A New Dawn (Act I, part 3)

A New Dawn (Act I, part 3)

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>Celestia beamed. ”Well, I’m glad to hear everything went well! I knew it would turn out alright in the end!”
>A slight gleam shone from her horn, giving a bit extra light to the room. Guess she actually was happy.
>It hurt a bit, knowing that the whole thing had been a sham. Sunhorse would have been a lot less proud had she seen the whole ordeal.
>But it was life or death.
>I did what I had to do.
>Or, at least that’s what I kept saying.
“Yeah… I’m glad it’s over. Almost twelve, I’ll be changing shifts soon.”
>”Alright then anon, see you tomorrow! I’m sure the vote will go fine!”
>I hurriedly stepped out the door. It felt bad lying to Celly, better to wait out my shift and go get some rest. Things never seemed as bad after a good night’s sleep.
>Far down the hall, I could hear the clanking of armor. Guess that was my replacement.
>A familiar face popped into my vision. Same as every day.
>”Evening, pal!”
“Hello, Laurence. I’ll be heading off.”
>”No, stay awhile! Can’t you pass a few minutes with your old friend?”
>Well… it couldn’t hurt. He looped a bit pale anyway, could probably use the company.
“Sure. Any special reason?”
>”Well, to celebrate good fortune, of course! I hear the majesties talks ended quite nicely indeed!”
“They aren't finished you know. There’s still tomorrow.”
>”Oh, but the important stuff is all finished. We both know that.” The words come off nonchalant, but something was wrong
>Laurence looked sly. Knowing. “We were surprised at how... active you were in the debate process.”
“I don’t like where this is going, ‘old friend’.”
>”Certain individuals wanted to express their interes-”
>I pivoted right and thrust my spear into ‘Laurence’ in one motion. It made a horrible shrieking noise as black goop flowed from the wound.
>The thing that was now quite clearly not Laurence thrashed around a bit, but remained stuck on the spear. Its clean white coat gradually grew more sallow, before fading into a sooty black. Even worse was the face, devolving into a fanged mess.
>Why did it have to be changelings? This was the heart of Equestria, and they had spies in the royal guard?
“Intruder in the royal wing! Hello, anypony?”
>I ran over to the hall’s alarm bell and began to ring it furiously. Only a matter of time before guards would show up.
>Still, I was concerned by the bug’s speech. It had known about the blackmail, and seemed to approve. And clearly it wouldn't have talked unless expecting me to be an open audience…
>”Anonymous, what’s all this noise?” A very tired Celestia popped out from the royal chambers, yawned, and blinked a few times.”
“Your highness, Laurence-”
>”Don’t try blaming it on Laurence, he’s been out for over a week. Now what’s that behind you?”
>I glanced back to the speared changeling.
“There’s a bit we may need to talk about.”

