did. None of us form Ponyville even knew what a Changeling was before now, so why stay hidden?"

Dragonfly opened his mouth to answer, but paused as he suddenly felt something. He closed his eyes and used his magic to reach out, the others watching him curiously. After a minute Dragonfly opened his eyes.

"That answer will have to wait until later, the Elements are close."

With that he donned his disguise again and the group set off, thankfully reaching their destination without anymore trouble. Finally they passed through a broken door and saw before them a rounded hall with a large stone structure of some kind in the center, Dragonfly entered the room first as he immediately looked around, thinking that as soon as they crossed into the room, something would fall on them or catch them like a trap, but nothing happened. Once he was sure nothing would happen he waved the others in. Once everypony was in they slowly approached the structure, stopping half-way as they gazed at the five stone orbs that sat on arms sticking out of it.

"There they are, the Elements." Twilight said in awe.

"Don't look like much." Dusk said, wincing as Grace shoved his shoulder.

"I think that was the point Dusk."

The others agreed with Grace's statement, with the Elements looking like just stone orbs with symbols on the it was much more likely that those looking to loot the ruins would pass them by. Though from the looks of the place it seemed no creature had even stepped into the castle since it was abandoned so long ago, apart from them. Twilight smiled wide seeing the Elements and rushed to get them, only for Dragonfly to grab her in his magic and hold her back.

"Dragonfly what are you doing?! The Elements are right there!" Twilight called out gesturing to said objects.

"That's just what I'm afraid of Twilight! A large open room with the goal right in the middle? It's too easy, there has to be some kind of trap."

Setting Twilight next to him he looked around the chamber; Besides the structure which consisted of a round base, a huge ball in the center, and five stone arms that held the Elements there wasn't much of note. Yet, Dragonfly's instincts were telling him something was wrong. After the encounter with the Badlands Spider and after he had recovered Dragonfly had spent a lot of time honing those instincts and they had helped him during his travels in the Everfree.

But what was setting them off here?

Looking down at the floor, he noticed something off. While the floor was completely covered in dust, no surprise there, he spotted that there was an oval-shaped indented line right in front of them. Leaning down he placed his hoof next to the spot and moved it to the right, wiping the thick dust layer off and finding a small hoof plate of some kind. Dragonfly wiped the dust off his hoof using a napkin he had brought with him and frowned in thought, asking for a torch or something similar which Sparks pulled from her saddlebags and hoofed it over to him. He thanked her and carefully pressed one end on the pad and pushed as the others watched in curiously.

"Dragonfly, what are you-" Rarity started to ask but was cut of as something tiny shot from the wall to the left of them and impacted the torch he was holding; a thin and tiny dart no bigger than a nail which was now releasing a slow stream of dark copper fluid, ignoring the other's jumps and gasps Dragonfly used his magic to pull the dart out of the torch with a little effort and examined it closely, noticing the barbed tip right away which was also where the fluid was leaking from. He gently touched the tip of his tongue to the dart and spat, pulling out a small flask and opened it before taking a swig. He held it for a few seconds while swishing around his mouth before turning away from the group and spitting that out, Dragonfly then turned back to the group.

"Basilisk venom, one of the most potent poisons in the world, and it never loses that potency even over a thousand years." He said showing off the dart. "A single drop in your blood stream will shut down all your organs in a minute at most and that's if you're lucky. I've heard of creatures dying in as little as three seconds flat."

The group visibly paled at Dragonfly's explanation, Twilight's coat going from lavender to almost white at the though that she was almost hit by that dart if Dragonfly hadn't stopped her. Dusk spoke up after he swallowed hard.

"Then 'ow do we get the Elements?"

Rainbow scoffed, "Easy."

She gave a flap of her wings and shot forward, only to impact a wall of magic Dragonfly had cast.

"Not a good idea Dash." He picked up a rock and tossed it over the threshold, where it was zapped by pure white lightning bolts and turned to ash. Rainbow turned white at the sight, while it was true Pegasi could take a few hits from lightning bolts they still had limits, they tried to avoid it as much as possible, and these bolts were clearly far more intense than the ones in the weather factory. Rainbow had heard stories of unlucky Pegasi getting stuck by bolts like that, leaving almost nothing left to recover afterward.

Indigo decided to try something; Lighting up his horn with a small glow on the tip he walked forward and slowly passed his horn over the threshold, recoiling with a yelp of pain as a flash appeared and his horn started smoking, landing on his back with his hooves holding his horn.

"Son of a B-"

"Indigo Patches! Watch your language around the Mares!" Dusk scolded him, the Unicorn shot a glare back at the Thestral.

"Well you grow a horn and stick it in an anti-magic field! That. Bucking. Hurt!

"Okay we can't walk or fly over to them and we can't use magic. How are we suppose to get the Elements then?" Belle asked, her sister nodding in agreement. Dragonfly put a hoof on his chin as Twilight did the same.

How would they get the Elements? With the traps in place getting to them would be deadly, the two glaced at each other, a thought striking them t the same time. Looking around Dragonfly and Twilight examined the room more closely, both noticing small runes that they had missing before, Kirin Runes. It was well known that all four Kirin races were completely immune to magic of any and all types, even Chaos and Dark Magic, this was because of the race of Dragons the Kirin had been born from had also been immune to magic. The Kirin couldn't use magic the same way other Pony races could, so they had created their own. Somehow, someway, they had discovered how to make runes that could draw in loose magic in the air like a magnet and store it. These runes then allowed the Kirin to use magic through items imprinted with these runes.

Twilight had once asked Celestia if she could study and research this but Celestia had sadly said that she couldn't due to agreements between her and the Clan Leaders, the Kirin were extremely protective of the secrets of rune magic, and for good reason: Items enchanted with rune magic would allow anyone to use magic. Only Kirin Runesmiths fully knew how they worked, though any Kirin could learn it through trial and error. But these runes, unless either the Kirin had learned from a Runesmith or one had improved them, were far weaker.

The fact that there were Kirin runes here caught both of them by surprise, could the Kirin have been here after the place was abandoned? If so, why?

Something then clicked in Dragonfly's head as the gears began to turn faster, he turned his head back to the group as Twilight noticed and followed his gaze, which landed on Blades. Said pony/Kirin hybrid was currently helping Indigo apply some anti-burn cream to his horn. She looked up to notice Dragonfly staring at her.

"What?"

Than her eyes widened

"Oh no. I am not gonna be the test subject here. I'm only half Kirin so I don't know if I even have the magic immunity."

"Oh Blades."

Turning she said Sparks, who had caught what Dragonfly was thinking, holding a large piece of smoked bacon in her hoof.

Which was Blades' favorite food next to her mother's noddles.

Blades' mouth opened as her fangs began to drip, tongue rolled out and a wide open smile appeared on her face. Her tail started wagging as her wings spread.

"You what this girl don't ya? Ya want it?"

Sparks suddenly turned and tossed the strip of bacon towards the center structure.

"Go fetch!"

Blades surged forth after the meat, the ones in front of her diving to the stone floor. It was a simple rule with Blades; If she smelled smoked bacon, Get. Out. Of. The. Way!!! Blades quickly caught up with and grabbed the meat strip in her teeth, landing on the center structure unharmed as she ate it, making surprisingly cute "nom nom nom nom nom nom" sounds as she did.

The pose she took only added to it: Blades had sat down on her hind legs with her forelegs holding the bacon like a chipmunk as she nibbled with her eyes closed. Her wings were half-folded and her tail was draped over two of the arms. The group couldn't help but "Dawwwww!" at the sight, Blades not caring as she was in bacon zen.

Until a bright flash lit up the room as Blades finished, Sparks had a camera that Pinkie had pulled out of her mane. Blades stared for a minute in surprise before a nasty scowl appeared.

"SPARKS!!! That wasn't funny!" Blades place her hands on her hips as said Earth Pony flashed a smile that would have made a Griffin proud.

"Yes it was, funny and cute."

Blades just snorted as she turned and gathered the Elements before flying back, Twilight turned to Dragonfly.

"How did you know that would work?"

"I didn't."

The collective "WHAT??!!" caused both Dragonfly and Dusk to cover their ears.

"Ya guys let's just blow out my eardrums why don't we." The latter said, the sarcasm so thick it could form a planet. Dragonfly uncovered his ears only to hear Blades.

"You gave Sparks the thought to throw a strip of my favorite meat into a dangerous area, and you didn't know if I would be find." She hissed lowly in his ear, that wasn't a question, it wasn't even a promise.

"I did not know she was gonna do that Blades, I swear!" Dragonfly leaned back from her, hooves up in front of his face. Blades glared at him for a second, then smacked Dragonfly over the head with her tail.

"Ow, shall we call it even?"

"Deal."

"So... we have the Elements, what now?" Belle asked as said objects were place in the middle of the group.

"Well..." Twilight started, "There's only five. The book said: "When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed."."

“What in tarnation is that supposed to mean?” Applejack asked, the others sharing her thoughts.

“Not too sure, but I got an idea. Everypony stand back, I’m not sure what will happen.” Twilight said as she closed her eyes and lit up her horn while the others took a few steps back to give her some space. After a few minutes nothing happened, as Twilight opened her eyes and looked up.

"Nothing, I can't seem to feel anything."

"So we're stuck?" Grace asked, looking a bit downcast.

"Not yet, but-" Twilight was cut off as Dragonfly suddenly winced and looked up above them, following his gaze the others let out shouts of surprise as a smokey, black cloud suddenly dropped on them and everything went dark.





When the group could see again they found themselves in a large room, the others were fine as they coughed and stood up. The room was mostly empty with a few pillars and a raised dais on the far end.

And over on the dais, surrounded by the Elements, was the Alicorn they had been after. Dragonfly's eyes narrowed as the other Guards quickly pulled out their weapons and took defensive positions.

"Nightmare Moon." Dragonfly said in a low tone.

The dark Alicorn let out a loud laugh.

"And this is all they could sent to try and stop me? You’re kidding. You’re kidding, right?" She asked amused. She soon spotted Dusk who was couched low with his wings spread out, sword at the ready in his right hoof. Nightmare gave a small smirk

"And one of my children of night, why do you fight for the weak Princess Celestia? You did swear an oath to me after all."

"The Thestrals swore an oath to Prince Luna." Dusk hissed through his teeth. "Not you."

"She and I are one and the same."

"No, you are not. And even if we had, those oaths died when we were abandoned, almost doomed to a slow extinction."

Nightmare Moon faltered for a split second, but quickly stood proud. However in that second, the group heard a very faint sound.

"I'm sorry Dusk, I never meant for it to happen."

Nightmare Moon's wings flared out

"You fools thing you have a chance against me! The Mistress of the Night! You cannot win!"

"Even if that's the case, we ain't goin' down without a fight." Dragonfly hissed as he pulled out his halberd.

Nightmare Moon's eyes narrowed.

"Very well, have at thee!"

Dragonfly and the others charged.
> The Nightmare of the Moon Part 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The group quickly scattered as Nightmare Moon fired a beam of magic at them, Blades took it head-on but the magic merely flowed over her like water thinks to her immunity. The Pegasus-like Kirin giving their enemy a smug smile while said Alicorn gave a growl. Dusk took to the air with Rose as Sparks went to the right with Dragonfly on the left, Indigo staying back with the others as they waited for the right moment. Nightmare Moon was heavily outnumbered here but she still had her magic, despite it being weakened from her escape. Dragonfly ducked under a bolt as Sparks, Dusk, and Rose attacked from three different directions, his father had always said: "Son, should you ever have to face an Alicorn, and I hope you never do, remember that they have the magic of the three original tribes and do not be afraid to fight dirty. Use the surrounding area to you advantage, and do not give them an opening to attack. Anti-Magic artifacts or similar items will give you an edge but Do Not underestimate them. Stay light on your hooves and hit them fast and hard."

Dragonfly moved behind a pillar and took stock of the situation: Blades was faring well thanks to her magic immunity and was engaging Nightmare Moon head-on, Dusk and Rose were using hit-and-run attacks and striking from the air. Each time Nightmare Moon turned to retaliate Blades would intensify her attacks and force NMM to focus on the Pegasus-like Kirin, which allowed the two flyers to pull back and attack from another angle. Meanwhile he and Sparks had moved to struck NMM from behind, the former carrying his halberd while the latter was carrying, of all things, an over-sized monkey wrench. Dragonfly and Sparks looked at each other, nodded their heads once, then as one charge NMM from behind.

That was when she changed her tactics, she teleported and caused the group of five to crash into each other.

Nightmare Moon reappeared a few feet from her original spot and fired a magic beam at the others, Indigo quickly put up a shield which deflected the beam into the ceiling, causing some wreckage to fall. Behind him the other were watching the fight as Twilight was trying her best to activate the Elements but was having no luck. The attacking group recovered and hit NMM from the rear, forcing the Alicorn to focus on them.

Unfortunately for the group, the journey through the forest and the events in the castle before had taken a small but noticeable toll on their fighting ability, which was only compounded by the Dark Magic still in the area. Blades was the only one not effected but the others were starting to get tired while NMM seemed to be gaining strength, Dragonfly realized immediately that she was feeding off the Dark Magic. They had to end this fight now or they would lose.

As NMM used her magic to blast all but Blades back as she engaged the latter Dragonfly landed next to Indigo who helped him up.

"Thanks. Twilight, any luck."

Twilight turned to him, shaking her head.

"No, I can't get the spark!"

"Try getting your friends."

"I can-"

"TWILIGHT! We can't keep this up! Forget doing this own your own!"

Twilight winced at the tone Dragonfly used, but before she could do anything NMM released a blast wave of magic that was solid enough to knock even Blades back as the dark Alicorn turned and charged at the others, who couldn't react in time as NMM formed a cone-shaped wedge in front of her and slammed into the group, knocking them back and grabbing the Elements before teleporting back to where she had been before the battle started.

She let out a snarl and her horn flashed, around her several pools of black-colored magic formed, and then from those pools shapes emerged. The shapes being silhouettes of Winged Thestrals made entirely of magic with red featureless eyes.

"You want a battle? Well take this!"

At that command the shadow Thestrals charged.

The group was waiting and all of them met the charge with their own, clashing with the shadows hard. The fight lasted for five minutes but soon Belle was knocked to the floor and the Shadow she was fighting reared up and came down with its fangs bared, aiming for her neck. Dragonfly and Rose noticed at the same time and blasted their own opponents away before charging to help her, but they knew they wouldn't get their in time.

But it turned out to be unnecessarily.

"POW! HA HA!"

A voice that was not any of their own suddenly called out and every single Shadow that was fighting the group was blown back, hitting the floor next to a surprised Nightmare Moon and dissipating into energy that faded away quickly.

"What in the name of the Moon!"

All of them looked back to the entryway and saw a group of five Ponies; In the center was a giant of an Earth Pony Stallion (Trouble-Shoes-sized) with a red coat with the hooves uncovered showing their brown color, blue eyes, and a buzzed cut mane and medium-length tail of yellow. His Cutie Mark was an antique minigun made almost entirely of brass (bearing resemblance to the original 1862 Gatling gun made by Richard J. Gatling) with a number of modifications. He wore a blackushanka with a large gold star set on the front on his head, a red t-shirt with a black greatcoat with red armbands which had his Cutie Marks in yellow over it and over that on his right shoulder was a bandolier with seven small pouches on the front and one big pouch on the back. Around his neck was a large grey and red champion belt with golden decorations and the Stallion's Cutie Mark on front of it. Over his left shoulder was a red sash with a yellow stripe and a yellow icon of an antique blacksmith hammer banging against its top, on his front hooves were a pair of black, gold-lined diamond-studded hoof boxing gloves with a skull emblem ring on each. Attached to his right upper leg was a small brown book with his Cutie Mark on the cover held in place by a leather strap with a silver button, on his back were four metal army-green cases with a red-colored icon of four Gatling Gun bullets. His lower half was covered by a pair of camouflage fatigues and a holder with a set of four Gatling Gun bullets hanging from the belt on the right side, on the belt over his flanks was a large red medical pouch with a basic white cross on the right and a large rectangle-shaped brown pouch held closed with a black leather strap and silver buckle, on the pouch lid above the buckle was a small red pin with the same hammer and anvil icon as the sash, and a red and white metal lunch box with a logo visible on the front of the item. The logo was the Equestrian symbol with the letters E, R, and K in Equestrian writing, under the letters in small words was "Equestrian Royal Knights".

His right foreleg was held straight out, showing he was the one who spoke.

To his right was a Unicorn Mare and a Cave Thestral Stallion, the Unicorn Mare had a blue coat with a bright red mane and tail, green eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a Dragon head shooting fire from its mouth. She wore a red firefighter's helmet with an orange pentagonal-shaped crest with her Cutie Mark emblazoned on the front, a red hoodie with flame decals under the helmet and a set of red robes that reached to her elbows and knees, and a red fire extinguisher which included a Pulaski, a type of forestry firefighting equipment, attached to the side. Over her chest was a black strap with Pony dolls resembling the Mare. One possessed the Western depiction of an angelic halo, while the other has cartoony devil horns and a pitchfork and over her flanks were two different bags: On her left was a worn knapsack stuffed with fireworks, an oil can, a gas cylinder, and a BBQ cookbook while on her right was a blue backpack with three small pockets and a tag with the Mare's Cutie Mark. Attached to the backpack are a bottle with a red mug on one side, a paper folded in half on the other, and a rolled up sleeping bag on the top.

Both packs had three green bottles each with a white rag and duck tape around the neck holding the rag in place. Around her forelegs were blue armbands holding a silver lighter and a matchbox each and over her hooves were black welding gloves.

The Cave Thestral Stallion was a good head and a half taller than most Stallions and had an dark grey coat, the trademark deep blue webbed mane, wings, and tail and a dark yellow eye. His Cutie Mark was a heavy-looking but still small, glowing, spiked bomb with large, blunted spikes and over his left eye was a black eyepatch. He worn red coveralls with a heavily padded Bomb suit, with a very large collar over his torso with the collar extended to cover most of the neck and surround the back and sides the head leaving only the top exposed, atop his head was a red bomb disposal helmet with a full face visor, just barely visible under the helmet through the visor was a red bandana with his Cutie Mark marked in white in several places. Over his right shoulder was a red, plaid sash held together with a bronze buckle, battle damaged silver metal plates on the shoulders and pouches on his waist with one on each side, on his chest were two pairs of red dynamite packs of three. On his knees were Orange knee-pads with black caps, worn, padlocked wooden chests with a key strapped to the bottom over heavily padded flaps with his Cutie Mark that covered his flanks. Covering his hooves were brown work boots with metal caps painted yellow and a metal plate held on by two leather straps with metal buckles on each lower leg.

To the giant Earth Pony's left was another Earth Pony Stallion and a Unicorn Stallion, the former a large (Big Mac-sized) Pony with a brown coat, a buzzed-cut red mane and short tail, and yellow eyes. His Cutie Mark was a 68-Pounder Cannon firing with a red glow covering the cannonball. He wore a red trench coat, a slightly over-sized reddish-brown Germane Stahlhelm with the Equestrian emblem on the sides in a shield decal on his head, around his neck was a short grey and black striped scarf and a small back gas mask large enough to cover the muzzle with a tan strap and attached to a black tube that when to a small dark red oxygen tank-like canister, black Epaulettes with red edging on his shoulders, over the tench coat was a brown bomber jacket with red fake fur interior and red armbands with his Cutie Mark patched onto the sides of the upper front legs. Around his chest was a gray flak vest with a zipper, three different sized pouches, and shoulder pads. Across his chest from the right shoulder was a brown leather chest strap holding a large combat knife. On the lower left side of the strap is a small leather pouch. Around his waist was a utility belt featuring a bladed buckle, canisters, and two large pouches. Over his flanks were a pair of brown saddlebags that were worn and slightly tattered with a large, worn and heavily faded black leather strap that held the flap closed with a silver buckle. Two badges, one a small round silver badge with a skull set over top explosions on the main body of the bags and the other an orange shield-shaped badge with the image of a helmeted Earth Pony head with a thin badge above that read "Rock Crushers" on the flap. Completing his looked was a pair of light brown camouflaged pants with silver knee pads and a pair of of dark brown tanker boots with metal plates capping the soles on each hoof.

The Unicorn was a half-head shorter than Princess Luna would be with a pure white coat, blue eyes, and black mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was what looked like a modified red-colored fire hose nozzle wrapped in black tape and outfitted with a bottom handle. He wore a stylized, extremely flared form of a Germane Stahlhelm with an added steel brow which had his Cutie Mark on it in red and a small line gap for his longer-than-normal horn, attached to the right side of the brow plate was a headlight made up of three neon tubes and a bent antenna protruding from a small battery pack at the back of the light frame. A pair of headphones that fully covered his ears was visible under the helmet. Over his eyes were a pair of red glowing goggles with flaps in a dark grey frame, covering his muzzle was a red respirator mask with a grey cap on the front and a grey filter on the right side, on the left was a translucent red tube connecting to what appeared to be a small red oxygen tank with grey top and a small gauge hanging on the Stallion's belt.

Around his neck was a multicolored striped scarf that trailed half-way down his front legs. Over his torso he wore a maroon greatcoat which was covered by a white smock, and a red undergarment visible around the base of his neck. The greatcoat featured a large collar and sleeves that partially covered his red gloves, while the smock had his Cutie Mark in a circle on each of its shoulders though one was covered by a plug embedded in his right upper foreleg which was attached via a tube to a device attached to the front of his right foreleg with three red and glowing vials. Over the chest of the coat was a stylized version of the Germane "Infanterie-Panzer" (Literally "infantry armour") with a large brown vest with the right side having two slots for what appeared to be syringes, while the left side had a pouch with his Cutie Mark on it and two medicine bottles inside.

Besides the red tank, on his belt was a red leather equipment satchel with a darker-colored emblem of his Cutie Mark accompanied by a worn clipboard with paper hanging from the side and a set of two white pill bottles along with two red pouches; one with his Cutie Mark on the case. Over his rear half he wore a pair of camouflaged combat slacks with red and dark grey kneepads. Over his right flank was a red satchel with a grey belt with a silver buckle; the sides of the satchel had two pockets with a silver button on each side and the flap was held down by a strap. On the center of the bag was his Cutie Mark. On his left flank was a larger red satchel that was open, showing three large syringes on the side and two rolls of bandages and two large medicine bottles inside. His back hooves were covered by black combat boots with red gaiters or spats over them.

Sparks, Dusk and Rose spoke first.

"Mom!"

"Dad?!"

The Big Mac-sized Pony Earth Pony Stallion with the brown coat, buzzed-cut red mane and short tail, and yellow eyes answered first.

"Heard you kids needed some help, we came here as fast as we could."

The giant Earth Pony blew on his right hoof before setting it down and smiling.

"Rest of team couldn't come, had to keep panic down but..."

The only Mare of the five gave her own smile as her horn let loose some fire.

"We were able to come and help."

Nightmare Moon snarled and with a roar summoned more of the Shadow Thestrals, more than before.

"And who the buck are you?!" She shouted, the giant Earth Pony walked forward until he was in front of the others.

"I am Big Round, Heavy Weapons Pony and Royal Knight, and this..." He reached up to his back and pulled out a minigun exactly like his Cutie Mark. "...is Oksana. She weighs one hundred fifty kilograms and fires two hundred bit, custom-tooled cartridges at ten thousand rounds per minute. It costs four hundred thousand bits to fire this weapon..."

He started turning the side-mounted hoof crank.

"...for twelve seconds."

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

Nightmare Moon let out a shrill shriek of surprise as she threw up a shield, it was all she could do as those "ten thousand rounds per minute" projectiles cut down her Shadow Thestrals like a lawnmower to long grass and impacted her shield with bright and powerful explosions, Big Round laughing as he keep the weapon trained on her.

"Not so mighty now tiny Alicorn!"

More Shadow Thestrals appeared and charged at Big Round only to run into a wall if fire, the Mare wading through it like nothing.

"Name's Flame Flower, Pryomage, Royal Knight, and volunteer firefighter plus Sparky Gears second mother, and I almost lost my daughter long ago. Never again!" She let loose more fire, the Shadows disappearing within and dissipating. The heat swirled around NMM as the other Earth Pony Stallion joined the fray, pulling out what looked to be a 110 pounder cannon that had been shrunken down to be able to be shoulder-mounted with two handles built into the bottom and a targeting scope mounted to the left side.

"Sergeant Trencher to you moon maggot, of the Earth Pony Rock Crusher's battalion and Royal Knight." He, to the surprise of those from Ponyville, aimed his weapon right under him and fired. But instead of being blown up as they had expected Trencher instead was launch into the air, where he fired three more shell which impacted against the floor and taking out several more Shadows before coming down on top of another back hooves first, crushing the unlucky Shadow under him.

Nightmare Moon finally had a reprieve as Big Round's gun went click several times in rapid succession, but as she released the shield she saw sixteen black cannonball-like spheres with large, blunted spikes surrounding her. She only had time to yell in surprise as they exploded, sending the dark Alicorn into the ceiling and back to the floor with a crash. The Cave Thestral Stallion laughing with a launcher of some kind in his right hoof.

"I'm Blasting Cap lassie, Dusk and Rose's dad. Demolitions Expert and Royal Knight." He put the launcher on his back and pulled out a weapon that looked like a pirate-style cannon with a stock and a sight near the front of the barrel. He aimed and fired a cannonball at NMM who was standing back up, the projectile hitting the Alicorn square in the chest and sending her flying back with a scream right into a pillar.

The final Stallion of the newcomers used a cleaver-like blade fixed into a bonesaw grip, with a large syringe filled with red, glowing liquid to fight off any Shadows close to him and a wooden crossbow with a metal barrel attached to a canister which housed a syringe until it was fired. His Cutie Mark was present on both the canister and the frame of the Crusader's Crossbow.

"And I'm Healing Ray, Medic and Royal Knight." He lit up his horn and both he and Big Round were covering in a red sheen while their eyes glowed yellow. "Schenell! Go get zem!"

More Shadow Thestrals appeared and attacked, Big Round dropped his weapon and slammed his hooves together before laying it out on the Shadows yelling "CRY SOME MORE!". Trencher pulled out an entrenching shovel with a tan wooden handle fastened with green metal and went to town while Flame Flower summoned a small pillar of fire that formed into an obsidian axe with glowing lava flowing along the blade's extreme edges. Any of the Shadows she struck were set aflame and quickly vansihed in puffs of fire and smoke, Cap pulled out a  double-bevelled battle-axe with a wooden shaft and spiked crossguard and literary charged into the fray with a loud battlecray, the battle-axe glowing red with electrical bolts of the same color zapping around it.

Behind them the others regrouped and watched, recovering their strength and readying themselves to jump in again. Twilight turned to Sparks.

"Your second mother is a Pyromage and a volunteer firefighter? How does that even work?"

Sparks shrugged.

"Couldn't tell you, she was those before I was born."

Once they had recovered enough Dragonfly and the guards rejoined the fight, beating back the Shadow Thestrals and allowing Big Round to reload his weapon as NMM lifted herself out of the rubble, sore from the double hit but still not out yet. Shaking her head she soon saw Twilight trying to active the Elements but she still couldn't get them to even spark, looking around she noticed that none of the others had seen that she had recovered and a smile came to her face.

There was no warning.

Nightmare Moon lit her horn and caused the Shadow Thestrals to suddenly explode, sending the startled Ponies back as NMM shot forward before they could recover and grabbed the Elements before teleporting to the other side of the room, where she quickly lifted her front hooves.

"NOOO!" Twilight yelled, but it was too late, Nightmare Moon stomped down on one of the stone spheres, causing this and the other four to shatter into hundreds of pieces. Nightmare Moon reared back and laughing with all her strength as the others started in shock, Twilight's heart sinking as the reality of their only weapon against her had been destroyed before their very eyes.

"You little foals!" Nightmare Moon laughed. "Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your precious, or your sun! The night will last forever!"

Dragonfly looked at the shattered pieces then at Nightmare Moon.

"True, but you'll be alone."

NMM stopped laughing as she and the others looked at him, the former glaring.

"What are you talking about?! My subjects will see the beauty of my night and they'll adore me as they always should have!" Dragonfly glared back and walked forward.

"The thing is, without the sun there is no warmth. Without warmth plants will start to die, then the animals, and finally all life dies as the planet freezes over. Nothing will survive! And all you will have to rule Nightmare Moon is a lifeless ball of ice. All alone, forever."

Before anypony else could add to that Nightmare Moon suddenly roared and, with speed that she had not shown until then, flew like a lightning bolt and crashed right into Dragonfly, who due to both the surprise and speed of the Alicorn mare, was unable to react in time. NMM released a blast of magic that send everypony else flying back away from the two as Nightmare Moon pinned Dragonfly down, the former enraged as she began shouting.

"THEY WILL SEE MY NIGHT! I"LL KEEP THEM ALIVE NO MATTER WHAT!"

Dragonfly winced at the volume, but knew that she was becoming more insane as she was absorbing the castle's Dark Magic. That was the problem with Dark Magic and why it wasn't practiced, the more the caster used it the more they fell into insanity.

"DRAGONFLY!!" Both Belle and Dancer shouted as they and the others quickly got too their hooves, turning immediately to help him. Nightmare Moon quickly brought her horn to Dragonfly's neck and pressed it against him as she glanced sideways at the approaching Ponies.

"One more step and I'll slice his neck open!" Nightmare Moon shouted, the group stopping in their tracks. Dusk had his crossbow leveled on NMM's head but was afraid of pulling the trigger, the Alicorn smiled smugly.

"What's the matter, my child of the Night." She said mockingly, "Don't wish to risk killing your friend."

"No, he's just distracting you."

To the surprise of everypony, Nightmare Moon included, Dragonfly suddenly jerked to the side. A moved that should have sliced his neck open but instead their was only a shower of sparks as the Unicorn was engulfed by green fire, which quickly faded away to reveal his true form.

With a smirk that would have made even a Dragon pause.

"Surprise witch."

Dragonfly grabbed the sides of NMM's head and pulled her down as he leaned up, his horn glowing with an increasingly bright glow. The others saw what was coming and shielded their eyes, just in time as the room lit up in a white flare. The Flare Spell was one of the simplest spells in the book and was usually used to light up an area though it could blind an opponent in a pinch for a few seconds, it was also very quick to cast and didn't need much power at all. In this case Dragonfly held the spell as he pulled NMM's head down, the intense light blinding her. As she was a creature of the night Nightmare Moon had eyes developed to better see in the dark, but she too had the same weakness of bright light. Now light that intense at that close range would have literary burned out a normal creatures eyes, as an Alicorn the damage would be only temporarily, but it was enough.

Nightmare Moon shrieked in pain as she tore free of the Royal Changeling's grip as she reared back her eyes shut and smoking, but Dragonfly didn't let up. Wings glowing he used the Leaping Wing Strike to slam into NMM's chest and sent her flying backwards, following the attack with a strike right to her horn which caused her shriek to go up a few levels. It was a common misconception that horns as well as wings were... well... you should know. In truth that wasn't the case; the reason the two parts were sensitive was because of the number of nerve bundles within.

As Unicorns and Pegasus channeled magic through their horns and wings respectively a large number of nerves was needed for them to do so, and while it allowed them to channel the magic it came at the cost of those limbs being very sensitive to touch. Now, lightly tapping a Unicorn's horn would only mildly annoy them while gentle nuzzling or touch a Pegasus' wing was very soothing to them. It should also be noted that the thing Pegasus Ponies would do with their wings under certain... conditions was actually something from their primitive days, long before the Ponies were even fully sapient. When a primitive Pegasus was willing to mate they would spread and display their wings much like birds doing a courtship dance, to attract an interested partner. An old trait that still carried to this day, as Dragonfly had seen Thunderlane's wings flare when he saw Flitter with a wet mane after she came out of one of the showers in the Hive.

But it was also because of those nerve bundles that hitting either limb hard enough would floor the Pony they were attached to, which was just what Dragonfly was aiming for. Nightmare Moon may have been a powerful magic caster, but with the hits to her horn and wings she was unable to focus as even panic casting required a second for the magic to gather and each hit disrupted the magic and caused it to dissipate each time. As Nightmare Moon was reeling from the quick attacks of the Changeling Royal Blades, Dusk, Rose and Sparks made their moved, combining their body weight into ramming her side and sending the Alicorn into the floor as the Changeling and ponies dog-piled on her, joined by Trencher and Big Round.

As this fight went on Twilight looked at the remains of the Elements, realizing that if she had come alone she would have been easily defeated and the more the thought sank in the more despair filled her heart. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie came up to her and sat beside her.

"Don’t worry Twilight, we’re here!" Pinkie said, wrapping a foreleg around her shoulders.

"Don’t worry, we’ll be there!" Applejack added.

Twilight looked at them with wide eyes, then something clicked in her mind. A special spark suddenly appear in her eyes as the realization came to her. Exchanging looks with the girls, they give each other a quick smirk before silently turning around to face Nightmare Moon as she finally fought off those attacking her, their expressions shifting to fierce confidence.

"You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that?” Twilight challenged as Nightmare Moon recovered. "Well, you’re wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here."

As if they rehearsed this moment, all five mares stood around Twilight Sparkle as the rest of the group got clear and Dragonfly reapplied his disguise.

"What?" Nightmare Moon exclaimed.

Before Nightmare Moon’s eyes, several shards suddenly rose from the broken elements, surrounding the mares one by one as Twilight spoke.

"Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of… Honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the Manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of… Kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of… Laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful Serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of… Generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart’s desire, represents the spirit of… Loyalty! These five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us. And Dragonfly and his friends helped get us here, right where we were needed."

"But you still don’t have the sixth element!" Nightmare Moon protested. "The spark didn’t work!"

"But it did!" Twilight corrected, facing the five ponies. "A different kind of spark. I felt it at the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you."

Twilight smiled, as a single pair of tears escaped her eyes.

“The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all, both the girls around me and the others that came here with us… are my friends!"

Upon Twilight Sparkle’s epiphany, a light glowed around the unicorn as all eyes watch it descend before her. It did not take long for Twilight Sparkle to realize what it all meant.

"You see, Nightmare Moon," Twilight continued. "When those Elements are ignited by the… The spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: The element of… Magic!"

It was then the sixth orb appeared, revealing the sixth element as it descends above Twilight. The shards of the other elements restored themselves, creating special gold necklaces with each element residing in the center. Twilight’s element was more special, a tiara with the element of magic shining triumphantly on her head. Dragonfly smiled as Belle and Dancer hugged him from the sides.

"Now you understand Nightmare Moon, the spheres were merely vessels. The real Elements can never be destroyed, when you shattered the spheres the Elements merely moved to their new vessels; these six Mares right here."

A bright light surrounds the six Ponies, as the Elements converged around them with raw power. The energy formed into  a large and powerful rainbow that shot up and crashed down toward Nightmare Moon, engulfing her in a multicolored cyclone.

"To quote something I once heard: TASTE THE RAINBOW, NIGHTMARE MOON!!!" Sparks bellowed.

"Nooo!" Nightmare Moon screamed. "Nooo!"

As the rainbow’s power consumed the Mare in the Moon, the elements themselves glowed brighter until Twilight Sparkle opens her eyes, which glowed as well. The brightness consumed them all, filling the entire room with radiance and the Castle was filled with magic that purged the Dark Magic from it, freeing the trapped souls and finally allowing them to pass on. Eventually, the bright light faded, leaving the six Mares laying on the ground, clearly spent from the exposure to all that power. The others' vision cleared and they rushed over, checking to see if the girls were okay, which they were.

"Ugh, my head," Rainbow groaned, sitting up.

"Everypony okay?" Applejack asked, as the rest got back on their hooves, the following responses answered her in the positive.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity cried.

All the ponies, and disguised Changeling, turned as the fashionista looked behind herself. Apparently, the magic of the elements was so powerful, it restored her beautiful tail to its former, normal glory.

"Why Rarity, it’s so lovely," Fluttershy pointed out.

"I know!" Rarity said, cuddling and nuzzling her tail. "I’ll never part with it again."

"No, your necklace,” Fluttershy corrected, pointing at said item. "It looks just like your cutie mark."

Rarity finally noticed her gold necklace, noting how the purple diamond in the center matched her cutie mark swimmingly.

"What? Ohh!" Rarity exclaimed. "So does yours!"

Fluttershy looked upon her own necklace, gasping with delight and smiling warmly. All the other ponies acknowledged their new jewelry bestowed upon them by the elements’ power.

"Look at mine! Look at mine!" Pinkie said excitedly as she hopped over to the group.

"Aw yeah!" Rainbow said proudly, admiring her own.

The six ponies 'oohed' and 'awed' at their elements, as Twilight admired her tiara with a big smile.

At the same time Sparks tackled her second mother in a hug, the Mare laughing as she returned it saying, "Easy there kiddo." while Dusk and Rose hugged their dad, Grace joining in while everypony else watched the scene, Dragonfly with his forelegs around Belle's and Dancer's shoulders.

“Gee, Twilight!” Applejack spoke up. “I thought you were just spoutin’ a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the Elements of Harmony.

"Indeed you do…”"

A majestic voice drew the group toward the window, as the sun returns, and a warm light enters the castle ruins. As the familiar golden orb of hope and light ignited the dark sky, another made its way before the ponies. And there, standing majestically before them, was Princess Celestia herself, towering before her subjects. The Royal Knights and Guards saluting her, with Trencher whacking himself in the face with his hoof as he did so with an "OW!", while AJ, RD, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy bowed. Twilight rushed towards her with Dragonfly, Belle and Dancer right behind her. The four in question all to happy to see her again.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight and Dragonfly gasped.

"Auntie!" Belle and Dancer shouted.

The three Unicorns and one Changeling rushed towards their mentor/Godmother/Auntie, sharing a warm embrace with her.

"Twilight, my faithful student. Dragonfly, my dear Godson, and Bluebelle and Diamond Dancer, my sweet nieces." Coming out of the embrace she turned to Twilight.

"I knew you could do it."

"But… You told me it was all an old pony-tale." Twilight pointed out.

"I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more." Celestia corrected.

As the other ponies lowered their salutes or stood up, minus Fluttershy given her shy nature, Celestia continued as it all became clear for her student.

"I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon’s return, and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart." Celestia said, Dragonfly speaking up.

"Reminds me me of something my mother once told me: Individually we are strong, together we are stronger."

Celestia smiled at him as Belle and Dancer hugged him and Twilight turned toward her new friends, offering a grateful smile.

"She is correct Dragonfly, now if only another will as well."

The Ponies turned as Princess Celestia made her way towards what remained of Nightmare Moon, or rather her true form…

"Princess Luna!"

