Changelings Rise, Chapter III: The Damian Crisis

You and Cyrene took the day off of work. You needed time to talk about what this meant for your plans.

Cyrene sits next to you on the bed, deep in thought. Lyra is there with you as an honorary changeling, jumping with excitement to be in the presence of two of them at once.

You feel like it's up to you to break the silence.

 

You clear your throat. Cyrene turns to look at you, and Lyra pulls out a notebook.

"Lyra, put that away. We're in the privacy of our own home for a reason. We don't need documentation of a conversation that would expose us."

Lyra frowns slightly, but puts it away.

"Now, I know this is unsettling. It probably explains that horrible feeling we had a few nights ago. But we need to acknowledge the fact that it won't change anything. We have our orders and as far as we know, there's nothing we can do."

>C: "We should talk to Anon about it. I want to know more. Maybe there is something we could do to help. That might arouse suspicion, though..."

Lyra waves her hoof in the air excitedly.

>L: "Oh! Oh! I have something to say!"

You sigh. "Then say it. This isn't a classroom, you can speak without raising your hand."

She beams.

>L: "Anon keeps a journal. I saw him write in it with those hands of his back when he was staying in Twilight's library. He was writing in it with those hands..."

She trails off.

>"... anyways, I bet he wrote down the whole event in there. You could sneak in and read it."

Cyrene blinks.

>C: "That's not a bad idea, actually. It's a little risky, but it could be worth it. What do you think, Anon? Should we try?"

 

You nod to Cyrene. "It would help if one of us could draw Twilight away from the library, though. Don't want to cause too much suspicion."

Lyra raises her hoof again. She puts it back down when you glare at her.

>L: "And I could get the journal for you, too. I know where he hides it. And if I get caught, it'll be less suspicious."

You nod. This sounds acceptable.

>C: "Then it's settled. I'll go to work and cover for you, Anon. You and Lyra go to the library and get that journal."

You all agree. Lyra stays at your place for the rest of the day and makes use of the food in your kitchen, not like anyone else there was going to.

 

It's around noon, now.

 

You find Lyra in your kitchen making what would probably be a tasty looking hay sandwich.

"Hey, Lyra, still around?"

>L: "Yep! Just doing you the favor of cleaning out your fridge. Wouldn't want all this food you bought to go to waste."

"Right. Anyways, what can you tell me about Anon?"

She sits down at the table and starts eating.

>L: "Anon's a human. And kind of an asshole. He's not from around here, and no one knows how he got here. I don't think he does either, because the first day he showed up all he did was shout at ponies to send him back."

She takes a bite of her sandwich, the memories coming back to her.

>"He doesn't have a job. Twilight feels like it's her duty or something to make sure he's comfortable doing absolutely nothing until he gets back home. So he mostly just sits around the library all day."

"Does he have any friends?"

She shakes her head and takes another bite of the sandwich.

>"Like I said, he's a pretty big asshole. Pretty big perv, too. Not that I wouldn't mind him making a visit to my bedroom..."

She trails off into silence, absentmindedly eating her sandwich. You figure it's best to cut her off there anyways.

"Thanks, Lyra. That's all I needed."

 

You decide to see if Anon is anywhere around town. You take to the skies as Snow Drop and keep an eye on the streets. You spot him in the park, talking to a mare.

You dive behind a nearby building.

 

You creep up behind the mare and the human, taking a nonchalant position leaning against a nearby lightpost. You're now close enough to recognize the mare as Cheerilee, the local teacher pony.

>An: "So, you and Big Mac aren't a thing?"

>Ch: "We're very close friends, that is all."

>An: "You sure?"

>Ch: "Very sure. I'm going to leave now, Anon. It's nice to see you back in town."

>An: "Wait, wait. So what you're saying is, you're single?"

She stares at him for a long time.

>Ch: "I am leaving now."

She trots away, leaving Anon sitting on the bench. He sighs and looks off to the side, where he locks eyes with you.

 

You try your best to lean against the pole in the most seductive way possible. You're pretty sure you're butchering it, but it seems to work regardless. He gets off of the bench and makes his way towards you.

>An: "Hey there, gorgeous. Couldn't help but notice you were looking at me just then."

You draw in a breath and try to overlay the heaviest sexual undertone you can muster.

"Oh, was I? I didn't mean to. Sometimes my eyes just wonder from one handsome stallion to the next... or in this case, handsome man."

He stops and blinks a few times.

>An: "Well in that case, baby, I'd love to get to know you better. What do you say about dinner tonight?"

