Chapter Ten: a crisis in work.
Upon waking I scanned the room, something felt off...I wasn't sure what it was, but I quickly became aware, looking towards my Balcony I saw a shadow cascading across the ground, Gently rising making sure not to wake Ruby or Sapphire I crouched low on the ground as I stepped off my bed, silently crawling forward towards the Balcony, Leaping to the other side of the Door way I quickly turned and used my magic to Grab hold of the Pony, turning to see who it was.
I was greeted by the shocked face of a mare in Camouflage, fear apparent in the air, a grin slowly grew across my face as a devious plan formed in my head.
"Welcome to a life of Slavery..." I said as I grabbed hold of her face with my hoof, causing her to stare into my eyes, they began to glow slowly at first but it quickly grew to be bright, her eyes changing from the Earth tone brown that they were to Silvery white, her mind quickly dominated by my Magical ability.
"Yes Master.." The mare spoke her voice seeming distant.
"This will be your new life...Service to the Queen, From now on you will be known as Gray-Star, and I expect nothing but complete Dedication to the Queen." I said as I nodded towards the mare.
"Now who are you?" I asked the mare now known as Gray-Star.
"I am Gray-Star, Servant of the Queen, Light of Life." She replied as I expected.
"Good...Now then, We will need to get you out of that ridiculous outfit. " I said as I called for Ruby and Sapphire, the two had awaken to my conversation with the New Servant.
"What have we here?" Ruby asked as she stalked forward to inspect the pony.
"This is one of the Queen's new Servants.." I replied as I nodded towards Gray-Star.
"I wish you two to get her in proper Attire." I said with a grin.
"Yes my Prince, We shall assure she is in proper servants attire for the Queen." Sapphire said in reply to me, a smirk on her face.
"Come Gray-Star, You will be dressed properly for your new life." Ruby said as they lead her off towards the Servants Quarter.
"Time to get to business...my Trip to Equestria begins later this evening..." I said to myself as I walked towards my Closet, Not many knew now aside from those within the Kingdom, that I am now Seven-teen, The magic that changed me, has accelerated my age, but I do not change, I am Equal to an Alicorn in mortality, reaching into the Closet I pulled open the door and grabbed my uniform, a suit crafted from Black Leather and ornately decorated with Silver threading and Emerald gems, not only serving the purpose of looking the part of Prince, but offering protection, not to mention the Enchantment I placed upon it, Sliding the under shirt over my head I fixed the collar and closed the second button, sliding on the Jacket and buttoning it, afterwards I grabbed my Cloak sliding it over my back and my wings through the openings I clipped the two pieces together at my neck and pulled up the hood, the Enchantment on it casting a Shadow over my face only exposing the part of my snout not covered by the Hood.
after wards I grabbed my Dagger, the blade shining brightly, It was a gift from the Princess of the Moon, as I had been birthed in the Kingdom of Equestria, She found it only fit I get one of her Own Weapons, the blade was crafted of Refined Moon-Silver, Runes carved along the sharp surface, the Obsidian hilt curved slightly, the weapon was small easily hid and compact, perfect for me as I mostly use Magic.
Sliding it in its Sheath I strapped it to my belt, Closing the Closet door I walked out of my room, and off towards the Hanger, The Ship to Equestria would be here soon, Ruby and Sapphire would remain behind and aid in the Diplomatic Dinner party, representing me on my behalf.
"My Prince, a word if you will." a voice requested from behind me.
"Speak, Captain." I replied as he walked up next to me.
"I grow uneasy, Sir, Something doesn't feel right, I feel like there's eyes everywhere, Watching me." The Captain replied a look of concern on his war battered face.
"Yes...There are eyes watching us, I captured one this morning on my Balcony, Ponies of the Red Star nation." I replied as I looked outward as a Average sized Sky ship sailed towards the Hanger.
"If that is so, that means there are more, and that means the Queen is at risk!" the Captain replied, calling over one of his Subordinates to go and Double security.
"This puts everything at risk!, the peace talks must go undisturbed!" He said his anger slightly apparent.
"Then go Captain, I will be fine, As you know, I am quite capable of protecting myself..." I replied to his weathered face, with a salute he stalked off no longer wishing to continue the conversation.