There, sitting upon the remains of now useless pebbles and shards, a lighter blue alicorn, with an even lighter mane and tail, met their gaze. The paleness of her coat and mane a sign she had been drained of her magical power, the alicorn much smaller in size compared to the white-coated Princess Celestia. She gasped upon hearing her name, one she hadn’t heard in so long, as she looked toward Princess Celestia fearfully.

"It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this," Princess Celestia said, tears threatening to fall. "Luna, I'm so sorry. The day I lost you forced my eyes open, to see what I had become. Dad and moms would have be so ashamed." She reached Luna and laid down in front of her. "I was too blinded by the praise, by the love, by my own light, to see what was happening. Your banishment was only the beginning; After your went to the Moon the Thestrals suffered, having stillborns because my own Ponies lied to them and me. When they found out the Thestrals left Equestria entirely, setting themselves up in Hollow Shades. Then the Yetis came and the Great Famine right after. Once that was all said and done the Thestrals refused to come back, flat out telling me the oaths they had sworn were over, that they would not protect those that tired to doom them to slow extinction, it was six hundred years but eventually they come back, but they have not forgotten what happened to them and even now they do not trust me. I'm so, so sorry Luna. It's time to put our differences behind us, like we should have done so long ago. We were always meant to rule together, little sister, just like father had told us."

As Dusk had already told them earlier, the only ones surprised by this revelation were the Royal Knights.

"Will you accept my friendship and my long overdue apologizes?" Celestia offered, extending a hoof.

The other ponies leaned forward with interest, anxiously waiting to see how Luna would answer. Pinkie Pie, however, learned too far forward.

"Whoa!" She called, losing her balance.

After a brief moment, Princess Luna burst into tears and raced to embrace her older sister.

"I’m so sorry too!" Luna sobbed. "I missed you so much, big sister!"

Tears formed on the bottom of Celestia’s eyes, holding Luna close.

"I’ve missed you too, so much." Princess Celestia said, tearfully as the two Alicorns held each other tightly.

Dragonfly had a wide smile as Belle and Dancer turned to him.

"By the way Dragonfly," Belle started, then both Mares then slugged him in the jaw, knocking him over onto his back.

"That was for scaring us!" Dancer said as he got back up, rubbing his jaw.

"Yea, I deserved that." The two Mares then grabbed his shoulders and pulled him towards them gently, planting a kiss on his lips. Dragonfly froze for a second, but melted into the kiss. When they pulled out the Mares had a small blush while Dragonfly had hearts in his eyes and his tongue hanging out.

"Wwwooooowwwwww." He droned as Belle and Dancer giggled, along with most of others.

"Dragonfly, Bluebelle, Diamond Dancer, come here please." Celestia said, the three did as Luna watched them. Once they were standing next to her Celestia turned back to Luna.

"Sister, the Stallion is my Godson Dragonfly wings. His mother was a good friend of mine, and while he looks like a Unicorn now, he is actually a Changeling Royal."

Dragonfly gave Luna, who was looking at him curiously and a bit nervously, a sheepish smile while rubbing the back of his head.

"Hi Luna, sorry about the Flare Spell right next to the eyes but considering what was going on..."

"It's alright, You did what you had to do." Luna reached up and pulled him into a hug, then asked.

"If you're my sister's Godson, would that make me your Godaunt?"

Dragonfly returned the hug softly.

"If you what it to be, Auntie."

Luna smiled happily, Celestia than introduced the two Mares.

"These two are Bluebelle and Diamond Dancer, my distant nieces and Dragonfly's special someponies."

The two walked up on either side of Dragonfly and hugged Luna around the neck.

"Hey Auntie Luna." Both said happily, said auntie crying happily as she hugged all three of them.

That was when Pinkie Pie burst into tears, sobbing… But only for a few seconds, before blowing her nose.

“Hey, you know what this calls for?” She asked, her mood swinging from sad to cheerful.



Later, Back in Ponyville

The party was a great success, the entire town cheered for the princesses’ return, as the celebrations began. Among the crowd, Spike appeared giving Twilight a warm welcome. Princess Luna, unsure about being there, was suddenly approached by two young Pegasus foals presenting her with a beautiful necklace of roses, as she gave Celestia a teary smile. The Royal Knights soon left to rejoin the rest of their team, after Flame Flower and Blasting Cap said their goodbyes to their Foals. Twilight and Spike would be staying in Ponyville from now on too.

Now Dragonfly (in his natural Changeling form) was in the cleared-out storage room in the back of the Cozy Rest with the Mane Six, the Princesses, his two Marefriends and their friends. He had some things to explain like he promised back in the castle. Starting at the beginning he told those who didn't know everything, from the Civil War to Chrysalis taking over the Hives to his own under Ponyville. It took a bit of time to explain it all, but he got though everything.

The Mane Six all looked shocked and a bit scared (though Rainbow tired to play her fear off), finally Twilight spoke.

"I... I don't know what to say Dragonfly." AJ continued.

"Ah don't like secret keeping... but... if this Chrysalis knows you're alive she will come after you?" Dragonfly nodded.

"Yes Applejack, and that would threaten those in Ponyville. This town is my home, I will not allow that to happen." Celestia spoke up.

"Which is why it is imperative that word of Dragonfly still being alive must not reach her ears. If even half of what Nebula has told me is true, and she has never been one to lie, then Chrysalis is a threat not just to Dragonfly and his Changelings and Ponies, but all creatures." Dragonfly continued.

"Now as far as Chrysalis knows, I was killed by Timber Wolves six years ago. I want to keep it that way, for now at least. Besides my mother who has disappeared, I'm the only surviving Royal, at least in Equestria, and the biggest threat to her and her plans." Dusk spoke next.

"If they think you're dead..."

"They won't come looking for you." Rose finished, Dragonfly nodded.

"Exactly, Now I understand this is a lot to take in and keep secret girls." Dragonfly said turning to the girls, Who's faces told him that they understood what he was saying. "Can I trust you to keep this secret? It wouldn't have to be forever as eventually Chrysalis will make a move, but it wouldn't be for a long time yet. She tends to massively overcomplicate her plans then just does whatever when those fail, mostly just throwing her own Changelings at the problem, heedless of the loses."

The girls nodded, understanding clear on their faces. Then Fluttershy, who hadn't said a word the entire time, spoke up.

"Ahmmm... why couldn't Chrysalis be talked down?"

Dragonfly frowned at her and spoke gently.

"While I understand why you asked that Shy, Chrysalis only cares about herself, eveyone else is either to be discarded or food. She is a complete and utter psychopath, she has only one emotion: Greed. When the time comes for me to face her, it will be a fight to the death. No rules, no safety, no mercy. At the end only one shall stand, while the other falls."

Fluttershy nodded her head sadly as Belle and Dancer hugged Dragonfly, him returning the hug as he looked a Celestia.

"When it does come to that time, there is a chance that I might not win. Celestia, if..." He trailed off, not wanting to continue.

"I understand my Godson, I know that your Changelings would rather live without a Royal than fall under her hoof. I've already told the Royal Knights and they all have vowed that should she win, they wouldn't hesitate."

Dragonfly nodded and released his Marefriends, standing back up.

"Now that we're all up to speed, there's a few Ponies I want to introduce you all to: The first one those in Ponyville will already know but he has something to tell you, the only one in this room that knew about before was me and he's chosen to let it out to you now."

Dragonfly walked over to a curtain at the back of the room, pulling it back to pick in and nod his head at something behind it. He stepped away as a familiar Pegasus Stallion walked out from behind the curtain.

"Thunderlane?" Rainbow asked, blinking in surprise at seeing one of her weather Ponies here. Said Stallion nodded, than dropped his disguise.

Those that didn't know before, which was most of the Ponies in the room, gaped in shock at Thunderlane's appearance. The Stallion in question lightly scraped a hoof on the floor as Dragonfly came up next to him and placed his on hoof on Thunder's left shoulder. It was a few awkward minutes, but finally Twilight spoke.

"What... what sort of Breed are you?"

"I'm a Hybrid."

Dragonfly took over, explaining to them what the Hybrids were. He told them everything Rhino had told him, including a bit that Rhino hadn't said until later.

"Changeling Hybrids... are viewed as abominations... to be wiped out?" Luna asked, her voice shaky. Dragonfly nodded grimly.

"Yes, only a few Hives ever accepted them, including my mom's and more recently mine. The others... it was Kill-on-sigh. No mercy, no remorse." Thunderlane nodded as tears started to fall.

"When my parents disappeared, when my Royal was killed, I took Rumble and fled. Reaching Ponyville I knew this would be a safe place to raise him, I meet Flitter and Cloud Chaser and he rest is history."

Rainbow Dash few down to him, a suspicious look on her face.

"Why did you never say anything about this?" She asked accusingly, Thunderlane glared at her.

"Dash, I was paranoid of being found out. If you were hiding from those who would kill you without any hesitation or remorse would you want to reveal yourself?! If those Changelings ever found me they would drain my E-Energy completely, and Rumble... First Mother... I don't want to even think about that, or what would happen to Flitter and Cloud Chaser."

Rainbow held her hooves up.

"Easy Lane, easy. But... what's E-Energy?"

Dragonfly took over.

"Well it works like this;" He told the gathered Ponies what he had told Belle, Dancer, and Indigo the first time they visited his Hive. Twilight especially listening with rap attention. Everypony looked horrified when Dragonfly reached and explained the Dry Hibernation, each of them shaking in fright.

"Okay! I fully understand why you never said anything now." Rainbow said, a look of terror on her face.

Dragonfly nodded, walking back over the curtain.

"After I found out Thunder here was a Hybrid I looked around and found that there were more in Ponyville, besides the brothers Thunderlane and Rumble there are: Four Fulls, no Halfs, and three Partials. Now who they are is not for me to say," He stopped at the curtain and turned back to the others. "They gave me their trust and I will not betray that trust. It's up to them whether or not they reveal themselves to you, they are also now members of my Hive."

He slammed his hoof on the floor.

"And I will protect my Hive, regardless of what the threat is."

The nods the others showed they understood, Dragonfly smiled.

"Now with that taken care of; Celestia, Luna, I have a few Ponies I want you to met."

Dragonfly pulled the curtain back to reveal six Ponies: two Earth Ponies, two Unicorns, and two Pegasi. Only one of the Pegasi was a Stallion, the rest were Mares. The Ponyville Ponies blinked at the six.

"Pansy Flower?" Fluttershy asked.

"Platinum Bar?" Rarity tilted her head.

"Clover Leaf?" Applejack raised an eyebrow.

"Cookie Dough, Pudding Cake?" Pinkie winked out of sight of the others as she was behind the others.

"Hurricane Storm? What are you guys doing here?" Rainbow asked.

The six Ponies merely smiled as Hurricane spoke.

"Well girls, there is something we need to tell you and the Princesses, while we're not Changelings..." He reached up to the pendent we was wearing and pressed the green gem as the other did the same. The six were covered in green flame for just a second and when it vanished it revealed six very familiar Ponies. Hurricane Bolt looked at the others, his smile large and bright.

"We still had to stay hidden from sight as well."

The shock on the Mane six's (except Pinkie who already knew) and the Princesses was too funny and Dragonfly fell to the floor on his back laughing hard, joined by his Marefriends and his friends at the sight of the very wide eyes and that didn't just hit the floor but fell through it.

"I told you they're reactions would be worth it!"

The shocked Ponies stood there for at least ten minutes as their brains rebooted from the sight of none other than the very Founders of Equestria right in front of them. Finally, Luna recovered.

"Dad... moms?" She asked, her voice low and barely audible. Hurricane smiled gently at her.

"Luna, our little moon... you've grown so much since we last saw you."

"Just look at you our sweets, after so long the two of you have grown into such beautiful and radiant Mares." Platinum said, holding a hoof over her chest and a soft smile on her face. Celestia recovered next, and her eyes widened again as she remembered.

"The Everfree City... after Luna was banished." Her face twisted in horror, "I..." She couldn't finish as Clover walked up to her and hugged her.

"You can thank your Godson and his Hive, if it wasn't for them..." Smart Cookie picked up.

"They bought us back to their Hive, and as Platinum here would put it: "They been nothing but gentlecreatures to us." Said Unicorn Mare nodded.

Twilight along with the others finally recovered.

"How?!" She turned to Dragonfly who was standing back up.

"How? How in the name of Harmony do you have the very Founders of Equestria here??!! Just how???"

Dragonfly chuckled.

"That has a bit of a story to it; you see..." Dragonfly recapped the Everfree mission for them, explaining how they had got to the city to get whatever Chrysalis had wanted first, which had turned out to be the Founders. How his group had found and freed the six of their stone prisons, and how they were now living in the Hive, under disguise for the time being. Both Celestia and Luna wrapped their parents in a big group hug, the eight Ponies overjoyed to finally be reunited. Once the released the hug, the two Alicorns turned to Dragonfly who smiled back at them.

"Dragonfly... this... this is easily the best gift either of us could have been given. Not only did you bring back Ponies we had thought lost to time, you also pulled them from Chrysalis' jaws. Bluebelle is right that about me calling it a major victory." She let out a sigh.

"I knew when I first held you as a Nymph all those years ago that you would be something special, I never thought something like this would happen."

Luna hugged him again, tears of joy falling from her eyes.

"Dragonfly, thank you.. thank you so much."

Dragonfly hugged her back.

"You're welcome... Auntie."

Luna hugged him tighter with Celestia joining it. Off the the side Pinkie.

"Seems our Changeling friend here attracts interesting company as his special talent huh?"

The others could know nod.



Later
After the Founders reapplied their disguises the group when their separate ways: Dragonfly when back to the Hive with Belle and Dancer in tow, the Princesses returned to Cnaterlot along with Dusk, Rose, Grace, Blades, Sparks, and Indigo. Thunderlane and the Mane Six went to their homes, Twilight getting settled in.

The day pasted very quickly and everypony was tired, Dragonfly was in his room with Belle and Dancer, staring at them in surprise.

"Girls, you sure you're ready to take that step?"

The two Mares, who were laying down on the bed, smiled reassuringly and nodded their heads.

"Yes Dragonfly, Dancer and I have talked it out and, we're both ready if you are."

"If we do take that step, please be gentle, it is our first time."

Dragonfly stared for a few minutes, then gave them a soft and reassuring smile of his own.

"I will girls, I will."

He climbed onto the bed and sat down as the Mares sat up and they embraced as they kissed, Belle and Dancer placed their hooves around his neck while he placed his around their waists, gently rubbing their Cutie Marks.

It was a night they would never forget, a night filled with love.




Meanwhile, at the same time

Dusk yawned as he opened the door to his bedroom, too tired to use his night vision so he just turned on the light sitting on his nightstand. When it came on his good eye snapped open in surprise as his wings went "BOING!" There on his bed was Grace, laying on her side wearing a dark red one-shoulder one-piece swimsuit with a green belt and blue buckle and a large cloth red rose on the single strap that went over her right shoulder and a smaller one on the left front of her belt.

"Grace me lass, wha?" He sputtered, a blush forming on his face.

"Dusk," Grace purred, "I think it's time for us to take the next step. But only if you're willing to, I'm ready, are you?"

Dusk stood for a second, then smiled and leaned his head down, kissing her on the lips. Grace wrapped her hooves around his neck and her tail around his waist, pulling him onto the bed with her underneath him on her back.

Like Dragonfly, Belle and Dancer, Dusk and Grace would remember that night for the rest of their lives. But something else happened that night, Dusk and Grace were laying wrapped around each other as the moonlight shined brighter then before on them for a few minutes.
> Ponyville 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



A/N: Just a little heads up, a small part of this chapter does show more detail on Changeling reproduction. Hopefully not to deep.



Ponyville

Dragonfly Hive

The Next Morning

Awakeness slowly came to Dragonfly as his eyes peeled open, taking in the appearance of his room as his vision cleared. The first thing he noticed was how warm he was, then the gentle breathing against his neck and chest and the two weights pressed against him. Dragonfly smiled happily as he angled his head down, Belle was laying on his right and had her head snuggled against his neck, her soft exhales creasing the carapace. Dancer meanwhile was on his left and had laid her head on his chest, her own exhales flowing over the carapace like a series of invisible waves. Both Mares had smiles of either pure bliss or complete content, maybe both, and their manes and tails were completely messy and all over the place, same with his own.

They'd had quite the fun and enjoyable night.

Dragonfly let out a content sign, carefully hugging the Mares closer to him. He knew how lucky he was to have two very beautiful and pure Mares, both in appearance and soul, as his. He leaned down and gave them a gentle kiss on the tip of the horn, both giving a light shutter as he did. Belle started waking up by letting out a cute yawn and she blinked a few times before looking at Dragonfly, Dancer doing the same right after. Both Mares gave him a smile.

"Morning Dragonfly." They both said sleepily.

"Morning girls, did I wake you up?" Dragonfly asked.

"No, was just starting to wake up actually." Belle said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Yeah, but the kiss to our horns was really nice to wake up to." Dancer said as she leaned over and nuzzled Dragonfly's cheek, which he returned by nuzzling her own. Belle shifted and pressed closer to the Royal Changeling, wrapping her forelegs around his chest.

"Dragonfly... you were absolutely amazing last night." She said, giving him a kiss on the nose, booping it at the same time and causing Dragonfly to giggle.

"You were indeed, I don't think that any of us will ever forget last night." Dancer added as she increased her nuzzling, Dragonfly chuckled as he hugged them tighter.

"So were you girls, and I feel last night is only going to be the first of many."

The Mares laughed and smiled, fully agreeing with him. Belle then blinked as a confused look came over her face, which Dragonfly quickly noticed.

"What's wrong Belle?" He asked.

"You have something on you head Dragonfly, looks like a thin spike with a red orb on top." Belle answered, her head tilted to the right, Dancer doing the same as she noticed the same thing her sister had. Dragonfly blinked and, as reluctant as he was, moved his foreleg from Belle and felt the top of his head, his hoof stopping on something that he knew for a fact wasn't there last night.

As much as he didn't want to get up, he had to look at this. Climbing off the bed his only paused to stretch his limbs then he walked over to the tall mirror mounted on the wall to the right of the banner-like curtain covered door, blinking in surprise at what he saw;

The first time he noticed was the strange spike-like antenna that was poking out of his head to the right and a bit behind his horn, around the center right and the spike was tipped with a small red-colored pearl-like orb. The second was that his mane and tail were longer, not by much but enough to be noticeable. Third was he was now taller, before he was a head taller than the average Stallion, now he was a good head taller while his horn had grown out about two more inches on top of its original foot. his fangs had also grown by a half-inch.

Another change was his body looked more... buff for lack of a better word, Dragonfly was by no means scrawny and while no beefcake did take care of himself, now he looked like he had put on at least three or four extra pounds of muscle. Through the mirror he could see Belle and Dancer staring at him as he moved around and tried various poses, looking rather happy and he knew he heard Dancer whisper "Dat Flank." as she leaned over to Belle, who nodded and giggled. Not that Dragonfly had a problem with them looking, they were his Marefriends after all. He even did a few pose for them, which the two quite enjoyed.

He was brought out of his thoughts, and the girls out of their gaze, when they heard a knock outside the door followed by a voice.

"You all decent in there?"

"Yes Seeker, in fact you have perfect timing." Dragonfly said as he took a few steps back and Seeker entered the room.

"Morning Bluebelle, Dancer." He greeted the Mares politely.

"Morning Seeker." The two greeted back.

"Morning Seeker." Dragonfly said as said Advisor turned to him.

"Morning Dragonfly." He looked more closely at the Royal. "I take it this is why you said I had perfect timing?" At Dragonfly's nod Seeker walked closer and began looking the Royal up and down and all over, doing this for a few minutes then pulling back after taking a look at the pearl-tipped spike and he began speaking.

"Now before I say anything else, what happened to you Dragonfly is perfectly normal. As for what happened, you're no longer a Young Prince but rather a full Prince."

"A full Prince?" Dragonfly asked, head tilted.

"Yes, you see; When a Young Prince reaches a certain power level, or in your case gets one or more mates, they enter a special sort of molt where they grow into a full Prince. Besides the longer mane and tail and other growth, they also gain what you now have on your head. It's called a "Hivemind Emitter"." Seeker explained, "New Hives have a limit to how many Changelings the Royal can have at any one time, a sort of "Population Cap" if you will. This prevents the younger Royals from getting too ambitious and growing too big in a short amount of time, which often badly drains resources in an area too quickly for any chance of the area recovering."

Makes sense." Belle said, "forces the younger ones to think before acting and if they still get too ambitious they wouldn't have the numbers or power to take on the larger and older Hives and they don't drain valuable resources too fast."

"Right on the mark Bluebelle." Seeker said, "Now Dragonfly, the orb-tipped spike on top of your head is part of the change. Your mother, in fact all Royal Changelings, have those and gain them as they grow and can have more Changelings in their Hive. A Royal grows up to a max of five orb-tipped spikes."

Dragonfly blinked, "So... the orbs are like extra brains?"

"In a very basic sense... the orbs serve more like stabilizers." Seeker said, Dragonfly raised an eyebrow.

"Stabilizers?"

"Well... how do I put this... You know how crystal batteries, if too much charge it put into them too quickly, they risk exploding?"

"Yes, I think I know were this is going."

"It's kind of the same thing with the Hivemind; Another failsafe to keep younger Royals from getting to powerful too fast, should a Royal grow their Hive too quickly their mind becomes overloaded and... they just say the results are not pleasant, I've never seen it myself but I have heard the stories. The orbs work like extra brains in that they take in the information first and filter it into the real brain, allowing it time to adapt to handle the flow."

Dragonfly rubbed his chin for a second as he took this in, after a minute he looked at Seeker again.

"Just so I got this straight: I've molted into a full Prince now that I have two mates, complete with what is essentially a second brain growing out of my head that allows me to increase the number of Changelings I can have in the Hive."

"That's the gist of it," Seeker confirmed, "Now there are 4 types of Royals; Young Prince/Princess, which are newborn to young adults. Prince/Princess, which are full adults. King/Queen, which are the most common and leader of a large or bigger Hive. And finally there is the last type which is Emperor/Empress, which as far as I can tell there has being only a few in Changeling history, more so Empresses than Emperors."

"Why would that be Seeker?" Belle asked as she and Dancer stood up, getting off the bed and walking up to stand on either side of Dragonfly.

"Male Royal Changelings are very rare, though it is unknown why. Dragonfly here is actually one of two Royal Stallions to be born in the last..." Seeker paused, looking off to the side as his hoof waved in a circle, "... eight hundred or so years. Give or take."

Both Mares were quite surprised by that, Seeker continued.

"Shocking isn't it... which is why when a Royal wants offspring they tend to seek out mates from other species, like Nebula did with Saber."

"I actually wanted to ask about that Seeker, how did my parents met? They never got around to telling me." Dragonfly said.

"Funny enough, right here in Ponyville. As I had said before: Nebula loved the town, considered it the best place due to its high levels of E-energy, cheaper prices, open spaces, and friendly locals. She figured it was the best spot should anything like the Civil War happen, giving the survivors a safe place to rebuild. But there is a bit more to that: Nebula would often visit Ponyville when she was taking some much needed time off from leading the Changelings. It was during one of those times that she had meet Black Saber at the cafe in town and they had lunch together. After that the two kept meeting and eventually started dating. It was after the sixth date that Nebula had come clean with him on what she was and why she eventually couldn't say with him, she loved him that much. So image her surprise Black Saber told her he had known she was a Changeling since the day they met, and that he loved her too. When Nebula asked how he knew, he simply said "You may be able to hide you appearance but you can't hide your scent." Saber, who despite being a Royal Knight was known for not sticking around Canterlot until he was actually needed, chose instead to come with her back to her Hive."

"Considering the attitude towards Thestrals in Canterlot even today that is no surprise." Belle snarked, causing the others to chuckle.

"Now as expected," Seeker continued, "The other Royals weren't to happy about it but after Dragonfly was hatched Saber got them to see it his way."

"How so? Dragonfly asked.

"Do you remember Jewelbeetle's father?" Seeker asked, Dragonfly scowled.

"Oh do I ever, who wouldn't remember that bucker." Belle and Dancer looked between the two confused, which the two Changelings noticed.

"Well Belle, Dancer. Jewelbeetle was a young Royal like me and one of the few I could stand, actually got along with her quite well. We did try dating but we never "clicked" so we remained as just friends." Dragonfly explained, Seeker picking up next.

"Jewelbeetle's father was the second Royal Stallion but was hated by every other Royal."

"Why was he?" Dancer asked, Seeker's face turn grim.

"Jewelbeetle's father was... let me put it to you this way; even Princess Celestia wouldn't be able to stand him for more then a half a second, if even that. He was an ego-manic, narcissist to an extreme, incredibly speciesist, and one of the cruelest Changelings to live just to name a few. The only things he ever even slightly cared about was his legacy and power. He more often then not forced his influence on Jewel, forcing her to do things she was against."

"He was that bad?" Belle asked.

"Worst," Dragonfly said. "Much worst. I never met him but if even half of the stories I heard are true..."

"Jewel wasn't even his first child," Seeker explained, his voice dark, "just the only one he actually kept."

The two Ponies looked horrified, Dragonfly nodded at their expressions.

"Yeah girls, I'm pretty sure that it wasn't with the mothers' consent either."

"Even Empress Nebula, who is possibly the nicest Royal Changeling one could ever meet, loathed his guts. In fact she was waiting for any excuse to 'remove' him. Even Chrysalis of all Changelings couldn't stand him, that is a feat to be respected and more than once did the two come to blows. When Nebula entered the chamber the Changelings once used for meetings between Royals with me and Saber in tow Jewel's father was not happy while the others were surprised but smart enough not to make a move against Saber, for it was rare but not uncommon for Royal Changelings to actually find a loving mate who knew their partner was a Royal. That and Nebula lead the most powerful Hive at the time and was the most powerful of the Royals, hence what she was Empress in the first place." Seeker paused to take a breath and continued.

"Jewel's father didn't care and after Dragonfly was hatched moved to do something during the meeting after that time, I don't know what, too or at Nebula but was stopped when Saber stepped in front of her and stood ready to protect her. As we all know, Thestrals as a whole are very loyal to their mates, and Saber had seen a threat to his and acted as such. Jewel's father then tried to attack. Now Bluebelle and Dancer, pop quiz; when something comes at you with the intent to harm and/or kill you, what would you first reaction be?"

"Strike back as fast and as hard as we could." Dancer said.

"Before it could harm us." Belle said.

"Exactly, which is what Saber did. I remember hearing the sound of metal cutting through air for a brief second, Jewel's father stopping mid-step with a shocked look on his face, and then his head falling off his neck, followed by his body crashing to the floor, Saber standing in front of Nebula with a blooded sword in his hoof.

None of us had even seen Saber move!

The other Royals just sat there, shocked out of their minds with jaws dropped to the floor, before one finally recovered and spoke, saying and I quote: "About time someone finally killed him, I'm just sorry it wasn't me." Another, one of the older Royals thanked Saber for it and left him, Nebula, and their Hive alone as repayment for finally putting Jewel's father down for good."

Dragonfly spoke next.

"As for Jewel, before that happened she ran to Mom seeking safety and protection from her father, which Mom granted and as a final act of defiance to him, gave up her Royal powers to become a Changeling Breed know as the "Valkyrie", we'll have to talk to Rhino for more information that that though.

The girls nodded their heads as they took it all in, Dragonfly turned back to Seeker.

"So... about this orb on my head?"

"Oh right, well... as you grow older the orb grows bigger until it splits into two orbs, eventually reaching five orbs in total. By that point the size of your Hive by the number of Changelings will be pretty much unlimited, only being so in the amount of E-Energy the Hive has flowing in." Seeker finished.

"Okay, and more will appear as I get older and/or "level up"?" Dragonfly asked.

"Yes," Seeker paused for a second, "I think that's everything on that, now for why I came up here: Spotter want's t talk to you Dragonfly, something about locating something. I didn't quite get what he was talking about, but he seemed very excited."

"Okay, I'll go talk to him." He turned to his mates, "Sorry girls, but duty calls."

"No problem Dragonfly, we understand completely." Belle said, Dancer agreeing. Seeker then gained a playful smile.

"By the way... you three really went at it last night."

Said three looked at him shocked, very bright blushes on their faces.

"Now don't worry, none but you saw what happened in here last night." Seeker explained, "But... the amount of E-Energy you three released spread through the Hive and most of the Changelings... well... let's just sat that quite a few of the females are going to be carrying eggs soon."

Dragonfly double facehoofed as the two Mares' blushes went even brighter as Seeker smirked again.

"Also... you may want to use a sound-proofing spell next time, Dancer here is apparently a screamer."

Said Pony gave a blush that seemed to light up the room as Seeker gave them a light shrug and left.



It was a bit before the three recovered but they soon did, cleaned up and went their separate ways, Dragonfly had gone to talk to Spotter as Belle and Dancer went to the Throne Room, wanting to talk to Seeker about something. They found the Advisor laying in his usual spot next to the throne reading a book. He noticed the two Mares approaching and after making his place in the book set it off to the side and turned to them.

"Bluebelle, Dancer, what do you need?" He asked with a smile.

"Well Seeker, first off you can call be Blue like the rest of my friends do, And we wanted to ask some questions about our relationship with Dragonfly." Belle said.

"Oh? What do you want to know?"

"Well, our first question is: Since Dancer and I are effectively Dragonfly's "Queens" now, what can we expect?" Belle asked.

"The same things that Saber got: You'll both have your own bodyguards like Dragonfly. You'll eventually be able to give the Hive's Changelings orders but remember that Dragonfly's takes priority unless he states otherwise. You'll also at some point receive your own hoofmaidens if you wish, and should you chose, Dragonfly can connect you two to the Hivemind. Now there are some things to mention about the last one but those can be explained later."

"Okay, second question: When Dragonfly and us... "Rolled in the hay", what's the chances of us carrying? And how is it done for Changelings?"

"As you already know, Changelings lay eggs and it would be no different regardless of their partner. You see, male Changelings lay the eggs, or at least their first form, in their partner during "that". Don't worry, it's not at all painful to the other and is in fact rather pleasurable. Now as for carrying, in your case unless it's that time of the year you have nothing to worry about. But the partner carries the eggs for about half the term they would normally have, for example a Pony Mare normally carries around eleven months give or take. With Changeling eggs they would be laid in between five and six."

"Oh really, but... does it hurt?" Dancer asked, her tone sounding uneasy.

"Dragonfly told us about his own egg laying and will it be that painful for us?" Belle asked, her voice matching her sister's.

"No girls, it wouldn't be painful at all, in fact if or when you two are carrying eggs you will "release" at least four times. It's something in the egg shells that causes it."

The girls nodded, very relieved at the news as Belle asked the next question.

"Okay Seeker, our next question is: Should we have Foals, what would they look like?"

"Well girls, your firstborn for both of you will be a Royal, no buts, ands, or ifs about it. Now don't worry, while it was very rare it was not unknown for Hives to have twin or more rules or those twins or more starting their own Hives. After that the offspring would be one of three options: A regular Changeling Drone though there would be some clear differences to the normal Drones, these types are what are known as Proto-Royals like Thorax. A Pony Foal which would also have some clear differences though they would otherwise pass as a normal one, or a Hybrid like Thunderlane and Rumble."

The two Mares nodded, understanding as Seeker added one last thing.

"I should also mention, before I forget and Dragonfly beats me over the head with a frying pan again," He shuddered as he rubbed his head, "is that after you two have Royals, any of the other three types have a chance to be laid in clutches."

"Really?" Dancer asked, looking surprised alongside Belle.

"Yes, but it is a rather rare chance."

"Okay, now our last question: We noticed while cuddling with Dragonfly that his carapace started as hard and solid as normal but it slowly started to, for lack of a better word, soften." Belle said which Dancer finished with;

"Almost becoming like silk, we didn't say anything to him as we were too comfortable but we're wondering what that was about."

Seeker smiled.

"That girls, means how much Dragonfly trusts you." At the two Mare's titled heads he continued. "Changeling carapace is normally hard as you know, but we can soften it at will. Among Changelings it is considered one of our greatest signs of trust, so Dragonfly softening his own like that means he trusts you completely as in that state a Changeling is very vulnerable to damage."

Belle and Dancer stood there feeling very touched that their mate trust them that much, Dancer then spoke.

"That would explain why he was so soft and nice to snuggle, he was like a pillow." Belle giggled, thinking of ways to show Dragonfly that the two trust him as much as he did towards them. The three talked a bit more for a bit before Dragonfly came over to them, saying that Spotter found a possible lead on what they needed to upgrade the Hive's Heart then he and the Mares when up to the surface to the Cozy Rest.



Two Days Later

Train to Canterlot

Dragonfly, and Belle were on their way to Canterlot for Dragonfly to meet up with the Mares' family and for Dancer to perform in one of her shows that had been delayed for the Summer Sun Celebration, Dancer having already left earlier to practice at the house. As the show would be later tonight they would spend a bit of time with the family before going over to the Grand Auditorium for the show, then back to the house to stay the night before returning to Ponyville the next morning.

Dragonfly was wearing the suit Rarity had given him awhile back complete with the greatcoat while Belle was wearing a beautiful flowing red dress with ruffled skirt of six layers, the edges of each layer was studded with rhinestones of various colors. Throughout the trip Dragonfly had found himself staring at her, much to her amusement, Belle looked absolutely breath-taking in that dress.

It wasn't long before the train pulled into the station and the two stepped out, almost immediately meeting Belle's parents who took them via carriage to the family manor. Stepping off Dragonfly was greeted by the sight of the manor, his mouth falling open in awe. It was very large, and even more impressive, a well taken-care-of old mansion that demanded as much respect as the family who lived in it for generations.

"Wow."

Belle giggled.

"It's quite the place huh?"

"Indeed it is, it's beautiful."

The four entered the manor, being greeted by a young adult Pegasus Stallion around the same age of Dragonfly with a light grey coat and short black mane and tail with a blue streak running through them. His eyes were light blue and he wore the standard black butler outfit, the pants hiding his Cutie Mark. His eyes and smile brightened when he saw Belle.

"Miss Blue," He said in a polite but happy tone, "It has been awhile, how have you been doing lately."

Said Mare smiled and hugged the Stallion who returned it.

"I've been well Dapper, seems you've been as well." Belle said.

"I have need Miss Blue." He noticed Dragonfly standing next to her. "Pardon me sir, but who are you?"

Belle smiled putting her foreleg around Dragonfly and introduced him.

"This is Dragonfly Wings, mine and Dancer's Coltfriend. Dragonfly, this is Dapper Streak, my family's butler after his father retired. Dapper's family has been part of mine for many generations, same with the other servants here."

Dragonfly smiled and held a hoof out to Dapper, who shook it with his own smile.

"Pleasure to meet you Dapper."

"You too Master Dragonfly, glad to see the two Mares I grew up with finally found themselves a loving Coltfriend."

After that Blue Diamond lead them into the large entrance hall, with two staircases leading up to the second floor, making a path between them to the doorway leading further into the home. There was a large crystal chandelier hanging above them, lighting up the entrance hall. Dragonfly stared in awe at the splendor of it all. As the reached the center of the room Dancer, wearing the same leotard she had during the first show Dragonfly had been too, appeared at the top of the left staircase and greeted them as she came down.

"Hi everypony!" Dancer said cheerfully as she hugged each of them, being greeted back as her hugs were returned. As Dancer chatted with her parents for a moment Dragonfly couldn't help but give her leotard-clad body a long gaze, drinking in Dancer's beautiful form which, in his opinion, was only enhanced by her outfit.

'Dang, does she look good in that leotard.'

Belle noticed and giggled in response, remembering what Rhino had told her about Dragonfly's "Thing" for swimsuits. The day before she wanted to see for herself and waited until Dragonfly was soaking in his hot tub after a long and intense training session, Belle had entered the room wearing a rich red robe and asked him if she could join him. Dragonfly, who Belle and Dancer discovered loved to cuddle with them, said "hop right in" and so Belle took off her robe...

And revealed her red two-piece bikini with a silver vertical stripe on each side that hugged her body nicely; the top was a crop high-neck style longline with her Cutie Mark in the center, silver button rivets along the edges, and a sapphire at the base of the neck strap while the bottoms were a high-waist full coverage brief with a black belt with silver buckle which had a diamond-shaped ruby in the center and gold button rivets around the edges of the belt and an emerald clip attached to the left-front side on the belt completing the look. 

This suit was Belle's favorite out of her collection and the one she used the most, now she was standing in front of her Coltfriend showing her body off to him. She was not disappointed as Dragonfly's wings, which had been laying loose in the warm water, snapped upwards spraying water and started to buzz like a hive of Bees. Belle couldn't help herself and laughed at his reaction.

The hot tub snuggle had been real nice, and so had the roll in the hay that night. Dragonfly had asked her to wear the suit to bed and she did with a smile, that had been a real nice time for both of them.

Belle was brought out of her thoughts as Dancer grabbed Dragonfly's hoof and lead him upstairs, the disguised Changeling following half-smiling half-not sure where Dancer was taking him. Belle smiled as the two vanished from sight and she turned to BD.

"So mom, who else is coming and when will they be here?"

"Well sweetie, your Aunt Sapphire will be here soon and so will Uncle Silver. Your father's Brother will also be here soon."

"Okay mom, shall we head to the living room? Dancer and Dragonfly will catch-up after they're done." BD smiled.

"You two go ahead, I want to have a little one-to-one talk with Dragonfly, nothing bad sweetie, just want to ask some questions."

With that BD went up the stairs ans Belle shrugged and she and her father when to the living room, Gold asking a nearby maid to go to the kitchen and have snacks made, the maid giving him a nod before trotting off to fulfill the request.



Upstairs, with Dragonfly and Dancer

Dragonfly followed behind Dancer as she lead him though the halls, on to her room. He couldn't help but lock his sight on her rear as she walked, the leotard did cover her rump but at the same time the way it hugged her body only enhanced the look and shape of her curves, her tail only adding to the look. Humorously, the outline of the outfit created a heart-shape on her rear.

Dragonfly also knew from experience that Dancer had really soft flanks, she was also quite sensitive on the Cutie Marks.

Dancer giggled as she glanced back with half-lidded eyes and a playful smirk.

"Like what you see Dragonfly?" She said in a teasing voice.

"I do Dancer, a lot in fact." Dragonfly gave his own smirk, to which the Mare responded with a laugh.

"Well this leotard is not my only one."