His love tastes awful. Nevertheless, this could be an opportunity.

 

You giggle and fly off, leaving him completely lost.

It may not have been a productive encounter, but at least it was entertaining. At least now you wouldn't feel the slightest remorse rummaging through his things and his journal.

The sun is going down and you head home. Cyrene had kicked Lyra out of the house while you were out. The house is small, so there's only one bedroom, but you at least have separate beds now.

You crawl into yours just as Cyrene comes back and crawls into hers.

>C: "I swear to god, that Lyra. She's almost as bad as Pinkie Pie when it comes to clinginess. I realize she's into changelings or whatever but she was in our house all day. She has her own!"

She looks over at you. She can tell you aren't really listening.

>C: "So where were you today? Do anything interesting?"

"I met Anonymous in the park. He's pretty much an asshat."

She smiles and pulls the covers over herself.

>C: "Good, that'll make stealing his journal all the more satisfying."

 

There's a few moments of silence. Cyrene is the first to break it.

>C: "Do you think Abdiesus is alright? Even as a hunter, he would still spend most of his time in the hive. What if it was under attack while he was there?"

You shrug. "I'd be more worried he'd do something stupid like chase after Celestia's guards in a 'blaze of glory' afterwards, honestly."

She smiles.

>"Yeah, that does seem like something he'd do."

 

"Anon's love tastes like crap."

>C: "Does it? That's weird. I wouldn't feed off of him, then, that's probably bad for you."

 

"Did you lock the doors?"

>"Of course."

"Close all the windows?"

>"Duh."

"And the curtains?"

>"Drawn. Keep being paranoid, though, it's good for our situation."

 

You lay down in silence, and before you can say anything else, Cyrene drifts to sleep. You let her do so, and follow in suit.

 

You wake up the next day. Today's the day.

Cyrene gets up to leave for work. You're sitting in the living room reading the paper as she goes to head out the door. Lyra is waiting there. Cyrene sighs.

>L: "Hey! You guys ready to go!"

Cyrene pushes her way past Lyra and heads off to the spa.

>C: "You two talk about it, I'm off."

Lyra bounces into the room and takes a seat on the couch next to you, radiating excitement.

>L: "So! What's the plan? How are you going to distract Twilight while I ninja my way inside the library?"

 

With Cyrene already covering for you at work, you tell Lyra the plan.

"Alright, here's what's up. You go somewhere with the library in sight. Wait until you see Twilight leave the library with me; I'm going to invite her over for a alchemy session. When she leaves, go do... whatever you're going to do and get that journal. Anonymous will likely be there as well, so watch out for that. We meet back here at the end of the day. You better have the journal when we do. Agreed?"

She salutes.

>L: "That sounds like a plan! Let's do it."

 

You knock on the library door. You wait a few moments and Spike answers it. He looks a little annoyed.

>S: "Oh, hey Snow Drop. Come on in. I'd avoid going upstairs, Anon is singing in the shower again."

You follow Spike inside. You can hear an unearthly wail coming from upstairs. You assume that's what Spike is referring to.

>T: "Who is it, Spike?"

Twilight rounds the corner and smiles when she sees you.

>"Oh! Hello, Snow Drop. Did you need a book?"

You shake your head. "No, actually. I wanted to invite you to over for the day! I was hoping we could brew some potions, and I could show you around the new house!"

Twilight looks off to the side in thought.

>"Well, I don't see why not. I've got nothing else going on today. Sure! Let's."

She follows you out the door.

>"Have fun with Anon today, Spike. I'll be back before sundown."

You trot away from the library and see Lyra in the distance. She gives you a wink and moves in.

You arrive at your house in a few minutes. You give Twilight a quick tour. Her eyes sparkle with interest as you show her your new furnishings.

You end the tour with your alchemy room, furnished with various herbs and bottled solutions you had worked on gathering and making for the past week or so.

Twilight whistles in admiration.

>T: "This is spectacular, Snow. What should we make first?"

 

You spend the day making various mixtures and remedies with Twilight. She's always interested in everything you do. As the day goes on, however, she seems to get more and more bored. Before it's even noon, she yawns as you finish showing her how to make a cure for the measles.

>T: "Well, Snow, it's been fun. But I really have to get going. Spike is probably having to restrain from bathing Anonymous in fire right now."

 

You promised Lyra she would have until the end of the day to get this done. Nevertheless, she should have done it by now.

You could try to stall Twilight, but that could cause suspicion. Of course, Lyra getting caught would arouse much much more suspicion.

