Chapter 1 Departure
Sunlight beamed down over Canterlot, Princess Celestia's morning ritual having brought the day creeping across the landscape. All across the city, the day's activities started up once more, with streams of ponies moving to and fro, as they began their day. Whilst in Canterlot Castle, the seat of Equestrian power and government and home to the Equestrian Triarchy. Scores of day guard ponies, suited in gleaming golden armour, traded places with their Nightguard brethren. Meanwhile, inside the castle a veritable tsunami of staff flowed from their quarters and towards the throne room.
Amidst this, two large changelings weaved through the corridors, well-practised in this dance. Leading the pair was a slightly larger Changeling, her soft, rotund features making it clear her position as a member of Princess Hazy's personal retinue. A pair of glasses perched on her muzzle whilst a button-up waistcoat, a Rarity Original, adorned her dark grey carapace. Her small identification badge swung side to side in time with the sway of her ample hips. It bore her name, Aphid, alongside the seal of her Princess on it. She couldn't help but smile as they walked through the crowd, checking her clipboard as they went. Today was going excellently so far. Her queens had spent the night in the castle kept safe under the watchful eye of the palace guard in addition to her regular night shift. Even the journey from the hive to her Princess' bedroom was going faster than she'd scheduled for.
"Let's see. Princess Hazy's train is scheduled to depart at noon, headed for Seaddle, where our ship is waiting. You have both breakfasts, right?" Aphid asked, as the two bulky changelings slowed their pace and weaved through the crowded corridor. Their size allowed them to part the flow of staff ponies as they trotted against the tide, cutting their way through the flow of waiters, scribes and clerics to get towards the most recent addition to the castle.
Beside her, wearing a matching waistcoat, strode another changeling. Distinctly more masculine than Aphid's soft body and gently curving carapace, this Changeling looked far more like a changeling from the invasion. His bulk was far more subtle, hidden behind carapace and the long flowing tails of the jacket that hid his wings. Suspended aloft in his blue magic was a large oak tray. The two changelings had done this for nearly four years now. Unlike the early days of their assignment to protect the Alicorn who eventually married their Queen, this part of their morning had become comforting. With a soft sigh, the male Changeling looked over to his companion. "Aphid, how long have I been in charge of collecting the Princess' breakfast?"
"Three years, two hundred and fifty days, fourteen hours and six minutes." Came the reply almost immediately, Aphid knew the duty roster by heart, and the male Changeling knew as much. He picked up the pace, bringing him alongside Aphid. Having finally cleared the sea of staff headed for the royal dining room allowed them to walk double-file without even worrying about blocking traffic flow.
"And how many times have I forgotten the Princesses' breakfast?" He said, bumping his large hips against hers. Where the Changeling's hips would have knocked an average pony to the floor, Aphid laughed and bumped back. Aphid floated the clipboard ahead of the two, a quill pointed to a number on the bottom of the board.
"Well, Stinger, seeing as you asked. You have forgotten the princess' breakfast a grand total of four times." Aphid noted, a pretend hint of smugness in her tone. Stinger replied with a harumph, the two maintaining their standoff as they continued down the hall. Soft clops of hooves filled the hall as they passed the polished marble floor outside Princess Stargazer's wing. Two members of the Twilight guard watched as the changelings passed. Aphid swore she tasted one of the guard ponies holding in laughter. The sweet taste of joy in the air made her wings buzz; at least this little standoff brought some laughter to their fellow guards. One of the guards sighed after the Changeling's rounded the corner, their hoofsteps fading into the distance.
"Every day like clockwork, do you think they do it on purpose?" She asked the other guard beside her, only to get a shrug in response. Aphid smiled; the voices of the guards filling her ears finally broke the tension between the two changelings. Their laughter filled the air as they finally came to a halt outside the door that led to the sizeable four-bedroom wing that their Princess called home. Well, Aphid realised that wasn't entirely accurate. Her Princess spent most of her time travelling across Equestria. On the uncommon occasion that she was in Canterlot, she'd be in the castle. Or the hive. Aphid didn't want to admit it, but breakfast service was so much easier in the castle than the hive.
Before the two changelings stood another ling, almost statue-like, as she stood in the doorway. Aphid could see the Changeling's eyes follow her and Stinger as they had trotted down the corridor. Wordlessly, the door guard stood to the side, her horn igniting to open the door for Stinger and Aphid. Offering a smile of thanks, Aphid paused to nuzzle the 'ling guarding the entrance before floating a mug of steaming tea over to the Changeling. "Thank you, Scarab."
Scarab nodded, accepting the beverage with the faintest hint of a smile through her stoic expression. Aphid headed into her Princesses' rooms as Scarab took a sip of the tea. Upon the suggestion from Stinger a few years ago, they'd started to stir small amounts of love gel into the tea to give it the kick they felt it needed.
Aphid's eyes adjusted as soon as she stepped into the dark entrance hall of Princess Hazy's wing. Stinger was busy laying out the two breakfasts, a small spread for Princess Hazy consisting of toast, fruit, and eggs as she'd asked for yesterday. Beside it sat a steaming mug of love-infused tea for their Queen. As soon as the spread was laid out, Stinger looked over to Aphid and nodded. His duty was done, and now it was up to Aphid to wake up their leaders. If she was lucky, she would only be dragged into bed by one of them for around twenty minutes; regardless, she'd scheduled for thirty just in case.
Not that she minded being used like a foal's cuddly toy by either of her rulers. The plastron of her cheek plates practically glowed red as she blushed at the idea of being cuddled by not just Princess Hazy but by both her and Queen Elytrum. It took a moment before Aphid regained her composure, raising a hoof to knock twice on the large bedroom door. The silver inlay of the wood gleamed in the light, depicting Princess Hazy and Queen Elytrum with their horns locked together. Aphid waited, pressing her ear to the door only to hear silence. Either its two occupants were still asleep under a soundproof barrier, or they were awake and...up to other stuff.
Ignoring the familiar burn that had returned to her cheeks, Aphid gently pushed open the door. Her blue eyes glowing softly in the darkness as she looked into the room. A soft shimmering purple bubble covered the large bed. Squinting, Aphid could make out a huge feathered wing draped over a sleeping form she instantly knew belonged to Queen Elytrum. A sense of profound calm rolled over her as she sighed; just being near their Queen did that to a changeling.