Soon the two reached a door that clearly lead to Dancer's room as besides her name the door was also covered ribbons of various colors that had been painted onto the wood. She opened the door and the two walked inside, besides the standard bed-nightstand combo there was a dresser and some shelves with books. But what had Dragonfly's attention was the wall shelves holding various trophies, most related to dancing but some were for gymnastics. As they walked through the room to another door Dragonfly couldn't help himself and smirked as he leaned his head down, nipping her cutie mark. Dancer gasped and jumped in surprise, blushing back at the grinning stallion and She rewarded his boldness with a swat from her tail.

"You cheeky little…!" 

She didn't finish as the two laughed as they entered the room, which turned out to be a large walk-in closet. Silver blinked at the content of the closets: Leotards, a lot of them on mannequins. There was at the very least three of each color with the designs ranging from very simple to ones with sleeves to ones with really elaborate designs and patterns on them made from sewn lace to rhinestones and everything in between. The only feature they all shared was a belt with buckle, both of which also came in many designs.

"Wow Dancer, I didn't know you had this many."

She blushed as she removed the one she was wearing.

"It's sort of a hobby of mine, you see; I got into dancing as a little Filly and started doing gymnastics in school."

"Well that would explain your nicely toned body." Dragonfly said with a smile, causing Dancer to blush again as she giggled.

"Yeah, while I don't do gymnastics as much as I use too I still preform some shows once in awhile as dancing is my main passion. As you can probably tell from the trophies in my bedroom I'm quite good at it."

"Indeed you are Dancer, and I'm not just saying that as your Coltfriend." The two laughed as Dancer continued.

"It's my dream to become the Lead Dancer in the Canterlot Theater Group, I started working there when I finished school and have been there ever since. Been enjoying it the whole time." Her mood dropped a bit. "Despite the fact that we lost some of our performers over the years."

"How so Dancer, if you don't mind me asking." Dragonfly said, walking over and placing a hoof around her shoulders, which in response she gave him a nuzzle.

"You see Dragonfly, Dancing is a very physically-demanding activity, involving both odd and repetitive movements which can cause damage to the joints and muscles. Some injuries come about gradually, from constant wear, while others can happen due to one simple mistake.I'm not the first dancer our family has produced, far from it actually, and several of them had their careers ended early due to injury. Mom, Dad, my sister, and even my brother have always told me to pace myself, that I should worry about my health first, and my performance second. They've always worried that I’d be forced into retirement due to an injury suffered on stage but thankfully, I never experienced anything worse over the years than a sprained ankle or muscle strain, they've always worried about getting a letter from me while on tour, telling them I was in the hospital for some crippling injury…"

Dragonfly hugged her which Dancer happily returned, thinking about what she had said.

'Perhaps I should take to the Hive's Healers about this.'

He looked around at the leotards than turned back to Dancer.

"So... your hobby?"

Glad for the change of subject, Dancer moved out of the embrace and gestured around.

"I started collecting them when I started out, I don't know why even to this day but I just have since. Most of these really sit for display but I do wear a number of them; the plain ones I use mainly for practice while the fancier ones are for shows, and some are for special occasions."

Dragonfly smiled at her.

"Well Dancer, I''m picturing you in each of them and I'm glad my Unicorn form doesn't have wings as my natural ones would be buzzing like a bee.

She giggled and booped his nose, causing him to boop her back.

"Like you did when my sis showed you her swimsuit?" The smirk on Dancer's face spoke volumes.

"Yep." Dragonfly said shamelessly, Dancer's smirk grew bigger.

"Well wait here for a second." With that she walked over to and slipped behind a room divider as Dragonfly watch her with a curious expression, after a few minutes Dancer stepped out again. The sight caused Dragonfly's jaw to hit the floor;

Dancer was wearing an absolutely beautiful metallic red and black leotard that like her blue one hugged her body nicely, it had a galaxy pattern of rhinestones of various colors that changed depending on the angle of the lighting that covered most of her chest and stomach, a gold belt decorated with sequins and a silver buckle with a ruby in the center and four diamond-shaped emeralds in an X shape reaching towards the corners. There was a second thinner belt under it with silver rings holding chains of the same color, which flowed over her flanks and rump like a waterfall with square-shaped spaces in between each length that showed the transparent silver veil that also flowed over those areas like a waterfall, both reaching down to just above her back hooves, just enough so they weren't in the way during dances. Over her shoulders were a pair of silver epaulets studded with emeralds and sapphires in a waving spiral pattern with diamond beaded strings that hung half-way down her forelegs. Finally, around her stomach above the main belt was a belly chain with various kinds of gems built into various shapes and patterns.

Dragonfly stared, really glad he wasn't in his natural form for by now he would have hit the ceiling with how hard his wings would have been buzzing.

"Wow Dancer..." He droned finally finding his voice, "You look... incredible."

"Thanks Dragonfly, this one's my favorite of the bunch and I only wear it for special shows." Dancer said with a bright blush and a happy smile.

There was a giggle behind Dragonfly who turned to look as Dancer followed his gaze, standing in the doorway was BD with a large smile on her face and a hoof over her mouth as she giggled.

"That's just how my hubby reacted when he first saw me in that leotard." She said with a laugh, she than put her hoof back down and spoke as she turned to Dragonfly.

"That particular leotard is something of a family heirloom, it's made from rare and special materials that allows it to fit itself to the wearer as they are putting it on, it self-cleans so it never needed to be watched, never wears out, and even after all these years looks as new as it did the day it was made. I wore it, my mother wore it, my grandmother, and further down the line. That leotard has been in the family for seventeen generations and has seen many a dance. When Gold first saw me wearing it at my final dance before I retired due to an injury, he knew right then and there he had to have me."

She giggled again as her smile grew brighter.

"I even wore it as part of my wedding dress when we tied the knot all those years ago."

"And now it's been passed to Dancer." Dragonfly said, impressed by the article of clothing's history.

"Exactly Dragonfly, and should you and the girls have Foals it'll be passed down to them." BD turned to Dancer. "Sorry sweetie, but you need to get back to your practice for the show tonight while I borrow you Coltfriend for a bit."

"Okay mom." Dancer changed out of the special leotard and back into her blue one as BD and Dragonfly walked back into the hall. She took him to a small sitting room with a large wall-sized window with a door looking out into a large greenhouse across from the doorway in, a fire place to the right of the entry with floor-to-ceiling book selves lining the rest of the walls. In the center of the room was a small round table with two red chairs opposite of each other. BD gestured for Dragonfly to sit in the one facing the greenhouse while she sat in the one facing the door.

"Now before you worry about anything Dragonfly, I just want to talk."

"Well what do you want to talk about?"

BD smiled as she gestured to the table which had a few plates of cookies of various kinds on it, before using her magic to pick one up as Dragonfly did the same.

"I wanted to ask you some Questions Dragonfly, not sure if you know already but I do know that you're a Changeling."

"How so?"

BD used her magic to pull a framed picture off the top of the fireplace, on it was a younger BD and Saber with big smiles on their faces and the latter had a foreleg around the former's shoulders.

"Well Dragonfly, I knew your father quite well. Saber and I went to the same school and were best friends, actually dated for a bit."

Dragonfly blinked in surprise, this was news to him.

"Really?"

BD smiled fondly.

"We did, we never clicked in that way but even after we stopped dating we still remained close friends, we when to school together and he was the brother I never had. Your mother, Nebula Sheen, was also a good friend, her and I hit it off almost immediately after we met. I was her Best mare at their wedding while Gold was Saber's Best Stallion."

Dragonfly was a bit surprised at this news but couldn't help but smile as BD continued.

"Now Dragonfly, the first question I have is the matter of grandfoals. I'm not trying to rush you or anything of that nature, I'm merely curious on how it would work as Nebula never got the chance to explain.

Dragonfly nodded and told her the same thing that Seeker had told Belle and Dancer the day after their first night, from there the two just chatted for a bit until a Maid came by to let them know supper was ready and the two joined Belle and Gold, Dancer had left a bit before to get to the Grand Auditorium for last minute practice before the show.
> Ponyville 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After finishing supper the group had gathered in the large living room to chat and meet the other members of the family that was coming to the show which was still a few hours away, though as they were going to sit Gold Bar asked Dragonfly if the two could talk, Dragonfly agreed and the two split off to head to Gold's office as BD and Belle sat on one of the couches.

"What does dad want to talk to Dragonfly about?" Belle asked as she sat down.

"Something important, but he asked me not to say more for now dear." BD said using her magic to pick up her tea.

Belle frowned, while she loved her mother BD had a habit of not telling her or Dancer certain things until it was much later and Belle had learned that trying to pry anything from her mother was impossible, so Belle decided to just change the subject.

"So mom, you said that Auntie Sapphire, Uncle Silver, and Uncle Lance will be here?"

"Yes dear, and they're really looking forward to seeing you and Dancer again, as well as your Coltfriend." BD finished with a smirk, which caused Belle to facehoof.

"Mom," she groaned, "Dragonfly had enough trouble first meeting you and dad as our Coltfriend. He's gonna be nervous as hay when he meets them."

"We're family, so we have to make sure."

"You and dad already gave your approval after you got the know him, isn't that enough?"

BD chuckled. "Dear, you know we love to tease you. Speaking of that..." She leaned forward with a smirk that would have made Cadance proud. "So tell me: How was your first time?"

Belle's face turned as red as her mate's mane and tail.

"MOM!! That's private between us!"

BD only smirked harder. "Oh come on now... My mother did the same with me, so it is only right I do it to you as well, or would you rather I ask about when you three are giving me some grandfoals?"

Belle was silent as she double facehoofed, she knew that there was no way she was getting out of this; once BD had set her mind she would not back down. Letting out heavy sign she relented.

"Okay mom, BUT I am not going into the details okay?!"

BD gave a shrug and nodded. "Fair enough dear, please continue."

"Dragonfly was very gentle with us both, making sure we were getting as much pleasure as he was. He even said before the deed that he was more than willing to sacrifice his own to make sure we enjoyed it." Belle got a dreamy look in her eyes as she looked towards the ceiling. "Dragonfly was so wonderful that night, I was his first, but he made sure Dancer could enjoy it as I did."

BD smiled happily, her and Gold had been the same during their first time, Gold even willing to sacrifice his own pleasure if it meant that she would enjoy it. Even though they had been together for a long time now BD and Gold still loved each other as much as when they first got together and even now were still as "active" as they had been on that night, the same night Bluebelle and Blueblood were conceived. Sadly BD could no longer have foals thanks to complications and damage during Dancer's birth, at the time both BD and Gold had been very worried about the Foal but thank Faust Dancer was okay and turned into a wonderful daughter, but BD had been rendered barren afterwards.

Still, neither her or her hubby complained, for they had been blessed with three Foals even if one was a problem child thanks to Gold's mother.

And now two of them were clearing in a loving relationship with a wonderful Stallion, BD knew that Dragonfly was prefect for them. For a long time she had been worried that her daughters would never find true love, thanks to that fact that in Canterlot the single Stallions only saw the girls as trophy wives at best, and neither BD or Gold would allow any of those Stallions to marry their daughters. Or allow the same kind of Mare to wed Blueblood.

Thankfully, at least for the daughters, that concern had been laid to rest. Sure, the two would be living in Ponyville but BD and Gold saw that as a plus. It was clear to them both that Dragonfly genuinely loved Bluebelle and Dancer for who they were, and not because of their wealth or titles.

BD knew they were safe with him, and Dragonfly might not know it yet, but he would gain more than just two loving wives.

She was pulled out of her thoughts when a very familiar and entirely unexpected laugh rang out in a certain Northern Equestrian Mountain accent that was similar to Dusk Storm's.

"Well bless me bagpipes, my two granddaughters 'ave finally got 'emselves a lad nao?"

Both the Mares' heads snapped around to see a very tall (around a head shorter than Celestia) Winged Thestral Stallion with a white coat, large dark blue wings, long golden blonde haired mane and webbed tail, and shining sapphire blue eyes much like BD's. His Cutie Mark was a silver coin with the number ten and the word cents on the face with the number above the word. He was wearing a red coat with a black interior and cuffs, a back belt with a grey buckle around his waist, a pair of small glasses on his snout, a black top hat with a grey band around it at the base and black bands around his hooves. Held in his right wing thumb was a black cane.

He was of advanced age but was clearly still just as spry as ever, since he was a Foal.

"Dad!?" BD asked, shocked yet happy to see the Stallion.

"Grandpa!" Belle was off the couch and wrapping her forelegs around the old Stallion's neck and nuzzling him in a blink of an eye, which the Stallion was more than happy to return.

"Ha ha Bluebelle me lassie, so good t' see ya again." The Stallion said happily as he turned to BD. "Well don't just stand there gawking me daughter, come 'ere and give ya old Stallion a hug."

Said Mare gladly did as she hugged her father tightly, after releasing the embrace the Stallion turned to Belle.

"So it's true aye me lassie? You and Dancer have a Coltfriend nao?"

"We do indeed Grandpa." Belle said with a happy smile.

"Well then where is the lad?"

"He's with Gold at the moment, they'll be back down soon." BD answered. "In the meantime, why don't we sit down and you can tell us about your latest adventure."

The Stallion let out a laugh as they did just that.

"So, it started around the middle of last year..."



With Dragonfly and Gold Bar

Around the same time

As Dragonfly and Gold walked through the halls of the mansion the former found his gaze being drawn to the old paintings along the walls, all portraits of ponies wearing fine clothes from different eras, and he paused to look more closely at them. Gold noticed this and he turned to smile proudly at the paintings. “Portraits of the heads of our house throughout the ages,” he explained.

"Your family has quite a long history to it." Dragonfly said turning to Gold.

"Indeed we do son, our family has been around since Equestria was first formed." He frowned slightly. "We were also one of the few that remain from that time."

Dragonfly looked over at him but before he could ask Gold continued.

"I suppose Dusk told you about what happened to the Thestrals? Well the Nobles of that time were behind most of the problems of the time. You see: As you already know Celestia was a very different Mare to what she is today, and the Nobles took full advantage of that. I wouldn't go into details but the common Pony suffered while Celestia was too blinded, that all changed when Nightmare Moon was created. After all was said and done Celestia completely and utterly striped those Nobles of all wealth and titles, nothing remains of those lines now as they were effectively purged, the Great Famine finished off the weakened ones, as they refused to "sloop to the level of those below them". Well... they ended up going lower." He finished with a chuckle.

Gold then turned to look at the oldest of the Portraits, which showed a Stallion that bore a surprising resemblance to Gold Bar, the only real difference being the Stallion had a black mane and tail and his eyes were green.

"This here is Black Gold, my many times great Grandfather. He was one of the few Nobles who stayed true to why Equestria was formed in the first place. From what I understand he never cared what Tribe you were; He would still see a Pony under it all. He was also very open to relations with other species and even worked as an ambassador to the Western Kirin."

Gold smiled as he turned back to Dragonfly.

"From what I've heard and read about him, he would have liked you Dragonfly."

As said Royal Changeling processed what Gold had said the latter turned to look at another Portrait with a scowl, this one a Mare with a white coat, black mane and tail, and piercing blue eyes. Dragonfly wasn't sure why but the uninterested stare and hateful scowl made him a bit uneasy, Gold stared at the Portrait back with some serious hate in his normally friendly eyes. So much that Dragonfly was sure that if glares could kill, that the Portrait would have been nothing but ashes, if even that.

"This Mare," He started, his voice absolutely laced with resentment. "was my mother, "Gold" Wind, as you can guess and likely already know Dragonfly, I deeply loathed her."

Said Changeling nodded, signaling Gold to continue.

"Be glad you never had the dishonor to met her, for she was a real black hearted Pony. I wouldn't go too deep into the details as i'd be beating old wounds but I will say she was loathed by absolutely everypony in Canterlot, even the worst of the Nobles wanted nothing to do with her. My father was forced into an arranged marriage against his will by her parents, who were as uncaring as they come, and lived a truly miserable life with her. My brother, Golden Lance, defied her after he married a beautiful mare that loved him as much as he loved her, behind mother's back and when he refused to let her anywhere near his wife or Foals she disowned him and tried to erase Lance from out family's records. Dad and his parents foresaw that however and had made sure the records were safe, tricking mother into destroying false ones. Sadly I couldn't keep her away from my own Foals, as you can guess we were able to keep Bluebelle and Dancer from my mother, Blueblood wasn't as lucky. She's the reason he's the way he is now, she turned him into what he is today."

Gold let out a shaky breath before slamming a hoof hard into the Portrait, which surprisingly remained undamaged.

"She hated my wife and more than once tried to void our marriage so she could hoof me over to who she choose, but BD's own father made it clear that he would out allow that."

Gold let out a laugh.

"BD's father, Minted Dime, may be a Stallion of advanced age but he is, in his own words: "Tougher than the toughies, smarter than the smarties, and tricky as can be." Mr. Dime actually whacked my mother across the face with that cane he always carries and calmly challenged her, and being who he is, my mother couldn't do a thing."

Dragonfly blinked, why did that sound so familiar to him? He then spoke up. "From what Belle said she died about... nine years ago now?"

"You would be right Dragonfly, Sparks told you about her Foalnapping didn't she?" At Dragonfly's nod Gold continued. "Well as it turned out: My mother was behind the whole Unicorn Purists thing all this time." He snorted, "And even then only saw them as tools to use and discard. But once her crimes were laid bear she was charged with High Treason but fled before she could be taken in. The one time I saw her without that hateful scowl, I wouldn't lie and not say I took an untold amount of pleasure seeing genuine fear on her face. She didn't get too far, for Black Death was sent with a kill-on-sight order, and he returned a few days later with solid proof of her death."

Gold out out a sign. "I cannot even begin to tell you of the relief me, my brother, and my dad felt once we knew she could never harm us again. First thing I did was "reown" my brother. My dad went into therapy, where he funnily enough met his new Marefriend. They're just dating now, healing the damage mother did but he's healing well."

Dragonfly nodded in understanding, glad Gold and his family got their closure. Then he asked a question that had been on his mind.

"If she was so hated, why is this Portrait still here?"

Gold let out a long suffering kind of sigh as he facehoofed. "She personally enchanted this one so it could never be removed or damaged, which is why it's still here and believe me, we've wanted it removed for a long time and have tried."

After that Gold led them over to his office, where he gestured to a chair in front of his desk. After the two had sat down Gold spoke.

"Now I suppose you're wondering what I wanted to see you about Dragonfly?" At the Changeling's nod Gold continued. "As you know, my family has several rivals though not many of them are willing to make any moves after what happened to those that did. But that doesn't mean that there aren't those that try, but I'll get to that in a minute. Remember when you and Blue first met, that day in your shop."

Dragonfly chuckled, "You mean when you went to do the old "overprotective dad" to me and your wife pulled you out by the ears."

Gold returned the chuckle, "Yep, my wife can be quite stubborn when she wants to be." He reached up and rubbed an ear. "She knows how to get me to see things her way when needed. And I will say you did much better than I did meeting BD's father."

"How so?"

"I was so nervous that I fainted straight away, though it gave her father a good laugh."

The two chuckled at that, before Gold let out a weary sign, seemingly debating with himself about something. After a minute he looked back to Dragonfly who was looking at him with a curious expression.

"Going back to the topic about the other Nobles, there is one that has been gunning hard to have his son marry either Bluebelle or Dancer, preferably both. His name is Duke Bullhorn, a real flankhole if you'll excuse my language. Every single Gala he's been trying to get my daughters into an arranged marriage, and he's tried almost every single trick." Gold signed heavily as he rubbed his temples.

Dragonfly blinked in surprise before speaking.

"I thought arranged marriages are illegal now unless the child is, at the absolute minimum, sixteen and consents in pony with Celestia or now Luna to allow their parents and/or guardians to arrange the union. If I remember right, didn't Celestia make it now so that unless it's done that way the those who try it are stripped of the titles and wreath?"

"You are right Dragonfly, she did indeed and even made painfully obvious that she would not tolerate it by letting Black Death loose on those Nobles, heck the reason why arranged marriages are illegal is because of those like my mother. I still remember this one pair of very uncaring Nobles that only saw their own daughter as a tool, after Black Death was through with them both were locked in the darkest prison in Equestria, the kind only reserved for the worst and truly irredeemable. The problem is that Bullhorn can't get it through his thick skull and I'm sure he is suffering from what i think is insanity. I can't confirm it, but I'm worried about what he'll do next at this Gala. He's been smart enough to not go too far but I feel it's only a matter of time, and who knows what he'll do before Black Death get's to him."

Dragonfly blinked as a though came to him.

"Gold..." He started slowly, "are you asking for an arranged marriage?"

Gold immediately held his hooves up. "No, that's not what I'm asking. At least not now," He rested his hooves on his desk as he continued. "But I understand why you would think that. I love my Foals deeply, and would never force them into anything." Gold then gave Dragonfly a fond smile. "And that same love extends to you as well Dragonfly, even when we first met I could tell you were a far better Stallion than the ones here. I'm not asking you to marry my daughters now, that can wait until you three think you're ready, I'm only asking to keep the thought in your head."

Dragonfly nodded, feeling quite touched that Gold considered him a son.

"Something I do need to ask now though," Gold said. "When the Gala comes this year, and you encounter Bullhorn, Please make it clear to him that you're the girls' Coltfriend. And don't worry about any retaliation, Me and my own friends along with the Royal Knights have got that covered. Can you do that?"

Dragonfly thought for a few minutes, he knew that Gold was being fully truthful with everything he had said, and it was clear he much like BD only wanted their daughters to be happy. After some time pasted Dragonfly turned to Gold with a smile.

"I can do that Gold, and my own Changelings will be ready should Bullhorn try anything."

Gold gave him what only could be described as a relieved smile.

"Thank you Dragonfly, it puts my heart at ease knowing that my daughters will be safe and happy with you. Now come on, let's get back to the others."

The two made their way back to the lining room only for Gold, who was in front, to stop mid-step at the sight of the Thestral Stallion

"Mr. Dime? When did you arrive?"

"Come nao Gold me lad, I've told yeh many a times to call me dad." Dime then stopped and started at Dragonfly, who stared back with a surprise look on his face. Dime adjusted his glasses and leaned closer, before blinking in surprise of his own.

"Well goodness me, is that you Dragonfly Wings? Bless me bagpipes you've grown from the wee lad since the last time ah saw ya." Dime then blinked as something occurred to him, he looked over at Belle than back to Dragonfly. He did this a few times before a large smile spread over his face as he let out a laugh.

"Well blast me bagpipes, So Dragonfly Wings is yeh and Dancer's Coltfriend Bluebelle?" He let out a happy laugh, "Yeh tow couldn't 'have picked a better one."

Dragonfly smile widely as the memories started coming back. "Now I remember, Mr. Dime use to take me on some of his adventures. Drove both mom and dad crazy." He finished as he sat down next to Belle.

"Dragonfly lad, Ah've told yeh to call me Uncle." Dime said as he sat down next to the Changeling Royal and patted his back. "It's been a long time lad."

"It has indeed Uncle Dime," Dragonfly smiled at the Stallion, "Gryo still driving you up the wall and Launch Pad still crashing things?"

"Like yeh wouldn't believe lad." The two shared a laugh as Gold sat down next to his wife.

"Where are the boys?" He asked.

"With me nephew, ah wanted to see all of ya alone this time."

They started sharing stories, with Belle and her family learning that Minted Dime was a long time friend of Nebula and had indeed taken her son on several adventures, Both Nebula and Saber had been driven crazy by it but as long as their son came back safe and sound the two didn't stop Dime. As they chatted Dapper Streak came in and told them that Gold's brother Golden Lance and his wife Sapphire Star had arrived.

Two Ponies then entered the room, a Unicorn with a white coat, black mane and tail with a single red stripe though them, and green eyes. His Cutie Mark was a pair of crossed lances. Next to him was a Pegasus Mare with a sapphire coat, dark blue mane and tail, and light blue eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a bunch of various gems in the shape of stars.

Belle smiled happily at them.

"Uncle Lance, Auntie Sapphire. Nice to see you two again."

"You too Little Flower." Lance said beaming as Sapphire went over to give her niece-in-law a hug, which Belle was happy to return. As the former pulled out of the hug she noticed Dragonfly on the couch.

"Oh, hello there dear. Who are you?" Sapphire asked.

Belle smiled at her Aunt as she gave her Uncle a hug and told them. "This is Dragonfly Wings, mine and Dancer's Coltfriend."

Golden Lance did a double taken and looked to Belle. "When did this happen?"

They were soon joined by BD's brother Silver Sword, a Unicorn who looked almost like a mirror image of his sister with the only real difference being a shining silver coat and two crossed sky blue boardswords. He was also surprised to see Dragonfly but like Lance and Sapphire where happy to met Dragonfly and they spend the next few hours talking as Dragonfly told them about himself, he learned about them.

Golden Lance was a goldsmith who spent many a day working with the gold out of his brother's mines while his wife Sapphire was a gemologist, together the two had made quite a fortune independently of the family, as after Lance was disowned by his mother he was cut off from that income, so he and his wife had found another way with secret help from his brother Gold Bar who supplied the gold the two needed for their work. Silver Sword was a smith of various kinds, including but not limited to blacksmithing and silversmithing. As it turned out Silver was actually BD's twin brother and specialized in making swords but had great ability with numbers so he manged the family finances on the side.

In terms of personally Lance was much like his brother, with the two still engaging in the standard sibling rivalry, But seemed to be more of a fighter and Dragonfly learned that as a younger Stallion Lance was as stubborn as a bull and was in fact the firstborn of the two. As the firstborn a lot of things were piled onto him by his mother but Lance defied her as much as possible, with the biggest being marrying Sapphire. The Mare in question was rather bubbly and a hugger, which Dragonfly didn't mind at all. She even told Dragonfly a few stories of Belle and Dancer when they were younger, much to Belle's embarrassment and Dragonfly's laughter.

Silver Sword was a relaxed sort of Pony, and generally preferred to take thing slowly but could work well quickly when needed. After hearing about Dragonfly's potions Silver talked some business while the latter gave the former some tips on managing finances.

Overall Dragonfly found himself liking Belle and Dancer's family, and the feeling was mutual.

Soon the time came for them to head down to Canterlot's Grand Auditorium for Dancer's show, once they arrived Belle and Dragonfly went to meet Dancer while the others went to their box seats. As the two of them were well-known by the crew they had no issues getting backstage and reaching Dancer's dressing room, where Belle knocked on the door.

"Sis, it's me and Dragonfly, may we come in?"

"Sure, one moment please."

The door opened to reveal Dancer wearing a metallic green leotard with rhinestones in the shape of a wave on the chest and stomach, a black belt which was decorated with more rhinestones and a metallic silver buckle, and a green transparent mesh half-skirt decorated with tiny diamonds and a hole to allow her tail through that covered her flanks and hung down to just above her back hooves.

"You doing okay Dancer?" Belle asked as she gave her sister a hug.

"Yeah, just having some jitters like I always do." Dancer explained as Dragonfly gave her a hug.

"As always Dancer, just do your best." Dragonfly said giving her a kiss on the lips which she returned happily, moaning in bliss. Belle chuckled as they pulled apart.

"Easy there you two, let's wait until we get to bed first before we start "rolling in the hay".

The two blushed and chuckled, then a knock sounded at the door followed by a voice calling out, "Five minutes until showtime!"

"Okay!" Dancer replied, turning back to her family. "Well, you two need to get to your seats. The show’s about to start."

The two gave Dancer a hug and left, Dragonfly saying "See you on stage." and Belle wishing her luck.

Dancer let out a breath and finished up, soon the time came and she made her way to the stage.

"Here we go Dancer, you got this." She whispered to herself before joining her fellows. 




Canterlot

Royal Greenhouse

Grace was happily humming to herself as she watered several plants, walking with a skip in her step. Ever since her and Dusk's "Special Night" sometime ago Grace had been riding on cloud nine and the two had "rolled in the hay" several times now and each had been as enjoyable as their first time. As Grace walked over to the sink to refill her watering can she felt something strange from her stomach, before she suddenly hurled into the sink. Shaking her head Grace looked down in puzzlement.

"That's strange, I'm not sick so why did I throw up?" She shrugged, "It's probably just a bug or something."

Grace washed out the sink and refilled her can before turning and walking back to continue watering.
> Ponyville 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot

One Week later

"GET SOME WATER ON THAT FIRE!!"

It had started out as a normal day, but that ended when the Crystal Battery Factory which had been built against the mountain and opposite of the Royal Palace, suddenly had an out-of-control fire raging. Crystals Batteries were very stable once made, but during the building process were extremely volatile and flammable and as such were kept in below-zero temperatures.

Either somepony had gotten careless, or something else had happened; because the entire factory had just gone up in a raging inferno. The worst part was it had happened so fast that the workers had no time to evacuate, leaving them trapped inside the building. Now thankfully safety had been a top concern for the builders and the fire suppression systems were keeping the flames from the safe rooms the workers had ducked into, but it was only a matter of time.

Fireponies rushed about armed with heavy hoses and began staying thick foam and freezing water as more fire engines pulled up and went to work unpacking hoses and joining those already fighting the fire, joined by Pegasi above with rain clouds creating a heavy downpour. Among the firefighters was none other than Sparks' second mother Flame Flower, who looked at the inferno in shock.

She hadn't seen a fire this bad in a long time, not since...

She shook her head, no time for relapse, she had to focus.

"No one get's left behind."

Readying the fire extinguisher and Pulaski on her back she charged into the fray, she and likely the others knew they wouldn't be able to save the building, but they sure as Celestia raised the sun that they would save every life here.

"No one get's left behind."

Inside one team had reached one of the safe rooms, where they found half the workers safe.

"Thank Harmony you found us, the door's stuck and we're trapped." A Unicorn Mare said, scared but trying to keep calm.

"Just hang on, we'll get you out." An Earth Pony firefighter responded as he tried to open the door but it was stuck tight. "It's swelled from the heat, Iron Arms!"

"Iron Arms" was a male Minotaur armed with a large fire ax. "I got this, Get clear of the door!"

Both his fellow firefighters and the workers did so and Iron Arms hefted the ax over his head and brought it down on the door, breaking it fully open in two hits and allowing the workers out. Quickly the group moved outside and clear of the fire, waiting for them where the rest of the workers and their Foals that had been inside the daycare.

As the Foals and parents hugged each other one of the mothers noticed something, something very horrifying.

"My son!" She cried out, "He's missing!"



Flame Flower rushed through the halls, looking for any that the rescue teams had missed. Fire licked at her but thanks to both her gear and fireproofing that came from being a Pyromage she ignored the flames.

"HELP ME!"

The sound of a very young Colt's voice screaming in terror caused Flower to stop cold, her ears perked as far as they would go.

"HELP!!!"

Turning down a hall she followed the voice, stopping in her tracks in shock at the sight: A tiny Pegasus Foal, around five or six years old, was trapped by a wall of fire and smoke all around him. His tail was curled against him as tightly as it could be as tears flowed from his eyes like a waterfall, raw fear in his eyes as the small space he was in was getting smaller, like the fire was toying with it's prey.

Flame Flower stared, her mind flashing to a time long ago.



The tiny Filly stared in raw fear at the wall of flame around her, she hadn't meant for this to happen. She hadn't meant to set the building on fire.

"Flower!" A voice, a mother cried out, "Flower! my daughter! Please... Please somepony, get our daughter!"



Outside the fire had gotten worse, even with the help of Celestia herself (Luna's power wasn't ready yet, though she did help by comforting the Foals as best she could.) the flames only got stronger.

Then it got worse.

Sparks and arcs of lightning flew of one of the large "Battery Tanks" (named for their shape and the fact they were where certain elements were stored) as the fire heated it far past safe levels.

"IT'S GONNA BLOW!!!"

The firefighters and guards ran trying to get clear of the blast radius, those moving too slowly were picked up by any flyers. They got clear just in time, for the tank split vertically down the middle as a massive blast tore out of it like an enraged monster finally free of it's prison. The blast was the finally straw for the other tanks around it started going up in a chain reaction, intensifying the fire far past the point of being able to be put out.

"FALL BACK!! GET OUT OF THERE!! MOVE MOVE!!!

The firefighters and guards did just that as mushroom clouds of pure fire reached into the sky and forcing the Pegasi in the air to pull back. The Fire Chief could only stare in shocked horror, he'd seen bad fires... but never ones like this. Nearby the mother of the missing Foal was catatonic with emotions, fearing that her son was somewhere in that inferno. The Chief looked into the fire.

"Come on Flame Flower, don't fail us now."



The explosions knocked Flame Flower out of her flashback and she pulled the fire extinguisher, spraying the foam into the flame. The fire fought back against her but Flower was determined as she pushed onwards.

"You... shall... NOT take him!!"

As sudden explosion, much smaller but still powerful, when off to her right and watched over her, knocking her off her hooves but she was up in a heartbeat, refusing to give up even as the small tanks she'd missed before started to heat to dangerous levels.

"I'm not giving up! You... will... NEVER beat me!"




"Keep trying!" A firefighter called out.

"Please..." A second voice, a father called out. "Please somepony get our daughter!"

"I can't reach her!" A second firefighter called out.

"It's too hot! The building's about to crumble!" A third firefighter called out. Above the Filly a beam broke loose and crashed right next the the Filly, only missing her my an inch as she curled further into a ball trying to get away from the flames.

"Come on don't give up!" A forth firefighter, an older one, called out. "Keep going we can do this!" 

The Filly lifted her head to seen an older Earth Pony Stallion firefighter burst through the flames.

"Hang on sweety! I got ya!"

He picked her up and held her against his body. "What's your name little one?"

"Flame Flower."

"Well Flame Flower, as long as I'm around, no one get's left behind."

With that he carried her out as the roof came down, soon reaching the outside and giving the Filly to her crying parents.




The flames fought hard, but Flame Flower fought harder. To her nothing would stop her, she was one with the fire and reached out with her magic, bending it to her will just enough.

The Colt lifted his head, on the verge of giving up.

"Please... help me..." He feebly called out. Then before his eyes a shape appeared; a Unicorn Mare with a blue coat with a bright red mane and tail, green eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a Dragon head shooting fire from its mouth. She wore a red firefighter's helmet with an orange pentagonal-shaped crest with her Cutie Mark emblazoned on the front, a red hoodie with flame decals under the helmet and a set of red robes that reached to her elbows and knees, and a red fire extinguisher which included a Pulaski attached to the side. Over her chest was a black strap with Pony dolls resembling the Mare. One possessed the Western depiction of an angelic halo, while the other has cartoony devil horns and a pitchfork and over her flanks were two different bags: On her left was a empty worn knapsack while on her right was a blue backpack with three small pockets and a tag with the Mare's Cutie Mark. Attached to the backpack are a bottle with a red mug on one side, a paper folded in half on the other, and a rolled up sleeping bag on the top. Around her forelegs were blue armbands and over her hooves were black welding gloves.

The Colt smiled wide seeing her as she reached down and picked him, stuffing him into her robe.

"What's your name son?" Flower asked as she made sure he was secure.

"Sky Storm..."

"Well Sky Storm... as long as I'm around... No one  get's left behind."

With Sky now secure Flower bolted, her hooves beating against the floor as she came out of the room in a sprint, and just in time as the tanks inside detonated. Outside the gathered creatures could only watch as more detonations ripped through the building, causing it to collapse into itself as the fire consumed it fully.

Then a spot suddenly turned blue and was blasted open, revealing Flame Flower holding the missing Colt, bother were a bit singed but otherwise fine. Cheers rang out as Celestia cast a dome spell over the inferno, cutting off it's air supply and to let it burn out. The factory was a total loss, but thanks to the efforts of those there, including Flame Flower, no lives had been lost. She watched as the Colt was reunited with his mother, both crying lakes but beyond happy to see each other as Flower sat down and removed her helmet, tried... but very happy seeing the two hug.

Celestia knew that a lot had been lost today, but she smiled at her Royal Knight. She knew that whenever a fire broke out, that Flame Flower would never leave anyone behind.



Two days Later

Ponyville

Things had calmed down since the fire in Canterlot, a thorough investigation had revealed that the factory's manager, a Noble no less, had been taking money from the factory's safety features to line his own pockets and had brushed off any and all warnings. He was soon arrested and imprisoned, followed by a strong enforcement of safety rules by Celestia herself. No lives had been lost in this disaster, but what's to stay that wouldn't be the case next time.

Flame Flower was awarded for her bravery, and got quite the tearful thank you from the mother of Sky Storm with the Colt hugging her around the neck in a vice grip. Sparks and the rest of Flower's family were also very proud of her.

Meanwhile in Ponyville, things had been rather quiet though the townsfolk didn't really mind. However, two of them were about to get a shock beyond any levels they'd had before.

It was early that morning and;

Beep! Beep! Beep! Be-CRASH!!

The alarm was silenced as a hoof came down on the off button. The hoof was attached to the Pony/Changeling Hybrid Thunderlane who groaned and threw his blanket off with his back hooves as he started rubbing the sleep from his eyes and slid off the bed.

"My day off work and I still have to get up early to get Rumble ready for school. I hate Mondays."

He got off his bed, pausing to look at the various pictures that lined the walls of his room. Most of them were of his and Rumble's time in Ponyville and the memories they had made with the friends they had gained ever since they had first came to town so long ago. He eyes fell on one picture that stood on his night stand, causing a tear to fall as he picked it up. In the picture was Thunderlane and Rumble smiling happily, but next to Thunder was another Pony that looked almost like a mirror-image of him with only a few differences.

The most obvious was that this Pony was a Mare, followed by her mane and tail being long, then finally her Cutie Mark with was a lightning bolt spearing through a storm cloud. Similar to his yet different.

Most who knew Thunderlane didn't know this, but the Mare in this picture was was his twin sister Lightning Street. And the reason most didn't know was any subject on her was difficult for him to talk about. It wasn't that the two hadn't gotten along, quite the opposite actually as the two had been close enough that their parents would jokingly call the conjoined twins.

The reason it was so difficult for him to talk about was because it brought up horrible memories of the day their Hive was attacked, the day their parents had been killed... the day they had be separated. Thunderlane had spent a long time trying to find any trace of her, knowing what would have happened if their enemy had got her. He never found anything more than a bloody spot and a few tail hairs on a jagged rock overlooking a waterfall.

Thunderlane held the picture against his chest as more tears fell, that sight was forever burned into his mind. He could only hope it was quick for her and their enemy hadn't gotten to her first.

Setting the picture back on the nightstand he walked into the kitchen and started making breakfast: eggs and haybacon, his and Rumbles favorite. It wasn't long until Thunderlane had finished cooking and laid it out for him and his brother, but just as he was entering the hallway to wake Rumble up, a loud CLANG!sounded from outside. Thunderlane rushed out the door, to see the local mailmare: Derpy "Muffins" Hooves, stuck in his mailbox. Her head and front legs sticking out the back and her rump, tail and back legs out the front. She turned her head to look at him with her ears folded against her head.