 

You don't think you can stop her, but you can try to slow her down on her way back without causing suspicion.

"Let me walk you home, Twi."

>"That sounds wonderful. Let's."

You start out the door with Twilight in tow.

"So, where did Anonymous come from?"

>"No one knows. Not even him. He just woke up in the town square one day. He went missing a few days later, but no one... really cared, honestly. Turns out it was changelings."

She's still going to fast. You cut straight to the point. "Why do you let him stay with you? He sounds like a pain."

Twilight winces and stops trotting.

>"I told Princess Celestia about him. She said I should accommodate to him until we figure out how he can get home. Apparently it's the 'least we can do for a strange creature in need'."

She scowls.

>"She doesn't even know how he is."

You stand for a few moments in silence. Twilight finally starts moving again, but a little slower.

>"Sorry, sometimes you just need to vent, you know?"

You arrive at the library, having bought yourself some time.

>"Thanks for the lessons, Snow Drop! I really enjoyed it."

She moves to open the door. As soon as she starts to push it, you see something large and mint-colored flop out of the 2nd story window and into a bush. Twilight turns her head to the noise.

>"What was that?"

"What was what?"

You stare at each other.

>"Must have been my imagination. G'night!"

Twilight goes inside. Lyra peeks out from the bush and waves.

 

You and Cyrene wait in the living room as the sun went down, expecting Lyra any moment now. Cyrene is a little bit less than ecstatic.

>C: "You brought TWILIGHT, the PONY RESPONSIBLE FOR FOILING THE CHANGELING INVASION, into our HOUSE?"

"Well, it worked, didn't it? Besides, Lyra got the journal and Twilight didn't find anything suspicious. It's all fine."

Cyrene huffs, but doesn't pursue the issue.

 

Lyra crashes the door open and bursts inside, slamming the journal on the living room table in one motion.

>L: "Bam! Double agent Lyra does it again!"

Cyrene scowls and picks up the book.

>C: "I think the term you're looking for is 'does it for once'. Let me see that."

Cyrene leafs through it. As she gets to the final page, she furrows her brow in concern. She levitates it over to you when she's done.

(http://pastebin.com/yWV75rex)

From the journal, you glean a few important details, namely that Queen Chrysalis and numerous other changelings were taken to Canterlot. You also learn that a many got away in time. You also learn a disguise one of the hunters use, a mare named Butterscotch.

Cyrene is the first to speak.

>C: "Well, it seems Abdiesus could have escaped. He's not the kind to run away from a fight, though, so I hope he just wasn't there at all."

You nod. "The Queen is being held in Canterlot, as are many of our siblings."

>C: "I would assume our duty would be to help them."

You sit in silence.

 

You turn to Cyrene.

"There's not much we can do. We should pretend we never read the contents of this journal and continue what we've been doing."

Cyrene nods slowly.

>C: "Unfortunate as it may be, I agree. Not much two changelings and a unicorn can do against the entire Celestial Armed Forces."

Lyra looks a tad disappointed.

>L: "Aw... I was looking forward to more double agent stuff."

"Don't worry. You'll probably get plenty of opportunities. As it stands now, though, I suggest we wait it out and see what happens."

Cyrene agrees, and you set the plan in stone.

>C: "If we stay on the down-low, I'm su-"

She pauses as she stares forward with wide eyes. You follow her gaze.

There, in the door that Lyra had left gaping open, stood a royal Canterlot guard. He stared at the three of you with stone cold eyes.

>"-re everything will be fine."

She finishes her statement with a tone of sarcasm and rolls her eyes.

The unicorn continues staring as you all awkwardly stare back. He finally speaks.

>"You idiots really need to be more careful. It's a wonder you haven't been discovered already."

He steps in and closes the door behind him. You and Cyrene arch your backs and prepare to cast magic. Lyra takes what looks like some kind of martial arts stance like a fool.

>"Queens crown, relax! It's me."

With a flash of green flame, the guard disappears.

 

And he's replaced with Abdiesus.

 

Abdiesus smiles at your shock. He sets down his saddle bags.

>Ab: "What, you guys never seen a gho-"

Cyrene pounces from the couch, tackling him to the ground. She punches his playfully a few times before it turns into a hug.

>C: "You scared the wings off of me, you ass! Why are you here? What happened?"

"You walk over and pat Abdiesus on the back, closing the door behind him, locking it. You and Cyrene both return to your normal changeling forms. Abdiesus beams for a few moments before a slightly troubled look returns to his face.

