//------------------------------//
// 07: A Buggy Camp-Out at the Ruins 
// Story: MLP: One as a Family: A Golden Week in Exile 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


A Buggy Camp Out at the Ruins




The dining room and the kitchen was empty, save for Pinkie Pie, Mr and Mrs Cake and Gummy.  Pinkie Pie was pulling the cloth from the table and placing them in a bin while Mr Cake pished the cart towards the back door.  Gummy just stood on one of the bare tables, blinking randomly.
“What a busy morning,” Pinkie Pie said.  “And it would have been a disaster had I did it all by myself.”
“Well it’s a lesson learned from experience, Pinkie Pie,” Mrs Cake said.  “Reminds me of when I started out at the Sugar Cube Corner at La Maresa.”
“You went though the same thing as I had?” Pinkie asked.
“Oh I did,” Cup Cake giggled.  “Back when I was called Chiffon Swirl, I had a horrible first day of the Sugar Cube Corner, and I felt as if I had to close up shop after that same disaster.”
“So how come you didn't?” Pinkie Pie asked as she took some plates off the table and placed them in another cart.
“Oh it was because there were ponies who understood what I was going through,” Cup Cake explained.  “Like with what you went through, some of them pitched in to make sure I wasn't stressed out from my first day.  One of them was Applejack's mother: Buttercup.”
“Wow,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I didn't even know.”
But before Mrs Cake could speak further, she took notice of a mare with a cloak over her body.  Cup Cake tapped Pinkie Pie before pointing her to the mare in the cloak.
“Oooh, some pony who wants some cake,” Pinkie Pie said.
Pinkie Pie bounced over to the cloaked mare as the latter made her way through the dining room.  Pinkie's ecstatic bouncing caused the mare to be a bit uneasy.
“Can I help you with something?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Oh….I'm just an ordinary pony just…getting use to this place,” the Cloaked Mare said.
“That makes two of us,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Now how about some cake?  Or maybe a slice of pie?”
“I don't know,” the Cloaked Mare said.  “I had a bit of a big breakfast.”
“Oh, but we insist,” Mrs Cake said, approaching the mare.  “Surprisingly, we still have a lot of baked goods left from today that we need to get rid of.   How about we leave you with some?”
But before the Cloaked Mare could say anything, Pinkie Pie immediately dashed towards the kitchen.  Within mere seconds, she was back with a tray full of containers, each with a baked good inside.
“Take your pick or just take 'em all,” Pinkie Pie said.
The Cloaked Mare looked down at all of the cardboard containers of cakes, pies, donuts and other pasties.  Her eyes looked uneasy as she took a bit of a gulp.
“Ahhh I'll take it all,” The Cloaked Mare said.
“We were hoping you would say that,” Mrs Cake laughed.
Pinkie Pie placed the tray on the table and pulled a cloth bag from her mane.  She closed the containers full of baked goods and placed each and every one in a saddlebag before holding it out for the Cloaked Mare.
“Here you are,” Pinkie Pie said.
The Cloaked Mare reached into the pocket of her cloak and pulled out a small wallet.  But before she could open it, Mrs Cup Cake placed her hoof on the wallet and pushed it back.
“Don't you worry,” Cup Cake said.  “It's on the house.  Besides, money is worthless right now while we're all in exile.  I insist.”
The Cloaked Mare placed her wallet back into her cloak before taking the bag of pastries from Pinkie Pie with her magic, and placing them on her back.  She bowed to Mrs Cake with a hint of humbleness in her eyes.
“Thank you,” The Cloaked Mare said.  “I will not forget this.”
“Well you have yourself a nice day,” Mrs. Cake said.  “And take care of yourself.”
As the Cloaked Mare turned around and walked off with the saddlebag of pastries on her back, Cup Cake and Pinkie Pie watched on with smiles on their faces, while Gummy stood on the table, blinking once.
“What a nice mare,” Cup Cake said.  “Though I do worry about her well-being.”
Pinkie Pie immediately turned to the reader with a smug look on her face.
“Don’t tell the others,” Pinkie Pie whispered to the reader.  “But that’s Crystal Snow, the daughter of Coldnelius Snap.”

