Reflection Mines.

[Plush Ramen]

A place not heard from in many centuries until the Queen had used it for trickery at the Canterlot Wedding. It now remains forbidden and forgotten from the public, but quite remembered by the Queen as a safe place for her children to learn and train in private. This place is also perfect for kidnapping those she wishes to help bare new children. Due to some remodeling, absolutely NOONE can get in or out without the Queen or a changelings help.

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

[Enter Demetri & Vaan from the Throne Room]

Demetri was still looking back at the Queen as she talked, the idea of trotting out and back to the Sultan was fresh on his mind. It took him a moment to process what just happened, and he inhaled loudly through his snout. He jumped slightly, and looked around confused and felt his heart-rate pick up.

"Buck buck Buck!" Demetri shouted as he reached back and pulled out his dagger from his side, scanning the room for hostiles.

[Vaan]

Vaan looked around the cold room. Nothing seemed to be about except Demetri, who he hope would keep his head. Seeing his stance, everything seemed alright.

Vaan's eyes began to catch his own reflections. The bags under his eyes showed how tired he was. The scowl he wore showed how unhappy he looked. It had been a while since he'd been next to a mirror, but he didn't think time could be this cruel. He made a mental note to change things about his life before getting up.

"Who knew this day cwould have ended like this?" Vaan asked as he loaded his crossbow, "Sadistic Queen she is,"

[Correctional Forces]

A voice could soon be heard within Vaan's head. Soft and subtle, it was as if his own thoughts were speaking to him from the inside of his cranium. Keeping it simple, the voice almost sounding like his own had begun to place images of what had just happened to them deep inside. 'Look what happened to you. This never would have happened if you never met the lost locus and Demetri. He's the reason you're down here, its HIS fault.' Strong waves of anger had begun to seem into the griffon as the thought process continued on and on. He would feel a strong rage deep inside for the earth pony and everything that has happened to him so far. 'You could be up there getting paid millions of bits and living free by the Queen, instead, your down here because of him.'

[Vaan]

Vaan felt this anger rise. This was unnatural since he usually kept himself controlled. His breathing deepened as the feathers underneath his scarf began to rise. His talons clenched on each other, creating a low scratching sound. He began to feel the quickening of his heart as his body prepared for a attack. He wanted-no-needed to just pounce on Demetri and take this anger out on him. Maybe a couple of hits would quench his thirst. He didn't know; he just needed to get rid of his rage.

Vaan, ready to attack, zeroed in on Demetri, yet he saw his reflections all pointing their loaded crossbows at Demetri, as if they were suggesting another course of action. Almost on cue, Vaan's arm lifted as he began to aim down the sights. Then, he began to think. His own actual thoughts. He went looking for the Last Locusts. He accepted the job they gave him. All this was his fault as much as anyone else's. He brought this upon him self.

Another thought flowed into his mind: he was good at his job, but not millions of bits good. Anyone willing to pay him that much would have to be insane...Maybe the Queen would pay him that much.

Vaan smiled internally;helping him calm himself down.  

"Comeon, Deme," Vaan said as he lowered the slightly raised weapon and returning to normal," We gotta get out of here. I don't like this place."

He looked around once again, he reflections all seemed to follow him now and not reversed. Yet, out the corner of his eye, he thought he saw one move.

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

"Of course you wouldn't, this is Changling territory... we need to leave... now" Demetri says as he takes a few trots forward, looking around carefully for an exit of some kind.

"Keep an eye out. This may be where the Scouting team wound up..." he adds, hoping to at least find the remains of the squad.

[Vaan]

"If they wounded up here, then I feel sorry for those guys," Vaan replied, tapping the walls for a hollow sound,"But,if those pony princesses can get out, then so can we!"

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

"We... literally are in the same situation as those scouts..." Demetri mumbles to himself, stressed and worried. Vaan's first statement didn't sit too well with him, and he started to do the same as Vaan; knocking on the crystal walls.

"The Sultan has to be told about this... he won't take this lightly, you know! I also left some things unsaid at the Den... I need to get back there." he said in a softer voice, seemingly having a special Somepony back at the Den.

[Vaan]

"Yeah, but difference is, we still have time to get out," Vaan stated.

He realized that his wall was solid and moved elsewhere. He began to sniff the air trying to get a whiff of fresh air through the musty cave smell. If they follow the smell,that should lead them to freedom. He just needed a whiff.

"Don't get too attached," Vaan warned, catching the stallion's changed tone," Now is not the time to catch feelings."

[Queen Chrysalis]

The more the duo searched, the more obvious it became that there was absolutely NO way out. That being said, time passed on inside the reflection mines as each minute ticking by felt like an eternity. Listening in on what they were saying, a different voice spoke through to Demetri this time around. 'How doesss it feel? To be locked up and vulnerable with only a griffon to company you? Griffonsss are greedy and selfisssh, how can you trust him? He'ss going to turn you into the Queen for ssssure.'