>Ab: "Well, I doubt I need to tell you the biggest piece of news. Seems like you just read up on it."

He gestures to the journal.

>"Celestia came down. Hard. I was at the hive at the time. I got trapped behind a cave in, and knocked out. When I came to, it was over."

He shrugs.

Cyrene gives him another hug. Abdiesus returns it, but his expression doesn't change.

>Ab: "Worse news than that, though. It's Damian. He set up shop in Manehatten. Has a nice following of changeling refugees, now. The city is big enough that no one notices a few dozen new ponies showing up at once."

You shrug.

"So what? He can keep Manehatten."

Abdiesus shakes his head.

>"Worse than that. He's getting greedy. He's trying to branch out to other settlements, set up bases of operation and take over. An underground changeling kingdom."

You shrug again. "I still don't see how this affects us."

>"Ponyville is his next target."

You and Cyrene look at each other.

"Well, let him come. I'm sure there's room enough for both of us."

Abdiesus shakes his head.

>"Damian doesn't want any independents around. You convert, or he exposes you. And then you get taken off to Canterlot to rot."

Cyrene furrows her brow in concentration. You bite your hoof in thought.

"How much time do we have?"

>"A few days, at most."

"And what will the 'invasion' be like?"

Abdiesus takes some time to think.

>"Ponyville is too small to take by subversion. Too many new ponies showing up at once is suspicious. That's how I was able to find you people. No, it's likely Damian will try and send in diplomacy. And if you don't agree to his terms, he'll expose you."

"Abdiesus, what do you know about this kingdom of his?"

Abdy shrugs.

>Ab: "I've seen it with my own eyes. Damian tried to make me one of his drones; as much as he hates me, he knows that I'm one of the best soldiers he's going to get."

>"The hierarchy is simple. Damian is the king, Egidius is- oh, sorry, CHEDDAR is the second in command. Damian has already started to elect certain changelings as officials. I think he was going to make me the chief hunter before I left."

You scratch your chin.

"What about his plans? Besides Equestrian domination, does he plan to break the Queen out of Canterlot? Build a new hive?"

Abdiesus shrugs.

>"Not from what I know. Pretty sure he just intends to let her rot. He knows she would overthrow his position in a second if he did break her out."

"How is he getting changelings to follow him? I mean, it's got to be more than threats."

Abdiesus sighs.

>"We're changelings. We need a hive. Damian is the only one who has one set up. All the younger changelings are joining up with him for the sense of purpose; all the older ones are either locked up in Cantelot or smart enough to avoid Damian and all the trouble he's worth."

You turn to Lyra. She's been sitting silently this whole time.

"How much would you be willing to help?"

Lyra beams.

>"Anything. Anything you need, I will do it. No exceptions, no holding back."

You decide you can put off planning, for now. You have a few days after all.

You give Abdiesus a quick run-through of what your side of the trio has gone through. He listens quietly, only interrupting a few times to ask questions. He nods curtly when you finish.

>Ab: "Well, Lyra, I'm glad you can help. It isn't often changelings find ponies so... sympathetic of our cause."

Lyra just smiles.

>"Anyways, I'm going to be staying in Ponyville. Do you have any ideas of what I could do? I probably wouldn't be wise to stay here; three new ponies showing up out of nowhere and sharing a house is too suspicious."

Lyra beams wider.

>L: "Oh! Oh! You can stay at my house! I'd love the company. I do get ever so lonely..."

She winks at him.

You pretend you didn't see that.

 

You decide that you'll move in with Lyra and Abdiesus will stay in your house with Cyrene, only coming out as a royal guard when absolutely necessary. You figure you wanted to keep a close eye on Lyra anyways.

All four of you are in agreement. Especially Lyra.

You teach Abdiesus how to camouflage. He gets the general concept, but he's pretty terrible at it. He promises to work on it, though, so at least there's that.

You say goodnight and part ways. Disguising as Snow Drop, you leave with Lyra.

 

Lyra's house is more or less how it was when you last left it. The books are still stacked hazardously and the rooms are still dimly lit.

Lyra shows you to your bedroom. It has a single double bed and a few other furnishings.

>L: "Oh, and this is your bedroom!"

"Nice. And where are you sleeping?"

>"Well, I don't have a guest room, so... I was kinda hoping... and, you know, you can feed off of me if you want..."

You sigh. "Fine. We'll share the bed."

She smiles giddily and runs off to go get ready for bed. You climb into bed, thoughts running through your head at speeds you can't control.

You had a few days to get ready. Your resources in town are limited, but readily available.

