Palace Entrance Door/Hallway

[Mathew Clayton (Max)]

Max walked a little quickly, there was much to do and so little time. He returned the smile with a wick smile.
"There is no time for food Lous. I need ... uhh...."
Mathew started to draw a blank on who he knew was the best.." I guess I must have hit my head on something because I am just drawing a blank on names today."
He let oh a low chuckle"I need a list of our strongest soldiers to stand guard outside Her Majesty Queen Chrysalis"

[Correctional Forces]

Saluting the stallions orders, the changeling had nodded accordingly. "Sir yes sir! She will be guarded! Do you wish for me to leave you to your rest sir? I shall attain them at once!" Knowing the Queen needed immediate security, the soldier did not hesitate to gallop towards the barracks. Once there, he could assemble his best men. Leaving Mathew despite him not responding, by now, the soldiers knew of his condition, still respecting him completely for his sacrifice. Here, it was the most honorabld thing a pony could do.

[Exit to barracks]

[Mathew Clayton (Max)]

Max lets out a long sigh and looked around as if something wasn't right like he was almost lost in a maze of halls. Mathew started to wander the mazes until he found a door with the words Kitchen on it. "Well I am a bit hungry" he stated to himself as his stomach growled and he entered into the Kitchen.

[Exit to The Kitchen]

[Queen Chrysalis]

[Enter Queen Chrysalis]

Walking slowly through the hallway that would lead her to bed, the exhausted Queen had placed on an act. To the outside world, she looked to be the same smirked temptress, to her, she was but a waiting sleep bomb. Where was Nightmare Moon when she needed her? Frustrated by the turn of events today, despite being pathetically nice to the citizens of Equestria, she was tired. Tired of it all. Who knew trying to uptain an entire nation into bowing to her would be so hard? Chuckling to herself, Chrysalis moved further towards her chambers. Shifting an eye to the stain glass window, the boring evening creatures outside could handle one night on their own.

"Oh what a foolish sentiment."

Reminded of their weakened ways over and over again, Nightmare can handle the night shift. She was done pleasing the masses. After all, a Queen needs her beauty sleep. Curious on how her daughter was working with her prisoner, Chrysalis urged it for another day. She was half changeling, surely she could take care of herself until Moia hopefully stepped in.

"That letter must have arrived to him by now?"

[Mathew Clayton (Max)]

[Rushed into from Kitchen]

Mathew rushed out of the kitchen as fast as he could. Max would start to call out for the guards to gather and prepare for battle "Guards Guards! Arm yourselves!"
Clayton would rush down each corridor and up each flight of stairs hoping somepony would hear his orders to ready themselves. It was on his last turn that he saw Queen Chrysalis and ran toward her shouting out "My Queen! My Queen!" Clayton slid down into a kneeling position panting heavily. "There...There is trouble on the horizon" Max pants harshly.

[Queen Chrysalis]

"Oh?"

Turning around to notice the familiar stallion galloping for her aid, Chrysalis tilted her head in amusement. Trouble in her neighborhood? Hah! Chuckling at his statement, the tall mare had cleared her throat, signalling Mathew to continue. Judging from his sweat lines and rapid breathing, the Queen of Equestria had silently cursed under her breath. What now?

"Do go on, what is the trouble?"

[Mathew Clayton (Max)]

Max continued to pant long and loudly. "There's a... A... A Giant Dragon approaching from the hills" he got back up from his kneeling position and rubbing his skid burn he got when sliding into a kneeling position. And pointed out the nearest window that was in the direction the Dragon was approaching from. "Pardon me" He turned around and coughed hard.

[Vaan]

[Enter Vaan from Kitchen]

Wasting no time, Vaan turned towards the Palace exit. Though, it seemed the universe was on his side for once. In the same hallway, was the crazy stallion from before-Vaan still didn't know what to make of him- and the Queen. Judging by the stallion's breathing and the atmosphere he placed around him, Vaan knew they were speaking about the dragon. Judging by Chrysalis's tired look, he knew she just wanted to she a bed and to get away from problems. 

