> Lost in Equestria > by Abstract Mural > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Queen's Plan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun rose, casting a beam of light through the window. It shone across the face of a blue- maned changeling. She turned over, grunting. Another changeling hesitantly entered, walking over to the bed. He shook her fairly hard. "Obsidian! He yelled in her ear. He laughed as she flailed about, clearly scared. "What?! Oh." She slid out of bed, ear ringing, "I think I'm half deaf now." She snorted, then looked at the changeling. "What do you want, #32?" "Uh, Queen Chrysalis wants to see you." He smiled nervously. "I swear, you should've just shaken me. Or something." She brushed her mane down, and then rummaged through her drawer for something. "Uhh, we should go. Now." He pushed at Obsidian, who just returned the gesture. "Fine! Fine! I'll go." She said. She followed after #32. She began to laugh at the fact that he was a really small changeling. "Hmm? What's so funny?" He said, turning around. "Nothing. Shorty." She laughed, running into another changeling, who hissed and narrowed its eyes at her. "Sorry." She mumbled. As she and #32 headed down the hallway, Obsidian grew more anxious. She saw the pattern-carved door in the in the distance. She shook a little bit, anticipating the meeting. They arrived at the door, #32 motioning at the the guards to open it. It glowed green and opened, revealing the throne room. Obsidian gasped as she noticed Chrysalis' look. She sat on the throne, with two other queens on her side. There were a lot of guards standing around the room, all looking at Obsidian. "Obsidian! Hi!" One of the queens squealed, dashing to Obsidian to give her a hug. "Hi Firefly." She returned the hug. "Ahem." Chrysalis interjected. Firefly broke away from Obsidian, fixing her red mane as she snorted. "So, as the most trusted changelings, I've decided to share with you my plan." She grinned evilly, rubbing her hooves together After an hour, Obsidian was released to her room. "That was the best plan I ever heard. That didn't go so well, did it?" #32 said, smiling, "At least she wasn't going to throw you out the window." He laughed. Obsidian knocked him lightly on the nose. "And that wasn't my fault. Really, that was on you. But I'm just going to say that I seriously dislike Chrysalis right now. I mean, honestly! What kind of crazy changeling can just waltz in on a wedding- specifically one with tons of powerful ponies- and just threaten to take over Equestria?! AGH!" She flopped herself on her bed, #32 all too eager to join her. "NO." She gave him a stern look. "What? I was just-" #32 started, but stopped once he noticed her look. "And now she's dragging ME into it!" Obsidian shouted. "Well, I'm kind of forced into it too." "Yeah. It's still an extremely flawed plan. Too many things can go wrong. Our hive is doomed!" #32 walked closer, patting the changeling who lay with her face in the covers. He smiled slightly. "But if it goes as planned, we can have loads of love to feed on!" #32 said with a hint of hope in his voice Obsidian's wings flattened against her back as she grunted. "Oh yeah, I forgot you can't- I should just shut up." He hit himself on the head, scolding himself, "If it helps, we can go mess with someling." "Have fun, I guess. I just... Have to mentally prepare, I guess." She said silently. #32 smiled lightly at the changeling before walking off. She pushed herself up, frowning slightly. It's either just me or he really likes causing trouble. She shook her head. She decided she should prepare for her role and look in the archives. Obsidian walked down the hallway, humming to herself. #21 accidentally ran into her. "Agh! Ahm sorry. A've gotten into the habit of running into everyling." She smiled nervously, "Anyway, #32's up to no good. Again. Ain't he ya changeling-" "I know. I got stuck with him. Try to keep him out of trou- er, stop him, I guess." "Alrighty then, Have a great day, Diane!" #21 turned away, muttering as she headed off towards #32. Obsidian giggled to herself, and continued on to the archives. Obsidian grunted as she sorted through the files. She finally came across what she was looking for. She sat down, smiling triumphantly. She opened the file on Crystal Jade, and read the information written on the pony. Great. I have to pretend to be #32's marefriend. She rolled her eyes at this. There was a bit of a scuffle outside, and the doors flew open. Obsidian ignored it, continuing with her reading when something thudded in front of her. She looked up, greeted by the purple eyes of a changeling. He smiled. "Ah found him messing around the hallway. Putting on quite a show with his pranks." #21 said. "Okay. Thanks for the delivery. Obsidian said with a sigh. "Uh huh. Now I oughta clean up his mess." She turned around, cursing to herself. #32 snatched the