In the caverns. . .
Twilight frowned as she reverted to her pony form and back to her Changeling form. And again. And again. And again. And again... She kept on contemplating reasons on why the transformation from unicorn to Changeling had occurred to her. Not just her, but specifically her. However, she couldn't reach a reasonable conclusion aside from the fact that it was a means to hinder her attempts to interfere with the fake Cadance's plans for Canterlot and presumably all of Equestria. Maybe that's the only reason... After all, I was the only one who saw through her lies and tried to warn the others... Then again...what if the threat made against Canterlot really was the Changelings...and the fake Cadance is their leader? Twilight subsequently shuddered at the terrifying thought and decided it was enough. She needed to get out and stop her...if not save the city and her friends in the process. When she made her decision, she had reverted back to her Changeling form before a barely audible grunt of pained annoyance prompted her to revert back to her pony form. Walking around until she came near the source of the grunting, she used her horn to blast a hole in the wall behind her to reveal...
Cadance? Or most likely...
Twilight could only contain her rage for so long. That moment should've lasted a little longer. Scowling in anger, she charged forward to the fake Cadance just as she noticed and pleaded, "No! Wait!" Ignoring her pleas of mercy, Twilight lunged forward and tackled her to the ground, a beyond angry facial expression all over, ready to murder somepony. Her horn, glowing its usual light brilliant raspberry color a lot brighter than it should've, was a testament to this fact.
"Please! Don't hurt me! Twilight, it's me! Please, you have to believe me. I've been imprisoned like you. The Cadance who brought you down here was an imposter."
"Likely story!" Twilight's scowl grew larger as her horn glowed brighter, but then she eventually softened up when a familiar childhood melody was uttered, "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves..."
"...and do a little shake," Twilight finished in unison with Cadance, whom she hugged instantly, "You remember me!"
Cadance pulled away from Twilight and smiled sincerely, "Of course I do. How could I forget the filly I love to sit for the most?"
All of a sudden, the real Chrysalis's laugh echoed throughout the caverns. The two mares shared determined glances.
"We have to get out of here!" Twilight pulled Cadance to her feet, "We have to stop her!" I have to stop her...!
The both of them ran through the caverns, searching for a way out. A few time-consuming hours and a mineshaft ride down later, and they were beginning to lose hope. And then...that's when they both saw it, "There!"
As they made a run for it, the duo screeched to a stop and found themselves face to face with the three former bridesmaids,
"You're not going anywhere," Minuette, Lyra Heartstrings, and Twinkleshine said in scarily calm unison. Twilight and Cadance took notice of the bright green eyes, now discovering that they were under the fake Cadance's control. The trio backed them up against a wall and Cadance saw it; at the corner of her eye was their ticket out of there. Using her aura, she levitated the bouquet of flowers in full frontal view of the three mares, who were instantly blissfully ignorant of the fact that they were basically allowing their now unguarded prisoners to escape,
"I want it!" The trio yelled in unison as they all dove after it. Now they're going anywhere.
Twilight and Cadance nodded and made their way out; it was still nighttime. Heavily panting, they both hugged again for the sake of it,
"So... What do we do now?"
"Well...you need to get some sleep. My suite is just a few miles from here."
"Wait. What about you?"
"I'm going to get help. We can't exactly take on the imposter ourselves. But Cadance...if I'm not here by the morning...promise me you'll do whatever it takes to keep the kingdom safe."
Cadance was hesitant, but thankfully for a moment or two, "I promise. Be safe, Twilight."
"I will." After sharing their third and final hug for the night, they both went their separate ways: Cadance's to the suite, Twilight to the Everfree Forest. When she was out of her radius, the unicorn mare reverted back to her Changeling form. She began her travel to find the Changeling who had imprisoned her in the caverns. She was bent on find out more about who her captor was and what his intentions were. She couldn't help but notice the unsettled look on his face when he committed the action, making her question whether or not he was a villain. Whatever the case, this particular Changeling intrigued her and she won't stop until she found him...or he found her. Yes, he seemed to enjoy it on the outside, but actually endured it on the inside. He was evidently troubled by the troublesome crime he had committed a few hours ago and his face clearly showed it, even through the smug smirk he displayed perfectly imperfectly. However, her doubts about the Changeling whether or not he was being bad or good was the least of her worries.
