An Extended Holiday

by Commander_Pensword

Season Ending

Extended Holiday
Chp 9: Season Ending
Act 1

---

To say the morning was hectic would be like calling a blue whale a guppy. The three had been woken up quite suddenly, much to the pain of the solar guard in Tazes case. Instructed to bathe and dress quickly the humans soon found themselves being sent hither and thither on minor to major errands to help make sure everything was perfect.

Taze panted as they finally found 5 minutes to breath. “I hate weddings.”

Matthew took a moment to lean against the wall to catch his breath and smiled. “Well, the nice thing about WWII uniforms was that many of them while looking dress style, was meant to be worked in as well.” He smirked as Shawn showed up. “Did you know many WWII uniforms became work shirts? They would even paint in the shirts.”

Shawn nodded. “Interesting.”

Before the three of them could really have a conversation they were whisked away again to be double checked by Rarity before the wedding. Taze also had been given a set of generic pony blades from the armory for the ceremony, at least he hoped it was just for the ceremony, his knife was bigger than these blades.

Shawn had had several pieces of jewelry added to his outfit including a large ruby brooch. Each hand had three gold rings with varied gemstones.

“Come on dear it would look ravishing on you.” Rarity pleaded pushing a golden circlet with two sapphires and a ruby.

“Please Rarity, all of these are beginning to weigh me down. While I doubt that would push it much further, I am not used to all these things, I would very much prefer less.” Shawn pleaded, trying to sound as nice about it as possible.

“I suppose that will have to do.” Rarity sighed.

“Perhaps when I am back to my full strength.” Shawn sighed. “Then we can figure this out, possibly for the next big event.”

Rarity had found very little to add to Matthew’s uniform as she had very little idea of what one should look like. Moonshade seemed to have an idea though.

“Most guard in dress uniform have one of these at their side.” The thestral approached carrying a pony sword in the familiar shape of a saber. “I hope this will work.”

Matthew smiled a little at seeing the Pony Saber. “Thank you very much, I think this would look nice with the uniform.” he grinned as he put the sword at his waist and it seemed a smile did not leave his face the rest of the time getting ready for the wedding. It seemed he liked the feel of a sword at his side. It was also here that he finally got his KA-Bar back from when he threw it at a changeling. Which he placed at his thigh.

Tazes fitting was not quite so peaceful.

“No” Taze said seeing the cape Rarity was holding.

“You must add something your armor is so simple, so none elegant, hardly befitting of a royal wedding.” Rarity said

“I kill things for a living, I don’t settle land disputes, armor should reflect a warriors style of battle, no frills no headdresses.” he pointed to the feathered abomination Rarity had tried to have him wear earlier. “And most importantly of all,” He squinted his eyes making his voice a little gravely. “No capes”

Rarity rolled her eyes in annoyance “Well I’m not letting you leave this room until you add something.”

Taze stormed out of the room ten minutes later wearing a long black scarf, behind him Rarity fumed as well.

Taze sighed with relief as they were lead to the great hall and lead to their places. Taze fidgeted a bit on edge, he was in a room with literally thousands of ponies having just fought a race of shapeshifters and now he was for all intents and purposes unarmed.

Matthew stood quietly as he noticed that other than some of the guards in uniform he was counting a lot more out of uniform. Or at least Pony Security it looked like to him. He was relaxed as he also noticed the small glass orbs emanating the Changeling light. He was loose, and relaxed as he watched the ceremony from where he was. He saw Taze who moved from foot to foot and seemed to glower at Matthew alittle when he waved and just smiled with a relaxed mouth.

Shawn on that note, stood where he was directed, at the foot of the platform. He was standing tall and has his hands behind his back together, his right palm holding the back of his left hand. From his spot he could quite literally see everything, and they could see him back. His expression was calm, and his mind focused on what he thought was necessary. ‘Why…’

The wedding thankfully went off with little more ruckus than Blueblood having the gall to beg Cadence to reconsider. Watching Celestia put him to sleep and having the guards lock him in his room for the evening was an entertaining break.

When the couple finally left the grand hall the three friends managed to get back to there room for the first rest they’d had all day.

“I really hate weddings.” Taze slumped on his bed.