"Sorry Thunderlane," she said with a sad tone, "I didn't mean to crash into your mailbox... again ... this week."

He just smiled softy as he moved to help her.

"It's okay Derpy, I know it's not something you can help, for now lets get you out of it,"

Derpy Hooves was Ponyville's "unofficial mascot" in a way and while she had problems with her vision, and more than a few crashes, she was well loved by the town. Thunderlane had known Derpy since Flight School and she in fact had been the best flyer out of the entire class, at least until her eyes started to go in two different directions. Derpy had tried many things to correct her vision but nothing had worked, leaving her as she was now. However, Derpy was the town's most reliable mailmare and always got her packages delivered, even with some hiccups here and there. She was also one of the best bakers when it came to muffins, hence her nickname, and the whole town loved them. Adding further to that was how much Derpy loved her daughter Dinky, a little Unicorn Filly that was perhaps the sweetest Foal in town, and perhaps one of the smartest.

The town helped her out when she needed it, and Harmony help the poor soul that hurt her.

Thunderlane gently grabbed her back legs and pulled, After a few minutes, Derpy popped free of the mailbox, sending her and Thunderlane flying backwards as they tried to right themselves by flapping their wings only to crash in a heap with the former on top of the latter.

"Sorry," Derpy said as she got off Thunderlane and helped him up.

"No harm done." He said brushing himself off. "I've been hit by worse working Ponyville's weather, and you are quite soft Derpy." He gave her a playful smile. "Though you should maybe layoff on the muffins a little," Thunderlane said jokingly as he poked a hoof against her belly, causing Derpy to giggle.

"Oh stop," Derpy said as she shielded her belly with her hooves and wings.

They chatted for a few minutes before Derpy give him his mail, just a few bills and left to continue her morning route while Thunderlane went to wake up his brother.

Entering his brother's room he saw his younger brother Rumble, the little Pegasus/Changeling colt still fast asleep with his legs and wings twitching. Thunderlane slowly walked up to the bed and pulled the blanket away.

Now without any cover against the cool morning air, the colt curled up trying to retain warmth. Seeing Rumble still asleep, Thunderlane smiled mischievously, walked to the side and slowly extended a wing till the tip of a feather was just about touching Rumble's side. Thunderlane then began a tickle assault on the colt's side then belly when Rumble flipped on to his back laughing. Thunderlane then leaned his head down drawing in a breath.

Rumble's eyes snapped open hearing that.

"No big brother not that!"

Too late, Thunderlane blew a big raspberry into the colt's belly. Rumble squealed with laugher, legs moving about and wings flipping like crazy.

"ALL RIGHT ALL RIGHT I'M AWAKE I'M AWAKE!!!" Rumble half-shouted half-laughed.

Thunderlane let up smiling at him.

"Come on Rumble, time to get up, breakfast is on the table and then its time for school,"

"All right big bro, be with ya in just a minute," Rumble said stretching.

Thunderlane nodded and walked back to the dining room with Rumble coming in just a minute after he sat down, breakfast passed rather quickly and soon Thunderlane had dropped his brother off at school and returned home, sitting down on his chair wondering what to do today for a few moments before picking up a book he'd been reading.

He'd been reading for about a hour when a knocking sounded from his door.

"And just when I was getting to the good part." He sighed setting the book down and walking to the door, opening it to greet whoever was knocking.

He froze still in shock at who was waiting for him.

His twin sister, Lightning Street.

And she seemed quite nervous, if the way she was rubbing her foreleg and her pinned-back ears were any indication.

"Lig... Lightning? Is.. is that really you?"

Lightning softly dimpled, which Thunderlane recognized instantly. "Hey bro... it's... been a long time hasn't?"

Thunderlane smiled, then blinked. "Wait... How do I know you really are my sister?" He said, readying himself in case he had to defend himself.

Despite her apparent nervousness, Lightning gave him a playful smile. "Who else would remember the time you got your head stuck in that tree, or when we were babies and you got that bow stuck on your g-" She let out a yelp of surprise as Thunderlane suddenly grabbed her and pulled her inside, followed by locking his forelegs around her in a vice-grip hug.

"First Mother and Harmony! It is you!" Thunderlane cried as he held his long-lost twin sister, who despite her surprise at the sudden hug embraced her brother as tightly.

"I missed you so much brother." Lightning said as she nuzzled his neck.

"I missed you too sister." Thunder responded, tightening the hug.

The two sat there for awhile, letting their emotions run free as they embraced. Eventually the two parted, feeling tired but happy beyond description. Soon they were seated in the living room on either end of the large couch, each holding a mug of hot chocolate.

Lightning moaned in bliss as she drank her's. "You have no idea how much I missed your hot chocolate Thunder." She said licking her lips. Thunder smiled at her. "Glad to see you sill love it, but sis; where have you been all this time? It's been seven years since that day."

Lightning set her mug on the table and looked her brother in the eye. "Recovering. When I escaped I was badly injured, they hit my wing leaving me unable to fly so I jumped off a waterfall to escape, I suppose you saw what I left there?"

Thunder nodded, signaling her to continue.

"I don't know how or why I survived the fall, but somehow I did. I floated down the river for a long time before I was able to pull himself on shore, so sore I could barely move. I would have died there, but I was rescued."

"By who?" Thunderlane asked.

"Jewelbeetle. She found me and took care of me, nursing me back to health and helping me stay hidden, until now."

Thunderlane's eyes widened and would have dropped his mug if he hadn't set it one the table. "Jewelbeetle? She's here??"

"Not "here" as in Ponyville, more like in the shadows around the town. Thunderlane... is it true the Dragonfly Wings is alive?" Lightning asked, her tone quite serious which surprised her brother. But he nodded and even dropped his disguise to show her his new backplate and wings. Lightning's jaw dropped and her eyes widened, but immediately a massive smile appeared on her face as happy tears fell from her eyes.

"Oh sweet Faust, it is true. Our kind has hope again."

Thunderlane nodded, knowing that she wasn't referring to regular Changelings; the sad truth was that Hybrids like him and his siblings were viewed as something less than living by the vast majority Changelings, killing them on sight at best. As a result the Hybrids where drawn towards Empress Nebula Sheen once she set it straight that the Hybrids were under her protection and would not stand by if any were harmed. Under her protection the Hybrids had thrived, being able to raise their young safely from the hooves of those that wanted to harm them, while those same Changelings could only watch as while Nebula was kind, her wrath was feared.

When the time came for the Hive to scatter the Hybrids had gone underground, both literary and figuratively, to keep same from their enemy. Sadly, not all had made it and had been caught. Fortunately only a few had actually been killed, those that had been subjected to Dry Hibernation had been found by either other Hybrids or members of Nebula's Hive and been released, in need of therapy but otherwise fine.

The two soon lost track of time as they caught up on the years they'd been apart when a sudden gasp from the entryway caught their attention. Turning they saw Rumble standing there with his saddlebags next to him, shocked beyond measure as seeing his long-lost big sister there. As Thunderlane looked at the clock in surprise Lightning got off the couch and slowly approached the Colt, lowering herself to her belly.

"Rumble? Is that you little bro? You've grown so much." Lightning gently said, a soft smile appearing over her face.

Said Colt took a few slow steps towards her. "B... big sis? He stuttered, tears welling up with raw hope in his purple eyes.

Lighting dropped her disguise, revealing her Hybrid form to him. That was all the answer the Colt needed.

Rumble stuck his big sister in the neck from his tackle hug with enough force to knock the older Changeling onto her back, Lightning for her part just embraced Rumble as the Colt locked his hooves around her neck in a vice-grip as he cried into it.

"I missed you two Rumble." Lightning said softy as she nuzzled Rumble, Thunderlane pulling her up and the three embracing each other for the first time in seven years.

Thunderlane couldn't help but wonder what Dragonfly was going to say to this.



Below Ponyville

The Hive

Well Dragonfly wouldn't have been saying anything at the moment, because he was currently lip-locked with Belle in a very deep kiss as his hoof gently rubbed little circles on her Cutie Mark, causing the Mare to make a sound that was a mix of moaning and purring. Dragonfly's other hood was doing the same to Dancer, who was making cute squeaks like a kitten while she was snuggling into his long tail like it was a pillow. Pulling out of the kiss Dragonfly gently set Belle down as she  signed in bliss and picked Dancer up to give her the same kiss, which she happily accepted.

Once the kiss was done he laid Dancer next to her sister and laid down over top of them, nuzzling and licking their necks and causing the two Mares to purr. After doing this for a few minutes Dragonfly stopped and lifted his head to look at his girls how looked back with smiles.

"You know how to please us Dragonfly." Belle said dreamly, Dance sighing in agreement.

"I do aim to please, and you two return it in full." Dragonfly said, then a sly smirk slowly formed on his face, snapping the Mares out of their blissful state.

"Dragonfly," Dancer said warily, "why are you smiling like that?"

"Because I can now do this!" At the "this" he dug his hooves into Belle and Dancer's bellies, catching the two off guard as they squealed with laughter. They'd always been very ticklish, something that their parents and friends had exploited more than once.

The Mares where laughing too hard to respond as they tried to at him away with their hooves to no avail, for Dragonfly was stronger as he mercilessly kept up the attack, even leaning down and blowing raspberries followed by small nips into their bellies, which only increased the laughter.

Eventually Dragonfly let up and moved in between the two, laying down on his back and hugging the Mares against him. The three laid their for awhile, taking comfort in each other, before Dancer spoke.

"Um... Dragonfly?"

"Yes Dancer?" Said Changeling asked, turning to face her.

"I was just wondering; how would you feel about having Foals? I'm not saying right now, just at some point in the future."

Dragonfly stared at the ceiling for a few minutes, thinking over his answer. "Well... I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet, but I have nothing against the idea. Why do you ask?"

"I've been thinking about what Belle and I were told about having a Royal Changeling as a mate and what comes with it, I do agree that I'm not ready to carry yet but... I wanted to know your opinion it the subject."

Dragonfly nodded and looked over at Belle, who was watching curiously.

"How about you Belle?" He asked.

"Well... I agree that I'm not ready to carry either, but I'm not against the idea."

Dragonfly nodded and pulled the two close so that they were on his chest and looking at him.

"Girls, I want to make this clear: I'm not at all against the idea of having Foals, I just think it might be a bit too early. Now, having said that; if you two do end up carrying know that I'll down all I can to support you. I love you two with all my heart and unexpected Foals wouldn't change that. Just let me know when you're ready, I'll be when you are." Dragonfly finished with a smile, which the Mares happily returned and leaned forward to nuzzle his face.

Their nuzzling was interrupted when the clock next to the bed went off, starling them.

"Well girls; as much as I'd like to keep cuddling, Twilight and her new friends will be showing up at the Cozy Rest soon so I need to greet them."

The two groaned in disappointment but got off to let him up.

It wasn't long until Dragonfly was disguised and staring at the clock waiting for the seven to show up.

'If I know Twilight, they should be here in three... two... one'

The door opened as the Mane Six joined by Spike entered.

'Right on time.'

"Hey guys," Dragonfly greeted them. "Ready to see the Hive?"

After they confirmed he told them to follow him to the Master Bedroom and with a quick spell they teleported to the Hive.



Canterlot

Grace had been going through something strange; ever since she threw up there had been things like fatigue, more throwing up, and increased trips to the Filly's room just to name a few. Finally, thinking something was wrong, Grace had gone to the doctor to see what was going on.

Grace's mother Flower Garden; A lithe Unicorn Mare a little taller then Grace with a rose red coat and spring green mane and tail, both of which were quite long and puffed out, which made them look almost like a cloud, eyes a nice shade of orange and her Cutie Marks was a bundle of various types of flowers, was busy humming to herself as she made some lunch for her and her husband Trapper Plant, today was their day off from work at the Royal Greenhouse and the two had planned for some "cuddle time" later on.

Flower feel two muscular forelegs gently wrap around her from behind and a little nibble to her right ear which caused her to lightly shutter.

"Hello dear." Flower said as she looked over her shoulder. Her husband, Trapper Plant, was an Earth Pony Stallion half a head taller than Dusk and was quite muscular, he had a dark green coat with an orange mane and tail and bright red eyes. His Cutie Mark was a cluster of Venus Flytraps on a white background. The Stallion spoke, in an unexpectedly soft voice for a Pony his size.

"Hello my beautiful Garden, looking forward to later?" Trapper asked with a flirty smile.

"You know I am sweety." She said with a giggle.

Fate had other plans however.

Just than, they heard the door open and close, walking into the hall they found their daughter Grace, who looked absolutely, for lack of a better word; shell shocked. Immediately the two were at he side and helped her to the couch.

"Grace deary?" Flower asked worriedly, "What's wrong?"

"Are you hurt?" Trapper asked as he checked her over. "Were you harmed?"

Grace finally looked at them with fear-filled eyes after a few minutes. "Mom... Dad..." She began, then she dropped a bombshell.

"I'm carrying Foals, and Dusk is the father."
> Hive 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grace's parents were frozen in shock by the news; hearing that their daughter was carrying Foals was something neither of them had been expecting to hear for some time yet. They knew that Grace wanted Foals of her own, they just weren't expecting that time to come so soon. Flower was the first to snap out of her shock and took Grace's hooves in her own.

"Sweetie, it's okay. We're here." She gently cupped her daughter's cheek, Grace immediately leaning into it like she use to as a Filly. Trapper finally snapped out of his shock and sat next to Grace, wrapping a foreleg around her and pulling Grace against his side, much like he would when she was a Filly.

"Grace dear, talk to us. We're not mad or disappointed, just surprised." His soft voice going even softer.

Grace let out a shuttering breath and began speaking after a few moments.

"Okay; When... when Nightmare Moon was defeated that first night Dusk and I... did the deed. It was wonderful, while it was a little awkward he was very gentle." Grace smiled fondly at the memory, but quickly refocused. "We've entwined several times since then, but... I remember that night before I fell asleep, it seemed the moon was brighter for a few moments."

Grace started to cry. "Mom, dad. What do I do now? Dusk has no idea that he's going to be a father and I'm terrified at how he's going to react, and I know I've said I wanted Foals of my own but I didn't mean so soon."

Flower and Trapper hugged their daughter tightly, trying to comfort her. They had sat there for a few minutes when a knock sounded on their door, causing Grace to nearly panic thinking at Dust was at the door, and she was no-where near ready to tell him. Trapper got up and opened the front door, finding not Dusk but rather his twin sister Rose, who looked concerned.

"Mr. Trapper? Sorry for the unannounced visit, but I saw Grace walking this way looking very upset so I came to check on her." Before Trapper could response Grace noticed her. "Rose?"

Said Pegasus took one look at Grace's reddened eyes and was next to her in a heartbeat looking over her. "Grace what happened?! Are you hurt? or..." She stopped as Grace shook her head.

"Rose... I just found out... that I'm carrying Foals, and Dusk is the father."

Rose stood stock still at the news, normally she'd be squeeing and jumping all over the place but the look of fear in Grace's yellow eyes stopped her. Gently Rose reached over and gently rubbed Grace's cheeks, soothing the Mare as she took slow deep breaths.

"Grace, I understand you're scared. It's going to be okay, I know that my brother would never hurt you. If anything he's going to be very happy at the news."

"How can you be sure?! What if he-" Grace's panicked words were stopped when Rose put a hoof over her month and spoke in a firm, yet gentle tone. "Graceful Petals, listen very closely to me: I know Dust Storm very well because I grew up with him. My twin loves you with all his heart. He would never even dream of hurting you Grace, he'd cut his good eye out and both of his wings off before he would willingly hurt you." She let out a sigh and continued. "Grace... While it was only a single year, Dusk was hurt very badly by his ex. You, quite literary, walking into his life was the best thing that happened to him; he told me himself. I understand you're scared Grace, but you have your parents and friends to support you. And you as well as I have seen him interact with his nieces and nephew; he loves the three Foals."

Grace sat silent after Rose's speech, then nodded as she leaned against her, taking comfort in Rose's embrace as the Pegasus wrapped her her forelegs and wings around her.

"I... I want to tell him, with the others present." Grace said after several minutes.

"Okay Grace." Rose said as she looked at Trapper and Flower, who nodded at her.



Soon after

Trapper and Flower's house

Thankfully Blades, Sparks, and Indigo had the day off so getting them was no trouble. Dusk was finishing a short shift and would be there a little later, but that worked out in preparing Grace for dropping the bombshell news on him. Bluebelle and Dancer were with Dragonfly in Ponyville so they would be told later, though they all knew that the two Mares were going to be very happy by the news and it was quite likely Dragonfly would be too.

Both Blades and Sparks had been real happy at the news, so had Indigo but he immediately started checking over her and asking questions like how long she had been carrying and if there were any problems so far. His friends, Grace included, couldn't help but smile; while Indigo was a shy sort, when it came to anything medical that side took a backseat and he became very focused on helping others.

Soon Indigo gave Grace a clean bill of health, after which Sparks looked to her and asked, "How are you feeling Grace?"

"Better, though still scared. But not as much with you guys here."

"It's okay to be scared Grace." Blades said. "We've got your back, and as Rose told you; Dusk will at first be shocked, but then he'll be very happy. You also know that Thestrals are very loyal to their mates, which by you two doing the deed pretty much means he's marked you as his... and him as yours."

Grace nodded, though she was unsure of how to tell him. She knew she loved Dusk, trusted him, and enjoyed even the simple gestures like when he placed a wing over her. She was brought out of her thoughts as a knock on the front door, which caused her to freeze as Flower opened the door. Sure enough; there was Dusk without his armor, though he looked worried. Flower greeted him and let Dusk in, who immediately after greeting Flower back focused on Grace.

"Grace me lass?" He asked, his worried tone filling the ears of the others as he slowly and carefully walked towards her. "Are you alright? I heard something 'ad 'appened. are you 'urt?"

Grace shook her head. "No... I'm not hurt... it's just..." Dusk reached forward with a wing once he was close enough, only for Grace to suddenly whimper in fear which caused him to retract the limb like someone had poured boiling hot water on it as a look of shock came over his face. He knew that Grace loved those wing hugs, so for her to whimper in fear like that told him whatever was bothering her must have be really serious. It was then that a dreaded thought ended his mind;

'Is Grace... scared of ME!!??'

Immediately Dusk started to panic internally as he when over everything he and Grace had done together; the possibility that Grace was scared of him terrified him more than he could even believe was possible and he knew he always treated her well, so what had he done to scare her. Fortunately for him, Grace noticed his reaction and called out to him.

"DUSK!" After said Thestral snapped back to reality she continued. "Dusk, it's not what you think. It's..." She trailed off as her own fear of telling him started to come back, but Rose, having had enough, placed a hoof on their shoulders and once they were focused on her she drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Much like Princess Cadance had shown them, that method had come in handy more times then any of them could count.

After a moment Grace spoke again. "Dusk... it's something that you did, but..." She trailed off again, Rose sighed but she didn't have to do anything more; Dusk realized what Grace was trying to say.

"Grace lass..." He said slowly, his eye glancing at her belly. "Are you..." He didn't finish, he didn't need to; Grace's nod was all the answer he needed.

"'Ow... 'ow long?"

"I only found out this morning. I'm carrying three Foals Dusk, and after some thorough checking; you are the father. I think it happened on our first night." Grace started to cry. "Please don't be angry Dusk. I..." She stopped, noticing that Dusk was frozen as his mind processed what Grace had said. For three long seconds he stood there, then he finally reacted. 

But not how Grace was expecting; she had thought he would be mad. Instead a huge smile appeared on his face as his eye brightened so much one could think it was a star.

"I'm... I'm gonna be a dad!?"

He then stared to prance in place as his wings flared and flapped, though this didn't last long as he remembered Grace and when up to her. Next thing Grace knew was his lips locked onto hers, she let out a surprised squeak, only to melt into the kiss as Dusk gently embraced her with his forearms and wings. She didn't know how long they were like that, but she enjoyed every second of it, her fear melting away as she relaxed.

Finally after what seemed to be hours, when it was actually only a few minutes, they pulled out of the kiss. Grace was on cloud nine as Dusk nuzzled her, while behind them their friends and Grace's parents smiled at the display of love. Rose especially was widely smiling, knowing she'd been right from the get-go.

Dusk rubbed circles on Grace's cheek, causing her to refocus on him.

"Grace me lass, I get why you were scared but I'm not at all mad; in fact I'm quite 'appy by this. I've always wanted to be a father, I just wasn't expecting that time to come so soon. But that changes nothing between us, I love you Grace and I've wanted to do this for a long while now but could never find a good time. So I think now is as good a time as any." Dusk released her and took a few steps back, pausing as he took a calming breath and looked her in the eye.

"Grace, the day I first met you was one of the 'ardest I'd had so far, the sting of betrayal of my ex 'urt like I couldn't despite. But on that same day, we ran into each other, literary. When I saw you, you were the most beautiful thing in the Royal Greenhouse, and that's saying a lot considering the exotic flowers that are in there." Grace couldn't help but giggle as Dusk gave her a smile. "Grace me lass, you 'elped me 'eal from what my ex did. You made me laugh and smile, these past years have been some of the best in my life and I can't imagine a day without you. Grace... you're the one who makes my life bloom."

He then reached under his wing and pulled a small black box out, Grace and the other's gasping at the sight. The he flipped the lid open, revealing a beautiful hoof-crafted hair pin of a bundle of roses being encircled by a pair of Thestral wings. The roses and their stems were rubies and emeralds respectively and the wings were sapphire. Dusk lowered his front half.

"Graceful Petals, will you marry me lass?"

Grace's hooves covered her mouth in shock, while she may not have been a jeweler she knew the hair pin was custom-made and it was clear Dusk had spent a long time on it. She couldn't answer as happy tears began to flow down her face, with a wide smile appearing. She leap off the couch and wrapped Dusk in a bear hug, trying to say yes but so overcome with happiness she could only squeak. Dust hugged her back, knowing her answer. The others were watching with all smiles, Flower wiping her eyes as her own tears flowed. Trapper placed a foreleg over her shoulders, happy that his little Filly had found a special somepony like Dusk. Blades and Sparks pulled Indigo into a two-way hug though the Unicorn didn't mind at all as he relaxed into it and Rose smiled huge, though she couldn't help but wonder what would happen when her and her brother's family found out.



Ponyville

Around the same time

The teleporter lowered towards the floor spreading its claws and a green flash appeared under it, the teleporter raising again after Dragonfly and his guests and been set on the floor. Twilight, who was used teleporting, was more or less fine though she had to get her bearings. Pinkie Pie was also fine. The others... not so much; Applejack suffered the worst and was green in the face, Rarity and Fluttershy weren't much better but at least didn't looked like they were going to lose the contents of the stomachs. Spike was rather dizzy and was leaning on Twilight for support while Dash had to land to reorient herself.

Once they had recovered the seven started taking in their surroundings, looking over the features of the Throne Room such as the banners and the Throne itself.

"As you likely guessed, welcome to the Hive's Throne Room." Dragonfly said waving a hoof around, the seven looking around in wonder at the room, Rarity commenting on the banners though she did say that the room could use more decoration to which Dragonfly explained that events had shifted attention elsewhere for now. By this point Seeker had come up and Dragonfly introduced him, explaining that Seeker was his Advisor as said Changeling greeted them.

It reminded Twilight of how Princess Celestia had Raven Inkwell as her Advisor, though it was clear not just to her but the others that Dragonfly and Seeker had a muck more casual relationship from their interaction and how they snarked at each other.

Dragonfly lead the group through the Hive, showing of the various places such as the Hive's Heart, which the girls were awed at as Dragonfly explained how it worked though Spike tried to take a bite and got zapped for his trouble before Dragonfly could warn him while Twilight scolded Spike. Dragonfly showed them the Hive Chambers where they met the current Breeds available to the Hive as Twilight took notes on how most Breeds started off as Changelings. Next was the Egg Chambers where the Mane Six couldn't help but comment on how cute the Nymphs were and they even got to hold a few, Spike ended up in a cuddle pile as he have one an ear scratch and the Nymphs around him started to nuzzle him and quickly found out the baby Dragon was very ticklish and next thing Spike knew he was under playful attack from a dozen Nymphs. He did play back though it was hard with the Nymphs tickling him, the Mares did get a good laugh out of it, especially Twilight who thanks to Pinkie was able to snap a picture of the scene and even Fluttershy was giggling. Speaking of said Mare, Fluttershy was also introduced to the Hive Spiders which (to nopony's surprise) she liked right away and even stroked one just behind the eyes, causing the spider to droop in relaxation.

When they got to the next place;

Dragonfly chuckled as they came up to the doors to the next area. "Well I know for certain Twilight is going to love this area." At his guests' expressions he opened the doors.

Sure enough, the second Twilight entered she froze mid-step before her eyes grew so wide everyone around her was surprised that they didn't pop out of their sockets as stars glowed and a long gasp sounded from her wide open mouth.

"OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMOYGOSH!!!!!!"

Dragonfly had just shown Twilight the Archives.

Darter, who was at the center Desk looking over the projection, couldn't help but laugh as Twilight ran about the Lobby pulling books of the shelves while trying to speak but was too excited as her friends also laughed at Twilight's excitement.

"So Darter, meet Twilight and her friends. Spike, Girls, this here is Darter Tail; the Hive's Wing Commander." Dragonfly introduced the Changeling who greeted them back before Spike when to get Twilight, who Dragonfly told could come back at a later time to look over the books. Dash, after hearing how fast Darter was, challenged him to a race, Darter gave her a smirk and slid his goggles over his eyes and asked "Where and when?"

After that Dragonfly showed off the rest of the Hive while explaining various topics and answering questions the seven had, at the end they had gathered back in the Throne Room when the Teleporter activated and from the beam Thunderlane appeared, but he wasn't alone: With him was Rumble but it was the second Pony that had their attention.

Dragonfly went forward and greeted them, asking the new Pony who she was.

"Well Dragonfly," Thunderlane began. "this is my twin sister Lightning Street."

Naturally the Girls were surprised by the news, though Dragonfly raised his eyebrows. "The same one you believed to be dead?" Thunder nodded and Dragonfly turned to Lightning who smiled back, he leaned down and touched his horn with her's after she dropped her disguise, lowering her head and ears to show submission towards the Royal and offering no resistance as Dragonfly searched her mind, quickly finding the answers he was seeking.



Flashback

Seven Years Ago

With a heavy and pain-filled grunt Lightning Street pulled herself into the river bank, wounded but alive and while she didn't know how long she had floated down the river (by her guess it was hours but she was unsure) but the important thing she was far away from her enemies. But Lightning didn't think it was going to matter soon; she was so stiff and sore she could barely move and doing so hurt like Tartarus, her left wing was surely broken from the magic bolt that struck it and the dive off the waterfall and she was all but sure that the open wounds on her body were all but infected by now.

Lightning laid there on her as pain ran through every part of her, the only parts of her still in the water was her back hooves and tail.

"I guess this is the end for me." Lightning whispered sadly to herself. "I'm sorry Thunder and Rumble, I'm sorry to leave you alone in this world." Soft, gentle tears flowed from her eyes as she waited for death to take her in peace.

Fate however had another plan...

The sight of a large black and chitin-covered hoof stepping into her view caused Lightning to panic, trying to get up and escape. But the soreness and pain hit her like a train and she fell back to her side, closing her eyes and praying to the First Mother that the Changeling would be quick, though she knew that wouldn't be the case as she knew what happened to Hybrids that her Hive got, especially the female ones.

So the sound of a gentle voice ringing in her ears, plus magic softly flowing into her and healing her surprised Lightning.

"You don't need to fear me little Hybrid, I'm not her."

Lightning with a bit of effort was able to look at the other Changeling, and was shocked at who she saw.

"Jewel... Jewelbeetle??"

Said former Royal now Valkyrie gave Lightning a warm smile as she reached forward and rubbed the Hybrid's ear. "Indeed it is me little one, the Empress told me to keep an eye out for the lost ones. I'm glad I found you before it was too late. What's your name?"

"Lightning Street."

"Do you have any remaining family Lightning?" 

"My twin brother and a little brother."

"Well just hang on Lightning, you'll see them again someday."



Present Time

Dragonfly pulled back, smiling at Lightning how smiled back, her wings and backplate showing his Hive's colors. By this point Belle, Dancer and the Founders had joined the group in the Throne Room and were smiling at the two.

"Welcome to the Hive Lightning Street, and I see that Jewelbeetle is alive and well. She never was one to go down without a fight, I'm also happy to see she's been helping the Hybrids out."

Lightning nodded. "She took care of us during these years and kept us hidden from our enemy..." She paused for a moment, then spoke again. "Dragonfly... it's a great honor to finally meet you, I'm not sure if you're aware but you gave my fellows hope and when news of your death reached us." She stopped to wipe her eyes, not needing to finish her sentence. Dragonfly reached over and pulled her into a hug, surprising her but Lightning was quick to return it happily. 

"I'm only doing what's right Lightning, Hybrids have a right to live like other Changelings and mom couldn't just stand by while they were hunted, so here I am doing the same thing; giving Hybrids like you and your family a place they can call home. And we all know that the free Changelings need to stick together, now more then ever."




A few Days Later

Dragonfly sat a little into the Everfree, his bodyguards nearby but out of sight and ready to make sure their Prince was protected while Belle and Dancer sat with him. Dragonfly was waiting for somebuggy, specifically Jewelbeetle, who he had been told had been hiding with her Hybrids within the forest. To him that made sense; sure it was a dangerous place, but it was also the prefect place to stay hidden. He would not be surprised if many free Changelings had chosen the Everfree as their place to keep away from Chrysalis.

The sound of bushes rustling alerted him, his two Mares, and his guards to something moving and in a few moments a tall Changeling appeared, clearly female by her body shape. Dragonfly smiled wide, which she returned just as wide.

"Jewelbeetle, it's been a long time."

"Hello Dragonfly, you look good for being dead." She joked, to which he chuckled.

"Well it was too close, but as you can tell I got better."

The two embraced each other as Belle and Dancer took in Jewel's appearance; She was a little shorter then Dragonfly by about an inch or two with a long braided silver mane and tail along with eyes and wings the same color, and a red back plate. She wore what looked like a harness with a large and long double-headed four-flange great mace with large green crystals within the heads across her back and a pair of large saddlebags on her flanks.

The two Changelings pulled apart and Jewel took a closer look at the two Mares, before widening her eyes as she looked at Dragonfly in surprise. "Dragonfly..." She asked, "are these two..."

"Yep." Dragonfly answered with a wide smile as he used his wings to hover over and land in between the two Mares. pulling them into a hug.

"Jewelbeetle, meet Bluebelle and Diamond Dancer; my Marefriends. Girls, meet Jewelbeetle; one of the few Royals I got along with and one of my closest friends."

The two greeted Jewel warmly and the former Royal did the same, soon returning to the Hive where Dragonfly and Jewel shared stories about what they'd been up to all this time, which lasted well into the night.



In the Hive's upper levels two creatures, one Pony and one Changeling, were entwined as they cuddled. The Pony, a Pegasus, purring as she deeply kissed the Changeling who was under her. The Changeling made his own sounds of pleasure as his hooves ran over the Pegasus' body, eventually reaching her Cutie Marks and gently rubbing circles on them, causing the Mare to moan in delight as lightning traveled through her spine and into her wings and tail which spread wide and twitched in an arc respectively.

"Oh Darter..." Rose said as she lovingly looked Darter in the eyes. "You know I love it so much when you touch me there."

"I know, and I love how you melt when I do." Darter said with a smirk, to which Rose giggled. She then reached over and nuzzled his ear, causing Darter to relax into it.

"Darter..." Rose said as she pulled back. "I think it's time we take the next step." Darter blinked, then frowned as he glanced off to the side.

Rose noticed the change and gently said, "We can wait if you're not ready."

"No no, it's not that I'm unwilling Rose... it just... well..." There was a pause as Darter thought something over while Rose waited patiently, after a few minutes Darter sighed and looked at her. "Rose... you're about to see something that no creature else knows about; unzip my flight suit."

He turned over so Rose could access the zipper on his back, which she took hold of and unzipped his suit before pulling the open sides apart.

She was not prepared in the slightest for what she saw, not at all.

"Oh dear Faust!" Rose's hooves clapped over her mouth in shock at the sight before her, she'd seen things she would like to unsee, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight on Darter's now bare back.
> Ponyville 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rose could only stare in horror, hooves over her mouth. Darter’s entire back from the base of his neck to the base of his tail was absolutely covered in scars. Deep scars, deep enough that Rose was all but sure once exposed the spine.

The thing that horrified her the most however was how the scars were laid out: These weren’t caused by claws or swords, as they were laid out in a criss-cross pattern.

The same pattern made from whips.

Soft sobs brought her back to reality as she noticed Darter crying as memories he had buried as deep in his mind as he could came back in full force. Rose was immediately next to him, embracing him with both her legs and wings as she nuzzled his tear-stained cheek.

“It’s alright Darter, I’m here.” She said gently, Darter shifting to better sink into her hug. They laid like that for a bit before Darter finally spoke.

“It was my old Royal,” He said as his voice croaked. “To say she was abusive would be an understatement; she was a sadistic monster. She demanded complete perfection and every single time we did something wrong, it didn’t matter what it was or how little it was, she would use her magic to pin the “wrong-doer” to the floor and whip them; hard… sometimes the hits were bad enough to reach the spine. More than a few Changelings I was friends with died that way.”

Darter’s sobbing became harder as he buried his head into Rose’s chest.

“Every time, those of us that remained would be forced to watch. I’m not sure how I survived it all, but in the end I was the only Changeling of that Hive to survive. The others… nothing could be done for them other than end their suffering. Emperor Saber slew my old Royal himself, Empress Nebula was beyond horrified at what my old Royal had done and started keeping a much closer eye on how the others treated their Changelings.”

As for me… it took months of therapy and even now I still relapse. I know full well that Dragonfly would never do anything like that to his Changelings, but I suffer from nightmares all the same.”

Rose gently turned his head to look her in the eye as she rubbed circles on his cheek.

“It’s okay Darter, I’m here. You’re not alone.” She held Darter close as he sobbed into her chest.

They lay there for a long time as Darter vented years of buried pain, Rose holding him the entire time in her wings as she rubbed his head and neck. Finally Darter spoke, his voice harsh and hiccuping from the release.

“Thank you Rose, I really need that.”

Rose nuzzled his head. “It was no problem Darter, I will admit I’m horrified by what your old Royal did to you and your friends. But at the same time I’m glad you found safety with Dragonfly.”

Darter nodded. “So am I.” He paused… before leaning into Rose. “You’re the first one I’ve ever told about this Rose, besides Nebula and Saber. I think Dragonfly knows, but he’s never brought it up. I… I think it’s time I tell the others, but I’ll need your support Rose.”

She gently cupped his cheeks and turned his head so they could look into each other’s eyes

“I’ll be right by your side Darter, I may be a Pegasus but I still have the Thestral blood and upbringing in me. I’ll be with you the whole time.”

Darter gave her a grateful smile, then kissed her on the lips. Rose gave a little squeak in surprise but quickly melted into the kiss, returning it as much as Darter gave. The two fell asleep entwined together, waking up the next morning very refreshed and satisfied.

Especially after their little cuddle session. 



The next morning Darter showed his scars to the others; Dragonfly was off his throne and wrapping Darter in a tight hug in a heartbeat, Seeker was horrified, having known Royals could be cruel but not like that. Rhino gave Darter a look of deep sympathy, though Seeker, Belle, and Dancer noticed that he seemed to understand Darter’s pain. Darter also felt the other Changelings in the Hivemind giving him support and understanding, reassuring him he wasn’t alone.

As it turned out; Dragonfly had known about the scars, but never said anything because A: He felt it was Darter’s place to let it out. B: Dragonfly respected Darter’s privacy and C: Dragonfly had felt that it would have been a betrayal of trust.

Belle and Dancer also joined in on the hug, same as Spotter, holding Darter in a four-way hug as he let years of pain out against Dragonfly’s chest, the Royal nuzzling his head and whispering gentle words to him.

They sat like that for a long time, before Darter had finally run out of tears and let all his pain out. Spotter then pulled him aside, reassuring Darter that he’d always have his back even at the worst of times. Dragonfly smiled at that, knowing how close the two were.



Ponyville

Three Days Later

The sky above Ponyville was clear with only a few clouds, which a certain rainbow-maned Pegasus was napping in. It was around midday and there had been a heavy storm the night before, leaving a slight trace of ozone in the air. Around town the Ponies were doing their everyday routines, shopping, socializing and so forth. Among the Ponies was a newcomer; an attractive young unicorn mare with a soft pink coat, a wavy blonde mane and tail, and innocent blue eyes. Her cutie mark appeared to be an egg nestled in a nest on top of a small sapling tree, shaped almost like the symbol for a female. She had just arrived in town and was taking in the sights, as well as enjoying the nice atmosphere and welcoming locals. More than a few even checked her out, causing the mare to giggle. A really nice change of pace for her.

As the mare looked around her stomach let out a rumble and she started looking for a place to eat, before stopping at  one of the shops and looking at the sign above the door.

‘The “Cozy Rest” Tea Shop? Sounds like a good place for a little midday snack.’

The mare opened the door and entered, the bell above signaling her entry, looking around she saw that the place wasn't very busy; only around six customers, not counting her. The mare soon spotted the unicorn stallion at the counter at the back of the shop and walked over to place an order. But when she got there and looked at the stallion, the two locked eyes and froze. Both realized they weren’t looking at ponies, but at changelings. And Royals at that.

The mare gave a small smile, trying to show she didn’t mean harm, before glancing around and giving her head a little tilt. Is there somewhere we can talk in private? Her body language conveyed. 

The stallion gestured to the backroom and made his way over, the mare following right after. As she did she noticed a scarf around the Stallion’s neck, one that looked very familiar to her, yet she couldn’t quite place it.

Once in the backroom which was used for storage the stallion closed the door and turned to the mare. While his pose wasn’t hostile, the Mare knew he was on alert and ready to fight if he needed to.

His pose made the mare sad; whoever he was, she had the sense that she had known him. And in any case, fighting had always been so scary and dangerous for her. The sooner she could assuage his fears, the better.

“Who are you?” the stallion asked, his tone firm. “I know you’re a Royal and you know I am, but you’re also on my turf. Now I wouldn’t harm you as long as you don’t give me a reason to do so. Please drop the disguise.”

