Cricket Chirper is in trouble. He's a bit of a coward, you see: after getting his buggy rump kicked by six certain mares in Canterlot, he wasn't too keen on having to face them again. Well, when an order came down to attack Ponyville some time after the failed invasion of Canterlot, Cricket wasn't too keen on getting the tar beat out of him again.

So, he ran and hid in Manehatten. In other words, he disobeyed a direct order from his Queen.

Naturally, Chrysalis has a nicely evil, wonderfully sadistic punishment in mind for him...

(Has some references to the IDW comics, but reading them isn't necessary to understand this fic.)

Cover image is my own work.

*First story, please bare with me*

Chrysalis' defeat by Shining Armour and Cadence has ruined her once-proud Hive. With most of her subjects either slain or scattered across Equestria and her Hive hopelessly low on provisions, the only way she can survive is to seek outside help.

Seeing no other choice, Chrysalis sends some of her remaining Changelings to appeal to Celestia for help, hoping for some measure of mercy from the alicorn.

But then, a new visitor appears in the Changeling Queen's darkest hour; one that offers both help and a chance at vengeance. But what is his grudge with Celestia, and why is he helping a Changeling?

No matter who Chrysalis ultimately chooses as her savior, there will be a price to pay.