The sound of her hooves filled the silent room as she crossed the room and gently touched her horn to the soundproof barrier, pushing her magic into it. Her horn almost fizzed, as if she'd just dunked it directly into a vat of love; undoing the spell took moments thanks to her years of practice. Despite having seen the spell daily for years, Aphid still was awestruck at her princess' spellwork. A soundproof barrier strong enough to block out anything short of the castle itself exploding and light enough the caster could maintain the spell on just the excess magic their body produced.
The bubble vanished, its purple glow disappearing and throwing the room into near-total darkness. Where the room once had been silent, it was immediately filled with a gentle sound of two creatures snoring. Aphid now remembered why the bubble was necessary. Still, she had a duty to do, and she would carry it out. The Changeling edged closer towards the bed, she knew she could simply use her magic to wake them, but she preferred a more personal approach. Aphid leaned on the bed, reaching a hoof out to gently poke her Princess in the back, softly prodding the slumbering Alicorn.
The first poke elicited nothing; the second only succeeded in providing a sleepy grumble; on the third prod, the massive wing covering Queen Elytrum twitched. With a groan, the no longer sleeping Alicorn's ears flicked in annoyance. Aphid steeled her nerves; it was now or never. Boldly the Changeling's hoof moved forward to prod the Alicorn for a fourth time, only for the limb to be encapsulated in a purple glow. Her ears folded back as Aphid realised she had made a mistake. In one fluid motion, the slumbering Alicorn rolled over, the bed covers moving with her as Aphid was pulled into a tight embrace. Princess Hazy's massive wings encasing the large Changeling as Aphid felt a set of hooves sink into her plush sides. "Good morning, my little drone~."
Aphid opened her mouth to respond, only for Princess Hazy to seize the opportunity and press their lips together. The drone instantly yielded to her Princess's advances, wiggling further into the tight embrace as all thoughts of their schedule faded from her mind. Hazy broke the kiss almost as soon as it had begun, pulling her head back before nuzzling Aphid's cheek. The sounds of her melodic giggling finally rousing the bed's other occupant. From behind Hazy, Aphid made out two blue slitted eyes glowing in the dark room alongside a wide fanged smile. "Good morning, my darling, and good morning to you, Aphid."
Princess Hazy turned her head to nuzzle at Queen Elytrum's neck, releasing Aphid from her grasp and allowing the Changeling to flop back onto the bed. Despite the bed's springs groaning in protest, Aphid rolled onto her soft belly and raised herself up to her hooves once more. A flash of blue magic straightened her waistcoat and adjusted her fin, allowing Aphid to recenter herself and try to regain some control of the practically luminescent blush on her cheeks. With her rulers distracting each other by nuzzling and nipping at each other, she seized her chance to resummon her clipboard from outside in the entrance hall.
"Your Majesties," she started, falling silent as the Alicorn and Changeling Queen utterly ignored her. Aphid frowned before raising her clipboard in the air and sending it at her ruler's head. The polished oak organisational tool bounced harmlessly off Hazy's head; thankfully, it was enough to get both of their attention. Aphid shrank slightly under the force of both of her ruler's gazes, deeply regretting having thrown her clipboard and leaving her unable to use it as a shield. "Y-your Majesties, we have breakfast ready as requested. Princess Hazy, your sister has requested an audience with you prior to your departure, and Princess Celestia has said she will see us off at the platform."
Both Alicorn and Changeling Queen rose with a grace that Aphid never could manage, even if she practised for her entire life. Queen Elytrum took to the air with a slight buzz of her wings, touching down to the floor with almost no sound. Whilst Princess Hazy crossed the bed in a single motion, draping a wing over Aphid before heading for the door. The Alicorn's horn glowed purple as curtains slid open to allow Celestia's light into her rooms. Princess Hazy led the trio out of her bedroom with a sigh of contentment, shutting the doors behind her before directing their group towards the table laid out with her breakfast.
The trio settled down onto the couches around the table, Aphid remaining firmly at Hazy's side as the Alicorn sniffed at the breakfast on the table. Across from them, Queen Elytrum sat down, lifting her steaming tea and taking a tentative sip. Elytrum's lips curled into a pleased smile, nodding in the direction that Hazy could vaguely feel Stinger's presence. The Changeling under Hazy's wing nuzzled her way further into the Alicorn's side, practically hiding in the small pocket of shadow that the Alicorn's wing created.
"Comfortable, are we?" Elytrum commented from across the table, chuckling softly as she continued to enjoy her tea. Hazy was preoccupied with splitting an orange into segments with her magic, popping one of the slices into her mouth and humming at the burst of fresh citrus. As the Alicorn continued to peel and prepare the fruit for her breakfast, a segment of orange floated down for Aphid. A small smile graced Hazy's mouth as she heard the happy wing buzzing from Aphid. The Queen chuckled softly at the buzzing, "You spoil our drones, darling."
"We're not complaining, Your Majesty," came the reply from under Hazy's wing almost immediately. Silence filled the air after Aphid's response. The tension was only disrupted by another orange segment slowly floating to the Changeling under Hazy's wing as she tightened the cuddle she had on her assistant. Elytrum's stern expression faltered momentarily before collapsing utterly as she burst out laughing. The tea floating before her nearly fell victim to a hoof that moved to clutch the Changeling Queen's side. Shortly followed by Hazy and Aphid's laughter joining Elytrum's.
After their laughter subsided, the trio mainly ate in silence. Hazy passing slices of orange to Aphid as she remained hidden to the world beneath the Alicorn's wing. Once her tea had been finished, the Changeling Queen stood, stretching her wings before leaning over the table to exchange a kiss with Hazy. Both of them savoured the moment as their eyes slid shut whilst the world around them seemed to fall away. Hazy could feel the familiar and almost welcome pull at her magic. Elytrum's kiss was pulling gently on her love, only for it to flow freely into the Changeling Queen.
"Your Highness...I don't want to interrupt, but we need to get going, or else you'll not have time to meet your sister." Aphid muttered, not wanting to spoil the moment but unable to pull her eyes away from the grandfather clock ticking away in the corner of the room. After one final moment, Hazy broke the kiss, gasping for air as Elytrum staggered backwards. The Changeling Queen's wings buzzed happily as she looked across at Hazy, taking the extra moment to go around the table and pull the Alicorn into a tight hug.
