Thread 66: Stories 16-30

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>JJ
"Actarius"
~~~~

>...

"...'

>...

"...U-uh... w-what's all this?"

The changeling could not look at him, could not look him in the eye. Instead, he just shrugged a little sadly, and readjusted the stuff on his back.

>It... it's exactly what it looks like...

"O-oh... oh... so... so you're...'

>...We're leaving, Acty.

"We?"

>All of us. We're... we're leaving Canterlot.

"All of... the changelings?"

>Yeah.

"Where... where are you going to go!? Everfree!? You guys can't go down in there! There's monsters, there's... I know things got bad recently, but you guys can't risk-"

>We're... we're not going back into Everfree. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor said it was okay if we went over... with them.

"...the Empire?"

>Yeah, the Empire.

"...O-oh... g... good! That's... that's good! That's great even! They keep saying they are more okay with you guys over there, and you talked about wanting to visit it since forever. You'll... it'll probably go great. I'm glad for you."

He pretended to scratch his cheek.

Jugglejack wasn't fooled.

>Don't be glad, I don't want to...

He took the changeling by the shoulders, rough and stern.

"Now don't you be like that! This is your chance at a real life, at... where you don't get shifty eyes whenever you walk into a store or... you know. This is your chance. You deserve to be happy, buddy. You all deserve it, don't let anyone tell you any different. Okay? So... so you take this chance and you run with it, okay?"

Jugglejack didn't bother to hide it, didn't bother with the bravado, none of that. He just reached up and grabbed hold of one of his hooves, and gripped him tightly.

>B-but what about you?

“Hey now! Don't you worry about me, okay? I... I'll be just fine. No problems here, no sir. I'll be a-okay regardless, so you just go on and you... you go find a place where they actually watch your juggling, instead of thinking it's a trick or something. You deserve it buddy, I'll be fine.”


>No you won't, you don't have a home... because of me.

“Now don't be like that! I would have done it all the same, don't blame yourself. You... you just showed me I used to work with a lot of jerks. If anything, you did me a favor!”

>That's just not true...

“No, it is! I'm... I was a lot happier when I quit than I ever was in the guard.”

Jugglejack sniffled, chitinous hooves rubbing his nose roughly as he looked away.

>...Acty... I could stay-

“Don't you even dare. We both know that, you know... it's bad enough if it's me, but if it's you...I'll come visit you sometime. I have to, right? How else am I going to get to watch you juggle? Shoot, by the time we see each other again, you'll probably be just... the best at it, I won't be able to believe my eyes.”

>...Y-you could come with us.

“JJ...”

>Y-you could! She'd let you! She's not bad, she wouldn't just leave you like this...

He tilted his head down, and the changeling could no longer see the other's eyes.

“...Yeah, I bet she would. She's... she's a lot different than everyone thinks, isn't she? Everyone's got it all wrong with her, and you... and all of them. You'd take me with you...”

He looked up, eyes misty.

“But I can't leave it, JJ. This is my home. Sure, stuff keeps trying to destroy it, but we're still standing, and I love it, and I'll fight for it whenever they need me to. This place isn't perfect, nowhere near close, not even the same ballpark... but it's my home, and I can't leave it. Maybe... maybe when you get to the Empire, it'll be so great and wonderful and magical you'll understand. You'll want to fight for it... just like I do. I hope so... I really do.”

He shot forwards, wrapping those black forelegs around the other's shoulders.

“Aww, come on buddy, it's just me.”

>Y-yeah... it's you... you were my first friend, my first real friend...

“...Thanks for being my first real friend too.”

It was a long, long time before they separated, and a wash of strange magic that floated through the world told Jugglejack... time was up.

>...I'm not going to forget you.

“W-well I should hope so! Otherwise you won't recognize me... when I come visit.”

>Yeah... when you come visit. Goodbye, Actarius.

“Nah, it's just... see you later, Jugglejack.”

It was slow, painfully so, but eventually the changeling turned around, turned his back on the still waving stallion, and hurried off. He had to hurry, he had to move quickly, or else... he might look back.

Might look back and watch as the earth pony's smile bled away into a frown that grew deeper and deeper with every step upon pavement, until finally... his friend was gone.

“...S-see you later, jugglebuddy...”

His foreleg grew tired, and slowly... his hoof lowered to the ground, and he remained there... numb.

“...I wonder if my park bench is still open...”

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>Pommel
"???"
'???'
~~~~

>Holy crap, this is a lot of applicants... am I missing something? When the hell did our recruitment explode here?... I feel like I am missing something-

SLAM!

"TESSERARIUS, REPORTING FOR DUTY SIR!!"

Pommel just blinked, staring gawk-eyed at the older pegasus mare in rather worn looking armor in his doorway.

>...Uh... aren't you-

"Yes! Formerly retired, sir! But with the shortage I intend to come back into active duty!"

>...Tesserarius, you said?

"YES SIR!"

Never once taking his eyes off the stock still mare, he reached down to the old filing, and after a few failed starts and a lot of luck, he eventually stumbled upon her folder.

>...Says here you were discharged for exceeding the maximum number of tour of services... twice... and then got an extension on a third one before the princess herself told you stop.

"She was worried about my health, Sir! But as I have clearly shown the fact I am 'older than most commanders' does not hamper my fighting prowess! I engaged during the invasion personally!"

>...Yes, says you did do that. Also, it says not to let you back in.

"Must be a misprint, Sir!"

>Only if it was misprinted on every single solitary piece of paper in folder.

"Clearly a printing error!"

>It's hoof-written.

"Clearly a magic malfunction!"

>...I'm starting to think-

Once more, his door was opened. On the other side was a positively massive white unicorn, so tall the average guard would only reach his chin, so burly his legs looked like tree trunks, so thick he looked like he could bench press the entire desk itself, Pommel included. Even his many grey hairs did nothing to make him look weak.

'Honey buncheesss!'

His whiny, nasally voice, slouched shoulders and the way he positively fretted with his hooves did that.


"NOT NOW MILES!"

'Sugar bottom, you know what the doctor saaaid.'

"That doctor was a hack!"

'Smoopy kins, you know you need to stop pushing yourseeelf! We're retired!'

"GUARDS DO NOT RETIRE! WE JUST LIE IN WAIT!"

'Oh floopsykins, I know you love your little saying so and I think it's just buttercup milk delightful! But you know better than that. It's just not your time anymore.'

"GO WAIT IN THE CART, MILES!"

'I'm not waiting in the cart, it hurts my back. You know when my back hurts my nose gets all stuffed up and then I have to sleep on my side, so my ribs start hurting and I have to take my pills. I hate those things!'

"MILES GREGARIUS YOU STOP RIGHT THIS SECOND OR ELSE!"

'Come on Smoozy Woozy, we know what the paper says. Come on! We can still catch the show.'

"DON'T YOU DARE!"

Paying her no mind, he tenderly reached down, took her tail in his teeth, and turned around.

"NOOOO! I CAN STILL BE A GUARD! I CAN STILL BE A GUAAAAARRRD!"