file from Obsidian. "Crystal Jade? So this is who you are. Huh." He read the page, eyes widening, "Oh, we get to pretend we're married! Hah! Now I can-" #32 began. Obsidian snatched the file back, hissing at him. "I wouldn't finish that sentence." She said, smiling slightly. #32 just silenced, coughing awkwardly. Obsidian tapped his nose, giggling. #32 smiled back, feeling his face go warm. Obsidian just ran a hoof through her mane, flipping it slightly. She got up, dropping the file into the bin she found it in. She flew off to her room, #32 following. As she passed the throne room, Chrysalis noticed. "Obsidian!" She called out a little too happily. Obsidian hissed to herself. If only she closed the door... "Yes?" She landed in front of the room, facing Chrysalis. "Change of plans. The wedding was moved to two days from now." > Arriving in Canterlot > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Obsidian was woken up by #32. He shook her and whispered her name, instead of yelling. "Chrysalis wants you. Now." He said. She hissed and got up, looking out the window. "Wha- Celestia hasn't even raised the sun!" she said, half asleep. #32 shrugged and pulled her a little. "Come on, we seriously need to go. She already has the army ready and is waiting on you! Hurry!" "Okay sheesh! She can wait a little. I gotta-" Her thought was interrupted as she was literally dragged from her room. She attempted to whack at the changeling dragging her, and was dropped abruptly. "Ow. Okay. Sometimes you can be a pain in the flank." She said, giving him an angry look, "Fine, I'll go." "Yay! She's going!" He said, hugging her. Obsidian just rolled her eyes, and began walking towards the throne room. As she approached the throne room she heard a few hushed voices. "Yes, and my plan can't fail! He'll be under my spell, for me to control!" "And if he figures out he's under a spell?" "That can't be possible. It'll be too powerful, but subtle enough to where he or anyling else won't notice." Obsidian shook her head. She could only assume the two changelings speaking were her sister, Firefly and Queen Chrysalis, "There will be nothing- and I mean nothing- that can stop me!" Chrysalis yelled. She walked out, noticing Obsidian. "I'm sorry about that. We should go, before the sun rises." She said, grinning, "And I assume you know your role." She pointed a hoof at Obsidian, who simply nodded. #32 stepped forward, waiting for an order. Chrysalis told him something Obsidian couldn't hear, and he smiled at her, leaving to lead the army. She was left with Chrysalis, who signaled for her to follow. Chrysalis and Obsidian ended up at the palace. Chrysalis changed into Cadence before entering. Obsidian was told to meet at the train station at 10 in the morning with #32. Obsidian looked at the clock standing between a few stores. She heard a rustle in the distance as a guard adjusted his position. It was silent, aside from the noises the guards made every once in a while. She changed into Crystal Jade before trotting out into the streets. There were a few lights on in the windows, but nothing more. She continued on to the station since none of the shops were open. She heard two guards laughing and then stand back in their place. Hmm, there seems to be a lot of guards out. Maybe they know we're coming... Her thought was interrupted by another guard. "Hello, ma'am, how are you?" He said with a smile. Obsidian returned the smile. "I'm fine, thanks." She was a bit surprised at how high pitched her voice was, but didn't show this; she didn't want to risk blowing her cover. "What are you doing out so early?" He asked, looking her over curiously. "Oh, I was just going out for a walk. I have to get ready for the wedding later, so I decided to go out early." She tried to hide the fact that she was lying. Although her nervousness might have shown, the guard bought the act. "Okay, just be careful out here. A threat has been made against Canterlot, so try to watch out for anything suspicious. Stay safe!" He smiled, and continued with rounds. She continued on, sighing with relief. She reached the station and noticed someling sitting on a bench. He looked up and waved. She smiled nervously at him and trotted over to the bench. "So, we get to wait here for a few hours." He said suggestively. Obsidian shot him a look. "How'd I know you were going to say that?" She smiled a little, "I'm only waiting here until the shops open." #32 nodded, and scooted closer to her. She sighed and smiled. A few guards marched up to them. "Morning," One of them said. Obsidian waved. "Hey." #32 said. The guards stood by the entrance as a train came in. "What's with the guards? There's like- a ton of them!" #32 whispered to Obsidian. "I dunno. But I want to go somewhere else. These guards are making me nervous. Let's go to this park I saw on my way here." Obsidian whispered back. She got up, #32 following after