Matthew only was smiling. “Well I am looking forward to the reception later tonight, and a bit of the party.” he paused and seemed to deflate a little. “Only problem is I don’t have anyone to dance with.” He looked around and then moved to look out the window and just stared out to the horizon. “I still am blown away that we are seeing a land and forests, skies, landmarks, rivers and stars that no human has seen before.”

Taze dropped the pony blades down beside the bed. “Seriously if you attached these two together lengthwise it might make a reasonable sword.” Taze noted. “But I can’t use these things.”

Matthew pulled out his saber and looked at it, “And it reminds me here of those old short sword toys I had laying around to play with.” he smirked a little. “Still remember these Ponies are smaller than us and use to different tactics.” He turned from the window. “Remind me, I should travel to Griffin lands to see their crossbows.”

Shawn had not said a thing as he was taking his next dose of painkillers. Sighing he put the bottle back into his coat pockets. “Now, I need to wait for them to kick in…” He mumbled to himself mainly do to the fact that the ceremony had run past the time he was supposed to take them.

Taze unwove the scarf from around his neck. “I’m not wearing this to the reception.” He said putting it down. “I never imagined Rarity would be so bossy.” he noted.

Shawn only raised his hand, revealing the amount of rings on them. “It’s Rarity. This is fashion.” He said putting his hand down. “Yeah… The combo tends to be very upfront.” He said as he removed the rings and put them on the desk.

“So Shawn you ok?” Taze asked. “That had to be hot standing up there in that thick coat with all those trappings and stuff.”

“Surprisingly, not that hot. I actually haven’t broken a sweat in any of my coats, even the black one.” He said shrugging slightly. “I just want these painkillers to kick in now.” He said half joking, half serious.

---

Matthew looked around as the group slowly arrived at the plaza where the party was going to be happening. Other ponies were there and it seemed they were about ready to cut the wedding cake. “Now this I remember and helped for my brother’s wedding.”

Matthew was dressed in his uniform again and just looked around. “Shall we claim a table before they all go? I say we split up so more ponies might get to sit.” he looked around some more and whispered the next part. “I think it is time we see how the nobles feel about all of us, and not just Shawn.”

“This should be a barrel of monkeys.” Taze rolled his eyes as he got up.

“I think I’ll just stay here.” Shawn said heading towards a table to sit down at.

“Ah. Hello lord Shawn.” A voice said behind Shawn as the others left.

Shawn turned to the voice and smiled lightly. “Ah, Sir Fancy Pants. Glad to see you made it.”

“I am glad to see you back on your feet, you gave all of us quite a scare you know, especially the running through the window.” He said.

“Well I couldn’t sit there and do nothing.” Shawn chuckled. “They looked like they needed more time, and Princess Luna happened to pull me back at just the right time.”

“Well I know I speak for all of Equestria when I say we are forever indebted to you, I shudder to think of what might have happened if the changelings were successful”

“Thankfully we do not have to worry about that.” Shawn said afterwards.

“Yes, well thank you again and should you ever find yourself in need do not be afraid to call for me.” Fancy Pants said, extending a hoof to shake, in which Shawn returned, shaking his hoof.

“Well there is Lord Stuffed Shirt, I’m sorry but I have business with him and it cannot wait.” Fancy Pants said.

“Ah, don’t let me keep you then.” Shawn replied.

Fancy Pants bowed his head before wandering off. Judging by the usual looks for the other nobles this may be the only noble to talk to him tonight.

Matthew sighed and moved to sit down. He sat at one of the empty tables and blinked a little before laughing lightly. “Well I’ll be, I can fit at these tables.” he sighed and settled down a little to wait for some of the chatter. They were a little early he felt and he could see that some ponies had been here much earlier. Still he just settled into the chair and waited to see what would happen next. While he appeared relaxed and a not paying attention he was listening with his ears and his eyes roamed the crowd.

Matthew ended up sitting across from a familiar red face.

Matthew blinked and turned back. “Oh, hello.” he smiled a little. “How are you doing?”

“Howdy.” Big Mac nodded. “Doin’ fine.”

“Good to hear.” he paused and coughed into his fist. “Please excuse my questions, but are you related to one Applejack?” he asked. “The accent seems similar.” He cringed after asking the question for fear of offending the big red stallion that could most likely break his back with a slight kick of his hind legs.

“Eeyup!” He answered plainly nodding his head. “Lil sister.” he explained simply.