"Promise me that you will stay safe, my stormcloud," Elytrum practically whispered, holding Hazy tightly as in that moment their titles and responsibilities fell away. The Alicorn responded by nuzzling the side of her Changeling Queen's head, curling her free wing around Elytrum. "Please…"
"I promise, don't you worry your cute little carapace about us. Aphid and the others will be with me the entire time. Now get going; I'm sure you've got more important things to do today than cuddling me." Hazy replied with a smile, kissing Elytrum's cheek before releasing her embrace. Hazy turned to head for her bedroom once more, the sound of Aphid's hooves following close behind her. She realised it would probably be for the best if she wore her full regalia for her journey. Whilst Hazy's attention turned to fashion, Aphid watched over her shoulder as Queen Elytrum trotted out the door and disappeared into the labyrinthine corridors of Canterlot Castle.
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Hazy strode down the corridors of Canterlot Palace, one wing protectively draped over Aphid whilst she could sense Stinger was just out of sight. The dark-coated Alicorn wore her full regalia for once. The blue peytral adorning her chest had been her engagement gift from Elytrum. A peytral that was "fit for a Changeling Queen, enchanted to allow even a non-changeling to channel minor shapeshifting spells and feel the ebb and flow of the hivemind." Atop her head rested a crown made from the same material as her peytral; four hoof guards completed the look. Hazy felt good as she walked along; she'd taken the extra time to polish her regalia, making sure it was the perfect image of Equestrian royalty.
As she neared the door to her sister's wing of the castle, the two Twilight guard ponies in front of the door stiffened to attention and offered a salute. One enveloped each door in their magic, easing the heavily reinforced gateway open whilst retaining their stoic professionalism. "Good day, Your Highness, your sister is in her study. She's expecting you; please head on inside."
"Thank you, Corporal Amethyst," Hazy smiled as she led the trio into her sister's section of the palace. Fond memories flowed over her as she walked through the entrance hall. All around her, magical apparatus of her sister's design adorned the walls. Almost every one Hazy saw she could recall the story behind them, from an idea her sister had come up with late at night to their old cookie jar. It only took them a few years and a maid tripping over it for the invisible jar to be found. The further the trio trotted, the more complicated and advanced her sister's projects became. Finally, they came to a door tucked away on the left wall at the end of the entrance hall.
Hazy took a breath before knocking. She'd made the mistake once of barging into her sister's office and nearly took a magically powered rocket to the face for it. Were it not for Aphid putting up a shield and burning through almost half of her love reserves to make it strong enough. Hazy likely would have lost an eye, not to mention losing her cherished assistant. Moments passed whilst Hazy reminisced before the door to Star's office opened with a click, swinging open to reveal her little sister. Star's two-toned blue mane was mixed with soot, and her usually pristine lab coat had scorch marks covering it. Her mouth lifted into a smile as she flung herself at her older sister. With practised ease, Hazy caught her in a hug, squeezing Star tightly as she tried not to cough at the stench of sulfur that wafted out from Star's study. Aphid wasn't as resilient as her Alicorn, the large Changeling retreating away from the sulfuric scent as she retched and struggled to not vomit.
"Sis! You made it! I was worried you were going to be late," Star practically yelled, causing Hazy's ears to fold back. The elder sister lit her horn, channelling a quick healing spell and unleashing it on her sister. "Oh...I hadn't realised how loud that explosion must have been. Was I yelling?"
"Just a little." Came the answer from over Hazy's shoulder. A moment later, Stinger trotted over and bowed before Star. Almost immediately, a golden glow lifted the Changeling from his bow, leaving him eye to eye with an unapproving Stargazer.
"I don't like ponies bowing to me, and you know that." The blue Alicorn stated, pausing for a moment and raising a hoof preemptively to silence the inevitable comment from Aphid. Said' ling had returned to her position under Hazy's wing, poking her head out from under the dark appendage with a fanged grin, as if she'd had a hoof caught in the cookie jar. With a giggle, Star corrected herself, looking directly at the grinning Aphid. "I don't like ponies or changelings bowing to me."
The sisters elected to ignore Aphid's mutter about Star being no fun. Instead, she led the four into her study. Opening the windows with a flick of her horn to try and get the smell out before turning to smile at her older sister. "Remember those capes we made when we were younger? Rarity helped us to make them, and then I kinda blew them up…."
"What did that? The long-range teleport crystal or the message sending circle?" Hazy asked, a hoof raised to her chin in thought. She could remember the cloaks, woven with their mother's cutiemark and silver thread to hold enchantments. The downside of that thread was Star's experiment failing and incinerating the cloaks thanks to the silver lining conducting magic and igniting the fabric.
"It was our Mother's Day gift, remember? The enchanted telescope that could find any constellation...then we kinda overloaded it by saying my name, and the spell melted down." The memory came flooding back to Hazy of the afternoon spent enchanting and working on the spell matrix for that telescope. Followed by the memory of waking up in the royal medical ward about four days later with her coat and feathers missing…
"Anyways! I made you a new one! I was just finishing the final test for it. A nice warm travelling cloak that's enchanted to protect against blasts, burns and even lightning! I remember you got struck by it when flying through a storm a few months ago, and it's taken me all this time to get it ready. Just in time for your trip to Gryphonia!" Star enthused, floating over a cloak that would dwarf an Alicorn smaller than Hazy. She reckoned it would drag on the floor even if Princess Celestia wore it. With a click, the long flowing cloak fastened around Hazy's neck, right above her peytral. Hazy felt her sister's magic adjust the hood, tucking it in so that it was out of the way.
Before Star could make any further tweaks, with a yelp of surprise, she was scooped up into her sister's forelegs in what to anypony that wasn't an alicorn would have been a spine shattering hug. Aphid had to duck out from under Hazy's wing and practically dive for cover or else she risked getting clocked upside the head by Star's hindlegs as Hazy spun her sister around as if they were fillies. "I love it! It's amazing, sis!"
The sisters' hug settled as Hazy put down her little sister, the smaller Alicorn staggering to the left only to be caught by a large black wing. Star smiled at her sister before slumping to the floor, holding a hoof to her head. Stinger crossed over, his horn glowing as he gently pressed it to Star's head and cast a simple anti-nausea spell. Offering a meek smile, Star looked up at her saviour. "Thanks, Stingy."