 

You realize there isn't a whole lot you can do. Your plans for the next few days are simple. Lay low, brew a few precautionary potions, and see where things go.

Hopefully your encounter with whatever lackey Damian sends will be a positive one.

 

Lyra crawls into bed next to you when you aren't paying attention, her sudden presence making you jump. She wraps her hooves around you and sighs contently, falling asleep rather quickly.

>L: "Go ahead... eat as muuuuch as you want...~"

You follow her footsteps, drifting off to sleep as well.

Something big was about to happen.

 

You wake up to chirping birds. Lyra has her hooves draped around you. It's been five days since Abdiesus had arrived. You had spent most of the time preparing healing potions, in case the worst turned to worst, and catching up with Abdi.

You start to get up out of bed and Lyra stirs. Before you have a chance to leave, she pulls you closer.

>L: "Come on, how about a little breakfast in bed?~"

You furrow your brow. "You've fed me plenty already, Lyra, and today could be the day Damian's messenger shows up. There's no time to mess around."

Lyra sighs but lets you go. You get out of bed and go to get ready.

 

ou pack up your saddle bags and head out to work.

The spa is as crowded as usual, with the usuals lined up at the counter. Saying hello to each of them as you pass, you make your way towards the back.

Cyrene is already there a few minutes ahead of you. As she sees you come in, she pulls you to the side. Making sure you're alone, she begins.

>C: "Abdiesus says that if he could guess a day when the guy would show up, it would be today. Be on your toes. He's probably going to try to catch us off guard."

You nod. Maybe today wouldn't be so quiet after all.

You service a few mares and pedal a few products. At the end of your shift, you make the usual amount of bits and enjoy your little snack from Aloe.

As you start on your way to Zecora's for the usual lesson, you spot a mare you haven't seen before. She's a light yellow pegasus with a golden mane.

This could be the changeling agent. Or it could just be a pony you haven't seen before.

 

You take cover behind a nearby building and watch the mare. She looks like she's searching for something.

She moves towards the center of town, and you follow.

You arrive in the town square. The mare is chatting up Big Mac. You move in to get a better ear on things.

>"Yes, I am new in town. I've got some people to meet, actually! The name is Butterscotch. I'm looking for some new ponies in town, you wouldn't happen to know any of those, would you?"

Big Mac smiles.

>BM: "Yes'm, I do. There's two new mares in town as of a few weeks back. Names are Snow Drop and Marigold."

Butterscotch smiles and thanks him, walking away.

Yes, this was the changeling spy. And not only that, this was the one that Anon had gotten kidnapped by. Or at least one using the same disguise.

 

You take to the skies, heading back to Cyrene's house. Lyra, Cyrene and Abdiesus are all there. Cyrene gives you a questioning gaze. Abdiesus and Lyra gather around as you take a seat in the living room.

"Listen, changelings. And pony. I found the messenger. It's a mare, named 'Butterscotch'. I'm assuming it's the same one that kidnapped Anon."

Abdiesus nods.

>Ab: "That would be Zadkiel. He's a hunter. I worked with him for a while, before the fall of the hive. He's a bit thick headed, but he knows how to get a job done. He's stupid, but he's loyal. Which means there's little chance we'll be converting him from Damian's directives."

"No matter how unlikely it is, we should still try to reason with him. There's always a chance."

Abdiesus shrugs.

>"Not like there's a downside to trying. Just don't expect any miracles."

You nod.

"Well? What do we do?"

Cyrene squints.

>C: "What else? Let's go meet with this idiot before he gets us all discovered."

Abdiesus agrees. Lyra is along for whatever ride you choose.

 

You turn to the mint pony. "Lyra. See if you can create a distraction in the town square to draw attention away from us when we confront them. Can you do that?"

She nods excitedly.

>L: "Oh yes. Yes I can."

"Good. Then let's go."

 

You arrive at the town square in a few minutes. You never really got around to making that secondary disguise, so you wear Snow Drop. Marigold is trailing you a bit behind. Abdiesus follows from the shadows disguised as a royal guard. Lyra is standing next to you.

Butterscotch is still in the town square. She's sitting at a table, waiting for you to come into view. She hasn't seen you yet.

As you prepare to step out, you see Anon approaching from the direction of the library. At the path he's going, there's a chance he could notice Butterscotch at any second. You elbow Lyra in the side.

"Lyra! Distraction. Now. Bonus points if you get Anon involved. We don't have time."

Lyra nods and dashes out into the square, tackling Anon and pinning him to the ground with her magic.