“Ah,” was what Matthew responded with. He turned a little. He smiled while inside he wondered why he got the most single word speaking character at least it felt that way. He sighed he might want to find what he liked to talk about as he just tapped his hand on his leg to some music that he was playing in his head.

Meanwhile Taze found himself looking down at one of the famous Wonderbolts. Who has stopped him for a moment. “Excuse me sir,” he spoke respectfully. “Have you seen Miss Dash?”

“Whoa.” Taze said, noticing the light blue fur and dark blue mane. “You’re one of those guys she always talks about, the Wonderbolts right?” He asked.

“Name’s Soarin, and yes I am a Wonderbolt, sir.” He replied with a small nod of his head. “I guess she talks bout us all the time. Have you seen her sir?”

“Oh yeah I believe I saw her head out that way.” Taze pointed. “Can I ask a quick question?”

He blinked but nodded his head. “Sure, you can ask your question, now I might not be able to answer it, but you can ask.” He gave a light chuckle. “Sorry, some Wonderbolt humor.”

“What are you guys? Show ponies or some branch of the military?” He asked

“You wouldn’t believe how many times we got that question.” Soarin replied with a laugh. “We are a little of both. However at the moment we are more show ponies than military, but a lot of our traditions and ceremonies are rooted in our past military experiences.” He looked to where Celestia and Luna both stood. “I am happy that Princess Luna has returned but at the same time, wondering how long will guards or units like the Wonderbolts will last with the two sisters reunited.”

“Well, thanks for the info.” Taze nodded. “Sometimes I used to wonder the same about the guild with weapons becoming what they are back home.”

---

“And can you believe they’re armed?” Blueblood said swirling his half champagne flute of the finest pale cider. “Such barbarian brutes.” he sneered.

“I do agree,” a pale yellow Unicorn with a wavy mane style muttered. “And those outfits, have they no sense or taste of fashion?”

“Quite right my dear.” her husband replied, “I do say Prince Blueblood, how are things going, we have to do something, first the Ponyville simpletons have invaded our wonderful city, and now these barbarians?”

“No no no.” A voice spoke up behind them. they turned to see a tall white furred unicorn with a bubblegum pink mane standing there holding her wine glass. “Zis ez not true.” she shook her head. “Jet Set how can you speak of such charming ponies zo cruelly? And ze barbarians who were injured in our defence ez so chivalrous non?” Fleur De Lis scolded them.

“But, they,” Jet Set started to protest taking his glasses in his magic to wipe them on a silk handkerchief. “I do say dear Upper Crust, have we been rude?”

“Come dear, I think I see lord Ironhoof over there, let’s say hello,” Upper Crust jabbed a hoof into her husband's side as they began to walk off. “My dear, kindly remember who’s mare that is.” Upper Crust whispered to her husband in hushed tones as they left. “We cannot be seen arguing with Fancy Pants’ wife.”

Jet Set only nodded his head while Blueblood chuckled a little. “I guess I got a rather potent year this time, loosens the lips too much.” He was working to save face for the two and himself. “I do apologies for our actions, I shall do better on not picking anything too strong next time.”

On the other side of the courtyard Applejack was checking the tables to make sure there was always a healthy supply of food. “I just dunno what to make of them Rainbow.” Applejack said “They eat meat, they kill, it just don’t seem right, but then we talk to em and they seem so trustworthy.”

“I dunno.” Rainbow said “Griffonia is full of meat eaters and their military is some of the most brutal fighters on the planet.” she said “And yet when I visited Gilda there one year I saw a real concentration on family and honor”

“Still, kinda unnerving after what we seen ‘em do.” Applejack said, looking around she realised it was to no one in particular as Rainbow was gliding away with Soarin.

Celestia walked next to her sister. “Luna, I am, pleased that these humans were able to work for our own betterment this time, but, what will we do? These are three unique creatures that other may try to work or turn against us, like Sombra.” At the moment they were alone with only a few trusted guards and they were whispering.

“Agreed Sister, I fear thou might be right, yet who canst we trust to protect them from not just the outside, but from their own inner demons that they have brought with them.”

Celestia was about to answer when she noticed Twilight pick up a mic and began to sing a song to commemorate her brother getting married. “I may have had an idea, and help to see how my dear student has progressed in her studies.” She looked at the others, mainly at Blueblood and a few other nobles. “Mostly to get them out of the games of the nobles, let them make their own way in this world and forge their own path.”