Meanwhile, it was a quiet day in the Emerald Forest.  Light shined deep into the hole near Lost.  Deep within, the underground chamber glowed brightly as the light bathed the carved walls.  The carvings of the Drakians, Lilly-Hikari the goddess and the Dark Dragon Oblivion were laid bare.
But nearby, Princess Chrysalis II, along with Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator slept soundly on the floor.  The sound of Quickstrike’s stomach growling caused everyone to wake up.
“Uggh,” Quickstrike groaned.  “Hungry already?”
Princess Chrysalis II opened her eyes and yawned, stretching her arms and legs out.  She rolled herself onto her hooves and stood up.
“If it weren’t for the fact that we’re without a kingdom, we would have had some food right now,” Princess Chrysalis II groaned before she shook her head.
“Waspinator feeling famished,” Waspinator whined.  “Waspinator wants something to eat.”
“Well unfortunately, we don’t have anything to eat at this moment,” Quickstrike shouted.
“But Waspinator wants a nice juicy steak,” Waspinator groaned.  “Waspinator wants potatoes with sour cream and chives on top.  Even haggis would do fine for Waspinator.”
“Do I look like a five star chef to you, brother?” Quickstrike snarled.
“That’s enough, you two,” Princess Chrysalis II shouted, causing both Predacons to turn towards the youngling.  “The last thing we need are changelings fighting each other.”
“Princess,” Inferno saluted before Princess Chrysalis II turned to him.  “I have enough strength to gather anything edible.  Point me in the direction and I will comply.”
“I know we’re going to grow tired of eating mushrooms,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “But we’re going to need as much as possible.  Full bellies are our first priority.  If you think you’re being spotted, disguise yourself this instant.”
“At once,” Inferno said.  “For the glory of the royalty.”
Inferno flapped his wings as fast as possible before he leaped into the air and flew towards the hole above.  As he disappeared out of sight, Princess Chrysalis II, Quickstrike and Waspinator watched on from below.
“There goes one brave changeling,” Quickstrike said.  “I hope he brings us something back that’s decent.”
“Waspinator will take anything,” Waspinator said.  “Even disgusting mushrooms.”
“Right now, while we wait for Inferno to bring some grub back,” Princess Chrysalis II explained as she pulled out an orb from her mane, “I believe I should contact my mother about the recent updates.”
As Quickstrike and Waspinator gathered Princess Chrysalis II, the interior of the orb began to swirl for a bit before Queen Chrysalis appeared within.
“My daughter,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I see you are within the confines of the Golden Land.”
“We are, mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “But I wish we had some food to keep us sustained.”
“The same can be said of my changelings and Coldnelius Snap’s Windigo’s Guild,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I assume you’ve sent one of your own minions to locate some nourishment.”
“We have,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “But why can’t we just simply feed on the love of those miserable ponies?”
“That is something even I can’t seem to figure out,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Ever since we were driven out of our own kingdom, love has become too unappetizing to us.”
“I bet it was that blasted Gold Banks with the way she took our way of life,” Quickstrike said, clutching his hooves together.  “If I ever see that cowardly, tin-horned varmint again, I’ll give her a good kick in the keister that she won’t forget.”
“Until we extend our truce with Princess Celestia and the ponies of Equestria, that is out of the question,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I am not going to risk any more of my people for Gold Banks’ own sadistic empire, and neither will my partner.”
As Queen Chrysalis disappeared from the orb, Coldnelius Snap’s image appeared out of nowhere, much to the disappointment of Quickstrike and Waspinator.
“Coldnelius Snap,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “What brings you to our attention?”
“I just want to inform you that my daughter Crystal Snow is already within the confines of the Golden Land,” Coldnelius Snap explained.  
“Well,” Quickstrike said.  “If you want me to find and escort her here, I’ll be happy to do that, Mr Snap.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “She told me that Princess Celestia is out of commission and Princess Cadance is looking after an unconscious Princess Sunset Shimmer.”
“And what about Princess Luna?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“Taken captive by Gold Banks,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “That leaves Princess Wanda Young as the only active Equestria Princess remaining.  However, she alerted me of the presence of other powerful creatures like King Sombra and Queen Novo.”
“So how is ice princess supposed to get to our location?” Waspinator asked.
“I have already triangulated the coordinates of your communications orb with her,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “She will be arriving at your location within a few moments.  Wait there until she arrives.”
“I think that might be a little difficult with our food supply running low,” Princess Chrysalis II responded.