You don't even have time to notice what she's doing with him as you slip around the outskirts, avoiding from being noticed. You come up to Butterscotch and tap her on the shoulder.

She turns and comes face to face with you.

 

"Zadkiel. Follow me. We need to talk."

The mare widens her eyes but nods quickly, following you.

You lead him to a small patch in the Everfree forest you picked out specifically for this occasion. Cyrene and Abdiesus stand at the ready at the edge of the clearing, unseen by your new friend.

As you reach the center of the open space, you turn to face the changeling. Their face has a stony expression.

>Z: "I'll not ask how you know my name. We come in the name of King Damian. He would demand that all the changelings in this town must fall under his leadership. We will talk about specifics later, if you agree."

You open your mouth to say something, but Abdiesus steps out from the forest with a scowl. He isn't wearing his disguise.

>Ab: "Zad, what in Chrysalis's name are you doing?"

Zadkiel jumps, obviously not expecting to meet Abdi.

>Z: "A-Ab-.... Damian is furious with you, Abdiesus. He nearly killed a changeling in rage!"

Abdiesus waved a dismissive hoof.

>Ab: "Let him be angry. His mood won't matter when he's gotten us all locked up in Canterlot."

Zadkiel turns to face you again, obviously confused.

"We refuse your offer, Zadkiel. Instead, we'd like to ask you to leave Damian and join us. You're smart enough to realize that Damian isn't leadership material."

Zad looks off to the side.

>Z: "That... may be true. But I have already sworn my allegiance to him."

You shrug. "Then unswear it."

>Z: "Look, it's not that simple. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. Damian has three other changelings here, and they'd all be keeping an eye on me. One of them is Egidius."

Abdiesus looks troubled.

>Ab: "He sent Cheddar? Old King Swiss must really want Ponyville. But why?"

Zad shrugs.

>Z: "Hay if I know. The other changelings are waiting further down the southern road, in the swamp. But I'm supposed to go back there tonight."

He sighs. After a few moments, he locks eyes with you again.

>Z: "Tell you what. If you can find some way to get them off my back, I'll join up with you guys and help you fight back against Damian, if that's what you want. Damian is a fool and a danger to all of us. And my only true loyalty lies to the Queen."

You nod.

"If that's what it takes."

 

You need to formulate a plan.

 

"What about the changelings? Can you tell me any of their strengths or weaknesses?"

He nods.

>Z: "There's Egidius, Leonidus and Marcellene. Egidius is a strong fighter, a lot stronger than he used to be from when I used to spar with him in the hive. That was before Damian officially named him, of course. Leonidus is a decent magician and Marcellene is brilliant with disguises. I was sent into town because I'm the best at hunting ponies down."

"Do you know any of their disguises?"

He shakes his head.

>Z: "Leo never bothered with a disguise on the way over here, because we were in no mare's land. Same with Egidius. Marcellene has too many disguises to keep track of."

 

You decide to ask a quick off topic question.

"You're closer to Damian's activities than any of us are. How many changelings do you think he has under his command?"

He exhales through his teeth.

>Z: "Back in Manehatten? A good hundred or so. He gets more every day as he spreads out and collects stragglers."

 

"What can you tell me about Marcellene?"

He rolls his eyes.

>Z: "She's flashy. Obsessed with her own pride. She was one of Loki's best students, and it was a big surprise to many when he didn't recommend her for the scouting party."

 

You continue to dwell on it, but you ask Abdiesus and Cyrene for ideas.

>Ab: "I'd say our best strategy is to find some way to disable them from the inside. Zad is going back their tonight anyways, maybe he can find a way to sabotage them. Then we'll strike."

You turn to Cyrene, who steps out of the forest brush.

>C: "I'm not sure striking immediately is the best idea. Maybe we should wait until later, after we have a better scope of the situation?"

Abdiesus shakes his head.

>Ab: "We may only have tonight. The other changelings could catch on to our plans if we wait too long."

Cyrene shrugs.

>C: "Possibly. But I think Zaddy here can keep a secret long enough to get us where we need to be, can't you, big Z?"

 

Both of these are good suggestions.

 

"I agree with Abdiesus. We need to get them while we still can. But we'll still need a plan."

Cyrene nods.

>C: "I could probably overpower them with my magic if they were all weakened somehow."

>Ab: "If we could find some way for Zad to weaken them, then it would be easy. Any ideas?"

 

Your thoughts drift to your alchemy skills.

You know how to make numerous potions and brews, but few poisons. The poisons that you do know are mild ones that just make ponies sick to their stomach for a few days.