"Aphid, when are we scheduled to leave?" Hazy asked, lowering herself down onto the floor, resting beside her sister for the moment. Taking in the warm summer breeze flowing through the windows, carrying the scent of the royal flower garden on it. The tantalisingly spicy bouquet of Zebrican daisies mingled with the savoury aroma of alliums. Aphid popped out from under her wing, wriggling free as her waistcoat groaned in protest at the side-to-side motion. As her faithful assistant rifled through her clipboard, Hazy couldn't help but gently poke Aphid's underbelly. Hazy's hoof sank into the large soft expanse of Changeling's stomach, prompting a tiny squeak from Aphid.
"W-we're not scheduled to depart for another three hours, Your Highness," Aphid reported, her cheeks tinting a slight red as she shuffled closer to Hazy. The Alicorn felt a little tweak as a black feather was plucked from her wings by Aphid, expertly nibbling at the feather to turn it into a fresh quill. "Would you like me to schedule something?"
"Well, we've got plenty of time. Sis, how'd you like to go for a walk in the flower garden? The smell is making me hungry, and I don't think we'll be back before they're out of bloom." As Hazy spoke, she lifted her wing and allowed Aphid to snuggle into her side again. The Alicorn couldn't help but smile as she felt the warm, soft bulk of her assistant cuddled under her wing. Rising to her hooves, Hazy stretched her neck to take in how her new cloak looked.
A blue blur diving from the window pulled Hazy from her thoughts; looking to the window revealed Star flying outside. Her wings flapped slowly to keep her aloft as she grinned. "Well, this is the fastest way, isn't it?"
"Aphid, Stinger, I'll let you go first," Hazy said, scratching at the floor with a hoof as she started to plan her exit. She could feel the wind from outside, blowing up towards the castle. With her wingspan, she'd need to clear the wall for at least 20 hooves. Finishing her plan in her head, she smiled. Her two guards started towards the window, their wings buzzing before diving out and climbing towards Star.
Hazy galloped after her changelings, the wind blowing through her mane as she rapidly closed on the window. Just before she arrived at the windowsill, the dark Alicorn leapt into the air. Soaring out of the window, Hazy let out a cry of joy, the sensation of air rushing past her practically filled her with energy. Internally she kept count, her pegasus senses informing her of an updraft almost perfectly positioned for her to ride and catch her little sister. Hazy heard a yell from above she recognised as Aphid's. Hazy focused on flying and waited just a moment longer before she snapped her massive black and purple wings open to catch the updraft.
Riding aloft on the updraft, Hazy's vast wings practically acted like sails. Reaching wider than a Canterlot city street, the Alicorn of Weather's wings were her pride and joy. As she climbed towards her sister, almost effortlessly harnessing the wind beneath her, Hazy could feel every subtle change in the air. The slight humidity made it clear the weather teams were preparing a rainstorm. Hopefully, her train would have already left by the time the storm was beginning its downpour.
"Graceful as always, Sister, but did you need to drop that far?" Came a call from Star, her slightly more refined public tone already clear. As she finished her climb, Hazy suppressed a sigh. If Star was talking like that, it could mean only one thing. Reporters and the press…
"I noticed an updraft, so I took it. You always remind me about working smarter, not harder." Hazy came to a stop, hovering a small distance from her sister. Immediately Aphid and Stinger took their positions beside her, flanking their charge to protect her from any threats. Although Hazy had to admit, they'd be more likely "protecting" her and her sister from a particularly bothersome journalist. Taking a moment to scan the sky around them, Hazy managed to spot the reporter. A light blue Pegasus with a yellow mane, complete with a heavy camera dangling around her neck.
The two alicorns adjusted their wings before gliding gently towards the centre of the palace's vast flower garden. Hazy noticed, with some pride, that her Changelings had moved to position themselves perfectly. Should the reporter try to take photos, all that they would capture is images of her changelings' gorgeous flanks and the occasional glimpse of her or Star's wings. Worst case scenario, she'd be requesting the photographs if the reporter got a particularly pleasing shot of the changelings.
Now in the public eye once more, or close enough to it, the two alicorns adopted what Celestia had taught them as a correct way to fly in public. They descended in a gradual sweeping arc, gliding over the rows of meticulously maintained hedges and vibrant flowerbeds. Hazy could barely make out the reporter yelling for them to slow down over the background noise of her Changeling's wings. Regardless, the sisters both knew they couldn't outrun the press. Not that they hadn't tried in their younger years but still.
As her hooves touched down, Hazy took a deep breath, folding her wings slowly as she fixed her posture. Head held high, wings tucked in tight with the tips curving upwards, and taking measured steps to avoid making ponies run to keep up with her. Thankfully she never needed to force a smile. Going into what her sister had nicknamed "princess-mode" always brought back fond memories of the 'bootcamp' Celestia had put them through. Star landed beside her, and the sudden lack of buzzing made it clear that Aphid and Stinger had landed.
"Princess Hazy! Princess Star!" A voice called out from above them. She heard the reporter land, the heavy camera rattling as she touched down. After a moment, Hazy turned to face the reporter, taking in the scene before her. Aphid had blocked the reporter, her clipboard bearing what Hazy suspected was a permission form so she'd have the final say over any photographs taken. After signing the form, the reporter glared at Aphid and practically galloped the short distance to both alicorns before dropping into a low bow.
"Rise, my little pony." Star requested from beside Hazy, prompting the reporter to stand. In a fluid motion that revealed just how much she'd done it, the reporter pulled out a notepad from her saddlebags. "How may we be of assistance?"
"My name is Glad Tidings, from The Equestrian Looking Glass. Would it be possible to ask you both some questions about the tensions in Gryphonia?" Glad Tidings asked, pulling a charcoal pencil from her saddlebag with a wing in preparation. Hazy hid her reaction at the line of questioning. Of course, that would be what she wanted to ask about.
"Of course, although there are some matters we'll be unable to disclose to the public at this time. As soon as it's safe, Princess Celestia will be giving a full address about this." As Hazy spoke, Glad tidings' pen became a blur of motion, scrawling down every word that left the Princess's mouth.
"If you're allowed to say why, would you mind explaining why Equestria is sending a Princess to Gryphonia?" Behind the reporter, Hazy could see Aphid wince and Stinger raise an eyebrow at the question.
"Due to the embassy treaty expiring, I'm being sent to renegotiate as well as to ensure a continuation of our relationship with Gryphonia." Both alicorns studied Glad's reactions, her ears twitching slightly as she visibly thought through the answer. Once she'd finished writing the answer down, she adjusted her notebook before looking up at the alicorns.