The Ship Docked in the hanger, the Ramp lowering as several Black and Mid-night Blue armored Ponies walked out, however these Ponies had Bat ears and Fangs with Black skin, they reminded me of Myself, only more Bat like.
However, this last fact Surprised me, from the steps came a Hooded pony, merely a few inches shorter than me, Her horn poking through her hood, She raised her hooves and pulled down her hood, revealing none other than the Mighty Princess Luna.
My first reaction being of Nobility was to kneel, So I did.
"Rise, Young Prince, Thou formalities are not needed." She said, speaking in the words of Olden times.
"Apologies Princess, I has been long since I hath seen your face." I replied as I pulled down my hood, exposing my Silver eyes and White mane.
My new look caused her to recoil in shock.
"Thou are right...It hath been a Long time.." She replied blinking once then twice and shaking her head.
"Shall we go then, I am eager to return to Equestria, although these lands are my Home, Equestria is a Nice change.." I said nodding towards the Ship.
"Indeed, thou are ready then?" She asked as she looked around me to see any luggage or bags.
"Yes I am ready, I travel light, bringing only the necessities." I replied to her question.
"Due to my studies I have learned how to create sustenance and even wash my clothing using the Arcane Arts." I said, "None the less I do have a change of clothing and my Tome." I replied as I floated my pack over to me from atop a set of Crates, my tome already bound and hanging from my belt.
"Good, then let us Depart, Prince." she replied as she turned and I followed walking back on the ship.
"It will be good to see the other Princesses again, Much has happened since my Infancy, I would consider them Family in some aspects." I said as we walked the halls of the ship, the Guards walked in raising the ramp and binding it as the Wings on the sides of the ship Rotated ad the ship turned Eastward towards Equestria, the trip would be Two days long as this ship was made for Quick traveling, Lightly armed we would be able to defend in relative ease as most attack ships are not as fast and harder to maneuver.
"Indeed, My sister had refused at first for me to be there to meet you, but I convinced her otherwise, Cadence will be there as well." Luna said as she smiled.
"Ah...Cadence...Truly a beauty in the World, The Power of love, a good power to have, Mending peace and helping relations makes the world a better place." I replied as I recalled her, Many times had she Foal sat me while the Peace talks continued between my mother and Celestia.
"Indeed, I too thought that." She replied as she looked out the window, the Sun setting slowly.
"Ah...Night will come soon, Well, As soon as you raise the moon..that is." I said as I stared out the window as well.
"Indeed, In-fact, Would you like to see it?, I must raise it within the next few minutes." She said as she rose from her seat and headed for the stairs.
"Id love to, Princess." I replied as I to headed for the stairs after rising from my seat.
The Princess and I headed up the steps from the lower deck, She took stance facing the Sun, as it slowly went down she began to Glow a Dark blue, her horn glowing Silver as she took a stance, Her Blue energy transferred into her horn it becoming a Cosmic mixture of Blues silvers and grays.
A Beam fired from her horn and into the Sky, bursting in a explosion of Stars and Light, the Energy launched itself into the sky in paths, She began to glow again this time manipulating the energy it began to swirl around her adding to her energy, the Sun had now left the Horizon and the sky was growing dark, but just as before Luna's horn glowed Silvery gray as a white light began to glow from where the Sun had been, began to rise the Silvery Sphere of the Moon.
I watched as Luna began to Glow brighter as the Moon flared into its Position in the sky the magic around her dispersing, I know I'm with some one but, If I hadn't been, She would be one id want, the Moon light caught her form making her shine brightly as if a beacon in the night, She was beautiful, in all Honesty.
"It is rude to stare, Young Prince." She said with a grin.
My face lit up, as I realized I had been staring.
"I Uh..Don't tell the Girls!" I replied as I rubbed my neck with my hoof.
"Do not worry, Thy secret is safe with me." She replied as she stepped back to the Lower deck, I followed as we headed back to the Lobby.
Lifting my cloak to one side I unbuckled my Tome, Opening the Large book I began to read from it, Sitting quietly as I waited on the ship.
"Would thou care for some wine?" Luna asked Kindly.
"That would be nice, Thank you." I replied as she Levitated two glasses and a bottle of Wine from the nearby shelf.