“That I was also made aware of,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Should the predacon Inferno fail in his mission to gather up food, my daughter has managed to acquire some of her own.  You won’t be going hungry during your time at the Golden Land.  Now stay put until she gets back.  Understood?”
”That should be a piece of cake,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  
“Very well,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I will turn this back over to your queen.”
In an instant, Coldnelius Snap’s face disappeared from the orb before Queen Chrysalis re-emerged from the interior of the crystal sphere.
“You got all of that, I take it?” Queen Chrysalis asked.
“We have, mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “And we await the ice princesses arrival.”
“Wait,” Quickstrike said as his ears began to perk up.  “There's someone approaching the entrance.”
“Well don't just stand there,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Hide out of plain sight, and observe these intruders.”
Waspinator quickly looked around the vicinity and noticed a set of boulders lined up neatly.
“Waspinator found hiding place,” Waspinator said.  “Come.  We hide and observe.”
Waspinator let Princess Chrysalis II and Quickstrike to the boulders, to which all three changelings jump over.  Once they landed their hooves on the ground, the trio peeked their heads up at the hole above while Queen Chrysalis observed everything from the orb positioned next to her daughter.
“Are you sure someone is coming this way?”  Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“Oh I can hear it very well,” Quickstrike said.  “Two varmints.  One that sounds like a male stallion, and the other like the warm voice of a mare.   Maybe it's Princess Celestia.”
“Ridiculous,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “You remember the word about Princess Celestia barricading herself in her room.  She's out of commission.  Same for Princess Luna after she got herself taken captive by Gold Banks.”
“Waspinator thinks that was human bug's biological mother,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator knows her name: Eleanor Young.”
Princess Chrysalis II paused for a moment, reflecting on Waspinator's word.
“You have a point there,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “I think we encountered her while on Mount Aris and…”
“Keep your voices down,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “They're coming.”
As the changelings looked up, a rope ladder rolled down the hole before dangling ear the ground.  Following from above was Argyle Starshine, climbing down the ladder, with Queen Eleanor Young following from behind.
“So this must be the cavern that Wanda and her friends discovered,” Argyle said.  “What a fascinating place.”
“It's like the ruins beneath Equinox City of Evevanya,” Eleanor explained.  “There are many parallels between this place and my home.”
“Do you suppose Equestria and Evevanya were once one planet?” Argyle asked as he jumped off the rope ladder?”
“Not just those two planets,” Eleanor said as she reached the bottom. “Earth may have also been a part of this super planet that it used to be.”
As Eleanor placed her feet on the ground, Argyle Starshine walked up to the carved mural on the wall and took a look at the carving of the lizard-like humanoids.
“So these are the Drakians that you told me about,” Argyle Starshine asked.
“They are,” Eleanor responded.  “It was said that they were responsible for all life on the three planets.”
“To think, I only studied about the very dinosaurs that once roamed Equestria,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Though I am surprised about these carvings that show Drakians alongside the dinosaurs.”
But as Argyle scanned his eyes around the carving, he noticed the illustration of the Drakians bowing to the human-like creature, causing his eyes to pop with excitement.
“I think I recognize her for some reason,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Lily Hikari, correct?”
“So you know about the legend of Lily Hikari,” Eleanor responded.
“The ancient goddess who was responsible for creating our universe,” Argyle Starshine responded.  “Back when I first studied in college for my teaching degree, we were taught all about our ancient past, which includes the legend of Lily Hikari.  That being said, there is a carving on this wall that I have never seen before.  And yet, I somehow recognize it.”
“Recognize it?” Eleanor said, curious about Argyle’s words.  “And what would that be?”
Immediately, Argyle Starshine pointed to the carving of the dragon that Lily Hikari faced off against.
“I don’t know why,” Argyle Starshine said.  “But for some reason, I recognize this figure as Oblivion the Dark Dragon.  And it’s the first time I’ve heard of him.”
“Same here when my biological daughter Wanda recognized him,” Eleanor said.
“It’s strange,” Argyle Starshine said.  “As I look deeper into these drawings, they feel…familiar.  Like I’ve seen them before.  I’m not so sure why.”
“It’s a rather interesting phenomenon,” Elenor said.  “Our cosmic cores contain knowledge of our previous lives.  Perhaps they may include…the Drakians who existed…on this planet first.”