"Alright, do you expect to have much difficulty? From my own experiences, gryphons are stubborn, short-tempered creatures at the best of times. Faust forbid, you have to see them eat. Predators are just unpleasant." Over the reporter's shoulders, Hazy immediately saw her Changelings flinch. To her side, Star recoiled at the statement, glowering at the reporter.
"Miss Tidings, you are aware who my sister's significant other is? Because we do not appreciate such speciesist sentiments being espoused by the equestrian press." Hazy spoke, spreading one of her wings to block her sister's path towards the reporter. Glad Tidings blinked in surprise, stepping back slightly from the two alicorns as the previously friendly atmosphere disappeared in seconds. "I would suggest you inform your employers at the Looking Glass that you are no longer welcome at Castle events. Should they wish to assign a new reporter to the castle, they are to submit the paperwork to my assistant Aphid before I depart. Or else it will not be getting approved until I return from Gryphonia."
"Y-yes, Your Highness." Glad Tidings said, scrambling back from the two alicorns before taking to the air. As soon as the reporter had cleared out of sight, Hazy leaned over to nuzzle her sister. She could see Star was beyond angry. The blue Alicorn pressed herself to Hazy, hugging her forelegs around her elder sister's barrel.
"I-i didn't think our ponies could be so horrible…." Star admitted with a weighted sigh, the pair falling into silence amidst the garden. The blue Alicorn's form was almost entirely hidden by her sister's wing. Easily providing Star with more than enough privacy for the smaller Alicorn to vent her frustrations.
Minutes passed in the otherwise serene garden, Star's muffled voice mingling into the ambient noise. The sisters remained almost motionless, Star's blue tail flicking slightly before the two broke their embrace. The blue Alicorn stretched her neck to nuzzle the underside of her sister's chin, offering a small smile. "Thanks, Sis. Shall we go for a walk around the garden then? Wasn't that the plan before the...interruption."
"Lead the way, Sis. Don't you still have some experiments out here?" Hazy said, looking around and trying to remember where the small set of flowerbeds her sister had claimed were. Star nodded and set off into the garden, followed closely by her sister. Aphid and Stinger brought up the rear, following their training and using their size to block the path behind Hazy. Hazy relaxed with the relative privacy provided by the two Changeling's blocking line of sight towards the two alicorns. The dark Alicorn lowered her head to sniff a large bush of reddish-pink flowers, savouring the aroma given off before biting one of the flowers from the bush.
The four creatures continued their walk, weaving through the almost serene garden. Hazy hummed as she enjoyed the sweet and almost fruity flavour as the petals dissolved on her tongue. Star continued to lead them deeper into the garden, past a few dormant bushes of Crystal Berries that were supposed to bloom in time for Hearth's Warming. As they rounded a corner, Star looked over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "We're nearly there, Aphid. Would you be willing to be the test subject?"
Aphid squeaked in surprise as she rounded the corner, finding herself muzzle to muzzle with Star, the two mares only just being eye to eye. Hazy looked down at her flustered assistant, failing to hide her amused smile. The Changeling made eye contact with her Alicorn, questioning whether she had permission. Hazy simply nodded in response, subtly taking a step back to stand beside Stinger as Star's horn ignited. Star's golden glow enveloped Aphid, lifting her up before the Alicorn galloped off towards a flower bed that Hazy could feel radiated magic.
Stinger and Hazy remained at what they hoped was a safe distance, observing Star as she planted Aphid down by the flowers. Taking a moment, Hazy channelled magic from her horn into the large gemstone set into her peytral. Using the gemstone as a focus for changeling magic was the entire purpose. However, that didn't make the magic any easier to cast. A soft hum began to emit from the peytral moments later, letting Hazy know the spell was working. Faint whispers of her wife's hive mind edged into her mind, although that wasn't what she wanted to focus on right now. Instead, she reached out with her senses. Feeling the magic all around her, as if looking through a lens, she could see the pinkish vapour of love almost leaking from the flowers Star and Aphid sat next to. Before she cancelled the spell, Hazy caught a clear look at Aphid, the large Changeling's soft body glowing like a sun thanks to the sheer amount of love she held. The Alicorn tried to blink the imprint of Aphid's silhouette from her vision, internally noting not to look directly at one of her Changelings when using the peytral.
"All I need you to do is take a bite of one of these flowers. If my experiment has worked, the petals should be secreting love." Star explained as she gestured to the gently glowing patch of flowers. Unlike her Princess, Aphid wasn't very knowledgeable on botany outside of the very basics. At a guess, she would reckon these were roses of some sort, although that probably wasn't correct. The Changeling inhaled; the flowers definitely smelled of love, although it wasn't the same scent she knew as love. The love she was intimately familiar with was warming, welcoming; it made her feel at home. This smelt more like the love of a job well done, tinged with pride, ultimately a very different emotion to the pure love she was fed on daily.
Aphid leaned forward and nipped the head of the flower from its stem; now that she thought about it, she had never eaten a flower before. Going from what she'd seen her Princess do before. She chewed the flower, breaking apart the petals only to wrinkle her muzzle in response to the flavour on her tongue. The flower definitely had love in it, but it just tasted wrong. The Changeling shuddered before forcing the flower down, deeply displeased with the flavour. To her side, Star seemed to be practically bouncing on her hooves in excitement. "So? How did it taste? The flower stored the love correctly?"
"T-that wasn't the right kind of love, Princess," Aphid started, swaying slightly on her hooves. It felt like her body's insides were churning, whilst somehow her carapace felt loose and hot. The two observers noticed something was wrong with Aphid just before Star did. A protective wing pulled her into a tight embrace as Hazy made her presence known. Meanwhile, Stinger plucked one of the flowers and examined it. The blue Alicorn looked over the flowers, her ears folded against her head, confusion mounting as she ran over the notes in her head.
"Princess, you should have asked for our help with this." the voice of Stinger cut through the brief silence, the flower in his magical grasp floating along beside him. With a flash of power, the flower dissolved into dust, leaving behind two wisps of colour. "These do contain love, but not pure love, which is what our Princess feeds the hive. This is mixed with pride… which isn't part of the hive's regular diet."
Star looked at the form of Aphid. As she watched, the Changeling shivered and pressed herself against Hazy. Star slumped to the floor, her previously excited and passionate energy having drained in moments. "I-I was trying to make a surprise for Hazy and Elytrum's next anniversary…."