Twilight was starting to reconsider her decision to vow revenge on the Elements of Harmony. They were her friends for pony's sake; Fluttershy was kind, Pinkie Pie was hilarious, Rarity was generous, Applejack was honest, and Rainbow Dash was devoting. All had contributed to her well improved lifestyle...and yet they were the ones who had greatly fractured it when they – along with Princess Celestia and Shining Armor – ditched her just like that. However, they were still her friends. However, they needed to be taught a lesson.
Making a decision is hard... Twilight thought as she rubbed her head.
Making a decision is hard... Dusk thought as he rubbed his head.
Dusk had since not returned to the castle, instead relying on the Everfree Forest as his sanctuary for now. Following his verbal beating of both Princess Celestia and Shining Armor (again, you let that sink in for a second), he had struggled to keep the facts straight: he was beginning to care for Twilight...if not fall for her. Not yet, at least. He wasn't the perfect guy for her. He was just the perfect guy to keep an eye out for her. He had determined that ‒ since the day he arrived and studied Equestria ‒ a certain Royal Guard visiting from the Crystal Empire would be the man for her. Yes, he did harbor some feelings towards the Princess's young apprentice, but that was a long time ago. They were young and in love...oblivious to the consequences that interspecies romance would bring to society. No, there was no time for a flashback sequence for emphasis; that would be saved for another time.
The reason being that he suddenly heard a commotion coming his way. It couldn't be good, so he made a sprint for it. Just as he feared (he didn't actually fear it the first time), his confrontation between him and Shining Armor spurred attempted justice for the Captain. For once, Dusk had Shining Armor at the palm of his hoofs... "For once" being the key phrase.
Dusk ran through the forest and avoided the Royal Guard every twist, turn, and step of the way. He never slowed down only to catch his breath, reaching the edge of the forest before he huffed and puffed...and slumped down, leaning against a nearby tree. Flying up and landing on a branch, he was too energetic to fall asleep. Then again...could I?
Twilight had been walking around the forest for some time now, no sign of the Changeling. Her patience was wearing quite thin and fragile. Talk about proper timing too, and just as she was about to give up.
("Paint It Black" – The Rolling Stones) [Hidden Citizens Cover]
"I look inside my soul and see my heart is black
I see my kingdom come I must have it painted black...
Maybe then I'll fade away to never face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black..."
Twilight's ears perked up at the soft yet smooth voice of an incognito individual. Glancing around in confusion, she slowly stopped herself and looked up. There he was: the Changeling...was singing? She was unsure if this singing Changeling was the same one who had imprisoned her in the Canterlot caverns until further notice. She had to find out. Of course, it was because of her lack of wings (unlike the Changeling himself) that she had to teleport up to the tree with him. Oh, I hate teleportation spells... Twilight shook her head in disorientation. As he continued his singing, she couldn't help but join in...almost.
"No more will my green sea turn a deeper shade of blue
I could not envision this thing happening to you...
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me before the morning comes..."
The next time, she did.
"I look inside my soul and see my heart is black
I see my kingdom come I must have it painted black...
Maybe then I'll fade away to never face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black..."
Twilight and Dusk hummed in harmony the song's fade-out before acknowledging their respective presences. Both never took (let alone, got) the time to take in one another's physical appearance. For Dusk, Twilight's own was...not unpleasant and surprisingly vice versa. She looked the same the last day he saw her...just a tad older. Her moderate violet eyes, moderate sapphire blue mane with moderate violet/brilliant rose streaks, pale light grayish mulberry coat hadn't changed one bit; the only difference was the sparkling star brand that was her acquired cutie mark. Even when in her Changeling form, Dusk saw the beauty within the beast...and Twilight seemed to agree. His disguise was a winged unicorn with a similar structure to herself, only taller and masculine. He donned a dark cerulean mane, a light bluish grey coat, and sapphire blue eyes. Why... Why does this Changeling look familiar to me?
"You're him."
"... Him who? You'll have to be more specific, dear."