>Only a short while later, and the hall was swarming with guards. Hopefully real ones this time.
>A couple helmeted figures began to cart off the dead bug, while others blocked curious onlookers from entering the scene. Most of the ponies just ran around trying to seem busy, while Celestia stood above them all, replying to inquiries from a guard captain.
>I’d always known that Equestria’s changeling problem had been getting worse, but a bug infiltrating the castle guard?
>I felt a bit panicked over the fact that the ‘Laurence’ I worked with had been an importer for nearly a week. And to think that it had gotten so close to Celesta. She certainly could have beaten it in a fight, but still…
>Evidently satisfied with the scene, the guard captain began bellowing at his troops. “Alright everypony, pack it up! We’re done here, grab the bug and move!”
>Immediately, the guards began to disperse. One of them tripped over his own hoof, and I noticed the princess stifling a laugh.
>Soon enough, only sunhorse and I were left standing around. The place was silent, save for the echos of clanking armor off in the distance. Celly turned around as if to return to her quarters.
“Wait please. Your highness?”
>”Yes, anon?”
“Aren’t you worried about the changeling? That it got this close to you without any notice?”
>”It turned out fine in the end. Besides, I’ve fought off far worse than a few bugs in my time.”
>It might be true, but still… It just felt wrong to leave her unprotected after an attack like this. I wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway, thinking about all the potential changelings roaming the halls.
“Regardless, I’m going to keep watch tonight, just to be safe.”
>”You’ve been awake all day!”
“Desperate times and desperate measures. Besides, I’m a light sleeper.”
>”This really isn’t nescess-”
“I insist! It’d be my pleasure.”
>Celestia paused, evidently thinking about something. After a moment she turned around, her head cocked to the side and her face in a quizzical expression.
>”Anon, it’s a very kind offer, but I don’t understand. Why are you doing this?”
>I wasn’t entirely sure myself. In my gut there was a feeling that I wanted to see the princess safe, though there was something more to it than that…
“I just want to make sure you’re safe, that’s all.”
>Sunhorse gave a mischievous smile. ”Ahh, so it’s job security? Hoping for a ‘good performance’ raise next quarter?”
“No! I, um-”
>“I’m just kidding, silly.” Celestia giggled, and the hall suddenly felt happy and warm. “Well, I accept your chivalrous offer, brave knight.”
“Ha ha.”
>“You’re free to patrol in my office if the hall gets too boring.  If you just happen to start feeling tired, well, the brown poofy chair is quite comfy. Goodnight!”
>With a flourish, the princess turned around and headed off to her quarters. I was left in the hall, alone with my thoughts.
>Well, tomorrow’s vote would go fine, I’d be safe. That was good, but seeing Celly again, I had to wonder. Was blackmailing Luna really the right thing to do? It might have saved my life, but still…
>Regardless, there was much bigger problems. Changelings mobilizing on the border, a spies in the castle… today was the first day that Equestria hadn’t felt like a happy, peaceful place. And things would probably get worse before they got better.
>After an hour or so, I really was starting to feel tired. Maybe I’d take Celestia up on that chair suggestion.
>I slowly opened the golden door, and gingerly stepped into Celestia's office. I slowly stepped over towards the chair, hoping I didn’t make too much noise.
>I plopped down, and looked out the room’s massive window. Even at night the land looked beautiful, if a bit dark. Streetlights lit just enough for me to make out that cute little town below and it’s bakery, it’s-
>Out of my peripheral vision I could just make out some sort of movement right at the edge of the glass pane. I got up and looked out a window, but nothing was there.
>Two bugs in one night was unrealistic. Probably just a consequence of too little sleep, eyes playing tricks. I sat back down.
>You know, that chair really was comfy. Maybe I could get a bit of sleep...

>The first thing I felt after waking up was the sensation of getting hit by a truck. Before I could even open my eyes, something propelled off me, knocking the wind out of my chest and knocking my chair over onto the ground.
>I jumped up, adrenaline coursing through my veins, but wasn’t fast enough. The sun had just risen, and in the early dawn light, I was only able to make out a flash of movement to my right.
“Please don’t let it be more bugs.”
>Whatever the thing was, it was large and surprisingly fast. More importantly, it seemed to have dashed off deeper into Celestia’s quarters.
>I followed. That the intruder hadn't killed me seemed like a good sign, but still, something was off about the whole affair.
>In their haste, whatever the thing was had made quite a mess; the trail of fallen knick-knacks and overturned chairs wasn’t too hard to follow.
>After a couple rooms, the trail finally ended in a dead end that seemed to be Celestia’s bedroom. At least she wasn’t in danger, the bed was neatly made and the pony was nowhere to be seen.
“End of the line, bucko. Give yourself up and nobody needs to get hurt.”
>The room seemed clear. Nothing in the closet, nothing behind the dresser…
>And that’s when I heard a low, gurgling sound from behind the bed.

>That noise. Even after going face to face with a changeling, the sound still gave me goosebumps. I thought my stomach rumbles were loud, but this sounded like it came from some sort of behemoth.
>Clearly, I was dealing with a monster that was larger than me, and quite hungry. Not a good combination. I gulped, and tried not to think too hard about what could be lying in wait on the other side of the bed.
“Last chance to give yourself up!”
>There was no reply, except for another, louder gurgle. Spear drawn, I moved over and I prepared for the worst.
>But nothing jumped out. No glowing compound eyes, no mandibles ripping towards my throat. Instead, as I peeked over, I found a four foot high mound of... blankets and pillows?
>I was going to die. The thing was toying with me now.
“I’m warning you!”
>I gingerly prodded at the mound with my spear. It quivered.
>Yeah, I was toast. The monster was hiding in a pillow fort. Whatever this was had a sick sense of humor.
>Now or never. I readied my spear with my right arm, and yanked away part of the pile with my left. At the first tug, half of the construction collapsed, revealing my adversary.