with a grunt. They headed off to the park, but not without passing at least a dozen more guards. "Well, this is a suicide mission." #32 said with a laugh. "Yup. And 20 bits says that this whole thing fails." Obsidian said. They both laughed at this. The clock chimed off in the distance, signaling 6 o'clock. Obsidian sighed, and looked about. It seemed that every passing hour brought more guards out, because there were a lot more than when she passed by earlier. They reached the park and sat under a tree. "Well, we get to see the sun rise." #32 said, snuggling up to Obsidian. "Yeah, I guess." She said grumpily. "What's with you?" "Nothing. It's just this whole invasion thing. I know it's most likely going to fail, but Chrysalis won't listen." She ruffled #32's blonde mane. She smiled at him, "Well, on the bright side, there was a cake shop. It'll be open in a few hours." "I hate cake." "No, you love it. Trust me, I know who takes Firefly's cake." "Sometimes you make me mad." He said with a smile. Obsidian laid against him, causing him to blush. "That's your job, not mine." #32 poked at Obsidian. She had fallen asleep as they watched the sun rise. She sighed and woke up. "Is it time?" She asked sleepily. "We've got an hour or so." "Good. Let's get some breakfast." She got up quickly, knocking #32 over in the process, "Sorry, you knew that would happen." She giggled. "And by breakfast you mean cake." He confirmed. "Yep!" She trotted off towards the cake shop, "And we still have to get the wedding dress and suit." "Yeah, I didn't forget." He said as she went into the shop. "Hello, what can I get for ya?" The shop owner said from behind the counter. He looked a lot like the pony #32 impersonated, with a blonde mane and blue coat. She gasped a little, "Something wrong?" He said, taking notice to her gasp. "No, I just never expected so many cakes." She lied. #32 entered the shop, muttering to himself. "Son! I didn't know you were in town!" He said, looking at #32. "Oh, yeah. Me and Jade here wanted to, uh, pay you a visit before we headed off to the castle." #32 said. He wasn't exactly the best liar, but the stallion took it. "Ahah, so you're Crystal Jade. Nice to meet ya. I'm his father, obviously." He said with a smile, "Would you like some cake?" He held out a hoof towards the array of cakes in the display case. Obsidian nodded and pointed at a slice of strawberry cheesecake. He pulled out a slice. "Yay!" Obsidian said. "And you can have your favorite, Windows. I know how much you love chocolate!" He grabbed #32 a slice. #32 just excitedly licked his lips. "Yeah, he likes chocolate." Obsidian said, smiling at #32's expression. She reached for some bits but was cut off. "No need, I'll give ya this one on the house!" The stallion said. Obsidian saw that there was no arguing so she took the offer. "Thanks!" She said. She eyed #32, who was chewing on a mouthful of cake. "So ya going to the wedding, huh?" The stallion said, carefully arranging the cakes. "Yup. Cadence is my friend, and she invited us." Obsidian replied. #32 nodded, taking a bite of cake. "How come ya haven't told me, Windows?" He looked over at #32. "I just go busy, that's all." He responded, avoiding the look. "What time's this wedding then?" "I think 12:00 tomorrow." Obsidian said, eating her slice of cake. "Oh, okay. Well, make sure ya come by before ya two leave." Obsidian and #32 nodded in response and he walked to the back of the store. "You just had to come here, did you?" #32 whispered under his breath. Obsidian rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'm not psychic." She hissed back. She and #32 finished off their cake and headed out of the shop towards the dress store. Obsidian waited at the train station for Chrysalis. #32 sat beside her, reading a magazine someling had left behind. She was watching the ponies laughing and bustling about since #32 wouldn't let her see the magazine. She sighed with relief as she saw Chrysalis heading towards her. The guards she stood between eyed them and stopped. "Oh, good. You're here. Now, let's go to the castle. We need to talk about...the wedding." Chrysalis said, watching the guards then smiling. They headed off to the castle, not exchanging a word as they walked. The castle came into view. Obsidian and #32 stared at it with awe. "Wow. Here it is." Obsidian whispered. They entered, looking around the enormous entrance hall. Guards stood everywhere like statues. The carpet felt soft and luxurious under their hooves as they walked. Chrysalis showed them to their room. "This is where you'll stay. Make sure to be here in about an hour because we need to talk. For now, you can just look around or something." She said, looking at the two changelings. "Make sure you don't reveal yourselves though." She added quietly. She smiled and walked out. "Oh, and I already have him under my spell. It was so easy." She whispered, grinning