"The Changeling...who imprisoned me in the caverns."
Dusk looked away from Twilight, who tilted her head in confusion. "Hmm. So you do remember. But...you do know what Changelings are?"
"Well...not exactly. All I know about them is that they can shapeshift into any creature."
"You're certainly right about that." He leaped off the branch and flapped his wings, offering her a hoof. "Don't worry, I don't bite."
"I do when I'm frightened."
"What's there to be frightened about when I'm here? You trust me, don't you?"
Twilight was skeptical concerning Dusk's question which presumably pierced her armor of iron. He seemed like an ally...if not a good guy to mess with. In fact, messing with him may seem like a death sentence to others who did. After all, appearances can be very deceiving. Who seemed like a calm and collected guy on the surface was really a ruthless and uncontrollable killer beneath it. This was the description of the Changeling before her...
...and herself as well.
"Should I?"
"You should."
At that, Twilight took Dusk's hoof and yelped when he pulled her close. A little too close for comfort. Hanging on for dear life, the both of them soared through the sky and she clung on to him ever so tightly. She saw the grand land growing smaller and smaller from above, prompting her grip on her pilot to only tighten up even more. A few minutes later, they landed in a cave not far off from the castle. Walking inside side by side, Twilight began to trail not far behind Dusk, who led the way towards a sophisticated spiral of sapphire stalactites that glowed lapis lazuli blue. It's beautiful...but why would he bring me here?
"You're wondering why I brought you here."
Oh. So he can read minds now?
"Why, yes. Yes, I can. You see, this is one of my many hideouts in Equestria. I have one in the Frozen North, another in Manehattan, another in Dodge Junction, another in Klugetown... You get the idea? I wasn't a Changeling before. I was like you...once. My younger sister and I, we shared a similar dynamic like you and your Shining Armor. Unlike him, however...she never attempted one iota to throw me under the bus. She cared for me, she stood by me, she responded to me. ... She loved me...as I loved her. That was until your Princess Celestia took her away from me on accusations of witchcraft. When she finally discovered the truth and the lie of which it was fabricated from, it was too little, too late. My sister lost her mind...and I lose my hope. Her body was discovered not long ago. I was so caught up in my grief that I never realized this until now: I unleashed my true power."
Twilight's sympathy for Dusk grew as she listened to the heartbreaking speech of the loss and lament of his younger sister. The same time, her contempt for Princess Celestia did the same. Why...? Accusations? Witchcraft? Too little, too late? How could Princess Celestia do this to them both? Especially her? She did nothing wrong and she wrongfully died for it. The nerve! I respected her, I looked up to her, and I bowed down to her!
Well...
No more respect.
No more honor.
No more valor.
No more...
"What...kind of power?"
. . .
"The power ponies like her...must never possess..."
With the wave of his right hoof, the water from the stalactites up above from a start dripped at different times but all slowed down below to a stop in unison. They then created a whirlwind of water that moved towards the stone floor and formed...absolute perfect replicas of actual ponies of the three main types: the Earth Pony, the Unicorn, and the Pegasus. The fourth one... Wait, what was that fourth one? Twilight, while awed by the sight of Dusk's power, was left baffled by the last pony he created...for lack of a better term. The last "pony" had an Unicorn horn, a pair of Pegasus wings, and the outward appearance of a Earth Pony.
"What is this last one?"
"That, my dear, is what I call an Alicorn. It is an idiosyncratic admixture of an Unicorn's horn, a Pegasus's wings, and the powers of a regular Earth Pony. It's what your Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance are."
An...Alicorn? How fascinating! My studies can be expanded upon with this new discovery! ... Of course, this doesn't excuse my mentor's defenseless doing! Or should I say...my former mentor's defenseless doing?
"She's not my Princess. Not anymore."
"Hmm. Which leads to my next little speech. You and I are both victims of cases where ponies like them choose not to listen to poor souls like us. You and I both want something from this miserably fateful case in return. You want justice, I need vengeance. Your friends, brother, and mentor had a choice...and they chose to listen to a charlatan whom your friends barely even know in the span of a single day or two. You suppose this is the part where I convince you to betray your closest ones and join the forces of evil? Well, guess what..."