'You'll alwash be mah' speshul gaurd wooby kinsh!'

"IT'S NOT THE SAME!"

Pommel watched as he dragged her out by her tail, her hooves leaving deep rents in the floorboards as she tried to stop him to know avail. Even when she gripped the door frame with everything she had, he just pulled the wood loose like it was made of tissue paper and continued on.

Slowly, Pommel looked down to the folder, back up, back down and then up, then finally down.

>...Huh... so those are Last Act's parents... the stories were true... huh... now I'm curious, did she force him to go through that? Is that why he-... why does Actarius's folder say Dishonorably Resigned?... Oh... fuck.

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>Chrysalis
"42"
~~~

>Are they prepared?

"Yes, my Queen."

It hadn't taken long for them to gather their stuff. Not long at all. They had so little to each of their 'names' that whatever they owned fit comfortably on their backs. It would have been depressing if she wasn't happy it was so efficient.

>Good. Perhaps it is time to move out, then.

"Of course..."

>...Is there an issue, Forty Two?

"May I speak freely?"

>...Are you serious?

"We are in public."

>Like I give a fuck with you. Its you. You get to talk.

"...A-hem, yes, well... I merely think that this gives the impression we are turning tail and running after... the incident."

Chrysalis watched as muscles tensed, looking ready to live up to her name and punch like a punchbug had never punched before.

"It gives off an impression of weakness."

>I don't care anymore, not for them.

That, more than anything, shocked the shoulder right to her very core.

>With freedom in our grasp, the worry that some of these ponies that we could easily crush think less of us is the least of my thoughts. Who cares? We shall become more powerful than they can ever imagine soon enough.

"...You're doing it again."

>Good.

"Please do not creep out Cadence, she just agreed to this."

>HAH! I'll just make her some waffles or something, she'll stop.

"She hates waffles."

>...what the fuck is wrong with her?

"I do not know, majesty. I honestly do not know, and it baffles me everyday."

>Well... whatever. Let them think we're running away, let them believe that... maybe we are. But we are running away from a confined space, an endless distrust, and near misses that threaten to plunge us all into war once more.

"...I suppose so. On a risk to reward factor, this is quite in our favor, and is the smart choice to do, pride aside. In truth, I am quite happy Cadence has at last allowed us in. This is a great day for us, a sign we truly made a relation someone who will take us in, not just lock us up. Unlike..."


>Oh? You sound like you have words regarding our former host.

"They shall come later. For now, my species safe transport is all that matters."

>Indeed... be weary, I do not know if any will try to get one last shot in.

"If they try... I will take it as an act of war."

>Don't.

A single word, spoken with enough power to even make Forty Two flinch.

"...I will take it as a reason to engage in vigorous, personal self defense."

>Much better. The entirety of the guard as they are do not stand a chance against you, and you alone. Be sure to show them that if it should come to it.

"Now I'm just hoping they give me the chance to show it."

>Let's hope not... them underestimating us is one of our greatest boons should a fight begin.

"...Indeed. Are you ready, Highness? The trains should be here by now."

>As I'll ever be, I suppose...

With a loud, booming voice, she called out to all those in waiting.

>SUBJECTS!... WE MARCH!

They were surprisingly... giddy. Giddy was the only word she could use. Giddy as to the prospect of what was to come, and change. Well, most of them. Some, obviously, had some doubts, some uncertainty, but for the most part... they were ready.

This, if nothing else, told her it was the right thing to do.

>FORWARDS!

As one, they marched in perfect lock-step, old training from their battles like a second nature to them and taking over. Slowly, in single file, they all left the ballroom one by one, Chrysalis remaining behind to ensure all left it, and Forty Two taking the front.

As the last one filed through, she froze. Slowly, she took one last, long look around.

Around to the walls that still held some scorch marks and scratches, around to the floor with scuffmarks from hooves as far as she could see. Some stains of green from blood. Some breaks in the wood where they had been hit too hard. A smell that remained long after they all had gone. A crack in the window and a draft from the 'windy corner' that remained even now. All illuminated through dirty, stained windows that had once lead to the garden. This is the place her hive had lived, laughed, and some found love.

She felt a strange feeling in her gut as she walked over a scuffed spot. This is where her couch used to be, pointed to that wall where she would watch her movies with that old projector. That's where the statue had been once, before it had somehow been set on fire. This is where she used to read her dictionary so she finally understood pony words, and that they weren't just making them up. This is where Forty Two had used to keep her desk when she tried to do the paperwork for all of them. This is where Jugglejack used to practice, where that one ling used to write his stories, where those two played facepunch, where that one used to do his plays, where Twenty Nine would study his silly books and paintings, where they had broken out into a party just because they could, where Ten had started writing her very first newspaper, where Eighteen had mocked her... and this is where she had stood when Celestia had appeared to her, dressed in a trenchcoat that hid absolutely nothing and asking her to go make Shining Armor's life hell. If Celestia hadn't been the one to order it, she would have been... how was it called? 'Magic love bombed'? Clear out of the Empire. This place... this place had a lot of memories, she realized.

>...I wonder if she still plans to blow it up?

But memories were just that, memories.

With one last easy swing of the doors, she stepped out...

>...Fuck this place.

And slammed them shut.