evilly. Obsidian nodded with approval. Chrysalis left the room, shutting the door behind her. #32 flopped on the bed, inviting Obsidian to lay next to him. She shook her head. He shrugged. "Well, if you need me, I'll be taking a nap." He said before dozing off. Obsidian shook her head at him and left the room. She gently closed the door, and headed off to explore the castle. She looked about the entrance hall. Sheesh. This place is HUGE! She thought to herself. She shrugged and headed off down a hallway, carefully avoiding the guards. She happened to hear Chrysalis, who was busy complaining about dresses, but continued on. There seemed to be about a hundred rooms in the one hallway and tried to hold back her curiosity. After turning into yet another hallway, she found herself in a huge library. She saw Twilight sitting by herself, mumbling as she picked through the books. She only glanced up, waved, and continued her search. Obsidian decided to enter, avoiding Twilight. She looked through the books and decided on a Daring Do book. She'd always liked the series. She chose a place to sit, then opened her book to read. "Hello there." A voice said. Obsidian lowered her book, looking up to see who was speaking. It was Twilight. "Uh, hi. You must be Twilight." Obsidian said. "Yep! That's me! So, what brings you here?" "Just waiting for Cadence." "Oh. You must be one of her friends." "Yeah. Crystal Jade." Obsidian looked at her book then closed it. "I it me or is she a little...off?" "Huh?" "She seems different." Twilight seemingly said this to herself, thinking about it. "She must be stressed, that's all." "Twilight!" A pink mare yelled. She sprung at the sight of Obsidian, and rushed over to her. "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! You must be one of Twilight's new friends 'cause I've never seen you before anyways it's nice to meet you!" She said in one breath. Obsidian just stared at her and then smiled. "Pinkie, what do you need?" Twilight interjected. "Oh, I was just seeing if you could help me with the planning!" Twilight nodded, and headed out of the library. Pinkie waved and followed. Obsidian reopened the book and continued reading. "Good, you're here." Chrysalis said. They'd met up at the room Obsidian was staying in. #32 was still asleep on the bed. Obsidian only nodded in response. "Alright, the army is ready, but can't get in. They will make the effort of disabling the spell somehow, but for now, we focus on the wedding. Chrysalis continued. Obsidian nodded once more. "Tomorrow, you will attend and be sure to help with defeating the elements. We will need to capture them before they can do anything. Now, can you wake him up?" She motioned towards the sleeping changeling. Obsidian gently shook him awake. "Huh? Is it time for- oh." He pushed himself up to a sitting position. "You will need to lead the army. Be sure they cover me. Some of them are already in the castle, but the rest are outside. The ponies have a spell up." Chrysalis said to #32. He made a salute and laid back down. "You know the rest. Now, all I have to do is get rid of Twilight. It should be relatively easy. Anyhow, you two should get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." Chrysalis said, smiling evilly, turning to close the door. "Great, I'm stuck with you." Obsidian said sarcastically with a smile. > The Invasion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Obsidian put on the dress she'd bought yesterday. She admired how different she looked in the dress. She idly brushed her green mane, humming to herself. "Jade! Twilight's gone!" Pinkie said, running over to her, "I've got to find her!" She rushed out of the room, leaving Obsidian to wonder what just happened. She smiled to herself. That Pinkie Pie sure is something. She continued to brush her mane. #32 walked in with his suit on. "Okay, ready to get married?" He said with a smile. Obsidian laughed. "Sadly, it's not our wedding. And I'm not marrying you." "Ow, okay, that hurt." "Come here." Obsidian said, motioning with a hoof. He walked over, giving her a hug. Obsidian giggled as he pulled away, allowing her to brush his unruly mane. "Thanks. I just got lazy." "Typical #32." She shook her head and continued on her own mane. #32 gave her a sideways look. "So, Chrysalis did something to Twilight?" He asked after a while of staring at Obsidian. "Yup. Sent her somewhere 'she'd never get out of'." She laughed at this. #32 shook his head. She finished brushing her mane and began on her makeup. "She banished her to the moon!" #32 said, laughing along with Obsidian. "Honestly, that wouldn't surprise me." She said with a shrug. #32 fixed the tie on his suit. "Now it's crooked." Obsidian teased. #32 furrowed his brow, intent on fixing his tie. Obsidian left to go finish her manestyle. Several minutes later there was a knock at the door. "Ready?" Chrysalis asked. "Almost!" Obsidian