Dusk leaned in close. Close enough to where his and Twilight's nuzzle were close to contact.
"You suppose incorrectly, dear. This isn't that kind of movie."
Twilight was doubtful of Dusk's true intentions, but questioned on anyway. "Alright. I'm listening."
"The deal I'm offering to you is fairly simple: I'll help you if you'll help me. You need Queen Chrysalis, I need Princess Celestia. We both want the same thing...to an extent. Deal?"
Dusk offered a hoof to Twilight again. Again, her doubt took center stage, despite his assurance that he wasn't going to let her turn toward the dark side. The thing was...she wanted him to. To an extent. Her doubt falling through the cracks, she took his hoof with her own and shook it.
"Deal."
At the castle. . . .
Cadance couldn't do nothing but do nothing but fiddle with her hooves; she was unsure if she made the right decision. Instead of heading to Twilight's suite as instructed, she headed to Princess Luna's room and informed her of the sticky situation beforehand. She was skeptical about this at first, but she soon realized the threat that they were all dealing with. She suggested that the both of them kept their plan to expose Canterlot of the culprit to themselves; as of now, she, Luna, and Twilight were the only ones fully aware of the tentative truth.
Cadance's head perked up at the door opening and turned to find Luna entering the room whilst levitating a tray of fruit, "I took it you were very hungry during your time in the caverns."
"I am, actually," Cadance nodded a tad too quickly and immediately took the tray from Luna's possession.
"I still can't believe that after the thousand years I've been imprisoned...my older sister cannot differentiate between friend or foe," Luna shook her head in disbelief.
"I still can't believe that Twilight was the only one to see through Chrysalis's disguise," Cadance mimicked her action.
"Chrysalis?"
"She's the name of the Changeling Queen who rules the Changelings."
"Two things: One, how do you know the Changeling Queen's name? Two, what exactly is a Changeling?"
"First, a Changeling is a insect-like creature that feeds on love whenever they can find it. Second...it wasn't that hard. She was practically announcing herself as Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, like most villains do."
"Ah," Luna nodded in understanding, "So, what's the plan?"
"Well...to be honest, I haven't gotten this far in said plan," Cadance scratched her head in embarrassment. Luna could only pat her sister's niece on the shoulder in reassurance. "Oh, but I do know that Twilight may be getting some assistance."
"Twilight? Was she in the caverns with you?"
"Yes. Chrysalis had imprisoned her in there with me. She had attempted to warn Shining Armor and the others of her presence, but they didn't believe her. Twilight had said that he revoked her position as Best Mare and...she should consider not attending the wedding at all."
Luna couldn't believe what she was hearing. Shining Armor tearing his younger sister ‒ whom he knew for his whole life ‒ a new one? But why? Shining Armor never got angry with Twilight Sparkle, even with the most smallest of situations. So why now? Was he under her influence...or his own?
"I'm going to have a long talk later."
"If you're referring to Celestia, I suggest you leave Shining Armor to me."
"I'm almost tempted to refer to both."
Luna turned to travel to the dreamscape to rid herself of nightmares. Ironically enough, this was her duty. Nightmares were the last things she had time for, and this fiasco placed another worry on her hooves. Not just herself, but the others as well; however, this self-proclaimed threat against Canterlot was on a whole other level...of worry, she clarified. The situation only escalated even further when Luna skimmed through the dreams to locate a certain purple unicorn's.
Twilight?
In the caverns. . .
"Why is this so hard?"
"Why is what so hard?"
Twilight and Dusk had finished making their respective devilish deals with each other, fully aware that the deals in question were akin to walking tightropes. They were now in the process of devising a plan to get the Equestrian Princess and the Changeling Queen alone while the chaos of the Changeling conquest would be ensuing. They were still debating whether or not to get them together alone or just alone respectively.
"Feeling sorry for you. You look like a villain, you sound like a villain, but...you aren't a villain. Do you know what I mean?"
. . .