But you did know one thing that might help.

"Talent Brew. I can make some talent brew, and if Zad can get them to all drink it, all of their talents will switch. They won't know how to do anything anymore. Leo will be bad at magic, Marce will be terrible with disguises, and Cheddar will probably end up with powers he doesn't even know how to use."

Abdiesus nods.

>Ab: "That might work. Of course, we'd have to make them drink it somehow."

Zad smiles.

>"I could just tell them it's hard cider. Straight from Sweet Apple Acres."

Abdiesus smiles. Cyrene mimics it.

>C: "Well, it seems like we might have a plan."

 

Zad looks at you and Cyrene, both still in your disguises.

>"I know who Abdiesus is, but who are you two?"

 

You drop your disguise, and Cyrene follows your lead.

"I'm Anon. That's Cyrene.

Zad widens his eyes.

>Z: "Oh, sweet Chrysalis. You're THAT changeling."

He shudders.

>Z: "Would not want to be you. Damian is obsessed with tracking you down. He doesn't want you in his kingdom, he wants you brought to him so he can deal with you personally."

You frown. "Is that why he cares about Ponyville so much? Is it just me?"

He shakes his head.

>Z: "There's no way he could have known you were here. There's got to be another reason."

 

Zadkiel follows you home, where you brew him a flask of Talent Brew. He takes it carefully.

"Now remember. The plan is that you say you have a lead, but you haven't found us yet. To make up for it, you brought some cider. You got that?"

He nods.

>Z: "When this is all over, I'll be glad to serve the Queen I owe my loyalty to. Damian can go to Tartarus."

You see him off just as the sun goes down. You figure you have another three or four hours before you're due to whoop some flank, so if you wanted to do something before you head over, you can.

 

You prepare some quick healing potions, just in case things don't go as planned. You figure you'll need them if they do.

 

Cyrene and Abdiesus join you. With a simple nod, you all head towards the southern road out of town.

The crickets chirp as you approach the swamp.

 

You can see three changelings down in the swamp, but in this light, it's impossible to make out who is who. Cyrene, Abdiesus and yourself are positioned behind a few trees, right at the edge of the everfree forest.

There's no way of knowing that Zad has poisoned them yet. Or even that he decided to follow through with it at all. The three changelings you can spot down there could be any combination of Zad and the three Damian sent with him, but one is missing.

 

You motion towards the changelings in the swamp and gesture for Cyrene and Abdiesus to follow you. They comply.

"We'll try and talk with them first. Worst goes to worst, hopefully Zad already poisoned them and they'll be all mixed up. Then you can take them out, Cyrene."

You enter the clearing, not attempting to remain unseen. You catch the eye of one of them, who turns to look at you. He motions and the other two follow his gaze.

As you get closer, you can finally recognize the three changelings. Among them are Zad and two you don't recognize, one male and one female. You can only assume these are Leonidus and Marcellene.

The three of you stand in a V shape, Cyrene in front and you and Abdiesus behind her. The other three mirror you, with Leonidus in front.

You stare each other down for a period of silence. Leonidus has a cold frown on his face, and Marcellene looks amused. Zad looks uneasy.

 

You glance around, taking in your surroundings. There's an unlit campfire behind the three, and that's it. The "campsite" is devoid of anything; no food, water, tents. None of that really mattered to changelings given their biology. You did spot your flask on the ground, though; the one you had filled with Talent Brew earlier. It's on its side, empty.

You make extra sure to look closely for the telltale shimmer of a changeling in chameleon mode. You don't see anything, but to be fair, it's very dark.

Abdiesus shuffles slightly, starting to get restless. You speak up to break the silence.

"Nice to finally meet you both. I wish Egidius was here to share in the moment, though. I do miss him dearly."

Leonidus frowns deeper.

>Le: "He's not here because he's out looking."

"Out looking? For me? Why, I'm flattered."

>Le: "Not for you. For something else. But thank you for making your way out here on your own initiative. Saves Zadkiel the trouble. You know he was in Ponyville all day looking for you three?"

"I had no idea, no. I was busy working all day, and they were both feeding."

>Le: "Yes, well. Now that you're here, would Zad like to extend the official greeting of Damian's hive?"

Zad steps forward and shakes his head.

>Ze: "Actually, Leo, there's been a change of plans. We're giving you a message."

Leo frowned even deeper. You wouldn't have thought it possible until now. Marcellene just raises an eyebrow, maintaining her smirk.