>CRYSTAL EMPIRE, HERE WE COME!

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>"Celestia?"

"Applejack, unless you brought more of that- Oh, good, you did."

>"Ah made it hun'erd n' fifty proof for ya."

"Oh lord it must be really bad this time."

>"Well, Ah just wanted to ask why we haven't expanded in centuries."

"...I beg your pardon?"

>"Well, aside from our useless as spit millitary, ah mean."

"What do you mean 'expansion'? Do you mean actually increasing the size of our kingdom? Don't you think we have enough problems for you to fix already?"

>"Well, shoot, Tia. Yer pretty much worshiped 'round Equestria. Heck, I think if ya'll even muttered about annexin' anywhere in yer sleep you'd wake up with a stack o' paperwork and a big shiny key."

"You... Raise a good point, Applejack."

>"So why haven't ya-"

"Do you really want to start solving the problems of EVERY region in Equestria?"

>"Heck no."

"Then shut up and get me more of this apple moonshine."

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OoCO (Out-of-Chronological-Order)

>SA
"Sombra"

"Shining, I need your help."

>Hm? Oh yeah, sure. I mean I'm a little busy, I have a lot on my plate at the moment, but I'll try.

"It's nothing big, but I need to talk to your sister and her friends."

>... That's out off left field. Is this about...

"Yes, I need their help to finish the next step."

>Ok, thats nothing too big, I'll write a few letters next time I'm in the office, maybe I can schedule something soon, maybe in a few days.

"That's perfectly fine, thank you Shining."

>No problem Sombra, I promised I'd help any way I can, remember? Anyway I need to go, I'll tell when I get a response. I'll see ya at dinner.

"Have a productive day my friend..."

As the sound of his retreating hoofsteps echoed off the walls of the empty hall, the dark wisp flickered out of existence for a single moment before returning, a pained expression on his face.

"I need to speak with Maud... I don't think I can afford to wait until after I'm done with the girls."

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>Chrysalis
"32"

This was going to suck.

This was going to absolutely suck.

If it sucked so much why was he still walk-

"Queen Chrysalis."

>Oh...of course YOU were going to show up.

Her annoyed look honestly should have cowed him, considering the charade that he was obligated to keep around his neck. And yet...

"Are you certain of this-"

>Yes.

"Is this really the most pru-"

>Yes.

"Are you going to let me ta-"

>Yes.

"..."

>...no please continue.

"I would ask to stay-"

>Done, if I'm letting some of the ones I actually like stay, I'm damn sure okay with leaving you here in asshole town.

"Hurtful."

>In case you haven't noticed from the various 'Fucks' I am throwing around, I'm not exactly in a feelings sparing mood.

"But still, I wish to remain in Canterlot...in a diplomatic capacity."

>...what?

"I would like to ply my skills with diplomacy to see if I can perhaps improve our relations with Canterlot. Be a sort of ambassador, if you will."

>32, what part of 'Fuck this place' did you not understand? We are burning the bridges, you can still come back and run around with your little fuckbuddy, but as far as I'm concerned this city is dead to me.

"Your highness, one of the reasons you allowed me to live, let alone run free, was because you know that aside from my...darker times in that cell, I've always held the advancement and well-being of this hive above all else. I tell you now that if relations with Canterlot just fester like this, there may be consequences in the long run. The Crystal Empire is a far better place to live, I would admit that, but it is a singular city in the midst of a wasteland it would take inordinate time and power to expand into. Here it is harsh, and the ponies do not trust or like us, but that does not make the endeavor impossible, and when such a thing happens, when changeling grubs and pony foals can play alongside each other in the streets, when relationships like that of...ahem, The Gre-"

>Dadling.

"...Dadling, when relationships like his are commonplace, when such things are the norm I assure you we will look back on the world we have forged through all the adversity and we'll know that it was worth it!"

>...it's been a fucking YEAR, we've helped save this place like FIVE FUCKING TIMES! ...you just want me to pay your ass, don't you?

"What? Oh no, I assure you I'll be completely self-sufficient."

She arched an eyebrow.

>And what about your loyalties, you tend to sympathize with ponies a good margin. How can I be sure you won't end up setting some of the ones still here up for a big fall?

"I will gladly acquiesce-erm, agree, to regular and random inspections to ensure I'm my loyalties do not waiver."

>...and what of the inevitable angry mob?

"Infiltrator, I'll lose them, shift into a kindly school marm and tell them I saw the evil changeling running off to go burn down the orphanage or something, then make a bee-line for the train station."

>Hmph, fine, you can be 'ambassador' by virtue of no one else being stupid enough to take this job. Don't come crying to me when this fails. Or do, in fact, be sure to turn up the water works, I'd love to see that.

"If I fail here, your majesty, I pledge to kiss you full on your chitinous backside."

>Don't think I won't hold you to that.

"...thank you, your majesty, you do me a great service by allowing me to do this."

>Just try not to fucking die, okay? I've had enough of my decisions amounting to fuck all...hey wait, where are you going to live anyway?

"Oh I'll figure something out..."

He began to walk away.

"I'll figure something out..."

He turned the corner, and was gone...before poking his head back around.

"I'm going to get like an apartment or something, is what I mean not...wow, that sounded ominous as all hell..."

>WELCOME TO MY WORLD!

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Non-Canon
>Pinkie
"Cadence"
'DT'
~~~~
>Welcome to Not Late Night /pa/ with your host Pinkie Pie! It's during this time that content does matter, but nopony is suppose to remember what happens here, so it actually doesn't matter in this story. Join us on...THE PERSPECTIVE!!!
Crowd cheers.