Shrugging his shoulders, Vaan yelled across the hallway to the others. With the stakes so high, there was no time for formalities or politeness. Though, those were things the griffin seldom used."Hey! I know y'all are probably worried about that dragon heading this way, but there's also a child who's stuck out there. He desperately needs some assistance."

[Queen Chrysalis]

Turning to get a look for herself, widened orbs reflected the Queens utter concern. Not daring to speak of her exhaustion, Chrysalis could not allow her subjects to be harmed. She was their new defender, and defend she must. Turning to Max, confirmed determined eyes glanced down with a firm nod. This was a code red, and with it, came her job.

"Captain, assemble the soldiers. Blow it up!"

Turning to gallop towards the exit, the Queen stopped in her tracks at the griffons appearance. A child? Considering blowing it up too, there was no time for hero antics. If lives were sacrificed, so be it. Looking over the determined griffon with a questioning gaze, the Queen of the changelings had offered a low smile to the bright idea spreading through her cranium.

"A child? Consider this a beginner test entry for the royal guards, rescue mission. Bring him back alive. You may bring Astral if he can be of assistance. The rest of my men, will go after the beast. Both of you, move out!"

[Strong Defense]

[Enter Strong Defense]

Strong walked into the Hallway noticing the caller from around his neck was gone. Looking around he spotted the queen and a new pony he had not seen before. Walking over to the two, Strong bowed to the queen before speaking. 

"Your majesty I guess you don't need me anymore?" 

Strong waited to see if the new queen need anything from him before setting out to find something to do with his life. 

[Mathew Clayton (Max)]

Max gave a nod and started down the hall past the griffon and past the sudden gray pony in his path in an attempt to gather as many soldiers as possible to blow up this dragon before it torched the entire region with his flame. Mathew begins to shout out his voice echoing off the walls again "Guards meet on the Main Streets and be prepared to go to battle!!" Max could only hope his soldier were ready to combat such a beast. Mathew eventually gets sore from the yelling and proceeded to head to Main Street hoping that his word carried through to the rest of the Changeling forces on the grounds.

[Exit to Broken City Streets: Main Street]

[Vaan]

Nodding at the Chrysalis, the griffin turned and ran for the exit. Now that it was an order from the Queen, he couldn't leave it alone. He had to at least try. Deep inside, he still wished he had to option to escape; to not follow the order. It gave a sense of freedom to be able to disregard an order or statement. This, however, was another ballpark. It was an order directly from the Queen. Someone who had placed him on his paws. Besides, getting in the guards wasn't going to be half bad. It was a new life and job.

He ran until he reached the exit and then turned to the Queen and spoke, "If ya see Astral, tell him I'm outside getting roasted. He will decide what to do!"

Taking a deep breath while loading his crossbow, Vaan stepped outside.

[Exit Vaan to Main Street]

[Queen Chrysalis]

Watching the two head off to take care of business, green shifting orbs gradually make their way back to Strong. Max was showing true leadership skills, and Vaan had proven he can be dependable, both having redeeming qualities. And then there was Strong Heart. Knowing little of his skills other then his failed mission assigned by Nightmare Moon, her blank expression followed with a disappointed tone.

"You? Strong Heart, Nightmare Moon hired you, did she not? You have never worked for me. For if you have, failure like that, would have been punishable by our law. Your arrogance and slack has allowed the subject in question to die, how does that make you feel? You could have saved a life. Instead, the rebellion murdered him, for no reason!"

Hissing out her last words, the Queen took a moment to collect herself. What's done is done after all. Holding a hoof to her head, at this rate, she was never getting to her chambers. Looking into his dark colored eyes, her demenour changed, lightened up by the reality of the situation at hoof. There was too much going on right now for her to lose another one to her temper.

"If you wish to redeem yourself, help my team take care of the dragon terrorizing my city. If you manage to show you can work as a team, you are forgiven and can go as you please. If you decline, your respectability and honor will have vanished. No one will hire you."