>If I even lived through this, I was so fired
>Rather than some unholy monstrosity, I was face to face with Sunbutt. As I stared, frozen in shock, she looked away and tried to hide her face in the rubble of pillows.
“Princess? What are you even doing down there?”
>I couldn’t believe it. Celly was hiding from me?
>“I’m so sorry, anon, I didn’t mean any offence, it was a momentary slip.”
>Well, at least it wasn’t some horror from the abyss. Still, sad Celestia was even more confusing. I tried thinking how I could comfort her and find out what was going on.
“So, um, there’s no emergency? No intruder?”
>Celly let out a meek “no” in reply.
“Well then, what happened?”
>”Simply a lapse in judgement, I-”
“No, really. I have no idea what’s going on. Let’s start from the top.”
>There was a sigh, and Celestia stood. The remains of her fort slid off onto the floor. “Fine then. I shall bear responsibility for my actions, as a good leader should.”
>”Earlier this morning, as I was leaving for the day, I noticed you sleeping in that chair. You just looked so cute sitting there, so... I snuggled you for a while. You awoke, and in a panic, I fled.”
“Are… are you being serious?”
>”I understand if you want a reassignment. Again, I apologize for my actions.”
“That’s it? Really?”
>Sunbutt turned away from me as she continued to speak. “I understand that I have both demeaned and dishonored you. There is no excuse to accost you in such a way. Again, I understand if you want to be reassigned.”
“You realize that it’s not a big deal, right?”
>Celly swiveled around, her expression one of shock. “But I’ve impinged your honor! Almost no act could be more demeaning! If word got out your social standing would never be the same!”
>She was actually serious. First the whole thing with meat, and now this. I doubted that I’d ever understand Equestrian society, but oh well.
“No, I really don’t care. In fact, where I’m from, snuggles are, uh, seen as a sign of respect and friendship.”
>”Truly? Does that mean you’ll stay on?” Celly’s face began to break out into a tentative smile.
“Of course. In fact, sometime I need to show you another of my traditional customs, belly rubs.”
>”So… you don’t mind being snuggled once in awhile? It just gets so lonely after awhile...”
“Sure, but maybe warn me next time. And didn’t you have some conference to attend today?”
>”The meeting! I’vegottogosorryseeyoulater!” In the blink of an eye, the princess had quite literally flown out of the room. Guess she had gotten late in all the commotion.
>All in all, things were looking up. ‘Snuggling’ as some sort of social taboo was weird, but I didn’t mind. It’s be comfy, anyway. It was a good morning. Now to just wait for the meeting to wrap up...

>A few hours later, and the council doors opened. The four ponies went off in separate directions, Celly heading toward me.
>”Ah, anon! The decision was unanimous, you’re to stay on!”
“That’s great! But, by the grin on your face, I’m guessing there’s something else.”
>”Yes, just a quick diplomatic stop in these trying times. Pack your bags, we’re heading to Saddle Arabia!”

“So… this is it. Saddle Arabia.”
>The trip had been uneventful, just a few days by boat. The crew talked some about our destination, but nothing prepared me for actually seeing the place. Spiraling minarets, massive, arched entryways- and the feeling of a couple grains of sand blowing off the dunes and against my face.
>”Yes. We’re here.”
>Celly grinned and stared up at the blazing sun. I still didn’t know how she wasn’t blind by now, perks of her position, i guess.
>The whole royal entourage began to trot off into the city, and I followed. The local population gave me a few odd looks, though they seemed friendly enough. Still, I couldn’t help but worry about how many bugs could be lurking in the shadows and back alleys of this place.
“So, your highness, exactly how long do we plan on staying here?”
>”Oh, don’t worry. It’s just a formality, we’ll be sailing away by tonight.”
“Short trip. Any special reason for it?”
>Sunhorse looked back at me and winked. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
>It was a mercifully short trip to get into the royal palace, and behind some thick guarded walls.
>Despite the climate, there was still lush gardens all through the compound. Must’ve cost a fortune. Standing right in front of the inner palace doors was a hooded figure.
>“There’s our contact! A lesser prince of the local royalty… I believe you already know him?”
>The pony strode towards us, and I got a clearer look at his face underneath the head covering.
“Wait, are you…”
>”Laurence, younger son of the house of Sadd. Or, you may know my proper title: Lawrence of Arabia.”