"I'm the pretty one. <3"

'I'm the grumpy one.'

>And I'm the crazy one! So what's the news today?

"I convinced Chrysalis and Shining to move to the Empire."

>Wow, you let somepony who hits on your husband to move her entire household to your place. That's really big of you Cadence. You have a really big heart!

"Uh yes...yes indeed."

>How about you, DT?

"I gave away a bunch of robots for free when I wouldn't personally benefit from it. It feels...nice?"

>Meanwhile I don't think anypony told Applejack yet about the changelings leaving, so her reaction is going to be super duper interesting! Unless it's a dull eh. In that case, that's boring. Welp, I guess that's all the important news. Thanks for joining us on...THE PERSPECTIVE!

SPONSORED BY CARROT TOP'S BABY CARROTS. GOOD FOR YOUR EYES.

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>Siegfried
"Guard"
~~~~

>...Is this... what I think it is?

They watched as they marched past them. Single file, all in a line, all of their things on their backs.

"Indeed, higheness... it seems the changelings are leaving Equestria.

>Oh? Where do you suppose they're going, back to Everfree from whence they came?

"Ah, no sire... it seems they are headed towards the train station. Considering the relationship the Queen has with the prince of-

>Right, how silly of me... you know, when I heard about that near brawl, I expected something, some kind of retaliation or change... but not quite this.

"It's quite shocking, highness, that the Changeling Queen would turn tail and run after one defeat. "

>Indeed... seems pretty unlikely, isn't it?

"Sire?"

>You know, it's been no secret the Empire was more okay with them, despite the... a-hem, transgressions that the Queen did against their rulers, to the point they even adopted one, right?

"They did."

>So why, oh why, are they only moving now?

"There was talk of concern of space..."

>...Interesting.

"Sire?"

>...Whelp! None of our concern, right? So what if Canterlot loses out on those... individuals, and they begin working for the Empire. No skin off our wings, right?

"Sire... concerning how strong that one was-"

>Now hush, there's no reason to think they're planning anything just because they're running out of space and gaining some... powerful allies. I mean, come now, I'm sure the former captain of the Wonderbolts isn't that impressive.

"...Sire?"

>Hm? Oh, how crazy. I just remembered, I need to tell Papa something. Do you have a pen?

"Always, Majesty-"

>Good bird! good bird... just need to write a quick... note.

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 >Coltsly
"Technician"
'Robot'

>Hello, Sparky.

"Hey there, Ms. Coltsly, don't mind me, just gettin' another of the bots we lost durin' that scuffle the other night back up and running. Warranties, am I right?"

>And just what is the progress on that?

"Welp, Tulip and Buttercup are back online, I'm working on poor Lilac here, and I should have the rest properly running before the week is out."

>Fantastic news, Sparky, I knew you were the stallion for the job.

"Aw don't flatter me, Ms. Coltsly, ya know I'm the only guy who didn't call in."

>Still that's dedication, and I'm happy you didn't let civic pride get the best of you.

"Heh, our bots really showed that Queen what was what, didn't they?"

>Well them, the Wonderbolts, the Guard, and two alicorns, but I suppose it's worth puffing out your chest a little bit. Honestly we've been able to clear our inventory in little time at all, and the fellows who don't buy droids instead buy infusions.

"Thanks for that Brain Gain ya let me have, by the way, really made this go smoother."

>Oh think nothing of it, now-

'MASSIVE APPROACHING MOVEMENTS DETECTED.'

"Gah! Ya dang bot, not so loud! Did...did I up and screw up yer threat detection, Lilac? Ya said somethin' that don't make no..."

Sparky trailed off as the sound of marching hooves became more clear. As one, he and Coltsly moved to the store's front room...

>"..."

>...Sparky?

"Mhm?"

>Return to what you were doing...I think I need to break out a discount sign.

"...why?"

>Just call it intuition.

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>Vekir
"Watchdog"

>Hurrah, robot dog, it has been a long journey, yes? But look forth, Canterlot Castle at last!

"That...took...waaaaaay longer than it should have."

>Now it is all for us to enter the castle, find the Twience Princess-

"What does that MEAN!?"

>-and then you shall repay your end of our deal-trade!

"Right...so uhm...are we going to wait for all the bug dudes to go by first or..."

>Oh! It is the kin of Zhetri Tuuhl! ...a lot of them...marching all in the same direction...hello! Goodbye! Hello! Goodbye! Hello! Eek, I am not going fast enough! Hellogoodbyehellogoodbyehellogoodbyehell-

"This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder."

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~~~~

All of Canterlot watched them.

All of them, every one. Those that had hidden away came out to see. Those that normally would not even look upon a changeling burst their doors open and looked down to them with a hunger, a need to see them go.

The changelings huddled close, behind the one with watchful eyes that carefully sought out any in the crowd who would take one last stab at them, would take one last chance to bring them low... but none did. Perhaps it was just out of a need to ensure they were in fact shuffled off as quickly as possible, sent away from their sight as soon as they could bring the trains to carry them away. These were not a species being sent off, but an infestation being forced out at long last.

In fact, the guards held nothing but pride in their eyes. They had at last washed away the stink of their defeat so long ago. They had at last become something that could drive off the destructive forces once more. They were winners, every one. Well, almost every one. The few who had been confronted by Chrysalis and hidden away did not get to share in their fellows win. If anything, it made them feel worse.

But the changelings did not slow, or pause, or wait. As much as those around them wanted out, they too wished to be away from these ponies, wished just as much they could simply return back to the safe confinement of the ballroom, just anywhere at all to be away from this. But the Queen at their head would not let them. Just a little more now... just a little more.

The sight of the train station was a beautiful thing, to them. A sight that brought so much relief, and freedom... at least, until they looked upon the massive crowd surrounding it, just waiting for them to leave. Half of Canterlot in its entirety seemed gathered there, just watching, waiting.

But thankfully... they weren't the only ones.

Train after train was lined up and waiting, at least three ones oversized for extra weight. Gorgeous, sparkling and rather advanced and impressive looking trains at that. The Empire seemed rather adaptive at locomotive transportation, in hindsight.

There were no guards from the Empire, strangely. Not a single one at the ready. The only ones waiting at the doors were, of course, the ever smiling Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, and they had even brought little Two with them. Thinking on it, Chrysalis wondered if this was to give the impression that they were not being led off by armed guards, not to give the look of one shuffled off from one prison to another, but simply... invited. Invited along by the joyous royal family and the happily waving little short thing on the Prince's head who was eagerly awaiting them all to come on so she could show them all the cool stuff the trains have.

It didn't matter. Her image had already been soiled, and if she wasn't so fearful of what it might bring she would have quite happily shown the residents of Canterlot just what she was capable of. But the time for retaliation would come, eventually. No, for now she was merely concerned with getting her subjects out of danger, out away from those who hate them. Everything else could come later... but not too much later.

“Hiii! You guys ready ta' go!? C'MON!”

Playfully, Shining Armor poked the little thing atop him on her nose, pushing her back before she slid clear off his scalp.

“They're coming, Two, don't rush them.”

“Chrysalis! Thank you for deciding to come with us, I'm sure things will work out much smoother with a bit of space, I'm sure.”

Was that Cadence speaking, or preprepared notes? She didn't know. She knew that Cadence had to make this all look less like a defeat and more like a simple change of scenery for diplomatic reasons, but she knew nobody was really fooled. They all knew the truth.

“Thank you for having us, of course.”

She had to play the part, as was required. She had to be the one to be gracious... though deep down, it wasn't all that hard. She was, as much as she was loath to admit it, quite thankful.

“I hope this change isn't permanent, we would hate to give the impression we would not have you back.”

Ah, Celestia, trotting up at their tail with a sad smile plastered on her face. Ever ready after so long of playing this game. She probably knew something like this by heart, regardless of how little it was used.

“...We shall see, Celestia. Things change quite rapidly around us, who knows what the future brings? Thank you for having us as long as you did.”

There was no bow, not like when they had acted during Thirty Two's release. No, they only gave each other a nod, knowing full well that regardless of the change they were not splitting up, in any sense. Celestia was saddened, of course, but Chrysalis had no doubt she would get over it, in time.

“Speaking of having, are we still on for the race?”

“The chariot one or the ski one?”

“Yes.”

“Well obviously.”

“Can I come too?”

“Ah, no. You are not coming on the trip with the flaming chariots and or skiing.”

“Oh you three! You're setting such a bad example for her!”

“I disagree, I like to think my example of how to race down a skislope is exemplary.”

The banter was a little... forced, they all silently admitted. Just a little to show the crowd they were all three still on good terms, that no war was brewing between Canterlot, the changelings or the Empire. None of that. Just three friends.

Regardless of how sincere the base statement was, nobody bought it.

“Well! I wish you all a safe trip, truly I do. I'm sorry your leaving coincided with such a regrettable mistake on our part.”

“...Nothing you had anything to do with, I'm aware. Simply a mistake due to miscommunication, nothing else.”

Celestia, of course, tried to shoulder as much of the blame as she could, just to take what little heat she could of off the changelings.

Again, nobody bought it.

“...Well, come on! All aboard, changelings, we're off to a new adventure!”

There, at last, was some genuine excitement, some genuine life in her speech. She was happy again, excited again, ready and waiting to get going and be gone.

Celestia, for all her sadness that things had turned out this way, could not help but be happy she was smiling again. She had worried, honestly worried, when she had heard of what had happened. But now, at last, she felt relief. It was a melancholy relief... but it was a relief.

“All aboard everybody! We're goin' ta' the Empire! YAY!”

Where Two had gotten her conductors hat, none could even hope to guess, but it didn't matter to the changelings who all too eagerly rushed away from the crowd throwing visual shade at them from every angle, hurrying in despite the calls to be civil from Forty Two.

And she watched them, every one. She watched and made sure every single one made their way onto the train, lead by the ecstatic Two, the cheerful and open Cadence, and the stern but helpful Shining Armor. All of them were already loaded up, and waiting for her.

She would not move until they were all on first.

She would not move... no matter how ready she was to finally go.

At long last, she could finally go...

Home.