The mare gave a smile. “Of course.” She let out a breath as her disguise burned away revealing a jewel beetle changeling form; a carapace that shimmered like diamonds in shades of blue, pink and yellow. Her eyes remained their usual innocent blue, but her pink coat was dappled in spots of blue and gold all the way up to her horn. “Princess… er, Queen Antenna, at your service,” she said, her voice not quite as regal, but full of love and kindness. 

The stallion’s eyes popped open in surprise as he recoiled back, before a huge smile appeared on his face. “Antenna? Well I’ll be…It’s been a long time.”

The stallion dropped his own disguise, revealing a Royal that had been Antenna’s first real friend and one she had thought to be dead. Antenna gasped in delight, fighting hard to not cheer and alert anyone outside.

“Dragonfly!” The two embraced each other tightly, enjoying each other’s company after so many years apart. Antenna was an old friend of Dragonfly’s, being one of the few Royals he was able to get along with and she was only a few years older than him. As Antenna was a Jewel Beetle Changeling she was often a target for bullying by other young Royals, and as Dragonfly hated bullying it was no surprise to anyone that she and Dragonfly bonded so well.

Antenna was also the youngest Royal to lead a Hive as her mother passed thanks to a series of unfortunate events, though Antenna had stepped up and did the best she could.

The two Royals sat there for several minutes before separating. “I thought... but the others said... It's so good to know you're okay.” Antenna managed to breathe out through her happy tears. 

Dragonfly smiled softly. “Great to see you too, my old friend. I was very close that day, pretty much on death's door. Lost a lot of blood but thankfully Healing Cocoons were created for just that reason and I spent three years sleeping in one. And let me tell you: Having your backplate ripped off hurts like you wouldn't believe.”

Antenna winced. “I don’t even want to imagine it,” she mumbled. “How’d you survive?”

“It was Titan and Spartan, Mom’s bodyguards. They managed to reach me in time with mom and dad close behind. It's a good thing I was able to protect my softer underbelly or I would have been finished, and the fact that Changelings can recover from any injuries as long as they're alive and have the E-Energy. But enough of that depressing thought, how have you been? I'm happy to see you escaped Chrysalis after everything went down. Seeker told me he lost contact with you after that, what happened?”

Antenna let out a heavy pain-filled sigh, her eyes shining with tears. "It was terrible," she admitted. "I still don't understand what Chrysalis was hoping for, but it sent all of us on the run." She looked down in sorrow. "My entire Hive was nearly destroyed. And the things I had to do to keep what remained alive..." 

She almost started sobbing, but before she could Dragonfly wrapped her in a tight hug. "Let it out Antenna, you really need it. From what I understand; Chrysalis never was mentally stable to begin with and only cared about power, plus her ego and other things happening all made a bad mix. My "death" was the one and only warning, if only most of the other Royals didn't have such egos."

Antenna nodded against his shoulder. “Pride is always highest before the fall.” She smiled at Dragonfly again. "I'm just glad to know what it wasn't all for nothing."

Dragonfly returned the smile. "As long as at least one of the good Royals is alive there is still hope, hope for a better tomorrow."

Antenna looked down with a humble smile. “I hope I qualify as a good royal. I can’t tell you how many times I felt like I should have stayed a Princess. But, when Nearctica Hive needed a new queen... I couldn't refuse. Not when everything was so chaotic and confused."

Dragonfly lifted her head so he could look her in the eye. "You stood up when your Hive needed you the most, Dad once told me that bravery isn't the absence of fear; it’s having that fear yet doing what’s right anyway." He chuckled. "I'm not sure if mom ever told you this; but she was very proud of you when you stepped out to become the new Queen."

Antenna smiled faintly. “I had hoped that I would do your mother and mine proud.” She choked back another sob. “Despite the… less than dignified method I took for survival.” Her head lowered. “My hive and I… we… served as ‘escorts’ to several different warrior tribes: minotaurs, diamond dogs, even a dragon who liked our jewel-like carapaces. They were brutal to their enemies… but at least somewhat gentle with us.” She shuddered. “Though… in a way, it’s a gift from the First Mother that I found you: the most recent war lord we were under the protection of was conquered. And his conqueror… well, let’s just say she wasn’t interested in our carapaces or abilities.” She shuddered. “I’ve spent so little time training my subjects how to fight; I fear we won’t last much longer out here without help.” 

Dragonfly placed his hooves on her shoulders. “I’m glad too, Antenna, I know for a fact my own Changelings would be more than happy to accept you and your Hive. We good and free Changelings need to stick together… now more than ever”

Antenna nodded. “Now more than ever indeed,” she agreed, gazing down sadly. “I just wish all of my Hive understood that…”

Dragonfly blinked. “What’s going on?” His tone told Antenna he was ready to help her out.

“One of my sons grew tired of my pacifist means,” she said. “He left the Hive to strike out on his own. I don’t blame him, but I worry for his safety every day.” She looked up. “If you see him… he usually goes under the guise of an earth pony by the name of Cat Catcher. You’ll usually be able to spot him by his caramel brown eyes.” She managed a grin. “He’s quite a charming little tyke… just make sure you have a hoof on your wallet; he’s much too fond of stealing from those who can afford it just to see their reactions.”

Dragonfly nodded. “I’ll keep an eye out, but if he steals from Belle, Dancer, or their family we are going to have words.” He finished with a firm tone.

Antenna tilted her head. “Blue Belle and Diamond Dancer? Of the Blue family?” She chuckled. “Oh, you have nothing to worry about with them. He prefers the more… spoiled types.” She paused. “I’ll admit, I’m a little worried that Blue Belle’s brother Blueblood might be at risk, but Blue Belle and Diamond Dancer are at no risk from him.” She brightened. “So, if Blueblood throws a temper tantrum over losing something, we’ll know that Cat Catcher was around.”

Dragonfly chuckled. “Good to know, heck maybe I can introduce him to the girls’ father Gold Bar, he’d know a few nobles who would give great reactions.”

Antenna laughed. “Thank you. Of course, first we need to find him. He’s been kind enough to supply E-Energy to the Hive when he can, but I don’t know much about his whereabouts beyond that.”

Dragonfly nodded in agreement. “Makes sense; be the best in the business, not the most famous. Speaking of your Hive though: Any word on Ocellus? From what I heard she got separated and hasn’t been seen by Seeker, any of my Hive or really anyone, and we’ve been keeping a close eye out. From what Seeker told me she took my “death” very hard.”

Antenna nodded sadly. “She did. She’s been safe in my Hive; I’ve done what I can to keep her safe and whole; same as my own children.” 

Dragonfly let out a sigh of relief. “Thank the First Mother, of all the young Changelings I know I think I had the most impact on her; considering every time I was laying down doing something and Ocellus came by she’d snuggle up to me. From what I remember she felt safe with me, and I can understand since most of the other Royals were… how to put it… flankholes. Pardon my language.”

Antenna chuckled. “You don’t need to worry about language with me, Dragonfly,” she assured him, “I’ve heard way worse from the war lords who hosted my hive and myself.”

Dragonfly returned the chuckle. “Yeah I can understand that, they tend to not have any filters.”

A small rumble startled the two, and they quickly found the source as Antenna’s belly. Antenna blushed, smiling sheepishly. Dragonfly chuckled.

“Hungry? Well what would you like? On the house.”

Antenna giggled. “You’re a life-saver, Dragonfly.” She perused the menu before settling on a sandwich and coffee. “I should let my Hive know you’re here. Too many of them were scared I wouldn’t come back. They’ll be overjoyed to know you and your Hive are okay.”

Dragonfly smiled. “I’ll have your order up in a minute, and I’ll let my own know as well. I’m also glad to know the Jewel beetle Changelings are still around; I was worried you’d gone extinct when the attack happened.”

Antenna nodded. “It was close, but…” she smiled at him. “Well, I was afraid I… er, we had lost you too.” She smiled up at him. 

Dragonfly nodded with a smile. “And yet here we are, alive and our enemy is none the wiser. Speaking of that; our old friend Jewel is also around. After things went down she started gathering the Hybrids, giving them safety from the enemy. I’ve found a few in Ponyville as well, turns out they came here and saw it as the perfect place to hide.”

Antenna sighed. “I’m glad they found a place they can call home.” She looked down in sadness. “Those poor souls are so much more than what the Royals wanted to see them as.” She smiled. “Plenty of my children are hybrids, and if anything, I felt their heritage only made them stronger.” 

Dragonfly nodded. “I get what you mean; my dad was a Thestral as one can tell by my eyes. Never was able to fix that glitch where my eyes wouldn’t change with the rest of me, but that’s a minor issue.”

“And hardly one to be concerned about,” Antenna assured him. “Your eyes are perfect the way they are.” 

Dragonfly smiled. “Thank you Antenna, I should also mention; I have two mates now.”

Antenna nodded. “I thought I scented something new with your pheromones.” Her gaze grew slightly sad, but she retained her smile. “They make you happy?” 

Dragonfly nodded happily. “They do.”

Her sadness faded, and her smile shined brightly. “Then I’m happy for you. You deserve some joy after everything.” 

“Indeed,” Dragonfly agreed. ”I would introduce you to them but Dancer is out on tour and Belle is visiting her family in Canterlot and won't be back until tomorrow. However, I think my friends in the Hive will be happy to see you. Once you’re done with your order we’ll head down. Sounds good?”

Antenna nodded. “Sounds perfect.” 

After Antenna was done, Dragonfly led her to the Cozy Rest’s master bedroom, explaining he rarely used it since he had one in the Hive and in a moment the two vanished from the room. 

Down in the Hive Seeker was talking with Rhino about upgrades to the Hive when the teleporter activated and Dragonfly appeared. The two turned to greet him but froze upon seeing Antenna next to him, a little dizzy from the teleport.

“Sorry,” Dragonfly said sheepishly. “Should have warned you about that.”

“Well,” Antenna managed a smile. “I must say, it was fun in a way.” She turned to Seeker and Rhino. “Oh! Seeker! Rhino! It’s so good to see you again!” 

Seeker smiled widely. “You as well, Antenna. When I lost contact all those years ago I feared the worst.”

Rhino gave his own smile. “Great to see you alive Antenna, I heard about the attack and the aftermath. Sorry to hear about your Hive but the fact that you and others survived is a victory all its own. And even small victories are a good thing here.”

“Always,” she agreed, before looking around. “Though I wouldn’t call the victory of creating this Hive small.” She spun around in amazement. “This is amazing!”

“Thanks, from what I’ve been told Mom and dad worked pretty hard on this Hive for when the war happened, giving us a place to retreat and regroup.” Dragonfly said as he gestured around. “It’s been a bit slow going but things are running smoothly. In fact… let me show you something.”

Antenna followed Dragonfly eagerly, watching as he led her into a certain chamber and before her was the Hive’s Heart, full of color and pulsing like it was supposed to, small tentacles of energy emerged from the crystal and gently flowed over Antenna like a calm wave, almost like they were embracing her.

Antenna gazed up in awe. “The Hive’s Heart…” she whispered. “My Hive was never able to create one…”

Dragonfly smiled. “And perhaps the only one still around, and from the energy flowing over you, I think it’s welcoming you to the Hive.”

Antenna leaned her head back, basking in the Heart’s glow. “I certainly feel welcome.” 

At that moment Thorax entered the chamber and he spotted Antenna, frozen in surprise but it quickly changed to joy and he charged as his own eyes shined in joy.

“Queen Antenna!”

“Thorax?!” She raced right to him, and the two changelings embraced in mid-air, Antenna spinning Thorax around. “Oh, First Mother be praised; this day is full of miracles!”

Dragonfly smiled from below. “We encountered him during a mission in the Everfree alongside a group of Changelings who had broken free of Chrysalis' Hivemind. So we brought him and the others here. From what I’ve heard he’s been loving it.”

Antenna grinned at Thorax. “I believe it.”

Thorax nuzzled Antenna, who gladly returned it, before noticing something. “Where’s Pharynx? I know how he is, but I would think he’d be here with you.”

Thorax’s mood dropped and he leaned into her chest as tears started flowing. “He’s dead… Chrysalis killed him.”

Antenna’s smile dropped like an anchor. She held Thorax close. “Oh, Thorax,” she moaned. “I’m so sorry.” 

Dragonfly nodded sadly, placing a hoof on Thorax’s back. “From what he told us Chrysalis saw Pharynx as a threat, despite being one of her most loyal Changelings, because he was “too good” at what he did. We always knew she wasn’t right in the head, but that bit caught us all off-guard.”

Antenna shook her head. “I always thought she was a monster… but part of me had hoped she’d at least have respect and love for those who served her well.” 

“So did we, but I guess not. At least Thorax escaped and after hearing that there was no way any of us were going to let her take him back. We all know what would have happened without Pharynx to protect him.”

Antenna nodded grimly, before looking back. “Sounds like my people are even less safe out there than I’d hoped.” She looked to Dragonfly. “Can I please get them back here? They’re not the best warriors, but we know stealth and we know our way around diplomacy. We’ll serve you well.” 

Dragonfly smiled warmly. “I’ll be waiting to greet them at the edge of the Everfree, some of my own Changelings will go with you as escort, just in case.”

She bowed her head. “Thank you, my Prince,” she said gratefully. “Thank you.” 

Soon Antenna was on her way, accompanied by four Hive Guards. It didn’t take long for her to reach her people and bring them back, Dragonfly greeting them under disguise at the edge of the Everfree just like he said. Once the JB Changelings were gathered in the Throne Room Dragonfly revealed himself with a wide and cheerful smile.

“Guess who.”

The Jewel Beetle Changelings gasped; half of them sinking into bows. “Prince Dragonfly!” many more whispered. “Queen Antenna was right!” 

A certain young JB Changeling stepped forward, shock in her eyes yet hope. “D…Dr…Dragonfly?” Said Royal couched down in front of her with a wide smile, tears threatening to fall.

“Hello Ocellus, it’s been a long time hasn’t it. Glad to see you alive and well.”

Ocellus stood there for a moment as her mind processed the sight in front of her, but then with tears flowing like a waterfall and a powerful happiness blasting out of her she zoomed into Dragonfly’s embrace, hugging him as tight as she could while she sobbed into his scarf. Dragonfly smiled as he nuzzled her head like he use to do before everything happened.

“I missed you too, little sugarbug.”

Antenna smiled at the sight, she knew her kind were safe now, that there was hope. Antenna knew that in the future they would have to defeat Chrysalis, but for now things were good and that was just fine for her.



Canterlot

Two Day Later

It had taken a bit for Antenna and her Hive to settle in with Dragonfly’s, but the process had been smooth thanks to how welcoming Dragonfly’s Changelings had been, along with how adaptable flitting from war lord to conqueror had made the Jewel Beetle changelings. Dragonfly’s changelings discovered that laying among the JB’s was bliss thanks to them emitting E-Energy, much to the amusement of both the JB’s and those watching as Dragonfly’s Changelings looked like cats going through a cat-nip high. During this time the JB’s also started helping around the Hive anywhere they could, as a way of thanks and to show they weren’t freeloading.

Antenna had met the Founders during this time and had been very surprised, after Dragonfly recapped the Everfree City mission she had said, “Quite the adventure,” before bowing to the Founders. “Consider it my honor.” 

She had also met Belle and her friends, which in turn had led to the news that Grace was carrying and her and Dusk were engaged. Belle and Dancer (through letters, being out on tour after all) had been very happy for the two and so had Dragonfly.

Antenna had sent letters back to Belle and Dancer, sending them her sincerest congratulations and hopes that they were happy with Dragonfly. She had even infused the letters with some of her E-Energy, so merely reading her letters filled Belle and Dancer with a feeling of blissful warmth that matched her happy words. 

Right now Dragonfly and Belle were walking beside each other in Canterlot, the latter showing the former the various sights and landmarks. Dragonfly had asked Seeker about some of the Equestrian Military Units that could be found in the city, which Seeker and Rhino supplied.

He learned that the Royal Guards one would see every day were the Light Infantry of Equestria’s Military though when not on the battlefield they served as a Police Force, which would explain why they were so common. Based on what Dragonfly had learned, the reason the guards all had the same coat, mane and tail colors was to protect their identities for possible enemies, though the white and blue were far from the only choices, just the most common alongside gray and white. The same was true for their armor.

Next was the Riot Royal Guard or just Riot Guard. While actual riots were a rare thing in a country as peaceful as Equestria they could still happen on occasion, so it fell to these guards to break them up peacefully and only use violence if left with no choice. They were also tasked with controlling panicked herds of Ponies and similar situations. Appearance wise the armor changed their coat color to white and the manes and tails to gray, the armor itself was similar to the Royal Guard’s but offered some better protection as the underside was armored along with heavier boots. The biggest difference was the two-filter gas mask they wore, likely to protect them from any gasses the rioters might have. From what Dragonfly had suddied in the Archive, there was a variant with full sealed armor for when it was required.

Next was the Soldier Royal Guard, Soldier Guard, or just Soldier. Unlike the Royal Guard these Ponies were the true frontline combat unit of the Equestrian Military. Covered nose to tail tip, hoof to ear tip in armor, these Ponies were only second in number to the Royal Guards but were fully trained and actually experienced in combat thanks to training with Kirin Warriors in their homeland. As a result of their training, and perhaps their diet, Soldiers tended to be larger than the average Pony; around Big Mac’s size with similar strength. This size, strength, experience combined with many hours of training with almost every melee weapon known to Ponykind made the Soldiers quite formidable, which was further increased thanks to their heavy plate armor that was also enchanted to increase its capabilities. In appearance the armor looked like the kind used by the Royal Guards only made of a heavier and stronger metal with no inch of the wearer’s body unarmored, even the eyes had specially made lenses crafted from a secret material that was transparent yet as strong as hardened steel. Dragonfly had even heard stories that the helmets had a Heads-up-Display of some kind.

Additions to the armor included a pair of white saddlebags with the Equestrian Icon as the buckle (similar to how saddlebags had the Cutie Mark of their owner) that hug from a saddle on the back, a larger backpack, and a pair of small kite shields with the icon on their flanks.

Next was the Sentinel. Sentinels were more of a specialized unit tasked with guarding locations of importance such as Celestia’s cake vault (yes that’s actually a serious thing), keeping watch from high places (including clouds), and serving as bodyguards for important, though based on what he’d heard the third job was rare as most Nobles actually looked down on the Guard, and others such as visiting Ambassadors preferred their own, though in the latter case the Sentinels held no ill will. Appearance wise their armor was silver and dark gray but wasn’t too different from the standard model other than having a fully armored chest, a cape that flowed from the base of their neck to over the flanks and down to just above the back hooves, and a helmet with special lenses that allowed them to zoom onto a target at up to (according to the Archive) five kilometers away, and apparently with enough detail to read the serial markings on a weapon at max range.

Not surprisingly, Sentinels were terrifying with bows and crossbows.

Finally there was the Knight, not to be confused with the Royal Knight, Knights were one of the Equestrian's top fighting forces. Originally formed out of the strongest and most experienced to take on threats like Ursa Majors, the Knights are effectively Super Soldiers having been enhanced medically, magically, and so-forth to be among the finest protectors of Equestria. When off duty these Ponies were required by law to wear a badge that showed they were Knights, from what Dragonfly knew there had been… “issues” in the past that lead up to this, but the Knights were free to wear the badge any way they wanted, with the most common being on hats, scarves, necklaces, and other easy-to-see items. Their armor was different to the standard model in that besides being full plate armor, it has the addition of chainmail covered with cloth colored white and dark blue that hangs to just above the hooves which is parted at the front so to not interfere with their speed and maneuvering and a large kite shield like the ones worn by the Soldiers on their flanks and on the right of their chest plate, like the cloth this front shield does not interfere with their movement. Finally there are two curved spikes behind the shoulders that extend to the half-way point on the neck with two trailing red ribbons and the Equestrian icon on the forehead of their helmet.

As the two approached the castle gates a Royal Guard ran up to them.

“Princess Bluebelle. Princess Celestia sent me; you’re due for the Ambassadors meeting.”

Belle’s eyes widened. “That was today?! Oh I’m late!”

Before the Guard or Dragonfly could stop her Belle had lit her horn and the three vanished in a flash, reappearing in a large room. Dragonfly was a bit dizzy from the sudden teleport while the Guard shook his head.

“I was going to say that the meeting wasn’t going to start for a few minutes and that you had time,” he said. 

Belle blushed lightly. “Sorry.”

Dragonfly shook his head as he recovered. “Next time Belle, could you give a lit-”

As he turned to her he found himself looking at legs, but not Pony legs; these were spider legs! More specifically those of a tarantula! Now while Dragonfly had lost his fear of the Hive Spiders, he still had arachnophobia and it was still very strong. So he did what one would expect him to do:

He freaked the buck out!

Next thing anyone knew was that Dragonfly was up in the rafters of the no-so-short room clinging to the beam in a death grip. However he did get a better view and saw that the “spider” was actually a Dridder: A Pony/Spider Hybrid created by a mad Pony long ago, they had since then formed their own cultural identity as a species and were recognized as one of the Pony Races. In appearance Dridders were very large, most of their size being their spider-half with legs, at around the size of a small wagon. Their Pony-half matched that of an Earth Pony perfectly, except for a set of fangs sticking out from under their upper lips and past their waist was their spider-half, which could take the form of any known spider species. Unlike regular spiders, males and females were around the same size and the females did not eat the males after mating, though Dridder families could still have up to dozens of offspring.

This particular Dridder was brown thanks to his tarantula half, but his mane was black and his eyes were green. Around his neck was a red bandana and on his head was a pair of green goggles.

Now that Dragonfly had realized his mistake, he blushed in embarassment, but to his relief the Dridder took it in stride.

“Well I have to say, you’d give most Jumping Spider Dridders a run for their bits.” He said in good humor with a smile as Dragonfly lowered himself down via self-levitation. Once he landed the Dridder leaned down and placed a Pony foreleg around his shoulders. “No need to feel embarrassed; compared to reactions I’ve had in the past, yours is among the better ones. I take it you’re arachnophobic?”

Dragonfly nodded as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Yeah I am; Badlands Spider.”

The Dridder winced. “That makes far too much sense, Badlands Spiders are no joke.” He then blinked. “Oh, excuse me, what’s your name?” He asked while offering a hoof.

“Dragonfly Wings.” Said disguised Changeling responded, shaking the Dridder’s hoof. ”Yours?”

“Name’s Spinner, Ambassador of the Dridders to Equestria.” He then smiled at Belle, who looked a little embarrassed for forgetting Dragonfly’s arachnophobia. “So Blue, you got yourself a mate?”

Belle nodded. ”Both Dancer and I, Dragonfly’s been our Special Somepony for a few years now. We’ve just been keeping on the down-low for now.”

Spinner chuckled. “I can understand that. It was quite some time before me and my mate announced our union. I wish you three a long and happy life.”

Belle and Dragonfly smiled and thanked him, then a second voice reached their ears, rather loudly and excitedly.

“DRAGONFLY!”

Next thing he knew he was on his back with a face-full of orange mane and the scent of autumn leaves as something, or rather someone, held him in a vice-grip hug.

‘Wait a minute! I know this scent!’

“Autumn Blaze?” Dragonfly’s voice came through muffled thanks to said Mountain Kirin’s mane.

“Yep it’s me!”

“Well let me have a turn.” Dragonfly reached up and gave Autumn his own vice-grip hug, causing her to let out a squeak but she didn’t let go. But they soon had to get up and let go.

“Great to see you again, Autumn.” Dragonfly said as he stood up. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been well. As you can see, I’m the ambassador for the Mountain Kirin.” Autumn happily showed him the pendant around her neck, which displayed the symbol the Mountain Kirin: a dagger with a curved blade like a claw in a quarter circle. 

“Well Autumn, congrats on getting the job, I know you’ll do well. As you might have heard; Belle, Dancer and I are dating.” Dragonfly said, walking over to Belle.

“I did, and congrats to you,” Autumn replied with a beaming smile. 

“Thanks,” they replied, before Belle got a curious look in her eyes. 

“So… Dragonfly,” she asked. “How do you know Autumn?” 

“Oh, me and Autumn go way back,” Dragonfly replied. “My father would often train with the four Kirin races. And since my mother was often busy ruling, we thought traveling would have been a good experience.” He smiled at Autumn. “I met Autumn during one of those visits, and we just… clicked.” He noticed Belle’s look. “Though we agreed staying friends was better.” 

Autumn smiled. “Agreed.”

As they chatted, they noticed the diamond dog ambassador watching them patiently; a kind-looking Labrador with chocolate brown eyes and sunset-colored fur. In place of a vest, she wore a white poncho decorated with red trim. 

She noticed them staring and her ears perked sheepishly. “Sorry,” she said. “You guys seemed to be having a great conversation; I didn’t wanna interrupt.” She bowed. “Celine Shiva-Son of the Outer Haven Pack. I’m here to represent the diamond dogs and demi-wolves.” 

Dragonfly gave her a smile and offered a hoof. “Pleased to meet you Celine, name’s Dragonfly Wings.”

She smiled and shook his hoof. “Charmed.” She glanced at the others. “And, wait, let me guess, I was listening…” she pointed to Blue Belle. “Your lovely mate Blue Belle…” she pointed at Autumn. “And your best friend Autumn Blaze.” 

Dragonfly nodded. “Yep, Diamond Dancer is also my mate but she’s on tour so she couldn’t join us today.”

Celine blinked in surprise. “You can have two mates?” she mused. “Interesting…” she scratched her chin in thought. 

“It’s an old throwback to the early days,” Dragonfly explained. “You see Celine; at one time Mares outnumbered Stallions on a ten-to-one scale at best. As a result, herding became a thing to prevent a risk of things like extinction. Now things have improved over time but herding is still a thing and is perfectly legal as long as all those involved give their consent.”

“It’s true.” Belle added in. “And the three of us give each other our consent.” 

Celine nodded in intrigue. “That’s right, I heard about that.” She chuckled. “Pardon my shock; the diamond dogs never went through such a crisis before. Additionally, our marriage traditions usually have us mate for life, so once we find the one we think we want to spend the rest of our lives with, well…” she shrugged with a grin. “We stay with them.” She looked back. “I do wonder how the other packs would react to getting to create multiple packs from different spouses; I daresay the packs that would be formed from such pairings would be far bigger than normal packs.” 

Dragonfly and Belle nodded in agreement when out of the corner of the former’s eye he spotted another familiar face.

“Steel Claw?”

Said Western Kirin gave a large smile. “Hello Dragonfly, it's been quite a while since we last saw each other. Congrats on you, Blue and Diamond joining together.” 

Steel stood a foot taller than most Western Kirin, who stood at around eight feet. He had a steel-gray coat, a black mane on his head, neck, and top length of his tail while his eyes were dark blue. His large wings showed his Pegasus parentage and his body was covered in scars from his days as a Hunter. Next to him was an Eastern Kirin with a sapphire blue coat, pearl-white fish-like scales on her cheeks, back, and the front of her legs along with cloven hooves. Plate scales of the same color on her nasal bridge and underbelly and a pair of deer-like antlers. Her orange hair, which besides her head had a line flowing down her back and a little down her tail, which was tipped with a large tuft of fur. Her eyes were also orange, but were a few shades darker, and finally her Cutie Mark was a white cup of steaming tea with a pair of crossed butterfly swords behind the cup.

The third and last Kirin, known as a Valley Kirin, stood out for her companions thanks to one fact: Her wings and forelegs were fused together, giving her the appearance of a Wyvern. Her coat was a dark leaf-green while her hair was lighter (to Dragonfly the color looked like acid or something similar) and her eyes were blue. Her Cutie Mark was a bow with an arrow loaded and drawn back.

Celine gave a formal bow to them. “Hello,” she greeted. “Celine Shiva-Son of the Diamond Dogs, at your service.” 

The three gave Celine their greetings; Steel standing straight and crossing his arm over his chest in what Dragonfly recognized as the Western Kirin form of a salute, while the Eastern gave her own bow and the Valley dipped her head towards Celine.

After exchanging greetings, the Eastern turned to Dragonfly with a large smile. “Great to see you again, Dragonfly.” She said as she leaned down to give him a nuzzle, which he returned. After he pulled back he noticed Belle’s raised eyebrow.

“Eastern Kirin are very affectionate to their friends and family, and my family are old friends with Spirit Wind’s. Hence the nuzzle.” Dragonfly explained as Belle got a “oh” look on her face and nodded. 

“Aw,” Celine noted. “It’s just like how pack mates interact with each other. Just as close.”

As Dragonfly turned back to Spirit he noticed something he’d missed before: Spirit’s belly was rather swollen, which he knew wasn’t the case when he last saw her. Mind, that was a few years ago. It then clicked in his head and he looked at her with wide eyes.

“Spirit… are you?” 

Said Kirin smiled, giving him all the answers he needed.

“Indeed I am Dragonfly, five months now. Steel and I are really looking forward to being parents.”

“Well congrats to you two.” Dragonfly responded with a large smile of his own, he then turned to the Valley Kirin. “And hello to you too Venom Wing, sorry for taking this long.”

Venom merely waved it off. “No problem, I understand reconnecting with old friends and we Valley Kirin tend not to leave our homeland that often.” She gave him a smile. “I’ve been doing well since you last saw me.”

As the ambassadors caught up with each other, they were unaware of someone watching them from the shadows.

The pony in question was a unicorn, with dark fur and piercing - almost black eyes. He wore a suit studded with small stars, helping him to better blend into the shadows. 

He scoffed at the sight of the non-ponies. “I’ll bet you all think you’re clever,” he muttered to himself. “Sitting there, acting like we don’t know what you’re all up to. Ponies are the dominant species of Equestria. Not Kirins, and certainly not diamond dogs.” He wished he could spit at them, but he was already risking it with his inner monologue. He adjusted to make sure they couldn’t hear him. “Mark my words, the lot of you; when the time comes, ponykind will show you where you really belong. Celestia did it once already… I know she can be convinced to do it again. If she could banish that worthless night spawn she called a sister, and all those associated with her, I know she’ll have no trouble with the likes of you.” He shifted himself again. “Just give us a reason. I, Lord Stars, dare you.”  

However, with his focus on the ambassadors, he didn’t notice a familiar purple unicorn walk up behind him. 

“Um… excuse me, sir?” she asked. “What are you doing?”

Lord Stars jumped, before fixing Twilight with a brief glare. “Ah, Princess Celestia’s prized pupil, Twilight Sparkle.” He straightened his collar. “You seem like a reasonable sort.” He nodded at where the ambassadors were talking. “Do you really think it’s proper to leave these beasts unguarded?”

Twilight blinked at him. “Beasts? These are our guests; ambassadors from many different parts of the world.” 

“A guest is somepony of equal worth,” Lord Stars insisted. “Would you call that dragon pet of yours a ‘guest?’ Or would you refer to him by his proper title?” 

Twilight’s eyes narrowed, before she rolled her eyes. “Great. You’re one of ‘those’ nobles, aren’t you? The kind that can’t even look at a pegasus without getting the shivers.” She sighed. “Well, listen; regardless of how ‘you’ feel about them, Princess Celestia trusts them. That should be good enough for you.” 

Lord Stars huffed. “You don’t know the inner workings of Princess Celestia’s mind, child. To assume you know everything she has planned speaks to your naivete. Perhaps Princess Celestia would have been better off picking someone else.” 

Twilight’s gaze widened, before flames teased the ends of her mane. “Say that… again,” she snarled, her horn already lighting up.

Lord Stars scoffed at her rage. “And what? Lay one hoof or spell on me, and being Princess Celestia’s prized pupil won’t save you from a visit to the dungeons,” he mocked. “You are nothing but a lowly little child. Naively thinking that friendship and harmony will…”

“Excuse me, what’s going on here?” Celine asked, having brought Dragonfly and the Kirin over as well. 

“Nothing that concerns you…” Lord Stars stopped, noticing just how much manpower Celine had brought with her. 

The diamond dog’s smile was gone. And judging by how her eyes flicked to Twilight, she got a very good sense of what was happening. 

“If you have a problem with us, ‘sir,’” Celine said with firm politeness. “You can say it to our face. I assure you, we don’t bite.”

Lord Star laughed hollowly. “The dog that doesn’t bite? Do you think me naive like this child?” He waved a hoof at Twilight.

Dragonfly calmly snorted. “Naive, no. But perhaps too narrow minded. Since from what I know, things changed massively since the Great Famine so long ago.”

“War never changes,” Lord Stars shot back. “Only the field of battle does.” He gave a dark look to Celine and the Kirins. “If there is any threat to the Crown, you should know that Equestria’s finest will sniff it out and end it.” 

“Indeed,” a new voice replied, as Celestia stepped into view. “So maybe, you should leave that sort of work to Equestria’s finest… my ‘Lord.’”

“Princess Celestia,” Lord Stars declared, bowing obsequiously. Twilight sneered, struggling not to gag as he kowtowed to her teacher. “I truly do apologize for the trouble these creatures put you through. Always having to wonder what secrets reside in their hearts…”

Dragonfly had to stop from snorting. ‘Apologize my tail!’

“Toffee-nosed snob,” a voice grumbled in Dragonfly’s mind, which startled him; that wasn’t any of his Changelings!. He looked over, and noticed Celine with her head held high, but he could also sense a darkness in her emotions. “‘These creatures?’ It’s talk like that that’s gonna get Myst down here to…” she paused, noticing the way Dragonfly was looking at her. Taking a breath, she looked away, and the voice did not speak in Dragonfly’s mind again. 

‘Well, this is something I’m gonna need to look into later.’ Dragonfly thought as he turned back to the exchange.

Celestia flicked her hoof. “You would save me a lot of trouble by vacating this hall,” she said firmly. “The last thing I need is a misunderstanding turning into something far less pleasant.”

She had her normal “face” when dealing with things like this, but Dragonfly could easily sense a powerful anger in her, aimed at Lord Stars. One that he noticed seemed more personal in a way.

“Of course,” Lord Stars replied. “I trust in you, our Goddess of the Sun.” 

Twilight seethed even further at his blatant hypocrisy - ‘Hadn’t he just talked about not knowing Celestia’s mind and how I was a foal to trust him?’ - but with a final simpering gaze that made Celine swallow like she was trying not to retch, Lord Stars slipped away, shooting them one last hateful glare before retreating out of sight.

Twilight took a slow breath, her horn still sparking with fury. Celestia noticed. 

“Twilight,” she said gently. “Don’t let him get to you.”

“The nerve of him…” Twilight hissed. “After all the work I did… what I went through to become your student…” she looked up at Celestia, but calmed at the look of motherly sternness in her gaze. 

“There will always be pampered snobs like that,” Celestia told Twilight. “You mustn’t let them drive you beyond reason. That’s how they win; by pulling you down to their level.” 

Dragonfly voiced his agreement. “That’s why the Royal Knights hate the Nobles, while admittedly most of them aren’t that bad, you do have ones like that.”

Celine chuckled. “We don’t deal with nobles at all,” Celine mused. “Diamond Dog packs work together in pretty much everything. I may be here keeping the peace, but if I was needed to explore uncharted caves or mine valuable minerals, I’d be taking a pickaxe and heading down there just as any other diamond dog would.” 

Steel turned to her. “Well Celine, I think after we’re done here we should have our own talks. I think the Kirin and your Pack could work something out.” He gave her a smile.

One she returned with a bow. “I’d be honored, Master Steel,” she said. “And I imagine my pack would be as well.” 

As the others continued to chat, they were unaware of another watching them. This one seemed to be a guard, with white fur under silver armor. But his eyes were not blue like the other guards; they were a caramel brown. And they were watching Lord Stars as he sauntered away, flashing dangerously. 

“Smug,” the ‘guard’ mused. “Arrogant. Thinks he’s some great hero when he’s really just a whining child.” The guard smiled. “Oh, yes… you’ll do quite well for what I have in mind.” 

Slowly, carefully, he made his way after Lord Stars. But as Lord Stars’ path led through the Night Wing - where Princess Luna resided - the ‘guard’ noticed Luna perched on a balcony, overlooking the country. 

Luna sighed. “Oh, my beloved Star…” she whispered. Yet, she wasn’t looking at the stars already dotting the sky.
> Canterlot 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The meeting between the Ambassadors went by smoothly and was more for catching up on certain events in each other’s areas than anything too serious, though Celine had mentioned that her mother; Shiva, also known as “The White Wolf” or “The Howlite Howler,” had made great progress on unifying the various Diamond Dog Packs under her pack, which the others were happy to hear. Though there were still rogue elements that held onto the old ways with teeth and claws. After the meeting, the three Kirin had invited Celine to their room to discuss setting up relations between them and Shiva.

Steel Claw held the door open for the ladies as Spirit Wind retrieved some pillows and blankets, then she started the kettle while Venom Wing and Celine got comfortable. Spirit turned to Celine.

“Would you like some tea?”

“Oh yes, thank you,” Celine said, “Do you have Jasmine?” 

“We do, just give me a moment. Anything you’d like to snack on?”

“I actually brought something for that,” Celine replied, bringing out several small little crackers with meat-like substances on them, wrapped in lettuce and topped with tomatoes. “I’ve got tuna for any meat eaters, and tofu for any vegetarians,” she added, setting the snacks down. “Hopefully these will be alright for you guys.” 

The three Kirin smiled. “It is.” Steel replied.

After the tea was laid out with snacks Spirit laid down next to Steel and wiggled under his wing, nuzzling his body affectionately from his flank up to his chin while her long tail coiled around his, Steel for his part enjoyed it if the look on his face said anything. Venom rolled her eyes but she had a smile as she turned to Celine, who was also smiling at the affection they showed each other.

“Dragonfly did say that Eastern Kirin are very affectionate, and when it comes to lovers…” She gestured with her tail to the pair. “They really get affectionate, as you can see the cuddling two here.”

Celine chuckled. “Oh, yes, I know all about how affectionate mated pairs can get.” She blushed a bit. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to give my mother reports, only to find her cuddling with my father, Luke. The two just can’t get enough of each other.” She sighed wistfully. “It’ll be quite a day when I find someone I can show that much affection to.” 

After cuddling for a moment Steel and Spirit turned to Celine.

“So Celine, I figured we’d start off with some questions; You ask us some and we’ll do the same.” Steel said.

“Sure,” Celine said happily, before pondering which questions to ask first. After a moment, she settled on something: “Well, I am rather curious what it’s like back at your homelands. Back home for myself, we live in a mixture of mountains and forests, either living in rocky caverns or sheltered by trees and nature. I’m curious if it’s different for you guys or not.” 

“Well it depends on the individual Kirin race.” Steel explained, “Western Kirin like me live in land covered by a series of mountains we call the “Dragon Fang Mountains”, named so because the mountains slightly curve and from a distance resemble the fangs of a Dragon or Kirin.” He opened his mouth to show Celine his fangs before continuing. “Now there are other biomes, around the bases; such as desert, forest, jungle, even a few snowy places and so forth; each filled with their own forms of flora and fauna. Though a good chunk of both are dangerous.”