“You… you’re kidding, right? I worked with you back at the palace, remember? You expect us to buy that you’re royalty?”
>Laurence sighed, and in my peripheral vision I could see Celly stifling a laugh. “As a matter of fact, yes. I was acting as military adviser to your equestrian royal troops.”
“And you got stuck with the night shift of guard duty?”
>Laurence bristled. “It wasn’t guard duty, it was acting as personal cohort to the Equestrian royal sovereign! An extraordinary honor!”
>Before he could go on, Celestia interjected. “And I appreciate all that you did to help. However, that's not why we’re here right now. I believe there’s a paper to sign?”
>”Yes, yes, the formalities. The our forces are already embarked, and ready to head out.”
>I had a million questions to ask, but realized that now probably wasn’t the time. A paper was unfurled, a pen flicked out, and dozens of solemn faces watched on as the Princess signed whatever it was.
>”There, it’s done. We’ll meet you at the designated position.” Laurence began to walk off, and shouted “good luck!” back towards us.
“So, what just happened?”
>”The hive wasn’t going to wait forever.” Celly ruffled her feathers and continued: “As much as I may dislike it, the changelings have begun massing on the Equestrian border, and the Arabian forces are bound by treaty to aid us. We’re preparing for war.”
>I was caught off guard. An all out war? I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, but still.
“So, what will you be doing? More diplomatic trips?”
>Celestia visibly balked at my question. “I can’t send others to risk life and hoof while I travel and dine! In one week’s time, I’ll be leading whatever forces we have from the front.”
>I couldn’t tell whether to admire Celly’s brave and fair spirit, or to curse the fact that I’d soon be face to mandible with a horde of bugs. Either way, it was going to get violent. I couldn’t tell if the menace would be soon heading to a close, or if it had just begun.

>The ship ride back to Equestria was just as uneventful as the last one. However, there was a lot less laughter and a lot more solemn faces. Guess the reality of war was starting to set in.
>When we reached home port, there was no greeting, and no time for one. From the quiet panic all around, I could only guess that news of the bugs had spread. Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.
>What seemed like the whole town rushed out and furiously began unloading the Saddle Arabian ships. Celestia and Lawrence had a quick chat, and the royal guard began moving out.
>Evidently the Arabian troops would meet us at camp as soon as they had disembarked. I could only hope that it would be fast.
>Everything became a bit of a blur. Celestia and the royal entourage began moving off towards wherever base camp was, and as always, I followed.
>After a few hours march, we reached a mass of hastily set up tents. Our party was greeted by a jubilant throng of ponies. This was camp, I guessed.
>Still, it was worrying that only a handful of the ponies I saw were ‘proper’ royal guards.
>Most of them seemed like hastily mobilized town watch, adventurers, or just very patriotic sorts. Lots of will, but hardly any training. A few still looked like colts and fillies.
>More ponies gathered round, and Celestia gave a speech. Something about bravery and friendship. I didn’t pay much attention, I was more concerned with scanning the horizon for any sign of bugs.
>After a lot of cheering, Celestia began to make her way through the crowd. Eventually, we reached a large tent, the royal quarters, and headed inside along with some advisors.
>Sunhorse talked to them for a while about all sorts of military matters, and one by one, they left.

