Earlier that day, as Luna was travelling from Canterlot to the south of Dodge City, Pepper was taking a nap in the shade of a rock, leaving Trixie with the three changelings.

Fortunately for the mare, after presentations, Aglowing Shell’s attention was fully focused on the great and wonderful illusionist. The unicorn had started by performing her entire repertoire in an effort to assure she would keep the child entertained, but gradually, after being won over by the enthusiasm of the young hybrid, she used all the tricks given to her by Bitter Truth for the sole purpose of putting stars in Algowing’s eyes.

Gamine forced Pepper to open an eye, squealing an "I want to see!" every time the only spectator exclaimed a little too loudly, disappointed that she couldn't also attend the show, but she had to keep the promise to let Pepper control the body, and the monster had her habits.

Chrysalis and Chitin would have enjoyed making a snack of Trixie, their current diet of these fruits of love filled their bellies, but as it stood, their respective magical powers did not exceed those of the average unicorn. However, seeing the little Cæsar so happy during the day, compared to her usual languid sadness she expressed as she waited out the night, seeing the big smile she was wearing, it discouraged them from listening to their primal instincts.

The gathering was shocked when the sun and the moon shifted places in the sky.

“Trixie didn’t see the passing of time.”

Pepper stood up. “It is too soon.” As Trixie resumed her performance to keep Aglowing entertained, Pepper, now alert, jumped on the rock and started to monitor the surrounding area.

A strong wind carrying a dark cloud rumbling with thunder began to howl as it enveloped the badlands.

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"Who is it?" whispered Gamine.

"I do not know yet, but there are quite a few of them, and their intentions are not friendly," Pepper replied.

"You protect them, or I will!" Gamine ordered.

Pepper jumped off the rock, and the sound of her hooves landing on the hard ground attracted every creature’s attention. It didn’t take them long to notice where Pepper’s attention was focused, and they too began to observe the developing situation.

Only Aglowing smiled, jumping on the spot. "It's Nightmare Moon! She's here!"

Trixie’s fur began to prickle up when she heard this. Certainly she was aware that the alicorn was once again roaming Equestria, but at the same time, she had been more than happy to chalk said information up to merely being a bad dream.

Chrysalis, however, was sceptical. "She usually arrives two or three hours after the sun and the moon switch places. Something's not right."

Pepper approached Chrysalis while keeping their unexpected guests within her sight. "How much do you trust Nightmare Moon?"

Chrysalis was going to answer her, but Aglowing Shell jumped on Pepper's face to give her a stare. "She's my friend! Mother trusts her completely!"

Gamine had a shy laugh. "This habit of hers adds some weight to her words."

Pepper, dislodging the child via telekinesis for the third time now after being silenced by her, turned her eyes to Chrysalis as she gave her back the one who so aptly deserved the nickname Facehugger.

"She won't hurt my daughter in any way whatsoever," Chrysalis said.

For Pepper, this statement eliminated a few scenarios she’d conceived of given the situation she was facing. It remained to be seen though who she would have to fight. "Trixie, stay with Aglowing Shell. No matter what happens, the changelings will protect you. Me, however, this is really not the time for you to get in my way," she said, walking a few steps forward.

This was counter to the instructions her employer had given, but in view of the general atmosphere, Trixie knew that it was better not to make things more complicated.

Chrysalis clicked her tongue and Aglowing went to hide behind her mother. She knew that her child was safe because of Bitter Truth's prediction, but that didn't prevent her from taking precautions.

Pepper was five hoof steps in front of the changelings, close enough that they could hear what she would say, and far enough that it left a margin of safety.