Spirit went next. “For the Eastern Kirin, our homeland isn’t as dangerous; mostly mountainous terrain with forests, and large bodies of water to act as natural moats. Our best and biggest export however is our tea, to the point where at least thirty percent of our home’s wealth is from those shipments.”

Venom spoke next. “As for the Valley Kirin; our homeland is covered in thousands of valleys and canyons, some reaching eighteen thousand feet deep and all with sheer cliff on the sides of the valleys, and the areas that aren't those are completely covered in thick jungle and deep marsh. But that’s not the main thing: It’s the fact that our land gets its name, the “Toxic Scars”, thanks to having virtually every single known animal and plant to have some form of poison, venom, and other similar things. Long ago we were invaded by the Yaks, but very few left the land and they never even saw us.” She grinned, her fangs glowing in the room’s light. “Thanks to our home Valley Kirin are completely immune to almost all poisons, venoms and such in the known world.”

“There’s also the fact that the Vallery Kirin effectively pioneered Jungle warfare among others and are among the best in the world with bows and arrows.” Steel added.

“Interesting,” Celine mused, writing everything they had down. “And what about family and government structure? Our packs are technically both small families and small communities all in one, which…” she chuckled. “Makes it a bit of a loaded question when someone asks who our leader is. Don’t get me wrong, Queen Alpha Shiva is definitely considered to be the leader that everyone wants to turn to in a crisis, but at the same time, she’s also technically just the leader of her own pack. The Alpha Male and Alpha Females of each pack are more than free to give Queen Alpha Shiva their opinions on matters, and she in turn can use those opinions to gain greater understanding on what’s best for the pack and how to keep everyone safe.” Celine blushed. “I… imagine that it’s probably different for you guys, yes?” 

Steel nodded. “Not too much actually; Family is the most important thing to any Kirin worth their tail and pity anyone who makes the mistake of threatening a hatchling.”

“Kirin are very protective of their hatchlings.” Spirit added, then Steel continued. “Beyond that the various families form communities out of similar interests, which forms into the rest of the clan.”

“As for our government structure,” Spirit spoke next, “At the top is the Clan Leader but they have a council of advisors which splits the power of ruling, you see a Clan Leader cannot make serious changes without the approval of his or her advisors. The only expectation being in times of war or similar serious situations of that level. Then comes the various leaders of the different professions such as hunting, smithing, and runecrafting to name a few. After that it’s pretty loose when not on a battlefield but generally the younger Kirin follow the elder ones, most of the time. Generally speaking it seems rather basic but it’s worked for us since the Clans first formed.”

Venom spoke next. “In our book; experience outranks everything and with the lands we live in, being around those who know what they’re doing, or are very fast learners, will help one survive. There is one key thing though about our government however: Every year we have what’s known as a High Council Gathering; this is where the leaders of the most powerful Clans gather together and have various discussions on different topics, not unlike the meeting we had not too long ago.”

“The key thing with the High Council is that to become a member,” Steel explained, “is to A: Form your clan from the ground up. B: Maintain it for at least three years. And C: make your clan’s culture acceptable to the others. That last one is a little hard to explain but the basic line is having nothing the other clans would take offensive too.”

Celine nodded. “So, like… don’t skin your dead or anything like that, right?” 

The three were surprised at the question, with Steel responding with “We take it your Pack does that?”

Celine blushed. “We… did have a pack who believed in contributing even after death. So, they’d offer their fur to be worn as clothing, or their bones to be used for building supplies or as weapons.” She grimaced. “It’s been controversial, to say the least, as while it does bring sentimental value to a lot of our keepsakes, I’m not sure other cultures would take well to knowing that particular pack essentially have to dissect their own dead pack mates to do it.” 

The three Kirin nodded in understanding, Spirit speaking up. “Makes sense, different cultures have different ways of laying their dead to rest. But we can understand why others would view that as controversial. We Kirin honor our dead by placing the remains in tombs located deep within our Clan homes.”

From there the four continued to talk, comparing their different cultures and eventually they ended their talks on a high note with the two sides setting up dates for future meetings.



Canterlot

Dragonfly’s Personal Room

Later that day

Dragonfly was sitting on the balcony of the room Celestia had given him for whenever he was staying in Canterlot for extended periods of time, to anypony seeing him it looked liked he was either meditating or just enjoying the sunlight, but in truth he was talking to his Hive through the Hivemind, asking about the strange occurrence with Celine earlier. The fact he’d heard her voice in his head shocked him, now he was used to voices in his head but usually they were just barely noticeable whispers until he called who he wanted to talk to.

So the fact he could hear Celine clearly, and the fact she wasn’t even connected to the Hivemind in the first place sent quite a number of alarm bells ringing.

Unfortunately, the Archives back at the Hive didn’t seem to have anything to answer the question. Having said that, he had learned a bit about Demi-Wolves; a rarer subspecies of diamond dogs that appeared to have evolved to live above ground as opposed to the diamond dog’s digging ways. Demi-wolves weren’t quite as strong at digging as most diamond dogs, but they had magic, making them sort of the “Unicorns” to the diamond dog’s “Earth Ponies.” They lived nomadically, but would often wander set territories, living in dens that were quick to hollow out into trees, caves or even the ground itself - ‘so much for not being as good at digging as diamond dogs,’ Dragonfly thought with a small chuckle - and their governmental structure, though having hints of being led by the strongest and wisest, was mostly scattered into small family units that would sometimes listen to the strongest and wisest leader of the largest and most powerful family unit. 

These family units, or ‘packs,’ were comprised of an Alpha Male and Alpha Female - the Father and Mother respectively - who led and dictated the pack’s actions, with the Betas - often siblings to the parents or the eldest children - serving as second-in-commands, to take charge should the Alpha’s fall. Additional ranks included the Gammas - the strongest pack mates who were often called upon for physical tasks such as combat or heavy lifting - and Omegas - the smartest pack mates who were often looked to for mental tasks such as strategy and tactics. Unfortunately, Omegas also had a stigma against them for appearing lazy, a trait that many packs tried to stamp out. The current leaders, Shiva and Luke, were technically just the Alpha Female and Alpha Male of their own pack, but they commanded enough authority and strength that other pack’s Alphas agreed to work with them, and trusted them the most in handling outsiders. It was rather informal when compared to Princess Celestia’s clear rule as Princess or even Dragonfly’s own command of his hive. 

But, as he read on, he understood why their structure was so informal: each pack loved and trusted each other a great deal, and worked well as units of soldiers. They also protected one another with their lives and felt the loss of a pack mate deeply, often never forgiving whatever took their pack mates from them. Sometimes, members of destroyed packs would gather and form their own new packs from the remnants; another thing that had gained Shiva’s pack prestige, as she had taken in orphaned members of lost packs to make her own pack stronger.

Dragonfly let out a relaxed sigh as he came out of the Hivemind, thinking over that strange occurrence.

‘Just what in the First Mother’s name was that? I know for a fact that wasn’t any of my changelings, and usually only those connected to a Hivemind Network can access it. So what the hay was that?’

Shaking his head he leaned up and rested his forehooves on the railing as he looked over the city below. While he preferred Ponyville, Dragonfly couldn’t deny that Canterlot was still a beautiful city on its own, but he also knew it held a dark underbelly. But then again, what city didn’t. Even Ponyville had its own dark underbelly, though calling it “dark” might be the wrong word as it was Pinkie Pie who was “in charge” so to speak.

“Excuse me, Ser Wings?”

His ears perked at the voice and Dragonfly turned to see Celine standing at his open door with a curious look on her face.

"Oh hello Celine, something you need? And please just call me Dragonfly." He said with a smile as he got to his hooves.

"Ah, of course," Celine said with a bow. "Forgive my formality. As for what I need... I mostly just wanted to talk. The meeting between the Kirin and myself ended a short while ago, but your mate asked me to tell you she was called back to the family home. I didn't pry into why though; I was hoping you'd understand."

Dragonfly nodded and walked into the room, inviting her in while using his magic to pull out some pillows for them to sit on.

"Celestia gave me this room for when I had to stay in Canterlot for extended periods for whatever reason, so I know where everything is. I'd offer you something to eat or drink, but my knowledge on what Diamond Dogs and Demi-Wolves eat or drink is rather lacking."

Celine gave him a smile. "You are very kind, Dragonfly. I'm alright either way."

Dragonfly returned the smile as he fixed himself up a quick snack of moon pies and a glass of root beer, as he was doing this Celine took the time to look around the room: Like other guest rooms in the Palace it was very posh and regal, with a soft feather bed and various depictions of the sun. Yet there was also a sort of coziness to it, like a friend who didn’t have to put on a facade around those they trusted. Celine could see the bed was a little rumpled, like Dragonfly could use it to lounge. And while there were depictions of Celestia, she also noticed depictions of Luna (though these were quite new) and Cadance along with mementos of what she guessed were friends and/or family members, and pictures displaying what Celine figured was Dragonfly’s mother who looked to have a strong bond with Celestia, especially since one picture held the Princess holding what could only be Dragonfly as a newborn Foal.

After sitting down and getting comfortable, Dragonfly then, to Celine's surprise, closed the doors and curtains.

"Alright Celine, I have a secret I'm about to tell you. While it's no danger to you, it could endanger those I care for if it reaches the wrong ears. Please don't freak out."

Celine was about to ask why she would freak out only for those words to die on her tongue as Dragonfly was suddenly surrounded by a pillar of green fire, which disappeared as fast as it appeared, relieving Dragonfly true form to her.

Celine's eyes widened in awe. "You're a changeling."

Dragonfly, having not expected that at all, recoiled in surprise. So much that he almost fell over backwards but was able to stop himself using his wings, and once he recovered he looked at Celine in shock. "Wait... you know? How?"

Her ears lowered. "I'm afraid I must share my own secret. One that you might find unpleasant."

Dragonfly’s ears perked again, both at her emotions and her tone and he braced himself.

"Alright Celine, what do you have for me?"

She sighed and spoke, "Queen Chrysalis met with my mother, the Queen Alpha Shiva. She tried to recruit us to an ominous cause. She failed, of course," Celine quickly added at Dragonfly worried look. "She wouldn't explain what it was, and my mother was very suspicious of her. But every demi-wolf and diamond dog in our pack could sense treachery and malice from Queen Chrysalis."

Celine gave a cautious sniff. "You don't carry the same scent as she did, so I was hopeful that you weren't with her hive. But the pack is still nervous that Queen Chrysalis is planning something. Something that will catch all of Equestria up in her grip if we aren't careful."

Dragonfly nodded grimly, frowning as he looked at the floor for a moment as Celine heard “I always knew Chrysalis might try to get allies of her own, not that she’d keep them around.” before he looked back at her with a frim gaze. “You're Alpha was right to be suspicious of her Celine; Chrysalis is the kind of individual that offers one hoof, but has the other hold a dagger behind her back. Had your Alpha taken that deal, Chrysalis would have waited until your Pack had "outlived their usefulness" and would have them wiped out, right down to the last member; and it wouldn't be the first time she's done that. She's even killed her most loyal followers for being "too good at what they do." She was never right in the head to begin with, and several years ago... she tried to kill me by mind controlling a large pack of Timber Wolves and sending them at me."

Celine covered her mouth in horror. “But… you survived.”

"If not for the quick actions of my parents and my mother's bodyguards I would have died, and even then I was messed up real badly."

He then explained in detail of the wounds he suffered that day and having to spend three years in a healing cocoon.

Celine listened closely, and once he was done nodded her head grimly. "I've... often heard about the crueler side of others. It has never ceased to pain me when that crueler side rears its head." She lowered her head. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Dragonfly smiled softly at her. “Thanks Celine, I’m glad to say things have certainly gotten better since then and I came out of the cocoon with no scars.” He stood up and showed Celine how his body, especially his backplate, was unmarked by scars. “Amazing what those things can heal.”

Celine smiled gently. “Indeed.” 

Dragonfly sat down again and looked at Celine.

"Now just something I'm curious about; you said your pack could sense the treachery and malice from Chrysalis, which I can fully understand considering her, and that I don't carry the same scent as she did, but what do you sense from me?"

Celine looked up at him hopefully. "Integrity," she replied. "Loyalty. Honor. When my mother met with Chrysalis, we always felt like Chrysalis was one step away from attacking us. The only reason she didn't - I hope - is because we showed we were equally ready to tear her apart if she tried." She gave a softer look to Dragonfly. "I don't get that with you. I sense patience, and kindness. If you made a promise, I'd believe that you'd uphold it."

Dragonfly smiled warmly. "Thanks for saying that Celine, I will admit that sometimes I feel that I'm more like her than I actually am. I mean I can be firm if I need to be, and my Changelings do fear my temper, but at the same time they've told me time and time again that I'm nothing like Chrysalis." He chuckled. "In fact the first thing I did upon meeting a few of my Changelings after getting out of the cocoon was give them a group hug. Funny enough those same ten Changelings are now my bodyguards." He shook his head with a small smile, which Celine joined in on.

"I can't see Chrysalis hugging anyone," Celine admitted.

"Neither could anyone else." Dragonfly chuckled. "They wouldn't even let her come into arms length if they could avoid it."

“Smart,” Celine noted with a nod.

Dragonfly shook his head before continuing. "During my earlier years the ones that tended to gather around me were the, for lack of a better term, outcasts. Even the Nymphs, which is our term for our young, would gather around my hooves like a bunch of puppies wanting a treat. From what I remember they felt safe around me, especially since most of the other Royals were... what's the word... ego-crazed flankholes, pardon my language."

Celine laughed at that. "I've noticed that with a lot of royals. Outside of you, me, your mates, and probably the Kirin, a lot of royals tend to let their status get away from them." Celine chuckled. "I'm glad I'm not the only one able to provide them with an example of how those of their status should behave."

"Shame we're only a few in that regard, I think the reason why so many end up the way they do is because they're spoiled, and by that I mean they’re given anything they want without ever knowing the things individuals like us have to go through. But I'd say we turned out well." Dragonfly smiled.

Celine smiled in return. "My mother never gave me anything without having me work for it," Celine replied. "It sounds like these other nobles could've done well with the sort of upbringing she gave me."

Dragonfly chuckled. "Indeed, my mother Nebula Sheen was the same way; she always told me that if you wanted something you had to work for it and she could be firm at times, but she was a gentle soul, even had it so most of her Hive were good with the young.” He smiled fondly. “Even her two bodyguards, Titan and his twin brother Spartan, took part. The two even raised me as well.” He let out a laugh. “The sight of those two with Nymphs crawling all over them and not having a care is a sight I still get a good laugh at.”

Celine smiled. “They sound like my uncle Darius.” She blushed. “I mean, he’s not technically my uncle, but he was my father’s pack brother. The two were very close friends, and he often served as one of their bodyguards and one of my mentors. Him and…” Celine’s ears folded sadly. “Myst.” 

“What’s wrong Celine? Why the sad tone now? Myst did something bad, I take it.” Dragonfly asked gently with a slight head tilt. 

Celine sighed. “My mother and Myst had a falling out long ago. I’ll spare you the details, but in essence, Myst was the former Queen Alpha Female. And she… well, saying she was like Chrysalis is a huge overstatement. She was ruthless, yes, and far too eager for fights, but she also loved her pack very much. And when Shiva proved to be the better ruler - or at least the one that wasn’t leading everyone to war and death - Myst stepped down and let Shiva take over.” Celine sighed. “I’ve always sensed great pain from Myst; and Uncle Darius said that she wasn’t always so ruthless. But whatever happened between them… Mother has never forgiven her for the things she did as Queen Alpha Female. She still works with her… but they can’t be in the same room with each other very long. And I never dared ask why.” She sighed. “It’s sad; because normally, my mother’s such a kind and forgiving soul. I don’t know what sets her off about Myst, but it’s the only time I ever really see her angry.” 

Dragonfly nodded his head in understanding. “I get what you mean, my own mother seldom ever got angry but when she did…well, let’s just say even the worst of the Royals knew better than to try and provoke her further. I’ve never seen her angry but I’ve heard some stories of how her anger was like the blizzards of the Frozen North. Funny thing is;“ He chuckled, “I got my temper from her.”

Celine smiled. “Sounds like something we share in common. Others have noted I have the same long but explosive fuse as my mother. It takes me a while to get really anger, but when I do…” She chuckled. “It’s rather embarrassing to talk about.”  

Dragon then smiled at her. “From the sound of things, I'm sure if our mothers knew each other they would have gotten along like the wings on a Pegasus."

“I would imagine so,” Celine agreed with a laugh.

Dragonfly then remembered the occurrence from earlier and turned to Celine, who looked back and gave a curious head tilt at his expression.

“Something wrong, Dragonfly?”

“Just something I’m wondering: During our…” He paused, hoof waving in a circle as he looked for the right word. “Encounter with Lord Stars, I heard your voice in my head; despite the fact that I know you are not connected to my Hivemind Network, which to clarify is how Changelings in a Hive communicate with each other among other things. So why did I hear your voice.” He finished with a raised eyebrow

“Oh, that was the Pack Link.” Celine responded.

Dragonfly’s other eyebrow joined the first in its raised position.

“The Pack Link?”

Celine nodded. “Yes. You see, demi-wolves are essentially the ‘unicorns’ to diamond dog ‘earth ponies.’ We carry magic with us. But our magic works a little differently from pony or likely changeling magic.” She lifted her paw, and small tendrils of light weaved around her fingers, like glowing webbing from some sort of magical spider. “To a demi-wolf, all is one. The universe is a consciousness; every life within an aspect of the greater whole. And within each life is magic. Energy. Power. This power can be shared between those who bond with each other. Through trust, friendship or love, we can achieve a greater understanding through cooperation and empathy.” She toyed with the golden threads crisscrossing her claws. “This ‘greater understanding’ is also known as the ‘Pack Link.’ Through it, we can connect to each other’s minds. Share thoughts, emotions, even skills if the situation calls for it.” 

She paused. “If I’m honest, it’s a little similar to the Hivemind Network you spoke of, in which it’s how we can communicate with each other. Though, in times of stress, it can also share energy and power so that we can work together more efficiently.” She blushed. “When Lord Ego made his appearance, I must have accidentally linked to you on instinct; sensing that you were one of the strongest ones in the room, I wanted to be ready to help you if things turned violent. Though, it sounds more like I just left you confused.” She bowed her head. “I apologize for that.” She looked away in shame. “Especially considering…” 

She stopped.

Dragonfly had been watching the “Pack Link” weave around her claws, and raised an eyebrow a second time when she stopped talking. “Considering what Celine?” He asked gently.

She sighed. “My Mother wants us to use the Pack Link for good. But there have been others who found darker powers in the Pack Link. Powers that weren’t about sharing, but taking.” She shivered. “They are… unsettling practices, and ones that I’d rather see forgotten.”

“I don’t think I need to ask what you mean by unsettling practices… I think I have a pretty good idea.” Not wanting to go down that rabbit hole he switched over to Celine linking with him. “So to make sure I’m getting this right: When Lord Stars was talking, you instinctively linked to who you thought to be one of the strongest ones in the room?”

Celine nodded with a sheepish smile. Dragonfly looked surprised, and actually somewhat touched, though he wasn’t sure entirely why.

“Well I’d say you’re pretty skilled with it; as I didn’t even feel the Link.”

Celine smiled at his words, though she frowned again. “Sorry about that.”

Dragonfly held up a hoof. “No worries Celine, you didn’t do it out of malice and really it just surprised me. I have a question though: Who is Myst? One of your Pack mates?”

Celine nodded. “Yeah. Like I mentioned, she was the former Queen Alpha, before Shiva took over before her. Even then, my father still looks to Myst for advice, and Myst herself took on a role as sort of our Chief of Security and Defense.” Celine sighed. “Myst was always a warrior type; felt restless and agitated when she wasn’t fighting something. I heard it was because she was raised in fighting pits, but my mother didn’t like me hearing about those stories. Overall, if Myst gets involved in something… then I’ve completely failed as a diplomat. My parents don’t like letting Myst get involved in something unless they have no other choice.”

Dragonfly listened closely and nodded understandingly after Celine was done. “I know what you mean; My dad told me of some of the other Royal Knights he would work with and there’s at least two who are only sent in if there’s no other option. I don’t know who they are, but Dad did tell me that to their enemies; they go in expecting no mercy, and so give none in return.”

Celine nodded. “The Secret Weapon for when diplomacy fails.” She noticed a nearby chalice of grape juice and offered a drink. “Here’s to hoping they don’t need to get involved between your Hive and my pack. To peace.”

Dragonfly raised his root beer with a wide smile. “To peace, and new friends.”

The two continued to chat after, getting to know a bit about each other and sharing some things about their respective kin.



Twilight’s Tower

Around the same time

Twilight was trying to read a book to keep her mind off Lord Ego, but she was having difficulties: Everything Lord Stars had said rang in her skull and it wasn’t long before she let out a heavy sigh and double face-hoofed. Spike, her ever present companion, walked over and scratched her ear which caused Twilight’s tense body to slowly relax.

“Thanks Spike.”

“No problem Twilight, can’t get what that Noble said out of your head.”

“No… I get most of the Nobles aren’t that bad, at least from what Princess Celestia has told me, and that there are those that have their heads way up in the clouds and usually their words have no effect on me… But Lord Stars… I don’t know, his words really struck a nerve with me. Also Spike.” She flashed a playful grin at him. “You rhymed like some Tribes of Zebras do.”

The two shared a chuckle before focusing on the topic again.

“I really don’t know what to say Spike, then there’s the fact that he insulted those who are supposed to be our allies; some of which we’ve had for a long time. Heck the Kirin consider Equestria their second homeland and we have great relations with them, so what is with him?”

Before Spike could answer, another voice did.

“Sadly he’s always been like that Twilight.”

Said Mare and Dragon jumped with yelps and turned to see Celestia and Luna standing in the doorway, subtle but amused smiles on their faces. As the two recovered the two Alicorns walked over and laid down with Celestia next to Twilight and Luna next to Spike, using their wings to pull them to their sides followed by nuzzles, to which Twilight and Spike relaxed into.

“You see,” Celestia began, “Lord Stars has always viewed Ponies as the “superior species” and firmly believes that other species threaten Ponies, even despite the fact that many of them have been close allies.” She let out a heavy sigh. “He also sees Unicorns as “above” the other races.” Celestria rolled her eyes. “Reminds me of a certain EEP head.”

“It’s Nobles like him that are the reason arranged marriages are illegal, among other things.” Luna said, snorting as she stared out the room’s massive window. “Lord Stars reminds me far too much of the Nobles back when we were living in the Castle of the Sisters.” Celestia flinched hard at this.

Feeling the flinch, Twilight looked up at her mentor. “Princess Celestia, what’s wrong?”

Said Princess looked at the floor in thought, then turned to Luna who gave a slow nod. Celestia nodded back and let out a tired sigh.

“Twilight, Spike, it’s time you learn some of our history.” At this Twilight’s ears perked right up as Spike raised his eyebrows, the Princesses smiling at their looks of wonder.

“A thousand years ago I was… a far different Pony to the one I am today; I became blinded by the love of my subjects, my own light, and so much else that I became…” She paused as she took a deep breath, Luna reaching over with a wing to lay in across her sister’s back. “... I became a monster. The Nobles were all effectively Lord Stars; only caring about their own power while leaving the common Pony to rot, and I allowed it all thanks to being controlled by their silver tongues. I hurt many Ponies without even realizing it, the Thestrals were only one of those many harmed by me during those times.” Celestia’s eyes were squeezed shut as tears threatened to fall as the memories came back. “I even harmed my beloved sister through them.”

Luna spoke next as Celestia tried to keep from breaking down. “At the time Ponies feared and hated my night, and sadly me as well, though I never realized it until after I returned. However, I wasn’t alone.” Luna smiled softly. “Besides our father Hurricane, I also had Flash Magnus, the Thestrals… and my beloved Star Hunter.”

Twilight and Spike blinked. ”Star Hunter? Who was he?” Spike asked.

Luna lifted her wing to reveal an expertly crafted and beautiful ring around one the base of one of her primary feathers. “My wonderful husband.”

Twilight and Spike’s jaws dropped to the floor. “Wait Princess, you were married?!” Twilight stammered out, to which Luna nodded happily.

“Indeed I was; to a kind, funny and adventurous stallion; I met Star Hunter one night while working with the stars, he was flying up towards the sky as if trying to actually hunt them.” She wasn’t the only one that chuckled. “I later found out the reason he was doing that was to read his favorite books under the moonlight. I eventually confronted him as he unintentionally kept throwing off my work and I got tired of it. While it was a little tense at first, he ended up wooing me, which led to me getting to know him better. As it turns out he was in the guard and was close friends with Flash and Hurricane, to the point that the three considered each other brothers in all but blood. Hunter would eventually become a member of my personal guard and one thing led to another, eventually ending with Hunter and I…” She stopped as a large blush spread over her face, Twilight, being as well read as she was, realized immediately what had happened.

“Princess Luna… did you two really…”

“They did.” Celestia said as she recovered from her inner turmoil. “They were caught afterwards, though Flash had a good and long laugh about it with Hurricane giving Hunter his approval. I will admit that I wasn’t happy and would try to move Hunter to the frontline units but, looking back on it now, I’m very happy to say Luna was able to overrule me there.”

“One funny thing about the whole mess was Flash had defended our union by saying and I quote: “A Guard in bed with the Princess guarantees their safety.” Which Hurricane fully agreed with.”

Spike couldn’t help but crack a grin at their words, while Twilight actually stopped and pondered it. “I… suppose that does make a bit of sense. But…” Twilight thought for a second, then blinked as something came to her. “Wait…isn’t that what Cadance and Shining are doing?”

“It is indeed, Twilight.” Celestia responded. “You see; at first I didn’t approve of it but neither Luna nor Hunter cared, and in the end it ultimately ended up saving Luna’s life: An assassin had gotten into her room while she was sleeping and would have ended her life if not for Hunter.”

“As always Hunter had been sleeping with me,” Luna continued, “He heard the assassin enter and slipped under the covers, waiting until the assassin was close enough and about to strike, then leaped out which caught the assassin completely by surprise.”

“So Flash Magnus was right.” Spike mused.

“Indeed he was young Spike,” Luna said, then she looked at Celestia with a smug grin to which her sister returned with a deadpan glare.

“And Luna will never let me live that down.” Celestia snarked back, Luna responding with a laugh. 

“No I wouldn’t.”

Twilight managed a small smile through her blush.

“He sounds like a brave stallion,” Spike mused. “I wish we could’ve met him.” 

Luna’s gaze became more wistful. “Star Hunter was among the best things to happen to me, and we were very happy together. But then something else happened; Hunter had given me happiness and I wouldn’t have asked for more, then sometime after our first time…”

Luna pulled out a small photo album and opened it to a picture of a little Thestral Filly with a pitch black coat, and a white mane and tail that resembled Rainbow Dash’s wild style. Star-like spots shined across her face, back, and wings that were a trait of the Thestral Star Clan, and similar black spots speckled her hair and tail. Her eyes shone with an electric green light that reminded Twilight and Spike of Pinkie Pie, and her Cutie Mark was a symbol of two black wings speckled with spots like stars in a night sky. 

The thing that caught Twilight and Spike’s attention the most, however, was the striped black and white horn that stuck out of her mane like a black puppy poking their head out of a white blanket, shocked at the sight.

As one both Twilight and Spike turned to Luna, who had a smile of motherly pride on her face.

“My daughter, my beloved Star Wing, came into our lives.”
> Canterlot 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Spike stared at the picture in shock, looking at the Alicorn Filly smiling back at them as their minds rebooted, much to the Sisters’ amusement. Finally, after several seconds, Twilight recovered and looked at Luna.

“Princess Luna… Not only were you married, but you had a daughter?!” Twilight couldn’t help but shout the last part.

Said Alicorn gave a wide smile filled with motherly pride.

“Indeed I did Twilight, and Star was more precious to me than even my moon. Before her birth it was thought that Alicorns couldn’t have Foals, so imagine the surprise when it was discovered I was carrying her. I won’t go into details of the time I was carrying to term, but I will say the Thestrals, Flash Magnus, Hunter, and Dad were a massive help.”

Luna chuckled as memories came back.

“When it was time the birth was surprisingly easy, likely because Star was tired of being constrained and ready to experience the world. Flash and Hunter had a Tartarus of a time trying to wrap her in a blanket.”

Luna started laughing. “Even as a literal newborn Star refused to be wrapped up without a fight, while the two were eventually able to wrap her up they didn’t come out unscathed; Hunter ended up with a bloody nose while Flash got a black eye from Star after she flared out her wings in an attempt to stop them. Dad was laughing in the background while the two Stallions nursed their injuries, but they were smiling and the grumpy pout Star had on her face was the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.”

She flipped the pages of the photo album until she landed on the picture which showed the scene, with Luna holding the newborn, pouting Star - her electric green eyes flashing even in photos - and a happy smile on her face, Flash with an ice pack over his eye and Hunter rubbing his nose with a cloth, and Hurricane in the background laughing his tail off.

Both Spike and Twilight, once they saw Star’s pout, started laughing too.

The three laughed for a minute, stopping to catch their breaths.

“That face,” Spike gasped, “that was just too funny.”

After spending a few minutes catching their breaths, Twilight blinked as something occurred to her and she turned to Luna.

“Princess; if Star Wing’s your daughter, where is she?”

At Twilight’s question Luna's smile drooped and she looked at the floor sadly. “I’m afraid I do not know Twilight, she was sent to the dungeons when I…” She trailed off as Celestia let out a stuttering breath, bringing the attention to her. Luna’s eyes suddenly widened.

“Tia,” Luna started, her tone filled with worry and fear. “The Nobles, they didn’t…”

“No they didn’t Luna. Star fled before they could do anything.” Celestia reassured her.

“Um Princesses…” Twilight said. “What’s going on? What are you talking about?”

The two Alicorns fell silent and looked at each other, Luna gave a slow nod at Celestia who let out a heavy pain-filled sigh.

“Twilight, Spike,” She began, “Remember how I said I was a far different Mare back then? Well to give you an idea on just how bad it was: I literally allowed Star Wing, as a five-month old Foal, to be thrown in a cell, for the crime of crying too loudly.”

Celestia buried her head in her hooves as she broke down, the horrible memories she had buried long ago coming back full force.

Luna nodded grimly as she stood up and walked over to her crying sister, laying down and covering her back with a wing.

“And that was only the start…” Celestia said between sobs.

She then began to tell Twilight and Spike about those days, and once she got going there was no stopping: She told them about how the nobles had filled her head with lies about Star and Luna conspiring against her; how Star was the ‘moon-spawned child of sin.’ Regret filled her eyes as she admitted how she had believed them, and regarded her sister and niece with loathing. Driving Luna further and further towards becoming Nightmare Moon.

“And the worst part was,” Celestia admitted. “I never realized how much pain I was causing before the time came and I used the Elements. Only then, did I truly experience what I’d become. And by then it was too late: Luna had been banished. And Star, fearing for her own life, fled the castle.” Celestia leaned her head up and used a wing to wipe her eyes. “And that was the last time I ever saw her… the very last time.”

Twilight had to sit down. Her expression was one of horrified shock. How could her teacher, the Great Princess Celestia, be capable of such horrors?

Spike, seeing the crisis Twilight was about to experience, stepped forward. “But… you’re different from that time,” he noted. “Better. You learned from it and strove not to treat others that way again… right?”

Celestia nodded morosely. “It was a lesson I should have learned sooner. And one I will always regret not learning before Star fled to who-knows-where.” Celestia turned and gazed out at Equestria. “I know not whether she is dead or simply in hiding. All I know is that I wish I could see her again. To tell her how sorry I am for her horrid foalhood.” She gazed at Luna. “And to reunite her with her mother.” 

Twilight hesitantly stood up. “M-Maybe my friends and I could…”

But Celestia immediately shook her head. “I’m afraid that would be a very foolish decision, Twilight. Star Wing hasn’t been seen in centuries. And even if, by some miracle, she was alive, she fled to the Outskirts. Where the foulest and most brutal of bandits and warlords roam. You and your friends would be putting yourselves in danger far beyond anything you’ve experienced before.” 

“She speaks truthfully, Twilight,” Luna agreed. “I cannot ask you to go there. Especially not when we have no knowledge of whether Star is there to begin with.” She sighed. “I appreciate your kindness. But please… don’t risk your life for what may turn out to be a… what do the children call it? A ‘wild goose chase?’” 

“An odd analogy, but our point is clear, yes?”

Twilight sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”  Then something clicked and she turned back to the Princesses.

“If this was happening, why didn’t Hurricane, Flash, and Hunter put a stop to it?”

Luna’s gaze fell to the floor, tears brimming in her eyes. ”They tried, but things changed; After Chrysalis nearly got Mother Clover and our parents went into the stone, things got worse; Flash, while strong, was only one vs many, and Hunter… soon after our parents became statues the castle was attacked by rogue Griffins, and Hunter took a blow for me.”

The tears started to fall. “He died that night. His wounds proved too much and he passed away hugging me, Star and Flash.”

Twilight covered her mouth in horror. “Luna,” she whispered. “I’m… so sorry.” 

Spike couldn’t even speak; he had no idea what he could even say. 

Celestia then spoke again. “With Flash being the only one of the three left, those who hated Star doubled down, now having more or less free rein. Flash couldn’t be around all the time as he had his duties both as a high-ranked guard and a Pillar of Equestria which allowed Star’s haters to do what they pleased… and in my blindness, I allowed it.”

Celestia’s head flopped into her forelegs, Luna taking the reins.

“While we’re unsure of why they hated Star, the most common theory, even today, is that because the Ponies of the time feared and hated the night and by extension me, they saw Star as part of all that. And while I was a Princess, a full-grown Alicorn and more than aware of their feelings, Star was barely more than a child. She tried so hard to reach out to those who hated her; made herself vulnerable in an effort to befriend them. Unfortunately, it only resulted in them directing all their hate onto her shoulders.”

A small smile spread over her face. “But despite all that; Star faced it all with a smile and the enthusiasm one would expect from a Foal, never letting it all get her down. She loved to read stories about heroes and hoped one day that she’d become a hero herself. She even read to me several times when I was feeling down. It was one of the few joys I had in life, and experts today believe it was what ensured Nightmare Moon did not make an early appearance.” 

“That does make sense,” Twilight admitted. “Having some form of positive stimuli is best for dealing with negative emotions.” 

“And Star does sound a lot like Pinkie Pie,” Spike added. “Well, Pinkie Pie and Twilight mixed together, if that was possible. Either way, if anyone could keep themselves positive in bad situations like that, it would either be Pinkie, or from the sound of it, Star.”

Celestia lifted her head with a soft smile of her own. “It also helped that besides Flash; Star did have the Thestrals on her side and they did everything they could to make her feel welcome and safe.”

Twilight gave a sad frown. “But it wasn’t enough, was it?”

Celestia sighed sadly. ”Indeed it wasn’t; in my blind dedication to nobles who didn’t deserve me, I let them lock Star Wing up near the most disgusting criminals who ever lived. And when Star was nearly attacked…”

“It became too much,” Luna admitted. 

Celestia nodded. “Star fled that same night with help from Flash, who refused to tell me about where. Not that I blame him. The worst thing was that was only the beginning.”

Celestia tuned to Twilight. “I suppose Sergeant Dusk Storm told you about the Thestrals and what came after.” At Twilight’s nod Celestia continued. “Those were terrible times Twilight; the war with the Yetis was something we were completely unprepared for, and the loss of the Thestrals meant we had lost most of our Military and experienced soldiers, which in turn meant so many Ponies of all ages were killed before we could respond.”

She rubbed her temples.

“At first I tried to settle it peacefully, but as Dusk likely told you: ‘Peace only works on those who are willing to listen.’ And I learned the hard way the Yetis had no interest in peace and only saw us Ponies as food. I wouldn’t go into details about what I saw during those times; some things are best left forgotten and I wish I could unsee the things I saw during those times. In the end we won, but it was a Pyrrhic victory at best with over a hundred million dead. Most of them were eaten, a good chunk while still alive, by the Yetis so their bodies couldn't even be recovered.”

She snorted bitterly. “During those times the surviving Nobles, the same ones who lied about the Thestrals, went crawling to them begging them to come back. As you know the Thestrals flat out refused, and their home of Hollows Shades is easily defendable so they didn’t have to do anything as the Yetis could never breach that circle of mountains.”

Celestia’s head flopped into her forelegs again.

“But the worst was yet to come: The Great Famine came very close to wiping us out, reducing us to just barely enough to keep our species alive. We lost so much of Equestria because of our lowered numbers and it took many decades to reclaim even half of it from those like the Griffin Empire. Still; all that was a massive wake-up call to us that if you want peace: prepare for war. And that to keep our home, we had to be ready to defend it, hence why our Military is what it is now.”

She lifted her head up to look at Twilight again.

“While today we’re at peace, tomorrow we could be at war. Thankfully Equestira now has many allies willing to back us up in the event of war, and even though we haven’t been in a war since those dark times, I’ve made sure the lessons we learned were never forgotten. So at least half of our Military stands ready at all times, just in case.”

Twilight nodded. “And so will we,” she replied. 

Spike made a small salute. “For… whatever we’re capable of.”

The two Alicorns gave them soft smiles in return.

After a moment, Twilight looked up again at the two Alicorns. “That would explain why Shining Armor is away right now, though if I recall correctly he’s working as Cadence's bodyguard while she’s doing diplomatic duties. From what I know it’s his battle buddy Idol Hooves working on the readiness for the Military.”

“That’s right Twilight,” Celestia confirmed, then a small small appeared on her face. “I take it you’ve been reading the various posted reports and articles in the Guard Barracks.”

“Of course, I read everything. Well… except the Twilight Saga; those novels I wouldn’t use as paperweights.”

A round of chuckles passed between them when a Guard knocked and told Celestia and Luna they were needed. The two bid Twilight and Spike farewell and left as Twilight walked over to the window and sat down as Spike came over to her.

“You okay Twilight?” He asked, gently rubbing her back. Twilight’s horn then glowed and Spike found himself lifted up and floated to her front, being wrapped up in her forelegs and held against her chest. This wasn’t the first time she’d done that; while Twilight could be a little distant to Spike, when she needed him, she would hold him like a Foal would a plush toy, only Spike would hug her back.

“Yeah Spike,” she assured him. “It’s just that what we’ve been told is a lot to process; we’ve learned so much and I never thought my mentor could have been like that.”