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

The voice startled the already anxious stallion. Demetri didn't like being locked up; his dad was a convict and he swore to never be imprisoned and abandon everypony like his father... The green stallion bit on his lip and kept his distance from the griffon. What the voice was saying did bring up a valid point, he knew nothing about Vaan, where his loyalties laid, and what his true intentions are.

He tried to mask his already preconceived convictions on Vaan and asked: "Vaan... why did you -- why did you come to the BadLands...?" Demetri, however, was no poker-player, and his suspicion was obvious.

[Vaan]

"This isn't the time for stories," Vaan whispered, his past being called up, "Especially ones about me."

The more obvious it became that escape was impossible Vaan relented. He sat down onto the cold floor and began to gather his thoughts.

"I came to the badlands looking for work," Vaan spoke in a low tone, almost to himself, "Though, I suppose it strings deeper than that. We... I was trapped in Equestria after the war finished and the borders were locked. It was damn near impossible to escape by yourself. Trust me, I tried. So, stuck in this Chrysi-Land, I found jobs to feed myself, or bribe my way in places.Anyway, the jobs began to diminish as ponies began to accept their new ruler and no longer needed my services. As my bits began to run a little low , I began to think about an escape plan. I needed somehow get home so I could..." The griffin caught his tongue before he exposed too much. He wondered if he was telling too much, yet the one look at the stallion's told Vaan to continue, "One day as sat in a makeshift bar-building a tab I have yet to pay-, I heard rumors about your group. I thought I could work with you all until my plan to leave was finished."


Vaan shifted himself on the the floor and looked at his reflection in the ceiling. He usually kept information like that to himself. Though, since things looked grim, he decided it was best to let someone know his story. Even if it was a stranger.

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

The information Vaan had given Demetri only closed the case. In his mind, Vaan had just tightened the noose, and told Demetri which leg of the stool he should kick out from under him. It was hard to restrain his anger, however he didn't plan on holding it back for long.

"You're trapped here in Equestria... you want to leave and go home... you never planned on staying with the Last Locust! You went to the Queen, and you begged for her to allow you through her boarders, and she made you an offer, didn't she! 'Infiltrate the Last Locust and find their weaknesses', 'Poison the Sultan's dink', 'Start an uprising', which one was it?! Huh?!" He raved at the griffon, tightening his grip around his dagger and eyeing the weak spot of his neck. It took every ounce of self-control not to jab Vaan right that moment.

"You know you're getting out of here alive because she needs you! You're a pawn, and you need to get to the other side of the board, she wouldn't let you die in here -- like me! I'll make sure you won't get out of here and destroy the Last Locust! If I do anything before I die, it'll be killing you!" Demetri shouts, losing it in a haze of red. He dives at Vaan with his dagger; aiming for the throat.

[Vaan]

Vaan, taken by surprise by how quickly things changed, he had no time to retaliate. He only managed to grab Demetri's hoof, placing the knife a mere inches from his neck. If there was something Vaan was used too it was this. But, he could never come accustomed to Earth pony strength. It hit hard and kept pushing.

"Hey! Are you trying to kill me?!" Vaan asked, trying to keep the knife away from him, "Yes, I'm trapped here. Yes, I never planned on joining your group. I said that the first time I met you all."

The feathers around the griffin's neck rose as instincts noticed the danger. They knew this pony was out for blood.Vaan pushed away from Demetri and flapped his wings to put extra distance between them. He, too, took out his blade.

"Don't you say I begged the over grown changeling. I'd never beg her for anything. I don't need charity," Vaan looked at Demetri, "This is nothing but a game for the Queen. She wants us to fight. If we do, we're both pawns. Though if you want to do this, remember, I didn't throw the first punch."

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

The things Vaan said just enraged Demetri even more. Lies and more lies, he was trying to make a fool out of Demetri! The green stallion got on his back hooves and idly tossed the dagger from one hoof to the other; ready for Vaan to strike.

"You did beg to go home and see your family! You're selfish and pitiful! You wouldn't make a Locust even if the Queen used her magic and turned you into one! You slimy Griffon piss-ant!" Demetri spat at him, putting the dagger in his mouth and biting angrily on the grip. He knew that handling a weapon with your mouth gave you the most violent and deadly results. He had no intention of letting Vaan leave the cave alive.

He growled and charged at Vaan with his head turned away so that he could slash at Vaan.

[Vaan]

Vaan heard many insults in his life. After so many jobs, he began to naturally drown them out, but for some reason, the ones Demetri spoke hurt. Enough to make Vaan feel the pain brought on by the insult. Something bittersweet if he thought about it.