Setting down the glasses she opened the bottle filling the two glasses half way with the Purple fluid before levitating one glass over to me, Taking it in my own magic I brought it to my face, inhaling the Aroma of the Fluid, It smelt heavenly, Like Honey and Black berries, swirling the fluid around in the glass removing the Air bubbles within to improve the flavor, satisfied I took a sip, the Fluid tasted amazing, it practically overwhelmed my senses, Quickly swallowing the fluid.
"Art thou Okay?" Luna asked looking at me curiously.
"Err...Yeah...Just...Overwhelmed my sense of taste." I replied as I blinked a bit.
I received only a giggle, setting down my glass I picked my tome back up and began to read again, One would figure I to be some one who enjoys fighting, I do enjoy Combat but studying the Arts of Magic are much more enjoyable, you may move at a leisurely pace but it requires immense focus and work to become a Master.
"What volume is that?" Luna asked curiously.
"Volume ten.." I said letting out a sigh.
"I remember needing to read those tomes...Only ten Huh?, Only fifteen more to go." She replied letting out a giggle.
"Yes...only fifteen more..." I replied letting out an even larger sigh.
I began to Cast a spell, an Orb forming in the air above me, the Orb began to expand and length-in morphing and changing till it took the shape of a Violin, the Instrument dropping into my hooves, From the Violin emerged the bow, that I caught as well.
"It feels good to hold my Instrument again." I said as I leaned the end against my Shoulder and lined the bow up to it.
"You play Violin?" Luna asked inquisitively.
"Indeed, I've been playing since I was Six." I replied as I tuned the strings.
"Oh how wonderful, I've always loved the sound of a Violin." Luna replied as she sat up in her seat.
"Then simply sit back and Listen." I began to play the violin sliding my hoof up and down the neck on the strings as I stretched out notes or shortened them using the frets. before long I found myself singing.
"Not a day goes by, that I forget your Smile."
"A Single wish I want, is to see it again."
"Standing by my side, growing weary."
"I'll be there to put a wing... around a scared little filly."
"Eyes watching from every corner, I'll be there to Protect you, Scare the monsters away that Haunt you."
"Lay your weary head to rest...forget the Days stress...Fall asleep to the Rhythm of the Drums.."
"Fall asleep little Child, For the Dream mistress beckons...No nightmares come today."
"As the Dream Mistress reckons..."
I said as I concluded my song with a Final drifting Note on the strings.
"That was beautiful, Kegan." Luna said as she stared at me.
"Where did you learn to play like that?" She asked.
"My teacher...Her name was Kalliope Abendroth, it means Beauty Dusk, or in her native lands Dusk beauty." I replied to her question.
"I see..." She replied letting out a Yawn before stretching out on the couch she rested on.
Letting out a Yawn as well I sat back in my chain curling up I rested my forehooves on the Chair arm and rested my head on top of them, Soon drifting off to sleep.
-PoV Change, Damian Bloodbolt.-
I sat at the Window to the Dining hall, nestled into a Gap in the roof I was able to avoid the Patrols flying through the air, Security was high today and I had three targets, This would be my Hardest job yet, assassinating the Queen of the Emerald Kingdom, Chrysalis, its no less than the Bitch deserves, Change of heart or not, She killed my Brother and my Mother at the Siege of Canterlot, She wont get away this time, and the Next targets...the Prince's wives...Ruby and Sapphire? Eh...Seems easy enough to spot, if this is the Emerald Kingdom, they'll stick out like a Zebra in a White room.
*Static crackled as my radio came to life*"This is HQ coming Red Striker, Do you copy?".
"Copy that HQ Red Striker, Live and ready." I replied from my Wrist com.
"You have Clarence to take the Shots when ready Red Striker, Mistress Red Sun wants it done as soon as Possible."
"Copy that HQ Red Striker Over and Out." I replied Shutting off my Com unit, Grabbing my Rifle I Shifted into Position taking up sights at the far end of the Table.
It didn't take long before the Three of them Walked into the Dining hall, the Girls that were also his targets trailing behind the Queen, the Other Diplomats already waited at the Table, This dinner party was going to be cut short.
"Come on you bitch...Lets see how you Enjoy the Afterlife.." I said as I looked through my scope lining up the Shot with her Forehead.
I took a deep breath Steadying my aim as I Slowly pulled the trigger, a Silent Shot broke through the air flying as the Only sound was when it Cracked her skull, a Plume of Blood mist exploding from her skull as the Bullet went through one end and out the other, Severing the Brain stem, She was dead before she hit the table, Firing again Twice one Shot into the Blue Ones Jugular and the Red one took a Shot to the neck, severing her spine, She dropped down, if anyone got to her it'd be too late, Shes dead..