Luna paused and smiled a little. “I think we know of a place to house these three, I can see them getting bored, and I dare not think what these creatures will do when bored. Shall we see what they might do with some old stones?”

“They’ll need resources.” A small but familiar voice spoke up by celestia’s side as a small peach coloured unicorn looked up at her. “Did you really think you could hide from your Silent Scroll your majesty?” The seneschal asked rolling her eyes.

“And they shall have a good primer of them, but part of the energy I want to see is what they will do with hunting for the resources.” Celestia looked at Luna. “If you think your little guest in your tower is ready, I think he will be an asset to the three, if nothing else, it may allow us an interesting look into their mental state as loners.”

“If I may your majesty” Silent Scroll produced a scroll with her magic. “The Lunar, Solar and Royal trainers have found another six recruits not responding well to their training methods and put on ‘inactive reserve’ duty, with the other reports that makes almost a full contingent, perhaps these humans could make use of them?” she asked.

Luna was the one who answered Silent Scroll’s question. “A wondrous idea, I dare say that it will be interesting to see the small force that comes from these three. Who knows, we may yet show up that snooty King.”

Celestia sighed. “You still won’t let that go, it happened ten years before your vacation. Can you accept that he got the jump on you just once?”

Luna huffed and puffed her chest out with pride. “Never, we shall show that we are the better military leader.”

Celestia sighed and bowed her head. “Luna, it was a board game.”

“If General Warhammer is correct, they are rarely good judge of actual strategy.” Silent Scroll chimed in.

Celestia put a wing out. “Silent Scroll, please don’t give advice here. This has been a one sided feud with Luna for over a thousand years. Better save your breath.” The small group slowly entered one of the side entrances to the castle.

---

The group of ponies all cheered and waved as Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor both stepped into the carriage and with a cheer the carriage lurched forward to take them on their honeymoon.

Spike was smiling. “If you thought this party was great, just wait till you see what I have planned for the Bachelor Party.”

He looked confused at the others as they only broke up into laughter. Matthew put a hand to his chest and took a few quick breaths to calm the sudden pain from laughing. He smiled and just laughed a little less but still laughed at the scene.

Meanwhile inside the carriage the two newlyweds were talking to one another.

“That was the first time since I was recruit someone ever yelled to my face.” Shining said “And he was right I was being a total idiot. Twilly knows you, if she felt something was off I should have listened to her.” he said

“It’s okay my dear,” Cadence replied with a small bap on his nose with her wing. “I think those monsters had more powers or influence than we thought, from what I heard. A lot of ponies were acting rather out of their character.” She smiled and kissed him on the nose. “Besides we all make mistakes, I should have known something was amiss and instead I ended up imprisoned in the caves under Canterlot.” She smiled a little. “Look on the bright side, they still fought to keep Canterlot safe, even after how everypony acted.”

“Humans,” Shining said. “They’re the strangest creatures I ever met. Those injuries on the one would have been enough to kill several minotaurs. the question is how long can we trust them? I just get the feeling they're hiding something.”

Cadence only smiled. “Well, then how did you put it in one of your fantasy campaigns? Work with them while you can? Plan for what to do if they break your trust or backstab?”

Shining Armor nodded. “Normally.” he said. “However if the reports are correct they were literally biting and clawing changelings at the end.” He said “Honestly I just hope it’s just them, not sure if Equestria could stand against them en masse” He said before shaking his head. “What am I saying, this is our wedding night we shouldn’t be talking about threats right now.” He said

Cadence only nodded her head. “Yes, we can worry about statesmanship and world events after our wedding night and honeymoon. Come here dear.” she finished with a giggle.

---

“Damn it!” Taze yelled after finishing his seventh sneeze in the past two minutes. “Whoever is talking about me, shut up!” … he sneezed again. He proceeded to say several words that shall not be appearing in this paragraph.

“So...” Shawn said from across the table. “I think tonight was a bit boring to me. Very little interacting, but I swear every now and then I could catch one pony staring at me, either with a dirty look or something.” He sighed.

Matthew sat at the table and seemed relaxed. “Well, of course they are talking Taze, I mean we did have Shawn here.” he pointed his thumb at Shawn. “Knock a Changeling Queen out a window, we all fought changelings to the last. As well as, we are three unseen creatures. Of course they will be talking, if they showed up on live TV, my nation would be talking about nothing else but the colored pony talking to us.”