>Finally, it was just the two of us, sitting in silence. For a few minutes, we simply stewed in our own thoughts.
“So… how about that weather?”
>I inwardly cursed at how stupid that sounded. The weather? Really? Still, what else could I say, ‘Hope you don’t get killed tomorrow’?
>Celly flashed a wry grin.
“Sorry, just don’t like the thought of all those bugs tomorrow. I hate those things.”
>”Really now? You won’t even have to deal with them!”
“Wait, what did you just say?”
>”You’re my bodyguard, not a soldier. You’ll be staying back when battle starts in the morning.”
“I’m… not going with you tomorrow?”
>”I can fly, and you can’t.  It simply wouldn’t work.”
>For the briefest moment, I felt a twinge of relief.  No having to face off some compound eyed horror, no worries of getting reduced to a paste by unforgiving mandibles.
>But then, I felt… something else. I couldn’t just leave Celly and let her run out there. Sure, she could hold her own in a fight, but in the thick of battle she’d become a prime target.
>Sure, it would be dangerous out there, but protecting the princess wasn’t just a job anymore. It was something I wanted to… no, it was something I needed to do.
>Celestia noticed me thinking. “Don’t feel bad. Unless you grow wings overnight, I really don’t see how you could stick with me in the skies.”
“I… I’ve got it. Cavalry.”
>”What?”
“I’ll sit on your back and protect you, I’ll be a knight. Whenever royal ponies went off to war, they would have someone to ride on back and protect them. Use magic to make sure I don’t fall off. That would work, right?”
>I mean, I couldn’t remember any specifics about knights, or much of anything from my past, just that knights were noble protectors and they rode ponies. Or something. The details might be wrong, but the the idea was close enough.
>The princess looked a bit surprised. ”Hmm. That, well… would work.”
“So, I’ll be ready to come along tomorrow.”
>We sat silent for a while. I could tell that Celly was thinking about something; she opened her mouth as if to speak, but then decided not to. Finally, she broke the silence.
>”Anon, I appreciate your offer, but I have to know. Why do you want to come along tomorrow? It would clearly be safer back at camp…”
>I wasn’t even entirely sure myself, it just, well, felt right. It was complicated, but being with Sunhorse just made me feel good. I couldn’t stand to think of her getting ripped apart on some battlefield.
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
>”Oh, so it’s job security, hoping for a raise as royal bodyguard?”
“No, I, um-”
>Celestia gave me a sly smile. “I’m just kidding, you don’t need to get so worried over it.”
“Whatever you say, your majesty. Goodnight!”
>I headed to the door, but before I could leave, Celly blurted out “Anon, please wait…”
“Yes?”
>”I just wanted to thank you for caring. It get lonely being a princess sometimes.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
>“And anon… I was wondering. Earlier you mentioned an old practice from your lands, that was somehow related to, well, snuggles. I have half an hour before needing to meet with the guard, would that be enough for you to show me what these ‘tummy rubs’ are?”
“Sure Celly. Anytime.”

>It was a new dawn. In all of the haste to prepare for battle, Celestia had forgotten to raise the sun until late in the morning. Eleven o’clock, and the sun was had just begun to peek out from behind the curve of the earth.
>There was tension in the air. Guards and conscripts alike glanced apprehensively at the eastern horizon. The hills over there were by now infested with bugs, and in a short time we’d be over there too.
>Everyone, from private to princess, seemed unnaturally quiet today.
>Royal guards and the Arabian troops began forming up. Lines of spears, Arabian scimitars, and masterfully crafted armor glistened in the sun. I could only hope it would be enough.
>It was time. I carefully up onto Celly’s back, lance in hand. She gave me a reassuring look, and the two of us began moving over towards the other fliers.
>Striding over, Celestia was the picture of confidence and poise. It worked wonders for morale, I guess, as the pegasi seemed to grow an inch taller merely from knowing she’d be along.
>From the sound of clanking metal in the distance, I could tell that the guard had begun to move. The Pegasi, and Celestia, shot up, and began flying to the planned battleground.
>Flying was a rush, but, well, it was a long way down. I quietly reminded sunhorse to hold on tight with her magic.
>As I spotted black carapaces in the far distance, I couldn’t help but think: by the end of today, I’d either be bathed in glory or my own blood. Hopefully the former.