"She'll be alright, sis, Aphid is a tough 'ling. Aren't you?" Hazy spoke, nuzzling the Changeling as she almost cradled Aphid in her forelegs. All that she got in response was a shaky nod from the Changeling, the ordinarily blue segments of her stomach beginning to discolour. Star watched as her sister's horn ignited, a bright purple aura charging into her peytral as Hazy closed her eyes. Moments passed with the spell building before Hazy lowered her horn to meet Aphid's curved black horn. "Open up your mouth, Aphid. You'll be fine, I promise."
Star felt a hoof rest on her withers as Stinger sat down beside her. A small blue shield forming over both ponies. "Aphid will be fine. Queen Elytrum is guiding our Princess through this; the only ponies at risk are us." Stinger paused, chuckling softly before offering a smile. "We're in the splash zone."
Confusion flickered across Star's face before she looked back at her sister to find Hazy's horn glowing with a swirling blue and purple vortex of magic. The discolouration of Aphid's stomach had stopped spreading as her generous stomach rapidly shrank. The blue Alicorn reached out with her magic to try and sense what was happening, only for the analytical side of her brain to spring into action, informing her of what was happening. Hazy was draining the tainted love in Aphid's stomach, using that very trained love to fuel the spell itself.
By the time Hazy was done, Aphid had shrunk from being nearly Star's height and easily three times her weight to barely taller than a standard drone. The discharge of magic from Hazy's horn sent waves of power rippling through the ambient magic around them all.
Silence fell as Star searched for the right words, her own thoughts spiralling out of control until she felt a clipboard bounce off the top of her head. The polished oak piece of organisational equipment fell to the grass before her, snapping her out from her downward spiral of self-doubt and guilt. Looking up revealed her elder sister hugging Aphid like she was a foal's plush toy. "You taste horrible. It was a mistake. They happen."
From her side, she heard a chuckle from Stinger, followed by a quiet utterance of "diplomatic as always." Star's brain kicked back into gear as the clipboard floated back to Aphid. Who was busy trying to keep her now loose waistcoat from falling off. "I-I'm sorry, Aphid, I should've double-checked that the flowers were safe for consumption. I—"
Another clunk rang out as the clipboard connected with Star's head gently. Rubbing her head with a hoof, Star looked up to see Aphid frowning at her. "You couldn't have known without ruining the surprise. Please don't let your last few hours with my Princess be spoiled by this."
Silence fell over the group once more, aside from the muffled buzzing of Aphid's wings. With a sigh, Star rose to her hooves and chuckled. Shaking her head before looking at her sister, offering an apologetic smile. "I should have known better than to argue emotions with Changelings, shouldn't I?"
Hazy raised an eyebrow before placing Aphid down, only for the Changeling to disappear beneath her princess' cloak. Leaving two blue eyes peering out from the shadow cast by Hazy's cloak. The dark Alicorn strode over to give her sister a quick nuzzle, shrugging her wings. "I learnt that lesson pretty quickly dating one."
A soft chuckle came from Stinger only to be joined by a more high-pitched giggle from beneath Hazy's cloak. The Dark Alicorn rose to her hooves, adjusting the cloak with a pulse of purple magic. "We should return to the castle; I know Aphid will want to look over my baggage before it's transported down to the station."
As if on queue, Aphid poked her head out from underneath Hazy's cloak. The Changeling was taking advantage of her newly diminished stature, completely hiding beneath her Princess. In contrast, before, she could have only fit if Hazy was lying down. Alongside the Changeling's head floated her clipboard, wobbling slightly in a blue aura of magic. "I left Imago with a checklist and clear instructions, Your Highness."
Hazy blinked for a moment only to stretch her neck and kiss the small Changeling on the top of her head. The entire group heard a burst of buzzing emanate from underneath Hazy's cloak in response to the kiss. "Exceptional work as always, Aphid."
From her sister's side, Star could physically see the glow given off by the small Changeling as she basked in the praise. Continuing at a good pace, Star flinched as she felt something collide with her. Looking to her side revealed that an earth pony gardener had stepped out into the path only to walk straight into the distracted Alicorn. The unfortunate stallion stumbled back, recoiling in surprise from the impact as a silver lunchbox plummeted from his mouth towards the floor.
The blue Alicorn launched into action immediately, her horn igniting to catch the lunchbox whilst she used her wings to prevent the gardener from falling over. "I'm so sorry. It's my fault, I should've been watching where I was going. Are you alright?"
The aged gardener smiled in response, removing a well-worn sunhat from his head before lowering into a bow before the two princesses. "I'm perfectly alright, Your Highness. Although I'd reckon I wouldn't have been had my wife heard I'd ruined the lunch she made for me by dropping it."
"Wait, lunch? What time is it?" Came Aphid's voice from underneath Hazy. The dark Alicorn had to admit that was a pertinent question. Craning her neck, she could see the sun...it appeared to be nearly at its zenith.
"It's just before noon by the clock back in the gardener's building. Suppose you'll excuse me, Your Highnesses. In that case, a cheddar and rhubarb sandwich is calling my name," The stallion stated as he rose from the bow and collected his lunchbox, only to disappear into the hedge beside Stinger. Confusion radiated from the Changeling as he prodded at the hedge, finding it almost perfectly solid, leaving the Changeling wondering how it was possible to walk through. A brief silence fell over the group, only for it to be shattered by Aphid bursting out from beneath Hazy's cloak.
Aphid's wings buzzed hard, fighting against the fatigue that racked her body. Clutching her clipboard in her forelegs, she wobbled in the air, fighting desperately to stay aloft. The Changeling's ears drooped as she looked over the paperwork on her clipboard. "No, no, no, we've got to get to the station before noon…."
"We will don't worry." The dark Alicorn said as she ignited her horn, pulling the panicked Changeling into a soft embrace. The high-pitched buzzing of Aphid's wings slowed almost immediately as she buried her muzzle in her Princess' side. Star could read her sister's body language well enough to know to duck, narrowly avoiding as Hazy's vast wings snapped open to their full extent. The elder sister looked over her shoulder without missing a beat, flashing a grin at Stinger and Star. "Race you to the station?"
All Hazy got in response was the sight of her sister taking off from the ground, a golden streak of magic trailing her. The dark Alicorn launched into a gallop, beating her great wings as she ran along the path. Internally Hazy rolled her eyes; of course, Star would use an assisted take-off spell. She could feel herself lifting off the ground as her wings beat, a buzz from behind her betraying Stinger's presence.