He chuckled and sighed and frowned. “As for the dirty looks, I would guess it is because we are a wild card, unknown factor or many other things that could throw out of balance the long game that many of the nobles are playing. I am actually going to ask if I can be transferred out of Canterlot, no way do I want to get included or pulled into some feud of Noble family A with Noble family B and mess things up.” He blinked at the two who stared at him. “What? I studied politics in college, not just Military Science.”

“Speaking of things, guys we need to figure out someway to make money ourselves, I don’t want to be stuck on some royal allowance forever.” Taze said.

“Well you can offer to explore dangerous regions of Equestria, I heard of this forest that scares some ponies called the Everfree Forest. After all you are a mighty warrior who can handle himself, right?” Matthew replied while he crossed his arms. “I am afraid that at the moment the Royal accounts is the only way I can legally work, after all I am a Military attache from the US to Pokke, now Equestria.”

Shawn was leaning on the table with his hands together in front of his mouth. “I may have some plans in store already…” He said aloud. “A couple of ideas and such that would certainly be interesting if I can get them completed.”

“You know what, I honestly hate Canterlot.” Taze admitted while removing his amulet first. “I didn’t watch the show but now, I loathe this place.”

Matthew blinked and looked at Taze. “Meh, just reminds me of a big city back home, and full of College professors.” He waved a hand a little. “Now I do agree that it can annoying but you just got to find the gems in these places, like Doughnut Joe’s.”

---

Matthew looked behind him and then back towards Moonshade. “Are you sure Luna wants these two as well to be,” He trailed off at the small glance from Moonshade and he fell silent before looking back. “Well come on, keep up, I do want to get some sleep tonight.”

“I’ll have you know it is not that late… Well, by my standards, yours, it possibly is…” Shawn started to say only to mumble the rest when he thought about it.

“Sleep is for the weak.” Taze said “And also caterpillars, and bears, you know what I just don’t sleep this late.”

Matthew looked back to the front to keep his eyes on the Thestral and not to get lost. “Still, just keep up.” He shook his head and muttered something under his breath, however his friends still heard something about if he was the only normal guy around or something.

Still, it was silent the rest of the time till they found themselves in front of what looked to be a run down warehouse that was build into the side of the mountain. The Thestral Moonshade turned to face the three humans. “What you are about to see, does not exist, this is the Lunar Research base, and please, do not touch anything in here.” She turned and after doing something that no one could really remember they were all permitted entry into the building, which was at the moment a long hallway with doors on either side spread out at an uneven interval till the hallway disappeared into the shadows.

“First pony to pull a neuralyzer and I’m out of here” Taze said.

“A what?” Moonshade asked in confusion and looked to Matthew for an answer.

“A movie prop that can wipe the memory of a person for a certain set of time.” Matthew replied and Moonshade only laughed.

“Well I doubt we can continue the research if we wipe your memory of what we want you to do. Just keep following me.” They walked till they came to a nondescript door and she waved her wing over where a doorknob would have been and the door slide open with a star trek sound effect.

When they entered the room, it was pitch black so one could not see how big the room was. However there was in the center or what the human mind would want to call the center of the room was a large spotlight spilling down into a glass enclosure that contained something. Something black with insect wings and large green eyes.

Matthew it seemed was or had been here before because he just walked up to the glass cage. “Hello El Capitan.” He called out.

A strange duel like song of a voice responded. “If it isn’t the flying death.” Came a bored tone of voice. “Have you come to mock me? Or tell me how being without others in my head is a good thing?”

He paused as he saw some more shadows. “You brought friends? Will you finally end me? I am nothing, so why live?”

“Live to spite the queen that abandoned you.” Taze spoke up.

The Changeling froze and seemed to shiver in fear. “The running death, the voice that ended many of my brethren.” He then seemed to growl. “My Queen never would have abandoned me, it was whatever you did to me that cut me off from her. She knows not that I live.”

“Actually, she did. We, found six dead changelings all like looking like you, I think she killed her leaders that failed her.” Matthew replied as he nodded to someone out of sight. “We found them today out near the McIntosh Mountains.”

The Changeling just froze at the sight of the six Changeling bodies, all with the look of having been torn apart by something. “That, we, it was not our fault.” The Changeling wailed in a strange show of emotions.