“Well Twi, it was the past, and Dragonfly once told me this: Those who ignore the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them.”

Twilight smiled, “I sometimes forget just how smart you are. Then again you are a baby dragon.” She held him tightly against her chest, nuzzling his head spines. “And one I’m very grateful to have with me as a little brother.”

“And I’m happy to have you as a big sister.” Spike said as he returned the hug. As they sat there Twilight gazed out in the direction that the Outskirts were one last time.

‘Wherever you are, Star Wing, I hope you’re doing well and living a life of adventure. If you’re still among the living, I hope to meet you one day. I’d love to have a reading buddy.’



She was unaware that, miles away from them, in a dingy bar in the Outskirts, mercenaries were brawling, drinking and overall having a blast. 

In a corner, a rare Pegasus mercenary was conversing with two Griffins and a Minotaur. 

“I’m telling you, it’s true,” the Pegasus was saying. “That ‘Luna’ princess came back. Sun-Butt’s got her old sidekick again.” 

“You gotta be kidding,” the Minotaur bemoaned. “As if it wasn’t difficult enough to snatch Ponies from the borders.” 

The Pegasus chuckled. “You may find that we’re a bigger handful than you’d expect.” He downed his drink with a gulp. “Especially now that there’s two Alicorn princesses on the watch out there.” 

The Minotaur rolled his eyes and sulked off, only for his seat to immediately be taken by a Dragoness. One with night black scales and electric green eyes. 

“What was that about the Luna Princess?” the Dragoness asked curiously.



Two Days later

Canterlot Courthouse

As it turned out, the reason Belle had been called back to her family home was because Her Great Uncle Silver Ingot had just passed away peacefully in his sleep from old age and after everything had been set up for the will reading members of the family on the will had been called to the courthouse for the reading.

Dragonfly had been surprised that he’d been called there too, he admittedly didn’t know the Great Uncle well having only met him a few times. Despite this the two got along like the wings on a Pegasus, sharing stories and hanging out whenever Dragonfly was over. Belle and Dancer (the latter having been called back from tour) had been very close to their Great Uncle and were quite upset at his passing, crying into Dragonfly’s chest as he gently rubbed their backs.

Blueblood was sitting next to them, his head down in mourning. While he knew how he could be he also was close to his Great Uncle and was greatly saddened by his passing. One thing his sisters had noticed was that Blueblood had never raised any sort of stink over their relationship with Dragonfly, just leaving them in peace. While this did confuse the two Mares, they weren’t complaining.

It wasn’t just the four of them, four other members of the family were there but… these four were… estranged, so to speak. There was the overly emotional, and entitled, niece River Stream, who was sobbing over-dramatically (Dragonfly, thanks to his emotion sense, could tell it was all fake). Next to her was her spineless husband Crimson Streak, who was “comforting” her. There was the know-it-all Great Nephew Spyglass (who in Dragonfly’s opinion was a flankhole), and finally there was the Great Aunt Pure Gold, Silver Ingot's Sister, and she was something.

Pure Gold was anything but gold or pure: She was a total narcissist, entitled to an extreme, and had an ego bigger than Canterlot and the mountain it was built on from the years of her very successful career of modeling. During the wait for the lawyer Dragonfly grew very annoyed by her; for it was all “Me, me, me” and “Money, money, money” to get the gist of her words.

All four, Pure Gold especially, had asked (or rather demanded to know) why Dragonfly was there only for Bluebelle, Diamond Dancer, and (to his and the Mares’ surprise) Blueblood and immediately told them where to shove it, Belle saying that Ingot had called Dragonfly there in his will. River and Crimson huffed while Spyglass just rolled his eyes and Pure had done that stupid sort of overly dramatic gasp and yelled back for them to respect their Elders, only for Blueblood of all Ponies to yell back “Shut up you old hag! The only Elders we respect are those that show us respect in return.”

Fortunately, any further fighting was stopped when Silver Ingot’s lawyer Fine Print stepped onto the podium and called for attention.

“As the executor of Mr. Silver Ingot’s estate I have been empowered to read Mr. Ingot’s last will and testament.”

“Oh poor dear Ingot.” River said as tears flowed again as her husband comforted her, Dragonfly had to hold back bile at the taste of her false emotions, Belle and Dancer patting his back.

“Celestia, how predictably boring.” Spyglass said in a snobbish tone.

“If we are all seated I shall begin with the reading.” Print said as he picked up the will. “I, Silver Ingot being of sound mind and body do hereby divide up my considerable estate as follows: To my overly emotional niece River Stream-”

River was still crying loudly when her husband stopped her.

“River darling, he’s talking about us.”

“Oh.”

‘Oh?’ Dragonfly thought while trying not to snort. ‘That’s all you have to say?!’

“Who grubbed with her husband Crimson Streak, grubbed for everything they could get from then cried crocodile tears when I needed sympathy.”

“What?”

“To River I leave… a boot to the head.”

“A WHAT?!”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

A size thirteen heavyweight hiking boot came flying out of nowhere and smacked River right dead on the snout, causing her to yelp in pain as she grabbed her nose and Crimson jumped in surprise and shock.

“River, are you okay?”

Dragonfly along with Belle, Dancer and Blueblood were chuckling.

“And another boot to her wimpy husband Crimson Streak.”

*THUMP!*

“OW!” right on his snout too.

The four started to laugh.

“This is an outrage.” River said as she recovered.

“Ah but still; you are my niece. You’ve both admired my 1st edition Luxury Motor Car, courtesy of Socket Wrench Industries, and since I no longer need it.”

“Oh dear Ingot he’s too kind.” River said excitedly as her husband gave a soft “yes.”

“I bequeath… another boot to the head.”

“What??”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

The four laughed.

“And one more for the wimp.”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

“Next to my Great Nephew Blueblood.”

Said Unicorn stopped laughing with a wide-eyed look.

“Hey I don’t want no boot to the head!”

“To dear Blueblood who has never worked a day in his spoiled life.”

“I’m covering up my head.” Blueblood had lowered himself with his forelegs covering his head. “And for the record: I do have a job and am working on the spoiled part.”

That much was true, Blueblood worked in the palace, though Dragonfly didn’t know what job exactly, and was working on his attitude.

“I leave you my Luxury Motor Car which I know how much you loved, take good care of her, my stocks and three crates of my finest wine.”

Blueblood stood back up uncovering his head in genuine surprise, and he wasn’t the only one. “Wait, really?”

“Really dear Great Nephew, and a boot-shaped cake to the head.”

*SPLAT!*

Sure enough, a cake that was shaped like a boot stuck Blueblood in the face and he recoiled in surprise.

“I knew there was a catch.”

“Look at it this way Blueblood;” Dragonfly said as Belle and Dancer giggled. “It wasn’t an actual boot to the head.”

Blueblood made a “fair point” gesture, then used his hoof to scrape a bit of the cake into his mouth.

“Hmm… Buttercream with dark chocolate filling, my favorite.” he said happily.

“And another boot for River and the wimp.”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

“Next to my know-it-all Great Nephew Spyglass.”

“This is so predictable.”

“I leave a boot to the head.”

*THUMP!*

“Ah! I knew it.”

“And one for River and the wimp.”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

“Now to my sister Pure Gold.”

“Oh will you look at that;” Pure said smugly, “I’m getting his estate all to myself.”

‘I don’t think so, you old hag.’ Dragonfly thought in intrigue.

“I leave you six things: First; a small fire bomb on your back set to explode in a few seconds.”

“Wait what?”

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

“WHAT THE BUC-” BOOM!

Pure was cut off as she was suddenly consumed by a fireball that disappeared as quickly as it came, leaving her mane and tail burned almost completely away and her dress in ruins, which caused her to screech in horror and the four to laugh hard (They did not like the Great Aunt whatsoever). 

“As payback for when you cut my own mane and tail off in school as Foals, humiliating me for months. Second; I leave a pack of rabid wolverines to be placed in the remains of your dress.”

There were several growls and a shrill scream as Pure fell to the floor out of sight of the others as bits of fur and pieces of burnt dress flew into the air and enraged growls and horrid screams sound. Thankfully it only lasted for a few seconds before the wolverines stopped and scattered, later being caught by maintenance, and Pure stood up, now missing most of her coat and looking horrified at the state she was in.

“As payback for the hair remover potion you swapped my shampoo with, further humiliating me after I used it after swim class, to the point I had to stay out of school for weeks. Third; I leave a pair of climbing boots, the ones with spikes on the bottom, to kick you in the rump.”

Two spiked climbing boots shot out of nowhere and slammed into her flanks, spikes first. The screech was loud and shrill and Pure flew into the air holding her rear.

“As playback for all those blasted tacks you would place on my seats in school or home. Fourth; I leave a hot pad on max heat for that hot burner to the rump as payback for that hot element on my own as a teen, ruined my school swimsuit and got me kicked off of the swim team.”

Pure landed on the hot plate and after a short sizzling shot into the air again with a scream and a flaming and smoking rear, crashing into the floor moments later.

“Fifth I leave all your years of bullying me and others and your various dirty deeds for all to see in the hooves of the Guard who should arrive in moments to put you away for your crimes. You always wanted to be the center of attention and now you have it, just not how you wanted it”

The door burst open and several guards rushed and piled onto Pure slapping cuffs on her as she screamed and cried.

“That’s the thing sis; I may have passed on but I had the last laugh. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and you can't get colder than from beyond the grave. And for the last thing I leave you… a boot to the head.”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

“And another for River and the wimp.”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

As Pure Gold was dragged away kicking and screaming, Blueblood looked over at Dragonfly and the Mares.

“Think he went a bit far?”

Belle shook her head. “Great Uncle Ingot showed me all the evidence he gathered and… she got just what she deserved. Trust me, you don’t want to know half the things she did to her brother and others.”

Fine Print cleared his throat. “Now to finish up: Finally to my Great Niece Bluebelle, I leave you the various heirlooms I’ve gathered over the years, I know you’ll take good care of them. To Diamond Dancer I leave the collection of leotards and dance gear my dear wife left behind as she wanted you to have them. And to Dragonfly I leave the various potions and tea equipment my dad left behind. I don’t know if you’ll find them useful, but hopefully you’ll be able to make use of them.

And between the four of you I leave my entire estate worth 40 million bits to be divided evenly between you with 10 million per Pony.”

The three Ponies and disguised Changeling’s jaws dropped.

“And a boot-shaped cake to the head.”

*SPLAT!*

*SPLAT!*

*SPLAT!*

*SPLAT!*

The four ended up with cake-covered faces, but after a moment started laughing.

“And another boot for River and the wimp.”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

*THUMP!*

“OW!”

Belle then turned to Print. “What about you Print?”

“Mr. Ingot already gave me my dues in the form of three decades of pay for all my work, and a second Luxury Motor Car brand new from Socket Wrench Industries.”

River slowly stood up. “That’s it? That’s disgraceful! Why do they;” She waved her hoof over to the four. “get everything and I get boots to the head?!”

“There is one last thing for everypony.” Fine Print said, causing River, Crimson, and Spyglass to cover their heads.

“I leave everypony a lifetime supply of ice cream.”

“Ice cream?” Dragonfly asked.

“Ice cream?” Crimson parroted.

“Ice cream? That’s all?” Spyglass asked.

“That’s all." Print confirmed.

“Well what flavor is it?” River snarled.

“For Dragonfly: Mint Chocolate Chip. For Bluebelle: Eggnog. For Dancer: Vanilla. For Blueblood: Rocky Road. And for everyone else: Boot to the Head.

Tubs of their respective flavors appeared in front of the four, while a barrage of boots attacked River, Crimson, Spyglass, and Pure in her transport with a series of thumbs and yelps of pain.



The Next Day

Ponyville

Dragonfly sighed happily as he leaned back in his chair with a cup of warm mint tea in his hooves. The Cozy Rest was empty at the moment; it was the slow period of the day. And so he was just relaxing after the lunch rush. He’d only been relaxing for about ten or so minutes when he heard the bell above the door ring. Surprised, he opened his eyes and leaned up, to see a very frazzled-looking Twilight Sparkle walking in.

Setting his tea on the counter, Dragonfly got up and walked over to her.

“Hey Twilight, Spike. What happened to you? You look like you ran from Canterlot all the way here without stopping.”

Twilight sighed heavily. “I’ve had a really rough day and haven’t been able to have a proper lunch. This was the only place I could think of to wind down a bit.”

“Well then take your seats and I’ll have some tea and something to fill your belly in a moment.”

The two did so as Dragonfly got the food and tea going, soon bringing it over and sitting with them as Twilight dove into her sandwich while Spike ate his more slowly.

“Wow Twilight,” Dragonfly said as he brought his own tea over with his magic. “You weren’t kidding; I haven’t seen anycreature eat like that since Rhino’s “Bean Chow Fest” back when I was living in mom’s Hive, now that was the fastest I’ve seen a Hive clear out. Took hours to clear the air too. Mom was mad.”

Twilight and Spike looked at him surprised.

“Trust me you two: If Rhino’s eating beans and one of my Changelings offers you a Gas Mask, take it. That smell could knock over ten Dragons, and no; I’m not kidding.” He leaned forward, “We actually tried that, and it’s completely true.”

Deciding she didn’t want to know more, Twilight returned to her food and finished it off. After a few moments she breathed a sigh of relief as she leaned back in her chair while Spike finished his.

“Thanks Dragonfly, I really needed that.”

“No problem Twi, always happy to help. But I am curious: What has gotten you so frazzled?” Dragonfly asked with a slight head tilt.

Spike went first. “We were helping Applejack with some harvesting, when Princess Celestia sent us a letter through my fire.” 

Dragonfly nodded, knowing about that little ability of Spike's.

“And with the letter were two tickets for the Grand Galloping Gala.” Spike finished, Twilight taking the reins.

“And my friends all have good reasons to go and have been doing “favors” to try and win me over to give one of them the other ticket. Then Pinkie slipped out that I had the tickets in front of the town.”

“And let me guess; everypony is going total bananas over it.” Dragonfly finished.

“Yep, and I really don’t know what to do.” Twilight said facehoofing.

“Well before you hit the panic button about me wanting the ticket…” Dragonfly said, pulling a third ticket out of his scarf. “I already have one.”

“How? Spiked asked as he and Twilight starred in surprise at it.

“Belle and Dancer; because of social obligations they have to be at the Gala and I’m going as their plus one. Hence why I already have a ticket, as for your friends…”

Dragonfly placed his ticket back into his scarf and rested his hooves on the table. “While I can’t tell you who to pick, I can ask you this: Who do you want to go with Twilight?”

Said Mare looked at him confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well Twilight; Have you ever been to the Gala?” Twilight shook her head no. “So this is your first time, and you have two tickets. The way I see this going you’ve three options: One, you just pick one to go with. Two, you ask Celestia for more tickets so all of you can go. Or Three, you just send the tickets back and nopony goes. Just remember Twilight, they’re your tickets, so it’s your choice.” Dragonfly said, reaching over and patting her shoulder as Twilight looked down on the table in thought.

“Okay Dragonfly, I’m gonna head home to think this over. Thanks again for the tea and meal, and the words. What do I owe you?”

“It’s on the house Twi. I’ve got more bits then I know what to do with right now. The combination of the bits the Cozy Rest brings in, those stocks Blueblood lost in a bet to me, and the bits Silver Ingot left to me has me covered for quite a long time.”

Twilight nodded and left with Spike as Dragonfly finished his own tea and placed the cup in his dishwasher. He sighed as he leaned on the counter.

“It’s funny; never thought I’d be giving out advice to others so soon.”

He chuckled as he made his way over to the storage room to check if he needed to restock anything before the next rush.

“But then again; mom always said I was very approachable and I believe that; if the swarms of Nymphs that always gather around me were any indication.” He finished with a laugh as those happy memories came back.
> A Day in the Hive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day before the Canterlot Visit

Hive Throne Room

Dragonfly was laying down on his bed-like throne resting his head on a hoof as he lazily browsed through the various options on his Hive Interface Screen, he and Belle would be heading to Canterlot later that day and were waiting for the afternoon train. Dragonfly was bored; he’d already taken care of all his duties that needed to be dealt with before he left as he and Belle would be staying for a few days, not that his Hive would fall apart without him and he still had the Hivemind if they needed him. Between Seeker, Rhino, Spotter, and Darter, the Hive would be fine.

And before anyone said anything about tempting fate, the Hive were ready for that if it happened.

He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a small and warm object lean against his side. He smiled in amusement as he turned to see Ocellus, with a small stack of books next to her, laying down and leaning against his side smiling softly at him.

"Like old times huh, my little Sugarbug." He said with a grin and light chuckle as he leaned down to nuzzle her head as his long tail curved around and covered her like a blanket. Ocellus nodded shyly and leaned into the nuzzle, making a quiet purr-like sound as she settled against Dragonfly's side and quickly fell asleep, breathing softly as Dragonfly smiled warmly at her and turned back to his Hive Interface Screen, Ocellus using her tail to pull Dragonfly's closer against her.

Antenna happened to be walking by on one of the walkways that curved around the outer sides of the Throne Room and noticed this. She smiled softly at the sight, and she stayed hidden, just watching the two. Her ears then twitched as she heard Bluebelle quietly say; "That's so adorable, he'll be such a good father one day."

Antenna turned her head to see Blue standing a few feet away, close to the entrance to the balcony outside and having not noticed Antenna who walked over startling Blue slightly but the latter gave the former a cheerful smile before blushing slightly. "I take it you heard what I just said?"

Antenna shrugged sheepishly. "A trait you pick up pretty quick in the badlands is being able to eavesdrop and hear potential secrets." She glanced back at Dragonfly with a smile. "Though, it's no secret that Dragonfly is great with the young. We are incredibly lucky to have him as the Hive Leader."

“I agree with that; besides what he told me about Chrysalis I’ve asked his other Changelings and more than a few had some horror stories about their former Royals.” Belle grimaced, “I figured it was best I didn’t know too much about that, especially after some of the looks of trauma as the stories were told. Easy to see why Dragonfly was so popular.”

“I prefer the more obvious reasons why he was popular,” Antenna admitted with a small grin. “Like his charisma.” 

The two sat quietly for a moment, watching as Ocellus snuggled deeper into Dragonfly’s side, when a thought occurred to Belle and she turned to Antenna again.

“What about you Antenna? From what I’ve seen and heard; you and Dragonfly have known each other for a long time. Would you mind telling me that story?” Belle asked.

Antenna gave her a soft smile. “Not at all Blue: We first met when we were still nymphs. I’m only a few years older than Dragonfly, and at the time, I was rather lanky for my age. Being a Jewel Beetle, others liked to get on my case; bully, harass, all that stuff. But, one day... I was on the ground, and there was laughter and jeering all around me... until this one Royal Nymph; tall as a hero, with a long mane and tail stepped up to my defense." She gazed wistfully. "It was Dragonfly. My first real friend. We would spend hours talking, exploring, practicing dealing with others..." She looked down. "And when my mother... 'passed,' Dragonfly helped me through it." She laughed. "Even now, he continues to be a friend to the Nymphs. You should see him interacting with our own."

Belle smiled and giggled. "I have; and it’s so adorable. From what I know, the Nymphs would gather around him like puppies, even when he was a Nymph."

"That's right." Antenna confirmed with a laugh. "The sight of him with so many Nymphs snuggled up to him like he's a Papa wolf or something was quite the sight. Empress Nebula even got a picture of one such scene."

Antenna then sighed. "Dragonfly was such a major help during those hard days. And after my Hive was attacked and we had to serve as "escorts"..." She trailed off as Belle reached over and placed her hoof over her's.

"You were only trying to keep your Hive alive, Antenna. Sure, you had to do things you didn't want to, but it's still far more than what could've been said for most of the other Royals if even half of the stories I’ve heard from Dragonfly and his own Hive are true."

Antenna softly smiled. "You're right Blue, and finding Dragonfly alive again... the news of his death was one of the hardest hits we ever took." She smiled brightly. "I'm so glad to know he's alive."

“Especially with Chrysalis still at large; to be quite frank: I’d much rather have him as leader of the Changelings, at the very least he’s not planning conquest beyond defeating Chrysalis.” She left out a soft sigh. “To be honest; I’m a bit scared when that battle finally happens. We all know that only one Royal will be walking away alive from that fight. I’m really hoping it’s Dragonfly.”

Antenna’s expression grew fierce. “He will. One way or another, Chrysalis will not walk away from that fight alive. I won’t let her hurt…” she paused, snapping out of her trance. “Oh, goodness. My apologies. My mind went somewhere dark there for a second.”

Belle waved it off, “No worries Antenna; I completely get how you’re feeling on that.” She then raised a brow as a thought occurred to her. “By the way Antenna; I’ve noticed something a little strange.”

“Strange how?” Antenna asked, her own brow raised.

Belle chuckled, “I’ve noticed the quick looks and small smiles you send in Dragonfly’s direction, being around Nobles for most of my life means one tends to pick up subtle signs like that, especially if it means knowing who are the gold diggers. So tell me Antenna…” Belle leaned forward, a sly smile on her face, until their noses were just touching.

“Do you have a crush on Dragonfly?”

Antenna blushed a bright red. Her blue eyes glanced away. “Well, um…” she mumbled nervously.

“Before you hit the panic button Antenna, I don’t mind.” Belle reassured her. “Being he was your first friend and he was there for you when you needed him most, I totally understand why you’d fall for him. As you know; herding is perfectly fine here in Equestria as long as everyone involved has given their consent, so neither me nor my sister would have a problem if you wanted to join. I may have been his first, but he’s told me a lot about you and I know you’re a good Changeling Antenna.”

Antenna perked up, her blush fading as a hopeful look entered her eyes. “You… you really think so?” 

“I understand that you’re feeling reluctant Antenna, and I’m not saying you have to join, I’m just letting you know the offer is there.” Belle reached over and pulled Antenna into a warm hug.

Antenna almost seemed to melt into the hug, holding Belle closely. “I’d like that,” she admitted. “I’d really-really like that.” 

Any further talk was interrupted when an alarm suddenly went off, causing the two of them as well as Dragonfly and Ocellus to leap into the air in surprise. After calming down for a moment they realized it was Belle’s pocket watch, the alarm having been set so her and Dragonfly would have enough time to take care of any last minute things before they left for Canterlot.

“Wow time flies when you’re having fun.” Belle mused as Dragonfly got up, handling a sleepy Ocellus like a pro by gently using his nose to lay her down on the throne’s seat, allowing her to curl up into a ball and go back to sleeping as Dragonfly levitated over a small blanket and set if over her, finishing with a gentle nuzzle to her head.

“See you when we get back, my little sugarbug.”

Belle and Antenna could only give quiet “Dawwws.” at the sight.



Two Hours after Dragonfly and Belle left for Canterlot

Everfree Forest, somewhere close to the border near Ponyville

“I’m just saying Buzz; the eighth and ninth movies had their good moments.”

“And I do agree with you Tick, but it still doesn’t make up for the rest. I’m not one to criticize movies, games, or any form of media until I try it myself, and even then I’m a “If I enjoy it, I enjoy it” sort of ling. But those two movies were just… ugh. I can’t really stomach them other than a few select scenes like the Dreadnought’s appearance or the chasing battle, though I’m not sure if you can call getting your ships blasted as they  run out of fuel as they run a battle.”

“I can understand that Buzz; I didn’t like the prequels all that much, though considering some of the newer crap that’s come out I’ve gotten a new appreciation for them.”

“I feel ya, the first six movies were my nymphhood and while the seventh, eighth and ninth movies weren’t very good the one called “Renegade One” was awesome.”

“Now on that I completely agree, especially the villain’s appearance towards the end.”

The two drones, Buzz and Tick, were off duty and taking a walk through the safer outer areas of the Everfree and got to talking about movies, landing on their current topic of a series called Void Battles.

“While I didn’t like the prequels, I’m really enjoying the currently running show.”

“The Mirror Wars?” Buzz asked.

“Yep.” Tick responded.

“I’m enjoying it as well, could use some polish but it’s only a few episodes into the first season so that’s something you have to expect.” Buzz said, giving his ear a good scratch.

“Yeah; the first season of any show is to set the stage and iron out any flaws.” Tick said, hovering over a large mud puddle in their path.

As the two walked and talked the topic shifted several times, before they had a rather unfortunate encounter. Buzz and hopped onto a lump thinking it was just some raised ground, only to discover it was a Manticore, who was not happy at being awoken from its nap.

“OH SH-RUN!” Buzz shouted as he and Tick turned tail and booked it, the Manticore on close behind.

“Buzz it’s a Manticore!” Tick shouted.

“WWHHHOOOOAAAA BUCK!”

In the Drones’ panic and need to get away they forgot about their wings. And to be fair when chased by a cat the size of a Manticore one’s first thought is getting the hay out of there as fast as possible. That and these Drones had… sort of skipped out on their combat training, something the two were regretting right now and they made a mental note to fix that later, while really hoping that Rhino didn’t get ahold of them first.

Two things they hadn’t played hooky on however, was their speed and evasion training. Drones, being on the smaller side, especially when compared to Soldiers, where naturally both fast movers and slippery little buggers (no pun intended) and their smaller size made them smaller targets, a fact the Manticore was learning as each time it tried to hit them the two would dodge each blow, if only just but a near-miss was still a miss.

As they ran they used the undergrowth to their advantage by weaving through every narrow space they could find, while being careful to not hit a dead end. It was going well until the Manticore ran right into a thick wall of thorns, emerging with an enraged “Now it’s personal” look as the two Drones yelped and bolted.

“GUYS!” Buzz shouted as he and Tick jumped down a hill, the Manticore not far behind.

“Guys! Everyling get your weapons! Get your weapons ready! There’s a cat!”

Nearby a group of four Soldier Changelings sat in a small clearing just doing their own thing; one was checking the sharpness of his throwing axe by running his hoof, very carefully over the cutting edge. Another was munching on a bag of...

“Nom nom nom nom nom. Peanuts.”

The Soldier with the axe paused, and facehoofed with a shudder. “Oh.. I heard that sooo wrong.”

The one with the bag of peanuts stopped munching and looked at his companion. “Wha- Antlion what did you hear?!”

Next to them, watching with amusement, were the other two Soldiers, only… one was a Jewel Beetle Changeling from the shiny chitin covering his body and the slightly different shape. The last one however stood out the most as she was a Full Hybrid, one of a Winged Thestral, who was currently laying on top of the Jewel Beetle Soldier, who was on his back, licking his neck like it was a popsicle with a few nips here and there.

Judging from the purring and moans of delight, he didn’t mind at all.

Since Antenna’s Hive had joined with Dragonfly’s and Jewelbeetle had revealed herself the three different Changeling races had been mingling and beyond some small hiccups here and there there had been no problems, there’d even been a number of… “get togethers” among the three.

“Get your weapons ready! There’s a cat!”

“Where-why-were-what?” Antlion said as he looked and the others got up.

“We’re comin’ in! We’re comin’ in! Get your weapons ready!”

The Jewel Beetle Soldier grabbed his spear as the others did the same. “Alright we’re ready, where are you?!

“We’re coming right towards you Emerald!” Buzz shouted as he fired out of the bushes behind the Soldiers, Tick right on his tail.

“Right towards ME!?” Emerald said as he and his fellows turned around. 

“There’s a cat!” Tick shouted pointing back the way the two Drones came from, right as the Manticore leaped out of the brush.

“BRING IT KITTEN!!” The Hybrid Winged Thestral roared as she charged, caught the Manticore’s front paws on her spear, and flipped it head over heels to the side as the other Soldiers joined her.

“We’re takin’ you DOWN!” The Mare roared as the battle started.

Unlike the two Drones, these Soldiers did not skip out on their combat training and working as a team they quickly sent the Manticore running back into the brush with its’ tail between its’ legs. Once they were sure it was gone the Soldiers turned to the tired Drones, who were unhurt other than a few minor marks on their chitin.

“Thanks guys,” Buzz said between breaths. “Lesson learned: Don’t skip Combat Training. We’ll need to fix that.”

“Indeed you do.”

All six Changelings froze at both the voice and the tone.

Slowly, they turned to where the voice had come from and saw Rhino standing there in all his unholy glory, and he didn’t look happy. 

Immediately the six Changelings lined up and saluted, Rhino returned it and started speaking.

“At ease troops, I’m not mad that you drove off the Manticore, great job on that. What I am mad about is these two Drones skipping out on combat training.” Rhino directed his gaze at the said Drones who cringed while lowering their heads and ears.

“It’s situations like this that are the reason that all Changelings in this Hive need to have some combat training at the very least. I understand there are those among you who don’t want to fight and that’s fine, But the reality is that Chrysalis is still out there biding her time and to defeat and remove her as a threat to not just to the Changelings but the world as a whole. Because of that we need every ling that can fight.” He leaned down and spoke in a softer tone to Buzz and Tick.

“I know you two came from a bad Hive and it left you two with some trauma, but let me put it to you this way: Are you just going to let that trauma rule your lives, or are you going to stare it in the eye and spit. You two are not in that Hive anymore and now you’ve got plenty of others to talk to and help you, all you have to do is ask.”

Buzz and Tick looked at each other, Rhino was right in that the two did have lingering trauma from their old Hive but they had left that behind. Wordless, the two nodded at each other and turned to Rhino with determined gazes.

Rhino’s smile shined brightly. “That’s the spirit.”

Buzz and Tick made their way back to the Hive as Rhino dismissed the Soldiers, soon following the two. As he did, Rhino looked up into the sky, a small smile appearing on his face. 

‘Gem Moth, wherever you are now, I hope you’re happy.’

As he thought this he gently placed his hoof on the middle of his chest armor, over his heart, where hidden from the world a small moth-shaped pendant made from a black opal rested, safely protected by his armor, as a single small tear fell from his eye.

‘I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you that horrible day, my love.’



Later, at the Hive Arena/Training area

Rhino’s Office

As Commander of the Hive’s Military, Rhino had the various duties one would expect, including the paperwork which he hated with a burning passion. At least for now he was down with it, sure it wasn’t actually that much he was dreading the day when it would pile. Leaning back in his chair Rhino’s eyes soon fell on a framed picture on his desk, picking it up he gazed sadly into it.

The picture was of a much younger version of him, around late teens/young adult, but next to him was another Soldier but this one was a female with moth-like wings, a huge happy smile on her face, and a foreleg around Rhino’s shoulders and neck. His younger self had a smile of his own… and a small blush.

The female Soldier was Gem Moth, a very close friend of Rhino’s, and his lover, the pendant he wore now had been her’s. Sadly she was no longer among the living, but she didn’t die in battle; Jewel’s father killed her. Gem had been injured defending the Hive from an attack and because of those injuries she was unable to move on her own. This wouldn’t have been a problem as Changelings are tough nuts to crack and she would have recovered in time, but Jewel’s father thought differently and when Jewelbeetle had gone to help Gem out the former’s father had used his magic to effectively take control of Jewel and force her to bring her mace down on Gem’s head, crushing it.

Rhino wiped some tears from his eyes, at least it had been instant and the others knew who the real killer was. Jewel Beetle was horrified and that was the last straw for her; after that the second she could get away from her father Jewel ran to the one Changeling she knew could protect her: Nebula Sheen, who granted Jewel sanctuary without a second thought. Even Jewel’s father, for how he was, feared Nebula’s wrath and she was waiting for the moment he slipped up. Not that it came to it, as her husband Black Saber dealt with him first.

Saber was really popular among the regular Changelings after that.

Rhino had also left that Hive soon after, never looking back and eventually ended up in Germaney where he joined the military and rose through the ranks quickly, gaining a few stories to tell. Though there were some parts of his time there he’d rather leave behind.

Setting the picture back on the desk he stood up and left his office, reaching the door to the Barracks he opened it to find the Soldiers within fast asleep. Rhino thought for a moment about how to wake them before settling on the simple approach: Banging his hoof against the door and yelling in his Drill Sergeant voice “WAKEY WAKEY!”

The Soldiers snapped awake in an instant and scrambled out of their beds as Rhino walked in bellowing at the top of his lungs.

“Rise and shine! Beauty sleep’s over! We’re burning daylight and Arena Time! Don’t make me drag you there by your tails because I will!”

The Soldiers, knowing full well Rhino would drag them by their tails (it hurt just as much as you’d think), quickly got their gear and zoomed to the Arena. When they got there they entered and lined up in their usual spot and waited for Rhino to arrive.

The Arena was as one would expect when thinking of an arena; a large open pit with seats and doors surrounding it. Generally it was used for training and more as a gym but other members of the Hive would gather to watch whatever was going on in the pit when they had nothing else to do or were off-duty. Today this group of twenty Soldiers were going to be doing three drills: basic endurance training, one-on-one spars, and battle training against Golems. Rhino arrived soon after and the Soldiers began.

Starting with the endurance training, the Soldiers did very well with most of them being able to run seven hundred laps without issue. Most had to stop after around seven hundred and fifty laps, but a few were able to do around nine hundred. Though they collapsed from exhaustion as Rhino facehoofed.

“Troops, I know this is endurance training but pushing yourselves too much wouldn’t help much in that as you’ll be forced to rest up for longer lengths of time which might reverse your progress. Pace yourselves, push your limits but don’t go too far, do it small bits at a time.”

The spars went normally, though the Soldiers got nervous when they faced Rhino and for good reason; Rhino was highly experienced and proceeded to wipe the floor with each of them, though the Soldiers, despite not having much of a chance against him, did their best to make him work for the victory.

Finally, for the battle against the Golems went better for the Soldiers, Rhino frowned as he watched the Soldiers take the Golems down with ease.

‘Maybe it’s time to try something new, these Golems are starting to be defeated too easily. An ice Mage would be a good challenge. Hmmm… maybe I could ask our guard friends to join in on some of these training sessions when they have time. Would mix things up a bit.’



Hive Corridors

Antenna was walking through the halls humming a cheerful tune to herself and lost in her own world. Her Hive was safe; she no longer had to make the hard choices she had to make during the time under the various Warlords. It was enough to make her lighter than air.

As she walked, she paused. Old habits didn’t go away easily, and though she didn’t turn, she noticed a pair of shiny blue eyes following her on the ceiling. Stepping into the light revealed the eyes belonged to Thorax, who had a cheeky grin on his face. Antenna waited, giving Thorax his chance. With a wag of his tail, he shot from the ceiling, aiming for her back.

However, Antenna suddenly sidestepped while turning with her forelegs at the ready. Thorax realized what was coming but couldn’t stop in time as he landed in Antenna’s grasp. The second she had him in her grip Antenna leaned down and nuzzled Thorax’s belly, the spot where he was extremely ticklish and something his brother would take full advantage of whenever they had played.

“Lookie-lookie,” Antenna teased. “I caught myself a Thorax.” Antenna giggled as Thorax laughed hard, she tickled him for a few moments before Antenna set the giggling Proto-Royal down and let him recover from his giggles and hiccups.

Eventually Thorax recovered and stood up. “Guess I need to work on my stealth.” He said with a sheepish smile.

Antenna giggled. “Oh no Thorax, your stealth was fine; it’s just that living under Warlords for as long as we did means one tends to pick up a few things.” She reached over and gave his head a gentle rub. Thorax leaned into the rub with a little purr.

Antenna smiled warmly at him then asked. “So? What are you up to?”

Thorax smiled and said hopefully. “I was wondering if you wanted to play.”

Antenna briefly paused - the warlords’ laughter briefly echoing in her memories - but she shook it off. Thorax’s idea of play was vastly different from theirs. Re-composing herself, she grinned widely. ”Well that sounds like something I can do.”

Thorax leaned down like he was gonna pounce, tail wagging with a playful grin. Antenna returned the grin and lowered her front as well. Thorax moved first but actually tricked Antenna by feigning an attack to the left which caught Antenna by surprise and launching a quick tickle attack to her side, which sent Antenna into a fit of giggles and before she could get him back Thorax took off, Antenna soon following hot on his tail.

‘First Mother, did I miss being able to play with the young Changelings.’ Antenna thought to herself happily as she chased a laughing Thorax.



Upper Levels

Kitchens

The Head Drone Chef could only stare in mute astonishment and jaw hanging as she gazed around the Kitchens, or rather what was left of it. In short: The Kitchen was a total mess.

The entire place was covered in the splattered remains of food that even she couldn’t identify (and that was saying something), even dripping down from the ceiling of all places. Most of the stoves looked like someone had set a bomb off inside their, a few even flat out missing their doors. Cutlery was scattered around like it had been loaded and fired out of a cannon, and in the middle of the mess were three very confused and sheepish Drones.

The Head Chef slowly recovered then looked at the three. “Okay… could someling please tell me what in the name of our Prince happened in here.”

There was a pause as the three Drones looked at each other, before the center one spoke. “To be completely honest… we don’t have a clue on what happened. All we know is we were fixing up some food and next thing we knew there was a loud bag and a hurricane of food paste raging in here.”

The Head Chef pinched the bridge of her snout to try and fight off the incoming headache.

“So what you’re saying is that the food just randomly burst from the ovens like an enraged beast breaking free of its cage… Somehow I’m having a hard time believing that, yet at the same time it makes a little bit of sense.”

Letting out a heavy sigh she looked at the Drones again. “And what were you three making?”

The three paused again, then the Drone on the left spoke up.

“Well I was making pizza while they were making cakes and meat pies.” He said, gesturing to the middle and right Drones respectively.

“Pizza, cakes, and meat pies… and here we are standing in the middle of a food cyclone and none of us know just what happened.” The Head Chef grumbled. “Do we even want to know what happened?”

The three Drones looked at each other again and after a moment just shrugged, the Head Chef shook his head.

“I’ll take that as a no, let’s just get maintenance up here before our Prince get’s back.”



Upper Levels

Egg Chamber

The Hive’s Egg Chamber was busy with Healers looking after the Grubs and Nymphs, some were playing peek-a-boo by poking their heads out of holes around the room, much to the Grubs and younger Nymphs' delight. Others were bathing the young with… varying degrees of success, most of the Healers getting as wet as their young charges. Joining the Healers were Thunderlane and Flitter who lent a hoof.

Thunderlane was holding a young Grub and feeding it a liquid form of E-Energy from a crystal bottle as one of the Healers, a Mare, who was doing the same thing, looked over to him.

“You’re really good at this, aren’t you Thunderlane?”

Said Hybrid nodded.

“Rumble was very young when our former Hive was attacked and our parents…” He paused for a moment before shaking his head.