~~~~~

“Aren't you going to at least watch or something?”

The dragon had been trying to usher her out for at least an hour now, but the mare had stubbornly refused to even look up from her paperwork.

“Ah'm not watchin' her throw a gad dang temper tantrum. Giant ass mare thinkin' Ah'm gonna babysit...”

“Look, I know how she normally is, but this seems different. Think it's a little more serious than that.”

“Please, it always looks that way. Never changes, though. She rants, raves and threatens, but it never changes. It's always the applebuckin' same. She's gonna rant, go off ta' Celly or Shiny and they'll tell her it ain't so bad and she'll be right back to cacklin' and declarin' she's the boss all over again. It ain't never gonna change so long as she's bein' all stubborn.”

“Applejack, I think she's serious this time.”

“No she ain't, she's just marchin' her folks ta' make a show so Ah'll apologize fer' hittin' her like a little foal would. We both know she ain't gonna bring 'em ta' Everfree and Shiny's done turned her down so many times it ain't even funny. Literally, it ain't. Nothin's funny abou this. She'll turn around pretty soon, go back ta' her ballroom and then we jus' wait for another time she gets all huffy cause someone don't let her have her way. Like clockwork, Ah' swear.”

“Are you sure?”

“Iffin' Ah'm wrong, ya'll can have my cider-cake fer' a week.”

“Well then, Spike, do you like your cider-cake alcoholic or non? Your choice. I think Applejack could use the diet anyway.”

Applejack's head snapped up so fast her hat nearly flung from her head. The voice calling from the doorway had been rough, ragged and strained, the exact opposite of what she had come to expect from Twilight.

“Twi?”

Applejack looked up to her, curious, worried at her obviously strained, slumped state. Slowly, it came to her, and took her breath away.

“...Twilight, what...”

“...The trains are about to leave the station, by the way.”

She didn't bother asking what she meant.

She just shoved away from her desk, slid free, and cleared the wood in one long, powerful jump. She was running so fast Twilight barely had time to sidestep her before she tore off, legs nearly tangled together as she raced down though the castle halls, the barren, completely empty castle halls.

The world became a blur as she broke through the doors leading outside, never stopping until she reached it, the station where this was supposedly happening, the place she needed to be, now, not later... now.

The crowd before her was thin, clearly still in the middle of dispersing and excitedly chatting to each other as they gave her safe passage through their cluster. Even as they continued to walk away and she got a good look at the station beyond, she could not see them. She could not see the trains, or the changelings, or anything.

Her heart leapt for a brief moment, the idea that this had all been a mistake or a test to see her run by Celestia already filling her head with the chance and the thought... until she spotted it.

There, just about to turn a bend, was a crystal train.

She ran along the edge of the deck along the tracks, ran with everything she had and narrowed her eyes sharp and thin. Barely, just barely in the back window, she could make out a black chitinous face... and flowing green hair.

She stumbled, scraping her chin as she hit the ground, stopping at last as the train went around the bend, shrinking into the distance and was gone.

“W-wha.. wha...”

She didn't know who she was asking, slowly rising up before falling hard on her hind flanks, cheeks puffing out with every question stopped short as her head swiveled this way and that.

“W-wha... Ah' didn't...”

She didn't. That summed it up, she didn't. Didn't know, didn't understand, didn't believe. She didn't.

“Wha...”

She got up, legs still wobbly and numb from the abuse, and turned around, booking it with just as much speed as she had given before as she raced back into the castle, raced through the halls once more, raced and raced and raced until she found those massive doors that stood in her way and tossed them aside like they were made of cardboard.

“...It's...”

...Empty.

She didn't have to say it.

Empty.

Not a single soul remained in all the ballroom. Not a single one, not a single trace save the damage. Empty.

It was all empty.

“W-w-wha...Ah'.. Ah'...”

She just sat there, shoulders slumped far as she drank it all in. Every inch, every piece... every sign they were gone.

“Applejack?”

Celestia's gentle voice broke her out of it. Broke her out of that stupefied gaze that would have held her for hours if not severed. She was free, free to slowly turn her head until she looked upon the frowning, sad eyes of the alabaster princess.

“...W-why didn't ya' tell me?”

Her voice was hollow, strangely empty sounding. Barren, even...

“Applejack, they marched through the castle, I shouldn't have had to tell you.”

“Ah' didn't know they were actually gonna do it! Why didn't ya' tell me they were serious!?”

“Applejack... I shouldn't have had to tell you that either, and we both know that.”

She flinched, looking away as if awaiting a blow to come.

“A-Ah' didn't want them ta' go. Jus'...”

“Did you want them to stay?”

“Yes!... Well, Ah' mean, Ah' wanted them ta' eventually find their own home, but-”

“But not here?”

“Well not HERE, but-”

“Then congratulations, you succeeded. They eventually found there own home and it's not here. Unorthodox way of going about it, but effective if that's what you wanted.”

She looked back up, eyes practically burning even as they misted over.

“Ya' know what Ah' meant! Not here, in the ballroom, but out there! In canterlot with a job, and a life and not...”

“...Not under Chrysalis?”

She didn't say it. Didn't need to, really. Both of them knew that.

“Ah' wish ya' hadn't let me handle them. Ah' wish ya' hadn't just gone 'nope' and run off like ya' did.”

“...We all make mistakes sometimes, Applejack. We all fail, sometimes. Sometimes it is needed to help us grow... and sometimes not.”

She sniffled, just a bit, pulling her hat down over her eyes.


“D-dang it, Celestia, Ah' didn't want ta' make 'em go. Ah' jus' wanted her to stop... It ain't right.”

A gentled, caressing hoof trailed along Applejack's side. Easy, motherly.

“... Perhaps not. Perhaps it isn't right, and it isn't fair. But if she thinks this will bring them a better life, who are we to say no? Have faith in the heart of those who will take them in, and believe that in time we too shall give those that seek it a home in Canterlot. Perhaps the blunt force effort simply did not work, and it will just take a smoother, slower passage before they too can see them not as invaders, but as beings who belong in this world, as all things do.”

She sniffled again, rubbing her snout quite roughly with the side of her hoof.

“...Ah' guess... maybe them folks down at the Empire will treat 'em better. Ah' guess Ah' did all Ah' could, right?”

That caressing hoof stopped. Frozen in its tracks like she had looked upon a cockatrice and been turned to stone. Gently, it pulled away, and Celestia began to make her way to the door.

“...C-Celestia?”

She paused, her back still to the shorter alicorn.

“...Be honest, Ah' did what Ah' could, right?”

“...Applejack, do you truly want my honesty, or do you want my kindness?”

It hurt that she even had to ask, and she knew full well what it meant.

“...Honesty.”

“Ever your Element to the core, I see. Well, nonetheless, it is not in my nature to lack any kindness, so I will simply say... I believe you were capable of much, much, much more, and perhaps it would have been different if you had brought out your full potential.”

Even with the gentleness to the words, it still stung. Everything about it still stung. It hit her, looking at Celestia's back that... she had failed.

