Throne Room.

[Plush Ramen]

Destroyed of its former glory, the Queen of the Changelings and Nightmare Moon have created a partnership in this higher anarchy of darkness. Making them the most powerful beings around the area. 

[Queen Chrysalis]

[Enter Queen Chrysalis]

Transitioning from one of Equestria's worst enemies to becoming their leader in a matter of a few years, the changeling Queen opened the door to the throne room with a new wave of pride washing down around her from within. This was hers, and she certainly wasn't about to let it go for just anyone. Instantly remembering that she had shared this kingdom with two others, the thought of Nightmare Moon around had actually given the bug mare a soft smile to the face. She could try to socialize with the shadow stallion at another time, but this mare of darkness was her partner, and better yet a target she found worthy of her time. While it came out wrong within her head, all Chrysalis truly ever wanted to do was get close with the mare, understand her ways, and of course create her very first friendship.

Perhaps she was reading too far into the realities of the world, and surely just needed to settle down and work on a schedule best for them. Walking to her throne room chair and placing a seat, the files of papers she had left from the other day stayed currently to her right as she pondered their meaning. Opening one up to discover its insides belonging to a citizen of theirs, the Queen amused the idea of actually reading it as her eyes skimmed the page. The further she read however, the more pleased with herself and her partners she had become. A fan letter! She had gotten a fan letter! Pretending it meant nothing but eternally pleased, a light green aura appeared levitating a pen as the over anxious new leader begun to write back.

A few hours had soon passed as the Queen of the changelings soon found herself writing back to almost all of the letters she had gotten. Blinking at Nightmare Moon's lessened stack and wondering where she was during this time of the morning, Chrysalis had soon begun to propose an idea. Needing more hooves however, a point to a soldier within the throne room was all it needed. Sending him away to fetch one of her pets, the pony obeying did not hesitate to rush off.

Catching herself starting to yawn, a shook of the head knocked her back into reality. Standing up and placing her items to the side, the Queen moved to the window as her curiosity of the day and when her subjects arose out of their slumbers soon grew to her attention and questionings. She was oddly interested in these creatures for their set schedules, and Chrysalis had only wished to learn more and more as the times went on.

"Ooh what fascinating creatures they are."

[Correctional Forces]

[Enter Meadow From Hallway]

Entering through the opened doors, the meek and timid errand pony stepped in before sliding to the side as she awaited Joxer's arrival. Turning to the Queen and bowing slightly, her voice broke through a tad stronger then before as she attempted to sound more soldier like and brave. Refusing to look directly into her cold eyes, staring down was the best option she could go for.

"Your pet as requested ma'am!" Awaiting a response, Meadow remained still and proper in her stance.

[Joxer]

[Enter Joxer from Hallway]

Walking in at the same speed he had before he smiles slightly at the Queen of all the changelings and bows ever so slightly before walking up. "You called?"

[Queen Chrysalis]

Staring at the two with a non impressed gaze, green orbs loomed over her assistant and the useless errand pony that brought him here way later then expected. Lighting up her horn and inspecting their posture's, the Queen of the changelings had huffed a response. Curious to hear an excuse, with a flash of movement from her aura, Meadow had erupted into solid flames where she stood. Offering a sigh and walking towards Joxer with a shake of her head, her dangerous demeanor was always something most ponies could never get out of their heads.

"Your late. Look what you have me do. Now I need to find a new errand girl. It is simply bad enough that the one I sent to the crystal empire is probably hanging by his neck by now, I do not need another disappointment. But then, there's you my pet. You have never let me down. Tell me again, who's best Queen around?"

Teasing the stallion into saying what she wanted to hear, Chrysalis truly did appreciate his presence, despite her odd ways of saying so. Instead, her horn wiped away the now ashes of the once frightened mare to reveal nothing in its place. Placing a hoof to his chin for eye to eye contact, her smile was warm and welcoming to her newest child. She knew how much this had mentally messed with him, yet continued to do it anyway for the sake of manipulation mixed with favoritism.

"Would you be so kind as to do mother a favor?"