shouted, pinning her mane into place. "Alright. I've got a carriage waiting for you two. Remember, get the elements and bring them to me once I reveal myself." She said. Luckily, no guards heard her say this. She left, humming to herself. "She's going to REVEAL herself? What is she thinking!?" Obsidian said, walking out of the bathroom. "I see. Uh, bad plan. Yeah." He said, blinking as he stared, "You look...nice." "Thanks, but you always stare." Obsidian teased, "Hey, if this goes as planned, we can-" "You guys I can't find her she's gone can you guys help me?" Pinkie shouted. She seemed to have sprung into existence. Obsidian just looked at her with confusion. "She might already be at the wedding, Pinkie." Obsidian said. Pinkie gasped, grabbed Obsidian, and shouted, "BRILLIANT! I would've NEVER thought of that! Thank you thank you THANK YOU!" She left once again. "That happened." #32 said shaking his head. "Yup. Come on, let's go." She walked out, #32 following. They walked out to the carriage, and the guard motioned for them to get in. #32 did so, helping Obsidian up. The door was shut and the carriage began moving. "I really hope this is as well thought out as she says it is." Obsidian said, looking at a hoof. "Yeah. Worst case scenario we get found out and locked up." #32 said. "Hey, do you think the elements will fail to work?" Obsidian asked suddenly, looking up just as quickly as she'd said her words. "Huh? Sure, I mean, I guess not." "Yeah! Because Twilight's gone!" Obsidian sighed with relief, "And all she has to do is defeat Celestia and Luna. Shouldn't be too hard." The carriage stopped, and a stallion opened the door, allowing the two changelings to step out. They joined the collection of ponies already at the wedding. She looked about the ponies, recognizing a few changelings in their disguise. She walked over to her seat just as the ceremony began. Shining Armor walked in, looking as if he was in a daze from Chrysalis' spell. He absentmindedly stood at the altar, greenish eyes focused on the door, as the music started to play. "It's like our wedding all over again." Obsidian said, dramatically faking a tear was she hugged #32. "Uh, what?" #32 cluelessly said, "Oh, right. Just like our wedding." He smiled, daydreaming. Chrysalis walked into the room, grinning to herself. A changeling to the right of Obsidian shifted uneasily in her chair, awaiting the big reveal. Chrysalis continued walking until she reached where Shining Armor stood. She smiled at him and he seemingly forced a smile back at her. Maybe this will all work out. Obsidian thought to herself. Celestia began the vows, but was interrupted by Twilight. Obsidian got up quickly, causing her chair to crash to the floor. Twilight looked frazzled, as she angrily shouted, "STOP!" Everyling stood up, waiting for their moment. The ponies stood up too, looking at Twilight. Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?" Chrysalis said. She then began fake sobbing, "Why does she have to ruin my special day?" She continued sobbing, hoping the ponies would take it. "Because it's not your special day. It's mine." Cadence said, walking in. Good feelings gone. Obsidian thought to herself. "What? How did you escape my bridesmaids?" Chrysalis asked. "We just threw a bouquet." Cadence said with a shrug. "Huh, clever. But you're still too late." Chrysalis shifted on her hooves, looking at Shining Armor. "Ah don't understand. How can there be two of 'em?" Applejack asked. "She's a changeling! She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them!" Cadence shouted. Chrysalis frowned and then changed, green flames surrounding her. She stood there in her true form. "Right you are, princess." Obsidian snuck out, clearly not wanting to hear the speech. "What do we do now? I mean, we are found out and doomed!" Obsidian said, panicking. #32 patted her back, attempting to calm her down. "Well, Chrysalis might be able to pull this off somehow." He said, smiling. There was an explosion and then a thud, a clattering sound happening afterwards. Obsidian gasped and then peeked through the door, seeing Celestia sprawled out on the floor. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight yelled out to her. "Hah, Shining Armor's love for you is even stronger than I thought! Consuming it has made me more powerful than Celestia!" Chrysalis said, grinning evilly. "The Elements of Harmony. You must get to them and use their power to defeat the queen!" Celestia said to Twilight. She nodded and headed off with the other elements. Rarity struggled to keep the dresses neat, but the others were in a rush. "Rarity!" They all shouted. She grunted, dropping the dresses and following after them. "You can run, but you can't hide!" Chrysalis yelled after them, "Obsidian, #32, make sure they don't reach the, uh, elements of unity. Or, whatever. And bring them to me." "Great plan." Obsidian