“Your queen doesn’t care about you.” Taze said. “All you were to her was a number.”

The Changeling didn’t seem to speak and just glared on blinking at the two humans however it did seem to turn its head a little as another shadow walked around it as if circling it as it was observed. The voice sounded very male.

“Well, El Capitan, You are alive, and you need to serve something.” Matthew replied as he saw Shawn. “Why not work with us. I do recall you mentioning that you were happy that what? Two of my friends are dead? Well you can see Running Death is alive.” It was here that Shawn finally walked fully into the light.

“You… You are the undying Warrior.” He gasped and looked at Matthew. “You speak truth in that this creature attacked my Queen and hurt her?” He shook his head. “No, no this is a trick, you are trying to trick me to give up on my Queen.”

“Oh? Well why not talk to him, The Undying Warrior as you called him just now. Why not talk to your figmint?” Matthew countered, he never rose his voice yet it seemed that during the last few days he had really worked with this Changeling. “After all, It was your Queen who killed a Changeling that I tried to save. Remember my offer, you want the Nightmare’s vessel to have full authority to bring justice on you? Or do you want my offer?”

“Really Vulpix? You’ve been keeping this from us? After everything we’ve had to go through for the last few days really?” Taze glared at what he thought was a friend.

“Well, let’s just say that I wanted to have my own time with interrogating and talking with the Changeling friend. El Capitan knows what you did to the Changeling in our room, and I did not want a repeat of that at all.” He looked cross and spoke something else that showed why he did this. “Besides he was scared. Alone, cut off and as you see from those six, if he ever shows himself to Chrysalis hive again, dead.” He looked at the Changeling. “I killed so many that day. I, I wake up in a sweat and,” he paused and looked down at his feet. “I just feel that if I can maybe bring some kindness into this Changeling I can start a revolution that will see the overthrow of a Queen that looks out for only herself, with what I see.” He was overspoken by a loud buzz like sound which only became silent after Matthew stopped talking.

The Changeling rolled its head once he had all eyes on him. “Again with your noble goals, hopes in that you can use me to bring other outcasts together to create a hive that will respect their food and eat their food but not gorge themselves on it. Bring about a peace between food source and eater?”

Matthew smiled while not raising his head. “So, you have been listening. That is good, at least you are not ignoring me like you did the first night we talked.”

“Bah, I still do not see why I should listen, these could be illusions to fool me, how do I know that you are not lying and these are your friends alive? I know I saw the Undying Warrior die in front of us, falling flat before I moved and you hit me. The Running death was swarmed by six changelings at once, Changelings I ordered to take him down. What makes you think you are not the only one alive, like me? Is that why you say what you do? Because you have put yourself upon me? You see us of the same hive?”

“Illusions are quite tricky aren’t they.” Shawn said walking around the changeling at a close distance. “But they all have flaws.” He stopped in front of the changeling. The two staring at each other for a moment, separated by a glass pane. “I’m not knowledgeable to your forms of magic, but there are some notes.” He tapped the glass a little. “Illusions are intangible. If I was an illusion, why aren’t I in the same room as you?” He continued his circling.

The Changeling was staring at the spot that Shawn had tapped and moved to look at the warrior. Shawn getting an idea started to tap on the glass as he circled and slowly began to tap out some rhythm.

Finally the Changeling yelled covering its head with his forehoofs. “Enough, enough, you are real you are real, I can tell and I can hear. No one is better at illusions but we can never do fingers as the Minotaurs call them, you… how? you are dead, I saw you fall twice.”

Taze smirked. “Three times. He did knock your Queen out a window.” He also went and tapped the glass before trying to kick it. Causing the Changeling to scurry away from the unbroken glass.

“Running Death, Running Death. Don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me.” He looked at Matthew. “I agree, I agree don’t let these two kill me.”

Matthew only smiled a little. “I am so happy to hear that.” he turned to the others. “Gentlemen, we just got ourselves a Changeling detector that will help us from now on. El Capitan is my first Captain under me.”

“Anyone else noticed something?” Taze asked “He’s referring to himself in the singular, he was using we before.”

Matthew blinked and smiled more. “Well of course, the longer out of the hive the more a personality will grow. Why I bet he will debate my choices at one point, that will be a fun day.” He paused. “But that is just a thought and theory I had just now.”

Taze looked at his friend. “You really should have been a teacher instead of that business degree.” he spoke in a deadpan manner.