[Joxer]

Joxer frowns slightly at her nonplussed gaze, about to say something right before he sees the flicker of her magic. Raising a hoof slightly off of the ground, mouth slightly open as if to say something before frowning at the black pile of ash on the ground that was the kind and fun play thing that was Meadow the errand Mare, which was then blown away.

He puts his hoof back down and sighs, looking down, ears against his head slightly before looking back up at the smiling queen. He rolls his eyes slightly as he walks up to her with a... mixed feeling within him, "You're the best Queen around, mother, but... did you really have to do that to her? She was a really nice pony..." He pouts slightly at the short but sweet memory he had with the mare, now known as the ash pile down the lane, or rather, cloud, as he looks down with a slightly sad expression on his face, not answering her second question.

[Queen Chrysalis]

Hearing his words, Chrysalis had pulled him in for a light embrace. Hugging him and running a hoof through his mane, her soft and clear voice was like no other. Always having him where she wanted him, the Queen looked down upon her subject with a softened yet understanding smile. She knew the pain he had been going through all too well, but then again, she also knew exactly how to twist things to her advantage.

"Now my son, nice ponies aren't meant to be in this business. I simply ended her before somepony else did. At least in my way, she truly didn't feel a thing. Let me make it up to you."

Removing herself from the hug and stepping away to return to her once cold demeanor, her intentions were clear however as she spoke. Looking to him and admiring the heart still aching within, this stallion may be a slave to her will, but he also had a soul, which was a precious thing to break in time. Adoring this weakness in him, it allowed her so much more power to his heart. With this, her words were enough to gain his attention with a simple curious flick of her tail. Pacing with her holed legs back to the window, her eyes had loved to watch the ponies, always watching but never involved.

"I've noticed your use on the crystal ball hasn't gone to waste. Tell me, why do you care for that orange traitor so? I have been interested in what you have been tracking my son, and its always the same mare. Why?"

[Joxer]

Joxer calms down slightly as she pulls him into a light embrace, leaning his head against her while hugging back and sighing softly at the kindness she was showing. She may have been... different in the past, but she helps him through a lot now, not to mention helps him with anything he asks, within reason. He sighs slightly and nods at her words, "I guess... but she was nice to talk to."

He lets her go and watches her as she steps back, tilting his head slightly as her expression became cold again, which did not go unnoticed by the stallion. As she talks, he frowns slightly, his emotions immediately becoming mixed with lots of things; love, hate, rage, anger, sadness, betrayal, longing, and a small bit of fear.

"I..." he sighs softly, not sure what to say as he stares at his hooves, ears flicking about slightly as he thinks.

[Queen Chrysalis]

Almost tasting the rapid emotions swirling off of the stallions lost transitioned and hurt expression, the Queen cocked a brow to his hesitant sentence. Understanding the heartache, Chrysalis could only look away as her mind thought of ways that could help them both. Unfortunately for him however, her plans could not go unchanged. However with the waves of feelings rolling off her metaphorical tongue, having this leverage was sure to win her something in the future.

"There is an arena battle event coming up in the crystal empire my son. Our tradition will be to send in our bravest warriors and watch them battle. However, another part of the tradition is not for a noble cause, but for clearing our prisons the best way possible. The prisoners are sent into the field to battle these beasts, and whoever makes it out alive can go free. So maybe, you wont have to choose her fate, for it may already be written in stone."

Walking back to her throne chair and placing herself down upon on, her words were meaningful yet to the point. They were honest and unchanging as she told him their plans for the future in hopes that he would understand. Her gaze had shifted to one of the royal guards before shooing him away, wanting a second to themselves for what she was about to say was not in her normal personality.

"Go say your goodbyes. Find Closure my son."

[Joxer]

The already emotional stallion frowns slightly, biting his lip as he thinks about this new information...

This is good I guess... But if she dies I won't be able to... see her again. Hmm.. he thinks and paces slightly, in front of the bug mare for a few moments. With the many thoughts racing through his head, his emotions are all over the place, but very... subdued for someone so emotional, especially now. After a few moments he frowns and looks up at her and opens his mouth to speak, his tone very very... serious, yet pleading at the same time.