[Strong Defense]

"...Strong Heart? ...hired? ...wait dragon?!" Strong was slightly confused by what she was talking about. He hadn't taken any job, it was because she was at less a little bit of Luna that he was going to help. Moreover how was he to help if he couldn't even gotten there in time, it's not like he can teleport like that one pony. In addition who the hell was Strong Heart? The last word dragon however started sending him into guard mode. 

"No to many for that. that tactic no. insufficient... alternatives. Yes." Strong was pacing back and forth, stream of thoughts coming from his mouth to fast to follow. The was however a feeling of strategies and tactics to it. It was a bad habit of his, but it took to much time and energy to stop at times like this. After only two to three seconds of this however Strong stopped and turned to the queen, a blazing look in his amber brown eyes. 

"Your majesty my name is Strong Defense. Joining the frontlines at this time is not the best action I can take. I have little to no offense capabilities. I would be of most use as tactical support. With that said please aloud me to do what I do best." Waves of determination, confidence, power, and overall a desire to protect were coming off of Strong, as talked. 

"Aloud me to place additional protection on you for when you join the fray. I need only 1 to 5 minutes at your side, but the longer the better. You can use the teleportation expert in your employee to make up for the lost in time. I will then be able to help with your back up when you join the battle." Magic was already gathering inside Strong as he wait to here the queen say yes, so he could start his work. 

[Astral Midnight]

(blah. Late post. Technical difficulties. Blah.)

[Enter from Kitchen]

Astral slowly walked out of the Kitchen, dragging his hooves as he went. Though he normally would have made quite a bit of noise, his cloak muted all of them. With his head low, he slowly made his way past the Queen and Strong, moving toward the exit. Due to the cloak's nature, the Queen would be able to see Astral as if the cloak did nothing. Strong, however, along with any other bystanders, would not be able to see him. Hoping nobody would notice him, he continued on toward the exit

[Queen Chrysalis]

Upon hearing the stallion question her words with his own stuttering attempts, Chrysalis awaited a point in reason. Watching him sort through the various emotions given with much confusion and distress, she saw a glimmer of hope. He had the drive to protect, and that was something rare these days.

"You wish to change my plans?" Ponies these days were so hard to figure out! Back in the old days, when she sent her changelings to attack something, they did so in unison. These creatures however were much different, their skills differentiating from one to another. Trying to process his request, the Queen internally whined at his words. She did not wish to help, only to sleep her exhaustion away! Frowning in realization, her subjects needed to see her try.

Knowing she had little magic at her disposal, fighting the beast head on was an absolute no. This did not mean she couldn't step in once the dragon was weakened. Finally understanding his confusion on names, Chrysalis let out a small chuckle to her own mistake. These ponies certainly had long names to remember!

"My apologies Strong Defense, I'm afraid I have messed up your name so easily. Let us start anew. I do not know much of what my colleague ordered of you, but it is no longer active. If you wish to defend me, you may. It is very noble of you. I must say however, I'd prefer my subjects to be safe first. Perhaps even scattering the innocent into the rehabilitation center. It is the safest place I know that can give medical treatment to the wounded and still guard the outskirts. The choice is yours."

Spotting the emotional aura that would show Astral's true colors, Chrysalis turned to the side, looking in the direction lf his venture. "Astral, your friend has left to help the dragon fiasco, I assure you will make the right choices."

[Strong Defense]

As soon as the queen said it was ok, Strong start to cast his spell. The queen would be able to feel the magic surrounding her body right away. The spell having a warm comforting feeling to it. Strong moved closer to the queen, walking around her as he worked. As Strong examined her so he could make small changes to the spell, so as not to cause any interference with her own magic, Strong thought that on a closer look that she was more then likely tired and trying to hide it. 

The magic was definitely giving off feelings of safety and that someone was watching out for her, almost like a caring older sibling. With the stronger sensations from the spell starting to kick in, Strong began to explain what he was doing. "I call this a ward spell. I have a couple different types, but this one is meant to safeguard against physical damage. Now it's important not to simply let this spell protect you because it's impossible to tell when it's effects will end. It's all down to the number and strength of the blows. In addition it will own stop an attack if it's going to hurt you. So you enemy can still do things like grab hold of you." Now facing her again, Strong placed a hoof on her chest and held it there for a second to illustrate his point. "Because the action itself is not going to hurt you." 