sarcastically said. "Thanks. I've even defeated Celestia!" She responded, laughing. Obsidian rolled her eyes. "Fine. Your plan worked. I admit I was wrong, okay?" "That's great, but you should go now if you want to catch them." Obsidian growled but took the order. #32 looked over at Obsidian. "Okay, Chrysalis wants us to get the Elements of Harmony. Lead the army and surround them." Obsidian said. "Yes, my queen!" He said with a goofy smile. Obsidian giggled and rolled her eyes. "Shut up. Can you just do this for me? Or, well, for Chrysalis, but still..." "Fine. But you owe me." He said, smirking. Obsidian shook her head. "Alright. You do this and you get a cookie." "I hate cookies." "You hate everything. Now, please go!" #32 hissed to himself, changed, and flew off. Obsidian followed, making sure to keep track of him and the six ponies. The shield around Canterlot suddenly shattered, and Obsidian dropped her disguise. She then began flying over to the six ponies. #32 gathered some of the army. "There! Surround and stand ground!" He said, pointing a hoof at the elements. They ran into the large horde of changelings smacking into each other. They analyzed the situation, realizing that they were completely surrounded. "Looks like we're going to have to do this the hard way." Rainbow Dash said, smacking her hooves together. She ran up to a changeling who had impersonated her. She looked at him with confusion. "They're changelings, remember?" Twilight said. The changelings changed into her. "They're changelings, remember?" They mocked, smirking. "Don't let them distract you. We have to get to the Elements of Harmony. They're our only hope." Twilight said. They launched into action. "There's no way they can defeat all of us." #32 smugly said. "You sound like Chrysalis." Obsidian said, smiling at him. He smiled back and went to analyze the fight that broke out. It seemed that the elements were holding out well, knocking out changelings left and right. Pinkie Pie was facing off with a changeling who seemed confused by her request to impersonate her. Obsidian giggled at this, then turned to #32. "Hey, make sure you bring them all back to Chrysalis." Obsidian said. #32 saluted. "Yes, my queen!" He shouted. Obsidian shook her head. "Must you always do that when I ask you to do something?" "Yup!" He replied, smiling and nodding. Obsidian laughed and flew off towards Chrysalis. "So, where are they?" Chrysalis impatiently asked. "Well, #32 and the army are fighting against them." Obsidian replied. "And?" Chrysalis said, turning to face Obsidian. "Well, I think we're losing so far." "What?!" Chrysalis snapped, "Don't you be messing with me, Obsidian!" "You asked and I told you..." Obsidian responded with a shrug. "Hmph. Fine." The doors to the castle opened. "It seems they've arrived." Chrysalis said, rubbing her hooves together. Cadence looked over in the direction, trying to see who'd entered. "You won't get away with this! Twilight and her friends will-" She began. The mane six came in, changelings surrounding them. "You were saying?" Chrysalis said. She turned to the elements, "You do realize the receptions been cancelled, don't you? Go, feed!" Obsidian decided to follow the order. "Well, it's not like I can feed on love or anything." She said to noling in particular. She hummed and went to where she last saw #32. She found him knocked out alongside several changelings. "Uh, you okay?" Obsidian asked, approaching him slowly. "Aside from the horrible headache, I'm fine." He moaned. She picked him up and steadied him on his hooves. "Ow. Okay, what happened?" He asked, rubbing his head. "Oh, nothing important." "Did we win?" "Not sure to be honest." "Hmm..." He said, thinking, "Well, in that case-" He was cut off by the impact of a spell. Obsidian was met with the same fate. She found herself flying through the air. "And that, my friends, is a total fail on Chrysalis' part." She said with a frown. Chrysalis flew by, flailing in the air. "Nooo!" She shouted out. > A Village of Ponies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Obsidian woke up in the middle of a forest. She got up and rubbed her head. #32 was waiting next to her, reading a random magazine. "Ugh, my everything hurts." Obsidian said. "Yeah, you should be talking." #32 said with a smirk. Obsidian laughed. "No, but seriously. Where are we?" She asked, looking around. #32 shrugged. Two other changelings emerged from the forest. "Oh, hey. Great, Ah'm stuck with you." #21 said, looking in #32's direction. He looked at her with a grin. She frowned in response. #37 looked at the two with confusion. "Are there any more changelings in the forest?" Obsidian asked. "Well, I think there's a few more." #32 said. Obsidian looked at the two changelings then looked around. A smaller changeling came after, talking to herself about something random. Obsidian turned to look at the new arrival then