>”Contact!”
>I looked down, and could see that off in the distance, battle had begun. Our group started flying over.
>As we got closer, I could start to make out the scene. Thousands of ponies were locked in battle with the changeling horde. Every once in awhile, I could catch a glimpse of forms clashing, the spinning of blades-
>”We’re going in!”, the Princess shouted. It was a bit strange hearing her so stern, but it was life and death here.
>The pegasi and Sunhorse began making an approach at the changeling lines, while I crossed myself and prepared for the approach.
>Pegasi charged downward at the horde in waves, spearing changelings and then flying back off. Celly swooped down and started firing some sort of magic while I thrust my lance at a changeling. With as much speed as we had, the thing got completely skewered.
>Before I had time to shake the bug off, I heard one of the pegasi call out something about ‘fliers’. That’s when the buzzing started.
>Dozens and dozens of the bugs suddenly left the line of battle and flew up at us. Evidently Celly was a high priority target.
>Everything became a frenzied blur, with blows coming from all sides. I tried jabbing at passers by, but there were just too many. At this rate, we wouldn’t make it.
>I remember that Celly’s horn started to glow. There was a loud bang, a flash of light, and some magical force threw everything in a twenty foot radius away from the princess. Unfortunately, that included me.
>I was thrown into the air, and as I crashed back towards the earth, I noticed that I was now far behind enemy lines. For a split second I noticed a very surprised looking sunbutt staring at me; and then I tangled in the mass of falling bugs.
>Dying in battle was one thing, but getting pancaked because Sunhorse momentarily forgot about me? No. It couldn’t end like this.
>I hit the ground, or should I say, I hit a pile of fallen changelings. The broke the fall some, but not enough. Out of my hazy vision, I could just make out a pitch black form striding towards me. >Then I felt a blow on my head, and was out like a light.

>”I’ve been waiting for you.”
>I was too stunned to respond.
>Everything was dark. There was a terrible stanch. The ground felt cold and wet. I was in… a cave?
>No way this was heaven. I was alive, but… that voice.
>It sounded like death. Every breath was loud, heavy, struggling. It sounded like the thing’s lungs had filled with water. Each syllable came out was like a death rattle.
>It was a bit unsettling, to say the least.
>”She’s using you. Deep inside, you know.”
“What happened? There was a battle, I fell and... who are you?”
>The thing ignored me. “The princess sees you as a tool. A useful tool, too be sure, a prized one. But all tools wear with age and then are discarded.”
“Who are you?
>”Simply know: the sun treats you well now, but you are naught but an asset. In time, you will be devoured, and the sun shall cast aside your bones. Such is the way of things.”
>While the thing was speaking, my eyes had gradually adjusted to the low-level light. I wish they hadn't. I was right about being in a cave. I saw changelings standing near the walls, staring at me. But worst of all was the thing.
>It seemed like it was a pony once, but, well, it wasn’t now. In front of me was a grey mass of flesh, twice the size of even the largest ponies I had seen. Sores lay all over it’s body, and puss was flowing out of some. Some twisted thing that must have previously been a leg flopped around as the thing talked.
>Most distressing, there was no head. Off of the neck, there was nothing but a tangled mess of flesh and a hole where the voice came out. I was terrifying to even think about how this abomination came to exist.
>I was going to play it to play it calm and safe. Best not to think about what the thing would do if I displeased it.
“Please give me an answer. Who are you?”
>The mass shuddered, and I could see muscles spasm across it’s body. “I need no name. I am simply the hive queen, not that it concerns you.”
>”You-you’re Chrysalis? I thought-”
>”I once was.”
“What happened?”
>With recent events, your coming, the disturbance, I found an… opportunity. With magic, toil, and blood, I made a pact. I gained strength, cunning, and power over the hive, but there were some… drawbacks. But we have more important matters to discuss.”
>”It is vital that you see that the sun is manipulating you. You-”
“Let me guess, you’re hoping to trick me, send me out the door, and have me kill Celestia. And why would I even believe a single word you say?”
>”Simple. I am going to let you kill me.”