Now with the basics out of the way it was time for my plan, Strong thought to himself. Looking into the queen's eyes before starting up again. "Your majesty... Chrysalis I will be honest with you now. Your presence is not necessary for my plan, but it would be of great help and we may be able to save more innocent lives if you play a part. I can guess that you are tired and I know I'm asking a lot of you, but I am not asking for you to fight this beast head on or alone." Strong made sure to put emphasis on the last part. "My plan is as follows. When I am done with this spell Yourself, two of your guards, and I will go to occupy the dragon's attention. You need not worry about yourself or your guards safety, I will take care of that. While the dragon is focused on us, your remaining forces we be working to evacuate the civilians. When they are all safely out of harm's way, your force with use the building and side streets for cover and wait for your signal. At your word they with unleash a large scale attack from all sides." 

Strong's gaze blazed into the queen's eyes. It was obvious he believed she could do this. "And I promise you that you will get to rest after this, even if I personally have to stand guard over your bed." 

[Astral Midnight]

Astral flinched slightly at Chrysalis' words, remembering that she could read emotions. Keeping his good on in an attempt to hide his exact location, he kept moving silently. He didn't know that the Queen could see him clearly, so he thought she had just picked up his emotions. Without saying a word, he left to go make decisions, probably bad ones.

[Exit to Main Street]

[Queen Chrysalis]

Firmly standing as Strong's magic engulfed her tall frame, the Queen of Equestria lifted a small smile. Here he was, a near stranger, helping her out. Vulnerable to his magic and allowing the comforting feeling to take hold, his care had made her grow stronger. While it seemed to strike her in small amounts, it was enough to keep her by. Listening to his plan of action, Chrysalis couldn't believe his motivation and drive.

"You are quite the pony, to help the new leader so willingly. I must say, your plan does show promise. I believe however, the sight of me alone may be enough to frighten the drake off to his caves. That being said, you have a bright future ahead of you for helping me. What is it you are searching for in life? To be strong? To be safe? To have a career?"

Understanding she had an emergency to deal with on the outside, her troops would respond first, doing their jobs. That being said, this stallion could hold a lot more potential under her orders to his own in the real world. While she had an outstanding offense on her team, a good defense was always needed to balance it out. Turning to face the window at the action below, spiraling eyes focused on her subjects at hoof. They were struggling, that much she could tell. Her soldiers would get there in time, hopefully avoiding causalities at the end of the day.

[Strong Defense]

Strong's feelings towards the queen became a bit more positive, happy that his assumptions about her character were proving to be right so far. He couldn't help but chuckle at the queen's words. "Chrysalis I don't do this to gain anything. I'm only do what I know to be best for my home. Now this should only a minute more." Putting the finishing touches on his work. 

As Strong finished the spell, the feelings from the magic would fade to the point that if the queen was not thinking about the spell she wouldn't notice it at all. "And done. Now as I said earlier I can't tell how many attacks they will stop, but these are medium grade wards. I'd say 5 at worst. If you are ready and don't think you need the two guards, I'm ready when you are." Strong gave the Queen a smile, ready to follow her off to face this dragon. 

[Queen Chrysalis]

Tilting her head to Strongs words, the Queen questioned his motives. He wanted nothing from her? How could this be? Never meeting a pony like him, Chrysalis knew she needed to appreciate the here and now. Finding the aura dissipating from her body, she smiled in anticipation. Slowly feeding off of his love in small waves, the Queen stopped all together. Not wishing to drain away his own energy, Strong Defense would feel nothing out of the normal, her stealth undeniable. Starting to feel somewhat guilty for taking advantage of his hospitality, the tall leader had offered a polite bow to his honesty.

"You move me Strong Defense. In ways I cannot explain. Let us head out, together."