gasped. "Timberjack! What are you doing here?" Obsidian asked. #32 looked at her. "Hi mommy!" Timberjack said to Obsidian. She grunted. "How did you get here?" Obsidian asked, pushing further. Timberjack shrugged. "I dunno. I just followed you guys to Pony City and found some cake on a potato farm." she replied. Obsidian patted her head. "Okay. Stay here with your dad. I'm going to go see if I can find any other changelings in this weird forest." Obsidian replied. Timberjack took the order and sat next to #32. Obsidian wandered off into the forest. Obsidian came back with two other changelings, #14 and #7. "Sheesh, where are we?" #14 asked. "I'm not sure. I think I saw a village when I was flying through the air." #7 said, rubbing a leg, "Ouch. I think I landed so hard I must have broken something." She said with a pained look on her face. #32 looked at the new arrivals, thinking about doing something to mess with them. Obsidian shot him a look. "Well, I think we should check out out, if it really is there." #14 said, giving #32 a look. He only smiled nervously in response. Timberjack shifted her position. "Can I have some pie?" She asked. "You can have a mud pie." #32 sarcastically said. "Yay!" Timberjack excitedly replied. #32 giggled. "We should go check out that village." Obsidian said. She looked around, "Hey, where's #37?" "Oh he went to Pony Village." Timberjack said. Obsidian changed into a pony with a blonde mane and black fur. "Okay, let's go." She said. The others changed into their own disguises. "Alright, let's avoid talking to them Elements of Harmony, if they're here." #21 said. The changelings nodded in agreement. "Stick together." #32 said, looking at Timberjack. There was a low growl. "I really hope that was you, Timberjack." #7 said, looking around. "Nope! It was this puppy!" Timberjack said, breaking away from the group. She approached the young timberwolf that had appeared in the clearing. "Hi puppy, my name is Timberjack. I'm going to call you Woodwolf! Do you want a stick?" She said. She held out a stick for Woodwolf. He barked and took the stick. Timberjack looked at Obsidian with a grin. Obsidian motioned for her to come over to her. "Okay, Woodwolf, I think I need to go." She said to the timberwolf. He sat down and looked at her with concern. Timberjack only waved and walked over to the changelings. "I knew you were crazy, but not THAT crazy." #14 said. Soon after the group heard more growls. "Okay, let's get out of here before something eats us." Obsidian said. They all walked towards the village. "Ah don't really wanna be here. These ponies make me nervous." #21 began. "Too bad. We're just going to have to deal with it." #14 said. #21 rolled her eyes. "Can you quit it? You're just going to make my headache worse." #32 said, glaring at #21. She cursed at him in response. They soon reached the village. Obsidian tried her best to lead the others around the groups of ponies standing around, but occasionally got a hello here and there. Obsidian spotted a cake shop. "Well, I'm going to get some cake. Anyling- er, anypony want some?" Obsidian asked. "I hate cake." #32 stated. "We established this earlier." She replied with a smirk. He grunted and smiled at Obsidian. "Fine. I'll go. See ya!" He zoomed off. Obsidian shook her head and followed the orange maned pegasus to the cake shop. He was stopped mid-air by a cyan pegasus. "Wow, you're pretty fast." She said, "I'm Rainbow Dash. Wanna race?" "Uh, sure. We can fly to the bakery." #32 said, a little confused. "Sugar Cube Corner? Sure." She flew over next to #32, "One, two, three...Go!" The two sped off towards Sugar Cube Corner. "Well, that happened. I thought we were supposed to avoid the elements though." Obsidian said, shaking her head. She trotted over to the bakery. She finally reached her destination and noticed the two pegasi arguing. "I totally beat you!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "No, technically I landed first." #32 smugly said. "Uhuh but I got here first." "No, landing takes the win." "Yeah right, it matters if you get here first." "But it's official! I won!" "Nopony- and I mean nopony- beats Rainbow Danger Dash!" "Landed first." "Hey you? Who won?" Dash asked Obsidian. "Ah, well, you got here first, but he landed first. Since nopony set any rules, you both tied." She responded, smiling nervously. Pinkie Pie sprang out of the store. "Actually, I won! I was here first!" She said with a smile. "Oh, Pinkie...won?" Rainbow Dash said, slightly confused, "Hey, I've never seen you guys around, have I? What's your names?" She asked, pointing a hoof at the six changelings. "I'm Thunderwing." #32 said, a little smug. "I'm Sapphire Brightmane." Obsidian said. "Ah'm Apple Cinnamon." The green maned orange earth pony said. "I'm Timberjack." The black maned brown unicorn said, "I like french toast with fries." Rainbow Dash looked at the filly