"I do. The term "villain" can be used relatively loosely in my case, and I am certainly no hero, either. I may not condone violence, but I enjoy it. I do not know the reason why. I just love it. In the many years since my sister's passing, I have taken many professions that were questionable at best. These professions ranged from a gentleman thief and a con artist to a bounty hunter and a ruthless assassin. I was not proud enough of my accomplishments, but I needed the money and resources to survive. Money to pay debts, resources to locate Princess Celestia. Following those years, I had learned of the existence of the younger sister Luna, whom Celestia banished to the moon over her desire of power. Upon that discovery, I had maintained contact with her and...well, I probably should not use the phrase "hatched a plan with her to exact revenge". We just talked."
. . .
"You just...talked?"
"Indeed. Revenge is a very debatable subject that has been discussed for centuries. Not that it has to be, but...what's there to talk about?"
. . .
"You're right. You think other ponies will be talking about this in the future?"
"... Just a matter of time, I suppose."
Twilight and Dusk continued on with their plan.
At the castle. . .
"Oh, dear..." Luna muttered. She backed away in horrified silence as Cadance worked out the kinks in her perceived plan. This... This was unexpected. This wasn't supposed to happen. Yes, Twilight would be mad to an extent, but...I never expected her to be this mad. Joining forces with a peculiar Changeling was an all-time high. It is a risky move that could possibly change the outcome of the wedding, but the future of Equestria...
And possibly destroy it as well.
"Cadance?"
The princess of love turned to face the princess of the night, "Yes, Luna?"
"There's been a change of plans. We need to move ahead of schedule. Very ahead of schedule."
"Why? What's wrong?"
Luna couldn't give an answer to Cadance just as Chrysalis's laugh echoed all over the kingdom. Only them both, Twilight, and Dusk alone heard this evil cackle...
At the same time. . .
Just as the two respective pairs of ponies worked on their respective plans to defend/take back Canterlot, a Changeling fleet was only miles away from the castle. Leading it was General Pharynx, the head of the Changeling Kingdom patrol who was known to be fiercely protective of his squadron, especially in regards to his own brother. An unique Changeling with purple eyes, red neck fins and tail, blue wings, and more distinct back armor with shades of purple, his name originates from the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity and above the oesophagus and larynx. His aforementioned brother Thorax was quite much the same. He had the appearance of a cliched Changeling, only with slightly different ears and tail, slightly differently-colored eyes (vivid opal, to be exact), and differently-colored back armor. The only noticeable difference that set them apart from each other? His severe lack of ruthless determination in comparison to his older brother. Thorax never liked the action and violence that came with the battle he "fought" alongside Pharynx; in fact, he utterly detested it and preferred to stay out of the callous conflicts whenever he could. He didn't really want to punch his way out of dangerous situations such as the one they were traveling to as of this moment, but he had no other choice whatsoever.
If only there was another way that didn't condone the rule of "Kill or Be Killed".
"Thorax."
The younger Changeling turned toward his older brother, who cocked his head in concern. "You okay?"
"Yeah, Pharynx. I'm just..."
"Scared? Or worried?"
. . .
"Um...what's the difference?"
"Well...there really isn't any...or, at the very least, shouldn't be. Being scared means you're completely unprepared for the battle that will inevitably ensue or the failure we must face if this attempted conquest doesn't end well. Being worried means you're not completely unprepared for the battle that will inevitably ensue or the failure we must face if this attempted conquest doesn't end well. So...you tell me. Scared? Or worried?"
Thorax didn't necessarily dislike the fact, but he wasn't particularly fond of his older brother's complexity...playful or serious. In his childhood, he was initially excited over the prospect of an older brother and just a brother in general, but he eventually learned that brotherhood had its hardships. Pharynx felt the same way, their invisible similarities despite their visible differences paving the way for their newfound respect and loyalty to each other as their respective childhoods progressed. They stood by each other...even in the face of danger.
"I guess a little bit of both?"
"Hmm. That's reasonable."
Suddenly, a Changeling flew beside and close to Pharynx...perhaps a little too close for comfort. This particular Changeling with royal blue back armor, garnet eyes, and strangely eagle wings was the General's personal second-in-command. Unlike the others...she wasn't born from a cocoon.
"General Pharynx! We are nearing the Canterlot limits."
"Thank you, Mortuary Star. Squadron, be prepared!"