Stepping ahead of him with enough energy to move forward, his passion for his homeland was welcoming. Passing the many doors down the long narrow hallway, the exit doors up ahead had caused her lip to curl ever so slightly. Guards were stationed inside right now, instead of out. Glaring in their general direction, she was sure they could feel her displeasure. Walking past with her head held high, they were sure to fix things once she left their presence.

"Noone comes into my city and tries to make a fool out of the Queen! This dragon will learn some matters."

[Exit Queen Chrysalis]

[Strong Defense]

Quickening his pace, Strong soon fell into stride step by step at the queen's side. For a time Strong had wondered if he had lost his purpose, but it seems that as much as things change they stay the same. However Strong did wondered at the queen's words. It was as if she was unaccustomed to everyday kindness? Strong thought that's one more thing to do after this. With that thought, Strong's normally jovial confident mood settled back into place. It was a nature born from his own skills, his mother's guidance, and a sense of purpose. These things had given Strong a great deal of confidence and little cause to fear in his life. 

[Exit Strong Defense by The Queen's side]

[Strong Defense]

[Enter Strong Defense and an unconscious Chrysalis] 

Careful with his sleeping passenger, Strong moved quickly up the hall towards the queen's bedroom. He had not been to this queen's room before, but he know the palace like the back of his hoof... so finding the way was easy for him. He paused only long enough to make sure Steel was following as order. 

[Correctional Forces]

Trotting behind him with a paniced expression, the pony guarding the door had rushed to Strongs side. "M-my queen! What happened!? You, you're not certified! Quickly, take her to the last room on the left!" Galloping beside them without much of an introduction, the changeling holding the door could handle himself for the time being. Lighting up his horn to reveal a teal glow, it surrounded the Queens horn as they moved. "To use this much magic, what was she thinking." Whispering under his breath, the stallion spoke. 'She's not Celestia..'

[Strong Defense]

"Do keep your voice down. There is no need to wake her. She needs her rest and I said I would see to it that she gets it." Strong urged the changeling to watch their volume, but otherwise letting them work as he carried her. 

"Now seeing as Steel is taking his sweet time let him know I want him on guard outside the queen's chambers. You can come alone to finish your work, but when your done I going to turn that room into an impenetrable fortress. So you will have to keep guard outside as well." 

Strong moved along to the Queen's room, but slowed just enough to give the changeling an easier time working. 

[Correctional Forces]

Disturbed by his sudden authority, the green armored pony had continued to keep pace. Intriqued on the Queens approval of such a stallion carrying her so bodly, he averted his eyes. Reaching her door, the soldier stopped his magical advances, opening the locked handled contraption in the process. "As you wish. I do better in healing then guarding however. The changeling by the front entrance was in need of some attention. You see, changelings do not fair well with healing magic of any kind. Thus my position in emergency situations."

[Exit Guard, Strong Defense and Queen Chrysalis to the Queens chambers.]

[Correctional Forces]

[Enter royal guard]

Stunned by the events unfolded, the green armored stallion looked to the doors with dread. How was he suppose to keep the King busy? Even getting killed seemed like it would take him minutes to die before the tryant. Shivering at the thought, the soldier drew closer. "Yeah. Totally. Gonna die. Here goes nothing."

[Exit royal guard to palace gates]

[King Sombra]

[Enter King Sombra]

As Sombra entered the castle he looked around examining it's structure. He admit to himself that the palace did look, alright if not a bit dull. He fancied his crystals more than marble and gold. Though that didn't matter he was on the look out for a previous described room. He turned his head to look at the following pests. "I'm sure it'd be quicker if you took the lead and showed me where we were going. You may relax for now, your lives are currently safe"

[Correctional Forces]

"Y-yes ofcourse!" Not calming down from his offered speech, the three soldiers had bolted for the front line of sight. Keeping the guards around the hall respectful and true to their loyalty, they reached the throne room door with record time. "This here is the throne room. M-ake yourself at home."

[King Sombra]

Sombra glances at the throne room and chuckles darkly. "So let me get this straight, because your queen is currently under the weather or otherwise indisposed. You would like me to rule as King until such time as she gets better? This could be fun or hell."

[Exit Sombra to the Throne Room]