"Mother... may I ask you a favor?"

[Queen Chrysalis]

Mentally admitting she loved the taste of the emotional pony, Chrysalis arched an eyebrow in curiosity. Never has she been asked for a favor, especially from her subjects. To even consider this, the Queen of the changelings had pondered what he was going to say, sitting in her chair with a cold demeanor as her listening eyes never ceased to stop judging. For ponies who had not known her, this glare would be one to send them away no longer wishing to ask, but for Joxer, this look should have meant to get it over with.

"And what might that be?"

[Joxer]

He winces slightly at the look and continues, quickly voicing his request.

"Well, I was thinking that instead of Plush, the orange mare, living the rest of her days in jail she could live them out of it. I could watch over her until the day she had to compete, or send her back to prison whenever I see fit if she doesn't cooperate. It would give me time to... sort out some things between us."

[Queen Chrysalis]

Almost wanting to laugh in his face, the Queen of the changelings had actually taken things into consideration. Before so however, more details must be brought to her attention, along with the realization of what he was saying. Placing a hoof to her chin, the bug mare had pondered with underhoofed curiosity the involvement and suffering he wished to put himself through for a mere mare. Uncertain on letting a traitor through her land un-tracked and tamed by her pet, something about this plan wasn't satisfactory at all. Taking some time to think on how much planning her subject actually had going for him, the new version of him was almost through to the darkness, all he needed was a little push.

"A traitor to my armies, a murderer in my land? Do I look stupid to you my pet? Give me a better reason before I vomit over this idea laughing. You know I hate being the bad guy, but this does not sound good for any of my subjects. How will you keep her in line? Hm? What if she betrays you? Again."

Using Joxer's past as resources for her manipulation and torture methods for the brain, the Queen was going to get to the bottom of this rather fast. Wanting his true motives and reasoning for doing such a dangerous task, her stern expression softened lightly, turning into a concerned yet still irritated manner.

[Joxer]

Joxer frowns at her expression and then it twitches slightly, at her emphasis on pet. Grinding his teeth slightly he cracks his jaw before speaking again, a bit of his anger seeping out as he gets irritated.

"No need to be so touchy on the pet subject, Queen. I may not know the entire reason for why I would rather not let her die without talking to her, or at least trying to figure out why she did what she did first. Part of me wants her to die for what she did, the other part wants to know why, the other just doesn't want this to be the end where I watch her fight for her life in an arena. Betrays me? How would she do that if there is nothing to betray? I'd be talking to her and watching over her until the time comes where she is needed to fight, nothing more and nothing less than for my own curiosity. She won't escape, and I'll keep her in line in whatever way necessary." he ends with another slight twitch of his cheek before calming down, neutral expression and interestingly mute emotions at this point.

[Queen Chrysalis]

Amazed at the amount of attitude given to her in such a way, Chrysalis had actually let out a small fit of laughter. Was he truly serious? Peeking over the stallion with little to no need for beguiling him at a time like this, a hoof was raised in a waving motion. With this in air, guards had automatically came back in before standing near the dark tan unicorn with a watchful gaze.

"You amuse me Joxer. But no. Now get out. Go say your pitiful goodbyes. You're lucky you get that much. When you return, we will talk more about the plans for the evening."

With a flick of her hoof, guards had begun to push Joxer to the door with force. Meanwhile, the Queen had turned her head to the window, clearly disliking the way their conversation led to. She needed to be cold and heartless, to keep the hate in him alive. However, Chrysalis would be lying if she didn't feel a tiny teeny bit guilty for her actions. For this new emotion, the bug mare called out as they were leaving.

"Take care my son."

[Joxer]

Joxer tenses at the sound of the guards coming back in, expression neutral as she talks, though he was feeling a bit saddened from the apparently final verdict. As he's forcibly pushed towards the door, Joxer growls at the guards, shoving them back slightly before eyeing his Queen at her goodbye. Thinking before teleporting away in a flash, his emotions raging within him as he disappears.