Celestia had tested her with the changelings, and she had failed. Nothing more than that. F on the test, see me after class. No second chances... or rather, no fourth or fifth or sixth chances. Times up, pencils down.... you didn't succeed. She had failed, and it hit her hard as it sank in. Failure... to an entire race.

“Come, Equestria still has much work to be done, and let me tell you from experience that moping about after a personal failing never helps anyone and only leads to more hardships in the meanwhile. Be strong, understand where you didn't succeed and strive to better yourself so that it may never happen again. Strive ahead and take to heart your failings while you work to make this land better than it was before. Keep going, keep moving forwards, no matter how heavy the world may seem. Strive to succeed, Applejack. Strive to succeed... and do not lie there when you fall. Rise, and strive again.”

She waited there, standing stock in place. Waited for the mare who sat on her laurels behind her. Waited for the words to sink in and for the fire to return. She waited for the light.

“...Ya'll ain't gotta be so melodramatic, Yer' hangin' around with Chrysalis too much.”

She couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief as Applejack stood once more, the orange mare wiping whatever fleck of tears there had been from her eyes. Slowly, the alicorn joined her, looking up with a sad, listless smile.

“But yer' right, ain't no point in cryin' cause the chicken's run off... and Ah' don't mean that like it sounds. Jus' a country sayin'.”

“I understand.”

“Yeah... maybe Ah' didn't do so good, maybe Ah' could'a done better... so we jus' gotta hope Shiny and Cadence are better at this than Ah' was. Who knows? Maybe this was how it needed ta' be all along, and we were jus' bein' stubborn about it.”

“Optimistic, yet somehow still pessimistic. I'm impressed.”

“...C'mon. Still got lots to fix round these parts all the same. No point in leavin' the barn broke cause the fence's got a crack. And ya' jus' know bug butt's gonna show up again pretty dang soon, so Ah' best get ready fer' her ta' yell at me and say how much fun she's having. Lord knows she's gonna be insufferable now that she's got her way and everyone's safe.”

“Again, your mastery of sounding hopeful while also looking like you're off to the gallows is the things of legends, I wish you to know.

“Ahhhhh... let's jus' hope it gets better, you and me, eh?”

“No.”

“...No?”

“No... let's go and make it better.”

She smiled. They both did. A shared, optimistic, yet just a touch melancholy, smile.

“...Now that sounds like a plan...”

They both took one last look into the ballroom. One last look back at where they had been and how far they had come...

Before they shut the doors quietly, and headed on their way.

They had come far... but there was still so much left to go.

“Maybe this is where things finally start to right for once... for everyone...”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>Luna
'Celestia'
"???"
-???-
---
>Hark, they are truly leaving us?

'Indeed, sister.'

>Oh... 'tis a shame for the most part. We had liked quite a score of their kin...

'Myself as well, but they're not going to be too far away, now.'

>We suppose... still... we are most verily going to miss 56...h-he was always so fun to be with

"HIYA MOONS!"

>Bwuh?! Little one? Why are thou not with thy Queen?

"I'M STAYIN' HERE!"

>...T-truly?

"YEAH!"

'No need for the shouting, we're right here, 56.'

"Yeah, ya are, huh... PLOTSNUGGLE!"

>AGH~ Hmm, well, this pleases us. We are happy thou are not absconding to another place of residence

'He's buried in there real good...'

"*Unintelligible muffle*"

>Indeed. We would not have it any other way, 'Tia.

'I'd like a plot massage, but I'm afraid it would end up with his face being melted again.'

>Thou shall have to find thine own little changeling, sister dearest

'Oh, guard, greetings to you. A message? Thankyou.'

-OIOI! I MAY BE LEAVING HIM HERE, BUT ANY FUNNY BUSINESS LUNA, AND I'LL SQUASH YOU UNDER MY HOOF!!-

>...Verily, did she possess the guard with a message?

'It would seem so... poor fellow collapsed... oh.'

"MWAH!"