“What?”
>The thing that used to be Chrystal gave a low, dripping laugh. “You remember your discussion with princess of the moon, do you not?”
“How did you-”
>”Irrelevant. You thought her a liar, but her analysis was correct. You do not belong in this world. When you kill, the being does not return to dust. You devour it’s essence, gaining its life and power.
“That’s sick. You’re lying.”
The thing flapped around it’s mangled leg, as if to emphasise a point. Surely you have felt it? The rush of the kill, the thrill of dripping blood? IF you truly forget, I can arrange a reminder…”
>A Changeling stepped forward and handed me a dagger before kneeling down and stretching out its neck.”
>”Go ahead. Or did this stir your memory?”
>I thought back to the first time I killed a changeling. As the light faded from its eyes, I felt a surge of… adrenaline? Or was it something else?”
>As if it could read my mind, the thing laughed. “So, you know the hunger too? These base creatures are ever unsatisfying. Those with magic are far better. So, do you still need the reminder?”
“I… I think I’ll pass”
>The changeling got up, and trotted away as if nothing had happened. I felt uneasy.
“Even if you’re right, that doesn’t explain anything. You’re just going to let me kill you?”
>A new sore popped on the thing’s side, and a yellow pus oozed out. “A battle still rages outside. I still might win it, but I will lose the war. The hive cannot defeat two nations. And if I cannot have power, then I will settle for revenge.”
>I want the princess to the sun to suffer and die. In exchange for my life, my power, you will help me.”
“Are you-”
>”I have might, cunning, eons of life left for you to take. Use this, and kill the sun. She may be ever-living, but not invincible. You are close to her already, and sinking in the knife would not be hard.”
>I was stunned. I couldn’t even respond.
>You would live forever. You would have power beyond that of a mortal being of flesh and blood.”
“But-”
>”Better one day as a lion than one hundred years hundred as a lamb.”
“She’s been nothing but good to me, I can’t-”
>”Simpleton, she merely knows how to bind others to her will.”
“You haven’t met her. It’s not an act, it’s real.”
>The thing sighed, if you could call it that. “No creature lives for a thousand years without cunning. I know this from experience.”
>I barely stifled a laugh. In return, the beast began to chuckle. “I donned a disguise, and found one in need of companionship. I gave him naught but kindness. Over time, he believed us to be the best of friends, willing to give up life for each other.“
>”Tell me, how do you believe the first changeling was formed?” I felt a chill run down my spine. “A week later, I cast his pleading form into the Vat. A time consuming, but quite satisfying method.”
>”Surely, the more powerful ruler would be more adept at manipulation than I?”
“I still don’t believe you.”
>”It matters not. Kill me, and with my wisdom, you shall learn. If you cannot learn, then my hunger shall spur you on.”
“So you’re just going to try and turn me into some sort of puppet?”
>”Whatever it takes to extinguish the sun.”
“You won’t win, fiend.”
>”Ohh, a feisty one! I merely wish that I could live to see when your spirit breaks.”
“Good luck. I don’t care what happens, I won’t give in.”
>”One day, there will be a bloody princess, eyes wide in shock, and laughter will ring in the royal halls. Oh, I see it now! Your hands will be stained with royal blood, and you will laugh.”
>I couldn’t take it. In a mix of anger and fear, I rushed at the beast and sunk my knife into its body.
>The thing began to cackle hysterically as thick green blood poured out of the wound. I yanked the knife back out and then rammed it into the beast’s throat again and again until the laughter stopped.
>Slowly, the thing’s neck drooped toward the ground and it gave out one last rattling gasp. Instantly, the changelings panicked, and began to flee. Still in a haze, I followed their tracks out of the cave.
>As I reached the outside, I looked over in the distance and could see ponies rejoicing. Evidently, the changelings in the battle had panicked and run at the death of their swarm leader too.
>And then it hit me.
>I felt wonderful. Not just happy, but strong, smart, like it was the best day of my life. I felt like I could keep living for a million years. Heck, maybe I could if the hive queen was right about all this.
>And as I headed over to meet the ponies, I realized something else. The was no evil voice in the back of my head. No dark force trying to control my body. No buggy scythes growing out of my back.
>I- I must have won! The hive queen had gambled and lost! I felt fine, surely I’d be fine.
>I had fought hard, and I earned a happy ending. Everything would be fine.
>Right?
>Everything would be fine.
>Yeah.
>Happy endings.
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“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.”
INTERMISSION