*Crackling static again*"Good Job Red Striker, Return to HQ for debriefing." HQ said in reply to viewing my Kills
"Copy that HQ, Red striker Heading back." I replied, Slinging my Rifle over my back I Ran forward Jumping off the side of the Upper tower and releasing my Glider wings I soared down through the air and over the Guard walls, Flowing towards the Ground I pushed forward into a Roll to soften the Impact on the ground.
Once I was outside the Changeling Walls I activated my Hearthstone, The Enchanted stone Teleporting me back to Head Quarters and back into Celebrating arms..
-PoV Change, Captain Dread.-
"Son of a Bitch! What the fuck happened!" I yelled over the Chaos erupting in the Throne room, No one saw it coming, No one heard it, But now The Queen and the Prince's wives lay dead on the ground.
"Get those Corpses to the Ward now!" I yelled as Guards scrambled to Collect the Queen's corpse as well as her Daughter's in law' corpses.
"Collect the Nobles! We must get them back to the Ships!" I yelled as the Diplomats in the area Were quickly grouped up and a Section of the Guards rushed to Protect them and escort them down the halls.
"I can't believe it...The Queen is dead...I can't believe..." I dropped to the ground suddenly my head pounding, I felt like I was being torn apart, I started to choke, I couldn't breath, I tried to stand but I simply fell back down, Looking around the room I saw many others were doing the same, the Ones patrolling the sky began to Drop and crash to the ground, I quickly realized, without the Queen the Hive-Mind was becoming Unstable, those who survived...would be driven to madness...As is the Law of the Queen...Slowly my vision began to blacken I could hear my heart pounding in my ear when it suddenly stopped...my last breath escaped me as I heard my heart stop...and I drifted off to darkness.
-PoV Change, Kegan-
I awoke to a Thundering pain in my head, a Loud Physic scream assaulted my mind causing me to let out a Scream of pain, Immediately Luna awoke to me, Gripping my head, the pain was unbearable, I couldn't control my body, or my Mind, My powers flared in and out as it would not stop, And then it vanished...as if it was never there.
"Kegan! Whats wrong!? Are you alright!?" Luna asked a concerned face showed on her features as she held me.
"The Queen! The Kingdom! The Empire! Its gone!" I yelled as I held my hooves to my head.
"What do you mean its gone!?" Luna asked looking me in the eyes.
"The Queen...Shes...Shes...Dead.." I replied tears beginning to streak down my face, I also noticed another void in my heart.
"No..." I said not wanting to believe it leaving Luna's arms I stood up, Shock and denial quickly came.
"No...No...It Can't be...I'll Kill them all!" I yelled, "Anyone and Everyone involved in this!" I added, Anger coming across my features as my Eyes glowed brightly.
"What is it Kegan?" Luna asked.
My voice took on a Demonic sound Deep and powerful.
"The Loves of my Life are dead...and with them...The Last hope of the Emerald empires return..." I replied as I let loose a Roar, my Emotional Turmoil did me no help in Controlling my self, I went off on a Rage, it took all Luna had to keep me Contained as I pummeled the barrier she erected around me, my Normal self transformed into the Shadowy Flaming Beast I held within, I released my rage Upon the barrier, what power I had paled in comparison to the Princess's and with my Rage driving me, I was even weaker, Eventually my fits ceased and my flames extinguished my form returning, Luna quickly took hold of me in a Hugging embrace, as I cried into her Shoulder, Everyone I had ever Loved was gone, My Family...was Dead...And with them...the Emerald Blood line...
"Ssh...Do not worry Kegan, I am here for you...Let it out..." Luna spoke her voice laced with Emotions of Concern confusion and Curiosity, but her Aura read Love and Compassion, She was truly concerned about what would happen to me now.
(Hey guys! Kegan here!, So I'm Really curious about what the reviews for this will be, Not the Chapter you were expecting after the last one now was it?, Nope its not all Sunshine and rainbows in the Changeling Kingdom, NOPE, Anyway, Love ya all, Should have Chapter 11 up tomorrow, or I'll simply say Sunday, being as I have no idea what time it will be when you all Read this so...Yeah...