[Exit Joxer to his room]

[Queen Chrysalis]

"Sometimes being tough is the best medicine."

Turning to the now mostly empty room, the Queen had motioned for the one left over guard to come forward. Sighing in realization that killing her guards would not always be a good thing when she was frustrated, Chrysalis stopped him before getting too close. Wondering how her pet would take things, his swirled emotions in the room certainly made things tasty. But now that she kicked him out, what more was there to do? Turning to the frightened guard still standing in front of her, the alicorn holed mare had needed to give her orders. Levitating a letter she had been working on in the mist of arguing with Joxer and thinking about the citizens below to the guard, her voice was crystal clear.

"Give this to L. Any delays will be on your head."

The guard nodded before rushing out the door in complete panic and understanding of his orders. Speeding out of the room faster then a frantic bird, the mission was clear as he headed for the location of one of her prized changelings. Leaving the Queen behind, her mind continued to focus on what was happening around her as the time passed on.

"Why do they always run?"

[The Old Steed (R.I.P)]

[Enter Demetri from Palace hallways]

Once he entered, Demetri's body tensed as he looked around at the gloomy interior. It was a bit darker than he would have liked, and it certainly was nothing like the Canterlot Palace he had heard about. He stopped trotting a good distance away from the Queen's throne, standing on the carpet with wide eyes.

He could hardly believe such a vile creature existed. It couldn't even be considered a pony, it was something from the bowls of Tartarus itself. He lowered his head so he wouldn't have to look at her, in attempt to not panic.

"Queen Chrysalis of Equestria. I bring a business-proposal from the Last Locust." he states in a loud, official voice.

[Vaan]

Vaan entered the throne room. It was a bit darker than he expected. Based on the pictures he'd seen in books, the place was suppose to be brighter and elegant. Instead, this place was dreary and depressing. Just like the queen liked it he guess.


When he heard Demetri say his line, Vaan reached for the scroll, yet forgot the guards had it. He went back and after a small struggle, got the scroll back.

[Basilisk Nova (R.I.P)]

[Enter Throne Room]


Basilisk Nova, a new "addition" to the regiment that both of his higher ups, Nightmare Moon and Queen bug over there. He received a letter but within that later Nova couldn't remember all the exact details it was written on it but he remembers a Certain sentence that went along the lines of " You will be signed to a team. A team that will not be just "any" team, a team that focus it's skills to ensure the law of which we command". Now of course Nova had the letter with him along with his iron armor he wears in duty, the armor plating covers around his neck, forehooves, and body while underneath this armor was a chainmail shirt covering underneath whatever his iron armor plates where. Let's also not forget his necklace that he wore as well. The necklace was a shape of a new moon, the chain of course belonged to someone he loved now dead because of a changeling ambush during the 5 year war. Nova entered the throne room, trotting his way toward the throne with steady pace, (This is the queen after all.)  He stopped as he finally reached the stairs that leaded to the throne which the bug queen was sitting. "I am here because of this letter." He said bluntly, levitating the letter he received in front of him.

[Queen Chrysalis]

Looking over from her throne room chair, the Queen of the changelings had begun to observe the newcomers thoroughly. Green orbs scanned the three faces now in her presence as the need to please them all would find not as easily done. The room remained silent for a moment as Chrysalis listened to their words indicating their reason for arrival. Running a hoof to her forehead pondering what she should do next, the presence of Nightmare Moon would have been gratefully appreciated by now. Knowing this wasnt at all her style to appear when needed, the mare of darkness would appear in time. Pointing to the armored stallion that came closer to her steps, the Queen offered a small smile to his visitation. But it would soon be misleading as she spoke through a kind voice.

"Basilisk was it? Please step to the side so I may handle these two first. Your spot guarding the inside of the door sounds wonderful, I will get to you."