The Changeling just looked at Matthew shaking with fear. “Will they agree not to hurt a friend of yours? Will I be safe if I am a friend?” He paused and sat down a little. “What is a friend?”

“You’re safe.” Taze said. “But you betray us, at all...” He slammed his fist against the glass pane causing a crack to spider web across it. “You won’t be able to hide, am I clear?”

“Crystal Running Death, Crystal clear.” he replied, they could tell he was mimicking another guard.

Matthew looked at those around his new friend. “But he will be allowed to make mistakes, friends allow that, and he needs to learn this is new to him, having free will, a personality, etc.” He looked a little happy. “Who knows,” Matthew trailed off as he saw the Changeling mimicking another move from a Pony. “Oh, a question?”

“What if we find outcasts? This invasion The Queen will cast off those that have failed her but deserves fates worse than death… what will we do with those?” he looked at all in the room. “Can they be friends as well?”

Matthew looked at his friends but then at El Capitan. “I cannot nor will I speak for my friends but for me. We shall see, if they attack us first, we will defend ourselves. If they are willing to talk, we shall talk.”

“I think that sounds reasonable…” Shawn said to Matthew. “Yeah. I actually kinda hope we get some friendlies. Less my death counter go up more…”

“Well then he’s gonna need a more descriptive name on paper.” Taze said. “If we’re keeping the spanish I have an interesting one.”

Matthew blinked and laughed a little. “Well I just keep calling him that as it was a nickname, and for me it has stuck a little, if you have an idea, can we hear it?”

“Alien to two cultures, he reminds me of diego de la vega, el zorro” taze said.

Matthew smiled a little. “Can we just shorten it to Zorro Fox? It would sound Equestrian and it would be out inside joke.”

“Inside joke?” El Capitan asked and blinked a little. “Why would Zorro Fox be an inside joke?”

“Because,” Matthew spoke with a bit of theatrics. “Translated to English. It would be Fox Fox.” He laughed a little. But stopped at seeing no one else laughing.

“That seems, redundant.” Was the only response that was given by the Changeling.

Matthew slowly began to also start pacing around the glass cage, slowly going into thought.

“How about Mutatio?” Shawn said, shrugging slightly. “Latin for Change.”

Matthew stopped dead in his tracks as he had looked left to Shawn and just walked right into Taze by mistake. He turned and looked at Taze as he stepped back. “Sorry for that.” he turned to face back to Shawn. “That sounds perfect.”

“If it counts.” El Capitan replied. “I like it.” He shivered making some sounds with his natural armor clicking together. “Though you may keep calling me your nick name. That shall be my name. Mutatio”

“Very well, Mutatio it is.” Taze nodded looking to Moonshade. “He won’t be spending the night in the cage, get him out of it”

Moonshade blinked but nodded and smiled a little. “Of course,” She seemed happy. “Just to let you know, where Mutatio goes, I get to go as well, a bit of a “reward” for being one half of those that found him.”

Matthew smiled as one side of the cage was opened. “I was the other half.” he waved a hand over his head like a child. “It was fun, I got to take a swim in a fountain of clear mountain spring water.”

Mutatio looked at the other humans. “Is he always this crazy?”

Shawn only chuckled lightly. “You’ll get use to it.” He stopped and looked to each of the group. “If he is coming with us…” He gestured towards the changeling. “And her,” He gestured to Moonshade. He blinked a couple of times. “And… I think we might need either another room or a bigger one..” He sighed afterwards.

Moonshade smiled. “As the Wedding has ended six nobles have left the castle, meaning a bigger suite has opened up, during this night conversation, your items and the books in the bookcase have been moved. While we will be close quarters, you will have a little more room than before.”

Shawn's mouth opened for a moment and closed, his eyes widening just barely. “Can I talk to you for a moment?” He questioned.

Moonshade blinked and watched Matthew take charge of Mutatio. “Sure.” she replied as they moved over to the six dead changelings. “What is it?”

“Behind the top shelf of books I had placed some very important things I have been working on. I do hope you selected a very trustworthy group to move our items. What I have wrote down were very important things I had plans for, and I truly do not want them being lost or tampered with.” He said, his voice showing slight worry.