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

~~~~~~

The train ride was surprisingly short.

Short because Chrysalis had heard when you were anxious, time was supposed to go slower, it was supposed to drag on. But as she sat in the 'royal' car with Shining and Cadence, it seemed to simply fly by. Seemed to pass by as if she had simply left behind the very concept of the passage of time behind her when she had watched the city go.

She would never admit it to anyone, not even to those she spoke openly to, but she had felt regret when she had left. She had wished, just a small part of her, to turn around and really make her stake in that city... but that small part of her was easily suppressed. She now no longer needed to fear that one day Applejack would fulfill her declaration to 'toss them all back into Everfree' as she had so many times before. No longer did she need to restrain herself at the mare's behest out of the fear of once again living in a wild, untamed world that made her struggle, sleuth and kill to survive. Applejack, at last, held no more power over her, and it was simply liberating in a way she had not felt since her arrival. She felt like the weight that damned mare had shoved down on her was gone at last. She felt... free.

Free at last.

All too soon she felt the scrape brakes, the squeal of metal against metal as the train slowed to a crawl. The snow gave way to magically shielded green grass, and the force holding her down slowly left her.

And yet, she couldn't help but feel... cold.

Not through the chill of the snow they had left. More an uneasy chill that had no substance or rhyme, that came from nowhere yet had an unmistakeable source. She felt a chill unlike any other when she left that car and was greeted with faces. All gathered around an erected podium in front of the train station. So many faces.

Many... many... many faces.

Sparkling, shining... uneasy faces.

Not smiling, not warm... uneasy.

Slowly, as her many subjects began to file out behind her, she began to let a fear creep into her. A single talon taking hold on her heartstrings as her subjects tensed, looking ready for anything... anything she did not want to happen. As soon as they were all spilled out, she was left there, blankly looking out into the crowd, unsure what to do... or if she had made a terrible mistake.

“Well, go on!”

She felt herself being ushered to that very podium beside Shining and Cadence, both of them hurrying her along as they took their place atop that tall place that let her look down at the... surprisingly massive numbers before her.

Shining Armor's horn sparked, no doubt to get their full attention, and patiently everyone stared at Chrysalis, and waited... and waited....

Quickly, she jutted her head to the side, whispering into Shining's ear.

“...What am I supposed to do here?”

He leaned up, whispering right back.

“Give a speech.”

“...You didn't mention a speech on the way here.”

“Didn't you give one back when you arrived at Canterlot?”

“...At the wedding? I don't think that counts-”

“No, not the wedding!”

“Then no.”

“Fine, what did Applejack say when she gave a speech?”

“She didn't. She just told the newspapers.”

“...That sounds ineffective and slightly offputting.”

“We did just leave there.”

“So then you agree, speech!”

“What am I supposed to say!?”

“I don't know, be natural.”

“...And that's supposed to make them like me more?”

“Yes!”

“That would be touching if I didn't want to laugh, which is kind of sad when you think about it.”

“They'll be fine with regular you.”

“Give me one reason to think why.”

“BESIDES THE FACT YOU'VE BEEN BEING NATURAL HERE FOR ALMOST A YEAR!?”

Her head snapped up, looking out over the crowd to the guy everyone was shushing in the far, far back.

“...How did he hear us?”

“I DIDN'T! I READ THE SUBTITLES!”

Slowly, very slowly, she looked up to the air, where there were, in fact, letters hovering over her head.

“...Shiny?”

“Yep.”

“Did you cast-”

“Subtitle spell, yeah. Thought you were going to go right to talking with the speech.”

“...And you didn't turn it off when I was talking to you?”

“Forgot about it.”

“...A-HEM!”

Powerfully, she called out to them, puffing out her chest and looking with a hawk like gaze over the crowd.

“...You all know of me.”

And then, for the first time in her life, Chrysalis was forced to do the one thing she had never done before. Public speaking... where she wasn't allowed to just outright kill anyone who disagreed with her.

“So then, you know of my reputation. To be more precise... you know of our reputation. The reputation of the changelings. You know of our attempt at invasion, our tendency to use subterfuge, our need for your love. And I know, because of them, this... all of this, must seem worrisome. All of us coming over here at once, in the entirety of our hive, must look a little suspicious, I know. Well... I am here to put fears to rest. This... is not an invasion, it is not an intrusion. We do not seek your homes, we will not pose as your loved ones, we will do nothing like that... we know what we are, we know how we are seen, we will not apologize for that. We are changelings, and we do not wish to be anything else. That said... there is no reason to think of us as anything but what we are. Another species... trying to survive. If any should try to take our lives, we shall fight them. Fight them with a power that has brought many low. We are not weak... but we are not monsters either. If you treat us as you would monsters, then obviously we will do very little to change your mind. But if you do not... you will see us for what we truly are, and know that any fear shall only be needed in the hearts of enemies to both ourselves... and you, and leave none in your own.”

They were quiet. Too quiet. So quiet she thought she had, once again, managed to turn an entire populace against her very race, and idly started wondering how many she could stack inside of Fifty Five's shack if she came at it the right way.

“...Do you have any fears you need to voice?”

Her words were cold, cool, slowly drawn out and filled with the chill she was so known for.

The one mare who spoke didn't even seem to notice.

“Yeah, is that guy okay?”

“...Is what guy- OH FOR HIVEMIND'S SAKE, TWENTY TWO!”

The changeling in the back row just continued to gag on the massive amount of white in his mouth.

“TWO! How many marchmalley did you give him!?”

“...Whoops. Sorry Not-Mom!”

“Oh for the love of... move! Move! Everyone- no not you!”

The crystal ponies who had been moving stopped.

“I meant them! Them so I can-YES! YES YOU! MOVE! Move so I can stop him from dying of asphyxiation on... whatever the heck they're made of!”

“CLOUDS AND LOVE!... An' I think there's glue in here or somethin'.”

“There's no glue in there! Jus-UGGH! Stay still!”

Powerfully, she slapped him hard on the back and used her magic, pulling the goop free. After several seconds of hacking and wheezing, he at last could breath again... and got smacked over the head for his troubles.

Attempting to regain some measure of power, she regally rose back to her full height, trotting with power as she approached the podium.

“Now, as I was saying, I wish to see if-”

“Hey, Not-Mom?”

“...Yes, Two?”

“Ya' got... uh...”

“I've got what?”

“...In yer hair.”

Slowly, very slowly, her hoof raised until it came into contact with a particular substance hanging from one of her many long locks.

There was no disguise-fire hot enough.

At this point, she decided she was essentially done.

“... Look, we aren't invading you, they're not going to attack you, they're not going to drain you in the night, they're not going to rape you, they're not going to deceive you by pretending to be your lovers, they won't rob you, they'll chip in if this place gets invaded and if they work for someone in this area they'll pay taxes like everyone else. Aside from that, we don't expect any special treatment with the laws, and they'll just... live here. That's all. Not take over, live. But if you all have a problem with it, if you're going to be suspicious of them or look over their shoulders for everything, just tell them now. They've lived with that long enough, and they do not need to do it anymore. So... that's it.”

That was it indeed. She had just rambled, all sense of smooth power long gone. All sense of trying to win them over long gone. With her shoulder hurting like never before, her pride taken a blow it might never recover from, her people's gone away from another home they had thought permanent, and with the weight of her many recent failures upon her, she just could not take it. She wanted nothing more than to finish, go to bed, and go to bed. That's all that the mighty Queen Chrysalis wanted right this second. Bed.

“...Okay.”

How there was always one of 'them' in the crowd, she will never know.

But it seemed to work. Any sense of uneasiness bled away, and eventually they began to approach the changelings. The fear... was gone.

At last, Shining and Cadence moved beside her. She, of course, was the first to speak.

“Thank you all so much for opening your hearts to them. We know, of course, that this is a big adjustment and will take some getting used to. There will be some things that are rough and will need to be worked on, for no change is perfectly smooth. But, as we all know, no challenges are too great, so long as there is love to see them through. Right now, they need our love, more than ever... and not just for food.”

Again, a light chuckle rang out through the crowd, and Shining Armor stepped forwards next.

“If you have any concerns, please, tell us. We're always here to listen to you, our subjects, and want to make this work for everyone. If anything happens, we will handle it. We swear this, to you. If you have anything you want to say, speak now. We swear to you, you will never pay a price for speaking your mind, ever.”

This, it seemed, was indeed enough for them to shed their last vestiges of fear. Not a one in dissent.

“Well... I think that clears it up.”

They both turned to her. Prince and Princess as one looking to the shocked, wide eyed Queen who had totally gone numb.

“I don't think we need to do this for you, but I we have to anyway.”

"I agree, it just wouldn't fit without the proper introduction."

"I think you should do the honors."

“Oh, it would be my pleasure... Queen Chrysalis and to all your Changeling Hive... Welcome to the Crystal Empire! May love eternally shine in every heart!”

They cheered.

They... actually cheered.

Both her side, and theirs. Both sides... happy. Both sides... ready. This was it.

At last, she could smile again. Truly smile again. The pain in her shoulder went away, the aches on her body were gone once more, the throbbing in her head had flown away.

At last, with her hive being led to their new home in the positively massive Crystal Stadium, she could laugh again.

At long last, Queen Chrysalis had arrived.

“...HAH!”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>42
"Random Changelings"
'???'
~~~~~

They were in awe. There was no other way to describe it, pure, unrefined, awe.

"...THERE'S SO MUCH SPAAAAACCCCE!"

Immediately, one took off, running along the track that had been used for races while screaming "AHHHHHHH!" at the top of his lungs.

"LOOK! AT THIS! LOOK AT THIS!"

"I call the non-drafty corner!"

"Which corner is the drafty one?"

"...OH MY LOVE!"

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

>ALRIGHT, LINGS! GROUND RULES AND YOU HAD BETTER LISTEN WELL! No fires unless they're in a pit, no breaking stuff you are prepared to fix, no strange pets, an NO STEALING!... SEVENTEEN!