As she neared the end of the path, Hazy leapt into the air, soaring upwards and over the neatly maintained hedgerows at the end of the path. With her sail-like wings easily catching the wind, the dark Alicorn began to climb rapidly away from the palace gardens. Glancing down, Hazy caught a glimpse of a familiar-looking stallion, a sandwich half-eaten, as he stared up in awe at the two alicorns above him. The Alicorn couldn't help but laugh when she saw the stallion's jaw drop in shock when Aphid's head poked out from the neck-hole of her cloak. She could feel Aphid's legs holding on for all she was worth, igniting her horn to temporarily stick the Changeling to her back.
"Ready?~" Hazy called to her passenger, feeling the changeling nod before holding on tighter. She pumped her great wings harder, an audible rush of wind coming from them with each downstroke. Hazy's mane and cloak flowed behind her, adding to the striking image as she began to close the gap on her little sister.
Spotting her sister was a minor challenge, Star's blue coat blended into the sky surprisingly well. Only when Star flew past an errant cloud did Hazy manage to spot her. Star was pumping her wings as hard as she could, building up an impressive head of steam as the two Alicorns rapidly headed towards the edge of the castle gardens. The ground below Hazy blurred into a mass of multicoloured plants turning into a sea of green. Her sizeable black shadow was rocketing across the ground below as she steadily gained on her little sister.
Seconds behind her sister, Hazy crossed the castle wall, angling to catch an updraft she'd felt. The purple tips of her feathers tingled as they caught the rising warm air from the royal kitchens. Riding the current of freshly baked bread-scented air, Hazy smiled; Star was right in her sights. As Hazy watched, Star rolled over and dove towards the lower part of Canterlot and their destination. The dark Alicorn cracked her neck before nosing down to match her sister's dive, her vast wings folding back like an arrowhead. In a dive nopony outside of the Wonderbolts was faster than her, unless Star had a trick hidden in her tail, Hazy was confident she'd beat her sister there.
Ponies below saw two streaks blur across the sky, laughter filtering down to them. The sibling rivalry of Twilight Sparkle's daughters was a favourite topic for the Canterlot press, much to Hazy's chagrin. For almost a decade, the Canterlot Looking Glass had even kept score of the sister's achievements. From the Alicorn of Weather's exploits across Equestria, chasing storms, to the Alicorn of Knowledge leading expeditions to uncover Equestria's ancient history lost even to the Celestial Sisters. Much to Hazy's chagrin, Star was in the lead.
The wind whistled in Hazy's ears as she neared her sister, barely half a pony's length between the two as they came into sight of the massive Canterlot Central Train Station. Hazy could make out the train she and her family shared, its purple and bronze materials gleaming in the sunlight. Although Hazy realised it was mainly her or Star who used the train, their mother simply teleported, and their cousins had the Crystal Express.
The two sisters maintained their dive; Hazy could tell she was laughing even if she couldn't hear it over the roaring wind. As the sisters hurtled towards the train station, Hazy finally pulled level with her sister, a wide happy grin on full display as they both aimed for the grandiose station doors. Hazy flared her wings at the last possible second, slowing down as she crossed through the doorway. For a moment, she caught a glimpse of a crowd of ponies inside the station, only for a wave of dust to blow past her as she felt Star discharge a spell to slow herself down.
Before Hazy could ignite her horn to clear the dust, her vision cleared with a wave of golden magic. It took a fraction of a second for her brain to realise that the magic wasn't her sister's. As the magic washed over her, Hazy felt as if she'd just been lying out in the sun, bathing in its warmth. The dust cleared to reveal Equestria's eldest Princess, Princess Celestia, standing resplendent before the two sisters. Her usual royal mask was missing, instead replaced by the faintest hints of a smile. "I do believe Hazy was here a fraction of a second earlier than you, Star."
"Yes!" The dark Alicorn pumped a hoof in celebration before remembering the small crowd gathered around them. Ignoring the soft giggle from the other two Alicorns, Hazy lowered her hoof and adopted her typical "Princess-mode" public demeanour.
"I'm glad you came to see your sister off, Star. You spend too much time cooped up in that office of yours, dear." Princess Celestia commented, the crowd gathered around them starting to return to their business. The solar Alicorn looked at them both, a nostalgic gleam in her eyes before she let out a soft sigh. "Hazy, what was it Applejack always said about your sister?"
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Came Hazy's reply immediately, whilst the sisters hadn't spent much time with their mother's friends, she could practically hear Applejack's voice right in front of her.
"Exactly, now we have fifteen minutes before your train is scheduled to leave. Care to join me for a spot of tea?" The sisters simply nodded before following Celestia as she headed towards the train. Despite her reservations about it, Celestia had approved the adoption of a few code phrases for public usage. Spot of tea simply meant she wished to speak in private, although Hazy knew it was also an excuse to indulge in a slice (or three) of cake.
Two of Hazy's changelings flanked the door to the train, adorning their plump forms were complete sets of armour. Formed from Changeling Ichor to allow the armour to mould itself to the wearer with a simple pulse of changeling magic. Two sets of blue eyes tracked the trio of Alicorns as they approached. Hazy felt a soft probe of magic wash over her, checking for any illusions or other disguising magic, ignoring the enchantment her guards knew to avoid deactivating. The drones bowed their heads briefly, speaking in unison. "The train is ready to depart whenever you wish, Your Highness. Imago insisted on sorting the library when she saw the state it was left in after a certain somepony's last trip using the train."
Out of the corner of her eye, Hazy spotted Star's ears flop against her head. Electing not to linger on the moment, she stepped forward to nuzzle both of the drones. It was the easiest way she could tell apart that particular pair. As she nuzzled the first one, she simply listened. When the Changeling's wings remained silent, she quickly crossed to nuzzle the other. Mantid's wings buzzed immediately at the affection. Leading the group into the train, Hazy smiled over her shoulder at both changelings. "Very well. I shall see you both later during dinner time."
Stinger slipped away as Hazy crossed into the lounge car. As she'd expected, a tray of cake had been set out for Celestia. Whilst she sat across from Celestia, Star was nursing a cocktail Hazy couldn't identify. The dark Alicorn figured it would be best to get onto whatever subject Celestia had prepared before the solar Alicorn attempted to steal Stinger from her again. "So what was it you wanted to talk about in private, Princess?"
