En route to Canterlot Castle
General PoV
“So let me get this straight, a changeling is a bug-like ponyish creature with the ability to shape shift?”
“That is correct, Justin.”
“And they tried taking you over once before?”
“Yes they did, Nick, at my niece's wedding.”
“Alrighty then. One last question.”
“Yes?”
“Why the hell are we coming too? What help could either of us possibly be?”
“That…is an excellent question. Perhaps we should ask Celestia when we arrive, no?”
After the guard arrived at the mansion to retrieve them, the trio of Nick, Luna, and Justin had been in a state of confusion. After putting on their custom-made reserve guard armor, the two humans joined their friend in the waiting carriage, and were quickly on their way to Equestria’s capital. Along the way, Luna briefed them on changelings, the dangers they posed, and their ruthless queen, Chrysalis.
“Of course, I wasn’t actually there when all this happened. This is all information Celestia gave me after…well, after I woke up…”
Nick could barely contain his laughter. “You…you actually slept through the entire invasion? That’s priceless!”
As Nick started laughing, Justin whacked him on the arm while shaking his head. “Dude, not the time. Whatever’s going on here is really serious, and for whatever reason the two of us are getting involved. Try to show a little more tact, bro.”
Sighing, Nick sat up straight and shook his head. “You’re right, bro, I’m sorry. Luna, how much longer until we get to Canterlot?”
“Just a few more moments.”
A few minutes later, the carriage landed in one of the designated arrival points in the rear of the castle. The guard who initially fetched them explained that despite their arrival (eventually) becoming international news, the nobility was still likely to panic over the humans’ presence. Nick and Justin nodded in understanding before Luna asked to be shown to Celestia. A short walk later (with much gawking on the humans’ part) and the three found themselves in one of the private royal meeting rooms. Upon arrival, they also found Celestia, who then gave Luna, Justin, and Nick each a hug before motioning to the various chairs in the room.
After sitting down herself, Celestia cleared her throat to begin. “As I’m sure you’ve already been told, a changeling was recently captured in the mountains, holding one of the missing nobles hostage.” Nods all around. “Recent reports also say more and more are being found as the royal guard moves farther from the city. Luna, I’ve summoned you back to Canterlot to organize the night guard in assisting the search and rescue teams.”
Luna nodded in agreement. “As expected. But sister, why bring Nick and Justin to Canterlot as well? What do they have to do with this?”
Celestia bowed her head in sadness. “I’m afraid the changeling we caught mentioned capturing the two ‘aliens’ and using them as bargaining chips against us.”
Nick was utterly shocked as Justin spoke up. “Wait, what? Are you telling me a race we’ve had no encounter with before is targeting us?”
Celestia nodded. “Precisely. You two hold a very close connection to Luna, and apparently the changelings wish to use you against her.” “That’s messed up…”
Celestia nodded again as Luna spoke up. “But sister, why not just assign them a guard detail? Or relocate them to the Ponyville barracks? They are part of the reserve guard after all.”
“There are two reasons for that, Luna. The first is that Ponyville has been compromised, and there may already be changelings among the populace. That’s why I had Twilight and the others brought here shortly before you. The other reason, is…” Celestia began whispering in Luna’s ear, who gradually gained a smile and a small blush as she turned to her two friends.
“Yes, I have been meaning to at least ask them…”
Nick perked up. “Ask us what, Luna?”
“We’re friends, right?”
Justin jumped in with “Of course we are! You’re the best friend two jackwaggens like us could ever ask for!”
Luna smiled and blushed a little more. “And friends…protect each other, right?” Both men nodded. “In that case, I have a favor to ask. Would you two…do me the honor of becoming my personal knights? We’d be able to work side by side, and you’d get some really cool armor! What do you say?”
Nick and Justin looked at each other, smiled, and wrapped the night princess in a hug. “You never needed to ask.”
“Then please, kneel.”
As the two humans knelt, Luna started to focus some magic into her horn, waiting until it built up to incredible levels before phasing it into her dear friends.
“Rise, my knights, and accept the proof of our contract.” As they stood up, Nick and Justin found two purple medals with a crescent moon stamped into it. After putting them on, their armor shifted to a more pointed style, and the colors changed from standard gold to black, silver, and dark purple.
Nick looked at Justin and whistled. “We look badass.”
Celestia finally chose to step back in. “Yes you do, and you’ll be briefed on the rest of your new duties later, but for now, come with me.”
“Where are we going?” Justin asked.
“To go see our little prisoner.”
The dungeon
Changeling’s PoV
It has been a whole day since I foolishly allowed myself to be captured by these ponies. The only bright side is that the hive link is still active, meaning I can still communicate with my queen. She has ordered me not to attempt to escape, at least not yet. First I am to gather information on these…hyooman, things. My queen seems especially interested in them, and so I listen to the guards posted outside for any snippet of information I can get my pointed fangs on. Apparently they’ve been moved here, to the castle, meaning our spies in Ponyville won’t be having much luck. I’ve also heard that they’re coming to visit me…tonight. Those pesky princesses will be there as well. It matters not. I will be transmitting the whole conversation to my queen, as ordered. As for the princesses? No one will stand in the way of my queen and what she desires. And what she desires is Canterlot, all of Equestria’s love, and these two…aliens, who have garnered favoritism amongst the Night Princess.
“Keep an eye on them, young one. Soon, those two will be mine!”
“Yes, my queen…”