Turning her attention to the two others that entered the room, her gaze was not quite as friendly. Turning monotone in her royal and pronounced voice, Chrysalis couldn't help but feel her curiosity for the last locust and his over the line stepping stones on her perimeter and the nation's rules. Working on giving them a chance, the new Queen wanted to try and keep the peace while continuing to be the leader that this kingdom deserved.

"You may speak. What does the last locus desire."

[The Old Steed (R.I.P)]

Demetri frowned when the other pony stepped in front of him - cutting in line - and ignoring him completely. He felt some satisfaction seeing the pony get talked down to like a child, and gave a small smile in response. Once the Queen addressed him, he trotted forward a bit as well and looked back; attempting to see who had the scroll.

"Bits, Queen Chrysalis. We offer our services in exchange for bits. Seeing as you're the Queen of a new nation, you should have need of a private-military-company such as us. You won't find any better pony-soldiers in Equestria. Every one of us are trained in the brutal Saddle Arabian military ways. The -- scroll has the specifics on prices and such." he explains, bowing his head slightly.

[Vaan]

Vaan smirked. He wasn't really paying attention ,but he was glad the pony who cut them off was just put back in place. If there was anything good about the queen, it was she had a first come first serve policy.

When Demetri looked back, Vaan took the hint. Slowly, as to keep things calm, he flew towards the Queen, scroll in talon.

"My name is Vaan, and I'll be the mediator between both parties. Since I'm biased to niether, I hope you find this arrangement suitable." Vaan explained, keeping his pace.

[Basilisk Nova (R.I.P)]

Basilisk trotted to where the Queen would tell him, Of course if these...common beings were talking to the Queen herself and she out of nowhere she told them to sit somewhere else, they would have to do it. Unless they preferred to be smacked in the head by her guards, So it was pointless of them to even feel any kind of joy from what it would seem "Payback" It's just common sense. Now it was not his intention to be rude in the first place but it doesn't matter since his training during Nightmare Moon camp regiment had taught him that kindness and mercy will get you killed instantly, of course Nova learned that the hard way. Nova shrugged and smiled back at the Queen in return (Of course Basilisk must respect the Queen after all!) while he was heading to his spot. Now as he looked toward the two beings, One being a pony and the other a Griffon. He'd listen to what both the pony and griffon would say, of course being something that the Queen has and something those two would need. Now to that thought Nova smiled to himself, seeing how these both came from Saddle-land (Nova does have a tend to nickname things. It's a bad habit I know.) offering whatever they could muster to afford to hopefully exchange with the Queen seemed quite pitiful. Nova smiled at the site, enjoying the little attempts of these saddle-land ponies. If they do succeed it won't even matter anyway, making his point further true.

[Queen Chrysalis]

Glancing to the scroll and listening in on their speech, the Queen merely remained silent until the very end. Awaiting the scroll and levitating it out of the talon of the griffon, Chrysalis unwraps its contents for reading. Scanning through the parchment and returning her green eyes back to the two travelers, the Queen speaks with a power and respectability from within.

"What makes you think I need to hire outside help? I have plenty of soldiers willing to aid me on command. Give me your own verbal reasons. Both of you."

[The Old Steed (R.I.P)]

The scroll outlined a very professional menu of contract-jobs Chrysalis could hire the Last Locust for. The prices were obviously jacked-up, however it certainly was reasonable for Chrysalis to pay. At the bottom was written:

"My regards, the Boss Locust."

Still feeling uplifted from the instant-karma-payback on the stranger who cut him in line like all those bullies at his middle-school, Demetri felt a bit more confident in himself. He knew that this deal could bring in a lot of bits, however he won't make the Last Locust look bad.

"With respect, Queen of Equestria, this griffon is nothing more than a sign of good-faith, he shouldn't speak for the Last Locust." Demetri insists, before nodding and giving her his full response to the question at hand, "From what I have seen, Equestria is a conflict-ridden-nation. I don't wish to insult your Changling army - the large one outside was very intimidating - but with some brains and a fighting force, they could be defeated. The Last Locust are trained and disciplined in ways I doubt your Changling Army is. You're outnumbered by the citizens of Equestria, and I hear that there is quite the revolt against you forming underground. The Last Locust could be the force that tips the scales of power, are you really willing to throw us to the wind?" He asks, raising an eyebrow. He felt pretty confident she would hire them, just so that they couldn't be used against her.