Celestia looked up from the slice of cake she had been eyeing like a predator, offering a knowing smile to both sisters. "Well, I couldn't let you leave Canterlot without sampling some of your chef's wonderful confectionaries."
Hazy simply rolled her eyes, smiling at the eldest Alicorn's antics. She should have known that Celestia would do something like that. Before Hazy could say something in response, both sisters tensed. A massive wave of magic rolled over the train, the hairs of Hazy's mane standing on end from the sheer amount of energy in the air. Barely a fraction of a second later, the lavender form of Princess Twilight Sparkle burst into existence, sending another wave of magic flowing out and across the train.
"Mom!"
"Mum!"
Morpho and Mantid burst into the train car moments after the wave of magic passed through it, their horns glowing in preparation for whatever threat insane enough to assault a train containing nearly half of Equestria's alicorns. The two faltered when instead of a cackling villain, they found Twilight Sparkle hugging her foals tight enough that Hazy was beginning to turn the same shade of blue as her sister. A cheerful wave of her alabaster hoof broke the twins from their stupor as Celestia sampled another slice of cake and watched the family reunion unfold.
"A-air," was all that Hazy managed to say before she was released from her mother's embrace. The two sisters collapsed onto their backs, heaving for air. Beside them, Hazy was vaguely aware of Aphid and Twilight pouring over the Changeling's clipboard and the itinerary that was planned.
Gradually as she felt her brain starting to work again, Hazy tuned into the conversation between her assistant and mother. The scratching of a quill on paper already told her all that she needed to know. "Have you double-checked the preparations? I could draw up a quick double checking checklist for you if you'd like to make sure everything is ready."
"It's alright, Your Highness; Thrip and Skitter were in charge of ensuring all the preparation was taken care of." Hazy rolled over to see Aphid standing her ground against Twilight. The smaller Changeling seemed unflinching in the face of a horde of floating quills, each one scratching away on pieces of paper held in the Alicorn's magical grasp. Had Aphid been her usual size, the two would be seeing eye to eye, but as they stood now, it was like watching a foal stare down Tirek.
"I trust my 'lings mum, don't worry. If Aphid says that everything has been handled, then I trust her completely." Hazy said, making a mental note to reward Aphid for her bravery in the face of an almost literal storm of checklists. The Changeling in question practically glowed with pride in response to Hazy's complement whilst Twilight banished her flock of quills.
"I just want you to be safe, dear. Gryphonia is weeks away, and it would take months for us to be able to get to you should something happen." Twilight implored as she crossed to her eldest, nuzzling Hazy's cheek. The telltale shifting of her wings easily gave away her discomfort at the length of time it would take for anypony else to reach Hazy should something go wrong. As Hazy opened her mouth to say something, a large white wing draped over Twilight's back, drawing all eyes toward the Solar Alicorn.
"Twilight, do you remember when you joined your brother and Cadence to defeat Sombra? Or when I sent you to Ponyville all those years ago?" The lavender Alicorn nodded, her head cocked slightly to the side in confusion. "Trials like that pushed you to grow as a pony. I understand your desire to protect your foals. Faust knows, I still have nightmares about having to thrust you into those trials when I did. It is only a diplomatic trip, some simple negotiation practice and manoeuvring in a foreign court. A few weeks and She'll be back in Equestria safe and sound."
"I just worry…." Twilight admitted, her ears drooping as her posture sagged. Only to stop as Star brushed up under her mother's wing, nuzzling the side of Twilight's neck.
"We know you do, mom. It just shows how much you care… now that I think about it," Star tapped her chin with her hoof, pondering for a moment before shooting a playful wink at her sister. "Maybe next time Hazy leaves on a trip, perhaps you can make the checklists?"
"We both know you and Gauge's wedding will be co-" a golden glow shut Hazy's mouth before she could continue.
"Oh, would you look at the time, sister! Surely you will be late if we don't let you get going?" The blue Alicorn said, feigning surprise as she stretched a wing to point out the softly ticking clock. All eyes shifted to look at the time. Dutifully the clock reported 11:52.
The moment of quiet didn't last long. Almost as soon as the Alicorns stopped speaking, a shrill whistle from the train conductor rang out outside. Spurring a flurry of motion as two armoured changelings hurried through the carriage, stopping momentarily to bow to the collected royalty before continuing on into the train. Moments after the door closed behind the two changelings, a purple blur shot across the carriage as Twilight pulled her eldest daughter into another crushing embrace. "Promise me you'll be safe? Send a letter once you get to Seaddle, so we know when you leave."
"I...promise," Hazy squeaked out from under her mother's embrace, swearing she could hear her bones creaking. Behind her mother, she could see Celestia finishing off the last of the cake whilst Star was sporting a noticeable blush. As darkness started to encroach on the edge of Hazy's vision, she realised that pulling the wedding card was a dirty trick. Did it warrant unleashing one of Twilight's bone snapping momma mare hugs? Not exactly.
Twilight released Hazy from her embrace, nuzzling the dark Alicorn's cheek before a polite cough drew the various Alicorn's attention to the eldest Princess in the room. With a soft, radiant smile, the solar Alicorn looked over the other occupants of the room. "Well then, we should leave you be so we don't delay the train. You have my utmost confidence Hazy, and I shall make sure to keep your mother from worrying too much."
Dropping to a bow, Hazy lowered her head before Princess Celestia. "Thank you for this opportunity Princess, I know embassy renewals may not be that important, but this means the world to me."
Lifting Hazy's head up with a wingtip, the solar Alicorn's smile softened slightly. "I would not have asked you to meet King Irontalon if I did not believe you were capable of it. It will be good for you to see Gryphonia first hoof. If my memory is correct, King Irontalon's pastry chefs could learn from Stinger. Stargazer, Twilight, shall we?"
With two brief agreements, the trio of Alicorns disappeared in a warm flash of Celestia's magic, leaving Hazy and Aphid alone in the lounge car. Blinking the after-effects of the flash from her eyes, Hazy opened her mouth to speak. Before She could speak, any words were replaced with a yelp of surprise as the train shunted forwards, sending both Alicorn and Changeling tumbling to the floor. Their gaze met as they both rose to their hooves, a moment of silence passing before Hazy snickered, and they both burst out laughing. Outside the window, they could see Canterlot central train station sliding past as they accelerated off.