 

"Damian is not fit to lead. His sychophants are mindless thugs, and no nation can thrive with leadership like that. You're good changelings; intelligent, professional and talented. I put it to you that we should overthrow this false king so the Hive's survivors can be gathered by changelings who realise we need to work together, not rule through petty threats."

Leonidus looks off to the side, his frown apparently a permanent feature. Marcellene seems to nod as if impressed.

>Le: "Damian is indeed a fool, but there are many who would disagree. To oppose him with the numbers he already has would be idiotic."

You laugh.

"You admit that your glorious leader is a fool and yet you won't stray from his command. I ask you, Who's the bigger fool? The fool, or the fool who follows him?"

Marcellene disappears in a flash of green flame, replaced by a mirror image of Damian.

>M: "I am King Damian. All will bow before me."

She subsides into a laughing fit and returns to normal, wiping a tear away.

>M: "Ah, Damian. Not a king made to rule anyone. More like a drama queen with all the dust he's kicking up."

Leonidus cuts her off.

>Le: "But he has an army. Which is more than any of us can say."

Abdiesus speaks before you have a chance.

"You also have the greatest shapeshifter Loki ever taught, a powerful magician, and a capable hunter. Damian's men are all hatchlings not fit for guarding their own pods."

 

"We aren't the only ones, Leonidus. There are plenty of older changelings that would follow us. Surely you've heard the rumors? Loki, Oriana, Kalem. They're all out there," Marcellene perks her ears at the mention of Loki. "And they'd be sure to help us. And besides, the younger changelings will follow anyone on the throne. If we overthrow Damian, we'll be in charge, and then all we have to do is get the Queen out of Canterlot."

>Le: "It'll hardly be that simple."

"Nothing ever is."

He sighs.

>Le: "Alright, fine. We'll do things your way. But we still need to deal with Egidius. No way we'll be convincing him."

You turn to Zad. "Did Egidius drink any of the brew?"

He shakes his head.

>"He was already gone before I got here. These two drank it, though. A little pointless now."

>Le: "Wait, what?"

>Za: "Don't worry about it, bud."

>Mar: "Did you drug us? Because if you drugged us it had better be the good stuff."

You can't help but feel something is missing. Finally, it dawns on you.

"Well, if Cheddar and Damian didn't know we were here, why is Ponyville so important? Why did Cheddar himself come here for such a paltry mission? What is he looking for?"

Leo shrugs.

>Le: "Egidius? None of us know. Special orders from Damian himself."

"When is he getting back?"

Marcellene coughs and draws all of your attention. She points towards the forest clearing.

Standing there, near the edge, is Egidius. He's looking at the group of you, deciding his next move. He's wearing a saddlebag.

He hesitates for a moment, and glances at his bag. He considers grabbing something from it, stops, and turns to face you all again with a scowl.

>Ched: "And even the best the hive has to offer is easily corruptible. Damian will be very disappointed in you. All of you. Especially you, Leonidus, he quite liked you."

Leonidus continues to frown. Marcellene waves to him lazily. Zad looks uncomfortable once again.

>Ma: "Hey, Egg. Did you find what you were looking for? Oh, and we're mutinying too. Or something. I don't know, I think I just got drugged."

Cheddar rolls his eyes.

>Ched: "It was a pleasure meeting all of you again. Especially you, Anon. Damian will be pleased to know I found your location."

With that, he takes to the skies, leaving you all behind. Abdiesus begins to copy him, but Cyrene stops him with a hoof on the shoulder.

>C: "He's not worth it. Besides, he's faster than you anyways."

"Well, I guess he got what he was looking for."

You all nod in agreement.

A light shines from within the forest, getting closer. All the present changelings quickly don their disguises in bursts of green flame.

Twilight bursts from the forest, Zecora close behind. The purple unicorn has summoned a floating ball of light to follow her around. Noticing the group of you, she hurries over panicked.

 

>T: "Snow Drop? Marigold? What are you two doing out here this late? And who are all these ponies?"

You put on your best innocent smile. "My new friends and I were out here stargazing, away from all the lights in Ponyville. It's beau-"

>T: "Whatever. Did you see a unicorn run by? White, light green mane? Wearing a saddlebag?"

You tilt your head. She was probably referring to Egidius, in disguise. "No, can't say that I have."

She groans. Zecora comes over to join you.

"Why? What happened?"

Zecora shakes her head.

>Z: "It has been stolen, from its place. If we are to get it back we must make haste!"

"What has been stolen? What's wrong?"

>T: "It's the Alicorn Amulet. It's gone."