The griffon prepared his blade to block. He wasn't planning to kill the pony; that wasn't his style nor how he was trained. He was trained to survive and disable; not to kill. The words of his boss came to mind, "We sneak, disable, outlast, and deliver. We don't kill. That's not our job. These packages aren't worth a life." Besides, if he were to kill Demetri, he wouldn't be able to collect his bits from the old pony. Not without awkward words and a tarnished record. 

With his blade ready, he charged towards Demetri hoping the pony would gain his bearings before something bad happened.

[Queen Chrysalis]

Black thin smoke had begun to rise as the two bickered on. Coming out from the high corner of the mines, a small figure could be seen stepping through the discoloration. Turning out to be a changeling, the closer he got, the more obvious it was just how little and young the colt was. Laughing lightly, he only cocked his head to the two strangers in curiosity, his laughter noting his amusement.

"You ponies are funny. Anger anger! Always anger. Dont you know how to be nice?"

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

Demetri's heart was pumping, adrenaline coursing through his veins, and hate fueling his actions. He continued to charge Vaan with the blade held in his mouth, only encouraged further by seeing Vaan charged as well. He went for an offensive assault on Vaan's neck, however Vaan was defensive with his blade, and just managed to block it.

Demetri was forced to trot to the side. He was hoping he could overpower any defense Vaan put up, however he was stronger than anticipated. Facing away from Vaan, Demetri groaned and dropped the knife, then fell down and held his neck. He wasn't bleeding anywhere, however he pulled his neck pretty badly. He heard light laughter and thought it was Vaan, but when he looked, he saw a changling!

The Changling's words infuriated him more than Vaan's ever could, but the pain made it hard to express how he felt. He groaned and grabbed his dagger with his hoof, shouting: "Look who - who's talking! You bugs conquered Equestria! Nice creatures don't do that!"

[Vaan]

Vaan's defense held strong as the two opponents passed each other.Though, taking on an enraged earth pony wasn't one of his smartest ideas. All that power handled by his hand took its toll. He dropped his dagger and held his wrist tight. Quickly, he felt around, noticing it was out of place. Taking a deep breath, he popped it back in place, knowing the pony could attack at any moment. After a slight wince in pain, Vain was ready to keep moving.

Instead of more talking from Demetri, like he expected,he heard laughter. Laughter too childlike to be a grown stallion. Vaan turned to the source to see a young changeling; a little younger than his daughter. For the moment, he felt no danger from this small creature, yet kept his guard up. The cave seemed to be playing tricks.

"We all know how to be nice," Vaan stated, not putting weight on his wrist, "It's just anger always seems to be boiling down below, and the slightest thing releases the flood gates."

[Queen Chrysalis]

Turning to the stallion with the weapon in his muzzle, the small creature simply shook his head. He just didnt get what they were trying to accomplish. Skipping to the griffon, a smile stayed obvious on the little bugs face as he seemed super excited over something. Giggling at his words, the changeling child had scanned over the two interestingly.

"Silly bird, that was my emotion waves. I wanted to see if you two were really close friends. It seems to me, you were not. Who is that mean one over there? He says we conquered this land? We only want to share. Why cant ponies understand that? You understand, dontcha mr?"

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

Demetri felt himself calming down a little, though he still kept himself poised for battle. He watched the transaction and thought on the Changling's words. Of course, the Changling was trying to seem friendly and earn their trust. Demetri and Vaan could easily overpower the Changling if they worked together, and it most likely knew this. Was it an initiation ritual? Why didn't the bug have backup?

To this question, Demetri glanced around and studied the caves as best he could. "If you wanted to share these land, you could have asked, instead of killing our rulers and aligning yourselves with a Demon."

[Vaan]

"So you're the reason we both got angry at each other," Vaan realized,remembering how he almost shot the pony, "You know, it's not nice to mess with other's emotions. Ya coulda just asked if we were pals, little one. I suppose you can say we're associates by situation."

Vaan looked around the room. Three separate parties were in there together and he needed to team up. Though, he was already on Demetri's side, the changeling was still nothing to take lightly. He needed to get good with the colt to hopefully ensure more no emotional changes. Or, if push came to shove, defend against the stallion.

"I understand whatcha mean," Vaan said, looking at Demetri before looking at the young one, "But my mean associate over there has a point. Hostile takeover isn't a good idea. It's like stealing someone's cake and then offering them a piece. Plus, Nightmare Moon and Sombra don't help the situation either."

[Queen Chrysalis]

The small changeling could only turn its head as it listened to the two creatures in his territory. They were brain washed for sure, but this certainly didn't mean they were bad, perhaps understood. Amused by this, the young one had placed himself to sit down. Hearing them out and being extremely patient, the child only yearned to know more and fully understand the situation.