The Changeling armada hissed in reciprocation, the only exceptions being Pharynx, Thorax, and Mortuary Star. The latter in particular was tempted to sing a certain song with that particular command as its title. She just couldn't help herself.
Neither could he.
(Be Prepared – Jeremy Irons/Elise Lovelock) [The Lion King Soundtrack]
[Pharynx]:
I know that your powers of retention
Are as fierce as a mother's snide chide
But thick as you are, pay attention!
The Queen's words are a matter of pride
[Mortuary Star]:
It's clear from their vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking queens and successions
Even you can't be caught unaware...s!
Pharynx and Mortuary Star then took each other's hoof and twirled the other around.
[Both]:
So, prepare for the chance of a lifetime
Get ready for sensational news
A shining, new era
Is tiptoeing nearer
"And where do we feature?"
"Just listen to teacher."
[Pharynx]:
I know it sounds sordid
[Mortuary Star]:
But you'll be rewarded
[Both]:
When at last, we are given our dues
And injustice deliciously squared
Be prepared!
"Yeah, be prepared!" A Changeling murmured among his "friends" and shared a hearty laugh, "We'll be prepared! For what?"
"Isn't it obvious? For the death of the Princess!" Pharynx declaimed.
"Why? Is she sick?" A friend of the first Changeling idiotically questioned.
"No, you numbnuts." Mortuary Star logically answered, "We're gonna kill her. And enslave the others as well."
"Wow! That's a great idea!" A female Changeling nodded a tad too quickly, "Who needs a Princess? In fact, who needs a Queen?"
"No Queen! No Queen! La-la-la-la-la-la!"
"IDIOTS!" Mortuary Star roared, quickly losing his patience with this particular trio, "There will be a Queen!"
"Really? But you just said..."
"Chrysalis! Chrysalis will be your Queen!" Pharynx declaimed once more, "Stuck with her and you'll never go hungry again!"
"Yay! All right!"
"Long live the Queen!"
"Long live the Queen!"
"Long live the Queen!"
"QUEEN, QUEEN, QUEEN, QUEEN, QUEEN, QUEEN!"
[Changeling Fleet]:
It's great that we'll soon be connected
With a Queen who'll be all time adored
[Pharynx]:
Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
To take certain duties on board
[Mortuary Star]:
The future is littered with prizes
And though we both are the main addresser
The point that we must emphasize is...
YOU WON'T GET A PIECE WITH HER!
[Both]:
So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam (Oooh... la, la, la!)
Punctilious planning(We'll have food!)
Tenacity spanning (Lots of food!)
Decades of deceit and deal (We repeat!)
Is simply why she'll (Endless meat!)
Be Queen, undisputed
Respected, saluted
And seen, for the wonder she is
Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!
[Changeling Fleet]:
Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!
All of the Changeling armada shared a dastardly laugh.
All except the uncertain Thorax...
The next day. . .
The day was perfect.
The pegasi had cleared the clouds in the sky. They had even taken the time to mold them in hearts and roses. The castle gardens had been tended by the best earth ponies in all of Equestria. There was a miraculous magic in the air and even the grumpiest of ponies had a sufficient smile on their face as they made their way into the castle. The 5 Elements of Harmony could only look about in wonder at what they had done…they had put on the biggest wedding in Equestria and everypony was in attendance. Fluttershy's birds happily sang the wedding march as Cadence walked towards Shining Armor, making Rarity's wedding gown look like the finest thing ever created. Everypony looked upon the princess of love and felt their heart beat a bit faster. The only one not smiling was Shining Armor, but all attributed that to jitters.
The day was perfect.
Well... Almost perfect.
This day is going to be perfect
The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small
Everypony I'll soon control
Every stallion, mare, and foal
Who says a girl can't really have it all?
Chrysalis smiled to herself as she strolled down the aisle, the three flower girls ambling ahead of her before shuffling over to the side. They will make sufficient slaves once I take control. Her smile grew wider as she took her spot next to her husband-to-be.
"Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor."
He didn't know why he needed to do this. He didn't know why he wanted to do this. He did know why he should do this.
He had to save Twilight.
"Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you – "
"Stop!"