“Well after that I was left to look after my little bro alone, so I had to learn quickly. Thankfully we ended up in Ponyville soon after and Mrs’ Cake was a huge help after I explained our situation, altered a little bit of course, and she taught me the basics. Since then I’ve been raising him, I was not about to let Foal Protection Services separate him from me without a fight. There was this one official that seemed bent on doing it, but I had unexpected, but not unwelcome, help from a lawyer; Miss Nightrose.”

“Oooh I’ve heard of her:” The Healer responded. “One of the most feared lawyers when it comes to family matters. From what I know she’s a mother herself, though she apparently isn’t looking after her daughter.”

“That’s because of a few factors; for one Miss Nightrose lives in Canterlot and her daughter is a Winged Thestral, same as her husband.” Thunderlane said, “who’s living in a Veteran’s Hospital as he lost his right wing and eye, all but his right foreleg, and his ability to speak saving his comrades from an explosive. Heck from what I know it’s a miracle he’s even alive and his mind is intact.”

The Healer nodded in sympathy. “Poor guy, at least he’s alive and around for his wife and daughter.”

“True,” Thunder agreed, “but because of her work she isn’t home much since she handles special cases. I don’t know the exact kinds other than the ones involving Foals, but because she’s on call at all times she can’t really look after her daughter. Now don’t get me wrong; from what I know she loves her daughter deeply but because of her work she can’t spend much time with her. That and the fact that her daughter, Lilly Rose, got into trouble in school after a bully targeted her… and she broke all four of his legs.”

The Healer startled, nearly tossing the Grub she was holding imto the air but was able to stop herself. “All four of his legs?! How old is Lilly?”

“She’s ten years old.” Thunder replied.

“Dang that Filly’s got some power.” The Healer said in amazement. ”She’s been eating her wheaties.” 

Both chuckled at the joke.

“Yeah I would say, though she did that with her wings and it was by accident. Still… I would not want to be in that bully’s place.” Thunder said, the Healer nodding in agreement.

“So if Lilly’s mother is unable to look after her, and her father is in the same boat, who is looking after her?” The Healer asked.

“That would be Nightrose’s Nephew; a Unicorn Stallion named Silver Flame, though Lilly likes to call him “Uncle”, when he’s actually her cousin. Why I don’t know but I think it’s because he’s a decade older than her at least.” Thunder said.

“Makes sense.”

Thunder then chuckled. “Funny enough; they actually live right here in Ponyville, but Silver and his family have been on a vacation traveling abroad and while they had some delays they should be returning home any day now.”

“Where does Silver live?” The Healer asked.

“He lives on the edge of town, in a large clearing a little into the Whitetail Woods. There’s an old mansion there that he bought for cheap and fixed up.”

The Healer raised an eyebrow. “A mansion for cheap? Sounds like a scam if I’ve ever heard one.”

Thunder laughed. “It was, but Silver pulled a fast one on the scammer as he knows how to enchant gems and he did so with a restoration spell.”

The Healer’s eyes widened and she burst out laughing. “Oh that sneaky Unicorn; he bought a run-down dump for pocket change, then used the spells to restore it back to its glory days.”

Thunderlane also laughed. “I will never forget the look on the scammers’ faces as they watched this happen and left town in defeat.”

The two were interrupted by the sound of laughter from Flitter, turning the two saw the Pegasus Mare being dogged piled by Nymphs, who began to tug on her mane, tail, ears, and bow while others jumped onto her belly and tickled or nipped it which caused her lather to increase.

Thunderlane and the Healer smiled.

“She always loved playing with Rumble, and as we can see; she’s loving this.” Thunder said, gesturing to the Mare in question with a wing. The Healer chuckled and nodded in agreement.
> Ponyville 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hive

Upper Levels

Founders’ Room

Hurricane groaned as he woke up, while he was a soldier he did like to sleep-in once in awhile and enjoy cuddling with his Mares, Speaking of which; currently Clover was snuggled right up against his underbelly, her head tucked into the crook of his neck, fast asleep with his legs and a wing wrapped around her. He smiled softly as he felt her exhales against his fur as Clover snoozed, looking around he noticed it was only the two of them on the large Dragon King bed*.

‘The others must be out and about.’

Turning back to Clover he gently ran a hoof along her mane, the Unicorn purring at the petting and snuggling (somehow) further into him. The two laid there for a few minutes, then Clover opened her eyes and lifted her head while letting out a yawn. Smacking her lips she turned to Hurricane who smiled back at her.

“Morning Clover.”

“Morning Bolty.” Clover replied and nuzzled his ear, Hurricane chuckling at both the nickname and the tickling sensation on his ear. Then Clover got a cheeky smile and nipped his ear, causing Hurricane to squeak in both surprise… and pleasure.

Clover giggled as Hurricane gave her a look.

“What? You know that I know how much you enjoy that.” Clover said.

“I know Little Leaf,” Hurricane replied, then he smirked. “Just like I know you love this!”

Before Clover could react, Hurricane had flipped her onto her back and was nipping her neck as his wings brushed her Cutie Marks, causing Clover to purr loudly from the bliss.

The two wouldn’t be seen until later that day.

Outside the room Platinum Bar had been walking by when her sharp hearing, born among other skills from the years she had run her spy network back in the day, picked up the sounds from two of her herd. She chuckled in amusement as she walked away.

‘Always enjoying each other huh you two? Hurricane, you always knew how to please us.’

Her ears perked again hearing hoofsteps coming towards her, after a moment the owner of the hoofsteps revealed themselves to belong to Twilight, who had arrived back from Canterlot yesterday. Twilight’s eyes brightened in excitement the second she saw Platinum and she trotted quickly over to the Founder. A small smile spread across said Unicron’s face; Dragonfly had given the Founders a heads-up on Twilight and that she was likely to ask them a lot of questions.

“Excuse me, Princess Platinum?” Twilight said, jittery with barely contained glee, as she came up to her fellow Unicorn. “I was hoping to ask you a few questions.”

Platinum glanced at the long scroll held in Twilight’s magic.

‘A few questions huh, Dragonfly wasn’t kidding when he warned us.’

Looking back at Twilight, Platinum greeted her.

“Well Twilight I’d be happy to answer some questions, but please just call me Platinum, I’m not really a Princess anymore… and if I’m being honest; I never asked to be one and prefer not being one, you can only handle so much snob.”

Twilight blinked. “Oh? That was one of my questions: How bad were the Nobles of your time?”

“Trust me Twilight; The Nobles of my time were really bad, to put it very mildly. If either me or Hurricane had our way, we would have lobbed off the heads of 99.9% of the Nobles and mounted their heads on the walls.” At Twilight’s shocked look Platinum nodded grimly.

“Those Nobles caused so many problems for us it was head-spinning. But from what I’ve seen and been told by my daughters; the current Nobles are, for the most part, nowhere near what ours were, which is a good thing.”

Twilight nodded, deciding to move onto the next question.

“So, if it’s not too personal, how did you and the other Founders get together?”

A large and fond smile formed over Platinum’s face and gazed forward. “Well Twilight, it all started so long ago.” Platinum told Twilight the story of how Hurricane had rescued them from two Centaurs and the events afterward, ending with the day Clover was almost caught by Chrysalis and their plan to go into stone for a time to fool her and catch her off guard.

“But as you can tell; it didn’t quite work out like that. Thanks to Luna becoming Nightmare Moon and her banishment, the Nightmare War, the Great War, and finally the Great Famine meant we were stuck in the stone until a few years before Luna returned. Now in hindsight; the idea wasn’t our best. Just the fact that Chrysalis actually knew our plan and was simply waiting for the right moment, not like we would be going anywhere.”

She frowned deeply as she looked at the floor and lowered her head.

“I can’t even begin to word how relieved all six of us are that Dragonfly got to us first, if she had…” Platinum rapidly shook her head and straightened up. “Anyway, moving past that.”

Twilight silently agreed.

“So anyway;” Platinum continued, “as for our relationship.” She gave a fond smile. “Even after being together for so long and through so much, we’ve never got tired of each other. Mind you, and this is important Twilight to keep in mind should you ever find a partner: The ones like Hurricane, as far as I’m concerned, were worth more than triple their weight in gold, at the absolute minimum. Ever since Hurricane had rescued me and the others from the Centaurs so long ago,” Platinum shuddered at the thought of what would have happened if he hadn’t, “He’s been fully devoted to the five of us and never flirted with another Mare when we got serious, not even once. Even through the worst times and fights he was always there for us, as we were for him. Call it a story out of a fairy tale, but as far as we are concerned; Hurricane Bolt is our Prince Charming.” Platinum finished with a proud smile, while Twilight got a thoughtful look.

“While I have my doubts, I’ll keep that in mind. What is Commander Hurricane like?” Twilight asked, making a note on her scroll.

Platinum chuckled. “Besides what you know? Well… Hurricane is a bit of a goofball, a shameless flirt towards us, and can be quite lustful at times, I mean… he does have five Mares with him, so that’s sort of a given. But Hurricane is a good and honorable Stallion at heart and even when his “desires” are at their strongest, mainly during a certain time of the year, Hurricane has never once did anything to the us without our full consent and most importantly: When we carried our first Foals and went through the mood swings, Hurricane stuck with us and did the best he could to take care of us and the Foals despite often ending the day with more than a few bruises from us.” She rubbed her head sheepishly.

“Little note for you Twilight: Mood swings are nasty, I don’t remember much of those times and that might be for the best. According to my Herd; Puddinghead was an absolute nightmare during that time, and I’m willing to believe that considering her usual cheerfulness.”

Twilight nodded in understanding with a grimace. “I’ve read about that and am willing to believe it: From the stories my family has told me, my mom was a terror during her mood swings. Dad apparently got a few broken bones during those times, though I’m not 100% sure about that.” Twilight then looked thoughtful. “It’s no wonder then why Hurricane was the first Bearer of Loyalty; one or two Mares would be crazy, but five? I’m amazed he’s still alive after all that.”

“So are we Twilight, and he went through it not once, not twice, but several times.” Platinum agreed. “That Stallion’s got bones of metal.”

Twilight looked over her list and found the next question. “Oh here’s one I’m really wanting to know: How did the Princesses come into your lives?”

Platinum stopped for a moment at that and she sighed happily as those memories came back.

“It was when they were only Foals, no bigger than little puppies, and Hurricane had been patrolling with a young Flash Magnus when they found Celestia and Luna in the arms of their dying blood mother who passed soon after, but not before the rest of us arrived and Hurricane, being who he was, took the Foals into the protective embrace of his arms and wings. The mother, who was named Sunny Night, was able to tell us the names of the two Foals before she coughed up blood and took her last breath. At least she passed knowing her Foals were safe.”

Twilight stopped and looked up at Platinum with a shocked and sad look.

“That… that’s so sad. Do the two Princesses know?”

“Yes they do, but they don’t like to talk about it as it’s a very hard subject for them. As for how their mother passed, knowing what I do now about the medical fields in current times, I think Sunny might have had Tuberculosis or something similar. May she rest in peace… at least she left this world knowing her Foals were safe.”

Twilight nodded sadly.

“As for Celestia and Luna;” Platinum continued, not wanting to say on the sad topic.  “While the other Founders and I have raised quite a few Foals of our own, though sadly some lines from those Foals are long gone, perhaps the closest of our kids that we’d been too, besides our first-borns, were Celestia and Luna. After we took in the two and soon started raising them as their own, which was quite the experience.”

Platinum laughed quietly.

“The things those two got into when they were young; Celesita with her craving for sweets and Luna’s late night adventures among so many other things, they would drive the guards and Starswirl insane, much to the enjoyment of Hurricane who may or may not have encouraged it.”

Twilight looked at her incredulously. “Why would he encourage it?”

“That question will be answered in a bit, as that’s kind of a story on its own. But I do have a mind-blowing fact for you: Celetia and Luna weren’t born Alicorns.”

Mind-blowing was right, as Twilight stopped mid-step as her brain rebooted.

“Wait, what?!”

“It’s true: Celestia had been a Pegasus, while Luna was an Earth Pony. We still didn’t know how or why the two ascended into Alicorns, but after Discord’s reign their connection to the Sun and Moon was a massive blessing. Not even the best Archmages of the time could figure out what Discord had done but the damage had been very serious, to put it very mildly.”

Platinum grimaced again.

“Speaking of Archmages; Twilight, as you might have guessed we knew Starswirl personally, but whatever you do; don’t ask Hurricane as it’ll open old wounds on him.”

Twilight tilted her head. “What happened?” 

Platinum sighed. “I know Starswirl is your idol, and I’d hate to hurt your image of him, but it’s better you learn it from me: None of us got along with the Archmage. Clover had at one point been his student, but it had ended poorly since while a powerful mage Starswirl was not exactly a nice Pony and honestly was more like the Nobles of the time.”

Twilight looked surprised, and was about to ask before Platinum stopped her.

“Keep in mind Twilight; Starswirl did do a lot of good in regards to the things he discovered so I’ll give him that, but it left him with a rather massive ego and a holier-than-thou attitude. Though that still did not excuse what he did to Clover;  the day she stopped being Starswirl’s student for her own reasons things went sour. Now I want to set the record straight and say he wasn’t abusive to her, but he was rather condescending and dismissive towards her and her abilities, which I want to point out are quite impressive then and still are now. The day she quit Starswirl had laid into her about something, I never really cared enough to find out what, and she encountered the rest of us crying her eyes out. Oh boy… that led to trouble.”

Twilight looked away. “I… can’t imagine…” 

“I’ll get back to that in a moment, as for Hurricane; he hated Starswirl with every fiber of his being, to the point where he had actually called the Unicorn, to his face no-less, something that will never leave my lips. There were two things however that cemented Hurricane’s hatred towards Starswirl: One being his treatment of Clover, the other was that all Archmages of those times had; considering War to be something not worth their interest. Now… on the surface this may not seem that bad, the issue was that during this time we were literally fighting a war for our very survival as a species against the Griffin Hordes and the Archmages refused to leave their towers to help on the frontlines, where their power and skill in magic was needed most, and those few that did couldn’t be on the same battlefield without their egos getting in the way, which caused more than a few defeats on the Ponies side.”

Platinum face hoofed. “So many lives lost because a bunch of mages couldn’t control their egos.”

“That’s horrible!” Twilight stammered. “They seriously decided a war was a good time to start measuring horns?” 

Platinum sighed heavily and continued.

“Yep, and understandably because of that, Hurricane saw them as traitors to their own kind and at one point had tried to charge them as much, which almost went through as there were many others who thought the same thing. The only reason it didn’t was because Chrysalis almost got Clover and the six of us went into the statues, which we finally woke up from a few years ago…”

Twilight grimaced, resisting the urge to stamp her hoof, and letting Platinum continue.

“As for the trouble that came from Clover ending her time as Starswirl’s student;” Platinum blanched. “Hurricane almost ended Starswirl that day, it had taken the combined effort of me and the other Founders, teen Celestia and Luna, the Pillars, and an at-the-time recruit Star Hunter to pull Hurricane off a thoroughly beaten and bloody Starswirl. Hurricane had even said, in a tone that was far colder than the Frozen North, and come to think of it the only time I’ve ever hear that kind of tone from him, and I quote; “If you ever make Clover or any of my family cry again, not even Faust herself or death will save you!”

Platinum leveled a look into Twilight’s eyes.

“And I can say for certain he meant it.”

Twilight swallowed, making a mental note to never incur Hurricane’s wrath. 

“Still,” Platinum shrugged, “Hurricane did in a way get what he wanted; from what we have learned; the War with the Yetis and the Great Famine afterwards had all but destroyed the Archmages, most of them starving to death since no one brought them food.”

Twilight looked down sadly. “That’s an awful fate. I know they probably had it coming, but… it’s still horrible to think about.” 

“I’m in agreement there Twilight, though Hurricane’s only regret in that regard was that he didn’t get to see it happen. And based on what we knew: The ones today, while still powerful, were nothing like the Archmages of old. Heck from what I understand Twilight; your own father, Nightlight Sparkle if I’m getting the name right, is an Archmage himself and quite a skilled one at that.”

“He is, and you got the name right. Dad was also Captain of the Canterlot Guard, a position he earned by raising through the ranks, before he retired to focus on raising me and my brother.” Twilight confirmed, Platinum smiled.

“Then I’m willing to bet he and Hurricane would get along well. Bolty always had respect for those types of creatures.”

“Bolty?”

“A nickname me and the other Founders have for him. We’ve been married for a long time, Twilight, so it was bound to happen at some point.”

“Right, so what about your and the others’ relation with Starswirl?”

Platinum sighed. “In truth: I’m glad Starswirl was no longer around, I wasn’t that fond of him either. My reasons, while some did align with Hurricane’s, are a bit different. The main reason I didn’t like Starwsirl was because he was too easy for the Nobles to manipulate; all they had to do was play to his ego and they had control over him, which led to more than a few massive headaches for me and Equestria as a whole.”

Twilight groaned. “I was hoping Starswirl was above such manipulations.” 

Platinum rubbed her temples.

“So did I… I still remember the massacre of the Wolfponies, who had just wanted to be left alone and sadly are believed to be extinct in current times. Oh how badly did I want that flankhole Lord Ego charged as a traitor that day, and again it was because of a certain Changeling Queen that it didn’t happen. That being said; from what Celestia had told them, Lord Ego did ultimately get what was coming to him.”

“How so?” Twilight asked.

“He was among the Ponies eaten during the war with the Yetis, and as sadistic as it sounds, I hope the ones that ate him had savored every single bite.”

Twilight turned a shade pale. “Was… he really…?” 

“Yes, Lord Ego had been that bad Twilight. But moving on… Clover’s dislike of Starswirl came from her time as his student, it took months for her to regain her love of reading and curiosity. Pansy, being the closest to Clover, had similar, though not as serious, feelings as Hurricane since she lost a lot of good friends during that war while Puddinghad and Smart Cookie’s dislike towards Starswirl spawned from his treatment of Clover, but they hadn’t really liked the Unicorn from the start; something about him looking down on them but I didn’t really know the full story on that.”

Twilight nodded, unsure how to continue as Platinum shook her head to clear her mind of those thoughts.

“But enough of those dark thoughts; let’s go back to happy ones.”

Twilight quickly agreed and looked at her next question.

“Oh, how about your relationship with Princess Luna’s daughter?”

Platinum’s smile was very bright, to the point Twilight thought she needed sunglasses. “Star Wing, she was our beloved Granddaughter. I’m sure Luna has told you about Star Hunter?” At Twilight’s nod Platinum continued.

“Star Hunter and Luna becoming mates had been a surprise to us, that one of our little Princesses had found herself a mate, then she gave us a granddaughter in the form of a little Alicorn named Star Wing. Now that had been a massive surprise. But it was a welcome one.”

“Even when you had to raise her?” Twilight asked. “I heard that she was a bit of a hoof full growing up.” 

Platinum chuckled. “Raising Star had been quite an adventure on its own; it wasn’t that she was misbehaving, no more than usual for a foal her age at the time, more that she was quite adventurous. Like mother, like daughter, I suppose. Though it got her and us into a number of situations. Still, each of us loved that little Filly; Hurricane had taken his role of a Grandfather seriously and when he was not reading to Star or playing with her, he was teaching her everything he knew. Before going into the statues, he had been training Star in some kind of “spinning cannonball technique”, whatever that was, and from what she knew Star would always keep spreading her wings out like she were going to try and fly while spinning like a top. Hurricane, along with the Thestrals and Pansy, had taught Star how to fly.”

Twilight reviewed some of her other notes. “I think I’ve read about that cannonball technique. It’s also known as the homing attack. When done right, it allows the user to turn themselves into a guided missile and…” she paused. “And I’m getting off topic. Sorry. What about the others?” 

“Clover had fallen in love with Star the second she laid her eyes on the newborn Filly and took it upon herself to teach Star, which also helped Clover recover from what Starswirl had done to her. Clover had taught Star many subjects, including spells, how to read, and spotting illusions and tricks among other subjects. Though Clover had been a bit worried that Star couldn't tell the difference between reality and fiction. The number of poor dragon ambassadors Star chased thinking they were going to steal her mother and aunt.”

She chuckled. “We always found it so funny, and thankfully the Dragons had soon caught on and joined in. I think Star and Spike would have gotten along great.”

“I did read that Star later gained a fascination with dragons,” Twilight agreed. “She would’ve loved getting to know Spike.” 

“I think they’d have bonded very quickly over their love of comics. Pansy meanwhile, also the shy one and the mother hen of us six, had always worried about just how little Star had seemed to care for having anything - even something protective - on her body, and to be fair; those were dangerous times. Nowadays, at least in Equestria and certain other parts of the world it isn’t so bad, but back then Pansy had always tried to find Star some suitable armor, but she never quite succeeded in that. Still one has to give credit to Pansy for trying.”

“Never giving up on her loved ones,” Twilight smiled. “I can respect that.”

Platinum rubbed her chin in thought. “I can’t help but wonder if anypony, or anyone for that matter, had been able to find a dress that Star didn't instantly try to fly her way out of. Shame too; Star did clean up so nicely.”

Twilight chuckled. “She sounds like Rainbow Dash in a way; both clean up nicely, yet both would rather not.” She smiled. “Rainbow Dash probably would’ve gotten along very well with her.”

“Perhaps; I do see some of Star’s traits in Rainbow. Puddinghead had always made sure Star had plenty to eat, with her special sugar cane pudding being Star’s favorite.”

Twilight looked at her incredulously. “Sugar Cane Pudding?!”

Platinum nodded. “Yep, it was way too sweet for our tastes, but Star loved her sugar. How that filly handled it all escapes me, but I did fallback on one fact.”

“And that was?” Twilight asked.

“Star was an Alicorn, a growing Alicorn, so she was able to take it and go for more, and believe me; she would go for more.”

Twilight thought for a moment, then nodded. “Would make sense; sugar does give plenty of energy.”

Platinum nodded and continued. “Puddinghead was, and still is, an excellent cook which likely helped. Heck Puddinghead had written the book and I know for a fact Dragonfly’s Changelings love her cooking. Rhino had said that it was quite the moral booster.”

“That makes sense,” Twilight said. “Pinkie said the same thing, and indeed, morale is raised with good food.” 

“And I know for a fact that Star would have loved Pinkie’s parties. Smart Cookie had also taught Star quite a few things, but the biggest thing she had done for Star was give her a companion in the form of a dog named Wild Blue Yonder; a dalmatian with a unique black coat speckled with white spots - just like Star Wing - that had been a brave and loyal companion that the six of us could trust to watch over her when they were away.”

Platinum wiped a tear from her eye with a foreleg. “I do miss that good dog so much.”

Twilight wiped a tear away as well. “Sounds like he was more than just a pet… he was a friend to all of you.” 

Platinum nodded, before moving on. “As for me; I taught Star some things in regards to the political field; she had been a Princess after all and while she likely wouldn’t have to take the throne, I felt the skills would still be useful. Sadly from what our own daughters had told us, Star disappeared the same night Luna became Nightmare Moon. We weren’t too happy with Celestia, but she had suffered enough from what came after that so we didn’t press the issue, and Star hadn’t been seen or heard from since. Most have written Star off as dead, though we were not so sure; Star learned well from us and I know that while Star was not well liked by most at the time, she still had allies of her own: Flash Magnus was her Uncle in all but blood after all, so none of us believe that Star had died that easily. If anything; it was likely Star had fled and faked her death to throw any enemies after her off her tail.”

“Plus, there have been legends of a wandering warrior on the Outskirts,” Twilight noted. “A warrior that is almost pony-like, with black and white spots. Nothing’s been clarified, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Star or one of her descendants.”

“I’ve heard of that, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it was Star or one of her descendants.

Platinum turned and gazed into space.

‘Wherever you are Star Wing, our precious Granddaughter, I hope you’re having many adventures and making as many friends who have your back.’

Coming out her thoughts the two continued with the QnA, walking through the Hive passageways, passing various Changelings before eventually stopping at the Hive’s Heart and taking in the sight of the pulsing energy.

“Speaking of family;” Platinum began. “Something had been hanging around in our minds since Dragonfly and company had saved us from the Everfree city: Now we have had quite a few offspring of our own, five Mares and one Stallion after all, and we’ve noticed something about Dragonfly, but we’re weren’t quite sure what. However our current thought is that Dragonfly Wings could be one of our descendants, and he’s not the only one we think might be.”

Twilight tapped her quill against her chin in thought. “I can see why; Dragonfly has shown some of the traits you six have, but more research will need to be performed first to get any real data.”

“Agreed,” Platinum replied. “As for the others: Hurricane is all but certain that Rainbow Dash was one of his, and I can see why he thinks so; it isn’t just being the Bearer of Loyalty, Rainbow actually had many of Hurricane’s traits like his iron will, strength, and speed.”

“Speed?” Twilight asked.

“Believe it or not; Hurricane is actually a very fast flier. Maybe not as fast as Rainbow, but still faster than most Pegasi of our time. We’d have to test the current day Pegasi to see if that’s changed but that can wait until another day.”

From there the two discussed the possible connections that the current day Element Bearers might have to the six Founders; with Fluttershy being descended from Pansy Shy, Applejack from Smart Cookie, Pinkie Pie from Puddinghead (which didn’t surprise them at all), Rarity from Platinum Bar, and finally Twilight Sparkle from Clover Leaf (the former being quite giddy at the possibility). 



Ponyville

Train Station

A whistle blew as the morning train pulled into the station, grinding to a stop and the doors opening to let the many passengers off. Among the passengers was a young adult Unicorn Stallion standing a little taller than Big Mac, not including his horn which was about two or three inches longer than normal, with a silver coat, long red mane and tail with the former resembling three enlarged saw teeth facing forward and three spikes on the back of his neck while the latter was shaped like three scythe blades with the shortest on top and the longest on the bottom, and red eyes. His Cutie Mark was an old school soda bottle with a red liquid inside and a small blue flame coming out of the top. Around his neck was a loose and long silver and red scarf that hung half-way down his front legs with thin black stripes separating the two colors with five tassels at the ends, each one tipped with a black crystal in the shape of a bear claw. There was also a small red crystal attached to the right outside loop. 

Atop his head was an adorable Winged Thestral Filly around 10 years old with a deep blue, almost black, coat with a navy blue mane and tail which both had a spiraling red stripe running from base to tip, the mane had two bangs on top of her head and they hang a little to the right while her tail wasn’t hair but rather it was webbed membrane. Her stilted eyes were a Sapphire blue and she had no Cutie Mark. Her bat-like wings were a few shades lighter than her coat and her fangs stuck out a little past her upper lips, which only added to her adorableness. She also wore a dark navy blue hoodie a few shades lighter than her coat, a large red bow at the base of her tail with two long silver ribbons trailing down to the tip and held to it by small gold clips, and a large red rose as large as her eye, enchanted in such a way that it would never wither away, attached to a hairpin worn behind her right ear. 

The Unicorn let out a long, satisfied sigh after he took in a large breath of air.

“It’s good to be home after our… extended trip. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoyed traveling abroad but I’ve been missing home. How about you, Lilly?”

The little filly on his head bounced happily, slightly moving the unicorn’s head though he didn’t seem to mind at all.

“I’m really happy to be back Uncle Silver; I’ve been loving the new sights and experiences, but I’ve missed Ponyville.”

“Well Lilly, let’s head home and we can catch-up on what we’ve missed.” Silver replied as he picked up their luggage. Lilly gave a little squeal of happiness. The second they had stepped off the platform a pink missile slammed into Silver, who just chuckled and returned the hug the pink pony was giving him.

“Good to see you too Pinks, been quite a while hasn’t it.”

Pinkie separated from Silver, only for Lilly to leap off his head and latch onto Pinkie’s face, hugging it tight. Pinkie for her part happily accepted the facehug. 

“Hi Pinkie.” Lilly said cheerfully as she released said Pony’s face.

“Great to see you again Silver and Lilly,” Pinkie replied. “Ponyville hasn’t been the same without you, how was your trip? Did you experience new kinds of parties? *GASP* Party! I need to ready a “Welcome back Home” Part-””

Pinkie’s ramble was stopped as Silver put a hoof on her mouth, his eyes shining with amusement.

“Calm down Pinks, We’d both be happy for the party, but Lilly and I just got back so we’d like to get back home and settle in first. So could you hold off on the party for a bit.”

“Okie-dokie-lokie.” Pinkie replied once Silver removed his hoof from her mouth. “Gotta bounce, see you later.”

With that, Pinkie rolled into a ball and literally started bouncing against various objects like a pinball before flying off deeper into Ponyville.

Silver and Lilly both laughed. “Never a dull moment around Pinks, huh Lilly?”

“Nope, but without her around life would be boring,” the filly replied.

“True.”

Pinkie suddenly appeared before them again, though surprisingly neither Silver nor Lilly flinched.

“Almost forgot; here’s your cupcakes.” She gave Silver a mint chocolate one and Lilly a mango one before disappearing back into town. Chuckling at Pinkie’s mannerisms and munching on their cupcakes, Silver used his magic to pick up their luggage again and walked into town, making towards their home.



A short time later

Silver’s House

While the vast majority of Ponyville’s inhabitants chose to live closer to or within the town proper, there were a somewhat large number that lived outwards with some being more on the ‘edge’, close enough to make it into town in good time yet far enough to be out of the hustle and bustle of the town. Some however lived further out on the outskirts, being a little isolated but still close enough to get into town without wasting too much time with the Apple Family being one of them.

Silver Flame was one of the inhabitants of Ponyville who lived out of town but still close enough to get things done in town within a decent time frame, in truth his home was about a twenty minute walk at most if one were taking their time. Now being in the White Tail woods meant his house was surrounded by trees and thus was rather isolated from the rest of Ponyville, but Silver preferred this as he was always a loner and generally didn’t like being around others thanks in part to his younger school years, but that’s a story for another time.

Silver owned around nine acres of land which held his house which in truth was a large mansion, his large greenhouse he used for his work, a boat house at the edge of a medium-sized lake in the center of the property, a trailer house-like building, a small four-room workshop, and a building that looked like a small gas station with a small attached hanger. Silver had built most of the buildings, with only the house being original to the property which Silver had fixed up using restore spell-enchanted gems.

The thing was; while the property was in the middle of a large clearing, the clearing itself was also in the middle of a small fog-covered bog too deep to wade through with a long bridge wide enough for a wagon with a little extra space on each side being the only way across. Because of this bog the property had gone unsold for a long time after the original owner passed away, but Silver was fine with this. After all; no Hydras lived in this bog so that was a bonus, plus it made it more difficult for any would-be robbers.

From what Silver knew; a very rich Noble from Canterlot had bought the land and had the mansion built with the intent to live in it and likely had plans for Ponyville, though those plans never came to pass as the Noble had died in a major train accident after it was built and his family wanted nothing to do with the house. They had tried to sell it but, as mentioned before, the bog was a major turn-off for all potential buyers and no one else could come close to the price the family had wanted, and eventually the family just left the mansion to rot for a long time.

By the time Silver came along the house was… well ‘condemned’ would have been a very generous way to describe the rotted state it was in. Because of this and the fact that no one else wanted the land Silver had been able to buy the whole thing almost literally dirt cheap, the ones selling him the land had been a few Ponies known as scammers who thought they could make some quick bits.

Now the scammers did… but Silver had a little trick of his own up his scarf.

Silver had done his research and in the three months between first discussing and actually buying the land he had charged up a number of gems with a “Building Restore” spell, which was used to return broken down buildings to their prime condition, with the option of modifications set by the caster or casters.

After buying the land and house Silver had set up the gems around the house and activated them, which after about a day and a half had completely restored the rotted building back to perfect condition with his own modifications, most noticeably being it now matched the rest of Ponyville’s architecture rather than Canterlot’s as it was before.

Silver would never forget the scammers’ faces when the latter saw the restored mansion, it would have fit “stunned silence” to a T.

The house had three floors with an attic that could technically pass as a fourth floor as well as an expansive basement under the house, which also included a much smaller and isolated off-shoot three room and two hallway basement accessed through a hidden entrance. Finally under the Main Basement was an eleven-room “Bunker”, which had been one of Silver’s modifications to the house.





Note on the following quoted section for the readers; This section is currently incomplete as my word document for Silver’s house is on my “Archival Computer” as I’m calling it and the hard drive with the Operating System died on me so I can’t access it right now until I fix it, so for now this part is going to be incomplete until then and I’ll finish up the layout, which is most likely going to be awhile before I can get to that. So for now I will be leaving this section “as is” until then, the only other option was to leave this chapter on the backburner until then.

Luckily this section is only describing Silver’s house and can be skipped over to get back to the story. I apologize for this but there is nothing I can do about it right now. I will be finishing this part at a later date, just can’t say when, and once that is done I’ll remove this message and let you all know in the Author's Notes of a later Chapter.

For now, remember the mansion was built by a very rich Noble, so the place is no doubt massive.

The First Floor was the largest of the floors at # rooms and a small “Sub-Basement” vehicle held the Games Room and a fair-sized Indoor Pool area.

The Second Floor was smaller at # rooms which were almost entirely bedrooms and bathrooms with.

The Third Floor was Silver’s “Personal Floor” with his Bedroom, Study, . It also held Lilly’s Bedroom.

The Main Basement

The Side Basement 

Finally the Bunker had eleven rooms





Walking along the small bridge Silver took in the peaceful atmosphere of the foggy bog, while not the first choice for many Silver liked the calm and quiet of the area and the deep waters of the bog made for a natural defense against those who might try to steal his potion formula. Sure mosquitoes could be a problem at times, but Silver had ways to keep them away.

It also meant that any… explosive and/or fiery effects from failed potion experiments were limited to the area.

The water was also, despite the thick fog at times, crystal clean and more than a few times Silver, Lilly and their family and friends had gone swimming in it when the Indoor Pool was being cleaned or otherwise not available. A large river ran through the Whitetail Woods nearby, which was where Silver had set up a hydroelectric system which supplied his home and the other buildings with power. Was a fair amount of work, but it had been worth it in the end.

Walking towards the front door Silver was chatting with Lilly, who had hopped off his head and was walking beside him, when Silver was interrupted as his hoof caught something and he went down face first in a blast of mail.

“I told the Post Office to hold my mail until I got back!” Silver said recovering and getting up. “I wish they would stop piling it in front of the door too, I keep tripping over it.”

“What happened to your mailbox Uncle?” Lilly asked as she helped Silver pick up the scattered letters.

“Had to take it down. Derpy, bless her heart and soul, kept crashing into it and getting stuck. So I took it down before she hurt herself, and I did not like that ugly thing to begin with. I don’t know what that Noble was thinking.” Silver replied.

“Well this place was a Noble’s at some point.” Lilly pointed out. “Most of them tend not to think things through.”

“True; if he had he would have not forced the train onto an unstable section of the track, which had been closed off for repairs, I might add, by threatening the crew’s jobs just because he wanted to get to Canterlot faster. I’m still amazed that despite the train being a total loss, he was the only one out of everypony on that train to have perished. Sure there were plenty of injuries including broken bones, but no pony else lost their lives.” Silver said, taking a key from his scarf and unlocking the doors.

"Karuma maybe?" Lilly suggested, to which Silver shrugged in agreement.

Entering the house and stepping into the Entrance Hall Silver set their luggage aside and belted out a few words.

“Be it ever so… there’s no place like Hoommee!”

Silver spread his forelegs wide as he sang home and the lights around the mansion came on, revealing the Entrance Hall of the house. The Entrance Hall was a grand foyer with a staircase to the Second Floor to the right with a small table with a lamp and various items on it at the base of the stairs, a thick red carpet on a hardwood floor in the center, and a large grandfather clock tucked into an alcove behind the stairs. There were three doorways on the Main Floor; one next to the grandfather clock behind the stairs to the right, one double-door type in the center of the, and one on the left.

Upstairs were two doors immediately at the top and to the right of the stairs with a hallway leading deeper into the house, to the left was a small indoor balcony that bent towards the front of the house with a door leading to the left side of the Second Floor and a large double closet in the middle of the back wall. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling and joined the lamp in lighting the room up, but the most eye-catching feature was the massive circular stained-glass window above the Main Entrance depicting a red Dragon and a Black Dragon locked in combat with their blue and red flames respectively meeting in the middle to create a purple vortex in the center. 

Smiling Silver and Lilly took their respective luggage and went their separate ways; Lilly to her dancing room on the second floor while Silver went up to the Third Floor. The Third Floor was Silver’s “‘Personal Floor’ and where his Study/Office was, and it was in there that he seemingly kept his most important documents. Coming up to the large door Silver paused and looked around before pulling a strange-looking key and used it to open the door, entering a medium-sized office space with everything mostly being made of a type of red-colored wood known as bloodwood. There was a large desk with a recycler chair and shelves lining the walls except for the door with books, pictures, and other various objects. Finally there was a large chandelier illuminating the room.

Closing the door Silver walked over to the wall opposite of the door and opened a panel at the base with his magic to reveal a hidden safe, opening the safe he pulled out the papers within and then opened the back up, revealing it to be a false back. Silver then reached into his scarf and pulled out a small metal cylinder no bigger than his horn and placed it in the back of the safe before placing the false back and the papers back in and ending it by closing and locking the safe.

“There, my formula is in its place and safe from any who would want to steal it, not that they’d be able to read it anyway.” Silver said with a chuckle, before a little knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts. Opening it, he saw Lilly.

“Yes Lilly?” Silver asked gesturing for her to come in. Silver’s Study was one of the very few rooms in the house that Lilly wasn’t allowed in without him with her, not because he didn’t trust her, but because of the documents he kept in the room, some of which could not see the light of day, and kids talk.

“Uncle, have you seen my red leotard? Or my dance gear for that matter? I know they were packed and we checked our luggage just before the train pulled in so we know they were with us.” Lilly replied, looking understandably worried since that bag had her favorite gear.

Frowning in thought, Silver walked over to his own luggage and started looking through it, soon finding Lilly’s dance bag among it.

“Must have picked it up by mistake.” He said as he and Lilly shrugged.

Later

After settling in their home for a few hours Silver and Lilly decided to head into town, hearing from Pinkie, who had visited them a short time ago, that the Cozy Rest was open again. Only it was run by Nebula’s son Dragonfly Wings.

Curious, the two traveled into town soon reached the Cozy Rest and entered. Inside Dragonfly heard the bell ring and looked up from the comic he was reading and locked eyes with Silver, who did the same.

Both of them were stunned by the sight before them, and so were those around them.

“Goodness darlings.” Rarity said with a hoof over her mouth. “You two could pass for twins.”

She was right; other than different Cutie Marks, pupils, scarves, and different mane styles along the back of their necks Dragonfly and Silver looked exactly alike!

The two stared at each other unmoving for a minute, before Silver recovered and said “Well, I don’t think either of us were expecting to find out we had an identical twin today.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth.” Dragonfly replied.