"I'm sorry. My mommy told me, that she tried to reason with the two princesses a very long time ago. But they declined her offer, telling her that she was not welcome. But still, she tried again. Eventually, she gave up trying to make peace, and we soon began to take over smaller nations for a chance to prove ourselves. While I do not think fighting was the answer, it seems we finally won. Mommy is trying really hard to get ponies and creatures to like her. I am sure if you tried again, she could reconsider. She just doesn't like to be talked certain ways. Please try again, If you promise, I can help you both get out of here."

The changeling child was small, but he was innocent and true. Everything he said was believed to be true by him, himself. Sitting there still, and completely into the conversation they were talking about, he was entirely harmless. Well into the language and learning from the changeling program a certain bug was teaching, he knew the basics of words as well as how to understand them.

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

Lies. All lies, surely. This was most likely a Changling adult pretending to be a child, knowing that innocence gains trust. Well he'll have none of that from Demetri! Absolutely none of it! If they weren't trapped in a Changling lair, perhaps he would be a little more open, but he's in survival mode, and he still didn't trust Vaan one bit. Still... this changling offered a way out, though he'll be sure to take it with a grain of salt.

"We promise to say smoother words to your bug-mother. Now take us out of here." Demetri demanded, his tone harsh and unfriendly. He paced side to side, obviously tense and stressed from his surroundings. He didn't like being trapped like a criminal.

[Vaan]

Vaan sighed to himself as Demetri agreed to talk to the Queen once again. It seemed the job he'd taken would just keep throwing curved balls at him. Not that unexpected was new to him, but this was on another scale. Though, the changeling offered a way out, and that's what Vaan wanted. Whether it be with a catch or not, didn't matter much.

"We can filter our words a bit," Vaan supposed, looking at Demetri with a look saying lighten up, "Just lead us to the surface...uh what should we call you?"

[Queen Chrysalis]

Feeling the emotions in waves from them both, the stallion was not much of a nice pony in his eyes. Or perhaps he needed to find a different angle to the situation? Listening to them promise to do better, little Kah was nothing more then a child through and through. Standing up, his holed small hooves begun to walk around the two curiously.

"My name is Kah. I was born a few years ago when the war was still fresh. Well hidden in these caves, nopony dared check this dangerous and sealed off land. My brothers and I trained together, its just.. Im not too good at this magic."

Drooping its dark colored ears, the child found itself distracted by its flaws before shaking its head to concentrate. Where was he? not quite remembering what his point was due to the wording, the changeling tried to remember what it was they were initially talking about.

"So I come here for alone time to myself. I hope to learn more from the best changeling language teacher around! He was suppose to meet me here today.. I guess he's not coming. Oh well, i have you guys! If you want to leave here, you must be more convincing then that."

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

Demetri was tired of hearing the Changling talk, and trotted towards him angrily, on the verge of strangling the bug, "Stop talking and get us out of here now." he demands, not wanting to be in these caves another minute.

[Vaan]

"Excuse me and my buddy here for one second, Kah," Vaan said politely as he grabbed Demetri from under his arms and flew towards the ceiling.

Face to face, the griffon could see the lack of trust in the ponies eyes. It sort of hurt, but it didn't really matter. Keeping himself calm as to not alert the changeling, Vaan began to whisper to Demetri.

"I hate being here as much as you, but we aren't going anywhere if you keep up your attitude. So, what I'm going to need you to do is think happy thoughts and control yourself because that kid down there is our only shot out of here. I won't let you ruin this for me," Vaan stopped since he felt his feelings become stronger, "Look, you have someplace to get back to, and I have a daughter to get back to. I know you don't trust me, but let's just stay cool till we get out of here. Or would you rather look at yourself dying in a reflection?"

Not waiting for a reply, Vaan glided back down, softly lowered Demetri, and brushed his armor off with his wing.

"Alright, we will speak to the Queen in a more diplomatic way," Vaan stated, "Anyway, your speech is pretty good; you don't hold onto your 's's like the others."

[Queen Chrysalis]

Scared of the stallions words, Kah had initially backed up due to his own fear. He was but a child, and certainly did not understand everything there was about emotions and how to handle upset ponies. Sniffling and in a corner, Vaan's actions had made him feel somewhat better. Not wanting anyone to get hurt, the changeling couldnt hear their words, he could however notice how upset the griffon felt for his distrust. Still genuinely new at reading through their powers, the child smiled and started to lighten up slightly with a nod.

"O-ohkay. M-y teacher is trying his best.. Apparently you have to start us off young.. I can get you guys out. Follow me.."

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

Demetri certainly didn't like being talked down to, especially from a griffon like Vaan, who had no loyalties to anybody but himself. He huffed and stayed quiet as he reasoned with the child-monster, then it talked.

Seeing as following the child is better than sitting around and doing nothing, Demetri followed the Changling with a small huff from his snout.