sideways. "Okay..." She said, clearly confused. "I'm Spectrum Swift." Said the black maned white mare. She waved to Dash. "And I'm Cloverhoof." The orange maned green pegasus said. Rainbow Dash looked at her with a smug smile. "Hey, are you fast?" Dash asked. "Not really. I don't race." Cloverhoof said, backing up slightly with a defensive look. Dash grunted. "Okay, fine. But you-" She turned to Thunderwing, "Owe me a rematch." He shrugged in response. Pinkie suddenly gasped. "Oh. My. Goodness! This means I can throw a welcome party!" She said, shaking Thunderwing. He pushed her away. "Alright, but you don't need to shake me." He said, "You just made my headache worse." Pinkie shrugged and giggled. "You all should meet me at that barn in about an hour. This'll be FUN!" Pinkie smiled and zoomed into of the shop. "Eh, don't worry about her. Hey, you guys could hang out with me for a while. You seem cool." Rainbow Dash said, knocking Thunderwing's shoulder lightly. "Sure, I guess." Obsidian said, shrugging. "Sweet!" Rainbow Dash shouted. She looked at the changelings, "So, what are you guys doing here?" She asked finally, raising an eyebrow. "Just visiting." Obsidian replied, shifting uneasily on her hooves. "Huh. Well, I'm going to race Thunderwing again. See ya in a few." Dash said. She turned to the stallion in question. He nodded. "You do know I'm a Wonderbolt, right?" He bragged. "Oh, really? We'll see about that." The two pegasi flew off into the distance. "So much for avoiding the elements." Spectrum Swift said. "Maybe if we keep up the act, we can befriend them. Then maybe they'll trust us." Cloverhoof said. "Not bad. Maybe that idea will work." Obsidian said, smiling. "Either that or find the hive." Swift said quietly. "I think we should stay here a bit and wait 'til we can go back." Cloverhoof said. "I guess that's our only option..." Obsidian stated to herself. The others nodded in agreement. "Well, Ah'm up fer some cake. Anypony in?" Cinnamon asked, raising a hoof to the door. "I love cake. It tastes like oranges." Timberjack said. Obsidian giggled at her. "Of course you do." She said, smiling at the unicorn. "I'll take some, I guess." Swift said. The others nodded. They then walked into the store. "Oh my gosh, hi!" Pinkie said, "Lemme go to the barn and set up some things. Is is totally going to be so much fun!" She suddenly gasped. "Mrs. Cake! There's somepony here! I'll be in Sweet Apple Acres setting up a party!" She shouted. Mrs. Cake looked around the door. "Oh, I see. I'll be right there." She said, looking once at the five changelings. She disappeared, humming to herself. Pinkie looked at Obsidian then ran out of the store. Obsidian smiled and shook her head at the pink mare. "Alright, what would you like?" Mrs. Cake asked, walking out of the kitchen. "Hmm. How about a few cupcakes?" Obsidian asked the others. They nodded and Obsidian turned to Mrs. Cake. "Alright, coming right up!" She said. She picked out a few cupcakes for the group. She gave them to Obsidian, who dropped some bits on the counter. Swift took the box and grabbed a cupcake. "Oh, these look good." She said, taking a bite, "They're just as good as they look!" Obsidian sat down and grabbed a cupcake. "So, what are we gonna do now?" Cinnamon asked. "I think we should hide out in the forest for the time being." Cloverhoof said, scrunching her muzzle. "Again, it's our only choice." Obsidian said. All nodded. Timberjack shoved her cupcake in her mouth, causing the others to laugh. Thunderwing walked in, talking to Rainbow Dash. "Then, I zoomed down, faster than anypony could ever imagine! Then, it happened!" Rainbow exclaimed. "Alright, you're fast enough to do a Sonic Rainboom once." Thunderwing joked. "I've done it three times. I can totally do it again any day!" "And that day is today." Thunderwing said, taking a cupcake. "Hey! That's mine!" Cinnamon yelled. "It's mine now." Thunderwing said, taking a bite. "Why you little-" "No. Stop it, you guys." Obsidian interjected. The two changelings in question hissed at each other. "Why do you always yell at everyling?" Swift began. "Because Ah can. It's none of yer business." Cinnamon stated. Swift rolled her eyes. The changelings sat in silence for the next few minutes. "Hey, where did Dash go?" Thunderwing suddenly asked, looking around. "She left a while ago, genius." Cinnamon said. "Oh, that's great." He replied with a sigh," It's about time I got rid of her." Obsidian giggled. "Carrot sticks. We still gotta go to that party." Cloverhoof said. "Ah great. Ah swear, if Ah have to hang out with them stinkin' ponies for one more second..." Cinnamon started. "I know you don't like it here, but we don't have much of a choice, do we?" Obsidian said. Cinnamon only grunted. "Fine. Let's go so Ah can get it over with." Cinnamon got up and walked out. "Alright. Let's go then." Obsidian said. The others got up and followed after.