[Queen Chrysalis]

Going against his thoughts unaware, the Queen of the changelings had actually laughed out loud. For it wasn't just her army that rode on the nation, but Sombra's and Nightmare's as well. What most ponies didn't understand, was that she was not a force you could threaten, proving that over the years of battling Canterlot and Equestria through loss and hardships alike.

"Your speech sounds almost threatening coming from your little group. Do you think I do not know what goes on inside my own kingdom? For every rise up, I guarantee half of them are changelings in disguise. So ask yourself and Locus, who on your team do you really know?"

Straightening herself back up to professional standards, Chrysalis turned to the griffon in curiosity. Bringing a third voice would have been useful, if it had the ability to speak for itself. Taking this idea and deciding to go with it, the changeling Queen spoke once more, her humor gone as she offered a small thankful smile to her lips.

"My subjects are allowed to have freedom of speech. But none of them would dare to confront me and the rulers of Equestria. I respect them, for what they are, and demand the same. Equality will go according to plan. While I appreciate your leader's willingness to help, his lack of respect for my soldiers dishonors me. For the moment, I say no, but the thought can change if I see promising results. Now, to your friend, how do I know an outsiders opinion on the plan if I do not hear it. Griffon, what are your thoughts on this group of warriors? Friend or foe?"

[Vaan]

Vaan stopped approaching the Queen and thought for a moment. Honestly, he didn't really think the queen would ask his opinion, so he quickly began to form one. Though, he hadn't been around the group long enough to even form one. Fortunately for him, weaving stories from pieces was a strong suit.

"You're asking the wrong question. In my opinion, when you hire mercs, you're not paying for their allegiance. That's standard. What you're paying for is their skills and results. That's what matters," Vaan paused for a moment before continuing, "From what I've seen and heard, these guys have skills to get the results you want. If you don't hire them, someone else will. Maybe those who oppose your rule. This will put them one step closer to ending your new reign."

Vaan finished his speech on something he felt may sway the the queen. He barely had a connection to the group but helping wasn't bad. Vaan looked at Demetri and remembered everything that happened hours ago. He then looked over his armor and stance before speaking once more.

" Like it was stated earlier, this isn't a ragtag group of citizens trying to make a living. They are trained and equipped for the job. Trust me, I had hundreds of armed Locusts pointing weapons at me not too long ago. "

[Queen Chrysalis]

Chrysalis awaited his words to stop, her face turning more cold and heartless as the time went on. Disliking their little group and standing in the throne room, the Queen of the changelings had to make herself crystal clear for them to get an image in mind. With her rules in a setting, the Saddle Arabian wall she put up would allow them in, but not out. Using this to her advantage, her heartless green orbs stared at the two with a powerful and dangerous change to her demeanor.

"You are visitors in my nation. If I please, your colony of bandits and criminals can be deported back to where you all came from. Due to the locus and his respectable wording on this letter, I will not step into cruel matters. I am a reasonable Queen, and will not tolerate disharmony in the kingdom. So your telling me, hire or create an enemy? Your time in this land will be cut short, so Id suggest you relay this message back to your leader gentlecolts."

[The Old Steed (R.I.P)]

"Only the first thirty founders are from Saddle Arabia, Queen Chrysalis. The rest were recruited from various towns in the Crystal Empire and right here in Equestria. If you wish to make an enemy out of us, go ahead, but you will suffer far more losses than us, and it will leave you weak enough for even the smallest rebel group to do serious damage to you. If you refuse our service, all I can say is 'good luck' and bid you good-day." Demetri said, rehearsing some of the information that the battle-strategists at the Den told him before they left.

Demetri gave a bow to the Queen and looked to Vaan; signalling for him to follow. "We've done all we can. It's best to leave the Queen to her kingdom." Demetri says as he turns and trots towards the doors out.