But Eleanor began to drift away from the stone mural towards the hole that they came in.   Argyle took quick notice at Eleanor’s posteur as she let out a depressed sigh.
“Is something bugging you, Mrs Young?” Argyle asked.
“There is,” Eleanor said.  “You remember what happened that day when we were supposed to send Wanda back to Evevanya.”
“I do,” Argyle said.  “And it wasn’t a pretty sight.”
“Wanda was supposed to be safe at home in Equinox City along with her friends,” Eleanor said.  “But Gold Banks threatened to invade our home and take all of our younglings away if I opened the gate to Evevanya.  And as a result, we’re all stuck here.  Some mother I turned out to be if I can’t get my daughter home safe and sound.”
“It’s not your fault,” Argyle Starshine said, walking up to Eleanor and placing his hoof on Eleanor’s back.  “None of us foresaw Gold Banks launching an invasion into Canterlot on what was supposed to be Wanda Young’s final day in Equestria.  And even though you were unable to open the gate back home, you did the right thing by keeping the other younglings safe.”
“Are you sure about that?” Eleanor asked.
“I am,” Argyle said.  “Right now, Gold Banks has no idea on how to leap between worlds, even with the power of the Alicorn Amulet.  And as long as she is unable to do so, your own people are safe.  You have my word.”
As Argyle Starshine took his hoof away, Eleanor Young turned her head towards the earth pony stallion with a smile on her face.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Eleanor said.  “Thanks.”
Suddenly, Argyle’s stomach began to growl as he chuckled a bit.
“I don’t think I can continue to study these carvings without a bit of grub,” Argyle laughed.  “Maybe it’s time we took a break and head back to the castle.”
“Agreed,” Eleanor nodded.  “Let’s head out.”
With that, Argyle Starshine climbed up the rope ladder with Eleanor Young following him from behind, making their way up towards the hole.   But Eleanor came to a stop before looking behind her.
“Should I tell Argyle that we have guests down here?” Eleanor said to herself.  “Naaaah.  Maybe not.”
With that, Eleanor continued her climb up the ladder and towards the hole in the ceiling.  Once both the Evevanyian Queen and the earth pony teacher went through the hole, the ladder was pulled up until it disappeared.
Immediately, Princess Chrysalis II, Quickstrike and Waspinator peeked their heads out with the changeling youngling levitating the orb with Queen Chrysalis’ visage looking up at the hole.
“They’re gone,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “What a relief.”
“You never really did tell me about those carvings,” Queen Chrysalis said, turning towards her daughter.
“I didn’t,” Princess Chrysalis I said.  “And I think I owe you and Coldnelius Snap an explanation.”
“But I did overhear them mention these…Drakians,” Queen Chrysalis pondered.  “Along with this….Lily Hikari and this Dark Dragon Oblivion.”
“I don’t know why, boss bug,” Quickstrike said.  “But the more I see that dark dragon and that figure who resembles it on that wall, it reminds me of….Megatron.”
“Megatron?” Queen Chrysalis responded, curious of Quickstrike’s words.  “I recall on Earth that there is a leader of a group of rogue, gigantic robots called the Deceptions who goes under the name of Megatron.”
“Well did this so-called Decepticon Megatron have purple or red scales?” Quickstrike asked.
“Not that I know of,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “From what I understand, he was more silver-ish compared to the Megatron you describe.  Perhaps one who took his name for his own gain.”
“Wait,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator remembers something.  We Predacons once saw a Beast Wars figure resembling the Megatron that was in our minds.  Do you suppose this Megatron was in our past?”
But before Queen Chrysalis could respond, everyone overheard the sound of insect wings buzzing from above, followed by the sound of an innocent mare.  
“Hold it,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “I think there are two more individuals above us, and I think I recognize them.”
“Sounds like Inferno was able to locate Princess Crystal Snow,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Coldnelius Snap will be pleased to know that his daughter is safe.”
And in an instant, Inferno flew in from the top of the hole, holding the very same cloaked mare with him.  Her back had a saddlebag full of containers.
“Princess Crystal Snow,” Princess Chrysalis II waved.  “Down here.”
Immediately, the cloaked mare took off her hood, revealing herself to be Crystal Snow, just as Inferno landed on the ground and placed the Winterian Princess down.