"Can we still party?"

>...Well, the stadium IS designed to contain noise, obviously. I mean, it's a stadium, it's literally made with the intention 'how can a lot of ponies see and hear this event, and not have it deafen the entire city'. This seems like a ballroom situation, but bigger. So... NO LOUD BASS! We don't need to know what vibrations do to crystals.

"Awww, but how are supposed to drop the beats?"

>If you wreck something the only beating and dropping will be the kind I personally enjoy, and I do not care for your funny rappy hip hop.

"...Point taken, good madam, even if I do wish to laugh at that last part but am too frightened."

>A wise choice.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"...Can we still play facepunch?"

>Facepunch is allowed, and encouraged. You all need to stay in shape, and I don't want you getting fat on love!

"Sooo-"

>So, the tents will be set up in ten by seven sections until we can look into-

"T-tents?"

>Hm? Oh, yes. Thanks to a generous donation from the fabric weavers, we now have the necessary materials to give you own your little sections. They won't be very large, but-

"WE GET OUR OWN ROOMS!?"

>...In a sense? Sure. I guess you-

"AHHHHHHHHH!"

>...

"That wasn't running guy."

>I noticed....

"So, uh... c-can we start moving in?"

>Indeed, and you will not be doing it alone.

"...Come again?"


>Shining Armor has hired us a personal assistant to help with the move. She will be here to help you all 'adjust' and answer questions about life in the Crystal Empire. Be thankful anyone would volunteer for this. And, on that note, the first one who hits on her will be destroyed. Violently. I mean I'm going to kill you.

"..."

>...By punching. You're going to die by my punching.

"G-got it."

>Good. NOW! Stand at attention and join me in greeting... Citrine!

From the stadium entrance, a brilliantly smiling lemon-yellow colored crystal pony with matching goldish hair only barely covered by her 'counselor' embroiled hat practically pranced out in front of them. The little whistle against her chest bounced slightly when she came to a stop, making an odd tapping noise against her skin.

'HIIIIII CHANGEAROOS!... No, wait, that camperoos thing doesn't work, sounds weird... HIII EVERY LING!... Can I call them ling?

>You can call them whatever you want, with the exception of 'bug monster' or some variation thereof.

'Gotcha! Boundaries are important, gotta know where to set the line! HIIIIII! I'm Citrine, that's spelled C I T R I N E, and I'd like to welcome you all to the Crystal Empire! May love eternally shine in every heart! Soooo, I know, big adjustment from your old place, but I can just tell right now we're all going to get along super-duper splendidly! This is going to be the best camp ever!'

"...Camp?"

'WHOOPS! Sorry, was a camp counselor before this.'

>You hide it well.

'Anywhooooo, I'm here to answer all you questions, help you get settled, and make the just bestest s'mores you've ever had in your whole gosh darn life! Soooo, who's ready to moooove innn?'

"..."

"..."

"...Me?"

'ATTA LING! See, everything's working out already!... You said Ling was okay, right?'

>It's fine.

'WOOOHOO! Let's get started Lingaroos!... Not going with that one again, it also just does not fit!'

"...Uh..."


>Tell me if any give you trouble, I will deal with them... personally.

'...Did you need to give the creepy voice?'

>I'm bad cop, you're good cop.

'We need a good and bad cop for this?'

>Occasionally.

'...W-well! I just can't wait to get you all settled in so we can get right to being one big happy Empire! I just know we're all going to be the best of friends!'

"...uh... cool. Can we play facepunch first?"

>I do not know what that is.

FACEPUNCH!

"it's a lot of that."

'HOLY GLITTERSPARKLES... Is he okay!?'

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be? It's just facepunch."

'He just punched you in the face!'

"...OOOOOOH! So THAT'S why it's called that!"

"Well, now I just feel like an idiot."

'...'

>...It's pretty much just this all the time.

'...Is he supposed to be running?'

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

>He'll wear himself out soon and take a nap, it's fine.

'...These are all adults, right? I'm used to little kids, but uh... not noticing a whole lot of differences.'

>...I have always harbored the secret fear a lot of them are fwooshed up bigger...

'...'

>...But that's silly! They're just a bit anxious, that's all.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

>Look at how anxious he is!

'...'

>...Needed work in the off season?

'Rent was due, and my landlord was making really weird eyes at me... well, a part of me. I do not want to know how he expected me to pay it off.'

>Charming.

'Sooo, this job... they're pretty easy going, right? I mean, they were locked up in a ballroom by the Canties, how energetic can they be?'

>...

'...Right?'

>I will requisition a helmet.

'They're gonna hit my head!?'

>No... it is so you do not chip the wall when you bash your head against it.

'...Eep.'

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>AJ
"Spike"
'Twilight'
[Sunset]
{???}
~~~~

>...Sure is quiet...

"...Yep... real quiet..."

'...'

>Are ya'll still mad, Twi?

'No... I'm not. Not really. I mean, I wasn't here, and you did try to get me, so there's nothing really else you could have done. It's just how it is.'

[Am I the only one kind of happy? They creeped me out something fierce.]

SMACK!

[OW!]

'Bad Sunset!'

>Twi? Mah' student, Ah' got this.

SMACK!

[OW!]

>No bein' happy cause a dang fight nearly broke out and killed us all!

[...Well, not ALL... Mostly them-]

SMACK!

[I'M SORRY!]

>So... things are gonna go back ta' normal now, right? Like they were 'fore them critters arrived?

'I guess...'

"... Forty Two is going to be so pissed at me..."

>It ain't that-

SLAM!

{OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH YOU GUYS YOU GUYS YOU GUYS YOU GUYS YOU GUYSSSS!}

'D-D-DASH! P-P-PLEASE S-STOP S-SHAKIIINNINIG MEEEEEE!'

{YOU GUYYYYYYYYS!}

>WHAT!?

{THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER! THIS IS THE DAY OF ALL DAYS! EVERYONE GETS A DRINK ON ME! EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! EVERYTHING IS SO COOL! EVERYTHING IS AMAZZZZIIIINNG!}

[THANK YOU!]

>...This is kinda cruel.

"Yeah, Dash, dick move."

'I cannot believe you.'

{...B-b-but aren't you all happy!? THIS IS AMAZING!}

>DASH! C'mon now, that's just inappropriate!

"Rude!"

'I can't even look at you right now.'

{...Well fine! I thought my FRIENDS would be happy because I'm happy, but I guess you're all just happier seeing me suffer! Well... FUCK YOU! Fuck you, and you, and you! I'm happy and you can't do shit! NGH!}

With that, she tore off, slamming the door shut behind her.

>....

"..."

'...Wow. Cannot believe her.'

[It's not that bad.]

>That was pretty cruel. Ah' already feel bad-

SLAM!

{WHERE THE FUCK DID ALL THE CHANGELINGS GO!? THEY'RE JUST GONE! ALL GONE! WHAT THE FUCK!? WHAT HAPPENED!?}

>..
"..."
'...'
[...]

{....WHAT!?}

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________