Moonshade seemed to laugh a little at the question. “Well, I can say that any Night Guard here is trustworthy, we do not pry into other ponies or folks stuff, we just move them if they were rolled up we would not have seen anything.” She did not mention anything more. “Don’t worry, if you had them behind things, we put them back as they were, just in a new room.”

“Good, good.” He sighed. “Some of those things are a surprise to my friends, and they aren’t done yet.” He chuckled slightly. “Imagine finding a half finished birthday present.”

“Do dododo do do do do dooo!” Taze smiled as he sung the final fantasy victory theme.

Matthew looked at Taze with a confused look before looking around. “Shall we retire?” He asked all in the room before looking at Mutatio. “Also, I would say a normal Pegasus would do well for the moment.” There was a flash of green fire and a Pegasus of yellow fur and a mane of green with a cutie mark of a Magnify Glass. Matthew smiled and pat the head of Mutatio with a smile.

Shawn blinked, it seemed that in same manner, he could feel the Changeling feed a little on the happiness and joy that Matthew had, but it seemed that Mutatio was, have a wavering of feelings, before he could think more, whatever it was he was feeling or seeing or something was gone. It taking only a half second for the entire thing to transpire.

---

They all paused as they stood in the front foyer. It was interesting to say the least, it seemed to be crafted by the same care as their old room but instead of two rooms, counting the bathroom. The could see a middle area that was for hosting guests or sitting and talking on soft pillows, with three doors, and a door that lead to a balcony. Two of the doors led to bedrooms with enough beds to fit all five guests at the moment with some room to spare, as well as a bigger bathroom.

“Woah.” Mutatio muttered back in his changeling form. “This, wow.”

Matthew shrugged. “Seen bigger.” He chuckled at the looks he was given. “What!? It’s true, my folks liked to travel and also got timeshare rooms. It is nice and lovely, and beautiful, just, I have seen bigger, and smaller.” He looked to Taze. “My bedroom was smaller than the bedroom we started with here.”

“It’s a roof.” Taze shrugged.

“Quite nice.” Shawn said looking around. “Makes me wonder how long we are going to be in Canterlot…” He mumbled to himself.

Matthew blinked and looked at Taze. “A roof? I am a might confused by what that means.” Matthew shrugged to Shawn who was standing next to him. “I don’t know, at least another day as tomorrow is that big award ceremony for the guards and we were asked to attend as well. Along with the Mane Six.” he paused and looked to Moonshade. “Uh, what exactly are they hailed as in Equestria? I mean I see them in stained glass windows around the castle.”

Moonshade only shook her mane a little and looked towards the doors. “I would like to answer that but as was mentioned we have a big day tomorrow and I don’t want you all falling asleep in the ceremony. I will answer that, but later, sleep now answers later.”

The group only nodded their heads and slowly headed towards the rooms and finding their beds. Once found as well as their sleepwear they soon changed clothing and were bedding down to sleep with exchanges of good nights around the rooms.

Comments

[Zero of Nine]

interesting ... what of the aura of magic around ....shawn i think?
well it would explain his fast healing and dmg resist
will he be able to manipulate it ?

[Shawn820]

4451598
Ability to Manipulate, in progress.
And by that I mean we have determined this to be fact, but even at the chapter we are writing it is still a bit far away. As for the fast healing and damage resistance, that is correct, the field surrounds all three of the group. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.

Chapter in progress: Chapter 24

[HB_DS2013]

This is an impressive ending to Act 1. So far, the story is simple and I can understand everything going on so far. These men are unimpressive humans and yet, they have gained skills that work in Equestria. One of the three might as well pass off as a dragon.

[user123]

Good chapters, as always.

[light snow]

Just realized the changelings name was E1 captain, not EL captain XD I can't read apparently. And also, am I the only one who can totally see Matt just going crazy and going to the dark side?

[Commander_Pensword]

5260499

Uh, no... it was suppose to be El Captain... you know what Q calls Captain Picard?

Anyway it was not E1... you had it correct at El or if both letters were capitalized it would be EL.

Thank you for the comment and I hope this clears things up.

[El Comal]

Shawn was leaning on the table with his hands together in front of his mouth.

Gendo pose!

[Commander_Pensword]

6314255

Ah.

So their is an anime meme about the pose. I personally did not know that, but wow, references to things that I did not even know about.

Thank you for teaching this writer something new.

I am glade you are enjoying the read and I hope that you continue to enjoy reading the rest of the chapters.

[Life Beat]

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