“I apologize for not being here sooner,” Crystal Snow said.  “I wanted to make sure you have your fill of food for the next few days.”
“Well I’m hoping it’s better than mere mushrooms,” Quickstrike said.  “That’s some of the blandest stuff I’ve ever tasted.”
“I think you’ll find it to be better than mushrooms,”  Crystal Snow said as she took her saddlebag off with her magic.
Crystal Snow placed the saddlebag on the group and opened it.  As soon as she pulled one of the containers out and opened the lid, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator looked down and began to salivate over it.
“Is that…what I think it is?” Inferno said, glaring down at the contents.
Inside the cardboard box was a piece of chocolate cake with buttercream frosting on it.  Crystal Snow held the box towards Inferno with a warm smile on her face.
“It is,” Crystal Snow said.  “And since you helped me get here, you get first dibs.”
Crystal Snow placed the box with the chocolate cake in Inferno’s hooves.  The only thing the Predacon could do was look down at the cake with a warm smile on his face.
“Oh I will never forget your kindness, daughter of Coldnelius Snap,” Inferno cried with a smile on his face.  “PRAISE THE ROYALTY!”
With that, Inferno munched down on the chocolate cake, enjoying every bite.  Crystal Snow pulled out two more boxes and gave them to Quickstrike and Waspinator.  
“And these are for you,” Crystal Snow said.  “Enjoy.”
As Quickstrike and Waspinator opened their box, they looked down with tears of joy.  Inside each box contained a cream-filled donut and a frosted brownie.
“Miss Snow,” Quickstrike said.  “I will never forget your kindness.”
“Waspinator appreciate food from ice princess,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator will not forget this moment.”
As Quickstrike and Waspinator began to eat their desserts, Crystal Snow turned to Princess Chrysalis II and brought a cardboard box out for her before opening it.  Inside was a mini-torte cake with a raspberry on top.  Princess Chrysalis II looked up at Crystal Snow with a smile on her face and tears falling from her  eye.
“My favorite,” Princess Chrysalis II said.   “Thank you.”
Princess Chrysalis II reached over and hugged Crystal Snow.  The older Winterian looked down at the changeling filly and placed her hoof on her head.
“Anything to keep our morale high,” Crystal Snow said.
“That reminds me,” Princess Chrysalis II said as she pulled herself away and pulled up the orb.  “Someone wants to talk with you.”
Crystal Snow traded the box with the cake to Princess Chrysalis II, who gave her the orb with Queen Chrysalis’ face on it.  Crystal Snow held the orb in her hooves as Queen Chrysalis looked up at her, all while Princess Chrysalis II began to enjoy her torte cake.
“I’m glad to see you’re in one piece, Princess Crystal Snow,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“The pony folk seem content, and yet a bit glum,” Crystal Snow said.  
“No doubt about it,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Gold Banks wrecked their confidence after that attack on Canterlot.”
“I also take it my father is with you,” Crystal Snow asked.
“He is,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “And he wishes to speak with you.”
In an instant, Queen Chrysalis disappeared from the orb as Coldnelius Snap appeared once more.  The leader of the Windigo’s Guild looked up at Crystal Snow with a warm smile on his face.
“My daughter,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Words cannot describe the joy upon seeing your face again.”
“The feeling’s mutual, my father,” Crystal Snow said.  “I only wish mother was here to see us once more.”
“That I only wish was true,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “That being said, we need to go over the alliance we plan on forming with the Equestrian Alliance.”
“I don’t think it will be easy,” Crystal Snow said.  
“I know,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I got word about Princess Celestia locking herself away deep within the Golden Palace.  Until she is out of her slump and has rekindled her bond with her allies, we cannot form that alliance with her or anyone of Equestria.  Princess Celestia is our key to bringing down Gold Banks and ending this madness.”
“Do not worry, father,” Crystal Snow said.  “As long as I can keep Queen Chrysalis’ daughter and her Predacon guardians happy, we will get that alliance and we will end Gold Banks’ agenda.”
“That’s my girl,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “You don’t know when to give up, and that’s what makes you special.  Never forget that.”
“I won’t, father,” Crystal Snow said as Princess Chrysalis II, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator continued to enjoy their baked goods.


	To Be Continued in…


	Lost Again in the Emerald Woods